#just found out my aunts have been doing this to my mom in a secret group text between the other 2 where they are horribly mocking and being

[captainshazamerica]

Don't freaking accuse someone of faking their damn disability just because they slightly inconvenienced you, it's gaslighting and it's disgusting. Especially to family, holy crap

[niicevibe]

ah, i wrote a lot, whoops.

My husband and I developed a theory so please play along and tell me where you are in birth order (oldest, middle, youngest, only) and if you think having siblings is overall a positive or negative thing.

[emphistic]

can i request smth like sukuna bringing reader to meet his family for the first time? ^^

"Uncle Sukuna bought me these Legos for my birthday last week!" Yuuji pointed to a dinosaur on the shelf, "It took me a long time to build it, but Uncle helped me."

The kid had been dragging you around the house ever since dinner was over, holding your hand while insisting on showcasing all of his toys and artwork and racecars.

Sukuna was always a man of few words, so when you first met Yuuji, you thought the cute little bugger would be no different. But no, Yuuji was far from shy and quiet around you. In fact, the first thing he said to you after you entered the house was a bunch of garbled and unintelligible compliments. Saying how he liked your shoes, and the hairstyle you did on yourself.

He talked and talked your head off with no care in the world. Dinner passed quickly, and Yuuji led you upstairs to show you his room. You found it adorable that he had a little twinkle in his eyes while explaining something he was passionate about; it reminded you of a special someone.

"That's so cool, Yuuji! Do you have a favorite Lego that you've made?" you smiled.

Yuuji seemed to grow silent for the first time that evening, "Umm, no. I think they're all my favorite!"

Laughing, you ruffled his hair. "That's okay," you booped him on the nose, "you're my favorite."

Yuuji looked up at you with eyes the size of saucers, gasping, "Really? More than Uncle?"

You put a finger to your lips, making a shushing sound; and Yuuji giggled at the fact he shared a secret with you. When the adults started opening beer and wine bottles in the living room, Sukuna called you downstairs to join him as he drank with his brother and his brother's wife.

"I'm going to go have a drink—"

"That's okay! I have to do something, too." Yuuji playfully kicked you out of his room with a few giggles, and got to work on whatever it was he was doing.

Downstairs, you had a better chance to get to know Sukuna's family now that there wasn't a little kid trying to butt his way into the conversation as well. Jin asked you about your work and how you and his brother met; you talked about some of your hobbies and Sukuna—being himself—boasted about how good of a partner you were. It was, all in all, a pleasantly spent evening.

When it was time for you to call it a night, you were about to make your leave when suddenly, Yuuji came running down the stairs, yelling for you and Sukuna to wait.

"What is it, brat?" asked Sukuna, tired from having a beer too many, which earned an elbow to his side from you.

Yuuji beamed, gesturing to what was in his hands, "Look, tada! It's Uncle, and me, and Mom, and Dad, and my aunt!"

Turns out, when Yuuji said he had some thing to do, he was really just building characters out of Legos that represented you, Sukuna, and his parents. Surprisingly, the models were pretty accurate, too. Well, except for. . .

"The hell did you make a redhead for? That supposed to be your uncle, kid?" Sukuna joked, turning to you, "Don't tell me your cheating on me with a ginger."

[codenamesazanka]

My prediction on what was Scissors-kun's deal ended up being pretty correct: he was indeed abused - horrifically so, being tied up and locked away - and then abandoned by his family during the war because of his quirk. Except Horikoshi actually exceeded my expectations and revealed that it wasn't because of behavioral issues (not that it would've justified it! Never. but I was imagining a parallel to Toga), it was only because his quirk was a random mutation, and also his family sewn his mouth shut.

Because thing is. The set up for something like this was here all along. I predicted it based on things that were already happening in the story. Continued fear of 'abnormal' quirks; horrific domestic violence enacted due to this; Heroes never catching wind of this because this was from a family that weren't consider 'Villains', so this was Scissors-kun's normal. And this normal broke and the dark secret got revealed only because something extraordinary happened - the country collapsed. Scissors-kun family left him, so he was able to escape.

But... none of this is apparently going to be addressed. The happy ending is Scissors-kun being found and helped, instead of any widespread, far-reaching, systemic change that would prevent shit like this. No, 'but it's obviously going to be addressed off-screen' doesn't count. The story brought up on-page and explicitly that quirk discrimination is a thing, that abusive quirk counseling/treatment is a thing, that abuse and abandonment of children is a thing. I expect the solutions to be on-page and explicit as well, and not just 'if I reach out when it's not my business, then...!'

(Also. it is their fucking business. They're government employees. Their job is to save people and guarantee the welfare of all citizens. it is very much their business.)

I'm not upset that Scissors-kun isn't Shigaraki; never really expected that in the first place. Shigaraki died. Deku fucking failed. I've come to terms with it. I'm not upset that Shigaraki wasn't saved, but this kid was; not even in the meta-, story-, character-sense, because, fine, he's replacement goldfish Tenko, but I'll take the 'we'll do better next time', it's a good thing this kid gets saved, it's what Shigaraki would've wanted, it's what the League fought to destroy for. It's even good that The Old Lady has become a better person.

What baffles me is that this save occurs pretty much because of nothing except the purported 'What Deku Showed The World That Day (When He Killed A Man)'. This save isn't because Heroes and civilians have more awareness of victims. This save isn't because society is promising to stop quirk discrimination. This save isn't because Ochako learns of Toga's abusive parents and so sets out to tackle this issue of quirk-related domestic violence. This save isn't because Deku has lead a new movement to stop bystander inaction. (Moreover, about 'bystander inaction' - Scissors-kun lists 5 other people outside his immediate family of Dad/Mom/Sis who knew about him... and did nothing. His uncle, his aunt, his grandparents, his great-grandfather - if they didn't directly help sew Scissors-kun mouth shut, they still turned a blind eye and never alerted authorities. (Tenko explicitly states this as one of the factors that led to him lashing out, but I guess the story forgot about it long ago, so. Even with the memories sharing of Chapter 417 and 418, Deku never sees this.))

As I said above, none of the issues that lead to Scissors-kun being in the circumstances he was in has been addressed.

This save isn't because any random civilian has decided to help - because any rando can and should help! This isn't even because Old Lady came to the guilt-ridden conclusion herself to do better.

This save is because Old Lady, carrying the burden of guilt, watched Deku kill the kid she didn't save all those years ago (tho she doesn't know it) and is apparently inspired by this act of "I can't help but do something" to finally take action (as helpfully narrated by Hawks). It's not because civilians have done any deep thinking about the rot that permeates their culture; it's because Deku was a hard-working murderer on TV. There were dozens of other people on the street. Real change should've been a whole crowd of people seeing Scissors-kun and wanting to help - someone giving him a blanket or offering him shoes while another calls for an ambulance???

But whatever. I just want to state this: the first thing that truly saved Scissors-kun was Shigaraki's destruction. Without it, his family would've stayed in that house and kept him locked up. It's really only because of Shigaraki's destruction that Scissors-kun even got the opportunity to find freedom and get his hand held.

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please look at tags and warnings on ao3 before reading.

DC

midnight sun by merils

Who would win: four men with guns who just happened to get Red Robin to walk into a trap, or one royally-pissed Kryptonian juggernaut?

Yeah, it's not even a contest.

reasons are better than rules by destiny919

"No one will actually explain Father's rules to me," Damian blurts out. "They tell me we don't kill, and killing is wrong, and Father would never do it, but no one ever actually says why! As if repeating the rule is the same as explaining it! As if I am supposed to just know, when I do not!"

Drake is quiet, eyes on something in the distance that Damian cannot see. "Damian, may I tell you a secret?"

Marvel

Thirty Hours by polaroid15

The sun sets. Peter breaks three toes and hits his head hard against concrete. There’s a steadily bleeding wound in his side that he’s staunched with his webbing and tries not to acknowledge it when it burns. He can still walk in a straight line, which is good. He’s starving and tired and cold. It’s been fifteen hours.

Or, Peter doesn't take any breaks during a lengthy fight with the Avengers. The mind-melting fever that follows really should have been expected.

Clone Wars

An Hourglass In Hand by ecarian

“I thought daemons didn’t eat,” Rex noted once, during a celebration feast, as he and Cody watched Boga devour her meal with some fascination. Varactyl she may be, but she was a tiny one. There wasn't much interior space for the truly momentous amount of meat she was ripping into.

Boga daintily rubbed her beak against a folded serviette that looked kind of like a bird, and said, prim, “I can do anything a human can do.”

“Oh?” Obi-Wan said mildly, from where he’d been tapping at a datapad. “Shall I save you a portion of these reports then?”

Set My Mind at Ease by Eightbitpale

Marshal Commander Cody - clone commanding officer of the 7th Sky Corps, second in command of the 212th attack battalion and, currently, the proud caretaker of one still-warm lightsaber - was having a very long day.

Actually, fuck that. It had been more than a long day. Long days were Cody’s bread and butter, practically his comfort zone. Marshall Commander Cody ate stim shots for breakfast and every shiny this side of Coruscant knew it. Long days were his bitch.

No, this had been more than a long day. Today had been a bad day.

———

The one where Cody and his general try their best to tell each other that they care. At least they’re trying.

Your Smile In Stone by ecarian

Wooley: can we arrest people for yelling this early?

There were two figures standing at the foot of General Kenobi's statue with their backs to Wooley, an adult with a hood, and a child with light hair. The child was pointing at a puddle of Temple tookas who were curled up in General Kenobi’s lap, lounging in the stone folds of his robes, the bend of his knee.

Wooley: belay that. Child nuisance.

The Goblin Emperor

Sweet Hope by baladric

Maia Drazhar arranges a festival, meets his gay aunt, falls in love with his secretary, and misses his mom through it all.

"In the way of true stories, there was no discernible beginning. Perhaps it had begun that first day, in the shabby receiving room at Edonomee; in the cockpit of the Radiance of Cairado; at the mooring mast of the Untheileneise Court, with that first smile.

The pith of the matter was that Maia Drazhar was wildly, tremulously in love, and love had made fools of much wiser men than he."

In All Its Forms by Anonymous

Before his father ruined everything, Nurevis Chavar only thought to introduce the new emperor to all the most beautiful things life could offer.

When he found himself free from relegation again after his father's death, would the emperor whose friendship he had sought so long ago wish his presence at court? And, if he could return to court, would his emperor wish his friendship again?

[moonacrefarm]

anticipating love

summary: sometimes the only way up is backwards.

contains: childhood friends to lovers to strangers, second-chance romance, angst, hurt/comfort, slight miscommunication, fluff, 18+ series, mentions of stalking, mentions of cancer, no mention of y/n

authors note: i think i rewrote this like four times. editing this one was so difficult bc i was never satisfied, i'm not used to writing dialogue and all of it felt unnatural </3. for this chapter, i was listening to home by danny knutelsky... i'm not sure if you can tell that was the vibe i was writing with... enjoy!

series masterlist

previous part | next part.

05. a secret place to hide

"You can live your life, you know?" Your mother's hand caressed your hair as you laid in her lap. Since the last time Bradley visited you’d avoided him, holing up in your room or Hard Deck during it’s off-hours. You found yourself taking advantage of the sights San Diego had to offer if it meant avoiding him. Your run-in with Bradley had seemingly shaken you up more than you thought. 

You pushed yourself up, leaning on her shoulder as you watched a movie. 

"I am living my life, though?" You riposte. 

She gave you a look and sighed, surrendering to you, “Look, Penny called. She needs help working tonight. Would you please give her a hand?” 

You narrowed your eyes at your mother. You knew her like the back of your hand and you could sniff a scheme out. “Did you hear the conversation I had with Bradley the other night?” 

She held her breath for a second in deep thought. 

Before she sighed, “Yeah I did.” 

You groaned, throwing your head back on the couch. You’d been found out. 

“Only a little bit! I didn’t hear a lot, just you scolding him.” 

“Does Penny actually need help at the bar or is this just another scheme?” You raised a brow at her. 

“She actually did call for help. Her server called out sick last minute and tonight a ship is docking.” 

You stared. “Why does this feel familiar?”

“You know we can’t schedule when the fleet comes in.”

“There’s a ‘but’ at the end of that sentence.” 

Your mother and Penny had always been team Bradley Bradshaw; they even placed bets on when you'd be married. The worst part? They weren't wrong. You'd done everything but date, including sharing every first with each other. 

“Neither of us can guarantee Bradley won’t be there tonight. So you might have to break the cold war you have going on.” 

“Might?” 

“You weren’t hiding it, you were avoiding him. I’ve never seen you drive yourself around this much.” She laughed at you, slightly coughing at the end. 

She turned to face you, "You should talk to him..." She said softly, leaning her tired body on the couch as you faced each other. 

"I don't want to. Not with…" You looked away from her, "Not with everything going on." She sighed before smacking you on the arm. You yelped as you tried to soothe the pain away. Glaring at her as she smiled. 

"Do I look like I'm dead yet? You might as well lay me in the coffin with your attitude. I can still smack some sense into you." She guffawed, you joining her laughing fit soon after. 

“I’m not saying to talk to him tonight. With the boat docking his detachment might not even be there, but your aunt has managed to run a very successful bar. You’re in his territory, there’s always a risk.”

“Oh risk my ass, North Island isn’t that small Mom.” You huffed, you both laughing. 

You thought about it for a second. It seemed like a very loose scheme, one where they’re placing bets on Bradley being there tonight. Your mother wouldn’t throw you into anything that made you genuinely uncomfortable, but she is more than willing to give you a push. 

“Just one ship docking?”

“God I hope. Anyone who isn’t married is gonna be bar hopping once they get their land legs back.” 

“I’ll go help her. I’ll call her on my way down there.” 

She nodded looking at the TV and sinking in the couch. The chemo had taken its toll this time, her breathing a little faster, her body a little smaller, but she was fighting. “Are you sure you won't need me tonight?” 

She looked back up at you, “Your father will be home in a couple of hours, by the time you leave I’ll be in the kitchen scolding him into how to make proper lasagna.” You smiled at her. “He must be so excited.”

“He doesn’t even know yet.” 

The sun hung slightly above you, finally coming down into the view but not quite evening yet. Penny had stopped by to pick you up suggesting that you could spend the night at her place anyway. 

You took a deep breath and sat in the passenger seat before you could talk yourself out of this. 

“I’ll man the bars, you dish out the drinks?” Penny’s voice pulled your attention, her hands around the steering wheel. 

“I’m much better at customer service anyway.” You told her with a grin. She reached over and pinched you lightly on your side. 

“I do appreciate the help. I don’t know what it is but this must be the third time I’ve asked you to help on boat night,” 

“Fourth Pen.” You interjected, she continued anyway. 

“Details details…,” She waved her hand at you, “You're the best waitress I’ve had.”  You chuckled to yourself and leaned your head on the window. 

She was quiet for a few moments before asking you, “So, your mom and Simpson worked things out again?” 

She was prodding lightly. She was always weary of navy men and had never fully trusted your father. 

Your parents had never fallen out of love, but when they separated your father was busy climbing ranks. The constant time apart and they didn’t know how to live with each other anymore. Besides the issue of neglecting his family, your father wasn’t very affectionate and no matter how hard your mother fought, he was stubborn and a straight shot. He was blinded until he got what he set out for. 

What made him a great pilot made him a horrible husband and father. 

You shrugged at Penny, “I’m not sure. I think mom’s cancer plays a part in how normal they’re being. I can’t say though. You probably know more than me.” 

“Hmmm. But you live with them, you see more.” 

“I do, but…you know Dad’s never been the one to have a range of emotions.” 

Penny let out an airy laugh. “You’re right about that hon. That man is a piece of concrete if I’ve ever seen one. A true military man.” 

She sighed, pulling in front of the bar. You both crawled out, the Hard Deck loomed over you two. The building seemed twice its size and you’d need the room for tonight. 

“Alright, one boat docked, and maybe the usual crowd. Did your mom warn you about tonight?”

You nodded. “She warned me about the boat and about Bradley.” 

Penny smiled brightly. “Perfect. I can prepare you for mermen, but I can’t prepare you for a Bradshaw.” 

You shooed her away as the first bar patrons came in. Settling in a booth and flagging you over. 

You looked at Penny, and she looked at you. Both nodded at each other as the sun sunk lower into the skyline. 

One thing about the Hard Deck, it was only open after 5:30 pm. Not a minute sooner and not a minute later. The first thirty or so minutes were quiet. 

Until a group of shored fish popped in. Once you saw the first group you knew more were sure to follow. The sun had set and you had been running around the bar all night. As the shift went on, you realized you hadn’t seen Bradley’s detachment. 

There was a solid chance they wouldn’t be here tonight with how crowded it was and their training. 

“Penny, two whiskey sours and a craft beer please.” 

“Coming right up darling.” 

You leaned on the bar a bit, standing between two empty stools and letting your body sag. You hadn’t played waitress like this since your last restaurant job. You caught your breath for a second before Penny plopped three drinks in front of you. 

“Do you need your break?” 

You shook your head no. The buzz from keeping busy kept your mind so preoccupied you didn’t have time to think about anything else. 

“I’ll let you know when Penn.”

She nodded at you and served a couple more beers to the guys waiting. 

Dancing through the crowd kept you on your toes. Time had passed that threshold where most people weren’t worried about decorum or balance. No matter how alert you were, someone always caught you off guard. 

A bar-goer stepped back into your space, catching your shoe and you braced yourself as you tried to regain your balance. A couple more stumbles pulled your weight to the side, your gravity off balance and the tray going with the momentum. 

Until two arms engulfed your frame. 

Gently, they pulled you upright, one hand jutting out to grab the tray out of your hands. As you righted yourself, you noted said hand lingering lightly on your waist, “You alright?” Bradley leaned down to ask you. 

Him and his darn height.

“I’m good Bradshaw.” You fixed your shirt and readjusted your apron. One deep breath in and you went to grab the tray of drinks. They had only slightly spilled. Hopefully, they’d be too drunk to notice. You’d give them a 10% off when you closed their tabs out. 

“You sure?” He asked, turning the tray away from you. 

You huffed at him. “Yes, I am sure. I promise.” 

His eyebrows rose and gently he set the tray back into your hands. “Careful bugs.” You nodded once more before carrying on for the night. 

You could feel his eyes on you the rest of your shift, didn’t matter where you went in the bar or where you went into the crowd. Bradley’s eyes found you with ease. 

“You talk to Bradshaw tonight?” Penny asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Somehow, this all feels a little familiar…” You gave her a small side-eye. 

“Aye, I’m not letting you off the hook this time. I’m paying you to work the whole shift.” 

“Okay okay… I’m not gonna run away just because he looked at me.” 

“I know you won’t, you would’ve ran as soon as he walked in here.” The side of her mouth twitched. “You also don’t have your car.” 

Reminded of your shameful past, you took your restocked tray and carried on for the night. 

Bradley nursed his drink until his group was ready to leave, pulling away from them and promising he’d see them tomorrow. He set his eyes on you. Your chest slightly rising and falling from exhaustion, your bangs framing your face, and a couple of other strands out of place.

You could feel his warmth and he pulled up on your side. 

The bar had quieted significantly, the majority of the group's bar hopping elsewhere or down at the beach. 

He sat on the stool and watched you silently. You didn’t make a move to speak to him, trying to close the register and get the last of the tabs shut out. His watching you didn’t make you uncomfortable. Did you want to face him after the heart-to-heart?

Yes, but also… absolutely not. The feelings that were crawling themselves out of their graves were overwhelming and you didn’t want them pouring out again. 

“You finish up that last tab, I can check out the rest,” Penny said from behind you. 

“Are you sure? I’m already doing it.” 

“I’m sure.” She nodded at Bradley, “I might be a little late closing, think you could give her a ride Bradshaw?” 

The scheming commenced. 

“It’d be my pleasure.” His grin lopsided. 

Him and his darn grin. 

“I’m staying at your place tonight? I even promised Amelia.” 

“I never said you were going home. Just might get there a little earlier than me.” She smiled slyly, testing the waters that were you and Bradshaw. “‘Sides, I wouldn’t come between a promise between you and Amelia. Strong-headed that one, I wouldn't dare.” 

You huffed, “Alright, this register is checked out,” You looked at Penny, “I'll do the final count.” 

Turning to Bradley, silence suspended between you both, Bradley smiling lightly while looking at you. 

"Got a starin' problem?" You jested. 

He smirked at you, "If I do?" Your eyes narrowed as he laughed. 

"Don't mind me taking in the view." He grinned, a slight flush on his ears, "You're dressed real purtty' tonight." He added with a mock southern accent. 

Your face ran hot again. The tips of your ears bloomed red as blood rushed to your face. Bradley looked at you again, reaching for your bags and throwing them on his shoulder. "How have you been?" He inquired, holding the door open for you as you walked. You weren't sure what to answer; how had you been? With everything going on, you hadn't had time to process it all. 

"Alright?" You trailed off. "As good as I can be." You said sardonically. He read your body language, deciding not to prod any further. "And you?" You questioned back. The awkwardness finally settled in. His shoulders tensed. "About the same." He stilled. You watched him fidget with his lip, something he did when he wasn't sure what to do. "About back then..." He started. This time, you didn't stop him. 

“I meant it when I said I’ll come to you. This time, let me do the heavy lifting.” “Bradley, what does that even mean?” 

“It means I’ve seen a future with you for years and always ran away out of fear. We’ve waited for ‘later’ to come for years, I’ve waited for years. When you’re ready, whenever that is, I’ll be here.” He paused for a breath, opening the car door for you and leaning on the frame of the car, “I was the one who left…I think it’s only fair that this time I come to you.” Your breath hitched as you regarded his hazel eyes, firm in resolve. It almost sent you stumbling. 

After a few beats of silence, he ushered you in the car. Climbing into the driver seat and starting the engine, pausing for another moment, “Do you know Penny’s address?” 

Your belly laugh ran out in the cabin of the car. Watching as his ears tinged pink. 

“Wasn’t the best ending to a confession of love was it?” 

“No…” You teetered off, “But it was very you.” 

He frowned, “I don’t think I’m starting off very strong here.”

“Maybe not, but you Bradley Bradshaw are the one I’ve chosen over and over again, you and all your fumbles,” You leaned over the center console of the Bronco, “I’ll tell you what Bradshaw, sweep me off my feet one more time and I’ll be yours forever.” You kissed his cheek tenderly. 

The back of his hand grazed your cheek and you leaned into it. “I know we have a lot to work out, but I don’t want to fight it anymore, you’re here…and that’s more than I ever had of you before.” He flinched. 

“They're gonna have to pull my teeth out if they try and ship me off anywhere where you aren’t.” You laughed again. 

“I’ll let you come to me this time.” You kissed his knuckles. “You were always best for me, Bradshaw.” 

Bradley leaned in and kissed your forehead, lingering there for a few seconds, “This time, I’ll make sure I’m the best I can be for you. I promise Bugs.” 

You two pulled apart for a couple seconds before you registered the sound of the engine, “Do I need to type in the address?” 

Bradley groaned.

[aylacavebear]

Soulmates? Yeah, right, pft. - Ch. 4

When you turn sixteen, and your soulmate's name doesn’t appear anywhere on your body that you can find, you figure you had to be the only person on the planet who didn’t have one. Most of the town shuns you, so you stick close to family. Your Aunt Ellen raised you after your parents died in a car crash when you were two, but what happens when the Winchesters return to town and buried secrets begin to come to light?

Pairing: Mechanic Dean Winchester x OC Reader/You

Word Count: 3955

Warnings: Angst, Past Trauma, Lots of tears.

A/N: This is my non-Supernatural fic I'm attempting. Please let me know what you think, as I always love hearing from my readers. Not sure when this one will be up and available to read yet. Just getting the chapter list started for it.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 4

Thinking back to where you had accidentally discovered that letter, you started there, the inside doorframe of the house. It was a hidden compartment that you’d accidentally popped open when you punched the door on that hot summer evening almost nine years ago.

You stood there, staring at the spot, then turned and looked in front of you, remembering the words of the letter. 

They knew I’d be older when I found it. If they were here, how would they walk with me through the house to show me this place? 

You then glanced to your right, toward the kitchen. It had an open archway leading to a spacious open floor plan with a stationary island in the center. The table was to the right of that near beautiful bay windows that let the morning light in. To the back of the kitchen was the pantry and laundry room.

Mom would start in the kitchen.

Goosebumps danced their way down your body as you walked to the archway. You let your hands slowly slide from the floor, up along one side and down the other.

Nothing on the outside.

You then did the same on the inside but stopped halfway down on the side closer to the kitchen table. Your breath hitched when you felt the tiny button hidden in plain sight. Pressing it with utter anticipation and hope, a small pocket opened near the floor of the frame.

Another note…

Your hands were shaking slightly as you pulled the note from what had been its hiding place for far too many years, carefully unfolding it and seeing your mother’s handwriting.

Y/N,

Your first clue on this scavenger hunt. We’re so proud of you. You’re on the right path. My sister, your Aunt Ellen, knows the details of what you’ll eventually find. So does Bobby, Jodi, John, and Mary. We were all dear friends growing up.

Think of me and your dad as you walk through the house and the clues will come easy to you. The key in the little pocket where you found this note will be needed later on. Keep it safe. Where would I take you next?Love, Your Parents

For a moment or two, you looked at the letter quizically, then crouched down and retrieved the key. It looked like an ordinary key, although somewhat old as well. You slipped it into your pocket as you looked around the kitchen. 

You checked around the window cill, finding nothing, so you went to the laundry room. Something about the doorframes was important, so you checked this one, too, but there was nothing out of the ordinary there, either.

Before you got frustrated, you quickly went to the pantry, opened the door, and slid your hand along the top of the inner doorframe, finding another button. It was barely noticeable, but your fingers felt the tiny dip where it was nestled. Once pushed, another pocket opened up at the base of the doorframe.

You were feeling both anticipation and apprehension as you pulled out the folded piece of paper, unfolded it, and began reading.

Y/N,

You’re doing great. There are things you need to know. When I was a teenager, before my sixteenth birthday, a man approached my father and wanted me to marry his son, who was eighteen. My father turned him down, and that’s the nice way of how it went down. 

After I got my soulmate's name, which was your father, he and I were inseparable. The man, whose name is Mark Vaught, only got angry and was set on revenge. His son, Nick, joined him in his quest for revenge. They are a powerful family and very dangerous.

That is why you are in danger. Nick did have a son, a year ago. He’s intent on you, my daughter, being wed to his son. Due to the threatening letters, which we’ve hidden for you to find, we know that we will be dead not long after you are born. We also know that you won’t get the name of your soulmate like most sixteen-year-olds do because of that.

Keep looking, daughter. There is so much more for you to find.

Love, You Parents

Those goosebumps slowly crept down your body from your arms to your toes. Your heart was pounding in your chest, and it was again hard to breathe.

“I need a drink…” you mumbled, swallowing hard and grabbing a beer out of the fridge. 

You put all three letters on the table in the order you found them. That was when you noticed a little number in the upper right-hand corner of each one. So far, you’d found 1, 2, and 3, and it had only taken you under an hour to do so.

Your mind felt like it was spinning out of control. Between what you had overheard back at the garage, the comment Benny had made the first day you met the Winchesters, and now the letters from your parents, you were in a complete state of shock.

The Vaught family wasn’t one anyone messed with. You’d seen them on TV and in the papers for one reason or another but had never paid much attention to the stories. You did know that Nick’s wife had died during childbirth, though, but she wasn’t Nick’s soulmate. About the only other thing you knew was that the family had moved to California around the time your parents had gotten married.

Time slipped by as you stared at those letters, sipping the beer until it was gone before you finally got back up and looked toward the living room.

What would Mom want to show me next?

You picked up the letters, wanting to keep them close as you ventured into the living room. There were no doorways here, not with it being as open as it was and the main room of the small house. Your eyes went from the wall near the door, to the far wall where the small fireplace sat, and to the other wall that joined the hallway to the bathroom.

Fireplace…

You’d never thought much of the fireplace before. It was simple and served its purpose when the weather was cold. The rocks that had been used in its construction looked like typical flagstone and were slightly blackened around the edges due to the fires you’d had over the winters. The shelf above it was of simple wood where you had placed small nicknacks and a picture of you with your Aunt Ellen and Jo. You knew there had to be something, somewhere along it, so you slowly moved your fingers along the underside of the wooden shelf, finding nothing. 

You set the papers on the shelf as you used both hands, trying to find something that was out of place or slightly different. Even when you searched the sides and base, you didn’t find anything like what you’d found earlier with the doorframes. 

It wouldn’t be in the fireplace, would it?

Mentally questioning that very thought and how that would even work with the heat of the fire, you grabbed your phone and turned on your flashlight. Sitting on the small bench portion in front of the fireplace, you looked around the inner walls. They were charred, but the outlines of the stones could still be seen. 

You halfway leaned in to look up at the flue release. Nothing looked out of place or out of the ordinary. Grumbling quietly, you readjusted yourself, looking down at where you typically had a fire. You removed the metal rack where the logs went, setting it to the side. 

Using the flashlight on your phone again, you looked along the inner edges of the fireplace. Near the back right corner, there was something tiny that didn’t look like it was flush with the rest of the stone. You gingerly reached over and messed with it till you heard a slight click.

Outside the fireplace, literally right next to you, one of the stones had popped out and up, only slightly. With a slow, deep breath, you maneuvered the stone until it slipped out of its spot, revealing another letter. Under it was another key. This one, though, looked old, like one of those skeleton keys you’d seen in movies.

With the key clasped against your palm with your pinky and ring finger, you unfolded and held the letter, slowly reading the words your parents had left for you. You did take note of the number 4 in the upper right-hand corner of the paper.

Y/N,

Your father was worried you wouldn’t find this one, but I’m so glad you did. He’s teasing me that you have my smarts and my looks now. I wish you could grow up with him. He’s such a gentle, loving man, and he would have made an amazing father to you.

Now, to the important things. Because Nick couldn’t have me, he believes my daughter, you, are owed to him. His father drew up legal papers with the help of his lawyers for grievances against me because I didn’t marry him. In those legal papers, they state that if my daughter’s soulmate’s name doesn’t appear on her by her twenty-fifth birthday, she’ll be taken to be married to Nick’s son.

The trauma that happens when someone loses both their parents at such an early age can break a soul, wound it, deeply. That will happen to you when we’re killed by Mark’s men. More than likely, he’ll send Azazel to do his dirty work and make it look like an accident. More than likely, it will be a car accident, given the threats we’ve received.

We’ve hidden all the evidence for everything, along with the legal papers to keep you from having to marry Nick’s son, Cole. You’ll have to talk to Jodi and show her. She’ll know what to do. You’re doing great, finding the clues we’ve left behind for you. We both love you dearly. Next, we’ll tell you what will happen to your soulmate and what was threatened. That evidence is with the rest, at the end of this little scavenger hunt. The key under this letter will open what it’s locked inside.

Love, Your Parents

Far too many emotions were flooding your system, and you needed another beer. You slipped the key into your pocket with the other one while holding onto the letters. Even with the beer, your nerves felt shot. You debated going for something stronger but still wanted to think clearly enough to find the rest of what was clearly hidden somewhere in the place you’d called home for almost seven years.

While sitting on the couch, with the letters on the coffee table and the beer in your hand, you weren’t paying attention to the clock hanging on the wall near the fireplace. You’d put the stone back, and it looked like it was just another stone now. It was well past seven at this point. The sun had set nearly an hour ago, and you hadn’t even noticed, even though you had turned the lights on.

Your parents had been murdered, and it had been made to look like an accident by one of the most powerful families in California. Then there was the fact that you did have a soulmate but had no clue what it was because your soul was wounded.

You fell back against the back cushions of the couch, staring off at nothing in particular. It was a lot to take in, and in only a few short hours, it felt like an eternity had passed. The conversation at the garage that you had overheard was beginning to make more sense. Although you still weren’t sure how Dean fit into everything, not yet, at least.

Once you finished your beer, you picked up the letters, looking around the house again. 

Mom would show me my room next.

It wasn’t the room you had been sleeping in. It was the one that would have been yours when you were a child. You used the room as more of an office, storage, and miscellaneous room for things you weren’t into very much. Since you typically didn’t have guests, you never worried about setting it up as a guest room. 

First, you checked the doorframe, but this time, there was nothing there, which puzzled you. Confused, you looked around the room, wondering where on earth they may have hidden it. You remembered back to how it looked when it wasn’t cluttered with things. The window seat…

You set the letters on the desk before moving a few boxes around so you could reach the window seat easier. Moving with more determination than you had previously, you checked the frame of the window, next to the window, along the top edge of the seat, and then along the base of the window. Your fingers found a tiny indent, so you pressed it.

Three different clicking sounds went off in succession: one near your leg as you half knelt on the window seat, another near the door, and the third in the closet. That made your heart pound, and you took a few shallow breaths before reaching down and pulling out the next letter, unfolding it, and beginning to read.

Y/N,

This was supposed to be your room where you’d grow up playing with your toys before becoming a teenager and thinking about boys. I know you’ll only be here for a short time, though. I’m sorry for the dried tears on the paper. It’s hard to write these to you, my dear daughter. I will miss you so much.

About your soulmate issue. Your soulmate will still get your name on him. We don’t know who it is, but we’re sure that Mark and Nick will do whatever they can to keep him away from you once he gets your name at sixteen. 

All I know is that Nick told me, and I have the letter, that he could pay any woman to do whatever he needed them to do, even if that meant faking a soulmate mark to keep you from getting close to your soulmate and healing your wounded soul.

Your heart began pounding in your chest, goosebumps ran down your body, and again, it was hard to breathe. You briefly wondered if this had anything to do with Dean, but you weren’t going to hope for anything, not after the last time. So, you continued reading.

Whoever it is, he won’t feel a connection to her, even if her name is the same as yours and the mark looks real. He’ll know, deep down, that she isn’t his soulmate. Your father and I both have hopes that he’ll find you before you turn twenty-five. 

Love, Your Parents

You barely managed to take a deep breath when your phone vibrated in your pocket, scaring the shit out of you. After pulling it out and seeing who it was from, you sighed. It was late, and you’d completely forgotten about Dean and celebrating at Harvelle’s. 

“Hey, Dean. Sorry. I lost track of time,” you answered, putting the phone on speaker as you moved to pull out the note from the spot near the base of the doorframe.

“It happens. I know you didn’t really want to come. I mean, you did say that to me earlier. You okay, though? You sound kind of distracted or upset or something,” Dean replied.

You set your phone on the desk as you opened the letter, “Just reading a few things,” you mumbled, glancing at the letter.

Dean was silent on the other end of the phone for a moment, “How about I come over? The two of us could celebrate a job well done.”

“Sure,” you replied absentmindedly, not even paying attention to what he’d said as you focused on the letter in your hands.

“See you in about thirty then,” he replied and hung up the phone.

You hadn’t even heard him, completely lost in what you were reading.

Y/N, 

We had such amazing dreams when we found out we were having you. Your dad found this amazing house and surprised me with it a month into my pregnancy. I try not to cry when I think about not being around to see you grow up, but the tears fall anyway.

I think about the first time you’ll ride a bike and how many times you’ll fall off. I have a feeling you got your father’s stubbornness, so I know you’ll get right back up on it, no matter how many bruises you get. 

Then there’s your first day of school. I see you wearing jeans and not dresses. I have a feeling you’ll be more rough and tumble than a girl who wears dresses. I also see you climbing trees and giving Bobby a run for his money around the garage.

Your father is convinced you’ll have a love of old cars, and he wishes so badly that he could be there to build one with you, from the ground up. He also said you’d probably have a purple paint job, but I’m hoping for blue. 

I’m going to miss not getting to put your hair up in braids, pigtails, or ponytails. I hope you let it grow long. Your father wanted to teach you to shoot. I’m sure you’ll learn, though, and he’ll leave his favorites for you for when you’re old enough. Okay, now that I’m in tears again, I’ll close this letter. It was just one I wanted to write to you. No looming dangers, just the little things we’ll miss as you grow up without us. We both love you so much, and we’re going to miss you.

Love, Your Parents

You were in tears by the time you reached the end of the letter, sobbing silently as you sunk to the floor, covering your mouth with your free hand, trying to stay quiet. As you pulled your knees against your chest, the letter slipped from your fingers. You may not have remembered your parents, but you felt like you had learned about them through the letters. Now, it felt like you had a hole in your heart—some deep void of emptiness that nothing could fill.

You didn’t hear the knock on your door twenty minutes later. Or the footsteps that made their way inside, slowly moving through the house before they stopped in the doorway. Then, there was someone by your side, and they pulled you against them. You turned and buried your face into the person’s chest and sobbed.

“Shh, Sweetheart. I’ve got you,” and you’d know that soft voice anywhere. Dean held you close, with one hand while running his other over your hair while you sobbed. He glanced down at the paper on the floor, reading it from where he had sat down. His eyes widened, and if you hadn’t been crying so hard, you would have heard the change in his heart rate.

“He… he took them… from me…” you managed between sobs.

“It’ll be okay,” he replied, still trying to calm you the best he could.

Calming you took a little while, but your tears finally stopped. You slowly pulled away, but only slightly, attempting to calm your breathing. Dean stayed quiet now that your tears had stopped, but he was looking at you with more concern than you’d seen even Ellen have.

You reached up, pulled the other letters off the desk, and handed them to Dean, “My parents left these for me. I need to find the rest. Maybe you can help me figure them out. You’re welcome to read them.”

“If you’re sure,” Dean replied hesitantly, but he did take the letters.

You stood up, grabbed your phone, and went to the closet while drying your eyes and cheeks. There was one more you had to retrieve in here. The last letter hurt so much, but you weren’t going to stop now. You needed to see this through to the end.

This time, the little pocket with the letter was above your head, on the top of the doorframe. You pulled out the letter and clicked the pocket closed again, hearing the other two click closed as well. Y/N,

Hi, my little munchkin. It’s your Dad here. I built something for you, but I hid it. It holds all the things that your mom’s letters have been talking about and so much more. It’s a place you can hide if you need to, and no one will ever find it.

I wish I could be there to protect you, Baby Girl. I know I won’t be, so I did what I could now. Go where I’d take you to teach you about the love of your life. At least, I’m hoping it’s your passion when you’re older. A Dad can dream, at least. Your mom mentioned it in the last letter. Remember, it’s hidden, so you’ll have to play detective. It’s hidden so good that only you can find it, even as an adult. Here’s a hint: I know you’ll always be a kid at heart, though, and love to play games, like hide and seek.

There will be another letter when you find the sanctuary I built for you. 

Love, Your Father

A few tears slipped from the corners of your eyes, but you managed a deep breath, keeping yourself grounded. You set the letter on the floor next to Dean before you headed to the garage. Whatever you were looking for was in there, and you knew it.

Dean quickly grabbed all the letters and followed you, still reading, as he had only made it through three of them at this point. You clicked on the light and looked around. Everything in there had a place. You’d kept it neat as you usually worked on your car here or at Bobby’s garage. There were yard tools, holiday boxes, and the winter supplies you didn’t keep in the house. Your workstation was organized with tools hanging on the wall above it. 

Where though? Think like a kid playing hide-and-seek.

You crouched down, looking around, now at the eye level a child would have. The problem was figuring out where you would have hidden to hide from your father during a game. The garage didn’t look quite the same as it did when they were alive, but you let the memory overlay what was in front of you.

Slowly standing, you made your way over to a shelf that was next to your workbench, which your father had installed before you were born. There would have been a dark corner there in the past, making it the perfect place to hide. Taking out your phone again, you clicked on the flashlight, shining it around just as Dean came up behind you.

You checked along the floor first, but there was nothing. Then, you slowly and carefully checked the walls of the area, but there was still nothing. With a sigh, your eyes went to where the pegboard met the wall, and your eyes narrowed, focusing on a small opening that looked like a keyhole. No one would have seen it with how it was set into the material between the pegboard and the wall itself. 

Slowly reaching into your pocket, you pulled out both keys. You found the smaller of the two and tried it first, but it was far too small. Then you tried the larger one, the skeleton key, which fit perfectly. The goosebumps, shallow breathing, and thudding of your heartbeat came back when you heard the click after turning the key. Dean’s eyes went wide.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 5

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[georgiapeach30513]

Inside Her Fantasy, Part 2

Summary: You and Ransom can't stay apart

Pairings: Ransom Drysdale X Reader

Rating: adorable

Warnings:  mentions of sleeping together, 18+ ONLY

Word Count: 4K

Previous

Series Masterlist

*dividers created by @saradika-graphics

“Uncle Ranny!” Charlie shouts walking into the box of the Gillette, “Is this your box?” The little girl tugs on Ransom’s arms, but he shakes his head no. “I didn’t think this looked familiar. Oh my god!! Maevey, she’s going to be right there. Nixie, lookie, bubba, right there is going to be your future,” Ransom turns his head quickly, and the little girl smiles up at him, and turns back to her baby brother with a giggle.

“Nixie, if Ransom and her get married, she will be your aunt. Shh, don’t tell Ranny that secret. I don’t think he knows.”

“It was nice of her to get all of us in here. Bucky, you got Nixon’s headphones, right?”

“Yes, ma’am, Sarge. Nixie boy has got his ears, and he’s going to be dancing all night long, and then we’re taking all four of the kids home,” Bucky’s wife rolls her eyes, knowing that Ransom wouldn’t be going home with them. She heard her daughters tell her all about meeting you. He was smitten. Even now he is nervously staring at the stage. She just could see the difference in his eyes. He was interested in more than what you could offer him.

“Daddy, you don’t have four kids. Mommy are you…?!”

“No,” she says, putting her hand over Charlotte’s mouth. Walking over to her eldest daughter who is staring dreamily at the stage, “Maeve, you okay, baby?”

“I actually get to see her. Mom, she invited us here. I know that some people think it’s a big deal to be Bucky Barnes’ daughter, but this is a big deal. She’s going to be right there on stage, and…I’ve been a fan since I was Charlie’s age.”

“How long has this girl been performing?” Bucky grabs Nixon out of his wife’s arms, and places him in the baby carrier, letting the little toddler stare out at the stage as well. He turns around to peer up at his daddy, and pats his hand over his mouth, while Bucky kisses it softly.

“First off, let’s call her a woman. Secondly, she now has ten albums, and her first single went number one when she was sixteen,” Ransom interjects, getting the biggest smile from Maeve. Yes, Ransom had to do some research on you. It was for his nieces completely. It had nothing to do with himself.

“So she’s more famous than you, buddy. Oh, this is great. She gave you pity seats,” Ransom shoots an irritated glance towards Bucky. This wasn’t helping his nerves at all.

“No, her didn’t,” Charlie stomps her foot, staring up at her dad. “Her gave this box to me and Maevey, her biggest fans. Do they have chicken tenders tonight?”

Bucky’s wife goes over to check on her oldest daughter. Her eyes staring owlishly at the stage, still in a state of shock. Ransom wanders around aimlessly. Sitting down, only to stand back up, while Bucky and Nixon watch him. “Drysdale, you okay, buddy?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Never seen the stadium from here before. It’s nice. Spacious. That’s a giant stage. And it’s just going to be her up there. I’m out there with all of you, and…”

“You seem nervous,” Ransom shakes his head, but has to look away from his friend. “You met her for just a minute,” he remembers the feeling of knowing he had found his one. And sixteen years later, she was still his one.

“She’s different,” Ransom pulls at his collar when the lights in the stadium start fading. “She’s…America’s sweetheart. They all love her. And I’m…”

“America’s slut.”

“Shut up. I don’t — I mean I have, but not all of them. I enjoy a woman’s company, they just get annoying really quick, and if they have a laugh I can’t stand all they get is a peck to the check. Ya know?” Bucky nods his head, not fully understanding what was going on through Ransom’s head. “I just…”

Everyone turns to the door when a woman in jeans comes in. Nodding to everyone present, “Hey, so I was told to inform you guys if you’d like to stay after the concert, she has a few days off before her next stop, and…”

“Yes!” Sarge shakes her head, looking at her oldest daughter. “Mom, why not?”

“This is a three hour concert for just her set. Nixon and Charlie need sleep, and so do you.”

“I’m not a baby!”

The woman clears her throat, demanding attention again. “She will be off for a few days. Maybe Mr. Drysdale can handle waiting after the show for her. She would really like it if you waited.”

“I should really help them get the kids in bed,” Bucky playfully nudges Ransom’s leg, while all the girls turn to gawk at him. Maeve especially, realizing that Ransom was blowing this for her.

“Maybe you didn’t understand, Mr. Drysdale. It wasn’t as much of an ask as it was a request. Please, you want to wait for her. She normally doesn’t take long to get out of costuming, and the eyelashes come off, and the makeup toned down. It would be in your best interest to please just wait,” she gives a final nod before leaving the box, and Maeve walks to stand right in front of Ransom.

“She never talks after a concert. She’s interested. Don't ruin this for us. I need you to stay here and wait for her, okay?” Her head gives him a few nods as she raises her eyebrows.

“Us?”

“Ran, she is perfect. You can tell by her lyrics that this stage is just her job, it’s not who she is. Just don’t ruin this for us. I would love for you to spend the next few days that she has off with her. And then you can bring her over to the house because you always sleep in Charlie’s bed.”

“Yep, you do, Ranny. You need this. You don’t need to have twinkle toes no more. You need to sparkle!”

Ransom takes a deep breath as he paces the room. Wandering back and forth, and questioning what it was that you could want him to linger in the box for. He’d never seen Gilette like this. Not from this angle or it lit up with sparkling lights the way it was. You were even more incredible, and he questions what it was about you.

Ransom was in fact a simple man. And you had all this glitz and glamor up on the stage. Singing to a sold out stadium. Just you. Sure he’d played here to a sold out stadium, too, but with a team. These people came to see you. His honorary nieces were infatuated with you, and they weren’t the only ones.

A few times he thought he caught you looking up at their box. Of course you would know where they were. He told himself you were looking at Charlie and Maeve, but he hoped it was someone besides little girls. And hopefully it was a man that wasn’t married and 6’5”, and named Ransom.

He sits down, and stands back up again, starting to get nervous. You had forgotten and made him a joke by waiting. How long exactly did it take to get here? The stadium was empty, and janitors were starting to clean everything, and he was left here remembering your silhouette. Imagining you were making your way to him. Start with a playful conversation, and both of you would counter each other with quick remarks.

It was starting to feel like being in school when you would pass secret notes to your crush while your teacher droned on. He hadn’t even properly met you. He felt like he just stood there and stared at you while you smiled this beautiful smile at him.

“Ugh,” he groans, starting to head towards the door, but instead you open it. Giving him your beautiful smile. That’s what had taken so long. Gone were the fake lashes, red lips, glitter, crystals and larger than life woman. She was replaced by someone that seemed normal. Jeans and a shirt, but still the prettiest smile.

“Sorry,” you giggle as your eyes flick down his body. “I don’t like leaving the dressing room in her clothes.”

“Her?” He asks, a bit confused.

“Yeah, her. That girl you saw on the stage. That’s not really me. I change when I walk out on the stage. But then I take off the costume and makeup, and I become me again. Just a simple girl.”

He pauses a moment to smile and nod. His eyes trailing up and down your body. It was the same person, and yet so very different. “I love to sing and perform, but I love being me most of all. Are you like the cocky man that’s on the football field? Doing your little dances after a touchdown?”

You had watched some of his footage. You did care enough to learn about him and his career. So it wasn’t just him that was scouring the internet for interviews and clips to get a better idea of who you were, you did the same thing. Ransom starts to relax a bit more with this knowledge, “No, not exactly. The adrenaline — I get it. Why did you ask me to stay behind?”

“I don’t know. What I do know is I like to look at you, and the girls. It’s sweet. Real, and there’s just something that is enchanting about you. I can see by the way you’re looking at me you’re not used to having someone be so direct?” He chuckles, but it isn’t nervous like you had expected. Like the others always were.

“I don’t see the point in beating around the bush. I’m attracted, but it was how you were with those girls that really did it for me. And the baby?”

“Nixon. He’s my little linebacker. Well, one day. As soon as his legs get situated. He’s going to be unstoppable. He’ll be bigger than his dad. But first he’s gotta walk. He will though. He’s our rock. Bucky and his wife, we call her Sarge because she runs a tight ship, but they’re good people. Great parents. She had Maeve when she was sixteen, and they’re still together. They beat the odds, and made it, and have this beautiful life, and…you don’t want to talk about them.”

It was quite the opposite. Ransom’s eyes light up when he talks about them. Most men just wanted to quickly get you in their bed, but Ransom was talking about his family. That’s what they were. Teammates second. He respected their marriage, and loved their children. He was good with them.

“I have a mom. She’s very supportive. My dad’s an ass. But she wasn’t always the most loving. She was there, and made sure my education and sports was always top notch. Never did without, and she went to every game. But there’s something about the way Sarge and Bucky are there physically, mentally, and emotionally there for their kids. Even with Nixon. They divide their time, and god, I love those kids, ya know? I am sorry.”

“You’re fine,” your mouth turns up in the biggest smile as you watch him. “It’s cute. It’s a good quality in a man that wants a family.”

“Do you want a family?” He blurts out too quickly, and wishes he could take it back, but instead you nod excitedly. “What’s yours like?”

“I never knew my dad, but my mom — she’s amazing. I’m glad I can…well, I can make sure she has the best of everything that she needs. The Barnes and I are alike like that,” there was definitely more to it than that. Ransom could tell, but it was something you didn’t elaborate on. If you wanted him to know, you would have said something.

“I couldn’t have dreamed my life being like this, ya know? I thought I would be a music teacher with four kids by now. Life has a funny way of going, and telling you what it is you will do. Not what it is you want. I was gifted with song and being a storyteller, you were gifted with agility and strength, but that doesn’t guarantee we’d end up here.”

You and Ransom talk back and forth a moment before your hand presses up against your stomach, and a loud rumble echoes into the box. “How much time do you have?” Ransom asks with a devilish grin.

“I don’t leave Boston for another couple of days. And then it’s on to the next city.”

“I think you need food, don’t you?” You would love food. But there was always an entourage that went with you out in public. You wanted time with just Ransom.

“I think we’re going to have to sneak away from my security.”

“Don’t worry,” he stands, and offers his hand down to you. “I know how to get out of here undetected. Just make sure they know you’re safe. I really don’t need to get arrested for trying to kidnap you. Tell your PA.”

“Yeah, she’ll understand,” smiling you give June a quick text as you lift your hand up to Ransom. Looking down at your wrist, he smiles, tracing his thumb over the crude friendship bracelet he made. “I think you need to make me another one. I don’t need your phone number to get out to everyone.”

“I’ll make another one when I see my number in your phone.”

“Deal. Shall we go get some food?”

“Our chariot awaits, rosebud,” you pause as you look up at him serenely. Trying to hide the soft grin that was threatening to sneak up your throat. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“No. My mom used to call me her little rosebud when I was little. Said one day I was going to bloom into a beautiful rose. That is the title of my next album.”

“Well, how about buddy? Bud? Or I can use your name. Sorry, I keep putting my foot in my mouth.”

“I like Bud. But I like you talking to me more,” it was settled immediately. You loved hearing his voice. A deepness that rumbled out of his chest. Sounding a bit burly, but enough playfulness to make you giggle constantly. The way you bashfully keep biting at your lip, and feeling your cheeks heat up. Wonderstruck. He had captured you in the most pure way. How was he able to do that? He wasn’t even a jerk. He was pure.

“Ransom, it’s getting late.”

“It’s just two in the morning,” he smiles from across the table from you. His leg was propped up on your side of the booth. Any other man would have made you feel trapped, but with him, you wished he would close the gap and sit with you. It was late, but you didn’t want it to end.

“Are you tired?”

“A bit. I did have a three hour show.”

“Oh, but I got to wear a color changing bracelet and dance with the cutest four year old ever. But if you’re ready for our night to end I can take you to your room, or you can sleep in the most comfortable bed in all of Boston.”

You gulp as you look at him. You wanted him, but didn’t want to ruin the innocence of the budding relationship just yet. He was ready to take you to bed, but you could always set the boundary of just sleeping. You were tired, and just talking about it had made you even more so.

“This bed is so comfortable you’ll feel just like a princess.”

“On one condition,” you answer, leaning forward, and he meets you halfway across the table. “No kissing.”

“I can agree to that if you agree to my terms,” cocking up your eyebrow, you give him a short nod. “You don’t fall in love with me the first night.”

“Done,” your sweet giggle is music to his ears, even if he was slightly offended you wouldn’t fall in love the first night.

“You said that too easily, Bud. What happens if you do?”

“Then you get a kiss,” you give his foot a little push as you start to get out of the booth. Turning back to look at him. You wouldn't fall in love on the first night. That was just silly. You were creating a bond with him, but not like that. “Take me to the best bed in the city.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Ahhh!” Charlie screams as she points at her bed. “Ahhh! Daddy! Daddy! Ranny has twinkle toes, and he’s not alone! Daddy!!” Groggily you groan, burying your face even deeper into Ransom’s chest. This was not the wake-up call you were promised. “Daddy! Maevey! Mommy!”

“Psst,” Ransom’s arm holds you tight to his chest as he wiggles his fingers towards the tiny girl, “Charlie, baby, can you just go play with your dolls or something?”

“You have a woman in my bed, Ranny! And my dolls are…oh! My! God!” You look up at the little girl with a tiny smirk before nuzzling back into Ransom. He didn’t lie, this was the best bed in the city. But you think it had more to do with him than the bed itself. “Maevey!”

Charlie screeches as she runs from her room. Ransom’s arms go above his head as he stretches, and then back on you, pulling you even closer to him. “How did you sleep?” He doesn’t even attempt to get too close or make you uncomfortable. You assume it won’t be long until the entire Barnes clan returns.

“This was the best sleep of my life,” you weren’t even exaggerating. You had a six year relationship, and nothing felt better than Ransom’s arms.

“I think it’s because you had a big man as your pillow.”

“I think it was the pink canopy. These blankets really are so soft. Hey,” you smile up at Bucky holding his son, followed in by his wife, and the littlest girl. But when Maeve walks in, gasps, and walks back out you stifle a smile. “I was told this was the best bed in Boston, and that I would get blueberry pancakes.”

Everyone just stares at the two of you, and you clear your throat sitting up. Still in last night's clothes, and so was Ransom. Knocking his arm because you two had only slept two hours at most. “Guys, I believe we all met yesterday. But she has a new name, Bud.”

“It’s short for rosebud.”

“I’m going to make some blueberry pancakes I suppose. Charlie, baby, come help me,” Charlie shakes her head no, refusing to look away from you. “Charlotte Anne Barnes, now. Daddy, you keep Nixon,” the little girl gives you a bit of a wave before following her mother out the door.

Bucky grabs a chair from Charlie’s table, and sits down, staring at you and Ransom. “Guys, need I remind you that when two people love each other, sometimes babies are made. You two just met, you don’t love each other, and I would love it if you weren’t making babies or practicing making babies in my daughter’s princess bed, and…”

“We didn’t even kiss, Buck,” Ransom yawns, his sinewed arms stretching above his head again. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

“Did you have twinkle toes?”

“No, and I resent you asking,” it was like watching a tennis match. The two of them barely breathing before responding to the other. They were just like siblings.

“Then why are you here?”

You nervously look at anything that isn’t Bucky, mostly staring at the little cutie he had in his arms. His four tooth grin is looking at you. “I feel comfortable here, Buck. I just…”

“Bud? You mind giving me and Ransom a moment? Kitchen is down the stairs and directly to the left. I’m sure Sarge would love some help,” giving him a quick nod, you jump up. Stopping in the door to smile at Ransom. You are so tired, but got the best sleep of your life. Other than this moment, it feels right.

Bucky doesn’t say another word, until you’re completely out of earshot, and then he narrows his eyes at Ransom. “Ran, what the hell man? You bring a stranger into my home with my kids. And you’re in one of their beds.”

“She was asleep in Maeve’s room. So I didn’t bother going into the guest bedroom.”

“You have a home.”

“I have a house. And it’s empty,” realizing why Ransom was always here makes Bucky slowly nod his head. “I want what you have, so I stay where you are.”

“You want my family?”

“I want a family. I don’t have to be the father or husband. I just feel comfortable here. And she…we didn’t want to say goodbye, and if I took her to my house it would have been pressure to sleep together, and I want to. But I want to wait, and she’s incredible. She’s funny, and she’s…”

“You didn’t besmirch my daughter’s bed?” Ransom repeats the question as he laughs, shaking his head at the random word Bucky used. “Here’s the deal, pal, you brought her into my kids’ lives. She better not be a casual fling. Maeve loves her, idolizes her. Charlie loves anything Maeve does, and Nixon’s a flirt. Did you see him bat his eyes at her? You involve my kids and this becomes more personal.”

“If I involve your kids it means more to me than a night. You know that right? Those are my girls, and Nixon is going to be my linebacker, and I like her, Buck. Her laugh, she hums in her sleep. She fits perfectly in my arms. I like that.”

“Let’s go get some blueberry pancakes,” Bucky sighs. It was enough for him to realize Ransom wasn’t playing a game. If he brought Maeve around, then it was serious. Charlie is one thing, but Maeve is his princess. The first child Ransom had ever been around. The man that Maeve would run to over her own father.

“I can’t believe you guys didn’t kiss,” Bucky would have to call that out.

“Yeah, well, the princesses were staring at me. Cinderella is knocking me off my game. And I think Peppa was looking, too.”

You turn around from your conversation with Sarge when you hear Ransom’s voice. Looking back at her before you skip over to him. Looking up at him with the biggest smile. You liked the Barnes’, too.

Making sure no one is looking at your arm around his neck, pulling him down to your lips when you give him a chaste peck. “What was that for?” He asks with a smile, wishing he could kiss you again. Longer. Make it last. He didn't ever want to let you go.

“I owed you,” you sheepishly answer. Licking your lips just to taste the slight cherry flavor of his chapstick. “Last night was enchanting. I want…would you want to go to the next show?”

“You owed me?”

“Don’t make a big deal about it. But I always make sure to pay up my lost bets,” he looks adorable when his entire face turns pink. Going all the way to his ears when he realizes what you mean. He got the kiss because you fell in love the first night. No sex. No kissing. Just talking. And you wanted to talk even more.

“Yeah. Yes, I want to go to the next show,” you’d get with June to arrange him traveling with you. He was in his off season, and you were just getting started.

“Good. Bucky, you mind if I hold that handsome man?” You spin on your heels, needing to hold the sweetest little baby boy, while Ransom stares at his family loving you just as much as he is. Last night was enchanting. And he wanted every night with you. There are some things you just feel in every part of you, and he did. He would marry you. It was the first thing that Ransom knew with the utmost certainty, and he didn’t want to be away from you ever.

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season @marveloustaylortot @pono-pura-vida @peaches1958 @seitmai @smile1318 @andydrysdalerogers @cjand10 @midnightramyeoncravings @kmc1989 @floral-recs @fenixstar @astrorogers @musingsfromthemitten @patzammit @stillthatbetch @pandaxnienke

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Keep Thinking About Gale x Single Mom!Tav

A/N: Shout-out to @leighsartworks216 for letting me ramble to them about it. I just need to get all this stuff rattling around in my brain out.

I know, I know, Gale repeatedly says he's not father material, but have you considered that I want him to be a dad anyway and it's cute

So in my brain this single mom is named Gwen (Guinevere); a half-elf, wild magic sorceress

She came from a fairly well to do family, married a handsome and acceptably rich merchant and soon had a child on the way

Problems came when she gave birth to a healthy baby girl, who also happened to be a teifling

Seen as a bad omen, both her family and husband wanted her to give up the child, she refused causing her husband to leave her and her family to reject her

She didn't let that stop her though and soon she found a new home for her and Clara

Over the next eight years she worked hard to build a life for herself and make sure Clara never doubted for a moment she was loved

Gwen knew the world would be hard on her girl, so she made a point to build up her confidence and teach her it's never wrong to fight back when people are treating you unfairly; you can't take that shit lying down

Blunt and a bit intense, Gwen has seen and done plenty of shit and thought she finally had a handle on her life; and then she got kidnapped by illithids

Still haven't played the game, so I can't give a play by play of every interaction, but I do know early game she would be a bit distracted

Obviously her first goal is to figure out if her daughter is okay so it frankly is the only thing on her mind until she gets her hand on a sending scroll or something like it

Only after does she confirm that Clara is safe and with people she trusts can she focus on the task at hand

Takes a liking to Gale basically from the word go; he's respectful, he know hows to cook, he keeps making comments about his tongue, there is only so much a woman can handle

Gods know it has been a while since she's gotten laid

He starts rambling about magic and she can't not fuck him

Gale is hesitant at first because first the orb, second Gwen has made no secret she had a child and Gale doesn't see himself as father material, and three because he does really, really like her and doesn't want to make promises he can't keep

I'd say they're able to meet Clara before they head come to Baldur's Gate so Gale and the rest can meet her earlier; and to give Gwen some peace of mind

Clara is a very curious and headstrong, both of which Gale can appreciate; he can see why Gwen was so determined to get back to her, which only makes him admire her more

Also, quick aside about the rest of the companions; Wyll and Karlach would be ready to baby sit at any given moment, Lae'zel admires the child's fighting spirit and absolutely gifted her a sword, Shadowheart enjoys her more mischievous tendencies, and Astarion is classic wine aunt who hates all kids except Clara (he's been helping her stage of coup of the swing set)

Eventually feelings are confessed between Gale and Gwen leading to a proper relationship (and Gwen actually getting laid)

Gwen is absolutely not having it with him trying to blow himself up or becoming a god

Mystra: You must destroy yourself and the orb. Gale: Alright, let me ask Gwen. Mystra: No, that's not--. Gale: She said no.

Once everything is said and done, I'm going back and forth on if they would settle in Waterdeep

Clara has friends and it would be hard to ask her to leave, but I think Gale could compromise and get a position at a different magical university closer by

Either way, Gale settles into the domestic life rather nicely and dives head first into being the best father to Clara he can be

He absolutely devours every parenting book he can get his hands on, only to throw it all out the window once he's actually in it; Gwen did warn him, but old habits and all that

Probably waits a little longer to actually get married to see how they all function as a family together first; plus he wants to properly ask Clara if she's okay with him marrying her mother

I've got other random thoughts, but that about covers it for now, if you want to know more, feel free to drop an ask! I'm up for anything.

[fantasy-relax]

Others MC after gaining knowledge of the loop without memories of the past routes but keeping the new ones if the loop restarts. : Having a panic attack about existence *did anything matter? Did my chooses have no weight? What about the other versions of me? I'm the original or just another countless version lost in time? *

Trying to found a way out of the loop.

My shithead Mc : haha nice, *make a list of things to do, some are just things that never have time to do other are either are dangerous or inmoral*

Having the time of their life.

The list (NSFW included)

Beat the shit out the Stans with a bat

Go to parties with Angie

Try skating with Dani

Take Elena to a party with angie/ beat the shit out of all the annoying patrons.

Try Cinder unholy creation of drink

Tell alcina that she is an humongous bitch with the maternal abilities of a coconut.

Burn alcina secret artsy room. (Blame someone else if possible if not laugh at her face and square up)

Kidnap Bela and Cassandra so they and Dani could have a sister day.(Threaten to burn down the theater and the student council)

Tell Cassandra how a bitch she have been with her sisters.

Make Bela ditch her student council responsibilities. (kidnapping is in the table)

Try every single club

Steal a car

Steal all the technology that you always wanted.

Vandalism in all the walls of the school

Be gentleman with Cassandra and court her. Show support and help her to sleep more.

Kill the Stans the fuckers deserve it

Tell alcina that good parents keep their children away from dangerous cults, you stupid bitch. Burn alcina art room again

Help Bela so she can rest more.

Help Bela get back her heart what the fuck is going on here?

Hang out with Daniela and tell her that she is amazing and deserving of love.

Help Daniela break her curse, again what the fuck is wrong with alcina.

Pass time with alcina to know what the fuck is wrong with her.

WHAT THE FUCK ALCINA.

Kidnap that annoying pink head bitch and Burn alcina art room, with her inside.

Give some gifts to Daniela as apology for fucking her Mom in the past loop.

Hang out more with Angie to recover sanity.

Flirt with Angie aunt.

Beat the shit out of the annoying patrons of the flower shop.

Discover the killer. Okay, what the fuck is going on this school.

Flirt with donna, she kill you to protect Angie so try to forgive her.

Date donna, she is cute. Do your best to make her happy. Forgive her

Fuck her brains out, make her your precious doll. Now you can forgive her.

WHAT THE FUCK IS THE HEADMISTRESS DOING

Investigate Miranda

Be patient

Tear up her clothes, throw all the shit in her desk and Fuck her hard on the motherfucking desk until she is crying and then fuck her more. Run away from the scene

High Five mia in your way out.

Hide and hang out with Mia. Dumb ways to die so many dumb ways to die.

Avoid the headmistress.

See if you can convince (NSFW) :

Bela of fucking in the study council room. Treat her like a horny whore hiding behind the miss perfect mask. Praise her too. Make her cockwarm while she is working, edging her and the fuck her until she is overstimulated.

Donna of fucking In the front of her flower shop. Put her above the counter were anyone could see her come like a dirty whore, under the counter eating her out while she try to tell the clients that whatever they want will be deliver it tomorrow.

Run away from the school. TO THE HELL WITH EVERYTHING

Use Miranda as a fuck doll/ cumslut because she is the cause of everything. She wants you? Fine let's see if she can handle it.

Make know to all the student body that their headmistress is just a whore. Shame her, forget all about the rules for bdsm, forget about your morals. Be the worst version of you every time she triggers the loop.

Go to cat café.

Convince Daniela of burning down her mother art room. It will be cathartic. Angie can tag in too.

[sl-newsie]

Spelled (Carlos de Vil x Sanderson Daughter) Ch. 1: Control

“Ouch! No no no- definitely too much moon powder!” I hastily wipe my hands on my dusty skirt as I attempt to put out the purple flames coming out of my cauldron. I’m attempting a healing potion for my cat Twilight, but accidentally misread the spellbook. Mom’s spellbook.

But I’m too late to cover my tracks- I can already hear footsteps approaching outside!

“Magica! What have I told you about practicing magic?” My father yells from the doorway.

Twilight hisses and scrambles out of the kitchen, leaving me to fend for myself.

I cringe and turn around slowly. “Not to?”

My father, a tall buff man wearing a hunter’s cap, stomps into the room. “Yes! What if the Royal Guard was passing by? I don’t want you getting locked away!”

“But I don’t live on the Isle of the Lost, so magic is allowed here!”

“They don’t know-!” He sighs and rubs his head. “Since they don’t know about your mother, it’s best to just keep your magic hidden.”

“But dad, I’m finally getting the hang of this! I think I might write to Fairy Godmother and tell her about my magic-!”

“No!” My father stomps forward and puts a hand on my shoulder. “Magica, you’re my only daughter. If they found out you’re the descendant of a villain they could lock you up. I- I only want what’s best for you, understand? I know you’re proud of this gift and are a very talented witch, but sometimes it’s best to be normal.”

“But- but-!” I can feel my aunt’s temper boiling inside me. “Why should I be different?”

I wrap my cloak around me and storm out into the woods. There’s a secret spot I have near the stream that runs into the Enchanted Lake. It’s a small clearing big enough to practice my magic safely. After I sit down on a boulder I start tearing up, torn between being mad at my father for silencing my magic and being ashamed of being the descendant of an evil witch.

Yup, that’s me. Magica Sanderson, secret daughter of the infamous Sarah Sanderson. From what I’ve gathered, my mother seduced the Evil Queen’s Huntsman so Winifred Sanderson could steal one of her potions. The Huntsman became my father, and when he found out about me he immediately brought me to Snow White’s kingdom to keep me from becoming a VK. But the one thing he couldn’t avoid was the fact that I inherited my Aunt Winnie’s magical talent and my mother’s bewitching looks. I have my mother’s pale fair skin, white-blonde hair, and slim figure. I also inherited my Aunt Winnie’s bright green eyes and Aunt Mary’s love for Cheetos. I can’t help it- I’m a halfblood witch!

Father has tried to suppress my family ties by homeschooling me in our woodland cottage and dressing me in flowy pink dresses just like the goody-two-shoes kids wear at Auradon Prep. When I was old enough to control my powers, father brought me to the Auradon kingdom to meet Prince Ben, son of Beauty and the Beast. Immediately we became inseparable best friends, always causing mischief despite our parents’ disapproval. One time we slipped a hiccup potion into Chad Charming’s drink during a gala social, and spent the next half hour trying not to burst out laughing when he tried hiccuping at Audrey to ask her out! I told Ben about my powers, and he promised to keep it secret. He knows I’m nothing like my mother or aunts, and that I’d never try to hurt anyone.

But even so Ben’s acceptance can’t help fill the gap that separates me from the other kids in the village. I’m still different no matter how hard I try because I don’t have the arrogant, uppity attitude that the other kids have.

Mother, why do I have to be so different? Could I have at least one true friend who won’t disappear?

“Meow?” A voice calls.

I look over and see that Twilight has returned with another black cat- one with recognizable yellow eyes.

I sniff. “Hey, Binx. How’s it been?”

The two felines slink between my legs and rub their noses on my boots.

“Been fine, but from what Twilight’s told me you’re in a bit of a pickle. I know your dad means well, but even I agree that suppressed magic is never a good idea.”

I stop twirling pink sparks on my fingers and give Binx an odd look. “Why?”

Binx glances around nervously. “Well… I’ve heard stories of past maidens that try to bottle up their magic until any sudden breakdown can cause an outburst. Do you remember Elsa of Arendelle?”

The memory of seeing former Queen Elsa’s meltdown on tv runs through my head, and I have to agree that holding back my magic could lead to something worse.

“You’re right, Binx. But I can’t just do some tricks and expect the whole kingdom to be ok with it. I could be sent to Auradon Prep, or worse- the Isle of the Lost! And magic’s forbidden there so I’d be powerless! That and I’d have to live with-” I shutter. “My mom.”

Binx hisses and Twilight swipes a paw against my cheek. “No you won’t. We wouldn’t let that happen, and your father would protect you. I suggest you cool down a bit and then go back to the house.”

I sigh. “I guess so. But how long will I have to hide like this? All my life I’ve followed the rules and been nice, so I’m not wicked… am I?”

“No, no,” Binx assures with a soft voice. “It’s not that, it’s just that normal folks are unsettled by the strange and unusual. It’s like you said, you’ll be sent to Auradon Prep. You don’t want that, do you?”

I gag. “Ugh, no! Ben says all the people there are stuck up and half-witted fools! I would rather eat a toadstool dipped in boysenberry sauce than associate with those idiots!” I stand up and start walking back to the cottage. “Sorry Binx, but right now I better head back to father before supper. I’ll save you some fish!”

[annisassintchaska]

Didn’t Know: Jimmy Uso x Black!Reader

TW: Mention of miscarriages, please note that I don't hate Trinity❤️

Being the ex-wife and mother to the twins of Jimmy Uso, otherwise known as Jonathan Fatu, has never been easy. Y/n and Jonathan met during their time in High School and dated until they were 22 years old when they found out that they were expecting, they got married in a courtroom per her request which made Jon's family hate her even more since they had already thought she wasn't right for him. They ended up staying married for five more years before Jonathan met Trinity through his mom and aunts, and he officially started dating in secret with his family knowing yet no one told Y/n as they wanted her to be hurt if she was to catch them. A few months went by until Y/n caught them in their matrimonial home committing adultery. That was officially the end of their marriage after it was explained that his family was the one who set them up to date and he fell in love with her.

Today is yet another birthday for the twins and so Y/n had to deal with being around her toxic ex-in-laws. The party had already started and everyone had now gathered around to watch the kids blow out their candles and cut their cakes. Once that was done, both parents stood behind their kids for a group picture that obviously no one wanted copies of and so only Y/n was given one. The party continued on as the kids and their cousins went playing, eating while others were busy petting the animals from the petting zoo. A bit of an argument was going on as Y/n sat at the table with all the other adults, yet she paid it no mind and continued to listen to the music coming from her AirPods.

The mumbling which was actually yelling continued for a few more minutes until it suddenly went quiet after someone seemed to have mentioned something horrific about her; causing Y/n to look up to find all eyes on her, the one pair sticking out the most was her ex-husband's who looked at her with tears in his eyes as he walked slowly towards her. "Get up" Jonathon calmly ordered her, as he pulled her away from the crowd and into the house upstairs into a private room. "Jon what's wrong? You're scaring me" Y/n tried finding out the problem but was met with silence as Jon sat down on the bed and began to cry. "What happened while I was in the road?" he asked finally breaking the silence. "Do you want the truth?" Y/n asked softly in which Jon nodded for her to continue.

"While you were gone, your family never helped me. I was left on my own to study, work, take care of the house and the kids. They never visited me unless it was to get something and when they did show up, they'd abuse me verbally, mentally and physically yet I said nothing as I wanted to keep the peace with your family. I struggled a lot but made it work though many of the times, I was on the verge of giving up. Then came the disappointment of having eight different miscarriages while you were away. Throughout the years of you being on the road while we were married, you'd come home and we'd get down, I managed to get pregnant eight times but ended up losing them all before I got the chance to tell you, with two of them being the result of your mom and aunts ganging me because they didn't want me to go full term. The kids knew, your mom, wife and aunts know because they found me in pain a couple of times, but no one else has ever been aware. I screamed and wailed in pain while in the hospital, begging for them to call you but they'd just hit me in the pelvic area making it worse. I didn't say anything because they threatened me not to" Y/n explained to her now ex-husband who was not only silently crying but was also infuriated as his palms were now fists.

Jonathon said nothing as he got up and made his way towards his bag on the chair in the living room, taking out a file and walking straight into the backyard towards his family. "Jadian, Jayla? Let's go." he called out to his kids before turning to his wife Trinity. "Please note that since I've given you this envelope, we are now completely divorced, due to our marriage being void from me not signing my previous divorce papers; it means that I am still married to Y/n and as for my so-called mom and aunts, don't expect to see me, my kids or y/n at any future family gatherings as what you've done is completely unforgivable and I will not tolerate such evil." he spat at them with venom before hugging his brothers and cousins, taking his kids and heading to the car to settle them in.

Jonathan then made his way back into the house, going up to the room he left his wife in to find her crying to herself. "Hey mamas whatchu crying for?" he asked as he brought her into a hug. "I just feel like I failed everyone. I couldn't keep my family together, I was only able to give birth once during my pregnancies and so I couldn't give you the big family that you desired" Y/n cried into his shirt, frustrated with herself. "Y/n I want you to listen to me, you did not fail anyone, our family was never apart cause even though I was with her my heart was and still is with you. It was my fault for listening to my family and breaking us like that, but I promise you it won't happen again. We'll leave here and go back to Tampa where I bought us a new home and we'll never see them again." he comforted her as they made their way to the car, where they drove off to their new chapter leaving all the negative behind.

[legitalicat]

Get to Know...Aegon Targaryen ii

Cover done by @foxyanon ! This is a companion piece to The Lives of Friends, a collaboration between Foxy, myself, @zaldritzosrose, and @thenameswinter99 (writing blog @thenameswinterfics)

Interviewer: This is Gilbar Cheswright with TIME Magazine. Today I have been granted an exclusive with the once famed party boy turned CEO of Valyrian Holdings, one of the most successful businesses in Westeros, Aegon Targaryen ii. Aegon, thank you for joining me.

Aegon: Thank you for having me, Gilbar. It's such a an honor to be chosen for this piece.

GC: I am just glad we could make it work. Now, I want to get straight into it. You credit your uncle and former CEO of Valyrian Holdings, Maegor Targaryen, for your success today. How exactly did he come into play in your life?

AT: Well, my history with partying is no secret. You know, I didn't really have a strong support system in my parents. My dad was…well Viserys Targaryen has five children and none of us speak to him at this point, let's put it that way. And my mom, she didn't really have a leg to stand in to intervene and stuff. So, I found myself partying and drinking at too young of an age, and I even got into some heavy drugs. It was after my probably fourth or fifth stint in the hospital from an overdose that Uncle Maegor finally came and talked to me. He told me I was worth more than being a party boy and offered to send me to rehab. Up until that point, I can’t remember an adult in my life saying that to me. My siblings did, and of course my cousin Rhaenerys, but something about Uncle Maegor, in his proper business attire and his very professional demeanor, saying it to me really got to me.

GC: That's some heavy stuff. So, do you feel like you owe your Uncle in some way?

AT: I owe him everything. He paid for my hospital bills, my rehab stint. He paid for me to move into a better neighborhood and also paid for me to go to school so I could learn what I need for my job. He even got me a dog, Sunfyre, when I got out of rehab on the approval of my therapist so that I could have that companion and see the benefit of my life and sobriety is to others.

GC: Did you find it hard to transition into the business, given your history and considering you never had plans on touching it?

AT: I would be a liar if I said it was easy. I still find myself calling Uncle Maegor asking him questions. But like I said, he sent me to school before I took up the CEO position and he made sure I have an amazing support. He and Aunt Elvira are always in my corner, so is his mother my Great Aunt Visenya, my brother Aemond is our CFO, and I am beyond grateful to know my cousin Rhaenerys will always help if her duties at the museum allow it.

GC: You've mentioned your cousin, Rhaenerys, a couple of times. Can you tell me a bit more about her and your relationship? Was she always supportive of you taking over Valyrian Holdings?

AT: Oh, there's so much I can say about her. I would like to remind everyone reading she is Dr. Rhaenerys Targaryen, having earned her PhD in anthropology with a specialization in linguistics just a couple of years ago. I'm very proud of her, even though at first I didn't get why she wouldn't want to just have the company. I think she's always been one of my biggest supporters, and I will remain one of hers for the rest of my life. If she had wanted Valyrian Holdings, it would've been hers, but she wanted to forge her own path and has lifted up everyone around her while doing so. Even if I'm not the best at showing her all the time how much I appreciate her.

GC: It is so amazing that you have such a great support system. I'm sure they will be beaming with pride when they hear how you speak about them.

AT: I just hope they know it's the truth.

GC: So we’ve talked a bit about your past, your family, the business. I want to know, what are your plans for the future.

AT: Well a few months ago I bought myself a farm. It's really the perfect way to unwind after being in the city, but close enough that I don't have to worry about not being able to get somewhere if someone needs me. Ideally, I'll kind of get to grow that a bit more. I've got a horse and my dog currently, a field of crops going to kind of test the waters. And then, if I'm lucky, in a few years I'll be able to bring home my wife and then maybe start a family there, too.

GC: Is there any woman in particular? You haven't been publicly connected to anyone since you would party.

AT: I hope so. It's still pretty new, just about a month or two. If it were up to me, I'd have screamed her name from the rooftops after our first date. But she needs a bit more time, and I can respect that, cause my family is brought into the spotlight a lot more than I think she's ever been used to. So, all I can say is I'm really happy with her and I really can't wait to continue exploring our relationship.

GC: You sound like a man in love.

AT: Hahaha, I am definitely not saying that before I say it to her. But she is definitely very special and important to me.

GC: Haha, can't blame me for trying. Well, Aegon, thank you again for coming in and sitting down with me. Congratulations on being TIME’s Man of the Year, and I for one will be awaiting your future endeavors.

AT: Thank you, it's been a pleasure.

[smok3r7]

Latching On To You

Joel Miller x F!reader

Explicit, 18+

Chapter Two: History Repeats Itself

Series Masterlist & My Main Masterlist - My Ao3

Series summary: What happens when, after thirteen loving years of being with Joel, you start to feel like he’s slipping away from your grasp? How much of yourself will you lose because of the trauma your father put you through at such a young age? You could be wrong about Joel, but something is telling you otherwise - or are you just not healed enough to see past your own insecurities?

Chapter summary: Fast forward thirteen years, you and Joel have been living the dream married life. Both of you are excelling in work, and have been thriving together - your passion for each other has been strong. But when a close family member of yours dies, you begin to crumble and change into something vile - but Joel, he’s the one who becomes the villain.

Word count: 2.7k

Warnings: slight age difference (35/40), No use of y/n, no outbreak AU, smoking weed, abandonment issues, trauma from father w/ alcoholism, losing a loved one, attachment issues, HEAVVY angst, arguing turns kinda physical, accusations of cheating

~Thank you all so much for the love🫂 been feeling a bit under the weather, but y’all have helped with that! Hope you guys enjoy🩷

“Do you want the couch there under that window darlin’?” Joel yells, just as he and Tommy walk in the front door holding either side of the ‘L’ shaped sectional that your great-aunt, Isabelle, had left you. You come around the corner from the kitchen to see Tommy struggling to keep his side up, then you look behind him to Joel, who made the couch look like it weighed as much as a feather.

You were having a hard time trying to figure out where you wanted her couch - only because you and Joel move furniture around all the time and have accumulated a lot of house items since you moved in thirteen years ago. “Umm,” you started as you turned your body towards the living room window, which was huge - almost the length of the wall.

A smile grew on your face as you looked out at the beautiful wooded area behind your house. Then noticed how the sun rays beaming in through the glass pane lit up the room, you immediately knew that was the spot for it, “Yeah I do.”

“You heard my lady, Keep it moving dumbass.” Joel egged his younger brother on, however, Tommy is quick to come back, “Old man, relax, gonna give yourself a heart attack moving like this. Let me just get a better grip.”

Those two bickered back and forth like no one’s business, they never went too far but it always seemed like it could. You always found yourself laughing at them because it always started out with something stupid, it made you feel like kids again - you loved days like that.

You spun on the balls of your feet and walked back into the kitchen to finish dinner, for the three of you, just giggling to yourself. Listening to the two brothers struggle to figure out how to maneuver the couch quickly fades into a random song on the radio you had on in the kitchen.

You made a simple, yet delicious, dinner for the evening. A lemon chicken alfredo pasta, it was Isabelle’s secret recipe, you were the only person in your family to get a secret recipe out of her.

She would make this for you whenever you were sick or just feeling blue. It would make you feel better instantly, it was your comfort food for sure. She was like another mom to you, she showed you how to stick up for yourself, from your own thoughts. When she unexpectedly got sick around two months ago and passed away a week later, to say that her dying had an impact on you, was an absolute understatement. It changed you into an angry shell of a woman, your whole view of life had altered.

—

You got the call just as you were about to walk into a big consultation appointment with a client for your boss - you got promoted, yet again, now you were an assistant for the second best lawyer in the state of Texas, Mr. Dominic DelGato.

As soon as you heard your moms trembling voice answer the phone, you knew something was terribly wrong.

Before you even realized he was next to you the whole call, Mr.DelGato had seen your reaction to what you had just been told, “Go home. I got this, I’ll call you later this afternoon.” He says as you hang up the phone, you look up at him with glossy eyes, “Thank you.” Is all you muster out and then you quickly turn around to head towards your office to gather your things.

Tears threaten to spill down your face as you exit the red-bricked building, trying your hardest to not lose your shit in front of your coworkers and their clients. But once you locked your truck door, the tears started to flow out like a dam that burst open.

—

The thumping of Joel’s work boots on the kitchen tile a couple feet behind you, broke your mind from the memory of that dreadful day. You had been standing at the sink, with the water running, just staring out the window - not looking at anything specific. For what ended up being seven minutes when it only had felt like seconds.

“Baby girl?” He softly asked, already knowing you weren’t really there, he had called out for you a couple times before he walked in. Before you answered, you turned the faucet off and your hands gripped the edge of the counter, taking a second to breathe and looking at the thin band and beautiful diamond on your left hand. “Just got lost for a second baby,” you then turn your body around to face him, “I’m okay.” You half smiled trying to convince him, yet, it seemed like you were convincing yourself.

You can tell Joel wants to push you more but before he can ask if you’re sure, here comes Tommy behind him, “What smells so fucking good hun?” You slide over to the stove to stir the tall pot containing dinner, “Lemon chicken alfredo pasta, my favorite.” You hum as the fresh smell of lemons flows up in your nose.

Joel takes your place at the sink, washing the last of the dishes you used to cook. “God that sounds delicious, you should save a little plate for me hun,” Tommy starts, you snap your head to the left and before you ask questions, Tommy is already sharing why, “Maria is cooking at the house tonight, I can’t stay for dinner. But you guys enjoy and please, relax - you need it.”

“You better get home soon then, I’ve heard she’s got a temper on her.” You joke as Tommy gives you a warm hug, “Don’t get on her bad side, she will hate you. I know that feeling all too well.” Joel chimes in behind you, still washing pans. “Oh do you now?” There’s an inflection in your tone that makes Joel regret letting that fall from his mouth.

A beat goes by and you continue, “Thank you so much for your help today, I really appreciate you. Now get on home before Maria comes looking for you!” Tommy chuckles as he says goodbye to you both and walks towards the front door. After hearing the click of the lock, you exhale, not realizing you were holding your breath.

You silently go back to the pot of hot pasta and make yourself a plate, “Dinner’s ready.” You state walking to the long chestnut table in the dining room, no emotion behind your words. You were now irritated with Joel, why did he have to say that? “I know that feeling all too well” replays over and over in your head. The way he said it made you feel like he was trying to have a pity party for himself, it made you overthink everything about yourself. Hearing Joel like that, had brought you back in time to arguing with your father, that’s what hurts you the most right now.

—

Are you too needy? Do you ask for too much? Are you annoying? Does Joel hate you? Does Joel think I hate him? Is he even happy? You don’t have a temper…or do you? “All too well.”, what does that mean? Why is he the one having a pity party?

—

Your head begins to throb from the incoming migraine, the tips of your ears are burning red, your right leg bouncing underneath the table and your breathing is getting heavier. You are just a bomb waiting to explode, a bomb that Joel has no idea was even here as he sits across from you.

“Delicious as always dear.” Joel exclaimed after his first couple bites, whereas you are basically playing with your plate. “Mhm” you hum becoming annoyed quickly, you were trying your best to not explode on Joel, you simply didn’t have the energy to argue.

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman starts playing through the radio in the kitchen, this brings you over the edge.

“Fucking song.” You grunt and scoot your chair out so you can walk away from the suffocating feeling in the air. Leaving your dirty plate on the table was something you didn’t do, but here you are. “What is going on with you?” Joel questions as you angrily strut past him, trying your best to not cause hell, you ignore him and go out the slider to your backyard. After slamming the slider shut, you feel a brisk breeze that makes you wish you’d grabbed a jacket, but you were not walking back in there.

You grab one of the bigger roaches from the ashtray that’s on the patio table and light it as you curl up in a chair by the empty fire pit.

—

That song just had to play then, you always find a way to torture me don’t you dad? I can never escape you and your evilness, you will follow me till I die, won’t you? Why can't you just leave me alone? Why are you coming through Joel to get to me, what kind of hold do you have over me?

—

Your mind is in shambles, you can’t think straight. You just want to be left alone until you can make sense of them. But Joel can’t read your mind, though you wish he could, so you’re not shocked when you hear the slider open and shut.

“Sweetheart, I’m sorry I said that to Tommy. I was just trying to make a lighthearted joke, as soon as I said it, I knew I messed up. Didn’t realize this bad though.” Joel explains, as he kneels in front of your curled up legs, your dead eyes stare at Joel’s dark brown eyes and you take a drag off the roach, blowing the smoke up into the sky between the both of you.

Honestly, you aren’t even upset with him anymore because he apologized like he should - yet you still are raging on the inside because your father never did that. “Baby..please say somethin to me,” Joel pleads, “Even if you have to scream at me, do it.” You took that as a green light and the world you two shared, starts to crack.

“Don’t ever throw around that I hate you. It feels like your asking for fucking sympathy when all I do is love and support you altogether, shit is not funny.” You sternly state as your face goes stone cold, the roach you lit is gone somewhere.

“I wasn’t-“ he starts to interrupt, “Not a fucking negotiation Joel. You just don’t do that, because I have given all of myself to you.”

You’re fuming now, getting yourself all worked up over a joke, deep down you know this is ridiculous but your logical thinking is gone. “Since you feel like me giving you everything you could want and more, is the feeling of someone who hates you and you “know it all too well”. Why are you still around?” You two are standing at this point, you on one end of the patio against a wood pole and Joel is basically mirroring you.

Joel’s face is bright red, eyes twitching, he wants to yell back at you for being crazy but he knows you’re mentally dealing with a lot right now. Now you’re mad because he’s not giving you a reaction, this leads to you thinking he doesn’t care how upset you are. “Are you even fucking listening to me?” You yell taking a couple steps towards him with your arms up to be dramatic, he’s still holding himself back - until you push the final button.

“Fuck you Joel,” you hissed, now in his face. “You know what, it all makes sense now, you don’t care cause you’re out fucking Samantha. Just - Fuck you Joel.” This broke the restraint that Joel had.

“Are you fucking serious right now?” His voice booms outside the patio, he’s never been loud, but you weren’t backing down. “Then explain to me why you’re away all the time with her? You don’t always answer texts or calls when you’re with her, maybe I’m losing my mind but there’s something going on.” Now you’re loud in his face, trying to keep yourself together and trying not to cry.

Joel strides towards you and backs you up into the corner as he towers over you and bites back, “Because I fucking work with her!! She’s my assistant you dumbass!”

Immediately, you go into fight or flight mode - your body naturally choosing fight mode. You forcefully slap Joel across his face, creating a crack that echoed into the trees like Joel’s voice. As he backs away, you bolt into the house, up the stairs into the bedroom you two shared and locked the door. You turned your back to the door and slid down it, sitting on the floor while salty tears hit your lips and chin, terrified for what’s next.

Not even three minutes later, you hear the slider door shut, followed by Joel’s quick and heavy footsteps on the hardwood floor, his keys jingling next, then silence. You wait for him to say something, anything - but the sound of the front door slamming rang through your ears.

Joel left. You couldn’t believe it. Joel really left. You’re sitting on your bedroom floor that you share with Joel, in absolute shock, this was almost identical to how your last interactions with your father went.

—

After about an hour of hoping he would come right back, you were proved wrong, he was still gone and you had no idea where he was - frankly, you didn’t want to know. You find the strength to drag yourself into the bathroom that's connected to the room, and you run yourself an almost boiling hot bath.

You strip yourself of the sweater and jeans that Joel said he loved on you, looking in the mirror, you see a girl you don’t recognize. A girl who is not sure who she is anymore, a girl who is severely damaged, a girl who just wants to be loved and not left behind.

Not crying anymore, but your eyes are still full with tears. You slowly sink into the deep tub of steaming water, the burning sensation bringing you comfort and some kind of security.

You begin to replay the evening in your head, trying to figure out where it all started. But the thing was, it was all you, you’re the one in the wrong, Joel did nothing wrong. Until the end, he did not have to corner you or call you a dumbass, that was Joel’s error, a pretty big one at that.

About two hours later, you’re out of the tub, laying in your shared bed with one of Joel’s flannels on - but Joel’s still not home. You roll over to look at the clock on your nightstand that reads, “12:28AM”. Rolling onto your back, you feel something in your chest rip so violently that you swear, you could hear the rip of your own heart. Did you just lose Joel forever, because you’re turning into your father?

—

Did Joel really abandon you? Is he over at Samantha’s? Did Joel mean it when he called you a dumbass? Why is the curse of your father following you and the man you love so deeply? What are you going to do? This time is different, Joel has never left after an argument - he’s never not been home to sleep either. Are the thirteen years of you and Joel going to be thrown away all because of you?

[tatsumessy]

You took my heart, and gave it a home - {008}

Synopsis

you, rin and all the blue lock boys are classmates in your final year of high school. both of you have to work together on a project so thankfully yours good friend bachira was way too excited to give it to you, but who knew that would turn into everyone you know and love finding out your worst secret.

Pairing

Itoshi Rin x fem reader

TWs

physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, alcohol abuse

Taglist 💕

@shikamiru @babbymario @oppirate-blog @little-charlatan @vilarawaltn @miyuaditt @beidousbubz @saeswifeeee @heartstealer-law @sheeshizzy @justxiao @tsukishiro-yue2402 @bbg-blue-lock

“Y/n?” Looking up you saw your aunt standing by the entrance, she didn’t even give you the change to stand up before she was attacking you with a hug. “Are you okay?” She asked and you nodded your head but the tears wouldn’t stop falling. “Come on, let’s get you to the car.”

She walked you over to her car and the both of you got in and drove to a little diner so that you could eat. “So…what’s making you so mopey?” She asked taking a bite out of her fry then looking up at you, poking at your food you shrugged your shoulders and let the past few years replay in your head. “Is it your dad?” “Mm no. I’ve been dealing with him for four years now…” Aunt Lia sat up straight then clasped her hands together.

“That son of a bitch is going to prison, I can promise you that but if he’s not the issue then what is?” You let out a pained sigh and looked out the window watching people walk by with genuine smiles on their faces. They weren’t faking it like you normally would, you were jealous… “there’s this guy that I really like at school and he found out about the bruises and what my father does to me. He took pictures and used them for our project which wasn’t really the issue. It’s just that..” you paused catching your breath because you could feel the tears forming.

“It’s just that I feel so weak and useless. Before he found out I felt like I was dealing with this issue my way. Now he knows and even took pictures it’s like I’m being judged for letting it go on for so long. And deep down I just feel like I’m fucked up in the head for letting it all happen. I-I even hid this from my friends telling them that I live with my d-dead mom.” You hid your face behind your hands crying silently, your aunt got up from her seat infront of you and slide into the booth next to you.

She wrapped her arms around you and forced you to lean on her. “It’s okay Y/n. You’re brave for doing what you did. They are going to understand why you did what you did, I just wish you would’ve said something to me sooner so you wouldn’t feel so alone.” She said voice cracking in the middle of her sentence. “I was so scared!” You shouted into her shoulder only loud enough for her to hear, “I took my frustrations out on him…he didn’t deserve to be slapped and yelled at.” You admitted feeling guilty for snapping at Rin, even though he was wrong for using your pictures for the project you knew he meant well.

What he did made you open your eyes and finally reach out for help… “I’m going to move down here until you graduate, then we’re going to get out of here.” She lifted your head and used the pad of her thumbs to wipe your face. “You hear me?” You nodded your head alongside hers, “is your father at work right now?” You pulled your phone out your pocket and the first thing you saw were missed calls and messages from Rin. Your heart twisted again and you decided to ignore them then look at the time. “Yes he should be.” “Okay let’s go get your stuff and we’re going to stay in a hotel tonight.” You replied with an okay and the both of you headed to your apartment to get your things.

When you unlocked the door you immediately heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall. “Y/n! Where the hell have you been?” Your father yelled coming into view, “I got a call from the school saying you weren’t in class, where th-” he paused seeing your aunt walk through the door behind you. You were trembling so badly that your aunt could tell, she place both of her hand on your shoulders calming you down. “What are you doing here Lia?” He asked lowering his voice at his older sister.

“Im here for my niece. You son of a bitch.” She said walking from behind you and slapping him in the face, “How could you do that to Mira?” She yelled slapping him again and shoving him on the ground, you flinched from the commotion but stood there holding yourself in a protective stance. “Y/n go pack your things.” She said and you didn’t even hesitate before running to your room and grabbing the suitcase from the hall closet and rolling it over to your room.

Due to the apartment walls being thin and the door being open you could hear their conversation pretty clearly. One thing led to another and Lia revealed a secret that made you freeze in your spot. “SHES NOT EVEN YOUR CHILD!!” A struggled set of grunting could be heard and that urged you to finish packing your things faster. Your back was to the door so you failed to notice your father standing in the doorway with a large kitchen knife in his hands. You turned to grab the small keepsake box your mother left you that was right by the door, when you completely turned the knife dug right into your abdomen.

You couldn’t even recognize him at all, it’s like all life and color left his eyes and he looked relieved to be doing this. He pulled the knife out the plunged in back into your stomach and due to fear you couldn’t scream. It wasn’t until he back hand slapped you into your small bookshelf right onto the knife that was still in you. You let out a pained scream and dropped to the ground, he started to take steps closer so to try and defend yourself you took the knife out of you with loud sobs and shakily pointed it towards him.

Out the corner of your eye you saw your aunt run into the room and knock him upside the head with something. He groaned and stood back up but he wasn’t quicker than Lia. She grabbed the knife from you and held it up to his neck. The both of them started shouting at you, him screaming curses and wishes for you to die while she was telling you to run to the car. Too much was going on and you could barely see, your eyes were blurred with tears and blood and everything was hurting.

Getting into the fetal position you started crying harder hoping this nightmare would end. You wished someone would save you from this horrible horrible life, maybe it’s be better if you died. No one would care right? You were alone anyways, right? No one could possibly love a reject like you right? Someone who lets a forty year old drunk beat and rape them right?

Breaking you out of your intrusive thoughts a smooth voice called out for you. Lifting your head barely able to see it was Rin. Why is Rin here? You can’t hear anything he’s trying to say to you. Oh, he’s trying to pick your up, NOPE, that hurts way too damn much. Why is he helping you? Why is he handing you over to the ambulance and looking at you with those eyes. Those eyes like he cares. Like he feels like he might die if he looses you. You’re not that close so why is he making that face? Everythings getting dark, are you dying? Atleast the last thing you’ll see is Rin.

So much pain, you’re in so much fucking pain, but it’s worth it to be able to see this view. Right outside your hospital room are freshly bloomed cherry blossoms which meant graduation was right around the corner. “There she is.” You slightly turned your head to look at Lia who had just walked through the door with a bouquet of flowers in her hands.

You sat up slowly wincing a bit when you finally sat in the position you wanted. “Your secret admirer just dropped these off for you.” She said gazing at the flowers in admiration for sitting them down on the table next to your bed. “Thank you.” You said and looked down at your hands in embarrassment. Lia gently caressed the top of your head and bent down to get eye level with you, “What’s wrong sweets?” She asked and you just smiled trying to hold back the tears, “it’s finally over…” she nodded her head yes and you pulled her in for a hug thanking her over and over again for helping you.

“I have a surprise for you.” She said and let go, she walked over to the door and slid it open revealing Isagi, Chigiri, Nagi, Reo, and Bachira. They all gave you comforting smiles waiting for you to signal them to come in. “Guys when did you all become so distant with me.” The first person to run over when you said that was Bachira, he attacked you with a hug completely forgetting the injury. He apologized after being smacked upside the head by Chigiri. Isagi handed you a different bouquet of flowers and you set it down on your lap silently giving him an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry for not telling your guys what was going on with me.” You spoke watching as Nagi slipped into your hospital bed and laid his head against your lap. “Do you know how scary it was to watch Rin carry you out of your apartment covered in blood!” Bachira said expressing the feeling he was experiencing in the moment a week ago. “Guys where is Rin by the way?” You asked accidentally interrupting Chigiri, “he said he feels like he doesn’t deserve to be here.” Isagi responded fidgeting with your fingers.

“But he’s been sending me flowers everyday ever since I got here. I would’ve assumed he’d come to see me. He saved my life…” you said staring at the bouquet sitting on the table. “Excuse me, visiting hours are over.” The nurse said walking into the room with a smile on her face, everyone was compliant on leaving besides Bachira and Nagi. Bachira whined and shouted about not being able to spend time with his hospitalized friend while Nagi pretended like he was asleep. It was so believable, hell even you thought he was asleep.

Everyone ended up leaving, and once again you were alone. It was your last night in the hospital and Rin and failed to come and see you. This kind of pissed you off and you needed to do something about it, pulling the IV out your arm you got out the bed on shaky legs almost falling but kept yourself up by a miracle and walked out your room over to the nurses station to check yourself out.

masterlist - next

[zephfair]

Hello? Anyone still here?

Hey, who disappeared for months and has desperately missed all her little friends who live on this hell-site but has been too exhausted and overwhelmed to actually login ... and who lost track of where this sentence was going ... Yeah, this girl.🤗

But, wow, have I missed you all and all the beauty that is Tumblr, and I hope you'll forgive me for secreting myself away since--holy cow--January.

Quick life update behind the cut.

So, I knew going back to work full-time at my age after quite a long unintended break AND now having health disabilities, well, I knew it would be hard. I knew I would have to adjust my whole, entire life. I expected it to be incredibly difficult, and I fully planned to give myself some grace and time in having to change my every routine.

But somehow, I still underestimated it.

I am so thankful to have a job now, with a steady (if small) income and benefits that frankly make me want to weep with thanks. I mean, I don't have time to go to the doctor, but at least now I could afford to go, if I could get there.

But wow, work is tough. Not just the literal work but, as I said, changing my entire life around it. I'm not complaining, but I am doing my best to learn all new skills (job is not in my old field), relearn how to work and reschedule my own needs and just upend everything.

The absolute worst thing has been trying to take care of my aunt. I was to leave town on Jan. 7 to start my training on Jan. 8.

My 90-year-old aunt fell and broke her pelvis (and a finger and needed some stitches) Jan. 2. I spent every waking hour with her over the rest of that week. While I'd planned to spend that week cleaning my house, getting my business in order and just resting, I was freaking out and traveling through the snow and literally worried sick about her.

It was bad.

And I couldn't stay with her like I did when she broke her hip because I had to attend training full-time. At least they let us come home super-early from that first on-site week of training, but that led to a literal nightmare of a drive home one night through snow, ice, rain, flooding and fog that I'm not joking I've had nightmares about before and now since. Long story.

So, I spent January and February training and working 9 hours a day then spending all day Saturday at her place cleaning and doing laundry and making sure she had everything she needed for a week, and then I had Sunday to do my own laundry and clean the house and take care of my own things...which just keep getting pushed back because I'm too worn out.

Thank God, Aunt made a miraculous recovery and now is doing her own house and laundry etc. but I still go out one day a weekend and do anything else she needs and make sure she has all her groceries and supplies and stuff.

We're all each other has.

Needless to say, I haven't been taking care of myself. I don't sleep well anyway, but add the stress of the new job and my dear aunt and my own health issues, and I'm exhausted. Weary. Overwhelmed and just so very tired. My body is so heavy, I can barely move anymore. It's bad.

And when I finally got to my doctor two weeks ago for my long-delayed check-up, found out I was right about my blood pressure being sky-high again. It went high for the first time several years ago when my Mom was dying, but it eventually settled and was fine. But yeah, it's bad again now. No shock there. And all my lovely chronic health conditions have flared which was no surprise--again, I had braced myself to expect it and power through it, and that's what I'm doing. But it sucks. And it's hard. And there's so much pain.

I don't want to say much about my job, but the over-arching Praise the Lord wonderful thing about it is working from home. There have been so many days already that I never would've been able to get to an office to work, but I can push through it here because I don't have to use any spoons to get myself "ready" (sweatshirts and leggings, no personal grooming necessary, yay), and I don't have any anxiety about driving because zero commute. It has its challenges too because Teams is a weird office communication alternative to get used to, but on the good side, I don't have to deal with interpersonal drama from co-workers.

The work itself is challenging, but I have some days where I finally feel quietly competent and think, Oh, I can actually do this. And then there are some days that leave me in tears and praying for help because it's just too hard. But there's no way I'm quitting; they're going to have to fire me because did I mention the benefits are incredible? I mean, I live in the US and if you knew how much I had to pay last year for my own health insurance, and then the scope and biopsies and then the skin cancer and surgery and then the other skin pre-cancer biopsy and treatment. Yeah, I'm still in big debt from all of that.

So I keep praying that they keep me and that I'll do a good job. And my immediate supervisor has started piling extra work on me over the past 3 weeks so suddenly I'm doing my own stuff AND cleaning up the work from co-workers who aren't keeping up. And all of them have been working since October while just a handful of us began in January?

I have been complaining about this to my aunt, and I thought it meant that my supervisor thinks I'm incapable or is punishing me for trying to get through own my entire workload every single day. But she believes he's giving me all their shit work because I'll actually do it, and I admit, I have gotten some of it completed successfully after they'd given up on it. So, I don't know.

I know that I'm a perfectionist and I've always pushed myself as hard as possible to do my best at work (not at housework and other things in my life lols) but I really hope that it gets me a good reputation at this job and they keep me.

So yeah, that's what's going on here. I've completely abandoned the fandom things in life that I actually enjoy. I almost feel, like, guilty when I'd think about trying to make some time to browse Tumblr or wasting time on social media or even trying to write fic. I get done with work at 6:30 pm, and until I get something to eat and then clean up, it's 8 or 8:30. I have to spend about an hour on the phone with Aunt (and I call her every morning, break, and lunch time too). By then, I can barely walk or move so I just try to make it upstairs to bed. Even though I can't sleep, it just feels nice to lie down.

But I miss all of you. And I miss fandom fun. And I want to be around more because maybe it would recharge me rather than me feeling so freaking overwhelmed every minute of the day.

And I promise not to complain and bitch all the time, now that I've gotten it out of my system. But thanks for listening.

I do miss you, and I love you all.

PLEASE let me know if I've missed anything important in your lives and goings on here! I've got A LOT of catching up to do!