#i'm just sitting here waiting for my fiance to get back on if i missed something and now i'm just making tags for the fun of it

[f1amour]

✧˚ · . 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓 — 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐓𝐖𝐎

pairing: daniel ricciardo x reader

warnings: angst (but happy ending <3), miscommunication , age gap (reader is 26 daniel is 35), jealous!daniel

authors note: very short and sweet part two of dirty little secret sorry it took me awhile to put it out, i was getting some writers block so it was a very rushed plot but it’s a happy ending hopefully that makes it up <3 i may write some small blurbs to this series since i really enjoyed writing this request but writing a full fic can take me some time and i hate keeping people waiting

part one

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MARCH 2025

It's been a year since you had last spoken to Daniel and while you see him around the paddock it wasn't the same. Despite being heartbroken from that night on the balcony and his words that cut into your heart you still sent him a congratulatory text when it was announced he would be racing for Red Bull along Max once again in the 2025 season.

It had been something he talked to you about hoping he could prove himself once again to a team he regrets ever leaving. The text was left on read for days until you received a one word response from him, "Thanks."

His response and behavior for the rest of the 2024 season was killing you and you decided you would never speak to him again. He didn't seem phased by that when you had seen him with a new girl at your brother's engagement party.

You wanted to hate him. Your mind hated him but your heart…oh your silly heart would always belong to him.

"I…I don't understand. You worked with us for two years now and you said working here was your dream after leaving Mclaren. Why are you going to Ferrari?" Max asks disappointed while you sit with him in your office.

You stare at Max and give him a smile with tears in your eyes, "I can't be around him, Max. I'll have to be around him 24/7 for social media duties and my heart can't take the pain seeing him act like I didn't even matter to him as a friend."

And I can't bear to see him with her.

Max can see this wasn't just an argument about Daniel being a shitty friend, no he knew something more had happened even though Daniel refused to tell him he knew deep down something more had happened between the two of you.

"I'm gonna miss you." He says truthfully, you had actually made his days where he would have to film and post things for social media fun. Max saw your passion for the job and knew it was better to do it in an environment where both drivers would make her feel appreciated.

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Going into the 2025 season was a breath of fresh air you hadn't felt in awhile and you were doing well on the Scuderia Ferrari team, getting close to both Charles and Lewis had helped heal the sadness you had carried over you.

You were finally moving on despite still being in love with someone who would never love you.

Your brother was at the first race of the season to support Daniel at his home race and back with Red Bull. You hadn't seen him in months so despite knowing Daniel would be at the restaurant Luka had reserved you went to finally catch up with your brother.

"Seriously, you look glowing. You sure there isn't a man in your life being that reason for the smile on your face?" Luka's fiance, Amelia asks you while you take another sip of your second glass of wine.

Daniel's expression falls when he hears her question towards you and your brother focuses on the now interesting topic regarding your love life, "Oh do tell dear sister? Finally got yourself a man?"He jokes with you, only for you to slap his head.

"No you dingus. The only men in my life are Charles and Lewis." You tell them with a straight face until you say Lewis's name and you break out in a smile.

"No fucking way! You and Hamilton?! Danny why didn't you tell me about this?" Your brother questions Daniel.

Daniel stares at you for a moment but you look away not seeing the sadness in his eyes, "Uh I didn't know they were together." He says flatly.

You roll your eyes and glare at the Australian, "No one said we were together."”

"Well the way you fucking smile over hearing his name seems like there is something there." He spits back. The table now grows silent tension obviously between the two of you.

"What's going on with the both of you? You used to be so close. I was shocked to see you leave Red Bull even though Daniel would be back on the team. Remember in 2019 when they offered you–."

"Fuck off Luka! People change and grow up. I did what was best for my career not to follow your boyfriend around.” You cut your brother off from revealing something you had kept from Daniel for years now.

"Please you're the one who's been in love with him for five years." He scoffs, his face drops after saying those words realizing the mistake he had made.

Daniel looks over at you, "What…what did he just say?"

You stand up from the table and throw the glass of wine you hsd left on your brother, "Best big brother ever!" You walk away from the dinner table and avoid the stares from other people.

"Y/n! Y/n wait up! We need to talk what he said back there–."

"Now you want to talk? After a year of ignoring me, you want to talk now? Well sorry but I don't have time for you anymore." You send Lewis a quick text asking to pick you up with an immediate reply saying he would be there in five minutes.

"He said you love me…was it the truth?"”

"Fuck danny I mean everyone could fucking tell but you! Yes…I loved you. Loved. I don't love you now, I don't love the Daniel in front of me. The Daniel I love would have never done what you did to me. What did you call me again? Oh, a dirty little secret? That's all I would ever be."

Daniel shakes his head holding back tears, “That’s…look my wording for that was fucking terrible. But I promise what you feel I feel as well. Fuck I lo—.”

“Don’t. Please don’t say it, Daniel. I’ve loved you for so long that I would forgive everything that has happened if you tell me you love me. But that isn’t fair to me. You have been terrible to me since that night. You’ve ignored me like i meant nothing. As if we weren’t friends before that night. I’m sorry but please don’t tell me you love me when your actions have shown the opposite. Good luck this weekend.” Your heart was hurting as you said the words but it was needed. If Daniel said he loved you then you would forgive everything and you can’t do that to yourself.

─────────────────────────

It was media day for the Australian GP and Daniel hadn’t been able to sleep ever since you told him you loved him two days ago. He fucked up and he knew that but he also knew that he does love you.

His actions so far may not be proving that but he now has it set in his mind that he will prove to you how much he loves you.

“So I’m gonna ride in the car while Lewis drives and I ask questions?” You ask Charles who nods placing the helmet on you.

“Why aren’t you doing that? It would make more sense and I could get better content with both of you.” You tell Charles but he just shakes his head.

“No it’ll be fun just trust me. Now go!” He smiles widely shoving you into the car with Lewis already in the car.

You sigh and grab your planner going to the Noah where you had questions ready, “Alright Lewis, you better drive safe I wanna get back in one piece. So where do we—.”

The car takes off quickly and your planner falls to the floor, “Lewis slow down!” You yell at the Brit but when you look over you realize it’s not Lewis driving the car but Daniel.

“Daniel! I…what are—.”

“I love you! I’ve been in love with you for quite some time now. I met you in the Redbull headquarters looking lost on your first day and I knew you would mean something to me. I…I don’t believe in love at first sight but when I first saw you I felt a pull and an instant connection I never felt with anyone else. Our conversation flowed so well and god your smile…your fucking smile made my entire day. It makes me happy every single day of my life seeing that precious smile on your beautiful face. So when I realized I was the reason for the frown on your face and not seeing that smile on your face because of me for a year…I was a fucking idiot. An idiot who has been scared to love because of their own insecurities. I wanted to tell you for so long how I felt, sunshine. But when we were at McLaren I was living a fucking nightmare. A nightmare you helped me survive despite all the trauma they’ve left me and so I thought that confessing my feelings you’d leave me and I don’t know if I could survive not having you in my life.”

His eyes filed with tears still driving at a safe pace knowing you were in the car. His breath shaking at the mention of the team who crushed his confidence, your hand reaches over to his thigh and you give it a squeeze encouraging him to continue.

“But I was also conflicted with being your brother’s best friend. I thought it was could lose our friendship but that’s when I realized if he was my friend he would support us. Which he does…I asked him after dinner the other day what he would think and he says I’m an idiot for ever holding these feelings back. Because I met you first you were my best friend way before he was. You are the love of my life. You…I have to look you in the eyes. Fuck this.” He stops the car and gets out quickly running to your side and helping you out of the car and taking your helmet off along with his.

His hands cup your face, “Danny, there’s people that could be watching.” You whisper softly looking into his brown eyes.

“I don’t care. I’m in love with you. I love you. I love the way your eyes light up when someone is telling you some good news. I love the way your nose scrunches when you laugh. I love the way you cry every time we watch a romcom and the characters admit they’re in love with each other. I love how passionate you are for your friends and family. I love how you marched down into the Mcalren office and gave Zak a piece of your mind after they ended my contract. I love that you love me so deeply you denied working for Red Bull as the social media manager in 2019 because I would be gone the following year. Your eyes. Your smile. Your lips. Your hands. I’m in love with every part of you and more. I want you in my life forever. I want to come home with you and tell you how my day went. I want to share my highs and lows with you. I’m going to love you for the rest of my life whether you choose to have me in your life or not. As long as I’m alive you’ll always be loved by me.” Daniel lets out a deep breath finishing his confession and looking down at you waiting for a response. His heart beating 10 times more than if’s usual rate.

“I…I love you, Daniel. I love you so much it hurts me. I was such an idiot for not saying it sooner. So many wasted years we could have been together. You’re my life, baby. I breathe for you. I live for you. I could stay in your arms forever. You’ve showed me unconditional love as a friend but now I want more. Your smile brings sunshine in my darkest days. I want to love you for the rest of my life as well. Together and forever.” You ignore the cheers from half of the drivers that had all ran down the track to see why the car had stopped but seeing Daniel pulling you closer to him gave them an indication it was all good news.

“Let’s give them a show, sunshine.” Daniel whispers against your lips before pulling you into a deep kiss. Missing his lips after a year you pull him closer if that’s even possible, your hands tugging on his hair.

“If you tug on my hair some more I’m gonna get a boner in front of everyone.” He says against yours lips.

“Danny!” You slap his chest, pulling away from him only for him to lift you up and wrap your legs around him.

“Fucking hell mate took you guys long enough to finally admit your feelings.” Max says walking up to the two of you.

“Shut it, Maximilian.” You glare at him before smiling over at Charles and Lewis who were walking over to you with the biggest grins on their faces.

“Oh I’m going to give you guys do the most annoying challenges for the socials next week. How dare you set me up?” You get off Daniel to walk over to them, Daniel stays attached to you though.

The two Ferrari drivers shrug, “He called me last night to find out what our relationship was before he told me the plan he had to confess his feelings. I had to laugh when he thought we were dating.” Lewis chuckles.

You join him and look at Daniel, “Come on baby, you really thought me and Lewis were together? I smiled at his name the other night because the same night he had called me before dinner saying he got stuck in the car…turns out Charles had his keys and kept locking the door on him so he couldn’t get out. But it’s cute you were jealous.” You pinch his cheeks.

“I’m so getting you back for that.” Lewis glares at Charles who decides this was his best chance to run off.

Daniel smiles down at you, “I love you.”

You kiss him softly, “I love you, always.”

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[ayyy-pee]

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Pairing: Suguru Geto x Female Reader

Summary: Who knew it only took two seconds of spooning for your fiance to want more?

Story Warning: Smut, Vaginal Sex, Creampie (don't try this at home), Fluff, Smut, Thigh Fucking, Fingering, Suguru in loooooove,

Suguru art by: Ilameys (Twitter, IG, Patreon)

AN: Just a quick lil drabble fluff smut piece idk it was stuck in my head for days and i had to get it out so hope you like it. i literally don't even know what i put here. i'm in love with Suguru with my whole heart i NEED TO MARRY HIM IMMEDIATELY

It’s been a long day. You’re sitting in bed, frantically finishing up a work email after your shower. In the bathroom, you hear the water running, your fiance finishing up his own shower before you both turn in for the night. Your tired eyes skim through the email you’ve drafted for your client to send tomorrow. Everything looks up to par so you hit save, exiting your email app and moving on to check your social media apps. Next to your bed, the door to the bathroom opens, the warm steam of your fiance’s shower filling the room.

“Fuuuuuuucking shit, I’m so tired,” he sighs as he steps into the bedroom. He wraps a small towel around the ends of his long raven hair and squeezes, trying to get every bit of water out of his tresses before lying down. He knows how much you hate him going to sleep with wet hair.

“Satoru pissed off the higher ups at work today and I spent the whole day cleaning up his mess,” he complains as he crosses the room. “So pissed I missed our dinner because of it. I’m sorry again, love.”

You plug your phone into its charger and set it on your bedside table, slipping under the covers in your bed. Your fiance makes his way to your dresser, a towel draped loosely around his waist. It hangs just right, the sexy “V” of his hips holding your attention as he vents about his day. He turns to reach into his drawer, pulling out a pair of boxer briefs and putting them on before tossing his towels into the laundry hamper.

“I’m sorry, babe,” you say, holding out your hand to beckon your fiance to bed. A small smile spreads across his lips as he watches you, eyes full of adoration and he moves towards you. The bed dips with his added weight as he climbs on. He kisses you sweetly just before he lays down. His warm arms wrap around your figure as you snuggle closer to your fiance beneath the blankets, the warmth of his body pressed against your back only adding to your coziness. It’s been a long day for you both and you’re ready to just close your eyes. 

However, it seems your fiance has other plans in mind.

“Suguru…” you murmur as he tightens his hold on you. “I thought you were tired.”

He hums behind you, burying his face in the crook of your neck, planting soft kisses along your skin. “I am, baby, but I haven’t seen you all day. I just missed you.” His voice is a whisper, husky and wanting and you know you won’t be getting any sleep any time soon. Suguru’s hand ghosts along the side of your body, until it rests on the curve of your hips. He squeezes gently as his lips graze the shell of your ear. His warm breath fans across your face and you melt, already feeling your body react to his touch.

Suguru grips your waist before rolling his hips up against your ass and you gasp softly, feeling how hard he already is when he’s barely touched you. 

“Missed you so much today. I had to stop myself from stroking my dick in the shower thinking about you,” Suguru admits. “Wanted to wait until I could get you like this.” His confession stokes a fire in your belly, your arousal already dripping into your panties.

It’s always like this. Takes absolutely nothing for you two to get started, your natural attraction to each other pulling you together like magnets the moment you’re in the same room.

“Suguru,” you sigh, reaching back to snake your fingertips into Suguru’s damp hair as he licks your pulse point, biting gently and earning a soft gasp from you. With a smirk, he rolls his hips forward again, evidence of his arousal pressing into your ass.

“Hmm?” Suguru hums, licking, biting and sucking at your neck until you’re writhing and the sounds of you panting fill the air.

“Suguru, touch me…” You can feel how hot you are through your panties, how your arousal is beginning to soak through the fabric. And Suguru can too because when his fingers slide beneath the waistband of your clothes and to your slick folds, his mouth falls open slightly.

“I’ve barely touched you. You’re soaked, baby,” he marvels. “Shit, take these off or you’re gonna ruin them.” He slips his hand out of your shorts and tugs them down your legs until they’re low enough for you to kick them off. When you’re settled again, Suguru brings his mouth to your ear and runs his tongue along the shell. “I want you so fucking bad right now, you have no idea.”

You let out a whine that quickly turns into a moan when you feel Suguru slip his hand between your legs again. Your eyes sink closed as you breathe deeply, reveling in the feeling of Suguru’s fingertips brushing against your cunt. Suguru kisses his way up your neck, the sharp edges of his teeth grazing your skin until his lips brush against your ear once more.

“Wanna make you feel good tonight, baby,” he whispers to you, his fingers deftly finding your clit and circling the nub.

“Please, ah- Suguru, yes. Make me feel good,” you whimper.

Suguru grunts behind you. “Fuck, baby,” he groans, as he grinds against you again.

You let go of your hold on Suguru’s hair, hand finding his wrist and holding tight.

“You like that, baby?” He asks, voice rough with need.

You nod, another moan rushing past your lips when Suguru rolls his hips against your ass again and again.

“Use your words, baby.”

“Yes, shit, yes, Suguru. I love it,” you mewl, your grip tightening around his wrist.

At the sound of his name on your tongue, Suguru’s fingers slide into you. You moan, back arching on reflex as your walls clench around him. Your ass presses against Suguru’s cock and he rolls his hips forward again, moaning in return. Suguru increases his pace, his finger brushing against your center. You can feel the wetness pool between your legs, spreading between your thighs as Suguru’s hand brings you closer and closer to your peak. 

Then suddenly, he stops.

Your eyes snap open as you feel Suguru pull away, your body shivering at the loss of his warmth. You hear him shuffling around behind you for a few seconds, followed by the sound of a soft thud. In the dim lighting of the room, you can’t tell what just hit the floor. 

And then Suguru is back, body pressed against you again and you know. You feel the heat of his bare skin pressing against you, the thickness and length of his hard cock, sticky with precum sitting against your ass. Your heart races in anticipation of him filling you, stretching you deliciously and then fucking you until you can’t see straight. 

But he doesn’t. 

“Lift your leg a little for me,” he commands. And you do, spreading your legs and shuddering when you hear the smack of your soaked thighs separating. “So fucking wet,” Suguru coos as he adjusts himself to lay back on his side. “Just for me.” You feel him press his cock to your core and you shiver, waiting for him to push into you. Instead, he puts a hand on your lifted leg and pushes your legs closed.

You’re confused. He just wants to put his dick between your thighs? That’s…new.

“Suguru, what are you doing?” You ask, turning to look at him. He gives you a smug grin as he peers down at you, swiping his hand over his forehead to move sweaty strands away.

“Told you I wanted to make you feel good.” He doesn’t elaborate yet, just presses closer and shifts his hips until his length sits right between your folds, hot and heavy against your clit. “I want you to fuck yourself on my cock until you cum.”

Your core throbs with excitement. You’re happy to oblige, but –

“What about you?” You question.

Suguru leans forward, pressing a kiss to your temple. “We’ll worry about me later.”

His large hand finds your hips again and he pushes you forward slowly before he pulls you back into him. Like this, you feel every ridge and vein of Suguru’s cock slide back and forth across your clit and you gasp loudly at this new sensation. It feels incredible.

“Oh–” you breathe.

“Feel good, baby?”

“Yes…so, so good.”

Suguru rolls your hips forward and back again, moaning roughly as he kisses your jaw. The feeling is otherworldly, Suguru’s length stroking your nub just right with every roll of your hips. It’s hard to breathe as your release inches closer and closer with each thrust. The room fills with your moans and Suguru keeps pushing and pulling you into hips until the sound that emits from between your legs is downright sinful. 

“You’re so wet, it’s driving me fucking insane,” he grunts, his hand coming up to grab your breast through the fabric of your shirt. He runs his thumb over the hardened bud, grinning when you gasp.

“I’m gonna…ah- gonna cum, Suguru, I’m so close.”

“Cum baby, cum on my cock. Fuck it until you cream all over it,” Suguru groans as he presses his face into the crook of your neck. He smacks your ass, earning a sharp cry from you, but the pain only adds to the delicious pleasure that shoots through your body as your release crashes over you.

Your thighs clamp down around Suguru’s cock, squeezing and trembling as your orgasm rips through you. Suguru pulls his face from your neck to watch as you lose yourself in the moment and he thinks about how damn beautiful you are when you’re all fucked out like this. So pretty when you’re a good girl and cum all over his cock when he asks you to. This is what he’s held out for. He loves to cum with you, but he loves to watch you come undone more.

Suguru loves the way your eyes close, and your mouth falls open with tiny gasps as you let the sensation wash over you. He loves the way he can feel your pussy throbbing against him as you cum. Loves the way he can feel your hole twitching, clenching around nothing, trying desperately to suck him in and –

Fuck he’s gonna cum.

The feeling shoots up his spine in a rush and it’s by sheer luck that Suguru is able to pull his hips back and push his entire length into you easily, so wet from your release. You moan loudly, the feeling of him filling you, stretching you so deliciously so intense that it rips another orgasm from you before you’ve had time to catch your breath.

And Suguru is right there with you. His mouth falls open, loud groans mixing with your cries as he bottoms out over and over, filling you with thick, hot ropes of his cum. He kisses your temple as he pumps you full, breathing sweet words to you.

“I can never get enough of you…fucking love you…can’t wait to marry you,” he grunts, pushing into you, trying to bury his cock as deep as he can. “Can’t wait to make you my wife. Can’t wait to put a ring on your finger, put a baby in you, make you mine forever.”

He moans into your hair, still fucking into you slowly, draining himself of everything he has to offer. “God, you’re so fucking tight. Greedy little cunt is sucking me in so deep. Such a good girl for me, taking all my cum. Fuck, you’re so good to me, baby.”

You can’t do anything but try to catch your breath, chest rapidly rising and falling as you come down from your release with Suguru. When you’re both able to breathe again, Suguru kisses you sweetly on your cheek as he lays back down. He wraps his arms around your form, pressing himself into your back.

“Ugh, we should shower,” you insist, feeling both your cum mixing between your thighs. It makes you shiver. “I won’t be able to sleep until I get cleaned up.”

Suguru sits up excitedly, a dumb smirk on his face. “Good. We can make a mess one more time, then.”

You laugh as your fiance climbs on top of you, settling between your legs and you can feel he’s already hard again. “Suguru…”

“Didn’t I say I could never get tired of you?” He says, brown eyes full of lust and love. And you love him, your future husband. “So yes or no?”

“Yes, always yes,” you tell him, pulling him down for a deep kiss, tongues tangling together as Suguru pushes into you one more time.

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[loveesiren]

Doing It All For Us (Pt. 13)

Masterlist

Rafe Cameron x Reader

Summary: Y/n has a little scare but it's not as bad as what's to come...

Warnings: Fluff, braxton hicks

Word Count: 4.3k+

Rafe blinked awake, his vision blurred as his face was pressed deep into the pillow. He reached for his phone, low growl spilling from his throat as he tried to wake up. He rubbed his eyes and unlocked his screen. The clock read 12:15. "Shit..." He muttered.

"Good afternoon, sleepy head!" You cood from the bathroom door.

Rafe rolled on his side and took in the sight of you. "Beautiful girl..." He hummed. You looked flawless in a flowing white sundress, strappy wedges, and a tan sun hat sitting atop your head. You had neutral colors for your make up today which made your Y/E/C eyes pop. "How are you this perfect?"

You smirked at his compliment. "Get up, baby. Topper and Kelce want to meet at the club."

Rafe gathered his thoughts, still lost in the beauty that stood before him. Shit, he had to meet Courtney to pick out a ring. He got up and pulled on his jeans. "You go ahead, sweetheart. I have to help my dad with something."

"Are you sure?" You asked, putting your earrings in. "I can come with if you want."

"No, sweet girl," He said, kissing your temple. "Go. Eat. Have fun. I'll meet you back here later, yeah? Then we'll put on a movie and I'll rub your feet until you fall asleep."

You smiled up at him. "That sounds perfect."

He places a soft, tender kiss to your lips before crouching down to kiss your belly. "Later kid, be good for your momma!"

You chuckled as you watched Rafe leave the room, continuously glancing back to get one last look at you. You took one last look in the mirror before gathering your purse and making your way down stairs. You set the alarm and locked the door before heading to your Benz Truck. Your car. The car you've barely touched since you moved here. You've had the luxury of being chauffeured around by your fiance and friends all year.

You climbed in and noticed you'd need to adjust your seat as your baby bump pressed against the steering wheel. "Been a while," You laughed to yourself. You adjusted the seat to your comfort and checked all your mirrors. You felt really...independent. And you weren't sure if you liked it. You missed Rafe. You wondered what he and his dad were up to today. But, to be honest, you needed a break from everything going on and lunch with your friends sounded great. You started the car and took off.

-

Rafe stepped off the ferry and scanned the crowd, spotting Courtney pretty quickly. "Hey Court," He greeted.

"So you really proposed to my best friend on a whim? No plan, no ring? You're supposed to let me help you plan!" She scolded.

Rafe chuckled. "I'm sorry. I couldn't wait."

"So where'd you do it?" Courtney asked as they began walking towards the town.

"In my room at the Bahama house. She puked the whole plane ride there, poor thing. She was so tired when we got there we just went straight to my room." He said, purposely leaving out the part about the gold. He'd save that for another time. "She just looked so beautiful in the late sun, I couldn't wait."

"That girl could turn into an ogre and you'd still call her beautiful," Courtney laughed.

"Nothing could take away her beauty." Rafe said softly, picturing your face in his mind. God he missed you. It hadn't even been two hours.

Courtney grabbed Rafe's hand and dragged him towards the jewelry store. "Come on, lover boy. She deserves a proper proposal and a fat diamond!"

Rafe owned nice jewelry. Gold chains, nice watches, his signature signet ring. But he had never, ever bought jewelry for a girl until you walked into his life. The diamond R necklace he had gifted you was something he stumbled upon on a TikTok. Now obviously, that jewelry was cheap and he'd never let a $5 zinc necklace touch your perfect skin. So he had a necklace custom made for you. But this was different. This was huge. This was a symbol of the love he had for you. Something you'd wear proudly for the rest of your life making it known you were taken. Owned. A Cameron.

He was overwhelmed with all the gleaming rocks reflecting in the glass cases. He didn't know where to begin. He followed Courtney, looking where she looked, trying to take mental notes of things she pointed out on each ring.

"And who are we shopping for today?" The store clerk asked. "Ah, aren't you Ward Cameron's son? Rafe?"

"Uh, yes ma'am." Rafe replied, caught off guard.

"We're looking for the perfect engagement ring for my best friend!" Courtney squealed. "Uh, his girlfriend." Courtney gestured to Rafe.

"Fiance," Rafe corrected.

"Oh yeah, he proposed without a ring. Can you believe that?! Now I have to help him find the perfect one!"

"Well, congratulations! I'd love to help you find the right one. My name is Renee." The clerk said kindly. "Tell me about your fiance!"

"Oh no, here we go..." Courtney said under her breath but still smiling as she looked up at Rafe.

Rafe eyes were bright and he beamed with excitement. "She's immaculate. She's beautiful, like a goddess, especially when the sun hits her eyes, they shine like diamonds. Her voice is like honey, soft and sweet. I could listen to her talk all day. And her smile..wow..out of this world. She brightens up the whole room, no, the whole event! You can feel her presence when she's near. She's strong, like a lion. Vicious when she needs to be. Bat shit crazy and insanely fun. I've never been bored around her. She's resilient. She's like hypnotic when she moves her body and -"

"Okay, big guy!" Courtney says, patting him on the shoulder. "I'm gonna stop you right there."

Renee chuckles. "Absolutely smitten with her, I see."

"She's my everything." Rafe smiles softly.

"Follow me," Renee says, gesturing them over towards a case in the back of the store. "Now, I don't usually show these to our younger customers, this is our priciest collection, but it is also our nicest, and guaranteed to last a lifetime. Longer than a lifetime. If she is buried in this ring, it will still be perfect centuries from now."

Rafe winced at the thought of you buried in the dirt. He didn't like that image. But he knew he'd be right beside you if you were.

"But seeing as you are a Cameron, and absolutely over the moon for this woman, I thought I'd let you take a peek."

Rafe stared down at the absolute stunning 20-karat emerald cut diamond ring that sat before him. It was perfect. It was perfect like you.

"Now, I also have some lovely options over here, a bit smaller, but bold with personality-"

"I'll take it." Rafe said, cutting Renee off and stopping Courtney in her tracks.

"Son, this ring goes for one million dollars," Renee chuckles.

"Rafe, I know you're rich but shit dude you don't have to drop a milli on this ring. She'll be happy if you gave her a piece of string, dude." Courtney said.

Rafe smiled, thinking about all the money he now had. "This is the one. I'll take it."

-

"So Rafe really proposed? No ring or anything? And you said yes?" Topper asks once again.

You laugh as you swallow the last bite of your salmon. "Sure did! I don't need a ring. I just need him."

"He still has to get a ring though, I mean come on!" Kelce added.

"You know what's funny? Before I moved here, before I met Rafe, I was so materialistic. I suppose I still am with some things. But all the guys I dated in high school always got me expensive jewelry and bags and all that shit. I loved it. It made me feel loved and powerful. Like I was better than everyone else. But now? Now, I don't know. Rafe makes me feel loved in different ways...better ways. If we lost all our money tomorrow and had to live on the cut, I'd be okay with it. As long as I was with him."

Kelce and Topper smile. It took everything in them not to tell you Rafe was out looking for a ring right now.

"Well boys, this has been lovely. But a bitch is tired and I need a nap." You say with a smile as you begin to gather your things and stand up. The boys stand up with you, ready to walk you to your car.

You gasped loudly, falling back into your seat and clutching your stomach. "Fuck!" You screamed.

"Y/n? What's wrong?!" Kelce asked, both boys quickly by your side.

You took a few breaths. "I - ah! I don't know!" You had a sharp pain in your abdomen that you hadn't experienced before. "I-I think something's wrong - ow, fuck! - with the baby!"

"Okay, let's get you to the hospital now." Topper said, scooping you up in his arms and rushing towards the exit. Kelce grabbed your things and followed suit. Topper got you in the car, sliding in beside as Kelce drove as quickly as possible.

You were trying your best to breathe but you were terrified. You weren't even in your third trimester yet. You couldn't be in labor could you? "Call...Rafe..." You said between breaths.

"On it," Topper said as he took out his phone to call Rafe.

-

Rafe pulled out his phone, signing the last signature on the paperwork for your ring. "It's Top," he says to Courtney.

"He better not of squealed." She sighed as she took the bag from Renee's hand, thanking her for all her help.

"What's up, Top?" Rafe said as he answered the phone.

"Dude! Something is wrong with Y/n and the baby!"

"What?! What do you mean?!" Rafe stood up quickly and ran out of the store.

Courtney grabbed the ring and stored it safely in her backpack before running out after him.

"I don't know dude! Everything was fine and then she just like toppled over in pain. We're on our way to the hospital right now."

"Rafe, hurry!" He heard your pained voice cry out in the background.

"I-I'm on my way! I'll be there soon, baby, I promise!" Rafe said before the call disconnected.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Rafe said, pacing back and forth.

"What's going on?!" Courtney asked.

"Y/n's in pain. Something with the baby. Fuck I need to get there now but the ferry is two fucking hours, I-"

"Dude! I took my dad's helicopter here! It's just a mile up the road, come on!" Courtney said.

Rafe breathed a slight sigh of relief before they both took off running.

"Renaldo!" Courtney called as she approached the helipad.

"Ms. Fields, are-"

"We have to go now! It's an emergency!" Courtney yelled.

"Okay, okay! Let's go!" Renaldo responded. "We'll be there in about 15 to 20 minutes, Ms. Fields."

Rafe's leg was shaking with anxiety as they flew over the water. Extremely grateful in this moment that he was friends with Courtney. Her dad was one of a handful of people on the island that owned a personal helicopter to use at their disposal. 15 minutes. He reminded himself, but it still felt like hours.

"We can land pretty close to the hospital. We'll be there soon!" Courtney reassured him.

Rafe chewed on his finger, a million thoughts going through his head. Was the baby okay? Were you okay? He felt guilty for not being by your side. The one time he leaves the island something horrible had to happen.

The second the helicopter touched the ground, Rafe hopped out and started running. Courtney thanked her pilot and took off after him. They made it to the hospital in record time and Rafe burst through the front doors, almost breaking them off their hinges.

"Y/n Y/l/n! My fiance! Wh-where is she?!" He asked the nurse at the front desk, causing a scene in the waiting room.

"Let's see here..." The nurse said as she grabbed her clipboard and looked over names.

"Now!" Rafe demanded.

"Sir, do not give me attitude. I'm trying -" She was quickly cut off by Topper's voice.

"Rafe! She's in here!"

Rafe discarded the nurse and ran to your room. There you sat, once again in a hospital bed for a horrifying reason. He never wanted to see you in a hospital again unless it was for the birth of your baby. But you were sitting up, smiling and talking to the nurse.

Rafe walked in slowly, chest heaving and sweat soaking through his shirt from the anxiety and running. "Baby...What's going on? Are you okay?" He asked, coming to your side and taking your hand.

You smiled at him. "I'm okay, baby. I promise. So is Wolfie."

Rafe was confused. He had prepared himself for the worst but nothing seemed to be wrong. Still, he checked over you for anything out of place which made you giggle.

"Braxton hicks," The nurse chimed in.

"Brax...what?" Rafe asked, as he leveled his breathing.

"Braxton hicks. They are essentially false contractions. Definitely scary if you aren't sure what they are, but they are harmless. All is okay. We gave her some medicine for the pain. I just have to finish up a bit of paperwork and she should be set to go home." The nurse smiled and excused herself from the room.

Rafe breathed a sigh of relief and pressed his forehead to yours, placing one hand on your swollen belly. "So you're okay? You're both okay?"

You laid your hand on top of Rafe's. "We're okay, baby. I promise. Just tired. I'm about ready for that foot rub." You teased which pulled a smile out of Rafe.

"Topper and Kelce went to get your car."

"Where's your truck?" You ask, wondering how he got here.

"Uh...it's at the dock."

You furrowed your brows. "The dock? Were you on the mainland?"

"I'll tell you later, baby. I promise. For now, let's get you home and keep you off your feet for a few days."

You wondered what exactly was going on, but everything had been so crazy lately and quite frankly, you were exhausted. All that mattered was that Rafe was here now.

-

Rafe drove your car home while you relaxed in the passenger seat, trailing your fingers over the sensitive skin of your stomach. Wolf was kicking ever so lightly, also tired from his big day.

Rafe hopped out of the car and quickly came to your side, as he always did. He helped you out of the car, grabbing all your things and walking you to the door.

"Are you hungry, sweet girl?" He asked as you entered the house.

"A little." You admitted. "Can we just order in and watch a movie?"

"Of course, baby. You go on upstairs, I'll be up in a minute, okay?"

"Okay," You agreed with a smile and headed up to your room. You worked on getting out of your clothes and taking off your make up before settling into bed and scrolling Netflix.

Rafe took out his phone to order food and call his dad.

W: Hello?

R: Dad, hey.

W: Hey, son. How's Y/n?

R: She's okay. The baby is okay.

W: Good. That's good.

R: Uh, hey dad? The gold is secured right?

W: Yes, son, it is. Why?

R: Ahah..Uhhh I kind of got Y/n a ring today.

W: That's great!

R: Yeah, I'm excited to give it to her, but uh...

W: But what, Rafe?

R: It was kind of....a million dollars.

W: Jesus Christ, Rafe, what the fuck!"

R: Hey a milli isn't that bad now that we have the gold right?!

W: *sigh* Atleast you're marrying rich.

R: I'm not marrying her for money, dad.

W: I know, son. I know. Just, uhh...Yeah. The gold is secured. Just go take care of your fiance and my grandson, okay?

R: On it, dad. I love you.

Rafe hung up the phone and smiled. He walked upstairs to find you in the bathroom, rubbing lotion on your swollen belly while your silky pink pajamas clung loosely to your skin. You were humming softly as you cradled your belly. He leaned his head against the doorframe of the bathroom and smiled as he soaked in your beauty.

"Hey, mamas," He said softly.

You turned to look at him and smiled. He'd never seen such glowing beauty before. Your face was bare, your hair pulled back, there you stood, swollen with his child. It was the most beautiful sight he'd ever laid eyes on. Like a thousand summer sunsets. This was all his. His family. He did everything for you.

"Hi, Rafey," You beamed. You smiled as Rafe stepped behind you and placed his hands on your belly, admiring how much you've grown. "It's funny to think how just a year ago I was the new girl on the island. And now we're about to be a family."

Rafe buried his face in your neck, inhaling your soft scent. "You're a dream come true." He whispered. He slowly removed one hand from your belly and reached into his back pocket. "Do you remember how I asked you to marry me in The Bahamas?"

"How could I forget being proposed to?" You giggled.

"Yeah, well, that's not how I planned to do it."

"Has anything we've ever done gone according to plan?" You chuckled.

"Nope. And I really haven't planned out the rest of our lives yet either."

"Planning isn't for everyone." You reassured him.

Rafe hesitated. He could give you the ring right now. He knew you'd be happy either way. But he paused and thought for a moment. "Are you free this Saturday, my love?"

"Hmmm, I'll have to check my schedule." You teased.

Rafe laughed and picked you up, carrying you to bed. He had ordered some Chinese food but by the time it got there, you were already out. He took out his phone and texted Courtney, Topper, and Kelce.

This Saturday, at the club. Plan a party. I'm going to really propose to her. On the beach. Please help me set it up.

Rafe waited a few minutes before he heard his phone buzz.

We got you.

-

Rafe had been so weird this week. But not in a bad way. Just very excited about Saturday and you couldn't figure out why.

Rafe was out and Courtney had come over, insisting on helping you get ready. They weren't very good at hiding things. Rafe obviously had a surprise date planned but you played along.

"I think this is the one!" Courtney squealed as she pulled out a deep navy blue, silk dress from your closet. It was a maxi dress that would definitely be blowing in the breeze. A low cut front and long lacey sleeves.

"I'm not sure Wolfie will fit in that." You teased.

"Oh sure he will! Come on!"

You let Courtney work her magic of getting you into the dress and doing your make up. This must be some date Rafe had planned. However, you were happy and excited to see what he had in store for you.

Courtney put the finishing touches on your outfit, including a small tiara that she laced through your hair. "Is all this really necessary?" You asked.

"Yes! You look beautiful!" She said. Her phone chimed and she quickly rushed to check it. "Your ride is here!"

She handed you your bag to match your dress and walked you downstairs. You continued to act oblivious, knowing that one of the guys were here to pick you up and take you to your special date. Once you stepped outside, you did your routine of locking the door and setting the alarm. Courtney walked you to the end of your driveway and you faltered when you took in the site before you.

A horse-drawn carriage sat in the street in front of your house and your fiance stepped out to greet you. "Care for a ride down the beach?" Rafe asked.

You were in awe at the gesture. His slicked back hair and dark navy suit had your knees weak. Courtney handed you off to Rafe and kissed your cheek. "I'll see you later! You two kids have fun!" She said before running off.

Rafe helped you into the carriage and you sat, speechless.

"Rafe..." You began. "Rafe what are we doing?"

Rafe wrapped an arm around you. "Oh, you know, just going on a casual date." He teased.

You didn't question it. You snuggled up to Rafe as the horses made their way to the beach. You listened to the waves crash against the shore and enjoyed the twinkling stars in the sky as you laid on Rafe's lap, enjoying the feeling of his palm against your belly.

Eventually, the horses stopped and you sat up. "Will you join me on the beach for a second?" Rafe asked. You agreed and let him help you out of the carriage. He held you close as you walked down the sand, standing slightly in the water as the waves washed over your feet.

"This is beautiful, Rafe." You told him. "Thank you."

"The night's far from over, my darling." He told you.

You turned to look at him, the moonlight illuminating his features perfectly and you could swear you were melting on the spot at the sight of him, ready for the ocean to take you away.

"I asked you to be my wife on a whim. I truly meant it. I did. But it wasn't what I planned." Rafe began.

You smiled but remained quiet.

"Before I met you, Y/n, I was falling apart. I-I didn't care about anything anymore. Then you came into my life and turned my world upside down. I've never met someone so...insane." He chuckled. "In a good way."

You frowned for a moment, looking back on all the pain you've caused.

"You're the only person I've ever felt true love for. You and our son," He said, placing his hand on your belly once again. "I want to give you the world and so much more."

You smiled up at him, enjoying the breeze in your hair and appreciating the way it messed up his. Rafe reached into his back pocket and slowly got down on one knee.

"I know I already asked..." He began. You took a step back. "But I wanted to do it right. You are God herself, Y/n. I can't live without you. I need you like I need air to breathe. I'm so grateful you chose me and I just want you to know...I'll always choose you. Will you marry me?"

He opened a small black box, revealing a huge diamond. You fought for air for a moment as you took in the sight of it. How did that thing even fit in that tiny box?

"R-Rafe..." You were at a loss for words. "Rafe...what?!"

"Please? Please marry me. I've never been so sure of anything in my life."

You stood speechless for yet another second. "Rafe, yes! Of course I'll marry you!"

The shine of his smile could be seen from outer space. He took your left hand and placed the rock on your finger. You'd never seen such a beautiful piece of jewelry.

"Rafe, you didn't have to-"

"Shut up," He said, standing up and pressing his lips firmly against yours. You kissed him back deeply. You had never been so happy in your life. You could even feel little Wolfie kicking.

You were over the moon about the little family you were creating. Nothing could take this from you.

"Come on, I have one more surprise." Rafe said, leading you back to the carriage and helping you inside. You weren't sure how this night could get more perfect.

You were all over Rafe as the horses took you to your next destination. When you pulled up to the club, you assumed you were about to sit down for a nice dinner. But as you stepped out of the carriage, the sound of cheering patrons led you to believe it was something much bigger.

Rafe helped you out of the carriage and held your left hand up. "She said yes!" He screamed and the whole crowd cheered.

Before you knew it, Courtney was running to you, wrapping you up in a bear hug. "You're getting married, bitch!" She squealed. She was in an entirely new outfit than she was from helping you get ready. You knew she had helped plan this. So did Kelce and Topper by the way they weren't surprised in the slightest, greeting you with warm hugs and praise.

You all walked into the club with smiles on your faces. You clung to Rafe's arm happily knowing that all the people here were supporting the two of you.

"Let me see the ring!" A swarm of women come up to you. You happily showed off the giant rock on your finger.

"Congratulations, you two." Ward said as him and Rose approached you. Rose gave you a hug, Wheezie soon following her as Ward patted Rafe on the back. "Y/n, there's someone here to see you." Ward said, motioning in the direction behind you.

You turned around and your jaw dropped. "D-Dad?"

"Hey, Sunflower," Your dad said softly.

You couldn't help the tears running down your face as you embraced your father in a hug. You hadn't seen him in months and here he was, standing in front of you.

"I can't believe you're here!" You said happily.

"Let's sit, for a second." Your dad said, helping you to an empty table nearby while other guests mingled amongst themselves. You sat back and relaxed, taking a deep breath as you rested your hands on your belly. You realized you hadn't had a moment to breathe in a while. "Look at you," Your dad started.

"Look at me!" You joked.

"A lot happened while I was away."

"Yeah," You sighed. "How do you feel?"

"About you and Rafe? About...this?" He asked, gesturing to your swollen belly. "It's every father's dream and nightmare." He chuckled. "But seeing you this happy...clean and happy. It's great. I see you've been taken care of and that's all I could ever want."

"Thanks, dad." You smiled. "So how was-"

"Rafe Cameron!" You were quickly cut off by Shoupe's voice as he entered the club with two other cops. "You're under arrest for the murder of Sheriff Peterkin!"

Let me know if you'd like to be tagged! :)

@outerbankspov @torturedtypewritersdept

[azucarmorena97]

Money Ties (Jungkook Love Story || Pt.7)

Pt.6 || Pt.8

Your parents have worked hard to get to the top and have made sure to teach you everything you need to know to be successful in this business: from tough but lucrative financial decisions, down to the right ball gown for any given banquet. A promising and extravagant future awaits you- that is, if you agree to one teensy detail...

Son of Mr.Jeon Sr. and heir to June Company, Jeon Jungkook is an immature playboy with nothing to offer a woman but good looks and a crap ton of money, and he stands to inherit much MUCH more, so long as you both enter into the arranged marriage contract that was drawn up before the pair of you were even born.

You're more than willing to try, but you're not sure you'll be able to stand each other long enough to inherit a single penny...

Series Warnings: There will be smut in the near future and I will label those chapters as such. As I say before most of my pieces- I do not endorse any themes, ideas, or behaviors in this series. This is all purely fiction/fantasy! Feel free to inbox me suggestions/ideas/what you'd like to see in this series and I'll see what I can do! Enjoy <3

Recap: "Jungkook," Your shocked expression is no match for the expression on his face: serious yet gentle eyes, lips parted slightly as he catches his breath, leaning lightly on the door frame. "What are you doing here?" You ask. He bites his bottom lip and just stares at you for a second, "You didn't come tonight." "You never came back last night," You say, not missing a beat. He nods, "I know..." You rest your hand on the door for a bit, considering whether or not to let him in. "Come in," You say finally, stepping aside to let him in past you. You suppose the rain can wait for you...

You close the door behind you, and then slowly turn. You're not sure why, but your heart is pounding- so loud, you can almost hear it. Can he? He stands awkwardly in the middle of the room, hands in his pockets. Usually, one might expect for a guest to look around, inspect the unfamiliar place- then again, his parents literally own the hotel. You don't even want to know how many of these rooms he's seen...how many of these rooms Lisa has seen...

"Please, sit." You say, motioning to the seat where your dress was previously draped on. He nods, footsteps silent on the carpet as he walks over. You sit across from him on the end of the bed, hands in your lap as you try desperately to think of what to say. What does one converse about with their fake fiance? "What happened?" He asks, finally breaking the silence. "I...I just was feeling sick so I originally said I'd wanted to rest." He shakes his head, "No, not just tonight. Even this morning, your mom rushing me to go home and rest- not even letting me say goodbye. You're lying." "I don't know what you want to hear, Jungkook," You don't mean to sound so harsh. "I want to hear the truth," He leans back, exasperated. The truth. Hm. Ironic.

"Who's Lisa, Jungkook?" You ask. You'd first asked him this question the other night after dinner, though this time, the question is really more of a statement. He sinks into the chair, "A friend." "Lie again." "I'm not lying," He looks away. "Keep lying, Jungkook. I hear it's the perfect foundation to a marriage." You cross your arms, looking away as well, letting your eyes stay on the rainy window. Maybe if you count every raindrop like sheep, you'll fall asleep and then wake up to realize this has all been one big dream. Wouldn't that be nice? To have been dreaming this whole time...to not have this giant weight on your shoulders. "Do you think these are signs from the universe?" Your voice is softer than a minute ago, more like you're talking to yourself than to him. He furrows his brows, "What?" "All of it..." You keep your eyes on the window, "Our first encounter, I literally slapped you. My dad and I got into the biggest fight we've ever had over this contract and..." "And what?" "And you never came back last night," You say, repeating your statement from when you'd first opened the door. "Y/n, I wanted to. I really did. I was just-" "Just what, Jungkook? Chopping it up with your ex-girlfriend?" "It's not like that, Y/n. I promise. She's just been having a hard time." "A hard time?" You snicker, "Jungkook, she's got you wrapped around your finger and you don't even realize it." "You don't even know anything about her," He snaps. The way he defends her...if only he'd heard what you heard. "Jungkook, you don't know her. Yesterday, I was in the bathroom and-" "You know what, I'm not gonna go back and forth discussing Lisa with you." The way he says 'you', like you're some random person. You. Maybe that's just what you are. A random person.

You look down, nodding silently. The silence between the both of you is so loud. Deafening, even. "Y/n, I- I'm trying here," He sounds almost as broken as you feel. Though you're sure the cracks run deeper for you; after all, you've sacrificed much more to be here than he has. Your entire life has been in preparation for your union with this guy, meanwhile, he's pining after the one who got away. "Yeah, I know," You clear your throat, "We don't have to pretend anymore, Jungkook." "Pretend?" He echoes, utterly confused. "Like we're friends or...whatever. Like we're anything more than two people obligated to our families. Shackled to each other by contract." "Shackled to each other...as that what we are?" His voice sounds more and more pained by the second, though it's like you're completely deaf to it. "From now on, we'll just do what we gotta do. We'll meet with our families, plan the wedding, and go through the motions. I'm sure in a year or two, Lisa will be waiting for you with open arms." Tears are beginning to form in your eyes, though you do everything in you to keep them in their place. You don't dare let them spill now. Not when you need to be your strongest. He nods, pursing his lips, "Well, alright then..." He gets out of the chair and walks past you, though as he's about to walk down the short breezeway leading to the door, he turns back to you, "I'll...see you tomorrow morning to start the arrangements for our..." His breath catches a bit. He's also determined not to break down here, "...the wedding." "Alright...see you tomorrow." You don't even look up until you hear the door finally click closed, and by that time, the tears have already begun pouring out of you- and you sit there cursing - and counting- every single water droplet on the window.

B/f/n comes stumbling in- her loud steps and giggles, an indicator of her drunkenness. She's never been one for grace when inebriated. Your back is turned to her; maybe if you're lucky, she'll assume you're asleep and try not to disturb you. "Y/n," She whispers. Maybe if you don't answer, she'll leave you alone. "Psst, Y/n. You awake?" "Mm?" "I'm back." Obviously. "How was it?" "Oh, it was amazing- I gotta tell you, this rich people stuff is just so...right for me," She sighs, "Ugh, and that Namjoon. He's really something special, isn't he?" "Yeah, totally," You try to sound normal, just sleepy enough for her to eventually stop talking. You can't bare to have a full blown conversation with her. Not after the night you've had. "You know, I honestly thought for sure you'd make an appearance at the banquet after all. I hoped you would, but then it started pouring outside so I guess it's good you didn't. Can you imagine? Getting all dolled up just to get rained on?" "Yeah, it's good I decided to stay..." "Anyway, alright. I'm gonna go to sleep. Sweet dreams," She says. "'Night," You respond, turning even further away so that she doesn't see your tear-stained face.

"Early bird gets the worm," Your mother's voice draws you out of your slumber, and you blink a few times. "What- how did you even get in here?" "Mmm..." B/f/n groans from right next to you. "One of the perks of being old family friends with the hotel owner," Your mom says smugly. Violation of privacy, you're sure, but who's going tell your mom that? She goes over to the black-out curtains and throws them open; the harsh sunlight is a reminder of the day ahead. "Mom, what are you doing?" You grab your pillow and press it down tightly against your face, wanting to block out the light. "Get up now. Both of you," She lightly shoves B/f/n's foot, which is hanging off the end of the bed, "We're meeting the Jeons in an hour and a half for breakfast. I will not be late on account of your laziness and your...hangover," She says, a disdainful look on her face at B/f/n's disheveled hair and makeup-stained face. Good Lord, she must've been really drunk last night- she didn't even get ready for bed; she slept in her undergarments, her dress haphazardly tossed onto the seat...the seat where Jungkook sat last. You shake your head, trying to get the image of him out. You don't want to spend a second more thinking about him than you have to.

You both drag your feet around the room, lazily getting ready; you throw on a pair of light blue jeans and a nice sweater, adorning yourself with a nice simple silver necklace and small silver hoops. You can't be bothered with frivolous decoration; not when your heart is in shambles. B/f/n, on the other hand, has scrutinized every single piece of her breakfast outfit, as she hasn't shut up about Namjoon all morning. "Y/n...you okay?" Her questions comes as a bit of a surprise, "Yeah, why?" "You just seem really quiet this morning," She shrugs. "Oh, yeah- my head's just hurting a little bit, that's why." "Oh right, the concussion," She says, leaning into the mirror to put on her last bit of lipstick before you all leave together. "Yeah, the concussion." Good timing of that concussion; you might not have known what other excuse to use, otherwise.

"F/n," Mr.Jeon greets your dad with a bow and a warm hug, and Mrs.Jeon follows suit with your mother, and then with you. Jungkook tries to smile, though you try to look at him very minimally. Of course, you're careful to keep your tone polite and cordial. No use in making a fuss in front of your parents. Everyone sits down, including B/f/n and Namjoon who are sat next to each other, leaving just you and Jungkook to take your spots. You clear your throat as you both settle into your spots. You're sat so close, you can feel his body warmth.

"We're so happy you're all here," Mrs.Jeon says. "Ugh, us too. We've wanted to visit for so long and just haven't had the chance to." "Well, what better time than the present, right? Especially now that our two kids are entering into the most holy covenant," Mr.Jeon cuts in, throwing his heavy arm on Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook is taller than both his parents, but he always manages to look so much smaller than them. "Of couse- we're so happy for you two," Your dad says, looking over at you. You completely avoid eye-contact with everyone, opting to bow instead. Jungkook does the same. "Now, let's talk wedding!" "Oh yes- so, I was thinking of an elegant forest theme. Maybe like uhm- what was that movie, honey? The one with the monsters?" Your mom asks, turning in your direction. "Twilight." "Yes! That's the one- have you seen that movie?" "No, I don't think I have," Mrs.Jeon responds. "Oh it's really good, we'll make time. Anyway, there's this wedding scene-" They go on about the planning, and then it's like everyone goes off into their own world; your fathers, B/f/n and Namjoon, and then there's just the two of you. It so often happens this way. The world just dances in circles around you and you both just have to sit there and wait for the spinning to stop.

"How...how are you?" Jungkook asks, palms already sweating. You make him nervous. "I'm fine, thank you. Did you...get home alright?" "Yeah. Well, it was raining pretty hard so I just crashed in one of the suites." "Oh, right..." You take a sip of your water. "I'm sorry about how things went last night, Y/n. And about the night of the party-" "It's okay, Jungkook. Really. Nothing to be sorry about," You finally look at him- really really look at him- and you notice the bags under his eyes. The tired expression on his face. Even so, he's so handsome... "We just gotta get through this, okay?" You say before going back to avoiding his eyes again. "Alright..." "Okay, yeah I think four weeks should be good." "Me too- might be a tight schedule from now until then but the sooner the better right?" Mrs.Jeon says in agreement with your mother. You and Jungkook snap your heads in their direction. Only a month? So soon? "Will that be enough time?" You ask. "Oh, of course. We'll have it here at the hotel," She reassures, "Only our closest family and friends on both sides and a nice, intimate reception." You and Jungkook both exchange a quick glance. "That's...soon." Jungkook breathes. "Well, honey- no one here is getting any younger, so." It's interesting how this is supposed to be yours and Jungkook's wedding, but no one has even asked for a single opinion from either of you. Not a color request, favorite flower, flavor of cake... Though maybe that's better- it'll make it easier to...dissociate from it all. "What are we even doing here?" Jungkook mutters, though as per usual, you're the only one to notice.

"Okay, so the groomsmen will be Seokjin, Taehyung, Hoseok, Yoongi, and...Felix," Mrs.Jeon sips on her coffee, eyes glued to a small notebook she's showing your mom, "Do you have your bridesmaids in mind?" She asks you. You shruh, "Uh yeah, B/f/n is my maid of honor and a few friends from college will be my court- although, we don't have a fifth." "Oh, that won't do..." She mutters, deep in thought, "Aha! Jungkook, why don't you ask Lisa to fill the spot?" Jungkook looks at you and then back at his mom. You're much too stunned at that suggestion to even react- surely she knows Jungkook snd Lisa were together at one point, right? And if she does, why suggest her? Of all people? "Uh, no. I don't think that's a good idea- she doesn't even know Y/n." "No, but she knows you. Come on, she's your best friend- I'm sure she wouldn't mind." "Seriously mom, I'll just remove Felix. It's not a problem, he'll understand." "Jungkook, don't be ridiculous. Just ask Lisa." "But mom-" "Jungkook." Her stern tone makes both you and Jungkook shrink. This is your nightmare.

You're practically catatonic for the rest of breakfast; your mind far removed from your present suffering. In fact, B/f/n has to tap you on your shoulder for you to even realize everyone is standing and ready to go. You feel trapped. Utterly and hopelessly stuck, and all you can do is just wait for it to pass. All of it. "Thank you so much for breakfast, it was lovely," Your mom says, hugging Mrs.Jeon. Your fathers shake hands and B/f/n gives Namjoon a "casual" hug. While they all say their goodbyes, Jungkook steps closer to you. "I'm sorry, Y/n. I'll try to talk her out of picking Lisa. I'll- I'll look for someone else." "Don't bother," You say, your voice like a flat line. "What? Why?" "Because none of it matters anyway." "What are you talking about, of course it matters," He says, looking into your eyes and trying so hard to connect with you- but you're not here. You're somewhere else- somewhere so deep within yourself that nothing can bring you out. "Good bye, Jungkook."

You're quiet on the ride home, though no one seems to notice. When you get up to the room, all you have the strength to do is throw your clothes on the floor and crawl into bed. You've felt a sort of...stuckness all your life; unable to really move forward or backward- but right now, you feel the most stuck that you've felt in years. Barely able breath. How will you be able to pull this off? You've only just truly realized that you're marrying someone you know nothing about...

How do you know he won't just go running around behind your back at the drop of Lisa's hat? Could you really handle that? "Y/n..." B/f/n's voice snaps you out of your thoughts, and you turn to look at her, "Hm?" "What's going on?" "With...what?" "You've been weird since we saw you at the hospital yesterday. I thought it was because you were just tired or something but I don't think that's the case anymore." "I-I don't think I know what you mean." "Y/n, come on. Just tell me. I came all the way here for you. I wanna help." You chew your bottom lip for a long while, though she doesn't waver; she leans back on the dresser that thee TV is sitting on. She's never been one to back down. "The other night at his birthday party...I couldn't find him. I waited for a long time and...there's this girl. Her name is Lisa- I'd noticed her picture on his Instagram during my first night here in Seoul. At the time I didn't really care- I was curious to know more but I didn't wanna ask because it was a pretty old picture. When we went to dinner, I asked him about her and he got all weird and said she was just a friend. And then at the party, I just asked Namjoon flat out." "And...?" "He's been in love with her for years and they dated for a while...and she dumped him." "She dumped him? Oh God," She lightly slaps her forehead. You both know exactly what that could mean. Your eyes start to water, "Yeah...apparently he wasn't mature enough for her, so she dumped him. But the problem is that later on, I went to the bathroom and I heard her and her friend talking about the whole situation. She said that she didn't care about our arrangement and that she could have him whenever she wanted after he inherits the company." "That bitch," She hisses, "Why didn't you tell him?" "I was going to but then I saw him dancing with her. I saw them with my own two eyes- she was laughing all hard and they looked like- like..." You look down, "Like a real couple."

"And then last night after you left, I got ready and was gonna go to the banquet but then he came and I let him in and... I tried to tell him about Lisa but he just defended her. He doesn't want to hear what I have to say about her..." The tears are gently dropping from your eyes now, and you don't even try to wipe them, "So, I told him that we'd just act like what we are- business partners and nothing more. Clearly that's what he wants anyway. His heart is still with her and it was completely pointless and stupid of me to think otherwise." "Y/n..." B/f/n's voice is soft as she walks over to sit next to you, "I'm so sorry..." The softness in her voice coaxes for your tears to finally spill over. "What are you gonna do?" "What can I do? It's clear that all that's expected of me is to just sit there and let everyone else decide for me and him." "It did seem like everyone was just making decisions..." She agrees. "Yup..." You sit in silence for a moment, just mulling over those odd moments at dinner.

You look around the room: items of clothing litter the floor of your room, the desk on the opposite wall is full of papers from when you were going over the contract... "I need some air." "Okay, want me to open the window?" "No, I mean- I mean I need to go home." "...home? Like HOME home?" "Yes. I need to get out of here. It's too much." "Oh- Okay, I suppose I can get myself packed up again so we can leave tonight-" "No, don't be silly. I can go back alone." "Y/n, come on it's not a big deal. I wanna be there for you-" "B/f/n, no. You came here to have a good time and I want you to enjoy your time." "But how can I enjoy my time without you?" She asks, her face contorting into a pout. "Oh, I can think of quite a few ways," You smirk, causing her to blush. "What are you implying, Ms.L/n?" "Oh come on...Namjoon's pretty handsome, isn't he?" "I hadn't really noticed," She lies, a smile spreading across her face. "Whatever," You chuckle, though it quickly fades as you mentally return to the original subject, "I just need air..."

"It's only for two weeks," You say, leaning back in your chair. "But I don't understand why, Y/n," Your mom says exasperatedly, "We only just got here." "You can't just leave us and B/f/n twiddling our thumbs here in Seoul while you're off doing God-knows-what," Your dad says sternly. You let out a deep breath, "Oh trust me, there will be no sitting around- mom and Mrs.Jeon are already going at top speed planning everything. You hardly even need me here- and B/f/n knows already and she's supportive of my decision. She'll be perfectly fine." Your dad remains in pensive silence, though your mom continues in protest, "You're the bride, for crying out loud. How can we plan it without you?" "I'm sure you'll manage," You say with an eyeroll. At this point, your mom's just finding reasons for you not to go. "Y/n-" "Mom...You know I wouldn't be doing any of this if it weren't because I really need it. I need to clear my head, I need to get myself mentally prepared." "Mentally prepared for what!?" "M/n," Your dad gently rests his hand on her shoulder, "Honey..." Immediately, your mom is quiet. Your dad turns to you, "If you feel like this is something you really need to do then...go. We'll be here." Instantly, it was like a weight lifted off of your shoulders. "We'll tell the Jeons at dinner tonight. You get two weeks and that's it." "Yes, of course." You lean over and hug your dad, "Thank you."

You sit anxiously at the dinner table, looking around at everyone sat inside the restaurant- it's the only way to keep yourself from staring at the doorway. You'd all arrived to the restaurant a bit earlier than the Jeons. Both your parents are on their phones, checking emails, you assume. B/f/n leans over, "You okay?" She's always been able to read you like a book....or maybe you've just always been bad at hiding how you feel. You nod, "Yeah...I just need to get it over with." A few minutes go by (though, of course, it feels like an eternity), and the Jeons finally arrive. "So sorry we're late," Mrs.Jeon says with a bow. "Oh, don't worry about it." The parents all greet each other, and finally, you get a full look at Jungkook... even in your anger, he somehow manages to make your heart flutter.

Food and drinks have been served and everyone is in conversation again, much like they'd been at breakfast. Jungkook sits there quietly, occasionally bringing his glass of wine up to his lips to take a sip, his fork stabbing into bits of food that never actually gets eaten. He's mentally absent and you can't blame him, as you're feeling quite the same way. Or at least, you would be if you weren't so nervous about bringing up your trip. You glance at B/f/n, who looks back at you, giving you a soft and reassuring smile. Alright, it's now or never.

"Uhm, I have something I'd like to share with the table," You pipe up. Everyone immediately stops their conversations to give you the floor, including Jungkook, who is looking at you for the first time tonight. Your heart is pounding in your chest and you practically feel your face burning under Jungkook's gaze. You clear your throat, "So, I have some things I need to wrap up back at home and with the wedding so close, I think it's best to go back and take care of that and then come back in time for...everything." The silence remains as Jungkook's parents exchange glances between themselves and your parents. Jungkook, however, stays staring at you. It's hard to tell what he's thinking, but he definitely doesn't look pleased. "But there's...so much that needs to be done," Mrs.Jeon says gently, clearly quite confused. "I know but you and my mom seem to have everything pretty much covered. I trust you both to do a fine job." "But the fittings for the dress," She adds. You nod, "I can send my measurements to you and come back to do the alterations later."

"Jungkook?" Mrs.Jeon turns to her son, who has yet to say a single word. "She says she's got things to do, let her do it," He says dryly. Mr.Jeon furrows his brows at him, clearly annoyed by his callousness. "Look, it's just a short trip. Everything's fine, Jungkook and I are fine," You lie, though they seem to buy it, "and we'll continue to be fine. When I come back, we'll have the wedding and it's smooth sailing from there." "Well, alright then. We'll take care of everything," Mrs.Jeon smiles, lifting her glass. You pick yours up and tilt it toward her, "I know you will."

From there, the conversation picks back up and it's as though you'd said nothing at all. Before you know it, dinner's over and you're all on your way out the door and on your way home...well, not home...not yet.

When you and B/f/n get back to the room, you both debrief for a bit as you get ready for bed, peeling and cleansing away the day from your skin- if only there was a similar process for the mind. Jungkook didn't say anything to you after dinner, not even a goodbye, and maybe that's for the best. No need to make anything more difficult and once you're back home, you'll find some clarity about the situation.

You try closing your eyes but you can't will yourself to sleep. Soft moonlight spills in through the open curtain, drawing a series of straight lines across the walls- the frames of the tall windows to the balcony. If it weren't for B/f/n's gentle breaths, you'd swear you were completely alone right now...not just in this room but even in the whole world. Your mind can't even conceive people existing beyond these four walls. Not tonight.

That is, until you hear your phone softly vibrate against the nightstand. You squint your eyes against the harsh light, quickly unlocking it when you realize it's a text from Jungkook.

𝙹𝚞𝚗𝚐𝚔𝚘𝚘𝚔: 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚛. 𝚆𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔.

You're frozen for a minute, your eyes stuck on the text message as you debate on whether or not to go. Why should you? He said absolutely nothing at dinner and now he wants to talk so he expects you to just come to him? Screw him.

You slowly walk into the bar, your mind in complete opposition to the fact that your body walked you down here to meet up with Jungkook. Your heart is beating and your legs feel like Jell-O as you walk over to where you see him sitting. He's leaned back in his seat, staring at the glass in his hand as he whirls the contents around and around gently. "Hey," You say, your voice small and mousey. You wish you could act nonchalant but you really just don't have the energy to keep masking your feelings.

"Hey," He says, his voice equally small. You sit down next to him and motion for the bartender to get you the same as Jungkook. Silence lingers in the air between you for a few more minutes, though it's not exactly awkward. It's more of a...pensive silence. Neither of you knows what to say, you suppose. Best to stay quiet until you've sorted yourself out.

"Why did you come down?" He finally breaks the silence. You furrow your eyebrows, "What?" "You heard me. Why did you come down?" "Because you asked me to?" You say, annoyed at his tone. "That's it? That's the only reason?" "Is there something else you want to hear?" You look at him, crossing your arms over your body. He shakes his head, "No. Just curious..." "Jungkook, what is this? Why'd you ask me to come?" "Because I wanted to see you, Y/n."

His answer makes your cheeks heat up and you quickly turn your attention to the glass that the bartender just sat down in front of you. Another long silence, though this time, your mind is racing for what to say, "Well, I'm here." "Not for long." "Jungook, I don't really understand you...I don't get what game you're playing." "Game? What game?" "At first, you're a complete asshole to me, then you say you're willing to give this a chance, then you're defending this girl who, by the way, was saying some really nasty things about you on your birthday. Are you still in love with her? Because I'd like to know about if you are." "I'm not..." "Very convincing," You roll your eyes, "I don't even know why I'm here if you're not gonna be honest with me." You abruptly hop off the bar stool and start walking out. This was a mistake.

As you've only just made your way out of the bar room, you feel a hand wrap around your bicep, gently pulling you back, "Y/n." You turn to see Jungkook there, a solemn expression on his face as he begs, "Don't go." "Jungkook, all I want is the truth. I'm...I'm still going to marry you, regardless of what the truth is. I'll- I'll still go through with it...all of it. I just don't want to be the only one in the dark about how you feel." He shakes his head, "There's nothing to tell, Y/n. All of it is done and over with. Please believe me." He lets go of your arm and instead, reaches for your hand. His gentle grasp makes you your body relax a bit, "I don't want you to go." You don't acknowledge what he's just said. You didn't even take a single sip of your drink at the bar and yet, you feel as though your head is spinning. Emotions are whirling in your heart and when you notice more people passing by the both of you to get inside the bar, all you can think about is how much you just want to get out of the hallway. "Can we talk somewhere more private, please?" "Alright," He says, immediately looking left to right as he thinks of where to go. "Come on," He says, pulling you gently behind him and leading you into the elevator.

The elevator ride is quiet, the both of you stuck in thought- the only sound is the loud ding of the elevator with every passing floor. Finally, the doors open up and he takes you down the hall and around the corner to a room. "Are you okay if we talk in here?" He asks right before sliding the key card in. You nod, "Yeah, that's fine." He swipes the card and opens it up to a big room- much bigger than yours. It's decorated similarly to yours, though it has more pieces of furniture, as well as a small kitchenette and a bar of its own. "Wow...this is nice." "Yeah, we don't really rent this one out since it's a little outdated. I'm the only one who uses this place regularly," He says, tossing the key card onto the counter. He motions for you to sit on the small couch in the living room area, and then he walks over to the bar, "Beer?" "Sure." He walks back to you, handing you the chilled bottle with the cap already off and sits down, leaving just around two feet between the both of you.

You take a sip of your beer, grimacing slightly at the pissy taste. You've never been a beer person but you need something to calm your nerves. "I'm scared too, you know..." He says in a low voice. "Of...what?" "A lot of things...what if we get married and you regret it? What if I screw this all up and it all goes to shit. No marriage, no company, nothing left..." "I'll be there with you. You don't need to carry it all on your shouldrs." "In theory, I know you're right. I know I don't have to...but I've been living with this for years. That's why I was initially so resistant to all of this," He says, motioning to you and himself, "I was in a loop of self-sabotage for so long...it's hard to embrace a good thing." "I can understand that...but if you don't break that loop, how is anyone gonna be able to come in?" "Some times I feel like I'm too ruined to not mess it up again later." "Well, let's say you do screw up again, I don't think you could screw things up that badly." He snorts, "I already almost have a few times...don't have too much faith in me." "You talking about the rehab?" You ask. He tilts his head at you, momentarily stuck on the fact that you knew about that, "Ah, I see Namjoon's been filling you in." He nods bitterly, taking a swig of his beer. "Only because you wouldn't." "Y/n, that's not exactly small talk." "I don't want small talk..." You're not sure what comes over you to cause you to do this, but you reach over and lift his head up so that he's fully looking at you, "I want to know the man I'm marrying."

For a moment, you both sit there staring at each other. You can feel your heart pounding in your chest and you notice his chest heaving slightly, his breathing picking up as well. In this moment, you know you both feel it. That thick tension that's been lingering in the air from the moment you first looked at each other- anger, curiosity, bitterness, longing- it's here in this room right now. Every logical thought your mind would normally throw at you to stop you from indulging, is completely crushed under this desire...the desire to know one another fully. Somehow, the two-foot space has closed to an inch. So close, you can feel the heat radiating off of his face and onto yours; his eyes almost completely closed. He's ready...are you?

A/N: Sorry that this installment took so incredibly long. I had a lot going on in my personal life so this story sat untouched in my drafts for a long time. Hope you all enjoy! And don't be shy, send me what you wanna see happen with Jungkook + Y/n later on in our story <3

[siriusleee]

adamantine chains | part 2

"Amor et melle et felle est fecundissimus." "What does that mean?" "Love is rich with both honey and venom." "I suppose that is true." Or which in König finds you broken in the mountains. A retelling of Cupid and Psyche. König | Reader | 2.1k tags: no tw for this chapter, eventual smut, eventual death, idk yet request a fic here | buy me a coffee so I don't have to work overtime and can write more chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4

You're frozen to the cracked pleather chair. You're gripping its armrests so tightly that your fingertips are turning numb. König is speaking to one of the police officers, low and quick - too quick for you to make out any of the few German words you do know. 

When König had first brought you to the police station, you had wondered if he would take the mask off for the general public, but he'd kept it on. The police acted like it was a normal, everyday occurrence to have a masked giant in their midst; you didn't want to question it. He had already done you so much kindness that you could never repay it - you didn't want to offend him. 

You catch part of the conversation - the policeman's quip after hanging up the phone. He'd had a short phone call after König had gestured wildly to the phone, his voice growing louder in the small office. With a terribly confused look, the policeman spoke directly to König.

"Es gibt keine Aufzeichnungen über jemanden mit diesen Namen in Österreich."

You don't resurface until König's hand is on your elbow and he's pulling you out of the chair. Outside it's warm, but you can't help but shiver. König waits until the two of you are away from the police station before turning to speak with you.

"The officer says there is no record of you or your fiance in Austria. How did you get here?"

"We flew in on his private plane."

"Private plane?"

"Yes, he's a contractor for-"

You falter, realizing what must have happened. 

A contractor for the government.

You think back on a conversation you'd had what seemed a million years ago. You and your fiance had just begun dating when he made it a point to tell you that he never traveled under his real name. And you didn't have to present a passport when you boarded the private jet - you'd given your passport to your fiance and he told you that he'd have everything taken care of. You had never been in a private jet before and figured that's the way it was supposed to happen.

You start to shake. The concrete beneath your feet dips wildly. 

"I have to - I need to sit down."

König helps you to the ground, but he stays standing above you. Your stomach rolls, and you feel like you're going to throw up the breakfast Oma made for you that morning. 

"König, what am I going to do? If I'm not supposed to be here, how am I going to get home? My fiance-"

König cuts you off.

"Do not worry, Taube. I will help you figure this out. Do you have family that is missing you?"

"My father. Although he probably won't realize I'm missing for a while - he wasn't even invited to my wedding."

König is polite enough not to comment. Instead, he lowers himself down beside you, eyes cast and fixed on the concrete. 

"I don't have an ID or a passport. I don't even have my phone. König, what am I supposed to do?"

"Hush, Taube. We will figure it out. Until then you can stay with Oma."

Your hands pressed against your face, pushing your eyes hard enough to see stars. You aren't sure how long you sit there trying to get over the panic that is slowly peaking inside of you. Eventually, it simmers low enough that you can move your hands; blinded by the sunlight, you squint towards König, thinking back on what he just said.

"You don't live with Oma?"

"Nein. I have my own home, farther into the mountains than Oma's. But I am often gone for work, so it sits empty. You are welcome to stay there if you'd like. I can have food and supplies brought there for you."

You speak before thinking. 

"I would like that. I don't want to be a burden on Oma. Who knows how long it will take for me to get home, to get ahold of anyone." 

Another thought occurs to you, throwing you off of the small balance you managed to obtain.

"Oh my god - if there's no record of me flying into the country I can't even call the embassy. I don't have a visa or anything. I'm here illegally."

You can feel it: a full-blown panic attack building inside of you. König speaks and you take his quick pace as a way to distract you. 

"Speaking of supplies, we should get you some more clothes. You cannot keep wearing my old clothes," König says with a hint of a chuckle. "Komm mit mir. I will take you shopping."

You protest, pushing yourself to your feet. 

"König I can't let you do that. I have no way of repaying you for god knows how long; I don't have much money anyway."

"Don't worry, Taube. I have plenty of money. Come, there is a clothing store down the road."

König leaves you there, at the store. You don't know what to expect, but the woman jumping to her feet the moment König entered, her eyelashes fluttering at the sight of König was not it. König promised you he'd be back to get you soon, and he left you as the woman chattered at you in German you couldn't reply to. The pile of clothes on the counter grows until you can't see over it anymore. You reach out to pick up the top piece of fabric; you blush when you realize it's a pair of blue satin panties. The bell above the door rings; you turn to find König there. Suddenly embarrassed, you shove the panties underneath the pile of other clothes - your fingertips feel burnt where they touched the satin.

König speaks to the saleswoman before beckoning you towards him.

"She will pack it up and have it brought to my house for you. Let's get dinner before we go back."

You follow him, magnetized to the one familiar thing in this sea of confusion, your anchor in this thrashing sea. 

The two of you don't speak to each other as you eat; you try not to stare when König lifts his mask up just enough to eat. You catch a glimpse of a sharp chin and blond stubble. You eat slowly, your stomach trying to adjust to the situation. 

"I forgot to tell you, your camera is fixed."

"What? How?"

König shifts in his seat, you lean across the table towards him, hand outstretched to touch one of his. He draws away from you like you're made of fire, but you don't recognize the action. 

"I took it to a camera repair man in town once I brought you home. He was able to dry it out - he said the film was ruined, but the camera should work. I took it home to surprise you."

You feel a rush of warmth toward the masked man.

"König, how am I supposed to repay you for all of this? I would be dead without you. I am-"

"Halten sie bitte an. Es ist nichts. It is nothing."

But it isn't nothing. You spend the drive to König's house trying to find a way to say thank you to him - for everything, but you're not sure you'll ever be able to. The drive is long, twice the length it took to get into town from Oma's house. The small stone houses thin out until the two of you are on a long stretch of road.

For a moment, you think it would be smart to be scared, to be worried about the man in the driver's seat. You watch the way his hands hold the steering wheel and remember how they had held you in the mountain - how his touch had felt so light you had thought it was a West Wind that picked you up to carry you to safety. And you can't bring yourself to fear anything other than a quiet apprehension. Besides, you think to yourself, shifting in the seat to get comfortable, you have no other choice, no other way home.

König's house is almost a carbon copy of Oma's, a picturesque photo of the Austrian countryside. A truck is parked out front and a young man carries in boxes. A box with the same name as the clothing store König took you to early sits outside. 

The evening passes quietly: König outside sorting firewood for the fireplace and you put the boxes of food away. The house has a thin layer of dust, and you think that König was only telling a partial truth when he said he was here sometimes. It seems like he was never here. 

You watch König from the kitchen window, admiring the way he barely seems to use any strength to swing the axe, the way he almost blocked out the mountainside with his size. He's midswing when he freezes, and you think perhaps he hurt himself until he pulls a cell phone out of his pocket. Even from this distance, you can see how small it is in his hands. He turns away from the house to speak, and when he turns back you can tell he's not happy, his pace brisk as he makes his way back to the house.

"Mein Täubchen, I will be gone tomorrow for work. I do not know when I will be back, but I will try to contact your father for you while I am gone."

Your eyebrows knit together, and you lean against the counter. 

"How long will you be gone?"

"I do not know. A week or more. While I am gone, do not worry. If you need anything, just say my name at the store and it will be yours."

You bite your lip, and sigh. You want to protest, to force him to stay with you. But you know you can't - you shouldn't. He is doing you enough kindness by making sure that you're taken care of.

"How are you going to contact my dad?" His eyes, so expressive at every other step of today, are suddenly fragments of the mask, slotted into space to stop you from analyzing him. 

"I will be working with some Americans. I will see if they can find a way to talk to him." 

His demeanor has changed; the shift is nearly palpable in the small kitchen. He stands rigid, every muscle in his body tense, and for the first time you realize how large he is; you realize that he must have been slouching every moment since you first saw him. The fear you felt when you first saw him starts to creep back in; you start to realize how ridiculous this entire situation is. 

You're lost in a foreign country you shouldn't even be in, secluded in the mountain with a man who won't even show his face, and spent the whole day buying supplies to leave you stranded alone. 

"I have to leave early in the morning. I will start a fire for you - it is going to be cold tonight. I will leave you my car if you need anything, to go to Oma or to buy something. If you need something, just mention my name and it is yours."

"How do you-"

"Do not ask questions, Taube."

His voice cuts through any other questions you might have - it leaves you frozen, hands gripping the butcher block countertop so hard your knuckles are white as the reality of the situation crashes into you. 

True to his word, König starts a fire for you before he disappears into his room (yours directly across). The lock on his door clicks shut. 

It's the confusing time of night when the day borders on the night- the sounds of the morning birds mixing with the scent of dew on the Monkshood- when the sound of tires on gravel wake you up from dreams of wolves stalking you through the mountains. You're frozen to your bed, quilt crushed to your chest and a thin sheen of sweat coating your body. 

Headlights cut through the bedroom window. You want to peek out, to see who is picking up König, but the chill in the air tells you it's a bad idea. 

König's steps shatter the silence outside your door. Wild thoughts of human trafficking have your heart beating wildly, but it slows when you hear König walk past your door, and the front door open. The vague sounds of men shouting can be heard through the window, and your curiosity finally gets the better of you. You scramble out of the bed, tripping on the blanket and catching yourself on the bedframe. Your hands hit the windowsill in time to see a massive black truck, a carbon copy of the SWAT trucks you've seen on television turn around, tires eating the grass and flowers. 

You watch the truck disappear into the distance with a horrible sense of finality. 

[warabidakihime]

Lost in Paradise

★ characters: uzui tengen x reader X sanemi shinazugawa | modern au

★ plot summary: what happens when two people are left alone in a deserted island with no way of communicating with the outside world? they fall in love, of course.

★ fic playlist: TBA

★ content warnings : smut, profanity, implied adultery/cheating, slightly graphic.

a/n: this was just an idea that came up to me randomly and i immediately want to write it, so here it is. i know i have a lot of fics uploaded at the moment and i'm so behind on updates, but i can't help it. i also miss writing for tengen, but don't worry, once things have finally calmed down, i will get back to writing. i also really don't want to force myself to write as it will affect the quality of the story so i opted to write only when i'm in the mood.

anyway! i hope you enjoy this one the way you enjoyed parallel lines and invisible strings! also, speaking of tengen, the epilogue for invisible strings is currently underway so keep an eye on that too.

as always! comments and feed backs are highly appreciated! &lt;3

--

“Good afternoon, passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 89B to Rome. We are now inviting those passengers with small children and any passengers requiring special assistance to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes. Thank you.”

"That's our cue. Let's go, babe." You looked up from the book you were reading, still a bit dazed as you were so deep into the novel you were reading. Still, you held out your hand to your fiance, to which Sanemi gladly intertwined your fingers as you walked and boarded the plane.

He looked over to you with a loving smile on his face and said, "Let me guess, you want to sit by the window?"

You giggled, "You know me so well."

"I learned my lesson the last time I took the window seat." Sanemi chuckled

It was during your first anniversary trip to Peru when your fiance took the window seat. You said you didn't mind, but it was written all over your face that you were slightly upset at that time. Since then, Sanemi has let you sit by the window on your succeeding trips.

Window seats are universally loved by nearly everyone, but you have a very specific reason as to why you prefer to sit there than anywhere else. You're a writer yourself, and when you travel, you like to look around as much as possible in hopes of finding your next inspiration for your next novel. It can be something as miniscule as a street sign or something grandiose like witnessing someone get proposed to.

Your last novel was inspired by a woman jogging with her golden retriever, and as usual, your book was a success and was hailed as your best-selling piece. You won multiple awards, held multiple book signings both locally and internationally, and guested on multiple interviews. Just a few years ago, your debut novel was turned into a movie, and it was a blockbuster hit.

"And that's why you're the best fiance ever." you said as you gave him a smooch on the cheeks after settling down on your seat.

"I used to love being called the best boyfriend ever, but being called the best fiance is better."

"Wait til I call you the best husband ever after we get married." You said with a chuckle.

"Oh, I would love that. Can't wait to see you walk down that aisle; just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes." Sanemi confessed as he sported a dreamy look on his face, to which you responded by giving him another kiss, but on his lips this time.

"Me too, baby."

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 89B with service from Tokyo to Rome. We are currently third in line for takeoff and are expected to be in the air in approximately fourteen hours time. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays be in the upright position for takeoff. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing  Japan Airlines. Enjoy your flight.”

You met Sanemi through a mutual friend when he tagged along on your trip to Okinawa. He was the best friend of your best friend's boyfriend. You didn't like him at first because he was so grouchy when you first met, but as you got to know him more over the trip, you realized he was just as soft as he was gruff; it's just not his style to be upfront about his emotions.

Sanemi was the first to confess.

After your trip to Okinawa, you gave each other's phone numbers and social media profiles and have kept in touch ever since. You're not one to spend ungodly hours on your phone, but after meeting him, you would check your phone for any notifications from him. It came to a point where you would check your phone first thing in the morning after waking up.

Sanemi fell first, but you definitely fell harder.

Mitsuri, your best friend showed no mercy in teasing you when you first opened up about your budding infatuation towards his friend because you really did dislike him when you first met him.

You were so hellbent on not associating yourself with Sanemi ever again, but here you are, three years later, happily engaged to him.

Love truly moves in mysterious ways.

Sanemi kissed you back, "I love you so much. Thank you for saying yes."

Feeling your own tears well up in your eyes, you tried to brush it off by giggling, "I love you too, Sanemi."

*

Three hours into your flight from Tokyo to Rome, your book had been forgotten, and you were now snuggled close to Sanemi, who was reading the newest reports about his favorite basketball team on his tablet. He was also doing some extra work to kill time. 

You don't know shit about basketball or sports in general, but you don't mind listening to him babble on about his hobbies the way he would listen to you fangirl about the novels you've been reading.

While he watched the video, he had one arm comfortably wrapped around your shoulders, lulling you to sleep as he urged you to take a nap because you wouldn't be able to reach your destination for another eleven hours or so.

You were finally sound asleep when the pilot's voice broke out across the plane, his voice clearly tinged with urgency.

"Good day, everyone. I'm sorry to interrupt your peaceful trip, but I'd like to let everyone know that we will be experiencing some hard turbulence, but don't worry, we will do our best to keep everyone safe. Make sure your seatbelts are properly fastened—"

Everything unfolded so quickly.

You were about to turn to face Sanemi when he seized you in his arms, and everything went black in an instant.

*

“Y/N!!!”

You screamed as you bolted awake from your deep slumber

"Oh, you're finally awake."

--

taglist: @milkyybuns trishiepo0 @babygirl-panda19 @hypnocountrymusicfunnyfan @exodarkwolf16 @qdreamueen @vesta-ro

--

Next Chapter

--

Read my other Tengen Fics:

Parallel Lines

Invisible Strings (Parallel Lines Sequel)

[nighterwriter]

Wedding Bells

Bruce Wayne x fem!reader

Word Count: 928

A/N: Thank you to @ultraxavbo for this request. Happy New Year! Thank you all for being so kind while I took a little break to get everything in order. Enjoy :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A vacation. That's what all Gotham news outlets were reporting about Bruce Wayne and his fiance. A couple months of well-placed rumors and a few reported international and domestic charity events were what it took to get the tabloids to return to their routine rumor reporting - the latest snobbery fitted into the image of humility and well-earned luxury.

But the people closest to the couple knew what was happening and were buzzed as they trickled into the manor under sworn secrecy. The wedding that they had planned was one that the upper echelon of Gothamites would turn their noses at and mutter about how unfitting it was for a man of his standard to go through with something so simple and degradingly not flamboyant. But as Mr. and Mrs. Wayne sat in the small room next to the ballroom (a failed makeout session turned a moment to process what had just happened), where the guests were milling around and finding their seats, they couldn't help but think how perfect it had been. Jason made their cake, Alfred made their floral arrangement, and the bride's bouquet. Ma Kent almost stayed a month in the manor helping Cass with making the wedding dress and suit. Each of them - every dear friend and family member - had done something for them without fussing about the added labor. It was an honor to have this be their wedding, one Bruce knew his parents would have loved.

"They're waiting for us, Mr. Wayne." Bruce couldn't look at you without fighting back the urge to burst into tears, he had cried enough when you were walking down the aisle. His wife looked so radiant, it hurt to breathe. He'd have to spend the rest of his life trying to come up with words to describe how his heart stutters every time he sees the rings on her finger.

"Patience, Mrs. Wayne," Both of their hands trembled, "I just want a minute with my wife."

"So sappy," You murmured, trying to fight back tears as you looked at your engagement ring. The pearl from Martha Wayne's necklace that Damian had found in the sewers, nestled in a woven band with small diamonds, sat on your left pointer finger. It looked foreign but welcoming. "Do you think they'd be mad if we left?"

Your husband snorted. "I didn't know you wanted to go on our honeymoon that badly."

You rolled your eyes and shook your head gently as you laid your head on his shoulder. "No, not there. I mean like Batburger or that other restaurant uptown. Just for a little."

"And miss out on Ma and Pa Kent's cooking?"

"I'm sure they've already put leftovers in the fridge-"

Your words fizzled on your tongue, but Bruce knew what you meant.

"Do you want to? I can tell Dick to get the party started and have Tim take more pictures of the guests."

"No, no," You pull your head up and gently bonk your forehead against his, "I'll feel bad."

"They'll understand-"

"Which would make it ten times worse." You looked at Bruce again, trying to clean the lipstick that had smudged on his lips during the true reason for your being in this coat closet turned secret hideout. "I just... wanted to sit here... with you before it got to be too much."

Bruce made a sound of agreement and moved to stand in front of you. You grabbed his hand, fingers rubbing against the gold band as a feeling that had plagued you the moment you put on your dress dislodged itself from your gut and pushed upwards, fragmenting in your mouth.

"I'm scared," You whispered before you could stop yourself, "I don't know why. I love you and I trust you and I love Alfred and the kids, but-"

Bruce kneeled in front of you and took your face into his hands.

"I almost peed my pants when it came time to say 'I do.'" He smiled as your body shook with laughter. "I wish I was lying. I almost had Clark burn something so I could get a hold of myself. And I'd be lying if I said I'm not scared too.

"But as scared as I am, I'd rather be scared with you and with the kids and Alfred than anyone else. We have the rest of our lives to figure it out and be scared."

"Together?"

"Forever and always."

You tugged on the back of his neck and pulled him to meet your lips, other tracing the band on his hand again. Together forever and always. The two of you didn't hear the door opening.

"EW! Is this what was being done while we sit there, awaiting your arrival?"

Damian stood at the door, arms crossed with the most disgusted look on his face. You wiped the lipstick off Bruce's face before squatting in front of the youngest Wayne.

"Thank you for holding down the fort. I needed a moment." You swiped a hair out of his eyes. "I can't wait to send Talia pictures of how dapper you look."

His cheeks flushed and he slapped your hand away, but you had lived with him long enough to know that he was secretly preening. "Hurry with whatever you were hoping to accomplish in this room with very thin walls. The guests are growing hungry and impatient for your arrival."

"Thank you, Damian," Bruce called out as he left. He offered his arm to you. "Ready, Mrs. Wayne?"

You slotted your arm into his.

"Forever and always, Mr. Wayne."

[greenflamedwriter]

Killing Stalking AU:

Okay when I read Killing/stalking I was a bit disapointed. Too much killing not enough stalking -_-

And so Imagine Luo Binghe who is a serial killer instead of wives it's girlfriends and instead of marrying them he kills them. And Shen Yuan, who bought the apartment just to observe such a thing ends up obsessed he calls the victims 'wives' till death do they part, and he has an obsession with the seriel killer.

Like bordering on gay but he's still in denial.

Already he has a list of all the names of the girls, Ning Yingying was the first and now he's up to Qui Haitang, already he counted that Luo BInghe was accumilating an anti-harem.

Shen Yuans room is FULL of photos, clothes, even HAIR of Binghe as well as Luo Binghe in a apron, bloody and cleaning up his mess.

Shen Yuan loved him. Quircks and all.

But he wasn't stupid, not only was the evidence of Binghe's crimes in this room, footage and videos of girls going into Luo Binghes house then NEVER returning, wanted posters and last places they were timed perfectly. A little plushie doll of Luo Binghe as well in a corner. But he also hid evidence around the city, places with his name on it, most were holding his anime stuff but after the first five lockers the rest were filled with nothing but Binghe's crimes. He never went back to the old ones, to obvious instead he would pay for a new locker and fill that one up.

NSFW undercut

And Sy whose still in the closet probably thought it was normal to react, esp seeing the stallion having sex with the women in his bedroom, with his camera Shen Yuan could see everything.

At one point it even felt like Luo Binghe looked up and locked eyes with him, it made Shen Yuans breath hitch. It wasn't possible, it was dark, lights out, and Shen Yuan shivered palming himself, so hard it was the point of pain.

And this was when he decided to get closer.

Shen Yuan wears a disguise, Luo Binghe didn't like men, only women. So Shen Yuan wears a wig, with a hat and glasses and actually nice clothes. He dresses nicer as a women than he would as himself, in just sweats and loose jumpers.

He sits at a cafe and watches a girl on Luo Binghes arm Wife #32 Shen Yuan couldn't believe he was sitting right next to them.

And each time he would get closer, changing his looks, and disguise, practically listening in. Listen to the lies Luo Binghe would say, his favourite colour? Song? Movie?

Shen Yuan saw into his house, he knew what Luo Binghes interests were better than these wives.

He got too close once, when a wife dropped her wallet, he picked it up.

"Excuse me?"

She turned with a sneer on her face, that was usually how people reacted to Shen Yuan, like he was gross. He knew he would look alright with decent clothes hair cut, but he had that attention before, he didn't want it again.

But seeing it was just a small girl with a face mask pacing her her wallet with kind eyes, the sneer fell away into surprise.

"Oh my gosh! Thank you!"

"It's no problem, I understand the stress of losing your credit cards and having to cancel them and start over- I'm overally clumsy like that aha."

Luo Binghe was staring at him, and Shen Yuan couldn't help but shiver at the attention.

At that moment thats when Shen Yuan realised something, back in the comfort of his home. He may actually like Luo Binghe...

well...it's just Luo Binghe, right? maybe he's just bi and only likes him?

Either way, he kept skirting around him, until the wife inevitably died and he sat at the cafe, waiting for Binghe with his next fiance-

"Hello, miss. I thought I'd find you here."

Shen Yuan held back a flinch as he glanced up, "Ah hello there, I kinda recognise you," Shen Yuan leaned closer as Luo Binghe sat down before him but internally he was freaking out.

Was he wearing the same disguises over and over!?

Did Luo Binghe figure him out!?!?!?

"My names Luo Binghe, and you are?"

"Um," Quick think of a name! "Xiao Gongzhu."

"Little palace mistress? Hmm suits you."

Like hell it does! But that was the only thing he could think off!

"I was just wondering," Luo Binghe looked bashful, and it broke Shen Yuan out of his thoughts, he looked so boyish it was cute.

"Could we trade numbers?"

What? He killed Wife #32 already? wait- was Luo Binghe seriously seeing Shen Yuan as a potential wife!?

This was bad- it was going to mess up Luo Binghes streak! He was the protagonist, he couldn't mess up because he was accidently tricked by a man!

Also the not-dying thing would be great and if Shen Yuan didn't go back to his apartment and pay rent then the landlord will come in and SEE all of his evidence, Binghe would go to jail!

"Uh yeah sure- I mean yes!" Shen Yuan spoke then grimaced at how flustered he was, even so he still couldn't believe it- Binghe's number!

Luo Binghe hummed "Hmm I'll put you as Princess, if thats okay I like giving pretty girls like you pet names. You can think of a name for me too."

"Hmm, I like Bingpup, you're like a cute puppy who deserves head pats!" Shen Yuan spoke and saw Luo Binghe's smile stiffened.

Shen Yuan immedietly preened aha thats right! Luo Binghe hates being called dog or mutt! He found out that Luo Binghe had an awful teacher who would call him that in school! He found that out by waiting for Binghe to take wife #16 on a date and bugged his house!

When they were getting intimate after their pillow talk Luo Binghe admitted such a sad thing.

Because wife#16 called him a good puppy during foreplay, and when she said she'd never do it again he agreed and said she won't then straggled her. Shen Yuan listened to that footage over and over again.

When Luo Binghe stood up, Shen Yuan giggled "Oh and one more thing." He stood up too, flipping his hair over his shoulder.

"If you think you can take me as the next wife, you can forget it."

Luo Binghe paused looking confused, "I'm sorry?"

"I know your type, playboy. You have a fiance wine and dine, but after the first night your the type to believe in death do us part." Shen Yuan emphansised the smile on Luo Binghe's face faded. "This is amazing, the Luo Binghe! I'm such a huge fan," Shen Yuan kept his voice low, so the other patrons at the cafe wouldn't here. "I actually liked Liu Mingyan, such a good girl she knew martial arts as well. Pity, but I don't plan to be accumulated into your 'harem' I don't like to share. No, I prefer to watch."

Luo Binghe eyes narrowed, "Do you think it's a good idea to be telling me this?" Shen Yuan looked at him with pity, "I can't help it, your so cute and I didn't want to lie to that face when I turned you down. it's not any of Binghe's fault, I just genuinly like to watch, if we cross that step I'm afraid I'll have to die of shame." Before he left he also glanced back, "Oh, and I'm a collector by the way, I have evidence all around Shang hai completely hidden unless I mysteriously disapear, someone is bound to find everything. See you around, Husband."

Shen Yuan flaunced away, knowing he was being followed, thank GOD for public bathrooms, he walked in, immedielty removing his wig, hoodie and skirt and pulling on his baggy and drabby clothes, and oiled up his hair to look more greasy and gross espeically from wearing a wig, he dumped the back in the bin and walked out, slouching and on his phone, he walked past Luo Binghe who stayed leaning against pillar waiting for the 'women' to leave the bathroom.

Shen Yuan still didn't trust it, hailing a taxi and purposfully going the awkward way to get to his apartment. Even then he decided to back track and couch surf on his friends sofa instead, just to be safe.

Even so, when he recieved a text from Binghe, vaguely threating him, promising he'll find him and kill him, Shen Yuan shivered feeling his breathing hasten.

"You can try, Husband."

-

So long story short, Liu Qingge is the policemen interogating his sisters mysterious death, finds Shen Yuan and believe him to be a victim of domestic abuse, and yeah both Luo Binghe AND Shen Yuan are playing cat and mouse the power imbalances keep changing, and at one point, Shen Yuan finds himself actually going on dates with Luo Binghe, even helping him take down a wife with his 'husband' it's such a rush. And for a moment even Luo Binghe felt affection for Shen Yuan and didn't care that it was revealed he was a guy, even started having some fucked up moments of his own, comparing Shen Yuan to his mother. Shen Yuan: Hello police? Theres a man with a milf kink send him to jail!

Even so theres honeymoon moments, SY actually spends a night in Binghes house but thats where it all goes wrong, SY is now a wife, he just doesn't die straight away, forced to being trapped in the kitchen dressed as a women and still playing their cat and mouse game as Luo Binghe is trying to force him to reveal his evidence, he claims he'll stay with Shen Yuan properlly if he does. And then SY at one point escapes the house, finds Liu Qingge and confesses everything and even gives him the keys to his apartment and the locations of the lockers with the evidence.

Luo Binghe finds him, says he saw SY with another man, had he grown bored with him?

Pretty much ends the same way as Killing Stalking both die in the end, Luo Binghe dying alone, and SY still thinking he's alive and is frazzled ends up going into on-going traffic.

-I think with the story it was supposed to end tragically, because neither were good people, but I just hated how the character in KS was reduced to an innocent uwu who was sexualised but didn't have a braincell- I would've preffered if there was some intellectual schemes, like KIRA VS L both smart people trying to one up the other and maybe just a hint of romance, delusion on both sides, Binghe finally seeing SY as his partner in literal crime but then because of jealousy ends up trying to kill SY after he's another Wife isn't he?

[datlokibumtho]

I just saw a post that brought up the fact that Ed totally has to have a scar from that time in Brotherhood when he got impaled, and I was like "oh I totally forgot that was a thing" and my fiance didn't quite hear me so I told him about the post and he thought they meant that time in 03 when Envy was a dick because he forgot about Brotherhood too. (I watch more 03 than Brotherhood because I personally think Envy is hotter in it, the Homunculi have more depth of character, and it was my original FMA jam so it holds a special place in my heart) That led to me reminding him and then this bit of shower/gremlin thoughts on my part:

1.) Envy was very rude for stabbing Ed in the chest.

2.) A bonding opportunity for them was missed by him doing so.

a.) Ed could've been like, "Man, I don't really like our dad all that much either, to be honest."

Envy could've been like, "Oh, God, he's the fucking worst"

And Ed would be like, "I know, right?!"

i.) They'd just be sitting there, bonding over their mutual dislike of Hohenheim, but it would be super awkward because it's all happening in that city under Central.

ii.) Gluttony is still eating Al

iii.) Al's like, "Bro, what the hell? I'm literally going to die here"

iv.) Dante's like, "Wait, no, Envy, you actually improving your dumpster fire mental health is not how this was supposed to go, knock that shit off i still need a minion that won't eat me on sight"

v.) Rose is mind controlled into oblivion

vi.) Her baby's crying because, let's be real, he messed himself forever ago and no one seems to fucking care

3.) The last couple episodes are legit just Ed and Envy bashing Hohenheim for not being able to handle situations involving his offspring in a proper and considerate manner, and Envy calling Dante the worst mom in the history of Amestris.

a.) Eventually, they figure out how to stop Gluttony from eating Al and use the Stone to get his body back.

b.) Al thinks the whole thing is super awkward because Envy and Ed are getting along, and he legit can't process that specific level of buggery right now.

c.) The series ends with Winry freaking out about there being a Homunculus around, Pinako being totally nonplussed because she's old and nothing bugs her anymore, Al slowly coming to terms with the fact that they appear to be stuck with Envy for the foreseeable future, Ed and Envy being total bros with eachother, and Den being nominated Best Good Girl In Amestris.

4.) This is better than the original ending and I will hear no other opinion

a.) Fight me.

[lythea-creation]

Broken Toys - Johanna Mason x fem reader (Chapter 13)

Chapter 1

Previous Chapter

word count: 2.348

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

“How did Finnick get through the wall?”, Peeta wondered.

“He didn't. They won't get out of there before the hour is over. It's pure torture. You're surrounded by the desperate cries of the people you care about.”

“You were …?” Peeta shot me a sympathetic look.

I simply nodded. “I heard Johanna cry out for help and thought she was in danger. Then I was trapped”, I remembered.

Johanna looked at me, lost in her thoughts.

I told them what I had experienced before our reunion and they told me what had happened to them.

Katniss and Finnick had returned to the wall long ago and were trying to block the screams out. There was not anything we could do to help them. They did not even pay attention to us anymore.

When the hour was over Peeta was immediately by Katniss' side. “The hour is over! The hour is over! It's alright”, he tried soothing her as Katniss jolted upwards horrified.

Meanwhile Johanna was talking to Finnick, who was staring blankly ahead while brushing off Johanna's attempts to help him.

“They won't touch Prim. Okay?”, Peeta comforted Katniss.

“Your fiance is right. The whole country loves your sister”, Johanna agreed which was odd.

At least until she continued: “If they tortured her or did anything to her, forget the districts. There would be riots in the damn Capitol.”

The irony of it all.

Johanna grinned at Katniss.

I was not sure if grinning was just a part of Johanna's personality or her way to cope. Instead of breaking down, she grinned and yelled. Though I already had a feeling how this was going to end. I had a déjà-vu moment from her interview.

My assumption turned out to be right as Johanna provocatively turned to the camera and yelled: “Hey! How does that sound, Snow? What if we … what if we set your backyard on fire? You know you can't put everybody in here!”

Everyone was staring at her like she was crazy. Maybe she was. Maybe we all were.

“What?”, she asked the others, her voice sounding unusually soft and sad. “He can't hurt me. There's no one left that I love.”

Katniss looked at Johanna shocked and hurt. Probably she had never considered why Johanna behaved like she did.

Johanna sighed. “I will get some water.”

No one dared to move as we watched Johanna disappear inside the jungle.

I got a hold of myself and ran after her. “Johanna!”, I called out.

Due to her body language I noticed that she was surprised I was following her, but she kept on moving.

“Ouch!”, I cried out as I had stepped onto something. Damn missing shoes!

At least Johanna was waiting for me now. “What's the deal? Do you have pity with me now or what?”

“Not pity. I just care about you, okay?”

“But it's true. I have no one to return to. The only people I'm close to are Finnick and you. Even if I made it out of here, I would be all alone again”, she declared.

She was right. We could not make it out of here together. It would be best if Katniss survived. She had people to return to and had a great influence on the rebels.

Was that the reason Johanna had tried to save her from the water earlier? And why she had dragged Beetee and Wiress along to bring them to Katniss?

Without thinking about it, I kissed her.

Johanna kissed back for a moment before pulling back with a grin.

She cocked an eyebrow at me. “Didn't we break up?”

She was talking so quietly that the gamemakers would not be able to catch up her words.

“I didn't act right now”, I shot back.

“It's not like I ever faked a kiss”, she replied.

Confusion filled me. Was she joking again?

“Please, don't tease me now, okay? What do you mean?”

Johanna just grinned at me and filled a cup with water.

“Hey! You can't just ignore me”, I complained.

She kissed me shortly but passionately before going back to our allies.

My heart was racing. What had happened?

Overwhelmed, I followed Johanna and sat down beside her. She had handed Katniss the cup, who was sitting on her other side.

“Who's Annie?”, Katniss wondered as she watched Finnick who was sitting in the water a few feet away from us.

“Annie Cresta. The one Mags volunteered for. She won like four … five years ago”, Johanna recalled absentmindedly.

“The one that went a little …?”, Katniss reassured.

Crazy. Most people who did not know Annie personally called her crazy Cresta because the Games had traumatized her. Strange enough as our Games had traumatized all of us in some way.

“Hmm”, Johanna confirmed, finally looking at Katniss before looking ahead again. “Love is weird”, she mumbled.

“How's your hand doing?”, Katniss suddenly asked me.

I took a look at it. “The bleeding has stopped. So it should be fine. Nothing too serious.”

Katniss nodded.

All of a sudden a cannon sound erupted.

The hovercraft had to pull up the pieces of the tribute five times.

If I had rested any faster from the jabberjay attack this morning, that would have been me.

I shuddered at the thought.

Everyone started doing their own thing.

Peeta drew the arena onto a leave and labeled the sectors. He called the six to seven sector 'The Beast'.

Katniss went swimming.

Finnick weaved a fishing net and Beetee was busy with a wire.

My eyes moved over to Johanna who was still sitting next to me. “You look tired”, I noted.

She chuckled. “Isn't that how it's supposed to be? It's not like we're on vacation or anything. Besides, do you wanna tell me you got enough sleep since you entered the arena?”

“I did sleep well last night. At least until two am. when I heard Katniss' and Finnick's screams.”

I sighed and laid down, looking at the fake sky. “The night sky in 7 is really pretty”, I suddenly remembered. “And the smell of pine needles is comforting. Must be a nice place to live. It's not so hot.”

“You could have visited me more often if you liked it that much”, Johanna suggested.

“And the water was so clear and didn't burn in the eyes due to the lack of salt.”

I dreamed myself back there. Over a year had passed since that time.

“But what I missed most last year, except Rue, were our phone calls. I enjoyed it when you called me without a reason. Made me feel special”, I admitted.

Now I could feel her eyes on me while mine were still fixated on the sky.

“(f/n) ...” Johanna was interrupted by the hymn announcing the fallen tributes.

Cashmere. Gloss. Wiress. Mags. The female tribute from 5. The female morphling. Blight. The male tribute from 10. I could not remember any Games with so many deaths after the first two days.

“They are literally burning us up”, Johanna confirmed my memories.

“Who's left? Except us six and the two from district 2?”, Finnick asked.

“Chaff”, I stated without hesitation. I had known him for a while now after all.

A beeping sound ripped us out of our thoughts as a parachute was flying toward us.

“That's definitely not for me”, I joked earning a grin from Johanna.

Actually it seemed to be for all of us. There were several equally sized buns inside.

“They are from your district Beetee, aren't they?”, Peeta recognized.

“Yes, from 3. How many are there?”

Finnick arranged the buns meticulously as if he was afraid to make a mistake. Why was it so important?

“Twenty-four”, Finnick proclaimed.

“Exactly two dozens?”, Beetee reassured.

“Exactly twenty-four”, Finnick repeated.

They were behaving strangely. Of course we would share the buns equally. But being so accurate over a few buns when we were not even starving?

The wonder was quickly forgotten when I took the first bite. Delicious!

We waited until the ten to eleven wave was over before camping there. We should be save here for the next twelve hours.

Terrifying clicking noises resounded from the next sector, most likely insects.

To my relief they seemed to stay in the jungle. But we did not move to that part of the beach, not wanting to risk triggering them in any way.

“You can go to sleep. Peeta and I will take the first watch”, Katniss offered.

It was not like I was not tired, but last night had been an exception. I was feeling anxious.

“What are you waiting for? Come over”, Johanna encouraged me.

“You sure?”, I reassured as I laid down next to her.

“Don't pretend you never fell asleep in my arms before”, she stated, an amused grin plastered on her face.

So I took the opportunity and snuggled close to her, enjoying the feeling of safety.

When I woke up again, it was still dark.

I moved over to Peeta and Finnick. “Hey, Peeta. I can take your shift now”, I offered.

He smiled gratefully and fell asleep next to Katniss.

“Couldn't sleep?”, I asked Finnick.

He shook his head. “Do you think she's safe?”

“Right now? I think so, yes. As safe as a victor can be.”

I inched closer to him and took his hand in mine to comfort him.

“I don't want to leave her behind. This whole alliance is beginning to crumble. The tributes are dying faster than expected”, Finnick worried.

“Yeah. Do you think Katniss and Peeta might turn against us? Or move on without us?”, I considered.

“Katniss is a wary person. So it's not unlikely”, he agreed.

Silence erupted between us. It was neither comfortable nor uncomfortable, but only because it was usually unpleasant to have the time to concentrate on my thoughts.

When the sun rose, the others started to wake up.

Soon later another parachute with twenty-four buns landed for us.

After eating we were a bit lost as we did not know what to do.

Katniss even offered Peeta to teach him swimming.

Johanna watched the couple suspiciously, but laid down after a while.

“Come over! I have a plan”, Beetee announced after a felt eternity of doing nothing.

We gathered around him.

“We should agree on having to kill Brutus and Enobaria next. I don't think that they'll dare to attack us directly again as they are in such a minority. We could hunt them down, but that would be dangerous and strenuous.”

“Do you think they know about the clock?”, Katniss wondered.

“If they don't, they will find out soon enough, maybe not as exactly as we did”, Beetee answered.

He began drawing the arena into the sand. “If you were Brutus and Enobaria and knew about the jungle, where would you feel safest?”, Beetee asked us.

“Where we are, at the beach. That's the safest place”, Peeta responded.

“And why aren't they at the beach?”, Beetee continued his question game.

“Because we're here”, Johanna replied impatiently.

“Exactly. We're here and claim the beach. And where would you go then?”, Beetee questioned.

“I would hide at the edge of the jungle. To be able to escape from upcoming attacks and to observe my opponents”, I suggested.

“Also for eating”, Finnick added. “In the jungle are a bunch of unfamiliar animals and plants, but who watches us knows that the seafood is safe.”

Beetee smiled contently at us. “Very well. You got it. Now listen to my suggestion: We strike at twelve. What happens exactly at noon and midnight?”

“The lightning hits the tree”, Katniss recalled.

“Exactly. That's why I suggest we set off after the noon lightning and before the midnight lightning, connect my wire to the tree and salt water, which is as you should all know a great conductor. When the lightning hits, the voltage is not only passed on to the water but also to the beach which is still wet from the ten clock wave. Everyone who touches the water or sand in that moment will get killed by the electricity.”

A long pause settled in, which we all took to consider Beetee's plan.

“Will the wire be able to handle the voltage, Beetee? It looks so fragile as if it would burn out immediately”, Peeta noted.

“That's exactly what is going to happen, but just after the voltage has moved through it. The wire works like a fuse, just that it passes on voltage”, Beetee explained.

“How do you know that?”, Johanna questioned unconvinced.

“Because I invented it”, he declared. “It's not a usual wire. Just as the lightning isn't usual lightning and the tree isn't a usual tree. Johanna, you out of all people here know trees the best. The tree should be destroyed by now, shouldn't it?”

“Yeah”, she agreed grumpily.

“Don't worry about the wire. It will do what I say”, Beetee ensured us.

“And where are we going to be when it happens?”, Finnick asked. “Deep down in the jungle where nothing can happen to us.”

I almost had to laugh at the irony of Beetee's reply.

“But the careers won't take any damage, if they aren't near the water”, Katniss considered.

“Right”, Beetee confirmed.

“But the seafood will get grilled”, Peeta interjected.

“Probably more than grilled. We will lose that food source. But we found more in the jungle. So we should be fine. It's my plan, but we're allies. You decide whether we try it or not”, Beetee declared.

“Why not?”, Katniss exclaimed.

“We have nothing to lose by it. So let's try!” Peeta agreed.

Finnick cocked an eyebrow at Johanna who agreed reluctantly.

That settled it.

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

Next Chapter

I decided it was finally time to start uploading the rest of this story. It truly means so much to me on a personal level because I poured a lot of my real life into it without noticing at first. So it always manages to make me tear up and laugh my ass off. It's insane.

I hope you enjoy it just as much. I'd be rlly happy about your comments!

[elibabayblog]

The wait is over

40s Bucky Barnes

Part 3 to Last Date Night

The next afternoon, you wake up with a slight startle. You feel an arm swing over your waist, comforting you.

"Hey doll, are you okay?" He asks, sitting up, and pulling you towards his chest.

"I'm fine, just a nightmare," you looked beside you to see him shirtless.

You looked down at your own body and remembered you didn't have clothes on either. You leaned over and kissed him. 

"What was that for? Not that I'm complaining," He smiled.

"Just because I don't know how long you will be gone,"

"Too long, but remember that when I get back, you will officially be Mrs. Barnes." He smiled.

You looked at the clock at 12:06 pm. He needed to be dressed and at the bus stop by 2:00.

"Come on, you need to be getting dressed," you said, grabbing your panties and his shirt off the floor. You turned around and watched your fiance as he made his way to the bathroom to shower. He turned around and smirked, calling you over to him.

"Join me?" he asked with puppy dog eyes.

"I want to, but I need to get you fed and packed. I don't know if you remember, but we were having so much fun that you forgot to pack your go bag last night," you smiled.

You kissed him and pulled away heading downstairs," and don't take long either, I need you to pack your bag when you get out of the shower,"

"Alright, doll, I'll be out shortly,"

You make your way downstairs and start breakfast waiting for your man in uniform to appear.

 You laid the remainder of his food on his plate before feeling his arms around your waist.

"Breakfast looks amazing,"

"Thank you, I put all my love into it,"

You hear a car pull up, and you walk to the window," I think that's your mom, James,"

You open the blinds and peak out. You watch as his mom walks up the steps. James stands at the door waiting to greet her. You sneak off, putting breakfast together for James, his mother, and yourself. You sit the plates down as she walks into the kitchen and greets you with a hug.

"Hi Y/n," she speaks softly in your ear. Your arms welcome her embrace as she pulls you a little closer.

"Hi, how was last night?"

"Oh, it was fine, but more about you and James." She smiles.

"I wish we could stand here and talk, but I need to get him fed and to the bus stop soon,"

"Ah, okay, I understand, but make sure you come back so we can have that talk." She smiles, making her way upstairs.

You finally get a good look at James. You hate the fact that he's leaving for war, but damn does he look good in uniform.

You watch as he finishes his plate and puts his dish in the sink. He turns around and grabs you, and pulls you into him.

"Come on, break it up, children," his mom says, pushing her way in between James and yourself.

"Okay, come on, you need to go."

He grabs his bag and kisses his mom.

"See you in a while, mom."

"See you, James."

You take his hand, and you walk out. He gets in, and the ride is silent from start to finish. As he pulls up, he gets out, and you scoot over into the driver's seat.

"Keep her nice and pristine for me, doll."

"Always."

"Do me one more favor?"

"Anything."

"Kiss me."

You open the door and throw your arms around James as he holds you. You kiss him, not wanting him to go.

"Be careful, okay?"

"I will, I have to marry my doll when I get back."

You let go, and he grabs his bag out of the car. He walks off and gets on the bus. He sticks his head out the window.

"I LOVE YOU, DOLL."

"I LOVE YOU MORE."

After the bus pulls off, you get in his car and make your way to your mom's house.

"He's gone?" She grabs you and pulls you into a hug as you start to cry.

You missed him already, and you wanted him back. You would pray every night that he would be returned home safely to you.

Your mom helped you upstairs into your bed and rocked you to sleep. After falling asleep, your mom went back downstairs. A couple of hours later, you are up throwing up over the toilet. You must have had some bad food. From last night at the fair.

You hear your mom's footsteps coming into the bathroom. She kneels next to you and holds your hair while patting your back. After you sit up and wipe your mouth, she asks you, "Is this the only time you and James had sex?"

"No, but we used protection."

"Condoms can still rip, dear."

"But we made sure we used protection. I don't want to raise a child without James."

"It might not matter dear."

"Let's go to the doctor first, I want to know if I am pregnant with our child first."

You go lay down for the rest of the day. You wake earlier than usual the next morning wanting to see if you were going to be raising a child without your love. Your mom is already up and waiting on you so you can see the doctor.

"So what brings you in today?"

"I want to know if I am pregnant."

"Okay, I need you to pee in this bag."

"Okay, is there a restroom nearby?"

"Yes, right this way."

He led you to the nearest restroom. While you forced yourself to pee in the bag, you thought about how good of a father James would be. How he would play with his son, or bake in the kitchen with his daughter. Maybe his son will like to dance and party just like his father, or maybe his daughter will be fascinated with flying cars like James was at the Stark Expo. You finished rather quickly and washed the bag and your hands.

"We, will mail this off and call you tomorrow."

"Okay."

Your mom took you home as you called Mrs. Barnes and explained everything to her. She told you how excited James would be to find out the love of his life was blessed to give him a child. She told you that if your test was positive then she would do all she could to help you with your pregnancy and raising your child.

You grab a pen and a piece of paper. You wanted to write James and tell him the news.

Dear My Love, James Barnes,

'Hi James, I have some news for you. My mom thinks that I am pregnant with our first child. I just went to the doctor today and took my test. They will call me tomorrow and let me know how it turns out, but I wanted to write you and let you know because you are the love of my life and I would never want to raise a child without you but your mom is an angel and said that she would help me raise our child along with my mom. This is great news and I wanted you to know. By the way, Darlene is running amazingly. Be sure to write us back and if my results are positive next time you open a letter from me, you will have a picture of my first ultrasound.

From your love, Y/N'

You fold the letter and put it in an envelope and you take James' car to the mailbox. 

"Off you go." You give the envelope one kiss before dropping it in the box.

You head back to your mom's house and take a nap. You wake up later and throw up again. Your mom hears you and she comes in to help you clean up.

"If those results don't come back positive I don't know what I am going to do." She cries out.

"Mom, it's going to be okay, I just wish they hurry with the results already."

"Well, I want them to be through so for now just get in the tub and scrub well. Dinner is in the fridge if you are hungry. Now I am off to bed, I have to get up early tomorrow."

"Thank you, mom."

She nods her head at you. You strip out of your clothes and step into the tub. You scrub well, not wanting to think of the day ahead of you tomorrow. You dry off and put on your night clothes. You head down to the kitchen and eat the meal your mom had prepared for you. You head back to bed, making sure to stretch out in your sheets.

"Y/N, WAKE UP! THE DOCTOR IS CALLING!"

You jump out of your bed and rush downstairs.

"Hi, doctor."

"Hi, Ms. Y/n."

"So what are my results?" 

"I can confirm that you are pregnant, congratulations."

"Thank you, doctor."

You hang up the phone and look at your mom, " I'm having a baby."

Your mom yells and hugs you tightly.

"We need to tell Mrs. Barnes."

She dials Mrs. Barnes and tells her the exciting news. But you were so scared, how were you going to do this? Even if you did, how would this child feel growing up with a father in the war? Nonetheless, you were going to raise your child. James would be ecstatic as he stepped off the bus.

After that moment your life flew by, before you knew it you were in labor and your mom had taken multiple pictures of you and your daughter, Dolores Winnifred Barnes. The next few times you wrote him, you packed his envelope with all types of photos of you and your daughter, your mom and her granddaughter, and his mom and her granddaughter. You had pictures of her first birthday, and her first steps, and Howard was able to help you send a recording of her voice to him with her first words. Your mom and his mother were there for every important event of her life. You couldn't be more thankful when you found out that the love of your life was coming home. You told your daughter and she was more excited than her beautiful mother. 

As the day arrived, you held your daughter together you and she waited for your love and her father to step off the bus. You see him get off the bus and his face lights up as he sees his 4-year-old daughter for the first time and his fiancée, who he couldn't wait to marry. You walked to him as he walked towards you. As you met him in the middle, he kissed you as hard as he could.

"Mommy, eww," your daughter laughed turning her head.

"You are even more beautiful than the photos showed." He smiled talking to Dolores.

"Dot, this is your father."

"Daddy!" She holds her arms out toward him, wanting him to pick her up. 

He reaches out and grabs her and kisses her cheek. 

"I have been waiting to meet you for a very long time."

You smile at the interaction between Dot and James.

"Come on James, before we are late."

"Late to what?"

"Our wedding, it's today."

"Today?"

"I couldn't wait. I need your lips on mine. I want the world to know I am yours and you are mine."

"Okay, let's go."

He gets into the car and Dot crawls over the seat and buckles herself in. You drive back to his mom's house and he ushers you upstairs.

"Come on dear, we don't have long, and we have people waiting."

"Wait what am I supposed to be doing?"

"Go shower then come find me." you hear your mom tell him.

He hugs her and she pushes him toward the bathroom. He showers quickly and he goes to find your mother, she helps him dress and she leads him outside. He watches as your daughter throws flowers out of her little basket. He kisses her hand and he waits for his future wife. You come down the aisle and you take his hand. You don't hear the words of the pastor, you feel James pull you closer to him.

"Kiss the bride."

His lips connect with yours and you smile into the kiss, you then wrap your arms around him.

"My love, my life." 

[aquadestinyswriting]

Truth's Embers

Summary: Vera finally makes it to the front door of the Ironforge household, but finds her resolve wavering.

Words: 2,290

Warnings: None, amazingly. Aside from quite a lot of angst.

Tags: @druidx @homesteadchronicles @asher-orion-writes, @blind-the-winds, @odysseywritings, @writeblrsupport,@freedominique

note: this is a continuation of the story started in Where Secrets Lie

Vera swallowed nervously, dithering at the front door of the modest house just off the main street of the trading district. All she had to do was knock on the door, hand the journal in her hands, hidden underneath her cloak, to whoever answered, then walk away.

The young dwarven woman cleared her throat, raised her hand and rapped on the smooth stone surface. She waited, holding her breath as she heard heavy footsteps approach the door. Whoever was coming to answer was grumbling profusely.

It seemed like it took forever before the door opened to reveal a portly middle-aged man wearing a toughened leather jerkin and troos. He blinked in surprise, staring at the sandy coloured vestments that trailed under the travel cloak the young woman at his door was wearing. He cleared his throat and stepped to one side,

"Well, ye might as well come in rather than dithering in the doorway." He sighed. Vera startled a little,

"I really shouldn't… I-I don't want to impose." She stammered. Gruk Ovaksson rolled his eyes and jerked his head towards the hall behind him,

"Given that ye're clearly from the Cathedral and are otherwise unknown to me, I absolutely insist." He said, voice low. Vera swallowed thickly, nodded and stepped through the door. Gruk closed it behind her and chivvied the younger dwarf straight through to the sitting room.

"Morag, hen, we've a visitor." He called as Vera swept her hood back and cautiously sat on the chair the middle aged blacksmith had chased her to. She glanced to a doorway, leading to what she presumed was a kitchen, where another dwarven man, nearly five inches taller than she was, wearing scuffed mail armour had just appeared. This new person cocked his head to one side as he regarded the inquisitor in front of him, stepping into the sitting room,

"Oh, hello Vera. You finally managed to make Inquisitor, huh?" He asked. Vera blinked owlishly at the paladin, hardly believing her luck,

"As I live and breathe. What in Moradin's name are you doing here Forhoksson? Last I heard you went on a five year expedition to Khull." She exclaimed. Gruk grunted as he sat in his favourite chair by the fire, eyeing the young woman warily,

"You know each other?” he asked. Yoruk turned to the blacksmith and nodded,

"Aye, Vera was the one who convinced me to go into training as a paladin." He explained. The younger man turned his attention back to Vera,

"I ken ye were away for a bit to deal with some family stuff, so you missed out on a lot. I'm here because Gruk and Morag offered me a place to stay once I came back. My mother decided to disown me not long after I proposed to Merri, so I can't exactly go back there." 

Vera's eyes went wide. The last time she and Yoruk had seen each other, he'd mentioned falling for one of the acolytes he'd noticed in combat training, but that had been the last she'd heard about it. Now he was telling her that the girl he'd fallen for ��� and had since proposed to – was the same young woman that she'd helped to wrongly arrest for treason and heresy? She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. It was one thing to have to speak to Meredith’s parents, it was quite another to have to inform her fiance about what had transpired. Vera was shaken out of her thoughts by another, feminine voice, piping up from the door to the hall,

“Och, Gruk, the least you could’ve done was offer the poor lassie a drink.” Morag chastised, waddling into the sitting room and sitting heavily on the sofa next to Yoruk. Yoruk clapped a hand to his forehead,

“Sorry, I was the last one in the kitchen, and I didn’t think.” he groaned, “Let me get that sorted out.” he offered. Vera vehemently shook her head,

“No, please, you honestly don’t need to go to such trouble.” she said quickly, feeling a wave of nervous nausea hit her upon realising that Morag was several months pregnant. No, there was no way she could do this. Not if she became responsible for anything happening here.

Morag sighed softly and shook her head, noticing that the younger woman had gone very pale under her beard and had started to hyperventilate,

“It’s alright, hen. We already ken that this is probably about Meredith.” she said. Yoruk snapped his head around to stare in confusion at the middle aged woman,

“Wait… why does this have anything to do with Meredith?” he asked slowly, “ I know I only showed up an hour ago but-” he cut off as Morag shook her head,

“We’ll explain everything that’s been going on shortly, son. I want to know what yer friend wants to tell us first, then we can backtrack.” he told him patiently. Yoruk’s mouth twisted into an unhappy grimace, but he nodded and sat back, his gaze sweeping over to Vera.

Vera shrank back at the expectant looks on everyones’ faces. She slowly took out the journal Meredith had handed to her, swallowing thickly before taking a deep breath and staring between Morag and Yoruk’s heads.

“Given your reaction to my appearance at the door, I believe that you know there’s something up.” she said, glancing over to Gruk. The smith nodded, crossing his arms over his chest,

“Aye.” he snorted, “Given that the Toreguarde situation is all anybody’s been talking about for the last few months, I figured you were the sorry sod sent to give us an update.” Vera grimaced,

“Not exactly.” she said, her voice low. “I’m not actually here on official business by any means, but I am here to tell you about what’s going with regards to your daughter.” Morag tilted her head in confusion, while both Gruk and Yoruk’s faces fell into deep frowns. Vera’s heart hammered as she looked around the room,

“What was the last thing you heard?” she asked. Morag huffed another sigh, rubbing at her swollen belly anxiously,

“The last we heard from Father Ragnarsson was that Merri was back in Toreguarde and about to face off against Darkhide with her friends. We did hear, through the vein, that Darkhide had been defeated and his army routed, but we’ve had no word otherwise.” Vera ignored the stunned look on Yoruk’s face to stare at Morag in confusion,

“Nothing at all?” she asked, voice strained. Morag shook her head again. It was at this point that Gruk spoke up,

“We figured she was just busy sorting things out in the aftermath, but that was more’n a month ago. We expected that we would have received a message of some sort about how she was. To be honest, it’s starting to make us wonder if… ye ken.” he said, voice cracking. Vera looked at the despondent father and sent him a tight smile,

“On a positive note, Meredith is currently alive and well.” she said, her own voice starting to quaver.

“Positive note? ‘Currently’ alive and well?” Yoruk growled dangerously, “I’ve no idea what in the bloody Pit is going on, but you better start talking.” Vera’s took in a deep breath and whooshed it out again,

“That was the good news. The bad news is that, apparently, the High Inquisitor has reason to believe that Meredith is guilty of treason against the crown and heresy against the church.” She said slowly, “Now, I know for a fact that whatever charges he’s put against her are complete codswallop, but he put out a warrant for her arrest about a week ago.” Vera paused a moment to allow the information to sink in. All three dwarves had gone very pale and Gruk currently looked like he wanted to break something. Yoruk simply looked confused,

“Why does Firetome even believe such nonsense?” he asked plaintively.Vera blinked, before recalling that Yoruk had only recently arrived back in Fangthane himself. She shook her head,

“Firetome got elected to the position of Archlector after Vanskleig passed a couple of months ago. He named Garl Grimbeard High Inquisitor not long after.” she explained. Morag huffed a stressed sigh,

“We knew about that appointment already. To be fair, we weren’t entirely happy with that announcement, but what reason has he to believe that Merri is a heretic of all things?” she asked. Vera shook her head,

“I don’t know. All I can say is that, apparently, Grimbeard has some sort of major Grudge against your daughter.”

“Grudge or no, he needs some bloody evidence and he better have it. Thank Throff Merri’s no’ come home in that case.” Gruk grumbled, “As scared as I am that she’s o’er in Toreguarde, given the rumours that have come back about the place recently, I shudder to think what Grimbeard would do to her if she showed up at the front door of the mount now.” Vera snapped her mouth shut at Gruk’s words. Yoruk – who had been staring at Vera in disbelief as he processed what he’d just been told – narrowed his eyes again,

“Inquisitor Darkbek,” he said, voice low in warning, “have you anything else you want to share?” Morag brought her hand to her mouth, eyes brimming,

“Oh, she hasn’t?” she whispered.  Vera closed her eyes briefly before turning to the older woman, her vision clouded by her own tears,

“We got word that she’d been spotted in the mount about three days ago.” she said, voice strained, “She must’ve found out about the arrest warrant because she managed to avoid capture for two days. She was eventually caught skulking around the Contemplation Chamber earlier this morning.” 

“And you’re the sorry sod they sent to tell us.” Gruk groaned, placing his head in one of his hands, rubbing at his temple. Yoruk growled again, gripping the arms of his chair and causing the wood to creak ominously,

“I’m not just gonna sit here while-” he was cut off by Vera rounding on him and Dispelling the divine magic he’d unconsciously started to gather around him. The Inquisitor glared at him for a moment before relaxing once more,

“I’m sorry Forhoksson, but I can’t let you.” she said, “Storming over there and making demands will only make matters worse. Besides, I’m not actually here on official business.” Gruk’s head snapped up and everyone else stared at the young Inquisitor,

“Then why..?” Gruk asked, trailing off. Vera picked up the journal Meredith had given her,

“When I went to give Meredith her meal, she told me to give this to you. Apparently there’s a reason Grimbeard has a Grudge against her, and her account as to why is in here.” she explained, handing a wide-eyed Morag the leather-bound book. Morag’s expression softened as she ran her fingers over the cover,

“If this has her account of any wrongdoing on Grimbeard’s part, then surely it can be used as evidence against her arrest?” she asked. Vera shook her head,

“I don’t know.” Vera admitted, “However, in order to even get an arrest warrant, Grimbeard needed to have had some other evidence. I doubt an account written by Meredith would be taken as sufficient proof since she hasn’t brought anything else with her aside from some personal belongings.” Yoruk drummed his fingers absentmindedly,

“I’ve no idea what else mo goal has been up to, but since she’s apparently made some friends over in Toreguarde, can’t we ask them to bring the evidence we need here?” he asked. Gruk was the first to answer,

“Not unless we want to get in a heap o’ trouble with the law ourselves.” he said wearily, “Toreguarde’s been placed on the Fangthane’s official Book O’ Grudges and the whole population has been expressly forbidden from going anywhere near the place or contacting anyone that might still be there.” he smiled mirthlessly at the paladin, “A lot went on while ye were away, lad. Not a lot of it good.” Vera sighed and nodded,

“Mr Ovaksson has the right of it, Yoruk. I’d be obligated to arrest you if you tried. Besides, Meredith herself said she didn’t want to get them involved. She said they had enough on their plates as it was.” she added. Morag rubbed at her belly again with a soft smile,

“Aye, that’s Merri all over. Utterly selfless to a fault” she sighed. The middle aged woman opened her eyes and looked up at Vera with a curious expression, “I have to wonder then, why you came to tell us all this?” she pondered. Yoruk raised an eyebrow at the statement, as did Gruk. Vera squirmed a bit at the expectant stares she was getting,

“Because it’s the right and just thing to do.” She replied, “Despite a lack of evidence on Meredith’s part, I know that she’s done nothing wrong and that her arrest is a result of some sort of corruption in the higher echelons of the church and/or council.” Yoruk crossed his arms over his chest and nodded,

“Glad to know we’re on the same team then.” he stated, “So, what’s the plan for taking down about half our church’s leadership then?” he asked. Vera stared at him for a moment, before feeling a gentle warmth near her heart,

It’s the best chance you have.

“Well, we’re going to need to get a few more people involved.” she said. Morag chuckled and gestured to Gruk to get himself into the kitchen while she hauled herself up and went off to grab a corkboard for the two younger dwarves to use. Gruk grumbled and stalked off where he was bid while Yoruk and Vera sat on the floor pulling out scrolls of blank parchment, quills and ink.

[elegyofthemoon]

4, 5, 6, and 15 for the ask game :)

HELLO HELLO ANN !! thanks for the ask :> this ...also got pretty long sooo

female character asks

4. A heroine you love?

I need to stop bringing FF13 in here all the time but I !!!! LOVE!!!! VANILLE!!!!! SO MUCH

With the way FF13 is written, it makes it seem as though Lightning is the true protagonist, but really the protagonist of the story is Vanille and her whole story is all about running away from the wrongs she had done and eventually facing it head on with the power of emotional support and friendship. She's the one who provides all the narration in the game, even if she isn't present in the scene itself, and she is the very cause of all things gone wrong in the story as well.

AND THE THING IS she also sits as one of my fave character types "bubbly front to mask how absolutely anxious she is deep inside". She tries to be super positive and keeps trying to solve things with 'let's run away!' but running away doesn't get her too far and all things of the past come back to get her in the end. Her story -- just as everyone else's is here -- is all about growing from that self-hatred, leaning more into 'how do you forgive yourself?' and it's just sO good and I love this liar so much. She deserves so much good

Also she's wlw so that's also my plus on that.

5. A female villain you love?

It took me a while because I had to sort out between villain and antagonist BUT I finally remembered Delilah Briarwood from Legend of Vox Machina :]

You know that trope of a guy goes nuts after his wife dies? okay thats her :) Except she takes death and chokes it by becoming a necromancer to bring her husband back and now she has a hot vampire husband. She also fucks up one of the protagonist's lives (my fave character from the series LOL) by taking his whole estate and killing his family and keeping his sister captive all these years and terrorizing the entire city.

But also shes happy with her dead husband being alive. Power couple but the absolute worse (I love them anyways)

6. A female character who got done dirty by the narrative?

SIGNORAAAAAAA. I'm still pissed about it tbh and I miss her everyday my wife :(

The thing is I knew her story as the Crimson Witch beforehand, and I knew her story with Rostam as well (one of my fave stories actually heheh)! So I knew a lot of her background and just.... her death was so.... sooooo done dirty. Or just her general treatment altogether was just a mess. It really sucks that you don't get to know her unless you really dig, and she got built up to be such a ruthless character only to perish in an instant ;; It makes me so sad...

...I'm still lowkey pleading they maybe. idk. somehow. give us. playable.... signora....? I mean, I don't play anymore, but god, the power of Fatui Harbingers have a hold on me can bring me back

15. Female character you would defend with your life?

I was trying to think about this because I just knoooow there's a character out there that I didn't care for until the fans made it my business and then now I love aggressively... I think if there's any character that kinda fits that bill... I tuink it might be Lightning (ANOTHER FF13 CHARACTER HAHAHA-)

Maybe this is just extended from the fact that people didn't like FF13 as well back in the day and I came into the series very very late with this actually being my first FF13? So maybe because of how special it is for me, I defend the game and the characters like my life depends on it lmao But Lightning is just a great character. I love that she eventually learns that 'fighting is not therapy' (that meme thats like 'fight therapy im becoming a knight wait what do you mean thats unhealthy?' yeah thats her whole character arc in a nutshell). I'l never forget how she was like 'You just have to fight your way through it' to a 14 year old kid and then nearly got her sister's fiance killed as a result of the very very bad lesson she learned and you can see the instant regret on her face like 'oh.....i fucked up bad.'

She's a very very awkward dad character. But damn does she try her best and damn does she love her sister so much she's just ass at showing it because she's too worried about trying to be the strong and reliable older sibling after the two got orphaned.

Anyways. I love FF13 so much I think more people should discover the game (and talk to me about it)

[zehecatl]

@fre-dream

apologizes in advance if i come off as rude, that’s not my intention at all! (and i had to make A Post, because when i tried to just, reply, it got too long >o>)

okay, so first of: i haven’t seen s2 yet! i’ve seen some spoilers, but from what i know, Wukong is lowkey MIA for most of it, and there’s no big scene that ‘confirms’ that Wukong sees MK as his kid. mostly i’m pretty sure of this because the fandom would have lost its mind

now. to be entirely blunt: that’s your interpretation

like, don’t get me wrong- i love dad!Wukong, it’s good and soft and i treasure it greatly, but it’s not canon. at best, it’s vaguely implied, and even that, i would say, is a stretch

because being honest- their relationship is literally just a mentor-mentee relationship

hell, up until the first Macaque episode, you could very much make the case that Wukong didn’t even register that he cared about the kid

now, about the creators saying it's a father-son relationship:

okay? so?

like. first of, if this is about that dad joke they made on some social media, then that barely counts, because that's the team catering to their audience, who loves dad!Wukong, and makes the exact same joke (which i'm not trying to shade, btw! i love everyone being MK's Dad)

and if they've stated it somewhere, then, again. so?

like, here's the thing: if it's not directly stated in canon, as in MK turns to the camera and goes 'my relationship with Wukong is strictly platonic, and he's my father figure', then it doesn't really... count?

an author can tell me 'this is how you're meant to read this', but if i don't read it like that, then it doesn't really matter, does it? there's a reason 'death of the author' is such a big thing, there's a reason everyone has different takes on characters- everyone reads stuff differently! hell, sometimes you can have multiple takes on one character! fiction is shaped by the person engaging with it- that's why LGBT headcanon's are so huge, despite what the author intended

if you see it as a father-son relationship: nice! that's completely valid, and understandable!

but i can just as easily read it as a relationship that could become romantic, because that's fun too! i'm not saying it'll become canon, i don't think anyone is, but sometimes you just ship stuff because it's neat, or cute, or fun- doesn't gotta be deeper than that

and if you're not comfortable with this ship, that's okay! you can block the tag, and if that ain't enough, feel free to block me

[munson-blurbs]

I see you are taking requests. I love Eddie munson x reader angst. So maybe one where Eddie's band is doing well and he goes on a small tour and he attracts the unwanted attention of a stalker. She is so obsessed with him she moves to Hawkins and that is when she finds out that he has a fiance (the reader). The stalker than becomes obsessed with making the readers life a living hell. Death threats and all that bad stuff. Until the stalker hurts her one day. Make it as angsty as you want. If you can't do it, then please just ignore. Only if you are comfortable with it. Thanks 😊

Warnings: stalking, lots of violence, blood, knives, language, allusions to sex

WC: 3.7k

A/N: This is by far the creepiest thing I've ever written. Please let me know what you think. Your feedback really keeps me motivated.

"Oh, Eddie," Gareth says in a sing-song voice, peering out at their growing audience from behind the stage, "guess who's he-ere!"

"Oh, God," Eddie mutters as he tunes his guitar.

Puzzled, you look from him to Gareth for an answer, but when no one offers one, you ask, "Who's here?"

"Sorry to break it to you, Y/N," Jeff's voice is teasing, dripping sarcasm, "but Eddie's got himself a secret girlfriend."

"Eddie Munson!" you joke, feigning anger. "And here I am, trying to plan our wedding while you're collecting groupies on tour."

Your fiancé smiles at you wickedly. "Figured we could have a threesome or somethin.'" You give him a playful shove as he leans in to kiss your cheek. "Nah, babe. She's just a fan. Harmless."

"Just a fan?" Gareth sputters, throwing his head back with laughter. "Dude, she basically stalks you after each gig, trying to buy you drinks. One time, we found her waiting outside next to Eddie's van. I don't even know how she knew which one it was."

Worry rises inside of you. "Eds, be careful. Some of these girls can get a little unhinged."

Eddie's noticeably less concerned. "Don't worry. I'm gonna bring you out on stage tonight and introduce everyone to my beautiful almost-wife." He slings an arm around your waist. "Hopefully she'll get the hint."

~

Watching Eddie perform was an ethereal experience. Sure, you'd heard him rehearsing in the apartment you shared, but seeing him on stage was something else. He just exuded passion for music and connected with his audience. Maybe he connected with them a little too much, considering the situation with that girl, but she was far from your mind as you watched his fingers glide across his guitar. Eddie was born for this.

Corroded Coffin was in the middle of a six-week tour of different venues across Indiana. You weren't able to go to all of them without missing work, but when shows were close enough to home, you made the effort to be there.

They were wrapping up their set, with just the encore left, when Eddie spoke into the mic. "Thank you all for being here with us tonight. We hope we were able to rock your fuckin' worlds!" He's met with a chorus of cheers, widening the grin on his face. "I wanna introduce you all to someone incredibly special to me, who inspires all of the love songs I write." He waves you over and you bound across the stage into his open arms, beaming.

"This is my beautiful fiancée, Y/N. And see this?" He takes your hand and turns it so your diamond ring faces the audience. "Because of fans like you coming to see us, I was able to put this rock on her finger!" He plants a kiss on your lips with an exaggerated mwah! as the audience awws. It's hard to see individual faces, but everyone seems to be smiling. Everyone except for one woman.

She's in the front row, arms crossed over her body. She's in a tight red dress that lands just under her thighs. Her long blonde hair frames her scowling face and she's biting her lower lip as though she's trying to hold back tears.

That must be her, you think. That must be Eddie's "girlfriend." But you can't focus on her for too long, because Eddie grabs a chair for you to sit on while the band plays their encore. You're too enamored with Eddie and his performance to notice the pair of eyes that bore a hole in your head.

~

After the concert, you join the boys in their hotel room for pizza and snacks.

"You guys killed it!" you say as you take a cheesy slice. "The perfect combo of originals and covers. You had them in the palms of your hands!"

Jeff nods, his mouth full. "Thanks! Had a good crowd tonight, too."

"Hey, Y/N," Gareth teases, "didja see Eddie's girlfriend?" Eddie smacks the back of his head.

You laugh. "The blonde who looked like she wanted to murder me?"

"That's the one!"

Eddie puts his arm around you, sending tingles through your body. "Well, let's see if she shows up to our gig tomorrow. See if my good luck charm did the trick."

"Or, you know," you look up at him with puppy-dog eyes, "we could always try for that threesome."

~

You drive home the next morning after staying with Eddie. He normally shared the room with the rest of the band, but he'd rented an extra room so you two could...catch up. You didn't want to leave, but you also need to get to work. You spent the morning nestled into his arms while he kissed all over your face until the bedside clock warned that you had to go.

"Let me know if she shows up and you need me to kick her ass," you whisper into his lips as you say good-bye.

"Calm down, Muhammad Ali," Eddie kisses you against your car, cupping your cheek as he presses his plump lips to yours. "I'll be fine."

You reminisce about last night with your beautiful, wonderful fiancé until you arrive at work. You're so focused on the thought of him running his fingers over your body like his strums his guitar to notice the green sedan that's been following you since you left the hotel.

~

It's dark out by the time you leave work. You make your way to your car and unlock the driver's side door when you spot a piece of paper tucked under your windshield wipers. It's ripped carelessly from a spiral-bound notebook. You unfold it and gasp. Written on it in black ink are two words:

Die, Bitch

This has to be some kind of joke. Someone messing with you. Who would be unhinged enough to seriously threaten your life?

And then you remember. The girl at Eddie's show.

Your blood runs cold. The clock reads 9:07 PM, which means Corroded Coffin is on right now. You can't even call him.

"Fuck!" you yell to no one in particular. You look around and don't see anyone. Okay, you can do this. You just have to get home, lock yourself in your apartment, and wait until 10:30 when their set usually ends. Yeah, you'll just call the venue and ask to speak to Eddie, and he'll come right home. Perfect.

You turn on the car and take deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. You've only gone down the road before the low tire pressure light illuminates your dashboard. This always happens in the fall when the weather gets cooler, and you make a mental note to fill up your tires tomorrow.

A few blocks later, you hear a clunk coming from the front of your car.

"Oh, come on!" you groan, slamming your fists onto the steering wheel. You pull over and get out of your car to inspect your tires. Sure enough, the front right tire is completely flat. That never happens; you can at least make it back from work and to the gas station before they run out of air. But then you notice that the front left tire is dangerously low, too. And so are the the two back ones.

Did she...did she slash your tires?

You run the last mile home faster than you've ever run before, hair flying behind you. The night is chilly, but you're drenched in sweat from the sprint and the fear coursing through your blood. Blisters form on your feet but you push through the pain.

The lights coming from your apartment building have never looked so beautiful. It's a place where the plumbing backed up and the elevators were out of service more than they worked, but right now, it's the best thing you've ever seen. You dash up the stairwell, grateful that your place is only on the second floor. Your weary legs are nearly collapse under you as you turn your key in the lock.

"Hi, neighbor."

You spin around and see her, leaned up against the door of the apartment across from yours. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail, and she's traded her dress for an inconspicuous sweater and pair of jeans, but it's definitely her. A sinister smile creeps across her face.

"Did you see the gift I left you?" she asks, walking toward you. "Or did it fall flat?" She cackles at her joke while you stay frozen, both fight and flight failing you.

"W-why are you doing this to me?" you finally manage. "What did I do to you?"

She narrows her brown eyes. "I show up to Eddie's shows. Every. Single. One." she spits venomously. "And you show up last night, act like you're fucking gracing us with your presence, showing off a ring that shouldn't even belong to you.

"Do you know what Eddie needs? Who he needs? He needs someone who supports him all the time, not just when it's convenient for her. He's gonna be famous one day, and when he realizes how many girls would do anything for him, he'll leave you in the dust where you belong," she sneers.

"Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of patience," she says calmly as she reaches into her pants pocket, pulling out a small pocketknife. "So here's what's gonna happen. You're going to end things with Eddie, or I'll slice your throat open and go back home like nothing ever happened." She gestures across the hall.

"You...live here?" you ask incredulously.

"Just moved in," she announces proudly, "but I've been keeping an eye on this building for vacancies since I first saw Corroded Coffin play. Y'know, Eddie shouldn't have his address listed in the WhitePages now that they're really taking off." She says this like she's helping, like she isn't threatening your life.

"Eddie's playing a gig right now," you say, though you're almost positive that she already knows this, "but he calls me every night after his show. I-I'll do it then."

She offers that evil smile again. "Perfect. Gives us time to rehearse what you'll say. And if you go off-script..." she presses the blade to your neck and cackles. "Now, open the door."

~

The phone rings at 10:40, and you snatch it from the receiver with breathtaking speed.

"H-Hello?" You feel the knife against your throat as she leans into hear what Eddie's saying to you.

"Hey, babe! Guess what?" You feel his excited energy through the phone and hope he can pick up on your terror. "She didn't show up. Looks like our plan worked!"

"T-that's great, Eds," you choke out, wincing as she overhears the conversation. She tilts your chin so that your eyes meet hers, and you watch her mouth, Say it. "But I'm breaking up with you."

"Haha, very funny," he says, and your heart sinks as you realize he's completely oblivious.

"No, I'm serious. You deserve better than me. And," you swallow thickly, "and I've been cheating on you."

There's silence on the other end of the line. You think he might've hung up until he exhales loudly and asks, "With who?"

"Doesn't matter," you repeat the lines she's fed you. "There's been more than one guy."

"Why are you telling me this now, Y/N?" His voice warbles, and your heart breaks knowing you're making him cry.

"I'm sorry," you respond, feeling tears well up in your own eyes, "but I don't love you anymore." And you hang up and burst into tears.

"There, there," she runs a cold hand through your hair, fingers catching on the knots that formed throughout the day. She tears through them, sending jolts of pain into your scalp. "You did the right thing, Y/N."

"Please, just leave me alone," you choke out. "I did what you asked."

She shakes her head. "You're not dumb, so I don't know why you're acting like you are." She grabs your elbow with her free hand and stands you up. "Go and pack your things. All your things. You're leaving tonight." You hesitate for a second and she raises the blade to your neck again. "I said GO!"

You shuffle into the room, still sobbing. You fling open a suitcase and start shoving clothes in haphazardly. She's next to you the whole time, watching your every move. After 30 minutes, you've packed as many belongings as you can into various pieces of luggage and piled them at the entryway.

"Now, one last thing," she says in an eerily soft voice. She takes your left hand, plucks off your engagement ring, and slides it on her own finger. She holds up her hand as the diamond catches the light. "Fits like a glove. Like it was meant to be."

You're about to throw up when there's a knock at the door. It can't be Eddie; his show was two hours from here.

"Who the fuck is that?" she hisses. She ticks the blade upwards and you feel the skin break slightly.

"I-I don't know," you answer truthfully. "I'll answer it and tell them to leave, okay?"

"Don't try anything, or that cut will be a lot deeper," she threatens.

You open the door slowly, just a crack, and see Jim Hopper standing in front of you.

"Y/N, Eddie just called me, said to get over here. Said something's wrong," he whispers. You see his eyes meet the trickle of blood creeping down your neck.

Help me, you mouth, and then quickly say, "I'm not interested in supporting the Hawkins PD." You close the door and pray that he got the message.

"Open this door!" he bellows. “Open the door, or I’ll break it down!”

The girl grabs your hair tight in her fist. “Did you call the police, you bitch?” Saliva gathers at the corners of her lips.

“N-no,” you cry, “Eddie must’ve called them after I hung up. I swear.”

She turns her attention back to the door to address the chief of police, never easing her grip on your locks. “You break down this door and you’ll find her in a pool of her own blood!” 

You vaguely hear Hopper calling for backup through the pounding in your ears. I’m going to die, you think. I’m going to die right here in my home, where Eddie and I were supposed to start a family. She’s going to take it all away from me.

“It really is a shame it had to come to this,” she mumbles. “I’d hoped Eddie would see me at his shows and make me his. I dressed so he’d notice me, and apparently, he did.” She pauses for a moment, contemplating. “I bet it was you who told him to watch out for me. Because you know I’m a threat. You know I could steal him from you, and that terrifies you, doesn’t it?” She’s proud of herself, feeding her own ego.

You’re unsure whether it’s better to agree or argue, and you ultimately decide to say nothing. There isn’t anything that can help you now.

Another heavy knock on the door startles you from your thoughts. “Hawkins PD! Release the hostage, or we’re calling in the crisis team.” It’s not Hopper, but a different male officer, though you’re sure he’s still there.

She’s laughing now, and you only see pure malice in her eyes. “Fuck off,” she says, too quietly for them to hear. It’s meant for you.

The cop calls out twice more, and you hear him say something to the chief, though you can’t make out what it is.

“If you let her go, we can just take you down to the station. We don’t have to get anyone else involved,” Hopper tells her. “We don’t have to make this bigger than it needs to be.” 

The girl bites down hard on her lower lip, drawing blood. “You see what you do? You couldn’t just leave Eddie alone, could you? This all could have been avoided if you weren’t so selfish.” Her hand still in your hair, she drags you over to the bedroom. Strands tear from your scalp. “There. Much quieter in here.”

She throws you on the floor, where you land with a smack. Your head hits the bed frame before you can get your hands out in front of you, and you yelp. A curtain of red falls over your left eye.

“Clumsy bitch,” she grumbles, pacing in front of the door. 

She has to get tired eventually, you think. Just gotta wait it out.

She’s babbling on about her future with Eddie, what their wedding will look like, how adorable their children will be. That and the lightheadedness from losing blood is enough to make you sick. You feel the bile rising in your throat, but it stops when you spot something shiny underneath the bed.

Eddie’s handcuffs.

He used to just wear them as an accessory, but they’d been put to...other uses since you two had gotten together. They must’ve gotten kicked under the bed after you’d last used them.

A plan formulates in your head, though it’s hard to straighten your racing thoughts.

Wait until she’s sleeping...cuff her...run like hell.

You repeat the steps silently memorizing them as you did the lines to break up with Eddie. 

Your clock shows that it’s just past midnight when you hear his voice. 

“Y/N! Where is she?” he shouts at the officers, though you can’t make out their responses.

“Let her go!” he screams, fists hammering the door. “Just let her go!”

You’re trembling, desperate to be out of this room, to be held in his arms, to be away from the crazy woman who’s hell-bent on destroying you.

“Aw, your knight in shining armor showed up,” she taunts you now. “Wonder what he’ll think of my new ring. Think he’ll like it?” When you say nothing, she takes a sneakered foot and kicks you in the stomach. You curl up, shielding yourself from another blow. “I said, do you think he’ll like it.”

“Y-yes,” you say between clenched teeth. “I think he’ll love it.” You crane your neck slightly so you’re looking right at her. “What are you gonna do to me once you get him?” you ask softly, afraid for her answer.

“I’m gonna kill you,” she replies simply, as though it’s an ordinary response. “I’m gonna kill you and make him watch. Show him what happens when he makes the wrong choice, so he doesn’t do it again.” She flicks her knife and you shudder, but you don’t miss the yawn that escapes her mouth.

Keep her talking, you think hazily, but don’t talk too much. Don’t give yourself away.

“What made you go for Eddie?” you ask. “Why him?”

“We’re soulmates. I just...feel it.” Her eyes dance as she talks about him, the way he shows off for her on stage, the songs he writes that she knows have to be about her. She goes on and on, and the only thought keeping your stomach from souring completely is that she’s wearing herself out.

Hours pass, and the sun is starting to rise before her eyelids flutter as she lays against the bedroom door. The pinkish streaks streams through the blinds and you know it’s only a matter of moments before the bright light wakes her fully. You listen to her soft snores as you slowly reach for the cuffs, allowing yourself a tiny smile, a small moment of joy, as you grasp the metal between your weak fingers.

You snap one around her left wrist. You have to work fast but gently, strategically, to get the other around the doorknob. It won’t hold her back for long, but hopefully just long enough that you can get to safety.

As the second cuff clicks closed, her eyes snap open. “W-wha--” she starts, and you yank the door open and fly through the living room.

"I’m here I’m here it’s me!” you cry out, flinging yourself into the first person you see. That person happens to be Chief Hopper, who brings his gun down to his side to envelop you in his arms. You feel him breathe a sigh of relief, tension leaving his body.

“We’ve got you,” he murmurs. Someone throws a blanket over your shoulders and guides you towards an EMT. A swarm of uniformed officers, maybe a SWAT team, rushes into the apartment to arrest your assailant.

“Oh my god,” you hear Eddie breathe, making his way through the crowd of people until he reaches you. “Baby, I am so sorry.”

“‘S not your fault,” you sob into his chest, crumbling to the ground and taking him with you. 

“Yes, it is,” he’s crying now, too, “I paraded you out on stage, showed you off, instead of just going to the cops in the first place.” He takes your hands in his, a puzzled look crossing his face when he can’t feel your ring.

“She took it,” you tell him numbly. “She’s wearing it right now.”

“I’ll get you a new one,” he promises, but you shake your head.

“Don’t care about that,” you heave, trying to catch your breath but finding it impossible. And then the world goes black.

~

You wake up in a hospital bed, machines whirring and beeping around you. You stir and almost immediately feel a hand on your arm.

“Y/N? You awake?” Eddie’s voice floats past you, music to your ears. You smile as a headache pulses through your temples. You touch your forehead gingerly to find a bandage covering the wound you acquired last night.

“I’m awake, Eds,” you croak.

“Oh, thank god,” he leans in to kiss you, laying a hand on your stomach, but he pulls back as soon as he notices your grimace.

“She...she kicked me there,” you explain, and his face falls.

“Fuck,” he whispers. His voice shakes and his hands tremble.

“Where is she?” Dread flows through you as you realize she could’ve escaped, could still be out there, waiting for you.

“Locked up, no bail,” his doe eyes meet yours. “She won’t hurt you anymore. I won’t let anyone hurt you anymore,” he promises.

Your tears are those of joy, and he holds you close, letting you cry. You’re staining his shirt but neither of you care.

“It’s over, sweetheart,” he promises. “You’re safe.”

Safe. 

A word, a feeling, a state of being you’ll never take for granted again.

--

[illicitlimerence-writes]

lover | p. gasly

pairing: pierre gasly x reader word count: 1.1k words (a little shorter but i knew i'd get anxious for not posting today) prompt: letter e: evening dance. from this christmas alphabet prompt list. warnings: language maybe? i'm not sure. an incredibly soft, sleepy pierre (we love). a/n: day five! as i'm writing this it's currently 11 pm where i live, and i've been posting the fics at midnight exactly, so i really put my brain to the limit. let us all thank my cousin's fiance for lifting my spirits after this race by showing me sebastian vettel's most satisfying wins.

my masterlist/ christmas alphabet masterlist

(sir pleaseee)

"alexa! play some christmas music!" you yelled from your spot on the floor where you were sitting, untangling a string of white christmas lights. your smart speaker started playing the joyful tunes, and you continued working on your task at hand as you hummed the songs.

about an hour later, you stood up, stretching your arms up to the sky, leaning from side to side as you heard your bones crack in protest.

you heard soft footsteps coming your way, you smiled as you saw pierre's hair messy from his nap, he had on sweatpants and an oversized white crewneck sweater that made him look cozy.

"good morning, sleeping beauty," you teased as he wrapped his arms around your waist, hiding his face in the crook of your neck. he'd just returned from the last race of the season, and to say he was exhausted from all the traveling, jet lag, and being away from you, would be an understatement.

"bonjour, ma belle," you felt his lips moving against the sensitive skin of your neck, his voice raspy.

"did you sleep well, mon chér?" you knew he loved it when you spoke in his mother tongue, and the smile on his face confirmed it.

"i did. the bed felt cold without you, though," he began walking, with you still in his arms, making you move backward.

"wait, we'll bump into something," you said as you kept shuffling around your living room with this big baby in your arms.

"that's the plan," he said just as the back of your knees hit the couch, making you fall down, pierre following shortly after, falling on top of you.

you giggled as he lifted his face off of your neck, you stared into his eyes with a smile on your face, sweeping the now brunette strands away from his face.

"hi," you said as your lips curled into a smile.

"hi," he said as he kissed your jawline. "i've missed having you in my arms," he muttered as he pressed his face into your chest, breathing in your scent.

"i missed you, too. the house felt empty without you."

"well i am here now, and i plan on spending every free second i have with you,"

"i'm looking forward to that," you grinned as you scratched his scalp, you heard him humming, turning his head to the side as he snuggled deeper in to you.

"i see you've been making progress with decorating," he said, leaning his chin on your breast and looking up at you from that angle.

"yeah, i was going to wait for you, but someone was sleeping like a baby," you poked his cheek as he grinned, letting you see that cute little gap between his teeth.

"i am so tired," he groaned.

"i know, it's okay. you need your rest, you deserve it after the hectic year you've had. i'm so proud of you, amour," you smiled as pierre climbed on top of you, now leaning his weight on his arms to prevent him from crushing you.

"je t'aime, princesse." he declared before pressing his lips on yours.

after staying like that for a few more minutes, the mess of lights and ornaments was calling your names, so you got to work, humming under your breaths the songs that played from your speakers.

the familiar tune of 'baby it's cold outside' began playing, and you slowly bobbed your head to the rhythm of the music.

"have you seen those new ornaments i bought? you asked.

"i think they're in that box," he pointed to a big blue plastic box.

"i don't think they're here. i really wanted those, i saw on pinterest that they used it as-" you had your head nearly inside the big blue box that you didn't notice pierre standing up, turning up the volume and walking back to you.

the familiar tune of 'baby it's cold outside' began playing.

"come here," he said, grabbing your hands as you pulled your head out of the box. you looked confused as he had the biggest grin on his face.

"what- what are we doing?" you asked as he helped you stand up. "i have to find those ornaments, i-" pierre cut you off with a soft kiss, you couldn't help but smile into the kiss.

"we'll find them, princesse. right now, i want you to dance with me," you smiled as he twirled you around, you had to watch your step to avoid all the mess you'd created throughout the day.

he was holding one of your hands whilst the other circled your back, yours around his neck, playing with his short strands of hair. he leaned in, foreheads touching as you swayed side to side.

you felt the grip on your waist tightening, you barely had time to notice the mischievous look in his eyes before he leaned back, pushing your body back as he held on tight.

"pierre!" you chuckled as you let your head fall back, a smile on your face as he laughed as well. he pulled you up, spinning you around one more time as the music began fading out.

as the song changed to another one, you pecked his lips, enjoying these spontaneous romantic moments with pierre. the soft tune changed to a happy, upbeat one when 'all i want for christmas is you' blasted throughout your living room.

you both gave a dramatic performance, jumping on the couch and using the tv remote as a microphone. when the song ended, you fell back on the couch, trying to regain your breath after giving your everything to the song.

what had been an organized chaos was now a mix of tangled strings of lights, fallen ornament boxes, and cushions sprawled on the floor. you looked at the mess and sighed, all the hours of work had gone to waste in just a few minutes.

"now we have to clean all of this up, gasly," you raised an eyebrow.

"it can wait," he said, standing up. "dance with me," he extended his hands for you to grab them.

"there's no music playing," you frowned.

"alexa! play lover," pierre yelled, and soon the chords of your song started playing.

"our song?" you asked, as you heard the lyrics about leaving christmas lights up until january. how fitting.

you danced all around your home, you didn't know when you started moving away from the living room, only noticed when you started bumping into furniture and had to step closer together until your chest was flush against his.

"i take this magnetic force of a man to be my... lover," you sang, grabbing his face between your hands, his lips curled up into a shy smile as his cheeks reddened.

there was nothing else to say, as you pulled him closer, you both let the song speak for the two of you, as it put perfectly into words how you felt.

"you're my-"

"lover," pierre finished for you before pecking your lips.

the song ended and you stayed still for a few seconds, taking in the moment you'd shared.

"ma chérie," he said.

"my love," you continued.

"i really hate to do this, but my foot got tangled with the lights a few minutes ago," he said and you looked down at his feet, seeing the string wrapped around his foot.

"c'mon, let's finish setting everything up, lover," you stood on your tiptoes and pecked his lips. locking your fingers with his and dragging him back to the living room, taking the christmas lights with him.