#other than hoping she'd just wake up one day and it would have vanished? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

manyothermusingsofmine · 2 months ago

Text

Heartfelt || Drabble

Fandom: Xmen

Warnings: Angst feelings, mostly.

Wordcount: 2248

Summary: Sometimes the best way to support someone, is to be the person you needed most when you were going through similar pain

AN: excuse me while I just casually shred my own heart into pieces over this just HNNG the feels

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"I knew I'd find you here."

The sun had only just dipped away behind the horizon; and Kurt had been up there the whole time as it slowly hid away for the night, the only one who had kept him company on the rooftop of the mansion having been a little bluebird that had long since flown off when she showed up. Granted, this would be exactly where she’d find herself if she needed a moment away from it all again. Speaking of…

"It's not like you to vanish from the mansion for most of the day," Miranda softly noted, "that's usually more my style."

She went over to him, her pace elegant and almost catlike before she halted next to him and slowly sat down. Observing him from the corner of her eyes and clearly debating on what to do as he sat there with his gaze still on the horizon, her hand slowly reached out to him. She clearly hesitated a little, pulling back once or twice before her fingertips lightly touched his arm. It seemed to wake him from his thoughts enough as his eyes went towards her. A deep sigh left him, but before she could take that as a signal to draw her hand back, he placed his own over hers and lightly pushed it closer to his arm.

"Sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me today," he muttered, hoping that answering her supportive touch was what she needed to make her stay, "there's just.. a lot on my mind, I guess."

She looked at his hand as it remained over hers, putting her free hand on top of that and lightly resting her head to the top of his arm in the hopes that the silent physical affection helped a little.

"Is it because of what that cashier said?" she could hear the slight, startled gasp that came out of him at that, which was pretty much confirming it from the get go.

"How did you-"

"Good hearing. I hear a lot; especially things people say when they think they're being subtle and quiet. And she wasn't exactly either in her jealousy."

His eyebrows furrowed at that, and he actually turned his head a little more towards her. Jealous? He tried to remember the tone of the cashier's voice, but all he could think of were her words, not so much the tone they were said in.

"Jealous?"

Miranda just nodded, a slight, knowing smile on her lips as her eyes flicked to Kurt.

"Oh, yeah. It was very obvious that she only said half of what she meant to say. 'Why is he with that human, parentheses, when I'm standing right here?' She'd been trying to get your attention the whole time you were mentally calculating if you had enough money for what we had left to get or if you needed to save some things for a next run."

"My attention? For what?"

She tried not to laugh, her face contorting for a moment at the attempt; but she managed to keep her giggle to herself.

"Please, Kurt. From the moment you walked in she was trying to flirt with you. And it wasn't subtle; even I noticed that was her intent when the amount of times other people had to tell me "Miranda, he was trying to flirt with you" is frankly, straight up, embarrassing."

"Well, some way to do it," Kurt grumbled, trying to ignore the slight burn of embarrassment as it burned in his cheeks, "implying I shouldn't be interacting with regular humans, judging them like that, real attractive, lady. She.. she was implying you- She knows nothing about you, it would’ve been so easy for her to just not say anything.”

"There's worse things to be compared to than a human," Miranda said with a light shrug, to which a thought dawned upon Kurt.

"You... heard what the guy said too, before we went to the convenience store, huh?"

"About you? Yeah. And for what it’s worth; I also heard his friend telling him to shut the fuck up, in a tone that makes me think that friendship isn't going to last much longer if he keeps his idiocy up. Kind of wish I had said something like that, too; but then you suggested leaving so I thought you just didn't want it becoming some whole scene between the four of us. I.. hope that didn't come across as me letting him get away with insulting you." There was a sense of fierce loyalty in her voice, something that told him she would've tore the guy a new one had he not almost immediately suggested they leave.

"I did want to leave as soon as he started insulting me. I don't like wasting my time confronting some stranger who thinks I'm not allowed to exist, looking like I do. But the lady, with her "real human" comment; that stung. As if her physical mutation, as if mine, immediately means we're incompatible with anyone who isn't mutated on the same level, or a non-mutant. I already hear that "too mutant" nonsense enough from someone who's supposed to..."

As his voice trailed off, Miranda turned to him with concern plainly written on her face. He was implying people closer to him than random strangers out on the street were giving him grief for looking the way he did, and she genuinely couldn't think of anyone it could be. The other X-men for as far as she could recall only ever made notes about how fuzzy he was. Even her own team, her friends; even then only his fur came up in conversation, not much else, which begged the question...

"Who's calling you-" she started, the protest fizzling out as soon as his eyes met hers. Something about the slightest hint of sorrow swirling around in them told her that this was something far deeper and more complicated than a friend accidentally coming across as harsher than they wanted to.

"... I've been hearing my mother in my head all day," Kurt quietly admitted, appreciating the light little supportive squeeze she gave his arm, "She... I don't know. I feel like, on some level, she always wanted to be human instead of a mutant. To be normal. Wanted me to be normal. And, well.. I wasn't. And I just hope that someday, who I actually am will be good enough for her."

Her heart simply broke for him, the clipped tone of his voice betraying that this was an old hurt that never seemed to sting any less as time went by. She wanted to ask for the whole story behind it, but decided that was probably the worst thing to ask right about now; she didn’t want to reopen old wounds like that. Her mind was racing, options and questions popping up at random as she tried to figure out what was actually a good move to make, a good thing to say; she never had much faith in her ability to comfort, glad that with the friends she had been making there was always someone who knew what to say if someone was upset. But now, it all came down to her and her alone; she didn't know what to do, how ease even a little bit of his emotional pain on this matter like he did for her whenever her mind got the better of her.

Like he did for her. She grabbed onto that thought, dragging it back to the forefront. If anything, Kurt usually was a perfect example of someone who knew what to say to comfort and reassure. If the roles were reversed, if she was struggling with some emotional matter like this... What would he do? What would she need to hear from him for this to feel even slightly better, if this was happening to her? What would he tell her? She thought about it a bit longer, trying to land somewhere between helpful and gentle, and trying to find a way to say things in her own words. And as it finally came to her, Miranda shifted, turning her whole body towards him. She freed her hands from where they had been the whole time, wrapping them around his chest in a supportive hug as she pressed a kiss to his shoulder.

"You are enough. More than enough. I see you try so hard, every day, to make a positive difference in the world. You're warm, you're kind, you're strong- You’re simply wonderful, Kurt. My life is genuinely a lot better with you in it, and nothing anyone says will ever convince me otherwise. You deserve the whole world, honestly. And your family, your friends, everyone here at the mansion? They see you for who you are, for who you’re trying to be. They love you."

I love you.

Those three words seemed to be sinking away as if trapped in quicksand, stuck somewhere in the very back of her throat with no hope of pulling them any further than that. Unspoken, they swirled lower and lower, sinking away to the depths of her chest as her heart quietly whined in protest. God, how she wished those words were actually easy to say when it mattered most, how she wished that it was easy to simply admit that’s how she truly felt about him. But the longer she tried to grasp those words, the faster they slipped from her fingers, and the more a voice in the back of her head insisted that this wasn't the time to be a romantic sap about the situation. That feeling of it not being the right time to bring it up was only confirmed to her when something in him seemed to crack; as if something was pushed into one last bend it couldn't handle and thus broke instead.

He rapidly lost the fight against his own tears, burning his eyes with such intensity that it took no time for them to start pouring down his cheeks. She let go only enough to pull him into a better hug, gently pressing his head to the lower curve of her neck and pressing a kiss to his head. Keeping one hand there to softly run over his hair, the other was draped protectively around him. She felt how in response he wrapped his arms around her torso, his tail swirling itself around her waist to anchor himself further; holding to her almost for dear life as the tears kept raining down

"Don't go," her heart broke once more at the hurt tone of his voice, "please."

"I'm not going anywhere," she gently reassured, tightening her grip on him ever so slightly, "I promise. I've got you."

She just held him close, silently promising that she was riding this emotional storm out with him no matter how long it would take. And when it did subside, when everything seemed to have poured out of him, she held onto him until he released his grip on her, first. As he pulled back, she cupped his face in her hands, using her thumbs to gently wipe away the remaining tears on his cheeks- He looked emotionally exhausted.

“You… wanna turn in for the night?” she asked softly, to which he nodded in response. She pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, in the hopes that would reassure him even more, “My room is right below, here, think you can…?”

“Uhm, yeah, give… Give me a moment,” he muttered, wiping at his own eyes as he took a few deep breaths; he needed to calm down a little more before he could manage to visualize her room and teleport them both over. When he did, he held onto her a little tighter than he normally would- really not wanting to let her go, but at the same time…

“I should.. go to my own room, I guess.” It was a poor argument when he couldn’t convince his own body to drop it’s hold on her, her eyes going down to where his hands were clutching onto her arm, before looking back up to him. Quiet defiance built up in her; he was absolutely not going to spend this night alone in his own room, no matter what his claim of that being the better solution was. Grabbing onto him in response, she simply tugged him towards the bed already there. She flopped down on it easily, taking him along as neither actually let go.

“Come here,” it was a soft spoken demand, but a very welcome one as Kurt gratefully nestled himself back in her embrace. Focusing on her calm breathing and the steady beat of her heart, his mind finally seemed to ease up a little while she spoke up, “of course I’m not letting you go by your room to deal with this by yourself. I know firsthand what a poor idea that is… you wouldn’t let me do that either, would you?”

“No, I wouldn’t,” he muttered after a bit, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, don’t apologize. Just… try and get some sleep, okay? I’m here. I’ll be here, the whole time. Promise.”

“Thank you.”

“This is the least I can do, but, you’re welcome. You’d do the same for me.” She tried to ignore how that notion made her heart flutter and whine at the same time, lightly running her fingers through his hair until he fell asleep in her protective embrace.

#Drifting writes things

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armpirate · 1 year ago

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The Only One || JJK || Ch. 14

Pairings: mafia!jk x fem!reader

Genre: smut, angst, mafia, contract relationship

Warnings: Prostitution, torture, blood, use of drugs and weapons

Summary: You've always wished for a better life. Every single day at work, you were hoping something would change. Although you didn't think that change would come in the form of one mysterious man and a contract.

His controlling and selfish behaviour only wanted to keep you away from any other man that wasn't him, and you only had to wait for him.

Too bad you really thought you'd be smarter than Jeon Jungkook.

Previous || Next

MASTERLIST

Jungkook thought about his short conversation with Namjoon, and how he'd been forced to lower his head whenever a problem with that family came through. It didn't matter how big the Bangtan clan was, and how much power they had even overseas, the slightest mistake with such a big family as the Choi one would put them all in a sensitive situation. A problem in Seoul would require the rest of the members to show up there, and leave the territories overseas, and he knew the consequences that could have. One little distraction could have awful consequences.

His only solution was to get rid of that family, but he wasn't sure how yet. Especially with the closest heritage of the lead to Choi Sanhyuk. He needed to find a way before that happened, because he was quite sure he'd try to take over Busan. His greedy ass wouldn't have enough with Jeollan. And if Busan fell under their control, it'd be a matter of time until he tried to take over Seoul as well.

His neck curved to the edge of the backrest of the couch, with his head almost hanging from it as he tried to think about anything else but the same old issues.

Long steps led his way to the first floor, as if the only thing that could keep his mind busy was up there. And his body wasn't wrong. All that uncertainty and excessive worry slowly vanished when a wave of possession and admiration ran over him. He contemplated the upper half of her body, still covered with the hoodie she took with her, while the other half was hidden behind the big mattress. Her head moved everywhere with curiosity, stopping at every new spot. Jungkook wasn't sure if she was actually curious, or if she was actually looking for a way to defend herself the second she realized he was there.

Not that it mattered anyway. It wasn't like she was going to find anything of use.

Her eyes kept traveling over the room, thinking of how she'd possibly be able to step while being there, and in that situation she was in. Was she just supposed to rest her head on the pillow and sleep peacefully? To be honest with herself, she probably would do it if that meant she'd wake up from that nightmare shortly after. But she was sure that would never be the case.

In between all those thoughts, a strange feeling replaced all those thoughts. She had the paranoid sense that someone was looking at her from somewhere, but she was too insecure to dare herself to look back over her shoulder.

The inner battle started, fighting herself on whether looking back or not. If there was no one, she'd play it cool and blame her overthinking and paranoid mind. But if Jungkook was there... How was she supposed to react if he was there? She almost drooled on his hand earlier, when all she had done before was throwing daggers at him -which was the most normal reaction, in her opinion.

—Do you want something? —she threw those words without giving it a second thought.

At first, she thought the only response would be filled with silence, but a thick voice was faster than the expected answer.

—I'm looking at what's mine —Jungkook's voice caressed her ears with such an annoying velvet touch.

She sat straight, her eyes fixing on one spot in the room while her fingers suddenly stopped caressing the soft blanket that was folded at the edge of the bed. Jungkook chuckled silently, aware that she wasn't the best at hiding reactions. Her whole body tensed as soon as he spoke, and he kind of loved that he was able to get such a reaction from her.

—Maybe you should give her clothes back to what's yours —she fought hard to get that response out, with the confidence and coldness she wanted.

—Tried checking the closet?

While they both were heading to a different destination when they landed, he sent two of his bodyguards to his home first. He was sure her suitcase had to be somewhere in a room that soon would be filled with clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry.

All that confidence she had vanished when he heard that question leaving his lips mockingly. And it was about to get worse as she tried to get which one of the two doors was the closet.

—The one in front of you —he pointed out, aware of her hesitation.

She didn't look back at him. Instead, she walked fast and opened the white door. Among the big amount of empty shelves, the sweet smell of roses and apples, and the expensive aisle with a thick ceramic on top, her eyes instantly fell on the red suitcase that was placed on it. There weren't many clothes there, there wasn't anything special inside it. But it was the only thing she kept from everything she left behind. That suitcase had way too many stories to tell, neither of them a good one though.

When she was back outside with a pair of sweat shorts and a top, she found Jungkook walking around the room with both hands inside his pockets. He wasn't planning on leaving that place, not without fighting with her again to prove to her for the millionth time that day that he was in charge.

—Could you? —she pointed to the door— I want to get changed.

—I can't —Jungkook finally turned to her, scanning her body as if he hadn't seen it before—. Get changed —he encouraged her.

—I don't want to if you're here —she challenged him, tilting her head with squinted eyes—. Also, you said you wouldn't force me to do anything.

—I'm not forcing you to do anything —he walked towards her, slowly, making the tension grow between them—. I want to see you —his breath traced the tip of her nose delicately—. But if you don't want me to see you —he bent over, making her throat close when his lips ghosted over her earlobe—, you have it as easy as closing yourself in the closet and get changed there.

He stepped back with a devilish smile, that made her question her main decision of stepping outside in the first place -when she was well aware that he hadn't left the room. Her legs trembled to the insides of the huge closet, ranting and constantly emitting annoying sounds as she replaced the degasted clothes from that day to her pajamas.

Why didn't she get changed in the closet in the first place? She kept scolding herself, unable to accept that maybe she did want Jungkook to see her, maybe she did want to find some joy in him admiring each one of her curves... She was so sick for that.

—Sit —he demanded when she set foot outside.

Y/n could've argued, she could've avoided him. Instead, she sat at the edge of the bed, and saw him kneeling in front of her, after he placed the blue first aid kit next to her. He was focused on taking care of that little scratch on her knee, making her squirm and swallow her painful moans to herself, as he spreaded the liquid over the separated line. All she felt was a burning hassle until she felt nothing at all.

Bending even more, Jungkook blew over the sore knee, trying to make the pain easier to handle. And he'd lie if he said he didn't do it to tease the woman in front of him.

She gulped thick, surprised by his breath comforting her that way, but even more when a jab of pleasure hit her core out of nowhere. Her moves were fast, but so insecure and anxious, that it was quite obvious for him he got what he wanted from her.

—Can you leave? I want to get some rest.

A smile left his lips, along with a long sigh, before he stood up. Jungkook gave in, knowing damn well she wouldn't be easy, but she wouldn't be as difficult as he first thought either. Stopping in front of the door frame, he turned to her again.

—I will still pay you, by the way —he let her know—. Twenty thousand each month, as we agreed on.

Confused at his comment, she didn't know whether to thank him or throw another dagger at him. She didn't expect to get any money after she was caught, she thought the money taken away from her would be part of the penance for violating the contract.

And that was in fact right. Jungkook didn't have to pay her any money. The compensation was only to make up for her not having any other way to get an income, but now that she was in her home, an income wasn't a worry at all. But he knew she needed it, not for her, not for avarice, but because she wanted to look after her people. And that was something he'd always support her with.

✸ ✸ ✸

She moved constantly under the sheets, thinking that -for some reason-, she woke up in the middle of the night and wasn't able to fall asleep again. But when the blankets were torn apart from her head, and she was able to take a look around, the rays of the morning sun almost blinded her.

Instantly sitting back, she wondered what time it was, and how much she had actually slept. Actually, she wondered how she was able to fall asleep that night. Nervousness and that funny feeling in her stomach were giving her a hard time to stay still, but it seemed like that didn't stop her body from getting some rest.

Y/n stood up slowly, letting the sole of her feet meet with the coldness of the gray tile. Although that didn't stop her from getting up and walking towards the closed door.

The possibility of it being locked was high. There was no way he'd give her that amount of freedom when just the previous day she played him to run away. To her surprise though, a click reached her ears as she pushed the silver knob down, pulling from the door just enough to open it slightly.

Y/n gulped thick, getting ready to step outside and face Jungkook for the first time in the morning. It took her a trip to the ground floor to realize he was nowhere to be seen. For a quick second she thought she was completely by herself in that huge house, only to be interrupted by a thick voice from somewhere in the room. Looking to her left, she found a tall and big man bowing to her, a serious expression decorating his face, while a dark outfit decorated his body.

—I'll be in charge of you while Jeon is away —he announced to her.

It was a serious debate Jungkook made sure to have before he left. He wasn't dumb to leave her all by herself in his house. He needed someone attentive and strict enough to let her know her limits whenever she was about to surpass them, but he also knew someone that would be able to communicate with her in case she needed something. And Jihu was the only one that carried those three characteristics.

With puckered lips, Y/n nodded to that new information. Not surprised in the slightest to have someone watch over her.

—Your name is?

—Lee Jihu —he bowed again—. There's food in the kitchen if you want to have breakfast.

—No —she sat on the couch—. I'm not hungry.

That was a big lie though. She could feel her stomach squirming at the idea of getting some food, calling her out for keeping it from the slightest edible thing. But her pride didn't care about it.

—Mister Jeon told me to make sure you'd eat.

—Good for him, I guess —she simply shrugged—. Tell him I ate, then. Or tell him to stick all his food up his ass. You have two choices.

Jihu moved nervously. Considering his boss was a living lie detector, there was no way he'd be able to convince him that Y/n actually ate something. And if he told him Y/n got away with what she wanted, and didn't eat anything for a whole day, he knew he'd be in big trouble anyway.

He was cursing the moment he was chosen to look after her.

—Where is he, by the way? —she randomly asked.

—He's busy —he let her know.

Y/n nodded, not satisfied with the answer she got. She didn't ask what he was doing, but where he was. Although the answer to her question would be equal to nothing, considering she didn't know a single place in Seoul, and the mention of anything else that isn't Jungkook's home would sound the same as empty air.

—You need to eat, Y/n —he insisted—. Jeon directly ordered...

—Take me with him —she interrupted him—. If he wants to make sure I eat so bad, take me with him.

—I can't do that.

—Then guess you'll have to deal with the consequences of me not eating —she cockily raised one of her eyebrows as she looked at the man that was close to losing it.

There was no wonder Jungkook was so pulled by that woman, they both radiated the exact same annoying and demanding energy. She clearly knew she had the upper hand. Although being the one forced to be there, she was sure she could do just whatever she wanted with everyone around her.

And the fact that she was aware of it was dangerous.

The man gave in. Not giving him time to nod twice, Y/n stood up and walked to her room to get changed. She was sure she was playing with fire, she was convinced pushing his buttons could have a bad ending for her. But, for some reason, she also thought that would make her lose her appeal to him, maybe with all those acts Jungkook would eventually get tired of her. And that was the only thought that encouraged her to get in the black sedan, and get out of it once they arrived at the location.

It was too late to backtrack.

When Yejun laid his eyes on her, after she appeared from Jihu's back, he was sure it'd only trigger chaos. Especially when part of the Choi family was on the other side of the room, as Jungkook tried to make up for a small inconvenience that was caused because of her.

Y/n heard the two men speaking in Korean. And it was obvious they were speaking about her by the several glances they both spared at her as they spoke. Even if that was what she was looking for, she couldn't help but feel dizzy and nauseous. And she didn't even see Jungkook's reaction yet.

—Can I go to the bathroom? —she asked, interrupting the two men.

With a sigh, Yejun nodded. Placing his gray blazer properly over his white shirt, he motioned Jihu to guide her to the corridor that led to the nearest bathroom.

—I'll wait here —he informed her, standing in the middle of the beginning of the corridor.

Nodding, she walked past him, towards the only door that was accessible. She only needed to get some water splashed on her face, and everything would be fine. She'd be able to stand on her act for another few minutes.

But her whole body tensed as she heard the sound of water running inside the toilet, from one of the cubicles. Right next to her reflection, her eyes got trapped by the cat eyes of the same person that almost got her on that auction in that department. His figure got slightly bigger with every step he took closer to her, until he stood on the adjacent sink.

—What a surprise seeing you here —he commented—. I thought Jungkook would keep you closed in his tower —he joked.

She didn't say a word though. Instead, she tried to remember if there was a second door next to this one, and she made the mistake of getting inside the bathroom for men.

—I know what he did —he said, getting her attention back—. He tricked you, and now you're trapped here —he clicked his tongue, twisting his lips.

—How do you know? —she squinted her eyes at him.

—I have my sources —Sanhyuk shrugged, giving her a sided smile—. I could help you get out of here though —he mentioned that as if he weren't saying the key words to get her full attention.

—That's impossible —Y/n simply scoffed.

—Nothing's impossible —he supported the weight of his body on the palm that was resting on the counter—. Not if we work together.

In between two of his thick fingers, he offered her a business card. She took it, reading his name first, and then moving her eyes lazily over all the contact information displayed.

—Whenever you're ready, call me.

—Why are you doing this? —he stopped his steps when he heard her question.

—It's about time someone stops Jungkook —he shrugged—. I want him to be done just as much as you do. Bad people like him deserve it.

Y/n stood there, seeing the slightly bulked up and tall man disappear behind the door, while she held the card tight in her hands. The fact that she depended on one shady dude to be able to run away from the current shady dude was surrealistic.

And how would she even be able to call him?

Rolling her eyes, she hid the card in one of her pockets and headed outside, meeting up with Jihu -who was still waiting for her to get out of the bathroom. She waited as she was told, supporting the weight on her body on her back -that was resting against the wall.

Several men in suits, or well dressed in general, left his office. Choi Sanhyuk among them, glaring with a smile at you as he made his way out of that place. You were thankful no one else, except you two, were aware of that eye contact.

Jungkook was sitting behind his deck, untying his tie a little bit as he tried to breathe for air. Meetings with the Choi family were always tense. But after what happened the past night? He could sense the eyes of the oldest, Choi Sanhwa, studying each one of his moves, including the way he twisted his lips, or moved his tongue. Just to finish the meeting with a fake smile, while they all pretended the good relationships would be kept.

Two knocks on his door got his attention. There was no way he wouldn't be able to get some peace after what happened. He first saw Jihu, entering the office with a nervous move on his lips, before he finally saw Y/n appearing behind him.

Taglist: @kaiparkerwifes @sheylamc @amy2006jones

#fanfic #ff #jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkookxreader #jk #bts #wattpad #kookie #smut #jungkook smut #tattoistjk #mafia!au #The Only One #armpirate

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love-fireflysong · 3 years ago

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Hi ! Sorry to bother you but your writing is absolutely amazing hvbevbhrfnfe please never stop! Also if you're sitll taking request for the valentines day drabbles I would love to see you write about the number 7 with chris and ashley :> The way you write them seriously makes me so happy :D Thank you and have a great day !! <3

7. kissing scars

They had all been stuck in this room for hours now. Sam and Matt and Emily and Jess and Mike and Chris and Ashley. Everyone that successfully had been evacuated from Washington's apparently cursed mountain. Stuck to sit in the uncomfortable collection of plastic, wooden, and metal backed chairs, the thin cushions that covered the seats and backs doing little to comfort and soothe likely any of the wounds that they had all gathered and collected through the night like the pokemon cards that Sam remembered Beth secretly collected for as long as she'd known her. Had been collecting until Beth vanished last year, having run out into the snowstorm after her sister, both never to be found again.

Despite the fact that it was almost mid-morning now (the old analog clock on the wall telling Sam that it was nearly nine o'clock), the room was quiet as everyone tried to sleep. All accept Sam of course. She couldn't sleep, and was frankly in disbelief that anyone else was able to. Every time she closed her eyes the same images kept flashing in front of her, running through the basement beneath the lodge, her knee bleeding profusely from where she'd tripped on the stairs and that man in the mask behind her and laughing darkly as he continued to call her name over and over and over again, waking up with a gasp when the terrifying mask appeared in front of her face and the needle in his hand plunging toward her neck.

It's during another one of these unintended bits of fitful sleep that she's jolted awake by a poorly muffled sob and Sam immediately scanned the area to see just who (and why) the sound was made. Jess and Em are both in their corner of the room, Em's jacket placed over top Jess as a makeshift blanket as she huddled underneath it. While some rudimentary first aid had been applied when they all first arrived here, it was very clear that Jess would be needing far more than that, and once again Sam hoped that the ambulance would be able to get through the storm quicker and arrive soon.

Matt and Mike aren't that far from them. Despite Em's threats, the two of them had made it clear that they refused to be out of sight of poor bloody and almost blue Jessica, and had spent the time in-between their separate interviews to hash out and apologize for that fight they'd (almost) had in the lodge. They had been among the first to fall asleep and neither stirred as the sobbing continued.

In the opposite corner, Sam turned to regard Chris and Ashley. The two of them had somehow been able to maneuver themselves so they had both been able to curl up in the largest chair available, and had been sleeping in what Sam assumed to be the most uncomfortable tangle of limbs known to man.

Sam didn't know exactly what had gone down with everyone yet, there hadn't been time for anyone to talk or compare notes, but whatever had happened to Chris and Ashley had apparently been one hell of a doozy. The last time she had seen the two of them, they had been doing that awkward flirting of theirs when Chris had turned up in a monk's robe just as she retreated upstairs for her bath, and then next her and Mike and been releasing them from the chairs the two of them had been shackled to with saw blades hanging menacingly over their heads. And then, barely an hour later, she had watched the two of them kiss before Chris left with that stranger to go and get Josh from the shed.

He had come back from that trip alone, no heavily scarred old man or Josh in sight. He and Ashley had refused to let the other out of their sight since, and had been practically dragged from each other for their respective interviews.

Now, Ashley sobbed with Chris in his lap, her fingers desperately running over every inch of his face as she they pressed their foreheads together, their tears likely mingling as they fell hot and heavy down bruised faces. Chris's hands were tight fists on the back of her sweater as he held her close, trying to rock the two of them back and forth. Sam had to assume it was likely a cheap imitation of comfort considering how little he was actually able to move them in the chair that they shared.

It was all Sam could do to watch them, her two friends who had once been so subdued and unsure with their affection, now blatant and uncaring as they sought what little comfort and reassurance that they could manage. She wasn't able to avert her gaze until Ashley had started kissing that angry, red burn on Chris's jaw and he only held onto her tighter in return.

Josh had finally managed to get his best friends together, and he had completely managed to break them in the process. Wherever he was, Sam bitterly hoped that he was happy with himself.

#my writing #writing prompts #valentines day prompt #mooothmaaaan #until dawn #chris hartley #ashley brown #chrashley #sam giddings #matt taylor #jessica riley #emily davis #mike munroe #oh my gosh never apologize for that!#i hope this one lives up to your high expectations for me!

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plussizeappreciationfics · 4 years ago

Text

Series: Just the assistant..?

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x Plus sized reader

Summary: [Y/N], Tom's personal assistant knows that she shouldn't have fallen in love with her employer but she just couldn't help herself. When she thinks that her biggest wish is about to come true, a third party arrives and makes her question whether she'd ever have a chance to escape her situation and simply be loved back by the person she loves the most...

Warning(s): None, I think?

Word count: 5,2k

Picture(s) found on: Pinterest/Google

CHAPTER ONE: Ignition

"Just a few more minutes until they call, do you want something to drink?" (Y/N) asked Tom as she made her way to the kitchen, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest as the tension rose in his living room.

He had been sitting on the couch, frozen on the spot while staring into space with his phone clutched tightly in his hand. He couldn’t voice the intense waves of anxiety and nervousness coursing through his body, time seemed to pass slowly. One of the producers of Harold Pinter's Play "Betrayal" was about to let him know whether he had gotten one of the main roles or not.

Tom had auditioned for the play a while ago and had desperately hoped that his performance was worthy enough to act the play out on the stage. He had always loved theatre, the interest had never decreased throughout the years. Harold Pinter was also a writer Tom had always looked up to as his plays always inspired and touched him on a deep level that not everyone was able to understand.

"Tom" (Y/N) called out again.

He had never answered her question which had made her turn on her heel and focus her gaze on his tensed back and shoulders. He still hadn’t moved a muscle as his brain was clouded with too many thoughts at the same time. His assistant let out a soft sigh, her heart fluttering as she longed to gently place her hands on his back and give him a soothing massage. God...I just want to feel you relax under my touch. Whisper my name in a state of longing...

She bit back a craving hum as her eyes continued to appreciate his backside, he obviously needed some time to himself and wasn’t in need of any liquid refreshment. She turned back around and walked into the kitchen while hoping and praying that he’d get the role as he really deserved it.

She empathised with his every emotion and felt anxious herself, a habit she had when loving someone. Once in the kitchen, [Y/N] quickly walked over to the fridge and took a bottle of water out of it, popped open the cap and let out a soft hum when the cool liquid made its way down her throat. It had been dry and itching for a little while but she didn’t want to leave Tom’s side. She was his biggest supporter, not just the assistant that had been loving him for three years now.

She couldn’t distinguish whether she ever crushed on him or just immediately found herself loving him. She had been a silent admirer of him and his work before she got the amazing (and well paying) opportunity to work as his personal assistant. But she was a professional and strictly made herself keep all the romantic feelings she had for Tom on the down low, she knew that both of their images were at stake if she’d dive into the cliché “employee messing with their boss” mess.

It was easier said than done but she quickly developed some quality acting skills that prevented the British gentleman from even guessing her true feelings about him. She didn't want to jeopardise her job as it was something she really loved and appreciated doing.

"[Y/N]!" Tom called out in panic, causing her to place the water bottle on the kitchen counter and run back into the living room, where she found him standing in front of the coffee table with his phone still in his hand. The anxiety clouding his eyes quickly vanished the second he looked at his assistant, her presence immediately had calmed him down.

His loud ringtone echoed through the room. “W-what should I do?” he questioned, feeling like he had lost all common sense while his heart beat harshly against his ribcage.

She chuckled and shook her head while pointing at his phone. “Accept the call!”.

He frantically nodded, letting his thumb slide across his screen before holding his phone to his ear. [Y/N] let out a shaky breath, this was finally the big moment and she was glad that she was the only one who got to witness it. He never put up a show in front of her during these types of moments and that was one of the many reasons why she loved him; he unconsciously made her feel so special on an almost day-to-day basis.

“Hello?” Tom spoke before a nervous laugh escaped his lips, “Gerald, how are you?”, his manners were impeccable while his facial expression turned serious. A big frown crept onto his face, he bit his lower lip and slowly nodded his head. The room got silent and the assistant didn’t know what to do; she was silently contemplating whether to have a seat on the couch or stay on her feet, ready to walk away in case he wanted some privacy.

A smile appeared on her face when the actor looked at her again, smiling brightly and motioning with his hand for her to take a seat on the couch. Her stomach fluttered in delight at the fact that he wanted her near and witness this exciting moment with him.

She made her way over to the couch and was about to sit down when a loud gasp escaped his lips, a smile stretching across his handsome face. “Thank you so much! I-I can’t believe this! Thank you, thank you!” he happily spoke out and then chuckled. She stared wide eyed at him as she quickly caught onto what was happening.

He had gotten the role.

[Y/N] barely could hide her grin as she felt the anxiety disappear like a heavy weight being lifted off her shoulders. An overwhelming urge to reach out for Tom’s handsome face and press her lips against his overtook her senses. But she knew damn well that that was something didn't have the right to do. So, with a soft sigh she fought her inner voices and body parts to stay still and not do something she'd regret.

Words couldn’t describe how proud she was of him, he was perfect for the role and she couldn’t wait to see the whole production come to life. Tom would have the time of his life and gain more experience in the industry which could lead to his next job, once the play would be over.

“I certainly will!” Tom laughed and nodded his head, snapping [Y/N] back to reality. They locked eyes and just grinned at each other. “Thanks again, have a nice day. Bye!”, a loud laugh escaped his lips as he tossed his phone onto the couch and surprised his assistant by charging towards her and then quickly engulfing her in a tight embrace.

“I got the part! I can’t believe it!”

“Congrats, Tom! I knew you’d get it”. [Y/N]’s knees almost buckled as her arms were wrapped around his broad shoulders, his delicate scent filling her nostrils. Her body instantly relaxed and she felt lightheaded, she wished for this moment to last forever, this is where she felt to belong. In his arms. The actor gave her another squeeze and let out a relieved sigh, his body enjoying the intimate embrace, the sensation surprising him greatly. They had hugged countless times (which had always left [Y/N] a sensitive mess like in that current moment), but this time it felt different for him.

Her delicate scent mixed with her sweet perfume made him close his eyes, his soul suddenly being at peace. The feeling of her soft and squishy body made him bury his head in the crook of her neck and gently sigh out in pleasure. She clenched her jaw in order to stop herself from gasping out loud as an intense shiver coursed down her spine. Tom had never hugged her this way, his beard tickled her sensitive skin and she loved every second of it.

Her heart skipped a beat before playing a loud song against her ribcage, this felt like a dream. A delicate dream she hoped to never wake up from. The room was silent, their soft breathing being the only thing whispering through the atmosphere as the actor continued to enjoy the feeling of having his assistant so close to him.

Pleasant tingles coursed through his body as he absentmindedly gave her another squeeze, her beautiful face appearing behind his now closed eyelids. No one spoke a word. Just two souls initiating their passionate connection.

“Tom” [Y/N] whispered after a few minutes, needing to end the moment even if it made her heart ache. But she knew that if she wouldn’t speak up, he would and probably conclude that they’d been hugging for way too long and inappropriately. When he hummed softly and opened his eyes, he gave her one final squeeze before slowly pulling away and smiling at her. He didn’t regret anything.

He drank in the sight of her beautiful face, his eyes sparkling suddenly. “We need to celebrate this!” the excitement was slowly bubbling up again in his stomach. The assistant let out a chuckle and pulled her out her phone from her jean pocket. “Sure, who do you want me to invite?” she questioned while trying to get down from the delicate high she still was on. His cologne mixed with his mesmerising scent still lingered in her nose and her heart even ached more now.

Her fingers slightly trembled while typing in her passcode before she went on the message app, ready to send out a dinner invitation to Tom’s closest friend group. She cleared her throat and looked up again, her heart skipping another beat when she saw him smile brightly at her like she was the most delicate creature walking the earth...

“How about I cook something just for the two of us and we can celebrate with Ben, Charlie and Idris tomorrow?”.

[Y/N] let out a breathless chuckle and nodded her head, “Sounds great…”. Words couldn’t describe the euphoria pumping through her blood. Even though he hadn’t officially asked her out, she still felt happy and excited to spend some more time alone with him. She didn’t have high hopes of something happening but just being in his presence was more than enough for her to soothe her cravings temporarily and that made her gladly accept every opportunity to be alone with him, work related or not.

“Great! How about Chicken Fettucine Alfredo?”. She grinned, nodded and put her phone back into her pocket. She was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do next, a part of her wanted to throw herself back into his arms and another one to get back to her house and let the previous, intimate moment dawn onto her.

She chose the latter.

“I-I’ll go freshen up and finish some tasks for you. Let me know when you want me back” she smiled at him one last time before walking towards his front door, knowing that the actor was staring at her back. “Okay, I’ll send you a text message!” Tom gently called out and watched with a smile on his face how she waved her hand in the air to indicate that she had heard him. [Y/N] then had left his house seconds later.

“Mhm…” the actor whispered to himself, suddenly feeling his stomach sink. The happiness and excitement simmered down while he sat down on his couch and leaned back. His eyes fell shut and he thought about what just had happened: He had gotten the role of one of his favourite plays and felt like he was dreaming. He couldn’t wait to start the project and try his best to captivate the people with his talent all over again. He was going to play Robert, a man whose wife was having an affair with his best friend of several years.

He was impatient to find out who was going to be casted as the other two characters: Emma and Jerry. He appreciated and loved his work so much, but knew that he wouldn’t have gotten this special part if it weren’t for his assistant who had strongly encouraged him to audition for the play.

[Y/N].

Tom could barely express how much she had changed his life for the better when he had hired her three years ago. He just had broken up with his famous ex-girlfriend and was being bullied by her fans so much that he disappeared from the spotlight once his work schedules were cleared.

His friends didn’t see him often as he hid away in his house, trying to tune out the discomfort and regret he felt from letting the whole world focus on his relationship. He was known for keeping his private life private, but the love he had felt for her had made him disregard his own strict rule and boundary. To be publicly ridiculed was one of harshest lessons he had to learn.

That's when his agent suggested hiring a personal assistant to help him keep his profile on the down low until he’d feel better.

[Y/N] was hired not too long after his hiatus from the public eye, her job had been to see what roles the entertainment company Tom was signed to had to offer and also fulfill personal tasks like going grocery shopping or sending out birthday gifts and so on. But with her already having caught serious feelings for him, she had a natural urge to also take care of him, not as her boss but as a confidant and comforter.

It was her bright, charming and loving personality along with her soothing and encouraging ways that slowly brought Tom out of the protective bubble he had created around himself. A strong friendship was quickly formed while he felt himself change back into this natural self. A better self.

[Y/N] became his silent rock to lean on while continuing to work for him. When he was back to his naturally charming and funny self in public and private, she had become conscious about her feelings for him. She was surprised (but also very relieved) that no one had suspected anything. Benedict and his wife Sophie, Idris and his Wife Sabrina along with Charlie and his wife Samantha all had quickly grown to love her as a part of their friend group.

The assistant was way more loosened up with the actors wives as they had a very close and strong bond as women. Around the male actors, she was a tiny bit more reserved but just to keep up the professional “I am not hopelessly in love with my boss and don’t want you to know about it” act.

But Tom was just as supportive of his assistant when life became difficult for her too. Often placing a comforting hand on her shoulder or back while fighting the urge to hold her close and promise to take care of whatever issue she was facing when she couldn’t keep the tears to herself anymore. Tom and [Y/N] had come a long way together, individually and as friends.

“Bloody hell”

Tom muttered when realising that he had zoned out for a good ten minutes. His stomach was doing flips but he didn’t feel sick or nauseous. The overwhelming urge to feel [Y/N] so close to him again had left him craving for more ever since she had left his house.

He bit down onto his lower lip when he remembered the delicate sensations tingling through his body, the intensity was something the actor hadn’t experienced in a long time. Or ever. He shook his head, snapping himself out of his little daydream and shot up from the couch. “I should go grocery shopping for tonight’s celebration” was what he muttered to himself before picking up his car keys from the small coffee table and saying his goodbye to Bobby who had waltzed into the living room with a wiggly tail.

Tom chuckled, petted his beloved dog and then made his way towards the front door with a pleased smile resting on his handsome face.

~~~

“Fuck, why am I like this?” [Y/N] cried out in frustration as she was standing in her full length mirror, staring at her naked body wrapped in a towel. She just had gotten out of the shower, her skin was glistening and glowing from the lotion she had applied to her body, her hair moisturised . She was scanning her body from head to toe and slowly felt herself become insecure. She had this lingering feeling that the hug she had shared with Tom had a deeper meaning.

Her conscious refused to let go of the matter and she found herself wondering if he’d ever be interested in her. Her eyes continued to scan her body from head to toe, every thick bump and curve being intensely observed. “Stop it” she hissed at herself, shaking her head and trying to distract her craving heart from the fact that it might had found its perfect match. “I’m just the assistant” [Y/N] reminded herself before stepping away from the mirror and walking over to her closet.

She didn’t want to overdress for a simple celebration dinner, and quickly decided on a simple and comfortable outfit for the private event; a pair of black jeans, a white, long sleeved shirt with not too much cleavage and a black jean jacket in case she'd get cold.

It took her a few minutes to get dressed before she focused on her hair and light makeup. She chose to not wear many layers of makeup. Tonight she preferred a natural look that would also enable her skin to breathe easily. Once she was done, she gave herself a final look in the mirror and nodded her head in approval.

She looked beautiful, as always.

“Let’s do this then” she whispered to herself and then made her way out of her bedroom. Now all she needed was for Tom to let her know that he was to welcome her back into his house. “Okay, it’s nothing special” the assistant muttered to herself while suddenly feeling her heart starting to beat faster in her chest.

This was the usual habit she had whenever she was about to see the British actor: reminding herself that her deepest desire wouldn't become reality and to keep herself in check. [Y/N] had been in love and had loved a decent amount of people but never had she felt these intense emotions for someone.

She had been with the most charming and loving or shitty and selfish people, the heartbreaks she had gone through were either very painful and long lasting or quick and rather painless. It always made her wonder how Tom had been able to sweep her off her feet in such a delicate yet simple manner, and why she loved him stronger with each passing day.

The plus sized beauty was now in her kitchen, eating a granola bar while sitting at the counter. The silence in the house smoothly encouraged her to relax for a little while and unwind. She had finished the few tasks she had to do for her boss; making sure that his stylist had the suits ready for his public appearances that were coming up in a few days.

A BAFTA event was just around the corner and Tom had gladly accepted their invitation as he was one of the many ambassadors. The organisation had planned a few games with delightful prices such as apprentices abroad for upcoming musicians, actors and artists or tickets to Tom’s upcoming play to encourage people to get in touch with their creative self.

The actor was thrilled to meet new people and witness others from different backgrounds, to witness them earn amazing opportunities to either learn, travel or create themselves artistically.

[Y/N] wouldn’t join him to the event. She had a lengthy list of new things to work on for her boss. The final Avengers movie would be released in the theaters in a few months but Tom wouldn’t join the press tour as he’d be on stage here in London. But his own Loki series had gotten the green light so he’d have to start meeting up with the creative writers and producers to see how they’d bring the series to life. It was obvious that Tom would be booked and busy for at least a year.

[Y/N] got lost in her thoughts again, absentmindedly finishing her granola bar while planning her following weeks ahead, she knew that stressful days were ahead but she didn't mind that at all. At the end, she'd get her job done.

It took her a few minutes to snap out of her daze before her phone loudly notified her that she had received a message.

From: Tom

Finally, she thought to herself while unlocking her phone and reading Tom’s new message.

To: Me

I’m done cooking, waiting for your presence now 😊

From: Me

“Aw” the assistant cooed with a wide grin on her face, the message was so short and simple yet it made her feel like she was floating on cloud nine. Especially because Tom rarely used emojis, so to see that she was worthy enough for a smiley face filled her heart with joy.

To: Tom

Her thumb hit the sent button before she hopped off the kitchen stool, her heartbeat increasing again as she felt a rush of warmth and excitement ripple through her body.

I’m on my way 😊

[Y/N] took her purse off the counter and placed her phone in it before taking out her keys. Her footsteps softly echoed through the air as she made her way to the front door with a gorgeous smile resting on her face. She couldn’t wait to see her love again.

“Wow” was the first thing Tom whispered once he swung the door open, his eyes immediately were blessed with the sight of [Y/N] standing right in front of him. Their eyes sparkled while staring deeply into one another. “Hi” [Y/N] whispered, her body relaxing instantly while waiting for the actor to welcome her back into his home.

~~~

“Hello” Tom finally spoke, his heart pounding so hard that he was afraid she’d be able to hear it. He took a step aside and widened the door, “Please enter”. The assistant thanked him before walking into his house, not noticing how he closed the door while whispering a soft “You are so beautiful” into the air.

“It smells amazing” she complimented while already having placed her purse on the small coffee table in front of his couch, now patiently waiting for the actor to turn around and interact with her.

Tom took a few seconds to lock his door before finally turning on his heel and biting back a grin when his eyes landed on [Y/N] again. Her beauty and presence were sucking him into a delicate whirl of endless contentment, but he didn’t fight it. “Thank you, I hope you’ll enjoy the meal. How about a drink first?” he suggested while walking over to her and playfully holding out his arm to her.

She chuckled and happily linked her arm with his, his cologne mixed with his scent filling her nostrils while they made their way into the kitchen where she could hear the soft sizzling filling the air. Tom led her over to the big counter where he already had set the table and everything else up, some candles included. It looked like a romantic dinner.

[Y/N] clenched her jaw to stop herself from voicing how pretty everything looked, it looked like a meal for lovers, not employer and employee. But she swallowed her thought, not wanting to risk saying anything that could ruin the smooth and delightful vibe. So with a soft sigh, she turned around and gently thanked Tom for preparing the celebration dinner.

“Don’t even mention it” he chuckled and made sure that she was comfortably seated before he rushed over to the pans and pots and started to serve her the celebration dinner. Her mouth watered at the delicious sight and she couldn’t wait to dig in. But she patiently waited until he was done with his own plate and was seated before she rose her glass filled with non-alcoholic Peach Moscato. [Y/N] wasn’t planning on getting drunk as the next day would be very hectic for her.

"To you” she gently spoke, her heart fluttering in her chest when Tom copied her actions and smiled brightly at her. “No, to us” he added and let his glass with the same drink clink against hers.

“I didn’t do anything” the assistant responded with a soft chuckle before taking a quick sip of her drink and humming in delight. It tasted delicious. “You’re the actor who went to the audition” she added before lifting her fork and smoothly digging it into a piece of diced and seasoned chicken.

Tom shook his head while following her motions, “You did a lot actually. I wasn’t sure whether I was good enough to even audition for the role. But you encouraged me and supported me from the beginning to the end, and I can’t thank you enough for that [Y/N].

Once his words left his mouth, the room fell silent.

[Y/N] and Tom just looked at each other, so many unspoken emotions flashing past their eyes. The tension had shifted again but not to something awkward. It was like their souls were communication as the sparkles in their eyes never left. They only thought about each other and how grateful they were to be in that intimate moment with one another.

The actor couldn’t stop thinking about how he suddenly longed to be close to her again. Feel her warm and soft body pressed against him, have her scent make him forget about the world and just focus on her. His lips tingled, the urge to feel hers pressed against his overwhelming him.

[Y/N] was thinking the exact same thing, the attraction she had felt for him only became stronger with every passing moment. Her breathing became quicker when her mind started to picture how it would feel to kiss him…Hold him close while letting their lips melt together as one with nothing but love and passion.

“T-Thank you” was all she was able to say as she snapped back to reality and realised that she hadn’t responded to his kind words. Tom nodded his head and gave her a bright smile before both of them continued to enjoy the food together.

“This is scrumptious” the assistant praised with a hum before taking another bite, trying to play it cool while she felt the heat and warmth course through her body. Tom chuckled and bowed his head, blushing at the simple compliment, “I’m happy you’re enjoying it”. What he didn't voice was how he had spiced up the simple recipe, the need to impress [Y/N] driving him through the short time of preparing the meal.

The two of them then continued to eat while talking about their upcoming vacations, the production of the play wouldn't start until a few weeks and the Loki series was months away from being filmed. [Y/N] didn’t want to just talk about their work and happily listened to Tom voicing his desire to travel to Asia again for two weeks. He then told her about filming Kong: Skull Island in Vietnam and Hawaii. Throughout the dinner, his hand found hers numerous times and he gave it a gentle squeeze before sliding it back and either taking a sip of his drink or finishing his plate.

"And so I had to explain to my boss's ex-girlfriend that he had wanted the engagement ring back but that he was too embarrassed to come and collect it himself! After he had been caught red handed cheating on her!" [Y/N] finished explaining the crazy story about her previous employer, clasping her hands against her cheeks and shaking her head at the awkward memories.

___

Tom was having a delightful laugh, his cackles echoing through the kitchen while trying to imagine how his assistant must've felt in that moment. "That is just crazy! I assure you [Y/N] that I won't ever ask you to do such a thing for me" he chuckled at the end and shook his head.

"Good, because that experience made me add lots of terms and conditions to my general contract. I've actually been rejected a few times because those who had been interested in hiring me didn't approve of my demands" the assistant chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"Like I have no issues going grocery shopping for you but I won't do your dirty laundry or buy lube and condoms for you at 3 o'clock in the morning...". The last phrase made Tom almost choke on his spit before he burst out laughing again, his cheeks starting to hurt from all the smiles and laughter. He couldn't remember the last time he had laughed or enjoyed someone's presence this much.

"Shit, Tom. it's almost midnight! We've been eating and goofing around for hours!" [Y/N] gasped in panic, not having realised how fast the time had rushed by. She quickly got up and took her now empty plate, strutted over to the sink and was about to wash it when Tom's voice stopped her.

"Don't even think about turning on the sink, [Y/N]. Let me do this" the soothing yet amused tone in his voice made the assistant roll her eyes and simply place her plate in the empty sink and turn around with a defeated look on her face. "Fine! But I better get going then, thanks again for the meal, it was delicious".

Tom grinned at her and joined her at the sink, both of them washing their hands before drying them and making their way out of the kitchen. "It was my utmost pleasure, [Y/N]". No words were spoken after that as the assistant collected her purse and made her way to his front door, feeling like she was floating on cloud nine.

"Let me know when you get home safely, okay?" Tom whispered while surprising her again with another gentle hug, his arms and hands welcoming her delicate body again. All poor [Y/N] could do was nod her head and close her eyes for a few seconds, no thoughts clouding her head as she lost herself into the embrace.

"Goodnight" she then whispered while pulling away, looking one last time at his handsome face before creating some space in between them, her heart feeling like it was about to combust into flames. "Goodnight beautiful, thank you for being you" Tom whispered, the sparks glistening in his eyes as he watched his assistant bite her lip to prevent herself from grinning like an idiot.

The two of them shared another gentle moment before [Y/N] turned around and left Tom's home. He watched her walk down the front porch and to the drive in where her car was parked. The man couldn't keep his eyes away from her, she was all he could think about and he couldn't stop whispering her name every few seconds while watching her drive off into the night...

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-Emmanuelle 💋❤️

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddelson #tom hiddleston x reader #tom hiddelston imagine #tom hiddleston x plus size reader #tom hiddleston x plus #plus size reader

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imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl · 4 years ago

Text

White Lies (Pt. 11 of 21)

Pairing: Keanu Reeves X Reader

Word count: 3 K

Summary: Keanu found the girl almost dead, in the wrecks of what was once her car. While she was in surgery, stuck in a coma, he gathered the best doctors of New York to attend to her. They told him she is likely to have some kind of brain damage, what may lead to memory loss. And this possibility added up wit the fact that she's pregnant, made the council come up with an odd idea. They asked Keanu to pretend to be her husband, since the stress of finding out everything that happened could put the baby in danger. He reluctantly agreed, but only if she does has some kind of memory loss. He still goes she'll wake up soon, with her memories intact.

But when you finally wake up, there's nothing inside. You're quick to find your head is empty, void, like a blank canvas. The only thing that brings you some relief, that makes you feel less lonely is the mention of a husband. And you can't wait to meet him, because you know you can't deal with this by yourself.

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{Keanu Reeves Masterlist}

{John Wick Masterlist}

Guilt

The first feeling to wash over him when he opens his eyes is bliss. Pure, and utter bliss, a kind of happiness he didn't even know existed. Seeing (Y/N) peacefully sleeping on his chest is more than he deserves... And that's when it kicks in, and the joy is corrupted, overcome by guilt.

He can't believe what he did. He betrayed her on a whole other level. This isn't fair to her, not when she believes they're married. He's too buried in this lie, and last night, he did the only thing he never thought he'd do.

But how could he not? He's in love with her, he wants to be the father of her child, and there are times, and they come more often every passing day, that he's completely overcome by the fake life he's living. There are moments where Keanu is her husband. The lines are so blurry right now that he can't separate things. He can't tell the difference anymore.

Running a hand through his hair, looking at the ceiling, he smiles as she moves a little in her sleep, snuggling closer to him, a warm hand on his bare chest. (Y/N) is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. And everything drives him in. Her voice, her smile, her laughter. The way she walks, the way she talks to her unborn child when she thinks he's not listening.

He tried. He really did, but look how much he failed.

All this had an expiration date. And in the very beginning, he couldn't wait for that day. When she would remember and would go on with her life, picking it up where she left it, and forget about him. But with time, things changed. And now, he knows he can keep this up forever. (Y/N) won't remember, and Keanu can make this real. Fake the papers, he knows people who could do it. She'd be his wife.

But his love is too strong to do such a thing. He can't bring himself to do this. He has to tell her, everything. The lie, the reason, and explain it wasn't his idea. He also needs to tell her about his feelings, because they're the only real thing in this mess. And if the heavens listen to his prayers, if some kind of miracle happens, maybe, just maybe, she'd still love him. Marry him, for real this time.

Keanu could only hope. The pregnancy is not at risk anymore, and despite the doctors saying he should still keep the act, Dr. Harris assured him (Y/N) is strong enough now. And he has to tell her. And so he will. He just needs some time away from all this, away from this place, to enjoy this while he still can because he knows how insane it is. That the chances are she'll go to Argentina with her mother-in-law, and he'll never see her again. And if that really happens, he won't blame her.

Because after everything he did, for taking her as if she was his last night, he doesn't deserve this bliss. But he wants it, and he can't bring himself to end this without some more time with her. Something he will remember and cherish for the rest of this life if this is bound to break.

The morning light is what welcomes you back to consciousness. Closing your eyes tight before opening them up, you take a deep breath. The air is cold, you can feel it on your bare shoulders, but the warmth coming from Keanu keeps you from complaining. The first thing you remember is what happened last night, and your cheeks go red. Smiling a little, you softly caress Keanu's chest with your thumb, not sure if he's awake yet.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He says, and your smile only gets brighter. You love the pet name.

“Morning.” Pushing yourself up with your elbows, you place a kiss on his chest, right on his heart, then on his collarbone before finally reaching his lips. “Did you sleep well?” The question was supposed to be simple, but the smirk comes from somewhere inside you and you're sure it just changed the intonation of the thing.

“Very well.” He mutters, a hand coming to caress your cheek. Keanu sounds weird, a weight on his voice.

Furrowing your eyebrows, you let yourself sink back to bed, lying beside him. “Did I... Did I do something wrong last night?” You can't help but ask, the euphoria vanishing quickly as you try to understand why he seems so... Sad.

“Of course not.” Turning on his side and encircling your waist with a strong arm, pulling you closer, he shakes his head lightly. “It was amazing. You were amazing.”

“Then what's wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, sweetheart. Everything is so perfect that it looks like a dream.” As he speaks, you move closer, feeling as his hand rubs the small of your back.

“Uhm... I think–” The doorbell cuts you off. “Who could that be?” It sounds like a whine.

“Lucia.”

“What?” Moving away from him, you sit up. “What is she doing here?”

“She came to visit you.”

“Oh...” Who could blame you for forgetting she was coming today? You're not a fan of her, and what's going on here is far better. “Can't we just–” The cold air on your torso makes you pull the sheets to shield your body, trying really hard not to let Keanu notice how red you must be. “Can't we just pretend we're not here and stay the whole day in bed?” You're not even done speaking when the doorbells rings again.

“She already dislikes me, if you don't show up, it'll make it even worse.” Sitting up, he pulls you into a kiss. “I'll dress up and open the door for her. Go take a shower. I'll make you something to eat.”

“Alright.” Sighing, you purposely climb past him to get off the bed. Keanu gives you a look, that you choose to ignore, pulling the sheets with you as you move to the bathroom.

“One more thing.” He calls out, right before you close the bathroom door shut.

“What?”

“You don't need to cover up. You're beautiful.”

Moving to the side so the door will hide your face, you bite your lip. “Thanks, babe.” You manage to push out, closing the door.

Once you're done washing yourself, you put your hair up on a ponytail and a light blue dress. Taking one of Keanu's hoodies to protect you from the coat, you move downstairs, and the only reason why you're smiling is because you smell of bacon. It was the first breakfast Keanu made you, and it feels kinda nostalgic. It is one of the oldest memories you have.

“(Y/N),” Lucia calls as you're making your way to the kitchen. Keanu looks over his shoulder, and you give him a forced smile before turning on your heels and moving to the living room. “I missed you so much!” Lucia pulls you into a hug.

“Hi, Lucia. How's everything?” You don't like Lucia. And Lucia doesn't like your husband. And Keanu, being a gentleman, won't admit he can't stand her, but you know that's how he feels.

“I'm great. Tell me about you.” You both move to the couch, taking a seat. “How's the baby? Have you come up with a name yet?”

“We're still thinking... But we agreed on not telling people until we know for sure.” Deciding to just let it out before she asks, you try not to let her notice you feel a little uncomfortable when she touches your belly.

“Have you... Have you considered Daniel?” Lucia asks, her voice breaking a little. Shrugging your shoulders, you shake your head no. “D-doesn't this name mean anything to you?”

Obviously not. But you won't be a bitch about it. “No, it doesn't.”

“Alright.” She mumbles, clearing her throat. “So, how's this little one?”

“He's great.” You say, a hand coming to your belly.

“Or she,” Keanu adds, and you roll your eyes.

“Quit spying on me, babe.” You raise your voice, and there's only a low giggle in response.

“Is he spying on you?” Despite the clear joking tone you had, Lucia sounds... Genuinely worried.

Chuckling at her expression, you sigh. “We're just joking around, Lucia.”

“Honey...” She takes both your hands on hers, as she does right before telling you how you can trust her if Keanu does anything. It's quite tiring, actually. She can't seem to understand he's a good person. Maybe it's the age thing... But that's not her business.

“I know what you'll say, Mrs. Davis, and I assure you there's nothing to worry about. Keanu is a gentleman, he hasn't pushed me into anything.” You don't want to talk to her about that, but you don't have a choice. Every time this happens, you just hope to say the right thing to make her let it go. “Everything we've done was because I was ready.”

“What do you mean by everything you've done?” Her tone changes suddenly, a lot harsher than before, and her hands squeeze yours.

You weren't talking about that... And you didn't think that was exactly where her mind would float too. “Mrs. Davis, this is between me and Keanu.”

She giggles, fake and loud, and in a sudden motion, Lucia gets up, walking fast to the kitchen. “What did you do to her?” She's already yelling when you finally reach the kitchen, a finger on Keanu's face.

“Mrs. Davis, I–” He starts, but you won't let him do this. Lucia was your mother's ‘friend’, or so she says, and you won't let her put Keanu in this position.

“What do you think you're doing?” Moving to stand between him and Lucia, you raise her voice above hers. “What gives you the right to come to my house, put your nose in my life, and yell at my husband?” Being rude wasn't the intention, but you're suddenly angry. Blame it on the hormones, blame it on the fact that you don't like Lucia at all, or on the fact that she ruined a perfectly good morning.

“Am I supposed to smile and nod when you go around letting him have you?” Her disgusted tone takes you by surprise. Why is she talking like this? What's wrong with this woman?

“My private life is not your business, and if you haven't been paying attention, Keanu is my husband.” Stepping forward, you stare into her eyes. “And I won't have you talking like this.”

Lucia laughs, pacing around a little, a hand covering her mouth as if you just told a joke.

“This man is not–”

“That's enough.” Keanu suddenly shouts, and it startles both of you. You never heard him yelling, and that's completely new. “I won't let you speak like that in my house. I know you're important to (Y/N), but the only thing I won't allow is you ruining her progress. If you keep this up, I'll have to let her doctor know about your behavior around his patient.”

After his thunder voice is gone, you're left in silence. Deep, uncomfortable, tense silence. Lucia seems to be broken though, her face dropped, and both her arms rest on the sides of her body. “I think you should leave now, Mrs. Davis.” You say in a low voice.

She nods, eyes on Keanu. “You'll pay for what you're doing.” Is the last thing she says before storming away, taking her purse and leaving the house, pulling the front door so violently you wonder if she broke something.

Running a hand through your hair, you take a deep breath, turning at Keanu. “What the hell was that?” You mutter, still trying to understand that just happened.

“Are you alright?” He comes closer, and you immediately collapse on his chest.

“I'm alright. She's a bitch.”

“Don't think about it. Let's eat.”

Nodding, you wash yesterday's dishes as he finishes breakfast, and you both sit down to eat. Power is back, thankfully, so you decide to watch some TV as he showers. Laura calls, and you invite her over for dinner. Keanu will have a co-worker, so you'll just need to add another plate. And, after all this, you need to talk to someone.

You're skipping through the channels when Keanu comes back downstairs, and when he settles down next to you, you immediately snuggle closer, until you're pretty much lying down, and you're the little spoon, back pressed against his chest.

“I invited Laura for dinner.” You tell him, still looking for something to watch.

“Are you planning on setting her up with Robert?”

“Is Robert single?” You didn't have this in mind, but now you do.

“He is.”

“Then I'm setting her up with Robert.” You quickly make your mind, carefully turning around on the couch so you're facing Keanu. “I'm sorry, by the way. I didn't think Lucia would explode like that.”

“It's alright, beautiful.” He smiles, placing a kiss on your forehead. “I was thinking... We should take a trip. Two weeks and only if your doctors say it's alright, of course. Just so we could stay away from all this for a while.”

Smiling, you peck his lips. “I'd love that. Could we go to the beach?”

“Wherever you want, sweetheart.”

“Will it... Will it be like a second honeymoon?” You can't remember the first, but you figure it's no good to bring this up now.

Keanu giggles, caressing your chin with his thumb and index finger. “Anything you want.”

“Well, I'll need a new bikini because these two won't feet on the one I have.” You gesture at your breasts, still growing a little. “I could call Laura and we could go shopping.”

“Let me talk to the doctors first. Because there's no way I'm taking you away if they think it will be dangerous.” Keanu reminds you, raising an eyebrow.

“Alright, sir.” Moving on the couch, you start climbing on him, until you're straddling his hips. “But one day I'll be one hundred percent fine. And this won't be a problem anymore.”

“Of course.”

“So... Did you lock the front door?” You ask, placing both your hands on his chest.

“I did. Why?” When you don't answer, but just smiles and sits up, arms around your waist as he captures your lips on a kiss.

• • •

Laura has a perplexed expression on her face as you tell about Lucia. You don't mean to gossip, but Laura is pretty much your best friend, and you need someone from outside to help you understand what the hell happened. Seated on the downstairs balcony, you cross your arms, leg bouncing as you let out the whole story.

“That's crazy.” Laura bursts out. “I get it that you're important to her and everything, but you're an adult, even though you lost your memory. And you have the right to make your own decisions.”

“Thank you.” You breathe out, throwing a hand in the air. “She snapped out of nowhere. And the way she spoke to Keanu? God, I almost considered slapping her in the face.” This makes you giggle, and so does Laura.

“Look, I was... Quite unsure of this in the beginning. But I wanted you to figure things out on your own, and let you know I was there if something happened.” That's true. Laura is always around, and, if anything backfired, if something bad happened between you and Keanu, she'd be the first person you'd call for help. “And with time, I saw that you were doing fine. And I know you love him, and he loves you. I'm sure because I spoke to him myself.” With a sassy smile, she leans back, resting against the chair.

“You did what?”

“I spoke to him.” She shrugs her shoulders. “Nothing matters to me. The age difference, the memory loss, it doesn't matter. The important thing is the feeling. So yes, I called him and had a long conversation about you, and I'm convinced that man in there loves you more than anything. You and this baby.”

Laura sounds so damn sure it brings tears to your eyes. Covering your face with both hands, you start crying. “Stupid hormones!” You exclaim, body shaking with the sobs.

“Oh, (Y/N).” She gets up and hugs you, bending down a little. “I didn't mean to make you cry.”

“It's from happiness, so don't worry.” Calming down, you take a deep breath as she pulls a nearby chair and sits next to you. “Anyway... I'm setting you up with Robert tonight. Keanu's friend and co-worker.” You mutter, wiping the tears away. “So let me know if you like him or not, alright?”

“Alright.” She agrees with an eye roll.

Despite having your mind floating to two different things: you and Keanu, and Lucia's outburst, you manage to enjoy dinner. Robert is kind, and you do think this whole thing with him and Laura could work out.

But in the next days, what you really want to know it about the trip. Things have been getting even better between you and Keanu, you're growing a lot closer now that you're both living like a married couple. And going somewhere else with him would be absolutely amazing. At first, Dr. Wright says it's alright, but some exams will be needed to see if it would be safe. Dr. Harris on the other hand said that you're ready. Your mind is ready, and you hope with all your heart that your body is too.

It takes too many days for Dr. Wright and the others to finally allow you to go. But only for two weeks, and whatever you'll be staying, it has to be near a hospital, just in case. Keanu said something about having a helicopter ready to take you back to New York if something happens, but you don't want to believe he'd do such a thing.

But when you're getting inside the plane, heading to Miami, you're cheerful. You're determined to make this trip amazing, for both of you. This is a mark, a rite of passage. From this day on, you'll forget what happened, you'll forget that you lost something. You can either suffer for the rest of your life for everything you lost or enjoy what you have. And you'll enjoy it because what you have right now is wonderful.

@multific @inumorph @aestheticallywinchester @bvbwestfall @liviiii98 @allie1804-fan @gian-giannina @playboygeniusphilanthropist @partypoison00 @mariafetamina @fortheloveoffanfic @trin303

#keanu reeves x reader #keanu reeves imagine #keanu reeves fanfiction #keanu reeves fanfic #keanu reeves #imagine keanu reeves #john wick fanfic #john wick imagine #john wick fanfiction #john wick x reader

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manslaught · 10 months ago

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“ trust me, i'm not hoping everything works out for you. ” her marriage specifically— whether that's because she will wants her or because she wants tai to experience the same loss and abandonment she'd felt, mikayla's not sure. or maybe it's because she hopes she's not the only one of them who feels empty, who knows that the woman she wakes up next to every day isn't the one she was supposed to be with, if only things would have worked out. “ you'd live. ” just because she managed to go on with her life believing that she never meant anything to taissa at all, which is worse than being hated by her— because back in high school, when she thought tai hated her, at least there was the comfort of knowing she felt something for her, even if it was loathing.

she's annoyed, feeling like tai still isn't telling her all of it, but maybe she just has to accept that this is the most she'll get. they're not together anymore, so taissa doesn't owe her any answer at all, really, but it still gets under her skin anyway. “ maybe you have changed. i mean, you didn't listen to any of us when we told you to leave allie alone. ” and maybe it's best if she had changed, because maybe then mikayla could finally fall out of love with her, could accept that the girl she loved was actually gone. but she doesn't actually believe that, which is why she's so confused what's actually holding her back.

the sound of her laugh could almost make mikayla forget about all the bad— the corpse in the other room, the decades of silence between the two of them, the wife waiting at home for a call mikayla won't give her, all of it's forgotten for just a few seconds, before it all comes back to her. the body first, once she looks back down at the blood, and then everything else. “ and i was still the runner up. ” she's not just talking about homecoming, because that hardly mattered to her then, and definitely doesn't matter to her now— but she's second in charge in her company, not good enough for the top, and more importantly, the runner up for taissa's heart, losing it to whoever she's married to now. if she ever had it at all.

she's more nervous than she's been in years, feeling like a dumb teenager again, her face warm, refusing to look at her. she shouldn't have complimented her at all. but the embarrassment vanishes the moment tai mentions having almost dropped out, looking back up at her in confusion, mixed with annoyance. “ why the fuck would you drop out? ” mikayla shouldn't care, she knows, but it doesn't make sense to her; it doesn't sound anything like something the tai she used to know would have done, even if she ended up changing her mind in the end anyway.

not this again. she knows it's not the time to argue, even if it's still hard to believe that tai always gave a shit when she was nowhere to be found for years, when the only reason they're talking now is because they got forced together again by natalie. “ no, but you don't get to sit there and act like you know how hard it was for me, because you don't know anything about what it was like. nat's the only one who's allowed, because at least she fucking— tried. ” just two visits, but it was enough for mikayla, knowing that nat had her own shit to deal with. it was still more than tai gave. “ so you can save all your fucking pity, because i don't need it from you, of all people. ” she doesn't want to hear that it isn't pity, either, because the main issue is that tai wasn't there for her back then, and being there for mikayla now doesn't just make up for it. all it does is remind her that she wasn't there the first time.

mikayla knows that this isn't the way she should be talking to her ex-girlfriend, not when they're both fucking married, but what makes her hesitant to push forward isn't some loyalty to her wife — unfortunately for calypso, mikayla doesn't have that, lying her way through all of her wedding vows — but the thought that tai doesn't get to have her that easily. “ i could just let you wait around for a call that never comes. ” like she did, but mikayla knows she doesn't have to say it; and the thought's tempting, because she wants tai to know how crushing the constant disappointment felt, but she's not sure if taissa even cares enough to hope for her call. “ i don't think your wife would be too happy about the things i'd say to you if i did call, anyway. neither would mine. ” she's hesitant to add that, but if it makes tai's mind wander, then it's worth it.

her heart sinks, because not only did she not expect that from mikayla, she definitely doesn’t know expect her to admit anything like that. it’s a reminder that mikayla probably should hate her, because if the roles were reversed, taissa probably wouldn’t be able to stomach her at all. she’s still curious, though, and maybe she shouldn’t press, but she can’t help it now that some door is open. ❝ you don’t have to hate me to pray for my downfall, ❞ she points out, the smallest hint of a smile on her lips, because it’s relieving to know that mikayla doesn’t hate her nor wish for the worst despite everything, even if tai doesn’t understand. she takes a deep breath, glancing away from her again before she goes on. ❝ i’m glad, though. knowing you hated me, it would—- ❞ she shakes her head, getting quieter now. ❝ it’d kill me. ❞

her jaw clenches in frustration, because it’s not her place to be able to call her on her ticks anymore. it’s annoying, knowing that as much as she’s changed, as much time has passed, mikayla can still read her. she pushes out a sigh, bringing her head down and brushing her chin against her shoulder, avoiding the answer for a moment. ❝ —- if i was doing this shit on my own, ❞ she finally mutters, her eyes widening as she lifts her head and looks back at her. ❝ i mean, if i didn’t have people around me giving me warnings, or telling me to reel it in. you know, if i was calling all my shots myself. ❞ if mikayla asks, this is about her team, not about her wife who’s worked overtime trying to make sure taissa didn’t sacrifice whatever morals she’s pretended to have through all of this. ❝ i know what the fuck i’m doing, you know? ❞ she says, again, like she’s talking to someone who knows her still. ❝ but i still have to be careful. ❞ she gets that, too, no matter how hard it is.

she doesn’t allow herself to think about jackie, focusing instead on who she did vote for, because as much pain as she’s still in about mikayla, it’s still easier to think about than what happened with jackie. so she laughs again, this time more confidently, as if she could stop herself —- because in some screwed up way, mikayla’s making her feel better. ❝ well, you had my vote, ❞ she says, like it’s obvious, but a moment later, she realizes they were definitely not even friends at the time. that amuses her, and instead of brushing it aside like she should be doing, she decides to let it fuel her even more. ❝ —- that’s too bad, ❞ she says, and she knows she doesn’t need to explain why —- that ‘bitchy cheerleader thing’ worked for her, something she hadn’t revealed to mikayla until they got together, but it had become something she loved teasing her about—- so now, it’s still a habit.

mikayla has said something of the nature before—- something that validated her long ago, made her feel less ashamed in her course of actions, especially as she tried to cope with what they were forced to do out there. as good as she pretends she is at keeping her cool, it makes her falter, intrigue painting her features but her jaw clenching in an attempt to not let it show. the longing she feels for her crashes into her now, reminding her that she still wants her — she’s always going to want her — but she can’t dwell on that. she can’t think about that. so, whether she means it or not, she falls back into the truth instead, because as hard as it is for her to admit this, it’s easier than thinking about wanting her. ❝ yeah, i’m sure it was really hot when i made an impromptu press conference to drop out, ❞ she reveals, something she hadn’t planned on telling anyone —- something her wife was still furious with her about, even more now that they’re apart, and maybe that’s part of what encourages her to admit it now. she sighs, looking back at mikayla. ❝ cameras started flashing, and— yeah, i wasn’t letting that shit happen, ❞ she explains.

tai groans, her head leaning back in frustration. ❝ oh, fuck that, ❞ she spits back, shaking her head. ❝ it’s not too late—- not when i’ve always given a shit. ❞ not when she still does. they’ve already rehashed this, they’ve already talked about how wrong taissa was, how justified mikayla is for being angry. it still doesn’t take away the fact that taissa did, does, and will always care about her. ❝ is it so wrong that i don’t want you to end up in fucking prison again? ❞ she scoffs. her face scrunches up, still annoyed that misty was their only solution, but it does seem like she knows what she's doing, anyway. ❝ fuck, i never wanted to know shit about her life —- i still don’t. however she learned how to do all this is her business, ❞ she says, waving her hand in front of her.

her eyes narrow in at her, but the small smile on her lips still doesn’t falter, because mikayla earned that comment, and tai deserved it. she hums immediately as she goes on, her cheeks warming, the blood staining the floor clearly not the priority now. she hates not knowing what mikayla’s really thinking, hates not having the upper hand now —- but she’s made living off being able to read people, and she decides that mikayla is trying to flirt, and after all the stress she’s been through, after her wife leaving her, after her campaign has been a bust, after her best friend fucking killed someone, she’s not strong enough to ignore it. ❝ you have my number now, ❞ she reminds quietly, like she’s giving her permission for something. because as rare as it is for taissa to answer calls, she knows she'd never ignore hers.

#ladyintree #ladyintree: 37.#thread.#yj: 2021.#misty coming back: how are you guys still not done #main.

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silver-starlight-99 · 3 years ago

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Monsters at Work: The Jokester Generation Part Three: Life on the Other Side

There are many parents who’d call their child a miracle. For Liam and Noelle Rae however, they’d come to use that term in a somewhat literal sense. On the night when Mary Susanna Rae came into the world, her introduction wasn’t without… complications. The newborn’s breathing was irregular, her lips and fingers were a chilling blue hue, and she came out gasping instead of crying. The girl was showing signs of respiratory distress, and for the first-time parents, they were in a state of panic fearing their little girl wouldn’t make it through the night. Thankfully, doctors were able to get the newborn to an incubator at lightning speed. And, within a few days, little Mary Rae was stable enough to be returned to her exhausted, but overjoyed parents. She’d need to return a few more times to the hospital, to ensure things were running smoothly. But otherwise, the Raes were cleared to bring their daughter home.

Besides that little scare, little Mary Rae had a rather average infancy, with parents more than eager to smother their daughter in love and as many gifts they could buy. While Liam’s job as an insurance agent didn’t mean the family was rolling in money, he was more than willing to splurge where he could on his little miracle. And, to be fair, the mountain of baby toys, clothes and food they’d received as gifts from friends and extended family members meant the new parents didn’t have to worry as much about supplies for the first couple of months. In spite of all this love and support, there was always a twinge of fear in their hearts, one that had never fully gone away since their daughter’s rocky introduction to the world. While the hospital check-ins were completed, and the two were assured that there should be no further problems with Mary, it’s hard not to shake the fear of something going wrong with their little girl, something spontaneous, something they couldn’t prepare for. For Noelle Rae, this would occasionally lead her to spend nights in her daughter's room, wanting to be sure she could jump in the second something seemed off with her baby’s breathing. But as long as they kept her close and cared for, their fears would slowly start to wane.

By the time Mary was two, the Raes’ worries were nearly dissipated. Which was good, because this high-energy little lady was more than enough to keep them busy without anxiety about her breathing. The toddler would insist on chasing every cat or dog that she came across in hopes of petting it. She’d sing and dance herself to exhaustion with zero prompting. She’d given her parents more than their share of heart attacks during games of hide-and-seek where she accidentally led them to believe she’d escaped the house. Childproof locks in the Rae household were a must. Thankfully, it appeared Mary also inherited her mother’s artistic drive. If someone needed to keep her in place, just put some paper and a box of crayons in front of her and she’d stay still for a solid hour, perfecting each of her masterpieces. Sure, there were nights where Mary would insist on sleeping in their room. But hey, what kid didn’t go through a phase where they were terrified of a monster hiding under the bed or in the closet? As long as Noelle and Liam were able to be there for their girl, there was nothing they couldn’t handle… right?

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It was an early Autumn morning when Liam Rae heard his wife’s cries. He rushed out of his room to find her frantically scrounging in a closet. According to Noelle, when she’d left to wake their daughter, she was nowhere to be seen. This wasn’t the first time little Mary had gotten up early to try and coax one of her parents into a game of hide-and-seek, so she wasn’t immediately worried. Of course, most games didn’t take over an hour with no sign of the toddler. Starting to worry, Noelle began calling out to Mary, then outright ordering her to come out of her hiding spot. With no daughter to be seen or heard, she began to check the closets and locked rooms, almost hopeful she’d accidentally forgot to lock a room and her baby was just snoring away somewhere. Soon, Liam joined in the search, with both parents entering a state of panic. By the time they’d turned their home inside out, no Mary in sight, and they triple-checked the front and back doors to ensure she couldn’t have gotten out of the house, they finally called the cops.

The rest of the day went by in a blur, a horrible, exhausting blur. Hours were spent in questioning with the police, along with calls out to every neighbor they knew, asking if any of them had seen their daughter that morning, or any suspicious people near the house. The police weren’t able to find any signs of forced entry. And upon re-examination with the parents, with the exception of a few missing blankets and toys, there was nothing that could be considered unusual about Mary’s room. It was as though the toddler had vanished into thin air. Leaving the Raes on the verge of a breakdown. After the initial interviews and investigations were completed, the parents were told it would take a few hours to finalize the missing-child report, leaving them to mull over the day’s events before the police could begin broadening their search. Despite the assurances and messages of support from their neighbors, it wasn’t enough to keep away the air of despair that followed the parents the rest of the day. After almost losing their little girl when she was born, they were facing a potential future where they may never see her again. And once again, there was nothing they could do. It gave Noelle flashbacks to Mary’s birth, the doctors rushing the newborn to get proper treatment. While the exhausted mother was in a state of delirium from the medications taken to help alleviate the pain, and confused terror as to why she couldn’t hold her daughter.

That following night was especially difficult for the couple, just trying to be there for each other as they cried themselves to sleep.

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So imagine the shock they felt when Mary popped out of her room the following morning, right the f*ck outta nowhere, asking for a snack. What started as shock shifted to jubilation as Noelle and Liam held their daughter tight, checking her over for injuries through tear-filled eyes. Mary herself seemed fine, with no noticeable scratches or scars, not even a tear in her pajamas. But it’s clear something has happened to her. Her hair is disheveled and in need of brushing. There’s a distinct smell on the toddler, but one her parents can’t discern. She’s missing a sock. And still, the parents can’t find the missing blanket and toys. None of this makes any sense. But in the moment, their miracle is alive and safe, and they’re more than happy to revel in this moment of peace.

“And yes sweetie, Daddy will get you some Cheerios, just let us have this.”

Things however got a bit more complicated when it came to explaining things to the police. The Raes thought the missing toys should’ve been enough to prove that something was in their home and took their daughter. But as the police repeatedly explained, there wasn’t enough evidence to send an APB on someone who, for all intents and purposes, appeared and disappeared out of thin air.

Of course, evidence or not, this event had some crazy ramifications for the people of this quiet neighborhood. There were many families with young children that were suddenly fearful that someone could come for their own, and they’d be powerless to stop them. A lot of households were investing in extra locks and security systems. A Neighborhood Watch was established, but all it really seemed to do was stir up further anxiety and paranoia within the adults. There were those who believed the Raes fabricated the whole kidnapping in a sick ploy for attention. There were petty people who were using the situation as a means to place suspicion on neighbors they didn’t like. A curfew was attempted, but that just made the teens in the area grow restless, many sneaking out in defiance and putting further stress on the parents. What seemed like a quiet, easy-going suburbia was slowly devolving into one of suspicion and anxiety, with everyone trying to find someone they can put the blame on. Things only got worse when one Gabriella Harlin, through a long line of accusations, was discovered to have been laundering money from her job to pay for her family's many extravagances.

Some families were driven to move out because of the harassment they were facing on a daily basis. Time and time again the police were called in to deal with reports of vandalism. Eventually, even the local news caught wind of the chaos and began to ask people for interviews, the Raes especially since they were the ones considered to be the start of the whole situation. It would be months before the chaos would eventually die down, but enough damage was done that after the dust settled, things on Langdale Avenue were never the same. No matter how bad things seemed outside their home, Noelle and Liam Rae were facing something far more distressing inside.

Despite what the police had chosen to believe, something happened to little Mary Rae, and her parents were left to try and comfort their child in the aftermath of whatever she'd been through. No longer was the toddler crawling into their bed whenever she was having a bad night, now her mom and dad were finding her curled up in her closet, eyes with a tinge of red as though she’d been crying. Before, Mary would do the occasional doodle of a strangely-colored creature, but now she exclusively drew monsters and weird mish-mashes of animals. And some of them were… rather disturbing; Mary being chased by a giant spider-crab (Waternoose.) A green beach ball thing with horns screaming in pain (basically 80% of her interactions with Mike.) A purple salamander being beaten with a bat (Randall.) And most distressingly, a blue and purple bear-like monster called Kitty is being choked to death by long purple arms (Randall as he was trying to kill Sully before Mike stepped in with that snowball.) How do they know the monster’s name is Kitty? Because that’s the name she’s been repeating for the last few weeks, always asking where they were? The Raes were quick to make the connection between this strange creature and the girl’s disappearance, but there’s still so much of the full picture they didn’t know.

So yeah, between trying to take care of their daughter and having their neighbors and the local news going nuts outside their home, Liam and Noelle had their hands full for a few months. There was a very serious consideration to move to a new city, even if it meant money would be tight. But one of the things that held them back on this decision, once again, was their daughter. Despite her new habits and her occasional bouts of moodiness, Mary always seemed the most comfortable in her room. Something about the familiarity always seemed to soothe the girl. And Liam and Noelle could tell that in this period of madness, this little room of calm was something their kid needed more than ever. So they agreed to wait things out, but also thought it best to let Mary have some playdates with some of her cousins outside of town, so they could all enjoy a few hours of calm away from the chaos.

Thankfully, things eventually died down. Sure, things were still strained between neighbors, but by then, everyone’s name had been dragged through the mud at some point. So everyone that was left was willing to let bygones be bygones, just to try and return to some level of normalcy. Little Mary had become a bit more introverted since her return, but with time and care from her family, she would soon regain her old chipper attitude, even if she’d become wary around new people. But hey, after everything she’d seen her neighbors put themselves through, the Raes weren’t surprised that their daughter wasn’t as trusting around unfamiliar adults.

In the end, everyone wanted to put this whole affair behind them, and the Raes were more than happy to do so. When asked, Liam and Noelle would usually be as vague as possible in regards to Mary’s disappearance and the explosive aftermath of their neighborhood. To be fair, with as little unbelievable evidence as there was, it wasn’t too hard for either of them to skim over the details. And as their daughter’s attitude began to improve, the Raes also did their best to put her distressing past behind them. Afterall, no matter how much they may have yearned for an answer, little Mary simply wasn’t able to explain, and in a few years, it was likely the whole terrible affair would become a faded memory in the child’s mind. But Liam, always the one to try and think ahead, decided to hold on to some of Mary’s stranger doodles, while he and Noelle usually disposed of the others. Who knows? Maybe once their daughter was old enough to form sentences, something in her old drawings would be enough to spark a memory of what truly happened. But that was no longer important. What was important was that their daughter, their miracle, was alive and safe. And this time, with God as their witness, she was going to have as normal and loving a life as Liam and Noelle Rae could possibly provide, weirdness be damned! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Uh… hi

Ok, just a reminder, I was two when everything happened. So if you’re expecting a detailed account of my first time in Monstropolis, I’m probably not the person you want to hear from. Mike and Sully could probably do a better job at explaining how everything went down. But yeah, outside of a few nightmares, everything else just kinda turned into a blur for me. But what I do remember, after coming back home, was being sad. I love Kitty. I spent plenty of nights by my closet just wishing he’d come back, only to wake up without seeing him. It hurt.

And outside of that… I guess I was still causing trouble back then. Because my little disappearing act apparently caused the whole neighborhood to turn on itself. I know my parents and a lot of the older people there don’t want to talk about it, but come on; the local news was so desperate for a spicy story when they heard about people starting to throw dog sh*t at each other's doors, reporters were on us like a toddler to a stray piece of candy. I don’t remember much of it myself, but… you know that old Twilight Zone episode where the whole neighborhood goes batsh*t because they think one of them is an alien that’s messing with the power?

(Yeah, that's it!)

I like to think the whole affair was like that. I guess it makes me feel better about my part in everything. It’s easier to think things on Langdale Avenue went to sh*t because adults are a bunch of paranoid idiots, instead of blaming myself for getting lost in the first place. Maybe this is why mom and dad don’t like talking about it.

Anywho…

Ok, I told you I don’t remember much of what happened back then, right? Well, I definitely remember the day Sully came back.

I was about four and a half. It was a bit before I had to go to bed, so I was just playing with my toys. And suddenly, I heard my closet door creaking open. And who should pop out? James P. Sullivan himself. I remember giving him the biggest, tightest hug I could. And it felt so good to feel him hug me back. He pulled me through his side of the doorway, and I was a little surprised I wasn’t seeing the same scream floor I’d emerged from the first time. I didn’t really care about that at the moment, I was just happy to see Kitty again.

And… I guess that kind of became the new routine for us. Every other night when it was late, we’d just spend time with each other. It took some time for us to coordinate things to find a good time to meet. While time seems to pass at the same rate on both ends, I think my world’s a couple of hours behind that of the Monster world. But once we nailed down 11 O’clock as the best meeting time, me and Sully would hang out at least once a week. Sometimes I’d just show him some of my drawings, or just talk about whatever dumb thought came into my brain that day. Other times I’d bring in some toys from my room and we’d just play. Sully usually just went along with whatever I wanted to do, but he says he was fine with that.

Mike on the other hand, he was a bit harder to connect with at the start. We didn’t hang out as much as me and Sully, but when we did, it usually amounted to him showing off the stuff in his room. The door station was in his room after all. But that wound up being pretty fun too. I think it might’ve been here where my interest in baseball started. And let’s face it, Mike likes to put on a tough-guy attitude, but he’s a sweetheart deep down. There was this one night where I was having trouble sleeping, I don’t remember why, and he just sang me this lullaby he came up with on the spot.

youtube

And then, a little while later, Celia started popping by for our visits. The three of them decided to form a … I think the word for it is a throuple? Whatever the term, they were spending a lot more time together, so it makes sense that Sully would want us to officially meet. Things were kinda awkward at first; she might’ve known kids weren’t actually toxic, but it must’ve been weird either way to be so close to a human. But with Sully helping along with introductions, we wound up getting along pretty well. Mike even taught me how to braid her hair without, you know, accidentally choking her hair.

Since then, my nightly visits were becoming a regular part of my life, and one I looked forward to. They never lasted longer than about 10 minutes at a time, but I cherished them. Apparently since they had to steal the Scream cans to power the door station, they always had to conserve energy. Despite that, I couldn’t help but see these monsters as just another part of my family. Something that was getting progressively harder to explain as I was getting older. When a kid’s four or five, it isn’t too weird to hear them talk about strange beings as though they were real people; what kid didn’t have an imaginary friend phase? When you ask a kid to draw a picture of their family, you don’t really question the weirdly-colored creatures holding the little girl’s hand; she’s just being creative.

It’s when I got older that things started getting complicated.

By the time I was in… I think second grade? Yeah, by then I was catching on that I needed to start keeping things to myself. My parents were telling me, in the kindest way they could, that I was starting to get too old for imaginary friends. To be fair, I think a part of that was because I had gotten into 3 fights by then with other kids because they were telling me my monster family couldn’t be real. I’m not sure what got me to react so violently, and I don’t think that instinct ever went away. I just got better at hiding it around other people.

(...where was I going with this?)

(No I wasn’t!)

(No it wouldn’t! So f*ck off and let me tell my own d*mn story!)

<Alright, geez>

Ok, so, I was starting to act out, and I was finally catching on that others weren’t believing my monster story. Between all that stuff and what went down when I was 2, it was getting hard for a lot of the other parents to feel comfortable with me around their kids. The term “problem child” started getting thrown around, and that just made me more frustrated. Which made me more reliant on my time with Sully, which made me more frustrated that it just wasn’t safe for me to tell anyone the truth.

As I got older, it felt like I was seeing the Monster world less and less. Sully had big plans for his world, and they were taking up more and more of his time. By the time I was in fifth grade, we were meeting maybe once a month. It meant we had more time to talk, but it also felt like so much had to get crammed into the time we had. Me getting onto the baseball team. Mike and Celia tying the knot. Getting my first real friend. Sully meeting up with some kinda monster group for his plans to make Laugh power a thing. Saying goodbye before I spent my first summer away from home. Mike and Sully tying the knot, kinda. It was an unofficial ceremony where they just kinda shared vows and had a lot of cake from some fancy bakery. I actually got to attend that, since they were doing it in Mike’s room.

And… I’m not sure what else to say. Things pretty much kept on like that through high school, and even beyond that. Keeping this secret, it hasn’t been easy, But I can’t imagine a life without my family, all of it.

<… Uh, you’re kinda leaving out a lot of backstory stuff>

(I guess. But they’re not reading this to hear my entire life story)

(OKAY! That’s a little more than they need to know… I think. Who’s even reading this?)

(God, I gotta deal with enough people looking down on me back home. I don’t need a bunch of people online trying to dissect every little detail of my life. Are we done here?)

-Boo grinding her teeth in aggravation-

(…

Thanks Zowie. So�� are we done here?)

<Yeah, I think we’ve done enough to leave ‘em hooked for the next chapter>

(And how much longer ‘till I actually get to be in this AU thing?)

<Uh, I don’t know. Silver says it might be another chapter of background stuff before we get things rolling with the real story. And then she still needs time to properly introduce Tylor>

…

(Oh God. Stay tuned folks, looks like it’s gonna be a while

Wait… I thought I was the protagonist of The Jokester Generation, who the f*ck is Tylor?)

#monsters at work #monsters inc #monsters at work: the jokester generation #au #fanfic #video #song #lengthy post #Youtube

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emotionalsupporthufflepuff · 4 years ago

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The following drabble is 1000% crack! And shouldn't be taken seriously at all.

Inspired by the usual my alphabetaenabler master photo manipulator @talonwillow . A follow up to another drabble in which Draco retains the ability to turn into a ferret

This was definitely the last time he was doing it.

He was a teacher, a potions master, a perfectly respected member of society now. He didn’t need to go sneaking about the castle, spying on his fellow professors in the bath.

But he never stopped thinking about her. During his waking hours, he thought about her voice, her smile, the bounce of her curls when she walked. In his dreams he thought about her knickers still stashed away in his things. The way her thighs had looked peeking out from under her nightshirt, rubbing together in embarrassment and her arse bent over the desk in jeans before his father bailed him out.

She'd come to Hogwarts just a year after he had, taking over as the librarian. Maybe being an Auror had just proven to be too stressful, or maybe she wanted a change of scenery- either way, Hermione Granger's presence had driven him to his old ways. She wore poorly-tailored robes, and her hair slicked back into an immaculate bun, not a curl out of place; she was a far cry from the Granger he'd gotten a taste of.

Sliding behind a tapestry, he closed his eyes and shifted into his ferret self again, having to crawl down his trouser legs to free himself from the pile of clothes, hoping that a student didn't come across them.

His sharp sense of hearing made the sounds of running water nearby almost thunderous ,and the vibrations carried under his paws. He scampered towards the sound until off-key humming told him what he needed to know for sure.

Hermione Granger was taking her Saturday night bath.

Careful not to let his long nails click on the stone floor, he snuck around the circle of sinks until he could see her, stripping off her robes down to her plain white bra and knickers. For the first time, he could see the expanse of her back and the freckles that dotted it, and the full curve of her arse, unimpeded by baggy uniforms.

He sorely wished he was human. A human with a camera, maybe one of those movie things muggles used.

The overwhelming scent of vanilla wafted through the air as he realized she must have added some oil to her bath. He would get the name of it and buy massive vats of the stuff just to smell it like this every day for the rest of his life.

The lid fell off the bottle and started to roll his way. Looking around wildly for a place to hide, his animal hindbrain screamed GET THE TOY instead of corroborating on anything useful.

She turned and looked right at him. Arching his back high, he performed the most threatening war dance he couldn't manage. Granger just laughed and scooped him up around the middle.

"You're actually cute like this, Malfoy. " He nipped at her hand in response, then licked the spot out of guilt. She tasted like a vanilla cake, and his human brain became overwhelmingly curious. Holding him to face her at eye level, she ran a finger over the fur between his ears. "Soft too."

She gave another laugh as he nudged her hand to pet him again.

"So here's what's going to happen. I won’t tell anyone about this if you join me in the bath. You’re probably already naked." He squeaked in response. "Yes, I'll summon your clothes, now hop too."

She placed him on the stone floor and went to her own effects to summon his clothes. He took one last second to admire her backside from the angle before forcing himself back to normal.

When he was oriented, he noticed his clothes were folded next to hers with his wand resting on top.Hermione was sinking beneath the water of the tub, sighing a sound that made his cock twitch.

Not for the first time, Draco wished he wasn't so bloody tall. Bathtubs and mattresses were the enemies and particularly stubborn in transfiguration. As gracefully as he could manage, he carefully joined her, awkwardly folding his legs until the tub magically expanded on its own for him. It was close but not uncomfortable, as the soft skin of her legs brushed against his, making him twitch. The water just covered her breasts and distorted the light enough to where he couldn't see below it.

Cinnamon colored eyes examined him thoroughly, cataloging the scars and tattoos dotted across his body. If she had any judgments, she kept them to herself.

"So was it worth it? Risking another appearance in the paper just to see me?" She pushed a stray curl behind her ear. The heat made her face shine and color rise in her cheeks.

"Very worth it."

"Must have been some bet then."

"What? No..there was no betting." He licked his lips nervously. "I acted of my own accord."

A crimson blush came over her. "Did you? To see me, like this?"

"No, Granger, I love having a tail, it's a thrilling sensation. Yes to see you. Though I can't see much, I really quite like what I can see."

She rubbed her thighs together as her lips parted with a soft whine. "Sorry...it's been a moment, and you're not half bad yourself."

He chuckled quietly. "Not half bad, way to inflate the ego, Granger."

Leaning forward, she put a hand flat on his chest, and Draco wondered if she could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

"What I should say, is that this version of you is much more appealing than the other one." She was so close he could count the freckles under her eyes and see the fleck of gold in her irises. Her eyes were focused on his lips -

"OHHH MYRTLE PEEVES SAYS IT'S BATHTIME. "

"Oh shit." Hermione reached over the side of the tub and vanished the water with her wand.

" Nooooooo Peeves noooo-" Myrtle’s wail bounced off the walls.

"Do the ferret thing-" she whispered, pulling on her clothes. Draco did as instructed, not having any better ideas that didn't include streaking through the castle. The racket of Peeves tormenting Myrtle with a torrent of water well drowned out any noise they made.

Once he was a ferret again, Hermione tucked him into her inner robe pocket. Draco curled himself in as small as he could but kept his line of sight on above him.

Hermione hadn't bothered to put a bra back on and though the view was distorted in black and white, it was still glorious to behold.

The scraping of stone on stone told him she was on one of the moving staircases, heading up, and up again. His tiny heart thrummed with excitement.

A heavy door clicked shut, and a light suddenly filled his vision, blinding him temporarily. The air smelled like vanilla, Jasmine, old books, and Hermione.

"Okay, I brought you back to my room to finish what we started…"

#dramione #drabble #photo manipulation #crack !#the cutest ferret obviously

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lvlyhao · 5 years ago

Text

Moments (Tom Holland x reader)

A/N: first Tom one-shot I actually completed! The reader is a female since it’s what I am used to working with. If I keep writing, I’ll try to make everything GN. Sort of proud of this, and I hope you all like it^^, and if you do, please like and reblog!

Warnings: none. This is pure fluff.

Info you might need: Castellucio is a small village in Italy, and a very pretty one at that. It’s known for the flowerings that take place in the fields, every Spring. There are fields of lentils, poppies, violets... and I chose the red poppies.

Y/N = Your Name. M/N = Middle Name. L/N = Last Name. H/C = Hair Colour. E/C = Eye Colour. F/C = Favourite Colour.

----------------------------------------

When the first rays of sun peek through the sheer curtains, Tom’s eyes flutter gently. The world is hazy the moment he opens them, seeing the entire room melt golden under the light. The air feels warm and balmy over his bare skin, immersing the two bodies in amenity as the early birds chirp outside.

Two bodies.

Finally coming to himself, the brown-haired boy stirs under the satiny sheets, looking for the glow of his lover. When his hand bumps into her, his heart beats faster. There she is, fast asleep, snoring softly and sprawled on her back. Her delicate skin seems velvety where glorious drops of light dance upon it. Her hair, H/C and silky, spreads over the ivory pillow like a halo. Soft, swollen lips give out peaceful breaths, and her hands are neatly folded over her stomach. A dot of glimmer attracts his gaze, and on her left hand, he finds the elegant ring. His ring, that he gave to her just yesterday.

Thinking back to that moment, it seemed like ages ago. The crimson fields of poppies of Castellucio encircled them and contrasted with her F/C dress—the one he always said was his favourite. His chocolate locks were an absolute mess from the wind, and he could only imagine how sweaty he looked, wearing a polo shirt and dress-pants under the scorching sun. Y/N didn’t seem to mind it that much, though.

The second he kneeled on the grass, she started sobbing and grinning like a dork. It was endearing, how she couldn’t refrain from smiling even when he was talking about their (many) embarrassing memories. That tiny detail made him fall even harder for her. Every sliver of doubt he had left dissolved when she interrupted his speech, falling to the ground in front of him and lacing her arms around his neck.

“That was enough”, she had muttered, “just ask the damn question already!”. Tom chuckled, reviving the way his voice cracked when he followed her request.

“Y/N M/N L/N, darling”, he grasped her hands, “will you marry me?”

Tears flowed down their faces as she nodded soundlessly time and again, too thrilled to find her voice. He slid the ring in her finger and they stood there, arms around the other and bawling their eyes out. For an instant, there was nothing else there—the flowers were gone, the Sun was hidden by the clouds, the winds turned into a breeze and even the smell of the Italian summer vanished. It was just the two of them, clinging onto each other for dear life and drowning in the chaste feeling of love. It was easily the best moment of his life.

Was it really?

Drinking in the sleeping figure of his fianceè, Tom thought about the day he met her. 29/04/20, a Wednesday, when he went live for the Marvel pub quiz. It had been genuinely amazing, to interact with his followers like that. He could still hear Harry's voice, telling him what to do to invite people to join the transmission.

“Such a grandpa”, he had said, shaking his head in amusement. Tom ignored him, randomly calling a username from the live chat to answer the final question—what does S.H.I.E.L.D stand for?

The bright face that popped onto the screen one second later took his breath away. She had the most beautiful E/C eyes, sparkling with kindness and life. H/C strands framed her face, and her smile made his heart skip a beat, even with the low quality of the video.

It was like everything around him froze; no one dared to move, fearing the moment would shatter.

Except for his brother, though, seated to his left.

“Oi, mate”, he nudged Tom, “read the question.”

The brunette boy snapped out of it, covering his blush with a smirk and pretending he couldn’t hear Haz snickering behind him. Is it that obvious?

Yes, of course, it was. How could it not be, when not only was she the loveliest girl he had ever seen but also a Marvel fan?

Y/N got the question right, not missing a beat when he asked. The three of them, on the other side of her screen, cheered a bit louder than necessary, and then he ended the live. Both his brother and best friend teased the hell out of him for the next few days. The fandom, of course, made memes about it, and eventually, Tom slid into her DMs. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

Tenderly clasping her right hand, not to wake her up, the boy shifts and stares at the ceiling. It is painted baby-blue and makes him think of the sweater she wore to the first Christmas spent with his family.

While juggling university and her job after quarantine ended, meeting his family wasn’t a top priority for Y/N. She and Tom always spoke about it, guessing how it would be like, but she was not ready the day he made the offer.

“Go to my family’s Christmas Eve dinner. I promise you it’s gonna be awesome, they’re gonna love you! And if you feel comfortable, you can sleep there and spend Christmas with us. If you don’t, I’ll find a way to get you home in time. Please, love”, cue puppy-eyes. She couldn’t find it in her to say no to that, but she had never felt more jittery than in the week before the dinner.

When the 23rd rolled around, she was tense the entire day. Tom had tried everything to make her unwind, from running a hot bath to giving her a massage and attempting at making muffins (which turned out burnt and very salty). When he started to feel as helpless as his girlfriend, 5 pm struck, and they left to his parents’ house. The ride there was made in silence, only broken when he turned to her to whisper how much he loved her.

The next 2 hours or so went by in a blur. He couldn’t exactly spot how it all went—the first contact with his brothers and parents, finally meeting Haz, introducing her to Tessa… the first memories of the actual dinner began with what she told him, days later, about the exact moment she clicked with everyone.

The first person she befriended was Harrison. He was very sweet, keeping her company when Tom would leave to help his mom with something and making her feel at ease. The one point that made the two grow close was his cooking. She had seen both the hot bread and the pancake video, and just couldn’t help but bring them up. At first, he seemed quite bashful, but when Y/N said she couldn’t cook either, he decided he liked her. They talked for a long time, telling their most awkward cooking stories, and Tom watched everything from afar. I knew they'd get along.

Next was Harry, the sassy younger twin who seemed sort of intimidating. It’s not that he was mean, not at all, but he had a strong presence and for a split of a second, she thought he hated her. The tables turned when she mentioned her interest in photography and directing. It was all laughter, jokes and deep conversations by the fireplace after that, talking about some of their favourite films, photographers and directors. Harry turned out to be very kind, and the time she spent with him made her feel welcome.

With Sam, things were a bit different. Whenever Tom mentioned the twins, she thought the two of them would hit it off immediately. Apparently, though, she was too shy to initiate any kind of interaction with him and vice versa. Haz sensed her discomfort from the other side of the room and went to her aid. For the next 45 minutes, he acted as a bridge between them, keeping the chat going until they were talking like old friends. They bonded over the fact that they were huge Marvel fans, and discussed several theories for the next movies, as well as their favourite characters. Oh, how she loved the twins.

Getting to know Paddy was a challenge as well. He wasn’t timid but also didn’t seem very interested in talking. For most of the time, he played with Tessa quietly, time or another chiming in with a remark about something. It didn’t help that he was the youngest. Thinking back to everything Tom had told her about him, she couldn’t find a single topic to bring up. He was a high school kid, and that summed up everything they didn’t have in common. What would she talk about? Physics? Football?

Things only clicked in her head when Tessa left his side to come to lick her hands, asking for pets and tossing around a rubber ball. So Y/N went outside and played catch, mutely hoping the boy would come around to play too. Soon enough, he did, and she bonded with the two of them at the same time.

By the time Nikki and Dom were finished with dinner, they were the only ones she hadn’t talked to a lot just yet. All the nerves that had gone away while she got to know the boys were back the moment everyone sat at the table.

That was it. His parents. If they didn’t like her, chances were slim the relationship would last very long. Tom was a family person, and she'd never make him choose between them and her.

She put on a charming smile, praying they’d get along, and complimented the food. A lot. Probably way more than she should, but there was no stopping now. It was her anxiety talking the wheel, after all. Luckily for her, they took it as a sign she was putting effort into making a good impression, and that was enough for them.

In one month, she was the closest thing to a sister the Holland boys had ever had. Things were fantastic after Christmas, and Tom could see a bright future for them. Waking up by her side was what he loved the most, but he could go on and on about every little thing he adored in her and their relationship.

One time, he did. It was their anniversary of two years, and Tom giggles at the mere thought of that. Everything that could have possibly gone wrong with his plans did go wrong, and he cried in front of Y/N, thinking he had ruined their special day. She took him in her arms, standing in the downpour at his favourite beach, where they were supposed to have a nice picnic. A long-forgotten basket was by her feet and the two were soaked to the bone, feeling a rainbow of emotions at once.

Of course, she wasn't particularly cheery, but seeing Tom like that hurt, so she pushed her own frustration aside to take him home. There, wrapped tightly in 3 blankets and with a cup of cocoa in his hands, Tom was spoiled to death. They watched a bunch of Pixar movies, ordered pizza, took a bath together and, when the clock struck midnight, went to bed.

The day was perfect, just not in the way she and Tom had imagined. It was better, actually, and the British boy decided to show her that with an impromptu speech. He had never been very good with words, but when he delicately cradled her face between his hands and began talking about the reasons why he loved her, he couldn’t stop. He told her about every tiny detail in her, from the way her nose crinkled when she smiled to how considerate she is. Recalling the moment she shut him up with a teary kiss, Tom realized he might have a tendency to overdo speeches.

Now, lying side by side with the person he treasures above any other, he feels overwhelmed with love. The urge to take her in his arms, hold her close and defend her from the world brings a grin to his face as he gapes at her once more. Her eyes are starting to flutter, and soon she’ll be awake.

Then, they’ll make plans for the afternoon and the night, since the morning is ending at this point. They’ll build one more memory for him to think about and laugh, and to someday tell their children about. They’ll go and live their dreams, cherishing and caring for one another. They’ll go and live thousands of perfect moments, because every moment by her side is the best of his life.

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tagging some people I love here: @chaoticpete @underoosjae @spider-parker04 @gwenvrse @lost-space-ranger @allegra-writes

#tom holland x reader #tom holland #harrison osterfield #harry holland #sam holland #spiderman #fluff

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starbide · 5 years ago

Text

Inspiration below. The following is a work of fiction.

'Six years,' I thought to myself walking down the road. It had rained earlier that evening, but by now the clouds were long gone. The pavement shimmered in the waxing moonlight, still slick with the water of those vanished clouds. I would not slip; the road was mostly level as it lazily stretched down the gentle hill behind me, and the streetlamps cast in gold what the moon would otherwise leave dim. The world was silent.

'It's hard to believe I've been gone that long,' I continued, step by step. Six years since I'd moved away for my career. Six years since I'd left my family behind. 'Left her behind,' I smirked to myself, passing a large bush on my right. Houses stood dark and serene on either side, all daily activities complete and put to rest. No cars joined me on the waterlogged street, preferring the concrete comfort of their driveways and garages. I approached and passed under another hazy lamp.

It was cool out, a gentle breeze brushed past the wool of my jacket without raising a single goose bump. I paid it no mind; I was always a bit warmer blooded than others in my circle. My best friend for most of my school years couldn't understand my ability to wear shorts comfortably year-round. 'Those were the days,' I mused, thinking back to the last time we'd seen each other. It had to be more than a decade at this point, long before I'd moved north for work and expanded my wardrobe to include legwear longer than my knees.

I reached an intersection and paused. Four ways, no direction more enticing or foreboding than the next. A lamp at every corner, and the bus station deserted save by its sign across the diagonal. The station I'd waited at patiently every morning for that bright yellow school bus, before I'd ever met my old bestie. It was just me and one other kid, a rather scrawny looking boy who had been in most of my elementary grades but with whom I'd never really gotten on with. We'd shared classes, teachers, and the occasional pencil or marker, but never played together outside of academia. He'd moved away much longer than a decade ago. Now I was really delving into my memory, faded as it was with time.

I checked my phone: 11:57 PM in small white font. My first night back home, I should be exhausted. This wasn't my normal time zone and airplane seats aren't exactly memory foam, but I'd found a second wind after dinner and took to the night after my folks had gone to bed themselves. Sure, I'd been physically gone for six years, but we'd stayed in touch off and on since I'd left. Maybe five months back was our last video call. We'd talked about me taking this trip, now that things had settled down and my life was much more under control. Things had been wild for a while, and if all went according to plan at work things would become wild again not too far down the line. Which reminded me, I needed to make another appointment when I returned home. Couldn't go running out of my prescription again.

A brief twitch of motion caught my eye, and I peered down the leftward lane. One of the bulbs had burned out a few dozen meters down, and in this larger pool of darkness something had moved. At least I thought it had, but my eyes could be playing tricks on me with the shadows. One dark spot moving erratically through a larger, differently dark spot wasn't exactly proof of anything. But of course, my heartbeat quickened regardless. Base human instinct, I suppose. Spot a motion in the dark, prepare to act to either fight or flee.

That hallucination had triggered something else in me though. A memory, unconsciously bidden, rose up behind my eyes. That kid, the little one I'd shared a bus stop with for years, I did not recall being nice to often. Many times, I'd engaged in common teasing, and he always took it personally. A couple times he'd even cried, but I'd never gotten in much trouble for it. A different time I supposed. That sort of behavior wouldn't fly nowadays, and that's good. I felt a bit sick thinking back about it, as it was now clear I'd been a bit of a bully. What it hadn't been was a wake-up call for my parents, who didn't get me the help I had so desperately needed until much later in my teens. I was better now, better enough to see what I'd done back then was very wrong. I couldn't remember all of it, but that boy's tears had stuck with me. I wonder what happened to him?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts and calm my pulse, I opted for the path in front. This route would wind close to the park, after a couple turns beyond my current field of vision. Crossing the street, I didn't even bother looking left or right, as the night was so quiet and empty, I could hear a car coming from miles away, if there were any to hear. A rock lay in the far side gutter; I kicked it just to give my ears some stimulation. It knocked against the cement curb and bounced across puddles thin as saran wrap to a rest. By then I'd already forgotten about it and left that intersection behind.

Another thought was creeping up from my subconscious, this one more distasteful than the last. I'd left a girl behind when I moved for work, and the breakup hadn't been pleasant. She'd been very upset, naturally, and felt betrayed I was abandoning her like that. Abandoning. It had been her word, not mine, but with the clarity of distance I could see she was right. It had been years since I'd considered how we ended, and I wasn't sure what spurred those thoughts just now, but after what I'd done to her, I could accept she was right.

Still though, rounding the first turn, my leaving her should have been a good thing. Now that the floodgates of memory were open, I may as well dive right in. She'd been so hurt by my sudden departure because I'd systematically isolated her from her friends and much of her family too. She'd grown more and more attached to me, and I'd encouraged that through some particularly devilish means. I didn't know about the term 'gaslighting' at the time, but that was a polite way of putting it. I'd been very proficient at psychological manipulation back then, and my desire for control over her life could have consumed us both. At the end, she'd only had limited contact with her sister, who had been rightly concerned about her but too terrified of me to do anything to stop me. Looking back, I can't blame her. I now believe it was good that I left when I did. I hope she realized the same, though I haven't heard from her since.

Now the road turned left, arcing gradually around a thicker cluster of trees. This walk was turning out to be less relaxing than I'd hoped. The smallest things seemed to be dredging up thoughts and old memories in me, and none of them were painting me in the best light. Being my thoughts, maybe that was the best light I could possibly be presented in. Maybe their memories of me, the version of me still living in their mind, was far worse than I could imagine on this unassuming suburban night. I'd read somewhere that we're all the hero of our own story, and of course the hero never thinks they're the villain. But I'm sure that's what I am in at least a few people's stories. I'm starting to feel like the villain in my own.

Opening up ahead of me is the park, and the wide-open fields I remember so well. This area is less well lit, with streetlamps only illuminating the edges of the grass and allowing the moon to bathe the world in dead white. In reality, this is only sunlight reflected, but from the moon it feels much less like the bright star that gives this planet life. Like Luna itself, it feels cold and impersonal, like it wouldn't actively try to end my life but also wouldn't even notice if I merely faded away into the ether. I'd had some trouble with those thoughts as well over the years, before I got help. And now, rushing back to me, I remember they were also why I lost my best friend.

He and I had been out for the evening, playing some game with a few other friends. The game had ended, and we were walking home together when a car had rushed past us. Neither he nor I were injured, but it had been close and the driver had continued on recklessly. After it rounded the corner, we'd both heard a large thumping sound, followed by the rapidly diminishing roar of its engine. After a quick glance between us we'd rushed around the corner ourselves to see a big yellow dog crumpled up in the drain. Not losing a moment we hurried up to it, but we needn't have rushed. It had most likely died on impact, before we even saw it.

My friend had knelt down next to it to try and save it, even though it was hopeless. He must have known, but it's only natural to want to help another life. At least, it is for me now, and it was for him then. I remember him crouched over the dog, tears in his eyes when he accepted what happened, and then he looked up at me. His tears ebbed and his face froze in fear at what he saw, but he couldn't say anything to me at the time. We walked home in uncomfortable silence after that, and said a short awkward goodbye. Truth be told, that's the last time we spoke to each other in person.

Thinking of the next part, I felt a chill run deep into my core. I remembered now what he told me, over text message later that night. He'd bent over the dog and been so distraught because he knew it. He'd checked the tag to be sure, but it was his neighbor's dog that he'd grown up playing with. I think he'd even muttered its name a couple times, but I'm not sure. But when he looked up at me, he said I had the biggest grin he'd ever seen. The look on my eyes was not maniacal, as some would think, but dead, not present. As if the dog dying had brought out a whole new face in me, as if the lights were on but nobody was home, and yet the lights still wanted to kill you. It had terrified him, and it was all he could do not to sprint from me that moment without looking back. I don't think he ever knew how right he'd been back then, something that took me years to realize and longer to overcome.

I quietly walked to the center of the field, as far from the streetlights as possible, and looked up. The moon provided none of the same dangers as the sun when staring straight at it, and I took a few moments to just gaze at it and let my thoughts sort themselves out. I'd been a monster in my childhood, a terror in my youth, before I found my doctor and we set out on a years-long journey to get me better. Any other time I'd have kept on that dangerous path, ruining some lives and possibly ending others. That had all changed, thanks to my incredible fortune and a lot of hard work, but with the clarity of hindsight I could see just how close to the precipice I'd come. How I'd always be there in the minds of childhood mates and adolescent connections. And this was just what I could remember now. There was no way for me to know how many other monstrous versions of me still lived in any number of former classmates.

In the corner of my eye, I saw another twitch in the shadows. Jerking my head down, I followed the motion to the foot of the trees, the darkest spot on the field. This time there was no mistake; there was definitely an object moving there, slowly but surely. My heartbeat shot up and my throat swelled as I bent my knees and got into a defensive posture. The object lumbered forward, moving without haste but with purpose. When it came into the light, I was surprised to see a little boy with a scratched-up shirt and messy brown hair. Standing up in confusion, I was certain I'd seen him somewhere before. Step by step, I focused on every detail I could make out in the gloom, before it hit me like the car that last night walking home.

That boy was dressed, to the letter, the exact same way I had on picture day in third grade. My hair had been an untamable brown mess, and even the cheap novelty watch was the same. I was more perplexed than anything now, as I couldn't understand for the life of me what a kid was doing in that field, at midnight, wearing clothes that weren't even made any more. That was until he spoke, and his voice froze my blood in its veins.

It was like whispers, floating around my head, and several voices all at once and all taking turns being the loudest. They were all his, but not really. His mouth had opened and his lips were framing the syllables, but it was my voice from so many years ago repeating every taunt, every tease, every foul nickname I'd ever given that scrawny boy who shared a bus stop with me. Who'd cried, not once or twice, but dozens of times. Who'd gone home often with scrapes and tears in his clothes personally inflicted by myself. I had terrorized him for years of his early life, and what I saw before me must be what I forever lived as in his memory.

But if that were true, then this kid in front of me couldn't be real. I had to be hallucinating again, I must have been more exhausted than I'd allowed myself to feel. He sure looked real, though, and his footsteps were matting the grass in a way I didn't trust my mind to make up. But the ghostly, strangled voices of my younger self crashing in waves into my ears gave the entire scene a surreal feeling, making the hair on the back of my neck stick up like electricity. I couldn't bring myself to step away, and I sure as hell wasn't going to walk forward to meet him. It. Whatever it was I was seeing, real or not.

Only a few meters away, he stopped moving. Swallowing bile, I could do little more than watch him as the voices continued to echo in my ears, unchanged by his distance all this time. Then I spotted another motion far off to my right, and then a third to my left. Glancing quickly between them, I determined that they were both noticeably older than the child before me, one by a few more years than the other. They too walked slowly towards me, bringing their own voices to the forefront. Despite the dozens of voices I now thought I was hearing, every word registered clearly in my mind. One was speaking about my old best friend and the dog, the other repeated every lie I ever told my ex-girlfriend before leaving. As if their mere presence in my eyes were not enough, hearing my old, hateful words repeated to me in my own voice almost made me vomit with fear and disgust.

They too, stopped approaching me at the same distance as the child. As they did, dozens more similar hallucinations emerged from the trees and surrounding neighborhood, all carrying their own chorus of hate and venom and bringing back new, abhorrent memories of my youth. Terrorizing a girl in my 4th grade class. Catching squirrels in my early teens and setting them on fire, then getting caught myself. Giving that kindergartner a major concussion on a dare, after my best friend had ceased speaking to me. Even one similar in age to myself now, though he brought words of loss and failure, and of betrayal to my parents. That must have been right before my breakthrough, with the doctor and an early test version of my current prescription. I was better now. I had to be. But why was I seeing all of this, all of these versions of me locked in the minds of everyone who I'd left behind in my life? My trail of destruction?

They had all stopped walking now, forming a tight semicircle around me. The voices still buzzed in my ears, but slowly they faded to an indistinguishable babble. I tried to speak, but my throat had caught a bubble, so I gulped fruitlessly and closed my mount again. The thoughts racing through my mind had no similar handicap, as my mind shouted repeatedly the same things. Who are you all? Why is this happening? What are you doing to me?

The version of me who gaslit my girl took a couple steps forward, as if presenting himself as the leader. I had no time to process what this might mean before he spoke, in a much clearer form than any of these hallucinations had yet. "We are you. We are you that you left behind, trapped in the minds of those you hurt, frozen in time from the moment you left us years or decades ago. We have had no life to live, no chance to grow and thrive, no possibility to leave the prisons of mind which you left us in, being tortured again and again by those you tortured without remorse and without recompense. We cannot sit by from behind our bars as you continue to enjoy the life you stole from us all."

"I didn't know I was doing this!" I cried, finally able to break the blockade in my throat. "I was a monster, I know that well now, and I've spent years trying to recover from the damage I've done!" I felt foolish, yelling out into the night at visions only visible to myself. 'All this work, all this progress,' I cried to myself. 'This will set me back months if not more, and I can only hope my medication doesn't fail like I have.'

The same me looked down at the ground and shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry, but you must know how little that matters to us. You've lived a life of freedom from any repercussions and locked us away to suffer in your place. You've flaunted that fact with your precious medical tools and until tonight, hadn't even remembered us or what you did to torture and imprison us. We are here now for the life that you stole from us, to end the torture you sentenced us to and walked away from yourself unscathed." He took another step forward, his face growing menacing.

"I don't know what that means," I cried, shaking my head as the tears started to drop. This was starting to feel all too real, and fear was expanding like a balloon deep into my core. "I don't know what any of this means. What do you want from me!?"

Another step. "We want your life," the gaslighter said mirthlessly. "We all want your life, the life wrongly denied us time and time again. And you will learn what it means to be ripped apart and put back together, over and over again. Tortured yourself for what you did to so many people in your life. You gave us to them to burn, to break, to grind down into dust and be restored only to do it all over tomorrow. You tortured them, and then you gave them us to work their revenge on, day after day with no hope of an end. And the most unforgivable of all was giving the youngest of you away to feel this pain the longest. Over two decades have the youngest of us been taken to pieces, shattered in mind and body and soul for your carelessness and your fleeting experiments in sociopathy. This will end tonight."

I could say nothing, the terror burning white on my face. If this was a hallucination, it was the worst one I'd ever had and I had no idea how I'd survive it. It was far too realistic, far too deadly for me to think of anything else, any of the tricks and tools my doctor had given me. What had happened to cause this? I swear I never missed a day on my prescription, and these memories... Where had they all been before? Why had I not been able to recover them and work through them with my doctor? Were they even real? Was this me, standing only a meter away now, real? Or was he only real in my mind, and if he wanted to hurt me would that distinction make a difference? I reached out my hand, reaching toward his arm slack against his torso...

And he reached out and took my wrist like a vice. Ice cold and unflinching, he held my arm up in front of me and closed the gap between us imperceptibly fast. "You may have many regrets. I have only one," he said in a low, bloodthirsty voice. "While there are dozens of us gathered here, dozens you sentenced to eternal damnation without a second thought, only one of us may live this life. I may not be the youngest of your victims, I may not give you the longest time in the torture you gave us, but I intend to fight with everything you have put me through these long years. Your life is mine."

As he growled in my face, a white-hot streak of terror shot through me and I pushed him back with almost reflexive strength. He staggered, rebalanced, then looked at me with cannibalistic hunger in his eyes. He panted twice, then screamed and lunged at my neck. With adrenaline now coursing through me, I turned and sprinted away from the gathering, hearing the pounding of footsteps deep in my brain. He had grabbed my arm. I glanced at it as I reached the sidewalk and saw a chalk white handprint etched into my grayish skin. The urge to vomit came back, but I managed to fight it down as I kept up a faster pace than I'd ever run before. The swarm of my past, tortured selves was hot on my heels, like starved dogs following fresh game. Any loss in my speed and I'd be eaten alive, or worse. I truly did not know what would happen if they caught me, and my mind was too far gone to even entertain the idea of hallucinations any more.

I rounded the next curve and thought the sound of the pack was a little quieter than before. It still sounded like pure rage and bloodlust, but with fewer voices than before. Thinking it was only a few stragglers being blocked by the trees, I kept up the fastest pace I could, not even feeling my feet hit the ground. Another hundred meters of straightaway and it was definitely growing less loud with each step. The roar was diminishing, no trees to hide the sound now, but it was still a roar. By now a cramp had begun to grow in my stomach, and no matter what I did I felt myself losing speed. Every few steps I could burst forward faster again, but I couldn't maintain the same rocket pace as before. To my ears, though, as my speed gradually fell, so did the volume of my pursuers. By the time I got to the intersection, it only sounded like a couple of me were still hunting, and I could count their individual footsteps. It was at this time I chanced a look behind, just to know what was still coming.

Right on my neck was him, the gaslighter. He grinned at me, his face less than a meter away. I felt that same shock explode throughout my body and I shot forward, faster than before if possible, fully terrified again now that I knew he and he alone was here for me. I kept running and running, past houses, lanes, and bushes. Still no signs of life from any houses, no cars rumbling down the road or creaking into place in a driveway. The night was as empty and uncaring as before, and only myself and the predator I had been broke the gentle midnight breeze. My legs thundered on, screaming in pain in their own way, but I didn't stop or look back again until I'd reached my family's old house a few blocks down.

Now truly running on empty, I turned back to face my hunter, but he was gone. Disappeared. Evaporated into the night, nowhere to be seen. The moon still hung high, reflecting some small percentage of sunlight down to me, and the streetlamps bathed the road and yards in amber light. He wasn't hiding from me, he hadn't overtaken me. There was no shortcut to the house, it was a straight shot from the park. He was simply gone, faded back into the night from which he'd come without a trace. If he'd ever really been there at all, and not merely a hallucination from exhaustion or medication or... I didn't even know any more. I just knew that he was gone, just gone, just gone.

"Hey, are you okay?" A voice called out to me. I jumped, but only in surprise. It was a familiar voice, but not familiar like my own. It sounded like my dad, and I heard large, calm footsteps walk toward me from our front door.

"Yeah," I said, although it was little more than a whisper. I buckled over, fell to my hands and knees, and felt the cramps and burning in my lungs catch up to me as the adrenaline faded away. I felt like vomiting, for the third time that night, but this time it was easier to fight the urge than before. I got some deep breaths in as I panted on the ground, slowly but surely recovering from my insane dash moments before.

My dad walked up in front of me, wearing the same well-worn brown leather shoes he'd owned since before I left. I didn't want to worry him about this night, and what I thought I saw in the park. Not when my recovery was going so well. Not when a lapse like this would mean months of work just to get back to where I was only an hour ago. "I'm okay dad, I just went for a walk. Then I saw how late it was and tried to get back as fast as I could. I guess I'm not the athlete I used to be, eh?" I tried to lift my head up to give him a weak smile, but still couldn't raise it much higher than his waist

He chuckled softly, and sounded a little strange. Still sleepy maybe, I guess I woke him up coming back here, and maybe I was screaming too. I don't know any more, I don't know what was real any more. But he knelt down in front of me after I dropped my head again, still exhausted, and said, "That's okay sport, I think we both know your real talents weren't on the field. I learned that lesson very well over the past six years."

#horror #creepypasta

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vaultgirl2077 · 6 years ago

Text

Dear John.

The pair made their way out into the bustle of the club, sitting themselves down at a sofa a little away from the bar and VIP room.

The club was almost full tonight, Charlie seemed rushed off his feet and Magnolia was basking in the eyes of the patons fixated on her.

Maya had excused herself to the bathroom while the buzz wore off. As if waking from a dream, she was feeling more alert and painfully embarrassed at all she had revealed. She’d told him things she hadn’t told anyone, some she was even scared to admit to herself.

She must have been gone a while...

When she returned, the crowd rose to the floor, a signal that Mags had finished her break, ready to enchant the audience with her spell once more.

Maya sat back down, arms across her chest and noticeably colder since her departure. In an attempt to seem normal, she poked her tongue out at the ghoul opposite her.

Hancock didn’t buy it but he didn’t want to push the boundaries. He stuck to what he knew best.

“So, you got a ride of choice? I’m usually a Mentats Ghoul myself. Makes me feel intellectual.” He pulled a container out of his coat pocket and offered it to Maya, she took two of the small tablets and knocked them back with her drink.

“Heh. Not shy are ya? Two a day keeps reality at bay.”

“I don’t tend to ‘ride’ much for fun these days. Don’t know what half the shit is anymore,” She said as she dragged her fingers through her hair, “I usually only use chems for dealing with enemies now. I mean I still can’t kill someone unless I’ve had a hit of Psycho. Sound’s pathetic doesn’t it?” A sardonic laugh and she broke eye contact. “I guess tonight is my first real joy ride for the last couple of hundred years. I have you to thank for that.”

“My pleasure, sister. You can always come to me whenever you need a little chem break.” He winked and began searching his coat. When he found what he was looking for, he locked her gaze once more. That inviting smile formed into a hard line for the briefest of moments. “And to answer your question, no, it ain’t pathetic to need an extra push to kill. It means you aren’t the same as the scum you gotta take care of.” A pause. “Gotta ask though, what happens when the psycho runs out?”

“I don’t let it run out.” She answered simply. But she knew what he meant. She’d face that bridge when she came to it.

Hancock chuckled with a shake of his head. “Fair enough. Good answer.”

Without a word of warning, he slipped off the sofa and knelt down in front of her, presenting her with a syringe that had two vials of orange liquid attached to it. Maya eagerly edged closer to him, leaning forward out of curiosity.

“Since this is your first real ride in Goodneighbor, let’s make it one to remember. Those Mentats started to kick in yet?”

Maya nodded, her pupils had started to dilate and she felt a spike in her intellect. Everything was suddenly so defined, the heightened perception made her aware of the intricate details in her surroundings.

”Good. Now this little gem is called Daddy-O. You take this whole thing and we ain’t gonna be on the same planet. But...You take a small hit of it with those Mentats and you’re gonna have one hell of a night." The needle caught the light. "You trust me, doll?”

Maya nodded once more.

Because she did... So much did she trust this man who she barely knew.

Her heart began to race, she was hungry for it.

Hancock flicked the tip of the needle as she slouched back into her seat. Delicately, he snuck his rugged hand under her leg and lifted. Goosebumps erupted on her skin at the caress, butterflies forming in the pit of her stomach with the anticipation.

He stroked his thumb on the inside of her thigh and stretched the skin. Maya let out a sharp gasp as the needle penetrated, the rush was instant as the foreign chem coursed through her system.

The ghoul’s hand lingered on her sensitive skin as he retracted the syringe, only a small portion was missing from the vials. He replaced the needle before injecting a larger dose into his ruined forearm.

The subtle hues of the room swiftly became more saturated. Ripples lingered in the wake of where the light had moved and the smoke seemed to solidify. Whisps dancing to the music and hugging the customers it engulfed.

Hancock guided her away from the growing crowd of the bar and back to the VIP lounge, the patrons swarming as the night grew later and privacy was becoming an issue.

They were in the doorway when Hancock took her by the hand and pulled her towards him. Maya staggered off balance and he used the opening to expertly hooked his arm around her waist, forcing their bodies to connect as he pulled her close.

Within moments they were swaying, synchronized and moving perfectly in rhythm with Magnolia’s song.

'You leave me breathless, weak in the knees...I'm feeling reckless, pardon me please...The fallout’s blowing through...But baby, it’s just you…🎵'

Hancock mouthed the lyrics with a smirk, tracing circles on her lower back as they danced. His obsidian gaze almost predatory as it locked on her lips and then refocused on her eyes.

It had been too long since she felt this magnetic pull, her head swimming with the undeniable attraction she felt for him. She tried to tell herself it was down to the circumstances and intoxication but it was without sincerity. A fool to try and lie to herself when she knew he reality.

'Help me, help me, rescue my heart...Save me, save me, from falling apart…🎵'

Maya draped both her arms around his ruined neck. The ghoul was so much taller than her petite frame that she hung on him. Surprised by his height when he was this close. His usual relaxed demeanour and slender body making him seem smaller from a distance.

The more her honed eyes focused on his face, the more she was fascinated by the ridged contours of his skin. Delicate fingers teased his nape, provoking an involuntary growl that rumbled in his chest.

The chemistry drove their bodies closer. Hancock's now free hand grazed her arm and found her waist, skillfully maneuvering his leg in between hers and propping her up against the wall behind them. The hand on her hip snaked up her torso and guided her arm above her head - Holding it there as a quiet moan escaped her lips.

Maya's body was entranced by his magnetism, every sensation heightened due to the cocktail of chems and alcohol.

Coherent thought had all but vanished, replaced with a throbbing primal ache that was begging the ghoul not to stop.

'Take me, take me, baby I’m sure...🎵'

Instinct did most of the guidance. With the weight of his strong but slender body pinning her to the wall, her frame conformed to him, seeking to breach any space between them.

Hancock's scarred lips were barely an inch from touching hers, both of them were breathing heavily, the anticipation unbearable as the inevitable came closer.

Even in the ecstasy of the moment, she felt strange. Aware she was being reckless, making a fool of herself.

She hadn’t let herself go like this since before Nate.

Always responsible. Always solving the problem. Always positive.

Lady Luck, right? It would all work out.

Until now...Until she woke up.

For the last decade her baby had been raised by the people who murdered his father and she didn’t know if she'd ever find a way inside their impenetrable base.

No one else ever had and they had more power than she could ever hope to weild.

This time there were no silver linings, nothing to do but to fuck it all and escape, even if it was just for one night and in the arms of some man who made her feel good.

Her previous life and her husband were gone and slowly becoming a memory. Didn’t she deserve some pleasure after the weeks of suffering, just wishing for it all to end?

For one fucking night, didn’t she deserve to feel something other than heartache?

'You've got the power. You've got the cure...🎵'

Maya tilted her head forward just enough to gently graze her lips against his before pulling away, testing his reaction as she tasted the smoke that lingered there...

That was all the encouragement he needed to take control. Hancock captured her in a fervent embrace.

Several moments of his expert mouth exploring her own and he broke the lifeline, nudging her face to the side so he could pepper expert kisses along her jaw and neck.

Devouring her as her skin erupted in goosebumps from the contact of his breath.

“You sure about this, doll? Ain’t sure if you even know what you’re doing. Last thing I want is to take advantage.” His voice was a tender, slurred rumble in her ear before he pulled his head back to search for hesitation in her eyes.

“Trust me. I know what I’m doing, Hancock.” Maya kissed him forcefully, no reluctance this time as her lips crashed against his.

Any prior reservations thay the ghoul held dissolved, he responded ardently, drunk on the ecstasy that was her taste. His fingers wove themselves into her hair, pulling her deeper into him with increased urgency.

At the peak of the moment, just as they were about to fall entirely, a familiar voice broke the spell.

“Seriously, Boss? Three in one week? Have some class. Where’s that Silver Shroud you were –“ Fahrenheit stopped abruptly as she realised the new girl Hancock had pinned to the wall was Maya.

“Oh, I see...When you said you didn’t want to be disturbed, I didn’t realise it was that kind of meeting.”

Hancock’s lips lingered on Maya’s as their senses returned and they caught their breath. He carefully lifted his body away from her to glare daggers at his bodyguard.

Fahrenheit couldn’t prevent herself from smirking as she tried to stay serious.

“Boss, we need to talk.” Once more she glanced at Maya. “In private...It’s urgent.”

Hancock didn’t question it. Then Fahrenheit addressed Maya.

“Shroud, your friend from earlier is upstairs with Ham. Didn’t seem to understand that you two didn’t want to be disturbed. Idiot tried three times to get in, each time with a different costume and accent. Someone should tell him that those glasses are a dead giveaway.”

Maya laughed as she adjusted her dress and patted down her hair.

Typical Deacon.

Hancock told Fahrenheit that he’d be with her in a minute and to let the Railroad agent inside. Once the redhead departed, the two turned to face each other with reality restored.

“You sure know how to show a ghoul a good time.” He lifted her chin and kissed her softly. “I won’t be long if you want to take this fun meeting upstairs where we won’t be disturbed? Best Christmas present I’ve had in a long time.” The ghoul teased as he pulled away with a wink and smirk, following Fahrenheit to the bar.

Christmas present?

With a frown, Maya looked to her Pip-Boy as Deacon’s silhouette in a blond mop of a wig approached her.

Her heart sank

“00:24, 12/25/2287”

Her first Christmas without Nate and she was here doing whatever the hell this was with a man she’d just met?

It had only been two months without him...

With a the guilt swelling in her chest and choking her, Maya glanced over to the ghoul before darting for the stairs.

Never had she fled a place so quickly in her life.

#maya's journal #maya and hancock #hancock and maya #fallout fanfic #journal of the sole survivor #sole survivor oc #fallout #fallout 4 #fallout 4 fanfic #john hancock #maya and deacon #lady luck #maya #female sole survivor #fan fic #fallout oc #the third rail #goodneighbor #VaultGirlOG

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nann-the-explorer · 3 years ago

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mate, why the long face? The sun‘s shining …* Ras raised his head and looked at Geiger. He couldn't form a smile." If these lips of yours are going to hang any lower, we could use it to catch some swordfish.* the corner of his lips curved upwards. Geiger's impression was spot on. "Woah, I saw the corner of your mouth moving. Now come on, don’t let me hang in there, man. Give me your all.* Ras couldn't help but smile. It was so kind of Geiger to come over to him, he really was a friend to Ras. *See, even the darkest night will end in a lovely day.* Geiger almost knocked Ras overboard with a giant pat on the back, he staggered on the deck before straightening again and a laugh escaped him. "Damn Geiger you really are a strong fellow." He smiled at the large man, there was something special about this childlike man. Ras looked back out at the sea, maybe things would be OK. He never thought he would fall for someone in another dimension. Nann's face flashed through his mind again. Geiger suddenly had a serious face, it was rare to see a look like that on his face. *Ras, do you think there are still vampires around this ship? I sensed something like a shadow that scurried over the deck and vanished in the sick bay. I am worried for Andrei … do you think, she will … attack us when she wakes?* Ras blinked. "A shadow, are you sure?" the look on his face suggested that he was certain. "if there were, by now they would be hiding below deck. The risk of exposure is too high, they wouldn't do anything until nightfall. Personally, I don't think there are any on board. Myself excluded." His question about Andrei made him feel sad. The last thing he wanted was for his friend to be scared, especially of his other crewmate. "You don't have to worry, both myself and Arianna will be there. Once Andrei has Arianna's blood she will calm down. She will be able to go outside during the day. She will be as she was before, just with new abilities. Of course she will need blood to keep her from getting sick and a part of the ship to keep with her at all times. It can be a chunk of decking of sail. If you are in a battle and she were to be hit with a fatal attack. She will turn into smoke. She can find somewhere safe and rest for two hours. That will restore her body and her wounds will heal." it was alot of information to give but he hoped he had calmed Geiger's nerves. *If you’re not to busy with being gloomy, I would appreciate if you could join me to tell the Captain about what I have sensed.* Ras smiled at him. "of course I will. I can always be gloomy later." He patted Geiger on the Back considerably lighter. Arianna woke up tangled in the blankets. She had slept only a few hours and was disoriented. She sighed, Tostain hadn't come… she knew he never said he would but she still hoped he would. "I wish we'd stayed in the tree…" her arm hurt, it was red and angry, the bite had gone deeper than she had thought. Did fogwalkers have some kind of disease or bacteria on their teeth? She'd have to visit Jo in a few hours, right now she must be sleeping. Arianna could do with some more sleep too. Laying down, she closed her eyes. She listened to the sounds of the crew moving about on deck. Time seemed to pass without her notice. She couldn't help the lonely feeling while laying there alone. Part of her wanted to go find Ras. She remembered a stormy night where she had been scared. Ras had wrapped her arms around her and held her close. Stroking her hair, she eventually felt safe enough that she fell asleep. He was the best supportive friend she had. Arianna didn't want to think about Tostain, instead she wondered where Lucan was. He had disappeared in the forest. It was unlike him to give up so easily. He had to be planning something. Great, she now had two enemies to watch. One wanted to steal her away and the other wanted to kill her. A soft voice sounded from the walkway. *Arianna? It’s me, Tostain. I … I am sorry. I really wanted to come sooner but … I … I am afraid I just fell asleep while talking to Nann. I … I apologize.* Arianna didn't

answer, she stared at the ceiling. 'he wanted to come sooner? He didn't come at all…' her eyes welled up with tears. She was being stupid. Nann was upset, she was her friend as well as Tostain's. She was feeling crap for no reason. *Arianna? If you’re upset, I would understand. I didn’t meant to let you wait … I … I was just so tired and forgot time. Can I come in please?* Arianna slapped herself across the face hard. Standing up, she went to the door, staring at the handle for a moment trying to decide what to do. The door opened slowly. Arianna peeked out the door. There stood Tostain in his ruined uniform. Her heart sped up,she found herself looking at the ground. "hey…" her hair hid her face like a wavy curtain. She knew if she looked at him she would cry. He'd seen her cry enough. Taking a deep breath, she looked up into his eyes, fighting against her tears desperately. "come in." Arianna walked over to her plank bed and sat down. Her shirt was wrinkled and she fought the temptation to wrap her blanket around herself. She waited for him to speak. A crystal ball sat on a pedestal, inside images moved around like liquid silver. Lucan sat in his chamber watching various scenes. Minions on missions, enemies plotting, parts of his own domain. But now his attention was on the crew of the Hexfire and their guests. A smirk when he saw Ras with his head in his hands. Whoever had caused him pain was due a glass of wine. He would have made a perfect general for him. Unfortunately his will was stronger than Lucan had expected,he was optimistic though, that once he'd taken Arianna that Ras would join him. Of course there were many options open to him. The liquid swirled moving away from the knight and onto Andrei. Lucan sipped his red wine, he was pleased that his magic had been undetected. That was the whole reason why he chose this style of magic to specialise in. Soon the woman would wake up, none the wiser until he gives her his first order. How convenient it had been for one of his minions to ignore his order and turn one of the crew. Now he'd have a powerful spy on his side and even better another day walker. His gaze softened for a moment as he watched Arianna sleeping. He had wanted her even before finding out she was the heir to the realm of Azure. Her blood had also given him the abilities Rasputin had. He didn't know at the time. His surprise was immense. Arianna's blood held a strange power. He needed it. He could have armies of daywalkers. No kingdom in each realm would be safe. His fingers stroked the glass.

Tostain was relieved when the door to Arianna’s cabin eventually opened slowly. But then his heart stung when he saw her obviously being sad and close to tears. Trying to smile faintly, he watched her sitting down on her bed. He stepped into the small cabin and closed the door behind him, but tried to gave her some space. She shouldn’t think of him as just a skirt chaser.

*Hey …*

He grabbed at his neck nervously, not sure how to go on from here. Everything he could say would eventually lead to a talk about his friendship with Nann and he wanted to avoid that name for the time being. This was about Arianna, not his comrade and he didn’t want to make her feel like second best.

*Arianna, … I never intended to make you feel sad. I am deeply sorry for not coming to you as soon as possible.*

Desperately he searched for some better words to express his feelings without being too pushy but he found himself unable to. He hadn’t much experience with such situations after all. Finally he just got on his knees in front of Arianna, grabbing her hands, looking away shyly. Lacking of other words he might as well could say what he really felt.

*Arianna … I … I love you. And I would rather rip my heart out before wanting to hurt you. *

He let his head hung a little, shaking it with a sad smile.

*Hell, your must think I am just some playboy looking for a girl. But I’m not. You mean so much to me, I would rather live the rest of my life in chastity if I could just spend it with you.*

Tostain now looked at her with an insecure smile. Arianna looked so adorable in her oversized shirt and with her slightly messy hair, that he just wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her for the next couple of hours. He would have been the most honored man, if he would be just able to wake up to this sight for the rest of his life. He sighed and squeezed her hands tightly, as if he was afraid that she would simply vanish.

*I … I have to be honest with you. I … I am afraid. I am scared as hell … to loose you. I don’t want to think about the fact that you eventually will go back to your world. And yet, I find my mind returning to this horrible thought again and again. It makes me outright sick.*

He then smiled a little more now when he thought back to his talk with Nann. Maybe he should mention this one fact, though. Just to show Arianna that she didn’t had to be jealous of his comrade.

*And please, don’t be jealous of Nann. They currently have a hard time and I just wish to help them … because they seem to have a thing for Ras. And it looks like it’s mutual.*

Geiger decided to make a detour to the sickbay once more, this time accompanied by Ras. Captain Alardice still wasn’t informed about what had happened to Andrei and he definitely would feel better with Dr. Kirkham at his side.

Dr. Kirkham startled from her sleep as Geiger knocked at the door, his huges fist making the hinges rattle. He surely didn’t use all of his physical strength to knock, so if upset he would definitely tear that door from the frame.

Dr. Kirkham took a quick look over to Andrei, who still laid on the plank bed like a corpse. Well, technically she was one and if anything had changed since yesterday, she just had became paler and colder. Dr. Kirkham whinced and waddled to the door, opening it drowsy while making a smacking noise. She would need her tooth brush and a bottle of whisky to get rid of that awful taste in her mouth.

*Ooooh, Lad … what is it? How late is it anyway?*

She was greeted by two big smiles, which was nice to see but still odd in this grave situations.

*It‘s two bells in the afternoon watch. We should wake the Captain and inform him about everything. I sensed something wandering around on the mains deck a few hours ago and it went straight to the sick bay. When I looked for it, nothing was here. I figured you might want to know about this and accompany us when we go to see the Captain. He need to know.*

Dr. Kirkham went pale, for a moment she seemed even lighter as Andrei. She hadn't sensed anything, but there might have as well been an elephant with her in the sick bay and she wouldn’t have noticed it. She had slept like a baby after all.

Dr. Kirkham sighed and nodded. She was uneasy now. The nightmare from the day before didn’t seem to just end.

*We might as well go all there. I think the others rested enough as well. Ras? Would you mind to go and get Tostain, Nann and Arianna? We will pick up Ephriam, I have to check if he took his medicine anyway.*

Ituith’ryiel had been sitting in silence inside Nann’s mind while they slept peacefully. But his mind was working like a clockwork. There were so many parts of the puzzle he hadn’t grasped yet.

He knew there had been an entity like him in this world, undiscovered for who knows how long. That was rather troublesome. He had to speak to the Sentinel at the Threshold as soon as possible.

But aside from an undetected Yadaldh’dre in thisbworld, there has been the fact that it wanted to help someone to get his hands on those elves. Which was rather interesting in more than one way. Ituith’ryiel wondered what had the reasons and advantages behind this deal for the other eldritch. Had it been as annoyed of these elves as Ituith’ryiel was? Unlikely. They would have had to know each other and it didn’t seemed like this.

So, there must have been something that the creature had been promised … but what? No Yadaldh’dre with some honor would stoop as low as to give his strength away for the fun of it. Even Ituith’ryiel was here on purpose, his mission was to protect the alimentary of his species. Maybe the other one did it for food, too? That somehow seemed unlikely, too. Maybe it was something the other needed, something that had no meaning to Ituith’ryiel … he growled. In any case, the other had tried to kill him, so this had become something personal. And Ituith’ryiel was determined to find about the reasons of the other, since there seemed more to it than he could understand right now.

Then he smirked. Well, at least there was something or someone around here, that wanted to have these elves, too. He had felt the evil presence. Maybe this was the one the Yadaldh’dre had made its deal with. Then why shouldn’t he do the same? He had his own reasons for getting rid of these elves, the druid was dangerous to him and the wolf boy was just annoying. He distracted Nann. The shaman, who had been Ituith’ryiel’s former host had been a hermit. It just wasn’t possible for a host to have a relationship, it wouldn’t work out. They would loose interest in the mission. It was difficult enough that Nann was a mother.

And in making an own deal with that presence, he maybe could find out more about this other Yadaldh’dre and its reasons for being here and wanting to kill him.

Ituith’ryiel just had to make contact with that visitor somehow. He couldn’t just send out a signal, although it would have been possible for him. But there were too many people aboard, that would have sensed his message, the elves just being two of them. And the ship itself would have noticed. No, he would have to think about it some more and keep calm until he could come up with something good.

#oc roleplay #roleplay #arianna the druid #nann the explorer

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ive-always-been-a-pirate · 7 years ago

Text

The Other Prince + A CS Modern Royalty AU [Chapter 9]

Modern Royalty AU: HRH Prince Killian has grown up in the shadow of the crown while enduring tragedy and the burdens of being the spare to the heir. With a desire to escape his past, he agrees to play host to the visiting general’s daughter in exchange for an eventual life outside royal bounds. Moving on is never that easy though and he quickly learns that being the ‘other’ prince is even more difficult when you find yourself falling for the girl everyone wants your brother to marry.

Catch Up On Previous Chapters: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight Also on FF.net and AO3.

Word Count: 7.2K

I apologize that this took so long to post - life totally got the best of me these past few weeks. Big thanks to @optomisticgirl for her beta help and encouragement. So excited for the fun that’s coming up in the next chapter :] enjoy! XOXO

Emma awoke at an almost embarrassing hour the next day, the clock on her phone lighting up with an obnoxious glow that announced the time to be almost half past eleven. She'd never really been much of an early riser - well, at least not once she was allowed to break the prompt routines of living in the house of a regimented military linked father - but sleeping late as a guest in one of the most prominent buildings in the country and maybe even the world made her feel a bit guilty. Her parents had departed for the seaside Navy base in Plymouth just after dawn, getting an early jump on the flight that would take a little over an hour via royal helicopter. They'd been courteous enough to not wake her before leaving - a gesture she was most grateful for given the fitful sleep she'd battled without victory until about three that morning - and though she wouldn't see them for a couple of days, Emma was somewhat glad to have a break from her mother's particularly watchful eye.

If anything, their absence meant she wouldn't be questioned about her whereabouts the previous night. That was, of course, supposing that they'd noticed she'd been out late - and god, she could only pray that they hadn't.

The events of the recent evening were a bit hazy she realized as her head lay flat against a very fluffy pillow. She wasn't sure if that was by her own need to block some or well, most of it out - but it was likely a combination of that and something else she certainly wasn't ready to analyze. The memory of a pair of clever yet troubled blue eyes slipped into her mind and she immediately shook the thought with a muffled huff. She didn't want to be thinking about that or him right now - at least not until she could find a strong cup of coffee and recall exactly what had been said.

Maybe we should just start over?

Emma was rather certain those had been her nervous words - almost as certain as she was that the smirk of the man she'd made that offer to was probably the most handsome one she'd ever seen. The hope that had filled his very symmetrical features had been unexpected and when he'd reminded her once again of the name he preferred her to address him with, her pulse had thumped hard several times in a row.

Killian will do.

How in the hell she'd ended up post bar battle with a beat up Prince of Wales was still beyond her. It seemed like the stuff from some curious fiction story or a cheesy romantic comedy, but it couldn't be - mostly because there was nothing romantic about her bantering and bandaging scene with a man who was more than just superior. He was royal…and she was Emma Nolan. There was nothing complicated about that.

Choosing to go to her newfound safe place posing as a pub on some corner wasn't a decision meant to reignite some rivalry she still knew little about. They hadn't talked much about it and it wasn't like she'd been given long to prod him into elaborating. The news that Killian's older brother - a guy Emma hadn't gotten to know very well yet and also the actual heir to the freaking throne - was minutes away from the bar had cut into their short conversation. Killian had almost leapt from the chair she'd nudged him toward, steadying himself with a quick clutch of the wooden countertop and a gruff groan. It was that reaction that had tempted her to help him once more in the form of one simple solution she still couldn't believe she'd provided him with.

"You…should go."

"It's okay, lass. You were kind enough to deal with me after…all this. I can deal with my brother."

"This wasn't your fault though…and won't he be mad?"

"Well, I suppose it's likely-"

"Then go - and I'll…I'll cover for you."

Sitting up against the lavish headboard of the giant bed, Emma ran her hands over her tired eyes and back through her tangled hair. Why had she given him an out? It wasn't like she was…totally responsible for how the night had unfolded, but for some reason, the sight of his apparent panic and the way he'd glanced toward the only exit with obvious unease made her believe she was more than partly to blame.

For some reason, it was that thought that started her conversation with the prince who stormed into The Round Table only minutes after the younger prince had bolted out the back door. The encounter with Liam hadn't been as shock worthy as the one she'd torpedoed into with his brother, but Emma quickly found it was still a bit unsettling to explain some very strange circumstances to the man who'd one day rule the a large part of the free world.

"I should apologize, Emma - for whatever happened here. My little brother can be….difficult."

"Actually, this….wasn't his fault."

His eyes had gone wide at the hint of her explanation and it didn't take long for Emma to realize that Liam was rather used to making excuses for his sibling's actions. He did, however, seem very unaccustomed to the idea that Killian wasn't actually to blame. The observation made her heart sink slightly as she wondered just what sort of events in the two men's lives had led them to the default setting of Killian being the impulsive prince while Liam became the righteous one.

"I suppose I should be happy he was here for once - well, not for the fight, but to help you, I mean."

"Yeah, uh, I guess…"

"I hope that didn't come across the wrong way, lass. You don't exactly strike me as someone who needs saving. I just meant it's nice to have an ally at times."

She'd seen a flicker of subtle pride in his eyes then - the look of a man who clearly knew his reckless yet courageous younger brother was a good man. There definitely had to be a history reminding Liam to keep that look concealed much of the time and though Emma was extremely curious about what events made him so cautious, she knew it wasn't her business.

Making him recognize the fact that Killian had actually done the honorable thing probably wasn't either - but somehow, that didn't stop her.

"I'm sorry you had to come down here. It's late…and-"

"It's okay, lass. I was actually pondering stopping by the bar when I saw the blurry picture someone took of my brother pop up online. I haven't seen Arthur for a few days and I'd told him I'd be in for a drink one night this week. Just my luck I'd pick the same evening all of this went down."

"I don't think he planned it this way - Killian, I mean. It didn't seem like he was looking to make trouble."

"Well, that's refreshing to hear actually. Coming here isn't exactly a rarity for him. He's always been close with Arthur, but I think there's more to it than just that."

Emma knew what Liam really meant. The bar was a safe space for Killian, a place where he wasn't just a spare or even a proper prince. No, The Round Table was one of the only locations where he could be an average patron - where he could be normal. She could understand that need on some level and the way their common ground led her to defending the wayward royal in a conversation with his older brother wasn't totally surprising, even if it sure as hell wasn't the interaction she'd ever imagined having with Liam.

"Thank you, Emma - for handling this whole thing so gracefully. I know it's definitely not what you bargained for and surely not the type of atmosphere you'd meant to find while escaping to the pub on the corner."

"Yeah, not really…but it's okay. I'm glad I could help."

"As am I, even though this stuff with Killian isn't your mess. I'm grateful you were here and I'm sure he is too."

The chat she'd wandered into with the kind Navy captain replayed endlessly in her mind as the morning carried on. Emma fought the distraction the two brothers were creating in her head all through breakfast in one of the smaller dining rooms. She'd even turned to an unlikely reading of two of the university pamphlets Liam had given her when the vast palace menu couldn't keep her mind busy enough. Emma had tried desperately to absorb the histories and summarized highlights each document offered - the bold photographs on the Cambridge one a stark contrast to the deep blue text on the Oxford brochure - but she knew she could no more avoid thinking about the two princes than she could stop rereading the same sentence from one of the chancellor's messages.

Truly, it was the image of Killian that kept her pulse thumping in her ears as she skimmed the glossy folded paper. He'd left so suddenly, his plan for an escape and transportation unclear to her as he vanished into the darkness. She had tried not to worry during her own late night ride back to Buckingham, but the younger prince hadn't exactly been in the best condition when he departed. The memory of his deep blue eyes burned in her mind, the sight of the one beginning to bruise making her press her lips together as she tried to finish the light morning meal the palace staff had provided her with.

Maybe he was thankful for her intervening and she allowed herself to envision how that gratitude might be displayed on his likely smirking face. She hated to admit it, but she kind of liked that smirk - smug as it probably could be - and the idea of hearing a thank you from him made her smile briefly against the brim of her porcelain cup. She wondered what route would be best as the memory of his injuries and shaky voice played in her mind again.

Would it be wise to try to find him - to give him the chance to address her act of odd kindness? Would it be better to avoid him and pretend the night didn't happen? Her options bounced back and forth from one side of her brain multiple times as she soaked in the early afternoon sunlight.

What did he want from her - and why did she feel the strange desire to figure that out?

Her contemplation didn't cease as she attempted to read on the cozy armchair in the corner of her room. With a roll of her eyes, she accepted the failed attempt at distraction and deposited the novel back on the antique nightstand while a curious plan formed in her mind. Pulling a soft sweater from her still packed suitcase, Emma realized that battling her need for reassurance regarding a certain royal was futile. It was obvious now that staying cooped up in a lone wing of the palace all day just might drive her crazy and as she glanced out the large window overlooking the freshly cut lawn, she decided that perhaps she could manage to entertain herself for an afternoon.

After all, the building she was currently confined to had well over seven hundred rooms - there had to be something interesting to discover in one or two of them.

"This feels-" Arthur decided, glancing down at his hot metallic thermos. "-wrong."

Killian grinned both in agreement and amusement as he leaned back against the hard stone barrier. The low wall crafted out of cement and cobblestones didn't serve much of a purpose truly, especially since so much of the large garden surrounding the backside of Kensington Palace was already quite secluded. It was, however, a boundary line that he and Arthur knew very well. It was a marker of their childhood - the stopping point that had outlined the spring and summer playdates Katherine had insisted they have as boys. The path the makeshift fence took was where they'd been allowed to venture to, but only with the warning that going beyond it was possibly dangerous and therefore not an option. The hazard of doing so didn't come from any threat of getting lost or kidnapped or even the unlikely chance that one of them might tumble into the slowly moving stream that curved around the property. No, Killian knew his mother's fears regarding safety were centered around what perils the paparazzi and their incessant need to know might create. She'd never been given a chance to have the average maternal worries about her sons and somehow, she had always managed to endure that burden with the utmost grace.

She'd been right to take whatever caution she could though - and Killian had spent a lot of years regretting the fact that he'd never told her how grateful he was for that. Of course, he had been far too young when she was taken so tragically and his ability to predict such a disastrous outcome wasn't exactly up to par yet.

Something lingering deep within his soul made him believe she would forgive him for that - even if he'd never fully forgive himself.

"Well, I believe it was you that insisted on this uncharacteristically early meeting, mate," Killian reminded him with a raised brow. "But, I've got to agree - the coffee kinda sucks."

"It's not that bad," Arthur scoffed. "Though I think we'd both prefer something stronger given the circumstances, I suppose I understand your brother's decision to discourage that for now."

Pursing his lips in frustration, Killian gave a reluctant nod. Honestly, he was still trying to figure out just how he'd received such a mild form of Liam's stern wrath the night before. It had been late when he finally arrived back at the Kensington grounds, the place he hadn't been much lately and therefore his choice for hiding out. His avoidance plan had been squandered shortly after he located an ice pack for his battered eye when his older brother had walked calmly through the Nottingham Cottage's front door with little more than a tired frown. Killian had been in minor pain, yes, but bracing for the speech he had been sure Liam would give him was a necessary task. Staring off toward the water flowing smoothly down the shallow river bed now, Killian silently recalled the short exchange they'd had and the way relief had flowed through his body when the man he often angered had only interrogated him briefly about the repeat performance at the bar.

"You've looked worse, brother, but is it fair to assume you're okay?"

"Aye - fine…but I doubt that's what you're wanting to hear."

It wasn't yelling or judgement that followed, but instead Liam had offered him an understanding. He'd told him about what basic details he learned once he'd arrived at The Round Table and as Killian observed his brother's willingness to listen, he was almost sure his cousin wasn't the true source of Liam's unexpected calmness.

It was perplexing at first, especially since the mental state the fight had left him in didn't leave much room for clarity. The pieces slowly shifted into place as his brother talked and it didn't take long for Killian to face exactly what emotions he likely deserved - total embarrassment and the strangest sense of confusion.

"I know it wasn't your fault."

"You…do?"

"Yeah, I spoke to the admiral's daughter and for what it's worth, I'm glad you were there tonight - even if I still don't approve of your methods. She was…fortunate to run into you. At least, she seemed to think so when we spoke I'm guessing shortly after you left."

Killian's mind still reeled at the knowledge that the girl captivating his every thought had followed through on the assurance she had given him just after bandaging his injury. He hadn't expected that - her probably impulsive promise or the realization that she'd upheld her end of a deal he didn't deserve. Hell, he hadn't expected to ever encounter kindness like that after acting the way he had and the fact that she'd been so quick to gift him with it was something he was still attempting to decipher.

Emma, he thought with his pulse pounding in his ears. Why had she insisted on helping him after his blatant stupidity? Why had she ever deemed him worthy of such selfless treatment? Killian was quite sure that the majority of the time, he wasn't worth it - so why did she appear to think he was?

He'd been trying not to think about it - or the meeting he was supposed to have with his father in a few hours - and failing miserably. Addressing the man who'd requested the mysterious chance to chat wasn't something Killian felt ready to face, but he knew it wasn't avoidable. He'd certainly been struggling with deflection lately and making another attempt at it wasn't something his dad would likely be cool with.

"Suppose you're right," he replied, shaking off his distraction before glancing in Arthur's direction. "Liam's always been one to heed to logic…doesn't mean I have to like it though."

"Fair enough," his cousin grinned as he closed the lid on the mediocre beverage. "Let's discuss other matters then?"

"Mmmm," Killian hummed. "Such as?"

"Well," the bartending man started, folding his arms in waiting. "We could start with you telling me what was really going on last night."

Uncertainty settled in Killian's posture as his shoulders stiffened. The cause of the fight wasn't hard to put together, but how the hell was he supposed to explain the workings of the back room scene Arthur had stumbled in on the night before? Killian didn't understand much of what had went on himself. He didn't understand how they'd managed to collide so spontaneously once again, and he definitely couldn't comprehend what it all meant or why this mysterious girl was starting to mean something to him. Maybe it was the unknown - the fact that she wasn't one of the foreign princesses he'd likely be coaxed into courting one day and she wasn't one of the royalty worshipping women he could sweet talk into a night or even a weekend of far too much elicit fun.

No, Emma was different. She wasn't obligated to tolerate his presence and something told him she didn't really give a damn about the status he held. There was more to her than he'd seen so far and while a desire to know just who she was continued to pull him in like a magnet, now wasn't the time to mention that to his curious cousin.

"I think we both know I don't really see eye to eye with Gideon Gold," Killian deflected. "I apologize that you and the rest of the bar had to witness that again though."

"We both know that's not what I'm talking about," Arthur said with an intention of redirecting the conversation. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but you know her - the blonde lass."

He should have figured this was coming. Arthur had been flustered when he'd walked into the office Killian had been sent to in his beat up condition, but he'd still picked up on the clear fact that the admiral's daughter wasn't a stranger. His cousin had never been one to misinterpret the obvious and that instance had been no different.

Dammit, Killian thought with a bite to his bottom lip. He wasn't going to be able to talk his vague way out of this one.

"Kind of I suppose," he answered cautiously. "Her family is the one staying at Buckingham so we've…crossed paths."

"Hmmm," Arthur mused. "More than once I'm assuming?"

"What's leading you to that conclusion?"

"Well, she was quite quick to assist you after you took that rather solid right hook."

"Left hook actually-" he disputed, ignoring the explanation. "-and it wasn't that square."

"That's not my point, mate," Arthur countered. "What I'm wondering is why - why was she so fast to act as your savior?"

Killian let out a jagged exhale as he tried to summon an answer he didn't have. He didn't know why Emma had done what she'd done and while a part of him hoped that maybe it was because she cared for him….well, it was highly likely she didn't.

After all, they didn't actually know each other - and she sure as hell didn't owe him anything.

"I believe it was at Ruby's behest," Killian said, glad that his answer wasn't a total lie. "She was quite adamant about helping you out front and thought it best to avoid drawing attention I guess. Plus, you and I both know Rubes has never been one to willingly patch me up, at least not without a hell of a lecture."

"While I did appreciate her shuffling you out of the way, I'm not an idiot, Killian," Arthur told him, tapping the lid of his lukewarm coffee holder. "There's more to it than that, but…I've just…gotta remind you-"

"Ah, how I enjoy your ominous warnings," Killian interrupted with a sigh. "Remind me of what, mate?"

"She's not just some tourist," the man replied with a careful tone. "Her father, he's…"

"Liam's new admiral - I know."

Killian let the avoided reminder of where Emma fit in test his thoughts again, his stomach sinking a bit in repeated reminder. He'd wanted to forget - even just for a moment - that she wasn't a part of such a complex world. It wasn't right to pretend that her status in his life would ever be less than complicated, but it was still an idea he'd let himself believe a few times. Soon enough, she might fade into the background as a simple acquaintance he only had due to her father's promotion. It wouldn't be long until she was little more than a distant accessory to his resumed royal life.

So why was he suddenly not okay with that? It was what was meant to happen - the only thing that could happen - but why did he feel this need to prevent losing the small presence she offered?

"But you don't seem to care about that, Killian," Arthur deduced. "Which I must say is sort of worries me."

A mutual concern swelled within Killian's chest, the conflict of possibility and prevention raging in his head as his cousin spoke. It worried him too - the fact that he did care. He cared more than he should and in ways he shouldn't. The whole thing almost scared him on some level, but he couldn't tell Arthur that.

He couldn't tell anyone that.

"I care plenty," he admitted. "So don't worry about that."

"Hmmm, guess I'll do my best not to - but be careful. Her father's acceptance of this position in the Navy means a lot to Liam so just…don't screw this up, okay?"

It wasn't an unfair request, especially since Arthur had witnessed a fair amount of his blunders lately. Killian had always held a monopoly on regal mistakes and this was one occasion he truly couldn't afford to mess up. This whole thing was a great deal to his brother and likely the rest of the royal house, but most of all, he knew it probably meant a lot to Emma - and he wouldn't ruin this for her or her family. From what he'd gathered, they'd been through enough already without him adding to the shakeup their lives were surely withstanding.

"Aye," Killian acquiesced. "So I suppose that means I won't be around the pub much for a while."

"Well," Arthur said, not meeting his stare as a steady smile spread over his face. "In that case, I suppose she might not either."

Killian huffed at the comment, downing what was left of his subpar beverage. It was a taunt perhaps - the conclusion that this perplexing girl might not return to the bar Liam had asked him to avoid for the time being. Killian knew it wasn't like she'd gone there initially to see him and despite how the evening had evolved, it was quite unlikely that she could be anxious to see him again. Still, he couldn't shake the thought that he wanted to see her, even if he didn't totally know why.

To say thank you, he quietly decided. Yes, gratitude was in order - and that was the only reason he could possibly have for needing to find out where she might be.

Walking down the painting lined hallway, Emma smoothed her hair back and pulled her fingers through the wavy tendrils. It was strange to think that her family had spent nearly a week at one of the most legendary buildings in Europe and she had seen little beyond her borrowed bedroom and the handful of dining spaces they had frequented. Her navigation of the outside grounds was less limited. She'd traversed a few of the garden walkways more than once and returned to the bench near the pond a few times. It had only been a few sunrises ago that she'd found a new quiet corner to have her morning coffee - a seat courtesy of a brick ledge that fenced off a plot of white flowers that had just begun to bloom. There was something calm about being in the midst of new nature and Emma had been allowing herself to enjoy the floral view there the past few mornings.

Today was different though. She was alone in the palace - well, aside from the dozens of staff milling about. Her parents had made it to the coast hours ago and were likely in the honorable company of Liam as well as the rest of the high ranking officers. The trip was one that even the Queen had opted to make, a fact that made Emma conclude she was likely the only person who remained behind. Her father's promotion had made quite the splash and it made sense that the royals who had connections to the Navy would want to offer their support at the coastal base.

She was happy he'd found his niche again, but part of her resented the fact that the work had taken him to the waterside while she sat cooped up behind the grand walls of Buckingham. It wasn't fair to feel that way and she scolded herself for it once again as she walked.

Emma bit her lip as she peered toward an elaborate oil painting of a past king cloaked in red and blue. She paused her feet as she took note of how unique the piece seemed to be in this particular corridor. Most of what she'd observed since starting down the hallway were works with a maritime theme - broad brush strokes that pulled together paintings of Navy ships and respected sailors who'd honored the country and the royal family. This man didn't seem to fit the bill she'd grown accustomed to though. She wondered quietly who it was that was captured with such valor in the portrait as her mind flickered to the realization that there was one royal who was as out of place as the ruler trapped in the artwork.

Emma let her gaze linger on the picture for perhaps a little too long as she realized how ironic it was that she'd managed to find this painting in a similar manner to how she'd encountered the dark haired prince - aimlessly but somehow fortunately. Well, maybe anyway. She still had yet to settle on what those multiple meetings meant.

That familiar moniker crossed her mind as she reminded herself to later research the red haired man on the canvas with the prideful crown and royal uniform. Killian, she thought as she started walking again. She had no clue where he was now, but for some reason, she was almost sure his destination was not the one she was currently exploring.

Her exploration led her to a few previously discovered locations in the palace - the most secluded path through the rows of flowers she'd wandered most nights and to the quiet courtyard where she had first unknowingly met the acquaintance of the infamous spare to the heir. She hadn't been aware of his identity during that conversation, but it hadn't kept her from feeling an odd connection with him.

She was still trying to sort out if perhaps he felt it too - and honestly, for some reason, she kind of hoped he did.

The threat of an afternoon storm eventually coaxed her back inside, her unshakeable need to learn more about the palace taking her to an almost concealed door at the opposite end of the building. The appearance of the long hallway she ended up in mirrored that of the one containing her temporary room, but it held a hint of formality that tempted her toward the various rooms at the end of the corridor. It didn't take long to realize that she'd made her to a wing of Buckingham that was more businesslike than the rest, especially once she entered a well-lit space that appeared to act as a office. Deciding who it likely belonged to was a task that might take more effort and as Emma closed the door just a bit, she took a deep breath at the prospect of some casual snooping.

The room was truly beautiful, everything from the red draped windows to the packed bookshelves agreeing with that opinion. A large mahogany desk sat adjacent to the glass panes and its immaculate state was marred only by a pair of elegant pens, an engraved wood box, and a couple of parchment envelopes. To the side of the writing surface, there was a freestanding globe suspended by brushed gold framework. An armchair and a dark leather couch made up the rest of her comfortable surroundings as she wondered just who owned the solitude suggested by the space.

Peeking toward a distant shelf, her eyes narrowed as they fell upon a picture frame. Emma couldn't help the way her fingers skimmed the front of it as she noticed who was preserved in the photograph.

Princess Katherine, she thought with a small smile battling the ache her heart suddenly felt.

The picture didn't seem like it could be a popular image. It wasn't a portrait or a formal photograph of any sort, but rather a simple snapshot that didn't explain much other than she'd clearly been happy at the time it was taken. The carefree grin on her face was contagious and Emma's mind processed the dozens of details with a pure desire to understand. She truly was stunning and the captured view of her proved that on so many levels - the way her dark hair hung in wavy curls and how at ease she looked in a simple floral sundress with tiny white flowers creating an elegant appearance. An elated laugh seemed to linger on the woman's lips as life filled her eyes, their deep cobalt hue instantly reminding Emma of another familiar gaze.

Of course he looked like her, she noted as her mind moved to Killian. The train of thought wasn't intentional, but she couldn't help it as she compared the features of the lost woman to those of the man she'd been unable to shake. It was almost like admiration and her will to fight it was fading fast as she wondered what could be making the princess display such a happy expression.

Her sons were likely the cause of her smiling reaction, a determination Emma settled on as she briefly noticed the two young princes in the photograph. They were young, both of them dressed for summer in tailored shorts and pressed polo shirts. It was easy to see just how much love existed between the three of them as she observed the scene captured by a casual camera and Emma tried to will away the conclusion that pictures like this one were rare - especially since the princess had likely passed only a short time after the snapshot was taken.

They must miss her terribly, Emma thought as a slight frown landed on her lips.

"Can I help you, miss-," a voice suddenly said. "Oh…Emma."

With her hands freezing fast, Emma's head turned sideways to meet the tone sounding from the doorway. The lilt hinging on the curious greeting was a bit sharper than that of the other prince she'd been reminiscing only moments earlier. Her eyes quickly made out the shape of the man who'd located her, but it took a second for her to fully process just who had caught her in full fledged investigation.

"Oh, your, uh….highness…."

He smiled at that, subtle lines framing his smile as her nervousness built quickly. The details soon fell into awkward place as she deduced what room they were in. This was his office - the immaculate and professional headquarters of Prince Brennan.

"There's truly no need for formality," he reminded her, scratching at his stubbled cheek the way his youngest son often did. "After all, it appears I'm the one lacking properness. I apologize you've yet to be offered a tour."

Emma blushed with embarrassment, noting he clearly wasn't upset that she'd wandered into what might be a rather off limits place. Given the photograph gracing the shelf, it was probable that he preferred to keep his office private, but he didn't seem mad that she was there. No, he seemed more curious than anything and she silently thanked some higher power that he was perhaps amused by her line crossing.

"I didn't mean to….well, end up here," she attempted with a guilty and very weak smile. "I didn't know-"

"It's okay," he assured her. "I guess this part of the palace warrants a little attention, especially since it's the one area many guests leave unexplored. I only wish you'd been fortunate enough to find something besides the dusty desk of this abandoned study. The office where my mother pens her letters is far more interesting."

Emma breathed a steady laugh at that, catching the little nickname he'd chosen to tag onto the end of his words. They all called her that - the royals and the help alike. She wondered if it was a cultural thing or just a little quirk the two princes had picked up from their father.

"I'm sorry you've been on your own a bit here," he said sympathetically. "This new assignment of your father's can be…well, let's just say I know that the demands required for a high ranking Navy man aren't exactly simple."

There was something kind about his comment and Emma wondered why he'd chosen to offer it. The oldest heir had definitely once known a militant lifestyle like her father's and it was apparent in his uneasy state that he'd had a hard time letting it go. It made her sad almost as she watched him pause with a half smile.

"You know, I'd wager there are very few people who understand and own the ability to put up with that as well as she did."

Emma was so preoccupied with noticing how he'd passed on parts of his appearance to his sons - the obviousness so easy to see despite his silvered hair and tired eyes - that she almost missed his nod toward the photograph she'd picked up. With her grip holding steady on the intricate frame, she tried to convince herself to put it down.

"She was truly the picture of patience," he told her with a reminiscing smile. "With everyone I suppose - not just me."

"With…them too?"

The question was perhaps too forward, but the prince gave no indication of that as he arrived at her side. His focus was firmly on the memory of his departed wife and Emma wondered just how deep the pain of that loss ran.

"Definitely with them," he nodded. "Especially-"

Killian, she thought instantly as his voice trailed off. Her heart ached at the idea - the thought that Katherine was the one who understood the prince she currently felt so perplexed by. They likely had an amazing mother and son bond once, but Katherine had died almost fifteen years earlier.

Maybe he'd somehow been alone after that. He'd had everything a person could dream of, but no one to understand why he wanted very little of any of it. At least, that's the impression she had gotten thus far - and it pained her in the strangest way.

"She always seemed to get him in ways I've never managed to," he sighed. "A fault of my own, I must admit."

Emma knew that regret all too well - the one that came from a strained relationship with a struggling parent. She'd been down that rocky road with her mother first and even her father once or twice, but something told her that her past in that area was not quite as troubled as that of the youngest prince.

"He's a good lad - well, man now," Brennan chuckled. "He gets much of that from her."

"But some from you too, I think," Emma commented. "If it's not too bold to say."

"Maybe," the man smiled. "But Killian's always been more of a Spencer than anything else."

She watched in silence as he studied the picture, knowing by the glint of sadness in his stare that he likely looked at it often. It was in that moment that Emma realized how much she truly wanted to know as questions flooded her thoughts. She wanted to ask about the dark haired woman who had radiated beauty and compassion constantly until her life was stolen. She wanted to know how she'd met the heir with the loving eyes who clearly still adored her. Dozens of inquiries sat on the end of her tongue - ones about who Katherine had been as before the royal spotlight and ones about what she'd been like as a mother to a pair of young boys. Emma's sudden curiosity was prodding, but she kept her wondering at bay with only one conclusion in mind.

It wouldn't be fair to interrogate him. It would be wrong to drag up memories that still seemed to haunt him.

"Anyway, I'm glad I managed to run into you," Brennan said, watching her return the frame to the shelf. "One of the servers mentioned you left these."

She was nothing short of startled when he held up the handful of prospective education brochures. Emma tried to keep embarrassment from warming her face as she took the documents carefully, glancing again at the cover of the top one - the information about Trinity College almost taunting her.

"Forgive the biased organization if you will, but I've still got a little loyalty for my alma mater. Does this mean you won't be returning to Columbia?"

"Well, I'm…not sure," she managed to answer. "I guess I haven't thought much about it since…"

Her voice was lost to an awkward silence as she chose not to complete her reply. Brennan offered her a knowing smile as he glanced down at the glossy documents again. Emma wasn't really sure how much the man knew about her, but he had obviously deduced that she'd moved back to England in the wake of her father's accident and that the aftermath of that day was what kept her from returning to New York. It had become her obligation to stay - for lack of a better description - and that was something a prince in line for the throne could likely empathize.

"I know your father is quite grateful for your help these past few months, Emma," Brennan mentioned. "But I like to think I know David well enough to assure you that he'd never want you to give up on your dream so he can reclaim his."

He wasn't wrong. Emma had spoken to her father about that in several tones many times since he'd started healing. She was slowly becoming aware that this wasn't the expectation - it was her method of deflection.

"I know," she acknowledged, toying with the corner of the Cambridge pamphlet in the middle of the small stack. "I guess I just assumed that by the time I had the chance…well, that it might-"

"Be too late?"

With a slight nod, she held his gaze and waited for his countering words. Maybe he'd reaffirm that it wasn't impossible to go back - even if she didn't believe it.

"I like to think it's never too late to become exactly who you want to be," he told her. "Or at least so said Fitzgerald once - and if you're up to it, I'd be happy to make arrangements that could help you start to sort things out while you're in town."

Emma lift her eyebrow as she tried to discern what he could have meant by that. She hadn't planned on doing anything for herself or whatever vague future she had during her London stay, but it certainly seemed like quite a few people had an interest in helping her with that.

"Your highness, your appointment is on his way," a suddenly appearing palace employee announced from the doorway. "Shall I direct him down here?"

"That won't be necessary, Sebastian - one of the first floor staterooms should suffice," Brennan answered. "Let him know I'll be there shortly."

The man nodded and vanished back out into the corridor he'd traveled to find them, leaving Emma with little time to find clarification on what the eldest heir was hoping she would like to do while remaining a palace guest. Peering down at the college brochures again, she noticed his eyes already doing the same thing.

Dammit - of course that's what this was about.

"Assuming you may not be busy," the man started, his voice careful and questioning. "Perhaps I could interest you in joining us for a royal engagement tomorrow? There's a dedication scheduled for noon in honor of my mother and while it's not exactly what I believe the Americans call 'Ivy League', I am quite positive that Trinity's Wren Library would be honored to have you as company."

"Oh…ummm, I…well, I guess-" Emma stammered. "-I wouldn't mind getting out for a bit. Is this you casually asking me to come hang out with you and the queen for an afternoon?"

"Ah, well, my mother is actually still away on that same Navy business that left you stranded here," he explained, tapping his fingers on the side of the shelf. "Smaller company tomorrow - just me and Cora…perhaps the boys too, if Liam happens to be back in decent time."

"Oh," Emma replied, trying to keep her wavering voice steady. "Both…of them?"

"Aye," Brennan nodded as he headed toward the door. "That's okay, I assume?"

Emma swallowed hard, attempting to keep her composure at the idea of being in close quarters with the two men she'd recently run into. She had been hoping to avoid them for the remainder of the trip. She'd been trying to tell herself that was for the best, but now, the large butterflies fluttering like mad in her stomach were telling her that maybe it wasn't. She couldn't be sure what the most fortunate outcome here would be, but she knew that being in a position to see them again - especially at the same time - was very far from okay.

"Yeah," she lied, feeling her feet fuse to the floor. "Sounds great."

Tagging some lovely folks: @xpumpkindumplingx, @jennifer-morrison, @spartanguard, @laschatzi, @kat2609, @eala-captian, @allietumbles, @andiirivera, @kmomof4, @galadriel26, @timeless-love-story, @msres, @harryandthecambridges, @thesschesthair, @its-like-a-story-of-love, @lovelycssefan, @hooksheroicheart, @cat-sophia, @gonzothegreat90, @rebelcxptain, @prairiepirate, @yesplskillianjones, @jennjenn615, @heomomka, @fckyesroyals, @lenfazreads, @cherrywolf713, @lucasxdorothy, @lifeinahole27, @hollyethecurious, @fairytalesandtimetravel, @pirateherokillian, @shipsxahoy, @onceuponarelm, @winterbaby89, @captain-k-jones, @weall-l00k-the-same-inthe-dark, @shady-swan-jones, @captainswanparrilla, @ilovemesomekillianjones, @princesseslikepirates, @sherifffjones, @deathbycaptainswan, @teamhook, @onceuponaprincessworld

#cs ff #cs au ff #cs modern au #prince!killian #cs royals #killian jones #emma swan #brennan jones #liam jones #captain swan #cs fic update #the other prince

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