#no clue what he’s doing or why. brain cells off for this one | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

muffinpink02 · 3 months ago

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Bronze Is Better Than Gold Part 6

Ignore the Pictures I'll edit later

Warnings - gun violence, death, scenes of sexual assault, smut 18

“No fucking answer.” Slims grumbled as he turned off Ona’s phone.

The brunette watched with her one good eye as the man paced the room.

“Why did no one answer? I thought you said this was the number to call for your boss.”

“It is. I told you it's too early. No one would be there now.” Ona mumbled.

Slims stalked towards Ona as if he was going to hit her. Her body instinctively stiffened, ready for the impact, but instead he slapped the desk next to her head, making her flinch.

The man got his own phone out, searching for something.

“How much are you going to ask for, Slims?” One of his workers asked.

Slims kept his eyes on his phone, not bothering to look up. “How much what?”

The two men looked at each other slightly confused.

“Money. How much money are you asking for? For the girl?”

“I’m not asking for money, I’m asking for my brother to be released.”

Ona could tell from the confusion on their faces that they clearly hadn't been involved with this plan.

“Are you joking? They won't let him out, he's in prison, Slims. He was sentenced… what a over a month ago? They aren't just going to let him out. I thought we were asking for money! Do you know how long we could go to prison? We might as well kill her and go.”

Before Ona could blink, Slims had a hold of his friend's throat, thrusting him against the wall.

“You pussying out now? You fucking scared?”

“N-Na, Slims. I just don’t want to get caught.”

Ona watched as Slims eyed the man, he looked ready to kill him. Ona was convinced he would.

He let go of the man's throat after he started to turn a dark shade of blue. “We wont get fucking caught. They release him and we go. It's easy.”

“And what about her? She's seen our faces.” The other goon nodded towards Ona.

Slims turned his attention away from the man who was now holding his red throat, to Ona.

“We kill her.” He shrugged.

“But what about your brother?”

“I've got guys that will wait for him. They won't be far from the prison. Once they let him go and he's with my men, she dies.”

Even though the men looked like they did not share a single brain cell between them, even they could tell that this plan wasn't going to work.

Ona felt her chest tighten, how was this happening? She wondered if her team had any idea where she was, if they had a plan, or if she was going to be killed in this abandoned warehouse.

The blue lights flashed on top of Lucy's undercover car as she left the last London road, making her way into the green countryside. She followed the map on her phone, she wasn't far now, another 15 minutes and she would be there. As she got closer she turned the blue lights off, not wanting to draw any attention to herself.

Her eyes glanced over to her phone sitting on the passenger seat, she could see Sarinas name lighting up the screen, she ignored it and pushed her foot on the accelerator.

“Sorry, boss.”

Lucy knew if she came out of this alive, Sarina would probably kill her.

After what felt like hours, Lucy finally arrived at the destination. She parked her car down the woody lane, not wanting it to be spotted. She could feel her heart in her chest, she had no clue what she was going into, but she didn't care, all she knew was that she was going to get Ona out.

Instead of the main road the brunette creeped through the shielded forest, the smell of the rain and wet mud flooded her senses. It was oddly peaceful, considering the business of her being there. She followed her phone, making sure she was going in the right direction. A couple minutes later she spotted the abandoned warehouse through the overgrown bushes. She got as close as she could without being spotted.

She looked around the building but couldn't see anyone, but she did spot a black van, the one LJ must have spotted on the cameras.

Lucy assessed the building, her eyes scanned for anyway in without being caught. She saw a few doors and windows but she needed to make sure she wasn't caught. She instinctively ducked when she heard a heavy door being pushed open. She watched as two men left the building, both pulling a cigarette out and lighting up the white stick.

“I can’t believe we’ve been pulled into this shit. I thought we were getting money for taking her, not his fucking brother!”

Lucy was close enough to make out what they were saying.

The second man shook his head. “I know. I know. That's the reason why only we showed up, no one clearly wanted to be involved in this shit. He probably doesn't even have men who would wait for his brother.”

Bingo. That was one thing Lucy at least now knew. There wasn't a warehouse full of men with guns.

“If we get caught, we’re fucked you know that? Will be straight in prison along side his fucking brother.” The man scoffed angrily, letting out a puff of smoke.

“I’m pissed that he didnt let us fuck her.”

Lucy’s stomach dropped, her teeth instantly grinding against each other in anger. The rage that crept up her body was almost scary even for herself, she hadn't realised her hand had already gripped her gun, wanting to put a bullet through the man's neck.

“I know. Her face is fucked though, don’t even know if I could get hard.” The man laughed.

That's when Lucy gripped her gun, but she knew better than to use it.

The other man laughed. “Na, it doesn't faze me. Even if she’s black and blue, I don’t mind.” He cackled loudly at his own joke, before spitting a mouthful of phlegm on the floor.

The other man shook his head. “You’re a wronging.” He chuckled as he flicked his finished cigarette.

“Don’t fucking lie, you would. I’m going to do it before he realises the plans stupid and kills the bitch.”

“I think he's gone mad.” The man turned to go back into the building. “You coming?”

“I need to piss.”

The younger guy nodded and made his way inside, leaving the pig looking man alone. The man that Lucy now wanted to skin alive.

He walked closer to the bushes, just a couple of metres from the brunette, she spotted the man's gun on his hip. She sized up the pig eyed prick, she knew she could take him on, but she needed to make the first move.

She watched as he carelessly urinated into the bush, whistling to himself, his back to her. This was her chance. She ever so slowly creeped out of the dense forest. It was almost like watching a nature documentary, like a lioness stalking its unexpected prey. Ready to kill.

Click

Lucy pressed the barrel of her gun to the back of the man’s head.

“If you even utter a word without my say so or try to move an inch, the last thing you'll ever see is your tiny ugly prick.”

He didn't move.

“Nod slowly if you understand.”

He barely moved his head. Lucy wasn't sure if it was out of fear or anger, so she pressed her gun harder.

“How many people are in there?”

“J-Just 3.”

“Including the girl?”

“4.” He corrected himself.

“Guns?”

He nodded.

“Is there a way I can get in?”

“There's a back door. It's to the left of the building.”

Lucy laughed internally at how easy he was giving over the information, she hoped he would be known to others as a snitch once he gets put in prison.

“I-I didn't do nothing, I told Slims to give the girl back. I swear.”

Lucy had to stop herself from killing this slime of a man. She wanted so badly to pull her trigger, but she also didn’t want such an easy way out for him.

With a flash she hit the man hard on the back of the head. Knocking him straight out. She knew where and how hard to hit him without killing him. She quickly dragged his body into the forest and cuffed him by his wrist to a tree.

The brunette made her way around the back of the building, she spotted the door that the pig face mentioned. She turned the knob slowly, it was unlocked. She gently pushed the door open, revealing a storage room. it was dark and hard to see, only small bits of light came through the blacked out painted windows. She crept inside, closing the door behind her.

She slinked down the dark corridor, her gun in hand. Her heart in her mouth.

She came to another closed door, she stopped to listen for any noise, but heard nothing. She looked through the keyhole, it was another hallway that was even darker then this one. Again, she slowly turned the handle, as she pushed the metal door.

‘Ehhhhh’

She flinched from the jarring creak the hinges let out. She froze in her tracks, holding her breath. She waited a few heartbeats before she squeezed through the rest of the door, not opening it fully.

She was plunged into darkness, she found her torch and gave herself a slither of light as she moved further inside.

Before she moved any further she heard a scratching noise. She tried to look around for the cause but couldn't find anything.

“Fuck!”

She jumped as a flurry of feathers squawked in her face.

Lucy had been one of the best in her training. When herself and Sophie joined the police force they would always try to outdo each other, if one was faster, the other was stronger. If one had better aim with a gun the other was more skilled at fighting. They constantly pushed each other and it made them a fierce team. Even to this day Lucy was one of the most skilled agents on the team. She could even give Jill and run for her money in a firing range.

But she had never jumped so high in the air from a pigeon before. She watched as the stupid bird flew out of a broken window. Her heart was thumping. She breathed in a few deep breaths, trying to get her nerves to calm down. She closed her eyes and pictured Ona’s face. She moved on.

The brunette came to a door at the end of the hallway, once again she tried to listen for any signs of noise but she couldn't hear anything. Ever so slowly she opened the door, light cracked through the slit, she had her gun ready in her hands. She held her breath as she opened it further. She was now in the storage room, there were tall shelving units with cardboard boxes littering each side of the room.

She made a quick dash to duck behind the shelves. She took a glance around, she saw some stairs leading up to a second floor. She had a feeling Ona was somewhere up there. She crawled behind the cardboard box jungle. She got closer to the metal stairs, she was ready to make her way up when a door swung open. She quickly ducked, hiding behind the dusty boxers.

“Where the fuck is he?”

Lucy recognised the now familiar voice.

“I don’t know. We were smoking, then he said he was going to take a piss and I went inside.”

The metal stairs began to rattle as the men walked above her.

“Go look for him. I swear if he's run off I'm going to kill him.”

“Okay.”

Lucy hid further as the stairs shook violently. She watched as the man walked towards the front door, looking for his associate.

“Fucking useless, fucks!” Slims gripped the metal railing before going back into a room.

Lucy knew she needed to be quick, if Slims' henchmen came back she'd be outnumbered. She started to make her way up the stairs, making sure her steps were quick and delicate. She made it to the top of the railing, there was a row of doors to the right, but she didn't see what one he entered.

She carefully walked, she had her gun ready, her finger was kissing the trigger. She reached the first door, it was open, but empty. She walked further on, her steps slow, her body was vibrating with adrenaline.

“Yeah, that's right, if he’s not freed then she dies.” Slim's voice boomed out from the third door. Lucy got closer, she paused when she heard Sarinas voice on speaker from a phone.

“We can’t do that. We can offer you money. We don’t want to see anyone hurt, Frank. If you release her, we can figure this out. Can we at least hear from Ona? We need to know she's okay.” Sarina spoke over the speaker.

Lucy was now standing outside the door to the left.

“Speak.” Slims grunted.

“Sarina?”

Lucy nearly broke down when she heard Ona’s voice. But it hardly sounded like her, she sounded broken, she sounded so small.

“Ona, are you hurt?”

There was a pause.

“Ona?” Sarina called out, Lucy could hear the worry in her voice.

“She's fine!” Slims barked.

Lucy heard the man pacing about the room.

“Are you going to let my brother out? Yes or No?”

“Frank, we can’t-”

The line was cut.

Slims turnt to Ona. “Thanks to your boss you're going to be killed.”

“Please, killing me won't get him back. Please, just let me go.”

Just as Lucy was about to rush in she heard the steps of Slims henchman approaching, she ducked into the first empty room. The metal stairs rattled as he climbed the stairs and entered the room.

“No sign of him. Maybe he did run off.”

“Fucking coward. Fuck him. We got to go, burn this place down.”

“Why?”

“They won't release him. I wouldn't be surprised if he fucking snitched about where we are. There's barrells down stairs, pour it everywhere. We light it up and we go.”

“What about her?” The man motioned towards Ona.

“She can burn with it.”

Ona eyes widened. “No, please. Please.” Her voice broke as she begged.

Both men ignored her.

“Can I at least have fun with her first?”

“Do what you want, just be quick. Once you're done, help me with the petrol.”

Ona’s brain started to fog, her brain and body was screaming to shut down.

“I will.” The man promised.

Slims left the room. Lucy had heard everything. She watched as Slims made his way down the stairs and towards the front door.

She left the room, she heard Ona start to scream. Her blood ran cold as she heard her cry. She stood at the entrance of the door. Ona’s small body was being pushed to a desk by a man 3 times her size.

“Come on, baby. Don’t make it difficult. It will be over quickly.” The man laughed.

“Move the fuck away from her.”

Ona’s eyes opened as she heard Lucy's voice. It couldn't be? Her brain must have been playing tricks on her. She didn't know whether to scream or cry. She never thought she’d live to hear that voice again.

The man turned around confused. As soon as he spotted Lucy and her gun he put his hands up in surrender, moving away from Ona.

“Get on the fucking floor, hands behind your back.”

The man did what she said and laid on the ground. Lucy kept her gun on him as she stepped closer to Ona.

“Ona? Hey, it's me.”

The shorter brunette flinched as she felt Lucy's hand touch her back.

“Hey, don't be scared. It’s me. It’s Lucy.”

Ona slowly got up, her arms were dead from being tied up for so long. She used all the strength she could to turn. She nearly lost all balance when she saw Lucy. And she did fall as she moved, but Lucy was quick to catch her.

“L-Lucy!”

When Lucy saw Ona’s face her stomach dropped. Her left eye was swollen shut, her whole socket was black, the little bit of eye she did see was covered with blood. Her face was scattered with bruises and cuts, her chin was raw with old blood, she could hardly look at her without wanting to kill.

Ona’s body shook in her arms, she buried her face into her chest, Lucy wanted to scoop her up and tell her it was all going to be okay. But they had to get out first.

“L-Lucy.” Ona choked out.

“Shh it's okay, Ona. You’re okay.”

Lucy felt a piece of her break, seeing Ona like this was tearing her apart, but she had to keep her head straight. She gently grabbed Ona by the arms, she scanned her weak body for any obvious damage.

“I’m going to handcuff him okay.” She lowered her face to the younger brunette.

She nodded.

Lucy dropped her knee hard into the man's back, making him cry out. She didn't care if she would have broken a bone, causing him to never walk again, he was lucky her gun hadn't put bullets in the back of his throat.

“Stand up.”

Lucy yanked the back of the man's shirt. He clumsily stood, the older brunette kept her distance from him. Her gun pointed straight at his head.

“Move.” She pushed the man forward.

She turned to face Ona. She pulled out another gun from her side.

“He’s still out there. Use it if you need to. Stay behind me, okay.”

Ona nodded, but she was clearly scared.

‘’Hey, you can do this.” Lucy gently stroked her cheek, mindful of the bruises.

“Move.” Lucy pushed the man forward.

“Okay, come, let's go.” She smiled softly at the girl, reaching her free hand out for her to take.

Her small hand weakly took Lucys, they gave each other a smile that would stay in their heads forever.

They walked down the metal steps, with the man in front of them. Lucy had her gun pointing at him.

The room stunk of petrol. Slims had clearly already done the inside of the building.

Ona had never been more scared and more relieved as she watched the brunette in front of her. Lucy had saved her. Lucy had single handedly saved her. She saved her from being killed.

They were half way from the door when it opened.

A gun went off.

Lucy and Ona flinched. The sound of the gun firing ricocheted through the hollow building. Neither girl was sure if it was one bullet or more. The man in front came to a halt. Then to his knees.

That's when Lucy saw Slims running from the door and disappearing into the tall jungle of units. Reloading his gun.

“Move!” Lucy grabbed Ona by the hand, mirrorwing Slims, hiding behind the tall metal beams and crates. Ona looked at the man laying on the floor, his blood turning his clothes black.

“Is anyone with you? Do we have backup?” Ona whispered.

Lucy could have laughed, this is clearly what Sarina was talking about. She was too much of a hot head, and now here she was, saving the love of her life from a crazy wannabe drug lord in the middle of nowhere and had no backup.

“No. No backup.”

Ona rolled her one good eye.

“Are you really giving me attitude right now?” Lucy couldn't help but smirk. Even if there was a killer on the loose.

“I mean, I would have thought you'd bring back up.” Ona examined the surroundings.

It was Lucy's time to roll her eyes. “No, sorry. I didn't really have the time.”

“Fire.”

“I mean yeah. I probably will get fired, but I don’t care.”

“No, Lucy. Fire!” The younger brunette pointed over to a line of fire, running itself to a shit load of petrol barrels.

‘Wshhhhhhhh!’

Both girls ducked as the barrel exploded with a huge wave of fire engulfing the roof.

“Fuck!” Lucy automatically pulled Ona closer to her.

“We have to leave, this place is going to come down.”

Ona nodded. “The door.”

Lucy eyed the door, but Slims was still hiding somewhere.

“You ready?”

“Wait.”

Ona grabbed Lucy by the collar, she brought their mouths together, gently kissing her lips. It felt like everything went silent for just a second. It was a gentle kiss, but it was pure love between the two. This could be the last time she’d be able to ever kiss the girl, and she didn't want to take her chances. Lucy understood that.

Her green eyes scanned the bruised face in front of her.

“Ready?”

“Si.”

The girls made their move, crouching as they creeped behind the tall units. The fire above them began to spread quickly, swallowing the roof in its path.

“Keep your eyes peeled. He’s behind one of those beams.”

Ona nodded, her gun was in her hand aiming, though her vision was blurry.

“We run, but don't go straight, zig zag. Don’t let him follow you.” The shorter brunette ordered.

“Yeah, okay. I’ve got your back.”

“I’ve got yours.”

The girls moved from the cover off the units, out into the open. The room was heating up, the fire above growing by the second. The thick smoke started to creep down, making it harder to see and breathe.

“It’s clear. Run!”

The girls ran, zig zagging like Ona said to do, but the bullets still came firing at them.

“Keep going, Ona!”

Ona winced as she ran, her body was weak, but the fire in her belly made her push forward. Having Lucy be her side made her push even more.

Lucy spotted Slims, she fired her own bullets his way, missing in her quick pace. They were nearly at the exit, Ona was slow but she kept going. Lucy watched as Slims ducked behind the units as she fired, she walked closer towards him, she wanted to kill him.

“Come on, Lucy!”

The door was open, Ona could see the sky.

‘Whhhhhssshhhh’

Ona dropped back, hitting her head as part of the ceiling came crashing down, blocking the door. Her gun fell from her hands, skidding across the floor, the room quickly began to thicken with black smoke, it almost became impossible to see.

She groaned as her head started to thump with a viscous pain, her vision slowly becoming blurry. The deep cut in the back of her head reopened from the fall. She weakly flinched at the sound of a gunshot, then another. Then a scream.

Lucy dropped to the floor as the bullet buried itself into her thigh. It felt like a hot poker had dug itself into her flesh.The pain felt like nothing she had ever felt before. It rattled through her body, the warm dark liquid quickly pumping out.

Lucy lost sight of Slims, and her gun. The smoke had become thicker, it made it impossible to see further than her arms. She looked around for Ona, but she couldn't see her, she couldn't hear her. She had no clue where she was.

“Ona?” She shouted. “Ona? Can you hear me?”

Silence.

“Where are you?.” She coughed. Her eyes began to water from the smoke.

She tried to get up, grunting in pain as her flesh screamed at her not to move. But she gritted her teeth as she stood to her feet. The room was suffocating, it felt like she was in an oven, sweat dripped from her head.

“Ona? Where are you? Ona? Please, Ona!”

She heard a weak cough to her right, she could see what looked like a small body on the floor, but before she could move she was being thrown on her back.

“Fuck!”

A hard object came down hard on her chest, forcing the air out of her lungs. Her leg was throbbing as it continued to bleed out.

“Ahhhh!”

Slim stood over Lucy, his whole weight pushing on her chest by his boot.

“Stupid, bitches. Did you really think you could get away?”

The building was collapsing around them, the metal roof screeched as it started to plummet to the floor, the orange flames burning and melting everything it touched.

Slims cocked his gun, aiming it at Lucy's face. She closed her eyes as she felt the burning pain from the black smoke seeping into her lungs. She couldn't believe this was happening.

“Slims, don't do this. Please. You don't have to kill me. Just let us go. I can say you got away. Please.” Lucy pleaded.

A malicious smile creeped on the man's face, pressing his weight down harder, on the verge of cracking her ribs. She gasped from the unbearable pain, trying to move away from the pressure of her chest, but he was too heavy

“Shut up!”

“Do you think I’d trust a cunt like you? You’re just another useless pig-”

Lucy gasped as the heavy feeling on her chest was gone. She looked up to see Ona standing protectively over her, her fist connecting to Slims face.

“Fuck!”

He dropped his gun as his nose was cracked, again.

Ona had felt like she was drifting into a deep warm slumber, it was almost peaceful as the world went quiet around her.

She saw the sky as it opened up above her, small bits of flames dropped around her, it looked beautiful, magical even, like bright stars drifting from the galaxy above. She was ready to sleep, ready to let the pain in her head become a thing of the past, until she heard a voice.

She knew that voice, she loved that voice. She heard it again, it was calling her name. She could hear the pain, the desperate cries that called out to her. She wanted to sleep, but the voice was too familiar.

She gasped as her body jolted, the flames above were burning bright as her mind and body told her to get up and fight.

“Ona!”

Ona felt an earthquake of strength seep through her body, she winced as she pushed herself up. She looked around at the chaos unfolding, the place was ablaze. She turned as she heard a voice, it wasn’t the voice from before, this one was pure evil.

She saw his shadow in the smoke, she could just about make out what was happening. She heard Lucy struggle for air, the woman she loved being hurt by a monster.

The Spaniard was overcome with venom as she picked herself up. The flight or fight in her came with an almost animatic urge to fight, no, kill. She bunched her first and bolted so hard she nearly flew off her feet. She couldn’t see his face but somehow she knew exactly where to hit.

She felt his bone crunch under her fist, it made her own fist bleed but she couldn't feel the pain, not with the anger that took over her petite body. She landed another punch and another, until he was on his back, and she was on top of him, her first coming down hard on his face. She didn’t know whose blood was whose as she kept landing punch after punch.

All her anger, all her fear from the past 24 hours was running through her. She screamed as she let it all out.

“Ona!”

Ona flinched as she felt hands on her back.

“It’s me, baby. Listen to my voice, it’s Lucy. We have to go!”

Ona looked down at the man below. He was just about breathing. Her first was dripping with blood, his face was painted red.

She felt Lucy pull her up. Tuning her to face her.

“Ona, look at me. It’s okay, you’re okay. Follow me.”

Ona squeezed her eyes shut. Listening to Lucy’s voice. She nodded as she took her hand.

They began to move, but Ona stopped when she heard the man behind her cough. She pulled Lucy back.

“We can’t leave him, Lucy.”

“We can! We will die Ona, this place is going down!”

But the older brunette could see the conflict in Ona’s eyes. It wasn’t in either girl to leave someone to die, even if he was an awful human.

Lucy nodded. “Help me carry him.”

The girls turned back to help the bleeding man, but just as they turned to save him a shot was fired. And then another.

Ona flinched.

Lucy flinched.

Ona looked to see a gun in Slim's hands. He was still trying to shoot as his barrel finished. His bloody and bruised face broke into an evil laugh that rang in Ona’s ears.

But as soon as he started he was silenced. The sound of a deep bellowing screech roared above his head, as one of the units came tumbling down on his chest, slowly suffocating him.

“Let's go!” Ona grabbed Lucy's hand, but she didn't move.

Lucy gasped as she fell to her knees. The two bullets had struck her, one in her chest, one in her stomach.

“Ona.” She whispered before completely falling to the ground.

“Lucy! No, no! Lucy!”

Ona put her hand on Lucy’s stomach, her palm becoming covered in another person's blood.

“No, no, no, no, nooo. Lucy, get up. Please. Come on, we’re so close.”

“I-I can’t move.” Lucy groaned in pain.

Ona watched as blood pumped out of Lucy's chest, she was losing so much of it. She tried to stop it, pushing her hand on her chest, but her stomach still bled out. Ona looked at the burning building around her, her mind became a haze, the smoke engulfing her lungs as she panicked in complete fear. She looked back over at Slims, she could see he was slowly dying.

“Lucy!” The girl cried out, her heart was frantic, she had lost all thoughts as she watched the girl she loved slowly bleed out.

“Go, Ona.”

What? No, how could she even say that.

“No!”

“Ona, go! Leave!” The girl coughed.

“No, Lucy! I’m not leaving you!”

The building was collapsing, everything was on fire, the heat was searing. Ona felt the fire burning her as it snaked closer. She looked frantically around the room for any kind of exit. She spotted a small opening that the building had made from the wreckage.

“I’m sorry Lucy. This is going to hurt.”

Ona lifted Lucy from under her arms. The older brunette screamed in agony as her body pulsated in pain.

“I’m sorry.” Ona whispered.

She dragged Lucy, but her heart sank as she saw the blood that was trailing behind them.

“Stay with me Lucy, we’re nearly there.”

She gently dropped Lucy to the floor, she tried to move the wreckage with all the strength she had left. She managed to shift it a bit but it wasn't enough.

“Come on, come on!”

She gritted her teeth as she pushed but it was no hope. It was too heavy to do it alone. She looked over at Lucy, she felt hopeless but she knew she couldn't give up. She tried again and again and again, her sweaty hands started to make it harder to push. She took a step back as she ran at the pieces of ruble.

“Fuck!” She slipped, catching her hand on the broken wreckage, cutting her palm open. She flinched back as her hand twitched in pain.

She dropped to her knees, coughing as the smoke crept into her lungs. She wasn't sure if it was tears or sweat that covered her face, maybe it was both.

She had nothing left in her, her mind was a frazzle, her body was weak, everything hurt.

She crawled over to Lucy, she gently cradled her head in her lap. She looked so peaceful, it reminded her of the first morning she shared with Lucy in her flat. She kissed her forehead but couldn't ignore the blood that soaked through the girl's clothes.

“I’m so sorry, Lucy. I’m so sorry. I can't get us out.” She whispered her tears soaking her her cheeks.

Lucy opened her eyes. She smiled slightly at Ona.

“Can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course.” Ona whispered as she stroked Lucy’s cheeks.

“I love you. I have for so long.”

“I love you too.” Ona sobbed.

“I think I loved you the moment I saw you.” Lucy closed her eyes.

“Yeah?” Ona smiled through her tears.

“Yeah. Your freckles, I love your freckles.” Lucy coughed.

“It was the same for me. Your eyes made my heart flutter. I love them so much, Lucy. I love you so much.” Ona’s tears dropped over Lucy's cheeks.

“I’m sorry I couldn't get you out, Ona. I tried to-”

“Hey, shhh. Don't say that.” Ona stroked Lucy's hair.

“You came for me. You’re here with me now.”

Lucy closed her eyes again, her breathing becoming shallow.

Ona looked around the smokey room once more, trying to find any kind of exit, but she couldn't see anything.

“Hey, Ona. Sing with me. Islands in the stream, that is what we are.”

Ona gave Lucy a watery smile.

“N-No one in between. How can we be wrong?” Ona sniffled.

“Sail away with me. To another world.”

“And we rely on each other, ah ha.”

The girls sang the last line together.

“From one lover to another, ah ha.”

Ona let out a small choke, her tears were nearly blinding.

“Ona, I’m so cold.” Lucy whispered.

The brunette's life flashed before her eyes. She saw glimpses of her childhood, her memories with Sophie. She saw her siblings and parents, she saw flickers of her life, but the last face, the clearest face, was Ona’s.

“I know. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry Lucy.” She gently stroked Lucy's cheeks, her heart aching as she watched Lucy's face drain of colour.

“We can get the car there.” Lucy mumbled.

Ona scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, Lucy was slipping away. She moved to lay her head on her chest, her chest was hardly moving. She sobbed as she laid down next to the girl, with the love of her life. Even if it was only for a short time, it was the happiest she'd ever been.

She only got a glimpse of what it could be like, to be part of Lucy's life. To have someone she truly loved, someone who looked at her like she was the only person in the room, someone who gave her butterflies every time she smiled at her. Someone who made her laugh until her stomach hurt, someone who made her whole.

She got a taste of love, and she would cherish that until her last breath.

This was it. This was her ending.

She felt like she had let herself down, her colleagues down, her parents down, her friends down, but most of all she felt like she had let Lucy down. One felt sleepy again, her body screamed for sleep. For rest. She coughed hard as the building burnt away.

She saw the same bright light from earlier. The one that made her feel like she was about to float away and sleep, a peaceful sleep. It became brighter and brighter until she was nearly blinded.

“They're here! Hurry up!”

Jordan pushed some of the wreckage, easier than Ona could.

Suddenly a firefighter was grabbing Ona. Lifting her like a baby.

“Lucy?!” She weakly tried to fight out of the grip the firefighter had on her. She turned to see Lucy’s lifeless looking body being lifted, her face was a scary shade of white.

Ona felt the cold air hit her sweaty body, it was almost painful. She gasped as the even colder air hit her lungs, that was agonsing.

There were police cars, ambulances and fire trucks all scattered around. The first face she recognised was Demi's, then Jordan. Then Sarina’s

The firefighter gently laid her next to the ambulance.

“Is there anyone else in there?”

Ona shook her head. “They're dead.”

They nodded and brought a mask to Ona’s face to help her breath.

“Breath deep and slowly for me.”

She allowed them to put the mask on her face, but her eyes looked for Lucy.

“W-Where's Lucy?”

“Ona!” Sarina was crouching next to the Spaniard. “Ona, are you okay?” She touched Ona like a mum would, just like the way Lucy's mum did.

She nodded. “Where's Lucy?”

“They are looking over her now. She's going to the hospital.” Sarina put her hand on the back of Ona’s head, she pulled back when she felt the sticky substance.

“Christ, Ona! Your head!”

Ona ignored her, she moved the mask away from her face and weakly ran to the ambulance.

Lucy was on the ambulance stretcher. Her clothes had been cut open as the paramedics tried to stop the bleeding. Seeing Lucy's body covered in her blood was something that Ona would never be able to unsee.

“Hi Lucy, I’m Alessia. I’m a paramedic, we're here to help okay?”

Lucy slowly nodded, Ona was shocked to see she was awake.

“Good, let's put this mask on you, it's gas and air for the pain.”

“Hi Lucy, I’m Ella. Ready, Less?”

The blonde nodded.

“Okay, Lucy this may hurt. Keep breathing that gas and air for me.”

Ona watched as the younger brunette stuck a thick cotton pad on Lucy's stomach. Then wrapped it quickly with bandages. Lucy weakly groaned out in pain. Ella repeated the same method with the other two holes that leaked with blood.

“Okay lets get her in. She needs to be seen urgently.”

Ona watched on with wide eyes. She followed the girls as they rushed to the ambulance, not wanting to leave Lucy's side. They moved the older brunette into the vehicle and slotted her into the free space.

“She’s going with her. Her head is also bleeding.” The Dutch woman instructed as she came up behind Ona.

The blonde paramedic watched Ona’s worried face and nodded.

“Take a seat just up here. Strap yourself in.”

Ona quickly climbed into the vehicle, her eyes were glued to Lucy as she passed her.

Alessia started to hook the older brunette onto monitors and drips. Ona watched as the white cotton pad had already started to bleed through to the bandages.

“What’s your name?” The blonde smiled at Ona as she took notes down.

“Ona.” She returned a weak smile back, “Is she going to be okay?”

Ella closed the back of the ambulance's doors and made her way to the front. The ambulance sirens were turned on immediately.

Alessia bit her lip as she fiddled with Lucy's bandages. “She's stable, but she's lost a lot of blood. I think she’s got a lot of trauma to her stomach.”

Ona stared at Lucy, her face was ashy with smoke, her normally neat hair was falling out of its bun. She wanted to hold her. Lay in her strong arms, tell her how much she loved her, again and again.

“She’s a bit out of it, I've given her a stronger drug for the pain.”

Ona nodded as she reached over and stroked her cheek, her own hand still bleeding.

“Oh Ona, that looks painful, let me take a look at that.” Alessia said, as she gently took Ona’s bleeding hand. “It's deep but it shouldn't affect any nerves. I’ll quickly clean it and wrap it up. Then I want to look at your head.”

Alessia fiddled with some draws, grabbing the bits she needed.

“This is going to sting.”

Ona nodded. She felt the alcohol wash over her hand but she couldn't feel the sting, she just stared at Lucy as her chest barely moved.

Alessia took a look at Ona’s head, she cleaned that cut but was a lot more concerned with it then her hand.

“You need to be treated as soon as we get there. I don’t like the look of this cut. You must be in so much pain.” Alessia frowned at the thought as she dabbed the blood away.

Ona heard her but she wasn’t really listening, she felt a numb ache rise over her body, as she watched the love of her life fight for her life.

“What was this all about? What happened?” Alessia asked as she took more notes.

Ona took a deep breath as she explained the situation to Alessia.

“Oh, Ona. I’m so sorry.” She reached over and took Ona’s bandaged hand in hers. Her big blue eyes were glassy.

“And she's your partner?”

Ona shook her head. “No, I mean. One day maybe but-”

Alessia smiled as the realisation washed over Ona’s face.

“Oh, you mean… Yeah. She's my work partner.” Ona let out a shy chuckle.

“I think you make a cute couple.” Alessia winked.

The Spaniard couldn't help but look at her feet, smiling at the blonde's words.

They finally arrived at the hospital. Ella and Alessia wheeled Lucy to the emergency department as Ona followed behind. She didn't notice the other hospital goers gasping and staring at her face, her attention was solely on the brunette. Ella had already called in and explained Lucy’s condition and injuries to the doctors, passing her over to the care of the hospital straight away.

The nurses began to quickly rush Lucy to the ward, Ona tried to follow her but was stopped by Alessia.

“You need to be checked, Ona. I know you want to be with her and I swear you can see her once you’ve been looked at. I promise.” She smiled warmly at the Spaniard.

The blonde turned to the nurse waiting. “This is Ona, she needs to be seen straight away. She has a deep cut in the back of her head. I’m worried she might have a fracture to the skull. She’ll need x-rays and some looking over her face and lungs.”

Ella gave Ona a gentle squeeze on her shoulder, smiling reassuringly at her.

“Okay, thanks guys. Please follow me, Ona. I’ll get you checked into x-rays and we can take it from there.” The nurse smiled.

“Good luck, Ona.” Alessia stroked the petite girl's arm.

It was truly overwhelming having been inches from dying to having someone who showed you genuine kindness all in the space of 20 minutes, she almost didn't want to leave Alessia’s side.

“Thank you. Thank you for helping.”

She was ushered away as Ella and Alessia made their way out of the hospital and on the way to their next patients.

Ona had her x-rays done. It turned out Alessia’s hunches were correct. Ona had a fracture to her head and needed to stay at the hospital for extra treatment. And throughout it all, all she could do was think about Lucy. She had constantly asked if she could see her, but every nurse or doctor had repeated the same thing: ‘I'll check that for you.’ After an hour of nurses and doctors fussing over her she was finally put on her ward, and her bed for the next couple of days.

“Hello, Ona.” A tall brunette popped her head around the curtain, smiling at the girl.

“Hello.” The Spanaird sighed as she gave a tired smile.

“I’m Ingrid. I’m going to be looking after you. I’ve been told by the police and your constable about what's happened.”

Ona nodded, her eyes wandered to the window.

“I thought you might want to go see Lucy?”

Ona jumped up so quickly she winced from the ache in her body.

“I can see her?”

Ingrid smiled. “Yes, she's just come out of the theatre.”

Ona climbed out of the bed, her feet slightly wobbly.

“Ona, before we go you need to know she's in a critical condition.”

The raven haired girl's bright smile dimmed. “She’s been put into an induced coma. She’s had to undergo an intense surgery. The bullets were successfully removed but have caused a sufficient amount of damage to her insides. The surgeons have done all that they can for now, but at this moment in time it's a waiting game.”

Ona felt her stomach lurch, she understood what Ingrid meant, it made her instantly nervous to see Lucy. She nodded and let Ingrid lead the way.

She walked down the corridor with Ingrid, the smell of hospital took over her senses. She noticed nurses and doctors eyed her curiously as they walked.

“You’re a bit famous. The news of you and Lucy is all over the TV.” Ingrid cringed.

“Really?”

“Yeah, we have security all over the place. Many news reporters are outside.”

Ona squinted at the fluorescent lights above her head. She wondered if her parents knew what had happened.

“Oh that reminds me. Your constable wanted to see you, but I figured you would maybe want to see Lucy first. I know she's your partner.”

“Oh, we’re not partners yet. I mean maybe-”

“Is she not your partner on the force?” Ingrid looked confused.

“Ohh. Sorry. Yeah. Erm, yeah, she is my work partner.” Ona flushed.

Ingrid nodded and smiled as she picked up on the awkward smile from Ona.

“No worries. I understand.” She placed her hand on Ona’s shoulder.

They stopped outside a room, not too far from Ona’s.

“Okay this is her. I work on this ward, so I’ll be right out here if you need me. But take all the time you need.”

“Thank you very much.” Ona hesitated at the door.

“Take your time. It can be very overwhelming to see a loved one like this.” Ingrid smiled as she rubbed Ona’a shoulder, her kindness reminded her of Alessia.

“Y-Yeah, thank you.”

Ona took a deep breath as she pushed the heavy door open. The room was full of machines beeping and monitors moving. She just about saw Lucy amongst it all. She slowly walked a little further inside, she felt scared to get too close, worried she might somehow turn off a machine.

Even though Ingrid warned her of the state Lucy was in, it still took her breath away.

She pursed her lips as her gaze fell on Lucy’s face. Her face had been cleaned, her dark hair was neatly brushed and tucked behind her ear. She looked so peaceful. If it wasn't for the machine breathing for her, you would hardly know she had 3 bullets put in her body.

Ona sat in the chair next to the bed. She watched as Lucy's chest slowly rose up and down in time with the machine that helped her breath. She ever so gently stroked Lucy's hand, her skin was so soft, so delicate. Despite the small cuts.

“Hola, Lucy.” She whispered as tears sprung to her eyes.

She looked down at her feet as she took in a shuddering breath.

“I don’t know if you can hear me. I’ve heard sometimes people can hear when they are in comas.”

She leaned closer to the bed, her eyes roamed Lucy's face as if she was waiting for a response.

“Well, I hope you can hear me. I-I just want to thank you. You saved my life, in more ways than one.” Her tears began to roll down her cheeks.

“I know you would probably roll your eyes at me right now and say something like “Yeah, yeah. It's just what I do.” but you don’t know how thankful I am for you. You are so special to me. I can’t lose you. Please, please pull through this. I promise to tell you how much I love you everyday, every hour. No, every 10 minutes.” Ona smiled between her tears.

“Besides, you still have tickets to “The Big London Bake.” I know you’re excited for that. I want to see you in an apron, making cakes that are probably better than the teachers. As we know you are the best at everything.” Ona began to smile until her lip quivered, she felt her throat begin to close up. The hold she had was beginning to break.

“Please, Lucy. I love you so much. You are such a special person. I can't lose you. Please.” She brought Lucy's hand up to her lips, kissing her skin as her salty tears seeped into her lips.

She stayed like that for another half an hour, staring at the girl on the bed. She watched on as the heart monitor counted her heart beats. She listened to the sounds of the beeping machines. It almost started to sound like a relaxing song, a lullaby even. That's when her wet eyes began to droop heavily as her aching body allowed sleep to take over.

She was woken up by a hand gently shaking her.

“Ona, darling. Ona.”

Ona slowly opened her eyes, a throbbing in her head made her wince.

“Oh, I'm so sorry, Ona. I didn't mean to hurt you.”

Ona finally opened her eyes to be met with green eyes, but they weren't Lucys, they Lucy's mums.

“Carol? Carol! Ona jumped up, and was engulfed in a rib breaking hug. She winced again.

“Ow, sorry, sorry.” She let go of Lucy's mum even though she really didn't want to.

“Oh Ona, your face.” Carol gently cupped Ona’s face as she examined her like the doctors did. “How are you? Sorry, that's a stupid question, we saw it on the news. I don’t even know what to say, you must have gone through so much.” Carol's eyes began to tear up, though it looked like she had already been crying.

“Lucy saved me.” Ona let her tears roll down her face as her voice cracked.

Carol broke out into a soft smile, stroking Ona’s face, her own tears rolling.

But the feeling of guilt engulfed Ona, seeing Lucy's mum in front of her made it even more real.

“I’m so sorry, Carol.” Ona sniffled as her head dropped in shame. “It's my fault.”

“Woah, hey! No, it's not Ona. Its no ones fault but that awful fucking man. Lucy did what she was meant to do. I don't want to hear you say that again, okay? Come here.”

Carol hugged Ona again, but more gently this time. The Spanird nuzzled her face into her neck, sobbing as she did. The older woman rubbed her back just like Lucy did the day she cried in the pub toilets with her. It only made her sob more.

“Oh honey, it's okay. You’re okay.”

She allowed herself to be held for just a while longer.

“I’m sorry, I’ll let you have some time with Lucy.” She sniffed as she pulled back.

“Oh darling, we've been in here for about 40 minutes. John’s outside getting some air. I didn't want to wake you, it's only because the nurse told me you have visitors.” Carol smiled, wiping the tears off of Ona’s rosy cheeks. “Anyways, you’re family, I would never kick you out of this room. You know you mean the world to Lucy? And us.”

Ona felt her heart flutter, but it pained her, if only she could hear Lucy say those words.

“Thank you, Carol.” She closed her eyes as she took a deep breath in. “I have visitors?”

“Yeah, I think they’re in your room. Also the nurse told me you're due for some medicine, so make sure you get that. Don't miss that, Ona.” She said with a firm tone.

The short brunette nodded but hesitated as she looked over at Lucy.

Lucy’s mum saw the hesitation on Ona’s face, clearly not wanting to leave Lucy. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep a watch on her. You go. I'll be right here when you get back.”

“Okay.” Ona sighed.

“Get that medicine, darling.” Carol reminded her as she began to walk out. Ona smiled at her motherly instincts, even if she wasn’t her actual daughter.

“I will.”

Ona made the short trip to her room. She wondered who her visitors could be, she imagined it was maybe Sarina or one of the girls from work. What if it was her parents? She opened the door to see none other than her two best friends.

“Ona!” Mapi spotted Ona first as she bolted to the smaller girl.

“Mapi?” She was engulfed into another hug that made her wince again.

“Be careful!” Ona heard Alexia's voice approaching as she told off their clumsy and excited friend.

“I’m sorry, Ona.” Mapi’s wet eyes were full of remorse.

“It's okay. I can’t believe you guys are here!” The girl felt her heart burst.

Alexia opened her arms as she gently embraced Ona in a hug.

“Do you think we would be anywhere else?” The blonde’s normally strong voice cracked as she spoke.

Ona felt her eyes brimming with tears once more. She loved her best friends. They were her rock, her family. Having them here was almost too much. She had thought about them so much when she was alone in that damp office room. She never thought she'd see them again, and now here they were.

“Thank you. I love you both so much.”

Mapi squeezed herself into Alexia's embrace, who still hadn’t let go of Ona.

“We love you, Ona. We’re so glad you're okay.”

The three held each other until they were interrupted as Ingrid entered the room.

“Oh, sorry. I just need to give Ona some pain relief.” She wrinkled her nose.

Ona pulled out of the embrace. “That's okay, Ingrid. I actually really need it.” Ona chuckled as her best friends let her go.

Ona sat on the bed as Ingrid pushed the trolley of medicine in.

“Hello, Ona’s friends.”

“Hello.”

“Hola, guapa.”

Alexia shot her friend a look, rolling her eyes at the girl.

Ona couldn't help but smile as even in a hospital Mapi would still try to shoot her shot.

Ingrid’s cheeks slightly blushed as she caught Mapi’s eyes on her.

“How’s your head?”

“I've-” Mapi was about to be massively inappropriate, but was stopped as Alexia kicked her ankle to shut her up, giving her a very serious death stare.

“I do have a headache. It hurts a lot.” Ona confessed.

“Okay, let me know if it gets worse or if you feel sick at all. I also want to check your head and hand.” She said kindly.

“I will. Thank you, Ingrid.”

Ingrid gave Ona her pain relief and checked her over. Not ever faltering with all the questions Mapi shot at her, as she suddenly became interested in everything hospital related.

The 2 best friends stayed for another hour until Sarina came to check in on Ona, shortly followed by Demi and Jordan and Jill. But as soon as she could she rejoined Lucy's parents and brother in her room. Visiting hours had come to an end, Carol ensured Ona she would be back again tomorrow and Ona already missed her. She hugged them all goodbye. She was able to stay with Lucy for another hour until she was told she had to return to her own room.

The Spaniard watched some tv before she felt herself drifting off to sleep. Her slumber was peaceful at first.

Slipping quickly into a dream.

She was walking down her street outside her house. She saw Lucy smiling, but she didn’t speak. The dream suddenly felt off. Like she was being watched. Suddenly she was in her own flat. Slims was in front of her, but his face was monstrous, it was swollen and bloody. He was gasping for air while he was laughing. He tried to grab her. She then felt a pain in her head. She tried to run from him, but she couldn't move, she couldn't even scream, it felt like she was in quicksand. Slowly being pulled deeper and deeper.

Ona jumped up in her bed. Gasping as her heart raced, panic setting in of the unfamiliar room. She was wet with sweat, she pulled the wet hospital gown of her skin, hoping to get some air. She winced as her head throbbed, she was due for some more pain relief. She was about to press the button for the nurse when she heard a rush off feet outside her room. She looked at the small glass and saw a few heads running by.

She jumped out of bed and stuck her head out the door to see what the commotion was about. She watched as the doctors and a few nurses rushed to a room down the corridor.

Ona’s heart stopped beating as she realised the room they were rushing into.

“No.” She started to jog down the hall way, ignoring the way her head screamed at her with each step.

She was outside Lucy's room, she tried to tiptoe through the window but she was too short. She slowly opened the door to see a room full of people, rushing around Lucy.

The machines that had once beeped in a rhythm were now flat lining. The one constant beeping tone was almost deafening.

“I’m losing her, give me a shot.” The head doctor demanded.

“Clear.” A nurse rubbed the defibrillators together before she pressed them onto Lucy's chest. Ona felt herself flinch as she watched the electric jolt Lucy’s body, it was the first time Lucy had ever looked frail.

“I think we may have blood on the lungs!”

“She'll drown. We need to operate.”

“Her body is going into shock!”

“We're losing her. Heart rate has dropped. We’re close to having no pulse.”

Ona stood frozen in fear as she watched Lucy's body fight for its life.

“Ona?”

Ingrid appeared behind Ona, but the girl didn't look at her. The Norwegian nurse looked through the glass to see the commotion that was unfolding.

“Ona. you can't see this. Come.”

The taller girl pulled a crying Ona away.

“No, no. Ingrid! Please! Lucy!”

Ingrid was stronger than Ona would have thought, easily moving her away from the door.

But before the door shut she heard those 3 crippling words.

“We’ve lost her.”

—-----------------

Everything had changed.

Ona had been discharged from the hospital after a week of treatment. Her head was healing nicely, though she still had pain every once in a while.

The first night out of hospital Mapi and Alexia had taken Ona home, ordering her favourite take away and watching a feel good film. Ona was entirely grateful for her friends, she needed them now more then ever and they hadn’t left her side since the day they first saw her in that hospital room.

But when the night was over and the girls left to return to their own homes, Ona felt weird. She felt off, nothing seemed right. It felt like she was being watched, like something was lurking in her home. Noises that normally wouldn’t notice made her nervous. Every little creak, every little bump, she felt her heart race quicker.

She was scared.

The sound of a car door closing made her flinch. She closed her eyes as she tried to block it out, block out the noise of that evil laugh that now consumed her mind.

She couldn’t sleep that night, she tried but she only ended up waking in a puddle of sweat from her nightmares. Her mind had taken her back to that day, back to the pain. She no longer felt safe in her own home.

The next day she packed a bag and stayed in Alexia’s spare room.

Sarina had insisted that she needed to take some time off, and she did, but after the fourth day the girl was going mad alone in Alexia's flat. She needed to distract herself and work was the easiest thing to do.

But, it had been difficult returning to the office without Lucy.

Ona stared out of the office window, the sun was shining considerably bright for the January weather. She found herself staring a lot lately, dissociating with the life around her.

“Hey Ona, I sent over the reports you asked for, have you signed them off?” Jordan put her head over the computer top like she always did.

Ona looked up at her blonde friend.

“No? The ones I asked for on John Burns? You haven't sent it.” Ona opened her emails to make sure.

Jordan looked confused, until realisation hit her.

“I must have sent them to Lucy's email, again.”

Ona felt her chest tighten.

“It's okay.” She tried to put on a smile for her friend.

“It's not. Shit, I’m sorry, Ona. It's not the first time. I just automatically searched her email.”

Demi then appeared next to Jordan.

“I’ve definitely written Lucy's name in a few emails to you, Ona. I’m sorry.”

Both girls looked genuinely distraught, the Spainard could see it on their faces.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry. Seriously.”

A silence fell over the three girls, Demi and Jordan clearly feeling bad.

Ona glanced over at the messy, her eyes lingering over a picture of Lucy and her niece.

“I miss her.” Jordans eyes looked slightly glassy.

“So do I.” Demi looked over to the empty seat that was once filled, it looked like it pained her to do it.

“I made 4 tea’s the other day, one was for Lucy.” She chuckled sadly.

“I do that.” Jordan confessed, as she bit her lip in thought.

Ona felt her heart sink, she let out a sigh as she thought about the brunette.

“I’m going to go for lunch.” Ona started to gather her bits.

“Do you want company?” Jordan asked.

“No, it's okay. Thank you.” Ona smiled at her friends. She wasn't upset with them but she just needed a little time on her own.

Ona made her way to the destination in mind.

—---

“Gravy or curry, darling?”

“Curry, please.”

“Good choice, enjoy sweetheart.”

“Thank you.” Ona smiled at the kind grey haired woman.

She walked to the spot she had been thinking about a lot lately. She faintly smiled as she remembered the night Lucy brought her here. She sat on the bench facing the city. She sat alone in the cold, eating her curry and chips.

—--------

3 months later.

Ona walked into the graveyard, her red umbrella stood over her head as the rain came down around her. She felt weird, she never liked graveyards. Not since she was a kid and attended her abuelas funeral. She spotted an older woman laying flowers on a grave, she wondered if it was a partner that she was visiting.

She walked on, making her way to the spot. Finally, she came face to face to the grave, she looked over the earth that was still risen. Her stomach dipped as she looked at the name. A cold shiver ran up her spine as the memories of that day came back to her.

She looked down at her feet, not knowing what to do. Should she say something? A prayer? She didn't believe in god or any religion, so she wouldn't even know what to say. She felt a wave of emotions hit her, pain, anger, sadness, guilt. Guilt was the main feeling, the one that laid heavy on her chest.

She looked around the peaceful grounds, then back at the tomb stone. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she exhaled. Her mind wondered what life would be like if things were different that day. She wondered what would have happened if Lucy hadn't found her, if she had been aware of her surroundings. That familiar pain in the back of her head creeped at the skin where her scar lived.

Her eyes started to blur with tears. Her scarred hand flexed awkwardly around the umbrella handle as the first tear rolled down her left cheek. Then another, and another, she couldn't stop once she started. The floodgates had opened up. The pain, the anger, the guilt coming up in sobs. She closed her eyes once again, trying to breath through the thoughts swirling in her head.

She took in a deep breath as she finally started to calm down.

Large beams of sun peeked through the clouds, and the rain slowly stopped. Ona still got confused with the British weather. She watched as a double rainbow started to form a mile or so away,it brought a small smile to her wet cheeks. But before she could think about it too much her phone started to ring.

She looked at the screen and answered.

“Hey.”

“Hi, how is it?”

“Fine.” Her voice wobbled a little.

“Just fine?”

“I cried. I feel stupid.” Ona sniffled.

“No! Don’t feel stupid! The therapist said that could happen, didn't she?”

Ona nodded. “Yeah. I’m glad I did it.”

“Good. I’m glad you did too.”

“Sí. I’m heading to you now.”

“Okay, take all the time you need. I’m in no rush.”

Ona laughed through wet eyes. “That's a lie! You’ve been in that hospital bed for 3 months, even the nurses say you're driving them to the wall.”

“It's ‘up the wall.’ And I'll have you know that nurse Mary loves me.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Ona rolled her eyes. “I'll see you soon.”

“Okay. See you in a bit.”

Ona took one last look at the grave.

‘Here lies Frank Smith. May god rest his soul��

She walked away. Her smile grew as the sun opened up the clouds further. She suddenly felt lighter as she left the place of rest.

—---------------

“Okay, that's everything.” Ona looked over at her empty suitcase as she hung the last bit of clothing up in the now packed wardrobe.

“Yeah?”

Ona shivered as a familiar voice purred into her ear.

“You should be resting.” The Spaniard turned around, a concerned look on her face.

“What's the point of resting if I dont have my sexy girlfriend nurse at my beck and call?”

Ona snorted with laughter. “Are you serious? Gosh you're so needy, Luce.”

She cupped Lucy's face, bringing their lips together, smiling at the needy woman.

Though It had been a difficult 3 months.

Ona had nearly lost Lucy in the hospital that night, and even weeks after. Her body had gone into a cardiac arrest, her heart had actually stopped beating for a whole minute. But the girl didn't have the name ‘Tough’ for no reason. It was a miracle really, the doctors and nurses brought her back from death's doors. It was a rocky road from then on. She had been in a coma for 3 weeks, her body had worked overtime to keep her alive. She had specialists watching over her constantly, day and night, worried she could slip at any point.

But after 3 long weeks Lucy woke up.

When she finally awakened from her long sleep, she was met with those beautiful brown eyes that she fell in love with. Staring down at her.

“Bon dia.” Ona whispered.

The older brunette stayed in the hospital for 3 long months. She recovered quickly, though the doctors had to keep constantly reminding her to take it easy. Ona visited her everyday, she even introduced Alexia and Mapi to Lucy. Giving Mapi even more reason to see a certain nurse.

Lucy needed a lot of care, her body was getting better but she was on crutches, she needed help to wash, cook and clean and Ona was the first person to volunteer. So, it was decided that Ona would move in with Lucy.

The Spaniard hadn’t slept in her own flat since the night she stayed with Alexia. The blonde was sad to see her go, but she also couldn't deny how happy and excited her younger friend was.

The younger brunette smiled as she leaned into her lover.

“I love the taste of your lips.” Lucy purred into Ona’s mouth.

Ona whimpered, already feeling a jolt of heat travelling South. To say she was desperate was an understatement. It has been over 3 months since she and Lucy had sex but she wasn't about to jump on Lucy while her body was still healing.

“Lucy. You know we can’t. Your stitches-”

“Are fine. I promise. I’ll stop if it's too much.”

She kissed the petite girl softly.

Ona bit her cheek in worry, but god she wanted Lucy so badly.

Lucy saw the pensive look on her face, she understood the stress and anxiety that Ona had been through since that day. Her cuts and bruises may have healed but her mental state hadn't and Lucy was never going to make her feel like she had to do anything.

Lucy gently cupped Ona’s chin, her green eyes scanning her face. She lovingly stroked her thumb on the girl's left cheek.

“We don’t have to do anything, you know? I’ll wait for you. Whenever you feel ready.”

Ona melted into the older brunette's soft touch, her reassuring voice made her heart melt. She felt so safe with Lucy. She knew the girl would never push her, she knew she would understand if she wasn’t ready. She had been scared for this moment, but that feeling of being scared didn’t come up, Lucy was enough to make her feel safe.

“Thank you, Luce. I’m good. I just, I’m a little embarrassed.”

“What? Why?” The brunette looked genuinely confused.

“I’m of wet already.” Ona bit her lip, her brown doe eyes looking innocently up at Lucy.

Lucy's mouth gaped open. The Spaniard watched as her pupils grew with pure want.

Ona flirtatiously pushed her chin closed, smiling playfully as she walked backwards, taking Lucys free hand that wasn't holding a crutch. She guided them towards the bed. Lucy hobbled with her good leg, Ona couldn't help but think she even made that look sexy.

“Come lay down.” Ona whispered as she patted the middle of the bed.

Lucy lent her crutch on the wall as she slowly took a seat on the edge of the bed. Trying her best not to wince, but Ona didn't miss a thing.

“You sure you’re okay, Luce?”

This time it was the younger brunette to stroke Lucy's cheek.

“Yeah. I think I might just have to be on my back. My thighs a bit sore. Sorry, really great sex talk.” She rolled her eyes in slight frustration.

“Hey, that's okay. You know I like to be on top.” Ona purred as she brought her lips to Lucy's ear, nibbling on the sensitive skin.

Lucy's jaw clenched as she felt her body needing the girl in front of her. She pulled Ona closer to her, capturing their lips together. The kiss was slow and gentle, nobody pushed for dominance. Both girls just wanted to familiarise themselves with each other. Of course they had sneaked a few kisses here and there in the hospital but they had been interrupted nearly every time. Ingrid had even started covering her eyes before she entered.

The kiss slowly deepened. It was Lucy who first asked for entry, humming when Ona easily gave it to her. Her tongue stroked Ona’s lips, making the girl whimper. Lucy felt her clit throb hearing those beautiful noises she pulled from the girl.

The kiss became more intense, but it wasn't messy, it was still slow, but the emotional force became more apparent, the girls hummed and groaned as they pushed everything they were feeling for eachother in their kiss. Lucy felt Ona’s fingers at the bottom of her shirt, waning the clothing gone.

“Can I?” She mumbled against her lips.

“Y-Yeah.” Lucy nodded.

Ona unbuttoned the shirt without breaking the kiss, exposing Lucy's firm stomach.

And her scars.

The Spaianrd stroked her hands over Lucy's chest, smiling into the kiss as she felt no signs of a bra. Her fingertips came into contact with the small lump on Lucy's chest. She broke the kiss as she leaned back, she eyed the red mark and brought her lips to Lucy's chest gently kissing the scar that was still healing.

“I love you.” She gently pressed her lips back on Lucys.

The older brunette smiled. “I love you too.”

Lucy removed Ona’s t-shirt, her eyes took in the beautiful girl in front of her. She felt a rush of love take over her as she began to kiss the younger girl's neck with the most gentle of touches.

Everything was slow, every touch, every kiss, every move. Neither girl wanted to miss a thing, each little gasp and little whimper heightened the rush between them. Ona broke the kisses, she stood up as she unbuttoned her trousers, but it was Lucy who removed her little black thongs.

She kissed Ona’s stomach, relishing in the tiny gasps that fell from the Spanianrds mouth. She left a small trail of kisses along her abs, flicking her tongue along her milky skin. Ona could feel herself becoming wetter from each kiss. She was sure she could have come from Lucy’s tongue on her skin alone.

“Come.”

“I’m going to if you keep doing that.”

Lucy laughed. “No, I mean come.”

Lucy dragged herself to the headboard. Her back was now leaning against it. Ona shuffled on her knees towards the older brunette.

“Come sit.” Lucy tapped her good thigh, a lustful smile plastered her face.

The Spaniard bit her lip as she gently straddled her good thigh.

“Fuck!” She hissed as her wet pussy came into contact with something other than her own fingers.

Lucy's hands instantly gripped her hips, gently making the girl rock on to her thigh. Ona understood the gesture and began to move her hips, sliding her wet sex along Lucy's skin.

“You look so good, Ona.” Lucy sighed in pleasure as she watched her girlfriend use her thigh to work herself up.

Ona’s head dropped back, feeling her orgasm already building up, but she didn't want to come like this. She stopped her movements.

“I want you, Lucy. Please.” She took Lucy's hand from her hip, placing it between her legs. “Inside.” She whispered breathlessly.

“Anything you want.” Lucy husked as she brought her fingers to her core, coating her digits with Ona’s essence.

She circled her clit, her own arousal growing as she watched the girl whine above her. Her eyes took in Ona’s naked form in front of her. Her heart swelled knowing she was all hers.

“Ona, baby. How are you so-”

She pushed her fingers inside, smiling as Ona gasped.

“Perfect.”

“Dios, fuck!” The younger girl whimpered as she took Lucy in.

Lucy was gentle, she slowly stroked her fingers in and out of Ona’s tight walls. The younger brunette rolled her hips at a slow pace, her core fluttered as she remembered what it was like to have Lucy again.

“You feel so good.” She closed her eyes as she allowed herself to get lost in Lucy's touch.

Lucy was in heaven as she watched the petite girl's jaw slacken. Her neck tilted back as she fluttered around Lucy's fingers.

She moved her hand from Ona’s hip to her long caramel hair, gently entangling her fingers. Ona’s eyes opened as she felt Lucys touch. She leaned closer to Lucy, her heart fluttering at the smile Lucy gave her.

“I love you, Ona.”

Lucy pressed her forehead to her lover. Their lips inches apart.

“I love you-u.”

Lucy's fingers started to pick up pace, bringing the girl closer to her peak.

“I’ll always protect you.” Lucy whispered, her voice trembled as she let her emotions get to her.

Ona heard her tone, she felt her own eyes water at the words, she knew Lucy was trying to get her emotions across.

Ona connected their lips once more, gasping into Lucy's mouth as she felt her cunt flutter around her fingers. The older brunette circled her thumb around Ona’s very wet clit, she smiled into the kiss as the Spaniard let out a desperate cry.

“Lucy! D-Don’t stop. Please!” She trembled above.

Lucy shook her head. “Never. I’ve got you, I've got you, baby.”

Ona bit her lip, her thighs began to shake as that warm familiar feeling drifted up her body. Their heated mouths came together as Ona rocked harder on Lucy's fingers.

The pure love the girls had for each other was radiating intensely between them, it was like a pull of inner thoughts, both yearning for the other flowing, pouring between them as one person. This was more than sex, they were making love.

“Fuck. I’m coming.”

“Come for me baby, you can do it.” Lucy whispered against her lover's lips, adoring the way Ona’s breath hitched.

Ona let out a whimpering moan as her body spasmed against Lucy’s. The older brunette watched in wonder as she felt the soft muscles twitch around her fingers. She smiled proudly as she kissed Ona’s chest, tasting the sweat on her skin,

“Lucy. Fuck.” The Spaniard breathlessly giggled as she felt her body shaking.

Lucy stared at the drop dead gorgeous girl in front of her, she bit her lip as she eyed the dark freckles that she loved so much, the brown specks standing out against her flushed face.

She slowly removed her fingers, but didn’t dare waste the taste of her girl. She sucked off any remaining juices as Ona watched her with wide eyes. She yelped in shock as Ona smashed her lips against her own, her tongue begging to taste herself on Lucy.

“I want you.” Ona mumbled against Lucy's lips.

“Yeah?” Lucy smirked as she felt Ona tug at her jogger bottoms.

“So badly.” Ona began to kiss down Lucy’s body, giving her abs extra attention. She eyed the second scar, making sure to give the mark a lingering kiss.

“How did I get so lucky?” Lucy stroked Ona’s hair behind her ear.

The younger girl moved lower sucking on Lucy's tight skin. She easily slipped the joggers and Lucy's boxers off, revealing just how wet Lucy was for her.

“Oh? Someones a little excited.” Ona smirked as she lowered herself back down between Lucy's thighs, gently biting the sensitive flesh.

“Hmm, fuck. Ona.” The brunette closed her eyes as she let out a desperate sigh. “Please, ba- shit!”

Ona eagerly stroked her tongue through the girl's wet lips, humming as she was finally able to taste Lucy again.

“Ona, your mouth is so fucking perfect.”

Ona buried her face further, dipping her tongue into Lucy's tight walls. The older brunette lovingly stroked Ona’s hair back, watching the girl as she fucked her with her tongue. A groan rumbled from her throat as the girl between her legs pleasured her like it was her job. Her wetness was constantly coating the girl's tongue, as her pussy spasmed with heat.

Ona would stay there all day if she could, her eyes closed in pleasure, swallowing Lucy's essence, feeling Lucy on her tongue. She smiled as she felt Lucy's fingers stroke her face. She looked up at the girl on her back, she shot a wink as she saw Lucy watching her. Her beautiful green hooded eyes struggled to stay focused.

“You’re so amazing, Ona.” Lucy sighed as she stroked Ona’s hair once more.

Ona kept their eyes fixed as she gilded her tongue through Lucy's velvety folds, wrapping her lips around her erect clit. Lucy broke the gaze as her head was thrown back on the pillow, her clit finally in Ona’s warm mouth.

“Yes, just like that, Ona.”

Lucy delicately entangled her fingers through the caramel locks, she had a secret obsession with Ona’s hair, she loved the feeling of her soft tresses in between her fingers. She tried to keep her eyes on the girl as she bobbed her head up and down as she sucked and licked her bundle of nerves. But when Ona began to kiss her clit she lost it.

She felt her thighs shaking, the warm feeling in her thighs and stomach began to rise.

Her hand pushed Onas head slightly further between her legs.

“That's it. Just like that. I love you so fucking much. You’re so fucking perfect.”

Lucy groaned as her hips grinded up into Ona’s mouth, her swollen lips kept her swollen clit captured, swirling her tongue around the pink head. She watched as the beautiful girl above her jolted and moaned, her abs flexing with each thrust. She watched proudly as she crumbled above her.

Lucy hit her climax, the heavy feeling washed over her body as she came loudly in her girlfriend's mouth.

She shakily breathed out shorts gasps, her chest rising and falling hard. Ona was almost scared she might have pushed her body a little too hard.

“You okay there?” Ona kissed her thigh.

“Okay isn't even close to the word that I’m feeling.” Lucy chuckled breathlessly.

Ona laid her head against Lucy's good thigh, she was absolutely in love with her view. This gorgeous goddess of a woman was still stroking her hair as she calmed her heart rate down. The older brunette caught her eyes on the Spaniard.

“You’re so beautiful, Lucy,”

Lucy's cheeks blushed harder than before.

“Thank you, but you can’t see the view that I have right now.”

Ona’s brown eyes twinked as she smiled up at her lover. She kissed Lucy's thighs as she made her way up, she came in contact with the third scar on Lucy's body. She gently kissed the red mark on her thigh, kissing her way right up into Lucy's mouth.

Everything had changed, but their love had only grown.

—---------

1 year later.

“Come on, Lucy. We're going to be late.” Ona shouted from their bedroom as she fixed her earrings in.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Lucy pulled her suit jacket on as she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror.

Her head snapped up as she heard a wolf whistle from the door, smiling as Ona greedily took in her outfit.

“Maybe we can be a little late.” Ona giggled as she walked over capturing Lucy's lips.

“Yes! We definitely can!” Lucy picked the shorter girl up with ease, smirking when she heard the surprised squeak from her girl. She placed her on the bathroom side, slotting herself between Ona’s legs, her strong hands pushed the black flowy dress up. Smiling to herself as she exposed the Spaniards thighs.

Her mouth eagerly captured Ona’s, the younger brunette moaned into the heated kiss. But she pulled herself away before she could get too into it.

“No, I was joking, we have to go! This day is for you.” Ona reminded her.

Lucy sighed as she looked away, Ona frowned as she instantly saw the worry on her girlfriend's face.

“Hey, what's wrong? Are you not happy for today?”

Lucy anxiously rubbed her thumbs on the younger girl's exposed thighs, not meeting Ona’s eyes.

“Luce? What's wrong? Talk to me.” Ona lifted Lucy's chin, forcing the girl to look at her.

“I….I just worry that I don't actually deserve this.” She sighed heavily,

“Oh, my baby. Of course you do, Luce. There isn't anyone out there that's more deserving than you. That's why she's picked you.”

Lucy's thumbs continued their movements on the girl's skin.

“Lucy? Come on. The whole team also think it, you know that right? They adore you and you put in 110 percent everyday.”

Lucy smiled into Ona’s hand. Her words perking her up slightly.

“You sure?” The girl's tone was full of doubt.

It was weird for Ona to see Lucy so unsure of herself. The girl was a beacon of self confidence.

“I’m a thousand percent sure. You’re the back bone to that place. And besides you literally saved my life.” Ona gently kissed Lucy’s lips, happy to feel her girlfriend melt into the kiss.

“Hmm, I did, didn’t I?”

Lucy’s thumbs snaked up Ona’s thighs as the kiss became a little more heated. The shorter girl’s breath hitched when she felt Lucy’s fingers stroke over her lace underwear.

“You sure we don’t have time?”

Ona groaned as she reluctantly pulled away. “I’m sure, let’s go.”

Lucy pouted but the shorter girl only ignored her, giving her a quick peck on her lips instead. Lucy helped her back down, smacking her arse as they left the bathroom.

—————

“Thank you everyone for coming today. It’s a real honour to have been promoted to Chief Constable. I will do my best to feel some big shoes. But I actually want to thank the team. If it wasn’t for them myself and Ona wouldn’t be standing here with you today. I want to also thank Sarina for not firing me.”

The room of guests laughed as Lucy winked at Sarina.

“You have taught me so much over the years, and I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to also learn and grow into the role. Thank you for also allowing me to work things on my own.”

The room clapped and cheered.

“Ona. Thank you for being the rock that I needed after everything that happened. You were my sun when things got dark. You stuck by me through my good and bad days, and trust me there were many bad days. But you never gave up on me. I hope I was your rock during this journey, and I hope to be your rock forever.”

Ona nodded her head, watching only Lucy. Her eyes watered with tears as she proudly looked at her girlfriend. She looked up at Jill when she felt her hand on her shoulder.

“Anyways. That’s enough from me. I think it’s time for some shots!”

The group broke out into laughs and cheers.

Lucy headed straight to Ona who had the biggest smile on her face, she looked so utterly proud of Lucy.

—----------

2 and half years later.

“Ready Bronze?”

“So ready.” Lucy chuckled as she looked in the mirror.

“What are you talking about? She's been ready since the day Ona walked into that office.” Demi rolled her eyes, laughing at the question.

“That's true, she was a goner the moment she looked into those big brown eyes.” Jill chuckled as she pushed Lucy out the way to look at her own reflection.

“I won’t even argue, you're all right.” Lucy smirked as she fixed her tie.

“Come on then! Let's go get you down the aisle. Your soon to be wife is probably getting impatient.”

Alexia walked into Ona’s room, smiling at her best friend.

“You look beautiful, Ona.”

“Thank you, Ale.” The petite girl opened her arms for best friend.

“I look good too? No?” Mapi strolled over, joining the hug.

Alexia rolled her eyes, but her smirk was anything but annoyed. “Si, Mapi, you look beautiful too.” Alexia squeezed her friend's cheek.

“Aye! Watch my make up!” Mapi whacked Alexia’s hand away.

“Si, sorry! I wouldn't want you to look bad for your sexy nurse girlfriend!” Alexia chuckled, as she made sure Ona’s hair was in place. “You ready, Ona?” The blonde girl eyed Ona in the mirror as she held her shoulders.

“So ready.” She smiled brightly at her bridesmaids.

The day was perfect, the weather was perfect, the food was perfect, the music was perfect, the atmosphere was perfect. It was everything they dreamed of and more.

The newly wedded couple danced in the middle of the room as everyone around them watched and smiled. They swayed to the song that now meant more to them than anyone would ever understand.

Ona tucked her head underneath Lucy's chin, she inhaled the familiar perfume that brought her so much comfort. Lucy kissed the top of her wife's head, smiling into her soft hair.

🎵You do something to me that I can't explain. Hold me closer and I feel no pain. Every beat of my heart. We got something going on. 🎵

—------

“Don’t drop me!” Ona squealed as Lucy carried her through the hotel room. Again.

It was the third day into their honeymoon but she insisted that she needed to be carried every time.

“When have I ever dropped you?”

“That one time when-”

The girl was cut off when Lucy purposefully kissed her. Clearly not wanting to be reminded of that one time she dropped the Spaniard. But, Ona was more than happy to let it go when Lucy kissed her like that.

The taller brunette laid her newly wedded wife on the large double bed, she continued to kiss the girl below her, smiling as shs felt Ona’s hips grinding up into her.

“You already desperate, baby?”

Ona nodded with her teeth between her lips, her caramel hair laid out on the white sheets. Her hooded brown eyes were desperate for Lucy.

Lucy bit her lip as she looked at the girl below her, she'd never get bored of this sight.

“What does my wife want?” She kissed Ona’s neck, sucking hard on her skin. Ona’s hands gripped on Lucy's waist as she felt the impeccable love bite being made on her skin.

“Fuck me, ruin me.” Ona gasped as Lucy attached her mouth to the girl's easily accessed nipple, it made Lucy wonder if she wore this dress for this only purpose.

Lucy trailed wet sloppy kisses all over Ona’s chest, smirking as her wife’s whimpers became louder. She sucked and licked the sensitive flesh, opening the buttons that travelled down the easily accessed garment. She pulled the smaller girl to the edge of the bed, lowering herself to her knees.

Her mouth gaped open as she was greeted with Ona’s already wet and exposed lips.

“No underwear?” Lucy smirked.

“No.” Ona husked, hearing the sultry and shocked hint in Lucy's voice.

Lucy looked up to the skies as if she was thanking the gods for sending her this perfect girl.

She leaned in closer, her mouth watered at the beautiful site in front of her. A dripping and messy Ona was her favourite kind of Ona. One long broad stroke had the Spainards eyes rolling in the back of her head.

“Lucccyy.”

The older brunette lapped noisily at Onas entrance, smiling into Ona’s cunt when she began to lift her hips up, needing more friction.

“You taste even better as my wife.” Lucy groaned as she licked her lips.

Ona loved being spoken to during sex, it would always make her wet, but being called Lucy's wife nearly broke the fucking dam.

“Say it again.” Ona breathed out.

“My wife?” Lucy wrapped her mouth around Ona’s clit.

“Fuck! Again.”

“My wife, Mrs Ona Bronze.” She chuckled as she softly licked through Onas sensitive flesh.

The Spanairds legs started to shake, her hand entangled in Lucy's dark locks, gripping tightly as her hips grinded into Lucy’s talented mouth. She could feel every inch of the girl's tongue, gently caressing her heat.

“I’m your wife, Lucy. I belong to you. No one else. I’m only yours.” Ona gasped as her body started to feel her orgasm climbing.

The older brunette groaned into Ona’s core, she felt herself becoming almost dizzy at Ona’s words. She pulled Ona’s strong legs further apart as she ate her girl out like her life depended on it. The young brunette’s hips started to frash, as she pushed Lucy further into her core, her jaw clenching as her orgasm was about to crash over her.

Lucy replaced her tongue with her thumb, watching the girl losing all control over her body.

“Is my wife going to come for me? My good obedient wife?”

“Yes. Yes!”

“You’re so pretty for me, Ona. So wet and pretty. My pretty life wife.” Lucy brought her mouth back to Onas' pussy as she easily slipped two fingers inside her wife.

The dam broke.

Ona’s cunt clenched around Lucy's fingers as her orgasm erupted through her sweaty body. Her fingers pulled on Lucy's hair as she moaned out in pleasure, fucking her wifes face. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to recover, but Lucy’s tongue was still caressing her folds.

Her strong thighs tried to close around Lucy's head as her wife continued to suckle her clit between her lips, but Lucy's strong arms kept her open as the girl tried to squirm away. She whimpered loudly as Lucy's mouth never let up, drinking her down, swallowing every drop.

“Lucy!” Ona begged.

Lucy didn't listen, she was too engrossed in the taste of Ona, too distracted at the way her thighs trembled around hands. She eyed the petite girl above her, she had already won the fight when Ona began to moan again.

She stayed between the girl's legs until she gave her another orgasm. Her face and sheets were covered in Ona’s juices.

“Such a good wife.” Ona chuckled as she watched the girl quiver on the bed.

She walked over to the suitcase, pulling out the strap she loved. She stripped her clothes, pulling her harness over her legs.

Ona was already desperate for her again. She didn't need to be told what position to get into, she turned around spreading her knees as she put herself in Lucy's favourite position.

Lucy smiled as she watched the shorter brunette.

“You really are obedient, aren't you?” She slapped the girl's arse cheek, leaving a bright red mark.

“Yes.” Ona nodded her face pressed against the sheets.

The taller brunette stood behind the girl, exposing her dripping sex. She grabbed the strap in her hand, and gently rubbed it through Ona’s puffy wet lips.

“Luce, please.” Ona whispered.

“Don’t worry baby. I’m right here.” Lucy stroked the girl's cheeks as she slowly pushed herself into her wife, loving the way Ona gasped as she entered her.

This view of Ona was maybe Lucy's favourite view. Having the girl bent over, dripping wet, giving herself so easily over to Lucy sent an animalistic urge through her. She rocked her hips at a steady pace, pulling the thick strap all the way out, leaving the head inside Ona’s walls as she easily slid back.

It was a gentle motion but it didn't stop Ona from gasping for air, she could feel every inch of Lucy inside her. The way she stroked along her tight walls, her cunt clenching along the plastic made her brows twitch.

“Look at my good little bride. Taking me, pleasing me just like you should.” Lucy started to rock her hips faster, rougher.

“Y-Yes. I want to please you, L-Lucyyy.” She started to grip the sheets below her as Lucy began to fuck the ait out of her.

“You always please me Ona. Fuck.” Her head rolled back in pleasure as the base of the strap rubbed perfectly at her clit. “If it's not your perfect mouth pleasing me, it's your perfect tight pussy.”

Ona got louder as the trust got deeper, the rooms next door would definitely know Lucys name by the end of today, but Lucy didnt care about the neighbours right now, she just wanted to fuck her wife.

“Fuck, just like that Ona, you take it so goos, baby.”

She gripped on to Ona’s arms, pulling them behind her back. She smirked wickedly the moment she heard the tell tell signs of her wifes next orgasm approaching.

“No, no. Not yet. Don’t you dare come, Ona.”

Ona let out a high pitched whine, she was already close, her over stimulated body was almost giving up.

Lucy held her wrist behind her back with her one large hand as she grabbed Ona’s caramel hair in her other hand. She tugged at the long tresses, making Ona’s noises even louder as her head was forced to move.

Lucy felt her back start to sweat. She was working the girl hard, her body was gleaming with her own sweat, her muscles flexed as she stroked in and out of the girl's tired body. She was fucking the girl like she was trying to put a baby inside her. The sounds of wet skin bounded across the room, along with loud pleasured moans.

“Is Ona Bronze going to come for me? Come all over my strap?”

Lucy groaned at her own words, her orgasm was just on the horizon.

“Yes. YES! Please.”

“Louder.”

“YES!”

“Always ready to please and obey. Aren't you, Ona? Such a good fucking wife.”

Ona’s cheeks blushed, Lucy’s words were throwing her mind into a haze.

Lucy felt her orgasm washing over her body. She gripped harder on Ona, fucking the girl hard into the bed below

“Come with me, baby!”

Both girls let out a mess of moans. Lucy’s body shook behind Ona as she came with a loud groan, yanking the girl's hair back as she did.

She could feel Ona’s walls sucking her strap in deeper, watching the plastic sinking into her walls.

“So good. So good! My good little wife.”

Ona lost all ability to hold herself up. She allowed Lucy to pull her up against her chest, her eyes fluttered shut feeling Lucy’s lips against her neck.

“I love you.” Lucy nuzzled Ona’s sweaty neck.

“I love you too.” The shorter girl smiled lazily.

Lucy pulled out of Ona gently, discarding the strap.

“Shall we actually go to the beach now?” Lucy chuckled.

Ona laughed out loud, her caramel hair swaying down her back. Lucy noticed the Mexican sun had already made her freckles darker.

“Yeah, let’s go.” The younger brunette agreed. “Shall we go to the nudist beach?” Ona suggested with a cheeky smile.

Lucy nearly broke her neck as she snapped her head up. “No! Nobody gets to see my wife naked. Only me.” Lucy pouted.

Ona crawled to the end of the bed, kissing Lucy’s chest with her doe brown eyes looking up innocently.

“Hmm, remind me again.” Ona mumbled against Lucy's skin.

“My wife.” Lucy whispered.

The petite brunette could smell the wetness between Lucy's legs. It made her mouth water. She slowly started to kiss down her skin until her lips wrapped around Lucy's already swollen clit.

“Fuck! My perfect wife.” Lucy groaned, her mouth opening in pleasure.

She entangled her fingers between Ona’s hair, face fucking hair newly wedded wife.

The beach could wait.

—---------

4 years later.

Lucy heard a knock on the door.

“That must be them.” She smiled at her wife.

She made her way to the front door, smiling as she could hear Alexia and Mapi bickering.

“Merry Christmas!” Mapi shouted as she barged through the front door, her hands full of presents.

“Merry Christmas, Mapi. You good?” Lucy chuckled as she watched the tattooed girl struggle to walk past her.

“Yeah, I’m good. Where’s my baby?”

Ingrid kissed Lucy on the cheek as she followed her fiance inside. “Merry Christmas, Lucy.”

“Merry Christmas, Ingrid. She's in the front room with Ona.” The brunette smiled.

Alexia hugged Lucy at the door as she rolled her eyes.

“She’s hyper already.” Alexia mumbled.

“It's christmas, you know what she's like.” Lucy chuckled.

Alexia sighed, nodding her head. “Yeah, a child.”

Ona stood up to greet Mapi but the girl pushed past her, ignoring her friend completely and aiming for the 6 month old baby girl.

Ingrid shook her head as she hugged Ona, Alexia came straight after.

“Drinks?” Lucy asked as she opened the fridge.

“Si, Lucy. Mapi you can't hog her the whole day. You had her all day last week. You always do it!” Alexia groaned as she tried to take the chubby baby from Mapis arms.

Ingrid watched as Mapi ran from her blonde friend. The bumberling baby laughed as she was jostled about.

“I know that look.” Ona poked the raven haired girl.

Ingrid's cheeks blushed pink.

“One day. But she's my baby for now.” Ingrid chuckled.

Alexia finally got hold of the curly headed baby, smiling as she cuddled her, but as soon as she held her she started to cry.

“No! See Mapi! This is what you do!” Alexia tried to bounce the baby to calm her down.

Lucy came next to Ona hugging her tightly. She chuckled at the sight before her.

“I love you, Ona.”

“I love you. Lucy.”

#woso #woso community #woso fanfics #lucy bronze #woso smut #ona batlle #ona batlle smut #ona batlle x lucy bronze #alternate universe #alexia putellas #mapi leon #ingrid engen

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pikahlua · 10 months ago

Note

Wait pika do you really mean don't ask you about predictions? Some of my favourite Tumblr posts of all time are your thoughts, theories and predictions! :((

Please sleep also, but when you can let us know what's going on in that head of yours. I'm desperate for someone with a brain cell to discuss this chapter! (Twitter is a cesspit)

I mean, you can ask lol. I just sometimes get these vague "any predictions?" asks and it's like, YES. YES I HAVE SOME. BUT IT'S FAR TOO MANY TO JUST LIST LIKE THAT, CAN YOU PLEASE BE MORE SPECIFIC?

Okay, I'll tell you about my thoughts.

This is a new frame of the scene in chapter 1. This perspective doesn't exist as a drawing in chapter 1, but we know pretty easily what this scene was about. Why is Horikoshi putting the scene here though? Why does this scene have the line "Let go of One For All"? Why not draw Kudou saying it, or Izuku's reaction to it? Is it because this is a memory of the scene where Izuku receives OFA, so giving OFA up is coming around full circle to this moment again?

I don't think so.

This is not the moment where All Might proclaims "you are worthy of inheriting my power" and Izuku looks up in shock. This is the moment where All Might says the words Izuku has longed to hear his whole life: "You can become a hero."

We're coming back to this moment now because the emphasis is on Izuku's upcoming choice. This is about the MEANING Izuku places in OFA. All Might told Izuku "you can't become a hero without a quirk," then shows up to tell Izuku he can become a hero...by giving him his quirk.

To Izuku, letting go of One For All is sacrificing his greatest dream. He believes by giving up One For All, he can no longer be a hero. Even though there have been moments where All Might let on that the reason Izuku deserves to have OFA is because he's already a hero, Izuku never seems to internalize that answer. He thinks his heroism is tied to being the bearer of One For All.

No one has ever told Izuku he can be a hero without a quirk.

I said before I had a big guess about why Katsuki's memory was wiped at the end of Heroes Rising. Notably, he is allowed to remember most of what happens. His memory cuts off from the moment Izuku passed One For All onto him. Do you remember what Katsuki said after he got OFA?

"This is the end of your dream then, too, huh?"

That's the last thing he ever says on the matter. Sure, it's the moment where Izuku answers with "It's okay if it's you" and all that, but Katsuki never responds to that. We don't know what he's thinking about this moment.

The only clue we have is the fact that he accepted the quirk from Izuku, and how he reacted to that. He seems quite upset by the prospect, but in the end he relents and accepts OFA willingly.

Perhaps the issue he is grappling with in his heart in these moments is not the fact that he has to inherit OFA but that Izuku has to lose it. Which means...the reason he loses his memory is because his reaction is important. It's a moment we will have in the manga, which makes it a spoiler.

We've never heard Katsuki tell Izuku what he thinks of quirklessness now. All he's ever told Izuku is that way back when, he thought it meant Izuku was supposed to be beneath him. He doesn't even tell Izuku why he felt like somehow Izuku was actually above him.

He's also only ever told Izuku his actions were correct ever since he received One For All, nothing about before.

I think Katsuki's reaction to Izuku losing OFA--which could come before the final battle or after--will have to be about his feelings regarding Izuku's quirklessness. I think Izuku is going to be incredibly hurt by losing One For All because he'll think he has lost his dream, and Katsuki is going to have to set him right, because only Katsuki knew who Izuku was before he had One For All. All Might is the only other person who had at best a glimpse of Izuku.

I think Katsuki has been coming to terms with just how special Izuku is, how heroic he always has been, and that he's the only one capable of acknowledging it in a way Izuku will be able to hear because he knew Izuku before he got One For All. I think he's been grappling with this possibility ever since DvK2.

And I think he grapples with it again in Katsuki Bakugou: Rising.

In the same way Izuku saw something great in Katsuki that he wanted to cling to so he could see what Katsuki would one day become, Katsuki has always seen something great in Izuku, which awed and scared him. Their greatest divide was in not knowing what greatness the other saw in them. Katsuki has to tell Izuku what Izuku is to him.

Katsuki has to tell Izuku the words he's always wanted to hear, that he can be a hero, quirk or no, that Izuku always has been a hero, more than anybody else. Katsuki knows the truth of it firsthand.

#anon ask #ask pika #my hero academia manga spoilers #final arc spoilers #my hero academia heroes rising spoilers #izuku midoriya #katsuki bakugou #meta #theory #bakudeku

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babymetaldoll · 2 months ago

Text

Are you mine? - Chapter two: “Let the fear you have fall away”

Summary: (Y/N) is very pregnant and she will have to learn to deal with the hormonal swings, the fears, the nausea and the realization that things might never be the same again. Word count: 11.110 words Warnings: mention of a daddy kind, description of Criminal Cases from season 9 ep 19 Mr & Mrs. Anderson. Extreme fluff, some light angst. A/N: years ago I wrote the entire story of how Spencer found out he was gonna be a dad with reader, it's called: "You are gonna be the best dad."

Series' Masterlist - Author's masterlist

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Spencer’s point of view

When (Y/N) told me she was pregnant with our first baby, it was one of the most chaotic moments of my life. I had no idea what was going on.

We didn’t try for too long before she realized her period was late, just four months of many, many attempts to have a baby. I was blind to the first signs: her breasts were getting bigger and her stomach was giving her a hard time. I never noticed anything, which eventually made me feel like a lousy profiler if you ask me. But I wasn't trying to read her, and she was waiting for the right time to tell me. She had it all planned: she had even rented a cabin in the woods for the following weekend, and she had a little box of clues gathered to surprise me.

But, of course, our job got in the way, like it always did when something important was about to happen. We were caught up in a case and never made it in time to enjoy the cabin. Besides, the team realized something was up with my wife, even before I suspected anything. By the time we were back in DC after solving that case, they had all noticed she was pregnant, and even Emily in London knew I was gonna be a dad before I did.

I remember getting our bags in the car, still in the FBI parking, when somehow I found the box filled with all the clues and little treats she had gotten for me.

- “Hey, chipmunk? What’s in this box?”

- “What?”- (Y/N) turned around and tried to grab it from my hands, but it was too late. My curiosity was faster and I had already opened it.

- “What’s all this? a teddy bear with glasses? That’s funny. A rattle, baby shoes…”- I started taking everything from the box, still not getting what it was all about. (Y/N) sighed and looked at me, trying to find the right words to give me the news.

- “Honey…”

- “A onesie that says “baby genius, like my dad,”- I remember thinking We should get one of these when we have a baby. I was embarrassingly stupid at that minute, and I blame the exhaustion after the case. Besides, I know I can be clueless about the obvious sometimes.

- “Honey bunny…”- my wife stood in front of me and looked at my confused face as I kept trying to understand what those things were doing there.

- “Why do you have all these things in our car?”

- “There is one more thing in the box you haven’t seen yet.”- (Y/N) whispered with a sweet smile on her lips. I dug into the box again until I finally grabbed a pregnancy test with a little note hanging from it.

- “Baby Reid, coming soon.”- I read out loud and immediately opened my eyes wide, in shock.

- “I’m so sorry, Spencer. I didn’t want to tell you here. I wanted to make it special”- (Y/N) whispered and even pouted as I looked at her in complete disbelief. Yes, we stood in the parking lot at Quantico, but she was delivering the most important news I had ever received.

- “You… we are… you are….”- I stuttered as I tried to make my brain work again. I felt all my brain cells had turned off the second I connected all the dots.

- “Yes.”- she smiled and took a step closer to me as she added- “We are gonna have a baby.”

I could only stare at her, in shock. Her eyes were filled with tears as she waited for my reaction. Meanwhile, I could barely process all that information. My heart was pounding in my chest and my eyes were watering as I just looked at my wife.

- “Come here,”- when I finally managed to speak, I hugged her tight and tried not to sob as I kissed her, and repeatedly thanked her.

- “Why are you thanking me?”- (Y/N) whispered against my chest and I just chuckled, still shocked. It took me a few seconds to gather my thoughts because I felt like I was dreaming. Somehow at that minute, life was too perfect to be true.

- “Because you just gave me everything I ever wanted,”- I murmured and wiped off the tears from my face quickly before cupping her cheeks with my hands and kissing her lips sweetly.

- “I just wanna make you happy, Spencer Walter Reid,”- she answered between kisses, making me smile.

- “You are very good at that”- I said as I wrapped her in my arms and kissed her one more time.

- “You make me happy too just so you know,”- (Y/N) added and smiled as I rested my forehead against hers. My wife was pregnant, it was a dream come true.

- “And you are gonna be a great dad, honey bunny.”- (Y/N) said and it still shocked me to hear those words.

- “I’m gonna be a dad,”- I repeated and chuckled- “I’m gonna be a dad.”

- “Not just a dad, the best dad!”- (Y/N) kissed me again and held my hand- “Now let’s go home so we can eat and celebrate.”

- “Wait!”- before (Y/N) could move from my embrace I stopped her, all the signs that were too obvious to see were finally making sense.

- “Emily knew, that’s why he texted me congratulations. Am I right?!”- my wife looked at me with an apologetic smile and nodded.

- “I’m so sorry, honey. I tried to make it special, but I failed.”

- “But she is in London! How did she… Who told her? Who else knows?”

- “Morgan, JJ, Hotch, and Garcia. Garcia told Emily.”

- “You told the entire team before you told me?”- the words came out harder and angrier than they should have been. In reality, I was shocked she hadn’t told me first, but never mad.

- “I haven’t told anyone except for you. But working with profilers makes keeping a secret a nearly impossible task.”

- “But I didn’t notice”- I argued, upset with myself for being so blind and naive. My wife hugged me, and kissed me a few times, soothing my anger.

- “I didn’t want you to notice ‘cos I wanted to make it special for you. Not in a parking lot, by the way”- she was disappointed with the circumstances of her confession.

- “Any place is special when I’m with you, Mrs. Reid”- I whispered, holding her closer and kissing her lips a few more times, as I felt her smiling against my mouth. - “Now let’s go home, tomorrow we are going to the library to get all the pregnancy books we can find.”

- “Of course, we are.”- (Y/N) giggled and got in the car. It wasn’t in a magical cabin in the woods or watching the sunset on a beach, but it was perfect anyway because we were together, and my wife was giving me the life I always dreamed about, but never imagined I could have.

When we told the team, everybody got excited. They hugged us and congratulated us for a good ten minutes. Though they all knew, the fact it was official made it all special. Garcia went nuts and even video-called Prentiss to the UK. JJ was pregnant with Michael at the time, and she started sharing tips with my wife right away.

- “Congratulations, Reid”- Blake said as she stood by my side and raised her coffee, to toast. I followed her lead and smiled.

- “Thank you.”

- “Have you thought about names yet?”

- “Yes, but nothing specific yet. We are just sharing options and making a list.”

- “Which is your favorite?”

- “Matilda or Raven for a girl, and Finn or Oliver for a boy.”- I said, smiling and Blake nodded right away.

- “Did you pick names from your favorite books?”

- “Yes. They were my best friends growing up.”- I confessed and sipped my coffee. (Y/N) turned to me from the other side of the room and smiled, making my heart skip a beat.

But then, it all turned too real to be true. Hotch told (Y/N) she wasn’t allowed back into the field until after the baby was born, which also included me most of the time. And I was glad to stay aside from the action. I wanted to take care of my wife and help her with every craving, every back pain, or body ache. Then came all the paperwork, signing disclaimers and basically making sure the entire Bureau knew what was going on. Hotch said it was mandatory, but it still felt slightly over the top. Neither of us argued with it, but we were both slightly uncomfortable.

On top of telling the team and the rest of the FBI about our pregnancy, Mikey, Frank and Lu were paranoid during the entire gestation of our baby. They called pretty much every day and became very protective of (Y/N). Honestly, they were worse than her parents.

- “How long are you going to work?”- Frank asked her when we all got together at our apartment for dinner. (Y/N) looked at Paco and raised an eyebrow, not getting where that question was coming from, or why he was even asking.

- “Until the day the baby is born, why?”- my wife's answer was the most logical, and also, what we had talked about and agreed to do. Yet somehow, for Frank, Lu, and Mikey, it was the most irrational thing we had ever shared with them.

- “What the fuck, nugget?”- Mikey yelled, making (Y/N) jump.

- “What’s wrong?”- she asked, confused by their freaked-out reaction.

- “You have to take time off work, get some rest, and keep our baby away from fucking psycho killers!!”- somehow, Frank calling my baby “our baby” wasn’t weird at all. He, Mikey, and Lu were insanely intrusive during the whole process. Not in a bad way, just in a… I guess, possessive way.

- “You know I’m no longer on the field.”- (Y/N) explained again, though that was something we had both told our friends multiple times. - “I’ve been sitting around police stations all over the country for the last four months! It’s so fucking boring!”

I knew (Y/N) didn’t like to stay away from the action. She loved our job and she wanted to catch serial killers. But at that moment, she could only help with geographic profile and support from the station.

- “Just what? four more to go!”- Mikey joked and sipped his beer- “Come on, nugget. We are worried because we love you.”

- “Yeah, we are all worried about my godson or daughter.”- Frank added and both Mikey and Lu smacked him at the same time.

- “My godson or daughter!”- they argued possessively. I turned to my wife and watched her smile as our friends continued rambling about who the godfather of our firstborn would be. I held her hand upon the table and she turned to me immediately.

- “I love you.”- I whispered and she smiled.

- “Me more.”- (Y/N) leaned over and kissed me, as our friends kept chatting.- “So, do you want to go out for dinner tomorrow?”

- “Are you asking me out, Mrs. Reid?”- I whispered and watched her blushing, completely flustered. I will always love that reaction to that simple nickname.

- “Maybe I am, doctor.”- and she knew exactly how to tease me.

- “This is gross, we are still here.”- Frank argued right away.

- “Remember when you asked me a million times to date Spencer? Well now I married him and you’ll have to deal with this!”- (Y/N) quickly replied and smiled at her friends. I chuckled and stared at her with what Garcia calls “heart eyes”, just like the cartoons. Every day I feel like there is no way on earth I could ever love her more than I already do, but the following day, I always prove myself wrong.

(Y/N)’s point of view

A moment of pure honesty: so far in life, I’ve enjoyed being pregnant. Each time it has happened, Spencer treats me like a princess made of glass. He is always sweet and thoughtful, but when I’m carrying his kids, I become the most important and precious thing in the whole galaxy for him. It’s impossible not to fall for how carefully and lovingly he treats me.

Any cravings, no matter what time or what it is, he gets it. Pampers and kisses are available for me 24/7. Crying over a movie, show, or TV commercial? Spencer is there to hug me and tell me I’m not crazy. And trust me, I feel like I’m going crazy most of the time.

However, there is a dark side to pregnancy, and so many ghosts appear to hunt me. There are the doubts that keep hunting my brain, hormones changing, and overthinking. Sometimes I felt needy, and when the months passed and I started turning “rounder”, I also started feeling ugly. I have never been overconfident about my looks, but now I was afraid Spencer was never going to think I was sexy again, and he would leave me.

Being pregnant can make you very irrational. No one ever told me that. And if they did, I never actually listened.

However, my husband was always the sweetest. He would hold me, kiss me, and tell me how much he loved me.

That very first time I got pregnant, I started second-guessing everything a few days before Valentine’s Day. I was already five months pregnant and I felt like a whale. I couldn’t imagine how big I was going to get in the following weeks. And I was sure Spencer was going to leave me.

I told you, I was being irrational, right?

Morgan and Garcia were talking about Valentine’s Day when we reached the bullpen that morning. They were telling each other whatever plans they had with their dates and both of them seemed excited. Derek has a date with Savannah and Pen was planning a night with her boyfriend, Sam.

- “And what are you guys doing this year?”- Garcia asked and placed a hand on my tummy, hoping to feel the baby’s first kicks.

- “I… I don’t know.”- I answered the truth, ‘cos I hadn’t had a moment to plan anything for Valentine’s. Over the years, it had become one of our favorite celebrations, and every year I dedicated the entire day to celebrating my husband. I always tried to make something extra special for him that day. Why? Aside from the fact that he absolutely deserved it, I always felt like he would do everything and anything to make me feel loved, and I wanted to make him feel just as loved.

So, having no plans for Valentine’s that year shocked me and stressed me. I had forgotten about that celebration. And I needed to show my husband how much I loved him and make it extra special.

There I was, lost in thoughts and planning when JJ walked out of the elevator. She had been kidnapped a few weeks earlier, we had all worked extra hard to bring her back, unharmed, and medics had suggested she stay home for a month to recover. Which is why none of us was expecting to have her back to work yet.

- “JJ! You are back! How are you feeling?”- Spencer asked as he hugged her.

- “I’m ready to work”- she replied and turned to me- “(Y/N)! You are glowing!”

- “Don’t turn this to me, what the hell are you doing here already? Shouldn’t you be resting?”- I argued as JJ simply smiled, looking freaking gorgeous.

- “I'm… I'm fine. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys to death, but I was starting to get a little stir-crazy.”

- “Well, let's do this.”- Morgan said and opened the door for us.

- “I’m glad you are back, JJ”- Spencer added and smiled at our friend. She smiled back at him and replied.

- “Thank you. I’m glad to be here.”

- “Do you want some tea?”- Penelope suggested and all of them walked a little faster than me, as I slowly made my way to the briefing room. I had a little back pain and some dizziness that made moving a little more challenging. And for the first time, Spencer didn’t notice. Instead, he walked JJ to the briefing room and left me behind.

I stared at him from a distance and sighed. I knew I was being irrational, but I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of the attention Spencer was giving JJ at that minute. I know it was stupid, she was our friend and she had been held captive and tortured, of course, he was going to be extra nice to her. But still, it hurt.

The entire team welcomed JJ back, and before Garcia started explaining our next case, everybody asked JJ how she was feeling. They wanted to know if she had seen a doctor before coming back to work, and basically, they all just told her how amazing she looked. I was the one turning food into a tiny human in my stomach, but she looked good.

It didn’t get much better once we were on the plane to Pittsburgh. I could feel my feet getting swollen with every minute that passed. That had never happened before and it just made me feel humiliated. Everything was going downhill.

- “Good news, crime-fighters.”- Garcia’s voice took me from my thoughts and back to reality as her image showed up on the screen in front of me. - “I tracked the shower curtains this creep has been using to burrito his victims. Turns out they are commercial grade, sold in bulk to a bunch of economy motels, a list of which I just sent you.”

- “It makes sense.”- Blake added- “It's a secure secondary location.”

- “Either he doesn't want to draw attention to his home or someone is living with him.”- Papa Pasta suggested.

- “Rossi, you and Morgan go to the M. E.”- Aaron commanded- “ JJ and Reid, go through Garcia's list of motels.”- I froze at those words. Spencer was going to be on the field? He had been with me at the police station for the last eleven cases. I knew it wasn’t a rule or mandatory, but I thought Hotch was trying to be nice and pair us together for our sanity. Wanna know what upset me the most? my husband didn't argue, he just smiled and nodded at the command.

- “Blake, (Y/N), and I will go to the field office and cover victimology with Agent West.”- Aaron finished commanding and I stayed still, sipping my water, nearly shocked. Blake cut me a big smile and I had to smile back.

- “How are you feeling, (Y/N)?”- Blake asked as soon as we got into the SUV after we landed. I had already kissed my husband goodbye and watched him make his way with JJ, away from me, which for some weird reason, hurt me deeper than I ever thought it would.

- “I’m good, I miss coffee, though. I would love a large black coffee right now. No sugar, no cream.”- I replied and struggled to buckle up. - “Shit, I’m so pregnant.”- Hotch chuckled and helped me with the seat belt.

- “You are only five months into the pregnancy.”- he whispered and smiled at me- “You are still a few weeks from the short breath problems, cramps, and fatigue.”

- “Please, don’t spoil it!”- I argued and Aaron Hotchner laughed- “You are giving me all the dirty details of pregnancy I didn’t want to know.”

- “You will love it! He is just making it sound like hell!”- Blake rubbed my shoulder with her hand in support and I tried to turn and look at her. I knew she had lost her child, but she had been a mom, and her guidance had been quite useful during the entire process.

- “Other than coffee, how are your cravings?”- Hotch asked as he started driving us to the station. I told them about my random food choices, and they made me feel better about my pickle mayonnaise craving for dinner. According to him, Haley craved hot Cheetos dipped in yogurt, and Blake told me she once ate two bowls of hot Indian curry because she was craving spicy food. Somehow, curry started to sound good after she mentioned it, but we had no time for pit stops. In a few minutes, we were at the station, and before I realized it, my head was buried in work. Another day, another psycho killer, I guess.

I didn’t hear from Spencer for the rest of the day. Nothing. He didn’t reply to my texts (I only sent two because I didn’t want to sound needy) and he didn’t even call. So when he reached the station that evening with JJ, I was already upset and ready to give him the cold shoulder.

- “Chipmunk! how are you feeling?”- my husband kissed my cheek and sat next to me at the table, where I was analyzing victimology with Blake.

- “I’m good.”- I simply replied and kept looking at the papers.

- “Have you eaten anything?”- he asked and grabbed a few files as well. I just hummed and avoided looking at him. There was a long silence in the room, though we were all there. For a few seconds, that felt like hours, no one said anything. Probably they all noticed I was mad at my husband.

- “Take a look at this”- Agent West, from the local police force, walked into the room with more info and handed us all new folders- “You guys were right. I was able to match their M.O. to 10 other strangulation murders. We were only able to identify four.”

- “They've been at it since 1994.”- Rossi pointed out as we all read the file.

- “Looks like they stopped in 2010 and remained dormant up until now.”- my husband added and looked at me. But before I could say anything, JJ started talking.

- “Something had to prevent them from killing. Maybe one was incarcerated.”- so I just sighed and looked at the files again.

- “I'll start pulling prison records, see if I can't get a match.”- Agent West was very excited with the findings, and he walked out of the room in a hurry. I sighed one more time, exhausted, and continued reading. Spencer moved closer to me and rubbed his warm hand carefully on my leg. It was a loving gesture I’ve always adored, but I was so irrationally upset with him at that minute, I hated it. I held my breath and stayed very still as he did, and I guess he noticed something was wrong, ‘cos he slowly stopped and moved his hand from my leg. I didn’t turn to look at him, but I knew his eyes were analyzing me and probably wondering why I was mad.

- “These two have been in a relationship a lot longer than we thought.”- Rossi said and left his case file on the table, ready to start analyzing the new facts.

- “But even if they broke up, to come back together and resume killing after a four-year hiatus is rare.”- Spencer looked confused by the unsub's actions like there was a logic he couldn’t understand. I shrugged, finally acknowledging him.

- “Love is strange. It will make you do the craziest things.”

Those words just slipped through my lips and never actually went through my brain. It was an entirely emotional answer. My husband stared at me, his lips parted and his eyes focused on every micro reaction on my face. I tried not to give away anything, but I’m sure I failed.

- “Guys, what if they are married?”- JJ suggested, obviously taking the idea from what was happening in the room. I looked down at my hands and decided I didn’t want to talk anymore. I just wanted to crawl into a bed and lie down.

- “Sounds about right”- Rossi added and looked at us.

- “It’s been a long day, we’ll pick it up from here tomorrow at seven. Let’s get some rest.”- Hotch read my mind and we all slowly gathered our things. Spencer grabbed my bag and waited as I slowly moved to the door. I walked in silence until we reached an SUV, and my husband opened the door for me. I wanted to tell him thanks, but I didn’t. Why? ‘Cos I was being irrational.

- “Do you wanna get dinner?”- he whispered as he sat behind the wheel. I didn’t reply.- “(Y/N), why are you mad at me? What did I do?”

- “Nothing.”- I mumbled, already pouting.

- “Clearly I did something that upset you, so please tell me.” - he wasn’t angry, he was honestly worried. I did my best and tried not to look at him, instead, I was making an effort not to cry.

- “Is it because I didn’t reply to your texts? I am sorry chipmunk, but JJ and I had a very busy day, and I didn’t have a spare second.”

- “Sure…”- I whispered and bit my lips, ‘cos my quin quivered. I turned and looked through the window, to anything but my husband.

- “Come on, please.”

- “You didn’t have ten seconds to type “I’m ok, love you” during the entire day you spent with JJ?! Really?!”

And what I avoided the most, just happened: I yelled like a crazy person. I even broke into tears as well. It was way out of proportion, it was completely unexpected, and Spencer looked at me not knowing what was happening.

- “I wanted to be with you! I wanted to know about you! I fucking missed you! I was worried! And you never took the time to reply to my texts! I am sure you were waiting for any chance you got to stay away from me! I’m sure you were already sick of being paired with me at the station! and you were happy to be with JJ ‘cos she is cute and hot and I am a fucking pregnant whale!!”

Yes. I am not proud. But somehow, it was relieving just taking all that from my chest.

Spencer stayed quiet for a moment as I just cried my eyes out. I prayed none of our friends was left in that parking lot, ‘cos I didn’t want them to see me like that. Spencer reached for my hand and held it. I didn’t fight him or anything, mostly because I was honestly craving his touch. He caressed my hand and I continued sobbing and after a few minutes, he simply whispered.

- “I’m sorry.”- and I knew I wasn’t mad at him anymore- “I know this whole process is… difficult for you, and I am sorry I can’t do anything but be supportive with you to help you through it. I love you, chipmunk. I love you so much it hurts. I never meant to make you sad, or upset. I just… got my head into work and forgot. It won’t happen again.”

Spencer kissed my knuckles and I tried to steady my breathing. My irrationality was upsetting, but I didn’t know how to turn it off or manage it.

- “I love you.”- he whispered one more time- “And please, don’t call yourself a whale again.”- my husband begged as he kept looking into my eyes with such love and care, I felt I was gonna melt- “You are more beautiful with every passing day.”

- “I’m getting huge, and I’m just nineteen weeks in.”- I mumbled still in tears, and caressed my tummy.

- “Chipmunk, you look so sexy, so beautiful and so mine with that round tummy, showing everyone you are carrying my baby.”- I wanted to tease him about his obvious breeding kink, but I was still trying to calm myself down.

- “I am so sorry I made you feel bad, ma cheriê. I love you so much.”

- “I… I love you too.”- I managed to mumble, still sobbing- “And… and I’m so fucking hungry.”- my husband started the car right away and started driving in no time.

- “Then I’m taking you out for dinner to make it up to you for making you worried today. Is that ok with you, chipmunk?”- I nodded and whipped off my tears with both hands, ruining what was left of my makeup.

I wish I could tell you that was the only time I was irrational during my pregnancy. But it was just the beginning. And every time I realized I was acting crazy, I got more and more scared Spencer would stop loving me.

Spencer’s point of view

I’ve always thought it’s unfair how my wife has to carry (literally and emotionally) the burden of bringing our kids into the world. It was painful to see her go through so much on her own, being an observer and a helper in any way possible. I couldn’t take the morning sickness from her, or the swollen feet, the contraction pain, the labor sacrifice. It was so much. And all I could was support her.

She could be irrational. I know it's common to have mood swings and feel tearful or easily irritated during the first semester of pregnancy. I was ready for it. I knew her body was going through a change and she had to adapt to the higher levels of these hormones. After that, things had to go smoother.

Statistically, one in eight women suffers from depression during gestation, and I was scared anything like that would happen to her. She was already giving me everything I ever dreamed about, and I wanted to make her happy.

After that first incident, I wanted to talk to Hotch and tell him I’d stay at the police station with my wife, but (Y/N) convinced me otherwise.

- “I overreacted, honey bunny.”- she stood in front of me and helped me fix my tie before we left our room to work the following morning- “Stop worrying about it. Don’t say anything to Hotch, just let’s go out there and do as we are told, for once.”

I stared at her and caressed her belly, waiting to finally feel our baby’s first kicks. I looked carefully into my wife’s eyes and leaned over to kiss her.

- “Are you sure?”

- “Positive”- she stood on her tiptoes and reached my lips with hers, kissing so sweetly and softly, that I nearly melted. - “Go out there and kick some ass.”

- “And when we get home, do I get to worship my wife?” - I whispered in her ear as (Y/N) giggled. I kept my arms around her, feeling her body close to me.- “I mean it, I want you to know how much I love you, ma cherie.”

- “I know, Daddy.”- the pet name had a different meaning now, and it affected me on so many levels it’s embarrassing to even start explaining.

- “Are you gonna be good today?”- I asked her in a deep voice. She just nodded and kissed me again. - “If you are good today at work, I’ll do whatever you want me to do when we get back home.”- I suggested and (Y/N) bit her lips.

- “Anything?”

- “Whatever you want, ma cherie”

- “Laundry and ironing too?”- she murmured and walked away from me. I groaned and followed her, leaving our room.

- “Really?”

- “You said anything, dear husband. That means in fact, whatever I want.”

- “But why can’t it be dirty?”- (Y/N) chuckled as she pushed the elevator button and turned to me.

- “It could be… if you get laundry done.”

That day I was out in the field with JJ and Morgan. Yes, it was a change being out there again after so many months at police stations doing geographic profiles with my wife. And though a part of me enjoyed being out, I still wished I was with her.

Morgan always made fun of me, saying I was whipped. And yes, I was. I still am. And I love every second of it. I don’t know how to explain it, but being with my wife makes me the happiest man on earth. No matter what. I guess Morgan hadn’t met that kind of person yet, so he couldn’t get it at that minute.

However, being on the field with him also meant having to hear him teasing me and asking way too many questions. And considering (Y/N) had had a little moment the prior day at the police station, he had a lot of things to ask.

- “How is the Mrs, Reid?”- Morgan drove to the crime scene we were called to and kept his eyes on the road. JJ was sitting next to him and didn’t say a word.

- “You just saw her, she is fine.”- I tried to be as vague as possible, but he kept pushing it, of course.

- “Everything ok? She seemed a little upset yesterday.”

- “Morgan, don’t snoop into other people’s relationships.”- JJ was the voice of reason Derek obviously ignored.

- “Pregnancy is getting harder?”- he asked and I sighed, annoyed by his questions- “Oh, man! That’s a yes!”

- “It’s just unfair she gets to go through all those changes and all I can do is support her. I feel useless because I can’t help her.”- I explained, but now that I think about it, Morgan was never going to understand what was happening. He just wanted to tease me.

- “So hormones are driving her crazy?”- and he even chuckled as she suggested my wife was going insane.

- “No. She is…”- I bit my tongue ‘cos I didn’t want to share something that I knew was going to upset my wife.

- “I’ve seen it happen.”- Morgan smiled and JJ turned to him immediately.

- “When?”

- “Ehh…”- he hesitated and nearly answered, but decided to change the subject instead. - “Is she upset you are on the field today?”

- “No, she just worries, but it’s normal. We talked about it and everything is ok.”- the less they knew, the better. I know we are together all the time, but I don’t want the team into everything that happens in my relationship.

- “Well, you know what they say.”- Derek said as he parked the SUV- “Happy wife, happy life.”

I quickly got out of the van and stared at the scene in front of me. A new victim was displayed in the middle of the street, and for the first time ever, it was a man and not a woman.

- “This is a first for them.”- JJ said as she stood next to me, followed by Morgan.

- “Aside from gender, the M. O. is the same.”- Agent West pointed from the side of the corps.

- “Something in their dynamic must have changed.”- Morgan walked closer as I maintained my distance from the body.

- “A male victim most likely caters to the female unsub's desires.”- JJ added and turned to me for a second.

- “They haven't displayed that behavior before. Up until now, it appears it's been the male picking the victims.”- I said, trying to connect the dots.

- “Which typically indicates a dominant/submissive relationship.”- Morgan pointed out, still staring at the corpse in front of us.

- “It looks as though her psychopathology could be evolving.”- I know it was obvious, but I had to say it.

- “Ok, we need to look at this from a marriage perspective. Compromise is the key to any long-term relationship's success. What if this murder was their way of sharing responsibility?”- I don’t know if JJ was saying that because it fit the case or the conversation we were having in the SUV earlier.

- “He let the woman choose the victim. That could be problematic.”- I replied only because it made sense to the case, not because it made sense in a relationship.

- “Now that she's been given control, she might not want to let it go.” - Morgan added and looked at me- “Sounds familiar, kid?”

- “Shut up.”

The teasing didn’t get any better when we delivered the profile. Now that I know there won’t be any more moments like that again in my life (at least at work), I guess it can be a little nostalgic. But I specifically remember how annoyed I was that day.

After the crime scene, we went straight back to the police station. We had a brief meeting with the team and then, we decided to deliver the profile.

- “We believe we're looking for a married couple, to whom we can attribute at least 13 deaths since 1994.”- Hotch started explaining.

- “He's a sexual sadist, and she's a scopophiliac, which is Greek for "love of looking, " meaning that she gets off on watching her husband kill.”- my wife added as she crossed her arms on her chest and stared at the police force, taking notes around us.

- “Like Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo, who raped, tortured, and killed at least 19 people, this couple's homicidal tendencies most likely surfaced once they met.”- I walked from the side I was standing and moved closer to my wife, ‘cos I didn’t feel comfortable when she was far from me. I needed to feel I could protect her and our baby by all means.

- “It's possible that the use of a shower curtain is a sign of remorse on the part of the female unsub.”- Rossi started talking as I stood right next to (Y/N). I could actually feel the warmth from her body next to me, though we weren’t even touching.

- “Up until now, all the victims were females, so it's possible that the change in victimology could be the husband's way of subjugating his own needs for his wife's happiness.”- Derek explained, but looked at me for a slip of a second.

- “But a sexual sadist doesn't typically subjugate. We think he could have committed crimes on the side that got him arrested.”- JJ continued.

- “But wouldn't we have the bodies to prove that?”- Agent West asked, confused.

- “Yes. Which is why we need to take another look at all strangulations within the geographical profile that occurred during the gap years.”- Rossi explained. I slowly rested my hand next to my wife’s and moved my pinky carefully toward her fingers, caressing her skin slowly. (Y/N) didn’t move, didn’t look at me, she didn’t even notice what I was doing. But I felt her shoulder dropping and relaxing as soon as I touched her.

- “Without his female partner's influence, the male's independent M.O. should present differently.”- Morgan said and locked eyes with me, making me stop what I was doing right away.

- “Learning the nature of how that differs from their team dynamic will be the key to driving a wedge between their partnership.” - my wife said, making eye contact with as many officials as possible. I just stared at her and nodded, supporting every word.

- “In the meantime, all transients are at risk.”- Blake continued talking - “Now that the wife has gotten a taste of control, she'll crave that feeling again.”

- “And if the husband sublimated his needs with the last kill, his desire to fulfill his own will be what’s driving him now. Thank you very much”- Hotch finished and dispatched all the police. We all remained in our spots to continue with the profile review.

- “What can you add, Reid?”- Morgan asked and raised an eyebrow- “From your husband's point of view, not talking as an SSA.”- he asked me as soon as everybody else was out of the room. I just looked at him and raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply. And (Y/N) turned to me wondering what he was talking about.

- “Morgan.”- Hotch raised an eyebrow and stared at Derek, who raised his hands and walked to the coffee pot.

- “What was that about?”- (Y/N) whispered as she stood next to me.

- “Just ignore him. I do”- I held my wife’s hand and kissed it. She smiled as I did and both of us pretended Morgan wasn’t there anymore.

During the rest of the afternoon, we analyzed unsolved strangulation cases within the geographical profile. I can’t say it was the best way to spend an afternoon, but at least I could spend the time with my wife. And the rest of the team.

- “How are you feeling?”- I whispered as I sat next to (Y/N) and noticed she had left half of her dinner untouched. We had ordered Chinese food for dinner for the team, and I knew she loved that.

- “I’m good”- my wife replied and continued reading.

- “You are not hungry? I thought you’d love dinner. It’s one of your favorites. You are not into Chinese anymore?”- my wife shrugged and looked at the files in her hands. JJ walked in sipping a gigantic soda, and I heard (Y/N) sighing. So that was it, she was self-conscious of her weight. It hurt me knowing my wife was so scared to gain weight during pregnancy. But most of all it pained me to know she was comparing herself with JJ. It was logical, JJ had had a kid and she hadn’t lost her figure after giving birth. But, how could I explain to my wife that I thought she was very sexy with that round tummy? I know I had told her, but clearly, it didn’t make any difference to her.

- “Chipmunk…”- I whispered, but JJ started talking about work, and (Y/N) ignored me to focus on her.

- “I have a 1989 strangulation victim dumped 10 miles from where the first body was found, only she was raped and stabbed.”

- “His comfort zone. Could be our unsub.”- (Y/N) said looking at the team.

- “Well, I've got two more, '01 and '03, except these took place in Clifford, Delaware. The M.O.'s an exact match.”- Rossi added and looked through the files he had read.

- “I got another one here from 2013, Scottsdale, Maryland.”- Morgan didn’t look from the papers as he spoke- “He was smart enough to cross state lines.”

- “The Crestview rapist was operating during that time.”- JJ pointed out. I looked at my wife for a moment, rubbed her tummy, and tried to focus on work, though most of my brain was trying to find a way to make her feel better.

- “The male unsub never went dormant. Only the female did.”- Derek said and there was a short pause.

- “So when this guy kills without his wife, his signature changes to stabbing and sexual assault.”- (Y/N) sighed after talking and she stood up to walk closer to the board and look at the crime scene pictures.

- “Well, stabbing is indicative of rage, and it's most likely towards women.”- Derek added.

- “And the sexual assault is his way of establishing dominance over them.”- Blake seemed focused, I wasn’t keeping track or paying much attention.

- “Maybe their marriage isn't as solid as we think.”- Rossi suggested- “Clearly he has issues that he's working out when the wife isn't around.”

I don’t know why Derek looked at me. I don’t know if he wanted to see if I reacted to that statement or if I was affected by it.

- “Well, if she emasculates her husband at home, that could be the reason why she now needs to have control over the murder.”- JJ proposed and Derek’s eyes could burn holes in my skull as she did.

- “Hey, guys, we have a survivor.”- my wife interrupted the moment and I moved closer to her to look at the file she was reading- “Hannah Franklin, a 23-year-old waitress who was attacked on her way home from work back in 2008.”

- “Do you have a contact number?”- Hotch asked as he looked at my wife from the other side of the room. She just nodded and grabbed the file with the information.

- “When she gets here, JJ, I need you to talk to her, and try to get as much information as possible.”

- “Can we talk? after you make that call.”- I whispered into my wife’s ear. She turned to me and nodded and in a second, she was out of the room.

- “Everything ok?”- Blake asked me and I just smiled and nodded as well.- “Everything ok with (Y/N)? She seemed a bit off yesterday.”

- “Yeah, she is ok.”- I paused and looked around for a second. - “Let me ask you this: did you guys eat anything this morning while we were out?”

- “Eat? take out?”- I nodded and Blake shook her head immediately- “This is the first meal I’ve seen since breakfast, and I nearly fainted. Why do you ask?”

- “It’s nothing, I’m just worried (Y/N) might be skipping meals.”

- “Is she still feeling sick?”

I didn’t want to tell my friend anything else about it, so I just agreed with her inference and watched my wife on the phone, just outside the room.

- “Well, being pregnant is very challenging. Your body keeps changing and whenever you feel like you are ok with the stage you have to face, your whole hormones go crazy and you lose it again.”- Blake explained and smiled at me- “She is lucky to have you. I can see you’ve been an amazing partner for her.”

- “Thank you.”- I think I blushed at those words because I knew Blake wasn’t saying that just to be polite. However, I didn’t feel like I was doing enough. I knew (Y/N) was going through something more complex than what she was sharing, and I needed to show her she could count on me.

(Y/N)’s point of view

The rush of emotions I had felt that entire day was crazy. It was my first pregnancy, and I didn’t know any better. I had no idea what was going on. One thing is reading about how much your body is gonna change and another completely different thing is feeling alienated from your own body.

I didn’t want to talk about it with Spencer. After what had happened the day before, I felt like oversharing my feelings and mental instability might drive him away. So I pretended to be ok. Which, of course, didn’t work because my husband is a genius and could read me like a book. Also, leaving my leftovers around hadn’t been very bright. I was still starving and wanted to eat what was left of my dinner. But when I looked at my swollen feet and round body, all I could think of was: you have to stop eating. Which I did.

- “Hey”- Spencer walked to me as I poured myself a cup of ginger tea- “I brought you your dinner.”

- “Thank you, honey bunny. But… I’m not hungry.”

- “You left pretty much all your sweet and sour pork, and I know you love it.”

- “Yeah, but… I’m full and despite what everybody says, I don’t have to eat for two.”- I sat down and stared at my hands as my husband followed my moves and sat next to me.

- “I know that. I’m just making sure you are getting enough nutrients and vitamins for our baby.”

- “I am, trust me. Our baby is fi…”- but before I could even finish that sentence, the weirdest and most beautiful feeling interrupted me. I opened my eyes wide and turned to Spencer. He stared at me confused and scared something was wrong. But everything was perfect.

- “What is it, chipmunk? are you ok?”- I grabbed his hand quickly and placed it on the side of my tummy- “Wh…”

- “Shh!”- I commanded and looked at him with tears in my eyes - “The baby is kicking.”

- “Wh.. wh.. are you sure?”- I couldn’t argue Spencer it was obvious I could feel a human kicking my guts from the inside out, because the baby suddenly moved and kicked again, and this time he felt it as well.

- “Oh… my… god.”- he whispered and looked at me, tears filling his eyes in a second. - “Our baby is right there.”

- “This is so weird…”- I had never even imagined what those kicks would feel like, and I wasn’t ready for them, at all. I looked at my husband, his eyes were beaming with happy tears as he kept his hand on my tummy, rubbing it and waiting for our baby to kick again.

- “That’s…”- he whispered and peered at me, analyzing my reaction - “Does it hurt?”

- “No, it’s just.. odd.”

- “Come here.”- he moved his chair closer to mine and cupped my face with both of his hands - “I love you so much, (Y/N). So, so much. I still can’t believe we are gonna have a baby.”

- “Your baby is kicking already, so you better believe it.”- I joked and he chuckled as he rubbed his lips against mine. Spencer kissed me gently and sweetly. I didn’t last long, because we were at work, but it was the kind of loving kiss that gave me a peaceful feeling in my heart.

- “Reid.”- Hotch said as he walked into the room and looked at me. It was weird at the beginning when I changed my last name and our Unit Chief started calling me by Spencer’s. Now I was used to it, though most police forces and sometimes the rest of the team were often confused.

- “We got a suspect. I need you to talk to the wife. Judith Anderson.”

- “Right away. Tell me what we have.”

I knew Hotch and Spencer were with Blake behind the window, analyzing every second of my interview with the suspect. I guessed because I was pregnant, my Unit Chief thought the unsub wouldn’t see me as a threat. I asked the cop in the interrogation room to uncuff her and sat in front of her. She was small, red-haired, and looked like she knew exactly what was happening.

- “Hi, Judith. My name is (Y/N). Can I get you anything to drink?”- I tried to be nice and welcoming.

- “I’d like to make a phone call.”- she replied right away.

- “To who? Your husband?”- I questioned her and Judith didn’t answer. - “You're coming up on your 20th anniversary. Congratulations. That is a huge accomplishment.”

Judith glued her eyes to my wedding and engagement ring for a few seconds. She didn’t say anything, she just sat there and stared at me. So I continued talking.

- “We recovered a used condom with Alan's DNA in it. Nothing odd about that, except you've had a hysterectomy. So, why use condoms if you can't conceive?”

- “You seem to know a lot. You tell me.”- Judith finally answered, and her voice was menacing. But I just shrugged and sighed, playing innocent.

- “Well, you just don't strike me as the unfaithful type. I mean, Alan, on the other hand, he's a different story.”

- “You know nothing about my husband!”- clearly I hit a sensitive nerve, ‘cos her face changed completely.

- “Well, actually, I know a lot.”- I opened my case file and started listing everything we had on them- “Let’s see. I know your husband tested positive for an STD back in 2010. You two were married in 1994, which tells me he isn't as committed to your marriage as you think.”- I made a short pause and stared at her, waiting to see if she had anything to add. And she did.

- “There was a point in time when both of us were unfaithful in our marriage. When I found out he had cheated…”

- “You thought if you retaliated it would make you feel better.”- I interrupted her, nodding, showing her I understood what had happened.

- “My husband and I no longer keep secrets. I've known he's had an STD for years. The reason we use condoms, to answer your question, is because he insists on protecting me. That's how much he loves me.”

I smiled at her and nodded again. Then, I stood up and started opening all the case files for the investigations of the murders that we knew her husband had committed.

- “I can't wait to see where this is headed.”- Judith smiled and looked at the files I was placing in front of her. I just exhaled and stood in front of her.

- “When you discovered your husband was cheating, you took away the one thing that mattered most to him. His partner in crime.”- I told her and made a short pause- “Now, how do you think he dealt with that?”- but her face didn’t make a move.

- “Do you recognize any of these women?”- Judith didn’t even look at the pictures, she just stared at me with her best poker face.

- “How many times are we gonna go through this? No, I do not.”- she wasn’t even raising her face, I wasn’t reacting to anything. So I just continued.

- “And these are only a few of the victims that he raped and murdered without you.”- finally, I could see her facade starting to shatter- “And which one do you think gave him the STD? Just take a look for yourself.”

And she finally did. She scanned the pictures right in front of her and tried to maintain her attitude.

- “His DNA is all over each of these women.”- I continued talking - “It's the killing without you that's most painful. It's the cheating that you can't forgive.”

- “You're married.”- Judith said and looked at me with cold eyes.

- “Yes, I am.”

- “Where's your husband?”

- “Standing right behind that glass.”- I replied and pointed at the one at my back.

- “Huh, so you know what it feels like to share an interest with your husband. What would happen if he were to slip up? If he is a Fed who can cover his tracks, how would you know?”- I smiled at her words and simply answered:

- “A wife knows. Which is why you know I'm telling you the truth.”

- “My husband and I aren't perfect.”

- “No marriage is, Judith, but look at these women. Look at the way he treated them.”- she closed her eyes for a moment and refused to look at the victims. Instead, she started explaining.

- “We're rebuilding step by step, brick by brick…”

- “He hates them because he hates you.”- I ignored her words, and she lost it.

- “He loves me! I want to talk to a lawyer!”

And that was the end of my interview. Luckily, we had enough to find and catch her husband before he would kill again.

- “We are rebuilding step by step”- I said as soon as I walked into the room from where Rossi and Spencer were following my interrogation- “Interesting choice of words.”

- “Oh, I've heard those many times before.”- Rossi started talking as my husband handed me a packet of cashew nuts.

- “Where?”- Spencer innocently asked David.

- “Somewhere you two will never go. Marriage counseling.”- I chuckled at those words and opened the snack my husband had given me, ‘cos I was starving.

- “That would explain how they were able to move through Alan's infidelity.”- I said as I chewed and hummed happily- “They were seeing a therapist.”

- “Maybe they still are.”- Spencer suggested and grabbed his phone.

And he was right. They were seeing a therapist to work on their issues as a couple. And Spencer profiled that the emasculation our unsub felt didn't come from his wife. It came from their therapist.

I was left at the station with Rossi and Blake, while Spencer and Morgan drove to the therapist's office, she was the last victim, and we were against time to save her life. Meanwhile, I sat in the kitchenette and swallowed my leftovers, because I was too hungry to keep living. Besides, the anxiety of having Spencer on the field dealing with a serial killer made me feel uneasy, and eating was a way to deal with it.

- “How are you feeling?”- Blake asked as she walked into the room and headed straight to the coffee machine.

- “Like I could sleep for two days. You?”- I replied and continued chewing my sweet and sour pork.

- “I just wanna spend the entire weekend in my pajamas watching movies. That would be my perfect Valentine's”- Blake answered and sat next to me. Great, I had totally forgotten about Valentine’s Day, again. - “You did great with Judith.”

- “Thank you. It was hard to remain calm knowing she was trying to protect a serial killer and a cheating bastard.”- I mumbled as I continued chewing. Alex just smiled and held her cup with both hands.

- “Hungry?”

- “Starving. I feel like Kirby.”

- “Who?”- Blake didn’t know who Kirby was, so I swallowed my food and explained in the easiest way possible.

- “It’s a videogame character, it basically eats everything in front of him. I feel like that most of the time ‘cos I am always hungry.”

- “Spencer was worried you might be skipping meals.”

- “I know.”

- “You know this is just temporary. While you have an actual human growing inside of you.”- I chuckled at Alex's explanation and nodded- “You will be who you were before.”

- “Rationally, I know that. But an irrational part of my brain takes charge of my thoughts and emotions at the worst possible moments.”- I explained to Blake, knowing she would understand. I didn’t feel like talking with many people about my feelings at that point. As I said, I felt I was losing my sanity, and I hated it when people were condescending to me just because I was pregnant.

- “You probably are. You are pregnant, it’s a complicated process.”- Blake sipped her coffee and I finished my pork. I was suddenly in the mood for some dessert, but I knew there was nothing left in my bag.

- “It’s useless to talk to you about the hormone levels changing, right?”

- “Trust me, Alex, Spencer started reading the books the second I told him I was pregnant. That means I’ve heard his talks about pregnancy for the last nineteen weeks.”- she chuckled at my words as I sighed and continued - “Knowing why it happens doesn’t help stop it from happening. And sometimes I overthink every single little thing until I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

- “You are not, (Y/N). Trust me.”- Blake smiled and caressed my hand for a second. - “We all feel like shit during the whole process, and no one but we can understand it. So, if you ever need to talk about it, I am here.”

- “Thank you.”

Spencer’s point of view

We solved the case and made it back to DC on time to spend our Valentine’s Day at home. I had reservations for (Y/N)’s favorite restaurant, but we both agreed we were too tired to leave the house, so we changed plans and decided for some delivery and relax on the couch, watching a movie.

I honestly didn’t care what we did for our Valentine’s, as long as we were together, I was always happy. But I couldn’t help but feel my wife’s disappointment with the plans, even though they had been mostly her idea. She was extra exhausted after the case and the trip, of course staying at home made perfect sense.

I filled the tub with hot water, salts, and bubbles while my wife prepared a tray with snacks to share after dinner, knowing it was most likely she’d start craving something sweet, sour, or probably both. I lit a few candles and held (Y/N)’s hand as I walked her to our bathroom.

- “What are you doing?”- she giggled as I covered her eyes and guided her through our apartment.

- “Just because we are staying at home doesn’t mean we can’t make this a romantic moment.”- I explained and uncovered her eyes.

- “Oh, honey bunny.”- she gasped as she looked at the tub, filled with bubbles. - “This is perfect.”

- “You deserve a moment to relax.”

- “Are you gonna get into that tub with me?”- she asked and I nodded.

- “Anything you want.”

We brought two cups of peppermint tea and got in before the water got cold. (Y/N) hummed in satisfaction as she sank, and I sat right behind her, feeling her back resting against my chest. I kissed her neck and wrapped my arms around her, my hands took a second to find her tummy, and I started caressing it right away.

- “Wanna know something embarrassing?”- I whispered in her ear and she nodded immediately.- “Ever since you told me you were pregnant, I’ve been scared you are gonna blame me for making you go through all those changes and awkward moments.”

- “I could never blame you… I was as horny as you were when we did this, and we both wanted to have a kid.”- she whispered and though I couldn’t see her face, I knew she was smiling.

- “I know pregnancy has been getting more challenging.”- I said after a moment - “I just want you to know I’m here. And nothing will ever change that.”- she didn’t say a word, I just felt her sigh and saw her fingers play with the bubbles around her. It took a few minutes until my wife finally opened up about what she was going through.

- “You know how people always say our story is like a fairy tale?”

- “They do?”- I questioned surprised.

- “Every single time I tell people our story, they think it’s fanfiction or a fairy tale.”- (Y/N) made a pause, probably picking the right words to explain her mind. - “I know you loved me for years before we started dating. The same way I loved you in silence. I know you waited for me, you took care of me, you were always there.”

- “And I will always be.”- I whispered and kissed her temple.

- “That’s what I keep doubting now. I’m sorry.”- her voice was barely perceptible.

- “But what makes you doubt me?”

- “It’s not you.”- my wife replied before I could even finish asking, - “I just feel like… you deserve better than me.”

I felt my heart shatter with those words, ‘cos how could anyone be better than her? How could anyone make me feel the things she did? No one else had that smile that made me feel weak in the knees since the day I met her. She was the only woman on earth I wanted. And I had always felt like she deserved better than me.

- “How could I ever think that way when I have the most perfect, smart, and gorgeous woman on earth here in this tub with me?”- I murmured, holding her tight against me and peeping kisses on her cheek and neck.

- “Spencer…”- I hated when she called me by my name outside work. It always meant she was being serious.

- “Mrs. Reid, trust me when I tell you, nothing will change the way I feel for you right here, right now.”- She moved from my arms and turned in the tub to look at me. - “I dreamed of this life with you for so long, I will do whatever it takes to keep you by my side and make you happy.”

- “I feel like I’m going insane, hon. I yelled at you in the car the other day because you didn’t reply to my texts. That’s not me! And I’m jealous of JJ ‘cos she looks gorgeous after having a baby and I feel like a whale. And I can’t stop eating, I try to stop, but I’m hungry all the time, and moody and my feet are swollen already and I’m just nineteen weeks pregnant!”

Tears fell from her eyes as she continued talking and I carefully wiped them away from her cheeks with my thumb.

- “Look at me, I can’t believe I am crying over this! I cry all the time now! Why does everything make me so emotional? Stupid hormones!”

- “I am so in love with you, nothing will ever change that. I will love you until my very last day and most likely, from beyond my grave. So trust me, please.”- I whispered and cupped her cheeks with both my hands, staring into her eyes as I spoke.

- “I feel like if I tell you everything that happens inside my head, you will run away from me.”

- “Never.”- I rubbed my lips against her and kissed her, sweet and slowly, feeling her whole body relaxing.

- “I’m sorry”- she whispered and rested her forehead against mine.

- “You have nothing to apologize for, chipmunk. Did you know that some studies suggest that as many as 90% of new mothers experience unwanted thoughts related to their child during pregnancy or shortly after birth?”- my wife smiled as I kissed her one more time.

- “I love it when you drop statistics.”

- “I have more.”- I replied and heard her chuckling, one of my favorite sounds.

- “Can’t say I’m surprised.”

- “But instead of statistics, I was thinking you should just lay here against me again and I could read to you for a little. What do you think?”

- “I don’t deserve you.”- my wife whispered and I shook my head immediately.

- “You deserve everything I can do to make you happy, ‘cos you make me the happiest I ever dreamed I could be, ok?”- she sobbed and nodded. I kissed her again and then helped her move back to her original position in that tub, lying against my chest. I grabbed a book from the side of the bathtub, kissed her temple one more time, and started reading “Wuthering Heights” for her.

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leqonsluv3r · 8 months ago

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Hii! May I ask Leon with a microbiologist? Like, they ramble about science news and new projects/ideas they have in mind (wich in most parts he doesn't understand), random facts about microorganisms & general stuff, along with jokes every chance they get? Thank you!

cardiomyocytes* (and the affected)

—re!2 leon kennedy x microbiologist!fem reader

(*cardiomyocytes — smooth muscle cells that surround the human heart)

— a oneshot (request)

warnings: the butchering of anything involving microbiology (i have zero knowledge of any of this so bear with me), reader being a smarty pants and leon having no clue what she’s talking about, pure fluff, kissing, established relationship, brainiac x leon troupe (obviously), police officer leon, and other things i’m forgetting to mention.

“he looks over the titles of the books she’s studying and reading, even if she already has a job as one of five microbiologists at her lab. she still reads and never stops gaining knowledge. a thing he admires but deeply despises in certain aspects of their relationship. always one upping him with her knowledge that she gained from many years of studying. he’s just a police officer, he knows the basics of that, but all the words of the titles he’s reading of the books on their shared bookshelf in their apartment are lost on him. what the hell even is protozoa? and why does it need to have a book?”

— or reader is a microbiologist and leon struggles to understand the basics of what his girlfriend does

masterlist taglist

an: thank you for the request anon. this is probably one of the hardest ones i’ve had to write because i know zilch about microbiology. had to ask my mom with the science degree about a million questions for this oneshot. so please enjoy <33 hope it meets your expectations.

she got her degree when she was seventeen. she was way ahead of everyone in high school, graduating a year early and starting college right away.

she knew she was smarter then some of the kids she went to college with, she was the only one insane enough to base a paper on the four cells that surround the heart.

and it got her an A. go figure.

she didn’t take risks often, not ever. only when she was in college and high school did she take academic risks, but never actual risks. like bungee jumping off of a bridge or trying the hottest pepper known to man.

no, she never did any of that.

not until she was in her fourth and final year of her microbiology degree did she take a risk. she never even considered taking it up until this point.

she saw leon for the first time, and everything inside of her. her brain, her heart and the cells surrounding it, seemed to indicate that she would be a fool if she didn’t talk to him. didn’t take that risk that she had never even thought of.

he was so beautiful, all of him. he was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. from the brown hair that wasn’t completely dark, to the blue of his eyes and the way he carried himself as if he didn’t have a care in the world…even if he had a badge and a gun.

even if he put his life on the line ever single day, he walked around and into the coffee shop she studied at frequently as if it was no big deal. she tried not to gawk, tried not to peer over her textbook of blood born viruses. she just tried to be subtle, but apparently he caught onto that.

stupid cops and their ability to sense staring. she thought to herself that day as she ducked behind her textbook at the last second. she prayed to god he didn’t say anything, didn’t see her practically eye fucking him with her corneas.

she thought she was safe until she heard steps come towards her table, stopping just by her eye-line near the edge of the table. she swallowed and looked up from her textbook. and she had never taken such a risk by doing so, by just simply moving her head up from where she sat to meet his devastatingly beautiful face.

he tilted his head, looking over her features for a second himself. he selfishly let himself look, she had stared at him first after all. her face was coated in a blush that made her feel like her whole body was on fire.

is this what attraction, true, attraction was like? she felt like she was having a hot flash. she swallowed and managed a nervous smile, slowly closing her textbook and she made the biggest mistake by doing that — showing him the cover of her textbook.

his eyes went down to the cover of the textbook, reading it out loud, the first words he had ever spoken to her. “A Planet of Viruses?” he repeated the title with a raised brow and then let his eyes drift over to her. she managed to speak, or tried to, talking to men had never been her specialty.

“uhh, yeah. it’s…i’m in college.” she says as she flashes another nervous smile, wanting to shove herself into a flesh pit. she hated this, she was bad at talking to men. she should’ve just sworn men off forever but she was still a women. no degree of any kind would change that.

he nods slowly and to her surprise, he sits down at the small table across from her, coffee in a to-go cup. she scans her eyes over him, almost scared that if she looks to long she’ll be damned.

“what do you study?” he says with a small sip to his coffee, leaning back in the chair a little. he was taking an interest to her, trying to get to know her. she felt her cheeks flush ten times more at the realization. “microbiology.”

“microbiology? what is that?” he asks with a small chuckle as he shifts in the seat across from her, she brushed her hands over her pants and looked directly at him, not looking away once.

“uhm, it’s the study of the biology of microscopic organisms: viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, etc.” she manages to explain as she feels his undivided attention on her, his blue eyes sparkling a little bit. it was almost like he liked learning something. whether it be about her or just in general, she wasn’t sure. “why microbiology?”

she tilts her head at him, looking at the book title he had read out loud for one of her courses upon introduction. “i think it’s fascinating. the cells in a body or the cells of a plant. they’re both living things, they operate differently but when you look at it underneath a microscope…they work in more similar ways.” he sips on his coffee and nods.

“so you like learning how things work?” he asks with a small grin, trying to figure out with just a subtle shifts of his blue eyes over her body across the small café table. she nods and smiles, she tries to do the best she can, she’s terrible at flirting.

“for the most part.” she hums as she taps on the cover of the textbook with her fingers, “the only thing i can’t seem to figure out is why your talking to me.” she continues with a small bite of her bottom lip in addition to her nerves.

he smiles and shakes his head, god help me. his smile is fucking beautiful. she thinks as she watches him adjust in the chair across from her, leaning his elbows on the table. “i think your a beautiful woman, you were staring and i happen to like awkward women who can barely flirt.” he says with a small tilt of his head, analyzing her again with his blue irises.

she knew he was joking, he was being honest and that got a lot farther with her then stupid pickup lines ever would. “i’m not great at the flirting, your right. i just…i don’t talk to handsome guys. i don’t.” she swallows as she realizes what she let slip out of her mouth.

“i’m handsome? hmm, maybe i should add that to my resume.” he says with a small goofy smile, showcasing some of his teeth. she blinked and felt her cheeks grow hot again, her whole body felt like it would burst into flames and implode. she tried to laugh but it came out like some weird cackle.

he shakes his head, “it’s okay, pretty girl. you think i’m handsome. i’ll take it.” he says with a small smile and a nod of his head. she felt a smile grace her features, one more real at his compliment. pretty girl, pretty girl, pretty girl…the way he said it echoed in her brain and didn’t escape.

before she could open her mouth to say anything, his radio went off on his uniform. a bunch of codes and words she didn’t understand before he answered the walkie. “yeah, i’m on my way.” he mumbled. he then looked back to her with an apologetic smile, good. he didn’t want this to end either, i must be doing something right. she thinks to herself.

“well sorry to cut the conversation short, pretty girl. but i gotta go bust some criminals.” he says with a small sigh, pulling himself out of the chair across from her. she nods towards him in understanding, “life of a cop, daunting.” she jokes, almost wanting to slap herself for it.

that was until he laughed — the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. she swears it, this man is already ruining other men for her. not that there were other men to begin with. she grabs her pen and grabs his to-go coffee cup.

he looks at her with a raised eyebrow, “stealing my coffee? you know this is a coffee place…” he starts as he cracks a small grin, she shakes her head with a small grin and clicks her pen when she’s done writing on the side. “my name and number, incase you get curious and wanna learn more about microbiology.” she grins.

she was hoping he got the hint, praying and by the looks of it. he did, he took the cup from her hand, their fingers brushing briefly. he holds the cup up and reads the name and number on the side.

he shoots her a playful smile, a glint in those blue irises that she swears could make any girl smile. “i’ll make sure to have a list of questions by friday.”

her brows furrow, “what’s on friday?” she swallows as she waits for his answer. he winks at her, winks, and says. “our date.”

she blinks, her eyes wide and feels a smile forming on her face that she can’t help, like she could implode right here in front of him and be absolutely fine with it. “okay…?” she trails off because she never got his name.

he sees her brows furrow and her actually look confused, which he guesses isnt something that happens often in her brain. “leon, or handsome cop. whichever you prefer.” he says with a small playful smile on his boyish features.

she laughs and nods, sucking in a breath. “see you on friday, leon. be in touch.” she says as she tries to regain her cool and not seem like a dork, some girl who’s never talked to the male species before. he scans her up and down with a different kind of something in his blue eyes, “oh i will be.”

she swears that as he walks away, she feels her pulse go ten times faster and her stomach erupt in butterflies. as she watches him exit the coffee shop, following him with her eyes until he gets into his police cruiser, to-go cup and hand and zooms out of the parking lot.

she feels her heart thrum faster in her chest. she knew she had taken a risk, the biggest one she ever had that was in academics.

and she was excited at what this would bring.

two years later, she’s still the same girl she was in her fourth and final year in college. except now, she had leon indefinitely.

he was still somewhat amazed by her smarts and the ways she could just pack information into her brain like it was nobodies business. she had graduated a year after they got together, marveling that all her late nights of studying and cramming down books about cells and microorganisms paid off.

he was there to see her graduate college, there when she got a job at a lab with five other scientists. all studying and devoting their life to finding inaccuracies in cell makeup of various plants & humans alike.

he was there to move her into his home, helping her unload various boxes of books and other things. even a microscope and slides. he didn’t ask, it was pretty self explanatory given her profession.

now here they were, together and happy. he was working as a cop at the police station in town and she was devoting her career to science. they were happy for each other, they were following their dreams.

the only thing was that leon was still lost whenever she talked about microbiology. he had zero idea about what it was besides the basics, that it was about cells and stuff. he had no other clue besides that.

it was lost on him whenever she opened her mouth to talk about work that day, he tried doing research, just so he could maybe try and understand what she was talking about. but he didn’t have a college degree in it, so all the terms and information were lost on him entirely.

he scanned the bookshelf of their shared place, looking over his titles which were just autobiography’s and some books he read as a kid. then there were hers, things about cells, data research, fungi…he tried reading one once and fell asleep after two pages.

literally.

because what the hell was a protozoa? and why did it need a 500 page book talking about it and its properties? he shook his head and sighed, deciding to take the book off the shelf and glance at the cover. he didn’t even understand it, again, it was lost on him.

but his girlfriend was happy, she loved all of it. so who was he to judge? but he just wished he could understand it a little. he didn’t like just nodding along when she talked about work like an idiot. he shoved the book back in on the bookshelf where it went, sighing.

maybe another day.

they were sitting on the couch watching a movie, some horror movie where the idiot protagonist was running away from the even stupider antagonist. she sighed and sat back on the couch cushions.

“you okay, baby?” he asks with a small glance from the tv screen in her direction. she sighs and nods, “horror movies are just…” she starts as she shifts on the couch, looking over at him. “why do you like horror movies?” she asks.

he thinks for a minute, shifting from his position on the couch to set his soda down on the coffee table in front of it. “i like them because it’s funny that any person would be stupid enough to make these mistakes.” he says with a small snort, nodding towards the tv where the protagonist was running down a dark alleyway.

she looks at the tv and then back at him, “but why are we watching it if you think it’s stupid?” she says with furrowed brows as she looks over his features. he sighs and pauses the movie with a small movement of his hand to the remote, turning to face her on the couch.

“what’s wrong with you?”

“huh?” she looks perplexed, like he just asked her to get naked, not that she’d mind doing that for him.

“you don’t get this grumpy when i watch horror movies. what’s the real issue here?” he says with a small tilt of his head, an amused smile on his face. she shifts on the couch, moving to tuck her feet beneath her. “nothing, i’m fine.”

“really? because i don’t think you are.” he says with a small raise of his eyebrow at his girlfriend, moving closer to rub a hand on her knee. “what’s the issue?” he repeats the question, keeping his eyes locked on hers.

she sighs and looks away from him, damn him and his ability to know everything about me. she thinks as she tries to form her thoughts into words. “one of the scientists in the lab today…” she starts and shakes her head, trying to push back the anger.

“he lost one of the cell samples.” she says in a small but angry voice as she feels her fists curl a little with anger. he rubs her knee with his hand, keeping her calm to the best of his ability, “what kind of cell sample was it?” he asks softly as he keeps his voice even and calm.

“human cell sample.” she says with a small pinch of her brow, “a cancerous human cell sample.” she repeats as she looks at him. he raises a small brow in her direction again, “how does someone manage to lose that?” he asks as if she isn’t there, more like his thoughts are just pouring out of his mouth.

“i have no clue. but he’s lucky we have a backup or else…else i would’ve shoved him into the eyewash station.” she says in a low growl as if it’s a dangerous threat. he chuckles and shakes his head, still rubbing his hand in soothing circles over her knee. “your not gonna shove anyone into the eyewash station.” he says with a small knowing look on his face.

“but i could.” she retorts with a small raise of her eyebrows in her boyfriends direction. “he messed up my sample. he had it coming.” she raises a fist and shakes it. he rolls his eyes playfully at her antics, putting the hand on her knee over her curled fist and lowering it. “calm down, rocky. your not hurting anyone over some dish full of cells.” he says with a small laugh.

she sighs and nods, “i want to though. it took me months to acquire those samples for research.” she groans as she throws herself back on the couch dramatically. “look at it this way,” he starts.

“you don’t have to worry about what happened to it. you know what he did with it, lost or not.” he says with a small shrug as he glances over her on the couch next to her.

“that’s not the point!” she says in frustration as she grips at her hair and buries her face into the couch cushions. he leans over a bit and rubs over her spine, “take a step back, baby. relax, it’s okay.” he says gently as he rubs her back over her hoodie she was wearing.

she takes a couple deep breaths, nodding into the couch cushions as she relaxes into his touch. “you need to calm down. it’s just science at the end of the day. it’s not gonna change and it’s not going anywhere without you.” he reassures her as he leans over and presses a kiss on the back of her head, rubbing soothing circles down her spine.

she sniffles, “i know but he lost the fucking sample.” she groans in frustration as she keeps her cheek buried in the couch cushions. he nods supportively and rubs her back, “you can’t stress over it. what’s done is done.” he says firmly but gently, a small sad smile on his features.

he knows how worked up she gets over her job, taking it home with her all the time. he always has to de-stress her. he has to unknot her like rope and make sure she’s okay after the work week.

her job makes his look like a circus.

she sniffles and nods slowly, she pulls her head out of the couch cushions and moves towards him on the couch, burying her face into his neck and just hugging him. he keeps rubbing her back and holding her close like he did before, “your so good at your job, you care so much. but you need to let things go, breathe.” he says calmly into her hair.

“trust me,” he continues. “in my job if you take things home from work. it will literally kill you and drive you crazy.” he says with a small snort as he shakes his head. “but your doing what you love and it’s great. you need to let things go when it’s necessary.” he whispers into her hair, rubbing her back and pressing a small kiss into the crown of her head.

“i can’t let you destroy and work yourself up, that beautiful brain is amazing when it’s working properly. i need to hear my girlfriends random facts about viruses.” he chuckles into her hair, trying to cheer her up. which seems to work because she muffles a small laugh into his shoulder.

“see, even you know i’m right.” he says softly into his hair, patting her back gently. she pulls her face away from his neck after soaking it with some tears. “your always right.” she groans as she wipes at her eyes with her hoodie sleeves.

“i’m not always right, i’m just lucky.” he says softly as he looks over her features with a small smile, rubbing her back as best as she can to calm her down. she rolls her eyes and moves towards him, pressing her lips to his slowly.

he keeps a firm hold on her back and hips, kissing her slowly and gently back as he tastes the saltiness of her tears on her lips. these moments with her are probably the best in his mind, he gets to hold her close, rub her back and kiss her.

he wouldn’t trade anything for this. he’s certain.

two days later, they were snowed in.

it had snowed about 18 inches in the city, and more was bound to come according to the news forecast. even leon, wasn’t going to work. he used his PTO because there was no way he was going out in that.

and she was still trying to argue to go out, to go to the lab and get her work done for the day. her boss even called her and told her the trip wasn’t worth it, to just take the day off.

but she just wasn’t listening.

“please?! i need to go!” she whined at leon as she tried to jump in her snow boots to meet his keys. he was holding her car keys above his head out of her reach. “no fucking way. have you seen the roads, baby? it’s not safe.” he says with a gesture to the window outside.

everything was covered in inches of snow and white. freezing cold temperatures and it just kept falling in fat flakes from the sky. she shook her head in protest, “just give me the keys!” she whined again as she tried to reach on her tippy toes for them.

“no! i cannot believe i’m saying this.” he pinches his brows and looks at her with a hard look, one that he rarely had when it came to her. “your not going to work, it’s unsafe and your boss even told you not to go. so go change into some pjs and sit your ass down and relax. i’m hiding your car keys.” he says firmly as he looks at her, brushing past her to go into their bedroom.

she groans and yells, “your such a buzzkill!”

“i don’t hear you changing or sitting down!” he yells from the bedroom. she groans and stomps her snow boots on the floor like a child, whipping her head to look back out at the window, “stupid snow algae.” she hisses at the dreary weather outside.

eventually, she gave up on the complaining after leon hid her keys and made her get comfortable and relax. they were sitting on the couch an hour later, watching some movie. her body was pressed against his and her leg was wrapped over his legs. “i’m so cold.” she mumbles into his chest.

“baby, we have two blankets around us. you have socks and a sweater on. the heat’s on full blast. what else do you want me to do?” he asks with a small raise of his eyebrows to where she’s cuddled up against his chest.

“i don’t know, make it stop.” she grumbles into his chest as she presses herself closer to him, keeping the blankets adjusted around them on the couch. the movie was playing mindlessly in the background at his point as they kept cuddled up together.

he shakes his head in amusement, “as much as i would love to magically make you not cold anymore. that’s not how it works.” he says softly as he presses a kiss to the top of her hair. she sighs and nuzzles her head deeper into his chest, “just hold me then.” she muffles into his chest.

he looks down at her with a small brow raise. “i am holding you.” he squeezes his arms around her beneath the blankets for emphasis. “not good enough, smartass.” she mumbles into his chest.

he pinches her hip underneath her sweatshirt with his cold hands, she shrieks and bolts upright, smacking him on the chest. he laughs, “your such a jerk!” she shrieks as she tries to move away from him on the couch with the two blankets.

“oh no, get back here.” he says with a small grin, grabbing her effectively and the blankets with her, holding her close to his side on the couch. “i love you too, baby.” he mumbles with amusement as he presses his lips to the side of her head, then her cheek.

causing her cheeks to heat up and flare despite her being cold. she could feel her heart expanding and the muscles expanding.

“your lucky your cute.” she whispers as she just moves back next to him for warmth. he chortles her and presses another kiss to her head. “i’m cute, handsome and i put up with your pain in the ass. i deserve an award.” he says with a proud smile as she looked up at him, her brow raised in amusement.

“there’s no award for that.” she starts as she looks at him, her eyes widening a little at the words he chose. she feels her heart pound faster and faster against her chest.

even after all this time, the intensity from just looking at him never fails to make her heart feel like it’s going to simply explode within her chest. he smirks and obliterates her world view yet again, “i’ll invent one then and give it to myself.”

she’s never going to let him go ever, not in a million years would she do something that stupid with the level of IQ she has.

after the snow continued to fall that day, then the next and it was a full on blizzard, soon enough. they had been kept inside, even their bosses individually kept them out of the streets.

she wanted to argue but there was no point, not at this time. not when leon hid her car keys yesterday. instead of being curled up underneath the blanket pressed so close together, they were both sitting on the couch. leon on one end and her on the other.

she had cracked open a book that she had been wanting to read about fungi cells and leon was just watching the tv at a low volume so he wasn’t disturbing her.

“i can’t believe you’d rather read a book about fungi cells then watch Brooklyn nine-nine with me.” he says with a small shake of his head as he eyes her eyes that swept over each word of the page like it was nobodies business.

“i’m here on the couch with you aren’t i?” she says with a small focused look as she talked and continued reading, flipping a page in her book. he snorts, “that’s not what i meant.”

“do you even know what fungi cells are?” she says with a small raise of her eyebrow in his direction at his end of their couch. he shakes his head, his gaze going back to the tv.

“they’re cells in mushrooms.” he mumbles as if he knows the answer already, she closes her book with a small snap and bookmarks the page, “fungi are eukaryotes and have a complex cellular organization.” she says as seriously as she can.

his brow furrows and he pauses the tv, “i have no idea what that means.” he says with a small sigh as he looks over at her, the book sat in her lap like she was protecting it.

“it means its cells that have very different reproductive properties.” she says as she looks at him with a serious look on her face, like she wasn’t talking about mushroom cells.

his brows furrow even more, what the hell did that even mean? what the fuck is a mushroom doing having sex? he thinks to himself as he shakes his head at her, “i’m still lost.”

she pinches her brows and sighs, “okay, so…” and she begins explaining the cells of a mushroom and in other fungi as best as she can and as simply as she can.

when she finishes he just stares at her and blinks with his blue eyes, “don’t be mad but i zoned out for like half of what you just said.” he says with a small chuckle.

she groans and shakes her head, obviously frustrated, “i’m not explaining it to you anymore. watch your show.” she says in an angry voice as she opens her book back up where its bookmarked and starting to read again.

he clicks his tongue, “no no,” he reaches over and grabs her book, keeping it bookmarked and sitting it on the coffee table in front of them. “i just don’t have a degree in microbiology, baby. my IQ is not…as high as yours.” he says in a soft voice as he rubs a hand over her knee.

she just listens to him, blinking her eyes over in his general direction as she shifts on the couch. “it doesn’t mean i don’t want to understand, god, i would love to understand. i would go back to school and learn everything about microbiology just to talk to you about it.” he proclaims as he looks at her with nothing but love in his blue eyes.

“i would relearn everything and get a degree in microbiology and learn just to understand your work, the books you read and just what it’s like to be inside your brain.” he says softly as he rubs his thumb over her knee, keeping her eyes on his as he speaks with such conviction that it makes her heart want to burst right out of her chest.

“so don’t think for one second that i don’t take interest and tune everything out, i always want to understand and i will spend the rest of my life trying if it means i get to be with you and love you.” he says with a small smile as he feels himself remain breathless in a sense at his own confession.

the words tumbling out of his mouth like he was going on a rant about something, like he was passionate about this. and he was, he needed her to understand.

“the day i met you in that coffee shop, i knew just from looking at that book you were reading…i knew it would be hard. but god, has it been so worth it baby.” he says with a small warmth in his blue eyes that only bloomed for her. the heat from his hand on her knee and the way his words bursted her into flame, it was enough to melt the snow of the blizzard outside.

“everything about you is worth it, even if i don’t understand. i’ll never fully understand but that doesn’t mean i won’t try.” he says with a squeeze to her knee, she blinks up at him and feels her heartbeat accelerating.

“i love you.” she breathes. she had said it to him a million times before in the past two years but it felt like it was needed in this context, like she needed to say this to him. just so that his words that he spoke were not lost on her.

he nods slowly and pulls her closer into his lap, settling his hands over her waist, thumbing at the skin underneath her sweater. “i love you too.” he says softly, “i mean every single thing i just said.” he says gently, his words like a caress and a reassurance that she wasn’t sure she needed until then.

she nods and sighs softly, “i know.” she whispers as she moves her lips to his again, leaning up a little bit from where she was sat in his lap. his thumb sweeping over the skin of her hip, igniting her body into even more flames. she moves her lips over his soft ones, kissing him with intention that wasn’t mindless.

he kisses back, used to the way his lips melded with hers. everything between them, this connection that they had was unlikely. but it was theirs and it went beyond science.

it was love, it was the cells around the hearts they had, the beating of them for only each other. she would kiss him a million times just to prove that point until there was nothing left within her.

until she was just a bunch of frazzled nerve endings, she would kiss him and love him. let him have her in every inch, every scenario and even if the hypotheses was scary and didn’t make sense.

she’d love him unconditionally, the same way he loved her. until both of the cells around their heart fizzled out and died.

she was never letting that go, not now and not in a million years, the probability was there. she didn’t care, not when he loved her and it consumed her in a way that should be studied.

and even if that scared her, she didn’t care. she had him and that was good enough in her heart and brain to keep loving him.

until the cardiomyocytes died out.

an: i hope you liked this, i tried my best to incorporate what you asked for anon :,) had to ask my mom a million questions to get an idea of what i was getting myself into with this oneshot request. but i love you all, please reblog, like and my taglist and masterlist are linked at the beginning. i love you all, kisses. xx. <33

taglist: @heartsforvin @elihii (go to my linked post to join the taglist)

#leon kennedy #leon x reader #re2 leon #leon kennedy au #re2 remake #leon kennedy x you #leon s kennedy #leon kennedy fic #leon kennedy imagine #leon kennedy fanfic #leon kennedy re2 #leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x fem reader #leqonsluv3rasks

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lokittystuckinatree · 5 months ago

Text

Happy Pride losers, I’m ready to be clowned but my dumb ass is now convinced Rogue is the Master…

Rogue and Renegade have eerily similar meanings under the right circumstance.

To rebel against an organized group. To go rogue.

An endearingly naughty person

Koschei, our second fave Renegade Time Lord

Apparently they were also called a Rogue Time Lord? I am not making this up.

Although Maestro is Master in Italian and look how that turned out

“Lord” interesting.

Red and Blue. The master and 13 were red and blue coded respectively. Have they switched, Symbolically?

Rogue was looking at the Doctor rather nefariously, even once they were buddies. Just go through some of the scenes again. It’s harder than you’d think to tell if he’s trying to seem seductive or evil

The entire premise of this ep seems to be “things are not as they seem; people are not as they appear” which is a Master staple

The Master has been haunting the fuck out of the narrative lately.

Here’s my thread on just how much

When I saw the first trailer, I instinctively thought “ballroom dance guy” was gonna be the new Master

The inside of Rogue’s (familiarly messy) ship has controls eerily similar to the configuration of a TARDIS.

Rogue is obviously a time traveler if he has that space ship and knows DnD (Rogue + Time + Lord. Oh?)

DnD might be a dead giveaway

Was Rogue’s name being inspired by DnD necessary to include? Cute thing the writers wanted to put in, or clue?

Why would Rogue know what DnD was but not know what cosplay or improv was?

The Master has been taken prisoner by the Toymaker, infamous for his love of? Games. You know who also has a running theme of “winning” and “losing”? The Master

In DnD you play as a character and rely on skill and chance to survive within the confines of a structured storytelling game. Bending the rules is often involved. The Master tried that against the Toymaker and failed.

DnD players will often have little tiny figurines of their characters. Remind you of anything?

the Master is a dnd rogue archetype. Trickster, lone wolf, shapeshifter.

If the Doctor is symbolically trapped in a TV show, is the Master trapped in a game? If the Toymaker is the DM, is he going rogue against the Toymaker?

The Master is infamous for their disguises and “cosplays” and has catfished the Doctor before.

Rogue is almost suspiciously too much the Doctor’s type. He’s like the love child of River Song and Jack Harkness. He is exactly the type of character the Master would create to lure and seduce the Doctor.

He and the Doctor just…get each other. It’s like they’ve known each other for much longer than a few hours. They’re too cushy (haha)

Rogue threatened to kill the Doctor, and then imprisoned him in a nice little cage. Familiar?

He tried to make the Doctor kill Ruby, who we all know is just Clara 2.0. Familiar?

He knows too much and too little

He knew the party was attended by alien birb people but only knew about one alien birb? And did he reaaaally think Doc was an alien bird?

The Dancing. They knew they wanted there to be a dance party before they even settled on a time period setting for the episode. Enough said.

The ring was…interesting

That’s a lot of commitment, even if only a promise ring. Something tells me he intended it as an engagement ring though

Someone tried to write a book in the 80s where 5 and Ainley were ex spouses, but it was shot down

Just an unrelated detail, but a ring on the pinky is a gay thing

Mirroring. Thoschei do that. A lot.

“You!” “No, you!” “no, you!”

The way they danced

The scene where they kept turning on and off the music

Speaking of music…Bad Guy by Billie Eilish? Too on the nose? Can’t get you out of my head? Poker face?

You remember that lady’s hand that picked up the Master in his widdle toof? Hand of the Rani?

This episode was written by two women. The Master would literally be in women’s hands

I remember watching Sacha Dhawan’s Spy Master for the first time and going…darn, he reminds me so much of Avengers era Loki. Kate Herron directed season 1 of the Loki Series and had a lot of creative control. Would it really be surprising if RTD (confirmed Loki fan) went to her for the Master after Sacha?

Didn’t Russell say he’s leaving the Master for “other writers?”

“The Master is parked” did he happen to park a Tardis disguised as an everyday spaceship???

In an interview, Kate said she and Briony designed Rogue to be the Doctor’s “equal”

References

“When I see him, I’ll know” and he is drawn to Rogue like a magnet.

“Travel with me” who must you be to want the Doctor to be your companion instead of vice verse

“We can argue across the stars”

“I’m in your head” + “can’t get you out of my head” + the Master being referenced multiple times in almost every episode since PoTD

“I’m trigger happy” feels really fucking intentional

He said “find me.” If he is the Master, the person he lost was the Doctor, (notice he said “them” and not “her” or “him?”) and the Master and Doctor always find each other.

Scream of the Shalka? And didn’t the Master fall through the floor like 40 times in Curse of Fatal Death? Richard E Grant was the Doctor in both of those.

For more, @bugeater77 and friends have this lovely thread

Guys CHECK MY REBLOG, RTD posted something wild.

#Thoschei #the master #doctor/master #doctor who #doctor who spoilers #rogue doctor who #ncuti gatwa #jonathan groff #sacha dhawan #15th doctor #I’m delusional but I am free #update: I might not be as delusional as I thought. the more I think about it the more sense it makes #if Rogue is the Master we won’t get his reveal until next year. big finish diiiid say 2025 was a big year for the Master

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danikamariewrites · 1 year ago

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Taken (part 1)

Cassian x f!reader

A/n: I realized I haven't written much for Cass so I decided he gets a two-parter

You can read part 2 here

Warnings: angst, kidnapping, violence, Beron Vanserra being a dick

The room had gone silent, there was a slight ringing in Cassian's ears. Someone had taken you. Someone had taken you from your home. And he wasn’t there to protect you or stop it or kill the person who dared touch you. You’re his mate, and he failed at the one job he had, protecting you.

“Cassian,” Rhys spoke softly, noticing Cassian's hands were curled into fists at his sides. The red siphons strapped to the back of his hands were glowing as his rage simmered. “We will get her back. Whatever it takes. Azriel should be back soon, he said he has a lead.”

He knew what you would say to him if you were here right now. ‘Don’t worry Cass I’m fine. I can handle myself.’ He knew you could. He had been training you since the mating bond snapped. But you didn’t grow up like him. Training every day, honing your body into a weapon.

You grew up studying history, learning languages, and everything about the courts of Prythian. Your mind was strong. You were witty and the smartest person he’d ever met.

Cassian always joked that he was the brawn to your brains and that’s why the cauldron had mated you. But smarts didn’t always get you out of a sticky situation.

Azriel burst through the door, Feyre and Mor on his heels. Cassian turns to face his brother, his rage nearly boiling under his skin. “Who. Took. Her.” He demanded through gritted teeth.

Azriel took a cautious step forward, putting on the mask of Spymaster, attempting to remove his personal feelings from the situation. “Y/n put up one hell of a fight. The house was a mess but I was able to recover this,” Azriel holds out an armored shoulder plate in his scarred hand. “She knew to leave a clue, Cassian. We’re going to find her.”

Cassian took the armor from his brother, examining it. It was bronze, with the insignia of Berons personal hit squad carved on the curve of the metal. Rhys rounds the corner of his desk to examine it.

“Get Nesta and the Valkyries ready, you two get ready as well,” he says to his mate and Mor. “We need to form a plan,” Rhys commands. “No!” Cassian's booming voice echoes around the office. His family pauses, waiting for him to explode.

He shoves the armor into Rhys’ chest. “I’m not fucking waiting for you. I’m going ahead. I’ll see what we’re dealing with.” He stomps towards the door, Azriel stepping in his way. “Cassian, you know how bad of an idea that is.” Cassian growls at his brother but Azriel doesn’t back down.

“I hate to do this Cass,” Rhys starts, Cassian’s back stays turned to him, “but Az is right. As your High Lord, I am ordering you to wait until we are prepared to leave.”

———

You heard a door open and shut echo across the cavernous dungeon, and a male's angry voice muffled by whispers. You didn't dare open your eyes out of fear the guard stationed at your cell door would announce it. So you lay on the floor, pretending to be unconscious.

It was better to catch people off guard when you could, Cassian taught you that. Cassian! Judging by the small amount of sunlight coming in through the tiny window in the cell, it was late and he had to know you were missing by now.

You had tried to reach out to him through the bond a few times but it was no use. Your abductors had used a lot of Fae Bane to subdue you, and the wards around the Forest House were strong. Beron was a very paranoid person and left nothing to chance.

The male's heavy footsteps approach, accompanied by two other pairs. You tried not to let the scent of your fear be known. “Open the door.” You know that voice. Beron had come to see you himself. Something had to be going on if he was desperate enough to have you kidnapped.

He entered the cell, crouching over you. He grabbed your face, squeezing hard. Your eyes fly open, anger overtakes your features as you struggle to get away. He pulls you into a standing position as he looks down at you. “Now, now y/n. You should know better than to struggle.” you stop, your breathing heavy. You weren't an idiot. You wanted to live long enough to attempt an escape, so you'd obey for now.

Beron roughly pushes your face, letting go. Never breaking eye contact you growl out, “What do you want?” He backhands you across your face so hard you fall, hitting the stone floor. Recovering quickly you scramble away from the High Lord of Autumn clutching at your face. You could feel a large bruise forming.

He stands scowling at you, “It's too early to be taking that tone with me y/n. But I will sate your curiosity.” you push into the damp stone wall, hoping you'd fall through it and escape.

“You are Rhysands go-to for translating languages and whatnot.” ok, so he knew your job title. Big deal. “I've come across something rather rare, my people have looked at it but the incompetent fools failed at translating it. You will translate it for me.” He stares down at you expectantly.

It's clear the other High Lords didn't know about Beron's little find, but you had to make sure. “I take it the other High Lords are unaware of this.” He huffs out a laugh. “No, and it will stay that way. You do serve another purpose being here though.” you tilt your head giving him a curious look.

“Your little inner circle is keeping secrets. I didn't think Rhysand would be so careless but alas, I found this in my idiotic son's study.” Beron takes a crumpled piece of paper from his breast pocket holding it out to you. You lean forward slightly to make out the message.

Shit. That was one of the first letters between Rhys and Eris after Hybern. Shit, shit, shit. And Beron knows they’ll show up for you. It's not a secret you and Cassian are mates. Shit. This is a trap. And you're the bait.

The panic showed on your face as Beron smirked at you, knowing he won. He turns to leave, saying, “I'll send guards for you when I'm ready.” The cell door slammed shut and the guard went back to his watch position as Beron and the other two walked away. He was going to leave you here all night. Just to emphasize how powerless you were in this whole situation.

———

By the time the plan was set and everyone was armed to the teeth Cassian was fuming. Too much time had passed for his liking. He was going out of his mind, thinking of all the negative what-ifs. And he couldn't feel you down the bond.

He had reached out a million times and nothing. It was still there but that wasn't enough for Cassian. If he kept thinking about it he was going to be sick.

Rhys’ voice broke him from his thoughts, “You know what your assignments are. We have no room for error. And remember, this could very well be a trap we're walking into. So stay alert.” Everyone nodded.

The plan was that Azriel would winnow in first, then send the all-clear to Rhys for Feyre and Nesta, then Mor and Emerie. And he and Rhys last. They would sneak into the Forest House from four different spots. Nesta and Emerie would take out guards where they could. Mor, Feyre, and Rhys would keep trouble off their backs and find Eris. And He and Azriel would head for the dungeons to get you out.

Rhys grabbed Cassian's arm. The world fell away, darkness consumed his sight, and then the forest of Autumn bathed in moonlight was around him. The air smelled crisp and earthy.

He took a deep breath and followed his brother toward the Forest House.

———

You couldn't sleep. You tried different spots on the floor but your anxiety kept your heart pounding at the thought of Beron coming back for you.

You were sitting against the wall, knees pulled into your chest. The guard had yelled at you an hour ago for fidgeting too much, so you've been sitting in this position since. You didn't want to see what he would do if you moved around again.

You began absent-mindedly running your fingers against the stone wall. On your second pass over a certain spot, your finger caught slightly. You ran your finger over the spot again. And traced the crack in the wall up and over.

Laying your palm over the space you felt a slight breeze. This wasn't just a crack in the stone, it was a door to a secret passage. At that moment something in your brain clicked. You've studied every High Lord in Prythian, even the layouts of their houses.

You knew exactly where this passage led. The guard was your only problem. You could do this. Cassian taught you how to sneak up on people. You just had to stay calm.

You moved into a crouching position and slowly made your way over to the bars. His quarterstaff was held lax at his side. You stuck a hand through the bars grabbing the staff. Before he knew what was happening you brought the staff up to his throat. Grabbing the other end you pulled him against the bars, choking him until he passed out. You let him down slowly, so his body didn't make noise.

You push and push against the secret door. After a few minutes, it finally gives in. You start crawling in the dark and dusty passageway. It clearly hadn't been used in centuries.

You didn't want to get ahead of yourself, but this escape route was looking promising.

tags: @nyotamalfoy @auggiesolovey @bubybubsters @baybay123455 @msiecrane

#acotar fanfiction #acotar #acotar reader imagine #acotar reader fic #acotar imagine #cassian acosf #cassian acotar #cassian acotar x reader #Cassian x reader #Cassian x you #cassian angst #cassian fanfic

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kacievvbbbb · 1 month ago

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Idk why I find the fact Mihawk writes Y/N Reader inserts so funny but so true and I have reader inserts blocked on here like I hate them but oh my god so in character for him.

And he does not give a shit. Absolutely go king and getting fantasy dicked down by all the hot guys in one piece world I support! Also him being a sengoku shipper iconic. I was say maybe he thinks about Kuzan but I think he’s out off by his general laziness and apathy and not in a fun apathetic way like Barsolino in a depression way. ( he’s looking in a mirror and does not like it.) but if he learns Dragon used to be a marine and friends with Akainu he’s making the most toxic relationship of them friends to enemies to nemesis type shit.

He’ll write a new book and it will be a sensation and no matter the fact he changed the names everyone with a brain cell will be able to figure out who it’s about.

Sorry this took so long to reply! but

YES YES YES!!! I don't really like self insert stuff either but it's so in-character for him I'm so obsessed.

And yeah it really is just the adventures of reader as they travel across the grand line getting dicked down is definitely one of his most beloved and acclaimed series. Shanks goes hot and cold on that series a lot because while the idea of watching mihawk getting dicked down by another man is very hot Shanks is also a jealous man and he is very jealous of these "fictional" men. He tries to find out if mihawk has ever fucked any of them in real life and maybe 👀.

Also yeah I just threw in the marine thing because I thought it was funny but I'm glad it stuck out! 😂. I don't think he self ships with any of the marines (maybe in his GILF era sengoku or fujitoro) I think because none of the really strong marines appeal to him but he would fuck smoker if he was stronger. and just because I remembered dude and I think it would be so funny imagine if his only self x marine ship is with Ryokugyu (the tree admiral) I think he'd hate him in life but he's not blind. I think this realllllly pisses shanks off because he does not like him and honestly its a bit of a snake eating his own tail because a lot of the reason he doesn't like him is because of Mihawk's fanfiction of him.

I think Mihawk's natural reaction (mostly because it's mine) is to ship Sengoku with Garp but he hates Garp and even the thought of picturing him in that way is enough to make him want to pour his ears to bleach his brain. I think it be funny if during one of his lackadaisical checking out marine headquarters rooms (because realistically who is going to stop him) he stumbles upon and old picture of Garp Sengoku and Tsuru when they were young and he is very intrigued by thetwo hot young men then he notices that one of them is Garp and he almost throws up, the thought wont leave him alone tho.

Also yes i don't think Mihawk actually knows dragon but he has definitely heard of him and being Garps son is enough cause for pettitness in his eyes. Dragon's identity is a little harder to parse out I the books but Akainu's is so fucking obvious. And it is a loved and well-cherished series. Anytime that Mihawk attends a warlord meeting or just genuinely has an unpleasant interaction with akainu (which is every interaction) he puts pen to paper. It'd be funny if this was the most "tame" series though more focused on the fictional romace which confuses dragon and pisses akainu off even more because what? do they think he can't take it? and mihawk is very pleased with himself. he drops a new edition right before he goes to any warlord meeting so he can watch akainu seethe in real time as the new talk of the town takes root (this series specifically is very popular in marine towns)

as for the real life identities. I think he definitely makes it a bit hard not to protect anyone. Still, because he thinks it's fun to make people guess and adds to the mystery so there is definitely a fan club (which Shanks leads) dedicated to putting the clues together on just who all the different men are (shanks needs this for....research purposes 👀) some of them are obvious if you're in the know like the Benn ones or Crocodile while others are just plain obvious because the Red Haired Emperor is definitely shanks like if you know shanks you know its him there is only two people with hair that red. It's not kidd( it does give both kidd and shanks a bit of a reputation of some islands because his book counterpart is infinitely more dashing and "masculine" that shanks' bum and kid's manica energies) and I think he makes the Akianu ones very obvious to anybody that literally even if you've just ever heard of him you know its him just to fuck with him.

#thank you for the ask!#once agaion sorry it took so long I just had a lot of thoughts about it and kept putting it off because I'm a procastinator😔#and sorry for all the atrocius spelling and punctuation was just yapping #I do definitely think that these books get so famous and become so well known that it becomes more of an insult not to have one about you #You know you've made it as a pirate/marine if you have an entire book about you and not just a chapter but people are happy #three measures of being a renowned pirate bounty fleet size and do you have a smut novel?#if you don't even have a series? then you don't belong in the conversation tih the ogs #cause mihawk's been doing this he was like 19 mostly as a way to fund his travels but as the challenger pulls dwindles it grows more seriou #to even be mentioned at all. none of the rookies have one yet because mihawk doesn't care or know about any of them besides zoro and luffy #which would be infitinely weird if he wrote about them becuase and zoro's his son and luffy is shanks'#but when perona finds out about this because she obviously does she starts to write her own with mihawk helps #so as little attachments in his publications there is a new female reader and a lot more lesbian and bisexual porn.#and the new kids appear more and she is defiantly all over baby five and reiju's comic character. kidd and law are also a favorite pairing #Zoro is very confused about all of this #hawkeye mihawk #op #dracule mihawk #akagami no shanks #shanks #akataka #mishanks #red haired shanks #one piece #one piece multiships #KC's ask mes🌸#one piece funny

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moonlit-void-to-the-far-unknown · 1 year ago

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“I’d lay you badly but I’d lay you gladly” (Roman Roy x fem!reader)

An: I’m gonna try. Let’s see how this goes. As an asexual (demisexual panromantic) I can feel it in my asexual bones that Roman is so part of the asexual club. Like he’s panromantic for sure he will date and flirt and be with anyone who makes him feel ~wiggly~ so to speak. I think he felt it with Gerri, and felt it with Tabitha. He feels like that pull toward them. And if given the chance he probs does want to bang. Like, he just never has that talk of ‘oh if I just stop thinking and let this person who I trust more then anything know what’s going on in my brain space then it works’ like our man is just. I love him because I am him.

I’m gonna tag @romeulusroy because I heard they were having a bad day and maybe soft roman can help

He liked looking at her when she didn’t know he was, he liked the feeling she gave him. A rush inside that he’s felt so few times in his life. Roman liked her smile, the way her lips split to show her teeth, the way her nose wrinkled when she didn’t like something. He liked her. Liked her? No he was pretty sure he loved her. Well what he assumed was love, he was pretty sure he’s only ever felt the emotion a handful of times.

Once when he was a kid and found a baby duck in the backyard pond of his mothers villa, it was so small and he helped it back into the pond where it’s family was. He remembers the feeling of warmth watching the mother goose bump it’s little tail back into place. He imagined every duck he saw after was somehow that one duck growing and visiting him.

He remembers the feeling when connor had popped him on the bathroom counter and bandaged up his scraped and bleeding knee. Connor was what he assumed his friends parents were like. He liked feeling cared for. Even if it was rare.

He likes listening to her ramble about her bullshit job of being a coffee runner most days, how she wishes she could punch Karl or frank or even his dad in the face when they forget her name, even though she’s worked under Gerri for at least 2 years.

He loves waking up next to her, always before her, something in him, maybe because of military school, maybe because he always wanted to be up before his siblings to hope that his dad would let him join him at the office, or to get the best pieces of bacon or toast for breakfast. Not anymore, now it was to be able to have the few moments of staring at her. Her softened face against the pillows, her worry stripped from her forehead. The moments when he could scratch her scalp lightly with his fingers and she would just sigh in her sleep.

He loved her. He would marry her if the fear of a marriage being the prison of unhappy people. From his parents to Tom and shiv and even Kendall. Though he would push all of it away if it meant a forever of seeing her like this.

He remembers the conversation that made him fall. Hard and fast and slamming him into the cold pavement.

“I’d lay you badly but I’d lay you gladly” it was a joke, she had laughed slightly looking down at her computer typing a report or email for Gerri or Karl or whoever was yanking her around this week.

“Roman we both know neither of us would enjoy that” it stung, she was right, but it stung.

“I mean I would rock your world for like a solid 3 seconds before you realise I have zero clue what’s going on” she had looked at him, cocking her head to the side, eye brow raised

“Roman. Can I ask you something.” He was caught off guard, his own walls coming up slightly, shrugging he looked around

“Yeah what’s up” he didn’t know why he couldn’t look at her suddenly but he just couldn’t.

“Do you know what asexuality is?” Asexuality? Obviously he did, biology and science was one class he knew he passed with more then a barley passing grade.

“Like fucking ameba and shit. They fuck themselves and bam! Another single celled whatever” she laughed, he turned to her then smiling a bit more

“I mean in the biology, organisms sense yeah, but like I mean in people,” Roman shrugged again shaking his head a little

“Some new fancy label the ‘woke’ mob has made to make people like my dad and Kendall rage for no reason?” She shook her head at that

“No Roman it means you don’t really like banging. Like, you could live with out it. So to speak, you could go your whole life never caring to want it. It wouldn’t change anything. And weird bathroom door Jack off sessions aside, it means your just not that into the whole sex thing” he felt his face flush at her mention of his brief weird relationship with Gerri. He simply looked at her

“I mean sex is…super cool….I love fucking, all night, we could do it right now, and it would be…explosive” he knew she could hear through his wavered tone

“Roman, do you know why I haven’t even pushed having sex?”

“I don’t know your weird and religious upbringing scared you for life with trauma?”

“Good guess but no…I’m asexual. Like, sex is just, a thing, I don’t care if we have it, or not, we could never and I would be 1000% okay with that. I don’t need you to bang me, how ever satisfying or not it would be, because I just, don’t need it.”

Roman stared at her then, his brain buzzing, heart slamming in his chest, he assumed like grace and Tabitha, one day you would clamber for him to attempt the unsuccessful routine of making out, hand stuff above his pants, a seemingly awkward game of red light green light before both of you gave up and you walked off to finish yourself in his bathroom.

“Roman, i haven’t brought it up, because if we never have sex ever, I wouldn’t care. It wouldn’t matter.”

He wanted to scream, and cry and hug her. He didn’t know why but he did. He simply stood up, walked over to her, yanked her up and kissed her. His hands holding her cheeks, hoping she understood what he meant in it.

When he pulled away she smiled at him nodding

“One day we may, who knows, but one thing is for sure. We’ll both lay each other badly”

“But gladly?”

“Yeah, but gladly”

#roman roy x reader #roman roy succession #Roman Roy #succession #kieran culkin #roman succession #succession HBO #Kendall Roy #Connor Roy #shiv Roy

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its-jaytothemee · 8 months ago

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Until I Met You - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Introductions

Pairings: Halsin x Tav

Word count: 3,898

Rating: Currently M, will be Explicit in later chapters.

Read on AO3

Summary: A slow burn Tav and Halsin romance fic about their relationship forming between the major events of Baldur's Gate 3, and probably a little bit after too. Explores Tav's friendships with some of the other companions, but mainly Karlach. Lots of longing and fluff, including plenty of soft Halsin moments.

Tags: Slow burn, hurt/comfort, love confessions, eventual smut, light angst, implied past rape/non-con

A/N: After starting another playthrough specifically to romance Halsin, I decided to write some additional details of how their relationship forms throughout the game. Not sure how many chapters there will be yet...we'll see where the game takes me :) There will be POVs from both Tav and Halsin throughout the fic. Enjoy!

The disgusting sight of the goblin camp was bested only by the smell that assaulted the group’s nostrils as they strolled through the mucked-up halls.

“Ugh, goblins are such vile little beasts. Remind me why we agreed to come here?” Tav could hear the eye roll in Astarion’s tone.

“Because Astarion, there’s a medically talented Archdruid who can maybe help rid us of these tadpoles who is being held and probably tortured by these little beasts.” She tried to keep her voice down but found it hard to stay quiet while keeping up with Astarion’s quips.

“Speak for yourself, my friend. My tadpole and I are getting along swimmingly. I can walk in the sun, wade through rivers, and enter any home I like. I’m living the dream.” He teased back at her.

“All good points. I’ll make sure to remind you of them when your skin is turning purple and sprouting tentacles.” She turned back with a smile just in time to catch Astarion’s playful glare.

“Hey soldier, eyes up. Archers on the beams.” Karlach had her eyes fixed above them on the two goblins patrolling the large chamber.

“Best exercise caution. I might remind you all that goblins come by dozens when one of those war drums sounds off.” Gale was clutching his staff with a white-knuckled grip.

They carefully continued exploring the unfamiliar temple, on the lookout for anything that could give them a clue to Halsin’s whereabouts. Tav had thought the mercenaries and tiefling refugees may have been exaggerating about the goblins. But now that they were here amid their den of depravity, she was starting to doubt the abilities of her party – and herself. The numbers alone were enough to overwhelm them even if Karlach could cleave three goblins at a time.

In one of the far corners, Astarion spotted a small path that wound around into a back room. There was a door guarded by a few goblins, but they were able to pass by them easily while still passing as ‘True Souls.’ The air around them somehow smelled worse as they walked into the next room. The mix of decaying flesh and the worg pens caused them all to gag slightly. Several small laughs and squeals drew their attention towards another prison cell, inside was a very large cave bear. Two young goblins were throwing stones at the bear huddled in the corner of the cage. Tav quickly and quietly cast Speak with Animals just as the bear’s eyes locked on to hers.

“Stop them…free me.” The bear growled. Listening to its voice, Tav noticed the smallest tone difference between this bear and other animals she had spoken to in the past. Given Rath’s description of Halsin, she was almost certain this bear was the Archdruid they had been searching for.

“Again! Again!” One of the young goblins squealed, picking up another rock. Tav jogged up to them.

“He’s helpless! Let him go.” She demanded.

“Tav, what are you doing? We can’t stop to help every furry creature in need.” Astarion didn’t even try to hide his disapproval. She turned around to glare at him and called on their shared tadpole.

“Astarion! Use whatever piece of your brain the tadpole hasn’t eaten yet. This is obviously Halsin from the Emerald Grove.” She held her glare until he seemed to understand their situation. He let out an exaggerated sigh and backed off.

Gale groaned behind her, realizing that they were probably going to be fighting off the several goblins and worgs in the room with them.

“The beast is stayin’ right ‘ere.” The older goblin responded, taking a step towards Tav.

“I’m ending this. Now.” She growled back. The bear let out a small roar in response.

“Time for blood.” Its voice was a low snarl.

Before she had a chance to react, the cave bear rammed into the cell doors, effortlessly breaking them from their hinges. The older goblin was crushed beneath the heavy iron, causing a scream from the two younger ones.

“The guards! Get the guards!” One of the little ones yelled. They both turned to run past Tav and her party.

“Those little brats are going to bring this whole fucking camp down on us!” Astarion yelled, daggers twirling in his hands.

“Then take care of it you whiny prick!” Tav yelled back at him, lunging for the goblin that was looking after the worgs. Karlach followed suit, jumping back up the stairs to swing at a goblin that had been butchering some suspicious looking meat.

“We’re killing children now?!” Gale cried from the top of the stairs. A thin line of ice shot from his hands to the goblin archer approaching them from the rear.

“Goblin children, darling. Hardly a moral dilemma.” Astarion responded, driving his dagger into the chest of the first young goblin.

“Perhaps but still, I think we should discuss –” Gale started to respond but let out a strangled yell that interrupted him. When Tav looked back she saw an arrow sticking out of his neck, and blood was starting to spew from his mouth. Another arrow suddenly struck him in the chest. He made a small choking sound before collapsing to the floor.

“Shit! Gale’s down!” Tav yelled. When she turned away, the goblin she was fighting tried to make a swipe at her but was quickly taken down by the cave bear that had rushed to her side.

“He’s going to have to wait! We can’t risk these little monsters alerting the rest of the camp.” Astarion was slicing his blade across the throat of the other young goblin.

Tav drew her bow and shot two arrows into the worg pens, easily landing the shots right between their eyes. She could hear Gale’s labored breaths, the sound was warped by the blood spilling into his throat. Karlach took her goblin out with one more clean swing of her axe and turned to the archer.

“I’ll get Gale, take that archer down!” Tav yelled. The others all moved in to surround the last goblin as Tav dashed over to him. She quickly looked him over, ready to remove the arrow in his neck so she could heal him. Before she could start the spell, she heard one last raspy gurgle come from Gale before his body went limp.

“Fuck.” Tav whispered under her breath. She pulled her pack to the front of her waist and started frantically searching through it. They had found a couple of revivification scrolls on their journey that she was certain she had stored in her pack somewhere. Just as she started to search through the pockets, the air around her became thick with the smell of death.

“What the…” She started to exclaim before she became horribly sick, necrotic energy swirled all around her. Startled and struggling to breathe, she jumped back a few feet away from Gale’s body, allowing her to cough the toxic air from her lungs.

The last goblin’s body fell to the floor with a soft thud. Karlach and Astarion walked back down to join Tav, examining Gale and the small cloud of death encircling his lifeless body.

“Terribly tragic, always a sad day when you lose a friend. Oh well, best we keep moving before these goblins catch wind of our little fight.” Astarion said, waving his hand in the air nonchalantly and starting to walk away.

“Astarion…” Tav grumbled and turned to shoot him a warning glare. He smiled sweetly in response.

Before they could say anything else, an illusion of Gale popped up in front of Tav, causing a small scream to escape her lips.

“Well met! I am a magical projection of Gale of Waterdeep, and if you see this manifestation, that means I have prematurely perished.”

“Oh for fucks’ sake Gale…” Tav pressed one hand to her forehead, already exasperated by Gale’s afterlife theatrics.

“…it is of vital importance that my death be remedied at your earliest convenience.”

“How am I supposed to bring you back then?” Tav asked, annoyed.

The three of them sat and listened to Gale’s projection list a very detailed description of his security protocol to receive a scroll of true resurrection. First, they had to retrieve a small pouch from his robes which Astarion deftly picked from his pocket. To open the pouch, they had to unwind the purple cord in a counterclockwise motion. Inside, they found a small flute and a folded letter with notes in the corners that they would have to play. Next, a magma mephit was supposed to appear and pose the question ‘I’ss k’cha t’chiss n’aga’ to which the answer should be K’ha’ssji’trach’ash. The mephit would then give them the scroll.

“Well shit.” Tav muttered. “Does anyone know how to play a flute?”

Karlach and Astarion shrugged in response, the panic they felt evident on their faces.

“I at least caught the mephit name!” Karlach offered.

“Gods above, Gale!” Tav yelled. “What are the chances that whoever you’re dying around knows how to play a fucking flute?!” She waved the small instrument in front of the projection’s face, whose expression didn’t change. While she continued berating the magical illusion in front of her, she failed to hear the magical whoosh behind her.

“…and even if we do figure this out, it won’t matter! Because I’m going to punch you so hard that I send you in to the beyond again! And then I’ll revive you, just to choke the life out of you so we get to do this shitshow all over again!” Tav was stomping and screaming at the projection now. She noticed Karlach and Astarion staring past her, bewildered looks on both of their faces. Was Astarion…blushing?

“Excuse me,” A deep voice called out from behind her, “perhaps I could be of some assistance? It’s the least I could do.” She could only assume it belonged to Halsin.

“Look, I know we came here to free you and all and yes, we will need your help but right now our melodramatic friend has…” She had whipped around ready to tear into the mysterious addition to their group, but her breath caught once she was able to fully look at the Archdruid.

Tav wasn’t sure what she had been expecting to see when they met Halsin, but it certainly wasn’t the large, handsome elf standing in front of her. She was rather large for an elf, but Halsin made her feel tiny. Her mouth was hanging open, unable to form words as she stared him down. His smile was enchanting, his tanned skin covered in blood from their fight.

“I owe you my thanks, I am the druid Halsin. I did not expect to meet the acquaintance of someone who would not only speak with a bear, but free it too. I’m always happy to meet another true friend of nature. And you are?”

“I’m…” Tav sputtered, “…single.” Her voice was barely a whisper. She shook her head to regain some semblance of composure. She could hear Astarion giggling like a child behind her.

“Tav…my name is Tav.” She finally blurted out.

“Oakfather preserve you, Tav. Now I’d be happy to…”

Halsin was speaking but she wasn’t really listening to his words. She saw that he was holding his hand out to her. Without thinking, she placed her hand in his and gave a soft handshake, interrupting him. He gave her a confused look, still smiling.

“As I was saying, I know how to play the flute if that would help to resurrect your friend.” He was still smiling at her.

Tav’s face and chest turned a deep red and she yanked her hand back quickly. Astarion burst out laughing behind her, almost falling over. Karlach at least had the decency to try and cover her laugh. She handed over the small flute and quickly unfolded the paper, holding it in front of her face to try and hide her blush.

“Okay so his instructions said to play the notes listed in the corners of the pages, starting in the bottom right, and working our way around the page clockwise. I’ll read them off to you. Ready?” She asked, peeking over the page at Halsin. He gave a small nod, flute held up to his lips.

“D…” The first note floated through the air.

“E…” Halsin switched gracefully to the next note.

“A…” Another note rang in across the room. Tav paused before reading the last note, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

“…D…” The last note echoed off the walls slightly mixing with the groans of her companions. Of course his resurrection tune spelled out ‘dead.’

A small magma mephit appeared in front of them.

“I’ss k’cha t’chiss n’aga.” He asked.

“K’ha’ssji’trach’ash!” Karlach responded, excited to help.

“D’a jah’jah s’um!” The mephit leaned forward as Tav held the folded paper in front of her. The small note transformed into an ornate scroll. She turned back to Gale as the mephit vanished.

Tav read the incantation and felt a warm swirling energy gather around her. It was quickly transferred to Gale who disappeared momentarily. He reappeared in front of her, standing and gasping for air. His hands shot up to his neck, feeling the area where the arrow had pierced him. Then he started laughing.

“You did it! Oh it feels good to be alive. I’m sorry to say my hands are still quite cold, so a handshake will have –” Gale was interrupted by Tav punching him in the gut, letting out a loud grunt.

“That was for your ridiculous protocol. What if we couldn’t find someone who could have played the flute? What if you had died and we weren’t around? We need to do something about that orb, Gale.” Tav was yelling again, she wasn’t truly angry with him though. She had come to like Gale, seeing him dead had upset her more than she cared to admit.

“You know the volatility of my condition, Tav. The element of mystery helps persuade others to keep me amongst the living. Sore abdominals aside…I sincerely thank you.” He wheezed back.

“You’re welcome,” Tav sighed, “and welcome back.” She nudged his arm slightly.

“Thank you for your help.” Tav looked back over to Halsin. “I suppose proper introductions are in order.” She wanted to put her embarrassing display from earlier behind her.

“This is Gale, that’s Karlach back there, and Astarion standing next to her.” She pointed to each of her companions as she introduced them. Karlach waved enthusiastically, Gale was still bent over catching his breath, and Astarion wiggled his fingers seductively in their direction.

“A pleasure, truly. Might I ask how you found me?” Halsin looked between the four of them.

“We’ve been to the Emerald Grove, it’s in danger.” Tav responded. She quickly filled Halsin in on their adventure so far. Kagha’s alliance with the Shadow Druids, the cult of the Absolute, the mercenaries that had escaped from the goblins. She paused, trying to decide if she should tell him about the tadpoles yet. Before she could continue, Halsin held a hand out in front of her.

“That look in your eyes…” He said quietly. A golden glow surrounded her as Halsin closed his eyes in concentration.

“Oakfather preserve you child, you’re infected, aren’t you?” He jerked his hand back to his side. Tav placed a hand on her sword, prepared for a fight. Halsin held his hands up innocently.

“It’s no coincidence that you found me, I wager. I’ve been studying these tadpoles. They’re different from how mind flayers typically procreate.”

Halsin launched into a summary of his research surrounding the tadpoles. Of course, there wasn’t going to be a simple cure for their affliction. He confirmed that their tadpoles were special, altered, just as they suspected. He was also able to give them their next destination, Moonrise Towers. She froze at the mention of Moonrise. It was their first solid lead since the nautiloid crashed, but the news filled Tav with dread. She knew all too well the evil that besieged that land. Without thinking, she stepped close to Halsin, leaning in so only he could hear her. She reached up and grabbed his arm, trying to keep her balance.

“You’re sure that’s where we need to go?” She asked quietly, in Elvish. “That is no easy task.”

His expression softened and he gave her a knowing look in response.

“You know of this place?” He lowered his voice to match hers, as smooth as his voice was before, it was nothing compared to hearing him speak their native tongue.

“Unfortunately, yes. I would not go back there unless I had no other choice.” Tav’s hand was starting to shake slightly against his arm, but he placed his other hand over hers to steady it. His hands were lightly calloused but warm and comforting. She felt the blushing feeling returning to her face.

“It will be dangerous, but it can be done. And perhaps, we can see the light there again.” He whispered back. His voice was hopeful, but his face was a mask of pain.

We? Before she could respond, she heard Astarion clear his throat loudly.

“Care to include us in your little whispers, darlings?” He practically sang the words.

Tav quickly let go of Halsin but noticed his hand lingered on hers for just a fraction of a second longer.

“Don’t be jealous, love. There’s enough of me to go around.” She composed herself and flashed a teasing grin at him.

“Thank you, Halsin. At least we know where to go now.” Tav turned back to face him.

“Wait,” He called after her, “I could accompany you if you’ll have me. I’ve long sought to return to Moonrise.”

“Great!” Tav said a little too quickly. “We just have to find a way to sneak through this camp and we can get you back to the Emerald Grove. Could you shift into something small so we can sneak you out? Like a mouse or a bird?”

“I cannot do that.” Halsin said, his voice lower than before.

“So much for a powerful Archdruid.” Astarion murmured. Halsin pursed his lips.

“I cannot allow these butchers to continue to threaten the Grove. I have no right to ask it of you, but if you would lend me your aid in removing the goblins’ leadership, I would be free to join you on your journey.”

Tav considered his offer for a moment. They were a capable group of fighters, but there was an alarming number of goblins between them and the three leaders. Even with Halsin, she wasn’t sure if they could fight their way out. Then she thought back to the refugees, the tieflings sheltered in the Grove. Even if they could sneak past the entire camp, Zevlor and his kin would never be able to survive on the road. Halsin was right, they needed to take out the leaders.

“Having a shapeshifting bear-druid at my side might make things easier.” She smiled at him and held out her hand. “Welcome to the team.”

He smiled back at her and clasped her forearm, once again lingering just a little longer than she would have expected.

***

Halsin let go of Tav’s arm and took a moment to catch his breath. He had been in his bear form for days now, standing on two legs made him feel a little uneasy at the moment. The four strange adventurers in front of him had huddled close together, plotting their plan of attack on the goblin leaders.

His eyes wandered to Tav, who seemed to be their leader. A picture of elven beauty in his humble opinion. Her long white-blonde hair was tied back in a braid that was currently slung over one of her shoulders, several strands had worked their way out of the confines of the braid and swirled around her head. The long scar that ran over her nose and right cheek looked like it had been caused by a claw of some kind based on the shape of the edges. She had a rugged look to her, like she had been in the wilds long before she was abducted by mind flayers. But something was off. He listened as she strung together a plan with her companions, effortlessly doling out assignments and orders, commanding their attention despite their tired state. There was a noble air about her, but he hardly knew of any nobles who would prefer stomping around in the wilderness over the comforts of their estates.

Seeing her now, it was hard to believe their initial awkward encounter had happened. She seemed so confident and sure of herself talking with her companions. He wasn’t a stranger to others being caught off guard by his appearance. Given her own beauty he was surprised that she would have any trouble forming words of flattery. She seemed witty enough and happy to flirt back at the pale elf in her company. He would have assumed she had suitors lined up from here to Neverwinter, so why would he elicit such a flustered response from her? Regardless, he would be lying if he said he didn’t feel a slight pull in his chest looking at her. It had been quite some time since anyone looked at him with any kind of desire in their eyes. As for her awkward fumbling, he found it rather endearing. He pushed the thoughts away for now, he couldn’t allow himself to be distracted, not when he finally had a chance to correct so many of the mistakes from his past.

At some point while he was lost in his thoughts, Tav had summoned a large wolf to her side. The beast paced around her protectively, the smells in this wretched hideout were no doubt overwhelming to it. Halsin met its eyes, causing the wolf to freeze. He kept calm, careful not to startle it. Making a small lap around the others, it walked over to stand in front of him, still crouched in a protective stance.

“Lunari! Here girl!” Tav shouted.

Halsin carefully lowered his eyes, continuing to stand still. The wolf tentatively circled around him, sniffing around his legs. Seeming satisfied, she moved back over towards Tav and plopped down on her haunches in front of her, tail wagging slightly. Such a loyal creature, he thought to himself. Tav was absentmindedly scratching Lunari’s ears, causing her to lean against her legs and wag her tail faster. A friend of nature indeed.

Halsin thought back to Tav’s reaction to Moonrise. She had to know of the curse. When he looked into her eyes, he saw the same fear that had haunted his reflection for the last century. There were so few still alive who knew of that tragedy, let alone who had lived it. Now, it seemed that he may have found another who shared that burden.

“Okay, I think this gives us as good a chance as anything.” Tav’s voice rang through the room. “Anything to add?” Astarion’s hand shot up in the air, but Tav gave him a look that caused him to lower it again. She took a deep breath and motioned for them to head for the door. Halsin took the cue to wildshape back into his bear form. He padded up behind Tav, braced and ready to follow her into battle.

#Someone take this man away from me #i cannot be contained #bg3 #bg3 fanfiction #baldurs gate 3 #baldur's gate iii #bg3 halsin #halsin x tav #halsin silverbough #bg3 headcanons #bg3 brainrot #bg3 fluff #the tadfools

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damn-stark · 2 years ago

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Chapter 7 Blood on our hands

Tragedy at the Miller’s chapter 7

A/N- someone’s serving c*nt this chapter, so much so that uncle Tommy would be proud. Also there’s one more chapter coming up!

Warning- ANGST, swearing, blood and wounds, violence, long chapter, fluff :)

Pairing- Joel Miller x daughter!reader, OC x fem!reader, Henry x Fem!reader

Episode- 1x09

(If you want to be tagged let me know!)

————

“Y/N, it’s been a long time,” she says with nonchalance as if her men didn’t just attack you. “Sorry—”

“Where are they?” You cut Marlene off without caring whatever was going to come out of her mouth, without trying to be nice in any way because you knew what being here meant. You were once a Firefly after all, and you can’t be naive anymore.

Marlene sighs. “Your dad is a couple floors above, and Ellie,” she pauses briefly, but it’s enough for you to find suspicion. “Is getting prepped for surgery.”

What?

You blink in confusion and probe immediately. “What are you talking about surgery?”

Marlene sighs, and you ignore your throbbing headache to stand up and shoot her a pointed glare. “Marlene?” You press. “What are you talking about? What’s happening to Ellie?”

“I’ve known you since you were young, when your uncle and you joined us to try and better humanity through all the darkness,” she avoids answering your question, only adding concern and making your annoyance begin to grow. “You left, and I can’t imagine it’s been easy. I mean you’re with your dad again.”

You scoff and stop in your steps before you can get closer to her to let her explain what she’s trying to say.

“But I like to think I still know you,” she continues and takes a step closer to you. “That you still have that same hope for humanity that once blazed in you so bright. I mean I used to admire it, wonder how someone so young still held on through it all. You were an inspiration for a lot of us.” She smiles faintly.

As presumptuous as she is you still have no clue what she’s trying to get at with this sweet talking. What does all this have to do with your question about Ellie?

“Marlene,” you interject. “What are you trying to get at?”

Marlene smirks faintly. “There’s hope y/n. All we fought so hard for has finally accumulated to something bigger than ourselves. All the people we lost finally have meaning, it means that we no longer have to lose anyone else to this virus.”

You narrow your gaze, but not out of more confusion, the words she spoke now are beginning to make sense and pointing to one thing, one person; Ellie.

“Our doctor, he thinks that the Cordyecps in Ellie has grown with her since birth. It produced a kind of chemical messenger. It makes normal Cordyceps think she’s Cordyceps. It’s why she’s immune.”

Okay? So what? Sure you never figured out why exactly she was different, but what does this have to do with anything? Can't they just run their tests and then get what they need, and let you all leave?

She doesn’t have to stay does she? Not if she doesn’t want to?

“He’s gonna remove it from her,” she continues to add, causing you to scoff softly in disbelief at the sound of her words. “Multiply the cells in a lab. Produce those chemical messengers…and then we can give it to everyone.”

It can work? It will work.

Making a cure will work. There was no doubt about that, but what about Ellie? Cordyceps grow in the brain, if they remove it from her that means that…that…Ellie’s life will come to an end? A life for humanity's salvation. And not just any life, her life. The life of the girl that has been like a sister to you, the girl who saved your own life after Henry died, the girl who helped you find the light in the darkness you had gotten lost in after Sarah died. That same girl.

If they get the cure that means Ellie dies….

All this time you believed, truly believed that it was somehow in the blood, that they’d want to keep her with them forever which is why you wanted her to have a choice between staying or leaving, but now; by the sounds of Marlene’s long talk it seems that they don’t want to give her a choice between living and dying.

Should you?

Sam died because of that same damn virus. You’ve had close friends die; good friends. Their deaths will all have meaning. And this is why you came in the first place, to see Ellie off. Life could be a fraction of what you once knew. There can be peace….

You sigh deeply and step back to sit back down on the couch and drop your head, and repeat everything she said to think about the outcomes.

“You can leave,” she adds and continues to approach you. “Now with your dad, we’ll return your packs and guns, give you a car. Or you can stay and see this through with us. Just tell your dad to leave without a fight.”

No matter how you spin things in your mind, it all ends up coming to the same thing, the same person, Ellie.

“What about her?” You finally break your silence and lift your head to meet her gaze.

Marlene swallows thickly and assures you. “We didn’t tell her, we didn’t cause her any fear, and she won’t suffer any pain.”

They didn’t tell her, so what? They don’t need to run more tests? They’re just going to throw her on the medical table and just what? Kill her now?

“Just like that?” You share your thoughts. “No more tests or nothing?”

Marlene shakes her head. “No, the doctor has all he needs.”

You blink rapidly in disbelief, feeling your annoyance and anger heighten.

“So?” You spat. “You’re just going to murder her. You’re not gonna ask what she wants?” You stand up and look at Marlene with a pointed glare, making her step back, and causing a man to push the door open to peek inside. “Immune or not, Ellie is still a human. Have you cared to ask her for her choice? Have you cared to, I don’t know, wait it out? For-for a different alternative,” it slips mindlessly. “One that doesn't involve her to die?”

Marlene lets out a slow deep breath and retorts. “We can’t put the fate of humanity up for gamble for one person.”

It hits you now, like a slap to the face. What good is peace without her? Why did you debate that before? After all Sam and the others are gone already, what good will the cure be for them now?

Sure if giving her life for that hope is something she wants then you won’t fight her, it’s her choice and her choice alone. But if she wants to fight then you’ll fight with her.

“I want to see her,” you blurt and take another step towards Marlene as you can scan the room for your weapons and backpack. “Let me talk to her.”

Marlene’s hopeful look fades away, and annoyance replaces it. “I’m sorry,” she counters. “But I can’t let you do that. It’s going to happen. You can either be a part of it or keep risking your life in this broken world.”

You scoff and take one step towards her. “I just need to give her a choice, humanity has lived through an outbreak for 20 years. I'm sure they can live through a few more minutes, months, years. I don’t care,” you scoff with a scowl on your face and a fury filled glare that makes Marlene uncomfortable. “All I care about right now is her. My dad can take care of himself, you know that.” You smirk. “You know how he is. I know him, he won’t let Ellie die, he’ll fight everyone in this hospital before that happens, but if being the sacrifice is what Ellie wants then I’m the only one who can talk him through it and make him leave without shedding blood. Give me that.”

Marlene holds your gaze and stands in silence as she thinks of what you have to offer.

Yet she doesn’t linger too long and breaks from her stupor to respond back with disappointment in her eyes. “No. And if you’re willing to gamble humanity’s fate then you’re a danger now.” Marlene walks back, and the man walks in with a rifle clung around him and a cuffs in one hand.

You try to swerve past him, but he swings his rifle and smacks your side hard, causing you to stumble and groan, and then letting him grab your wrists to try and cuff your hands together. However, you fight through your sudden pain, and just as he’s about to throw the cuff around one wrist you hastily bite down on his hand hard, causing him to yelp and then let your arm go to slap you across the face with his other hand.

“Y/N! Stop it!” You hear Marlene intervene from the door, but you ignore her and roll your head up to shoot the man a wide grin whilst blood trickles down the cut he made on the corner of your lip, and the blood that trickles out of your nose because of that slap. His face contorts to bewilderment as he holds his hand, so you then slap your hands on his rifle and throw it up to hit him again and again on the face.

Quick footsteps approach thereafter, but you don’t pay attention and instead pull the pistol out of the man’s holster to smack him hard on the head and knock him out. You then spin around on your feet and point your gun at Marlene.

“Had you asked me to give up Ellie a year ago, I would have let you kill her,” you admit. “I was…in a dark place, but I found the one thing that the fireflies are so fond of. I found my own hope; in someone who taught me to love me again,” you smile softly. “Who taught me that it’s okay to love in this cruel world. It’s because of him that my answer changes now. It’s because of him that I let myself love her. I’m sorry you can’t find that.”

The door pushes open and two more armored goons walk in pointing their rifles at you. You try to look for a way through—maybe you can trick them and then slide past them at the last minute to quickly close the door and lock them in—Shooting them won’t work, you shoot one and the other shoots you. You can grab her! That’s right, and threaten her life.

“I'll ask you once more,” you add and fix your stance to get ready. “Let me talk to her. She decides that she wants to do this, then I’ll leave with my dad and never look back. If she says no then well…” you trail off and sigh.

Marlene shakes her head and just as she’s going to say something you kick her knee, making her lose her aim and stumble. You proceed to snatch her gun away from her hand before you kick her down to the ground and point both guns at her.

“Let me pass,” you spat at them and reach down to grab Marlene’s arm and yank her up. “She’s gonna take me to Ellie, I just want to talk.” You press one gun on her back to push her forward as you take one step ahead. “Move or I'll shoot her.”

Both men lift their arms and step aside, letting you keep pushing Marlene forward as you carefully keep walking out of the room. However, just before you can make it out, you manage to hear feet shuffle behind you so you quickly look back, and just as you do, you barely miss one of the man’s knife.

He tries to stab the back of your throat, but you quickly manage to swerve to avoid getting impaled. Albeit the knife still cuts the side of your neck, making you gasp from shock and let go of the guns to grab at your wound that was spilling out blood. You then stumble back and look around in desperation, without knowing what to do.

At the sound of the commotion and lack of gun to her back, Marlene turns around and immediately reacts in shock and anger. “Oh my god,” she gasps, and quickly squeezes her hands on your wound. “Get the fucking first aid! Do you have any idea what you just did?!” She yells at the man who had sliced the side of your neck while she walks you back to the couch. “It’s okay,” she assures you. “Well stitch you up, you’ll be fine.”

“But,” one of the men stammers.

Marlene snaps her head back and spats back. “Do you have any idea what her father is capable of? You’re lucky you didn’t kill her. God only knows what he’d do if you did.” She looks back at you as you’re sitting in shock and shoots you a pointed glare. “This doesn’t change anything. You’re still dangerous, and the only reason I’m not killing you is because of Tommy.”

You try to scoff to counter her, but you’re too scared that any ragged breath or any big breath will make more blood spill out, so you just sit still and catch the man coming in hesitantly with first aid supplies.

However, instead of having Marlene help stitch up your gash, she makes the man do it since she gets up and instead hooks the cuffs around your wrists before you could put up a fight again.

“I’m sorry,” she takes advantage of your silence. “I really wish we could’ve seen eye to eye on this.” She turns to to leave, but you stop her with your interjection.

“My dad,” you whisper to not add too much strain on your neck while the man stops the bleeding. “What’s going to happen to him?”

Marlene sighs. “Let’s just say I don't have the same mercy for him that I have for you.”

——

*NOT MUCH LATER*

Clinking metal echoes out, again and again. Clink.

Clink.

Clink. And clink.

Due to the fact that you’re restrained, weaponless, and have a gash on the side of your neck, making your next move has been slow. You’ve been trying to have hope that Marlene will come to her senses and let Ellie have her choice, because after all it’s her life they’re trying to sacrifice without consent. But in all your waiting there’s been nothing.

You can’t even count on your dad to come through that door in peace, he cares too much about Ellie without a fight, and unless it’s all been some act then you know he won’t agree to Marlene’s choice either. Not unless you talk to him, but that’s impossible now that Marlene thinks of you as dangerous. So what to do?

What to do?

Beg?

Won’t work.

Yell?

No.

You can’t just sit here either and wait it out, your dads life is at risk considering Marlene hinted that she wouldn't hesitate killing him, Ellie’s life is also at risk with only so little time left to get to her and let her decide what she wants before they murder her. So what is there left to do?

You’d be lying if you said that you haven’t thought of letting the doctors just make the cure without asking Ellie what she wants, because it has. Mainly because of Sam’s fate, but what sister would you be if you didn’t try to at least fight for her?

What the fireflies want is understandable, a future, a cure! But the way they want it isn’t right, it’s murder! Ellie deserves a choice. No matter how much love you harbor for her, no matter how selfish you want to be, you want it to be her choice; If she wants to live her life she can, if she wants to be salvation…she can. So how can you give that to her before they murder her?

You look at the door and keep banging your cuffs against the cabinets harder in hopes they’d get annoyed and come in so you can talk to them, but they don’t react, leaving you with the one option you didn’t want to commit. Violence.

With what?

You look down at your hands—-choking them won’t be enough, so you keep looking until you see one small object, a pen left on the desk.

Press hard enough and a pen can be stabbed in a person's eye, or a throat deep enough to end their life. It can work.

Then again you have no other choice but to use it…

You exhale and push yourself off the couch to snatch the pen off the desk and tuck it in your sleeve before you walk to the door and begin pounding it. “Hey!” You call for their attention as loud as you can without using too much muscle on your neck. “Hey! Please! I need help! Please, it's my stitches!” You stop and wait.

But nothing.

“Hey,” you keep begging as you keep hitting the door. “Come on, it’s my stitches, my neck is bleeding! Ima bleed to death!” You slam your forehead against the door and listen.

This time you hear feet shift before keys jingle and the door knob begins to turn, causing you to step back behind the door. The guard then opens the door slowly and steps in.

“Hey,” she immediately notices that you’re nowhere to be seen, so before she can make more commotion you push the door closed. The guard gets startled and immediately spins around to face you, but she only catches your threatening scowl before you lunge towards her and swing your cuffed fists up her jaw, and then slam down on her nose before you kick her down, and lastly slam your foot on her face again.

“I’m going to give you a choice,” you share ironically. “Take me to Ellie with no bloodshed, or…” you trail off and let her guess what comes after that threat.

The guard narrows her gaze and lets go of her gun to slowly lift her arms to show her willingness.

However, that’s what she wants you to believe because just as you’re about to move your foot, she suddenly swings her boot up and kicks you in the back, just on the end of your tailbone. You proceed to quickly stumble back in silence in order not to alert whoever is out in the hall. The guard then counters her own move by swinging her leg under your feet and tripping you.

You fall on your back, and the pen you hid in your sleeve slides back out of reach. The guard then gets off the ground, so you don't linger in your pain and flip around just as she reaches for her gun.

The pen manages to slide back down to your hand, luckily, so since the guard has orders not to shoot you, you let her approach you, you let her grab your arm to try and yank you up. But just as she gets you on your feet, you draw in a deep breath as you clench your jaw, and then swiftly twist your upper body around and use as much force as you can muster to stab the pen on the side of her neck.

The guard immediately lets go of her weapons and begins to choke on her own blood. Luckily since the pen goes in deep enough she can’t scream so she doesn’t alert anyone, she just gurgles as she falls on her knees. All while you exhale and step back from her to just watch her fall as she chokes on her own blood.

“I just need to give her a choice,” you mutter to the dying guard as if trying to reason her death. “You had yours.” You swallow thickly and reach down for the keys to quickly get out of the cuffs, you then grab her body and flip her around to lay her on her back.

“For whatever it is worth I am sorry,” you murmur as you watch her take her last breath.

She made her choice. She chose to fight, so you fought back….

So before anyone else can come you take her coat off her body. It has fresh blood on the front, but it’s not too much, plus you just need it to get out of here without gaining unwanted attention—

“Shots fired!” You get startled by the sound of a static voice coming from a walkie clung on her belt loop. “Shots fired on level 4! All able bodied personal come to level 4!”

Shit. Shit.

It has to be, there’s no one else who has the balls to shoot up the fucking hospital.

Your dad took action already. Fuck! Fuck.

Quickly you zip up the coat and throw on the hood to cover as much of your face as you can. You then reach down for the guards gun and realize it’s your fucking rifle!

Do people think it’s something that can just be passed around?! Fuck her.

Regardless, you step over her body and stop just in front of the door to listen as footsteps run past the room to reach level 4.

However, all except one stops. “Miranda!” They knock on the door. “Marlene says to keep the girl there!”

The person goes quiet, and your heart begins to pound in your ears as the terror that hits you paralyzes you.

You look at the end of the doorway to watch their shadow, and hold your breath as they wait.

“Did you get that Miranda?!” They question.

You slowly begin to raise the gun and point it at the door as you keep your gaze on the end of the door.

There should be no one else out there, the gunshot will mix with the ones you now hear in the distance, so no one will come running. No one will find her until you’re gone.

Therefore, you reach one hand for the knob to open the door and just shoot. But luckily the person runs off, letting you sigh with relief and hang the gun around your shoulder to instead wait until you can’t hear her footsteps anymore to then open the door.

And just in case anyone is out in the hall you make a sharp turn out of the room and head to the elevators for faster transportation so your dad doesn’t do any further harm, before he steals that choice from Ellie.

Moreover, when you do walk outside you spot your backpack on the desk, so you quickly side step towards it to keep your back turned against the hall behind you, and quickly snatch it from the counter.

There’s no questions as to your actions, no other noises, so it must be clear. You don’t want to check either, so you take advantage of the silence in this hall and stride directly towards the elevator. You then wait for a second and when there continues to be nothing you quickly press on the up button, hear the ding from the sign above and wait with your hand around your gun strap.

When the elevator gets to your floor you draw in a nervous breath, and reach for your necklace, but find your neck bare since your dad still has them. Or at least you hope. You haven’t really paid much attention to his neck. There’s been too much on your mind since leaving the resort.

Regardless, as the elevator slowly begins to open you leave your gaze on the ground until there’s enough room for you to walk in.

Albeit, when you look up to walk in the elevator, you don’t end up moving since you catch Marlene inside. Fuck! Fuck!

You rapidly raise your gun to point it at Marlene, but she’s fast too and raises her pistol to point at you too.

“Put the gun down y/n,” Marlene orders with her gun pointed at your chest. “Now.”

You raise your chin, and ignore her threat and her gun to hold her gaze.

“Put the fucking gun down, or I will shoot you.”

You narrow your gaze on her and hold your ground without saying a word.

“This attitude is why you made a perfect firefly,” she mutters and takes a careful step towards you. “That's why I know you won’t be stupid right now.”

You quirk up a brow and shoot her a smirk so she can try you.

And Marlene does, she reaches for your gun, but you don’t hesitate to hit the trigger either.

However, she’s quick, she’s smart. She catches your action and slaps her hand around your wrist to quickly twist it up so the bullet instead makes a dent on the ceiling.

You yelp as she keeps your shooting arm twisted, and Marlene proceeds to disarm you and then shove you back to the wall behind you to point the gun on your head.

“I also know your dad,” she interjects through gritted teeth, and yanks you off the wall to push you ahead of her so you’ll be facing the elevator doors that close now as the sign above glows. “He won’t leave without you. So why not wait for him here?”

She presses her gun at the back of your head and keeps your hand twisted, bringing a writhing pain that makes your eyes water and doesn’t let you fight back. She forces you to wait there outside of the elevator doors because just like she expected the elevator comes to a stop on the floor you’re on.

Part of you hoped that it wasn’t actually him, that he didn’t actually kill Ellie’s choice. The people well, their deaths are tragic but they’re not that significant, it’s her that you care about the most—So that part of you, the part that cares, also wants it to be him too because it also meant that he saved Ellie from being killed. But you mostly hope it’s not him.

You lower your gaze to avoid seeing the person behind the doors out of that same anxiety. When you watch the doors open all you can see is boots, boots you’ve seen on one person for months. It’s him. Yet you still don’t face him, besides now that deep rooted feeling of shame begins to seep back due to the situation you’re stuck in.

“I’ll give you a choice, Joel,” Marlene doesn’t hesitate to output and twists your arm more, causing you to cry out softly, and making your dad step out of the elevator at the sound of you in pain.

“Leave with Ellie and watch your daughter die,” Marlene continues to say her bargain. “Or save your daughter, leave with her, and leave Ellie behind.” She presses the gun harder against your head, and you now slowly lift your eyes, noticing Ellie unconscious in his arms, confirming what you were afraid he’d do, what you couldn’t stop. You then lift your gaze to his face and notice his hardened glare focused on Marlene.

He then feels your stare and shifts his gaze to meet yours, making you, at that moment feel that same shame heighten in you to the point you break. “I’m sorry,” you mutter through thick tears. “I’m sorry, dad.” You shake your head, and notice his eyes soften as hears your unneeded apology. “It was my fault, I’m sorry.”

Your dad shakes his head to assure you of the opposite, he’s going to speak, but then Marlene interjects. “She’s your only daughter Joel. Real daughter. Your little girl. Ellie is nothing to you but cargo, take y/n. I’ll give you a car and weapons,” she offers in exchange even after you assume he killed the other fireflies; considering that none of them have joined you on this floor—“Give me Ellie, wait for the cure to be distributed and live a happy life. Watch y/n have the life she wants, watch her have an actual career, watch her get married, have kids. She will no longer have to suffer, isn’t that what you want? What every parent wants?” She asks. “Doesn’t she deserve that?”

Not if it means murdering Ellie, that’s clear to you even if your own life is on the line. You would never live in peace knowing that you let them kill her without her choosing her own fate, or without saying goodbye.

“And doesn’t Ellie deserve a choice?” You retort in annoyance. “You think of yourself as so high and mighty, but you can’t fathom the thought of letting Ellie choose for herself.”

“To do what?” Marlene redirects and sways to the side. “You can’t keep her safe forever. No matter how hard you try, no matter how many people you kill, she’s gonna grow up. And then you’ll die. She’ll leave. Then what? How long till she’s torn apart by infected or murdered by raiders? Because she lives in a broken world that the two of you could have saved.”

You drift your gaze to the corner of your eyes and try to move your hand, but she squeezes her grip tighter, causing you to groan and drop your head. Albeit, that’s when you notice a chance to get out of this position and bring an end to this choice your dad shouldn’t have to make.

You can’t give it away right away though. You wait for the right moment, and instead listen to your dads response. “Maybe. But it isn’t for you to decide.”

“Or you,” Marlene counters. “So what would she decide, huh? ‘Cause I think she’d wanna do what’s right. And you know it.”

Yeah, because she was so for giving Ellie a choice. Bullshit.

It’s why you choose to go on with your plan now. She’s distracted currently so you lift your gaze and tilt your head to the side, catching your dads attention right away. So as soon as he meets your gaze you point your eyes to your side.

Luckily your dad is smart and doesn’t miss your speechless hint, he actually looks down, letting you point out the chance you have, the one you caught; Marlene's exposed side after she swayed to the side.

As to not give anything away though, your dad returns his gaze back to Marlene, and you stay where you are and wait.

“It’s not too late,” Marlene adds and now loosens her grip around you. “Even now…even after what you’ve done. We can still find a way.”

Your dad killed all the others by the sound of all those gunshots that rang, and the lack of guards that didn't come down. He probably killed the surgeon, so as much as you want—wanted Ellie to have her own choice, it seems that now….well that is probably unlikely. So why make your dad make this choice between her and you?

There’s no other choice now but to get out of here, the three of you.

Hence why you gave him the hint, it’s why you shift slightly as Marlene lets go of your wrist as she thinks your dad has made up his mind, and watch him lift his pistol he holds under Ellie’s legs to hit the trigger without hesitation.

The feeling of the bullet passing right by you makes you tense, and the sound makes you lift your hands to try and cover your ears, but luckily it doesn’t hit you. The bullet hits Marlene directly, causing her to drop her gun off your head as she falls to the ground.

You want to look back at the outcome, you also want to see if anyone would come, but your dad grabs your hand and pulls you in the elevator right away. You only catch a glimpse of Marlene on the ground with blood beginning to spill on the white hospital floor before the elevator doors close to begin moving down.

“Are you okay?” Your dad finally has the chance to ask.

You glance at Ellie still unconscious and make sure she’s breathing whilst you want to counter with questions. But there’s no time now and well, it’s not hard to guess what he did, so instead you just assure his worry. “Yeah, some fucker sliced my neck, but it wasn’t deep enough. I got off lucky. And my hand,” you say and look down at your throbbing wrist. “It’ll heal. She didn’t break it.” You then look over at him and look at him up and down to take in his dirty appearance, his worried look decorating his features, and want to question him, but the doors then open to the garage.

And right away you both walk out and search for a car to use. Thankfully, it’s not hard to find a usable car across the lot that’s getting its battery charged.

“There,” your dad points to the black car you had also spotted. “Help me get her inside,” he adds and walks off quickly, while you blink to look at the elevator doors closing past your shoulder to think about what you couldn’t prevent. What you couldn't give Ellie. And if there’s still a possibility to give her that.

After all, she went through so much to get to this hospital, and all for what? For a short trip she won’t remember because they drugged her, because he took her away?

“Y/N, come on, open the door for me.” Your dad breaks you from your train of thought.

“Yeah,” you say, and then look away from the elevator doors to jog over to where he's waiting to open the door for him.

With no other choice left now, you watch him lay Ellie down in the back. When he steps back you take off the stranger's coat you had as a disguise and put it over her legs.

At least she’s alive; you think to yourself as you step back and grab the door. Pushing everything else aside, at least she’s still here with you.

You sigh softly and begin to push the door close, but that’s when you hear a loud thump on the ground. And you know it’s not your dad because he’s by the hood of the car trying to get it ready, so you proceed to close the car door and look over at him.

Your dad meets your gaze with his usual furrowed brows and points to the car hood that’s still open. “Come get the car goin’.”

Your brows knit together in confusion, but you begin walking over to where he is as he turns and walks away from the car. Once you reach the front of the car you see that Marlene had somehow dragged herself down even as she bled out.

Albeit, she’s not in a good shape, getting down here took all her energy, she’s now coughing out and gasping on the ground. However, you do have to give it to her for trying. She’s a true firefly through and through.

“No,” she groans out as your dad reaches her. “Wait. Wait, wait, wait.”

You close the hood of the car, and since you might need to make a hasty escape you walk to the drivers side.

“Please,” you hear Marlene whisper between pants. “Let me go.”

You open the car door and get in without trying to fight for her. Why would you? There’s nothing left, he made sure of that. And you love your dad too much to be against him, no matter what wrongs he’s done—what wrongs he will do.

“You’d just come after her,” he mutters to Marlene, and you watch him lift his gun as you close the door.

And once again without a sliver of hesitation he shoots her, this time he makes sure to kill her right away. Now there’s truly nothing left. Now…home.

Thankfully now the way home won’t take months. Of course you didn’t make it back home before your birthday like you promised your uncle Tommy; your birthday actually passed while you were on the road, but Maria should still be pregnant in two days.

However, it’s the silence, the awkward silence that fills the car that will make this car ride eternal, especially since you’re not driving anymore. There’s so many questions you need to ask, complaints you want to throw at him over what he did, but you can’t do that with Ellie passed out in the back, she can wake up at anytime, so you let the silence build and just watch the city pass and smile at the sight of the lush green forest.

You hoped that the silence would stay to avoid spilling everything, but your dad breaks it. “You know, back there…” he pauses, letting you push your head off the window you’re leaning against to look at him—“…I wouldn’t have let you die,” he shares with a brief glance at you.

You can’t help your smile and nod softly. “I know,” you whisper.

“Yeah?” He questions with a slightly concerned look. “I just didn’t want to let you think that I would—”

“Daddy, I know,” you cut him off quietly.

Your dad holds your gaze for a brief second with this soft look, and lets out a relieved sigh before he focuses back on the road and you focus back on the passing green trees.

“Can you promise me something?” Your dad breaks the silence once again.

You blink and slowly meet his gaze again, but don’t answer so he continues. “Don't tell Ellie what I did back there, she doesn’t need to know.”

What? That he didn’t give her a choice? That he snatched that from her after knowing how much it meant to her? Lie about that to her?

You blink rapidly in disbelief and avert your gaze.

“Just let her believe none of it worked and that they’re all gone. Can you do that for me?”

Siblings are meant to have secrets with each other that the parents aren’t aware of. Not a sibling and a parent, it never ends well.

“For how long?” You murmur.

Your dad sighs. “For however long it needs to be kept a secret. She doesn’t need to know. Ever.”

You let out a deep exhale and turn your head to face him and answer, but then Ellie begins to groan, giving away her slow rise back to consciousness.

“What?” She says as you hear her move back there. And as to not give anything away, to not let her see any emotions, you rest your head on the window and close your eyes to pretend to be asleep.

“It’s all right. You’re with me,” your dad assures her. “Take it slow. The drugs are still wearin’ off.”

“Y/N?” She asks, causing you to swallow thickly out of guilt.

“She’s fine, she’s…sleepin’.” He says to her.

You hear Ellie move some more before continuing to speak. “I was with Fireflies and then—what drugs?”

“They were runnin’ some tests on you…” he lies to her. “And some others. Turns out there’s a whole lot more like you…”

No. No.

“…people that are immune.”

Why does he have to say that?

“Dozens of ‘em,” he continues to add to the lies. “And the doctors, they couldn’t make any of it work. They’ve actually—they’ve stopped lookin’ for a cure.”

Let’s hope she believes him now.

“Where are my clothes?” She asks with no clue as to if she does believe him.

“Raiders attacked the hospital. I barely got ya outta there,” he responds. “We’ll find you some new ones on the way.”

“Were people hurt?” She asks.

There’s a moment of silence before he answers with an actual truth. “Yes.”

“Is Marlene okay?”

You clench your hands at the sound of her worry, at the sound of her soft tone. Yet you don’t feel regret for letting Marlene die, no, just that Ellie’s been lied to.

“I’m takin’ us home,” your dad avoids answering her question, but that gives her insight as to what she wanted to know. No.

It’s because of his non answer that you hear her turn around, letting him add one more genuine thing. “I’m sorry.”

Let’s hope she does believe him.

——

*LATER. WYOMING*

The air smelled like home, it made you eager to actually be home; to see your uncle Tommy, Maria, your friends, to just be home. But you’re still a few hours away from actually getting home thanks to the fucking car that broke down!

Albeit at least it didn’t break down earlier and made this trip any longer.

“Well,” your dad breaks the news. “She got us close enough.” He closes the hood of the car, and you turn around to kick a rock and groan in annoyance.

“We gotta walk the rest of the way,” he adds as you hear his footsteps recede from the hood of the car. “Probably about a five-hour hike…but we can manage that. Remember?”

You peer back to see Ellie’s reaction, but the sun hitting the windshield blocks the view, only letting you hear what you assume is slight joy. “Yeah.”

“You ready over there?” Your dad directs his question to you as he steps away from the car to begin walking towards you at the front of the car.

You groan and look at the path ahead. “I’m so ready,” you feign a smile. “I’m eager.”

Your dad falls by you and scoffs. “It’s not long now. We’ll make it there by lunch time.” He shields his eyes and sighs. “I think Maria might kill me this time. With her look alone.”

You laugh. “Nah. I'm comin’ back home in one piece….but maybe once she’s had her baby she will.”

Additional footsteps approach you, so you break away from the spot you had stood at and begin treading that five hour hike.

“All for what?” Your dad quips in a lighthearted tone. “That little cut? Please.”

You shrug. “She’s protective of me, but regardless, rest assured I brought her a bribing present and a heartwarming apology.” You look over your shoulder and smile widely. “I’m still very good at cryin’ on cue, that wins her over.”

Your dad flashes you a smile before looking back at Ellie as she’s lingering behind the two of you. “You shoulda seen her when she was a little girl, she was so dramatic that she learned how to shed the best crocodile tears. Always knew how to get me to do what she wanted.”

“Still can,” you look back at her and wink. “It’s all in the eyes.”

Ellie lets out a soft scoff and nods without saying anything, she stays quiet like she has been for the best couple months, since she’s woken up. But you can say you understand why she’s behaving as such, you’d be quiet too if suddenly that hope to be humanity’s savior was snateched from you without knowing what really happened, and only being able to hear the events from someone else.

She doesn’t deserve to feel such a heavy sorrow, she deserves to be happy, to feel all the lows and highs of being a teenager without such a heavy burden or such a broken heart. So that’s probably the only good reason why….you haven’t told the truth, why it doesn’t bother you that your dad killed everyone in the hospital and stole away her choice out of a selfish act of love. Because if she knew, she’d only know betrayal and even deeper agony that would break her. You want to protect her from feeling that because you know what those feelings bring, darkness.

It’s too bad you couldn’t actually prevent the risk of having her feel it….

Nevertheless, the walk is long, but not hard since it isn’t too hot and the wind is graceful. There is conversation so it isn’t always quiet, but it’s always mostly between your dad and you, Ellie just remains quiet most of the time. The hike isn’t filled with obstacles either, nor with danger, so it’s easy. The only thing that was pesky was your eagerness to get home that’s heightened the closer you get.

“You know, Sarah, y/n, and I used to hike like this all the time,” your dad breaks the silence that had filled your small group, making you smile softly and peer back at him.

“I wouldn't say it was her favorite thing,” he continues. “She wasn’t a fan of the mosquitoes and such. But she was a big climber…or scampering. That’s probably the right word. That girl…she’d see a big rock, and just…pew.”

You grin and try to recall memories, but nothing comes to mind.

“What about y/n?” Ellie probes, causing you to turn around to face your dad as if that will make a difference.

“She was a little girl so when she wasn’t clung on my back she was on a little red wagon. Besides, y/n she liked more of the water activities, swimmin’, she liked to help me and Tommy fish.” He shoots you a small smile. “Actually one time she helped me unhook a fish and…”

Oh this story, yes, you remember it clearly. How funny…

“She actually,” he says between laughs. “Got smacked by the tail. Right on the face,” he points to his own face. “It left a mark for days, I could not get her to stop cryin’.”

“Nor could uncle Tommy stop laughin’,” you grumble and turn back around. “He still does by the way. Never lets me live it down. Especially when he’s drunk, “oh do you remember when you got slapped by a fish, Sunny,” you mock his voice. ““So there was this one time….” Pft,” you blow out air.

“It’s too funny to let you live it down,” your dad teases.

You shoot him back a pointed glare and feign a dry laugh.

“No, but,” your dad continues. “Sarah woulda liked you, Ellie.”

You sigh and lose your annoyance to smile softly again.

“Not to say the two of you are the same. Definitely different.”

“How so?” Ellie chooses to investigate that comment.

“Well, she was a lot more…I wanna say girly. And I’m not sayin’ that you’re not girly,” he tries to assure Ellie.

“I’m not,” she quickly rebuttals.

“Yeah, you’re not,” your dad agrees. “So that,” he chuckles. “She was taller. She had a killer smile. Again, not sayin’ that you don’t,” he assures her. “But you know why I think she’d like you?”

“Why?”

“‘Cause you’re funny. I think you would’ve made her laugh.”

You look back and nod in agreement.

“Anyway,” your dad continues after Ellie’s silence. “I bet you would’ve liked her back.”

You look back ahead and hear Ellie agree. “Yeah, bet I would've.”

You smile softly at her response and can’t help but imagine having Sarah here. It’s hard to say how she would’ve been like considering she would’ve been, what? In her thirties, but you know she’d be happy to have Ellie, to have a different dynamic in your little family considering Ellie is different from you too. Plus, she would’ve liked that Ellie could make your dad smile, you know you do.

Regardless, as you continue leading the way, your smile quickly breaks into an excited grin as you spot a clearing just past the end of the tree line, finally. So without hesitation you break into a sprint to the end, knowing what lies just beyond the end woods and at the top of the green hill.

“Y/N!” Your dad calls out. “Careful!”

Disregarding his warning you maneuver through the tree branches in the way, you duck under a fallen tree stuck on another, and only feel your enthusiasm make your heart pound faster. You don’t stop running until finally you see it in the clear and green horizon, home. Finally, after what’s been a difficult couple months, complete and utter happiness fills your heart.

“There it is,” you point out with a happy grin as Ellie and your dad catch up. “Home,” you let out with a relieved sigh.

From on top of this spring hill, Jackson is a lot larger than you thought of it being. It’s big, but it only means it’s full of people, it’s a small reminder of humanity without the monsters.

“Yeah,” your dad agrees. “Not much further now.”

You try to squeal out of joy, but that hurts to do because of your wound, so you just keep grinning as you continue walking ahead beside your dad now.

“Hey, wait,” Ellie calls out, making your dad stop right away, and making you slow down before stopping a few paces ahead of him.

“Fuck,” you catch Ellie whisper, causing you to shift around and catch her fall in front of your dad to continue. “Back in Kansas City you asked me about the first time I killed someone.”

Your smile falls, and a pit in your heart begins to grow as you feel nothing good coming from what she’s saying.

“When I got bit in the mall, I-I wasn’t on my own. My best friend was there,” she sniffles. “And she got bit, too. We didn't know what to do, and she says, “we can just wait it out…”

Oh god…no. You knew it, nothing good.

“….be all poetic and just lose our minds together.” And then she did. And I had to—“ she pauses, but it’s not hard to decipher what she meant, what she had to do—she had to kill her friend. “Her name was Riley…and she was the first to die. And then it was Tess….”

Wait. What? Yes you knew something might’ve happened to not see her with your dad, but you never…you never came to the conclusion that she was dead. You never asked either, but you never—that never came to mind.

Fuck.

You never got to know her well, but from what your uncle Tommy said about your dads life from the messages they’d send through radio before, Tess was in his life for a long time. Damn….

It’s not sad news for you, but it’s surprising that’s all.

“…and then Sam,” Ellie adds, making you now drop your gaze to the wild flowers around your feet.

“That's not on you,” your dad interjects.

“I know, but—”

“Look, sometimes things don’t work out the way we hope,” your dad cuts Ellie off. “You can feel…like you’ve come to an end….and you don’t know what to do next. But if you just keep goin’…you find something new to fight for.” He glances at you, and you offer him a very faint smile.

“And maybe that’s not what—”

“Swear to me,” Ellie cuts him off abruptly. “Swear to me that everything you said about the Fireflies is true.”

You swallow thickly out of guilt, but hide your emotions well in the flowers around you just in case Ellie is trying to read you too.

“I swear,” you hear your dad lie with no remorse.

A moment of silence passes, a heavy silence you feel immediately, so you look up and catch Ellie’s furrowed brows, pointed gaze, and unrelieved look before she nods and mutters softly. “Okay.”

It doesn’t sound convinced though, you can tell that, you can see her glistening eyes. You can see a shift in her look. What should be a relieving moment seems to be filled with tension. Yet you don’t know how much she believes, or if she’s just disappointed by the answer, but you can tell that there’s a rift between her and your dad now. Her look alone gives that way. After all, you've once looked at him like that too; same narrowed glare, same long frown, and disappointed look.

What would Sarah do? You can’t help but think now, at this very moment as you remember her by looking at the pretty flowers that decorate the green hill. Would she go against your dad and tell her the truth, or hide it like you are now and carry the burden of the truth for her sake, for the purpose of not seeing her heartbreak. Would she risk her relationship with Ellie, the trust, for her own sake?

You look at Ellie and watch her turn away from your dad to finally continue walking home. You then look at home, and then at your dad as he stops by you without saying anything.

After all she’s been through…

You watch her again and sigh with tears beginning to sting your eyes.

….you can’t break her heart. You can’t do that to her. You’ll carry the burden for her sake, for his sake as well.

Yet it doesn’t mean he won’t hear what you have to say, the disappointment you feel for his choices, he’ll hear it, just not now. So you shove away your need to cry and bring back the happiness you felt for returning home. You break away from your dads side without a word, only a guilty look, and trot down to join her side.

You hoped it’d be a quiet walk, but she surprisingly breaks it.

“So what? Are you happy to see your lover boy?”

You blink rapidly in disbelief and scoff softly before you retort. “What are you talkin’ about?”

Ellie shoots you a faint smirk. “That guy you were batting your eyelashes at when we first got to Jackson.”

You scoff and roll your eyes in annoyance, but you’re actually left speechless.

“What?” She quips. “Just ‘cause you lost one boyfriend doesn’t mean you can’t get another. I mean isn’t that how life works?”

You squint your gaze on her in slight disbelief to what she’s saying and actually interject now. “Where is this comin’ from? Huh?” You tease her. “Is this, like, dating advice?” You quirk a brow and smirk.

Ellie’s lips begin to pull to a smile and she shrugs. “I’m just saying I mean it’s not like your dad is going to give you this kind of advice.”

“Oh, and you will, a 14 year old?”

“15 now,” she corrects you.

“Whatever,” you quip. “Same thing.”

“Well,” Ellie sighs. “I'm just saying. Are you happy or not?”

You avert your eyes and shrug. “I guess it depends, doesn't it?”

“Yeah,” she agrees. “But if it doesn’t work out then you can always date Henry’s ghost for the rest of your life.”

You giggle and shake your head.

“Or we can do shit like—”

“Become astronauts and fly to the moon?” You cut her off with a smile.

Ellie meets your gaze and nods. “Yeah. We can do that.”

You nod softly. “We'll see then. Who knows you might beat me and meet someone first. There’s boys and girls your age there.”

Ellie shrugs and huffs out. “We’ll see. I like the moon idea. We could…live in a space station over earth, go to the moon whenever we want and not have to worry about anything down here.”

You look at the green path ahead and let out a deep sigh. “Yeah. I like the sound of that. It’d be a killer view too.”

“Just you and me,” she whispers.

——

“It’s just you and me now, Sunny,” he mutters over the sound of the pattering rain.

You sigh deeply, and watch the rain fall over the patch of green forest below the hill with a sad frown, with an ache in your heart that was left when your dad left you.

“Yeah,” you whisper and glance up at your uncle Tommy with a small smile.

He meets your gaze and offers you a wider smile that he tries to use to assure you. You hold his gaze for a second before you drop your head and look at the wet grass beneath your feet with deep sorrow in your heart.

It’s not so weird that you came back to this moment in your mind, Ellie’s words triggered them to reappear. Nor is it weird that you couldn’t stop thinking of it until now, until you saw your uncle Tommy. Your home.

“Uncle Tommy!” You exclaim before you throw your arms around his neck with a happy grin on your lips.

“Sunny,” he whispers softly by your ear as he hugs you back with more force.

Being apart this time wasn’t as long as before, but months still feel eternal, and well no one knows what can happen to anyone so seeing him even after a few days is a delight.

“You said a month,” he remarks. “You missed your party.”

You sigh and pull back to face him and talk back, but he catches the bandage over your wound on the side of your neck, and his face expression contorts with concern.

“I’m okay,” you quickly assure him as he turns your head so he can take a better look. “I’ll be okay. It’s not deep. You.” You pull back and grab a hold of his hands with a tight squeeze as you grow worried. “The baby?”

A smile once again breaks on his features and he shakes his head. “Not born yet.”

You clasps your hands together and squeal with happiness. At least you didn’t miss that.

“Good, I’m glad,” you retort and step back to let your dad greet his brother.

“You’re still alive,” your uncle teases your dad whilst you twist around and search the patrol group that had come out to greet you before you could reach the gate.

This time around since Maria is heavily pregnant she isn’t one amongst them, neither is Apollo or his dog Achilles….hm. Hopefully, they’re okay.

Something else that changed this time around was the confrontation, it wasn’t hostile or full of terror since now you know the dog won’t detect the cordyceps on Ellie. And since your uncle was out here, your dad nor Ellie’s intentions were questioned, leading you to actually get home quicker this time.

And just like before, when you walk past the gates you’re taken aback by the liveliness of it all. Snow didn’t cover the ground, and the holiday decorations didn’t decorate the town, but the sky was clear, the sun was softly shining from above, and the town was full of color due to the colorful flowers that now replaced the holiday decorations.

“Okay, but don’t think you guys are off the hook,” you interject as you let your shoulders fall, and rest your head on the horse your uncle let you ride home so you wouldn't be on your feet any longer. “I still want my birthday party. Birthday week!” You exclaim. “I have it all planned.” You say and throw your hands out dramatically.

Your uncle grins softly. “Do ya know?” He retorts.

You hum in agreement and nod as you meet your dads gaze now too. “First day, bam, breakfast outside, fancy dress code, pancakes, coffee, fruit, chocolate chip cookies, eggs. Second day…” you trail off and gasp softly as the sight of Apollo walking out of the school his father taught at, catches your eye.

For a moment it’s only him you see amongst the crowd of people, time even seems to pass by in slow motion even if your heart begins to race as you watch him walk down the street. He doesn’t spot you since you’re sort of in the middle of the walking-in crowd, and his eyes are just focused on the ground.

“Apollo!” You yell out even if that hurts the muscles on your neck, and proceed to shoot up before you throw your leg over the horse to slide off sloppily since you’re hardly paying attention. “Apollo!” You yell out again and this time catch his attention and cause him to stop in his tracks.

You almost fall when your feet hit the ground, but you don’t pay any mind—Your dad does though. “Jesus Christ, y/n, careful.”

“There she goes,” Ellie comments as she watches you maneuver past the horses.

“Apollo!” You keep yelling out your friend's name with glee. “Apollo! Apollo!”

Said man's lips spread to a beaming grin and he doesn’t hesitate to also break into a sprint. “Y/N!” You hear him shout.

And before you know it, once all the barriers of space are broken you meet halfway and hop to throw your arms around him.

Apollo doesn’t falter and grabs onto you with all his might. You proceed to giggle and dig your face in the crook of his neck, taking in his fresh and clean scent, and feeling like yourself again; no guilt for what you had to hide, no fear, nothing bad, just ease and joy. The feelings make you linger in his arms for a moment longer until you have to pull away.

“Did you just back?” He asks with an awed smile.

You nod and keep holding onto his arms. “Yeah, I just got back. I missed you out on patrol.”

He scoffs. “Got today off. Damn shame now.” He catches your long bandage on your neck and his face falls. “Is this fresh?”

You sigh and shake your head. “I’ll be fine. Just a cut. You should see what I did,” you clear your throat and smirk smugly. “Pen move. Lodged on the throat.”

“Is that right? I would've liked to see it. Maybe you can show me later.”

Your smirk softens. “Oh yeah, I could.”

Apollo shoots you a grin and holds your gaze with a soft look that makes your breath hitch, and for you to begin to grow hot under his gaze. However, you don’t look away, your smile softens, and you keep holding his gaze even as your heart begins to race again.

You actually catch his gaze flicker down, so you mimic his actions and see his lips part slightly, making him lean in just a bit.

Yet before anything can happen suddenly the sound of your name being yelled out breaks the tension. When Apollo and you look over, he quickly groans in annoyance, but you smile as you see his brother and your friend Atlas, and their dog Achilles running at you.

The dog beats him to you, but when Atlas reaches you he makes you stumble as he throws his arms around you and his brother in front of you.

“You’re still alive you fucker,” Atlas says to you.

Your lips pulls to a grin and you nod. “Always. You need to stop doubting me.”

He chuckles and pulls back, ignoring his brothers annoyance and just focusing on you. “I have to, who would I be if I didn’t?” He retorts.

You roll your eyes.

“I’d be crushed if I kept up my expectations,” Atlas adds quieter. “I’m happy to see you home.” He smiles and pats your shoulder. “Someone missed you terribly.” His gaze bounces to his brother, but he snickers and plays it off by then petting Achilles. “This old fucker here.”

“Ah, well,” you play along with him and slide your arm off him to touch your chest. “I’m here to stay this time. For good.”

“Really?” Apollo challenges. “You being for real?”

You hum and nod as you step back from both boys. “Swear.”

Apollo can’t help but smile, and Atlas just counters you. “We’ll see won't we.”

You scoff, but don’t try to argue, instead you let out a deep breath and point back to the group most likely already at the dinning hall. “I’ll see you boys at home, y’all still live there right?”

Apollo smiles and nods. “Of course. Why would we leave…I’ve been waiting for you to come back.”

You smile softly and don’t add on to his comment because of Atlas beside you, but you understand his reference and nod. “I’m going to grab lunch,” you tell them. “I’m starving. Get…the tequila ready, yeah? Birthday shots?”

Atlas quickly rebuttals as you walk back. “No, your birthday passed!”

You shrug. “Doesn’t matter. Have it ready!” You shoot Apollo one last smile. “Let’s talk later, yes?”

“You know I always have time for you.” He shouts back with a smirk.

You grin at him before you turn around and catch up with your family waiting for you outside of the hall. And once you get close your dad and uncle head inside whilst you linger behind with Ellie, all because she wants to pass you a teasing look.

“What?” You retort and know exactly what that look is for. “I’m just happy to see him.” You open the door and let her walk in first.

“Sure.” She chuckles. “Sure it’s just that.”

“Whatever,” you scoff with a giddy smile.

——

*LATER*

Having babies during this never ending pandemic seemed like such a selfish act to you before, you thought of the people as selfish for wanting to have and raise their kids during this apocalypse. But after meeting Henry, after learning to love again because of him, that thought disappeared.

Now you couldn’t be happier for Maria and your uncle Tommy. Now as you feel their baby kick inside her you also kind of long for such a bliss.

“You pick a name yet?” You ask Maria as you have your ear pressed against her belly.

“No,” she says. “Not yet. We’re waiting until the baby’s born to give it a name.”

You hum and then beam at the open air ahead of you. “I’m so glad I made it back in time to feel this.”

“I almost thought you wouldn't,” Maria retorts with some sass behind her comment.

You scoff softly. “You know he’d bring me back home.”

Maria sighs, so you lift your head off her belly to sit up and face her with a more serious look on your features.

“Look, I know he’s not your favorite person, but he’s still my dad, he’s still my uncle Tommy’s brother, making him your brother-in-law, so you have to suck it up and start coming around. Besides, when it comes down to it you wouldn't want anyone else having your back but him, he’s good, and protective.”

Maria holds your gaze and swallows thickly out of hesitation. After all she’s heard you can’t really blame her, she’s being protective too over you and your uncle, but now your dad is here to stay. She can’t live on hating him in this small town.

“Do you trust him?” She asks with a narrowed gaze. “It doesn’t matter if he’s your dad, push that aside. Do you trust him?”

Without hesitation you nod. “I do,” you assure her because it’s not your trust that’s at play here, no, you’re just upset and disappointed. “He’s earned it,” you add and clasp your hands together whilst you watch the wind sweep over the spring flowers in your meadow.

“Okay,” Maria sighs, “then I’ll be less…hostile. I’ll try.”

You drift your eyes over to her and shoot her a smile. “Good. That’s all I ask, all uncle Tommy and I ask.”

A moment of silence passes where all you hear is the soft howl of the wind brush over your ear, where all you do is watch the pretty and delicate flowers dance gracefully in your meadow. But Maria then breaks that moment. “Are you going to talk about why you left the second time, and came back all beat up?”

Shit.

You blink and drop your gaze whilst it slowly begins to harden and lose all the softens it held over the meaning of her question, and what it asks from you—lies.

More lies. You can’t tell her about Ellie, about where you went and what happened on the trip. At least you can’t say all that involves the fireflies. She’d hate your dad more than she already does, she’d just stir trouble.

Albeit there's a knot in your throat that threatens to undo so you can just throw up everything in some kind of word vomit.

But you can’t, you have to avert your gaze to avoid breaking. And luckily the back door opens, and when you look back you’re thankful to see your dad here to save you from breaking.

“Daddy,” you greet and quickly push yourself to your feet to avoid what came up.

Said man forms his lips into a tight lipped smile when he notices Maria, and slowly begins to wander over to where you are. “Sorry,” he interjects and meets Maria’s gaze. “I don’t mean to interrupt.”

You shake your head and answer right away. “No, no it’s okay. Come over.” You see his gaze flicker to the flower meadow and linger there for a moment before his gaze falls on Maria and you—“Everything okay? Or did you just come to visit?” You ask.

He nods stiffly. “Yeah. I came to visit.”

The wood from the bench swing creaks, stealing your attention. And when you look back you see Maria getting up. “I’ll go then and leave the two of you alone.”

Your dad doesn’t put up a fight to try and be nice, he nods and mutters, “yeah, okay, thanks. Sorry again.”

Maria shakes her head to assure him that it’s fine before beginning to walk away. And just as she makes it on the patio she glances over her shoulder. “I’ll see the both of you at dinner.”

You offer her a kind smile and nod in agreement, she then finally leaves the area when she walks inside, leaving your dad and you alone in a silence that feels quite comfortable.

“Sit, please,” you point to the bench as you sit back down.

Your dad lets out a deep sigh before slowly making his way to sit beside you.

“I grew it in memory of Sarah,” you let him know right away. “The meadow. I mean,” you sigh and smile a wobbly smile. “I’d already see her in the gentle flowers when I had no picture of her, everytime we were out trying to survive. I’d see her in the delicate and beautiful butterflies that flutter on them, so…I grew this meadow when I got here to see her all the time.” You drop your head and sniffle.

“It’s,” your dad mutters in a shaky voice. “It’s sweet. I like it. I’m sure she’d love it too.”

You smile softly and nod, you look at the flowers again and now as you remember your sister you also can’t help but remember the new burden you carry, and you have yet to talk about with your dad.

“Where’s Ellie?” You ask with a fading smile.

“Home,” he says. “She wanted to stay home.”

She’s thinking about what she failed to do isn't she? You know she is. You saw her overthinking behind her solemn look she carried ever since she woke up. You saw her disappointment after she asked your father for reassurance over what he said happened. You could hear her heartbreak when she questioned your dads fake story in the car.

So if you saw and heard all that, you know he did too.

“Why?” You break the silence that had built. “Why did you do it?” You ask, but not with anger laced in your voice, not disappointment; your voice is soft and filled with genuine wonder.

“They were gonna kill her,” he mutters out with no remorse behind his voice. “They were gonna kill her for it without giving her a choice.”

You briefly shut your eyes and let out a deep sigh. “Did you give her a choice?” You ask him and blink to look at him, to watch as he meets your own gaze. “Did you give her a choice before you took her, before you killed everyone in that hospital including that doctor?”

Your dad holds your gaze and now you see that once hardened look turn soft. “I couldn’t lose her,” he says quietly. “You have to understand that.”

More than anything. You love her too.

“I do,” you whisper, but begin to shake your head. “But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t wrong. It doesn’t mean you weren’t selfish.”

“I’d do the same thing with you,” he rebuttals. “In a heartbeat—”

“You were wrong!” You cut him off in an emotional outburst. “You were wrong!” You shout again and jump to your feet to continue facing him. “You were selfish for taking that chance from humanity, even after all we’ve seen, all those people I’ve lost, that we’ve lost in the way,” your voice quivers. “You disrespected her by taking that choice away from her. I…I grew to love her too, I did,” you nod and feel your eyes fill with tears. “She made me find myself after being lost for so long without Sarah. But,” you swallow back your tears. “I would have given her that choice, if she said she wanted to live then I would have helped you get her out by doing whatever I took, but you….didn’t give her a choice.”

Your dad drops his head and watches the flowers in the meadow. He stays silent, letting you let out a deep shaky breath to calm down that anger you had held in.

“If you’re asking me to regret what I did,” he breaks his silence with no anger, his voice remains soft. “I won’t.” He meets your gaze with exactly that, no regret. “I won’t regret what I did because I did it for her, so she can live. I did it for us, for our family. If it was you in her position I’d do it too in a heartbeat, damn the consequences. I wouldn’t even care if you spent all your life hatin’ me because at least you’re alive to do that. The same goes for Ellie.”

That doesn’t take away from your anger and disappointment, but it does help you better understand his reasonings behind his actions.

“And if she ever finds out,” he continues as you remain quiet, unable to find something to argue back with. “I’ll never let her blame you because it was all me. But I hope that she doesn’t find out, she doesn’t deserve to live with that heartbreak, she deserves a good life. She can have that here with us. So that’s all I ask from you, don’t tell her. Please.”

You hold his gaze for a brief second as you think about what he asks from you, as you debate whether to listen or not.

You then proceed to sit back beside him on the bench, you watch the flowers and think about your thought process before, when you stood on that hill that overlooked Jackson. You remember what you came up with then; you want to save Ellie from the darkness that his betrayal would bring, because you also want her to have a good life.

That’s the only reason why you’re agreeing to carrying that burden too.

“I won’t,” you assure your dad. “I won’t tell her. I swear.”

Your dad nods, but keeps holding your gaze with anguish. “Does this change anythin’ between us?” He asks, catching you by surprise. “Because I can’t…I can’t lose you babygirl. Not again.”

You quickly shake your head and speak your truth with a gentle smile. “No, of course not.”

Your dad nods softly as he lets out a deep relieved sigh.

“I was just angry,” you share. “I just needed you to hear what I had to say, that’s all, but no I don’t want that to change us.” You grab his hand and give it an assuring squeeze. “Because regardless of it all, omitting this truth from her is for her own sake now.”

“Yeah,” your dad agrees with a nod. “It is. It’s for her...”

“For Ellie,” you finish his sentence.

Tagged- @slut-f0r-u @star-wars-lover @maplecohen @givemylovetoall @itzagothamcitysiren @sammy-13 @beloved-reblogger @emiriia @rues-daya @sunfairyy @littleshadow17 @mcu-starwars @bigtuffswordboy @riaqiax @dheet @queenofthekill @joliettes @d4rno @dgraysonss @rana030 @pedropascalluvr41 @ahoyyharrington @beaniebeensbaby201 @maeneedsabreak @maelartasch @adristyles @daughterofthequeen @alastorhazbin @ririvilliams @khaylin27 @hypatia93 @hummusxx @v4mpyk1tten @1donoow @your-shifting-gurl @g4ns3y @izzzzy-the-amazing @aphr0d1teh @lovelyygirl8 @ivy-taylorsversion

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