#i need to go to therapy after seeing him for 5 seconds

[henry-the-queer-artist]

will and terri schuester (or i guess del monico cause you guys are divorced) one day, one day I'm gonna finish this show and i'm gonna be free of you.

[fishfooddude]

Ooo if it’s okay (totally okay if not!) can I please request an angst to fluff Carmy x fem!reader where Y/n and Carmy had been engaged when he was in culinary school in New York, maybe she was going to a University then for elementary education or something, but they had broken up after Carmy got the news about his brother and went back to Chicago and they lost touch. Fast forward and Y/n is visiting Chicago and happens to walk into The Bear to eat (she didn’t know it was Carmy’s restaurant because the last time they talked, “The Bear” was “The Beef”) holding a little girl almost 2 years old who looks strikingly similar to Carmy. I’m sure he’d be upset that she didn’t tell him about her though, but they talk through everything (maybe Carm has gotten some therapy by this point😅)

Carmy getting to know his daughter and overtime rekindling his relationship and getting back together with Y/n?🥹

Second Chances

Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto x Reader

The Bear Master List

My Directory

“Carmen! Will you fuckin’ talk to me!” you yelled as you watched Carmy move across your shared bedroom.

“There’s nothin’ to fuckin’ talk about!” he yelled back, throwing clothes into his suitcase.

“Carm, you can’t just ‘move back to Chicago’! We’re engaged! I’m in school, and you haven’t even put in a two-week notice. We just renewed our fuckin’ lease!” you challenged, throwing your hands up exhaustedly. “Listen, I get it. Grief and mourning is hard-”

“Don’t. Don’t you fuckin’ dare.” Carmy said coldly, stopping in his tracks. You stepped back and watched Carmy push a hand through his hair, “Listen. Y/N. I need to do this. Come, don’t come. I honestly don’t fuckin’ care at this point.”

“You don’t care? Carmy… we’re engaged? We’re engaged, but don’t you care about me? About what I want? How do you-”

“Break up with me then.” Carmy cut you off. His words left you blindsided, and you stared at him as you let the emotions ruminate. 

“What?” 

“This is happening Y/N. I’m moving back to Chicago, and truthfully, I don’t care what you think or how this makes you feel. Mikey left me his restaurant, and I’m gonna make it good. Stay in New York, do whatever. I don’t care.” Carmy said scarily calmly as he zipped his bag. 

“Fuck you, Berzatto.” you scoffed as you tried to pry the engagement ring off of your finger. “I’ve known you for two fuckin’ years. You’ve talked to your sister, like, what, three times in the last two years? You’re brother even less- and now you’re throwing away our life to go run some shitty sandwich shop?”

“You don’t fuckin’ get it, Y/N! Okay. You don’t fuckin’ get it.” Carmy exacerbated as he grabbed his bag. “Just forget about me.”

~~~~

“Momma!” You heard your two-year-old's excited squeal from the other side of the AirBnB the two of you had been staying in. You groaned; it was 5 a.m. and entirely too early to wake up, but Hailey couldn’t tell time yet. As you got out of bed, you heard Hailey’s giggles intensifying. You laughed as you walked out of the bedroom and down the hall into the living room. Haliey had managed to get onto the window seat by the large bay window overlooking the busy Chicago street.

“Do you see a dog?” you cheerfully asked as you came up and lifted her onto your hip. Hailey nodded furiously and pointed across the street, where a man struggled to walk five large dogs. You smiled and bounced Haliey on your hip. “Just like at home, huh, sugar cookie? Chicago is a lot like New York.” Hailey giggled and rested her face on your collarbone, bringing her thumb to her mouth. “Okay, let’s get you some breakfast. Then we’ll get dressed. After that, you can watch some Bluey while Momma gets ready… then I’m gonna drop you off at Uncle Ryan’s house, and you two will have a super fun day- I heard he’s taking you to the zoo.” you explained, Hailey propped up at the mention of ‘the zoo’ which made you laugh. “Yeah, you and Uncle Ryan are gonna see lions, and tigers, and bears-”

“Oh my!” Haliey exactly squealed against her thumb. You laughed and sat her on the couch before going into the kitchen to make the two of you cereal bowls. “Momma!” 

“I’m comin’ Hailey. I’m comin’.” you ensured as you returned to the living room. You placed the bowls on the coffee table and grabbed your phone from your bag. “Okay… Hailey, I’m going to get this job. We are going to move to Chicago permanently… Mommas’ gonna have an amazing job, and you’re gonna be so so so happy.” you said more to reassure yourself as opposed to informing Hailey of your prospective job. “We’re gonna be okay.”

Hailey happily munched on her cereal and babbled on about some elaborate story she’d created while you nervously poked at your bowl. You watched her sandy brown bedhead-ridden hair bounce as she got more invested in telling you her story. Her stories were always the highlight of your day. Hailey was what kept you going when work was a pain in the ass or when everything was overwhelming. The way she lit up over things she loved, the way she laughed and smiled, her imagination… her eyes. The same dazzling blue of her father- you shook your head at the thought of him. 

Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto. James Beard award-winning chef with a highly decorated resume of some of the most prominent, four Michelin Star restaurants across the country- hell across the world. He not only gave up that to run a crappy sandwich shop, he also gave up your shared future. The night he left was one of the worst nights of your life. You almost failed your finals the following month, and then you found out you were pregnant. Finishing school, having Hailey, and doing internships was hard, but the work paid off. Today was the day you were interviewing to be the principal of one of Chicago's most elite private schools. Cushy benefits, a considerable pay bump, being closer to your brother and his long-term girlfriend… the only downside was the potential of running into Carmy. 

~~~

“Yo Y/N- over here!” Danny called, waving his hand to catch your attention just outside some fancy restaurant Suzie had managed to get a reservation at. You waved and saw Hailey smiling in your direction.

“Hey guys- there’s my baby!” you cooed, taking Hailey from his arms. She happily squealed and kicked her feet as you bounced her on your hip. “I missed you, sugar cookie.”

“How’d the interview go?” Suzie excitedly asked. You shrugged as you ran your thumb across Hailey’s cheek. Suzie nodded, “Well, they’d be stupid not to hire you. Com’on The Bear is one of the best new restaurants in the city, and I’ve been dying to try it.”

The four of you had a phenomenal meal, although there was something eerily similar about it. “I swear I’ve had this exact meal before.” you laughed.

Carmy was walking to the hostess stand when he heard your laughter. He stopped dead in his tracks and quickly scanned the dining room before his eyes landed on the back of your head. It had been years since he’d seen you, but your laugh was the dead giveaway he needed to identify you. Carmy turned his attention back to the hostess stand and passed off a clipboard. “Here…” he said before walking back to the kitchen. Before he entered, he looked back into the dining room and saw your side profile. He swallowed softly as he felt memories of the two of you rushing back to him. Carmy paused before quickly walking back into the kitchen and to his station. 

Carmy tried to distract himself for the rest of dinner service, but knowing you were on the other side of those swinging doors was enough to throw him off his game. “I’ll be right back,” he muttered in Syd’s direction before quickly walking into the back office before she could respond. As soon as he’d reached the office, he closed and locked the door behind himself before leaning back against the door and pushing his hands through his hair. “Name all the brown things…” he mumbled as he took a deep breath. Carmy looked around the office, “The couch… the desk…, and those shelves… fuckin’ Jason.” he scoffed, realizing the ‘anxiety tricks’ his therapist had taught him had been beneficial. After another deep breath, Carmy went to sit at his desk. He opened the top drawer to reveal a worn bubble mailer. He stared at it for a second before slamming the drawer closed. He couldn’t think about you right now; he needed to get back into the kitchen.

When he walked out of the kitchen again, he saw your party had left. Carmy cursed under his breath as he quickly walked toward the exit. You coming into his restaurant had to be a sign, right? He looked up and down the street, trying to find you. Panic began to creep up as he realized he may have been too late. “Holy shit… Carmy?” your voice made Carmy’s brain go blank as he turned to face you. He was awestruck by your presence and couldn’t manage to string two words together. “Carmy?” you asked again, laughing awkwardly. 

“He-ey-y bab- Y/N… hey Y/N.” Carmy corrected himself before shoving his hands in his pockets as he rocked on his heels. 

“Hey… what are you doin’ here?” 

“Oh uh- this,” Carmy started before awkwardly gesturing up to The Bear, “It’s my-my restaurant. It used to be The Beef- Mikey’s restaurant, but uhh, we remodeled…” he explained. You nodded and glanced at your watch, wondering where Danny was with the car. “So uh- what, what brought you to Chicago?” 

“Job interview- principal position at Ridgeview Conservatory.” 

“Wow, that’s fancy.” Carmy responded, “You in Chicago much longer?” 

“A couple more days… visiting my brother Danny and his girlfriend.”

“Do you wanna get coffee tomorrow afternoon?” Carmy blurted out, “It’s cool if you can’t- I just… this feels like a- like a sign. Ya know?” 

You nodded, “I-I uh... Yes. I can do that.”

“Cool, cool… there’s this place on 9th called Ginger Snap- wanna meet up at like 3:30?”

“Yeah, that sounds good… see you then?” you confirmed, finally noticing Danny pulling up to the curb, “Bye, Carm..” he nodded and watched you get into the backseat next to the car seat. You glanced down to see Hailey sleeping. You watched her momentarily before the weight of your decision to have coffee with Carmy finally hit you. “Are you workin’ tomorrow, Danny?” 

“Yeah, did you need me to watch Hails?” he eagerly asked as he drove toward your AirBnB. 

“It’s okay. I can just take her with me.” 

“You have another interview?” Suzie brought up, turning her head to face you. You shook your head and thought for a second.

“Just hangin’ out with a friend of mine.” you slyly responded, hoping Danny hadn’t seen you talking to Carmy. Suzie shot you a suspicious look before turning back in her seat. “I’m sure they’ll love to meet Hailey.”

~~

“Carmy. Ready for our appointment?” Jason called. Jason was a clean-cut man. He wasn’t anything special. Carmy couldn’t pick him out if he'd been in a lineup of men. The waiting room was posh, with muted pastel green walls and some simplistic nature art in simple black frames. After a year, Carmy still couldn’t determine whether they were trees or leaves. He got up from his chair and tossed his empty coffee cup in the trash before following the man into an office. Carmy watched him sit in a dark leather armchair before he sat on a grey couch across from him. “So. What’s new?”

“I’m getting with my ex-fiance in about an hour… that’s-that’s new. Um… I don’t know how I feel about that.” Carmy started leaning back on the couch as he folded his arms over his lap and nervously played with the side seam of his jeans. He looked up to meet Jason’s non-chantant face, “I told her to forget about me, and then a couple of months later, she mailed me her engagement ring… I keep it at my desk as like a reminder of everything I gave up for this freakin’ restaurant- and then she has dinner in my restaurant.” Carmy chuckled softly, “She had dinner at my restaurant on a night when I made one of her favorite dishes- that’s a sign, right? She came to Chicago for a job interview- she’s gonna nail it. She’s a fuckin’ genius… badass clinical social worker with an additional master’s degree in early childhood education. She was always at the top of her class, even when she was working and doing multiple internships. She dealt with me being an ass… I don’t know Jason. It feels like a sign, and I know we talked about coincidences like six months ago, and I don’t wanna get all God-y, but I feel like this is God bringing her back to me. Like-like, the world is this big massive black hole of a place, and my life has been filled with all this pain and shit, right? She was the only good thing I had; now she’s back. I could get her back.” Carmy finally took a breath, and Jason shifted in his seat and moved his pen between his fingers like he had done when he was in deep contemplation. 

“Do you remember your first goal when we started seeing each other?” 

Carmy thought momentarily before a laugh escaped his chest. “I said I wanted to feel in control of my life.” Jason nodded and shifted in his seat again. “I sound insane, don’t I? I left this woman high and dry. She doesn’t want me back, but I need to apologize for the last time we saw each other.”

“What if she doesn’t accept your apology? Do you think you can accept that?”

Carmy scoffed at the question, “There’s no way she’s going to accept my apology. I think I can accept that… but can you concede it was, in fact, a sign that all of this is happening right now, right?”

“I believe in coincidences. I want you to tell me the worst-case scenario, the best-case scenario, and the most realistic scenario of what this meeting will result in.” Jason calmly asked while he maintained eye contact with Carmy.

“Okay…” Carmy nodded as he thought for a moment. “Worst case scenario, she either doesn’t show up, or she does show up and makes a scene tellin’ me what a d-bag I am- granted, she wouldn’t use that language. She’d say something WAY harsher, which is one of the many things I love- loved about her. She always spoke her mind… best case scenario, we get coffee. While we’re drinking our coffee, she tells me she’s moving to Chicago, and I ask her out, and we get back together.”

“Idealistic. I like that. What’s the most realistic?” Jason asked with a chuckle.

“We get coffee, we talk. She decides she doesn’t hate me for leaving her, and I don’t know beyond that…” Carmy answered truthfully.

~~

“This is a mistake…” you mumbled to yourself as you adjusted Hailey on your lap. Gingersnap Coffee was a small coffee shop. It was cute, definitely a place Carmy and you would’ve gone to when you two were together in New York. You sighed and went back to watching the door as Hailey flopped her giraffe toy on the table. 

Carmy arrived at the coffee shop on the dot at 3:30. He saw you sitting at the back table and felt a surge of energy overcome him. The two of you made eye contact; Carmy grinned as he approached the table. You stood up awkwardly, resulting in Haliey pausing her giraffe story, “Hey,” you smiled weakly, immediately regretting the fact you brought Hailey. Carmy was about to greet you when Hailey curiously looked up at him. He glanced down at the little girl and felt his heart stop. 

Carmy stared at Hailey. She smiled at him and pushed her giraffe toy in his direction. Unsure of what to do, he looked at you, then back at Hailey, then at you again before finally sputtering, “Yo-you have a kid?” 

You nodded slowly and gestured for him to sit down. Carmy hesitated, but after you sat down, he followed suit. Carmy stared at Hailey. “I shoulda told you.” you passively excused.

“W-wait…” Carmy started, “She’s… is she?”

You nodded at Carmy’s implication, “I can explain-”

Carmy shook his head, “You had my baby and didn’t tell me? Were you ever going to tell me?” 

“You left me,” you said in a hushed, blunt tone, “Carm, you told me to forget about you. I gave you the ring back. I blocked your number. I was trying to forget about you- then I found out I was pregnant. I hadn’t talked to you in weeks, and I figured if you could so easily throw away our engagement-”

“No.” Carmy spoke sternly, “If I knew you were pregnant, I woulda done the right thing.”

The two of you sat in a tense silence interrupted by Hailey sneezing multiple times, “Bess you!” she giggled, making you laugh as you dug a tissue out of your purse to wipe her nose. Carmy leaned back and watched the scene before him, realizing he’d missed two years of her life. “Tank you Momma.” 

Carmy wrung his hands out under the table and nervously glanced at the decorative clock on the wall adjacent to the table the three of you had occupied. “Do you wanna hold her?” your question surprised Carmy. He thought briefly before slowly nodding, “Okay… so Hailey, this is one of Mommy’s friends?” you stopped yourself and sighed. “That’s a lie… this is your Dad…” 

Dad. Camy felt like his chest would explode as you spoke to Hailey. The word echoed in his head as he accepted Hailey in his arms. She looked up at him with curious eyes. “Hi,” she softly greeted him as she reached up to touch Carmy’s face. He smiled at her.

“Hi,” Carmy repeated softly, “Is-is that- do… do you like giraffes?” 

~~

You were supposed to go back to New York the day after tomorrow; you stared up at the ceiling that night. As tired as you were, you couldn’t turn your brain off. Guilt, shame, regret… you should’ve told Carmy you were pregnant. What did he even mean by ‘do the right thing’? Would he have abandoned Mikey’s restaurant and come back to New York? Would the two of you gotten back together? Hailey’s life would’ve been so different if he’d been there from the start. You sighed, reached for your phone from the side table, and quickly scrolled to Carmy’s contact. You paused for a moment; it was almost 2 in the morning. You knew he was probably still awake.

“Hey- you okay?” Carmy answered on the first ring. “Yeah- can’t sleep… I’m due back in New York… I don’t know if I got the principal job… what do we do?” your voice quivered as you softly spoke into the phone. “I don’t know… I know I’ve only met Hailey once, but I love her. I can’t walk away from her.” 

“Are you watching that Italian grandma cooking show?” Carmy chuckled at your question, “Yeah… can’t sleep.” the line was quiet momentarily, “Hailey and I used to watch it when she was colic.” 

“She’s my kid.” Carmy chuckled. You nodded, knowing he couldn’t see you through the phone. You rolled onto your side and watched Hailey sleep. She was sprawled out, taking up most of the bed with her little body. “If I get this job and move out here permanently, do you want to do a shared custody thing? I guess it could start with the three of us, and then you can have more individual time with her…”

“Are you seeing anyone?” Carmy asked, ignoring the custody question entirely. “What do you think? I’m workin’ two jobs and have a two-year-old.” you laughed. Carmy smiled and pushed a hand through his hair, “Okay… guess I just wanted to know if- I know you probably don’t wanna get back together, but I don’t know… I was talkin’ to my therapist earlier. He gave some perspective- I wasn’t the man you deserved. I treated you like fuckin’ shit, and I’ve spent the last two years of my life trying to forget about you and move on with my life and create something Mikey would be proud of… I regret how we ended and hate myself for not being involved in Hailey’s life. When I was holding her and-and she was tellin’ that story about her giraffe… I can’t go back to not being in her life.” Carmy admitted. “Uh- if you get that job and move out here, there’s an empty two-bedroom in my building. This isn’t me sayin’ we should move in together or anything, but um, if we’re in the same building, I can help with Hailey more and make that a little easier on ya and get to know her- what do you think?” 

“Wow… um…” you swallowed as thoughts raced through your head, “No pressure. If you stay in New York, I can visit- maybe… maybe move back? I haven’t really thought about it, but I want to be in Hailey’s life.” Carmy sputtered. “Uh- yeah… yeah. Even if I get the job out here, I still have to go back to New York to put in my two-week notice and talk to my landlord and just- just a lot of stuff…” 

“I didn’t scare you off, did I?” Carmy awkwardly laughed, “No. I mean- we won’t get back together just because we have a kid. But I’m open to you being in Hailey’s life.” 

~~

“You’re fuckin’ crazy.” Richie coldly said as he helped carry boxes upstairs. Carmy rolled his eyes, opting to ignore him. “Carmen, are you even sure she’s your kid?” 

“Will you shut the fuck up? Hailey is my daughter. I don’t need a test to prove it.” Carmy defended as he dropped a box on the floor of your new apartment. You’d gotten the principal position and moved to Chicago. With help from Danny and Richie, today was the day you and Hailey were officially moving out of Danny’s guest room and into the two-bedroom apartment across the hall from Carmy’s place.

“You didn’t say the empty apartment was directly across the hall from you.” you laughed as you entered the apartment. You noticed the tension between Richie and Carmy; your arrival in Chicago surprised the Berzatto family. While you and Carmy were together, you’d never been formally introduced to any of his family. Natalie and Pete welcomed you with open arms. She was happy to be an aunt and to see Carmy happy. Richie and Donna, on the other hand, were apprehensive about your presence in Carmy’s life. 

Carmy shrugged. “It’s not a problem, is it?” He tried to be nonchalant and keep his flirty tone more subdued, but everyone saw through it. Richie rolled his eyes and went back out to the moving van.

“Carm.”

“I just wanna be close by, not the worst thing in the world.” Carmy defended himself. You shook your head and took a box into Hailey’s bedroom. Carmy watched you walk away, swallowing softly when his eyes landed on your butt. He shook his head and walked across the hall. He entered his apartment to see Suzie sitting on the floor with Hailey. 

“Hey.” Suzie smiled when she noticed Carmy standing by the door. Hailey looked up and happily squealed. You and Hailey had been in Chicago for a couple of weeks, and Carmy was really trying to see Hailey as often as he could.

Carmy sat on the floor by Suzie while Hailey pushed herself off the floor to sit on his lap. He smiled and hugged her loosely, saying, “Hi, baby girl.” Hailey cuddled into his chest, making his heart flutter. 

You’d finished wrangling the boxes and wandered out of your apartment and across the hall to Carmy’s. You were going to ask if he was hungry but stopped when you saw Carmy leaning against the couch, cradling a sleeping Hailey, “And then you blanch the greens- that’s when you boil or steam something and immediately dip it in ice water. Your Momma used to hate greens, so one day, I made her this recipe, and she said it was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted.” 

“I think she’s asleep,” you commented as you approached the couch. Carmy looked up at you and smiled.

“She is… I just wanted to finish reading this recipe to her.” Carmy shrugged, placing the book on the coffee table. You sat next to Carmy on the floor and put your head on Carmy’s shoulder as you watched Hailey’s chest rise and fall. 

“Where’d Suzie go?” you asked, scooting closer to Carmy. You noticed him swallow nervously before explaining she had to go to work. “You’re good with her,” you commented, referring to how Carmy cradled Hailey protectively.

“You think so?” Carmy asked as he shifted his attention to you.

You nodded, “You’re a natural.” 

Carmy scoffed, “I wouldn’t say I’m a natural… I just wanna make up for lost time.” you nodded again and snaked an arm around Carmy’s waist. He tensed at the feeling and sat straighter.

“Well, you’re doin’ great.”

~~

“Daddy!” Hailey happily squealed as Carmy walked into your apartment that morning. He smiled and put the bag he’d been carrying on the counter as he closed the front door with his foot. 

“Hi, baby girl.” he leaned down to pick her up. Hailey hugged him tightly and started explaining a dream she’d had. Carmy smiled and bounced her on his hip. He listened contently as he went into the kitchen. You heard the commotion from your bedroom. You smiled as Carmy’s voice carried through your askew bedroom door. As you finished getting ready for work, you noticed the conversation between Hailey and Carmy. It had been about six months since you’d moved to Chicago, and Carmy was holding on to his promise to be involved in Hailey’s life. Watching your daughter fall in love with him was touching. He was so calm around her and interested in everything she said.

When you left your bedroom, you saw Carmy and Hailey sitting at the table. She was happily munching on a bowl of cereal, and Carmy sat back, drinking a cup of coffee. “Hey Carmy, hi sugar cookie.” you smiled as you leaned in to kiss Hailey’s cheek. She squealed, making you smile before kissing her other cheek.

“Daddy, kiss too!” Hailey demanded, pointing to Carmy. 

“You want Daddy to kiss your cheek, too?” you asked, resting your chin on her head. 

“No! Daddy kiss too!” Hailey demanded again, “Momma, kiss Daddy too!”

You looked at Carmy and saw a blush creeping up his cheeks. “Do you think Daddy wants a kiss, too?”  Hailey squealed and pointed at Carmy again. You nodded and kissed the top of her head before moving over to kiss his cheek. Hailey giggled and went back to eating her cereal. Carmy swallowed softly and quickly finished his coffee before abruptly standing up to rinse out his coffee cup. You waited a second before joining him in the kitchen. “Sorry, was that weird?”

Carmy shook his head, “No, it was okay, but… can Daddy have a real kiss sometime?” 

“I think that can be arranged.” you chimed nonchalantly. 

“Can Daddy take you out sometime?” 

“Only if you stop referring to yourself as Daddy.” you laughed as you playfully pushed his shoulder. 

“Deal.”

[the-mighty-e]

Okay so... I was doing a md rewatch before ep 7, and I noticed something in ep 4 that I NEVER noticed before.

In the scene where V covers up Uzi, when she sits down, I always thought she was frowning. Cuz like in ep 3 she's starting to realize that worker drones don't actually care about death anymore or smth like that.

BUT NO

SHE'S ACTUALLY SMILING IN THE SECOND IMAGE IM GONNA BE SICK

And after noticing that I started thinking back on her behavior with Uzi and realized how much she actually cares about her.

Look at her smile. She's starting to care about the workers smmmm Im crying

Okay now for Vuzi. In ep 4 V initially saw her as just a "purple thing", later on as Cyn. But probably N saying "what did I say about antagonizing her?" got her thinking. What if she was really antagonizing her? That's why she covered her with the teacher, and that's why she smiled.

Now, episode 5 doesn't have much about them. We know that V remembers stuff from her time as a worker, so we know that she got once possessed by Cyn. She would be the only drone ever to understand what Uzi is going through. (another reason why she protected her in ep 4).

This reflects in ep 6. When Alice cuts Uzi's finger she can be seen flinching.

Idk about you, but it's kinda strange for V, the most insane out of the trio, to flinch when someone's finger got cut off.

This further proves just how much V started to care about Uzi. Same when Alice and Beau died and she was trying to escape the Sentinels. She immediately rushed to save Uzi, even if she just witnessed her getting fully possessed for 5 good seconds by Cyn

She didn't have to save her. She could've ran away, leaving Uzi to be killed by the next sentinel that passed by. But she didn't. She brought her back to N and Tessa, holding her tightly

And of course.

When they saw the Doll trap.

V immediately went to protect Uzi, getting extremely worried too when she was about to use her solver

This shows just how V started to like Uzi. She initially saw her as a thread, another Cyn, a thing and a monster. But after the sky therapy she probably saw herself in Uzi. Someone who's always been alone, someone who the solver can control however it wants. A poor possessed worked, confused and scared.

Moving to her sacrifice. The very first time V called Uzi by name instead of dumb nicknames. Immediately before she was smiling after N said that they still needed her. But she didn't believe him fully. They could do well without her, she probably thought. She had done nothing but cause troubles with Uzi. She wanted to make it right

Giving her full trust to Uzi, giving her life to Uzi. She was literally half possessed by Cyn but V still decided to trust her. And then she smiled at her.

That smile, immediately after the "I trust you" meant a lot coming from V. That smile was to assure Uzi that she doesn't see her as an enemy anymore.

Okay rant is over because I'm tearing up.

I love Vuzi so much I love tragic yuri 😭

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Reunion / Post-TRF Pt. 4

meetinginsamarra said: I'm very curious about "Reunion Part 4" 🙂

As I mentioned on this post, I needed a list for this weekend, and this was the only response I got, so I hope you guys enjoy this list! <3 As usual, if you have a fic to add, please do!!

=====

Tea by Art and Soul (K, 693 w., 1 Ch. || Angst & Friendship, Reunion) – John’s habit of making tea for two has little use, considering his flat-mate has been dead for three years. But he keeps on making that second cup, hoping he’d wake up and it’d be gone. But it never was… (FFNet)

Black Cars by johnsarmylady (T, 1,186 w., 5 Ch. || Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Post-TRF) – John is getting on with his life...if only he didn't see black cars everywhere! A short Post Reichenbach tale in 221B style in 5 parts. (FFNet)

Hallucinations can't open doors by Bespectacled dreamer (K+, 1,330 w., 1 Ch. || Reunion, Hurt / Comfort, Friendship, Hallucinations, John’s Wedding, Light Humour) – In which John gets married and Sherlock gets a broken nose. (FFNet)

Here to Stay by MockJayPhoenix12 (K, 1,574 w., 1 Ch. || Post Reunion, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Headache, Bed Sharing, Care Taker Sherlock, Hand Holding, Fluff) – On Sherlock's first day home, John wakes with a migraine. (FFNet)

Given In Evidence by verityburns (M, 5,034 w., 19 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF, Angst, Drama, Case Fic, Romance, BAMF!John, Submissive Sherlock, First Kiss, Humour) – Coming back from the dead can be a complicated business. With a new case on the horizon, rebuilding a life is one thing... rebuilding a friendship quite another. For Sherlock and John, things may never be just the same...

This Year by DiscordantWords (T, 6,283 w., 2 Ch. || TEH Divergence / No Mary, New Year’s Eve, John’s A Mess, Jealous John, Awkward Conversations, Trapped in a Closet, Estranged After Return, John POV, Semi-Reunion, Angry John, First Kiss, Reconciliation, Clueless Sherlock, Happy Ending) – Last year, Sherlock Holmes showed up at the Landmark with a fake moustache and a bad French accent and threw John's entire life into disarray with two words: "Not dead." This year, there are more surprises in store.

The Skin Over My Heart by standbygo (E, 8,849 w., 1 Ch. || Post-Hiatus, Fake Relationship, Case Fic, Dog Tags, Military, Homophobia, Gay Bashing, POV First Person Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss / Time, Declarations of Love, Undercover, Haircuts, Flashbacks, Touching, Pining Sherlock, Hospitalization, Metaphors, Introspection, Hand Jobs, On the Couch, John’s Past, Angst with Happy Ending) – Sherlock and John are still trying to adjust to Sherlock's return from his hiatus when John's friend Bill Murray brings them a case. Someone is targeting the LGBTQA+ members of Bill's unit. John and Sherlock go undercover at the unit, but when they end up having to flirt to flush out the suspect, Sherlock realizes he's in over his head.

There's So Much Labour Just in Breathing Lately by Susan (E, 12,708 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF / Mentions of S3 Events, Romance, Angst, Grief/Mourning, Grieving John, Mutual Pining, Meddling Mycroft, Therapy, Ambiguous Hopeful Ending, Infidelity) – The dreams he hated most – the ones that left him a sweating, shaking mess when he woke – were the ones in which Sherlock was just Sherlock. Laughing or drinking tea. Sitting across the table from him at Angelo’s eating pasta. Trailing his open hand behind him on the way to the bedroom. “C’mon, John. I’m about to have my way with you.”

Sunday Evening 6 p.m. by Silvergirl (E, 30,712 w., 6 Ch. || Post-TRF / TEH Divergence, Grief / Mourning / Stages of Grief, Mutual Pining, Dreams, Reunion, Love Confessions, First Kiss / Time, Alternating First Person POV, Smart John, BAMF Boys, Emotional Love Making, Song Fic, Referenced Suicide, First Kiss / Time, Touching, Sleepy Sherlock, Blow Job, Villain Mary) – Six months after Sherlock jumped, he learns that John is dedicating songs to him on a requests-only radio programme. Is John just working through grief? Or is he—communicating? Fixes the hell out of S3 by pre-empting it altogether. Remember, as TAB told us, John is Pretty Damn Smart.

Inscrutable to the Last by DiscordantWords (M, 48,842 w., 6 Ch. || Post-TRF, Alternate S3, John’s Blog/S3 is a Story By John, Divorce, Marital Difficulties, John is a Mess, Emotional Reunion, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Grief / Mourning, Pining John, First Kiss, Adorably Clueless Sherlock, Nostalgia, Love Confessions, Eventual Happy Ending) – He wasn't Sherlock, he couldn't work miracles. All he'd ever been able to do was write about them.

The Hollow Woman by ScopesMonkey (M, 51,335 w., 22 Ch. || Post-TRF, Major Character Death, Mystery, Romance, Friendship, Family, Angst, Crime, Reunion, First Kiss / Time, Nightmares, Doctor John, Jealous Sherlock, Jealous John, BAMF John, Angry John, Dub-Con, Rough Sex, Bottomlock, Possessive John, Villain Mary, Open Ending) – Forced to return to London sooner than expected, Sherlock falls into a case too close to home. Part 1 of the Hollowverse series

Spare Parts by Raina_at (E, 63,497 w., 10 Ch. || 24th Century / Futurism AU || Post TRF, Pre-TRF Relationship, Case Fic, Mutual Pining, Estrangement, Reconciliation, Science Fiction, Reunion, Nightmares, Angry John, Cybernetic John, Emotional Discussions / Heart to Heart, POV John, Scars, Past Drug Use, Forehead Touching, Emotional Lovemaking, Kissing, Apologies, Kidnapping, Rescue Mission, BAMF John, Bed Sharing, Top Sherlock) – Two years ago, Sherlock Holmes jumped off the roof of New London Hospital. Two months ago, he walked into John's clinic as if no time had passed at all. John hasn't seen him since. But then Sherlock knocks on John's door with a case he can't say no to, and while figuring out why the biggest manufacturer or synthetic limbs in the System is going after veterans, they also need to find out whether there's a way to fix what's broken between them. Part 1 of Realigning Gravity

Against the Rest of the World by SilentAuror (E, 151,714 w., 20 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF, Hiatus Fic, POV First Person Sherlock, Present Tense, First Kiss/Time, Big Brother Mycroft, Escaping from Capture, Soft Sherlock, Toplock, Insecurity, Infidelity, Travelling, Introspection, Pining Sherlock, Depression, Fantasies, Yearning for the Past, PTSD Sherlock, Suicidal Ideation) – Sherlock has been away from London for nine hundred and twelve days and counting, and has no idea what sort of reception to expect when he finally returns. 

MARKED FOR LATER

Out of the Shadow of Missed Chances by MargueriteSomebodyoranother (T, 1,132 w., 1 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post TRF, Reunion, Idiots in Love, Mutual Pining) – He’d had eighteen months - it seemed like a goddamned eternity at the time - and he never uttered a word.

Sound of Silence by SailorChibi (G, 1,554 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF, Emotional Trauma, Implied Past Torture, Mutism, Reunion, Protective John, BAMF John) – Sherlock returns from the dead but nothing is like it was. He doesn't speak and John doesn't understand, not until an encounter with the Yard explains the depths of Sherlock's trauma. 

English as a Foreign Language by standbygo (G, 1,739 w., 2 Ch. || Post-TRF, PTSD Sherlock, Reunion) – Sherlock is not quite right after Mycroft pulls him out of Serbia.

Dear Sherlock by by Tara Laurel (T, 7,729 w., 3 Ch. || Post-TRF, Reunion, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Christmas) – "John was happy. Too happy. Of course Sherlock preferred to see his friend in good spirits, especially after the cloud of depression that had hung over him the past weeks, but this was simply maddening." John's got a serious case of Christmas spirit, but is there something serious hidden behind it - something that surprises & saddens a self-proclaimed sociopath? (FFNet)

Nothing to Celebrate by DiscordantWords (M, 30,066 w., 23 Ch. || Post TRF / S3 Rewrite, Not Nice Mary, Secrets, Lies, Pining, Angst with Happy Ending) – Sherlock Holmes is back from the dead. Things only get worse from there.

Ride On by Silvergirl (M, 34,342 w., 9 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || TEH Divergence, Reunion, First Kiss / Time, Mutual Pining, Alternating POV, Sherlock’s Violin, Music, Original Characters, Happy Ending) – After the disastrous reveal at the Landmark, John tells Sherlock there can be no excuse for what he’s done, and no forgiveness. Sherlock leaves London and starts a new life, and not even the British Government knows where. It’s up to John to track him down and make things right, with a trip around the world and a clue only John would recognize.

Full Mount by ArwaMachine (E, 54,887 w., 10 Ch. || Post-TRF, Fighting, John Whump, Hurt/Comfort, Bed Sharing, Mixed Martial Arts, Angry John, Sherlock and No Boundaries, Masturbation, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Fighting, Toplock, Reunion) – After Sherlock unceremoniously returns from the dead, John finds himself inexplicably angry all the time. So he does what any emotionally-constipated British man does: he joins a Mixed Martial Arts gym. As John throws himself into the sport and joins in on underground no-holds-barred brawls, situations arise that just might force John to face what is really going on underneath all the rage.

Over/Under Series by khorazir (M, 319,561 w. across 5 works || Cabin Pressure Crossover || Post-S2 / Reichenbach, ReunionFriendship, Angst, Humour, Pining, Cycling, Mountains, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Dev. Rel., Case Fic, First Kiss, Pining, Family Issues, Inexperienced Sherlock) – After his Fall, Sherlock travels the world to destroy what remains of James Moriarty's criminal empire. When things don't go according to plan and he finds himself in desperate need of a discreet means of travel, cue MJN Air ...

[charliehoennam]

aftermath.

A/N: nobody asked for this, but all I've seen is Will smut (which I totally love, don't get me wrong) but I need some vulnerable Will

Pairing: Will Miller x f!reader

Warnings: grief, mourning, sad!will, mentions of death, mentions of Will's military past and Tom's funeral

One of the things you've always admired about Will is his strength. He was always the one to put on a brave face and push on. The captain in him had the duty of moving forward and completing whatever mission was at hand, whether it was getting his team to the landing zone or grocery shopping day at home.

It was that very same strength he possessed that got him through the darkest times in his life.

Losing his war veteran grandfather, losing his comrades in combat or to the haunting PTSD that they tried to chase away with substance abuse.

Before you came into his life, before he realized that he was lost in the same fog of that purgatory of PTSD, shutting his emotions out is the only thing he knew. After all that time, he came to believe it was easier than having to deal with them.

It just wasn't a priority; a moment of tears he refused to share with anyone anywhere other than sat naked and alone on the shower floor.

Tom wasn't the first friend he'd lost, but it doesn't mean it made losing him any easier.

It was easy for him to plaster a smile and bury his grief deep down until he felt it was time to unbury it and mourn.

Getting to that point of self-awareness was a victory in itself.

It took so much patience and love and pain, not only on his behalf but yours as well, to help him to understand what he was really struggling with.

He hadn't realized it had gotten so uncontrollable until the incident at Publix - the grand revelation of the weapon he could be, once shred of his humanity, provided the cathartic acceptance of the fact that he needed help.

Upon federal investigation, the story they told was that Tom had been shot and killed in a tragic mugging incident on their consultation trip. Just a boys' night out gone bad.

It wasn't too hard to believe, given they were 5 foreigners in a country that wasn't theirs. The heat from the Feds didn't last long. Thanks to Santiago's few but faithful contacts, that investment was quickly brought to an end.

It's barely 6 a.m. and you're stood in the kitchen making coffee, still processing how this all happened.

Your black dress is simple but elegant and modest against your body. Despite the itchy fabric, you can feel the early morning chill soaking through.

The dripping of the coffee maker lures you into a whirlwind of thoughts. You watch the droplets of dew form on the kitchen window against the cloudy sky which threatens to rain.

You start to second guess the toast when it pops up in the toaster. You're not the slightest bit hungry and you're positive Will won't be either, but you have to try.

He hasn't eaten right in the past couple days. You didn't say anything, but you've noticed the few bites he'd given his food and the way he'd pick at it.

He should've been ready and downstairs by now, so you decide to go up and check on him.

Moving forward is hard for most people, but for Will, it's what keep the pain at bay. The problem is when he stops.

Like a tornado, he's left with the screaming silence and the damage it left in it's wake.

Now that he's home, the mission of bringing Tom home is complete, the hard truth that his friend and mentor is gone has begun to sink in.

You gently knock on the door as you reach your shared bedroom.

"Honey, do you want any help?"

"I'm good, sweetheart. I'll be right out."

You can hear him sniffle despite his attempt to sound as normal as possible. Unconvinced, you turn the knob and open the door.

He's sat on the edge of the bed wearing a simple black suit as he looks back over his shoulder at you with a Marine coin in hand, a gift from Tom when Will confessed about his therapy sessions.

You aren't too surprised to see he changed out of the formal military blue suit he had out on earlier.

The ribbons, the medals, the badges... He couldn't put them on without feeling the crushing and staining weight of guilt.

"Lat minute outfit change?"

The corner of your lips curl in an attempt to smile, hoping to cheer him up with a bit of tease.

"I was gonna wear my dress blues, but..." he trails off for a moment to swallow hard. "Just didn't feel right."

Without a word, you quietly walk over and sit beside him. You're not sure what he needs right now, but you don't want him to feel alone.

"Black is more flattering if you ask me," you speak up.

His beard twitches as he attempts to smile. He knows you just want to help him feel better. Yet all he can do is stare down at the gold coin.

"Five times... Five times. Five close calls. And he survived them all. He didn't deserve to go out like that. He just wanted to help his family."

You fight back tears as you listen to him with an arm wrapped his back as you press your cheek to his shoulder.

"I told Santi to get him in. I said I'd go if Tom was in. Tom didn't even want to go in the first place. He didn't-"

There's a crack in his voice which he catches it in his throat to compose himself. He sniffles letting a tear cascade down his cheek only to wipe it away quickly, hoping you hadn't seen it.

"This isn't on you, Will."

He nods although you both know deep inside that he won't stop blaming himself.

"When you told me you were a marine, I knew the risks that came with that, Will. Every knock on the door had my heart racing. But I decided to stay with you because I love you. There wasn't a person on earth or a God in the sky that was gonna tell me otherwise. I knew the risks and I took 'em anyways because not having you would've hurt more... I don't understand how fate works other than we all end up the same. What I do know is that all we can do is love our close ones and cherish the good memories you have of them."

With a tearful and silent nod, he lowers his head and rests it against your chest. His arms lock around your waist as he surrenders to the tears in your embrace.

The tears quietly trickle down your cheeks as you listen to him finally breaking down.

With your lips pressed against his golden hair, you hold him in your arms and stroke the hair on the back of his neck to soothe him for as long as he needs.

All you can do is hold him through it and he couldn't be more thankful to have you in such a vulnerable moment after having faced them on his own for so many years.

Just the feeling of not being alone was overwhelming enough, but to have you holding him and reminding him of the things that are easy to ignore in grief give him hope.

Although he feels he's coming apart, he knows that he'll have the strength he's always had.

It's different now. It's not the strength to bury and forget; it's the strength to heal.

With a sigh of relief after a long, vulnerable moment, he pulls away from you and nods, mentally assuring himself that he's alright.

Upon arriving at the church, you're greeted by Molly so you offer your deepest condolences due to the circumstances. Just as Will, you find that the guys have all opted to wear normal black suits instead of the formal military uniform and you wonder if it's for the same reason.

"Sorry for that," he sniffles wiping his eyes as he tries to regain his composure, swallowing hard with guilt. "We should get going... I don't wanna be late."

You remind him that there is no need to apologize and that he can take the time to splash some water on his face to help him recollect before leaving.

Frankie doesn't say a word other than to Molly and the girls, apologizing for their loss. Throughout the priest's religious ceremony of easing words, Benny's apathetic eyes are glued to Tom's casket set in front of the church between his military portrait and a beautiful arrangement of white flowers. During Will's heartfelt eulogy, Santiago keeps his head lowered as the guilt consumes him.

The grift and sadness during the wake only follow and weigh heavier during the long walk to the gravesite, lingering among the guests of the funeral like a dark cloud. It's only reflected in depths by the light rain pitter-pattering all around.

The military traditions at the funeral leave a bitter tinge of irony in the boys as they watch Tom's casket lowering into the ground.

Tess's happy big doey eyes are now swollen and red as she cries under her mother's arm, hugging the folded flag as if it were her dad, while Molly holds her other and youngest daughter under the other arm.

Looking over at Will, you see that he's trying his hardest to keep his strong facade as well as the boys.

You slide your hand into his and whisper to remind him he's not alone and doesn't have to feel alone.

With a gentle squeeze to your hand, he nods.

"You with me?"

"I'm with you."

You and Will - as well as the guys and Tom's family - are the last to leave, reminding Molly that you're more than willing to help with anything.

Will, however, lingers a moment to speak to her private and tells her about the fund. You can tell from her reaction, she's genuinely surprised and thankful, relieved to know that she'll be able to pay for the funeral.

Having called your boss the previous day to let them know you wouldn't be going to work due to the funeral, you take the rest of the day off to recover from the overwhelming day after the funeral.

The drive home is quiet save for the rain against the car and the windshield, echoing into the vehicle which you insisted on driving to give Will some mental ease. He didn't put up a fight. He was quite relieved you'd offered.

In spite of being eager to understand how he's doing, you refuse to burden him with constant questions and decide to respect his mourning process. So, you keep a hand on his thigh to remind you're in this together.

He doesn't mind it at all. In fact, he is grateful for your respect and your thoughtfulness. His hand rests over yours and doesn't leave until you have to pull your hand back to turn the steering wheel, but it finds it's way back onto his leg, warm fully welcomed by his engulfing hand.

As you're undressing in your room, Will's hand catches yours while you're unzipping your dress.

"Thanks... I don't know about you, but I'd say this weather is perfect cuddling weather," you share letting the dress hang loosely off your shoulders.

Will smiles shyly as if you'd read his mind and locks his arms around your waist.

"I couldn't agree more."

[the-froschamethyst4]

Over the Net

𖤐Pairing: Single Father! König x Volleyball Coach! Reader

𖤐Pronouns: She/Her

𖤐Warnings: fluff, language, volleyball terminology, flirting, high school, badly translated German, a bit of an age gap, drinking,

𖤐Summary: König needed to pick up his daughter from Volleyball practice and he ends up meeting her coach for the first time

————

————

König sits in the parking lot waiting for his daughter to get done with Volleyball. Normally he would allow her to get a ride with one of her friends but after practice she had a physical therapy appointment.

She rolled her ankle, twisted her knee and ended up breaking her thumb all within a span of 4 weeks into the new season of Volleyball.

König was worried about Heidi. He told her to sit out for this season but nothing was going to stop her from playing and not only that her coach asked for her to be on the team.

He gets out of his car knowing they were going to be done soon. He stood in front of his car waiting, tapping his foot and then tapping his fingertips on his forearm.

“Come on, what’s going on?” König mumbled to himself. He was just being impatient because he’s never missed an appointment and he’s definitely not going to miss one now.

"Hey, you waiting as well?" Another father came up to König.

"Yeah, what's going on? Don't they usually finish as 5?"

"Yeah...I'm not sure either."

"THEY JUST SENT OUT THAT PRACTICE MAY BE A LITTLE BIT LONGER THAN EXPECTED!! MAYBE TILL 7?!" A mother yells from her car waving her phone.

"Oh okay, I'm going back home then," the father says getting back into his car. Not König.

"What," he groans. He needs to get Heidi so they could get her physical therapy done. He walks to the gym, seeing the one right door open and he could hear the sound of shoes squeaking on the gym floor.

He peaks his head into the building, he sees the girls running up and down the court, sweating, panting and tagging the next person to run up and down the court.

König could see Heidi, he could tell she was pushing herself to her limit, she sat on the gym floor, panting, wiping sweat from her forehead and taking a swig of her Gatorade.

"Heidi, is that your dad?" One girl bent down to Heidi's level pointing to the tall buff man walking in.

"What the hell is he doing here?" She mumbles before getting off the floor. "Dad-"

"Why's practice all of a sudden becoming longer? We have an appointment to get to, you know this."

"I can't control that, dad, it's up to my coach."

"Well where is he, I wanna talk to him," he says, looking around for an adult. He hears the whistle blow and all the girls stopped.

"TAKE A BREAK!!" A woman's voice called to her athletes. "Heidi, who's this?" She comes up to Heidi and her father.

"Coach Y/n, this is my father."

"Why don't you go get water, Heidi...can I help you?" She looks up at König.

"Well...I'm here to collect my daughter, she has an appointment for physical therapy-"

"I'm aware," she says, tapping her clipboard with her pen.

"You're aware of?"

"Her appointment, she told me..."

"And you made practice longer?" König was confused.

"I made practice longer for the girls who needed the help the most, Heidi says she would like to practice longer..."

"But...can I take her for today, and next practice she could stay the long time?"

"Sure, but she'll miss a new play we'll be going over."

"Why didn't you teach it during the first hour of practice?"

"Because Mr. King, the first hour we do review, second hour we do some scrimmaging, and third hour we go over new plays, this new longer hour, we are going to start doing some exercises and practice hits in between and then we start doing the new play for the court, now...can I do my job or are you going to tell my boss that I'm trying to make a better team?"

König was kind of shocked by Coach Y/n's sudden outburst. She seemed kind of frustrated as well, like ever since she made this longer practice, parents have been getting on her tail about it. EVEN SOME OF THE PARENTS ASKED FOR LONGER PRACTICE HOURS AND THEY STILL GET ON HER ASS ABOUT IT!

"I understand...completely I do...Heidi, come on, we need to get going, we can't be late..." König says as Heidi groans and Y/n just discreetly rolled her eyes.

----------

König sits in the waiting room of the Physical Therapist. He was mainly thinking about how that small woman has such a big temper. He's never really met anyone like that.

He leans back his head hitting against the wall behind him, his hand playing with the fluff of his daughters coat. Heidi soon comes walking out of the therapy room huffing and puffing taking her coat off König's lap.

"You ready?"

"Yep," she says, putting her coat on and König pats Heidi's head.

"What's up with that Coach of yours?"

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"She's got a temper on her."

"Only when she's frustrated," Heidi tells him. "And when we have games."

"I see," König says.

-----------

The Next Practice

Coach Y/n sits on the outside bleachers as the gym they usually use was being used by the male basketball team. So, they were booted to the outdoor court, where the girls had to wear their knee pads, just in case.

Y/n hates this court because half of the time most of the girls will scrap their knees and Y/n has asked the school so many times for a little sand pad for the girls, if they will have to practice outside then why can't they be more comfortable in sand and brace their falls versus the concrete.

"Careful!" Y/n yells as some of the girls landed on the concrete almost half her team had sat out because of their knees and or feet hurting.

Heidi groans as her hands were on her knees, she sat on because of her bad knee hurting her, so she barely practiced. Y/n then blew her whistle getting the girls to stop.

"We'll call it for today...I know you girls are hurting, I'm sorry about today," Y/n apologizes to the girls.

Heidi chugs some of her water and then waited for König. She texted him that practice ended early. She sits on the curb, she looks at the blacktop kicking some of the small rocks or throwing them.

Soon someone sat next to her, she looks at the person and it was Y/n. She gives Heidi a small smile and handed her a new water bottle, Y/n knows Heidi's water bottle was empty, she's just bored.

"Dad's late?" Y/n asked.

"Just a bit...he's getting off work now..." she says, twisting the cap of her water bottle taking a few swigs from it.

"I see..." Y/n says. "How's your knees?"

"Fine, my right one hurts," the one she twisted late season.

"I bet, I'll have to tell the principal that male basketball and girls volleyball need to figure out their practice times...this is the 2nd time they've done that...they have an outdoor court, I don't know why they can't use that one instead?"

"It's because the principal only cares about the male sports and what they need, even though this school is only popular for their female sport programs...didn't the girls basketball make it to finals and the male basketball team like lost almost every game they've played?" Heidi says.

"Agreed..." Y/n and Heidi could agree on so many things wrong with this school giving so much money to male sport programs but giving the girls a lower budget. It was stupid.

The girls had to come up with fundraisers to be able to get a new net, the old one had big holes from the net being old and being dry-rotted.

Heidi then saw her fathers car pull into the schools parking lot. Heidi grabbed her things and headed to her dads car, he steps out after she gets into the passenger side.

"Sorry, about that," he apologized to Y/n.

"It's okay...Mr. King, before you leave..." he turns back to her.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry, for being rude to you the other practice, I know you had an appointment to get your daughter to that day, I was going to release her to you, but I wanted her to get done with some exercises before I released her."

"I understand, I get it, really, coach-"

"Please, call me, Y/n..."

"Okay, see ya' later, Y/n." he gets into his car driving off.

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

A Week Later

Heidi's first game of the season, she was ready to hit the ball back over the net, it was coming right at her too. König watches his daughter and Y/n is making sure Heidi had enough time to get the ball back over the net before the timer runs out.

Soon Heidi hits it back over the net and another came running up from her side and spiking it, hitting the floor on the opponents side. Heidi's team wins and Y/n was excited that they won the first game.

The girls all ran off the court to hug Y/n and line up to shake hands with the other team. Heidi runs to her chair grabbing her water bottle. She heads to the locker room and some of the parents went to Y/n to thank her.

König stood in the back of the group of parents as Y/n talked to every parent. Once the parents left König walked to Y/n, hands in his hoodie pocket and he cleared his throat.

"You did good."

"I didn't do anything."

"You helped our girls...you did good," he tells her before leaving to go get Heidi.

"Mr. King."

"Yes?"

"This may be...highly inappropriate and I thought about getting it off my chest, and you are allow to deny me...would you like to get some drinks, one day?"

"Coach Y/n...are you asking me on a date?"

"Forget it."

"No, no, I'm joking, I'm joking...yeah...I'll get some drinks with you."

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

A Few Nights Later

König sits at the bar tapping his fingers on the bar counter and waiting for Y/n, she wasn't late or anything König was just early. 10 minutes early.

Probably to get a good spot for the both of them, this bar usually filled up quickly. Soon Y/n comes in and sits next to König. He turns and smiles at her.

"You look..."

"Dumb? I didn't know what to go with-"

"Wunderschön (Gorgeous)," he says.

"Danke (Thank you)." She says back.

König and Y/n just talked and drink the whole night. König then brought Y/n to his car. She came by UBER not knowing how much she would drink. She wasn't drunk nor tipsy, but König didn't want her in a car with a stranger after drinking.

He took her home. König held Y/n to his side as they entered König's domain, they laughed as they removed their shoes at the front door and once they walked in Heidi peaks over the couch.

"Dad!? Coach Y/n?!" Both adults stopped in their tracks looking at the Junior.

"Hey, kiddo, I thought you might have been asleep."

"What would you two have done if I was?" She asked.

König and Y/n looked at each other before laughing like to teenagers, Heidi rolled her eyes and scoffed before getting grossed out and leaving.

"You know what, I don't want to know..." she says as she goes up the stairs.

"So...since she's upstairs...do you wanna?" König raised his eyebrows at Y/n before she lightly pushed him away.

"You're so weird," she teased.

"I'm not weird, I'm fun, come on," König takes her hand and going to his bedroom, shutting the door behind them.

[runninriot]

nothing i wouldn’t do to make it alright

for @stervrucht , inspired by this beautiful art piece

read on ao3

Judas Priest with special guest KROKUS

Tuesday, August 12 1986, 8:00 p.m.

Market Square Arena, Indianapolis

That's what the poster says, the one Eddie stops to look at, excited at first but then- Steve can see his smile falter, expression crumbling. And he knows why. Knows that, even this close to Hawkins, it is impossible for Eddie to go and see them.

Even if money wasn't the issue, which it definitely is – because all of the government's hush money went into buying a new, proper home for him and Wayne – Eddie couldn't possibly make it to a concert and stand on his own two feet, let alone in the middle of a swaying crowd, for more than 10 minutes with how weak he still is. Relying heavy on his crutches to keep him steady at all. Still wobbly on his feet after nearly dying in the Upside Down.

For Eddie to be alive is nothing short of a miracle in itself. For him to be able to walk at all, is a whole other thing. And Steve knows how much Eddie hates it. Hates having to go through physical therapy, relearning not only to walk but to use his hands- hands that were once used to fiddle and create and nimbly pick at the strings of his beloved guitar.

It’s a struggle.

Even that short distance from the grocery store to his place - usually a 5-minute walk at best  - takes them at least double the time because Eddie needs to take breaks in between every few steps. Steve doesn't mind, they're not in a rush and the evening air is warm and the setting sun is casting a beautiful light on the half-empty streets. But he can see the anger in Eddie's eyes. Can see how exhausting it is, how frustrated he must feel about his body's condition.

He doesn't deserve this, even if this is still better than being buried six feet deep. Right?

Well. Eddie doesn't seem to share Steve's opinion on that, often says he wishes the bats had just finished him off. That this isn't a life worth living because everything sucks.

Steve knows – hopes – Eddie doesn't mean it. That deep down he's glad he's alive and that the struggle is worth it because- because he's still with them. Still part of their crazy little family, this group of weirdos that somehow managed to save the world again.

Even thinking about any other outcome of their fight against Vecna makes Steve’s stomach sink.

No. It would not be better if Eddie wasn’t here. If they’d been forced to leave him there, bloody and broken. He’s glad they got there in time, found Dustin with Eddie’s lifeless body resting in his arms. He’s glad they carried him out, made it just seconds before the gate vanished behind them.

Doesn’t matter what Eddie says, Steve would always, always do it the same way over and over again. Would carry Eddie out of that hell and sit at his hospital bed for days just to be there when he’s awake.

Eddie might not be grateful for being given this gift of a second chance right now, and that’s okay. Steve understands that it’s hard for him. But he’ll make sure Eddie pushes trough. He won’t let him give up, no matter what.

And he’ll be there every wary step of the way.

continue reading here

[void-occupation]

I don't know if someone's done this already, but imagine the Justice League is doing some mission or another and Batman gets captured. Maybe it was on purpose, maybe it wasn't but whatever the case, the JL is now Concerned. Their main tactician is gone, and some of the villains are Batman's Rogues, who they admittedly don't know much about

They bust into where ever Batman's being held and only one person is there that they see. They take them out and wander around until they find Batman in a room with Harley Quinn. They go in guns blazing only to stop in pure confusion

Batman is tied rather impressively to a chair while Harley sits opposite of him with a clipboard in hand and glasses perched on her nose. Bruce looks absolutely miserable while Harley turns around with a wide smile as if she hadn't been holding Batman hostage. To be fair to her though, Bruce honestly had figured out how to escape his restraints about 5 minutes after he woke up, but he knows that the Joker doesn't ever listen to Harley and she'd get upset when her "impromptu therapy" sessions would get interrupted when they were in college together. He'd always had kind of a soft spot for Harley so he'd stayed. Not that anyone else needed to know that of course

everyone's interaction goes something like this:

Harley: Oh hi!

Superman who is Terminally Polite: H-hey. How are you?

Harley: Oh, I'm good. Batman and I were talking about his obvious abandonment issues and severe anxiety!

Bruce, mortified and hiding it surprisingly well: No we weren't

Flash: Is this...normal???

Harley: Yeah, just about - any time I get to watch him I usually give him some therapy. He obviously needs it and it's not like I'm doing much with my degree otherwise!

Bruce: First off, rude. Second off, why is everyone just standing around? We've got work to do!

And the entire League jumps guiltily as they realize they were kind of just staring at their captured teammate when there is indeed work to be done about the rest of the group they're facing. Then, Harley drops the bomb that she wasn't even involved???? She just heard that they'd captured Batman and broke in to Therapy at him while he couldn't get away

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

Let's Talk About That

I came all this way just to feel this pain (4)

Warnings: talks of mental health (PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks), mentions of death/dying, anger issues, angst and fluff

Word count: 1,969

A/N: listen I love rewatching Marvel movies but having to watch civil war and pause every 5 seconds for the accords scenes killed me, but it would have bothered me if the lines weren't accurate so here you go.

May 19th 2016

You were in your office when Natasha came round telling you that you had to go to the meeting room. The secretary of state was here to talk with the Avengers. You knew this couldn't be good, but you got up with your laptop in hand just in case you needed it. 

All of you sat around the meeting room while Secretary Ross spoke, "The world owes the Avengers an unpayable debt. You have fought for us, protected us, risked your lives, but while a great many people see you as heroes there are some who would prefer the word 'Vigilantes'." Your grip on Wanda's thigh tightens and her hand goes over yours. Trying not to cause a scene, but you must have squeezed a little too tightly. You release it completely, balling and unballing your fist.

"And what word would you use, Mr. Secretary?" Natasha asks.

"How about dangerous?" He replies. "What would you call a group of U.S. based enhanced individuals who routinely ignore sovereign borders and inflict their will wherever they choose and who frankly seem unconcerned with what they leave behind." Ross speaks freely, but you interject.

"Excuse me Sir, but if you'd have gone over my notes thoroughly about everyone's after mission session when things go good and when things go not great there is in fact a difference in their psyches. This team though we are enhanced individuals still have emotions and feelings. We still care about others and it's the exact reason we do what we do. Just because the world doesn't see them break down. I do." You stand up. "Tony has severe anxiety and suffers from panic attacks when things go wrong. Steve and Natasha have PTSD. Wanda," you look at her and she nods, " thinks every goddamn day about how she could have done better in Lagos. If she had been able to hold on a second longer than no one would have gotten hurt that day. Those lives every one of them rests on her mind." You tell him though he doesn't seem to care much as he shows a video, you sit back down, moving closer to Wanda and she holds your hand, your fingers intertwining. 

"New York, Washington D.C." He's showing the group's past failures as you look over at Steve and Natasha, watching their faces pale as both try to stay in the moment. "Sokovia." The battle for Sokovia from Ultron, the one you missed. You feel her hand squeeze yours as you move your other hand to her thigh to try and soothe her, "Lagos." The footage starts playing of the building that got caught in the blast Wanda had tried to contain. The close up of a dead girl in the ruble is shown and you can feel her shift as you pull her against your chest and whisper, 

"Don't look. I've got you."

"Alright that's enough." Steve calls out. I mouth a thank you to him as I let Wanda go once the footage stops. 

"Good to know we'll need a group therapy session after this." You say flatly. As you turn back to the front of the room.

"For the past four years you've operated with unlimited power and no supervision. That's an arrangement the governments of the world can no longer tolerate, but I think we have a solution." He hands over a binder to you. 

"The Sokovia Accords?" You ask, thumbing through it with Wanda.

"Approved by 117 Countries. It states that the Avengers shall no longer be a private organization. Instead you'll operate under the supervision of the United Nations panel. Only when and if that panel deems it necessary." Ross informs you all. 

"The Avengers were formed to make the world a safer place. I feel we've done that." Steve interjects.

"Tell me Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are right now? If I misplaced a couple of mega 30 ton nukes you can bet there would be consequences. Compromise, reassurance, that's how the world works. Believe me, this is the middle ground." Ross states. 

"So," Rhodey starts. "There are contingencies?" 

"Three days from now the U.N. meets in Vienna to ratify the accords." Ross tells us and you see Steve finally acknowledge Tony sitting in the corner away from the rest of us. "Talk it over."

"And if we come to a decision you don't like?" Natasha asks. Ross stops his exit from the room. 

"Then you retire." Ross answers.

"Sir. I'm 19." You remind him

"Good thing you went to college already. Whole life ahead of you unlike the rest of your team." He says and you've never wanted to break someone's neck more and once he and his men leave the room, you hand your laptop to Wanda and have everyone back up from the table as you slam my fist into it, reducing it to rubble. 

"You're paying for that." Tony mentions.

"You pay me. So you're paying for that." You remind him and you're lucky it wasn't his face." You say taking your laptop back from Wanda. "Thank you sweet girl."

As the tension in the room simmered and Secretary Ross exited, leaving the group to grapple with the weight of his ultimatum, a heavy silence settled over you. You could feel the collective unease radiating from your teammates, each grappling with their own thoughts and emotions in the wake of his proposition. The mix of all the feelings makes you nauseous.

Turning to face your fellow Avengers, you could see the turmoil etched on their faces, the weight of Ross's words bearing down upon us like a crushing weight. But amidst the uncertainty and fear, there was also a glimmer of determination in their eyes, a silent vow to stand together in the face of adversity.

"We need to talk," Steve's voice cut through the silence, his gaze sweeping across the room as he addressed each of you in turn. "This isn't a decision to be made lightly. We need to weigh the consequences, consider our options, and come to a consensus as a team."

You nodded in agreement, your mind already racing with the implications of Ross's proposal. The Sokovia Accords represented a fundamental shift in the way the Avengers would operate, a relinquishing of your autonomy in exchange for the illusion of oversight. But at what cost? Would you be forced to compromise your principles, to bend to the will of bureaucrats and politicians who viewed you as nothing more than tools to be wielded at their whim?

As the group dispersed from the meeting room, each lost in your own thoughts, you felt Wanda's hand slip into yours, her touch a comforting anchor amidst the storm of uncertainty that raged within you currently. With her by your side, you knew that whatever decision we ultimately made, you would face it together, united in your commitment to stand up for what you believed in, no matter the consequences. And as you retreated to the solace of our shared quarters, you knew that your journey was far from over, that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and trials, but that so long as you faced them together, you would emerge stronger, more resilient, than ever before.

===========================================================

As the team goes back and forth arguing sides of right and wrong and if things are better in your hands or in the U.N. Wanda speaks up, "You're saying they'll come for me." Before you can speak, Vision does beside you after you had nudged your way in when he tried to sit next to Wanda, "We would protect you." 

"They'll come for me too. Wanda was given powers by the mind stone." You flick it on Vision's forehead, he flinches a bit, but you know it doesn't hurt, not like your own, "But this stone in my chest is a ticking time bomb. Something I've never told you guys is I have never once used 100% of my power. I had talked with Thor who knew about the stones." You gently touch your purple stone, reacting to your touch with a soft glow. "This stone in the past was held and wielded by Celestials, Gods in their own rights, used to decimate worlds." You look around the room. Faces of various degrees of worried or scared or nervous. "If I were to lose control...there's a possibility there won't be an Earth anymore. I know how dangerous I am with this stone, but much like Tony's arc reactor, If we extract this from me. I'm going to die. Last time Bruce did a check up for me...the stone...the stone is wrapped around my heart and lungs. Bruce and I did some tests of moving the stone around and we came to the conclusion it's more than likely to make my lungs collapse and my heart stop if it's pulled out." You look down, unable to look at any of them. "If they take me it might be for the better, but no matter what. I want to keep fighting and keep helping. If I sign that...I'm signing over to my own arrest basically." 

"Well it sounds like that might be a good thing." Tony states. 

"Fuck you Tony! I've only ever wanted to help people! I never want to hurt or kill people! I'd rather just go live my life as a psychiatrist! Work a normal day and come home to a nice home cooked meal, but I can't just do that! You brought me into this world. Now if you want me to stand down, I guess you'll have to take me out." You state before leaving. You hear Wanda follow behind you, catching up as she holds your hand and arm. 

"That is probably the scariest couple with the powers they possess." You hear Tony say just before the two of you get out of hearing range.

As you two left the heated discussion behind, Wanda's hand in yours providing a grounding reassurance, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges you faced together. The weight of the impending decision pressed down on your shoulders, each step echoing the tumultuous thoughts swirling in your mind.

The two of you found solace in a quiet corner of the compound, away from the prying eyes and the cacophony of conflicting opinions. The moon cast a gentle glow over you as you turned to face Wanda, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination.

"I can't believe they'd even suggest something like this," Wanda murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "To turn against our own, to put us in a position where we have to choose between our principles and our freedom."

"They're scared," you replied, gently squeezing her hand. "Scared of what we can do, scared of the power we wield. But we can't let fear dictate our choices. We need to stand up for what we believe is right, even if it means going against those we once called allies."

Wanda nodded, a quiet resolve settling over her features. "I won't let them take you, Y/N. No matter what they decide. We'll find a way to navigate through this mess together."

A mixture of gratitude and warmth enveloped you as you leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "And I won't let them take you either. We'll face whatever comes our way, side by side."

As the night stretched before you, uncertainty lingering in the air, the two of you stood united against the challenges that awaited you. The Avengers, once a symbol of unity, found themselves at a crossroads, and the choices we made in the days to come would shape the course of our future, both as individuals and as a team.

[lightandheatao3]

The Bunker - Criminal Minds

Chapter 15: The Door

Summary: Spencer Reid wakes up in a locked bunker to find half the current BAU and two of its departed members unconscious on the floor. The old team is back together but the reunion is not what any of them would have wished for. An Unsub from their past has decided it's time they all stop keeping secrets, even if it means exposing them by force.

Hotch and Derek have been pulled back into a world they tried to escape. Emily, Rossi, and JJ are doing their best to keep it together. Spencer is falling apart.

AKA a found family is reunited and forced to go through the most nightmarish version of family therapy imaginable.

Set months after the end of Criminal Minds: Evolution. Evolution referenced, but not necessary to understand the story.

Chapter Summary: Spencer is not looking at the hatch in the door. He isn't thinking about what's inside.

Read chapter 15 on AO3 or under the cut. Please check AO3 for content warnings. All comments and reblogs are extremely appreciated <3 I would love to know what you like about the story :)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14

Spencer's eyes flung open only seconds before the alarm.

The horrible, high-pitched sound assaulted his senses. He squeezed his eyes tight against the light and rushed to cover his ears, wincing as his useless left hand scratched across his cheek.

The last traces of his dreams washed away in the noise. A flash of a needle, a glint in Ethan's eyes, all lost to the ringing in his ears.

It hadn't taken long for the purpose of the new speaker encased in the camera housing to reveal itself.

The single endless day they had been living beneath the fluorescents was now delineated into 24 hour segments, marked by the blaring siren. The concept of days had returned to their lives.

Each day began the same: Alarm, food delivery within 5 minutes, an attempt at reasoning with their jailer through the door which was inevitably met with silence, a spark of hope, a crushing blow, a chip of his willpower carved away.

When he first put the loaded syringe in the hatch, beneath the general feeling that he was utterly pathetic for being in the situation to begin with, a part of him had really thought himself a little bit strong and selfless for the great sacrifice he was making. With each new delivery leaving the narcotics in their place, untouched, he was feeling less noble and more like a stray cat cornered in an alley.

Rossi broke him out of his reverie by shoving a banana into his good hand and saying, "Maybe if you eat today you'll have enough energy to do more than just stare at that fucking door for hours on end. You need a better hobby, kid."

"I ate yesterday," he said defensively, not bothering to dispute the other accusation.

"Try more than two bites this time," said Rossi pointedly.

After breakfast was calisthenics, usually run by JJ or Derek, with the latter taking the lead this time.

JJ's hair was thin and patchy where she had been compulsively pulling it out. The back of her arms and her knees were scabbed from picking at the skin. She told him once years ago that she used to do it as girl, only stopping when she moved out of home. It had been getting worse. Even she was starting to need coaxing to participate in activities.

Spencer stepped to the side while the others continued running laps around the room. He leaned against the wall, panting, his vision swimming.

"Come on! Another 60 seconds," yelled Derek, tapping him on the arm as he ran past him. "Get your ass in gear."

"Absolutely fucking not," he said, groaning against the nausea.

Derek slowed to a stop. The others followed with sighs of relief.

"You have been spending way too much time around Rossi," he said, strolling over and shaking his head.

"Go fuck yourself," said Rossi, flipping Derek off, still panting from exertion.

"See, coming out of him, it sounds natural. 'Fuck' was probably his first word. But you? It's just wrong." Derek put a hand on Spencer's shoulder to stabilize him, as he was swaying somewhat. "You alright?"

"Fine," he said, dizziness abating as he took some deep breaths. "You know, swear words serve more than a linguistic function. Imaging has shown that swearing correlates to increased activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, meaning it has an impact on emotional regulation and impulse control. It's even been shown to have an analgesic effect. Studies have shown that, on average, swearing accounts for 0.5% to 0.7% of total word usage, which can-"

"That number's gotta be like 5% minimum for Rossi," chimed in JJ.

"Did I do something to piss you all off today?" asked Rossi, throwing up his hands incredulously.

Spencer flipped through the last few days (days? the time between alarms) and cataloged every word that came out of Rossi's mouth. Once the list was compiled, the equation was simple.

"Extrapolating from data over the past six days, approximately 1.4% of your total speech is profanity," said Spencer, looking at Rossi. "That is double the median average."

"What can I say? I'm an overachiever," said Rossi, unbothered.

"What percentage are you up to?" JJ asked Spencer.

He repeated the mental process the same as he had for Rossi, freezing as soon as he landed on the unexpectedly high number. It's not as if he had an issue with profanity, but he preferred to be sparing so as not to dilute the impact or precision of his words. Upon reflection, his vocabulary had shrunk somewhat during their confinement. He pursed his lips, then turned to Derek. "I have been spending too much time around Rossi."

That earnes him and Derek both a middle finger.

"I'm going to wash up," said Emily with an affectionate eye roll at all of them, turning to the bathroom and laying first claim on the sink and soap.

The day marched on.

"You're getting better at that," said Hotch, observing his loose, fumbling grip on the little ball their captors had gifted them. "It looks like you're improving."

He sat cross-legged, facing Derek, his back to the door. Physical therapy, the other man called it. A waste of time, thought Spencer, but he played along. Having something constructive and helpful to do each day brought a spark to Derek that he couldn't bear to take away.

The program was cobbled together based on Spencer's anatomy knowledge and Derek's practical understanding of movement based on his own experiences as a young athlete and having recovered from injuries in the past. He was more knowledgeable in the subject than Spencer had realized. The program wouldn't be out of place at an actual physiotherapy clinic.

Unfortunately, the biological reality of a severed nerve could not be rewritten by optimism and force of will. The best case scenario of a surgical repair in the immediate aftermath of the injury would likely still have left him with loss of function.

They were well past the best case. He'd be lucky if he could ever form a proper fist again.

"I'll be back to doing sleight of hand in no time," he said to Hotch with a tight smile.

It was worth it for the hint of pride that flashed across Derek's face.

The rest of the day, they took turns in leading activities. With endless hours to kill, the biggest enemy was boredom, and they fought it valiantly.

Emily had taken to reading a new chapter aloud each day from the trite self-help book on radical honesty that the Unsub had left them. It had some genuinely interesting provocations, but intertwined with oversimplifications and new age schlock. Emily took on the most melodramatic tone she could muster even in the driest, dullest segments.

Spencer had taken to sharing his most recent lecture series for the Advanced Criminal Psychology course at the university. Of course, the others were already highly educated on the topic, so he took the opportunity to invite feedback and spark discussions on theory and interesting case studies.

Rossi, on the other hand, had been breaking up his litany of what JJ liked to call 'sleepover party greatest hits' in favor of increasingly esoteric card games. He presented the progressively more convoluted play alongside far fetched stories of when and where he learned the games, and Spencer was pretty sure he was making up most of it as he went along.

This one he insisted was called Dead Man's Hand and involved a complicated series of bluffs and calls. How one wins the game was as yet unclear, likely because Rossi was still deciding on the rules.

"Reid," said Hotch firmly from across the circle in a tone that indicated he'd said it several times already.

"Huh?"

"It's your turn."

He looked down at the cards clutched in his good hand, then put them on the ground. "I fold."

"Wrong game," said Rossi, raising an eyebrow.

"Yet, I'm doing it anyway."

"You were staring at the door again, man," said Derek lightly.

"I was admiring the architecture," he deadpanned.

He itched all over, deeper than he could possibly scratch. He felt the syringe as if he were connected to it by an umbilical cord.

"I know this sucks," said Derek, "but you've already made it this long. What's one more day? You're str-"

"If I hear one more time that I'm stronger than this, I'm going to f-" he hissed to a stop, suddenly conscious of his excessive cursing. He took a breath. "I'm going to respectfully ask that you keep the facile support group platitudes to yourself."

Derek put his own hand of cards down. "If I acknowledge the drugs, you get mad. If you think I'm avoiding the topic or placating you, you get mad. Is there anything I can say, or not say, that won't piss you off?"

"Probably not," he said petulantly. "Is there anything I can say that will get you to stop treating me like I'm a bomb waiting to go off?"

An invisible ripple spread across the room. The game was forgotten. He hadn't meant to argue, but it bubbled out of him and he didn't know how to make it stop. They were always watching him. Always checking in, commenting on and correcting every errant behavior.

Derek sucked his teeth, jaw clenched. He looked away, then looked back.

"A week ago, we thought you were dead. Sorry it's taking a minute to get over it."

"I know," he said, instantly regretful.

"There's still a stain from where your blood soaked into the concrete," added JJ quietly, a distant look in the direction of the off color patch where the porous concrete couldn't be fully cleaned.

"I know. I know," he said quickly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," said Emily gently. "Nobody is trying to single you out. We're all struggling. Maybe, if we're honest, focusing on you can be a good distraction. God knows I don't want to think about my own issues a single second longer than I have to. Your problems just have the advantage of being harder to ignore."

"That's some very healthy radical honesty you're practicing," joked Rossi. Spencer appreciated his effort to break the tension.

"Shut up," scoffed Emily.

Spencer looked back at the door. After a long while, he said, "How long are we going to do this? It's been six days. They stalked us for at least a year. We can't discount their capacity for patience."

"So we have to be more patient than them," said Emily. "This was your idea."

Malicious compliance was the strategy. They tried following the rules. They tried open defiance. They tried self-destruction. This was an opportunity to do something new. Play her game by the letter, but don't let her win. Wait her out, as long as it takes, until she's forced to change tactics or make a bolder move. Do not, under any circumstances, allow their captors to believe that they can physically coerce them into specific actions.

It was less a plan than a loose tactic, but it was something. Nobody wanted to be gassed again, but they would take that over letting her win the battle of wills.

Which would be fine if it wasn't his rapidly waning willpower that they were depending on.

"There's still the option to just flush it," pointed out Derek.

"No," said Hotch, drawing all eyes to him. "As much as I want to, we all know what's going to happen if we do it. That kind of explicit defiance of an articulated rule will trigger retaliation, and it will be worse than the last time."

"I know you don't want to hear this," said JJ, reaching out to put her hand on his, though he could barely feel her touch, as it was his bad hand, "but you are stronger than this. You have to be."

He held her gaze. She was right: he didn't want to hear it. He wanted them to say 'Give in. Get high. That's a completely logical course of action.'

"I'll be fine," he said firmly. "Absolutely fucking fine."

"Watch the language," deadpanned Rossi.

He laughed despite himself.

His skin itched. His mangled arm was searing with nerve pain. He couldn't help another glance at the hatch.

Maybe he had it in him. For them, surely, he could endure.

He went to pick up the discarded cards, intending to make a concerted effort at the ridiculous, barely coherent game. It would be interrupted any minute by the second daily food delivery anyway. Maybe this would be the one where the Unsubs finally gave up and took the narcotics away, though he didn't have high hopes.

Before he could get to the cards, the world was plunged into darkness.

He froze for a moment, disoriented, struggling to process what he was, or rather wasn't seeing.

The lights were out.

[eris-snow]

6. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞?

Tags: bakugou x fem!reader, juxtaposition, angst, swearing, toaster shenanigans, bakusquad shenanigans

A yellow thread like a soulmate’s cord: So similar, but so different.

Katsuki hates people.

It doesn’t matter if he appreciates a small small small minority of them, he’s fully obligated to bring his thoughts to the grave because Mina and Denki had broken the toaster for the hundredth time, Kirishima’s way too positive for someone going for therapy and Izuku breathes too hard.

“Why do I have to buy the stupid toaster?” He lashes, sweat building dangerously in his hands. “I did nothing!”

“We haven’t hung out properly in a long while, man! Think of it as a…a get-together!” Eijiro told him, slinging an arm around his shoulder.

He’s testing his luck.

Ashido marches ahead of the both of them while playing thumb war with Denki. “And plus-hey!-you went feral when we got the previous previous toaster—Mina, stop it!” Denki chimes in, wrestling with Ashido.

“Who buys a VHS Player toaster? HOW DID YOU EVEN FIND A VHS PLAYER FOR A FUCKING TOASTER.”

“Mhm, uh-huh, yeah, yes, you see?” Ashido responds calmly. “This is why you’re needed.”

Behind them, Eijiro frowns. “I thought that was the 5th toaster, not the—”

“Finish that sentence,” He grits out. “I dare you.”

So yeah, borderline, Katsuki hates people.

He especially hates them when they start asking questions.

“You’ve been a ghost lately, disappearing right after class. What’s going on with you?” Eijiro changes the subject, and looks at him with curious red eyes.

Real, fuckin’ annoying questions.

Katsuki’s brain goes uhhh, and he shrugs off the red-haired’s shoulder to buy time.

“None of your business. If I’m busy, I’m busy. Deal with it.”

His friend gives him an inquisitive look, but Denki’s groan of defeat snaps both of them out of it, and Eijiro backs off. “Whatever you say, man.”

There’s an old street piano that lives right outside the mall. Katsuki’s surprised it’s still there, even after the plaza was stripped bare and renovated, the instrument sat there, creaking and lonely. What a contrast to the shiny, modern building it sat so innocently next to.

Out of nowhere, a splitting headache rips into his skull, and he has to grab the nearest thing (Eijiro) to keep himself from toppling. What the hell?

All he can see is that goddamn piano, multiplying and filling his vision. It flashes, disappears, and then reappears like it’s trying to decide whether it should be there or not. Someone calls his name, but it’s far away. Suddenly, he’s 7 again, showing off to all his admirers how wide his fingers could reach, how beautifully he could play the instrument.

All eyes are on him, and he feels like he’s a third person watching his younger self smile, shift aside to let someone else join him on the seat—

“Bakugou?”

A blink, two blinks, and the image is wiped.

“Bakugou?” Eijiro’s hand is on his shoulder and all eyes are on him. It takes him a second to realise that he’s gripping Eijiro’s arm, and another to unclench his hand. He leans away, and grits out low. “I’m fine.”

“You’re a liar,” Denki refutes, expression worried. “You okay, Bakubro?”

“Headache,” He supplies, gaze cutting back to the piano. It’s still sitting there harmlessly, like it hadn’t given him an existential crisis 5 seconds ago. He filters through his memories, frowning when he grasps at straws. He can’t remember ever playing a duet with someone.

Stalking ahead, he shoots a scowl at the inanimate object and enters the mall. “I wanna be in and out. Let’s go.”

He knows his friends’ expressions. They’re all concerned, because for some reason, Katsuki’s word isn’t good enough for them.

Whatever, it’s not like he hasn’t had lapses like that before.

A store full of green catches Katsuki’s eyes, and suddenly, all he can see is ferns and flowers stuffing the entrance of the little shop greeting the visitors of the mall.

They come back to the dorms with a new, normal toaster, and Katsuki gets a desk cactus.

—

Katsuki’s going deaf. He knows the drill yadda yadda, he’ll be deaf by 35 yadda yadda his quirk is an ass and so is he. However, he prides himself in knowing his eyesight is perfect and better than average. So he really, really hates it when they try to fuck shit up for him by making him see things that aren’t there.

His jacket hanging on the edge of the couch when he was visiting his parents over winter break. (It’s in an old storage unit his parents rented out since he can’t fit it anymore)

A cherry blossom tree siting right outside his old middle school. (It’s in the dead of the winter.)

Random street pianos, showing up at every turn.

And every time he shakes his head and blinks, the objects disappear. He doesn’t even want to get started with his dreams. Scenes from the war have been ending abruptly, cutting off and throwing him into moments of his life he never knew he lived through.

It’s been all he can even think about lately, and his zone-out sessions have earned him a slap to the head by his mother and daily check-ups via text from the shit broccoli nerd and Shitty Hair. He thinks about it, because it’s the same feeling when he hangs out with you. Your presence is so difficult to detect sometimes, he has to steels himself from blasting your face off because he didn’t notice you sitting right in front of him.

He has an internship with Jeanist and 10 articles to write for Hero History. He cannot afford to go crazy now.

—

“Katsuki.”

Katsuki’s eyes open. He spins around and finds a memory, ripped straight out from his life. It’s like watching a scene directly out of a play. His old, junior high classroom, with its rusted cabinets and creaky seats.

His younger self stops, and looks back, obviously annoyed. “What do you want, extra? Who the fuck are you?”

A girl stands there with her face blurred and clipped out, but for some reason, he knows her expression is one of shock and disbelief.

“Katsuki, don’t you remember me?”

Bakugou jolts awake. The sound of someone’s voice he can’t quite hear the words off ring in his mind, and he clenches his shirt as his heart pounds so loud it feels like it’s echoing throughout the entire room. Sweat is everywhere, clinging to his skin like a layer of dust, and a glance at his alarm clock shows 02:31. He lets out a loud groan, glaring at his empty ceiling. He’s definitely not going to sleep anytime soon. With sweat clinging to every part of his body, he swings his legs off and heads to the door. He needs a shower.

And coffee.

—

“Weird dreams? Seeing items not there?” Recovery Girl looks at him thoughtfully. “And you’re positive it’s not a Quirk?”

“That’s what I said,” Katsuki replied through gritted teeth. He’d have known if it was a Quirk. Even some Quirks weren’t touch-based, it was hard to be put under a quirk undetected. This was something else. “If it’s not doing you any physical harm, then my Quirk can’t help you with that. The best prescription I can give you is neuroleptic medications and sedatives for a good night's sleep. Other than that, try to take your mind off training for a while and take the rest of the day off. I suspect that you’re overworked.”

With Recovery Girl’s advice in mind, Katsuki comes out of the infirmary feeling less sane than he originally felt. Overworked? As if. The most eventful thing he experienced this month was him buying a fucking toaster.

With a heavy grunt, he opens the library door and ignores the hall just down the corridor. You’re probably on vacation, or visiting relatives. No point in going there.

If he’s barred from training the rest of today, then he could kill time by learning something new. If he wants to be a top hero, he’s got to be able to communicate. That means in both Japanese and English. If he can read more English books, he’d surely be more fluent in—

He stops short. In front of him, is a yellow thread. It curves and winds and leads him all the way to the back of the library, slung over seats and tables of the nearly isolated room. He’s heard about cringy soulmate manga from Mina, the one where the pinkies of two individuals are connected by a red string. This one, however, is yellow, and looks way thinner, like a spider’s skein.

Yellow.

That was your favourite colour.

Intrigued, he follows it all the way, and when he stops to see what’s at the end of it, he finds an essay shelved in the wrong way buried behind the dusty books that haven’t been borrowed in a long, long time. He almost misses it, but when he does find it, he takes it off the shelf and eyes the title wearily.

Phenomenon: Reset

It’s clearly not a published book, it’s bonded by stapler bullets and it’s written on the old U.A. foolscap that was outdated years ago. It’s more like a log then a book, a diary, even. Katsuki slaps himself mentally. What the fuck is he doing? Playing detective for his delusions? This could be a prank for all he knows, and the yellow skein his eyes playing tricks on him. This was—

‘Not a Quirk, causes people to become nearly invisible to the eye.’

Katsuki blinks rapidly.

Hah?

‘Day 3: I tried to talk to him the other day. It’s like we never met. He asked me if I was a new transfer student. I’ve been in his class for over a year.’

‘Day 4: He forgot our conversation the previous day. The teacher missed my name during attendance and called my parents up today. What’s going on?’

Katsuki skims through the rest of the days, and with each passing page, the handwriting gets more and more illegible.

‘Day 7: I feel like a ghost. My parents still remember me, thank goodness. I don’t know if I could handle it if they didn’t.’

‘Day 16: If this is some sick joke, I hope it ends already. What the hell? It’s like it’s a reset for me every single day. Every time I try to tell someone about it the person straight up forgets me the next day. This isn’t funny anymore.’

‘Day 70: He sees me! I don’t know how this worked but he sees me! I tried probing for more, but I can’t believe it! I’m so glad…it’s been so long since someone looked at me in the eye.”

‘Day 71: He remembers! Honestly, I don’t care that everyone else isn’t noticing me anymore, just having one person is enough.”

‘Day 121: I told him about my situation, and thankfully he believed me. He said he had a feeling about it, something about a watch and the stupid tree in the forest we used to sleep under. He said it kept popping up everywhere and it was driving him crazy.’

‘Day 235: I found an article that’d tried to be covered up. One of the government’s mistakes, back when Quirks were new. It had something to do with a science experiment gone wrong. It might be a lead.’

It goes on and on, from red hairs to dead ends, but through it, Katsuki got a gist of the situation. A science experiment from 70 years ago was conducted to see if a Quirk could be transferred forcibly from one person to another. That Quirk was named Undetected, one of the less destructive Quirks of that time and among the few who agreed to proceed with this experiment.

It might be possible in the modern day, but humans back then were far too uneducated to be dealing with Quirks that were still relatively new. The experiment went wrong, obviously, and it resulted in a glitch of the person’s Quirk and the region the experiment was being carried out in. Victims ended up forgotten with a presence so low that they were basically invisible. Back when this article was still new, there had been questions raised about it, whether these Quirks were more of a curse than a blessing, but with time this phenomenon ‘faded out of existence’.

No one could prove it, and the victims were chalked up to accidents or lunatics. Not many were affected anyway, and almost as quickly as the rumour made headlines, it disappeared entirely from the internet.

Katsuki’s blood runs cold.

Is this what was going on with you?

He leafs through the paper and skips to the last day that was catalogued.

‘Day 435: He said that I looked really pale, and told me that he’d found a way to save me. I was really glad, I was really. I only wish that we could have done it before it was too late.’

Katsuki flips the page over to find nothing else written and almost crumples the paper up in frustration.

He needs to see you. Now.

[mystsee]

DRIFTED ✦ SIMON GHOST RILEY

PREV ✦ PART 2 ✦ NEXT

✦ about: after yesterday’s incident, simon is there for you. at all times. even when you try to push him away :(

✦ content: afab reader, fluff, panic attacks, inaccurate medical terms xd, pining, violence mentions, no mask , hospital, no mentions of y/n

✦ a.n: part of this story is based on my personal experience, #definitelynotprojecting

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

WAKING up in the hospital wasn’t what confused you the most, it was the weight of something, rather someone, in your arm. you felt your head dizzy, remembering yesterday’s events.

you were unconscious for the most part, but you do remember simon threatening the doctors they took care of you in that moment. simon was very panicked and angry, he couldn’t believe someone could do that to you, let alone a man.

he was desperate knowing who he was, so, he asked lily. lily was indecisive if telling him the story, i mean, she has no idea what’s your story with simon, you never told her he was your boyfriend soon to be husband

“look, i just remember they met in a meeting or something like that, i never saw her happy with him, it always seemed like she was just trying to move on about someone” simon felt a pang in his chest. he never knew anything about how you dealed with the breakup, he went away for as long as he could.

“the bastard started controlling her, and it was hard for her impossible to break up with him, the night she came from a long work trip, she found him in her flat, angry as hell. trying to force her to go move in with him and leave her work”

simon remembers how passionate you were while learning languages, being a translator was your dream, you just loved languages. he was happy to know you were still doing it :)

“the psycho tried to force her and started pushing her around, trying to take her out of her flat, i arrived just in time, i called 911 and they took him out of her flat. since there was no proof of him hurting her, police couldn’t give him a restriction order”

simon felt anger boiling up to him, how dare someone tried touching you like that?

an hour later, the doctor came out, telling simon your hip was fractured, the doctors managed to solve it, all you needed now was fisio therapy. and lots of rest. doctor said you would have a limp for a while when you walked, so you would need help while walking, simon ears perked at that, he could be near you now.

you were still unconscious, the anesthesia they gave you was hard on you. you were okay though, but simon didn’t think for a second he would leave your side.

he slept next to you that night. “i’m s’ sorry love” he said in a small whisper “i thought distance would b’good too, should’ know i needed to fight harder for you.” simon took a deep breath

“maybe then, you wouldn’t be here” knowing you dated this bastard, trying to move on, made him feel a bit guilty inside.

as you opened your eyes, your eyes moved to your left, you saw simon, his head on your arm, and his hand holding yours. you felt heat rush to your cheeks. he looked so peaceful like that. you always loved sleeping next to him, engulfed by his big arms, you always slept like a baby next to him :(

you slowly moved your other hand, and moved it to simon’s hair, soft as ever, making small patterns on his hair. you stared at him for what it felt like forever. maybe they were 5 minutes, but you really appreciated seeing simon again.

you felt when simon woke up, he was awake a while ago, but he wanted to feel your hands on him his muscles tensed up, and his hand tightened on your hand. the way he moved his head to look at you, made your cheeks even redder. he had this lazy look, his hair a mess, but his eyes held something when he looked at you. “love? you awake?” his deep voice made your thighs clench unconsciously, it sounded way too good.

“yes” you said breathlessly, simon sat up and started stretching, he was clearly in a very uncomfortable position, his black shirt moved up a little bit, making you see a clear outline of his abs. your face was a tomato at this point

“i’ll call the doctor, love” that nickname was making you feel things, how come in less that a minute he’s making you all flustered? you thought you moved on!

after 5 minutes of a medical check up, the doctor explained what happened to you, and of course, you felt the tears threaten to fall. you try hard to keep them inside, but it was really hard, you felt ashamed with yourself:(

lily came back after an hour of being in silence with simon, a lot of thoughts were spiraling on your head, where is he? is he at the police station? will you be safe in your home?

lily brought you a change of clothes, doctors gave you the heads up, but you need to come here every once a week for fisio. your sweater covered most of the bruises the bastard left you, making you less uncomfortable. being around simon in this state was making you feel weird.

as you tried standing up on the bed, your left leg gave out, making you almost fall, but simon’s hand was on your waist, firm on there, making you blush again, his hand felt so good around you you almost forgot your leg was hurting you .

he effectively caged you in between the bed, you didn’t dare to move your eyes, you were sure his lieutenant stare was on you right now. but you were so close to him, you could feel his muscled chest and his breath.

you saw simon moving to his side after a long minute, and move his left arm up, signaling you to grab it. you started waking out of the hospital with him, it felt weird, you were still processing the fact that he was here, and now you were waking with your arms intertwined?

you thought lily would be picking you up with simon, but turns out, simon brought his car, a jeep, when? god knows, but it was really good looking. simon helped you up, once again feeling his hands around your waist, so lovely. he helped you buckle up, again really close to you. all of this was making you confused. neither of you said a word.

the ride home was awkward, for simon, he didn’t know what to say, you didn’t say anything, and you, you were feeling shame, a lost gaze on the road. simon saw that and felt his heart clench, he didn’t like seeing you sad.

the elevator to your flat was not working, so, simon the oh so gentleman decided to carry you “wait! no simon, it’s okay, you don’t nee-!” he was carrying you bridal style, his big arms carrying you, one holding your waist, and the other your legs, you just hid your face on his chest.

simon smiled at that, it was so easy getting you flustered, and he must admit, he really missed having you in his arms.

by the time you were inside your flat, you just told him you needed to go to the bathroom.

you needed an excuse to get away from him, it was really shameful, not seeing each other for 2 years and now, he sees you a mess, not even able to walk correctly.

so many thinking made you start hyperventilating, not realizing, and a small sob made your way up to your throat.

simon, obviously, heard that, in less than a second he was on the door “love? you okay?” you heard simon outside making you cry now. you couldn’t see him right now.

“open the door love” simon said softly, he felt the need to hold you, that’s what he did everytime you cried

“no simon, please, just go” you said defeatedly, you had no control over your mind right now, and you didn’t want to hurt simon’s feelings.

“please, baby open the door” his soft voice made you weak, oh his soft voice that was only for you. you opened the door slowly. simon saw you, holding to your dear life on the bathroom’s counter. it was clear you couldn’t stand good by yourself.

“love” simon said approaching you, you just shaked your head, all the emotions of yesterday creeping up on you right now. “no, simon, please” sobbing, you seriously didn’t want him to see you like that

“you’ll hurt yourself like that, please let me help you” simon walked slowly to you, you just held his arms strong, still shaking your head, suddenly simon hoisted you up in his waist, taking care of your leg of course.

he got you up in the counter, and stood in between your legs “simon” you whimpered “what’s wrong huh? you don’t want me here?” you shaked your head, the exhaustion and all the emotions of yesterday and today was making you dizzy “it’s not that” with a small breath you looked at him on the eyes “i don’t like you seeing you seeing me like this, i feel ashamed, you stayed up all night with me on that room, and i appreciate it a lot, but i don’t to want to be a burden to you” you said in between breaths.

simon was confused for a second, he’s seen you cry a lot, you’ve cried on his arms, sobbed uncontrollably with him, why would you feel ashamed of being like this in front of him “simon, t-the situation” you took a shaky breath “that you saw yesterday, i, i don’t know how to explain it, i’m so ashamed it got like that”

“baby, hey look at me” his big hands cupped your face “i’m here for you okay, i know there’s been a lot of distance between us, but i’m here now ok?” simon put his forehead with yours, you were so close to him now, and the need to kiss him was strong, you thought he would want to leave.

“i, i don’t want to bother you” you said lowering your gaze to his chest, but simon just moved your head to his eyes “you are not a bother to me at all love” said simon smiling, and you surprised him by putting your arms around a him, hugging him tightly to you. you had your arms around his waist , and your face on hidden in his neck. simon felt warm inside, taking a second to react, he put his arms around your waist like he used to and pushed you tighter to him, you felt at peace with him, feeling his arms rub small circles on your back.

maybe it was a mistake breaking up with him, but you have him back now,

maybe the universe is giving you another chance, and you won’t let it miss

“come on baby, you need to rest” simon said carrying you to your bed. you tightened your hold on him when he dropped you to your bed, making simon make a small laugh “please you koala, you need to rest” simon was in between your legs again, with his forearms next to your head “stay here” you said almost slurring, the meds were clearly messing with your head right now, “i’ll be here, you don’t have to worry”

5 minutes later you laid fast asleep in your bed. lily arrived to your flat later, and saw simon going out of your room “hey, the police told me he’s under investigation and arrest, but i don’t know for how long” simon saw the worry in lily’s eyes “i’ll keep her safe, let’s hope for the best yeah?”

it was now simon’s duty to keep you safe, he won’t ever let you go again. ♡

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

hello hello! how was this?? i hope it was interesting, like i said fluff is my thingy, so, expect this to be really fluffy hehe.

i like the drama, but also the comfort, sooo, expect another dramatic chapter again hehe

hope you liked it!! part 3 on the way!

taglist !!

@the-queen-of-england183 @sluttyforsimon @hotaruteba @honey-on-mars

[imyourbratzdoll]

𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒏

part 5 of 💔broken family💔

summary - a year has passed, and maybe there's a chance for new beginnings.

the gif I use isn't mine, headers by me.

part 1 - part 2 - part 3 - part 4

Warnings and Reminders - Please do not plagiarise, copy, repost/republish, adapt, or translate any of my work on any social media platforms, apps, or third-party sites. The only platforms I post my work on are: Tumblr and Wattpad. I do not own any character of any franchise (Marvel etc.) All my works are fiction and may be dark or triggering content: READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

A year passed after your talk with Ari, and things began to change. He’d no longer treat you horribly when you dropped your son off, and you had continued going to therapy, knowing you still had things to work through. Your boss understood when you met with her for coffee, telling you to take as much time as needed. You felt happier than you have felt in a long time. It still hurt knowing you and Ari weren’t together because to you, he was still your soulmate, the love of your life, but you had no idea where he stood anymore.

You looked around your house, a final goodbye as you needed to move on from here. It was so lonely and quiet. All of your things were being packed and moved to a moving truck. There wasn’t a point in keeping a house this size if it would just be you staying there at times. You stared, remembering all the good times you had when things were happier and simpler. Little feet pitter-pattered through the empty house, coming straight toward you. “Mumma!” You quickly kneel, catching your energetic son as he clings to you. 

“Hi, baby. Did you get everything?” Jason nods, and you press a soft kiss on his forehead. “Do you want to say bye, house?” He rests his head on your shoulder, turning to look at the house.

“Bye-bye, house!” He waves, and your heart feels warm as you carry him out of your old memories and toward the new. His little chubby fingers curl into the top of your pink sundress, looking at you with big eyes. “Get drink, mummy?” 

You nod, “Yeah, baby. We can get a drink.” You place him into his car seat before hopping into the driver’s side and driving to your favourite coffee shop. The memories that had been formed here were… Special. You park your car, get out and grab hold of your son again. You begin to walk into the place, the smell of coffee filling your senses, causing your eyes to close for a split second. You stand in line, holding your son’s hand as he babbles about some new thing happening at school, and you listen, smiling down at him occasionally because you don’t know where you’d be without him. 

“Mumma, mumma! Should see my drawing! Teacher hung it up! Is good!” He grins, his two front teeth missing from a few nights ago. The joy he felt when he realised the tooth fairy would be visiting was the best feeling to watch. He had placed his teeth under the pillow, and when morning came. His little squeals filled the room, and he ran out to show you the money. The only downside was that Ari wasn’t there to see it happen, to experience his son losing his teeth, or to see his excitement. You knew he would’ve enjoyed the precious moment as much as you did. Jason tugs on your hand, moving closer as the line moves. “Can I has the strawberry shake, pwease, mummy?” 

You nod, squeezing his hand. “Of course, you can, baby.” A chill ran through you, a sense of deja-vu flashing before you as you looked over to the table you had first seen Ari sitting at. A spark buzzed through the air when your eyes connected with the very same pretty blues you had grown to love. He had been watching you the moment you walked through the door, experiencing the same deja-vu when he had seen you in your pink sundress. You had become more beautiful than ever, a glow wrapping around you as you smiled at whatever your son was babbling on about.

Ari smiled softly, feeling his heart warm as you smiled back. He watched as you and Jason headed to the front, ordering what he presumed would be your favourite coffee and possibly a shake for Jason, as his son loved those. Especially the strawberry, and he had been going through a strawberry phase lately.

It was as if the universe was telling you something because as you and Jason had been waiting for your drinks, occasionally looking over at Ari, who never took his eyes off of you. You could feel like something familiar was going to happen, and when you grabbed your drinks, handing the strawberry shake to your son, and were about to take a sip of your coffee. A man bumped into you, causing your drink to splash out and stain your pink sundress. Everything began to move in slow motion, your son clutching your dress with the hand that wasn’t gripping his drink and Ari standing and moving toward you the same way he did many years ago. 

His hand landed gently on your hip, silently asking if you were okay before turning to the man, and the weird thing was, he had been the same man that had bumped into you when you and Ari first met, on the same day, in the same coffee shop, in the same dress. You watched with wide eyes, never moving your hand from your son as Ari ripped into the man, and when the man ran off, Ari took you and Jason to the same booth before going up and ordering you another drink. You watched him from your seat, your son oblivious, but your and Ari’s eyes connected as if you could feel the same strange feelings you had felt those years ago between you.

Ari returned with the drink and some napkins, helping you soak up the remaining coffee and asking if you were okay. Your eyes never once leave him, and Jason looks up, watching his parents stare at each other with a look he had only seen once before when the whole family was together.

You smile softly, putting your hand out. “I’m Y/n.”

And a grin appears on Ari’s face, following your action as his large hand fills yours. “A gorgeous name for a gorgeous woman. I’m Ari.” You swear everyone could feel the sparks flying between the two of you.

“I, Jason.” Your son’s tiny hand lands on yours and Ari’s, grinning. You and your ex's eyes move toward your son’s as you both break out into laughter. Your hands come down and tickle his chubby belly. “Mummy! Mummy! Stop! Tickles!” He giggles, trying to squirm away from you, and glares at his father, who decides to join in. “No! No! You suppose to help me, daddy!” 

The two of you stop, placing a soft kiss on top of your son’s head before your eyes connect again, and you smile.

Because maybe fate had planned this, perhaps this was where you were supposed to be.

Where it all began.

thank you for reading!

feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

this is sadly the end of the series, and I thank everyone for being with me for this ride.

[mayson-jarz-artz101]

Part One: Luther

Another analysis but this time on Diego! He’s..got a lot. I’m scared to do Five tbh. Five’s analysis will be like an entire book, same with Klaus..and Viktor. Oof..😅

Okay, Diego!

In regard to his relationship with his family, the closest he seems to be with is: Luther, Five and Klaus. With Luther, it may have been because he was number 2. So he stood up to lead whenever Luther failed.

Note: (I remember reading a theory a long time ago that the numbers were based on the strongest (7) to weakest (1). So Luther was weakest when it came to his powers. The only reason he led is because Luther had been the most devoted, meanwhile Viktor was..ordinary at the time.)

So Diego was basically second in command, meaning he probably had a lot on his shoulders. He probably would’ve been number one if it weren’t for his stutter (and the fact Reginald didn’t know of his more advanced abilities, like him stopping bullet trajectory. At the time, he could only throw knives wherever he wanted).

Speaking of his stuttering, I’ve looked into it aooooo little (people with more experience can give their thoughts) and it seems like stuttering from a young age is a neurological thing from 2-5. But it could also be a result of trauma. So we have some possible causes…

1. He was just born like that. It never really went away, it only really comes out when he’s stressed.

2. He had head trauma as a child. I think the scar on his head was from Klaus trying to throw one of Diego’s daggers? But if I misremembering then maybe it came from an accident.

3. Severe emotional trauma. He experienced something that just affected him so badly he just…changed psychologically.

Probably a mixture of all three tbh. But we do know Grace was the one who helped him with speech therapy. This is probably the main reason he’s so attached to Grace. The sparrow kids make fun of him for being so attached to a robot but to him, that’s his mom. She’s the one who helped him. She understood and she never made fun of him or ostracized him. Although, we did see that Viktor as a young kid killed a lot of Nannie’s…I’m not sure if they were real humans first or if they were robots. I think the Nannie’s at first were the ones we see in the opening were the ones Viktor killed. So from this, the kids probably had their own nanny as babies. Obviously Reginald isn’t gonna be changing any diapers.

So..from this theory, Diego originally had a nanny he was attached to. His mom. Then he was possibly 7 or 8, Viktor killed her. Maybe he didn’t know it was Viktor? If he knew, that could be one reason as to why he was so standoffish with Viktor in season 1. If not then..ouch. Then Reginald built Grace and he was probably scared to loose her too. So he treated her like his real mother (which, to be fair, I would too. Her and Pogo did everything they could.)

Now we’ve got some background, let’s go into season 1:

As we know, Diego left at some point, probably after Ben died. We also know Diego deals with grief very angrily. So with Reginald mindwashing them to believe it was their fault, he blamed himself for his brother’s death and he left. He probably lived on the streets for a bit, if he didn’t steal money from Reginald first. Then at some point, he joins the police academy..and gets kicked out. Then he starts vigilantism but he needs a job, so he starts boxing (him and Luther are pretty similar when you think about it..) so he can live at the boxing ring.

Boxing is indeed a coping mechanism. It helps to unleash your anger in an acceptable way (like, sometimes people become surgeons to satiate a need to stab things..psychology!). So on top of boxing for money and a home, he’s taking his frustrations out on people. And his Vigilantism..he probably feels like he can’t do anything. Reginald implanted this idea of having to save people. He has powers, he HAS to. So he does.

At some point he also dates a detective (Eudora Patch) but they break up, probably because he was kicked out of the academy and then became a vigilante.

Then Viktor releases the book outing their entire lives. I don’t think we get to see exactly what Viktor writes but since it’s an autobiography, he probably went into vivid detail on everything. Diego probably felt outed. He doesn’t like people knowing all his stuff, he likes his privacy and he doesn’t like to be seen as vulnerable. That’s why he’s so hateful towards Viktor. Vik was the sibling that meant nothing to the family in terms of “the umbrella family.” He had no powers, he was shy, he only ever played his violin. Then as soon as he leaves, he outs the entire family and their drama. Most people probably wouldn’t feel great if their sibling wrote a book on the entire life and told the world all your private moment.

Diego and Klaus are the closest in this season. Diego tries to take care of him as best as he can but Klaus just..doesn’t care too much. Diego knows Klaus is self destructive but..he can’t really do anything. He seems to somewhat understand Klaus’ trauma in the war..

A pattern we’ll notice with Diego is that he always tries to help his siblings. Usually by talking or letting them vent. So far in the series, he’s the one who’s had heart to hearts with everyone (Luther in a deleted S4 scene, Allison in season 3, Klaus in season 1, Ben in season 2, Viktor in season 3, and Five throughout the seasons)

Season 2: Diego gets to the 60s..and the first thing he does is try to..kill Lee Harvey Oswald. Or arrest him? Whatever he’s trying, he’s trying to stop JFK from being assassinated. I think the reason he’s so keen on doing it is because he has a savior complex. And saving the president is the most savior you can get, even though I’m sure Five told him about changing the timeline too much.

This is also when he develops a relationship with Lila. Diego gets attached and defends her at all costs…until it’s reveled she’s with the commission and working with the enemy. He breaks up with her but she kidnaps him and takes him back to the commission. He was obviously pretty upset with the whole thing, so looping back to his mommy issues, he’s got abandonment issues. He doesn’t want to be alone but as soon as Lila turns out to be the bad guy, he feels betrayed and hurt again.

At the commission, he now realizes what Five’s been talking about this entire time. I think he actually wants to be apart of the commission (not apart of the corruption) to save people internationally and inter dimensionally. I mean, as soon as he came back, he immediately rubbed it all into Five’s face. Five, being the old man he is, knew most of it was bullshit and just shook his head.

In season 3, Lila basically dumps a child onto Diego. So now, Diego is caring for this boy who..is pretty similar to him tbh. So he struggles a bit but he actually ended up being pretty good. We already know in season 4, he ends up with the family life but right now this is a pretty indicator he actually wanted that life, at least somewhere deep down. When Stanley, the kid, gets lost, Diego looses it. He’s trying to find him, thinking he’ll just be somewhere in the building. In the hotel oblivion, that’s when Lila tells him that Stanley isn’t his son, just a kid she basically kidnapped for a week. Diego feels betrayed again but now this kid he bonded with (and tbh, Stanley would’ve been better off with Diego. At least Diego actually interacted with him and tried to teach him things).

Then Lila also drops the bombshell that she’s pregnant so..he’s essentially grieving the loss of one child (Stanley gets kugleblitzed) but now he has to grieve to loss of ANOTHER child because the end of the world is coming and he can’t do anything about it!…on top of that, he’s grieving the loss of his mom (Grace being a glitchy robot) and his brother (Ben, who “died” as a ghost and is now sparrow Ben, an asshole)..so he’s grieving a lot of different things and he’s probably really confused.

In season 4, we get another side of Diego. The family man. He…isn’t the biggest fan. Now, I’ve rewritten him to be a police officer but we’ll go with canon (I suppose…) so he’s a UPS driver. He hates it. He isn’t very good at the whole “normal life” thing. He misses his powers, he misses being something, he misses the excitement.

He loves his kids, obviously..I mean, the first thing he did when getting his powers back was winning a stupid carnival game to get stuffed animals. He just..again, has a savior complex. He wants to save people. Which is why when he sees Five again, he keeps asking if the CIA accepted his resume yet.

I think he might be somewhat jealous of Five? He’s showing a lot of it..like when he went to the commission and immediately rubbed it in his face. Now asking if the CIA will accept him.

This also goes into the whole..Five and Lila situation. Like..Lila, I know she said she wanted a break (oh yeah, right before Diego had to see how his brother fuckin died, great timing babe) but Five now has everything Diego wants! A good job where he gets to save people…and his wife.

That’s Diego…lots of abandonment issues, a savior complex, some roots of jealousy..he’s an interesting guy. He’s got a lot going for him but he can’t adjust to a normal life because he was never taught a normal life. He’s an almost 40 year old man, it’s hard for him to unlearn everything prior.

[dereality-existence]

*poof* i’ve entered ur inbox again bc yes >:)

Do u think that Adam is just kinda dumb, or is he more than he is letting on? As in, he appears immature like a 5 year old, but has the ability to be mature?

i always got the feeling that he was a lot more than just being a plain ol’ dummy, maybe cuz i wear a tin foil hat like an overthinker every time he’s mentioned in a conversation e

(hope i uh, dont bother u too much with the asks tho, i just like entering in ppl’s inboxes)

Well, it's not just overthinking. Some could make an assumption that Adam is just a dumb-dumb plain villain. But if you wanted to make him remain a plain dumb-dumb villain, why add this tender smile at the end, as if showing his true self?

Not just a smile, but throughout the whole season, the bits of his humane side could be seen right from the first appearance.

(Due to my nature and my struggles, I dunno if I will ever make a full analysis of him, so I will talk about him here as I can!)

Right on his meeting with Charlie, he's showing a constant lack of self-confidence. His constant yapping about how awesome and cool he is doesn't prove anything about him actually being that. Count how many times, while speaking, he looks at Lute, as if gaining a validation from her that he's doing everything right. See how he addresses her, with hope that she's going to cheer him up. How he is always turning to her to see that she's cheering him up, so he can continue his behavior.

The moment with: "Right, Sera…?" is the same thing with self-confidence and uncertainty. In the same court scene, his true nature could be seen at the moment when he stopped his excitement and apologized to Sera.

I know a couple of narcissists IRL, and I can surely say they never apologize. Even if they do, they only pretend to, and it could be seen. Plus, even after apologizing, they like to add EVERY TIME something like, "…but you made me do it. I'm sorry, but you started first", blaming you in the end.

Adam really felt sorry, feeling discomfort for getting too far. And hey, yes, he knows boundaries. It's shown when he got surprised at Lute's violent comment about Vaggie, with his: "Chill, Lute, fuck.". He knows what "getting too far" is.

Also notice how he is always accompanied by someone who can support him. Lute hanging out with him in the free time, I bet, so he could feel safe and protected, besides actually enjoying being with her. He's always relying on someone.

Even when he cheered up his army of exorcists, there was that brief: "Ha-ha, yeeah!" as if for a second he was afraid that he didn't manage to get them hyped with his offer with bucks for them. Like he gets excited that they reacted positively to him struggling with offering them something good for their job, relaxing that he succeeded on that and did not fail.

Did we even see him alone besides the finale? Where you know, he dies. See how he is slowly losing when he is left alone. His self-confidence fades; he's getting angry, not being able to do anything successfully, starting to behave erratically and stupidly.

He's a follower, lacking self-confidence, hurt, and probably not knowing how to live without others guiding him how to.

Haters love to flood all the blame on him for everything when they turn a blind eye to who's actually in control and who let him do all of this shit. Those who let him do the things he did and who allowed him, who cheered him to do it—they are at the same responsibility for everything, if not fully responsible actually.

So I would say he's a poor, uncertain, immature man, rather than dumb. He is more than what he shows on the outside. Give him to the right people, and he would be normal; a man needs therapy, that's for sure.

(no, you never bother me, everything's okay <3) (you personally have something like a "special free pass" from me to ask, messaging me and etc so never worry hehehehe ≧◡≦)

(omg i swear i tried to be brief, why is it so long lol)

[thezombieprostitute]

Dream Come True - Part 4

Summary: The “Garbage Men” are the guys in the mob who get the dirt on others and clean up after the higher ups. They have many different ways of gathering intel by running legitimate businesses. One such business is Jefferson/Jensen’s cyber cafe where you regularly go to work. You’ve actually become good friends with Jefferson’s daughter and Jensen’s niece. You even volunteered as their after-school tutor. One day, there’s a robbery attempt where you get hurt protecting the girls. This is how you are introduced to Curtis Everett, the guy in charge of the “Garbage Men”.

A/N: Reader is plus sized, femme. No other descriptors used.

Word Count: ~2000. I think this is my longest chapter.

Warnings: Bullying, Fat shaming, Insecure reader, Violence mentioned and referenced but not written. Please let me know if I missed any!

Series Masterlist

Part 3 -- Part 5

It figured. You had an interview in an hour and now Curtis had time to talk to you. You could probably catch a cab and still arrive on time, so long as you kept this conversation short.

As soon as he walked into the cyber cafe (your second home at this point) you stood up and got his attention. He looked a little surprised to see you standing but you remembered every time he's seen you so far it was in a hospital bed. It's been a few weeks and your leg was still stiff but you were diligent in your physical therapy and healing well.

He walked over to you, accompanied by someone you didn't recognize. As soon as he got close enough you directed him to the office in the back, "Jefferson gave me permission to use his office for this discussion." Curtis nodded and the three of you went into the room, closing the door behind you.

"Hello," you reach a hand towards the stranger, "I'm Y/N. I don't think we've been introduced."

"Mace," he shakes your hand with a smile. "We've never met but I have heard a lot about you."

"It's nice to meet you," you return the smile. Looking at Curtis you continue, "we need to talk about either my schedule or Hal's, Sir."

Curtis gestures to the chairs and you all take a seat.

You start, "I understand that there are a lot of things you can't account for in your scheduling but Hal has had to cancel every session I've tried to have with him. And if I'm not tutoring, I'm not getting paid."

"We can put you on retainer," Curtis started.

You interrupted him with a scoff. "I'm not getting paid to do nothing, Sir. What's more, this is hurting Hal. He wants to learn but your chaotic scheduling is preventing that. Do you know how discouraging that can be? To finally have a resource but never be allowed to use it?"

Curtis sighs and looks at Mace, "do you think we can figure out a consistent time?"

"It'll take some work," he replies. "And, as the lady points out, there are things we can't plan for. But it should be possible."

Curtis looks at you, questioningly and you nod your head, "thank you both. This has been very frustrating for me and Hal so I really appreciate it."

"Eh," Mace replies, "what's a little more work?"

"Well I don't mean to cut into your time off with this, Sirs," your tone apologetic.

"We don't do time off," Curtis cuts in.

"What? Why not," you demand. "Time off is important for physical and mental health."

"We have to show our people that we're not asking them to do anything we wouldn't do ourselves," Curtis replied calmly.

"That's bullshit," you exclaim. "No wonder everyone's schedules are so hectic! You're all too exhausted and worn out to think straight!"

"We've been doing this for years," Curtis angrily interjects. "It's clearly been working."

"If you, Hal and Jake are any indication it's only working because of an ungodly amount of caffeine and luck," you retort. "You either need to get some more people or start scheduling R&R for you and your employees, Sir."

You're so focused on Curtis that you don't see Mace smiling, clearly trying not to laugh. Curtis's eyes soften a bit and he nods in concession.

"Thank you." You check your watch, "now if you'll excuse me, I have an interview to get to."

"What?" Curtis looked shocked. You almost think you saw some hurt in his eyes.

"My work for you will always get highest priority, Sir," you assure. "But it's very part-time work, that you’ve been unintentionally sabotaging and keeping very part-time. And that overly generous back pay won't last forever. So I'm looking at getting another income."

"Do you need a ride to the interview," Mace offers.

"No, but thank you," you reply. "The Wilford & Gilliam Trust building isn't too far and I can afford a cab."

Both men froze at your words as you got up and tried to leave. Curtis quickly blocked your access to the door and nearly growled, "you're not going to that interview."

"Excuse you?" Your eyes widen in surprise. "I've already told you that my work for you will get top priority and that I need the income, Sir. Now please move. I don't want to be late."

"You're not working for Wilford & Gilliam," Curtis barked. "You need another income? Fine. I'll find you another job. But you're not working for them."

"It's just a part-time, data entry kind of job," you retort. "And it's consistent, reliable work."

"They're horrible people who fund even worse people," Curtis scowled. "I know you like your data to back up these kinds of things but I can't tell you how I know."

You scan Curtis's face, take aback at the intensity of his conviction. There is no room for doubt that he believes in what he's saying. "Okay, Sir," you concede. "You've yet to do wrong by me so I'll trust you. I will still look for a second job, in case you can't find me one, but it will not be with them."

Satisfied with your answer Curtis let's you leave. As soon as you're out the office door he sees the grin on Mace's face. He gives him a questioning look but before Mace can say anything they hear you exclaim, "Mr. Drysdale?!"

Both men rush out to the main cafe and see Ransom looking uncharacteristically repentant.

"Y/N," Ransom gulped, "come back to work for me. Please."

"No," you responded before trying to walk around him.

Ransom blocks your path, "please! I...I made a mistake and I would like to make it up to you."

"No," you repeat, patience wearing thin.

"I'll double your pay, please!"

"Hire someone else!"

"I'VE TRIED," he shouts. "Their work doesn't get me through writer's block like yours did. Their research is all dry facts that are hard to absorb. You wrote in such a way that it was easy for me to figure out how to write it into the story. So PLEASE come back to work for me!"

"Do you know why I requested remote work, Mr. Drysdale?" He shakes his head, not used to the iciness in your voice. "I heard you complaining about me to your grandfather, the one who made you hire me. You never had a problem with my work but you still insisted he let you fire me so you could get a pretty assistant. One who was, to use your words, preferably fresh out of college. Because how could you be expected to write when you had to look at ugly, fat ass instead of a beautiful muse?"

Ransom at least had the decency to look ashamed but you didn't relent.

"So I worked remotely, making sure you wouldn't have to see me and I wouldn't have to put up with your looks of disgust. And then, when I got hurt, you cut me loose. So, no, Mr. Drysdale, I will not be working for you ever again. I prefer a reliable employer who appreciates my work."

You try to walk past him but he puts an arm out to stop you. Before you can react to the arm, Curtis has pulled Ransom away, gripping him by the front of his sweater. You don't want to cry in front of everyone so you keep walking, set on going home.

As soon as you're out the door Curtis snarls, "you do not treat any of my employees like that." Before Ransom can reply Curtis punches him in the face and he falls to the floor. Curtis glances at Mace who responds with a nod, promising he'll see to the witnesses, before he lets himself run after you.

Thankfully it was an off time of day and the sidewalks were mostly empty. He spotted you right away and quickly went after you. He caught up to you but the tears in your eyes made him stop in his tracks. 

“Y/N,” he asked. “You gonna be okay?”

“Eventually, Sir,” you reply, still walking. “He’s not the first asshole I’ve had to deal with and he won’t be the last.”

“I’m sorry you had to deal with that. I should’ve stepped in sooner.”

“I’m glad you didn’t, actually. He needs to know I’m serious and that I’m strong enough to not need him. If you had stepped in before I was done talking, he’d think he could still get to me by going around you. This way I got to be the one shutting him out, giving him no room to think he could worm around.”

“That’s fair. I was incredibly impressed with how you handled him.”

“Like I said, not the first asshole to put my looks ahead of my worth.”

“Your prettiness is definitely a bonus to your good work,” he says before he can stop himself.

You stop and look at him, an angry expression and fresh tears on your face. “Don’t, Sir. Just don’t. I’m not interested in your pity.”

“I’m not…” Curtis stops himself. He’s clearly not saying the right things and doesn’t want to hurt you further. “I’m sorry.”

You nod and continue the trek to your apartment. He silently accompanies you. You’re hurt and he can’t fix it. If anything, he’d likely just make it worse. He never wanted to see tears in your eyes but being the cause of a fresh wave of them made him hurt in ways he never knew he could. 

“This is my building, Sir,” you interrupt his thoughts. “Thank you for walking me home and making sure I’m okay.” He nods, still afraid to say or do anything else, and you walk into your building, leaving him on the sidewalk. Part of him wants to follow after but he’s not sure he’d be able to actually do anything. Best if he just gets lost in his work. That’s always helped him before.

As he turns to walk back to the cybercafe, he sees Mace in their work van, parked on the curb. He moves into the passenger seat and sighs. As Mace drives away, Curtis says, “okay, we’ve gotta rework a few schedules.”

Mace chuckles, “if I’d known all it would take to get you to relent was a pretty face with a fiery spirit-”

“Don’t,” Curtis interrupts. 

“I’m just saying,” Mace bantered. “I’ve been telling you for a long while now that we need to give the guys a better work environment or they’ll burnout and make stupid mistakes. She makes one comment about how it affects her and you’re singing a different tune.”

“That’s not what happened.”

“I was there, Curtis. I saw it all happen.”

Curtis remained silent.

“I can’t say I blame you, though. She’s got some serious-”

“ENOUGH,” Curtis ordered. “Let’s just get to thinking about some more work for her.”

Mace took a calculating look at Curtis, “how about we have work with Colin and Mickey? They could use someone responsible to act as their manager. We could get better info from their VIP section if at least one person was sober. And you know they’d make her feel…appreciated.”

“No,” Curtis barked. “They’re idiots who would get her in trouble. I also don’t want her anywhere near the drug monitoring operations. If one of Rumlow’s goons pushes something on her…”

“Okay,” Mace interrupted. “How about Lee or Barber? She’d be pretty safe with them.”

“No. She’s too curious. Lee and Barber have information about us and I don’t want her to go snooping and suddenly be liable for our mistakes.”

“You’re intent on keeping her in the dark? She’s clearly smart enough to know there’s more to all of what we do.”

“But she has no specifics. No details. She can still claim ignorance and that’s how I want it.”

“Not sure how plausible an idea that’s gonna be. Especially when you two start dating.” Mace smiles a little when he hears Curtis’s warning grunt. 

“That’s not going to happen,” Curtis vows. “We’ll figure out something.”

“Whatever you say, Boss.”

Part 3 -- Part 5

Tagging @alicedopey because I promised I would.

@dontbescaredtosingalong

@icefrozendeadlyqueen

@texmexdarling

@veltana

@winter-soldier-101

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