#not sure how well I did on the nightmare thing but I’d say it’s alright | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

aureatchi · 1 year ago

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⚕ ᡣ𐭩 . ° . AND IF THERE WAS A PLACE I HAD TO CHOOSE…IT’D BE IN YOUR ARMS TONIGHT. (bedroom session) ft. dazai, chuuya, fyodor, akutagawa, sigma

— how the bsd men treat you when you’re sick. (& more)

a/n. started writing when i was sick djsjsja. tagging my moots who were under the weather anytime this month <3 to them & anyone else unwell, feel better soon !!

info. fem!reader. fluff. established relationships. light angst & hospital in akutagawa’s. chuuya plays the guitar. you play the piano in fyodor’s. sigma’s a chef. some inspo from RED for dazai & fyodor’s (our hcs!)

DAZAI will cuddle with you anyway, even when you are buried under bundles of blankets. he still thinks you need a little more warmth…and you look just too cute wrapped up in what resembles an igloo to not nuzzle with you! however, don’t be surprised when he blames you for making him sick once you recover, as if it wasn’t his fault.

“A-choo!” Your eyes were watery, you felt too cold for your liking, and it was harder than usual to breathe through your nose. Your sneeze made you sit up in discomfort, and you hastily pulled the covers toward you.

“‘Bella? Are you alright?” Dazai sat up next, meeting your eyes as you turned your face toward him.

He noticed how flushed your cheeks were and how watery your eyes were as you frowned—no, the first thought Dazai had wasn’t Oh no! You’re sick!

“Aw, love! You look so cute!” And he tackled you back down.

“Osamu!” you shouted as he lay practically atop you, squeezing you like a teddy bear.

“‘Samu!” you repeated once more. “You’re going to suffocate me!”

“You feel so cold, though, darling!” His reply was muffled as he buried his face into your neck.

“It’s like you’re trying to get yourself sick!”

He sat the both of you back up.

“H-huh? What’d you mean? Why would anyone willingly get sick?”

“Oh, I’m not sure either!” you exclaimed. “Maybe so you can use it as an excuse to skip wor-“

You sneezed again, interrupting your statement, seeing through Dazai’s plan.

“Bless you ‘bella!” he replied, a bit too excited. “What were you saying?”

“I. Was-” you sneezed again. And then twice. And then thrice.

“Aw, my poor baby!” Dazai spoke in his infantile voice. “Looks like you’re super sick…don’t you worry your pretty head about that. I have a solution.”

“Yes, please,” you responded—as best as you could with him pinching your cheeks—thinking Dazai would finally get up and bring you medicine so you didn’t have to do it yourself. That was, in fact, a terrible assumption.

“You trust me so well you didn’t even wait for me to tell you!”

“Uh-”

He then proceeded to pepper your entire face with kisses.

“Get-well kisses! They work better than medicine, trust me. Because these ones are made from lo-ove~.”

“Osamu!” you shouted. “You’re really going to get sick!”

“Do you really think I care, pretty?” He moved his face so his nose was touching yours. “I’ll tell you a secret. I know why I’d get willingly sick. So that I’ll be taken care of by my favorite girl in the world-“

“You’re so stupid!” you facepalmed. “You see being ill as a reward?”

“Yeah, I’ll make you believe so by the end of the day,” he winked. “I’m not going anywhere.”

…

Thankfully, Dazai did give you medicine to clear your stuffy nose. And then he told you to stay in bed while he would prepare you…breakfast.

“Oh no,” you said, knowing well that you mostly cooked the meals for a reason. Dazai was good at many things, but there were exceptions. He wasn’t the worst cook, but he certainly wasn’t the best.

“Wait, please trust me on this one!” he pleaded before you could get up. “I promise you I won’t burn the house down.”

The brunette was staring at you with dramatic puppy-dog eyes, and you were too tired to object any further.

“You have to make sure it’s edible, too,” you glumly replied.

…

It felt like almost an hour passed. You started to get worried—was he really struggling with cooking you something? You imagined the kitchen would be a chaotic nightmare by now, and it was enough to make you want to check on him.

But the moment you decided to get up, the door opened with Dazai bringing in a bowl of hot soup. Surprisingly, you could smell the aroma—and it was good.

“You really underestimated me, ‘bella?” Dazai smirked as he placed the bowl on a portable bed tray. “Bon appétit!”

“I haven’t even tried it yet,” you smiled back. “It might be the worst soup I’ve ever had.”

It wasn’t bad. You hated to admit it, but it tasted delicious.

“The virus must’ve affected my taste buds, too,” you chuckled. “Because for someone whose forte isn’t cooking, this tastes really good.”

Dazai wiped his head with a phew! “I actually…put in a lot of effort. I wanted to make sure I did it all right for you. Sorry it took so long.”

You wanted to hug him. You found it so adorable that he had really taken his time to make you something.

“Awe, thanks, Osamu,” you responded. “This was really sweet.”

“So…do I get a few kisses and back rubs as a thank you?” he asked.

“Sorry, back rubs? I’m the one sick; you should be the one giving me them!”

…

Dazai ended up giving you the massages in exchange for continuing to cling to you without complaint. You accepted and were defeated at this point—the man really wasn’t going anywhere.

He continued to stay with you until you felt better, and very unsurprisingly he spoiled your recovery celebration by becoming sick himself.

“Heh…” he mumbled as you looked at the thermometer with a frown. Contradicting was Dazai with a large smile, despite just finding out he had a fever.

“Your turn, ‘bella!” he exclaimed. “I already called Kunikida saying I’m going to be out for another week! This almost beats a vacation.”

“Osamu!”

“What? Any time spent with you feels just as amazing. And this is just a result of how well I’ve taken care of you.”

CHUUYA wants to make your recovery as comfortable and entertaining as possible—he doesn’t want his darling feeling mopey the entire time. after all, enjoying something distracts one from the botherations of being sick, right?

You hadn’t done as much as you would’ve liked today. Unfortunately, you were sick, but not to the point where you had to visit a doctor or were stuck in bed. It was an inconvenient gray area, where you were still able to do things but accompanied by the mild symptoms of a cold.

“Nah, doll, you’re just a workaholic.”

Chuuya laughed as you pouted while trying to do your laundry. Just because you were sick didn’t mean you should skip your chores. You would probably still go to work the next day, too—as long as you weren’t dying, you’d be alright.

You sort of felt like you were, though. You were overcome by a haze of debilitation, whether you wanted to admit it or not. But you couldn’t just sit around all day.

“I’m fine though, Chuu,” you replied, but a contradicting sneeze immediately followed.

“Your nose is saying something different,” he replied, handing you a tissue. “If you’re so bored, how ‘bout we do something actually fun? And won’t exhaust the life out of you?”

“Well, what are you thinking?” you asked, curious as you wiped your nose.

…

Chuuya had you sat by the table with a bowl and a box of cornstarch.

“Out of all people, it was Q who showed me this.” You raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry, baby, it’s not dangerous. It’s weird, but I can’t deny this entrances me.”

Chuuya poured some cornstarch into the container and added a cup of water. “It gets a little messy, but…” he started combining the contents until it became a gooey mixture.

You started giggling. You didn’t know what you were expecting, but it definitely wasn’t the sort of crafts experiment you did as a kid.

“Chuu, this is quicksand. You’ve never made it before?”

His eyes widened in surprise. “Quicksand? Nope. But look—if you play around with it, it becomes solid—isn’t that amazing? But if you let it go-“

“It turns back into liquid, yes,” you replied before you sneezed again.

“It’s so weird! What kinda manipulation is this?

You couldn’t help but laugh at how the Port Mafia executive was captivated by such a simple science project. You watched as he played around with the oobleck.

You realized you could live this day simply as well. You proceeded to make your own cool mixture as well.

“You got some on your face,” Chuuya said a little after you were finished with your venture and were washing your hands.

“Where?” you asked, about to touch your head.

“Right here,” you felt his thumb gently rub your cheek and then move around your neck to tug you closer.

“Just kidding.” He stole a kiss in its place.

…

Chuuya sat down on the edge of the bed with his guitar. It was late afternoon, and you decided for once a very needed nap. But not before your lover entertained you with one more thing.

“I’m gonna give ya a little performance.”

He strung his guitar several times and ensured everything was correctly tuned.

Your widened eyes in curiosity made his heart warm. You were so enamored with everything he did—just as he was utterly obsessed with you.

He started playing a familiar tune. Your favorite song. You immediately smiled despite your oncoming headache.

“One day, I think I’ll write my own song for you,” Chuuya said. “You work so hard, how couldn’t you be the inspiration of a ballad?”

You cherished times like these. Even though you were sick, you had the company of the soft, sweetheart side of the Mafia Executive.

FYODOR is full of surprises, and you falling ill is no exception. unexpectedly, he decides to let go of his schemes and responsibilities for the day, to make sure you’re feeling better.

He could already tell by your unusual exhaustion yesterday evening. You didn’t do anything that required more exertion than usual, and it was too frigid in the year for you to feel so hot.

Fyodor already knew you wouldn’t feel so good when you woke up the following day. Your cheeks were flushed, and your head was pounding. It even ached to sit up. It was the worst combination.

Feverishly, you sneezed. A tissue was immediately placed over your nose.

“Blow, milaya.”

You looked up at Fyodor, who was standing by the bed. His amethyst gaze fell upon you—his usual amalgam of tranquility and complacency looked a bit different today…was there a hint of concern shining through his eyes?

You took the tissue from his hands and blew your nose.

“You’re supposed to be at work, no?”

You tried your hardest not to get sick because of this reason. You would be another hassle on Fyodor’s list of endeavors. You hated the thought of contributing, especially when he was already stressed and occasionally neglected his own needs with what he already had to do.

“You would really expect me to when I had to carry you to bed last night?”

The previous evening was a blur. Sometime after dinner, the weather immediately flew over you, and all your energy just drained out.

“Ah.” You sneezed again into the tissue. “Well, I think I’ll be fine on my own. I know you have a lot on your hands. I can take care of myse-“

“Please believe me. You’re not being a burden,” Fyodor cut you off and directly addressed the point you had been dancing around. His hand found yours and started to massage your fingers. He felt ice cold against you—or perhaps, you were on fire.

“Is your throat sore? I’ll make you some tea.”

…

He didn’t leave you alone for too long. Fyodor returned with a cup of hot ginger tea that you immediately took, desperate for some relief for your throat. Your nose was quickly soothed by the warm, sharp aroma of the ginger as you held the mug close to your mouth.

If there was one thing you learned, there was a type of tea for every occasion. Fyodor had an entire cabinet dedicated to those beverages—all precisely arranged.

“Is it alright?” Fyodor asked as you sipped, the liquid alleviating the soreness in your throat.

“Yes, of course,” you replied. “Maybe after I can try to get up…” your voice trailed off as you struggled even to shift your position.

“What’s wrong?” Fyodor moved beside you again as you frowned.

“I feel really sore. Like I ran a marathon without stretching at all yesterday,” you dryly chuckled, even though that had not been the case at all. Your whole body ached; it felt uncomfortable to move anything, and you felt awfully weak.

Fyodor didn’t respond for a moment, thinking.

“You can still entertain yourself without moving. Do you want to read? I’ll bring you to the living room.”

You curtly nodded your head and picked out one of the many books on the large shelf before Fyodor carried you to the sofa in the next room.

“Stay on my lap,” he said, holding you by your waist when you tried to move away.

“I don’t want you to get sick too,” you replied, confused.

“I won’t, don’t worry. Besides, I’m doing a favor for you.”

He motioned for you to enjoy your book and not pay attention to him. So you did as he said—you flipped to the page you left off on and tried to immerse yourself in the plot.

It got easy to do so and lose track of reality because Fyodor started to massage you—hands moving in circular motions on your shoulders to ease and relax the pain on your joints.

You felt both too hot and cold alone on your bed earlier. But here, in the embrace of your lover, you could see the end of your little tunnel of fever.

“Thank you, Fedya,” you whispered sometime after.

…

He got up to do something on his own a little later, but not before tucking you into the softest blankets you owned on the couch. He admired you for a moment right after—a touch of amusement in his eyes.

“What’s so funny?” you asked with a pout. You felt like you were made into a burrito.

Fyodor had thought the same.

“Milashka,” he simply smiled.

You thought he went away to attend to the business he was able to at home—Fyodor was infamous for being a workaholic after all, but you were surprised once again when amidst your reading, you heard a melody coming from the other room. Rich and resonant, you realized he was practicing his cello.

You placed your book down and freed yourself from the warm blankets before making your way over to the next room, disregarding the dull pain that still accompanied you.

Fyodor didn’t pause as you entered and sat down on the piano’s stool. You opened the cover and placed your fingers on the keys before smoothly joining in with the composition you had secretly been learning while he was away so you could play with him.

He probably suspected it anyway, but you still smiled and felt a little pride as you harmonized with him without error—and while sick.

♬♩♫♪

There was a moment of silence after the final note. You felt at peace. The tune made you sleepy.

Fyodor stepped towards you, and you lifted your head to meet his gaze.

“You played it perfectly, lyubov,” he said before kissing your forehead. “How about a nap now as a reward?”

…

After a glass of water and an adjustment of the heater, Fyodor tucked you back under the covers. He checked your temperature with the back of his palm, and he was appeased to find that your fever had noticeably gone down.

You suddenly giggled, catching Fyodor off guard.

“Why are you giggling?”

“I had an observation,” you chirped. You wanted to tell him it was evident he had been stealing physical affection from you throughout the day and that he wasn’t sly, but alas, exhaustion had overcome you again.

You took his own hand in yours. “Wash your hands after,” you whispered before placing a kiss on his fingertips. “This was nice. I feel better because of you staying.”

AKUTAGAWA feels that the roles have been reversed because it is usually him who is sick, and you helping him get better. however, this time it’s you, and so he wants to repay all the care and love you showed him. for once, not to prove something, but to show proof of your adoration towards him.

You didn’t want Akutagawa to visit you that day. You had sent him a text earlier that you were sick—your pneumonia was so severe that you were admitted to the hospital. He immediately rushed over right after.

You told him he didn’t have to—truthfully, half of your heart didn’t want him to because of his already weakened immune system and his tendency to get sick easily.

Yet he still showed up at your bedside with a “get-better” box and pink tulips, a mask covering half his face.

“Ryu, I appreciate this so much,” you told him, a cough accompanying your statement. “But I promise you don’t need to stay—I don’t want you to get sick too.”

He didn’t respond before striding over to the sink as if he were in his own house, grabbing a vase and filling it with water. You watched him trim your flowers, place them in the container, and then putting it on the counter.

“Ryu…”

“You’re in the hospital. Do you think I could just go about my day like my girlfriend isn’t sick?”

Even though his tone was straightforward, his hand gently brushed away the hair covering your eyes.

He was visibly bothered. He hated seeing you in the hospital gown, lying on the bed. He hated the IV line attached to you and the distant beeps! of your vitals. Akutagawa went through this experience more often than not, and if not painful, it was always irritating and unpleasant.

He would never want you going through this, even once.

“Are you comfortable? Should I move you to one of the VIP rooms?”

“That’s not necessary, thank you though,” you replied. You noticed the exhaustive distress in his argentine eyes.

“I’m going to be okay, Ryu,” you reassured him. “I promise. Just don’t touch me for now.”

Akutagawa nodded. “Are you hungry? Is there anything you’re craving?”

“I want…something sweet,” you bashfully replied. “All the hospital food was savory…they missed a dessert.”

You could see the corners of his mouth slightly lift up—an unlikely smile, especially in a place like this. “No explanations are needed. I’ll be back.”

…

He returned with one of the sweets you always picked up whenever you went grocery shopping and a couple of figs for himself. Akutagawa didn’t like sugary things that much, but this fruit he could eat for days. He indeed ate one a day—you were able to observe how long he would be gone on a mission based on how many figs he brought with him.

Akutagawa had brought two today. Was he planning to stay with you overnight? You knew he hated the hospitals—he would never willingly go to one.

Yet here he was, pulling up a chair by your bedside.

“I brought a book,” he said. “Can I read to you?”

“Of course,” you replied. “I didn’t feel like using the TV here anyway, so nothing’s been entertaining.”

The onyx-haired pulled out a book from his coat.

“Once when I was six years old I saw a magnificent picture in a book, called True Stories from Nature, about the primeval forest,” he started.

When Akutagawa was sick, you often read him children’s stories to combat his restlessness. He was calmed by your voice and fell asleep faster than any over-the-counter medication ever worked.

The first time you had found him in the hospital before you were even in a relationship with him, you introduced him to The Little Prince. At first, he scoffed and turned his back the other way, pretending not to listen. But his furrowed brows relaxed, and his frown lifted as you continued with the story—the theme of the openmindedness of children compared to adults, loneliness, love, and loss all gave him something to think about.

Eventually, the book became a source of comfort and light to Akutagawa, and now he had his own copy.

"‘And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.’” By the time Akutagawa had gotten to that part, you had dozed off into a nap.

…

When you finally awoke, the curtains were closed, and the only source of light came from an ambient lamp on the nightstand. And in this night, you also felt a soft pressure on your legs—Akutagawa’s head. He had fallen asleep too, with the book still flipped to a page.

You felt both adoration and woe in your heart. He was sacrificing comfort and possibly his health for you. You desperately felt the need to stroke through his white-tipped raven hair, but you didn’t want to heighten any more chances.

You fell asleep again after minutes of watching your lover’s chest delicately rise and fall, just as he carried his true self without his violent front.

…

Akutagawa stayed until you woke up the following day. He went out to do some errands and then returned with a small gift for you he picked up during the day. That was the routine he followed for the next three days, always content to find you better than the previous day until you were all better.

A nurse came in with a final evaluation and discharged you. You changed into new clothes Akutagawa had brought you before running up and embracing him.

He hugged you back tightly, relieved that you were finally out. He turned to the vase of the pink tulips, which were starting to wither.

“Just in time,” he said.

“The get-well-soon flowers,” you giggled, taking your first good look at them. You loved how he knew of flower symbolism.

“Let’s get out of here,” Akutagawa said, holding out his hand for yours to take. “I despise dwelling in this place any longer.”

SIGMA is worried sick, even though you’re the one sick. how could he not, especially when he isn’t with you? are you feeling alright? drinking enough water? eating well?

“You’re sick?” Sigma asked over the phone.

“Is it my fault? I mean, I was feeling unwell last week, but I got better in a day, so I didn’t think it was that serious…”

“No, it wasn’t; please don’t worry,” you replied. You hated when your lover blamed your problems on himself. “But yeah, it sucks. I even lost my smell! I can’t smell anything.”

“Really?” You sensed his worry through the call.

“Do you need to go to a doctor? I can pick you up and take you there—or I can call the doctor to your house if you’d prefer that-“

“No, it’s okay! It’s not that serious; I’ll be fine in a few days,” you said. “I just wanted to let you know because I won’t be able to see you for a week. But don’t worry about me. I’ll update you.”

“Oh, I see,” Sigma responded. “Alright then.”

Firstly, Sigma was most definitely worried. Secondly, you couldn’t smell? He knew how much you loved the dulcet scents of the desserts he created and the delicate fragrances of your favorite flowers. You must’ve been even a little upset when you realized that sense was gone.

Of course, he wasn’t going to leave you to battle the viruses alone, despite you having just said you didn’t plan to see him until you got better. So, the part lilac, part pearly-haired immediately set out to plan a sweet surprise for you.

…

The next day, Sigma showed up at your front door with a homemade bento box and a few bags of groceries.

“What are you doing here?”

“I at least have to check if you’re eating well.”

One thing that hadn’t changed since meeting Sigma was the butterflies in your stomach feeling. He always showed nothing but ultimate consideration and compassion towards you, treating you like royalty.

“I’m trying,” you replied honestly. “Everything tastes the same. I can’t smell any of it.”

“Maybe it’ll be more appealing if the food looks nice.” With that, he walked to the dining table.

“You haven’t had lunch yet?” You nodded, expectably to him.

“Sit down, love.” He pulled out one of the chairs. You followed him, taking a seat as he prepared your meal—putting a placemat on the table and setting the bento box on top.

You opened the container, and you were revealed with an assortment of the prettiest foods. For the first time this week, you were hungry.

The ones that caught your eye the most were the rice balls decorated to look like chibi versions of you and Sigma. A part of you didn’t want to ruin something so cute.

“What—this is so cute, Sigma! You’re so creative,” you complimented him. “It’s like you cook with magic.”

You noticed Sigma’s cheeks tint a rosy pink. “T-thank you. Go ahead and eat while I prepare your dessert.”

“Dessert?” you asked as you eyed the remaining grocery bags he was holding.

“You’re going to bake here?” You weren’t complaining, but you wondered why he didn’t decide to do it at his place.

“Yeah. That way, it’ll taste the best. Everything tastes the best when it’s freshly baked.”

…

You ended up eating everything. Sigma’s cooking never failed to impress you, even for a previously sated stomach.

“I finished!” you exclaimed, earning a smile from Sigma in the kitchen.

You hadn’t paid attention to what he was making in the meantime. He had put the tray of mystery into the oven a few minutes ago, so you were unable to see what it was.

“It’ll be done in twenty minutes,” Sigma said, walking over to you and taking your hand. “Was it good?”

“Very tasty; I’m full now,” you replied, looking up at him. His ashen eyes shone a gleam of fondness once he made eye contact with you, causing him to fluster again. He was so cute—at times, Sigma still acted like a schoolboy with a crush on you.

“You know your body makes room for dessert,” he noted coyly.

He guided you to stand up, and as you did, a familiar scent softly breezed past you.

The smell of your favorite muffin—and the smell of Sigma’s kitchen. It was faint, but it was there. Your eyes widened in wonder.

“Wait, Sigma—I can smell this!”

Even though it was a bit dramatic, you were cheerful to finally be able to smell any thing after a couple of days. You spun with Sigma around the room in delight. Surrounded by the aroma that made you feel truly at home and the sunrays through the windows, you started to dance together.

“You’re sure you’re okay?” he asked, a bit concerned you were spinning around while feeling unwell.

“Yes,” you reassured him, drawing Sigma into an embrace. “I’m just thrilled right now. I think you’re cooking does have magic.”

…

The muffins were out and looked mouthwatering. Sigma took the first one from the tray and peeled down the wrapper.

“First taste is yours,” he said, taking your palm and placing the pastry in your hand.

“Today, I’ll be Sigma’s food critic,” you joked among the two of you. “He’s baked my favorite muffin—I’m rea-ally picky about this dessert, for your information. So I’m going to be really harsh on this review…”

Catching him off guard, you ate the entire sweet in one bite. You started laughing when Sigma abruptly gasped.

“Mm! That was delicious!” you declared, trying to sound like you were trying this for the first time. However, it contradicted the way you were reaching for a second one. Sigma had made this for you hundreds of times before—there was never one time you refused a muffin from him.

“Eleven out of ten!”

“And so are you,” Sigma added, bopping you on the nose. “If my cuisine does involve magic, then I hope that the food works better than medicine.”

bea’s acoustic songs are always so calming & pretty; in my mind, this is what chuuya plays for me. <3

i saw you said you were sick on the dash this month, i’m glad you’re feeling better by now/feel better soon, this is for you <3 @lovedazai @cheriiyaya @chuuyrr @osaemu @atlasnessie

i heard if you rb, your fav will give you get-well kisses until you feel better !! reblogs are cherished; they are what support me the most <3

969 notes · View notes

nameless-jamie · 10 days ago

Note

If you ever think about how the interview process/selection went when Jamie first met PAreader. I'd love to see how/why she decided to work for the then prick lol

Or.........

(Sorry, I just got another thought)

The one where Keeley's, amongst many other models, videos and pictures, are leaked it heavily suggests they all came from Jamie's personal email and is "password" so how might she chastise him or clean up the mess that is a problem nightmare. (Perhaps try and make sure no ones links him to the leaks)

Anyways, I love your work! Just some thoughts, lol ❤️

The Interview

Masterlist

Jamie Tartt x fem! PA reader

A/N: I love these ideas! I started with the first one and will maybe work on the second one later, might have to re-watch the episode again. Thank you for your requests!

TW: cursing, innuendos

Leslie Higgins had been nothing but kind since Y/N walked into his office. The interview had gone smoothly so far—Higgins had asked her about her experience, her ability to handle high-pressure situations, and her general thoughts on working with athletes. She had answered confidently, feeling like she was making a solid impression.

Y/N sat across from Higgins, back straight, hands folded neatly in her lap. She had prepared for this. She knew the job of a personal assistant to a football player required organization, patience, and an ability to manage egos. And Jamie Tartt? He was just another potential client to her. A high-profile one, sure, but nothing she couldn’t handle.

Higgins smiled warmly. “You have an impressive résumé. Scheduling, media relations, crisis management—”

“I like to run a tight ship,” Y/N said with a polite nod. “I know athletes have demanding schedules, and my job is to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

“Lovely, lovely,” Higgins said, clearly pleased. “You know, I think you’d be a wonderful fit, but Jamie can be a bit of a, uh… handful, but I have no doubt you’d be able to—”

The door burst open.

“Oi, Higgins, did you find me an assistant yet—”

A man strolled in like he owned the place, sunglasses pushed up into messy blond hair, hands in his pockets. Y/N knew his face well. Everyone did. Jamie Tartt. Star player, tabloid favorite, self-proclaimed legend. And on first impression...a total prick.

Jamie barely glanced at Higgins before his gaze landed on Y/N. He stopped in his tracks, giving her a once-over—not in a sleazy way, more like he was genuinely curious.

“Oh, sick. This my new PA?" He asked curiously. "Ok, listen love, I need you to book me one of those bouncy castle things, should be about as big as the football pitch and—” Jamie gestured around widely, way too overexcited for Y/N's liking.

Y/N exhaled slowly. “Please.”

"What?" Jamie looked at her confused,

"I need you to book me a bouncy castle, please. Also my name is not love, my name's Y/N Y/L/N and I'm not your PA...yet." Y/N reciprocated in a stern voice.

Oh, fuckin' 'ell she is dominant alright. Jamie thought

His expression looked unbothered, though. “Right, alright, ok. She passin’ the vibes test then, Higgins?”

Higgins cleared his throat. “Jamie, this is was supposed to be a professional interview—”

"Well, then I should be part of it, shouldn't I? Should have a say in who I spent everyday of me life with from now on..." Jamie ignored Higgins, plopping down in the chair beside Y/N. “I can be very professional too. What’s your deal, then?”

“My deal,” Y/N repeated, arching a brow. “You mean my qualifications?”

“Yeah, like… why d’you wanna work for me?”

Higgins cleared his throat and answered the question before Y/N could. “Well, Jamie, Y/N has an impressive background in player management. She’s handled schedules for some of the biggest names in the league.”

Jamie barely looked impressed. “Ok but I asked her, didn't I?”

Y/N's jaw tightened. “First of all I’d be working with you, not for you.”

"What, you ain’t already buzzing to work for me?” He said provocatively.

Oh. He was one of those guys.

Y/N kept her expression neutral, but internally, she was already reconsidering her life choices.

“Not until I know it’s worth my time,” she shot back.

“She’s cheeky. I like her.” At that, Jamie’s smirk widened. "Ok but is it true that you've worked with big names in the league? Tell me more, anyone as big as me?"

Y/N rolled her eyes so hard she practically saw the back of her skull. “That depends. Do you mean big as in talent, or big as in ego?”

Jamie smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “Oh, she’s one of them, eh?” He leaned back, arms crossed. “So, what, you proper organized and all that?”

“I pride myself on professionalism.”

“Boring,” Jamie muttered.

Y/N’s nostrils flared slightly, but she kept her expression neutral. “I also make sure my clients don’t embarrass themselves.”

Jamie raised a brow. “Yeah? You reckon you can handle me?”

“I’ve handled worse.”

Jamie laughed, looking genuinely impressed. “Oi, she’s got a bit of bite.” He turned to Higgins. “Yup. I like her. She’s hired.”

Higgins pinched the bridge of his nose. “Jamie, I am the one conducting the interviews.”

"And I'm the one paying for a PA. I want her." Jamie pointed towards her, now turning his full body back to Y/N, ignoring Higgins completely. “Come on, then. You wanna work with me or what?”

Y/N hesitated. He was insufferable. He was full of himself. He was exactly the kind of athlete she typically had no patience for.

And yet.

Something about Jamie Tartt had gotten under her skin—his cheeky arrogance, his ease, the way he didn’t rattle her as much as he should. She was intrigued.

“…Ok,” she said, sitting up straighter. “But if I take this job, you follow my schedule, you listen to my instructions, you stop barging into rooms unannounced and most importantly you behave.”

Jamie grinned. “Yeah, alright. But no promises on the last one.”

Y/N sighed. “Fantastic.”

Jamie leaned forward, elbow on the desk. “One more thing—”

“Yes?”

His grin widened. “Try not to fall in love with me, yeah? That's proper unprofessional.”

Y/N stood, her face beet-red. “I’ll send over my contract terms and I'll start tomorrow. Goodbye, Sir. See you soon, Jamie.”

Jamie laughed as she walked out. Totally not staring at her ass in that prissy little pencil skirt she wore.

Higgins sighed deeply. “I have a feeling I’m going to regret this.”

Jamie smirked towards the now-closed door and said. "Well I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this..."

#jamie tartt #ted lasso #jamie tartt x y/n #jamie tartt x you #sam obisanya #jamie tartt imagine #roy kent #jamie tartt x reader #ted lasso show #afc richmond

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lainiespicewrites · 10 months ago

Text

Dreamless sleep

I mentioned in a reblog a few days ago that I sometimes write little oneshots about Henry to comfort myself when shit situations happen. Well I left work today and my car wouldn't start and... I've been struggling with remembering something really difficult that happened to me and I needed a comfort fic. This is that.... I don't normally post them but I wanted to share this one.

Warnings: Mentions of SA possible trigger.

summary: waking up from a nightmare and having a rough day. Henry is always there to help.

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

I watched the door shake. The man on the other side determined to break in. If he got through, he was going to hurt me again. Not that he would ever admit it. My attacker had spent just moments before trying to convince me I had asked for it. Like what he did to me was nothing more than him fulfilling my desires. Bile rose in the back of my throat from the thought.

“Go away, Luke! I told you I won’t say anything to anyone! Just leave me alone!” But he didn’t stop. I watched the door knob turn as I looked around my childhood bedroom searching for something to barricade the door. Trying to find anything to keep him out. My strength would not hold much longer. One more shove and he would be inside. I wouldn’t be able to escape him. Just like the last time. As I’m reaching for a chair to press against the door, I stumble. I fall to the floor and the door swings open…

I woke with a start shooting straight up gasping for breath. My heart was racing and I let out a whimper as my eyes adjusted to the darkness. I flinched as I felt a gentle hand touch my hip.

“Darling it’s me, it’s okay.” Henry’s soothing voice broke through my panic. It was a dream. Only, a dream. I swallowed hard and looked out the window. It was storming, the sky was still gray, I looked over at the clock 6:25 my alarm was about to go off,

“Sorry, go back to sleep baby, it was just a bad dream. I’m okay.” I assured him. Henry sat up. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and placed a soft kiss on my head.

“You’re sure? He asked, “Do you want to talk about it?” I shook my head. I hadn’t told him about what happened to me. And as far as I was concerned he didn’t need to know. It was in the past. I was fine. It was rare that I had these dreams.

“No bear, It was silly, just go back to sleep, I need to get up and get ready,” I told him. He took in a deep breath. He still held me close for a moment before hesitantly letting go of my waist.

“Alright, love,” When I got out of bed I turned and kissed him softly. He looked so tired. He’d gotten back so late from set. I hate that I’d woken him up.

“I’ll see you later,” I smiled. He sat up giving me another kiss.

“Have a good day baby,” He said. I slipped out of my bedroom and took a quick shower. I quickly got dressed for the office and left. I picked up a coffee on the way to work. I splashed some on my shirt leaving a small stain. It wasn’t completely obvious but I knew it was there. This would happen today I hate Mondays. Things were in full swing, actually, busy. When I got there. I sat down and tried to focus on my work. But I couldn’t get anything done. All I could think about was that dream.

Lunch rolled around and I realized I’d left it at home. I didn’t want to bother Henry. He hadn’t had a day to himself in a while. So I was just going to pick something up. I ran to the little convenience store down the road and got a little snack. It was much but it would hold me over until the end of the day.

The rest of the day was so busy. So many emails and the work just kept piling up. It was non-stop. I was so ready to get back to my place and spend the evening with Henry. I walked out to my car and put the key in the ignition and… it didn’t start. I tried it again… nothing. How could this happen? It ran perfectly fine on lunch. God, I was just tired and hungry and I want to get home! I’ve spent the whole day reminded of this terrible thing I’d gone through, and now this? Today sucked! I sighed and pulled out my phone. I was going to have to call Henry. I tapped his name and the phone rang. After the second ring, he picked up.

“Hey, babe, you on you’re way back?” He asked. I sighed again.

“No,” I said flatly. “My car won’t start I don’t know what’s wrong, the engine won’t even try to turn over.” I rambled. I could hear myself starting to hyperventilate.

“Slow down, breathe. I’ll be right there.” He promised. In 10 minutes he was pulling up next to my car. We tried to jump it but that did nothing. I sighed and slammed the door. “Whoa, hey, it’s gonna be alright we’ll get it fixed, love,” Henry said grabbing my shoulders gently and making me face him. I felt my lip start to wobble. I didn’t want him to see me cry. In all honesty, we hadn’t been together that long. He hadn’t seen me break down and I wasn’t ready for him to. What if I was too much? What if he didn’t want me anymore?

“I-i’m sorry, today has just been… stressful. I was looking forward to getting home and spending time with you.” I said.

“And you’re going to, we’ll leave the car here I’ll have it looked at in the morning. Let's get back and relax my love.” Henry drove us home. I shuffled inside, quickly changing into comfy clothes. After spending a while trying to fix the car it had gotten a bit late so we decided to order in. Henry ordered dinner while I got cozy on the couch. We ate our Chinese takeout and binged a new Netflix series. My mind wandered not fully paying attention. Getting lost in the dream from this morning. I was staring blankly at a spot on the wall, I didn’t hear Henry say my name. He shook my shoulder and I yelped. His brow raised and his eyes filled with concern, and something that almost looked like hurt.

“What’s going on with you today love?” He asked. I snapped.

“What do you mean? Nothings going on everythings fine!” I said. He sat back looking at me from a sideways glance.

“You’ve been on edge all day,” He stated.

“You haven’t even been with me all day,” I rolled my eyes.

“Is something bothering you?” He asked. I groaned.

“Fucking hell, would you just drop it Henry? I told you, I’m fine!” I shouted. Henry ran a hand through his hair and groaned in frustration.

“I’m just trying to help,” He sighed.

“Yeah, well I didn’t ask, I’m not some helpless damsel you need to save!” I argued.

“I never said that!” he groaned. “But you’ve been stressed since you woke up this Morning.” He stated.

“So?” I deflected, clearly agitated.

So… who’s Luke?” He asked his voice calm. My stomach dropped. How did he know that name?

“I don’t know what your talking about…” I said shifting my eyes to the floor.

“Alayna, when you were having your nightmare, you… said his name, asking him to stop. Who is he?” He asked again. I swallowed hard. I kept my eyes on the floor hidingn the tears that had started to well up.

“No one, must’ve just been a name my brain came up with.” I lied.

“Come on,” he pleaded. “I know you don’t think I’m that stupid.” He said. I looked up at him, eyes meeting his. He was hurt. Hurt that I was shutting him out.

“I don’t think you’re stupid at all, I just… don’t want you to think I … to think less of me.” I sniffled. Henry brushed my hair out of my face and brushed his thumb across my cheek.

“Talk to me, I want to understand.” He said. “Whatever is, I just want to help you,” he stated. I nodded.

“He… is…was a friend of my brothers.” I started. “They were friends since they were kids, I new him since I was a baby.” I explained. Henry nodded. Keeping his hand on my back silently supporting me. I went on. “I thought I could trust him. I was so naive. He always seemed like a good guy. He came to town to celebrate my brothers birthday. And they came back drunk. He woke me up. Because he wanted to say hi. I got up to talk with them and when we went back to bed he… got into my bed. I thought he was joking at first. I thought he was gonna leave.” I looked at Henry. His face was calm, but I knew that he knew what I was going to say. I didn’t miss the anger in his eyes. But he stayed quiet. Letting me get it all out. “He was like a brother to me. I-I don’t know how he could touch me like that. But… I couldn’t do anything. It was wrong, it was so wrong but I was like frozen with fear or shock I don’t know. I know that I told him no. Once. something he wanted to do … I finally was able to find my voice but. It didn’t matter. The next morning he acted like nothing happened. I never said anything. I never pressed charges…nothing. It was years ago. In my dream I confronted him. He told me I couldn’t prove it. He wouldn’t own up to it. I yelled at him. And he tried to convince me I wanted it.. And he…he tried to come after me again.” I cried. Henry quickly wrapped me up in his arms pulling me into him. “That’s when I woke up.” I said. I cried against Henry’s shoulder while he held me. He gently cooed in my ear as if consoling a baby. But it helped. It was the comfort I needed. The shoulder to cry on I never really had. He was quiet for a while. Letting me have this moment and then.

“You know, none of that, is your fault.” He said. His voice soft.

“But I.. let him.” I said. His jaw ticked. Trying to remain calm for me.

“No, he may not have been violent or mean or angry. But he still forced you. He was bigger than you. You had no choice. But to let him do what he wanted. I can’t imagine the pain you’ve felt carrying this for so long. But I won’t let you do it alone anymore.” He said.

“You don’t have to,” I sniffed.

“The bastard is lucky he’s still breathing. He may not live anywhere near you but if he ever comes within a mile of you he’s a dead man.” He growled.

“I’m sorry, about…” I started staring at the ground.

“Look at me,” He cupped my face pulling my eyes back to his. “ I don’t care about some little argument. Or a stressful evening. I care about your wellbeing, your safety, and your peace of mind. There may not be much we can do about what happened. But I can help you feel safer, I can help you feel protected. That’s what matters. Let me care for you. Don’t be too proud to let me help you.” he pleaded. I nodded. I was exhausted. Today had been so hard. I didn’t have the energy to be guarded anymore.

“Okay,” I said.

“You need rest love, you look exhausted.” He said softly. I nodded laying my head against his shoulder. Henry carried me to bed and I immediately curled myself around him. He smiled softly.

“As long as I breathe. He will never, get to you,” He said softly. I nodded my breathing slowly as I listened to his heart beat. Henry softly stroked my hair and I felt my eyes lids get heavy.

“Get some sleep darling, I’ll be right here,” he promised. My eyes closed and everything faded to black. And for the first time in a long time. I had a dreamless sleep. I was safe. Now. Truly safe. I didn’t have to fight this alone.

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I don't feel like this is my best work but it is honest... I'm gonna add my taglist here but you so don't have to read it! if you do thank you! It's just away of me getting all my emotions out. Y'all are like my online emotional support group <3

@foxyjwls007

@enchantedbytomandhenry

@summersong69

@carrie80reads

@identity2212

@caramariehurst

@redheadrouge

@warriormirkwood

@gummydummy19

@deandoesthingstome

@shellyshellshell

@mary-ann84

@starfirewildheart

@henryownsme

@mollymal

@wa-ni

@toooldforobsessions

@pono-pura-vida

@Chloeforde

@liecastillo

@mrsevans90

@evie-119

@margauxmargaux07

@thearcana-moonlight

@secretdream2

@wtfdudesblog

@juliaorpll78

@nothingbettertosay81

#henry cavill #fanfic writing #fanfiction #henry cavil x reader #captain syverson #henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill characters #sa tw #sa mention #comfort #comfort fic #comfort character #comfort person #august walker

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dreamwritesimagines · 2 years ago

Text

Garden of Secrets [15] - Aster

A.N: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and support my loves, it made my whole week, you’re amazing!❤ I hope you’ll like this chapter as well, and please don’t forget to tell me what you think, thank you! ❤

Thanks so much to @theskytraveler for helping me with the chapter!

Summary: Trust works both ways.

Warnings: Regency era society and social rules, some gender specific language and terms, mentions of sex, slow burn.

Word Count: 4500

Series Masterlist

Your wedding day had been so stressful that soon after going to bed -in your own room- you fell asleep much faster than you usually would. And contrary to other times, for once you didn’t wake up in the middle of the night, plagued by your nightmares.

You were incredibly comfortable under the soft warm covers, so when the rather loud knock on the door pulled you out of the pleasant haze of sleep you couldn’t help the groan leaving your lips, burying your face deeper into the pillow.

Maybe if you didn’t make any noise, whoever it was would go away.

“Y/N?” Benedict’s voice reached inside, making your eyes snap open.

Or maybe not.

“Yes?” you called out, your voice still drowsy and Benedict let out a breath.

“Can you open the door please?”

You blinked a couple of times and sat up in bed, then pushed the covers off of you and walked to the door to unlock it before opening it.

…Alright, this was just not fair to the rest of you mortals on this green earth.

Benedict looked so handsome even at this very early hour of the morning that you could only gawk at him for a moment. Perhaps it was because this was the first time you were seeing him in his home attire, perhaps it was his slightly messy hair that made you want to run your fingers through just to see if it was as soft as it looked or perhaps it was his blue eyes that gleamed even with the sunlight coming from the window.

Unlike his formal attire, he wasn’t wearing a waistcoat or a jacket, just a white shirt that showed off his muscular chest and black pants. There was a tiny spot of blue over the collar of the sinful shirt -you had decided to refer to it as such from this moment on- which made you think he had been painting, that would explain the lack of formal clothes.

Your eyes raked over his broad chest, trailing up to his neck and you forced yourself to meet his gaze, ignoring the skip on your heart, half fearing he would be aware of your hungry gaze but apparently you had nothing to worry. Benedict looked almost in a daze, his eyes focused on you but you knew for a fact that you did not look nearly as good as him especially first thing in the morning. Your hair was a mess, you had fallen asleep in your under shift last night and sleep was still clinging to your eyes.

“Good morning,” you remembered to say and that was enough to make him snap out of it.

“Hello,” he said. “Sorry if I disturbed you, I just…wanted to make sure you were alright.”

You frowned slightly as you rubbed at your eye with the back of your hand, barely aware of the petulant pout on your lips, making him smile softly.

“I usually don’t wake up before 8 o’clock,” you rasped out and cleared your throat. “I wasn’t aware you woke up earlier, no one told me. It wasn’t my intention to be rude.”

Benedict shook his head.

“No no,” he said. “Please don’t worry about it, I don’t wake up before that either. It’s just that um—it’s twelve o’clock?”

You dropped your hand, staring up at him. “No it’s not.”

Benedict repressed a smile and nodded at the huge clock on your wall, and you followed his line of sight, looking over your shoulder to see that it was, in fact, twelve o’clock.

“What on earth?” you mumbled and Benedict let out a small chuckle.

“Long night?”

“How did I sleep until noon?”

“Well you did pass out yesterday,” he pointed out. “So I’d say it was a tiring day.”

You shook your head.

“This is still unacceptable,” you said. “I’ll be downstairs shortly—”

“Oh no no,” Benedict cut you off. “Get your rest, please. I only wanted to check on you because the maids said they knocked on your door but there was no answer so…you know, I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“I didn’t even hear anyone knocking,” you murmured and he smiled softly.

“It’s alright,” he said. “Like I said, I only wanted to check before I changed and left.”

Your head shot up. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah because I…” his eyes searched your face. “Did you not want me to?”

“Oh no, that’s not what I meant,” you said, shaking your head and Benedict motioned between you.

“Because I can stay—”

“No I’m sure you’re busy—”

“Or I can change plans and we could just go—”

“It’s absolutely fine,” you cut him off. “I was just curious. And I should probably talk with the housekeeper, you know? Even if I’ve made quite the first impression I’m guessing.”

Benedict shot you that crooked grin of his. “There are worse first impressions to be made, I’m sure.”

You clicked your tongue. “We’ll see about that,” you said. “I mean I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I’m not exactly…a warm person.”

Benedict pulled his brows together, an exaggerated look of disbelief etched in his features.

“You? Not a warm person?” he asked. “Here I thought you were the nicest lady in the ton.”

You scoffed a laugh and scrunched up your nose, shaking your head. A silence fell upon you and Benedict cleared his throat, pointing at his own room with his thumb.

“I’d better…”

“Right,” you said quickly. “Sure.”

He shot you a tight lipped smile and approached his room but before he could open it, you had already stepped out of yours.

“But um—” the words left your mouth before you could stop them or had any idea what would follow them for that matter. You looked up at the high ceiling, trying to recall what your aunt would tell your uncle whenever he would leave for the day, then took a deep breath as you remembered it, your eyes finding his again;

“Are you going to be home for dinner?”

A soft light appeared in his eyes and he smiled before nodding fervently.

“Yeah, absolutely.”

“Alright,” you said and he blinked a couple of times as if he was trying to find what to ask back.

“And do you want anything from…” he started in a haste and paused to think for a second. “From the gentlemen’s club?”

You pulled your brows together and tilted your head to the left in confusion while Benedict grimaced, closing his eyes as if he was annoyed at himself before opening them again.

“Because that’s where I’m going,” he explained. “To meet Anthony and Colin.”

You huhed. “I don’t really know what people do there.”

“Not much to be honest,” he said and shrugged his shoulders. “I can bring you a cigar?”

You stopped the laughter threatening to leave your lips and pursed them.

“No thank you,” you said. “I don’t like the smell of cigars. I appreciate the offer though.”

“Anytime,” he said with a grin and you went back into your room to close the door behind you. You were painfully aware of the smile curling your lips but you shook your head and put your hands on your hips, looking around the room.

“Alright then,” you muttered to yourself. “Let’s see.”

Mrs. Alton, your new housekeeper was a woman of few words with a solemn look on her face but a couple of minutes into a conversation with her you could already tell she was going to be very helpful to you. As she gave you a tour of the house with Paula following you, she answered any and every question you asked and you made multiple mental notes so that you could ask your aunt later on. You weren’t raised in the ton which meant you weren’t exactly educated in all parts of running a household but now you were going to have to learn.

You were just about to be finished as you passed through the last room on the other side of the hall but one glance inside was enough to make you stop in your tracks.

“That’s the room Mr. Bridgerton chose as his art studio ma’am,” Mrs. Alton said and you nibbled on your lip. The room itself was so Benedict that you could’ve said it was his art studio without even so much as a hesitation. It was well lit with direct sunshine and a wonderful view of the garden and the greenhouse, and his sketches and paints were scattered around the room along with a couple of canvases on wooden easels. The sofa across from the fireplace looked so comfortable and on the coffee table there were some books, no doubt on art.

“Oh,” you said, trying to decide whether to walk in or not but since Benedict wasn’t here and you had already sneaked around in his own house to take a look at his art, you decided a second time would be simply disrespectful.

At least where the staff could see.

You cleared your throat. “So garden next?”

“Yes, Mrs. Bridgerton.”

“Oh I think I can find my way to the garden,” you told her and Paula and smiled, “Please, don’t let me keep you from your day.”

“Of course ma’am,” they both curtsied and you walked past them to make your way downstairs, then left the house to step into the huge backyard.

The green garden full of colorful flowers was so beautiful and the water fountain made it look as if the garden itself was enchanted. You could imagine yourself sitting in the gazebo or spending hours in the greenhouse, and you still couldn’t believe this whole place was yours—

Benedict’s.

It was Benedict’s, not yours.

And you were going to stay away from that greenhouse and not spend much time in the most beautiful garden you had ever seen. Even though it was like someone had pulled it out of your dreams, you still couldn’t risk spending hours in it just to see it getting torn apart again.

You swallowed thickly and approached the gardener who was busy with one of the flower beds, but he jumped on his feet as soon as he saw you there.

“Good afternoon,” you said warmly. “Mr. Binsted if I remember correct?”

“You do Mrs. Bridgerton,” he bowed. “Good afternoon.”

“How are you, Mr. Binsted?”

“I’m well,” he said. “It’s a beautiful sunny day. How about you?”

“I’m alright,” you said. “I simply wanted to admire the garden up close, it is a masterpiece. And it is all your doing, without any help at all?”

“You flatter me ma’am,” he said with a proud smile. “It is. Thank you for letting me continue working here.”

“I should be thanking you for accepting to continue working here after your former employers moved,” you said. “I was actually wondering if I could ask something of you if that is quite alright?”

“Of course, Mrs. Bridgerton.”

“It caught my attention that although you have so many beautiful flowers here, there are no peonies,” you said. “And it’s my best friend’s favorite flower, so would it be possible to plant them as well?”

“Peonies?” he asked and nodded. “Absolutely.”

“And we can plant them over there, right next to irises,” you said. “If we do it in two weeks, by the time peonies start to open, irises will be fading so it’ll overlap with each other. And around them we could use sweet woodruff as the base, it’ll be the natural mulch and keep the soil moist so that peonies can bloom better.”

He tilted his head. “You know about flowers.”

Your head shot up and you shifted your weight.

“Just…just a little,” you muttered and cleared your throat. “And in a month perhaps we can also plant some lavenders over there, when the weather allows.”

“Of course Mrs. Bridgerton. I’ll plant the peonies tomorrow.”

“I appreciate it,” you said with a smile and he motioned at the greenhouse.

“Would you like me to change anything there as well?”

You looked over your shoulder to see the greenhouse better, your heart skipping a beat. Even in your dreams you would find it hard to believe that you could ever have a greenhouse, and the mere thought of the possibility of having it would make you smile in excitement but now…

You bit inside your cheek, that burning in your throat coming back as you felt the longing fill you, but you took a deep breath and shook your head.

“I’m not really good with greenhouses I’m afraid, I will leave that to your expertise,” you said. “Have a lovely day.”

“You too, Mrs. Bridgerton.”

You walked away from him back into the house, biting at your tongue and as soon as you stepped inside, Paula walked to you.

“A footman just brought a letter for you, ma’am.”

“Oh thank you,” you said and took the envelope from her, then opened it. Apparently Lady Bridgerton was inviting you for a stroll in the park with the rest of the family and you thought for a moment, then turned to Paula.

“Is the footman still here?”

“Yes, he’s waiting to deliver your reply.”

You nodded slowly and folded the paper to put it back into the envelope.

“Would you please tell him to tell Lady Bridgerton I will be there?” you asked. “I just need to visit my sister first.”

When the carriage stopped in front of Josie and Andrew’s house, you stepped out and approached the marble stairs to climb them. After reaching the door, you knocked on it and waited until the butler opened it. He let you in but before he could send a maid to the drawing room or announce your name, a very familiar giggle reached your ears and you turned your head to see Andrew running into the hallway, his arms outstretched so that he could carry Teddy up in the air who swung his legs back and forth, his laughter echoing over the walls.

“Teddy?”

They both turned to you and Teddy gasped. “Y/N! You’re here!”

“I didn’t know you were coming!” Andrew said as he put Teddy down so that he could rush to hug your legs. You crouched down and hugged him tight, pressing a kiss on top of his head.

“What are you doing here?”

“We’re playing a game, Andrew is the ship and I’m steering him to find Bess and Josie, they’re hiding!”

“Did I hear—?” Bess stepped into the hallway and her jaw dropped. “Aw Y/N is here! Welcome!”

“Hello little Clover,” Andrew said and pressed a kiss on your cheek, making you smile. “Jo didn’t tell us you were coming.”

“She didn’t know either,” you said and hoisted Teddy up so that he could hug you like a koala. Andrew tilted his head.

“Aren’t you supposed to uh…”

“What?”

Bess stole a look at Teddy before clearing her throat. “Enjoying the day after your wedding?”

“Does this mean I won—Clover?” Josie said as she entered the hallway as well. “What are you doing here?”

You pulled your brows together. “What, I can’t come to visit now that I’m married?”

“No one is saying that!” Bess said quickly and linked her arm with Josie’s to squeeze at her hand. “We’re always happy to see you.”

You winked at her. “You’re the only person who treats me well in this house.”

“Hey!” Josie and Andrew both protested at the same time and you tickled Teddy’s sides, making him giggle.

“Did you miss me?”

“Yes!” he said. “But Auntie said you’d probably be busy today.”

You hummed. “Change of plans,” you said. “I figured we could all go to the park, how does that sound?”

“Yes please!” Teddy said and you kissed his cheek, then put him down. He approached Josie while Andrew rested his arm on Bess’s shoulder, watching you with raised brows.

“Oh I have a lot of questions,” he said. “When are we going to the park?”

“In an hour or so?”

“That works,” Bess said. “It’s such a beautiful day to spend indoors.”

“Teddy my sweet,” Josie said. “Why don’t you go to your room with Mary to change your clothes? You have been running around for the last hour, I don’t want you to catch cold when we go out.”

“Alright!” he said and a maid curtsied, then led him upstairs. You followed Bess, Andrew and Josie to the drawing room and Andrew flung himself to the armchair and Bess sat down next to Josie on the sofa, entwining her fingers with hers, making you smile.

“So why aren’t you enjoying the marital bliss, exactly?”

“Andrew!”

“What?” he asked. “You’re always welcome but I thought you two would spend the day in bed.”

Oh God damn it.

Of course. It made sense that they would think that. Considering how in love you were supposed to be, everyone was going to think you and Benedict had consummated your marriage last night and that you would both be in…

What was it called again?

Marital bliss.

There was no way you could tell them nothing had happened. It would not fit the lovesick image of you and Benedict.

“Well,” you swallowed thickly. “He had business with his brothers and—and his mother invited me outside.”

Bess and Josie exchanged glances and Josie cleared his throat.

“And…” she trailed off. “Are you alright?”

Andrew scoffed a laugh and turned to look at her.

“She’s married to the man she’s in love with Jo, we didn’t send her off to battle,” he said as a maid brought all of you tea, and you thanked her before getting your cup from the tray.

“Can we not talk about this please?” you asked as the maid left the room and Josie shrugged her shoulders.

“I just want to know whether you’re content.”

“If that bashful look on her face is any clue, I’d say she’s quite content with her husband,” Andrew pointed out and you kicked at his ankle, making him yelp.

“Ouch!”

“Y/N, we just want to make sure you-” Bess thought for a moment. “Enjoyed your wedding night, that is all.”

You buried your burning face into your palms before lowering your hands. “I’m not going to talk about that with you, any of you.”

“I’m your sister!”

“And I’m your brother-in-law and Bess is technically your sister-in-law,” Andrew said. “Who are you going to talk to if not us?”

You shot him a glare. “No one. No one seems like a great option here.”

Andrew took a dramatic breath and sat up straighter.

“We don’t have to know the details,” he said. “Just overall, was it good or not?”

“Josie, make him stop.”

“Answer the question first.”

You would be lying if you said you hadn’t thought or dreamt about that.

Lying with Benedict.

The dream flashed before your eyes, sending a fire over your face. He was incredibly handsome, no one could deny that, and if that kiss when you two were caught was anything to go by, it meant—

It just meant that you were a goddamn fool that was letting some lust cloud your thoughts.

“The second time is going to better by the way,” Andrew added in a haste. “The first time is always quite terrible.”

“Speak for yourself,” Josie pointed out and Bess giggled, holding her hand again as Andrew rolled his eyes.

“It gets so annoying to be around in love people sometimes, you have no idea.”

You scoffed. “Oh I have an idea, don’t you worry.”

“Clover, was it—”

“Yes!” you cut Josie off and let out a breath. “Yes it was good, yes I’m very happy, can we just stop talking about this please?”

Andrew smirked.

“Handsome, romantic and talented in both art and marriage bed, a great combination,” he said, holding up his tea cup, mocking a toast. “To Benedict Bridgerton’s many skills then.”

“Andrew I swear...”

“To happy marriages as rare as they are, and to my sister’s luck in finding one,” Josie held up her own cup and Bess grinned.

“And to many blissful nights and mornings for our Clover.”

“Dear God I hate all of you,” you grumbled, making them laugh and you sipped your tea, then leaned back, trying to ignore the burning in your cheeks.

You had no idea talking with people the day after your wedding night would be this uncomfortable.

For what it was worth, they were quite nice about questioning you. Especially Lady Bridgerton who had only asked you whether you were feeling well on this lovely afternoon with pinkness on her cheeks, and Daphne looked like she had a million questions to ask you but was now promenading with the Duke. Charlotte wasn’t in the park, Eloise had informed you that she had told her she would spend the day with her siblings reading to them, so she wouldn’t be coming.

You were beginning to like having conversations with Eloise more and more. You had spent nearly an hour talking with her and Andrew while Bess and Josie walked around the park, but soon enough Andrew had left to join some friends and Penelope and Eloise had decided to go to the other side of the park, inviting you to go with them. You had said no, promising them you’d join them the next time and walked away from the rest of the crowd, desperate to get your thoughts in order, alone.

You had given the excuse of keeping an eye on Teddy and now you were watching him run around with Gregory and Hyacinth while you sat under a tree, enjoying the sunlight while your thoughts stormed through your mind.

Your wedding night hadn’t been as terrifying as you had thought, and Benedict hadn’t even tried to so much as imply anything or touch you. Though it was supposed to put your heart at ease -and it had a little- you still couldn’t help but wonder…

This was all because everyone kept asking you since the morning, but you wondered for a moment how it would actually feel if you had kissed him again, or perhaps—

Perhaps more.

You shook your head at yourself, trying to snap out of your thoughts before a four-leaf clover caught your eye right where you were sitting. You pulled your brows together and reached out to rip it, then twirled it between your thumb and pointer finger but your eyes snapped up when you heard someone clear their throat.

Benedict.

You tried to ignore the way your heartbeat got faster at the sight of him and he shot you a small smile, then motioned beside you.

“May I?”

“Sure,” you said. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Neither did I,” he said as he sat down next to you and stole a look at the clover in your hand. “Is that a four leafed one?”

“Mm hm.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those.”

“I keep finding them, Josie says I have a gift.”

“Is that why she calls you Clover?”

You nodded and extended your hand, still holding it.

“There,” you said. “You can keep it, for luck.”

Benedict shot you a smile as if you were giving him a precious artifact rather than some simple flower, and took it from you to carefully place it in the pocket of his waistcoat.

“Thank you.”

You shrugged your shoulders, seeing Colin approach Miss Marina while Anthony made his way through the crowd, no doubt to join his friends. Teddy caught Hyacinth and bolted away from her as she and Gregory started chasing him, letting out a gleeful laugh.

“Everyone keeps asking me if I’m alright.”

Benedict raised his brows. “And are you?”

You stole a look at him and bit down a smile. “Oh I meant they’re asking because—”

“No I know,” Benedict said, a small smile curling his lips. “I’ve been getting some questions myself.”

“People are asking you if you’re alright?”

“They’re asking me if you’re alright,” he said and you felt your cheeks burn as you averted your gaze from him.

That meant no one knew you two hadn’t really consummated your marriage, but considering how close he was with his family, you still felt the need to ask;

“So you didn’t tell your brothers?”

“No,” he shook his head fervently. “Of course not. Did you tell your sister?”

You shook your head as well. “I figured since we’re pretending to be in love, it’d make sense if we-you know.”

He paused for a moment and cleared his throat. “Right,” he said. “Yeah. I’m beginning to think no one in our lives is subtle.”

“You’re not subtle,” you pointed out and he scoffed.

“And you are?”

“I’m the paragon of subtlety, what are you even talking about?” you asked back, making him chuckle and he held up his hands, gesturing surrender. You bit on your lip to stop your smile, then took a deep breath.

“Well then I suppose I should be the first to ask you,” you said. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah.”

You tilted your head. “Benedict.”

He shot you one of those smiles that made your stomach do a happy flip. “Hm?”

You found yourself grinning despite yourself. “How’s marriage treating you?”

“Hasn’t stabbed me yet,” he pointed out, coaxing out a small laugh from you. “It’s going pretty good so far if you ask me.”

You hummed, trying to adapt a serious look but failing terribly. “Your baseline is rather strange.”

“Maybe,” he admitted. “What about you? How’s marriage treating you?”

You thought for a moment, pulling your brows together.

“It’s um…” you trailed off. “It’s not what I expected.”

“What did you expect?”

You rubbed at your wrist in an absentminded manner, your frown deepening as you tried to find the right words while he waited patiently.

“Just not this,” you ended up saying, and that gentle look appeared in his eyes again.

“I know you don’t trust me yet,” he said after a beat. “But I want you to know that I trust you. Wholeheartedly.”

You blinked a couple of times, that familiar pang tingling in the bridge of your nose and you swallowed the lump in your throat.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” the question came out as a rasp and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I am.”

“Why?”

A soft smile curled his lips and he heaved a sigh.

“I think you know why,” he said. “You’ve known why since the rooftop.”

You stared at him in complete silence, your eyes locked in his and it was only when you heard someone call out your name that you snapped out of it and turned your head.

“Hey lovebirds!” Andrew said. “We’re going to grab something to eat, are you coming?”

Benedict cleared his throat and got up to offer you his hand. You could feel the sparks running through your veins as soon as you placed your hand in his so that he could help you up and both of you paused for a moment before you inhaled shakily, then pulled your hand out of his, missing the warmth of his skin the moment you did so.

“Shall we?” he held out his arm and you forced yourself to focus, then placed your hand on his arm.

“Yeah,” you said, your heart still pacing in your chest. “Sure, let’s go.”

Chapter 16

#benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton x reader #bridgerton #bridgerton x reader #regency fic

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therealcocoshady · 1 year ago

Text

Recovery - Chapter 18

Eminem x FemReader Fanfiction

Summary : Reader wakes up in a hospital bed with Em by her side. She doesn't remember anything and he has to tell he she has been assaulted.

CW : Hospital - Mention of sexual assault

Y/N P.O.V

Your head hurt as you slowly opened your eyes. You looked around you and took notice of your surroundings. You were lying in a hospital bed and Marshall was sitting next to you, asleep in his chair, snoring lightly as he held your hand. You had absolutely no recollection of how you ended up here. The last thing you remembered distinctly was dancing in the studio with Porter, as you were getting ready to join Josh, Hailie and Evan for a night out. The rest was a blur. One thing was for sure : it felt as if you were having the worst hangover of your life. It was as if all the times you had ever drank were ganging up on you and getting their revenge. Every muscle in your body seemed to be sore, you had a terrible headache, as well as huge stomach pains. Your throat ached and your mouth was dry. You needed water, you thought as you tried to remember how you ended up here.

Marsh… you said softly, in a very raspy voice.

It was enough for him to wake up. He immediately sat up and opened his eyes. As soon as he noticed you were awake, he jumped from the chair to be by your side.

Y/N. You’re awake. Thank God, he said as he kissed you on the forehead.

Water ? You asked hoarsely.

Of course.

He gave you the glass of water that was on the nightstand. He helped you sit up a bit and drink carefully. You had many questions, but you were also insanely tired. What the hell were you doing here ? Why did you feel hungover ? Had you relapsed, with no recollection of it ?

What are we doing here ? You asked as you felt your eyes closing again.

You don’t remember ? He replied with a hint of surprise in his voice.

Nnnno…, you mumbled as you fell asleep again.

(…)

You let out a small scream as you opened your eyes again. You could have sworn you felt a stranger’s hand trying to get in your panties. You could distinctly see his eyes and smell alcohol in his breath. You felt your body shaking, not sure whether you were having a nightmare or a memory. You were freezing cold.

Shhh… you heard Marshall say. You’re safe. It’s fine. I’m here.

He was holding your hand in his, softly stroking the back with his fingers. Your vision blurred a bit and you could feel tears welling in your eyes.

What happened ? You asked as you started crying and panicking at the same time. Why am I here ?

Don’t freak out, he said softly. What do you remember ?

I was at the studio, you said. And you were here, and there was dancing and then… I had a nightmare.

What nightmare ? He asked carefully. Do you think you can describe it for me ?

There was a man, and he was trying to… hi-his hand was in my…, you sobbed.

Marshall sat on the bed by your side and wrapped his arms around you, kissing your forehead.

You’re safe now, he said. Just breathe.

What am I doing here ?!

You were… attacked, he explained. Assaulted, actually. You went salsa dancing with Hailie, Evan and Josh and someone tried to… rape you.

Did he ? You asked anxiously.

He didn’t, he said reassuringly. Otherwise, I’d be in jail for murder already.

He stared into your eyes and you could see he was tired. He had huge dark circles under his eyes and his face almost looked gaunt. Not that you were too sure, because your vision was a bit blurry.

You’re safe now, he said. I’m here. But for now, you need to rest, alright ? Everything is still in your system.

I didn’t take anything, you know ? You mumbled.

I know, he said softly. Don’t worry. You didn’t do anything wrong.

You wanted to ask a thousand questions, but you were exhausted. You closed your eyes again.

I’m cold, you mumbled.

I’ll go ask for a blanket, Marshall said as you heard him get up.

Don’t leave me, you heard yourself plead.

I’m not going anywhere. Don’t worry honey.

The pet name made you chuckle softly and you slowly went back to sleep as you heard Marshall ask for a blanket.

(…)

You woke up to the sight of Marshall scribbling something in his notebook, his eyes squinting as he didn’t have his glasses on. He looked focused.

Hey, you said hoarsely.

Hey beautiful, he said softly as he put his pen down. How are you feeling ?

You felt a little better. Definitely more awake. You had no idea how long you had slept. You quickly glanced at the window and noticed it was the middle of the night.

Did I sleep long ? You asked him.

48 hours, I think, he said.

Mmmh.

You can sleep some more if you need, he said with a smile.

How about you ? You asked.

What about me ?

Were you here all along ?

I went home for a quick shower and a change of clothes, he explained. I had Talia keep an eye on you while I was gone.

I don’t remember her being here, you said.

You were out. Slept like a baby apparently, he chuckled.

Where is Josh ? You asked. And Hailie and Evan ?

They’re fine, Marshall said. I called them to let them know how you’re doing.

Thank God Hailie found me, you said.

Yeah. I think I made her a little mad at me though, Marshall confessed.

How so ?

Uh… nothing important, he said as he avoided your gaze.

Tell me.

I may or may not have threatened Jack.

It’s Josh, you corrected as you glared at him. And please tell me you’re joking.

Hey. That fucker was too drunk to take care of you, he said. He’s lucky I didn’t send him to the ER.

You rolled your eyes at him.

Marshall, you said sternly.

I know, he simply said. I’ll apologize to Hailie later.

You better apologize to Josh too.

Yeah, right, he scoffed.

I’m serious, you said with a frown.

We’ll see about that, he said as he stretched his arms.

He let out a groan as he got up from his chair. You could see him try and stretch his back. He seemed awfully tired and grumpy.

Chair ? You asked.

Yeah. I Hope the bed is more comfortable, he said with a yawn. Two days sitting here and I feel like I might need physical therapy.

Come here, you gestured as you yawned and made room for him on the bed before closing your eyes.

You felt a slight dip on the mattress as he laid next to you. You let your head roll on his shoulder.

Thanks for staying, you said.

Of course, he replied before kissing your temple.

Your beard is all scratchy. You need to trim it.

Yeah, I’ll take care of that later, he chuckled. Wanna go back to sleep ?

You nodded and felt him pull you slightly closer to him. You smiled as you inhaled his scent. It was so soothing, so familiar. You could smell his cologne, mixed with the detergent on his clothes, as well as his body soap. The scent was fresh and masculine, without being too overpowering. You closed your eyes, focusing on the sensations. His smell, his touch, the feeling of his breath against your skin. You buried your face in his neck almost automatically.

I was so worried for you honey, he whispered under his breath.

(…)

You opened your eyes once again and noticed Marshall was still laying next to you, but this time, he was asleep. He had his arms around you and you still had your head buried in his neck. His presence made you feel safe. You remembered how you had thought about him and wished for him to be here as your attacker tried to touch you.

I love you, Marsh, you whispered as you made sure he was still asleep.

(...)

She’s resting. You should probably come later, you heard Marshall’s voice say as you woke up from yet another nap.

You had been drifting in and out of consciousness for a while now. You had been told it was normal, as you had been heavily drugged up and your body needed to process. Most of the time, it felt like you were too tired to open your eyes. Instead, you gathered information by listening. The most frequent sounds were either Marshall’s snores or the noise his pen made as he scribbled in his notebook. You actually enjoyed them. They reminded you that he was here, and that you weren’t alone.

I don’t mind waiting for her to wake up, you heard Josh’s voice say.

Whatever, man. Let her rest, ok ? Marshall said in an annoyed voice.

You opened your eyes as soon as you heard your boyfriend talking.

Hey there, you said with a shy smile.

Y/N ! Baby. You’re awake !!! I’m so sorry…

Josh kneeled by the bed and kissed your hands as he apologized profusely. You tried to reassure him.

I’m fine, you said. I’ve been resting a lot. And I have Marshall with me. I’m good, baby.

You felt your boyfriend tense as you mentioned Marshall’s presence. He still hadn’t left your bedside and kept a close watch on you. Whatever you needed, he made sure to help and provide you with, whether it was to fluff up your pillow, get you some water or reassure you. He absentmindedly scribbled in his notebook as you talked to Josh.

When are you getting out of here ? He asked.

Tomorrow, I think ? You replied as you looked at Marshall for confirmation.

Probably in the morning, he confirmed without looking up. After the doctor checks up on you and clears you.

He was the one with all of the information. You had trouble remembering anything, as you slept a lot.

They said I’ll need to rest for a few days, you explained. But I’ll be fine.

Do you want to come to my place ? Josh offered. I can take care of you. I feel so guilty. I never should have drank so much.

Stop beating yourself up, you told him. It’s over now. It’s not your fault.

You heard Marshall clear his throat. You shot a mean glare at him. In spite of your various attempts, you couldn’t get him to budge. He blamed most of what happened on Josh. You had told him he was being unfair but he simply didn’t care.

Marsh, would you mind getting me a Diet Coke ? You asked in hope it would get him out of the room for a while.

I don’t think they have any in the vending machine, he replied with a shrug. Sorry.

I’m really craving some. Do you think you can try the store down the street ? I think my blood sugar’s getting a bit low…

Marshall looked at you and sighed softly. He knew you wanted him out of the room so that Josh wouldn’t feel so tense. He rolled his eyes and got up.

Anything for you honey, he said as he stared at Josh and left the room.

Now, he was just rubbing the pet name in Josh’s face. Your boyfriend looked at you and sighed as he sat in the chair in Marshall’s place.

God he hates me, he said.

He doesn’t, you lied. He is just… protective, I guess.

You should have seen him in the corridor, Y/N. I thought he was going to destroy me. I mean, he basically promised to…

Well he didn’t, you said with a soft smile.

He scares the shit out of me, he replied.

Marshall is really nice, you said in his defense. I’m lucky to have him. He is such a good friend.

Mmmmh, Josh said. I guess.

What’s wrong ? You asked.

Look… I know it’s none of my business, but what is the deal with you guys anyway ? He asked.

You stared at him in silence for a couple of seconds. Obviously, you couldn’t tell him that you were kind of in love with Marshall and that you only started dating him because you were heartbroken over your best friend dating someone else.

What do you mean ? You simply asked.

Well, he’s Hailie’s dad. I mean, why are you hanging out with him so much ?

He’s my best friend, you said earnestly. I met Hailie through him actually.

A fifty year-old man is your best friend ? He asked in disbelief.

I know it’s a little odd, for sure, you admitted. But he is. He’s been a big help when I got sober.

Is that his hoodie that you’re wearing ?

It is, you shrugged. He gave it to me because I was cold. Is there a problem here ?

No, baby, of course not. I’m sorry, he apologized. He just… He makes me nervous, you know. It’s like he thinks I’m not good enough for you. I don’t want you to think I’m jealous or anything but… You know…

I’ll talk to him. Now, I need you to kiss me, you ordered.

He smiled genuinely for the first time and kissed you passionately, yet softly. It was the perfect kiss, the one you needed to cheer you up.

I can’t wait to get out of here. I kind of had a special night planned for us, you know ? You said seductively, trying to get his mind off things.

Did you ? He said with a charming grin.

Mmmh mmh, you nodded with a smile.

He kissed you again and again. You laughed and let out a little moan as he laid down a trail of kisses in your neck.

You opened your eyes as Marshall cleared his throat to signify he was back with a pack of Diet Coke and another of regular Coke. Josh quickly got up, his face bright red.

Looks like your blood sugar is just fine, he said as he handed you a can.

Thank you Marsh, you replied with a smile. You’re a godsend.

I should probably go…, Josh said awkwardly. I’ll call you alright ?

Sure, you said. Miss you already.

He gave you a peck on the lips.

Take care baby, he added as he left the room. Goodbye… sir.

You noticed a smirk on Marshall’s face as Josh closed the door.

You’re right. He is smart, he said with a grin.

Can you please not be an ass ? You replied as you rolled your eyes.

I’m not apologizing, he said. He knows I’m right.

It’s not his fault if some weirdo decided to roofie my drink, you groaned.

Wouldn’t have happened if he had been by your side instead of drinking.

Almost everyone was drinking. And what if it had been a girls night huh ? Would you blame Hailie for what happened ? Or Talia ?

He stared at you and stayed silent.

Didn’t think so, you added as you looked into his eyes.

Fine, he mumbled. Still. I was worried sick. I’m not apologizing for that.

I’m not asking you to, you said softly. But can you please be nice to him ? Please ?

He didn’t say anything. Instead, he simply stared at you with his arms crossed and a “I don’t give a shit” expression.

Marshall please, you repeated.

You were on the verge of tears. It wasn’t a big deal and, usually, you wouldn’t cry for so little, but you were tired and frustrated by the situation.

Don’t cry, he begged. See ? He was here for twenty minutes and now you’re crying… this motherfucker is lucky I even let him breathe the same air as you.

I’m crying because I am tired ! You shouted. And I am crying because you’re being unreasonable and mean to my boyfriend. I was so scared, Marshall. I still am. And I want you here. And I want him too. And you won’t be nice.

You let the tears out in frustration. You knew it probably didn’t make a lot of sense to him but you needed to let go.

Hey, he said softly as he sat on the bed and took you in his arms. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad.

I know, you replied as you sniffled. But you’re one of my favorite people on earth. And he is my boyfriend. Can you please make an effort ? For me ?

Yes. If it means that much to you, he finally said.

And apologise ?

He groaned and rolled his eyes.

We’ll see about that.

Thank you, you said as you smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek.

You weren’t asking for much here. You knew they wouldn’t be friends. But you hoped they could get along.

How is Hailie ? You asked. Have you heard from her ?

I have. She’s fine. She came to see you but you slept. She was worried for you.

Is she still mad at you ?

I apologized, Marshall said. We’re good.

I like her, you said.

She likes you too, you know ? And I like that you’re getting along, he added with a smile.

You smiled and let out a yawn.

Do you want to go home ? You asked as you felt your eyelids were becoming heavy again. I don’t mind, you know.

I’m good. Sleep tight Y/N. You need some rest.

Thanks for staying, you said as you started to fall asleep.

Anything for you, honey, he said softly.

#eminem #marshall mathers #slim shady #eminem fanfiction #eminem x reader #eminem fluff #eminem imagine #marshall mathers x reader #marshall mathers imagine #marshall mathers headcanons #recovery fanfiction

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chickensarentcheap · 18 days ago

Text

Esme and Mia. Soon to be wife and ex-wife. Awkward.

@tragiclyhip @watermeezer @secretaryunpaid @youflickedtooharddamnit @bardic-tales

@asirensrage @residentdormouse @kmc1989 @ninjasawakenedmystar @alisbackalleybbq

@karimac

(For those who don't know, Mia is canon and this was an attempt to weave Esme into things. Those who are familiar with my stuff know I love to play with canon events)

“Look, I’ve been there, okay. I don’t know how much you actually know about me, but I was married and it was a disaster. My ex-husband was a complete and utter prick. A monster. There’s no other way to describe him. He was abusive in every way a person can be. And when things fell apart…” Preparing the pot of tea, she carries it to the island, setting it down before taking a seat across from Mia. “...I swore ‘never again’. I told myself that I was perfectly okay with spending the rest of my life single and dying a crazy cat lady.”

“Well, something came along and changed everything.”

“Something came along, alright.” Filling both mugs with tea, she slides one across the granite countertop. “All six foot three, two hundred pounds of it. I probably would have been able to resist had it not been for the blue eyes and the accent. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if I can get past all of my ex-husband’s shit and trust someone again, anyone can. Jesus…” Sighing heavily, she sips at her tea. “...that sounded really insensitive, didn’t it? Considering what you went through…”

“No. It didn’t. At least not to me.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through. It’s my worst nightmare; something happening to Millie. And I’m so sorry; that your son got sick and you lost him and your husband didn’t bother to stick around and…” Esme chews nervously on her bottom lip. “It wasn’t fair. To any of you.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it. It’s been a while; since I talked about it. About him.”

“I know what Tyler did was wrong. And I’m not trying to make excuses for him. He’d be the first person to tell you that I’ve always held him accountable for what he did; I’ve always let him know it was a horrible, stupid decision he made.”

“Tough love.”

“A little, I guess. But it wasn’t malicious. It wasn’t intentional. He didn’t do it to hurt you or your son. He was scared; he didn’t know how to handle what was happening and he couldn’t deal with seeing his boy suffer. God, I DO sound like I’m making excuses for him.”

Mia reaches out to lay a hand over Esme’s. “You don’t.”

“Tyler had never been taught how to deal with things. Properly. I mean, I’m sure he told you about his mom; losing her when he was just a little boy. And about his father; how fucked up and abusive he was.”

“He didn’t talk about it often. He didn’t like to mention it; how things were for him growing up.”

“He didn’t know how to cope. He’d never had a dad; not one that loved him and protected him, anyway. Tyler has this obsession with fixing things; he thinks he should be able to solve every problem and make even the most crappy of situations better. And when he can’t, he just shuts down. He gets overwhelmed and frightened and he just reacts. Horribly, sometimes. And I’m sorry that he did. You deserved better than that. So did your boy.”

“Did he ever tell you? About the letter I sent him? After our son died?”

“He mentioned that you wrote to him. But said he didn’t read the letter until years later. I wasn’t with him then; I’d already been gone a couple of years and he was in Austria and we weren’t in contact with each other.”

“I do forgive him. For what he did. But I can’t forget.”

“No, I imagine you can’t. I don’t think I’d be able to either.”

“If I’m being honest, things went bad long before our son got sick. It wasn’t a happy marriage; Tyler was gone a lot and I underestimated how hard it would be to be a soldier’s wife. I started to realize I didn’t want that kind of life. I loved him, but I despised him even more. I was angry, and I was bitter, and I was lonely. I made my own bad decisions.”

“Look, whatever went on in your marriage? Whatever choices you made? How bad things got with the two of you? That’s between you and Tyler. All I know is that neither of you are horrible people. Shit happens; you were dealt a pretty crappy hand. In more ways than one. I guess I’m just trying to stick up for him. Let you know that he’s not a monster. He’s a good man. A good man that made shitty choices.”

“You really do love him.”

“I do. More than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. And I’m sorry. That your boy and you didn’t get the Tyler that Millie and I have. Because he IS a good person; a big man with an even bigger heart. And I WILL defend him. Against anyone and anything. Until I’m not able to do it anymore.”

#Tyler and Esme series #Lost and Found #fd: Extraction #OTP: Tyler Rake and Esme Drummond

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captn-trex · 6 months ago

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technical devotion, part eleven: co-existing

content warnings: nightmares, canon-typical violence

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The light of the holoprojector flickered, the image of Rex quivering in the darkened kitchen, the curtains pulled and shutters bolted closed.

“So you’re saying they’ve already built this weapon?” Rex asked, his brow set in a straight line.

“I’m not sure. I believe they have fully realised the tech, as there was some disturbance to devices that were nearby to their warehouse, but I’d wager it would take a lot longer to figure out how to harness that power into a projectile of some kind” Kan replied.

“How do you think they would do that?”

Kan sighed deeply, pulling together her thoughts, “From what I can gather from their reports, the material that they have been mining here is something that draws electrical charge naturally, the material itself is recorded as having disturbed their equipment, and it is located in a place that is somewhat of a local legend. The people here believe that something, some kind of god perhaps, is behind the disturbance, but once the Empire began digging about, they found a repository of this… material, mineral, metal - I’m not sure entirely what it is exactly, their reports are rather vague. The issue is… well, a bigger issue, is that the material seems to store what electrical charge it takes to some extent, so if they were able to create some kind of canon for this, a projectile containing this material could disable a ship, and then implode on itself - especially with the collected power of an entire ship held within it - sending back the signal and thus possibly frying the ship’s circuits, and if it were big enough, perhaps even the people inside would be affected. It could be devastating. Especially to any kind of large ship such as a venator, or something of a similar size which would usually be able to fend off small fighters with no problems”

Rex blew out a long breath, “Kriffing hell”

“Yeah. Kriffing hell” Kan sighed, leaning onto the kitchen table to steady herself.

“This is certainly not what I expected when I sent you guys there, I would’ve sent others as well had I known” Rex said, and scratched the stubble of his five o’clock shadow. He looked particularly worn down, and Kan felt awful to have to put this weight on his shoulders as well. “I need to think on this. I’ll talk to the others and see what they think, and I’ll call you within a few rotations once we have a plan. For now, hang tight and do what you can, but don’t take any drastic action without consulting me first”

“Yes sir” Kan nodded.

“Alright. Good work you two, I’ll see you in a few rotations”

The image of Rex flickered and cut out, enveloping the room in darkness. Kan looked over to Echo, who had been mostly silent during the call, electing to let Kan explain her findings. He didn’t think of himself as stupid when it came to technological pursuits, but with Kan in the room it was hard not to feel that way. After all, Rex had chosen Kan specifically for this mission because of her knowledge of the subject, and with the information they had found, he was now definitely more than a little out of his depth.

“I’ll go and open the windows” He said quietly, and walked over to the door.

He made his way around the kitchen, opening up the shutters and pulling open the curtains from the outside to let some air into the room that had become stuffy, whether because the windows were closed or because the subject of the call was so heavy, he didn’t know. When he made his way back inside, Kan was already back to tinkering with her own tech disruption project, soldering together all the aspects that made up one part of it. Echo saw her lick her lips and instinctively filled a cup with water, placing it next to her working hands on the table.

Since they had been confined in the same space for so long, both Kan and Echo had begun to pick up on little things that the other did. For Kan, it was that when she licked her lips while she was working it meant that she was thirsty. Kan had no idea what her tell was, and was astounded that Echo seemed to realise she was thirsty before she even realised herself, placing a cup of water beside her without so much as a word. For Echo, it was that when he was cold, he would rub his neck a certain way, as if containing a shiver, and Kan would offer him a blanket or a heatpad.

It was these little actions that made their time together so seamless. They seemed to co-exist so naturally, never stepping on each others toes, always having pleasant conversation, and knowing when what was preferred was a comfortable silence.

“Thanks” Kan smiled up at Echo as he sat across from her, and he gave her a small smile.

Echo watched Kan work, admiring how easily her nimble fingers worked, how steady her hands were.

“How did you get into this sort of stuff” He asked after a while.

Kan looked up momentarily, “My dad ran a repairs shop, I just picked up a lot of stuff from him”

“Is that where Master Unduli found you?”

“No” Kan shook her head, dropping the tools in her hands, “When the war came about I left home, I guess I was searching for some kind of purpose but I was just travelling around doing repairs and odd jobs for people, when Luminara came along I figured there wasn't really any better way I could help the war effort”

Echo nodded and Kan resumed her work again. He really found her drive admirable, her desire to do the right thing, or to be a part of something important, something that meant something. She had joined the Grand Army of the Republic, and now she was here, fighting alongside him and his brothers once more, for seemingly the same reason as before - the Republic. He couldn’t help but want to know more about her, about her childhood and her time in the war, but he didn’t want to push, especially as he knew it could be a particularly sore subject for her.

“Kan, what's your real name?” He asked instead.

She smirked a little as she looked up at him, “It's Kandam'aira. Kandam'aira Hynzir” She watched as Echo’s mouth hung open, almost imperceptibly. “It's a lot I know” She shrugged, a little nervously as she knew people didn’t often try to use her full name.

“How do you say it again?” Echo asked, bringing a warmth to her chest.

“Kandam'aira”

He sounded it out by each syllable, “Kan-dan-ei-ra?”

“Almost” Kan smiled encouragingly, “This is how it's spelled”

She pulled her datapad from the mess beside her and opened up a new file, typing out the spelling in aurebesh. She turned the screen to face him, and Echo read it a few times, turning it over in his head, “Kandam'airra”

“It's more… -ŕa, small roll on the R”

“Kandam'aira?” He said perfectly, and Kan smiled.

“Yeah that's it”

“It's really pretty” He looked up to her from the datapad, and Kan blushed a bit.

“Thanks, it's not as cool as Echo but it's whatever” She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

“Echo isn't cool” He laughed, “It sounds better when you say it though”

“Oh? Why's that?” Kan asked innocently, her gaze inquisitive.

“Uh- your accent, you have a nice voice” Echo admitted, clearing his throat afterwards.

“Oh” Kan blushed again, “Thank you”

She got on with her soldering again, this time with flushed cheeks, and Echo smirked to himself upon noticing it. It made him feel like being a little bolder.

“Why don't you go by your full name?”

“It's just long and people get it wrong all the time. I won't correct them on it either, so it's just easier”

“Why won't you correct them?”

“I just don't want the confrontation”

Echo smirked, “You corrected me”

“Well you're different” She said with no hesitation.

Echo’s eyebrows shot up, “I am?”

His tone was curious in a particular way, and Kan looked up at him briefly to catch his smirk.

“Uh- Yeah” She gulped, looking down to her work again.

“How so?” Echo pressed, and Kan found it hard to keep her skin from blushing even further.

“I don't know, you're like, easy to talk to, or something”

“Or something” He mumbled with a smirk, “Can I call you Kandam'aira?”

She gulped again, refusing to meet his gaze, “If you want to”

“I think it suits you better than just Kan”

“Really? Why?” She looked up at him briefly, to see that his face was still maddeningly and enticingly pulled into a smirk.

“Because it's a beautiful name”

Kan’s heart hammered in her chest, unsure if Echo really meant what it sounded like he was saying. She just stayed quiet, not looking at him, and feeling her whole body heat up as her blush infected her.

Echo bit the inside of his cheek, following up with, “If that's okay to say”

“Of course it's okay, I dont think I've ever been complimented on my name before”

Echo chuckled, “I wasn't really talking about your name that time”

Kan looked to him, and he stared back at her intently, a small smile gracing his lips.

“Oh” She looked down to her work again with small smile.

Echo watched her, his heart soaring with adoration as she fumbled over her project. For the first time, Echo allowed himself to think, pretend even, that Kan maybe liked him in the way he liked her.

She was running, faster than she had ever run before. She had to escape them.

Their blaster bolts flew all around her as she wound her way around the large trees of Kashyyyk's forest. They were getting further and further away, but she didn't stop running.

Her lungs burned, her limbs ached, but she had to hide.

As she turned to look back at her pursuers, a bolt came straight at her head. She evaded it in time, enough to not be killed at least, but a sharp pain seared at the edge of her cheek. She brought her hand to the pain, and in her distracted state, she tripped over a root. Before she could scramble to her feet again, a foot was pressed to her stomach, keeping her back flat against the mossy undergrowth.

“Kandam’aira Hynzir, you are a traitor to the Empire and shall be dealt with as such”

Her best friend, her ori’vod, Spider, stood above her, blaster pointed at her head.

“Spider please. What’s happening? What Empire?” She trembled. It was hard not to let the fear wash over her like a tidal wave at the sight above her and the feel of his boot heel digging into her.

“Quiet!” He hissed.

She could see the tremble in his hands, and a single tear slipped from his eye. He should have taken the shot by now, but he just stood above her, waiting to find it within himself to do it, or possibly fighting that part of him with everything he had, she didn’t know which.

“Spider please, it’s me, it’s Kan”

“I know who you are, traitor” He spoke with such venom that she almost didn’t recognise him. Spider was soft, he was loving and he cared for her like nothing else. Who was this above her? He had the webbed scar splayed across his jaw that would set him apart from not only his brothers, but every other human, and yet, she couldn’t recognise him anymore.

“Spider” She whispered, her voice displaying every ounce of terror that she felt.

Spider’s first finger pressed into the trigger, still shaking, and a bolt flew right towards her head.

Kan sat up in bed, thrown from her dream. She took a shaky breath and raked her hand through her hair, unsticking the few small strands that had clung to the sweat on her forehead.

It had been a while since she had had a nightmare, and even longer since she had dreamt of that moment.

Kan lifted herself from her bed and tiptoed downstairs, filling a cup of water from the tap. She took a few gulps from it and settled herself in her usual chair, situating herself among the familiarity and comfortability of her work. It was still dark out, the stars of systems far away twinkling brightly at her through the window. She felt the gentle chill of the breeze passing through the window and sighed deeply, centring herself in the moment. That’s when she heard talking coming from Echo’s room.

She didn’t want to eavesdrop, but she wondered who he was talking to so late at night. However, when she pressed her ear to the door she could only hear incoherent mumbling, and she could hear Echo shifting around in his bedsheets. She cracked open the door, and her heart clenched at the sight of him. His face was twisted in agony, and writhing around as if trying to break free from something.

Kan approached the bed, “Echo, wake up” She gently placed a hand on his arm, but he didn’t wake, only breathing more raggedly. She sat down on the edge of the bed, her other hand finding itself on his face, “Echo! Wake up!” She said more firmly.

Echo sat up suddenly, his eyes wild and breath uneven. Upon realising Kan was there, he moved away from her, shame burning at his cheeks.

“I’m fine, go back to sleep” He managed to mumble out, trying to compose himself.

“I wasn't asleep, I heard you mumbling and just wanted to make sure you were okay” Kan spoke ever so softly, “You were having a nightmare?”

Echo refused to look at her, “Yes, but I'm fine, you should get some sleep”

“Echo” Kan placed a hand on his arm again, and he reluctantly raised his eyes to hers, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really” He mumbled, looking away again.

“Will it continue if you go back to sleep?”

“I- I don't know, maybe”

“Would you like me to stay with you?”

Echo’s eyes snapped up to Kan’s, “You don't have to do th-”

“Would you like me to?”

He could see such kindness and concern on her face and he desperately craved the comfort of her, so he nodded, “Yes, please”

Kan smiled and made her way around to the other side of the bed while Echo laid down again. She gently climbed into the bed beside him, with him faced away from her. The feel of the dip in the bed, the feel of her being there, was all too much and not enough at the same time.

“Echo”

He hummed quietly in response.

“Can you look at me please?”

He stiffened, but turned over in the bed, looking at her timidly

“Please never feel ashamed in front of me Echo. I would like you to trust me, if you can”

“I do trust you” He said without hesitation.

“I'm glad” Kan smiled. She then grew more serious and bashful, and Echo watched her toy with an idea in her head for a few moments, “Echo, would you…” She bit the inside of her cheek, and her sharp green eyes looked up at him, softened with tenderness, “Would you hold me?”

Echo melted at her expression, the last memories of his nightmare being chased away by the vulnerability in front of him. He nodded and opened his arm for her, and she quickly buried her face in his chest. He leaned into her as well, enveloping her in his embrace and sighing contentedly at the feeling of her gripping to his shirt. He then remembered something she had said previously and frowned.

“Are you okay? Why weren’t you asleep?” He asked, and felt her sigh against him.

“I had a nightmare too” She admitted and Echo instinctively tightened his arm around her.

He tilted his head so he spoke down into her hair, “Do you want to talk about it?”

She shook her head quickly, “No, just-” She nestled in closer to him, wrapping her legs in his mechanical ones, “Just hold me”

Echo’s heart swelled and ached all at once, and in that moment he decided that he must get Kan to make the arm attachment for his scomp, that he must feel her with two hands, and be able to hold her properly if she asked again.

“Are you comfortable?” He whispered, painfully aware of how cold his metal limbs could be.

“Yes, very”

He could feel her smile a little bit against him, and he let a small chuckle escape his lips. Kan could feel the vibrations of it in his chest and snuggled in as close as she could.

#trex writings #arc trooper echo #bad batch #star wars #tbb #tbb echo #the bad batch #echo x oc #clone force 99 #501st battalion #501st legion #clones #echo my beloved #clone trooper echo #echo tbb

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pinkertinn · 5 months ago

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CleonWeek - Day2 (Behind Bars)

Title: From Protein Bars to Behind Bars Summary: Do you get Deja Vu, huh? WordCount: 1,500 Cross posted to AO3

Leon and Claire were no strangers to sticky situations, but this? This was a whole new level of absurd. Standing side by side in a police station, hands cuffed in front of them, Leon's brow furrowed deeper than usual, while Claire looked almost relaxed, her lips curling into a half-smirk as she gave the room a once-over.

“I can’t believe we’re here,” Leon muttered, his voice tinged with stress as he glanced at Claire.

“Well,” Claire tilted her head with a casual shrug, “you did punch a bouncer.”

Leon glared at her, his lips pressing into a tight line. “He was rude. And you were the one who started the argument. Besides, I didn’t punch him; it was an accident.”

Claire raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment. “Oh, right. Because telling him his ‘no outside food’ policy was outdated totally deserves a punch in the face.”

“I didn’t punch him because of the policy!” Leon snapped. “You were holding up the line with that ridiculous protein bar, and when I tried to grab it from you, I elbowed that moron.”

Claire’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she giggled. “Hey, it’s not every day you find organic, gluten-free protein bars. And it was five bucks!”

“Five bucks or not,” Leon said, rubbing his temples in frustration, “you shouldn’t have made such a scene.”

Claire leaned back against the wall with a grin. “Oh, come on, Leon. I wasn’t making a scene. I was just trying to enjoy my snack. After everything we’ve been through, it’s important to have some herbs and protein bars. What’s the big deal?”

Leon threw his hands up in exasperation. “The big deal is that we’re now sitting in a holding cell over a snack bar! Do you know how ridiculous this is?”

Claire shrugged nonchalantly. “I’d argue it’s a testament to our adventurous spirit. We’ve faced down biohazards and escaped from prisons. This is just another story for the books.”

“Yeah,” Leon muttered, “a story about how you single-handedly ruined our night out.”

Claire’s smirk widened. “Oh, don’t be so melodramatic. I’d say it’s more of a ‘How We Ended Up in a Holding Cell Over a Snack’ kind of tale. And let’s be honest, it’s one of our more amusing escapades.”

Leon rubbed his forehead in frustration. “I can’t believe I’m going to have to explain this to the director tomorrow. ‘Sorry, sir, I was arrested because Claire insisted on keeping her five-dollar protein bar.’”

Claire’s grin turned playful. “I’m sure he’ll understand. After all, we’ve got a knack for getting into bizarre situations. It’s practically a part of our charm.”

“Charm?” Leon echoed incredulously. “I’d call it a curse.”

Claire nudged him gently. “Oh, come on. Lighten up. We’ve been through worse. Remember the time you thought we’d be stuck on that deserted island forever? Now, that was a nightmare.”

Leon’s lips twitched into a reluctant smile. “Yeah, well, at least we didn’t get arrested for that.”

“True,” Claire conceded, “but we did get rescued. And we’ll get out of this too. It’s just a matter of time.”

Leon sighed, finally managing to smile. “You always know how to make things sound better, don’t you?”

Claire’s eyes twinkled while she shrugged, “It’s a gift. Reaching into her bag she pulled out the infamous protein bar. “Well, since we’re here, might as well make the best of it.” She broke the bar in half and passed one piece through the bars to Leon. “Here, try it. I promise it’s worth it.”

Leon eyed the bar skeptically but took a bite. His eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. This is actually really good.”

Claire smirked, leaning closer. “See? I told you. Organic and gluten-free doesn’t have to taste like cardboard.”

Leon shook his head, still chewing. “Alright, you win.”

Claire’s expression softened into a nostalgic smile. “You know, being locked up here with you kind of reminds me of Raccoon City. Remember when we were separated at the police department? Kinda romantic don’t you think?”

Leon raised an eyebrow. “Not exactly my choice of words.”

Claire grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I thought you were so cute that night...” She cleared her throat and did an exaggerated impression of him. “'We got this, Claire! Get out while you can, I’m going to save the world! We’re both going to get out of this, I can feel it. Trust me, I’m your hero, right?'”

Leon stared at her, a mixture of shock and amusement on his face. “I don’t sound like that.”

“Of course, you do!” Claire laughed. “I can practically hear it in my head. Just like you were stressing out in Alcatraz when I was locked up. Remember that?”

Leon’s face softened, a hint of guilt creeping in. “You were dying, Claire. I had to—”

Claire cut him off with a playful wave of her hand. “Yeah, yeah, I know. But still, you’re always so wrapped up in saving the day, you forgot to save yourself.”

Leon shook his head, a rueful smile forming. “You really know how to push my buttons.”

Claire leaned closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As they shared a quiet moment, the door to the holding cell creaked open, and Chris walked in, looking both amused and exasperated. “Well, well, look who’s found themselves in a bit of a pickle,” he said, shaking his head with a grin. “I’m here to bail you two dumbasses out.”

Leon’s shoulders relaxed in relief, while Claire’s grin widened. “Perfect timing, Chris. You just missed the part where Leon tried to convince me that punching a bouncer was a ‘strategic move.’

Chris rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I’m just relieved you two didn’t make it onto the evening news. Breaking a guys nose over a protein bar?”

As Chris began the paperwork for their release, Claire leaned in, her voice dropping to a mock-serious tone as she imitated Chris. “I’m really disappointed in you, Claire. Just drink a protein shake before you leave the house like a normal person. And for goodness’ sake, stop getting arrested!”

Leon snorted, shaking his head with a smile. “That’s actually pretty spot-on.”

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Leon draped his arm around Claire’s shoulders, pulling her close. She leaned into him, a soft smile touching her lips.

They walked to the car in comfortable silence, the chaos of the evening slowly fading. As they reached the vehicle, Leon turned to her, his gaze steady. “You know, no matter what, no amount of steel or bars could ever keep me from you.”

Claire’s eyes met his, warmth and affection shining through. She squeezed his hand gently, her smile deepening.

They climbed into the car, and as they drove off into the peaceful night, their fingers brushed, a silent promise of unwavering support and love.

#leon kennedy #claire redfield #cleonweek #cleonweek2024 #leon x claire #behind bars #protein bars

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sibillascribbles08 · 6 months ago

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Jasonnie week Day 4 - Past/Future

Lil fic for this one! And just a quick cw it opens with a nightmare with Kendra being Shitty™

It was a common occurrence, or a typical Friday night he supposed. Kendra talked about plans for the weekend while picking up whatever she wanted off his desk. Her nails picked apart a model he hadn’t glued together yet. She gave out a horribly fake, “oops,” as she dropped the tiniest piece onto the carpet. She’d knock whatever drink he had toward his keyboard—he started making sure they were all capped bottles now. She’d close a project without saving it. She’d take whatever pen he might be flipping between his fingers and chuck it in the trash.

And she just kept talking, as if her word were law. Whatever she says goes.

Jason typically didn’t retaliate. He just sat there and listened, waiting and praying for her to get bored and leave. Let him get back to work.

“You know, that is a silver lining, isn’t it?” She asked, putting the remains of his figure back on the desk.

He tried not to glare. “What?”

“Well, since Travis broke up with you, now you’re free this weekend.” She grinned at him.

That made rage snap in his chest, because that was all her fault. He didn’t even know how he knew that, but he did. She must have started a rumor, or lied to him, or pulled some other stunt to convince Travis that Jase was talking shit behind his back. It wasn’t even true.

In a very untypical fashion, Jason lashed out.

He swung a punch as he stood, aimed right for her. But it didn’t hit. Kendra just wasn’t there anymore. He blinked and glanced around. Why was his room suddenly darker? Why were there so many shelves? And boxes?

His breathing came to a halt when he recognized it. He tried to sprint for the door.

And there Kendra stood, lit from behind as she glared at him.

“I wish those aliens had killed you.” She spat before slamming the door shut.

Jason crashed into it, desperately trying to undo the lock only to fail. Then something clawed at it, followed by a sharp bark. Jason stumbled back and hit the floor, barely able to breathe. His stomach clenched and twisted. His throat felt impossibly dry. He gasped for air but it felt more like he was swallowing it.

“Jase?”

Whose voice was that? He could barely hear it through the violent barks and growls as the claws started to rip into the door.

“Jase!”

Something grabbed his shoulders and the darkness vanished. No, not completely vanished. The room he found himself in was still dark but not in the same way. The faintest of blue outlines lined the walls and the doors.

Jason reached up to touch the hand on his shoulder. Donnie’s hand. In an instant his fingers curled around the turtle’s calloused palms, letting the sensation ground him.

He was here. In their room. In their apartment. On the top floor of the building that Donnie renovated for all kinds of mutants to live in.

He breathed in through his nose and out of his mouth as he forced his heart to slow down.

“Nightmare?” Donnie’s breath brushed against his hair.

Jason nodded, squeezing his hand tighter.

“The usual?”

“Nah,” he sighed. “Kendra was there, actually.”

Donnie moved his hand so his arm wrapped around Jase, tugging him close.

Jason let himself curl up against his fiancé. Even if the turtle’s plastron wasn’t the softest thing, it felt sturdy and safe.

“Feeling sick?” Donnie rubbed his back.

“Nah, I’m alright. Dream didn’t get far enough for that.” Thanks to being woken up. But rather than verbalize that he tilted his head to plant a brief kiss on Donnie’s shoulder.

“Feels strange.” He kept going, though he spoke quietly in case Donnie dozed off. “Dream felt so real for a while there. Like just another day during high school. Then I wake up here.”

Donnie only hummed in response, confirmation that he was listening.

“If you went back in time and told my high school self that I’d end up with pretty much anything I have now, I don’t think he’d believe you.”

His fiancé huffed out a laugh. “I’m not sure I would either. I mean. Imagine if my future self said ‘oh yeah by the way you’re going to fall madly in love with the guy from the Purple Dragons.’”

Jason lightly jabbed Donnie in the hip in response to that. “Sure, but that’s not exactly what I mean.”

“Elaborate.”

“Well it’s like… being free from Kendra. Being in a steady relationship at all. Being away from my mom and fixing things with my dad. Heck, now I have an additional two parents? I’m a co-owner of a major tech company?” He curled up even tighter against his fiancé’s chest. “Just… being surrounded by people who love me in general. Sometimes it’s hard to believe this happened to me.”

He briefly considered what his father told him not long after that invasion. That he didn’t have to be successful or famous or rich or any of that. That if he just reached a point where he felt happy to be alive, that’d be enough.

And he was. He was so glad he survived that invasion. Because doing so helped him survive a lot more than that.

Donnie kissed his head, then his forehead, one hand moving to brush against the side of his face.

But then the turtle must have found the stubble on his cheeks because suddenly Donnie pressed his palm down against the skin and rubbed it way too hard.

“Donnie.” Jason shoved his fiancé away, or the best he could manage at least. “Do not. We’re supposed to be sleeping.” He rolled over to look at the digital clock that sat on the nightstand. He had to squint without his glasses, but he could still make out the date and time. Not even half past 3 AM? He was about to groan but then his eyes fixed on the date. Something in his brain kept clicking together before it finally snapped into place.

“Oh my god.” He mumbled, hands still pressed against Donnie’s shoulder. “It's our wedding day.”

Donnie took his hand. “Yup.”

Jason turned to look at his fiancé. Difficult to do in the low light, but his silhouette was visible from the light coming in the window. “We’re getting married.”

“Yeah.” Donnie wrapped his arms around him again, holding him close.

It’s not like Jason didn’t know about this. They’d been planning it for months. The venues, the decorations, their clothes, every aspect of it. He knew it before they went to bed, a giddiness sitting in his chest that wouldn’t leave. And there it was again and he wondered if he’d ever get back to sleep.

He was getting married. To Donatello. This massive, genius turtle who one day out of the blue extended a peaceful hand and Jason decided to take it.

And now they were here.

He had no idea what was going through Donnie’s head in the silence, but the turtle squeezed him tighter. “I love you.”

Jason couldn’t really return the gesture, being practically trapped, but he at least reached up to squeeze Donnie’s arm in response. “I love you too.”

And then he drifted back to sleep.

#rottmnt #scribbly fics #jasonnie #jasonnieweek24 #starts rough but gets sappy #don't ask for the fine wedding details I'd still have to do research #I have thought about how Jase does his vows tho it's v funny and cute #also the whole marriage ninpo link yippee

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featherwingfox · 6 months ago

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Positives & Negatives

Chapter 1 Everyday Life

Maya could hear her younger brother singing down the hallway.

“Wakey wakey eggs and bacy! I made your favorite pancakes! Happy birthday, Maya!” he came in through the door, kicking it open and strutting the plate of pancakes over to her bed.

“Why isn’t my alarm the one waking me up?” Maya got up groggily.

“Would you rather that annoying thing have the honor of getting you up on your birthday? I don’t think so! Not when you have me around!” He sat the plate of breakfast at a side table by Maya’s bed on her left. “You’re nineteen now, I was making nineteen pancakes when I realized that's a lot, even for your appetite. I couldn’t risk giving you that many today. So I just put nineteen different berries that I thought would taste good with pancakes instead.”

“You underestimate how many pancakes I can eat and then some,” Maya told him as she sat up to eat. “Where did you get that many berries anyway??”

“Oh, Uncle Arthur came by to help!” Cornelius smiled brightly.

“I see, so… other than that, did you have that nightmare again?” She asked, picking up her fork and butter knife to cut a piece of her food. Cornelius halted and his shoulders hunched up. She startled him.

“I thought I did a good job hiding it. How did you know?” He turned around.

“You never wake up early with this much energy.” Maya ate off her fork.

“I do on special occasions!” He replied in an almost astonished way. “And you call yourself my sister. Here I thought you knew me.”

“It was only a guess until you just admitted it.” Maya smiled.

“Well, I can’t say that I’d call it a nightmare.”

“I think repeatedly seeing someone you don't know in your dreams is creepy enough to be called a nightmare.” Maya replied.

“Yes, but he doesn't do anything, just stands there. Surely I've seen him before. I heard from my friends that sometimes we dream of the people we’ve seen whether we know them or not. So I’ve seen him somewhere.”

“Or,” Maya chewed. “Perhaps you just imagined it. Sometimes dreams make stuff up. You've never seen his face so it could easily be in your own mind.”

“Anyway, get up! Or else you’ll be late for college and drop me off at school. I already ate and put away the leftovers.”

“Leftovers?”

“I told you I made nineteen pancakes. You had three and I had two.” Cornelius told her as he left the room.

Later, Maya grabbed her bag and Cornelius put on his backpack. As he ran over to the door, Maya grabbed his bag and picked him up.

“Where is your school stuff?” She asked him.

“In my bag, I have everything this time, I won’t forget my stuff anymore. I made a checklist!” He pulled out a small notebook. Everything he needed was checked.

“Alright then...” They went to the car and drove to a nice elementary school. “Okay. You know the rules, you know what to do if there is an emergency, and don’t forget your homework if you have any.”

“Love you, Maya!” Cornelius hugged her through the window before leaving.

“Love you too Corey!”

“Have a nice day!” Cornelius yelled back as he ran to his friends. Maya went to her college next. Greeting her friends, they walked towards their classrooms.

“Sooooooooooo!” The taller of the two with long black hair leaned down to Maya.

“Yeeeeeeeeeees, Ki?” Maya replied similarly.

“Happy birthday!” Ki pulled out a party popper and pulled the string, confetti blown into the air. Some of it landed in Maya's bangs.

“Happy birthday Maya!” Her other friend with half circle glasses clapped her hands.

“Why thank you girls.” Maya brushed the confetti from her hair.

“Have any plans after our classes today?” The one with the glasses and short white hair asked.

“So far it's just hanging out with you girls at the party. Why do you ask?”

Ki grinned. “Oh, I just have something mildly interesting is all.”

“Does Latte know it too?” Maya turned to the friend with glasses. She shrugged.

“Nope!” Ki was smiling so much with excitement. “Coffee-lover over here knows as much as you do. The only thing I will say, is make sure you bring your little brother too. This is something for all of us to enjoy.” and with that Ki didn't say anything else about the surprise for the entire day.

The clock rang gently in the courtyard as the sun was past the middle of the sky. Classes were dismissed. Maya’s teacher stood up quickly and stiffly. Pushing up his rectangular glasses he held up a clipboard of paper.

“Hold up! Students! I have something for you! They are for the internships you have tomorrow at the Lab! Make sure you sign your name on it if you want to go!” Maya signed her name on the paper and left with her friends.

“Maya, we'll pick you and Corey up at your house in an hour. Make sure you both use the bathroom before leaving!” Ki waved a temporary goodbye as Maya got in the passenger seat of her own car.

“Friends have a surprise for you?” said Maya's uncle. He was a positive with black hair and sharp eyes.

“Did you use your First Factor to hear that?” Maya clicked her seatbelt in.

“Maaaaaybeeeee…“ Arthur began to drive to the elementary school.

⚫⚪⚫⚪⚫⚪⚫

Cornelius was sitting on a bench in front of his school. It was a cloudy day, and he watched other kids getting picked up by their mothers and fathers to go home. He was swinging his legs back and forth while thinking about them. A mother and a father… he wondered what it was like having them. He only knew his Uncle and sister ever since he could remember. Maya knew what their mother looked like, sounded like, how she used to smile or cry or get angry or tired, she knew all these things. She was alive for Maya. He felt a little sad thinking about this, so he looked around for a distraction. The sky was getting cloudier, making blotches of dark shadows on the ground.

“It's probably going to rain later I guess.” He thought to himself aloud. Something then moved in the corner of his eyes. He looked to his left across the street. Nothing but a tree… he got up from the bench, feeling like he was being watched. Crossing the street he peeked behind the tree. Nothing was there… No one was there…

I must be seeing things again. He sighed to himself, feeling silly.

“Cornelius!” Arthur honked the car horn. A cute BEE BEEP sounded from the red vehicle. Cornelius ran over and got in the car.

“What were you doing over there Cornelius?” Maya asked him as they went on their way home.

“Oh, nothing, just looking at bugs. I drew a really cool butterfly today!” He pulled out a piece of paper from his backpack.

“That masterpiece should go in an art gallery!” Arthur complimented before driving again.

“Were you seeing shadows again too?” Maya asked suspiciously.

“Again? Too?” Arthur repeated, oblivious.

“Was not! I said I was looking at bugs!” Cornelius insisted.

“Huh???” Their uncle was confused.

“Uncle Arthur, you should take Cornelius to the doctor as soon as possible, he's having nightmares again and now he's seeing the shadows too.”

“I am not Maya!”

“You avoid eye contact when you lie, Cornelius.” Maya replied simply.

“Ugh…” he folded his arms and turned away.

“The nightmares I've known about for years, but the shadows are news to me. When did this first start?” Arthur asked the two. Maya answered him.

“Last year, in the spring. Cornelius said he thought he saw something just out of sight often. I thought they'd gone away since he hasn't seen them in a month but I guess not. He's been acting weird for the past few days so I figured it was happening again.”

“You should become a detective like Uncle Arthur at this rate Maya.” Cornelius spoke up for a moment.

“Corey, bud, you can't hide these things, you shouldn't. We're family, you know you can tell us these things.” Arthur spoke kindly to his nephew, making Cornelius ease up.

“Well, it's like I told Maya this morning, I don't consider the dreams as nightmares. Nothing there is scary or feels bad. It's just dark, a little cold, and usually there's a couple specks of dust.”

“And the person standing in the darkness, ominously.” Maya added.

“I’ll schedule an appointment for him just in case. You know what I like to say, better safe than sorry!”

“But I really am fine…” Cornelius muttered.

“My friends are going to pick me and Corey up for a surprise, so we gotta hurry up, okay Corey?” Maya turned in her seat to look back at him.

“I'm coming with you?”

“Ki said it was something you'd want to see.”

“Ah, Maya, don't go in the kitchen. I have stuff in there.” Their uncle told her as the car pulled up into the driveway.

“Oooooh, Uncle Arthur has Maya's birthday stuff ready!” Cornelius jumped out of the car and ran inside.

“Kind of, it's not done yet!” Entering the house Maya walked past the kitchen without looking. Arthur hung up his jacket on the coat rack and followed down the hallway. “Have you guys ever thought of taking the mirrors in this hallway down?” He asked while fixing his hair in a golden framed one.

“No, why?” Maya came back after putting away her school things.

“Oh, it's just about Sebastian. You know…”

“Ohhhh, is that why he doesn't come by here often?”

“Most likely.”

“I wonder what happened in that mirror maze. How did he become afraid of these anyway?” Maya certainly didn't understand, all a mirror could do is reflect what's in front of it.

“He never said why, looked a little angry too. Best not ask him I think.”

“Hm, mom liked these here so I'm not removing them.” Maya turned away and headed for the door. “My friends will be here any second.”

Cornelius ran down the hall to his sister as a blue van pulled up in front of the house.

“You kids be careful and have fun now! Text me when you get there and when you're done!” Arthur called after them.

“We will sir!” Ki yelled back as everyone waved goodbye.

Closing the door Arthur walked to the kitchen. On the island we're ingredients. He found a pink apron and washed his hands. He gathered all his enthusiasm…

“Alright! Time to tackle my first cake!”

#positives & negatives #pos&neg #p&n #cool stories to read #featherwingfox

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pikaflute · 2 years ago

Text

🫡 @iheartedluca right away i love this guy

“You doing okay back there?”

Envy doesn’t say anything. In fact, he hasn’t talked much ever since they calmed Wrath down. Envy’s snide and rude remarks were annoying sure but, Sam hates to see any Max so quiet. There must be something wrong. Something that might lead Sam in getting the final piece of Max back.

But first, he’s gotta be alone.

“I think I want to be alone Max.”

Max doesn’t say anything at first. He shuffles his feet around while looking at the ground. He then lets out a sigh.

“Are you sure Sam? Once you do what I think you’re going to do-”

Max hasn’t said it out loud but Sam thinks he knows why he’s been so reluctant with leaving Sam alone with any of the vices. If today’s events are any indication of anything: it’s that Sam is pretty good at putting his little buddy back together again. Max hates these parts of himself. He thinks Sam would be better off without the bad parts of him. He thinks Sam wants a watered down marketable cute version without any flaws. Can’t he see Sam doesn’t want that? The flaws are what made Max…well Max. Sam wants that Max back.

“Max. You trust me right?”

Max nods. Sam pats his head.

“So trust me to put you back together. I wouldn’t want you any other way.”

Max smiles. He feels Envy tense up behind him. Huh. Interesting.

“Alright. I’ll wait outside.”

Max walks out of their room and closes the door behind him. A moment of silence passes between Sam and the vice.

“Did you mean that?”

The malice in Envy’s voice is gone. He sounds scared.

“Yes. I did.”

Sam brings his arm up to his shoulder and rests his hand on top of Envy’s.

“If I didn’t want you around, you think I’d stick around this long? You think we would’ve gotten hitched, what is it, five times now? I love you Max.”

“I’m not Max. I’m just some stupid fucked up version of him.”

“Every Max is that. That’s why I like them. Why I like you.”

Max is an asshole. He’s aggravating, aggressive, and he has no regard for anyone else’s feelings. He’s a walking disaster that stands only three feet tall. He’s terrible. He’s a monster. But god does Sam love him. All his life people have told him that Max is no good for him. How Max is holding him back in his career. How Max is a terrible husband.

What do they know? They don’t get to see Max the way Sam sees Max. The gifts he gives Sam after particularly long cases. The way Max holds him when he has a nightmare. The way Max knows how to make him laugh no matter how he’s feeling. The way Max holds his hand. His smile. His hugs.

That’s the Max he knows. The one he loves. Stupid vices and all.

Still, Envy doesn’t seem convinced. Sam will fix that.

“You know I can’t be myself without you Max.”

Envy laughs, “Please. I didn’t even do anything. I’m still attached to your back like a coward.”

There’s a brief pause before Envy continues speaking. He’s gripping Sam’s shoulders tightly.

“Sam you’re everything I want to be. You’re perfect. Compared to you I’m just…nothing.”

Sam laughs, “I don’t think so little buddy. I’m pretty messed up. I sometimes do stupid things too. I probably would have my own annoying vices for you to deal with.”

“Not as bad as me.”

“So?”

Envy makes a noise and flinches.

“Max nothing you could do could make me hate you. One of you shot at today, I got eaten twice, and you alone have torn up my shoulder muscles to the point of physical therapy.”

Sam squeezes Envy’s hand. He feels Envy’s hands begin to slip from his back.

“But I’m still here aren’t I? I’m here for you.”

One last squeeze of his hand causes Envy to fall off of Sam’s back onto the bed. Sam turns around and grabs his arms. Envy looks up at him, tears in his eyes.

“I did all of this for you knucklehead. Cause you’re worth it.”

Sam hugs him. Envy tenses up for a second. Then, he wraps his arms around Sam’s neck, burying his face in Sam’s chest.

Yeah. This was good. Sam was so preoccupied with saving and helping Max he forgot that what Max needed most was someone that was there for him. Someone who cared for Max and loved him despite all his flaws. Someone who would never leave his side. Max needed Sam, as much as Sam needed Max.

Maybe Sam will take Max out on that date. He deserves it after all this.

It’s a while before any of them speak. Sam’s grateful for the silence for once. When Envy speaks, it sounds like Max. Not a voice effected by weird brainwashing, or a voice corrupted from any vices. Just Max.

“Sam.”

“Hm?”

“You’re an idiot.”

Sam smiles, glad to see his buddy is back and replies with, “I know.”

And with that, Sam sees a puff a smoke appear and his arms fall. On his lap, where Envy once was, is Max’s ear.

#sam and max #envy is our blorbo #or at least mine

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can-of-pringles · 9 months ago

Text

When I'm Alone with You - Chapter 17

Rating: Gen

Warnings: Maybe a little bit of hurt/comfort?

Word Count: 5k

Summary: Copia can't sleep, again. Luckily, Silas is there to help and listen.

Note: Finally, we're back! I'm starting to get back into writing for them. Plus, it helps with all the new Ghost stuff we've been getting. Hope you like this chapter.

Silas worked on sweeping one of his usual assigned hallways while Copia sat nearby on a bench, going over a stack of papers.

“You know you don’t have to do paperwork out here just to keep me company, right?” Silas mentioned as he pushed another pile of dust and clutter into a dustpan.

“There’s nothing in the rules saying we can’t work in the same area… at the same time…” Copia held up his stack of papers to hide his smile. “And besides, I like spending time with you.”

The more time he spent around him, the more he felt relaxed, as if he could tell him anything.

“Okay, well… some things.” He thought.

Silas paused his sweeping for a second to look at him. “Yeah… it’s nice.” He smiled.

Copia met his gaze for a moment before looking back down at his papers, fidgeting with the pen he was using. He couldn’t bite back the urge to smile.

The two continued with their work. Copia was almost done with his stack for the day, often already starting on his work the night before. Finally, he signed the last piece and sighed in relief.

“Finished for the day? Already?” Silas asked, though he didn’t sound upset, instead happy for him.

“Yeah, it was a slightly smaller stack today, plus I had already started on it last night,” Copia explained, slipping the papers into a big envelope.

Silas muttered an ‘oh,’ and nodded, still focused on cleaning. “I’m almost done here and then I have one more before break…”

“Good. I was thinking… if you want, I can go send my paperwork in and then keep you company before break.” Copia offered. “Since I’m done, I can do whatever.”

Silas looked at him, a grateful look on his face. “Really? You don’t have to use your free time to do that just for me…”

“No, I want to.” Copia blurted out.

Silas blinked in slight surprise before a small smile grew on his face. Copia’s hands gripped the bench slightly. He glanced down, a blush growing on his face.

“I meant, I genuinely would like to keep you company since I’m done for the day… if you want.” The Cardinal cleared his throat, not meeting his eyes.

Silas slightly used his broom to lean. “Alright, sure.”

Copia looked up at him, squinting slightly. “You… you’re not just saying that, right?”

He scoffed in amusement. “Copia, I like hanging out with you practically every day. Who else do you expect me to hang out with, the ghouls?”

Copia’s anxieties lessened at his joke, snickering to himself. Silas grinned. Copia took a breath, un-tensing his shoulders.

“True…”

“No offense to the ghouls. I’m sure they’re nice, but…” Silas tilted his head, furrowing his brows. He noticed how anxious Copia had been behaving, more than usual. “You alright?”

“Eh…” Copia sighed. “I’m just tired… haven’t been sleeping well, I guess.” He shrugged.

He still had the nightmares, though they had lessened. It didn’t mean that it didn’t keep him up at night sometimes. As well as what he was doing outside of work. Copia had finally gotten the mental strength to work on restoring Primo’s beloved gardens. He had barely scratched the surface, but he was dedicated.

Silas gave him a sympathetic look. “I understand. I hope it gets better soon.”

“Yeah, you and me both.” He huffed, crossing his arms.

They stayed silent for a moment until Silas spoke up.

“I was thinking I’d use this upcoming break to take Blizzard for a walk, if you’d want to come with us.”

Copia’s eyes lit up. That did sound nice. Being outside on a walk with Silas and his sweet dog.

“Sure, sounds great.” He smiled.

Silas nodded and took a breath, looking down at the newly swept floor. “Well, until then, I have one more hallway to sweep…”

“Over there?” Copia gestured to another corridor.

“Yeah.”

Copia stood up, waiting patiently while Silas emptied the dustpan he was using into one of the trash bins with wheels on it. Copia followed Silas as he pulled the bin to the next hall, holding his broom in the other hand.

Other people probably couldn’t have cared less about janitors, but Copia couldn’t help but admire Silas for how much work he did to keep the Ministry neat and tidy. The Cardinal tried to ignore the thought in the back of his mind of Silas sweeping, sleeves of his shirt pushed up and out of the way, revealing his arms.

“Copia?”

“Huh?” Copia spoke, furrowing his brows and slightly shaking his head.

He must’ve been on auto-pilot because he found himself sitting down on another bench while Silas worked through the second corridor. Copia looked up at him, blinking.

“Sorry… um, I was thinking about something. It doesn’t matter.” He stammered slightly.

“Yeah, you’re definitely not getting enough sleep.” Silas lightly frowned.

“Yeah…” He muttered, glancing down and fidgeting with his hands.

“How late did you stay up last night working?” Silas raised a brow.

Copia stared down at the floor, staying silent. “Two-thirty AM…” He confessed.

“Really?” Silas’ eyes widened in surprise before going back to sweeping corners. “Why?”

“It’s more budgeting work, is all. Sister wants me to start preparing for a tour…” He rested his head in the palm of his hand.

Silas paused his sweeping again, furrowing his brows. “Already? Wow…”

“Well, not yet… but we’re getting there. Soon, when she’s ready to leave the hospital.” Copia swallowed. “But anyway, I don’t want to bother you with all of that.” He brushed it off, trying to take on a more relaxed posture, though it wasn’t very convincing. “Anyway, what do you normally do to fight off boredom while working?”

“Oh, um, well, normally I listen to music or sometimes podcasts. Although right now I’m talking with you.” Silas picked up on his urge to change the subject, instantly going with it.

Copia hummed, trying to think of something else to say to help pass the time. “I have an idea. Why don’t we ask each other questions about ourselves? It’ll be like that twenty questions game, except I’ve never played that…” He smiled sheepishly. “We’ll just play until you finish.”

Silas scoffed lightheartedly. “Alright, sure. Sounds fun.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep the questions light. It’s not like this is an interrogation.” He chuckled at his own joke, causing Silas to snicker slightly.

“I should hope not.” He had a small smile on his face.

“Okay, okay.” Copia sighed, thinking of his first question. “What’s your middle name?”

“Interesting first question,” Silas remarked. “It’s Adrian.”

“Oh, I like it.” He complimented. “Suits you.”

Silas felt his face flush, and he turned away. “Okay, my turn… why the black makeup every day?” He asked genuinely. “I mean, I figured it was a Ministry thing…”

“It’s traditional for the Cardinals here to wear. As well as Papas to adorn their own makeup. Think of it as part of the uniform.” Copia explained. “Before you ask, yes, I do have to use a lot of moisturizer to help with the everyday wear.”

“That’s some dedication. I personally couldn’t imagine wearing it every day… or the Pap…al? Papal makeup especially… I would hate having to wash it out of my beard.” Silas winced.

He chuckled shortly. “Yeah, I get it. Okay… what is your favorite thing about Texas?”

Silas hummed, furrowing his brows and slightly frowning as he concentrated on thinking. “The food. Oh, I miss it so much sometimes…” He sighed.

“That good?”

“You have no idea… the Tex-Mex… that’s one thing I don’t like living about here… No southern food. You can’t get proper barbeque anywhere in the country. Anywhere in Europe.” Silas sighed.

“I guess you’ll have to show me around Texas at some point.” Copia slightly joked.

Silas’ expression changed back to more relaxed, smiling at him. “Maybe one day… Back to me?”

Copia nodded.

“Alright. Um… I really hope you don’t mind another similar one…” He chuckled nervously. “Let me preface this by saying, I think it’s neat and I’m curious… in a good way.”

Copia tilted his head, raising a brow. “What?”

Silas cleared his throat. “I like how your white eye stands out… explain?”

He had a look of realization. “Oh… my eye? The way you were hesitating, I was expecting something worse.”

Silas let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Oh…”

Copia chuckled shortly and shook his head. “I don’t mind explaining, not at all. Some infants or young children receive the white eye in an unholy… um, let me think of a word you’d probably be familiar with… baptism? Essentially. And I was one of those infants. Although it can also be genetic if you’re part of the Emeritus bloodline.”

“Huh… interesting,” he replied.

“I realize that to people outside of the Clergy, there’s just a lot to take in… When you grow up with it, it’s all normal to you.” Copia scratched the back of his head. “Okay, now it’s my turn.”

“Okay, but after this, I’ll be done and I can go on break.” Silas reminded.

His eyes lit up, happy for the upcoming walk. “Nice. Anyway… question time. When did you get your ears pierced?”

“It’s been so long… um, I think when I was a teenager… y’know, um, typical teen rebellion type of thing.” Silas focused on sweeping up the last of the dust and clutter, not meeting his gaze.

Copia knitted his brows together. “Oh, really? Interesting…”

“Why’s it interesting?”

“You just don’t really seem like the rebellious type… well… in personality I guess.” Copia thought aloud.

Silas gave him a shrug. “I guess I’m a man of mystery.”

Copia’s quiet laughter was infectious, causing Silas to laugh as well.

---

Copia tossed and turned in his bed, grumbling as he pulled up the sheets. He turned on his side and sighed, frowning. It hadn’t been that long since he’d woken up from another nightmare. He closed his eyes and took a breath, trying to ignore the looming ache he felt in his chest.

When he couldn’t ignore it any longer, he sat up and pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around his legs in an attempt to comfort himself. Copia’s throat began to burn, and he felt his eyes start to fill with tears. He sniffled and wiped them before hiding his face in his curled-up position.

He groaned from annoyance and exhaustion. “I’m so tired of this… why did it have to happen?”

He frowned and looked at a small picture frame on his nightstand. The picture inside was slightly faded, though he could clearly see the people in it. A younger version of himself, probably around four or five, held up a small pot. Inside was a sprout he’d worked on growing. Primo was crouched next to him, smiling proudly. He had probably been in his late twenties when the photo was taken.

“I can’t believe he’s gone…” Copia murmured. “They’re all gone…”

He wasn’t sure if he could fall asleep again. Too many thoughts plagued his mind. He glanced at his alarm clock. Bright neon green numbers stared back at him. 12:28. Basically twelve-thirty at this point.

Copia rubbed his eyes and sighed. Hearing his own breathing made him feel even lonelier. His rats were kept in his living room, enough of a distance away for him not to hear them usually. He bit his lip and fidgeted with his hands.

“I couldn’t possibly bother him… it’s way too late.”

He continued contemplating the idea, feeling conflicted. One thing he felt sure of, though, was he would get a smartphone. Texting wouldn’t feel nearly as intrusive as the idea of actually walking over there. Maybe he could convince Sister Imperator to let him use the Ministry budget for it if he said the phone would be for when he was on tour.

Copia got out of bed, putting on a worn but comfy t-shirt and his robe. He grabbed the glass of water next to his bed and took a drink, relieving his dry throat. He placed it back down and headed into the living room. Maybe he could just go for a walk through the Ministry. That would settle his nerves.

He put on his slippers and headed toward the door, opening and closing it as quietly as he could. Luckily, he could still see fairly well in the darkened hallways. The tall stained glass windows that lined the walls allowed for some moonlight to shine through.

Copia walked silently, planning on walking a loop around the Ministry building and then back to his room to tire himself out. He had been walking for a bit but paused when he heard some quiet scuttling above him. He looked up and squinted, trying to see which ghoul it was.

Considering how small they were and how they were casually climbing around up in the rafters and structures, he figured it was probably Pigeon. They were one of the spare ghouls, not assigned to any particular Papa or Cardinal, or other Clergy leader; just there for some of the Ministry’s chores. He wasn’t that familiar with them but had seen them around. The other ghouls had told him that they especially loved to be up high, hence the climbing and bird-themed name.

They stopped moving and lay still up there, similar to a cat lounging. All Copia could see were two small, white glowing dots staring down at him. They said nothing, remaining silent. Copia hesitantly raised his hand for a second, trying to politely acknowledge them. He watched as their tail swished, giving a slow blink back. They expertly moved around up there, leaving to go climb other places.

Copia looked back down and continued with his walk. After some time, he found a bench and sat down for a moment. He sighed and rested his face in the palm of his hand. Why did it seem like no one else cared that the other Papas were gone? Sure, most people probably believed the lie that they had simply been transferred back to the Italy location, but surely they were missed?

He felt a lump in his throat, choosing to try his best to ignore it. He was alone in his grief. Months had passed, and he had gotten used to his pain, but some days, or nights, it would especially hit him hard.

Copia jumped when he heard someone say his name. Silas stood in front of him. All Copia could make out was that he was wearing a t-shirt and pajama pants.

“Is that you?” Silas whispered.

“Silas? What are you doing up?” He asked, thankful for the lack of lighting. He wasn’t used to people seeing him without his makeup.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he replied, though he sounded calm.

Copia sighed. “I… well, I couldn’t sleep. You too?”

He nodded. “Yeah… I was just walking for a bit and thought I saw someone sitting out here. Looks like I was right.”

Both men remained silent for a moment.

“Do you want to talk about it…?” Silas asked, eventually. “Your lack of sleep, I mean.”

Copia thought over his offer. He nodded and stood up, leaving to follow him.

Silas held his phone out, turning on the flashlight and aiming it at the ground as they headed back to his room. They walked in silence, trying not to wake up others around them. Finally, Silas had found his door and quietly turned the knob.

Inside, it was about as dark as the Ministry corridors, except for a couple of small nightlights Silas had plugged in.

“Careful where you walk, there might be some of Blizzard’s toys lying around.” He cautioned.

Copia nodded and carefully made it to his couch, sitting down. Speaking of Blizzard, where was he?

“Sorry about the slight mess… I usually pick up all of his toys, but it was just one of those nights, I guess. He’s sleeping on my bed right now.”

Ah, that made sense.

“But… I can’t see anything. Why are you apologizing for a mess?” Copia asked.

He could hear Silas sigh and then quietly chuckle to himself. “Sorry, habit.”

He exhaled, already feeling more at ease around Silas. Silas went to sit down slightly next to him. He reached to turn on a small lamp next to the couch.

“Wait.” Copia blurted out.

“What’s wrong?”

He swallowed nervously and shook his head. “Sorry, nothing. Nothing’s wrong. I just… I’m… not used to others seeing my face. Without makeup.” He squeaked out, suddenly feeling more self-conscious than ever. “You can turn it on. It’s fine.”

“Oh… would you feel more comfortable if I kept it off? I was slightly considering making some tea if that sounds good, but I would need some light to see…”

“No, no, turn it on. It’s no big deal.” He shrugged it off. “Tea sounds nice.”

“I think I probably have some sunglasses around here if that would make you feel better?” Silas offered.

Copia nearly swooned right then and there. How was he so sweet and considerate? He bit back a smile.

“I appreciate the offer, but really, it’s fine. Forget I said anything.”

After a few seconds, Silas clicked the small lamp on, enough light shone to illuminate their faces and the room. Copia blinked at the sudden light, rubbing his eyes. After a bit, he settled again, though, looking away instead of looking right at Silas.

“Oh,” Silas remarked.

“What?” Copia muttered, self-consciously running his hand through his messy hair.

“Nothing, it’s just… you’d think the black makeup would make your eyes stand out more, but actually, it’s the opposite. I just feel like… I can see them better this way, somehow?” Silas explained, fidgeting with his hands. “I mean—makeup or not, your eyes always stand out.”

Copia gathered the courage to look at him for a moment. He glanced down for a second before looking back up. “Is that a good thing?” His voice was barely above a whisper.

Silas gave him a reassuring smile. “Yes.”

He could feel his face heat up. He cleared his throat and glanced away again. “So… that tea…? Sounds nice…”

Silas widened his eyes for a split second, quickly nodding and getting up to go make it. “Oh, um, yeah. It shouldn’t take too long…”

“Alrighty, cool.” He nervously tapped his fingers on the couch. “Would you want some help?”

“That’s okay, I don’t mind. You’re my guest, after all.” Silas politely declined, already working on making the tea.

“‘Guest’? That’s awfully fancy for the fact that you just found me out there in the dark.” Copia pointed out, lightly teasing.

“You make it sound like you’re some sort of stray cat I found wandering around outside. Now it’s my mission to nurse you back to health.” He joked.

Copia couldn’t help but giggle a little at that. Silas did the same, covering his mouth with his hand to try to quiet it. Finally, they both settled down, luckily avoiding waking up Blizzard in the next room.

“Sorry, I’m kinda tired… I might have a lack of a filter.” Silas sighed.

“It’s okay, trust me, I get it,” he replied.

Finally, Silas had finished making the tea and brought over two mugs of it to where they had been sitting. He handed one of them to Copia.

“It’s just chamomile. I hope that’s okay,” Silas said before he took a seat.

“It’s perfectly okay. Thank you.” He smiled and took a careful sip. It tasted warm and comforting, already starting to put him at ease.

Silas took a sip, noticing how Copia had slightly leaned back into the couch, relaxing more. Silas looked away when he realized he’d been looking at him for too long. Seeing Copia this way, just wearing his pajamas and robe, with no makeup or fixed hair, was fascinating. Silas couldn’t help but take it all in.

“I know it’s tradition and all… but you look good without the Cardinal makeup. Both are um, good, I just… l like you without it too…” Silas tried not to stammer, quickly taking a drink after speaking.

Copia looked at him, blinking in surprise. A small smile formed on his face and he chuckled shortly, glancing down at his tea instead of meeting his gaze. “Ah, well, thank you.” Maybe drinking hot tea while his body temperature was already slightly raised was a bad idea.

“So, you said before you’d be up to talking about what’s been bothering you? The lack of sleep and all…” Silas reminded, changing the subject.

“Oh, right… that.” He sighed.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to. We could talk about something else if you want.” Silas suggested, picking up on his nervousness coming back.

“No, it’s okay. I feel like it’s one of those things that you just have to talk about to help… if that makes sense?” Copia tapped the mug with his nails.

Silas gave him a sympathetic frown. “Yeah, I understand.”

“I’ve been having nightmares on and off… they’ve been disrupting my sleep.” He admitted.

“Aw, man, I’m sorry. That’s tough.” Silas sighed before taking another drink. “Is it something in particular that’s been bothering you?”

Copia swallowed nervously. He couldn’t tell him the truth. It’s not that he liked lying to him, but he had to keep him safe. If Sister found out that Copia had told someone the secret… it wouldn’t be pretty. But also how could you even bring that up?

“Oh, yeah, by the way, Sister killed the other Papas. Yeah, that’s why they’re gone. They weren’t actually shipped off to Italy. It’s probably all my fault. You can hate me and never talk to me again.” He thought, coping with humor.

He cleared his throat. “Oh, well, I guess I’ve just been under a lot of pressure lately… and I miss my brother figures. I wish they’d never been… that they got transferred.” His throat started to sting.

Silas placed his hand on Copia’s shoulder. “I’m sorry… you have been under a lot more responsibility around here for sure. If it makes you feel any better, I think you’ve been handling it pretty well, given the circumstances, or at least better than I would.”

Copia scoffed lightly. “Well, at least I’m giving off those impressions to someone.” He took another sip.

Silas glanced away, frowning. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but why were they relocated?”

Copia felt anxiety in the pit of his stomach. “Um… well, Sister hadn’t been pleased with their recent behavior, I guess… especially, um, Papa Terzo…” He drank a bit more tea to get rid of the dry feeling in his throat. “He was dragged off stage at his last performance.”

Silas’ eyes widened in surprise. “Wow… he must’ve pissed her off or something.”

“You could say that. Terzo was definitely more of a rebel when he was still Papa.”

“Sister seems hard to please… so I guess it makes sense that she just sent them away.” Silas sighed, leaning back against the couch.

Copia stared down into his mug, trying to ignore the burning sensation in his throat. “Yeah…”

Silas frowned in concern, noticing how upset he was. “Hey, again, I’m really sorry. I know what it’s like to live far away from family, or the people you consider family.”

Copia glanced at him before looking back down again. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

Silas tapped on his mug, thinking over his words. “I remember being a little kid, and just… being so upset about my parents being so far away from each other, my family basically being broken up.”

Copia looked over at him, trying to hide his surprise.

“My father moved back to Sweden when he and my mom got divorced. It wasn’t a bad divorce. They’re still best friends, actually. They were just incompatible… but I’m not going to get into all that.” He explained. “Even though they still co-parented me well, and I knew that our family wasn’t really broken up, at least not like other people’s, I still couldn’t help but cry about it back then. It was just all so new and overwhelming. I didn’t like having my life just suddenly switched up like that.”

“I’m sorry, Silas…” Copia placed his hand on his arm for a second. He put his hand back down when he realized just how close he’d gotten.

“Thanks, it was a long time ago… but this situation, with the Papas, it’s still fairly fresh for you… I wish I knew what to say to make it better.” Silas furrowed his brows, frowning sympathetically.

“Thanks, talking about it with you helps a little…” Copia gave him a small smile.

“I’m glad.” He looked at him, returning the smile. “Hopefully, you’ll be able to see them again soon.”

Copia sighed. He ignored the ache in his chest. “Yeah… that would be nice.”

After a moment of silence between them, Silas noticed Copia’s mug seemed lighter, probably empty at this point.

“Oh, are you done with that?” He pointed out, gesturing to the mug.

Copia glanced down at it. “Oh, huh, I guess I am.”

“Do you want me to refill it? I think there’s still a bit more tea left…” Silas offered.

“Oh, no, it’s alright. Thanks though.”

He nodded and stood up to put his mug next to the kitchen sink, taking Copia’s mug as well when he held it out. Afterward, he sat back down and pulled out his phone, looking at the time. Silas refrained from wincing at how long they’d been up, knowing tomorrow would be rough without proper sleep, but he didn’t tell Copia, not wanting him to feel bad about talking through his problems.

“So, how are you feeling?” He asked.

“I think… a little better.” Copia sighed before yawning. “Sorry…” He smiled sheepishly.

“It’s fine, don’t worry,” Silas reassured before covering up his own yawn. “I guess the chamomile worked.”

He chuckled shortly. “Yeah. Well… thanks for listening to me. I really appreciate it.” Copia smiled.

“Of course, I’m always here to listen.” He placed his hand on his shoulder one last time before letting go, letting Copia stand up.

“I should probably try to get some sleep now… and you should too,” he looked down at him.

“Yeah… hopefully we can take it a little bit easier tomorrow?” Silas prompted.

How could Copia say no to him? Especially when he looked up at him with those soft brown eyes.

“I’ll um… I’ll see what can be done.” He cleared his throat, realizing it had been a moment since he’d said anything.

Silas beamed, and Copia tried ignoring the blush he felt.

“Goodnight, Silas.” Copia smiled and kept his hands clasped in front of him.

“Goodnight, Copia,” he replied. “I hope you can finally get some rest.”

Copia had his hand on the doorknob, turning it and opening the door. “Yeah… me too.” He gave Silas one last smile before leaving, quietly closing the door.

Copia sighed and walked across to his own room, yawning again as he went inside. Once his front door was closed and locked, he headed to his bathroom, quickly rinsing out leftover tea to help keep his teeth clean. He was too tired to do a full brushing. Rinsing would have to do.

He took off his robe, throwing it on the end of his bed. Copia pulled back the covers, crawling in and kicking off his slippers. Once settled, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, feeling the coolness of the pillow on his face. It wasn’t long before he fully drifted off, his last thought being thankful for the talk with Silas.

---

Copia felt very underdressed in just a t-shirt and some shorts, though it wasn’t very practical wearing his usual cassock while gardening, so casual work clothes it was. Besides, it wasn’t like there were others outside with him. It was just him and what used to be Primo’s garden.

Copia worked on planting some new plants and shrubs, sighing and panting from exhaustion as he finished digging another hole. He knew soon it would be restored to how Primo had kept it. Copia had wanted to honor him, and this was the way he knew how.

He focused on removing the dead and withered plants and flowers, replacing them, and bringing life back into the garden. As well as planting some new types of greenery. A part of his plan was planting some of the flowers he knew the other Papas had liked. He remembered Primo mentioning it before. Copia knew it wasn’t much, and it wouldn’t bring them back, but it was something.

He didn’t mind too much working in the dirt, just as long as he could get clean afterward. He placed several seeds and plant bulbs into some of the new holes, remembering how Primo and some of the older ghouls used to teach him gardening when he was a kid.

After all the planting and maintenance, he walked along the garden as he watered the plants, making sure they all got enough water from the hose nearby. Finally, he put the hose back up and away, standing to admire all his hard work.

The garden, once empty and faded, was now starting to thrive again. It would take a bit of time for the new plants to fully sink their roots in and grow, but it was a start. Copia sighed, a sad smile on his face. His eyes started to tear up, imagining how proud Primo would be of him. At least he hoped he would be.

He preferred the quietness currently, taking in the chirping of the birds close by. Maybe one day he’d take Silas to this spot and show him the beautiful garden, but for now, he enjoyed the solitude.

Copia closed the garden gate on his way out, going inside to freshen up and hopefully see Silas afterward.

#the band ghost #ghost band #ghost #copia x oc #silas x copia #cardinal copia #papa emeritus iv #papa copia #ghost band oc #ghost oc #silas petersson #nameless ghoul pigeon #ghost band fic #ghost band fanfic #ghost band fanfiction #the band ghost fanfiction #my writing #pringles writing

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featherhasaface · 2 years ago

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Okay! Remember how I said the game events happened in some of our AU's, Planet Robobot included? Well, I wrote a small thing. This is a small story regarding Susie meeting Tiff. It's under the cut! ^^

“Poyo!” Kirby jumped up and began running off. Tiff sighed and followed him. This wasn’t uncommon, but it was tiring. He had been running around all day. At this point she was hoping Meta Knight would show up so she could tell him to keep an eye on the puffball. He was good at keeping him still. Kirby ran into the town and squeaked as he nearly ran into a cappy. He briefly waved and continued to wherever he was going, which was apparently the large tree. There was a small crowd of cappies and Kirby slowed down until he stopped, staring at the person they were talking to. She didn’t recognize her, not that she had much time to think on it before Kirby made a high pitched squeak that sounded sort of like a name and ran at her full speed.

The lady turned and seemed to brighten up once she realized who he was. “Hello, Kirby!”

“Poyo!” He jumped up and hugged her. She sighed and put him back on the ground.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Poy!” He nodded.

“You know her, Kirby?” The mayor looked at him.

“Poyo Suey!”

“Susie.” The lady looked back at the cappies. “Does Kirby live here?”

“Yes, he sure does.”

“Poyo, poyo poy!” Kirby grabbed Susie’s hand and started trying to lead her, pointing at Tiff.

“Alright, calm down, pinky. Where are we going?”

“Poyo Tiff!”

Susie stared at her for a few moments, then seemed to realize what Kirby was trying to do. “Oh! Hello, I’m Susie! Are you Kirby’s friend?”

“Yea. He seemed to know you well.” She wasn’t sure how to respond to this.

“Sorta.” She shrugged. “We’ve helped each other out in the past.”

“Poyo!” Kirby hugged Tiff.

“So uh… what’s your name? I’m sure he’s already said it, but he’s not the most coherent.”

“Tiff. When did he meet you? I assume it would have had to have been during one of his space journeys.” She picked him up as he started hopping and making small squeaks.

“Oh, a while ago!” Susie laughed as if it didn’t matter. “Yes, we were in space when we met.”

“And you’re… friends?”

“Ye!”

“We sure are!”

“...Alright.” Kirby wasn’t as gullible as he was when she first met him, that was difficult to remember. She’d trust his judgment on this one. “So why are you here?”

“I simply enjoy learning about anything I can! I wanted to see what Kirby’s home was like.”

“I see.”

“Speaking of which, what are those uh…” She waved towards the cappies, who were keeping an eye on her, clearly curious. “Those guys?”

“Cappies.”

“I see. What other creatures live here?”

“Wildlife, I guess… There’s king Dedede and Escragoon. And whatever I am.”

“You don’t know what you are?”

She shook her head.

“What are Dedede and Escargoon?”

“A penguin and a snail. There’s a few others as well, but I don’t know what they are either.” She shrugged.

“Is it peaceful here?”

“Mostly, when random people aren’t attacking or trying to take over.”

“Does that happen often?”

“More often than I’d like…”

“I see.” She was writing something on her clipboard, then appeared thoughtful. “Say, you’re good friends with Kirby, correct?”

“Yes, why?”

“Do you know what he is? Like, what is his species called?”

“Puffballs, I think.”

“Ye! Puffball!”

“Interesting… Now, I’ve heard Kirby has been referred to as a Star Warrior. Care to explain what that is?”

“Do you know who Nightmare is?” It would be pretty difficult to explain everything if she didn’t.

“I know of him, I’ve never met him.”

“That’s probably for the best.” She shrugged. “Star Warriors fought against him.”

“Ah, I see. That makes sense!”

She watched her write on her clipboard some more. She’d have given more details, but it was Meta Knight who had given her the information she had to begin with, and he had made it beyond clear, indirectly of course, that he didn’t like strangers knowing too much about that. Although if this person had met Kirby, she’d likely have met Meta Knight as well.

“Nightmare’s dead now, correct?”

“Yes.”

“So do you think other Star Warriors can still be born?”

“I don’t know. Probably.” That was actually a good question. Arthur had told her that Star Warriors had existed before Nightmare caused the war. However, Meta Knight had implied he’d waited decades for another Star Warrior to appear, so the rate at which they were being born had clearly dropped while Nightmare was still around. He may have been the reason for it, maybe killing most of them off had some sort of effect on it. Maybe Star Warriors were born as a defense against people like Nightmare? It’s not his existence dictated whether or not they did. “...I think… They can… but it’s rare now.”

“Really? Why is that?”

“I don’t know, maybe Nightmare did something… I don’t even know if I’m right, you’d have to ask someone else. Sorry.”

“I understand.” She wrote something down. “You seem pretty smart for your age.”

She shrugged. “Either that or the rest of the town is unfathomably idiotic.”

“Are there any teachers here? Schools?”

“I’d like there to be.” She sighed. “Unfortunately we’re ruled by a fool and I know maybe one cappy who is capable of teaching anyone anything. Usually I’m the one who tries to teach their kids but… it’s been rather unsuccessful…”

“That’s unfortunate. So I take it that cappies aren’t the smartest beings?”

“They try. I guess that’s all I can ask from them.”

“Poyo.” Kirby gave her some pats as if to cheer her up.

“Well, then I supposed it’s a good thing there are Star Warriors here to defend-”

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

Tiff looked at the tree, Meta Knight was there, glaring at Susie with his sword pointed at her. That was… a bad sign to say the least.

“Meta! It’s been-”

“Do not call me that!” He jumped down, keeping a bit of distance between them and forming his cape into wings, lifting them to hide Tiff and Kirby from her line of sight. “You have no right to be here!”

“Tch, so aggressive.” She rolled her eyes. “I have every right to be here, I’m Kirby’s friend.”

“Why are you talking to the child?”

“Tiff?”

“No, the fucking alligator!”

Tiff backed away. This was the most angry she’d seen him. He’d been aggressive before during other incidents on Popstar, but he’d never yelled at anyone like that, or acted as if he was facing a monster. Not to mention, forming his wings was something he rarely did. He never used them around Nightmare, granted Falspar had told her he had a reason for it. Susie would have had to do something horrid for him to be acting like this.

“Kirby introduced me to her, I was merely curious about-”

“Curious?” He hissed, flaring out his wings more. Kirby tried to jump down, but she held onto him, feeling more than concerned.

“Calm down. I was curious about this planet, not the kid.”

“I’m sure you were! You’ve done enough! Leave!”

“I don’t think I will. I’ll have you know that since taking over the company, there have been zero mechanization projects.” She crossed her arms, closing her eyes as if that information was supposed to calm him down.

“Well, isn’t that great! You can keep it like that and leave!”

“Kirby, do you want me to leave? I feel Meta’s acting a bit-”

“Do not talk to him!”

“He’s my friend.”

“He is not!”

“Medi-poyo..!”

“I thought you were over it.”

“How in the fuck did you come to that conclusion?”

“One, when there’s a giant clock that you sent to destroy our goddamn planet running off, I’m going to be just a little bit focused on that! Two, No, I’m not fucking over it!”

“You didn’t seem too angry when you showed up with the Halberd.” She shrugged. “I thought you were over it.”

“My mistake.��

“Get the fuck out of here!”

At that point, the cappies that were already watching had backed away, and others had stopped to stare. Tiff wasn’t sure what to do. Kirby suddenly puffed and jumped away from her, running in front of Meta Knight and holding his arms out. “Poyo! Suey gud poy!”

“She is not good now.” He was clearly trying to keep himself from yelling. “The only reason she helped you was because it was in her best interest.”

“Poyo poy poyo!”

“Kirby, I don’t blame Meta for being so angry with me.” Susie shrugged. “I’m not surprised that my presence concerns him.”

“Don’t call me that!”

“Would you rather Mecha Knight?”

He suddenly hissed and swung his sword down, launching a sword beam at her and knocking Kirby aside with his other hand. Susie had just barely managed to avoid the attack, suddenly looking a lot less casual about the situation. Tiff ran forward and grabbed Kirby, picking him up and quickly backing away again. Meta Knight was shaking, likely from anger, and it was freaking her out. Kirby quieted down as well, staring wide-eyed at the damage caused by the attack. Luckily, it had barely missed the houses, taking a small bit of the roof off of one. Susie looked a bit concerned.

Then she laughed. “I forgot you could do that. Are you done now? I’d like to have a reasonable discussion with you.”

“You’ve thrown that opportunity away a long time ago!” He took a step towards her. Galaxia was glowing and sparking excessively. Galacta had mentioned her habit of creating small static shocks in response to Meta Knight’s anger. She’d seen it before multiple times, even when Nightmare had appeared directly in front of the battleship before luring Kirby into a battle. Apparently it was harmless, but he’d said the more it sparked, the angrier he was. She couldn’t remember why he’d told her that, she might’ve asked about it, or he might’ve brought it up and ended up explaining the whole thing to her.

“Alright, I understand. You’re upset and you don’t want me near anyone, but Kirby could easily overpower me if it came down to it so-”

“I don’t give a fuck! Stay away from the children!”

“I’m not here to mechanize anything-”

“Then leave!”

“Meta-”

“If you call me that one more time, I will stab you!”

“I heavily doubt you’d come anywhere near me.”

He hissed in response.

“Poyo…” Kirby jumped away again. It was a little irritating being unable to keep him still. He ran back towards Meta Knight and put a hand on his sword. “No.”

“Back away, Kirby.”

“Now that you’re a little incapable of doing immediate damage, will you listen?”

“Never.”

“I don’t want to cause harm. I simply want to apologize for everything. I was simply following orders-”

“You made it very clear to me that what you did had nothing to do with orders!”

“Well, I lied. I was ordered to stop Kirby from getting to far by any means necessary and-”

“You told me you did it because you were curious and it just happened to align with your goal! Don’t you fucking dare lie to me!”

“...Okay, you got me there, but look, is it so much to ask that you calm down and let me be friends with Kirby?”

“Yes!”

“Rude.”

“Poyo poy!” Kirby tried to pull Galaxia away from him, with no success.

“...Kirby, come here..!” Tiff called to him, keeping her distance.

“No, poyo Medi-poyo poy Suey!”

Meta Knight looked at him.

“Poyo..?”

He hissed and pulled the sword away from the small child, putting it back into its sheath and glaring at Susie. “If you threaten or harm any of them at all, I will kill you.” He kept his voice low, but failed to hide his anger.

“Well, I have a tazer so I doubt you’ll do much, but sure.” She shrugged.

Meta Knight hissed again, letting his wings fall back into his cape and wrapping himself up tightly. His eyes were red, not a color she saw often.

“I’m joking, I won’t taze you.” She laughed. “And I’ll make sure I do no harm to anyone or anything!”

“Good.”

“Poyo..!” Kirby smiled and ran towards her, then grabbed her hand and began leading her through the town. Meta Knight followed at a distance, his eyes turning back to normal. Tiff waited a moment, then ran towards him.

“What did she do?”

“Don’t worry about it.” He still sounded as if he’d like to tear the lady’s head off. Best not to ask any more questions on that topic.

“Why’d you calm down?”

“I didn’t.” He hissed. “Kirby was upset. Besides, he’s capable of handling himself. He’s beaten her before, along with multiple… weapons.” There was obviously more meaning to than word that he’d like to discuss. “For now, I’ll keep an eye on her. If she proves that she is not here to cause harm, I may consider leaving her alone.”

“So you’re giving her a chance because Kirby wanted you to?”

“...Yes.”

“Alright.”

“Do not go near her by yourself.” That was clearly a serious warning. “And do not listen to a word she says.”

“I won’t.” She glanced at Kirby, happily leading Susie around and pointing at random buildings. “Especially after that… introduction…”

“Forget that happened.” He was beginning to sound like he was calming down, but knowing him, he was likely just trying to hide his anger. One of his specialities was always appearing calm, even under intense circumstances. It could be either incredibly useful or painfully annoying.

“...How long are you gonna keep an eye on her?”

“Until I’m confident she can be trusted alone.”

“And then what?”

“I trust Kirby’s judgment.” He sighed. “Nothing she does will get past him.”

// Meta Knight will change his mind about anything if it makes Kirby happy. Sorry to those who like the idea of Susie being friends with Meta Knight but I like him to suffer so she sort of tortured him during the mechanization thing. Also I know I spelled tazer/taze wrong but I hate the actual spelling so you'll have to live with that lmao. Susie does end up spending a bit of time on Popstar. And maybe meeting some other game bois but that's a story for some other time! Meta will get to the point of trusting her unsupervised but that doesn't mean he'll stop hating her beyond words. Tiff is so offput by this whole thing. It bothers her to no end. //

#kirby #nintendo #hal laboratory #kirby right back at ya #kirby au #i'm not tagging all of them #theres too many #poor meta knight #Tiff is spooked #the most angry she's seen him was when they were facing Nightmare #now suddenly he's screaming at some pink haired girl #There might be spelling errors because I type fast and don't read over my work #So you'll have to live with that as well #even after susie proves to be harmless #tiff is worried about her #This interaction will never leave her alone #Meta Knight is always calm #rarely gets this mad but he was concerned for his children #“what if she looks at them funny and they explode??”#swearing #swears #swear #swear warning #okay uh- that should be it #let me know if there needs to be other tags #okay bye! ^^#lmao #This can technically apply to all our AU's #Stardust for sure

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yayforocs · 10 months ago

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Tape #4

Click.

“Alright, how to start this one…? S’pose I should’ve thought of that before I started recording, huh? Hehe.”

“What I wanted to talk about this time was somethin’ that happened a couple weeks back now, I think. I was out walkin’ with Kale and-”

“Oh, I didn’t talk about Kale yet, did I? Should pro’bly do that.”

“So Kale’s been here a few weeks I think. Met him like… three weeks ago? Ish? He’s a li’l bit taller than me, and even though he doesn’t look older, he’s a whole ten years older ‘n me, which caught me entirely off-guard. Not as much a-” There was a pause that was started with a small breath of a laugh that gave way to silence for a couple of seconds. “He’s a magician, like… the kind that does card tricks ‘n stuff. He’s pretty good at it too, and… some of it involves real magic, apparently? Like okay there was one time the other day I was fixing his arm and he put a card out, face-up, and- oh, crap, ah- his arms are- they’re mechanical arms, it’s not- I’m not any sort of nurse or doctor-” A short laugh that sounded slightly nervous. “A-anyways, I was fixing one an’ he put a card down an’ told me to flip it down and back up, so I did, and it was a completely different card. I swear he didn’t touch it, I didn’t feel any sort of difference in the card, it just… it just changed. As I was holding it. And it was the coolest thing. So- yeah, he can use some real magic too, but I’m not sure how much. Anyways, he’s- he’s interesting; I like him. A little protective. …Yeah, yeah, he’s good. I like him.”

“-Ah, right. We were out walking. Well, we ran into Sytri while he was out hunting, and he’d just gotten a deer. So we ended up havin an almost picnic out there in the woods, just as the sun was setting. Kale ‘n I prepared veggies ‘n berries ‘n such that we’d had- some from Sytri and some from me because I’d brought some stuff to snack on, like. Carrots ‘n such. But yeah we had a nice li’l picnic, and the sun was setting, and us sittin’ there with a crackling fire and the smell of meat cooking… it was absolutely great. I didn’t really like where we were though; we were a bit close to Rival territory, but… None of them showed up, so it was alright. We just… talked. About all sorts’a things. Kinda wish we’d had some spices or sauce or somethin’ to put on the meat, though, but. It was an impromptu thing, y’know?” A short laugh. “We couldn’t have exactly prepared for it.”

“It was almost like a camping trip. ‘Cept we didn’t actually camp out. There’s no way I would’ve stayed there overnight.”

“…If it hadn’t been that close, though, it might’ve been kinda fun actually.”

“-Oh yeah! It came up that Kale did magic tricks and Sytri did one for us. He pulled his bird, Anton, outta nowhere. He put his jacket on and Anton came out of it, and then after a second went back in and he took the jacket off again, and the bird was just- gone. I dunno how he did that. Heh, maybe he uses some magic, too. …Prob’ly does, actually.”

“…Y’know… I… probably owe a lot to those two. I haven’t really been able to talk to all that many people since joining the Resistance, so… coming from li’l Willowdale, where everybody was family, suddenly being thrown into a place where I don’t know anybody and everybody’s busy enough to not have much time to talk is a bit… ah… jarring, you know? Just a little bit… I mean, I’ve met a couple others, but… Kale’s really the only one here I could say I’m even close to, and it’s only been a couple weeks, and then there’s Sytri, and I’ve only known him for just as long.”

“But still, without those guys, I… don’t know how well I’d be doing, honestly. I had a bad en- experience not too long after I joined, and… it freaked me out enough that it gave me nightmares for a good while. I still get ‘em every now and then. But… having people to talk to about stuff, it’s… helped a lot. I’ve been able to be more cheerful, and… and closer to my usual self. It’s… I’m really grateful to those guys. And- and I’ve been gettin’ to know someone else, too, her name’s Tab- seems she might become another friend.”

“…I know we’re in a war, but… I can’t help but look forward to the future ‘n gettin’ to know ‘em better.”

“Should make a buncha good memories together.”

Click.

#sectorbrine #aron #writing #:')))

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north-blue-hearts · 2 years ago

Text

Heart of Gold

CisFem Reader x Trafalgar Law

CW: ptsd, trauma, depictions/implications of suicide and suicidal ideation, language, violence, blood, canonical character death, mature themes and events 18+

Chapter 12: Phrasing

The crew worked to grab you for over an hour, and once things neared the two-hour mark people started to tap out. Jean, Penguin, Bepo and Law had been the last four standing when a slip from you had toppled Jean onto Penguin and effectively took the two of them out. You’d been offering advice and instruction the entire time, but even your breath was coming out heavy at this point.

It’d been a long time since you’d been so well tested.

The attack came from both of them, a last gambit given how exhausted you all were. Bepo was a step above his captain in hand-to-hand combat. It’s what the mink specialized in. Law would’ve had you on several occasions, but his strength was tied into his devil fruit and such had not been allowed.

You could see him leaning back on lessons he must’ve learned before he got the fruit.

You moved Bepo aside using Law, hand around his wrist, palm on his shoulder, foot behind his as you shifted behind him in an easy motion. You’d reverted back to your grace in the last few minutes, there was less need for speed, and you had less energy to spare for it at this point anyway.

Bepo spun with Law, albeit a little awkwardly, and the two came back around toward you. You stepped away from Bepo and into Law, taking the majority of his forward motion into your shoulder. Leaning in to lift him up and over in a new way – if you threw him the same way too many times he started to react enough to try and counter it – but this position was a miscalculation on your part.

He was too close. Too warm. Your gaze shifted and you caught him looking at you with dangerously focused eyes.

Your mind betrayed you as you finished the movement. For a split second you weren’t looking ahead with your haki, you were imagining those eyes focused on you in a completely different setting. Desire disrupted your train of thought as a fluffy pair of hands rested on your shoulders.

Bepo let out a quiet little yay, before falling backward and letting himself splat onto the deck of the ship.

“You… alright?” Law huffs, pushing himself back up onto his feet.

You compose yourself quickly, offering a smile as you turn toward him. “Yes, of course. Momentarily distracted, but I think the lesson went well regardless.”

Several crew members groaned, and you were pretty sure someone swore.

Law smiles, looking over his crew. “Yeah, I’d say it did.” He agrees, before his expression returns to its more default state. “Alright, drag yourselves up and get cleaned up. There’s lunch to be made and provisions to buy while we still know the town’s safe.” He commands, already stepping forward and helping to pull some of the crew members to their feet.

You follow suit, having the energy to do so, and aid a few people to their feet.

“(Y/N)…” Penguin says, hands on his knees, eyes on the deck. “I mean this, as nicely as possible.” He begins.

“Please never wear that bell again.” Shachi pipes up as Law helps him to his feet. “It’s terrifying. I don’t like it.”

“It’s going to ring in my nightmares.” Penguin whimpers, looking up at you with a pout on his face.

You smile. “No one is an island, entire of itself. Each is a piece of the world wide chain – a single part of the main.” Shachi and Penguin are looking at you oddly as you continue to recite the poem. “If a clod be washed away by the sea, the crew is the less. As well as if promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own, or of thine friend’s were.”

A somber look covers your face a moment. “Each man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know, for whom the bell tolls,” you grin widely, making the bell around your neck jingle. “It tolls for thee.”

Penguin looks to be on the verge of tears. You can’t see Law’s face, he’s moved away to help Bepo get Jean back on his feet. Shachi’s jaw is slack for a moment before he looks almost incensed.

“Did you just make that up?”

You shake your head. “It’s paraphrased a bit, the kingdom it originally refers to doesn’t exist anymore so I substituted the concept of the crew in its place. It works, thematically.”

Shachi’s shoulders drop. “Thematically.” The word falls disdainfully out of his mouth. “What’s it all mean? We work together and we can steal that bell eventually? Then it ain’t gonna toll for anyone.”

You laugh a little, but Law answers for you. “It means the bell stays.” He says flatly and you smile and nod.

The crew cleaned up, the boys first, you and Ikkaku second. When you left the showers you were pleased to smell the scent of food traveling through the decks. Food was always better when you’d worked up a proper appetite for it.

You were glad the overall mood of the crew seemed to be good. You’d worried after the session wrapped up that maybe you had been too hard on everyone, and that there would be a sour cloud hanging over everything.

Instead, the mess hall was full of happy sounds, and there seemed to be a minor celebration for Bepo for having put two whole paws on you.

Bepo looked nervous comparatively. “It was only a fluke.” He insisted, looking over at you as you came inside the mess hall. “Right?”

Most of the crew turned toward you, and you put on a good warm smile. “Fluke or not, you still did it Bepo, celebrate a little.”

“If it was a fluke, what happened?” Ikkaku questions as the two of you sit down.

“Just a momentary distraction.” You say, repeating your earlier words.

“Head, heart or gut.” She prompts.

“Huh?” You tilt your head a little.

“Your distraction.” She clarifies. “Thoughts, emotions, or stomach pain?”

“I’m… not in need of aid because of it.” You offer as vaguely as you can.

“Checking out Bepo’s butt, I bet.” Shachi says from behind you.

You smile. “It’s a very respectable butt.”

“Yeah, it stayed off the deck more than the captain’s.” Clione laughs. “How many times did he get tossed?”

“Thirty-six.” Law answers sourly, coming into the mess hall.

“I’m surprised you kept count during all that.” Uni admits.

“I didn’t.”

“I did.” You answer a little sheepishly. “The Captain is still practicing, it seems.” You say looking over at him. You’d just been getting ready to answer the question when Law beat you to it. “Please take care not to overexert your reserves, captain.”

“Captain’s stamina is monstrous.” Hakugan states nonchalantly. “His devil fruit takes a lot, so he’s the hardest one out of all of us to exhaust.”

“You all have exceptional levels of capacity.” You say evenly, taking a sip of tea. “You all improved today as well, whether you’ve noticed it yet or not. I will have to try harder next time.”

Penguin and Shachi exchange glances. “You don’t have to do that on our account.” Shachi offers nervously.

“Wait, can you?” Penguin asks in disbelief.

“Can I what?” You prompt, giving him a soft smile.

“… go harder.” He manages after a second, and you hear someone snicker a little. “Move faster, or more -.” He wiggles his arm in the air. “Wobbly.”

“Perhaps.”

Ikkaku and Uni laugh. “Bell, you’re going to scare that poor boy.” Ikkaku admonishes you.

“Anyone’s who legs aren’t going to buckle needs to head to town after you’re done eating.” Law says, sitting down with a tray of the only food you think he eats, onigiri. “(Y/N) stays,” He says, looking over at you. “Rest up for tonight.”

Shachi chokes, and you can feel heat rushing up into your face. Ikkaku and Hakugan are laughing themselves silly, and Law has his face in his hand already.

“Terrible word choice, captain.” Penguin manages to say it almost flatly.

“Yeah I-.” Law begins

“And after you told me about hand jobs,” you say, false admonishment in your voice.

“(Y/N)…” Law is nearly growling your name, not that you can easily hear it over the chaos from the rest of the crew.

You sip your tea, pointedly not looking at him as the crew does the work for you. It’s a little payback for the captain deciding to effectively force you ashore that night. Even if it was for your own good.

You did catch his gaze after things calmed down, giving him an even smile as you left to go rest in your room. You’d become a part of the crew, but Law didn’t have you move from the private room you’d been provided when you first came aboard the Tang. It felt a bit like special treatment, but you were also grateful for the continued opportunity to have some space.

You’d adjusted to the crew almost entirely, but your life had been wide open and large. You knew your station had given you a great many luxuries, and you’d appreciated those luxuries when you’d spent time on the run. The small, enclosed feeling of the submarine was comforting in a strange way, but you were still used to having more room to stretch.

Laying down in bed, you looked out the small porthole in your room. It was rare for it to be above the sealine, but the sun was on the other side of the ship, so it was only reflections from the ocean’s surface that lit up your room.

Eyes opened or closed; it didn’t matter. All you could see was the look on Law’s face during the practical part of the lesson. He looked so alive, so thrilled to be challenged. It was like he had a new puzzle in front of him, and this one wasn’t going to take hours of research, it wasn’t going to take weeks of planning. It didn’t require the stress of wondering if his crew would be alright.

You would do anything to see that light again. You’d do even more to see that light directed at you.

“Oh, bah!” You grumble, turning away from the porthole and closing your eyes, trying to actually let some form of rest overtake you before it was time for dinner. Before it was time to try and set foot on dry land.

Before you would be alone with Law.

Your eyes stayed open despite your desires, and you glowered at no point in particular in the room. How dare your heart feel, how dare your emotions swell. It wasn’t as though you had never had a crush before, or never found someone attractive.

But you weren’t a noble. There was no voice in the back of your mind reminding you of family connections, of lineage, or of the simple fact that choosing for yourself wasn’t your privilege.

There was nothing to stop your silly little crush. Nothing to stop you from saying something. Communication was important, it would be cruel to not inform the captain – your captain now, by all rights, of your foolish emotions. He was sensible. Logical. He would be able to help.

Rejection wasn’t to be feared. It would be an answer. Not the one you wanted, but one you’d understand. One you could accept. Emotions had their place, but they certainly complicated things.

Of that you were acutely aware.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by John Donne

No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend's were. Each man's death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee.

This poem is in the public domain.

#Heart of Gold #trafalgar law #x reader #reader insert #law x reader #grandline metro au

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