#just. just the little things to try to help where she can even if it's small because she didn't have anybody to help her when she needed it | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

pbaz7 · 3 days ago

Text

CROSSING THE LINE — PART FOUR ♡

paige x azzi

word count: 5.5k

A/N: Alright this chapter is a little shorter than the other one's but the next few will be longer! We finally get to see the outcome of Azzi leaving 🫣. Please keep leaving comments and live reactions, they seriously make my day.

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

November 2023

Paige had tried calling Azzi that morning, her fingers hesitating over the screen before she finally pressed the call button. The phone didn’t even ring before going straight to voicemail. She frowned, trying again, only to be met with the same result.

Frustrated but not willing to give up just yet, Paige decided to try Caroline, figuring Azzi might have told her where she was or needed her help if she did go somewhere. But when Caroline answered, her tone was firm, almost apologetic. “Paige, I can’t tell you,” she said. “Azzi asked me not to.”

“Seriously, Caroline?” Paige snapped, her voice sharper than she intended.

Caroline sighed. “Look, I’m sorry. I just… I can’t. You’ll have to wait until she’s ready to talk to you, she just told me she needed to get away.”

Paige ended the call feeling even more irritated, a bitterness creeping into her chest. So she moped around the suite for the rest of the day, her phone always in hand, checking it incessantly. Every notification made her heart jump, only to have her disappointment and hurt settle deeper when she realized it wasn’t Azzi. At one point, desperate to get her mind off of things, Paige tried going to the gym. She pushed herself through a far too intense workout, hoping the burn in her muscles with each set would drown out the ache she felt in her chest, but it barely made a dent in her mood.

By the next day, when she still hadn’t heard from Azzi, her frustration had morphed into something darker. She didn’t want to admit how much it hurt—how much Azzi’s absence left her feeling hollow and unsettled—so she did what she always did when she didn’t want to deal with her emotions.

She found someone else.

The girl showed up that evening, and while Paige went through the motions, it was different this time. Her actions were almost mechanical, her words borderline cold. She made it clear from the beginning that this was just for sex, no strings attached, and she stuck to it. When they were done, there was no lingering, no casual conversation, no pretending like she would call her. Paige stood up from the bed and handed the girl her clothes without hesitation.

“You can go now,” she said casually, her tone devoid of any warmth, of any emotion at all for that matter.

The girl looked taken aback, but Paige didn’t care. By the time the door clicked shut behind the stranger, Paige was already strolling into the common area, her expression unreadable, acting as if nothing had happened.

This pattern repeated over the next two days, Paige’s encounters becoming increasingly detached and transactional. She barely even looked at the girls as they left, her mind elsewhere entirely.

Wherever Azzi had gone, the damage would already be done by the time she got back. Paige’s hurt had hardened into something sharper, and she wasn’t sure if she was angrier at Azzi for leaving or at herself for caring so much that she did.

…

Azzi stepped into the suite late Monday night, three days after she had left, with her bag slung over one shoulder and a determined expression on her face. She was tired from traveling back from wherever she had been, but the weariness didn’t dill her resolve. She needed to talk to Paige.

The sound of buttons being furiously pressed drew her attention to the couch, where Ice sat with her headphones on, deeply engrossed in the game in front of her. Azzi gave her a small nod as Ice looked up.

“Hey,” Ice greeted, briefly pausing the game.

“Hey,” Azzi replied, as she glanced toward Paige’s closed door.

Ice noticed the look on Azzi’s face and raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything at first. Azzi turned away, heading straight for Paige’s door. Her hand was already on the knob, ready to open it without knocking—something she’d done a hundred times before.

“I wouldn’t,” Ice said kind of frantically, her voice cutting through the quiet.

Azzi paused, glancing over her shoulder with a confused frown. “What?”

Ice leaned back on the couch, her game forgotten for the moment, and gave Azzi a serious look. “Just… trust me. Knock.”

Azzi hesitated, the unfamiliar warning sending a feeling of unease through her. Still, she trusted Ice enough to take her advice. So with a quick exhale, she knocked on the door.

For a few moments, there was only silence as she waited. Then the door swung open abruptly, and Azzi found herself face-to-face with Paige for the first time in days.

Paige stood in the doorway, her expression unreadable, almost stoic. The usual warmth in her blue eyes was replaced by a cold detachment that sent a pang of guilt through Azzi’s chest. Azzi opened her mouth to speak, but before she could get a word out, her gaze shifted past Paige to the girl lying on her bed.

The girl was half-covered by a blanket, her hair messy and her body language far too comfortable. When the sight hit Azzi she immediately felt like she was about to throw up and whatever words she’d been about to say died in her throat as she just stood there.

Paige’s expression didn’t change, her blank eyes meeting Azzi’s as if daring her to react. “What?” Paige asked flatly, her voice devoid of emotion.

Azzi’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. Her hurt was too sharp, too raw to translate into words. Instead, she just stood there, stunned and speechless

Paige scoffed, the sound harsh and dismissive, and without waiting for a response, she slammed the door in Azzi’s face.

Azzi stared at the closed door, still lingering as if she could somehow push through the moment. But the sight of Paige's expression and the girl on her bed played on a loop in her mind, each replay cutting deeper.

Ice watched the whole thing but didn’t say a word. She just watched Azzi, her usually teasing demeanor replaced by quiet concern. As Azzi turned away from the door, Ice’s gaze followed her retreat, but she made no move to intervene.

Azzi walked past Ice without meeting her eyes, her shoulders stiff, her thoughts racing with everything she had planned to say but couldn’t. Ice let her go, sinking back into the couch with a sigh, silently bracing herself for whatever fallout was brewing between the two.

…

The tension that had settled between Paige and Azzi after that wasn’t just a passing thing. It was a slow burn, spreading through every practice and team event. For the past week and a half, everyone witnessed the shift. Nothing overly dramatic, nothing that caused an outright scene, but something was different. The chemistry that once seemed unshakable between Paige and Azzi had been replaced with an uncomfortable distance, one that made even the simplest things feel like obstacles.

Nika and Aubrey worked tirelessly with one another in practice to offset the forced movements, calling plays and adjusting to shifts in defense. But the connection between Paige and Azzi was broken. The fluidity they had once shared was absent, and the team could feel it.

It wasn’t just the lack of contact between them at practice; it was the silence that filled the space between each word they exchanged. When Geno called out instructions or made them do something together, their responses were clipped, their focus seemingly more on avoiding the other than executing the plays.

Some of the team tried to pry, casual questions about how things were going between them, but each attempt was quickly shut down. Paige would just brush it off clipped comments that were emotionless, and Azzi wouldn’t say anything, simply turning away, her usual warmth replaced with a wall that many of them hadn’t seen before.

It wasn’t that Paige didn’t care—it was that she cared too much. She just didn’t know how to express it. She couldn’t even look at Azzi without feeling the ache in her chest, the gnawing sense of loss that had taken root after that morning when she woke up alone with no explanation. So, she continued to fill the void, as she always had. She barely even noticed the girls anymore, but she kept bringing them around, hoping that doing something, anything, might help drown out the silence between her and Azzi and stop the thoughts from swirling in her head.

She couldn’t quite articulate why she did it to the few teammates that asked—it wasn’t because she was interested in any of them and she definitely didn’t get anything from the exchanges. It was just that they provided a brief distraction her mind clawed at in desperation to ease the dullness she was feeling through her entire body.

Each time Paige came home with a new girl in tow, Azzi’s irritation only deepened. She would be on the couch or in the kitchen, trying her best to remain composed, but the moment Paige walked through the door, it was as if the air shifted. Azzi’s eyes would narrow, her jaw tightening, and if she was already sitting, her posture would become rigid. Sometimes, if she was on the couch, she’d roll her eyes so dramatically that it seemed painful, the silent judgment lingering between them. She’d scoff under her breath, but never utter a word to Paige, as if silence alone could speak louder than anything she could say. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to confront Paige; it was just that the words never came.

The hurt was so clearly written on Azzi’s face every time, but Paige couldn’t bring herself to acknowledge it. Her own heart was in too much turmoil to even care about whatever Azzi was feeling. The silence, while deafening, was easier than facing the rawness of everything they’d both been avoiding.

One morning, after another night spent at a girl’s house—another night of doing absolutely nothing this time around—Paige walked back into the suite, hoping to slip in unnoticed. Azzi was already in the kitchen, a mug of coffee in hand. She didn’t look up when the door clicked open, but the second Paige stepped inside, Azzi’s voice cut through the stillness.

“Nice at least you had the decency to actually stay the night with this one.” Azzi’s words were sharp, her tone biting.

The comment hit Paige like a jab to the ribs, the weight of the unspoken accusation hanging in the air between them. She froze in the doorway for a moment, the anger building in her chest before she exhaled sharply, her eyes narrowing.

Paige’s voice was cold, her usual tone with Azzi these days. “You don’t really get to speak about that, considering your history Azzi.”

Azzi’s eyes snapped up, her expression twisted in confusion and irritation. “What the hell are you talking about?” she shot back. “I’m not the one who’s sleeping with the entire campus.”

Paige scoffed, the sound bitter as she shook her head. “Niice let’s pull the whole Paige sleeps around card” she muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Whatever Azzi.”

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked into her room, slamming the door behind her, the sound echoing through the quiet apartment.

The silence that followed was harsh, until the faint shuffle of footsteps broke it. Ice stepped out of her room, brow furrowed as she took in the tension that had been hanging in the air. She glanced between Azzi and the door to Paige’s room, clearly concerned.

“What happened?” Ice asked, her voice low, but carrying the weight of her worry.

Azzi didn’t even look up, her gaze fixed on the empty space in front of her. “Nothing. Just another day,” she said, brushing off Ice’s question, trying to sound indifferent.

Ice crossed her arms, clearly not buying it. “Azzi, come on. I heard the door slam. That’s not ‘nothing.’ What’s really going on?”

Azzi exhaled sharply. “Ice it’s nothing I want to talk about, alright? Just drop it.”

Ice, who had spent days walking on eggshells around the two of them, wasn’t having it this time. She stepped forward, her expression soft but firm. “Look, Azzi, I get it. You two are in a rough spot right now. But I’m telling you, whatever you did to her you need to fix it.”

Azzi’s chest tightened at the implied accusation. She lifted her head, her tone defensive. “Why are you assuming I’m the problem here? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Ice’s gaze softened, but her voice remained steady. “Look, I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. I’m just putting two and two together Az. Paige was the one drowning herself in drinks that night. I had to basically carry her up the stairs when we got here. The next morning she came looking for you and she’s been like this since then…so.”

Azzi’s jaw clenched as the words sank in, but she didn’t let herself show how much they were affecting her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ice,” she muttered, eyes diverting from Ice’s gaze.

Ice let out a soft sigh, her frustration giving way to genuine concern. “Azzi You might not see it because you’re pissed at her right now or whatever, but you know Paige is the sweetest most selfless person we know. But whatever happened that night... it turned her into someone I don’t even recognize anymore. She just looks so sad or angry all the time and the few times she does crack a smile at someone it seems forced and out of obligation. That’s bigger than whatever argument you two are having. So please just fix it.”

Azzi’s breath hitched at Ice’s words, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of guilt and doubt about what she should be feeling. But she quickly shut it down, unwilling to listen, unwilling to accept that maybe she had played a part in all of this. Her mind set on her version of events. “Like I said, it’s not my fault,” she said sharply, as though trying to convince herself.

Ice’s voice grew softer, really trying to get through to Azzi. “You know Paige would do anything for you. She’d turn the whole damn world upside down if it meant you would be happy, and I know you know that because you teased her about it all the damn time. But right now whatever is going on, whatever happened I can tell she feels like you’re just... another person she’s lost and you know how she gets in her head about stuff like that Azzi.”

Azzi froze at Ice’s words, her heart beating harder in her chest. A part of her wanted to believe it. A part of her knew just how much she meant to Paige, But the bitterness inside her that had to watch Paige go back to sleeping around with random girls like it was nothing refused to let go. So she shook her head, a hard look in her eyes. “Paige treats me like every other girl she gets bored with, Ice. I doubt she’s as broken up about us not talking as you think.”

Ice didn’t even react to Azzi’s words. She had seen enough to know that they weren’t true. “Come on, you don’t even believe that,” she said, her tone calm but pointed. “You know exactly how she feels–you’re just not ready to admit it.”

Azzi didn’t respond. Instead, she let out a small, frustrated sigh and walked toward her room, shutting the door behind her without another word.

…

Even though Paige and Azzi weren’t in the best place—both of them carrying an unmistakable anger toward one another—they still cared about each other more than anything in the world. It was like they were tethered by an invisible string, a constant pull that neither could escape. No matter how far they drifted, they always came back, surfacing for a quick breath of air when they knew the other needed it most before going back under.

That’s why, when Azzi’s birthday rolled around, Paige couldn’t bring herself to ignore it. She knew how much Azzi had been dreading this day. They spent hours talking about it one day during the summer, the time where they would spend everyday getting to know one another. Azzi was spending her birthday without her family for the first time. So it didn’t matter how hurt, angry, and confused Paige was; she couldn’t let the day pass without doing something.

Azzi stepped into her room, the quiet stillness pressing against her in a way she hadn’t expected. Birthdays had always been bittersweet, but this one felt heavier—emptier. She had tried not to think about it all day, pushing the pang of loneliness aside. No family. No big celebration. Just another busy day of her telling the team she didn't want to celebrate.

Her gaze drifted toward her bed, and she stopped in her tracks. Sitting squarely on her pillow was a small, carefully wrapped box. The wrapping paper—adorned with the smiling faces of Elsa and Olaf—brought an involuntary laugh to her lips, soft and tinged with nostalgia. She knew instantly who it was from.

The memory of forcing Paige to watch Frozen—not once, but maybe 10 or so times—brought a bittersweet ache to Azzi’s chest. With a shaky breath, she walked over, picking up the box. The wrapping wasn’t perfect, corners slightly crumpled, but it was clearly Paige’s best effort. Azzi ran her fingers over it, a sad smile creeping onto her face.

She sat down on the bed, careful as she tore open the paper. Inside was a small jewelry box. When she opened it, her breath caught in her throat. Nestled in the box was a beautiful silver heart pendant, simple yet elegant, glinting softly in the light from her room.

Azzi’s fingers traced the smooth surface of the heart, her thoughts inevitably drifting to Paige. The way she smiled, the way she laughed, even the way she annoyed her most days– every detail of the blonde seemed to live in this small necklace. But her attention was soon drawn to the card that also rested on her pillow. Her chest tightened as she opened it, already bracing herself for what was inside.

The handwriting was unmistakably Paige’s—slightly messy but deliberate ‘Happy Birthday Az.’ But what truly made her breath hitch were all the signatures and words around. They were all from every single member of her family.

Tears welled up in Azzi’s eyes as she read the words they had written, her vision blurring. Paige had somehow managed to reach out to Azzi’s family—miles away—and have them all sign the card. She couldn’t even fathom how much effort Paige must have put into this, knowing how much it would mean to her.

A single tear slid down her cheek, followed by another, until they came freely. She clutched the card to her chest, her emotions unraveling as she whispered into the empty room, ��God, Paige… why can’t you just let me hate you for a minute.”

In that moment, all the pain, the distance, the walls they’d built between them seemed to crumble just a little. Even when they weren’t talking, Paige had cared enough to remind Azzi she wasn’t alone. With trembling hands, Azzi unclasped the necklace and slipped it around her neck, fastening it securely. The weight of it against her skin was both comforting and overwhelming. And that, more than anything, left Azzi completely destroyed.

Despite this, the silence that lingered between them stayed the same. Both of them were experiencing feelings they had never felt before and couldn't find it in themselves to talk to one another. No words seemed like enough to express just how broken each of them were, just how much they both felt.

There was a hesitance that lingered between them, like an invisible wall neither knew how to break down. Pride? Fear? Hurt? Maybe all of it at once. Conversations that used to flow so naturally now felt like a daunting task, weighed down by all the unsaid feelings and misunderstood actions.

So, Paige and Azzi continued to exist in the same space, but their silence had become the loudest thing between them. The atmosphere in the apartment wasn’t as heavy but it still lingered and they both bore it in their own way. Paige had stopped bringing girls home, though it wasn’t out of any sense of compromise—more like resignation. They didn’t hold her attention, and it was more draining than anything to sit there and pretend to listen to whatever it was they had to say. The season kept her occupied, and though UConn had won their first two games, the chemistry between the players was strained. And it was clear to everyone—especially Paige and Azzi—that they were capable of so much more.

Then came the third game.

Despite the fact that UConn had won, Azzi played a game far beneath her usual standard. Missed shots. Bad decisions. A lack of the confidence that had once been her trademark. It wasn’t a total collapse, but it was jarring to watch it unfold. And everyone could feel it. The team had pulled through, but Azzi’s performance lingered in the air, like an unspoken question no one could answer.

Back in their shared suite, Azzi was isolated. She’d retreated to her room after the game, a rare moment when she didn’t have the usual fire in her eyes. The slow loss of her confidence throughout the game had been too much to handle, and as she scrolled through social media, the criticism rained down on her. The comments, the posts, the critiques—they all hit harder than they should have. The self-doubt crept in, overwhelming her. She knew she was better than this. She knew she could do better—but tonight, it felt like the world was telling her she couldn’t.

Paige, knowing exactly how much Azzi struggled with this kind of pressure knew Azzi would internalize it all, even when she shouldn't. So Once again coming up for a breath of fresh air even with the silence that lingered between them, Paige silently made her way to Azzi’s room, her hand reaching to open the door.

When she stepped inside, the sight of Azzi laying on her bed with her phone in hand, eyes red-rimmed and filled with tears, knocked the air out of her chest. Paige didn’t say a word. She simply moved toward Azzi, gently taking the phone out of her hand. Azzi didn’t fight her, didn’t protest, her hands too weak to stop Paige’s gentle movements. Paige locked the phone and set it aside before crawling under the covers next to her.

Azzi didn’t immediately respond. She kept her distance, staring at the pillow, her breathing shallow. Paige hesitated for just a moment before she carefully pulled Azzi on top of her, guiding her head to her chest. It was an unfamiliar gesture—but the silent bond they shared, the deep connection that tethered them to one another, made it feel like home the moment Azzi rested her head on Paige’s chest. Paige rubbed slow, soothing circles on Azzi’s back, her hand tracing over the familiar patterns as Azzi finally gave in, burying her face deep against Paige’s chest as the tears began to flow freely.

The silence between them was thick, but it wasn’t empty. It was filled with everything they couldn’t say. Azzi’s emotions—about the game, about herself, about everything she had been holding in—poured out in the form of quiet sobs. Paige didn’t speak. She didn’t need to. She just held her, feeling the warmth of Azzi’s body pressing against hers, reminding her of everything they still had, everything they could have.

As the time ticked by, Paige continued rubbing soothing circles on Azzi’s back, her touch slow and steady. The tension in Azzi’s body began to fade, her cries growing softer with each passing second. Paige could feel the weight lifting from Azzi’s shoulders, even if just a little, as she finally started to relax. Eventually, Azzi’s breathing evened out, slow and steady, and before long, the crying ceased altogether. The silence in the room deepened, and Paige felt Azzi’s body become still in her arms.

When Paige finally realized that Azzi had fallen asleep, her breath soft against Paige’s neck. Paige hesitated, a portion of her brain not wanting to disturb her, the other portion loving the way Azzi felt against her chest. But as much as she wanted to stay, to keep holding Azzi and never let go, she knew she had to leave. Slowly, carefully, Paige tried to extricate herself from Azzi’s grasp.

As she moved, Azzi, still in a deep sleep, unconsciously gripped onto Paige’s shirt, her hand clutching the fabric tightly, as if trying to keep her there. This made Paige’s heart ache. She could feel the pull of Azzi’s need, but as much as it hurt to tear herself away, Paige knew she couldn’t stay.

With a quiet sigh, Paige gently unwrapped Azzi’s hand from her shirt, and though every part of her wanted to stay in that bed, stay in that moment with Azzi, she slowly slipped out from under the covers. She stood beside the bed for a moment, looking down at Azzi’s peaceful face, before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on Azzi’s forehead. It was a kiss full of tenderness and care, an unspoken promise that, no matter how broken they were, there was still something between them that could be fixed.

She pulled away, her heart aching, and shut the door softly behind her.

As Paige walked toward her room, she caught sight of Ice standing in the hallway, her eyes immediately locking with Paige’s. The concern in Ice’s gaze was unmistakable, but it was the sadness in Paige’s blue eyes that struck her the hardest. Ice saw it. She saw how badly Paige was hurting, even if Paige was trying to hide it.

Without saying a word, Ice opened her arms, a silent offer of comfort. Paige hesitated for a moment, her chest tightening, before she reluctantly stepped into the embrace. She forced herself to hold it together, unwilling to break down in front of anyone. She stayed still, but her arms were stiff, her mind racing with all the things she wanted to say to Azzi, but couldn’t.

Eventually, Paige pulled back, the hug lingering just a moment longer than she wanted, and gave Ice a weak smile, barely more than a fleeting, pained expression. Without another word, she walked past Ice, retreating into the quiet of her room.

…

After that night, the silence between Paige and Azzi clearly wasn’t one of anger anymore. It was much softer, filled with longing, a quiet understanding that neither of them could fully name. They missed each other.

It started off slow. It went from both of them keeping their doors shut all day to them leaving them open. They would sit in the common area, not speaking, but neither one of them moving to leave. It was as if the space between them was hanging on a delicate balance, each of them too cautious to disturb it.

Paige would catch glimpses of Azzi absentmindedly playing with the necklace she had given her, the one she only took off for games and practices now. It was a small gesture that spoke volumes. Every time Paige saw it, a slight smile would tug at her lips.

They both had waved the white flag, they just didn’t know how to break the silence.

Paige now sat on the edge of Nika’s bed, her hands pressed into her lap, fingers twitching with restless energy. She couldn’t meet Nika’s eyes, even as her twin studied her with a knowing gaze as she was trying to get Paige to finally talk about what happened.

“Paige,” Nika said again softly, her voice a calm counterpoint to the hecticness that had been brewing inside of Paige. “I know something’s been bothering you. It’s been weeks, just talk to me so we can figure it out.”

Paige just shrugged, eyes flicking to the window as if the answer could be found in the dull gray light outside. “It’s nothing. I’m fine, Nika.”

But Nika wasn’t convinced. Besides Azzi she knew Paige better than anyone, knew the signs when Paige was holding something in. This wasn’t the usual “I’m fine.” This was different—subdued, like Paige was a thread stretched too thin, about to break.

“Paige,” Nika insisted, her voice softer now, “stop shutting me out. I can tell something’s been going on with you. We’ve been through too much together for you to hide it from me.”

Paige’s lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes darting to the floor. There was a tremor in her chest, and she fought to keep it contained. She wasn’t ready to talk, wasn’t ready to let anyone see the cracks in her armor just yet.

Nika didn’t push too hard, but she didn’t let up either. She sat down next to Paige, close enough that the warmth of her body was a quiet comfort. “Come on,” Nika coaxed, her voice gentle but insistent. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but you’re not fooling anyone anymore. Definitely even me.”

Paige exhaled sharply, then, almost as if the words had been building up in her chest for too long, she whispered, “We slept together.”

Nika blinked, not sure if she’d heard her correctly. She tilted her head, voice steady but curious. “What? Who?”

Paige’s gaze snapped to the floor, her throat tightening as she repeated it, a little louder this time. “Azzi. Me and Azzi…we slept together.”

Nika absorbed the words, the weight of them sinking in slowly. She had seen the chemistry between Paige and Azzi for a while now, had seen the way they glanced at each other, the quiet touches when they thought no one was watching. It wasn’t surprising, exactly, but hearing Paige admit it was different.

“I... I don’t know what to say,” Nika said, voice soft but not judgmental. “Why is that a bad thing? It should be good, right?”

The question hung in the air, and that was when it happened. A single tear, slow and hesitant, escaped from Paige’s eye, tracing a path down her cheek; because yes, it should’ve been good. It should’ve been amazing. Paige’s hand instinctively went to her face, as if trying to catch the tear, but she couldn’t stop it. She felt it—felt everything—the confusion, the hurt, the abandonment all spilling over in that one small, silent tear.

Paige’s chest tightened, her breath catching as her walls finally crumbled in the quiet of Nika’s room. “She was gone the next day,” she whispered, her voice cracking. The words felt like rocks in her mouth, heavy and painful. “She... she just left me. When I woke up, she was gone.”

The floodgates opened then, the words pouring out faster than she could contain them. Her shoulders shook as another tear slipped free, and then another, until the tears were flowing in uninvited yet unstoppable. Paige’s chest heaved as the weight of it continued to press down on her, the pain she had been holding in finally spewing out.

Nika didn’t say anything at first. She simply reached out, pulling Paige into her arms with a tenderness that only she could offer.

“It’ll be okay, twin,” Nika whispered, her voice barely audible. “It’ll be okay.”

Paige couldn’t answer. She could only let herself break, the sobs wracking her body as Nika held her close, whispering assurances over and over again. The comfort of Nika’s arms right now was the only thing that kept Paige from completely losing herself to the turmoil inside her, she missed Azzi so much.

After a while she fell asleep in Nika’s bed, the weight of her emotions finally easing in the stillness of the room.

Nika didn’t disturb her. She let Paige sleep, knowing how much she needed the rest. After a few minutes, Nika gently moved away from the bed, making sure not to wake her. She grabbed a piece of paper from the nearby desk and scribbled down a quick note:

Wanted to let you sleep. Text me if you need anything. I'll be around. -Twin

With a soft sigh, Nika placed the note on the pillow next to Paige before she quietly exited the room.

The rest of the suite felt too quiet as Nika walked to the common area, her mind racing trying to figure out how to fix the situation. She needed to do something. There was only so much she could do by offering comfort. She needed to handle the bigger picture.

She pulled out her phone, her fingers moving with purpose. Within seconds, she created a group chat with the rest of the team, making sure Paige and Azzi weren’t included. The message was simple:

Team meeting in 20 minutes. Can’t be in my suite.

#pazzi #paige x azzi #pazzi fics

208 notes · View notes

quarterlifekitty · 16 hours ago

Note

more medieval fantasy au time! reader whose life sucks and wont be missed by anyone in the present life suddenly finds herself back in time after blacking out and being mistaken for the assassin who was given orders to kill any of the cod boys (or price becos he's my hubby). cod boys/price decides to keep her under their watch closely in case she makes any more attempts to kill them. love myself some slowburn enemy to lover shite <3

Fun fact about me. I enjoy that shite, played out isekai manga/manwha trope where a girl gets reborn into the story of her favorite dating simulator except she’s reborn as the villainess and has to try to use her knowledge of the game to change the story and avoid dying to the heroine or one of her many devoted love interests. But often her sudden change in personality piques the interest of one of those love interests…. Here’s a very dark hentai with a somewhat similar plot to this trope, if you’re interested! Ghost coded, imo. Noncon warning.

Anyways

Prince!Gaz doesn’t believe you when you say you weren’t trying to kill him, but he does believe you when you say it isn’t your fault. Poor thing. Must’ve been forced into it! You don’t have to worry about that anymore, he’ll keep you safe from whatever criminal underbelly manipulated you into doing this. He turns you into a bit of a pet project. A perfect rehabilitation of a criminal. It’ll be a brilliant morale boost. Maybe even more so if he takes you as his wife? Controversial, yet romantic— the bards will eat it up for sure.

Knight!Soap thinks it’s a bit fishy. Why go after him? Why not the captain of the guard? He’s kind of a dickhead, but he doesn’t make any personal enemies. He’s just gonna have to keep you until you fess up and tell him who hired you and what the motive was. And how lucky he is that the assassin they sent was so cute and squeezable, too! He doesn’t mind having to keep you.

Warlord!Ghost considers this an open proposal for marriage. He’s very much attracted to your gall and open animosity towards him. Both excellent qualities in a wife and a mother. Very well— he accepts!

Lord!Price can see that you’re not a natural born killer. This must have been your first time. Your attempt failed— so he won’t have you killed… he takes a look at you and decides that humiliation is a more fitting punishment. So he’ll be keeping you collared and on a leash for the foreseeable future.

Artificer!Nikolai can see what’s happened right away. You have the smell of otherworld clinging to you. You’re not from around here. But he’ll play along as if he doesn’t know that. As for your punishment… he’s been wanting an apprentice. Some cute little thing to help him around his workshop. Looks like you fit the bill on that.

176 notes · View notes

luludeluluramblings · 3 days ago

Note

This is a little long and you don't have to acknowledge this, but I have a thought about Pregnant!reader. What if she just doesn't really need that much help during or even after birth? Let me explain, where I am from some of the women are the tough "I don't need help" type of people. A friend, the husband, or they themselves will drive to the hospital, they give birth all natural, doing most of the work while a doctor and a few nurses are there to make sure nothing goes wrong. Then after they're discharged someone brings the baby out to the car, and I've even seen the moms just drive themselves! They are fully capable of doing so and I know that your not supposed to drive for a good while after birth but they just do it anyway, or they have a trusted person drive them. Anyways, women that I know personally that have given birth and go home just don't really need all that much help. They've got it all under control somehow. They got everything they need for themselves and the baby. So what if pregnant!reader was like that? How would the Batfam react to reader just not needing any help from them during and after birth, purely because they don't really need it? (Bonus points if the batfam didn't even know she had the kid till she was already at her place) Sorry that this was so long!

This is giving me flashbacks to my mom coming in my house the morning after I got home from the hospital, came into my room while me and my husband were asleep, and took our newborn (eldest) to make them a bottle because they were fussing. She was trying to be helpful, and everyone got on to her about it and she never did it again, so don't worry! But, the paranoia and mom guilt has stuck with me to this day.

But, I can see Reader doing that out of pure self sufficiency. She couldn't rely on the family for her emotional needs, so why would she rely on them for her baby's physical needs?

In this instance, I don't think even Stephanie could get through to them. That need to do everything yourself is strong.

And, if you show any signs of fatigue or exhaustion, you'd have the family hounding you to let them help. Which just adds to the stress.

Plus, even if Reader is a new mom, the other members of the family hardly have any experience with babies.

The situation would be delicate and like walking on egg shells. Yeah, they can guilt trip Reader into the manor with the offer to help them, but Reader actually letting them help is a whole other battle.

Someone would have to literally do everything to build up the trust and take baby classes and the works. And, even then, I can imagine Reader tearing someone a new asshole if they try to tell them how to do things properly.

God forbid someone like Bruce tell Reader how to hold a baby. Dude will get something thrown at him guaranteed.

#luluramblings #answered asks #anon ask #pregnant!reader

134 notes · View notes

trippinsorrows · 17 hours ago

Text

without you + four

authors note: damn. it's been a minute. wanted to at least update this story for ya'll before christmas. i'll try my best to not make the next update take as long.

warnings: none

song inspo: be without you by mary j. blige

one + two + three

words: 5k

“Ooooh, this some nice white people shit.”

“Alexis!”

Leave it to this girl to always say some out of pocket shit at the wrong time. You offer an apologetic gaze to the workers who cast her an almost strange look at her outburst before elbowing your best friend. “Bitch, would you shut the fuck up.”

She sucks her teeth, offering an excuse versus an explanation. “What I say?” She gestures around the backyard that’s just about fully decorated. “You know black people. We usually got that one nice centerpiece of them big ass balloons and a Sam’s or Costco sheet cake for baby showers. That’s about it.” Rolling your eyes, she just has to add on. “It’s like when we have a funeral, and they done put Grandma Rose in them ghetto ass clouds talking about some sunrise to sunset.”

At that, you have to laugh. “Okay, you not wrong there.”

“I’m never wrong. Duh.”

“Whatever.” You take in once more just the opulent display that Alexis and Kaylah have been working on over the past few weeks. Initially, they wanted to find a venue to rent, but considering this baby shower will only include close friends and family, a venue seemed like too much. Not to mention that Joe has been adamant about trying to keep this pregnancy as private as possible. Not necessarily from a place of wanting to hide it. No, if that was the case, he wouldn’t have shared some of the maternity pictures you took not even two weeks ago to his Instagram.

Or even some faceless photos of Callie.

But, that’s something he can control. A sharing he has autonomy over and full say in. Paparazzi crashing your baby shower is not, thus the two of you deciding that the shower should just take place at your home.

And given the massive size of not only the actual house but your backyard, it’s a great decision.

“It’s all looking so nice.” Kaylah’s voice enters the conversation as she walks over, clipboard in hand and a smile on her face. “How you doing, mama bear?”

Rolling your eyes, you answer honestly, “feeling big and pregnant.”

“Well….”

“Shut up, Lex,” you mutter, rubbing your belly. “These babies have definitely been kicking my ass with this back and breast pain.”

Granted, being five months pregnant with triplets, it’s an expected sort of discomfort. It’s helped immensely to have a fiancé that’s home and attentive and always willing to do whatever he needs or rather, whatever you need. He’s taken over Callie duties on the evenings where you just feel tired. He cooks most nights, partially because he knows your feet hurt and are swollen usually. But also, that little traitorous little girl of yours has made it clear she prefers daddy’s food over mommy’s food. He’s even gone as far as calling your mom and asking for tips on how to do Callie’s hair, as your ever growing belly has made that a little bit more difficult.

Put simply, he continues to be the perfect man. You couldn’t have asked for a better partner in life.

Kaylah moves closer, hand on your stomach. She, along with other close family and friends, never need to ask. It’s just the strangers who you don’t know that need to stay six feet away at all times. “I can’t believe we’re only four months away from meeting them.”

Alexis shakes her head. “Earth, Wind, and Fire truly have no idea what kind of big ass, loving, chaotic family they’re about to be born into.”

Blowing out a breath, you scold her, “girl, how many times I gotta tell you to stop calling them that?”

“Would you prefer Thing 1, 2, and 3?” No answer is all the answer she needs. “That’s what I thought.” And, of course, she has to just sneak on in there another attempt. “If you would just tell me the sexes—”

“Ain’t happening.” You shut that shit down real fast. “Joe and I already made it clear. We’re not revealing that until the shower.” A special thing kept between yourself, your fiancé, and the child you already share, as Callie was present for your last checkup appointment where you were able to find out the sexes.

“Bitch, the shower is literally tomorrow.”

“And you, along with everyone else, will find out tomorrow then.” Alexis is visibly, playfully annoyed, as Kaylah only laughs.

“I understand. We’re just excited. That’s all.”

And, you get it. The farther along you get in your pregnancy, the more excitement you feel at getting to meet your babies. All the shopping, the setting up of the nurseries (you and Joe decided on two rooms), even the deciding of the names. Even more, it’s been so special to have a partner in all of this. You might not have gotten that with Callie, but you’re damn sure getting it now, and it feels good.

—------

“I don’t know if I should take her to Disney by myself.”

Joe’s seemingly random statement takes you by surprise. Turning to him with a frown, you ask, “what?”

He sighs, also angling his body to you while his focus remains on your belly. “You’re so far along in your pregnancy. Anything could happen.”

“But, it won’t,” you stress, reaching up to palm his cheek. “Joe, I’ll be fine. My mom will be here with me. Both Kaylah and Alexis are less than 15 minutes away. I won’t be alone.” Because that seems to be what he’s thinking. “I want you guys to go. She’s really looking forward to it, and not just because the kid lives and breathes Disney.” Largely thanks to yourself and your mom. “Plus, that’s what she wants for her birthday.”

“Or a puppy.”

“I swear to God, if you or your mini me bring up that damn puppy one more time.”

He chuckles and moves to kiss your temple. “Just don’t want to not be here if you need me…”

“I’ll always need you in one way or another, Joe.” The God’s honest truth. “But, our daughter needs you more, and I want her to get in as much one-one-time with you before the babies arrive and she suddenly has to share you with three siblings.”

He eyes you, recognizing the unspoken concern in your statement. “You still think she’s going to get jealous?”

“I know she is,” you answer, matter-of-factly. “She’s a little kid. A mama and daddy’s girl. It’s natural. We’ll just have to make sure we reassure and look out for any signs.” Though you know not everything can be caught, and kids are sometimes good at hiding what they don’t want their parents to see. Granted, Callie has always been pretty open with you, so you hope that doesn’t change.

As the two of you move back to folding clothes, you find yourself changing the subject, “also, not related, but before my baby brain kicks in, I was thinking, what if I applied for a job at her school?”

It’s something you thought about when you and Joe toured the private school that Ellie attends, a nice, expensive but safe option considering sending Callie to public school in the fall doesn't seem like the best or smartest move.

Working at your daughter’s school is also just something that would make you feel a little better. A new school. A new educational milestone. You wanna support her and be there for her as much as you can.

However, the less than thrilled look on Joe’s face definitely takes you by surprise.

“You’re gonna work?”

It’s such a simple but silly question that makes you scoff quietly, “of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

He shrugs, grabbing another item to fold. A part of you is wondering if you’re even going to have room for the gifts you’ll receive at the baby shower tomorrow. You two have already gotten so many things, clothes especially. “Maybe because we’re about to have three newborns.”

Rolling your eyes, you calmly counter, “No shit. I’m not thinking of going back right away. Maybe next fall. They’ll be one. Callie will be starting first grade, so it would be nice to be working at the place where she, and they, eventually, will be at.”

When he doesn’t say anything, you’re inclined to prompt a follow up when he finally breaks his silence. “I don’t know how that’s supposed to work.”

Frowning, you ask, “what do you mean?”

Joe sighs, an edge in his voice. “You seriously want to go back to work when we’ll have three one year-olds?” And before you can respond, he continues. “Who’s going to stay with them, Y/N? You’ll be working. I’ll be on the road—”

“It’s not like we’ll be working 24/7, Joe. And we’ve got a huge support system here. Your family. Kaylah. Alexis. It’s not like we’re alo—”

“You don't need to be working.”

Silence.

It’s a good minute before you speak again. “Excuse me?”

He blows out a breath, running a hand through his hair that’s down and hanging. “I want you to stay home with the kids full time—”

“Joe.” Cutting him off isn’t the best thing, but your emotion is starting to get the best of you. “You know me. You know damn well that I’m not the stay at home wife type. I’ve worked consistently since I was sixteen years-old, and I’m not about to stop just because you want me to.”

You love what you do. Teaching might be a stressful career, but it’s always been more rewarding than anything. And truth be told, you can’t imagine a life for yourself where you’re not doing it in some capacity.

Joe’s voice is even, his expression stern. “It’s not about me, Y/N. It’s about what’s best for the kids.”

“And if what was truly best for them is for me to be here full time, then I would do that, but it’s not necessary—”

“And that’s where I disagree with you,” he pushes back, angled completely toward you, arms crossed. He shrugs. “I think it is.”

Partially taken back by his stance on this, it still doesn’t prevent you from standing your ground. “Well then, I guess we’re not on the same page here then.”

“Not at all.”

It’s a strange thing, being on such opposite ends of the spectrum. Joe has always matched you so well, and unfortunately, that can include the level of stubbornness. He is never one to back down, but neither are you.

So where does that leave you two?

“Mommy.”

Callie’s quiet voice breaks the intense impasse. Clearing your throat, you turn to her and force a small smile. “What’s up, sis?”

She moves her hands behind her back, teetering up and down on the heels of her feet. “Will you color with me?”

An easy answer if it will get you out of this room that’s suddenly filled with an uncomfortable amount of tension.

“Callie, mommy and I need a few min—”

“Of course, I’ll color with you, baby.” Again, you fully recognize that cutting him off is rude and not the best way to handle this. A petty way, certainly. But, he also knows that when you get pissed off, it’s best to just give you some space.

Even if it’s not the best thing overall.

Not even bothering to look back at him, you walk over and take Callie’s hand, escorting you both out the room with another word.

Left alone with his thoughts, still irked at the conversation as a whole, Joe quickly and easily realizes telling you what he wanted you to do wasn’t the right approach.

He knows he has good reasons for his preferred plan regarding the whole work thing, but he also knows you, or should know you well enough, to know that trying to tell you what to do has never and will never end well.

It’s just he definitely wasn’t expecting your approach and outlook on this job thing, even if it makes sense for your character and what he knows about you. There was just this part of him that was thinking you’d maybe take a couple years off before returning to teaching. Wait until the kids are a little older. That makes most sense to him, and he’s sure if he maybe responded better and was cleared on his reasoning, you’d have been a bit more receptive.

Maybe not have walked out.

Joe’s phone dinging in his pocket prompts him to pull it out.

Megan: Hey there! Just wanted to follow up and let you know the housing and travel arrangements are all finalized.

Megan: Though I’m curious, you requested a house instead of an apartment?

Megan: That’s a lot of room for just one man. 😉

Joe does find the added emoji a little strange, maybe unprofessional by some standards, but it’s the least of his worries right now.

Joe: Thank you for the update. My fiancée and daughter will be coming to visit when I have to stay for a few days for filming. Need the room for them.

And, it’s not set to happen very often, his management working with the film execs for a schedule that’s pretty flexible and allows him to be back home the same day for most of the filming. It’s just those few instances where he has to stay overnight, a couple days even, that he and you decided would be the times where you and Callie would stay with him.

Megan: Oh.

For some reason, Megan's response rubs him the wrong way, which is strange because up until this point, he’s had no issues with the young woman. She’s been professional, helpful, and informative.

Megan: I think it’s so cool how family oriented you are. So freaking sweet.

Joe truly has no idea how to respond to that, because it’s not inherently wrong. If anything, it’s just a compliment, but there’s something about it…

Megan: Anyways, won’t keep ya! Hope you have a great rest of your evening, babe! ❤️

It’s that message, however, that crosses the line, prompting him to reply and remind her of his boundaries.

And her place.

Joe: As you said, I’m very family oriented, so I’d prefer if you didn’t call me that. The emoji is also inappropriate and makes me uncomfortable.

Someone never uncomfortable with setting a boundary, he feels nothing when he sees the typing bubble appear and reappear several times before her response slides in.

Megan: I am SO SO sorry. I’m so used to working with women, so my dialogue is sometimes women coded. Again, my apologies. Have a great evening, Joe.

It’s a response that he appreciates and doesn’t feel the need to respond to. He said what he needed to stay. She apologized and made it right. It’s all water under the bridge.

Joe goes to lock his phone and put it away when a thought crosses his mind.

You have his passcode, are free to go through his phone, not something that you’ve ever done but something he doesn’t care about regardless. However, if you were to go through it for some reason, seeing this exchange could most definitely make you feel some type of way.

And, it’s not that he feels guilty, Joe knows he handled it appropriately and accurately. But, he doesn’t want you getting upset, doesn’t need you experiencing any kind of unnecessary stress.

Something he’s already inadvertently contributed to by not handing your argument a few minutes ago correctly.

None of that is good for you, and especially not for the babies, and when it comes to this pregnancy, he's not taking any risks.

Especially not with you as far along as you are.

Joe ultimately decides to delete the last three texts, letting the conversation stop at the “family oriented” comment from Megan.

Again, he doesn’t need a situation that’s not even a real situation being an issue.

It’s just better this way.

—------

You’re touching up your makeup, about to apply another coat of mascara to add the finishing touches to the complete look for the baby shower when you take a moment to appreciate your appearance. The white dress is beautiful against your melanin, and your mom did the damn thing with your hair. Ultimately deciding to wear your hair natural, mama opted to put it up in a beautiful, fancy updo that perfectly frames and highlights your beat face.

The final product is something stunning and perfect, the ideal look you wanted and were aiming for on this big, special day.

A knock on the bathroom door prompts you to lift your gaze to the mirror where you’re met with the lingering stare of your handsome fiancé.

Taking in his outfit, a white, short sleeved button up shirt, khaki shorts, topped off with white and gold Nike Freeks, a small smile falls on your face. It’s the perfect look for him. So Joe.

He walks in and closes the door behind him, coming to stand behind you. Your eyes shut as he holds you, hand on your bump, head in the crook of your neck.

“You look beautiful,” he compliments with a kiss pressed against your moisturized skin.

“Thank you, baby,” you murmur, reaching up and caressing the back of his head. “I’m sorry….”

“Naw, I’m sorry,” he interrupts in an equal voice, carefully turning you around as looks down with an apologetic countenance. “It wasn’t right for me to try to tell you what to do.”

“Maybe, but I wasn’t exactly trying to be receptive.” Sleeping on it helped you arrive at that realization that with all of the glaring, embarrassing clarity. “I think I’m so used to doing things my way that I forgot it isn’t just about me and what I want, it’s about us and what works for my family.”

“I don’t want to take away from your autonomy, Y/N.”

“I know that, Leati.” Hand moving to palm his face, you remind, “but these babies mean we’re all going to have to adjust one way or another. I might have to take some time off from working full time.”

Because as much as you love what you do, Joe was right in that your kids might need you to be home more. Full time, even. And while it would definitely feel a little off going into a school year and not having a classroom to call yours, taking care of your children and making sure they’re straight would more than fill that void.

“And, I’m going to see about making my part time schedule permanent,” he shares, moving his hand to your hip, giving a gentle squeeze when you open your mouth to protest. “It’s what I want, babe. I told you before, I don’t want to miss anything else.” He leans forward and kisses your forehead, suggesting, “maybe you could do something part time?”

“Maybe.” You shrug, reassuring, “regardless, we’ll figure it out and do what’s best not for you or for me but for our family.”

Because that’s what most important. Doing what’s best not for one but for all of you.

“We will,” he agrees, brushing his lips against yours, “I don’t ever want to go to bed not on good terms again, you understand me?”

Your thighs shouldn’t clench together the way they do at his commanding tone. It’s a serious thing that you agree with, but it’s the combination of his hard body against yours, his cologne invading your senses, and his minty breath against your face that has you pushing back….something.

“Yes, daddy.” A cheeky, double entendre that has his eyes narrowing.

There's something so innocent yet downright filthy as he promises in a darkened voice, “you know Imma fuck the shit out of you when all is said and done today, right?”

Fuck.

More fluttering, even if it’s something you already know. Because it’s been three days, and that’s far too long to go without your favorite pastime.

Hand moving over his crotch, you palm his dick through his pants. “Good, cause mama needs her fill.” Licking your lips, you add, “if we had time, I’d suck your dick right now.”

Because five months pregnant or not, so long as you can find a way to have this man inside of you, that’s exactly what you gon’ do. You both love sex too much to go too long without it. And, you both know the window in which you can realistically be sexually active during this pregnancy is waning, so you’ve gotta make the most of the time you do have.

Joe’s glare is light and teasing. “You such a nasty lil’ thing, you know that?”

Smiling and moving your arms around his neck, you cheekily remind him, “but that’s part of why you love me, ain’t it? Because I match your freak. Because mama loves when daddy puts her in her place. Ties, whips and bondage included….”

“Fuck, Y/N, you tryna make me hard?” A rhetorical but also serious question as he drops his hand to your backside, taking a handful of your supple ass in his big hands. “Want daddy to fuck his pussy with all them people down there and outside waiting for u—”

Several hard knocks on the door followed by a familiar voice. “Mommy! Daddy!” A smile breaks on your face as he closes his eyes, clearly trying to settle himself. “Grandma says it’s time!”

Laughing quietly, you call out, “okay, baby. We’ll be out in a few minutes.”

And, of course, your forever inquisitive child has to ask, “what are you guys doing?”

Joe chuckles and slaps your ass before moving to open the door, a grinning Callie smiling even harder as she looks up at her favorite person. “Daddy!”

Reaching for him, Joe doesn’t hesitate to lean over and pick her up. Your smile grows at the sight of Callie dressed in her adorable white and gold dress, your mom also styling her curls into two big pom poms.

She looks so much like Joe in this moment.

Callie gasps and compliments, “mommy! You look so pretty!”

“Thank you, Callie Bear.” You move over and kiss her cheek, deciding your current look is good enough.

It’s time to celebrate your growing family.

—------

The Baby Shower is something out of a dream.

Beautifully decorated, whites, blues, and pinks spread across your backyard, the aesthetic is very Pinterest aligned and everything you could have imagined for a day meant to celebrate the three lives you’ve created.

Guests including several members of Joe’s family like his mom and sisters, Jon and Josh and their families. Alexis, too, of course. Jadah was invited but unable to make it due to work obligations. Regardless, it’s a wonderful outcome, being surrounded by all the people you love the most here to be with you during this great time in your lives.

It’s a lot of laughter, a ton of great food, a tremendous amount of gifts, and an abundance of love that's felt from the moment you, Joe, and Callie walk out to the sound of Baby by Ashanti playing. Continues as there’s a damn near mass chorus that’s formed when When I See You by Fantasia comes on.

And the classic dances such as the Wobble and Electric Slide to Candy by Cameo that you most definitely get your big and pregnant ass to partake in.

But, one of your favorite parts has to be the photo station, several photos taken of yourself and Joe, various shots of his hands placed protectively over your stomach. Callie joins you for a couple photos as well, though it’s not missed upon you when she makes a face after one of Joe’s sisters jokingly makes a comment to her about “not being the only kiddo in the house anymore.”

It’s something you’ll certainly circle back around to at the end of the party, and it’s a time that’s nearing as the three of you start to kick off the moment everyone has been waiting for.

Joe’s deep voice travels across the spacious yard as he keeps an arm around you, Callie holds onto his shirt and stands on the other side of him. “We just want to thank all of you for taking time out to be here with us today.”

“You already know we weren’t about to miss this,” Trinity shouts.

Jon laughs and adds, “hell no. Can’t remember the last time we had a set of triplets join the family.”

“That’s cause it don’t happen a lot in general,” Alexis chimes, sipping on her Henny. “But Big Di—”

“Like Joe said,” you cut her off, already knowing where that was going. “We’re so happy and blessed to have you all in our lives, and it means the world to us that our children, the babies and Callie, have so many people who love them just as much as we do.”

Because knowing these amazing, wonderful people love your kids, even the ones that haven’t even arrived yet, as much as you and Joe do, truly is the best thing ever.

“But, we all know what ya’ll really wanna know,” Joe chuckles. “You wanna know the genders.”

A round of agreement prompts laughter with someone shouting out “hell yeah!” and Josh saying something about “winning the bet.”

As one of the workers brings over the three sets of balloons and pins, you and Joe make sure Callie has the right one before you take over. “Alright, is everyone ready?”

“Girl, would you hurry up? The new season of Baddies drops tonight!”

“Alexis, shut the hell up,” you laugh, shaking your head before turning to Joe. With a head nod, volume increased, you start with an excited tone, “the first baby is…..” And a small second of intentional delay before you pop the balloon, revealing blue confetti.

More rounds of applause and cheers as Joe proudly announces, “a boy.”

“I knew it!”

“The Tribal Chief got a tribal heir!”

“Whew, sis, start them kegel exercises now!”

When the celebration dies down, Joe and Callie focus on you for your turn. You lift up the balloon as he kicks off this time, “the second baby is….” Another intentional delay followed by a pop, revealing more blue confetti.

Eyes watering, you share loudly and proudly, “another boy!”

The pure excitement on everyone's face, including your mom who has silent tears streaming down her face, has you blotting at your eyes. This moment couldn’t be anymore perfect.

Joe moves to pick up Callie, kissing her cheek, asking, “you ready, Callie Bear?” She nods with excitement, you and Joe speaking in synchronization as you stand close to him with your hand on his stomach, “and the third baby is…..” Callie counts to three, closes her eyes, and pops the balloon.

And as pink confetti blends with the blue, she shouts with all the happiness, “a baby girl!”

The crowd of family and friends is the loudest during the last and final reaction, deepening your happiness, mimicking that of which was felt when Dr. Young revealed the sexes to you at your last appointment.

Two boys and one girl is literally perfect.

Your little family truly is truly going to be complete.

“And,” you cut through the cheers, one glance at your fiancé and daughter before you continue. “We have another surprise for ya’ll.”

“Don’t tell me there’s a fourth!”

Rolling your eyes at Jon, you cut right to it, “we’ve decided to share the names we’ve picked out.”

Gasps and excitement go around, Joe once again being the one to start off. “The firstborn boy will be named Iosefa Anoa’i.”

Iosefa.

The Samoan variation of the name Joseph.

Gaze on Joe, it fills your heart with so much love to see and hear the pride in his voice and on his face. Having one of your sons named after him is the least you can do for this man.

It’s what he deserves.

Clearing your throat, you provide the second name. “The second baby boy will be named Isaiah Anoa’i.” A strong, Biblical name. A name given in honor of your mom who has always loved said name. A moving gesture she clearly recognizes given the way she places both hands over her heart, mouthing ‘thank you.’

You mouth, 'I love you, too' back as both yourself and Joe redirect your focus to Callie for her big moment.

She giggles when Joe tickles her stomach before yelling, “and my baby sister will be named Moana Anoa’i!”

Deciding on names was such an intimate, thoughtful, moving process, and while they may not be as alike or even common as most triplet names, they mean something to you, Joe, and even Callie, who both yourself and your husband decided to let name her sister.

Callie is your firstborn, special to both of you in ways that you can’t describe, so giving her that only felt right.

And as you re-enter the group of friends and family who have gathered here for this special occasion, you can’t help but imagine what that’s going to be like when it happens again. On a different day. For a different reason. A year or so away, when you stand before them and God and take the man who completes you as your better half.

A beautiful day indeed, even if it’s more for show and aesthetic anyway.

Because unbeknownst to most of the guests, outside of Callie, your mom, and Joe’s mom, you have an appointment at the courthouse tomorrow morning at 10am sharp.

Because after tomorrow, not only will you and Joe Anoa’i share children.

You’ll share last names.

Because tomorrow is your wedding day.

You’ll officially be Mrs. Y/N Anoa’i.

#roman reigns fanfic #roman reigns fanfiction #roman reigns x black!reader #arisnotebook

88 notes · View notes

thesummerstorms · 2 days ago

Text

You know that conversation you can have with Emmrich where he asks what your plans are for your body when you die?

I think Arsinoë accidentally horrified him. Not by clinging to non-Nevarran ideals about cremation, but by telling him she never thought anyone would care that much one way or the other.

She would be dead, so she wouldn't care. And honestly, a majority of compradi die as Fledglings without graduating; she thinks their bodies were probably burned (since you have to do something with bodies) but they certainly don't have funerals, so it certainly wasn't worth worrying about then.

Emmrich interjects, trying to wrangle his own shock long enough to point out that she's not a Fledgling now, so surely...?

Well if she dies now, Arsinoë all but shrugs, it would depend on the circumstances, wouldn't it? She isn't someone important like a Talon or the scion of an established Crow family. She certainly isn't Caterina Dellamorte, who warrants something verging on a State Funeral.

If she died, there is still a non-zero chance it would be at another Crow's hands, in which case it's anyone's guess what happens after.

If she dies honorably fulfilling a contract, then Viago might feel obligated to do something if he isn't pissed off at her failure and she's isn't still in Exile. He's her mentor, so probably he would manage at least a small pyre. Maybe even a flower or two for the flames if he's letting himself feel sentimental. Teia would probably be there because Viago was.

But just as often, when a contract goes wrong, there's no time to go back for the body. The mark get ahold of it, or whoever's left on the contract has to focus on survival rather than the dignity of a corpse that can't feel any of it.

But really, none of that would matter to Arsinoë, would it? She'd be off wherever dead souls end up going, or maybe in oblivion, who knows. She doesn't have any family to be horrified by her corpse unless you count Viago, who is Fifth Talon, has bigger things to worry about, and will get over it.

But anyway, why do you ask, Emmrich?

Emmrich is too aghast to answer clearly at that point because every single point of Arsinoë's answer goes so deeply against everything that is ingrained in him as part of the Mourn Watch, from the belief that a corpse just doesn't matter to her sincere belief that no one would care enough about her for any particular mourning rights.

And the thing is Emmrich does care. It's his professional duty to care, but he's also become fond of his young friend and he cannot handle imagining that she could die on this mission or the next and potentially receive no rites at all.

Cue Emmrich starting to plan how he's going to have Rook interred in the Grand Necropolis when the time comes. It may involve some string pulling, especially if (hopefully) she dies not on this mission but in the distant future, and even more so if he precedes her and has to leave the job in one of his colleague's hands. But Maker help him, there will be a plan and her death will be respected.

When it comes to light, Neve is uncertain and a little weirded out, but also a little offended by all this. She's fallen in love with Rook, but even before that, the respect between them would have warranted a pyre and Arsinoë's name on the Wall of Light if there was no one else to arrange things. Is this why she's never asked about what happened after Varric-

Lucanis is horrified by the idea of Arsinoë as one of the spirit-possessed skeletons in the Necropolis or one of the jewel-eyed skulls in its many niches; he snaps at Emmrich about Nevarran obsession and respecting Rook as Antivan.

Emmrich refuses to budge. She expected the Crows to do nothing for her. She deserves better, deserves to be remembered, even if she isn't Nevarran.

Lucanis seems fully stunned by the idea that Rook believed this in the first place, given Viago's attachment. Given Lucanis's own growing feelings. Emmrich does soften a little bit when he sees that Lucanis truly didn't realize, but he also doesn't fully divert his plans.

Gathering a grave-dowry is normally left to a lover or family member if the deceased was themselves unable, and Emmrich is neither. But needs must, and though his friend now seems attached to Neve and Lucanis, hearts can be fickle. A plan is better. So he puts away small things here or there, eyes which of Rook's enchanted rings and amulets she seems to favor just in case.

It almost helps him live with the knowledge that Arsinoë believed she would die unmourned. Almost.

#Emmrich Volkarin #Lucanis Dellamorte #Neve Gallus #Rook de Riva #Arsinoë de Riva #Viago de Riva #Rook #Crow Rook #DATV Spoilers #Mostly implied but if you catch it it's a big one #mourning rights and death mentioned but IDK how to tag exactly #long post #neve x rook #rook x neve #lucanis x rook #rook x lucanis #rookanis #neve x lucanis is there off screen but not in the text

130 notes · View notes

scoriarose · 10 hours ago

Text

There's something important I've been wanting to share with fellow snake caretakers, and it's that if you have been sweet to your snake and love them, they have probably told you hundreds of times they love you- but because we speak different languages most won't understand. It makes me a little sad thinking how hard they try to tell us, and some folks just don't recognize that and they hope their serpentine friends love them but never know for sure- or even believe the lie snakes aren't even capable of love at all. They are, they have brain structures similar to birds and not only are physically capable of feeling love, they also regularly display traits associated with love including empathy and self sacrifice to protect others they care about both in captivity and the wild.

Snakes express love through touch. Through cuddling, and vibing (being near someone not touching just happy to be in their company). There's another outdated lie that snakes cannot and will never enjoy being pet - likely this comes from someone seeing cats and dogs lick their young and enjoying being pet because it feels similar to what is natural to them but since snakes do not lick their young it was believed they could not enjoy this sensation outside of their nature.

But that's wrong. It IS their nature! They just don't use their tongue, they use their whole body! Thing is, a lot of people who see them slither over another snake don't realize it's more than just them going somewhere, and they think they're carelessly going over another snake. Sometimes that may be the case, but touch is also how they bond. I read an article detailing how a mother snake was tolerant of her babies climbing all over her. Tolerant? It's like if a toddler hugged their mommy and said they loved her- tolerant would be such a strange word to use. They are telling their mommy they love her through their very limited means of communication.

Isn't it incredibly sweet that a creature who is so so limited in communication made sure to have a way to say, "I love you." I think that's just the best news ever.

If you doubt what I'm saying well, a number of snake keepers can vouch for me they've also accidentally discovered that touch can also be romantic if you touch the wrong place where most wouldn't expect it to be.

But the point I'm trying to make is, I bet there's tons of people with pet snakes who are telling them over and over they love them, hoping their human understands. If your snake doesn't do this action it doesn't need they don't love you- it would come from them not having figured it out. They learn not just from instinct, but from each other. Not having a parent snake to teach them (like some species including rattlesnakes) they have to figure out everything on their own for the most part.

Many figure out how to express, "I love you" through touch. Most snake caretakers I imagine don't recognize the attempt to communicate as anything more than the animal slithering around- but if you look for it you might see your pet telling you! If they are on you and start slithering around but not going anywhere in particular (sometimes back and forth) ESPECIALLY if you pet your snake and they relax/enjoy it- they are probably trying to pet you. And in doing so, show they care about you too, that they love you.

Scoria pets me with her chin, and I've never heard of anyone else's snake do this. She has, however, taught this to her sister who now pets me both ways.

It would be neat to hear if anyone sees their snake doing this and realizing what it really means. (Your snake might have even learned another way if you don't pet them and show them love another way- sometimes they learn by copying us too.)

Hope this helps someone- please share if your snake has a way they show they love you, I see very little on this from other caretakers and would be so happy to hear if others have similar experiences.

#snakes #snake #pets #hognoses #love #hognose #sakura #sakura kurīmu #scoria #cute #scoria rose

132 notes · View notes

lexirosewrites · 1 day ago

Note

O!Steve & B!Robin as childhood friends!! Not Nancy Wheeler Friendly bc this is from a protective Robin POV & I needed drama & No Upside Down AU

They meet when Robin skips 4th grade & become friends when they're paired together for a project. Steve is a Henderson bc his mom divorced his sire Richard Harrington & Steve didn't want to b a Harrington anymore he wanted to have his mom's maiden name. He & his mom moved to Hawkins the week before school started.

Steve is chubby & a boy omega (which is rare especially in Hawkins Elementary where only two other boys in the grades below r omegas) which makes him different & he's not very good at reading aloud but he still gets some of the best scores on their social studies or history lessons & his scent is still muted like the kids younger than them. So he isn't popular but he isn't overtly bullied but he is largely ignored by the kids w more social capital.

So he & Robin bond abt being treated as outcasts. They quickly become best friends & spend as much time together outside of school as they can except every other Sunday bc Steve's mom drives a few towns away in Roane County to the nearest Episcopal church.

Robin was raised Buddhist bc her mom is a child of Vietnamese immigrants & her dad was an anti-war protester (especially after he gets drafted into Vietnam, causing him to lose his left leg). The Buckleys celebrate a vague Christmas tht they treat more like Yule with Father Winter instead of Santa, presents still happen but Robin is expected to choose a few of her gifts to give to a nearby domestic violence shelter where some kids stay.

Then high school starts. Steve has his first heat the summer before & so his scent matures to smell like baked apples w honey. He loses a bit of the baby fat, his face gets clearer of acne he'd developed in 7th grade, & his hair is noticeably more shiny. This means Steve is suddenly the subject of new attention by some of the beta boys & alphas of Hawkins High. It all makes Steve uncomfortable so Robin stops trimming her nails & even files them sharper when at home. She shows off her newly sharp nails when she scratches up the arms of an alpha senior who wasn't taking Steve's polite refusals as an answer, tearing up their jacket sleeves, & even ripping a big hole in the bottom of their backpack so all their things tumbled out.

After tht word spread quickly tht Steve Henderson had a guard, Robin Buckley. So the attention turned from a rush to a trickle.

A!Tommy Hagan tries harassing Steve in their sophomore year & calling it courting but Robin tells B!Carol Perkins tht Tommy is trying to cheat on her & together they scratch Tommy so deeply he gets scars. Sophomore year is also when Steve begins babysitting for extra cash. He starts w his little cousin Dustin, then the Sinclairs hire him every other Saturday night, & the list grows till Steve is having Robin help him keep a planner just to keep track of his babysitting gigs.

Then junior year brings abt a Steve who is the uncontested prettiest omega in school & the attention gets worse. Except now ppl know to try to get Robin's approval. She doesn't make it easy & this weeds out the ppl who only wanted a chance to say they'd popped Steve's cherry.

This works till A!Nancy Wheeler sets her sights on Steve. Nancy does practically every task Robin gives her w minimal complaints, so Robin gives Nancy the chance to actually court Steve. Except it quickly becomes clear to Robin tht Nancy didn't seem all tht interested in learning more abt steve outside of who he was in the schools social ladder. Robin would watch how Nancy flaunted their relationship to others to establish a growing social status but would then make eyes at B!Jonathan Byers, The Creep as others called him.

When O!Will Byers goes missing (later being found kidnapped by his father) & B!Barb runs away while the town is focused on tht, Nancy becomes more & more disinterested in Steve. Apparently insisting to Steve tht Barb was her best friend & tht she would've told Nancy if she was going to run away. Robin snorts when Steve tells her this bc it was obvious to Robin their friendship was a one way street of Nancy getting what she wanted.

So of course Nancy embarrasses herself & Steve at Tina's Halloween party the next year, after a year of growing colder towards Steve & leading him on & insisting to them both tht Jonathan is just a friend. Of course Nancy runs off w Byers after the whisper of a lead on where Barb had gone reaches her ears, of course she comes back smelling like Byers in a way tht made it clear she'd had sex w him & only then breaking up w Steve & worst of all is how Steve doesn't get angry with Nancy or Jonathan.

It all gets more annoying when Steve is newly single & knot headed A!Billy Hargrove tries approaching Steve when no one else is around. He never offers to exclusively court Steve & he never approaches Robin abt it either. He just follows Steve to secluded corners of the school or town & makes comments when no one is around to hear him.

Eventually they graduate, Robin decides to put off going away for college opting instead to take classes part time at the Roane County Community College w Steve. Billy Hargrove races out of town after he beats his father in the Hargroves front lawn, Mr Hargrove leaves town soon after but his wife & step daughter the Mayfields stay in Hawkins. Robin only learns most of this thanks to Steve being Max's babysitter now

for two weeks of the summer Nancy tries to court Steve again, claiming she'd changed but this is after Jonathan Byers learns tht Nancy hadn't broken up w Steve till after their fruitless attempt to convince Barb to come home led to them sleeping together & so he breaks up w her unable to believe she'd hurt Steve in the way his own father had hurt his mom

They get jobs at the mall in the food court. Then the larger parent company of their employer Scoops Ahoy gets shut down by the government for tax evasion & tax fraud & a whole list of illegal labor practices so they find new jobs at the Cinema-plex in the same mall. Then the mall burns down bc the construction was cheap & several safety regulations were blatantly ignored. So they find another job they can work together. This time at Family Video, after an interview w Keith (whose parents own the small strip mall where the laundromat & the arcade & video store r located) wherein Robin said her favorite movie was a German silent film she knew Keith would know nothing abt & Steve equally stumped Keith w a samurai movie tht Robin knew didn't circulate in the US, Ms Henderson had gotten the VHS of the movie shipped to Hawkins through friends in the UK.

Time went on, they took their classes at the small community college, Steve still babysat here & there, & the platonic soulmates were even apartment hunting in their free time. Settling on the relatively affordable rent of a 2 bed trailer in Forest Hills.

That's where Eddie Munson pops into their lives. Apparently he'd met Steve once or twice when Steve had come by to babysit Max. Now tht the pair lived so close by Munson he took to being a welcome committee. A couple of months of living in the trailer park, hanging out w Eddie who had begun working at the local mechanics instead of racing out of town like Hargrove, & buying the odd joint from the alpha at an obviously reduced price. Munson made his move & approached Robin on a day tht she was working without Steve.

The alpha was visibly nervous but determined & he didn't even shrink away when Robin glared him down for 5 minutes in silence. So she sighed & gave him a random task tht she knew Steve would like to see. This went on & on, Eddie growing closer w Steve & when Steve told Robin he wanted to b courted by their neighbor she delivered the news to Eddie w her best friend right behind her.

The pair courted for 2 years before Steve sat her down & told her he was pregnant just abt 2 months along & tht he & Eddie were going to exchange bites before the due date & tht they wanted to move in together. Robin was silent bc they were supposed to leave for Portland tht spring, so tht she could attend college & Steve could get a cosmetology license, they were supposed to remain together into their old age. She didn't even realize tht she'd nearly gone into a srs beta drop till it was the next morning & she was being held by Steve in his nest.

Over breakfast sandwiches in bed Steve explained tht she had dropped before Steve could tell her tht if she approved Eddie was going to drive to Portland two weeks before they planned to leave & get a 3 bedroom apartment set up. If she didnt approve Eddie was still going to drive there early but just find an apartment for stobin & another apartment for himself. They talked for hours abt how Steve didn't want to b best friends w anyone except Robin & his alpha, how Robin had been scared for awhile abt Steve leaving her, & it ended w them having a movie night where they ordered Eddie to pick up a pizza & sodas & the biggest order of chicken tenders possible

7 months later after a home birth in Portland Oregon, Robin cried when she got to meet her best friends twin babies & learned tht they'd named the youngest of the baby girls Janis Robin Munson while the older twin was Joan Cathy Munson (Cathy was Eddie's mom's name & coincidentally grandma Henderson's name)

& Aunty Robin became the Munson pups favorite babysitter 🥰

Robin being protective of omega Steve is always so lovely💕💕💕

#slick sunday #steddie #steddie omegaverse #omega steve harrington #alpha eddie munson #beta robin buckley #platonic stobin #steve x eddie #a/b/o #omegaverse #mpreg #tw mpreg #cw mpreg #my asks

113 notes · View notes

myceliacrochet · 11 hours ago

Text

URGENT: 4yo Little Girl and Her Family Malnutritioned and Freezing!! (Sham and Moneer al-Anqar -- Skills Series: "Easy Piece First")

Reblog if u answer pls tysm!🩷

There's no shame in that! In this series, I'll be sharing some tips to help us keep going strong, carrying these families throughout this brutal winter of extermination. With each post I'll be highlighting a family in desperate need.

Easy Piece First

Whether we're working at a job, making commissions, working on posts, or doing other tasks, mutual aid for genocide relief can be overwhelming. The stakes are through the roof, and sometimes the people who most want to help are the people least able to. Often I freeze in place, overwhelmed with emotion, unsure of where to start. Depression, anxiety, and AuDHD don't help!

So I hope this skill is of use to you. I call it "Easy Piece First" because that's what helps me remember it, but it's definitely not a new idea.

I started this post with the easiest small step accessible. For me, that was writing down Moneer's current blog tag (@sham-moner) in a new post. This was the easiest for me because it required no decision-making and could be done in a few seconds. Then I filled in the other parts that don't take much thought -- the GoFundMe link, the vetting, and some tags.

For other posts, sometimes I'll be making art that is unrelated and then I'll think of a post to go with it.

Lazy and Heartless, or Focused and Strategic?

Everyone is different, but trying to force yourself to start with the hardest part first (what some people call the "Eat That Frog" approach) can actually make things take longer for some people. Using "Easy Piece First," I was able to get more done with my time, and with less trouble. This makes my efforts more sustainable long-term.

On a related note, I actually take a lot of measures to not walk around with my chest constantly hurting for Palestinians anymore (though there's nothing wrong with doing so). My chest was aching at all times for months until I converted some of my worry into action and some of it into self-care -- so I could actually get more done for Palestinians, who do not need my tears but my labor.

This winter is a marathon, and we gotta see it through to the end.

Take care of yourself so you can get more done and keep helping people long-term.

Do not give yourself a heart condition.

Give Palestinians labor.

That's how I'm keeping myself out of the hospital and maximizing what I can do for people, but we all have our own strategies.

But that's enough about us -- let's talk about these two amazing kids.

Moneer and Sham

Palestinians are just regular people. That's the horrible reality. It's the exact same as if people from your own background, even your own family were getting tortured and killed.

Like, Moneer is a 19yo who had recently started university when the genocide began. Sham is 4, Mohammed is 16, Rana is 21, and Rasha is 22.

What were you going through when you were 4? How would you have felt if you saw people getting blown up at that age? What if your house was blown up and all your toys and friends were lost, and you had to live outside in the winter, scrounging for moldy bread and polluted water?

What if you lived with the smell of rotting bodies when you were 4? Did you know what that smelled like as a little kid? I still don't know what that smells like. I didn't really know what death was at that age. She does.

This small child is in critical need of food and water!!

She is starving!!

Sham will die this winter without more donations!!

This is a call to action for an extremely urgent campaign!!!

It's been 2 days, and it was 2 days before that! This is far too long!!

Moneer is still recovering from major surgery. He is in a lot of pain and is also malnutritioned and in need of clean water and warmth.

Moneer is very close to his family and dearly loves his mom, Amani (39). Amani is in a lot of danger because she has asthma in a dusty massacre zone without treatment. It's killing Moneer to watch his mom go through this.

Drink some water, take a rest, and keep putting one foot in front of the other, using whatever tools work for you.

We are not letting these kids and their family die this winter!! We can do this!!

Vetting: GazaVetters #8

@opencommunion @beserkerjewel @deepspaceboytoy @rhubarbspring @eryuditely @lesbianmaxevans @malcriada @turian @sxpph0 @rebel-girl-queen-of-my-world @neptunerings @dykesbat @halalgirlmeg @userpeggycarter @minosbull @hamstertross @magnus-rhymes-with-swagness-blog @definitelynotafox @kaleschmidt @jaylung101 @captainsaltymuyfancy2 @timetravellingkitty @sun-and-moon-side @kahin @greenmossyrock @northgazaupdates2 @irhabiya @theparanoid @steep1253o @victoriawhimsey @dirhwangdaseul @cruzwalters @ladycelebrianofimladris @tamamita @50seagullsinatrenchcoat @deathlonging @nconiku @briarhips @kaislittlecorner @mahoushojoe @sar-soor @rhubarbspring @pcktknife @sawasawako @feluka @anneemay-blog @ralfocups

P.S.: I have several people waiting on me for posts. I am so sorry -- I will get them finished and published as soon as possible.

@soft-sunbird Thank you dear friend🥰🩷 I love you. You're doing so great

Check out the comments for many ways to help!

#vetted #vetted palestine gfm #vetted palestinian fundraisers #vetted gfm #vetted gofundme #verified #gazavetters #free gaza #free palestine #gaza #gaza genocide #from the river to the sea palestine will be free #gaza solidarity #mutual aid #the gaza strip #children of gaza #moneer gfm

98 notes · View notes

paradox-insanity · 2 days ago

Text

Viktor stops short. He had had a quiet day planned - testing out his little boat that he had been tinkering with for several days on end, barely pausing to eat, sleep, or hydrate.

A flash of annoyance sparks through him. Another one of his sacred spaces of solitude, lost to the consecrated curse of shared knowledge. Then his more logical side comes online and he thinks,

What in the name of Janna.

The explosion of light should’ve been blinding, but it washed over him like a loving embrace, accompanied by the smell of cold metal and sparking wires.

There are two people at the epicentre of the blaze, dressed for climates never experienced in Piltover, and gasping for breath like oxygen cannot reach their bones.

Like Viktor gasps awake every night.

He makes his way down to the clearing cautiously, his prototype long forgotten. He’s ready to bolt, but he has never been able to turn away from someone who needed help.

He reaches the more level landing, rocks carved smooth over decades of floods and flow. He can see clearly that the two figures were an older woman, and a young boy. It soothes some of his deeply ingrained paranoias, the voice of his mother murmuring in his head to steer clear of older men, extensive tattoos or scarring, and blue uniforms.

He grips his crutch tighter as he calls out softly, “Hello? Are you alright?”

It’s not the best question. Viktor’s never alright when he’s gasping like that. But he doesn’t know what else to say.

The boy recovers faster, glancing up to Viktor and scrambling to put himself between the woman and Viktor. He’s clearly not from the Undercity, and clearly deeply afraid, despite the resolution in his stance. “Don’t- don’t come any closer!”

Viktor stops, nearly laughs at the notion someone would be afraid of him, weak and frail as he is. “Okay,” he says simply. “Are you hurt?”

Wide eyes blink rapidly, shot through with fear and disorientation. “Where are we? Where’s the mage?”

Viktor frowns. Maybe these people weren’t as low risk as he had estimated. “Mage?”

“Yes! He was- he was right here!”

“You were not right here.” Viktor points out not so helpfully.

“But- but it was real. We were trying to get to Piltover and it’s cold and then my mom fell and he came and did this thing with some symbols and his stick and there was light and then- and then-”

He’d worked himself into a haphazard panic, gasping for words and belief and Viktor couldn’t really stand it anymore. “It is okay! I believe you. Just, calm down, yes? Calm.”

The boy slumped. “You don’t believe me.”

“I do not know you. And I have no concrete proof to believe a stranger’s word,” Viktor confessed, slowly inching forward again.

His eyes lit up and he opened up his clenched fist to reveal… a piece of glass? “Look! He gave me this, it has one of the symbols he used!”

Viktor peers over, and there is, in fact, a carved symbol on it. It resembles nothing Viktor has seen in his mother’s physics notebooks, but it seems real enough for Viktor to believe that something happened, even if the flash of light had been all smoke and mirrors.

“Okay.” He says it simply, but it rings true in a way that resonates with the boy. Viktor glances over, and asks gently, “You said your mother collapsed. Is she alright?”

He gasps, the adrenaline rush that had surged to protect his mother from the stranger faded and he jumped to his mother’s side again.

“It was snowing and the cold. The cold got to her!”

“Alright, calm,” Viktor said as smoothly as he could. It confounds him how emphatically the boy displays his emotions - so clearly not from the Undercity. “We just need to warm her up then. Food and water. It will be alright.” He hopes he wasn’t putting himself in absolutely ridiculous amounts of danger. “Can you help her upright? Get the damp clothes off?”

The boy nodded furiously, jumping to follow Viktor’s direction. They roused his mother, and Viktor had a can of potable water that the boy vehemently refused to touch himself but passed on to his mother.

“I think that is all we can do here. I know an abandoned warehouse we can use for you both to recover.”

The boy looked up at Viktor with an intensity that made him mildly uncomfortable. “Thank you. You have helped so much and I don’t even know your name.”

“It’s Viktor.”

He receives a blinding smile in return. “Jayce. Jayce Talis.”

They make their way to the warehouse, they get Ximena warmed up and they acquire some food for the stragglers.

When it’s far past time for the Talises to make their way topside, where they have an offshoot of their extended family awaiting their arrival, Jayce grabs onto Viktor and clings tight.

“Come with us,” he pleads, large amber eyes wide with hope.

Viktor huffs a laugh and returns the hug after a moment of hesitation. “I cannot. My mother and I are all we have. I cannot leave her. But there may come a day where I am able to visit.”

That day doesn’t come. Viktor will make his way to the academy many years later, fighting against enforcers trying to deny him access to the entrance exam, which he will ace anyway. He will break the record for nearly every academic honour in the academy - none that will ever be announced or advertised. He will become Heimerdinger’s prized assistant, will get a chance to start his own tiny lab. His mind will be coveted, his body deeply repulsive.

He will attempt to find the boy with amber eyes and vivacious dreams many times, and he will fail many times.

Until one fateful day, when an explosion will take a student housing building off the map, and put a youthful student on it.

So we know that in every timeline, Mage Viktor saved Jayce and gave him a rune, but do you think he experimented with where he dropped him off? Do you think in his efforts to save the world from himself, he tried to see what would happen if him and Jayce met sooner?

Do you think in one universe, kid Viktor was tinkering with his little boat when *poof* this sweet-eyed boy dressed in winter clothes appeared right in front of him?

#sorry I had to #arcane #jayce talis #viktor arcane #alternate universe #meet cute #fanfic #will reblog when I have it up on ao3

185 notes · View notes

cybershock24601 · 2 days ago

Text

I’ve been stewing on more alternate time travel au where the Veilguard sends themselves to the past trying to rip Rook out of the fade because there’s nothing like trying to save your bestie to make you turn to dangerous and unstable magic

Lucanis spends most of his time helping Harding out with her scout work yet refuses to wear the Inquisition uniform because he is still a Crow at heart which means he wouldn’t be caught dead in such an ugly uniform

Turns out the Orlaisean noble woman Emmrich had a thing with one summer was the wife of the Duke Vivienne’s with and the two of them get together to gossip. Vivienne wishes Emmrich wouldn’t drag along his skeleton every time but he is Nevarran so she will let it go. She also assists in giving Manfred etiquette lessons alongside Emmrich because it’s not like she can let the poor thing go around with such poor diction.

Mentioned this before but Dorian’s crush on Emmrich comes back full force and whoever is romancing him whether it be the Inquisitor or Iron Bull ends up wildly jealous of Emmrich

Hardings new connection with the Stone possibly helping soothe Cullen’s lyrium induced issues

Chess pieces from all over Skyhold start going missing because Cole keeps giving all the rooks to the Veilguard

Leliana offers Bellara a nug and she accepts and now walks around Skyhold with the most adorable nug the world has ever seen

If you thought Emmrich and Davrin were insufferable before, their dad off gets a thousand times worse when Davrin's new mabari starts stealing Manfred's bones and Davrin refuses to admit his good boy did anything wrong even if he is privately scolding the mabari.

Davrin and Cullen end up bonding over the mabari as Cullen ends up offering Davrin some advice on how to train the dog. Turns out mabari are not any easier to train then griffons as both are hyper intelligent animals and require different tactics though bribery seems to be working as well on the dog as it did Assan

Manfred starts copying Cole by giving people random objects but unlike Cole who has some weird esoteric logic behind it, Manfred is really just picking up a cool rock he found on the ground and handing it off to the first person he sees and crying out "HELPING" in his little skeleton voice

Harding is now the one in the awkward age gap relationship because what are you supposed to do when your significant other is now physically 13 years old but still mentally an adult but it’s not like anyone but your close friends know that because to everyone else they’re just 13? Hell if Harding knows

The Veilguard collectively gaslighting the Inquisition about Spite because people down south aren’t nearly going to be as cool about the whole possession situation and their assurances that Spite is chill so every time someone tries to bring up the glowing eyes or wings they come up with some bullshit excuse and stick to it no matter how ridiculous and some of them get real stupid

Neve sees Cullen practically falling asleep on his feet and offers him her cup of coffee. This is a mistake because now Cullen is using his new caffeine addiction to deal with his lyrium withdrawals and the man has never been so productive or strung out. Lucanis is suffering in the background because Cullen makes and drinks the same sort of sludge Neve survives off of.

Josephine and Lucanis end up bonding over their shared disgust over the sort of vile concoctions Neve and Cullen keep producing. Leliana also joins in because Josephine already introduced her to good coffee and she also has strong opinions on the culinary crimes they’re committing. She also has a whole lot to add when Lucanis brings up some of Harding’s more adventurous kitchen adventures because after a year of traveling around Ferelden during the Blight, Leliana has some stories of her own to share about Ferelden cuisine.

Solas who hates tea and wants an in to try to figure out what is going on and how much these people know approaches Lucanis about trying some coffee too only for Lucanis who can be one spiteful motherfucker even without accounting for Spite to essentially pull a “I suddenly don’t know how to read” and brew the most black, vile, and disgusting sludge like pot of coffee for Solas to drink. It would have been kinder for Lucanis to have just spiked his coffee with poison. Spite is in the background cackling at the barely concealed disgust on Solas’ face as Solas pretends he can’t hear Spite’s delighted laughter at Solas’ predicament

127 notes · View notes

newkatzkafe2023 · 2 days ago

Note

Hey, bestie! Ok so you know that one scene from how to train your dragon where toothless is trying to woo the lightfury and instead of being head over heels or swooning, she’s just looking at him like he’s insane while hiccup is in the background hiding hyping toothless up?

Imagine that scene with our monkey boys trying to impress a certain fem y/n(but she is very distant and to herself) while Nesha, MK, Lin, whoever is trying to help him but he just ends up making an ass of himself. He may or may not get slapped….or whacked with his staff……again🤭. But who knows, maybe we secretly like it in the end….

Seriously have you even talked to a girl??-Norm the Genie

(Lmk Wukong) His jaw was on the floor when he went with Mk and his friends on the beach. You were sunbathing in your white two pieces Wukong chirps, uncontrollably with heart eyes, Mk noticed you too and decided to help Wukong out. Mk decided to hype up Wukong to win you over, but he acted like a huge clown in front of you, and it quickly became annoying. So you left him, but unfortunately for you, he doesn't give up that easily he had tried many methods of wooing you but it wasn't working. Then one day Wukong had made you a gift that showed a painting of you, you looked shocked as it was beautiful. With a light smile, you kissed his bright red face and accepted his courting ritual.

(MKR Wukong) He was as red as a cherry, as he stared at you at a market you were looking at fruit trying to decide which one to buy. While the monk was preying at another buddha temple(again🙄) and Wukong decided to head over and woo you. Yeah, that ended badly, and you b*tch slapped him for scarying and bothering you as you tried to pay. Unfortunately, that just fueled Wukong's desire for you, so wherever you go, he would have some kind of method to try to win you over. Some didn't go so well as the would lead to him getting beat up by you, but then he started to do things that were genuinely sweet you even Witness him father A fruit chi. You came up to him one day and officially accepted his courting request. To say he was stooked is a huge understatement

(HIB Wukong) Oh god, he's like those divorced dads in sitcoms who are awkwardly returning into the dating pool, but he had to do it because you caught his eye. Wukong is nervous as he'll because god, you were beautiful and like you would ever talk to him. Though you secretly found him to be very attractive and can feel his kind soul from where you're sitting, so it was you who walked over to him and looked him over. Wukong had a dangerously red face and felt frozen in place, but with Luier and Silly girl chatting you up and telling you that my dad, Has a huge crush on you" This made you giggle and tell him to pick you up at 7 at your place. The look on his face was priceless.

(NR Wukong) This clown was asking for a restraining order like seriously. He is starting to creep you out. He kelp flirting with you at this nightmare club you were trying to drink in peace, but he wouldn't leave you be. He would flirt and use pick-up lines on you. You had hissed and slapped his face away from you. Wukong frowned and soon started sharing his little dilemma with Li. After a few weeks, Wukong had won you over with a cute bracelet he made for you he gave Li and thumbs up as you both hugged.

(Netflix Wukong) I'll be honest you would bust a gut laughing at his attempts to get you to notice him. It's just so all over the place, and it's super cute and funny to you. Soon, he became so desperate that he actually went over to Lin's house and asked for help on you. The next morning, he came by your home with a large bouquet of your favorite flowers, making you smile, and grant him your affection.

(BMW Wukong) Oh man, did you want to kill this man because he is a compete ass. You beat him up on a daily basis with his overconfidence ass, as hot and sexy as it was. Wukong wanted you to like him. So after many failed attempts, he decided to do the one thing he never does.......... Ask for help. Erlang had kind of a fields day with this he gave some decent advice and did what he was told. After a bit, where you both chatting and learning about each other, and it seems you both have a lot more in common than you thought.

(Destined one) As usual, he's got a better chance of winning your heart, then all the others Desperate Degenerates. He was Is quiet soft and sweet and didn't piss you off as much. Your favorite activity together is cuddling and chatting. Well, it mostly you speaking about many things while the destined one listens, and with you guys being the shy and quiet couple together. It all worked out in the end, and the start to a wonderful relationship.

FEEL FREE TO REBLOG

#monkey king netflix #monkey king reborn #monkey king x reader #nezha reborn #lmk monkey king #monkey king hero is back #x female y/n #black myth wukong #the destined one x reader #how to train your dragon #light fury

67 notes · View notes

tiger333k · 1 day ago

Text

there are a lot of people complaining about Arcane season 2, and yes, I get it, it is a bit rushed at times and it would do well if they did a little extra explaining on some parts but honestly it feels like people are just nitpicking sometimes

example: just saw a video about someone complaining about ep7 about Powder and Ekko getting together, and just, wtf??? yes, I know it's because of Ekko's tip that vi died and I know the characters should've it weird when Ekko woke up and just started pointing about things in the past that they really don't want to be reminded of... but if you found this a problem you really didn't watch the show. the main theme about this alternate universe is forgiveness, powder forgave Ekko (though tbh, it was really Vi's plan to go rob someone the whole time), vander and silco forgave each other etc etc. alt Ekko was slaving away at this project when Ekko (firelight) got thrust into his body. powder said it herself, genius and insanity go hand in hand, Ekko saying random things like this probably wasn't even a surprise. also saw a thumbnail where Ekko and powder were kissing and they put 'cheating' beside the image. hopefully I won't have to explain how stupid this is.

Ekko didnt just kiss powder and go 'I can fix jinx'. he doesn't want to change jinx into powder, he even admits that jinx has something good that powder doesn't, jinx's ideas can change the world. what Ekko learned from the alt universe and powder is forgiveness, to look at the past and move forward, leaving a few things behind, leaving behind hate, anger, for the present, for the future. he learned to forgive jinx, so they could build something new.

also adding the fact that it wasn't vi's death that changed everything, it was the act of a child, the fact that someone had been killed that points out how dangerous hextech is, and that's why it was never developed.

personal opinion here, I don't think it was just the death and the letter that changed everything, I think it was little details leading up to the moment silco forgave vander, the moment everything went right. it wasn't one spontaneous event that changed it. we don't know what happened in the alt universe, we don't know if the fight went differently, or if slico had done anything different... maybe he never developed shimmer, maybe he wasn't so set on revenge. we don't know, so maybe don't jump to conclusions so quickly?

another point: jinx didn't just magically lose her trauma because of Isha, dunno what you guys were thinking.

jinx in season one had obvious mental issues, and we always see her drowning out the noise with blaring music. the reason why she was like that was because of her internal conflict, of powder and jinx clashing. jinx was trying to forget the past, and powder was the one that kept remembering it. powder was the one that kept trying to insist it wasn't her fault. powder was the one that held on to everything, and jinx hated powder. and in S1E9 we see her let powder die.

she accepts that she is a jinx to people she loves. the voices stop calling her a jinx, because she already knows this. she accepts this. jinx ruin everything. jinx is a curse. it isn't a case where some kid comes in and changes everything, jinx isn't healed in season 2, she just accepts that she is a catastrophe.

the only thing Isha changes is that jinx learns to love powder through Isha, and maybe even lets a bit of powder come back through. and that's why, when Isha is thrown into Stillwater, the voices come back before jinx takes control again.

three: Caitlyn was done dirty, her entire character was ooc

no it was not. you just saw it through a different lens and decided you didn't like it.

like it or not, Cait has always been privileged. she goes where she wants, does what she likes because she has the kirramman family name to protect her. Marcus says it himself in S1, we just chose to ignore it because that's when cait was doing what we thought was right, investigating and helping Vi, although she was not an enforcer, had no right to be there, we liked it because, well, because we hate Marcus, and she was actually doing something right back then

till season 2, where she gasses Zaun, goes all hitler, and... acts exactly how she acted in S1. she does what she wants, goes where she likes, to achieve one thing: get revenge on jinx.

cait has never lost a parent, she has never learned to cope with such a loss, so she reacts in a wrong way, reacts so drastically that we feel is out of character, its not. we merely see her previous traits painted in a different light and y'all decided you hate it.

I could go on forever honestly, but these three points got on my nerves the most, so I decided to say something about it. there.

this is way too long, my god.

#arcane #arcane s2 spoilers #arcane season 2 #jinx arcane #vi arcane #caitlyn arcane #ekko arcane #powder #timebomb #defending season 2 of arcane #this is too long wtf #arcane silco #vander

96 notes · View notes

corkinavoid · 23 hours ago

Text

DPxDC Hogwarts AU [pt. 1]

The first time Tim sees him, he is seven, standing by his Father's side, and bored out of his mind.

The 'party' is numbingly dull, full of adults, sparkling flutes of champagne, tiny sandwiches, and fake twinkling laughter. Tim doesn't understand how his parents find any of it interesting; in his opinion, nothing about just talking to people for hours and hours straight sounds as exciting as they make it look.

He wishes he could just go home already. Not that his time in the Drake estate gets any more exciting than bothering house elves or spending his day in the library, but it's still better than this.

Or, Tim thought so until he heard the unmistakable sound of glass shattering on the floor.

He turns around, and there are yelps and screams of surprise and angry swearing. It takes Tim a few seconds to realize what's going on - a few people are holding their hands to their faces, like trying to hide them, and he gets a glimpse of an elephant trunk peeking through the palms of one old lady.

And then, there's a sound of loud, delighted laughter ringing through the room, and the sound of footsteps, and-

"DANIEL!" Tim hears Mr. Masters, the host of the event, yell at the top of his lungs.

A moment later, Tim sees a boy zooming past him, elbowing the adults on his way to push through the crowd and still cackling like a madman. Tim doesn't get a good look at him, what with the boy running so fast he almost trips, but he does notice the messy black hair and the large, knitted blue sweater that looks too big on the boy's body.

"Daniel Jackson Fenton, come back this instant!" Mr. Masters calls again, his thunderous steps louder than all the yelling around them.

The boy doesn't even deign him with a look over his shoulder. Instead, he darts towards the nearest window, opens it with what seems to be practiced ease, and climbs on the windowsill. Only then does he look back to the chaos he created in the room full of respectable guests, and grins.

Tim blinks. He's never seen anyone smile like this, all teeth and mischief, and cheeky excitement.

"What, too old to catch me, Vlad?" He sticks his tongue at Mr. Masters, and just for a moment, Tim is scared the man is going to lunge at him. Yet, right as Mr. Masters gets close enough, the boy pushes off and jumps out the window, his laughter echoing through the night.

Mr. Masters looks like he is about to follow - and Tim is, for once, curious to see if he would - but stops himself short, only leaning out the window.

"Don't bother coming back, you little badger, you are grounded!" The man yells. The only response he gets is another fit of distant cackling from the gardens.

"That is sure a way to entertain the crowd," Father says quietly, and the tall, dark-skinned woman he's been talking to before the whole mess happened snorts a short laugh.

Tim looks back to the few people who are still sporting elephant trunks for their noses.

It's the first time he thinks a party full of adults in stuffy robes can be more fun than he expected.

—☆—☆—☆—

Some visuals for v i b e s

The room where the scene took place:

Tim's drawing after he was back home from the party (house elves helped):

[Picrew]

—☆—☆—☆—

I have the vaguest possible idea of where I'm going, but this is definitely going to be a multichapter thing.

A few notes I've got pinned down so far:

Drakes are a mostly pureblood family, not filthy rich and straight up focused on the whole purity thing, but keeping their reputation clean and nice, and their income stable. Both Jack and Janet have attended Hogwarts, and they were both Ravenclaws while they were at it. Janet might have some relation to Blacks, but it's so distant that she doesn't bother keeping it in mind.

Vladimir Masters is, technically, a pureblood wizard, but his family has been in England for only two or so generations. His grandma (who is still very much alive) came from Russia after falling madly in love with Vlad's grandpa (who is now deceased and, as the rumor goes, his wife had a hand in it). He also attended Hogwarts and has been a Ravenclaw in the same year as Madeline Fenton nee Walker. Hence, Daniel Fenton is his godson and, unofficially, as of right now, heir to Masters family.

[part 2 ->]

#im going to have f u n with this #danny phantom #dpxdc #dc x dp #tim drake #vlad masters #hp #dpxdcxhp #hogwarts au #cork writes #cork prompts #yes this is going to end up with dead tired ship #like all my prompts

92 notes · View notes

twoplayergaymers · 2 days ago

Text

BMF- H.Sero

Sero’s a flirt, but he might just win you over

Notes: Barely proofread, Latino Sero, college au, quirkless au, drinking&underage drinking, weed, suggestive, sfw but implied smut

You’d heard the rumors about Hanta Sero— hottest guy on campus, charming, flirtatious, and a certified fuckboy. Sure, you knew exactly who he was. He was friends with Denki, your best friend’s boyfriend, and yeah, he was undeniably hot. But you’d never admit that. Lucky for you, he’s always kept his distance—until now.

Denki’s 21st birthday. You’d graciously accepted the invitation, finding it a great opportunity to spend time with your best friend, Kyoka and her boyfriend whom you actually adore. House parties weren’t necessarily your thing, but a drink or two in you were always tipsy enough to socialize with strangers.

You’d shown up early, gift bag in hand along with a bottle of some cheap liquor you’d found in the bottom of your closet, shit, it was unopened and one thing your mama always told you was never to show up somewhere empty handed. If no one drank it it’d live in the bottom of your closet again until the next pregame.

“Y/n! You’re early!” Denki called from the kitchen, you having let yourself in to the small off campus home he shared with your best friend. “I come bearing gifts!” You say with a smile, brandishing the cheap vodka and gift bag in each hand. Denki chuckles and gestures to a table with a brightly colored cloth, you set both things down and move to wrap your arms around him in a hug. “Happy birthday denks” you say with a wide grin. “Came early, figured you two’d need help setting up?” He nodded with a laugh. “This is why we keep you around,” he joked, earning a snicker and roll of the eyes from you.

“I’ve got hands, where ya need me?” you ask, wiggling your fingers in mock enthusiasm. “Wanna blow up balloons? Helium tanks in the back. I think it’s just that and hanging up the other decorations. Kyo’s picking up the food, Eijirous bringing ice” you nod, heading to their back patio to grab the helium tank.

Fifteen minutes of struggling with the helium tank, fighting to tie the damn knots, and there were balloons scattered all over the ceiling. You huff to yourself, starting to gather them into neat bundles and tie them to the balloon weights, scattering the clusters around the house. By the time you’re taping the last of the decorations on the wall, Kyoka and Eijirou are walking in with plenty of food, their hands full of aluminum trays

You quickly drop what you’re doing and rush to help. “Do you need—”

Before you can finish, Kyoka cuts you off. “’S okay, Y/N.” She nods toward the door, and that’s when you spot him.

Hanta’s in the doorway, carrying what you assume to be the last of the food. Your eyes meet his—those round, brown eyes—and you freeze.

You try to look away, but it’s like your feet are stuck to the floor, caught somewhere between surprise and… something else. His lips curl into that signature smirk of his, the one you’ve seen from across the room at parties but never up close.

You quickly break the eye contact, your hands again fumbling with the last of the decorations, standing on your toes to tape the corner of the banner.

“Need a hand?” he asks, his voice smooth, teasing, like he knows exactly what effect he has on you.

You snap out of your daze and clear your throat, trying to mask the unexpected flutter in your chest. “I got it,” you say, forcing a casual tone, even though your heart’s racing a little faster than you’d like.

Hanta doesn’t budge. “Sure about that?” he presses, stepping closer. Before you can protest again, his hands are on your waist, lifting you effortlessly. Heat rushes to your face—and somewhere else—and you curse yourself for it.

You press the corner of the banner down as quickly as you can, silently willing him to set you back on solid ground and walk away. You’re not doing this. You’re not playing his game.

But he doesn’t walk away. Instead, he lingers just long enough for you to feel the press of his hands against your waist, his breath warm against your ear as he says, “There. All set.”

Your feet hit the floor, but the heat in your face doesn’t fade. You turn sharply, trying to focus on anything other than the way your body reacted to him, but he’s still there, that smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Don’t mention it,” he says, like he’s done you some grand favor, and before you can snap back, he’s walking away, casually joining Denki in the kitchen.

You feel your jaw tighten and your fists clench lightly. You’re not doing this, you remind yourself, glancing toward him out of the corner of your eye. He’s laughing at something Denki said, completely at ease, like he didn’t basically just feel you up in the middle of the living room.

You let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding and slip into the bathroom, splashing cold water on your face to chase away the heat that lingered from your cheeks down to your lower abdomen. Fuck. Why did he have this effect on you? Had it really been that long since someone touched you? You stare at your reflection in the mirror, gripping the edges of the sink as if it could steady you. No. You’re not doing this. You know who he is. You know what he’s like. You’re not going to be another notch on Hanta Sero’s belt.

It’s not long before others start arriving and the party kicks into full swing, people scatter across the house. Talking, drinking, dancing, playing stupid card games. Out back on the grass, a group of guys you recognize from Denki’s e-sports club are locked in an intense game of beer pong.

You’re a drink and a half in, standing near the kitchen with Mina, catching up like no time had passed. “So,” Mina says, leaning in close with a sly grin, “are you going to tell me why Sero hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night?”

Your stomach drops, and you nearly choke on your drink. “What are you talking about?” you ask, feigning innocence as you take another sip to cover your reaction. The truth is, you felt eyes on you and you figured maybe, just maybe they might belong to him. You told yourself if you never turned around you’d never know, you’d be safe from whatever spell those brown eyes had on you.

Mina raises an eyebrow. “Oh, don’t play dumb, y/n. I’ve seen him looking over here this entire conversation. It’s almost cute, well, if it wasn’t Hanta.”

You roll your eyes, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up your neck. “Yeah, okay. I’m sure Hanta Sero, campus flirt extraordinaire, is suddenly interested in me. He’s probably just bored.”

Mina giggles, pushing you playfully, “be careful n/n, that man doesn’t play fair and he looks like he wants to eat you right now.”

You scoff, shaking your head as if to shake off the thought. “I’m not playing into anything, Mina. I know his type, and I’m not interested.” You wish it were the whole truth, because deep down, in the back of your mind, a part of you wondered if the rumors were true—Hanta Sero, effortlessly strong, attractive, and supposedly great in bed.

“Mmhm,” Mina hums knowingly, but before you can argue, someone calls her name, and she disappears into the crowd.

You glance around the room, and that’s when you catch it—Sero’s gaze, locked on you from across the kitchen. He tilts his head ever so slightly, the ghost of a smirk playing on his lips, like he’s daring you to look away first.

Shit. You down the rest of your drink, you’re not nearly drunk enough for this. You practically dart to the table, cluttered with bottles of liquor and various mixers. Your eyes scan the options—too much stuff you’d never touch. Your hand goes for the cheap vodka you’d brought, fingers just wrapping around the bottle when a familiar voice makes you jump.

“You drink that cheap shit, ma?” You turn, and of course it’s Hanta, looking at you with a raised brow, he nods his head towards the bottle of vodka your hands now wrapped around.

“gets me drunk, don’t care right now” you mutter back, about to unscrew the cap when he pulls the bottle from your hands. “Let me make you a drink” he offers, his voice low, his gaze never leaving yours. “What’re you gonna put in it?” you ask, half-joking, trying to ignore the sudden flutter in your chest.

You don’t think he likes the joke; his brows knit together, and the easy smirk falters. Quickly, you raise a hand, clarifying, “Kidding! I’m kidding.”

His expression softens, and you force a small laugh, nodding. “Alright, fine. Make me something.” You tell yourself the banter is fine, right? His hands reach for a familiar shaped bottle before you yelp in protest. “No, no, no, I don’t drink brown liquor” you dont usually, and especially not tonight you don’t. Brown liquor makes people do things they don’t want to. Things like ending up in Hanta Seros bed. Not happening.

“That’s why you’re drinking that shit, ay bendito” he responds, his face almost in a mocking pout and it does things to you that it absolutely shouldn’t. “Fine.” He speaks again “what do pretty girls like you drink then, hm?”

You bite back the smile creeping onto your face at his words. “Tequila,” you respond, keeping your gaze locked on his. He chuckles. “How come all the pretty girls are into tequila? Shit’s nasty.” You hit him playfully. “Let me live!”

He raises his hands in mock surrender, a grin still tugging at his lips. “Alright, alright. Tequila it is. But don’t blame me if you regret it later.”

“I think I’ll take my chances, thanks,” you say with a playful roll of your eyes.

He scans the table and frowns. “No tequila.”

Before you can respond, he smirks. “You’re lucky I know where Denks hid the liquor they didn’t want anyone touching. Wait here.”

You blink, and he’s already gone, returning a moment later with a bottle of tequila—definitely not a cheap one. He starts unscrewing the top, and you open your mouth to protest.

“I’ll buy him a new one. Relax, hermosa,” he cuts you off smoothly, his voice low and teasing.

You huff, crossing your arms as you lean against the counter. “You better, or I’m not taking the fall for you.”

He chuckles, pouring the tequila into a shaker with ease. “Noted. But let’s be real, you wouldn’t sell me out. You’re too sweet for that.”

Your eyes narrow. “You don’t know me.”

“Oh, don’t I?” He flashes that signature smirk, and you hate the way it makes your stomach flutter.

He tosses in some ice, a splash of lime juice, and something else you don’t catch before shaking the drink with practiced confidence. “You’re too nice to be a snitch, but also too stubborn to admit you’re impressed right now.”

You scoff, though you can’t deny the latter part. “Are you always this full of yourself?”

“Only when I’m right,” he fires back. You lean against the counter, pretending not to notice how effortless he looks, even while pouring drinks. His sleeves are rolled up just enough to show off his forearms, and you hate yourself for noticing.

“Salt or no salt?” he asks, breaking the silence.

“Sugar” you answer quickly, trying to focus on anything but the way his fingers move as he prepares the drink.

“Figures,” he mutters with a smirk, pouring the drink into a glass and handing it to you. “Try it.”

You take the glass, eyeing him suspiciously before taking a sip. Damn it. It’s good. Really good.

“See?” he says, leaning a little closer. “Told you I got you.”

You roll your eyes again, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up your neck. “Alright, not bad. Maybe Denki won’t kill you after all.”

He laughs, and you hate the way the sound forms goosebumps on your skin. “Denks loves me, we’ve been bros a long time, he’ll get over it. I’m replacing more than I even took”

“Let’s hope so” you fire back, taking another sip of the drink, trying not to make it obvious how much you enjoy it, he doesn’t need the ego boost.

Hanta leans against the counter next to you, his shoulder brushing yours. It’s subtle, but enough to make your skin tingle. “You worry too much. Loosen up, hermosa. It’s a party.”

“Who said I’m wound up?” You ask, brow raised. “I dunno..” he trails off for a second “..maybe the fact that you’re ready to bolt whenever I look your way. Do I scare you, sweetheart?” his voice dropping just a bit. It’s not teasing anymore; it’s softer, like he’s trying to figure you out. “What are you so afraid of?”

You hesitate, gripping your glass a little tighter. “I’m not afraid of anything. I just…” You trail off, searching for the right words.

He waits, watching you with a patience you didn’t expect. “Just what?”

“I know your type,” you finally say, your voice steady. “And I’m not interested in playing your game.”

For a moment, he’s quiet, like he’s considering your words. Then, he leans just a little closer, his voice low enough that only you can hear. “What if it’s not a game this time?”

You roll your eyes again, not responding and instead take some more sips of your drink, big ones. Because he’s too close, his voice is too smooth and he smells too good.

The drinks catch up on you, fast. Suddenly you feel the familiar grip of the liquor, the room gets hot, like really hot and you grip the counter to steady yourself.

“Woaaah, careful, sweetheart” Hanta says, his hands help steady you. “Let’s get you some fresh air” you nod, and he guides you out the back door, sitting you on a lawn chair.

The warm fresh summer air feels nice, it’s a little more grounding. You take some deep breaths.

“You good?” He breaks the silence, looking at you and it’s almost like his eyes are laced with genuine concern. You nod. “maybe I should drink some-“ “water?” He cuts you off, handing you a bottle. “Grabbed it on the way outside. Drink up, pretty”

You do, not because he said so but because the you who might not wake up with a raging hangover tomorrow will thank you.

You sit there together, your eyes closed feeling the night breeze. Your eyes open as you hear a click of a lighter. He’s got a joint between his lips, his hand shielding the flame. He takes a long drag, leaning his head back to blow out the smoke.

You watch him for a moment, the way the ember glows in the dark, the smooth, practiced way he exhales. It’s annoyingly attractive, but you shove the thought down.

“Want some?” he offers, holding the joint out to you, his fingers brushing yours lightly as you take it.

“Don’t tell me it’s laced,” you quip, bringing it to your lips.

He smirks, leaning back in his chair. “Would I do that to you, hermosa?”

“Yes,” you deadpan, exhaling a cloud of smoke. He laughs, and for a second, the sound cuts through the haze in your head, grounding you more than the air had.

You pass it back, letting the quiet settle between you. The muffled sounds of the party drift through the open door, but out here, it’s calm, almost peaceful.

“I’m not as bad as you think, you know,” he says suddenly, his voice softer now.

You glance at him, raising a brow. “Is that what you tell all the girls?”

He shakes his head, taking another drag before handing the joint back to you. “Nah. Just you.”

It’s hard to tell if he’s joking or not, but the way he’s looking at you—steady, unflinching—it makes your chest tighten in a way that scares you more than it should.

You blow out a slow stream of smoke, keeping your tone light. “You don’t have to try so hard, you know.”

“Maybe I want to.”

That catches you off guard, and you hate how it makes your stomach flip. You look away, focusing on the stars instead. “I don’t know what you’re expecting from me, Sero, but—”

“I’m not expecting anything,” he cuts in, his voice low but firm. “I just… like talking to you. That’s all.”

You don’t respond right away, the words settling in your chest. It feels dangerous, letting yourself believe him even for a second. But for now, with the warm breeze, the weed, the tequila, and his stupidly soft gaze, you let the moment linger.

And it has to be just that, the liquor, the weed, because you’re admiring the way he looks in the moonlight, and god is he attractive and your gaze falls so his lips and—

“There you are!” Mina’s voice cuts through the quiet, calling from the open back door. “We’re gonna sing happy birthday!”

Your head snaps toward her, eyes slightly wide, silently pleading with her not to tease you for this later. You push yourself to your feet quickly, brushing past Hanta without a glance.

That was too close. That’s enough talking to him.

You weave through the crowd and join everyone in the kitchen, settling yourself between Kyoka and Mina. Denki’s standing on the other side of her, smiling at the brightly decorated cake set before him. She lights the candles, and the room erupts into a drunken rendition of happy birthday, followed by cheers as Denki blows out the flames and makes his wish.

With a grin, he begins slicing the cake into neat slivers, leaving the pieces on the table with forks for anyone to grab. Cake’s never really been your thing, so you let the others dig in, opting instead to lean against the counter and finally catch up with Jiro for the first time tonight.

You and Jiro talk about everything and nothing—your classes, some ridiculous TikTok she sent you earlier, and gossip about who’s hooking up with who at the party. It’s easy, familiar, and you’re finally starting to relax.

That is, until her eyes flick over your shoulder, and she smirks. “Looks like someone’s looking for you.”

You don’t need to turn around to know who she means. “Don’t.”

“What? I’m just saying.” She shrugs innocently, but the grin on her face says otherwise.

You glance over your shoulder anyway, and there he is, leaning against the doorway with a lazy, lopsided smile. Hanta catches your gaze like it’s the easiest thing in the world, and for a moment, the noise of the party fades into the background.

She nudges your side. “Why not shoot your shot? He’s kinda fine.”

You glare at her, trying not to laugh. “you say that about all your boyfriends friends?”

“liquor makes me honest”

“Y/N!” Denki’s voice cuts through your protest as he throws an arm around your shoulder, effectively dragging you away from Kyoka’s teasing. “C’mon, we’re starting a game of King’s Cup. You in?”

You nod quickly, grateful for the distraction, even if you can still feel Hanta’s eyes on you as you follow Denki into the living room.

You settle into the circle of friends, the familiar sounds of clinking cups and loud laughter filling the air as the game of King’s Cup kicks off. Denki explains the rules to a few new people, but you zone out for a moment, glancing back toward the doorway where Hanta’s still standing. His gaze meets yours again, and you feel that familiar pull—like he’s daring you to make the first move.

Shaking off the feeling, you take a sip of your drink, trying to focus on the game. When it’s your turn, you draw a card from the deck, and the room falls quiet as you hold it up. “Ace,” you announce, and the group erupts into groans and playful complaints.

“Waterfall,” Denki says, smirking.

You roll your eyes, but start drinking anyway. The rules are simple—everyone starts drinking, and you can only stop when the person to your right stops. You try to keep your focus on the game, but you can’t help but notice Hanta weaving through the crowd, moving closer to where you’re sitting.

“Careful,” Jirou whispers, leaning in. “I think he’s coming your way.”

You take another gulp, trying to act casual, but your heart races just a little. It’s not like you can avoid him forever, but you’re not sure if you’re ready for whatever’s about to happen.

As the game goes on, you can’t shake the feeling of Hanta’s presence. He’s not even doing anything overt—just casually chatting with people, laughing, and making his way through the room with that same relaxed confidence. But every so often, you catch him glancing in your direction, his eyes lingering for just a second longer than necessary.

Finally, it’s your turn again. You draw another card, heart skipping a beat as you see it’s the dreaded “King.” The room goes silent, everyone watching you.

“Alright,” you say, trying to mask your unease, “time to fill the cup.” You grab your drink and pour some into the middle cup, your gaze flicking back to Hanta as you do. He’s still looking at you, leaning against the wall with that same lazy smile. The tension between you two feels thicker than before.

You hear him laugh with some other people in the room, but it only serves to make you more aware of his presence. The game continues around you, but you can’t shake the feeling that he’s watching you—waiting for something.

The rest of the game passes in a blur. You laugh at all the right moments, throw your cards in the air when someone gets a bad card, but underneath it all, you’re hyper-aware of Hanta’s presence just across the room. Every time you catch his gaze, you quickly look away, trying to focus on the game and ignore the drop in your stomach.

Unsurprisingly, Denki wins the game. “Looks like I’m the King after all!” Denki announces with a grin, holding up his hands in mock triumph.

Everyone groans good-naturedly, but you can’t help but feel relieved it’s over. You take a deep breath, your nerves slowly easing as the night continues on. Everything’s hitting you, all the liquor, the weed, but honestly you feel great.

Mina drags you onto the dance floor. The music pulses around you, the beat vibrating in your chest as you move with Mina. It’s a carefree moment, your laughter echoing in the room, but beneath it, there’s that undeniable tension. Hanta’s gaze burns into you from across the room, his eyes never leaving you as you dance.

You meet his stare, challenging him without a word. With every sway of your hips, you feel his eyes follow, hungry, intense. Your hands move, tracing along your own body, slow and deliberate, knowing he’s watching, waiting.

It’s almost like a game—one you said you wouldn’t play, one he swore he wasn’t playing. But the pull between you is magnetic, and for the first time tonight, you feel like you’ve got the upper hand. You can almost hear him groan under his breath, the way his jaw tightens, but you don’t break eye contact.

Mina’s beside you, oblivious to the silent standoff between you and Hanta, lost in her own world of dancing. You, however, can’t stop the heat rising in your chest. You’re not sure who’s winning this game, but you’re certain you’re not losing. Not yet.

You smirk at him, then turn your body away, breaking the eye contact as you continue to dance with Mina. This game, teasing him, is fun—but you’re still focused on dancing with your girl.

The song ends and some random is grabbing minas hand, beckoning her to dance with him, she looks back at you silently before you laugh and nod in approval, she gives you an apologetic “sorry for ditching you!” smile and lets the boy pull her away

Another song plays, one you love so you dance by yourself, almost forgetting about Hanta until you feel strong hands on your hips. You turn your head slightly and there he is behind you, guiding your hips against him to the music and for once you don’t run, you let your body relax into his.

He’s holding a bottle in one of his hands and you reach for it before he pulls it back. “You said you don’t like it dark.” He raises a brow. “Well, I do now” you respond, trying to pull the bottle from him. Who cares, that shit about mixing liquor is a myth anyway. He stills your body, unscrewing the cap.

“Open” he commands. You do, tilting your head back as he pours a shot straight into your mouth. The liquor runs down your throat, and you swallow with a grimace. He then reaches up, wiping the spill from your mouth with his thumb, his touch lingering.

Your gaze meets his again and you let your head fall back to his shoulder, still grinding against him to whatever song was playing now. He leans his head down, his breath hot against your ear as he whispers, “You look so good like this.”

You giggle in response, pressing your body against his harder and he starts to pepper kisses on your neck. Before you can stop it a sound erupts from the back of your throat. You shouldn’t be doing this.

You’re silently cursing Mina for leaving you, but you know it’s not her fault. It’s not her fault because you’re tired of denying that you want this. You want him.

“I guess you win” you whisper back to him, he raises his head to look you in the eye, you break the gaze, looking at his lips again, Inching closer. Fuck it. You let your lips crash against his.

The kiss is sloppy, drunken, all teeth and tongue but somehow the way his hand caresses the side of your face is so intimate, the way the other holds the back of your head is gentle.

You spin, to face him, easing the strain on your own neck and let your arms wrap around his. His hands trail slowly down your body, landing on your ass. Of course.

You both pull away for air, eyes locking again, you lips kiss swollen, face flushed, his lips trail kisses sdown your neck again and you pull him off, eyes silently beckoning him. His eyes scan your face, looking for any hint of regret. It’s like you know, because you nod reassuringly and he’s grabbing your hand and leading you to the spare bedroom in the house, the one you’d be sleeping in tonight even if it wasn’t with Hanta.

He’s pushing you against the door, closing and locking it, murmuring how he “finally gets to have you.” You’d question it, but It feels like fire is igniting in your entire body because, god you wanted this. You always did.

You let his hands explore you, feel you, ignite fire on your skin. There’s more to him, you know there is, and right now you don’t care about his reputation, you just want him.

You wake up hours later, wrapped in sheets and Hantas limbs, his warm body coaxing you back to sleep but you can’t ignore the dull ache of your head.

Your hand blindly searches the nightstand for your phone, 5:30am.

Your gaze falls on the raven haired boy sleeping beside you, arm sprawled across your body holding you almost protectively. You blink, recalling the events of the night. Maybe he was telling the truth, maybe he’s different, there’s more to him.

The thoughts fly back in forth in your brain as you try to rationalize. You wish you could believe him. Hanta Sero, the fuckboy, the player.

You blink again and you’re outside, the sun starting to rise and you step into an uber.

You told him, you’re not playing his game.

——

A/n: YOUNG AND HE FINE AND HE TALL AND HE HANDSOMEEEE. Feeding sero nation 🫡 also hehe me when I said I’d write part 2 to a sign of affection and then I wrote this instead

Tags: @mimzyu @beebunsx

#shut up haley!#SAVE ME LATINO SERO #UGHHHHH I NEED HIM #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #bnha #mha #sero hanta #hanta sero #hanta sero x reader #sero x reader #mha x reader #sero hanta x reader #denki kaminari #kyoka jiro #mina ashido

59 notes · View notes

r4fe-cam3ron · 2 days ago

Text

CHRISTMAS STORY FOUR | DRIVE - e. munson x reader

w; mentions of s4 — follows but it’s a fix it fic!, mentions of blood and death, angst & fluff!

an; this was simply random and i honestly enjoyed writing it BUT im also not sure that i like it as well :( i hope you all like this!! soft eddie <3 mwah

Eddie’s still in bed — it’s been one month since Steve had struggled to pull him from the Upside Down, Eddie’s body limp even though he tried to help when he could.

His feet only dragged behind as he tried to take a step, creating a track in the dirt.

Steve had help on the other side, luckily, Dustin and Lucas on the other side. You had dropped through to help the two teens. It was rough deciding on where to go — though Hawkins was safe because of some teens and adults in their early twenties, Eddie’s still a wanted man.

Hopper’s cabin wasn’t far, luckily, Steve had practically broken many laws to get there, eyes glancing in the rearview mirror at you.

His blood was stained on your clothes, mixed with your own and along with the dirt and soot that covers everyone from head to toe. Your fingers had tried to work out the knots in Eddie’s hair on the floor, but it was no use. Max had sat next to you, a lingering feeling that feels quite familiar to what she had at the mall.

But you’d gotten there, safe, and Dustin had helped Steve with Eddie up the steps. He was still holding on.

You’d stitched him up that night, cleaning the wounds and dirt from his face. He looked so…

He looked as if he was a dead man walking.

Your heart broke when you looked into his eyes that were hazy with tiredness. “Told you it was my year.” He breathes out, chest slightly heaving.

You smile softly and nod, gripping his hand with yours. “Yeah. It’s your year, Eddie.” You whisper. Steve had then moved him to the small bed he had cleaned up. Eddie grunts when he tries to situate himself on top of the mattress. You pull off his boots, tossing them to the other side of the room.

“You need me to stay with you?” Steve turns to you. You shake your head, eyes lingering on Eddie as his eyes widen slightly, trying to stay awake.

“No,” You say softly. “I’ll be okay. Take the kids home and take a shower — you stink.”

Steve lets out a small laugh, lips pulling into a smile. He pulls you into a tight hug. Your arms wrap around him, hands splayed flat against his back as you pat him softly. “Go.”

Steve nods against your shoulder, pulling away. “I’ll be back a little later with some clothes for you both and food.”

“Okay. Thanks, Steve. Be careful.”

“I will. Lock the door behind me.” You watch as he turns the corner before looking over at Eddie, walking over and placing yourself next to him. Your hand grabs his — you’ll lock the door in a moment.

“You didn’t have to stay.”

“And leave you here by yourself when you can barely even keep your eyes open, much less walk? You’re insane if you think I’m going to leave you here alone.”

A small smile tugs at his lips. “I’m so tired.” He whispers.

“Then sleep,” You pull up the covers. “I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“Promise?” His eyes open slightly and you can see a bit of his pretty brown eyes. You push his curls from his cheek, placing your hand against the stubbly skin and brushing the pad of your thumb under his eye.

“I promise.”

He nods in your soft hold, tilting his head slightly towards your palm, nose grazing the skin. It was slightly ticklish, but you wouldn’t pull away from him until he was asleep. He says your name softly.

“Yeah?”

“You forgot to lock the door.”

Your lips pull into a smile as you shake your head.

A month later and he’s able to sit up a bit on his own in the bed. Although he still winces and has trouble getting comfortable, it’s better than having someone come help him twenty-four seven just to fix the covers.

You never minded, but he did. He was so used to doing things on his own, he never wanted to be this bad where he couldn’t even stay by himself.

Hopper was working on getting his name cleared. It caused an uproar is what Dustin had told him. But he didn’t want to think about that. He couldn’t go away for life for something he didn’t do.

Wayne doesn’t even know he’s hiding out. He wants to see Wayne — wants to hug him tight and tell him everything will be okay. But he can’t and he doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to.

It’s about as scary as what he had seen a month ago.

It’s as scary as looking death in the eyes.

You’d have been the one to stay with him - morning and night - only leaving when necessary but always coming back when promised with some food or new clothes.

You’d even come back with a small christmas tree this time, placing it on the stand next to the bed.

“It’s small, but,” You glance over at him, shrugging slightly. You look away when you notice he isn’t going to be the one to look away first. “I thought I’d bring a little christmas to you.”

His heart warms and his soft plush lips pull into a smile. “You’re sweet, you know that?” His head tilts back onto the wall as his eyes remain on you. One thing about Eddie — his looks make you feel as if you and him were the only ones in the room.

Well, the only ones in the world really.

At first, the intense look is what made you nervous around him - not the fact he’s pretty, with curly hair, with perfect teeth and a perfect smile that creates dimples, absolutely not!

But now, what used to make you nervous and dizzy, makes you feel calm. It makes you feel as if he’s committing you to his memory. That thought should scare you, but for some reason, it doesn’t.

You glance back at him, smiling softly. “I try to be,” You nod. “Oh, would you like a cookie? They’re freshly baked - double chocolate chip and snickerdoodle.”

He continues to stare at you, his brow slightly lifting. “Did you make my favorite cookies?”

You smile. “I’ll be back,” You walk out of the room, grabbing the tin that was on the table along with a small bag. You make your way back, dropping the bag at the end of the bed before opening the tin and holding it out towards him. “For you.”

He smiles and takes the tin into his hand. You toss the lid to the side, reaching for the bag. “You know me so well.”

“Of course I do,” You shrug, glancing over as he takes a chocolate chip cookie first, biting into it with a soft hum, eyes sliding close. “Good?”

“Oh, so good.” He whispers with a mouth full of cookie. You smile in amusement, grabbing the blanket from the bag and spreading it out over his lap before grabbing the lights.

You step back over to the tree, twisting the lights around. “I didn’t bring any ornaments, I’m sorry. I just thought maybe the lights would be okay.”

“It’s perfect,” Eddie nods. He reaches out and grabs your forearm, making your hands pause their task, head turning to him. “Really. Everything you’re doing is perfect. You’re perfect.”

You duck your head bashfully, shaking your head before finishing the lights, feeling his warm palm leave your arm. Once finished, you plug it into the outlet, smiling as the warm colors brighten the room even more.

Eddie hisses playfully, covering his face with his ring-less hand. You laugh, walking over to the light switch and flicking off the light. “Better?”

He drops his hand. “So much,” He nods. He reaches for the lid, making you quickly walk over and grab it for him. He stares at you. “I could’ve grabbed it.”

The tone in his voice makes you quickly retract your hand when you feel his fingers wrap around it. “Sorry. I just…” You motion towards him. “I don’t want you accidentally reopening your wound. That’s all.”

Eddie looks away and pushes the lid onto the tin, pushing it onto the nightstand as he scoots down slowly to lie back. He looks over at the tree as you stand there awkwardly.

You finally turn to leave before he finally speaks up.

“Can you lie with me?”

You stop quickly, turning to look over at him. He doesn’t make any move to look at you, he doesn’t want to push you. Toeing off your boots, you slowly walk over and crawl up from the edge of the bed, lying on your side.

You stare at the tendrils of curly, brown hair, the soft up and down of his shoulders as he breathes. His nose looked perfect from the side — his face carved from the warm, dark blue lights. Lifting a hand up slowly, not to scare him, your fingertip drags down the slope of his nose softly.

His eyes slowly flutter close, and the jealousy for his eyelashes grows more within you. Your finger traces towards his temple, before tracing across his eyes.

“What are you doing?” He whispers softly.

Your movements stop and your finger lifts from his face a tad. “I was just…” You stop. You don’t know what you were doing, really. “I don’t know. I’m sorry.” Your hand begins to retract from his face, his fingers quickly wrapping around your wrist when it’s close enough.

“It’s okay,” He nods. His head turns to look at you. “It was nice.” You nod softly.

“Do you want me to keep going?” He nods and allows his eyes to close. Lifting your hand with a bit more confidence this time, they trace under his eye softly, before dragging down his cheek and her his cheek bone.

He lets out a soft sigh when it begins to trace over his jawline, a small smile pulling at your lips. “You okay?” You whisper.

“Better than okay.” He says softly.

Your eyes drop down to look at his lips as your fingertip drags dangerously close. Tracing over his lips, his eyes slowly open. Your eyes lift, meeting with his droopy ones. He turns his head slightly, pressing his lips to your palm, before brushing his nose against the skin when it lays against his cheek.

“Can…” He stops when his voice cracks slightly. “Move closer.” Nodding, you move closer to him as he had asked, knees bumping against one another, foreheads pressed together. His nose brushes yours softly.

Your heart speeds up. Even if Eddie is the type of person to make you calm, you're nervous now, breath hitching when you feel his rough fingers brush against your own lips.

He leans closer, brushing his lips over yours as your eyes flutter shut. He stares at you quietly in this moment, the blue covering the room makes you look like you’re an angel, cheeks highlighted from the color.

His hand cups your jaw, thumb pressing under your chin as he tilts your head up a bit more, pressing his lips against yours.

It’s soft, slow, and consuming.

Absolutely earth-shattering.

He can taste a bit of the candy cane chapstick that lingers over your lips - smell it when he inhales deeply, tightening his hold on you. His thumb slides up to your chin, pressing slightly. He feels your fingers wrap around his wrist, gripping softly before slowly dragging towards his hand, folding your fingers over his.

He slowly pulls away, the dip of his nose dragging up yours slightly. You release a shaky breath, leaving your eyes closed and your lips slightly parted.

Your heart still beats quickly and you’re sure Eddie can hear and feel it against his own chest.

“Too much?” He asks after a while.

Your eyes open and you quickly shake your head. “No. No,” Your nose brushes against his cheek slightly. “Not too much.” You whisper, allowing your top lip to brush against his bottom lip.

His fingers tangle into your hair, kissing the corner of your mouth. “I love you.” He mouths over your lips, eyes staring into yours.

You stare at him for a moment longer, squeezing his hand softly. You smile against his lips.

“I love you.” You mouth back.

| tags — @ali-r3n ; @oceanblvd111

| please do not copy my work! comments, feedbacks, reblogs, & requests are welcomed and greatly appreciated! ❅

| border; @/silkholland

#joseph quinn x fem!reader #joseph quinn x reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you

52 notes · View notes