#my left ear also came a little unplugged in the shower. the hot water helped.

[fantabulisticity]

Home safe, showered, orange juice drank, and cold medicine taken! I'll test for Covid tomorrow.

[retiredteabag]

What Happened To You?

Pairing: Kirishima x reader

Genre: angst with fluff :)

Word count: ...

Synopsis: You were a very positive girl, but when you have one of the hardest weeks ever and break down, who will be there to comfort you?

——————————————————————————

This week was so great, perfect justttttt perfect. <— that was sarcasm, it was most definitely not perfect. :(

Y/n was a very positive girl, not only for others but also herself, if she was struggling she would focus on the good. She would constantly go to bed and try to clear her mind, de-stress and not talk to others about negative stuff because she knew it would bring her down and make others worry. She would wake up everyday with the idea that no matter how busy she was, she could make the day great.

This week was no different, but as you know, time carries on, stress builds, it can wear a person down. Exams were coming up, y/n’s family had been really busy and although y/n loved her family she just couldn’t talk to them right now. All of her clothes looked weird these days, thank goodness UA had a uniform. Her classmates seemed so cheerful, she didn’t want to ruin that, so she carried on.

She would run everyday, it became a routine and it helped her cool off, today was just like other days. She tied her shoe laces, pulled up her hair, stretched a bit, and got on her way. She usually went the same route and she knew her way well.

She was running when she lost her footing. Ouch, what the heckkk, that never happens. She had twisted her ankle, she could tell, not from the pain but from the grossly worrying ✨crunch✨ she winced, couldn’t even feel the pain yet but she had fallen too. As she tumbled down the hill the earphones in her ears were ripped out, covering her head she came to a stop.

A large sigh escaped her mouth. ‘It’s alright, it’s okay’ is what she said to herself, she got up and it was very apparent that the adrenaline rushing through her body was basically gone now because her ankle hurt like hell. ‘It’s alright, it’s okay’ she mumbles to herself. She can walk, she can. It just ~really really hurts~ and she can push through.

She’s almost up the hill when she remembers her earphones weren’t with her. Another sigh. She turns and waddles down the hill again. ‘It’s okay, you can get you music going, make it back, get a hot shower, and then sweatpants. :) sweatpants.’ and that became her motivation.

She bends over, grunting loudly, much like a hippo, and gets her earphones, she’s plugging them in as she makes her way up the hill and starts her music.

?? Starts her music. ?? ‘What the hell?’ Pressing the volume button, she turns it up. Pauses and unpauses the music, checks her data, even wastes one of her precious skips on her free Spotify plan 😩 The next song was her favorite-most recent add. She unplugs her earbuds and presses play, the music loudly booms out.

‘It’s alright, it’s okay my earbuds are broken it’s cool it’s not like their expensive’ and she carries on. Tosses them in a public trash bun and makes her way back to the dorms. Smiling and waving at people on the street and ❤️boy does her foot hurt❤️ She’s just back at the building when she sees Momo.

“Hey y/n!! How was your run?” She smiles at you and you smile back.

“It was good, how are you?” Momo says she’s well and they go their separate ways. A very tiny part of y/n is sad that Momo didn’t notice the pain she was in, but then again, it’s not like she gave any evidence of the ache in her ankle. This was her fault.

She opened her dorm room door and closes it up. She sighs and takes off her shoes, her socks are sweaty and gross as she removes them (🥵) she had missed dinner and she groans in disappointment. Hopping in the shower she stretches her back.

Update: the water never got hot enough and she had run out of conditioner.

‘It’s okay some people don’t even use conditioner, it’s fine...’ she thinks, but her hair already felt uncomfortable. The idea of her favorite soft sweatpants she bought from the men’s section is all she wants right now, and luckily for her she had cleaned them that morning. Her ankle is crying at that point and for some reason her shins and thighs really hurt. Maybe she can text and ask Jirou to get them for her :D

“Heyy Jirou 👋🏻”

“What’s up?”

“Your dorms right by the washing machines 🥺 I was wondering if you could get my sweatpants from the farthest right machine, their pretty big and dark blue.”

“Oh y/n, the machines broke, the water pipes burst this morning 😯 I can’t believe you didn’t know, all the clothes were soaked”

“What? oh my gosh :( well it’s okay, how are you?”

It wasn’t okay, things were getting progressively harder for y/n to be positive and now she can’t even be comfy while she stresses out about exams. Y/n spent another hour and a half going over school stuff while icing her ankle. And she’s embarrassed to say she went through a few toilet paper squares whipping away her angry tears, her tissue box empty as it was also allergy season.

She went to bed stressed and sad. But she still went to bed with ‘it’s alright, it’s okay, tomorrow is a new day, I can do this’ her eyes closed and luckily got some shut eye.

She did not wake up from her alarm, nor the sun, nor a villain attack, no, it was the 🙂throbbing pain🙂 in her ankle. But heyyy it’s alright just choke down a few ibuprofen, probably some acetaminophen since she finished off her ibuprofen last night and God knows she doesn’t have the extra $$$ to buy name brand meds right now.

And dangggg did her legs hurt, she shimmies up her skirt and tucks her shirt in, she’s looking in the mirror as she ties her shoes when she notices her bruises, ya know the purple and yellow globs of skin all along her knees. Great.

It was hard to keep a positive mindset that day. She was really struggling to keep it up. And it wasn’t hard for others to tell. She smiles as she takes her seat in class, Ochaco immediately notices her bruises.

“Y/N WHAT HAPPENED?!” She wails, y/n shakes out a laugh sorta sound and shrugs,

“I don’t know, like they just come outta nowhere, it’s so weird, I probably got them on my run or in training.” She smiles at Ochako.

“Y/nnnnn” she wines, “you gotta be more carful!” And then she turns around to respond to iida calling her.

Y/n sighs, you were tired, unmotivated to even focus on the lesson, your normal happy vibe wasn’t there anymore and you were definitely not the only one who could tell.

Kirishima was a really observant guy, he knew from past tests how worked up you got over you’re studies but this didn’t seem like the same stress. You looked overworked and tired, not to mention the bruises, ᵂʰʸ ʷᵉʳᵉⁿ’ᵗ ʸᵒᵘ ᵗᵃᵏᶦⁿᵍ ᶜᵃʳᵉ ᵒᶠ ʸᵒᵘʳˢᵉˡᶠˀ :(

He spent most of the lesson focused on you, the frown on your face made his stomach hurt.

“Hey y/n! :D” Kirishima dances over to you.

Your face immediately brightens up, “Hey Kiri, how are you?”

“I’m doing well, I just wanted to check up with you.” He has a kind of concerned look on his face, a cute eye smile but his eyebrows furrow together.

Y/n pauses, but then smiles, “D’awe Kiri that’s so sweet, I’m doing well, thank you for asking”

Kirishima isn’t dumb, yeah he’s not the smartest book-wise, but he’s really good at reading people.

“Oh, okay, just making sure.” He’s disappointed and a little sad you didn’t confide in him. He rubs your shoulder and gives one last smile.

As he leaves your hand traces over the phantom chill of his lingering touch. For some reason his concern brings a tinge of tears to your eyes. ‘Geez get over yourself y/n’

In other news, your ankle was doing terribly 😁.

——————————————————————————

There’s a certain line for you, a certain line that if crossed you just can’t help but break down. At this point you were close, but not in the danger zone. You shoulda known better than to spent the night studying again.

You wake up feeling terribly rested but what did you expect? There was a noise at the window and you thought you were imagining it at first but it continued. The blinds screech open and you make a mental note to try to never provoke that noise this early ever again. But all thoughts leave you at the sight of a baby bird.

Laying on your window ledge is a baby bird, probably not a week old, there was nearly no fuzz on the innocent creature, definitely no wings yet.

Y/n is kicked into action. The baby was hurt, barely moving. Y/n’s tentative hands scoop the lil guy and he’s cold, shivering, and still as loud as ever, a strangled noise comes from y/n. She did not care if she was gonna be late, this bird was gonna die.

And this is the part I hate the most because there’s nothing, nothing she coulda done, nothing. And she just watches as the little bird wiggles slowly and then just stops. Her mind is as silent as ever and her lips are sealed, her eyes water and she doesn’t know what she’s supposed to do, just let it sit there? Does she bury it?

As tears roll of her cheeks she sets the little bird in an empty shoe box, she sets the box on the window sill and then she leaves.she leaves as if nothing just happened. She’s still taking it on okay? That was literally he most sporadic thing she’s ever done, there was no plan, no thought in that event, she just watched a creature die. ‘It was just a bird, it’s alright, its okay y/n’

But tears are still rolling off her cheeks and she knows it’s not just about the bird, it was about everything, not talking to her family, her friends, stress over school, her bad days piling up, it just crashed. She hid herself in the bathroom and washed her face with the sink water. There were no towels so she had to dry it off with tissue paper that stuck to her face. Her tears never stopped, though her eyes clenched painfully, and her hands kept rubbing and she kept taking those deep breaths it seemed that nothing helped and then she sniffled and then a choked squeak left her. Her eyes kept watering and her head ached. Her legs ached. Her bandages foot ached. Her heart ached. She cried loudly, she can’t remember the last time she cried audibly, but she’s gasping and wailing.

At some point she picks up her feet and splashes her face again, this time drying it with the bottom of her tucked shirt. Her eyes are red and swollen but if she walks into class with her hair and head down nobody would notice.

People noticed. She was late, Aizawa scolded her and she cleared her throat before apologizing. Nobody could tell yet as she took her seat. Froppy pokes her back from her desk,

“What happened, ribbit?”

Y/n clears her throat loudly and coughs a bit, she leans back and tilts her head, “I just slept in.” Her voice does ~not~ sound like her. And everyone can tell. Bakugou is staring and from the back of the room kirishima watches carefully again.

By the end of class y/n’s head is down and covered by her arms, her eyes are closed-the light only worsening her headache.

The girls whisper about her, nothing malicious, just about their worries, she wasn’t herself, y/n was a morning person, never late, never. She always greeted the class and today she sounded so distressed.

“Hey y/n, lets head to lunch, todays lesson was so boring I was just thinking about how hungry I was all lesson.” Ochacohad a smile on her face as she looked down at your sunken form, your head still on the table.

“Nah, Ochaco, I’m not too hungry today.” You mumble.

“You okay y/n? you seem kinda down.” She squats down to try to look at you.

You clear your throat and take a deep breath to fix your voice, “yeah I’m just tired is all no worries, you lift your head up and smile at her. Her face only grows more concerned at your swollen eyes. “O-oh okay, hang in there y/n we’re here for you.”

She walks sideways to share glances at the other girls and also look at you. They leave to the cafeteria and you scold yourself for worrying them. Everyone else is gone, you sigh and tug on your hair.

The noisy drag of rubber on stone fills the room and you flinch up, full attention. A chair drags it’s way in front of your desk, a mop of vibrant red hair clears your view. Oh. Well... that’s a thing.

“Hey.” He says

“Hey.” You say, trying to sound little congested as possible, but your nose is just so clogged and your throat is a bit scratchy. “We’re you not too hungry? You should still get something, I have somthing in my bag if you want- oh well maybe I don’t but I have some cash for a vending machine.” You spew out, he doesn’t respond.

He just looks at you, and he feels the guilt he felt yesterday once again, he should pressed kn more, her shoulda made sure you really were okay, he could tell you were upset yesterday but he shrugged it off and now you were pretending to not care and offer him snack money.

You had obviously been crying, why? It had to have been this morning, what happened, were you stressed again? He doubts you would’ve cried about sleeping in, so what was going on, why didn’t you confide in him? Did he make you uncomfortable?

“Y/n.”

“Yeah? What’s up?” You quickly answer, trying to clear the air and make it as little awkward as possible.

“What happened?” His eyes hone in on yours, his deep rooted compassion always shines through his eyes. “What’s wrong?” He asks quieter.

You would be lying if you said this didn’t make you want to cry again. “Ahh yeah I’m just so tired these days, but it’s really-“

“Nah” he breaks you off, “nah that’s not it, I’ve seen you tired, we’re classmates y/n, this isn’t like you.”

It stresses you out even more to have to talk about this and years are vèrÿ ćłôšē to spilling out. Nevertheless you mumble out, “what do you mean? It’s me, Kiri.” The pained smile you wear hurts him physically.

“No, no, y/n I can tell. What happened to you? Why are you so... sad?” He weighs his words, questions wether or not he should be saying anything at all. “You would light up a room, what happened? What made you like this?”

And bam. Wow kirishima, thanks, you have officially made y/n cry, do you feel good about yourself?

Tears slip over your cheeks and he doesn’t look up until they hit the desk. He pulls his legs together and suddenly is on his feet, “oh, oh no!!! Y/n I’m sorry, what’s wrong, hey, hey it’s okay.” Officially freaking out®

He dashes over to the back of the room to grab some tissues while he violably hits his head, ‘why did you say that??? What’s wrong with you? You made a girl cry!’ He internally yells at himself.

“Here.” He hands you some tissues and awkwardly rubs your back. “I’m sorry. I never meant to make you... upset.” His feet fiddle and his knee bobs on up and down with the pitter patter of his shoes.

“No, I’m sorry, I never meant to worry anyone, I want to go back to normal, this-“ you swallow, choking on air, “this week just, just sucks.”

“Hey.” He bends his knees and balances on the balls of his feet. At your eye level, he yanks your chair towards him, pulling you in so you’re facing him. “No, don’t apologize, I want it.”

What. The. Fwak. Is you saying kirishima?

“I want you to worry me, I mean I don’t enjoy worrying about you but I want you to be comfortable with me, and tell me when your stressed or bothered by something, or when you’re excited about something or when your sad about something, it’s not a burden you know? I want it, I want you to be close to me.” ̶L̶a̶y̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶c̶k̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ ̶a̶r̶e̶n̶’̶t̶ ̶w̶e̶

You just stare at each other, his eyes are dead serious, he doesn’t break eye contact for a second.

“Y/n?”

You look at him again, not having found your voice quite yet you simply nod.

“There is no pretending in friendship, in any relationship, y/n. We have to be honest with each other, you need to- to let others care about you, ya know? The girls were really worried, we all were, so when you feel like this you gotta tell us. Okay? Can you do that for me?”

And for the first time that week, it really was alright, it really was okay, and just like always, tomorrow was another day, and even though today wasn’t the best y/n now realized the incredible importance of her friendships, the increasing admiration for Kirishima and the growing hope for today’s tomorrow.

——————————————————————————

(Unedited) I’m not the most happy with this, I wrote it so quick because my original writing of this was deleted suddenly and I had to rewrite it and I didn’t want to forget anything, anyway, I’ll make it better in the future, hope you enjoyed it, even just a little.

[writing-mermaid]

Siren, part 3 : Roundtable Rival

Summary : Y/N is a mutant, a Siren, the last of her kind, with deadly dangerous powers and a hidden past. If most of the Avengers likes and get along with her, Steve doesn’t, and it’s getting worse when Y/N and Bucky become close. After all what can bring two broken souls together if it’s not a dark past.

Pairing : Bucky Barnes x reader

Warnings : Language, mention of injuries, Steve is an asshole.

Word Count : 2 455 

Square Filled : @star-spangled-bingo : "He’s my friend”

@buckybarnesbingo : B5 - Language

Author’s note : I have this story on my WIPs for a little time. I hope that you’ll like it. This story is also my entry for @sourpatchkidsandacokecan ‘s Little Darlin’s Mystery AU Challenge, the prompt I chose is Siren AU. Don’t forget that feedback is appreciated and really important.

Song of the title : Roundtable Rival - Lindsey Stirling

Masterlist

Star Spangled Bingo masterlist

Bucky Barnes Bingo masterlist

Siren masterlist

Buy me a ☕

Half-way to the compound, Bucky is still sleeping. I just hope that I didn’t poison him. Steve already hates me, he’s going to be mad when he’ll Bucky asleep on the ramp.

  “FRIDAY”, I ask the AI who is also connected the Quintets.

“Yes, Miss Y/L/N ?”, she questions.

“Can you please let Tony know that we will need Doctor Cho when I land back at the compound ?”

“Of course, Miss Y/L/N. Who is in need of medical assistance, you or Sergeant Barnes ?”

“Both of us”, I respond, looking at my bleeding left palm, despite the bandage I put around to stop the blood. I will definitely need stitches. My right wrist hurt too, and I probably have some scratches on my face. I hope it’s not broken.

  I feel tired and I’m relieved when I finally catch sight of the compound. It takes me a few more minutes to finally land in the basement. The Quinjet ramp opens to Doctor Cho, the medic team, the rest of the Avengers and of course, Fury.

  “What happened ?”, Steve asks angrily when he sees Bucky laying on the floor. “He better be still alive”, he adds, glaring at me, while checking for his best friend’s pulse.

“Of course, he’s alive”, I bite back. “I just had to put him to sleep.”

  The medic team rushes in the Quinjet, with a stretcher for Bucky. They lift him on it to take him to the med quarters, Steve on their heels.

  “What about you, Y/N ?”, Helen Cho asks me. “Are you alright ?”

“Maybe a few bruises, but I will need some stitches on my left hand, and I twisted my right wrist. I’m sore and tired, after all, I had to drag him from HYDRA’s warehouse to the jet”, I point to the direction where the rest of the med team took Bucky.

“I’ll check your wrist after I stitch you hand”, she says, looking at my left palm, “It’s a little dirty”, she adds, “you might have some debris in it too. Let’s go.”

“Wait a minute”, Steve states, putting himself between me and the pathway to the infirmary. “I want to know what happened first.”

“Let go of her Rogers, you can see she needs medical care”, Tony steps in. “She will tell you everything you want to know tomorrow morning.”

“No, I want to know what happened and I want to know it right now”, he nearly shout.

“With all my respect Captain, my patient here needs treatments. You can ask her what happened when she’s patch-up and had some rest, not before”, Helen glares at him. “Come on Y/N”, she says to me, before taking me to the med quarters.

“You saved me from his wrath”, I murmur to her, when we’re past Steve and the rest of the Avengers.

  After Helen stitched my hand and checked my wrist, which is not broken and put in a splint, she settles me on a bed next to Bucky, who’s still sleeping.

  “How is he ?”, I ask her.

“Fine”, she answers. “I don’t know what happened there, but you did what you had to do”, she adds, looking at me in the eyes.

“I hope so”, I say.

“I’ll let you rest now, you need it. There is a glass of water and paracetamol on the night table in case it hurts too much”, she explains before turning off the lights and going out of the room.

  I might have fallen asleep because my eyes shoot themselves open sometimes later, when I hear a growl in the bed next to mine.

  “Hey there, Sleeping Beauty, happy to see you awake and alive”, I say, raising from my own bed and approaching him.

“How are you doing ?”, he asks me, trying to sit up.

“I’m the one who should ask this to you”, I answer handing him a glass of water, “I sort off had to knock you off.”

“What happened ?”, he questions, drinking a mouthful of the plastic glass, “because to be honest, I absolutely have no clue about why I’m here and why I have been unconscious.”

“You really want to know ?”

“Please Y/N, I need to know if I’ve done something wrong or not.”

“Ok then. When we entered HYDRA’s facility, there were a lot of casks with a sort of gas inside of it, two HYDRA’S handymen came in with one and apparently, the plug was unplugged, diffusing some gas. I think that, because of the way you behaved with me, saying I was intoxicating and starting to touch and kiss me the way you did, and as I didn’t smell anything, I think that this could be something made out of Siren blood. It did exactly the same thing that my powers do when I don’t take my pills. You acted as if I haven’t taken my medicine. And just by breathing a very tiny quantity of that gas. I had to use one of my powers on you, and I kissed you to put you to sleep and I didn’t have the choice because, if I didn’t only god knows what would have happen.”

“You kissed me ?”, he looks at me, eyes wide open.

“Just to save my skin, Barnes, not for pleasure”, I say, trying not to blush, thinking about what Nat told me just before I left for the mission. “Anyway, Steve was pretty mad when I walked out of the Quinjet, he might have thought I killed you. That man really hates me…”, I add sighing.

  At the same moment, Doctor Cho enters the room, alongside Steve, who looks at me with a furious gaze.

  “Y/N”, she says, looking at me. “Glad to see you’re awake, and seem better, you can leave and sleep in your room”, she smiles at me.

“Thanks Helen”, I say to her, “just on time for my pill. Have a nice night.”

“You too”, she replies. “And you Sergeant Barnes…”, she starts.

“Y/N”, Bucky cuts her.

“Yes ?”, I turn toward him.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, James”, I tell him. “Goodnight”, I add, crossing the threshold.

“Goodnight”, he whispers, and I can barely ear him, his voice almost covered by Steve’s who’s asking him how he is.

  When I finally reach my bedroom, I collapse on my bed, empty of all my energy, and fall asleep again.

  “Miss Y/L/N. Miss Y/L/N”, FRIDAY wakes me up.

“Hum”, I groan, “not now, let me sleep more.”

“Miss Y/L/N, your presence is required by Captain Rogers. He organized a debriefing about the mission you and Sergeant Barnes fulfilled yesterday. The meeting starts in 45 minutes.”

“What ?! 45 minutes”, I exclaim, raising from the bed, still dressed in my battle gear, in need of a hot shower and my stomach growling.

  I grab my pill box on my nightstand and take one before heading to the bathroom. The hot water relaxes my tense muscles and all the dirt from the mission goes in the siphon. Once clean, I take a pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt in my wardrobe and put a pair of Vans on my feet, put back the splint on my wrist. My hair still wet, I go the kitchen, hoping to find something to eat before facing Steve Rogers’ wrath. I can’t help but think that Steve will hold me responsible for what happened in HYDRA’s facility.

  “Hi Y/N”, Wanda greets me when I enter the kitchen.

“Hi”, I answer back, opening the fridge, finding a bottle of watermelon juice.

“Rumor has it that you kissed Barnes”, Natasha says, also entering the kitchen, grabbing a banana in the fruit ball, and peeling it. “I knew you wanted to do it at some point”, she adds, biting in her yellow fruit.

“Haha, really funny Nat”, I tell her. “You know that I would never use my powers, and especially that one on anyone, and certainly not on one of my teammates.”

“I’m just kidding Y/N”, she puts her hand on my shoulder. “You obviously had a good reason to put Bucky to sleep, and we all know it.”

“All, except Steve”, I point. “He hates me. He might think I did that on purpose.”

“Avengers, assemble”, Tony says, passing his head through the door. “Captain’s orders, and he doesn’t seem very pleased, so you better be on time”, he adds, before walking away.

  I sigh, putting down the empty glass, but keeping the bottle of watermelon juice in my hand, going to the door.

  “What ?”, I ask Natasha, who rises one of her perfect eyebrows at me.

“Nothing, I think he’s already really pissed at you, he’ll be more to see you with juice.”

  I shrug my shoulder and walk to the briefing room. Steve is near the overhead projector, arms crossed on his chest, speaking with Tony. Clint and Scott are laughing at I don’t know what and I can spot Bucky, on his chair, a half smile on his lips. He pats the chair next to his. As I don’t move, Natasha pushes me from behind, whispering a “go” into my ear.

  “Hey”, I say, sitting down next to the long-haired soldier, putting my bottle of juice on the table in front of me. “How are you doing ?”

“Fine, thanks”, he answers. “You ?”

“I’m okay, a little tired but I think that with a few days off, I’ll feel better.”

“Good”, he says.

“Good”, I repeat awkwardly.

  A few minutes later, Nick Fury enters the room, looking at all of us with his unique eye. Silence falls at the second he walks to the front of the room, next to Steve. Tony moves at the other side, taking place next to Bruce.

  “So, I heard about what happened to Y/L/N and Barnes yesterday and I need some explanations.”

“I’d like to have some too”, Steve adds, looking at me aggressively. “I’d like to know what really happened there, as someone prevented me to question the Bucky and Y/N”, he says, and I know that he’s talking about Helen.

“So, who starts ?”, Tony asks.

“You probably remember more than I do”, Bucky looks at me.

“Ok”, I sigh. “When we land, we knocked out the first HYDRA henchmen we saw, we managed to go inside the warehouse. There were a lot of barrels some with colored gas, other with liquid. We heard a bang, so we hide, and two men were carrying a transparent keg containing the colored gas we saw before, one of them dropped it, and some of the gas escaped.”

  I stop, in order to breathe and drink some of my juice.

  “And then what happened ?”, Steve asks, impatient.

“Give the girl a minute”, Tony says, and I mouth a silent thank you to him.

“We were ready to leave our hiding place and stepped back into the warehouse when I felt Barnes’ lips on my nape and he tried to… to seduce me. Thinking quickly, I realized that that gas worked as one of my powers, my attraction one. As I couldn’t get rid of him, I kissed him to put him to sleep. I had no choice because only God knows what would have happen. When I was sure he was asleep, I just put the dynamite all around the warehouse and I pulled Bucky outside, before heading back to the Quinjet with his sleeping body and the dynamite exploded before I reached the jet, and I must have put a too big charge. I got injured and for the rest you know what happened.”

“So, you’re saying that you used your powers on one of your teammates”, Steve says, angrily.

“I had to”, I respond, getting up on my feet. “What you have happen if I didn’t ? We would have been captured or maybe worse, killed.”

“Don’t tell me what could have happen Y/N, you don’t know what would have happen.”

“I was there Rogers, you weren’t.”

“Please you two, stop”, Natasha rises from her chair. “You perfectly know it Steve that if Y/N used her powers, there was a good reason, she would never put in danger any members of the team. Plus, Barnes is a big guy, and you’re not his mother, so stop acting like a freaking mother hen around him.”

“He’s my friend”, Steve roars, turning back to me, “and you’re just…”

“I’m just what ?”, I bite back. “Another Avenger ? You’re just a fucking twat Steve, do you know that ?”

“You’re a fucking danger Y/N.”

“Language please”, Tony sighs from his spot.

“Enough”, Fury states, and I realize that I’ve never seen that man getting angry at anyone. “For now, I’m suspending Y/L/N and Barnes from missions for a few times, until I read their rapports and decide what to do. We’re finished here.”

“Tony, may I take the rest of my day if I’m not needed here, I have something to do”, I ask him, “and borrow one of the cars.”

“Yes, of course sweetheart, you can.”

“Thank you.”

“What ?”, Steve ask, eyes wide open as I defy his authority. “Tony’s not the one you should ask.”

“I ask who I want to and as Fury said, we’re finished here. You’ll have my rapport tomorrow morning”, I grab my bottle of juice and pass the doorstep.

“Well done Steve”, I can hear Bucky’s sigh when I lean against the nearest wall trying not to cry. “The poor girl is already feeling guilty of using her powers on me and you add to her guilt.”

  I can’t hear Steve’s answer as I rather leave before Steve tells Bucky what he really thinks about me. I go back to my room to change into a simple blue dress and a pair of black ballet flat, before going to the garage and take one of Tony’s cars, a simple black city car one of the less flashy. After half an hour of driving, I finally reach New York and the Queens, not far from Rockaway Beach, where I spent a lot of time during my childhood. I park in front of a white building.

  “Hello, miss Y/L/N”, the hostess greets me when I pass the door.

“Hello”, I smile at her. “How is he today ?”

“Fine, pretty calm”, she says. “Seems that you had a rough time”, she add, pointing at one of the bruises on my face.

“Yes, but don’t worry, nothing I can’t handle. May I go ?”

“Of course”, she smiles.

  I climb the steps to the room, to find a familiar figure, back to the door, looking through the window.

  “Hi, dad”, I quietly say, kissing his scrubby cheek.

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[cilldaracailin]

Play The Game

Hello my lovely Tumblr buddies!

Here is the next part for you all!. Hope you enjoy.

Just to throw it out there, this is all a work of fiction from my head and I do not know Taron.

This one is for @fuseburner​ :)

Suze xx

3

“Courage is feeling fear, not getting rid of fear, and taking action in the face of fear.”

Taron quickly zipped the garment bag that held his suit up as the bathroom door opened and hoped Robyn didn’t notice the guilty look on his face.

“All yours.” She said to him.

“Making use of all of the facilities?” He smiled as she looked cosy wrapped up in the white dressing gown that the hotel provided, her hair in a messy bun on her head.

“You are going to love that shower. It will definitely help knead those knots in your shoulders out.”

Taron picked up his suit and holding it close to him, walked past her. “Did you use all the hot water?”

“I am afraid it is a cold shower for you!” She laughed, giving him a wink.

Taron swallowed the lump in his throat and thought maybe a cold shower wasn’t such a bad idea. The towelling robe moved as Robyn walked and exposed enough of her left thigh for his whole body to be filled with a glorious shiver. Trying to hold himself together, he continued his walk towards the bathroom and once the door was closed, threw his back against it and blew out the breath he was holding. He couldn’t understand what on earth was happening to him. He had seen Robyn in shorts before but for some reason it all seemed so much more intimate to him now.

“Jesus fucking Christ Taron.” He breathed and took a long deep breathe, something that made him close his eyes as he inhaled the scent of Robyn’s body wash that still lingered in the bathroom. He was ready to slip down the door and fall in a heap in the floor, his head was so foggy but he made himself hang his suit up and start to strip out of his clothes, folding them as he went, laying them on the marble counter beside the sink. He turned on the shower and let it run for a few seconds before he stepped under it, trembling as the cold water rained down on him. Closing his eyes, he stood with his head under the stream, still shaking as the water slowly became warmer. Once the shower had heated up, he moved and leaning his chin against his chest, let the water cascade down his back before he moved again so the water pounded powerfully on his shoulders, a slight moan leaving his lips at it stung him a little.

“Ok Taron you seriously need to get your shit together because this is not good.” He gave himself a little pep talk as he stood under the shower. “She is your friend. Your best friend who you are undoubtedly and completely in love with but she is your friend. Get your fucking shit together.” Running his hands through his wet hair, Taron stood up straight, rolling his neck, still feeling a slight twinge. “You cannot use that voucher. You cannot use that voucher.” Taron had brought one of his ‘one shoulder massage’ vouchers with him, hoping to use it later once they came in from the musical but right now, he couldn’t even comprehend what it would do to him to have Robyn rub his shoulders. He would absolutely break under her touch and just blurt out everything. Taking a few deep breathes, Taron turned his attention to washing his hair and body, using Robyn’s body wash and shampoo that she had left in the shower. He happily would have stayed longer under the water but figured the twenty minutes he had spent under the water spray was long enough.

Stepping out carefully he pulled a towel from the rail and wrapped it around his waist. He turned to the mirror and for once didn’t cringe as he looked at his reflection. He eyes were bright and the dark circles he was normally cursed with after a long shoot were fading. He opened his wash bag which sat neatly beside Robyn’s one and pulled out his razor. Lathering his jaw up, he quickly shaved and grimaced as he nicked himself, cursing. A little flow of blood trickled from the small cut on the right side of his jaw. He grabbed a tissue and held it against the little cut while finishing shaving the left side of his face. He dropped the slightly bloody tissue and cupping some water in his hands, washed the shaving cream residue from his face. He then pulled a towel and patted his face dry, grabbing another tissue for his jaw, the cut still bleeding.

Drying himself off, he opened the garment bag and pulled on his boxers and black suit trousers, pulling another tissue from the box to hold against his jaw, the nick from shaving persistent as it continued to bleed a little. With a hand towel in his left hand he rubbed his hair, while his right held the tissue against his jaw. “Fuck it.” He cursed as the little cut pooled blood again, once he had taken the tissue away

“Taron are you ok?” He heard Robyn call into him,

“Yeah I’m fine.”

Robyn looked to the bathroom as it opened and Taron walked out half dressed. She automatically found herself biting her lip and tilt her head as she watched him towel dry his hair, her eyes roaming down his torso as his trousers sat low on his hips. Her resident butterflies were back with vengeance and she was mentally scolding herself for staring at him but he was so beautiful and as his muscles moved with every quick movement he made to rub his hair dry, her breathe caught in her throat and her body shivered with a tremble that felt so good. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen Taron half-dressed before. She had been the one to rip his shirt open but it was such a different context at the moment and with her head and heart completely muddled together with conflicting feelings, her womanly instincts wanted to do something completely out of the question as she took in his physic and low hung trousers.

Once Taron closed the bathroom door, she had organised all of her make-up on the desk in front of the mirror and sat on the chair. She also had her bag with her hair bobbins and pins, and after brushing her hair free of any knots, plugged in her hair crimper. She hadn’t planned on crimping all of her hair, but wanted to add a little bit of volume to her planned hairstyle and as she couldn’t curl her hair, crimping was the next best thing. Once she had crimped various sections of hair, she unplugged the appliance and started to section her hair off so she could work in the two plaits on the top of her head. She quickly plaited the left top and tied it off and then plaited the same on the right top side. With a little pulling and tugging she fluffed the plaits out and once happy they were even, sprayed some hairspray. She plugged the crimper in again and once it was heated, added a few more crimps to the hair behind her ears, just to add a little bit more volume. She had just finished adding a second layer of mascara to her dark cranberry smoky eyes when she heard Taron curse in the bathroom and the door opened and she was greeted by his half-dressed appearance.

She got to her feet and walked over to him as he sat on the bed, dropping the towel beside him. He was holding a tissue against his jaw and frowning.

“What did you do?”

“Cut myself shaving.”

Robyn moved his hand to inspect the damage. “Just a nick.” She moved his hand with the tissue back to his face. “Keep that there for a few minutes and it will stop.” Robyn moved the wet towel from the bed and sat beside him at his right side. “You should invest in some moisturiser for when after you shave, if you haven’t already.”

“You sound like Stella.”

Robyn grinned. “Well it helps to take that sting you can feel from shaving away.”

“And how would you know?” Asked Taron raising an eyebrow but he quickly realised what he had said and shook his head. “Yeah alright I know. Stupid question.”

“Just a little one and if Stella has told you so, you should listen to her.”

“And Stephanie.”

“And your make-up artist from Kingsman? Then it is definitely something you should do.”

“I will look into it.”

“Good. You can borrow some of mine if you want. How are your shoulders?”

“Better.” He answered hoping his acting skills were working and Robyn believed him. “The water helped.”

Robyn kept eye contact with him for a few seconds and decided she wasn’t going to question his half lie and let it be. Having been around Taron for two whole weeks when he came to see her last year, she knew a little about how his body worked and it would take more than a hot shower to ease the pain he felt from stiff and sore muscles.

“I like your hair. What did you do to it?” Taron grinned as he reached over with his left hand and picked up some of the crimped strands. “Very Madonna.”

Robyn laughed. “That wasn’t really the look I was going for but sure. I brought my hair crimper with me. Adds a bit of volume and texture and you know I can’t curl my hair so I am bringing that Madonna look. Just wanted something different. I always wear it straight.”

“I like it and the plaits. Robyn’s signature look.”

“Naturally!” She moved his hand from his face again. “That seems to have stopped Taron but let’s give it another minute or two.” She guided his hand back to his face but missed his jaw and the tissue went to his neck instead.

“Robyn?” Taron watched as Robyn was completely distracted from what she was doing by the scar from the bullet from when he was shot in Florida on his upper right arm. He felt her fingers trace the thin line on his skin. “It’s only small.”

“It is. Doctor Hart told me it would be only small and I was very good and didn’t pick at it as it was healing.” Robyn’s touch was so light on his arm and he couldn’t help but smile as she placed her two hands around his arm and ran her thumbs over his scar. “Robyn, you ok?”

“Just seeing it beings back some memories, that’s all. I can’t believe how neat it is Taron. There was just so much blood from the wound, I thought the scar would have been much bigger.”

“Me too if I am being honest, but thankfully it is not too noticeable. It’s just like yours only a little bit longer.”

“Yes it is.” Robyn slid her thumbs over the mark again and looked to him. “War wounds.”

He chuckled. “Yeah exactly. War wounds.” He enjoyed the light strokes she made on his arm and would have let her continue but he took a glance to the clock on the bedside locker and realised they were cutting it short on time. “We probably need to get a rush on soon. It’s just after half five. Anthony will be outside for us at six.”

“Give me fifteen and I am done.” Robyn gave his shoulder a little kiss and stood up, walking back to the chair in front of the mirror, to finish her make-up.

Taron walked back into the bathroom and threw his bloody tissue in the bin, looking at his jaw in the mirror. The little shaving nick was tiny and thankfully had stopped bleeding. He pulled another tissue from the box and wet the corner of it, so he could clean the little blood smear on his jaw.

“Taron I am going to get changed in the little hallway. Stay put.”

“Well I am getting dressed too so no peaking.”

“Might be a bit late rocketman. Already seen it all.” She answered as she walked around to the wardrobe and opened it up to see the garment bag Taron had brought with her dress. She really hoped it fit because she had completely forgotten to try the dress on when she arrived, choosing to nap with Taron instead and then they were distracted exploring the hotel and using their restaurant reservation to have some lunch afterwards. She didn’t think Stella could work miracles in the twenty minutes they had left to get ready. She zipped the bag open and smiled as she saw the dress in person. It was such a beautiful shade of burgundy and the lace was more detailed then it appeared on the computer. She took the bottom of the dress and held it out, frowning a little at how short it seemed and she prayed it fell above her knee and not any further up. She untied the hotel robe she was wearing and stood in the hallway in her underwear and although felt a little self-conscious and her heart raced at the thought that at any minute, Taron could walk around the corner, she probably wouldn’t have minded too much if he had of and caught her standing in her matching burgundy strapless bra and pants. She carefully took the dress from the hanger and got a brief look at the Armani label and knew, although it wasn’t as expensive as her Alexander McQueen dress, this one still came with a sufficient price tag. She undid the zip at the back and pulling the dress on over her head, she prayed she didn’t get stuck and have to call Taron for help. Making sure not to mess up her hair, Robyn managed to get herself into the dress and once she had it settled on her frame, she laughed to herself.

“Stella you genius.” Although the dress had to be zipped up at the back, it fitted her perfect and fell just as she had hoped above her knee and wasn’t too short. She twirled around and chuckled as the skirt twirled with her and as she spun around again, she heard a wolf whistle and stopped to see Taron standing at the bed. “Hey! I told you to stay.” She said pointing at him.

“Figured you were dressed by now.”

“Not quite.” She walked toward him and turned around, moving her hair over her shoulder. “Can you zip me up please?”

“Sure.” Taron carefully pulled the zip of the dress up, watching as each centimetre of the skin of her back was covered up. “And done.” He smiled as she turned around. “I was wrong about the burgundy dress. It’s perfect.”

“As is your suit.”

“Just need to add the tie and shoes.”

While Robyn moved back to the desk to put on her shoes and few accessories, Taron took a breath and prepared himself for the backlash he knew he was going to get from Robyn as he picked up his burgundy pocket square and slipped it into the chest pocket on his suit jacket. If the small piece of fabric that matched Robyn’s dress wasn’t enough to make her pretty face frown, his matching burgundy tie would be. It was Stella’s idea, not his, to have something that matched. He was very happy with his blue tie but once Stella knew what dress Robyn had picked, his stylist had wanted him to match just a little with Robyn. Taron had protested knowing how Robyn had asked him not to match with him again but inside he liked the little sneaky and subtle way to match with her. He picked up his tie and had just thrown it over his neck when he heard her heels on the wooden floor walking towards him and he closed his eyes, waiting for the accent that only got stronger when she was a little frustrated with him.

“Let me help you.”

Taron’s eyes popped open as Robyn stood in front of him, matching his height in her heels, her hands on the collar of his shirt bending it up his neck so she could fix his tie around it. He watched with interest as Robyn made quick work of fixing slightly complicated knot into his tie, moving it up to his neck and folding his collar back down, her hands brushing down the lapels of his suit jacket. “I like this suit and tie and pocket square.” She moved to straighten his pocket square too. “Perfect.”

“Robyn?” He asked as she took a step back tilting her head as she looked at him. “Are you mad? Are you doing that thing where women pretend everything is ok but inside they are really really mad?”

Her face lit up with a beautiful smile and she stepped over to him and a little roughly, pulled his body right into her for a hug, her arms wrapped around his back extremely tight. Normally her hand would trail up his back to his hair, but her hands stayed firm squeezed around his waist. “I am so not mad at all.” She said into his shoulder. “Not at all. I can’t believe I am saying this, but I love the matching tie and pocket square.”

“And that it matches you?”

“Love it too.” Robyn felt Taron’s whole body relax against her. “I really love it. Sort of become our thing, right? Matching outfits and I know it wasn’t you. I know you were talked into it by Stella and I think I am going to have to get used to the fact that this is what she is going to do with us from now on.”

“You sure? I would put the blue one on but she conveniently didn’t give it to me.”

“I am sure.” Robyn let him go and ran her hands flat down his chest. “I like it. I hate that I like it but I do. That unity coming through once more and I promise. It’s just a little subtle touch.” She enjoyed the smile that grew slowly on his face and she brought her hands down to his and lifted his hands. “And you are wearing your cufflinks.”

A full grin filled his face. “I told you I would wear them to my events and this is an event so I am wearing them.”

She carefully placed his arms back by his sides and letting go his hands, brushing invisible dirt away from his shoulders. “You look so handsome. Hate that you can pull off jeans and t-shirt as well as a beautifully tailored suit perfectly.”

“Says the woman standing in front of me who can wear both a hotel dressing gown and fabulous fitted dress. I see Stella got it right once more.”

“She has a knack for it.”

“You are stunning.” Taron’s breathe hitched in his throat. He had meant to say look stunning but the words came out wrong, the words he really wanted to say to her falling from his tongue without a second thought.

“Thank you Taron. Can you give me two minutes in the bathroom and then we can go?”

“Of course.”

He watched as she walked away and ran his hands down his face once she had closed the bathroom door. He sat back on the bed and placed his hands on his chest, not that that was going to help his racing heart. Taron wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep control of his thoughts, feelings and true emotions. He was so proud of Robyn already for coming to face the red carpet with him and once again she pulled out all the stops for her appearance with him and he was so happy to have her with him and stand with him.

While Taron fretted a little in the bedroom, Robyn was gripping the marble sink in the bathroom so hard her fingers were white with the pressure. She wanted to be annoyed at him for his tie, for his pocket square, for looking so ridiculously handsome but she couldn’t. The little tribute to her dress through his tie was so touching to her and although she knew he hadn’t picked a suit that matched her outfit at Elton’s on purpose, he had a little something to do with his silk tie tonight and it made her heart soar that he still felt the importance of that unity and the simple gesture of what a matching accessory made. She closed her eyes and once opened, looked in the mirror. She was getting used to dressing up with Taron and as she sprayed some perfume, she half grinned. She once again liked what she saw in the mirror and as she pulled some air into her lungs, she tried to composed herself. Getting dressed was the easy part and she knew she was going to lean heavily on Taron for the next two hours and it was something she wasn’t used to, looking to others for support. She opened the bathroom door and grinned as Taron still sat on the bed and as she walked over to him, he shook his phone her way.

“Selfie time!”

Once they had taken their obligatory traditional selfies together and Robyn had picked up her clutch bag, they made their way out of the room and back towards the lift.

“Don’t even think about it.” Warned Taron as they waited for the door to open.

“I am just standing here.” She replied but with a smile on her face. The walk through the Mandrake was much more comfortable in their outfits compared to the Premier Inn and Robyn felt like she belonged in this outrageously expensive hotel in her dress and heels, her arm linked with Taron’s as they walked through the entrance door to the hotel which was held open for them.

Anthony was outside waiting for them and once they walked to the car, he opened the door and Taron let Robyn into the car first before he slid in after her.

“It is going to be a quick five-minute drive to the theatre Robyn. It’s just at the top of Oxford street. Once there, Lyndsey will meet us and we will walk together before going inside and taking our seats.”

“That sounds fine Taron.” Robyn was glad Taron took her right hand in his two and held it tight. Her nerves, which she thought she had under control were starting to untangle and escape and she could feel her left knee starting to shake as it always did when she was nervous and her heart was thumbing incredibly hard against her chest, she felt it was ready to actually burst through her. She placed her left hand on her chest and closed her eyes. The last time she felt her heart race this hard was when she was giving Taron CPR and it was getting uncomfortable now and she just wanted someone to shake her and tell her to get a fucking grip.

Taron could still feel Robyn’s hand shaking even though he held it between two of his hands and he could see the blood slowly seeping from her face as his normal composed Robyn became a bundle of increasing nerves and he couldn’t remember a time he had seen her show her emotions so clearly on her sleeve, not including when she was having nightmares at her home last year. Letting go of her hand, he turned his body on the seat of the car and placed his hands on her shoulders, making her turn towards him. “Look at me.” He said softly to her. “Robyn look at me.” Wide blue eyes filled with worried anticipation stared back at him and he had never seen such a vulnerable look in her eyes before and he was suddenly overcome with a need to protect her. Robyn was always, always a force of nature and he didn’t like seeing this new side to her. He gently cupped her cheeks. “You do not have to do this. You are under no obligation to go out there and face the media, the questions and have your picture taken a hundred times with me. I invited you because I wanted to spend the time with you and I know how much you love musicals and have this one on DVD and know it backwards. I want you there with me but you do not by any means have to do this. I can walk the carpet and meet you inside. I will not be sad or any or upset if you don’t walk with me. I am already so proud of you for even taking this step and you have nothing to prove to anyone and to just see you and spent time with you is all I want and need and I think I might have rubbed your make up off and I am sorry about that.” As Taron spoke, he had been gently stroking his thumb against her cheeks.

“What have I told you about giving speeches that are better than mine.” She replied putting her hands on his wrists. “You are not allowed to do that.” She tugged on his wrists a little and brought his arms around her, glad he understood what she was trying to do and gave her the hug she looked for. “You are something else Mr Egerton and I want to walk the red carpet by your side because I know without a doubt, if you are there with me, I have absolutely nothing to be worried about.”

“You sure?”

“Definitely.”

“Robyn…” He let her go and stared at her again, noticing the brightness had returned to her eyes along with a little mischief sparkle. “Are you one hundred percent sure? I don’t want you doing anything you feel uncomfortable with.”

“I am so very comfortable with you. We have to go and show off this tie and pocket square.”

Taron smiled as she gently ran the fingers of her right hand down his tie. “You stay with me or Lyndsey the whole time ok?”

“I will. I promise.”

“Ok well if you are certain, let’s get ready to get out of the car because we are here.” Taron knew Robyn hadn’t realised the car had stopped and Anthony was waiting outside to open the door for them. “You sure?” He asked again.

“Yes. I am sure.” She watched as his eyes flicked back and forth and leaning in, she kissed his cheek.

Taron took the kiss to his other cheek as his permission to pull on the door handle and once he had done so, Anthony pulled the door open and giving Robyn one more look, Taron stepped out of the car and stood up, closing the button on his jacket, giving Robyn the time she needed to shuffle over and carefully guide her legs out first. He held his hand out to her and grinned at the smile she wore as she gripped his hand tight and let him help her out of the car. He could already see the flashes of the media and hear the calls of his name and once Robyn stood up beside him, her name too as well as the cheers from the crowd who had gathered too.

“Well hello you two. I was wondering if you ever going to get out of that car. What were you up too?” Robyn and Taron turned their heads as Lyndsey walked up beside them. “Taron.” She leant forward and gave him a hug. “And my beautiful Robyn. It is wonderful to see you again.” Stepping closer to the young woman, Lyndsey wrapped her up in a hug. “Just breathe and be yourself. Trust and lean on Taron.” Once she let her go, Lyndsey turned to Taron. “Just a few stops along the way, not as many as Elton’s. Expect the questions we all talked about and for God’s sake Taron hold her hand!”

With a laugh Taron reached for Robyn’s left hand and linked his fingers with hers. “So, shall we go and get our picture taken?”

“Well we did get all dressed up for the occasion, it’s a shame to waste it and I need a photo to put with my one from Elton’s.”

Holding tight onto Robyn’s hand, he led her over to the large poster which had the name of the musical along with the names of some sponsors. As before at Elton’s, Taron tucked Robyn into his left side, his arm going protectively around her waist, while she returned the gesture, her free arm going around his too. She turned her body a little and struck a pose with her hand on her hip and following the instructions Lynsey had given her when she called her talk about the red carpet, smiled and looked from left to right and forward, trying to appease everyone who called her name.

“Think we got enough?” He moved his head to her to whisper.

She turned to look at him and grinned. “We probably think so but not them.”

As the photographers shouted Taron’s name again, ordering him to look their way, he turned to face the media and as the volume of the shouts increased, Robyn saw his grin quickly start to fade, his soft features turning hard. She gently tickled his right side, causing him to grin widely, Robyn laughing at him as he tried to tickle her back.

“Time to move on I think.” Taron was thankful for the tickle distraction from her as his patience started to wear thin as it always did when the photographers became more demanding as they yelled at him, but even with her nerves Robyn still managed to keep his spirits up and support him in her own way, as she always did. Slipping his arm from her waist, he held her right hand, his fingers immediately interlinking with hers. “Lyndsey will meet us at the top of the media queue.”

Again, Robyn let Taron take the lead and she followed him keeping a very tight grip on his hand as they walked the first few steps of the red carpet, stopping as Lyndsey instructed them.

“Jane from Fab TV.”  

Once he got his cue from Lyndsey, Taron moved over to the barrier, leaving Robyn with Lyndsey and the two women stood together while he answered the questions asked by the interviewer.

“You are already a pro at this.” Grinned Lyndsey as she took in Robyn’s smiling face, her eyes completely locked on Taron’s back as he spoke to the interviewer.

“Having Taron around makes it easier.”

“I can’t even begin to tell you how happy he was that you agreed to come with him tonight and not just because you love musicals and are about to take the stage yourself which by the way congrats.”

“Thanks Lyndsey”

“He is beyond excited to share some of his life with you.”

“It really didn’t take much persuasion on his behalf. I wanted to be here. Probably about time I made an actual appearance too. It’s either going to break the internet or hopefully shut it up about Taron and I and judging by your face, I imagine we have already broken some part of Twitter.”

“And want to know what I think?”

“Of course. You are the one who deals with this all the time.”

“Who gives a fuck. Taron wanted you here. You wanted to be here and that is all that matters. Whether you visit each other at your homes, or you come to something like this, people are going to talk so let them talk. You and Taron are wonderfully close and I know how much you mean to him and without a doubt you love him as much as he loves you. So, screw what everyone says. You have both been through this already and know what to expect, so what I want you to do is be you. Be Robyn and enjoy the whole night. This red carpet is just one part of the evening. You still have the whole musical to enjoy and the rest of your weekend with Taron.”

“Have you and Taron been practising your supportive speeches for me?” Asked Robyn as she brushed some hair from her face as the wind blew around them.

“He just wants you to feel comfortable.”

“He does and he has.” Robyn looked back to Taron as she heard him laugh. “He always has.”

Taron could feel the eyes of his publicist and best friend staring into his back and he tried to keep his attention on the questions being asked to him and the second question of course asked was about Robyn and if his guest was indeed the woman who had saved his life. Taron dodged a few awkward questions asked, giving his pre-rehearsed answer of how Robyn was a huge fan of musicals and this happened to be one of her favourite movies too and naturally he invited her to come along.

He only had a few minutes for each interview and was glad when Lyndsey tapped his shoulder to move him on.

“And that’s one done and only twenty more to repeat.” He said to Robyn as she stood beside him.

“Want some company?” She asked him as they waited for the next interviewer to be free.

“Really?” Taron knew his face showed how surprised he was.

“Could be fun?” Speaking with Lyndsey had given her a little boost of confidence and she had made the effort to come with Taron and as she thought about it, answering some questions with Taron might appease the world of social media.

“You are going to get me in so much trouble.” He grinned.

“Lyndsey gave me some answers, might as well use them.”

With a chuckle, Taron grabbed her right hand with his left. “Have I told you how glad I am you came yet?”

Lyndsey didn’t even question it, after she had told Taron who was next and Robyn walked with him over to the interviewer. She just let it happen, knowing she wouldn’t have been able to stop them no matter how hard she tried but inside was a little bit happy Robyn was willing to go with Taron. Their constant unity with each other, although made the trolls and keyboard warriors criticise every part of it, just continued to show that their relationship and friendship was one that was not easily broken and as they stood beside each other at the railing. Lyndsey knew that although Taron would look after Robyn at his events and on the red carpet, she would repay him the same favour in every other way she could.

“Taron it is so good to see you once again.”

“Ricky mate, you too.” Taron had been interviewed twice before by the presenter of the Sunday showbiz show from Magic Radio.

“So, Taron, you know I have to ask you but is this Robyn?”

“It is indeed. She was gracious enough to accompany me tonight but she is also a huge musical fan so I had to invite her.” Taron gave Robyn’s hand a squeeze.

“Nice to meet you Robyn.”

“You too.” The reporter and Robyn shook hands and once the hand shake was finished, Robyn quickly found the Welshman’s warm fingers again.

“So, you are actually a real person then and not just a cardboard cut out Taron carries around with him.”

Both Taron and Robyn laughed. “Oh, dear no but I would love to have seen that! Unfortunately, not. Taron has been stuck with an actual person for a while now.”

“He doesn’t seem to mind too much.”

“He likes to keep me around just in case he gets a paper cut from scripts he is reading.” She replied.

The reporter laughed. “Speaking of scripts, Taron have I heard rumours of a new project you might be getting involved in with Adam Driver?”

Taron smiled. “All just rumours I am afraid though they are ones I wish were true.”

“So, you have just wrapped Kingsman?”

“Yeah just back from New York this week. We were finishing up some re-shoots.”

“I am really looking forward to the third one. Can you give us any insights into the story?”

“Nah mate. Afraid not but I will say it is going to be just as good as the last two and I think the audience will really relate to Eggsy in this one, even more so then before. I am excited for everyone to get to see it.”

“Looking forward to it Taron.” The reporter saw Lyndsey tap Taron on his shoulder and knew his time was up so he held out his hand to Taron to shake it one more. “Thanks so much. Nice to meet you Robyn. You both have a great evening.”

With another goodbye, the two moved back from the railing. “Anything you are not good at?” Taron asked Robyn as they waited for Lyndsey to set up Taron’s next interview. “You made that look so easy.”

“I wish. That interviewer was a nice one. He didn’t care too much about me and you and was completely respectful. I don’t think we are going to get away that easy every time.”

“I have been interviewed by Ricky before. He’s a good guy and like you said, doesn’t care at all about the personal stuff.”

“Shane from Musical’s UK.” Informed Lyndsey as she walked over to them, Taron still holding Robyn’s hand.

They walked back to the barrier and were immediately met with a smirk. “Taron, nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

“And welcome to the opening night of this musical. You must be excited to see the stage performance of such a beautiful movie.”

“Very excited. It’s wonderful to be invited to something so special, especially knowing how important the arts are for the world today.”

“Sure of course and you yourself have been part of the world of musicals with Rocketman.”

“Yes, indeed and it holds such a very special place in my heart so I understand how a new musical like this is so important to the Westend.”

“And you have brought someone with you? Is this Robyn?”

Robyn wanted to roll her eyes and reply with the most sarcastic answer she could, but let Taron answer.

“Yes, this is Robyn. When I got the invite I knew I had to ask her to come with me because she is a bigger fan of musicals than me and she has watched the movie so many times I have lost count and if I didn’t, I would never have heard the end of it that I got to see it and she didn’t.”

The interviewer smiled. “He tells the truth.” Answered Robyn. “One of my all-time favourite movies and the music is stunning, I know I am very excited to see the stage adaption. I am already singing Deliver Us in my head and I am not even inside yet.”

“I have a feeling you are going to love this then.”

“I am very thankful to Taron for inviting me.”

“As I am sure he is for you.” Grinned the reporter. “Well I can guarantee you are both going to love the show and just so you know, it is ok to sing along.”

Robyn laughed and nudged Taron. “I’ve gotten permission now! No stopping me!”

“You may regret giving her that permission. Don’t blame me if you have to stop the show. I like to sing constantly, but Robyn is just as bad!”

With a laugh and a few more questioned centred around Taron’s role in Kingsman and future projects, they said goodbye as Lyndsey tapped Taron’s shoulder.

“Thanks so much Taron. Nice to meet too Robyn.”

After another elven interviews, Taron was feeling relieved that everyone he had spoken to had been light and cheery, most of the press from Westend and musical background so there was more interest in promoting the new show rather than his guest and with Robyn’s background in musicals it was easy to keep the conversation flowing between the two of them and the interviewer.

“Last one Taron. Probably going to be a stickler for bringing Robyn into the conversation.” Taron looked to Lyndsey. “It’s The Sun.”

“Seriously? At a Westend opening night?”

“They are from the showbiz pages, the same that printed the picture of you carrying Robyn into the ocean.”

“Wonderful.”

“Hey, we got this.” Robyn gave his hand a squeeze that had not left hers since he took it once they started to approach the interviewers at the railing together. “One last one and then I am going straight to the merch stand. I need a programme and a CD and a t-shirt and a cup and a poster and a keyring and a magnet!”

Taron laughed so thankful that Robyn had become comfortable enough on the red carpet that she was able to make a joke to lift his mood. “I will get you one of everything if we survive this last interview.”

“We will. One last one Taron.” She placed her clutch bag under her right arm, freeing her left hand and she reached over to encase his hand in her two. “You want fiery Robyn to come out for a visit?” It was nice to hear Taron chuckle and Robyn was glad to see his face smile too. “When this is done, we are going inside and I am getting you a beer and a magnet.”

Not even thinking Taron moved his head closer to Robyn and gently kissed her temple. “Always there to pick me up no matter what.” Taron took a breath and gave her two hands which were still holding his left one a quick rub. “Just have fiery Robyn on standby for me ok?”

“Will do.”

“You two finished psyching each other up? Jason from The Sun is waiting with baited breath.” Lyndsey looked at Robyn. “Play nice.” She said to her, earning a laugh from the two who stood in front of her with innocent faces.

With their steps in time with each other, the duo walked towards the barrier and the last interview of their evening. The first thing Robyn noticed was the judgemental look on the man’s face, his eyes glaring at them and immediately she could see not only was this interviewer ready for a fight, he was pissed off that the picture and article that was published in his paper had been removed.

“Taron, Jason from The Sun.”

Robyn could see the tension in the handshake and found herself standing a little closer to Taron, using his body for a little protection but also for some heat. She really needed to invest in dresses that were both long and with sleeves as she was really starting to feel a little cold but thankfully her trusty electric blanket beside her was always warm and toasty.

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Replied Taron as he ended the handshake.

“So, you brought Robyn along with you?”

“She is an even bigger fan of musicals than I am so I knew I had to ask her to come with me.”

“Have you heard of the film that the musical is based on?”

“Sure. The Prince of Egypt is a...”

“It’s not a Disney movie.” Interrupted Jason.

“It’s actually a DreamWorks production.” Finished Taron. “It’s a wonderful movie and the music is…”

“By the wonderful composer Hans Zimmer.” Finished Robyn. “But of course, the music for this musical was composed by Stephen Schwartz who also composed the score for Wicked and Godspell. Such beautiful orchestral compositions. They are stunning.”

Taron wanted to laugh so hard at Robyn’s quick response, his beautiful fiery Robyn coming out quicker to play then he expected.

“So, you are a musical fan Robyn?” Asked Jason.

“Definitely, just as Taron. Sure with Rocketman under his belt, he is a musical prodigy.”

Taron laughed and nodded. “She gives me a little too much credit but I know we are both very much looking forward to the performance this evening and thankful to have been invited. The arts are so important nowadays and to be able to support it, it’s very important to me. Music is such an important feature in both of our lives too.”

“A life which you have because Robyn saved it?”

Taron thought he might have escaped the question as the musical seemed to be the focus of the interviewer’s attention but it seemed Jason was finally making his way towards what he really wanted to ask. With a look to Robyn, Taron nodded. “I think the whole world knows by now that Robyn did something incredible for me and without her, I definitely wouldn’t be standing here, waiting to go and watch this wonderful new Westend show.” As instructed by Lyndsey and using his well learnt distraction skills, Taron brought the reason why they were on the red carpet back into focus.

“So, seeing as how she is here with you now and as we all know, she has visited you in Aberystwyth, can we start to assume there is definitely a romantic relationship between you two?”

“Robyn is my best friend and of course it may seem like more to the outside world and those who follow us around in my home town, that there is something more between us but so many have mistaken our closeness for a romance when it is just a connection we have due to the extreme circumstances we were placed under.”

“Even though you are tucked into each other?” Jason shoved his microphone a little closer to Taron and Robyn, the camera man, following suit and zooming his footage in too.

“It is actually quite cold out on this chilly February evening in London and unfortunately this red carpet is outside. Taron doesn’t know how lucky he is to be wearing long trousers and sleeves.” Returned Robyn. “Maybe next time we can ask for the interviews to be inside or perhaps even over the phone so us poor girls don’t have to freeze. I know I am not only excited to get to watch this first performance of this amazing show but also to warm up a little.”

“Didn’t seem to bother you both when you went swimming.” Retorted the reporter.

On cue both Taron and Robyn laughed together as suggested by Lyndsey in an attempt to make light of the question if it was asked.

“I am afraid I have to take the blame for that one.” Taron explained, keeping his tone light.

“Taron thought it was the perfect time for a swim.” Agreed Robyn. “But thankfully we are far enough away from the Thames this evening so he won’t be tempted to do it again.”

“So, you plan on going to visit him again in Aberystwyth?” Jason probed. “I mean you two always seem to be together now, maybe you are just moonlighting as friends? There are rumours that you actually knew each other before Florida.”

“I have heard about those rumours.” Frowned Taron. “It’s such a shame something as serious as Robyn saving my life and the two of us ending up in hospital was shadowed by vicious rumours. It was already such a challenging time for our families not to even mention Robyn and I, that these rumours hurt more than anything else. I have said it so many times before and during my press release which I know your paper was given a copy of, that Robyn was a stranger who came to my aid and since then has become a very special person and friend in my life.” He felt Robyn give his hand a very tight squeeze.

“I can only repeat what Taron has said.” Robyn added before Jason, who wore a look of frustration, could ask another question. “What I did for Taron should be celebrated. Naturally a friendship and bond has formed between us and I consider him one my best friends and unsurprisingly we are going to try and visit each other and get to know each other. I don’t think either of us could walk away from the other after what happened.”

“I am just happy to be able to share such a wonderful opening night with Robyn especially when I know how music has such an impact on her life like it does with mine and I give her complete and utter respect for coming along with me and walking the red carpet.”

“So we can expect her as your companion from now on?” Asked Jason still probing.

“If Robyn is willing to accompany me and is not working and maybe if the weather gets a bit warmer, she is always welcome by my side.”  Taron turned his head as Lyndsey tapped his shoulder and he had never been more grateful for her timing. “That’s my cue to go.” He said to the interviewer. “Thanks so much Jason.”

“Have a good night Taron. Robyn nice to meet you. When you tag along to another red carpet with him, I look forward to another in depth conversation.”

“Well the next time I tag along with Taron, I will make sure that you are first on the row of media because it’s best to get the unpleasant part of the evening done first before we can concentrate on enjoying ourselves.”

With a pull on Taron’s hand, Robyn led him away from the last interview of their evening and they stood beside Lyndsey.

“Right give me the damage report.” She asked.

Taron grinned, “Nothing to report.”

“Robyn?”

“A little bit of sass but nothing that wasn’t deserved. He just a got a little too personal but it’s nothing we haven’t had to deal with before.”

“Should I be prepared for an article in the morning?”

“Probably.” Answered Taron. “Just the normal shit Lyndsey. We are romantically involved and we had a swim in Aber.”

“So, a little bit of damage control?”

“Just a little.” Confirmed Taron.

“Sorry.” Robyn said quietly as she hid behind Taron’s shoulder a little. “I will keep my mouth shut next time.”

Lyndsey smiled. “Absolutely not. Nothing like a bit of feistiness to keep some reporters off your back. I have heard about all your sassiness Robyn and it is normally warranted. Sometimes it’s not always a bad thing with reporters just to put them in their place a little.”

Taron gave her hand a pull so she was standing beside him. “You are a natural chicken.”

“You helped.”

“Now the hard part is done, you both can breathe and go inside and enjoy the evening and the musical.” Lyndsey stepped closer to Taron and in her normal parting way, gave him a hug. “You do everything in your power to keep her, you hear me?”

As Taron nodded into her shoulder, it was only then the cheering, shouts and calls registered with him. As he let go of Lyndsey, he looked over her shoulder to see a crowd of people behind the barrier on the opposite side of where the reporters were, calling his name with posters and phones.

“A lot of fans here.” He looked to Lyndsey and then to Robyn who shrugged her shoulders his way.

“No point in looking at me Taron. I was a fan once; I am still a fan and that could have been me standing there desperate for a photo or autograph so you know what I am going to say.”

Taron looked to Lyndsey. “It’s up to you Taron. Just remember, you need to be inside in forty-five minutes.”

“Want to come with me?” Taron looked to Robyn and grinned as she had taken her phone from her clutch and shook it at him along with a receipt from her purse.

“Only if I get to go first!”

Taron laughed and pulled Robyn in a for a hug and didn’t bat an eye lid as bright lights flashed around them, the media closet to them taking advantage of snapping their hug.

“I was serious.” She grinned when he ended the hug. “I want the first photo and autograph!”

Obliging her, Taron took the pen from her hand and signed his name on the back of the paper and then taking her phone snapped a selfie with her, both pulling a funny face.

“Thank you!” She laughed as she put the pen, paper and phone back in her clutch. “Let’s go and say hello to the people who really matter here.”

Together they walked back down to the start of the red carpet and while Robyn took a step back, Taron interacted with the fans along the barrier, greeting them all with a smile and a chat. Robyn thoroughly enjoyed watching Taron converse with each fan and was so entertained by his willingness take the time to snap a photo with each. She could see a few heads look her way and hear her name mentioned but she just gave a smile and a nod.

“Hey Robyn, come here.”

She looked confused as Taron called her over but took the few steps to the barrier.

“They want to meet you.” He reached for her hand. “This is Robyn.”

Excited chattery voices filled the air and a friendly conversation sparked up at the barrier, the fans delighted to be finally getting to meet Robyn and some of them thanking her for what she had done for Taron. As they moved down the barrier, Robyn soon took over the taking the photographs, making the process of meeting his fans a little quicker so he would be able to greet them all, letting them have their moment with him as she took a step back, only joining in when needed or to take a picture for him.

With Robyn’s help, Taron managed to get to every fan of his who had come to hopefully get not only a glimpse of him but an actual photo and with a final wave, they walked in through the theatre doors, Taron breathing a happy sigh of relief. He guided her through the slight crowd in the foyer and over to an area that was a little quieter and without a reason or explanation, took Robyn into him close for a hug, snuggled into her shoulder, his hands gripping her waist with a squeeze.

“Taron?” Robyn would never refuse a hug from him but was a little shocked at the need she could feel from him and the almost ferocity at which he hugged her.

“Just give me two minutes to have a cuddle ok?” He asked, ignoring how his tight grip, stretched his shoulders uncomfortably. He was used to feeling sore and run down after re-shoots and he was thankful he had two days to sleep off his tiredness but it just wasn’t quite enough time to appease sore muscles however it wasn’t going to stop him from taking advantage of the closeness and comfort a hug from Robyn provided him, the rush of energy he always felt walking the red carpet drained from him completely.

Robyn wrapped her arms around Taron’s broad shoulders and with her two thumbs, applied some pressure in between his shoulder blades, massaging him through his jacket and shirt, smiling at the little moan she heard him exclaim quietly into her neck. “You carry all your tension in your shoulders.” She whispered to him, dipping her thumbs up over the collar of his jacket and in under his shirt collar as far as she could go onto his warm bare skin at the nape of his neck. “You can relax rocketman.” She moved her hands up through his hair. “The only thing you have to worry about now is my loud singing stopping the show mid-way through.”

Taron chuckled against her. “I look forward to it.” With one long inhale, Robyn’s perfume making his head spin a little, he reluctantly moved his hands away from her. “Thank you Robyn. I know that was hard for you and you just surprise me with your willingness to just take that leap and be here with me.” Robyn’s hands moved to his face, her thumbs now gently stroking his jaw.

“Red carpets take it out of you.” She replied taking her hands away from his face, noticing a little tiredness in his yes. “I understand why. The repetitive questions, the stupid ones and then the plain rude ones. No wonder the promotion is so draining on you. I can already see the anxiety building in your eyes.”

“They can stress me out a little.” It never failed to amaze him how she could read him so easily and without even asking him, she already knew he felt slightly zapped of his energy.

“Well now you don’t need to worry about it anymore. It is done and we can finally get me my merchandise and you your drink!” Taking his hand and without waiting for a reply, Robyn pulled on him a little and walked through the small crowd to where the counter for the merchandise for the show was and she stopped, a quiet sad cry leaving her lips. “Oh no!” The stand which sold the souvenirs for the show was closed.

“Oh chicken!”

“I only wanted a CD.” She said sadly. “And a programme.”

“I can ask for you.” He suggested.

“No it’s ok. I am sure I can get them online from the musicals webpage.” Both looked up as the ten-minute warning before the performance started came through the speakers. “So I need to go the bathroom before this starts and I also want to get you your beer.”

Taron grinned. “You go and I will get my beer and meet you back here.”

“Okie dokie.”

“Want anything to drink?”

“Surprise me.” She said with a grin and turned to walk away from him to head towards the bathroom, a wide smile on her face. As nervous and scared as she had been in the car on the way over to join Taron on the red carpet, she knew she how lucky she had been with her first one. The journalists and reporters were mostly from a musical background so had no interest in their relationship or how they met, most happy to talk about Taron’s background with music and delighted to hear how supportive he was of the arts and understanding how important they were. It was really only the one reporter from The Sun who tested her patience and she prayed the paper didn’t try to invent another story to print and re-arrange their words. Things between herself and Taron were finally wonderful again and though she knew they would approach any story printed with a different tactic as they had used in the past but she’d rather not have to worry about it right now. There was still so much to look forward too and she was delighted to be spending it all with Taron.