#it’s like when a parent tells their 6 year old to smile with teeth for them and they show ALL of them

[frnkiebby]

‘smile frank!’~🎃

[estrellami-1]

Steddie Week 2024

July 5th Prompt: Reunion

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 6 | Day 7

@steddie-week

“Babe,” Eddie calls from the kitchen. Steve’s in the bathroom, brushing his teeth, so he garbles out an unintelligible one minute! before quickly finishing.

He walks into the kitchen, tugging at the collar of his shirt. “What’s up?”

Eddie’s eyes are dancing with mirth as he helps Steve fix his collar. “You’ll never guess what just came in the mail.”

Steve raises a brow. “You’re acting like my parents are groveling at the door right now.”

Eddie barks out a laugh. “Oh, sweetheart, no. I’d very much be laughing in their faces if that’s what was happening.” He grabs Steve’s glasses from the counter he’d forgotten them on last night, unfolds them, and carefully slides them on Steve’s face. “No migraines,” he murmurs, and Steve’s hit with a rush of love so big he just has to tell Eddie.

“I love you.”

Eddie smiles softly; a small, disbelieving, hopeful thing that’s never changed from the first time Steve said it. “And I, my love,” he murmurs back. “But no, it’s not your parents.” His grin grows into a giggle. “It’s fuckin’ Hawkins High.”

Steve makes a face. “It’s still standing?”

Eddie snorts. “Apparently-fucking-ly.” He grabs two letters; one with Steve’s name, one with Eddie’s. “One letter for each of us. I already opened mine. It’s a reunion.”

Steve furrows his brows, rips into the envelope, pulls the paper out. “Hawkins High School… forty-year reunion… de-” he frowns up at Eddie. “Decennial?”

Eddie hums, nods. “Every ten years. God knows where our other ones went.”

Steve hums. “Guess we can throw these in the trash, huh?”

Eddie shifts. “You don’t want to go?”

Steve stares at him incredulously. “You do? You, Eddie Munson, want to go back to the place where—and these are your words, here—apart from our group of friends, only the- the backwoods of inbreeding resides?”

Eddie cackles. “Oh yeah, I did say that, didn’t I?” He’s delighted. Steve’s finding it hard not to smile in the face of that joy.

“So you want to go back?”

Eddie shrugs. “Think about it,” he requests. “I don’t want to go to see how anyone else is doing. Frankly, I don’t have the time to give two shits about them. But you know I’ll always jump at the chance to show you off.”

Steve raises both eyebrows this time. “You want to show me off? In fucking Hawkins?”

Eddie deflates. “You don’t want to go.”

Steve shakes his head. “No, babe, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying that even though it’s legal, even though we’re officially married now, if there’s one place that isn’t gonna be accepting…” he trails off, lets Eddie finish the thought for himself.

“What if I convince Nancy to come?”

“Well, she’ll have to come if we go, won’t she? Cause you know she’ll go anywhere Robin does, and Robin’s gonna follow me, so…”

Eddie snickers. “Okay, yeah, fair enough. But babe, we’ll have Nancy and Robin on our side. The three of you took on Vecna, I think you can take on some overweight, washed-up, balding fifty-something-year-old.” He squeezes at Steve’s biceps, and Steve tries not to preen.

He’s proud of the care he’s shown his body, he’s proud of the way he looks, he’s proud that Eddie likes the way he looks. He can feel his resolve waning, is about to tell Eddie fuck it, let’s go, when his phone rings.

He pats his pockets, looks around for it. “Room,” Eddie supplies, and Steve gratefully peck his cheek before jogging to their room, where it’s laying on his nightstand. Eddie walks in as he answers it, having followed at a more sedate pace. “Hello?”

“Are you going to the reunion?”

“Hey, Robbie,” Steve chuckles, meets Eddie’s eyes. “Yeah, we are.”

“Yes!” She cheers. “You’re the best, we’re getting joint hotel rooms, right?”

He laughs and sits on the edge of the bed. “It’s Hawkins, Robs, I don’t think it has anything quite that fancy.”

Robin groans, loud and long enough that both Steve and Eddie have to stifle their giggles. “But I haven’t seen you in forever!”

“It’s been barely a week, Robbie.”

“That’s what I said!”

He relents. “I know. I miss you too. We’ll see you there?”

“Yeah,” she agrees, and hangs up.

Steve looks at Eddie, amused. “I guess we’d better pack. And you should tell the guys, don’t you have something going on that day?”

“Oh, shit,” Eddie says, and runs to the living room for his phone.

Steve surveys their room and sighs. He calls out to Eddie, “bring me a notepad on your way back, please!”

Eddie does, so he sets to work making a list for everything they need to pack while Eddie types away, postponing his plans.

While they might not get joint hotel rooms, Steve, Eddie, Robin, and Nancy are carpooling back to Hawkins in Robin’s van. She’s driving, Nancy’s in the passenger seat, Steve’s right behind Robin and Eddie’s right behind Nancy. Their luggage is piled precariously in the back, meaning every time Robin turns, the luggage slides from one side of the van to the other. Steve, with his mostly-undiagnosed OCD, flinches every time. And every time, Eddie pats his hand.

Besides the shifting suitcases, it’s a nice ride, even if Steve does grab Eddie’s hand and squeeze, just a hair tightly, whenever they pass the Welcome to Hawkins! sign.

Everyone gets a little quiet, after that. Robin fumbles with the radio, and Eddie perks up. “This song,” he says, practically bouncing in his seat.

Steve snorts. “Iron Maiden,” he tells her.

“The fact that you know that-”

“It gets worse,” he tells her, grinning. “The song is called Wasted Years. I know all the words.”

Robin grins, turns the volume up.

The joke’s really on her, though, because she’s always been good at music, patterns, and she’s singing the chorus with him and Eddie by the time they get to the end of the song, Nancy laughing at them. “So understand,” they sing, Robin glancing in the rearview mirror, Steve looking from her to Eddie and back again. “Don’t waste your time always searching for those wasted years. Face up, make this stand. And realize you’re living in the golden years!”

Steve and Eddie are practically screaming it at each other by the last line. Robin’s given up to join Nancy in laughing at them. Steve joins in as Eddie plays air guitar to the end of the song, collapsing in a laugh when it’s finally over.

“Okay,” Eddie says, grinning. “I think I could take on anything now.”

“Yeah?” Nancy asks, pointing ahead. “You’re ready for the reunion?”

They’d decided, since the last time they took a proper road trip had been too many years ago, they could do it the same day as the reunion.

They’d forgotten how getting old, coupled with the problems every one of them still has from the Upside Down, means they’re all very much sore from sitting in a car for upwards of five hours.

The plan was drive the five-something hours, go to the reunion, crash in the hotel, and drive back home the next day.

Steve hates the plan now and wants to go to the hotel to rest like the old man he’s letting himself be.

However unfortunate it may be, the reunion is today, which means Steve gets to suck it up, say hi to people he probably doesn’t even remember anymore, and then leave.

He hops out of the car and stretches a little, laughing when Eddie attempts the same hop out of the car and almost eats asphalt. “Dumbass,” he mutters. Eddie shoots him a Cheshire grin.

Before long they’re ready to walk inside. Steve takes a breath as he passes through the doors. The hallways are the same, but the lockers are new. It still smells like teenagers and feet, he notices, wrinkling his nose. The things you’ll get nose-blind to, he supposes.

The letters they’d gotten said the reunion was to be held in the gym, so that’s where they head.

Steve didn’t know what he expected, but it wasn’t a few snack tables along the edge of the room and a single Reunion of ‘85 banner. “Goddamn,” Eddie says from beside him, “depressing much?”

Steve snorts in agreement and walks over to the drink table. If he’s going to talk to people, he’s at least going to have questionable-looking punch while he does.

When he turns after getting punch, he nearly runs into someone. He quickly steps back. “Oh, sorry!” He looks up into the shocked face of Tommy Hagan. He blinks. “Tommy?”

“Steve.”

Steve smiles. “How’ve you been?”

Tommy blinks, like he can’t believe Steve’s being nice to him right now, and that’s when Steve remembers they’d parted on not-so-nice terms. Oh well, he would’ve feigned politeness even if he’d remembered. “I’m good, yeah, uh, how- how’re you?”

“I’m good,” Steve agrees. “Really good. Last I remember you and Carol were dancing around each other, yeah? What happened there?”

“We got married,” Tommy nods.

“Congratulations!”

“And then divorced two years later,” Tommy adds, smirking. Steve winces. “How about you? Last I knew, it was you and Wheeler, ‘cept she cheated on you with Byers, yeah?”

“God,” Steve laughs, “that was so long ago. Yeah, that happened. We talked it through and Nance and I are really good friends now. She’s married to someone else, as am I, but we both keep in touch with Jon, thought he’s out in California now.”

Tommy’s brow raises. “Married? Who’s the lucky girl?”

A presence beside him makes Steve turn to see Eddie grinning at him. “My ears are burning.”

“They should be,” he laughs. “Tommy, you remember Eddie?”

“Munson,” Tommy nods, then does a double take. “Wait, you’re married?”

“As of three years ago now,” Eddie says proudly. “But together for…”

“Thirty-seven years,” Steve provides, smiling at his husband before turning back to Tommy. “Did you ever get remarried after Carol?” Tommy shakes his head.

Eddie whispers in Steve’s ear, “You know he totally had the hots for you, right?”

Steve winces at the blast of static from his hearing aid and quickly shuts it off. “Ow,” he mutters, grinning crookedly at Eddie, who looks apologetic. He quickly signs what he’d whispered, and Steve laughs. “Don’t you remember my initial panic?”

Eddie thinks, back to when Steve had asked him what’s gay versus friendly, becoming increasingly confused when most of the things Eddie ticked off in the gay category were things Steve and Tommy had done that Steve had thought firmly resided in the friendly category. “Oh, yeah.”

Steve snorts, shakes his head, pushes him away. “Go talk to someone else. Rescue Robin, she looks like she needs it.”

“Nah,” Eddie says, “she can hold her own,” but goes anyways after a quick peck to Steve’s cheek. Steve turns the hearing aid back on.

“Man,” Tommy says wonderingly, “what happened to you?”

“Concussions,” Steve answers flatly. “Three of ‘em. Then I grew up.” He sighs, looks down at his cup, then up at Tommy. “Listen, man, about what we used to do-”

Tommy winces. “I know. I had that revelation a while ago, actually, but it was definitely shitty of me.”

Steve smiles, shrugs. “You had a crush on me. It’s not an excuse, but it does make a certain kind of sense you’d react that way, especially considering the kind of home life you had.” He smiles self-deprecatingly. “Feel free to stop listening if the therapist side of me comes out. I swear I’m not trying to, like, diagnose you with anything.”

Tommy’s brows raise. “You’re a therapist?”

Steve hums affirmatively. “Started as a school counselor, if you can believe that.”

Tommy fixes him with a wondering grin. “Y’know? I think I can see it.”

“Do my eyes deceive me,” someone says from their side, draping their arms across Steve and Tommy’s shoulders, pulling them into a hug.

Steve comes face-to-face with Carol. He grins. “Hey, Carol.”

“Hey, you,” she says, raking her eyes over him. “Time’s been good to you.”

“You’re one to talk,” Steve says happily, but its true; she doesn’t look a day over forty, instead of the fifty-odd she is now. “How are you?”

“Can’t complain,” she agrees.

They go through the same song-and-dance, but this time when she asks who he’s married to, he sees Eddie juggling water bottles, talking to a couple of people. “Oh, for-” he mutters, then louder, “Eddie, what in the everloving fuck are you doing?”

Eddie drops a bottle, puts the other two on the table behind him, and jogs over to throw his weight onto Steve. “Making friends.”

Steve snorts, elbows him off. “Say hi to Carol, babe.”

Carol clocks it immediately, based on the twitch of her eyebrow, but only says, “I didn’t peg you two as a couple.”

“Well, yeah,” Eddie snorts, “it was Bumfuck, Indiana in the 80’s.”

Carol tilts her head in agreement, then turns to Tommy and says coolly, “Tommy.”

“Carol,” he replies, tips of his ears red.

Eddie looks between them, then turns a raised eyebrow on Steve, who quickly signs, “Married for two years a while ago. I don’t know any details.”

“He clearly is still into her.”

“I refuse to be a part of whatever you’re planning.”

Eddie pouts. “You’re no fun.”

Carol clears her throat. “Sign language?”

Steve snorts. “Turns out brains aren’t supposed to get banged around. You’ve got a real good chance of messing something up that way.”

Eddie pokes his cheek. “‘S not your fault.”

“Never said it was,” Steve placates.

Carol shakes her head. “How many concussions do you have?”

Steve hums. “Three? Four?”

“Three,” Eddie corrects. “Not that we need to get into it right now.” He gives Carol a tight smile, and Steve hip-checks him.

“Down, boy,” he murmurs with a smile. “I’m alright.” He turns to Carol with a wider smile. “Long story short, the concussions caused irreparable hearing loss. I’m almost completely deaf in my left ear, but I get by.”

“Damn,” Carol says lightly, “life, huh?”

Steve snorts. “You can say that again.” He tilts his head. “How are you?” He asks. “Really?”

She gives him a crooked smile. “Let’s walk and talk.” Steve offers her his arm, which she takes with a laugh.

“How am I,” she muses. “Well I thought I found love, but we imploded two years later. Thank god for prenups, I guess, but at the same time, that made it feel like we were doomed from the start.”

Steve hums. “Eddie and I have been legally married for three years,” he tells her. “Together for thirty-seven. We’ve got prenups. Not because we think we won’t work, but because we want the people we care about to not have to worry about any of that.” He’s silent for a few steps. “I used to think love is out of our control. That we don’t get to decide who we fall for. And maybe, to a certain extent, that’s true. But love is also a choice you make every day. Eddie and I are still in love because we choose to be.”

“You look at each other like you’re on your honeymoon.”

Steve giggles. “And to think we didn’t even have a honeymoon!”

Carol laughs, too, then sobers. “You always were more fortunate in love,” she says. “What do you think? Do we have a chance?”

Steve hums. “I think it’s obvious, just by looking at him, that he’s still into you.”

“No shit.”

“So what’s important is how you feel. Marriage is work, I’m not gonna lie and say it’s not. So are you ready, and I mean really ready, to work for it?”

She works her lower lip. “I think so,” she admits. “But I- I’m also not completely sure I’m straight.”

“Okay,” Steve shrugs. “Do you know what he and I used to get up to?” He shrugs at her look. “I’m just saying, neither is he.”

“I mean, I definitely still like guys.”

“Well duh, you’ve taken more dick than I have and I’m married to a man.”

She snorts. “But women…”

“I know,” Steve says sympathetically. “It’s hard, isn’t it.” He pats her hand. “If you’re ready to try, though, you need to talk to him.” He turns her around, gestures toward Tommy, who quickly looks away, cheeks burning. They both laugh softly.

Carol leans up to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Steve. Let’s keep in touch.”

“Let’s actually keep in touch,” he agrees, handing her his phone. “Where do you live?”

“Columbus for now, but he’s in Dayton.”

Steve hums. “We’re in Detroit.”

“We’ll do phone calls,” Carol decides, laughing.

Steve chuckles, saves her number. “Plan to meet up-”

“Never actually do-”

“Oh, Carol, it’s been so long-”

They both break off into giggles. “You’re fun,” she decides. “I wish we’d kept in touch.”

“To be fair, we competed for title of bitchiest.”

“To be fair, I don’t think we ever grew out of that,” Carol retorted, and Steve snorts, gently shoving her.

“Alright, go get your man, and send mine over here.”

She gently steps on his shoe as she leaves, impish smile in place, and Steve turns only to run into Nancy and Robin. “Hey, guys,” he smiles.

Nancy gives him a look. “Making nice with Carol?”

Steve shrugs, grins at her. “Turns out we were just kids. Who knew, right?”

Just then, Eddie comes up behind him, wrapping his arms around Steve’s waist and resting his chin on Steve’s shoulder. “What’re we talking about?”

Nancy smiles at him, wraps an arm around Robin’s waist. “Being kids.”

“That so?” He presses a kiss to Steve’s cheek, pushes back to look at him. “You look lighter.”

Steve hums. “‘S cause I love you.”

“Charmer,” Eddie mutters, turning bright red. “C’mon, seriously.”

“Seriously,” Steve agrees. “I was talking with Carol about her and Tommy, and I told her that why we work is because we work at it.”

“Very true.”

From behind them, someone cautiously asks, “Eddie Munson?”

They both turn, and suddenly Eddie’s scooping her up in a hug. “Ronnie! What the hell are you doin’ here, huh?”

She laughs and hugs him back just as hard. “Did you ever know a Jackson Starnes?”

Eddie’s brow furrows for a second, then smooths out. “Oh, Jackie! Yeah, he was cool.”

“Mhm. He’s my husband.”

“No shit? I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks,” she laughs, then nods at everyone else. “Who’s the hunk you were hangin’ off of?”

Eddie chuckles. “Ronnie, meet my husband, Steve.”

She turns an eyebrow on him. “You got married?”

“He proposed,” Steve corrects her, grinning.

“To the preppiest of jocks,” Robin adds.

Eddie laughs. “What can I say? It’s love.” He swoons, placing a hand over his chest, almost pulling Ronnie over with the arm still over her shoulder.

She laughs and dumps him off of her. Steve swoops in before he can fall, hoisting him up with a quick kiss.

“I’m Nancy,” she says, extending her hand to Ronnie. “And this is my wife Robin.”

“Oh!” Eddie says, literally jumping back into the conversation. “Robin and Steve are like how we were.”

“Platonic soulmates,” Steve agrees.

“With a capital P,” Robin emphasizes.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” Ronnie says.

“How’s Wayne?” She asks Eddie.

“Dead.” He snickers at her face. “‘S alright, Ronnie. It’s been years.”

“Still. I can be sorry.”

“You can,” he agrees. “It won’t help anything, but you can.” He digs his phone out of his pockets, opens his contacts app. “Here, lemme get your number, yeah?”

“Fuck yeah,” Ronnie says, “let’s hang out, just lemme know when so I can get a sitter.”

Eddie chokes on nothing. “You have a kid?”

Ronnie grins, a shit-eating thing as she hands his phone back. “Three.”

“Goddamn,” he says, “you got pictures?”

Ronnie rolls her eyes, grabs her phone. “What kind of mom would I be if I didn’t? Here, this is Cassie, Alex, and… that’s Elijah.”

“Oh, man, Alex looks just like Jackie, doesn’t he?”

“I carry him for nine months,” Ronnie bitches good-naturedly. “‘Nough about me, though, how’re you? Corroded Coffin ever take off?”

Eddie snorts. “You hear about the psychopath in ‘86?”

“I remember something about it.”

“Yeah. I got caught in the crossfires, wrongfully blamed, and spent…” he looks at Steve. “A year?”

“Almost.”

He turns back to Ronnie. “Almost a year hiding out. Corroded Coffin was officially disbanded after I was allowed out of hiding.”

“Fuck,” Ronnie says, “there goes my entire foot in my mouth, I guess. What’re you doing now, then?”

He chuckles. “A little bit of everything, honestly. A little music, a little writing, a little D&D. Nothing that’s made me a household name, but enough that I’m kept busy and we’re comfortable.”

Ronnie nods. “And how about you?” She asks Steve.

“Oh, nothing as fun as that,” Steve chuckles. “I’m a therapist.”

Ronnie tilts her head. “Any specialties?”

“C-PTSD, mainly.”

“Damn, I know about eight people who could use someone like you.”

Steve snorts. “That’s usually the way it goes, yeah.”

“Well it was great seeing you, Eddie,” Ronnie says. “And meeting all the rest of you. But I’ve got to find my husband and get back home, so we’ll have to continue this later.”

“Of course,” Steve says. “See you later?”

“Absolutely,” Ronnie nods, then turns and walks off.

They decide to leave not too much later. They’re all tired, so the drive to the hotel is filled with only the sound of the radio, turned almost all the way down.

“Y’know,” Eddie murmurs, tracing the ring on Steve’s finger, “she was my first kiss.”

Steve snorts, an explosive thing that he definitely learned from Robin. “She what?”

“Yup,” Eddie nods. “I knew I liked girls, but she’s the only one I got close enough to to actually know. We got stupid one night and decided to kiss and it basically went how it would if you and Robin were to kiss.”

“Ew,” Steve says on reflex. Eddie snorts.

Robin slaps at him from her seat, then yells when he slaps back, “Don’t distract the driver!”

“Bitch,” he tells her, “you slapped first!”

“You said ew about kissing me!”

“Do you want to kiss me?”

“Hell no!”

“That’s why I said it!”

Eddie leans up to murmur to Nancy, “should we break it up?”

“Eh, give it a minute. Once they resort to cursing their lineages we can break it up.”

He chuckles. “Always the wise one, Wheeler.”

“You’d best believe it,” she nods smugly.

“Nancy!” Robin says. “Baby! Defend me!”

“About kissing Steve? Who I’ve kissed before?”

“Oh, no,” Robin says, horrified. “I’m stuck in the car with the two people who are experts on Steve kissing.”

“Why’d you make it sound like a bad thing?” Steve demands.

And… yeah. Eddie’s glad they got separate hotel rooms.

Based on the look Nancy throws his way when they part, she’s glad, too.

[lineli225]

Tomura Shigaraki 's abuse and neglect under All for One

I've decided to make this post due to the fact AFO's abuse towards Tomura is often ignored and even denied, so I'll be bringing a collection of scenes that prove he was being severally neglected during the 15 years he lived with AFO

1- Malnourishment and Underweight

At the beginning of the story Tomura used to be very skinny, his spine visible, very accentuated collar bones.

We can't see if his ribcages are exposed too since he's always dressed, but we can tell he is abnormally skinny and thin.

Some theorize AFO's purposefully keeps him in this state so he's more weak and frail similar to Yoichi. Or so it adds to his tiredness and numbness.

He's also been shown randomly struggling before (it could've been the aftershock of Stain attack, i don't know)

2- Lack of hygiene

He literally lives in pure filth, trash bags, old soda cans, paper, boxes, packages of food that seems ordered other than homemade, it lingers all over his floor, he is clearly a hoarder

It's completely different of the kept and clean bar, and now before you say "That's Tomura's responsibility, he's an adult he should clean it himself!" just think for a minute, if you had a son, that you see as your heir, and bets on their future so much,If you truly cared about them and saw they felt into a hoarder mindset, wouldn't you at least help?

Why not even Kurogiri cleans if Tomura was being cared by him? This clearly is intentional neglect, specially to keep his mood constantly down.

3 - His teeth

Tomura canonically has crooked teeth (compare his teeth to the other's in the jump festa art), cavities or at least what looks like plaques or dirt all over his teeth.

For someone raised by someone as filthy rich as AFO, he should've had access to dental care

4- Shaggy hair

His hair looks un-brushed, shaggy and dirty, which had no reason for before MVA when he became homeless, so why even at the start? How long has he taken a bath or a shower?

Look at the blatant difference in this scene after he showered at the PLF mansion

5- Unkept, ragged and broken nails

despite his hands also being very skinny, his nails are also all rough and broken Now, I know Tomura isn't a kid to have someone cut his nails for him, but this implies he was never teached how to take care for himself.

Besides of course his clear symptoms of depression and suicidal idealism, which, are very obvious, All for One IS neglecting Tomura by keeping him in that state /knowing/ he isn't being capable of taking care of himself.

6- His bedroom

First of all: No windows

Second, notice how empty it used to be, he had nothing but a bed and a desk, but right as he committed his first murder he started to receive toys, AFO is lovebombing and manipulating him to kill more

7- The obvious neglect to his pain

Notice how every time Tomura panics or is even wounded, he is just ignored and left on the floor bleeding out, puking or writhing.

Which uh- it isn't normal to watch your kid writhe in the floor while smiling and monologuing

8- 24/7 Surveillance and lack of privacy

There are cameras everywhere, AFO spends most of the time watching Tomura, even in his own bedroom, and even talks to him, Tomura probably hasn't had any privacy ever since he was 5

Which is a sign of abuse and control

His entire childhood from 5 to 20 is often relatable for people who grew in cult like environments, and homeschooled children who grew under controlling parents, despite the abuse not being as "obvious" since AFO never directly physically hurt him, the neglect and psychological torture is still there, that and more all the manipulation, gaslighting and grooming (think of Mother Gothel from Tangled as an example of this type of abuser)

By the way, talking about it

9- Gaslighting

"but wasn't /you/ who desired my power?"

The entire body possession plot is a clear evidence AFO never saw Tomura as anything other than a toy to play with, the same way he saw Yoichi, but so many people say the possession was a retcon because "early afo cleared saw him as his heir, he even said it's all for him!"

Well, argue with the literal "he's the next me", while he is.... weirdly caressing the screen while he watches his kid with no privacy- 100% creep behavior

10- AFO's bizzare behavior towards Tomura

The way All for One's hands are often shown caressing him or encasing him somehow, which yeah, it's part of the symbology of Tomura's character (hands that can both hurt and save)

But knowing AFO represents /hurt/ and, you know, i'ts kinda weird to caress the kid you kidnaped off the streets like that-

Cuz yes! Picking kids from the street even if they are orphan is illegal!! You should take them to a police station instead :D

Tomura was KIDNAPED by AFO, not saved.

11- Proof Tomura doesn't /feel/ saved

During his fight against Bakugou, when he sees him being helped, besides being "broken" he starts to spiral on "why no one saved me even before i was broken?"

The visual including the granny that ignored him on the streets

AFO broke him.

He recurrently thinks back to when he was on the streets, even though he was already traumatized, and had already killed his family, he still had /hope/ he ADMITS he believes he could've been different if it wasn't for AFO

If AFO had truly saved him,he wouldn't think like this

12- AFO gifting Tomura the corpses of his family to intentionally keep him nauseated, uncomfortable and traumatized, so he never heals

Besides their weird placements- On a kid. the gangster's hands being in his chest...

13-AFO's intentional desire for Tomura's discomfort

If this entire thread didn't make it obvious already, All for One benefits of Tomura's tiredness, ill feelings, nausea, depression and suicidal mindset, and over all physical and psychological discomfort

This ensures he's submissive to his manipulations and orders, keep him feeling hatred and anger due to constant overwhelming feelings and makes it harder for him to think of why AFO does all of it at all.

I could go even deeper than this about it, but i've reached thread limit and am lazy, so I hope you enjoyed this thread!

Thank you for reading

[imaginaryf1shots]

My Girls (IX) | Max Verstappen

Words count: 1K

Driver!OC x Max Verstappen

Summery: Cecilia Hansson daughter of a Swedish billionaire, a race car driver, with a dream of making it big in Formula 1. However she has a few secrets that may hurt her as women are disliked in the sport.

Series Warnings: google translated french, dutch, cursing, child abandment, absent father, drinking, car accidents, Jos Verstappen, misogyny, Christian horner (tell me if i missed anything)

This is a secondary blog so I won't be able to respond but I'm adding you all to the taglist.

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2022

In French

It's well established that Nathalie LOVES Max, after her mother she loves him the most. Now the girl was old enough to realise that Max came into her life after she was born and that he isn't her dad. As she's been told to call him Max(indirectly), by everyone, even Max. But three years in his relationship with Cecilia and with two years of living together Max became a very important part of her life. Nathalie doesn’t remember life before Max, she got so used to him that when he and Cecilia are away she misses him as much as he misses her mum.

"Maman." The young girl of 6 whispers as her mum sat on her bed reading her a story. Cecilia looked up hearing the timid tone in her daughter’s voice, Nattie showed her usual telltale of being nervous, she was playing/fidgeting with a plushy that Max won for her in an amusement park and she was avoiding eye contact.

"What is it, mon ange?" Cecilia asked and gently brushed Natties hair out of her face.

"Max-Max isn't my dad right?" A few things came into Cecilia’s mind, first Nathalie is speaking in French, which Max knows a bit but it isn't his strongest language, and she certainly wasn't expecting this, she stopped from answering right away thinking it over, she was trying to think where this came from. It's never been a secret that he isn't, biologically at least and she thought that Nattie understood that.

"No he isn't my love, why are you asking?" Cecilia's mind ran a 1000 times an hour thinking everything over. "Did someone say anything?"

"Not really." Nattie shook her head before she pouted and stopped playing/fidgeting with her plushie, her blue eyes meeting her mother's. "Don't dad's drop their kids off at school?"

"Sometimes, they do." Cecilia had no idea where this was going.

"They play with their kids."

"Yes."

"They buy them things."

"Yeah."

"They go swimming?"

"Uh-huh."

"They teach them how to cart and how to do things?"

"Yeah."

"And they cook them breakfast and help them brush their teeth and pick their clothes."

"They do my love, why are you asking all this?"

"Well Max does all this, doesn't that mean he's my dad?" Cecilia's heart broke for her little girl, she grew up in a loving family with both her parents together. She can't imagine what Nattie is feeling, some part of her feels guilty. Should she have talked to her and explained everything that has to do with her bio dad? Nevertheless she's forever glad for Max for filling that part in Natties life. He does treat her like a dad would, he’s so selfless taking her in like his own despite being in his early twenties at the time and just giving her pure unconditional love, his family taking her in as their own.

“Do you want him to be your dad?” Cecilia softly asks and she leans down so she’s able to meet Nathalie’s eyes, Nattie shyly nods, Cecilia smiles reassuringly. Her and Max haven't talked about the possibility of him being Natties dad but he had the question on the tip of his tongue a few times, she could tell each time but didn't want to pressure him into asking, she thought he'd eventually ask her but it looks like her impatient daughter beat him to it first. “Do you want to ask him?”

“Yes.” Nattie whispers, she looks nervous but Cecilia knows that that’s what Nattie has been after all along, she wants her mother to confirm that it’s okay to ask Max to be her dad, that her feelings are correct, she hasn’t been reading into it too much.

“Do you want to ask him now?” Max was in their shared bedroom getting ready for bed last she left him, with one last nod from Nattie, both of them left Nathalie’s bedroom and crossed the hallway to the master bedroom the drivers shared. walking in Max was already in bed, he had his back to the headboard looking at something on his phone with the lights dimmed. Nathalie races to the bed and gets on before she crawls up the bed to where Max is.

“Hey there, schatje, I thought you were going to sleep.” Max asks and opens his arms for the girl who instantly snuggles into his side, after she gets under the covers. “Do you want to stay with Mummy today?”

“No.” Nathalie says with a small smile.

“No?” Max is amused yet a tad bit confused, Nathalie rarely sleeps with Cecilia now, when she was younger she would sleep with them every once and a while but since they moved in together it became less and less now.

“I want to sleep with daddy.” Cheeky, Cecilia thought, Nathalie looked like she would be too scared to ask before they came in the room but look at her now. Max looked at Cecilia with wide eyes, she was standing just in the room, she was grinning at her boyfriend, who looked surprised. Max then turned to look at Nathalie who was nervous.

“What did you call me?” Max had to be sure, he could be too tired, he could have misheard, this could be a mistake, a slip of the tongue.

“Daddy.” She whispered again, Max pulled her on his lap and just hugged her, her face his in his neck as she wrapped her arms around his shoulder.

“You want me to be your dad?” Max asked, his voice wavering, it’s rare to see Max this emotional, but his voice is heavy as he asked Nattie.

“Yeah, can you be my dad… please?” Nattie asked both Max and Cecilia could tell that the girl is tearing up, Cecilia’s own eyes filled with tears as did Max’s.

“Yeah, definitely, if you want me to.” Max pulled back enough to see her face and it was already wet, her blue eyes looking up at him with so much love and innocence, this is a young girl who always wanted a dad and he’s beyond willing to fill that role for her.

“I do.” Nattie dragged the ‘o’ out as she cried, a sob leaving her mouth making Max pull her back in for a hug, Cecilia moved to the bed sitting beside them her hand fell onto Max’s thigh in comfort.

“I love you so much, schatje, it’ll make me the happiest man to be your dad.”

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[callsign-dexter]

Daddy to the Rescue

Request: hi

i was wondering if you could please write about Kelly Severide (chicago fire) having a daughter and maybe while he was at the station she is left with a babysitter but then he has to respond to a call at his house. maybe the reader is stuck so she and kelly are freaking out but he knows he has to stay calm for his daughter and once everyone is safe it is just a bunch of fluff.

totally your choice and maybe the reader is like 5 - 6 ish

Pairings: Kelly Severide x Daughter!Reader

Warnings: angst, fluff, hospitals, buried alive, inaccurate medical talk

Masterlist

A/N: I know you said fluff but if you know me and my fics you know I have to throw in some angst in there. Hope you don't mind.

When you came into Kelly’s life 6 years ago, he was shocked but it was to be expected especially with all the sleeping around he did. You had shown up on his doorstep in your car seat with a note pinned to the diaper bag. He didn't know what to do but when you opened your blue eyes, the ones you got from him, he knew that you were gonna stay and that was it. After first he was apprehensive about telling his team but he needed all the help he could get and the fears he thought he was gonna have of them bashing him and putting him down flew out the window. Afterall Firehouse 51 was a family and family looked out for one another. With him telling them about you means you just got a lot of really cool aunts and uncles and you are going to be really protected.

He was really pissed at your mother for just abandoning you but now you were with him safe and sound. You were the result of a drunken one-night stand, he didn’t even know you existed or that she was pregnant until you just showed up on his doorstep. He despised her and would have some words for her if he ever saw her and he hoped for her sake that he never saw her. 

You loved your dad dearly. When you had met him just when you were a few days old you grew close to him, then again, he was the only parent you had. You depended on him for everything and looked up to him for everything and you felt like you could come to him when something went wrong when you were growing up. You had changed his lifestyle for the good he had stopped drinking until he was blacked out and he stopped bringing random women home. He adored you and you adored him. Nothing could break that bond between you both. Everyone was shocked when they noticed how much his mood had brightened and he wasn’t such a hard ass. Kelly loved showing you off and when you found out his job, he just became your favorite person all over again. He was your hero. 

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

It was a Thursday morning and his alarm started to go off at 7:30 AM signaling him to get up and start getting ready for the day and his shift. Normally he would be getting you up to but since your school had been called off due to the heating and sickness going around you would be staying home. He didn’t have to go into work until 10 AM so he would have a little bit of time with you. 

Kelly took a shower and then got dressed in his uniform and brushed his teeth, next he moved out of his room and down the hall to check in on you. He slowly opened the door and smiled seeing that you were still sound asleep and snoring just slightly. He smiled and shook his head. He went into the kitchen and started some breakfast and coffee and then went and switched over the laundry and started getting ready for his 24 hr shift. He needed to call Kimber Halstead to tell her that he would need her. When he found you on his doorstep, he immediately started to look for a babysitter and when Jay and Will, his good friends, heard about this and met you they immediately got him in touch with their younger sister, who he was also good friends with. You and Kimber hit off and the rest was history and she became your babysitter and she only babysat you. She was going to school so it was the perfect opportunity for some extra cash and you were pretty easy to keep. He pulled out his phone as he pulled down a coffee cup and grabbed the pot and poured some coffee in it. He went to her contact and clicked on it and then the call icon, it rang twice before she answered.

“Kelly! What do I owe the pleasure of this call?” Kimber asked 

“Hello, Kimber. I need you to watch Y/N/N. Her school is closed due to some sickness and the heat is out.” He said and took a sip of his coffee.

“I would love to.” She said “Do you want me to come over now?” She asked 

“Please. I’m gonna have breakfast ready so you can eat here.” He said and he could hear her smile.

“That sounds good. I’ll be over in 5.” She said

“Great. I’ll see you soon.” Kelly said 

“See ya, Kelly.” She said and they hung up the phone. 

He put his phone on the counter and then his coffee cup and headed to your room. He opened the door and saw that you had turned over in your sleep and he walked over and knelt down by your bed. He watched you for a minute and then he was stroking your head. You groaned and but your nose scrunched up, a sign you were waking up. “Y/N/N. Sweetheart. It’s time to get up. Kimber will be here soon.” He said and you groaned but blinked your eyes open and cracked them.

“Daddy?” You asked and he smiled.

“Good morning, Sweetheart.” He said and you smiled and then wrapped your arms around him and he picked you up. He started to walk to the kitchen.

“What about school?” You asked, still confused and you laid your head on his shoulder.

“School is closed due to a heating issue and sickness going around.” He said and you nodded and then he sat you down on a chair. “Kimber will be here soon and breakfast is almost ready.” He said and you nodded. Normally he would be having you getting ready for school but since there wasn’t any, he would let it pass and Kimber would be getting you ready for the day. He had just got done mixing the pancake batter when there was a knock at the door and he knew it was Kimber. “You wanna get that?” He asked you and you smiled, you rarely got to open the door but he knew who it was because it was about that time when she said she was going to be there and the Ring notification he got on his phone. You quickly jumped up and ran to the door “Be careful!” He yelled out and listened to you open the door and let out a screech.

“KIMBER!” You yelled out and he heard a laugh from her.

“Hey, Sweetie.” She said “Your daddy know you answered the door?” She asked and he could just see you nod.

“Yes, he let me!” You said excitedly and she chuckled.

“Well, as long as he said it was ok.” She said and she was walking into the kitchen holding you.

“Hi, Kelly.” She said with a smile and he looked up.

“Hi. Breakfast is almost ready.” He said as he flipped the bacon and the pancake. 

“Y/N/N, you wanna help me get cups and drinks ready?” She said and you nodded wildly and they both laughed. You love helping out when you can. She walked over and got the glasses and handed them to you and they watched you carefully take them over to the table. Kimber got the milk and orange juice out as Kelly took the last of the pancakes and the bacon off and walked them over to the table. Everyone sat down and served themselves. 

“What do you girls have planned today?” Kelly asked and Kimber answered since your mouth was full.

“If it is warm enough, we’ll go play in the backyard and then maybe go out for lunch. Then just play it by ear.” She said and you nodded excitedly. 

“That sounds fun.” He said 

“It is, Daddy!” You said and he smiled. Breakfast was finished quickly and dishes were put in the dishwasher and Kelly had disappeared to grab his duffle and walked out and just stood in the doorway watching you and Kimber have the time of your life in the living room. You were the first one to notice him “Daddy!” You yelled out and quickly ran up to him and jumped into his arms and hugged you tightly. Kimber walked over and then took you from his arms.

“It’s time for daddy to leave. You be good for Kimber and do what she says.” He said and you nodded.

“I promise, Daddy.” You said and he smiled and leaned over to kiss your head and then pulled away and looked at Kimber.

“Don’t hesitate to call if something happens or you need me. If you can’t get ahold of me, you can call Jay and he’ll know how to get ahold of me.” Kelly said and she nodded.

“Don’t worry. I’ll call you if something happens and I also have Will if something medical comes up but I will let you know.” She said and he smiled and nodded. 

“I know you will. I trust you.” He said and then looked back at you. “Daddy loves you.” He said to you and kissed your head again.

“I love you too, Daddy.” You said and he smiled and then grabbed his keys by the front door and was out the door and heading into work.

“Alright, Little One. What do you want to do first?” She asked, looking at you. 

“Blanket fort!” You said excitedly and she laughed.

“You got it!” She said back. She sat you down and the both of you set out to find the materials you needed.

20 minutes later and the fort was ready to be used. Your imagination ran wild and Kimber was all for it. Movies were watched and crafts were made in that fort. During the 5th movie you had fallen asleep snuggled up against Kimber and she pulled out her phone and read through some college stuff she needed to read and every now and then checked in on you. She figured she would let you sleep for an hour and then have you get up and get your teeth brushed and dressed then you would go out for lunch and a walk in the park maybe stop in and see your dad. Then you both would come home and play some in the backyard.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Kelly was exhausted since he had gotten to work. It was nonstop calls; he hadn't even had a break to sit down and check on you and Kimber. Everyone had just gotten back and quickly got the trucks and ambulance done and then they were going to try and have a moment of peace. While everyone was preoccupied, he stepped away and pulled out his phone. He had a few new messages from Kimber and they were pictures of you smiling and goofing around, he smiled and saved them on his phone. One particular one, you were playing with bubbles and she captured the image through the bubble and you were smiling and just being yourself, he set it as his background on his phone when he unlocked it.

He was about to call and ask how you two were doing when he heard a familiar voice “Sylvie!” You yelled out and he smiled.

“Hey, Y/N. Looking for your dad?” She asked 

“Uh huh.” You said and he walked out into the garage and when you spotted him you ran straight to him and jumped into his arms. “Daddy!” You shouted and he laughed and hugged you gently but tightly back. 

“Hey, Sweetheart. I'm surprised to see you.” He said and you just hugged him tighter and everyone smiled glad to see him happy but continued on with working so you could have some time with him.

“She really wanted to see her daddy and I told her we could. It was on the way home from lunch and the park.” Kimber said he smiled and nodded and then sat you down.

“Did you have fun?” He asked

“Yes! We saw a bunch of dogs at the park and most of them were friendly and I got to pet them.” You said with so much brightness in your eyes. He smiled loving that look.

“That sounds like fun. Did you ask permission first?” He asked and you nodded.

“Of course, Daddy.” You said and he smiled. You and Kimber stayed there for a few minutes until it was time to go home and start getting your school work done. “Bye, Daddy. I love you.” You said and he smiled. He hugged and kissed the side of your head.

“I love you too. Be safe.” He said and you nodded and then he and Kimber said their goodbyes and he watched you walk out of the station almost skipping and he could tell you were laughing and smiling and that made him smile. 

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

You made it back home safely and Kimber let you dad know. She put her phone away and then turned to you “Ok, I want you to do your homework and then we can go outside and play.” She said in a serious tone and you nodded.

“Ok.” You said and then you went and got your backpack and started your work. While you were working, she was working on some of her college work, every now and then you would ask her for help and she helped you. You got what you needed done quickly and then you both were heading outside. Kimber had brought her school work outside so she could work and watch you at the same time. 

Every now and then you would come over and ask her to play and she did and then when you were done, she went back to work. Sometimes she would look up and smile at you having fun. “Y/N, come inside with me to get something to drink.” She said and you looked up from your position in the sand box and got up and headed inside with her. “Do you want a snack?” She asked and you nodded your head.

“Do we have any grapes and apples?” You asked and she smiled and nodded.

“Why yes, we do! I want you to drink something you’ve been running around a lot, don't want you dehydrated.” She said and you nodded and drank some water and ate something and then she brought the rest out with you both. You resumed your position back into the sandbox not seeing that it had sunken in. You were too busy playing to notice that you were starting to sink into the ground. You continued on playing and then you felt a huge drop and that freaked you out.

“Kimber.” You said scared and she looked up and her eyes bugged out.

“Hold on, Sweetie. I’m coming.” She said and hurried over as the chair tipped backwards. 

“I’m scared. I want daddy.” You said beginning to panic.

“It’s ok Y/N/N. We’re going to get you out.” She said and she motioned you to grab her hands and you did but when she began to pull you yelped out in pain and she stopped and you slipped in further and that made you panic and panicking only made you sink deeper. “Don’t panic. It’ll only make it worse. I’m gonna call 911. Ok?” She asked and you nodded your head.

“911 what’s your emergency?” The 911 operator asked.

“Hi, my name is Kimber Halstead and I’m babysitting Y/N Severide at 251 Spiral Lane and she is stuck in a sandbox.” Kimber said

“How old is Y/N?” They asked

“She’s 6. I tried to pull her out but she just sank further down. She then began panicking and sank further.” She said 

“It sounds like she is in a sinkhole. Keep her calm and don’t make her panic, it’ll just make her sink further.” They said

“Kimber, I can’t breathe.” You said 

“Did she just say she can’t breathe?” They asked

“Yes.” Kimber said

“Ok, keep her calm and I have dispatched the nearest first responders.” They said

“Thank you.” Kimber said and turned to look at you.

“Did you hear that? Daddy is coming to the rescue.” Kimber said, trying to keep you calm.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Kelly, Otis, Stella, Sylvie, Gabby, and Herrmann had all sat down to relax and watch some TV and grab something to eat when the bell went off and they groaned but then Kelly turned rigid.

“Engine 51, Truck 81, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 61.  6 year old female stuck in a sinkhole, having trouble breathing. Location 251 Spiral Lane.” 

Everyone looked over at Kelly and they instantly knew who it was and they were quick to grab their gear and get into their vehicles and rush over there. Kelly was silent as he got in “Kelly.” Joe began but Kelly wasn’t hearing him; he was worried about his child.

“She’s going to be ok. We’re 2 minutes out.” Capp said but that didn’t make him feel any better. 

True to Capp’s word they arrived at Kelly’s house and he was the first one out. Everyone quickly got their stuff and they followed him through the back gate knowing this path all too well. He left the gate wide open and when he saw you, he wanted to grab you and pull you out and hold you but he needed to stay calm for you. He was quick to come over and when you saw him you cried out to him. “Daddy!” You yelled out and you struggled to reach him but you sank further.

“No, Baby. It’s ok. I’m here.” He said and knelt down and took in his surroundings. He looked at Kimber “What happened?” He asked.

“She was perfectly fine playing in it earlier and then I had her come in and eat and drink something. Then we came back out and she resumed her playing and then she said my name and I looked up from doing some school work and she was sinking.” She said and he nodded, he wasn't mad.

“Daddy, I can’t breathe.” You said and he turned his attention back to you and then to Gabby who was bringing over oxygen. 

“Gabby is going to be something over your nose and mouth to help.” He said and you nodded and looked at Gabby and she smiled.

“Hi, Y/N/N.” She said 

“Hi.” You wheezed out. 

“I’m just gonna put this over your nose and mouth.” She said and you nodded and she did so and air rushed into you.

“Ok, Severide hold her up and watch her. Capp and Cruz start digging. Gabby and Sylvie monitor her vitals. Everyone else start helping out.” Boden said and everyone nodded and got to work. As they were working something happened and you started to slip in further.

“Daddy?” You wheezed out and he soothed you.

“It’s ok, Sweetheart. You’ll be out soon.” He said and you nodded but you started to become light headed.

“I don’t feel good.” You said and then about that time your eyes rolled into the back of your head and you passed out. 

“Woah. Ok. Can we go faster?” Sylvie asked and everyone started working faster. 16 minutes later they got you out and onto the stretcher and quickly loaded into the Ambulance as Kelly and Kimber followed. 

“Kelly, I’m so sorry.” Kimber said and he shook his head.

“No need to apologize. Accidents happen.” He said and she nodded, still feeling guilty. 

“I’m going to meet you up there.” She said and he nodded and then got into the back of the ambulance and nobody argued because you were his kid. They were quick to get going to Med. Kelly heard Sylvie and Gabby talking but he tuned them out and wasn’t listening to him too concerned about you. 

They made it to Med in no time and they were quick to get you out and into the ER. Will was the one that was going to be taking care of you. “How long has she been out?” He asked.

“Around 20 minutes now.” Kelly answered and he nodded and helped transfer you to a bed. Will started trying to arouse you but nothing was working. He took a listen to you and heard some crackling in your lungs and grew concerned.

“I want to admit it. Get her some x-rays and get a line started on her.” Will said and Kelly nodded and that is what they did. With you being unconscious and that concerned everyone. X-rays were taken and it turned out that you had broken some ribs from being stuck in the sand and that caused enough pressure to crack some ribs. When they moved you into the room Will looked over at Kelly “I want to monitor until she wakes up and if she does let me know.” He said an IV line had already been started. Will left the room and that just left Kelly alone with you. He sat there looking at you and then he looked down at his phone and saw his lock screen, it was you and him, he was holding you and you had been looking back over his shoulder smiling at the camera when you were 4 and Stella had taken the picture, she smiled at it. He texted everyone an update and they had come in and saw him but they needed back to work. Kimber came and stayed the longest but Kelly sent her home and promised her an update and because she was so shaken up that she needed rest. Will was in and out checking on you but nothing had changed. 

It was beginning into the night and he had drifted off to sleep still in uniform. He may have been asleep for about 20 minutes until he heard rustling around and he slowly woke to find you awake and groaning in pain. “Daddy?” You asked groggily and he was quick to get up.

“Sweetheart.” He said and leaned over you “I’m gonna get Will. Ok?” He asked and you nodded and he did just that and Will had come in. 

“Hey there, Mini Kelly.” He said and that made everyone smile. Usually, Will was the only one to call you that. “How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Hurts to breathe.” You said and he nodded.

“That’s understandable. You broke some ribs.” He said and you nodded and then turned to address you and your father “I want to keep her overnight just for observation since she was unconscious.” He said and Kelly nodded. You tuned them out since they were using words you didn’t understand and then Will was smiling at you “I’ll see you later on.” He said and you smiled at him.

“Bye, Uncle Will.” You said and he chuckled and left. “Daddy?” You asked and he looked at you.

“Hmmm?” He asked

“Do we have to get rid of the sandbox?” You asked and he smiled sadly.

“Yea we do, Sweetheart.” He said and you nodded.

“Ok. Love you.” You said and he smiled and then you yawned.

“I love you too. Get some sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.” He said as he leaned over and kissed your forehead and you fell back to sleep. He stayed up for the rest of the night and updated everyone. He vowed to himself that the next day he had off he was going to take out that sandbox and fill that hole. He was going to protect you no matter what. Afterall you were his daughter, his life, and his pride of joy. 

You were just glad that your daddy came to your rescue.

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[judeisbae]

Could you write about Jude and reader being parents and their daughter is about 6 years old and just their whole dynamic as a family like they’d always be joking around and your daughter definitely inherited her cheekiness from Jude.

Yes ofc this is so cute

Smut did win on the poll i posted for the genre of todays fic so I will have a smut posted by later. this request is just super cute so I wanted to write it too ❤️

Just us.

Summary: In a day with Jude, his wife, and their beautiful daughter. Genre: Fluff Warnings: some cursing

Waking up in the morning was the part of the day you by far enjoyed the most. The peace in the atmosphere, Jude sprawled across the bed with his arm thrown over your stomach, his loud snores preventing you from drifting back into your slumber, you didn't mind though, a push on your bedroom door drawing you out of your daydream. Your daughter, entering your room with a quiet "hi mommy" and a yawn, a smile drew onto your face at your daughters actions. With small steps, she made her way over to your side of the bed waiting for you to lift her up into the bed so she could burrow herself in the warmth of you and Jude, it was routine for her.

Lifting her, you place a light kiss on her temple, placing her in between you and Jude. "Daddy" she whispered repeatedly as she leaned down over his face, Jude, still deep in sleep, didn't budge, "try tapping him" you said to her in an attempt to help her wake her father. Placing two of her small hands on either side of his face she lowered her face down to his, widening her eyes, whispering a dragged out "daddy". You couldn't help but laugh at her antics. Though it seemed to be effective, as he began to smile with his eyes still half shut. "Morning princess" Jude said with a low laugh, "morning my love" he said reaching out an arm in your direction, and turning his head to face you. You held his hand and pressed a quick kiss to his knuckles.

"Mommy said you guys are gonna make me waffles for breakfast". your daughter said to Jude, "I did?" you asked with a confused expression, laughing simultaneously. "uh huh" your daughter mumbled with a nod of her head, Jude letting out a laugh knowing you most likely didn't say any such thing about waffles and that was just his daughter being sly. "go brush your teeth little girl" you said, sending her off. "Guess we gotta go make waffles huh babe?" Jude said turning to you with a smile. "I guess so"

After the two of you brush your teeth, you begin heading down the stairs together, surprised to find your daughter already downstairs playing with a toy kitchen set she had received as a birthday gift not too long ago. The two of you head into the kitchen and begin preparing the waffles you two had been tasked with making by a six year old. Throughout the process, you and Jude are giggling and sneaking kisses like two teenagers the morning after their first sleepover. When the waffles are finished, you call your daughter into the kitchen and tell her to take a seat at the counter, helping her onto the chair of course. As you all get settled and begin to eat your daughter accidentally drops a piece of the waffle you had cut into squares for her. "shit" she said under her breath, causing Jude to burst out into a fit of laughter, earning him a light slap on the back of his head. "its not funny Jude" you said giving him a glare from the corner of your eye. "Honey you can't say those words its not appropriate" you told your daughter, knowing exactly who she learned it from (Jude of course) "yeah ur moms right sweetheart" Jude said, still trying to refrain from going into another fit of laughter.

So sorry this is kinda short but I do have to get started on the smut for today and I have a busy day aside from that, I hope you enjoyed this thoo ❤️

[f10werfae]

Smokin’ Hot Husband

pairing: Dad!Husband!Ransom Drysdale x Pregnant!Wife!Reader

summary: Y/n catches her eldest son smoking, and with her being very emotional, it’s up to Ransom to save the day (Protective Ransom‼️) (requested by anon)

likes, comments and reblogs are appreciated♥️

Chris Masterlist, Full Masterlist, Taglist Form

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“How ya feelin today treasure?” Ransom cooed hugging onto his wife from behind, watching as she skilfully gathered all her ingredients for her famous stir fry, one that she was desperately craving. His large hands travelled down to her 6 month bump, his hands smoothing over it gently as she leant back into his chest.

“I’m feeling fine babe, jus a bit hungry but that’s all baby boo’s fault” Y/n laughed, using their newfound nickname for their next baby, their third one and hopefully a girl. Their eldest was Mark who was 15, then there was Reign who was 8, brothers who definitely got their father’s wit and sly personality whilst also having the loving nature of their mother. The perfect combo to Y/n and Ransom Drysdale

“Where are the other two little shits?” Ransom joked kissing her neck softly, swaying both of their bodies side to side as she finished up her cooking, a proud wide smile on her face. “Ransom! If you must know Reign is upstairs writing for his new fantasy book, and Mark I think is out the backyard? Here i’ll get Mark while you get Reign okay?” Y/n beamed turning around and kissing Ransom fully on the lips, a loud smack echoing through the kitchen, her pregnancy glow making her absolutely radiant in Ransom’s eyes. God how lucky was he?

“Yes ma’am” He smirked watching her walk away, not without his hand slapping harshly onto her ass, even after all these years he still found her irresistible. After getting married quite young, even when he was cut from his grandfather’s inheritance, he built a name for himself with Y/n by his side. His rock.

Ransom walked back down the stairs with assurance that Reign would be down in ten minutes, his brows furrowing when he suddenly saw his wife rush in through the backdoor, her face flushed with tears streaming down them uncontrollably. “Baby? Treasure what’s wrong? Tell me now” Ransom rushed out skipping the last few steps, storming to his wife’s side, she was absolutely inconsolable. Partly due to the hormones but clearly something bad had happened,

“I-it’s Mark, Ran” She hiccuped the palm of her hand on her forehead, the other holding onto her waist to ease the back pain. “What’s happened with Mark? Breathe with me baby, follow me” Within seconds Y/n had started to follow the pattern of her husband’s breaths, letting her calm down just that tiny bit more.

“Ran, he’s smoking! Actual cigarettes too, doesn’t he know how dangerous they are? Did I do something wrong? That’s my baby boy” Y/n cried out, her chin wobbling as sobs threatened every time she spoke. Remembering how just seconds prior, she walked out to see her first born puffing away on a cigarette, one thing she had always asked them not to do.

“shh treasure, you go upstairs and i’ll call you down for dinner, i’ll talk to Mark” Ransom said through gritted teeth, if there was one thing he hated, it was seeing his woman cry. The fact that it was his own son? Oh that just made it so much worse.

After making sure she got upstairs alright, Ransom stormed out to the back porch, seeing his 15 year old sat on the swinging chair looking guilty and glum; clearly anticipating his father’s arrival. Now Ransom wasn’t a scary parent, but he was protective and strict, step out of line and he’d be sure to put you back.

“C’mere Markie, now please” Ransom grumbled rubbing his creased forehead with his fingers, watching his son slowly shuffle towards him with his head down. “Where the fahk did you get these son? You know what these can do to you right? I can’t believe you’d do this, you’re barely 16!” He said raising his voice by a little, but not shouting, that’s not how he did things.

“T-they’re my friends Dad, I just thought it’d look cool-“

“Cool if what? You end up sick cause of your lungs and your poor mother and I have to come save you? I thought we told you the consequences of smoking, you know what it done to your mother’s family. I’m so disappointed, you’ve upset your ma and you know she gets emotional now that she’s nearly in her last term”

“I know, i’m sorry, didn’t mean to upset Ma. I just wanted to fit in a bit more”

“Not good enough son, not good enough at all. What are you sorry for?” Ransom asked bending down to his height, his lips held tightly into a line. “I’m sorry for disrespecting both you and Ma, and for putting myself in danger”

“and?”

“I promise not to do it again” Mark said holding his hands behind his back, his father’s old cream sweater hugging his body like a blanket. “Like hell you won’t, now go on and apologise to your mother” Ransom grunted pulling the red faced boy into his arms, kissing him gently on the head before pushing him inside. Not without throwing the cigarettes into their outside campfire.

Slowly following behind Mark, Ransom smiled as he saw Y/n pull their first born into her arms, kissing his face repeatedly as she continuously told him off softly “Don’t scare me like that again, ya hear me?” “Please don’t ruin your body like that baby, took me 9 whole months to make it”

“I’m sorry ma, I really am, please forgive me” Mark said now tearing up, fiddling with the bottom of his mom’s sweater, feeling her fingers wipe away his tears. “You’re my baby, I could never be that angry at you, you just scared me honey” Y/n whispered kissing him on the forehead one last time, then whispering that he and his brother could both go down for dinner first.

Ruffling his brown hair as he walked past, Ransom walked into their shared bedroom, his wife’s arms instantly reaching up for him cutely. “You handled that so well hubs, definitely better than I did” She laughed with tears in her eyes, standing up to fully hug him, his chin resting atop her head as his arms engulfed her tightly. Her strong coconut scent filling his nostrils as she lifted her head to look up at him, placing a kiss onto his chin affectionately.

“Well, we raised them well, s’jus our job to make sure they learn from their mistakes. I’m just glad they got your emotional vulnerability, and I hope our little butterfly does too” Ransom spoke softly, his fingers brushing against her growing stomach, feeling the tiny butterfly-like flutters hitting against his hand. His hopefully, baby girl, kicking against his hand.

“Oh she’ll be just like her daddy, I can feel it” Y/n smirked kissing his lips gently, her lips basically ghosting over his to tease him, giggling when she felt his hand push her into the kiss. Their kiss only being interrupted when they heard their two boys call for them downstairs, their little Drysdale troublemakers.

———

Taglist Tags (Form is up there^^): @pandaxnienke @patzammit @thereisa8ella @mrspeacem1nusone @evanstanwhore @itsaylayay1213 @kimhtoo17 @chrisevansdaughter @vrittivsanghavi @dumb-fawkin-bitch @tojisbabymomma @bxdbxtxh15 @madebylilly @tinyelfperson @fdl305 @inlovewiththefictionalcharacters @royalwriteroftheuniverse @chrisevansangel @mysticfalls01 @mdpplgtz03 @mirikusashes @marvelgurl @cevansgurl @xoxokiaraaxoxo @caps-shield1918 @uwiuwi @stormcloudss @adoreyouusugar @imboredat2am @meetmeatyourworst @roofwitty779 @feltonswifesworld87 @ravenhood2792 @mansaaay @girl-of-multi-fandoms @misshale21 @hallecarey1 @alexxavicry @bookfrog242 @alina02 @nikkitc0703 @mischiefsemimanaged @oliviah-25 @s-void @bval-1 @aerangi @bluebellsn @lastwandastan @angelmather1 @diyabhanushali1 @stuckysgirl27 @wintasssoldier @daddymack01 @hatsparkle @spencerreidat4am @keiva1000 @acornacre @minaxcarter @thebaileybugle

[we-out-here-simping]

Wasting Time.

(s.h. x gn!reader)

summary: given everything happening in Hawkins, Steve ends up pushing you away too far.

word count: 6k+

warnings/tags: no pronouns used (gender neutral reader); no y/n used; sad; i dont plan on writing a part two to this; s4 stuff; insecure reader; death; loss; injuries; mention of steve's parents; ollie is the real mvp in this tbh; unresolved? yay;

a/n: based off of Lizzy McAlpine’s song, “..what are we?” This was meant to be below 2k. I fought it to keep it below 2k. I lost, immensely and pathetically so. but that's okay.

as for my other stuff, I truly don't know when I'll post it. I've got pretty important things I have going on in life and i really need to do well in a life altering test next year so everything else is on the back burner rn. sorry to those who are really looking forward the next parts but don't u worry I will post them ;)

my masterlist

You shouldn't be at the store alone. 

Considering the recent murders in Hawkins. You really, truly shouldn't be alone. 

It isn't like you wanted to be. But the owner of the store you worked at did not necessarily give two shits about you. Refusing to pay you if you didn't show up for a few days. So, it isn't like you had much of a choice.

You sat on the rickety old swivel chair, that your asshole boss wouldn't change. The news was playing non-stop in the background– never in your entire life have you had the news channel on for so long.

The new chief of police was being interviewed by the reporters, telling the viewers to stay calm and assuring that they had it all under control. It didn't help to ease your mind. 

You were not calm. Not one bit.

With each movement you made, the rusty metal of the chair groaned underneath you. 

You were thinking of calling him again.

You rotated a little. The chair screeched again. 

Why hadn't he even bothered to call you back yet?

Your leg bounced. The metal creaked.

Frustrated, you abandon the stupid chair with a pathetic scoff. Opting to just sit on the counter, facing away from the door. You gripped the edge of the surface, teeth gnawing at your lips as you looked at his jacket draped atop the chair you were occupying just seconds ago. His jacket.

What if he didn't want you to call him? Your grip tightened. 

You haven't heard from your boyfriend since thursday. 

You both had planned to go out on friday— the boy hadn't exactly told you where he had planned for you two to go. He had instead told you to, “Wear something cute like you always do. Bring Ollie with you if y’wanna and I'll pick you up from yours at 5?”

You had bought a new outfit, a couple weeks prior. you had put all your last month's salary into it. Your favourite colour.

You did your hair, a little bit of your face as well. Looking in the mirror, you had looked….. nice.

Something about that realisation had conjured up a lump in your throat. It was rare that you considered yourself good looking. Which is probably why you barely ever dressed up. But at that moment, as you looked in the mirror, a smile grew on your face, one that couldn't be contained. 

You couldn't wait for Steve to see you. 

You were ready before the clock even hit 4:35.

You waited. No sign of him. 

When the clock hit 5:15, you went out onto your driveway, your dog, Ollie following behind you. You waited, pacing the concrete.

6:05, you were sitting on the stairs infront of the door, your dog's head on your lap. You waited.

6:45, your shoulders were slumped, your own head rested on your knees. Ollie napping beside you. You waited.

7:27, it was dark, Ollie whined to go back in. your eyes stung a little. But you scratched him behind his ears and decided to wait out just a little more. 

When the clock hit 8:00, you finally got up, dusting the dirt and dust off your brand new clothes. Blinking back the salty tears, you quietly went back to your room after giving your dog his food and water. You changed into your ugly PJs, not bothering with anything else, as you buried yourself in your blankets. 

Soon, you heard scratching on your bedroom door, your dog waiting to be let in. 

You smiled with a sniffle, letting him jump onto the mattress with you despite your mom’s strict rule to not let the dog onto beds, sofas or carpets. the dog whined a little before laying next to you. 

Ollie loved Steve. They had not exactly started on the right foot when Ollie almost bit the boy when you had tried sneaking him in one night. But after some time, they both warmed up to each other– to the point where it became common for Ollie to tag along with you and Steve on dates. 

“I'm sorry bud”, you stroked the fur on his head, "i know how much you like hanging out with him." He whined again, warm tongue licking your fingers. 

You knew he didn't really understand, a dog couldn't understand insecurities and the utter disdain of being stood up by someone you loved. Yet here he was, sharing your sorrows and wordlessly warming up your blues. Not there because he empathised with you or pitied you but there because he loved you.

The next morning when you woke up, you went immediately to your bathroom, to try and clean the mess that you hadn't the previous night. 

Your eyes were red and puffy. You did look like someone who cried themself to sleep. You tried to scrub it all off, not even bothering with being gentle with your poor skin.

You didn't feel pretty when you looked in the mirror now. You felt pathetic. 

“Honey!” your mom shouted from the kitchen, downstairs.

“Yeah, coming”, you shouted back as loudly as you could– which wasn't very loud at all.

As you climbed down, you were met with Ollie, tail wagging, nails clicking against the floor. 

“Would just not take the breakfast from me”, your brother commented, handing you the dog bowl that was filled with Ollie’s food, “What a dramatic son of a bitch.... literally”

The dramatic son of a bitch in question, looked up at the two of you with big round eyes, tongue out, drool spilling out on the floor. You held up a finger, the dog immediately sat down– wagging tail sweeping the floor behind him. You finally put the bowl down and told the dog to dig in.

“Did you make him sleep in the bed again?” your mother spoke from behind her magazine.

“Why would I do that?” you lied as you refilled his water bowl.

“Because when I came to call you for dinner last night, he was sleeping on your bed, with you.”

“Oh”, a sheepish expression over your face, “I'll clean the bedsheets, okay?” 

“and why did you skip dinner–”

Your mother thankfully got interrupted by the loud sound of the front door opening, followed by quick footsteps. “Did you check the news?”, your dad panted, he moved towards the tv in the living room, not bothering to take off his running shoes. 

“No, dad. It's only you who is boring enough to watch the news”, your brother’s joke landed flat.

“What happened?”, your mother asked, brows furrowed. 

“A Hawkins student was found dead.”

The bell above the door rang, you turned to look at the customer and you felt as if your heart had hit a rib.

There was Steve Harrington, bursting in through the doors, wearing clothes you'd never seen him in before.

He wasn't alone. The boy was accompanied by Dustin Henderson, Max Mayfield, Lucas and Erica Sinclair, Robin Buckley, and Nancy Wheeler. Most of them looked to be covered in dust, grime and worse.

They, without looking in your direction, broke into groups of two, one led by the older girls and the other by Steve, moving frantically through the aisles to get what they needed. It must have been an emergency. Considering all the recent happenings, it might be. 

After a few minutes, the group led by Nancy and Robin stood infront of the counter and you started billing everything. A couple minutes later, the group led by Steve joined them as well. It is when they are pouring the stuff onto the counter when Steve finally notices that it's you. 

His movements stuttered a little as if he'd just remembered that you worked here and he opened his mouth to say something but closed it before anything could come out.

The silence was awkward and deafening– the others definitely noticed. The only sound that came was the beeps of the scanner. You wondered if Steve had told them about the both of you. 

When you moved to put everything in a bag, Steve stepped a little closer to help with putting all the stuff into the grocery bags, it is then that you noticed the boy's skin.

The skin which you knew to be soft to the touch was covered in dirt. Slashes and cuts wound around his neck, a piece of dirty cloth peeking from under the hem of his camo shirt. Blood. 

You didn't realise you were frozen stuck until you heard him clearing his throat. 

You realised that that the boy had already paid the total, the crumbled up cash placed on the counter. The rustling of the grocery bags alerted you that were moving to leave.

“S– Steve?” your voice came out an unsure whisper.

They all stopped. He looked over his shoulder, then back to his friends, “You guys go on”, he said to them, handing the two bags he was holding to Lucas and Dustin, “ I'll be out in a minute” They silently nodded before leaving to get into a van.

You spoke up when the bell above the door rang on the door closing, “Wh– what is happening?” 

He stood across from you, on the other side of the counter, not making any efforts to come closer as he normally would– maybe hoping that you wouldn't see the wounds that you had already seen. “Nothing”, he cleared his hoarse throat,  “I'm– I'm sorry for friday–”

Sorry? Is that all you get?

“You're covered in blood and dirt”, you pointed out.

“Trust me it just looks worse than it actually is”, he let out a dry chuckle.

“Whose van is that?” your vision flickered to the winnebago parked infront of the store.

“A friend’s.”

“Which one?”

“Munson.”

“Munson? Like Eddie munson? Have you heard the news?--”

“Yeah I have”, his words came out quick, “and it isn't him.”

“How are you so sure?” your eyebrows drew together.

“I just.. “, he paused, “I just am.”

“And how did you get those? '', you said, nodding to his wounded neck. You wanted to touch him, to hold him, but there was still a counter between the two of you, and closing that distance felt.. wrong like you weren't supposed to do it.

“I got in a fight.”

“With what, a barbed wire?” it came out snappier than you had intended. You really tried to not hold his face in your palm.

“No”, his tone grew more frustrated with every question you asked.

“Then who?”

“No, why do you–”

“Cuz I'm– I'm worried about you Steve.” you interrupted to continue your rambling, “You could get like– tetanus or shit–”

“Hey, hey”, for a second you thought he was going to hold your face like you wanted to do to him, instead he placed his palm on your shoulder, “I’m fine, okay? I don't want you to be worried about me.”

“How the hell am I supposed to do that?” you whispered. “I just want you to tell me what's happening.” his hands fell back to his sides. “Just let me in”

“Nothings–”

“No! Something is happening”, you interjected, angry, worried, “Okay? I know. I know you don't always tell me everything. And that's fine, y'know– I thought you’d tell me when you felt like telling me but don't–” you take a quick breath, slowing down your quick words,  “Don't– do you not trust me enough to tell me?”

“I do. But there isn't anything to tell you”, he tried his best to shrug while trying not to pull on the scabbing of his bloody torso– he held back a wince, “Nothings happening.”

There’s a beat.

You can tell he’s lying.

“Why didn't you show up on friday then?” you barely give him a couple seconds to answer before continuing, “God, when I heard someone had died that night, I– “ you stopped before he could hear the quiver of your voice, you gulped. “I called you fifteen times”

“I was at work”

“I went there the next morning to check– it was only Keith there. Told me you'd left already." He opened his mouth before closing it up again.

“Why are you lying to me?”

“And what is Nancy doing with you–” you hated that you were jealous, you never wanted to be that person. Hell, you and Nancy were almost friends in high school. But you couldn't lie and say that it didn't hurt to see them together right after he had bailed on you.

“Well if you noticed, it isn't just me and her, y’know. No need to be jealous–”

“Yeah, I will be jealous, okay? I will be jealous if you start hanging out with your ex and start ditching our dates–”

“I didn't ditch you–”

“I waited for three hours steve. You didn't even call me after or give me heads up. And you already know about everything that's happening in town, so I'm sorry I was worried shitless and you didn't even pick up my calls. And now you're with all these people– which is fine– they’re your friends but your ex is a part of these people. And you're bleeding and definitely wounded, and you won't tell me anything.”

“I will tell you okay, I just–”

“So, not now?”

“I'm running a little late–”

“To what?”

“I'll tell you later okay?”

“When?”

“Just later! Okay? I need to go and you're wasting my–”he stopped himself, seemingly having dug himself a hole. He quickly tried to correct himself, “I need to–”

Your heart had surely stopped, “What did you just say? I'm wasting your time?” tears pricked your eyes, “Is that what this is? A waste of time? Is that what the last eight months have been for you?”

“You know I didn't mean it like that”

“Then what did you mean?”

“I didn't– I ….”, he trailed off. The horn beeped and you heard a muffled shout for Steve's name in Dustin's voice.

You sniffled, “are you gonna get those taken care of at the hospital?” you referred to his wounds, your voice was suddenly so much quieter. 

“....yeah”, he said after a moment– lying.

You nodded. “You still need to clean it up and”, you picked up rubbing alcohol, a painkiller bottle from the shelf behind you and some bandages, “bandage it.. ‘til you go to the hospital.” you tossed them over to him. 

The horn of the winnebago blared. Steve looked back at the door, he reached for his wallet but you stopped him, “you don't need to. It's fine.” Steve heard you sniffle again. 

“Baby–”

“For the record… it wasn't a waste of time for me", your voice cracked, “But I'm really sorry if I wasted your time.”

He stepped closer, shaking his head a little but you weren't looking up, eyes trained on the grain of the wooden counter, trying your darndest to not let the tears fall.

“You should go now.”

“honey–” the horn blared.

“Just go, Steve.”

You only dared to look up when you heard the bell above the door ring. Your vision was blurry as you watched the vehicle drive away. 

Honestly, you get it. you understand. 

You understand if the guy you loved wasn't willing to let you in. And despite how much it hurt, you couldn't keep him to yourself. You weren''t sure what this entire thing meant. Did you just indirectly say that it was over? Did you want it to be over? Were you willing to let it be over? To let him go? 

“C’mon”, he stood at your door with expectant eyes. 

You scoffed before looking back at the clock— your parents werent coming home until another half an hour, “alright fine”, you gave in.

After you put your shoes on, you reached for the door handle to shut the door behind you but there was Ollie standing right on the threshold, tail wagging. The dog gave a soft ruff, looking up at you with expectant eyes. 

“Please don't bring him along too.”

You smirked, “Ollie you wanna come for a walk?”, the boy beside you groaned playfully.

The dog barked happily before spinning around in circles. His nails clicked against the floor as he sprinted to where his leash and jacket were kept. “Alright, bud”, you moved to put Ollie's jacket on him and hooked the leash onto his collar.

The dog walked infront of the two of you. The sun had set and the three of you were walking under the warm yellow pavement lit up by the streetlights. Ollie would stop every now and then to sniff at a bush, tree trunk or lamp post. 

“When will he stop third wheeling us?” Steve finally spoke up beside you.

“Never.”

“This was supposed to be a romantic walk in the snow and now he’s pooping and pissing all over the winter wonderland– wont be a white christmas anymore”

“Oh, shut up. You love him, I know it”

“Yeah, whatever”, he shook his head with a smile.

“By the way, to what do I owe the pleasure of a romantic walk?”

“Wha– ? babe, You say as if I'm not romantic”

“No, you are. But I thought you were going to that christmas party with your parents.”

“Yeah that was until my dad started being an asshole after too much egg nog. So, I booked it”, he shrugged nonchalantly.

“Oh, I’m sorry Steve”

“Eh, it's okay– Jesus Christ, Ollie, how much territory are you gonna mark, boy?’

“Steve..”, your fingers reached for his palm. You both stopped, he looked down at where your hands were intertwined before giving it a squeeze.

“I'm okay. Okay?”

You look at him for a bit. Despite wanting to, you dont push further. You squeezed his hand back, “okay.” his shoulders relaxed. 

You started walking again, pulling yourself further into the boy's side, resting your cheek on his shoulder. It dawned on you then that you had forgotten to wear any jacket or sweater and now you were freezing.

“I’m cold”, you whined through your smushed cheek, the boy chuckled.

“Of course you are. You don't wear one, but make sure the dog’s wearing a jacket– great priorities babe”

“Well, I have you, don't I?” you said, giving him your biggest puppy eyes and the most over-exaggerated frown.

“Yeah, “ he sighs, handing you the leash he was holding, “you do.” He took off his jacket he was wearing over his his fuzzy sweater and helped you put it on. “Better?” he gestured towards the leash to take it back.

You returned it and nodded with a proud grin, “you've fallen under my trap”

“Yeah? what trap?” he muses while smoothing down the crinkles in his thick sweater.

“This…..”, you smirked, “is mine now”, you declared, pulling the material tighter around you. 

“Oh, no! The jacket stealing trap! What will I ever do?” he brought his to both his cheeks, shaking his head in pretence worry. You laughed.

“Y’know…”, he started– the corners of his mouth curling up, “I would give you all my jackets if you…… Kiss me?”

“Oh, yeah? That depends…”, you crossed your arms,  “How many jackets do you have?”

“Oh, so many– like a million” he shrugged. Both your steps slowed down to a halt. “Billions….. gazillions”

“Wow, babe, that's a lot of kisses”, you moved in a little closer to him.

The leash in Steve's hand tugs accompanied by Ollie whining, the dog came closer to the two of you who were leaning into each other. The dog started pulling on Steve's jeans.

“Hey! Dickhead, I'm having a moment here”

“Hey! don't call him a dickhead”, you admonished.

“Well, he’s acting like a dickhead.”

You glared at him. 

“What? We were about to have a lovely romantic kiss before he so gracefully interrupted”

“Why do you have a rivalry with my dog?”

“He’s my arch nemesis”, he said with narrowed eyes directed towards the puppy.

You playfully rolled your eyes before taking the leash from Steve's hand and walking ahead. You laughed as you said, “Oh, please, you're just jealous because I love him more”

“I’m not jeal– what did you just say?”

“Wh– what?” you stopped in your track before turning around, brows furrowed.

“Oh, you just said something”

“What did I–”

“You said you love him more than you love me. That implies you love me.” he explained, walking closer to you. “You said you love me”, he stated with a shy smile as he stood directly infront of you.

“.. did I?” heat crept up your cheeks.

“Yeap, it was loud and clear. Even Ollie heard it. Right bud?” the dog barked in response as if actually had a clue of what was going on in the conversation.

“Oh, so now youre both working together? You know what? yeah, well, so what? I said it. I love you. You got a problem with that?”

“No… I'm pretty okay with it actually”

“Just okay?”

“More than okay. Perfect. Infact, I love you too.”

A shy smile grew on your features, same on his. The two of you leaned in but stopped mid-way when Ollie ruffed. You groaned, pulling away before saying with a stern voice, “Ollie, sit.”

“Little shit, only listens to you”, the boy infront of you mutters as the dog settled down and sat down. You glared at Steve. “Sorry”, he apologized, his head hanging low.

“Now, where were we?” you pull him in by grabbing a fistful of his fuzzy sweater, your lips slotting against one another. An arm wrapped around your waist, the other helped tilt your head. You too held his face back, the other hand snaking down to his waist where the fingers hooked through the belt loops.

You pulled away when his movements started to become a little faster and his hand started moving lower, “Okay, okay. I…  its getting late– my parents are gonna be here soon”, you heaved.

“We were only getting to the good part”  he whined through laboured breaths.

“Kissing me wasnt the good part?”

His eyes widened, “I– I mean”, he scoffed when he noticed the sly smirk on your face, “Stop messing with me.”

You tugged lightly on the leash to get Ollies attention who had started to dig a hole in the snow, “c'mon Ollie.”  the dog’s tail wagged before he shook the snow off of him. The dog took the lead as the two of you ambled behind him.

Most of the walk back was holding hands silently, looking around at the christmas lights everyone in the neighbourhood had put up. When you were almost two houses away from yours, you spoke up, “you know. You could… stay the night?”

Steve looked at the pavement as the two of you walked, you looked at him with expectant eyes. He sighed before finally answering,“You know what? Sure.”

“But you would have to sneak out through the window later”

“Window? With these joints? I'm old.” he frowned.

“Oh, my poor, poor twenty year old boy”, you frowned back with a mock pitying look as you unlocked the main door and removed Ollie’s leash and jacket. 

You and Steve wasted no time after that, running up the stairs to your room. As soon as the door was closed behind you, Steve was on you, plump and slightly cold lips moving fast against yours. 

“Well, you're eager aren't you?”

“What? No…” he smiled against your skin, a giggle erupted from your throat as the sensation tickled you.

You were about to go back to attaching your lips to his when you heard a woof followed by the wood of the door scratching. The both of you sighed, foreheads touching.

“That little shit”, Steve huffed, “what an attention whore.”

You laughed through uneven breathing before moving off the door and then letting the dog in.

You heard the door downstairs opening and closing followed by your mother’s voice telling you she was home. You quickly went downstairs telling Steve and Ollie to stay quiet.

The boy took a seat at the edge of the mattress, the dog came to stand infront of him for a bit– tail wagging. The dog hopped on his back legs, front paws scratching at Steve's jeans. Steve reached down to scratch him behind the ears, “y’know Oliver. You're real cute and all. But you're one big cock block”

You really shouldn't have been alone. 

It all happened so fast. One moment you were wallowing in your own self pity, the next moment, the lights were flickering and soon the ground started rumbling beneath you. 

Now, as you were hiding underneath the counter of the store you worked at, the walls shook and ground rumbled. All you could think of was your family, dog and Steve Harrington. 

Of course, the world decides to end today of all days.

There was so much smoke. All you could see was black, maybe your eyes were closed, maybe there was a blackout. But something was on fire– there was so much smoke. Your eyes were watering and your throat burned, coughs uncontrollably tearing from your throat. You felt light headed, soot stuck to your sweaty skin. 

You really wanted to go home right about now.

Some rest sounded nice. Maybe some sleep.

You felt yourself succumbing to sleep, eyes drooping on their own accord. Breath slowing down. The corners of your vision went black.

It quieted down for a second. It wasn't too much for a second. 

Sleep sounded like the perfect thing. 

“Help!” a small terrified voice broke through the silence.

“Help!” it came again from somewhere outside the store. You somehow managed to will your muscles to move. You peeked from under the table and through your watery eyes you saw a boy who looked to be younger than you, flailing his arms in the air, limping. 

Your body worked on its own accord. Muscles and bones working on autopilot. You crawled from under the counter, grabbed your water bottle and Steve's jacket. Your movements were jerky as you spilled the water onto the fabric, wetting it before putting it over your nose and mouth– a makeshift mask. 

You ran. You left your safety bubble and ran. You ran despite the ash in your lungs, despite the shake of your fingers, lightheadedness, and the lactic acid settling in your tired muscles. In your disorientation and franticness, the stupid rusty chair hit your back, the heavy metal smacked hard against your skin but you still ran. You stumbled to open the door, shouted for him to run and pulled him in. You put your bootleg mask to the boy’s mouth.

The rumbling of the earth had quieted down a little; enough to allow you to help him walk over to the desk– your safe bubble. 

You were just about to reach it when another wave hit, the ground shook and both of you lost your footing. The boy huddled to you, you moved to cover him to the best of your ability. The aisle next to you groaned and when you managed to look, it was swaying. 

You tried to get away. 

“Move!” you shouted, your voice barely audible over the rumble. The boy shook under you. In a last ditch effort, you pushed him away. 

You tried to get away, trying to crawl away yourself, but the heavy metal shelves hit your spine. Your head smacked against the tiles. 

You heard shouting, you weren't sure if it was the boy or you. Your ears were ringing. your limbs felt like jelly buried under the rubble. And you really didn't feel like you could get up. You couldn't really see anymore, the darkness from the corner of your vision had finally spread.

It hurt. It hurt so much that you weren't sure where it hurt or if it was still hurting. You tasted metal, felt a trickle run down the nape of your neck. You felt a little cold. The boys voice came in and out, none of the words truly registering in your brain.

God, you really missed your bed. 

You missed ollie. You wished you could pet him again, give him his favourite treat, help him sneak into a bed again.

You missed your parents and your brother. What wouldn’t you do to have one more dinner together.

You missed steve. How you wished you could go back to that winter evening when you fell asleep in his warm arms. When you’d held his hand. You really wanted to hold his hand, hold him close, kiss him.

You felt fingers wrap around your wrist. “I'm gonna try to pull you out”, you barely heard the young boy say through a lumpy throat, you felt a tug on your arm. Pain shot through you. He pulled again, You didn't move. A scream of pain ripped from your chest.

“No!” you screamed, words coming out all slurred up. “No, stop! Just hide under the table and call the ambulance when it's over!” you still couldn't see.

“But–”

“It's okay! You’ll be okay, Ju-- just go!”

“I'm not– your– you're bleeding”, he gripped your shaking palm, “J– Just stay awake!”

“No, Go!” you tried your best to shout but it came out as only a whimper.

The warmth left your palm, you sighed in relief. You really didn't want a kid to see you dying. 

A few seconds later, you felt a pressure on the side of your head, a hit of a familiar scent hit you– Steve's cologne. Steve?

“Steve..?”

The box in your hand was as heavy as lead as the lady led you through the Hawkins high gym which had now been turned into a makeshift infirmary for the people who had been affected by the earthquake. 

You didn't remember much from the night of the earthquake, you remember falling and hitting your head, the pain and someone holding your hand. Your delirious brain in its haze had convinced you that it was Steve's warm hand. That he had come back and held you while the ground shook. The carbon monoxide poisoning had truly got to you.

Much to your delusional brain’s dismay, It was when you woke up a day later; your parents told you it had been infact a boy a few years younger than you. You later found out that the young boy– Andy, although overall fine, had broken his leg. He and his family packed everything up and moved out of town a week later.

Your muscles were still sore. The stitches and the bandaging over the big gash on your back was tight around your ribs. You had also acquired a wound on the side of your head and though you had bled, you were lucky enough to not bleed to your death or die of a haemorrhage. The paramedics had to shave off a part of the back of your hair to be able to apply the gauze properly. And you were a little embarrassed about it– you guessed you'd have to shave it all off now. You weren't sure how long you'd be willing to wear your brother old, musky baseball hat– you also weren't sure if it was a good idea to put that abomination anywhere near a wound.

"seems like you have clothes and blankets; that one", she pointed to a table with heaps of clothes piled on top of it. They looked to be freshly donated as they were in the middle of being neatly folded by--

"Steve, take these as well, will ya'?" the women beside you said.

He looked up, stilling for a second, “Hey.”

"oh, you seem to know each other. swell!" she clapped her palms before leaving the two of you alone.

“Hey… I uh– I came to donate these”, you put the cardboard box on the table infront of him, “Its uh– its mostly blankets”

“Oh, okay.”

“I– I have a couple more boxes in the car.”

“Okay.”

The walk to your car was a silent one, a little awkward. Surely, your last interaction playing in his head as well. As you weaved through the people, you noticed Dustin Henderson, limping as he gave water to some of the patients. And you had already noticed the scars on steves neck. You really wanted to ask what happened.

“Is everyone in your family okay?” he spoke up shyly, clearly trying to ease the tension even a bit.

“...yeah,”

My brother can't hear out of his left ear anymore.

“Yeah, everyone…”

My dog died. 

“Everyones fine.”

“Are you fine?”

You nodded quickly.

You really didn't want to tell him about the giant bruise spread across your back and torso. You didn't want to tell him about the gash on your back or the bandages hiding under your baseball cap. You certainly did not want to tell him about how you were stuck in that rubble for hours with a kid holding your hand, while you had thought that it had been him in your half-conscious state.

“What about you?” you echoed, “Your– your neck?”

“Yeah, yeah– uh.. I’ll be fine.”

Your chest tightened, you swallowed. How did small talk become so hard? 

The two of you approached your car, you popped open the trunk, and there were three more well-taped boxes waiting. 

You picked one up. “Here, let me–” he picked up the other two. Both of your tried your best not to wince at the strain. “Wow this is a lot”, a half-minded comment as he slammed the trunk.

“Yeah, um– I mean, these people need it more. Plus, it would just be easier to give it away, anyway since we--”, you cut yourself off, trying to pretend you hadn't said anything.

“What?”

You look away silently, blinking, “um– how are you holding up?”

“Yeah, you have already asked me– I'm– I'm sorry… are you– what do you—” he stopped. You looked anywhere but him. It clicked. 

“You…. you're… moving, aren't you?” he murmured slowly and as if saying it too loudly would make it real. You nodded. 

“Why?”

“Why? Steve– look around. Everyone is moving. People are dying left and right. People going missing, never being found again?And now what, Murders?! My parents are convinced that it is the end of the world.”

“But it isn't– It was just an earthquake”

“An earthquake does not give you wounds around your neck Steve. Ever since the Byers kid disappeared, my dad has been planning to move… and then that night I– I almost ....”, you trailed off, not wanting to tell him more especially after you had just lied to him that you were fine. “I barely made it.”

“What?”

You took a shaky breath in, Steve's chest tightened. “I should–”

“When are you leaving?”

“.. today. Right now. This was the last thing I had to do.”

After that he quietly walked the rest of the way, helping you put the boxes where they needed to be put. As he did it all, his eyebrows were pulled together, the crease between them deep-- what was he thinking? you wondered.

Once everything was done, he finally spoke up, “Can I walk you back? To your car? For one last time, please?” the desperation in his tone was so clear and it made you want to cry.

You opened the door, Steve's jacket draped over the passenger seat. The piece of clothing that probably saved you. The thick material had stopped you from bleeding to your demise. You really had to thoroughly wash it to get rid of the stain. But you couldn't justify throwing it away.

It no longer had the bloody stain, or the smell of smoke in it. However it also didn't smell like Steve anymore. 

“Here–”, you leaned into the car to pull it out, fighting back the tears and the waver in your voice,  “your jacket… don't worry I cleaned it up”, you held it up between the two of you.

Steve, pushed the material back in your direction, “Keep it. It's yours, remember? It's yours.”

"Considering everything….” you gulped, “I hope I'm not asking for too much", you took a deep breath before finally whispering, "can I hug you… please?"

It was a tight one. It was a desperate one. You hated that you smelled like antibacterial ointment and sweat. You buried your face deeper into his shirt– he smelled like medical gauze, and medicinal cream accompanied with a faint yet familiar scent of his hair products, his cologne and that distinct scent of Steve.

You pulled away, words sticky in your throat, “Take care. Don't die. I'm…..”, you swallowed, “I'm gonna miss you."

You didn't wait for a response, you quickly sat in your car and drove away, not even stealing a look from the rear-view mirror. You only let the tears fall when you had turned the corner to your home.

It isn't like you had a choice of whether or not you were staying. But You hate that he didn't stop you. You hate that he didn’t call your name, to see your face one last time. You hate you still had his jacket in your hands, you hate how tightly you were gripping it.. You hate that there were tears in your eyes. You hate that there was a sob in your ribs. You hate that you said that you were going to miss him. You hate you imagined a life with him, holding hands on romantic walks. 

You hate all that. But you don't hate him. God, it'd be so much easier if you hated him.

[ladykailitha]

Grief (A Friend Indeed) Part 12

And here we are at the end. Thank you so much for being on this journey with me.

Here we have Steve's POV of the last scene from last week, he talks to Hopper and Steve's uncle further proves he'd be a better parent than Clint Harrington.

Pt 1 Pt 2 Pt 3 Pt 4 Pt 5 Pt 6 Pt 7 Pt 8 Pt 9 Pt 10 Pt 11

****

Steve watched Eddie march to the truck and let out a shuddering breath. He thought that they had really connected here. But now as they were going back to Hawkins it appeared that Eddie was just going to leave that here in Ashland.

He got to his car and looked at the sad little cooler and just lost it. He started cursing and hitting the steer wheel.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” he hissed. “You never did hear a name, did you, Harrington? Apparently he was in love with someone else all this time and was only being nice because you were having a mental break down.”

He could feel the tears stream down his face. Bitter and angry. “You should have been supporting him not the other way round. That’s probably why he’s soooo pissed at you. Because he was grieving and you made it all about you. Like you always do. Fuck!”

Just then the passenger side door was wrenched open and Eddie slid in.

The tears dried up instantly in his surprise. “Eds?”

And then Eddie proceeded to just knock all his intrusive thoughts out of the fucking ballpark. Just sent them running like a scared dog with its tail between its legs.

Then kissed him about it.

They still needed to have a proper conversation but that could wait until they were back in Hawkins.

Steve could live with that.

*

When they got home they had that talk. Eddie learned about all the different girls who had propositioned him and was pissed on his behalf.

“That’s fucking bullshit,” he said. “You shouldn’t have had to deal with that.”

Steve shrugged. “You had enough on your plate. Plus, I sicced Uncle Danny after them.”

Eddie blinked. “Oh. I think I would have paid good money to see that.”

“I didn’t have to send anyone after Beth though,” Steve said with a grin, “Lauren did that all on her own.”

“I’m so glad you two got along,” Eddie murmured. “But in the future, you tell me these things. I want to protect you, the way you protect everyone else, okay?”

Steve agreed.

Wayne walked into the new house provided by the government, wiping his hands on an old rag.

“Everything is in the garage for us to sort and place later,” he told Eddie.

“You two going to be wanting help getting everything in?” Steve asked.

Wayne shook his head. “Lauren and her Uncle Hal are coming out next week to help out.”

Eddie ran his tongue over his teeth thoughtfully. “Yeah? I didn’t hear about that.”

Wayne had the presence of mind to blush. “It must have slipped my mind.”

“Uh-huh,” Steve and Eddie said together.

Wayne cleared his throat. “So I’m going to be seeing you a lot more now that you and Ed are together?”

Steve grinned, wrapping his arms around Eddie’s waist and putting his head on his shoulder. “I’ll be here so often, you’ll think I live here.”

Wayne hummed. “We’ll come back to that in a few months.”

Eddie blushed. “Nice to know you aren’t planning the wedding already, old man.”

Wayne blinked innocently. “Oh I am, but I’m thinking fall of next year or the year after.”

Eddie coughed and sputtered as Steve laughed.

He turned to Steve. “Why aren’t you defending me against this?” He waved at Wayne’s smug expression.

“Because I’m already coming up with arguments for a late spring early summer wedding instead.”

Eddie’s jaw dropped. “That’s some confidence you got there, darlin’. What makes you think I’ll say yes.”

Steve kissed him, slow and searing.

Eddie blushed. “Yup. Okay. Uh-huh. Point made.”

Wayne just smiled fondly.

*

Steve was really starting to regret setting the party on his Uncles Percy and David.

Robin, El, and Will had kidnapped Percy, while Dustin, Mike, and Nancy had absconded with David somewhere.

Eddie, Lauren, and Jonathan were talking to Hal and Lucas, Max, and Erica were talking to Wayne.

Hopper came up to Steve and put his arm around his shoulders.

Steve relaxed into the embrace.

“You did good, kid,” Hopper said. “I’m proud of you.”

Steve nodded and then rubbed the end of his nose, trying to fight back the tears.

“I had a long talk with Joyce about some of her choices that she made while I was gone,” he continued. “I’m glad I’m out of that hell hole, but she should have made sure everyone was safe first.”

“She had a lot on her plate,” Steve murmured.

Hopped cuffed the back of his head. “Don’t you go forgiving her without her apologizing first. I had to go back to California because apparently some fucked up general decided to shoot up the Byers house in Lenora.”

Steve looked over at Hopper in shock. “They did what now?”

Hopper nodded. “It was a complete shit show. But you have to know, I wouldn’t have just left you behind if I didn’t think you could handle it.”

“I know, I just...”

“Just wish you didn’t have to handle it?” he asked. Steve nodded. “I getcha. I wish you didn’t have to either. But I trust you to take care of everyone here, because I know they’re in safe hands with you.”

Steve choked back a sob. “Thanks, Hop.”

“Still can’t believe you’re dating that Munson kid,” he teased.

Steve pushed Hop way playfully. “Oh fuck off. He’s a good man.”

Hop looked over at him talking to Jonathan and Hal. “If he gets you to take care yourself or at least does it for you, he gets a pass from me.”

Steve blushed. “He takes care of me. It’s incredible how easy he makes it look.”

“I know your family was shit growing up,” Hop said. “But look at it now.”

Steve looked out at the fifteen-sixteen people out there lounging around the swimming pool with fondness.

“I always wanted a big family,” he said softly. “Who would have thought that all it would take is some extra-dimensional monsters to make it happen.”

Hopper chuckled. “I feel you kid. Before I started all this, I had lost my daughter to cancer and my wife to divorce. Now, not only do I have another daughter to take care of, I have a woman I love and her two boys that are like her sons to me.”

Steve made a grimace. “Does that mean Jonathan is my step-brother, because ew.”

“I heard that Harrington!” Jonathan called out.

Steve and Hopper laughed.

Eddie came bounding up to Steve. “I’m not sure I want the Chief as a father-in-law, babe.”

Steve smiled. “Oh that is going to make for some very awkward family dinners.

Percy came up behind Eddie.

“Hello, I’m Steve’s uncle, Percy,” he said extending his hand to Hopper to shake.

“Yeah,” Hopper said. “I’ve been hearing all about you. I’m sorry Clint Harrington kept you away from Steve for all this time.”

Percy nodded. “Jasper being an idiot didn’t help, unfortunately. But I’m in Steve’s life for good. There’s nothing that his parents could do that would change that.”

Steve gave Percy a hug in gratitude.

“Welcome to Hawkins then,” Hopper said with a smile. “It’s bit of a mess at the moment, but it’s home.”

“Well,” Percy said with a smile, “the welcome so far has been amazing I’m happy Steven has a support system now.” He turned to Steve. “May I pull you away for a moment. There’s something I would like to talk to you about.”

Steve looked at Hopper and Eddie who both shrugged. “Sure, lead the way.”

Percy went inside the kitchen and sat down at the counter. “When you told me that you didn’t get into the colleges and universities you applied for, I called around.”

Steve frowned. “Why? My grades slipped after Christmas my senior year. I ended at 2.76 GPA. I figured that wasn’t good enough to get in.”

“Yes,” Percy said. “If they only looked at your senior year. But they don’t. They look at a cumulative GPA from all your years at high school. You had a cumulative GPA of 3.16. Which is more than enough to get into any college you wanted. Especially with you still winning medals in swimming.”

His frown deepened. “But Dad said that I didn’t get into any of those schools.”

“Yes, which I thought was odd,” Percy further explained. “Which is why I called. Steven, you got accepted into two thirds of the schools you applied for.”

Steve leaned back. “What? That’s not possible.”

“I’m guessing Clint only showed you the one third you didn’t get into and told you the rest was the same.”

“Why?” he breathed. “Why would he do that?”

“Because the schools you got into weren’t the ones he wanted you to go to is my next guess.”

“I can go to college?” Steve asked, his lip quivering. “I don’t have to be stuck here my whole life?”

Percy shook his head. “You are a smart young man, and David and I are very committed to helping you get to where you want to go in life. Your parents mail have failed you, but I promise we won’t.”

Steve let out a shaky breath. “Thank you so much.”

Percy got up and hugged him. “Now go back out to your boy, he’ll be worried about you.”

Steve nodded and walked back out.

Percy followed close behind and wrapped his arm around David’s waist.

“You think they’re going to be okay?” David asked as they watch Steve and Eddie cling to each other.

“Oh yes,” Percy said. “It may have taken a tragedy to get them here, but they are smart boys with a great support system. There is nothing those boys can’t do now.”

“I’m happy to have met them,” David said.

“Me too.”

****

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[sabo-has-my-heart]

Hi hi!

I saw you open for request and I want to drop something for our donut/ mochi man kata.

We all know his scarf in the anime but how did he get it? So I was thinking if you could maaaaaybe make something that his girlfriend gave it to him, seeing how his Former one being >loved<, but is between happy and sad.

Sad, that He has to hide his face but happy, knowing she is the only one allowed to see?

That would be so sweet 🥰🥰

Yes, I'm still currently open for requests. As a note, there is a bit of crack/comedy towards the end. I thought it would be fun and it would tie up the ending nicely. I hope it's okay.

Warnings: WCI spoilers, Brulee getting hurt, minor crack

Word Count: 1220

     It had been years ago that he’d first put the scarf on, so long that most people didn’t remember what he looked like under it. Some of the few people who remembered were Brulee, Oven, Daifuku, and Perospero. There were a few others in his family that remembered, but not many. There was, however, one person outside his family that remembered what he looked like. A little girl, about his age, who’d had a crush on him. Most people mocked him for his ‘eel-like’ mouth. His mouth that could stretch, his sharp teeth and scars. But he hadn’t cared, hadn’t cared until they’d hurt Brulee. The bullies had gotten revenge on him by hurting his sister.

     Running up to a young, 9-year-old Katakuri, you smiled. As with every morning, you held out a box of homemade donuts for him. Your parents ran a bakery so every morning, no matter what the day looked like, you would give him a box of 6 donuts. It’s how the two of you had met. He’d heard of your parents’ bakery and decided to see what all the hype was about. It had been well worth the trip, finding that the donuts were some of the most delicious he’d ever had. When he’d walked up to the counter to tell your parents, they’d just smiled and called you in. It had been your first ever batch. Granted, you’d gotten a lot of help from your parents in making the dough, shaping it correctly and, of course, frying it, but you’d still been so proud of yourself. Being so young, you hadn’t cared what he looked like as you ran over and hugged him. You’d been 7 and he’d been 8. From that day on, he visited as often as possible until you started bringing them to him every morning. But more importantly, you were always the one who’d made the ones he ate.

     Whenever he was free, he spent time with you. As the second son of Big Mom, there were certain expectations of him, but he saw you as often as possible. You’d also gotten to know his little sister, Brulee. You loved the little girl, often hugging her whenever you saw her. Your crush on him grew and grew, even as a little girl, finding that he was particularly kind to you. While he could be cold or even mean to others, he was always kind to you. When you’d heard about what had happened to Brulee, you’d been horrified, instantly running to the girl to see how she was doing. She’d been laying in a hospital bed, her face bandaged, but still smiling. It was a sad, pained smile, but she was clearly trying to be strong. 

     Once you’d found out about who had done it, you’d approached Katakuri. He’d been furious. So much so that he’d very nearly hit you as you approached him, stopping at the last second as he realized it was you. He told you about how he wanted to protect his family from now on, about how he needed to get stronger, how he needed to find a way to make sure that the bullies didn’t attack his family in order to attack him. His only solution was to hide his face. They’d attacked Brulee to get back at Katakuri, they’d wanted to get back at Katakuri for beating them up. They’d only harassed Katakuri for his mouth, meaning his mouth was the problem. You’d disagreed, but knew you couldn’t change his mind, so you’d asked him to give you 2 weeks. For the entire 2 weeks, you’d done nothing but work on the item. You didn’t make donuts, you only left the house to check on Brulee, all you did was sit there working on it. Finally, you’d presented him with the gift. A scarf, black with white fur lining. Wrapping it around him, it covered his mouth, hiding it away. 

     You hated that he was intent on hiding his face away, that he wouldn’t ever show his face to anybody ever again, but it was okay. It was okay because it meant that you could give him the most meaningful gift you’d ever given anyone. Hours and hours of sewing by hand, making sure each and every stitch was perfect, that each centimeter of the scarf was perfect. That was the day he’d first shown you how he felt about you. He’d pulled down the scarf just enough to show his mouth, placing a gentle kiss on your cheek before pulling the scarf back up. You soon became the only one allowed to see his full face.

     At first, his meriendas were taken in his room, the both of you locked away in his room as he enjoyed his treats. You’d nibble on a single donut that he always gave you, being the only person he’d ever share a donut with and you’d let him lay his head in your lap, making his meriendas all the more enjoyable. If he wasn’t in the middle of singing it, you’d often hum his donut song while nibbling on your own donut, bringing him more peace and contentment. While you were still sad that he had to wear the scarf, it was made better by the knowledge that you were the only one who got to see his face. As he got older, grew in size, you’d make him a new scarf to fit him properly as needed and each time it was just as special as the first. Every scarf you’d ever made him was carefully hung in his closet, hidden away from the world, just like his mouth, but kept close to his heart. He’d asked you out on a date a couple of years after you gave him the scarf, becoming your actual boyfriend. He’d made a special house of mochi, the first time he’d successfully done so, and had the chefs bring in a fine dinner. The two of you had enjoyed a sweet dinner together. 

     It soon became a rumor that he didn’t relax even during his meriendas, that Katakuri used it as ‘intense concentration’ and ‘nutritional intake’. At first it had taken everything you had to not laugh, knowing how Katakuri truly spent his time. You’d been asked a few times what it was like to join Katakuri during his meriendas, to be allowed to witness such a sacred moment. You’d thought it would be funny to further the rumor, saying that he communed with the gods of battle, that it was such a divine moment that even the heavens bathed him in a holy glow!... Katakuri hadn’t been amused. While you’d never thought of Katakuri as petty, he’d managed to get his payback. Saying that the time was sacred to you both. That you had been blessed by the gods of battle, that you were his oracle and blessed icon. From then on, you both spent his meriendas together, not that you minded. You were more than happy to join him during such a ‘sacred moment’ as his ‘holy idol’. More than happy to be the only one to see his handsome face, to see him truly enjoying himself. It was sad that he couldn’t show his face, but it was okay, because it was a special, rare, and ‘sacred’ moment meant only for you.

[let-me-luve-you]

Qualified

Part 2 of the Road to the World Cup Series

Christian Pulisic x Reader

Summary: Christian and his high school sweetheart celebrate their son as well as qualifying for the World Cup.

Warning: Hints at sex (at the end)

Word Count: 3.3K

MASTERLIST

CHRISTIAN PULISIC MASTERLIST

BUY ME A COFFEE

“Momma! Momma! Wake up!” Y/N felt someone trying to shake her. “Daddy! Get up!” She felt bouncing and opened her eyes to find a very happy four year old bouncing between his two parents. “Momma!”

Y/N and Christian welcomed a healthy baby boy on March 30, 2018.Cayden Mate Pulisic is a clone of his father. There is nothing of Y/N in him. Christian likes to tell her that Cayden got her personality and heart, but so far, he is all Christian. 

Today, Y/N laid in a hotel room with Christian and Cayden in San Jose, Costa Rica on her baby’s fourth birthday. She couldn’t believe he was already turning four and by the look on his face, he was super excited to be four. 

“Happy birthday Cay! Come give Momma a hug.” Y/N said, pulling the young boy towards her. As he hugged her, she quietly got out of bed. She checked to make sure Christian was still asleep. “Let’s get ready while Daddy sleeps a little bit more. He’s got a big game tonight and needs his rest.”

“Is he not going to play with me today because he needs rest?” Cayden asked with his innocent eyes big and sad. 

“He is going to play with you. Remember we are going to lunch with grandma and grandpa. Daddy is going with us. Then you get to go with Daddy and the boys.” Y/N reminded the young boy of their day plans. 

“Oh yeah! I get to see the boys! I’m so excited!” He smiled at his mom. Quickly gathering what they needed to get ready for the day, Y/N took Cayden into the bathroom and set him on the counter. 

“Brush your teeth for me real quick please. I’m going to get dressed and then I’ll help you.” Cayden nodded and grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste. Y/N dressed quickly in  a USMNT tee and some ripped jeans. She watched Cayden finish brushing his teeth before helping him off the counter to get dressed. 

“I want to look like Daddy today Momma.” He said as he looked out the outfit she had picked out. “I want my jersey.”

“I know baby, but you’ll get it dirty before the game. We can put it on you before you ride with Daddy on the bus.” He looked annoyed but nodded. Y/N had picked out a dark wash pair of jeans with a US soccer shirt. “This work until after lunch?” 

“Yeah. Can I go see if Daddy is awake now?” Cayden asked. His mom nodded before opening the door for him. She peaked around the corner to see Cayden climb up on the bed and poke his dad’s nose. Christian scrunched his face up before wrapping an arm around Cayden.

“Ten more minutes bud. Cuddle with me for ten minutes and then we can get up and play.” Christian said as he kissed Cayden’s forehead. Cayden let out a happy sigh as he cuddled closer to Christian. Next thing Y/N knows, both of her boys are snoring softly. 

Y/N checked the clock and saw that it was only 6:45 am. She never understood how Cayden was such a morning person when neither his dad nor mom were. Y/N decided to go finish getting ready for the day. She knew that if the US wins tonight, she will be up late with an early flight tomorrow morning, so she might as well start working on packing bags after she finished her hair and make up. 

Walking back into the room, Y/N saw the abundance of toys on the floor. She picked a couple of small ones to keep out that could easily fit into Cayden’s backpack and then packed the rest in his little suitcase. They had been to a lot of places in the past few weeks. They started in London before going to France back to London before traveling to Middlesbrough and back to London with Chelsea FC. Then traveled to Houston, Texas for training before traveling to Mexico for a World Cup Qualifying match. From there, they went to Orlando before ending in Costa Rica. Normally, Cayden wouldn’t have made all of the trips, but Christian really wanted him to be there for the last leg of qualifying so they would be together on his birthday. As for the Europe trip, they’re babysitter was out sick so they had no choice but to load him up.

Shockingly enough, Cayden didn't complain. He has had small moments of crankiness, but he has enjoyed being around his dad so much as well as his dad’s teammates. No one adored Christian more than Cayden. Whatever Christian did, Cayden did. It was Y/N’s absolute favorite thing to witness.

As she continued to clean up around the room, she had moved onto packing hers and Christian’s stuff. Christian woke up and saw his son tucked into his chest. Not bothered to be sleeping in jeans. Looking for his beautiful wife, he saw her folding clothes and putting them into his suitcase. He noticed she left out his outfit to wear to the stadium, a tee and shorts for his carry on, and an outfit to wear after the game. It was the small things like that, that made him fall even deeper in love with her. 

“Babe,” He whispered to get her attention. Y/N turned around and smiled at the man holding their son. “Come lay down with us.”

Nodding her head and putting the clothes down, she crawled on the bed and snuggled as close to Christian as she could without squishing Cayden. Christian gave her a small kiss on the forehead as they cuddled close and just enjoyed the quiet. 

It was now 8:15 am and it was almost time to wake Cayden up to go eat breakfast with the team. Before you could wake him up, he woke up on his own. 

“Morning birthday boy!” Christian whispered, knowing Cayden did not like a lot of noise when he first woke up. Cayden looked up at him before smiling and digging his face into Christian’s chest. “Stretch it out bub.”

“Morning daddy.” Cayden whispered back before turning to Y/N. “Morning Momma.” He leaned up and gave you a kiss on the cheek before turning and doing the same to Christian. Christian grabbed him and started tickling him. Cayden’s laughter filled the room.

“How about you let Daddy get up and then we will go downstairs to eat breakfast with everyone? Sound good?” Y/N asked Cayden. Cayden nodded before giving Christian another kiss before moving towards you. She grabbed his socks and shoes from beside the bed and helped him get them on before she did the same for herself. Christian was quick in the bathroom and was already dressed in his game day attire. 

“Let's go see everyone, birthday boy!” Christian said as he grabbed Cayden and carried him out of the room. When they entered the ballroom that the team had rented out, everyone yelled ‘happy birthday Cayden,’ at the young boy smiling brightly in his father’s arms. He wiggled to be let down and then ran around the room to greet everyone. 

Kelley and Mark joined the young family after breakfast. Y/N felt bad they couldn’t do a lot of things she knew Cayden would rather be doing, but they had plans for Christian’s days off when they returned back to London. Christian did play with Cayden all morning before lunch. Tyler and Weston did as well. Other teammates played for a bit before going to do other things. 

After lunch, Kelley and Mark joined Y/N, Christian, and Cayden in their room for cupcakes. Christian wanted to lay down for a bit before he had to leave so he said he would eat his cupcake later tonight before laying on the bed. Cayden ate his cupcake before going and laying his head on his dad’s stomach facing Christian. Y/N sat on a small chair next to the couch, quietly talking to her in-laws. Christian joined into the conversation every once in a while, but his main focus was running his hand through Cayden’s hair, watching him fight sleep. Soon enough, both boys were out cold. 

Kelley and Mark were Y/N’s ride to the stadium, so they stayed and talked while also watching tv. Mark also fell asleep so Y/N and Kelley talked about random things that came up. 

Y/N woke Christian after he was asleep for a little over an hour. He slowly got out of bed, leaving Cayden to his midafternoon nap. He knew the little boy needed as much sleep as he could get. He felt horrible for dragging him all over the world but he is so grateful to have him with him to make these memories more memorable. 

As it got closer for Christian to leave, he woke the little one up and gave him his wake up cuddles. He was never annoyed that his son did this. If anything, he took advantage of being able to wake him up when he could because he knew Cayden wouldn’t do this forever. 

“Let’s get your jersey on you bub.” Christian whispered as he rubbed the boys back. Cayden nodded his head and lifted his arms when his dad set him back on the bed. Mark and Kelley watched with love written on their faces. They loved watching Christian be a dad. “There we go! You look just like me. No one will be able to tell the difference when I put my jersey on.”

Cayden smiled with pride as the rest of you gave a little laugh. Cayden hopped off the bed before running to Kelley.

“Granma, did you hear that?” She smiled big at her grandson and nodded.

“I did. Your daddy is going to have to put on a different jersey so I can tell the two of you a part.” Mark laughed as Cayden looked offended that she would suggest such a thing.

Christian watched on as Cayden bounced from his parents to his wife and back again. He put on his shoes and packed the last few things in his backpack as well as Cayden’s. 

“Alright Cay, you ready to get on the bus?” Christian asked. Cayden nodded before he sprinted to his father. Christian held his hand and led him towards Y/N.

“You be good for Daddy. I will come get you in a little bit so you can sit with me during the game. Okay?” Cayden nodded. You stood up and turned to Christian, “Good luck tonight. Go do your thing. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Christian said before giving you a quick kiss. He pulled Cayden out the door carrying both backpacks on either shoulder. Y/N laughed because normally Cayden is all for wearing his own backpack. 

After an hour of sitting in the lobby talking with other US family members, the Pulisics decided to head to the game. Kelley and Mark headed to the concession stand to get Cayden a water and some food before they sat down as Y/N went down to get him as he sat on the bench watching the guys warm up. 

When Sarah saw Y/N walk up, she grabbed Cayden’s hand and led him to her. Sarah was always a blessing when Christian was traveling with the national team. She runs the social media for them and has always looked after Cayden when he tags along. No one asked her, she just did. She claimed that it wasn’t an issue. Gave her something to do when she wasn’t posting. 

“Thanks Sarah. Do you need anything?” Y/N asked as she pulled Cayden over the railing with his badge hanging around his neck. 

“I’m good. Thank you though.” She smiled at her. “Oh! You have to see this.” Sarah pulled out her phone and it was a picture of Christian walking hand in hand with Cayden during the walk through. Then she swiped and showed her a picture of their arrival. Lastly, showed her a picture of Cayden sitting in his father’s lap on the bench as Tyler, Brenden, and Weston sat around them. “I was going to send these to you forever ago but got busy and forgot until I saw you. I’ll send them now.”

“These are amazing! Did you take them?” Y/N asked.

“I did.” She smiled at her as she looked back down at her phone to text the young mom.

“I love them! Thank you! Is it okay if I post them later? Might not be today, but within the next few days?” Y/N always made sure to ask because she never wanted to get any of the content team in trouble. 

“Yeah! Go ahead whenever!” Sarah looked over where Brent was calling to her, “I’ve gotta go, but enjoy the game!”

“Thanks Sarah! Good luck!” Y/N turned to look at Cayden as he walked up and down the aisle. She pointed towards Kelley and Mark and told him they had a snack for him. Cayden took off running towards his grandparents a few sections over and a few rows up. Cayden stopped to talk to Walker’s wife before moving on towards his grandparents.

As the game started, Cayden had moved to her lap to watch. This wasn’t a have to win game like last time, they just couldn’t lose by six. Still, in the back of her mind, she still remembered that October night a little over four years ago.The first half was fine. It was nil-nil at half. Y/N could breathe a little. When the second half started, she started to tense as they got a goal and then shortly got a second. She was terrified that what should be a ridiculous way to not qualify, could actually happen. Cayden, unaware of the situation, was jumping between her legs while cheering. 

When Christian was subbed off in the 84th minute, Cayden slowly started to lose interest, despite knowing these players well. When the final whistle blew, everyone wearing USA celebrated. They had done it. They had qualified for the World Cup. All the families knew that it would be a little bit before the boys came out so they all just sat around waiting. Cayden didn’t understand why.

“I want Daddy!” He yelled. “I want to go see Daddy.”

“I know baby, but we have to wait for them to come out here to us. We can’t go to the locker room right now.” She said, running her hand over his head. Cayden started to cry. She knew he was tired. It was past his bedtime, but she dealt with it because she knew he would stop crying the second he saw Christian. You continued to rock him as he cried, trying to calm him down. 

Tyler was the first one out, he did a quick interview and then talked with his family before he laughed and ran back in to continue celebrating. More players came out for interviews and each one set the little boy off a little bit more. When Walker was done talking to his wife, he saw Cayden bawling his eyes out and told Y/N he would grab Christian. True to his word, Christian came out.

“Hey Cay. No need for tears. I’m here.” Christian said as he took his son and rocked him. Cayden hugged Christian’s neck tight as he tried to calm himself down. Christian rubbed his hand up and down his back as he whispered sweet words to him. “It’s okay. I’m here. Sorry I wasn’t here sooner. I love you Cayden Mate.”

“I love you too Daddy.” Cayden said as he pulled back to look at his dad. Christian puckered his lips to get a kiss and Cayden was quick to give him one. Christian then wiped Cayden’s tears off his face and gave him a tickle to make him laugh. Everyone around was watching with smiles on their faces.

“Now, I’m going to give you back to Momma and then I’ll be back in just a little bit to take pictures.” Christian said. 

“No, I go with you.” Cayden said about to start crying again. 

“Not right now, but when I come back, you can come with me, okay?” Christian compromised. He did not want his son going in there while they were still spraying each other with champagne and beer. Y/N smiled at Christian understanding and reached for Cayden. He wasn’t happy about it, but he went with her. 

Y/N sat back down with Kelley and Mark. They were going to take Cayden for the night and bring him to their room before the bus left for the airport. Y/N just hoped he fell asleep on the car ride back to the hotel. 

Christian was right. The whole team came out in full uniform to see their families properly. Christian quickly hugged his mom and dad before taking Cayden back in his arms. He gave Y/N a kiss and smiled down at her as she congratulated him on qualifying. 

“I’m going to take him and go change. Want me to take him with me to the hotel?” He asked his parents. They nodded. Mark told him he would collect the young boy in the lobby. “I’ll see you here in a bit.” 

Cayden was fighting sleep as Christian walked with him to the locker room. By the time they walked in, Cayden was out cold. It didn’t matter how loud the guys were, they were not going to wake him up. Christian laid him in his locker. His head on his jacket. Christian quickly changed and shoved his stuff into his bag. He scooped up his son and headed towards the bus. It wasn’t much longer before they were headed back to the hotel to celebrate some more before their early flight back home.

Christian held Cayden closer as his little breaths tickled his neck. If it wasn’t for his teammates wanting him and Y/N to celebrate with them, he would easily choose to curl up in bed with his two favorite people and go to sleep, but he knew he had a week off before he had to return back to Chelsea training. 

Mark watched his son walk into the lobby with two bags over his shoulder while also holding a sleeping Cayden. Mark took Cayden carefully before telling Christian to be safe and that he would see him in a little bit. 

Christian walked into the room to put his and Cayden’s bag down. He saw Y/N fixing her hair in the mirror and walked up and wrapped his arms around her waist. 

“Hi baby.” He said sensually as he kissed her neck. 

“Don’t even. We can do that when we get back. We only have five more hours until we need to leave for the airport. Let’s go spend an hour or two with everyone before coming back here and letting me show you how proud I am of you and how much I love you.” She said as she turned in his arm and stood up on her toes putting her lips to his. 

“Then let’s hurry up and leave so we can get back here.” He laughed as he gave her a small kiss. When they reached the restaurant that stayed open just for them, he heard the guys cheering and he smiled bright at his wife. Tonight was going to be a good night.

[ravennaortiz]

Summary: Quick glimpses of how Tig navigated becoming a widow and single father to his daughter OC Raven Trager.

As always my stories are 18+.

General Tag List: @keyweegirlie @hatersaremymotivators

Sons Only Tag List: @youngadult9016

Tig Tag List: @kikijackson-blog

How It Started

Tig stood staring down at the bullet riddled body of his beautiful wife. He willed her to take a breath, open her eyes, do something as the tears continued to slip from his icy blue eyes. His knees buckled and anguished sobs spilled from his chest. How could this have happened? How could one of his brothers betray him like this?

Tig had no idea how much time had passed. He had moved from the floor to the table. Cradling his wife to him. The chill didn't bother him and he tried to ignore how her body was now hard and stiff when it used to soft and giving to his touch. Tig shook off the hands that touched his shoulder.

"Tig. Your daughter still needs you. Melanie would want you to put your attention onto Raven." murmured Chibs as he grabbed his friends arm again. This time firmly pulling him off the table and back onto his feet. "The wrong parent was killed man. It should be me on this table." sobbed Tig as he shook his head. "How do I tell my daughter her mommy got killed because daddy was an asshole to a friend?"

Chibs pulled Tig into his arms. Letting the other man get his emotions out before speaking. "She will understand when she is older. She is too young for any of this to make sense. Don't beat yourself up Tig.

6 years later

"Alright Dad. She has to walk by herself from here" stated the teacher as she held out her hand to Raven. Tig let out a nervous chuckle as he knelt next to his daughter. "Don't know whose more nervous her or me" he stated as he ruffled Ravens long black hair making her giggle even as tears slipped down her cheeks.

"It will get easier I promise" soothed the teacher as she sent him a warm smile and took Ravens hand.

"Bye bye Daddy" stated Raven after she kissed his cheek and let the teacher lead her into the school.

Tig was too choked up to reply so he gave her a wave before turning and wiping at his eyes. He had cried more since becoming a father than he had the rest of his life. He always thought he would want a son but he wouldn't change having a sweet little girl for the world.

5 years later

Tig was frantically pacing his kitchen, hands in his curly hair as he waited for Gemma to arrive. How could he have been so stupid? So unprepared for this? Melanie would have had all the supplies Raven would need and would have had the womanhood talk with her already. How could he have fucked up this so badly?

He was a failure as a husband and now a failure as a dad. Tig was so deep in his thoughts he hadn't heard the back door open or Gemma greet him.

"Tiggy?" repeated Gemma as she stood with bags and cleaning supplies. "What's wrong?"

I failed her" stated Tig as he started to tear up. "The most important day of a little girls life when she becomes a woman and I fucked it up" he continued as he sat in a chair resting his head on the table.

Gemma rolled her eyes before moving out of the kitchen. "Its a period Tig. Don't be so dramatic"

3 years later

"Who was that?" asked Tig as he handed his daughter a helmet as she got on his bike. "Just a friend" replied Raven trying to hide a smile as the young boy waved at her as they pulled out of the school parking lot.

Tig frowned. He knew the day would come but it felt too soon. He wanted his sweet little girl to stick to baby dolls and tea parties forever. Never thinking of boys and the other things that came with them.

"Well better stick to just friends. You are not allowed to date until you are fifty at least" stated Tig firmly.

Raven rolled her eyes before replying. Purposefully riling her dad up was becoming her favorite pastime. "What if it is Jax or Opie? Can I get an exception for them?

Tig gritted his teeth. "Too old for you. Not another word on the matter" he practically growled as they pulled into the lot at TM.

2 years later

"I hate you!" screamed Raven as her hand caught Tig's cheek, the force turning his whole head to the side. Before Tig could reply Raven was out the front door, the slam echoing through the house.

Tig sighed in defeat as he turned to the barely clothed woman in his living room. "You should go"

The woman nodded meekly before pulling her dress back on and making her way quietly out of the house.

Hours passed as Tig searched for Raven. It was storming and late. He was worried she would do something stupid. He was getting ready to call Clay and have him assemble the club when his phone dinged.

Juice: Hey. Just wanted to let you know Raven showed up here. I can bring her to TM with me in the morning. That cool with you?

Tig: That is fine. Thanks man. Sorry.

Juice: No worries.

Tig sighed as he made his way back home. He tried to remind himself this would pass like Gemma had told him. All teenage girls go through a hate my dad phase.

1 year later

"What do you think Gem?" inquired Tig as he sat at Gemma's kitchen table his hands wrapped around a mug of tea.

"Some space may do you both some good. She would be close and you know she would be protected" replied Gemma as she sat across from him. Her heart ached for Tig. She knew his relationship with Raven was important to him and that he had always strived to be a great father. The last year had taken its toll on the two.

"Juice would not make a move on her. They are just friends and she ends up at his house anyway after ya'll fight. Might as well let her move in" continued Gemma with a shrug of her shoulders.

Tig nodded. A change would be for the best and hopefully it would let him repair his relationship with Raven. Even if it meant she no longer lived with him.

Return to Series Masterlist

[fortisfilia]

Promised Part 6 - Tom Riddle x reader

Info: This is a rewrite of a story I've posted on my old account years ago. If it sounds familiar, that might be why :)

Summary: In this story, Tom didn't grow up as an orphan, but with his grandfather and uncle. Reader's sister got very sick and the Gaunts offer their help. But not without asking for something in return.

Warnings: Arranged marriage

Word count: 2k

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 5 | Part 7

Part 6 - Of Vows and Wrangles

Winter came suddenly this year, and so did Christmas. With all the schoolwork you had been doing for the upcoming N.E.W.T.s in June, the weeks had passed by as quickly as a snitch on the Quidditch field. The holidays were a much-needed break and to see your family again was an even bigger delight.

Elsie did great. She looked like nothing had ever happened to her. No curse, no apparent illness that had almost taken her life, apart from some occasional coughs here and there. She ran around the house like the years before, excited for Christmas to finally come. The house elves seemed glad to have her and all her shenanigans back as well, much to your parent’s dismay, but they let most of it slide. They were thankful their daughter was healthy enough to fool around again.

Christmas day was as cosy and joyful as ever. You spent the whole day with Elsie and your parents, exchanging gifts and playing together. Elsie got her first broom and started her first attempt at flying, which resulted in a knocked-over vase, that split into a million pieces, and a crash landing into the fireplace. Some tears were shed and dried again, and a “no flying inside” rule was established, which resulted in another crying fit. Oh, how you had missed it all.

Mother had waited until the late evening to tell you that the Gaunts would come to visit for lunch the next day. She must have known that you would pepper her with questions again. It was necessary and polite, she said, to invite the future family and show them your interest.

There was certainly no interest to be given to Tom’s grandfather and uncle, but now that you thought of Tom, you had to admit that you missed him. How he had held your hand, how surprisingly cautious and gentle he had been. This memory was embedded in your brain. You would have expected anything but this from him. Anything but that soft and coy demeanour. And still, it made you nervous thinking about meeting him along with his family again. They were the ones that must have made him so cold. So you fell asleep, anticipation and tension crawling through your every vein.

The Gaunts arrived in a rush and brought in a whiff of cold air that couldn’t even be drowned out by the fire in the chimney. Tom acknowledged you this time though. Not like months before when they had come to your house. You could have sworn that there was even a hint of a smile on his lips when he laid his eyes upon you. A smile that you reciprocated, rather faintly as well.

Lunch was alright. A lot of forced formalities and small talk, some tired attempts to get to know the future family. Tom was quiet, as usual, only talked when someone asked him something directly, while Morfin and Marvolo ate so voraciously, the house elves had trouble filling up their plates in time.

The Christmas spirit was spoiled when presents were brought up. Marvolo asked about Elsie’s new broom and why on Merlin’s green earth your parents would gift such a thing to a girl. He held back his laughter and shook his head when Elsie explained so excitedly that she couldn’t wait to learn how to fly in Hogwarts. Bastard.

Marvolo noticed the look you gave him and seemed to take it as a challenge, so he stared back at you, his filthy grin still in place. His head leant sideways as he waited for you to say something, his eyes squinted as if to tell you to go on and tell him what bothered you. 

How you would have loved to smash his face against the table or curse him into oblivion. Your teeth hurt from how hard you clenched your jaw. You couldn’t. You wanted to tell him so badly what an awful, disgusting, obsolete excuse for a man he was. But you mustn’t. He still had Elsie’s life in his hands. So you stayed silent when he whispered, “That’s what I thought.”

“Anyway,” Father said in an attempt to ease the tension. “What are your plans for the remaining holidays?”

“There’s not a lot to do these days, is there?” Marvolo answered. “But now that you bring it up, we had something special planned for today.”

Morfin grinned as he shoved the last spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

“And what is that?” Father asked.

“Well now that your little one is doing much better, which I assume you’re very thankful for,” he paused to wait for your parents to agree. “We decided to accept your invitation for today to bring our mutual pact to the next stage.”

Mother quickly told the elves to take Elsie upstairs, while you looked over at Tom in question. He only shook his head, letting you know he didn’t know what was going on either.

“The next stage?” Father asked. “What do you mean by that?”

“Since we’ve done our part of the agreement already, exceedingly fast and precise might I add, and the wedding is still months away, we want to make sure we will get what we asked for. You see, I respect you and your family of course, but one can never be sure enough. We don’t want to be tricked or exploited. So we’re asking for an unbreakable vow. Between Tom and your daughter.” 

“A vow?” Mother was appalled. “What for?”

“For the marriage of course,” Marvolo said. “A promise that the marriage will be solemnised, that cannot be withdrawn from either side.”

A breath got stuck in your throat. First the marriage and now this? If you agreed, the Gaunts would have both Elsie and you under their control. Infringing an unbreakable vow resulted in death and they would never stop asking for things if you agreed to this. 

“Marvolo,” Father sighed. “Don’t you think it’s enough? That we agreed to do this for the sake of my youngest child? You haven’t broken her curse entirely so you can use her as leverage. And now you expect me to bring my eldest daughter in mortal danger as well?”

“There’s no danger if the plan proceeds as we agreed,” Marvolo answered. “The vow can’t harm her if she plays by the rules.”

“She played by the rules,” Mother said. “She still does. Everyone’s been playing by your rules, so why do you want to add the vow?”

“As I said, I don’t want to be tricked. It’s merely a way to protect my family. And with all due respect, your reaction makes it seem like you’re up to no good already. Who knows? Perhaps you’ve changed your minds.”

Protect his family… He would sell both Tom and Morfin for a galleon and a half if he could. He was paranoid. Tom watched you in silence, his face void of emotion as your eyes met. What could you possibly reply to such an insane proposal? Every word that could leave your mouth right now would be filthy and full of anger, and Marlovo was already waiting for you to burst. 

He turned to you. “What do you say, child? Don’t you want to prove your loyalty?”

You sucked in a breath and were about to answer when Tom suddenly stood up. 

“Enough! I want a word.”

“You want a word?” Marvolo laughed disparagingly.

“Now,” Tom turned to your parents. “Is there a room we can go to?”

“The reading room, right across the corridor,” Mother said and showed them the way.

You followed the three men and watched them enter the reading room before Mother turned towards you. “Don’t eavesdrop, darling,” she said. “Give them some privacy.”

“Do you really think Marvolo deserves privacy?”

“No. He’s an awful man.”

“He is,” Father said as he joined you.

“We’re not going to let him do this to you,” Mother promised. “You’ve already done enough. Marvolo is out of his mind.”

“He’s greedy,” Father added. “Unreasonable.”

You leant your head against the door to the reading room and pressed your ear onto it, trying to hear what they were talking about. Mother motioned for you to stop, but didn’t prevent you from listening.

First, you heard nothing. Silence, then footsteps tipping across the room. Mumbled words that were so washed out you could barely understand what they meant.

Tom’s voice echoed from the walls. “You can’t be serious. Why would you ask for more? And why didn’t you tell me?”

Marvolo answered quietly. You could only guess what he was saying. Something like “Why would I?”

Mother appeared next to you, visibly displeased with herself as she flicked her wand and cast a spell that diminished the sound barrier, so you could hear every word that was spoken inside the room. Privacy has to be earned in this house.

“I’m not going to let you go through with this,” Tom said.

Marvolo snickered. “And you think I care what you’re allowing me to do?”

“I know you don’t,” Tom answered. “But I won’t comply. You can’t force anyone to make an unbreakable vow. Not even with the Imperius curse. And you know that.”

“What are you doing this for?” Morfin suddenly participated. “For the girl? You know things will only get worse if you refuse.”

A moment of silence occurred.

“Oh would you look at that,” Morfin chuckled. “You do like her, don’t you? Well, at least Father’s letter wasn’t in vain then.”

Tom didn’t answer.

“And her? How will you make her fall for you?” Morfin asked. “If you need a little love potion, I can provide that.”

“How dare you bring that up?” Tom spat. “You're very brave today, uncle. Comparing me to her.”

“Well, Father,” Morfin went on. “Looks like Tom thinks he can do it all on his own.”

“Now listen to me, son,” Marvolo said. “If you think you can disobey me like that, without any consequences, you must take me for a fool. To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. Just know that there will be more to it.”

They scurried around. Marvolo and Morfin seemed to leave through the Floo Network. You assumed Tom would follow them but could hear him roaming around the room for another minute until his steps wandered towards the door. 

Both you and your mother stepped away quickly. Mother fixed her hair and you had suddenly found a deep interest in your nail beds, studying them as if your life depended on it.

Tom stood in the door frame, chest heaving slightly, with the doorknob in his hand.

“Grandfather and uncle left through the fireplace,” he said. “I’ll go too, I just need a minute, if you’ll allow.”

Mother looked at him like she looked at Elsie when she grazed her knee or hit her head. Her eyes weren’t as stern as you expected them to be, but soft and full of pity. 

“Why don’t you stay for a bit, Tom?” she asked. “We still have so much food left from lunch, we could need a bit of help before it goes to waste.”

Tom looked at her and nodded slowly. He must have known that she didn’t invite him to prevent wasting food. But apparently, he didn’t care what her reasons were. He just accepted it and that was fair.

“Would you show him around, darling?” Mother asked you. “While I tell the elves to prepare the guest room.”

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 7

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

The Guardian—Epilogue

There was some conclusion to the story of Haldir and Mildrithe at the end of Chapter 5, but I didn’t want to leave it there because she’s only 6 years old and they have so many years left together! But I also didn’t want to be writing chapters of this until the end of time, so I did an epilogue that checks in on them at 7 different points across her life, just so we can see how they’re getting on and the ways that they still love and support each other through the undeniable challenge of raising a human in an elf’s world. (Catch up on other chapters by going to the very bottom of my pinned post.)

The seven little mini-stories take place when Mildrithe is 8, 12, 16, 20, 28, 40 and 78. If you don’t want to think about what happens to humans when they get old, then stop after the sixth story! They’re numbered in the text so you can do this easily.

********************

1. “Be careful there, you’ve got it the wrong way around.” Haldir reached out and gently took hold of the knife handle, turning it so that the sharp edge of the blade now faced down.

Mildrithe shrugged and grinned at him, a prominent gap in her smile where a tooth had recently fallen out. Then she sat back to watch him finish serving the dessert. “Do you really think this will be the best cake I’ve ever had?”

“I really do,” he said. “It came straight from the lord and lady’s own kitchens. Nothing but the best for your eighth birthday.” A little honeyed frosting clung to one of his fingers, and he dabbed it onto the end of her nose, making her giggle. “Ask Idhrien if you don’t believe me.”

Idhrien nodded in mock solemnity. “I’ve studied the matter thoroughly, and I can promise that you will find no better in all of Middle Earth.”

Mildrithe looked back excitedly at the pieces that Haldir was now transferring onto plates, but as she claimed her slice, her expression turned thoughtful. “You really don’t celebrate your own birthdays at all? Not even with cake?”

Haldir and Idhrien exchanged quick glances. They had discussed many times how best to address these questions that touched on differences between their kinds, but it still felt fraught to him. Mildrithe always accepted the answers she was given, but he knew the recurrence of her questions meant that she still had difficulty truly understanding what she was told and he struggled with how best to explain things in a way that was appropriate for her.

“When you’ve had as many birthdays as we have, they seem less important somehow,” he said. “We don’t really change from year to year, so there is less to celebrate. But you — you’ve grown so much. You’re even smarter and taller and stronger and braver than you were a year ago. Though you do have fewer teeth now.” He poked a finger into her ribs, and she giggled again.

“I think you have changed,” she said as the giggle subsided. “From last year.”

“Oh?” His eyebrows popped up. “How is that?”

“You’re more…” She trailed off, searching her mind for just the right word. “More like you.”

He smiled because he knew she was right. He was much more at ease now than he had been during their first fragile months together, when he knew so little of her and absolutely nothing of being a parent. But they were figuring it out together, and that was worth celebrating. “Well then perhaps I should have a party this year after all. Just a little one. Idhrien, you and my brothers.”

“That’s all?” Her brows drew together, a small crease of concern appearing between her eyes, and he reached over to give her a hug.

“That’s all I need.”

**********

2. “She’s going to be fine, Haldir. I promise.” Idhrien gave his arm a comforting squeeze. “Children of Men get sick all the time, and this is just a little cold. I checked with Eithoril, and she said a few days of rest are all that’s needed.”

He grimaced, and she could tell that no words of the healer were going to sway his mind.

“Alright then,” she said, putting a hand to his cheek. “I’ll go let Rúmil know that you’ll be staying home today. Give her a kiss for me when she wakes up.”

“I will, and thank you.” He walked her to the door and then went back to his place beside Mildrithe’s bed. She had been asleep all morning, a welcome respite from the constant coughing and sneezing that had dogged her all night, and he sat quietly, drawing small sketches of her resting face and ready to be on hand in case she came to need anything.

“Ada?”

He looked up from his sketchbook to find her blinking her way awake, and his heart melted, as it always did when she called him that. Dad. It had taken a few years, and he had never suggested or pushed it. But the first time the word came from her lips — part of an excited squeal when he returned from a particularly long patrol the summer she turned ten — was one of the happiest moments of his life, and he would never tire of hearing it.

“I thought you had to go?” She coughed and rolled over on her side so that she could see him better.

“I decided that it was more important to stay here with you,” he said, smoothing a hand over her hair. “Uncle Rúmil can handle everything for me until you’re feeling better.”

Her eyes drifted down to the sketchbook in his lap. “Are you drawing me again?”

“Of course. You and your mother are my favorite subjects.”

She held out her hand, and he passed the book over so that she could look at his work.

“Don’t you ever get tired of drawing the same things over and over?”

He watched as she flipped through the pages, all covered in delicate pencil sketches of Idhrien, Mildrithe or the two of them together. Laughing at a private joke. Playing in an early snowfall. Wading in the river, the hems of their dresses held above the water line. Snuggled up, side by side, reading a book. Each scene as different to him as the sun from the moon and as special as the shimmering field of stars that covered the sky above Lórien each night.

“I would draw you both forever if I could.”

**********

3. Mildrithe’s arrow went well wide of its mark yet again, and her shoulders slumped down in defeat.

“I’m never going to get this right. I don’t know why you even bother trying to teach me. I should just leave archery to the elves.”

Haldir wrapped an arm around her, partly to comfort and partly to straighten her spine again for another try. “I have fought alongside good archers from nearly every race in Middle Earth, including plenty of Men. It’s something that can be learned by everyone with time and practice.”

She looked up at him from the corner of her eye. “Did you ever fight alongside a Rohirrim?”

An uncomfortable little pang echoed in his chest, and he suppressed a wince. She had begun asking more questions about Rohan of late, ever since she turned sixteen. He didn’t begrudge her the knowledge and answered every question for her that he could. But while Idhrien believed the questions were a natural and expected part of growing up, a small voice in the back of his mind had begun to worry that perhaps Mildrithe was growing unhappy in Lórien. That she might eventually feel the undeniable pull of her homeland and decide to return. That he would lose his only daughter even faster than her mortal nature would dictate.

“I never had that privilege,” he said, and she mercifully accepted the answer without further discussion.

Drawing another arrow from her quiver, she fit it to the string and took careful aim.

“Check your feet,” he said. “And keep both eyes open. Even if you can aim well with one eye closed, you always want to be able to see what’s happening on all sides of you.”

She made the adjustments, blew out a long, slow breath and let the arrow fly. It hit the target, just a little left of center, with a satisfying thump, and she turned and jumped directly into his arms.

“I did it, Ada!”

He spun her around twice before setting her down and pulling back to look at her beaming smile.

“I knew that you could.”

**********

4. When Haldir got up to look out the window a fourth time, Idhrien closed her book and cleared her throat.

“I’m sure everything is fine, Haldir. A twenty year old girl out with her friends is going to test her limits a little.” She smiled. “We’ve all done it, even you. Orophin tells some very good stories about your younger years.”

“If Mildrithe is out now getting into the kind of trouble Orophin and I used to get into, that does not ease my mind.”

She got up from her chair and came to lean lightly against him at the window. “And yet you turned out fine.” She kissed his shoulder. “Much better than fine.”

They stood together for a few more quiet moments before they finally heard the sound of feet on the stairs and Mildrithe’s amber hair came into view below. She rushed up the steps two at a time and burst into the room, streaking past them with reddened eyes and wet cheeks.

“Mildrithe! What happened? Are you hurt?” Haldir caught her arm as she ran by.

“I’m fine,” she choked out, holding back a sob. “Though it should surprise no one if I was hurt, since I’m just a mortal. Too weak for this world.”

“Don’t say that.” Idhrien smoothed away a lock of hair that clung to Mildrithe’s dampened cheek and took her hand. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, mortal or not.”

“I didn’t say it. Gwerenor did.” The sob she fought to suppress began to force its way out. “He said it wasn’t worth making friends with me. He said I won’t be around long enough to bother with.”

“He said what?” Haldir had long suspected that Mildrithe was a little sweet on Gwerenor, and he had never thought the young elf was particularly deserving of her affection. But now he fought back the urge to go find Gwerenor and drag him across all of Caras Galadhon by the ear to give an apology for such a heartless remark. Idhrien saw the flush in his cheeks and put a calming hand on his arm.

“He’s right, though, isn’t he?” Mildrithe looked up at them through her tears. “I’ll die long before you, and even then I won’t go to Mandos as everyone else will. I’ll be alone. Forever.”

She gave up fully on trying to hold back her distress and wept openly. All of Haldir’s anger vanished in an instant, replaced only with pity, and he wrapped one arm around Mildrithe and the other around Idhrien, pulling them all together into a tight little trio.

“He’s not right,” he said. “No one knows for sure what the fate of Men is beyond this world, but elves and Men are both children of Eru. And he surely doesn’t want to separate his children from each other forever.”

“Do you really believe that?” Her voice was small and muffled, her face pressed against his chest.

“I really do.” He kissed the top of her head. “You won’t be alone. I have never been more certain of anything in my life.”

**********

5. Mildrithe snuck another look at Haldir from the corner of her eye as they walked. His face was calm, but he was often one to keep his innermost thoughts and feelings inside and she worried about what he might be hiding. Whether he felt resentment or betrayal amidst his sadness. Whether he thought she was ungrateful. The idea that she might be hurting him stung her, and she reached for his hand.

He looked down and smiled as she laced her fingers through his. “The first time you did that, your hand was barely big enough to get around mine at all.”

“And you looked so startled that I wondered if holding hands meant something very different to elves.”

He laughed. “We’re maybe not as free with our feelings as others. Me especially.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m just glad you didn’t give up on me.”

Tears welled up in her eyes and she pulled him to a stop by their joined hands. “I would never give up on you, and that’s not what’s happening now. You know that, right? This is something that I have to do for myself, but it changes nothing about my feelings for you. Or Naneth.”

“I know that.” He brushed away a tear that slid down her cheek. “I know it’s been…difficult for you here at times, being different from everyone else. And you’re old enough now to start a family of your own, and I can see how that will be easier for you outside of Lórien.”

“It has been difficult sometimes, but never because of you. You made this my home, and I’ll always love it. And I’ll be back to visit you. All the time. So much that you’ll wonder whether I even left.”

He kissed her cheek. “It will always make my heart happy to see you.”

They walked the rest of the way in silence, eventually coming to the forest’s edge, where they met the small traveling party that would ride with her to the town in Rohan’s Eastfold where she intended to start again. Haldir checked and then rechecked her saddle, her bow, her water canteen. Using his best Rohirric, he went over the planned route with the head of the party and asked a steady string of questions about the expected weather, the terrain and the security precautions they had planned. He cast a careful eye over the packed supplies carried by a small pony and added a few items of his own that he had brought in case they were needed.

Mildrithe watched him as he created task after task that required his attention before she could depart, and when he turned back to check her saddle again for a third time, she gently took hold of his arm.

“Ada, I think you’ve done that already.”

“Have I?” He laughed a little at himself even as his eyes reddened and took on a glassy sheen. “I suppose I have. So I guess that means you’re all ready to go then?”

“I guess.” She reached out and brushed away the tear that rolled down his cheek this time. “Unless… maybe you’d like to come with us a little further before you head back?”

He hesitated and then smiled. “Well, maybe just a little.”

**********

6. Two small pairs of feet stuck out from below the edge of the curtains, and every time Haldir walked past, furtive giggling could be heard.

“Now where have Holtwin and Seftceln gone?” he asked in a loud voice. “I can’t find them anywhere.” There was more giggling from behind the curtain. “Mildrithe, I’m sorry, but I seem to have lost your children. I’ve looked everywhere, and they’ve just vanished.”

“Well, that’s a shame,” said Mildrithe, shaking her head. “Because their grandmother was planning to take them swimming in the river, but I guess we’ll have to cancel that now.”

Holtwin and Seftceln burst from their hiding place and ran in excited loops around the room. “Grandpa couldn’t find us, but we were right there the whole time!”

“You’re very tricky,” said Haldir, smiling. “I have to stay on my toes when you two are around.” He scooped them up, one in each arm, and carried them over to the door. “Your grandmother is waiting outside. Go and enjoy the afternoon.”

They scampered happily down the stairs, and Haldir returned to sit next to Mildrithe, who had collapsed into a seat with her feet propped up on a small table in front of her. She laid her head on his shoulder as soon as he sat, and she breathed a happy, but tired, sigh.

“I don’t know where they get their energy,” she said. “From the moment they wake up until the minute they fall asleep at night, it’s non-stop for them. And then also for me.”

“Does Éathmod not help you?”

“He does. He’s a wonderful father. And you’d think two forty year old people could stay on top of a three and a five year old, but they run us ragged. Why did you never tell me parenthood was so exhausting?”

He laughed. “Because ultimately that part doesn’t matter. By the time they’re grown, you won’t even remember the tiredness. You’ll just remember how much you loved having them with you.”

She reached up to kiss his cheek. “I’m sure you’re right as always, Ada.” She snuggled her head back down on his shoulder and yawned. “I could fall asleep right here, right now.”

“Go ahead.”

“You won’t mind? I came all this way to visit with you, not to sleep.”

“It’ll only be for a little while.” He pulled a blanket from a basket at his side and spread it across her. “And besides, I love just having you with me.”

**********

7. The voice of his wife came into Haldir’s mind suddenly. Insistently. You need to get here quickly. There is less time than we thought. He dropped everything and ran.

He made only one stop on his way out of the city, borrowing a horse from Lady Galadriel’s household, and he raced through the forest and then across the plains of eastern Rohan on its back. With every pace, he prayed he would arrive before it was too late.

Mildrithe had been sick for several months, and he and Idhrien had taken turns traveling to Wielburg to be with her. At first, it had seemed a simple unlucky streak of normal illness, though a flu or infection was dangerous enough for a woman of nearly eighty. But as time wore on and the cures prescribed for those standard ailments had no effect, it became clear that something more serious afflicted her. Something that only steadily worsened, bringing fever, fatigue and suffering in its wake.

He arrived days later, well into the night, and jumped from the exhausted horse to rush inside. The rest of the household had all gone to sleep, spent from long days of worry and care, and Idhrien sat alone at Mildrithe’s bedside, gently holding her frail, palsied hand. The smooth, firm skin of his wife’s fingers against the thin, creased skin of his daughter’s brought a sob to his throat, which he stifled as best he could. All the years of knowing that this moment was coming had somehow done nothing to prepare him for it in the end.

He leaned down to kiss Mildrithe’s forehead, and she opened her eyes slowly when she felt his lips. It took her a moment to find his face and bring it into focus, but she smiled at him, a smile of quiet pride. “I waited for you, Ada,” she said, her voice a faint, hoarse whisper, and then her eyes drifted closed again.

He was about to implore her to keep fighting, to do whatever she could within herself to go on, when he heard her voice in his mind and it stopped him short. I am ready. It had never been easy for her to access the ability to exchange thoughts – most mortals never achieved it successfully, and only her years in Lórien had helped her along – and he knew that she had put all of her last strength into the effort.

He sank down to his knees and bowed his head. He could hear the aching rattle in her chest with each labored breath and feel the fevered heat emanating from her body. More than that, he could feel her exhaustion, her pain, her willingness to give in to the release that hovered at the edge of her consciousness. He couldn’t deny her that last relief, and so he drew a terrified breath and spoke the words he knew she had waited to hear.

“It’s alright, Mildrithe. You can go now. Remember us and how much we love you until we can find you again someday.”

Idhrien wept silently at his side and eventually stood to raise Éathmod and his children from their beds to say their own final goodbyes. People came in and out. There were more tears and embraces. Minutes ticked away, and then hours. And through it all, Haldir sat silently, safeguarding Mildrithe in sleep one last time until his watch was ended shortly before dawn.

He went out to view the sunrise alone, sitting beneath the canopy of a rowan tree in full bloom, small white flowers covering every branch and fallen petals making a carpet beneath the boughs. After a few minutes, Hýdigan, Holtwin’s youngest daughter, wandered out and came to his side. “Is Grandma gone now?”

He turned to face her, a little five year old with a head of reddish-gold curls, big hazel eyes, and a small rounded chin. She looked so much like Mildrithe as he had first seen her, decades ago that felt like only the passing of a moment to him. He made room for Hýdigan to sit in his lap.

“No, little one, she’s not gone. You won’t see her now as you’re used to seeing her, but she’s still here. No one is really gone as long as they remain in our hearts and minds.”

They watched the first rays of the sun emerge from behind the rolling hills of the horizon, bringing the start of a new day in their wake. He couldn’t count how many days he had already seen nor how many were still ahead of him, stretching off into the boundless future. But he knew that Mildrithe would live alongside him, in his own heart and mind, for every one of those days. And in this way, she would never be truly gone. He would carry her into eternity.

********************

Last notes: There’s a little more osanwé in the seventh mini-story. It’s very unusual for a human to be able to use it, but Tolkien did say it was possible and, if anyone is going to be able to, it would be a human raised among elves. But even then, it takes a lot of effort for Mildrithe to do it.

Mildrithe named her son Holtwin (which means “forest friend”) as a tribute to Haldir, and her daughter Seftceln (“soft breeze”) shares a name with Mildrithe’s late sister, who saved her life by hiding her during the attack on their village. Holtwin named his daughter Hýdigan (“thoughtful one” in Rohirric) after Idhrien, whose own name means “thoughtful” in Sindarin.

[nabibeans]

Forever my star

Summary: Hongjoong was never into dating older women; not until he met his current girlfriend Park Seonghwa. He’s 25, she’s 36 now, their relationship was perfect, however; Hongjoong’s parents aren’t too fond of their son’s older girlfriend. And they make it more than obvious when they help Hongjoong move into Seonghwa’s apartment only to discover the woman is pregnant.

Tw//: hateful language towards Seonghwa, Hongjoong’s father is an asshole, his mother tries but she’s no better.

•⭐️•

Seonghwa groaned as she woke up; her back was already hurting right from the start, the pregnancy pillow only doing so much to support her heavy stomach and back. Sitting up in the bed she glanced over at the clock, 8:45am, shit! The woman slipped out of bed as fast as her baby bump would allow her to; she was supposed to unlock the door at 9am so Hongjoong’s parents could help carry some furniture into the mostly unfurnished apartment, the only rooms they really had completely done were the bedroom and bathroom. “Ah…just bare with mommy little one. Daddy will be here soon.” She rubbed her bump gently, feeling the baby shift a bit in her belly. Seonghwa was currently about 6 months pregnant; she and Hongjoong had agreed once he finished college he’d move in with her rather than buying a whole new apartment, however when Seonghwa’s old apartment complex got shut down they ended up moving to a nice apartment in downtown Seoul together instead. Seonghwa pulled on some hello kitty pajama pants and a black maternity tank top before waddling to the bathroom to brush her teeth and fix the messy short hair on her head. A knock on the door however interrupted that task. “Aigoo, daddy is early little one. Mommy looks a mess.” There was a little kick in response making her smile softly, waddling to the door as fast as she could she opened the door to be greeted by her boyfriend. “Hey baby! And hello my little one.” Hongjoong cooed sweetly, rubbing her baby bump and pressing a soft kiss to it over the fabric. “He’s been kicking a bit this morning, he missed his daddy last night.”

Hongjoong pouted softly, “awe, daddy’s sorry my little man, but I’ll be here every day now with you and mommy.” When Seonghwa had first told Hongjoong she was pregnant the couple truly hadn’t expected a pregnancy this early in their relationship. The couple had only been dating for two years and now they were having a baby; after a long discussion they decided they’d keep their baby and move in together as soon as Hongjoong finished college. Now the time had arrived to focus on their baby and their life together. “Hongjoong-ah are you ready to-“ his mother had rounded the corner, lips pressed in a thin line. “You didn’t tell me your girlfriend was pregnant.” , “you definitely knew she was pregnant, you’ve seen her photos.” Hongjoong pressed a kiss to his girlfriend’s cheek. “You go back to bed and relax okay? Let me do all the hard work and I’ll cook you lunch after I’m done.” Seonghwa nodded, leaning in to kiss her boyfriend sweetly. “Okay, I love you.” , “I love you too. Now go rest, I can tell you need it.” Hongjoong was always so observant, it warmed her heart that he always knew when she needed rest. Waddling back to the bedroom Seonghwa decided to brush her teeth before going back to bed. “Let’s at least freshen up little man.” She whispered to her belly. As she was brushing her teeth she could hear a loud voice.

“You’re having a child with her already? How old is this woman anyway Hongjoong!?” Hongjoong’s father had never liked her, since the moment they were first introduced he’d had a weird dislike towards the woman. “Dad, she’s 36. We’ve been over this stop being so rude towards her.” She could hear Hongjoong’s voice. “36!? You couldn’t knock up a younger woman!? She’s gonna be 40 by the time your child is able to attend school.” Seonghwa dropped her toothbrush in the sink, tears falling down her face as she held her stomach. She’d known that, she’d known her child would be one of the few with an older mother. And she didn’t mind one bit, especially with Hongjoong reassuring her but now…

Tears fell down Seonghwa’s face as she cried softly, gripping the edge of the sink. The words looping in her head over and over, was having a baby the right choice? Could she provide an ideal life for their child? “I’m gonna check on Seonghwa, we just gotta finish the living room then it’s all boxes.” As Seonghwa tried to wipe her tears away Hongjoong paused in the hallway with just outside the bathroom door. “Baby, what’s wrong? Is the baby okay? Are you okay? Why are you crying!?” Hongjoong’s hands immediately caressed her cheeks.

“I heard what your father said, maybe he’s right…do you think I’m too old to have a baby?” Hongjoong shook his head. “There’s women older than you that have babies. Don’t ever think you’re too old to have a baby, especially my baby.” Seonghwa leaned into his touch, the tears falling down her face slower now. “I just want to be the best mother I can be to our son. And to know your father thinks so low of me..” Hongjoong wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her to the bedroom. “Fuck him. He didn’t like my brothers girlfriend either and she’s older than you. He just doesn’t get it. How amazing older women are~” Hongjoong kissed his girlfriend sweetly, which Seonghwa returned in full.

“Thank you, I needed that.” Seonghwa let Hongjoong help her relax back against the pillows in the bed they’d be sharing from now on. “Any time babe, you rest. I’ll make your favorite for lunch and once they leave I’ll run you a bubble bath so you can soak while I cook. You deserve it, after all you’re working so hard carrying my son.” Seonghwa smiled. “Thank you, I love you..my treasure.” Hongjoong leaned in to kiss her forehead. “I love you my star.” Getting off the bed Hongjoong made sure she was comfortable before leaving the room. He’d have to talk with his parents before his son was born, and he was dreading that conversation.

Once he joined them in the now fully furnished living room he took a deep breath, “mom. Dad. Let’s talk outside, Seonghwa is sleeping.” The three moved outside where the remaining boxes sat beside the door. “Listen; I know Seonghwa is an older woman, but you can’t just be rude to her and say things like that about her when she’s having your grandchild.” His mother only sighed, “son, we just want what’s best for you.” , “so being rude to my girlfriend, who’s having MY baby is the right thing to do!?” His voice raised slightly. “No not at all it’s just…” , “have you thought about what this baby’s childhood will be like with an older mother?” His father intervened. “I don’t think my child’s future is your business. His mother is a very wealthy woman might I add. So trust me her age isn’t an issue.” It was true. Seonghwa was a college professor at Yonsei. That was how they’d met; Hongjoong having studied at Seoul National had seen her passing in the hallway during a sports event and decided to talk to her. “Her money isn’t the point, you make twice as much as she does.” Hongjoong rolled his eyes. “I think you should leave, and don’t bother showing up when my baby is born. Her parents will be there.” His mother’s jaw dropped but before she could speak Hongjoong grabbed the remained boxes and kicked the door closed.

He should feel bad for saying that to his parents, but with the way they treated Seonghwa he couldn’t bring himself to. Deciding to wait to unpack the rest of the items he went to check on his pregnant girlfriend, finding the older woman curled up against the pillows sleeping soundly. “Aigoo, my star you must have been sleepy.” He kisses her head softly, pulling the blanket over her shoulders before getting back to work on finally making the apartment their own.

•⭐️•

It was a few hours layered when Seonghwa woke up; stretching her arms over her head and checking the time, 3:45pm. “Man I slept all afternoon.” Slipping out of the bed she rubbed her belly gently as she entered the living room, her eyes widened as she looked at the beautifully decorated room. “Hey baby, did you sleep well?” Hongjoong entered from the kitchen, an apron tied to his waist. “Yes I did, why didn’t you wake me up?” , “baby you’re pregnant. You need the rest, after all in three months neither of us are getting much sleep. Especially you, you still want to breastfeed right?” Seonghwa nodded. They’d discussed it early on and decided she’d breastfeed their baby when he was born. “Yes I do, I’m going to miss sleeping for the first few months. But I can’t wait to hold our son.” Hongjoong leaned in to kiss her lips softly. “I can’t either, we need to start thinking of names for him so we can finally decorate his nursery.” Seonghwa nodded in agreement. “I know, I’ve been looking but none have stuck. If he’s anything like you he needs a name that suits him.” Hongjoong laughed, helping Seonghwa to get comfortable on the couch. “We have a few months, there’s no immediate rush.”

Seonghwa settled against the pillows rubbing her bump. “I’m not either, but I’d love to decorate his nursery before my feet swell up too much. It’s already hard to get in and out of bed with how big my bump is.” Her hand gently caressed her stomach. “I know love, we can talk about baby names over dinner okay? I decided to cook early so we can relax and enjoy ourselves this evening. Seonghwa smiled up at her boyfriend, “thank you babe, I appreciate you.”’, “I’m just doing my duty and spoiling the mother of my child no big deal!” The couple shared another kiss before Hongjoong went back to the kitchen.

Dinner had been amazing; they’d decided on the name Yeosang for their baby boy, even choosing red for the primary color in his nursery. “Yeosangie, your daddy is a great cook you know?” Seonghwa smiled as she rubbed her belly gently, there was a small kick in response, followed by a few more. “You like that? You like that name don’t you? Mommy’s Yeosang.” The baby kicked once more, small kicks against her stomach. “Am I hearing that right? Our Yeosang likes his name?” Hongjoong rested his hands on his girlfriend’s bump, feeling the kicks himself.

“He’s going to be a very happy baby. I can feel it.” Seonghwa smiled as she placed her hands over Hongjoong’s. “Of course he is, our Yeosang is going to be the most spoiled baby in Seoul too.” The couple continued chatting through the evening just enjoying each others company; ending the evening with a bath before getting into bed, Seonghwa laid on Hongjoong’s chest. His hand caressing her baby bump as they watched a movie together. “I can’t wait to do this while holding Yeosang between us.” Seonghwa spoke sleepily. Hongjoong nodded in agreement. “You know he can’t sleep in the bed. But some cuddles before putting him in his crib will definitely be needed. “I know, I still hate that I can’t cuddle him while I sleep.” , “you can hold his hand, we got a crib that allows easy Access so you won’t have to get out of bed much after giving birth.” Seonghwa yawns as she nodded. “I know, mm just…so ready to be a mommy.” Her eyes were fluttering closed, Hongjoong’s sign to shut off the tv and focus on getting to sleep. As the couple drifted to dreamland Hongjoong whispered one last thing.

“I love you forever, my star.”

AN//: Kinda short and sweet while I’m working on the next part to Unexpected. Would you guys want another part that takes place after Yeosang is born?

[sleepy-wyvern]

The Love Interest | Ethan Landry x Female!Reader Chapter 2

Image 1, image 2

Scream VI Re-imagined as Ethan Landry's love interest!

Chapter 2 out now!

Read the entire thing over on AO3 (still in the works) but I decided to include chapter 2 here. I probably won't include the rest on tumblr, unsure yet. Please note there ARE Scream 6 spoilers as this is scream VI reimagined! If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know!

All characters in this fic are 18+, and this fic contains EXPLICIT content, MINORS DNI

It really only occurred to you now how silly you must look; a cardboard knight walking in stride with a 1994 movie character in bell bottoms, connected by a thin white wire.

Tongue Tied by GROUPLOVE played over your earbuds while you walked over the New York sidewalk. It was an eerily familiar song for the city, you found yourself able to relax a little as you walked in silence despite the car horns, sirens and city chatter. And of course, your buzzing nerves. Can't forget those, even if you wanted to as the alcohol no longer was fluttering in your brain.

“You know, this song…” you speak up to say something about the song but shrug it off.

You felt him watching you as you pulled your phone out of your pocket looking for a different song “…nevermind, forget about it” you chicken out.

“Trying to forget anything as intriguing as this would be an exercise in futility” he smiles softly and you look at him with a growing smile.

“Did you just quote my character back at me,” you say, sounding shocked and he grins down at you.

“Maybe,” he shrugs cooly.

You laugh into the crisp night air “okay you did say you were a fan too, right?” You ask and he nods, the yellow streetlight illuminating his face as you walk by.

“Tell me about what you were going to say, I’d like to hear” he prods a little “if you’re comfortable with it.”

You purse your lips as you bring back memories of mere months ago “this song is the one I relate the most to moving here. When I got lost trying to find my way back to my dorm from some sushi place. I had to call Anika to come save me, she was more upset I didn't invite her to get sushi.”

A slight laugh escaped his mouth as he looked down at you “was this the first or second time you got lost?”

“Second,” you murmur grinning at your feet watching your bell bottoms glide along as you avoid mysterious puddles, “The first was with my parents when I was little.”

He raises a fluffy eyebrow wanting to hear more.

“It’s not that interesting…” you trail off embarrassed “I eventually found a spider-man that helped me find my parents”

As your eyes trail over him you take notice of his dark, long sleeved shirt underneath his costume framing his torso. Really, underneath his nerdy demeanor he had an attractive frame.

He licks his tongue along his teeth as he smiles, the points of his canines pointing sharply. You wonder what it would be like to push him against the brick storefront wall, pressing your tongue into his mouth then and there. Tasting him, breathing him in. Your body pressed into his cardboard armour, his hands at your waist, fingers tangled in your shirt and-

“So did he charge you?” Ethan speaks oblivious to your thoughts.

“Huh?” You ask, cheeks red in embarrassment.

“The spider-man,” He laughs, “like how they try to charge you $20 for a photo with a costume they bought at Spirit Halloween.”

“Probably Walmart” you smile back at him “No, thankfully he didn’t charge the 6 year old. Unemployment is pretty rough on that age group.”

“It’s a real shame. Must’ve traumatised you from some great movies.” Ethan put his hands in his pockets as you stopped, just now realising that you made it to the theatre.

“Actually, Spider-Man’s probably my favourite superhero. I loved New York as a kid, they had tons of them here. I knew they weren’t real but,” you realised you were rambling as you stood outside the entrance to the cinema.

Ethan looks down at you intently though, prodding you along, eyes beaming through the invisible mask, the real him filled with wonder and amusement.

Don’t leave me tongue tied, the song hums.

“But it was fun to watch the movies, it made me feel like I had my own hero that looked out for me. Even just to find my parents,” he nodded with a genuine smile.

Don’t wave no goodbye,

“I get it. I like that story. For me, I just used to watch it with my brother all of the time.” Suddenly as he reaches the end of his sentence his face recedes back behind the mask, as if hiding away from you behind some dark shadow.

Don’t, the song trails off.

You decide not to prod but change the subject “anyways, do you know if any dogs are killed in this one?”

The corner of his mouth twists upward as you walk up to the lady selling tickets. He shakes his head, curls bobbing “No, I don’t know unfortunately. I’ve been avoiding spoilers like the plague.”

“Uninstalled Twitter for that very reason” you agree.

“Uh, two adults,” Ethan gulps nervously, eyes darting away from the worker who seems bored. You wonder if this is the first time he’s been on a date, but dare not ask.

She hands him the tickets and you take one from him, his fingers brushing against yours making your eyes flutter to meet his in a shy smile “I’ll buy the popcorn,” you insist realising you hadn’t had a chance to offer to pay, too distracted by your goofy knight.

“Oh, uh, you don’t have to” his eyes glance at the floor for only a moment this time before meeting yours, bright and happy.

You purse your lips feeling shy, was this a date? Did it count as one, or, maybe just a movie between friends? Why did these things have to be so complicated…?

You stare at the counter with large computerized screens, advertising all of the combo choices. Popcorn, candy, and soda, yet it felt like your stomach was filled to the brim with cement. You glance over at him in the corner of your eye, his soft lips running as he reads the menu.

“Popcorn to share?” you ask, “I’m not very hungry, but I’d like a coke.” Perhaps the fizzy liquid will dissolve whatever is sitting in your stomach.

“Me too. With butter?” he asked hopeful.

“Real butter,” you laugh and he nods.

Ordering your popcorn you didn’t realise the combo with the candy would be cheaper. When the vendor asks you if you want any you look to Ethan, “what’s your favourite?”

He bites his lower lip, looking over the choice before answering, “sour patch kids,” your mouth waters instinctively thinking over the choice before grabbing them. After paying for the food you make your way down the dark purple carpet to the middle seats in the theatre, walking past the bright light up sign showing the Halloween poster. It dawns on you again how ridiculous you must look together in costume, but other passersby were dressed up, albeit a bit more “normal” looking. But for once, you didn't care how you looked to others. Sitting back into the plush red seats you let out a relaxed sigh, crossing your legs. This was more of your scene than a party.

“You know,” you say, grabbing some popcorn, instinctively messing with your wig, “this is kinda silly but it reminds me of a scene from pulp fiction.” The food falls into your stomach, fluttering there.

“Don’t you hate that?” he speaks while you offer him popcorn, taking a handful making you grin from ear to ear.

“Uncomfortable silences” you continue the Pulp Fiction quote, wiping your lip with your index finger. “You know you’ve found somebody really special when you can just shut the fuck up for a minute.”

You straighten out the white business shirt in your lap before taking a sip of soda, watching him carefully as he holds the popcorn bag in his lap, using his helmet as a tray.

“Unfortunately we’re not quite there yet,” Ethan starts reciting the scene from memory leaning back into his chair, “but we just met each other. I just hope you don’t follow her lead and go to the bathroom to snort coke.”

You laugh while drinking, holding your hand up to your face to avoid any spill, “oh my god,” you manage while Ethan laughs, “you almost made me snort coke but not Mia’s kind.”

“Here,” he puts his hands into his pockets pulling out some tissues while you share a laugh, “I have like, three tissues.”

You smile grabbing them, “thank you my dear gallant knight. The kingdom thanks you for your loyal service” you dab the sweet liquid from your lips.

As the trailers start to roll on the screen before you, you pull your phone out to silence the notifications, lest they interrupt your movie experience.

You lean your head towards him with a whisper “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be” he smiled, eyes looking into yours before flickering back to the screen.

Through the movie you do your best to refrain from chattering, engrossed in the entertainment and forgetting everything bad happening in the world around you for even just a moment. You tug on Ethan’s sleeve, whispering little quips that make him shake his head as you watch.

For a moment, your warm hand brushes over his cool one as you go for popcorn, and you both pull back as if in a cheesy movie, the darkness of the room hiding your red cheeks. When the popcorn is finished you switch to the sour patch kids, holding them between you both. The candy is sweet, sour and sticky in your mouth washing away any bitter nervousness. By the end of the movie you were stretching your arms but you wished you could stay there forever, watching movies in your own little world. But alas, the lights dimmed on revealing the real world back to you.

“It was okay,” you shrug to him, looking at him expectantly.

“I just wish it had more gore,” he sighed “I think I just miss the old comedic gore everywhere movies.”

You nod to him in agreement “I just am a sucker for the nostalgia of the first one.”

You take your phone out and your heart sinks in your chest, blissful ignorance shattered; 10 texts and 5 missed calls from Anika.

Ethan senses your unease but doesn’t look at your phone, only your facial expressions “is… everything okay?”

You run a hand through your hair, a little off put when you remembered you were still wearing a wig. You clutch your phone to your chest, getting up “Anika called me, like 5 times, and she never does that. Let me call her back.”

You dial her number, it rang once before she picked up “where have you been?” she asks “oh right, movie. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but…remember those weirdos from your film study class? Greg I think it was, and Jason?”

Your feet carried you out in the lobby, you felt Ethan trailing behind, dumping the garbage in the bin. He tried to not linger, just keep a respectful distance. You looked back to him, watching him, “yeah I remember them.”

“Well, they were murdered. And they found the same mask that the attackers used against Sam and Tara” your stomach churns as Ethan looks back at you, face distraught with concern as his eyes lock onto yours.

Your mind is filled with images of Tara when you first met. You hadn’t known Sam much, but Tara was always sweet and kind. She loved discussing movies and was overall kind to you, something that was rare to find in people. She hid behind her scars but did her best to move on, build something new.

“Fuck, are they okay?” you sigh feeling your heartbeat rise.

“I’m staying here with Mindy for now, Sam and Tara went to the police station,” Anika replied.

“Okay well, I’ll head back to the dorm room now. Call me, alright? Keep me updated” you say into the phone, stepping closer to Ethan.

You give each other your goodbyes before hitting the red off button on the phone. Ethan stands with his arms crossed, waiting to see if you were comfortable filling him in on the conversation.

“Two guys from my films’ studies class were found dead,” you mumble, moving out of the way so other theatre goers don’t hear your conversation.

He moves his hand out to brush your shoulder, a sensation of comfort. You look back up to him with an easy, but tired, smile.

“You okay?” he asked gently, as if to not scare you away.

“Yeah, I never knew them, they were quiet,” you nod. “I’d better head back to the dorms now.”

You tap your hand against your hips nervously, “you live kinda close, yeah? Would you mind walking me back…? If that’s alright. I mean, I’m just a little nervous going back alone. If you’re uncomfortable I can call an uber-”

“No, it’s okay, my pleasure,” he pauses for a moment putting his helmet on, “besides who would want to challenge me?”

You can't help but let out a laugh as you put a hand to his shoulder, pushing him back slightly “come on my escort.”

Entering the cold night air, you could tell the moon was somewhere in the sky, it's beauty and light hidden by clouds and city smog. You wonder if the sky will ever clear, allowing you to embrace its full beauty.

You offer Ethan an earbud absentmindedly and he accepts wordlessly as you walk, more naturally together down the sidewalk this time, him guiding you along.

The night seems somehow calmer, despite a suspected murderer on the loose. Perhaps it was just a fluke and had nothing to do with Tara and Sam at all, and you had all of this fear for nothing. The music helped keep you calm as you walked until the sirens in the distance, in the way of your dorm building, caught your attention. The sirens got louder and louder as you near the corner of the block.

Ethan looked uneasy, “maybe we should take a different route…” he trails off.

A cop car was stopped at a little bodega along the street, glass was smashed and shards were everywhere. A thin yellow tape guards the place off from any passerby.

Your gut flip flops as you stare at the building, realising what might have happened. It’s not connected, it can't be… right?

You pick up your phone dialing Anika. After three rings she answers and you put her on speaker “where’s Sam and Tara?” You ask.

“I assume they're still at the police station,” She answers “why?”

“There’s this bodega…” you look at Ethan who runs his hands through his hair. He nods to you solemnly “it looks like it was attacked. It’s on the way to the police station from their place, I think…” you trail off.

“Hold on. Tara just texted me.” You can hear tapping against the screen as she checks her messages.

“She said they’re okay, they were attacked,” the blood drains from your face as you look up at Ethan. Suddenly, you wish he would touch you, he seemed too far away. But before the thought could continue Anika spoke again.

“She said he escaped, they’re waiting to be interviewed by Quinn’s dad, Detective Bailey” Anika says and you nod before feeling silly realising she can’t see you “is Ethan still with you right now…?” She trails off.

“I am” Ethan speaks up sounding surprisingly steady.

“Okay, take me off speaker,” Anika says and Ethan blushes looking away shyly as you do.

“Anika?” You whisper into the phone.

“Can you… stay with him tonight? Mindy is fuming at me, she doesn’t think it’s smart for me to leave the apartment tonight. If we stay in pairs of two it's safer.” You look at Ethan who is turned away to give you privacy and you sigh.

“How exactly do I , uh…” you trail off pressing your lips together.

You hear some shuffling on her end “he’s a guy ain’t he? He’ll stay with you any chance he gets.”

“Anika” you scowl at her through the phone.

“Okay, sorry you’re right. He’s a nice guy, Chad knows him well. Mindy is suspicious of everyone but, I don’t think he could hurt a fly. As far as Quinn’s level hookup dates go, you’re safer with this guy. Chads staying at Sam and Taras for the night anyways, it’s better to stick together. If you’re uncomfortable with it, I’ll come back.” It sounded like a genuine offer.

“No, just, stay where you are.” You speak and Ethan looks over your shoulder at your pained voice while you pinch the bridge of your nose, overwhelmed.

“Call me if you need me to come,” Anika replies and you wish you had another drink, even the gross stuff from the party.

“Okay, thanks” you reply, shutting your eyes tight as you end the call.

Looking at Ethan, as he notices the fear in your eyes, his grow a comforting, concerned shine to them “is… is everything alright?”

You look down at your feet “the killer escaped. Chad is staying at Tara and Sams, they don’t know how long they’ll be but he’s staying the night there with Quinn so she’s not alone…” you trail off.

He’s not taking the hint yet, so you need to be more direct.

“Ethan, you should stay at my place tonight,” your face reflects his bright red as you realise your boldness. You add more detail, “Anika doesn’t let anyone sleep in her bed. But I have some extra pillows and blankets, you can stay on the floor… if you’re comfortable with that.” You look down at your thumbs, twiddling them nervously.

God, I’m so pathetic when it comes to boys, you think to yourself. You wonder how Anika does it with girls, it seemed so easy for her with the amount of times she’s batted her eyelashes asking you to bunk at Tara’s for the night because she had a girl over.

He nodded, stiff as a statue, afraid to make the wrong movement to blow his chance with you, “Sure, okay, if you’ll have me.” He paused as if debating adding something but decided against it.

You feel that awkward tension as you did earlier in the night, before the movie and popcorn. But this time mixed with the awkwardness was something else, more unfamiliar. It was akin to anticipation, almost excitement, pulling at the air between you both.

“I have a song to play, if you’re okay with that,” he offers up in the silence.

You nod thankful for the distraction as you haul out your phone and hand it to him. He types in something before handing it back as music fills your ears.

Empty bottles on the floor, Parties over, thank the Lord

“88rising,” you murmur with a smile, “La Cienega. Very subway vibes.”

“Yeah, the name of the song is actually a subway station in LA,”

“You’ve been to LA?” you ask, turning to him.

He laughs a little embarrassed, shaking his head, making his curls bounce the way his lips move, sending fluttering wings inside your stomach.

“No, I guess I just know more than a normal person should about some things.” He shrugged his cardboard covered shoulders, “you showed me your lost in the city song, I’ll show you mine.”

“Lost in the subway?” you ask him, eyes lingering over a passing bus, lights blue white against the black night. It’s filled with other college students, coming and going from who knows where. A girl slumped against a window in a black hoodie, you wondered if she was going home from a shitty job to make ends meet, or a fight with her partner. You noticed things other people didn’t care about and assigned fake stories and lives to passersby. You wondered if he did that, too.

He nods, “yup, when I just moved here for college. I insisted to Chad that I knew my way back. To be fair, I thought I did. Clearly I was not ready for the NYC subway without a spider-man to save me.”

“Well, I still won’t go on it without Anika,” you smile slightly, tugging at your white shirt rounding your dorm building.

Lately I’ve been on my own, the music reminds you of its presence.

“You’ve never been here before have you?” As you ask you realise it’s a stupid question, of course he hasn’t been to yours and Anikas place.

I knew you having fun with me,

“Nope, I haven’t,” he answered, ignoring your thoughts that he wasn’t aware of. He seemed calmer now, more relaxed as you walked together.

When I’m nearby you’ll know, like oh no,

You take comfort in his calmness, causing your own tension to ease “I hope you don’t mind a bit of a mess. Totally all Anika, none of it me” you say.

And when will I see you,

“Well, let's just say I’m glad it's not my room,” he licks his lips after speaking.

Can you hear me loud and clear?

“I’m sure you have more movie posters than me though,” you smile.

You swipe your key-card to open the door before looking back at Ethan. He seemed more nervous now as you got closer and closer. He ran his thumb along his cardboard helmet, tapping against it nervously.

Pawn on every chessboard,

The walk down the hall to your room seems to stretch out over eternity, you reach your mind to grasp at something, anything to say to break the tension.

Used 'til they get bored

“Mi casa, su casa,” you say flicking the light switch on, dimly lighting the room.

Ethan steps inside your room, and the moment he does a cold chill washes over your entire body and you’re unsure where exactly it came from. Closing the door behind him you lock the deadbolt but the wind lingered, stuck inside. Trapped.

Smile when they yell, checkmate.

---------

💙💙💙💙

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As always, have a great day my lovely reader!

-Wyv