#little angst with fluff at the end

[fics-and-quotes-andthelike]

A Dance in Death

Title: A Dance in Death

Pairing: Alastor x fem!reader

Word Count: ~3,927

In which Alastor takes the reader out to Mimzy’s club. Things go sideways much too soon, but the Radio Demon is quick to make amends.

A/N: Part 2 of sorts to my Never and Always series. Hope you enjoy!

Part 1

Mimzy’s speakeasy was most known for three things. 

One, it was known for its captivating acts and performances. Demons and sinners from all around Pentagram City had heard stories and whispers about what could be experienced there. Two, it was known for being one of the most lively and entertaining places on this side of Hell. And three, it was known for being on the wrong side of town, making it the perfect place for no-good demons to spend their time and even do discrete business, so long as they paid their dues to Mimzy, of course.

That last point probably should have kept you away from this place. But you couldn’t help but feel safe knowing that you had come on the arm of the Radio Demon himself. After all, who would dare approach you with Alastor around?

Nobody, as it turned out. You and Alastor had been sitting in a corner booth for almost an hour now, and nobody had dared to come within ten feet of you, save for one unfortunate server who had graciously provided you both with your drinks before scurrying off and hiding, not coming back even once.

And although you enjoyed any time that you got to spend alone with Alastor, you couldn’t help but notice that the two of you were both on edge that night. 

You, on one hand, simply wanted to dance. It wasn’t often that you were able to go to bars or speakeasies, and you would have loved nothing more than to lead the demon across from you on to the dancefloor. But you knew better than that. Alastor’s interest in you came with limits that you hadn’t yet discovered, but you’d be double-damned if you were going to find them out tonight.

Although you had to admit, as you gazed out longingly at the dancing demons on the floor, that you wouldn’t mind at least trying to share a drink and a conversation with your partner. But that wouldn’t happen until Mimzy finally decided to saunter over to your table.

Which led you to the reason for Alastor’s impatience.

The whole reason that he had invited you out tonight was because Mimzy had requested an audience with him at her place of business. To discuss what, you weren’t sure, but you knew that the Radio Demon hated to be kept waiting. 

His impatience was starting to become evident, though it was likely that nobody around you noticed anything amiss. You, however, had become well versed in reading Alastor’s silent cues.

He had yet to touch his drink, though his clawed hand was firmly wrapped around the glass. He was surveying the building with apparent disinterest, but you could see the way that his sharp gaze roamed over each and every other demon and sinner present. You could see tension in the corners of his ever present smile, even though his eyes were hooded in an expression of mild boredom.

As you downed the last drops of your drink, you risked a glance over to Alastor once again. You had wanted to strike up a conversation since you had stepped foot through the door, but hadn’t wanted to distract him from his thoughts. But when his grip around the glass tightened once again, your internal war finally ended. It wouldn’t do anyone any good to have him suddenly lose his composure and bring the whole place to the ground.

You cleared your throat lightly as you placed your glass back down on the table. You received Alastor’s attention immediately, his eyes darting over to yours. “Yes, my dear?”

You smiled back at him. “Mimzy has a lot of nerve hyping this place up when it has such terrible customer service, doesn’t she?”

With no small amount of satisfaction, you noticed Alastor’s smile ease into something that almost resembled kind amusement. “Indeed,” Alastor hummed. “Though I must say, her choice in song is quite enjoyable.”

You shrugged, looking back at the dance floor. “It’s fine to dance to, I suppose. Not so much fun when you’re stuck sitting and waiting for someone to show up.”

There was no response. You returned your gaze to Alastor to see him looking at you almost curiously. “I wasn’t aware that you were one for dancing, my dear.”

A laugh bubbled up and pushed its way through your lips before you could stop it. You pressed your fingers to your lips to try and conceal it as Alastor tilted his head at you in confused interest.

At the sound of your laughter, his shadow suddenly perked up, quickly making its way over and sitting beside you.

When your giggle had finally subsided, you opened your mouth to respond to Alastor’s comment. It wasn’t completely his fault that he knew so little about your past life, after all, but you hadn’t expected that he, of all people, would make such blatant assumptions.

Before you could get a word out, though, the shadow placed a clawed hand under your chin, tilting your head to face it. Its fingers wandered until they reached the base of your throat before gently clawing their way back up, almost as if trying to coax another laugh out of you through touch alone.

It was so much more intimate than you had thought Alastor was capable of.

But then Alastor waved a hand in the air, summoning his shadow back to his side. It obeyed almost immediately, caressing your throat once more before melting back into the floor and returning to its rightful place. 

You cleared your throat again, this time in an attempt to fight the red spots on your cheeks. Not that their presence had escaped Alastor’s notice. His smile had widened dramatically, though thankfully, he chose not to comment on the interaction, instead waiting for a response to his earlier comment.

“I do dance,” you finally replied, looking back up at the Overlord. “I used to dance plenty before…well, you know,” you said with a small grin. “I died.”

Alastor waved away your comment with a flourish. “Ah, yes, I do see how such a thing could impede on your abilities for a moment. Though, if I’m not mistaken, you now have two perfectly functioning legs.”

“But I haven’t been to a club since before I died. And there’s not much opportunity to show off my moves at the hotel,” you replied with a shrug. You tilted your head at the demon. “And you? Do you dance?”

The Overlord smiled wistfully. “Oh yes, I was quite known for my dancing abilities back in the land of the living.”

“I thought you were known for being a mass murdering radio host.”

Alastor shrugged, giving you a devious grin. “I’ve always been multitalented, my dear.”

You laughed again, this time trying to ignore the eager look you received from both Alastor and his shadow.

“You know,” you said slyly once you had calmed yourself, looking down at your empty glass. “I wouldn’t mind brushing up on my skills tonight after your meeting.” You looked up innocently, meeting Alastor’s eyes. “If you haven’t lost your impeccable skills, that is.”

The demon’s eyes flashed. “Careful, mon chere. I-”

“Alastor! How’re you doing, doll?”

You whipped your head around at the sound of the new voice. You stared as a short, blonde woman made her way across the floor, arms raised in welcome and a broad smile on her face. 

Alastor, on the other hand, didn’t seem at all bothered as he greeted the woman. “Mimzy, dear,” he drawled, turning away from you. His smile stretched unnaturally. “You are extraordinarily late.”

The woman- Mimzy- waved her hand in indifference. “I’m busy running a business, Al, you know how it is. Can’t eva get anyone to do what you want without a bit of prodding.”

Her gaze slid over to you, eyes widening as her smile grew. “Say, Alastor, did you bring me a new toy?” Her eyes roamed over you slowly. “She’s a little dull, but I can spruce her right up.”

You suddenly felt very exposed.

You recoiled slightly, attempting to keep your movements unnoticeable as you pressed yourself further into the booth to get away from the Mimzy’s prying eyes. 

You tried not to notice the way that other demons and sinners had begun to glance over at the sudden appearance of the bar’s owner. They aren’t looking at you, you told yourself. But you couldn’t help but take in Mimzy’s confident appearance and attitude, coupled with Alastor’s calm poise. You could see how the Mimzy could have mistaken you for one of Alastor’s wayward souls.

Almost as if it could sense your discomfort, Alastor’s shadow suddenly reared up and placed itself directly in front of you, blocking you from Mimzy’s line of sight. 

“Unfortunately, Mimzy dear,” Alastor said from opposite you, though he avoided looking in your direction. “Charlie has grown quite attached to her little friend, and I doubt she would be thrilled to discover that I had allowed her to become a part of your…”

“Productions,” you piped up. Alastor’s shadow looked back at you in delight before shifting through the air to sit beside you once again.

“Precisely,” Alastor said.

Mimzy only shrugged, giving you a wink. “Well, I’m here if you change your mind, hun.” 

She turned back to Alastor. “Let’s you and me talk for a bit, huh? I know this sorta thing ain’t really your cup of tea. I’ve got a room in the back that we can use. Your little doll will be alright on her own for a while, won’t she?”

At her words, Alastor finally turned to face you once again, his eyes roaming over your face for only a moment before he stood. “Of course. I never would have brought her otherwise.”

With that, he made to follow Mimzy without so much as a glance back in your direction. A move that he had made on purpose, you were sure. After all, it simply wouldn’t do to have others believe that the Radio Demon actually cared for someone.

Even so, you couldn’t help but sigh in disappointment as the two sinners walked away. From beside you, in the dim light that the club so generously provided, Alastor’s shadow placed its hand on yours comfortingly. You turned to face it with a smile. “At least I still have you.”

The shadow grinned, using its other hand to gently cradle your cheek, pulling you closer until your foreheads met. You closed your eyes, savoring the feeling as your heart grew light. The shadow might not have been Alastor himself, but you had learned enough to know that it was heavily influenced by Alastor’s own thoughts, feelings, and commands. This was as close to affectionate that he would ever be with you.

Suddenly, the shadow’s touch left you.

You opened your eyes to see that it was nowhere to be seen.

“My, my,” a voice said from behind you. You jerked forward in surprise, spinning around to see a tall, winged imp casually leaning against the booth. He definitely hadn’t been in the building a few minutes ago, you noted. 

The imp leaned forward. “What’s a pretty little thing like you doing in a place like this?”

You flushed, glancing around to see if you could catch a glimpse of Alastor’s shadow. But it was as if it had never been beside you in the first place. Which would explain why the imp had decided to approach you at all. Nobody would have dared spoken to you if they knew that you were here with an Overlord.

You opened your mouth to tell him as much before you caught yourself, clamping your mouth shut. No matter how well Alastor’s conversation went with Mimzy, it was likely that he never would have danced with you anyway. There were too many eyes and ears here for him to let his guard down.

“You here alone?” the imp asked, trying his luck once more.

You fixed a smile on your face. If this was your only chance to dance, you were sure as Hell going to take it.

You stood, extending your hand in greeting. “Would you like to dance?”

The imp’s flirtatious smile changed to one of intrigue. “Straight to the point. I like it.”

You wiggled your fingers. “Are we going to dance, or what?”

The imp grinned, taking your hand and leading you on to the dance floor. 

Sure, it wasn’t exactly what you were hoping for when you and Alastor had come to Mimzy’s club, but you figured that it would at least be a decent substitute for something that you would never be able to have.

You felt your smile slipping as the pair of you began to move to the music. 

You hated moments like these, when you realized that no matter what you did or how you felt, you would never be able to show your feelings for Alastor in public. It wasn’t just the fact that he disliked physical touch, which you had never faulted him for. It was the fact that as one of Hell’s most powerful Overlords, he felt the overwhelming need to keep up an appearance. One that did not, unfortunately, include you.

A gentle touch snapped you back to reality. “You alright?” the imp asked.

No, you weren’t. But you weren’t going to let that stop you from dancing.

You nodded, taking the imp’s hand in yours as you began to move to the music once again. “I’m fine.” You smirked. “Now, show me what you’ve got.”

~~~

If you were to later ask anyone at Mimzy’s speakeasy what had happened that night, you would probably receive a whole mix of stories.

Some would say that the Radio Demon had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, his antlers growing and his bones cracking as he laid waste to the bar, presumably for fun or out of an unjust anger.

Others would say that he had come to seek some sort of revenge on a winged imp that had been spotted dancing before he suddenly disappeared, not to be seen again.

One specific witness, who shall remain nameless, would say that she had been speaking to an old friend about a business opportunity that he had foolishly taken no interest in. As she was speaking, a shadow had entered the room, whispering in its owner's ear. Her old friend had walked away from her, re-entering her bar, where he was met with the view of an imp dancing with the very woman that he had brought here in the first place.

The witness hadn’t even had time to blink before her friend had taken on his true demon form, batting people aside as if they were only flies before promptly picking up the imp dancing with the woman and melting into the shadows with him.

When her friend returned, he refused to say what he had done with the poor imp, though the witness had no trouble making a few assumptions. He had walked over to the women, gently taken her hand, and gave the witness a clipped farewell before vanishing with the women into the shadows.

It was a brutal display, even for the Radio Demon. If the witness had to guess, she would assume that perhaps the woman had something to do with the whole debacle.

Not that she would ever say so to anyone else, of course. She knew better. 

You, however, had no trouble saying straight to Alastor’s face what you believed had happened. 

“We were dancing, Al. It was harmless. If I’d needed your help, you would have known.”

“You would never have summoned me if he was threatening you, my dear.”

You groaned and buried your face in your hands. The two of you had been going back and forth like this ever since he had so graciously brought you back to the hotel from Mimzy’s bar.

You lifted your head and took a breath before continuing. “If he was threatening me, we probably wouldn’t have been just dancing.”

Alastor’s eyes flashed dangerously, his shadow rearing up and scowling in disgust. 

You whirled around and pointed at the shadow. “And you. You went and told him that something bad was happening, didn’t you? You are a liar and a rat, my friend.”

At your words, the shadow suddenly shrank down in size and hid behind its owner, almost as if trying to avoid your accusatory glare.

Alastor, on the other hand, didn’t break eye contact. “He only meant to protect you, my dear, the way he was instructed to.”

“What did you think I would need protecting from, exactly? I can’t exactly die again, can I?”

“There are things far worse than a second death, my dear,” Alastor said with false sweetness.

He was right, you knew. You had almost been subjected to such a thing after your death, when you had sold your soul to the Vees. You still weren’t sure exactly how it had happened, but Alastor himself had found out about you and somehow saved you from a life of imprisonment and torture. 

Not everyone was as lucky as you were.

But that wasn’t why you were upset. 

As soon as Alastor had saved you from the Vees, you had been determined to help him even a fraction of the way that he had helped you. You owed him so much more than that, you knew, but it was the only thing that you could give. And so, from that moment forward, you had tried your very best to become a solid and stable presence for Alastor, unmoving in your trust in him and, hopefully, eventually something like a friend.

But tonight, you had done the exact opposite. To see the Radio Demon defend you was to know that he felt things like affection, or even something more than indifference. That wouldn’t do for his reputation at all, you knew, and you hated yourself for being the cause of it.

You sighed in defeat, crossing your arms over your chest in defense. “I know that,” you said, holding your position and glaring daggers at the Overlord. “But I also know that you risked a lot today by protecting me. I’m not worth losing your power over-”

You gasped as Alastor appeared directly in front of you, glaring intensely. He didn’t lift a finger, but you swore you could feel the heat of his gaze.

“I do hope you haven’t finally started to doubt me, my dear.”

“Never,” you promised, searching his gaze.

The Overlord stepped back, his stretched out smile immediately concealing his true feelings. “Wonderful,” he said. “Then we both understand that my power and status will forever remain.”

You nodded once before finally breaking eye contact, choosing to look down at the floor.

You could feel the anger seeping out of you slowly, replaced by embarrassment. Of course Alastor would never give up his power for you. Even if someone had truly seen the incident, it was unlikely that anyone would ever be able to use it to their advantage. You were talking about the Radio Demon himself, after all.

“You’re right,” you muttered, wrapping your arms tightly around yourself. “I made a foolish assumption.” You smiled to yourself. “I seem to be full of those today. I’m sorry.”

You were met with silence. 

But before you could look up, you suddenly felt the cool touch of a shadow. It rested its hands against your cheeks, tilting your head up to make eye contact. It moved its thumbs in slow circles, leaning down until your foreheads were touching. It didn’t move any closer than that, but you knew that this was more than anyone else had ever received.

It was lovely.

But oh, how you wished it were really him.

The shadow stepped back, returning to its place beside its owner.

Alastor himself acted as though he hadn’t noticed the interaction at all, instead looking around your room as if seeing it for the first time.

“I do plan to maintain my powers, my dear,” Alastor repeated. 

Before you could even open your mouth to reply, he pushed forward. “Although,” he said, almost thoughtfully. “I certainly wouldn’t mind losing a few souls to keep what is most certainly mine.” 

He looked towards you then, his gaze hard, as if daring you to argue.

And you should have. You should have told him that you weren’t worth losing souls for. You should have told him that you only wanted to help him, never hinder him. 

You should have done lots of things.

What you did do, however, was smile and duck your head to hide your rising blush. 

You looked back up and extended your hand wordlessly.

Alastor looked down at it before glancing back up at you, his eyebrow raised in a silent question as his shadow looked on eagerly from behind him.

Your smile only widened. “I believe, good sir, that you owe me a dance.”

The shadow nearly leapt with excitement, rushing forward and taking your hand. 

You laughed at its enthusiasm before Alastor stepped forward and waved his hand, whisking the shadow away and taking its place. 

He placed his hand under yours, bringing your hand up to place a soft kiss on the back of your knuckles before releasing you and straightening. Slowly, he brought his claws to the base of your throat before gently dragging them back up until he reached your chin. He tilted your face up further to meet his gaze before dropping his hand down to yours once more.

With his other hand, he waved his staff, summoning a slow dance tune that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves.

You tried to ignore the heat in your cheeks and looked up curiously. “Didn’t you used to dance to songs that were a bit more lively?”

Alastor smiled gently down at you before summoning his shadow and surrendering his staff to it. “I did indeed, mon chere. But we aren’t exactly alive now, are we?”

You smiled back in agreement. “No, I suppose we’re not.”

You placed your hand on his shoulder as he placed his hand on your waist. He lowered his head down until your foreheads were touching and began swaying, taking you with him on his slow trek around your bedroom floor.

You couldn’t have asked for anything more.

~~~

If you asked anyone at the hotel what had happened in your room that night, you would receive a few different stories.

Angel Dust would have told you that the Radio Demon had suckered a poor woman into going out with him that night, and you were most likely getting it on.

Charlie would have told you that she hadn’t seen either Alastor or the hotel’s newest resident all evening, though she doubted that the two of you had gone off somewhere together. Right?

Husk would have told you that he felt sorry for the woman who had gotten caught in the Radio Demon’s line of sight. You were such a sweet thing, and you deserved so much better.

You would have simply smiled and shrugged, giving nothing away.

Nobody would have dared ask the Radio Demon, of course.

But if anyone had bothered to ask the shadows, they would have received a rather lovely story about two sinners who had found their peace, only for a moment, dancing in each other’s arms that night. 

An Overlord and a sinner. 

A woman and a man. 

Two damned souls, finding home at last.

Part 3 Here!!

A/N 2: I didn’t get to proofread, but I hope you guys still enjoyed it! If you read the first fic (or even if you haven’t), I’m thinking of making another part where it’s platonic Angel Dust x reader and he finally gets to give her a makeover. Let me know if you want to be tagged!

Also, I want to write more Alastor x reader (maybe a continuation of sorts, maybe not) so let me know if you guys want to be tagged in those!

Taglist: @severusminerva @anh4125 @midorichoco @rapturenyx-blog @maybememoriesx

[rainychaoloveshack]

May I request Shadow or mobian!reader in a time loop. One of them is stuck, the other is blissfully unaware and won’t remember every time it’s reset. You can pick who is stuck! They are Asking for help and then the other giving a sudden smooch? Maybe more… than a smooch? Little heated if you so desire. They’re not yet together, or aware of the other persons feelings until that little kiss. After the loop is fixed, it’s awkward cause the one that was stuck in the loop knows. Like what’s the aftermath shsosnszk

ﾟ ⋆ ﾟ ☂︎ ⋆ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐠.

you’ll love shadow even after every reset possible. no matter what.

⋆°•☁︎ content . shadow x gn!reader, angst to light fluff, friends to lovers, slight suggestive material warning. light mention of not eating/drinking for days, implied depression.

☂︎ wc. 1.6k ☂︎ a/n. i loved this request sm. like this one just spoke to my angsty soul. might be the longest thing here yet; sorry its too long ^^’ srry this took a while! i was flip flopping on who i wanted to be stuck ^^’

likes, reblogs, and especially comments are extremely appreciated!!! (i like chatting to you guys!)

Two hundred and thirty-six days. That's how many times you’ve watched the clock strike twelve exactly on Saturday, signaling to you the day had started over again. Never to watch the next day pass. Forced to live everyday like its a new one, yet still subject to HIS charming nature, even if he’s so stubborn in the way he shows his affection towards you.

You try your best to switch up the routines as you go nowadays, trying to excite your life, yet nothing ever works. The clock strikes twelve as it always does. At this point, it’s become numb; infuriatingly so. Some days you’ll gain that motivation back to try something different, whether it be surrounding yourself with new people to serve as a distraction, or trying to dig deeper into the cause of your time loop, to no avail. And other days you rot inside your room, staring at the clock on the wall, watching it tick. And tick. And tick, until it hits twelve again.

Some days you’ll forget to eat and drink, sometimes on purpose, first finding comfort in that pitting feeling in your stomach, finally feeling something after so long, but soon falling numb to that feeling too.

The only reason you have the strength to keep going is the belief that you’ll see your friends again. No matter what. In your timeline, without any interference.

Nothing changed today. Another day wasted, yet someone raps on your door sharply, forcing you to open your eyes gently and utter a small ‘okay’ to let them in.

… This hasn’t happened before. Why is he here?

“You’ve been stuck in here all day.” Shadow grumbles as he pushes your door open, the door squeaking on its hinges, with the moonlight already shining through your blowing curtains. “Have you even gotten out of bed today?” He says sternly, walking over to your bedside and nudging you, causing you to stir out of your resting state. You had already given up for today, so the plan was to just fall asleep until tomorrow.

‘Tomorrow’... What a dream tomorrow is to you.

Turning over, you meet his crimson eyes with a dull sigh leaving your lips, briefly glancing over to the clock set on the wall.

10:35 PM. It’s almost twelve. One more hour. One and a half.

He shifts his weight to one of his feet, setting a hand on his hip as he growls down at you. “No one saw you today, so Sonic told me to go and check on you. Especially since it’s this late and you’ve been missing for all of today.” He scoffs, clearly aggravated at your lack of energy or action. “You couldn’t at least tell one person that you 're going to stay inside all day?” Your blankets drop down to your lap as you sit up slowly, peering up at him through the blurry haze of your mind.

“At least I know you’re alive.” He says, walking over to your covered window to peel the curtains back, letting the moonlight illuminate your room with a soft, white glow. “Come on.” Shadow sits across from you on the bed, tugging the blankets away from you to encourage you to get up.

Why is he so persistent? Why can’t he just leave you alone? But even then, he’s still so…

Lovely.

Suddenly, tears prick and poke at the back of your eyes, welling up to the corners as they threaten to spill out and drip down your cheeks. Shadow stares at you as you hang your head low, refusing to meet his gaze as you try to shove that feeling away, despising that feeling of your throat tightening, even if you’ve begged to feel something other than despair for the longest time.

Of course. He doesn’t know what to do, but he’s still so charming…

“[Name]?” His hand presses against your calf under the blanket, slightly leaning forward to see the tears fall on your face, your shoulders trembling. “Wh-What’s wrong? Is it me?” A tremble flows through his hand; barely noticeable to someone who wouldn’t be paying attention to such a small detail. “[Name], tell me what’s wrong. Why’re you crying so suddenly?” Shadow murmurs, grabbing you by your shoulders to try to ease your worries.

Tell him. Tell him. Tell him you’ve been living every day hoping it’s the last one. Praying to be ripped from this curse. Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him Tell him

“What?” Shadow’s ear flicks in an odd manner, clearly confused at your sudden declaration. “I’m sorry? … Time-looping?”

And so you shatter. Break in front of his eyes; incessant ramblings about you feel like you’re going insane, yet the only thing to bring you back down to earth is getting to see him everyday on this agonizing, pitiful day. 

Something in his heart really does want to believe in you, truly. Although disbelief stands present in his head, he’ll reach out to you anyway. No matter what.

“[Name].” he utters your name, his gloved hand grazing your cheek to wipe a stray tear away. “I…” Shadow stares into your eyes, trying to fight back the shock from showing on his face. His hands twitch as he reaches out for yours, grazing the back of your palm. “If you really think that you’re… Looping; then I believe you. I promise.”

What?

This is different. New. Two hundred and thirty-six times. Never had something like this happened before. Two hundred and thirty-six. Two hundred and thirty-six. Two hundred and thirty-six days. Five thousand six hundred and sixty-four hours. 

It feels like your head is going to split into two, pulled and ripped apart by the hour and minute hand. It’s agonizing. But it’s something.

“[Name].” Shadow tilts your head up from your chin to face him. “I…” It looks like he’s at a loss for words, not that you blame him. 

“Come here.” He says softly, beckoning you closer to him with two fingers. What in the world does he want? Even though you ask multiple questions in your head, you lean in closer anyway to-

Huh?

His lips brush against yours, and it’s slow but sweet; still hesitant before he presses them further onto you, nipping at your bottom lip, almost desperate for something more. Deeper. Deeper. Even more so.

“[Name],” he growls in between pants, his voice trembling at the end of your name. “[Name], [Name], [Name], [Name]...” Shadow keeps on saying in between your kisses and breaths for air, almost like a record constantly on repeat. His palms press into your shoulders, pinning you down on the bed, as he leans over your trembling form. His eyes dart to the clock hanging on the wall, before looking back at you, cupping one of your cheeks.

He really feels the same way about you? He does? Your head subconsciously leans into his touch, pressing your face against his hand, desperately wanting- No. You have to feel the warmth coming from him.

“I’ll use whatever time I have left to spend it here with you. Even once it hits twelve; you have my word.” He whispers, leaning in to kiss you again…

Your head's pounding, the blankets laying heavy on your body this morning. Strangely heavy. Ugh. The mental toll of last night might be hitting you already, even if it’s another reset.

Wait, no, it’s not the blanket. If it’s not the blanket, it’s…

“How’re you feeling?” Shadow murmurs, raising his head off your chest to look at you directly. It’s really nerve-racking… But not in a bad way, somehow. “Are you sore anywhere?”

His question makes you cock your head to the side in confusion. Sore? Why would you be-

No. More importantly, what in the world is he doing in your bed? The day starts with your alarm ringing, but it hasn’t done so at all. In fact, it’s later than you would usually wake up; the clock’s hands say so.

Wait. So it’s really Sunday? Is it?!

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Shadow chuckles softly at your bewildered face, opening his mouth again to respond, but your arms toss around him, bear-hugging his body tight against yours.

“Ah, okay, okay, you’re happy; I get it…” Shadow grumbles, starting to pull away from you, but the tears welling up in the corners of your eyes makes him stop his protesting movements immediately, reaching up to wipe them away. “Oh come on, don’t start crying again.”

… Again? 

Your happy sobs are cut short by your own shock; this morning is getting both happier and weirder by the second. Again? So that means he knows it all? Everything?

A rare smile spreads across his muzzle, his eyes staring thoughtfully into yours. “Two hundred and thirty-six times…” Shadow starts, brushing his hand across your shoulder, and your face heats up gradually at the mention of the number coming from him. “So you really were telling the truth.”

You never told him that number. No way. Shouldn’t it just be like another reset?! Did he really remember your breakdown? No way, no way…

“When you mentioned the loop, something was telling me you were right, even if it sounded absurd.” He says, pausing his thoughts to think a bit harder about the situation. During this, he lifts himself off your body to sit at the edge of your bed, stretching his arms out in front of him. “I just…” He mumbles, his voice softening with his own strange embarrassment. “If it was really a time loop like you said, I wanted to try something I knew I wouldn’t regret.”

All time stuff aside, something else is nagging at your mind…

Did you two really do all that stuff last night?

Shadow peers over at you, before turning his head away; surely holding back some laughter by the way his shoulders shake, cupping his hand over his mouth.

“It’s nothing; don’t worry about it, then.”

(the set-up took longer than i thought it would, sorry for the yapping…)

[juicybvns]

Simon x fem reader

A/n: Ghost angst usually hits the best

—

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who thinks about you the whole 4 months he was deployed

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who’s heart aches just thinking about his wife is all alone and been expecting him since last month

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who stares at the door nervous to walk in but excited to see you maybe cuddling a cup of coffee on the couch like your usual morning routine

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who’s eyes burn a bit, rimming with tears under his mask when he sees you almost spill your coffee when you look towards the door

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who drops his bag and and lifts his mask up when you stand up and stumble to him

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who squeezes you so tight you almost couldn’t breathe

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who holds your head against his shoulder and he closes his eyes to let it sink in that he’s finally home

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who breathes in your scent when a tear drops from his eye

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who hears your sniffle and brings you’re head face to face with him while he looks into your eyes and smiles

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who kisses you like he would never see you again, taking away your breath

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who then gently brings his forehead to yours and says “I missed you so much, love.”

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who kisses you again and guides you to the bedroom

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who lays you down and removes his shirt by grabbing it from the back and bringing it over his head

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who shows you how much he missed his wife by giving you hours of pleasure and his undevoted attention

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who, a few weeks later drops to his knees to hug your stomach when you tell him your pregnant

Husband! Simon Ghost Riley who promises to love, cherish, and protect his new and long wanted family <3

[hairmetal666]

cw// cancer mentioned, no character death

Eddie's moving to Chicago with his boyfriend and their best friend.

Eddie's moving to Chicago and it feels like everything is finally coming together.

Eddie's moving to Chicago, Steve Harrington is his boyfriend, and his life is starting.

Eddie's moving to Chicago, but then Wayne gets sick.

He tells Steve that he can't leave, not yet, needs to take care of his uncle.

And Steve, his Steve, perfect Steve, says with no hesitation, "I'll stay. Eddie, I'll stay with you. We'll go in six months. Together, that's the plan."

But Eddie can't let Steve do that; Steve who is everything bright and good and right in the world. Steve needs to get out, even if Eddie can't.

He insists Steve go, insists so hard that Steve can only agree, though Eddie can tell it's killing him.

Before they leave, Steve and Eddie cling to each other.

"Six months, baby. Just six months and then I'll be with you."

"I'll stay, Eds. Let me stay for you?"

"Not in a million years. What's six months in a lifetime together?"

"You mean that?" Steve whispers, the words tickling against Eddie's neck.

"Of course, sweetheart. Never meant anything more in my life."

They cling harder, crying against each other, despite it being goodbye for now and not forever.

They haven't said "I love you" yet, and the words hang on his tongue as the embrace ends, but he can't say it now; not when six months of time and 200-plus miles will separate them.

Except Wayne isn't better in six months. He's not worse, but the cancer's still there, he's still sick. And Eddie can't leave.

Eddie figured something like this would happen. Knew in the back of his mind that Steve and Robin and Chicago were never anything but a pipe dream.

When he calls Steve, he thinks he's ready.

"Okay, so Hopper's letting us borrow his truck, but he needs to know our timeline. You think next Saturday--"

"Steve." He says. His stomach clenches.

"What's wrong?" Because Steve knows, like he always does.

"Wayne's not better."

Steve is silent for a beat. "Okay...that's okay. I'll come back. Right now. Tonight. We'll do this tog--"

"You know I can't let you do that."

"Eddie--"

"No, Steve, don't. Okay? Let's just. It's time, you know?"

"It's not. Eddie, it isn't. Don't do this. Please, please," Steve cries.

"It's for the best. I know you can't see it now, but it is. You need to live your life, Stevie. Get that degree. Be someone."

"Eddie," Steve sobs. "Please. You have to know that I lo--"

"Don't," Eddie snarls. Doesn't mean to but can't hear those words, the three that will break him in two. "This is for the best, Steve. A clean break, yeah?"

"No." And Eddie hears Steve shuffling on the other end, like he's getting up. "I'm not letting you do this. I'm coming back, and we're doing this together. A lifetime, remember?"

Eddie's crying now, can't help it. "Please, don't. Steve, just--it's over, okay? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I can't do this anymore."

He hangs up the phone before Steve can argue, cries himself to sleep.

5 Years Later

Eddie never gets over Steve Harrington. His golden boy, the brave, perfect, kind, bratty man who has his whole heart.

Wayne is okay. Will never not have cancer, but he's doing good. And Eddie runs a record store in the town over. Visits some bars in Indy when he feels a certain kind of lonely. He's settled, finally, is the thing. He's settled and happy enough, so of course, that's when it happens.

He's at the grocery store, stopped in produce. There's a little girl, maybe 3 or 4--bright pink shirt, chestnut hair, little overalls--sitting in a cart by the tomatoes.

The sight of her sparks something in Eddie's chest, but he doesn't understand what or why, and then she's pointing at him, smiling and wiggling. "Daddy!" She shrieks.

That's when Steve Harrington swoops around the corner, reaching for the girl, his daughter, and Eddie takes a step away, ready to run from this.

The girls says, "That's the boy in all your pictures." She giggles and points at Eddie more. Steve blushes, and Eddie's assaulted by so many things all at once he thinks he may pass out.

"Stevie," he hears himself saying.

Steve freezes, looks at Eddie, so much knowing in those hazel eyes it makes him a little sick. But it still surprises him when Steve pulls him into a hug. Being in those arms again, It's like everything keeping him together falls apart. He sinks into the hold, breathes in deep, feels like home.

It shouldn't, though. Steve's got a kid. Probably a wife. Can't have his ex-boyfriend falling apart in his arms in the grocery store. Eddie disengages, steps back a little. Steve blinks, eyelashes fluttering, and Eddie is still so in love with him it hurts.

"I should--I should go," he mumbles, gripping at the back of his neck like it's a lifeline. The little girl giggles more, bouncing in her seat, and he's overcome with fondness. Can't help but give her an exaggerated bow as he goes.

He makes himself walk to the end of the aisle, but once he's left Steve behind, he runs.

That night, when a knock comes at his door, nothing prepares him for a sheepish Steve Harrington standing on the other side.

"Sorry to drop by unannounced," Steve says, manners still impeccable. "Wayne gave me your address. I'm glad--I'm glad he's doing okay, Eddie."

Eddie's too astonished to respond, nods for a few seconds before, "Th-thanks. Uhh, you wanna come in?"

Steve does and then they're in Eddie's little living room together and what the fuck is he supposed to do?

"Where's the kid?" he asks. He gestures Steve to the couch.

Steve smiles, a soft thing that's a knife to Eddie's heart. "Oh, I left her with Robin. They'll be fine for a few hours. Her name's Ellie, by the way. Ellie Jane Harrington."

"She knows who I am?" Eddie asks.

"Course. I told her about everyone. Showed her pictures. I hoped she could meet you one day."

"Yeah?" Eddie can't stand the thing that unfurls in his chest, blooming with love, so much care it aches in his teeth. "I swear next time I won't run away."

Steve laughs, hazel eyes fond in a way that Eddie can't look at for too long. "You didn't run away, Eds. It was a weird--reunion."

Eddie chuckles, pulls hair over his face. "A little bit. Not every day you run into your ex and his daughter scoping out tomatoes."

"I was hoping to give you a call, ask you out to dinner, or something. Not my kid recognizing you at Bradley's Big Buy."

"You wanna take me out to dinner, Stevie?" He asks before he can think better of it. Steve blushes red, and god Eddie missed him.

"Thought it might be nice, yeah. Get to know each other again."

It's Eddie turn to blush. "Why are you here?" He asks, good of a segue as any.

"Here, like, in your apartment, or here in Hawkins?"

"Both."

"I'm--uh--the new counselor at Hawkins High. Might coach the basketball team."

"But--Chicago," is all Eddie can say.

Steve laughs. "It was fun for a while, but--I don't know, man, it got hard with a kid. Joyce told me about the job opening and I decided to try."

"And Ellie's mom?" Eddie doesn't want to ask, can't stand not knowing.

Steve's eyes fall. "Ah," his hands squeeze into fists. "She's not in the picture. Never really was. After--" he takes a deep breath. "After we broke up, I sort of. Lost myself for awhile. Slept around. One night, I got this call saying that a baby had been surrendered at a fire station, my name listed as the father."

"Oh, sweetheart. I bet you didn't hesitate."

Steve stares at his hands, smiles. "Not for a second. I cried when I saw her, Eds. Just fucking sobbed. She was so beautiful. Then I had to figure out how to raise a kid and finish school."

"But you did it." Eddie can't hide that he's crying anymore.

Steve nods, is crying too.

"I'm really proud of you, sweetheart," Eddie whispers.

They look at each other, tear stained and sad but somehow so happy, and Steve leans forward, presses his mouth to Eddie's. He freezes, shocked to stillness, overwhelmed with the thing he never thought he'd have again.

Steve pulls back, face red and eyes wide. "I'm so sorry. I got it in my head--" he stands, fumbling for his keys. "I should have never--you told me we were done and I know you meant it. But I saw you in the grocery store and I thought, you know, I'm never getting over him. I'm so stup--"

"Steve, wait" Eddie snaps out of it all at once, hurrying to where the man he's never stopped loving is shoving his feet inexpertly into his shoes.

"Don't leave," he says, almost whispering. "Please don't leave. Steve, I'm so, so sorry for how I ended things. I was so young and stupid, and--I didn't want you to lose your dreams for me."

Steve turns then, tears trickling down his cheeks. "You were my dream, Eds. You still are. I should have come back, made you let me stay. But I thought--maybe your feelings had changed. That you didn't--that you weren't--"

Eddie can't help it, pulls Steve into his arms. "I was. I am. You're all I've ever wanted." He presses his face to Steve's hair, breathes in deep. "I loved you then. I love you now. I've loved you every day in between."

"I love you," Steve sobs. "I love you so much."

They kiss, lips slotting together like they never stopped. It's salty with tears, but it's perfect. It's them.

Their mouths part, but they stay in each other's orbit; need the proximity after years apart.

"I have a kid now, Eddie," Steve says into the silence between them.

"Yeah," Eddie nods. "She's beautiful. Looks like her dad."

Steve smiles, flushes again. "She needs stability in her life, you know? She's my priority. Always will be. And if I--if this--"

Eddie knows. Understands his boy just as well now as he did back then. "We'll take it as slow as you need, baby. I want to be there for both of you. When you're ready. And until then, I'll be wherever you need me."

More tears escape Steve's eyes, but Eddie brushes them away. "We have a lifetime to figure it out."

[ryuubff]

shuake week 2024

day 6: wound tending

this comic is stupid BUT. In my defense my 3 brain cells have been working overtime to get these pieces out each day!!!!! but we’re in the final stretch fellas see you tomorrow for the last day 🫡

[harrywavycurly]

Secret Rendezvous Part 17: Ridiculous

Masterlist: Here

CW: None

Tag List: @emma-munson @aol19 @tlclick73 @prestinalove @kailey-firefly @fromasgardandback @therealgothamguardianfr @peaches-roses-sins @hiscrimsonangel @furiousladyking @angelina16torres-blog @sofaritsalrightt @josephquinnsfreckles @starrywhitenight @mrsjellymunson @witchwolflea @jasminelafleur @ohmeg @comeonatmebruh @missmarch-99 @arthurcerverogf @disassociationdive @123iloveyou456 @perplexing-vex

A/N: Chrissy is running out of patience with a certain long haired metalhead, enjoy and so sorry this is going up so late✨

[the-wandering-wonder]

By The River

I was rewatching Lord of the Rings, and oof. I now remember why I swooned over Orlando Bloom so much as a teenager...

Pairing: Legolas x Reader

Word Count: 1,334

Rating: T (angst)

Chapter: 1/1

Summary: You've grown quite fond of Legolas, but when he disappears without so much as a word, your world is turned upside down.

You walk slowly towards the river Bruinen, occasionally glancing up at the clear night sky. A handful of trees litter the path of the river, marking where the beauty of Rivendell merges with the beauty of the forest. You take in a deep breath as you approach a particular beech tree, one that was slowly becoming your favourite.

You smile to yourself as you hear the feet landing behind you, slowing for just a moment as you see the familiar blond elf falling into step alongside you.

“It’s a beautiful night.” Legolas breaks the silence.

You merely hum in agreement, glancing at him with a soft smile, one that he returns.

You couldn’t quite remember how long you two had shared this routine, but he was always there, every night, ready to join you in your walks along the edge of the forest. Most nights you spoke, joking and laughing, but some nights, you enjoyed the simple silence, interrupted only by animals in the distance or the whistling of the wind. Truth be told (but never to Legolas himself) he was the reason you enjoyed your walk so much.

You eventually find yourself paused at the riverbank, looking down at the moonlight reflecting along the rippling waters. A breeze whips around you and you shiver, exhaling softly as you wrap your arms around yourself. You feel a warm presence behind you as Legolas moves to wrap his cloak around your shoulders, his hands resting on your upper arms. Without thought, you lean back into his touch, letting his warmth wash over you.

“Beautiful.” He murmurs.

You tilt your head to glance back at him, finding him gazing down at you, blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight. His hand comes up slowly, resting along the hollow of your throat, his thumb and forefinger pressing up against your jaw, lifting your face to meet his. He dips his head down, tentatively brushing his lips over yours before pulling back and letting his hand return to its place on your arm. Your lips part slightly, but no words come, so you give him a soft smile instead, letting your head fall back to rest against his shoulder as your gaze returns to the waters of the river Bruinen.

~~~~~~~~

The next day, you find yourself busy, running small errands for the council. But Legolas remains in the back of your mind, his soft kiss replaying over and over. Once night falls, you grab your cloak and slip out for your nightly walk. You quickly make your way to the beech tree, pausing for a moment. When all you hear is the rustling of the water and chirping of birds, you glance around.

“Legolas?” You call out, looking up at the branches.

Your heart begins to race as your elven senses pick up no sign of him. 

“Legolas?” You call out again, silently hoping that he had somehow lost track of time.

No answer comes and you feel your breath run short, catching in your throat as your pulse pounds in your ears. You force down a deep breath before turning to run back into the walls of the city. You make your way to the council room, steadying yourself before approaching Elrond, who greets you with a nod of his head before returning to the map he was studying.

“Lord Elrond,” you begin, bowing your head slightly, “have you seen Legolas?”

“He is gone,” the elf responds, “A messenger came from Mirkwood this morning, and he left.”

You feel your heart sink to your stomach as tears prick the corners of your eyes. Your jaw drops slightly as you turn away from Elrond, clenching your fists by your sides.

“This troubles you?”

“I was just-” You pause, unsure of how to explain yourself to the high elf. “I did not know he was leaving.”

“Do not worry for him,” Elrond says, turning to look at you fully, “he will return in time.”

~~~~~~~~

You try to follow Elrond’s advice, busying yourself with whatever you can find and forcing yourself to focus on anything but the thoughts of Legolas. But days soon turn into weeks, then into months. And the Sindar elf does not return. You eat out of habit, on the days that you remember, and hardly ever venture out of the walls of Rivendell. Some days your heart aches as it did when Legolas first left, other days it feels cold and numb.

One day, Elrond, who had kept a distant eye on you as you grieved, approaches you.

“You should take a walk,” he says softly, “the air would do you good, as would the sun.”

“The river reminds me of him,” you admit.

“An unpleasant memory?”

“No, not at all. I just…I miss him.”

You stare at Elrond with glassy eyes, tears threatening to fall. He lets out a small sigh as he places his hand on your shoulder.

“Then go to the river, sit with the memories.”

Elrond gives your shoulder a soft squeeze before turning to walk away. You watch him disappear around the corner before turning your attention to the waterfalls scattered around the city, listening to the sounds of rushing water. You slowly walk through the city, heading towards the waters of the river.

You eventually approach your tree, reaching out to run a hand along the bark as you look down at the flowing water. In the light of the noonday sun, the colour almost matches Legolas’ eyes. A tear slides down your cheek as you turn to lean against the beech, sliding down to the ground and bringing your knees to your chest. Your eyes close as you lean your head back against the tree, losing yourself and letting time fly by.

You hear footsteps in the soft grass and you leap to your feet, turning to face the approaching figure. The sun glints off golden hair and your jaw drops momentarily before you close your eyes, deciding that your eyes are playing a cruel trick.

“No.” You say softly.

You slowly open your eyes, taking in the figure that now stands before you. Piercing eyes stare at you as golden locks flutter in the soft breeze. Legolas…

“I thought you’d left,” you murmur, “never to return.”

“You truly think I would do that?” Legolas tilts his head slightly, striding forward to stand in front of you.

“I didn’t know what to think,” you reply slowly, “you were just…gone. You never even said goodbye.”

“I tried to find you,” the blond elf murmurs, “but I couldn’t. And it was urgent that I return to Mirkwood.”

You take a step back and swallow as you stare at the river again, fingertips digging into the bark of the tree as it presses into your back. Finally bringing your gaze up to meet his, you see pale blue filled with concern and… was that hurt?

“I would never abandon you.” 

Legolas’ voice comes out as little more than a whisper as he moves in closer, bringing up a hand to caress the line of your jaw, catching a fresh tear with his thumb. You lean into his touch, closing your eyes as you feel his free hand resting ever-so-lightly on your hip. 

“ Melethril…”

Your eyes flutter open as you feel Legolas’ warm breath dancing across your lips, his own within inches. Your hands find purchase on his cloak as his body envelopes yours, your lips finally meeting in a soft kiss. You lean into him as his grip tightens on you, holding you close as your lips mold together. Your lungs begin to ache, but your desire for Legolas pushes all other thoughts back as you cling to him.

Legolas finally breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against yours as you both take in a breath. He tilts his head back to look into your eyes, the intensity of his gaze filling you with warmth. He speaks in a low tone, slowly and assuredly.

“I will always come back to you…”

[truffle-draws]

Collage for my Viktorxfem!reader fic ‘Even the Gods Cry for Us’ which can be found here

[geothewriter]

Any Other Way - A post-war Zutara One Shot

Happy Birthday (slightly early) to my good friend @achillmango

I wrote ya a lil something because you're an awesome person and a great editor! I legitimately couldn't have made all of this progress on Vermillion Seas Cardinal Skies without you. So... here! I ran with an idea we talked about a while back.

Special shoutout to @demaparbat-hp for helping me edit this fun piece. You helped me add the polish to make this special. <3

And so with this, my first public action as your regent Fire Lord, I declare all aggression over. Our troops will withdraw home, now, to the Fire Archipelago, or to the colonies. On that topic, as I'm sure you're well aware, the colonies are a difficult subject to consider. The newly appointed peacetime council and I have already begun correspondence with King Kuei of the Earth Kingdom to begin ratifying a joint act we like to call the Harmony Restoration Movement. It is a long road, but together, we will travel it well. I'm sure many of you are wondering why an old war general is attempting to herald peace. Why would the Dragon of the West hope for less conflict? I am an old man, and I have seen the atrocity of war. Many across the seas will know me as something else, but I assure you, I am no longer that young man. If I must answer for my past crimes and ambition, so be it. Make that call, and I shall answer. If you call prior to the passage of the next seven years, a council of responsible individuals will head this fine nation. After those seven years have elapsed, my nephew, Prince Zuko, will take the throne as Fire Lord. Until such a moment arrives, he is to contribute to communities around the across all lands, gaining post-war-time political and worldly experience prior to– Zuko gently placed the article that formerly acted as packing paper on the table. His uncle sure could write a speech when he put his mind to it. Three years. He had three years left before his freedom came to an end. A long time, to be sure, but could he really prepare himself fully for the throne in only three years? A terse sigh escaped Zuko’s lips before he turned and pulled another mug from the box on the table. Unwrapping it with care, he placed the porcelain cup in its belonging place, up in the cupboard. Another delve into the box, and he withdrew a rather large plate.  The protective paper fell to the side as he placed the tableware in another cupboard. He wondered, could it really be so simple? Would he really be able to settle down in a new location every few months for the next few years? It wasn’t like four years helped him fit in with the rest of the world. If he wasn't normal by now, then there was no way on earth three more years would do the trick. Zuko sighed. At least the nightmares had stopped midway through last summer.  It was when she joined him. It was the promise, really. “If things don’t work out, and we’re both lost and aimless in the world, promise you’ll find me?”  “Only if you promise the same.” They sealed the oath with a hug and parted ways after his Uncle’s coronation. A year passed with little contact. Zuko was too busy to think beyond the next day, and she was too busy rebuilding the south to write.  She found him in Jang Hui, while he was supervising the removal of the vast quantity of rubble from the destroyed metal foundry located there. He was overburdened, having taken on both that and the difficult job of establishing a more robust local government, as well as setting up a makeshift hospital to get them back on their feet. He was more stressed than he could ever remember. He hadn't slept properly in days. Hadn't eaten, either.  Then she happened. 

Continue Reading on AO3.

[asmaticc]

Safe

hobie brown x fem!reader

word count - 4.0k

context - reader lives alone and goes to college, you could think Hobie goes too but that’s up to you!! She’s been knowing he’s spiderman for a while now

synopsis - hobie swings by your room after defeating some bad guys, but he’s heavily injured, and if he doesn’t get helped soon, the worst could happen. so he goes to the only person he would trust his life

or

you helping the guy who’s got you mad in love, praying for him not to die in your arms

warnings - mention of gunshot, blood, removal of a bullet, hobie is fucked up, anxiety attack

** I don’t write the different pronunciations of words in his cockney slang because I like it better to just read the word and imagine him pronouncing it, hope this doesn’t bother you <3

You were in your bed reading a book to keep your head off your thoughts. You haven’t heard of Hobie since your conversation in the morning, when he texted you he would swing by once he was done looking after the city. Something was off… he would text sometimes to check if it was still ok to hang up even if it was late, but it’s been more than 10 hours.

Maybe you were too focused on him. This isn’t the first time this happens, but since you knew you had a crush on him, you would get more anxious thinking or getting around him, and you think you hide it well (and of course you don’t).

A heavy noise outside your window knocked you off your mind. “Finally”, you thought, the star had just arrived at only… 3:56 am. Great! You’ll get to sleep at least 3 hours before going to class tomorrow, or today… But what was he doing not opening the window? (which you always left a little bit open for him to enter easily). You went to peek outside to find him lying on the fire stairs, almost passed out, so you freaked out.

“The fuck happened Hobie?” Rushing to get him up and getting him inside.

“You should see the other guy, love” He managed to smirk at you, but as you seated him on your bed, a wince replaced it.

You examined him quickly following the instructions you learned when you took some first aid classes. Then, you got to his abdomen, he was covering something with his hand, and as you look closer, you see his hand soaked in blood.

“Bee I need you to take your hand off, okay? I need you to lay down and tell me what happened, can you do that?” You were trying to keep your cool to not scare him, which was actually keeping him focused on your instructions.

“I was fighting with some of Kingpin donkeys and some idiot pulled a gun out” he hissed when you removed the cloth upon the wound. His chest was going up and down heavily, you rushed to your bathroom to get the first aid kit and some pills for the pain. He’s gonna need them.

“I don’t see the bullet has gone out” You informed. “I’m gonna need to open you and take it out, Hobie. Is that okay?” He nods and you take a scalpel, breath in and out trying to stay the most focused you can. “I’m sorry to ask you this but you need to stay still”

You open a little line right across the wound to give you more access to get the bullet. He grunts but doesn’t move, so you take the long tweezers and start to put them in. Hobie grabs your arm and looks you in the eyes, you can feel how scared he was, but him stopping you wasn’t gonna help.

“Babe I know this hurts but I gotta take it out, you have to trust me” Your eyes were starting to water, but the nickname seemed to calm him off, so he let go of his arm.

You started doing your work, trying not to do him any more harm, but you finally got the little metal. You put it in your hand watching if it was cracked, and fortunately it wasn’t.

“It’s in one piece, you can relax a little now, Bee. I’m going to clean you up and try to sew you, can you hold on a little longer for me?” You asked him while looking at his eyes, caressing his hand. A little “yeah” escaped from his lips, so you began to put alcohol on a cotton and clean him. You saw how he clenched his fists and your heart ached, you couldn’t see him like this, it was gonna rip you apart at this point.

Done with the stitches and putting a gauze, you felt how your pulse was starting to get higher and higher. “It’s okay, it’s okay” you repeat to yourself over and over again to calm you down. Hobie needed you to be strong, because who was going to take care of his crazy ass if not?

“ ’m sorry… for all of this” he said quietly.

“Please don’t say that. You know I’m here to help, and it’s not your fault, Bee” You seated next to him, handing him an ibuprofen and a glass of water. “Don’t be sorry for protecting this city, don’t be sorry for protecting the people in it, and don’t be sorry for asking for help. I know it sucks for you, but I don’t know what I would do if I ever lose you” Your voice cracked at the end, a tear running down your cheek.

You looked at him, he was pale because of all the blood he lost, you could tell he didn’t have any strength left. He was looking at you with sad eyes, not knowing what to say, so you got up and took one of his shirts and pants he left in your house for when he stayed the night.

You took off his boots, ripped shirt and suit, helping him to put on his other clothes. It was the first time you saw him like that, and it was scaring you to death, so you kept up all night watching after him, checking the bandage and his temperature constantly.

The sunrise started to show up through your window, so you closed the blinds to let Hobie rest all he needed. He’s been sleeping since you changed his clothes, passing out almost immediately. You felt your eyes burn from the unshed tears, and now from the tiredness, but you were worried something happened while you were sleeping. Your heart is still racing to be quicker by any thought of it, your head spinning around, your strength starting to fade away. You went to the kitchen to drink some cold water, but your legs had other plans, so you fell on the ground. That’s when you lost it. You grabbed your chest trying to keep your heart inside of it, sobbing as quiet as you could not to wake Hobie up. It was all blurry and your head was spinning around, so you reached the closest wall to you and sat against it, hugging your legs and burying your head between them while counting from 1 to 100, just like Hobie teached you.

You had anxiety attacks before, and Hobie was with you in almost all of them. He would count with you in a soft voice, then ask you if you could see 3 objects and describe them to him. It helped you to focus on something else, so you did the same, trying to remember his voice accompanying you.

After a while, you could get up, finally starting to recover. This time you got to the kitchen, but you splashed some water on your face to keep you focused. “What am I gonna do now?” you thought. Of course you wouldn’t go to class, so you texted your group of friends to send you everything they’ll do today and forget about it. Then, you started to prepare a quick breakfast for you, thinking to let Hobie sleep and give him something to eat once he is awake.

After eating, you went back to your room to check if he was still bleeding and change the gauze. Luckily, he was knocked out, so he didn’t wake up. “What if he has an internal bleeding?” You asked yourself, and the anxiety came back. Now you wouldn’t take your eyes off him, and so, the hours passed by.

The night was falling, and so did your eyelids. But you gotta keep watching Hobie in case he wakes up. You’ve been searching for information about what to do in this case (unfortunately, every one of them told you to go to the hospital), worried if he needed a blood transfusion or some kind of medication you didn’t have. As you didn’t find anything that could help you, you just stayed next to your bed, sitting in your chair while reading the book that you left unattended last night.

A heavy sigh took your attention and you looked at the body in your bed. Hobie was shivering. You took another ibuprofen and helped him to swallow it, which was quite difficult because he was still asleep.

Once he took it, you tucked him with the sheets and looked at him praying to whoever was listening not to take him away from you. Your hand on his cheek made him lean to it, caressing for your touch. You left a kiss on it and went to the couch to get some sleep, thinking how you got to this point. 

��*𓆪

Hobie has been weird for a few months, he would barely go out with you, and every time you’d ask him what’s going on, he just said “nothing”. Was he starting to be bored of you? You’ve been best friends since forever. Of course this would have to happen one day, but it was killing you inside.

The funny part is that he was still the same when he was around. He would have his arm around you while walking, texting you with the same irradiant energy, looking out for you. But something was off. Maybe he knows you have a crush on him, that’s why he’s acting like that. Maybe that’s why you two don’t hang out that much anymore. Maybe he was pushing you out little by little to not hurt your feelings.

But you were sick of it. So you went to his house one day, determined to confront him, but to your surprise, he didn’t answer the door. Was he out? He didn’t mention he had plans. He neither had a show today. Perhaps he’ll come back soon. And you waited, and waited, and waited. You texted him a couple times asking if he was going to return soon, but there wasn’t even a blue check.

By midnight you heard a heavy noise inside his apartment, so you ring the bell furiously, thinking he’s been there all along and he was just ignoring you. Soon after, the door opened, revealing a confused Hobie who seemed like he had just ran a marathon.

“What is your goddamn problem, Hobart?” You said almost screaming at him. “You’ve been avoiding me since I-don’t-know how much time, and now you just ignore my messages? Look, if you hate me just say so. I don’t get why you just gotta keep pushing me out of your life without explai-”

“Wow wow wow, who says I hate you?” He cut you off. “Y/N, I ain’t avoiding y-”

“Of course you are!” You interrupted him as well. “We don’t hang out anymore, every time I say what’s up with you, you avoid the question. I barely see you, and when I do, it’s like you are too tired to speak to me. I’m sick of this, Hobie. Just tell me what’s wrong.” He was staring at you, his lips forming a line. Was he gonna do it? It could be risky, but you were best friends, and he got the feeling if he kept pushing you out of this, he’ll lose you forever.

Your patience had run out, your eyes started to burn. And then you saw him with a piece of cloth between his hands. The fuck was that? Is this a joke?

“I don’t know why I didn’t tell you sooner” It was Spiderman’s mask. The Spiderman that has been around for a couple of months, fighting all kinds of bad guys and all that shit. You grabbed the mask and examined it well. It was true, your best friend was Spiderman. “Look, Y/N, you have the right to be mad at me, but I don’t wanna lose ya ‘cause of this stupid thing”

“You fucking wanker” You punched him in the arm, but he didn’t even flinch.

𓆩*𓆪

Since then, you’ve been by his side. No more secrets between you two (well, only one, but you weren’t gonna tell him). You even spent more time together now that you were the only person he could trust, and that made you grow your feelings for him even more day by day. Sometimes it was so hard for you that you had to go to a different room and calm you down. If he wasn’t interested in having a partner before being spiderman, now it was gonna be impossible. You knew he had some things with other boys and girls before, but he didn’t wanna know anything about serious relationships, as far as you know (because the only thing he wanted was you). Moreover, he was a fucking runway model, a star, he could have anything he wanted. Not like if you were his type or anything… He could find something better, you two were just friends, but the way he teases you and the way he always has his hand around you was confusing you, but maybe it was just the way he is.

It’s been almost two years since that night, two years in which your heart ached stronger every time you see him. But you were alright, it’ll pass. And now it’s been two days since the incident. He hadn't woken up yet, but he was still breathing. Also, he wasn’t pale anymore, nor bleeding through the stitches, that had to be a good sign, right?

You went to his house to get some more clothes, washed his suit and fixed it for him. You gotta say you did a great job, even started to work on some new designs for it. Hobie needed something that would protect him from this to happen again. It’s not like you were going to find a vibranium suit anywhere, or a nanobot one, but you could try doing something better. At this point, your eyebags had eyebags, but you’ll get more rest once you have finished.

“Y/N?” You heard a husky voice calling you. 

“Well, well, well, how’s the sleeping beauty?” you said walking to your bed, hiding your worry and trying to play it cool. “You’ve been out for two days, you git”. He tried to get up, but hissed in pain when he sat up in bed. “Easy on that, I don’t want to stitch you up again” you smiled softly as his eyes fell on you.

“You look like shit” he laughed a little. That was a good sign.

“Look who’s talking! By the way, this is the face of someone that has been taking care of your ass non-stop” You chuckled as you ignored your heart racing.

“Quit the shit show Y/N. You’ve been awake for two days? Where did you sleep?” He said seriously. Now he was upset, not with you but himself. He shouldn’t have gone to you, he just made things worse.

“Of course not, but I haven’t slept much either. And the couch is quite comfortable” You said quietly. “I was afraid you could get worse, so I had to watch out for you in the meantime” that’s it, you were breaking again. You were playing with your fingers, looking away from Hobie.

“I’m sorry I put you through all of this, it was stupid not going to the hospital in the first place” His voice was low, you could feel he was blaming himself. “I’m sorry, love” he said one last time, tears invading his eyes. He didn’t know if it was because he almost died, or because he almost died on you. He didn’t want to keep pushing you through this, knowing it was hurting you more than himself.

“Bee, you know I chose to be here” you said, cleaning the tears that escaped from his eyes. “I chose to help you, and I still choose to do it” you held his hand, drawing circles on his palm to calm him down, he had always liked it. “Besides, how could you go to the hospital in your suit? Someone must have thrown a punch in your head because what you’re saying doesn’t even make sense” you two grin at your joke. “And I know nobody is going to care for you as much as me… I couldn’t leave you in the hands of a stranger” You analyzed his face, eyes a little bit red, his cheekbones were more notorious, lips parted already healed from a small wound he had, but still as handsome as ever. You could melt right there.

“You’ right on that, doll” he smirked and sobbed a little. “No one’s as good as my girl” Boom, that heartache again. You threw a weak smile at him and got up.

“Don’t move, I’m gonna… get some new patches, be right back” you said leaving the room quickly without seeing his face. He was perplexed, what had he done now? 

Got to the bathroom and searched for the things. Once you got them, you sat on the toilet, hand on your chest, breathing in and out. “Fuck” was the only thing you could think. Your pulse slowed a little, so you headed back to your room.

“Everything okay up there?” 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, just remembered I gotta change this” you said nervously while lifting his shirt to uncover the gauze that hid his wound. You carefully took the bandage off with one hand, while the other was drawing circles around Hobie’s waist. You didn’t want to hurt him, so you tried to do something to relax him. “Looks like in two or three days I’ll be able to remove the stitches… if you stay still and stop spider-ing for a while” you were dead serious, and he could tell by the look on your face.

“How could I go when I have you all for me now?” he said teasingly, but meaning every word of it.

“Wanna have breakfast?” You said, avoiding the previous sentence and throwing the old bandages to the bin (that was full of them, maybe you should take the trash). His side smile gave you the affirmation you were looking for, so you headed to the kitchen and started to make some toasts and coffee. “Are you sure you should be drinking coffee after almost dying?” you said a little loud for him to hear you from the bed. Seconds after, you felt two arms rounding your waist and a heavy weight on your back. He hid his face on your neck and you could feel how you were getting red, your pulse raging and your body starting to shake on his touch. “What are you doing, Bee?” is the only thing you could say.

“Did you call me babe?” You were paralyzed, you did in fact call him babe two days ago, but that was because you needed him to relax, yeah, that’s it. “You gonna answer me?”

“I needed you to calm down, and you did, so it worked. Why you ask?” neutral tone, very well managed.

“Keep doing it, I like it” he pushed his face more into your neck where he left a peck, his arms hugged you stronger.

“C’mon Hobie, let’s eat something. Get off me… please” That please was more to yourself, asking you to keep focused on serving the coffee than anything else, you were still shaking. “It’s gonna get cold, babe” please, please, please get away.

And he let you go, now an emptiness invading your body. You need him right back, it’s like you are going to fall if he’s not grabbing you. A small sigh left your lips, could be because of the lack of his touch or the relief that you felt now that he couldn’t feel you shaking on his arms.

You placed the dishes on the lunch table, watching him sit slowly on the chair. “At least he can walk”. You ate in silence, checking up on him if he had any trouble but seemed fine. Right when you two were done, you took the plates and started washing them, couldn’t even look him in the eyes.

“By the way, I went to your place and got you some things, if you need to change” your voice was low, it trembled in your chest. “Probably should take a shower, everything is on my desk” you heard him get up and go away. It wasn’t long after you heard the bathroom door close and the water run. You knocked the door and said “Hobie, if you need help just call me, I’m right outside” and waited for him to finish.

It has been like 30 minutes when you heard the bathroom door again and watched how a half-naked Hobie went into your room. He had his shirt off, wearing the joggers you picked for him. Goddamn he’s hot you thought, gawking at him.

“Can you… help me with this?” he pointed to his wound. You took more Betadine and cotton, passing it through it. It still hurt, his chest was up and down, but little did you know it was because of your touch, electrifying his skin with your soft hands. He lifted your chin up, now a hand resting on your cheek. “Thanks” he said lowly, you couldn’t escape from his eyes. His heart was rushing, just as yours, he needed to say it, it was killing him slowly. He’s been in love with you since forever, couldn’t get you out of his head, even when making out with other people. It was like a parasite that controlled both his heart and his mind. He thinks you are scared of him, and he can’t keep going on with this. So he started to get closer to your lips, but you stepped off.

“A-All done” you mumbled, collecting the things and putting them away on your desk, turning your back on him. You watched your hands tremble. “You gotta see this, I’ve been thinking of making you a new suit, y’know… so a bullet doesn’t have to get to you again” you laughed nervously, your voice is shaking.

“Fuck off Y/N” you squeezed your eyes. He took your arm and lured you back at him. Chest to chest, now looking up at him. He had an unknown look to you. “I really can’t take this anymore” now his hands trapped your waist against him, there was no escape. Why is he doing this? It was like he bit you with his venom and now you were his prey, completely paralyzed watching him getting closer to eat you.

“Hobie, pleas-” you were interrupted by a kiss. His lips on yours, moving slowly. You responded seconds after you realized what was going on, grabbing his neck and pulling him even closer. He cut the kiss as he was running out of air, you couldn’t think straight anymore. “You…?”

“I do” he knew exactly what you meant. You melted on his touch while your eyes cristalyzed. Then, he grew concerned “What’s wrong, love? Have I done something wrong?” asked while caressing your waist, drawing circles with his fingers to relax you.

“It’s just… I’m afraid to lose you” you sobbed “I was afraid of losing you as a friend before, goddamn Hobie you almost died in my arms. And now I’m afraid I do something stupid and fuck this up” you said looking away, but he pulled your face up for you to see him directly, running his thumb through your cheek to clean your tears.

“That’s not gonna happen, love”

“But what if-”

“I said no. I’m not planning on dying any sooner, and I assure you you’re not gonna get rid of me that easily” he pecked your lips. “Do you understand?” another peck, his eyes were analyzing yours, looking for an honest answer.

“ ‘kay” you agreed, putting your hand on top of his, leaning on his touch. “But I’m dead serious about the suit, I mean I fixed it but I won’t have you going through London unprotected like that” you frowned as your other hand caressed the side of his waist where the wound was.

“Whatever you say, love” he leaned back to properly kiss you, smiling with the touch of your lips. 

This was a dream I had and I thought I should write it hehe :]

Since it’s my first time writing smth like this in English I would love to see if you have any suggestions to improve my writing!! Thanks for reading <33

Other works !!

[lunainlove]

I feel like I have read all the good fanfics on ao3 for ghostsoap 😭😭 in times like this I hate being so picky with what I read and all the other fanfics that catch my attention are not finished and I refuse to read until they are done because I’m not patient at all so I’m left with nothing 😭😭😭 and finding good fics is so difficult on ao3 like I usually get what I read from recommendations, snooping into my fav authors bookmarks and pure luck

Anyway if someone has good fanfics please lmk I’m open to anything but recently I’ve been craving some mission focused fic or something like that with found family (I’m a sucker for gaz price ghost soap laswell ale and rudy together) and a happy ending because the I absolutely adore angst as long as there’s a happy ending 😭😭😭😭

[therottenkingsreckoning]

Ough, this one got a lil sad and a little long, be prepared for that. Really two chapters combined into one, but I just couldn't stand to leave y'all on a cliffhanger like I had planned. I prommy it'll be much lighter from here, but for now, have this.

~Little Flame, Chapter 3~

Back home, Frank crept carefully through the door and up the stairs, even though there was clearly no sign of his husband's return. Maybe guilt is what drove it. More likely though, it was the lingering tension, heartstrings pulled tight enough to snap at any second. Slipping into the same little bathroom that started this mess, he quietly shut and locked the door behind them, drawing the test from their waistband slowly as he prepared to do the deed.

Once done, they sat nervously on the edge of the toilet, eyes glued to the tiny oval of screen that was his lifeline and his judgement. All the previous worries (and a couple fresh new ones) were thrashing around the inside of their head right now, threatening to pull him down drowning into oceans of despair. What if they couldn't handle parenting, or if somehow this pushed Eddie to leave them? H-he wouldn't do that, right? Eddie is a good man, he wouldn't leave you over that. But...what if he did?

Please be negative, Frank begged from within the tangled web of his thoughts. I can't handle it otherwise.

Line one appeared, and a heavy silence fell over the room, the only sound his heavy, nervous breathing.

slowly, hesitantly...a second line emerged.

His hand was tangling their hair now, his shaking so bad that it was clattering against the toilet bowl. No. Nononononono. This was bad. This was very, very bad. They wanted to scream, to explode, to go back to a time before any of this had happened. Tears were welling up now in Frank's eyes, and all he could do was murmur a single, frightened sentence. "I have to tell Eddie."

"Tell me what?"

A startled squeak flew out of Frank's mouth at the unexpected sound of their husband's voice. Since when had he come home? He couldn't tell Eddie right *now*, they weren't ready for all of that! In a flurry of nerves and guilt and all, they quickly shoved the test into a box in the under-sink cupboard, doing his best to put on a calm face as they opened the door.

"Eddie, when did you get back home? I didn't hear you come in."

Eddie narrowed his eyes. "Been here longer than you have."

Shit. "Eddie, I-" Frank started, but was cut off by the raising of his husband's hand, the man turning and heading towards the stairs. "Meet me down in the kitchen. We need to talk."

Oh God. They'd really done it now. He should've waited, or talked, or done something, but like the impatient idiot they were he'd stirred the pot, and now Eddie was mad. Now he'd surely hate them, just like every fear Frank's mind had conjured up. Feet like lead and heart sinking, they descended the steps and walked into the kitchen.

Eddie didn't look up when his partner walked in, simply gesturing towards a carelessly abandoned brown paper bag. "Mind explaining this?"

"I'm sorry, " Frank mumbled, throat feeling tight. "I had uhh...wanted to get some medicine."

"And I couldn't have done that for you? I was literally there!" Eddie said, a rising tone of voice as he finally turned to face his love. "Weren't you the one who'd said ya need to stay home today? That I should go on off to work, and not stay here worryin' all day like you know I do? Don't ya trust me?"

"I do!" Frank's voice was rising now as well, and cracking with the start of tears. "I can't just stay in here all day though, I know I said it but I had to...h-had to get outside."

Eddie pinched his noise and let out a growl. "Honey, you're sick right now! What if you got Howdy sick as well? What if you'd made yourself worse?"

"Love, I..."

"Don't try to act all sweet right now. You were just tryna get me outta your hair and you know it."

A part of Frank wanted to scream how wrong he was, how mean he was being, but a bigger part of them knew that he was right. He was hurt, and Frank had hurt him. It wasn't fair at all to treat him this way, sweet, loving Eddie who'd done nothing but care for his partner and worry about their wellbeing. A knife-twist of guilt hit the scientist's heart, and he reached out a hand towards his love. "Eddie, I'm sorry. I am."

Eddie pulled back from the touch, pain & fear in his eyes which refused to meet theirs. "Frankie...darlin'... there's something you're not telling me, isn't there? Some reason you'd wanted me gone for the day."

Frank's stomach flipped at the realization of what he'd implied. "No, nonono that's not...sweetheart I'm-"

He cut them off, shaking his head hard enough to send teardrops flying. "Don't...don't tell me...I'm not sure I can hear it right now." He sighed, and once again headed towards the stairs. "I'm going to bed. Don't follow me."

Then Eddie was gone, and Frank broke down completely, sobbing and crumpling onto the tiles. This was it. They were over. One simple, stupid act and he'd shattered his husband's trust, had made him hate them and surely he'd never earn it back. Frank's fists were pounding against his gut, cursing the thing that ruined his life, this...

baby. His baby. He couldn't bring himself to hate them, this little life that hadn't even begun and had done him no wrong. The life he'd wanted so much for so long, but it wouldn't the same without Eddie there beside him, wasn't something Frank could stand to do alone.

Curling up on the floor, too weak to even move from his spot, Frank whispered through sobs, "I'm so sorry. I love you, just please. Come back."

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

Eddie stared into his reflection in the upstairs bathroom's mirror, darkened streaks below his eyes where tears and water had let the makeup run. What was going on right now? It had been such a normal-feeling morning, apart from the sickness of his spouse, and now? He wouldn't cheat on me, right? Eddie thought, He would never. He'd rather die. Wait, what if- no, no, surely he ain't dying either. That's something I refuse to believe. So what...

His evidence was scant in either case, he had to admit. His lover shooing him off on one day only to come home with groceries, and feeling sick in a way only slightly more intense than any other time. And yet, above it all there hung a darkened cloud of something left unsaid, some hidden truth that Frank had judged Eddie unworthy to know.

He pressed his head against the glass, its cool solidity grounding him for but a moment. "Frank, please tell me what I've done wrong."

When he opened his eyes again, all that he saw was the empty sink counter. "Tch," he hissed, his mind now grasping for distraction. "We're out of soap."

The little box containing more was shoved far back beneath the sink, behind the other household items that they hardly ever used. A dark, cramped little space...but not quite dark enough to obscure a white line that he'd not seen before. What's this? he thought, all other worries aside for an instant as delicate orange fingers grasped around the plastic stick and pulled it out into the light, out to where he could see-

Back in the kitchen, Frank's crying had quieted down into hiccups, though he felt no less awful. Their whole body ached with exhaustion, bruise-tenderness layered on wrenching gut-ache in his belly. His mind was just static and numb, feeble sorrow by now, only able to muster a single "I'm sorry."

"Frank?"

Startled, Frank looked to the doorway where his husband now stood once again...holding the test.

"Eddie..." Frank started, feeling the sour note of fear begin to churn inside his guts. And yet...the mood felt shifted now. The tears on Eddie's face had dried, his voice was soft and kind as he murmured "Is this what you'd wanted to tell me?"

"Yes." Could it be so? Could they hope?

For a moment, fear flashed in the man's eyes again. "It is mine...right?" he said.

Frank stared up at him, and for once in this whole wretched cycle he knew what to say.

"Yes," they breathed. "It is you. Eddie, my love, it's always...will always be you. No one else." He swallowed hard, gripping the fabric of their pants in each hand. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I... I'm scared. How will we handle this? Do you...even want them? Wh-"

Their words cut short as Eddie's arms suddenly embraced him, shaking gently as they pulled his lover close. "We'll figure it out together," he sobbed, his voice flooded with emotion. "D-don't worry darlin', we will."

All Frank could do right now was cry. He felt so dizzy with relief. They'd been a fool, of course Eddie would understand and accept! "You're not mad?" they squeaked, and he knew what the answer would be.

"No," Eddie replied, kissing his partner's forehead gently. "No, not anymore. I...Frank, I love you. So, so much."

Frank laughed through tears and kissed him back. It would be ok. He had a big home, and a loving husband who would be so very good to their children. There was no need to fear.

"You'll be a good father, I know it," they sighed. "I love you too."

[the-river-runs]

My best friend Fandom has once again returned and asked me to post to Tumblr for her! Once again, I have permission to post this video and all edits were done by Fandom (http.redshoes on Instagram)

These memes are all based on Cryptid Sightings by @naffeclipse

She has a lot to say this time around!

A message from Fandom:

"Hello Naff!! And hello everyone :D

It’s me, your girl, your local meme and edit maker, Fandom (aka http.redshoes on Insta 😎)

I’ve come back to make another meme comp for you guys! I wanted to make this earlier, but:

1. I was busy saving/collecting ATSV content on Instagram like Pokémon to getting noticed twice by Jack in the Box ☺️

2. I had to create an Ao3 account (understandably ofc AI theft sucks) and was um. You know… being silly in the comment section 👀 (please don’t mind me if you ever stumble upon them - I react and appreciate the stuff I enjoy in weird ways 💔)

3. Was waiting for my friend here to finish reading so I didn’t spoil anything in the memes! We both loved the series so much and man. The Naff do be eclipsing fr in releasing chapters left and right biggest round of applause for one of my favorite authors here 👏👏👏

Naff, you did such a great job writing this fanfic. I’m going to repeat myself from the comment section BUT you need to give yourself a pat on the back, relax, take a break - just reward yourself. You deserve it all and I hope that you take care of yourself for all the hard work you’ve done 💞💞💞

I’ve also included the lovely artist themselves, @themeeplord , again in one of my meme comps.

It’s only one meme but dang they always draw Eclipse to be getting that gain 💪💪💪 (bc of how muscular he is haha.) Mad respect to all of the drawings they create - they’re always a banger to see.

(Most of the memes surround the last episode + epilogue so if you haven’t read those chapters LOOK ‼️ AWAY ‼️ Don’t get spoiled 🤯)

(P.S. for the imagine scenario that’s not a meme, this is what they’re saying in the audio:

“[Amused] You can hear their heartbeats? Come on, that’s a little far fetched.”

“[Soft chuckling] I can hear yours too… Your heart’s beating pretty fast.”

I’d like to think this would take place around the beginning of “The Episode Bedeviling Bodies,” where the Hunter is still trying to understand their dear friend and what they’re capable of. I thought it was fitting ngl and included it in the comp.

There were uh, more memes I wanted to include, but I’m running low on storage space atm. I’ll get back to making more after I’m done clearing that out ^^’)

(P.P.S. Okay I don’t have Tumblr obviously but 🕴️ apparently you guys really liked the SJ memes I made??? Because my friend’s been receiving notifs of it still??? Thank you so much you guys!! I didn’t really expect people to enjoy them that much 😭💘💘💘)

Now without further ado, enjoy the meme comp! >:D " -Fandom

[crazyunsexycool]

My little love

Chapter 15

Pairing: Bucky x enhanced reader

Word count: 2.4k

Warning: fluff, little bit of sad Henry, ending with angst because you should know better by now

A/N: are y’all ready for this one? Also I realized that I’ve written Lottie’s personality similar to 40s Bucky and Henry’s personality similar to post hydra Bucky.

Series masterlist

Ch 14

There was nothing about this mission that you liked. Not the fifteen hour flight or getting off the jet and heading right into the fight or the fact that every time you’ve been away from Bucky something horrible happens. Add to that the fact you didn’t want to be away from the kids in the first place or that you couldn’t say goodbye because they were asleep. At least this mission wasn’t related to hydra.

You had everything you needed in a duffle by your feet. Bucky stood beside you by the door. His hands on your hips as he pulled you in closer to him. He kisses you softly, still half asleep.

“Remember the rules.” He says.

“Kick ass. Be careful. And come back home in one piece.” You repeat, chuckling softly as you say them.

“That’s right.”

“Give the kids kisses from me.”

Bucky perked up for a moment. “Do it yourself.”

A still sleepy Lottie walks into the living room. She was still rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Her newly grown but still short hair sticking up at weird angles. She had on princess pajamas and was holding on to her teddy.

“Mama.” She sighs when she sees you in your uniform. You get down on one knee and open your arms for her. Lottie walks over to you and immediately rests her head on your chest and you stand.

“Hi my sweet Angel.” You peppered kisses on her forehead. “I’m gonna miss you so much.”

“And bubba?”

“Of course I’m gonna miss bubba.”

“And dada?”

“I’m really gonna miss dada.”

“And Steeb?” She giggled sleepily.

“Ok silly girl. I’ll miss Steve too. Love you sweet Angel.” You give her one last kiss before handing her over to Bucky and then you kiss him one last time too. “Give Henry-“

“Some hugs and kisses, I will. Now go before Nat comes up here and drags you to the jet.”

“Ok, bye. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

To say Henry was upset when he woke up a few hours later and discovered you were gone was an understatement. He had asked for you over and over again. It took a lot of cuddles, patience and convincing on Bucky’s part to get Henry to calm down. He thought you’d left for good and he wasn’t fully convinced that you would come back. That he wouldn’t see you again and that had put him on edge. After that he stayed close to Lottie and wouldn’t let her leave his sight.

“Hey bubs, wanna watch Toy Story?” Bucky asked from the doorway to Lottie’s room. Both kids were in there playing and Bucky couldn’t get Henry to come out.

“I want mama.”

“Mama home?” Lottie stopped what she was doing to look up hoping to spot you at the door.

“No, mama is not home yet. How about going outside?”

Henry shook his head and looked back down at the cars he was playing with. Bucky’s chest tightened looking at the sadness in his son’s eyes. Neither of you had really thought that he might be affected by the sudden absence of one of his parents. Bucky knew he couldn’t call you since you were on a no contact mission.

“I’ll be right back and then we’ll do something fun.” Bucky was on a mission of his own now. He’d have to cheer up his son alone. Better yet with the help of a few uncles.

About an hour later the Barnes trio were dressed in their swimsuits. Bucky wore a plain gray t-shirt and black swim trunks, Henry wore a white t-shirt with some multicolored striped swim trunks and leading the pack was Lottie. She wore a white and light blue pinstriped one piece suit with big multicolored polka dots that kind of matched Henry’s trunks. She also wore pink framed sunglasses even if they weren’t leaving the building and some jean shorts. The flip flops she wore smacked against the floor with every step she took getting the attention of any passing agent or trainee. She definitely had the most outgoing personality out of the three because she waved and smiled back at everyone.

Once they finally got to the compound’s pool, Steve and Sam were there waiting. They had been out when Bucky had texted and now they had all kinds of pool games and floaties for the kids to use. Lottie rushed into Steve’s arms before giving Sam his own hug while Henry stayed close to Bucky.

“Alright bubs, what do you think?”

Henry just shrugged his shoulders. Bucky got down on one knee so that he could be eye level with his son.

“Tell me what’s going on?”

“I miss mama.” Henry whispered.

“I know you’re sad mom isn’t here and I know she misses you too. But she’s only going to be gone for a little bit longer and then she’ll be back and I’m sure she’s going to give you all of the cuddles and kisses she’s missed.”

“So she didn’t leave because of me?”

“Is that what you think Henry? That mom left because of you?”

Henry nods and looks at the floor.

“She didn’t leave because of you. She left because she had a mission. There are people that are being hurt by bad guys and she wants to help them. But she’s going to come back real soon so why don’t we go play in the pool and that way you have something to tell her about?”

“Ok.” Henry smiles for the first time that day.

“Ok.” Bucky looks over to where Sam, Lottie and Steve were at then looks back at his son. “Seems like Uncle Steve and Uncle Sam bought some toys. Wanna go check them out?”

Henry nodded with a new sense of excitement and grabbed Bucky’s hand. He ran in the direction of his uncles and sister. It didn’t take long for the five of them to get into the pool. Lottie opted to lounge on a unicorn floatie that Steve kept close to him. It was no real shock that Henry could swim but Bucky decided not to think about how he was trained. He was a fast swimmer too. After warming up to the idea of being in the pool he actually started to enjoy himself. Henry also started to have conversations and games with Sam and Steve. It was the first time he willingly interacted with anyone other than you, Bucky or Lottie.

After a while Lottie also went into the water and although she couldn’t swim she was having the time of her life. She especially loved to hold on to Sam while he bobbed around the pool. He would hold her out at arms length and let her kick around. Bucky made sure to take plenty of pictures and videos for you. Especially of Henry just laughing and having fun.

After a few hours of swimming Bucky got the kids up to the apartment to shower and change into something comfortable.

“What do we do now?” Henry asked as he sat on the couch and pulled Lottie to his side.

“Well Uncle Sam is bringing dinner and we can watch a movie after.”

“Or we can make your mama a surprise.” Steve adds and Henry smiles at that.

“What kind of surprise?”

“What if we paint something for her? I bet she’d love that.”

“Can we daddy?”

“Yeah bubs, you guys can do that but after dinner.”

“Ok.” Henry said and settled down, both him and Lottie fell asleep quickly while cuddled up on the couch.

Bucky made sure to take a picture of that too.

“Daddy?” Henry’s fear riddled voice filled the quiet of your shared bedroom with Bucky. He sat up quickly ready to attack whoever was there.

“Henry? Bub what’s wrong?” He asked once he realized it was only his son and a sleepy Charlotte at the door. “Did you have a bad dream?”

“No, baby did.” he sniffled. “But she cried and it scareded me. Can we stay here?”

“Of course bub come on.”

Henry walked further into the room and picked Lottie up to place her on the bed. She crawled closer to Bucky and plopped down on the pillow. Her cheeks and lashes were still wet with tears. Henry however rounded the bed to Bucky’s side and waited until Bucky picked him up.

“Did it upset you to see her cry?”

“Yeah. I don’t like to see her sad.” Henry said as he leaned into Bucky’s chest. Lottie decided to snuggle into his side.

Although they were in his room because they were sad, nothing made Bucky happier than knowing his kids felt safe with him. The only thing that could make it better would be having you there. But just like the kids he would have to wait until you came back.

The mission had been a complete failure. The information you had been given was in fact a half truth that Shield didn’t have time to verify. It left you, Nat and Thor walking in blind and being ambushed. The reason for the surprise attack was still unknown but you were furious. All you wanted was to go home, shower and take a nap.

Once the jet landed you were the first one off the jet and informing Fury that you would debrief whenever you felt like it. The apartment was quiet and you were surprised that no one was still awake. You checked the kids room and it was empty and for just a moment you felt like you couldn’t breathe. A sigh of relief left your lips when you opened your bedroom door to find Lottie in your spot and Henry sleeping on top of an also sleeping Bucky. His eyes flutter open and he looks right at you. A smile forms on Bucky’s lips and you make your way to his side of the bed.

“Good morning.” You whisper before you kiss him quickly.

“Morning.”

Henry stirred against Bucky’s chest.

“Is mama home?” He asked while keeping his eyes closed.

“I am, sweet boy. And I missed you so much.”

Your voice was enough to wake him up. He looked up at you and smiled. You leaned down and kissed his forehead before nuzzling your nose against his cheek. Henry shuffled off of Bucky and wrapped his arms around your midsection and squeezed before you were able to stop him. You gasped from the pain to your ribs and Henry tensed and let go of you.

“Mama?” He asked, fear evident in his voice. “I’m sorry mama. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“It’s ok,” you took a few quick breaths until the pain subsided. “You didn’t know.” You take another breath. “A bad man hurt me, baby. Not you.”

“What happened?”

“Got kicked in the ribs. It’s nothing serious.”

“Are you sure?” Bucky looked at you with concern.

“Yeah-“

“Mama?” Lottie’s sleepy voice interrupts you.

“Good morning sweet Angel.”

Lottie sat up and smiled at you while rubbing the sleep away from her eyes.

“Mama home.”

“I am.” You walked around and leaned over into the bed and kissed her cheek. Her little arms wrap around your head and you feel her kiss your forehead.

“I’m going to take a shower really quickly and I’ll be out.”

“We’ll start breakfast, right Henry?”

He looked up at you still full of worry but then nodded.

“Lottie and I have a surprise for you.”

“Really?” You smile brightly at him. “Can I get a hint?”

Henry shakes his head and then smiles.

“Ok well then I’m going to shower and then I’ll be out for breakfast and my surprise.”

Henry was practically buzzing with excitement and he tugged on his father’s arm in order to go out and head to the kitchen. Lottie blinked owlishly at the door and then at you trying to figure out what to do next before she dived back into bed.

“Night night mama.”

You laughed as she moved around and found a comfortable position. After giving her one more quick kiss you head to the bathroom.

You peel off your uniform, it was disgusting from sweat. The kick to the ribs was hurting more now that you had removed the Kevlar. A wave of nausea hits you immediately and the room begins to spin. After taking a few breaths you look at yourself in the mirror and gasp. There in the area where you had been kicked was a circular imprint on your skin. There was also some type of liquid that spread out from the imprint. Whatever it was, was spreading fast, the color was a stark contrast against your skin so there was no way you could miss it. The closer it got to your lung the more difficulty you had breathing and you were trying not to panic.

You felt consciousness slipping away from you and in your last few seconds you called out a 911 to Friday. Then you slipped and fell to the floor of the bathroom.

“Why is mama taking so long? Can I go get her?” Henry asked from his chair at the table.

“Give her some time bubs. She just wants to relax a bit.”

There’s a pounding on the door of the apartment enough to startle Bucky and Henry. Lottie walks out crying from the bedroom at the same time.

“Mama.” She cried out and Bucky’s heart almost beat out of his chest.

There’s another furious knock at the door before it opens and Bucky is quickly grabbing a knife to defend his kids with.

“Y/N? Are you here?” Ivy, one of the nurses from the medbay, calls out. “Y/N?”

Bucky puts the knife down and heads to the living room while Henry comforts Lottie. Both of them walk back into your bedroom.

“Ivy what’s wrong?” Bucky asks as he sees the team behind her.

“We got a 911 from Friday.”

“Daddy it’s mama.” Henry yells. “She’s on the floor.”

Bucky leaves the living room and heads toward the ensuite with Ivy following. He finds you just as Henry said, on the floor and you’re unconscious. Ivy pushes past him and Bucky has just a second to grab both kids before the rest of the medical team rushes in.

The three of them watch as the team works around you. With every passing second Bucky feels like his world is crumbling around him. What had happened and why hadn’t he noticed? Lottie whimpers into his shoulder and Henry holds on tighter to Bucky’s waist.

“I can barely get a pulse.” Ivy mutters. “We need to move her fast.” She says as they connect you to a portable heart monitor.

“We’re losing her.”

Ch 16

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[harrywavycurly]

“You wanna know the worst part about all this?” Eddie looks over at you as he takes a seat in one of the rocking chairs you have on your front porch. He just nods giving you the okay to keep talking. “This whole time I thought I was making memories with my soulmate and he-” Eddie reaches over and grabs your hand and gives it a squeeze.

“He is an idiot.” He mumbles not trying to interrupt you but he couldn’t help himself, your ex boyfriend is at the top of Eddie’s shitlist so you just ignore his little outburst and take a sip from your wine glass that’s in your free hand.

“He was just…making memories…” Eddie hates how you look away so he can’t see your eyes get watery and your bottom lip start to quiver. “He ruined them for me…all those good and happy memories…are just ruined now.” Eddie begins rubbing his thumb over your knuckles as you talk while he tries his hardest not tell you how much of an asshole your ex is or react in a way that would upset you more.

“We will just have to fix them.” Eddie gives you one of his best smiles when you turn to face him, a few tears rolling down your face. He drops your hand so he can get up and walk the few steps over to you. “Tell me something he ruined and I’ll do my best to make it good again.” He slowly gets on his knees in front of you so he can take the wine glass out of your hand and place it on the small table between the two chairs.

“Eddie…” you try to turn your head and look away from him but he gently places a hand on your cheek making it hard to look anywhere but at his face.

“Please let me be the one that makes you happy again.” You look him in the eyes and slowly nod your head as if you’re answering both his unspoken and spoken question as he leans in closer to you. You feel him wipe away your tears with his thumb before his lips touch yours in a sweet kiss.

[vanmarkus]

Inspiration Saturday 🎄

Aaand this would be the aforementioned second christmas fic; the rough draft is already done and it's just over 2k so I expect it to total out somewhere around 3-4k. Anyway, please enjoy this tiny snippet:

Buck sat in the waiting room, his eyes vacantly following the line of fairy lights running under the edge of the reception desk. They flickered every now and again.

Well, not just every now and again, but every thirteen seconds. Buck counted it out 67 times already.

He just started again, but he only got to six when he heard the voice he was waiting to hear for nearly 15 minutes now.

tags under the cut 💛

I was tagged by the lovely @daffi-990 @thewolvesof1998 @watchyourbuck @disasterbuckdiaz @giddyupbuck thank you my dears and for all the bunch of people tagging me for FIF too mwuah 💛

✨no pressure tagging: @malewifediaz @spagheddiediaz @jesuisici33 @jeeyuns @ladydorian05 @steadfastsaturnsrings @eowon @heartshapedvows @nmcggg @rainbow-nerdss @jamespearce9-1-1 @evanbegins @eddiebabygirldiaz @theotherbuckley