#like it's just as normal for your widowed brother-in-law come sleep in your bed because he's scared as it is for your 6 yo son

[pink-sparkly-witch]

The Widow - Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Summary: Sam and Y/N are happily married, but everything changes after a fatal car accident leaves her a widow. The Winchester motto: "Family Don't End with Blood," takes on a whole new meaning for Y/N as she navigates her new normal with the help of her brother-in-law, Dean. But what no one can tell her, is what happens when she falls in love again?   

Pairing: Sam Winchester x F!Reader (past) | Dean Winchester x F!Reader

Warnings: angst, language, fluff

Words: 2,416

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Dean’s POV

Dean doesn’t feel better for the amount of whiskey he drank last night. He feels worse. Much worse. The guilt hasn’t been washed away like he’d hoped it would be; not just guilt that he’d fucked his brother’s widow, but also that he’d left her alone in his bed afterwards. That was not one of his finer moments, and if he could take it back, he’d have stayed there with her wrapped in his arms all night long.

Last night with Y/N was everything he could’ve imagined and more, but he knows not to hope for anything more than that. She’s far too good for him. Too kind. Too caring. Too beautiful. He doesn’t deserve her. Especially after he tricked her into kissing him and then took her to bed. And the hatred he had for himself just kept on coming. How could he do that?

He really fucked things up. He always does. Another reason he doesn’t deserve her – or rather, she doesn’t deserve him. He can feel tears prick at his eyes again, but sniffs them back as he hears movement from upstairs. Y/N will be down soon, and he’ll be damned if she sees him cry like a baby when he knows she’s hurting way more than he is right now.

As soon as she walks through the door, he looks down, feeling far too cowardly to look at her. “Morning, sweetheart. How’d you sleep?” He asks, trying to make himself look busy.

“Fine. Though it looks like you’ve had a rough night,” Y/N replies, and Dean can hear the tremor in her voice. He swears if he could punch himself in the face he’d knock himself out cold for what he’s done to her.

“Couldn’t sleep. You want coffee?” He glances up at her for the first time, but only because he hears her keys jangling.

“I have to go.” Y/N’s voice is monotone, and he squeezes his eyes shut, knowing that all her pain and anger is because of him.

“Sweetheart, I thought we were gonna talk about this? You promised me, good or bad,” he begs. Yes, she did promise him that, but he’s well aware that he shifted the goalposts on that promise when he took her into his bed.

“And we will,” her voice is trembling and her eyes are watering, and Dean would rather face the hounds of hell than see this much pain on her beautiful face. “But I can’t right now, okay?” She avoids eye contact with him as she turns to walk away.

“Y/N, please! Don’t walk away from me on this! It’s too important. You’re too important.” Dean knows he’s losing her, and desperately tries to stop her from walking out that door, because he fears that if she does, he’ll never see her again.

“And I said I can’t right now, Dean!” Her tears fall thick and fast and her words leave her in a sob. “I need some time with all of this, okay? It’s too much. And I’m meeting Jody soon. I’ll call you later, so why don’t you get some sleep now that I’m not in your bed,” she finishes with pure venom in her voice and wipes the tears from her eyes as she turns to walk out the door.

“Y/N! It’s not like that, I swear! You’ve got it all wrong!” Dean shouts, but is met with nothing but the sound of his door slamming.

Running after her and trying to get to her before she drives off, he swings the door open and sprints down the front steps, but he isn’t quick enough. Y/N is already in the car and is driving down the street.

“Son of a bitch!” Dean yells, not caring for his neighbours or the early hour, and goes back inside and slams the door shut. Picking up his cell phone, he calls the only person he trusts with something this big.

“Dad? I messed up with Y/N and I don’t know if I can fix it.”

“You gonna tell me what happened, son, or are you just gonna sit there and hope it goes away?” John asks, but Dean keeps his eyes fixed on the floor.

With a loud sigh, John sits next to him and also remains silent. Dean had always had a deep, sensitive side – just like his mother, John always told him – and Dean knew his father would sit right there next to him until he was ready to talk about it.

“I slept with Y/N,” Dean eventually murmurs, glancing up only when John lets out a low whistle.

“Didn’t she have a date last night?” he frowns, and Dean can see the cogs turning behind his concerned gaze.

“Yeah. It was the perfect date with the perfect guy,” Dean sighs, and drags his hand over his face.

“I’m not following here,” John chuckles. “If it was the perfect date with the perfect guy, why did she end up in your bed?”

“She came to me upset after the date because Jacob,” Dean scoffs his name, “apparently, was the perfect gentleman and took her on the perfect date and kissed her goodnight. But Y/N didn’t feel anything. She said she felt numb and then got even more upset asking me if Sammy was the only person she was supposed to be with, and if she was broken for not feeling anything with date dude.

“I tried to convince her she was wrong, that he just wasn’t the guy for her, but she was too far inside her head, you know how she gets. She was gonna go home, but I didn’t think she should be alone. I kissed her as a kinda experiment to see if she felt anything with me. I was expecting disgust, honestly, but she started to kiss back and it just…” Dean doesn’t finish his thought. Doesn’t need to, so he lets it hang in the air.

“And it led to you two having sex,” John nods in understanding of his son’s panicked babbling. “What makes you think you’ve fucked things up with her?”

“After, when she was asleep, the guilt I felt that I’d slept with Sammy’s wife and that I took advantage of her… it was killing me and I went downstairs and drank. And I cried,” Dean’s voice was cracking as he tried to keep his emotions in check. “And I begged him to forgive me for falling in love with his girl, and I prayed that she wouldn’t hate me in the morning.”

“You left her alone after sleeping with her? Dean, tell me you went back to bed?” John asks and curses loudly. “How could you do that? Do you know what she must’ve been feeling?”

“Dad–”

“No, you will listen to me!” John barks, and Dean is quick to shut his mouth and slump down in the chair. “You are the first person she’s been with since her husband and you left her alone? You say you felt guilty about it, how do you think she felt, Dean? Do you think she doesn’t feel guilty? Doesn’t feel like she has betrayed her husband by sleeping with his brother? Do you think maybe she woke up in the morning, alone, in a cold, empty bed and thought ‘oh, I’m just another notch on Dean’s bedpost,’ on top of the guilt and the betrayal and the shame, huh? Did you even stop to think about that?”

“I didn’t,” Dean admits sadly. “I got so caught up in thinking about Sammy and that I’d taken advantage of her that I never stopped to consider how she was feeling.”

“Y/N is not one to be taken advantage of, son. If she slept with you, it’s because she wanted to,” John states firmly before the two men share a moment of silence. Dean, at least, is thankful for a break in the interrogation and hopes a break in tension happens soon too.

“Listen, Dean,” John speaks, much calmer than he’d been before. “She’d chop off your balls if you tried something she didn’t want!” he smirks and, with a sad smile Dean nods in agreement with him.

“If you want my opinion, Dean, you need to sit down with her and talk about this and what comes next. And you need to accept how she feels and what she says.” John claps Dean’s shoulder and stands, making his way to the fridge and pulling out two bottles of beer.

“Nah,” Dean shakes his head, refusing the beer. “I think I’ll go to the garage for a few hours. Seems like a good time to bash the frame of that Mustang back into shape. Give me time to think a bit before I call her.”

“Don’t leave it too long, Dean. She needs to know she wasn’t a mistake,” John’s voice is firm and leaves no room for argument.

“Yes, sir,” Dean replies as he stands and puts his jacket on.

“And Dean? If you need it, you have my blessing to be with her. And I’m sure you have Sammy’s too. If you’re in love and will be happy together, then I support you. Sam would want her to be happy and to be with a good man. You’re a good man, Dean, but you need to fix this. I’m not losing both of them,” John warns and Dean nods.

“You won’t,” he promises. “I’ll fix it.”

Working out all the dents and scratches, and doing the welding work on the body of the beat up old Mustang was somewhat therapeutic to Dean, and he felt like he’d managed to work out most of his frustrations at himself within a few hours. Y/N had mentioned that morning that she was meeting Jody and he didn’t think she’d lie to him about something like that, so he’d give her a little more time before he went over.

The thought that if he called her, she wouldn’t pick up has been at the forefront of his mind, so he decided showing up at her house, knowing she’ll let him in even if it was reluctantly, is the better option. She’s too polite to turn him away, and he knows she wouldn’t make a scene at her doorstep with her nosy neighbours always watching from their windows.

As Dean cleans up the shop and puts away the tools he’s been using, his phone starts to ring. With a heavy dread settling in his stomach, he sees that it’s Jody calling, and he knows she’s going to tear him a new one.

“Hey, Jody,” he answers the call, trying to hide his nerves.

“How are you, Dean?” she asks, concern lacing her voice, and it takes him off guard.

“I’ve been better,” he chuckles sadly.

“I bet,” Jody responds.

“How’s Y/N?” Dean asks before holding his breath for the answer.

“I’d say about as good as you,” Jody laughs softly. “Look, Dean, I’m not calling to burst your balls, but I do need to know one thing.”

“Anything,” Dean agrees quickly.

“Do you regret what happened last night?” Jody asks and Dean’s heart shatters.

“What? No! Of course not,” he insists sincerely.

“She thinks you do, Dean.”

“Shit! She does? Is that why she couldn’t get away from me quick enough this morning?” Dean feels a small bloom of hope in his chest that this won’t end as badly as he thinks it will.

“Alright, I don’t have a lot of time here, Y/N’s in the restroom and will be back any minute, so I’m just gonna say this. You slept with her then left her alone in bed all night while you were drowning your sorrows in a bottle of whiskey. She wakes up to an empty bed, feeling guilty for betraying her husband, and when she comes downstairs she finds an empty liquor bottle and the first man she’s fucked since her husband avoiding eye contact with her. How would you interpret that, Dean?”

“Fuck!” Dean yells, feeling even worse than he did this morning if that was possible.

“You need to talk this out with her,” Jody advises sternly.

“You’re right, I do. And I’m planning on going to the house later. I wanted to make sure she was home from seeing you first,” Dean replies. “Can you do me a favour and text me when she’s on her way?”

“I’ll convince her to order dessert at The Bunker. It shouldn’t be hard, her favourite is on the specials,” Jody says, and Dean can hear the smile in her voice. “I can stall her for about an hour if you want to come by and drive her home.”

“Yes, ma’am, I’ll be waiting outside. Thanks, Jody,” Dean smiles.

“No problem, kiddo. Good luck!”

And with that, Jody ends the call. Smiling for the first time all day, Dean quickly finishes tidying up before hurrying home to shower and change into clean clothes before going to see Y/N. The last thing he needs is to be having a serious conversation and pouring his heart out while covered in grease and sweat.

Dean gets to The Bunker with time to spare, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way. He wants to be waiting for her. He wants her to know that she’s important to him and that he wants to fix things between them.

He parks Baby outside the restaurant and gets out of the car, leaning against her hood and waiting patiently for Y/N. When he sees her walking towards him, his heart skips a beat, and he can’t remember a time when he’d felt more nervous, and it reaffirms just how much she’s come to mean to him these past few months.

Dean watches as she laughs with Jody, but his heart sinks when he sees her stop suddenly, her smile fading as their eyes meet. He keeps his eyes on her and sees Jody lean in and say something to her.

After the brief conversation, the women hug and part ways, and Jody sends a wink and a thumbs up his way. Y/N lowers her gaze and slowly walks towards him. When he opens the passenger door for her, she finally glances up.

“Hey,” she says as she gets in the car.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he smiles, but he isn’t confident it reaches his eyes, because he’s so damn nervous about what comes next.

Next Chapter>>

@deans-spinster-witch @muchamusedaboutnothing @kazsrm67 @twinkleinadiamondsky @waters-2567 @leigh70 @waynes-multiverse @jesllianaquilesrolonsworld @chriszgirl92 @stoneyggirl2 @marilynnlew @ilovedean-spn2 @deans-baby-momma @acitygrownwillow @xxsovereignsarayaxx @frozenhuntress67 @lacilou @rach5ive @iprobablyshipit91

[fandom-puff]

Enough

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Requested by: anon

Prompts: “I‘m never going to be good enough for you, am I?” (49 from list 2)

Summary: you’re not a barmaid. You don’t train horses. You’re nothing compared to the other women in his life

Warnings: swearing, arguments, very brief harassment

“YN!” John’s voice rang out from the side room. “Come ‘ere, girl, come and sit with us!”

You smiled weakly at him. He always tried to include you. “A-Actually, I was just heading home,” you said softly, walking over to him, ignoring Tommy pouring out a gin for May Carleton.

“Don’t give me that bullshit. Is it Finn? D’you want us to tell him to fuck off? We know he’s off putting- oi, Finn, go play with the other kids, yeah, fuck off,”

You giggled slightly. “No... it’s not... it’s not Finn, you can sit down,” you said, and the youngest Shelby grinned at you in thanks.

Esme, johns wife appeared at the door. “You can sit with me if you like. Lord knows I need some female company while him and Arthur are playing cards,” she smirks, jabbing him in the rib with her elbow.

You smile softly and give in. “Fine,” you said. Once the door was shut, you leaned to Esme, murmuring, “you’d think you’d have plenty of female company what with Tommy bouncing between Mrs Carlton and the barmaid,”

John overheard and snorted into his whiskey and esme glared at him. She looked at you sympathetically, and said in a hushed voice once the boys were distracted by cards again, “you still love the fucker, don’t you?”

Signing, you looked down to your lap, fidgeting with your hands. “Mm-Hm,” you confirmed. “He just... he confuses me so much. He cuts it off with me after the war, saying he needs space when really he was chasing that barmaid spy... she fucks off after he has her, and he comes back to me for a quick one. I was a fool to let him, because not two weeks later it’s May Carlton this, May Carlton that,” you sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose, hating to admit that you were jealous. But underneath that, you felt vulnerable. Inadequate.

“He’s a cock, YN,” esme said, rubbing your shoulder gently.

“Who’s a cock, Es?” John asks. Nosey bastard.

Esme sighed softly. “Thomas. Flaunting the horse woman round YN. Says she was born riding, but I bet she’s only ever ridden Fillies she inherited. Never had to break one in herself,” she rolled her eyes.

John and Arthur looked at you, smiling sympathetically. “If it’s any consolation to you, YN, we prefer you over an Irish spy or some posh woman any day of the week,” Arthur said. “You were with Tom since you were sixteen, and since he er... broke things off... he’s been a right dick,”

You smiled softly. Arthur and John would’ve made such lovely brothers in law. “Thanks, boys,” you sighed. “But it’s not... it’s not that I’m mad at him for seeing other women, he can do what he wants. It’s the seeing me in between and then ignoring me. I-I know I’m no good. I know I’m boring. I know I’m useless. Just... he doesn’t seem to be arsed about how I feel, even though I care so much about him. It’s like rubbing salt into an open wound- I don’t even know why I’m talking about this to you lot of all people,” you let out a high, nervous laugh. Esme patter your back as John and Arthur each reached to squeeze one of your hands reassuringly.

“What’s going on?” Tommy asked, the door now what as he slipped into the room. May was nowhere in sight.

“Where’s your girlfriend, Thomas?” Esme spat. You were glad for her venemous tongue sometimes.

Tommy rolled his eyes and barely regarded his sister in law. “May Carlton has left small Heath to go back to her home,” he said bluntly. “To tend to my horse,”

“Even though you’ve got Curly here. He’s the best at horses,” you blurted, without really thinking.

“Yn,” he pinched the bridge of his nose. “What would you know about horses?”

His words stung. He had taught you how to ride when you were 16. He’d taught you how to tell what a horse was feeling, how to calm a nervous mare, how to get a horse to behave without taking to the crop or the whip. In your letters while he was in France you always made sure to tell him how the horses in the yard were getting on, and he told you about the beautiful chestnut stallion he had seen, the dappled mare which the commander rode. “Only what you taught me,” you whispered, tears pooling in your eyes. “Only what you taught me before you went off to France. Before that fucking war and then that fucking copper ruined everything,” you pulled away from esme’s comforting pats, from John and Arthur’s sympathetic gaze, from Finn’s baffled look. You stared at tommy, taking a deep breath to say something scathing, but could only manage a small sob.

You hated yourself for it. Tommy grabbed your arms but you wriggled from his grasp. “Look, YN, calm down, love, we’ll talk-“

“Love? Love?” You hissed. “You lost your right to call me anything but my name months ago. Don’t you coddle me, Thomas Shelby, because I know exactly what you’re thinking. I‘m never going to be good enough for you, am I? I’m never going to be a pretty Irish barmaid who keeps a pistol in her handbag. I’m never going to be a prostitute you wouldn’t let your brother marry because you wanted her all to yourself. I’m never going to be some rich widow with a big house and a wealth of knowledge about horses. All I gave you, ten years of my life, my innocence, my youth... it was never good enough for you, was it?” tears were streaming down your face.

“Yn,” Tommy said.

“No,” you pushed past him. “Don’t bother,” you slammed the door to the snug. As you walked out of the pub, a man grabbed at your wrist.

“Need some cheering up, darling?” He snarled, Hans tracing your thigh.

“Get your filthy fucking hands off me before I rip your fucking balls off and shove ‘em down your own throat,” you growled, yanking your hand away from him, and storming home.

Men were the worst. All toe rags, you decided.

***

A week has passed since your argument with tommy. Each of the Shelby’s had tried reaching out to you- you were practically a sister to them for ten years before Tommy decided he’d had enough.

You sighed as the door knocked. “As much as I appreciate it Arthur,” you sighed as you took the chain off. “Im really not in the mood to spend my night drinking away my sorrows with you and John- oh. It’s you,”

You immediately looked down, not wanting to look into those blue eyes, that perfect face. That stupid, perfect face.

“YN... look,” he said slowly, carefully. The same way he would coax a nervous filly to trust him. “I’ve been... ive been a bastard, okay. I’m sorry. I still... I still love you,”

You snorted. “Explain that to everyone within a mile radius of May Carlton’s house, hmm?” You said bitterly. “Or to the horse you named ‘Grace’s Secret’”

Tommy sighed. “I know you hate me, YN... but... I love you. I haven’t stopped loving you since we were 16 in my uncle Charlie’s Yard, hiding from your dad. When we used to sit by the cut eating those pretty little cakes you used to make. I used to give you the strawberry off the top of mine, so long as you gave me some of your buttercream. We wrote to eachother every week while I was in France, sometimes twice, three times, even. I still have those letters, YN. You used to put a spritz of your perfume in each one and do a little kiss in all your different lipsticks so it was like you were hugging and kissing me all those miles away,”

As he spoke, he was slowly backing you into your living room, until you were both sitting down. “I didn’t bring you flowers, because I know you only really like them in the spring and summer, because they wilt too fast and look too sad in the autumn and winter. And if it was spring, I would’ve gotten you roses or violets or pansies, because I know lilies and chrysanthemums make you sneeze,” a fresh round of tears slipped out of your shut eyes. You couldn’t bare to look at him under his intense gaze- you knew you’d break down after just a second.

“Tommy,” you whispered softly. It was the first time you’d called him by his nickname in over a year

“I know that you can’t sleep without snuggling into something- blankets normally- but... it used to be me, and I miss it so much, YN,” he said the last part in a soft, quiet voice.

You let out a soft cry, moving to his side, allowing him to engulf you in his arms and hold you tight, the way he held you the night before he went off to war. You cried into his chest, and we’re sure he was crying into your hair for more than an hour, finding long lost comfort in one another’s arms, the way they slotted so well together despite so long apart.

“I want this to work Tommy,” you eventually whispered. “I want it to be how it was,” you felt him not his head.

“No more secrets, YN. No more women. Only you. The only woman I’ve ever truly loved,”

You sighed softly and nodded, snuggling into him the way he pointed out you did. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed, you look like you haven’t slept in days,” he said guiltily, picking you up and carrying you upstairs. As he was tucking you in, you grabbed his hand, eyes suddenly alert.

“Don’t leave me again,” you whispered, squeezibv his hand. He squeezed back, before kicking off his shoes and taking off his belt, sliding into bed behind you, cuddling you close the way you did all those years ago. It seemed the most natural thing to do, and he almost sighed with relief when you snuggled close. He kissed the top of your head gently.

“Never, YN... never again,”

Tag list: @the-makingsofgreatness @peakyswritings @haphazardhufflepuff @diksy1112 @zodiyack @soleil-dor @hiddensapphic @fckingpeakyblinders @snugleo @alittlebirds @satanxklaus @glamsaturn @thegirlwithoutaname87 @queenofmankind @awkwardretro

[paperdoe]

Char facts

Stolen from deviantart

1) What's their FULL NAME (First, middle(s), last)

Ehhh elves go by father, mother, and espesse (given name) 

So in that order. Halordin Telphindor Daerhovan (He mainly goes by his espesse) 

2) Do they have siblings? if so what are their names/ages

4. Haldor is 1800, Heledirnien (N/A) and the twins Losseneth and Lossenduin are both 1200. 

3) What were they like in their elementary, middle and high school phases?

.Seeing as those terms don’t exist in Middle Earth, i’ll break it down by age. 

1-200

Extremely sheltered and curious. Drove his mother and mentors insane with how many times he’d try to get to Forbidden Places. Wanted to know how everything worked and why and then how why those things worked functioned the way they did. Hyper focused on the natural world, natural history, and the history of his and other free peoples. Read voraciously when he wasn’t trying to sneak away.

200-700

Young and inexperienced in the works of his calling. Often rash when it comes to making difficult or time sensitive decisions. In isolation for most of his early centuries in his desire for knowledge. Sought to learn more of the world and traveled far and wide. Developed deeper relationships with people more than animals as his business lead him out of isolation. His resolve to save what he loved strengthened from nearly world ending events. 

700-8,000

Preserves his love for his interests throughout his lifetime. Very diligent in his duties as a naturalist until the later years of his life when he becomes deeply depressed from the loss of everyone he’s ever loved or befriended and the changes to the world. Gets a little better near the end, but finally feels that it’s time to move on, and fades into the west.  

4) What is their hometown?  

Caras-Galadhon. better known as Lothlorien. 

5) Did they go to college? If so what for? and did they graduate?

While I love the idea of universities in Middle Earth, Daerhovan was mentored by various independent teachers throughout his early life. Most notably Orthir of Lothlorien, Arasdir (brother in law who taught him much about botany) and Radagast the Brown. 

6) Are they married, single, in a relationship, or crushing on someone who has no idea?  

Daerhovan gets married to a dwarrowdam, Badari of Erebor during his lifetime. Before then sheer curiosity of romance led him to dalliance with two others. A widow from Rohan and another elven man he grew up with. (Though it never really escalated to sex with the latter two.) 

7) Don't be shy tell us their name~

I DONE DID

8) How do they get along with that person?

Rather well I imagine since they spend the rest of Badari’s life together. Perhaps there was a bit of intimidation on Daerhovan’s side at first as he wasn’t used to dealing with people with a fiery demeanor. Never mind dwarves in general.   

9) What's your favorite canon moment that's happened and no one else knows about?

During one of his early attempts at trying to understand the natural world, tried calming down a maddened huorn. The huorn lashed a root at him in it’s rage and sliced him from pectoral to navel, leaving behind a ghastly scar that took centuries to completely heal. he was saved by Radagast the Brown before he could bleed out. He doesn’t talk about the incident out of sheer embarrassment. But it did teach him a hard lesson about the reach and influence of evil in nature. And being with Radagast during his healing taught him most of what he knows later in life. 

10) Do they have kids? Do they want kids?

.Badari and he don’t have kids and to be honest I don’t think Daerhovan would want any. They tend to make him nervous and unsure, and whatever paternal instincts he has are for baby animals. He doesn’t mind baby-sitting for close friends and family most of the time though. 

11) What do they currently do?

.Oof currently? I’m gonna take currently as in the current timeline of Lord of the Rings Online (Where he was first born as an OC) Which is some months after Sauron’s defeat (Or is it weeks? lol) 

What i’ve described earlier really. He’s a herbalist, naturalist, forest warden, and anthropologist. And anything that’s related. (And Gandalf’s errand boy apparently) 

12) Do they have a job outside of that?

What was listed above is his lifestyle really. I’ll say that before then in his teenage years he was a grape vine tender and assistant scholar of the trees of Lothlorien. 

13) How do they entertain themselves?

Reviewing past notes, reading. horse/elk back riding. Swimming. Likes to have his hands occupied. 

14) What's their biggest fear?

Losing those he loves, drastic change, places he holds in his heart becoming lost to time or by machine, losing his will to live. 

15) How do other people see them? does this affect them or do they brush it off?

Depends. Within his own kind among the Galladhrim he’s viewed as a novelty and trouble maker because of his circumstances  (The way his father and brother were killed, his mothers extreme efforts to keep him safe which lead to his wild escapeds, made for some hot gossip) He didn’t like the attention on him and his family, and this was probably a catalyst that lead to him becoming enamored with places beyond The Golden Wood. If only to get away for a bit. 

With other races they’d probably be a bit put off by his lack of social skills and tendency to info dump. This hurts a little, but trees are great listeners at least. 

16) Do they have exes? if so what's their name, what happened </3

Can’t really be called an ex if they weren’t official in the first place? 

17) Do they have a strong relationship with their parents?

More like a tenuous unconditional love if that can make sense. he never knew his father that well. And his mothers extreme efforts to shelter him made him somewhat embittered.  

18) how often do they see them?

Once or twice a year when she still dwelled in Middle Earth. And then not for a very, very long time until after he faded and was reborn in Valinor. 

19) Why did they not go to bed until 4 am??

.What is sleep to an elf. 

20) Can they do tricks??

He’s acrobatic? 

21) Are they pretty much the same through the stages (toddler-adult) or have they gotten more mature? less mature? etc.

I like the thought of him retaining his playfulness and childlike curiosity throughout most of his life. 

22) Do they have a phobia?

Being deep below the ground and the nameless things that gnaw at the earth. Moria was fine but perhaps the catalyst to the fear that would grow overtime as the dwarves and nameless would clash more often. 

23) What's their favorite animal

Lynxes and forest elk. 

24) What's in their fridge. you heard me.

No fridge here! He’ll eat nice smelling flowers occasionally. Roses are his favorite....and he wonders why people look at him strangely. Normal people food wise, he’d have berries. So many berries. 

25) Give us a secret~

He can’t hear or feel the pull of Valinor from the cries of the gulls or the sea. 

26) How would they react to a random confession text from their crush? :eyes:

Bear with me and pretend phones exist for him for the moment. Furious blushing, finger twiddling, curling up in fetal position. 

27) What do they fear losing the most?

I mentioned it above alreadyyyy

28) What was their worst injury as of now?

ALSO MENTIONED 

29) Which of their parents do you think they take after more, in looks, personality or both

His mother Gaelwen. inherited her silverish hair (She’s a descendant from prominent Sindar from lost Belariand) and paler skin. 

re on their deathbed who would they want by their side? (Can have 3 and only 3!)

Badari, Mallovorel (best elven friend and like a sister) and Losseneth (His fav bio sister) 

anyone else who wants to do this feel free. just say i tagged you ;) 

[ris-harp]

The Rest is Silence: A Deaf Hamlet Story. Chapter 2

This was the first board meeting where Hamilton didn’t sit next to his father. His father wasn’t there. He was dead.

When he lived, his father used these meetings to train Hamilton and teach him how to lead the company. He had always ensured his successor could see all the important mouths, but the new CEO didn’t even give him a seat at the table. His change in status as the chief executive step-son earned him a chair in the corner of the room staring at the dandruff-dusted shoulders of Mr. Paulard’s ill-fitted blazer. Hamilton’s fingers itched to spell out one last secret message to his father about Old Man Paulard.

At the head of the table, Klaus, the new leader of Dane Enterprises, leaned on his elbows listening to the noise coming from the star-shaped phone in the middle of the table. Beside Klaus sat Hamilton’s mother. They held hands. No decency. This was a board meeting, not a honeymoon. Hamilton’s fists tightened. Klaus’s thumb caressed the glittering diamond on his mother’s finger.

He forced himself to look at Klaus’s lips instead of his offending hands. “So if you — — message to your guys in Norway, Valdez, tha — — great.” Klaus’s stare was firm and cold to offset the seeming gentleness of his hand.

The speakerphone garbled a reply, but Hamilton didn’t understand any of it. It probably went something like “Yes Mr. Danes. We will, Mr. Danes. Your boots are delicious, Mr. Danes.”

When he was alive, the true Mr. Danes had an imposing shape and stature. He was over six feet tall with broad shoulders and bulky arms like a pit bull. Though his build could incite fear, his eyes only reflected loyalty and love. This villainous imposter inhabited a similar body but had deep-set deathly eyes that tried to instill fear in everyone they glared at. Hamilton wasn’t afraid. He saw the bug-eyed chihuahua that yapped and trembled within the hulking body.

The chihuahua yipped again. “Laurence, did you have something to — —?”

Laurence Paulard. Old Man Paulard’s son. His purple silk vest shimmered as he stood up beside his snow-capped father. Hamilton ground his teeth and craned his neck to see Laurence’s lips.

“Yes, Mr. Danes.”

« Mr. Danes? Not here. » Hamilton signed with a flat expression. Klaus scowled. He didn’t know a word of sign language, so Hamilton had grown accustomed to his confusion.

Laurence continued. “I’d like to be in charge of the Paris project.”

Hamilton didn’t look to Klaus to read his reply. He just waited for Laurence to respond.

“Well as you well know, I’ve spent a significant amount of time in Paris—.”

« Well as you well know... » Hamilton mocked in sign language before switching off his hearing aid and melting into his seat.

In blissful silence, he fidgeted with the band of father’s old golden watch. It had belonged to his great grandfather, Hamilton Danes I. He pictured his forefathers. Black and white. Glaring into the flash of an ancient camera bulb. The second hand ticked with the rhythm of his bouncing leg. After a minute, he fell still, becoming one with the chair. Senseless furniture blessed with the ignorance of non-existence.

Thump thump.

The floor vibrated under his feet.

Hamilton looked up to see his mother and Klaus staring at him from the head of the table. The meeting had ended, and the three of them sat in a nearly vacant boardroom.

Klaus’s mouth gaped open and closed in silent shouts, “Hamilton, I asked you—.” Klaus took in a breath. “Why you’re still acting like this.”

« That doesn’t help. You know that, right? » Hamilton arched an eyebrow. « Still deaf as hell. »

“Gertrude, darling, what is he saying?”

She didn’t interpret. Hamilton wasn’t sure she could.

“Ham, sweetheart,” she spoke slowly and clearly. “You really should try to be happier.” Her hands brushed her chest to sign « happy » without rhythm or confidence. “These black clothes, gloomy attitude all the time. I don’t think I’ve seen you eat since you came home.” She signed « eat » and « no ».

She was right. He hadn’t had a full meal since his father’s death. It wasn’t because he hadn’t tried, but his stomach felt like it was made entirely of knives. Every time he sat down to eat proper food, they stabbed him until he took a sleeping pill and went to bed.

“And you’re picking at your nails again.” She pretended to groom her pink plastic claws with lowered eyebrows and pursed lips.

He wiped a spot of blood off his index finger and went back to playing with his watch band.

“— — worried about you, sweetheart.” She leaned in, eyes glistening like she was an actress on Absent in the Spring.

“You’re a dutiful son.” Klaus put his hand on his wife’s shoulder. “— — honoured by your dedication — — to my dear brother’s memory — —.”

Hamilton fought back a snarl. His dear brother hadn’t even been in the ground for two months, and he had already married his widow.

As for his mother? Hamilton was incredulous.

A memory burst to the forefront of his mind. Hamilton watched his parents lean against the railing of an observation platform as Verona Falls surged below them. Wind gusted. Hair and water whipped at his mother’s face. With a gentle touch, his father tucked a rogue strand behind her ear. Their eyes crinkled and their lips curled. He pulled her into an embrace and kissed the top of her head.

There had been so much love there. It was the kind of love that grew and strengthened every day. How could she have fallen for this poor replica of his father?

He rubbed his eyes, desperate to stop violent grief from clouding his vision as Klaus continued to shout.

“— — when your grandfather died. I — — sad. I don’t think I left the house for a week afterwards. And when his father died — —”

This man didn’t love her. Not like she was used to. Not like she deserved.

“It’s time — — normal life, lad.”

She floated to her feet and over to Hamilton. “You should stay with us, sweetheart. At least while you’re not feeling well.” She signed « sick ».

Sick? Is that what this was? A cold virus?

Kneeling in front of him, she placed her silky hand on his. “Maybe take a semester off.” « Please ». Her eyebrows rose and the corners of her mouth tucked in.

A whiff of spiced rum assaulted Hamilton’s nose. Klaus’s lunchtime drink of choice. Hamilton pulled his hand away.

He watched his mother’s heart break. Her eyes grew wide as she reached after his hand.

Hamilton’s heart cracked, too.

He sighed. « If it will make you happy, I will consider it. » He nodded and mouthed the words for her as he signed them.

A tear fell down her cheek as her eyes squinted with the hint of a smile.

As angry as Hamilton was with her, he loved to see that smile. If his staying would make her happy, maybe it would be worth the extra time spent in close proximity to his uncle.

Klaus came over and offered his hand to Hamilton’s mother. She took it and stood.

“I’m glad you’re home. I hope you’ll decide to stay.”

She leaned in and kissed Hamilton’s forehead.

Without another word his mother and her new husband walked away hand in hand, leaving Hamilton alone in the meeting room.

He closed his eyes and saw a bolt of lightning burning through the skylight above him. Molten glass rained down as a jolt of electric power buzzed through his body, burning his life away. Hunger, fatigue, sorrow, anger, and hatred gone with a single well-aimed lightning strike. Was that too much to ask?

Thunder, like an answered prayer rumbled through the floor.

His eyes popped open to see a dashing gentleman in a three piece suit stomping in the corridor. Not god’s divine mercy. Hamilton’s closest friend.

Horatio stepped through the doorway with a flourish and a bow.

« My most noble Lord Hamilton Harold Wilhelm Danes IV! » Horatio’s hands moved like a gentle breeze on a shadeless summer day.

Hamilton smiled. « Please. Call me Hamilton. »

« Of course. Ham it is then. » Instead of Hamilton’s proper name, Horatio used the sign for pig.

Hamilton groaned. He hated that nickname. Thankfully, only his mother and Horatio were brave enough to use it in his presence.

« Always I am your humble servant. » Horatio bowed again, smirking.

« You don’t know how good you have it. »

Horatio cocked his head and furrowed his brow.

« It's good to see you, Rato. » Hamilton retaliated with Horatio’s own hated nickname. « Real. I haven’t had a real conversation since I got here. »

They embraced, and a wave of reassuring calm trickled down from his head to his toes as he shared a breath with his friend.

With a heavy sigh, Hamilton held Horatio at arm’s length. « You’re here in Elsinore why? What the hell? »

« Sometimes the big city is too much. You have to leave. Go to the bountiful remote lands of the wealthy elite. You know? »

« Your law degree. What about that? Are you still trying to finish? »

« What? I’m skipping classes. You know, because I’m a total hardcore badass. »

« Bullshit. » Hamilton chuckled as he hopped up onto the boardroom table and took a seat.

« You’re right. It’s fall break. » Horatio shrugged and took a breath. « Why am I really here? I came as soon as I heard about your father. Sorry I missed the funeral. »

« It’s okay. Did you make it in time for my mother’s wedding? » Hamilton rolled his eyes so hard his vision blurred.

Horatio sneered. « That did happen really fast. »

Shrugging, Hamilton proposed, « Maybe they were just being thrifty?»

« What? »

« The leftover mini-sandwiches from the funeral probably tasted great at the wedding. »

Barely holding back a smile, Horatio pursed his lips.

His friend’s smirk warmed Hamilton almost as much as the imaginary lightning bolt, but he remained silent and still. He sighed. « Sometimes I see him. »

« Who? »

« Father. »

« What? Where? » Horatio’s gaze darted around the room like he expected the walls to close in.

« Anywhere. Everywhere. He’s in my head. When I look at Klaus, I see a cheap knock-off version of him. I see him in the shadows. I see him in the mirror. I hardly recognise myself, but I see him. He’s everywhere. And at the same time, I know I’ll never see anyone like him ever again. » Rubbing his temples with his thumbs, Hamilton tried to erase his father’s image from his mind.

Horatio regained Hamilton’s attention with a wave. « I saw him last night. »

« What? »

« Mr. Danes. »

« Save your jokes for Frank and Bernie. »

Hamilton turned his attention back to his watch.

The table thumped as Horatio pounded on it with a fist.

« I’m telling you, Ham. I saw him. Last night. »

« Stop. For real. I’m not in the mood. »

Horatio grimaced. « I didn’t believe it either. Not until I saw it. »

« Ok. » An angry lump rose in Hamilton’s throat. He ground his teeth and waited for his friend to continue.

Horatio leaned in. « Last night, I went out to the gate with Frank. At first, I thought he was full of shit. But after a few minutes, there he was. »

« Bull. » Hamilton rolled his eyes, but a strange hopeful disgust germinated in the depth of his soul.

« I’m not joking! » Horatio insisted.

Sincerity glinted in Horatio’s eyes.

« He saw you? »

Horatio nodded.

« Did he talk to you? »

« I tried. He didn’t talk. Stood there. Pale. Like he was made of gas.»

Hamilton tried to imagine his father’s spirit. He remembered Halloween when he was only ten. His father popped out from behind the hedge with a white sheet over his head. A terrified Hamilton stabbed him with his costume pirate sword.

« But he was different. »

«  What do you mean ? » Hamilton arched an eyebrow.

« Imposing. Desperate. »

« Very interesting. I’m sorry I missed it. »

« I don’t think you missed it. » Horatio shook his head.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow.

« He’s appeared every night this week. » Horatio continued. « Frank and Bernie have both seen him. There’s a good chance you could see him tonight. »

His father. The ghost of him. He had told Hamilton once that ghosts were ungodly abominations. His jaw clenched. He rubbed his thumb on the crystal of his watch.

« Fine. Take me to him. Is Frank on duty tonight? »

Horatio nodded with a snarl.

« Damn. That guy’s a tool. »

« True business. »

Hamilton contemplated his watch’s golden second hand. He would give anything to see his father again. But the ungodly abomination of him? He looked up and arched an eyebrow at Horatio. « You will come with me? »

« Obviously. » Horatio signed while looking at his watch. « First I’m going to get some food before. Want to come ? »

Knives slashed through his rumbling stomach. « No thanks. I’ve already eaten. »

Horatio glanced at Hamilton’s midsection and raised an eyebrow. Thankfully, he didn’t press for the truth. « You will probably want a coat. »

He turned and left Hamilton alone in the boardroom.

The second hand ticked in an endless loop.

[sympathyfortheblinderdevil]

The Cursed Side of This Family Chapter 6

look here for chapter 5    look here for chapter 7

Slow burn, Tommy x Esme, grief, guilt, lust, drugs…What’s not to love?

Let it out, let it all out Say what’s on your mind You can kick and scream and shout and say things that are so unkind Yeah-see if I care, see if I stand firm or if I fall Cause in the back of my mind, and on the tip of my tongue Is the answer to it all

The next morning was not kind to Tommy. The previous night’s whiskey and lack of sleep were punishing him for his sins. But on his knees in the silence of his room, he couldn’t pray to God to take away the curse of wanting her. He couldn’t swear on a bible that he wouldn’t touch her again. Not when every glimpse of her, every scent of her in the air, every whisper of her soft voice floating along the hall tortured his mind. Surely there was no fault in two broken people looking for comfort in each other, he reasoned. If only life were that simple. All he could do was stay close and protect her and her children. John’s children. John’s widow. Guilt was a rare feeling for Thomas Shelby, and he was not coping well.

He thought of working in London for a few days, but he couldn’t risk leaving while the threat from the Wood family still lingered. It would be wrong for him to run away and leave Esme alone to cope with the aftermath of their actions. Besides, he was inexorably drawn to her. Even though he was fighting against his desire for her, he couldn’t just leave her. Tommy resigned himself to stay, day after day, night after night, pretending that her presence was not a constant torment.

Esme fared no better. The guilt of what she and Thomas had nearly done made her head pound. As she made her bed and set her room to rights, she could smell him in the sheets. Or was it John? After all, this was his room.  Even though he was gone, she still felt his presence at times. With a shiver, she wondered if John knew what had transpired between Tommy and her. She told herself that she was weak with grief, and that was the only reason she had succumbed to Tommy’s soothing touch. His voice made her believe that everything was going to be alright, and his strong arms made her feel safe and cared for. Surely she deserved to feel safe and cared for, but the rest of it…she couldn’t think about that now.

She had washed her face and began to dress when the drumming of little feet came pattering down the hall. Two of her children came tumbling into the room with her eldest close behind them. Esme smiled and swept them, giggling and squirming, into her arms. This…this would have to be her focus if she wanted to survive.

“Mum, you look like you feel better,” her oldest daughter said.

“I do, love,” Esme replied. She could see John in their faces, and it took her breath away. Blinking back tears she diverted their attention, “Let’s go see what Aunt Polly has made for breakfast.”

Down in the kitchen, Tommy and Esme sat at the breakfast table attempting small talk. They pretended that everything was normal, stealing glances whenever Polly’s back was turned. While helping one of the kids scoot up to the table, their hands brushed and the crackle of electricity was palpable. When they both reached for the teapot at the same time, his apology tumbled over hers. Polly sensed an oddness in the way they were acting, but just chalked it up to the overly polite behavior of feuding in-laws who had just buried the hatchet.

Polly smiled and lit a cigarette, “Maybe now that you have kissed and made-up, you could have Esme help you in your office.”

Polly’s choice of words made Tommy choke on his tea. Esme just stared wide eyed into the bowl of porridge that she was spooning into the baby’s mouth.

“I think that can be arranged,” Tommy answered.

“Good, then it’s settled. Esme, dear, don’t look so worried. I know a girl who can come ‘round today to mind the children, and it will do you well to stay busy.”

Esme swallowed hard, “Yes, I suppose you are right.”

Tommy caught Esme in the upstairs hall before they went to the office. She was annoyed that he had agreed to Polly’s plan, considering the events of the night before.

“What are you fucking playing at, Thomas?”

“I wasn’t expecting her to suggest that you work at my office. I thought it best to go along with her because it would appear more suspicious if I had refused.”

“Well don’t get the idea that you’ll have me bent over your desk like Lizzie,” she spat back at him.

Tommy rubbed his eyes and sighed in exasperation, “I don’t think of you in that way.”

“What way did you think of me last night?”

“The same way you thought of me.”

Esme raised her hand to slap him, and he caught her wrist. He pulled her into his room and she struggled against his grip. He grabbed her other hand as it came up toward his head, then he pulled her close enough to feel his breath on her face. He gruffly whispered, “I know that you are lashing out at me because you feel guilty, and I feel guilty too. But what happened last night, whatever you may think, was honest. Yes, it is unfortunate that you are my brother’s widow, but it was genuine. At least for me.”

Esme was breathing heavily and twisting her arms, trying to get out of his grip, “How can any of this be honest when my John is less than a year dead?”

“I don’t know.” With that simple admission, Tommy wrapped her in a tight embrace until she stopped fighting him. When he felt her relax against his chest, he tenderly kissed her on her forehead. “I don’t know how we are going to deal with this arrangement, but we will figure it out. If you want me to stay away from you, I will come up with an excuse as to why you can’t work with me in the shop. But the more I think about it, the less fault I can find with two people trying to take away each other’s pain.

He held her until her breathing slowed and then let her go. “I will be in your office in an hour.” She turned on her heel and went to her room to get ready for work.

[kiss-my-freckle]

Huge focus this season on marriages, divorces, engagements, deaths.

Detective Singleton was married with two kids. Nik Korpal was engaged. The Capricorn Killer went dormant because he met his wife and had a child. Judge Sonia Fisher lied about having an affair on her husband with Howard Ray Bishop. On Dembe's smuggling truck, Budron talked about murdering a man's wife to save air. Mrs. Kilgannon's son killed her husband during an argument over their smuggling business. Garvey is married, When Aram and Liz caught sight of him with Lilly, Aram asked Liz if she thinks he's having an affair. Red reminded us that Scottie attacked Liz's wedding. Liz told Dr. Fulton she felt a presence at her first wedding. Pete lied about being married, claimed he was getting a divorce so he could marry Lena. Analia and Paolo were the married couple who owned the house Red took over for his party in Blaise’s episode. Red invited Basillo and his wife to the party. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Stansbury was shot and killed by a hired cop in Miss Rebecca Thrall's episode. It was mentioned four times that Liz is a widow. The Cook killed a husband and wife in a house fire. The Travel Agency victims - Mitchell David Dunning, murdered in front of his wife. Edward Knobbs was married. Pattie Sue Edward's cleared her husband's name. The woman talking to the Cook cheated on her fiancé. Agent Calhoun's white whale became her family. The Saram ring-proposal dialogues, including Liz's and Ressler's. In the woods, Billy asked Liz why she's still wearing her wedding ring. Billy stated that the witness in Liz's bed is married. Soundtrack: Leonard Cohen - Famous Blue Raincoat. Soundtrack: Janis Ian - At Seventeen

Garvey: You must be the wife. What’s your name, darling?

Ressler: You must be the wife. Janet: Janet. Ressler: ­Janet, right. Well, I’m sorry, Janet, but your husband’s been lying to you for a very long time.

The Napoleon Diamond Necklace, Greyson Blaise.

"Thank you, Phoebe. You are truly a patron of the arts. Speaking of patrons of the arts - Napoleon. His first wife was unable to bear him a child, so he dumped the Empress of France for the Archduchess of Austria. He got a child, and she got a magnificent gold and silver necklace consisting of 234 diamonds, and what is widely considered to be the most spectacular jewelry piece of the age. It’s here, and on loan from the Smithsonian. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I give to you the Napoleon Diamond Necklace.”

Red's story about being there at Liz's first wedding.

"I was in the Andes when I heard you and Elizabeth were engaged. Agents in the Columbian government had solicited my help negotiating the release of soldiers being held by FARC rebels. At the time, I was a rare intermediary having brokered sales of arms and equipment to both sides of the conflict. I was unable to return until the day of your wedding. Seeing her that day - She was incandescent. I’d come out of the mountains, blinded by rage, flown 2300 miles, absolutely certain that you must die. And then - I saw Elizabeth. I’m a violent man. A terrible, powerful, violent man. But the way she looked at you, the way she loves you - I’m powerless against that."

Tom's story about his "wife." 

“You don’t have to call me Mr. I’m sorry, man. My wife just, uh - just left me. Seven years we’ve been together, you know? And she’s sleeping with her boss? And now I’m the one who has to move out. And I found that apartment, you know? I remodeled it myself, and now I’m sleeping on my buddy’s couch. And she’s banging a guy named Phil! You know, the guy wears a bowling shirt, alright? The kind with his His nickname embroidered right on the front, and it’s - It’s 'Chesty,' alright? She picked a guy named Chesty over me.”

“Phil” came up in Sinclair’s episode.

Brian: Do you know who likes falafel?! Phil. Who was screwing my wife when we started this. When you promised to get me a double. And now he’s moved in with her. He’s living in my house with my kids. And I’m out here waving to falafel guys! 

Calvin & Eleanor Dawson, The Travel Agency.

Liz: The wife - he lied to her. Led her to believe he worked at an actual travel agency, had a normal life. She had no idea. After the accident, somehow, somewhere, there was a slip-up, and she picked up on it. She stumbled onto his finances. A congressman from Utah murdered while he was in Salt Lake. A South African police general gunned down while he was in Cape Town. There’s no closure in confronting a man who doesn’t even know what day it is, so she just kept digging. Finally, she figured out his protocols. How the long-defunct Travel Agency communicated with their assets. And she used those same protocols to run her husband. Took advantage of his amnesia, making him believe it was still 1989, using him as her own contract killer to take out those in the Travel Agency. All the while, he had no idea.

Eleanor: You took our girls with you to kill a man. You left them in the car and walked inside the back of a restaurant to do a job which should’ve taken you - what, two minutes? But it didn’t take you two minutes, Calvin. Because the man you went to kill knew you were coming - got a jump on you, left you for dead, bleeding and beaten in the alley while our girls were locked in the car - too young to know any better. The medical examiner said electrolyte abnormalities kicked in and sparked cardiac arrhythmias - and something he called “skin slippage.” Everyone from Seawall is dead. Except Wright. The police got to him. But everyone else. It doesn’t bring the girls back or make me feel as good as I thought it would - but you did it.

Anna-Gracia & Samar's cousin.

Anna-Gracia killed 10 husbands.

Liz: Look at this thread. It includes Orthodox Jews, Mormons, Muslims, Christians. It’s like a child-bride support group. They’re talking about being forced to have sex, forced to be wives in middle and high school. Aram: That is not all they talk about. They also talk about her - a guardian angel, sort of like a mythic white knight that appears to set them free. Ressler: Set them free - murder their husbands. Samar: They can’t do it through divorce. As minors, they need adult consent, but the adults in their lives want them to be married. Aram: Nine of the girls in Reva’s group have husbands who have been killed or died in accidents.

Anna-Gracia: I wasn’t just married to him! He raped me! He lived near my family’s home. One day, he invited me in to see his apartment, and I reported it. Went to the police. When my parents found out, they were angry at me. For shaming them, for causing a scandal. To make it go away, they told a story. They said we were in love. They went to Robert and made a deal, like I was something to be traded! Samar: I’m so sorry. Anna-Gracia: I survived in his hell for almost three years. Until one afternoon when I freed myself. Salvation from a $10 kitchen knife. I knew then what I would do. That I would die, if necessary, trying to save others. Samar: My parents were murdered when I was 9. My brother and I, we were sent to live with our father’s family. And then, slowly, I began to heal. This was thanks in large part to my cousin Yana. She was 15. She was like a second mother to me. Until one night at dinner, my uncle announced that she was going to be married to a man that none of us had ever met. That night, Yana and I, we sat and we cried. ‘Cause the next day, the man came, and she was gone. I didn’t have the chance to help her. Please give me the chance to help you, Anna-Gracia to tell your story. This isn’t where your story should end.

Dialogues for Tom, Liz, and Red.

Tom: You know what we need? We need to get married. We never got married.

Tom: If you answer your phone, we are getting a divorce.

Tom: No! No, you don’t! Just tell him you’re on your honeymoon. Tell him that your second husband insists you take one day off. Liz: Um, technically - you are my first husband because our first marriage was annulled.

Liz: I’m better than okay. I’m great. We’re great - Tom and I. We got married. See? Now’s normally when people say “congratulations.” Red: Sorry. Tom and I have had our differences, but I believe he wants what’s best for you. And Agnes. Congratulations, Elizabeth.

Liz: I’m only interested in the man who murdered Tom and finding out the secret that got him killed. Red: I’m going to help with the former and prevent the latter. 50-50 split. Like a good divorce. Harold.

Tom: I’m not lying. I got a wife and a kid. I’m not dying here.

"Finding my husband's killer."

Samar: If I were her, I’d do whatever it takes to find my husband’s killer. Ressler: What do you mean, “whatever it takes”? Samar: I mean breaking the rules, ignoring the law - whatever it takes. Aram: To find your husband’s killer? That’s actually sort of sweet. Ressler: There’s nothing sweet about a cop who breaks the rules.

[saeneras]

Alone in the Light (Yukimura x MC) Chapter 1

A/N: Shout out to @han-pan​ for keeping me from going overboard with this fic.

Synopsis: There's something about the sadness in her eyes, the lost gazes and melancholy she harbors in her petite body that makes Yukimura want to save her. For her the rain never stops falling but he will open his arms to her offering to be her shelter. To give her the warmth and love she needs but it's only because he doesn't know the truth. For the devil is known to disguise himself as an angel.

Part 2

“You look like a sweet little boy.” She whispered sadly to the unconscious soldier lying on the bedding before her. “Not the soldier these wars have forced you to become.” Somewhere beyond the wall a wolf howled, mournfully as if crying for him.

The cold water on the washcloth dripped onto his forehead before the droplets disappeared into his sweat soaked hair upon contact with his flushed skin. Heat similar to that from the lamp lighting the  room bathed in night, rose from his body as the fever burnt the body of the youngest son of Sanada Masayuki since he returned from the war; sick,bruised, beaten and battered. Wiping his forehead again she dipped her cloth back into the bowl, her patient slept, his angelic face unaware of her movements.

“A boy with a man’s body.” His loose white robe exposed his hardened, adonic chest to her black eyes. “He's perfect, any girl’s dream but I guess that in these times you need to have a body like that.” she thought fixing his clothing. Sighing she smiled tenderly “Do you ever wish you were a normal? Where war wasn't expected of you? You could come home to your wife and your child with no honour to defend?” she asked the unconscious male, tilting her head slightly she peered at him remaining silent of course she couldn't have an answer he couldn’t hear her. The beast howled again in the distance over the rising wind. Only the moving shadows and coils of darkness answered her instead.

“ I've never lied but I’ll admit not even the commoners are safe you know? Red, purple and blue blemishes scarred his milky complexion. Those imperfections served as a reminder of his past and of those who ran their blades into him. “My father had bruises and blemishes on his skin too. You remind me of him. He was drafted, forced to fight unwillingly. My mother was terrified when he went to war. Do men like you feel scared? I wish you could tell me. I couldn't even hurt an ant muchless for another.“

Her fingertips dared not trail across the marks, once again she was a little girl touching the blemishes on her father’s skin. Red was her favourite colour but seeing it marked into the skin of those she loved terrified her. To her red symbolised pretty flowers, the pretty kimonos her mother wore and Yahiko’s carp kites not the pain reflected in her father’s eyes. To see her favourite shade leaking out of his bandages was enough to make her little feet carry her far away from her house. She was a horrible little girl for liking a colour that made her father sad.

She sighed. “My father was brave like you but he was only a cook not a samurai’s son. He died fighting for Lord Masayuki, like you do. I miss him sometimes but what can I do.” bitterness tainted her laugh. “I'm sure you'll be missed should something happen to you. I hope it never happens to you or anyone you love.”

She had washed his infected wounds earlier them earlier a task that took longer than it should because she couldn’t look at the gashes without stinging moisture in her eyes and memories of the wagon that brought his body home. “Breathe just breathe.” she had closed her eyes shut. “He needs you.”

“Mom why isn't he moving?”

“He's gone to a much more happy place sweetie.” the old memory forced its way into her head.

“Get out!”

“He's happy now sweetie.”

“Get OUT!” she yelled silently at the thought.

“He's more happy than ever now sweetie.”

“GET OUT!” her cry echoed, clasping her pale hands over her mouth in shame, praying nobody heard her outburst before those hands pulled at her own hair. If a maid overheard her talking to herself what would she do? Sorting her head out she washed his wounds fighting the rising nausea churning in her stomach.

“I wonder if his wife was ever hysteric as I was back then. We'd have something in common if we ever met.” She never met the woman lucky enough to marry the lord. Applying ointment to his skin. The pungent sandalwood scent combined with his clean natural scent did nothing to comfort her, it overwhelmed her nostrils when she was overwhelmed her anxiety shot up. “It smells nice.” she huffed trailing her slick fingers along the scars on his abdomen marveling at how easily they slid along the rises and valleys of his body. “I wonder if she’ll be more hysteric that I'm touching you now but she can’t do a thing?” she grinned darkly before  coming back to her senses.

“Why do we need divine rule and wars? Oda, Takeda, Hojo they have power and they just want more not caring about who’s lives they take and innocent they butcher. Sometimes they poison the hearts of those who love the ones at war.” The Sanada retainers asked for the town's women to help tend to the wounded. Their medics had all been slaughtered in their last campaign and the men desperately needed help. “I've come here to relive my pain again. I'm more stupid than he is.” he chuckled.

How had the daughter of a Ueda Castle town restaurant become knowledgeable in medicine and apothecary? “That's my secret.” To the town's people she was dutiful daughter, devoted to her family and her cooking. She doubted her own family knew about her or what she was. “It's the wars when father died...I found a way to make fast money. Dad told me to do good so I'm helping others.” But given the limit of her medical training she couldn’t figure out why the man before her with was so sick.

“I am not going to let him die. He didn't ask me for his fate but….” “Could it be a broken heart?” She wondered  raking her fingers gently through his silky dark strands, massaging his scalp with utmost care and tenderness.  Lovers dying due to the loss of their partners wasn’t uncommon. She'd helped quite a few of them.

Smoothing out his locks, she traced patterns on his forehead, the urge to press against him ruled over her but what's the use of a kiss when he wasn't awake and surely wouldn't appreciate an unknown woman being this close to him after all his cherry boy reputation was well known from Nagano to Oshu. It felt right to be attracted by the handsome Sanada brothers. Living behind their high walls, blessed with nobility, wealth and armies. The eldest boy kept away in order to further the line whilst the youngest was the infamous Sword of Japan. Girls like her could only dream of sleeping in their beds and bearing a child inheriting those famed turquoise eyes. She'd cherish the moments she had with this one.

Unfortunately the younger Sanada didn’t only come home physically and mentally broken but he returned widowed. Sanada Kanami, his beloved bride lost her life. No cuts or scars marred her perfect skin, her smile stayed intact as they found her not breathing and her brown hair fanned out around her cold skin in the garden Yukimura gifted to her as a wedding present. Her cold limbs entangled in vines and clutching some peonies. In her last breaths she needed something of her beloved husband to hold onto.

“A poetic death, the worst kind because it seems like they planned it.”

From the castle gossip, she learnt that Kanami visited an orphanage that day for she loved playing and giving gifts to the babies settled there. She took her duty to look after those displaced by her father-in-law’s and husband’s hand seriously providing equipment and resources needed to rebuild homes along with food to families in need. Before she left the castle on that fateful day, the maids remembered her smiling and laughing as she, a noblewoman helped them prepare breakfast for the men of the castle, they adored. No one at Ueda knew how she died. That question hung off everyone’s lips. Who killed her? Why would they do that? Yukimura wasn’t the only one who loved her unconditionally. Often his elder brother smothered her in compliments about her beauty and the joy she brought to Yukimura even in death he spoke nothing but how sweet and kind Kanami was. Her daily trips out to town gained the Sanada the love of the townspeople and the smallfolk. No one wanted her gone. “I don’t know what she looked like but I’m sure she was lovely. She’s got to be in order to have a man like him fawning over her.” The cook’s daughter placed her hand over the sick soldier’s heart, feeling his steady heartbeat pounding against his skin. “I’m sorry this happened Kana-sama. I don't even know you yet I could never wish harm upon you. You seemed so sweet.” Curling her fingers beneath the collar, she slowly covered up his creamy flesh, stopping to tie the sash at his waist. Her touch snaked across his clothing straightening out the fabric. Ghosting over his heart, she froze. His body had gone as cold as the chills teasing the air outside. “But they said..it's a fever... his body..isn't..? No...that's not it.” Frowning, she pressed her hand over his heart slightly sinking into his muscle until she found what she was looking for.

“What the …..” Yukimura’s heartbeat thudded faintly against her palm. “It’s softer than it was a few minutes ago….it’s fading.” Her eyes widening as the beat threatened to disappear. Casting aside her blinding empathy, a new desire overtook her, a much more darker one. His ashen not milky skin, slightly sunken cheeks and the laboured breaths. The samurai descended into a mess of a human, to be fair he looked too grotesque to be human. She'd heard stories of corpse like humans wandering around but never thought a creature like that would be in front of her now.

“Poison, it’s poison not a fever.” she breathed in sharply. “A fever poison from Iga.” A specific one that starts as an illness then a deep sleep before death would kiss Yukimura’s pale, cold mouth. “I don't think I brought an antidote. God how long will it take me to get to town and have an antidote made?! There's supposed to be some in this castle!” her mind blurred her words, the world spun to her.

Watching his mouth drop open in painful breaths. “Your old friend death is here.” The room seemed more chilly now that her “friend” was here. “You cannot let him die.” Her thoughts muttered. “It’s cruel to let the boy wake up to the grief awaiting him only to have his father thrust him into another war yes. He’ll be with his beloved Kanami not a pawn for the lie known as divine rule. Let him die if you have mercy. Remember what your mother said.” “ He won’t be happy sweetie.” her mother’s voice chided her gently. She froze, a chill creeping beneath her bones at the voice. No one was in the room with her aside from the afternoon light filtering through the screen.

A mere cook’s daughter ended up having the power of a warrior’s life and death in her hands, a commoner holding more power than any of Yukimura’s noble wives dreamt of having.

“I won't abuse this ...power.”

“His family may send him into these horrid situations but they don't deserve to see their child dead. They deserve to see that red armor riding off and returning to them in victory.”

*sob* Soft crying in the hall outside halted everything. A few females wept into their sleeves. “We lost Lady Kanami...I don't want to lose Lord Yukimura too.” Sakurako the maid who wore pink’s voice choked with grief. “He's too sweet, too kind to die so young.” Another voice shrieked through the screen it looked as if she were pulling her hair. “He fights for those who are weak! He isn't weak Umeko san he will live.” the male retainer paused to sniffle and seemed to shift to comfort the maid in pink. “If the Gods give him a chance..maybe just maybe they'll let us protect him more.” “And we'll have to protect his lady too shall he find another.”

“He has people who  love him.” a bit of hope warmed her heart hearing the words of those who adored their Lord.

“He’ll be happy sweetie.” her mother invaded her mind again.

“He never asked me for it.” She reprimanded herself. Pushing her thoughts aside, she knocked her bowl over in her haste to get to the other side of the room where her things were. Shoving aside some bottles filled with liquids that made death by poison painless she dug and dug. Finding a small bottle of antidote, she rushed back to his side. Uncorking it, the cool glass slid past his lips forming an O shape around the mouth. Placing a hand on the back of his damp hair, she lifted his head as the liquid disappeared.

Bending over she kissed his forehead. The tasty taste of  his skin printed on her lips.

“You'll be ok now my dear .”

Blowing out the lamp, a smile carved against her lips as the lamp light faded.

--------

“May I know your name?”

“Kurogane Momoka”

“Thank you for saving him, Momoka.”

Nobuyuki’s voice was serene and calm unlike his disheveled younger sibling his light green clothing left nothing for a girl’s black irises to feast on but left plenty to her imagination.

“If only you knew.” She thought.

“I'm glad I could help.”

She never got to see Yukimura’s eyes so she gave herself permission to drown in his elder brother’s blue green orbs.

“He's not going to have it easy for a while.” She sighed. “The loss of a loved one and almost dying.”

“He's dealt with worse. My brother is a strong one. I have faith in him. It must be part of your medical training to worry about everyone.” clasping her hands in his bigger, stronger ones. “It's kind of you but I assure you he'll be ok. I'm positive when the maids bring him doughnuts he'll be back to his usual self.” he took her hands to soothe her.

“Doughnuts?”

“It's his favourite food. He loves those.”

Momoka couldn’t imagine him loving doughnuts. In her opinion all soldiers ate were wild boar, meat and other foods she disliked preparing. Looking up at Nobuyuki, for the first time here she smiled genuinely. “That's so cute.” she giggled making a mental note to attempt the recipe and sell them at the restaurant if she were successful. Soft cloth purse filled with coins slid into her hands.

“For your troubles.” he returned her smile.

“Thank you milord.” She accepted the payment with ease. “Mom will be happy, this can buy a lot of new things for the restaurant.”

“Don't sound so distressed my dear.” he patted her head.

“Aaargghhh”

As the words left his mouth, a howl of pain echoed from the room Yukimura rested in. The lingering tortured cries of agony made the hair on her skin rise.

“Excuse me. Thank you again. If you ever need assistance for anything please let me know.” Nobuyuki gave her a tiny nod before leaving her for his brother’s side.

“ Is someone skinning him or burning him alive in there?” she panicked twisting her kimono sleeve into unrecognisable shapes. “I hate when they scream.” Yukimura cried out again as the maids flung open the door. “He's waking up!”. The muscles she admired so much contorted with, up and down, arching off the bedding in a possessed trance similar to the time her brother claimed to have a demon within him. Words grumbled from his mouth but what was the young Lord saying she couldn't decipher.

The mumblings rose with his haggard breath. Twisted up in his bedding, no one understood the pain he was in, a pain that no human body should ever feel. Not his brother, not the wide eyed retainers trying to hold him down or the frightened maids.

“I want to hold him, feel his body in my hands, cradle his head if he wanted me to I'd tell him that if he can fight through so many battles, he can get over this pain.” a tear slid down her cheek.

Time remained frozen as retainers rushed past her eager to help their Lord seeing that he lived to fight alongside them again but she couldn’t see or hear them. Momoka didn't hear the maids or see them rush past her. Her world consisted of her mother’s cries and Yahiko’s questions about death.

Heaven disintegrated into the hell known as reality for Momoka. Clenching her fists so hard the nails dug into her skin, regret and sorrow consumed her. “I let him wake up! I allowed him to become...this thing” internally she was hysterical. His organs would feel like acid for days and limbs wouldn't truly belong to him for a while.Did she just sentence another woman to live the same fate as hers in the future? All the money in the world meant nothing to her.

------

Comments: This fic marks my return to writing after falling out with a friend and deleting all of my old fics because of that. feels nice to write again.

[smsvisao]

2385 Rowing St.

Should've never opened it. The contents of the manila folder fucked him up more than one of Youssef's favorite Xanax cocktails. 

His stomach was twisting around his spine and his temples throbbed. Every breath he took threatened to expel the food he'd eaten earlier. The sun outside had long set on the building and he couldn't pull himself up from the chair to turn on the light in the room.

The siren of an ambulance rang through the streets outside and sent chills down his spine. He wasn't even there the night his father died. He didn't even know his father. But he bet the sirens sounded the same back then as they did now. His fingers shook over the copy of a black and white photograph of a bride and groom sitting sweetly on the steps of a modest cathedral. The bride with her face tucked shyly into the embrace of the groom who held an arm around her. Domingo's face sharp around the edges with high cheek bones. His dark, coiled hair was jelled to one side. His bride, Vivian was petite and fair-skinned with thick dark hair that was styled neatly and tucked behind her ears. Her lips were poised in a gentle smile. His mother and father, Vivian and Domingo Figueira looked happy as newlyweds. Three years later they were both gone - Vivian during childbirth and Domingo by suicide. What the hell happened in those three years?

More shocking, was the copy of the news article from the days right after Vivian died. Young Woman Dies Giving Birth to Twins. Everything was documented, the preexisting health complications that were discovered, a nurse's description of the despair she felt at the loss of such a "beautiful new mother", and the condolences to the widowed father of twin boys. A separate news article contained Domingo's obituary. The contents of the manila folder made it clear his life was doomed from the start.

What the folder didn't explain was, why now? Why was Damon looking for him now when he was almost halfway through his life?

"What the hell, man." He groaned aloud. He dropped his head on the desk and lay there until sleep kicked in.

Traffic outside had long quieted down when he heard the door swing open. The lights that were so violently flicked on shone through his eyelids, causing him to wake.

"Take this." Eva was standing over him with a coffee mug in her hand. Her eyes were strained and a faint red. She plopped a black shirt into his lap. He unfolded it and saw a graphic of a vintage map of the city on it. He pulled the tag and checked the size.

"Large. The, perfect size. Good guess." He mumbled. "Thanks."

"It wasn't a guess. Damon is a large. You're a bit thinner than him but not by much." Daniel grimaced at the mention of his brother.

"Do we look alike?"

"Unfortunately." She gathered the documents on the desk and slipped them back into the folder. "Let's get going before I collapse."

"Where to?"

"He'll be late getting back and asked me to take you to his place. If you have any complaints you can sleep on the sidewalk and get picked up by police - your choice." Eva was already headed for the stairs and with the present circumstances, he didn't have much of a choice at all.

Eva's car was just another messy desk but with wheels. There were books all over the place, random note pads, sticky notes on the glove compartment, and every drink holder had a mug of coffee in it.

He wrestled with putting his seatbelt on because there was sticky gunk on the clasp. "I thought lawyers were supposed to have their shit toge-

"Shut up." And that was that. Eva grumbled under her breath the whole drive and swung around curves like a stripper swung around a pole.

"Keep it steady would you? You have health insurance, I don't." She didn't bother responding to him and didn't say a word until she slammed on breaks in front of a townhouse.

"Get out."

"And do what? I don't have a key. I don't even know this guy." Eva groaned and tore off her seatbelt. She paused for a moment and then put the car in reverse only to slide into the parking spot in front of the townhouse.

"This is not what I went to law school for." She was grumbling. The car's lights faded off, leaving them in darkness. This neighborhood had no streetlights or if it did, they weren't in front of any of the townhouses. Daniel followed her out of the car and up the steps to the front door. Why the door needed a glass door and a normal door behind that was beyond him. It didn't do shit for security purposes. He held the glass door open for her as she fished around in her black purse and it seemed like forever until she found the key.

Once inside, Eva hit the light switch and a warm glow shone on wooden floors. Fancy. He took off his shoes when he saw Eva doing the same and left them by the door. To the right of the entrance were carpeted stairs that went up. To the left was a living room.

"You guys live together?"

"No, come this way. You'll take the guest bedroom." As they passed through, he noted the brown furniture and a solid, natural wood coffee table. The kitchen that they passed was clean and compact. This place looked staged. Almost untouched. Eva stopped and opened a door on the right. "This is you."

A queen bed was in the center of the room with a heavy comforter set and four pillows. There were two dressers built from the same wood as the coffee table with a mirror between them. On top of one of the dressers was a lamp with an exposed light bulb.

"Bathroom is through here." Eva opened a door that was next to what had to be the closet and turned the lights on so that Daniel could see through the glass shower doors to the white and blue patterned tile backsplash. "He keeps everything stocked so I don't think you'll need to buy toiletries." She left him to himself soon after.

He sat on the edge of the bed and slowly the bed molded around him. Memory foam. The comforter and pillows were a simple dark grey with blue floral sheets underneath. He got up and explored the dressers, all of them were empty except the top drawers that contained toiletries like shower gels, body lotions, razors, toothbrushes and the like.

The closet wasn't empty. Casual men's clothing hung from hangers and there was a box of socks. Damon probably used it as extra storage space. When he was done surveying the room, he showered and slipped into a pair of clean boxers he'd found in the sock box. He'd kept on the shirt Eva gave him. If he were back home, he wouldn't bother with either but this wasn't his house. The thought of Youssef fighting for shower space in a jail quickly snuffed any excitement he was feeling over the room. Life back home wasn't like life in Alexandria but he and Youssef had made it work. Now that life was gone and Youssef may as well be dead. No one was going to hear from him from a long time, if ever again.

He found Eva in the kitchen and by the looks of her she'd also showered. Her petite figure was wrapped in a thin brown bath robe. It was tied at her waist but that didn't stop it from and revealing the curves of her breasts and the black straps of her bra. When he looked up, he was surprised to see that she was looking back at him, rather amusedly. She could be sexy if she pulled the stick out of her ass.

"Do you drink?" She reached into the cabinet above her head and pulled down a dark-tinted bottle of wine. Sangria, the label read.

"I do." He'd never had Sangria. He wouldn't tell her that though. She grabbed two stemless glasses and poured into them both then slid one his way.

It's sweet, fruity aroma filled his face and when he took a sip, he was surprised by how sweet it actually was. This was fruit punch with a twist.

"I read your file." She rested her back against the counter and tucked one arm into the other as she sipped. "Tough life for your parents."

Was she trying to play counselor now? She should stick with law. "Don't really want to talk about that."

"Understood. Look, Damon? He's stubborn but he means well. Do I think he went about trying to find you the right way? Of course not. But I know he means well."

"Why is he looking for me in the first place? I'm already thirty-two. Why not just leave me alone?"

Eva shrugged. "He's thirty-two. Most men this age are starting families or already have them. He doesn't."

"Couldn't he have just found a wife and had a kid with her then call it a day?"

Eva put the bottle back in the cabinet and set her glass in the sink. "He tried." She said quietly, then she left the kitchen and he heard her sit in the living room. He left her alone because he could tell he hit a sensitive subject and unlike her, he knew how to respect people's privacy.

"You can sleep upstairs. It's not an issue! Don't make this an issue!" A man's voice boomed, jolting him awake. His eyes shot around the room looking for the source, then his other senses kicked in and he realized it was coming from the front of the house.

"It's an issue for me and I said I'll take the couch!"

The closer he crept towards the living room to steal a peak at the man calling himself his brother the more he wanted to turn back. He stuck close to the walls of the hallway until there wasn't any wall left and he was standing at the edge of the living room.

It was surreal, seeing a man with his face holding Eva by the arms. "You're being ridiculous, just sleep in the bed."

"Ridiculous?!" Eva tore out of his grasp and jabbed a finger into his chest. She was so short compared to him. Her head barely reached his chest. "You just unearthed a complete stranger!"

Maybe it was the wine that had gotten to him. He stepped forward into the living room. "She's right. I am a complete stranger and you did just rip me up from Fredericksburg."

It all happened in slow motion for him, the way Eva stepped to the side and the way Damon blinked with a blank gaze as he extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."

When their hands clasped, Daniel tightened his grip. "Is it?" He sent his fist into the end of the man's tie. The black leather bag Damon had been carrying over his shoulder hit the floor with a thud and he stumbled backwards over it. Eva caught him before he fell into the coffee table.

"That's for getting Youssef arrested and caught up in this mess." Daniel crossed his arms at his chest and observed Damon as he straightened himself out. He could be ready to pass another lick at a moment's notice if Damon had it in him to fight back. But he seemed unfazed by the blow.

Turning to Eva, while still keeping a watchful eye on Daniel, Damon asked "Who's Youssef?"

"What do you mean? You've been stalking me for how long now and you don't know about Youssef?" Damon took a step back and Daniel realized he'd nearly put himself chest to chest with the man. The only thing between them was Eva and she had a hand on both of their chests. His twin smelled strongly of cologne and the work shirt he wore was wrinkled at the shoulders. Daniel wanted to take his stupid tie and wring it around the city boy's neck. Damon mimicked his posturing and crossed his arms, cocking his head.

"What's he talking about?"

Eva took a deep breath and then dropped her hands. "JC. He had Daniel's roommate arrested for dealing in stolen prescribed medications." She made the move to pick up the bag that had dropped but Daniel grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her away from it.

"Who's JC?"

Damon grabbed Eva around the shoulders and pulled her back, tucking her behind him. Then, in a way that had him asking to be kicked in the head, he turned his back to Daniel and gritted through his teeth. "He was never supposed to make contact. I strictly told you both, no contact."

"He doesn't listen. I told you not to go with him!"

Daniel put two and two together. It was foolish for him to have believed that Jorge had given him his real name. "He made contact all right. Paid for it too."

"What do you mean by that?" They both asked.

"You know," He gave a spiteful smile. "It's been a long day for me. I can't go back to my apartment, the man I've spent half my life was just arrested, and the man I was fucking is a liar." Daniel spun on his heel and headed for the bedroom. "So, I'll see you both in the morning." He half expected Damon to grab after him with the mix of fury and disbelief that was on his face but the man didn't make a sound.

Eva on the other hand... "You slept with him?!"

Inside the bedroom, he threw off the shirt Eva had given him and flopped backwards on the bed. No way was he falling asleep again in this place. He stayed awake as long as he could listening closely to the argument between Eva and Damon that followed. He picked up bits and pieces confirming that Jorge's real name was John Carlos and that Damon hadn't authorized anything Jorge did during the investigation into his personal life. He also learned that Eva hated sharing a bed with Damon because Damon snored and she swore to herself she'd never share another bed with him again. He could see why they didn't work out as a couple. He'd only known Eva for half a day and he was already sick of her voice.

[givemeakisspookie-blog]

How You Get The Girl. (Sebastian Stan Fanfiction)

Chapter Two. -All you have to do was stay.- Here you are now, calling me up, but I don't know what to say I've been picking up the pieces of the mess you made People like you always want back the love they pushed aside But people like me are gone forever when you say goodbye. Nina heard the front door closing with a slam and she wanted to call him, but she couldn't. The brunette was petrified in the same spot where he left her, but now she was staring at the kitchen door. Nina wanted to move, search her phone and call Sebastian, but she could only think of his lips on hers. Nobody in her life had kissed her the way Sebastian did five minutes before. The way his lips moved with hers in perfect synchronization let her speechless and she didn't say anything because she loved every second of it, at least until he left. She was sure that no one would kiss her in that way, not again. Nina could make her body work once again and she walked out of the kitchen, letting herself fall on the sofa. She didn't know why Seb left the place, but hated the fact that he did it. The actress was sure that the kiss was amazing -at least for her-, so it wasn't about it. Maybe it was just an impulse that he regretted, and then he ran instead of staying there at least to talk about it. Maybe she should start looking for a new apartment to move in case things get really bad when Sebastian get back. And maybe six years of friendship were over after all. She got up from the couch thinking about getting her laptop to really start looking for a new place to rent, but the door bell rang. Nina turned the volume of the music down and went to open the door. When she did, her sister was in the other side and four little arms wrapped around her legs yelling "Auntie Nin!" at the same time. Lauren looked at her with her sorry-puppy eyes when Nina kneeled to kiss both of her little nephew and niece’ heads before they got inside the place to say hi to Leia. "Nin, I'm sorry I'm bothering you, I have a last minute business cocktail with the people at work and Jimmy is working and the nanny is out of the town! I don't have anyone to take care of them! It's just for some hours. This is my chance to get the promotion if I make the right move." Lauren explained, speaking really fast, like she always did when she was stressed. "Lau, it's okay. I'll take care of them, don't worry" Nina smiled at her sister. It was really hard to hide the sadness and confusion of her face in that moment, but as an actress she was doing her best. "Are you fine?" Lauren asked, now speaking in a normal voice. It was like if she just could smell when her little sister was sad. "Yes. I mean, I just had a fight or something like that with Seb. I don't know..." she breathed. "But don't worry, I can take care of my little kids, you go to your party and get the damn job!" Nina added, smiling again. "You are a saint, baby. And don't worry; I'm sure it was nothing. The Romanian and you always made things work. I don't know how, but you always do." the oldest of the sister affirmed, caring her sister's arm trying to comfort her. "I hope so..." Nina whispered with a sad smile. "I have to run, hun, sorry. Here you have the kid's things. Call me if something happens!" Lauren said, giving her sister a bag with whatever her son and daughter could need. After that she kissed her sister’s cheek and give Nina a little hug. "Bye kids! Daddy will pick you up latter! I love you!" she added, this time for the kids who were on the living running with the dog. The two women could hear the two little voices screaming 'Bye mommy' from behind and they laugh while Lauren was walking to the elevator. "We love you too! Have fun!" Nina exclaimed before closing the door. After playing, painting coloring books, having dinner, and helping to do the dishes, while they were watching The Winter Soldier the two kids fell totally asleep. Nat was in Nina's room because she was the first one falling asleep and Dean was sleeping lying on the couch. They insisted in watching it because Sebastian wasn't in the apartment. In the dinner they asked three times why he wasn't there. Then again every time they saw Bucky on the movie. Dean loved the movie because of the superhero thing like the big part of the five years old boys; and Nat was a four years old girl who loved the Disney princess but she loved that movie too because she had the same name as Black Widow. They loved even when they didn't understand it very well. Every time he was on the TV, Nina just wanted to turn her eyes to side. It was that or checking the time on her phone, going to the bathroom or the kitchen. She didn't wanted to look at him, thinking about the kiss and getting sad in front of her niece and nephew. She lied to the kids telling them that Seb was working and that she didn't knew when he'd come back home, but that it'd probably be late in the night. But when the kids were asleep she couldn't take her eyes out of the screen where Bucky fighting with Steve. All that she wanted in that moment was a stupid answer to the question inside of her head. When the movie was over, Nina turned off the TV. The kids where still sleeping when she heard a key opening the door and her heart stopped for a second. Sebastian closed the door and none of them said anything, but Dean woke up the second he heard the door. "Hi Seb" the little kid murmured, rubbing his eyes and raising his head from the lap of her aunt.

"Hi kiddo" the man murmured back when he heard the kid calling him. He didn't say any word to Nina, not even hi. "We were watching you on the TV" Dean whispered, closing his eyes and placing his head again in Nina's legs. For her it was really good that her nephew didn't paid attention to her sad face. "You were watching Cap’s movie again? That's great, go back to sleep now, it's late." Sebastian responded to the boy. She could swear he was smiling. Nina took a deep breath and closed her eyes as hard as she could. She needed to talk as soon as possible, no matter if Dean was sleeping again or not. "Nat is sleeping in my room with Leia" Nina start saying. "Their nanny was out of the city and Lauren asked me to take care of them because she had an urgent dinning job meeting and I was the last option. Jimmy should be here picking them in any minute." she explained. Maybe it wasn't the best way to start a conversation after what happened, but she needed to say something to distract her mind and not begin to mourn. He didn't say any word and she didn't heard him walking. It was the most uncomfortable situation in the world. "You have dinner on the own if you want. They insisted in make some extra for you just in case." the brunette finally murmured. She turned in the sofa, only need to look at him. It was just a second and then he was looking at the floor. All Sebastian murmured was a "Thanks", before walking to his room. In the six years she has being friends with the Romanian he never acted that way. They had been through everything but that was new and Nina didn't knew what to do, that's why she wanted to cry. She felt powerless, tired and sad. Nina loved her nephew and niece more than her own life; they were like the children she never had and never knew if she would have, but then the girl wished they weren't there. She wanted their father to pick them and lock herself in her room and not seeing Sebastian for the rest of the night. In the other side she wanted to go and yell at him for an explanation. Five minutes later the doorbell rang, just when Nina was about to fall asleep with Dean. She first moved away from the kid and after that she took him in her arms, trying to not wake him up. "Hi Jim." she murmured to the man when she opened the door. "Hi Nin." he replied back, not giving her a kiss on the cheek because of the small boy hugging the girl's neck. Nina saw Jimmy looking something behind her and she knew it was him. "Seb, my man" Jimmy exclaimed not too loud. "Hey Jim, good to see you." Sebastian said greeting him back. The two men gave a short hug and then Sebastian walked away to the kitchen, almost he is acting as if she was not standing there. Nina didn't say anything and didn't even show any emotion, she just stayed there in front of her brother-in-law, trying to not think in the fact that the man who ignore her a second before was the man who was hugging her the night before. "Thanks for taking care of them. You save or asses again." Jimmy thanked her, while she gave Dean to his father. "It's fine. You know I love to have them here." Nina told him, smiling at the sleeping little boy and his dad. "Give me a second I'll go to bring Nat, she's in my bed taking a nap, probably hugging Leia." she added smiling. "I'll go, don't worry." Sebastian suddenly said from the kitchen door, leaving his water bottle on the dining table and walking to the corridor. "Are you two fine?" Jimmy asked in a low voice like it was a secret and not as if he was trying not to wake his child. Nina realized that maybe he noted for the way she looked at her roommate when he was leaving the living. Or maybe it was the fact that they weren't talking to each other, when normally they never spend more than three minutes or so without saying something, at least when they were in their home. "No. Long story. Don't freak out if in some hours you heard a knock on the door and the one in the other side is me." she joked, smiling sadly.  "It's that bad?" Jimmy questioned again, caring his son's back as he looked at her sister-in-law with worried eyes. "I don't know..." she responded with a whisper, and it was the only thing she said because Sebastian came back carrying Nat. She looked even smaller in his arms. "You want some help to take 'em to the car?" the actor asked to the other man as he grabbed his keys from the small table next to the door. "I can use some help." Jimmy agreed and Sebastian walked out of the apartment again, without look at Nina. "Tell me when you get home safe." Nina asked, waving goodbye at Jimmy.

Before she could close the door she heard Jimmy saying "I forgot the kid's things" so she take the bag from the table and then walked back to the door. Jimmy walked into the apartment before she could do anything and he looked at her. "If you need something just call. The guest room is there for you if you need it. No matter the time, not matter for how long." he finally whispered, winking and holding with his left hand the small bag. 

"Thanks Jimmy." she murmured back, smiling as the man leave again the place and closing the door behind her. Nina had three options to choose from: The first one was to lock herself in her room and cry till she fell asleep and not talk with Sebastian. The second option was to ignore him or trying to keep the things as they were in the moment. The third option was to go and talk to him and pray to the Gods to help her. Ten minutes later Sebastian came back. Nina was sitting in the couch trying to make a decision and it all depended on what he did when he walked in the apartment. He walked to the kitchen, again without saying a word. It was enough for her, so she got up and started walking to her room but something stop her and make her walk to the other side. It was like if something was taking over her body, even when she was terrified. "Can we talk?" she asked from the kitchen door when she got there. When he didn't answer she knew she had to keep pushing. "Are you going to tell me what happened today? Because I think there must be a reason why you kissed me and then you left the department without saying anything." the brunette added, crossing her arms on her chest. "Look, if you don't want me around anymore just tell me! Give me some time to find another apartment and I'll go if that's what you want." Nina exclaimed. She was tired and telling him that was maybe a way to find out what was going on. If it didn't work then she should leave for sure. Just thinking about moving out of that place broke her heart. After five years she couldn't imagine living alone. Even when Sebastian was away for five or six months he was there in a way or another. If he wasn't there his things make Nina miss her roommate a little bit less. And at the end of the day she knew it was a metter of time for him to go back home. If she found a new apartment and she moved out it would probably be her house, but not her home. 

Sebastian was leaning against the counter looking at the floor, with his arms crossing just like hers. For Nina it was obvious the fact that he was looking at the floor to avoid her. She knew he had a weakness for her green eyes. She knew it because she had the same weakness for his blue eyes. In all those years he never acted so distant with her, so it was hurting like a knife even when the man murmured "No." as an answer to her question. Nina could see he was pressing his lips together. She knew he was trying to keep himself in silence for some damn reason. "Then talk to me, Sebastian!" she yelled, walking to be in front of him. "You kissed me and then you run away like a scared little boy and I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do basically because I had been scared to death to admite that I like you." the girl confessed. What had started like a scream was over as a murmure because of the tears forming slowly on her eyes and the lump in her throat. Nina would never imagined that she would end telling the truth to Sebastian. If last night someone had asked or tell her that would happen she would have said it was a joke and that could not happen. The actress looked at her friend and she wanted to hug him, but how could she do that if he wasn't even looking at her since he came back? Even talking to him was like talking to a wall, but she didn't care and it was like if the words were going out of her mouth without permission. "Last night when I came home the only person that I wanted to be with was you. And I know that I fell asleep and you stayed with me in my bed." she started to said absolutely shy as she slowly walked to where he was. "I knew it even when you weren't there in the morning. I woke up in the middle of the night and I saw you. And it made me absolutely happy, Seb. God, I wish I could wake up every night and see you there." Nina whispered once he was in front of Seb. She tried to grab his arm or hand, but the she opted for grabbed him by the hem of his t-shirt. Seb never looked back at her and Nina was too nervous to look at something that wasn't her fingers playing with the white fabric. "Listen, I don't wanna lose you. I can't lose you. Not you. So please, if it was just a thing of the moment, please, just say it and it would be in the past, but I need to know." she begged, now with tears in her eyes. She was feeling like if someone was smashing her heart and her chest, and like if the air was absolutely cold even when the building central heating was turned on. After what seemed an eternity he finally looked at her in the eyes, probably because the man heard her sobbing. He didn't say anything. He was just there, standing straight and tall looking at her crying. She just told him in the face that she liked him, that she needed him and that she wanted to have something with him and Sebastian was speechless. Everything and every word were for nothing. "Well," she started to say walking back and away from him. "Looks like I need to pick my things and find a new apartment after all..." she murmured, wiping her tears with her fingers as she walked to her room. The brunette close the door and started to grab some clothes and things she could need and put them in a backpack. She checked that her phone and wallet where in her pocket and bag, then she opened the door and walked to the bathroom to grab a bunch of her absolutely necessary stuff. She was with her bag on her back, about to leave the only place she called 'home' since she left the family house years ago. Leaving that house, Sebastian and Leia -even if she had to leave her for some hours- was going to be the hardest decision that Nina made in her life. Five years of memories were there, but if that was what he wanted he would have it. Nina closed the bag and she could see Sebastian standing where the hallway began, looking at the direction where she was. "If you excuse me, I'm going to spend some time with my family. If you find an answer in your head you know where to find me." Nina hissed, passing next to him, standing for a second to tell him that and then walking right to the door. When Nina was opening the door ready to leave -but practically with her heart on her hand- his hand came from behind and closed the door again. The brunette was hoping he would do that, but she was ready to leave in case he didn't. "I run away not because I regret it. I did it because it made me crazy to think that I couldn't kiss you and hold you in my arms whenever I wanted." Sebastian explained with all the sadness on his voice. Nina could swear she could feel the sadness on her body even without looking at him. Even she could feel his eyes looking down at her. "I still remember that night you came home and said you didn't want to be with any other idiot ever again for the rest of your life. After you say that I lost all my hopes, but last night... Last night I thought that maybe I could have a chance with you after all. But in the moment that I kissed you..." he didn't finish but Nina turned anyway. She remembered that night. She remembered that night perfectly. She came home from a date that was awful and she was so mad at the world that the girl crossed the door screaming what Seb said. Nina remembered that in that moment he was dating or seeing someone, so she never thought that he was paying attention of what she had say. He never seemed to really care about what she had say in that moment; Seb just hugged her, told her to get a shower to relax and then get back to the living to watch a movie together. Nina understood in that moment that he was probably acting like if was nothing, but he never forget about what she said then. 

"When we were kissing I knew you were going to ask me all those things and I didn't have answers. I screw it, Nin. I'm sorry. I don't want you to move out, but I understand if you don't wanna see me again after... this.". When the Rumanian finished he was looking at her in the eyes after of what seemed years without looking at her green eyes.

Nina was still standing close to the door, with her mouth lightly opened; her eyes opened looking right at him, her right hand on the handle of the bag and the left on her chest. Her heart was probably jumping, reflect of the surprised she was showing on her face. He was standing a few steps away from her, trying to give her personal space. After how he treated her all that Sebastian could do was give her some space. 

"Oh my God... Seb, when I said that I wasn't talking about you. And in any case you're my idiot. We had been friends for six years, you know me..." Nina tried to explain and she dropped her bag to the floor, still thinking about what she said that stupid night. "Yes, I know you. And because of that I know you don’t wanna be in my life in that way. It is enough to be my friend for the paparazzi follow you anyway. Then what? Paparazzi in the theater’s door every night? Then around here more than usual? If we let the people know we are together things are going to get insane for you" he explained, walking even more away from her. That was another reason of why he thought they shouldn't be together, even if they wanted to. Sebastian knew the fame wasn't the reason why she became a Broadway actress. She just wanted to be in the stage since she could remember, just because she loved to sing and act. Being recognized or famous was not really her thing. Nina almost wished she could remove that part of her work. Sure that being recognized for her good work was amazing, but it was still weird for her to get out of their home and see some paparazzi taking photos. It was weird specially when they were looking for him and the rumors of them dating started. All Nina ever wanted was being in a stage on Broadway doing what she loves and then came home and have a normal life. Sebastian tried to keep her away from that as long as he could, but if something happened between them it would be really hard to keep doing it. Nina looked at him and again wanted to grab his arm; she wanted to touch his hand or his back to making feel better. Nina wanted to touch her friend to tell him all the things she didn' know how to said in words. "Seb, listen..." the brunette murmured, walking to him and she placed her right hand on his back. And it works because at least when she did it, Sebastian turned around to look at her. 

"Nin, last night you came home crying because a stupid reporter asked you about you and I instead of your work. It will get only worse, sweetheart." he murmured. "You could not have a normal relationship with me. We would go to dinner and there will be people taking pictures. People telling stupid things on Twitter or whatever, just because you're with me? If I couldn’t get used to it after all this time, how could you?" Sebastian spoke, placing his right hand on her shoulder.

Nina knew him enough to know that he was trying to really convince her that being together wasn't a good idea. He was doing it to protect her but she didn't wanted to be protected, at least not in that way. "I can get used to it because I want to be with you, Sebastian..." Nina murmured, taking his cold hands in hers. "They want to talk? Well, let them. The press wants photos? Alright. They always want that, no matter what. You are right, that's not what I wanted. It's not my thing, but you are what I want. You are worth the pain. It will worth the pain if I know that at the end of the day you are there with me, even if you are away." she explained, looking at Sebastian in his dreamy blue eyes before she continued. "But if you... Don't want this... Just tell me, please. Don't use the press or whatever like an excuse to push me away. Just tell me the true." she begged, ending her short speech.

She really didn't wanted an excuse. All that the actress asked for was to know if he really wanted to be with her besides the craziness of they lives. Because, yes, it would be complicated and hard in some points, but she was ready to do it if Sebastian wanted her too. "It's not an excuse. I can't explain with words how much you meant to me and how bad I want to be with you, but-" Sebastian tried to explain but Nina interrupted him. 

"Then let's do it, Seb!" the actress exclaimed and continued. "I can handle all that shit if you are with me. Give me a chance, Stan." she added, almost imploring.Sebastian looked at her for what had seemed an eternity, but it had probably been less than twenty seconds. 

For months he dreamed with that moment and now he got the most amazing woman in the world, right in front of him asking for a chance to be with him and to have something real together. There was a possibility that their relationship lasts a month and end up like a summer rain, but there was also an even bigger chance that they could really make it work and then they could have a life together. Sebastian knew that sometimes he could be a bit of a disaster and not know certain things, but he wasn't stupid enough to miss the chance to be with Nina. The man had one shot and wasn't going to ruin it for anything. It took him twenty seconds to decide that he couldn't let his work and the stupid fear ruin the chance to be happy with her.

When Sebastian didn't answer her request for an opportunity, Nina stayed looking straight at his blue eyes trying to find an answer. Nina knew he was trying to do the same in her eyes so she waited. She waited with her hands on his chest and when she gave up Nina closed her eyes and placed her forehead against Sebastian's chest, right where his heart was. Before she could decide what to do, the brunette felt her friend moving and his big hand holding gently both sides of her face. Their gazes meet once again and without any question the Romanian kissed Nina for a long time in a sweet, tender and familiar way. 

Someone once say that people should remember that kisses are sweeter than whine. A Chinese Proverb says that "Kissing is like drinking salted water. You drink, and your thirst increases." and both of them were sure that it was true.

After some long minutes of smiles between warm kisses; teeth biting lips in an oh-too-sexy-way -and Sebastian could swear that Nina's lips tasted always like her cherry lipstick, no matter if she was wearing lipstick or not-; heavy breathing; and hands tangled in messy hair, stroking and caring what they could reach and trying to bring their bodies as close as they could; they pull apart from each other a few centimeters, just enough to look at the mess that they became. But at least they were a happy mess with red lips for kissing; rapid and heavy breathing; messy clothes; and even more disheveled hair. 

"Sorry I made you cry" Sebastian spoke, holding Nina in his arms and still looking at her. He was like a kid looking at the stars and she loved that look in his beautiful eyes. 

"I should kick your ass for that, but its fine. It's good to cry once in a while I guess. It means I'm still a human." she joked, with the smile still on her face. "You really though I couldn't handle the entire press thing?" Nina asked, now being serious. 

"I think you don't deserve that shit in your life. But I had nothing to do if you want it anyway." he explained, kissing the brunette forehead, letting her go of the grip of his arms around her waist. 

"You are the most stupid Romanian I know." the murmured, kissing the man in the right cheek and walking to the couch to let herself fell on it. 

"I'm the only one you know!" he replied in a cocky tone in his way to the kitchen. 

"And your parents?" Nina asked in the same tone, playing alone with –now- his boy. Just thinking about that now she could go and kiss him whenever and wherever she wanted made Nina smile even more. 

"Aren't you too smart and cocky to be my girlfriend?" Seb questioned, walking back from the kitchen with a water bottle on his hand and dropping himself on the couch next to Nina. 

"I'm not your girlfriend!" she exclaimed, hitting him on the chest as he placed his arm around her shoulders. Neither of them knew if it was good to get used of being like that so fast, but they didn't care at all. 

"Yes, you are now." the man say in a completely normal way, not even looking at her. 

"Well, that's something that I totally can handle without any problem." Nina replied, placing a kiss on the neck of her new boyfriend as she settled beside him and trying to hold within herself the joy of knowing that it was her life from that time, and -if she was lucky- probably for the rest of her life.  ←  Previous Chapter.                                                                  Next Chapter.  →

[starwritesfanfics]

Miracle Mistake part 2

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Warning: Small bit of angst and some fluff?

Tags: @captainswriting​ @caitsymichelle13​ @animeepeeps @384-chubby-dumpling​ @smollittlebean

  You haven’t been getting out of the house as much anymore because of how big you’ve gotten bigger. Ned and Michelle have been helping you, along with Aunt May, with getting you what you need and soothing you when you break down into tears. Every mood swing, every craving, every little movement your children make, only serves as a reminder about how Peter isn’t here to help you. Michelle makes the midnight or three in the morning craving runs, Ned talks to you and reads the baby books with you, and Aunt may sooths you and tells you what to expect. It still isn’t the same, as much as they tried to help you.   They refuse to let you visit Peter’s gravesite since you were 6 and a half months along, which pissed you off since you wanted to “tell” him everything that happened during the pregnancy, so you took to writing letters. You wrote letters catching you up to the current day of your pregnancy, the feelings of each day that still swirled inside of you.   Looking up from your book, you smile at the sight of your seven-month-old twins playing on a mat together. Michael is smaller than his brother, though the doctors had assured you that was normal as the human female body couldn’t form two children the exact weight and height at the same time, so you aren’t too worried. Ben is already showing that he’s gentle with his smaller brother, even though Mike wants to start playing rough with their toys. You can’t help but giggle at them.   Your phone rings and you check for caller ID, which makes your heart drop. Why is he calling you? You had only talked to him once, on the worst day of your life, how did he get your cellphone number?   “Hello?” you work hard to keep your voice from shaking.   “Hey, yeah, is this Miss Y/n L/n?” The deep voice on the other side is only all too familiar to you.   You swallow hard. “Yes, and this is Tony Stark that I’m speaking to?”   “It is indeed. I need to ask you to come to the Tower.”   You frown slightly, looking at your babies. “Um, when? I’m kinda…busy at the moment.”   “Soon. Tomorrow at most, okay? I have something here that I believe is yours.”   “Okay, thank you.” He hangs up. “I think…”   Moving to sit with your babies on the floor, you decide to call Ned later to see if he could watch the twins. Right now, all you want to do is spend time with your babies before you might have your heart crushed by Tony Stark again.                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   Everyone watches you as you walk through the halls of the new Avengers Tower, looking around for any sign of Tony or any of the current Avengers. No one had given you any instructions of where to go or who to ask for, so you are stuck wandering the possibly endless maze of halls of the giant building. It honestly was just a pain being on your own here.   You’re seriously thinking about calling Tony’s number until you catch a glimpse of him in one of the room’s windows. You sigh in relief and hurry into the room, only to freeze just past the doorway.   In the room are four people; Tony Stark, Vision, Black Widow, and a man with his back to you, but you knew the type of suit he’s wearing. It’s not the same as the one you’re used to, so you know Tony must have made another one for him, but you know him.   “Is this some kind of sick joke?” you look over to Stark with anger in your eyes. How could he ask you to come here for this?   The man with his back to you turns to face you and you roll your lips to keep yourself quiet. You can’t make yourself look into the white eyes of his mask. You can’t even bring yourself to talk to him, to see if it’s really him under there.   “Y/n, I can explain why you’re here. When I told you that Peter was dead, there was a reason. He went on a delicate mission-“   Your phone ringing startles everyone, including you since you were close to telling Tony to shut up, you didn’t want to hear a word of the bull he was trying to tell you. You freak out a little inside when you see the caller is Ned. Answering quickly, you try not to seem too panicked.   “Hey, yeah, I’m here. What’s wrong? N-ned, slow down, I-…no, no, I can hear him, what…Ned, tell me what happened to Michael! …ugh, I’ll be home soon.”   You hang up with an angry look and rush out of the room, running down the halls and out to your car to drive home as quickly as you can while still obeying traffic laws. You pull up to your house sooner than you thought you would and run inside, stumbling inside after tripping on the first step.   “Ned?!”   He peeks out from your living room. “I’m in here!”   You sigh, walking quickly into the room to see Michael whimpering with a band-aid on his little knee. “Ned, what happened to him?” You ask as you crouch by your baby.   “He and Benny were rough housing and got a little cocky and tried to stand up with the couch and ended up barely scraping his knee.”   You give him a look. “So, why did you call me sounding so panicked?”   He looks sheepish as he tries to shrug it off. “Um, well…I didn’t know how to calm him down, but he stopped crying after about five minutes or maybe less.”   You sigh, but gather Michael into your arms gently as Ben crawls over to both of you. “Thank you for watching them, Ned.”

  “What were you out doing?”   You sigh softly. “Nothing really important. I’ll see you later, okay?”   He nods, waving goodbye as you pick up both twins and walk upstairs to lay them in bed, which are two cribs on either side of the baby room that you decorated with light blue wall paint to keep it bright, Peter’s old mask on one of the shelves, then other little superhero things you found for the boys to look at before they fall asleep. You gently kiss both their heads before turning off the light and heading to your room to read a little before you go to bed yourself. Just as you get comfortable in bed and flip to your saved page, you hear a window open and close in your house.   Getting up quietly, you grab the bat by your bed which Michelle had gotten you, even though both you and Peter had never been big on sports at all. Now you’re glad you have it. Padding softly down the hall, you peer into every room, freezing in place as you look into your twins’ room. There’s a person standing just barely in reach of the moonlight that’s shining into the room. Taking a deep, quiet breath, you walk up behind the person to stop again. Ben is standing up in his crib, holding the person’s hand (more like finger honestly) in his tiny hands, gurgling at them. The person pulls away to pick up the mask off the shelf and look over it carefully.   You steady yourself, raising the bat above your head to bring it down to knock the intruder out. Just as you are about to fully bring it down on the person’s head, they flip around and grab the bat, sliding it out of your hands and behind them. You’re shocked that they can move that fast that they already have your hands pinned the hallway wall, just outside the twins’ room.   “What the fu-let me go!” Realization finally hits you as you start to struggle.   “Shh, one of them’s still sleeping,” Spider-Man whispers, his voice muffled, but you know the voice so well.   You stare right at him, still not believing it’s him. After so many months, over a year, of thinking he’s dead, he’s standing right in front of you.   “Stark was trying to tell you I was on a delicate mission. I could’ve died any time on it and it was easier to not let you have false hope if I didn’t make it back. And if you had tried to call me during the mission, it would’ve put us all in danger. It was my idea,” his voice cracks slightly. “I saw you at the grave they put up and…I’m so sorry, I didn’t want to hurt you like that.”   He lets go of your hands so you reach up and pull up his mask slowly. “Peter…”   You smile as you pull the mask off, seeing his fair fluffy from the mask messing it up. God, how much you missed him and how he’d look at you with such earnest and hope in his eyes.   “Are you staying now?” You ask quietly, not wanting to talk too loud in case it’s just a dream.   He smiles at you, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to your lips. “I have you again and I’m not letting you go again.”   You smile into the kiss, cupping his cheeks gently as you still hold his new mask.   “One question, though.”   You look at him curiously.   “What are those kids’ names and are they mine?”   You laugh softly. This is gonna be fun to explain the whole night.