#please harlan stop staring at me like that

[ygamiraito]

look at my fucking author DAWG IM GOING TO JAIL FOR HATEFUL SPEECH 😭😭😭

[krirebr]

More Than This 7

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x f!reader, Steve Rogers & f!reader

Word Count: ~3.9k

Summary: Arranged marriages have always been used to solidify business deals among the ultra-wealthy. Your stepfather wants to be in business with Harlan Thrombey, so now it's your turn.

Warnings: Angst, age difference, adult themes, institutional sexism, explicit language, fighting, my own rampant abuse of italics and em dashes, non-stop continuous action (not the car chase kind, but like, the no section breaks kind), the slooowest burn - Warnings will be added as needed for subsequent parts. All of my work is 18+ - Minors DNI

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

A/N: There's no going back now.

Permanent thanks, as always, to @paperweight91 who lets me talk her ear off about this and always has the best input.

I cannot wait to talk to you all about this one, so please leave me a comment, reblog, or ask to let me know what you think! And if you need to come scream at me, that's even better!

As always, thank you so much for reading! 💜

You woke up to the sun streaming in through the windows. You rolled over and checked the time. It was after nine. You’d slept hard—the exhaustion of everything catching up with you. And yet you still hadn’t woken up feeling rested. You couldn’t remember the last time you did.

You grabbed your phone and groaned when you saw all the notifications. Texts, missed calls, two voicemails. All from Steve. He was freaking out. 

Are you ok?

Did something happen?

Please call me

And a few more just like them. You were too tired to answer. You didn’t know how. Besides, it wasn’t like he hadn’t ignored your messages before. You grimaced at your own pettiness. You would answer him when you knew what to say.

As soon as Lola noticed you were awake, she hopped off your makeshift bed and ran to the door, scratching at it to be let out. You sighed. Of course, the safety of your isolation couldn’t last forever. The good news was that it was late enough that Ransom must be gone. You could put that off at least until the evening.

When you opened the door, Lola at your heels, you heard someone moving around downstairs. You hadn’t thought it was a Carol day, but you must’ve lost track. It wasn’t until you were halfway down the stairs that you saw Ransom puttering around in the kitchen, his back to you. Your stomach dropped. Shit shit shit. Why was he here? You contemplated running back into the gym, but as soon as she saw him, Lola darted out ahead of you and raced down the stairs so she could dance around at his feet. He crouched down to greet her. “Morning, Lola,” he rumbled, his voice still full of sleep. “D’you have a good night?” She hopped up and down, pawing at his leg.

You took a deep breath and gathered all of your courage. “She wants breakfast,” you said from your place on the stairs.

His head whipped up to you. He stood up awkwardly. “Oh, uh, where’s her food?”

You came down the rest of the stairs and passed in front of him into the kitchen. “I’ll do it,” you said as you went straight to the cabinet where you kept Lola’s meal supplies. 

Once you had her fed and briefly let her out the back door, you noticed multiple bags of take-out on the island. “What’s all this?”

“Oh, uh,” Ransom rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at you. “I thought we should probably have breakfast. Together. And I didn’t really know what you like, so…” he shrugged.

You quickly took stock of the food. There were diner waffles, pastries from a bakery, eggs benedict from a fancy brunch place. “Thank you,” you said. “That’s nice.” You grabbed a danish from the pastry bag and sat down at the island. “I, uh–” you started then stopped, and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I freaked out last night. I, uh– I don’t know what happened. I– I was scared, I guess, by the–” you gestured to your stomach. “But um, I shouldn’t’ve– It won’t happen again, you know? I’m fine now. Everything’s fine.”

Ransom leaned against the counter, facing you, and closed his eyes. He didn’t say anything for a long moment, then looked you straight in the eyes and said, “I’m so fucking tired of that word.”

You set down your pastry and looked at him, confused. “What?”

“You’re always so fucking fine, aren’t you? I ask how your day was, it was fine. I ask how you feel about something, it’s fine. I ask what’s wrong when you’re clearly upset, and you say, ‘Oh nothing, everything’s fine.’ It’s fine! It’s fine! It’s fine! I can’t hear it one more time.”

All you could do was sputter for a moment. “What– What are you talking about?! I’ve just been doing what you wanted!”

“How is this what I wanted?” he asked, his frustration shocking you..

But then, your mind started to catch up a bit and you were suddenly filled with indignation. “You told me to pack light! You– You– You made it clear! I know you don’t want me here so I’m just– I’m just trying to do what you want! I'm staying out of your way!”

He laughed and the hollow sound was so startling. “This is you staying out of my way? You’re just this presence that’s always here! That makes me feel unwelcome in my own home!”

That had you standing up so quickly that it sent the stool you’d been on tumbling to the floor behind you. A frightened Lola scampered up the stairs, her collar tinkling sharply, but neither of you noticed. 

“What?!” you shouted, “How could– I– This is your house! How could you ever feel unwelcome here? I’ve never felt welcome here for even a moment! I’m not even a guest here, I’m just this, this– I don’t know! I’m just this pest that you wish you could exterminate but you can’t. You don’t want me here and I feel it every single day.”

“Well, you’ve never told me that, have you?” He almost growled out. “I’m just supposed to know! I see you making this list in your head of everything I’m doing wrong, all the ways I’m disappointing you but you never say anything about any of it. But then when I don’t know how to fix any of it, because I don’t actually know what’s wrong, you resent me for it!” You started to open your mouth and he slammed a hand down on the island between you. “Don’t deny it. I can see it whenever you look at me. You’ve decided that I’m the villain here, right? I’m the bad guy in this story. And I don’t–” He moved his hands to his hips and looked away from you, shaking his head. “I have no idea who you are,” he said, quieter now but no less forceful. “You don’t want me to. You have me just grasping at straws and– But you’ve just decided, huh? That you know exactly who I am.”

All you could do for a full fifteen seconds was just gape at him. He looked tired suddenly. Sad, as if that made any sense at all with anything that had happened. But then you remembered everything that had happened and your anger came flooding back. “Yes, I know who you are. Of course, I do! Because you showed me! It’s like you’ve completely forgotten how we met. Or our wedding!” A tear fell down your cheek and you knew more were about to follow, ready to tip over your lashes. You wanted to wipe them away, but you also just couldn’t take the time to stop right now. “You were awful! Really fucking awful. Right from the beginning you were so cruel and– and now– No! I– How can you expect me to come to you with anything when you all but told me not to during that first dinner?! When you told me you didn’t want me taking up any space here? Or that you would get rid of Lola?! Of course I don’t talk to you! What am I supposed to talk to you about when you terrify me? When everything I have comes from you and you don’t give me anything? When you hold all of the power?!” 

“What fucking power?” Ransom shouted, throwing his arms wide. “If I had any power at all, neither of us would be in this mess!”

“It’s still more than I have! I have nothing! You’re the heir. You matter to people. I’ve only ever been a bargaining chip. And now that they’ve made the deal, no one gives a shit what happens to me. You could do anything to me, and they wouldn’t care! Even my mom–” You cut yourself off, tears choking your voice.

There was a beat of silence, and then, “Even your mom what?” Ransom asked, his voice rough. He was staring at you like the next words out of your mouth would be the most important ever spoken.

And it was only because you felt it too, everything riding on this, that you managed to say, your voice so small and your eyes downcast, “She only ever asks if I’m making you happy.”

When he didn’t say anything to that, you looked back up to find him staring at you, his eyes incredibly serious. But not angry, something– something else. Finally, he sighed and, putting both elbows on the island, said, “I’m really fucking miserable. How ‘bout you?”

You would try to examine it later, the way your instinct in that moment was to apologize or try to downplay your own feelings, your mom’s voice in your head no matter how much you hated it, but instead you took a deep breath and said, “Yeah, I’m– I’ve been so unhappy.”

He nodded then scrubbed a hand over his face. “I think,” he said slowly. “I think we’ve both been acting like if we just ignore this hard enough we’ll wake up one day and this will be over and our lives will go back to normal. But now with the–,” he gestured to you. “We can’t keep doing that. We gotta– We have to figure out a way to live with this.”

“Yeah,” you said quietly, wrapping one arm around your stomach. You couldn’t help but look at him a little warily. Was this real? Did he mean it? “How do we do that?” 

He chuckled ruefully. “I don’t know.”

You just looked at him for a moment before you were interrupted by your stomach growling loudly. “Sorry,” you said, awkwardly. “I didn’t eat much last night.”

“Right,” he said with a decisive nod, “breakfast.”

You each served yourselves from all the food he’d ordered. He righted the stool you knocked over and you both sat down to eat. You didn’t say anything, neither of you did. You figured he had just as much to think about as you did. 

You couldn’t stop thinking about how he’d said he had no idea who you were. It’d been easy, maybe, to forget that this was something that had happened to both of you, when you were in his house, facing his family, working your way into his life. It’d never occurred to you, after that first meeting, that he might want to get to know you, might want to see past all the walls you’d put up to protect yourself. But you felt like they were fortified now. You weren’t sure how to take them down.

Even though you kept your focus on your food, you could tell he kept glancing at you. You felt his eyes on you every few minutes. Finally, as you both finished up your food, he cleared his throat. “I’m an asshole,” he said quietly. “I just am. I always have been. But uh, you didn’t– You didn’t deserve that at dinner. Or the wedding. Or when I yelled at you last night. It didn’t– I don’t think it occurred to me that you’d take me, what I said, seriously. I’m not used to people listening to me, not like that.”

You stared at your plate for a moment and tried to keep breathing. “I– Of course, I took you seriously. What else would I do? I didn’t know you and I was already so scared and– How was I supposed to know you didn’t mean it?” You could feel yourself starting to cry again and wiped furiously at your eyes.

He sighed heavily. “Yeah, I– I didn’t do a good job of understanding how hard this was for you. And I– I’ll try not to do that again.”

All you could do with that was nod.

“But uh– I need you to talk to me, tell me when something’s wrong. I can’t– I need you to talk to me. I’ll, uh, I won’t be mad or– I feel like the few times you’ve let yourself be upset, those are the only times I felt like I could actually see you. I want to be able to see you.”

You took a deep breath. “I’m uh,” you started, trying to find your words. “I’m used to having to put on a mask. It’s really hard for me to not do that.”

He nodded slowly. “How ‘bout,” he said, “I’ll try to be less of an asshole if you try to let yourself be more of one?”

You laughed. You couldn’t help it, it just bubbled out of you, to your own surprise. “Sure,” you smiled, “yeah. Deal.” You met his eyes and he looked proud of himself. There was something about the way he was looking at you that made you have to look away. You put all your attention into taking a last bite of your food.

“So,” he said, and he sounded serious again. “I think we should talk about last night.”

It took everything in you to not shrink down. You wanted to do anything else, but he was right. You needed to. So you nodded and waited for him to start.

“You said– Well. You said a lot of things. But let’s start with– You said I keep you trapped here.”

Your brow furrowed a little bit. “Well, yeah, you only have one car and you don’t have a driver. How am I supposed to go anywhere?”

The dawning realization on his face would have almost been comical if it had been about something that hadn’t caused you so much pain. “Oh my god,” he said. “I– Why didn’t you– No, right. Yeah.” He took out his phone and started typing. “I’ll figure something out. Do you drive?”

“Steve taught me, a little, when I was a teenager. But I’m not– I’m not super comfortable,” you shrugged.

“Ok,” he said typing a few more words, then put his phone down. He looked at you very seriously and said, “Now I need you to tell me exactly what you meant about siccing my mom on you.”

“Oh, well, just that she came over, you know, the next day after I told you I wanted to find a job.”

Ransom’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Here? She came here?”

“Well, yeah,” you said, not entirely sure what was happening. “She let herself in and said you’d talked to her about how I wanted to work and that you wanted me to focus on giving you a family. That that was my job now.”

Ransom’s face darkened in a way you’d never seen before. “Fucking–” he growled. “Goddamnit.” You watched him warily and when he made eye contact, you saw the way he worked to soften his expression. He shook his head. “I never said that. I just, I brought it up to her because she has connections, you know, in surprising places. I should have known. I was stupid. And when you didn’t bring it up again, I just, I assumed it hadn’t worked out and you didn’t want to talk about it.” He took a deep breath, clearly trying to make himself calm down. “Did she say anything else?”

You looked at him carefully. It was almost like he looked different today, something about him. It really did seem like he was trying. So you took a breath and decided to trust him. “She wasn’t very nice to me. She never is. She’s– She’s only ever been awful to me.”

“Yeah,” he said grimly, “that’s fucking Linda. Alright, she comes here again, I want you to tell me. Don’t even talk to her, just call me right away. She tries to call you, you tell me. She ever says anything to you, you tell me, ok?”

“Yeah,” you said, and you didn’t know how to guard yourself from the warmth that spread through you. “I’ll tell you.”

He nodded. “Good. And if you still want to get a job, I’ll help you, ok? I want to do that.”

“Yeah, I,” you sighed, “I don’t know. Everything’s really overwhelming right now.”

“I get that,” he said, “but if you change your mind, let me know.”

“I will,” you promised. Then, when he didn’t immediately bring up another topic from the night before, you raised one of your own. “Um, you never use your gym.” He looked at you, confused, and you shook your head at yourself. “Sorry, it’s just, you have all those rooms upstairs that you never use, and well, you and I,” you rested a hand on your belly, “we did what we needed to do, right? So, uh, I’m having my bedroom furniture shipped here and if it’s alright, I’d like to, uh, turn that room into my room.” 

There was a long pause, long enough for you to get uncomfortable, start to worry that you’d messed up. His face was blank, you couldn’t find any clues there. Then, finally, he seemed to shake himself and said, “Yeah, sure, of course. I’ll, uh, I’ll have it cleared out for you.”

You breathed a sigh of relief. “Great! Thank you! I’m sure you’ll be happy to have your own space back.”

“Right, yeah,” he said and nodded several times. “Yeah.”   

You both got quiet again after that, but it didn’t feel as oppressive as it often had before. Eventually, you began cleaning up breakfast together. As you moved around him in the kitchen to load the dishwasher, you paused. “Hey, uh, what’d you tell your parents? About last night, dinner?”

“Oh,” he said, turning to you from the fridge. “Just that I was suddenly violently ill and we couldn’t make it.”

That stopped you completely. You’d been bent over as you loaded plates, but now you stood up, giving him all of your attention. “Really? You didn’t– didn’t blame me? Or uh, tell them about–”

He finished what he was doing and closed the fridge, then closed some of the space between you. “What? No, fuck that. Listen, any excuse to not have to deal with Richard and Linda is welcome. I’m serious. Fuck them.”

That was when everything really hit you, just how badly you'd misread so much of what had happened. Of all the pain you’d suffered over the past months, how much of it had been self-inflicted? Would everything have been so much easier, for both of you, if you’d just been willing to talk to him? For what felt like the thousandth time that morning, you felt your eyes beginning to well. You tried to turn your head away, but Ransom noticed before you could.

“Hey,” Ransom said quietly as he approached you cautiously, stopping right in front of you, his hands hovering in the air between you both. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”

You shook your head. “I don’t know,” you said, your voice tight. “I don’t know. I just– Everything’s just been so hard.”

Ransom sighed, heavily. “Yeah. I know.”

“Um,” you let out a defeated, embarrassed little laugh as the tears began to fall down your face. “Do you think it’s too early to blame pregnancy hormones?” you asked, as you tried to make yourself stop crying.

Instead of dismissing it as a joke, Ransom looked at you very seriously. “I think that you can do whatever the fuck you want.”

There was something about that, the way it felt like acceptance, that made the tears come even harder.

It was then, of course, that your phone started vibrating on the counter, Steve’s ID flashing on the screen. “Oh,” you said, “um, shit.” You just stared at it, not quite able to pick it up. “I, uh, texted him last night. During everything. I’m sure he’s freaking out now.”

“Right,” Ransom nodded. “Well, I’ll give you some privacy.”

You were suddenly filled with the ridiculous need to not be alone right now. “Uh, yeah, thanks. But, uh, maybe, maybe don’t go far.” Your voice dropped out a little at the end of the sentence, embarrassed.

He looked at you carefully and you couldn’t imagine what he saw. A mess, probably. “Yeah,” he said, “of course. I’ll be just upstairs. Shout if you need me.”

Then he left and you took a deep breath. The call had gone to voicemail while you’d dithered, so you called Steve back, sure he’d try again anyway if you delayed any further.

He picked up immediately. “Oh thank god,” he breathed. “What’s going on? Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, I just–” you began, trying to keep your voice strong. But of course, you couldn’t hide from Steve.

“Are you crying?” he asked gruffly. “Why are you crying?”

“I’m not, Steve,” you lied.

“Chipmunk,” he said, sadly, knowing how hard the childhood nickname would hit you. “What’s going on? What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

You closed your eyes as tightly as you could. “Nothing. It’s just–” You knew you had to tell him something but you had no idea where to start. You could tell him, you supposed, about– about the baby, but it felt impossible to say out loud. And you had no idea how he’d react. Or, rather you had a very good idea, and it was very, very bad. You didn’t have the energy for that. Or the strength and courage. Not now. Maybe not ever. But you couldn’t talk about what happened the night before and this morning without mentioning that part, so really, you couldn’t talk about anything. And you knew your brother. You knew how that would go over. “I’m tired. And I miss you.”

He was silent for several moments. When he finally spoke, all he said was, “I know something happened.”

“It didn’t Steve. Everything’s fine.”

“I know you’re lying to me. Why are you lying?” He was pleading now and you were too tired and hormonal for this.

“Steve,” you pleaded right back, your voice breaking just a little. “Can you please just believe me? Just this once?”

There was another long pause, and then, “Goddammit, I hate this. I can’t– I worry about you all the time. Every time I see a missed call or text from you, my stomach drops. But now you won’t talk to me. And I can’t help you. I don’t know what to do about any of it.”

“Steve,” you sighed. “I know you think you should always be able to fix everything, but there’s just nothing for you to fix this time, ok? Please?”

He just sighed and you both quietly sat on the phone together. You didn’t know what to say to him but couldn’t hang up. Finally, he broke the silence with “I really fucking miss you.”

You smiled just a little, even as you wiped the tears from your face. “I fucking miss you too. And I love you.”

“I love you too,” he said quietly. He sighed again. “Ok, I should go. But we’ll talk again soon. Take care of yourself.”

“Ok,” you said softly. “Bye.” You hung up and set your phone down then put your head in your hands and let yourself cry without trying to stop it. You didn’t notice anything happening around you until you felt a weight settle onto the couch beside you and suddenly your lap was full of Lola. Then a hand gingerly touched your back. When you didn’t move away, it started gently moving up and down. You couldn’t help but lean into it.

The strangest sensation came over you. You couldn’t explain it, but as you sat there on the couch, crying while Ransom rubbed your back, you somehow felt the best you had in months.

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[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Unexpected 51

Warnings: non/dubcon, pregnancy, pegging, Lloyd being the worst, post partum, csection, suicidial ideation, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

Trapped in another holding pattern. That's all that life seems to be. Phases. Dull and prolonged. Waiting but for what?

Your days aren't much different than before Lloyd's return. He may as well have stayed gone. For you, he's not there. He's nothing. He doesn't deserve to be anything to you.

Your routine once more stagnates; sleep and feedings and some crying. Between it all, you see Harlan or Dottie, sometimes both. Your mother-in-law has grown quiet, even evasive, since her son came back. You know why but you won't argue with her or her precious Marion.

You get your walks in, looking forward to the escape from the suffocating walls. Andy passes you often, waving or saying hi. He doesn't try to talk again, not with your father around. They barely acknowledge each other. You ignore his texts. You're still trying to figure it all out.

When you're at home, Harlan holds Luna as you catch up on your reality TV. You whisper back and forth about your most hated personalities. It can never be what it once was, or what you wished it could be, but it's manageable.

That day, Harlan and Dottie go into town to do some shopping. You haven't seen Lloyd but you don't mourn his absence. Not like before.

You have Luna downstairs in her rolling bassinet. She's fully fed and sleepy. You might do some cooking. You're finally feeling up to it.

You shiver and watch your daughter dozing peacefully. Why is it so cold in here? You hug yourself and notice the draft freezing in from the kitchen. You find one of the french doors slightly open and push it shut. You can guess who did it. You should lock him out but you'd rather not provoke a confrontation.

You go back to the front room. Something feels off. You don't know. Maybe it's just the empty house. You check the thermostat then the bassinet. Luna is tucked against the side. She must feel it too.

You make sure the wheels are locked before you flit out to grab a quilt from the nursery. You pant as you get to the top of the stairs. Whew, you still got work to do before you're anywhere close to back to normal.

You snatch the sewn pink blanket and come back down, catching your breath as you sweep through the doorway.

“Lulu,” you say quietly, “gonna swaddle you up–”

You notice the angle of the bassinet. It's not how you left it, almost parallel to the sofa instead. You rush over and nearly scream as the bottom stares back at you empty.

You drop the quilt and spin, searching for any sign of the culprit. You storm back into the foyer and stomp a foot.

“Lloyd!” You bellow, not caring if you wake the babe, “where the fuck are you? Give me my baby!”

Nothing. Just the echo of your anger. You snarl and holler again. Louder.

“LLOYD! I'M NOT FUCKING AROUND!”

You stride forward and go down the hall. Not in the kitchen. Nope, not in the dining room either. You go through the first floor, yelling, then ascend the stairs again. There's no way he could've snuck her up there.

“You motherfucker. Lloyd!” You stop at the top, “it's not fucking funny.”

“Jesus Christ!” You hear a door swing open, then another as he comes out of his bedroom, “what is it now? Wanna call me more names? Push me around?”

He has a towel clutched around his waist as his feet slap on the floor. He glistens, his hair slick and dripping the noise of the shower still buzzing. You gulp and your heart drops.

“Lloyd, give her back.”

“What?”

“Don't. Give me Luna.”

“Luna–” he grimaces, “what the fuck? You serious? You won't let me see her and now– wait, where is she?”

You stand silent in horror. He's a loar to the bone but dammit, he's convincing.

“You took her. I know… I went to get her a blanket and you…”

“I've been in the shower for twenty minutes, sweetheart,” he sneers, “I… she's… gone?”

You croak. It's all you can do. You spin and hurtle back downstairs. You near the bassinet again and squeal. Gripping the sides as panic floods your chest.

“She's gone! Lloyd! My baby! Where is she?!”

You hear him come downstairs and his footsteps rush across the floor, searching everywhere you did. He appears from the kitchen, barely hanging onto his towel. You look at him as he stares at you palely.

“The back door was unlocked.”

“I know, I thought you were out there–”

“Peaches,” he utters as his eyes dilate, “call the police.”

🍑

You're still sobbing as the red and blue flash on the other side of the window. You told the story a dozen times over. It's 2am and you haven't seen Luna in thirteen hours. You feel her absence heavy in your chest.

Your baby. You failed her. She's gone and it's all your fault.

Why didn't you just take her upstairs? Why did you want to cook? Why weren't you watching her? Why didn't you lock the goddamn door?

“Honey,” Harlan clinks down a mug and his weight dips beside you on the couch, “they'll find her. She can't have gone far.”

“No, no, no,” you bawl, head throbbing, “someone took her. Someone– it's all my fault–”

“Shhh, shhh, it's alright. It'll be alright. She got everyone lookin’, they'll find her.”

“I fucked up!” You fold over your lap, “I was selfish--c-c-carlessssss.”

He hushes you again and rubs your back. You can hear the police milling around outside, a few inside still investigating every nook and cranny.

“Ma'am,” an officer approaches, “we're doing what we can but these things can take a while. You know, we got a few volunteers from the neighborhood too and some statements–”

“I don't care! I want my daughter back,” you snap.

“Sorry, officer, she's just…scared,” Harlan slings his arm over your shoulders.

“Understood,” the officer says, “we're doing all we can.”

You sniffle and bury your face in your palms. This can't be real. It is and it's all on you. You wished so many times that Luna would just go away, you didn't want her, you remember that, and now that wish came true. You are a monster.

“Breathe,” Harlan coos as your breath turns shallow and suffocating, “honey, please, you needa–”

“Let me look!” You sit up, so dizzy you nearly keel over, “I wanna look for her.”

“Dear, you already did. You needa rest.”

“No, no!” You shove him away and stand, slippers slapping as you stomp around the couch, “she's my baby, I can find her! I know I will.”

“You won't help. Lloyd's already out there–” Harlan calls after you as he follows.

You hurry through the entryway and burst out the front door. You hear your father swearing as he scrambles for his shoes. The snow crunches under your thin soles as you jog past the cruisers and the uniformed figures.

You turn down the street without a thought. The streetlights flash over you, yellow, then darkness, yellow, dark…. You don't know where you're going. Maybe you want to disappear too.

You hear Harlan calling your name but he's getting further away, not closer. You slow down and cough, lungs burning. You lean on a fence post and bend to collect yourself.

“What are you doing out here?” A drawl brings you straight up.

You squint. You think it's Lloyd at first, you haven't seen him since the police got there. Andy steps into the soft hue of the lightpole.

“I… what are you doing?” You throw the question back at Andy.

“I'm a volunteer firefighter. Heard there was a missing baby so I've been helping. I'm sorry to hear about Luna. I don't know who would do this.”

You shake your head and snivel, “I don't know.”

“I know what it's like to lose a child but… I think… she's out there. It'll be okay. You'll see her again, I know it.”

“I hope,” your voice cracks and wipes your eyes as your grief spills anew, “I should go back.”

He says nothing. You back away and turn, dragging your feet down the pavement. You see the sirens lit up and the distant beans of flashlights. Suddenly, you're caught around the neck, a hand smothering your mouth.

“Do you wanna see her?” Andy whispers as you kick out, “Luna needs her mommy…” he wrestles you out of the cone of light and behind the fence, “so do I.”

You thrash, clawing at his sleeve. Your slippers fly off in your struggle as he squeezes tighter. No, it can't be him.

You were wrong. Again.

[nrc-broadcasting]

hey hey hey good morning or ig afternoon or night or evening depends on when you see this-

same anon who requested for Harlan here, the Siamese cat twins i mentioned are different ones! i understand the confusion tho and ig i shouldve mentioned who they were lol sorry- im pretty sure a LOT of people have ocs based on them- (if you're curious, their names are siddell and amani haha)

uh but,,,, another? if you dont mind sorry this is just fun-

≪✧≫

Hello uh haha how to tell a certain crocodile to please stop blabbing about Malleus all the time (no offense to Malleus he's wonderful) and to stop belittling humans all the time too because oh wow my self esteem going 📉📉📉📉 anyway thank you 🥲 ~ Y. "Akuma" Nakamoto

You Need To Calm Down; You’re Being Too Loud

⋆﹥━━━━━━━🎧━━━━━━━﹤⋆

“Ah. Zigvolt,” Yuu says unenthusiastically.

“Since you’re asking, I’m assuming you don’t want to confront him directly? I mean, I’d understand but I’d still want to confirm that this is what you’re doing,” They pause and stare at the ask, leaning back in their chair as they think.

“Anyways,” they shake their head and wave their hand, sitting up properly.

“He’d probably just run his mouth if you were to try and confront him, so it’s a hopeless approach.” They sigh.

“The solution I’d suggest is asking either Silver or Lilia to talk to him and try to make him a bit less… specist.” They hesitate.

“It’s an undeniable fact that he really does need to calm down sometimes. He’s more often than not a bit too loud, but maybe I just a bit less tolerance because I easily get headaches from loud sounds.” They shrug before humming.

“But if both the Lilia and Silver approaches don’t work, you can just subtly poke at his weak spots yourself. It either by point out the fact he’s also half human himself, or by implying he’s acting the exact opposite of how a royal retainer should.

“But take note this is a 50/50 thing. It’s either he finally clamps his mouth shut in horror and silently walks away to reflect,” Yuu takes a deep breath, exasperated at the thought of their next words.

“Or you end up lighting a bomb and he just gets more loud,” they smile awkwardly.

“Yep.” They purse their lips.

“Anyway, I’d suggest bringing Lilia along if you want to try, since he can rein in his son better than most people.”

“And to address the self esteem issue, I’d like to offer some words,” Yuu says.

“Sebek’s… questionable remarks undoubtedly stem from his own insecurities and anxieties due to being half-human. Yes, he’s hard to understand, but it’s very likely an unchecked defense mechanism.”

“He rejects humans because he thinks his heritage as a human makes faes look down at him. Since you have your own insecurities, another viable approach it to try and empathize with him.

“…which, will be another 50/50,” they scratch their head.

“Because it’s either he mellows out a bit and listens, or he gets offended you’re trying to compare what he thinks is your trivial problems to his.

“So again, if you plan to attempt any of these solutions, Lilia’s presence is kind of necessary.” They smile apologetically.

“Despite having called what I just discussed ‘solutions’, I’ll admit to you I also don’t know an effective way to approach Sebek.”

“The least I could do is suggest and simulate some situations where a confrontation takes place.”

“I sincerely hope this helps you. Sebek might be loud, but he isn’t unreasonable.”

“And please, have some confidence in yourself. That’s all from me for this ask,” Yuu smiles apologetically.

⋆﹥━━━━━━━🎧━━━━━━━﹤⋆

Our fairytale has come to an end.

[holylulusworld]

Aahp (4) - Four is better than one

Summary: You end up being a pawn.

Pairing: Mobster!Andy Barber x fem!Reader, Mobster!Nick Fowler x fem!Reader, Mobster!Steve Rogers x fem!Reader, Mobster!Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader

Warnings: angst, mentions of character’s death, mafia business

A/N: *Pookie = is a term of endearment for someone or something that you care about deeply in your life.

Angel and her protectors masterlist

<< Part 3

“Y/N needs us to keep her family safe. We don’t want innocent bystanders to get hurt only as we involved their daughter in our business,” Nick points at you sleeping soundly on the bed. “I promised to keep them safe.”

“Consider it done,” Andy says as Steve and Bucky enter the room. “Two of our men are going to keep an eye on her family. I’ll make a few calls.”

Steve huffs when Nick sits on the bed to run his hand over your head. “We got bad news, and shitty news, gentlemen. Which one do you want to hear first?”

“Bad news,” Nick says as he leans over you to press a soft kiss on your hair. “But not so loud. Pookie needs her sleep.”

“She doesn’t need a daddy,” Bucky tuts. “You know that she doesn’t like it.”

“Did you spy on us?” Nick gets up from the bed to size his brother up. He jabs his index finger into Bucky’s chest and squares his jaw. “Did you? Huh? Are you perving on my girl now?”

“She’s not your girl,” Andy corrects. “And we should stop focusing on Y/N and talk about more serious things. Steve, would you please fill us in?

“Harlan is dead. It looks like Ransom finally got rid of the old man. His allies believe we are behind Harlan’s death.”

“That’s the bad news. What about the shitty news?” Andy already gets his phone out. He needs to make a few calls. If people believe they are behind the hit on Harlan, they are done for.

“Ransom is taking over his grandfather’s empire,” Bucky chuckles humorlessly. “Can you believe this? The old man built an empire only for that piece of shit to take it over.”

“Question is. What are we going to do now?” Nick starts to pace the room. He huffs and mutters as his brother sits next to you on the bed. “Bucky, hands of Pookie.”

“What? I only tried to have a good look at her,” Bucky grunts at his brother. “You are all over her all the time. Give me the chance to get to know her better too.”

“We need to prove to Harlan’s allies and his men that we are not behind the hit on Harlan. It should be easy because according to my informer inside Harlan’s organization, Ransom was the last one seeing Harlan alive,” Steve shrugs as everyone stares at him.

“You’ve got an informer within Harlan’s organization and never thought about telling us so?” Andy grunts. “This would’ve been very helpful to know.”

“What? They didn’t want me to tell anyone, Andy. My little rat is risking their life. I will try to meet up with them tonight. Maybe we can get our hands on the footage. I know that old bastard hid cameras at his office.”

“I don’t like that you are hiding things from us, Steve. We are partners. And we are brothers,” Andy grits out. “No more secrets from now on.”

“You shouldn’t meet up with your informer on your own. Let me come with you,” Bucky suggests. “We can’t trust anyone at the moment.”

“You’ll take three of our men with you too. For backup. You know, I don’t want to lose my brother or one of my partners,” Nick smirks darkly. “Even though, I do not like it when you touch my Pookie.”

“Do we believe that Rogers and his little friends killed Harlan?” Alexander Pierce looks around the room, at his confidants. “I was asking you a question.”

“No,” Fury grunts. He’s just done sitting in a room with his business partners. It’s damn hot in the room. “Rogers and the others are young and reckless. Not stupid. We all know his useless grandson was the last one talking to Harlan.”

“Agreed,” Pierce nods thoughtfully. He folds his hands on the table, and hums. “What do we want to do about it now? We can accept Ransom as the new head of Harlan’s organization and use him against Rogers and the others.”

“Or we can stand up against Ransom and find strong allies in Rogers and the others,” Fury throws in. “We should not start another war, Pierce. You know that. Ransom is an ant, and we should squish it with our boot.”

“It’s not that easy, Fury.”

“We both know war comes with a price,” Fury insists. He runs his index finger over his eyepatch. Reminding Pierce all of them lost something on their way to the top. “You should always remember the past.”

Alexander waves Fury’s concern off. He shrugs and continues with his plans to use Ransom. “He can help us bring the others down. After he’s done, we will get rid of Ransom too.”

“It’s your funeral, Alexander,” Nick plays is it cool. “If you want to do it the hard way, we can use Ransom. Let’s talk to him after the funeral.”

“About damn time, Nick,” Steve whispers as Fury enters his car. Nick huffs as he sits in the backseat. “What took you so long?”

“Pierce and the others know you are not behind the hit,” Fury begins.

Steve nods. “Good. Then they know the truth.”

“They don’t give a shit about the truth. Pierce wants to use Ransom to bring you and the others down. You know, shit is going to hit the fan soon enough. We all should reconsider where we are standing.”

“Pierce is out for blood. Harlan is dead. Ransom is the worst possible replacement,” Bucky grumbles from the passenger seat. “What are we going to do now?”

Part 5

Tags in reblog.

[pariskylar]

Part 1: The Interview

Monday: August 2, 2021

in 2, 3 …hold… out 2,3; in 2, 3 …hold… out 2,3; in 2-

she was practicing her breathing techniques in her car outside of the mansion when her alarm for 8:20 am sounded. she gasped, snatching her eyes open and grabbing the phone and silenced it.

she pulled down her visor, checking her hair and makeup.

chill out, you’re Jazlyn—fucking—Reed, you got this. she told herself letting out a breath before grabbing her bag and leaving the car.

hi, nice to meet you. i'm Jazlyn Reed. i graduated Summa Cum Laude from MIT-no. hello, my name is Jazlyn Reed, nice to meet you. i graduated from MIT, Summa Cum Laude.

she was rehearsing her introduction when she arrived at the door.

i’m Jazlyn, fucking, Reed she said to herself before knocking on the door. after a full minute the door was pulled open revealing a middle aged white woman with brown hair and brown eyes.

“yes?” she asked.

“um, hi, i'm Jazlyn Reed. i’m here for the 8:30 interview with Mr.Thrombey”

“oh, yes. come in” she stepped aside letting her in “you can sit in the foyer and i’ll tell Harlan you’re here”

she nodded, taking a seat in one of the chairs, crossing one leg over the other. her leg was shaking from how nervous she was. she closed her eyes working on her breathing techniques, again.

you're intelligent, you're ambitious, you're courageous. just breathe, because you got this.

“Ms.Reed” the voice pulled her out the oasis she was creating in her head “Mrs.Drysdale will see you now.”

she nodded standing with her bag following the lady to the in home office. she graciously bid adieu before pushing the already cracked door fully open.

in the office sat a white older woman with white hair and blue eyes behind the desk reading over papers.

in the corner of the room sat a cute brown skinned woman next to the iconic Harlan Thrombey.

she could credit this man for a lot of things in her life. her love of reading, her love of writing and the reason she studied writing in college. she had stayed up countless nights trying to finish his books and hopefully solve the mystery of Whodunit. if there was a book released by this man she would be sure to get it one way or another.

she stood there in awe, just staring at him.

“Jasmine Reed?” she asked.

“um, yes. hi, i’m Jazlyn Reed,” she walked further into the room “nice to meet you.” she stuck her hand out.

“i’m Linda Drysdale.” she accepted. “and this is my dad Harlan Thrombey and his nurse Marta.” she introduced.

no shit! she waved over at them.

“please have a seat.” Linda waved to the seat in front of her “so, Jasmine, tell us about yourself.”

“i graduated Summa Cum Laude from MIT this spring with a 4.8 GPA. i interned with Beacon Press and externed with Candlewick Press where i assisted a few editors and temporarily filled in for head editor." she reached in her bag and pulled out the manilla folder, containing her resume and excerpts, and handed it to Linda "i was also head writer and editor for The Tech and my high school paper."

she actual felt good about the statement.

Linda readjusted her glasses and looked over the resume.

"impressive" she nodded "first question,"

the interview went on as usual—the strengths, the weakness, the greatest accomplishments, what interest her about the job—and she was knocking it out the park when Linda tossed a curve ball passing the questions over to Harlan.

“dad? any questions” all the attention turned to Mr. Thrombey

he sat quietly for a few breaths before asking the most odd question.

“why are you shaking?"

"excuse me?" she asked genuinely confused.

"you haven’t stopped bouncing your leg since you’ve sat down.”

she looked down and realized she was indeed bouncing her leg.

“oh, i’m sorry.” she immediately stopped, crossing her legs

“why?” he asked pointed.

she went to answer, but he was just staring. it felt like she was being scold by her grandparents. it was a bit a bit unnerving.

“why am i sorry?” she felt her leg beginning to shake again, as she grew more nervous than before.

he just sat there staring. he stared at her for an unsettling amount of time, causing her mind began to race with everything she’s said during the interview.

“you’re quite dull, aren’t you?” he stated earnestly.

that hit her like a ton of bricks.

“i-i” she turned to Linda not sure what to say.

“please ignore that.” she waved him off "it was nice talking to you. we will call you." she stood up extending her hand.

that’s it? she blinked twice before standing up, accepting her hand and making a quick exit out the house. she went out to her car deflated and hurt.

the man she grew up idolizing just called her dull. dull?

she dedicated her entire life to literature wanting to make people feel the way he did with his writing and with a single word she began reconsidering everything.

he didn't read her resume yet alone any of her excepts but him calling her dull hurt like crazy and starting bringing up her old feelings of imposter syndrome.

she had worked so long and so hard, with years of therapy, to get over those feels and with one word a man she just met sent her spiraling.

she hopped in the car and slammed the door behind her, upset. with jittery hands, she set her phone in the phone holder and connected it to the charger. she opened the FaceTime app starting her group FaceTime session.

“hey, love.” Tia was the first to answer, the camera was facing the ceiling and she heard the clinking of dishes.

“hi.” she replied putting on her seatbelt and started the car.

“how was the interview?”

“oh my gosh!” she let out a shaky breath before shifting her gears.

“what happened?” Tia setting up the phone.

“hihi” Ash answered the call from Kiara's closet.

they returned the greetings.

“how was the interview?”

“she was just telling me about it.” Tia cracked an egg and began whisking.

she pulled off and began explaining the entire interview to them, including the off the wall shit Harlan said, and for some reason they found it entertaining.

Tia tried stifling a laugh and Ashley fully giggled.

"what?" she asked pulling up to a stop light.

“that’s just a weird thing to say to somebody you just met.” Ash laughed more, taking a hanger from the closet rod.

"yeah."

T looked at her disconsolate friend and could see her having an internal crisis.

"hey, don't let some old white man cause you to spiral. he called you boring? so what? he doesn't know you. you've worked too hard to let that happen."

"thanks, babe." she gave a small smile pulling up to work.

“hey, y’all, my bad i was rehearsing.” Zariana finally answered

she earned a chorus of replies

“how was the interview?”

“i have to tell you later, i just pulled up to work.” Jazlyn cut off the car.

“yeah and i gotta serve breakfast.” Tiana slid a plate on a serving platter.

“i have to take Kiara her fits for the day.” Ashley held up the outfit.

“dang! love y'all. see y'all later, i guess.” she blew them all a kiss

Jaz walked into CVS ready for a long and draining shift.

"hey, Jaz, i need you to show this customer where the eye drops are." Randy, her supervisor, order as soon as she stepped inside.

i just got here

"it's on aisle 5." she said walking past them.

"she can't find them" he rushed in front of her.

she rolled her eyes, vexed already, "ok, i need to clock in then i'll help her."

"just show her on your way."

today is gonna be a long ass day.

and it was. after 12 hours of getting yelled at by customers, berated by her supervisor, and a serious back ache she was ready to go home and pass out.

when she was back home she flopped on the couch, next to Tia, tired.

“long day?” Tia asked pouring her a glass of wine.

“too long.” Jaz handed her her Ben and Jerry’s

‘what’s the sitch, Wade?’ Kim Possible played on the TV.

she scooted closer to Tia resting her head on her's.

“fall asleep watching K.P with me?” Tia asked.

“yeah, but i need to take my makeup off fist.” she said eyes still glued to the t.v.

thirty minutes and two glasses of wine later they were both knocked out on the couch. - - - - -

"KILL YOURSELF!"

"FUCK YOU!"

she was scared awake by by arguing. she rolled out of bed—grabbing her phone—and rushed out the living room to see Tia and Shawn yelling at each other at full volume.

she sighed to herself and walked towards the kitchen.

"how bout you stop bein a bum and get a job!" Tia yelled

"how bout you get a life and stop worrying what me and Jaz got going on?" he shouted back

she grabbed a naked juice from the fridge and sat at the table waiting for the arguing to stop.

"i have a life. i also have a career, a car and a place of my own. what do you have? no money, a dorm on campus and a school shuttle bus."

"i'm med school student."

"on your eighth year."

"seventh." he corrected

"ouuu, seventh." she mocked him.

"are y'all done?" Jazlyn asked breaking up the bickering.

"you need to get your friend." he stormed off to Jaz's room

"no, she need to dump your sorry ass!" she yelled towards her door. "i have to go, love you" she place a kiss on her forehead.

"love you too." she called out to her.

she went over and flopped down on the couch, just wanted a moment of silence with herself. she pulled out her phone checking her notification.

core four 👯‍♀️👯‍♀️: Ash 👒: is it weird to share panties with ur gf

core four 👯‍♀️👯‍♀️: Zari 🪐: bro wtf

core four 👯‍♀️👯‍♀️: Tia 🫧: i'm blockin u

Shawn: otw, in the Uber

she opened her email hoping she had finally gotten some type of update on her interview. she had been impatiently waiting for two weeks.

she couldn't take another shift at CVS. her body hurts from working 12 hour shift and it felt like she was on the verge of psychotic break from only getting four hours of sleep every night.

her mailbox was full of spam, promotional emails and her bank telling her she had payed her bills.

she tossed her phone to the side and laid back trying to take a nap, but she couldn't. this was her first day off in months, but her mind wouldn't let her relax��she had to stay busy.

standing up she began pacing the house trying to find something to busy herself. she landed in front of the refrigerator. five minutes later the fridge was empty and she had on rubber gloves scrubbing it until it looked brand new.

once the fridge was done she realized how nasty the floor was. she grabbed a scrub brush and got to work.

while scrubbing the floor her phone began to ring. she stood from the floor and rushed to her phone.

"hello?" she answered.

“Jasmine Reed?” the familiar voice asked

finally!

“yes, this is she.” she tried keeping her cool

“this is Linda Drysdale, i interview you two weeks ago”

"Linda? hi."

"hi, i was just calling because you really stood out to me when we talk and if you are still interested."

are you insane

"yes, i'm still interested."

"are you able to start Monday?"

"yes."

"ok, well you have the address and start time is 7:00 AM."

"thank you." she hung up

"YES! YES! YES! YES!" she jumped in a circle.

she opened the group chat and shot the message

BITCH I CAN FINALLY QUIT

[roetrolls]

Honesty

He’d kept Harlan waiting for too long. That much became clear as soon as the letter arrived.

Addressed simply to “My Orfuse” with a purple seal on the envelope, one didn’t even need to know the symbol that had been pressed into the wax to guess who had written it. There was no address– It had been delivered by hand, a message far too important to be entrusted to those outside of his domain.

Lazali watched Orfuse break the seal with trembling hands, his breath so shallow it almost seemed as though his lungs were not inflating at all. He withdrew the paper, lip quivering as soon as he laid eyes on the note, written in elegant cursive and smelling faintly of pine. He read it slowly, savoring each word even as his eyes began to brim with tears. 

“Orfy,” Lazali tried, reaching a hand towards the other man.

Orfuse shook his head and clutched the letter to his chest, fighting his urge to grip the paper in his fists, lest he damage it. He walked away after that, and Lazali knew better than to follow. He needed time to process.

He was careful not to pry, but it did not stop him from joining Orfuse in bed later that morning, climbing in beside him to lay his head upon the oracle’s chest. He felt their breathing fall in time. They stewed in silence for a while before Lazali deigned to speak. 

“Are you going to see him?”

Orfuse’s fingers, previously carding lazily through Lazali’s hair, suddenly fell still. “He asked for me.”

“I know.”

It was some time before either spoke again, and Lazali found himself listening to Orfuse’s heartbeat as the silence settled back around them. Slow and steady, though he was sure his friend’s thoughts were anything but.

“I can’t turn my back on him,” Orfuse said, finally, his voice frightfully small.

“He turned on you first.”

Orfuse swallowed. His rhythmic breathing belied his tense mood, though Lazali could tell the man’s mind was swarming with unease.

“He didn’t though.”

Lazali squeezed his hand, face tight with worry. “He did, Orfy. The way he loves you, it’s… It’s not kindness. It’s something else.”

“The things he’s done for me…”

Lazali sat up to take Orfuse’s face in his hands, staring deeply into those sad brown eyes and speaking in hushed tones. “Orfy, listen to me. If he cared about your happiness, he wouldn’t be putting you in this position.”

He could see the storm cloud hanging over him, but still, Lazali pressed on.

“What has he done for you that wasn’t something self-serving? When has he ever put your feelings before his own?”

Orfuse looked for a moment as though he wanted to speak, but he quickly clamped his jaw shut and clenched his teeth, imprisoning whatever words had been threatening to spill from his lips. “Okay,” he muttered simply, defeated.

Lazali frowned. It was an uncharacteristic response. In fact, this whole interaction had been unusual. He was so tense. So still. It wasn’t like him.

“Orfy?”

He said nothing, gaze fixed on his hands.

“Orfy, what is it?”

“It’s nothing,” he said weakly.

“You’re shutting down. Please, talk to me.”

He seemed to deliberate a moment, his expression growing distant as he struggled to put his feelings into words. “None of you understand,” he eventually squeaked, the small phrase taking some considerable effort on his part.

He stretched out his hands and closed them, breathing deeply through his nose before continuing. Lazali simply listened.

“No one wants to hear about how or why I love him,” the man choked, now plucking at the threads of his sweater. “You all just want to remind me what a monster he is. So what can I say, Laz? Because I know. I know, okay?”

Orfuse raised his head to meet Lazali’s gaze, eyes wet. Lazali stared back at him, mouth agape. It was his turn to struggle for words.

“Orfy…” He sputtered, feeling his own vision grow foggy with tears. “I… I never wanted…” He took Orfuse’s hands in his, voice shaking as he spoke. “I’m just… Afraid of losing you to him. Maybe that’s selfish, but I’m… I’m afraid, Orfy. And I’m afraid that all that love you have for him will get in the way of you looking after yourself.”

He wrapped his arms around the larger man, now crying freely.

“I don’t want you to hate him. I don’t… I’m just… So scared of what will happen if he gets his hooks in you again.”

After a moment, Orfuse clutched him in turn, speaking in a voice barely louder than a whisper. “He never separated us before.”

Lazali shook his head, face buried in Orfuse’s chest. “Orfy, I… I watched you give so much of yourself trying to save a man who didn’t want to be saved, and… And this is cruel, what I’m about to tell you, it– It’s a cruel and horrible thing to say, but I’m selfish, and I… I don’t…” He gripped him tighter. “I don’t trust that you won’t lose yourself in him again.”

If Orfuse had anything to say in reply, he did not verbalize it, and Lazali tilted his head back to lock eyes once again, tears streaming down his face.

“Please, you have to understand, Orfy. I don’t want you to hate him. I don’t want to rob you of the good you still see in that man…” Lazali clutched the back of Orfuse’s shirt, as if fearful he might vanish. “But I watched Harlan consume you, and I can’t, I can’t watch it happen again.”

Still, Orfuse said nothing, rubbing small circles on the smaller man’s back in silence.

“It’s not about Harlan… It’s barely about what he’s done…” Finally, Lazali relaxed his grip. “I’m sorry. I’m… I’m scared. And I’m holding on too tight.”

Not a word passed between them as Lazali regained his composure. Then, after a minute passed, Orfuse spoke, his voice weak.

“It would be nice… If I felt like I could talk about him. If I could mourn my loss properly.”

Lazali nodded desperately, face still buried in his chest. “Tell me. Tell me everything.”

[aidenlyons]

The train ride to Britechester was boring and long and AIden is glad to have Mr. H there by the time they get to the restaurant they agreed to meet Mr. Lockett at. Apparently it's practically an institution....

(lot by MarmeladArt)

Mr H knows by now when Aiden is nervous.

M: It's ok, Aiden. If it doesn't work out, you'll find someplace else I'm sure.

A: But this one sounded really nice. I've never done anything like this before...

Mr H. feels a bit guilty. That one's on him.

M: I know. I'm sure he's used to that, you said he rents out a few rooms, right?

A: Yeah. A couple other rooms, too. Apparently his place is pretty big.

M: Ok, then. Should we go inside and get a table?

A: Y-yeah, that.. is probably good.

Aiden is happy they get a table near the door. It doesn't take much for Jayce to spot them.

J: Hey. You must be Aiden.

A: Uh. Y-yeah. Nice to meet you, Mr. Lockett.

Oh, no. He's really hot.

(Jayce created by - you guessed it - the lovely sean_olney )

J: Oh, call me Jayce, please. Hah. And.. is this your father?

Does Mr H look like Aiden's dad? His mouth speaks before his brain catches up.

A: Ha, I wish. No, this is Mr. Harlan, er.. M-matthew Harlan. He was my, uh, teacher. He's a friend.

Shit. Get it together, Aiden.

Mr. H is surprised. He had no idea Aiden thought that way. He's honored. He's certainly felt paternal toward the younger man.

Mr H: It's nice to meet you. I'm just here for.. moral support.

J: Nice to meet you too. I understand. Meeting a total stranger can be stressful.

J: I know my ad was a little.. vague. You pay by the word, so let me give you the summary. I'm a firefighter, so I'm usually away a few days a week. I'm renting to four other young men at the moment. Honestly, wasn't sure anyone would ever take this room, since.. it's the attic.

A: I don't mind.

J: It's unfurnished, so you'll be responsible for that.

A: Can do. I, um.. my boyfriend will be attending Britechester University. Am I allowed to have guests?

J: Oh yeah, sure! No big deal. You'll have the most privacy. No AC up there though.

Mr. H interjects.

M: Remember, anything you buy will have to go up two flights of stairs, Aiden.

A: Oh. Yeah. Hah. Do the windows open?

J: Yep. And I'm sure me and the others can help you bring your things up.

M: Can -

Mr. H stops when Aiden gives him a LOOK. Right. Support.

Aiden knows what Mr H was going to ask, and he was getting there, darnit.

A: Can I see it first?

J: Of course. Do you mind if I ask you a couple questions?

A: No, yeah, go ahead.

Before they can start, a waitress comes around to check on them.

J: How about we get some lunch. On me.

M: That's very generous, thank you.

A: Yeah, uh, thanks. That sounds good.

As if to reiterate this decision, Aiden's stomach growls and he laughs nervously. Oops.

Once they all order, Aiden clears his throat since Jayce is sort of staring at Mr. H...

A: You had questions?

J: Wh-oh. Yes. Do you have a job lined up?

A: Not yet, but I have some money saved up and I'm selling most of my furniture..

J: No problem. Are you enrolled somewhere?

A: Oh um.. no. I don't think that's really.. for me. But my boyfriend got a full ride to Britechester, so...

Watcher, Aiden sounds like such a lovesick idiot when he says it out loud. He probably is. Oh well.

Over lunch, they continued to talk, Jayce asking a few more questions about Aiden, his goals, his plans. And he draws Mr H into the conversation as well, asking how he and Aiden know eachother. Aiden notices he seems a bit keen on Mr. H's answers.. weird.

J: This is it. Livingroom here, laundry straight back and the kitchen through there. You're welcome to use anything. That bookcase there is actually a door. My aunt gave me this place in her will. She was.. eccentric.

Looks nice to Aiden. Really nice.

J: There's a bathroom at the end of the hall, one right behind you, and this door here leads to the stairs to the basement. it locks so you'll be able to have your privacy. These doors on the left are the others I rented out and the on one the right at the end is my room.

J: Sorry, the light must've burned out. I'll replace it before you move in. But here it is.

A: Wow.. there's a lot of space, I love the skylights.

J: Yeah, there's a lot of light up here, for an attic.

A: I love it. I'll take it.

J: Great, lets go do some paperwork.

[a-sh0t-in-the-dark]

12:02 AM

'Erised' segment, first aired 09/17.

"........i've seen this one already.." The Volcano Digit read 372°. The haze I was settling in was subtly being dissipated; I thought I could hear my door being unlocked. I grabbed my rescue inhaler and waited a moment; I wasn't scared...I felt nothing. "Pea...?" she scampered out of my bedroom and stared at me from the corner of the parlor. The sound suddenly stopped as the program cut to commercial. Placing my inhaler back into my shirt pocket, I thought I may have struck luck and found a bill denoting an amount above 10,though it was just the piece of paper i'd retrieved from the courtyard. I decided to give it a glance once more: 📃

📺

"....this. Fluoride blocks receptors in the brain that signal when your stomach has reached its capacity. A two century plan has been set in motion to keep the citizens of this country in a docile state, desensitizing them to toxins at an early age, so that even when they're old enough to express protest to such discovery; their bodies no longer respond to the toxins they're being exposed to, thus no voice is heard..as they don't even know they're being attacked. With the gradual desensitization comes preordained outbreaks of lab created viruses in which a cure is provided after a number of casualties have proven to be sufficient enough to encite panic, another tactic in which to control the masses. The more people that take these vaccines, the more likely it is that any alteration or defect to the immune system is passed on; generation after generation, normally lying dormant until it is able to thrive beyond its interphase. A silent killer. As we seclude ourselves and slowly regain a sense of comfortability, we unknowingly become more and more reliant on the government as they sedate us w-" I changed the channel; "Sounds like something out of 'Syphon Filter'...": 📺 Tom Cruise, surrounded by many antiques of Eastern origin, was reading: 'I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream', written by Harlan Ellison. 12:18 I nodded off briefly, my thumb hitting the channel down button woke me unexpectedly; "Can I fight human style? By slowly poisoning his environment until he loses.." - The Simpsons 'The Fat And The Furriest'. "I said,"Bishop to Queen four."" - The Simpsons - 'Brake My Wife, Please'. I flipped it back.

[americasass91]

Not Enough

Hello, lovelies! I know it’s been a long while! Sorry about that. I guess I haven’t really felt inspired lately. I know that’s kind of a shit excuse but it’s true.

That all changed today when I heard this song for the first time. It’s called “Flowers” by Lauren Spencer-Smith. I highly recommend you play it on repeat as you read this. That’s what I did the whole time I was writing! I don’t know what it is about this song but I just needed to write something with it.

Here’s a link to the song in case you want to listen! Flowers

And yes, I’m aware this fic is kind of similar to my other Ransom one Last Kiss but I feel like this Ransom is way worse than that one.

Anyways! If you read, I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: The parts in italics is the song! And it does not belong to me.

Words: 4.2k

Ratings: Explicit

Warnings: smut(duh, it’s me), AssholeRansom, cheating, manipulation, language, DubCon(putting this just to be safe. Not necessarily dubcon, but just in case), toxic relationship, please let me know if I miss anything!

🎼Took me over to your house to meet your family

Introduce me to them, saying that you’d marry me

Then you’d look me in the eye and say it’s just a joke

Then you’d kiss me and I’d smile, did you even know?

When you’d say that kinda thing I’d be excited

Got me hoping maybe one day you would mean it

Always thought I’d only make a fool of someone else

Now you’ve only gone and made me make one of myself🎼

You nervously pick at the sleeves of your sweater as you look out the passenger side window. You look over at your boyfriend of 6 months and notice how calm he seems.

“Ran, are you sure they won’t mind that I'm coming along?”

He barely glances over at you and smirks. “I don’t really care if they do or not. I want you there. Besides, I asked Harlan and he said he didn’t mind.”

You try to contain the smile on your face at that. “Just making sure. I mean it is Thanksgiving dinner after all.” This would be the first Thanksgiving you’d be missing with your family. They weren’t too excited you’d be missing it to be with Ransom. They weren’t his biggest fans. They said he was a manipulative asshole. But you knew they just didn’t know the him that you did.

Ransom pulls up to the mansion and parks right in front. You get out of the car and get immediately bombarded by 2 very excited German Shepherds. You instantly smile and start giving them all the pets you could. “Well, hello! How are you guys?” You asked them in your dog voice.

Ransom came around the car to you. He started pushing the dogs away from you. “Get the fuck away from her! Go on! Get!” He turns to look at you. “Sorry about that. You okay?”

You stare at him in confusion. “I was completely fine. They were just excited to meet someone new.”

Ransom grabbed your hand and started walking in the direction of the front door. “Well, I think they’re disgusting. I hate dogs.”

You didn’t have any more time to think of that comment when the front door opened to reveal a woman you recognized as Ransom’s mom. After all, her face was on all the bus benches in town.

“Well, Ransom. Nice of you to finally show up. And I see you did bring your friend.”

You look over at Ransom in time to see him roll his eyes and continue past his mother. You throw a smile her way as you’re tugged past her.

Ransom continues walking down the hallway until he comes to what must be the living room where the rest of his family is located. Everybody stops talking and turns to look at you both. More specifically, at you.

“Ransom, I thought we told you not to bring any more hookers here.” Your mouth dropped open in shock at the rude comment coming from the man standing in the corner with a cane.

His mother reappears next to you. “Walt, that wasn’t nice. This is Ransom’s flavor of the month.” She turns her head and gives you an uncomfortable once over. “Harper, right?”

You’re about to correct her when Ransom wraps his arm around your shoulder and quiets you. “Her name happens to be, Y/N. And I expect everyone in this room to be nice to her because she just so happens to be the girl I'm going to marry.”

Your head snaps in his direction, eyes full of hope. You can feel the butterflies erupting in your stomach. Marry? Did he say Marry?

The next thing you know, the whole room bursts into loud laughter, Ransom included.

He turns and gives you a kiss on the temple. “Sorry babe, long running joke around here. They all know I’ll never actually get married.” He then whispers in your ear, “Why ruin what we have with a piece of paper that means shit?”

You have so many emotions running through you that you’re not quite sure how to feel. You push down the tears that want to fall and kiss him on the cheek. “Can you get me something to drink, please?”

He nods and looks around and starts snapping his fingers. “Marta! Marta!”

A pissed off looking young woman who you would guess is from Brazil appears beside you. “What do you need, Hugh?”

He quickly orders an old fashioned from her before excusing himself to go find Harlan. She looks over at you expectantly. “Oh! I’ll just take whatever wine you’re serving. I’m not picky. Do you need any help?”

She looks taken aback at your offer of help but gives you a small smile. “That’s kind of you, but I can handle 2 drinks. I’ll be right back.”

Ransom’s mother walks over to you. “So, what are your intentions with my son?”

You couldn’t help but stutter. She was, after all, a self made millionaire. And Ransom’s mom. You wanted to impress her.

You get ready to answer, when you’re again interrupted by Ransom. “To keep my dick wet, obviously.”

She scoffs and stomps off. You turn and smack his shoulder. “That was rude, Ransom! I don’t mind answering her questions.”

He rolls his eyes and knocks the rest of his drinks back. “And I told you earlier I don’t give a fuck about them or their opinions.”

🎼Taking a look back, this should’ve been a big red flag.

I guess that flowers aren’t just used for big apologies

I guess I should’ve been more conscious how you spoke to me

‘Cause when we’d fight, you’d give me space and not communicate

And for a while I thought that’s what I should appreciate

Maybe I was holding onto what I thought you were

But when you think too hard, eventually it starts to hurt

The version of you in my head, now I know wasn’t true

Young people fall for the wrong people, guess my one was you🎼

3 months after meeting his family you find yourself pacing the floor of Ransom’s kitchen with tears streaming down your face. You had just gotten into yet another fight with him. This time about him coming with you to your sister’s wedding. Apparently weddings weren’t his scene.

You went to everything he wanted you to go to. You really didn’t think it’d be that big of a deal. He told you what you asked for was unreasonable and that if you really loved him, you wouldn’t make him go.

That was 3 hours ago now. When you fought, he tended to leave in the middle of it to ‘give you space to calm down.’

You continued your pacing until your eyes fell upon the vase of almost dead roses sitting on the island. You smiled at them. While roses weren’t your favorite, Ransom made sure to get you fresh ones every week. Even when he was out of town doing something for Harlan.

You snap out of your thoughts as you hear the front door open and shut. You quickly look up to see Ransom approaching with a fresh bouquet of roses.

You both stare at each other and he sets the flowers down on the counter and pulls you in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I love you. I just hate weddings.”

He wipes away the tears still on your cheeks. “It’s okay, Ran. Can we at least talk about it?”

Instead of responding, he pulls you in for a kiss. It starts out innocent but quickly turns heated. He pulls your hips into his and makes you feel the obvious erection he has. He pushes you until your ass hits the island. He has his hands up your shirt, attempting to unhook your bra and has started kissing down your neck.

You try to push his shoulders. “Ran, please. I want to talk about it.”

He moves his kisses up your neck until he’s at your ear. He whispers, “But I need you right now, sweetheart. Isn’t that more important? If you really loved me, you’d give me what I want. Then we’ll talk about it later. I promise.”

You only caught about half of what he was saying because he had started rubbing your cunt through your leggings, making you whine out please.

He smirked and turned you around, bending you over the island. He makes quick work of your leggings and his jeans. And before you know it, he has plunged his cock into you in one thrust. You let out a whine that turns into a moan when he starts circling your clit with the middle finger on his left hand while starting at a bruising pace.

“Fuck, Ran. Slow down, please.”

He pulls you up until your back is flushed with his front. He snarls in your ear. “Am I not making you feel good? Do I not always make sure you get off?”

You nod quickly. “Yes, always.”

He presses a kiss to the side of your neck before pushing your front back down onto the island. “Then why don’t you be a good fucking girl, and shut up and take what I give you.”

Even as he’s speaking, you can feel him slow down a little. Not as much as you were hoping, but better than nothing.

With the angle he was able to hit your g spot with every thrust. You knew you’d cum soon. Ransom always had you coming hard and fast. That was always the sex between the 2 of you. Hard and fast.

He leans down and presses a kiss against your spine. “Come on, baby. Cum for me. Cum all over my cock. Make me feel good.”

It only takes a couple more thrusts and swirl of his fingers against your clit before you’re doing as he said and cumming on his cock.

“Goddam baby! Fuck yeah! Cum on that fat cock!”

Ransom stops rubbing your clit and places both hands on your hips to pick up his pace. It only takes him a couple more thrusts before he’s spilling into you. He leans his hands on the counter on either side of you and waits until his breathing slows before he pulls out of you. He smacks your ass. “Let me get you a paper towel, babe. Hold on.”

He goes over to the sink and grabs a paper towel off the roll and comes back to you and half heartedly cleans you up. He pulls your leggings back up and spins you around to place a kiss on your lips. “I love you, Y/N. You know that, right?”

You look down towards the ground and nod. He places his right hand under your chin and lifts your face back to his. “When’s your sister’s wedding?”

You blink a few times, trying to sort out your feelings. “March 20th.”

He pulls out his phone and brings up his calendar. “Looks like I won’t be in town that weekend. So see? I won’t be able to go with you even if I wanted to. Now that that’s settled, why don’t you start on dinner?”

He doesn’t even wait for you to respond before he turns and heads out of the kitchen. You stand there and try to figure out how you feel about everything that just happened. Even though this fight didn’t end any differently than any others that you’d had, you felt different this time.

You turn towards the island and your eyes land on the fresh bouquet he’s brought you. Something that usually brings you joy and butterflies now only brings tears to your eyes.

🎼I was getting any flight so we could make it work

You’d ignore me, could have told me you were seeing her

Kinda hate myself for justifying your mistakes

Took a minute but I learned that shit the hard way

Who are you to tell me I can’t be heartbroken?

Babe, you had the chance, the door for you was open

If It’s what you need to tell yourself to sleep at night

Pretend I haven’t found a man who finally treats me right

I guess that flowers aren’t just used for big apologies

I guess I should’ve been more conscious how you spoke to me

‘Cause when we’d fight, you’d give me space and not communicate

And for a while I thought that’s what I should appreciate

Maybe I was holding onto what I thought you were

But when you think too hard, eventually it starts to hurt

The version of you in my head, now I know wasn’t true

Young people fall for the wrong people, guess my one was you🎼

It was your one year anniversary and what were you doing? Spending it alone.

Ransom had to go to London at the last minute for Harlan. Something about research for his current book.

You were having a small pity party for yourself in your apartment when your best friend called.

“Y/N you need to stop wallowing in self pity and do something about it.”

You roll your eyes. “Like what? Fly to London and surprise him?”

“Why not?”

You stopped digging through your freezer for the ice cream. “You aren’t serious?”

“Again, why not? You just started summer vacation, so you have the time off. It’d be so romantic! You could spend your first anniversary in London!”

“Why are you even suggesting this? You don’t even like Ransom.”

She scoffs. “It’s not that I don’t like him. I just think he’s kind of full of himself. But you’re a smart woman. And I know you wouldn’t be with him unless he was more than that. I trust you.”

You feel your heart sink in your chest at that. You haven’t been completely honest with her about everything. You haven’t told her about every fight. Probably because you don’t want to think about it yourself. Everytime you start thinking about one, you just shut it down and repeat ‘but he loves me’ to yourself until you find your smile again.

“So, how much do you think flights are?”

In just about 12 hours, you’re sitting in the airport waiting to board the plane. You try to call Ransom for the 3rd time but get his voicemail again. So you opt to send him yet another text.

Hey, babe. Just wanted to hear your voice. Wish we could be together this weekend. I miss and love you.

They finally call your section and you get up to get in line. You’re almost to the front of the line when your phone vibrates, signaling a text. You quickly hand over your ticket and make your way down the ramp and onto the plane.

Your seat is easy to spot. You put your carryon into the overhead bin and get comfortable in your seat before pulling out your phone to read your text.

Miss you too, baby. Wish you were here as well. Naked. Underneath me. But I know you’re probably sleeping by now. Get some rest. Luv u 2.

He misses you! Maybe this was a good idea after all.

You sleep for most of the 6 and a half hour flight. It was a night flight after all. You wanted to make sure you were rested since you figured Ransom would want sex as soon as he saw you.

You grab your carryon and head off the plane and into the busy airport. You only had the carryon so you were able to skip baggage claim and head right for the taxis. You quickly flag one down and give him Ransom’s address. Of course he had an apartment here he rented.

You shoot a text to your best friend to let her know you made it safely. You put your phone back in your purse and turn to look out into the beauty that is London. You’d never been before. Hopefully you can talk Ransom into taking you sightseeing.

About 10 minutes later, the taxi pulls up into the front of what looks like an expensive apartment building. You aren’t surprised.

You tip the cabbie and make your way inside, heading for the elevator. Ransom’s apartment was on the top floor. Because of course it was.

You could feel the butterflies rise in your stomach with every floor you went up. You were nervous. A good nervous though. An excited one.

Once you reach the top floor the elevator doors open to reveal a short hallway leading to a single door.

You quickly swallow your nerves and knock.

Looking back at it now, you really shouldn’t have been so surprised.

The door opens and instead of seeing Ransom, a half naked blonde looks back at you.

“Can I help you?”

You’re about to speak when you hear Ransom in the background. “Babe, who is it? If it’s the food, the money is right there on the table. Hurry up and get your ass back to bed.”

You couldn’t help it. You lost it. You yell, “Are you fucking kidding me?”

You hear hastening footsteps on a hardwood floor. “Y/N?” And there he appears next to the woman you’ve named the whore. He’s in a pair of boxer briefs and nothing else. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought I’d surprise you and fly out so we could spend our anniversary together. But I can see you are already celebrating.”

You turn around to leave but he leans forward and grabs your arm. You turn around and tear away from his touch. “Don’t fucking touch me Ransom.”

He has the audacity to look confused. “What the fuck is wrong with you? I thought you came to see me?”

He must have lost his fucking mind. “What the fuck is wrong with me? Hmm, gee Ransom. Maybe it has something to do with the half naked whore in your apartment.”

The whore, who is still standing by the door, goes to open her mouth in what you’re guessing is to defend herself. You hold up a hand to her. “I don’t want to hear a fucking word from you! Did you know he had a girlfriend?” She nods her head. “Then you’re a whore.”

You turn back to Ransom. He crosses his arms over his chest and smirks at you. “I don’t really understand why you’re so upset. It’s not what it looks-“

Before you even know what happens, you smack him hard across the face. “I swear to God if you say this isn’t what it looks like. It looks like you’re cheating on me Ransom.”

He grabs the left side of his face that now has your handprint across it. “Yeah and what exactly are you so upset about? I never said that we were exclusive. You apparently just assumed that yourself. It’s not like I love her or anything. I love you.”

You must be losing it because you can’t help but let out a laugh. Ransom looks confused and afraid. “OH. We weren’t exclusive? I’m sorry, I must have gotten the wrong idea the day you told me you loved me. Or maybe it was the day you took me to meet your parents. Oh! No, wait! It must’ve actually been the day you gave me a key to your house.”

Ransom put his hands on his hips. “What do you expect from me, Y/N? I come from a broken marriage. It’s not like I had the best role models growing up.” He takes a step towards you with a soft look in his eyes. You allow him to tuck a piece of hair behind your ear and cup your face. “I don’t know how relationships work. I’m doing the best that I can. I love you. Isn’t that enough?”

You don’t even think twice about your answer. “No.”

His grip on your face tightens just a little. “I’m sorry, what was that?”

You step away from his hold and start walking backwards toward the elevators. “No, Ransom. It’s not enough. Not anymore. I used to tell myself it was after every stupid fucking fight. Or even that time you shoved me against the wall. But I know now that it’s not enough. Because you don’t really love me. How could you? People who love each other don’t treat them the way you treat me.”

He looks angry now. “I treat you badly? Are you kidding me, Y/N?? I get you roses every fucking week out of the kindness of my heart! I buy you all the clothes and purses and shoes you could want! I always make sure you have an orgasm everytime we fuck! And you’re saying I treat you badly?”

“Yes, Ransom! You treat me like shit! I never asked you for any of those things! All I wanted was to love you and be loved in return! This isn’t love, Ransom! This is toxic.”

He throws his hands up. “Fine! Then I want all the shit back that I bought you! Before I get back!”

You copied his hand movements. “Fine! I wasn’t going to keep them anyways!”

You turn to press the button to take you out of this hell. But then you hear his voice again.

“You’re never going to find better than me. Someone who puts up with your pathetic shit. And all your fucking whining. I mean you weren’t even good enough for me but I felt sorry for you. Could tell the fat girl sitting at the bar got stood up that night. Figured I’d be nice and take you home. But then you fucked good enough that I wanted more. I never agreed to a relationship. This isn’t my fault.”

The doors to the elevator finally open. You press the button for the lobby before you turn to face him. A tear escapes your eye as you look at him one last time. “You’re right, Ransom. How dare I assume I was good enough for you.”

With that the elevator doors close.

🎼If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s you should watch yourself

If it’s hurting you, then leave and go and get some help🎼

You wake up with a jolt. Your heart is beating so fast. It’s been a long time since you’ve dreamt about Ransom. You sit up and put your hand to your chest and take some deep breaths to calm down.

You must’ve woken up your husband. “Honey? Are you alright?” He sits up and starts rubbing your back.

“Yeah, just a nightmare. I’ll be okay.”

He nods and pulls you to lay back down with him, hand still rubbing your back. “What was your nightmare about?”

You were a little embarrassed to tell your husband. Especially since it’s been 4 years since you last saw Ransom.

He can tell you’re hesitant. “You don’t have to tell me, honey. Just thought I might be able to help.”

You shake your head and look up at him. “It was about Ransom.”

He furrows his brows. “Your piece of shit ex?”

You nod. “That’d be the one.”

“What made you dream about him? Did you see him recently or something?”

You shook your head again. “No. I haven’t seen him since that last day in London.”

He leans down and presses a sweet kiss to your forehead. “Still can’t believe all the shit he put you through. Want me to kick his ass for you, honey?”

You giggle and tilt your head back so your lips could meet his. “No, I don’t think that will be necessary.”

He pulls away and looks down at you seriously again. “You know if you need to start talking to Dr. Boardman again, I'm sure he’d take you back.”

You settle your head against his chest and squeeze him as tight as you can with your left arm. “That’s okay. I don’t need therapy anymore. Really. I’m in such a better place.” You look back up at him. “And a large part is because of you.”

His ears turn red. “I didn’t do anything, honey. You healed all by yourself.”

“That’s not entirely true. You showed me what real love is like. You showed me that I did deserve more. That I am enough.”

He pulls you up so that he can press a searing kiss to your lips. After a few seconds he pulls away and makes you look at him. “You will ALWAYS be enough for me. And you deserve the world, honey. NEVER doubt that. And loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

You can’t help the stupid smile that stretches across your face. You lean down to press another quick kiss to his lips before resuming your position with your head on his chest. “I love you, my adorably goofy husband.”

You feel him squeeze you for a minute. “I love you too, Mrs Barber.”

Taglist: @drabblewithfrannybarnes @harrysthiccthighss @patzammit @bluemusickid​ @wanderinglunarlights

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Unexpected 48

Warnings: non/dubcon, pregnancy, pegging, Lloyd being the worst, post partum, csection, suicidial ideation, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

You calm the baby as your own tears dry up. She doesn’t deserve misery even if you’re cursed with it. Maybe that’s what you should try, to save her from the same. If you can.

You get her to sleep at last and fall back onto the bed, weak with cheeks like crepe paper from crying. You stare at the ceiling as the window darkens as the night approaches. You knew deep down Lloyd wouldn’t be gone forever but that eventuality could never prepare you for his return.

Your eyes drift closed as you lay sideways on the mattress, too lazy to drag yourself up to the pillows. How pathetic are you. Feeling sorry for yourself because the obvious happened. Because that scum ran off like the cowardly dog he is. You knew from the moment you met him who he was so you can't pretend to be surprised.

There’s a tap on the door. You tense but your sense keeps you from panicking. It’s too gentle to be that jackass. You know he doesn’t have much in that thick skull of his but you hope he knows better than to try anything tonight.

“Sweetheart,” Harlan’s voice seeps through the door like molasses, “if you’re asleep, don’t worry, I just wanted to check in.”

You swallow and sit up. You prefer him to his wife or son. There’s a twinge in your chest as you realise you missed him. Of anyone, he’s been your only true companion. Not some erstwhile comfort or momentary escape.

You get up and open the door. The tall man stoops just below the lintel, his thick white facial hair catching your attention. Everything happened so fast, you hadn’t noticed it. His usually clean shaven face is slightly haggard with his exhaustion.

“Hey,” you greet him in a half-whisper, the quiet of the house makes even that seem loud, “wanna come in?”

“Sure,” he accepts and ducks inside as you hold the door. You shut it behind him as he smooths his grown out locks and peers around with a bashful posture. 

You come around him and stop by the bassinet, looking in at the dozing infant. You put your hand on the canopy and lift your chin, “you wanna see her?”

He hesitates, reaching to rub his neck, “I came to see to you first,” he intones, “I can’t imagine it’s been easy.”

“Me?” You scoff, “you don’t have to lie. You can hold her, she’ll just fall back asleep,” you move to reach into the bassinet and he nears, putting his hand out but not touching you.

“No, I mean it, I’m not gonna ask how you are ‘cause I know. But you’re my daughter and I wasn’t out there for just that bastard. I didn’t run halfway across the god– across the world for that moron,” he sniffs, “come on, let her sleep.” He pauses and glances down, lips curling slightly at the sight of his granddaughter, “she’s even more beautiful than I recall.”

He waves you away from her and you sit on the edge of the bed. You sit in silence as you watch his lingering gaze on the baby. Maybe, if he can look at her with that much love…

“You got questions, I’ll answer them,” he moves away from the bassinet as he sits beside you, “and if you don’t wanna talk about him, fair enough.”

You nod and look at the floor. You don’t know what you want. It doesn't really matter where he was. It matters that he left and that he stayed away. He confirmed every doubt you carried for nine months.

“Not about him,” you shake your head, feeling the sting return to the brim of your eyes, “but… did you mean it?”

“Did I mean what?”

“You called me your daughter,” you look at him meekly, “is that really what you believe?”

“'Course,” he snorts, “Dottie may’ve never given me a girl but the world did and they did a good job.”

Your cheek pinch and you fight back tears, “I don’t think you’d want me to be your daughter if you knew.”

“If I knew what?” He watches you, no judgment, no expectation. If you don’t tell him, you know he won’t ask again.

You hang your head and cross your arms. You close your eyes as you pick out the words, “I… found someone else. Just… just to waste the time. I wasn’t going to wait any longer for him.”

He hums and takes a long breath, “well, I know now and I don’t feel any different.”

You clamp your lips together and you glance at the bassinet. You hear the baby babble. You shudder and let your hands fall into your lap.

“There’s something else.”

“There is.”

You sniff and cover your face. You don’t know if you can say it out loud. It keeps you awake at night, it eats you alive, and it wakes you every day with a wail.

“The baby…” you slide your hands away from your face, “I’m trying… so hard.”

“She’s healthy, you’re doing good, sweetheart,” he says.

“No, no, you don’t–” you nearly choke as a lump rises to your throat, “I can’t love her. I try and I try and I can’t. I can’t even say her name.”

He nods and chews on your confession. You won’t look at him. You can’t face his disappointment. You can’t bear to see in him the same hatred you feel for yourself.

He startles you as he reaches over and puts his large hand over yours. He pulls it away from your lap and sidles closer on the bed. He holds your hand tight and leans his arm against yours.

“The only thing that upsets me about that is you lying,” he says, “because if you didn’t love that little girl, you wouldn’t be so worried about not.”

Your lip temples as you stare at the wall. No, he doesn’t understand. He can’t.

“I don’t… I can’t feel it–”

“You’ve been surviving and you done that for her as much as yourself,” he lets go of your hand and lifts his arm up onto your shoulders, “you ain’t got the chance to feel. Now you do, sweetheart.” He draws you into an embrace, “you don’t gotta take care of no one but you. I’ll deal with that brat I raised.”

You sniffle as your tears well over. You can’t stymie the flow once it starts. Harlan rests his chin lightly on your head as you curl into his shoulder and sob quietly, clinging to the front of his shirt. As your knuckles press against his ribs, he winces and lets out a wheeze.

You flinch but he doesn’t let you go, keeping you close.

“Harlan,” you croak, “you’re hurt?”

“I’m just fine,” he assures you as he rubs your back, “let me tell you, I dealt Marion a worse blow.”

You laugh through your tears at the thought of it, “did you really?”

“A nice one square in the chops just for you,” he avows, “another across his big dumb nose for baby Luna, too.” 

Your lips tug at the image playing in your head and the snipe about Lloyd’s nose, the most defining feature he shares with his father. You don’t know if Harlan meant to be funny but you it eases the weight in your chest. You gently pull away and look up at your father.

“Will you hold Luna?” You ask as you wipe your nose with the back of your hand, “she’s missed you so much.”

[ilovefandoms102]

Mine

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x Plus Size Reader

Summary: Ransom gets what he wants no matter what…

Note: thank you to @halsmultibitch​ for reading this for me and I hope you guys like this!🥰🥰🥰 I’m so into dark fics now🤭

Click here to be added to my taglist!

Please read the warnings I am not held responsible for your media consumption.

Part 2

Warnings🛑: heavy smut(dubcon/noncon aspects, dom/sub aspects, oral(fem receiving), unprotected vaginal sex, spanking, slight breeding kink)

=====================================

You had known the Thrombey/Drysdale family since you were a baby, your families were extremely close. You had gone to school with the infamous Ransom Drysdale, resident asshole and ladies man…

You hated to admit the slight crush you had on him growing up, not one of your finest moments. There was a period of time when you both were in high school and you two were actually somewhat friends…that was until he made fun of you for your weight in front of his friends.

While you were humiliated, you couldn’t lie about the heat that rushed through you and dampened your undies. You were glad to get away from him after senior year, you moved hours away to go to college and didn’t plan on coming back. Then your grandmother got sick, so you were back in this stupid town.

Your family was forcing you to go to dinner with them over to the Thrombey/Drysdale residence, and you felt nauseous. You spotted Ransom’s sports car, a rush of fear and desire tingling down your spine. You weren’t ready to face him again.

The devil himself stared as you walked past him to greet his mother, not so subtly ogling your ass in the short dress you were wearing. He bit down on his plump bottom lip, itching to know what was underneath your little number. Ransom had never stopped thinking about you after you left for college, and seeing you in person was like a dream come true. You were his, and he would have you no matter what.

Dinner went by with ease, the conversation was kept light and you only had to answer a few questions. Ransom of course had to sit right across from you, having a very nice view of your tits. He stared at you with eyes that made you shiver, the want and desire flowing from his body made your cheeks flush.

“So where will you be staying while you’re in town y/n?” Linda asked, snapping you from your stare down with Ransom.

“Oh, I have to get a hotel, mom and dad moved to a smaller house after I left.” you replied, noticing the slight smirk that adorned his perfect lips.

“Nonsense, you’ll stay here.” Linda smiled.

“Oh n-no I couldn’t intrude like that.” you stuttered, the idea of being in the same house as Ransom terrified and turned you on.

“No bother y/n, you’re always welcome here. I’ll have you a room ready.” Harlan spoke up, and you knew you were trapped now.

=====================================

Surprisingly, Ransom offered to help you take your bags to the room you’d be staying in, meaning you’d have to be alone with him. Once out of his family’s eye, he wasn’t shy about what he wanted. While you two were walking up the stairs, you felt something squeeze your ass. You yelped, looking behind you to a smiling Ransom.

“What’s wrong baby?” he teased, trailing his fingers up your inner thigh.

You scrambled up the stairs away from him, trying to not let your expression betray your real feelings.

“Stop that!” you hissed, swatting his hand away.

“I know you like it, you’ve had your eyes on me since you got here beautiful.” he grinned, taking more steps towards you.

“N-No! Stop it Ransom!” you demanded, but of course he didn’t listen.

He backed you against the wall next to your room, towering over you. He smiles maliciously, loving how you acted like you were afraid of him. Ransom leaned down, bumping his nose to yours.

“We’re gonna have so much fun baby, just you wait.” he chuckled, and you’d be lying if you said that didn’t stir something inside of you.

=====================================

Ransom kept an ear out for your movements, waiting for the perfect opportunity. He would have you, even if you didn’t want it, but he knew better. He didn’t miss the way your thighs clenched together as you stared at him, but he could neither deny the way his cock ached for you.

He belonged to you, and you belonged to him. It was around midnight, the house was very quiet since everyone had gone to bed. Ransom snuck into your room, only the thin sheet covering you. He cursed when he saw you only wore a poor excuse for panties and a large shirt, palming his dick to relieve the tension he’d felt. Ransom climbed up on the bed, admiring your sleeping form.

You slept on your stomach, which was a perfect opportunity for Ransom to make his move. He carefully peeled off your panties, the sight of your pussy made his dick twitch. He slowly adjusted your legs, and buried his face in your sweetness. You shifted a bit, leaking even more into his mouth. Ransom quickly became obsessed with how you taste, a sweet nectar he wanted to taste forever. He held your thick thighs in a bruising grip, excited to see his mark that it would bring in the morning.

“Ransom,” you moaned, and his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

You moaned for him in your sleep, he felt like he hit the jackpot. Ransom ate you with even more fervor, his goal to have you dripping all over his face. You whimpered in your sleep, wiggling your hips back into his face.

Ransom snuck his fingers under you and rubbed your clit, the harsh circles making your legs shake. He grinned in triumph when you came on his tongue, the whines and mewls you let out was music to his ears. Ransom kept at you through your orgasm, not leaving a single drop.

He sat up quickly, removing his boxers and shoving himself inside of you. That’s what woke you up, your eyes widening as you felt his weight. Ransom covered your mouth when you opened it to scream, grinning at your terrified eyes.

“R-Ransom!” you cried, his huge cock ripping away at your insides.

You felt so ashamed to admit you were on cloud nine, never had you felt so good. No guy had ever felt as deep as Ransom, he was hitting spots you’d never known you had.

“You love it baby, you fucking moaned my name in your sleep. I knew you’d always wanted me, fucking followed me around like a lost puppy in school.” he taunted, a deep blush covering your cheeks.

“S-Stop, fuck Ransom.” you whined, falling face first into the sheets.

“Shut up and take your fucking sweetheart.” Ransom growled, hammering his hips harder into you.

“No!” you shouted, squealing when Ransom smacked your ass hard.

He took a fist full of your hair and yanked, your neck craning back painfully.

“You are mine and I will take what belongs to me.” Ransom hissed, forcing your mouth open so he could spit on your tongue. You gasped at the action, so erotic and hot it made you shiver.

“Oh you liked that baby,” he chuckled.

“No,” you whispered, but your body betrayed you.

Ransom kept at you with an insanely rapid pace, you had no doubts you‘d cum again in no time. You squeaked when Ransom reached under you, harshly rubbing your clit again.

“Ran-no-no.” you panted.

“Yes babygirl, you owe me what’s mine.” he growled.

A smack to your clit had you convulsing in his hold, your orgasm crashing down as Ransom kept at you. You felt it coming, and couldn’t stop, Ransom kept rubbing you, and you squirted all over his hand and the sheets. The bastard laughed as he kept rubbing your clit, watching you convulse as your pussy clenched around him.

“Fuck baby, I’m gonna fill MY pussy.” he grunted, slamming his hips a few more times before he came deep inside of you.

You collapsed onto bed, jolting when Ransom laid another smack to your ass. He climbed up your body, laying a sloppy kiss to your lips. You couldn’t help but to pull him closer, whimpering pathetically when he pulled away.

“Oh we’re not done yet baby.” Ransom smiled wickedly, smashing his lips to yours as you mentally prepared for what the night holds.

=====================================

[secretswiftymarvelfan]

I was just thinking some fluffy moments between Steve or Ransom and the reader maybe while it's raining/snowing? idk

Love everything you write ❤️ Just fell people deserve more fluffy Ransom

Everyone deserves some fluffy ransom!

Warnings: contains language because its ransom!

Ransom was in a terrible mood

His mood pretty much reflected the current weather

Loud and heavy thunderstorms.

As soon as he looked out the window and saw the weather he was pissed.

Stomping around the house like a stroppy toddler.

You had tried to ignore him, you loved rainy days, afterall.

Sitting by the fire, with a hot drink and a good book, maybe a couple candles lit to make it even cosier.

But after yet another huff of frustration from Ranson you’d had enough.

“Hugh, stop huffing and puffing like a stroppy teen” you snap, slamming your book shut.

Ransom looks over at you with wide eyes for a split second before they narrow, a scowl forming on his forehead.

“Did you just call me Hugh?” He states.

“Yes” you answer simply not wavering at his cold stare.

“You know how much I hate that” he grits.

“Stop acting like a brat then” you shrug opening your book back up.

“I’m not acting like a brat” Ransom grumbles crossing his arms over his chest, doing a perfect example of a brat throwing a tantrum.

“Have you looked in the mirror?” You comment glancing at him.

He looks down at himself before uncrossing his arms, trying to find a different position for them until he huffed with annoyance going back to crossing them across his chest.

“You’re pissed that you can’t go to the country club and do what you want so your throwing a tantrum” you point out keeping your sights on your book.

“That’s not why I’m pissed” He grumbles with a small pout.

“Okay please enlighten me” you sigh looking back over at him.

“I was just looking forward to a day off that’s all, since I’ve started working for Harlan all I’m doing is working or being at home, I was just looking forward to seeing some friends again, even if they are assholes” Ransom sighs fiddling with his fingers looking down at his lap.

You sighed putting your book down before shuffling over on the couch towards him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

“welcome to the life of a working adult, its sucks” you tell him making him chuckle slightly.

“It really does” he sighs looking over at you.

“But look you’ll have more days off and and you’ll be able to spend time with your asshole friends then, and today just spend it relaxing, I can make you a hot drink, we can sit in front of the fire, watch a movie, whatever you want to do” you tell him hand running up and down his back.

A smile grows on his face “thank you kitten”

“It nothing, anything to stop you from a full on toddler meltdown” you smirk earning a roll of the eyes from him.

Send me your thots and I might just write a headcanon/drabble!

[idy-ll-ique]

book-signing

pairing: author!ransom drysdale x f!reader

genre: fluff

warnings: none

requested: nope

word count: ~2.8k

summary: from meeting at harlan thrombey's book signing event to going to ransom's own event as a couple...

author's note: hiya peeps! enjoy!

masterlist

---

"Your pass, please?"

*beep*

"Thank you."

Quickly grabbing her pass, Y/N shuffled into the room, looking around. Where is it, where is it…? Aha! From afar, she saw the table that read Harlan Thrombey and walked towards it, stopping in her tracks when she saw no one there. Hm? She possibly couldn't be the only person there, lots of people were big fans of Harlan Thrombey's books. Clueless, she stood there, blinking at the stand.

"May I help you?" She whirled around to see a man with golden-brown hair staring at her, an eyebrow raised. He wore a grey sweater and jeans, showing off his well-built arms as he crossed them over his chest. "Is this not where Harlan Thrombey's book-signing is held?" she asked him, rubbing the back of her neck. A smirk bloomed on the man's face, his arms falling to his side.

"You missed it by 15 minutes, darling, he just went home." Y/N groaned and stomped her foot, covering her face with her hands. "Ugh, no! My mom's gonna be so disappointed, she wanted a copy of his book signed…" The man continued staring at her, his head cocked to the side. "How about you give the book to me, and I'll give you a signed copy tomorrow, same time, same place?" Y/N's jaw dropped.

"You'll do that for me?" A warm smile bloomed on the stranger's face. "Yes, yes, of course. I'm close to him, I'm sure he won't mind signing another copy." Y/N hurriedly took out the book, handing it to him with a huge smile on her face. "You're a lifesaver, thank you so much!" The man waved her off in dismissal. "It'll be my pleasure." Y/N waved at him, leaving the place to do her other chores of the day.

The stranger, whose name was actually Hugh Ransom Drysdale, stared after her. The moment he'd seen her walk into the room, he knew what she wanted. But then he took a good look at her; there was something about her that made him want to help her at once. Whistling, he walked out of the room as well, looking at the worn out book in his hand.

It seemed that her mother was a huge fan of his grandpa's works. To be honest, most of the country adored his works, so… Ransom got into his BMW, driving to the Thrombey mansion. It's not like he had anything else to do. Upon arriving, he instantly entered the place, ignoring the screaming and shouting coming from the living room. He headed upstairs, to his grandpa's room.

Knocking once on the door, he poked his head into the room, seeing him and his little nurse playing a game of checkers. "Ransom, come in boy, what happened?" Harlan smiled sweetly at his grandson. "Spare another signature for me? Pretty please?" He walked in, handing Harlan the book. "Oh, sure, sure, do you know who I'm writing for? Any messages?" Ransom shook his head.

"Five minutes after you left this girl came in asking about the book-signing. She wanted a copy signed for her mother." Harlan rolled his eyes. "And did you ask for a name or anything?" Ransom's cheeks went pink. "I, uh, I did not," he muttered, glaring at Marta when she stifled a laugh. Harlan simply shook his head, opening the first page of the book to sign it. He handed the book back to Ransom.

"There you go." Ransom nodded. "Thanks grandpa!" With that, he left the room, laughing loudly as he passed by the living room because just then, his younger cousin Jacob yelled the words you fucking cunts. "You too, Ransom!" Jacob shouted after him but Ransom was long gone by then, sitting in his car as he drove to his own house.

At Y/N's place, her mother looked up when she entered. "Did you get my copy signed?" she asked excitedly and Y/N sighed. "I missed the convention by 15 minutes. But this guy there, he said he was close to Harlan Thrombey so he offered to bring back the signed copy tomorrow. I'll go get it then." Y/N's mother rolled her eyes. "Damn. Oh well, let's just hope the guy didn't con you and that he actually brings the copy back tomorrow."

Y/N hoped the same thing.

---

"Where the fuck is he? Was ma right?" Y/N muttered to herself, checking her watch. She was back at the bookstore, standing alone in the room as she waited for Ransom to give her her book. It had been 30 minutes, he still wasn't here. "Hey, hey lady! Sorry I'm late!" Sighing in relief, she whirled around and saw him walking towards her, waving her book in the air. This time, he wore sweatpants and a white cable-knit sweater.

"Thank you so much for this, really, I owe you, Mr…?" she trailed off, checking the front page of the book. "Authentic signature," he confirmed, "And I'm Ransom Drysdale." She gave him a smile. "Good to know, Mr Drysdale. I'm Y/N Y/L/N." Of course, a beautiful woman deserves an equally beautiful name. "That's a cool name," he told her, "And you said you owe me?"

"Yeah, I mean…" She shrugged. "Okay then, can I ask you something?" She nodded. "Will you go on a date with me?" Her eyes widened. To be honest, it didn't seem like such a bad idea, he was nice, he was helpful, good looking too… "Yeah sure, I'd love to, wait." She took out her phone. "Does that pretty face have a pretty number to go with it?" she joked and Ransom grinned at her. "It sure does."

After exchanging numbers, both of them walked out of the place. "How did you get the signature so quickly, may I ask?" she blinked, looking at him. He raised both his eyebrows in shock, running a hand through his hair. "I'm Harlan Thrombey's grandson, my mother is his daughter." Y/N couldn't help but gasp. "Really? Oh my God! I'm so glad I bumped into you yesterday," she giggled.

"I'm surprised you didn't know, literally every single person in town knows the Thrombey clan," he chuckled. "Oh, I'm not from here, actually; I mean I am but— I moved out a couple years ago. Have no idea who's famous here and who's not," Y/N shrugged. They stopped next to Ransom's car. "Want me to drop you home?" He nodded his head towards his beemer. "Nah, it's fine, I brought my own car. I'll see you later, Ransom."

And he froze when she leaned on her tiptoes, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before turning to her own car. His hand reached up to cup his cheek, watching in awe as she drove away.

---

"Ransom, hi!" He looked up from his phone, his jaw going slack when he saw Y/N walking towards him, dressed in an elegant black dress that reached her ankles. "You look wonderful," he smiled at her, giving her a kiss on the cheek like she had. When her cheeks flushed, Ransom smirked at her. "Just returning the favor." He laughed as she smacked his arm. The two of them entered the restaurant.

Most of the people there looked up, their eyes going wide when they saw Ransom. He was on a proper date with someone?! Impossible! But it was true, it was a proper date. He didn't want Y/N to end up like his previous girlfriends, he actually enjoyed her company, even if they'd only talked for a total of 15 minutes before planning a date. He could see something with her.

You know, sitting on rocking chairs on the front porch and that kind of corny shit. Ransom was thinking about it the night before. He couldn't get her out of his mind; she was just so captivating. Both of them took their seats, smiling at each other. "Order anything you like, it's on me." And the smile she returned was enough to melt his heart.

They gave their orders to the waiter who came by and looked at one another. "So, your mother is a big fan of my grandpa's works, I presume." Y/N nodded. "Yup, she owns a copy of every book he's ever written. Do you write as well?" Ransom laughed, shaking his head. "I've tried in the past, haven't written anything worth reading." Y/N crooned. "Aw come on, your grandpa is the Harlan Thrombey! It can't be that bad."

"Well I've only written short stories so far, I still have some copies on my laptop if you wanna read them." Y/N nodded excitedly. "I do, definitely." Like Ransom, even Y/N hadn't stopped thinking about him. Blissfully ignorant of his relationship habits and love life, for her, he was the sweetest man she'd ever gone out with. He seemed like someone who'd treat her right.

Soon, their food arrived and they dug right in.

---

"Welcome to my humble abode." Y/N snorted, walking into Ransom's house. The two were meeting up for their second date, which was held at Ransom's place. Today, he was going to show her the stories he'd promised he would. "Humble? Seriously?" Ransom rubbed the back of his neck, blushing. "Not really that humble, I suppose. Is it bad to have a taste for the finer things in life?"

"Of course not," Y/N smiled, sitting down on the couch. "Do you want to have anything? Tea or juice or water?" Y/N regarded him with a smirk. "Tea? I always took you as more of a coffee guy but sure, tea works well." Ransom gave her another grin and went to the kitchen to prepare the two cups of tea. Every moment he spent with her, he was just getting more and more infatuated.

Y/N was the kind of woman who could make anyone fall for her. He was pretty damn sure that little kids adored her, old people were fond of her and others her age found her to be as amazing as he did. Because let's be real, how could you not love a person like Y/N? After the two cups of tea were prepared, he carried them outside and placed them on the teapoy in front of Y/N.

"Oh, is this Masala Tea?" Y/N hummed upon taking a sip. "Heh, yeah, I just love the flavour," he chuckled, sitting down next to her. "India is a very flavourful country," she grinned before turning to look at him. "Come on, man, bring your laptop here! I'm very eager to read whatever you've written!" To be honest, the tea was still very hot… Ransom quickly went upstairs to bring his laptop.

Upon returning he sat back next to her, trying not to get too flustered as Y/N shifted closer to him, her elbow resting on his shoulder as she peered into the laptop. Her cup of tea was empty, he noticed, and took a sip from his own cup. "There you go." He clicked on a document and handed the laptop to Y/N. She moved away from him, which made Ransom slightly upset. Now leaning back against the backrest with the laptop on her lap, she began reading.

Ransom's eyes never once strayed from her face, slowly drinking his tea as he took note of all the expressions that crossed Y/N's face. He wasn't into murder mysteries like his grandfather was; he was more into Action and Fantasy, with a hint of Romance. Yeah yeah, Ransom was a sap, big deal.

"Ransom, this was so good!" The draft was around 12k words long, yet she finished reading it in under 15 minutes. How?! "Really? Did you really like it?" he asked hopefully, a smile blooming on his face. "Of course I did, oh my God! You're a natural, why didn't you publish this before? You definitely have potential to write your own book, I swear." Ransom had never felt this giddy with happiness.

"Thank you very much, it really means a lot," he mumbled bashfully as he took the laptop back. "Got anything else I can read? Pretty please?" Her pout was even cuter than her tone. "Wait, hold on." He opened a folder which contained a few other documents. "I showed you the fourth one from this list," he began, "The rest of them are my works too. Here you go." She took the laptop from his arms, nodding.

They spent the entire afternoon at his place; Y/N was sitting on the couch, going through his stories while Ransom sat next to her, his head resting on her shoulder as he went through social media on his phone. One of her hands was resting on the laptop, while the other was wrapped around his shoulders, her palm resting on his chest. Ransom was the most relaxed he'd ever been.

"Aw, man, I'm upset there aren't any more stories you've written," Y/N pouted after hours of reading, "Because I really, really, really loved all of them! I hope you write more, Ran, you're really good at it." She gave him a little squeeze, nuzzling her face into his hair. Ransom smiled and sat up, giving her a tight hug. "I'll write, I promise. It's not like I don't get ideas, you know. For you. For you, I'll definitely write."

Y/N hugged back, burying her face in his shoulder. She didn't wanna leave but alas, she couldn't stay longer. "I have to go." Even Ransom pouted at that. "Fine, let me at least drop you off."

---

"Ransom! Fucking— Ransom! Get your ass up!" Ransom groaned upon hearing his girlfriend screaming at him from downstairs. It had been almost 2 years since they'd started dating, and Y/N had now moved in with him, permanently settled back in her hometown. She worked at a small library, and couldn't love her job more. "Y/N," he whined childishly.

She walked up the stairs and threw open the door, pulling the blankets off of him. "Your book signing starts in 2 hours, we have to be there 30 minutes early which means, you need to get up now," she chided him, crossing her arms. He made grabby hands at her and she rolled her eyes before sitting next to him, running her fingers through his hair. He picked his head off his pillow and rested it on Y/N's lap, burying his face in her thighs.

"I can get ready in 5 minutes, let me sleep," he murmured. "No, Ransom, this time you need to take a little longer. Wash yourself thoroughly, comb your hair neatly and for the love of God, take at least 15 minute long showers." He realized Y/N wasn't gonna let him sleep anyway, so he sat up, now pulling her on his lap. "Good morning, beautiful," he smiled sleepily, cupping her face.

She gave in and smiled, pressing her forehead to his. "Good morning, baby boy. Now come on, chop chop." She gave him a quick kiss and got up, heading downstairs again. Ransom got out of bed as well, heading to the bathroom of the master suite.

He did as Y/N told him, taking a 15 minute long shower where he washed every inch of his body with soap, shampooing and conditioning his hair properly before getting out. He dried off, put on his most comfortable pair of jeans and a white sweater, combing his hair using a hair dryer and a hair brush before checking himself in the mirror. Squeaky clean.

He walked downstairs, greeting Y/N with a sweet kiss on her cheek as he sat next to her on the couch. "Look at you, my handsome boy!" she grinned, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "All for you, my darling." He brought her hand to his lips, pressing kisses to each fingertip. "Hm, now let me go get ready." Ransom waited for 45 minutes before she walked back downstairs, and the breath escaped his lungs when he saw her.

She was dressed in a knee-length white dress that had a black collar and black buttons; she matched well with his white sweater and black jeans. Her hair was done neatly, a butterfly clip attached to it. She looked like every man's fantasy, and he was super glad he was the one who had her. Dramatically, he got on one knee in front of her, taking her hands.

"Y/N Y/L/N, will you make me the happiest man alive—"

She burst into a fit of giggles, pulling him up before giving him a hug. "Ransom, you can ask me that later, now we have to leave!" He laughed along, pressing a quick kiss to her temple before they left their house, getting into his car to go to the same venue where his grandfather's book-signing was held 2 years ago.

And oh, believe me, he was definitely planning on asking her later.

---

a/n: thanks for reading, leave a like if you enjoyed!

[paperpocalypse]

white rabbit.

50 Wordless Ways to Say “I Love You”: 2. Tucking the sheets around them when they stir during the night.

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 1,874 words

Warnings: Swearing, panic attack

His idiot siblings are going to give him a goddamn aneurysm.

The hum of the Commission briefcase – which is now in 2019 without a single person attached to it – rings in Five’s ears, mocking. He resists the urge to scream and tear all of his hair out. All that work – wasted!

“Now what?” Luther asks as Five paces up and down the alley.

What do you think, you doorknob? “Now nothing, Luther, all right? Make your peace with God.”

“What? What about Allison and Vanya?”

“Screw them both. They should have been here.” Five’s irritated pacing turns into a run, and he furiously kicks a cardboard box. God, the alley smells like vomit and shit. Everything is shit! “Ugh!”

“What about Diego?” Klaus slurs out his two cents from his place on the ground. Useless puke bag. “He's quite a responsible young man, no?”

“Something must’ve happened to them,” says Luther.

Fuck that. Wherever they are, they’ll be dead soon enough. Does nobody understand that? Dead! Dead! Dead!

“Screw Diego, all right? Screw everybody!” Five seethes. “[Y/n] and I were better off in the apocalypse.”

He turns on his heel, trying to suppress the rising panic in his bones. Something catches his arm.

Your brow is furrowed when he meets your gaze, mouth set in a thin, worried line. “Five,” you murmur, voice soft.

A tiny sting of regret worms its way into his chest at your expression. But then he thinks of the briefcase, and the Handler, and he quickly looks away.

“Five!” Luther admonishes, casting you a concerned glance. “Come on.”

His brother’s tone grates on the last of Five’s nerves. Gritting his teeth, he advances on the large man. Your hand slips away.

“You know what, Luther? It's every sibling for himself now.” Five throws his arms out in a grand gesture, then makes his way over to the door. “How ’bout that?”

Yanking the door open, he storms into the building.

Five tries to think as he stomps up staircase after staircase, but he can’t hold onto a thought for more than a few seconds before it disappears into a muddle of static. Concentrate. He just needs to get to the flat and think of a new plan, yeah, again, and try to save the world for the millionth fucking time – he stumbles over a step and then rights himself, legs numb. His chest feels tight. Come on. Keep moving. Think, think! God!

You’re calling his name. He doesn’t answer.

There is another way. A Hail Mary. But what if they waste that last chance too?

He swears underneath his breath, heart pounding. Blood roars in his ears. He tightens his grip on the railing and tries to even out his breathing.

Shit. Now is not the time. He needs to get out of this stairwell. Everything is so cramped and it’s not helping at all –

“… Five.”

You’re behind him, and then you’re in front of him, and Five meets a blurry set of eyes for the second time. Breathe. Breathe.

“Do you want to go back outside?” you ask softly.

No more stairs. “Flat,” he manages to reply, gesturing messily at the door a few feet away. Just somewhere with some space. In. Out.

You nod.

Several minutes later, he’s sitting on the bed in the room that Elliott had given him, blazer folded over the footboard, face damp with sweat and tucked into the crook of your neck as he completely breaks down.

Your hands treat him gently, rubbing circles into his back and wiping his face. He grips your shirt until his knuckles are white.

“You can get through this,” you say to him. “Just breathe with me, okay?”

Five tries. He really does. A shudder wracks his body. You inhale. He inhales. Exhale. Exhale.

“Good job.”

Something wet runs down his cheek. Fuck.

Both relief and shame fill him when you dry his cheek with your sleeve.

It’s absolute shit, however long it lasts – Five doesn’t know how long. Too long. But you’re there the whole time, holding him like you’ve done before, and it helps even though he’s too embarrassed to admit as much. You help a lot.

As the hammering in his chest finally slows to dull thuds, he takes in another deep, slow breath, and loosens his grip.

“I’ll get you some water?” you ask. He moves his head in some semblance of a nod. “Okay. I’ll be right back.”

Carefully, you detach yourself from him; the mattress creaks as you stand up and leave. Five swallows, staring down at his hands. The air feels slightly chilly on the side of his face that had been pressed against you, and he uses the comforter to quickly scrub away the dampness. His eyes ache.

You return soon enough with a glass of cold water. He sips slowly at first, then gulps the rest of it down. You put the empty glass onto the nightstand and brush his hair away from his eyes.

“You need to rest.”

The word brings a brief wave of longing. Then stress follows soon after, and Five steels himself. “I need to come up with another plan,” he mutters.

Even though he’s not looking at you, he feels the sudden burn of your gaze as you put your hands on his shoulders. “After you rest.”

“The apocalypse –”

“Is still a few days from now.” Your words take on a honeyed, coaxing tone. “There’s not much else we can do today, so sleep. Please. I’ll take care of things while you’re away.”

You press down, and despite his previous protest, Five doesn’t resist.

“… Thanks,” he vaguely hears himself mumble.

When his head touches the pillow, it feels as if all his muscles give way. His eyelids immediately feel heavy.

The last thing he’s aware of is you taking off his shoes.

—

Five is thoroughly conked out by the time you pull the blankets over him, and after giving his forehead a tender peck, you tiptoe out of the bedroom and shut the door with a quiet sigh.

Now on to business.

The rest of the Hargreeves siblings, as well as Sissy and Harlan Cooper, sit up slightly as you stride into the living room. You make a point of looking at each one of them individually, cross your arms, and then speak.

“I believe explanations are in order.”

Diego is the one who speaks first. “I ran into Lila,” he says, maintaining eye contact with you. “She tried to drag me to the Commission while I was burying Elliott.”

“I see,” is all you say. “Allison?”

“Some men came in and attacked Ray and me at the house,” she explained. “Otherwise, I would have been on time.”

“Did you kill them?”

“I made them leave.”

“All right. Vanya?”

“Carl called the police to stop us on the way here. I had to deal with them.”

Sissy and Harlan are not supposed to be here. Based on the hard look Vanya is giving you, she knows that. You close your eyes and breathe out softly.

“All right. Well, I can’t change the past, and the briefcase is already lost, so I’m not going to shout about how everything should’ve gone,” you eventually tell them, eyebrows drawn. “I just want to talk to you about Five.”

“What's wrong with him?” Diego asks.

Klaus answers for you. “He’s pissed.”

Luther agrees solemnly. You frown.

“He’s stressed. Yes, he’s angry, but he’s mostly stressed and worried sick.” You uncross your arms. “Do you know what he did to get that briefcase?”

The siblings blink at you.

“He assassinated the board of directors,” you say. “I know you don’t know much about the Commission, but what he did was a big deal and very dangerous. And he did it for you. He does everything for you, because you’re his family, and he cares about you.”

“He has a hard time showing us,” Diego mutters.

“And you guys seem to have a hard time showing him,” you return. “It just … it feels like you see the apocalypse as Five’s problem. And maybe mine as well, but not yours. I understand that you’ve had to adapt and make a life here, but none of you except for Sissy and Harlan belong in this time. Whatever we’ll have to do from now on will require all of us to stay together. We can’t risk another doomsday.”

“Doomsday?” Sissy speaks up, alarmed. “What’s this about a doomsday?”

Vanya shifts. “It’s …” She touches Sissy’s hand gently. “It’s kind of a long story. I’ll tell you later, okay? You and Harlan don’t have to worry about it. We’ll fix it.”

“We will,” you confirm, nodding at the pair. “As long as everyone does what they’re supposed to.”

Luther looks at you curiously. “Why are you telling us all of this and not Five?”

Why, indeed. Glancing back in the direction of the bedroom, you think of Five tucked away in bed for the first time since he landed in Dallas. Hopefully, he hasn’t snuck out. You’ll have to check on him soon.

“He’d be too stubborn to admit it. It took me a long time to find out how much he sacrificed to help me in the apocalypse. And the Commission.” You smile frankly. “What’s more, he’s resting now. It’s been a long two weeks.”

“Shit,” Klaus mutters. “I forgot about the time thing. The old man must be one apocalypse away from a heart attack.”

“Yes. He’s not invincible.”

Everyone looks down awkwardly.

“We’re sorry for not making it. We didn't know. And we’ll tell him that.” Allison folds her hands tightly in her lap. “So what do we do now?”

Again, not much. Shrugging, you gesture to the couches and chairs that they’re sitting on. “Rest. Get cleaned up. Five and I will need to explore our options once he’s awake.”

With that, you turn and start making your way back to the guest room.

Vanya’s tentative voice stops you when you’re halfway through the kitchen. “Let us know when he wakes up?”

The other siblings voice their agreement. A genuine smile touches your lips. “I will,” you answer, pleased.

The murmuring in the living room fades as you continue walking. When you reach the bedroom, you gingerly open the door and poke your head inside.

Five is exactly where you had left him, tucked in with the blankets up to his chin and dead to the world. Soft snores reach your ears as you creep closer. Good. Seating yourself at the edge of the mattress, you run your fingers through his hair.

For the rest of the evening and most of the night, you watch over Five, keeping quiet and re-tucking the sheets around him whenever he stirs. He doesn’t open his eyes once. His siblings drift in occasionally, individually or in pairs, each of them looking every bit like they’re entering a lion’s den until you smile and beckon them closer. None of them speak, but they don’t need to. You can only hope that Five won’t be too angry with them in the morning.

A lot of work will need to be done then. But for now, your partner needs to sleep.

[charles-blackwood]

"How could you?!?" I kick again, your hand easily catching my ankle. The contact makes me whine. Tears blur my vision and I can barely make out your face. "All those women–"

Betrayal tastes like copper, the split in my lip stinging as blood wells up. Your hand put it there, but it feels nothing like the knives through our bond. Your disgust turns my stomach and the car skids to a stop in the middle of the road. Your kick lands in my shoulder, the dull ache throbbing in the joint going unnoticed over the excitement of getting you calmed. I have to fight through the assault of your emotions; I have to struggle through the hatred and the resentment, my influence wrapping around you like tree sap and pacifying you for the time being. I set your ankle in the floorboard and you turn away from me, leaning against the window and sniffling.

This is all too much- too much emotion, too much activity, too many revelations, too many Alphas. I turn back to the road, take a shaky breath in, and accelerate towards home. We sit in silence for the couple of hours it takes to arrive back at the estate, you not daring look across the glove compartment in my direction. We pull up the gravel drive and the dust kicks up behind the car- a trail behind my prized red convertible. I don’t even get parked all the way when you shove your way out of the car, stomp up to the front door and tear your way through it.

I shut the engine off, let my hands drop into my lap and my head hit the headrest behind me. My home is the same, my mate the same woman, yet in twelve short hours everything has flipped on its head. More female alphas than I have ever known, a territory war large enough to eclipse the state, guilt deeper than any ocean. How am I to wade through this? I hear the slam of the guest bedroom door through when I enter the house, along with what feels like the slam of a trapdoor on your end of the bond. To keep me out. To keep me from you. I suppose that I have become the Alpha that I swore to protect you from.

“Would you like me to prepare dinner, Master Blackwood?” Claire folds her hands in front of her, keeps her eyes trained on the floor like Harlan taught her. She is unmated, on suppressants, so I can’t tell what her designation is.

“Not for me, thank you, but please do try to convince her to eat something.” I gesture up at where you would be, hearing the tap in guest bathroom turn on so you can wash the day off of you, probably wash me off of you. If my suspicions are correct you may have the inclination to cut our bond out yourself- having seen Curtis do it. The thought makes me want to retch, but there would be nothing to throw up.

I loosen my tie as I walk into the lounge, sliding my jacket off of my shoulders and throwing it over the arm of the chaise. I sit on the far end, taking a long stare at the chair that I claimed after my father died. I used to sit in this exact spot when I was a boy and father would have me sit in on meetings and try to learn something. Everything I own, everything my fathers legacy is worth, was paid for in tons of flesh that never belonged to us.

I pour myself a drink, longing to ease some of the weight on my chest, but two hours and six drinks later— it only serves to make me dizzy and angry. This life was thrust upon me, and I was so blinded by the need to please my father that I never gave thought to what his pleasure would cost. I am no better than him, no better than the man I swore I wouldn’t become. I grew into something worse, something grotesque and ugly.

The door rattles in its frame when you push through it, coming to stand in front of me. I can’t look you in the face, shame burning me from the inside. How could I ask you to love a man like me now? You lean down and jerk my whiskey tumbler out of my hands, toss it at the wall and shatter it into tiny pieces.

I don’t retaliate, just let my hands clasp together and my eyes find patterns on the carpet to trace. I ready myself for the blowout, ready myself to take whatever beating you have planned for me, eyes closed so au don’t have to see that beautiful face screwed up in displeasure.

@viridescent-steph