#i'm chipping away at the replies i owe .. slowly

[vivwritesfics]

Ignorance Is Kind

Seven months ago Bradley Bradshaw attended a barbecue hosted by Jake Seresin. Seven months ago Bradley met a girl at said barbecue. Seven months ago Bradley railed her.

And here she was at Jakes next barbecue, even months pregnant.

2.5K

Warnings: smut, fingering, marking, light degrading, unprotected sex, pregnancy

Bradley Bradshaw x Seresin!Reader

"Come to my barbecue," Jake Seresin insisted as he spoke to his little sister on the phone. "You owe him that much."

From the other end of the phone, he heard her release a sigh. "Jake, c'mon," she said. "Leave it alone. If I wanted him to know, I would have told him," she muttered.

"You know I don't like him either," Jake replied. "But he deserves to know. Plus, I want to see you."

She couldn't admit that Jake was right. And still, some small part of her wanted to resist. "Fine," she finally agreed. "But just because I wanna see you, too."

Jake let out a cheer, one that had his sister laughing. "Brilliant," he said. "I'll go and get the spare room ready for you!"

"Jakey," she said before he put the phone down. "Can you get some pickles and potato chips?"

"Of course I can," Jake replied. "Anything else?"

"Maybe some ice cream?"

Jake let out a laugh. "I'll see you tomorrow," he said and got him ready to run out to the store.

***

The last time Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw had gone to one of Jake Seresin's barbecue, things hadn't gone too well. Or they'd gone exceptionally well, depending on who you ask.

Bradley hadn't expected to meet a pretty girl at Jakes barbecue. He hadn't expected to bump into somebody as he walked away from the drinks cooler, a beer in his hand. His free hand settled on her waist as he steadied her.

"You okay?" Bradley asked her, stooping ever so slightly to look into her eyes.

She nodded her head and swallowed. "Yeah, uhm, yes. Yeah, I'm fine," she said and offered him a sweet smile. Bradley didn't think he had ever seen something so sweet.

He hadn't meant to spend the entire barbecue chatting up Jake Seresin's little sister. In his defense, he didn't realise that she was Jake's sister. He got her drinks when she ran out and brought over a selection of food from the barbecue.

The thing about Bradley was that he was irresistibly charming. She held herself back for most of the barbecue, waiting until Jake found himself distracted by some pretty thing that 'wanted to see the way he grilled'.

And as soon as Jake was distracted, she slipped into Roosters lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm staying at Jakes tonight," she muttered and she slowly moved in his lap.

Even as disappointment crossed his face, Bradley kept a tight grip on her waist. He shifted slightly and her eyes closed as she let out a whimper. "I think you should come up to my room with me," she whispered as she buried her face against his neck, kissing and nipping at his skin.

Bradley couldn't stop the shiver from running down his spine. "Who are you?" He asked through a breath.

The way she moved against him now, her hands running through his hair, Bradley had to get her inside. He didn't care about who she might have been to Jake in that moment, he just wanted to be sliding his cock through her folds and watch as her eyes rolled back.

She hopped off of his lap. The sun was setting and Jakes guests were still eating, but neither of them cared much. If anybody noticed them sneaking into the house, they didn't say anything.

She led Bradley up to the spare bedroom. He'd stayed in it a few times before, but that wasn't what he was thinking about as she pushed the door shut and popped her the button on her shorts.

Bradley salivated as she walked towards, hips swaying from side to side. She pushed him back onto the bed. Bradley could have resisted, but he allowed himself to fall back onto the bed. His hands touched her sides, drifted beneath her shirt as she climbed on top of him and attached her lips to his.

Bradley's hands cradled the back of her head, holding her close as moved her lips against his own. He'd let her lead, for now.

When her tongue began to explore her mouth, Bradley decided that he had had enough. He flipped her over, his thumbs brushing over her stomach as he pressed his lips to her own. She let out a whine from the back of her throat as his lips moved across her jaw and down to her neck. He sucked dark purple bruises into her skin, not caring for who would see them in the morning. She moaned out, nails against his back, not quite scratching the skin.

She pulled her shirt off and threw it to one side. Bradley immediately moved down her chest, lips against the supple flesh that wasn't covered by her bra. "Take it off," he commanded as he kissed down her stomach, making his way towards her shorts.

She did as he asked and unclasped her bra. The moment she pulled it away from her body, Bradley's lips were around her nipple, sucking as his hands pushed her shorts down her legs.

She whined and moaned, nails finally digging into his skin. Bradley couldn't stop his own moan as he released her nipple.

With her shorts pushed all the way down her legs, Bradley unbuttoned his shirt and dropped it to the floor. He got to his knees and gripped her thighs, dragging her to the end of the bed.

The first touch of his lips against her thigh had flames igniting through her body. She cried out, reaching for something to grab onto. But Bradley stopped her. He wrapped his fingers around her wrists as he lifted them above her head. "Keep them there, pretty girl," he said and kissed her again.

Bradley travelled back down to where she needed him. He nudged her legs apart with one hand, the other working to free his length from the confines of his jeans. He ran a single finger through her folds and a desperate whine left her lips. "Fuck!" She cried, hands coming back down.

But then Bradley pulled away completely. Desperate tears ran down her cheeks as she put her hands back above her head, just as he had told her to.

He pushed his finger through her folds, brushing over her clit. She jolted her body but Bradley kept going, pushing a single digit into her hole. "Please!" She cried, immediately rolling her hips against his hand.

"So fucking needy." He let out a low chuckle, finger completely still inside of her. "Humping my hand like a little slut." He withdrew his finger and pushed it back in, a second one accompanying it.

Bradley's thumb brushes against her hip as he used his other hand to stretch her out. She rode his fingers desperately, babbling incoherently. "Please, please, please," she cried, but Bradley could barely understand her.

"What do you need, pretty girl?"

"You!" She cried through a gasp. "I need you."

Her thighs were drenched when Bradley pulled his fingers out of her. He pushed down his jeans and climbed on top of her yet again.

Bradley reattached his lips to her own. Her hands were around his shoulders as she drew in quick breath. "Ready, pretty girl?" He asked and she nodded quickly, desperately.

She looked down, looking at what he was working with. Her lips drew in a gasp as she saw just how big he was.

Bradley pushed himself through her folds. It was slowly and gentle. Every time her breath hitched, Bradley kissed her. But the way he filled her, it was all consuming. She couldn't concentrate on anything other than the way his cock filled her.

He bottomed out with a grunt, his forehead against her own. "Fuck," she hissed, eyes squeezed shut. Nothing had ever made her feel like this, certainly not the other people she had slept with over the years. No, there was just him and nobody else. He was the only thought that entered her mind.

Slowly, he began rolling his hips. Her legs locked around his hips as he rocked his hips against her own. His cock pushed through her folds again and again, his pace building. "That's it, pretty girl," he grunted. "Feel so good."

Every nerve in her body was on fire. Her back arched from the bed, chest pressing against his own. The lines on his back that her nails were creating, Bradley couldn't wait to show them off.

His lips swallowed her moans, her desperate cries. She rolled her hips against his own as he hit every single spot inside of her.

"Fuck," she whispered as she pulled away. But Bradley swallowed it, his lips against her own.

Her walls clenched around him and Bradley squeezed his eyes shut, pulling away from her lips to press his forehead against her own. His breath came out in short puffs, grunts leaving his lips. "I'm gonna..."

But she couldn't even finish her sentence. Her legs tightened around his mid section, holding him close as she came around his cock. Bradley kept going. He pressed himself as close to her as he could get as his thrusts grew sloppy. "Shit," he hissed, her walls still squeezing him.

When Bradley came he slumped forward, his arms barely holding him up on top of her. His cum painted her walls and he kissed her one last time. Sweetly, deeply, slowly. It was nothing like the way he had just fucked her, nothing like the way he had sent pleasure crashing over her.

Bradley pulled out and laid on the bed beside her. His hand was resting on his chest as he stared at the ceiling above him. "That was... amazing," he said through gasps, turning his head towards her.

She sat up. On shaking legs she grabbed a shirt and a pair of pyjama shorts. "Where are you going?" Bradley asked as he watched her move towards the bedroom door.

"I'm gonna shower," she said and pulled the door open.

"Want me to come with you?"

She shook her head and Bradley felt himself deflate.

But that was seven months ago. He hadn't even gotten her name, but she was the best fuck he'd ever had. Bradley thought about her often. Whenever he picked someone up from The Hard Deck, he couldn't help but think of her.

When Jake invited him to another barbecue, seven months after he'd last seen pretty girl, as he had been calling her, Bradley jumped at the chance.

He was unable to stop himself from arriving to the barbecue early. The only one there before him was Bob. Bradley got himself a drink from the cooler and sat himself down as he waited for the rest of the guests to arrive.

Every time somebody walked through Jakes back door and out into his garden, Bradley couldn't stop himself from growing hopeful. It wasn't her. He started to think it would never be her.

He didn't know that she was in the spare bedroom, hand on her swollen stomach as she looked down at the barbecue bellow. She'd seen him the moment he walked in, moustache and hawaiian shirt the same as the day they'd met. She immediately remembered why she had found him attractive in the first place.

She had promised Jake she'd he at his barbecue, but something kept her in the spare room. Fucking pregnancy hormones. But she was craving potato chips. Potato chips that Jake had put outside.

Mustering all of her courage, she slipped on her shoes and made her way outside.

Nobody was looking at her, but she couldn't help feeling exposed as she stepped into the garden. Even in the sunshine she wore loose pants, a tank top hugging her seven month bump.

Bradley didn't notice her as he sipped his beer. He had long since given up looking for her. It seemed as though she wasn't coming.

But then she walked in front of him.

"Pretty girl!" Bradley said through a gasp as he stood up.

She completely froze up. "Shit," she squeaked and turned around. "Hi," she said, giving a small, awkward wave.

"Hey-"

But then Bradley spotted it. Well, how could he not? Her bump was huge; she looked ready to explode. "Wow," he said, swallowing nerves. "You look... different."

"Save it," she said and walked away, going to sit with Bob, Natasha and their potato chips. (She didn't know them any better than she knew Bradley, didn't even knew their names, but she needed to get away from him).

Bradley downed his beer. In two gulps it was gone. He placed it down onto the table behind him and strode over to Jake at the barbecue.

"Is it mine?"

"Huh?" Jake asked as he looked away from the barbecue. "What the fuck are you on about?"

Bradley's nostrils flared as he looked at her across the garden, watched her as she got acquainted with Bob and Natasha. "You know what the fuck I'm on about," he said. "Is the baby mine?"

Jake let out a dry laugh. "That baby is a Seresin and that's all that matters."

"So it's yours," Bradley said, his voice defeated.

Immediately Jake began to fake barf. He clutched his stomach as he pretended to throw up onto the grass. "Gross, Rooster. That's my fucking sister." He turned the sausages. "Yes, you're the babies father. Happy?"

No Bradley wasn't happy. He walked away from the barbecue, instead striding over to her. When Bob met his eyes, saw the fury in them, he stood up and pulled Natasha with him, leaving Bradley alone with the woman he had gotten pregnant.

"Jake is your brother," he said as he sat in the seat Bob once occupied. "You didn't tell me that."

"You didn't ask," she replied bitterly as she placed a potato chip between her teeth.

Bradley couldn't stop himself from staring at her bump. Fuck, she looked incredible. He swallowed the lump in his throat and forced himself to look in her eyes. "Jake said its mine."

"It's not an it," she spat. "He's a boy. And he's mine."

"But I am the father, right? Like, without my sperm you wouldn't have been able to get pregnant, right?" He challenged. It was taking everything he had to not let himself get frustrated.

She picked at her nails. "I suppose so," she mumbled and laid her hand against her bump.

"Were you never going to tell me?"

She sucked in a breath and looked up at the blue sky above her. "You were a one night stand, somebody who's name I didn't know," she said. "How was I supposed to find you? And, what was I supposed to say? 'Oh hey, remember that girl you slept with at Jakes barbecue? Well I'm pregnant. By the way, whats your name?'"

Bradley sucked in a breath. She wasn't right and, by the look on her face, she knew it. But there was nothing they could do to change it now. Instead, he held his hand out towards her. "My names Bradley," he said as she placed her hand in his. "What's yours?"

[mythcaels-a]

There come the worries that he was expecting from the other. In some ways, the copy - nin was so predictable and in other ways, he was the most unpredictable person on the planet. He did think about sliding hand away for a brief moment, not out of being upset but more for Kakashi's sake but he doesn't end up pulling his hand away after that squeeze that Kakashi gives his hand.

Kakashi meets his gaze and he's always found something so interesting about that one visible dark eye of his, he can't explain it but he'd say it just comes with him being drawn to everything about the pale haired male as a whole. There's a soft sigh that spills from his lips after a moment, taking in the words presented to him.

❝ I always did like a challenge. ❞ He says it to try and lighten the moment back up but now really isn't the time for jokes and when Kakashi starts pulling away and gives such an expression as he does, he feels his heart sinking and twisting until it hurts in his chest. ❝ I do know what could happen, yes. I'm aware of the risks I am taking here and what could happen if, say that with me, IF this is found out. ❞ That was a big keyword, if. There were so many ifs to this, so damn many but Anri didn't want to turn away from this, from him.

❝ We can be careful about this. If we work together and are very careful about this, I'm sure everything will be okay. ❞ Anri did not have all eyes on him where he stood in anbu, his loyalty to Konoha was strong, much like Kakashi's was even if not a lot of people knew that about the copy - nin. ❝ I feel like not being near you might just ruin the quality of my life as a whole. It'd be something I'd regret not doing for the rest of my life, not taking a chance and a leap of faith when I had the opportunity even if it came with possible dangers. I can't be alone in that way of thinking, right ? ❞ He hoped not. Rare frown settles onto the redhead's face as his blue gaze tries to seek out Kakashi's own, tries to get him to really look at him again, to really hear what he's saying too.

❝ And what about you ? You want me to have a good life in Konoha but take the one possibly good thing going for yourself right now away in the process. I know things can't be easy and kind to you out on your own with a target on your back. ❞ His words are spoken softly but carry a weighted point to them, he can't be wrong here.

❝ You deserve good things and deserve to be happy too, Kakashi. ❞

He's questioning himself every second that he gives into these impulsive (yet at the same time, not so impulsive, actions). He's always enjoyed Anri's company, respected his skill in the field, and after warming up to his typical teasing, found him to be a much needed spark of light where all else was shadowed in darkness. But in addition to whatever this may becoming, he was also Kakashi's comrade and friend, and therefore, someone he would be committed to protecting.

This show of affection was very much putting Anri in great danger.

Still, for someone not only touch starved, but immensely lonely, Kakashi couldn't help but drink in this very precious thing being offered to him. Years of this back and forth banter, but the copy-nin had never thought that Anri might actually be interested in him. To be fair, he didn't think anyone would ever take an interest in him. This kind of thing had never been among one of the anticipations of his life, least of all now.

"I don't know if we should." His words are whispered, and while it pains him greatly to say, he still squeezes Anri's hand in case he attempts to pull away.

Kakashi's tilts his head, leveling his one exposed eye with those glorious blues. "You know what would happen to you if they found out about this. If they even suspected it. The interrogation unit would show no mercy, and afterwards, they would sentence you for treason."

He slowly pulls back, his usual stoic expression now twisted with an inner agony he could not keep hidden. His heart is aching as the thoughts of what if come racing through his mind.

"This is dangerous enough, but to continue on would be a death sentence for you. I want you to have a good life in Konoha...being near me will only ruin that for you."

[lcnnypooh]

I have 3 threads in the queue for next week. I'm slowly chipping away at replies. Now I'm down to 8. This doesn't include the two starters I owe or my asks. And it doesn't include my other blogs either.

[silverflame2724]

Happy Prompt (if you feel like it): WWX being the genius/ex first disciple of great scet that he is realizes they can't sustain the Burial Mounds. So he comes up with a Plan to make them all dissappear. Knowing how important lineage is so them, he asks them to give up the Wen name and take up Wei. (The wens are mostly common folk who just want to live so they agree). He the proceeds to hide them among other clans. People who have met and remember all the good young master Wie always did. He hides them among the Jiang and Nie. (I always head cannon that part of WWX'S flirty reputation comes from him helping women who are in bad situations/ NHS somehow finds out/knows and begins to help him. I figure theyhad to get several Lan women out. Mama Lans ghost helps?). JC knows but ignores it, they aren't WENS anymore, so his pride can leave it be. I'm not sure if A'yuan would still end up with Lan Zhan? But then WWX, WN, and WQ all fake thier deaths and go travel as rogue cultivators. But now WWX has all these living and dead people praying to/for him as the patron Saint of lost causes? And he accidentally becomes an immortal without realizing it? To the absolute fond disgust of WQ, of course. Anyway, I figure old Jin perv still pulls his bullshit at a discussion conference and between NHS, JYL, and LWJ? They somehow clear everyone's nsme. And then newly immortal WWX rocks up in there (to the horror of the Lan Elders who now have to face thier own bullshit/ hypocrisy) and lives happily ever after.

I think I read a prompt or a fic somewhere with the concept of the Wens hiding in plain sight.

________________________

The thought came to him out of nowhere. 

It had been a peaceful day with the Wens as he farmed, invented and tinkered with various incomplete contraptions when Wei Wuxian was struck with a thought: they could not continue like this.

Wei Wuxian wasn’t an idiot. He knew that they couldn’t sustain themselves in the Burial Mounds. Their crops hardly prospered, one by one the more elderly individuals of the Wens got sick and died, the resentful energy messed with everyone’s temperament, the cultivators never stopped trying to break his wards.....the list went on and on.

He had to come up with a plan. He thought they could live here for a time, but that was just wishful thinking. 

With this in mind, he takes the next few days to come up with a concrete plan.

...............................

The first task, and perhaps the most important one, is to ask the Wens to give up the Wen name. It would be easier from then on.

As he presented this suggestion, he was surprised by how readily they agreed. He knew how important lineage was to them, so the rapidness of them giving up their name was shocking. 

“Would you......take up my name?” Wei Wuxian asked quietly. 

The Wens were silent before cheering. Wei Wuxian didn’t know how to react to this. The Wens told him that they were more than happy to accept his name since they were his family. 

Wei Wuxian held back the tears and laughed happily instead as he went on to tell him the next plan of action: hiding them in plan sight.

Various people from various clans owed him favors and remembered the good in him, as they were more than happy to take on the refugees he hid away now that they were no longer Wens.

They had to do this quietly and slowly though. It would be suspicious if a large group of people suddenly left Yiling all at once. So Wei Wuxian took each of them to different places. Some of them went back to their original homes, some went to the Nie, some to the Yao, some to the Ouyang clan. 

He even sends some to the small village of women who he helped run away from their horrible home situations.

It was a little tricky with Nie, but Nie Huaisang pulls through and Nie Mingjue suspects nothing.

He sends some to the Jiang and Jiang Cheng grudgingly accepts them, knowing that they are no longer Wen. 

And for A’ Yuan.......He sends A’ Yuan to Lan Zhan, who is familiar with A’ Yuan. Wei Wuxian sends a letter to Lan Zhan asking him to meet and instead of appearing, A’ Yuan is there in his stead. The letter to Lan Zhan details what to do with A’ Yuan and to hide his identity.

Wei Wuxian trusts that Lan Zhan would take his suggestion and tell his brother and uncle that A’ Yuan was a child that Lan Zhan was asked to take care of by a dying mother.

Wei Wuxian watches from afar as Lan Zhan takes A’ Yuan away and takes the last step in ensuring that the cultivation world forgets him: He fakes his, Wen Qing’s and Wen Ning’s deaths. There’s enough corpses in the Burial Mounds and ones with their physique to replace the Wens and him. He gossips to the town that he’s going to destroy his weapon, the Seal, and subsequently fakes an explosion of resentment, quickly disappearing with the Wen siblings to a random direction. 

He always thought how nice it would be to be like his parents and be rogue cultivators. He guesses that he’ll find out now.

..................................

Years pass and Wei Wuxian makes decent salary by taking care of monsters in the area. Wen Qing is a doctor, of course, and Wen Ning becomes her assistant.  

They move to a little village near Dongying and settle down there. The people there a little more open to demonic cultivation and dark arts and don’t bat an eye at Wei Wuxian using such means. 

Wei Wuxian invents more contraptions, selling them under a false name in towns far away from Dongying.

One day, on a chance night hunt near Yunmeng, Wei Wuxian hears whispers and gossip about Nie Huaisang, Lan Wangji and Jiang Yanli clearing his name and capturing the actual people responsible. 

He’s happy to hear this. Overjoyed. But that doesn’t mean he’ll gladly return to the cultivation world. He’s had enough of that life. 

He walks around town for a bit longer, catching bits of gossip here and there. As explores the town, wine jug in hand, he nearly chokes around a mouthful of wine as he sees a small shrine encasing a statue of his likeness. What.....the hell??

He quickly asks around and finds out that people are praying to him for protection. Wei Wuxian squirms a little at this, glad he’s wearing a weimao to cover his face. 

All of this...praying makes him uncomfortable. Not long ago, people were spitting on his name and now he’s suddenly become some sort of Patron for protection? The change is remarkable and cements Wei Wuxian’s decision to firmly stay out of the cultivation world. 

People’s opinions change like a tide and Wei Wuxian doesn’t want to stick around long enough for them to switch back. He sighs, disposing of his empty jug, and leaves the town.

.......

Surprisingly, that’s not the end of the changes. 

He got careless on a night hunt and ends up with the claw of a yaoguai piercing him all the way through his stomach. When the yaoguai pulled out its claw, though......Wei Wuxian healed quickly. Too quickly.

He recovers from the shock at this and finishes off the yao.

What just happened?

.

.

A quick trip to Wen Qing answered everything.

“Congratulations.” Wen Qing says dryly. “You’re an immortal.”

“........What.”

Wen Qing sighs, “From what you told me, you healed unnaturally quickly, right?”

Wei Wuxian nods. 

“There have only been records of immortals recovering that quickly. Even Wen Ruohan healed slower than you did.”

“But I don’t have a core???”

“You do. Sort of.” Wen Qing replies. “I’m actually surprised you haven’t you felt it.”

“.....” I mean, I did think it was odd that I didn’t freeze to death in the winter or die of hunger when money became tight over these years, but I thought those were side effects of demonic cultivation! Wei Wuxian quickly goes through the motions of feeling for his core, willing the surge of hope he felt down. 

And he......didn’t feel a core. He felt more of a large mass of energy congregated in his dantian.

Wei Wuxian is glad that he is sitting down right now because he feels very faint.  “But.....this......how?” 

“Hmm. Well, from what I’ve been hearing, you’ve become some sort of Patron Saint?” Wei Wuxian nods. “It’s rare, but cultivators can gain power from prayers. Take Wen Ruohan for example.”

“He became powerful through the same means?”

“Yes. Well, his people believed him to be all powerful, not so much as what people are praying to you. As the Sunshot alliance chipped down on his people, so too did they chip down on Wen Ruohan’s power.”

“So if people stop praying to me, I’ll stop being immortal.”

“Yes and no. Right now, there’s just a mass of energy concentrated there. It’s basically unrefined energy. All you have to do is refine that power into a core and cultivate normally. Otherwise, yes. You will lose this power as soon as people stop praying to you.”

“I see.......”

Wen Qing raises an eyebrow and brandishes her needles. “What are you doing just sitting here? Go and cultivate!”

“Aiya, Qing-jie! I’m in shock here, give me a moment to absorb this all!”

“I have patients to see! Get your ass to your room and cultivate!”

“Are you my mom or something?”

Wen Qing’s expression turns thunderous.

Wei Wuxian didn’t want to provoke her any further despite wanting to banter more and left to his room.

..................................

“You should visit your siblings.” Wen Qing says one day. “And Hanguang-Jun. I want to hear about how A’ Yuan is doing.”

“Where did this come from?”

“Wei Wuxian.” Wen Qing says patiently. “It’s been over a decade. Your name and our name has long since been cleared. People no longer hate you. And.....they miss you. Your siblings have commemorated the day you “died” and go into mourning for that day. Hanguang-Jun is a little subtler but he wears a mourning sash now.”

“They’ll be better off without me.”

“Says who?”

“The rest of the world.” Wei Wuxian says weakly.

“And why should you care for their opinion? You never seemed to mind it.”

“Ummm.....Lan Zhan hates me? Jiang Cheng might resent me? And Shij---Jiang-guniang---the Young Madam Jin has a life already.”

“First, if Hanguang-Jun hates you, why would he frequently glare at people who badmouthed you?”

“Because he’s a good person. How do you know this anyway?”

“I have friends. Try again. Hanguang-Jun is a famously reticent person. Would he do this for every person?”

“.........I don’t know.”

“The answer is no.”

Wei Wuxian pouts.

Wen Qing then begins to tell him how Jiang Cheng frequently takes demonic cultivators back with him in hopes that one of them would be Wei Wuxian and even added Wei Wuxian back to the Jiang sect register. Jiang Yanli smiles while ruthlessly talking people into apologizing every time she hears something bad said about Wei Wuxian.

She even lectures him on his feelings towards Lan Wangji, that he would entrust A’ Yuan to him.

Wen Qing closes off her speech with threats of her needles if Wei Wuxian doesn’t get his ass over there.

“There’s a Discussion Conference at Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian, wait till they’re done and go meet them.”

Wei Wuxian, sufficiently threatened, hightails it back to what was his home.

.......

Wei Wuxian also decidedly forgets that he was supposed to wait for the Conference to end. Well, he had assumed that they would be done considering the empty state of the area in front of the conference room and stupidly bursts through the door to a room full of people.

Wei Wuxian blinks, “Uhh......”

“Wei Wuxian?!”

“Wei Ying?!”

“A’ Xian?!”

Wei Wuxian tittered from side to side, “Hello, all! I bet you thought I was dead! Well, you guessed wrong! Hahaha......”

..............................

Lan Wangji did not know what this time’s discussion conference would be like. He expected Jin Guangshan to try and subtly slander Wei Ying. He expected Jiang Yanli, Jiang Wanyin and himself to stand up for Wei Ying, as he was unable to do before Wei Ying died.

But he certainly didn’t expect Wei Ying, who he thought was dead, burst into the room.

Everyone was silent as soon as they heard Wei Ying speak, but soon burst into a cacophony of noise.

Continuing the Discussion Conference was futile after that and it was quickly closed. Lan Wangji watched Wei Ying be surrounded by many people, some crying, some happily angry, some exasperated and he couldn’t help his reaction after seeing him once again.

He rushes forward and hugs him.

“Wha--Lan Zhan?”

“You’re alive.” Lan Wangji breathes, voice full of wonder. “You’re alive.”

Wei Ying’s arms come up around him and Lan Wangji feels the strong heart beat through their robes. His elders yell at him for his shamelessness and he comes back to himself, embarrassed at his lack of control.

“Aww, Lan Zhan! I’m so glad you missed me!”

“Mn. Missed Wei Ying a lot.”

A slight blush rose to Wei Ying’s cheeks and he laughed, a little shy. Lan Wangji couldn’t help his response to hearing his laugh again after so, so long. He kissed him.

The crowd gasped around them and Lan Wangji pulled back quickly, wanting the ground to swallow him up. But then......Wei Ying kissed him back.

“Aiya, Lan Zhan. How bold of you! To steal a kiss from me in public!” He giggles, not seeming mad at all and even pressing forward, tangling his fingers in his forehead ribbon.

Lan Wangji’s breath stutters at the gesture.

“You’d better take responsibility!”

Is Wei Ying asking what I think he’s asking? “Responsibility?”

“Yes! You took a kiss from me in public! It looks like I can’t marry anymore.”

“Will marry Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji replies, voice hoarse, ignoring the cries of outrage from his elders, the angry shouts from Jiang Wanyin, and the smirks from Jiang Yanli and his brother. “Will take responsibility.”

“I hope that isn’t the only reason.”

This is his chance to come clean. Lan Wangji already told himself that he wouldn’t hold himself back if he met Wei Ying again. “Like Wei Ying. Love Wei Ying.”

Wei Ying laughs brightly. “I like Lan Zhan too. Now, you’ll finally admit we’re close?”

Lan Wangji ignores everyone, eyes only on Wei Ying as they should have always been, “Mn. Let’s get married.”

___________________________

I feel like Lan Wangji may be a bit OOC......hmm. Well, whatever. I finally got this done and with that, I think I’ve cleared all the prompts I haven’t answered, so asks will open up again!

Hope you all enjoyed this!

[hawksthirsybitch]

LOST AND FOUND

DABI X READER - REQUEST (@xsugarxsweetsx)

PROMPT LIST - MASTERLIST

27. "I thought I lost you"

word count: 700+

summary: Y/N best friend invited them over but get lost, only to get help from a stranger

warnings: Swearing, violence

A/N: To request a story click the prompt list then message me the numbers and what characters you'd like.

p.s I kinda wanna turn this into a series let me know your thoughts

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

( I DON'T OWN GIF)

Bad Juju, they all Y/N could sense. They has been on there way to their best friends boyfriend house but little would they tell you it was in the dodgy part of town, and with Y/N's luck they had gotten lost.

They were using their phone GPS but it had died at least an hour ago and they honestly we're just trying to find the train station. They continued to walk down the street taking a left, then a right. Some of these signs look familiar, they thought to them but for all they knew they could have been walking in a circle because everything looked the same here.

Y/N soon came across a small store and so they decided to go in and get a drink and some food. After choosing a packet of chips and a bottle of water they went the counter to pay, thanking the old man running the store, he replied with "Be careful young one, it's dark now so you should properly head home," They simply smiled and walk out. After another 30 minutes they head lead themselves down an alley. Y/N tried to turn around before feeling someone come up from behind them and grab them.

"A pretty person like you shouldn't be walking around these streets at this time of night alone," The creepy man mocked in their ear.

"Please, let me go. I'm just trying to get home." They begged. They tried to activate their quirk but due to their stress it wasn't working. The man processed to push Y/N up against the wall and began to breath down their neck.

"I could show you home beautiful. My home" He groaned.

"Please, let me go!" Y/N cried.

"I think I might bring you home with me." He laughed to himself.

"They said let them fucking go," A voice from the shadows spoke.

"And I'm saying they can come with me." The crook yelled back.

Suddenly a blue flame appeared and the man showed himself. He had scars all over his body, they looked they hurt. He had shaggy hair and a devilish grin, the man also was tall and very lean. When the creep saw who it was he looked like he saw a ghost, "I'm sorry Dabi, Sir please I was just playing around, I'll let them go now." he begged.

Dabi. That was quite the name Y/N thought to themselves.

This 'Dabi' walked up to the man slowly and grabbed him by the collar of the shirt. Lifting him up slightly he began to laugh at him. "You know, you still owe me money Lars." Dabi chuckled. "I don't like letting people getting away with owning me thing."

Y/N saw this as their chance to run. Finally their quirk actives, invisibility. They ran as fast a they could, they heard Lars cry in pain then what must have been Dabi running. Y/N continued to sprit, running like their life depended on it. They ran for what felt like forever until they bumped into someone. This deactivating their quirk and making them all to the ground.

They fell with an ooft, slowly they looked up to see who they'd ran into. "I though I lost you," Dabi chuckled to himself.

"Please don't me! I just want to go home." Y/N begged.

"Hurt you? You think I'm going to hurt you after I saved you no." He laughed to himself. " That quite the quirk you've got there."

"Thanks. If you're not here to hurt me then what do you want?" Y/N asked. Offering his hand Dabi replied, "I'm here to take you to your friend. I'm his roommate. She knew you'd be lost so I was sent to look for you. You sure you weren't using that quirk of yours because finding you is like trying to find a needle in the haysake" he laugh at his own joke.

"Oh thanks, I think I'd rather go home thou." Y/N replied.

"It's late, you're coming with me." Before they could protest Dabi had grabbed them by the wrist and dragged start running with them on his back. They couldn't help but feel comfortable with him. Almost familiar.

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

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[niawritess]

The Lovestruck~Chapter 22

(17 January)

11:25 am

Here you were sitting on the bleachers with Ria, watching boys practicing for their upcoming game. Your eyes were following your boyfriend who seemed too concentrated on the game which made him more attractive. While your bestfriend took this opportunity to stare at every guy in the field.

Just as you thought, they were getting more serious, suddenly Jongin passed the ball to Minseok and it hit him on his arm and a gasp left your both of your girls lips.

Then, Minseok shot a glare at him and threw back the ball to him which he instantly dodged and it hit Junmyeon behind him and like that it became chaotic.

You and Ria couldn't help but started laughing at their sudden act. Kyungsoo and Junmyeon looked so done with them but still couldn't stop them.

Not long before, Ria excused herself to washroom and then Kyungsoo took a seat beside you leaving a chair between. He drank his water before shaking his head at them and looked at you.

"They are crazy aren't they?" He chuckled.

"But they look happy." You smiled looking at Baekhyun ducking his head as Jongdae threw the ball towards him.

"Baekhyun looks happy nowadays, well, he is goofy and cheerful but he looks really happy and I am glad that you're by his side." He said, smiling at you and you smiled back. "Baekhyun is really lucky to have friends like you."

He chuckled before you felt someone's presence in front you who turned out to be Baekhyun himself. You handed him the water bottle and he grabbed it smiling before sitting between you and Kyungsoo.

"What were you two talking about?" He gulped his water while eyeing you two suspiciously.

"I was telling her that how much of an idiot you are." He said gripping Baekhyun's nap and he yelped while you chuckled at them.

"Aren't you gonna save your boyfriend?" Baekhyun asked and you shook your head playfully.

"It's between friends so..."

"She's smart." Kyungsoo commented and Baekhyun gave him a look before nodding proudly. "She's my girlfriend."

Kyungsoo groaned before slapping his neck lightly and walked back to the field.

Soon Ria came back and at the moment Sehun threw the ball towards Jongin where Ria was right behind him. Jongin ducked down and the ball was about to hit her causing you panick and Ria closed her eyes in reflex.

However, it didn't hit her as Chanyeol instantly dragged her aside by holding her and your jaw dropped witnessing the dramatic moment making you fangirl internally.

Baekhyun chuckled at your funny yet cute reaction as he closed your mouth before he leaned in. "Do you think something is going on between them?"

You nodded suspiciously. "I also think that."

"Guess, we're going to have another couple in the group." He smirked and you smiled nodding slowly.

You both kept watching the scene as Chanyeol asked Ria if she's okay while Ria was blushing and your eyes widened.

"She's blushing?" You muttered and Baekhyun heard it since he sitting close to you.

"You think she's the only one who blushes?"

You looked at him confused before noticing his smug grin and lightly pushed him away making him laugh causing you smile too.

***

10:12 pm

"Ow! Gimme that!"

You whined stretching your hand with your body towards your bestfriend who kept taking away the chips from your reach.

"Y/n! My face mask!" She exclaimed as you accidentally hit her face and instantly snatched the chips from her before fixing your mask to see if it's peeling off.

You and Ria were in your room having a night stay while watching kdramas on the laptop infront you with you both leaning against the headboard.

"Woah! That Ajjumma is really something." You commented amazingly watching the hacker who was an middle-aged woman in Healer drama.

"I know right! And Park min young is definitely smart too." Ria stuffed her mouth with bunch of chips and half of them fell on your bed.

"Yah!" You slightly slapped her arm before gesturing her to clean the mess as you hate your bed getting dirty but she still does it.

The scene came where Ji Chang Wook and Park Min young were getting dressed up for a mission together and that's when the door of your room opened.

"Why are you two still awake and what's this on your face?" Your mom barged in with her neverending scolding.

"Buddy! Come here! It's Ji Chang Wook!" Ria exclaimed gesturing her with her hands and your mom's eyes lit up as she skipped to your bed.

She always scolds you for being a fangirl as how every mother does but whenever Ji Chang Wook appears on the screen, she can't stay back until she see him.

Well, she was your mom for a reason.

"Show me!" She sat on the bed shoving Ria to the middle and watched the scene where he was walking out in a suit.

"Ah ha, look at you." Ria shot a smug grin towards her and earned a smack from your mom and you laughed watching until you got one too.

"What are you doing here?"

Your attention went to the door seeing your dad standing at the door with his folded arms.

"Let's go, I'm sleepy." He yawned and Ria nudged your mom with a teasing smile and your mom glared at her before walking out with him.

Your parents had a love marriage and it's been years to their marriage but your dad still can't sleep without your mother.

"Uncle is really romantic." Ria commented making you smile before she turned to you. "Speaking of romantic, is Baekhyun Sunbae romantic?"

You made a face at her question to hide your flustered state and cleared your throat. "Speaking of Baekhyun, what's going on between you and Chanyeol Sunbae?"

Ria's smug smile faded as a surprised expression took over and she blinked before looking at the laptop screen. "What's going on? Nothing is going on."

"Really? Are you sure?"

She looked at you for a brief minute before sighing. "We are hanging out and yeah I do have a little crush on him but I don't know how he thinks. I mean yeah, he treats me nicely but i don't want to think more than that so I won't get my hopes up."

You listened to her attentively and her words seemed just like how you used to think about Baekhyun but that's not always the case. To you, Chanyeol seems to like her but you don't know for sure until he says it and you don't want to give her any hopes too.

You just nodded and patted her back before cracking a lame joke to make her laugh which she did and continued watching drama until you both slept off.

***

(12 January)

Next day

You walked out of the classroom and Ria excused herself to the library as she had to return some books and you nodded while making your way to the music room again since you were called by your boyfriend again.

As you exited the building, you were stopped by a voice calling you from behind and it was Sooyoung. She was your friend whom you two besties getting close to slowly. She had asked for your notes as she got late in class and you lend your notes to her before she gave you a polite smile and walked away.

"Junior Y/n!"

You startled by the voice and looked further to see Sehun waving at you before walking to you. You smiled as he approached you and began to walk with you.

"So? You needed something?" You asked suspiciously and he chuckled fishing his hands into his pockets.

"Not really. But who was that girl?" He hesitantly questioned rubbing the back of his neck.

"What girl?"

"Uh, that, who just talked to you." He told stuttering a little making you look at him in surprise.

"She's my classmate. Park Sooyoung. Why?"

"Park Sooyoung." He muttered with his lips twitching in a smile and you gave him a suspicious look which he instantly noticed.

"Ah, thanks, junior Y/n. I'll get going then." He spoke and jogged away leaving you dumbfounded there.

You shrugged but then gasped slapping your forehead as you were going to meet Baekhyun and instantly sprinted towards the music room.

As soon as you entered inside, you were pulled by a hand grasping yours firmly making you yelp but relaxed seeing Baekhyun smiling at you.

All of a sudden, he twirled you around and started swaying your bodies together making you giggle at him. "What's going on?"

"I did it." You looked at him confused before he twirled you around and pulled to towards him with your back resting against his chest.

"I went to meet my parents yesterday and had a talk with dad too. And this time, we didn't really argue but calmly conversed and just like you said, he will believe in me and will root for me." He smiled, pecking your cheek and you blushed but instantly looked at him smiling.

"I'm so happy for you." You stared at him and he kissed your temple before resting his head against yours while his grip around your waist tightened.

You both were enjoying your moment but you weren't that lucky as the door burst opened and you both flinched making you pull away from eachother.

Boys came inside and Minseok was the first one to come in before he got startled to see you both. You instantly hid yourself behind Baekhyun being too embarrassed to face them as one by one they entered.

"Get a room." Jongin commented as soon as he stepped inside with an exhasperated sigh and you unconsciously held Baekhyun's forearm while placing your forehead against his back making him chuckle lightly.

"This is a room." Baekhyun replied to Jongin nonchalantly and you slapped his back lightly before slowly standing beside him avoiding eye contact with them.

"We also use this room." Kyungsoo snapped at him and Baekhyun rolled his eyes before they all started to tease you both which include your bestfriend.

You shot a glare at her before Sehun walked up to you with a smile sheepishly causing you smile back and as he stood in front of you, Baekhyun instantly blocked him.

"What business do you have with my girlfriend?" He crossed his arms over his chest squinting eyes at him and you rolled you eyes.

Sehun groaned. "Stop being a jealous boyfriend!"

Baekhyun looked unfazed while you shook your head before gently scooting him aside and faced Sehun. Baekhyun playfully glared at you which you ignored making him pout slightly.

"Yes, Sehun Sunbae?" You smiled and Baekhyun almost felt annoyed seeing you smiling at Sehun.

"So, um, that girl..." He stuttered out rubbing his nap and you almost laughed out loud at his nervousness while Baekhyun eyed him with concentration.

"You mean, Park Sooyoung?" You completed his sentence while acting innocent and his eyes lit up as he nodded.

"You!" Baekhyun exclaimed but you instantly hushed him with bringing your index finger to your lips and he frowned but nodded.

Then Sehun asked a little bit more about her and you told him whatever you knew and by the expression he had, he was going to make a move. Baekhyun was astonished and you wanted to laugh at his face.

Soon, you three joined the others where Chanyeol's and Jongdae's bickering weren't stopping and Junmyeon looked like wanted to bang his head on the wall while demanding to Kyungsoo to treat dinner as it was his birthday.

Ria being the extrovert girl was engrossed in their conversation and you were happy to be with them. They were becoming like your family now and all because of the person beside you who's smiling face is enough to make your day brighter.

***

(15 January)

10:12 am

"Gosh! I'm so late!" You exclaimed running down the stairs where your dad's head whipped towards you before he shouted careful and you just gave him a smile.

"Dad. I'm taking your car!" You shouted picking it from the wooden key holder and sprinted towards the main door passing by your mom who's hair flew back and she halted at her spot processing what just happened.

You buckled your seatbelt before your phone started ringing and with a huff you answered your bestfriend's call.

"Y/n! Where the hell are you?!" You pulled your phone away from your ear at her shouting before putting it back.

"I'm coming! Just overslept, but I'm on the way."

"Hurry up! The game has started now!"

"Okay!"

You sighed before starting the engine and drove off to your college.

Today was the D-day. Their last game of the year and you wanted to be their early for your Boyfriend and the boys but luck wasn't your side as you overslept and now you were speeding up.

The game has begun and the boys were doing well but Baekhyun's attention was somewhere else. He hadn't seen you since morning and you weren't even at the bleachers where he was seeing Ria cheering.

His mood was getting down by now as he wanted to see you first and to wish him luck but there was no sign of you yet.

You parked your car successfully and got out before running off to the basketball court. As you walked inside, you saw boys playing and the cheers were loud as usual before you approached your bestfriend.

"How's the game going?" You asked panting sitting beside her and she made a face before pointing towards the game with her chin.

The game was halfway to the end and the other team seemed to be ahead by few numbers. Your eyes automatically stopped at your boyfriend who looked exhausted and down somehow which made you worried.

You wanted to stand up and cheer loudly for him but since you were a shy person, couldn't bring yourself to do that.

Tapping your foot rapidly, you eyed him worringly and huffed before standing up.

"Screw it!" You muttered before bringing your hands close to your mouth and closed your eyes.

"YOU CAN DO IT! FIGHTING!"

You opened your eyes to see everyone staring at you, including your bestfriend who looked like as if she left the world and you just wanted to dig a hole and blurry yourself in it.

Baekhyun looked towards the crowd hearing the voice he wanted to hear so badly and there you were cheering loudly. His shook face suddenly changed into a smiling one and as if your cheer just recharged him, he began to play with diligently.

Suddenly, the crowd went crazy with cheers as the game got more tempting and it happened so fast that the game was now coming to an end.

As expected, your college won the match and everyone stood up cheering loudly with you both bestfriends smiling at them who were now doing a group hug.

As Baekhyun locked eyes with you, he instantly smiled widely before winking at you leaving you shook and Ria nudged your shoulder teasingly before they went back to their locker room to change.

You and Ria also exited and walked outside as you got a text from Baekhyun that they'll meet you outside since the boys would have lunch outside.

As they were out, everyone proceeded to go to the restaurant which Kyungsoo recommended in their car meanwhile, Baekhyun drove your car with you.

Reaching the restaurant, everyone occupied their seats and then Kyungsoo ordered the dishes as he was the one who suggested and everyone let him do it as he knew the best.

Not long before, the dishes were served and everyone began to eat while complimenting it.

Rowoon excused himself to get himself the side dishes and Ria took this chance to ask something as she knocked the table gently taking everyone's attention. "Have you guys noticed, Lauren wasn't in the cheering team today and I haven't seen her lately here and there too."

Your eyes enlarged at her point before giving her a nod as you both looked at the Boys who were having a nonchalant look where Jongin spoke."Of course she wouldn't be seen since she's too embarrassed to come."

You frowned and looked at Baekhyun confusingly where he just shrugged pointing at Sehun who smirked. "That day when she did that drama with you, Baekhyunee Hyung asked me to reveal her little thing about her bullying her juniors to principal and I think she's just too embarrassed to come now."

You and Ria had your jaw drop and Baekhyun giggled at your expression as he closed your mouth before Ria clapped giving Sehun a thumbs up. "I respect you for doing this. No wonder she hasn't showed up yet."

"And do you know that?" Jongin spoke smiling at Baekhyun and then to you. "Baekhyunee hyung was the one who asked Sehun to hack the college blog and deleted your video."

You looked at Baekhyun surprised who just gave a smile making you smile back before you shook your head squinting eyes at them playfully. "You guys are so mean."

Sehun gasped dramatically before looking at Baekhyun. "This is what I get for helping? I want my thank you."

Baekhyun rolled his eyes. "You have been leaching me off a lot and you still want more?"

You laughed at how Sehun rolled his eyes sassily before Rowoon walked in and everyone stopped talking about Lauren as you all decided not to bring her up in front of them and continued eating.

As Boys started to talk about the game earlier where they brought the topic of you causing you choke. A glass of water was passed to you by Baekhyun and he kept rubbing your back gently.

"Why did you have to bring that up?" You slightly whined and glared at Jongin who just shrugged acting like nothing happened.

"But it was definitely a scene to watch." Sehun snickered. "Baekhyunee hyung just started playing as soon as he heard her cheering."

You sighed hiding your face in your palm as everyone gave you a teasing smile while Baekhyun just chuckled stroking the back of your head.

"But why were you late?"

You looked at him smiling sheepishly. "I overslept."

He nodded. "Must be having a drama marathon."

You chuckled nodding before continuing your meal and he just shook his head smiling.

This guy beside you, surely knows you well and you weren't complaining too.

____________________

@wooya1224 @buttercupbbh @jddcfc-blog @usernameloaa

[hazbbyhaz]

sleepless || harry styles

one

pairing: Harry Styles x OC

synopsis: the first meeting

disclaimer: physical violence, cursing, talk of hookup,

Everybody needs that - a meaning of life

Sometimes she wants to be Michael Jackson. Sometimes Paul McCartney. And on occasion, maybe even Miss Henson from next door. That is just how most people thought she assumed. Everybody wants to be someone else and if not constantly, like herself, then sometimes. Whether or not they tell anyone is their own business.

The life of others always seems easier than your own, or at the very least more bearable. Painted in colors so much brighter than your own. Regardless, at the end of the day, everybody goes to those same dark places.

“You want another one, mate? Well, there you go!” Avery jumps at the loud voices in the alley down the road. It is right around what looks to be some kind of night club. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see two men standing in front of each other, fists raised, and both drunkenly stumbling. One of them connects his fist with the other man's face, who immediately falls to the ground, letting out a yelp of pain.

“Fucking prick!’’ The man who is still standing says once again. He begins to turn away and leave, but before he can do so the other one grabs his ankle and pulls him onto the ground right alongside himself. Avery's face has changed color and her normally rosy cheeks have now gone white, competing with the artificial light of the street lamp.

“Hey, you can’t do that.” she croaks trying to raise her voice but failing as the stress of the current situation takes over her body. His gaze wanders away, looking for anybody who could stop these two men from beating the life out of each other.

That's when she realized that they weren't beating the life out of each other but rather the one on top was beating, what appeared to be an unconscious body lying lifelessly on the ground of the alley. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Her mind was racing with memories and it became difficult to concentrate on the present. Her breath began to quicken, but Avery made her way over to them.

It's on America's tortured brow. That Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow. Now workers have struck for fame because John Lennon is on sale again.

“Hey, you! Why are you punching him?” She politely yells, trying to calm down the mood that had been created. She was never one for heated situations of any kind, as they never suited her well or did her any good.

“Cause he deserves it.” The man grumbles, landing yet another punch to the jaw of the other before spitting into his face. “Fucking prick.” He murmurs again before finally getting up from the ground, and taking a glance down at the damage he had caused. From far away he had seemed a lot smaller, now he was towering over Avery, making her feel incredibly thin and useless.

“You know him?” he nods towards the ground. There's sweat rolling down his face and his pupils are dilated. He honestly looked like he just escaped prison with his freshly buzzed hair and white wife-beater top.

“Yes,” She quickly nods as her palms begin to pool with sweat, the man steps even closer towards her.

“You plan on telling anybody what you saw?” He came impossibly closer, so close that she could smell the copious amounts of alcohol on his breath. Avery shakes her head without hesitation. The guy nods and takes another glance down at his victim before walking deeper into the alley.

The boy on the ground has yet to move an inch

“Uhm… Are you okay?” She carefully steps forward toward the motionless body. That is the first time Avery can get a clear view of his features. His brown curly hair is covering his right eye, he has a very structured face with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline. Though his features are quite strict he looks sympathetic.

A second later the guy coughs, holding his chest while doing so. Avery jumps back a little when he props himself up on his elbow, still in a coughing fit. She stays quiet, watching the stranger, her heart still beating heavily.

“That was a nice speech.” He finally manages to say, now properly sat up while leaning on his elbows. He looked like he was comfortable like he was casually laying on his couch instead of in the dirt behind a sketchy club at 1 in the morning. “I had everything under control, but I owe you a thank you.”

Avery swallows, her eyes not leaving the handsome boy. “Why did you punch him?” She asks, instead of accepting his apology. He didn’t have to apologize.

“He looked at me funny.” The guy shrugs, finally getting up from the ground, patting away the dirt from his shirt and black jeans. Avery immediately avoids his gaze, her eyes focusing on her shoes. “That was a joke.” He adds as he notices her behavior.

“Oh,” she murmurs, still not looking up at him. “I'm sorry, I don't get that.”

“It's fine,” His voice has changed from being quite confident and careless to calm and careful. This is why she just avoided talking to people. “I’m Harry, is there anywhere I can take you?”

Avery raises her head, Harry looks rather presentable again. Ignoring the fresh cut on his face, it wasn't obvious that he had gotten into a fight. “I’m good.”

“Why are you out this late all alone?”

“Why are you out this late all alone?” She replies, fidgeting with the hem of her sweater because she can't rid herself of the anxiety she is feeling. Always a racing mind, always a loud heart.

Harry dodges her question. “You know that song?” he is quiet for a second before starting to quietly sing, to her, an unknown tune. “If you be my bodyguard I can be your long lost pal. I can call you Betty and Betty when you call me, you can call me Al… maybe you're my Betty, I mean you did just save me.”

Avery had never heard the song before nor did she understand what Harry was implying, so she just lied. “I'm not that into music.”

He frowns but soon after a grin appears on his face. “Uptown girl, she's been living in an uptown world, I bet she never had a backstreet guy, I bet her mama never told her why… Let me take you home.”

She couldn't tell if him making these music references was a normal thing for him. Or if it was simply because he was slightly tipsy.

“I don't know you.” Her nervousness had calmed down considerably until he took another step towards her, holding out his hand. Avery immediately jumped back, wrapping both of her arms around her small frame, her big eyes fixed on Harry.

“Are you okay? Did something happen to you?” He lowers his hand and looks up and down the street. “Did someone hurt you?”

Her breath quickens as the memories begin to flood in all at once. “No,” Avery manages between gasps. “I was alone. Can I just go home, please?”

Harry steps back, eyes not leaving the strange girl standing in front of him. “I’m sorry… Uhm… Are you sure you are capable of making it home on your own?’

She slowly nods. Harry didn't look like a threat, nor did he act like one, But he was still a stranger who had just moments before gotten himself into a fistfight with another guy.

“I'm not going to harm you if you think that. We can keep a healthy distance between us if that makes you more comfortable.”

Avery shifts her weight from one foot to the other. Her mind begins to think of a thousand things once again. “Why would you do that?”

“A favor. I can't risk the very savior of these dangerous streets getting harmed on her way home. Now, can I?” He jokes, giving her a warm, genuine smile.

“I wasn't planning on going home actually.” What would she do back at home? Drown in her thoughts once again, making it another night doing things she knows she shouldn't. She’d rather be outside.

“Great, let's get a fish and chips then.” Harry grins, leading the way without paying any attention to whether she follows behind him or not. Just before he disappears into the darkness of the streets, Avery begins to trail closely behind him. And he knew.

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[barnesandrogersfanfics]

Unexpected Arrival -5

Pairing: Eventual Bucky x Reader, Possible Steve x Reader

Summary: As if working with the Avengers wasn’t exciting enough…. an unexpected visitor is about to change your life forever.

A/N- If you would like to be tagged in this just drop my ask/message and i will add you ⭐️

Switching off the TV i got out of bed and stretched feeling my body crack in various places, i quickly checked on Evie who was fast asleep in her rocker before grabbing the baby monitor and heading to the kitchen for some tea and something to eat.

"Hey" Bucky says from the sofa startling me, it was nearly 9pm and i thought he'd still be out on his date.

"Hey" i replied quietly as i continued making my tea and grabbing some food.

"Where's Evie?"

"Sleeping in my room"

"You sure she's okay by herself...."

"She's fine" i nodded looking at the baby monitor that had a huge screen showing my sleeping baby girl "take a look for yourself" i pushed it closer to him.

"Did stark make this?"

"Of course!"

It was suddenly so quiet, you could of heard a pin drop!

"So why are you still here? Thought you had a hot date?"

"I never wanted to go on that stupid date. I kept trying to tell Sam that but you know what his like"

"Right"

"I just wanted to be here, spend more time with you and Evie. But you've been locked away in your room for hours"

"Sorry, i feel asleep" i shrugged "then i watched a movie, i didn't know you were still here and i didn't want the team fussing...." i lied, i couldnt tell him that the truth was i had been sitting in my room crying over him!! I finished making my tea and poured out a cup of black coffee for Bucky knowing he would never turn down coffee.

"Here" i gave him a quick smile as i placed the steaming hot mug on the table in front of him. As i turned to go back into the kitchen Bucky reached forward taking my hand stopping me from leaving.

"Hey...."

"What?"

"Are you really okay?"

"Im fine" i nodded forcing a smile, i could already tell by the look on his face he wasnt buying it.

"Come here" he pulled me down next to him pulling me into his side so that i was curled up against his chest "you know you can talk to me"

"You sound like Steve" i mumbled rolling my eyes.

"Steve? When did you talk to Steve?"

"Earlier, he came by to check on me"

"Oh"

"He heard me crying and let himself in i didn't invite him in"

"Crying? Why were you crying?" He asked looking down at me with worried eyes.

"Im just hormonal, I'm literally crying at everything. Im a mess right now...."

"Thats understandable after what you've been through doll, it'll get better soon. Its not even been 24 hrs yet"

"Yeah i know" i nodded in agreement giving him a small smile.

"That why you got pissy about the whole date thing?" He suddenly asked making my heart start to race.

"Honestly? I don't know.... part of me was angry that you'd even consider going on that date when i had just given birth to your daughter. Then you said you felt like you need to be here, i wanted you to want to be here for her. I don't want to feel like me and Evie are ruining your life"

"What?? Y/N how could you ever think you and Evie ruin my life??" He looked down at me like i was crazy "You have given me the best thing I've ever had in my life. I know we didn't plan for this to happen but, I'm happy it did. And I'm glad that it was with you"

My head fell against his chest in an attempt to hide the fact i was crying again!!

"Doll..... are you crying?"

"Yes okay! I cant help it!" I moaned then we both started laughing at what a mess i was.

"I should get back to Evie, i don't want to leave her alone for too long" i said finally pulling myself out of Bucky's arms.

"Can i come and say goodnight? Is that okay?"

"Of course it is, you don't need permission Buck" i smiled at him before grabbing my tea and some chips and heading back to my room.

Evie was just waking up and starting to cry when we walked into my room, Bucky was straight over there lifting her into his arms.

"There's my girl" he cooed quietly, he loved her so much already it was clear from the way he looked at her, Evie instantly curled up against his neck and started falling asleep again.

"Come and sit down with her Buck, you cant stand there all night" i nodded to the empty side of the bed. He nodded before walking over and sitting next to me, as he got comfy i started a movie on Netflix and opened my chips leaving the bag between us so he could have some if he wanted.

"If i fall asleep wake me up at 3am for her feed" i said to Bucky like it was something we did all the time.

"Sure doll" he smiled down at me before his eyes focused back on the TV.

Bucky woke me up at 3am as promised for Evie's feed, I don't even remember much of it to be honest, i felt like a zombie most of the time since having her. It became a regular thing over the next couple of days, Bucky would stay in my room with us and wake me up when it was time to feed Evie then we'd wake up cuddled up with Evie sleeping in her basket at the side of the bed. I could almost fool myself into thinking we more than two friends who had a baby together.

Waking up this morning i found myself alone in bed and Evie's basket empty, Bucky would probably be out in the common room with her letting me get some more rest. As i sat up i felt the front on my top was wet and looked down to see my breasts had been leaking!

"Really....this is just fantastic!" I groaned throwing back the covers and getting up, my breasts were hurting and feeling so full i could cry! I grabbed Bucky's hoodie that was on the back of my chair and went off to find Evie.  When i got to the common room Bucky was sat alone reading on the sofa, i looked around but there was no sign of Evie.

"Buck, where's Evie??" I asked needing to know where my baby was.

"Steve and Nat have taken her for a walk outside, trying the new stroller Tony made"

"Shit..." i muttered shifting uncomfortably "okay" i nodded before quickly heading to the room next to mine that was currently being decorated for Evie's nursery. I started rummaging through the many boxes looking for what i needed, i remember seeing one here somewhere!!

"Doll, what are you doing?" Bucky asked from the doorway, i turned to see him casually leaning against the door frame watching me.

"Looking for something....."

"What? If you tell me i can help you"

"I need the breast pump.... like now!"

"Why? Are you okay...."

"This is why!" I quickly opened the hoodie showing him my wet top, Bucky's eyes went wide and he actually blushed a little.

"i cant wait for them to bring Evie back, it hurts too much! I need to do this now"

"Okay, go wait in the bedroom i'll find it"

When i heard Bucky come back a couple minutes later i had already shed my wet top and was standing in sweatpants and my lilac nursing bra Nat had gone out to buy me.

"Shit sorry! I should have knocked" Bucky mumbled turning around quickly.

"Come on Buck its not like you haven't seen me in less" i rolled my eyes at him reaching for the box in his hand.

"My god how does this thing even work!!" I yelled getting frustrated with the damn thing.

"Let me see, just try and calm down" he said taking the pump and reading the instructions.

"I have no idea.... this is talking about nipple sizes!" Bucky said looking horrified shaking his head at me.

"Having this baby has left me with no dignity at all! pass me one of those bottles..." i pointed at one of the bottles that attaches to the pump "Bruce and Tony have literally seen everything! And now this!" I said taking the bottle from Bucky and turning my back to him while i unclasped the cup of my bra.

"Ow ow ow!" I cried as i tried to put pressure around my nipple "this is ridiculous!" My head dropped as i started crying at how hopeless i felt.

"Hey come on now, you can do this" Bucky said from behind me, i hadn't even noticed he was that close until i felt his chest against my back, his hands resting on my stomach.

"Do you want me to.... i could try and...."

"Im already humiliated Buck" i shook my head at him. I rested my head back against his chest and closed my eyes trying to calm myself down. When i felt Bucky's hands slowly moving up from my stomach to cup my breasts my eyes flew open, my heart racing.

"Bucky...."

"Shhh just relax" he whispered as his hands started to massage my breasts.... god he was good with his hands! I let my eyes fall closed again as i felt myself relaxing.

"You feeling okay?" He mumbled close to my ear.

"Yeah it feels better actually" i replied opening my eyes, i looked down to see Bucky holding the bottle in his metal hand whilst his right continued putting pressure in all the right places on my breast.....The bottle already filling slowly.

"This is so embarrassing..... i feel like a cow!" I moaned, Bucky just chuckled and kissed the side of my head "Thank you" i said quietly, as embarrassed as i was right now i was so grateful that he had helped me with this.

"No problem doll".

"You know this is a good thing, i get to help feed Evie now!" Bucky called through to me while i was in the bathroom cleaning up and getting in fresh clothes.

"I'll try and work that thing out so i can express too. That way you can feed her more"

"Thanks" he beamed at me at i came back out into the bedroom "you feeling okay now?"

"Yeah I'm good" i smiled "embarrassed but I'm okay"

Bucky pulled me into his arms and held me tight, his hands gently rubbing up and down my back.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about sweetheart" he mumbled "we make a pretty good team you and me"

"Yeah we do. We always did though, thats how we got here Buck" i laughed thinking back to that mission in Alaska, we had been paired for that mission for that exact reason.

"Thats right, Steve said we were perfect for the job because we worked well together..... maybe we worked together a little too well" he said putting his arm around my shoulders "I mean, what are the chances that the one time i get you into bed i get you pregnant!"

"Must be those damn super sperm of yours!" I rolled my eyes at him.

"Must be" he chuckled "come on lets go find our girl".

Taglist:

@booktease21

@founding-fuck-bois

@whynot3027

@xpunishedx

@siren-queen03

[rebecca-johnson-28]

𝕵𝖚𝖘𝖙 𝖆 𝖇𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖍 𝖔𝖋 𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖔𝖒 𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖉𝖊𝖘𝖈𝖗𝖎𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊 𝖕𝖎𝖊𝖈𝖊𝖘 𝕴 𝖜𝖗𝖔𝖙𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖞𝖔𝖚. 𝕳𝖔𝖕𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖊𝖓𝖏𝖔𝖞!

"Hurry up bubs, we're going to be late!" the dark brown almost black-haired boy hollered to the red headed girl. "I'm going as fast as I can" yelled the girl, desperately trying to catch her breath. With only seconds to spare, the couple shot like bullets from a gun through the white glistening doors. "We made it!"Payton yelled in excitement, as the introduction to Post Malone's tour began playing. The night slowly but surely came to a close, after the couple had sung their lungs out (probably ending up with a sore throat the next day) and their bodies about ready to collapse on the hard floor of the arena. "I think we might need to take a running class in the future" the handsome boy explained, removing his shirt to reveal a beautifully carved body."You do, I don't. I came 3rd in the 100-metre race last month, remember?" the girl questioned while changing into Payton's hoodie and a pair of pyjama bottoms."Yeah, yeah" the brown-eyed boy answered before pecking his lover on the lips, turning off the light, and then bringing his girlfriend to lay on his chest for the night.

I turn, tossing in every direction. I swivel and look at my clock for the millionth time. 11:59. I ponder over each task I have completed and need to do. After sitting there for a few minuets, I toss over again, pulling my covers further towards me. I am now slowly but surely, scumming to the darkness. My lungs heave, turning and sprinting down each and every pathway. Dark green razor wire stretched for miles on end. I stop. I look over to my left. A red door. Feeling a chill rush through my right side, I turn my head. A green door.I cautiously shoot round behind me to see nothing but darkness. I run up to the red door. Nervously putting my ear to the chipped wooden door. I jump back as a scream rips through the door as if you were being burned alive. With a now harsh ring in my ear, I scuttle to the other door. Hesitantly, I do the same. I hear a faint beep along with hysterical sobs. "Choose wisely, my dear" The voice taunted with a viscosity of treacle. "The fate is in your hands. Choose now or I will pick for you" A male voice sneered. Shakily, I raised my chubby hand and pointed to the door. "Nice choice" The pair clapped, cheered and cackled. Immediately, I was chucked around like an old sock in the washing machine. Patches of murk clouded my vision. Before, completely covering my eyes, the pairs voices cackled and laugh once again.

I wake up to the smell of fresh blood. The muffled sound of footsteps could be heard in the distance. Are they coming towards me? Or walking away? The sting in my side shot down my leg and oozed across my abdomen. The taste of old alcohol still lingered on my tongue but was mixed with a bitter sensation. I opened my eyes and realised the pile of wet leaves that I was laying in-or had been discarded to- was soaking through my little black dress. As I tried to sit up, I saw other piles of leaves laying around, and I felt a lancing pain scream across my intestines. My diaphragm moved dangerously close to my breaking point as I gasped for air. I was in the park. The frost from the early morning sky twinkled like the stars- a reflection of the heavens. How did I get here? The questioned lingered... A dark figure, a man! He was grabbing my wrist heaving me through the countless people that surrounded us on the dance floor.

Isolated. I watched her disappear into the mist. "Keep quiet. Otherwise, I will tell of it!"Anna whispered forcefully while grabbing my arm hard. Anna's werewolf-like eyes piercing into your soul with a look that could kill anyone in an instant. Arched eyebrows and with pursed lips. Her thick black hair cascaded down her back while lightly fluttering around in the wind. We walked out of the manor covered in gargoyles and windows. Dark on the outside, supernatural on the inside. The gold lion head on the door handle that disappeared as soon as you heard chains."Where are we going, exactly?" A small but deep voice said behind me. Behind us was a boy with bleach blonde hair and soft molten grey and turquoise eyes that look like grey waves crashing again the shore. The boy reached for my hand nervous interlocking our fingers. Walking with someone you don't like can be sinister. Where is she taking me? I thought to myself desperate to run with the boy behind me. Anna stops, in front of a building I recognise so well. The Orphan House. "Now, before we go in I have a reputation to uphold so don't do anything stupid especially you Hunter." I now just realised standing right next to me was the person I dreaded the most Hunter Smith. Hunter was the one person that was a half-ghost and that could easily kill you if he got angry. We got to The Orphan House and we crept in. Floorboards crept as we went to the front desk which was on the top floor and the only way up was an elevator. As the group enters, gargoyle paintings cover the whole ceiling. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Annabeth?" The dark shadow speaks, moving, no, floating forward? "I need the keys, it's important" Anna replies. Her voice wavering slightly, with every move she makes. "Fine, just make yourself at home, your gonna be here a while..." Anna sat watching, dangerously, in her room as the waves crashed against her window. Mondays. She slowly got up wanting to explore more of this new house. Anna had just moved here two days ago, and she already hates it. Anna's werewolf yellow eyes pierced a hole into a portrait of an old family. Her eyes are the type that with only one look into them your mesmerised, but your soul could be killed in an instant. She arched an eyebrow towards her teacher as she went off into another tangent about the area of a trapezium. She slowly pursed her lips and let go of her daydream to finally escape this town. She flicked her long thick black hair which was cascading down her back in large curls. She sniggered lightly as she tripped somebody up again.

Youth. My youth. Everyone's youth. They have no mercy. Forever nightmares imprinted in our skulls. Their mercilessness and carelessness of our world. Catastrophe and destruction. We keep awake, nervous of what's to come. Am I paranoid? Tears in my vision; is this a joke to everyone? NO ONE TRUELY WINS! The dull rumour, a melancholy feeling, clouding the last flicker of hope. The night is silent. They will kill us if we are not careful. As ruthless as they are, we will be.

I watched as he entered the room, the fuel to my fire. He was walking with her again. He only said they were 'friends' but everyone knew including me it was more than that. He only saw him and me as 'good friends' before everything happened but I knew that wouldn't do with a fragile heart like mine. They looked into each other's eyes as if they were the only two people there. I wish I knew him like she did. But I couldn't. By the time I got to him, it was too late. I was always too late. Oh, how I wish that was me. But it never will be because I rejected Chat, and Adrien rejected me. Oh, how did I not read the signs? He was always there for her but not me. Now, I've lost him. I've lost my best friend and partner.  The battles done for me. Adrien got Lila. I got Luka. I know it might be crazy that I still love him even after marrying Luka. There I was climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower to go see Adrien on New Year's Eve. Tonight I was finally gonna do it. Confess my feelings for Adrien. I, now dreading walking up the stairs, walked across the Eiffel Tower, waiting to find Adrien. But I did. Tears flooded my eyes as grief and sadness coursed through my body. It was his midnight kiss. His true love Lila. Not me. Not Marinette. I quickly ran down the stairs of the Eiffel Tower until the second floor from the top. Slowly pushing the button on the elevator door. I froze. I heard footsteps. Not one pair but two. As soon as the elevator came to the floor I ran inside and pressed the door close button as quickly as I could. But I caught a glance at the two pairs of footsteps I heard. Alya and Adrien. As soon as the door closed I collapsed into an ocean of tears. Why? Why her of all people? But I am only me. A failure. A klutz. An idiot. I finish crying when the elevator opened. There stood Alya. As soon as she saw me she ran inside hugging me. I open my purse and out flies Tikki. Alya had been so helpful as soon as I told her I am Ladybug. Once there was an Akuma attack she would nudge me and make sure that I knew where it was. Once I calmed down the door opened and me and Alya walked back home. For the first four days, I wouldn't do anything. We had only two days left until we went back to school. Adrien had been asking Nino if he could call Mari so he could sort things out with her since Adrien was staying at Nino's for the holidays. Adrien rarely got to even look at Marinette since what happened. It was like she didn't want him there anymore. They used to be the everything friend but now it's gone. Lila, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying this as she got to spend more time with her Adridoll. Things would never be the same for Adrienette. Time flew by as Adrien and I drifted further and further away same with Chat and Ladybug. Chat rarely went to patrol and I only got to see him during the attacks even then, he was different. Like he was missing something or someone to complete him. A year flew by as Marinette started to take a liking into Luka. They shared most of their final years together and once graduated moved into an apartment everything was slowly going back on track but Adrienette and LadyNoir was slowly becoming unexsistent.

5 Years Later:

Hawkmoth was defeated. All was well in Paris. Marinette and her classmates never graduated due to Hawkmoth's downfall. So they had to redo their final year.

Ocean blue eyes turning into soul piercing eyes, filled with cold blooded lust. Precise. Calm. Ferocious. Prowling in anticipation waiting to strangle its prey. Scratching, russling, engulfed claws picking up fresh grass. Anxiously anticipating the aroma of his prey; paws ready and clenched in prediction. Brows hardening in aim and determination growling. Every muscle tensed ready to pounce. Black abyss and careless throwing, the darkness around me covered in vengence. All of his senses are left defenceless. Forever nightmares imprinted in his skull . The night is silent screaming. They will kill him if he's not careful. He's just as ruthless.

She was timid but moved with caution. This was the Kings job, so why was she doing it? The white walls of the castle screeched in the morning light. 'Get in and get out. That's all you have to do.' She thought to herself, reinforcing her confidence. Let's just hope she can make it out alive. The guards stood ruthless, possibly armed, possibly not. Her confidence betrayed by the fearful look in her muddy orbs.  

I was timid, but moved with caution, through never-ending hallways of their castle. Guards, aiming their guns as if one wrong move could get you killed. At last...the emerald and steel snakes moved in morning light. The hinges screaming "Get Out!" It's Not Safe Here!" The clicking of my heels was the only thing you could hear until... another torturous scream ripped out, bouncing off each and every wall, echoing for help or mercy. Pain itself. The image of agony. "You may enter Hermione.". I scampered into the room. Werewolf like eyes pierce my soul with a glare that could rival Medusa's. Her eyebrow thinner than black wire but raised up to the ceiling. The blood red lips, covered by the tints of wine, were pursed. Thick black hair cascading down the spine of her back in large curls. Silver snake patterns covered the bodice of her emerald dress. Only time could tell what would happen to me. My bloody life, in her bloody hands. "Everyone out, I want a conversation with this one!" Her voice booming through every wall, leaving nothing but as ring in my ear. Sounds of hurried footsteps left the room. "It was only a matter of time Granger." She spat, venom dripping with every word. "That I know Lestrange."

Y/N walked through the crowded halls of comic-con. The newest but oldest member of 'Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.' children cast, sat next to Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, awaiting backstage, for their call on. For the first time ever, 3 of the biggest fandoms will be united together. Once Upon A Time, The Maze Runner and Harry Potter. Y/N was only 16 when she portrayed the role of Rose Weasley, and only 15, playing the Mad Hatter's daughter in Descendants 3, Maddie Hatter. Being a British teenager, with the struggles of her GCSE's in May, she had worked with none other than Robbie Kay. Y/N had worked with Robbie before as he did replay his infamous 'Peter Pan' role in D3. Both shooting 12 scenes together but only 6 made the final cut due to the timing of the movie. Y/N has fallen hard for the 23-year-old, even though she was only 16, and he had a girlfriend. But you know what they say "Don't crush a Libra's dreams." As the comic-con hall filled with eager fangirls or guys and paparazzi, in only 15 minutes time, the panel would begin. Y/N was slightly nervous as she would finally get the chance to meet the cast of OUAT, which had always been her favourite TV show, and The Maze Runner, which used to be one of her favourite books. Her name was called out for the panel, so she sat next to two of her school friends who also got a role in 'Cursed Child', Ryley Green and Bailey Wood. Ryley played Albus and was also her school crush before she met Robbie. Bailey, on the other hand, portrayed the role of James and was quite a close friend of her's as they both sat next to each other in maths. As everyone started talking, Ryley had asked Y/N if she had done the English homework due the Thursday they return. To his surprise, she said yes, and offered her help to Rye. She then turned her attention to Bailey and asked him, how him and his girlfriend, Morphy, are doing. Bail had asked her what to get for her birthday coming up, which she then made a few suggestions and stopped talking as the panel was ready to begin.

[ghostbustermelanieking]

Excuse me, ma'am? I'm going to need you to step out of the car and write 30,000 more words in that William universe immediately. Please and thank you.

His birth parents had a large house, but not large enough for them, his birth parents, him, and a few assorted extras who were helping to clean up the destruction that the world had been resorted to. William, feeling three times as awkward among the strangers, holed up on a day bed in Mulder’s study. It wasn’t terrible, actually; there was enough random newspaper clippings and books and dusty files to keep him fairly entertained, and Scully’s dog liked to sleep in there. As long as he stayed in that room, he could ignore the reality of the situation. It was the end of the apocalypse, maybe, and he was stuck in a house with his real parents and his birth parents, but at least he had some musty old ghost stories to mull over.

His parents (the real one) were resting in Mulder and Scully’s guest room. Technically, William supposed, Mulder was supposed to be resting, too, but he ended up skulking around random corners of the house more often than not. He’d accidentally stumbled into his study so many times that William was starting to suspect that they weren’t accidents. Mulder would usually punctuate the awkwardness by offering food. They’d shared a few awkward conversations over messy sandwiches in the kitchen, but they hadn’t talked, really talked, since the day Mulder had given him the picture. 

Scully had been gone almost constantly since the first night they’d gotten back there. (Saving the world, Mulder explained.) He’d barely talked to her at all. He couldn’t stand to see her most of the time, anyway, couldn’t stand to see the mixture of pain and love swirling in her eyes when she saw him. 

They’d had something of a talk, that first night. After she’d taken samples from him and set up IVs for Mulder and his parents and a gangly FBI agent who’s name William couldn’t remember, she’d come and sat beside him on the couch where he’d collapsed. She handed him a water bottle, saying, “Drink this,” in a soft voice. “You’ll need fluids.” William nodded without saying anything, drinking half of the bottle in two gulps. Scully watched him quietly, her eyes following his every movement. She hadn’t said much to him outside of firm instructions since the bridge. “William?” she asked.

He jolted a little in place, water sloshing out of the top of the bottle. “H-how’s my mom and dad?” he stammered, fingers clenching around the cold bottle, and pretended he didn’t see Scully flinch.

“They’re stable. For now,” she said, in a steadier voice than he’d expected. “I’ll keep a close eye on them. They’ll… they’ll be okay.” She looked down at her knees. “And so will your f–so will Mulder.”

William nodded, wiping his damp, shaky fingers on his jeans. He hadn’t quite stopped trembling since Monica had shown up to their house and explained what needed to be done. (His mother had grabbed his hand on the plane and told him not to be scared. “They’re going to love you, baby,” she’d said, smoothing the cow lick at the back of his hair. Then why did they give me up? he’d responded silently. Then why did they only come looking for me now?) He nodded, blankly, because he didn’t know what else to say.

“I feel like I owe you some explanations,” Scully said. She touched his shoulder; her fingers were freezing through his windbreaker. He shivered. “William, I know you must have a lot of questions…”

“Just one, really,” he replied, his voice unexpectedly harsh. It was the question he’d had since he was little, since he’d read all the books his parents bought him on adoption and had found nothing in them comforting. “Why did you give me up?”

She winced, audibly. “It was… I did it to keep you safe.” Her voice quivered, broke a little. “It was the only way I could see for you to have a normal life. But I… I’ve regretted it every day since then.”

William bit his lip. “So why didn’t you come for me? Why didn’t you ever look for me until you needed me to save your husband?”

Scully wiped under her eyes. They were the same blue he recognized from the mirror. There was no denying their connection. He never thought he’d feel this way about his birth mother when he met her, all those childhood years of fantasies, but now the resentment was real and here, under his skin. He couldn’t get rid of it. He wanted to go hug his parents hard and apologize for ever wishing for anything else besides them. 

“William,” Scully was saying. She squeezed his shoulder; he scooted away on instinct and she drew her hand away rapidly like she’d been burned. “It’s a long story…” 

“I’m going to go see my parents,” he blurted. 

“Okay,” she said softly. Defeated, like she’d expected it. “Try to stay hydrated as possible and not overexert yourself,” she added, rushed. In a voice he expected was her Doctor Voice. “You’re welcome to anything in the house. I’ll… I’ll be down the hall with your father if you need anything.” William nodded rapidly; all he’d wanted was to get out of there. He got to his feet and headed for the door, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. He found the guest room quickly, his parents tucked into bed with IVs hanging from the bed posts, and kissed his mother’s (his real mother) cheek and squeezed his father’s hand. He could feel his old guilt subsiding and new guilt coming under to replace it.

He’d barely seen Scully since that night. Only in passing, as she checked on his parents and reassured him that they would be fine. As she made him up a bed in Mulder’s study. As she came to find him and tell him that Mulder was awake and wanted to talk to him, if he didn’t think he’d mind. In passing as he dug through their cabinets for cereal in the early hours of the morning as she was leaving. (She smiled tentatively at him every time. Even after that first night, she still smiled at him.)

He didn’t know how to talk to them. Mulder or Scully. He didn’t know how to ask them about the pictures tacked up on Mulder’s wall, about the horror stories in the filing cabinet. He could let their dog sleep on his stomach, but he didn’t know how to ask who labeled the picture that Mulder had given him. If he was being completely fair, he didn’t know how to talk to his parents anymore, either. He felt like a traitor either way. He had two families, sort of, and this was definitely not the normal way to meet your birth parents. If there was a normal way. He wished the world hadn’t almost ended for the obvious reasons, of course, but also so that none of this ever had to happen.

He sat with his parents for a few hours until the both of them fell asleep and went into the kitchen to find food. He didn’t realize that Mulder and Scully were in the living room until he was already in there with the fridge door open; the blanket draped over the back of the couch was gone, and he caught a glimpse of dark hair over the top of the couch. It looked like Mulder was lying half-asleep on the couch and Scully was there curled around him. They were talking in a low voice, but William recognized his name. He swallowed hard, grabbed a bag of chips and left.

Daggoo was curled on the end of the bed, his nose resting on top of the Polaroid. He raised his head and yipped excitedly when William entered. William scratched the dog on top of his head and sat on the bed, shoving the bag of chips aside. Daggoo wriggled excitedly onto his lap, sending the photo cascading. William grabbed it as he steadied the dog, his eyes brushing over the picture again. Same Christmas tree. Same Oxford sweatshirt. Same UFO onesie. Same Scully holding him. He swallowed. He could feel his heart pounding.

“William?” Scully said from the door. He jumped, turning to look at her. Daggoo scrambled from his lap and ran to dance around Scully’s feet. “Sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I just wanted to check on you, see if you were hungry.”

William swallowed. “I could eat,” he said, sliding the picture off of his leg. He meant to move it out of sight, but the light flashed off of the photo and she saw it. Her eyes widened slightly. 

“Mulder gave me this,” William added quickly. “He, um…”  

She drew closer slowly, like she was ready to go away if he told her. “I remember that day,” she said softly. “We went to your grandmother’s for Christmas. My, uh, my brother was there with his family. Big get together.” She took a sharp breath. “But the holidays were… hard. It was the second Christmas I’d had to spend without your father. I was barely hanging on… you were the only thing that made that holiday even remotely happy.” She smiled a little. Just a little.

William looked back down at the picture again. The smile looked a little like the smile in the picture, frozen fifteen years ago. “I have a grandmother?”

Scully cleared her throat, sniffled a little. “She, um. She passed away about a month ago.”

He didn’t know why, but the news brought an unexpected lump to his throat. A grandmother he couldn’t remember. Now he’d never get to meet her. “I’m sorry,” he said uncertainly.

“I am, too.” She blinked rapidly, tucking hair behind her ears. 

William looked at the Oxford logo, the color going out of the F. He’d read somewhere in this stockpiled office that Mulder had been to Oxford. “Mulder wasn’t there for two Christmases?” he asked carefully. “He doesn’t seem like the type to…” Run out, he finished silently.

“He’s not,” Scully said fiercely. She shrugged. “I told you it was a long story.”

William gulped. Looked at the picture one more time before looking back to his birth mother. “Tell me,” he said.