#oh or what about the time the angels physically assaulted him for standing up for earth?

[stedebonnit]

Just saw a post that irked me that started off by saying Aziraphale has never suffered and as someone with religious trauma and who grew up in an emotionally neglectful and chronically invalidating envrionment I want to be the first to say that suffering is not defined by rigid standards and that there's a reason neglect and manipulation are classed as forms of abuse. I didn't finish reading the post because I got really angry seeing it so I apologize if I missed context by choosing not to engage further but I just want to make it abundantly clear that suffering and abuse are not black and white concepts, and just because someone is in a space that tries to paint themselves as good doesn't mean that they are good (I mean, seriously, if you haven't learned that from this show then idk if you've even watched it), and just because someone is unable to see that their situation is abusive does not mean that they aren't suffering (and in fact people saying that reeeeally smell of "if they were abusive why didnt you just leave?" Vibes)

[hippiegoth97]

Into the Fire: An Eddie Munson x Reader Story: Pt. 23

Collage by me :)

Master List

Part 22

Tag List: @keikoraven @ar-jupiter @alcielo1438 @cairro-xx @stolen-in-moonlight

@micheledawn1975 @janiejenn @rafeyscurtainbangs @melodymunson @spacedoutdaydreamer

@veemoon @sariahs-stuff @feral-pumpkin-energy @comeonatmebruh @munsoneightysixx

@morgthemagpie @josephquinnsfreckles @jenniquinn @usergeta @cometzombie

@spookybabey @daggerdaggerkitten @nina6708 @sanctumdemunson @yourdailymemedelivery

@person-005 @slowandsteddie @gri959 @elegantkoalapaper @letitgoandletlive

@loserboysandlithium @costellation-hunter @leelei1980 @h-ness1944 @pretendthisnameisclever

@ohmeg @stalactitekilla @hellfirenacht @birdysaturne @oneforthemunny

@prettyboyeddiemunson @eddievanmunson @msgexymunson @rattkween86 @violetpixiedust

@bimbobaggins69 @angel-munson @eldermayfield @munsonsbtch @babygorewhore

@mediocredreams @xxbimbobunnyxx @taintedcigs @ali-r3n

Content Warning 18+ Only, Minors DNI: swearing, light smut, nightmares, arguing, mentions of violence/domestic violence, sexual harassment, attempted sexual assault, mentions of blood, mentions of vomit, anxiety, panic attack, crying

Word Count: 8k

divider by @strangergraphics

Part 23: Scary Monsters and Super Creeps

Monday, June 26th, 1989

You've been grinding on Eddie's lap on his couch for what feels like hours, hungrily kissing his plush lips and tangling your fingers in his hair. His hands are squeezing your ass, leading you as your hips roll against him. You both let out low moans at every touch, winding each other up more and more with every passing second. You break away from his mouth, migrating to suck on his neck. "I love you, Eds." You say breathily, nipping his throat with your teeth. You await his reply, but he doesn't say anything. He's stopped the motions of his hands as well, going completely still. You look up to see what's going on. His face has gone stiff as stone, and his eyes look right through you. "What's wrong, love?" You ask, cupping his cheek.

"Get out." He says flatly, ceasing his touches on you altogether.

"What? Why?" You ask, confused. You were both having a good time just a second ago, and now he wants you to leave?

"I said, get out!" He yells at you, violently shoving you off of him. You gasp as you fall backwards from his lap and onto the floor of his trailer.

"What the hell is your problem?" You shout back, Eddie's never gotten physical with you like this. He would never, ever hurt you. Right?

"My problem? I think you fucking know, Y/N." He replies angrily, crossing his arms.

"Clearly I don't, Eddie. Can you just tell me?" You ask, matching his attitude. You have no clue where this is coming from, he's not himself at all.

"God, could you be any more stupid? I'm talking about Tommy!" He shouts, getting on his feet. His fists ball at his sides as he looms over you, and you're afraid he might hit you.

"What about him? I already told you everything!" You don't back down, standing up as well. You cross your own arms, shaking like a leaf as you wait to see where this goes.

"Oh, right!" He laughs mockingly. "Yeah, I don't buy that whole sob story, sweetheart. You keep...letting him touch you, and call you little names. If he's so fucking awful, why don't you fight back?" There's such cruelty in his voice, and his facial expression isn't much better. Is he seriously trying to suggest that you want to be harassed?

"Because...we'd lose our jobs, Eds. And we need the money...for our future." You say sadly, tears welling in your eyes. You wish you could tell him why the money is so important, that you want to move in together and get your lives started for real.

"Our future? What the fuck does that even mean, Y/N?" Eddie yells even louder, getting closer to you. You flinch at his words, your eyes squeezing shut to avoid looking at him. "Look at me!" He screams, and you open your eyes again. His face has gone all red, the vein in his neck poking out in his rage. "You know what I think, princess? I think you like the extra attention. To have two guys into you at once, that's gotta be thrilling for you. And I know how much you like a thrill...I'm sure Tommy does, too." His words make you want to vomit. This isn't Eddie, this isn't the man you fell in love with. But here he is, standing before you, saying the most vile things. You thought he was different. But you guess you were wrong.

"You know damn well that I don't like what Tommy's doing. I love you, Eddie. I only want you. I don't know what else you want me to say." You say in defeat, seconds away from tumbling to the floor. Your knees threaten to give out from under you, and your brain is in a swirling frenzy of fear and anger. You resent him for assuming the worst of you, and you're afraid to lose him all the same. This is all too much, this can't be happening.

"Well, I don't love you." His words feel like a knife stabbing you deep in your heart, but he doesn't stop there. "I can't love you...because you're a whore." The proverbial blade twists, deepening the agony. His eyes bore into yours, letting you know he means everything he's saying. He steps closer as he continues to speak, which in turn makes you walk backwards with every footfall. "You're a whore for attention. A whore for pain. A whore for pity. I'm sure you tell every man you meet about your father ditching you. Crying in their arms, eating up the comfort they offer. Stop me if I'm wrong, here, sweetheart." Your back meets the wall, with Eddie standing just centimeters away from your face. "Answer me!" He shouts again, some of his spit hitting your cheek.

"You're wrong, Eddie. I only care about you. I love you more than anything. You're my whole world. I need you." You sob uncontrollably as you try to get him to understand. Your vision blurs with tears, and your chest hitches repeatedly as you continue to fall apart.

"Stop lying, bitch!" He screams, and his hand comes up to slap you across the face. It stings like nothing you've ever experienced, and you gasp in shock at him hitting you.

"I'm not lying! I love you, Eddie! Please, you have to believe me!" You sob even harder, to a point where you feel sick to your stomach.

"Shut up! Just shut up! You're a liar! A liar, and a whore! I fucking hate you! I can't stand you! Your phony panic attacks, and your constant whining and crying about everything!" Eddie keeps slapping you harder and harder with every heartbreaking sentence he utters. He's screaming so loud, his voice rings in your ears.

"Eddie, please! Stop it! You're hurting me! I love you, please! Please! Please!" You beg for him to stop, but he doesn't. His free hand holds you firm against the wall, the back of your skull digging into the paneling as he repeatedly hits you. The slaps hurt so much, and your cheek has begun to swell.

"You lying bitch! You don't love me! You never did! Stop lying!"

"Mew!" Eddie's shouting has been suddenly interrupted by the sound of Arwen's meowing. You're thrown at first, as your eyes have been closed again for a while. You notice the hitting has also stopped, and you look to find that Eddie isn't here anymore. You're not in the trailer anymore, either. You're surrounded by dark fog and nothingness. And then you hear the sound again. "Mew!" Louder this time. And you sense what feels like tiny claws digging into your chest. "Mew!" Another petulant noise from your feline friend.

"Arwen!" You call out, and the words echo into the void. But there's no response. "I've gotta wake up."

Your realization that you were dreaming snaps you awake instantly, and you gasp as you look around you. You're in your room, with Arwen pressing her paws against your chest. None of it was real. Eddie didn't hit you, or say any of those disgusting things. He would never do that. You let out a sigh of relief, wiping your tears away. Your heart is still pounding, and you're coated in sweat. You look at the clock, 9:30am, you slept through your alarm. Your eyes return to Arwen, who's still making imaginary biscuits on your chest.

"Good morning, little one. Thanks for helping me wake up." You say sweetly to her, scratching behind her ears. She leans into your hand, purring loudly. "I gotta call Eddie." You observe aloud, as there's still a teeny tiny part of you that's worried the dream was true. You pluck the kitten away from her pretend bakery, setting her in the plush cat bed on the floor. You jog down the hall, almost tripping as you reach the phone on the end table beside the couch. You fumble with the headset, bringing it to your ear. You pound Eddie's number into the little buttons, waiting for the dial to go through. It rings once, before he picks up.

"Hello?" He asks, and you're so fucking happy to hear his voice.

"Eddie!" You exclaim, a little too loud.

"Y/N? What's wrong? I was just on my way over." You can hear Eddie's concern through the phone, which puts you a little more at ease.

"I, uh, had another nightmare. It was really bad, and scary. I just had to make sure you didn't hate me. I'll explain more when you get here." You're talking way too fast, and some more tears spring from your eyes.

"I could never hate you, princess. I'll be right over, okay? And you can tell me all about it over breakfast." He replies sweetly, wishing he could hold you in his arms and shower you with kisses.

"Okay. I love you, Eds." You sniffle, trying to calm yourself down. There's a pause, and you're worried that you're still asleep. Your chest tightens, and a wave of nausea rolls over you. Here it comes, he's gonna call you a whore again.

"I love you too, sweetheart. See you soon." He says, which makes your entire body relax. He can hear your sigh of relief, and he knows for sure that he needs to get to your place now.

"Bye, love." You reply with a nod, hanging up the phone.

"Everything okay, sugarpuff?" Mom asks, having come from her own room when she heard you making noise a few minutes ago.

"Yeah, just a bad dream. That's all." You try to stop yourself from crying again. But the mere mention of it makes all the awful images of Eddie berating you come flooding back. You burst into tears, and Mom moves forward to take you into a firm hug. Your head burrows into her chest, and you sob uncontrollably.

"Oh, Y/N. It's okay, it was just a dream. Eddie's coming over, right?" She asks, rubbing her hand up and down your back to comfort you. You nod against her at the question, and she tuts lightly. "It's gonna be alright, sweetie. He'll be here soon." You stay with her just like this, standing in the middle of the living room until Eddie shows up a few minutes later. He comes in through the door, and Mom looks over at him. "I think you can take over from here." She smiles at him, pulling away from you.

You meet Eddie's eyes, your own are red and puffy from crying so much. The look of complete and utter care and worry on his face tells you everything you need to know. He closes the door without a word, and you run over to him. You wrap your arms around his middle, squeezing so hard you're almost suffocating him. He strokes your hair with his hand, laying his chin on top of your head. "It's okay, love. I'm right here. Just calm down, it's alright." He coos quietly, trying his best to console you. You've gotta be at work in about an hour, and you still haven't showered, or gotten dressed, or eaten. "C'mon, baby. Let's get you cleaned up and you can tell me everything." He says softly, ending your tight embrace to lead you to the bathroom. He closes the door, and helps you strip off your sweat-soaked pajamas.

You still haven't said a word to him since he's arrived, you just can't manage it right now. Eddie remains patient the whole way, getting the shower set nice and warm for you. He sits on the toilet while you wash up, waiting to hand you a towel. You don't spend a lot of time showering, you want to be able to tell Eddie everything. The warmth of the shower calms you down little by little, and you've stopped crying completely by the time you're done. You step out of the shower, and take the towel Eddie's extending your way. You wrap it around your trembling body, and head over to your bedroom to get dressed. "You ready to talk, sweetheart?" He asks, shutting your door and sitting on your bed. Arwen perks up at his presence, padding her way over to be picked up by him. He does so, setting her in his lap while you pull out your uniform.

"Yeah. I think so." You say quietly, retrieving some panties and socks from your dresser. You begin to recount your terrible nightmare to Eddie, managing to avoid another fit of tears. A couple singular ones still escape, but it's already a major improvement. He doesn't interrupt you as you put every nasty little detail out there. He just listens intently, waiting until the end to weigh in. Once you're finished and dressed, he stands up to put himself before you. He gently sets his hands on your shoulders, and gazes deep into your eyes.

"Y/N, I am so sorry that you went through that. It sounds like the worst dream ever. But I am telling you right now, I would never, ever lay a hand on you." He raises a hand to cup your cheek, making you flinch. He drops it immediately, remembering what the dream version of him did. "Shit, sorry." He clears his throat, kicking himself for the mistake. "I would never call you mean names, or say any of those awful things. I love you so much, baby. And nothing is ever going to change that. I promise." He means every last word he's said, and you appreciate him putting in the effort to make these things clear to you. You didn't have any doubt before, but it's good to hear him effectively put any future ones to rest.

"I love you, too, Eddie. More than anything in the world. Thank you." You carefully press your lips to his, and you melt into each other. Another couple tears roll down your cheeks, and you feel a few come down Eddie's face as well. Your heart swells at the intensity of his love for you. Just hearing you say what he did to you in your nightmare breaks his heart. He knows you don't actually think he'd do such a thing, but he can't even imagine hurting you. Not like that, with such cruel intentions. Never. He wishes so much that you didn't have to see that, feel that. If he could, he'd wipe it all away from your memory for you. Like recording over an old videotape. He'd replace it all with happy things. Kisses, late-night drives, D&D campaigns, movie dates, cuddling in either of your beds. Even things you haven't gotten to do yet. Like living together, picking out furniture, bickering about paint samples. Or getting married, your smiling face as you walk down the aisle, how gorgeous you'd look in your dress. Anything to chase the ugly caricature of himself away.

You break away to breathe, both of you wiping your eyes. "Let's get some food in you, princess. I'd hate for you to go to work hungry." Eddie says quietly, taking hold of your hand. You gladly let him do so, walking down the hall together to the kitchen. You set a Pop Tart into the toaster for Eddie, and pour a bowl of cereal for yourself. "You gonna be okay to work today? We could call you in sick if you want." Eddie offers, always looking for ways to help you feel better.

"I'll be fine, Eds. I think work will take my mind off this. I'll just stew all day if I stay here." You reply, taking a large bite of your Frosted Flakes.

"If you say so, angel." He sighs quietly, munching away at his pastry. He's scared out of his wits at the idea of you going to work today. You're still visibly shaken up, despite him doing everything in his power to comfort you. He has no idea how today will go for you, especially if a certain someone tries his little games on you again. It's pretty much a given at this point, and that's the most terrifying part. Maybe he can get Biggs to keep you in the ticket booth or something, that way you don't have to deal with Tommy at all.

"Alright, everyone. Quiet down, we need to get through these assignments before we open." Mr. Biggs bellows to all of the employees of the Hawk as you stand in a small circle in the lobby. Well, except for Milo since he always works the projector. Your boss looks at Tommy first, pointing his pencil at him while reading the paper in his hand. "Hagan, you'll be in the ticket booth." He moves on down the list. "Jamie and Eddie will be on concessions and clean-up. And Y/N, I'm going to have you do inventory today. You'll just count everything in the storage room and fill it in on this clipboard. You'll also need to add everything currently set out in concessions." Biggs hands you the clipboard he's kept tucked under his arm, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.

You take them apprehensively, looking down at the sheets of paper clipped to the board. "Um, okay." You say softly. You've never done 'inventory' before. It's usually something that Harriet does as the assistant manager.

"I figured since you've shown such strong work ethic, you can do with a little more responsibility." Biggs says, his lips upturning into a stilted smile. The man doesn't use said facial muscles very often, so it's kinda off-putting. "That'll be all. Let's get to work." He dismisses everyone to attend to their duties, but keeps you behind for a moment. Eddie gives you a look, and you nod to tell him you'll be alright. "Y/N, the reason I'm giving you this assignment is because I think you have potential here. And if you do well with this, and a few other tasks I have in mind, you could very well become a supervisor in the near future. Pay raise and all."

"Oh, really? I appreciate that very much, Mr. Biggs. I won't let you down." You say semi-excitedly. You tone it down so you don't seem too eager for it. But, supervisor...it has a nice ring to it.

"That's what I like to hear. Well, I'll leave you to it. If you need any help, you can ask Harriet. But I'm sure you're bright enough to figure it out on your own." He replies, his smile fading as he mentally moves on to something else regarding the theater. You're just about to go on your way, when he stops you one final time. "Oh, and Y/N? Don't tell anyone about this just yet. I'd hate for them to get jealous, especially since I haven't fully made up my mind."

"Sure thing, sir. I'll keep my mouth shut." You chirp.

"Good woman. Come find me once you're finished." And he leaves you without another word. Eddie's been watching this interaction from the concession counter, quirking an eyebrow curiously. He'll have to ask you about it later on, it appears you’ve got a special job to do. 

You head into the storage room, flicking on the light switch. The overhead light casts shadows all about the place from the stacks of tall boxes that surround you. You look down at the sheet, finding cups listed at the top. They're measured by case, so you go ahead and count the boxes. There's open ones for each size as well, and you're guessing you need to add those, too. But not as a whole. So, according to that logic, there's 4.5 cases of small cups, 3.7 medium, and 5.1 large. This isn't so hard, you think to yourself. You continue down the list: lids, candy, soda syrup, popcorn, artificial butter, napkins, boxed candies, straws, etc. It's simple observation and addition, you're surprised this is considered a supervisory task at all. A monkey could do it. You move on to the refrigeration and freezer in the back of the room, adding up the various pre-made snacks like hotdogs and pretzels. 

You hear the door to the storage area open up behind you, and you don't bother to turn around. You figure it's just Eddie coming in to have some fun with you. You could certainly use it, this morning really fucked you up. You hear the lock click, and a sly smile spreads across your face. "Couldn't wait until later on, Eds?" You ask, back still turned as you keep working your way through the papers.

"'Fraid not, sweet thing. But I think you've got me confused with somebody else." You freeze immediately when you realize it's not Eddie in the now-locked room with you. It's Tommy, who's managed to leave his post outside and slink in here under everyone's noses.

"Go away, Tommy. I'm busy." You say shortly, paying him no mind. If you make it obvious you're uninterested, he'll go away. Won't he?

"Sounds like you're plenty available to me." He sneers, and you hear his footsteps approaching you slowly.

"Well, I'm not. Biggs needs me to finish this." You insist, refusing to face him.

"Ugh, when did you get so boring, babygirl? We used to have so much fun." Tommy's only a few steps away from you now, and you just try to keep working. You've only got half a page left until you can retreat to concessions. Just ignore him. You don't say anything else, pressing your lips together in irritation. After a few moments of silence, he moves even closer. His hand lands on your shoulder, squeezing hard. "It's pretty rude to ignore me, Y/N. You're so uptight. Why don't you let me help you relax?" He speaks in your ear, his hot breath against your skin makes you feel sick.

"Leave me alone, Tommy. I'm not your girlfriend anymore. And I'm definitely not gonna fuck you." You raise your voice a little, hoping it's enough to alert someone out there of the very dangerous situation you've found yourself in.

"Oh, come on, you don't mean that. I know you want me, Y/N. You'd be stupid not to." He leans in from behind to try and kiss your neck.

"Get away from me!" You smack him in the face as hard as you can with the back of the clipboard.

"Ow, fuck! You fucking bitch!" He shouts as his nose starts gushing blood. You push past him and run for the door, hoping to get away. But he catches up to you pretty quickly, pulling you backwards by the arm. You scream in surprise, falling onto your back on the packed carpet. The clipboard falls from your grasp, sliding across the floor. Tommy looms over you, clutching his nose. "You're gonna regret that, Y/N." He seethes, using his free arm to pull you up by yours.

"Let me go, Tommy!" You yell, trying to kick and punch him so he'll let you go. But he's stronger than you, despite only having one hand available. He slams you up against one of the shelves, knocking over a case of Raisinettes. The little cardboard boxes spill all over the floor, the candies inside rolling around their packages. The metal racks sting your lower back and head when you make contact. He presses his body against yours, his nose dripping onto your clean white shirt while he holds you against your will.

"C'mon, Y/N. You're wasting your time with Munson. Let a real man show you how it's done." He insists, his eyes wild. A thick stripe of blood runs down the middle of his face, like an elongated mustache. He pays no mind to drops of it running into his mouth, he's too focused on you.

"Eddie's more of a man than you'll ever be. Now let me go, right now." You hold strong, trying your best to stand your ground.

"What are you gonna do about it? I'm much stronger than you. I can just take what I want if I have to." He says threateningly, tightening his grip on your wrists. You try to kick him in the crotch, but he easily blocks the blow. "Big mistake, Y/N. I was tryin' to play nice." He tries to force his blood-soaked lips onto yours, but you twist your head so they land on your cheek instead.

"Help! Somebody, please! Eddie! Jamie! Someone, help!" You scream, almost gagging at Tommy's blood smearing onto your skin. You don't want any part of him on you, you want this to stop. He keeps trying to kiss you, even going so far as to hold your head in place. This lets your left arm free for a moment, and you take the opportunity to sock him right in the jaw. Your fist lands hard on the bone, and it hurts like hell. You've never really had to punch anyone before, you didn't anticipate inflicting pain on yourself in the process. He cries out at the blow, and tears begin to well in your eyes from your own agony.

"Stop fighting! I'm gonna make you see, Y/N! You should be mine, you need me!" Tommy screams at you, stilling your head. He stares at you with insane intensity, managing to kiss you now. You attempt to scream and cry, but it's muffled by his iron-flavored lips. You keep trying to spit out any and all taste of him, but it just goes back in your mouth. You feel sick, and you can't fight back. He's managed to pin you completely to the shelf now.

You suddenly have the urge to vomit, and you accept it as a way out. Maybe this will be enough to get Tommy away from you. You let it all go, regardless of the mess. The bile rushes up your throat, and spurts against the seal he's created with your lips. Even the force of him can't stop the puke from spilling out. It sprays out slightly from the edges of your mouths, some of which he ends up swallowing. He pulls away at the vile taste, rapidly spitting to get it out. The rest unfortunately lands on your uniform along with his. "Fuck! Ew, I swallowed some!" Tommy almost shrieks, and you manage to push him a few feet away from you.

You dash for the door, fumbling with the handle. You push it down to disengage the lock, finally freeing yourself from captivity. You almost fall onto the floor, scrambling over your own feet to get to Eddie. "Oh, my god!" A random movie-goer exclaims when she sees you covered in your own vomit. You stand upright, pushing past people to reach the concession stand.

Eddie's eyes find you immediately as you reach the counter, and he kicks into overdrive when he sees the state of you. He stops scooping popcorn for the matinee rush, and comes to you. His hands sit on your shoulders, and he searches your face for any information he can find. "Y/N, what's wrong? What the hell happened? Are you sick?" He asks frantically, so many questions at once.

"T-Tommy..." You stutter, before trailing off completely. You feel sick again once the name leaves your lips, and you lunge behind the counter to throw up in the trash can that's kept back here. You fall to your knees, just barely making it into the can. You're an absolute mess, covered in your own barf, barfing some more in front of all the customers. It's all so embarrassing.

"Y/N! You fucking bitch!" You hear Tommy's voice shouting from behind you. He's come out from the closet now, clearly dazed and disgusted from your defensive strategies. Eddie's eyes snap to Tommy, noticing the bloodied nose and vomit covering his shirt and vest. What the fuck did he do? Eddie thinks to himself, his own rage beginning to take hold. "Where is she?" Tommy demands, he can't see you behind the counter.

"I think a better question is what the hell did you do to her?" Eddie seethes, coming out from behind the stand to get closer to Tommy. Please, not another fight. I can't take much more of this. You sob as silently as you can to maintain your hiding place, wiping the puke away from your chin. You look up at Jamie who's frozen in place behind the counter. He gazes down at you, shaking his head as a signal to stay where you are. You nod, agreeing that it's probably best at the moment.

"I didn't do anything! Your fucking whore of a girlfriend on the other hand hit me in the face, twice! And then she yakked all over me!" Tommy retorts, gesturing at himself. The customers in the lobby have stopped to watch the show, gathering along the walls as they've long forgotten about the film they paid to see. Biggs and Harriet come out of their office, wondering what the hell is going on now. They find Eddie and Tommy in yet another stand-off, and all the looky-lou's munching away on their popcorn.

"Attention Hawkins Theater patrons! It appears we have an employee issue to work through here. Please, if you've paid for a ticket, make your way to the auditorium and enjoy your film. If not, I must ask you to leave the premises until we can settle this matter." Biggs announces to the crowd, snapping at Jamie to usher them all to their respective destinations. It takes a few minutes to clear the lobby, but you eventually hear all the chattering voices stop. "Okay. Now, I would love to know why our business day is being interrupted by yet another fight between you two." He says, addressing Eddie and Tommy now.

"Y/N came over to the counter a few minutes ago, clearly upset. I dunno what happened, exactly. But it seems Tommy here had something to do with it." Eddie explains as calmly as he can, clenching his teeth together as he speaks.

"Okay. Well, where is Y/N? I'd like to hear what she has to say." Biggs replies, and you slowly stand up to reveal yourself. You face your boss, tears still streaming down your cheeks. His eyes bug out at how awful you look. "Y/N. Can you please tell us what happened?" He asks, looking very concerned for you.

You nod, coming out from behind the counter completely. You stand beside Eddie, needing him to hold your hand. He does, squeezing lightly to comfort you. "I-I...was doing inventory like you asked. I was almost done, actually. I had my back turned to the door, and I heard someone come in. I thought maybe it was Eddie to check in on me, but it was Tommy." Your eyes flick to Tommy, which you instantly regret. You squeeze them shut for a moment, more stinging tears escaping them. You stare at the floor once you open them again. You're trembling beyond your control, but you have to get the words out. "He, um, locked the door. And he tried to get me to have sex with him. I said no, but he didn't listen. He tried to...k-kiss me, and I hit him with the clipboard. That's why his nose is bleeding." You point awkwardly to Tommy's face.

"Is that all?" Biggs asks, pressing you further.

"No. Um, I tried to run away from him, and then he knocked me down. Then he picked me up, pinning me against one of the shelves." You choke back a sob, and Eddie's other hand strokes your arm gently. You let out a shake breath, and keep telling your story. "He kept trying to kiss me, and he managed to, once on the cheek." You point to said cheek, which everyone can clearly see has a streak of blood on it. "And then I punched him, and I w-was screaming. But I forgot the walls are pretty soundproof in there." You chuckle dryly, not finding it funny at all. "He got mad, and held me harder. He kissed my mouth, and I...uh, threw up." You pause again, another wave of nausea washing over you.

"Anything else?" Biggs asks, and the queasiness thankfully passes.

You nod. "He got grossed out by the vomit going everywhere, and I managed to get away this time. I came to get Eddie, and that's all." You finish awkwardly, losing the ability to form words. Eddie pulls you into his arms, and you continue to sob into his chest. He holds you close, and you can feel him shaking as well. But you know it's for a much different reason. He's angry, furious that this happened. And on today of all days? When you're already having a hard time? Absolutely not.

Biggs contemplates your words for a minute, before speaking once more. "Tommy, get out. You're fired." He says, which makes Tommy scoff.

"What?! You can't do that!" Tommy yells, gearing up to pull out the threats.

"Yes I can, Mr. Hagan. I agreed to give you a job here at your father's behest. But at the end of the day, this is my business. And I will run it as I see fit." Mr. Biggs replies calmly.

"Oh, please! She totally wanted it!" Tommy insists, gesturing at you in an accusing manner.

"No the fuck she didn't, Tommy! She said no, more than once! And she hit you to get away, more than once! And your persistence literally made her sick! What about that says that she wanted anything to do with you?!" Eddie screams, leaving you for a moment to get in Tommy's face. "I told you to leave her alone! But you didn't listen! You kept touchin' her, and calling her names like she's your property! You're a fucking pig!" Suddenly, Tommy's fist makes contact with Eddie's face. “Fuck!” He stumbles back slightly, his hand coming up to hold where he was hit.

"Fuck you, man! I don't want your bitch of a girlfriend anyway! You can have her, she's fucking crazy!" Tommy yells, ending in a resigned laugh.

"Oh, you're gonna fuckin' regret that, Hagan!" Eddie attempts to lunge at Tommy, but Mr. Biggs pulls his arms behind his back, effectively restraining him. "Let me go, dammit! He tried to rape her, for fuck's sake! Fuckin' piece of shit, I'll kill you!" Eddie continues to scream, kicking and squirming to break loose. But Biggs manages to hold him still, not wanting a bloodbath in his goddamn theater.

"Calm down, Munson! He'll only get you in trouble if you hurt him. I know you care about Y/N. We all do, alright? But she's going to be fine. You have to stop, you need to stop!" Biggs does his best to reason with Eddie. It's proving difficult, however, and he's extremely protective of you.

While this is happening, Tommy attempts to make a break for the door. "Oh, no you don't!" Harriet shouts, chasing him down and tackling him to the floor. He squeaks out a groan as the wind is knocked out of him, and she yanks him off the carpet and holds him tight. Harriet may look a bit old and frail, but she knows how to use her strength to her advantage. "Jamie, call the police, please." She calls to your coworker who has stiffened up once again at the fight breaking out. He goes for the phone behind the counter, quickly dialing 911. "I'll lock him in the office until they arrive, boss." She says with a smile as she leads Tommy to the back room. He still tries to break free, but it's no use. "Keep tryin', bub. I did my time in the army, and I can do a helluva lot more than hold you still if I need to." That seems to shut him up, which makes her smirk.

Once the asshole is secured, Biggs lets Eddie go free. "Fuck, man. Should've let me beat his ass. It's what he deserves." Eddie grumbles, rubbing his sore wrists.

"He's not worth it, kid. Trust me. He's the cops' problem now." Mr. Biggs sighs, taking off his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose. "Shit, his father is going to rip me to pieces for this."

"Oh, come off it, Henry. You know everyone hates Jack fuckin' Hagan. But they love you, and they love the Hawk. We're a goddamn town landmark. We aren't going anywhere. No rich asshole's opinion is going to change that." Harriet says once she returns to the lobby.

"I suppose you're right, Harriet." Biggs thinks it over for a moment, scoffing slightly. "I can't believe I didn't throw the little snot out of here on his first day."

"None of us could believe it either, sir." Eddie comments, returning to your side as you wait for the police to arrive.

"We'll have to stop the showing, some of these customers are witnesses." Jamie pipes up, taking the initiative to run up to the booth and tell Milo to kill the movie.

"I'm sorry." You say quietly, drawing everyone's attention to you as you haven't spoken in a while. You've been too busy listening to everyone else to contribute to the conversation.

"For what?" Eddie asks, wondering why you're apologizing.

"For...the mess. And hitting Tommy. And for dating him in the first place." You say as you begin to fall to pieces again.

"Sweetheart, it's okay. It's not your fault. He was gonna hurt you, you were just defending yourself." Eddie tries to comfort you, but you shake your head.

"No! If I wasn't so stupid, none of this would've happened! I made you upset! And the theater is losing business! And I was supposed to do the inventory, because I might be made a supervisor! But I've messed it all up, and we have to deal with the cops again!" You're crumbling into hysterics, sobbing and rambling and blaming yourself. You can't breathe, or think straight, You fall back against the counter, sliding down to the floor. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…" You keep repeating, your vision blurring with every syllable. You feel lightheaded, like you might pass out.

Eddie kneels before you, tapping your cheek to keep you conscious. "Y/N, it's okay. I promise, just calm down. I'm right here, princess. Just stay with me." His shaking voice begins to echo and distort. The theater fades to black a moment after.

You wake up an hour later in the back of an ambulance. It's parked outside the theater, with the doors sitting open. You're laying on a gurney, with an oxygen mask over your face. A male EMT is attending to you, checking your vitals on the beeping machines inside the vehicle. Eddie's sat by your side, holding your hand like his life depends on it. Tears stain his cheeks, and his lower lip trembles. He's got a dark bruise next to his left eye, from where Tommy punched him. He notices your fingers twitching in his hold, and he looks to find that you're awake. "Oh, Y/N. Thank fuck!" He lets out a sigh of relief, which gains the attention of the EMT.

"What's going on?" You ask groggily, focusing on his thumb brushing against your fingers to stay lucid.

"You passed out, sweetheart. How are you feeling?" Eddie questions.

"Tired, and oddly hungry." You reply, smiling weakly at him. He returns it, brushing your hair with his other hand. "Can we go home now? Mom's probably worried about me." You sit up, pulling the mask off your mouth and nose.

"She's already here, love. Dustin, too. And the cops need to talk to you." Eddie says softly, slowly pushing you back down onto the gurney. "You gotta slow down, baby. They're still checking you out."

"Okay." You say simply, allowing him to put the mask back over your face. "I'm sorry." You add, the pangs of sadness hitting you again. Today has totally sucked, more than you ever thought possible.

Eddie tuts, shaking his head to reject your apology. "Angel, please stop apologizing. None of this is your fault. I mean it." He speaks seriously, needing you to accept this simple fact. "It's gonna be okay. We'll get through this, just like everything else. Together."

"Together." You nod to affirm his statement. You just need to relax, and ignore your destructive tendencies.

"I'll go get your mom, alright? She's been worried sick about you." He kisses your hand, getting out of the ambulance to give your mother a turn to see you.

"Hey, sugarpuff. How's it going in here?" Mom asks a minute later, hopping up into the boxy vehicle to sit beside you. Dustin's following close behind, squeezing in with her on the little seat inside.

"I'm fine. I think." You laugh lightly, looking down at the wires and IV attached to various parts of your body.

"Eddie called us right away. He was so worried about you, Y/N. He could barely contain himself." Mom says, her heart aching at how incoherent and desperate Eddie sounded when he called your house. He was crying so hard, she could barely make out any words besides 'theater' and 'Y/N' and 'police'.

"Did he tell you everything?" You ask.

"Actually, Mr. Biggs did. Eddie was a mess until you woke up, nobody could understand what he was saying." Dustin answers. He pauses, his eyes changing a little. "Are you okay, Y/N? I'm sorry about what Tommy did." He asks, barely above a whisper.

"I'm okay. Tommy's in worse shape than I am, I'm sure." You roll your eyes at the idea. You hope more than anything that the taste of your puke never leaves his memory, and that his nose never looks the same again.

"Well, he sure doesn't look happy in the back of that cop car." Dustin snickers, earning a small smack on the arm from Mom. "What? He deserves it!"

"That may be true. But I taught you better than that, Dusty." She scolds him, and he bows his head. "Is she cleared to go, sir? She still needs to talk to the police." Mom asks, addressing the EMT.

"Yes, ma'am. Let me just take out the IV, and she'll be all set." He smiles kindly, and you read his name tag. 'Chad'.

"Thanks for the help, Chad. I'm sorry to be such a bother." You joke, making him let out an airy chuckle.

"No trouble at all, young lady. I'd love to go a few more months before seeing you for a third time, though." Chad replies, and your eyes widen. He was the one that took you to the hospital after the fight with Jason. "I see you still have that necklace. It's very pretty on you, I'm glad I didn't leave it behind." He says casually, keeping your eyes on him while he removes the needle from your arm.

"Well, thank you for bringing it along. It means a lot to me." You reply breathlessly, utterly gobsmacked at this man.

"So does the man who's name is carved into it, it seems. He sure is a keeper. Going after not one jerk that messed with you, but two? I've never seen a man so passionate about a woman before." Chad laughs again, drawing one from you, too. "All set, Ms. Henderson. Just make sure to eat real soon, and drink plenty of water."

"I will, Chad. Thanks again." You smile as you remove the mask, sliding off the gurney to go find Eddie. Mom and Dustin keep close behind, and you see your boyfriend leaning against a lightpost while having a smoke.

"All good, babydoll?" Eddie asks, taking your hand as you extend it to him.

"Yep. Let's get these questions out of the way, I'm starving." You reply as Chief Powell approaches you. "Oh, hey, Chief! It's nice to see you again." You smile at the tall man, gaining one in return.

"It's nice to see you, too, Y/N. Though I'd prefer if it wasn't regarding a crime, for once." He chuckles, and you do too. "You ready for us?"

"Yeah. Let's get this over with." You reply, exhaling deeply as you prepare to recount the events of today for the second time. "I'll be right back. You good to wait?" You turn to Eddie for a moment, checking in on him for once. It's been all about you today, you can only imagine how hard it's been for him. To see you cry so much, to see you get hurt again.

"You know it, baby. I'll be right here, and we can go get some drive-thru after." He gives you a warm smile, and you let him go to give your side of the story. It doesn't take long to make your statement, you're able to keep yourself together enough for Powell. He's a kind man, and extremely gentle with his questions.

"Thanks for the help, Y/N. We'll be in touch with any updates." Powell says, dismissing you as he and Callahan make their way back to their vehicle.

You return to your boyfriend's side, when you hear a couple more sets of footsteps approaching you. You turn to see Mr. Biggs, Harriet, Milo, and Jamie. "I'm deeply sorry, Y/N. I never should've kept Tommy on, it was unreasonable and unfair to you." Biggs says, regret lacing his voice. Harriet nudges him, urging him to say something else. He gives her a look, sighing loudly. "And I'd like to offer you the position of supervisor. You'll get a five dollar raise, and I'll go over your duties once you feel comfortable returning to work."

"I accept your apology, Mr. Biggs. I understand the pressure you were put under to hire him. I will say I'm disappointed that you gave in to such a thing so easily, I know you've got more integrity than that. And as for the job, I'll happily take it. I'm looking forward to proving myself worthy of the position." You say as calmly as you can. It's not what you actually feel, you're far more angry on the inside. But you're too exhausted to care about that right now.

"Thank you, Y/N. I hope to see you back soon." He says, turning to leave with Harriet close behind him.

"You gonna be alright, Y/N?" Jamie asks.

"Yeah. I could use a hug from my boys, though. If I'm not too disgusting for you, anyway." You say with a light laugh, and Jamie and Milo reciprocate it. They each give you a tight hug, wishing you well before heading home for the day. It's safe to say the Hawk is closed until tomorrow after all the shit that's gone down. "Food time?" You ask, turning to Eddie once again.

"Food time, princess. Let's go." Eddie smirks, flicking his cigarette away and leading you to the van. You say goodbye to Mom and Dustin, you'll see them at home in a bit. You hop into the van, and Eddie drives you both to get some burgers and fries. You take the food back to your place, sharing it with your family for lunch after you clean yourself up. Afterwards, you're feeling rather tired, so Eddie takes you back to your room. You crawl into bed together, and he spoons you to keep you safe and warm. Arwen is napping in her cat bed, purring quietly as she sleeps.

"I love you, Eddie. I don't know what I'd do without you." You say quietly as your eyes begin to flutter closed.

"I love you too, Y/N. I'm always gonna be here for you." He replies, his words humming against you as he presses tender kisses to the back of your neck. You settle into him entirely, and slowly drift off into a much-needed rest.

To be continued...

[lokisprettygirl]

Lose me to Love you (Loki x Female Reader) (AU) (18+)

Read Chapter 22 here / Series Masterlist

Chapter 23

Summary: Loki isn't the only one fighting with his inner demons. People from your past continues to turn up.

Trigger Warning: 18+, Description of rape and assault, panic attack, violence against women, Extreme dark themes, Sexual abuse, physical abuse, public sex, Rough violent sex, 18+, Steamy stuff, age difference ,Rough language, mention of suicide, talk of virginity and slut shaming, manipulative behaviour, mention of trauma, smut, toxic relationship between main characters. Dark themes, cult stuff

His palms felt clammy, he had been standing outside the orphanage for half an hour and you were taking your own sweet time coming out, as he noticed a girl approaching him he was slightly surprised. For some reason he kept picturing the eleven year old sweet girl that he knew instead of this fully matured grown woman that he probably would have fucked if he met her at the club. Just 18, he had to remind himself that you were barely an adult.

"Hiiii" you smiled at him and he snapped out of his thoughts.

"Y/n"

"Lokii..how are you?" You were the reason he was even alive today, for a moment the feeling overwhelmed him so he grabbed your hand and pulled you closer to him to hug you.

"Thank you darling, thank you..I'll take care of you I promise" the gratitude slipped past his lips and as he felt your arms around his waist his nerves went calm for a moment.

"So it was your birthday a few days ago, want to do something?" You looked at him as he said that.

"Not really..Where are we going?"

"Ummm my place" you hummed as he answered.

He drove you to his house and you looked around as you both entered the studio apartment he was renting in Brooklyn. It wasn't enough for you two but that's all he was able to do at the time, the divorce settlement has ruined him even further.

"It's cozy, I like it" you placed your backpack down on the couch and smiled again.

"Well you can take the bed, I'll sleep on the couch, food is in the fridge, here's the..umm some money..you can go grocery shopping or get whatever you need..the girl stuff and all" he passed you a few dollar bills so you took it from him, everything was awkward with you two and he felt it in his bones.

"What do you do for work?" You asked him and he sighed

"A small gig at a club"

"What type of gig, are you a bartender?" He combed his hair with his fingers as he tried to avoid your constant gaze.

"A bouncer..you ask too many questions" The job always paid okay, that's also how he met Jolene as well, she frequented the club he worked at and she finally asked him out one fine day. When they got married she got him a position at her accounting firm but he was fired while he was resting after the wrist slitting incident. Now he wished that he never ever met her at all.

"That's hot..i like bouncers..they're soo strong and so manly" his brows furrowed as you said that, how the hell you had even been in a nightclub? He wasn't sure if he wanted to know that.

"Well I have to go meet someone..when I come back we can discuss your uhhhh future plans…if you want to get into college or–"

"No discussion required..I want to become an actor..we should probably move to LA" you mumbled nonchalantly before you proceeded to raid the fridge that was mostly empty.

"Excuse me?" He looked at you all perplexed, getting you into acting business didn't seem feasible to him.

"LA? Los angeles?"

"I know where LA is ..are you serious about this acting thing?"

"As serious as Joker was before his dad carved his face" he looked at you all confused again as you quipped "Really??never?? Oh my god we are definitely going to watch the dark knight once you come back.. Don't worry we don't need to watch the first part.. honestly 60 percent of people skipped the first part and went straight to TDK and somehow it makes perfect sense ..it's like you're not even missing anything important or worth knowing…you know…"

Your voice faded in the background as you continued to speak gibberish to him. However your sweet voice also filled his empty sad apartment and he liked that. Alot. That was the moment he knew that life wouldn't be the same from then, he knew he'd have to make several adjustments and since he had taken the responsibility of taking care of you, your dreams and aspirations became his as well.

His eyes opened to your shaking form and he absolutely abhorred that, every time you had a nightmare he felt afraid that you'd slip past his fingers like that one horrible time. It had happened a few days prior to your mother's anniversary during the second year of living together. He never talks about it because you don't seem to have any recollection of those two days, at first he wasn't sure how to deal with you, how to bring you back but on the third night you went to sleep and came back absolutely normal. You had a bad dream last night too but it was about Thor and he just knew this one was different from that. He knew you'd probably not remember this one because it involved your mother.

"Hey sweetheart" he turned the lamp on to see you properly. His heart rendered as he noticed the tears running down the corner of your eyes,

"Loloooo …mommmyy .. I want mommmy" you sniffled, your voice reminded him of that little girl he had left at the orphanage.

"I know baby..it's okay.. open your eyes..I'm here..im here" he shook your body a little and you woke up gasping for air,

"Lolooo mommyyy ..I need mommmy"

"Shhhhhh baby.. everything is okay..you're safe" he mumbled softly as he wiped your tears, his lips lingered over your forehead before he wrapped his arm around your waist and made you sit up so he could embrace you, you felt safe that way.

He leaned against the headboard while you clutched onto him and cried your heart out.

"I'm here baby, my sweet girl, come back to me, I'm right here, you have me i promise" he mumbled mindlessly

"Don't send me away ..they sent me away every time I had a nightmare..they sent me to that place I hated" you sniffled between your words and his eyes welled up.

"You have me okay? I got you baby, I got you i promise" you hugged him as tightly as you could and your foggy grief stricken mind lulled you to sleep but he couldn't sleep that night, next morning as usual you didn't remember the outburst like always, a few years ago he had asked Steve about that place you kept talking about after such nightmares and Steve told him that it was a psychiatric hospital where they sent you whenever you relapsed or whenever you showed the signs of dissociative Amnesia.

"What are you making?" You hugged him from behind so he smiled.

"Guess" you opened the lid of the pot and all the excitement disappeared

"Porridge" your face scrunched in disgust and it made him smile.

"Well you wanted to eat healthy remember"

"Just take me to the gym again, it's been months" you groaned as you moved around the kitchen to make tea

"I will.. as soon as he's caught" You hummed as he said that "Are you feeling okay sweetheart?" He asked you softly and you shrugged

"Yeahh why?" He sighed as you said that. He wanted to ignore it like he had done before but after last night and the way you were trying to help him cope with his trauma, it had made him reflect upon your own situation, you didn't get away unscathed from his father's abuse, sure he wasn't able to harm you irrevocably but the damage was already done when he had hurt your mother.

"Because of the nightmare? Do you remember what you saw?" He asked you and you stopped doing whatever you were doing.

"Nooo.. i .. I didn't have a nightmare last night..it was the night before remember?" You walked over to him to kiss him on the cheek and he hummed in response. He can't just dump it on you, that would only make the matters worse, he had to find a way to talk to you about this.

"Take me shopping today daddy, it's my birthday in a few days"

He picked you up and sat you down on the counter as you said that. Your birthday. He promised to fuck you senselessly on your birthday but the approaching date had him feeling someway, he couldn't decide if it was a good feeling or not, a part of him wanted to ravish you and enjoy every second of it. The other part though? that bastard wanted to keep himself away from your precious body as far as possible, he didn't deserve to fuck a girl like you, he was one of the reasons why girls like you lost their lives, he was the reason why their dreams got broken so how come he got so blessed as to have someone as pure as you saving herself for him.

"What else would you like to do? A party perhaps?" You thought about it as he said that.

"Or we could just spend it together..just the two of us" you answered him while your fingers played with his chest hairs so he kissed you.

"Aren't you bored of seeing my face all the time?" He chuckled after speaking.

"Ask that girl who spent 7 years without seeing this angelic face. She'd always say no" his eyes softened as you said that.

"For this to happen it had to be that way"

"For what to happen?" You asked him confused so he cupped your cheeks.

"For this to happen.." he kissed you passionately, it wasn't a touch and go type of kiss either, his tongue slid into your mouth so you sucked on it, he tasted like peppermint. Delicious "It had to be that way" you inhaled sharply as he finally decided to allow you to breathe.

"Does it bother you that I was into you way before you were into me?" You asked him

"You were just a child sweetheart, you didn't even know what you felt"

"Well I knew I wanted to kiss you, I was ten when I knew that I wanted to kiss you and –"

"Shut Up.. that's inappropriate as hell" He pressed his thumb onto your lips but his digit couldn't really stop you from smiling or talking even

"It's just the truth, and to this date you are still the prettiest boy i have ever seen in my life"

"Well i'm no boy now my darling" he wrapped your legs around his waist to pull you closer to him and his mouth travelled down from your lips, you moaned as he sucked the soft skin of your neck.

"Some parts of you is still the boy i met"

"Uhhhuh like what?" He chuckled condescendingly so you held his cheeks and kissed him lovingly, as lovingly as you could.

"Like these eyes, still as gentle as I remember, mommy always told me that you could judge a person fairly well by the look in their eyes, you have the kindest eyes lolo" his eyes teared up as you said that. He thought you'd give him a break after last night but you were hell bent on coddling him like a baby.

"Well your mommy wasn't really the best judge of character"

"Take it back" your voice broke because the meanie in him came out again so he kissed you again.

"I'm sorry baby" he murmured against your mouth and you almost melted into a puddle because of how tender he seemed at the moment "You're forgiven" He smiled as you whispered. He wondered how badly he'd have to hurt you to make him unforgivable in your eyes because no matter what he did or said you always forgave him and that too pretty easily.

"What else?" He asked you and it confused you for a moment before it finally dawned upon you. He wanted to know more about those boyish parts of him.

"The smile, still the same, everytime I felt scared at the orphanage I would just think about you and your smiling face, that calmed me down immediately" he kissed you again instead of responding with words "And your voice hasn't changed in the slightest either"

"You are such a sentimental little girl"

"Is that bad?"

"Not at all, I just don't want to disappoint you with my stoicism" a smile graced your features at the blatant lie.

"You're pretty sentimental yourself mister "

"No I'm not"

"Yes you are"

"Shhhhhh"

After force feeding you that unsavory porridge he took you shopping like you had asked him to, you also had to be at an audition tomorrow, you needed to find work or you knew he'd try and find other works, like that thing he used to do at the club, you hated not having him at home all night.

You picked a dress but you didn't want him to see it just yet. You both spent the whole day out, it was a peaceful day but it didn't stay that way. Ofcourse it didn't. It came crashing down on you.

Your soul almost evaporated as someone ran in front of the car, you both watched a woman lying unconscious in the middle of the deserted road and you wondered if she was alive.

"Is she…oh gooddd" you mumbled under your breath so he looked at you

"Stay in here okay?" He asked you so you nodded. She had long blonde hair so it wasn't Jolene, you hated that it was your first thought. Your worries didn't cease there because as Loki rolled her over, it was someone you knew, someone you both knew very well. He picked her up hurriedly before you two could get caught by a passerby or something. After laying her down on the backseat, he quickly got in and drove towards the apartment as fast as he could.

"Ummm is that uhh--"

"Yeah and I don't trust the bitch so we are going to take her home and you're going to help me tie her up as securely as we can okay?" You looked at him all perplexed and he glared at you so you nodded.

The cops on the patrol tonight asked him about her so he lied that she was a friend that had gotten drunk out of her mind. As soon as you all reached the apartment you helped him tie her up onto a chair.

"Lokiii what are we doing..is she even alive?" you asked him nervously so he walked towards you and grabbed you by the shoulders.

"She's alive and breathing, it makes no fucking sense that she'd end up right in front of our car of all people"

"We should tell Steve "

"No not after Thor's situation, I'm already on his radar"

"But what if this brings us more trouble?" he wiped the sweat beads from his forehead as you said that. Ever since his bastard father has escaped your lives has turned into a rollercoaster that just doesn't seem to stop rolling.

You both waited for her to come back to consciousness and when she did she started to struggle against the binds almost immediately.

"Why the fuck are you here?" He asked her as he pulled up a chair right in front of her, you dragged another chair from the kitchen table, it almost looked comical as you tried to be as quiet as you could but the situation wasn't funny at all.

"Lokiii? Y/n?"

Well no memory loss it seems.

"Why the fuck You have me tied up Loki? I know you enjoyed that one time I had--" your eyes widened as she said that. He fucked her all tied up? Again you hated how your mind couldn't move past the jealousy

"Shut up.. shut the fuck up okay? Why are you here..answer me" he glared at her and she looked at you, she then gave you the sickly sweet smile that you remembered really well.

"Oh look at you now, turned yourself into Loki's pretty little girl huh?? Dreams do come true i guess"

"Sister Natasha–" Loki glared at you so you corrected yourself

"Natasha..what are you doing?"

"I don't understand, do you guys like own LA now that I can't be here?" She chuckled and Loki's teeth gritted in anger, he was so close to doing something awful

"Are you here to do his bidding again? He sent you.. didn't he?" she started laughing as he said that.

"You are still so naive loki. You know if he wanted to be here and eat her heart he'd be here, he won't need me" He stood up and all of a sudden there was a smacking sound that you heard, you looked at him shocked as he slapped her. Her lower lip split open at the force he used, your eyes teared up because you weren't expecting him to just go off like that, he never lost his control like that with you. He wasn't like that. Not with women. Not outside of consensual bedroom shenanigans.

"Ohhh I have missed that" her reaction wasn't shocking though, you knew they fucked, you just didn't know they indulged into this, though you should have guessed considering the sexual history of the cult.

"Don't make me kill you Natasha, just tell me the truth, for once in your life, tell me the truth"

He heard you sniffling so he turned his head to the side to look at you, the look on your face was enough to kill whatever shred of self esteem he still had left in him.

He walked towards you and grabbed your arm to take you to the bedroom.

"Stay here" he warned you before he turned around to leave

"This is not you loki" his eyes teared up as you said that.

"That's me sweetheart, that's the real me..still want to believe that bullshit you had made up in your head about me? This is me..the monster I keep warning you about"

You shook your head as he said that, you wanted to stop him and hold him, tell him that he wasn't a monster but he didn't give you a chance, just an hour later cops raided the house, they were tipped off. Natasha told them that he had kidnapped her, she told them that you had no involvement in all of this, you begged Steve to not believe her, you asked him to not take him away from you but he said that he was helpless. All the evidence was against him.

They wanted to take him away to lock him behind the bars, he was to be questioned later on about his motives.

And that's when you were finally able to understand why he went crazy on her, he knew her. You didn't.

You didn't know that she was as rotten as Odin. He wasn't wrong, she was there to do his bidding and she got what she needed. You without him by your side.

@annoyingsweetsstranger @whylokiissocute @loki-s-wife @fraoid3 @siggytumbles @crzyplantladyvibes @stupidthoughtsinwriting @vickie5446 @wheredafandomat @mcufan72 @xxntiimulti @loz-3 @dishahaldar @mcdesij @scram1326 @elthreetimes @army24--7 @sinsandguilt @holotacopeely @huntress-artemiss @blog-the-lilly @ultraviolencexxss @disneyismyworldforever @bunny24sstuff @kats72 @somewiseguy @asgardianprincess1050 @multifandom-world8 @loki-laufeyson-1054 @daddylokisqueen @lulubelle814 @itsybitchylittlewitchy @rogerrhqpsody @praq123

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[austarus]

HR Wells x Reader - Reversal of Denouement

*A/N: The picture/edit/gif does not belong to me. It belongs to its rightful owner.

**Please don’t forget to comment, like, and reblog. It means a lot to content creators of all kinds!

***I’d also like to thank @grimtamlain-writes​ for being my beta reader.

Word Count: 8251

MASTERLIST

A low groan left HR's lips. His body felt numb, his chest ached - tingled as his heart beats steadily. Is it beating? The darkness of his eyelids eased the stinging coming from his mind – it wasn’t so bright. The headache formed there. His body screamed at him as the novelist made the slightest of movement. His left shoulder in particular had protested in desperate agony. He couldn’t move it very much, the area succumbed to restraints of some sort. HR’s throat felt raw as his body throbbed, the blood coursing meticulously through his blood vessels. The sound of a soft voice greeted his ears, but his eyes refused to open.

"I... you, HR... even if... see it." The voice was so familiar, so gentle. So sweet. "Should... better." A drop of water hit his numbed hand, static still prominent there from the little movement his body had done. “I wish…” The dark-haired doppelganger could only understand fragments of what the speaker was saying. He felt a pressure on his hand, tender skin holding onto his before something tickled his forehead. Feather-light. What was it? Who was it? A few moments passed and he heard nothing, the novelist only assumed that the voice’s owner had left. He didn’t want to be alone right now though, not with the darkness.

It had become unbearable.

Since... Since when did…? How...? Oh. Right. Savitar... Am I dead? Is this where spirits wait for their turn to pass into their designated afterlife? Have I really...? Events from earlier resurfaced to his mind, his senses coming together. Right, had to protect Iris. For Barry – it was my fault Savitar had gotten to her. My big mouth. Even if Barry didn't really see me as a helpful friend. At least... At least I proved Savitar wrong, who ironically is a version of Barry. That's hella twisted. He huffed out a breath before venturing back into the calmness of sleep. Maybe a little more rest will help?

***

HR cracked an eye open: this time, harsh filtered light had greeted him. The novelist grunted in pain, adjusting himself slightly to assess where he was. What day was it? What was the time? How long have I  been here? A yawn left his lips this time, his throat and mouth as dry as a desert.

“Well look who finally decided to wake up?” HR’s eyes met Cisco’s, who stood with a tablet in hand. “How’s sleeping beauty feeling?”

The Wells doppelganger cleared his throat. “Like I’ve gotten assaulted by an Amtrack bus, and not the good kinds.” HR’s baby blue eyes scanned the room, landing on the flower vase that was set on a table near him. Blue forget-me-knots and pink hydrangeas stood proudly in their vases, nurtured well. HR felt his heart swell, his eyes not daring to leave the delicate petals that accented the med bay in better tones. Cisco handed him a cup of water to which HR downed it immediately.

“Amtrack does trains.”

“Not on my Earth, Francisco.” The author couldn’t help but ask, his eyes lingering on the flowers once more. “Did Tracy bring those?”

Cisco pursed his lips, an odd look present on his face. He wanted to tell HR, but… “No. Um, she didn’t.” Tracy had been visiting, though it had become some sort of a nuisance to all her complaining at this point. She hadn’t even known HR for that long, anyway.

“Oh?” His shoulders dropped subtly in disappointment. “They’re beautiful, I was just wondering and…”

“Let’s just say, a special someone’s been… dropping by and bringing a new flower each day. That’s all you’re getting from me, Aurora.” Cisco reasoned with the Wells doppelganger. The mechanical genius knew, but it wasn’t his place to say. It killed him, but… “I wouldn’t move around too much, if I were you. You’ve got a fractured shoulder and that chest wound. I’ve been told to relay the message that you’re to be on strict bed rest until that shoulder further heals.” HR lowered his gaze to see the cross-body sling. He clenched his slinged hand and unclenched it to bring some feeling into the limb.

“What about my chest?”

“Miraculously, that’s been healing really well since day one.” Cisco kept the talk real, showing the injured doppelganger the schematics and pictures. “You got lucky that it missed your heart by a centimeter.” A stab wound like that should have… I wonder if she knows that I know.

HR blinked at the seriousness in his injury, the looming idea of death from his decision. “How long was I out?”

“A week and a half.”

“What?” HR’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I-”

“HR!” Tracy’s sudden voice pierced the room, stunning Cisco and triggering an ache in HR’s head. The grad scientists shuffled over to him, both forgetting that Cisco was in the room. “HR, my love, how are you? Are you feeling okay? Is there any pain?” He continued checking his friend’s vitals and adjusting dosages to the IV and morphine administered – as per your request. The room was growing ever louder with HR and Tracy. Tracy embraced him, minding his injuries as she continued to fuss over him. It made the Wells writer smile, yet… his heart didn’t swell as much as it used to.

Odd.

Cisco sent you a quick text while the two were preoccupied, but you were already at the Labs. You stopped just outside the entrance, the wall and dimly light hallway obscuring you from who remained in the med bay. They wouldn’t be able to see you from where you stood.  A shaky breath left you as you clutched the Freesia flower in hand. Your heart shriveled in your chest as you backtracked. Hearing his voice is enough. After all, with Tracy around you couldn’t be near him – those dirty and hateful looks she’d send you. Best to keep my distance, I guess. You couldn’t help but sneak a peek at him though, the man who had unknowingly captured your heart and would never reciprocate your love. You pushed down the lump in your throat. Hastily, you sent Cisco a text to check on the flowers. Silently, you trailed away from the med bay and to the upper levels of STAR Labs. I wonder if he liked the flowers. Standing at such altitude with the wind blowing lightly had calmed you a bit. Looking down at the flower, you gripped it tightly before you began to pick off the petals one by one. The little moments you had with the goofy novelist surfaced to the forefront of your mind with each petal you held. Your little curious escapades. The little talks. The nights you’d visit him when Tracy wasn’t around.

“He loves me, he loves me not,” You murmured, a stray tear trickled down your cheek. The freesia symbolizes unconditional love and honor. “He loves me, he loves me not,” Your voice cracked as more tears fell. “He loves me, he loves me not…”

***

A frown presented itself on HR’s lips as he tilted his head to crack his neck. The crack relieved him tremendously. It didn’t make sense. The novelist mused to himself, setting aside the current chapter draft he was working on. The voice I heard was… different. It didn’t sound like Tracy’s. HR couldn’t get that voice out of his mind – the tenderness that was laced in the tone of that voice. Nothing like the slight shrill in Tracy’s. He eyed the flowers once more that day, their presence was prominent. If Tracy hadn’t brought those, then who had?

The team had helped situate HR in his room in order to vacate the med bay should another imminent event occur. He had overheard Cisco tell Wally that you were preoccupied with something in Star City – a bit of disappointment twinged inside him. HR had taken up doing bits of physical therapy for the rest of his body without moving his shoulder as much. His shoulder and arm remained in a crossbody sling. The flowers sat on his bedside counter; he tended to them as best as he could with the limited movement he had. Tracy protested that they don’t need to be around, but the novelist was vehement on keeping the plants. HR won’t deny the fact that he had gotten annoyed several times with her around when he needed thinking space for his writing. He couldn’t write with noise and nonsensical chatter, especially if it’s mainly coming from someone who doesn’t want to really listen to his input. She’d go on and on about her scientific research and such, but wouldn’t hear a word from HR regarding his writing. The longer the novelist was confined to his room for rest, the more he had time to think – to contemplate. Yes, he liked Tracy, but… it just seemed that she didn’t really see HR. She does all the talking; she doesn’t really ask about how I feel about things or ask me about my life, even things about Earth-19… It’s like she doesn’t see me for anything other than a pretty face. It’s not even my face that Tracy sees, just Randolph’s. Was I too quick to jump at the first person who showed interest in me? Had I rushed into ‘forever’ with her?

He tabled those thoughts for now. HR reached for his laptop; one hand opened it to start it up. While the device loaded, he grabbed his black-clear glasses and set them on his face. If anyone saw him as such, they wouldn’t be able to tell the physical difference between him and his handsome, yet grumpy doppelganger. Except for the eyebrow scar, but that was obscured by the glasses. HR did a couple of searches with a concentrated look. Surely, it was the person with that… angel-like voice.

“Hydrangeas,” HR whispered as his eyes skimmed over the text that had popped up. “The hydrangea represents gratitude, grace and beauty. It also radiates abundance because of the lavish number of flowers and the generous round shape. Its colors symbolize love, harmony and peace.” The Wells doppelganger scrolled further. “Pink hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotions.” Interesting. HR continued his research, glancing at the other flower type that resting in the vase. “Forget-me-nots symbolize true love and respect. When you give someone these tiny blooms, it represents a promise that you will always remember them and will keep them in your thoughts. They are also considered a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness.” A particular link caught his eye, he clicked on it. The novelist read to himself the text once more, “Based on Christian lore, the story about forget-me-nots is that God was walking in the Garden of Eden. He saw a blue flower and asked it its name. The flower was a shy flower and whispered that he had forgotten his name. God renamed the flower as forget-me-not saying that He will not forget the flower.”

HR swallowed thickly; contrary to popular belief around here, he wasn’t stupid. Sure, he wasn’t a science-based genius, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t an expert on other aspects of life and had basic common sense. The author was emotionally intelligent and intact with the world around him. These flowers weren’t picked out on accident. But who would do that? Who doesn’t want me to forget about them? The dark-haired man shook his head slightly as he shut his laptop. A surge of sadness welled inside him at the notion of ‘being forgotten’. Who had he done that to? He’d get to the bottom of this mystery in due time. Right now, I need to jog my memory on what I was writing. A hand found a rough draft paper, his eyes scanned over the words he had typed out. His brows creased as the written notes he’d made on the paper as well. (Y/N) … I had… What had I been writing about again? The novelist read each line, each note he had made no drafts and scratch paper.

The hairs at the back of his neck stood up as realization hit him the more he had read on. The drafts, the notes, all of it – the little novel he had been writing regarding his adventures. But this particular part of his story – the ‘angel’ in his story. The one who stuck by him since coming here, the one who had given him a safe space… And the one he hadn’t seen since waking up. How could he forget? HR lowered the paper; his eyes became half-lidded as guilt shot through him. Before Barry had gone to the future and gotten hints of Tracy with her Speed Bazooka, HR had been working on his book. A book that he had pushed off to stick with Tracy and help in any way that he can to make the speed weapon possible. He had gotten distracted from doing the things he loves. A few conjectures arose in his mind as he slipped his glasses off, one arm end pressed to his lips. His heart hammered into his chest; you were among the last faces he had seen before passing out that night.

The irony. How could I forget that (Y/N) was the ‘angel’ in my story?

***

“Look at you, up and at ‘em.” Cisco strolled into the lounge with a cheeky grin. The mechanical genius didn’t take HR for granted anymore, not with the stunt he pulled. No, Cisco willingly checked up on him – not just for you, but for himself. HR had truly become one of his close friends in the end, especially with all the advice about Gypsy. “What are you cooking up this time?”

“Just an omelet with a side of bacon and toast, Francisco,” HR turned to the mechanical engineer who continued to tinker away at the schematics to get Barry out of the Speedforce. He offered Cisco some with a gesture only for the scientist to politely decline. “I haven’t seen (Y/N) anywhere. Um, is she also…?”

“Oh, you know how she’s like. Either up in the vents or chilling in her birds’ nest on the roof. And on that note, our resident hummingbird has become quite the firecracker.”

HR raised an eyebrow at his friend. “How so?”

“She punched Savitar square in the face then decked him multiple times over when Barry brought him in. Harry had to be the one to pull her away – well, more like carry her away kicking and screaming bloody murder at him. It sounded badass; wish I had been there to see it.”

The Wells doppelganger gritted his teeth at the mental image of Harry carrying you – touching you. The thought ruffled his feathers for some reason.  HR expertly masked his irritation, turning the stove off and assembling the food on his plate. “Why?”

“Because he hurt you, HR.”

“…”

“He almost killed you.” And that was unforgivable, especially to her. “We almost lost you. She almost lost you.”

A rough sigh escaped HR as Cisco had sent him a knowing look before exiting the STAR Labs lounge. The Earth-19 man chewed on the inside of his cheek. Only a fool would misunderstand Cisco’s subtle intentions. HR knew what he had to do – he’d been reflecting on his time here, thinking about the people around him, about the relationships he’s formed. The novelist glanced outside – the sun shined, the birds chirped, and the trees rustled with the wind. 

And the world continues to move on.

***

“When are you going to tell him?”

“…” You tensed at the abrupt voice. You snapped your head up, eyes darting to find Cisco approaching you with pocketed hands in his gray-black jacket. He wore a Bulbasaur shirt. The clouds surged by with the intensity of the breeze. Your hair blew over your shoulders slightly. Tilting your head, you turned back to watch the city. Days had passed and you refused to see HR, content on what Cisco had been telling you. He’d been recovering tremendously well, but… you didn’t really want to hear about what he and Tracy were up to. It wounded you. “Tell who, what?”

“You know exactly who I’m talking about, Ms. I’m-going-to-put-my-feelings-in-a-box.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Ohohohoho, no. I am tired of the love eyes, the lingering gazes, the pining. It ends.” Your best friend came to sit down next to you with that frustrated look on his face. “I know you have powers.” Your heart stopped in your chest at his accusation. “I know you used your powers to heal HR.” You bit down on your lip, not wanting to validate his statement. Cisco saw “I analyzed the wounds, looked at his healing at a microscopic level. I’m not Caitlin, but even I can pick up a few things. His cells were excelled to heal, but there were residues of your genetic markers at the wound point. You stitched his wounds together, cell-by-cell. My point is: why didn’t you say anything? Your powers are a-”

“-A curse.”

“What?”

“They’re a curse.” You threw a hard look at Cisco, making sure your hands wouldn’t touch him. “I can’t be playing God, Cisco. And… it’s unpredictable, volatile. I could either heal the life in my hands or take it away. I could rip someone ‘cell-by-cell’, Cisco. There’s no ‘in between’, not this time. He got lucky with my powers. He got lucky I didn’t make things 100% irreversible.”

“But why didn’t you say anything?” Cisco eyed the gloves you wore; it wasn’t the season for leather gloves.

“Because I didn’t want to give anyone false hope.”

“You don’t want to give yourself false hope, you mean.”

“…I can’t even heal a plant, Cisco. No matter how hard I tried, it wilted further. It’s a curse.”

“That’s not guaranteed every time, you know. It takes practice – discipline to get your powers to work with you instead of for you.” He nudged your shoulder with his, turning his gaze to the flock of birds drifting through the wind. “You know, he broke up with Tracy.”

“Ok?”

“Happened a week ago. She didn’t take it well and let me tell you. Tracy Brand was livid – the rage and yelling were off the charts. I think she has Harry beat. I knew it wasn’t going to last anyway, it was too superficial to begin with.”

“Uh huh.” You tried to sound uninterested, but deep down you were relieved. You heard a little ring in your ear. You wondered…

“She’s gone, won’t be coming here anymore.

“Ok.”

“So, go make your move.”

You turned abruptly to face him. “Cisco, have you thought that maybe HR doesn’t want to dive into a relationship right away? That… maybe he needs space to focus on himself?” All were things you had contemplated for yourself before.

“And what better way to do that than with a new roommate.”

“Excuse me?”

“Surprise, you’re getting a temporary roommate while we fully fix up things around the labs. I volunteered you since you have the space and the patience to deal with HR.” Your blood froze in your veins.

“Francisco Ramon, I am going to-”

“-Thank me, you’re going to thank me.” He had already breached away before you had the chance to strangle him. Heat rushed to your cheeks at the idea of HR living with you, even if it was a temporary living arrangement. You scolded your heart for beating loudly in your chest. One hand gripped tightly to your other. An audible sigh escaped you as your mind played with the idea.

Shit, what am I going to do?

***Day 1***

Cisco blew out an exhausted breath, setting down another box on top of a box in the guest room. You and the mechanical genius had been breaching back and forth with HR’s things as said novelist was crippled. His arm would take about another four weeks to heal. About 20 percent of shoulder fractures are displaced and may require some type of manipulation to restore normal anatomy. Occasionally the rotator cuff muscles are injured or torn at the same time as the fracture. Fortunately for HR, his rotator cuff muscles weren’t as damaged. This can further complicate the treatment. Therefore, in that time, HR would just be handling the lighter stuff, bless his heart. The novelist entered the room with his black backpack slung over his functioning shoulder – it was the last thing that he could carry.

“I think there’s one more box left,” HR pointed with his thumb towards his back direction, the breach closing behind him.

“I’ll go get it, not a problem. Why don’t you two get started on unpacking, huh?” HR shrugged with one shoulder and stepped away to set his bag down by the bed. Cisco threw a cheeky look your way when HR had his back turned, his eyebrows wiggling. ‘Have fun love birds,’ the scientist had mouthed at you. You flicked him off with a deadpanned look. Instantly you dropped it when the Wells doppelganger turned as Cisco snickered before he breached away. He gave you a confused look, but you waved it off.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For allowing me to stay obviously. And for all the help since I’m, well, a bit tangled up at the moment.”

He was referring to the cross-body sling that clung onto him like a spider. HR rubbed the back of his neck, and you didn’t miss the way his bicep flexed at the motion in that gray short-sleeve shirt. Calm the fuck down, it’s just a toned muscle. You’ve seen things like that before.  The puppy-like smile HR sent you had your cheeks warming up. The gentle smile that made your heart melt all over again. You cleared your throat as you reached for a box. “It’s no big deal, HR.” Undoing the tape seal with scissors, you opened the box- and the first thing you see are a pair of handcuffs accompanied by a silky black blindfold.

“What’s in the box?”

A little noise left you as you shut the flaps of the box, trying to seal it again. The flaps remained downward in the box. “Nope, nothing. Just some clothes here. I’m going to get that one box from the living room.” You had backtracked right into the door, your nose throbbed in response at the collision. “Ow,” you muttered to yourself, rubbing the skin.

“You ok?”

“I’m fine,” your response was quick, but not rude. A deep chuckle made its way to your ears as you scrambled out the room, your heart hammering in your chest. Your thoughts scolded you for being so awkward and flustered around him. Be cool, just chill out… The man you’re hopelessly in love with is just living with you temporarily, it’s not like anything will amount from this. You picked up the last box in the living room, hoping that just clothes would be in here and not anymore kink toys. I mean… I have toys, too. AW SHIT, I HAVE TO HIDE THEM!

HR’s eyes never left you as you made your panicked exit. He let out a little breath before shuffling over to the box you had been attending to. Immediately, he face-palmed hard when he had opened it with one hand. His face felt impossibly hot at what you had seen. She must think I’m an idiot or something. His mind thought back to when you helped him shop for some new clothes then it had gotten ruined from a meta. His hand fell away from his face, the image of your kind grin imprinted in his mind. I am an idiot, though. A fool.

Once Cisco returned, you three continued unpacking HR’s things for the time he’d spend here. The labs were still in ‘piss-poor’ shape according to Cisco and that he’ll need to consult with Harry and Wally regarding repairs.

“HR, how are you showering?”

“Um, like a normal person?” A dumbfounded look crossed HR’s features as he set the plate of sandwiches down. The novelist had knitted his eyebrows at Cisco. He had taken up to experimenting in the kitchen when he wasn’t writing. The tea and coffee were still brewing in your kitchen.

“No, I mean with how your shoulder is injured,” Cisco snuck an evil look at you, you returned it with a glare, “must be hard handling it alone.” You knew exactly where this dumbass wanted to take this conversation, so you stayed silent as to not get caught in the crossfire.

HR thought to himself for a moment. “Just a bit, but I’ve gotten used to the mild discomforts and pain. I can mostly reach everything thanks to my long limbs. But I think the nice thing is that it’s an internal issue, not an external one. An external injury or wound would require me to really have help with showering that way the area doesn’t get infected or irritated with the contents of soaps.” A laugh fell from his lips, but his mind wondered what his friend was playing at while you were around.

“I’m just saying, if you ever need a hand well,” Cisco trailed off with a smirk, chomping on his third sandwich.

Oh, I see. Devious, but a futile effort. “I’ll make sure you’re the first one I ask for help,” HR teased with a smirk of his own for Cisco to drop his in disgust. A cough escaped you, which had HR’s eyes land on you. Your eyes met for a moment before you deviated your gaze. HR felt hypnotized for a moment. Hm… The engineer quickly recovered from HR’s snide remark.

“Alright kids, I’ll be going now. The labs require some diligent work that I, a capable and distinguished engineer, could only do.”

“Yet, we still have the occasional security issues,” You sipped your tea once the snarky comment was out. HR stifled a chuckle, but you heard it. The corners of your mouth lifted slightly at the notion.

“Hey, that’s not fair. They always come up with something new to invade our space by.” Cisco pointed a finger at you, mocking a hurtful expression on his face. It dropped into a sneaky smile. “Make good choices and always use protection, you two!” He breached away before you could throw your cup at him.

***Multiple Days Pass***

Through his time here, you noticed HR fueled to write what’s on his mind in the guest room. You could only assume that he continued his adventure story. Sometimes he would venture out for some coffee or take a walk to give his creativity a break. Keeping that in mind, you gave HR the space he needed as well as all noises to a minimum. You knew he liked the quiet atmosphere to pour his heart and soul into words as he did research for a scene. Pulling your jacket on, you compiled a list of groceries before you stepped out of your apartment. Locking the door, you headed out to the store picking up a few necessities as well as some snacks for HR. Like Harry, the novelist can easily lose himself in his task – which meant that he tended to forget about eating and such. You found a bag of Jitters coffee beans, adding it to your cart of items. Buying some snacks and fruit, you’d leave a note in the kitchen of the snacks when he emerged from his writing cave.

On the way back, you stopped by at Iris’ studio to check up on her. A few groceries for her as well were in hand. Cecile and you did your best to visit Iris. But you can’t deny that you blamed her to a certain extent. Had she spoken up once she had left Savitar’s place disguised as HR, HR wouldn’t have been hurt that night on Infantino Street. Surely, she could have contacted her father or Cisco or something. The transition could have been smoother. HR wouldn’t have been… The journalist was faring; she pushed through the pain and as Barry had told her ‘to keep living’. So, Iris did. She hadn’t been herself since Barry went into the Speedforce – she pushed too much, the smile wouldn’t reach her eyes sometimes. You sympathized; she lost the love of her life. But you almost had too.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine, just… taking it one day at a time.” You nodded at her response, a small smile on your face. “How are things with you and HR? I heard of the temporary living conditions.”

“It’s fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I’m in my bubble and he’s in his doing his writing.”

“Right. Nothing going on whatsoever?”

“Iris.”

Iris set her cup of hot chocolate down and raised both hands in mock defeat. “We all saw it. We all see it.”

“See what?”

“How smitten you are for him.”

“I’m not-”

“-Don’t say you’re not. If you weren’t you, Harry wouldn’t have to pry you off Savitar before you clawed his eyes out.”

“…” You just looked into your tea, the honey that settled at the bottom. Iris placed a sympathetic hand on your shoulder, but you didn’t look at her.

“The heart will want what it wants, (Y/N). Pushing your feelings into a box and denying it out loud won’t change things.”

“I know.”

And my heart wants him, over and over again. Even if he can’t see me.

***

HR tapped his pencil against the desk at a steady pace. His mind wouldn’t focus on the words in front of him, on the scene he wanted to set. Instead, it kept drifting further from it. Further towards you: your eyes, your smile, the kindness that you held; the serenity that your existence held as the world continued to turn and chaos had unfolded at each turn. HR didn’t see much of you while he was here, the novelist missed your company. You were here, but you weren’t really here. You were either in your room or at the balcony with a book or on the couch with your Switch. He didn’t want to bother you, but… sometimes HR just wanted to sit beside you and pull you close to talk. To hold you in his arms and ask you about your day, to understand what you were thinking. HR cracked his back in a stretch from where he sat on his bed, being mindful of his injured shoulder. It didn’t hurt as it had originally done a few weeks back. The Wells doppelganger noticed that you were careful to avoid touching him or him touching you. Not even a hug that you used to graciously give him. You were especially guarded with your hands. A rough sigh left him as he threw his pencil down. The frustration was setting in, he was getting nowhere. You consumed his thoughts. HR wondered if you were revolted by him but doesn’t verbalize his thoughts to you. He didn’t think you’d give him your truthful answer. Maybe she is revolted by me. She did find the cuffs and the blindfold… No, she knew about the cuff stage thing well before that.

The sound of the front door greeted his ears followed by the soft tune of music. A frown made its way onto his face. Might as well take a break. HR stretched once more when he fully stood up, a little noise of relief left his lips. He cracked his back once more before smelling himself. For safe measure, the novelist sprayed a bit of cologne on himself and turned off the candle he had on. He mentally noted to take a shower after dinner since his last was yesterday. He liked the feeling of being clean, to be honest. HR carded a hand through his hair. I need a haircut soon, too. Yeesh, I feel like I’m letting myself go. Once I’m all healed it’s back to proper cuts and the labs’ recreation room. He wanted to go back to lifting weights and doing yoga for body stability purposes – especially now because of his shoulder. HR rested a hand on his chest, the wound had healed completely, but a scar remained. Upon entering the kitchen, he saw the groceries on the table and heard you whisper along with the lyrics. The music was set to a low level that your whispers were audible enough. He watched you sway a bit with the tune.

So please don't break my heart

Don't tear me apart

I know how it starts

Trust me I've been broken before

Don't break me again

I am delicate

Please don't break my heart

Trust me I've been broken before

The guitar tune pulled at his heart, feeling the raw emotion behind the lyrics. He eyed you for a moment. HR cleared his throat to make his presence known, he knew you didn’t like to be snuck up on. However, a little gasp left you from where you were. “You went out shopping?”

You looked up from where you crouched to put away the cereal. “Uh yeah, we were running low on some stuff.” You shut the cabinet and went to the other items you had bought. The music continued to delicately play.

“Need any help?”

“Um, sure. Uh, just set these into the cabinet on the left.” Normal, be normal. He’s not going to eat you or anything. Distance is good. Distance keeps you safe. You didn’t meet his eyes, the eyes that’d pull you in and never let you out – your heart shook with him here and the song that played. You were hoping HR wouldn’t come out while you prepped dinner to have a sort of peace of mind. The next song played before you could stop it-

My last made me feel like I would never try again

But when I saw you, I felt something I never felt

Come closer, I'll give you all my love

If you treat me right, baby, I'll give you everything

“I like this song,” HR started as he was finishing up with putting his side of the groceries away. Another guitar-like song that brought out the soft feelings of love and rejection. HR mused to himself if fate had planned this out. If this was some sort of sign or a cruel joke… You had stopped yourself from clicking the button to skip the song at his comment. You don’t know what possessed you to let him indulge in another song that you’ve cried to late at night. “Hey, I can cook dinner tonight. I have something I’ve been wanting to try. I’m not that crippled so I can manage with a few cookware.” HR chuckled to himself, a goofy grin on his face. Your heart leapt in your chest; his grin caused a small smile to pull at your lips. “You can wash up first?”

You swallowed thickly, your eyes meeting his icy blues. You felt your cheeks warm up slightly as the nerves crawled up your spine. “Oh, ok. Cool, yeah. Can’t wait to see what you cook up.” You nodded, ducking your head away and shuffling out of the kitchen with that shy smile on your face. You missed the longing look he had sent you as you fastened your steps to head to your room.

God I love that smile. What goes on in that little head of yours? We used to be so close… before Tracy came into the picture. HR pulled out the spices and the chicken breast. He shook his head and proceeded to prep the food with his one useful hand. I need to consult Francisco.

***

“We need to talk,” HR’s voice broke the silence in the side lab of the Cortex. He had breached to the labs using the Breach Extrapolator after he had showered and such. His damp hair was pushed back in HR’s normal style.

“About what?” Cisco raised a concerned eyebrow at the writer, stopping what he had been doing.

“(Y/N).”

A nervous laugh left Cisco as he went back to attempting to make the necessary modifications to the Speed Bazooka. Tracy was reluctant to help the mechanical engineer after the breakup. “What about (Y/N)?” Cisco put down his screwdriver. “Did you do something weird to her?”

“What? No! I- we used to be closer. We always talked, we’d hang out after a long day here at the labs.”

“Uh huh.”

“And, maybe it’s just me, but things have changed.”

“How so?” Cisco was wondering what conclusion HR was leading himself to.

“Things changed when Tracy came into the picture.”

Cisco made a little ‘o’ with his mouth with a little nod before closing it. He pushed a rough sigh past his lips, he was getting really tired of this puppy love game. “Why do you think that?”

“Francisco, she flinches when I get close – almost when I touch her… Does she hate me?”

“I think you and I know the answer to that one. But I think the real question should be: Why do you care so much? Why does it bother you? Do you love her, HR?”

The novelist tensed a bit. “…” HR pursed his lips as Cisco walked around the table that the speed weapon was mounted on. Blueprints were scattered on one table while the glass board held variables and equations he could not decipher. “What?”

“I said what I said,” the mechanical genius smoothly responded. One look at HR and Cisco knew that he was baffled by his forward words. But they needed to be said. “Now run along and use that head of yours to think about what your heart wants. Barry isn’t going to get himself out of the Speedforce.”

***

Cisco’s words mulled through HR’s mind as he breached back to your apartment’s living room.  Only the lamp light on the side table was on. HR’s eyes landed on you, who laid on the couch with the book you had been reading on the back ledge of the couch. The novelist took off his shoes and set down his bag. He had detoured to the bookstore, looking for the next installment of your current book. The Wells doppelganger had assumed you didn’t buy it yet as it was vacant from your bookshelf. The gentle giant stepped silently closer to you; the dim light cast over you like a glow. There were slight bags under your eyes. She hasn’t been sleeping well lately. Spotting a large and fluffy blanket near, HR grabs it and lays it on top of you. He remembered you mentioned to him prior that you easily get cold, especially at night. Chewing on the inside of his cheek, HR contemplated something before his body moved impulsively. The novelist placed a gentle kiss on your forehead; his lips lingered for a few more seconds. Pulling back, HR watched your chest rise and fall.  He turned the light off and stumbled over to his room with his phone light guiding him. He knew what he was going to write. Cisco’s question pestered him enough though.

Do you love her, HR?

HR took one look out his door before shutting it, his heart squeezed tightly in his chest as he whispered, “Goodnight, my angel.” Only the shadows that lingered were a witness to the fondness laced in those simple words.

***

You woke up with a start, you hand instantly smacking right into your chest. Heavy breaths left you as your nerves were in overdrive. Cold sweat beaded your skin as you gasp for air. It was another night terror – the same one for a few weeks now; a new way in which you caused HR’s death. Swallowing thickly, you screw your eyes tightly shut and whisper the mantra that calmed you down. After a few minutes, you started to regain control of your breathing – the thoughts that ravaged your mind finally ceased like the tides subsiding after a tsunami. You blinked languidly, hating nights like these. They weren’t rare, but they weren’t an uncommon occurrence. Deciding that you needed to step out for some air, you did so with the intent of getting a glass of water from the kitchen. Your fingers found the lights for the dimmers in your room, setting it to its lowest setting for you to see yourself out.

Cracking the door open, you were instantly met with the scene of HR passed out on the couch again. He’s been doing that for around two weeks now, the couch his new base of operations. His mouth was slightly open as little snores escaped him. A lovestruck smile crossed your features at the sight. Papers were littered around him, on the ground, and on the tables. Must be the manuscript he’s working on for his final draft. I hope I can read it at some point. Coming back from the kitchen with the water in hand you couldn’t help but stop to admire the sight. You noticed the glasses still perched on his face. Moving as silent as a ninja, you inched closer to pull off the glasses from his face. They’ll break if he keeps them on while he sleeps. Then he won’t see for shit when reading things. You nibbled on your bottom lip as your eyes drifted to the papers. One peek won’t hurt anyone. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.

Seating yourself on the ground, you leaned your back against the foundation of the couch. You were opposite to where HR’s upper body was. If there were any telltale signs of him waking, you’d hightail out before he could fully wake up and process what you were doing. Picking up a small stack, you started sifting through them. Your mind became engrossed with the words – the beginnings of the story he had spun about his adventures as to how he came to Earth-1. Then… mentions of an angel eluded you. It couldn’t be Tracy, could it? I know they broke up, but… on the other hand, it doesn’t mean that he can’t say that she was his angel at the time. Like a character development thing leading to their break up?? Well fuck, I don’t even think he’d mention such a personal thing in his book. I know I wouldn’t… would I? I don’t know. A little smile danced at your lips while you read on about the synonymous things regarding Team Flash that you failed to notice HR rouse from sleep.

“Do you like it?” Lethargy intertwined his words. A stunned noise left you as you clutched the papers. You turned to see HR rubbing his eyes before gazing at you.

I could get lost in those eyes if I stared too long.

“Uh, yeah, its- it’s really good,” you stuttered, setting the papers down in your lap. Embarrassment of getting caught gripped you. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I don’t mind you taking a peek. I don’t have anything to be ashamed of in it.” HR shifted his lithe body to sit next to you on the ground.

“Oh.”

“Couldn’t sleep?”

“No.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“It’s not that important, I’ll be ok.”

“If you say so,” HR’s shoulders sagged slightly. “I’m here if you want to talk.” You nodded at him, whispering a little thank you. HR ran a hand over his knee, he took a glimpse at you who stared at the papers. He noticed what chapter you hand been reading – the angel was making an appearance in the story. The hair at the back of his neck stood while you thumbed the words on the paper back in forth, just lost in your mind. Your hair was messy from sleep, the bags under your eyes were still there. It killed him how you wouldn’t confide in him anymore. But he didn’t push you. You would open up to him if you wanted to or not, even if he wanted you to do so as so his mind can be at ease with knowing what’s going on with you. Cisco’s question sprang up in his mind once more before he licked his lips, his eyes watching you. “I do.”

You gave HR a strange look. I do, what?

“Tracy wasn’t her.” Realization struck HR the more you whispered with him.

“Huh??”

“I heard this voice before I woke up.” The novelist fully turned to you with intense eyes, the enlightenment in them – the fire that burned brightly. “The tenderness in it could rival any tasteful delight in the multiverse.”

“A voice?”

“Mm, it made me think that only a heavenly deity would have such a voice.” You remained silent as he spoke. “I never got to hear that voice since my coma… until now?”

You tensed at what he was insinuating. “Now?”

“How could I forget?”

“I-I don’t understand.”

“How could I forget about you?” The baritone huskiness in his voice made you melt with the way he said those words. You swallowed, trying to calm the butterflies that raged in the pit of your stomach. “The flowers that were left – beautiful, delicate, yet meaningful. You left those after visiting me.”

“…”

She didn’t deny it. “But you never visited when I was awake because of Tracy.”

“She hates me.”

“And I was too blind to see that until I broke up with her, she threw quite a fit.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“Because you must have loved her so much that it would be hard to let go.” She was your angel, after all.

“She didn’t even know me. Truly know me.”

“… Did she hurt you?”

“Slightly, but the bruise is gone.” You and he were silent for a moment. Only the sound of a distant car horn was heard from the streets. “You didn’t deny it.”

“Deny what?”

“The flowers, the visit…” HR licked his lips as a rough breath left him. His nerves were climbing, but he needed to do this. “Cisco told me what you did to Savitar when you saw him. How angry you were that Harry had to pry you off him – I was so angry.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t know then… but I know now.”

“And?”

“Tracy was never the one written in my story – she didn’t care. She didn’t see me for anything other than a pretty face obsessed with coffee. You did.” HR tucked your hair behind your ear, carefully gauging your reaction. He saw how you tried not to flinch away from him. “Do you hate me?” He asked as he retracted a hand from you, happy that he was at least getting through to you.

“Never could I feel such a way towards you.” You hesitated for a moment before testing the waters. You started to explain, “I- the night you were stabbed by Savitar I… I just broke. I pushed Tracy away, I had Barry rush you back to the labs. You were dying, unconscious on the gurney and… I got to work trying to resuscitate you. I had Cisco take care of Tracy while I worked, I needed space to think clearly, but I couldn’t. When- when the others were preoccupied with Iris’ appearance, I used these powers.” It was now or never. “I was desperate. Your life was hanging by a thread- I didn’t think it was going to work, but nothing else was working. You were bleeding so much. But I had to try. I…” Your glassy eyes locked back on his, your hands pulled close to your body. HR understood now why you never tried touching him. Why you are avoiding getting too close. “Cisco found out, he confronted me. But these powers, life isn’t guaranteed. They’re volatile, unprecedented – regardless of how I feel in the moment the balance can tip between giving a life and taking one.” There was a tightness in your chest as your voice cracked, “I’m cursed, I could hurt you.” I’m dangerous.

“I don’t think you will.”

“You don’t know that!”

“But I do,” HR reached a hand out to hold yours. Tension filled your heart as panic started to settle. “You wouldn’t let yourself hurt me. It would pain you too much.” HR squeezed your slightly shaky hand, his other hand still bound by the cross-sling. “My life is in your hands.”

“How can you trust me so much?”

“Because love cannot be built without a foundation of trust.” He placed a sweet kiss on the knuckles of your hand. “And understanding.” He took the other and kissed it, baby blue eyes shifted back to yours with such intense emotion. The adoration that filled the author to the brim for you. Just for you. Only you. The one who saw him for everything and anything that he is. His safe space – the one other thing he wanted to be for you as well. He wanted to eliminate any fears that resided in your heart, the pain and doubt that remained.

“Do you hate me?”

HR cupped your cheek tenderly as he leaned close, your heart wanted to stop as blood rushed to your cheeks and ears. Your half-lidded eyes shut slowly as his lips skimmed over your own. “Never in my life, angel,” the novelist whispered as he captured your lips in a tender and sentimental kiss.

Never in my life could I hate the one who my heart has yearned for.

[writingsbychlo]

strip it down | thomas

word count; 7894

summary; your best friend ask you if you’ll spend your summer break keeping fit with him so he’s ready for track returns in the fall, but he’s pretty distracting.

notes; this is based on an ask that I got, inspiring it, and it was just too good to pass up, so I hope you like it!

warnings; smut, unprotected sex, public sex, reference to injury, very brief reference to drink spiking (past tense).

You were just beginning to surface, enjoying the summer break you were getting for college, and happy to spend the summer in your own place. It was quiet, your roommate getting ready to go home, and you would have the apartment to yourself for weeks. Squeezing the pillow in your arms tighter to you, you froze, the bedding beneath you rising as it took a breath, and you jumped back.

Sitting up in your bed enough to rub your eyes, you growled a little as you recognised the chuckle that sounded, opening your eyes to find your best friend staring at you, his phone in hand as he slumped across your bed.

“Mornin’ angel.”

“What the fuck are you doing in my bed? You scare the life out of me, and it’s-” You twisted, picking up your alarm clock, one that had been promptly turned off seeing as it was summer break, to check the time, “-eight in the morning? Really, Tommy?”

“Did you know that you cuddle in your sleep?” He ignored your question entirely, and you sat up in the pillows beside him, the bedding still covering the lower half of your body as you covered a yawn, realising that you weren’t going back to sleep any time soon. “It was cute. Like, the second I got myself all comfy here, you put your head on my stomach, and a leg over mine, holding on for dear life.”

“Thomas-”

“Also, continuing with the cute cuddling thing, if I play with your hair while you sleep, you get this sleepy little smile, a-”

“Thomas!” His jaw snapped shut, turning to look at you, honey brown eyes catching flecks of the sunlight pouring in through the now open curtains, and it was no wonder you’d woken so early of your natural self, his lips pursed as he stared at you curiously. “Tell me what you’re doing here so early in the morning, right now.”

“Only if you tell me whether or not you knew that you cuddle in your sleep, first.”

“No, I didn’t know that. I’m not really a sleep-cuddler, I’m very picky about positions.” His jaw dropped, a cheeky look flashing over his features, and you held up a finger, shaking your head and shutting down the innuendo he was about to release. “Sleeping positions.”

“Just me, then? That’s adorable.” He tapped the tip of your nose, before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, standing up and stretching a little, the edge of his shirt lifting to reveal a sliver of his stomach, your eyes diverting. “You have a very comfortable mattress, is that memory foam? Anyway, the reason I’m here.”

“Finally.”

He shot you a mock glare, rolling his eyes at you. “You have to get up, because I want to go for a run.”

“And I want to go back to sleep, so that's gonna’ be a hard pass on the physical exertion. Thanks for the offer, but I’m going to keep being lazy.” He frowned, and you grinned, rolling over onto your other side and turning your back on him, and he scoffed a little. A second later, the covers that you had wrapped yourself up in were being tugged back and out of the way, a groan on your lips. “No, Tommy, let me sleep! If you’re really my best friend, you’d let me sleep.”

“No, if I was really your best friend, I’d carry you all the way back from the club on a Friday night after you called with your head in a toilet bowl because you got spiked, and stay by your side all weekend until I was sure you were okay.” He tapped his chin for a second, your stomach twisting just at the memories. “Oh, wait, I already did that.”

“That was low.”

“If you were really my best friend, you’d come on a run with me so I have company while keeping in shape for my track return in the fall.” He grabbed onto your ankles, pulling you down the bed toward him, and you yelped at the action, half of your bed hanging off of the mattress as you stared up at him in shock, his hands on his hips as he smirked. “C’mon, please? Minho is out of town, and I hate running alone.”

“Fine, but only if you buy me a smoothie fro-”

“From Annie’s Café? Blueberry, yoghurt and a dash of lime?” He reached over to the nightstand, a paper cup you’d failed to notice, and you sat up, reaching for it as your body moved closer to his, and he handed it to you. Peeling back the lid, you found it was perfect, the scent of the mixed fruits being a perfect combination. “I already got it on the way over here.”

“Okay, fine.” He cheered loudly, watching as you took a sip of the drink you had, humming happily at the taste that was exploding over your tastebuds. “Go get me some clothes.”

“You’re the best.” He held your face, peppering your cheeks with

You waved a hand in the vague directions of your drawers, knowing that he was familiar with where your things were, having helped you pack and unpack over the last few years, much like you had him, your final year of college bringing around a friendship that had lasted since the first day, and you crossed your legs on the bed, waking up a little more as you sipped your drink.

He dug through the drawers, chucking a pair of leggings in your direction, a sports bra following it, and some socks, and he stared at you inquisitively for a second, eyes scanning down along your body, licking over his lower lip. “Do you wear panties to bed?”

“Thomas!” You threw the empty smoothie cup at his head, and he ducked, laughing loudly as he avoided the assault.

“It’s a practical question! So, I know what to pass you!” You rolled your eyes, scooping up the clothes and looking over the bundle.

“Where’s my top?”

“I passed you one!” He paced back over, picking up the pink and grey undergarment, and waving it before your face. “See?”

“That's a sports bra! I need a top!”

He raised a brow, and you didn’t realise your poor choice in wording, his playful mood taking over. He moved back over to you, hands finding the edge of the bed, and he crawled up toward you as you edged back toward the pillows, placing a foot on his chest to keep him away as a smirk took over. “I could be your top.”

“Quit it, you perv!”

“Oh, so you wanna’ be on top?” He rolled onto his side, head propped up on his hand, wiggling his brows, and you scoffed, standing up with the bundle of clothing, and moving to the bathroom to get changed, his laughs echoing behind you as you went.

Shutting the door, you rolled your eyes at the muffled sounds of him moving around your bedroom on the other side of the wood, your face splitting in an uncontrollably wide grin, cheeks warm to the touch with a blush.

Brushing your hair and pulling it back into a style enough to run with, you turned on the taps, toothbrush first as you scrubbed at your teeth to clean them, drifting into your thoughts. Thomas had been your friend for a long time, the two of you having met on your first day in a freshman biology lecture, and even when you’d switched your major a few months later, he still stuck by your side. He’d been someone you could rely on and depend on since your very first day of real independence and adulthood, and so he had embedded himself permanently in your life.

You cleaned your face too, feeling refreshed as you went, before swapping out your clothes, folding your pyjamas up neatly, and unlocking the door again. Thomas had pulled the sheets on the bed neatly done, sitting on the edge, and smiling at you as you emerged.

“Ready to go, pretty lady?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be for exercise at the crack of dawn.” He looked like he was going to correct you, but your mock-glare made his lips zip back up again, standings and brushed himself down. Grabbing your keys, and locking up the apartment as you went, you let him take the small piece of metal, tucking that into his pocket too, and placing a hand on your lower back to guide you through the halls. “Just so you know, I haven’t done exercise in years. I’m going to make it, like, a mile. That’s it.”

He turned to look at you, nothing judgemental, just a fond smile as he held open the main door of the building for you to pass through first, the busy streets of the early morning crowding around you suddenly. “How about, we just go and jog around the park over there, huh? It has those nice trails through the woods, too.”

You glanced out, a hand shielding your eyes from the summer sun, a park you’d rarely had time to venture into, once on a picnic with Thomas and his friends last summer, but that was about it, and so it would be nice to explore it a little more.

Tightening your hair as you approached the edge of the grass, choosing one of the trails from the sign at the entrance of the park, quickly settling on a short one with plenty of scenery through the trees. The pace started slowly, and Thomas was happy to fill the silence with chatter as you went along, breaking out in a sweat long before he did, the sun beating down and your heart pending in your chest, throat growing dry, but you were willing to just push through it.

It truly was beautiful, the early morning sun was something you rarely go to experience, either locked up in class or the library, or catching up on much-needed sleep, and Thomas had always been the opposite of you in that respect, He was good with the mornings, the athlete in him woke him up when the sun rose, sometimes even beforehand, while you preferred late nights and the dark hours of the day.

Sunlight filtering through the trees, dogs playing in the grass of the main park before you got too far away, the rustle of leaves underfoot and the gentle breeze, the smell of flowers in the air. It was a memory you’d forgotten even having before getting caught up in college and stress, shutting yourself off as you buckled down for your education and career.

The first half-hour or so was a breeze, despite the sweat you broke out in and the pounding of the blood in your veins, you became accustomed to it, listening to Thomas talk. You held up your conversation, the two of you making plans for the summer before you returned to classes for your final college year, and you planned to make the most of it since you’d both have such unlimited time together.

In the second half an hour, the pace picked up, Thomas going quiet, occasional smiles that he gave you, before his skin began to shine from the exertion too, and you were swallowed thickly. Hair matted to his forehead, tanned skin only enhanced with veins that crawled along his forearms, blood pounding much like your own, and he was working at a faster pace than you as you became tired, only just having passed halfway around your set, jogging before you.

You tried to control yourself, but his shirt was stretched across his shoulders, the muscles in his back standing out, shifting under the thin cotton that was damp with patches of sweat, every movement of his arms making it clear, and you had to try and focus, almost swerving off of the path and tripping a couple of times as you failed to pay attention to the forest floor under your feet.

In the final third, everything went to sit. The tree covering thinned slightly, moving toward the centre of the day as the sun shone in the sky, almost directly overhead, and the temperatures were shooting up. Thomas had slowed to meet you again, growing slightly tired himself as you felt like you were dragging dead limbs along, sure you’d be achy and unable to move tomorrow, and at some point, as you’d dipped your head, you’d noticed the bounce.

It wasn’t your fault, your eyes were just drawn to the movement, almost choking on your own spit as you realised just what was bouncing under the thin basketball shorts, your eyes squeezing shut for a second and trying to clear the image from your mind, your brain going hazy and the rubbing friction between your thighs suddenly becoming prominent to you as you ran, wanting to squeeze them together.

You kept going, swallowing the lump in your throat and shaking your head clear. But then his arms were flexing, reaching behind his neck to tug his shirt away from his body, and your mind went blank. Shining abs, the smattering of dark hair between toned pecs and down to his happy trail making your mouth water, sweating skin glistening in the sun as he moved, muscles bouncing, like some kind of Baywatch audition, and you couldn't be held responsible.

Your feet got caught, a loud popping sounding before searing hot pain radiated up your leg, a cry leaving your lips as you hit the ground, rolling to as top, before splaying out in the dirt, a little dazed and confused. Thomas popped into view, concern written all over his features as he talked a mile a minute, so fast you could barely understand what he was saying as his hands found yours and he pulled you up, your eyes sweeping over him. Oh, right half-naked secret crush. That’s right.

“What the hell just happened?”

“I fell.” He let out a weak laugh, worry still holding his brows furrowed, though, and you reached out to him, smoothing your thumb over his forehead to rub away the creases in a way you’d done so many times before, particularly before exams. His features softened as you did, and he let out a little sigh, standing himself and pulling you to your feet. As you put pressure on your ankle, it gave way, and you wanted to scream, possibly even die a little, as you tumbled forward into his chest, his arms wrapping around you. “Nope, no. Ankle says no thanks, no today.”

He grinned, scooping you up under your legs, and carrying you over the grass at the edge of the pathway, luscious and thick green as he set you down, finding shade under a large tree, hidden by some bushes to shield your eyes, before he was kneeling before you. His fingers skimmed along your calf, your leg twitching as he did, before he was pulling up the edge of your leggings to get a look at it.

He hissed a little, fingers running over the patch, registering where the skin was already going hard, and the way you cried out and jerked at the touch, pain coursing through you, and he apologised each time, a sigh on his lips. “I don’t think it’s broken, just a bad strain. It’ll take a while to heal, though.”

“So much for our summer plans.” You whispered, his eyes finding yours, and you swallowed thickly, embarrassment creeping in. “I’m sorry, Tommy.”

“What the hell are you sorry for? It’s my fault you’re hurt.” it was your turn to be confused, his head dropping and eyes hidden from yours. “You could still be tucked up safely in your bed, totally not injured, but I made you come for a run.”

“Thomas, look at me.” He didn’t, still adjusting your leggings back over your ankles as he undid and retied your laces, tighter to keep pressure on the injury for now, and you hooked a finger under his chin, forcing him to look up. “Tommy, I know I complained, but I was having a  good time. I always do when we hang out, even if we are running ourselves to death.”

His lips flicked up at the joke, but he still looked guilty. “I know, but I should have just worked out alone.”

“But you don’t like that, so I was happy to come with you. Stop beating yourself up.” He sighed, trying to let the tension go, and nodding his head. “Besides, I don’t get all gross and sweaty like this for just anyone, so cheer up, that’s how you know I wanted to be here.”

“You’re pretty no matter what. Sweaty, all dolled up, glitter in your hair at a club or all breathless and sweaty on a run, you’re breathtaking.” His hand came up to sit on your cheek, a thumb smoothing over your skin. “When I wanted you to fall for me, this isn’t quite what I meant, though.”

You stared at him for a second, eyes narrowing, and his usual cheeky grin flashed up, but there was something deeper in his gaze that you’d never taken long enough to notice before. “Did you just flirt with me?”

He looked taken aback for a second, wide eyes and parted lips, before a disbelieving sound left him, and he shook his head lightly “I’ve been flirting with you since the day I met you, but thanks for finally noticing.”

“You have?”

“Uh, yeah.” He deadpanned, your head emptying once again, and you watched as he twisted his body, sitting down on the grass with his legs spread out before himself.

“You took your shirt off.” He paused, looking down at himself, and his cheeks were tinged pink when he looked back up, confused. “You took your shirt off, and my mind just sorta’ went blank, and the next thing I know, I’m on the floor in pain. I’ve been into you since, like, last year. The whole system just short-circuited as you did.”

You waved a hand up and down yourself, and he frowned, not exactly the reaction you were expecting, the fear of rejection racing through you. “So, it was my fault you got hurt?” He looked totally distraught, lips in a pout as he stared at you, and you couldn't take it anymore. “I’m really, really so-”

Pushing forwards, your lips met his, his back finding the grass as your body crashed into him, a groan spilling from him as his brain caught up. One hand sought your waist as you lay atop him, the other lacing messily into your hair and tangling the strands as he kissed you back deeply and passionately, lips gliding with yours. You held yourself up over him, the pain in your ankle disappearing as he kissed you just as eagerly, an exchange that was long overdue.

It was frantic, and needy, his mouth working against yours until the breath was stolen from your lungs and your lips were stinging, desperate for breath but never wanting to part from him, a whine leaving you as he pulled back, gasping for breath much like you were. He pulled away, staring up at you as his head fell to the grass, a finger smoothing over your face as the tomb of the other rubbed circles into your hip, tucking under the edge of your shirt to find bare skin. “We should have done that a long time ago.”

“Yeah, definitely.” You rolled your lips together, licking the taste of him from them as you stared down at his flushed face, whiskey eyes twinkling as he stared up at you. “Wanna’ do it again?”

“Fuck, yeah, I do.” He leaned up halfway to meet you, neck craned and he hummed happily, this kiss a little slower and calmer, testing the waters as the initial shock and desperation died down, and he rolled you over, your back meeting the ground as he settled above you, your back coming down to rest in the soft grass. “Been dreamin’ ‘bout kissing you for years.”

He mumbled the words into your lips, one hand finding your shoulder, sliding down a little lower over your arm, pausing a little as he found your ribs, thumb brushing just under your tits through your clothing, your breathing hitching in your throat. His kisses shifted, trailing along your jaw lightly and your hips bucked up, a groan on his lips as you brushed over him, shy heat flushing your face once again as he paused.

“I meant it, y’know. I realised not long after we met that you weren’t going to return my flirting, but I liked you so much but then, and so I decided I’d rather have you in my life as a friend than not at all.”

His teeth continued to tease your skin lightly, and you shivered under him, his hips dropping down to press against you more firmly, and your eyes slipped closed.

“Pure torture, though. All your pretty dresses, movie nights where we’d cuddle, and you’d wear my jumpers when you came over, looking so cute that all I wanted to do was kiss you until your mind was empty, and wake up to you on lazy Sundays. I want you to kiss before exams and whisper good luck in my ear, before we get to celebrate late at night. God, I’m so fucking in love with you.”

“You are?” It was a startling realisation, your body jerking a little in shock, and he grunted as your core shifted against him, his lips bucking up to you in return this time.

“You don’t have to say it back, but it’s true.”

Your hands came up to find his face, bringing him close enough that your noses bumped and breath was shared. “I love you too, Thomas.”

He whined a little under his breath, nose playing with your own, and you tugged him in closer, until his body was pressed up to yours. The temperature was rising between you, making you feel suffocated as the gaze you were being fixed with by the man set you on fire from the inside out, and you pushed him back, breath caught as you looked at him.

Your hands moved to the hem of your shirt, skin itching to be rid of it as you felt like every nerve within you was speaking with electricity, tugging at it as it was trapped between your bodies, and he moved to help. Peeling your shirt up and over your head, it was a flurried collection of movements, sports bra revealed to him once again, and you sighed a little as your back met the crisp and cooler strands of grass again, his body covering yours as he followed you back to the ground.

One solid hand came up to your thigh, hitching it up onto his hip so that he could settle between your thighs, and as the hardening cock in the thin shorts he wore pressed up to your core, you both let out soft sounds of pure bliss at the friction. Dragging a hand down along his chest, your nail scraped over bare skin, sweat and slick from all his exertion, the dips between pecs and toned muscles twitching and clenching under your fingertips, and he let out a breath sigh into your mouth as his lips found yours once again.

Wet and passionate, his tongue teasing over your lip until you parted them for him once again, and he moaned as your tongue dared to come out and play with his own. You dared your hand lower, fingers brushing across the trail of dark hairs below his navel, until a single finger was tracing over his cock, and he whimpered needfully at the feeling, his bucking up into your touch as your hand was crushing between your bodies, the noises he made making your head spin.

Cupping him fully, you squeezed tightly, and his arms over you buckled a little as you did, his lips leaving yours so that his forehead could press to your own, hot washes of quickly panted breaths coming over your face. “Sweetheart, if you keep that up, I’ll fuck you right here in the park.”

“Sounds naughty. Sounds fun.” You mumbled, a slightly tighter grip as you rolled your hand over him, and he groaned a little under his breath, dipping down for a desperate kiss. Supporting all of his weight on one hand, the other coming down to peel your touch away from him, and pinning your wrist to the warm grass over your head, shaded by the tree the two of you were partially hidden behind, a growl on his lips.

“I’m not kidding.”

“Neither am I.” He pulled back, eyes finding your own as he evaluated your words, finding no joke in your eyes and a dark look crossed over his features, rolling his lips before they twisted up into a smirk.

“You know, I always pictured something romantic for our first time together.” Your breath hitched in your throat, the tip of his nose nudging at your jaw as his lips brushed over the sensitive skin of your neck, tongue brushing as he licked at his lips, and you keened up into him. I” figured it would be after a couple of dates, when I finally manned up enough to tell you how I felt.” He pressed a delicate kiss to your skin, and again, nothing rough about it, not at all what you’d expected, and you lifted a hand to lace into his hair. “I’d take you home, strip you down slowly, kiss every inch of your body until you were breathless, and then I’d make love to you for the whole night.”

“Big promises, think you can last that long?”

“Probably not, you drive me crazy with everything you do, but I’d give it my best go.” He laughed gently into your skin, teeth grazing over the spot where your neck met your shoulders, and he gifted one hand again, to land on your jaw to turn your face to the side, his teeth biting own roughly on that spot, and a loud moan left you as you felt him do so, not enough to break the skin, but enough that there’d be a mark, and your eyes rolled back a little.

His lips sealed over that spot, sucking harshly, and you whimpered a little under his touch, swipes of his tongue thrown into the mix, slow and torturous over your sin, and there would be a large bruise you’d be unable to hide for days to come. “Tommy..”

“I know, sweetheart,” He dipped down a little further, lips working over your skin until he was kissing down toward the edge of your sports bra, the tip of his nose dragging over a perky nipple beneath the elasticated material, and he chuckled into your skin at the needy noise you made. Hot and wet kisses, placed along your stomach, until he had reached the hem of your pants, humming under his breath, his fingers latching into the sides. “Are you sure about this?”

“The sex, or the sex in public?”

He lifted his head, a laugh flailing from his lips, cheeks flushed with warm pink as he stared up at you, an adoring look in his eyes that shone right through his amusement. “Both, I suppose.”

You collapsed back into the grass, feeling his finger twitch where they waited in your waistband, before nodding your head. “I’m pretty damn sure, Tommy.”

He didn’t waste any time, pulling your pants down just far enough to fall under the rise of your ass, bunched around your upper thighs, before your hips were falling down once again, a loud giggling falling from your lips as you did, squirming a little against the floor, and his fingers paused in their motions along the bare skin of your thighs that had been revealed as his brows rose. “What’s so funny, angel?”

“The grass is tickling my ass.” You mumbled, and he paused, your head lifting to look at him in the silence, and his face was split in a wide grin, trying to choke back his laugh as he stared at you, shaking his head.

“You totally just ruined the moment.”

“I did not!” You grinned, giggling as you spoke, before sitting up and moving to your knees, spreading your legs as far as you could with the stretchy material still around your thighs to kneel before him. Taking his hand in yours, you pulled it down, watching as he swallowed thickly, eyes still locked together, and his breath hitched as the back of his palm brushed over your yoga pants. The tips of his fingers traced over your sodden folds, your teeth caught prisoner between your teeth as his jaw dropped, and he took control then. “See? Totally not ruined.”

“You will be,” He mumbled, a threat that had your head spinning, and he was firmer in his movements now, a single digit swirling through your wetness and dragging up until he was bumping against your clit, a sudden cry leaving you as he did, and your fingers dug into the skin of his wrist. “So wet, sweetheart. That all for me?”

You nodded, eyes fluttering shut as he began to trace slow circles onto the small bud, and he hummed under his breath.

“Thought about this so much, the way you’d look when I touched you, how you’d sound moaning my name, the way you’d feel as you came around my cock. You’ve been all that’s on my mind for so long.”

“Tommy..” You sighed his name out, pushing him a little further, and a dark chuckle left him as you tried to get more, feeling that sam wet pad brush over your entrance. “Please?”

“Use your words, I want to hear you say it.” His other hand came up, cupping your jaw, and you could feel his eyes burning into you, voice becoming raspy as he spoke low and quiet, words for only you to hear as the two of you tried not to draw too much attention to yourselves. His thumb brushed over your chin, dragging your lower from where it was held to press on them, stinging slightly from the scrape of your teeth, before you were parting them, allowing his thumb to press to your tongue. “I want to hear everything that this dirty little mouth has to say, go ahead and drive me wild, angel.”

You hummed around the finger in your mouth, hips bucking up into him as he circled your hole, never dipping inside but make sure to rub across you just enough to catch, making you absolutely desperate, feeling your juices flooding down onto his hand and smeared between your thighs as he kept this up. Sucking tightly on the finger in his mouth, he let out a broken moan, pushing his finger in further to keep you quiet, before one long finger was dipping into you, as far as he could reach.

The teasing, the build-up, everything had been overwhelming, all too much for you, and your whole body trembled at the simple addition, feeling him still as you acclimated to the invasion, before he was curling his finger to press at your walls lightly. “Nothing to say, so soon? I was hoping I’d at least get my cock in you before you were fucked senseless.”

He pulled that wet finger back, smearing over your china s your gasped for breath, and you opened your eyes to look at him. “You really want to know what I think about?”

“I really do.” He pulled back, beginning to set a slow rhythm with his finger, pumping in and out of you slowly, and you needed more. “You ever thought of me while touching yourself like this? I’ve thought of you, when my hand was wrapped around my cock, thinking about how much better it’d feel if it was you. Your hands, your mouth, this sweet little cunt, always you, though.”

Your hands ran up his shoulders, coming up to sit over his neck lightly, feeling the erratic throbbing of his pulse under your hand. “I think about your mouth, all the fucking time.”

Pink lips formed a smirk, his finger being joined by another and beginning to stretch you out picking up pace, and you could feel the knot within you beginning to wind up tight, pulling and twisting as you felt butterflies begin to explode for action inside. “Yeah?”

“Yeah, you don’t know how much you mess with it. You’re always licking your lips, and making these little smirks, and your cute little smiles, You rub at your jaw, and oh God, don’t even get me started on your hands.” You let out a gasp as the tips of his fingers found your sweet spot, exploring within you as he learned what made you tick, what made you moan.

“Right there?”

“Right there!” You confirmed, breathy exclamation of the words, and he focused his attentions on that, your mind going blank as pleasure raced through every vein in your body. You’d wanted this for so long, this kind of intimacy with your best friend.

You were close, close enough that he had a key to your apartment and stated over frequently, close enough that he’d seen you in your underwear before and close enough that you’d shared a bed, cuddling on nights when you were stressed before exams, showing up at his place in sweatpants with tearstained cheeks, and he’d bring you inside without a word.

This was what you wanted though, you wanted his lips on your own, kissing away every sound you made as it became more frantic, a wet sound filling the air, smacksmatchinging of your lips and the atrociously dirty sound his finger s made as they thrust in and out of your wet channel, a peak like no other beginning to take you over, even from the simple foreplay, purely because it was him. “I’m close..”

Your words were mumbled against his lips, and he only groaned under his breath, the palm of his hand brushing over your clit with every movement, the sparks of electricity it created were running along every nerve you had, and you rolled your hips down into his hand, searching for more of that friction as you chased your high right towards the edge. “I can feel you, baby, squeezing my fingers so good. Can only imagine how good you’ll feel milking my cock.”

“Thomas!” He recessed down roughly on your g-spot, nails brushing over your walls lightly each time he pulled back, a combination of filthy sensations that made tears line your eyes as it all became too good. “Tommy!”

“C’mon, baby, come for me. Make a mess on my fingers, like I know you want to.”

His words threw you over the edge, deep voice and dark tone, your face pressing into his neck as you cried out his name, muffling your sounds in his skin as you came, juices washing over his digits as he pumped you through it, shushing you lightly, a mixture with praises, telling yo how goo you were dong, and it made heat crawl along our skin to your cheeks as you realised how much you liked it.

You’d always been independent, relying only on yourself, and then Thomas had stepped into your life and forced you to depend on him just as much, and as he coaxed you through your climax, mumbling sweet whispers about how good you were for him, you crumbled to nothing under his touch. “Feel better, honey?”

“So good.” You whispered, walls fluttering as his hand pulled back, and you retracted yourself from his body long enough to watch him stick his fingers into his mouth, one eye dropping in a lazy wink as he licked the clean. Your hands slid from his shoulders to his chest, letting out a contented sigh as you looked at him. “God, you’re so fucking hot.”

His chest puffed up a little under your touch and at the compliment, your finger moving in feather-light patterns over his chest, making him shake a little as you moved. He moved you, back, laying you down in the grass, slow and intimate, his body covering yours, kneeling between your thighs and moving to peel one leg free of your leggings, your shoe dropping off at your foot and skin raising with goosebumps at the summer breeze washing over flushed skin cooling you down immensely. His hands were supporting him on either side of your head another question about whether you were sure, but this one was unspoken, a look in his eyes said it all.

Dragging your hands along the bare skin of his back, you found the shorts he wore, basketball style, thin and silky under your hands, and you pulled on them, inching them down and far enough over his ass for his cock to spring free, wet and dripping with precum, bumping against you sodden folds, and you took a sharp intake of breath at the feeling.

His hips thrust up, instinctually as he twitched, the swollen head of his cock pumping to your clit, and the both of you let out soft whines at the feeling. Reaching between your bodied, your fingers wrapped around him, his lips parting and eyes sliding shut as you gripped onto his shaft, a few test strokes as he fucked up into your fist, before you were nudging his cock down, lining him up perfectly.

Sinking into you, his hands gave way at the bitten-off cry of your name that he made,  dropping from his hands to his elbows, bodies pressed flush together as your hips sat snugly together, his throbbing length encased within your walls.

“I feel like I just went to heaven.”

You giggled, the movements making you tighten around him and he groaned at the feeling. When you were both ready, you circled your hips against him, rocking up into him slowly, and he reached down to latch a thigh up onto his waist again, no obstruction as your bare leg came up to his body, wrapping and holding him tighter.

“I promise, next time, it’ll be after a date. Something fun and romantic, and when we get home, we’ll be all alone, and I’ll take you apart piece by piece until you're crying my name, but not right now.” His lips brushed over yours, his head tipping to the side a little, before you could fee his cheeks twitch in a smirk. “But right now, I just want to fuck senseless.”

“So do it.”

“I intend to.” He pulled back, almost all of the way out of you, before he was slamming back into you, no warm-up or time to adjust, you back arching up from the grass as you met him, and you barely covered a loud moan with your hand before he was repeating the motion, a grunt on his lips as he did.

Your nails raked over his back, tearing welts into the skin as he picked up to an earth-shattering kind of pace, and just as promised, you were left speechless, absolutely fucked senseless. It was pleasure like none you’d ever felt before, stretched out around his length, long and thick and your breath was punched form your lungs as you gasped for breath with every thrust that he delivered to you. Leaning up, you caught his lips with you own, a kiss that he was eager to return as he let out a soft sound at the connection, lips puckering immediately to return the love, and you smiled against him.

Shifting your hips up to meet him, skin was clapping against skin, drowned out by the sounds of fresh water and birds chirping around you, distant chatter from the other sides of the bushes and trees that you were hidden behind. It was scandalous, the thrill that anybody could simply walk around this side and catch you, half-naked with your loved ball-deep inside of you,  hand over your mouth as you tried to quiet your screams, you weren’t sure what you’d do.

Slipping your other hand between your bodies, you found your clit, rubbing patterns on it to match his thrusts, the high within you building up to reach cosmic peaks. Locking your legs around his waist, you flipped him over, a grin on his face as he found his back pressed into grass, your centre sliding along his length as you sank back down, seated across his thighs.

“Oh, so I take it that you’re feeling better.”

“I’ll probably regret it later,” You whispered, a jolt of pain sparking along your body as you caught your ankle at an odd angle, face screwing up lightly, and Thomas sat up to meet you. Wrapping your legs around his waist at a more comfortable angle, you let out a little sigh, his hands on your hips helping you to move. “That’s better.”

“Mhm, I’m glad.” He whispered, and you whimpered, hands coming up to wrap around his neck as you leaned in, close enough that your lips brushed, heads pressing together softly, and he circled your hips slowly. It was special, breath shared, and while it may be risky and erotic because of where you were, heated circumstances throwing your hormones into overdrive, you knew it wasn’t a mistake, it was the first step through the doorway you’d both been lingering outside of without realising the other was there. “I’m close, sweetheart.”

“I know, me too.” You whispered, picking up your motions and rocking yourself down into his body, every pulse of his cock making stars flash behind your eyes. Slipping a finger between your lips, he brushed the pad over your tongue, waiting for you to soak the digit before he was pulling it away, his mouth closing over your own, hand slipping between your bodies. He tweaked at a nipple through your sports bra, chuckling in the kiss as you whimpered his name, before he was finding the swollen bud between your legs. “Fuck, Tommy!

Rubbing lightly, he had barely begun, before you were tumbling into orgasmic bliss in his arms, locking up around him, body going rigid and your heart feeling like it stopped in your chest as you came undone. He held you tightly, your bodies pressed together, fingers laced into his hair, mouths sliding together in sloppy kisses as you tried to keep yourself somewhat quiet.

Only moments after you came, he was chasing right after you into your peak, his eyes rolling back in his head, tone raising just a little as he moaned your name, cracking slightly and you felt like you’d broken just hearing him say your name in such a way. Ribbons of hot cum filled you, making you shudder as you felt chilled from the outside as he pumped you full, and you felt tears line your eyes. “Oh, fuck.” You whispered, words dragged out as you felt your heart race in your chest, beginning to come down from your high. “That was incredible.”

“That’s an understatement.” He mumbled, lips moving along your jaw in sweet kisses, pressing gently as you waited to catch your breath, sweaty skin now even slicker, the run having had nothing on this kind of activity, as you came down, he flipped you over pressing you back into the grass so that your legs could unwrap from his waist, letting him pull away from you and collapse down onto the sun-warmed ground beside you. Tugging his shorts back up, you stared down at your one bare leg, your shoe metres away, and you groaned, trying to sit up.

A cringe was on your lips as you felt arousal still leaking from your core, and he chuckled, lifting a hand to brush lightly over your skin, watching as you tried to readjust yourself without putting too much pressure on the ankle that was still injured.

“Do you want to get a pizza?”

“What?” You turned to stare at him incredulously, snickering slightly as you reached for your shoe, and bringing back the shirt he’d dropped long ago as you did. Lacing up your shoe once again, you turned to face him, finding him still staring at you.

“Movie night. Me and you. A date. Pizza or Chinese food?”

You grinned, plucking your shirt from the bush-branch it had landed on after being flung away, trying to turn it the right way out once again. “Pizza works for me.” Your words were whispered out, a light sigh as you realised it was officially, and Thomas sat up upon hearing the crack in your voice. Settling a hand over your cheek, he pulled you down to his lips, a smile pressed between you as he gave you a simple kiss.

“I meant it, y’know. Everything I said, about how much I care for you, and how into you I am. I honestly do want us be a couple, have for a while.”

“I’d like that, too.” You mumbled, accepting the hands he was holding out to you, pulling you to your feet before letting go to tug his shirt back on over his head, a wisecrack on his lips about not wanting to cause any more injuries, and hide the marks you’d made on his back. As you stood up and balanced with weight on your ankle, you tested a first step, sighing a little. “Still hurts.”

“When we get back, I’ll get an icepack for you, and let you put your feet in my lap while we watch movies.” You huffed, his arm wrapping around your waist to help you go, and you twisted to look up at him a little.

“I’d rather be in your lap myself.”

“Yeah?” He grinned, turning to press a kiss to your temple. “That works too.”

“I should hope so. Your lap belongs to me now, girlfriend rules.”

“Alright, well that means that cute little butt belongs to me. Boyfriend rules.” His hand slipped down, pinching at your ass lightly, and you jumped, swatting at his hand as you steadied yourself and rebalanced on your feet, wincing at the pain on your swollen ankle.

“You are going to injure me even more.”

“It is not my fault that you can’t keep your eyes to yourself.” You gaped, shoving him with your elbow as he snickered. You continued on you walk, moving in slow and cautious steps as you began to make your way back to your apartment, hoping your roommate wouldn't be home to witness the messy state you were in, grass stains on your pants and Thomas’s knees, because she’d put it all together in seconds. The hand on your waist squeezed lightly, pulling you out of your thoughts and back to the moment. “I’m joking, you have o idea how many times you’ve distracted me.”

“Now you can do something about it.”

“Yes, I can.” He beamed, dipping down to press a soft kiss to your lips, and you returned it, heading home for the first date for the man you’d adored for so long. Maybe exercise was good for something.

[bonkers-4-hatter]

!Yandere !Demon Haru X Reader - Hellish Love

This is another part of a commission for a lovely dear! Warnings are down below, all of these have been really dark, however, I do enjoy writing yandere themes now! I think it’s a nice contrast from the fluff I’m used to writing. Please read the warnings before reading, it can be triggering to some!

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Warning: Mentions of violence, physical assault, sexual assault, dubcon, creampie, mentions of pregnancy, kidnapping, yandere behavior, descriptions of blood/bleeding, masturbation, degrading names, humiliation

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Demons rarely have feelings of need, want, whatever you might call it, the only thing they really felt was malice and the need for power. However, in Haru’s case, you struck something in his unbeaten chest and he’d admit it, he strayed away from his original mission, but he knew he just had to have you.

Haru first spotted you on the streets when he was stalking his target, some low life who broke his contract with the demon he summoned. Haru was the demon to punish those who break their contracts, demons don’t have any morals, but a deal’s a deal and breaking those contracts is something those in the underworld take very seriously.

He was stealthily following the target from the rooftops and just tracking his every move, getting his routine down, same as every mission, but something caught his eye, you. More specifically, you being mugged in an alleyway. Your terrified supple form pressed against the cold, unforgiving brick, a look of total petrification all accompanied with tears flowing down your cheeks.

You looked breathtaking to him like that, however he only wanted to see that exact same look on your angelic face in his presence and not the thugs currently threatening you with a knife, veering off with his mission, he jumped down from the roof and quickly made quick work of the creatine threatening you. 

He couldn’t help himself as they screamed and pleaded as his demonic claws tore through their brittle flesh as if they were nothing. All the while your shaken form slid down the brick wall. He could smell the scent of your blood as your skin scraped down against the bricks and it was intoxicating. Throwing the remains of the bodies aside, he stalked up to your quivering body, crumpled on the dirty ground, clothes stained with dirt and blood. Standing above you, Haru felt a surge of power that he craved, he wanted to see this petrified look on your face always, but he also wanted to hold you and keep you all to himself. Emotions were something unknown to a Demon, but he felt like this was as close to the feeling of what others call ‘love’. 

Crouching down he was eye level with you, his claw coming you to catch the ending stream of tears cascading down your face. You did recoil from his touch, but he didn’t mind. 

“T-Thank you...w-what are you?” He resisted the urge to smirk at your pitiful voice. Your voice was adorable, so quiet and meek and he wanted that voice to only meekly say his name. Licking his lips at the delicious thought, he didn’t answer as the sound of sirens alerted him more humans were on their way. Giving your form another once over, he quickly jumped to the roof before following the scent of the pathetic human he was originally after in the first place, but the lingering smell of your fresh blood would stay with him and with how unique and intoxicating it was, he knew he wouldn’t forget it. 

After figuring out the target’s routine, Haru grew bored as he waited to slaughter the vile being and while lounging in a tree one night, your scent hit his nose. It wasn’t as strong as it was when you were bleeding, but it was still there. The wind made your scent wrap around Haru and he breathed it in deeply. He finally had new plans for tonight and he was excited. Jumping from the tree, he followed your scent to your quaint house which to his delight was on the edge of town a little ways away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

That’s how he spent the weeks as he waited for his official date to kill the target - watching you. It was cute to see you so carefree and letting your guard down as you went about your house doing chores, dancing, cooking...and even your most intimate and private moments. Those were his favorite, to see you bathing, your naked form lathered in soaps as his dark eyes scanned what would soon be his. He wanted to run his claws down all the plush skin, leaving marks and just enough small cuts to have that heavenly blood of yours fill the air. He could feel himself getting excited every time he watched you bath. 

It was like any other night, Haru was watching you like usual, but you started doing something he only dreamed of. Seeing your naked form on your bed, one hand flicking and tugging at your hardened nipple, the other hand in between your spread legs gathering the weeping juices as you rubbed circles around your clit. Lucky for him, you left your window cracked just a bit that night meaning it was easy access for him and once the scent of your sex hit him he leapt to the cracked window, he needed you now.

As you continued to pleasure yourself, Haru slipped in and you were unaware as you were a moaning mess, head tilted back against the pillow, legs shaking at your building orgasm as your fingers continued to plunge into your slick heat. Easily hiding in the shadows of the dark room, his eyes didn’t leave your blissed out form as you continued to fuck yourself, your moans filling the room. Quickly unzipping his pants, he slipped his hardened cock out, precum already building at the tip of it. He started to stroke himself, his eyes glancing between your bouncing breasts to your dripping core where he was fixated on your fingers as they made a squelching sound as you fucked your needy hole. He picked up the pace as he could feel his own breathing becoming heavier the more he stared at you. He could feel himself getting close to his release, not even surprised that your alluring body and angelic moans made him get there so fast. He could tell you were getting close as well by the way your legs started shaking more frequently, your body trashing a bit on the bed at your upcoming release. 

Without a second thought Haru rushed to your bed, unveiling himself from the shadows. He did think about keeping his face hidden, but threw that thought out the window, you’re his now and he wanted you to have the image of his face imprinted in your mind for all eternity. Covering your mouth with one of his hands he climbed on top of you, pinning your body to the bed as you began to trash about trying to get free. 

“Stop moving or I’ll kill you.” With a harsh tone, Haru squeezed your mouth which he had covered. With the threat in the air, you stopped moving, your body coming to a still. Smiling in the darkness, he pressed his body against yours. You quietly gasped at the feeling of his cock sliding up and down your damp lips as the intruder continued to thrust himself in between your weeping lips. 

“I’ve watched you for weeks,” grunting, he stopped his thrusts and re-positioned himself, his leaking cock started to actually go past your lower lips. He could feel the tears as they trickled down your cheeks which only made him smile. “Fuck, I’ve wanted to take you so many times, have you just like this beneath me.”

Without another word, he plunged his cock into you, the feeling of your walls pulsating around him made him want to just fuck you wild, but he held back as he looked at your face, tears still coming down, but heat rushing to your cheeks and he could feel it seeing as he was still holding a hand over your mouth. “Now that I’m inside, I’m going to let you go, scream and you’re dead (Y/N), just enjoy what I’m about to give you.” With a nod of your head, the Demon lifted his hand as quiet whimpers escaped your mouth. 

Leaning down, he captured your lips, tasting the tears that dripped onto them. Slithering his forked tongue into your mouth, he explored every crevice he could reach. Haru’s claws gently dragged down the expanse of your bare body, he dug his claws into your delicate skin enough to draw some blood, the sweet scent he’s been dreaming about for weeks filling the room. A moan caught Haru off guard. Lustful eyes stared into your half lidded ones.

“Oh, so you like this...the pain?” Taking a single claw, he pressed it against the valley of your breasts and added just enough pressure to create a thin line of blood to appear to the sex filled air. To his amusement, a pleasurable moan left your mouth, your back arching off the mattress and your pussy tightened around him. 

“Do you like being used like this?” Pulling out his cock, a small whine of protest emitted from you. Before pulling all the way out, he plunged back into you making a scream erupt from your throat. Haru started to snap his hips, pistoning into you without a care in the world. Little streams of blood were running down your body, breasts and tummy jiggling with each powerful thrust he gave you. You couldn’t respond with a coherent sentence as your mouth was wide open, moans spilling out and breathing becoming ragged. “You like a stranger fucking you senseless like this? Such a little slut! Your pussy is squeezing me little human, you’re my little fuck toy now you hear me?” 

“N-No! I-I’m not yours!” Haru’s grin quickly faded as a growl came from him, his usually dark eyes becoming a menacing color of red as they gazed down at you, the tears still running down your face. A scoff left the Demon’s mouth one of his clawed hands wrapped around your neck, the tips of his claws digging into your skin just enough so you could feel it.

“You’re mine now (Y/N), I have powers that little human mind of yours can’t process, I’ll win in the end...every...single...time.” He gave your neck an extra squeeze at each prolonged word to prove his point and judging by the way your body trembled, it came across crystal clear. “You’re my fuck toy, my slut, my personal fuck thing, do you understand?”

You nodded your head the best that you could with his clawed hand still wrapped around your throat. Easing up on his hold just a little bit, he gave a hard thrust, making your whole body quiver. “Now be a good slut and take every ounce of my seed, maybe we’ll get lucky and we’ll have our very own hell spawn.” Your horrified face pleased him as his free hand grabbed your leg and hiked it up into the air, the new angle making his cock sink deeper into your slick heat. He could hear your heartbeat increase, you trying to gasp for air as the pleasure was written all over your wonton face. 

He could feel you even more, your plush walls squeezing him hard, trying to milk him for everything he’s worth. Seeing you bloodied up a bit, body jiggling, moans spilling out of your mouth and tears running down your face, fuck, he wanted to see that look on your face every day. To fuck you like this, claim you as his over and over again until he marked every inch of your body. He sped up his thrusts, hitting points inside of you that felt amazing. He could tell you were close as your hands shot out clutching the sheets of your bed. 

“I can tell you’re about to cum slut, good, cum on your master’s cock,” His words seemed to stir something within you as what he could only suspect was a moan of acknowledgement emitted from you. Swooping down, he captured your mouth with his as he felt you cum.

Your hands grabbed at his forearms, your legs and body twitching and convulsing as it succumbed to pleasure. Feeling your juices milk his cock turned on a switch for Haru as he ripped away from your lips and lifted the other leg up as well. With no remorse, he started to fuck you as deeply as he could feeling your juices sloshing around him. He could feel your legs shaking still as you tried to come down from your high, but that wasn’t about to happen anytime soon. 

“T-Too m-much, please!” Haru gazed at you through your spread, elevated legs, his cock still pistoning into your overstimulated hole. You had a fucked out look on your face, eyes half closed, fresh tears streaming down and bruised lips opened and just begging to have his cock shoved into it. That look on your face did it for the Demon as a loud growl ripped from his throat as ropes of cum released inside of you.

He kept himself inside of you as he continued to pump his seed inside of you. He kept you there for a few minutes, legs still elevated in the air and some cum still being pumped into you, but Haru didn’t want to pull out right away. After a good ten minutes for once he gently sat your legs down before gathering your overworked body into his arms and propping you up into his lap, his cock still impaling you. With his claws wrapped around your worn out body he kept you sitting up, your face slumped against his shoulder, your body exhausted and full as your combined juices stayed inside of you and his cock started to harden again.

His claws raked down your back gently making you squirm a bit at the contact. “You’re mine now (Y/N), you’ll be coming with me tonight back to Hell and you’ll be my pet,” Grasping the back of your head, he pulled it back, your poor face drained and weary. You were completely out of it and couldn’t even respond properly. 

“Say goodbye to the life you know now my little slut, you’ll be my little fuck toy for all eternity.” Without waiting for your response, as if you could anyways, he lowered you back onto the bed and lifted your now numb legs up once more before slowly pulling himself out. Haru smirked as you let out a groan at the loss of him and your mixed fluids started to gush out. The demon licked his lips as he continued to stare. He couldn’t wait to drag you back to hell and fill you up day after day and you couldn’t do a damn thing about it. 

“Let’s get going to Hell little human, you’re mine for all eternity.” 

[captainsimagines]

Titanic || H.S

Part Six || “The Heart of the Ocean”

Disclaimer: I do not own the pictures I use for title cards. Obviously. 

Warnings: This book contains mature themes and discussions, such as gun violence, emotional and physical abuse, attempted suicide, mentions of blood, character deaths, heavy sexual content, and reference to the real maritime disaster of the 1912 cruise liner Titanic.

A/N: Sorry for a late update. I do plan on finishing this series lmao, enjoy! 

“Did you… did you break something on the ship? ‘Cause if you did I’m sorry but I’m for sure going to pretend that I don’t know you.”

     The cold wind seemed to nip at your skin harsher than when you were standing over the railing, and perhaps it was because a major red blush was currently tainting your cheeks. A negative one - not pleasurable.

Either you could brush this whole incident off like it hadn’t happened, or you could come up with your best excuse as to why you were so flustered. You knew what the crew was currently wondering, as was your disturbed fiance and his friendly detective, George. For the slightest instant you imagined what Cal would do or say if you revealed the truth of your midnight endeavor, but you quickly erased the images as they were all so tempting to make you climb back over the railing. 

All this time your savior was being dragged onto his two feet, being thrown from crew member to crew member in such a rough manner that it made you uncomfortable. The air was causing a sort of fogginess to your hearing, but you quickly snapped out of it when Cal began insulting him. 

“What makes you think you could put your hands on my fiance?” Cal questioned, stepping towards Harry and grabbing his chin to raise his face. You held the itchy blanket tighter against your shoulders as you stepped forward. “Answer me, you filth!”

“Cal, stop! Stop it!” you begged, quickly transitioning from a tone of hysteria to one of more confidence. “It was an accident!”

Cal stumbled a bit on his heels, wondering if he had processed your proclamation correctly. As did Harry. 

Harry had not spoken during this entire ordeal for the simple truth that if he did, he would be entirely ignored. There was no way to reason with these people, he thought, as it was your word against his. And he had almost wholeheartedly believed you would go along with the ‘assault mishap’, but your sudden intrusion between his body and Cal’s made him rethink this entire night. Harry remembered your expression of pain and loneliness from when you were contemplating jumping - how wretched and unhappy you seemed to be. And for someone to have that look on their face in what could have been their last moments of life, then they had to be good at heart as well. 

Cal cleared his throat, “An accident?”

You forced yourself to giggle as you looked between both confused men. “Yes! Oh my, it’s stupid really.” 

Harry waited patiently, hands handcuffed behind him and with a smug expression on his face. Anything you could possibly invent at this very moment was sure to be impressive. 

“I wasn’t very hungry earlier so I decided to take a stroll on deck. The night was so beautiful and the stars were reflecting off the water! So, I leaned over and I slipped!”

Cal blinked somewhat rapidly, looking between you and Harry. 

“I leaned far over to see the stars and those- uh-uh-”

You knew the word. Of course, you knew the word. But you still milked the lie and mimed the movement of the propellers - this way Cal would honestly believe you were stupid enough to lean over the railing. 

Cal looked up to the sky, annoyed by your ignorance. “Propellers?”

Your voice raised an octave, “Yes!”

Cal shut his eyes at your sudden high voice but maintained his perfect posture.  

Your savior was watching you this whole time, that smirk growing and growing as you continued talking. He was enjoying every second of this, even with a prospective charge of attempted sexual assault in his future. But with your toying of vocabulary and puppy-dog facial expressions, that charge might definitely be removed from the table now.

“I was leaning far over to see the propellers and I slipped! I would have gone overboard but Mr. Styles here saved me. He was only a few feet away enjoying a nightly cigarette.” 

Harry wanted to click his tongue and walk away, but the officer was still squeezing his hands together. It was as if everyone was waiting for Cal’s approval. 

“She wanted to see the propellers! Oh my, she wanted to see the propellers!” Cal laughed, an approval to your story that prompted everyone else to agree with it, too. 

The officer pulled Harry back to whisper in his ear. “Was that the way of it?”

Everyone turned their heads to Harry, who immediately looked to you. You practically pleaded with your eyes for him to agree.

Harry sighed and slightly smiled, “Yeah. That was pretty much it.”

The officer released Harry hands from the handcuffs and made his way over to George for his compensation. Cal’s drinking buddies all rejoiced in the happy accident, patting him on the back as if to say, ‘See! No nonsense was committed! Nothing to worry about!’

“The boy is a hero, then!” one exclaimed, walking over to Harry and shaking his hand. Cal paid no mind, and instead grabbed you by your shoulders and began rubbing your arms up and down. 

“Look at you! You must be freezing! Let’s get you inside.”

Cal turned you around to leave, but you gave one last look over your shoulder at Harry, thanking him quietly under your breath. 

The officer chuckled towards Cal, stopping him with a look of amusement. “Perhaps a little something for the boy?”

Cal raised an eyebrow, looking from the officer, to you, to Harry. “Right, George. I think a twenty should do it.”

Although it confused you to admit any form of love connection between you and Cal, you still pulled him back for such an absurd number. “Oh, is that the going rate for saving the woman you love?”

Cal pursed his lips and smiled at you, enjoying your attitude for once. “My fiance is displeased.”

Everyone shared a round of chuckles. 

“What to do?” Cal pondered. “Oh, I know.”

Cal shoved his thumbs into the tiny pockets of his vest, slowly walking up to Harry while looking at him from top to bottom. He was enjoying this, Harry could tell. Although he somewhat believed the wild story you told, Cal was not one to be taken as a fool. He had heard you speak freely before on a variety of topics, with such an advanced vocabulary and lovely hardened look of determination to always get your word in. Cal knew you weren’t stupid, no, but he would not have made sense of a possible meet-cute situation with a third-class passenger. He believed he knew you better than that - you would not dare stoop so low. And at this moment, with a frightened young man’s future practically in Cal’s hands, he decided to flip a switch and have a little fun for once. 

“Perhaps, you would enjoy joining us for dinner tomorrow night? To regale our group with your heroic tale!” 

Harry squinted his eyes at Cal. Everyone remained quiet, no silent laughs were heard, and Harry realized that he may actually be serious. He looked over at you, watching as you trembled underneath that sad excuse of a blanket, skin blotchy from dry tears but still so elegant. Your hair moved ever so slightly with the tiny burst of winds, and your lips were murmuring quick pleas. 

“Sure, I would love to.”

Cal lightly nodded, turning back to you and guiding you away from your temporary guardian angel. 

Harry watched as you slightly recoiled from the hugs Cal tried to give, but then watched the instance of submission, and wanted to run up to you and guide you instead. As your midnight savior, it only seemed right to pursue that role. But the third class would not be suitable for you, and Harry’s wild hero fantasies were quickly squashed. 

Instead, Harry motioned toward George. “Could you lend me a smoke?”

George looked from Cal to Harry, debating on whether to engage with him or not. But he took out his own pack of smokes anyway, lifting the box for Harry. Harry took one and left it dangling between his incisors for a few seconds, watching George watch him. 

“I find it interesting,” George spoke, tucking his smokes back into his coat pocket. “That you were so quick to remove your jacket as the young lady slipped so suddenly.”

Harry shifted his weight, “I had removed it before she slipped.”

“And where were you standing?” George asked, walking to the railing. “Here?”

Harry only stared as George walked over to the other side of the railing. “Or here?”

George grinned, almost as if a lightbulb came on above his balding head. “Or…”

And he walked over to the lonely bench that had Harry’s drawing book, pencil pouch, and solitary pack of smokes. “Here.”

Harry shifted his weight once again, trying to seem more confident in his face than in his worried body. “Like I said, I removed the coat before she slipped and made my way over as she yelled for help.”

George raised his chin up high, judging Harry with every sudden movement. 

“Perhaps,” George said. “But a sudden slip from leaning would have resulted in her flipping over the railing, and her arms would have been backwards so how could she grab-”

“I would really love to stay and chat and ponder all kinds of possibilities but the rats in third-class need feeding,” Harry announced, grabbing his stuff and giving George a short wave goodbye. 

It wasn’t until he was around the corner and down the stairs that Harry could choke out the sob that was scratching at his throat this whole time. 

He really saved you. 

He really fucking succeeded in doing that. 

He stumbled down to third-class swallowing the massive lump in his throat and blinking away the stinging tears, ready to scarf down whatever food was left at the buffet. 

          “What have you done!?”

You flinched from the volume of your mother’s voice, practically cowering at the edge of your bed as she, Cal, and George walked through your messy stay room. Flower vases shattered, jewelry pinched and pulled from their stands, buttons from your evening gown on the floor, and perfume bottles shattered, their smell intermingling with the expensive fabric of the carpet and wallpaper. 

 “Look at me! What have you done?”

Before you could speak, Cal shushed your own mother and held his own hand up. Your mother blinked rapidly, looking from Cal and back to you, a look of absolute astonishment tainting her pale face. But was she going to respond to that disrespect? She never did and you didn’t count on her starting any time soon. 

“This night has been…” Cal muttered, loud enough for only the four of you to hear. “Peculiar.” 

He picked up the tossed chair by your make-up table, gently turning it back up and messed around with whatever trinkets were in his immediate reach. 

“I’m sure she has a valid explanation for such…” he paused. “Clutter.”

All you wanted to do was open the blankets and hoped they swallowed you whole. This whole situation was beyond embarrassing. Yes, you destroyed parts of your stay room and had no reasonable explanation for it other than ‘jumping into the ocean and ultimately not having to worry about it’. But all eyes were eating away at your awkward demeanor. You sat with your hands intertwined in your shaking lap, staring at little diamond designs in the soiled carpet. 

Cal’s voice rang through your ears again, “Well?”

You looked up and decided to look at George first, the least threatening one of the group. He seemed to be giving you a wholesome look of sympathy, as if he knew Cal was going to handle this whole situation in the worst way possible later. 

“I’ve been really anxious lately.”

“Oh, well, we haven’t noticed!” Your mother’s voice dripped with heavy sarcasm. Instead of collapsing deeper within yourself, you quickly turned your head in her direction, a look of solid outrage etched across your face. You had had such a difficult night, what with wanting to commit suicide and almost falling into the freezing ocean all within the last hour, that a look of pure anger toward your mother was enough to tell her non-verbally that you would indeed fight her if provoked. 

“No, I haven’t. Excuse me for having a breakdown.”

“Yes, excuse you. Now we’ll have to bring the waiting staff up here to clean up your little breakdown, and God knows they’ll gossip about it until the end of time,” Cal groaned, rubbing his temples. 

You shook your heavy head, wanting to say anything to have them leave you in peace. “I’ll clean it. I will simply ask for more towels and an empty box to put the broken items.”

Your mother scoffed, “You? Clean it? How absurd of a-”

“Would you rather I ask four or five servants to help and rant about my day to them?”

Cal stuttered in his stance, surprised by such an outburst. George, poor George, was used to this but still had a tiny smirk on this face. He decided to take his exit and slip out of the room. 

“I will clean it.”

Your mother simply marched from your room. Cal stood silent for a moment, looked at you, and gave you a small smile. 

“Don’t forget to scrub the carpets.”

And with that, he exited as well. Once the door shut and it was quiet for more than ten seconds, you collapsed onto the rug beneath you, your breath unsteady and chest tight. 

          It was as if he walked through the hallways completely lightheaded, still bouncing on the adrenaline spike from almost falling off the ship earlier. The combination of slipping, catching you, and watching your face contort with such a frightened expression was enough to increase the pressure in the middle of his chest. All he could do now was travel through his third-class lounging and take his mind elsewhere. 

Through the happy commotion and drunk third-class passengers, Harry could faintly hear the sound of the band underneath his feet. Dreamy eyes watched him pass by, hungry for a word or two with the confused boy, and drunk pushes from side to side to accompany such a late night. Harry didn’t know if he was heading to his own room or down the stairs for his snack, the music now beginning to become hazy in his ears. 

Without even comprehending the movement of his quick feet, he found himself in line for the last of the dinner soup and freshly baked bread. Once he got his meal, he sat at one of the empty tables and drank his soup, watching everyone lean on each other in sleepy states and finishing their own meals. There were families of all sizes, singles enjoying their time alone, and couples leaning over the railing outside watching the waves swim by. A part of Harry wanted to warn them about leaning over too far, that it was so simple for a sweaty palm to lose its grip, that the water was just so cold that it may just be better to be shot point blank. 

Harry ran a hand through his hair and quickly finished his meal, grabbing his untouched piece of bread and picking at it as he walked back to his cabin. He shoved his sketchbook underneath his armpit like he always did, walking slowly and absentmindedly back to his cabin, small pieces of bread in between his teeth every once in a while. His mind wasn’t entirely absent, obviously, but he still only saw flashes of the dark abyss below your dangling body. A shiver ran up his spine and he was hit was the sudden need to see you - you couldn’t be around the ship’s railings without him. 

Stop. You’re being ridiculous. She’s probably all cozied up with her rich fiance in that massive bed and far, far away from the water-

“Woah, where have you been all night? I had to eat dinner with our roommates, who have no manners by the way-���

Harry just now registered that Drake was steadying his shoulders and speaking to him. He snapped out of his dazed state, wondering just how many of his third-class mates he had ignored as he walked. 

“Drake, I gotta talk to someone. Now.”

“Did you… did you break something on the ship? ‘Cause if you did, I’m sorry but I’m for sure going to pretend that I don’t know you.”

Harry rolled his eyes and continued walking to their cabin, glancing over his shoulder once in a while to make sure his only confidant was still following him. Once they entered their room, Harry locked the door and checked if their roommates weren’t hidden in any crevice of their very tiny room. 

“Spill. I’m curious now.”

Harry breathed slowly, holding in his large breaths and exhaling deeply. This intrigued Drake, who was leaning on the bed post of his roommate with his arms crossed, an amused expression painted across his face. Harry sat on his own bed, hands covering his mouth. But once he could control his rapid breathing, Harry set his hands in his lap and looked up at Drake. 

“I did something good.”

“Oh, thank God! You had me there-”

“And I did something bad.”

“- Fucking Christ, man.”

Drake lowered his head as if to protect against the bad blow, but nonetheless curious to what horrible act Harry committed.

“I saved a woman from falling over the side of the ship.”

“Man that’s-!”

“She was trying to commit suicide.”

“...Man, that’s-”

“I convinced her to come back over the railing-”

Drake interrupted yet again, “She was already over the railing?”

 “And then she slipped and I almost went over, too.”

This time Drake let Harry finish.

“I saw her face. I had convinced her to come over the railing, and she was just this broken soul who didn’t want help. It’s like she didn’t even know the concept of receiving help.”

Harry sighed, running his hand through his hair repeatedly. “Then it was like we were joking with each other, only for a second. She wanted to come back over. Then she slipped and I swear Drake, I saw the regret in her face.”

Drake shifted uncomfortably. The subject matter was too intense, but Drake would have done the same thing. An opportunity to be there for someone else - well, that was Drake’s perfect cup of tea. 

“But you saved her. And saved yourself, luckily, in the process.”

“That’s not the worst part, Drake.”

“You gotta tell me, because right now I’m blank.”

Harry groaned and lay back onto his pillow. “Pretty sure she was fucking royalty.”

Drake’s eyes widened and he puckered his lips in silent astonishment. He didn’t say anything, opting to let Harry continue talking. 

“She had the clothes for it. She was wearing make-up, this dark and glossy red lipstick. And although I could smell the sea below us, I could still smell her fruity perfume.”

Neither man knew what to make of this encounter. For Drake, he was the listener and was to provide some form of broken advice. Because from what he heard so far, there wasn’t any worry unless the woman complained about Harry to someone else. For Harry, all he wanted to do was tell someone about this - he wasn’t craving advice or words of encouragement. He simply needed to tell someone that he saved a life and almost lost his own in the process. At this moment, no matter how much he respected Drake, he really wanted to speak to his mother. 

“After I pulled her back over, we tumbled onto the dock. It was like my ears didn’t register her loud screams as I was pulling her back up because next thing I know, I’m being pulled from on top of her.”

“Fuck, Harry please tell me-”

“She wasn’t wearing a night coat and I wasn’t wearing one either. By pulling her up, her dress had ripped to the middle of her thigh.”

Drake now groaned non-stop and he climbed to his top bunk, slamming himself face first into his own pillow. 

“Then her fiance came out.”

By now, Drake was involuntarily laughing. Loud laughs that shook his whole body, a response to the amazing events that transpired. The pure lack of luck Harry had was too much not to ‘involuntarily’ laugh at it. 

“But she lied. She told them she was leaning over and I simply caught her. She made herself look stupid just to save my ass.”

“Obviously she didn’t want to just announce she almost killed herself,” Drake replied. But still, Drake stared at the ceiling, fingers tapping the top of his other hand. A first-class passenger taking the blame for something major? Unlikely. Unheard of. Unbelievable. 

“Why do you think she saved your ass?”

Harry sighed softly, a small smile forming on his face. “I think it’s because I’m the only one who wanted to pull her back over. No one else came. No one else was around.”

Drake nodded even though Harry couldn’t see him, “I don’t really know what to say, Harry.”

So Harry ranted the rest of the night, subconsciously thinking about possibly seeing you again. Would you look happy and well recovered? Would you nod to him in silent agreement, like a nonverbal statement of truce? Or would ignore him entirely, thank him for what he did, uninviting him from that dinner your fiance mentioned?

“Oh my God!” Harry yelled, hands accidentally tugging some of his hair from their roots. 

Drake’s sleepy eyes flew open and he sat up straight, watching as Harry began pacing around the small room.  “Wha-What?”

“Her fiance invited me to dinner tomorrow night. First-class dinner. I don’t- I said ‘yes’!”

“Why in the world would you say ‘yes’?”

“I panicked! What was I supposed to say to an offer like that after what just happened?”

 “Uh, ‘no’!”

Harry collapsed on his bed, pulling the blanket over his head and shutting his eyes tightly. Drake was somewhat wide awake now, completely amazed at both Harry’s bravery and stupidity combined. 

“We’ll deal with this tomorrow,” Drake started. “For now, we sleep and hope she doesn’t change her story.”

Harry agreed with that logic, no matter how much his mind told him to think of a backup plan. But now wasn’t the time, not when his thoughts were scattered. All he knew for sure was that he would see you again, and he had no idea what he would ultimately say. 

           You absentmindedly pulled stray hair from your hairbrush, rolling the strands and tossing them into the can beside your make-up table. You had cleaned the room the best you could and used so many towels that the staff would definitely wonder what happened this night, but you couldn’t care less. The floor was clean, your bed was made, and only the smell of the perfume you broke lingered in the air. 

You didn’t hear the door to your stay room open as you continued to get ready for bed. You gasped at the sight of Cal, hand instinctively clutching your chest. He chuckled at your reaction, walking slowly to where you were seated. 

“I did not think tonight was going to have so much excitement.”

You gave him a small smile, eyes trained on him through your mirror. “It’s late, Cal. Perhaps we should go to bed.”

“Are you inviting me?”

You cringed inwardly but still kept a steady posture. You shook your head and chuckled nicely at his statement, hands going back to work on your hairbrush. 

“I was hoping to save this for the engagement galla next week,” Cal continued, sweeping the jewelry on your desk to the side and taking the hairbrush from your hand. You accepted the small defeat, hands now resting on your thighs.

“But I think now is the proper time.”

Cal opened a velvet blue box in front of you, a heart-shaped diamond that could fill the palm of your hand inside. 

“Oh my,” you gasped, looking up toward Cal for an explanation. “Cal, this is too much.”

“Nonsense,” he chuckled and picked up the necklace, unclipping the back and bringing it toward your neck. You pulled your hair back and let him clip it on. 

“Look at you.”

And you did. It was heavy, the dark blue tint looking more like a horrid bruise in the middle of your sternum, and you wanted it off immediately. It was beautiful, you thought, but it was not yours. 

“Cal, it’s overwhelming,” you said, somehow trying to convey the very uncomfortable feeling you were being drowned by. But Cal just smiled behind you, kneeling down beside you and looking into your eyes and back to the necklace. You cupped the heart in your hand. 

“It was worn by Louis the XVI, his crown. It was made for royalty,” Cal spoke, now watching you as you held it tightly. “We are royalty. ‘Au coeur de l'océan’, they call it.”

“The heart of the ocean,” you translated at the same time Cal did, a look of shock on his face. You wanted to roll your eyes, disbelief overriding your senses at the fact he assumed you didn’t know French. As if you hadn’t studied it since the age of three. 

“It’s yours now.”

You looked at Cal without the help of the mirror, staring at his dark eyes and trying to read them. He leaned his cheek on his left hand and he gave you a small smile. 

“Oh, open your heart to me, Sweetpea,” he practically begged, waiting only a few more seconds before sighing and unclipping the necklace from your neck. You actually pondered his request, wondering if opening your heart for this man would truly be as bad as you assumed it would be. But all you could do was give him a gentle nod - not one of acceptance, but a promise to at least think about it. He left you alone after saying goodnight, still sitting in front of the mirror, furrowed eyebrows straining your forehead and giving you a headache. 

Because as you thought about succumbing to a possibly loveless marriage with Cal, the soft face of the boy from earlier crept back into your mind, poking and prodding at any common sense left inside the padded confines of your skull.

- xxMoni

[ncssian]

"his hand at her back, teeth bared at the invisible threat."

nessian au set in crescent city. more defensive cassian followed by protective nesta. word count: 1,156

a/n: tumblr fucked my post up so im reposting in the morning...anyway enjoy ✨

Crescent City, 15035 V.E.

"You can't keep beating the shit out of people just because they don't like me, Cassian."

He growled something unintelligible in response, but pressed the ice pack more firmly to her bruised eye, taking care not to hurt her.

"I appreciate the sentiment behind it, but it's just not socially sustainable," Nesta went on.

"That fae bastard called you a cunt," Cassian insisted, arm tightening around her shoulder. "If you weren't going to kick his ass, someone had to."

"Yet I'm the one with the black eye." Nesta didn't say it scornfully, but Cassian's face twisted in guilt anyway.

Nesta hadn't been trying to break up the fight earlier at the gala dinner; rather, watching her angel boyfriend beat up her sister's ex had been the highlight of her night. Still, a sizable crowd had formed around Cassian and the Spring Lord, and somewhere along the way, Nesta was jostled forward just as Cassian was shoved back. Her face had went right into his elbow, and that was enough for Cassian to drop everything and demand they go straight home.

Which led them to the second highlight of Nesta's night: Cassian curled up on the couch beside her in their Old Quarter apartment, his left arm curled around her shoulder so he could press the ice pack to her left eye. Their faces were so close together she could press her lips to his neck without moving.

"I baited Tamlin first," Nesta said, because what kind of sister would she be if she didn't antagonize Feyre's flower-fucking ex every chance she got? "I don't exactly need you to finish fights I start on purpose." She rolled her eyes.

"Of course you don't." Cassian's feathered wing rustled as it drew closer around Nesta. "But frankly, I don't care if you killed his dog in front of his own eyes—"

"You should care a little bit," Nesta interrupted.

"He crossed a line when he opened his mouth to talk shit about you," Cassian finished.

Nesta didn't argue that if Cassian tried to punch every person that called her a cunt or a bitch, he wouldn't have time left to be her boyfriend. Instead, she chewed on her lip and stared out the windows at Crescent City beneath them, bright and alive even at this hour. "That fight did fulfill a lot of my fantasies tonight," she admitted.

Cassian put the ice pack aside before pulling Nesta impossibly closer. "Oh? Which ones?"

"Seeing Tamlin be physically hurt. Seeing you stand up for me, and in a way, for Feyre."

"I didn't do it for her."

Nesta didn't need to be told. Cassian didn't know the fae side of her family very well, to the point where he was mostly unaware of the full extent of the mental and emotional abuse her sister had suffered during her relationship with the Spring Lord. After seeing how Cassian had reacted to a simple word, however, Nesta was glad he didn't know. Tamlin would've suffered a lot worse than a rearranged face.

"I'm sure Feyre would love to hear about it anyway," Nesta said. "Though I hate it when your pretty hands get all bloody." She reached for a bandaged hand, mostly because she just wanted to hold his hand.

Before Cassian could make an innuendo about his hands, a sharp rap came from the door.

"I'll get it." Cassian untangled himself from Nesta with a groan. She immediately missed his warmth, but watched him walk to the door and unlock it. A moment later, Azriel walked in, still dressed in his all-black suit from the gala. Massive black wings took up a ridiculous amount of space in their living room, but Cassian's brother-in-arms had a way of making himself seem smaller than he actually was so others would be comfortable around him.

Nesta instantly perked up at his presence. She didn't like many people, but Azriel had never been many people. Even though he was a malakim who served in the 33rd Imperial Legion alongside Cassian, a world away from Nesta's childhood home in FiRo, sometimes she felt as if she'd known Azriel her entire life.

"You two didn't waste any time getting changed," he said as a greeting, eyeing Cassian's sweats and Nesta's oversized tee. He held up a small glass bottle and tossed it to Nesta. "This should help with your eye," he said.

She caught the bottle and inspected it. "What is it?"

"Vodka."

Cassian laughed his booming laugh, and Nesta only raised a wry eyebrow before opening the bottle.

"Tamlin wants your head on a stick for what you pulled tonight," Az said to Cassian. "The Governor probably already knows by now."

Nesta's stomach churned, and she put the drink down without taking a sip. Cassian had been at the gala representing the legion, and he'd made the 33rd look bad. That was the problem with striking at entitled males: they were prone to strike back ten times harder. Tamlin wouldn't just come after Cassian, but Nesta and Feyre too if he had the chance. Which he wouldn't.

"I don't know what kind of sick punitive measures you guys implement for assaulting fae lords at the legion, and I don't want to know," Nesta interrupted. "I want Tamlin taken care of before anything else can happen."

Azriel and Cassian shared a look, and Cassian looked as if he'd already accepted his fate. That look nearly broke her heart. "It's not that simple, Nes," he began slowly. "Az and I can get away with a lot of things, but if the Governor already knows..."

"That's not your problem," she said. Her mother's shrewd lawyer mind was already turning, coming up with lists of contacts and unpaid favors.

Nesta had been born rich, but not necessarily powerful. She hadn't realized what a dangerous flaw that was until her first boyfriend, followed by a failed assault trial. After that, she learned to collect power through others who had too much of it. Before Cassian, she'd strictly only gotten in bed with Crescent City's wealthiest and seediest. To this day, she had their numbers saved in her little black book.

Despite her collection of males and females who could have easily handled this situation, Nesta's mind snagged on something Feyre had told her last week. There was a new guy she was seeing...

"I'll find someone to take care of it by tomorrow," she promised.

***

"Hello?" a smooth voice drawled much later that night, long after Cassian had fallen asleep. Nesta held the phone close to her ear. "Rhysand Nox?" she said.

"It's pronounced Rees-and," the male corrected. Nesta didn't exactly care. "Who is this?" he demanded.

"It's Nesta Archeron, Feyre's sister." She could feel his attention perk over the line.

"Given how Feyre talks about you, I'm assuming you care for her," Nesta continued, "and that we have a common enemy."

[samcrobae]

A lot on my Plate, 2

Gif credit to the original creators! Let me know if I should do a part 3.

A/N: this hasn’t been proof read but if you haven’t read part one, find that here:

https://samcrobae.tumblr.com/post/632551950161969152/neighbors

————————————————————

“Y/N who the fuck is this?” Manny now approached you from behind, his hand coming up to push the door open further.

Angel, now standing very confidently brings a hand to his chest, “Angel. I was just coming to see if Y/N was ready for our date”. Manny’s eyes flash back to you, glaring daggers at Angel.

“Dulce, why aren’t you ready yet? I told you I would be picking you up at 6. I mean I live right next door, it don’t take me long to get here.” He emphasized that part, before chuckling to himself then looked back over at Manny, “you know how our girl can be.. stubborn as ever huh.” Manny popped his jaw then turned to pick Sebastian up and grabbed his bag, before looking you up and down, then looked back at Angel, “nah homie she ain’t our girl.” And he quickly descended down your stairs.

Angel pushed past the threshold and entered your apartment. “What’s up his ass? Anyway get dressed you’re coming to the clubhouse to chill.” He plopped himself down on the couch, “wear anything other than leggings please.”

“Angel I told you I’m not going. I don’t want to and you can’t just show up here like that. Look I have-"

“A lot on your plate, I know. Just get out of the house for a little while and if you hate it you won’t have to hang out with us ever again, alright? I want you to let loose for a little.”

You rolled your eyes and nodded in agreement, turning toward your bedroom. He was right you did need to get out for a few, but you didn’t really know the rest of the guys that well. Anytime you asked about them Angel always gave you the same reply , “nah dulce we’re just a couple of mechanics and motorcycle enthusiasts”, whatever that meant. You threw on some jeans and a crop top then ran a curling iron through your hair, tousling it a bit before walking back out into the living room.

“You see!! You look incredible dulce, come on.”

———————————-

Drinks were pouring and you were feeling good, Angel had a hold on you all night, never letting you out of his sight, and even the other men were surprised to see he brought someone to a party. Not just anyone. You.

You finished your beer and offered to grab another round and walked toward the bar. Bishop and Angel were sat at a table.

“So what’s that about son?” Motioning to you, “big deal getting involved with her, she has a son, Angel. She seems like a good girl. She know who you are?”

Angel put a cigarette between his lips and lit it, slowly exhaling before answering. “Not really. Hasn’t come up. I care about her. I like her a lot Bish. I’ll tell her... when the time is right.”

BIshop gave Angel two pats on the shoulder before leaving the table to start a game of pool. That’s when you heard it—the sound of screeching tires on the pavement and shots ringing out and into the clubhouse, everything after that a blur that seemed to happen in slow motion. All you remembered was Angel calling your name and tackling you to the ground, then dragging you behind the bar. The shots continued to ring out for what felt like an eternity but was really only a minute before they stopped and the tires screeched once more.

Angel had laid himself on top of you, the both of you breathless and hearts racing as you tried to calm yourself. “Dulce...” he slowly moved himself to look you over, moving your hair and shirt to make sure you were okay, before helping you sit up. Your backs pressed against the bar, still panting as you looked over at him. “Motorcycle enthusiasts......noted.” He looked at you with an apologetic look in his eyes but before he could speak he was cut off by the sound of glass crunching.

“Everyone alright ?!” Bishop called out into the open as everyone started to slowly get up, maneuvering around broken beer bottles and shattered windows, checking on each other. “Bish..” Angel walked over to Bishop but Bishop held his hand up, “I know, get her outta here.”

——————————————————-

The drive home was silent up until you made your way to your front door.

“Y/N... talk to me.”

You shook your head in defeat, “Angel what the fuck was that!!! Oh we’re just guys who like motorcycles dulce, don’t worry dulce, come hang out with us... and Angel I don’t need you to be a fucking hero! Throwing yourself on top of me like that! You could have gotten shot. Killed....even! Are you fucking insane?!”

Angel stood before you, leaned against the stair railing, hands in his pockets, head hung low. “I wanted to tell you, I was going to tell you.. this is why I didn’t... you’re too good for this..”

“For what?”

“For All of it Y/N. Everything that happened tonight, the people I know, too good for me. And I know you are—and I don’t want to feel this way but fuck...it’s like the first thing I do when I wake up is think of you. What you’re doing that day, how’s your morning been, learning how you like your eggs and coffe so I can bring you food, learning everything about you. I don’t want to fucking like you but I do. From the moment I saw you step into the yard, I had to have you. In anyway I can. And I can’t have you be mine, because of who I am, so I am okay with us being friends and inviting you out with me, but I can’t even have that now because if something happened to you on my fuckin watch I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself”.

You stood in silence and stared back at him. “Okay. So. Tell me.”

His head shot up and looked at you, “what?”

You unlocked your door and stepped inside, moving the door further allowing him space to come in. “Tell me everything.”

———————————————-

The two of you sat at your kitchen table and you listened intently for 3 hours as he told you everything. The rebels, the cartel, Adelita, about his mom, EZ, his dad. When he was finished he sat silently, trying to read your expression but it was no use as your power face was strong.

After about 5 minutes he slowly stood, and stepped out of your kitchen and began walking towards the door. “I know it was a lot-" he began, putting his kutte back over his shoulders, “but I’ll be home if you wanna talk about it.” He reached for his phone when you called his name. He turned to face you when you caught him off guard and crashed your lips into his.

You didn’t know where your emotions were at and you hadn’t even began to process what he had told you, and you weren’t sure what you were doing.. Maybe it was the danger that followed him, or the way he smiled at you when he said your name, or maybe it was his scent— musk and leather with a dash of kush, or maybe- just maybe-it was because the man before you threw you to the ground just hours before to shield you from bullets that rang out around you, but you were turned on.

His hands came up to cup your face and you ran your tongue along his bottom lip before taking it between your teeth and tugging, which earned you a slight moan from him. You pushed his kutte down his shoulders and he spun you so that you were pinned between him and your front door, his mouth leaving wet kisses down your neck. When he reached your collar bone he stopped to look at you, lips swollen, out of breath with a look of urgency in your eyes.

“You sure?”

You were more than sure, it had been forever since you had any physical contact with the opposite sex and Angel was gorgeous. You bit your bottom lip and nodded your head yes.

“Yeah just not against the door, bedrooms over there.”

You led Angel to your room and before you could step inside his hands were around your waist, turning you to face him. He placed gentle kisses on your lips this time, slowly backing you into the bed and laid you down when your legs hit the edge. He hovered over you causing you to lay backwards on your bed and he began his assault on your neck, leaving his mark on your skin and finally sliding your shirt over your head. His kisses continued and your breathing picked up as he kissed your padded tummy just above your button on your jeans.

Before you knew it, your jeans and panties were off and Angels face was between your thighs, biting and sucking on your most sensitive parts and you felt euphoria in ways you never knew possible.it was almost as if he been here with you hundreds of times before, tears stinging your eyes as you cried out his name.

When he slid inside you, you had to catch your breath as bright colors danced behind your eyes. The sounds of his skin slapping against yours with every thrust and your moans were the only sounds in the room.

When you were done, you laid there, wrapped in each other’s arms, your fingers tracing the lines of his tattoos as his breathing evened out and you both fell into a deep sleep.

You woke to the sound of your phone ringing. Looking at the clock, you groaned out and saw it was 8:15AM. You had missed 3 calls and 2 texts from Manny.

“Hello?”

“Y/N what the fuck I been calling you all morning , I got called in last minute to work . I’m outside, I have to drop Sebastian off with you.”

Fuck. You looked to your left, Angel was fast asleep, he probably wouldn’t notice if you slipped out of bed.. you slowly crept out of your room and threw on your robe and head to the front door. You unlocked it and let manny inside to set Sebastian down when you heard the toilet flush. You jumped at the sound and turned toward the bathroom door.

“It’s a little early to have company Y/N... oh shit well aint this cozy.. ain’t he your neighbor mama?”

Angel flashes Manny a cocky grin, “Angel”.

Angel places a kiss on the top of your head. “Ima go make some coffee.”

———————————————

@ifoundmyhappythought @starrynite7114 @everyhowlmarksthedead @angelreyesgirl @gemini0410 @sadeyesgf @sesamepancakes @wrcn9fvlcver @dazzledamazon

[megs-mostly-past-random-fandoms]

Outsmart

(I’m putting the request at the bottom this time to not give anything away!)

*Familiar Characters are NEVER mine!*

Fandom: Sherlock(BBC)

Warnings: Death(Murder), very brief mentions of arson and abuse. 

Pairings/Characters: Fem!reader, Sherlock Holmes, John Watson

Sherlock didn't like this. Not one bit. He didn't like not knowing something. And he certainly wasn't pleased that you had, somehow, figured it out before him. He had his blue eyes fixed on you in a way that made you slightly uncomfortable. Instead of telling him that though, you used your best defense. A little snark.

         "Is that jealousy I detect, Sherlock? I only did what you do. You taught me well, after all." Sherlock said nothing for a moment but finally turned his eyes away from you. "How? How did you deduce that it wasn't his colleague? The colleague had the means, motive, and the time." You gave a little shrug.

         "Easy. The other professor may have had all those things, but he also had an alibi. You see, the other professor always pays a visit to a…a house of ill repute on Friday and Saturday evenings. He partakes in various vices, although the one we should be looking at is his weekend drug cocktail. Based on the time of death, the suspect would have had no physical way of committing the murder even though he was also in the building with the victim. Too many different drugs floating through his system."

         Sherlock knew that. Of course he knew that! He was an addict. But the question was, how did you know that? How had you even discovered the professor's secret habits? How had you eliminated a suspect before he had? There was hardly any evidence to suggest it. "Anyway, I have to go. I have things to do. Good day, Sherlock. Let me know if you need me again." With that, you flitted out the door, leaving Sherlock behind, thinking.

         "I think you've met your match, Sherlock," Watson stated, sipping his tea. Sherlock didn't reply. His mind going over the same question again and again. How had you outsmarted him? How had you beaten him to a conclusion? He pondered on this for what seemed like hours until his phone rang again. Another victim. His newest mystery would have to wait. He had a murderer to catch.

*short time skip*

         Sherlock breathed a little sigh of relief when he looked at the smoking hole he'd left in the wall. Three bodies, no real leads, yet somehow, you'd been managing to find information and deduce something about each victim. It was never much, like the first suspect's weekend habits or the second victim's love for setting things on fire or the third's enjoyment of hitting his wife. It wasn't enough to completely solve the case, just to rule out a suspect or motive or two.

         "Why don't you just ask her to help with the case?" Watson had suggested. Sherlock glared at his flat mate. "I do not need her help. I just need to think. I need to go to my Mind Palace." Sherlock practically plopped himself down on the floor and closed his eyes. He let his mind sort through everything he knew about the case. Who the victims were, how they were killed, and all the possible suspects. The pieces were fitting together like a puzzle, but there was a piece missing. Who or what in their lives to all the victims have in common other than having some sort of vice that be deadly?

         Nothing was fitting and it certainly didn't help that you kept popping into his Mind Palace, taunting him with your presence. It wouldn't have bothered him if you were actually helpful, but you weren't. You were just standing there. It was like you were children, keeping that last piece of the puzzle out of his reach. A piece that you couldn't possibly have unless…

         Sherlock's eyes flew open and he shot to his feet. "Come, Watson!" He darted out the door, barely stopping to grab his coat, hat, and scarf. As quickly as he could, Sherlock found his way to your flat. Your flat mate refused him entry, but handed him a note saying five words. To where it all began

         Sherlock let his mind wander through all the scenarios in his head, all the places you could be. It didn't take him long to figure it out, of course. The first case you worked on with him. The victim had been found in the sewer tunnels connecting all of London. He briefly heard Watson thank your flat mate as he ran off. He didn't need to look over his shoulder know Watson was following. Adrenaline pumped through his veins. He was almost there. He was so close to solving this case. He just needed to get to you.

         Just as he suspected, another victim was waiting for them. One glance at the body on the ground confirmed Sherlock's suspicions. The victim wasn't you. That meant…

         "Oh good. I was beginning to think you'd never figure it out." You stepped out of the shadows, a smirk painted on your lips. "The great Sherlock Holmes. You know, I never expected it would take this long. I expected to be caught after victim number one as soon as Lestrade called you in. Three, well now four, bodies. I must say I'm…disappointed, Sherlock. I thought you were better than this. I gave you all the clues you could need."

         You sank down into a squat to look over your handiwork. "Such a shame. This one's pretty. Still, it was inevitable." You stood again, your (e/c) eyes piercing into Sherlock's. "I congratulate you, Miss Y/L/N. You managed to convince me you weren't part of this. Right up until the end." Your smirk grew.

         "But why?" Watson asked, "Why do it at all when you knew Lestrade would call Sherlock in?" Sherlock scoffed, placing one hand in his pocket. "It's obvious, John. Y/N wanted me to catch her. But why? Why go through all this trouble? Why kill so many only to be caught on purpose?"

         "You're NOT THINKING!" you shouted, "STOP THINKING LIKE A DETECTIVE AND START THINKING LIKE ME! Like a…murderer," you whispered that last word, confusing Sherlock. A moment ago, you had seemed proud of what you'd done. Now, you seemed unsure. It wasn't any type of mental illness. No. This was something else.

         "Think about it. What did all your victim's have in common, Sherlock?" you asked, "What were they?" Sherlock let his mind go over the facts of the case before looking down at the last victim. "Who is this?" You scoffed lightly. "My former friend. At least, I thought he was my friend once." Sherlock's brows furrowed. You hadn't known any of the others personally.

         "What was his name?" You gave it to him with a smile. That was all he needed. He'd seen the name in Scotland Yard's files. He was once accused of assaulting a young woman, but there was never enough corroborating evidence to support the claim. Eventually, the young woman died of her wounds and it was ruled an accidental death.

         "Your sister…he was responsible for your sister's death." You nodded. "My poor, sweet sister.  All she wanted was to be loved. He was there for her. He treated her well…until he didn't. When he didn't receive any consequences, I snapped. I knew he would have to pay somehow."

         "And the others?" You shook your head and clenched your fists at your sides. "More of the same. Victim 2 set a house on fire with an elderly couple inside. Ruled an accident because the woman had dementia. Victim 3 beat his wife. That alone wasn't enough. He was also responsible for the death of his previous wife, but nothing was ever proven."

         All the pieces finally clicked in Sherlock's mind. You weren't the person who killed for the thrill of it. You were an avenging angel. You killed to get justice for those who couldn't get it for themselves. "And the first?" Sherlock asked and you looked sheepishly down at your feet.

         "An unfortunate accident. He wasn't my intended victim." Sherlock nodded as you confirmed his suspicions. "You were intending on killing the other professor. My original suspect. I suppose he too was responsible for a crime and did not face justice." You gave him a nod. "Yes. You see, I didn't kill just to kill. But now it's done and I need to face my own justice."

         Sherlock sighed. "You've already called the police," he stated. As soon as he'd seen you step out of the shadows, he'd figured everything out. The sounds of sirens confirmed it. What kind of Avenging Angel would you be if you didn't accept your own justice when it came? "Thank you, Sherlock." With that, you climbed out of the sewers and raised your hands. Sherlock and Watson climbed up in time to see Donovan slamming the door of the car. Your eyes met Sherlock's and you did something he didn't expect. You smiled.

(a/n; I couldn’t make you lovelies just some random serial killer this time! Based on this request:  Hi! I was wondering if I may request a Sherlock × Fem!reader where the reader kinda outsmarts Sherlock on a case but really she was in on the crime the entire time? Apologies if it doesn’t make sense 😅 )

[starrynite7114]

everything is you: three

A/N: Good morning everyone! First of all, I would like to thank you all for the reception I’ve received on this story. I’m honestly honored and touched by how much you all love this little family. Cruz, Angel and Alena are just so adorable and I hope you all continue to enjoy the family. I also updated the everything is you page, so you can have visuals on Cruz and Alena.

Again, I say it all the time, I’m always down to answer questions about this story or any other story! 

Enjoy the update! Snapshots is next, jealous Angel and Daddy Angel should be posted soon, just trying to make my way through them!

Requests are open if you lovely peeps would like to make a request! 

Love you all! <3

everything is you

one : two

Word count: 6633

Masterlist

Request list

tagged list: @justahopelessssromantic​ : @ifoundmyhappythought​ : @carlaangel86​ : @marvelmaree​ : @woahitslucyylu​ : @encounterthepast​ : @enamoured-x​ : @whyisgmora​ : @briana-mishell24​ : @bribri-82​ : @briannab1234​ : @chibsytelford​ : @agirllovespasta​ : @twistnet​ : @everyhowlmarksthedead​ : @trulysuccubus​ : @jadert15​ : @sammskellington​ : @cind-in-real-life​ : @mheart27​ : @claytoncardenasbabymama​ : @sadeyesgf​ : @thickemadame​ : @summertimesadnesswithadashofsass​ : @gemini0410​ : @elcococruz​ : @samcrobae​ : @sesamepancakes​ : @iambabyharry​ : @blackmissfrizzle​ : @soamayansimaginez​ : @1-800-imagines​ : @phoenixhalliwell​ : @lady-pswrld​ : @dazzledamazon​  : @getyourcrayoncas​ : @nich0lasmatthews​ : @lukealvxz​ : @scuzmunkie​ : @nakusaych9​ : @danie1432​ : @cocotheclown​ : @soaronmywings​ : @my-rosegold-soul​ : @buttercup812 : @itskiranbitch​ : @angelreyesgirl​ : @sheeshgivemeabreak​ : @vicmackeybullshxt​​ : @bigcreatorwombatdreamer​ : @khyharah​ : @strawberrywritings​​ : @cherry-icetea​ : @fuzzy-jellyfish​

If you would like to be added on the tag list, please let me know! <3

Thank you to @carlaangel86​ for this lovely picture! <3

Alena’s head bobbed, causing her to wake up. She blinked her eyes a few times, checking her phone to see Angel texted her once again. She quickly replied to him and looked back down at the enormous amount of folders around her. Why didn’t this person digitize their files? Now she had to go over each and every one of them.

“The more you think about how many files we have to look through the more frustrated you’ll be.” She heard Victor tease her.

Victor Costa was her next door neighbor and Cruz’s occasional babysitter. He was a good guy and Alena got on well with him. They first met on Alena’s first day at the job seven years ago and he had taken her around. He was always sweet to her and Alena truly cherished their friendship.

“I know, sorry.” Alena sighed. “It’s a Friday night, don’t you have plans?” Victor didn’t need to stay with her, but all her other co-workers left as soon as Mr. Johnson left the office. 

“Honestly sweetheart, no place I rather be.” Victor grinned.

“I’m not sure if you’re being sarcastic?” 

“I’m not, our co-workers are awful people who always leave you their work. Stand up for yourself Alena, no one will hate you if you do.” Victor stayed with Alena often since their co-workers were lazy pricks who knew Alena didn’t mind doing the work since it took away from her headache on Monday mornings. “You need to go out and enjoy yourself.”

“Me? You need to go out and enjoy yourself too. Didn’t you say you had a date?” Alena opened another folder, browsing through the paperwork for any discrepancies.

“Maybe, are you jealous?” Victor didn’t have a date, but he did tell one of their co-workers that shows kept asking him out on a date.

“Absolutely.” Alena took notes on a few documents, closing the folder and picking up another. 

“You don’t want to go on a date?” Victor knew of Alena’s situation. He’s been her neighbor for years and out of nowhere she was married with a kid. He didn’t push her and Alena eventually told him everything when she became frustrated of Angel’s coldness. Angel could be cold towards her at times and when he did, Victor would be her confidant. Someone outside of their inner circle who had no biases and helped her. Well, he may have been biased towards her, but he couldn’t help it.

“I’m married.”

“Come on Alena, you tell me all the time it’s a matter of convenience. It wouldn’t exactly be cheating if you go out on a date or two.” Maybe he was selfish, he knew that, but he’s had a crush on Alena for years, but he never made a move due to the fear of rejection and he just knew that Angel had Alena wrapped around his fingers and he truly disliked him for that. How could he walk all over such a sweet, kind and beautiful young woman who has given more than enough for him?

“Yes, but I would feel terrible. I know I don’t owe Angel anything, but that doesn’t mean I would disrespect the sanctity of marriage in such a way.” Alena tried to keep her focus on the folders wanting to get through this, Angel was waiting for her and she hated it when she kept them waiting or anyone really.

“Your father.”

“I just, Cruz is my main priority. This whole thing is confusing as it is, I don’t want to add someone else into the mix. Once Angel and I get divorced then it won’t be a problem.” Alena anticipated it to occur next year, which shouldn’t be a problem. If everything worked out, she could transfer to another firm in New York, something Mr. Johnson has offered her numerous times. But at the same time she couldn’t part from Cruz, he was her mother. Maybe she wouldn’t give Angel full custody. They could share. She was Cruz’s parent as much as him. Blood wasn’t what tied people together. “I sound like an idiot don’t I?” 

She’s heard it all before. 

That she was an idiot for everything she’s done. That no amount of debt to Angel should have had her doing this for him. But Angel was her friend before this whole ordeal. He saved her from being sexually assaulted. He was there for her when his father left and they became homeless for a period of time. 

There were just good people in this world, why couldn’t people just take that for face value and not have a reason for helping a friend out?

“You’re not an idiot. You’re a kind person Alena, no one should ever fault you because you are genuine. I think it’s admirable what you’re doing for Angel.” Though Victor wished Angel didn’t lock her in a marriage, then maybe he would have a chance on Alena.

“Thank you,” she shyly smiled. Victor was a good looking man and she always wondered how he was still single. “Enough about me, why are you still single?”

“I’m married to my job, remember?” Victor was married to his job, well not at the law firm, but as an arts dealer. He produced art galleries all over the countries for top notch artists. It was his first love.

“You were married before weren’t you?”

“Puppy love,” he shook his head. “It was a mistake that I greatly learned from.”

“Did she break your heart?”

“Oh, absolutely not, I ran away from her.” Victor chuckled. “I just haven’t found the right person I guess.”

“You’ll find someone, plenty of women in this office are vying for a shot with you.”

“Are you included in that?”

“No, you’re around me enough, I think I’m fine.” Alena giggled. “You’re a good guy, but you know I’m married.”

“So if you weren’t married, you’d give me a shot?” He was pushing it, he knew that but he couldn’t help it.

“Me? You have all these women vying for you, I would not like to fight women for your attention.” Alena shook her head. “I get into enough conflicts due to Angel, I’m honestly good.”

“Women fought you because of Angel?” 

“Yes, all the time.” Alena rolled her eyes. “All those women in Santo Padre befriended me because of Angel, then once Angel rejected them or something to that effect, it was a free for all.” Alena laughed. It was always amusing for her. They would just fling words towards her, never actually getting physical. Alright, maybe once she was involved in a physics altercation, but she would take that to the grave.

“Didn’t know your husband was such a hot commodity.”

“Oh, he is, I’m a lucky one.” 

“Maybe I should go on a date.” Victor has had a crush on Alena for the past four years. It was time for him to take the plunge. 

“You should! Ask the girl you’ve been telling me about.” Alena excitedly encouraged him.

Victor grinned, happy with how excited she was. He didn’t care if she was married, they weren’t actually together. 

He was going to ask her out and there was nothing Angel could do about it. 

=============

Angel lounged around Alena’s apartment, waiting for her to come home. It’s been an eventful two weeks with the cartel and the rebels taking up a majority of his time. Creeper was out after a wound sustained during an attack so now, everyone was on edge. To top it off, Adelita just kidnapped Cristobal, which made everything that much more stressful. He was thankful for a break. 

It was Friday night and to avoid the debacle that occurred two weeks ago, he decided to pick up Alena.

It was ten at night and she was still not home. 

She texted him two hours ago that she was finishing things up at the office and would be back soon. It made him antsy, but he saw that in her location on his phone, she was at the office. Cruz was sleeping on the couch as Angel watched television. They might as well stay here for the night since there was no point of going back to Santo Padre when Cruz was resting comfortably. 

He heard the lock turn along with the doorknob. Alena walked in, leaning on the door before taking a deep breath. She locked the door and placed her bag on the bench by the door. Making her way to the kitchen, she got a bottle of water before making her way to the couch. She knew Angel was there, she heard the television. 

Without so much of a word, she placed her bottle on the table. She straddled Angel, sitting on his lap before wrapping her arms around him and resting her head at the crook of his neck. Letting out a sigh, she felt her body relax. She shouldn’t count on Angel for this, but she would indulge herself this time due to her long day at work.

“You okay cielo?” Angel ran his fingers up and down her back. He loved holding Alena. She always fit so well in his arms.

“I’m tired. We had to finish research for a case tonight and my eyes feel like they’re going to fall off.” Alena snuggled her face on Angel’s neck, making him chuckle. She liked the feel of his beard. “Are sugar daddies an option?”

Angel laughed once again. He pulled her hair softly so she could move her head back. He kissed her, resting his forehead against her and smirked. “Absolutely not.”

Alena wanted to argue with Angel then. The kisses and sex were nice, but she really didn’t want to keep stomping on that line. She buried her face at the crook of his neck once more closing her eyes. She wanted the headache to go away along with the eye dryness. Her eyes opened thinking of Cruz, but she watched him as he slept comfortably on the couch.

“Should we get going?” Alena questioned. 

“Ssh mi cielo, go to sleep.” Angel told her, his fingers still soothingly moving up and down her back. Not long, Alena was asleep in his arms. Angel felt more relaxed with Alena in his arms. He closed his eyes then, letting sleep take over his exhausted body.

The following morning, Cruz was the first to wake up. He looked up and saw his father holding his mother as they slept. He went to the bathroom, flushing and washing his hand once he was done. Making his way back out, he took his father’s phone and took a picture. He giggled. He always took pictures of his parents. Angel was holding Alena, both arms around her, head resting on hers, while Alena was still on his lap, head resting on his shoulder.

Cruz crawled over to his parents, forcing his way under Angel’s arms so his mommy could hold him. Angel groaned, wrapping his arms around Alena again, not letting Cruz in.

“Daddy,” Cruz shook Angel. This was unacceptable. It was his time to cuddle with mommy.

Angel stirred, slowly opening his eyes. He blinked a few times before letting out a yawn. “What is it Cruz?”

“You can’t hog mommy all to yourself.” Cruz crossed his arms over his chest, pouting.

Angel chuckled. “Why not? Daddy loves mommy.” He tightened his hold on Alena, causing her to wake up.

“I love mommy more!” Cruz declared. 

“Mommy loves you both.” Alena let out a small laugh as she moved, the ache of her sleeping position immediately seeping in. 

“Mommy!” Cruz moved Angel’s arm and crawled in between them. He wrapped his arms around Alena’s neck, causing her to lean back. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too baby.” Alena kissed the side of his head. “Good morning.” She greeted Angel as he watched her. His hands were on her thighs and she felt his morning wood against her. He smirked at her as she shot him a look, telling him to behave. “Should we head out soon?”

“No, let’s just stay here.” Angel needed a break from the cartel. A break from Santo Padre. What better way than to stay in San Diego and be with his two favorite people. He had texted Bishop last night and requested if he could have a few days off to spend some time with Alena and Bishop graciously granted him some time off. 

“What? They don’t need you?” Angel never took time off, it was rare. He was devoted to the club, which Alena didn’t mind, she understood his loyalty. 

“I honestly don’t care right now. I just want some time with my family.” Angel shrugged. “I’m just tired is all.” 

“Okay, whatever you want to do. We can stay in if you want.” Alena offered. She loved lowkey weekends. Just to be able to lounge around the house with her boys, she cherished it because there was that thought at the back of her mind that it wouldn’t always be like this. One day, Angel won’t need her and she would just be another distant face for Cruz. She hated thinking that way and she was always able to reason that Cruz was legally her son, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up, it would help with the disappointment and heartache. 

“We gotta get some groceries though, I don’t know if you’re aware, but you literally have no edible food here.” Angel teased her. He knew Alena lived off take out since she was usually too exhausted to cook when she got home. 

“Haha, very funny. Maybe we can grill some meat for dinner. We can get some meat at the store, just stay in.” 

“That sounds fucking delicious baby.” Alena hit Angel making Cruz giggle. 

“Daddy said a bad word.” Cruz let out an ‘oooh’.

“Daddy is allowed to say bad words, but who can’t say bad words?”

“Mommy?” He tilted his head. 

“Cruz can’t.” Alena playfully narrowed her eyes at him. She looked at her watch and it was only seven in the morning. “Can we sleep more?”

“I’m onboard with that.” Angel nodded his head.

“But it’s morning now.” Cruz argued. 

“Mommy is tired, does Cruz want to cuddle with mommy?” Angel knew his son was a sucker for his mother. If mommy wanted to sleep, Cruz was sleeping with mommy.

Cruz climbed off Alena’s lap and took her hand. “Cuddle time!”

Angel chuckled as Alena gave him a look before kissing his cheek. He felt his cheeks heat up at such a simple gesture and he just shook his head. He watched as Alena and Cruz made their way to her bedroom. It was insane for him how attached Cruz was to Alena. He was almost certain Cruz liked Alena more than he liked him, and he couldn’t blame him. Alena had them wrapped around her fingers and she didn’t even know it. 

“Angel, are you coming?”

“Yeah babe, I’m coming.”

=============

Angel placed the last of their bags on the table, Cruz was eating the chocolate dipped sticks happily on the couch, PJ Masks was currently playing. Alena was in the room, changing into some shorts and a shirt. Angel just wore basketball shorts and a white tee the whole day, so he was good. 

As he was putting away the groceries, there was a knock on the door. But it wasn’t a regular knock. It was a special type of knock. Whatever it was, it made Cruz jump off the couch.

“I got it!” He shouted.

Angel looked at Cruz like he was insane. He knew he wasn’t supposed to open doors without him or Alena. He followed after his son. 

"Hi Mr. Vic, mommy is changing." Angel looked down at his son like he was insane. Cruz knew he wasn't supposed to open the door. Might be an old man since he called him Mr. Vic. It was the same man that Alena spoke about a few weeks ago. He thought it was sweet that Alena was helping out the senior citizens. Though, Alena helped fucking everyone, which slightly irritated him every now and then. She could be fucking hurt or something. What if that person was fooling her and hurt her?

"Little man, I told you to call me Victor, or Uncle Victor. Mr. Vic makes me feel old." When Angel came to the door, he almost slammed it shut. It was Valeria's ex-husband, Victor Costa. Victor looked up at him, obviously sizing him up. He nodded his head. “You the husband?”

“You the sitter?” He wondered if Victor knew that Cruz was Valeria’s kid. There was no fucking way this was a coincidence. But at the same time, he knew Victor moved to San Diego to get the fuck away from Valeria and bless him, he couldn’t blame the man. This world was too fucking small. 

He couldn’t believe this bullshit. Of all the fucking people to be Alena’s neighbor, it was this guy?

Alena walked out the room and saw that Angel and Cruz were at the door. She walked over and a smile spread across her lips. 

“Victor! Hey!” She greeted him enthusiastically. She moved in front of Angel and was going to hug Victor when Angel pulled her back by her shirt, pulling her against him. “Hey, what are you doing?” She murmured at Angel.

“The fuck are you doing?” Angel couldn’t believe Alena was going to hug this man in front of her. This man even fucking knew they were married. 

“I’m just gonna say hi.” She tried to take her shirt back but Angel had a grip on it. 

“Uncle Victor, do you want to eat? Mommy is making us food.” Cruz invited him. Angel looked down at his son as if he grew two heads. How was he going to invite this man into their home? Sure he took care of Cruz, but that didn’t mean he invited him in without asking for permission.

“Maybe next time little man, I actually wanted to talk to mommy, is that okay?” 

Cruz looked at Angel who shook his head no, he turned to Victor and nodded his head. “That’s okay.” 

Angel rolled his eyes, letting go of Alena’s shirt. Alena moved to hug Victor then and Angel had to admit, he didn’t like the scene before him. Seeing Alena hugged by his brothers were different, they knew how everything stood, but this man obviously didn’t give a flying a fuck they were married. Maybe that’s why he and Valeria didn’t work out. Though Angel was certain Valeria was more to blame with her psychotic ass. The only good thing that came out of his relationship with Valeria was Cruz. Other than that, the bitch could go fuck herself.

“Keep the door open, you know your door automatically locks.” Angel advised her before he took Cruz back to the couch. At least it appeared so. He was right behind the door listening in. 

“What’s up?” Alena asked, slightly coming outside, but holding the door slightly ajar so she can go back in.

“Remember our conversation last night?” Victor questioned.

“We had lots to keep us going and I was also half asleep, you want to remind me which one?” She tilted her head, trying to remember which conversation he was referring too.

Angel paused. Wait, they worked together and lived in the same building? Was this guy stalking his wife? Why was she so chummy with him? The fuck was that? He didn’t like this guy one bit.

“Mommy said it’s not good for us to,” Cruz paused not remembering the right word. “To be a chismoso.”

Angel was amused by his son’s choice of words. Alena spoke Spanish to his son and from time to time Korean. “Well why’d you let mommy talk to that man?” He whispered hoping Alena wouldn’t hear them.

“That’s mommy’s best friend.” He mimicked Angel’s tone, speaking lowly.

“I’m mommy’s best friend.” Angel informed his son. And he was Alena’s best friend. With everything they’ve been through with Cruz and even before that, Alena was the closest person to him that wasn’t blood related. Hell, she was closer to him than his own blood. She knew his deepest and darkest secrets and she never batted an eye. She still treated him the same, touched him the same regardless of how shitty he was.

He didn’t deserve her.

But he wasn’t going to let her go either. 

Fuck it if that meant he was selfish. 

“No silly, you’re mommy’s husband.” Cruz giggled.

Alena looked at them and they both smiled at her.

“Are you done?”

“No.” She went back outside. “Sorry, so which conversation again?”

“About putting myself out there.”

“Oh yes, did you ask out Courtney?”

Victor chuckled. “Why do you presume I like Courtney?”

“Cause you do? I see you looking at her.” She teased him.

“I’m looking at you Alena. You and Courtney are in the same vicinity, but I’m looking at you.” Victor looked at Alena nervously, she gave him an odd look as if he didn’t understand what he was trying to insinuate. “I like you Alena.”

“Me?”

Alena and Victor both heard a what? And a daddy let's go on the couch.

“So, would you like to go on a date?”

“Who?”

Victor chuckled. “You Alena, who else am I talking to?”

“Oh.” Alena was surprised. Victor never expressed any interest in her and he knew the situation. “I’m married.”

“Isn’t it out of convenience? Come on, one date. Doesn’t even have to be a date, just two friends hanging out.” Victor offered. He’d take whatever he could get from Alena

Angel looked at Cruz and put him down. Who did this motherfucker think he was? He saw Angel, he knew they were married and he had the audacity to say it was out of convenience. And it was but why the fuck would Alena tell him? Was she interested in him? 

“Sure, but just as friends.” Alena’s reply halted Angel’s movement, she said yes? Oh, this girl was in trouble. 

“Yes, just as friends.”

“Ooh, what’s going on here?” Angel heard Carla, EZ’s girlfriend questioned. 

“Where’s Angel?” He heard EZ question.

“You have company. I’ll leave you to it. Next Friday at 6?” 

“Sure, I’ll see you at work.” Alena nodded her head. 

“Who is that?” Carla questioned watching Victor walk down the hallway.

“That’s my neighbor Victor, the one that takes care of Cruz.” Victor worked with Alena, but unlike her he didn’t need to be at the office everyday. So whenever Alena needed a sitter, Victor graciously offered a helping hand.

“You mean the one with the crush on you?”

“Excuse me, what now?” Angel appeared out of thin air surprising both women.

EZ chuckled. ‘Oh this was going to be a fun night.’

=============

Carla and Alena sat outside at the balcony, overlooking the ocean. Alena was able to land the apartment thanks to her boss, who apparently owned the building. Carla had to say that Alena had one of the best views and she was certain it was due to her boss favoring her. Nothing malicious, but ever since Alena started working for Mr. Johnson seven years ago, the hotshot lawyer took care of Alena. She reminded him of the daughter he lost a few years prior to Alena’s arrival. And much like Angel, he knew that his other employees took advantage of Alena’s kindness, but Alena didn’t want to get anyone in trouble.

Carla and Alena have known one another for nearly fifteen years. It still amazed Carla just how kind and selfless Alena was. If she was being honest, it was irritating at times because people walked all over her and Alena just brushed it off. She didn’t seem bothered by people using her, she just genuinely wanted to help people. She always reasoned with Carla that she was collecting good karma points. But Carla figured it had something to do with Alena not liking conflict. She was a helper, it was embedded in her, but sometimes, it was too much. A prime example was marrying Angel and being a mother to his son. She admired her best friend’s actions, Cruz was an adorable kid, but Angel was also taking advantage of the situation. 

Angel was using their marriage as a way to keep Alena to him since he wasn’t ready to recognize his feelings for her. Whenever she would try to set up Alena on dates at the beginning of this whole ordeal, Angel always found a way to block her attempts. At first, it was because he was “clueless” about Cruz, which Carla had to roll her eyes at. Then he would become so sweet to her, Alena would become confused and decline to go on any dates. She’s fought Angel numerous times because of Alena, but it was hard to rattle Angel since he knew Alena was devoted to Cruz and in turn to him.

“So, Victor huh?” Carla raised her wine glass at her. “Not a bad choice, he’s cute, has a good job and he gets on well with Cruz.” She nodded her head in approval. “I’m glad you’re putting yourself out there.”

“What? I’m not dating Victor. I mean, we’re going to dinner, but as friends.” Alena held her wine glass, looking down at it as she swirled the red liquid inside. “He’s just being nice.”

“He asked you out on a date in the guise of being nice?” Carla cackled, shaking her head. “Alena, just because Angel’s head is far up his ass, it doesn’t mean no other man can find you attractive. If you only knew how many people Angel drove away, you would be impressed.”

“What?” 

“Come on Alena, you can’t possibly think that no man on this earth finds you attractive. There are plenty of men who are lining up to date you, but it's hard when your guard dog looks like Angel.” Carla shook her head. “You can’t keep doing this, remember we talked about this. You can just keep this up for so long. You gave your twenties to Angel and Cruz. It’s time for you to put yourself out there.”

“You waited for EZ.”

“Yes, well, EZ isn’t Angel. He’s more in one with his feelings that his older brother.” Carla looked back and found Angel and EZ on the cough with Cruz in between them. They were laughing, Cruz making faces at his father and uncle. She liked their small family, she truly did, but as a best friend and fierce protector of Alena, she couldn’t standby and keep watching this shit show. 

If Angel would just realize how much he loves Alena, then sure, Carla could support it, but if Angel was going to keep them at this limbo, he could go fuck himself. 

“Are you waiting for Angel?” Carla has asked Alena this question multiple times in the past and her answer truly depended where they were at in their relationship. 

Alena wasn’t sure. 

Was she? 

She was coming to terms that nothing was ever going to happen between her and Angel, that she was going to hand him the divorce paper and give him full custody of Cruz. It was the right thing to do, but she would like to visit Cruz if he would allow her. Carla was right, they couldn’t be in this limbo anymore. Cruz was growing so quickly and the last thing he needed was to continue to be fooled by their charade. She doesn’t doubt Angel cared for her, they knew one another way before Cruz came, but she couldn’t just count on that. She wanted a real marriage, kids of her own. She wanted something stable, but until she divorced Angel, she couldn’t do that. She wasn’t a cheater, she wasn’t her father. 

“No, I’m not.” Alena gave her a small smile, trying to keep herself together so she didn’t cry. She didn’t want to cry. “I know I can’t be in this situation forever and it’ll be over soon. Once we pass the five years, we can get divorced. It’s just going to be hard letting go of Cruz.”

“You don’t have to let go of Cruz, I don’t think the little guy would let you.” Carla downed the rest of her wine, placing the glass on the table in between them. “I just want you to experience life Alena.”

“I am,” Alena confidently assured her. “It may not seem like it, but I am. I love our family and I wouldn’t trade it in for the world. I don’t need to date people to experience life. Being with Cruz and Angel taught me plenty, for example, no ice cream for a toddler after nine in the evening unless you want to stay up all night.”

The two women laughed. 

Carla could tell Alena was trying to mask everything. Letting go of father and son was going to be difficult for her, but she needed to put herself first. She had to put herself first this time around and Carla was certain that Angel would understand. 

No, no he wouldn’t, but this may be the wake-up call Angel needed. 

Alena wasn’t going to wait forever and it seemed that someone has finally gotten past Angel’s intimidating figure and it definitely won’t bode well for Angel.

=============

They all sat around the table, with Cruz sitting in between Angel and Alena. EZ and Carla sat across from them. Angel was grilling the meat on the portable grill they had, various side dishes all around. It was like a Korean barbecue experience without the bustling noise of the restaurant. Cruz had his training chopsticks with the cute anime characters that he loved to watch on television so much. 

"Tell us more about Victor." Carla looked at EZ with a mischievous glint. He shook his head, holding back a chuckle.

“Yeah, why don’t you?” Angel always had the impression that Victor was an old ass fucking man. To know he was around their age, it changed everything. 

Alena looked at Carla like she was insane. She didn’t want to talk about Victor. Angel was obnoxiously protective over her and the last thing she wanted to tell Angel that she actually found Victor attractive. It wasn’t hard, if he would hear how she gushed about him, he would be able to tell.

“He’s a co-worker of mine. He lives a few doors down.” Minimal information was what she was going to do. It made things easier that way. “He took care of Cruz a few times when I got called into work unexpectedly.”

“How long have you known him?” EZ questioned, his brother wasn’t even paying attention to the meat on the grill. 

“Seven years.”

“Seven years?!” Angel was surprised. He literally has never heard of Victor till maybe three years ago. Otherwise, Alena has never uttered his name. He just felt like Alena lived another life in San Diego. 

Everyone looked at Angel due to his outburst. Cruz looked at his father curiously.

“Are you mad daddy?”

Angel looked down at Cruz and shook his head. “No, I’m not mad, daddy is just surprised cause mommy has never talked about Mr. Vic till a few years ago.”

“Mr. Vic is so nice, he bought mommy crayons the other week when we went to the museums.” Cruz proudly shared. “Mommy said we can share when we all paint together.”

It was a favorite family bonding time they had. Sometimes on a Saturday afternoon Angel, Alena and Cruz all painted together, did they get pieces done? No, but just spending that time together was really fun.

“Crayons huh?” Angel nodded his head, turning his attention back to the meat.

EZ watched as the annoyance on his brother’s face became more obvious. Carla watched on with glee, the possibility of Alena having a suitor obviously annoyed Angel.

“Wow Angel, have you ever gotten Alena any crayons?” EZ had to pull his older brother’s leg every once in a while, he wouldn’t be a younger brother if he didn’t. 

“Shut up.” Angel put more meat on the grill.

Who the fuck was this guy? Crayons? Angel scoffed in his head at the silliness. He could get Alena one thousand fucking crayons. How the fuck has he not been told about this guy?

“Do you know Victor?” Angel asked Alena’s partner in crime, Carla.

“I’ve heard of him, never met him till today, but Alena, I told you, you’re the girl he was talking about.” Carla was just sprinkling gasoline on the fire.

“I am not, it still could be anyone.” Alena brushed her off.

“What does she mean?” Angel inquired. 

“Victor has been talking to me about this girl he’s interested in, but she’s unavailable.” Alena explained. 

“If he knows she’s unavailable, why keep pursuing her?” The nerve of this man. Fucking ridiculous.

“Well, if the relationship isn’t real, then why worry? Doesn’t count as cheating.” Carla reasoned.

“I’m not hungry.” Angel handed the tongs to EZ, standing up and stalking off to the bedroom.

Alena watched as Angel closed her bedroom door, frowning at his sudden outburst.

“Babe, that wasn’t nice.” EZ shook his head at his girlfriend.

“What? Did I say something?” Carla knew how to get under Angel’s skin, she was just giving him an extra push was all.

“Where daddy go?” Cruz shoved meat and rice in his mouth, looking around for Angel.

“Daddy wasn’t hungry, it’s okay baby, daddy will come back out.”

Angel couldn’t fucking believe Carla. How could she encourage this atrocity? They didn’t know this guy and to top it off, he was Valeria’s ex. Even though Valeria was psychotic as fuck, there must have been something wrong with this asshole since he married her. 

This just didn’t sit well with Angel. He sat down on the bed before plopping down on his back. He didn’t think Alena lied to him nor was he angry with her, he just wanted to know how this guy fucking bypassed him. It’s not like he was always in San Diego with Alena, but she talked to him every day about her day. There was not a day that they didn’t talk, mostly due to Cruz. But this was fucking insane. 

“Calm down Angel, don’t be an idiot. Just stay in the room, cool down.” He was talking to himself now. “Fucking great, I’m talking to my self. This is so stupid.” 

The rest of the night went without a hitch. Alena brought Cruz to the room and found Angel smoking at her balcony. He didn’t acknowledge her presence, but she told him Cruz was on the bed. She put pillows on either side of him, just in case since Cruz moved around often when he was sleeping.

She was at the dining table, reviewing a few files she took home when she heard the door open. Looking up, she knew it would be Angel. He didn’t eat anything so she was almost certain he was hungry.

“I’m starving, are there any leftovers?” Alena pointed at the refrigerator. 

Angel took out some Tupperware and heated up the food. He combined the rice and meat on the same Tupperware, going over to the dining table. He tapped Alena’s arm, helping her up. He sat on her seat and pulled her onto his lap. Looking at the papers, he moved a few around and watched as Alena took a few notes down.

“You feeling better?” She looked back at him.

He shoved a spoonful of food in his mouth and nodded his head. “Yeah cielo I’m good.” Angel answered once the food was down his throat. “Are you good?”

“I’m fine, I’m just worried about you. Don’t lie to me, what’s wrong?” She placed her pen down, slightly turning so she could see Angel.

“Why haven’t you told me about Victor before?” Angel was being unreasonable, but this guy has been a part of her life for seven years. Though he reasoned he may not be important since she never mentioned him.

“I don’t know, I just,” Alena sighed. “He’s my friend Angel, I didn’t know I had to tell you about my friends.”

“If he’s around our son you do.” Good reason Angel, he applauded himself, using Cruz when in reality, he knew Alena would never bring anyone around Cruz that would harm him.

“Angel, you’ve never cared about Victor before, I’ve mentioned him to you numerous times, and you never reacted, why care now?” 

“Well he’s never asked you out before, has he?” Angel fucking hated hearing Victor ask her out, especially when he knew you were married. 

Angel couldn’t get over that.

“No, come on Angel, it’s just a friendly dinner. I would never disrespect our marriage like that no matter how fake it is.” Alena turned back to her work. She hated talking to Angel about their marriage because it was a constant reminder that she had what she wanted but not exactly.

“Our marriage isn’t fake Alena.”

“I really don’t want to talk about it Angel.” Alena closed her eyes, trying to build her courage for her own sake. She turned to face him and he was shoving another spoonful in his mouth. “I know it’s not much to ask and you do it out of needs and such, but I would appreciate it if you didn’t kiss me unless Cruz is around or we have sex at all.”

Angel almost choked on his food. Did she just say what he thought she just said?

“What?”

Alena didn’t reply and just continued to do her work.

“Hey, you can’t just ignore me after you say that.” Angel pulled her back against him, his warm breath against her neck. “You don’t like kissing me cielo?” He whispered against her ear.

Alena tried to sit up but Angel kept her on his lap. “Angel, please.”

“You found another motherfucker and now you don’t want me to touch you?” Angel was upset again. This guy expressed interest in her, Valeria’s ex-husband, and he didn’t matter now? Fuck that. “You’re my wife Alena, nothing is going to change that. You know you love it when I touch you.” His hand ran up and down her inner thigh. 

“Angel, we’re not actually married.” Alena shivered feeling Angel’s hand inch closer to the bottom of her shorts. 

“Are we not? We got married in city hall, baby. You’re a Reyes.” Angel was a bastard, he knew that. But he couldn’t let this motherfucker disrespect him like that. “We got your driver’s license changed and everything. You’re Alena Marie Reyes, and it’s going to stay that way. What about Cruz?” 

Angel’s fingers made its way under her shorts, Alena placing her hand on his hand before he could go any further. “You’re overreacting. Victor is just my friend.”

“Better stay that way baby, you don’t want me to get involved.” Angel turned Alena’s face towards him and he gave her a quick kiss, pulling away and biting his lips. “You know you love kissing me.”

Alena couldn’t even speak. She just blushed and nodded her head. Angel smirked and continued eating.

He couldn’t ignore the nervousness in his stomach when Victor asked her out and how she entertained that idea. Then when she asked him that they shouldn’t be intimate anymore? That shit made his stomach drop. No matter how confident he appeared he was always frightened that Alena may meet someone.

He’s always been number one with Alena. He was always second best to EZ, but for her, he was always number one. He could hardly do wrong with her. This man was threatening that position and he couldn’t have that. 

He couldn’t let Alena go.

[cindersandroses]

Digital Get Down, Chapter 5

AUTHORS: cindersandroses ( losille2000 and cinderella1181)

CHAPTERS: 5/?

PAIRING: Actor!Henry Cavill/ Plus-Size OFC

GENRE: Romance/Fluff/HUMOR

FIC SUMMARY: When SuperHank met OrcPrincessPeach on the World of Warcraft message boards, it was love at first raid. Now, almost a year later, they’re ready to take the next step and meet in person. Half a world away from each other, both decide to meet in Atlanta for DragonCon, since she was already going to be there for her work as a game designer at Blizzard… never mind that she is a devout nerd. They both have to face the fact that reality is very different from a digital world.

RATING: Mature

WARNING: Mentions of assault.

AUTHORS NOTES: Love you all!

Also on AO3!

Chapter 5

Opal turned to the side as she looked at herself in the full length mirror on the back of the closet door. She smoothed the front of her dress over her rounded belly and picked at the slight ruching that was meant to help hide her imperfections along with the black color of the dress, but it did neither. There’d be no hiding anything. This was about as bodycon as one could get, and indeed she bought it a long time ago because she thought she looked hot in the form fitting silk. As soon as she got it home, though, and really looked at herself wearing it in the harsh light of day, she put it away, in the back of her closet with the other beautiful clothes she’d bought but never found the courage to wear.  

That was changing. Now. Today. Okay, not today. But as soon as she walked back into her house. She planned to go straight to her closet and pull them all out and wear each of them as soon as she had the right opportunity or occasion. Considering that most of them were on the fancier side of things, meant for dates, she figured she’d have more chances to wear them now, anyway.

Even though she and Henry would literally be halfway across the globe from each other after this weekend. She couldn’t dwell on that fact, though. If she did, then the sadness set in. She refused to let that particular emotion claw its way back. They’d make it work if it was going to work. It wasn’t like she couldn’t just take her computer places and work there.

If she could convince her boss to allow frequent trips.

And it wasn’t like he didn’t also spend part of his time in Los Angeles. 

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

Henry walked by behind her, drawing her attention away from those troubling thoughts. He fumbled with the cufflink on his left shirt cuff. She was going to make a quip about it, but the words died on her lips when she noticed he looked at her like a fat kid looked at cake. He licked his lips, smiled, and walked into the bathroom.

She couldn’t help but blush. She never would’ve believed he was truly stealing glances at her, but that notion had been squashed earlier at the spa. In fact, now she was hyper aware of his long, molten stares. 

And it was all because of the wonderful esthetician who completed her facial after their massage. What had started out as a traumatic experience ended up making her feel the most confident she’d ever felt in her own skin, thanks in part to Jessa the esthetician’s enlightening conversation. 

“He’s looking at you like you are the purest water and he’s just had some hot sauce.” 

Opal giggled, and blushed, looking at the woman.  “I just keep thinking he’s going to be like, ‘Ugh, not my type’ and leave, Jessa.” 

“Girl, please. You got one of those peach bottoms that men love to get a handful of. You already got him eating out of your hand, he’s not stopped glancing over here this whole time,” Jessa said, putting her hand on her hip. “And if he does do that, I got a handful of fine brothers who would eat that peach bottom up. So you just let Jessa know and I’ll hook you up.”

The comment made Opal laugh loudly, disturbing the serenity of the spa and resulted in a few perturbed glares from other clients. Henry had glanced up, one eyebrow raised in interest. She smiled at him sweetly and he went back to his shave. Opal smiled. “Thank you, Jessa. I’ll keep you updated.”  

Opal had made sure to slip Jessa an extra tip, even though she was sure Henry had tipped everyone well. Stingy wasn’t really a word she would use to describe this man, not materially or emotionally. 

Or physically.

Definitely not physically. He liked touching. Being affectionate.

She did not; or, more aptly, she was not used to it in the romantic sense. But she wasn’t even that affectionate with her family. There were a few hugs here and there as a child, but they weren’t overly huggy. And then there was the other thing he didn’t know about, because she never talked about it, that prevented her from initially enjoying his touches.

It was getting easier, though, the more he touched her. She found, with some relief, that she actually quite liked being close to him in that way. Perhaps there was hope for her, after all.

Opal moved away from the mirror and followed his trail to the bathroom. She rested a hip on the door jamb and watched him finish his grooming. He saw her in the mirror and smiled. 

“Like what you see?” he asked, that insidious brow raised.

“Nah,” she said with a grin. “I was just thinking about how you use twice the product I do.”

Henry rubbed his hands on a hand towel to remove the remnants of whatever moisturizer he’d used on his freshly shaved jaw. “That’s because it takes a lot to make me look this good. You’re already bloody gorgeous, so you don’t need it.”

Her cheeks heated and she shifted her weight awkwardly on her bare feet. Why were compliments so difficult to take? 

“And as an answer to your question, I do like what I see,” she replied. “I appreciate your efforts. But I also love getting to just observe each other. That’s what we were missing over the last year.”

Henry stopped and smiled at her. “I watched you getting ready, and that’s why I’m so behind. I couldn’t stop watching you. You are enchanting,” he whispered. 

The air caught in her lungs upon hearing the deep gravelliness of his sentiment. He closed the distance between them. The hunger, the lust, the pain, the joy, the need, all passed across his face. He leaned down and brushed his lips across her temple.  “We’re going to make a hell of a couple tonight, Princess.”

“Yes, we are,” she replied breathlessly. 

“Let me finish getting ready. You are distracting.” 

Opal giggled. “Pot, kettle.” 

She moved away from the door and went back to the bed to struggle into the sky high heels she had thought would be great to wear, but now she regretted the decision to pack them. Her feet were going to ache by the end of the night. But--the minx inside her reminded--that could possibly lead to another massage. This time, just with Henry. 

As she finished up the last buckle on the strappy things and stretched her legs out to check how they looked, she noticed Henry watching from across the room with a glazed look in his eyes. She laughed at him, because it was the exact same look she’d had as he secured the waistcoat around his trim torso.  “This… me putting on shoes shut you down?”

Henry reanimated with a shrug. “I have a thing for really high strappy, almost slutty, heels. Nothing like…” He stopped and blushed slightly. “Uh, never mind.”

Opal stood up and went over to him, just barely shorter than him now, and grinned. “I will have to remember that for later,” she replied. 

“Oh, god, please do. Bonus points for silk stockings and the whole belt contraption,” he murmured.

She giggled. “You know, men and women are so different. You want the littlest piece of clothing on me, but I’d rather see you in a three piece suit.”

“I can fuck in a three piece suit just as well as I can without,” he teased.

His comment, and the harsh word, caught her off guard. Taking the opportunity, he went over to grab his cell phone. He beckoned her with a crooked finger. “Come here.” 

She didn’t ask for clarification or even think about it; her feet in their dangerous footwear moved of their volition. When she reached him, he wrapped his arm around her and kissed her head, all while snapping a quick picture. He looked at it, smiled, and turned it around for her to view.

Her cheeks were high with color. Her skin glowed; her eyes sparkled. Her smile showed almost every one of her teeth. Everything about it made her seem so vital, so alive, so… beautiful. She had never seen herself so happy. Simply being near him made her want to beam from ear to ear. 

He smiled softly. “Now you see what I see when I look at you.”

“I don’t always look like this,” she protested.

“You do,” he replied. “Let me send this to you so you can send it to Amber.”

Opal shifted uncomfortably. She’d completely forgotten about sending Amber a picture. What kind of friend was she, anyway? 

“We can’t bring our phones tonight,” he explained. “Something about making sure nothing unflattering gets out.” 

Opal looked up at him and nodded. “Okay. Let me just send Amber a text telling her I’m going out for the night.” 

She saved the picture to her phone and opened up the text stream with her friend. She took the picture, sent it, and wrote, “I don’t think I ever expected my Hank to be this real. Going out for the night. Talk to you in the morning.”

She plugged her phone in, stood up, and took Henry’s hand. “Okay. Let’s go.” 

 ~~~

Opal stood in the atrium of the Georgia Aquarium and sighed. She was enchanted. She’d been here a ton of times before at previous cons, but never on a night specifically designed to be an intimate cocktail party with all of the con’s celebrity guests.  

What actually was her life right now? 

Henry talked to Dany and Dwayne, and she couldn’t get over the fact that she was standing next to The Rock. How many times had she sat next to her brothers while they watched this giant man wrestle? If someone had told her this was going to be her life when she left Los Angeles the night before, she’d have told them they were lying. It was all a little surreal.

Dany smiled at her, obviously picking up on the fact that she had zoned out and had literal stars in her eyes.  “So, Opal, what do you do?” 

Opal hummed and blinked at her. “Yeah, sorry. I’m a designer and programmer for Blizzard. I have been there, oh gosh, almost ten years now. Best job I have ever had.”

“And you live with?” Dany inquired. 

Opal understood Dany’s reticence to accept her into the group. Dany didn’t want anything to harm the business, and even though she seemed tough, she clearly cared deeply for both men as friends. Still, though, Opal didn’t think she gave off a crazy fan vibe.

“My best friend, from like middle school,” Opal said, moving to stand closer to Dany. She leaned in to speak quietly.  “I know you’re worried about me using him, I get that, trust me. If I was in your position I would, too. But honestly, Dany, I didn’t even know he was him… until this morning when I arrived. I just thought he was a dorky British guy named Hank. That was it. In the months leading up to this I just got to know his heart and who he is, not Henry Cavill, God’s gift to women. I knew SuperHank, the cleric who runs around healing people, because he is that guy. I got to know the Hank who was shy and loved to cook and gets excited about Warhammer and new fantasy novels. Who tells me constantly that I am worthy and beautiful.” 

Dany beamed at her. “That’s just what I wanted to hear.” 

“And frankly, you scare me a little bit, so I won’t do anything untoward,” Opal said.

Dany laughed and flexed a bicep. “Don’t you forget it.”

“I won’t.”

“But seriously, Opal,” she said and grabbed Opal’s hand. “He needs someone he can love with his whole being, and I’ve never seen him happier than when he has spoken to me about you.” She squeezed her hand. “It’s not going to be easy, but I promise to make sure you’re okay and safe, and that you can be with him.”

Opal grinned. “He is pretty special.” She looked beside her, expecting to find him there.  “And... gone, apparently.”

Lauren smiled at her.  “He and Dwayne went to get some drinks.” 

Opal felt her stomach clench. She tried to smile, but before she could muster one, Henry was back by her side. He handed her a flute of champagne. “Here, Princess.” 

Opal took the glass from him and didn’t say a word. Her jaw clenched and it took everything in her to stop her hand from shaking. 

Henry frowned. “Is that okay? Do you want something else?”

“Huh? Oh, no, it’s fine,” she replied and tried to smile again. Even though she couldn’t see it, she knew it came off as more of a grimace because of the expression Henry returned. He knew something was wrong, but the words to explain it to him failed to form on her tongue.

Not that she really had the chance to say anything, anyway. A loud, booming voice rang out across the atrium, “LITTLE BRUDDA!!!”

Opal spun around and watched in abject horror as two grown men raced towards each other and chest bumped each other like drunken frat boys.

Dwayne shook his head.  “Seriously, you two? We’re in public.” 

Henry came back and smiled.  “Jason, my man, this… is Opal.” 

Jason looked at her, his eyebrow raised.  “Well, hello there, beautiful. I’m Jason…” He took her free hand and kissed the back of it. “If he gives you any trouble, let me know.”

Opal blushed. “Thank you. I will.”

Dazzled once more by the Man Also Known As Khal Drogo, Henry startled her with a hand on the small of her back. She looked up at him, still holding the flute from which she had not yet had a drop of champagne.

Henry leaned down into her ear. “Do you want me to get something else for you?”

She shook her head.  “No, I just, uh… I’m going to get my own drink.” 

She excused herself and headed over to the bar, trying to convince herself that she wasn’t running away from him and running away from the conversation she should have already had with him, even before they both decided to meet here in Atlanta. 

She wasn’t in line long when she felt his presence behind her. 

“Are you okay?” he asked again, concern written all over his face.

“I am, honestly. I just… well… it’s stupid. I don’t drink anything that I don’t see poured myself, and I very rarely drink alcohol in public. I should have told you. It’s just my hang up and, gah... I’m sorry I freaked out a little bit.”

Henry’s eyebrows knit together. He nodded, but he clearly wanted more. 

“Let me get my drink and we’ll take a walk and talk, okay?” she asked, hoping to smooth things over.

He nodded and stood quietly with her. Even though he was clearly confused and maybe a little angry, his presence was still one that calmed her and she found herself resting against his sturdy bulk as they waited. Opal ordered her cranberry juice in a martini glass. To anyone other than herself and Henry, it looked like a Cosmo. It was her fallback when she wanted to hang out with the cool kids but didn’t want to do what the cool kids were doing. Because that one time she did what the cool kids were doing? She lived to regret it.

She took his hand and started to walk through the first exhibit. Opal paused at a tube enclosure in the middle of the room full of jellies. A black light shone down into the water, illuminating the sea creatures as they performed a graceful, haunting dance around their tank. She stood quietly, Henry standing next to her, silent, thinking. 

Finally, she cleared her throat from the heavy emotion making it difficult to breathe. “I was drugged.”

Henry’s fingers curled into her back. Though he tried to mask the sharp intake of air, his gasp was still audible. “Opal, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because,” she said, just barely above a whisper. “It wasn’t just that. Amber and I were freshmen in college and I wanted to fit in. We went to a frat party. A guy we had art history with invited us.”

His anger was palpable; it wasn’t anger directed at her, though. Somehow, she knew that, as she stared at the gelatinous orbs bobbing through the water. She took a sip of the cranberry juice before moving on.

“I woke up the next morning, head fuzzy, in a room I had never seen before, and my panties around my ankles.” She braved a look up at Henry, to gauge his reaction. The sharp line of his jaw was set, his rage evident.

For some reason, it was cathartic to share this secret with another human. Amber knew, of course. Amber had nursed her back from the brink after they got home from the hospital.

“It’s the reason I pull away sometimes when you touch me, and the reason I am so unsure of myself. I’m sorry I never told you before, but you have a right to know.”

Henry didn’t speak; he looked at a point beyond her, staring in stony silence for the longest time. He finally tore his focus away from that point and gazed down at her. His face spoke volumes, even before his words did. He rested his chin on her head and wrapped her in his arms. “You know I would never, ever do that.”

“Oh, no, I do! I just… I want so badly for you to touch me, to be yours, I just need… time,” she said. “I don’t even know if I’m actually a virgin or not. I don’t know what they did to me. The next morning, Amber took me to the ER and a rape kit was done, but it was inconclusive. I’m sorry if this changes the way you feel about being with me.”

Henry pulled away from her and put his drink on the floor. He took her face gently in his hands. “I never, ever would feel any different about you. I just… I understand now.” He kissed her forehead, but didn’t move his lips from the spot they’d touched. His next words were muffled, but the meaning behind them was everything. “My promise to you is that I will not hurt you, and it’s all going to be at your pace.”

She smiled and pushed his hands away from her face. With her free hand, she reached up and let her hand rest on the nape of his neck. “Well, then, we can do this, cause I’m very ready for it.” 

With little strength, she pulled him down to her and kissed him. It wasn’t passionate or chaste; it was somewhere in the middle. A reassurance. A promise. Her promise to be as open with him as possible. His cue that she was okay with him pushing her boundaries. And she loved him for it.

[tobesobri]

𝓣here’s slight mention of past sexual assault in this one, similarly to chapter 5, so don’t read if you’re not comfortable! Thank you all so much for the love on Chapter 6! We’re finally halfway through the story!! And it may or may not all go downhill from here 😬

huge massive thank you to the incredible @youresogolden-h for editing ❤️

CHAPTER SEVEN: DON’T CHANGE YOUR MIND (3.8K)

Harry and Y/N are friends…. with benefits, but not the kinds you’re thinking of.

🥥MASTERLIST 🌃INSPO TAG 🌻ASK TAG 💃PLAYLIST 🛌

He didn’t know how to talk about what had happened. And when she never came back out from her room, he simply left without a goodbye. Not even his text message minutes after leaving her building did very much. 

He had asked if she was alright and she gave him a simple ‘yes’ in response. Nothing more than that. So by the time he was back in his own home, settled on the couch where they’d spent quite a few nights eating a late dinner and watching Netflix together, he had no clue if he was even going to see her tonight. Was she even still coming over? It had become a given, that she showed up every night around the same time, but now he felt like he had to ask.

And after sitting, staring at their text thread of quick responses for fifteen minutes, he finally did.

(Harry, 5:07 pm)

Are you still coming over tonight?

He let out a sigh of relief after pressing send, but after a couple long seconds of overthinking, he immediately regretted it. She was clearly upset and the only thing he could think to ask about was his selfish need to see her again. 

His phone dinged and he held his breath again.

(Y/N, 5:11 pm)

No.

He wasn’t sure why but he felt tears sting his eyes when he read her short rejection. Maybe it was because he’d already expected her answer but had hoped for a different one anyways. 

He was brought back to reality when he saw the three little dots again at the bottom of his screen.

(Y/N, 5:12 pm)

Is that okay with you?

“No,” he said out loud to himself, to only his coffee table and his blank TV screen. With his immediate response out of the way, he typed up something a little less selfish.

(Harry, 5:15 pm)

Sure.

Then in another little text bubble, he added:

(Harry, 5:15 pm)

Tomorrow?

She didn’t ever respond with actual words, but instead with a thumbs up emoji. Even after all this time getting to know her, he still hated how brief she was. Like everything she said was carefully thought out beforehand. The only time he’d ever seen her just say something without caring was this morning. She wasn’t trying to hide anything and he could do nothing but grin at the memory of her telling her roommates to fuck off.

The next day and a half went by as slowly as humanly possible. Especially Sunday night when he had to crawl into bed alone after having avoided it for hours while he stared out his window, sitting in what he deemed as her chair. His mind was preoccupied with everything about her. Nothing had even triggered the beginning of it, he had been getting a glass from the cupboard to pour himself a much needed shot of whiskey… and then there she was. 

The first thing that came to his mind was the way she’d helped him take his shirt off Saturday night. A memory that had been a bit foggy, but with time had come back to him perfectly intact. He heard her hushed giggling again and wondered how drunk he must’ve been to not have noticed at any point before they were under the covers that she didn’t have her pajamas on. He thought about how she must’ve looked anyways, letting himself get lost in his unholy thoughts about her for a while before finally shutting out lights, making sure doors were locked, and heading upstairs.

His attempts to clear his mind of everything Y/N didn’t matter much when he got to the top of the stairs because he could no longer be in his bedroom and not think about her. Not think about the way he’d caught her at his window that first night or the way she’d dragged his little armchair to the center of the room the morning she had stayed. Every inch of his bedroom reminded him of her. Not even splashing water on his face at his bathroom sink did the trick of getting her out of his head. And by that point, he really didn’t want her gone anyways.

He was already in a dreamlike state before he stepped foot into bed and glancing at her spare toothbrush on the counter only made it worse. He thought about kissing her for the first time. He even went as far as to think about her standing beside him at a red carpet event, even though he knew it would never happen. He thought about her hands and the way she liked to trace the outlines of his tattoos whenever he wore a short-sleeve shirt to bed. He thought about what it’d be like to feel her tracing his butterfly one, or the wispy laurels on his hips.

He groaned as he rolled over onto his stomach in bed. He had no idea how long he’d just been laying there, living in his unrealistic daydreams with Y/N, but it needed to stop if he wanted any sleep tonight. 

The thing was, though, he hadn’t been in bed alone for what felt like months. He knew it hadn’t been that long, but after having Y/N, she made it seem that way. Not even grasping a pillow for dear life was cutting it. He couldn’t get comfortable and he was constantly freezing. It was like that week after they’d first slept together all over again but ten times worse. His body was in physical pain this time and no matter which way he tossed or turned, it never did the trick. She was like a fucking drug he was withdrawing from. 

Monday was a similar story, with his head all wrapped around her, he finished his song and then some. It felt good to finally record something again, something he actually enjoyed singing. And with more than just Will in the studio, his album was finally getting somewhere. 

When it was seven o’clock, however, he found himself salivating like a dog waiting for her to turn up on his doorstep after a text twenty minutes prior saying she was on her way.

Even when she was there, on his doorstep, everything he’d wanted to say to her melted into a simple, “Hi,” and a sigh of relief hidden behind a smile.

She mirrored him with her own little, “hi,” back, giggling at his very Harry way of greeting her. 

And the rest of the night was history until they laid side by side together on his bed, a bit more clothing between them again as opposed to the last time they’d been together. It was nice, cozying up to the soft cotton fabric of his shirt again, breathing in nothing but the scent of his cologne and aftershave and shampoo and fabric softener all mixed together.

With his arm firmly around her shoulders as they both stared up at the ceiling underneath his weighted duvet, he cleared his throat, “I’m going to be out of town the rest of the week.”

She flipped her head to the side to look up at him, “What?”

Without moving his head or face, he glanced down at her, already feeling bad for the look she was giving him. Furrowed brows and pouty lips galore. “I just found out today at the studio. I have to go to New York to get some stuff done with my recording company. I should be back Saturday.”

For a moment, she considered stuffing herself into whatever Gucci labeled luggage he owned and joining him. It sounded a lot better than staying in Los Angeles and having to spend her nights alone again. She knew that wasn’t practical, and even if it was, Harry probably wouldn’t be keen on the idea. She still felt guilty sometimes, no matter how tight he held onto her. And maybe he needed his space. Maybe he needed some time away from her for a little while anyways.

“Okay.”

He scoffed and looked up at the ceiling again, shaking his head and not even trying to hide how disappointed he was in her response, as if it didn’t even bother her at all. 

“Do you not want to do this anymore or something?” He asked.

She immediately scrunched her eyebrows up again, “No, I mean I do it’s just… it’s fine. You have to go to New York.”

“And you’re not going to miss me at all?”

That left her with even less to say. If Y/N was anything, she was horrible at expressing her feelings. She’d be the last to say she missed him every second he wasn’t around, but she didn’t know how to say that and come across as genuine. She didn’t know how to say it and not feel weird about it. She didn’t express how she felt through her words and Harry had plenty of time to learn that about her. But what he hadn’t quite learned yet, at least not for sure, was how she did express her emotions, if not in words. 

He thought maybe it was in actions, little things she did to let him know she cared as much as he did, but she was careful with those too. Careful not to touch him too much or or mix her things with his in the bathroom. The only thing he had to go on was that she trusted him enough to tell him what seemed like some of her deepest secrets. And maybe that’s how she did it. 

She rolled her eyes up to him again, scanning the harsh line of his jaw just before he met her gaze and softened his features a little. 

“Are you going to miss me?” She asked softly.

It was innocent and like she already knew the answer to her own question. That as much as he would miss her, she’d miss him too. They stared at each other for a long while before he said anything else, before he blinked his head clear of thinking about kissing her right there and then. Before he realized what a stupid fucking idea that would be. He turned his head straight again, keeping focus on anything besides her face and her lips.

Sighing, he finally gave her an answer. “I suppose I’ll miss you.” He teased. “Won’t miss the way you laugh in your sleep, though.”

She planted her hand onto his ribs and shoved him, “Hey! I don’t laugh in my sleep!”

His grin spread practically all the way across his face as he shook his head, “Oh yes you do. Something funny’s goin’ on in there.” He tapped her forehead with his index finger and watched fondly as she grew offended.

She grabbed his hand and pulled it away from her face, “Better than your snoring.”

He made a squished face that clearly disagreed with her. “Snoring is perfectly normal. Thought you might’ve been possessed the first time you did that.”

“If anyone’s possessed by a demon, it’s you. You had black coffee with Lucky Charms.” Her disgusted look made him wonder if she was more offended by his taste for the bitter drink than she was for him teasing her about the laughing.

“Some might argue not drinking coffee at all is a bit inhuman,” he cocked an eyebrow but just the way her face drained of any readability at all frightened him the tiniest bit.

This time, instead of shoving him, she gave him that moment of anticipation. A moment to look at her and try and figure out what she was about to do. He didn’t, however, expect her to reach back, grab a fistful of his pillow and swing it at his face.

“Oi!” He grabbed it from her, not quite fast enough to avoid the initial attack but she definitely wasn’t doing it again. There was a struggle for the pillow where she tried to get it away from him, even going so far as to find out where he was ticklish and cheat her way out of it. But, it was no use, he still managed to pull it from her grasp. 

He held the pillow hostage on his other side, using his shoulder to block her when she tried to reach across him and grab it until she gave up with a loud huff and fell back against his arm that wasn’t currently protecting the pillow.

“That’s alright. You have like,” she glanced behind them, catching her breath, “five others I can choose from.”

“You know this face is the money maker, right?” He pointed at himself and it felt like the first time she really looked at him in a while, she noticed the stubble along his upper lip and across his jaw and chin. His two teeth that stuck out a little more prominently when he smiled, cheesily and over exaggerated it almost made her gag. If he wasn’t so fucking beautiful, she thought, she might actually hurl at what he’d just said.

“It’s just a pillow.” She rolled her eyes, “It won’t do any damage to your pretty face.” 

Then she did something she’d never done before, and she wasn’t sure why she was doing it now. She reached up and gently pressed her fingers right into his dimples, making his smile even more pronounced. It made her feel closer to him than she ever had been and it terrified her just enough to realize what she was doing, touching him like that, and she let go.

When his grin remained exactly the same, teeth and all, she really should’ve known better. “So you think my face is pretty then?”

“No, I think your face is annoying.” She almost shouted while practically leaping across his chest to grab the pillow he was still holding onto. Instead of her getting a grip on it however, he wrapped his hand around her forearm and fought against her playfully.

Eventually he managed to push her onto her back again, gripping her arm still and pinning her down against the mattress a little more harshly than he had intended. So when she flinched and accidentally smacked him, he knew he’d made a huge mistake.

Without a second thought, he let go of her. Immediately, he backed away and gave her her space back. The entire room had shifted and he felt like his mumbled, “I’m sorry,” didn’t nearly cut it. He was so fucking sorry for getting carried away, for not thinking, and for the terrified look in her eyes she had pointed straight at him.

She covered her face with her hands, a feeble attempt to hide how embarrassed she was and through her palms, she muffled her own apology, “I’m sorry I slapped you.”

“No, I shouldn’t have…” He shook his head at himself, still in disbelief at what he’d done and how drastically the entire mood had changed within seconds all because he’d been too careless to realize he was crossing a line with her.

She slowly slid her hands down her face and looked at him again. “I’m not used to all of this, I’m sorry.”

He nodded in understanding with his lips parted and his eyes a little wider than usual. He wasn’t quite used to needing to be so careful with someone either, but he was sure he’d gotten there with her, so he had no idea what possessed him to do what he did. 

“Got it. No more pillow fights.”

She laughed and it became, even more so than it was already, his favorite sound in the entire universe. “Only if you’re being a jerk.”

Considering the circumstances, he let her have that one. No matter how much he wanted to defend himself and blurt out that him calling her a little demon for not liking coffee was not him being a jerk, it was him being honest, he kept his mouth shut. 

After that, she’d retreated to his bathroom for a while, making up an excuse that she’d forgotten to wash her face earlier, but he knew better than that. So the entire time she spent behind the locked door, he spent propped up on his pillows, staring out at the city and hoping he hadn’t lost all of her trust in him. It was the only thing he had to let him know she needed him like he needed her. And if it was gone, he had no clue where they’d be.

After flipping the light on and locking the door behind, she stepped up to the counter and gripped its edge hard enough to steady herself. She avoided the mirror while she caught her breath, while she got herself to stop shaking and her stomach to stop lurching all over the place. 

She’d never had a reaction like that. Not that anyone had ever done what Harry did, but she couldn’t blame him at all. She had no idea that would happen. It was the quick, sharp movement that had gotten to her. She didn’t want Harry mixed in with her memories, to have him at all associated with that pain. So, she kept him out of her mind while she let it all come flooding back the way she knew it was bound to. And once it was over, once she could breathe again, she looked in the mirror and reminded herself that Harry would never and could never do that. 

After splashing her face with cold water and spritzing a little more of her perfume on her neck just in case, she joined him again in a much more peaceful state of mind. 

She kept a short distance from him once she was under the covers again, knowing it wouldn’t last, but needing space from him while she said what she needed to say.

But before she could get anything out, he was the first to break the silence. “Alright?”

Nodding her head in response lasted about five seconds before she realized he couldn’t see her. So instead, she backtracked to what she had wanted to say to him all night. “I’m sorry I didn’t come over last night. I just needed space… from everyone.”

She felt him shuffle a little bit and even though he didn’t say anything, she at least knew he was listening. “I barely got any sleep though, so I guess not from everyone…”

Her confession made him smile, a warm smile that reflected how she’d just made him feel. Like a bright, golden summertime was taking place inside his body even though the outside was a chilly autumn night, caught without a jacket.

“What happened at breakfast yesterday?” Now it was his turn to mutter a few words he’d wanted to say to her all night as well. It was easy when she wasn’t looking at him with her pretty eyes that made him feel guilty for prying even an inch into her personal life.

But even so, she stayed quiet and a bit of guilt seeped into him. “You don’t have to tell me. I want you to. I wish you opened up more all the time.” He confessed with a sigh of relief in hopes she didn’t think he was weird for wanting that, for wanting to know more about her. “But you don’t have to.”

He felt her before he heard her. And as she curled up next to him, tucking herself underneath his arm and resting the side of her face softly on his shoulder like she had countless times, she told him. 

“I had been dating that guy from high school for a couple months before that happened.” She began while tracing the hem of his t-shirt around the collar absently. “My first and only impression of that kind of relationship was how easily they can be faked, until someone gets what they want out of it.”

He rubbed his hand across her back, in slow circles just so she knew he was listening quietly. And for whatever reason, it encouraged her to continue. “And I guess I don’t really like it when they go on about me getting or having a boyfriend, but I kinda overreacted. They don’t know about what happened… except Will.”

“How did he find out?” Harry wasn’t sure why that was the first question to pop out of his mouth, but it seemed like the only one that was okay to ask.

“He met that guy through some friends when we were in college and invited him to a party we were all at once. LA’s a bit of a small world.”

He could agree with the unfortunate state of the city, but he also found himself cringing when he learned how horrifically Will had found out. Harry could only vaguely imagine what that must’ve been like for her. And then to have to explain it to Will. It must’ve been hell and he hated knowing she had to go through it.

“I’m so sorry.”

She shook her head and peered up at him even though he had his furrowed brows and concerned eyes glued to the ceiling again like he was lost in thought. “You know you’ve helped me so much, right?”

This time, he did look at her with his chin pressed to his chest and through small slits in his eyelids, muttering in disbelief. “Have I?”

Since he could actually see her this time, she nodded again. “I never took the time to figure out how to trust anyone after that till you came around. And I definitely never let anyone touch me.”

He rested back onto his pillows again, anxieties melting away because he hadn’t lost her trust after al. It was actually better than he’d feared. 

If only he could figure out how to help her with other things. Like her self-esteem that nagged at him every single day since she told him how she really felt about herself all those nights ago. Or getting her to say more, to stop holding back. 

Baby steps, he supposed.

He had his own things that needed fixing too, and he could, without a single doubt, list a few she’d helped him with. But he didn’t want to make anything right now about him. Maybe one day he’d tell her all about how she made loving someone feel safe again, but now wasn’t quite the time for it.

“S’the least I can do. Been forcing you to share a bed with me all this time, after all,” he joked.

When she spoke next, he could tell she was falling asleep with the way her words sort of mushed together. “You’re not forcing me to do anything, Harry. I need you too.”

Those four words rang in his head long after her eyes closed, long after her breathing evened out and he felt her steady heartbeat against his ribs. 

She needed him.

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[free-pool-trash]

angel - warren worthington iii

My first Warren fic, woah okay. I remember seeing apocalypse in the cinema when I was 13 (I was almost 14 :')) and being so happy to see Warren because I was such a little nerd and I used to religiously read a book from the library about the x-men and it had a whole section about Warren and I was crazy about him. So I was so in love with him when I saw him on screen (I guess I've been in love with Ben Hardy since before I actually knew he was Ben Hardy 😳) and I was SO upset with how dirty they did him in Apocalypse. Also upon further inspection that entire movie was a hot mess and X-men peaked with days of future past.

Anyway Ben Hardy put me back on my X-Men bullshit so here we are.

Here is the idea that was sent in by the lovely Anon for this fic: Honey!! 'cause I can't have enough of your work and since you said it was okay to suggest any ideas for warren, I was thinking, what about him letting the reader pet his wings. Since he is emotionally distant and stuff? (idk if that could work to develop a whole fic) anyway, i'll love some angst and love. Just bless us bringing our bird boy back 🤭.  keep doing amazing darling ♥️ 

Word count: 5k (shes a long one alright)

Warning (s): swearing, mentions of blood, plane crash, platonic!Peter :) (also i didn’t really proof read this and it’s 3:44am lmao)

comments and feedback are much appreciated! <333 

masterlist

Your breath came out in labored heaves as Kurt bamfed the final one of your teammates into the plane, all of you were more or less safe from Apocalypse now that you had the professor back in your custody, that's what you'd thought anyway. You hadn't anticipated what was to come.

Once you caught your breath after being dropped into the plane by Kurt, you spoke up, "Anyone need a pick-me-up?" 

As you looked around at the group, most of whom were all close friends of yours, you noticed the vast majority of them littered in only small cuts and bruises, all except Charles who was still unconscious from Apocalypse's assault on his mind, but there wasn't much you could do about him, for now at least. 

Your mutation was, according to Hank, "essential for field work" and by field work he actually meant high intensity missions that made you feel like you had the weight of the world on your shoulders. You had the ability to heal both people and animals of any outward affliction, you could cure inward wounds too but taking on anything more than a headache was dangerous for you, so you mainly handled cuts, bruises, burns, stab wounds, bullet holes (provided the bullet was already removed) and the occasional broken bone, y'know, the small stuff. 

It was a pretty incredible power to have, only it also came with a not so incredible bonus of amplified empathy which meant you could feel people's emotions, read people's energy and usually you could tell people's intentions too. It all got a little tiring sometimes.

"No save your energy, (Y/n), Peter or Raven might need you later." Jean responded just before pounding started coming from the roof of the jet as some sort of blade pierced through the metal. 

Sparks flew and you shared a worried glance with the rest of your teammates as the roof of the jet was torn open and two of Apocalypse's minions appeared, only one of them entered the plane, however, the one with the wings- you didn't know his name. Being on the edge of the group, you took the defensive, the winged man was bigger than you but you could probably kick his ass if you needed to. You were so busy squaring up to the bird boy that you didn't notice the panic happening behind you.

"Just get us out of here." You heard Jean say, followed by the all too familiar sound of Kurt's teleportation.

They'd left you.

Your eyes widened when you felt the plane plummet, the pilot, along with everyone else gone, only yourself and your winged enemy were left on the aircraft, his partner in crime seemed to have lost her balance and got swept away by the wind. 

Despite being together you were both alone. You wouldn't lie, you were scared, he was too. You could feel it.

"Fuck!" You shouted trying your best to reach the controls of the jet before it impacted the ground.

Unfortunately before you could reach the console, gravity did it's thing and you found yourself being hurled violently against the plane's windshield and the next thing you knew you were shielding your face, bracing for impact then everything was black.

-+-+-+-+-

"Ow, fuck." You groaned once you came to, laying on the hard concrete of the ground which, of course, was covered in glass shards from the window you'd been thrown through. 

The glass dug into your back painfully, you'd have to figure out some way to pick the shards out before you could heal. 

Blinking your bleary eyes until you could open them and actually see clearly, you stood up as gently as you could, trying to avoid getting cut by any more glass.

The air was smokey and thick, it filled your lungs and made your eyes water. Your head was spinning, the feeling of dried blood on your temple ever present as you struggled to keep your balance.

The plane was destroyed, completely wrecked to the point where it's insides were now it's outsides, the roof had been blown off and the seats were nearly disintegrated.

Swallowing thickly, you remembered that you hadn't been the only one on the plane when it crashed. Heaving a sigh, you closed your eyes tightly, please have gotten thrown out the windshield you prayed silently to yourself.

Sure you didn't know the boy or like him all that much from what you did know of him, but you didn't want him to have died alone in a fiery wreck. 

When you worked up the courage to finally open your eyes you let out a gasp as you noticed the winged boy not burned to a crisp but laying face down in the shards of glass, unconscious, a few meters up from where you had woken up.

Please don't have a punctured lung. Please don't have a punctured lung.

Please don't have glass lodged in your neck.

Oh my God what if he already bled out?

Oh fuck what if he's already dead?

You panicked internally as you limped over to the boy, his face was covered in blood, but you imagine you didn't look much better.

Kneeling down as you reached his body, you brushed away whatever glass you could before you turned him over so he was laying on his back.

"Thank God." You muttered as you could see his chest rising and falling, the movement was slight but all that really mattered to you was that it was there.

Gently you picked out all of the glass that had gotten embedded in the boy's pale skin, you had to hand it to him, he sure was pretty when he wasn't trying to kill you. Not wanting to waste time staring, you placed both of your hands softly onto his chest, a golden light radiated out from under your palms onto the tattered material of his clothed chest, within a few seconds his gashes began to close up and his heartbeat became stronger against your palms, he definitely had more injuries than you could physically see as your energy had been all but gone once you finally removed your hands.

Another downside to your mutation- it requires a lot of energy.

A few minutes passed before you heard a soft gasp coming from beside you, the blonde boy's eyes opened and he glanced around frantically, green eyes shining in the light of the setting sun, he picked a good time to wake up as you didn't particularly want to be waiting out in the cold night time air. His metal wings meant he was too heavy for you to drag to any kind of shelter, especially now after using up all your energy to heal him, you wouldn't make it far on your own never mind with someone else. 

"What happened?" He asked with a groan, this was actually the first time you'd heard him speak, he had an accent- he must've been from England. 

"You and your little buddy busted our plane, my teammates ditched and you and I got left to die. You almost did." You explained in as few words as possible, you didn't paint your friends in a very good light but you needed the winged boy on your side, you couldn't have him leaving you in the middle of nowhere with open wounds and no energy.

"Why didn't I? Die I mean." He asked, eyeing the wreck with a grimace before meeting your eyes again.

"I healed you, that's my mutation." He raised an eyebrow at you suspiciously.

"Why did you save me? We're on opposite sides." The boy inquired further, you tried your best to entertain him but your energy was running extremely low.

"The fights over and judging by the fact that the world isn't burning I'm assuming that your side didn't win. Besides we both got left on that plane, I didn't want you to die alone." You explained, your voice becoming slurred as you ran out of steam, eyes struggling to stay open.

"You look awful." The boy stated to which you just nodded, drowsily.

"Mm, feel awful." You responded as he stood up, glass crunching under his heavy boots.

"Come on." He demanded and you felt him tugging you into standing position, you weren't really sure what was happening but you didn't fight against it, you were simply too drained.

"Jesus, why didn't you heal yourself?" He asked, staring at your tattered backside in a mixture of horror and disgust, you assumed it looked as bad as it felt.

"Couldn't get the glass out." At that your head lolled against the boy's neck as he wrapped your arm around his shoulder and hoisted you up with his arm around your waist.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

Warren dragged you to a nearby house, the surrounding area had all been abandoned during the fight between Apocalypse and the X-Men which you were apparently a part of.

He couldn't quite figure out why you'd spared his life, he had been the reason your plane was abandoned in the first place. It annoyed him really, he was supposed to be your enemy but you'd shown him so much blind kindness despite the stress he'd caused you and your team in the past couple of days. His reasoning for joining Apocalypse in the first place was because he'd given up on being shown any form of kindness, by anyone, and in the space of ten minutes and less than ten sentences from you his head was spinning.

The regret was almost too much for him, you should've let him die. 

Before he could spiral any further he decided he had to help you first, you'd saved him first after all.

Warren, as gently as he could, laid you down on a bed in one of the house's bedrooms, on your stomach. The boy, who didn't even know your name, began to pick the glass out of you as you'd done to him, he didn't have any healing powers but he was used to fixing himself up after fights back in the cages. He removed all the glass, cleaned the cuts and covered them as best as he could without having to undress you.

Warren noticed that your gashes began to close up by themselves, your back glowing golden. You kind of reminded him of an angel, the kind of glow he'd seen in a Renaissance painting back in Berlin, the kind of light that represented heaven.

You were still completely passed out, it was dark by then and Warren debated on just taking off into the night, but his gut forced him to stay with you, this girl who got forgotten by her own team then saved the guy she was supposed to be fighting against, it was kind of poetic to be honest. So he set up a makeshift bed on the floor of the same room you slept in, and laid down, staying vigilant in case anything or anyone were to attack while you slept.

-+-+-+-+-+-+

Light steamed through the window of wherever it was you were, you couldn't remember, wherever you were you were comfy.

 Cracking your eyes open you looked around the room, noticing the winged boy laying on the floor beside the bed you slept in, awake and staring at the ceiling.

"Morning." You whispered to the boy, and he immediately turned his head towards you, "Good morning."

"Thanks for taking the glass out." You thanked him with a soft voice and a small smile as you looked at him.

"Just repaying a favour." He responded, a smile of his own playing on his face, you could tell he was trying to fight it, but it peaked through.

Reaching your arm out toward him, you laughed as he raised an eyebrow. "I'm (Y/n)."

Finally letting himself smile, the boy let out a chuckle as he took the hand you held out to him and shook it, "Warren."

"Thanks for not ditching me here." You spoke quietly as you withdrew your arm, picking up on his energy, he was unsure but decided to stay by your side anyway. 

Warren's gaze returned to the ceiling, "We'd both been ditched enough for one day. Thanks for not letting me die, didn't get a chance to thank you yesterday before you passed out."

"Right. Sorry about that, healing people tends to take it out of me. I'm glad I healed you, though." You told him gently, as he scoffed.

"Not 24hours ago we would've killed each other on the spot, now we're having bloody pillow talk." He grumbled out, the accent you'd picked up earlier really coming through.

"Would you rather we tried to kill each other?" You inquired with an airy laugh, the contrast between today and yesterday didn't bother you, you'd felt him when you healed him, he was good, just has a lot of demons, like every other mutant you know.

"I'd rather I didn't try to kill you at all." He confessed, his lip trapped between his teeth, eyes never leaving the ceiling.

"It's not your fault. I felt it when I healed you, you're just like the rest of us, you needed something to believe in. I can't blame you for that." You tried your best to soothe him, you could feel the regret in his voice, you knew many of your friends at Xavier's school had been in similar situations before eventually joining the good fight.

"Doesn't change the fact I was ready to watch the world burn so I could feel some sense of purpose." His voice was filled with self loathing and you didn't know why exactly but you couldn't stand it, you didn't like that he hated himself so much.

"From your perspective the world deserved to burn. I've been there too, the world hurts us and we'd love nothing more than to hurt it right back. You wanted something better than what you had, you got brainwashed by someone who promised you everything you wanted, it's not your fault, if I wasn't with the X-Men I probably would've joined too- if he had asked." You admitted to Warren, it was strange, you trusted him with what you were saying and you could see that he was absorbing every word you said, he trusted what you were saying.

"Aren't you pissed? That you're stuck out here with me?" You knew what he meant, he wanted to know how you felt about all of your friends bamfing away and leaving you to crash and burn with Warren, the supposed enemy.

"It hurt a little yeah, but I understand, Kurt was scared, he'd never teleported so many people at once before, I was too far away from the rest of the group anyway,"  you shrugged before going on, "I'm not pissed that I'm stuck out here with you, you're pretty cool for a henchman." You teased, the way he shook his head at your statement caused you to giggle.

"There's a place for you at the school, if you want it." You floated the idea towards him breaking the silence that had filled the room, because to be honest you didn't want to part ways with the bird boy just yet, turns out almost dying together was quite the bonding experience.

"You sure? They'd forgive all this shit?" He asked you disbelievingly to which you nodded, "They'll understand. Charles forgives Erik and Raven every five minutes. Besides if they have a problem they'll have to deal with me." 

"Thanks, (Y/n)." 

-+-+-+-+-

 It took you both a few days but you eventually managed to make your way back to the school for gifted youngsters.

You and Warren had bonded quite a bit during your trip and you'd developed an understanding of each other. Nights spent at sketchy motels and shared take out containers the symbols of your blooming friendship.

He told you about his original wings, he'd tiptoed around the fact that he wanted them back, he didn't give you a direct answer when you'd asked but it was clear to see that his metal wings didn't feel right to him anymore, they were a reminder of his lapse in judgement. And in return for his truth you'd shared some of your own, how you sometimes struggled with the aftermaths of healing someone more than you let on to your team, you told him that you had a hard time maintaining your energy when they sometimes asked too much of you on missions and even in the school's infirmary.

It had only been a few days spent together but you considered him a friend, you had a lot in common and you couldn't quite tell yet, but you felt as though Warren started warming up to you from the second he'd opened his eyes after the plane crashed, he was so quiet and reserved but he had a certain vibe about him, he had this sort of protective energy around you and you couldn't lie, that feeling of security grew on you very quickly.

You promised yourself as you both walked into the school that if anyone had anything negative to say about him joining the team, you'd kick up a storm.

The atmosphere in the school was somber when you walked in, Warren stayed close to your side as you walked towards the Professor's office, you needed to get Warren set up.

The pair of you didn't make it very far before you heard a gasp from in front of you, you didn't even see who it was before you were being crushed in a hug.

"You're alive... Oh my God you're alive!" You recognized the hugger and smiled, hugging him back tightly.

"Yeah, Hank. I'm all okay." You reassured the bigger man. Hank was like an older brother to you, ever since you joined the school you'd spent so much time in the infirmary and since you were so much younger then, Hank had taken on a brotherly role to you, he'd essentially become your mentor. He loved you like a sister and by the tears that were soaking into your shoulder that really showed.

"We thought you died, I'm so sorry (Y/n)." Hank sniffled into your shoulder, squeezing you tightly before pulling away, revealing his puffy eyes and red face, it looked like he'd been crying on and off for days.

"That why everyone's so gloomy?" You questioned, glancing around to see the majority of people that occupied the hallway staring at you in shock.

Hank swallowed thickly and nodded. You just smiled and nodded your head in Warren's direction, and Hank immediately stiffened.

"No worries, Warren took care of me." You assured him and he could tell by the look that you were giving him and the fact that aside from your over-sized clothing, that definitely didn't look to belong to either you or Warren, you were in good condition and the boy had in fact had a change of heart. If he truly was the reason you'd gotten home safely the older man was in no place to be skeptical, so instead he nodded gratefully to Warren who returned the gesture, not speaking.

After reuniting with Hank, he brought you and Warren to see Charles, who was like everyone else, in mourning.

You'd never seen him smile as bright as he did when you entered his office, the relief on his face made you laugh as he wheeled toward you. 

"Thank goodness, darling girl." He exclaimed, grabbing your hand tightly in both of his own, without having to be told his eyes met Warren's, "Thank you, Warren. Come, sit."  Charles invited him but the boy in question looked at you skeptically.

"Go on, he's okay." You assured him, smiling as he sat down in front of Charles' desk, fidgeting with his hands like a child who was about to get in trouble.

Charles turned to you again, a gentle smile on his face, "Peter is in the infirmary, his leg got injured during the fight. I don't need for you to heal him but I've never seen a boy cry so much in such a short amount of time. Go and say hello."  

You smiled sadly and looked to Warren, "You okay if I go check on him?" Warren only nodded again, he'd become even more quiet than usual but you could feel his energy, he was nervous yet hopeful, optimistic even.

"Could you show Warren to the infirmary once you two are finished up?" You asked Charles who nodded, "Of course, go on now, we'll be ok."

Nodding again, you left the office and made your way to the infirmary, not meeting anybody along the way. Thankfully. At the moment you just wanted to see your friend and talk to him about everything that had happened within the last few days.

As you walked into the infirmary you saw Peter, a cast wrapped around his leg and a red and puffy face. Silently you leaned against the doorway and watched your closest friend in the school stare blankly at the ceiling.

You were so used to seeing him energetic and happy, you'd even told Warren about him, you wanted them to be friends, they were the exact opposite of each other but Warren liked to sound of Peter when you'd told him about him, you were all the same age- give or take, and you wanted Warren to be able to just act his age and let loose, Peter Maximoff, and yourself of course, were the perfect people to help him do that.

Shaking your head at his low mood, that was as a result of thinking you were dead, you pushed yourself off the doorway and made yourself known, "What's with the long face, speedy?"

You laughed at the look on his face when he heard your voice, and saw your face. The feeling of relief flooding over you as a result of his own.

"I knew you weren't dead!" Peter shouted, shooting up into sitting position and smiling brightly at you as you raised an eyebrow, pulling him into a hug.

"That why you been crying for two days straight?" You teased him, as you squeezed him tighter, Peter scoffed and gently pushed you away. 

"Nah I was crying of happiness that I finally have some peace and quiet." He shot back matter of factly, his usual mood already returning as you joked around together.

"Don't get me wrong I'm glad you're alive and all but how'd you survive the crash?" Peter asked as you sat up on the edge of the bed he was on.

"I got thrown out the windshield, so did Warren. We were both pretty fucked up, I healed him up then he took care of me, made sure I didn't die in the desert after I passed out." You explained to Peter and rose an eyebrow at him as he smirked at you.

"Warren, huh?" He teased and you couldn't stop the laugh that left your mouth.

"What about him? We almost died together it was quite the bonding experience," you told him, still chuckling before calming down and going on, "You're gonna help me settle him in. I told him lots about you, we're gonna be one super weird little trio." You told him definitely and he chuckled at your optimism.

"Right, a kleptomaniac, an empath and a reformed henchman." Peter nodded approvingly at his own deduction and you laughed, "Exactly. Perfect." 

Not long after Charles and Warren appeared in the doorway. Warren greeted you with a small smile, and nodded to Peter who waved at him, a friendly smile on his face. 

"Warren has decided he'd like to stay with us." Charles spoke up proudly, happy to have a new mutant joining his side.

Smiling brightly you listened to Charles continue, "He'll be staying in the room across from Peter's for the time being but I'd be more than happy to make different arrangements should further developments take place." Charles' lips curved into a knowing smile, which Peter mimicked while yourself and Warren shared confused glances.

"I'll leave the three of you to get to know each other."

-+-+-+-+-+-

Weeks passed and Warren settled nicely into the school, he didn't talk to many people, mostly only you and Peter, sometimes Charles or Hank but he tended to only speak if spoken to first.

He'd been thinking a lot lately, looking hard at himself in the mirror and not really liking what he saw. His metal wings were starting to weigh him down and the tattoos that adorned his face were driving him crazy. He hated himself for buying into the notion that he needed his wings weaponized in order to fight when he knew that he could fight perfectly well without the blades. 

You'd offered to try and restore his original wings and he knew you'd be able to, but he knew doing something that big could be potentially dangerous for you so he turned down your offer at the time but he wanted to change his mind now.

Still, the need to keep you safe far outweighed his want to get his wings restored. Being at Xavier's school saved him but that was all down to you, to him you were an angel and he'd both kill and die for you if it ever came down to that, he knew it was ridiculous though, you didn't need his protection but he still wanted you to have it.

He eventually decided to bring the topic up with you again one night when it was just you and him. You were in Warren's room, just chilling together as you did most nights, Peter usually joined too but he hadn't that night for whatever reason. 

You sat on Warren's bed, cross-legged as a record spun on the record player, Warren's favourite band playing through the speakers as he sat beside you, his eyebrows furrowed while he worked up the nerve to ask you what he wanted to ask you.

"I want my old wings back." Warren spoke out suddenly, causing you to lift your head from the book you were reading.

Smiling, you closed the book and set it on his nightstand. Finally. 

"You're sure?" You asked gently, although you were ecstatic that he was finally allowing himself to heal. To properly heal.

Warren nodded and swallowed thickly, looking at you pleadingly. He didn't realize how much he'd really wanted his wings back until he'd said it out loud and seen the smile on your face once he did.

"Well, I haven't healed anybody so far this week I've got enough energy… we could do it now?" You offered, smiling as he nodded rapidly.

You instructed him to get comfortable in the center on his double bed before you crawled over to him, "Do you mind if I sit here?" You asked, motioning towards his legs, as close as you'd grown over the past few weeks Warren was still on the fence about physical affections of any kind, he longed for it, especially with you but he just hasn't been ready. 

Which sucked since yourself and Peter weren't shy about hugging each other, or kissing each other's cheeks, or throwing your arms around each other and it wasn't that Warren was feeling excluded or anything, no he knew that if you both thought he'd be okay with it you'd be showering him with hugs too, he trusted the both of you enough to know you'd never hurt him but being so vulnerable in front of anyone just hadn't been in the cards for him. 

Deciding to let you help him get his wings back was the turning point for him, he was finally letting you all the way in. So he nodded and gave you a reassuring smile, the kind of smile he reserved only for you.

Returning the grin you straddled his legs and seated yourself comfortably on his thighs, his breath hitched as you placed a hand on each shoulder, you bit your lip as you looked into his eyes, "This might be a little uncomfortable, hold onto me if you need to." 

As soon as your hands began to glow, Warren felt the sting of your powers against his back, it felt like he was burning and without thinking about it Warren's hands moved to grip your hips and his head buried itself in the crook of your neck and he bit his lip harshly.

"Sorry, War. Almost there." You whispered sympathetically in his ear, placing a gentle kiss on his temple, hoping it would make him feel better.

Watching the feathers replace the knives was incredible, his wings were beautiful, he was a literal angel and the way the glow of your powers illuminated his body almost made you cry. He looked like something straight out of heaven.

Soon, your palms stopped glowing and the fatigue hit you like a truck, every ounce of your energy had gone into Warren but it was worth it. 

Slowly, Warren removed his head from your neck to stare at you, amazement painting his face. Your smile grew impossibly wide when you noticed his face was completely clear, the tattoos gone.

"Guess the wings and the tattoos were a package deal." You murmured happily before your eyes rolled back and you collapsed into Warren's chest.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-

After you passed out Warren carried you to the infirmary to rest, his wings twitched every now and again but they felt better, he himself felt lighter, physically and mentally.

Warren stayed by your bedside until you finally woke up, you'd slept for an entire day and your self proclaimed protector was becoming restless.

"Morning, angel." You whispered with a soft smile on your face, he looked different now with his wings back and his tattoos gone, he looked happier.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. I'd say good morning but it's nine o'clock at night." He greeted, returning your smile.

"How're your wings feeling?" You asked, you wanted to reach out and touch them but you decided against it, you didn't want to make him uncomfortable.

Noticing the twitch in your fingers Warren bit his lip and gently moved his hand to hold your wrist, "Why don't you see for yourself?" He prompted you, moving your wrist towards his feathers.

Moving your freehand, you grabbed his wrist which held your wrist, the two of you now in a strange wrist lock. Warren looked at you strangely as your eyes shone brighter than he'd seen them shine in the weeks he'd known you.

"You're sure?" You asked him, genuine happiness laced your voice and Warren couldn't help but laugh at you, "I'm sure. I want you to."

Warren could barely contain himself when your face broke into the most incredible grin, the kind of smile that felt like sunshine despite the fact that it was 9pm at night and the sun had long since set. Warren had thought he'd been doing an incredible job of hiding his feelings toward you, but he was sure that the way he was looking at you now gave everything away and the funny thing was, he didn't care, he wanted you to know.

Slowly you sat up in the bed and reached out to touch his feathered wing, fingers gliding gently over the arch of his wing. They were so soft and warm and felt so nice under your fingers, your eyes had been so transfixed on the angelic feathers that when you raised your eyes you didn't realize how close you'd come to Warren's face.

His eyes met yours and if you ever had a doubt that he was designed by God himself they melted away when his green eyes looked into yours before flicking down to your lips, then back. 

You could feel his breath against your lips, he was intoxicating to you, like a drug, you didn't know how you were going to stop yourself from kissing him this time. You'd often found yourself wanting to kiss your winged friend but you always respected his boundaries enough not to, this time was different though, you could practically feel his lips on yours.

Warren, feeling the conflict but more importantly, the longing, radiated from you, decided to finally place his lips on yours.

His lips moved against yours softly at first but became more urgent when he felt your lips moving in sync with his, the way he kissed was possessive but soft and if he hadn't of pulled away when he did you're sure you would've moaned right into his mouth.

"I want you." Warren whispered, face still close to yours, his hand cupping your cheek, his smile was contagious as you found yourself copying his action.

"You can have me." You giggled out, chasing his lips, connecting them with yours once again.

[cloudykaii]

guardians

pairing: demon!seventeen x reader

summary:  Demon seventeen please! One where it’s awkward at first when they show themselves because they’re Y/N guardian but once she sees them she held onto them for dear life or something like it

warnings: reader gets hurt, brief mention of an attack, brief talk of physical assault, some cursing but i think that’s it

To be fair, you had thought that screaming when you saw them was not only a generously calm reaction from you, but the very least they could expect. After all, it’s not every day you walk back into your living room to find thirteen men all squeezed into your couch. 

You had no idea how they got in, knowing very well you were only gone for a couple of seconds, not leaving anyone time to sneak through the front door and get past you. At the sound of your scream, one of them jumped falling off the couch. He looked at you, irritated. “Was that necessary?”

You stared at him, narrowing your eyes. You opened your mouth to retaliate, but one of them stood up, holding his hands out. “Y/N, we’re...” he seemed to struggle with how to word it and the man next to him rolled his eyes, leaning forward. “We’re your guardian demons.”

You stood there, dumbfounded at the blunt words leaving his mouth, and he just continued. “And you know what? You are the hardest person ever to guard! Do you only have one brain cell? You make terrible decisions.”

“I make terrible decisions? An entire fraternity just showed up in my living room and I’m the strange one? What the hell?”

He rolled his eyes, and went to retort but the person who had stood up elbowed him roughly. “Not now, Mingyu.” He turned back to you, sighing heavily like a father in distress. “My name is Seungcheol and  despite how he said it, Mingyu was right.. we’re your guardians.”

Deciding to at least hear him out since he seemed the most levelheaded, you nodded at him. “Isn’t the saying guardian angel?”

“Well...”

That was the beginning. It had taken a while for you to learn all their names, and distinguish them from each other, but even though you were able to know who had left the mess in your kitchen based on what snack it was, it was still really awkward. It was still hard to believe that the universe thought you were so chaotic that you needed thirteen guardians, and demons at that. They all seemed alright, a little intimidating because they kept talking about vaporizing the pizza delivery man if they took a little too long. 

“Why are you all here again?” You asked, lacing up your shoe. “I mean, if you’ve been my guardians for years, why show yourselves now?”

Junhui shrugged. “The option to reveal yourself only appears when the human you’re guarding needs you most, so it’s always to take that option. From that point on, you can freely control the ability to being seen.”

You looked up at him, confused. “I needed you guys most when I was making a grilled cheese at three in the morning?”

He paused his happy munching to shake his head. “It doesn’t mean right then, it just means that something will happen soon, something that will probably reveal exactly why we were assigned as your guardians.”

You hummed at that. Something would happen? What the hell did that mean? It’s not like you led a very exciting life, what could possibly happen? Also, how would it reveal the reason the thirteen of them were your guardians?

Shaking your head clear, you stood up. “I’m going for a walk.”

Minghao frowned at you from where he leaned against your kitchen counter. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? It’s really late.”

You waved him off. “I’ll only be gone for an hour at the most, it’ll be fine.”

Jeonghan bit his lower lip as he heard that. “I agree with Minghao. Y/N, it’s really not that safe and-” You cut him off by patting his shoulder. “I just need some air. I’ll be fine.”

He pursed his lips, obviously reluctant to actually let you out the door before eventually sighing out, “Okay, but just remember: if anything happens, scream, We’ll be there.”

You waved off his warning, smiling at him as you made your way out the door. Seungcheol shared a look with Minghao and Jeonghan, knowing they had the same bad feeling he did. 

“I don’t like this,” Mingyu mumbled, walking in. 

“Oh yeah, something is definitely going to happen,” Jihoon added, making Joshua nudged him. “Don’t say that. She said she’d be gone for an hour, so if we don’t hear a scream in the next hour, everything’s fine.”

Everyone nodded at that, but the tension never left the room, making it obvious that no one actually believed that. About thirty minutes passed of them all trying to distract themselves by watching some cartoon before Seungkwan groaned. “Maybe if we just-”

He cut himself off as a scream rang through his ears. He sat up straight as he turned to face everyone else. “Did you guys hear that?” 

“That was definitely Y/N,” Seungcheol affirmed, making them all stand up and Mingyu scoffed. “Well, what are you all waiting for? Stop wasting time and let’s go!”

And they hadn’t known what to expect when they thought of you only to arrive in a field surrounded by trees. This was definitely not where you had gone for your walk, a fact only further determined by the sound you crying. Jihoon turned his head to find you on your back, laying on the ground while someone straddled your waist, holding you down by the wrists. “Hey!”

The person looked up from you, and it was obvious he was a demon. Joshua  moved to tackle him off of you, and Minghao and Jeonghan moved to help you up. You held onto the latter desperately. “H-He was..-”

“It’s okay, Y/N,” he soothed you, letting you lean against him as you cried heavily. “We’ve got you, you’re safe.”

“His eyes were pure black,” you choked out, “and I didn’t understand what he was saying. He mentioned something about sacrifice and then started speaking in a language i couldn’t understand.” And even though your words were frantic, and you were clinging to Jeonghan like your life depended on it, the way his stomach dropped at those words had Jeonghan and Minghao sharing a solemn look. He wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer. “It’s alright. He’s gone, we’ve got you now. You’re safe,” he mumbled. “You’re safe.”

[evengayerpanic]

Trains and Passengers [2 of 4]

Trigger Warning: Mentions of Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse and Reference to Sexual Assault.

Inspired by an ask I received, wanting an AU of Aster/Ellie plus an adorable little boy, I’ve decided to take that idea, and run with it! There just seemed to be so much plot, that a one-shot wouldn’t have sufficed. So I bring you the second chapter, out of four, in Trains and Passengers, an Ellie/Aster AU.

_________________

“Mama, can we have dinosaur nuggets for dinner?” Aster blinked her eyes open, letting out a small laugh as she met her son’s eyes face to face, the little boy’s face bare inches away from her as he tried to whisper (or at least as much as a toddler could whisper) about how happy his dinosaur nuggets would make him.

For a second, Aster had to glance around the room, she was curled up on the sofa in the cabin, blanket curled around her. Tommy was squished in next to her, not quite stealing the blanket, but trying too.

“Baby, how long have I been asleep?” Aster asked softly, bringing a hand up to brush the hair out of her little boy’s eyes, a smile on her face as she did so.

“Four shows of Paw Patrol.” Tommy shrugged, his hand grabbing another chip from the bag in front of him, popping it into his mouth quickly before smiling at her. “You was really tired, Mama.” Tommy giggled.

Aster sighed as she shifted under the blanket, arms stretching out to grab her little boy and drag him into her, the child squealing and giggling as she pulled him towards her. “Mama! Mama, that’s silly!” The sound of his laughter was music to Aster’s ears as she peppered the little boy’s face with kisses, tickling underneath his arms and along his sides. “Hehe, Mama! That tickles!”

“Did you eat that whole bag of chips?” Aster teased him, the boy squealing out his answer in a yelp.

“I ate them, I ate them!” Tommy squealed, before his Mama swiped him up into the air, tucking him over her shoulder and carrying him to the kitchen.

Aster laughed for a second, before settling the little boy on the kitchen counter. “I guess you aren’t hungry for lunch then.” She smiled, leaning over to kiss him on the head, before pulling the freezer next to them open. “Let’s see if we have any dinosaur nuggets.”

Aster dug through the freezer slowly. “How about regular chicken nuggets?” She asked, a smile on her face as she shook the box. “You love chicken nuggets.”

“No.” Tommy said, frowning. “I want dino nuggets.”

“Baby, we don’t have dinosaur nuggets.” Aster tried to reason, her heart breaking as the little boy in front of her’s lip began quivering and he started to tremble.

“Okay... Okay, let’s go out and get some.” She said with a smile, lifting her son off of the counter and hugging him tightly. “We can go check out the town of Squahamish, and go find a grocery store to get your dinosaur nuggets, how does that sound?”

“Yay!” Tommy cried as he jumped down from his mother’s arms and sprinted off in the direction of the room he was staying in. “I’ll get dressed, Mama!”

Less than ten minutes later, Aster and Tommy were ready to go, hand in hand as they exited the cabin, only to run into someone standing at the front door.

“Oh!” Aster cried out as an arm reached out to steady her, stopping her and Tommy from toppling over.

“Aster?” Came the panicked voice that was just starting to become a familiar one. “I am so sorry!”

Blinking her eyes, Aster moved her arm to shield Tommy for a moment before she realized who it was they had run into. “Ellie! What are you doing here?”

The girl in question blushed for a moment, smiling as the little boy at her feet immediately began to grin at her. “I wanted to check in on you guys.” Ellie tried to explain, the smile growing as Tommy moved to cling at her arm with a shy cuddle against her. “Make sure you were okay, and that you didn’t need anything.” 

“Funny you should ask.” Aster smiles, her voice laden with laughter underneath. “We were just about to go on a mission for dinosaur nuggets.” She smiles.

Ellie sputters in confusion. “Dinosaur nuggets?”

“My favourite!” Tommy exclaims excitedly.

At his excited yell, both Aster and Ellie burst into laughter. Ellie smiling down at the little boy before nodding. “Well I guess we better go get you some!”

Aster glanced up at Ellie’s remark, her eyes widening slightly. “You want to come with us?” She was beyond confused. A trip to a grocery store with a three year old didn’t sound like fun to even Aster, and she was his mother, she couldn’t imagine why someone would want to join them if they didn’t have to.

“If that’s okay with you.” Ellie said with a soft look at Aster, there was a sparkle in them that Aster had never seen in anyone before. To top it all off, Ellie kneeled to her son’s height with her next words, which made Aster swoon. “And if it’s okay with you.”

“Yeah!” Tommy shouted his glee, something that made Aster blush and nod her own agreement.

“We would love the company, Ellie Chu.”

_________________

It wasn’t until two hours later that Aster Flores realized just how much fun she was having grocery shopping in Squahamish with her son and Ellie Chu.

“What do you mean you’ve never seen Harry Potter?” Ellie Chu gasped in surprise, nearly dropping the ice cream in her hands as the three of them walked down the street of Squahamish. “It’s a classic, Aster!”

“Religious parents.” Aster explained, biting a piece of her popsicle off, looking down at her son who had chocolate all over his face. “I wasn’t allowed to watch anything that might condemn my soul.” She shrugs.

“Wow, I’m sorry.” Ellie turned to look at Aster, nothing but sincerity in her eyes as they exchanged a look. “Do you mind if I ask a personal question?”

Aster laughed for a second. “Ellie, you’ve bought me groceries twice now. You also cleaned up the cabin I’m staying in, and now you’ve bought me and my son ice cream. I would say you’re allowed to ask anything.”

“How did they feel when you got married so young?” 

Aster froze, mid-smile as her face falls. Instantly, Ellie felt a flush of embarrassment flood over her and she shook her head wildly, apologies immediately escape her lips. She didn’t mean to ask, didn’t mean to be so intrusive. Ellie knows she shouldn’t have pried, she shouldn’t have asked, really it was none of her busi-

“It’s okay.” Aster finally speaks, voice smaller than Ellie Chu is used too, the loud and boisterous Mom that she met last night, and got to spend time with today has instead been replaced with hard whispers and softness. “They loved the idea, they’re the ones who actually suggested that he propose, to be honest.”

At Ellie’s confused look, Aster sighs. She stops in her tracks but nods Tommy forward, the little boy bouncing along the street happily, following the way they took to get to Squahamish. His Mama and her new friend watch him carefully, Aster speaking as they start walking again, a little more confidently now that Tommy is no longer within earshot.

“T.J., Tommy’s father, well... his family has a lot of money.” She starts, her eyes keeping a close tab on her three year old who’s barely ten feet in front of them. “When we started dating, T.J. began giving money to my Father’s church.” Her eyes go downcast again, clear shame passes over as she murmurs. “My Dad thought if we got married, that the donation his family would give... well, that it would change lives.”

Ellie reaches out, her free hand going to caress Aster’s arm gently. “I’m really sorry your family used you.”

It’s soft, and small, but Ellie sees the slightest upturn of a smile come over Aster’s face. “It’s okay, I got Tommy out of it, and that’s all that matters, right?”

“Right.” 

“We should catch up to him before he makes it all the way home without us.” Aster says, grabbing a hold of Ellie’s free hand, and holding tight to one of the grocery bags they purchased. “Come on!” She smirks, pulling Ellie behind her as the two women chase after the boy with a smile and laugh that rings across town.

_________________

Ellie spends the rest of the day with the mother and son duo; Aster makes them all the much anticipated dinner of dinosaur nuggets and tater tots, Tommy helps Ellie with the trains in the evening, and Ellie ends up the middle of a too cute for words sandwich when they all curl up to watch The Polar Express.

It may not be Christmas, but at least it has trains.

Halfway through the movie, an exhausted Tommy Singh falls asleep, spooned up against Ellie Chu’s leg, effectively freezing her from moving for fear of waking the angel up from his peaceful slumber.

Instead Ellie and Aster continue their conversation from earlier, over top the little boys dark brown curls.

“Did you always want to be a Mom?” Ellie asks, watching the way that Aster slips her fingers through her son’s hair, brushing it softly as he sleeps.

“No, actually.” Aster surprises Ellie. “I wanted to be an artist, paintings in every museum. I wanted to have my own collection and run my own gallery. I didn’t want kids until I was at least thirty, maybe older.”

Ellie raises an eyebrow, looking down at the little boy sleeping. “What changed? I mean, you can’t have been very old when Tommy was born. You’re my age.”

“I was nineteen when I got married, three weeks shy of my twentieth birthday when Tommy was born.”

Ellie can only smile, not picking up on the hidden sadness in Aster Flores’ eyes. “A decade early, hm?”

Aster frowns this time. Ellie reaches a hand out to grab Aster’s arm gently. “I’m sorry, was I rude?”

Aster shakes her head, strands of her own dark curls falling into her eyes. “No.” She mumbles, a shiver going through her as she pulls away, moving just enough to get to her feet. “I need to get him in bed.”

Ellie nods, watching as Aster ducks in to lift Tommy under the arms. The boy instantly curls against his Mama, tucking in close to her, even while asleep. She hoists him into her arms and carries him off down the hall, leaving Ellie alone in the living room in silence.

She waits a moment, then another one. 

About a minute has gone by before Ellie realizes that she probably offended Aster, and that the girl was trying to get away from her. She gets to her feet, gathering what little things she brought, and sneaks over to the door... shame and embarrassment are written across her face. She feels mortified. 

She’s about to leave, mentally cursing herself for chasing away one of the only people that’s seem to enjoy her company since Paul Munsky moved out of town, when Aster comes back into the room, stopping her in her tracks with a single word.

“Stay.” She pauses, then adds. “Please?”

And just like Aster Flores could control the entire world with a single word, Ellie Chu finds her way back to the sofa and sits down, facing the girl silently.

“We were only married a week before T.J. began asking me when we were going to have kids.” Aster takes the chair across from Ellie with a sigh.

“I told him I wanted to wait a few years.” She continues, fixing Ellie with a look, a look that somehow Ellie knows how to read even though they’ve only known each other for a couple of days. “I found out I was pregnant barely a month later.”

Ellie exhales the breath that she didn’t know she was holding, there’s so many questions in her mind, but she knows better than to interrupt Aster. Not now.

“A happy accident, or so I thought.” Aster smiles softly, glancing over at the room where her son is sleeping. “When Tommy was born, I fell in love.”

At this point she stops, her voice gets a little choked up and Ellie has to keep herself from rushing across the room to comfort Aster, to hold her, hug her, do something to help fix what the other woman feels.

“Barely a month afterwards, he was asking me again when we could get pregnant... I wasn’t even healed from Tommy’s birth yet.” Aster grimaces in pain.

“I found out the condoms we were using... all had holes poked in them, every last one of them.” 

At this, Ellie feels the shock hit her.

Aster isn’t finished though, far from it. She tells her story from that moment on; informing Ellie of how she had to secretly go on birth control without T.J. noticing, sharing that after three years of nothing that he was starting to get suspicious and culminating in a very awkward doctor appointment where T.J. was finally informed of the measures Aster took against an accidental pregnancy with a second child.

And lastly, his immediate fury.

“He screamed the entire way home...” Aster whispers, voice broken and Ellie’s heart thudding into her stomach. “When we got home, he tossed out the birth control, and told me we were going to try every day until I gave him another child.” Ellie feels sick.

“I didn’t want too, but that didn’t matter to him... He just...” At this point, Aster lets out a sob and Ellie bounds across the room to her in a second, wrapping her arms around the crying woman and holding her in a tight embrace. “He took what he wanted from me.”

Aster trembles in Ellie’s arms. Ellie holds her, not sure how to comfort her, other than listening to her story.

“Every day for a week, he’d come home and... One night, Tommy heard my screaming and came running.” Ellie lets out a small gasp, her heart breaking at the very idea of Tommy walking in on the horrors his Mama went through. “I begged T.J. to stop, but he slammed the door in Tommy’s face, and kept on...”

Aster wipes the tears from her eyes, and Ellie offers her part of her sleeve, not sure what else to do. The hollow small laugh Aster gives at that, only seems to break Ellie more, her heart racing at the things these precious two people had to go through.

“Tommy sat outside the door the entire night crying, the next day he asked me why Daddy was hurting me...” Aster barks out another hollow laugh, this one full of remorse and anger, instead of the sadness from before. “You know, you always wonder what will happen if your child walks in on you... How you’re going to explain that Mommy and Daddy weren’t hurting each other. You never think you have to explain that he’s right, that Daddy was hurting Mommy and you don’t know why he’s doing it.”

At this Ellie whispers, “Aster, I am so sorry that you went through th-” But Aster isn’t finished yet.

“The next day, I tried to stop him... I fought back, and he gave me this black eye.” Aster points to her face, and Ellie, though she already knew just who was the culprit of Aster’s bruises, can hardly hold herself back from wanting to stand up and go after the sick son of a bitch. “That’s when I knew I had to leave.”

Ellie waits another moment, feeling as all of the tensity Aster was holding onto, slowly starts to dissipate, a bi-product of finally being able to tell her story, at least, the main focus and point of it. 

They end up in silence for a few minutes, sharing the chair that Aster was sitting in, pressed together tightly, hands still woven in with each other. Ellie isn’t sure what to say; she’s angry, she’s bitter, but mostly, she feels the need to protect Aster and Tommy swell in her... more than it already had meeting them.

Paul had told her bits and pieces of what they went through, but nothing of what was shared tonight.

“You’re safe here, Aster...” Ellie finally whispers, brushing the hair from the other girl’s eyes and staring at her with a sense of something more bubbling inside of her. “I know I’m not much to look at, but I’ll keep you safe from him, I swear.”

Aster blushes softly, before she meets Ellie’s eyes. “Can you stay here tonight, please? Something about you Ellie, it just makes me feel... well, safe.”

She whispers the next part. “And not safe.”

Ellie chooses to ignore the comment, nodding her head that she’ll stay for the night, as long as Aster wants her. Ellie won’t leave as long as she’s needed.

_________________

The two end up settling in Aster’s bed, Aster’s choice so that neither of them wind up sore in the morning from the couch. They’re both fully dressed and too emotionally exhausted to even think about changing.

They lie on top of the blankets, face to face, both of them fighting against their eyelids to keep from closing. They try to talk about happier things, things that don’t make Aster relieve bad memories, things that don’t make Ellie seriously consider what it would feel like to break a man’s arm, or worse.

Aster asks Ellie about what she wanted to be. A writer, is the answer. She settled for train engineering so that her Dad would be able to retire happily without worrying about his station, his trains and passengers.

Ellie asks Aster about her favourites. Colour? Green. Smell? The shampoo her son uses. Book? Fried Green Tomatoes. Memory? Taking Tommy to the beach, just her and him for the day. The waves crashing, building a sandcastle, trying to teach him how to swim.

Ellie smiles at the thought.

Aster asks Ellie if she’s ever thought about having kids. Her answer is an immediate no, she’s terrible with children, she’s never met a kid that’s actually liked her and not wanted to burst into tears after seeing her. 

Aster reminds her that Tommy hangs onto her every word, and teases Ellie that for someone who isn’t good with kids, she’s just great with him.

They talk for hours, until the words are barely a mumble, and they’re curled up against eachother. Aster tucked in a ball, Ellie wrapped around protectively.

Aster Flores falls asleep with Ellie Chu’s arm wrapped around her waist, and a feeling of true security.