#jake i'm still rooting for you man

[cerealbishh]

"Is that a yes to moving in?"

"I'm still thinking about it. It's a big decision. Jake, couples move in too fast and then it just ruins everything."

"Hey, hey, Gabs. Moving in is not gonna ruin everything. I'm sure enough for the both of us."

[lamentationsofalonelypotato]

Chapter 13: Taking Out The Trash

Pairing: Soldier Boy x f!reader, Reader POV, Soldier Boy POV

Summary:  When you decided to work with Butcher and his merry band of supe hunters to take down Homelander, you neve expected to be saddled with a sullen, grumpy, jerk like Soldier Boy when the job was done. The more you're around him the more you hate him, but you can't help but wonder, is he really as big a jerk as you think? Reader is a supe with plant powers. This takes place in an AU about a month after the end of The Boys Season 3, in which Butcher has let Soldier Boy continue to work with him on his team.  (I'm real bad at summaries, please forgive me!)

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers (Not in this chapter), Slow Burn, Age Difference (Reader is in her 20s), Soft Ben/ Soldier Boy, Protective Ben/Soldier Boy

Word Count: 13.1K

Warnings: I'm going to label this 18+ because Soldier Boy (he's a warning and everyone knows it), Swearing, Mentions of Sex, Sexual Innuendo, Blood, GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF DEATH, DEATH, BLOOD, GUTS, Threatening, Denial, Attempted Manipulation, References to attempted SA in the past, Depressing Thoughts, INSANE REVELATIONS, CONFESSIONS, Talks about weed, Super Manipulative Creepy Trash Man, Sexist comments, Homophobic Comments? Ben/Soldier Boy might be a little bit OOC.

Note: This is told from Reader's perspective. Any references to the reader is made using you or your. There is minimal use of y/n. I tried my best to proofread, but nobody's perfect. If you don’t like, don’t read, but if you do like, you’re my favorite!

Internal monologue is in italics and is in first person.

A/N: I'm not going to lie, at the beginning of this chapter it's cute, but the rest of it gets... UNHINGED. I mean its dark because some things are revealed that I don't know why my mind went there immediately but... Also, apparently foreshadowing with dreams is my thing now 🤷🏻‍♀️?

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

"Are you sure that you're okay to start work today?" Jake asked you for the millionth time from across the large cherry wood table that proudly stood in the front window of the shop. "Because there's no shame in staying home and resting for a few more days."

He was holding a large box filled with golden barrel cactus that were about to be placed in the new window display that Jake and you were constructing. His dirty blonde hair was scruffier today, hanging into his face just over the top of his tortoise shell glasses. The red and navy flannel he wore stretched over his arms with the flexing of his muscles beneath as he watched you with interest, worry seeping into the clear blue of his eyes.

The store was as you remembered, almost blindingly green, with trailing vines that kissed your arms when you walked through the front door as if welcoming you home and the healing energy from the plants within fusing your body with newfound strength. You could feel the subtle push of roots in the earth, the unfurling of bright leaves,  the swell of fruit on outstretched branches, and the gentle bend of each petal on the vegetation inside the shop speaking to you and reassuring you. It was welcome after being trapped in a freezer for four days.

Jake didn't know about any of that.

Annie had come up with a lie that you'd been in a car accident when Butcher loaned you his car for a job. It hurt you to lie to Jake, especially when he had brought all the plants to your hospital room because he knew it would make you feel better, but you were still trying to keep that part of your life separate from him. Honestly, you worried that if Jake found out how fucked up the other half of your life was he'd fire you, so you didn't bring it hurtling in through the front of his shop like a freight train. And you really loved working here.

It felt natural for you, tending to the plants, helping teach other people how to for anything that grew while gently showing the love of gardening and tending the earth.

Jake had been pondering the idea of having workshops on the weekend at the shop after hours and he'd finally said yes.

Hopefully, I'd be able to use both of my arms by then. 

You were beyond discouraged that hadn't been able to do any of your crochet projects and you felt like a disappointment when you couldn't go to your bi-monthly crochet circle/class that you lead at the Assisted Living Facility a few blocks over. The woman on the phone from the facility had sounded so disappointed when you told her that you couldn't come and it only made you feel worse.

But it was nice to be back in the swing of things at the shop and wonderful to be back in a place that you felt at ease, but there was something tugging in your chest. It was an odd feeling, not as if you'd forgotten something, but almost as if you missed something. As if there was something that wasn't here that should be and you couldn’t put your finger on it.

A week had passed since you'd been released from the hospital and you were eager to get out from under Ben's house arrest to start working again even with your arm in a large and almost impossible cast to maneuver. You were calling it “house arrest”, because after your grandmother left, Ben refused to let you leave the apartment, stating that you needed to rest. And when you argued with him that you'd had enough rest, he'd planted himself in front of the door and refused to budge.

You were going stir crazy with nothing to do and you probably could have moved him if you really tried, but you didn't want to fight with Ben. Not when he was the person who'd brought you back from the warehouse and not when he was acting different.

Your lips press into a firm line when you think about the past week that you'd spent at home with him. Ben was going out of his way to do everything for you that he could, but that didn't mean you weren't annoyed. You'd had to practically swat him away with one of the wooden spoons in the kitchen when you were heating up a lasagna your grandmother left after he'd loudly complained that you shouldn't be standing for too long and tried to carry you back to the couch. Ben was acting like you couldn’t take care of yourself and hadn't been taking care of yourself since you moved away from home. It was odd.

And he kept doing little things around the apartment, like picking up his clothes and making sure to remember to put things in the dishwasher. Things that he hadn’t cared about before you got hurt and things that you’d yelled at him to do before everything happened. And he always made sure that the couch was clear incase you wanted to watch a movie or just read for a little while. Two things that you had been doing more often since you got out of the hospital.

But weirder still was that Ben hadn't been on one "date," since you got back. The only time he'd left the apartment was in the morning to get the paper and he always brought you back coffee or the pineapple iced tea you loved.

Yesterday he had finally allowed you to leave the apartment to go to the grocery store, because when you tried to give him a shopping list he'd said "I don’t need a fucking list I’m a man!" but then you’d asked him to repeat everything you'd told him to buy and he couldn’t.

The whole time out of the apartment you’d made plenty of jokes about the healing power of fresh air, while Ben countered by making a joke about the healing power of sex and that he'd be happy to make you feel better.

The trip to the grocery store hadn’t ended in bloodshed, even when you had to keep reminding Ben not to buy the name brand things and he'd ignored you or when Ben complained the whole time about how expensive everything was and how long it was taking you to find everything.

But the weirdest thing that happened was when the two of you were looking a produce there was a woman who kept trying to come on to Ben when you were testing the grapes and he completely ignored her. Surprising you because she looked like his type, and when she'd walked away Ben had dropped to his knees to tie your shoe because he noticed that it was loose.

When you'd teased him about it, he said that he "didn't want you to break your other arm when you tripped and ate shit on the concrete." You'd had no problem flipping him off with your unbroken hand.

But despite your insistences for Ben to try and find cheaper brands none of it mattered, because when you got to the register Ben paid for the groceries even when you’d explicitly discussed splitting the bill. The cashier had noted what a gentleman Ben was and you’d grumbled something impolite under your breath so low that only Ben could hear.

But Ben couldn't help you with everything, well, you didn't trust him to close his eyes when you needed help getting dressed or needed help washing your hair.

For those little things, Annie would come over, but she hadn't been sympathetic to your pleas to make Ben let you out of the apartment. In fact, when you hoped Ben wasn't listening she'd made a comment about exactly what you should be doing with a hot older man while being trapped in an apartment with only one bed. The raspberry vines that cling to the refrigerator had started spitting raspberries at her when she said it. And then Ben had looked over the back of the couch at the two of you and said "that's what I keep telling her."

At least when my grandmother was here she didn’t pry about Ben and me.

Your grandmother had stayed for three days following your return from the hospital, sleeping next to you on your queen sized bed before she went back to Illinois and everyday you were more surprised how much she and Ben knew each other. The easy way they spoke to one another, the jokes, the teasing, and the poker games that always ended in your grandmother winning an almost obscene amount of money from Ben all made your head spin. Especially, because whenever she won Ben would accuse her of "cheating," and she'd only roll her eyes and state that someone as old as Ben should be better at poker. But the way he'd said she was cheating was different, not as if she had cards up her sleeve, but if there was some other reason why she could cheat. It was confusing and a little frustrating, because you were terrible at poker.

You didn't understand how you could be that bad, but then Ben had poked the skin between your eyebrows that scrunched under his scrutiny and stated that you were "too easy to read" while your grandmother laughed at you.

She still wouldn’t answer your questions about how she knew Ben, but to you it appeared to be more than them running into each other a few times, it almost seemed like a friendship. You believed her when she said that they didn’t sleep together, but you didn't understand how they could have been friends. She'd never spoken about that part of her life with you before, just her childhood and when she met your grandfather. Needless to say it was like you were seeing a different person when she was around Ben.

Deep down you wondered if she was a supe, but she'd never said that before and you didn’t know why she would keep something like that from you, not when you were one too.

But when Ben noticed how discouraged you got playing poker, he let you look over his shoulder at his hand and watch him play. He was very much in his element and every few hands he would make a joke about playing strip poker to which your grandmother would reply "If you want to be naked that bad Ben, you might as well just go down to the corner and put it to good use."

When she left you were sad to see her go and even Ben seemed a little more moody than usual, almost as if he missed having her around. You missed her too. While she stayed with you, you hadn't had the nightmare, but the night she left you did. You'd woken up gasping for air, the unnatural flash of whitish blue light that raced towards the windshield from the dream vibrating against your skin. Ben had come in to check on you, without breaking down the door, and he'd sat with you until you calmed down enough to fall asleep.

But it was still unusual that Ben acted like he missed your grandmother. You'd never met any other friends that Ben had besides Legend and you wondered if Ben really was as lonely as you thought he was. In the past you'd ascribed that to the reason why he went out with so many women, but this time it only confused you because Ben hadn't been out with a single person all week. You couldn’t think of a reason why that was or what could have changed for Ben to avoid using Tinder. If anything you'd thought he would be bored sitting around the apartment with you, but he wasn't. He'd sit with you on the couch watching a movie or read the paper when you read your book, not talking about anything in particular.

There was only one subject you wanted to discuss.

The two of you hadn't talked about what almost happened on the couch when you slept together when Darren was visiting or the way Ben gently touched you in the hospital. You'd mentally compartmentalized it to being a fluke and were happy that things were going back to normal or at least normal-ish. 

But sometimes your mind would wander to how Ben acted when you were in the hospital, how he'd cupped and held your face, how he'd touched you so reverently, what he'd said about not wanting to leave you with Elijah, and how angry he looked when he found out exactly what Elijah had tried to do.

But whenever you thought about talking to him about that, you’d only shake off the urge and ascribe it to Ben wanting to try and be friends. The exact thing that you'd suggested to him the night of the party.

He's respecting me. If he wants to be friends I can be friends with him. Even if he is acting weird.

In fact, this morning, he'd walked with you to the shop this morning as if it was a normal day.

*2 Hours Ago*

Ben frowns at you. "Maybe you should rest one more day-"

He'd been saying that the entire walk to the shop, but you weren't going to give him the satisfaction of letting him trap you in the apartment for another day.

“Ben it'll be fine. I've rested enough-" You rolled your eyes at him, confused that he was making such a big deal about this. It was both annoying and frustrating you how overprotective he was acting and it was making you mad.

“What about your arm? You can’t lift anything-“ He presses.

“Jake is here for that.” You gestured with your head to where Jake was hovering behind the two of you at the register counting the till while pretending not to listen.

"That makes me feel a hell of a lot better. You think that fucking twink can lift more than me?" Ben scoffs. “Maybe I should stay.”

"Why?"

"So I can lift things!"

“Stop babying me Gramps!"

“I'm not babying you!" He rolls his eyes at the nickname.

“Yes you are! Why are you acting like a helicopter parent? I'm fine. It's been a week and I am completely and utterly-"

Ben's hand comes up and pushes back a strand of hair behind your ear, his thumb lingering for just a second too long against your cheek. The motion makes you freeze, the warmth of his skin like a siren call. "I don't think you need to come back to work so soon." He says quietly, eyes flicking up to where Jake is before he lowers his voice even more. “You were kidnapped and you got hurt. Not to mention that asshole tried to-" Ben's gaze loses any of the softness it held as he remembers what you told him about what Elijah did.

"Ben." You whisper raising your hand to gently touch his wrist. "I promise I'm okay. I'm not doing this to prove anything. I want to be here. I like being here."

"And you don't like being at home with me." Ben whispers it so low that you almost miss it. He withdrawals his hand from your cheek looking angry.

The memory of the day you walked in on Ben talking to Bean hovers over you:

"Why does she hate me so much?"

When you’d heard Ben ask Bean that it hurt you. You didn't want Ben to think that you hated him. He frustrated you and annoyed you, but you didn’t hate him.

Well, he hasn't been annoying me as much lately.

And if anything you were trying not to think about how much you liked being at home with Ben, how much you liked spending time with him. It was easier to try not to focus on that, not when Ben was acting like someone you could love.

Ben doesn't believe in love, not after everything that got fucked up with Countess. I don't think I could ever fall in love with someone like him either. Sure he's attractive, but he's so damn annoying.

"Look at me." You lay your hand on his arm to draw his gaze back to you. Ben almost looks a little embarrassed that you heard him say it and you watch his eyes flick over your head to where Jake is. You pull him through the plants to give the two of you some privacy. "I don't hate you. And I'm not doing this because I don't want to be at home with you." Your cheeks flush with the word 'home.'

Ben kept using it so casually, but to you it always meant something else. Home was the place where you went where no one judged you, where you went to be with the people who loved you unconditionally, and where you felt that you could be yourself with no judgement. Not to mention you believed that eventually your "home" would become a person. Or at least that was what you wanted to happen. Those prospects were looking pretty slim as of late and you were still on the fence about online dating.

Hughie and Annie met the old fashioned way so why should I have to go on an online site only to be rejected based on looks only?

You refocus on the conversation that you're having with Ben.

"I want things to go back to normal, before everything that happened with Darren and Elijah. And this is the only way that I know how." The mention of Elijah's name brings the memory of him on top of you to simmer beneath the surface. You were trying to forget, but every once in a while the memory would come creeping back in bringing the chill of the first frost in its wake to brush against your skin.

Ben's expression softens. "That quack at the hospital said you should rest."

"You mean the man who went to school for over four years to get a degree told me to rest?"

"Then he knows what the fuck he's talking about!"

"Ben-"

"Petals." He sighs the nickname in the soft way that makes a tingle travel down your spine. Ben had been saying it like that more often confusing you further. "You went through a lot and I'm trying to make sure that you’re okay.”

Why does he care about that?

“I am okay.” You whisper. “I’m sick of being on house arrest in the apartment. I can only watch so many of your old films before I go completely insane.”

“They’re not that bad.”

"Debatable."

Ben sighs again, but he seems to realize that you're not going to budge. You were just as stubborn as he was and you knew that he hated that about you. "Fine. I've got to do something today anyway."

"You got a date?"

You meant it as a joke, but for some reason you feel a twinge deep down that you weren't expecting.

"No." For a moment you think Ben almost looks offended by the suggestion. "Butcher's helping me with something."

"With what? You hate Butcher. And why would he want to do you a favor?"

"Because he wants to find the sick son of a bitch as much as I do!" Ben growls, the soft look in Ben's eyes goes dark as you realize who he's talking about.

You hadn't heard from Darren since everything with Elijah. Not that you expected to. Darren's things had vanished from your apartment and he was gone without a trace. Butcher had tried to track the phone Darren had, but it was out of service. You didn’t want to see him and you didn’t want to think about him, not after everything he'd put you through. It was like Darren to suddenly show up with an apology and say everything that you wanted him to. In the past you'd thought it was because he cared about you and didn't want to lose you, but it was becoming more and more apparent that Darren knew exactly what to say to get you to forgive him. He played you so easily that it broke your heart.

It was hard for you to acknowledge that and hard for you to believe that after all these years the relationship you had with your brother had been a lie, a well rehearsed play that Darren performed whenever he was in town.

And this time you weren't going to forgive him. Not when he'd given you to Elijah like a form of payment. Darren was done using you and you were ready to cut him out of your life.

At least, that was what you told yourself anyway. Sometimes when it was dark and you were all alone in your room you thought that maybe you should forgive him because he was your brother and you didn’t want to abandon him. You'd never admit that out loud, and certainly not in front of Ben, but you weren't sure if you were strong enough to turn Darren down if he reappeared.

"Oh." You look down at your shoes for a second while chewing on the inside of your cheek.

There's an awkward silence that passes through the two of you, charged with the same energy that hovered between you when you were back at the hospital. And you can’t help but think that Ben looks disappointed that he has to leave. You again wonder why he was being so overprotective, especially when he said that he didn't care about you.

That was another thing that you were starting to believe was a lie, Ben cared about you even if he didn't want to admit it, because someone who cared wouldn't do everything he had done for you over the past week.

"Petals?"

"Yes Gramps?" You look up at him mentally preparing for him to ask you again if you're okay, but he doesn't.

"Don’t get into any strange cars." Ben's lips tilt up into a smirk.

"Even if they say they have candy?"

Ben only shakes his head, but then he lingers for a second too long, as if he's waiting for something. "And try not to break anything else." He mutters and then he's gone.

Why is he acting so weird?

*Present Time*

"Because Ben said-" Jake says, snapping you out of the memory of Ben saying goodbye.

"When did you guys talk?" You look up at him from the table in shock.

"Well, I tried to come see you three days ago and he didn't let me in. He said you needed rest and that I should come back later." He explains, emptying another box of cacti.

"You came by?" You ask him confused. The cacti are in multicolored pots and you try your best to avoid the spines as you shift them over the table into position.

"Yeah. Ben said he'd tell you that I did."

"Huh."

Ben hadn't told you that Jake came by, hadn't mentioned it once and he'd had plenty of opportunities to tell you. The two of you were practically both living on the couch, because Ben was making you watch all of his old movies. You think that he was trying to impress you with his acting skills, but all it did was make you mock him endlessly for the cheesy lines and the ridiculous helmet they made him wear as a part of his supe suit. You had taken to repeating the lines from the movies at the most inopportune times to tease him and Ben had started teasing you with quotes from the romance novels that you liked.

Your cheeks flushed at the memory.

It had been embarrassing. You were reading on the couch quietly to yourself and were so absorbed in the scene that Ben had snuck up behind you to read over your shoulder. It hadn't helped that you were at a particular steamy part. He'd made a joke of wanting to re-enact whatever you wanted from the chapter and you'd stomped away to take a shower. It was getting harder to deny his requests to sleep with you, especially when Ben was acting different than he usually did and had been acting like a new person since you got back from the hospital.

"He didn't tell you?" Jake looks disappointed.

"Gramps is forgetful sometimes." You frown at the display between the two of you.

Why didn’t he tell me that Jake came by? Jake has been so sweet. He brought me all those plants and he was worried about me. Or at least… You bite the inside of your cheek remembering what Ben said about when Jake came to the hospital:

"He was fawning all over you like a fucking pussy, thought he was going to cry."

You hadn't thought about Jake at all, other than the occasional wave of guilt for leaving him without any help for a whole week. But it was weird that Ben hadn't told you that Jake stopped by, because when Mike brought you a bouquet of yellow roses Ben had let him in and stood with a cup of coffee in the kitchen smirking at you as Mike talked with you for thirty minutes about how nice the weather was outside. It made you want to strangle Ben, but as retaliation when Mike's mother came by later with a basket of wheat grass muffins and something that looked like green sludge you'd invited her in to talk with Ben. She'd sat on the couch in a bright pink mumu, rubbing his upper thigh and talking about her ex-husband while Ben glared at you every chance he got and you sipped a cup of blueberry tea and laughed quietly to yourself.

"Why do you call him that?" Jake asks while putting down a golden barrel and grabbing a fishhook cactus carefully to avoid the spikes.

"Because he acts like a grumpy old man." You snort to yourself thinking of how cute you thought it was when Ben acted all crochety and frustrated by modern day technology.

"He does." Jake laughs. "So…"

"So?"

"Are you guys together?"

"What?" You sputter looking up from the plants to Jake with wide eyes. "Why do you think that?"

"Well he's always around." Jake picks up the empty box and stacks it on top of another one. "And he always acts kind of…" Jake shrugs.

"Kind of what?"

"Jealous. He's always mad at me for some reason."

"That's just how he is. You gotta peel back the layers like an onion when it comes to him." The words are easy, but you can't help but be a little bit surprised. You were defending Ben. You’d never defended him before, made fun of him, apologized for him, but never defended him. "I mean he's-" You prick your thumb on one of the spikes. "Ow."

"Did it get'cha?" Jake snorts.

"Yeah must be losing my touch. Went soft on all my days off."

"You deserved those days off. You needed to rest-"

You roll your eyes. "Please don't say the r word again. Ben's been saying it for the past week."

"I'm serious." Jake picks up another golden barrel and arranges it on a higher platform on the display. "There's something going on between the two of you."

"You mean Ben driving me to the point of insanity?"

"No. I mean the guy is always watching you-"

"He likes to stare at my ass." You roll your eyes at Jake. "What else is new?"

His cheeks flush with your mention of Ben's interest in your body. "I don’t mean like that. He always looks at you when you're working."

Your straighten up from the floor with a fresh box of Christmas Cactus, arranging the long tendrils so that they are hanging down over the edge of the table. "What do you mean?"

"Sometimes I see him walk by later in the day when you're reading at the register."

What? When has Ben been walking by and why? Is he spying on me?

"What? When?"

Jake shrugs. "I don't know just sometimes. He never comes in. One time he walked by with two cups of coffee, but he just kept walking."

Probably for one of his dates.

"Ben isn't interested in me like that. We're just friends and roommates." When you say that your chest gets a little bit tighter. "Ben doesn't have relationships, he has flings. The guy is basically a walking Trojan ad."

Jake runs a hand through his shaggy dirty-blond hair, to push it out of his face and away from his glasses. "I don't know, you didn't see him when you were asleep in the hospital. The guy was practically daring anyone to get close, like he was trying to protect you from something."

His words make you chew the inside of your cheek remembering what your grandmother said about Ben yelling at the doctors and the nurses and make you think about how overprotective Ben seemed to be acting over the past few days.

Ben is just trying to be a better friend. He knows that I went through a lot.

Annie had also been acting overprotective as well. She kept bringing things by the apartment to make your life easier with the cast and she kept bringing by food. She'd also brought by a big bag of thrifted romance books that she had found at your favorite used bookstore Inky's Inspirations and the two of you had spent the better part of a day devouring them. She was making more time for you because you knew that she felt bad about you getting hurt, and Hughie came by too. Ben didn't share the same enthusiasm that Hughie had for conversation, but whenever Ben was mean you would glare at him and Ben would huff out something under his breath and try to contribute more to the conversation.

"That's just how he is. Ben is kinda," You wave a hand. "Protective of his friends."

"I noticed." Jake frowns. "But I guess I'll take your word for it."

An awkward silence follows and the two of you finish the display, but you can't stop thinking about Ben walking past the shop.

How many times did he do that? And why? He always seems to hate walking and makes a big deal about me walking by myself. Why would he want to walk here all the way from Butcher's?

"Why don't you go check out the display of herbs by the register? I'm not sure how to arrange the Rosemary and the Oregano."

"Sure." You shrug heading back through the aisles that spill vines onto the concrete floor, your hand sliding through the leaves as you walk, feeling the plants begin to perk up with your gentle touch. The browning leaves vanished, the drooping stems straightened, and the plants turned up to you as if you were the sun.

Being here again and having a normal day was making you feel better. At home your plants had needed some TLC after you were gone for so many days and as hard as Jake tried to maintain every single plant in the store, you knew that it was too much for him to contain. Things like that were easy for you.

The day passes by slowly. Ben had told you that he'd be there to pick you up at closing and you found yourself checking the clock. You'd never done that before. When you were working in the past you never wished for the day to be over, but for some reason the idea that Ben was going to pick you up made you almost happy.

The shiny metal bell above the door jingled as the last customer of the day entered the shop, but you don't look up from the bouquet of flowers you were arranging for a last minute birthday order that someone called in for tomorrow morning. You didn't often do them, but Jake was busy breaking down the display of flowering plants in the other window and you were more than happy to help out.

Even if it was difficult with one hand.

You could hear whoever it was coming closer to the register, the sound of their shoes clunking against the weathered gray concrete floors with every step.

"Welcome in. Can I help you with something?" You don't look away from the sunflowers in the vase in front of you, using one hand to place some holly ferns to give it a bit more green before you reach for the baby's breath that sits in a bundle on the vintage wooden bar that served as a desk for the register.

"Well I'm not sure. Do you have anything that says 'I'm sorry my friend kidnapped you?'" A familiar voice asks.

Your head jerks upwards at the sound of the voice, but you already know who it is.

Darren stands there in his traditional black army jacket. His blonde buzzed hair is blindingly white in the sunlight that comes through the wide glass windows at the front of the shop, catching the glint of the gunmetal colored hoops in his right eyebrow. His smile is sheepish, apologetic, and if you hadn’t been through what you did, you might have believed that it was genuine.

"Darren?" Your voice is no more than a whisper, surprise leaking into it as you utter your brother's name.

You didn’t actually think that he would come to see you, not when he knew who Ben really was, and not when he knew that you knew he sacrificed you to save his own skin.

"Hey sissy. Did you miss me?"

The nickname strikes a nerve deep down.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Jake glances over from the front window his eyes widening at your sudden outburst. He'd never met your brother before and he knew that something must be wrong if you were angry. Jake knew you well enough to know how composed you were most of the time and knew that for you to be angry something must really be wrong.

"I wanted to see you. Can I give you a hug?" Darren holds out his arms towards you.

"What do you think?"

"But you love hugs." He makes a step towards the end of the register.

"If you take another step I'm going to scream. What are you doing here?" You say again.

"I told you. I wanted to see you. I haven't been able to see you since-"

“Since you handed me over to Elijah to pay off your fucking gambling debt?” The baby's breath in your hand crumbles into a ball, but you barely feel it.

“See." Darren rolls his eyes and holds up a finger. "I knew you’d overreact. You’re way too sensitive.” 

“Overreact? OVERREACT? He locked me in a fucking freezer!” You spit. “He tried to-“ A cold feeling rises and prickles against your skin when you remember the weight of Elijah’s body on yours and the way his hand squeezed your throat. The purplish-black marks were still there, but hidden under a burgundy ribbed turtle neck sweater that you'd put on this morning. You figured it would be hard to explain those marks to Jake, especially when Annie had told him you were in a car accident.

“Hey, is everything okay over here?” Jake interrupts. He wipes this dirt covered hands on his jeans as he gets closer to where Darren is leaning against the front of the register.

"Yeah." You clear your throat. "Darren was just leaving."

"No, I'm not." Darren hasn't looked away from you and hasn't acknowledged Jake's presence. "I want to talk to you."

"Too bad. I don’t want to hear anything you have to say." You breathe, but you could feel a twinge in your heart. The love you had for your brother was ebbing just on the edge of the rage and heartbreak that you felt every time you think about what he did to you. It was difficult to treat him this way, not when you'd given in to whatever he wanted for so long. You hated that about yourself, hated the piece of you that wanted to forgive him.

But Darren does not move, in fact you can see the way his eyes flick over you as if he can sense that you're unsure.

"I want to talk this out." He says a little more forcefully.

"If she says that she doesn’t want to talk to you, I’m going to have to ask you to leave." Jake replies continuing to frown at your brother. They were both about the same height, but where Darren was rail-thin, Jake had a little bit more muscle to him. Not as much as Ben, but enough that he was bigger that your brother.

But you knew that it would do little good. Darren was even more stubborn that you were, and you could see the dangerous glint in his eyes that got him into trouble more times than you could count when the two of you were growing up.

“Try it four eyes." Darren's lips pull back in a challenge.

The lights overhead flicker for just a second, almost imperceivable to the eye. Jake crosses his arms over his chest in a way that you think he must believe is intimidating. “I’m going to ask you to leave one more time before I call the police.” 

"And I said that I'm not going to fucking leave without talking to my sister."

"Sister?" Jake falters looking at you, his blue eyes wide in surprise behind his glasses.

You stand there for a moment trying to think of a way out of this. There's a little voice buzzing in your ear telling you that something is wrong, but you can't put your finger on it. And an even smaller voice whispering that you should call Ben.

I don't need him to handle this. Darren and I have to talk eventually and might as well do it now.

"Fine, but let's take this outside." You walk around from behind the register. "Jake has to lock up in fifteen minutes."

"Perfect! I just need five." Darren smiles at you the same way that he always has, the smile that you'd laughed with and allowed to reassure you, but this time all it does is make all of this worse.

When the two of you get outside, the sun is just starting to sink behind the buildings, bathing everything in a golden glow. Despite the situation it is a beautiful day. The smell of the bakery next door sent the soothing aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar each time it's door opened, the warmth of the sun was on your back and shoulders, the wind had picked up just enough to rustle your hair where it was pulled back from your face in a ponytail, and you could hear the children playing in the park just around the corner where the trees sent their long shadows over the playground.

Darren shifts from foot to foot and you can see the way he's trying to think of something to say, as if he's pretending that he didn't rehearse this in his head. You wonder if he's always done that, if he'd rehearsed everything he ever said to you because he knew exactly what to say to get you to agree for so long.

"Look Darren, I don't want to talk about this. Nothing that you're going to say is going to make any of this okay. Nothing that happened was okay! You left me there with him, you brought me to him, and then you lied about why I was really there."

"I'm sorry about that." Darren's gaze softens, eyebrows furrowing in mock sincerity. "Believe me, I wouldn't have taken you there if I knew that Elijah was going to do any of those things to you honey."

"Oh that is such-"

"I will admit that I did lie about why you were there. But I knew that you wouldn't come if I told you that it was for weed and Elijah really said he just wanted you to look at the plants for a few minutes. He didn't say anything about a freezer." Darren holds up his hands as if surrendering.

"And there it is! You admit that you lied to me, that you manipulated me to get me to go with you. And then you had the audacity to say that if I was uncomfortable we could go home!" You shout at him, narrowing your eyes. "Well Darren, I gotta tell you I was fucking uncomfortable in that damn freezer and in his damn office, and where were you? Oh right…" You tap your lips with the tip of your finger. "You left me there with that fucking psychopath!"

"I didn't leave you there! I called Richie and when I came back into the office, you were gone. Elijah told me that you left! I went back to your apartment and-" Darren frowns at you. He didn't like that you weren't listening to what he had to say.

"Do you expect me to believe any of that bullshit?" You plant your hands on your hips as you interrupt him, feeling a surge of anger swelling in your chest.

Even though the two of you are technically standing outside of the shop, you can still feel the energy from the plants inside, intertwining with you, strengthening you, and waiting for your command.

Truthfully ever since you'd killed Elijah you hadn't been able to forget it. You'd never used your powers like that before, never knew that you could, and never had fanaticized about that. But now, standing outside of the shop with your brother you could feel the plants calling out to you, asking you to command them, begging you to free them. You could feel them clawing in the dirt, the roots beneath writhing and unsettled, the flowers turning to watch Darren and you. Even the trees down the street that stood as stoic protectors over the children playing beneath their feet began to bend towards the two of you.

Sure in the past you'd been connected to the world around you, but ever since everything that happened with Elijah, your powers felt different, as if there was something else brewing and prickling beneath your skin that begged to be unleashed.

"I'm trying to apologize and you won't even listen to me!" Your brother shouts. Darren was leaning down over you, not as tall as Ben, but tall enough to be bigger than you.

You'd never feared him in the past, but you saw something flicker behind his eyes, something predatory, something that you'd never seen before in all the years that you'd spent with your brother.

"I don't want to hear anything you have to say Darren. I want you to leave-" You reply, hands still planted on your hips.

"No."

"No?"

"No. I can't stop by your damn apartment because you have that asshole hovering around. He would tear me to pieces before I got a chance to talk to you. And I want to explain what happened." Darren snaps back, eyes dark.

"I know what happened! Elijah told me exactly-"

"You're going to believe him over me? I'm your brother! I'm your blood, do you really think that I would have let Elijah do any of those things to you if I knew he would?"

"I don't know anymore."

It broke your heart to admit that aloud, but it was true. You didn't know if Darren cared about you at all and if he loved you the way that you loved him, if he ever had.

"What do you mean you don't know?" He looks hurt, shoulders slumping downward. "Sissy-"

"I-" You falter.

For just a fleeting moment the anger and heartbreak you feel towards your brother recedes just enough for the love you have for him begin to trickle back in. You wanted to believe that he cared about you. Frustrated tears burn in your eyes, because a part of you wants to push him away but there's another part that clings on with bloody fingertips and asks you to listen to him.

Because Darren was your family and all you could think of was if your parents were here what would they do? All those years that you supported your brother you'd thought that you were honoring their memory by refusing to turn your back on him. You wanted to love your brother, wanted to believe that everything he was saying was genuine, and all the years that you gave in to whatever Darren asked you were bearing down on you.

"Come on sissy. I love you. You're the only family that I have left." Darren soothes taking a step closer to you when he senses how hesitant you are to push him away.

"Well-"

"Please listen to-" Darren begins to say, but his entire body is yanked backward by something.

"She doesn't need to hear another fucking word you have to say." Ben snarls, holding Darren tightly by the throat above the sidewalk.

You hadn't seen him walk up. Ben could move silently when he wanted to and right now he looks murderous. There's a fire blazing behind his eyes turning them into heated furnaces of pure emerald, practically glowing in the last slips of the sunlight that peeks behind the buildings and stretches the shadows long over the almost empty street. His mouth is pulled back in a snarl as he stares at your brother, the grip he has on his throat tightening.

The couple across the street gasp when they watch Darren struggle in Ben's unbreakable grip, but Ben doesn't acknowledge them.

"I made you a promise." Ben's voice is a low growl as he holds Darren up so high off the ground that Darren's feet kick helplessly in the air. "You should have stayed gone you insignificant piece of shit."

Darren's eyes flash to yours. "Are you really going to let him treat me this way? I'm your brother!"

Ben's grip tightens on his throat and Darren grabs on to Ben's wrist.

You stand there frozen in horror unable to speak. A part of you is screaming for Ben to let him go and another part of you is begging for Ben to do what you don't think you can. You felt so weak in that moment, unable to turn your back on your brother, on the abuser, the manipulator, and the man who used you for years.

Ben's eyes flick to yours for a moment, something passing through his gaze that you can't understand, but it gives you strength.

"Sissy?" Darren's voice sounds so broken.

"Ben. Put him down." You say.

"What?" Ben snaps, eyes flashing.

"Please. Put him down." You breathe, your eyes catching Ben's for a moment.

Ben's jaw is tight, the muscles in his torso tense, but he does what you say with a grunt. Darren's body falls onto the sidewalk and he gasps for air, touching his throat as he gets to his feet.

Darren smiles at you through the deep breaths. "I knew you wouldn't let him-"

"Leave" You say as calmly as you can, but there's a slight tremor on the edge of your voice.

Ben takes a step closer to you when he hears it, but he doesn't touch you. He's still staring down Darren, eyebrows pulled tight together, and his mouth turned down into a frown with his arms crossed tightly over his chest. You know that he's probably a little pissed at you that you told him to put Darren down, but you also couldn't believe that he listened to you.

"What?" Darren stutters.

"Leave." You repeat. "I never want you to come back here ever."

"But I'm your-"

"If you say that you're her fucking brother one more time, I'm going to rip you in half." Ben's hands clench at his sides and you know that he's holding himself back from grabbing Darren again.

“You’re my family. I love you.” Darren says, the edge of his voice cracking just a little bit, but there's something behind his gaze that makes you pause. You're not sure if it's because he's trying to hide how mad he is at Ben or what, but there is something unsettling about the way he's looking at you.

“I don’t think you do.” It broke you to say it, to admit it out loud. “I’ve let you use me all these years, sacrificing my own happiness, my own success for you, because I loved you, but I don’t think you’ve ever once loved me. All you’ve done is look out for yourself.”

“That’s ridiculous-“

“When’s my birthday Darren?” You ask him, throat tight.

He freezes. “You're kidding right? You really think I don't know when your birthday is?"

"What have I been dreaming of doing since I was ten years old?"

"Sissy-"

"Your birthday is June 12th." You reply without stuttering. "Since you were thirteen years old your dream has been to own a blue 1970 Chevelle with black racing stripes. But you can never seem to scrape together enough money to get one."

Darren visibly pauses with your answer.

"I pay attention to everything you tell me Darren. I remember everything because I love you. And if you loved me, you would know those things about me. You would actually care enough to remember that I hate surprises, that I hate that insipid nickname, and since I was eight years old the only thing that I've been dreaming about is to open up my own farmer's market."

"You're kidding right?" Darren snorts. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."

"And that's exactly why I don't believe that you love me. Because if you did you would support me the way that I've supported you for years."

"I-"

"No. I have sacrificed so much for you and you have never once done anything for me! So I'm asking you to leave, because as much as I love you, I can't do this anymore." The tears were blurring your vision, but you were holding it together the best you could. Ben was now standing so close to you that his arm was almost touching yours and you feel his fingertips brush the back of your hand just for a second, as if he wants to hold your hand but he doesn't.

"But-" Darren gapes, mouth wide open.

"She told you to fucking scram Dipshit." Ben snarls his eyes narrowing at your brother.

You could tell that it was taking a lot of effort on Ben's part not to turn Darren into mush and it made you grateful that he was here. Because Ben was letting you handle it, but he was there for you if you needed him to be. It was the first time that you realized how much you needed him with you.

Darren stands there for a minute eyeing Ben and you, emotions running together across his face merging with one another, his eyes darkening. And then he does something you didn't expect.

Darren begins to laugh.

 Not just a little giggle or a snort, a deep throated rumble that shakes his body as he doubles over laughing so hard that he begins to wheeze.

"Oh sissy. I've been waiting for this for years. You have no idea." Darren continues to laugh, gasping for air and putting his hands on his thighs to hold himself steady.

What the hell is happening?

"What?" You ask tentatively. Even Ben is looking at him in surprise.

"Man. I've been wondering for years how long it would take you to finally grow a fucking backbone, but wow. I never thought it would be now." He starts to slow clap. "I'm impressed."

"What are you talking about?"

The glint in his eyes was back and Darren was smiling wide, so wide that you could see all his teeth. It reminded you of when Annie and you used to watch Crocodile Hunter on tv when you were kids and would huddle together watching Steve Irwin fearlessly handle them.

Darren's smile turns more into a smirk. "Kinda a good thing too, because I don't need you anymore, not with the way business is going. Honestly, I should thank your boyfriend. He solved a major problem for me."

"What problem?" Ben snarls.

"Elijah." Darren laughs out the name. "When I found out that you were Soldier Boy and saw how friendly you were with my sister at that ridiculous fundraiser. I knew that you'd come save her and kill Elijah. Poisoning his plants and letting it slip at that my sister just happened to be a plant supe at a poker game was the only way that I could get her involved and Elijah jumped at the chance.

He was at the fundraiser? When was he at the fundraiser?

"Why would you do that?" You ask in surprise.

What in the actual fuck is going on? He planned for Elijah to take me? He purposely poisoned the plants?

You were seeing a different side of Darren. Growing up he'd always had a temper, but Darren was never conniving or cunning. He never planned ahead more than an hour. It was always you that had to remind him to do things and you that begged him to at least think ahead for the entire week.

He's not some criminal mastermind. The guy doesn't believe that pickles used to be cucumbers for fucks sake.

"He was bad for business, he was already encroaching on my territory with the weed and then he said he was going to expand into cars and I couldn't have that. So." Your brother shrugs.

"But I don't understand why?"

Ben looks just as confused as you do, but the anger has not vanished from his eyes. You realize that Ben is waiting for you to say the word for him to start in on Darren. And it made you feel grateful again that he was here with you.

"Oh sissy you're still so innocent. I almost feel bad for you, not really. But" Darren flashes another brilliant smile that doesn't seem to fit the conversation the three of you are having. "I guess I should thank you. I would have never been able to build an empire without you."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Ben spits.

He was getting tired of Darren's monologuing and frankly so were you. An odd feeling prickled against your skin, splattering and splashing like oil in a skillet and the plants in the shop behind you pressed themselves against the windows as if trying to warn you. There was something wrong about this whole situation, something that you knew that you were missing, but you couldn’t put your finger on it.

"And to think I was so upset when you survived that night." Darren looks disappointed, but he chuckles. "Of course my aim now is a little bit better than it was then." His eyes pulse a dangerous electric blue and an unnatural hum fills the air. "I've had the practice."

He's a supe? How long has he been a-

The thought stutters to a halt when you realize what he said.

"Your aim? What do you-"

The words are barely out of your mouth, when the cold shock of what he's talking about hits you like you'd been dunked into a bucket of cold water. The memory of the night your parents died comes crashing over you in a wave and you're transported into the backseat of the car. The supple leather beneath your fingertips, the chill of the air conditioning, the melding of your parent's voices to "Nights In White Satin," the patter of rain against the metal roof that streaked across the glass windows, and the sticky remnants of chocolate ice cream on your cheeks. The unnatural flash of white light illuminates the interior of the car, the light that seemed to crackle and pulse across the space in front of the vehicle and seemed to come from in front of the car and not above the way the cops said it had.

The same flash of light that everyone said was lightning, but now you knew better.

You remembered it all, the hum of electricity in the air as the bolt hit the car and your dad jerking the wheel and sending the car over the bridge, and the sound of your mother's scream ringing in your ears just before the jolt of the car hitting the water and everything went black.

"No." You whisper taking a step back from your brother. "It was you?"

Horror and shock clamps down around your throat making it difficult to breathe.

Why would he do something like that? They were our parents. Why would he want to kill the two people who loved him as unconditionally as they loved me?

You didn't have one unhappy memory from the childhood you spent with your parents. The house was always warm, filled with the smell of baked goods, and the love your parents had for one another and for Darren and you. Every day was fused with wonder and excitement, and the weekends were filled with surprise trips to places that you’d never been before. They cared so much for the two of you, sacrificing the big things in their lives so they could be around Darren and you.

Darren wasn't with us in the car, he said he had homework and that he couldn't come with us to my recital.

Darren smiles wider, proud that you figured it out. "I was worried that you saw me standing on the road that night in the rain. That's why I left for a few days after the accident, but when I showed up again  and you were so happy to see me, I saw my chance. You didn't know that it was me and there wasn't a need for me to stay gone."

"But why? Why would you do that?"

Darren's expression turns murderous. "Do you have any idea what it was like being second best to you my whole life?" Electricity jumps from his fingertips, flashing a dangerous blue and crackling in the air. "What it was like to be your brother?"

Holy fuck he's the electric supe. And the empire that Elijah was encroaching on was his chop shop.

The thought blazes through you and you remember what Elijah said about "expanding into automotives."

Of course Darren needed us to take Elijah out. Elijah had money and had the means to destroy Darren, but without the competition then…

You blink to bring your thoughts back together, realizing what your brother just said to you. “What are you talking about? You were never second best-"

"Yes I was!" He seethes. "You’ve always been the special one. The supe, the favorite, the golden child. I could never touch you! You're the one that mom and dad were so proud of.”

Darren takes a step forward and Ben mirrors the move, shifting his body in front of you to protect you from Darren, but Darren doesn't take his eyes off you. His face is contorted in hate, anger flaring white hot in his eyes that still glow an unnatural and dangerous bright blue. The air is full of the energy, popping and crackling along Darren's skin with every pulse of electricity.

"Darren-" You begin to say, but he interrupts.

"No." He snarls. "I'm talking now. You can't shut me up. Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this? They put you on a fucking pedestal for years. You were the one with all the toys all the talent. You're the one that they gave the Compound V to. I had to scavenge and scrape together enough money to bribe a friend of mine to swipe some from his mother's hospital."

So that's how he got it.

Anger, rage, heart break, and shock were fighting in your chest for dominance. You could feel the burn of tears in your eyes understanding that the brother you thought that you'd loved for all these years was also the man who murdered your parents in cold blood.

He tried to kill you too.

The thought was everywhere, ricocheting around in your head, the truth that Darren hid for years finally coming out.

"I was made for more. You. You're nothing." Darren spits. "You're a disappointment. Mom and dad gave you the powers and all you do is sit in a fucking plant shop all day long. What about me? I can fucking fly! I can fry someone from thirty fucking feet away! I amounted to something. All you do is make the fucking flowers bloom."

You'd heard the insult before on the lips of the men Elijah employed, the men who underestimated you. You'd heard it before in the tone of voice your brother had when he spoke to you the other night when he came to crash in your apartment and took your bed.

The energy in the air was reaching a dangerous peak and you could still feel it scraping against your skin. The plants in the shop behind you are pressed tight against the window and you have no idea where Jake is, only that you hope he's far away from whatever is about to happen.

Anger pulses hard and fast in your chest, sending a bitter taste into your mouth.  "Oh you amounted to something? You didn't amount to anything! You’re still just a sack of shit that’s I’ve been dragging around. And I can't believe that I let you do it to me for years! You don’t care about me you don’t love me-"

"Of course I fucking don’t! I never have!"

"And then you killed the two people who loved you unconditionally-"

"They didn't fucking love me!" Darren snarls. "The only thing they loved was you. A pathetic little bitch who should have just keeled over and died like a good girl."

Ben's hand comes out and grabs Darren by the front of his jacket hauling him up into the air. "Don't you fucking speak to her that way." His voice is no more than a growl, rumbling low in his chest, his own eyes flashing a deep green, darker than you'd ever seen before. His skin has taken on a golden glow, coming through the dark t-shirt and pair of jeans he was wearing and the smell of ozone fills the air around the three of you.

"What are you going to do Benny?" Darren's body is glowing a blue beneath his outfit. "Show me that famous Soldier Boy temper? Fuck, you're just as pathetic as she is, nothing more than a washed up-"

Ben isn't holding on to Darren anymore, Darren's body is flying back into the street with the force of Ben's throw, but it doesn't strike ground, it gets hit mid-air by a passing bright red minivan. Darren's body flips backwards over the top of the car and lands in the street in a broken heap.

You're still frozen on the sidewalk as Ben sails in to beat down Darren's body where it lies, but there's an awful flash of bright blue light and an SUV that was parked on the street goes flying into Ben, propelling both of them into the bakery next door to the plant shop. The loud crashing of glass and brick with the force of the hit rings in your ears.

"Ben!" You shout, but he's no where in sight.

Darren stands from the ground, one of his arms hanging limply at his side and there's a bloody gash on his forehead that drips blood down into his eye, but and when Darren smiles, blood smears the inside of his usually white teeth.

"Goodbye sissy."

You don't have time to react. The bolt of lightning catches you in the center of the chest and throws you backwards into the plant shop. There's a terrible feeling of weightlessness, before your body hits the glass windows and slams into the flowering plant display that Jake had been working on when Darren showed up.

You land on your back hard, head hitting the concrete with a sickening crack that you feel vibrate through your entire body. Pain is everywhere. There's glass imbedded in your back, the cast on your arm is cracked open, your leg is burning and you're afraid to look down to see what you'll find. You can taste blood in your mouth and feel something sticky underneath your head that you're sure is the same.

You stare up at the florescent lights of the shop for a moment, the revelation of everything your brother had done beginning to finally sink in.

He killed our parents, he tried to kill me.

Tears burn and fall down your cheeks with the thought. Emotions swirling in your chest too fast to name.

I spent years taking care of him, letting him berate me, manipulate me, use me for whatever he needed and not once did he love me. I was so stupid. How could I have been so stupid?

The plants were circling around you, calling out to you, brushing against your broken body as you continued to lay there staring up at the ceiling. Black was starting to close in on the edge of your vision, making everything go a little bit fuzzy, but your mind was awake.

He killed our parents, he tried to kill me.

You think again, but you still can't move. You feel the trailing vines of the plants touching your legs, wrapping over them, laying down over your chest, and creeping up towards your broken arm and your face. They were whispering to you, asking your permission, begging you to let them free.

He killed our parents, he tried to kill me, and he tried to kill Ben.

And with that thought, you feel the rage begin to take over, burning hot and beating against your rib cage like a drum.

The plants around you begin to glow a vivid green, binding around your limbs, their strength flooding into your body as you call them forth to help you. The healing energy wrapping you in a cocoon of energy and life, taking away your pain. Pieces of glass fall from your skin, your bones knit back together, your skin closes and the scars left behind disappear as if they never happened.

You rise from the ground, the plants that wrapped around you no more than blackened tendrils of what they used to be, crunching underfoot as you make your way towards the front of the shop. You could feel the energy thrumming through your veins, the wounds you had were gone, the exhaustion and fatigue washed away by the plants that gave what life they had to make you whole.

You'd only ever given life to things that needed you, you'd never once considered that you could take it away.

Darren is still standing in the street, looking proud of himself, but when he sees you reappear in the broken window his smile falters.

"Guess you can take a hit." Darren shrugs. "I'm a little impressed-"

"Our entire lives you’ve never appreciated me. All I did all was listen to you, do everything I could to love and support you. I did whatever you asked without question. I spent so much of my own money, sacrificing little things in my life, doing ridiculous jobs to make a little bit extra, because I thought I was helping you.”

“You did.” Darren sneers. “I never had to work-“

“I’m not finished.” You snap. “I have given so much of myself to you and all it did was enable you. Annie was right and our grandmother was right. You are a leech. All you do is take and take until there's nothing left, and you don't care who you hurt."

"Look who's finally seeing the bigger picture!"

"I am." Your heart was running a mile a minute and you could still feel the remnants of power from the plants thrumming in your veins. "You're a parasite and Ben was right, I was too stupid to see it, too conditioned to believe that you cared about me. But you don't, the only person you care about is yourself." Your voice trembles just a little bit as you say those words, but you knew it was true. "I'm sorry that you spent your entire life believing that our parents didn't love you, I'm sorry that I wasted so much of my own money and time taking care of you, and I'm sorry that after all this time there's still apart of me that wants to forgive you even though you don't deserve it."

"Oh no sissy did I hurt your feelings?" Darren puffs out his bottom lip in an exaggerated pout. "What are you gonna do? Throw a spinach puff at me?" He cackles. "You're so pathetic. You really think that Mr. American Dream and you can beat me? Please." Bluish white arcs of energy illuminate the air around him, catching in the long shadows, emanating out from his body. His skin has gone an even paler shade of white, his veins a dark blue beneath. "In Greek mythology Zeus is the king of the gods. And all the others bow to him." He raises a hand and the electricity dances across his palm. "Have you come to bow?"

“No, because you were wrong about one thing.” You feel your eyes shift to bright green with your words, the plants in the store behind you screaming for blood, writhing together in a tangled mass in the depths of the shop.

"And what’s that sissy?” Darren snorts.

“Ben didn’t kill Elijah. I did.” 

The building that housed "Please Don't Die" explodes behind you raining brick, mortar, and rubble on the street around where you stand. The creature that crawls forward on broken limbs and tangled roots from the remnants of the store is the size of a city bus. It looks like a large lizard, the claws easily the size of your forearm, it's head the size of a washing machine, and the body rippling with muscle woven from stems, leaves, and vines to claw it's way from the rubble on four legs.

Darren stares up at it in shock, confused at it's sudden appearance.

It opens it's mouth, revealing a mouth full of broken sticks fashioned into points, and lets loose a roar that shakes the parked cars that line the street. You could feel your body intertwined with it, the creature an extension of yourself, the rage, anger, and frustration you felt pouring through the veins of the behemoth that towered over the empty street.

This has never happened before, but it felt right. As if everything inside of you had been building from this, since the moment you used your power to kill Elijah your powers had felt different, amplified. And now standing in the street with the creature at your command it feels cosmically correct. There's a switch inside that flipped the right way and for the first time in your life, you feel powerful.

Darren tries to blast you backward again, but the lizard is faster than he expected it to be absorbing the bolt of electricity. It plows head first into Darren, knocking him back into the pavement. He lets out a yell of surprise, the sound of his head hitting the pavement echoing down the street.

You could feel your body thrumming with power, electrifying your veins, exploding from every nerve ending, and charging through skin and sinew to recreate you into something that you never knew existed and never knew you could be.

The creature's clawed hand is on Darren's chest, flattening him down into the street, and he struggles beneath it electricity crackling in the air. The lizard stares down at him with unblinking eyes, not reacting to the arcs of bluish-white light that pulse from Darren's hands.

It looks over it's massive shoulder at you, the plants that formed it’s body asking your permission, bending to your will, opening it's mouth to click in a broken language that only you understand. You can hear the little whispers of the leaves against your ears and feel the roots and vines that knotted together to form the behemoth that takes up most of the street.

"Sissy-" Darren begins to say, his eyes wide. You could see him mentally calculating his mistake, his misinterpretation of what you were capable of, and see him trying to switch tactics to save his own skin.

But you don’t want to hear any of it anymore. You didn't want to waste another second of your life listening to anything he said.

"I'm your brother." He wheezes the clawed hand heavy on his chest, pushing him down into the pavement. 

"I don��t have a brother." Your voice is cold and emotionless. "All you are is the asshole who killed my parents and used me in every way he could. And you're never going to use ever again.  Goodbye Darren."

"Wait-"

The creature's jaws fasten onto Darren's head and his last words are cut off in the rip of teeth and crunch of bone.

You stand there watching the lizard tear at his body, gazing at the bloody mangled mass that was your brother and your creation that crouches above him. Blood drips from it's bloody maw onto the pavement, staining the street red and it looks at you as if waiting for your next command, but you can't move.

"Petals?" You hear Ben say from somewhere to your left, but you don't acknowledge him. "Are you okay?"

The rush you felt from the plants is gone, the green fading from your eyes, and the sound of Darren's final gasp still vibrating against your ears. The energy is slowly ebbing from your body and you're scared by what's left behind, because that meant that everything was about to come crashing back down on you.

The creature turns and moves closer to you, pressing it's giant head against your torso as if trying to comfort you. And you raise a hand to rub the top of it’s head you can't stop staring at the body, not quite comprehending everything that has happened in the past fifteen minutes.

Darren killed my parents, he deserved this, he tried to kill me, he tried to-

There were tears in your eyes, bubbling over, as you exhale a gasp and a bone shaking sob. Everything was crashing down over you quickly and you sink to your knees.

The creature seems to follow you down, growing smaller and smaller until it's no more than the size of your hand, and clings to your jean's pocket.

Darren's body is unrecognizable, lying in pieces, and scattered over the street. People were running and screaming in terror, but you couldn't hear them. You knew that the police would be coming quickly and you didn’t know how the fuck you were going to explain any of this. Not the giant lizard, not the destruction of the building behind you, and especially not explain any of this to Jake who you hoped wasn't hurt or worse.

You feel Ben's hand come down on your shoulder. "Petals look at me, come on."

"He killed them." You murmur, the memories of your parents flashing through your mind, all of them happy and in love. "He killed them because he thought they loved me more. It's all my fault."  The memory of the nightmare grates across your skin sending a shudder through your body.

"Petals." Ben turns your face to look at him. His eyes are still filled with the force of his rage, but they are softer now, looking at you with an unreadable emotion that you'd only seen in the hospital when you woke up and Ben sat with you. His hand gently traces the curve of your cheek. "That was not your fault. Everything he did wasn't your fault. He was fucked in the head. He-"

"I can't do this." You swallow, pulling yourself from Ben and standing up on shaky legs.

"What?"

"I've got to get out of here." Your feet stumble slightly on the cracked pavement, and Ben catches your now unbroken arm to stabilize you, but also to stop you from leaving

"Let me make sure that you're okay first-"

"I'm not!" Your voice breaks. "None of what happened is okay. I'm not okay Ben I-" The sobs were coming closer together now, everything coming down hard and making it difficult to breathe. "I can't breathe. I-"

"Hey. Shhh-" Ben tries to step closer to you.

"No Ben." You shake your head, tugging your arm to tell him to let you go, but he doesn't. The tears fall faster, soaking through your bloody shirt.

Emotions were pummeling you, overwhelming you, and were making it difficult to speak and to think. The only thought you had was that you had to get the hell out of here, that you couldn't look at what used to be Darren anymore, and that you couldn't look at what used to be the shop you loved so much.

"Just wait a damn minute-" He says more forcefully, tightening his grip.

"No. Let me go."

"Petals-" He's saying it in the soft concerned way that he did whenever it was the two of you, but you couldn’t listen to it. All you could feel was the jumble of emotions in your head and the events of today beginning to press down over you. Darren's confessions and his death were crushing you into oblivion.

"Let me go Ben." You shout again, through a sob.

"I don't want to. Let me help damnit!"

"No, please." You shout, tears streaking down your face as he finally lets you go. "I need to be alone. I need to-" You gasp. "I need to go home."

The darkness was closing in quickly and you didn't know what to do. The tide was overwhelming, pulling you under with every passing second.

"Then let me take you home."

"No." You shake your head. "I have to go home." You say it again for him to understand what you mean. "I can't be here right now with this. With any of this I-"

"Please-" Ben's voice is thick and it's the first time you've ever heard him sound that way.

"No, I have to go."

And you run, leaving the body of your brother and everything you know behind, while Ben watches you go with a twinge in his own chest that he can't understand.

A/N: Lots happened in this chapter. I know the revelations and the twists were WILD. But it finally happened, Darren got what he deserved. I know we don't see too much of Ben and the reader, but in the next chapter things between them are about to become less blurry. And we get a re-appearance of Granny Di in the next chapter!

As always, thank you so much for reading! Reblogs, Comments, and Likes are not required, but are always appreciated. I love hearing what y'all think! If you'd like to be added to my taglist for this series please let me know! :)

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[genderkoolaid]

Do you mind giving a list of the transmasc artists in that sp*tify playlist, I wanna listen to transmasc artists but I hate sp*tify soooooo much

Sure! I wouldn't use spotify if I didn't have a cracked version of premium, it truly is fucking awful lmao.

I'm adding specific songs of theirs I like because I know other people also find it easier to get into an artist if they are recc'd a specific song. Also the artist bandcamp when applicable:

Dreamer Isioma / Sunset Drive + Dumb In Love With You

Tobre / FTMLOVE

Joe Stevens / Daughterson

Anjimile / Baby No More + Animal

Jake Edwards / Holy

saint hills / Lavender

Athens Boy Choir / Fagette + Tranny Got Pack

Malaika Mfalme / Good Man

Art Project / Gender Nightmare + Enemy Estrogen + Pretty boy

Miles McKenna / Boys Will Be Boys

Schmekel (and all the jewish tboys cheer) / FTM at the DMV

Skylar Kergil / Brothers

First Ever Boys / Guts + Friends Who Kiss

Mavi Phoenix / Aventura

Ryan Cassata / boy on boy

Beverly Glenn-Copeland / La Vita + People Of The Loon + Africa Calling (love his music so much. it makes me feel the same way bell hooks writing does)

Zann Foth / Hindsight Cinema

Dazey and the Scouts / Sweet Cis Teen

Saint Wellesley / Captain, Oh Captain!

Freddie Lewis / Best Dressed Ex + Bell Jar

Mal Blum / Things Still Left to Say

Dump Him / Pretty Like a Boy

Ezra Michel / I'm a Faggot I'm a Dyke

Jay Page / Invincible + Am I Here

The Oozes / Bitchboy + Ultrasound (consider donating to one of the band member's top surgery fund as well!)

Grumpster (ty anon for reccing them!) / Roots + Growing Pains

[flowershines]

Closer Broken

summary: Being the 8th member of Enhypen means that you get to spend time with people that actually make you feel special but little does everyone know that during most of those times your on your knees in front of them as you pleasuring them everyday.

warning: smut, mentions of sex

<previous masterlist next>

Air felt tense as sweaty bodies danced the hardest to their abilities, your eyes traveled from each section of the arena occasionally looking at a fan or two. Cheers and screams surrounded the whole stage, you were thankful for the noise cancelation in your earpiece or else you might as well go deaf in one of your ears from how loud the fans were screaming, you even saw a fan holding a pair of earplugs just to get rid of the loud noises around her.

Passing Heeseung as you both walked to your place you couldn't help but notice him holding his wrist while making a tensed face as his nose wrinkled up, some of the other members noticed this as well giving each other glances while you all walked off the stage for a quick change. As you walked into the dressing room you see Heeseung’s makeup artist touching up him, walking over to him with his wrist still in his hand “Are you okay?” as he looked up at you his eyes started to fill with tears as they threatened to fall on his freshly done makeup. “It’s my wrist… I can barely move it.”

Shock lit up your body as he could be seriously injured if he does not let his injury rest, “Heeseung you can’t dance the last one, it's going to hurt too much.” he shook his head while a tear fell. “There are two more songs left. I'm not just going to stop now.”

The makeup artist gave him the okay as you both walked back out onto the stage trying to finish up the concert safely, occasionally you would glance at Heeseung making sure he was hanging in there but just enough to make it look as if you are caring for him not trying to start a dating scandal.

Saying your goodbyes to engenes, Heeseung was crying but you couldn't tell if it was from him being in pain or if he truly was going to miss this moment or even both. One of the main staff went into the car with you, Jay and Heeseung while sitting in the back with the injured man to see if the problem was anything worth worrying about, he told the pained man to follow the directions he was telling him to move his wrist in, the man cooperated.

“It just looks like a sprain, but don't try to move it. Let it heal. If you don’t let it heal it can turn into a bigger problem.” Heeseung nodded to the elder man who sat before him, as the car parked in front of the dorms he headed straight to his room while holding his arm in a way that wouldn’t hurt his wrist. He felt bored.

Usually he would play a game on his console but he can barely do anything one handedly, fluttering his eyes into the darkness of his room. He hoped that time would pass by as he would rest his eyes for a couple of hours. Walking into the living room of the dorms with the tired members by your side sitting next to your exhausted figure “Did you ever find out what happened to Hee?” Jake asked, turning to you, digging your body into the crack of the two couches being pushed together while trying to find a way to make the uncomfortable position more cozy.

“He sprained his wrist, he can’t move it too much because if he does it could turn out much worse.” he nodded as he laid his sweaty head down on your stomach, your fingers brushing through his somewhat wet roots. Grabbing small pieces of his hair, your fingers sectioned his hair into three parts, braiding the small pieces as his eyes flickered while he tried to not fall asleep from the sudden relaxation.

Feeling a vibration coming from the seat next to you which had your phone laying on top of the cushion, flipping it over with your free hand a notification popped up on your screen from the man who was a room away by himself. A small confused expression displayed on your face since you thought he was sleeping, just like the man laying on your belly.

Reading the text it showed his contact photo, moving your eyes to look at the letters he had typed ‘can you come to my room please’ slowly trying to sit up you let go of the tired man’s hair as his eyes moved under his eyelids. Flickering his eyelashes to open his eyes which brought out his blurred vision which blurred your figure to, he groaned at you for waking him up. “Heeseung asked me to go to his room.” Nodding as he sat up enough for you to slide around his head, bringing his hand up he pointed at the pillow across the room.

Grabbing the pillow and placing it in his hand, he placed it under his head as he rolled over on the couch going in a very long and awaited slumber.

Walking towards his room you slowly turned his bedroom door knob bringing your attention to the man lying lazily on top of the covers on his bed as he ushered you to stand in front of him, tilting your head towards the side he already knew your unclear body language.

“Can you help me?” His eyes kept trying to deny looking in your direction almost as if he was embarrassed to say something, he never failed leaving you confused. “With what?” Walking slightly close to his tense figure and sitting down in the opened spot next to him, his fiddled with one another over his pants almost as a way to hide something from you. “Promise you won’t be weird about it?”

His gaze finally looking into yours while nodding at him which let him finish his sentence “No matter how w-” “Heeseung just tell me, nothing bad will happen.” his eyes looked back at his fingers then scanned you body as his eyes met yours once more, his lips parted slightly while you studied every inch of his eyes. The way they sparkled from the slight brightness in the room, he moved his hands out of the way on his lap. His eyes looked at the wall closest to him while your eyes traveled from his tired eyes down to his what his hands had been covering, onto to reveal his bulge standing prominent in his pants. “Oh.. Um.. What do you mean? Help?”

You asked him questionably as his eyes threatened to slowly look into yours, his doe eyes scanned your body language as he wondered how you would react to his sudden problem. “He said not to move my wrist…” Whispering ever word quieter and quieter being scared of rejection “And…” his eyes looked into yours “Please don’t make me say it Y/n.” “So you want me to what? Jerk you off?” “Not if you don’t want to.” he mumbled faster than normal, placing your hand onto his thigh traveling closer and closer to his zipper in the process. “I want to, don’t worry.”

His eyes left your since he felt overwhelmed by everything happening around him, your other hand traveled to his chin making his eyes meet your “Look at me when i touch you, baby.” you even felt weird as how you usually are submissive yet this dominance took over your body. Hands worked their way towards his zipper as his eyes followed your direction, with every movement you made he looked that way. He was easily able to follow your directions.

His hands went on top of yours as he followed the movements with you, taking his hard cock out of his pants he winced from the sudden temperature change. ‘Thank you’s fell from his lips as your fingers ran along the sides of his cock, you never saw this side of Heeseung and wanted to see how his dominant side would easily have you at his feet yet you were certain that this moment with him more than likely would never happen again.

You had to make this moment last.

His shaking hands moved their way up to your breast as he fondled them whine you started to collect the precum from his tip and move it to the base of his cock acting as lubricant, bringing your hand up to your mouth you gathered spit on your palm proceeding to place your wet hand back on his cock. His moans ran throughout the entire room, you wouldn’t be surprised if the members hadn’t heard anything yet.

“Please do something.” He whined as his grasp on your tit tightened, wrapping your hand around the base you slowly started to move it up and down causing his lips to break apart from each other allowing tiny noises to slip through. Continuing your motions you felt every inch of his cock, feeling every vein that was clearly displayed.

You studied his cock. The way it would twitch from moving your hands certain ways, the way his tip would turn bright red due to his desperation to be touched, as well as the way his cock had an impact on his body.

Throwing his head back he let go of your breast and started to grip the sheets below him as your movements started to get more frequent, as you moved your hand fast on his aching cock he could not keep his noises to himself. You never knew he could be this loud, yet he surprises you every day.

With every stroke of his cock the more precum would start to leak from his tip causing a pool of precum to drip down his cock and onto his pelvis, “So cl-ose Y/n.” he stuttered out nervously. “Than cum handsome, i’m not gonna hold you back.” His hands were frantically moving around trying to find anything to keep him from making noises, hips started to thrust up into your fist mad he finally started to reach his long and awaited release.

“Oh… Fuck.” Curse words rolled off of his tongue due to the pleasure running through his body as squirts of cum started to land on his abs, his breathing started to turn from heavy to light as he finally started to relax his body. “Thank you Y/n, really. I can’t describe how thankful i am.” Looking into his shiny eyes “Dint mention it.” letting go of his cock he let out a soft moan as you let him finish putting himself back into his pants, standing up and walking to his bedroom door “Don’t be afraid to ask me for help again.” you commented as you did not wait for his response, leaving the room in a hurry. You wish he would take you up on the offer soon.

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if your blog is in white it said ‘blog not found’

[peachesandcreames]

What Are We?

A/N: a fluffy fic with Jake and Y/N. Some parental angst. Mentions of death. Alcohol consumption. Jake being cocky but also boyfriend material. That man is a warning, mmkay. Enter at your own risk. You and only you are responsible for your reading material. Likes, hearts, comments and reblogs are definitely appreciated ❤ happy reading everyone!!!

Requested? No. This idea has been kicking around in my head for a while and it'll probably flop and I'm ok with that but at least I got it out of my head and down onto paper so to speak. Maybe a part two depending on how well this does and if I'm feeling creative 🤔

You moved to San Diego to be closer to your older sister who was stationed at North Island Naval Air Station. It was under less than ideal circumstances, your parents passing away unexpectedly and your sister Nat came back home to help you with the funerals and selling your parents house and packing everything up. She found the both of you a cute little two bedroom bungalow right on the beach. So while your sister got to hang out with hot pilots all day you got to stay at home and unpack and get the house set up. You decided to just get your room in working order and then try to find a restaurant for lunch and drinks.

You're standing in your room, looking at yourself in the full length mirror. You decided on a cute pair of cut off shorts and a tank top paired with a cute pair of beachy flip flops. The salty ocean air is coming through your second floor bedroom window and you put up light purple breezy curtains. You definitely lucked out and got the best bedroom, all by yourself on the second floor and facing the ocean. You loved waking up with the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the beach and the sun filtering through the gauzy curtains.

You put your still wet hair in a loose braid, grabbed your purse and bounced down the stairs. Giving yourself one last look in the mirror you grabbed your keys and locked the door. You decided to go to The Hard Deck for two simple reasons: your sister said that it was the go to place to see and be seen and it was in walking distance if you decided to have a drink with lunch today. You stepped outside and slid your oversized glasses off your head and onto your nose and took off in the direction of the bar. You made it in about 15 minutes and let yourself into the cool, dark interior of the mostly empty bar.

Penny was behind the bar washing some glasses and Amelia was sitting on the opposite side, notebooks and textbooks spread all over the top of the bar. They both looked up at you as the bell above the door signaled your arrival. They smiled at you and Amelia jumped up and ran to give you a hug. "Y/N! I missed you so much!! I want to come over and help you set up the new place."

You look over at Penny and she shrugs and nods. "I had an idea but you might want to run it past Phoenix first." You slung your arm around Amelia and steered her back towards the bar and sat next to her. "What's your idea, Pen?" She finished what she was doing and made her way towards you. "I thought that we could get the squadron to pitch in and help you out, if you want. "

You mulled it over and at your look of uncertainty Amelia interjected. "Maverick would totally want to pitch in and the others will fall in." At your questioning look Penny filled in the blanks. "Rooster, Hangman, Bob, Fanboy, Payback, Coyote and obviously Phoenix. We'll make it a whole day! It'll be so much fun!!" Amelia clapped with excitement and you couldn't help but smile because of their enthusiasm.

You placed an order for southwestern grilled chicken wrap and a strawberry mojito and sat back down next to Amelia and you two started talking about what you wanted to do while you're here. You didn't consider this place to be home but maybe it could be. You liked the idea of putting roots down and staying in one place for the foreseeable future. Amelia was rambling on about all of the fun things that you could do this summer and you were honestly only half listening to her when the bell above the door signaled the arrival of your sister leading the way with a bunch of ridiculously tall, hot and insanely in shape men. Maverick made his way to the bar and dropped a kiss on Amelia's forehead.

"Hey Pete," you stood up and made your way to where he was standing and he pulled you into a hug. "Hey kiddo, how are you holding up?" You mumbled into his shoulder "I'm ok." You could feel him nod his head and he let you end the hug and watched him greet Penny with a kiss. Amelia rolled her eyes and started making gagging noises but you thought that it was really sweet. You got lost in thought about your last relationship and how long it's been when you heard your sister say "let me introduce you."

You looked up in time to see your sister making her way through the growing crowd and you stood up to meet her half way with a hug. You'd be lost without her and she knows it. Looking over her shoulder you see a group of guys hovering on the outside of the bar. Phoenix follows your gaze and says "this is my backseater Bob," you smile politely and shake the shy man's hand. He's adorable in his glasses and you tell him as much.

A shy smile creeps over his features and you thank him for always having Nat's back. "Always," he said just loud enough for you and Nat to hear him. "I like him," you whispered to Nat. "He's definitely a keeper," she said to you as she bumped shoulders with Bob. She introduced you to the rest of the squadron: Rooster was rocking the deadly combo of 80s pornstache and hawaiian shirt but oddly enough it worked for him and you let him know that.

"Hey Hawaii 5-0, you wanna buy me a drink?" You shouted at Rooster across the bar and he gave you an incredulous look and ambled over to you. "I got you, what you want sweetheart?" You looked up at him and stood on your tiptoes to whisper in his ear. He gave you a cheeky grin and told Penny what you wanted. Penny looked at you and arched her eyebrow and gave you a knowing look. Nat introduced you to the rest of the squad: Fanboy and Payback were too cute for words and Coyote was flying solo.

Phoenix was chatting with Bob and some civilians while you're talking with Rooster and the guys Penny calls out " one screaming orgasm cocktail for Y/N!" You can feel all the eyes on you as a blush crawled up your neck and you heard a texas drawl behind you "someone called my name?" You turned around and almost bumped into the most gorgeous man that you ever saw. Over six feet tall, sandy blond hair and the greenest eyes that you just wanted to get lost in. "Cat got your tongue?" The blond man asked as he winked at you and handed you your drink.

Your fingers briefly touched and the alcohol was giving you liquid courage you took the drink and downed it a few gulps. You glanced over at your sister who was preoccupied with the hottie who was laying it on thick and you suddenly felt flustered and needed some fresh air. He must have sensed that you needed to get out of here because you watched him pay for your drink and let Phoenix know that you'd be with him. You watched as he walked towards you and said " let's get out of here, yeah?" You placed your hand on his chest "whoa cowboy, I don't even know your name. " He grinned down at you and you noticed his dimples for the first time.

"Name's Jake, Sweetheart. What's your name?" You stuck out your hand and introduced yourself. "Y/N Trace." Jake gently took your hand in his and brought it to his lips. "It's nice to meet you, " you said. "The pleasure is all mine, Y/N." You took a page from Jake's book and winked at him. "Not yet but it will be. "

Penny must have noticed the smoldering stare between the two of you. "Get a room you two!!" Your face started to feel warm and Jake pointed to the sign above the bar. Penny looked over her shoulder at the sign and back to you and Jake. "Rules are rules, Pen." With all eyes on Penny, Jake placed his hand on your lower back and led you to the patio where the sun was just starting to set.

You couldn't help but be mesmerized by the different beautiful colors in the sky. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" You asked Jake and you turned to look at him to see if he was watching the sunset but he was watching you. "Definitely stunning. " He noticed you visibly gulp because his eyes were glued to you. "Are we talking about the same thing?"

Jake gave you a shy smile and sheepishly shrugged his shoulders. "I think that what's in front of me is pretty damn beautiful." You felt yourself shiver in the growing darkness but you honestly didn't know if it was because of the cold weather seeping in from the ocean or from Jake's flirty words. Jake noticed you shiver and slipped his black bomber jacket around your shoulders. "You're a charmer, Jake Seresin. "

"Can I take you home, please?" He offered you his arm and you slipped into his jacket and caught the smell of his cologne mixed in with the salty ocean air. You stepped closer to him and linked arms as you took off in the direction of your house. You walked in comfortable silence for a bit, you just wanted to remember this moment. As you turned onto your block and your house came into view you started fumbling with your purse trying to get your keys out. "Here, let me."

Jake whispered quietly as he gently took your purse from you and found your keys and the one labeled home. "Thank you, " you mumbled into his shoulder and he guided you up the stairs and you winced at the motion actived light as Jake unlocked your front door and helped you inside, he held you steady as you slipped off your sandals. He closed the door and locked it behind you. He watched you on unsteady feet as you tried to get upstairs. He was worried that you were going to fall or hurt yourself so he came up behind you and picked you up like you weighed next to nothing.

Your head lolled against his chest and he walked down to the last door on the right and toed it open. He sat you down gently at the foot of your bed and pulled down the covers for you. You smiled up at him lazily and he looked around your room. He walked over to your dresser and opened the top drawer and got a quick glimpse into your panty drawer and slammed it shut. You laughed at the expression on his face and said that your pajamas were in the third drawer, he pulled it open and handed you a pair of booty shorts and a tank top.

You took the clothing from him and went into your closet to change. Jake walked down the hall to the bathroom that he passed on the way and got you a glass of water and some headache medicine. He came back to find you snuggled up under your comforter. You smiled at each other and you made grabby motions for him and he sat down next to you and interlocked your fingers. "Do you want to stay?" Jake leaned over and kissed your forehead.

"As tempting as your offer is I really don't want to deal with your pissed off sister. " You chuckled into your blanket and he stood up and you whined as he let go of your hand. "I don't want this day to end, " you muttered as you fell asleep to Jake whispering "we'll make another one just like it tomorrow. " He quietly made his way out of your room, leaving your door slighty ajar. He was letting himself out of your house as Phoenix was coming up the walkway with her shoes in hand.

The silence was extremely awkward as they passed each other with a nod of acknowledgement. Phoenix turned around to see Jake's back as he walked back towards The Hard Deck where he left his car. "Hurt her and I'll end you, Seresin. Y/N took the passing of our parents really hard and she's vulnerable right now." Jake turned to look at Phoenix and gave her a salute as he turned back around and continued on his way.

The night breeze carried back his words "wouldn't dream of it, boss." Phoenix barely heard his words and it brought a smile to her face. It's all that she wanted for you, for you to be happy and if being with Jake made you happy that's all that matters. Phoenix shut and locked the door and quietly crept into your room. She saw that Jake had helped you change into pajamas and left out water and pain relivers for you.

It helped to put Phoenix at ease about Jake's intentions towards you. She looked down lovingly at you and brushed the hair off of your forehead. She kissed your forehead and pulled the blankets up and around your shoulders. She hoped that you would fall in love with San Diego and stay with her and if Jake helped her out then she was definitely okay with him sticking around.

~fin~ for now😉

@so-she-reads

[marymary-diva17]

The dream walker of the sea (2)

The reunion with friends had made everyone happy, as they had been apart from each other for very long. The fear and worry of not seeing each other, was over but there had been some stuff that returned as well. The war was far from over as now a new fight had began and there is no giving up.

y/n " ......" you are standing on the beach holding your son in your arms.

neyio " fishes mama fishes'

y/n " yes baby look at all the fishes in the water swimming around"

neyio " IIu mama"

y/n " yes that an IIu maybe if we are lucky we can go on ride later on" neyio soon started laughing and clapping his hands making you, chuckle you had kissed his right check.

y/n " aww you are so adorable"

????? " y/n" you soon heard your name getting called as you soon turned around to see, jake and norm standing there as they made their way towards you. They had soon stopped when they soon reached you.

Jake " oh you have the kiddo with you again hey there kid"

neyio " ......" neyio stayed silent but he soon waved towards the two grown man.

norm " he very sweet"

y/n " yes he is"

Jake " so he inherited your DNA"

y/n " yes like with your kids there are high chances that the kids, will show our DNA in them then the other kids"

norm " still on your game I see"

y/n " always my friend I make sure my kids know this stuff as well, along with fighting as well since the return of enemies from the past dead people who are alive once again"

Jake " yeah I thought they will be gone forever but nope the rda brought them back alive, with using those stupid memory logs"

y/n " the rda love to play great creator but that never works in the end"

norm " maybe you can come with us to see the base we have here, but I don't think it will be safe for the little one to come"

y/n " you are right I would leave him to my mates but they are no where near by ...."

tsireya " hey mama" tsireya had soon come walking and she was soon joined by her sibling, sully kids, and spider.

y/n " hello children"

Jake ' hey kids what are you all going'

neteyam " hangout in the water aonung and his siblings offer to take us for a lesson"

y/n " that nice of you kids but can you all do me favor

aonung " yes mama'

y/n " can you all keep an eye on neyio I need to have a meeting with Jake and norm, at the humans homes it will not be good to take him"

aonung " yes we can take him mama come here little brother" aonung soon took his baby brother who had become happy, to spend time with the bigger kids.

neteyam " we will all make sure no harm comes to him y/n"

y/n " thank you all" you had soon walked away with Jake and norm heading toward, where the humans are staying since their arrival yesterday.

max " y/n"

y/n " hey max"

max " I'm so happy to see you again we thought we lost your for good, after all those years"

y/n " yes I thought I will not be able to see you all again, I want to go back but it havent become safe since their return"

Scientist " well we are happy you are back here with us and we heard, you have mates and kids as well"

y/n " yes I do I had become mates with tonowari the olo'eythan here and the tshaik ronal we have four beautiful children"

Scientist 2 " that wonderful norm told us one of the kids had inherited DNA from you"

y/n " yes he did I will show you all my kids later on if they come by for a visit"

norm " oh they will come by knowing our kids they will be here later on" laughter had been heard as it seem to be something agreed upon by everyone.

Jake " so the metkayain already know the rda"

y/n " yes it seems like the rda was doing their own thing here, but when they left it felt like peace had come until now"

Jake " yes but will they be willing to help us fight against the rda'

y/n " yes they will be willing to help fight against the rda as they are, destroy our homes and hunting the creates we love here in the name of greed"

norm " greedy is always the root of all this chaos"

y/n " the rda will not stop until they clam this place as their new home, and get rid of anyone that stops them from doing that"

max " yes but they will be greedy once again"

y/n " that is very true but we will never give up the fight no matter what happens"

Scientist 3 " it good to have you back y/n we missed you girl"

y/n " I missed you all as well"

????? " this is where the humans will be living"

????? ' oh they have some of the same techniques and weapon mama has, at home but some of them seem different"

????? " shinny"

????" no touching neyio"

???? " there might be something around here we can hold and touch, that will not be harmful"

lo'ak " oh hello" the adults soon saw the children arrive in eye shot of them, all of the kids looking at them.

Neyio " mama mama" you smile as you went to get neyio from rotox arms who was now holding him.

rotxo " he has been well behaved mama no fits about anything, he even did well when swimming"

lo'ak " he even showed all of us up as well when swimming on his won and ridding an IIu"

y/n " oh did you that is so good"

max " hello kids"

tsireya " hello are you all friend of our mama"

y/n " yes they are and I did work with them as well"

aonung " wow"

neteyam " it fine we brought them here we wanted to show them, more of the humans as they know some from y/n"

max " it okay did just staye safe all of you and be careful, when handle any of the weapons or tools"

kids " yes sir"

aonung " can we looks around more mama"

y/n " yes but remember max words my kids" the older kids had taken off leaving you with neyio, as he was pointing at everything he could see. Wishing for anyone to explain what had caught his attention, he easily had won everyone over.

Later on that day

max " so they call you the dream walker of the sea"

y/n " yes they do they knew about the dreamwalker but haven't seen one until me, I made a good impression on them"

norm " yes it those if you had become ronal and tonowari mate, after all this time"

y/n " I have a good life with them and type of life I fear I wouldn't have with them" Neyio is doing his best to walk around but having times, when he will fall over.

Jake " you will get it buddy"

y/n " when he does learn to walk there will be not stopping him"

max " you are a good mom y/n he will be amazing and adventurous like his mom"

neyio " baba baba" someone had came walking over to the human base, that navi was no other then tonowari. he saw his son and smiled soon picking the boy up.

tonowari " hello my son now where is your mother and siblings, as no one was home when I arrived"

neyio " mama"

y/n " I'm here hello my husband welcome home"

tonowari " my wife so it seems like your human friends have settled in well"

y/n " yes and thank you once again for letting them come"

tonowari " they seeked help and we said yes"

y/n " this is max one of my many friends and the rest are my friends as well, when I was living in the forest"

tonowari " hello"

max " hello"

tonowari " I hope you and your friends can do good work here, and maybe erase all the trouble the rda has caused"

max " we will do our best olo'eythan"

tonowari " I will be look forward to it"

y/n " where is ronal"

tonowari " she will be home tomorrow as her and mo'at are speaking with another tshaik, near some spiritual grounds"

y/n " I understand"

tsireya " baba welcome home"

aonung " baba we saw so many amazing things today"

tonowari " that amazing my children"

rotxo " we got to understand more of the humans stuff as well"

tonowari " it good you are learning about your mother world, as it your world as well"

y/n " you are right my husband" it seems like everyone had rest assured when they were with tonowari seeing as friendly, but they were all wondering what ronal will be like in person verse words.

[crazyk-imagine]

Veils, Weddings, and Best Friends Weddings

Pairing: Robert "Bob" Floyd x Plus size!reader

Characters: Robert "Bob" Floyd, Plus size!reader, Natasha "Phoenix" Trace, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Penny Benjamin, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Jake "Hangman" Seresin

Warnings: Fluff, angst, friends to lovers, secret rendezvous, everyone rooting for Bob and reader to get together, small age gap between friends, age gap between lovers, plans gone wrong, reader talking about Bob being a kid, unnecessary drama but it's for the plot, Bob and Natasha make a rough comment to the other, Jake's only a vegetarian because of Ian in the movies, Bob's kinda a hoe for the reader, he's also an ass man in one scene 0-0

Word Count: 5,738

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

You shake your head, watching your best friend stare at a happy couple, already knowing she wishes she could have that kind of love… which hurts you in more ways than one. You sigh to yourself knowing that you’re going to have to break her out of her gaze.

You reach behind you, untying your apron and lean onto her nudging her arm. "Don't do that sad puppy dog look, Tash. You’ll find your special someone. I know it."

She scoffs, removing her gaze from the couple to take your apron. "Yeah, where?"

"He's just around the corner."

"You go out on more dates than I do how do you not have a boyfriend."

You know what she’s doing, it’s her defense mechanism, one she’s been doing since you two were kids.

You shrug, going around her to grab your purse and coat. "All the ones I find are jerks."

"Bob isn’t."

"Please don't start this again," you plead.

"I'm just saying. If it was between the two of us, you would have a better chance at finding love than I would." She opens the register to make change before sending the couple off so she can talk to you.

You sigh, "Natasha, I love you. I do, but you have to realize that I am older. I would look like a cougar."

"You’re barely four years younger than me."

"And I'm still seven years older than him. I've seen him take baths. I even helped."

She furrows her brows. "Now?"

"No! When we were kids. He was the sweetest little boy ever."

"To you," she mutters.

"No, he-" ‘Huh.’ As you think about it, maybe you did have to resolve more than one of his tantrums when no one else could. "Maybe he wasn't but-"

"Don't you even try to argue and say he was an angel. He wasn't. He was absolutely terrible except for you and only you but you don’t want to admit it."

You roll your eyes. "I have to go to work, Natasha."

She sighs, "please don't leave mad."

"I'm not, I'm not… I promise… pain in my ass."

She chuckles, even though she knows you don’t want to admit any of it, but her baby brother was a menace as a kid, and he’d only ever be the most well behaved and calm down faster when you helped him.

Penny walks through the door, "oh is it time for you to leave already? I feel like I've barely gotten to see you."

You chuckle, grabbing your coat off the counter. "It is."

"Come for dinner."

"Oh. I couldn't." You always like having dinner with Natasha and Bob’s family but it gets awkward whenever they try to discuss your guy’s future wedding, last time you went to dinner that was all they talked about.

"I'll make you a special plate,” she adds to persuade you.

You pretend to think about it. "Leftovers?"

"Only small container."

Which means, take as much as you want. "Deal?" You’re scared about tonight’s dinner topic.

She pulls you in for a hug and kisses your cheeks. "Have a good day, darling."

"You too, Mrs. P."

"How many times do I have to tell you, call me Penny."

You can’t bring yourself to that… not when you need to break it off. "Bye ladies."

-

You walk out of the restaurant, reaching into your purse only to find it not clutched underneath your armpit. You could have sworn you brought it with you. You turn around, staring at the ground not wanting to fall on the slippery, wet concrete (today, your butt is still a little sore from two days ago).

"Woah! Woah!" A set of hands grips your waist tightly, keeping you upright.

You lift your head and find the reason why these hands feel familiar. "Oh, gosh. Sorry, Bob. Even as careful as I was, I still managed to slip."

He smiles at the joke, knowing you’re being this nice to him because his family is watching you from inside the restaurant (and he’s late for his shift, again but for a good reason). “It’s a good thing I was here to catch you." His hands haven’t moved from your waist.

"Bob," you lower your head, making sure he understands how he can’t make jokes like that, even if you did leave his room early before anyone was awake.

"What?” He shrugs, ignoring your look. “It was a harmless comment."

You scoff, "nothing with you is harmless."

"Ouch.” He places his right hand over his heart, “that hurts. No, it really does."

"Why are you here?"

"Your purse." He holds it out for you.

"Oh," you blink owlishly, taking the item from him. "Thank you!” You glance back at him with a raised brow. “You know if I didn't know any better, I would think you took it just talk to me like this in front of your family."

"You're over at the house all the time, I could just steal you away from Nat."

"How sneaky."

His lips tug upwards into a smirk. "Only for you."

A sigh escapes through your nose. "You cannot say things like that to me."

"Why not?" He asks, you always tell him this, but it doesn’t change anything that’s been going on between you two. “Tell me why I can’t say things like that to you and I’ll stop.”

“I have to go to work.”

His joking attitude falls, “hey, wait. I didn’t mean to overstep-”

“Bob, you are their prized baby boy. You’re the one who’s going to do greater and better things than they could have ever imagined. We wouldn’t-”

“Don’t finish that sentence because you’re wrong, you don’t know how my family talks about you when you’re not around.”

“I’ll see you at dinner, Bobby.”

He turns around watching you walk away as soon as your figure disappears his head falls back, staring up at the gray clouds, wondering how things can change for you to realize how much his family sees you as one of their own.

If they could have, they would have adopted you, so they don’t have to call you the “adopted daughter”. But then again, they do keep dropping hints about him asking you a certain question so they can officially call you their favorite daughter-in-law (including the in-laws themselves).

He turns around and heads into the restaurant, ready to start his shift.

Natasha doesn’t say anything but feels she should do something to help you realize how much in love her brother is with you… maybe after she helps the incredibly handsome blond man, she sees in the window who then enters the restaurant and sits down with his friend.

There are a few complaints about how the food doesn’t taste the same as it normally does, which makes sense since this morning’s talk brought down his happy mood.

He thought maybe you left your purse because you wanted to have something more with him.

-

Your day didn’t go any better, the only new thing that happened involves your coworker and her setting you up on a blind date knowing today is one of the three days you show up with a side for dinner at Natasha’s family home. You tried to tell her to cancel it, but she didn’t want to listen.

“Why do you want me to cancel it so badly? Is it because that guy who drops you off lunch finally wised up and confessed?” Lucy asks, with a wide smile.

You tilt your head, “who- do you mean Bob?”

She nods, “yes, yes! The cutie with the glasses. He’s always so sweet when he asks where you are? I wish my boyfriend would describe me the way he does about you.”

“How does he-” Your guy’s shared boss, Ed (short for Edward) interrupts, informing you two to get back to work.

Lucy grabs your arm as you two rush back to your workstations. “So, what I’m hearing is, he can’t man up and ask you out and you’re, in fact, single.”

You sigh, knowing she’s won.

“Perfect,” she pauses.

“What? Why did you go quiet all of a sudden?”

“Now, I don’t know if you should go on this date. The guy I chose for you has been known to be a… player but- but I see the look on your face, please let me finish. But he's changed. Or maybe if you want, he can help you. Oh, yes. I’m brilliant. I’ll text him and tell him we have a plan to get two lovebirds together.”

“You forget Bob and I aren’t lovebirds.” You feel dirty saying that, almost like you’re lying.

“Not yet.”

You regret talking to her about these kinds of things now.

-

As you walk to Lucy’s car, you text Natasha.

Brat Tamer

‘Hey, can’t stay for dinner but I have a side ready. I’ll drop it off, make sure someone cab grab it' 6:02pm Sent Read

“Okay, where to?”

“Your house first. I always have a spare party outfit in my car.”

“How often do you go out?”

“When was the office new year’s party?”

“Same day as the Christmas party?”

“And that was?”

“First Saturday of December.”

“That’s how long I’ve had them in my car.”

“Lucy,” you chuckle.

“What?”

“You cannot tell me that you’ve left dirty clothes in your car for the last six and a half months?!”

“Don’t worry. I got them dry cleaned a few days after. I just never brought them upstairs to put in my closet. The elevator at my apartment complex is always broken and I have to walk up four flights of stairs.”

You giggle, “okay, Luc. Whatever you say.”

“Peter will be at the restaurant in a booth at seven which gives me enough time to throw something together while you do your makeup.”

“I mean, I guess.”

“This is going to be fun.”

Nat the Brat

‘Got it… what color lipstick goes with the black dress I found at the mall a few years ago?’ 6:13pm Sent Read

You reread the text and find yourself smiling.

Brat Tamer

‘Your date better be with the one you were drooling over during your story. I can’t wait to meet him. One of your two pink lipsticks, don’t want to scare him away with a dark color ;)’ 6:15pm Sent Read

“Okay, it’s time to doll you up.”

“What Era are we obsessed with today that were throwing in words people don’t use often?”

She shrugs, “I don’t know. “Doll you up” just felt right.”

Neither of you say anything as she picks out your outfit and you’re left to wander into the bathroom and finish your makeup.

Her quietness does concern you seeing as she’s normally so talkative, but you don’t put too much thought into it as you search for your favorite lipstick.

You hadn’t realized she was texting Natasha to figure out what would make Bob tick and push himself into asking you out- officially.

If only you hadn’t introduced the two of them when you invited Natasha as your plus one to your work barbecue a couple of years ago.

“I found it. Come out here.”

“But you’re there.”

“Oh.” She sighs, “I’ll turn around.”

You give her the okay to turn around and her jaw drops. “Oh, I am a miracle worker.”

“You’re too cocky for your own good.”

“That’s why I’m using my good on you,” she adds a wide smile.

You roll your eyes, “I don’t buy it.”

-

“Can you take it to their door?”

“I’m a stranger. Why would they accept a meal from me?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why can’t you cooperate with me?”

“I am,” Lucy argues.

“No, you’re not.”

“Well then you should have thought about this beforehand.”

“I did. You’re the one who wouldn’t stop here first.”

She shrugs. “Either you drop it off or they don’t get their special “adopted daughter” side dish.”

You groan, unbuckling your seatbelt. “I hate you.”

“Not after tonight you won’t.”

As soon as you stepped out of the car, she texted Natasha.

You knock on the door, waiting for her to answer. Your eyes slightly widen seeing- “Bob. Hey.”

“I thought you couldn’t make it tonight?”

“That’s true.”

“But you’re here.”

“I just came to drop off this,” you hold the dish pan in front of him.

He leans down to smell it. “Smells like my favorite.”

You roll your eyes, “you say that about everything I make.”

“And it’s true. But-uh- why are you dressed up?”

“My coworker is setting me up on a blind date.”

“Really?” His eye glaze over with annoyance, you think.

“I tried to-”

“Have fun on your date.” And he slams the door in your face.

You scoff and walk back to the car.

“So, what happened?”

You yank the seatbelt out of its place and click it into place with a huff. “How do you think?”

She says nothing and starts the car. “What if I told you that Peter is actually engaged, and I lied so that Bob would ask you out?”

“What?” You turn to her, “what the hell do you mean?”

“Well- we just-”

“You and Natasha planned this? Is she even home right now?”

“She's on a date, I swear she is. But we just- we’re so tired of you being sad and not admitting your feelings-”

“I’m getting out.”

“What? No.” She tries to grab you but you’re already out. “Come on, get back in the car.”

“No.”

“I’m sorry, please just get inside the car.”

“Why?”

“We’re gonna go hangout.”

“How do I know you’re not lying?”

“Because I’m a nice person.”

You roll your eyes and get back in the car. “It’s going to be a calm night. We’re going out to dinner and then maybe somewhere for dessert.”

You two wind up having a really good time and she helped get your mind off the fact that Bob was so annoyed, for no reason.

-

You wake up to find two missed calls from Natasha along with a few texts. You roll over, not responding; still upset over what she and Lucy planned.

You didn’t talk to her or Bob for a week and it was miserable, for everyone.

No one in the family knew what had happened and didn’t know how to help, all they knew was that their children were depressed, and you were the obvious solution.

Penny knocks on your door when you have barely started to wind down after your long day.

You open the door, expecting it to potentially be your best friend or Lucy and are surprised. “Mrs. P?”

“Can I come in?”

You nod and open the door wider, “what are you- shouldn’t you be at home getting dinner ready? I mean, I’m not- why- uh-” You scratch your head. “Why are you here?”

“My children are depressed.”

“I’m sorry to hear that-”

“You haven’t been around the house in a week, and I know what something’s wrong. What did they do? Maybe I can talk to them and make it better.”

You sigh and sit beside her on the couch. “It’s nothing that can’t be resolved, I just needed Nat to learn her lesson and she’s got her own life to live anyway. I mean, she’s started college and is doing something with her life, something that’s not what’s expected of her… no offense.”

She shrugs, “I understand but you should know she’s lonely because she has no one to talk to. She wants to be able to talk to you again.”

You take a deep breath, “I’ll stop by tonight.”

She claps her hands before pulling you in for a hug.

“Good, good. Everyone will be happy.”

“I don’t think it’s going to change much.”

“My little Bobby will be especially happy.”

You lean against the door, holding onto the doorknob. “What makes you say that?”

“A mother knows these things.” And with that, she left you with your thoughts.

-

You walk down the familiar walkway, listening to the bustle of the family moving about the house. You smile and knock on the door, not knowing if it’s unlocked or not.

One of the cousins, Bradley, opens the door.

“Well, look who came crawling back. Finally decided to drop the schmuck and find someone better. Maybe someone with a mustache,” he wipes his hand down his face, making sure to pay extra attention to his facial hair.

You roll your eyes, “move over, weirdo.”

“Hey,” he closes the door. Don’t make me tell the family about the one time-”

You jam your elbow into his side when you see your best friend making her way over to you.

She wraps her arms around you, ignoring her cousin as he pleads for someone to get help and that he’s dying. “I’m sorry.”

You shake your head, “don’t be. I’m just sorry it took me so long to come back.”

“No, I get it. It’s the same reason why I’m so scared to tell everyone about Jake.”

“You know once they meet him, they’ll adopt him, right?”

“What makes you say that?”

“I just know.” You pull her off to the side, “tell me about him.”

Your friend lowers her head, trying to hide her smile.

-

Neither of you notice when Bob manages to pull away from the aunts, he watches you two enjoying your conversation and realizes how much he screwed up and misses you.

Bradley pats his shoulder, “you gonna ask her?”

“I’m not asking anyone anything. Go brush your mustache somewhere else.”

“Hey, don’t hate on the ‘stache.”

-

Penny shouts for everyone and dinner starts with a slight twist; usually you and Natasha are seated by one another, but it seems that the family has other plans because now you and Bob are seated next to each other.

Everyone talks as if your absence didn’t happen, which was a relief on your part; you were scared they were going to bring it up.

After dinner everyone scattered and went to do whatever they wanted to.

You search for Natasha only to get a text from her saying she’s gone to hang out with Jake.

You scoff and shake your head as you lean against her doorway only to be frightened when you’re pulled back into another, yet familiar room. You turn around and stare at him.

“I wanted to say… sorry, you know about the other night.”

"You pulled me in here to apologize?"

He nods.

"What have you done with the real Bob?"

He rolls his eyes and sits down at his desk. "Shut up."

You stare at him with a soft smile. "Why did you really pull me in here?"

"I already told you."

You cross your arms, "you forget that I've known since you were a kid. I know when you're lying."

"I hate it when you do that," he huffs.

You furrow your brows, "do what?"

"Talk about me like I'm still a kid. I'm an adult, I have been. You know it. I mean," his chest bounces as he quickly chuckles to himself. "We've done things only adults would do."

Your eyes widen.

"Don't look at me like that."

"I'm giving you the most appropriate look after that comment, like you've gone insane." You glance back at the door.

"Don't worry. No one's going to come in. You're the only afterhours guest I've had."

"Somehow that doesn't comfort me."

He shrugs, "I don't know what to tell you then."

A piece of paper catches your eye. "What's that?"

"Nothing," he mumbles, moving it off the side.

"Is that-"

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing," you tell him with a smile. "Is it the flyer you were talking about?"

He avoids making eye contact. "No."

You chuckle and shake his shoulders, "don't lie. It is." You reach for it, only for him to stop you. "Am I not allowed to see it?"

"It's not that."

"Then what is it?"

"I- it's not ready."

"You think I'm going to care if it's done or not."

He doesn't say anything.

"Fine, don't let me see it."

He rolls his eyes, knowing exactly what you're doing. He pulls it out from under his pile of miscellaneous items.

You stare at it for a while, scaring him because he thinks you don’t like it. You shake your head and throw your arms around him.

He’s thrown off, unsure of what to do.

You adjust yourself and keep an arm wrapped around his shoulders, keeping him close. “This is so good. I can’t believe you did this. Have you shown anyone else?”

He shakes his head, “why would I do that?”

“Because this is amazing, and your family needs to know.”

“You’re bad for me,” he mumbles, turning his head further into your chest, enjoying the warmth coming from you.

“How can you say that?”

He lifts his head, the corner of his lips quirked upwards, he narrows his gaze on you.

You know you should get up and leave, most of his family are still downstairs and soon Natasha will be coming home (if she doesn’t spend the night with her boyfriend). “I should go,” you whisper.

He nods, leaning in. “Then go.”

You don’t make a move to leave until he’s less than an inch away from you.

His breath is warm against your lips as he whispers to you. “I won’t do anything unless you want me to.”

You lean in and kiss him as if he’s the cure, drinking all that he has to offer and he’s not going to stop you.

The chair creaks as you try to change your position.

“I don’t the chair can handle our weight,” you mumble against his lips.

“You’re right.”

You squeal as he lifts you, holding onto his neck for dear life as you push your chest against his. “What are you doing?”

“We’re moving this to a different space that can handle what I’m going to do to you.”

You don’t comment on that, suddenly feeling hotter. You land face first on the bed, giving Bob a beautiful view of your backside.

He takes a step closer, “god, I love this ass,” he mumbles against the side of your neck as he smacks it.

You open your mouth, but no sounds come out of you.

He flips you over and stares down at you causing you to feel self-conscious, something he notices right away.

“Hey,” he whispers. “Are you okay? We don’t need to do anything else if you don��t want to.”

You shake your head, “I’m fine.”

“You know I don’t like when you tell me “you’re fine”. It doesn’t make me think you’re really fine.”

You grab his cheeks and pull him close, “I’m good. I want this. I want you, Robert.”

He nearly shudders. “Oh, you’re in for it now. You know exactly what that does to me.”

You nod your head, giggling to yourself. “Why do you think I said it?”

After you saw him slowly making his way down your body, all you’ve felt is pure bliss.

-

And then it wasn’t, you don’t remember how it happened.

But suddenly you’re running around the room looking for your clothes. “You’re such an idiot,” you hiss in his direction while pulling up your pants.

“What?”

“Where the hell do you get off asking about some guy I don’t even remember. You’re not my boyfriend.”

Silence fills the room as you put on your shirt. You feel bad, you do; you shouldn’t have said that… even if it is true.

“You’re right I’m not.”

“I’m s-”

“I think it’s time I take up my parents offer on finding me a wife.”

Why does that comment feel like such a stab to your heart? “I hope you have fun with that then.” You grab your jacket and purse, shoes in one hand, the other opening his door. You lean against the door, covering your mouth so no one hears your cries.

-

You walk down the stairs and tiptoe out the door, just in time to see your best friend and her boyfriend. You walk ahead to your car, hoping she doesn't notice you're there.

As soon as you get yourself settled, the front door opens and he runs out, searching for you.

She gets out of the Jake's Tahoe, just in time to see her brother searching around like a mad man for God knows what. She can't tell because Jake just pulled away from the sidewalk and is blocking your car. "What is it?"

"I really messed up."

"What did you do?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why not? It can't be that bad." She squints, letting her eyes adjust to the dark and faint light outlining his figure. "Right?"

His head drops.

"What happened?"

"I," he quiets down, unsure of how to tell her that he's more of an idiot than they realized. "I messed up and I don't think I can fix it."

"Does it involve a person?"

He nods. "This is not how I wanted it to go."

"Let's go inside so you can explain to me what happened."

The two sneak back inside, not wanting anyone to know where they were or ask questions.

-

"You what?" She paces around his room. "No wonder it smells like sex in here. Oh, wait a minute. Is that why she sneaks out of my room so much?"

He removes his glasses, wiping them off and doesn't do much to hide his smirk.

“You’re a pig.”

“At least I’m not a whore who hides.”

She punches his arm, “stop deflecting the question.”

He flops back onto his bed. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“I was doing the one thing no brother should.”

“Yeah, canoodling my best friend, we’re past that. Honestly,” she lays down beside him. “I’m conflicted. On one hand, I’m happy you two finally got together but I’m also grossed out because you’re my brother.”

He chuckles, “yeah, I know. Thing is…”

“What?”

“We’re not actually… together.”

She pushes herself up. “You mean to tell me that you two were just,” she grimaces at the thought. “Gross.”

“I was trying to tell her but then I messed up.”

“What’d you do?”

“I brought up the guy she went on a date with and how I’d take up mom and dad’s help on finding a wife- Ow! Ow!” He raises his hands to defend himself. “What are you doing?”

“Smacking the stupid out of you.” She groans, rubbing a hand across her face. “You do realize that she never went on a date with that guy.”

He turns his head, staring at her with furrowed brows. “What are you saying?”

“Lucy and I made that up, so you’d get jealous and confess.”

“She never-”

“No,” she shakes her head.

-

The next few days are a little awkward for Bob; you ignore him and mainly stick to Natasha.

“I think you should talk to him,” she tells you as you look up something on your computer.

“No.”

“I think it’d be good for you.”

“And I think it’d be good if I never talk to him again.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do,” you nod. “He was such a jerk, and I don’t want to deal with anymore jerks in my life.”

“Look, I get it. I do but,” she wraps her arms around your shoulders. “I need you two be okay when Jake comes over.”

You gasp, “he’s finally coming to dinner.”

She nods, “tonight, which is why you and Bob are going to talk.”

“No.”

She shrugs and opens the door, forcing him into the room. “Talk.” She slams the door shut, holding the handle tightly.

You scoff, slamming your computer shut. “Go away.”

He shakes his head, “not until you hear what I have to say.”

“Maybe I don’t want to.”

“Please.”

You push yourself off the bed and point your finger at him as you talk. “You acted like a jealous boyfriend over a date I did not go on. And when I pointed out that you’re not, you told me that you’ll take your parents’ advice on finding a wife. What was I supposed to do? Lay back down so we could go for another round. No! You acted like a jerk, and I wasn’t going to stick around to see what else you’d say.”

He nods, slowly reaching for you; his warm hand wraps around your wrist, pulling you closer. “I know and I’m sorry. I overstepped and I- it’s- I don’t want you to… date anyone else.”

Your eyes glance between him and his hand.

“I don’t want to find someone else to be my wife because,” he groans, not knowing how you’ll react. “I want you.” He takes a step closer, leaving a mere few inches between you two. “I don’t think I could date or marry anyone else and not think of you.”

You gulp, “what about-”

He shakes his head and cups your cheek, resting his forehead on yours. “I broke up with her because she wasn’t the one person I dream about, you know. The only one who could stop me from having a tantrum and read to me when everyone else was too busy.”

You chuckle and hiccup, unable to stop the tears from flowing. “How do I know you’re not just saying this to make things right between us?”

“Have you ever seen me be this sweet to anyone else?”

You shake your head.

“Exactly. You’re the only one that I want, and I will fight anyone who tries to take you from me.”

You shake your head, smiling at his words and take a step forward, leaning into him, resting your forehead on his chest.

The door creaks open, “have you two made up?”

Neither of you respond.

“Good, now I don’t have to worry about it being awkward anymore. Thank God.” She groans.

“What?” Bob asks.

“Now, I have to pray neither of you are doing it.”

“Shut up,” you tell her, it comes out mumbled since you didn’t raise your head.

Penny calls you two down for dinner.

You take a couple extra minutes to pull yourself together. “Do I look okay?”

They assure you that you do and the three of you walk downstairs.

-

“Well, don’t you three look happy. Now, where’s your boyfriend?” Pete stares his daughter down.

All eyes land on Natasha, who shrinks under their gaze.

“He’s-” The doorbell rings. “Here,” she runs to the door.

You and Bob take a seat, waiting for everyone else to join.

The aunts ask him many questions about himself, what he does, how they met, etc.

But it got interesting when he told them he’s a vegetarian.

You snort and cover your face when everyone turns to you. “Sorry, sorry. I just- I thought of a really funny joke earlier… about- it doesn’t matter.”

Dinner officially begins, everyone reaches to grab a dish or a utensil, but you can’t get the one thing you want because it’s being passed around.

Bob notices and knows it’s hard to say something when everyone else is being so loud. “Hey!” He shouts.

The whole family stops and turns to him.

“Pass me that dish.”

You want to squirm in your seat but find yourself unable to when he starts scooping some of your favorite onto your plate.

He passes the dish back to his father.

You stare at your plate, unsure if that was a good thing for him to do, you two barely started talking again.

The family has barely begun to return to their previous conversations when you glance at him from the corner of your eye. “Thank you.”

He shrugs, “it was nothing.”

Natasha shakes her head.

Jake leans down and whispers into her ear, “is there something going there?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

-

Penny and Pete noticed how close you two were tonight, but don’t comment on it, knowing two kids in love won’t want to talk to- “two old people? Really, Pete?”

“What? You make it seem like I said a bad thing.”

“You’re an idiot.”

-

“I won’t tell, if you don’t,” you tell Jake.

He nods, “got it.”

You sneak into Bob’s room as he sneaks into Natasha’s room. “I wasn’t expecting you here.”

You shrug, “yeah, well, when an adorable idiot confesses his feelings, you tend to want to talk spend time with him.”

He huffs, “I’m an idiot, huh.”

“Did you miss the part where I said you were adorable?”

“No,” he places his hands against your waist and pulls you closer. “I just wanted to hear you say it again.”

You stare at him through your lashes, leaving no visible emotion on your face. “Really?”

“Don’t give me that look.”

“I’m going to-”

He cuts you off with a kiss. “Is there anything I can do to get you to stop?”

You smile as your curl your arms around his shoulders, “maybe.”

-

After Natasha and Jake’s wedding, everything seemed to calm down for them until someone (“never make fun of the ‘stache”) ratted you two out and it was your guys’ turn.

A few months after you two had been married it was time to announce your news.

“I’m pregnant!” You’ve never been given as many hugs as you did that afternoon.

“Wow, wow,” Jake says, holding you at arm’s length, looking as if he’s scared to hug you.

You narrow your eyes to him. “What’d you do?”

“Me? Nothing.”

“I’m pregnant!”

Penny embraces her daughter faster than you’ve ever seen.

“This feels like a Spartacus moment,” you comment.

Bob shakes his head. “You’ve gotten weirder since becoming pregnant.”

“Yeah, because your genes are inside me creating a life.”

He shakes his head, “I don’t think that’s it.”

“Whatever.”

“I hope they become as close as you two are.”

You wipe your cheeks, sniffling, “I knew I liked you for a reason, Jake.”

-

Sometime after that, you two go into labor and within a few hours your baby boy is born before your niece.

“He’s so cute,” you whisper, staring at your other favorite person.

Your husband nods, “he is.”

“I can’t believe we made him.”

“I know.”

“I’m telling Nat you cried.”

“Don’t you dare.”

You chuckle and lean your head against his shoulder, enjoying (the fact that you didn’t feel a thing) the newfound warmth knowing what the future is going to consist of.

-

Taglist

@blueoorchid

[hexedwinchester]

Fire Country Season 1

apparently, some very lovely people on Tumblr asked for a quick review on Fire Country and since I'm already bingeing hard on this, why not?! (Some spoilers in the review, please proceed with caution). This one's for you @idontknow-1213 and @sounknownvoid 🤗🤗

For those who don't know the show, it starts with Bode Donovan (actually a Leone but changes his name to Donovan) in prison applying for a program to be a firefighter. It's all good and lovely, until the day he starts the program and is assigned to a firefighter camp, Three Rock in Edgewater, his hometown. Ghost of his past actions (revealed later) have him conflicted about being back home and he requests for a transfer but of course ends up staying. Throughout the season, Bode struggles to build the bridges with friends and family that were burnt long ago, all the while striving to be a better person. He believes if given a chance, people can change.

Now let's talk about some key characters!

Bode Donovan (Leone): our protagonist, though looks like a guy you wanna don't cross, thanks to the muscular build, long hair and prison tats, he is actually sweet but deeply misunderstood guy. He takes his job as a firefighter very seriously and is not afraid to defy an order if it means saving people. I mean you can't always play by the books, right? One thing I noticed about him is though he is out of prison (in a way), he still goes by the prison law. Bode has a long way to go.

Manny Perez: Captain of Three Rock, Gabriela's father and Bode's mentor. He keeps the inmates in line but also believes in them and has their backs. He comes to appreciate Bode's knack at being a natural firefighter and regards him highly. Unfortunately, Manny has his own demons he tries to fight on the side. This is also why Manny relates to the inmates because he shares a similar past. I like his character. He is a man who learnt a lot the hard way. Quite hard bitten like that.

Sharon Leone: Division Chief Sharon Leone is Bode's mother (gasp!). She is also sick (kidney disease, it sucks) so she requests Manny to keep Bode in the camp and he does. While Sharon has a soft spot for her incarcerated son, she is headstrong and damn good at her job (woman knows her shit and how to make it work). She is a total badass and popular among men (I mean, seriously what's with other men hitting on her like she's single cause she ain't?!)

Vince Leone: that's Bode's dad (and if you are a huge Twilight geek like me, you would recognise him as Chief Charlie Swan, Bella's father) who doesn't want to be Bode's dad because he is the reason why his daughter, Riley dies. (Not really, he thinks he is but accidents happen and the catalyst is someone else). So Vince hasn't forgiven Bode for this until the real guy confesses and Vince is stuck in a situation that brings back old memories. What's Vince like? A devoted husband (except for that one incident), a good firefighter and a girl dad that's hard on his son. And did y'all know, the actor Billy Burke is a damn good singer??!

Gabriela Perez: Manny's Olympic-swimmer-turned-firefighter daughter. Honestly, when I first saw the cast, I expected Gabz to be a lot stronger but she's just a sweet girl next door that's trying to follow her heart, conflicted to choose between swimming and firefighting, just like Jake and Bode. Sparks fly between her and Bode as they try to balance their feelings among other chaos. Although, they are still not my favorite couple. I prefer Vince and Sharon (tooth rooting couple goals!!). I honestly wanted to like her but she comes with unnecessary baggages and is a bit of a crybaby (sorry!) but whoever is incharge of her costume, needs a raise. Her wardrobe is really pretty 😍

Jake Crawford: ex boyfriend to Gabz and ex friend to Bode. They have a fallout when Bode discovers Jake cheated on Riley which ultimately led to her demise. And honestly, I was prepared to hate Jake (no, it has nothing to do with Jake reminding me of Jacob Black from Twilight) and while he starts off as a jackass, towards the end of season 1, they redeemed him well. He is also serious about his job and his new love interest (thank God!) Cara who happens to be Bode's ex! (Yeah, they date in the family, it seems like🤣) he respects the Leones (Vince and Sharon, I mean)

Eve Edwards: (is it just me or that's too many Twilight references already? 🙊) a part of Bode, Jake and Eve trio friendship, she is funny but doesn't sugarcoat it. She is fiercely loyal and hardworking. They start exploring her character towards the end of season 1

Freddy Mills: Inmate at Three Rock camp and Bode's friend. Their camaraderie is commendable. Both are loyal to each other and have each other's back. I think Bode needed a friend like him. So that's good. Plus, he wants to marry a girl named Cookie!

Throughout the season, Bode tries to prove he is worthy of being at Three Rock, worthy of Gabriela's love but with his own conflicted nature and Sleeper, an inmate from Bode's past comes to stir trouble, it creates a challenge, leaving Bode with a difficult choices to make.

I honestly went in blind with Fire Country. At first, I was just going to see the episode with Camden in it (duh!) but I decided to give the show a try and I'm glad I did. What I love about this show is, if you have seen Walker, it will give similar family vibes. The entire Cal Fire unit works like a family including Three Rock as they fight fire side by side. The whole romance between Bode and Gabz is not in your face (which is nice) but the chemistry between Vince and Sharon is too cute to ignore. The first few episodes are a bit slow as they set the tone but then the show ups the stakes progressively. It is quite intense at times and you can feel the heat (no pun intended) on your face. I love that the show takes the time to scratch beneath the surface for each of its characters and not just the main ones, giving them a certain depth. I didn't expect to like the show as much as I do! But it's quite refreshing and a bit different than your regular crime/cop procedural shows. All I can say is Max Thieriot, who I know from his The Pacifiers time, has done a great job as an EP.

Let me know if y'all have any interesting takes on the show or the characters!

[celebtf]

The meet and Greet experience: The Vamps - Conner and Brad

" And we have a Winner, Jake and Mike From New York, Congrats buddies, you have won the 2 tickets plus Meet&Greet passes till tonights The Vamps show here in New York, have fun "

Me and Jake couldn't really believe this, yes we are two 23 year old boys listening to The Vamps still. Their music is pretty good but me and Jake mostly listen to the band because the bands members are incredably hot, my favorit is Brad, he just looks so good and sings amazing. Jake is all for Connor, he's the bands bassist, very hot, my second favorit after Brad ofcourse.

A few days later we got the tickets and the Meet&Greet passes in the mail, we were so excited, not only to be front row but also to actually meet the guys.

We got to the Arena earlier then we needed that day, just to go to the toilet and just prepare mentaly, I haven't been able to sleep at all these days, I'm just soo excited. I told jake to hold my spot in the que and ran to the bathroom, I had my ticket and Vip badge on so if I miss something i can come in later or a bit after Jake. When I was Washing my hands I saw Brad coming out from the toilet. He looked so good in his blue shirt.

" Hey man, sorry, thought I was alone in here " Brad said, he notice my badge " So I see you're coming to the show later " he smiled and I asked him for a quick selfie and he agreed and I took up my phone and snaped a selfie with me and Brad.

Brad left and I was just checking out myself in the mirror, my roots were turning darker, which was weird, my cheeks loosed a bit of fat and my jawline was more dominant now, my eyes went from dark brown to green-blue. I was turning into Brad, I felt my dick grew, It was an awful feeling, but felt good too. I wish I could just stroke ome out, but I new I didn't have much time. I checked myself in the mirror and went to find Jake.

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

Mike was really taking his sweet time on the toilet, damn, I was starting to get annoyed. I just wanted to go to the toilet too, I been holding his spot for some time now.

My phone started calling, I didn't know this mumber, but I assumed Mike lost his phone.. again, he always do it.

" Hello, Jake, hii are you there" the voice was not Mike's, this man was brittish and I didn't know anybody that were brittish. " Just Come to the blue door at the other side of the house quick, trust me"

I left the que and went to the other side of the house like the man said. And I was greeted by a big shock, It was Brad from The Vamps.

" Hey Jake, hurry, get inside. I know this sounds crazy but I took a photo of Me and Brad and now we have switched bodies" Mike is that you, but how? And how can I.. you know, do the same? " Go to the bathroom and I will get your person." I went to the Bathroom and waited.

" Conner meet my.. umm.. this my cousin, he's coming to the gig tonight, and he's a big fan of yours " Mike..I mean Brad came inside with Conner, I thought I was going to pass out right there, he looks so hot, I need to hide my hard-on.

" So Brad's cousin, let's get a picture together, I can't find my phone, Brad can we use yours " the new Brad Gave Conner his phone and we took a picture.

" Nice to meet you bro, but I have to set up for tonights show, ser you later " conner left but I felt weird, like and Electric feeling.

I looked in the mirror, my hair shortend, jaw became more dominate and nose changed my eyes too and I grew a feet too, and the feeling in my pants, it was growing for sure. I looked in the mirror, I saw Conner, it actually worked, I looked back at Brad " You look so hot Jake... I mean Conner"

" Five minutes to Warm up guys" we need to be out om stage now, me and Brad left the bathroom.

" Meet me in my room tonight, for some extra fun " Brad whispered in my ears. " We will have some extra fun while we can " and he came me a smirk, and I felt myself getting hard on stage.

[ereardon]

Bob Floyd masterlist

*All of my fics are 18+. Please do not repost my work without consent or steal my work. Reblogs and comments give me life so please do interact if you'd like!

✤: Fluff

❂: Angst

❀: Smut

Series

❀❂✤ Friends Don't — Bob x OC [Reid Coleman] – Complete

Bob has been your best friend for almost a decade, ever since he quietly volunteered to tutor you in college. The two of you have spent years chasing each other around the globe – Bob as a WSO, you as a travel blogger. You’ve always been the anywhere-but-here girl, and he’s been your rock. But when a surprise diagnosis threatens to crumble your picture-perfect life, you’re on the first flight back to San Diego, desperate to put down roots for the first time. Will Bob finally have it in him to admit that you could be the love of his life? What will he say when he finds out the secret you’ve been skillfully hiding from him? Or worse, what if he doesn’t find out until it’s too late?

❀❂✤ Golden Hour — Bob x Bradley x OC [Dr. Olive James]

Willow, Georgia. Barely even a town, just a speck on a map that you tried to wipe off, mistaking it for a crumb. You’re the outsider: a fancy New York doctor, fresh out of a failed engagement, with zero primary care experience. You’re also the new town doctor, taking over for a recent retiree who was beloved. His son, Bob Floyd, is the other physician at the practice, and takes an immediate dislike to you. But you were looking for a fresh start, and Willow doesn’t seem all that bad if you can get past the fact that there's only one restaurant in town. It helps that you've caught the eye of Bradley Bradshaw, the town attorney, despite the fact that you vowed to take a break from dating. How long until you start to make friends in a town where social circles have been set in stone since elementary school? And what will it take to make Bob Floyd see you’re not as bad as he wants to believe you are?

❀❂✤ The Back Seater and the Baker — Bob x OC [Haley Nichols]

Bob hasn't seen Haley Nichols since he was fifteen. But when Haley shows up out of the blue with one sentence that throws Bob for a loop – "I'm turning thirty in two weeks, are we still on?" – all of the feelings from their childhood return. Bob never thought that Haley would remember the marriage pact the two made when they were just kids, even if he never forgot. So what happens when Bob falls all over again for his childhood crush? And what will Bob do when he discovers the real reason she came back to capitalize on the pact is to secure her inheritance and save her bakery from bankruptcy? Will he believe Haley when she confesses that she loves him, too?

❀❂✤ At Sea — Bob x Reader

I’ll be home in five weeks. That’s what naval aviator Y/N told her fiance before leaving for deployment in the Atlantic. But time ceased to stop when she met Bob Floyd, the ship surgeon. Shy and honest, Bob quietly slipped into Y/N’s life, creating a complicated dynamic on an already intense mission. Falling for Bob was not in Y/N’s plan, and as she continues to weave a web of lies, she must make a choice: return to the life she left on land, or forge ahead into the unknown with Bob. But before Y/N can decide, disaster strikes, leaving Bob to make the decision that will alter their lives forever. 

One shots

✤ One Night — Bob x Reader – Complete

You have your eyes on Bob at the Hard Deck, but have to shoot down Jake Seresin first.

✤ Gas Station Tears — Bob x Reader – Complete

After your boyfriend dumps you, your car stalls out in a gas station parking lot. Luckily, Bob Floyd happens to be there to fix your car. Can he fix your heart, too?

❂✤ It Was Never Him — Bob x Reader – Complete

You catch your boyfriend Rooster making out with a girl at the Hard Deck and only one person can comfort you in the aftermath: Bob Floyd. 

❂ What Are You Thinking? — Bob x Reader – Complete

Bob Floyd is a quiet man. Sometimes you have to ask him what he’s thinking just to know what wheels are turning inside of his head. He always gives you a response, until one day, years into your marriage, he turns the question on you. 

❀ When I'm Done With You — Bob x Reader – Complete

At a fraternity mixer, you lose your (admittedly shitty) boyfriend in the crowd. That’s when Bob Floyd, president of Alpha Tau and your boyfriend’s personal nemesis, finds you and decides to make you his. 

❀ She Calls Him Daddy – Bob x Reader – Complete

Coming home from college for winter break, the last thing you expected was to run into your best friend’s father while out shopping for new lingerie to surprise your fuck buddy with. You had always tried to hide your attraction for Mr. Floyd because he was Anna’s father. But all rules are thrown out when Bob invites you over on Christmas Eve while Anna is at her mother’s house. You’ll never be able to look at your friend’s dad the same way ever again.

✤ More Than Enough — Bob x Reader – Complete

The first two times Bob Floyd ends up in your emergency room he’s a mess. You never expected him to return a third time. But when he does, it changes everything.

[honey-on-your-tongue]

Back in my Arms

You can find part one here

Ps. I'm so sorry about part one 😭😭😭 idk what took over me, but I'm sorry sorry sorry. And this is my apology:

It's been years. You wouldn't be able to tell how many. Ever since Jake left, time has been a blur, a long trail of melancholy that eventually turned into numbness.

Your day starts like so many others: dreaming of Jake. Of the look in his eyes that last time. The way you'd felt as you fell asleep in his arms. The sensation of his skin and the comfort of his voice.

And then you wake up. And just like the morning after that time, Jake's not by your side. He's gone.

As you go about your chores, you busy yourself with thinking of anything but Jake. It's a tough task, but after so many years of practice, it's become a little easier. Still excruciating, but easier.

You grab a berry and drop it in the basket.

You think, Maybe I'll go hunting later...

You take another berry.

With my bow. And take the knife—

Your thoughts quickly turn away as you realize that your knife is actually Jake's. One he gave you...

Or maybe I'll stay home. Help prepare dinner.

That thought doesn't lead you to Jake. So you indulge it.

You're deep in your thoughts, lost in a painless world far away when you hear something rustling in the bushes behind you.

You turn around, ready for whatever creature might be hunting you. Palulukan? Ikran? Sky People? You're prepared.

You expected everything but what you find.

At first, you're not sure you haven't lost your mind. And then you don't care if you have. Nothing else matters.

You're rooted to your spot, the basket slipping from your suddenly numb fingers, berries spilling everywhere.

He looks good. A little older, a pain settled deep in his expression. But his eyes are the same. He's the same man you've loved for all this time.

His breathing is labored, eyes roaming over you as if he can't see you enough.

On wobbly legs you stand, heart racing, terror spreading in your chest at the thought that this might be another of your dreams. Another trick. Another morning when you'll wake up without him.

He breathes your name and you're knocked back into reality. For the first time in years, your soul is actually in your body, living in the moment and not in your thoughts.

You run to Jake and jump into his arms. He hugs you, holding you to him, burying his face in your shoulder. Your legs wrap around his waist and you rest your head on his.

You only realize you're crying when you hear yourself sob. He holds you tighter, squeezing you softly.

“I love you,” he says against your skin. “I love you. I'm so sorry. I love you.”

You shake your head, grabbing his face in your hands as he places you on the floor. “Don't apologize. Don't apologize.” You kiss his lips, almost melting from the feeling. The missing piece of you is back. That crater in your chest finally filled. “You're back,” you state the obvious, your eyes studying his, still unable to believe this is real.

He kisses your forehead softly, gently, his hands holding onto your waist. “I am,” he sighs. “I am. I should've come back much sooner. I'm so sorry.”

“It's okay, it's okay, Jake,” you tell him gently. “It's alright. I understand why you had to leave. I do—”

“No, I shouldn't have,” he says. “I should've stayed. My place is here. My family is here. My home is here.” He kisses you again, pulling you against him, resting his chin on the top of your head. “You're here. And I should've never left. I don't know why I thought I could manage without you.”

You kiss his shoulder softly, his neck. You take in his scent. Your hands caress his bare torso and suddenly you feel a familiar, aching warmth pool in your womb.

You glance up at Jake, your eyes meeting his amber gaze, and you can tell he feels the heat too.

His hands softly caress your hips and he pulls you closer. He smiles, one of his hands sliding all the way up to your face, and he can't glance away. “My baby...”

You break. All those emotions you've buried deep down inside of you bursting apart. You cry, sobs starting to escape your lips.

Jake just gently wipes your tears away. “My beautiful, gorgeous baby,” he says softly. “I love you.” He kisses your forehead carefully. His lips are warm and familiar, and a sensation of home that you haven't felt in a long time takes over you. Suddenly you're filled with aching desire.

The way you kiss Jake lets him know what you want, and he wants just the same.

He kisses your lips, his hands moving to hold onto your hips. He leads you to the floor, hands gentle, holding you close. He slides a thigh between yours, rubbing against your clit.

You whine softly. You missed this. Not only the pleasure, that's the least. You missed feeling him with you, his skin to yours, his hands over your body.

Jake's mouth falls to your neck, licking and nipping at the skin. “Angel,” he says quietly, his voice deep and husky.

You hum in response. “Jake...”

He bites your shoulder. “Angel, I...I have something I want to do...”

You nod softly, your eyes meeting his as he pauses his attack on your neck and shoulders. “Yeah?”

He swallows hard, his tail flicking from side to side, obviously nervous. “I...I want to be yours. Truly yours.”

Your eyes widen. “Mine?” you echo, voice breathy, mouth going dry.

He nods, grabbing his braid and holding it up to you. “Baby...if you'll have me, I want to be your mate.”

You can't look away from him. You're ecstatic, your heart leaving your chest. And you just can't believe this is happening.

But it's happening. It's happening and Jake's awaiting your answer.

“Are you—Really? I...On Eywa's name...I would love that, Jake,” you stutter, tripping over your words, trembling from excitement.

He breathes a sigh of relief, his eyes lighting up, a smile spreading on his face.

You timidly reach for your braid, holding it to his. Your eyes are on the tendrils as they lock together. You gasp as you feel a shock of love and desire surge through you.

“Goddamn,” Jake grunts, his pupils going wide until only a thin lining of amber is left of his eye.

Carefully, Jake climbs on top of you. His eyes are warm and loving, and there's a soft shine of predatory desire in them.

“Oh, love. I've missed you,” he groans, one of his hands teasing your pussy through your loincloth. “So much...I've needed you all this time.”

You whine softly. “Me too...I've missed your everything.”

He chuckles softly. “You're so fucking adorable, baby. So sweet...so cute. I love it.” He kisses the tip of your nose. “I missed your everything too.”

Jake removes your loincloth, his hand gently tracing up your slit. He then pulls his own loincloth off, letting his thick cock rest against your soaked cunt.

You spread your legs some more, breathing heavily. He takes the hint and slides into you slowly, stretching your velvet walls, filling you to the brim.

You have the sudden image of Jake smiling, chasing after a few little kids of your own. Neteyam and Loak and Tuk and Kiri playing with your kids...Your body soft and swollen with his baby...

Your heart flutters, quietly yearning for that future...

“Jake,” you whisper through a small moan. “Jake, I want...” You blush, shy, unsure of whether or not you should tell him.

He kisses your lips softly. “Tell me, baby. You can tell me anything.”

You blush more, closing your eyes and quietly saying, “I want to have your babies...” You grimace at the way it sounds, embarrassed about the mere thought of it.

Jake's heart is in his throat. “You...you do?” he asks you, breathless.

You nod. “Yes.” Your voice is small and quiet, a little squeak.

He kisses your lips hungrily, lovingly. “Love, nothing would make me happier than givin' you my babies...Having you be the mother of my children...” He smiles at you, holding your gaze. “I would give anything for you to mother my babies. Nothing would make me happier.” He gently pushes a strand of hair behind your ear.

His thrusts start out slow and soft, fucking you with care. He ensures you enjoy each little movement he makes. Through tsaheylu, he measures your pleasure, softly working your ecstasy into a steady buzz of satisfaction.

You whine softly, legs wrapping around his waist, pushing him deeper. Your cunt flutters around him, making him groan.

You can feel his own pleasure through the bond. It only adds to your own bliss, making your body tremble slightly with a soft warmth.

“Jake,” you whine, eyes rolling back into your head, your sharp canines digging into your soft bottom lip.

Jake can't look away from you. He just keeps his eyes on your face, watching all of your gorgeous expressions, his cock twitching within you. “Fuck,” he gasps, voice thick and clouded with lust. “God-fuckin'-damn.”

Your nails scrape over his shoulders, your heels dig into his lower back. Your body arches, pushing you further against him. He takes the opportunity to softly kiss your neck, licking it and biting it, ensuring he leaves his mark.

You murmur something unintelligible, a moan slicing through your sentence and breaking your words apart. Jake chuckles. “What was that, baby?” he asks softly, placing open-mouthed kisses all over your jaw.

You blush slightly, both from the exertion and from the effect Jake's voice has on you. “I want you t'fill me up,” you beg. “Wanna be so full of you. Please!”

He grunts. You feel the arousal your words send through him and it makes you gasp softly.

“Goddamn,” he moans lowly. He grabs one of your thighs and pushes it over his shoulder, allowing him to fuck deeper into you.

You cry out at the new angle, each thrust sending a coil of unbearable pleasure that tightens in your womb. Your eyes fall shut, eyebrows furrowed as you fight your growing orgasm.

You can feel Jake's not close, know he's got a while longer to go before he comes.

But your ecstasy is growing too much, too fast. You can't keep it down, no matter how much you silently beg, not yet not yet not yet!

Jake laughs when he realizes what you're doing. “Come for me, girl,” he says softly, his voice rolling right into your ear. “Come on my cock, sweetheart. And then I'll give you what you want, hm?”

You whimper quietly. “Jake! Jake!”

He smiles, nuzzling his face into your neck. “I know, love. I know...you're doing so well, girl. Being so good...” He gently nips at the shell of your ear. “Think you can come for me? Just that last little favor, baby...”

You whine, nodding. You allow your body a second to just enjoy the moment, and immediately your bliss crashes over you, sending you into a toe-curling orgasm. You moan and then your mouth falls open in a silent oh! that never gets to leave your lips. You tremble under Jake, soft body shuddering as your pleasure wrecks through you.

And Jake had been prepared to last longer, to fuck you again and again, but the sensation of your orgasm through tsaheylu sends him into a dizzying spiral, and suddenly he finds himself coming, spurting his seed deep inside of you.

You gasp at the sudden sensation of his cum filling you, eyes fluttering shut. “Jake,” you whine softly.

He grunts into your ear, still sending rope after rope of his load deep into your womb. His hips still their rough movements and he gently grinds against you.

“Mmm...” you hum, content. “Thank you.”

He nuzzles into your neck, kissing you there. His breathing is heavy, his entire body trembling and limp, exhausted from the force of his release and the relief of having you back.

He wants to tell you that you don't have to thank him. He wants to tell you he loves you. He wants to tell you that you're everything to him, that the best thing he's done so far is come back for you. That he's complete with you in his arms.

He just can't find the words.

But you don't need him to say it. You already know; you can feel his ardent love for you, and that's more than enough.

-----

A few years later

You're lying on your back by the riverbed, blue skin warm from the shining sun, breathing soft and steady.

You hear them before you see them.

Tuk runs out of the bushes behind you, laughing and gigging, and after her your twins. Giggling and squealing, chasing her, feet still a little clumsy but not enough that you can't send them to play on their own.

And far behind them, Jake. He has an enormous smile on his face, his eyes glowing as he watches the kids play around.

He sees you on the riverbed and his heart skips a beat. He's absolutely certain that it's never going to stop. You will always cause that reaction within him. And he loves it.

He lays down beside you, leaning on his elbow.

“How you holdin' up, love?” he asks, placing a kiss on your forehead.

You hum gently. “Good, actually.”

“I'm glad,” he says. He places a huge hand on your swollen tummy, already big from a few months with another of his children. “And the little one?”

You smile, placing your hand on top of his as he caresses your stomach. “Kicking all morning, fell asleep just now.”

Jake chuckles and kisses your cheek fondly. “Have you gotten any sleep?”

You laugh gently. “Some, yeah.”

He sighs softly. “Baby, you know you should sleep more. It's good for you.”

“I know,” you reply.

My reality is so much better than any dreams my mind can come up with, and I can't bear to close my eyes for too long.

-----

A/N: I apologized already but OMG I AM SO SORRY STILL :((( I hope this part made up for the first one!!!

Also, I was gonna publish the time skip happy ending as a separate epilogue, but since I made you suffer in part one, you absolutely deserved to get the happy ending now.

-----

@jakescumdump @verymuch777 @mrs-sullys-blog @crazy4books1 @ellabellabus07 @neteyamyawne @innercreationflower @butter-cuppp

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Blog masterlist

[lostinwildflowers]

The Aviator's Cowgirl

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Summary: You and Jake go way back to his roots in Texas, with things ending in a rough manner. Now, he comes home to the farmer's daughter whose heart he swore he would never ride, or fly, off with.

Word Count: 4.0K

Warnings: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Harsh Language at times, Hangman was lowkey a dumb jerk, Cowboy!Hangman, probably inaccurate Navy timing and military jargon

A/N: I'm back with Part 2 of Cowboy Hangman!! He's not much of a cowboy in this, but I figured it shows you why he is the way he is. Let me know how you like it!-Birch<3

Part 1 - The Farmer's Daughter

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring*

"Hi! I'm not able to answer the phone right now or I don't have service. If you leave a message, I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can!"

Your voice sounds so cheerful, so happy in the message the blonde listened to, his phone pressed against his ear in a hope that you might pick up.

A harsh tone sounds out, and he opens his mouth to speak, but no words seem to come out. A sigh falls from his lips as he pulls the phone away from his head, clicking the "end call" button before pressing the screen to his forehead, his eyes fluttering closed.

Fuck. It was bad.

Jake knew things wouldn't be the same when he came home. He knew he would have been naive to think you'd be happy to see him after all this time.

But man, it hurt him more than he thought to see how you toughened after he left. To see that your eyes didn't hold the same soft, (colored) glow that they used to.

You looked worn, and Jake knew he was likely the reason behind the tired and cold look on your face. Oh, how he missed it when you shone like the sun, even on the iciest day, you were a beam of light.

Now? Now you had hardened your shell, shut the world out from your heart. The very one he had crushed and shattered when he left. And that's why he was back. To fix it.

"Another call from Jake?" your friend, Mary Anne, called out as she finished untacking her horse. You were standing in the doorway to the tack area, phone in hand.

You had watched Jake's name flash across your screen, the contact picture one you had taken up on Thraller's Ridge, your favorite place to watch the sunset. And rightfully so, it was a picture of Jake on Sandy, the sun casting his features in soft pinks and yellows.

You had just cracked a joke, and there was a laugh on his lips as he had turned to look at you, his Stetson just barely shadowing his face. It was such a genuine moment, it showed how domestic your relationship had been. How down-to-earth Jake had been.

A hiccup catches in your throat as you click your phone off, not wanting to see if he left a voicemail or not. You turn back to Mary Anne and shrug, "Nothing important."

Your friend swings past you, her saddle in tow as she sets it on a rack behind you. Then, Mary Anne turns on you, placing a hand on her hip and then she cocks her head.

"Y/n, just answer him. Hear him out. I know you still love him, he was your fiance for a reason," she tries, waving her hands at the end of her sentence.

You close your eyes and swallow thickly before stating, "Mary Anne, he left me. For 6 months. No warning. No reason. No calls or texts. It seemed pretty obvious he didn't want me anymore."

Your eyes flicker back open, but now Mary Anne is standing in front of you, a sad smile drawn across her lips. She places her hands on your shoulders and she replies, "So don't you think now is the chance to hear why?"

She leaves you with that, sliding back into the hallway to put her horse back out to pasture. You watch her go in silence, your heart aching at the thought of talking to Jake again.

Just as you take a step to check on your own horse, your phone buzzes.

Please, Y/n/n. I know I fucked up, and I have no right to ask this. But please hear me out, okay? You know where to find me. -J

Your eyes skim the text, tripping over themselves and having to go back and reread the message. Damn right you fucked up, you think to yourself as you pocket your phone.

But... maybe Mary Anne was right? You walk off and shake your head, trying to clear your thoughts. As you glance at your friend walking her horse out of the barn aisle, you catch sight of Sandy out in the pasture, her yellow face hanging just above the gate, looking at you.

You sigh and walk up to her, your boots scraping the ground as you approach your mare. She sneezes as you stop in front of her, and you can't help the smile that creeps onto your face.

"I know, girl," you mumble as you brush her forehead with your hands, "It sounds like a trap to me. I don't want to be heartbroken again." Sandy leans into your hand, closing her eyes and scratching against your fingers.

A chuckle falls from your lips as you love on her, but you freeze as a memory overtakes you.

"Are you sure about this?" Jake asks as he grabs the reins of Sandy, looking the mare up and down before glancing at you, "You know, I easily could have loaded up Blue and brought him over."

You wave your hand at him dismissively as you grab Henry's reins for yourself, "It's alright, babe. I want to watch someone ride her anyway." You gave him a sweet smile as you started walking down the barn aisle, patting Henry's brown neck as you move.

Jake just chuckles at you as you turn around, and he's not one to fight you on the matter of horses. He knew your mare was special to you, and that no one rode her except for you. He honestly felt honored that you were comfortable enough to allow to him ride her.

"Alright girl," he starts as he turns back to Sandy, "Let's go whoop your momma's ass, alright?" Sandy just snorts as Jake leads her after you, grinning wide as he watches your figure freeze and whip around.

Your features are covered in mock anger, with your mouth dropped open as you exclaim, "Excuse me?! I'll have you know, Henry is our local rodeo heading hall of fame-r!"

At that, your hands land on your hips sassily, and you glare playfully at the blonde cowboy as he walks up next to you. You hold his green gaze as he leans down and over you, filling up your space.

Jake leans down and smirks at you before he swats his rein toward your butt with a, "C'mon, cowgirl. Show me what you're made of."

A tear was sliding down your cheek before you could stop it, and you look down, brushing the tear away while you stepped back from Sandy. You glance back up at her and let out a pathetic laugh, trying to will the overwhelming sadness away.

"Oh, Sandy. What do I do?" you whisper, watching your mare take a few steps back before turning to join the other mares by the hay hut. As you follow her figure walking away, you know what you need to do.

You sigh and clench your fists as you walk back toward the barn, where Mary Anne is waiting. You walk past her, trying to keep your chin up, but she knows you better than that.

"Good luck, Y/n/n," she calls after you, "Try to keep a level head, okay?" You just wave your hand in acknowledgment as you continue on your way to your '71 Chevy Cheyenne Fleetside, the tan and white of the truck aged with time.

You slide into the single cab, resting your hands on the wheel. You pause for a moment, trying to steel your nerves before you reach down and start the ignition.

Pulling out of your driveway was the hardest part of heading to where you knew you'd find Jake. Turning left out of your home, the red dirt road that led you to Jake's farm was quiet.

There was no one in sight as you cruised down the backroad, driving down the hollers and up the hills that you knew like the back of your hand. You couldn't bring yourself to turn any music on, instead choosing to stew in your thoughts and what you would say to the man you loved.

Loved? Still love?

It was an ongoing battle in your mind. There was never anyone else, even after all this time. No thought of accepting a guy's flirty comment for dinner, not even going out for drinks with your girls.

It had been a lonely and hard 6 months full of heartbreak and work, There was no time to cope with Jake leaving, and there sure as hell wasn't time to find someone else.

That was the last thought you were left with as you pulled into the driveway of a large ranch you had spent countless hours at. There wasn't anyone around that you could see, which made your heart skip a beat in your chest.

You turn the key in your truck, the engine settling down as you glanced out around the front yard. A few chickens pecked the ground just outside of one of the shops, but the door was closed.

You pause for a moment, questioning if you were really going to follow through. You aren't given much of a choice when a set of fluffy ears pops up in your window, and you are greeted by the happy face of Nyla, the German Shepard.

A smile falls to your lips as you call out, "Down girl, easy, easy!" A few giggles follow suit, and you open to door, crouching on the ground to rub on the belly of the old dog.

Her tail wags happily as you scratch her belly and her ears, her whole body trying its best to wriggle like she used to as a pup. You can't help the wide smile on your face as Nyla jumps up and starts trying to lick your face, seemingly having missed you.

You can't stop the laughter as the dog lovingly assaults you, but they soon become silent at the deep call of, "Nyla! Nyla, come here!"

You freeze at the voice. It was one you knew all too well, one that you knew like the back of your hand. The dog leaves you alone, her tail dropping slightly as she trotted off to the edge of the front porch.

Standing on the top step on the wrap-around porch was Jake. All six feet of glory, donning a leather jacket and a ball cap, he looked good. Boots and jeans were his go to, and you can't help the way your mouth goes dry at the sight of him.

He leans down to pet her on the head as she stops and sits next to him, and you clear your throat as you push yourself up off the ground. I bet he saw that whole thing. Shit, you think to yourself as you avert your gaze from him.

The next thing you know, Jake is walking down the steps, heading straight for you. His boots make the gravel under him crunch, and you can't help the step you take back to lean against your truck.

Even the way he walks is different, you think as he strides toward you, It's... more calculated than it used to be. He doesn't walk like a cowboy now.

Jake stops a few feet in front of you, giving you plenty of space. Jade-colored orbs flash over your body, noting the flannel that covered your upper body, and the grey-felt hat that covered your (colored) hair.

"You came," he says. It's simple and to the point. There was no trace of emotion in his voice, but it was written all over his face. A slight curve to his lips, just the hint of a smile. Not a frown, but the smallest glimmer of hope simmering in his eyes.

You nod, unsure of what to say. You shuffle on your feet as you glance down at your boots, kicking a small rock and watching it roll away.

"I did," you whisper, your eyes making their own decision to look back at the tall blonde. Jake takes a step forward, his hand coming up toward your face, but you flinch and flatten against the door of your truck, your head turning away, eyes snapping shut.

You gasp under your breath, not even realizing how your body moved instinctively away from him. When you turn back to Jake, you see hurt written all over his features, and pain in his eyes.

His hand drops back to his side and clenches into a fist. He swallows thickly and says, "I-I'm sorry, Y/n/n-" "You don't have the right to call me that anymore," you snarl out.

This catches his attention, and he blinks at you slowly, another wave of pain rushing over his features. Yet he nods once and restarts, "Sorry. Can we- can we go inside and talk about this?"

You feel a wave of heat overtake you at the harshness of your words, and you remember what Mary Anne told you before you left, Try to keep a level head.

You clear your throat and shake your head, "I'd prefer if we stayed outside." Jake nods again and motions toward the small pond that was on the side of the driveway.

"The dock alright?" he asks as he takes a step back, and he watches you for any hesitation as you give him a nod and walk in front of him, your arms crossing over your chest.

The pond was one of your favorite places about Jake's farm. Many late nights he had brought you out here under the stars, casting a line for the small fish that lived in it.

Stolen kisses, borrowed jackets. It seemed like a lifetime ago, the thought hits you. Your feet pause at the end of the dock, and you find yourself sitting down, letting your feet dangle above the water.

Jake mirrors you, sitting on the other edge of the dock, leaving a foot or two of space between you and him. It's silent. The evening was upon you, and the sun just barely was setting over the distant mountain.

There were some chirps from the crickets in the grasses around the pond, but it wasn't quite summer, so things cooled off when the sun went down.

You fold your arms over your chest, and you glance at him, taking in his features now that you were close. Hardened eyes, firm features. He looked weathered, not like the lively and carefree Jake you knew.

"What happened?" you whisper, your voice just barely cutting above the breeze blowing through, your hair swirling around you underneath your hat.

Jake swallows thickly before speaking, his gaze rigid on the edge of the water. "I had to leave," he starts. His hand reaches for a small pile of rocks near the end post of the dock.

One rock at a time, he skips them across the surface of the water with practiced ease. It made you think of a memory, but you push it down as you try to focus on him at the moment.

"Why?"

It seemed to be the age-old question. Why did he leave? He should have been able to spit it out, to tell you the reason, but he felt ashamed at the reality of what your response would be.

He doesn't answer you for a second, his left hand coming to grip the wooden edge of the dock firmly. Jake's knuckles go white, and you can see him almost dissociate.

In a moment of bravery, you reach your right hand out, letting your fingers rest on his own. His gaze immediately snaps over to you, and when the light of the sun hits his eyes, you see it.

Tears. Tears gathered in his eyes, and he looked scared. Everything in your body screamed at you to stay back, get away, he'll only hurt you in the end.

But you knew Jake, and even if he changed, his core needs never did. You lean forward, and you pull him into your arms, into a hug. He stiffens under your touch, his arms going rigid as you hold him.

He curses himself for being so weak, so vulnerable in front of you, especially when you came here to hear him out, not comfort him.

"Sorry," he says again, and you pull back at the sound of his voice. Jake reaches up and brushes the tear out of his eye and he mutters, "You never should have to see me like this."

Your gaze softens and you reply, "And yet I promised you I'd stay by your side through everything." Jake looks at you, and he swears he could sob at the way you're looking at him.

You're still the same girl he fell in love with years ago, and with the way you're looking at him, he thinks you never stopped.

He takes a deep breath to ground himself before he starts, "I didn't leave because I didn't want to marry you, or because I didn't love you."

He looks deep into your eyes and whispers, "God, I loved you back then. I love you even more now." A wave of butterflies comes over you at his confession, but you stay silent, urging him to continue.

Jake looks back toward the edge of the water before he continues, "I was drafted. I was pulled to join the aviators of the Navy in California."

You still at his words, your mouth falling open as you blink in shock. Jake laughs icily as he watches a fish come up to the surface to catch a mosquito, and then continues, "I was going to be the whole way across the country, with people I'd never met, away from you for who knows how long."

You can feel your own tears burn in your eyes and you mumble, "Jake..." But he's not done and pushes, "I'd never wanted to be a pilot, Y/n. All I ever wanted to do was marry you, have a family and kids, and run my old man's farm."

His words and voice are intense, close to breaking, but he states, "I knew I could be gone for years. Killed overseas. I couldn't put you through that, so I had to become the best damn pilot they ever saw."

You can't stop the strangled gasp from leaving your lips, and you lunge forward, your body working faster than your mind. Tears stream from your eyes as you slap him, your palm making contact with his ever-so-slightly stubbly cheek.

His head recoils away, and his eyes shut as you whack him with you hands. "You asshole!" you yell, tears blurring your vision, you lean forward and crush him into a hug.

Jake didn't know how to respond, so he opted for one hand on your waist. His cheek was stinging from the impact of your slap, but he knew he deserved it.

What he didn't understand was why you were hugging him.

After all this time, his dumb explanation and reasoning, and you were hugging him? A sob pushes through your lips, and Jake feels his heart splinter at the raw emotion in your cry.

He wraps his arms around you tightly, thinking to himself that you could punch him, slap him, kick him in a minute- but he'd try his damn best to comfort you right now.

"You asshole," you manage to choke out, "6 months of leaving me with nothing, just because you got drafted?" Jake closes his eyes and squeezes you tighter, trying to commit your body to his memory before you pulled away.

"Jake. Jake. Jay," you say, the desperation in your voice growing with each call of his name. You try to push him off of you, and he lets go of you a moment later.

Your hand comes up to cradle the cheek you slapped, the skin still red from the impact of your hand. You can tell he's unsure, and nervous about what you're going to say.

There's raw fear in his green eyes, and you knew in a minute you could crush him. But you couldn't do that.

You let your palm rest on his cheek, the other moving to push the baseball cap from his head, setting it on the dock behind you two. With one hand on his cheek, and the other at the base of his neck, you stare at the man in front of you.

Suddenly, it all makes sense. His larger, stronger physique. Training in the military, always working out to stay fit. The hardened look in his eye. Getting used to taking orders and following them without question. His shortened hair and clean-shaven face. The need to remain sharp-looking at all times when in uniform.

"Oh, Jake," you whisper, a tear streaming from your eye. Jake reaches up with his own hand, cupping your face and brushing the tear away gently.

"Why would you ever leave and not tell me you got drafted?" you ask, your voice open and vulnerable. He sighs in your hands, his free hand coming up to cover your own lithe fingers.

"I was afraid you wouldn't want me anymore, and I didn't think I could handle you saying that to my face. So I made the choice for you," he says slowly, "I know it was stupid, but," and he pauses.

He looks deep into your (colored) eyes and states, "But leaving while I knew you still loved me was a better option than having to leave and knowing you didn't."

A hiccup takes over you and you whisper, "Jake, I haven't stopped." He freezes at that, his grip tightening on your hand holding his face.

"Say it again."

A small smile creeps onto your lips and you whisper, "Jake, I still love you." Jake's features then begin to mirror your own, a watery smile coming across his mouth as he replies, "I still love you too. That's why I came to find you on the ranch a while back."

You just shake your head and mutter, "Stop with the excuses, okay?" Jake feels a pang of nerves run over him again, unsure of your next move.

"Well, cowboy, are you gonna kiss me or not?" The words barely leave your mouth before he captures your lips with his own.

He tastes just like you remember, sweet yet cool like the peppermint gum he would always chew. His mouth was warm against your own, wet from saliva and the shine of his tears.

It's a sweet and salty kiss, the tang of peppermint accompanied by the mix of salty tears from both of you. It was perfect.

Jake's mouth moves against yours in a practiced rhythm like he never left, his hand moving from grasping your own to moving to your back, dragging you into his lap.

Every movement was needy, grasping hands, clashing teeth. You accidentally bit his lip, his fingers might have gotten stuck in your hair when he pushed your hat off.

Everything about his movements screamed I missed you. I love you. Please tell me you're still mine. Your body was no different- I have always missed you. I loved you while you were gone. I'll always be yours.

Jake's the one to pull away and he whispers against your lips, "Please tell me there wasn't anyone else." You lean in and press a hard peck on his mouth and you mutter back, "It was only ever you, cowboy."

Tag list: @xxdragonwriterxx @tejxswini @mysterystarz @mortedeveles @vs-redemption @kal0psi-a @gin-no-g @starstruckkittensweets @kitacharm @shirari @animated-moon @mitzwinchester @elitparadox @yumeyooa @angels-main @anlian-aishang @notroosterbradshaw

[ronearoundblindly]

Lexi's Monthly Edit

July 29th - August 31st, 2024

In case you missed them, here's a handy-dandy list of what I posted within the last month. This time we have 9 headcanon/ficlet (links only) and 8 fics (links with blurbs from each) below the cut. Enjoy!

ice cream headcanons

returning late headcanons

intimacy headcanon for Fools Rush In (mature) Steve Rogers x lab tech!reader

extra hotel bed headcanons

early autumn decorating headcanons

Pregnancy/Children headcanon for Sun, Salt, and Shield Steve Rogers x deep sea mermaid!reader

faking it in bed headcanons (mature)

favorite sex position headcanons (mature)

invisible!reader noticed by Steve

The Stoop for The Root of All Ransom Ransom Drysdale x rich!reader

"It's okay to be nervous, honey--" "I'm not nervous," he barks. "--because there's a lot going on right now. I get it--" "I was just thinking--" he rips the pinky ring off his hand and shows you the chunky gold emblem "--I'd have to get this little piece of shit resized, for f**k's sake, not that I wouldn't want to wear a g*ddamn wedding ring! What the f**k, woman?"

Jake's home! (mature) Jake Jensen x girlfriend!reader

The plastic shower curtain and its castors are yanked aside, and you squeal in delight, hopping over the lip of the tub—fully-clothed,—throwing your arms around his neck. One of his feet slips under the weight. “Hey, babe,” he says into your shoulder of still-dry cotton. You pull back and smile. At least, he’s fairly certain you’re smiling. You’re blurry, and he’s a bit blind without his glasses.

Let Me See You (mature) skinny!1940s!Steve Rogers x reader

"But he wasn't good to you," Steve soothes and wraps his hand around yours, "and he wasn't good for you." All you do is shrug and hide your face. Tears falls to the fabric below your eyes and seep through in dark patches. He scoots forward and lifts your chin with a gentle nudge. When your puffy red eyes meet his, he's struck by how lucky he feels to see you like this. It's odd to think someone who knew you more and for so much longer couldn't feel infinitely more attached and protective. You're so vulnerable, so open, so... "You're beautiful." Steve's tongue swipes over his dry lips. "You're so beautiful."

Safety Captain, Chapter One (no-powers AU) lifeguard!Steve Rogers x vacationer!reader

“Everyone’s okay,” he rushes, rubbing your back, warm and slick against your wet skin. “You don’t have to talk yet. Take it easy.” You still feel compelled to explain. “The—they were teasing him—“ you point to the chubbier kid in your group, the poor thing cowering by your lounge chair headquarters for the morning “—and I tried to stop them.” “I know, shhh, I saw. Just breathe slowly.” “Don’t like bullies,” you cough out anyway. The lifeguard at your side grins from ear to ear.

Interlude: A Special Visit for Hideout touch-starved!Nomad Steve Rogers x motel employee!reader

You’re teasing him, but it is fun to see the huge man kneeling at your bedside squirm. His blush is crimson in the candlelight. You poke his burly shoulder. “You were checkin’ me out…” “It’s not like that,” he whispers. “Anyway, make a wish, birthday girl.” Steve pushes the cupcake higher in your hold, encouraging you with a wry smile. Your breath is swift and precise, your desire so clear at the forefront of your mind that picking a wish—another wish, since he’s already here—takes no time at all.

Big Pharma, sex pollen (mature) Steve Rogers x doctor!reader

Bag tossed to the floor, you unbutton your pants and shimmy out of everything from shoes to panties, letting the longer tail of your dress shirt barely cover your modesty. Steve looks dumbfounded. It’s bad enough he has to run to you for a handy every few hours, but this? “Doc, no,” he breaths. “I understand the procedure,” you say calmly, echoing his harrowing consent from that first night he needed you. Steve’s brow furrows in strain. “We shouldn’t…” ‘We’ are way past ‘shouldn’t,’ buddy. “Can’t ask you to…“ but he also knows time’s a wasting.

To Tire Is Human Steve Rogers x reader

Steve eats his whole meal--entree and dessert--with his non-dominant hand just so he can hold yours. He had one of your days. He spent the drive home listing all the things he needed to do in his head, more energy for each tick, more time for sitting still, more of him to give... ...and then he got to enjoy a lovely dinner with you. You spent your energy on him, on you both. You spent energy specifically to spend time with him, and Steve could cry but he won't. He keeps smiling, making happy, pleased noises with each delicious bite.

For Show, reluctant marriage of convenience (mature) Ransom Drysdale x soulmate!reader

A pillow shifts. No, not a pillow; it’s your back, and when you shift again, Ran sees one of the plush throw blankets slink farther down your bare skin. It’s the largest swath of your body he’s ever seen. You lay with your arms folded, peering out the windows behind the couch, and you still haven’t fucking noticed him. He huffs before realizing he isn’t listening to the faint TV anymore, but when he ticks his head, he sees your TV isn’t on either. “”I think of nothing but you as I fall asleep at night”—” Ran hears a woman’s voice fake a deeper tone before switching to normal “—Javier says, pulling her soft curves into his hard body—”

[Main Masterlist; Light Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

[maretinelli]

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART

Jake Peralta X fem!reader

Summary: In which Jake and y/n make a bet on who can arrest the most criminals and y/n has to fulfill the agreement at the end of the shift.

Words: 1.8K+

Warnings: I don't think anything has as much impact as the other, drinks and criminals I think. But not explicit.

Author: First of all, English is not my language, I apologize for any mistakes that may be in the story. And second, I am loving writing for it, and I still have many ideas.

Y/s: Surname

MASTERLIST

Jake and Y/n had been best friends since they were little. They and Gina grew up together in the same neighborhood and practically every weekend they spent at Jake's grandmother's house playing with board games or just listening to Gina talk about how good she would be if she were a Michael Jackson dancer.

Years passed and the three of them worked together at the same police station. Jake and Y/n became more than just friends, they were recently in the phase between hookups and boyfriends. No one knew what they were, but what they had made them both comfortable.

When the year began, Jake and the detective made a bet to see who could arrest the most criminals.

If Y/n won, Jake would have to change desks at the police station—hers was across from Scully's and near the bathroom, definitely terrible—and sell his Mustang.

And if Jake won the bet, Y/n would have to dress up as Bonnie Tyler and perform Total Eclipse of the Heart in the place Jake chose.

In short, neither agreement favored either other, which made them more competitive.

Today, officially after their turn, the bet would end and one of them would have to fulfill the agreement.

"Good morning squad. This morning, I'm going to assign you some work to be done this week. Boyle, you'll be on Mary Lauren's case, the homicide case. Rosa will be on Santiago's case on Jack Rubens."

"That's right, the second one is already off to a good start." Rosa lets out a sideways smile, while she had her feet on the table and Amy was clapping silently.

"Jake and Y/n, you worked together today on the Ryan investigation-" Terry doesn't finish speaking.

"NO!!" Peralta and Y/s scream together, making the squad jump and they look at each other.

"What do you mean, no? You love working together and it always works." The sergeant asks.

"Today their bet ends, about who can arrest the most criminals in a total of 6 months. And they are tied" Charles says and points to the board on the wall and everyone looks.

Detective Y/s: 75

Detective Peralta: 75.5

"Why seventy-five and a half?" Sergeant asks.

"It's just that my last criminal was a dwarf," Jake says smiling and the squad shakes their heads holding back laughter. "High five!!"

An excited Charles does a Hi-five with Peralta.

"This is cheating" y/n questions, sitting next to Rosa.

"You say that because you've never caught a mini man, honey." Jake turns and smiles at the woman.

"Okay, fine. Santiago and Y/s are together on Jack's case and their respective cases. Peralta and Diaz on Diana Fox's case."

"Damn, I wanted Jack's case," Rosa grumbles. "I was rooting for Y/n to lose, but now I want Jake to sell that Mustang, just so I can lose the coolest case in the precinct."

"Hey!!" Y/n shouts indignantly at Diaz.

"That's it for now, dismissed" Sergeant says and the people start to leave the room.

"Ready to lose, my honey?" Jake comes closer to Y/n, making her roll her eyes and smile.

"At first, 'honey candy' sounded strange"

"Yeah, really. I only realized it after it came out of my mouth." Jake grimaces.

"And second, you're the one who's going to sell the Mustang and trade tables with me."

Jake laughs before grabbing his jacket and leaving the police station with Rosa.

"You're the one who thinks, my dear. You're the one who thinks." He smiles crookedly and leaves.

Y/n shakes her head and sits down next to Amy's desk so they can work.

"What's going on between you two? I know you already said you hooked up, but what's up?"

Y/n smiles, going through the paperwork.

"I don't know, we're just...going with the flow. We go out, we meet up. But there's nothing officially imposed."

"Did you guys have sex?" Amy whispers to Y/N.

The detective looks up.

"AMY!!"

"Sorry, sorry. My curiosity got the better of me," she smiled, looking at the computer.

They are quiet for a while.

"...yes..." Y/n responds softly before standing up and grabbing more papers about the case.

"OH, I KNEW IT!!" Amy screams and everyone in the station looks at her. "I'm sorry..."

•••••••••••••••

"I had no idea it took the boys two months to locate him and we caught him on the first day of the case. Man, we're awesome" Amy says proudly of them and pats y/n on the shoulder, who smiles.

"Girl power," Y/n says, as they leave the criminal in custody. "Now take a good look, Detective Y/s 76, and Jake Peralta 75."

"75.5" Gina yells from her desk.

"That's it, whatever. But he's still behind" Y/n smiles evilly and focuses on more cases, so she could arrest more criminals in a day than Jake.

It doesn't take long for Jake to enter the enclosure with Diaz. He was smiling too much.

"Detective y/n?!"

She turns around and is shocked.

"I see the board has turned against me. However, Jake here managed to arrest five criminals at once. Who's the stud now?" Jake approaches the board and puts down 80.5.

"You're kidding, right? Rosa!!"

"I have nothing to do with this. What's worse is that the idiot over there managed to arrest those five at once." Diaz points to the criminals who were now being temporarily arrested at the police station.

Y/n makes a face and Jake smiles, walking past her and kissing the woman's cheek.

Hours passed and the end of the shift was coming to an end. The score was 82.5 for Jake and 79 for Y/n.

The woman was on the streets chasing four criminals, who she located along with Amy.

"Fuck...we lost them" Y/n slaps her hand on her thigh and holsters her gun again.

"Hey, it's okay. We can locate them again, they're not that smart at hiding," Amy replies, while looking at Y/n furiously.

"That's not even the worst of it. It's already 7:15 and there are 15 minutes left until our shift ends and I have to spend another few years at the same table next to Scully." Y/n complains, walking to the police car.

"Oh no, really. The bet" Amy remembers and makes a face in Y/n's direction, as she gets into the passenger seat.

"Exactly. I'm sure Jake is already waiting for me at the police station with lots of jokes to play on me."

Amy holds back her laughter and looks forward.

It took about 10 minutes to get to the police station, and there was no way Y/n could turn the score around with 5 minutes left until the end of the shift and win the bet.

"God bless me and let's go" y/n sighs getting out of the car and turning the car key in her fingers.

Amy enters right after her and when they arrive on their floor, Jake had decorated the room with a giant poster that said 'Congratulations Loser' and a large photo of the detective.

Y/n enters the enclosure shaking her head and Jake had a horn in his right hand, confetti paper in the other and everyone in the squad was wearing party hats.

"You guys are kidding me" she looks at everyone.

Her heels clicked as she walked, and the bulletproof vest she wore beneath her badge around her neck made her even more attractive, making Jake hesitate to throw the confetti at her.

"Hey Jake...the confetti" Boyle whispers to his best friend.

"Oh yeah, true. She messed me up a bit" Jake agrees. "Congratulations loser" he yells and throws the confetti on top of y/n. Making her close her eyes and just accept the moment.

Peralta approaches the woman, coming face to face with her.

Y/n smiles sideways as he approaches.

"You really thought you were going to get away with this, didn't you?" Jake said seductively, as he put a party hat on her.

"Yeah," y/n smiles. "I really thought so, you funny guy."

"Do you guys need a room? Can we get out of here?" Diaz asks.

"Keep it to yourself" Jake points at Diaz and she smiles. "Charles!! The costume!"

"Oh no, not Bonnie Tyler."

"Oh yes, Bonnie Tyler yes!!" The squad exclaims happily.

"Amy, even you?" Y/n says indignantly.

"Sorry," she whispers, smiling.

After Y/n changed and became Bonnie, Jake took her to perform at the bar they all frequented and of course the squad went after her, to see Y/n pay off the bet.

"I'm hating this tight outfit," Y/n complains.

"Thank Gina, she lent it to you for your performance" Jake says making everyone except y/n laugh, while holding her hand to go down the stairs and get to the bar.

"Gina, then I hate you"

"Hate nothing, sweetie"

Arriving at the bar, everyone grabs their favorite drinks and sits at the table that was right in the center of the bar.

"If I curl up here, will Jake forget about the bet?"

"I don't think so." Boyle looks at Y/n who was crouched under the table.

"Attention everyone!!!" Jake yells in the center of the bar and everyone looks at him.

"You're kidding me" The detective mumbles and the squad looks at her smiling.

"My girlfriend lost a bet today and will have to sing Total Eclipse of the Heart dressed as Bonnie Tyler in front of you" Jake smiles and looks at Y/n, who was now standing smiling cynically.

"Girlfriend?" The squad asks doubtfully.

"Yeah. And before she sings, I wanted to make it official. Honey, come in the middle." Jake holds out his hand to her.

Y/n widens her eyes and smiles, not believing what he was about to propose.

"He's going to ask her out, with her dressed up as Bonnie Tyler?!! She looks just like Peralta" Amy says before taking a sip of her beer.

"He told me earlier. I can't wait for the proposal. I hope she's dressed up in that inflatable dinosaur costume." Diaz smirks and sips his drink too.

"Rosa, poor thing," Amy says, holding back a smile at the thought.

"My dear y/n, my childhood best friend and work partner. I could tell you so much here that you wouldn't have time to sing." He says kneeling down and they laugh, y/n rolls her eyes laughing. "My sweet girl, love of my life. Will you go out with me? Like this, dressed as Bonnie Tyler?"

Y/n laughed.

"I wanted to say no. But I love you too much for that. So yes, I will be your girlfriend dressed as Bonnie Tyler."

The crowd at the bar starts to scream in euphoria and Jake puts the ring on her finger, before pulling the detective into a passionate kiss.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I've done my job. Let's hear our losing bet do her job. Speak up, my dear," Jake shouts, sitting down in the chair and looking at Y/N.

"First off, I'm telling you Jake will be sleeping on the couch for at least three weeks. And Gina, I hate those overalls."

With that, Y/n complies with what she agreed with Jake.

Author: Guys, I probably (I don't know) wrote Captain Holt's name wrong in the stories 🤣🤣 I ended up putting "Bolt", but I don't remember if I mention him here. If it's in the story, forgive me hahahaha.

[hearts-hunger]

Chapter Two: A Thin Noose of Sacred Thread {Series Masterlist | Series Playlist ♫}

Series Summary: A prince, a priest, a warrior, and a huntsman. They serve the god of the wood, and they have no choice but to obey when the Master demands a queen.

Chapter Summary: You have no Master but him, and no name but the one he has given you. At his call, you rise in darkness to meet his servants in the wood.

Pairings: Josh x Reader, Sam x Reader, Jake x Reader, Danny x Reader | Chapter Word Count: 2k | Warnings: blood, violence, dark magic, possession, religious themes, elements typical of a dark fantasy au

A/N: Hi!! I'm back!!! The new songs have given me so much lore to fool around with, and I'm loving all the new elements I get to introduce into this story. Let me know what you think, and I hope you like it! ♡

Sara.

Your eyes open wide in the darkness, every nerve alight to the sound of a name that is not your own. There is nothing, not even the dull glow of the fire; the embers banked by servant’s hands are cold, no breath of air to keep them alive. You search in the darkness, a chill racing slender fingers down your back.

“Master.” The word is pulled from your mouth on an invisible string, a thread woven in the bottom rib, catching on your teeth. You touch a hand to your lips and find them bloody.

Rise, Sara. 

The thread is tangled in your limbs now, pulling you like a marionette, and your feet find the cold wooden floor. 

“A dream,” you say. The thread jerks you forward; you stumble to the floor, breathless, the taste of metal and ice in your mouth.

Leave this place.

You shake your head, dazed. “I cannot leave.” The hounds lay outside your door, trained to wake the man who lays just beyond, the great hulking mass of muscle and bone that would kill you if not for the loss of the bride-price. He will never let you leave. The dogs would taste your blood before you felt the night air.

The floor spins like a child’s toy.

Disobedience, when I offer you mercy? Ungrateful child. Rise, Sara.

Your fingers scrabble for purchase on the moving planks of cedar beneath. “My name.”

You have no name but the one I have given you. Rise, Sara. Leave this place.

You cannot help but obey. The thread, a sacred force, compels you to movement. You stand, unsteady, drawn across the roiling floor until you meet the door.

“Where shall I go?” you ask. You hear the breathing of the wolves at your door, picture the jaws that have marked your skin before. Your breath comes in silver clouds. “Master, where shall I go?”

The wood.

You close your eyes for a moment, dizzy against the pull of the thread. “And when I am there?”

The voice is silent. 

You close icy fingers on the handle of your door; it opens with no key, something it has never done before.

Walk, Sara. 

The dogs sleep. You step over their warm bodies, your bridal-white nightgown slipping over their fur, and they sleep still. You look to the man beyond; his form lies prone on the bed.

“He is my master,” you say. 

The thread is choking now, catching on every breath, winding tight around your throat. Your hands claw at it, raking against your skin.

You have no master but me, and no name but the one I have given you.

“Sara,” you choke. The thread unwinds. You cough and gasp and feel marks on your neck.

You walk past the dogs, the beast-man, the door with the iron latch lacy with frost. Shuddering night air rushes into your lungs.

Go to the wood. You shall meet me there.

You obey. No thread pulls you now; the action is yours, each step quicker as your bare feet meet the path of frozen stone. The wood beckons, great gnarled limbs open wide, an embrace you have never been allowed to feel.

You leave them behind, the hounds, the father, the key in the latch. 

“Master,” you breathe.

Sara. 

—

Night passes slowly. Cold seeps in, marrow-deep, a sheen of frost on your bones that shines dull through your skin. You follow the tug of the thread, an insistent guide through clawing branches and snaring roots. Your dress is bloody, rust-red, where thorns have bitten your tender flesh.

“Master,” you call. Your voice is thin, your breath cloudy. You cannot feel your hands.

Soon, Sara.

You speak no more; you stumble blindly.

“There.”

You whip your head up. Your hair snags on the skeletal limbs of a long-dead oak that bow low to the earth. That voice is not your Master’s, but the thread pulls you all the same, as though the end is wound in fingers that tug sharply.

“She’s here?” 

Another voice, a sunshine voice, one that fills you with a sudden rush of warmth and light. Your bones protest the heat, and you give utterance to their groan.

“She’s hurt,” a third voice says. This voice soothes, something in your belly curling like gentle waves on the shore at the sound of it. This is not the pull of the thread nor the warmth of sunshine; it is something you have never felt before, something old, something deep.

You walk forward, seeking these voices. The Master gives you no direction. The trees seem to move in the darkness, slow and gigantic in the night, groaning with old age; you step into a clearing covered in delicate white frost, and it cracks like glass under your bare feet.

“Smell her blood on the frost,” a fourth voice rings out, sharp and crackling with glee. You shrink back from the sound, feeling it like a knife between your ribs. You do not want to meet the owner of this voice.

Before you can think to run, the trees on the far side of the clearing give one last great heave and show four figures on the crest of the embankment. The first is tall, his fingertips red and moving in a feverish mimicry of weaving. The second is ragged, dark circles under his eyes, but he shines with the rosy glow of dawn. The third is steady, hand on sword hilt; you feel the cradling wave in your belly again at the sight of him. The fourth is wild, his eyes like lightning, a wicked curve to his mouth.

“Master,” you say feebly.

Yield to my servants.

The first jerks his hands up, and you stagger forward. He must hold the other end of your thread.

The second looks between you and his brother. “You’re pulling her.” His voice aches like sunlight breaking over the mountaintops.

The first shakes his head. “I must be. I don’t understand how.” He pulls again, and you take another step. The fourth, with his glowing eyes, pounces like a cat.

“Let Watcher take her,” he says. He leaps down into the shallow valley with agility and grace; you try to move away, but your feet are rooted to the ground. You tremble violently as he touches you.

“You frighten her needlessly,” the third brother chides. He steps down to meet you; when his hand reaches out, he does not touch you. He touches the dark one, and a hiss escapes through the dark one’s teeth.

“Won’t let you put Watcher away,” the dark one says. “Weakling gets all the fun. Watcher wants to taste the little mousie’s blood.”

“You won’t have a drop of it,” the first brother says. He comes into the valley too, and his fingers are still weaving, closer to the heart of you, drawing the thread tight. “She belongs to the Master. You will obey, Watcher.”

Watcher snarls, showing fangs. “Little priest wants her for himself.”

The third brother strikes Watcher with a swift blow, backhanded across the fanged mouth. 

“Quiet yourself, useless thing,” he commands. “I ought to cut out your restless tongue.”

Watcher grins.

“Some fire in you, moonlight,” he says. He spits blood from his mouth. “Perhaps the Master chose the wrong twin.”

“Silence.” This order from the second brother, the sunshine boy on the hill. He is bent, stooped, weary. “Bring her to me.”

The first brother meets your eyes. “Will you go? Or shall I pull you?”

You shake your head. “I will go.”

You walk up the hill until you stand face to face with the boy-king, a hazy, shimmering halo of sunlight in his curls. He reaches a shaking hand to your face and touches your cheek.

“Corinne,” he says.

You flinch. “Sara,” you say. “I have no name but the one he has given me.”

He seems to understand.

“Sara, then,” he says gently. “My name is Joshua.” His fingers glance over the red marks on your throat. “He pulls you like a dog on a leash.”

You swallow. “I have no Master but him.”

“I know,” he says. His voice is soft sunlight through dappled leaves. “Samuel will not pull you so harshly now.”

You turn to look at the first brother, Samuel, the weaver. “You — ” Your voice shakes. “You are the one who called me? The Master?”

Samuel’s pale face flushes a vivid red.

“No,” he says quickly. “I serve the god of the wood. I am but a priest to serve at the Master’s pleasure.” He holds his raw, reddened hands up and splays his fingers, and you feel the thread go slack.

“I will not pull you if you will go yourself,” he vows. “The Master demands your obedience, but I shall not draw it from you if you will give it freely.”

Watcher crowds you. “Little mousie will give it freely,” he says, taunting. “Won’t you, sweet one? Obedience, blood, trembling little body made of ice and light.”

The third brother takes Watcher’s hand and presses, hard, on a sigil etched into his skin. Watcher gives a cry and sinks to his knees, looking up at the third brother with a dying light in his eyes.

“Jacob,” he pleads. “You hurt Weakling when you hurt Watcher.”

Jacob digs his nails into Watcher’s skin, and he glows with faint, silver light.

“You will respect your queen, you miserable wretch.” He casts Watcher aside, and the dark one curls in on himself. “I’ll burn that sigil into your chest if I must.”

Watcher whimpers, and the sound elicits no pity from Jacob. Samuel and Joshua watch with shadowed faces.

You shrink away from Watcher. “What is he?”

“A sprite,” Jacob says contemptuously. He meets your eyes. “He has his uses, but this body is not his. Another lives inside.”

The thought sickens you. “What do you mean?”

Jacob shakes his head. “You will lean, soon enough. Come, little queen.”

He extends his hand, and you take it. You feel that strange wave again, like the tide pulled by the moon, and when you meet his eyes you know he has felt it too.

“Do you — ?”

“My lady,” he says quickly, his voice cutting over yours. “I am your servant, a soldier to defend the Master’s chosen. My sword is yours. You have but to speak and I will act.”

You wonder why he has forbidden you to ask of the pull between you. Surely it has come from the Master; if it has not, what has it come from?

You search his face, and he gives the barest shake of his head. You tighten your fingers around his.

“A warrior,” you say quietly. You look to Samuel. “A priest.”

You cast Watcher a glance, and for a moment, there is someone else behind his eyes.

“A huntsman,” he says, and his voice is gentler. You study him for a moment more before storm-yellow swallows up the hazel irises, and Watcher returns.

You look away. You meet Joshua’s eyes.

“Who are you?” you ask.

He gives you a smile that is worn and faded. 

“A prince,” he says. “And you, Sara, a princess. Soon to be made queen.”

A breath of icy wind cuts through the glade. Joshua pales, looking upwards; he chokes, and thread-marks that match yours appear on his throat.

“Joshua!” you cry, panicked.

“Be still,” Samuel orders.

Joshua’s head snaps forward, his eyes locking with yours, and they are brilliant with the frozen light of a dying, blood-red sunset on snow.

“The Master has chosen,” he says, each word pulled like teeth from a broken jaw. “My queen, my bride. Sara.”

You feel it around your throat too, drawing tight, a thin noose of sacred thread. Breath escapes you, and the forest goes dark.

— @josh-iamyour-mama @writingcold @sammyscherub @hippievanfleet @gretasmokerising @thewritingbeforesunrise @stardustcatcher @sunshinevanfleet @dannyandthekiszkas @infinisonicosm

— let me know if you'd like to be tagged in this fic!

[joeyleesblog]

Where is my existence?

Notices: feeling of depersonalization and panic attack.

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

I will wake up soon. Was Spider's persistent thought, but even that seemed far off. The confusion and shock that had hit him like an ocean wave this morning now felt like calm waves, gently rolling up the coast and back out to sea. They were still there, but they didn't seem to be swallowing Spider anymore.

Or maybe he had drowned and his consciousness was fading. It could be...

"Hey Spider." Spider blinked and blinked again, Jake's voice snapping him out of the stupor he was in. The boy looked up into the man's face and stared at him for a few seconds before opening his mouth and the words spilling out.

"Hey."

Jake smiled softly, but if it was to reassure Spider, it wasn't working. Not with the sirens in the back of his mind telling him this wasn't the Jake he knew. Not after the war, not after Neteyam.

Oh, Eywa. Neteyam.

The gentle waves were starting to crash harder and suddenly his breath came faster as he remembered why his breakdown had caused him to cut his hand out of sheer desperation and disbelief. Neteyam was dead, he was with Eywa now. Spider witnesses this with his own eyes. So how the hell was Neteyam apparently alive? It had to be a dream or his hallucination, except that when his hand touched his brother's chest, he felt flesh and bone under his skin.

Screw everything. I went crazy.

"Spider!"

Spider jumped a little, looking wide-eyed at Jake, who had his brows furrowed, as well as his mouth. Oh no, he was irritated.

"Sorry." but it sounded distant even to his ears. "I'm sorry. I… I don't…" I feel like I've lost my mind. I feel like I'm going to explode. I feel like I'm not where I should be.

Jake looked at him intently for a moment, then sighed wearily and sat down on the bed beside him, his big blue hand coming to rest on the back of Spider's neck in a soft caress, making the boy melt almost automatically.

"Norm said there's nothing wrong with your head." Jake's voice was calm. "The blow caused a severe concussion, but did not cause any brain damage or trauma. The blow also did not affect the hippocampus."

"So am I okay?" Because he didn't feel well at all, to tell you the truth. Jake seemed to have the same thought, by the look on his face.

"What do you remember?"

Warm. Very hot, as if there were flames all around you, then the feeling of falling and the air being knocked out of your lungs.

"From falling and not being able to breathe"

Jake confirmed his words with a nod.

"Yes. You fell out of the tree and hit your head on the root. We took you to Moat, but I wanted to make sure you didn't have a brain or spinal injury, so I took you to Norm for a scan. The tests didn't reveal anything serious, but it's been two days since you were still unconscious. I was very worried, but Norm couldn't find anything wrong."

"Did I fall out of a tree?" Spider questioned, doubt in his tone.

"Yes son."

Spider ignored what that word did in his chest. It wasn't time.

"Is that all that happened?"

"Yes, why?" Jake asked, quite intrigued by the answer.

"No reason" Spider decided to put that aside for now, not being in a mental condition to seek answers even for himself. He just wanted this madness to end. "Can I go to my room? I want to sleep in a more comfortable place."

Jake's ears perked up at he question.

"Did you mean the Marui?"

Spider looked at him with obvious confusion on his face.

"No?" It was hard to sleep on the Marui when Neytiri's gaze burned into his back, so he finally decided it wasn't worth testing the woman's tolerance and found his own corner. On rare occasions, he would head straight back to the Inferno Gate to sleep in his old room.Norm and Max ensured it would remain his for as long as he wanted.

"Spider." Jake's tone was very careful. "It's been a while since you've had a room here, buddy."

Jake's words hit Spider like a violent wave.

"No." He simply said. "I've had a room here since I was a kid."

Jake's tail was starting to wag.

"Son, not you. You sleep with us on the Marui."

"Since when?"

"Since...since when? Since you were little! Don't you remember?"

Spider never slept with the Sullys as a child, no matter how many times his siblings begged their parents to. He was not welcome.

"No." He got up from the table and started walking towards the exit.

"Hey, hey. Where are you going?" Jake went after him and grabbed his shoulder, but Spider backed away.

"I have a room here." He could hear the hysteria in her voice. "I will show you."

"Spider..."

"I will show you!" And he walked purposefully through the halls to his room, followed by Jake.

Everything will be alright. Everything will be fine. Yes. Spider repeats to himself, trying to calm the panic rising in his chest. My room is there, as usual. Norm and Max haven't changed. They promised. They would have told me.

When they reached the room, Spider didn't hesitate to open the door and walk in, expecting, hoping, to be greeted with his things.

There were several boxes in that room, but there was nothing of yours.

"What?" he asked breathlessly. "Where, where are my things? Where is it?!

"Son, hey, calm down" Jake took him by the shoulders and turned him so that the boy was facing him. "Like I said, you don't have a room here. Your things are at the Marui."

Spider shook his head. It wasn't right, it just wasn't. "No, no, no. I've always lived here, I, I..."

"When you were a baby and there wasn't a mask that fit you." Jake explained.

"No." He couldn't say any more. "You're wrong! You're not Jake! Who the hell are you?!"

"Spider, hey! Stop it! Son..."

"I'm not your son! Let me go!"

"Shit! Norm!"

It's wrong. It's all wrong. But what went wrong? What?

"Norm! Spider, please calm down!"

"Jake, what the hell is going on?!"

"I don't know!"

The fight was starting to leave Spider's body, as well as his consciousness, for some reason. The last thing he heard was Jake and Norm's voices arguing in the background and then everything went dark.

...

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