#past relationships

[seraphinitegames]

In N's past relationships, did they or their partner usually initiate the breakup?

Usually their partner, recognising that there was a distance with N all the time, as though N wasn't fully there with them, as much as N was trying.

Thank you so much for the ask! :)

[ericshoney]

Protective brothers ~ Brothers!Sturniolo Triplets

Summary: Nick, Matt and Chris are home in Boston and spending time with you playing games, when an unexpected visitor turns up, your ex-boyfriend.

Warnings: usual swearing, shouting, crying, talks of past relationship, bad ex-boyfriend, random name for ex.

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

You sat on the living room floor, playing against Chris in Mario Kart. Nick and Matt were watching to see who was going to win. The three of them home for a while and had the day dedicated for you, as your parents were out.

"Yes!" You cheered as you crossed the line before Chris.

"Fuck!" He shouted.

"Chris! Don't swear!" Nick shouted.

"Ah she's fifteen, she knows what every swear word is!" Chris responded.

You laughed as Nick sighed, Matt was busy looking at his phone now, some random TikTok playing.

"Who's next?" You asked.

"I am." Nick answered, swapping places with Chris.

You then started playing against Nick, Matt was now watching, his phone placed down, as Chris shouted and screamed at the TV. It was a close race and you came in second to Nick.

"Fuck!" You screamed, copying Chris from before.

"No!" Nick responded, making you all laugh.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. You looked at the guys, wondering if they invited Nate over, as you knew it wasn't for you. Or so you thought.

"I'll get it." Matt said, walking to the door.

You all waited to see who it was at the door, but when Matt shouted, you knew it couldn't be good.

"What the actual fuck, you can leave now!" He shouted.

You shared a look with Nick and Chris, both instantly jumping up to support their brother. You also followed, but frowned when you saw who it was.

"Hayden..." You mumbled.

"Kid, go to your room." Chris said, his eyes not leaving the teenager at the door.

"Y/n, let me in to talk." Hayden called.

"No fucking way, you hurt our sister, why are you here?" Nick asked.

"I came to talk to her, not you." He answered.

"Anything you say to her you can say to us." Matt replied.

"Please, babe." Hayden called, looking at you.

"No...I...No!" You shouted, running to your room, tears already running down your face.

Hayden was your ex-boyfriend. He really hurt you, being manipulative, putting you down and dating you for a bet. You haven't trusted any other guy, apart from family, since. When Nick, Matt and Chris found out they were angry, very angry and now seeing the boy who hurt you turned up to the front door didn't make it good.

"I need to talk to her." Hayden repeated, trying to step into the house, but was blocked by three much taller males.

"You can quite simply, fuck off." Nick said.

"You three aren't here all the time, I'll come back once you leave for LA." The teenager responded cockily.

"You won't be allowed to set foot at the end of the fucking driveway, dude. We'll get a restraining order on your ass." Chris said.

Hayden groaned and eventually stormed off. Nick, Matt and Chris locked the door and came to your room, hearing you cry made their hearts break.

"Hey petal." Matt called softly.

"He's gone, sweetheart." Nick said.

"But we're not, kid." Chris added.

You looked up at the three as they walked into your room. They sat on your bed with you as you laid your head on Chris' shoulder.

"Thank you." You whispered.

"Anything for our little sister." Matt said.

[aventurineswife]

Dear [Name],

The sound of your voice still haunts my thoughts—sharp, biting, and final. Two Augusts ago, that moment carved itself into me like the searing heat of Sigonia's sun. I told you the truth. A gamble, of course, like all things in my life, except this time I lost.

You didn’t like it, that truth. You left.

I remember standing by the gate of your home, the sharp scent of ozone from the desert storm overhead mingling with the iron tang of regret. Your car idled for a second too long. I thought—hoped—you might change your mind. But you drove off, taillights disappearing into the storm.

You in your Benz, and me, well… I stayed behind. Always behind.

Now, I fill my nights charming rooms full of people who adore my tricks and laugh at my lies. They think they know me—the dashing risk-taker, the lucky gambler. But luck had nothing to do with us. With you.

And what’s worse? I meant well, I really did. I just aimed low, didn’t I? Played my hand with all the finesse of a child at their first roulette table. I wanted to keep you, but my methods… I’ll make it known now: I failed.

Still, that’s just the way life goes, doesn’t it? Slam the door, spin the wheel, wait for fate to mock you. Trust me, I know—it’s always about me.

But I loved you.

And I’m sorry.

Two summers from now, I think we’ll be talking again, though not much. Just enough to pretend we’re “cool.” You’ll have your life, maybe someone who looks at you like I should have. I’ll be out on a boat somewhere, distracting myself with the sunset, the water, the drinks that never quite drown me.

I’ll wonder where you are—on a plane, I’d bet. Off to somewhere better, somewhere safe. Somewhere I could never take you.

And I’ll think, for just a moment, how surreal it all feels. Losing you.

Then I’ll remind myself that it’s okay, because that’s the way life goes. Push your luck until it breaks.

I wonder, do you remember the good parts of us? Because I do. And sometimes, they make the bad parts even harder to stomach. You were the best—and the worst. The way you could see through me, strip me bare with a single look, that sharp wit of yours like a scalpel. It terrified me.

As sick as it sounds, I loved you first for it.

But I was a dick, wasn’t I? It’s what I do, this age-old curse of mine. A gambler’s folly, thinking I could bluff my way through love the same way I do through life. You called me out, and I folded.

Now, when I laugh, it’s too loud. Too hollow. It’s the only way I know how to fill the silence you left behind.

Two years. That’s all it took for us to crash. And I stare at that wreckage every day, wondering what I could have done differently. But the truth? I don’t know if I’d have had the courage to be the man you deserved.

I try to make amends, sometimes. Not with you directly—I wouldn’t dare. I hurt you enough already. But with the world, in small ways. It’s a pathetic gesture, I know, but it’s all I have.

I’m wrong again.

Wrong for you, wrong for me.

And yet, when I joyride down the roads we once traveled together, I can’t help but lay on the horn, just to hear the echo. To prove, to myself more than anyone else, that the past still haunts me.

I love you.

And I’m sorry.

As I sit here now, pen in hand, this letter will likely never reach you. But maybe that’s for the best. You’ve moved on—I hope you have. You deserve peace.

Me? I’ll stay behind. Always behind. Watching the roulette wheel spin and wondering what might have been if only I’d played my cards right.

Because that’s the way life goes, isn’t it?

And in the quiet of my thoughts, in the shadows of my regrets, I’ll whisper the words you’ll never hear.

I love you, I’m sorry.

Yours Truly,

Kakavasha

[dramioneasks]

Can you please recommend any fics where D & H meet again and decide to give their romance a second chance?

The Injury Of Finally Knowing You - VanillaSage - E, 21 chapters, Words: 135,039 - 10 years ago, tucked away in a secret room during their Eighth Year at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy fell in love. 10 years later, the echoes of how that young love burned down still haunt them when, on the day of her divorce, Hermione stumbles upon her old flame once again.

Divine Artifice By: jessiy - M, 25 chapters, Words: 162,391 - The story of how Draco Malfoy found redemption, his heart, and reclaimed his family’s honor. All thanks to a mislabeled bottle of Experimental Amortentia. Hermione/Draco

Seeing Double by naarna - M, 6 chapters - Double double, toil and trouble… How a set of twins meeting the first time at a Quidditch camp changes everything in the lives of both Draco and Hermione. A tale of second chances and mending families.

Recipe for Heartache - niffizzle - M, 3 chapters - On an early day in August a few years after the war, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger run into each other at the Three Broomsticks, which soon leads to the start of a strictly casual, no strings attached, summer fling. The only condition? At the end of the month, it would all be over. But will saying goodbye really be that easy to do?

Serendipity By: cleotheo - T, 23 chapters - A fun filled trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley’s upcoming wedding throws up a surprise for Hermione Granger when she comes face to face with her past love, Draco Malfoy. But is it too late for the doomed couple, or were they fated to be reunited in the most unexpected of places?

Second Time’s a Charm by the.ravenclaw.woods - M, 3 chapters - Things end about as badly as they can when Hermione gives her virginity to Draco in the Room of Requirement after the war. Nearly twenty years later, they both are set to chaperone Hogwart’s Yule Ball. After ingesting a naughty treat from Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Draco and Hermione decide to give it another go. (Now) three parts/two shots. Here there be lemons.

Connecting Flight - SaintDionysus - T, one-shot - Two university sweethearts reconnect at a chance encounter in an airport terminal. I received a visual prompt from safewordisdevilsnare with the caption “What would you say to the one that got away?” and came up with this. Hope you like it. Dramione Muggle AU. To see the image, check out safewordisdevilsnare (dot) tumblr (dot) com. Just replace (dot) and spaces with .

Second Chance by DramioneConvert - M, 8 chapters - Hermione has been teaching at Hogwarts for three years , and she’s just been named as Head of Gryffindor House. When she attends her first Board of Governors meeting, that insufferable git Draco Malfoy strides back into her life. And she just keeps running into him. Sometimes literally. Now that they have a second chance at forming a relationship at Hogwarts, will it go differently this time around?

-Lisa

[ezeva]

Inspired by the boy from the piano Shop by soliblomst

Ginny is dead and harry goes blind when he try to take revenge, draco help him and save him in every way possible.

But i want to draw this scene when harry talk about ginny death in a church, i was very affected by Harry's emotions and sadness

[lianaloverr]

Friends

Colby Brock x Fem!reader

ᜊ

Summary: It’s been 4 months since you broke up, and Colby just can’t seem to move on..

Warnings: past relationships, Colby cheating in said past relationship, Cussing, Angst

Word count: 1.4k

Hii guys! New banner, new story. This is my first story where I’ve really switched the pov’s around, so I hope you enjoy! btw, on Colby’s pov, (first) means first person.

The song "Friends" by Chase Atlantic is about the feeling of longing for a past relationship that has ended.

Y/n’s pov:

It had been 3 months since you guys broke up. You and Colby dated for a year and a half and it was torture. you put everything into that relationship, and in return, Colby did nothing. And after you found out he cheated with multiple different girls, you got into a heated argument.

This ended with you getting slapped in the face and Colby leaving. A day after, you packed all of his stuff he left at your apartment and gave it to his bestfriend, Sam. Sam was a little confused at first because he got on the phone with Colby the night of and nothing seemed wrong. When you explained, Sam was furious. he asked if you were okay and you said yes, but you lied.

You were hurting inside, Colby never seemed like the type to hit. He proved you wrong.

Colby’s pov (first):

God, I miss you, is what I wrote in my 1000th text message I knew I wasn’t gonna send. I can’t grasp the feeling of her gone. “Hey Colby, whatcha doing?” Sam says, barging in my room. “Nothing” I reply coldly. Sam gives me a look, then speaks. “Are you still thinking about her? It’s been 3 months.” Sam states. I hate how he can just read my mind.

“I know Sam, I just miss her so much.” I reply. “Well;” Sam stops his sentence to sit down. “You fucked up, and you can fix that if you really try. Instead of just sitting here crying and wishing she’ll come running back.” Sam finishes. “Sam, that’s the most realest thing you’ve ever said.” I say, half joking. But I wasn’t it was, it was what i needed to do.

𝟣 𝗆𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗁 𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗋

Y/n pov:

Your at an influencer party hosted by your mutual. It was pretty cool. They had drinks and games everywhere. You stuck around with your other mutual Tarayummy. She asked you a question that made you rethink your entire life.

“Do you think Colby’s gonna be here?” you immediately froze. You didn’t think of that. You could barely the thought of seeing his face after all this time. He broke you so much. After the breakup, you started cutting, and haven’t been able to stop since. You knew if you could make peace with him, but you couldn’t.

You could stand face to face with the guy who ruined you. Also, when he told his fans that you guys broke up, you were sent death threats from is fans because they thought you broke up with him. You genuinely wanted to, but you held on for hope, and you’re still trying to find it.

Colby’s pov (first):

I just pulled up to this influencer party with Sam. I have no idea who’s hosting it, I just got a random invite to my phone. I see people out in the front yard wasted. Some of them throwing up. I feel bad for the guy who lives here.

When I walk into the house, I just see people having fun, something I haven’t done in a while. Then it crosses my mind, what if Y/n’s here? Thinking of that immediately made me jump. Just the thought of her being there made me so happy. I’ve longed to see her again. After the breakup, she blocked me on everything. I wasn’t able to be the “stalker ex”. I haven’t seen her face in forever, so knowing she could possibly be at this party brings me joy. Maybe I could finally apologize.

Searching for her felt like I was looking for a needle in a haystack. But it didn’t make me feel all that lazy, there were well over 100 people at this party. all i wanted was to find her, and tell her how much i miss her. I miss us. I’ve been stuck in the same place of too long, and all my friends are waiting for of me to move on. But I can’t.

Y/n’s pov:

All night you hoped you wouldn’t see him. You couldn’t do that again. Even if you wanted to get back with him, he never took the relationship seriously. You concluded he wasn’t ready for one.

While walking down the halls you see someone that made you rethink your life again. It was Colby. You were starstruck but quick enough to turn around in hopes he didn’t see you. “Damn.” you thought, you ain’t going through secluded area anymore. Proven to be bad luck.

“Y/n.” you heard a soft voice coming from the end of the hallway. While in the middle of thought, you just decide to talk to him, whats the worst that could happen?

“yes?” you respond quietly. “You don’t know how long I’ve been wanting to talk to you.” he says, on the verge of tears. When he says that, all you could do was stare. The person you were so in love with, and who just left you with no hesitation, can’t move on. You honestly weren’t surprised. Colby has always had attachment issues, but never had a problem going out to parties and having bitches in his bed.

Colby’s pov (first):

I’m still searching for Y/n. This house is too big to be looking for one person. out the corner of my eye, I see Tara. I always knew her and Tara were close so if she was here, Tara would know where she was. “Hey Tara,” I start. “Oh hey Colby! Long time no see.” she smiles and pulls me into a hug. “Yeah it has, but anyway;” I rush to get her off of me. She just looks at me a little irritated and confused, but she listens. “Have you seen Y/n? Is she here?” I ask, eager to know. “Woah slow down buddy, I don’t even think she wants to see you.” She tells me.

“What do you mean?” I frowned. “I don’t know, when i mentioned you to her she just went pale and walked off.” she explains. “Dude, you must’ve really fucked up.” Tara laughs. “Yeah I did, and i’m trying to fix it. Where did she walk to?” I ask, once again. “Uhhh she went overrrr…” she scans the room. “Oh! She went over to that empty corridor over there.” she finished. I didn’t even thank her, I just rushed to the corridor in hopes of finding her.

I stop at the entrance and I see her. She’s walking down kinda fast. As soon as she sees me, she turns around to walk the other way. This broke my heart, she really doesn’t want to see me. I build up the courage to say

“Y/n.” I call out. She stops dead in her tracks, I bet a million things are going on in her head. “yes?” she responds quietly. My heart skips a beat. “You don’t know how long I’ve been wanting to talk to you.” I say, on the verge of letting a river out of my eyes. She turns around then, and I can see that beautiful face I fell in love with, that i’m still in love with.

Y/n pov:

“What do you want to say?” you question, but not very curious because you knew he was gonna give you some bs story. “Y/n i’ve missed you so much. Ever since I left and didn’t get to apologize, I broke-“ “Are you fucking serious?” you ask.

He looks at you with confusion. “You had 4 months. 4 month to try and reach out to me. I know I have you blocked on everything but you could’ve came to my apartment, or you could’ve tried Sam’s phone.” you state. “I-I know I could’ve, but when the time came I would’ve did that.” he lies. “But you didn’t. You left me, no goodbye or anything and you expect me to hear you out? You killed me, everything in me. I can’t go through that again.”

“Wait Y/n please let me explain-“. “No, if listen to you more, i’m gonna punch you in the face. You have to move on. You have to understand I was wronged in that relationship, I just can’t do that a second time.” you say, with tears spilling out your almond shaped eyes. At this point Colby was crying so hard. “Y/n please-“. “Goodbye Colby.” you conclude, and walk out the corridor.

I hope you guys liked it! I really enjoyed writing this but it all happened while something crazy happened. Helped me keep calm:)

Masterlist

[scaryspears]

Liu Kang x Bimbo Reader

Reader and Shang Tsung banter (slight friendship). I don't think Chaosrealm exists in the new timeline, or is at least inaccessible, so reader is descended from a Seido outcast. Their ancestor was a bit like Darrius, so that's the closest to Chaos she's gonna go.

This prompt is for @valyrra, hope you enjoy. Sorry if there's not enough Liu Kang.

You watched Liu Kang stand next to keeper Kitana. They were talking, smiling at each other with the utmost care in their eyes. You could pull any man you wanted, but you couldn't help the worry and jealousy you felt as you stared at them. This was Liu Kang's Kitana, one where he came from.

Your titan self was almost identical to you, and when you spotted her she was standing next to her partner from her timeline, something you always did when your partner was around. And that was Liu Kang, but it wasn't the appropriate time to get his attention.

There were multiple versions of you, and yet only two were titans. There was one with Kung Lao, the other with Johnny Cage. You loved Johnny, but seeing the difference in your love life sent a punch to your gut.

You tried to distract yourself by applying makeup, keeping your attention to your mini mirror. But a certain sorcerer had to have your attention.

"Isn't it a shame. It's always the ones you hold dear."

"Shut up." you rolled your eyes at Shang Tsung. "Didn't you get your crown snatched?"

Shang frowned but waved his hand dismissively, "It wasn't a pageant crown, it wasn't as important as it was made out to be." he spoke sarcastically.

"You still lost a crown." you waved your lipstick at him.

"I'm sure he doesn't mean it like that." said a different Shang, a Light variant of him. He had a gold circlet crown that proved your point. "I'm sure he's just..." he stared hard at his other self, who returned the stare with a tiny sneer, "A bit concerned."

"Very concerned." Shang crooned, "You aren't your usual lively self."

Light Shang blinked at you, "You feel upset, why?"

You looked at them both, then at where your Liu Kang was talking with his Kitana.

"Look at them." you hissed and then pouted.

Light Shang glanced at where you were glaring and a small smile went on his face. "Princess Kitana and Lord Liu Kang. They are always good allies."

You huffed, "Sure."

Light Shang held interest in his eyes, "Is this timeline's Liu Kang courting you? He looks at you with a lot of affection."

"We are intimate."

"I doubt he gets squeamish." said your Shang, inspecting his nails.

Light Shang had a slight blush on his cheeks and avoided eye contact. "You both enjoy each other."

"We don't just enjoy each other, he takes me out to places and listens to me when I talk. And I just love the way he talks to me, you know." you playfully slapped his arm. "His voice all deep and smart sounding." you purred.

Shang rolled his eyes in disgust while his good counterpart accepted the information in stride.

"But now he's seeing his ex-girlfriend." you continued, "What if he leaves me for her? I've never been in anything long term but I don't want it to end so soon."

Light Shang was sympathetic, "I am confident Liu Kang's feelings for you haven't changed."

"It's not often for a person to find another that's fluent in yapping." your Shang supplied unhelpfully. Light Shang shot him a look of disapproval. Shang looked up and his glee returned, "I guess I spoke too soon."

You all looked up. Liu Kang was standing in front of you, his expression stern enough to match his mood.

"Comrades." he addressed both Shangs, and then his attention went solely on you. "My flower, may I speak with you?"

"Fine." you got up, walking with him to somewhere private, but you refused to touch him.

"You were speaking with Shang Tsung."

His eyes were angry looking, but two could play that game.

"I was. Weren't you speaking to Kitana?" you crossed your arms at him, "You seem close with her."

It was then Liu Kang realised where your mind was going, "That was eons ago."

"You didn't seem to be acting like it. It looks to me that eons have turned into a day." you fixed him a stern look of your own, "And Shang Tsung is my rival, there's nothing going on between us."

"Flower," he started, taking your hand, "There is nothing I'm starting with Kitana. We are simply allies now."

He was expression was soft, and the rosy parts of your heart went all gushy. "You really mean that?"

He started kissing your hand, and then his kisses went up your arm, to your shoulder and then your cheek. You giggled, and Liu Kang was pleased to have a positive response from you.

"I would never do this to Kitana."

This time his lips were on yours and you gave in. You were able to push him away before anything got serious, "Not here, Darling. We will need secure privacy."

He chuckled, "Of course, only I can see your delicate parts." he was possessive, which wasn't usual of him.

And then you realised something. "You were jealous of Shang Tsung." your heart skipped a beat, "Aww, darling." you grabbed his face, and he flushed as you delivered a bunch of kisses on it.

He has marks on his face now, but he didn't wipe them away. Not that he ever did unlike your ex boyfriends. That's another thing you loved about Liu Kang.

You hugged him eagerly, "There's nothing to be jealous of."

"I am very relieved to hear that." he admitted, returning the hug. He didn't let go.

"Are you two going to be having alone time all day?" Shang Tsung, asked. His hand was raised sass-ily in contempt.

"An hour should suffice." you answered.

Shang's face screwed up, "I'll pretend I didn't hear that and just tell everyone that you're both very busy."

He wasn't wrong. You both were about to be very busy.

[curiositysavesthecat]

*This poll was submitted to us and we simply posted it so people could vote and discuss their opinions on the matter. If you’d like for us to ask the internet a question for you, feel free to drop the poll of your choice in our inbox and we’ll post them anonymously (for more info, please check our pinned post).

[itsbackwoodsbby]

A/N: confession- pretty sure this was wrote the beginning of this year… like february/april. went through a lot. never forgot it though. revisited it a lot to read what i had. just never finished … here it is … nov. 22nd at 3am. removing the cobwebs and putting it for the world to see. hope you guys enjoy it. definitely not proofreading this, so excuse the errors.

ICU

Yahya Abdul Mateen II x Black Fem Reader

Warning: Smut! Unprotected Sex! Dinking (Recreational)! Swearing!

Summary: Yahya and you used to be together, until you both realized that you were better off as friends. You start dating again and none of the guys are really for you. a lonely night in your apartment makes you realize that Yahya might be one.

Inspo: ICU by Coco Jones

you come into your apartment and place your purse on the counter and take off your heels. you head to the kitchen and make yourself a very strong peach margarita on the rocks. after you make the drink, you trudge to your living room and sink deep into your couch, replaying the date in your head. he was an hour and thirty minutes late. he got loud with the waiter for getting his food wrong. the waiter was new and scared. so our waiter changed to a waitress and he starts flirting with her for the whole ass night. you groan and start face palming.

there’s no way you go out with yet another asshole. get it together y/n.

“alexa, play icu by coco jones.” you blow out, very upset with yourself.

she follows your command and the music plays.

you close your eyes. the cadence of coco’s beautifully crafted voice fills the room. you get up and look at the night sky and admire the stars. they looked so delicate in the sky. then, you were startled by a pair of hands wrap around your waist as you felt lips on the nape of your neck. you know who it was without turning around. it was him. but you don’t fully know if it’s him. you turn around to face this man and you were right.

yahya… the one that got away. you guys met through mutual friends who were trying to hook you guys up. a few weeks later, you two started dating. he was amazing. he called you every day to check on you, random flowers, occasional dates. sweetest guy ever. then, he got busy with work and you got busy with work, the two of you barely saw each other. slowly, texting each everyday went to no text for many many weeks. so you two decided with your busy schedules to just be friends.

as you two were facing each other, you don’t speak. just admire each other. you start to think how the hell you went this long without this man. his warm embrace and his touches were the best thing ever in this world. you two dance together to the song. your head resting easily on his chest his arms. you haven’t been this relaxed in a while.

as soon as the song goes off, yahya disappears. you open your eyes and realize you were only daydreaming about him in your lonely apartment. the condensation of the glass now soaking the couch. you shake it off by finishing the rest of your drink and heading to the bathroom to shower. you start playing your shower playlist and get inside. when you turn on the water, you let a sigh out and let the water rain down on your body and lean on the wall.

your thoughts travel to the first time you shower with yahya. you close your eyes again and he’s back in the shower with you. he hold you tightly and you reciprocate the same tight embrace. you look up at him and kisses his chest. he smiles at you and kisses your forehead. then somehow, you pinned against the shower getting dicked down by him. you’re grabbing onto to the shower curtain, screaming, because the pleasure is so unbelievably amazing. he just chokes you and plants his soft lips onto yours to quiet you down. you’re on the verge of coming. he goes deeper and hits your spot until you’re creaming all on his dick.

then… he’s gone again.

y/n … don’t do it. fight it. you don’t miss him. it’s just the alcohol and that horrible ass date.

you try to repeat it to yourself in the shower as you wash your body. you get out the shower, get dressed into this, and do your nighttime routine. when you get done, you go into your room and decide to write out the things you have to do tomorrow. trying to be productive and organize. afterwards, you scroll on instagram and the first post yahya. at a dinner party with your two mutual friend, leilani. they were cuddled up together… and not in a friendly way. your emotion start to show and you’re jealous. you sighs and lay in bed and try to go to sleep. but no matter what, you started feeling him cuffing him, making you miss him more than you think you actually think you do. you sit up in bed and look at the time. 1:30am. finally breaking and deciding you need to talk to him, you grab your phone and a cardigan to wear. heading to the living room, you grab your keys and glasses. you’re heading to the door and you open it and see yahya was about to knock on your door.

“uh… hey y/n.” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “i know it’s late and all but i just really need to talk to you.” you touch his chest and tap him. just to see if he’s real. he chuckles, “are you okay?” you sigh out, “yeah.” you giggle, kind of embarrassed. “this night has been crazy.” you say. “come in. make yourself comfortable.” you say moving out of his way so he could come in.

he comes in and you two sit on the couch staring at each other. “so. how have you been?” he starts off. “i’ve been good. started back writing.” you say. “and yourself?” you add. “that’s good. i’m amazing. finishing up filming with leilani. it’s been really fun.” he smiles really hard. “that’s good.” you say, trying to cover your jealousy. you don’t think he catches on to it but he chuckles, “what’s up?” he asks and you give him a confused look. “what do you mean?” he shrugs a bit, “you just said it dryly like you’re jealous or something.”

you laugh it off but he was spot on. he could always tell your emotions. and you didn’t know if you hated it or loved it but now… you definitely hated it.

“anyways yahya. what are you here for?” you asks him, trying to avoid the question. he breaths in, “y/n … i miss you.” you look at him and you’re super speechless. “what do you mean?” you stumble out somehow. “look… i understand we didn’t have time for each other at one point of time. but i really like you. hell i love you. i can’t even get you out my head.” he says. “you love me? what about leilani?” you ask him and look down. “what about her?” he looks at you confused. “aren’t you two together?” he chuckles and it turns into a laugh. “no, we’re not. it’s just for the movie.” you look down kind of embarrassed. “oh okay.” you smile at him and giggle. “i miss you so much yahya. with everything that’s being going on… it showed me how much i miss you. how much i need you. us breaking up was a mistake. i love you too.” you say, as it feels like 100 bricks has been lifted off your shoulders.

you both admire each other again. eventually, you shy away and look down because you both have been staring too long at each other. he lifts your chin up and caresses your warm cheek with his thumb.

“don’t break contact.” he says, looking into your eyes, more like your soul.

you just nod your head and look at him. eventually, the two of your lips collide with each others. this feeling right here is what you missed. after the kiss, you two catch up with each other some more. with a bottle of wine and some music, the conversation starts to get a little sensual.

“yahya… when is the last time you had sex?” you ask him boldly out of nowhere. he laughs, “well uh, i haven’t had sex since we broke up.” he places his glass down and eyes you down. “did you give my pussy away to someone else?” you astounded at the way he reworded the question, “wow, uh way to throw me off guard.” you giggle. “nope, i didn’t give your pussy away.” he smiles at you, “good girl.” making you bite your bottom lip. “mm … let me put this wine up. it’s a little warm.” you say and head towards the kitchen.

you open the refrigerator and place the wine in there. you close it and before you can turn around you feel those muscular arms wrap around your waist. you smile. his hand begins to fumble with the trim of your romper and his finger starts brushing against your clit. you remove your body from the romper and turn around to face him. he licks his bottom lip, letting you know, it’s about to go down.

꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷ (resume spot)

the time was now 2:30am. the room was filled with skin clapping and moans and groans. you looked back at him. it’s crazy how you were just scared to make eye contact with him a few minutes ago, but now you’re looking back at him with the most sluttiest, lustful eyes. making him know, you want more and he gave your more. a little too much more. you grab his chest and slowly trailed down to his stomach to slow him down a bit. however, he just grabbed both your arms and pinned them to your back.

“fuck! yahya, please it’s too much!” you cry out as he smirks at you. “baby girl, i know you can take this dick.” he grunts out. you sigh and bury your face in the pillow and moan into it. he smacks your ass, “i want to hear you, y/n.” you jump up a bit and bury your face into the pillow again. he shakes his head, “well, you put this one on yourself.”

he pull you up from the pillow by your hair. your back is now on his stomach as he digs deeper inside your pussy. your moan resume filling up the room as you relax your head on his shoulder. he kisses your neck and pulls your waist closer to his, making sure you don’t run from this dick. you grip his muscular arms and dig your nails through them.

“oh! oh! fuck! baby, i’m about to cum.” you squeal out. “cum on this dick, baby. he kisses your neck as you clench tighter and tighter around his dick.

you wet his waist down with your orgasm. you fall back on the the bed and try to relax as he was still fucking you. it wasn’t as aggressive. your throbbing pussy was bringing yahya closer his nut as he hovers over you, planting wet kisses down your back and giving you slow deep strokes. a few seconds later, he pulls out and cums on your back.

“shit, i really needed that y/n.” he says as he smacks your well bruised hand printed ass. “lemme go get you a towel.”

he goes to your bathroom, runs some warm water on two rags, and comes back and cleans his mess off your back. you arch your ass up to stretch like a cat. yahya spreads them cheeks to clean your pussy up from the wet mess you have, but gets distracted by your glistening pussy. he smirk. you look at him.

“oh, no. you’re not eating my pussy again.” you say, but you wiggle your ass at him. he touches your clit and rubs it slowly with his thumb. “oouu, shit, baby. i just said no.” you saying, but both of you already knew you wanted him to eat it again.

he starts having a full blown make out session with your clit. you couldn’t do anything but hang your mouth low and push his head closer to your pussy. he grips your cheeks and spread farther apart from each other and licks up and down. you close your eyes and bite your lip.

“mhm, baby. just like that.” you nod your head and start grinding your lower half into his face.

he grabs your waist and pull you even more closer to him, burying his face in your pussy and starts shaking his head in between your cheeks, getting his nose wet in the process. you couldn’t understand how you just fed this man your pussy almost an hour ago and he’s still eating this motherfucker like he’s hungry. your clit starts to pulsate, meaning it was time to cum again. you sigh as you cum in his mouth this time. you flip on your back and watch as he gets the semi-cold rag. he barely puts it on you, yet you still jump up.

“too cold. too cold.” you hiss out and he laughs. “you want me to just lick the mess up?” he jokingly says. “yeah.” you say laughing.

you didn’t think he would take it serious since you laugh, but he did. you let out a moan and he chuckles and comes up to your face and kisses you sloppily while let you taste yourself on his lips and in his saliva.

“see how good you taste, mamas?” he says after the kiss. “yes.” you smile, giggling at him. you two cuddle for the rest of night and watch the sunrise in the morning and making up for the time lost. then eventually, you both go to sleep.

Next >>

[crackl0verboy]

THIS IS SO JAYLEX CORE OMFG GOING CRAZY. headcanoning they definitely dated or had some kind of situationship but Alex just couldn’t see the romance in it 😭 but when/if he did, it was too late by then

[exloverslover]

Car Seat Headrest/Beach Life-In-Death. Michael Armitage, Kampala Suburb, 2014. Car Seat Headrest/Nervous Young Inhumans. Daniel Johnston/Sweetheart. Claire Tabouret, Clinging, 2019. Car Seat Headrest/My Boy (Twin Fantasy). Doron Langberg, Embrace, 2014. Jeremiah Downing, The Merge, 2024. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Car Seat Headrest/Twin Fantasy (Those Boys). Black Dresses/IN MY MOUTH. Jeremiah Downing, The Lovers, 2024. Car Seat Headrest/I Wanna Sweat. Car Seat Headrest/When Will My Man Come? Daniel Johnston/Nervous Love. Andrew Salgado, LOVERS IN A DANGEROUS TIME, 2022. Car Seat Headrest/Beach Life-In-Death. Car Seat Headrest/Love Me Too Much. Car Seat Headrest/Sober to Death. Andrew Salgado, Neon Lovers , 2020. Car Seat Headrest/Bodys. Car Seat Headrest/Beach Life-In-Death. Car Seat Headrest/Nervous Young Inhumans. Car Seat Headrest/Nervous Young Inhumans. Doron Langberg, On All Fours #3, 2013. Car Seat Headrest/Sober to Death. Car Seat Headrest/The Gun Song. Tv Girl/Heaven Is a Bedroom. Car Seat Headrest/Some Strange Angel. Will Toledo, Twin Fantasy, 2011.

@nervetowerr <3

[justaweasel]

Thinking about broken up DiaLuci

As in, they used to date and are now broken up, which is angsty within itself, but imagine the aftermath?

It's been a few years, both men still think about each other but don't let it impede their work in any way

Diavolo is in the council room, trying to get stuff done while Lucifer enters, stack of papers in hand

"This is for you." Diavolo looks up and thanks Lucifer, but his eyes catch the way the other demon moves. Sluggish. And.. are those bags under his eyes?

"Have you been overworking yourself again? Come on, Lucifer.. do I need to lessen your workload for a few days? You could use the break, I'm sure. Go home and get some rest, okay?"

Those words confuse Lucifer. How could Diavolo possibly care for him still? How can he still notice.. or care to notice his appearance? He looks at the man in disbelief and upon looking into those eyes.. the dam breaks.

"How could you possibly say those words? How could you care for me, still? I broke your heart. You shouldn't.. you shouldn't be worried for me. Not after what I did."

Diavolo looks taken aback. Lucifer thinks that maybe he went too far out of line. Diavolo stands and Lucifer braces himself for the barrage of anger and emotion that might escape his lord's mouth.

After a few seconds, nothing happens. Lucifer looks back, blood meeting honey. Those eyes. They still shine with the same love, with the same tender gaze that had been directed to him years ago. Diavolo simply smiles, that same damn smile that made Lucifer fall in love.

"Just because you hurt me, doesn't mean I'd hurt you back. Despite my own feelings, I know yours came from a place of pain too. Even if our relationship ended unpleasantly, that doesn't stop me from remembering the good times. Where I held you in my embrace, where you comforted me, where you were there when I needed you.. So, now, I'm going to be there for you. Even if we're broken up. Even if you hate me. Because I'd never hate you."

Thank you for coming to my TedTalk

[aventurineswife]

Hellooo, I just found your account via the post about the om! Brothers finding out the reader has a handsome ex-husband and it made me remember an old oc I had, so please may I request the a reader who hadn't made any romantic moves on anyone in the devildom with no know reason... until they go to the human world (you can choose why) and the reader asks to go to a very specific church, when they get there the boys wait outside in the graveyard cuz are demons even allowed near church's? And when the reader opens the door before they even get inside a rather handsome vicar is holding them close and kissing their cheeks, forehead, ext. They later find out that was the reader's husband.

I picture it to be a female reader, and yhe vicar to have more salt than pepper hair, but those are optional

Sorry if this is long but I didn't really know how to explain it 😅 thanks for reading it all

Ps: I have alot more ideas that I would like to see in writing so you might see me here alott, I didn't see an annon list but if you have could I please be 💗 annon? Thanksss

In Silence, Truth Blooms

Summary: When you bring the brothers to an old church tied to your past, they begin to sense your hidden history. Inside, you reunite with Victor, your ex-husband, who reveals the love you once shared and the life you left behind. The brothers grapple with surprise, jealousy, and protectiveness as they confront a part of your past they never knew. In the end, you begin to open up, realizing that both your past and present have shaped who you are.

Tags: Obey Me! Brothers X Reader, Reunions, Emotional Conflict, Past Relationships, Jealousy, Protective Brothers, Slice of Life, Hurt/Comfort.

Warnings: Mild angst, References to past relationships, Jealous/possessive behaviour.

A/N: idk about you but I ain't never seen a graveyard right beside a church... 💀So, I decided to replace it with a garden instead, hope you don't mind it!

It had been a long time since you had thought about it—too long. The soft buzz of excitement that ran through your veins as you stood at the gate of the church reminded you of the past you had left behind. It wasn’t something you had intentionally hidden from the brothers, but you hadn’t made any romantic moves on anyone since arriving in the Devildom. You didn’t know why, but now that you stood on the threshold of the familiar old church, it all seemed so clear again.

The brothers were patiently waiting in the garden, unsure of why you'd chosen this particular spot. A place so tied to your past, a place they had no connection to—how could they? Demons weren’t exactly welcome in such sanctified places. Asmo was the only one who felt some fleeting sense of envy, his fingers brushing over the stone wall that separated the garden from the church itself. "It’s so… beautiful," he mused, trying to make out the intricate details of the church's stained-glass windows.

"I don't like this place," Leviathan grumbled, his arms crossed as he shifted uncomfortably. "Churches give me the creeps. I mean, it's just… weird, right?"

"Says the guy who spends all his time in a digital world," Mammon shot back, earning a snort from Levi. "Whatever. I don't get it either."

Lucifer stood by the garden gate, arms folded with his usual composed demeanor, though his sharp eyes never left the church's entrance. "Let MC have their moment," he said coolly, but there was an edge of concern in his voice. He was always protective of you, especially after your many months of silence on the matter of your past. But he, like the rest of them, had no idea what had kept you so distant.

As you turned to face the brothers before walking through the church doors, they gave you warm, encouraging smiles. "Don't take too long, okay?" Beel said softly. "We’ll wait for you."

You nodded and smiled back, though you were already feeling a bit nervous. There was no reason to hide your past anymore, not when it felt like something had been buried deep inside you for so long.

Pushing the heavy door open, the cool air of the church washed over you, and as you stepped forward, a familiar face appeared before you. A soft gasp escaped your lips as a tall, handsome man, wearing the simple but elegant robes of a vicar, stepped into your path.

"MC, is that you?" His voice was deep and smooth, and you barely had time to register the warmth in his gaze before he pulled you into a tight embrace. His lips brushed against your forehead, your cheek, his arms holding you with a tenderness you hadn’t felt in so long. His touch was nothing like the hardness of the demons. No, this was the touch of someone you had loved once. Someone who had loved you.

You felt yourself melt into the hug before pulling back slightly. "Victor?" Your voice trembled as you looked into his warm eyes. You hadn’t seen him in years, not since... well, not since everything fell apart between you two.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he gently cupped your face. "I thought I’d never see you again," he said, brushing a thumb over your cheek in the same way he always used to when you were married. "But here you are. I missed you."

Outside, the brothers were all trying their best to remain composed, but none of them could deny the unexpected wave of confusion, curiosity, and even… jealousy that began to ripple through them.

"What the hell’s going on?" Satan was the first to speak, his voice a mix of anger and frustration.

"I don't know, but I’m not feeling great about this," Mammon admitted, his hands on his hips as he stared into the church.

Inside, the vicar—your ex-husband, Victor—gently guided you to a pew and sat beside you. "I’m so glad to see you," he murmured, his fingers still tracing soft patterns over your hand. "I’ve heard of all the wonderful things you’ve been doing, but why the church?" His voice lowered, almost shy. "You’ve never been one to be fond of places like this."

You hesitated, looking down at your lap. "It’s... something I needed to face. A part of me I forgot about." You took a deep breath, then finally met his eyes again. "Victor... I’ve missed you too. I just didn’t know how to move on."

Before he could respond, there was a soft knock at the door, and you both turned to see the brothers standing at the threshold. Their eyes were wide, but they didn’t dare step forward.

Lucifer’s gaze locked with yours, and the protective aura around him became even more evident. "Who is this?" he asked coldly, his eyes narrowing at Victor.

"Ah, so these are your… friends?" Victor smiled softly at them, clearly aware of their identities. "I’m Victor, her husband. We were married many years ago, before we... lost contact."

The brothers froze, a mixture of disbelief and something darker flashing across their expressions. Leviathan, still processing the new information, was the first to speak up. "You were... married? Why didn’t you say anything? You never mentioned him."

You shifted uncomfortably. "I wasn’t sure how to. I didn’t even think about it until now."

Belphie narrowed his eyes. "So you’ve been hiding a handsome ex-husband all this time?"

You chuckled softly, feeling both awkward and relieved. "It’s not like I was hiding him on purpose. I just... never felt the need to talk about it."

Beel took a step forward, his voice gentle. "It’s okay. If you needed time, that’s fine."

Victor stood up, extending a hand to the brothers. "I know it may seem surprising, but it’s in the past now. They're in good hands, aren't they?"

As you sat there, surrounded by the brothers and your past, you realized that maybe it was time to let them into more of your history—especially now that they were a part of your future.

The tension that had been hanging in the air shifted, the brothers slowly realizing that your past wasn’t something to be afraid of, but something that had shaped who you were. Even if they were jealous, they couldn’t fault you for having loved someone before them.

[forgetminot]

Hey! Hope you are doing okay 🩷

I have a little request (if you feel comfortable, of course). I would love for you to write about Arthur Morgan x F!reader (Or GN), both are former lovers and they are reminiscing their time together. You can make it romantic, anyway you want. 🩷

Distant Memory

✿ Arthur Morgan x F!reader ✿

Warnings : TB Arthur (based in chapter 4 after he has been diagnosed- iM sOrRy) angst, fluff, past relationship, use of y/n.

Authors Note : I took the 'anyway you want' and rolled with it. I loved writing this thank you for the request queen 💙💙

Summary : You run into a familiar face and spend some time catching up and reminiscing.

You didn't expect him to look so... fragile- he wasn't well and you could see just from a quick glance in his direction. You turn around suddenly, retracing your steps as you follow behind the man and place your hand gently on his shoulder.

"Arthur?" He turns, slightly startled as you call out his name; you take in his appearance, his face was sunken and his complexion sallow. "It is you-"

"Y/n?" He speaks your name so softly you hardly hear him say it. "What are you doin' here?" He questions, motioning his hand to the busy streets of Saint Denis.

"Just visiting, it's nice to get away from the country now and then." You smile gently. "It's good to see you." You whisper.

"It-" He brings his hand to his mouth, coughing harshly. "-It's nice to see you." He responds as he wipes his hand against his shirt.

"You don't look well, Arthur..." You frown, taking his arm and stepping to the side of the street to stay clear of the bustling road. "How are you, how's the gang?" You ask. You knew little of the gang, only hearing stories from Arthur and seeing pictures of their faces littered on wanted posters.

"The gang-" he chuckles. "The gang has seen better days and, well, so have I." He sighs, leaning on his right side against the brick wall.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be, was going to happen sooner or later." He replies bluntly.

"What happened?" You ask.

"How much time you got?" He asks back.

"I'm not going anywhere." You smile faintly. "Would you like to go somewhere more quiet? It would be nice to catch up after all these years." You suggest.

"Uh, yeah, we can do that." He nods. "Do you have a horse?" He questions as he whistles loudly, watching as his horse trots towards you both.

"I took the train here." You respond.

He lifts himself onto his steed and holds out his hand for you, which you gladly take; he pulls you up and you sit behind him, placing your hands carefully on either side of his waist. He tells you to hold on tight as you both make your way out of the city, dodging people and wagons as you go. You ride in silence for a while and you watch as the landscape changes from thick, murky swamps to the vivid greens of the plains.

"This should do." Arthur says as he pulls tightly on the reins, bringing the horse to a complete stop. He gets down from the horse first and offers his hand once again for you to take.

"Thank you." You smile kindly as your feet touch the ground.

"Course, no problem." He nods and heads towards a small lake, sitting on the ground a few feet from it; you follow after him and sit beside him, grateful that the grass is dry and not caked in mud. "How's your family?"

"Oh- My mother passed not too long ago." You sigh. "She was sick, went in her sleep."

"I'm sorry to hear that, she was always a nice woman."

"She still was, until the end." You smile faintly. "My Pa is well, still strong after everything." You laugh. "I know the both of you never saw eye to eye."

"He never liked the whole outlaw thing." Arthur grins.

"So, what happened?" You ask, referencing back to the gang.

"What hasn't happened?" He scoffs. "Job back in Blackwater went bad, real bad- Dutch shot some innocent girl and he ain't been right since." He sighs. "Then we lost Sean, always thought I'd celebrate the day that annoying boy left." He chuckles lightly. "He was like a brother to me..."

"I'm sorry to hear that." You respond kindly.

"Lost Hosea and Lenny not too soon after that, bank job in Saint Denis went horribly wrong."

"So, that's what all the wanted posters are about." You acknowledge. "Hosea- you used to mention him all the time."

"He was a better father than my real one ever was." He hums. "Always told me I was an idiot for not running off with you."

You giggle. "I can't imagine how that would have turned out."

"Would have been nice." He replies suddenly, surprised by his own response.

"I think you're right." You beam.

"You do?" He questions, coughing lightly.

"You were always good to me, Arthur. Always looked out for me, made me feel safe." You smile sadly. "Maybe in another life, we would have made it work..."

"If i didn't have people to look after I-"

"I know." You cut him off. "You were always so loyal, it's one thing I loved about you."

"Wasn't loyal enough to you." He sighs.

"I always knew that the gang came first, even if you didn't want to say it out loud." You place your hand over his. "They're family."

"You could have been family too." He mumbles, taking his hand from yours as he coughs roughly into it.

You frown, moving your hand to his back. "You're sick, ain't you?" You say, already knowing the answer.

"I'm dyin'" He laughs coldly. "Got tuberculosis, beating a guy for a few bucks."

"Oh, Arthur..." You rub your hand up his back slowly. "I- don't know what to say- I'm sorry." You sniff sadly.

"Dont be, I deserve every last second of it." He states bluntly.

"Don't say that!" You scold.

"I ain't the same man you fell in love with." He responds.

"Even so, no one deserves this."

"I'm a killer, Y/n." He laughs, standing up. "I hurt people, I steal from 'em too."

"There's always some good in people, Arthur. You always did good." You express, standing up to meet his eyes.

"The person you knew, he's just a distant memory." He admits.

"I don't believe that." You step closer, taking both his hands in yours. "I don't think that part of you would just disappear, Arthur."

"You don't know me no more." He shakes his head.

"I do, because the person you are talking about wouldn't have spared me a second glance: wouldn't have helped me up onto his horse and sat next to me by the lake." You grip his hands tighter. "Maybe, if you really think you have changed- you should use the time you have left to be good."

"I- I'm tryin' to help people." He sighs.

"You are a good man, Arthur Morgan." You smile softly. "And I don't think you are too different from the man I never stopped loving." You place your hand against his cheek gently.

"Wish I never left." He whispers, placing his hand on top of your small one.

"We can't change the past." You frown.

"I'll do better." He insists.

You nod, leaning up and placing a quick kiss to his cheek. "I know."

[edutainer2022]

There's a bit of headcanon backstory of Scott's disastrous trainwreck of a lovelife I always kinda mean to write out (shout out to @janetm74 and @liseylou!). So it features here. Gordon watches celebrity news. Fischler's brother (of all people!) gets married. Nothing goes as planned. Scott is NOT having a good time. Nor has he been for a while. Bereznik gets mentioned. An OC that might be relevant later gets mentioned. The GDF units I think may have IR on the radar get mentioned. Scott has great brothers and good friends. He's still not having a good time.

PAGE SIX

Ever since Kat Kavanaugh buried a hatchet and wasn't chasing conspiracy theories about them on Global Holovision anymore, watching the news live was a once in a blue moon activity in Casa Tracy. They followed the major world events through John and Eos (maybe a bit of social media on a relatively quiet morning), and they were likely to be part of those in some capacity at least a third of the times. Sometimes a half. But it was one of those days. A relative lull in rescues compiled with the exhaustion of the previous fortnight streak of disasters bred mildly numb boredom. Batteries too low to pursue their usual hobbies, they gravitated to the lounge.

Scott was ever at the desk with holo screens full of quarterly budget reports, because their biggest brother did stock market numbers for LEISURE, apparently. Virgil was playing, as usual, but the music was slowly fading to a halt. Alan was gaming, or pretending to be while napping, his VR goggles on. Kayo was going through some specs, half leaning on the couch cushions. Even John was in a quiet lull up in orbit, his hologram just bobbing at the comms unit, hanging out with everybody, but not really a part of any conversation. That left Gordon scrolling lazily through newsreels. The sudden yelp sent Alan tumbling on the floor and Scott at least half an inch closer to a cardiac arrest under thirty. A keen observer would have noticed Kayo reaching for a knife in the ankle holster. The piano music keened on an abrupt note and stopped. Several pairs of VERY unamused eyes stared Gordon down.

The Fish was on his feet already, bursting with excitement, sending the news holo to the center of the lounge.

"Did you guys know Fischler has a brother?!?!"

The assorted grumps and groans across the lounge indicated that they not only didn't know, but weren't in the least thrilled by that information. Only John and Kayo shared a quiet look, because OF COURSE they would know.

Gordon surveyed the lounge in triumph, setting the stage for a punchline.

"He has a brother and he's getting married!"

"Who, Fischler?"

Alan was still scrambling up from his hardwood landing and making a show of rubbing an ouchie. Scott at least looked ready to switch gears to the full "hurt brother!" mode. Gordon was not deterred.

"No, dummy, not Fischer! His brother is getting married!"

"And that's any of our business how?"

Alan was still not ready to relinquish attention from his boo-boo. Not with so many big brothers in attendance. But John, Kayo and Virgil were already sharing concerned LOOKS. Any widely publicized event with cameras rolling and hundreds in attendance, involving Fischler, could potentially turn into a showcase of his latest "invention", or ten. Which would mean potential casualties and work for IR. They would need to be on the look-out and on standby. Scott waved at the comm to get the volume up.

The holo displayed a close pic of a younger and significantly more polished version of Langstrom Fischler, hair sleecked back, but a weaselly smile just a tad on the manic side. The celebrity news anchor was gushing about a "dashing fresh face on the World Senate, a philanthropist and patron of innovation, a devoted brother and a consummate athlete, setting off to be a force of a positive change in the world" and "his drop dead gorgeous fiancée, a once Miss Brazil runner-up, who dedicated herself to the selfless life of service, decorated for honor and courage". The picture on the screen changed for an official GDF snapshot of a tall young brunette in dress blues. The insignia on the collar indicated the rank of Captain and breastplanks - several high ranking awards for valor. The picture changed to a series of candid paparazzi snaps of the "happy couple". The show host droned on with one corny cliche after another about the "match made of dreams" and a " high profile dream wedding" scheduled to take place on a cozy remote island.

Gordon interrupted the stream of saccharine platitudes:

"Huh? How come we're not invited? Scott, you know like everyone in the World Senate!"

But his voice was drowned out by the deafening snap of the metal stylus, broken in Scott's fingers. The sound of the desk chair hitting the floor, as Scott stood up and all but ran from the lounge, was even louder.

"Huh?!"

Gordon, yet again, surmised the bewilderment of everyone present. Virgil was half out to follow Scott, when a ping came through on Gordon's comm. The sign flashed pink.

"Yay! Looks like I'm going after all! Penny needs a plus one! John, can I borrow your tux?!"

John half waved his brother off, brows furrowed and hands already flying over invisible files, when another pink ping came through. It was Kayo's turn for a "Huh?" moment.

"Looks like Penny needs a plus two, as well. I'm invited".

That deflated Gordon's initial excitement enough to notice Virgil leaving in the general direction of Dad's office, where Scott had locked himself. Before he reached the door to try and reason with big brother to talk about... whatever that was, John sent two files to his comm. One - a picture they all saw a hundred times on Dad's desk back in Kansas, but it didn't compute out of context. Scott's Airgroup Wing after a training flight. All hugging and laughing, still in flightsuits. Scott and the girl from the news today - Fischler Jr.'s fiancée - at the center. The other Virgil never saw before. It would figure since it was a screenshot from, what he recognized with some dread, was Dad's old phone. There was a picture sent to a private chat with Dad of the same girl, in a sundress, and Scott in a polo shirt, apparently both on leave. An almost ten years younger Scott was smiling like he could power up a sun. The message to Dad read "SHE SAID YES!!!". The date of the message indicated about a month and a half before Scott's mission to Bereznik. Virgil sank to the floor, leaning on the wall, never going through with the knock on the locked office door.

***

It was such an unbelievable cliché it felt surreal. The thunderstorm, the lightning, the lash of downpour across his face. Then again, it was fitting, as his world was going crashing down around him. Yet again. There was nothing surreal about the hard edges of Mom's ring she just gave him back. For about six weeks he was the happiest man alive. Dad's IR project was well underway, and he was to share that dream not only with Dad and brothers, but with the love of his life. He should have known better... The words were real too - hard and ruthless. About Dad yanking his leash, and expecting nothing but dutifully following in his footsteps and his vision, concealed by his looming shadow, and giving up what they both dreamed about and worked so hard for - test flights, command ranks, career in service. The echo came back to him often, in one dark hour or another, after his world shattered to pieces yet another time. Dad voiced his reservations clearly, but did agree to give him Mom's ring. "When you know, you know". Wasn't it how he and Mom got married? It WAS too soon, they WERE too young, and frateenization within a unit WAS an issue, but with IR lifting off that wasn't to be a problem, once he told her the full scale of the classified project. He should have known better...

He last remembered the ring yanked off his neck with the dogtags chain by a smirking Berezniki guard. He put up a hell of a fight for that and was beaten within an inch of his life. The first time. Next time he found it, inexplicably, in Dad's safe on the island, after the search for Zero-X was called off. He meant to ask Kyrano, as he wasn't conscious or coherent enough for the extraction op, or for months after, but the man never returned his calls anymore, sending in a resignation after half a year of following leads on the Hood. There wasn't much room in his mind or hours in his days to give it more thought for years after. Or more pieces for his heart to break into. He should have known better. And now she was getting married. To someone bright and promising, changing the world for the better, who wasn't him. He should have known better as well. The sound of glass shattering against the wall and a visceral scream finally sent Virgil in, wild-eyed, breaking past the lock.

***

John lifted an eyebrow in a perfect quizzical arch, putting the tablet down, as the "wedding party" poured, or rather, limped into the lounge. Gordon's tuxedo sleeve was torn clear off, his bowtie, undone, served as a makeshift tourniquet. Parker sported cuts, bruises and a glorious shiner. Penelope's elaborate updo was in disarray, one heel of a golden pump broken. Kayo's slip dress hem was torn, exposing a garter holster. As John hurried to the kitchen for the first aid kit, he heard her hiss something to the effect of "You should have seen the other guys".

The villa was quiet. Grandma had Alan on the mainland for the weekend. Virgil chased Scott up the volcano. There was a good chance biggest brother and his stormy mood was best quarantined at the Round House for the rest of the day. John was waiting in the lounge for the fallout, one way or another. He wasn't quite prepared to the sight on display, handing out ice packs.

Gordon hissed too and bit off a curse, as John set about cleaning the bullet graze on his arm.

"Pen, do all your friends whip out a standard issue gun at the altar and read the groom Miranda rights instead of vows?"

Lady Penelope was busy trying to look poised while breaking the second heel off a designer pump, to make them even.

"It was a deep undercover mission to round up a drug and slave trafficking ring. A destination wedding was a most fortunate venue for the occasion."

Kayo looked up from the kitchen isle at that, not pausing to stop extracting a considerable arsenal of throw-knives from her bodice.

"Looks like the Fischler brothers were bankrolled by mafia. The crazy inventions AND the World Senate election. In exchange for some... perks."

Kayo snorted and went back to her inventory of weapons.

Gordon perked up as the anesthetic cream kicked in and forgot to NOT wave the injured hand around to assist his narrative.

"It was actually kinda cool! The bride barked out "Hands up!" instead of "I do"! The bridesmaids all dropped their bouquets and brandished guns. The bridal party were all Organized Crime and Counterterrorism. Well, and us... A little  heads up wouldn't have hurt, Penny. Then all hell broke loose. Rose petals and confetti everywhere. You should have seen Fischler's face!"

Gordon was nearly flailing with excitement, so John's hands pushed him mildly back into the seat. Turquoise eyes found Penelope's line of sight:

"So... no wedding?"

"No wedding indeed."

Up on the Tracy Volcano Virgil's comm vibrated, switched to silent mode hours ago. John's message read "No wedding."

Virgil exhaled a sigh, but didn't yet know how to break the subject with a brother, seated next to him on the sun-warmed boulder, overlooking the ocean. Blue eyes were fixed on a point far away in the distance, or maybe far away in the past, Scott still wouldn't talk about.

[pollyna]

What makes Sarah cry harder than she would have thought she would during Tom's funeral is the absence of the Annapolis ring. She knew she lost Tom way before the cancer and way before the divorce, but still, that piece of jewellery was with him since the day she met him and he never took it out of his hand.

It's a lost ring until she doesn't start seeing a glimpses of it one day, when Maverick starts coming around to fix this and that - from the door of the garden house to that stupid window Tom sweared he called the handyman to repair it. Sometimes Bradley is there with him, but most of the time, he's around alone, and she is flattered, how could she not be when Pete Mitchell looks like that on the verge of his sixties?

But then, she sees the shape of it when Pete is moving a particularly heavy pot, and then it's the particular colour of the gem that stands against his white t-shirt but all she can think is that it's all a big enough coincidence.

Until she doesn't find him, sitting behind Tom's desk and playing with his ring and she wants to be furious with him because that's her late husband's ring and what right has he to wear it? What right he has to be in her life and flirt with her while he's wearing something like that?!

She feels like she is going to scream and kick him out and demand the ring back because what the actual- Pete's voice is soft and even if Sarah can only see his hands and the ring she knows he's crying.

"It- it's good to be around here. Not the same, never the same, but you're less far away. It doesn't make sense, but most of the times even your face didn't make sense, and yet, here we are. You said it would have helped but you know what I see, everytime I remember I'm wearing it? The day on the beach, with Bradley running around and Carole's yellow dress and how you used a paper to cover our faces while we kissed. If I close my eyes I can still feel your hands around my face and how your ring was cold even when everything was hot and sweaty."

She takes a step back, and then another. When he comes out of Tom's study, eyes still a little red she offers him a cup of tea and smiles. The ring resting on Pete's chest.