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mychoombatheroomba · 10 months ago

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Don't Let Go

Between the Bones (Leon x GN! Reader) - Chapter 36

You get some unexpected support, and you and Leon come to an understanding that neither of you likes.

(Cross-posted from Ao3)

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Chapter Index

They had the day off, but the first thing that everyone wanted was answers.

To his credit, Krauser took the time to answer them all as best he could.

“Why didn’t you warn us?”

“I didn’t know.”

“Do they have the authority to even do that?”

“. . . Yes.”

“What are they so afraid of us blabbing about?”

“You’ll be learning that in the coming weeks.”

“Are those assholes really going to be staying?”

“Yes.”

Leon stood in the back as the rest of the squad learned what he already knew: what they’d suffered for. What some of them were being sent home for. No one was happy with the answers given, but most understood. Leon understood. The reasoning, at least. Not the practice. Not the torture. He would never understand that.

Nor would he understand the answer to the question Valeria hissed out, one that had been eating away at Leon, too. The one thing he wasn’t reasonably sure of, on Krauser’s end regarding the whole experience.

“They had our letters,” she said, her foot tapping against the floor beneath where she sat on her bunk. “From months back.”

Leon watched shadow overtake Krauser’s eyes, that crease between his brows deepening.

“Hadn’t heard from my mom. Is it because they held those letters from us?”

Krauser nodded once, his gaze unwavering even if it was full of regret. “Yes.”

“And you knew?” Valeria pressed, hurt evident in her features.

Another pause, before Krauser nodded. “Yes. STRATCOM procedure. No communication with the world outside during training.”

“So any letters we sent home . . .”

“. . . Were never sent.”

Top-secret shit, even before the bioweapons were brought into play.

Not that it made the pill any easier to swallow.

Still, the Major didn’t try to shift the blame off of himself, even as Valeria fixed him in a scalding glare. If looks could kill, Jack Krauser would be a pile of ash on the ground. “That’s bullshit,” Valeria snapped. “Sir.”

“Watch that tone, Soto,” Krauser met her, steel for steel. Leon had seen the man make soldiers give him fifty push-ups for mouthing off . . . but he’d also seen him allow Leon to speak his mind. He’d seen the Major listen to Leon’s own concerns, even if the Major seemed to like quite literally everyone else better than him. So, even if he barked at Valeria now, Leon wasn’t surprised when a moment later, the Major just gave her an apologetic look. There were a lot of those that he gave that morning, until there were no more questions.

None that anyone was brave enough to ask, anyway.

Their personal effects were passed back out to them - the ones that had been abandoned in the Humvees when Reed and Hellman had taken the squad. Three days ago. Three days and a lifetime, it felt like.

Just like how Raccoon City felt like a lifetime in one night.

Pain had a way of doing that, didn’t it? Warping the world. A day became forever, forever became attached to the idea of something terrible. A cage with no bars. He wondered how long he and the rest would be stuck in that cage? How long the bruises would take to heal, how often, like last night, someone would hear movement in the barracks and jolt awake, expecting a blow for having fallen asleep . . .

Everyone was still so quiet as they unloaded their freshly returned packs. Hard not to be when Andersen and the other three who had failed were there, not bothering to join in the unpacking. What was the point if they were going to be gone by tomorrow anyway?

As for the rest, the day was theirs to do with as they pleased, and no one had any idea how to spend that free time.

Not until heavy footfalls against the floor made Leon and those around him - Alenko, Williams and Valeria - look up, and they found the Major standing there, his hands behind his back. He looked at each of them, gaze sweeping from right to left before landing on Leon and hardening. Sharpening. Leon was sure then that he was about to hear a speech about his failure. About how he’d broken and the only reason that he and Valeria were being allowed to stay were because of Krauser’s own intervention. Or maybe that this entire thing was because of a request that Leon made. He could think of no other reason for the loathing in that stare.

Instead, the Major looked back at the group as a whole. “Heard you had some trouble back at Fort Benning,” he said, and Leon’s brow furrowed. So the conversation wasn’t going to be about the beatings taken in those cells, but rather the one that he and the others had taken in defense of one another. “Got a call from Commander Cortez a few days back. Said you got into a fight. That you put twelve of his men in the hospital. That true?”

That, too, seemed like a lifetime ago. Alenko was the one to nod and answer Krauser’s question. “Yes, sir.” He frowned as he spoke, the expression tugging at the splotches of blue and purple on his face.

Krauser nodded once, his face set in stone.

“Good,” he finally said, and Leon recognized veiled pride in his eyes. “Make sure you don’t end up in the hospital too, next time.”

It was one of the few orders that Major Krauser had given in his time here that Leon agreed with.

Of course, when the Major unclasped his hands and tossed what he’d been holding onto the bunk nearest him, Leon felt an entirely different wave of emotion sweep through him. The little radio rolled onto its back as it landed amidst the scratchy blankets, leaving a flash of recognition to cross Williams’ and Alenko’s faces as they saw it. The same radio that had been in Cortez’s office. The same one you’d somehow stolen for them, that you’d all been listening to on the ride home before everything went wrong.

Krauser was giving it back to them.

“And don’t make a habit of stealing from your Commanding Officers.”

Leon might have laughed, under different circumstances.

Instead, he found himself even more surprised as Krauser went on, this time looking towards Valeria. “Your letters,” he began, “they were from your mother?” Hellman must have told him, then. Or maybe Krauser had read the letters himself, after the fact. Leon hoped that wasn’t the case. He hoped he hadn’t read through Sherry’s letters before Leon even had the chance to. Still, he knew enough about the contents to ask.

Valeria’s mouth twitched down, and she nodded once in response, stiff and all too plainly upset.

Krauser nodded too, and again Leon saw conflict in the Major’s face. Whatever combat his thoughts were doing, though, it was over quickly. “I’ll do what I can to get you clearance to write home. All of you.”

That was all Krauser said . . . but just before he turned away, his eyes found Leon again. Fixed on him like crosshairs. The words spoken were all that were said, but Leon could see that Krauser had more to say. Something lurking just beneath the surface, unformed but sharp. Leon only glimpsed it for a moment, but it was there all the same. Leon almost didn’t care if the Major was angry, now though. Because even if he didn’t have a home to write to, really, he could write to Sherry.

He might be able to tell her he was sorry for not answering her letters. To tell her he was okay, to make sure that she was alright too.

So, whatever was behind the sharp look that he received now, Leon just met that sharpness with gratitude. He didn’t get much but a moment of that gaze losing its edge. Just a second or two, and then the moment was gone, and so was Major Krauser, moving down the rows of bunks. He hesitated as he neared Andersen, the older soldier sitting on the edge of his bunk, looking shell-shocked.

Krauser looked down at him, his jaw tensing as he reached out a hand, patting the other man on the shoulder.

Then, lifting his chin, he left the barracks.

More silence followed, until at last, Williams spoke up. “Looks like Sarge was right about him being proud,” she muttered, watching as he stepped through the door.

There was no doubt in Leon’s mind. Jack Krauser was an asshole. He had a sadistic streak. He liked to push people and he would never apologize for doing it. All of that was still true.

But maybe you’d been right about more than just Krauser being proud of you all.

“Do you buy it?” Alenko asked, looking over at Leon. “That he didn’t know about Reed and Hellman?” He didn’t sound overly skeptical. Just like he wanted to be sure. That he needed that one last opinion that reinforced his own.

You had faith in the Major. Leon had criticized you for that, once.

Now he understood it better.

“He’s telling the truth,” Leon nodded, and he could have sworn he felt hell freeze over because he was defending Krauser of all people. “You saw how he reacted to . . .” to your injury. Leon had seen it up close and personal. The shock that mutated into rage. Rage enough to make Krauser nearly do something stupid.

“Yeah,” Alenko conceded, knowing well enough what Leon was referring to. They’d all seen the concern the Major had for you. The regret he’d hidden poorly as he answered the questions today. He had not meant you all to come to harm. Not like that.

Didn’t change the fact that you were still going to be hospitalized for who-knew-how-long.

“Never seen him worried like that,” Williams nodded, shaking her head.

“Never seen Sarge hurting like that either,” Alenko said, and tensed when he felt Valeria’s gaze turn on him. She was still feeling guilty, Leon could see it. Alenko could too, shutting his mouth when he realized he’d just reminded Valeria of what she’d inadvertently caused.

Because Reed and Hellman had asked about the two of you specifically. That’s what Valeria had said last night, and those words had Leon on edge. That’s what made him worry even now that there was danger, even now that they were all free of those cells.

You’d told him last night that you couldn’t risk him being there, and you hadn’t known how right you’d been.

The two of you had been obvious with your care for one another. So, even if she’d given up information about you two being close, Leon didn’t blame Valeria for what happened. Even if it was clear that she blamed herself.

Maybe that was why, after a moment, she reached for the radio that Krauser had left on the cot in front of her, and stood. “Come on then,” she said to the group, and her voice had more resolve in it than Leon had heard in a long while.

“Where are you-”

“We weren’t the ones that stole the radio, right? And Sarge is gonna get a lot more use out of it than we are.”

It was a day for looking past old angers, Leon found. He hadn’t liked Valeria much before the trip to Fort Benning. That had changed steadily while there. Now, though, as she marched off in an effort to try and alleviate your loneliness, whether to lessen her guilt or because she genuinely cared for you, Leon didn’t care. What mattered was the effort. It mattered that someone besides him cared enough to think of that before he could even voice it.

And Leon, for the first time in the last few days, smiled. He didn’t hesitate as he stood alongside her, following her as she moved towards the door. It didn’t take long before Williams and Alenko were following along, too.

⧫⧫⧫

As soon as you heard the knock on the door, you steeled yourself.

You weren’t sure how you were going to tell Leon. Distancing yourself had been the first instinct. You were good at that. It would be easy. Well, not easy, but doable. You’d done it once before, after all.

It had left you feeling like shit, and it hadn’t solved anything.

You’d both promised to talk about what you were feeling. It was a promise you regretted now that it made things more difficult, but you wanted to honor it. You owed him that much. So, you’d torn your mind apart all morning trying to put together the right words.

Krauser knows-

Reed and Hellman will be watching-

We can’t-

All of them seemed like bullshit, even if the concerns Krauser had raised were valid. Real. Just as the happiness that Leon Kennedy brought you was real, too. The most real thing you’d felt in months, besides that old and aching pain that you could never be rid of. Pain that was dulled and, sometimes, forgotten around the man you’d come to care for so much. The man you’d watched grow into a stronger person, inside and out. The man you would take a thousand hits for.

You couldn’t just let that go.

So when you heard that knock, you weren’t sure what the hell you were supposed to do because Leon wouldn’t want to end this. Not now. And neither did you.

The door opened and you found yourself speaking on instinct alone. “You shouldn’t be in here,” you repeated the words from the night before, not looking up from that spot on the floor you’d chosen as yours.

And then you regretted not looking up as soon as you heard a smoky but strained voice reply. “Nice to see you too.”

Your head snapped up and you pushed yourself up from bed, thanking the pain meds in your system for allowing the movement. Valeria didn’t wait to be invited in. Neither did any of the three people following her. Alenko and Williams gave you gentle, apologetic smiles as they followed the shorter woman in, and you felt your heart splinter because you’d thought to spend this day alone, like the last time. You thought you’d have to push Leon away the moment he stepped through the door, just for the sake of keeping up appearances.

Instead, you found yourself looking at your squad mates with wide eyes.

And when Leon did walk through the door, you felt that splintered heart break apart when he smiled at you.

“Hey,” he greeted, and you knew this conversation was going to hurt. Both of you.

But what conversation was it going to shape up to become?

You didn’t know, and, as you looked at the four visitors in front of you, you decided that maybe you didn’t want to know, either.

“Hey,” you said. “What are you all-”

“We got the day off,” Valeria answered. “Figured you could use the company.”

“If you wanted it,” Leon added, giving you an understanding look.

You’d been alone during your recovery from Finland. Krauser had checked in on you when he could, but he had a life and duties to attend to. The nurses that pitied you had made for shitty companions. Not that you’d wanted anyone, anyway. Solitude. That had been your companion and your shield. You’d thought just Leon had the ability to break down that barricade around you.

You’d been wrong.

It wasn’t quite a smile that you gave the group as you nodded, but it was close enough. “Okay.”

That surprise and that slight smile only grew as Valeria held out her arm and presented you with none other than the little radio you’d stolen from Cortez’s office. “Think you’re missing this, too.”

You weren’t sure what to think as you took the radio from her. Valeria seldom did anything without cause. What was her reasoning for this? For being, well, downright kind to you? You didn’t know, and, honestly? In that moment, when you had been so sure you’d been condemned to isolation in every possible way, you decided that you didn’t care, either.

So, you settled the radio between your hands, fighting back the new kind of pain in your chest. One not born of your cracked ribs or the fear that Krauser’s words had instilled in you.

This pain was sweeter. One you hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

“Thank you,” you murmured, looking from Valeria, to Leon, and then the rest.

Valeria just shrugged. “You’re no fun when you’re miserable. So pick a station and let’s fucking relax for once.”

You couldn’t really argue with that, so you flipped switches and dials until you heard a synth beat and vocals you hadn’t heard in so long. A song from another life.

“. . . there’s no turning back.”

“Even while we sleep . . .”

“Shit,” Alenko smiled wide as he took a seat a ways away from the bed you sat in. “I love this song!”

Williams just nodded, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning against the wall. “Least it’s not the Spice Girls,” she mumbled over her split lip before she looked over at the rest of you who, back in the Humvee, had made her sit through one of their songs. It seemed her opinion of them hadn’t improved. “Respectfully, they’re shit.” The near-apology was delivered with a near-smile to match.

“Well, Williams,” you found yourself saying, even if your words were muted by the ordeal you’d just been through. Still, there was something familiar there. Something you’d rediscovered at Fort Benning, and were glad to find at your fingertips now; humor. That was what ever-so-slightly colored your words as you told Williams, “ respectfully, go fuck yourself.”

An Army brat like you, Williams just smirked right back.

“Help me make the-”

“Most of freedom and of pleasure-”

“Nothing ever lasts forever . . .”

It made it easier, having them there. There weren’t many words, but there didn’t need to be. You all just listened to the song as it played, finding a comfortable state of quiet between each other. Valeria moved to lean against the wall by Williams’ side. Leon . . . you could tell he wanted to move closer to you. You wanted that too. You wanted it to be just the two of you, like in the hospital in Fort Benning, but Krauser’s warning hung over your head.

“There’s a room where the light won’t find you-”

“Holding hands as the walls come tumbling down-”

“When they do, I’ll be right behind you . . .”

Being alone with him was dangerous, more so now than it ever had been. That didn’t change simply because you wanted his presence or company. Your desire for him wouldn’t be pitied in a court martial. Not if Reed and Hellman were already looking at you like an infected limb that needed to be cut away.

You needed to heal, and Leon needed to finish this training. You both did. You’d just never thought it would be apart.

“So glad we almost made it . . .”

So . . . you would be alone with him one more time. At least for a while.

“So sad they had to fade it . . .”

You hoped he would understand that this was for the best, for now.

The song eventually finished and you looked up to meet his eyes. You’d learned to speak without words to each other, now. So many stolen glances and nights spent side by side, in training or with him pressed up against the wall of the mess hall, you had a language all your own. Insight into each other’s thoughts. And as you looked into those ocean blues, you saw your own thoughts reflected back at you.

There was a talk to be had, and both of you knew it.

⧫⧫⧫

The day went on and eventually the others left. Alenko was first, saying he was going to go in search of food. Had to be desperate, to want what the mess hall served, but Leon didn’t begrudge him. The hunger of those three days had left them all empty just as much as the rest of the experience had.

Williams went next, saying she needed to move, to make up for those days spent in captivity. Valeria didn’t take much convincing when asked to join her.

Leon almost told them to be careful. To not let the agents see them.

To not end up in the predicament that the two of you were in.

A situation that became clear and present, once the two of you were left alone, the radio playing on.

“How are you feeling?” He knew what the answer would be, but he asked anyway.

“They gave me pain meds,” you shrugged as best you could, “so not that bad right now.”

At least there was that. Even if you shouldn’t have had to be in the infirmary in the first place. “Have they told you how long you’ll be on bed rest?” Leon asked, because he didn’t want to have the other conversation. Not yet.

The mirth that had been present on your face, however muted, faded. “It was a six week recovery last time. For the bones.”

“Six?” The number sounded so much worse than what Leon had imagined. He remembered his own long recovery from the gunshot wound he’d suffered in Raccoon City. It had seemed long then, but he hadn’t been kept from anything. It hadn’t stopped him from living his life. Not that he’d done much living after that night anyway. Still, he couldn’t imagine what this was like to you, because it would be six weeks without physical training. Six weeks without sparring, without being able to clear your head in the way Leon knew you would need. Six weeks of what would be hell to you.

And if you couldn’t train for combat like the rest of them . . . would you be able to graduate with the rest? With him?

“You need to keep practicing,” you told him, and by the stiffness of your words, Leon could tell that you were thinking of exactly what he was thinking of. It sounded like you were telling him to go on without you. “Train with the others, but ask Krauser to spar too. He’s the best. He’ll kick your ass, but he’ll make you better.”

“You say that like you’re not gonna-”

“I’m not gonna be able to spar with you, Leon. Not for a while. I’m not gonna be there. You can’t let yourself fall behind with me.”

The words, while well intentioned, were painful to hear aloud. True, but painful because after months of training with you, he couldn’t imagine not being by your side. He didn’t want to have to train for hell on earth and not know that you would be there to face it with him.

But you were right.

As unfair as it was, as completely and utterly shitty, you were right.

“Okay,” he nodded. “But then when you’re better, we’ll catch you back up.” Because he knew you would need it. He knew you’d want it, too. That after so long letting your body heal, you would want nothing more than to throw yourself back into the swing of things.

The trouble was-

“Leon . . .” you shook your head, and he knew that the conversation he’d dreaded was here. “Krauser knows.”

Just like that, the color drained from his face. You’d never been one to beat around the bush, but those words were like being doused in ice water.

“About . . .”

“Us.”

He felt a pit open up in his stomach that threatened to turn him inside-out, and all he could do was sit on the bed beside you. The jaws were closing in. Had that been the cause of that look from Krauser earlier? Had the Major been looking at him with such disdain because of that?

“. . . Fuck.” It was really all he could say. Why even warn you about Reed and Hellman if the game was already over . . .

“He’s not going to report it.”

. . . or maybe not as over as Leon had thought.

“What?” he blinked, turning to look at you without bothering to hide his confusion. Major Krauser hadn’t exactly been by the books, as far as Leon knew, but he’d been so adamant about respecting the order of things. This whole mess had happened because he’d not wanted to step outside the bounds of red tape. Why the hell hadn’t he reported fraternization?

“Said he doesn’t care. But he also said that Reed and Hellman will.”

Leon nodded, trying to reconcile all the mismatched thoughts and solutions buzzing around his mind.

“So he’s saying he won’t stop us but if we get found out we’re fucked.”

You just nodded, the air growing heavier and heavier with each moment. Because Leon knew where this was going, just as much as you did.

Leon pursed his lips, looking down. “They asked about us during the interrogations,” he finally said. “Reed and Hellman. Valeria told me they were asking.”

It was your turn to frown, he could see it out of the corner of his eyes. He wouldn’t rat Valeria out, but you deserved to know that the agents were onto you, even if Krauser wouldn’t be the one to confirm it.

Why wouldn’t he confirm it?

“Then they’ll be watching.”

Leon nodded once, feeling emptiness beginning to set in. “So what do you want to do?” he asked, dreading the answer because he’d heard the distance in your voice last night, and he could hear it even then. He’d heard it once before, after you’d kissed him that first night and tried to convince yourself and him that it was a mistake.

The difference was that, then, he’d seen that emptiness in your eyes, too. He’d seen you retreating into yourself.

He knew you well enough now to know that the look that he saw in your eyes didn’t match the attempt at distance in your voice. Because, as you turned your gaze up towards him, Leon could see only conflict. Only you, a casualty of the crossfire between what your mind had to be telling you and what your heart wanted. When you answered, that conflict was all the more apparent. “You know what I want. But we have to be smart about this. Because if Krauser knows - and has for months now - then Reed and Hellman will pick up on it too, and they’re already gunning to cut me for this shit,” you gestured down to your ribs, and Leon swore he heard your voice waver.

“They wanted me out, too,” Leon admitted, and he watched some fear seep into your expression. “Krauser convinced them to let me stay.”

And again, Leon found himself wondering why?

“They wanted . . . why?” you asked. Why they’d wanted Leon gone - that’s what you were asking about.

“Because I broke,” he admitted, his voice hushed. Not ashamed, but overwhelmed by other emotions. “When they were hurting you, I had to get them to stop. So I was going to tell them what they wanted to know. Right before Krauser got there.”

You looked at him then, silent, your eyes piercing his own. Searching and seeing straight through him, just as you always had.

You had suffered on account of him. It was the last thing he ever wanted for you, but you’d endured it. You’d taken pain for him, in fights and behind bars, and you’d been taking pain from him for far longer. With your company, with your touch. You’d helped each other learn to walk again. It was what had made him fall in love with you, even if it had been something that happened to him at the end of your knife.

He loved you. So, he made a decision.

“Look,” he went on, turning to face you more, feeling something in him building. A resolve or a desperate hope, he wasn’t sure. “I’ll focus on training. I’ll work with Krauser, I’ll . . . I’ll only visit you with the others, if you think it’ll be less suspicious. But I’m not leaving you here by yourself. I’m not letting go of this. I can’t do that. Not if you don’t want to let go, either.”

He watched you, feeling emotion overtaking him. Bearing down on him, nearly making him shake because it had all been too much. Raccoon City. STRATCOM. All the hurts he’d suffered - that you’d suffered - and the best thing to come from it all had been this. You.

So, his throat constricting, he hoped that you felt the same way.

For a moment, he worried, because you were staring at him like he was something you could never have. He saw the regret in your eyes, the tension in your body, like you were bracing for some great pain. It all faded, though, and the corners of your mouth turned up just a bit. The dark of night graying as the sun tried to appear once more.

It was all the warning he had before your lips were on his, and Leon felt the resolve he’d built up for months, the guard he’d put around himself in that prison, crumble. Emotion and relief flooded him, and his hand shook a bit as he lifted it to your face. It was different from the kisses the two of you had stolen in the shadows. Different than the sweet one he’d given you in the hospital at Fort Benning. This was all longing. Wordless in its declaration. He held you gently, no longer needing to memorize the feel of you but trying to hold on to every detail anyway.

Because he didn’t know when he’d next get the chance to kiss you. Or hold you. Or be with you the way he wanted.

But he wasn’t letting go.

“I don’t want to let go, either,” you told him, your lips against his. “I don’t know when we’ll be able to-”

“Neither do I,” Leon admitted, as the words tore at him. “But . . . we’ll find a way.”

He had to believe that.

He had to believe that this wedge being driven between the two of you wouldn’t change what he felt. And to that end, he would watch. He would find moments of safety for the two of you, he would learn to play the spy game if it meant he could steal a few heartbeats with you. He’d wait for those moments, and he’d wait for you.

However long it took.

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#leon kennedy x reader #leon s kennedy #leon kennedy #resident evil x reader #resident evil 2 #resident evil 4 #resident evil #between the bones #gender neutral reader #leon kennedy x you #no y/n #jack krauser

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maddieladner1999 · 1 year ago

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Bad Idea Right?

This version is fully in EJ’s POV and is a continuation of after the last one I wrote. I’m going to do Ricky’s POV of this tomorrow. I decided to make it in 2 stories POV so that you can read the whole story here but get the gaps between from Ricky’s POV. I will definitely be doing the conversation with the wildcats and Ricky’s parents as a part of it

After the night with Ricky, EJ was nervous to go to the show. He knows Ricky will tell everyone but he still worries about him. After texting for a few days, EJ FaceTime Ricky one night surprising him.

Ricky: it’s the night before the show

EJ: I know but I wanted to see your face.

Ricky: aw miss me already. It’s only been like a week

EJ: yeah and I had a question for you

Ricky: and what’s that?

EJ: have you told everyone in the drama club about us?

Ricky: yes. Carlos was confused and thinks his gaydar is broken because even though I may have been obvious with my obsession with you, you weren’t as obvious

EJ: ok good. What about your parents?

Ricky: no I haven’t. My dad isn’t always home sometimes he’s out so I guess I forgot about it and that’s not the kind of conversation I wanna have with my mom over phone

EJ: well you should tell your dad soon. I wanna be able to kiss my boyfriend tomorrow night and that may make it a little weird. Or awkward.

Ricky: ok. I will. My moms flying in Tomorrow for the show so I’ll pick her up and we can talk on the car ride from the airport.

EJ: sounds good. Well good night

Ricky: good night.

The next day EJ gets up early to take care of a few things before heading to salt lake. He asked Ashlyn already if he could stay since he isn’t on speaking terms with his father and she of course said yes. She also asked about Ricky. That was a fun conversation. She also asked him about the tree at shallow lake already. It’s one of his errands to do.

*2 days earlier*

EJ: hey ash can I stay over after the play. I don’t wanna drive back late and it’s a long drive.

Ashlyn: of course. But you know I gotta ask. Ricky?

EJ: what about him? He told everyone right?

Ashlyn: yes he did. I’ve never seen Carlos so confused and it had me thinking. You’re my cousin and I didn’t even see it coming having known you forever. Why didn’t you tell me?

EJ: idk. I guess I thought well the boy I like doesn’t like me so what’s the point? Besides after all this time I realized just another thing we have in common.

Ashlyn: what’s that

EJ: I’m bi to ash.

Ashlyn: well I’m glad you’re telling me know I guess. So when did you realize you like Ricky?

EJ: after the screening. I was so mad I thought I’d slap him but I couldn’t. I didn’t know why. After about a week of rehashing the summer in my head I figured it out. I wasn’t jealous of Ricky when he wanted my girlfriends, I just wanted him myself.

Ashlyn: well don’t bottle up next time, you can always come to me.

EJ: I know. I just after everything with my dad I guess I got scared. I got pretty busy with my school, extracurricular activities, and 4 jobs that I kinda forgot about him. But then she shows up and the floodgate opening and everything came back. It hit me so fast I didn’t know what hit me. When he told me he liked me I was shocked I mean there’s no way that Ricky Bowen could have feelings for me. But he did. He called and talked to Gina and they broke up. I made him stay the night because of the weather. I knew he could handle the drive but I couldn’t let him go out there in that weather. I also just wanted him around a bit longer.

Ashlyn: wow. Idk what to say. You really care about him

EJ: more than anyone will ever understand too. I love him ash. He’s my person. I’m tired of getting it wrong but god last night felt so good

Ashlyn: I’m assuming you did more than sleep?

EJ: yeah I didn’t think you needed to hear that part.

Ashlyn: good call. Anyway see you Saturday.

EJ: of course. Bye.

EJ hung up the phone and went back to his homework. He was just taking a break but that call lasted longer than he thought it would.

*Saturday*

After doing a few necessary errands, EJ packed a small bag and was on his way to Salt Lake. It was an hour drive so he had some time in his thoughts. He knew they were doing HSM 3 so he put on the soundtrack. When he gets to Ashlyn’s place he’s immediately greeted by Ashlyn.

Ashlyn: hey you’re earlier than I thought you’d be.

EJ: yeah I couldn’t sleep so I got up early to take care of my errands.

Ashlyn: well I got the guest room ready for you of course.

EJ: good. Thanks for this. I don’t know if I could face my dad right now.

Ashlyn: still not speaking to him?

EJ: no. I try to call but I just can’t find the words. And he never reaches out to me so you know why push.

Ashlyn: well you’ll always have me.

EJ: I know.

Ashlyn: so did you track down the thing?

EJ: yes. He’s coming with it tonight.

Ashlyn: good. I can’t wait to tell Maddox.

EJ: so I guess I’ll see you tonight

Ashlyn: where are you going?

EJ: I know I have 2 hours but I can’t just sit around besides I wanna look perfect for my man

Ashlyn: ok well then see you tonight

EJ goes to get ready. He’s brought a black suit that’s casual enough to not look like he’s going to prom but fancy enough to make him look good. He borrows the iron to get out the wrinkles his bag gave it. After about 20 minutes of making sure it’s perfect he hangs it up and gets in the shower. He spends way too long in there but having lived in a dorm these last few months it’s nice to be able to take a shower without rushing. He brought his toiletries so he’d smell like himself. He knew Ricky liked it. He spends the rest of his time after his shower styling his hair. He hasn’t coifed it in so long he almost forgot how. But finally he gets it to look how he wants and sees it’s almost time to go. He gets dressed and meets his aunt and uncle downstairs. They decide to ride together to the school.

Once EJ arrives he immediately goes to their backstage area. It’s the same as it was for HSM because they’re doing the play in the gym due to something the Quinn chick is doing in the theatre. He walks in announcing his presence in order to wish everyone look and heads for Ricky.

EJ: hello everyone I’ve come to wish you all luck so break a leg. Hi Ricky.

Ricky: hi EJ. You’re here.

EJ: I said I would be. I couldn’t miss your opening night. *EJ kisses Ricky*

Carlos: ok you too have always bickered like an old couple how did I not see it coming?

Seb: because you were blinded by your own love.

Carlos: aww sebby you’re so sweet.

Kourtney: alright lover boy no more kissing. I can’t have you ruining his makeup.

EJ: sorry. I should go find my seat. See you all after the show?

Ricky: I’ll see you during intermission.

EJ: ok then. See you then.

The first act went great. It’s probably the best a show has ever gone for the wildcats in a few years. When intermission came he went to find Ricky. It was easy since they all hang out in the same spot. Ricky drags him out of the room and down the hallway to an empty classroom

Ricky: I told my parents.

EJ: oh yeah and what did they think?

Ricky: they were surprised. But the conversation with my dad gave me some clarity.

EJ: and what might that be?

Ricky: why it never worked out with nini and just couldn’t quite work with Gina. I thought I had to be with them but truthfully I didn’t care until I saw them with you. I loved them yes but not like I should. I thought I wanted to be with you but I really deep down just wanted you. I’m gay.

EJ: wow. Well I’m proud of you for figuring that out.

Ricky: thanks. And hey what about you?

EJ: I’ve known of my feelings for you for a while. I realized though that I did love nini and Gina. I can’t change the past but it’s true. It’s in the past now anyway. I have you now. As for my orientation. It’s bi.

Ricky: well that’s good to know. I don’t have long before I have to get back

EJ: *looks at his watch* you have 5 minutes before you have to though.

Ricky: we’ll let’s not ruin my makeup too bad then

EJ pushes so forcefully into Ricky kissing him he pushes him up against a wall. Ricky starts putting his hands in my hair and I love every second of it. But I took a good while styling it so I stop for a second.

EJ: what are you doing with my hair

Ricky: I hate it like this. It reminds me of the you I used to fight with. I liked it this summer albeit it may have been a little long. I liked it that night in your dorm. It was messy. I like it messy.

EJ: ok then I guess I’ll let you ruin all my hard work to look good for you.

Ricky: well you should’ve known better than to style it like that.

EJ: I wasn’t being sarcastic. Go ahead. As long as I get those last few minutes to kiss you.

Ricky: you better.

EJ starts kissing Ricky again and Ricky gets back to ruining EJ’s hair. After a few minutes EJ tells him it’s time to go back.

Ricky: you should definitely take a good look at your hair. It’s exactly how I like it now. It’s kinda sexy.

EJ: you think I’m sexy?

Ricky: oh yeah. Those chest hairs help too.

EJ: cmon. It’s time for you to get ready for act 2.

When EJ and Ricky arrive at the backstage room everyone is in a frenzy. Maddox ruined the portable soundboard so now they have to use a manual one. Mr. Mazzara can work the manual one but he can’t play coach Bolton if he does so they ask EJ if he will. He finds it weird to do the play as he would be playing his boyfriends dad. He remembers that big red helped out with the soundboard during HSM and knows that he isn’t in the play this year so he has a good idea

EJ: wait big red isn’t in the play. He knows the soundboard he can do it during your coach Bolton scenes.

Mr. Mazzara: oh yeah good idea. Let’s do that.

EJ goes to find big red and lets him know the plan. Big red is happy to help of course and joins him in the gym backstage. They find Mr mazzara and big red gets the low down. EJ decides to find his seat now that his job is done.

After the play ends the wildcat gang goes to the auditorium to support Gina with the announcement. She manages to get the movie to be filmed here in Utah so she can fulfill her senior year here. Once all the reporters leave the gang hangs back for a while just talking. Miss jenn and Mr mazzara have finally realized their feelings and no one knows what to do now.

Big red: so what happens now?

Ricky: I have an idea.

They take the limo left for Gina to the nearest Denny’s in true theatre kid fashion. EJ knows the idea came from nini. Who else would’ve told Ricky. They hadn’t done that since he joined the club. He’s not mad or even jealous cause he knows Ricky is his now. They have the limo drive them back to the school since most of them drove to the school. EJ gets a ride from big red since he didn’t have his car and asks if he’ll drop him off at Ricky’s. He knows Ricky can drive him back to Ashlyn’s after. He has some parents to meet.

EJ knocks on Ricky’s door and it’s answered by Ricky’s dad. Mr. Bowen is surprised to see him and asks if he’s looking for Ricky. EJ says yes and comes inside waiting for me Bowen to return with Ricky. When Ricky shows up he notices that he has changed out of his previous outfit and into pajamas that he kinda wants to steal.

Ricky: what are you doing here?

EJ: I thought I’d come meet you’re parents

Ricky: yeah? That’s pretty quick

EJ: well your mom primarily lives in Chicago so idk when I’ll get another chance for that.

Ricky: that’s true. Let me go get her. Dads on the couch.

EJ moves to the living room and joins mr. Bowen. Ricky comes out with his mom and she’s visibly confused.

Lynne: who is this Ricky?

Ricky: mom, dad, this is EJ my boyfriend

Lynne: oh it’s so nice to meet you! Ricky and I had a nice long car ride chat about you.

Mr. Bowen: it’s nice to meet you son.

EJ realizes he never really knew Ricky’s dad or even met him before.

EJ: your son means a lot to me. It’ll be hard for us with me in college and him here in high school but I’m willing to work. And if he works hard at school next semester and gets in he’ll join me next fall.

Mr. Bowen: well it seems you have got it all planned out.

Lynne: yes. And Ricky I hope you’ll visit me in Chicago next summer. You can bring EJ too.

Ricky: I will after another year of camp at shallow lake.

EJ: you’re going back?

Ricky: yeah. Will you join me?

EJ: of course. And then I’ll come to Chicago with you as well

Ricky: well it looks like our summer plans are made too

Lynne: well I look forward to it then. I’m going to bed. Good night everyone.

Mr. Bowen: I think I’ll go too. Good night.

EJ: good night. Nice to meet you both again

Mr. Bowen and Lynne head in 2 different directions and go to bed. Ricky stays behind.

EJ: well I actually got a ride here from big red so I was wondering if you’d give me a ride to Ashlyn’s

Ricky: of course let me get the keys

Ricky drives EJ to Ashlyn’s and turns off the car for a second

Ricky: so you gonna send me your schedule next semester so I can find out good times to FaceTime?

EJ: of course. I’ll always find time for my baby.

Ricky: I love it when you say that.

EJ: you know I was thinking of growing out my hair again.

Ricky: yeah? But not too long. Honestly it’s already almost at the perfect length.

EJ: well I guess you have an idea already of how I’m going to keep my hair.

Ricky: yep. Well you should get going. I should head back home.

EJ: yeah. Text me when you get home?

Ricky: of course. Love you

Ricky texts him within the next 10 minutes as Ashlyn doesn’t live very far. EJ texts back good night and Ricky follows with the same. EJ is excited to see what happens now.

The end

#hsmtmts #ej caswell #ricky bowen #caswen #fanfiction #gina porter #ashlyn caswell #big red #badidearight

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foxxdoolz · 30 days ago

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Journal (12-10-24)

Long time no see.

My brother's dead.

I'm home and everything's weird. Nobody is taking it well, everyone's crying all the time, but that's the biggest part of it. I got the call on Sunday at like 1 PM, and I was on a flight home at 4. Since then, it has just been a lot of talking and sharing stories. A lot of laughing, which isn't typically what one thinks of when it comes to grieving, but my family's pretty weird.

Sunday night, I was talking to my dad, and he broke down in front of me. "He was so cold." He told me, he was the one who found him. He told me he needed some alone time, I gave it to him, and he went outside and started throwing shit. He broke a glass table. I think it helped. He seems to be doing better now. My parents are at the funeral home right now.

His best friend was the one who called my parents. They were supposed to hangout on Friday night, like they do every week, but my brother said he was feeling sick. Saturday came around and he hadn't heard back from him, texted and called him with no answer, and when Sunday rolled around, he told my parents what was going on and my dad went and checked in on him.

That friend isn't doing so hot. The two of them were practically soulmates. He blames himself. I'm trying my best to help.

I think I'm handling it pretty well. I was a mess on Sunday. God, how many times can someone break down in an airport. When I stepped off the plane and felt the cold Minnesota air, it made it feel all the more real. My sister and my brother and I's friends came to pick me up. I saw my sister, my sister who is no longer a twin, and we sobbed into each other.

His best friend and I hugged, and the first words I said were "I'm sorry I haven't talked to you in so long." And we hugged. His other best friend and I hugged, and I hugged that friends younger sister, who was also my brother's friend.

I wasn't supposed to be home for the holidays, and here I am.

My brother's cats are now my parents' cats. They're acting different from how they usually act, so I looked it up. One of them is super clingy and vocal, and the other is hiding away and has a loss of appetite, which are both signs of them grieving.

The police think something is suspect about it, and we still don't know the cause of death as they're looking into it, but we're all pretty sure there's no foul play involved. My brother never had any enemies. He had a bruise on his face though. His phone was on him, he could have called. He doesn't like going to the doctors.

I haven't slept a lot. Slept maybe an hour that first night. Slept maybe about three this past night. Neighbors keep bringing around food, there's so much food. My dad's been calling us Italian.

It's gonna be like two weeks before we have his Celebration of Life. We're gonna get him cremated, and we're not gonna have a funeral, because we don't know where to lay him to rest yet. Some time in the summer, we're gonna go up North to the cabin and spread some of his ashes there. I don't really believe in any after life things, but he really loved it up there, and I think it would be a really nice place to rest.

We're all gonna go over to his house tomorrow and go through his stuff.

Yesterday they went to his work and cleaned out his locker. My mom saw his boots and hat and broke down, so did our friends, I've been doing a lot of comforting because I relatively taking it better than all of them.

My worst fear about moving away was that someone was going to die and I wasn't going to be able to say goodbye. I never expected it to be my 24 year-old brother.

My dad has a little collection of the belongings that were on him, including his wallet, so I went through it when I had some alone time. It was just his business cards left in there, but at the very bottom was my business card, and it made me cry. And when I looked up I was face to face with a photo of him, and I started to loose it a little. He kept my business card on him. I wonder if he would look at it sometimes and think of me.

Its just been a lot of sitting around and waiting, and everyone's getting kind of antsy. I had expected it to be go go go, but it's not.

But it's been a lot of reminiscing and looking at photos and laughing and being with each other. We're all a little cried out, but it's gonna keep happening.

When I got home from the airport on Sunday, I hugged my mom for a long time, and then I saw my dad walk out, and I saw his eyes get teary. It's the same look on his face when he listens to See You On the Other Side by Ozzy because it reminds him of his mom. I held onto him so hard.

We weren't supposed to lose our brother.

I never said it enough, but I love you. Even when our relationship was shitty and we hated each other, you were always my brother and always will be. I love you.

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thatrandombatgurl · 9 months ago

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Venting after the read below

Tw: depression & negative selftalk & suicidal ideation

To lay the background, I live with my mom in a house that has a separate apartment that is connected to the rest of the house & my dad passed away in October.

I’m not currently paying rent on the apartment, but I pay some of the bills, get the groceries for us(started buying them a month ago), pay for the dog poop to get picked up (I have a dog & she has a dog), do the dishes, cook or pay for most of our meals, drive her everywhere, etc. while working a full time job and doing online schooling full time.

Now I’ve always had a weird relationship with my mom bc she is definitely undiagnosed with something. I have anxiety and major depression. & she definitely gave me body image issues as a kid, by making me do weight watchers when i was a preteen. She’s always swapped her emotions on a dime & she always denies saying mean/bad things.

Anyways to the present. For about a month she has been in the anger stage of grief and I am most commonly the victim. For example, I went to a concert a few weeks ago and she kept guilting me about me going starting that morning even though she had encouraged me to go for about a month leading up to it. this ultimately led to me being upset and worried the whole time & having a panic attack, thus ruining this once in a life time thing, which she then talked down to me about how I need to just learn to have fun. I didn’t tell her the full reason for not enjoying it, just that I had a panic attack.

Currently she is out of town for the weekend and I am at the house with the dogs. The issue at where she is at is the wifi isn’t working so she can’t watch tv and I tried to facetime her to help & it didn’t work. Then my brother went over today to fix it and it didn’t work. While my brother was with her, my sister came over for a bit & we ended up cleaning the spice cabinet & pantry bc there was an insane amount of expired stuff. We found stuff that expired in 2010! We have moved 3 times since then. Anyways, we sent her a picture of how nice it looks and she was pretty angry but I figured that she would have gotten over it by now after we explained that it was all expired & it’s been about 6 hours.

Anyways she just texted me about something that I already tried to help with over the phone on Friday, Saturday, & this morning. Then as I’m calling her, she texts saying not to call her. Then when I text saying that I have looked everywhere and cannot find the info that she needs, she resent the thing she needs in all caps. And I know that it was probably just the fact that she is older and her texts almost always come off passive aggressive, but it just hit me really hard & I’ve been crying the past 30 minutes and am just really upset & want to run away or do something bad to myself. Luckily knowing that she won’t be back until late tomorrow so the dogs wouldn’t get taken care of is stopping me from doing bad stuff to myself, but I’m just so done. It just makes me so upset and feel like a failure. Which I already know that I am, I fucking dropped out of college and moved home and barely have any irl friends my age who haven’t moved and I still haven’t gotten my degree and i’m an anxious idiot and I’m messy and I’m overweight and I just can’t do anything right.

She acts like she is the only one allowed to grieve my father. Yes, they were married for 26 years, but I knew him my whole life & we were really close. I miss him so much…it’s his birthday on Friday and we are supposed to go to one of his favorite lakes and spread some ashes and spend a few days there just the 2 of us and I really don’t wanna go now, with her pulling this shit.

Anyways sorry i just needed to get this out there…

#bat rambles #bat ramblings

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antihcroes · 2 years ago

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hey so i know i haven’t really been around the past couple days but … i wanted to pop in real quick & also say that i likely will not online/active until really late tomorrow or saturday. i’m traveling two hours out of state to bury my mom’s ashes (to note she passed in nov, it just took us a while to finally get here). i’m not supposed to be spending the night anywhere or anything so like i will be home i just don’t know when & i don’t know if i’ll even end up getting on at all depending on how the day goes. hoping for saturday though maybe & i will get back to messaging everyone once i’m actually online again because i know i owe a bit of those. anyways so yeah that’s what’s up with me. i’ll talk to you all when i’m actually on again, feel free to leave me things to come back to? i hope you’ve all been doing well & i love you all very much <3 mwah mwah

#( ooc )#( mobile )#death tw #parental death tw #ask to be further tagged

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fezco-youphoria · 3 years ago

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Roses

summary: Fez surprises you with a bouquet of roses.

pairing: Fezco x reader

You’ve just completed all your homework. As you put your textbooks away in your backpack, Fez walks past you on his way to the kitchen.

“Hey baby. You almost done studying?”

“Yep!” you nod, “I just need to do one last thing…”

You grab a pen and pull a piece of paper out of one of your folders. Fez grabs a drink from the refrigerator. After closing the fridge door, he turns around and sees you carefully signing something.

“What’s that?” your boyfriend asks, approaching you at the table.

“I got my report card today and a parent needs to sign it, so I’m forging my mom’s signature,” you explain.

Fez raises his eyebrows, “For real?”

You’re a good student. Faking signatures and lying to teachers are not things that you normally do.

“Yeah, I have to get this back to school tomorrow. My mom is working late tonight and I don’t wanna see my stepdad because I hate him… I think it would just be easier if I signed it myself,” you sigh.

Fez nods, understanding. He knows that you’ve had a difficult home life with your mom and stepdad. It came to a point where it was no longer safe for you to be there. That’s why you live with Fez now.

You finish signing the report card. Fez glances down at it and smiles brightly.

“Damn, shawty! You got straight A’s.”

You blush, unsure what to say. You put the report card back in the folder and pack it in your bag. Then you stand up from the table.

“Baby, come here.”

Your boyfriend immediately pulls you into a hug.

“I’m so fuckin’ proud of you, ma. My girl is a straight up genius,” Fez hypes you up.

“I, uh, I don’t know about that….” you mumble.

Fez pulls away from the hug so he can look you in the eye. He keeps you close.

“Why you always doubting yourself and shit? You got straight A’s. That’s a big fuckin’ deal,” Fez tells you.

“You really think so?” your eyes widen.

“Yeah, I do,” Fez nods, “Baby, we gotta celebrate. Anything you want.”

You scrunch your nose. Fezco is being so sweet and supportive right now. It’s so fucking cute.

“We don’t need to do anything big. Maybe we can order takeout from that Chinese restaurant we like?” you suggest.

“Word. Is that the Chinese place next to the flower shop?”

“Yeah that’s the one! It’s right between the flower store and the pharmacy,” you reply.

“Order everything you want. I’ll go pick it up,” Fez insists.

You smile, “Okay. I’ll get enough food for us and Ash.”

Fez leaves to get the takeout about twenty minutes after you make the order. While he’s gone, you and Ash scroll through the TV channels before landing on The Lost Boys. Unfortunately, it’s near the end of the movie.

“You know we have this on DVD,” Ash points out, “We can put it on and start from the beginning.”

“Oh yeah! Let’s do that when Fez gets back with the food,” you nod.

Just then, you hear the front door open. Fez is home. He walks into the living room carrying bags of takeout in one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other. Your face lights up when you see him.

“Are those for me?” you ask shyly.

“‘Course they for you, shawty,” Fez answers. He went to the flower shop before picking up the takeout.

Fez puts food down on the table and holds out the bouquet to you.

“Congrats on the report card, ma,” your boyfriend says softly.

Your heart melts. You take the flowers and look at them in awe.

“Thanks so much, baby! I love them… and I love you.”

#fezco #fezco euphoria #fezco x reader #fez x reader #fezco imagine #euphoria #euphoria fic #euphoria imagine

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madaboutmunson · 2 years ago

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The Rocker (Part 17 of 17 of Fire)

You feel pressure, and your lungs fill. The scent of roses and iron, that's when you hear them.

"I tried, I did", he sobs, "we were stuck up there. I tried…I tried" Eddie weeps.

"Come 'ere", you hear Eddie's sobs muffle as you hear his uncle's voice.

"No one blames you, lad. You did what you could," you hear your Dad sniffle.

"Come on, my little moonbeam, I know you're in there", you hear as you feel a hard pressure on your chest.

Causing you to rise up from the floor sharply and gasp for air. Your eyes open wide, and the lights are blinding.

You look around hurriedly, "Am I….am I dead?" You say, averting your eyes, trying to check over yourself. You touch your arm and feel the tight bandana.

There are no words in their responses, just crying, and you feel hands on your hands and face.

"Shit…dead meat maybe…don't do that again…fuck", you hear Eddie say, his voice cracking, a squeeze to your hand.

"Moonbeam!!!" Your mom exclaims as you feel her hands over your face, "Oh my sweet baby" you are peppered with rose-scented kisses.

"Tha's my girl!" Your dad booms, full of raw emotion. A hand squeezes on your shoulder.

"You're gonna be alright lil' lady", Wayne says gruffly, "Just gotta get you to the hospital."

You splutter, "You all saved us….thank you."

"Seemed like the right thing to do, seeing as that what you were fixin' to do for us", Wayne drawls, "Besides, I knew all wasn't good in the shire when Eddie left me a two-page letter rather than his usual note on the refrigerator." He lets a small laugh.

"Then this sweet girl called for you, but we told them you weren't home yet, and they got worried and told us about the Larpy tomorrow," your mom says sweetly.

You laugh and immediately start coughing. Eddie helps you sit up. You open your eyes slightly to look at him, "Carla", you say, smiling, "I think she meant Larping."

Tear tracks cut through the ash, dirt and blood on Eddie's face, but his soulful eyes meet yours, and a huge smile spreads across his face, "There she is, still playing detective", he says gently.

You reach for his face and burst into tears, "I'm sorry."

He bends down a little, so his face is level with yours, "What are you talking about?" He says, wiping your tears away, "Hey, everything is ok, alright?"

"I hurt you. I'm sorry. I didn't stay with you when you asked." You say sadly

"Well, you know…just don't do it again..alright?" He says, smiling, but his eyes well up again.

He kisses the back of your hand "My Lady. As Pelor is my witness, I will do everything I can, every damn day, to make sure I never see tears fall from your eyes again. Never."

You try to sit up a little taller, "I swear it too…for you… and your eyes. So reabsorb those ones, ok?" You say adamantly. Eddie laughs.

"Whats a Pelor?" Your Dad asks, puzzled

"My Lady detective idiot badass weirdo," Eddie says as he puts his arms around you.

You both smile at one another and suddenly remember the other important people in the room.

As you turn around, you notice the three of them have huddled together and are crying. Your mom with her arms around your Dad and Wayne, "It's ok, my sweets, it's just happy, relieved tears".

Eddie looks down at your left arm and grimaces, "We need to get you to a hospital. That looks gnarly."

"Is it a very metal injury?" You ask, looking at your arm.

"I mean, on the scale of pop to metal, I give it a Heavy Rock?" He says, pretending to give it a severe assessment.

"Are you ok? Did it get you?" You remember that thing hanging off his body as you nearly lost your grip on his arm.

"Yeah, I'm good. It turns your soccer shin pads were quite the asset." He raises his eyebrows and leans into you.

"Are they all gone?" You look concerned at Eddie.

"Yes, all shot up and burned to a crisp." He says reassuringly, "Looked like a pile of jerky, honestly. Which reminds me, I need to ask your Dad where he got a flame thrower. That was epic!"

"On that note, I think we should definitely take some shooting lessons with your Uncle."

Eddie nods enthusiastically, "I think that would be an amazing idea. The shooting range was one of the options on the tape dates, you know."

You laugh and hold your good arm out to Eddie, who helps you up, "I look forward to finding out more of those tape dates." You smile coyly.

"I mean, sure, but I think until your fully better, and until we've dealt with that shit ton of trauma, maybe we just… I dunno…for the sake of healing, obviously…indulge in a great deal of bed rest. I mean, I need rest, and you need rest, so we might as well rest together, right?" He flashes you a knowing smile.

"Right…for so much rest." You say, trying not to laugh.

"So much rest…just…so much," he says, grinning at you.

"You know I wonder if I'll have to have a bed at the hospital?"

Eddie stops in his tracks, looks at you, scoops you up, and runs towards his van. Quickly chucking you in and jumping in himself.

"Hey! Where are ya going? " Wayne shouts over.

"The hospital, of course, it's an emergency!!!! Don't wait up," Eddie grins and fires up the van.

Full fanfic list

#eddie the freak munson #eddie x reader #eddie munson #eddie stranger things #eddiemunson #eddiemunsonxreader #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things #fanfiction #edward munson #eddie munson fanfic #eddiemunsonfanfiction #romance #love story #eddie munson fluff

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vasethetastemaze35 · 3 years ago

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New year’s party

PLOT: you that mom friend of the group it don’t bother you but when it comes to fez you and fez has feelings for each other but your scared he thinks the opposite

Y/N POV

You asked Maddy and kat to get you out of your mom clothes in their words so kat throws you a black punk choker halter top with dark purple short skirt with matching black heels. Maddy sits you down on the chair and does your makeup (black lipstick on your bottom lip and whatever eye makeup you think will look good) and hair which it’s in a bun with your bangs covered side of your right eye you checked yourself in a mirror and said “I love you girls but I look like fuck able girl (as you calm down) okay I’m going to do one of three things one fall on my face two get my heart broke or three get fezco to notice me” you and the girls walked into the party as you get a drink you fall on your back then someone catches you and said “whoa ya a’right” you told them yes and thanks for catching you as you look at the person you froze up cause it was fez he said “oh hey Y/N you look fuckin great” as you drink some tequila you talked to some guy named max he was kind of nice he asked me to dance with him so I said “yeah let’s dance” as you looked fezco way he just sitting on the couch talking to rue so you dance against the guy and he puts his hands on your ass then as you turned around then told the guy you be right back as you go to the bathroom

FEZ POV

As I saw Y/N go somewhere the guy she was dancing with came to me and asked if I had any thigh openers like the old man from playboy uses I said “nah man I don’t carry that shit” then the guy said “come on dude I got this nice tight whore but I think she a prune so I need something to make her legs open easy you know what I mean” as I punched the guy cause I thought that was fuck up how Y/N almost got hurt by a asshole so I went to tell Ashtray we leaving when we was driving home. Ashtray said “I’m guessing another guy almost got her hurt and ya scared his ass off” I told him to shut da fuck up we get home and I walked in my room to smoke a blunt and thinking about how fuckin beautiful Y/N so was tonight and day

Y/N POV

It’s 3am you finally get to fez’s house you pounded on the door for few minutes then Faye opened the door and said “hey girly you look so cute was you on a date” as you looked at her and said “is fez home” she looked in the air and said “I think so” you walked by astray you said “hi buddy” as you rub his sleepy head you as you get to fez’s door you open in it and say in your mom voice “fezco O’Neill we no you have some explaining to do cause I’m tired of trying……explain yourself to me right fuckin now” as he gets off his bed then puts his blunt in the ashtray he stares at you and said “m a drug dealer and a businessman who takes care of my family and friends okay Y/N I’m to high for this crap we will talk tomorrow” as he past you to go to the kitchen you follow him and said “no we talking about it now fezco why you scaring guys away from me it was cute at first but now it’s annoying what is wrong with you” ashtray walked in and said “man up and tell her now” fezco and ashtray argues to the point you separate them ashtray in the living and fez in the kitchen you first talk to ashtray we catch up on his schoolwork and the business so he got calm down you kissed ash’s forehead and said “stay here don’t move and don’t yell when I’m talking to your hardheaded brother” he said “yes mom” as breath in and out and walked to fez and sit on the counter in the kitchen you said “fezco I know your holding something back that you don’t want to say but it’s me your best friend please tell me if you do I will…. tell you why I have not returning your text or calls for a week” as you put your hair down and fez stares at you

flashback to the day you met fezco

Your new to town You moved here with your dad cause your dad started dating Cassie’s mom. So Cassie drove you around town and we stopped by a store we walked in and a guy said “yo cassie what good who the shorty with you” she said “ this is Y/N her dad dating my mom Y/N this is fezco the owner of the store and drug dealer” you smiled and waved at him and said “heya” as you put a energy drink and some chips on the counter he tells you it’s on the house since I’m new to town you smiled at him and said “aw thank you sweet face” he gave you his number just in case you wanted ride or drugs or whatever

Y/N POV

He stare deep in your eyes and said “ the first time I saw you walked in the store I thought you was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen ” as he placed his left hand on your cheek. You lean in to kiss his lips and then you pull away we stare at each other then he kisses you nice and rough as he lifts you up and carry you to the bedroom he shuts the door with his foot he puts you on his bed he looks at you with hunger and lust in his ocean blue eyes we made out with our tongues rubbing against each other then his tongue slides in your mouth you suck his tongue for a second he chuckle then he bites your bottom lip he whispered "i been waiting for this for year now as he takes off his shirt then started lick and kissing your neck and nibbles on her neck as he sucks hickeys on both sides on her neck her nails slowly scratches his back he said "your so damn beautiful ma" as she takes off her clothes but leaves on her lace panties he kissed down to her chest then down to her panties he pulls the panties with his teeth as he spanks your ass hard then you bite your lip and moan. He opens your legs and puts two fingers inside me as i gasped he said "damn ma your sure are wet" as he kisses me when he fingering me then he ate your pussy like it was the best meal he has ever had he lick and suck your clit then same thing with your folds he kissed your thighs then suck your thighs then he turn you on your hands and knees he shaked your ass then he pulled out his huge nice hard on as he teased you with it he puts it inside me you moan into the pillow as he going in and out of you harder and faster and deeper he said " be my gurl" as he slaps your ass you nob fuck yea as he gets closer and closer to finish in you as you grad the sheets and your eyes half way rolling back of your head as he hitting your sweet spot you cum hard then he does the same thing

#fezco euphoria #fezco fanfic #fez x y/n #fez x reader #fezco x female reader #fezco x reader #fanfic #fez #fezco x you #fezco fic #fez fluff #fez smut #fez angst

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thatsarcasticgemini · 4 years ago

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Alone time

Ash Lynx x reader

A/n: Banana fish broke me, but writing is my coping mechanism, so...This is an AU where Ash and the reader are married and live in Japan, Ash being a model. Also, Shorter is alive cause I said do ( i would die for him to live tbh). I am so sorry for any mistakes.

Babysitting is a very challenging task, especially when the kid is a carbon copy of the most intelligent, cheeky and bratty man Eiji had ever met. Isaac Callenreese was giving the man a headache and pills were not fixing it. Sure, he knew what he was getting into and knew how much Ash and Y/N needed a break from parenting, but why on earth did he agree? At least Shorter was there to help him right?

Wrong! Shorter was like a second kid. Yelling, running, coloring, making a mess and getting little Isaac even more agitated. Just how much energy did the 5 year old have?

“Shorter, please! You are 30! Your playing days are over. You’re gonna break something and I will yell. I almost had Isaac under control, but then you came along to ruin the peace we had. Isaac come here right now or I’ll call Ash!”

“Jeez, Eiji...you almost sound like a grandpa! I haven’t seen Isaac in about a year. I missed him a lot, you know? Little gremlin did a lot of growing up!” said Shorter, with the same goofy smile he had all those years ago. Isaac was seated on the his lap, looking up at his favourite uncle with a wide grin. Based off the resemblance between him and Ash, Eiji could already sense some sort of comment coming.

“Nuh-uh. I wanna stay right here. Call dad “dad” please. And I love uncle Shorter, he’s taller, funnier and smarter than you, uncle Ji. He was telling me how dad knows how to ride a motocycle! It doesn’t get better than this!”

“Yes it does. If you stay quiet for five more minutes, I can get the rice done and I can tell you how Ash and Y/N..”

“Mom and dad, uncle Ji!”

“How mom and dad met while we eat. Does that sound nice?”

“Dunno, let me ask uncle Shorter too.” The two began whispering to each other while Eiji rolled his eyes. Just one more hour and Ash would be here to pick his spawn up. After a minute, both Shorter and Isaac nodded their heads and went to sit down at the kitche table.

Once the table was set and the rice was done cooking, Eiji put it is bowls are brought it to the table. They all dug in, but Isaac seemed to be watching Eiji with great intrest, expecting the story he was promised.

“So Ash and Y/N...”

“Mom and dad. Continue uncle Ji.”

“Mom and dad met around 9 years ago. They met here, in Tokyo, and I am proud to announce that I am the one who got them to meet up, since Y/N went to the same highschool as me. We were both on the drama club in my third year. She was about 2 years younger than me, but she was so mature. Anyway, they started dating around three months after they met. The had a really pretty relationship. You dad was so hooked he embarrassed himself in front of her on multiple ocations. They got married two years later, lived together for two more years and then you came along. You were a very loved little boy. I wish I took a picture of the face your dad made when he held you for the first time.”

“Yeah! He teared up, but don’t tell him you know. You had this little puff of blond hair on your head, it was as fluffy as the little kitty we saw this morning, if not fluffier.” Isaac had look in his eyes that Eiji had only seen once before and that was when Ash told him about Dino and his childhood. The tiny blond seemed to be so vulnarable almost like a porcelain figure.

“What about mom? Was she happy to see me?” There it was. The love Isaac, much like his father, held for her. It was like they would both die if it wasn’t for her love.

“Well of course she was. She really loves you, you know? Your mom loved you even before she had the pleasure of holding you. You have been one of her favourite people ever since she found out you were in her belly. They both love you a lot.”

“Then why am I here? Why wouldn’t they take me with them? Why do they want alone time?” Eiji couldn’t find an answer. He looked at Shorter, who still had that dumb grin.

“Well, Isaac, mom and dad need to rest every once in a while. Since mom got pregnant with your brother or sister, she hasn’t really been able to rest properly, so dad wanted alone time with her to help her rest, but I am sure they will both be so very happy to see you.”

Just like magic, there was a knock at the door, Eiji went to open it, while Isaac trailed behind him, with his little backpack in hand. The door opened to reveal Ash and the boy jumped in his arms at the speed of light.

“Wow! Hi bub! I missed you so much. How was today hmm? Did you have fun with uncle Ji and uncle Shorter? Were they nice to you?”

“Mhm, they told me how you and mama met. I miss mama, is she in the car?”

“No bub, she’s at home. She missed you too. Told me we should race all of the cars and get home in under ten minutes. We have cake.” And with that, Isaac was set back on the ground and the little boy dashed to the car.

“Damn gremlin didn’t even say bye. Here i was thinking we have something special.”

“Hi Shorter! Hi Eiji! I can’t thank you enough for tonight. She really needed it.”

“It’s ok Ash. He is a little loud and Shorter here is never truly helpful, but it’s our pleasure. Are Y/N and the baby ok?”

“Hm, not really. I mean the baby seems to be fine, but she isn’t. Throws up everything she eats. The doctor said it is because her body is getting used to the pregnancy, but this didn’t happen when we had Isaac. I’m just worried for her.”

“She’s strong. She can take it I’m sure.” Shorter nodded, agreeing with Eiji’s statement.

“I know Eiji, I’m not worried about that. Truth is she seems happy to be pregnant. She’s beaming all the time, even after she got everything she ate out, and I feel bad. I feel like she’s in pain. Her smile makes me feel even worse.” Shorter laid a hand on his best friend’s shoulder, taking his sunglasses off.

“Ash...listen to me. Y/N is someone who’s never lied to you about anything. She’s been genuine about everything. She would never fake a smile and she would tell you if she wanted to abort the baby. The fact that she’s smiling and being her bubbly self only means that the pregnacy isn’t that hard on her. Trust me Ash. I see the look in her eyes when the baby is brought up in any conversation. She’ll be fine. You’ll be a bigger family. Loosen up a little.”

“Thank you Shorter. I owe both of you a drink. I’ll call you. Thank you for babysitting again.” And with that, all three of tehm smiled at each other while Ash picked the tiny shark backpack and went back to the car.

Once inside, the older blond turned towards the younger one, smiling.

“Ready to see mom, bub?”

“Mhm! Is she feeling better?”

“Yep.”

The car ride was one of the happy moments Ash wanted to hold onto. The sang together and talked about how Shorter told Isaac about the motorcycle.

“It’s true, you know? I do know how to ride one. When you’re older, I can teach you too.”

“I wanna ride one now. I’ve seen my friends with theirs, I want one too!”

“Those are lame. I’m talking about the real ones. That’s the true fun.”

Once at home, Ash dropped everything on the floor and went to help his son hung his coat on the wall. The little boy jumped out of his red sneakers and ran down the hall yelling for his mom.

“In the kitchen baby. I was cutting you a slice of cake.It’s vanilla, since I know you like the chocolate one’s less. Where’s daddy?”

“Right behind you.” said Ash, placing his hands on her hips and swaying her a little. She turned around to give him a kiss on the cheek, but her 5 month bump got in the way, making her pull a frustred face and Ash smile even more. Isaac pushed his dad to the side a little, making grabby hands at his mom. No matter how old he acted, his real age was always given away by his gestures around his mom.

Getting his slice of cake, Isaac turned back towards the living room. Eating on the couch was never truly forbidden.

“Mama, tomorrow is Yuri’s birthday. He celebrating it at home, I have the invitation in my drawing notebook. Can I go?”

“Sure you can. we just have to go buy a gift in the morning.”

“A birthday huh? That means a little more alone time for us two.” Y/N hid her face in her husband’s neck, smiling a little. Ash’s finger went to the back of her neck, getting her to look up at him to give her a kiss, but then...

“Gross! He likes cars mama, go brainstorm on that insted of smooching dad in the kitchen!”

#ash lynx x reader #ash lynx #shorter wong #eiji okumura #banana fish

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celestial38 · 2 years ago

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Disclaimer;; All fictional !! My interpretation of what I think the ash tribe would be like.

Summary: After the death of his wife and eldest child, Jake takes his three remaining children and heads to the northern side of Pandora, the isolated territory of the fire clan, the tribe who can bring people back from the dead.

When he meets the princess of the Ash Tribe, he must now choose between opening his heart and letting someone fix him, or to have the opportunity to seek out his two family members he still wishes to see everyday.

I update on my wattpad regularly!

@apollonshootafar

pt 3.

(Y/N) ended up staying awake to wait for her mother and father to return from one of their many dates they go on together, they said it helps keep their love alive.

She had yet to figure out any answers about the Sullys, barely having any opportunity to ask her mother or father.

As the two adults came into their home, both laughing amongst themselves as Äoa said a cheesy line to Sänume, they were surprised to see their eldest sitting and waiting.

"𝘖𝘦𝘭 𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘪𝘦" (Y/N) said as a sign of respect for her mother and father, doing the familiar hand gesture. They returned it, both stealing a glance at one another.

"My dear, (Y/N) is there a reason for this unexpected visit? Surely you must have a good one as you know your father and I—" (Y/N) cut her off, usually others would get a scolding from doing so, but they had a mutual understanding.

"What happened to Sullys mother." She said glancing at both of her parents who which shared a questionable glance. "Why do you seek this information out?" Äoa said.

"The boy touches this necklace all the time and Toruk Makto is without a mate. His youngest daughter is ten years of age, surely she couldn't have went without a mother that long ago." She was pacing, it was something she did when she got overwhelmed with asking an important question that she wanted to know.

Sänume moved over to her, placing a hand on her wrists where the coverings were still there, moving her over to their parents sleeping area the three of them sat down. "I hadn't know about what happened, you know we keep out of the war." Sänume spoke softly.

Äoa placed a hand on his daughters cheek, softly rubbing his thumb on a small scar she got when she was a child. "We went to our neighboring village to ask. Neytiri te Tskaha Mo'at'ite passed one moon ago. Why, they do not know. They know wherever the Sullys go, a war comes." Äoa was always gentle with (Y/N) being as she was his first born and a strong leader, but he knew her well and that is why he is always honest.

"Jake asked about us bringing them back from the dead." Sänume said. "He came to us yesterday before going out hunting with the party."

(Y/N)s eyes snapped up to her mother, shoulders dropping a bit. She wasn't attached or liking the latter in that way—she just knew how dangerous it could be and how different it was.

(Y/N) nodded her head, her white hair having been thrown up and tightly wrapped in a bun as she stood to make her exit, bidding a farewell to her parents, but before she did her mother stopped her with a final word. "I told Toruk Makto you would be helping him with getting his stillsuit and taking him to the neighboring vilage for the day tomorrow. I assure you know the way."

She had left, she knew she did this so (Y/N) could ask.

...

Jake once again couldn't stay asleep, he was having another nightmare.

"Neteyam?" He said rushing over to his son who was on the ground, Lo'ak who had been close by was pressing down on the wound. "Dad! Dad help, quick!" but he couldn't move, he was just stuck in one place watching his eldest slip away.

He heard another voice, this time it was Kiri and the two people in front of him had switched to the two females, "Dad, I-I think mom is hurt, she isn't waking up." Kiri didn't see the hole in Ney'tiris back from a gun wound, she only thought she was knocked out.

"Dad?, you have to help me wake her up, we have to go. Come on—" He was stuck. Looking down at his hands, they were stained with blood and on the ground was a gun. He blamed himself so much that his mind made him believe he did it.

"Dad? Hey, dad, wake up." A voice was starting to come through, it sounded like Neteyam, but when he opened his eyes it was his boy Lo'ak.

He sat up and immediately placed his hands on his shoulders with a worry look, "Are you okay? What's going?" He asked quickly.

"No Dad, you were crying again."

"... but the thing about happiness is it can vanish in a second."

"Lo'ak, I'm sorry." He said sighing, embarrassed his son caught him crying. Wiping away at his tears, he glanced outside to see it was still dark out. "What time is it?"

"Uh, the village life is about to start soon. Pretty early though." Lo'ak said as he moved to sit down next to his father, head resting on his shoulder. "I miss them too, every day." He said quietly.

The two just sat there, their comfort and warmth being not a lot, but just enough for the two.

....

A hour later and one stillsuit on Jake, (Y/N) bid the Sullys a goodbye and started to make her way over to the pathway that led to their neighboring village with Jake.

“Why do I have to wear this?" He asked as he adjusted the little piece that rested just barely outside of his nose.

"It will keep you moisturized on our travels, it's a distance away and there isn't any moisture when we walk. Besides, I want to take you somewhere after." (Y/N) said, having called out to one of her creatures that she was known for riding.

A thanator.

"Holy fuck—" Jake said, immediately stepping back as the creature got closer and closer to (Y/N), he reached out to pull her back, but was startled when he saw the creature roll onto its back for a rub.

“Fuck?" She questioned as she patted the thanators belly in a comforting gesture, she heard many bad words, but this was a new one.

"Yes, bad word, don't say it." Jake said as he got closer, he was thankful (Y/N) didn't push it even further.

As the two started walking, Jake next to her and (Y/N) now upright on the thanator, she would occasionally glance at the other before looking back. His curious gaze constantly making the two stop, one minute he was next to her and the other he was off looking at some of the trees that were burning different colors.

"It doesn't seen like the trees will die or fall down." He said. (Y/N) moved closed to the other as she stuck her hand on the trunk of the tree. "That is because our trees are very sacred here, they burn for centuries. My mother knows when they are ready to be taken down."

Jake nodded and continued to walk, "So, this neighboring village. You wanted to go, why?" (Y/N) asked, pushing down a branch so they could pass through a quicker way, almost reaching the destination.

"Your mother said there was a Shaman there that could help me see.. someone." He stopped, he didn't want to make the other uncomfortable with knowing the specifics.

"Your mate and son." The words came out like a punch to Jakes gut, he stopped moving for a second. He hadn't heard someone call Ney'tiri his mate in such a long time, always by her first name or the typical was your mate, so all he could do was nod.

"How—" (Y/N) lifted a hand before placing a hand on her neck, "Your son wears a necklace and you are raising the kids alone, I had assumed you lost someone." She said, choosing her words carefully.

Jake nodded and continued walking.

...

The two arrived and were immediately greeted with hospitality from the villagers. They looked the same to the ash tribe, but many of the villagers had cloths tighten around their queues and others had their whole queue completely covered.

"I will show you where the shaman is, then, I will leave you two alone. I won't be far, so don't fret if you don't see me." (Y/N) said, her tone that sweet honey he remembered from their first meeting.

Jake nodded and the two set out to find the Shaman.

It took less than a few moments, in fact, Jake assumed he could've found it himself seeing as she lived in the giant hut that stood on the edge of a small cliff, overlooking their village.

"Their name." Jake said as the two stopped at an entrance, (Y/N) tilted her head in confusion. "Her name is Toruka. Shaman of the eyes. Speaker of good and evil. Or, I know her as my sister." They entered the hut, both greeting the other and Jake was left alone again.

The women in front of him had to have been no more than ten cycles younger than him, on the tips of her fingers were very long nails that were a red color, sharp and super pointy. Her skin had coverings that were painted to look like dripping gold off her body, eyes the color of the sun.

She wore a traditional outfit that was imbedded with what seemed like dried up Lava, beads scattered across the lower half and as it closer to her front, it inter crossed into a covering for her chest to look like vines dropping from her body.

On top of her head was a decorative headpiece to look like the roots of a tree, but on the floor was dried up lava and leaves, she looked like a statue.

"Jake Sully, the great mother told me you would be here, I was not expecting you to be here so soon. You have a troubled heart." She said, "I assume my little sister has told you who I am."

Jake nodded, he could see that her queue wasn't covered. He hadn't meaned to be quite for as long as he was, but he assumed it became uncomfortable for the other as his eyes were strained on the queue.

"Some villagers here are cut off from Eywa, some having done bad things and others not wanting to believe in the great mother, but we aren't here to talk about them. You want to ask about Ney'tiri and Neteyam, correct?" Jakes ears flattened, he nodded his head and sat down where the other directed him to.

Inside the hut was small vines that glowed each time someone passed by them, different colors for different age groups of people who passed. If some were bright than others, that meant more of that age group had passed.

"Each color represents how young or old someone was, the white are babies. They see a bright, white light when they enter the world and that's the only thing some usually see. White represents pure spirits. Yellow for children who barely made it to their ninth year of living, yellow represents happiness. Children are always so happy." Jake bit his lip, he felt his heart break.

"Then we have purple, power. This has little color because the power here is the chiefs, they like to keep their burials sacred. Green is for spirits who have came back, new beginnings and growth. They are the ones who agreed to come back and cheat death. Blue is for sensitivity, for the older Na'vis who have passed away at an old age." Toruka looked over at Jake, having been showing him all the colors, she didn't realize his eyes were to the floor.

Moving over to the other, she dragged a grey vine over to him. "Jake, you never lost them. They accompany us , they never disappear from our lives. We are merely in another room." Toruka said.

Jake lifted his head, tears threatening to spill before he held onto the vine. Wiping both of his eyes before taking a deep breath, "What does grey represent?" He said, his voice a whisper.

"Balance. Neutral. This is where spirits go before they pass over. Connect your queue to one of the open spots, when you go. I will be behind you, but you need to understand they might not recognize you at first." Toruka said, Jake nodded and connected his queue. Pupils dilating as he took a deep breath.

"Neteyam?"

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kohanayaki · 3 years ago

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.:Time and Time Again:. (Marauders Era x Reader) Ch 3

Continuing the story of how you and Sirius became friends; as James and Remus grow closer to you, Sirius continues to treat you coldly until a late night encounter makes him question everything.

LINKS: CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6 CH 7 CH 8

________________________________________________________

Ch 3 .:Resistance and Reconciliation:.

~Previously~

“I'm not going to bother making friends with someone whose family is so wrapped up in blood politics they forget to be human beings first. Trust me, I've met their mother enough times to know.”

“Did you ever ask them about it?” Remus pressed.

“I don't really need to, do I? They're a (L/n). Open your eyes, Moony!”

Remus' brow furrowed, a shine in his eyes akin to sympathy as he regarded Sirius.

“Perhaps it's you that needs to clear your vision, friend.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1974 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sirius sat on the stone ledge on the window of his dorm room, looking out towards the Black Lake. He could see the push and pull of the wind as the thin branches of the ash trees bowed gently with the rhythm. In the reflection of the glass he could see James and Peter behind him experimenting with an altered set of wizard's chess, complete with fire-breathing knights and bishops that threw daggers, while one of Remus' records spun in the background.

Despite everything he could have been thinking about at the moment, his thoughts, irritatingly enough, drifted to you. He frowned slightly as he leaned his shoulder against the window, annoyed that you occupied even a portion of his mind. He just couldn't understand you. Somehow you had turned James, who had once openly proclaimed you his sworn enemy, into something close to a friend in the span of a year. You had no qualms with pranks pulled on you, yet you were fiercely protective when they were directed at others. You were always smiling, yet your temper took no prisoners. If you weren't a Slytherin you might even be attractive.

The thought made him bolt upright. Where the hell did that come from? He almost laughed. No. Absolutely not. He was Sirius Black, he could get anyone he wanted in this bloody school, and he certainly wasn't going to busy his mind with you. What the hell was wrong with him? It's not like he noticed the way you smiled to yourself when you were reading, or the fact that the sound of your laugh got stuck in his head like a song—

No. Stop it. Get your head straight, they're evil.

Sirius exhaled deeply, rubbing his tired eyes with his hands. For some reason that thought didn't sit right in his brain, and the longer he sat with it he came to a horrifying conclusion:

Maybe Remus was right.

The only time you'd really been nasty to them was when they'd instigated it first, or whenever they had a go at Snivelus, which had become less and less frequent; Sirius suspected because of your tentative friendship with James. He'd always just assumed you were like the other Slytherins he'd come to know. There's been hearsay circulating around you, especially given your family's reputation, but you yourself hadn't really done anything to prove the rumors. Maybe you really weren't like your family at all. Maybe you were like him. . .

Suddenly, he caught movement in the corner of his eye, not from his friend's reflections but from outside the window itself. A figure emerged from the lamplight of the castle gate, making their way towards the edge of the forest. If the green lining of your school robes and (h/c) hair didn't peak his interest, the flash that he saw of your face as you shot a quick glance over your shoulder confirmed it was you.

Sirius' mind began racing as he watched you disappear into the foliage, and suddenly every thought that had given you the benefit of the doubt vanished. He'd heard the rumors about the gatherings in the forest, everyone had. He'd even caught Snape practicing dark magic there himself one of the first nights they'd used the Shrieking Shack passageway.

He jumped off his perch by the window and grabbed a sheet of parchment and a quill, drawing a rough outline of the perimeter of the forest. He labeled the Black Lake so his spell would have a going off point and pressed his wand to the still drying ink.

“Revelare Popularis,”

The enchantment was a work in progress— a technique he'd learned from a seventh year. It wasn't exact, but it was enough to tell him if anyone else was in the forest right now. His eyes darted across the paper as he scanned his makeshift map, and the color drained from his face as he saw names suddenly appear in a cluster by the lake: Mulciber, Wilkes, Avery, and Malfoy.

Was this it? Were you really one of them?

James looked up from his game as he saw Sirius grab his leather jacket off where it hung from his bedpost.

“Going somewhere?”

“(L/n) just went into the forest,” Sirius said, “I'm following them.”

“Why, Sirius?” Remus said sardonically, having had enough of his unusual grudge against you, “We're not really ones to talk when it comes to sneaking around the forest at night, now are we?”

“He's got a point,” James said, “I mean, what do you think you're going to see?”

“What do I think?” Sirius scoffed, pushing the paper into Jame's hands, “what does it look like?”

James looked down at the parchment blankly.

“What am I looking at?”

“A variation on Revelio,” Sirius explained quickly, “if you have a location in mind it shows you who's there, but only at the time the charm is cast.”

“Are you kidding me?” James' jaw nearly dropped, “You're just now showing this to us? We could have been taking advantage of this spell to dodge Filch this whole time!”

“I'm serious.”

James had to fight hard not to make a joke out of that one.

“If (L/n)'s meeting up with those guys it can't be for anything good,” Sirius continued, “and I'm gonna find out exactly why.”

Before any of the boys could get another word in, Sirius took off running down the corridor. James groaned, rebelling against the urge to slam his head into the wall.

“I've got to stop him before he does something stupid,” he said, pulling a coat on over his shoulders, “You with me, Remus?”

“Probably not the best idea,” Lupin reminded him, “the moon's full tomorrow. I won't turn, but in the direct moonlight I may get a bit. . . well, you know.”

“Right,” James sighed, running a hand through his hair in distress, “Peter?”

The boy jolted as he was addressed, his eyes quickly cast down to his twiddling fingers.

“I. . . w-well. . .”

“Fine,” James said, waving them off in annoyance, “I'll go at him alone.”

___________________________________________________

You took a grateful breath of the crisp night air, letting the wind whistle through your hair and clothes. You loved your common room, but it could feel constricting at times, especially when there were nights as beautiful as this taking place.

Your eyes drifted up to the moon, smiling at the sight of it. It was nearly full, only a sliver of white missing from the very edge of the sphere. The sight alone was enough to make you feel more at home in your own skin, an inexplicable sense of comfort washing over you. You hadn't been able to really let loose and just run in so long. You'd made doubly sure no one had followed you into the forest, but you still gave your surroundings a quick once over. You jumped as the sound of leaves crunching suddenly asserted itself behind you and you lit your wand quickly, turning to see who it was.

“. . . Black?”

“Sorry, were you expecting someone else? One of your pureblood friends, maybe?”

The confused look on your face only made his anger flare.

“Don't act coy,” he asked harshly, “just what are you playing at?”

Your back straightened in surprise, taken aback by his words.

“Excuse me?”

“I've seen you talking to my brother, Rosier, Snivelus, and all those other Slytherins. Don't think I don't know what you're doing,” the words flew out of his mouth before they had time to pass through his brain, every irrational irritation he had regarding you spewing out of him at once, “I've had to sit through it, you know. All those dinners where my parents talk blood politics with all the fanatics who think just like them. I've listened to your mother brag all about your pure blood line and how her child is 'so eager to carry on the family traditions'. So whatever you're planning by getting close to James, I'm not going to let it happen.”

You felt like you were frozen in place, staring at him as your throat tightened into knots.

“My mom?” you said, voice suddenly small, “Sirius. . . my mom passed away when I was little.”

Your words hit the Gryffindor like a truck.

“. . . what?” he asked dumbly, his brain delaying slightly in processing what you'd just said.

“She got sick. . . an experimental spell gone wrong. If you met someone with my family's name that spoke like that, it was probably my aunt. My cousin goes to Ilvermorny. That's the child she's talking about, not me. The divide between purebloods and muggleborns is even more severe in America, if you can believe it. . . ”

Sirius faltered, this new information going against everything he'd heard and thought he knew about you and your family.

“But,” he hesitated, “your father—”

“Put up the image he had to in order to keep me safe,” you said. You knew he was documented as being very open about his pureblood pride and distaste towards muggles, but it was a cover more than anything, “Since he stopped speaking with my aunt and moved us both away from the estate, she's acted as the new head of the (L/n) House, and that was years ago. . .”

You trailed off awkwardly, not feeling very self-righteous in your explanation.

“I know my family doesn't have the best reputation. . . that's probably why you hate me, huh?” you chuckled humorlessly, wincing at how harsh the words came out. But if you were honest, you were hurt that out of everyone in their group, Sirius was the one that didn't even seem to want to give you a chance. You were the one who had extended the olive branch in the first place on the condition that they ease up on Severus.

“Hate you?” Sirius echoed hollowly, feeling guilt creep up on him like a shadow, “that's. . . shit, no, that's not—”

“Everte Statum!”

You gasped as Sirius was suddenly shot backwards, his body flipping wildly through the air from the force before being slammed against the trunk of a nearby tree. His head spun, heavily disoriented as his vision shifted in shades.

You had drawn your wand on instinct, looking around for your attackers when you saw a black-clad figure lift their hood, revealing a long mane of white hair that stood out starkly in the night.

Malfoy.

“Well, looky here,” Mulciber taunted, revealing himself behind you, “we've caught the two biggest blood traitors of the last century having a touching little moment together.”

Laughter echoed from the trees, Wilkes emerging from the shadows. You took up a defensive position as their group surrounded you.

“Now, let's not be hasty, Mulciber,” Lucius said, “their father may have disgraced their house, yes, but they didn't have a choice. It's not too late for them to make the right one now.” His lips turned up into a snarl as he regarded Sirius, “get away from that blood traitor, (L/n), he'll rub off on you.”

You grit your teeth hard, preparing to cast a spell when Malfoy put his hand up in a silencing gesture, the pretentious little prat.

“Ah, you don't want to make any rash moves either, (L/n),” he said, looking to your left. You followed his gaze to see Avery coming out of the foliage, grappling with someone under his arm.

“Potter?!”

James smiled weakly as Avery held him in a choke hold, a bit of blood dripping down the side of his head.

“Hey,” he said, humor still light in his voice, “So, this didn't exactly work out as planned.” He groaned as Avery's elbow was driven into his stomach, effectively silencing him.

As soon as you tried to move towards him, Lucius had his wand pointed at you.

“Let him go and get lost, Malfoy,” you said lowly, “you've taken this far enough.”

“You've been avoiding us, (L/n),” Lucius said, ignoring you entirely, “Snape may have come up with some rubbish excuses for you earlier, but you can't keep running from this.”

“If practicing curses on first years and terrorizing other people is how you plan on using magic, then I don't want any part of your little cult,” you spat, “face it, Malfoy— you lot need me, but I don't need you.”

Lucius exhaled sharply, his genuine surprise at your resistance replaced quickly with anger.

“Think about what you're doing, (L/n),” he said, his eyes narrowing dangerously, “don't be a fool like your father.”

That did it.

With a growl you unleashed an orange bolt of energy from your wand, your Stupefy hitting Lucius square in the chest. Mulciber was quick to retaliate with a jinx of his own, which you quickly nullified with a shield charm. Shock flashed across his expression at your casual use of nonverbal magic, and he recovered one second too late.

Sirius was back on his feet, petrifying Mulciber and swatting Wilkes away like a fly with the knockback jinx before either could cast a spell at you. You and Sirius found yourselves back to back, fending off Lucius as he continued to direct a steady stream of curses in your direction. Sirius managed to create an opening for you and you turned to where James was being held.

“Evanossa!”

A flash of blue hit Avery, who shrieked in horror when he saw that the arm he was using to hold Potter had turned gelatinous, fingers drooping down like melting ice cream. James wasted no time paying him back in kind for roughing him up earlier, sending him flying into the oak tree and using the water from the Black Lake to freeze him there before joining you in the fray.

“Expelliarmus!” he called out, sending Wilke's wand spinning out of his reach and leaving only Malfoy against the three of you.

Lucius faltered for a moment as he stared down your group of three, but held fast.

“Leave it, Malfoy,” you said, “it's over.”

He growled under his breath, taking up an obvious offensive stance, but you were too quick.

“Ebublio!”

Lucius gasped as he suddenly found himself encased in a giant bubble, his knockback jinx ricocheting off the inside and hitting him in the back of the head. He pounded against the bubble in frustration but found it to be thick as Plexiglas and just as strong, unable to pop it. Suddenly, he was hoisted into the air as you raised your wand higher, directing him farther and farther away until he was hovering directly over the Black Lake.

“Let me go this instant!” he growled.

A devilish smile graced your features.

“You got it.”

“No, wait, don't you dar—AHH!!”

You turned your back on him, your breaking eye contact promptly bursting the bubble and sending him flailing into the water a few feet below.

You chuckled as you sent a few quick counter-jinxes out from your wand, restoring Mulciber's range of motion and liquefying the ice that trapped Avery.

As soon as Mulciber was unpetrified he took off running towards the Lake where Lucius was furiously treading water, tripping over his feet as he dragged Wilkes along with him. Avery limped after them, defrosted but still chilled to his bones (which you had been so kind to also restore).

“I'd fish him out quickly if I were you,” you called after them, “the giant squid is more active at night.”

“You're out of your mind, (L/n)!” Avery turned around and yelled, but with fear evident in his eyes, “You'll live to regret this, mark my words. The Headmaster—”

“Would love to know who cast the first spell, I'm sure,” you said darkly.

Avery stammered out some lame response under his breath before turning around and running after the rest of group, retreating.

Sirius turned to look at you, awestruck and chocked full of adrenaline. Maybe you really weren't so bad after all.

“That was. . .” James trailed off, grasping for the words and blurting them out as soon as he found them, “Brilliant, (Y/n). You're bloody brilliant.”

You felt your face heat up, not expecting that. You and James had stopped trading insults and threats (serious ones, anyways) and your teasing had become well meant, but neither of you had crossed the threshold of actually paying the other a compliment before.

“Thanks, Potter,” you said, unable to fight the smile on your face. You turned to Sirius briefly. “I hope this cleared some things up for us,” you said, “I'd really like to try and be friends, so. . .”

“Yeah,” Sirius said, wanting to kick himself at the way you turned him into a monosyllabic neanderthal with just a look. You gave him a small smile before turning back to James who was trying desperately to hide his limp and aching rib cage.

“Alright, let's get you to the hospital wing, Potter,” you sighed, “you look like a cheap action star in a muggle movie.”

“Uh,” James said nervously, “better we not. If I go to Madame Pomfrey three times in one day she'll never let me hear the end of it.”

“And who's fault is that?” You huffed, slinging an arm over his shoulder and helping him walk, “at least let me patch you up, then.”

Sirius followed some distance behind you, watching as you walked James back towards the castle and laughed at his occasional jokes. This one night had just turned everything upside down for Sirius. This whole time he was sure that he didn't like you because you were a blood-purist Slytherin and he was jealous that you were taking his best friend away from him; but the way you had stood up to Lucius and his goons made your position on blood politics very clear, and the tight feeling that struck Sirius' chest as he watched you cozy up with James made him reevaluate just which one of you he was jealous of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Sirius?”

The man blinked, slowly coming back to reality. You were looking up at him in concern, your head resting lightly on his shoulder. It took an embarrassing amount of his willpower to keep from leaning forward just a few inches and kissing you.

Could you pick a worse time, you numbskull? He thought, mentally smacking himself for even thinking about it.

“Are you okay?” you asked hesitantly after he stayed silent.

“I'm alright,” he insisted, giving you a reassuring smile, “just. . . thinking about how far we've come.”

His answer surprised you, though not in a bad way.

“I suppose we have,” you smiled back, “this is a far cry from you scowling at me from across the Great Hall over your breakfast.”

“I did not scowl,” Sirius scoffed playfully, nudging you away with his shoulder.

“Right,” you grinned, “scowling, glaring, glowering, whichever you prefer.”

“I said I was sorry,” he said, putting his hands up in mock surrender, although you both knew you weren't really upset about it. You'd long since forgiven him for his initial misjudgment.

When your light laughter died down, your head found itself lulling to the side again, tiredness taking over your mind as you rested against Sirius once more. When you tilted your head up to look at him he had a surprisingly pensive look on his face. Your eyes traveled across his expression, his gray eyes almost taking on a deep shade of blue in the shadows of his room. You noticed how much younger he looked when he was smiling; it was in moments like these when it really set in how long you had known each other, because you could see the years in his eyes.

Your own flickered down to his lips in spite of yourself and Sirius' heart skipped a beat, fearing you could feel it racing in his rib cage. When had you turned him so soft? He chuckled inwardly. Long before he had fully come to terms with how he felt about you was the answer. Even when he was in Azkaban, with two of his closest friends dead and the world convinced he was at fault, even if he had to live with the fact that he would never see you again, he still thought of you, and that kept him alive, sane— himself. But now you were here in front of him, and he was terrified that at any moment you would vanish into thin air and he would find himself back in that horrible cinder block cell, face to face with a dementor as it took his last memories of you away from him.

Your hand squeezed his, almost as if you had read his thoughts— as if you were assuring him that you were real, and you weren't going anywhere. You noticed him leaning in closer, even if he didn't, possessed by some invisible force. You were nearly about to meet him halfway when you were suddenly startled apart by the sound of quick, heavy-footed steps bounding down the stairs.

You both looked at each other as if you had just awoken from some sort of trance, instinctively putting some distance between yourselves as you shifted away awkwardly.

“I. . . I should probably get to bed,” you said, your face warm.

“Right,” Sirius said, reluctantly getting up from his seat at the edge of his bed, “I've kept you up long enough, I'm sure you're tired. . .”

Before you left his room you turned over your shoulder, a small smile on your face.

“It's really good to see you again, Sirius,” you said earnestly, “we should catch up for real later.”

“Definitely,” he said, a bit of his old self reflected in that smirk of his, albeit forced.

You steeled yourself, turning the doorknob and closing the door behind you gently before you did something to ruin the friendship you had just gotten back after over a decade. You shook the thought aside, your head hurting. You really did need to sleep after today.

You were about to head into your room, but something in you didn't feel quite right. You'd definitely heard someone go down the stairs, but you hadn't heard the front door open or close. Dread pooled in your stomach at your gut feeling, and you found yourself inexplicably making your way back down the stairs.

The house was eerily silent now that its residents had either gone off to bed or disapparated until the next meeting in a few days time. You'd left Sirius upstairs, and you knew Harry was staying here for the time being until school began, but everyone else had gone home. So then why did you still feel someone else's presence so acutely?

You stared at the empty hallway leading to the front door, taking a cautious step forward; the image in front of you didn't feel real. The colors were too saturated, the edges too sharp, and the surfaces too smooth. And that's when it hit you. The smell of rain. Leather-bound books. Lavender.

You froze, staring at the seemingly empty space in front of you.

“Severus?”

The potions master didn't dare make a sound, thinly veiled behind his invisibility charm but clearly not well enough. He was standing not three feet in front of you, taking in the sight of you as if it were the last thing he would ever see.

He panicked slightly as he felt you reach out to him with your mind, shutting himself off expertly. Your hurt expression as you were unable to detect anything pained him, but he wouldn't dare think that he deserved to say anything to you. What was there to say after everything he'd done?

Your gaze roamed the empty hall, and for a moment he could have sworn you stared him right in the eyes.

You knew he was there.

The moment lasted no longer than a second before you looked away, turning to go back up the stairs. As soon as your back was facing the front door you heard it open then close gently, and the tears you had been fighting to hold back finally spilled over.

Read chapter 4 here !

Taglist: @sleep-i-ness, @blackpinkdolan, @parker-natasha, @ornella0910 @undertaker1827 @thatwierdo-koemi

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