#is because they knew they couldn't without owning up to the fact that they'd also seen those boys put hands on you.

[alittlebitofrainbyyourside]

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[sleepyconfusedpotato]

Honeybaby

The confession.

Set in New Years Eve 2023, after the events of Call of Duty Modern Warfare II. An immediate continuation of Catch My Breath.

Pairing : Simon “Ghost” Riley x Charlotte “Jade” Le Jardin (OC) Characters : Simon "Ghost" Riley, Charlotte "Jade" Le Jardin (OC), Word Count : ~ 5600 Warning : Fluff with a slight bit of angst, a touch of hurt/comfort, and good ol’ cursings.

December 31st, 2022

London, United Kingdom

1500

'Ghost.'

Fuck, he thought. It's been 7 days since the Christmas party in Price's house. That was seven days without contact, without any interactions whatsoever. It had been seven days since they kissed, thanks to that damned mistletoe, and Seven days since Jade pecked him on his cheek. 

He should admit, he still remembered the soft pressure on his cheek when she did that, and the fact that he’d been sneaking a hand to that part of his face to rub at it? It always brought him back to that night of December 24th. 

Jade had left early. After the dinner with the team, she’d immediately helped Price around the house to tidy up, washed the dishes, and then left without telling Ghost anything. 

Was he mad? Should he be mad? 

Let's state the facts. They kissed under the mistletoe. It was her first kiss, and she consented to him doing it. And THEN, she asked him to do it again. It seemed like she liked it. He definitely liked it. As much as he hated the fact that it was because of a fucking mistletoe, he couldn't lie about how much he wanted to do that to her.

After that kiss, everything seemed okay. It was okay, they declared to stay friends - until she sneaked an unprecedented peck to his cheek.

He liked it. No, he loved it. Because it wasn't because of anything external. It was because of her own will, and that could not mean nothing. 

What he didn't like though, was the reality that she left him hanging for 7 days. Seven days of uncertainty, Seven days of thinking of that little peck. Seven days of Johnny looking at him teasingly because he definitely knew something about that mistletoe and how he and Gaz absolutely had something to do with the location of that vegetation. Fucking hell. 

And now, she'd texted him. The first text she'd sent to him after they got each others' numbers.

His heart raced again. She texted him his name and his heart was racing. God dammit, he truly felt like a bloody high schooler, for fuck's sake.

He typed, 'Jade.'

Not long, the woman texted him back, 

'First off, I'm sorry for suddenly kissing you on the cheek. I broke your boundaries and it wasn't okay.'

She's apologising. 

She's apologising for something he's happy about. 

'And I'm sorry for not contacting you for a week. I kissed your cheek and then left without saying anything. It was unfair of me.'

Oh shit. She's continuing. 

'I know how private you are with your identity, especially your face. Though I wish that you'd forgive me, it's fine if you don't.'

Fuuuuck.

'I just want to say that I'm sorry for doing that to you.'

'And I wish you could forget about it.'

This fucking woman…

—

There, she finally contacted him.

Ghost's a fast responder. She could tell that his phone's always active as he might get a call for deployment any time. He'd also immediately replied when she only texted his name. 

Or had he been waiting for her to text him?

Bollocks. Anyway, she messed up. Leaving him hanging for a whole damn week. A WEEK. 

She felt like an arsehole the whole time. Night and day she thought about it and what she should say to him. 

It took her a long time to realise, but the days that they'd spent together in Las Almas, the days they worked together, it was one of the best missions she'd ever went on. If she could erase the bloody parts, she'd wish she could experience it again.

Jade cared for him more than she liked to admit. Jade wanted him to be happy. She wanted to see him smile more; she wanted to be close to him. She wanted to know him more. She felt safe with him, she felt like the world’s a better place beside him. 

Jade sighed out loud, sitting on her worktable. The Garden was so damn busy this time of year, varying from people celebrating their years together, people declaring their love, or people remembering the love that they had. It was beautiful when she thought about it. People usually buy flowers to give it to someone. It’s a sign of love, showing that I care. Sometimes people give it to other people, sometimes for themselves as well. They give it to family members and friends; alive, or those who've left them earlier.

New Years had always been a mixture of emotions for her because of this line of work; because of how emotional it is. 

But this one in particular, she couldn’t focus at all because of him. She’d been thinking about that kiss, and how she wanted to tell him that she meant it. Oh how bad she wanted to tell him that she cared for him. 

But then, what did he feel towards her? Was he disgusted that she pecked him without his permission? How stupid, how inconsiderate of her to do that! Thinking about it made her want to scream into the skies at how brainless, imbecilic that act was.

And so, after days of thinking, what she wanted was for him to forget about it. 

Because let’s be real. Why would he like her back? He’s a man who conceals his identity precisely so the people around him would stay away from him and not get too close. He must actively avoid people in his life to keep him away from danger and keep them away from danger. Ghost wouldn’t let himself slip like that easily, wouldn’t he? 

Ghost? Liking someone? 

-- INCOMING CALL --

- Beanpole 💀💢 -

Oh bollocks. He called her. He’s calling her!! Why was he calling her???

‘Answer the call.’ He texted her again, the calling line still active. 

Oh no.

‘Now.’ 

With that, Jade tapped and slid the green icon upwards, putting the phone to her ear.

“Hello?”

“Jade, what kind of fucking bullshit did you just text me.”

Oh shite. He’s livid.

“Ghost I– I didn’t mean that peck. It was just a–”

“Just what? An instinct? Your MI6 instinct?!”

“I was–”

“You're telling me that we just kissed, twice, you left a peck on my face, and you want me to act like it never happened?”

Jade couldn’t say anything to that.

“You’d better believe Price sleeps without his hat first to say that, because for fuck’s sake – what you just said has no logical thinking to it!” He rumbled with his deep voice, 

“You want me to forget about it?! Well I can’t!” 

Jade had never heard him with this tone before. Ghost’s voice had always been raspy and harsh, filled with a commanding quality necessary in battle. But this tone sounded like he was in absolute anguish. 

What he said was right. What she asked would be impossible. She’d been too selfish to think about what he’d want. 

Silence lingered on the line, save for Ghost's soft breath after he raised his voice. 

Who’s going to say anything at this point? Both of them were confused as to what they should say or what they should do.

“...You busy tonight?” Ghost finally started, making Jade flinch. His voice was back to calm.

“...We’re quite busy at New Years, but our shop closes at 10 PM.”

“Good. RV with me at this location after you’re done.” Right after he said that, Jade received a location ping.

“Ghost… This place is…”

“We need to talk, and not via phone call like this.” 

“...Okay.” 

“Good. See you there.” 

—

Whitehall Garden, London, UK

31.12.2022   2235

Sea of people had filled the edges of the Thames River. One and a half hours before the year changes, the people of London had gathered right across the infamous London Eye in order to witness the drones and fireworks show that the city prepared annually. Jade was a fan of fireworks shows. She adored the beautiful colours that filled the night sky, especially the New Year's, as it’s literally only done once a year.

And now, Ghost told her to meet him in front of the Ministry of Defence building. Standing in front of the General Charles Gordon Statue with tons of other people, she’d wondered of Ghost’s whereabouts. That man could only be seen if he wanted to be seen, there’s no doubt about that. 

Jade had texted him that she was at the RV point, 'I'm here.'  and he'd already read it. So it's probably not long until she meets him. 

"Jade." 

A deep, harsh voice that could only belong to Ghost called from right behind her. She turned around on reflex, and found the 6'3" man standing right behind her, just a few mere inches away from each other. 

Ghost's wearing a hoodie with his hood up and a pair of jeans with dark shoes. His face was not covered by the iconic skull-painted balaclava. Instead, he wore a black face mask in place of it. His black eye paint was not present around his eyes. She also noticed that he brought a backpack on his back.

Realising that he's far too close for her to think, Jade took a small step back. 

"Hey Ghost. So what's the plan?" She shrugged her shoulders, her breaths turning into clouds in the air. "Do you want us to talk here? In the sea of humans?"

"Absolutely not. Follow me and stay close." Ghost turned around and started walking towards the Ministry of Defense building's side entrance. Once they reached the door, Ghost opened the thick wooden door and allowed Jade to enter first before closing the door behind him. The inside of the building was a dark main hall, only a few lights were on.

"Beanpole, what are we doin' here? Are we even allowed to be here?" 

"Just follow me." The both of them then fast walked along the walls, until they reached the lift. The man pressed the up button and opened the lift door. 

Entering the lift, Jade saw that in order to press a floor, it required an authorised key card. "It needs a keycard. What, do you have it?"

Ghost pulled out a key card, swiped along the electronic key and pressed the button with the highest floor. The metal door closed shut, and the lift started to carry both people up. 

"Where did you get that card?" Jade asked out of curiosity, the whirr of the lift being their only company. 

"I've got contacts."

"...which was?"

"Guy who goes by the name Roach. He used to be my mate in SAS but now he works here."

"Oh." 

'Roach'? Peculiar name. Well, both of them had that 'unkillable' trait to their call signs so Jade could definitely see them being mates. 

Reaching the top floor, the metal door opened, revealing a dark hallway after which Ghost led her again to the emergency staircases, where an old, classic-looking staircase was leading up to another upper part of the building. They climbed the stairs again, where the room that could be interpreted as the building's attic was located.  

Ghost strolled to the furthest side of the attic, where they climbed another stair into a small balcony high up, closer to where the roof was. Ghost then pressed a chain of 5 numbers on the electronic key on the wall, which made the attic door above them open as they saw the night sky. 

As the ladder descended, Jade started. “When you sent me the location of the MOD main building, I thought we were gonna watch fireworks down there.”

He stayed silent, his hands still pulling down the ladder. 

“Well, you’ve told me you don’t fancy crowded places. I understand. But on the roofs of MOD? This is new.” Jade continued. 

Should he admit that he never really watched fireworks shows? Should he admit that he hated places with too much noise that sometimes his nerves could go into overdrive?

Ghost didn’t say anything until the ladder was down to the floor. “Hop up.” He said, before climbing up the high ladders, Jade followed him from behind. 

Once he’s up on the roof, Ghost popped his head to see her below, and unexpectedly, the masked man offered his hand down. 

“Take my hand.” 

Jade could admit that it still felt weird to see the skin on his bare hands, considering how often he used that skeleton painted gloves. That glove was so iconic Jade had seen it as his actual hand. Now that he was offering his hand, Jade immediately took his bigger palm, where he almost took her entire weight on his arm, making it easier to climb.

The last time he carried her was when she got shot during the prison break in Las Almas. She remembered how Ghost caught her fall and how he carried her to the van with the 141. Remembering that moment made her blush.

Once both of them stepped on the roofs, Jade looked to the other side of the Thames River, where the London Eye stood tall in bright, white lights that lit up the horizons. The Whitehall Garden below was covered with a sea of humans; families, friends, loved ones, together for the last moments of the year. 

And when she looked to her side, there stood Ghost, viewing the London Eye just the same. His dark eyes reflected the white lights just right. Jade would be lying if she didn’t find him looking good today. Black was made for him. Not that she’d ever seen him in any other colour before, but seeing him in civvies without the skull mask on sight – It always reminded her that beneath all the ‘Ghost’ facade, he was just another regular bloke underneath. Just a dude named Simon. 

The man looked down at his wrist, where his watch showed 22:58. “Good, we’re right on time. Sit down.”

Ghost sat down first, followed by Jade who sat down to his right. They were almost at the edge of the building and she must agree that this was the best spot to see the London Eye. 

For a while, they sat there, no words exchanged between them. The winter winds of London brought her – for once – undone hair into the air. Ghost sneaked a glance at her appearance; Long dark green coat, soft brown pants, knitted gloves, and an oversized plaid scarf that messily surrounded her neck and shoulders, plus her wavy hair free falling onto her shoulders and back. 

The woman sitting beside him was looking gorgeous in a way that he'd never seen before. She'd always been graceful in appearance, even in combat. It didn't even help him that he was basically asking her to spend New Year's Eve with him instead of with her family. Unlike him who had no family member left to spend his days with, Jade had her parents, she had her coworkers in her florist, and she volunteered for her old orphanage and for a local caring home. Unlike him, Jade was sociable and knew a lot of people. 

"Midget." He started, prompting the woman to look at him.

"Hm?"

"You don't celebrate New Year with your parents?" 

That question made her smile. "Yeah, I usually go to Piccadilly Circus with them. But when I told them I planned to spend New Year's with a ‘friend from work’, my parents dressed me up in… this, and pushed me out of the house."

Ghost scoffed, "Did you tell them who you're going to meet?"

"No, I didn't. Just 'a friend from work'." The smile on her face grew wider, "You can visit the shop sometime if you want. Probably have a tea or two–"

"No." Ghost cut her words almost immediately. That made Jade flinch. "It's better for them if they never met me."

That sentence caught her attention. 

"It will only endanger themselves." His words confirmed her thoughts. As she looked at him with her green eyes, Jade could sense the loneliness in him. 

Jade sighed, "Okay. I understand." Watching her breath turn into clouds in the air, she continued, "In this one particular mission… My work followed me home."

Now it's her turn to catch Ghost's attention. 

"This one guy wanted to take his revenge on me. I was on the other side of the world when it happened, and he told me that his men got my Pa and Ma on his hitmen's scopes." 

"I was fuming mad at him, but then… the hitmen were suddenly MIA. Lost communication." Ghost had decided that this was an interesting story.

"When he shouted to call for the hitmen… my Pa's voice sounded through the radio, saying, "Try again." I swear, my soul almost left my body at that time." The ginger lightly laughed at the memory. "I almost forgot that both of my parents were literal seasoned MI6 black agents."

'Ah, she's lucky.' Ghost thought to himself. Her family consisted of retired black agents, that must be relieving. Unfortunately, not all parents are kind, loving ex-MI6 agents who could take care of themselves. 

"Nevertheless, even though I know they were probably better agents than I was in their younger days, and they can definitely take care of themselves… I don't want them to go through that." She continued. 

"I love them. And I want them to be safe. Far from any danger that I might bring back from my work. So yes, I understand where you're coming from. But still," Jade tilted her head, “My offer still stands. You can come by anytime, any day.” 

Jade finished as her hands pulled out a metallic tumbler. She popped up the lid and started to drink from it. 

"What are you drinkin'?"

"Chamomile tea. And!" Jade's hands entered her bag again, and pulled out another black-coloured tumbler before handing it to him. "Here. For you."

Eyeing the bottle in suspicion, Ghost took the tumbler on his hands. "What is this?" He popped out the lid and lowered his mask to his upper lip, taking a sniff of the drink in question. It released steam that immediately disappeared into the winter wind. 

"It's something I think you'd like."

It didn't smell suspicious, so Ghost glanced at the woman, before finally lowering his mask to his chin, taking a sip from the tumbler. 

"...Black tea?" 

Jade smiled at that. "Yep! Your fave." Jade remembered exactly how he didn't like her chamomile tea back in Fuerzas Especiales base, so when she thought about going with tea, she decided to bring another one with black tea. "Is it good?"

"That's alright." He said before drinking again. Looking at him liking the tea, Jade celebrated inside her head. 

Putting down the black tumbler on the roof, it's time for Ghost to take his backpack. "Shame. I also brought something."

"Wait, what?"

"I'm the one who invited you, so I must bring somethin' right?" 

From inside his bag (which by the way, was FILLED with foam), he pulled out a green bottle with another light brown coloured one, along with two paper cups. 

"YOU BROUGHT GIN AND BOURBON IN YOUR BACKPACK?" Jade was absolutely astounded at this man's bag. What's even more surprising was what he pulled out next. "O–Oh my goodness me…" 

Ghost put down two double quarter pounders with cheeseburgers, along with fries in front of them. The utter shock was painted all over her face.

"I don't know what else you like."

Jade laughed out loud at this man's actions. He actually bought Micky D's before going to the RV point. And the fact that he said he didn’t know what else she’d like except Gin for alcohol and a double quarter pounder with cheese and fries, it’s probably the funniest thing she had ever seen him do.  

She couldn’t hold back her loud laugh that she tipped her body back, almost falling. Saying that Ghost didn’t like the sound of that would be an utter complete lie. 

“Oh my GOSH, Simon!” She clapped her hand together, still wheezing from laughter. "You are a top lad!"

Ghost grinned as he observed Jade's laugh. The only thing he did was listen to what she said was her favourite junk food meal back in Las Almas, and now he bought it for her. Nothing big at all, yet her smile was the widest he's seen her.

“Let me.” He poured each liquor to their respective paper cups a good amount. Giving the Gin one to her hand. 

For moments they filled their guts with the snacks Ghost brought. He took a glance at the woman beside him every once in a while, looking at how she ate the burger and fries, and how she cutely scrunched her face when the gin caught the back of her throat. He too was eating away at his own burger. To be honest, this was his first time eating junk food in a while. It's been years since he enjoyed a delicious, trashy fast food because of his constant deployments and, basic health, of course. But being with her, he felt like just letting go. He didn't feel like eating something hard-earned. Just an easy quick fucking burger with fries.

Licking her fingers from the fries flakes, Jade started. “Look at us. Eating a double quarter pounder with fries, with booze on the side, on the roof of the Ministry of Defence, waiting for the New Year countdown in front of London Eye. What. A. Scene.” 

Suddenly, Jade noticed that Ghost shivered a bit. He took another gulp of the bourbon before finishing his burger.

"Are you cold?" 

"...No." 

"You're shivering."

"I'm not."

"...Your cheeks are red."

"They are not."

"You always cover them with your mask but they're clearly blushing from the cold."

“You’re seeing things.”

“...Alright, then. That is it.” Out of nowhere, Jade scooted closer to him, pulled half of her scarf before tugging them around Ghost's neck, creating a connection between the both of them.

"Wh-What are you doin’?”

Still tidying the scarf, she answered, “How can I eat peacefully if you’re shivering beside me like this?” Patting the scarf softly in finality, Jade muttered, "There. If it's cold, the solution is to wear more layers. Not drink alcohol. Take this as a payback for lending me your jacket a week ago."

Ah, yes. The jacket she threw to his face after she pecked him on the cheek. He's not going to lie, he should’ve worn that jacket today. The cold was no joke at all. They both rubbed their hands together, and covered their mouths and nose with it, blowing more warm air towards their palms to keep the heat.

Just as they observed the London Eye, Ghost’s watch showed 23.56, signaling the start of the light shows that began commencing right in front of them. 

Jade stared at the holograms and dancing drones in the sky, captivated by the attraction, until Ghost called her name.

“Jade.”

“Hm?” She replied, her eyes kept looking at the light show.

“Listen… If you think it's okay, I'm about to say somethin', alright?” said Ghost, as the cold wind kept blowing gently. 

What was he about to say? How should she react? Those were the thoughts that crossed her mind. Her racing heart was beating so loud caused by all the questions inside her head. Looking at the direction of the conversation, he might tell her something really, really important. 

“ …Alright.” fingers crossed inside her head, Jade shifted her head to look at his eyes, and it was, for the first time, filled with such vulnerability and tenderness. The absence of the black paint left his brown eyes bare – nothing to hide, no front to put up.  

“After I say this, I think things will never be the same, though I hope otherwise.” Putting his fists on his knees, Ghost began.

“Ever since I delved into this occupation, I fully commit my life to the job; there's no room for compromise, and if my life ended, then at least I died fighting for my cause.”

His tone grew slightly sombre, probably from remembering the times he enlisted into the army, all the hardships, all the pain and suffering he endured inside and outside the army, it all had made him who he was right here and then.

“But recently, I felt something that I haven't felt in a long, long time, and I thought I must be out of my mind to allow myself to feel this way. “ Ghost continued, his eyes grew softer. It's almost like she saw a glint of light and hope in his eyes.

“I admit that I've been an arse to you; I hadn't been nice, and I don't think I deserve to feel this way for you."

"At first, I didn't know what I was feeling. You were too good at what you do, and you gained my trust all too quickly. But the more I know you, the more I spend my time with you, it became clearer – I admire you, I respect you, I revere you. Until it grows to something more than that.”

Ten! Nine! Eight!

“I thought if I let it be, my feelings would dissipate and go away, but it only became stronger. I can't get you out of my head."

Seven! Six! Five! 

“I'm not good with words, so I will say this once.”

Four! Three!

"You brought up a part of me that I didn't know I had. And I like myself more every time I'm with you."

Two!

"Lottie,"

One!

Hundreds and hundreds of little lights shot up into the sky, flying high into the infinite black above. Along with the loud cheers of the people below, the lights exploded and dispersed into beautiful colours of red and blue, filling the night sky with a kaleidoscope-like view. The great bell of Big Ben chimed over and over, bearing witness to the change of the year, the London Eye flashed into colours of blue and red and white.

Ghost never liked New Year's.

He never liked the noises and the sounds of explosions as his nerves and senses went into overdrive at the place where they weren't supposed to. In the battlefield, this bodily reaction would come in handy – it kept him alive. But right at that moment, when Ghost declared his honest feelings to Jade, this might be the worst – and at the same time – the best place to do it.

Jade loved New Year's.

For most of her life, those days were the reason she kept going, to at least survive, and live for another year – just to witness the fireworks. She never once missed a fireworks show, even if she was somewhere else around the world for an assignment, Jade would find a big city and witness the colours of New Year's. Even if she was somewhere where people didn’t celebrate, she’d quickly turn on the TV, however bad the quality was. 

Even if she had to camp in the middle of nowhere, she would bring a sparkler rod beforehand, lighting them up as a little firework right in front of her face. 

She had to witness them.

Yet as of this moment, she couldn’t be bothered to even look at the fireworks, as her green eyes were fixed only on the man beside her. 

If she were to be honest, Jade couldn’t quite hear what he said. The noises were very loud, almost deafening, coming from everywhere around them. The sounds of explosions, chimes of the big ben, loud cheers of the people below, and the music from the London Eye. 

But it didn’t take a heavily trained MI6 agent to read lips, especially when he’s speaking right in front of her. 

“I think I’ve fallen in love with you.” 

Her eyes widened at those words. No one had ever said that to her before in her life, not one that made her heart race, but also one that made a thousand butterflies fly inside of her. 

“But I don’t know if I’m ready.” 

And just like that, Ghost left her speechless. The butterflies flying inside her stomach had flown to God knows where. Lights from the fireworks had not stopped exploding, and the noise didn’t dissipate. It only grew louder and louder – a contrast to what was happening inside Jade’s mind right at that moment.

Ghost saw her entire expression. It was a mix of delight yet of confusion. A face of joy and love, yet of bewilderment. It’s like she’s still processing his words, and understandably so. He felt like an utter and complete arse at that moment. He just confessed his feelings to her, only to say that he cannot dedicate himself to it. 

For a moment, he kept looking at her face. The fireworks light reflecting on her skin, the cold winter wind combing through her wavy hair.

She’s so goddamn beautiful. Fucking hell. How can he not love her? It’s impossible for him not to fall for her. 

It took a really long time for her to finally change her expression. He thought he saw her breath hitched before closing her lips together tightly. It seemed that she’d finally regained her composure, so he continued.

Ghost balled his fist even tighter on his knees, “This job is essentially my whole life, and it’s full of uncertainty. You said you felt safe with me, Lottie, but it’s not true.” He swallowed, “Being with me is anything but safe.”

Jade only stared at him. 

“You deserve the whole world, Jade, and I’m afraid I cannot give it to you. I care for you more than I thought I did.” He admitted. “I want to make you happy, but I can’t. I don’t know how.”

Ghost kept on observing her reactions, but she gave none. The woman’s expression looked… empty. Was it her instinct to not give out any expressions during vulnerable times? It might be so, considering her background. Still, what did he expect? For her to be mad? Cry? Disappointed?

Instead, what Ghost saw before him a few seconds later was an expression of… relief? He didn’t know what to interpret them as, but Jade smiled. It was full of sincerity and at the same time, sadness. He was a little bit taken aback at that. Part of him thought that their relationship that they’d built through hard-earned trust would go down the drain from his words alone. However, it was not what happened, as she called his name.

“Simon.” 

He blinked, waiting for her next words.

“Can I hug you? Please?” 

Jade's plea sounded like a person's last wish. 

It saddened him so. He wanted her to be happy. God, he wanted to. But in the current state he is in right now, it's almost impossible. 

So he nodded softly, and she embraced him in a soft, warm hug. Jade's chin rested on his shoulder, his chin on hers. Their bodies pressed together, arms circling their figures so tight, yet so gently. His long arms could almost envelop her entire figure in a bear hug. 

Ghost closed his eyes, smelling the scent of her hair that touched his face from the blowing wind, pressing his palms on her back to feel her as close as possible.  

As the fireworks kept coming up, they hugged like a lifeline. Not wanting to let go, at least he didn't.

"You've told me what you wanted to say. Now I'll say what I want to say, alright?" Still pressing her cheek to her neck, she voiced softly.

"...alright," he replied. 

Jade grasped his jacket, took a deep breath, and started, "I've never met someone who's so similar to me. I've always lived alone, thrived alone, and survived alone, until I met you."

Ghost stayed still. 

"I said it before, I feel safe with you. I can be myself. I don't have to hide anything. And I care for you." 

"You said you want to make me happy, so I'll say this: I want to see you happy, more than anything. Nothing makes me happier than looking at your smile."

In the middle of the loud noise, she confessed.

"I love you too, Simon.” 

Hearing that sentence felt like a boulder had just been lifted up from his shoulder; his chest that felt tight for God knows how long released its tension. He tightened his hold on her ever so gently. God, she's so warm. 

For a while they hugged, not saying anything, until Jade rubbed his back up and down. Realizing that they need to part, Ghost let out a breath that dissipated into the air.

They stared at each other's eyes. Everything was different now. The person in front of them knew that they loved one another; recognizing that the person in front of them meant the whole world to each other. A moment of epiphany reflected in their eyes.

Ghost started. "Let's not change, yeah?"

Jade's mind interpreted that into two meaning, but she chose to believe the more hopeful and the certainly better one. From the way he looked at her, Jade was sure that she's right.

She nodded, "Yeah. Of course. But..."

That last word made Ghost flinch. Who said only he could say a 'but'?

"I'm not someone who will sit and wait, Simon."

Ghost widened his eyes.

"I love you, and I'm here for you. You're the only one for me." She continued. "But I'm not going to ask you 'what are we?' after too long."

Her eyes reflected a kind of conviction she'd always displayed in the battlefield. Jade might be a warm, kind-hearted, most uncomplaining woman he'd ever met, but she's not a fool either.

"I'm ready. I want us to be ready. So I will wait for you." Jade declared with finality. A smile formed in her lips.

Her words might be the ones entering his ears, but Ghost's mind registered one phrase.

'Don't play with my heart.'

Like he would. That's the last thing he wanted. Jade's heart was the last thing he wanted to play with and make wait. He must admit, he hadn't seen all sides of Jade yet. And Jade hadn't seen all sides of him. But he's willing to reveal them -- in time.

Ghost smiled back. "Yes Ma'am."

---

Journey back to The Garden was… normal. It wasn't awkward nor anything uncomfortable given that they just literally confessed their affection for each other, rather a pleasant walk and bus ride, thanks to Jade's conversational skills that were superior compared to his. She'd asked multiple questions about himself, and not the deep ones, but the very mundane, unimportant facts. 

"What's your favorite season?"

"Summer.”

"Do you watch Football?"

"Only on some occasions.'

"I find that hard to believe. Who do you support?"

"City."

"Oh. Is blue your favorite color?"

"Black is, but I just found out some time ago that black is a shade, not a color. So blue it is."

"I'd really love to see you in blue outfits." 

He made a mental note on that. 

It didn't feel like 1 hour of commute for them to find themselves in front of The Garden. It's 2 AM, but some lights were still shining since it's the first day of the year, casting a light on their faces.

Jade looked at Ghost, glancing at the pavements to avoid her gaze.

"Beanpole."

He looked at her.

Her gentle voice felt like a warm glow of the sun in the middle of winter, "Happy new year."

Ghost couldn't hold the grin on his face. Yep. It is a new year indeed. New beginnings, new journeys, new endings. "Another fuckin' trip around the sun."

They giggled together, the sound so pleasing to their ears. They couldn't wait to hear more of it.

"I should call it a night. We're opening the shop early this morning."

"Oh. Yeah, you should rest." He sounded disappointed.

Jade lifted her hand, held it into a fist, and lightly pushed it on Ghost's chest. "See you, Simon."

"See you, Lottie." Ghost raised his right hand to tap Jade's shoulder once.

What she didn't expect though, his hand ran slowly along her clothed arms, from her shoulder, her arm, down to her forearms, ending on her hand. His palm ran noticeably slower once he reached the back of her hand.

He subtly traced her knuckles and to the most end of her fingers, making the most out of that touch, before his legs shifted to walk away.

"Text me, yeah?" Ghost said with finality, their distance increasing.

"You text me." Jade said with a loud volume. She could tell he's laughing as he started to disappear from view.

Jade smiled, rubbing her hands together to keep the heat on her hand. Remembering all the things that happened tonight. Gosh, that was something else.

She started to giggle, squealing in a high pitch when she remembered the words he said. Her feet tapped side by side on the snowy pavement. Ghost? Saying those words?? Oh, she might fly away. He said he's bad with words, but that was not bad at all (not that she had any comparison. Still, he could be sweet when he wanted to.

"Lottie? Back already?" A man's voice muttered to her.

Jade looked to the side, recognising her father and mother, walking hand-in-hand, looking as romantic as ever. They clearly looked so happy together, spending another new year's eve with each other's company.

"Yeah. I just got back too." Jade nodded.

"Great! I cooked some chicken casserole after you left. Let's feast on that and maybe get some wine yeah?" Her mother chimed, while her father kissed her on the forehead.

Jade reflected on the life she'd lead, and the lives that both of her parents had lived as retired black agents who'd ben through hell and back. The gratefulness that they felt each year, to spend it with the most important person in their lives.

What a dream that was.

What a dream to live.

Fin.

---

Happy New Years 2025 everyone!! 🤩 May this year be cheerful and bright, bringing up hope and joy to us all.

Thank you for reading!

[cheriladycl01]

Random Girl - Lando Norris x Actress! Reader

Plot: Y/N being spotted in the most random places you could think off and its gets to the point where people joke that they wouldn't be shocked if she posted a story from the ISS.

Lando knew his girlfriend was a bit ditzy, but that was the whole appeal that she came with. However, what he didn't expect was when he was at race weekends by himself that she couldn't attend, he'd get notifications from gossip pages, new articles and pap pages showing his girlfriend to be spotted in the most random places possible.

It first started when they had only been dating for a few months, they'd met in the McLaren paddock where she'd been invited to a GP and brought her motorsport loving father along with her. They'd hit it off immediately. Lando was shy, having this well known actress talking to him like she'd known him all his life and kind of fumbled at the opportunity to ask her out to dinner after the race.

Of course, you had swooped in asking him yourself.

After those few dates, you both became busy. Crazily enough he still didn't know much about you. Obviously he knew enough, like your age and that you were from England and all of those other weird Wiki facts that people added to your profile after you'd stated them in interviews.

So when he saw a news article that was a picture of you, in what he deemed to be loungewear on a countryside town in the UK helping your dad out mucking the stables he couldn't help but texting and asking where you were.

When you'd replied at home, it made more sense but he was shocked as you seemed like the definition of a London city girl.

And of course you were a London City girl, but that didn't stop you going back home, to your routes and getting your hands a little dirty.

After this, you were then cast in the GranTurismo movie as Audrey the girlfriend of Jann Mardenborough. You made friends with Emelia Hartford, Archie Madekwe, Joshua Stradowski, Darren Barnet and Sang Heon Lee. Of course you were already familiar with Orlando Bloom and David Harbour having acted with them before.

It was funny however, how it wasn't public knowledge that you and Lando were an item yet and you were in a movie to do with racing. You both found it bazar, but it also wasn't the usual type of movie you were in. So when fans watched and then realized who you were rumored to be dating it all made sense.

The next was he was in his drivers room with his team mate Oscar, they were both aimlessly scrolling through TikTok waiting for their typical Thursday media duties when all of a sudden Oscar practically spat his water out, choking on it.

"Mate that's disgusting" Lando complains flicking the spitty water off his wrist.

"Tell me why your girlfriend is on my TikTok for you page weightlifting in the middle of London!" he asks rewinding the video just to make sure he wasn't seeing things and that it was you.

Without a doubt, it was you. Even with sunglasses and a Mclaren cap covering your face from the general public, he knew it was you. Not only could he tell it was you because he'd seen you so many times in the paddock and hanging out with his own girlfriend Lily that he'd introduced you to and you'd both become fast friends. But the noticeable thing was the massive keychain you were holding.

You were known for loosing stuff, so one Christmas the grid decided to all get you something to attach to your house and car keys. So whenever you left the house you didn't loose them. There was a pink fluffy ball attached that Max had got you, your Mclaren Car Key was showing, the Pirelli wheel Lewis had got you. The picture of you and Lando, Lando had got for you, there was an Yves St Laurent charm from Lewis and much more but it was so specific that Oscar knew it was you.

"What do you mean my girlfriend is weightlifting on your tiktok" he asks crawling onto the sofa from the ground that he was sat on, budging up closer to Oscar and looking over his shoulder to where he phone was playing the small segment.

There you were, placing your keys into your bag before hitching it high up on your arm and lifting the weight. It was heavy and from the rest of the video not many other people had managed to do it. However you there, in your high heels and short skirt you lifted it up no problem. He knew it was in your range as you often would work out with him, and sometimes you had a better stamina than he did. That was because of some of the movies you'd had to train for in the past, making you have a really serious work out regime.

The crowd applauded you before you did a kind curtsy taking the drink from the guy who was recording the video. As you lifted your glasses up taking a drink, people stared to recognize you and started to ask for pictures and autographs. The video cut out to the next lifter before he could see what occurred from the fans that were around you.

"Babe what the hell is this on Oscar's titkok of you weightlifting for free drinks from randoms in the street! Are you okay did you get mobbed? The video cut out before we could see anything. My god its so dangerous you shouldn't be out alone!" he scolds before even saying hi to you.

"Hello to you to Lando" he laugh and he sighs.

"You shouldn't do stuff like that baby, I worry!" he explains and you just giggle.

"I was fine Lan, I had security waiting for me behind the camera and there wasn't too many people! I was fine and got home all safe!" you smile into the phone rolling your eyes at your mum who was awing at how cute he was being. After a while he hung up needing to go for media duties.

Then during your first summer break together, you, Lily, Oscar and Lando all wanted to go on holiday together. So you all suggested somewhere you wanted to go, that couldn't be your home. So Lando suggested Lapland, Lily suggested Bali, Oscar suggested Greece and you suggested Florida, specifically Disneyworld so of course, yours had to be picked being the most likely place to be seen.

And of course if you were going to Florida you had to bring Logan... so obviously when pictures were released of you and the others being toured round the parks by a cast member and finding yourself building cars in Test Track in Epcot and Lando making a Lando Log out of it. The parks were extra busy when you guys went as well so you had to have your security walk round the parks with you, so you guys just drew all the attention to you.

After this you were in New York, filming the ending of the movie you were currently the lead in. So you couldn't come to the first race after summer break.

So when Lando was chilling out at home after the first race waiting for you to land back in France so he could drive and get you, he was watching TikTok's. He was aimlessly scrolling until he saw a video that was those ones where people go up to strangers with headphones and ask what they were listening too.

The guy clearly had no idea he was talking to you, a very famous actress but Lando once again was shocked how you seem to get yourself into these situation.

You politely take one airpod out and offer him a sorry i didn't understand. He asks what song your listening to and your reply had Lando bursting out laughing as it was Voulez-Vous by ABBA. He watched as you walked off with the song playing in the background as you took note of the camera and waved with a big grin.

He checked the comments knowing there would be an outrage that the guy didn't know who he was speaking too. And he was right of course.

-user1: how has my guy fumbled like that in front of Miss Y/N

-user2: no way my guy didn't know he's speaking to the richest young actress out there right now...

-user3: boy don't know Y/N Y/L/N and he's into F1... blunder fr

-user4: it's so funny where Y/N is caught out and how normal she is, she's just one of us at the end of the day

-user5: Y/N is spotted anywhere fr

The next time was when your mugshots got released, now this was the one that Lando found the most shocking. But after hearing your side of the story he was laughing and your manager eventually got the LAPD to apologize for their actions and their mistreatment.

"So Y/N some pictures were released of you ahead of this weekend following a big apology from the Los Angeles Police Department. Can you explain to us what happened?" the F1 interviewer asks and you chuckle a little.

"Yeah, its actually really funny considering i spent the day in a holding cell because no-one could get hold of me. So i was driving to set to start filming, and I was pulled over. I still don't know what I was actually pulled over for, they never ended up telling me. But when i was asked for ID i accidently handed over my Fake ID from the movie set. Once i realized my mistake I stupidly forgot we were in America where officers are a little more hands on and he decided to arrest me for handing a fake id to an officer of the law and interfering with an ongoing investigation. Obviously once people from set realised i wasn't just late they came down to the office and explain what i was trying to do, they re watched the footage from both my dash cam that was on me, and the officer's footage and it was deemed as an unlawful arrest so they let me go. I have no idea who leaked the mugshots but I still look good!" you exclaim making the interviewers laugh.

"That's quite the story Y/N, what do you get yourself into!" he offers making you laugh even more.

In the winter season, you taken some time off so you could travel round with Lando both for his last few races and his winter break, you spent his off season with him travelling from Bali, to Australia, to Finland, back home, and then to Thailand. But you had one request and that was to go tAmerica or South Korea to watch a KPOP concert.

You wanted to see StrayKids live, and so Lando not only got you front row tickets but also came with you to their LA show. You were sat in a normal bit of the crowd with other fans who when they noticed it was you were screaming before the artists themselves even came on.

It was even more funny when the group came out on stage and it took them 4 songs before they recognised you.

"Holy shit guys is that Y/N Y/L/N?" Chris asks looking down at the crowd where you were sat.

"Huge fan!" Hyunjin shouted, even though you had worked together before in Versace as Brand Ambassadors. Same with Felix and Yves Saint Laurent. Fans went crazy at the interactions happening and when it went viral later people only commented on the fact that you were just casually at a KPOP concert with your F1 driver boyfriend.

The next time was when Lando, who wasn’t opposed to going to a casino himself walked in on his girlfriend after a race at a casino. She was there at the Poker Table with winning chips animatedly talking to the dealer.

“Babe?” He’d asked you with a laugh surprised to see you here!

“Omg baby! Hi the guys said you were coming here and I wanted to surprise you but I ended up coming here a few hours to early and now I’ve won 30k. I’m thinking I’ll get you a new watch with that” she grins as if this 30k has just changed her life. When they know that 30k is absolutely nothing to her.

“You, how do you find yourself in these situations” he laughs looking over at you before tossing one of your chips into the pile looking at your current cards.

“Hey bet with your own money baby!” You frown at him everyone around the table laughing.

“Are we at the high stakes table right now?” He asks looking round and seeing some familiar faces of very rich men.

“Yeah baby why?” You ask nonchalantly, like it was nothing.

“My god, okay let’s wrap this up and go meet everyone else at the club”

And the most recent time was when you started live streaming from the top of the HollyWood sign after making the long climb up there.

Lando just watched from Bahrain, at pre- season testing while you were just climbing up to the Holly wood sign and showing the world where you were currently at.

He did worry for a second about your inability to know what you should and shouldn’t be showing the world and when. But when you panned round to show the two security with you in casual gym wear he was more settled.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @stupidandunnecessary @clayra-g @daemyratwst @honey-belden @moonypixel @lauralarsen @vader-is-hot @ironcowboycopnickel @itsjustkhaos @the-untamed-soul @beebo86 @happylittlereader @ziejustme @lou-larcher5 @thewulf @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @chillyleclerc @chanthereader @annoyingmoonballoon @summissss @evieepepi08 @havaneseoger08 @celesteblack08 @gulphulp @fandom1ruined2me @celebstories @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhh @georgeparisole @dakotatankbig @youcannotcancelquidditch @zzonsbeek @tallbrownhairsarcastic @mellowarcadefun @ourteenagetragedy @otako5811 @countingstacksandpanicattacks @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @hopexcroc @mirrorball-6 @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @the-fem1n1ne-urge @21stcenturytaegi @dark-night-sky-99 @spideybv28 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @kapsylia @laneyspaulding19 @lazybot @malynn @cassielikereading @viennakarma @teamnovalak @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @jlb20416

[cipheress-to-k-pop]

I'm here (j.t.)

Pairing: Jason Todd x Reader

Warnings: Kissing.

Word Count: 2.7k

Song Rec: I love you, I'm sorry by Gracie Abrams

It was hard to enjoy the cold when Jason was surrounded by the uncomfortable heat of tailpipes and exhaust vents and the bustle of Gothamites around him. He could feel himself break out into a sweat even though he was on the roof of a building, where he had been for the last twenty minutes.

He had taken off his helmet, preferring to keep only his domino on but even then, he felt like he couldn't breathe easy. He could easily blame the city's shitty climate but deep down he knew the reason was across the street from him.

He watched as the lights flicked on; his view obstructed due to the frosted glass that he had begged you to put up. You hated closing the curtains because you felt it made your already small apartment even smaller and he hated the fact that anyone across the street could catch a glimpse into your home.

He could really see the irony in that now as he wished for a better view of your face.

But even without it, he could clearly envision you coming home from a long day, dumping your bag at the door, and kicking off your shoes, refusing to kick off your socks in the same way and instead tossing them into the hamper. Dirty socks were your pet peeve, one that he learnt extremely early into the relationship.

However, you also refused for him to wear shoes in your home, and he hated being barefooted, so you compromised and got him a couple spare socks and a pair of slippers. He wondered if they were still there in the lowest drawer of your shoe cabinet.

You'd immediately sit on the ground to rest your legs after walking four blocks from the subway station instead of a chair because you didn't want your 'outside clothes' to touch your clean furniture.

A melancholic smile spread across Jason's lips as something beautiful, yet painful began to coil around his chest. He loved that he could still remember every single thing about you. It was those little features; the way you'd always forget your towel in the dryer while taking a shower and begging Jason to bring it to you, the tiny welt in the corner on your lips that you got from biting them til they'd bleed, that lock of hair at the back of your head that was a different texture than the rest. It was those that would bring him back to Earth whenever the green of the pit seemed to blind him.

The lines of your body were the only thing he envisioned when he closed his eyes, the mellifluous flow of your voice threading through his eardrums whenever he had any quiet, the heat of your phantom fingertips tracing up his arms and wrapping around his waist as he laid alone in bed.

You haunted him, your memories tormented him, and he wondered if you were in the same boat as him, simply existing but not living. He wondered how you would feel if you heard the deep baritone of his voice now that he's grown into a man, or the heat from his chest when he enveloped your now much smaller form in his arms.

He wondered if you were wondering about him. He wondered if you were lying alone like him or had his side of the bed already been claimed by somebody else. Someone who was smarter and sweeter and better.

The pragmatic side of him told him that he should be happy if you managed to find another. Afterall, he loved you so much if you asked him to carve out his own breaking heart and place it in your palms, he would, if only to see the smile on your face. So, he should be happy if you were happy.

However, rest of him banged against his ribcage with bloody fists, begging for it not to be true.

He scolded himself while his feet mindlessly took him to your apartment building, and he was left staring at the frosted glass of your window.

He knew it would end up this way, he just knew it. When he had first come out from the Lazarus pit, he was adamant not to meet you again, convinced that you would be better off without him.

Then he kept thinking about you and he concluded that he'd only see you once, if only to see that you were doing well and taking care of yourself. And then he'd never tempt himself again.

And then he promised himself he'd only watch you from afar, desperately trying to catch glances of you like a parched man would savour the smallest drop of water.

Then he got even greedier. His heart tugged him so hard that he almost fell off the roof in his haste to grapple across the street and climb down the fire escape til your apartment building.

He promised himself this would be the last. He would stop here. He would only listen to your voice while a wall separated the both of you. He would stop there.

Jason listened to you sing while you washed the dishes, your voice only fading to a dull hum through the wall and his brows furrowed, leaning his forehead against it as he tried to catch every wave of your voice.

Then eventually it was silent, and he stared at his feet for a couple seconds before sighing and beginning to stand.

He didn't know why he continued to come see you. Every time the fleeting glance of you passed, he was left feeling an empty chasm that seemed to drag his stomach into a blackhole. He was unable to get out of bed the next day, despaired by the fact that you were able to go about your day while he was stuck in his own hell.

So, why did he continue to do it? Why did he feel your absence like critters crawling all over his skin and only feeling a semblance of relief when he knows that he's near you? Why can he only feel better when he feels his heart pounding in his chest when he thinks that at any moment you could accidentally spot him where he was hiding even though he'd be constantly disappointed? And yet, he still hoped you'd spot him again.

He'd hear the lights click shut any second now before you crawled into bed, falling asleep while clutching your phone and scrolling through Instagram.

He was always disheartened at the end of these nights, when he realized that he was the only one lingering outside in the cold as he waited for you to notice him, to long for him. But yet again, you managed to get through another day without losing yourself in your grief, unlike him.

Was it really that easy for you to get over him? He was standing outside your apartment, wishing to go back to the nights where you used to invite him in with open arms while you remained oblivious to how much he missed you.

He turned his back to leave when he heard a click and then a noisy squeak of the hinges as you pushed the window open.

Your wide eyes met his stormy blue and you froze.

"Hey, beautiful."

There was a beat of silence between the two of you that was filled with the sounds of Gotham and you continued to stare at him, shocked into a stupor. Finally, it seemed like you were able to knock your consciousness back into your body and you squeezed your eyes shut and began counting backward from ten.

"He’s not really here, (Y/N). Jason is gone. You were there at the funeral. You watched them lower his body into his grave, (Y/N). He's gone. And he's not coming back."

Jason watched your throat bob like a lone acorn down a tempestuous river and you squeezed your eyes shut tighter, flared nostrils telling him that you were on the verge of tears. Your fingers curled into a tight grip that had your knuckles turning a shade lighter.

Now he knew why he was so anxious about seeing you again. Why, when one foot had taken a step toward you, the other remained anchored to his spot until you walked past him. While he was worried that you had moved on from him, he was even more terrified to see the effect that his death had on you.

When he came back to Gotham and he realized that he had been erased and replaced by Bruce, it was only easy for him to think you had done the same thing. It was easier for him to think he had been abandoned by the entire world. But he was always scared to find out if he was right, so he kept his distance.

However, he was even more scared to find out that you had been left missing him because of a stupid mistake he had made as a child when you had begged him not to. You had known he was beginning to go off the rails, that he was getting rebellious, and you had begged him not to do anything rash.

He had just taken it as a sign that you didn't believe in him either, that you were just like the others, and he had sought to prove you wrong. He laid on the blood of the warehouse, beaten bloody and waiting for his father to rescue him and wishing that you wouldn't be too despaired by his immature stupidity.

Now watching you dig the heels of your palms into your eyes, as if trying to erase what you had just seen, he felt guilty for putting you in that position. He shouldn't be here, he shouldn't have left, he shouldn't have loved you in the first place.

Still, he couldn't move.

You took a deep breath and opened your eyes, blinking a couple times at the ground before you could raise your head again.

Your shoulders slumped and your eyes began to fill with tears, "That usually works."

"(Y/N)," he whispered, reaching for you put his fingertips stopped right before crossing your windowsill as though there was a physical barrier stopping him from touching you. His hand trembled in the air before he dropped it to his side, "It’s me."

This was something he had been dreaming of every night since coming back. He dreamed of reuniting with you, of touching you again, of loving you again. But now that the opportunity was an inch away from him, he was worried that his last chance at love had died within the flames of the warehouse that night.

You stayed still, eyes flickering over him, starting with the mop of dark curls on the top of his head and raking down his face, the same features you remembered had grown more masculine. You lingered on the different scars littering his skin, analysing every inch of him with concentration that made him want to shuffle uneasily.

Your expression began to melt into uncertainty and longing the more you continued to stare at him before you suddenly gasped and stepped back, "You’re crazy, (Y/N). He's gone, this isn't really happening."

He grasped the window just as you began to close it shut, "Please, don't. I’m here, baby, I’m really here."

You stared at the hand holding your window open with furrowed brows; you hadn't expected this illusion to retaliate against you trying to end this dream.

You never opened the windows of your apartment, especially not at night. You never wanted to invite Gotham’s smog inside your home but for some reason tonight your heart had tugged you toward it with such power you thought a breath of fresh air would have done you some good.

Why? Why tonight of all nights had you opened the window? Had you even opened the window in the first place? Or had this been a cruel game played by your mind while you were asleep?

"You died," you whispered, voice barely above a decibel, "I saw you dead. You aren't really here. This doesn't make any sense."

You wanted to touch him, you wanted to feel his beating heart underneath your fingertips but you knew that he would evaporate into smoke the second you reached for him like all the other times and even though you knew you would breakdown the second you woke up from the dream, you wanted to continue looking at him and drink in his presence that you had missed so much.

Gloved fingers lifted your chin so your wet eyes could meet his and tears began streaming down your cheeks in thick rivulets, your chest collapsing from the weight of your sobs.

"I know it doesn't make any sense, but I’m here. I’m really here. And I’ve missed you so much."

You shook your head, "You’re not. You're dead."

His arms circled around you, and he brought you into a hug. Your cheek rested against the kevlar of his suit, hips digging into the windowsill as you continued to sob and despite knowing that he wasn't really here, your chest began to fill with warmth.

"I’m here, (Y/N)."

Jason stole what little breath you had left in your lungs when he leant down to capture your lips in a firm kiss, as if trying to prove to you that he was here in the flesh, with fresh blood pumping through his veins.

You sobbed against his lips and licked into his mouth, hands coming up to grasp at his hair while his own curved your back into him, melding your bodies into one.

Heavy boots thumped against your floors, knees knocking in his effort to climb through the window and shut it behind him before pressing you against it. He quickly threw off his utility belt before you had wrapped your legs around his waist to prevent any of his weapons accidentally hurting you.

You cupped his jaw, thumb brushing against the peak of his cheekbone. The action had Jason’s eyes rolling back in ecstasy, every single touch setting his body on fire, each nerve ending sparking with electricity. He kissed you harder, refusing to pull away even though he knew you were getting breathless. He could hear your gasps for air every time you parted but you still dragged him back toward you with a hand clutching the roots of his hair.

He couldn't stop, wanting to lose himself in your very soul. He could feel the heat of your body pressing against him, he could smell the familiar scent of your shampoo, his ears were filled with the sound of your sighs and your lips smacking, his tongue tasted the salt of your tears mixed with the sharp chill of spearmint tea.

He finally pulled away when you had placed a hand on his chest, pressing his forehead against you, watching with intense passion as you tried to catch your breath, his grip on your thighs not loosening.

You trailed wet lips down his throat, listening to his quiet sighs until your lips reached his jugular. You could feel his veins pulse with life underneath your lips and your chest began pounding, butterflies beginning to erupt through you.

"You’re really here? You're alive? H-how is that even possible?"

Jason nodded, only realizing then that his eyes were filling up with tears, lashes and cheeks wet once you had begun to stroke the skin beneath his ear.

"I missed you so much." you confessed, voice breaking and brows furrowing in despair.

"I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn't come sooner, I should've-I should've come sooner. I’m sorry." he whispered, trailing his lips along your shoulder, hiding his face into the crook of your neck and you sighed, wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

"You’re here," you whispered, chest shaking with a mix of sobs and elated giggles, "You're really here. You're finally here."

You both remained there, your back pressed against the frosted glass window that had fogged up slightly, legs wrapped tightly around his waist, chests pressed together.

"I’m here."

Forever Taglist:

@simonsbluee

@notslaybabes

@superheroesaremyjam113263

@writers-whirlwind

DC Taglist:

@tchatso

@p--e--a--c--h--e--s

@sometimeseverythingsucks

@sokkas-honour

@unstable1902

@lostgirlheart

@missdisapear

@tadpole-san

@isawachickeninatree

@uxavity

@battlenix

@capricorn-stark

@evermoore580

@dumbbitchgalore

@fuckingjinkies

@some-lovely-day

@that-one-fangirl69

[thatwritterbeach]

one messed up bat .4

Dc masterlist

Batfam x reader x Jason eventually

Summary: The batboys sticking close to y/n

Warnings: self harm, self hate, angst, short sorry

A/N: I do not own dc

"Let's take a little trip around the room and you can tell me where all the sharp things are, or, you can be moved to an unused room and only come in here with supervision," Dick said with his hands on his hips.

"It'd be faster to move rooms, after all I have vigilante stuff in here too."

"I was afraid you'd say that, alright well, grab your pillow and anything else you need. Phone charger or whatever. I'm gonna lock the door when you're done and I will have to let you in-"

"This is ridiculous all my games and books and stuff are in here, not to mention my sewing supplies." (because I said so you now know how to sew, Y/n designs leather goods, handbags, fancy wallets etc. and has dreams of people actually knowing they exist)

"I didn't know you sewed," Tim said looking up from his phone to take in her room.

"I've had a machine sitting in the corner for years now, I thought you were supposed to be smart," she said walking over just so she could flick his ear.

"Hey, ow, I thought it was just girly decoration?"

"I suppose to giant shelf of supplies next to it is also decor," she asked with her head tilted.

"Sewing shears are sharp as hell, no way are you allowed around them without somebody's eyes glued to you," Jason said holding a pair of Italian knifes edge shears.

"Hey put those down they were three-hundred-bucks!" He nearly dropped them at her shout but caught them and set them gently back in their case.

"For scissors," Dick asked in disbelief.

"They could cut your arm off. They're Italian and I love them more than I love any of you."

"You're sleeping in a different room but you can be in her during the day, with one of us here."

She rolled her eyes but kept her mouth shut, whatever he needed to tell himself but she knew how this was gonna go. They'd say they were gonna take shifts, but stuff would come up, they would get bored. Tired of following her to the bathroom and sitting outside awkwardly. She'd be a good little pet, keep her skin clear of even a bruise from bumping into something and they would get complacent and lazy, checking up on her once a day. She gave it two weeks before they were leaving her alone again, and a month before they couldn't be under the same roof anymore and she only had to deal with Tim, easy the kid slept and drank coffee, and Damian who she could distract.

"Fine, anyone up for a snack?"

They nodded and she led the way to the kitchen, it was well into the night so it was dark aside from a few motion sensor lights she'd put in herself. (after the boys had said every curse word under the sun from bumping into stuff) She pulled out some chips and the other grabs various foods and drinks.

"We eating in here or you wanna go watch a movie?"

"Movie,"Tim answered starting to pour himself a cup of coffee.

"If you drink that at this hour-in fact if you drink any caffeine after four pm I'll start breaking picture frames to cut myself with the glass," she said snatching the cup from him and dumping it down the drain.

"Oh my God," Dick gasped dropping the bag of popcorn he'd just taken from the microwave.

"But...my coffee," Tim whispered looking at the drain like she'd just flushed his stash.

"Me no slashy you no caffey," she said pulling him into a hug. His arms came around her quickly and held her to him tight enough to make her back crack but neither of them moved. Her eyes welled with tears from the comfort and she tried to pull away but he held on.

"If you don't let me go I'm gonna cry," she warned.

"Go for it, you deserve it."

"If I start I won't stop."

"Oh, Y/n," Jason and Dick said in unison putting down their loot to add their arms to the hug. She was fully surrounded, encased in shear muscle, Tim's arms around her ribs and hands on her back. Dick's arms on top of his more hugging Tim than her but it was fine. Jason's arms were circled completely around her waist and they all took turns placing kisses on her hair. The need to cry and the urge to get away battled inside her but the only way out was teleportation.

"We love you," Dick said finally backing off.

"I second that," Jason said also stepping away.

"Thirdsies," Tim said stepping back to grab her face in his hands. "If you don't want me to drink coffee I won't drink it."

"Nice try, I said caffeine, energy drinks and tea included."

"Damn."

The moment passed they all grabbed their stuff again and headed to the theater room. A half hour into the movie she was the only one awake and she rolled her eye at the predictability, she started to sneak out of the room but Damian came in and snuggled up on her lap in the reclining seat she was in. (picture the Lego Batman seats the red velvet cushy looking ones)

"Tt, so pathetic they couldn't even be trusted to watch you for one night. He was so cute in his little batman pajamas she couldn't help but laugh at him squishing his face in her hands.

"Good thing I have you to look after me then huh?" He batted her hands away like and angry cat and grabbed the remote to change the tv, putting on old cartoon reruns instead. Dick was snoring like a freight train and she felt guilty for keeping him up so late, poor guy hadn't slept since birth. Tim was talking in his sleep something about mergers and 'no you can't sit there you little twat' he watched way too much British tv. Jason was silent and still as the dead next to her on hand stretched out in her direction as if he was offering her a lifeline even in his sleep.

@stormz369 sorry love forgot 😘

9-28-24

[siriusblackdevotee]

Sirius + forced Jegulus break up

...I want Sirius walking in on Jegulus and then forces them to break up, without realizing it was a break up because he thought they were just friends with benefits.

Like, he knows Regulus, he knows James and he knows his own platonic feelings for James. He just knew that eventually Regulus would see why Sirius was so attached to James. They were two peas in a pod in that craving-for-affection department.

And if they were fucking, he just knew Regulus would eventually fall for James.

It would be great for both of his brothers to actually date (...what a sentence), he'd actually prefer that and thought they'd be a match made in beaven. But unfortunately, last he checked, James was not interested in Regulus or anyone for that matter. He would have told him otherwise, right?

So it was going to end horribly on Regulus's end so by that logic, he forced them to end it. He didn't think he did anything wrong, in fact he pats himself on the back as he basically prevented his brother's future heartbreak.

He would say something like "he's not good for you/you're not good for him/I just know this wouldn't end well." He'd be very evasive or vague about it because obviously, he can't say "my brother might fall for you/you might fall for James"

But then it'd also be said in a way that... to James and Regulus, who thinks Sirius knows about their relationship now, he has no hope for them?? Does not trust them?? Does not believe in them?? Or doesn't like them for the other?? Or does not like them??

Basically they hear "You aren't good for each other." And it like, fucks them up because it's coming from Sirius. He matters to both of them immensely and by extension, his opinion.

Regulus thinks Sirius is disapproving him for James. Can't be James because James is the embodiment of the sun and he can't be bad for anyone so it must be him.

It's him that's incompatible and could somehow hurt James in the future and that's one of his already existing biggest fears or that he wouldn't be good enough for James which is his insecurity. So Sirius saying that further solidifies it??

Whereas James obviously doesn't think that because he personally knows Sirius would never think of his brother that way and he knows Sirius physically can't think of the worst of himself.

So to him Sirius' disapproval meant it was about their relationship. He didn't want them dating and if James didn't have Sirius's approval, he can't be with Regulus at all. No going behind Sirius' back either because the guilt was far too much to handle compared to the pleasure of being in Regulus' company.

So they...break up and Sirius is happy that they stop fucking!! He stays oblivious to the hurt and chaos he caused!!

When he notices Regulus Not Doing Well, he just brushes it off as him being upset he couldn't have James or that he was already slightly falling for James and wishes he could be closer.

He only realizes he may have fucked up when James, who should not be in love with his brother, is no longer his usual sunshine self.

Not really relevant to this...drabble thing but on the side wolfstar? Remus who knew about Jegulus for a while and even helped hide it from Sirius?

The couple were still new and figuring things out, wasn't sure if they'd work out and needed privacy, adding Sirius to the mix would just add more pressure and they didn't want that.

Remus didn't like hiding things from Sirius but he also loves James and Regulus so the deal was Jegulus immediately come clean once they see that the relationship was indeed going somewhere.

And yeah he thought once Jegulus revealed their relationship, there would be some dramatic rejection-but-not-actually-rejection speech from Sirius but he thought Sirius would be overjoyed for them once he calmed down.

So he'd be completely blindsided when he hears that not only did Sirius find out but he also completely forbid them from seeing each other like that.

He's like?? Yo?? That's not my boyfriend?? Did I miscalculate??

Okay well I haven't day dreamed this far into my...daydream. so Remus tries to understand Sirius and is shocked by his flippant "ehh, they'll get over it" attitude. Maybe they fight because Remus cares about James, and he can't believe Sirius would do something like that???

And he tries convincing Sirius too but Sirius isn't hearing any of it.

It's only when Sirius comes to talk to Remus about James' sad energy that they both realize the misunderstanding. Then Sirius fixes his mistake and happy ending!!

I have more regulus angst to add to this but I'm tired now, so the yappathon ends here

Edit: I just realized this doesn't have to be wolfstar. This could bitchkiller too.

Barty helps hide Jegulus from Sirius because he's Regulus's best friend. He can see that Regulus is truly being loved and he wants that relationship to go somewhere. He's a total Jegulus shipper.

Also by hiding it from Sirius, this is definitely a sex innuendo. Sure wolfstar could be the same but I don't see them that way. Remus would distract him by striking up a random conversation whereas Barty would immediately kiss him feral. Sirius with the hormonal, dog brain is very happy when things take a heated turn when he was just wondering where James went, efficiently distracted.

Barty doesn't mind lying to Sirius because it's for his best friend. He wouldn't go through a moral dilemma like Remus would. He's a chill, easy-going guy. Also like, unstable.

For wolfstar, Remus finds out, argues with Sirius, then later a different conversation, Remus corrects the misunderstanding.

But for Bitchkiller, Barty doesn't immediately find out about the break up. He probably gets radio silence from Regulus, who is wallowing in his misery, so he's a bit out of the loop. When he does find out, it's at the same time Sirius noticing something's wrong with James.

So they have the conversation at the same time. Barty immediately explodes on Sirius, he's confused and angry for Regulus, because he's protective. It's only when he literally says "Of course something's wrong with him, you broke them up!" Or something along those lines that Sirius connected the dots.

I am absolutely making them have the conversation at the same time because otherwise, Sirius would be too oblivious and apathetic that it pisses off Barty and makes their argument a bitt too angsty so I'm avoiding that.

Bitchkiller can go from 1-100 so quickly unlike wolfstar which I perceive as the softer one, not perfect, just softer. Actually no, this is just how I view Remus; understanding, empathetic and rational.

Barty can get irrational when he's emotional, like in this case, when Regulus is so fucked over and it's because of Sirius, his boyfriend thing or Regulus's literal brother. It's a mix of feeling betrayal and betrayal on behalf of Regulus. That irrationality could make him quick to verbal aggression or even violence so hence,,,I really wanna make the conversation quick.

(Sirius just responds to whatever is given to him, hence why my perception of wolfstar/bitchkiller entirely depends on his partner)

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

Hihi I'm new here! I really like your headcanons. Would it be alright if I could ask headcanons for the bachelors and how their romantic relationship with a farmer that already has a kid from a different relationship progress?

Like, one day a kid just randomly shows up at the farmer's doorstep with a social worker and farmer had to explain that their ex couldn't keep the child anymore, and the kid is also super anxious about moving in with them or something.

I'm really sorry- it was a scenario I've seen dabbled into once and I'm just very curious as to what others think of it too aha.

If this ask is not your cup of tea, feel free to disregard it. Have a great day op 🙏✨

Hellooooo!

Sorry for the delay, dear anon. This headcanon just turned out bigger than I planned 😅 Hope I understood your question correctly. Thank you very much for the ask, and enjoy! 🫰💕

_________________________________________

SDV bachelors x Farmer, that already has a kid from a different relationship:

Shane:

Oh, man. This is all very awkward...

Shane knew about Farmer's ex, the reason for the breakup and the fact that the child was in the care of their ex in Zuzu City.

Farmer visited their child almost every week, calling and writing letters, but Shane himself was not particularly involved, not knowing how to approach the little one.

Naturally, when the kid came to visit the farm, the chicken man would try to make the kid feel comfortable, but considering everything they'd been through, even here it was pretty awkward.

On the plus side, they was the same age as Jas, and the kids had become fast friends in a short time.

Farmer encouraged their spouse's attempts at friendship with their kid, but again, things were still pretty awkward.

When the Farmer's child arrived with a social worker some time later, Shane noticed how much the little one resembled him in his yought - confused, scared, resentful of everyone and tired of everything. Their familiar world where both parents were together was gone forever.

Later, Shane was able to explain how he'd been in a similar situation, how he'd almost lost because of the mistakes he'd made trying to cope with pain.

The kid quickly found common ground with him. Especially after they confessed that they liked chickens!

Shane doesn't claim to be a father, as the kid is pretty mature and understands on their own.

But he will treat them with the same care and responsibility as he does Jas.

They are all kinda weird family, but Shane loves them all and still can't believe how lucky he is.

Sam:

It's quite a tricky situation, but thanks to his friendliness and personality, Sam is great with kids.

When Farmer finally introduced their kid to Sam, the young guitarist immediately went into cool brother/uncle mode.

The kid was worried, but Sam began to slowly gain their trust by asking about their interest in comics or other hobbies.

It makes him happy that the kid can forget about problem and concerns at least for now, because children should be happy and play while they have their childhood.

Sam knows that Farmer broke up with their ex more or less calmly, without scandal or drama, but he knows, like Farmer, it was still hard for the kid.

He's glad that he and Farmer are trying their best to be in theirs life.

The kid's upset look and the presence of the social worker took Sam by surprise.

While the social worker was talking to Farmer, Sam offered the anxious kid something to eat. Or some space, if they still feel uncomfortable.

After learning the reason for the visit and the fact that the kid will now live on the farm, Sam gently asks his partner how he should handle this. He wants to cheer the kid up, but he also doesn't want to make them more anxious.

Fortunately, Vincent and the kid get along quickly, which pleases both Farmer and Sam. Now, though, they need to keep an eye on the kids, or they'll both get into more trouble.

Jodi and Kent also do everything they can to make Farmer's kid feel comfortable (Jodi now spoils them with tasty baked goods).

Farmer can't help but be joyful with how hard Sam tries for them and their kid and his family to keep everyone happy.

Alex:

Farmer was telling Alex about their loser ex, who had decided to trade Farmer and their child for a some stranger. What a shameless cheater...

Farmer visited their kid almost every week, but Alex was only able to go with them a few times.

At the sight of their ex, the athlete was so itching to break their nose. But he tried to keep his temper in front of the kid.

The child turns out to be a kind young one, though a bit shy and reserved. Alex thanks Yoba that they are more like the Farmer in looks and personality than the other parent.

Despite the awkward pause at first, the kid seems to like Alex. Of course, he's cool, kind, and gives them ice cream! Alex's trips with Farmer became more frequent and his friendship with Farmer's little kid grew stronger.

Some time later, when a confused Alex let the stranger into the house, he was shocked to find Farmer's kid standing behind him. They looked... so sad.

The social worker announced that the ex had decided to relinquish parental rights and the child had been brought here.

The poor kid was quieter than a mouse, but Alex was as friendly as possible and tried to cheer him up.

In the back of his mind, though, he felt a wild rage, because he could hear that the reason the ex had refused to give up their own child was because their new partner didn't want to babysit them.

Alex knows more than anyone what it's like when one parent is such a dirtbag. But right now he doesn't care about losers, he's got Farmer and their kid.

Getting the kid used to the new environment was very difficult, but Alex helped them get to know the local children.

Evelyn accepted the kid as her own great-grandchild, remembering to feed them delicious baked goods. George was a bit stingy with his emotions, but he also accepted them as his own.

Alex will not leave them in trouble and will help them to cope with all the difficulties. Now the Farmer and their child are his family.

Sebastian:

Sebastian feels awkward and doesn't know what to do. Help.

He and the Farmer's child were so similar in personality when they met - silent, shy and withdrawn.

Sebastian realises that Farmer's child is having a hard time with the fact that their parents are divorced. But emo doesn't know how to start a conversation.

So when Farmer left Sebby and their kid alone for half an hour, there was an awkward silence for the first 5 minutes.

The kid was already getting bored. Sebastian decided to give it a try after all.

"Do you like frogs?" Judging by the spark in the kid's eyes, they had already found at least one topic of interest to both of them.

Farmer smiles when they returned to see the two of them chatting about different amphibians.

A few such encounters and Sebastian had become a cool uncle to them.

Sebastian was hurt to hear that Farmer's ex had given up their parental rights, when Farmer's kid had already visited them, with a social worker.

He will leave the kid alone, as they definitely need some time alone and to collect their thoughts.

Yet, Sebby and the Farmer are always there to cheer up the kid.

On a rainy day, he will show the baby the best place to find frogs.

Sebastian is good at supporting both his partner and their baby.

It can be awkward at times, but Sebby loves them all, so it will be okay.

Harvey:

Given Harvey's profession, he's pretty adept at finding common ground with anxious children.

So when Farmer first introduced Harvey to their child from their first marriage, the local Pelican Town doctor already knew how to behave.

He's glad that despite the divorce, Farmer is trying their best to support their kid, as stress can take a big toll on not only their mental health, but their physical health as well.

Even more so, it's not the child's fault that fate has worked out this way and their parents live in completely different places.

Of course, Harvey is not as "cool" as other bachelors, but he manages to interest the child in his model aeroplanes.

Maybe if they like to read, the doctor will give them something interesting to read (something that isn't a medical encyclopedia).

Harvey almost cried when the kid called him uncle and cool adult.

And all was going smoothly until a social worker knocked on the door of the farmhouse.

After explaining that the other parent, Farmer's ex, could no longer financially support the child, they placed the child in their care.

Harvey is worried about them, because all the fear of moving, new surroundings, and separated parents can have a very negative effect on poor kid.

Harvey will try to be there to help them and Farmer.

Maybe insist on therapy for the kid. Still, it could use some professional help.

Fortunately, Harvey knows what to do and he won't let anyone or anything upset Farmer and their kid. Doctor's words!

Elliott:

Elliott still can't believe that Farmer's ex turned out to be such a coward and unworthy person! Cheating on Farmer. when they already had a child together!

Of course, now Farmer is with him, and yes, it's not worth spending all the nerves on the past, but it's just that the writer is outraged to the core.

Also outraged that the ex just abandoned their child like that, saying they "don't have time for them now." Unbelievable!

Poor child... As much as the Farmers tried to comfort their own kud, all of these events took a heavy toll on them. And Elliott decided it was his duty to help the kid and Farmer, the love of his life.

His first attempts, though, end awkwardly, as Elliott doesn't know where to start. And should he start so immediately? Maybe they need some alone time on the contrary?

He decided to pick up a couple of books to help (mostly children's books, and a couple of books about how to communicate with children/teens).

The writer was lucky that the kid loves books!

There was even a moment when the kid felt comfortable around Elliott and asked them to help make their own little book. Elliott is more than happy to help them.

He also won't forget to praise the Farmer, because it was through their efforts and love that their child didn't fall victim to the neglect of the other parent. It's a shame that, coincidentally, the kid didn't arrive sooner.

Elliott will have a bit of a hard time, but he will do a great job in the role of carer for the Farmer and their kid, accepting them as his own child.

[brodygold]

Better Off

Another mix of fact and fiction. This gets pretty dark, y'all

Brody should be happy.

It was the new year, the perfect time to think about all the good in his life. He had friends and family who loved him, a team full of bros who'd always be there for him, and he was the leader of it all. But he just couldn't bring himself to put a genuine smile on his face.

Maybe his medication had stopped working. Maybe the lack of human interaction over the past week was hurting him. Maybe he was just a broken man. He barely seemed to do anything in the Golden Army anyway. What kind of captain was he? Not like he could talk with them about his feelings. He didn't want to bother them with something he should be able to handle on his own.

Brody sat up in his bed, sighing in frustration. This was exactly what his therapist was talking about. He kept focusing on the bad and what he couldn't control about his life instead of the good things. But that was hard. Brody wasn't sure he'd be able to pull it off. Even the little things seemed like mountains.

It had started small.

He mainly just wanted to see what would happen at first. The razor positioned above his wrist, ready to be lowered down. Crimson blood flowed not long after. Not much. Just enough for it to feel good. He didn't cut deep. He couldn't figure out how. But the pain felt amazing. Better than he ever expected. But once was enough. He could stop now.

It became a daily thing not long after.

He learned to hide it better. Switched to his thighs instead of his wrists. Less likely to get caught that way. More blood would come out of his legs anyway. He'd been distancing himself from his loved ones for a while now. He didn't deserve their love. He didn't deserve anything from them. He deserved the pain. He needed to bleed.

Of course, his bros noticed the changes.

They were too smart to believe everything was okay with Brody. Too invested in saving that which couldn't be saved. Brody knew that he was too far gone. He couldn't get better.

So he didn't.

He put on his brave face when he needed to go outside. Which was more than he wanted it to be. He knew he wasn't fooling anyone though. He loved them for a reason. He wasn't sure why they loved him back. He didn't deserve their love.

They'd be better off without him.

Swallowing pills started soon after that.

Brody thought it through mathematically. At first he just took 5, barely above the maximum dosage. When nothing happened, he upped it to 11 pills. Today he'd decided to try 16. Eight times the maximum dosage. Mainly because that's how many were left in the bottle. Maybe he'd finally feel something other than pain and sadness. Something would finally happen. Not necessarily death, but something. He wouldn't mind dying though. The world would be better off.

They went down slowly but surely. Brody had plenty of water to force them down.

Nothing.

Brody was disappointed. He'd gotten out of bed for this? He went to lie back down, scroll through Tumblr. Seeing his friends having fun without him. Becoming mindless drones on the side, their sleek rubber uniforms, gloves and boots something he just couldn't find happiness in no matter how much he tried. He felt left out and excluded from something he barely even wanted.

That's when the nausea started.

It was almost night time now.

He'd spent the whole day in bed.

"Fuck..."

He had found the magic number to feel something. It felt so good, almost like cutting made him feel. But he also felt guilty. He sent a quick message to his bros apologizing for being a failure. They wouldn't need to worry about him anymore. He closed his eyes for a short nap he didn't want to wake up from, the pill bottle falling to the floor from the nightstand.

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

Ross hurried to Brody's apartment, a pit settling in his stomach. He knew Brody had been off for a few weeks now, but it was completely out of character for him to not even show up to the stadium. His mind spiraled through every possibility he could think of. The text he'd sent didn't help either.

Hey bros. I'm sorry for being a disappointment of a captain. If everything goes well, you won't need to worry about it anymore.

-Brody

He shuddered even thinking about it. He just had to drive faster. Drive to Brody's apartment. Open the door. He'd probably just find him in his apartment, alive and well and confused why Ross was checking on him. Good thing he had a spare key.

Ross entered the apartment, not seeing or hearing his friend anywhere. The kitchen was a mess, fast food bags and containers lining the counter and overflowing the trash can. The sink was filled to the brim with dishes. The living room was in a similar state to the kitchen, furniture overturned and a familiar red stain on the couch standing out like a sore thumb, but still no sign of Brody.

He opened the door to the bedroom and saw his friend lying on top of the covers. His eyes widened and heart dropped when he saw what was next to the bed: A pill bottle, completely empty. Ross had no idea how long ago this was and his friend was still breathing, but he wasn't sure how much longer that would be the case.

He dragged Brody out of bed, slumping him over his shoulder out of the bedroom and the apartment. He felt limp in his arms and he tried not to think about that too much. Buckling both of them in, he raced off to the hospital to save his friend.

The drive to the hospital felt too long for how short of a distance it really was. Every red light lasted a bit too long. Every person crossing the street was taking their sweet time. But eventually he parked outside, opened the passenger side door, and dragged him into the Emergency Room.

"Help! My friend swallowed pills! He's barely breathing!"

Immediately some hospital staff brought out a stretcher, put Brody on it, and wheeled him away into the back. Ross felt tears well up in his eyes,. the adrenaline finally wearing off. He sat down in the waiting room, preparing for whatever was to come.

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

The first thing Brody noticed when he woke up was the beeping of the machine next to him. The next thing he noticed was the sniffling from the person sitting nearby. Finally, he noticed he was still alive and felt a pang of disappointment, sighing to himself. This wasn't part of the plan. He sat up in bed, turning to face his visitor.

The sniffling stopped.

Ross stared at him with tears in his eyes. Getting up from the chair he was seated in, he walked over to Brody.

"Brody! You're okay! We were so worried about you, bro so I went to your apartment and-"

"Why?"

Ross stopped in his tracks at that. He continued staring at his friend laying there wide-eyed, hoping for an explanation.

"Why would you help me? Can you just leave me alone? Just leave me here and go back to the others. Be a drone like you all want."

"I'm not leaving you to die, Brody. When I saw the empty pill bottle I... I..." He started crying, unable to hold it in any longer.

Now it was Brody's turn to be surprised. He watched his friend blubber out his words, unable to form a complete sentence through his sobs. He'd messed up again. He'd hurt his friend and bros even more. He couldn't do anything right.

Before he could beat himself up any further, the doctor knocked and walked in. He smiled warmly at Brody, clipboard in hand.

"Good to see you're awake. Your friend here brought you here just in time. It was touch and go for a while there but you should make a full recovery. Per hospital protocol, we need to keep you here under constant supervision for a while before you're transformed to an inpatient facility."

Brody's heart stopped at that. They were putting him in a psych ward? For some undetermined period of time? Maybe he really should have died instead.

He heard a gasp next to him. Ross was staring at him with a horrified expression on his face. Fuck. He'd said that out loud, hadn't he?

The doctor cleared his throat. "Your ride to the facility should be here at 1 pm. Tell the person watching outside the room if you need anything. Otherwise I'll be back then." And he turned out of the room, heading down the hall.

"Brody... you really need professional help."

"I am getting help. I'm on meds and and speak to a therapist every two weeks."

"The facility can help you. Get away from all of your stress for a week or so. I won't tell the team unless you want me to."

Brody sighed. He really didn't have a choice in any of this at all. The last choice he'd made was taking a handful of pills. Maybe some time to think about everything could help him.

"... okay bro. Not like I can say no I guess. Just promise me I can get a famous Ross hug when I get out."

Ross wiped the tears from his eyes. "Deal!"

One week and a day later, Ross was able to keep that promise. Maybe Brody was better off now.

I want to thank @hypnozys for convincing me to get the help I needed last week and all of my Golden Army bros for being there for me during this process. I love you all so much.

[eleni-cherie]

a thief's origin✨ || bts • kth - epilogue

"you're afraid I won't wait."

"I'm afraid you will."

a criminal and a doctor should be as different as the sun and the moon - but unexpected things happened every day. like him finding his safe haven in her.

© 2024 | eleni_cherie

»»»

masterlist: here

— genre: thief au, gangster comedy, adventure, romcom, humour, angst, fluff, sexual tensiON, slowburn, mutual pining, strangers to friends to lovers s2f2l

ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE. CHARACTERS NOT NECESSARILY LIKE THE REAL PERSONS. ALSO VERY UNREALISTIC PLOT LOL - JUST PRETEND READING A MANGA/COMIC OR WATCHING A FILM, REALLY.

SUGGESTIVE THEMES. MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE & BLOOD (BUT NOTHING TOO GRAPHIC, IT'S STILL A COMEDY!)

»»»

age 30 // attending physician

6th June

Havana, Cuba

The day Taehyung walked away, Cassandra didn't only lose the only man she'd ever loved but also her best friend.

A lifetime without him seemed empty and pointless and she was still mad at him for putting her through this misery.

However, she couldn't hate him, even if she wanted to. He hadn't done anything wrong after all, neither one of them had. What he'd done, he'd done out of love, to keep her far away from the danger lurking around every corner he took.

No. She'd never be able hating him because in the end, he'd never broken her heart. He had just stolen and run away with it.

And it still hurt.

The first first days, weeks, months after the break-up were characterised by denial. She was used to extended periods between seeing him again after all. Even the fact texts and calls had stopped, couldn't change that. Only when postcards had stopped coming as well, it'd finally downed to her.

Of course, in reality she'd already known it long before that, from the very first moment he'd left. She could see it in his eyes. He'd meant it back then, every single word. He wouldn't come back.

And yet, denial kept her from accepting it earlier. Kept her from even admitting or acknowledging it. Denial had her bargaining, believing that, even if he'd meant it, he'd surely change his mind eventually. That he'd certainly regret it. Denial gave her false hope.

When months passed without any new postcard, however, that was when she'd finally let herself admit defeat. When the denial couldn't hold up anymore. When the bargaining ended up in vain.

And instead, a phase of upsetness and depression, in constant pendulation, entered. A permanent restlessness accompanying her from that day on, knowing she'd never be able finding what they'd shared with someone else.

Until she'd finally accepted it and got accustomed to never seeing him again.

The tiny hope she'd once held, long stored back in a box and buried by then. Only the necklaces remained as a remnant of the past, not ready to give them away. One day maybe, but not yet.

However, just because she had managed accepting it, it didn't mean everything was back to normal for her.

Passing by their old places, she couldn't help but always see the ghost of them together there, everything turning dull. Unable to pass by Casa Batlló anymore without aching at the memory of their sunsets, the beach without remembering New Year's Eve, without seeing the 'magic fountain' and remembering his birthday present or the art museum above it where he'd clumsily confessed to her later.

Not even being able staying too long in her own apartment, constantly getting reminded of their first kiss or the countless nights they had spent there laughing, crying, fooling around and loving each other.

Her once dream city had turned blue and gray.

She simply couldn't bear staying in Barcelona anymore after completing her medical training last year, deciding to realise her once silly idea of revisiting the place of her childhood memories for her specialisation training instead.

A place with no attachment to him. Far away from everything and everyone.

She was essentially running away - or at least tried to. Although she knew she'd never be able to fully run away from it all, carrying him with her anywhere she went.

Perhaps there was also an underlying irony in the fact she'd chosen emergency medicine as her specialisation out of all medical fields. Perhaps it was evidence for the residual hold the artful marksman with the cheeky grin and the warm eyes still had on her and probably always would.

Over a year had already passed by now ever since Taehyung had left and interpol showing up hours later, questioning her about the boatyard. Over a year and she still caught herself falling into her memories every once in a while. Still couldn't stop becoming sorrowful whenever she did and plunging into work or her films for distraction.

She felt like a fool, considering a year should've been enough time to get over someone, something she'd used to do in a day or two.

At least she had stopped looking for him in other men a long time ago. Unintentionally comparing anyone she'd crossed paths with him at first, a fatuous and unhealthy habit which thankfully had subdued by now. Not that she even wanted or tried to find anyone to replace him. It'd be impossible, but also the mere thought of any men made her shudder.

No, she didn't even feel like glancing at anyone, much less date anyone. Her busy work schedules and introverted personality were a true blessing after all, making avoiding them easier.

So there she was now in Havana, the capital of Cuba and place of one of her earliest childhood memories.

It was the beginning of summer, although high temperatures had been constant for weeks. But it was nothing she couldn't handle and otherwise she enjoyed her life there so far. She wouldn't have the right to complain anyway, Havana being her chosen getaway after all.

Cassandra opened the door to her apartment in the first floor, the coolness inside a much needed contrast to the warm afternoon outside. Her aparatment was a bit bigger than her old one, but still decorated in a similar fashion. She couldn't get rid of her beloved posters, plants or plushies after all.

Her backpack sliding from her arms to the floor with a thud as soon as she pressed the door shut behind her.

A five-hour-long seminar sounded more painful than it really was, but perhaps she'd simply got used to this, who knew. Numbness to certain things was one of the requirements for this kind of profession, which she had almost mastered by now - finally.

With a dragged sigh, she slipped out of her disgustingly warm sneakers, although she was accustomed to such temperatures, they still took a tall on her. First she poured herself a much needed glass of water. Gulping it down in one go before changing into more comfortable clothes and preparing something to eat.

When the food was ready, she settled in front of her tv to continue watching a crime comedy she'd started awhile ago.

Old habits died hard after all.

The second half of the episode was reached when Cassandra noticed her eyes growing heavy, the tiredness of the day and the food making her drowsy. Eventually fluttering shut, causing her to almost miss the anxious knocking on her front door.

First she dismissed it as a neighbour's hammering, but when she paused the episode to figure out which one it was, she realised the noise was coming from her door. And she tensed up, staring at it with wide eyes.

Wonder mixed with an odd feeling of déjà-vu crept up on her as she slowly went to answer it. Assuming it was just irritation causing her trembling hands as she grabbed the door handle, her knuckles turning white when pressing it down and opening the door.

It felt like a sick joke of the universe first. Then she feared her mind was only playing tricks on her, projecting a memory of him. But it couldn't be a memory. He looked different.

Not because of the beaten up posture and the torn clothes - she had seen him way worse. It wasn't even the shorter mop of waves, tousled and sticking out at some ends, or his broader frame.

No. It was the distress written all over his gentle features, a mild sunburn tainting them in a pinkish shade, that told her something had to be severely wrong for him to stand again in front of her door, more than one year later.

And her initial excitement sunk.

"Cas -" Taehyung tried catching his breath and propped a toned arm against the doorframe. It was evident that he had been running. "I know I have no right, but Jimin - he - he needs you."

At the mention of his friend's name and the way he choked it out, she sensed her initial fear being correct. Something was terribly wrong.

Any lingering feelings and unsolved regrets got swept aside in that moment. Her ego and tiredness long forgotten, instead instincts from years of medical training kicked in. And she immediatelly rushed to the bathroom.

Perplexed at her sudden move, he wanted to call after her when she returned seconds later with a familiar object in her hands. The blue medical kit. She held it firmly in one hand while slipping back into her sneakers with the help of the other.

"Take me to him."

Taehyung smiled softly, not even surprised by the determination in her voice. She hadn't changed at all, she was still the same.

He nodded then, wordlessly grasping her free hand in his and Cassandra let him pull her downstairs to his waiting car.

THE END

»»»

hope you enjoyed this prequel! it got longer than expected haha

if you wanna know how Tae x Cas's story continues, make sure to read the main story "among thieves" and the sequel "a thief's end" ;)

💜check out the whole "thieves collection" series or my main bts masterlist for other members' stories in this universe or in general💜

Don't forget to like, comment & leave feedback!♡ It motivates me to keep writing :)

taglist: @lilanyxta @naoolammao345 @memna234 @tetehion @myblacklilame

[privatehousesanatomy]

Hi, love your work! Thank you for sharing and writing.

Could you do a House X fem!Reader where he tries to impress her with a tour on his motorcycle? <3

Thank you. Wish you a wonderful Day :3

NEED FOR SPEED - gregory house x fem!reader

ahh tysm, i love that you love my writing! i think this is such a cute prompt!!

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

"i still can't believe you bought a motorcycle," you sighed, shaking your head in disapproval. after working many shifts in the ER, you'd dealt with at least a hundred motorcycle crash victims, so you knew the dangers that came with riding them. you saw what they could do to people. so when house announced that he was now the proud owner of one, it's safe to say that you weren't pleased in the slightest.

"oh come on," house scoffed, grabbing the key off of the catch-all dish that sat on the entryway table. "it's because of my leg, isn't it? you think i can't drive it."

"you can barely drive your own car safely," you reminded him. that part was true - house knew the rules of the road and tried to push those rules as far as he could without actually breaking any laws.

"that's different," he rolled his eyes, going to the hallway closet now. "come on, i got you a helmet."

"there is absolutely no way i'm getting on that thing," you huffed, immediately shaking your head when he held the helmet out to you. you were someone he was beginning to see on a more regular basis, and he'd be remiss to say that he wasn't developing feelings for you. the last thing house had wanted was another relationship after the way his previous one ended, but somehow you'd managed to get past his barriers.

"i promise i won't go too fast," he said. he could understand why you were apprehensive about getting on the bike, but he also wanted you to have a part in the things that he was interested in as well. he wasn't good at expressing that outright, though, but he was certainly trying. at first, you were about to protest, but the pleading look in his blue eyes was enough to make you cave, and you let out a groan.

"fine, but you'd better not go too fast," you told him, making sure he was actually willing to keep his word.

the bike had been customized with a spot for house to put his cane, so that answered your question as to how he even rode the damn thing having to carry his cane around.

"don't worry, i thought of everything before i bought it. you really thought i was just going to buy any old bike?" he asked you, pretending to be appalled at the mere idea. you chuckled softly, shaking your head.

"knowing you, you would have taken the damn thing from the scrap yard for free," you teased. house smirked slightly, putting his helmet on over his head and waiting for you to do the same.

"sorry if it stinks. wilson wore it last," he joked, and you rolled your eyes. before putting the helmet on. it was heavy, but at least you knew that if you were to get into an accident, your head was protected. you then sat down on the back end of the bike, wrapping your arms around his waist. the feeling of your arms around him made his body tense just a little bit, as the whole concept of physical touch was still slightly new to him. he was getting used to the fact that being in a relationship meant sharing these moments of intimacy, but he couldn't deny that it felt good.

turning the key in the ignition, he started up the bike and took off down the street. much to your surprise, he kept his promise and drove at a steady pace, which you were thankful for.

it was the perfect day for a ride. the sun was shining for once and the city just felt so much brighter. summer had finally touched down in princeton and you couldn't be happier. it was your favourite time of year, after all.

it wasn't long before house pulled off at a gas station, as he'd noticed shortly after they'd left the apartment that he'd needed to fill the tank. he took his helmet off so he could do what he needed to do, and he turned to look at you.

"wasn't so bad, was it?" he smirked, and you were trying hard to make it seem like you weren't having fun, but it was to no avail.

"i guess," you replied, but the smile tugging at the corners of your mouth suggested otherwise.

"i told you so," he hummed, filling up the bike with gas. ironically, this was his first time needing to fill up since he bought the damn thing, though he really only rode it to and from the hospital. this was his first real joyride.

back on the road again and you were headed for the outskirts of town, and you had to admit that the scenic route was even better than the city views. everything was so green and alive out here, and it made you want to trade in your apartment in the city for a little farmhouse in the country. sure, maybe the commute to and from work would be a little longer than you'd like, but it was a minor detail that you'd be willing to make sacrifices for.

eventually house pulled off for a break so that he could stretch his leg again. he still dealt with chronic pain, after all, and sitting on a motorcycle did require him to stay in one position for a long time.

you both hopped off the bike and took off your helmets, breathing in the fresh country air. it was so much better than the polluted fumes that filled the city air.

"you ready to admit you're having fun now?" house smirked as he set his helmet down on the seat of the bike. you rolled your eyes, a smirk present on your own face.

"yeah, yeah. but we're not making a habit out of this," you replied, and he took a step closer to you before pulling you in by the waist.

"you say that now," he mumbled, and the two of you closed the gap between you with a kiss.

[hero-tech]

twst housewardens with a kuudere yuu?

Kuudere Yuu & Housewardens

This was a lot of characters to write for at once but I managed to write a little blurb for all of them ! Naturally because of how many characters, I couldn't expand on them too much, but I hope these are accurate enough to the character trope ! I'm rather unfamiliar with it, actually :" Content under read more since it's a long post !

Riddle

From the start, Yuu had managed to get under Riddle's skin without even trying. Every time they got mad during the time he was spiraling out of control, they'd barely react no matter how vile his tone got. Even worse, they wouldn't hold back on rudely calling him out either. In the end though, Yuu had not been wrong about the fact that he had been out of control, and he had to respect their ability to keep order in their own demeanor. As part out of respect and part out of guilt, he had started to help Yuu out with schoolwork; often aiding them in writing notes or spending time studying with them. He got used to the way they behaved- perhaps even felt a bit of endearment- But the more he found himself enjoying spending time with Yuu, the more he noticed that they were behaving differently. Their face was often flushed, and there was a more compassionate tone in their voice. Whenever he asked Ace and Deuce about it though, they said they noticed no such thing. Riddle remained puzzled about it, until one particularly busy week, where he had accidentally fallen asleep during studying with Yuu. They had placed a blanket on top of him, which had roused him awake just enough to hear their voice the moment they got close. "I love you, Riddle.." Oh.

Leona

Leona couldn't really be bothered to care much about Yuu's attitude, at first. Of course, if they decided to act all big mouthed and insult him about something it was annoying as hell, but other than that they were usually pretty quiet and minded their own business, and he couldn't say he minded the lack of drama there. Yuu had proven through their actions in helping the other students that they had guts, too- He couldn't say he minded keeping someone strong minded and quiet around his pack, so he let them hang out with him whenever they wanted to. He wouldn't really admit it, but they actually did get pretty close over time. Leona also was not stupid. He could see Yuu blushing lately when they spoke, or how they looked over at him much more often when they thought he wasn't looking. It was during one of those longing glances that he finally scoffed, a smirk playing on his face as he looked over, ready to call Yuu out over this. It had dragged on long enough for him to get bored waiting to get the chance to finally hear their feelings. "Cut it out already, pipsqueak. You have a crush on me, don't you?"

Azul

Azul knew the importance of keeping your head cool- Which is why he had thought of Yuu as potentially useful as soon as he met them. After his.. series of accidents had concluded, he had bounced back relatively quickly- and had gotten back into contact with Yuu, doing his best to get on their good side again. He had thought this had worked well since Yuu was spending time with him- But he hadn't realized how well it had worked until Yuu started to act differently towards him. He had noticed they were acting a bit softer towards him- And frankly, he started acting like he had a soft spot too according to the eels- but he still ended up surprised when they were suddenly holding onto his hand as they talked. His words slowed down and his cheeks gained colour now as well. "Y-Yuu?" They both ended up sitting in silence with red cheeks, still holding hands- Perhaps they were somewhat similar when it came to love.

Kalim

Kalim had never really read into Yuu's cold demeanor much. He just thought they might be feeling a bit shy or down, and since he knew they were rather alone at this school (and this world), he had immediately offered his company and friendship. It took a few tries, but much to Jamil's surprise eventually Yuu started hanging out at their dorm pretty often. He even started to see them laugh and show more emotions when they were hanging out alone- So he started hanging out with Yuu in private more often, assuming they were more comfortable alone. Well, as private as he was allowed to be, at least. At some point, he noticed Yuu'd do this cute thing where they'd get all red faced at something he'd do. He wanted to make Yuu happier, so he started often giving them flowers and other small gifts to get that same reaction. The happiest he got though, was when Yuu was finally overcome with emotion and confessed to him. Of course he said yes. How could he not love someone who he'd witnessed bloom open like that with him?

Vil

Yuu didn't really seem to be phased by Vil's beauty at all- He thought so, at least. To be fair, Yuu didn't seem phased by anything at all. He was confident in himself though, so it's not as if he cared much- But he still felt a bit intruiged by the Ramshakle resident. They got along well with Epel, after all- And he wanted their dorm to succeed too, so he'd start pulling Yuu into lessons meant for Epel as well, hoping it'd help the both of them better. The more they spoke though, the more Vil found them having interesting conversations- And he started inviting Yuu around more often to spend time together. Vil was an actor though, which meant he knew how to read people- But he was surprised when it started to seem like Yuu was getting a crush on him. He had thought they had not been phased by his looks- This was curious. "Yuu.. Do you think I'm beautiful?" "You are.. But I don't just mean your objective appearance, Vil.." "I know. I expect proper efforts to ask me out, though. But to not let you hold your breath- I'd say yes."

Idia

Yuu's cold and detached responses really freaked Idia out. Sure, there was never any yelling or anything else unexpected, but he could just never tell what they were thinking, which just made him trust them less to interact with. How was it that he ended up getting close to Yuu anyways? It just so happened that Yuu was a great gamer, and had found refuge in one of the online games Idia frequented. They were playing together before he found out about their identity- And he had been scared at first when he found out who he was really playing with, but at that point Yuu had apparently already felt close enough to him to just show up at his dorm to play games. And somehow he couldn't convince himself to get them to leave, so they once again grew closer instead through spending time together gaming. Before he knew it, he was even talking to them about subjects close to his heart. He could tell Yuu was more comfortable with him too, as they got rather sweet with him. Yuu would even lean against him sometimes, aond one time this was happening he couldn't help but to snicker. "You know, Yuu, you're really like a kuudere, aren't you? Acting all cold at first and then getting all cute~" It was purely a joke and while he would perhaps be hopeful in his wildest fantasies that Yuu indeed had feelings, he did not expect it- And he definitely did not expect them to quickly sit up and try to sputter out a response with a red face.

"W-wait, wait, hold on, I was just kidding! promise!"

Malleus

Malleus knew Yuu's words had been far from kind most times, but the most important thing was that the housewarden did not seem afraid of him at all- And that honestly was more than he could expect from humans per usual. So he tried to spend more time with them where possible, and found that they'd actually let them as well. He had started to harbor feelings embarrassingly fast, even if he didn't quite realize it at first- It had finally clicked when Yuu stopped acting icy around him. They'd even initiate physical contact, and at that point he knew he'd want more. He was surprised at how loving Yuu could be, while he still felt like he struggled expressing his affections in a conventional way- Instead penning his confession down in a letter, hoping he understood correctly and his love would be returned. Even if it was not, he still felt rather special, getting to see this side of Yuu.

[catacombbee]

welcome home (i missed you dearly)

tyden tattoo shop au; crossposted on ao3:

INSPIRED BY A POST @the-killies MADE

just mentioning beforehand they are older in this bc they are adults bc tyler has a tattoo shop BUT the way tylers thinking abt aiden isnt meant to be sexy hes just thinking aiden is very very pretty boy okay this isnt supposed to be horny okay pls dont make it horny 🔫

sometimes theres just the desperation to touch someone to feel someone to be near someone. so im totally projecting

also i dont know exactly how tattoo shops work if anything is inaccurate SHHHH dangles gay in front of you to distract. does the distraction dance

It had been two years since Tyler had seen Aiden.

Sure, they kept in touch. The group chat was more alive than ever even after they all graduated. Life drew them in their own different directions, but they'd always be friends.

And yet it had been two years since all six of them met up in the same place. They had gotten together to celebrate most of their respective college graduations. Taylor had been working at a mechanic shop for over a year at this point, and her boss loved her friends so much that he ordered pizzas for them to celebrate. Of course they ended up back in the graveyard, sitting together in that bus as they ate and laughed and fell asleep on each other.

Tyler had made friends in art school that filled the gap that was left when he didn't see his five best friends every day. No, they'd never replace the others, but he felt less alone. By the time he graduated, he and two of his new friends really wanted to open their own tattoo shop together.

Taylor pointed out that the building beside her shop had been empty for sale for years. Tyler thought it was pretty funny that even into his career he couldn't get away from his sister. It was great, by all means. He got a discount on car maintenance, and they got a discount on their tattoos. It also meant he got the honors of giving Taylor her first tattoo himself. TH + AB inside a heart was pretty sappy, but he didn't tell her that when he did it. He was happy she was happy.

And he was happy. He was thriving. Ever since he gave up baseball, accepting that it wasn't making him happy like it used to, and let himself embrace his creativity, he felt so much more comfortable in himself. Who knew that art scholarships were a thing?? Why had no one told him??

But now he was living on his own and making enough money to not only support himself but pay for his mom's therapy. She was doing better, too; Taylor hadn't moved out when Tyler did, opting to stay living at home to take care of her. Now all three of them were moving uphill. Tyler was happy, he was secure, the tattoo shop was busier than ever. Everything was great.

And then Aiden Clark walked through the door.

Tyler wouldn't say he was disappointed to see him. No, far from it. In fact, he was far happier to see the blond than he would let himself admit. While most of the group was in college, Aiden had taken his parents money and gone who the hell knows where. Italy, France, Germany, Japan, other countries that Tyler couldn't remember, he saw it all. Along the way, he'd posted almost every bit of his journey online for people to live vicariously through him. At least, that's what Ashlyn called it. People loved watching him not only traverse beautiful landscapes, but also explore other cultures and share stories from people he'd met.

That meant that, as Aiden built an online following large enough to support himself without his parents' help (which in hindsight was probably his goal), Tyler got to watch through a screen as he did all sorts of impressive or death defying feats. Because of course he did. He's Aiden.

It's one thing to watch someone in full scuba gear get locked in a shark tank. It's another to watch him set up a camera and jump off of a cliff into water shirtless.

There were a lot of videos where he ended up shirtless, actually. A byproduct of his love for being in the water. Surfing, swimming, snorkeling- why did so many of those words start with an S anyway? Aiden did it all. And he did half of it wearing nothing from the waist up.

Seeing Aiden shirtless made Tyler's heart flutter every time-

"Tyler!" Aiden broke him from his thoughts. Fortunately. Instead of thinking about how nice he looked in his videos, Tyler could focus on how nice he looked standing right in front of him.

"Aiden," he responded, the second half of the name coming out like a bark as Aiden slammed into him with a bear hug. "It's so great to see you!" He said, squeezing Tyler not tightly enough to take his breath away as much as he did. "How have you been?"

He had been absolutely horrible before he saw Aiden. What the hell was he doing that would dare compare to this man wrapping himself around Tyler like he was never as overjoyed as he was now seeing him again?

"I've been great."

Aiden let go and stepped back. Unfortunately. He grinned up at Tyler, who was still proudly taller. "You look great. I mean, I saw you in some of the pictures posted on your place's Insta, but you look even better in person, yknow? Your tattoos are so cool woah-"

Tyler was much too distracted by the sound of his heart thudding in his ears to pay much mind to Aiden poking and prodding at his arms excitedly. He was blabbering something about how he couldn't wait to have a tattoo of his own- wait, what?

Shaking himself back to reality, Tyler pulled his arm back. It was the only way he'd focus: without Aiden's hands on his skin. "Are you here to get a tattoo?" He'd thought Aiden was just visiting. Why wouldn't he just visit? Ben came by to visit and didn't get a tattoo. Logan came by to visit and didn't get a tattoo. Ashlyn-

"Yeah! I already know kind what I want, too." Of course he did. "Oh, is it okay if I record some of it?" Of course it was. "I don't know if you follow my channel that much, I just wanted to show them the process." Of course. "Plus! I can say HEY here's this cool place! So if you're in the area and you want a tattoo, come see my buddy Tyler!" Of course.

And he wanted Tyler to give him the tattoo. And he wanted it on his back. Wings. Of course. Of course Aiden wanted a large tattoo on his back. Of course Aiden wanted Tyler to sit for hours and look down at his naked torso and have to focus on not screwing up the ink just because his client is pretty. He had tattooed pretty men before! This did NOT have to be any different.

But they weren't Aiden.

Aiden came with some reference photos. He and Tyler came up with a design Aiden liked. It wasn't that elaborate, but it was still going to be time consuming. Unfortunately.

Aiden was lying on his stomach, humming contentedly to himself as he scrolled through his phone, his arm dangling off of the table. Beside him stood Tyler, who was focusing so hard on his art.

Frankly, this was the longest he'd ever seen Aiden sit still. Even when he was asleep, he was such a wiggle worm. Sure, he remembered Taylor said once that she saw Aiden sleep completely still once, but he didn't want to think about that night.

On second thought, maybe that would be better. Maybe if he thought about the night Aiden died he wouldn't think about all the perfectly toned muscle that was right there. How many nights had he laid awake in bed, only his phone lighting the room, watching those videos of Aiden and imagining how it'd feel to wrap his arms around him? How many nights had he rolled over, his arms snug tightly around the middle of a pillow, so that when he closed his eyes he could imagine it was Aiden's waist instead?

How much longer could he deny that he wanted more than anything to be close to him?

After what felt like a year or maybe two minutes, they were halfway done. He'd told Aiden upfront that he'd need to come back again to finish it, which was fine. He had an opening the next day. Aiden was too eager to return. His smile was burned in Tyler's vision much like spots swimming in one's eyes after looking at a bright light.

Taylor came over to see him after work. Tyler was busy scrolling through his phone and definitely not thinking about a certain blond. "Aiden stopped by to say hi today."

"Mhm."

"He showed me his half-finished tattoo."

"Mm."

"You need to tell him you love him."

"Mhm."

Taylor punched him in the arm. Ow. She was fucking strong. "Tyler, c'mon." He finally made himself look up at her from where he was sitting. "We all knew it years ago, and here you are still acting like you don't care."

Tyler rolled his eyes. "Don't care what, that he's back? Of course I care that he's back, he's my friend."

She looked at him unamused. "You sure don't look at each other like you're friends," Taylor argued.

Well, what the hell did she know?

Tyler grumbled to himself the entire drive home. He sulked about it as he sat down to watch tv. He moped as he laid in bed, trying to sleep. He dreamed about it, Aiden's laugh echoing throughout his subconscious. He grumbled yet again as he trudged into into work the next day.

Aiden was back late that afternoon.

Surely he must have noticed the way Tyler was avoiding eye contact. The way he practically mumbled in response to Aiden trying to spark a conversation. The way his hand shook as it pressed against his back for the first time that day.

"Don't fuck up my tattoo, halfwit," Aiden grumbled playfully, turning his head to try and look up at Tyler.

He just smiled in response. "It's been a while since you called me that."

Aiden shrugged, earning a scolding from Tyler who was about to put the needle back to his skin. "Well, it's been a while since we've seen each other. I missed you."

Tyler's hands paused. Only for a second.

"I missed you too," he admitted. He really, really had. Far more than he would admit. He missed that manically brilliant grin, knowing something mischievous was soon to follow. He missed the way he laughed, the way he always knew what to say to get on everyone's last nerve, the way he masterfully turned the attention onto himself to distract from whatever was going on around them.

He missed how close they were when they saw each other every day; it gave him more chances to get close to Aiden.

"Why wings?" He blurted out, desperate to change the mental subject to something that did not include wishing he could wrap his arms around Aiden and ask him never to leave again, or worse, to beg him to let Tyler come too.

Aiden hummed, wiggling, despite however many times Tyler had told him off. He was either really lucky that he never made Tyler mess up or he was really good at moving only when he couldn't mess Tyler up. It was impossible to tell.

But of course, he stilled when Tyler leaned back in to continue his work. "Wings are a symbol of freedom, right?" He said, leaving it at that.

Tyler could feel the smile through his words, but he knew there were layers to this sort of symbolism. Freedom from the phantom dimension. Freedom from his parents, to whatever extent it hurt. Freedom from this little town. Freedom to explore the world to his heart's content.

Aiden wanted the world, and Tyler wanted to be his world. But he knew he'd never be enough to satisfy such a deep-rooted wanderlust.

Maybe Aiden was more like his parents than he'd like to admit. They, too, could never stay in one place for too long. They stayed in the house Aiden was living in through high school just long enough for him to leave the house, and then they were gone again. Ashlyn liked to tease that she preferred her new neighbors because they kept to themselves.

How deeply rooted was the Clarks' need to stay on the move? In fleeing the country to both satisfy his own desires and to escape association with his parents, how much was Aiden solidifying how alike they really were? How much did it bother him, or did it at all?

Tyler wondered so many things, and voiced none of them.

But perhaps he wasted too much time thinking and didn't spend enough of it actually talking. The tattoo was finally finished. It was late afternoon, and Tyler had no other appointments that day. Aiden was paying. He was leaving. He was about to leave, and Tyler was about to not see him again for another two years.

Tyler couldn't let that happen.

"Hey," he said suddenly, as Aiden was digging his wallet out of his pocket. "How much longer are you going to be in town?" Because if you aren't busy, we can meet up. Because if you're still here, we can go out somewhere together. Because if you're not leaving, I still have time.

Aiden shrugged. "I was gonna stay for a few more days originally, but my hotel didn't have any vacancy past tonight. I'm gonna sleep in my car and head out tomorrow morning."

Tyler's heart dropped into his stomach. Aiden was leaving tomorrow. Aiden was going to walk out that door and be gone and Tyler wouldn't know how long it would be until he saw him on the same side of the screen again.

That's why he blurted out: "Stay at my place."

Both men stared at each other, dumbfounded, neither really expecting Tyler to suggest such a thing. Aiden's eyes were wide, his tanned cheeks ever so slightly rosy. Tyler wondered if he was imagining it.

"Okay," Aiden said, his grin impossibly wider.

That's how Tyler ended up driving home with Aiden reclining in his passenger side seat. Did he insist that Aiden could just follow him home in his own car? Yes. Did Aiden somehow convince him to just let him throw all his stuff in his backseat and hitch a ride and leave his car parked outside the tattoo shop? Yes. Unfortunately.

The radio was on low; nothing that interesting was playing. Tyler could hear his own voice randomly stopping and starting from Aiden's phone. Sometimes while he was still working on the tattoo, Aiden would hold his phone up, video already rolling, saying "cheese!" and earning a glare from Tyler. Probably for the "I got a tattoo" video. A few times he even got Tyler to stop and take a quick shot of the progress, which was preferable as it kept Aiden from moving as much.

Why did Tyler suggest this. Why did Tyler suggest this. Tyler lived in a one bedroom home, all by himself, and the couch was probably fine but not comfortable enough to SLEEP on WHY did Tyler suggest this. Why did Tyler bring Aiden home. Why was Tyler helping Aiden bring his things inside and showing him around the place.

"So you live by yourself now?" Aiden asked cheerfully as he helped himself to a formerly unopened bag of chips. "That's cool. I thought you and Taylor would've still been living together but this is also cool. I guess since you work next door you need time apart, right? I wish I was still this close to Ben. He doesn't like moving around a lot, I'm happy he found a place he's comfortable." Aiden never stopped talking, and Tyler didn't want to stop him.

"Taylor's still living with Mom," Tyler said, shrugging. "We aren't really living apart cus we needed more space, I just..." How could he put into words that he couldn't stand the vacant look in his mother's eyes anymore? Even as she was doing better, how could he admit he couldn't handle the aching emptiness of that old home?

But Aiden nodded even despite the lack of an explanation, and Tyler understood that it wasn't actually needed.

That was another thing he loved-

That was another thing he enjoyed about Aiden. For all the nonstop chatter that came from him, he was actually a remarkable listener. Sometimes Tyler really struggled to put things into words, but Aiden didn't need him to. He was good at reading between the lines, and Tyler was grateful for that.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Aiden's stomach rumbling so loudly he wondered if he'd eaten at all that day. It was so stupid, he couldn't help but laugh.

The deer-in-headlights wide-eyed look on Aiden's face made Tyler laugh even harder. "I'm just going to cook some spaghetti. Think you can wait that long? And stop with the chips, you need real food."

Aiden threw the clip from the chips at Tyler; he caught it. "Shut up, I forgot lunch."

"That's not my fault," he shot back, gesturing at him with the box of spaghetti noodles. The now open box of spaghetti noodles. A small clump of uncooked noodles flew out, falling at Aiden's feet. "But that was!" He responded, picking them up and taking a bite of one. Tyler cringed.

Aiden was quiet as Tyler started cooking. Fortunately. He did chime in when Tyler was putting the pasta in the pot, shrieking until he agreed to not snap the spaghetti. Because what was he, a fucking barbarian? No, only heathens snap their spaghetti. Tyler was eager to point out to Aiden that he did the same until he visited Italy.

"It's a JOKE!" Aiden insisted through a mouthful of pasta, since Tyler had yet to drop the matter even now that they were eating. "It's a silly thing like, 'oh no! My Nonna is rolling over in her grave because you're breaking your pasta!' I don't think people actually care that much."

Tyler raised an eyebrow at him as he noisily slurped up yet another mouthful of spaghetti. He snickered, wiping his mouth. At least he had the decency to use a napkin. "Well, I like it long. It's more fun. So I guess I care."

Never again would Tyler Hernandez break pasta. At least not when he was cooking for Aiden.

Dinner wasn't very eventful, unless you counted the fact that Tyler was sitting across from Aiden Clark and talking to him and having dinner with him alone sitting in his house for the entire night. But no, no big deal. Just two guys being friends, hanging out. Two bros sitting at a table, five feet apart-

Aiden was right next to Tyler, wrapping an arm around his shoulders in a quick side hug. "Thanks for dinner!" Tyler just stared at him, because oh, now he's very close and smiling down at him. And now he was walking away with his and Tyler's plates in hand. "I'll clean up since you cooked."

That brought Tyler back to reality. "You're my guest, you don't need to do that. And don't thank me for feeding you, that's literally the bare minimum."

He was ignored; the clinking of plates being washed began as the tap came on in the kitchen sink. Tyler just sighed and allowed it. If Aiden insisted on cleaning dinner up, Tyler could busy himself with finding something for them to do afterwards, at least. After all, it wasn't that late at night; they needed something to do.

There was a dusty box of video game cases. Tyler hadn't played Mario Kart in ages.

That turned out to be the best idea he'd had all day. He could barely begin suggesting the idea to Aiden before the controller was snatched from his hands and a certain blond planted himself on the sofa, staring intensely at the screen, waiting for Tyler to start the game.

There were too many characters to pick from; Tyler always tried a different one every time. This time he picked Rosalina, earning a curious glance from Aiden. On the complete other side of the character selection spectrum, Aiden IMMEDIATELY beelined for Waluigi. His entire cart was built and ready before Tyler even decided which character he wanted.

It'd been a long time since they played together, but Tyler knew how Aiden played. Normally selecting the Mii character to play as someone like Sans, but settling for Waluigi because he knew Tyler wouldn't have his weird characters saved. All speed, not great handling. As for Tyler, he preferred putting more into acceleration than speed. What's the use in being fast if it takes you too long to speed up when you crash into shit?

And his performance proved him right. Or it proved that Aiden's Mario Kart skills were rusty and he had circled right back to noob status. Tyler won time and time again, all his time playing with Taylor when she came over for sleepovers paying off.

He let Aiden end on a high note, though. There was no way he was going to go easy on him, of course; he figured Aiden must've finally got the hang of the game again when he won the last round. "YES!" He yelled, pointing a finger right in Tyler's face. "I finally got you!"

Tyler let him have it, considering how miserably he did in the very first races. "Alright, you got me."

Aiden giggled. He giggled. And he smiled right at Tyler. Unfortunately.

"It's late," Tyler said, looking away. They'd been playing for a couple of hours at this point. It felt like they'd just sat down. "I'm not letting you stay up all night before driving for hours."

Confusion growing on his face, Aiden watched as Tyler set up a pillow and blanket on the couch. "Am I sleeping out here?"

"No, of course not. You're sleeping in my room." Did Aiden really expect to be left on the couch??

Aiden just grinned at him. "You don't have to sleep on the sofa, Ty."

It was hard to ignore the way his heart fluttered. This man was going to be the death of him. He just had to survive one more night. Surely. "I'm sure as hell not making you sleep on the sofa. Especially with a healing tattoo, you need to rest on something comfortable, dude."

But Tyler had misunderstood exactly what Aiden was getting at. "Tyler, I don't care if we share the bed, yknow."

Oh. Tyler hoped that the way his face burned wasn't visible. He never would have expected Aiden to suggest such a thing. Why would Aiden suggest such a thing? Why wouldn't Aiden suggest such a thing, actually? Why did it matter? It shouldn't matter. They were friends. Friends could share a bed. Surely.

That's how Tyler found himself laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, as Aiden scrolled on his phone to his right. He had tucked a pillow securely under his chest to prop himself up, whatever app he was using casting a soft glow on his face. Tyler couldn't help but look a few times. Just a few.

This was all made worse by the fact that Aiden was laying there on his stomach shirtless. It took Tyler dragging him back to the bathroom after they both showered and forcing him to sit down for him to remember that, yes, his tattoo needed proper attention of its own. And now there he was, lying on his stomach so as to not irritate his back, and his phone was lighting up the sleepy grin on his face. Unfortunately.

"Go to sleep," Tyler grumbled, as if the light was bothering him. It wasn't the light itself keeping him up, though. How could he sleep with this man lying a foot away from him?

Aiden grumbled back, putting his phone on the nightstand. "You don't have enough pillows. I need, like... three."

"What the fuck do you need three pillows for." Tyler only had two! The only person that slept over was Taylor, and she brought a sleeping bag and pillows for herself; she, too, didn't want Tyler giving up his bed just for her.

The response was punctuated by a scoff, as if Aiden was offended that Tyler wouldn't know why Aiden needed three damn pillows. "I need something under my stomach and my head to be comfortable on my stomach."

Then he should have brought his own. "You can't have my pillow."

"Can I just lay on you instead?"

Once again, Aiden said something that left Tyler stunned and defenseless. The room went silent as he couldn't come up with an answer that didn't sound as desperate or excited as the thought made him feel inside.

Aiden took his silence for rejection. "I was, joking, uh-"

"Yes. Uh, yeah you can. If you want to."

Silence again. This time much less uncomfortable. Slowly, tentatively, Aiden shifted closer. Placed an arm on Tyler's other side, holding himself up. Lowered himself to settle against Tyler's chest, tucking into his shoulder.

They both let out a long breath as they fell into place together. It was as if whatever anxious walls they'd put up crumbled and vanished as their bodies moved on their own, suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to be closer. Aiden's leg looped under Tyler's. Tyler's arms settled around Aiden, Aiden's latched together under Tyler's back.

Aiden's head tilted back, his gaze meeting Tyler's. They were close, too close. Unfortunately.

Or maybe it wasn't a bad thing. Aiden was searching his face, a calm smile adorning his face. Tyler stared right back, unable to stop himself from glancing at that pretty smile, wondering what it'd feel like pressed against his own lips.

Aiden noticed; he smiled a little brighter. It suited him, that natural smile. That smile for Tyler. How could he deny any longer his own feelings when Aiden was smiling like that? Smiling like that just for him? How could he deny his own feelings when it was so clear suddenly that Aiden felt the same?

"Aiden?" He said softly, eyes unable to focus on just Aiden's eyes or just Aiden's lips, bouncing between the two. He just hummed in response, staring back with a level of focus that was surprising for him.

"I- I want to kiss you," Tyler blurted out.

Aiden giggled, his eyes nearly closing as laughter took over his body. Tyler's face burned, and he scowled even despite knowing that he was just being teased. "Aiden."

"Can I tell you a secret?" He responded, managing to cease his snickering. Tyler just stared, waiting.

Aiden leaned close, suddenly serious. Tyler couldn't keep up with the mad facade for much longer, given that he could feel Aiden's breath on his face. This was the closest they'd ever been, at least that Tyler could remember. He'd lean in and end his suffering if he weren't waiting on Aiden to go on with what he wanted to say.

"I lied about the hotel," Aiden whispered, "so you'd invite me over."

Then Aiden kissed him. And Tyler was too blissfully reduced to mush to even get mad at the realization that this entire situation only happened because Aiden was banking on Tyler suggesting he stay over instead of sleeping in his car.

Now Aiden was gripping Tyler's shirt like he'd disappear if he opened his eyes, Tyler was running his hand through Aiden's hair and pulling him ever closer, and neither of them wanted it to end. Finally, finally, Aiden was his.

Who cared what would happen tomorrow, or a week from now? Who cared what they'd do when Aiden had to leave again? Tyler was firmly rooted at home, and Aiden was endlessly roaming without a constant one. But that was tomorrow's problem.

Tonight Aiden was his. And he wasn't letting go.

[what-if-i-just-did]

Sometimes Less Is More (HFY Edition)

War is never pleasant. We usually try to avoid it- that doesn't always pan out. The Galactic Council was experiencing a civil war, the first war in about two hundred Earth/Terra years. I state this specifically, because the humans, native species to Earth/Terra, had been with the Galactic Council for fifty-three of their years. During this time, they have continually suprised all other species, proving they were strong, cabable thinkers, yet also absolute idiots at times.

Despite this, we were not expecting much of them; they're rather small, very squishy and thus easily woundable, they didn't have poisons, toxins or venoms, they didn't have sharp claws or projectiles, they couldn't breathe underwater, in fact, asides from their 'adrenaline' feature, they were pretty useless. They didn't even have weapon-laser technology, psychic detonators or sense-attacks.

Humans were good climbers, good swimmers, good at communicating via thousands of means, good at de-coding if you had the right one, and great at desicion-making if you found a rational one. So these were the positions given to the humans for this war; look-outs, weapon-planters and defusers, medics, comminication officers, trainers, de-coders, and some command positions. They were good, important functions, and we thought they'd be greatful- humans have quite the affinity for war. And it's not that they disobeyed orders, not really- but there were complaints. The look-outs, the medics, communication officers and weapon-planters, those closest to the battlefield, doing work without which the soldiers surely wouldn't survive, felt useless. This was their exect wording, in most cases. They felt useless. They wanted to DO things.

After one too many complaint and comment from a human in a low command position, they were sent to my outpost. Their name was Officer Loki Freimuth, they weren't too strong-looking and they were a little too overactive, but they said they knew what they were doing.

I wasn't quite sure how to handle this. Humans were still slightly behind in technology in galactic scale, and generally it was forbidden to share technology with species more than 0.2 kreish behind on the haufnishx scale, but this was war, and the human wasn't likely to be usefull without our weapons.

I shared my ponderings with Officer Freimuth, and to my suprise, they smirked. "It's okay, don't break your laws. I've got my own weapons, sir." I frowned, and I would have told them that their species' weapons could not possibly measure up to those that would be used on the field. Unfortunatly, I was whisked away to a strategy meeting, unable to tell the new human this, and I did not think of it much, further. If only I had, I might have saved all of us what happened the day after.

That evening, I didn't have any guarding duty. We, being myself and the off-duty people in my command, were huddled around a Dark Heater (a device that warms a space without also producing light, designed to function outside). Amung us were four Kgrifu, two Heyna, one Xylithhy, four Rai-cha', one Rai-cha' and Kgrifu hybrid and three humans; Officer Freimuth, Officer Zuko and Runner Anthos. We kept quiet, mostly, but the humans didn't need sound to communicate; they spoke, rapidly and with great amusion, in sign language. The concept facinated me so much I never bothered to wonder what they were saying.

The day after, we were ambushed. Our guards were killed, and our camp was infiltrated. They 'rescued' our pow's, and they burnt half the camp down. Out of the twenty-three people under my command, six were Ayiyaiscsh (a water-based species that used masks to be able to breathe air, who would definetly not survive a fire) and five and a half were Kgrifu (a species made of a dellicate jello-like substance that could absorb practically anything, but could and would dry out and they'd die). I had no lonely hope in Hell to survive with that many of my people gone, and neither did the rest of them. Then...

Some of us were choking on the smoke, others were getting intensely dry, I think the arsonists (four female Hiriushu, who have biological metal plates to cover most of their bodies and are fairly fire resistant) used small psycic detonators (the smaller ones are worse), everything was in chaos, and it was, well, war.

Then a sound. It was louder than anything I had heard before, louder than sense-attacks. I heard a distinctly human grunt, and turned, expecting to see one of my humans dead. Instead, I was met with the sight of Officer Freimuth throwing small-ish handheld devices that I couldn't recognise to Officer Zuko and Runner Anthos, whose eyes were wide. Officer Zuko was erratic when she asked, "Where did you get these? These are prime twenty-first century! Nine mill ZEV's, reduced muzzle flip, extended rails and custom grip, these must have cost a fortune!" "I know a gal, now shut up and shoot" "right"

After this small (and honestly, confusing) interaction, they continued 'shooting' at the Hiriushu, and I found out what the noise had been; it was the shooting. It was louder than anything else, overpowering my senses to the extreme. And the smell... with the heat I only then noticed the smell. I overturned my C-rations of last night, partly consumed. It only took the humans a few shots to figure out where to shoot; within twenty minutes they'd re-captured the pows, plus an added three, doused the fire and were preforming medical aid.

The rest of us... would have been in shock, were it not for our training against that. No reason to lose good soldiers to the reality of war while we still need to fight it. But we did not have training for this.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I did next, I honestly am- but I couldn't get myself to do anything else.

That night, all but the humans and the pow deserted.

[tignntand4koa]

Sorry for my english, it's not my native lang

Btw I think everyone posted their own AU-rewrites of NNT so I'm in deal too

Mine rewrite actually does change a lot but first saga isn't changed a lot.

TIGI'S SEVEN DEADLY SINS REWRITE SO FAR PART 1!!!

So the plot, it actually starts the same, Elizabeth meets Meliodas, blah blah blah but Meliodas doesn't grope her, in fact he's just pretty much friendly to her without all those creepy SA things (god thanks NNT isn't 18+ because Nakaba is a weirdo).

And also a moment, there's extra context of usurpation of power in Liones: holy knights are vassals for foreigners (saxons, angles and jutes).

Diane firsly yes had a crush for Meliodas BUT GUSH PLEASE make it less cringeworthy like seriously there's no need to be so bad. It's actually okay to have crush on someone but yes.

Also I think it would be good to add some scenes of Gillthunder where he shows that he actually not very happy to be a part of this tyranny but for some reason he is

For Ban there should be more context why he did allow to chain himself. Sooo... IT'S EXTRA ANTAGONIST TIME, he was deeply scarred by Baldour, the strongest warrior of foreigners and right hand of Hengist and Horsa, also their gray cardinal and the one who's not what he pretends to be. So he only unchained himself when he understood that there's his crewmates.

Also I DO BELIEVE that Elizabeth yet not very good as warrior but she has some self defence skills since she's a princess and only reason why she wasn't trained properly it's because Hendrickson and Dreyfus (or Fraudrin) were afraid of her potential, as much as Baldour.

As closer Meliodas becomes for Elizabeth the more flirty Mel is (also Elizabeth age was upped to 20)

And theeen... Here comes the bigger plot divergence! In my AU King firstly thought that it was a accident where his sister died and Ban couldn't do anything, which is really sad and King was upset about Ban but who's King to judge? He let his friend go wrong way, very very wrong way and then let him die.

But then he was convinced by Baldour that it was Ban who killed Elaine to get the fountain, even shown the vision of diverged scene. And even convinced that Meliodas knew everything

(also no scene where Ban mistaked a child with Elaine. Elaine still petite but more in Melascula way, like, you still can tell that she's adult like in human scale around 18-22)

They entered Ghost city by the grievance of TWO (atleast there should be TWO with deep grievance who's not related by blood)

So... Firstly it's King & Guila vs Mel, Ban & Diane and fight is hard and Guile using her explosivos more creatively. Until fight os interrupted by ghost of Elaine, she protects sins from her manipulated brother and holy knight. Elaine still saves Ban from being the statue for eternity like in canon but unlike canon King can see her. Then Guila is overwhelmed even by two sins (I think it's weird that she dominated them while sins are like... LEGENDARY?? And she didn't drink a lot demon blood)

And then they see the strange sign

Little confrontation of Baldour himself against sins and Elaine, Guila is dismissed since she proved the success of newgen holy knight programs. Baldour not getting damage, dominating even but he kicked out from Ghost City into the middle of nowhere (still Britain).

Also, tournament arc starts almost the same but sins know why Diane wears Elizabeth's clothes (shrinkshroom goes brrr).

Veronica believes that she truly protects her sister and thinks she'd be better bring her back by herself than by others or by germanic tribe forces

Also instead of weird ahh appearance of Jerico and Guila they'd be in crowd. Why bomb citizens if you can capture criminals in ambush? Also Helbram appeared faster because tactics. Chaos, mayhem, WTF is that form, King is feeling guilty because of Helbram.

No changes in Gauther arc besides Elizabeth accidentally uses purge on monster before throwing Liz's sword to him.

No weird argue between Hendrickosn and Dreyfus about releasing demons because they're both manipulated by Fraudrin. But there's argue about new generation because that's no way for Liones to break away from germanic tribes.

Sins are ambushed by holy knights and Vivian without insta teleportation. Because TP is OP, more like attacked, gas, and then run away (Golgius with them, his invisibility is really good for this)

Raid on Liones in my mind goes mostly the same but Gauther don't overpower physically Dreyfus, he just breaks him down mentally for a moment and then stops him magically. But there's mentioned informantion that Hendrickson wanted to use grey demon's blood to form an army against germanic tribes so he would be able to defeat Horsa, Hengist and even Baldour.

But things comes canon way in raid

And than some additional info

Germans as new side of conflict because it's Britain of IV-V centuries, the moment when germans and celts started to fight. Hengist and Horsa are legendary figures who lead them

For Diane I prefer imagie this design

Instead of WEIRD flying stingrays holy knights are using griffins

The ranks of holy knights are based on animals instead of gems and metals (Great Holy Knight > Dragon Holy Knight > Griffin Holy Knight > Lion Holy Knight > Bear Holy Knight > Wolf Holy Knight > Boar Holy Knight)

More scenes of interaction between sins

Meliodas is taller, yet short but more like that one friend who looks really young but not like childish child. Just really small young adult

The part 2 would be concepts for arc of celts vs germanic tribes and the secret of Baldour (he's not very human)

[mimisempai]

This unavoidable between us - Chapter 4/8

Chapter Summary

Let's sleep on it. 

Once awake, Crowley is sure of himself. Better remorse than regret. 

Even if it breaks his heart.

On Ao3

Rating T - 3020 words

Masterpost here

Day 3

No plans

At the agency, when he had opted to do nothing in the middle of the week, Aziraphale had thought it would give him a little breather, a day or half-day to be on his own. After all, he wasn't used to being accompanied, especially not so intensively. But now, he told himself, he didn't want to spend a day without seeing Anthony.

Aziraphale thought this was even more fitting given the current situation. With a day without plans, they could be even more open with each other.

He wondered how Anthony felt after last night, after all they'd shared quite an emotional moment. At least it had been for Aziraphale. 

He called the room service and ordered breakfast for two before knocking on Anthony's door.

Crowley, for his part, had had no trouble falling asleep, but he'd woken up early, which had given him plenty of time to think things over. He hadn't lied to Aziraphale, he wanted to explore their relationship further. He couldn't deny the desire he felt for the other man, who surely had noticed it, just as Crowley had noticed it with Aziraphale.

But he also knew that in three days it would all be over. Even if Aziraphale hadn't made it clear, Crowley knew they'd probably never see each other again. Several small clues left little doubt as to the outcome of this week. But Crowley thought back to Cyrano, to what he'd said to Aziraphale, and knew that deep down, he'd made up his mind.

It is said that it is better to live with remorse than with regret, and Crowley would rather have had seven days of making the most of every minute with all they had to offer than to spend his life wondering what might have been and regretting not taking his chance. He would suffer, but less than if he hadn't experienced it at all.

Serene and content with his decision, he rose to dress.

When he was ready, he waited to hear from Aziraphale as he had no idea of the day's program. The previous day's discussion and what had followed had distracted them from any other topic. Not that Crowley was complaining - it had been a delightful evening as were all the moments he spent with Aziraphale.

He had reached that point when he heard a knock at the door and went to open it to find himself face to face with Aziraphale.

Aziraphale immediately pulled Crowley to him and kissed him gently before releasing him, saying with a sweet smile, "Good morning, Anthony, did you sleep well?"

Crowley returned the kiss before replying, "Good morning. I slept like a log."

Aziraphale smiled, looking pleased.

"If you haven't had breakfast, I invite you to join me in my room."

"Yes, with pleasure."

Together they went to Aziraphale's room, which they crossed to the balcony where the breakfast table had been set.

Crowley asked as he poured the coffee, "So, what do you want to do today?"

"I thought we'd just go for a walk, anywhere we want. What do you think?" 

"Good idea, sometimes it's good not to plan anything." 

"You say that to someone who usually wears suspenders and garters."

Crowley bursts out laughing.

"Oh, I see, so you're in a reckless mood today?"

"You could say that," Aziraphale replied. "It's true, I've been doing a lot of things the last few days that I've never had a chance to do before."

Crowley asked, "Because of your work?" 

"Not really, as you know I'm pretty free with my bookshop, let's just say mostly because I didn't have anyone to share it with."

Crowley nodded in understanding before replying, "As you know, this is all new to me too. Even this work is new. That is, if you can call it work."

Aziraphale, trying to hide the fact that his throat was tightening slightly, asked, "Now that you've done it for the first time, does it... does it make you want to do it again?"

This was without counting the intuition of the man in front of him, who asked in a teasing tone, "Why? Would it make you jealous?

Aziraphale rolled his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassment, for yes, he had felt a tinge of jealousy.

Crowley chuckled softly and continued, "No, I won't do it again, it's just a one-time thing. It was really to help my best friend and I'll be honest, it was the idea of spoiling my sibling that finally convinced me to do it."

Aziraphale nodded, choosing to ignore the feeling of relief, then said softly, « Your sibling, if you're willing to talk about them, of course, it sounds like you care about them a lot?"

Crowley's face darkened slightly, but he quickly collected himself before replying, "It's a bit complicated, like all family stories. My father, um... well, let's just say he wasn't a very nice man, and he made my mother, my sibling and me suffer a lot, physically and morally. And it got worse after my mother died."

Crowley paused and ran his hand over his face. Aziraphale caught his hand and said gently with a caring expression, "You don't have to talk about it if it's too painful."

Crowley shook his head, he didn't know if it was their bond that drove him, but he wanted to tell Aziraphale everything. He wanted him to know all about himself. Not to mention the fact that Aziraphale was someone to whom it was so easy to open his heart.

Crowley said in a slightly emotional voice, "It's painful, but I'd like to talk to you about it."

Aziraphale nodded before saying softly, "Okay, I'm listening. Take your time."

He didn't let go of Crowley's hand as he resumed his story, "As soon as I could support us financially, I took my sibling with me and we never went home again. It hasn't been all roses and butterflies, but we got through it. That's why I want Muriel to have everything they could ever dream of."

Aziraphale raised his hand and cupped Crowley's cheek, saying with emotion, "I'm sorry you both had to go through this, but I'm also glad you made it through." Aziraphale stroked Crowley's cheek with his thumb and continued, "You really are an amazing person, you know that?"

Crowley, embarrassed, leaned his cheek into Aziraphale's hand and murmured in a slightly hoarse voice, "Thank you."

They stayed like that for a few moments before resuming their breakfast, the conversation lightening by the time they finished.

After emptying his cup of coffee, Crowley asked, "So, have you decided where we're going?" 

Aziraphale wiped his mouth. 

"Although I've been in London a long time, I've never been to Regent's Park, do you fancy it?"

"I've never been either. So let's go there." 

"A first for both of us, perfect!"

Half an hour later, a taxi had just dropped them off in front of the park, and they began to stroll through it, hand in hand, chatting or marveling at one feature or another, the conversation between them as smooth and comfortable as ever.

They had been walking for about an hour when Aziraphale stopped and asked, "Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to visit?"

"I get to choose? But you're the customer!"

"Will you do something for me, Anthony?" 

Crowley, seeing the serious look on Aziraphale's face, nodded.

"I'm listening."

"Could you please try not to mention the fact that I'm the client for the rest of our time together?"

Again, Crowley sensed the kind of sadness he sometime felt hidden beneath Aziraphale's words, so he replied gently, "I promise, Aziraphale."

"So, I'll ask you again, is there anywhere in particular you'd like to visit here?"

Crowley thought back and his eyes lit up as a memory came back to him.

"Actually, I've always wanted to see the Japanese Island Garden."

Aziraphale, curious as to what motivated Crowley's enthusiasm, asked, "Oh, really? And is there any particular reason?"

"Well, yes, but you'll find it a bit sentimental. My grandmother lived with us until I was five, and every night she would tell us the story of the day she first met my grandfather, in great detail. It was in this Japanese garden, and to my childhood eyes it seemed like a magical place. I've grown up since then and know from experience that life and relationships are rarely magical, but I've always clung to that memory like a lifeline, and now that we're not so far from it...".

Aziraphale smiled, touched by the sincerity of the memory, and replied softly, "And we'll go to the Japanese Gardens.

After a quarter of an hour's walk, they found themselves in a place that was indeed magical. A narrow Japanese bridge crossed a small river and was surrounded by so many trees and greenery that it was almost impossible to tell that they were in the city. It was the beginning of spring, and the cherry trees were blossoming, adding to the magic of the moment.

They stopped in the middle of the bridge, leaned against the railing, and took in the view. Aziraphale put his arm around Crowley's shoulders and Crowley leaned against him. Aziraphale wished that time had stood still at that moment. Now that time felt like it was slipping through his fingers, everything he felt was intensified, every sensation multiplied a thousandfold.

"Hm? What are you saying?"

Aziraphale froze for a moment, realizing he'd been thinking out loud. Fortunately, Crowley was also lost in thought, so Aziraphale was able to make something up quickly.

"I was thinking, there really is something magical about this place."

"You're right..." Crowley turned to Aziraphale and, cupping his face between his hands, continued, "Really magical. " and then closed the distance to kiss Aziraphale tenderly. Then he pulled back and took his hand, leading him along. They walked through the gardens for almost two more hours before returning to the hotel. On the way back, they stopped at a small restaurant for a light meal.

All the while, they had been discussing everything and anything, finding points of agreement and disagreement, each defending his own opinion but always respecting the other. 

It was hard to believe that they'd only known each other for two days. 

It was well into the afternoon when they arrived back at the hotel. 

They hadn't let go of each other's hands for more than five consecutive minutes since leaving that morning, as if both of them, aware of the fleeting nature of their encounter, wanted to make the most of those moments.

Arriving outside their rooms, they were about to let go of each other's hands when Crowley suddenly grabbed Aziraphale's.

"Aziraphale," he cleared his throat, his voice a little more hesitant, "will you accompany me to my room?"

Aziraphale nodded and followed him. 

As soon as he turned around after closing the door, he found himself pressed against it as Crowley pressed his lips to his with eagerness.

Aziraphale returned the kiss with equal eagerness and wrapped his arms around Anthony's neck, deepening the kiss. They remained like that for a long moment, the kiss lingering, their lips parting only long enough to catch their breath.

Finally, Aziraphale pushed Crowley back slightly, placing his hands on Crowley's waist and pressing his body against Crowley's. 

He murmured against Crowley's lips, "It may be silly to ask, but does that mean what it means?"

Crowley just laughed softly.

Aziraphale continued, "I was going to ask you if you were sure, really sure, that you wanted to go on before something happened, but..."

Crowley pressed himself against Aziraphale in a suggestive way and replied, "The answer is yes." 

Then he took Aziraphale's hands and, as he led him to the bed, continued, "I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I want to do. 

My conclusion is simple: I don't want to have any regrets. I know there are no promises and we'll most likely never see each other again, but-"

Aziraphale shook his head, interrupting him in a slightly sad voice, "Not likely, Crowley, surely. Do not misunderstand the inevitability of our parting in the end." 

Aziraphale didn't want Crowley to be under any misconception. He couldn't give him a hope he knew would be shattered. 

"I know, Aziraphale, I know," Crowley reassured him, looking into his eyes before continuing, "more than that, I want to enjoy what I can experience. Even if it's fleeting."

Aziraphale studied his face for a few more moments, then nodded, "As long as you're aware of that, then I'm more than willing to continue what we've been doing."

Crowley looked into his eyes and replied, "So am I." Then, with a playful smile on his lips, he added, "Would you like us to move someplace where we can be more... comfortable?" 

Aziraphale replied with the same playfulness in his voice, "That's a good idea, because when I'm done with you, Crowley, believe me, you'll be glad to be comfortable..."  

Aziraphale pushed him towards the bed until Crowley's knees met the bed, where he let himself fall before sliding up. Aziraphale climbed onto the bed and, once on top of Crowley, captured his lips in another passionate kiss before pulling back slightly, panting.

"Forgive me if I sound...incredibly pragmatic...in asking you this, but it's important for me to be sure.... Do I have permission to touch you as I please?"  

He rested a finger on the top button of Crowley's shirt, as if waiting for permission to undo it.

Crowley's voice was hoarse with lust as he replied, "Permission granted. More than granted. On one condition, however."

Aziraphale raised an inquiring eyebrow.

"That I also have permission to touch you as I please."

Aziraphale chuckled.

"That goes without saying."

Then he began unbuttoning Crowley's slightly rumpled shirt, moving slowly forward, kissing the bare skin that was gradually exposed. He looked into Crowley's eyes each time he opened a new button, watching every reaction on the man's face.  He could feel Crowley's breathing getting more and more erratic as he went down.  Finally, the shirt was undone, so Aziraphale grabbed Crowley's hands and pulled him into a sitting position.  Once his lover was seated, Aziraphale gently pushed the shirt off his shoulders until it fell to the bed.

Then he moved back until he was sitting on his heels and looked at Crowley, murmuring admiringly, "Anthony..."

Crowley's chest was lean and muscular to perfection, finely sculpted.

Aziraphale, clearly in awe, breathed, "You're beautiful." 

Crowley could only blush at the intensity of Aziraphale's gaze and shook his head as if to deny what Aziraphale had just said. Seeing this, Aziraphale took his chin and looked him in the eye, "Know, Anthony Crowley, that I never say things I don't mean. So when I tell you you're beautiful, all you have to do is believe me."

Crowley laughed softly and, finding Aziraphale absolutaly endearing in his willingness to convince Crowley of his own beauty, could only raise his hands in surrender.

Aziraphale, seeing all this beauty before him, this beauty that he was allowed to touch as much as he wanted, felt as if he were standing in front of a table filled with the finest delicacies and he could not decide which to start with.  So he took Crowley's hand and gently kissed the inside of his wrist, but when he released Anthony's hand, Anthony grabbed his sleeve before sliding his hand up his arm to his shoulder and finally, following the half-open collar of his shirt, to the first button. 

"You're way overdressed."

Aziraphale swallowed, a little concerned as he watched Crowley's fingers move from one button to the next. Aware of his own appearance, he said hesitantly, "I'm afraid I can't give you a figure as perfect as yours." 

"What are you talking about?"  

Crowley straightened and knelt across from Aziraphle, parting the lapels of the shirt before sliding them down the other man's arms. Then, after tossing the shirt to the side, he gently ran his hands over Aziraphale's chest and then over the slight curve of his stomach. He leaned over and planted a light kiss just above Aziraphale's navel before lifting his head and saying adoringly, "You're gorgeous. So gorgeous. I can't believe all this softness is just for me."

Aziraphale's cheeks turned scarlet as Crowley placed his hands on his chest and pushed him back until he lay back as Crowley straddled his thighs.

From there, Crowley rained kisses all over Aziraphale's body, raving over every part his lips met until Aziraphale squirmed beneath him and said, "If you keep this up, I won't last long.

Crowley pressed a kiss under his lover's ear and whispered, "Who says this isn't what I want?"

Aziraphale shook his head.

"But you? It's only for me."

Crowley pressed another kiss under his chin.

"What about me? Everything is perfect for me. And I enjoy it as much as you."

He pressed another kiss, this time to Aziraphale's mouth, before spreading another shower of kisses as he worked his way down his lover's body, which soon became nothing more than an incoherent mess of grunts and moans.

In the end, it was Aziraphale who was glad to be comfortable when Crowley was done with him.

*********

Later, much later, as they lay in each other's arms, Aziraphale turned and brought his face close to Crowley's, planting a light kiss on his lips before saying softly, "Thank you...it was...actually, words are not enough to describe it." 

"I know..."

Crowley kissed him back before wrapping his arm around Aziraphale, pressing him against his chest.

"Don't thank me. The pleasure was all mine."

"Not all yours. Mine too."

They both chuckled softly before falling back into a comfortable silence.

Aziraphale curled up against Crowley, his hand tracing invisible curves on his lover's chest, Crowley occasionally planting a kiss on Aziraphale's hair.

Soon they both drifted off to sleep.

Neither of them dreamed.

Probably because no dreams could rival the reality of what they had just shared.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[faraway-sunshine]

Do you have fun stories about Basil? Everyone seems to be focused on the negative, but you clearly like him a lot, so there's surely reasons for that

I have a lot, but I'll just pick one for now.

One day, I was at school and there was a fire drill. It was a brand-new alarm and I hadn't been paying attention when we were warned, so I didn't recognise the sound and thought it was a lockdown drill (for when there's bee swarms or people with guns). We were in the halls at our lockers, so I ran off into the library to hide under the main desk. Mari wasn't in my class so she had no idea I wasn't lining up outside.

I huddled into the tiny hiding spot, hugging my knees and shaking as the alarm roared. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't, because what if that gave me away? My heart was pounding. I'd watched Jurassic Park recently, which I was amazed by, but the scene where the kids are in the kitchen being chased by velociraptors was haunting me in that moment.

The next thing I knew, also looking scared and hating the bell, I saw Basil apologetically walk over and crouch by me. Normally he hates the desk part of the library, which smelled heavily of paste and gives him a headache, but he didn't hesitate to sit by me. And he knew what I was thinking without me even saying it, or possibly just did a lucky guess, but either way it caught my attention.

"You know the ones in the movie weren't velociraptors, right? They were a different kind of dinosaur. Velociraptors were much smaller, like, this big. They'd be just as dangerous as Hector."

I didn't say anything, but I focused on his words, and let my curiosity overtake my fear.

"In fact, some scientists think they had feathers! Wouldn't that look silly? Actually, here, let me show you - bother, I forgot I can't draw dinosaurs. You give it a go?"

He handed me paper and a pen and I got drawing, making a fearsome velociraptor. Basil gently stopped me when I was adding a lot of teeth.

Then, carefully, he proceeded to draw ridiculous feathers on it, like peacocks and parrots and weird birds of paradise. It was funny how much he concentrated on it, and suddenly it looked ridiculous and not scary at all. I had a small laugh, and he took my hand, and it felt like we were in our own safe little world under the desk.

Later on, we clubbed together our pocket money to get a dinosaur coloring book and finally covered both our fears (Basil admitted he was also scared and that's why he looked it up) with bright colors and smudged lines and sunglasses.

(Tuesday 12th September, 2000, 7:40 PM)