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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 8 months ago

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End Game 7

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, stalking, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your gaming buddy asks to meet up but it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Characters: Andy Barber

Note: hump day, wooooo.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Strange how you never found comfort at home. Well, it never felt like one for you. You were always just a hanger-on. A burden.

As you enter your grandma's house, you can't help but exhale the tension you've been holding in. She's in her chair, reading, not a word at your arrival. You go into the kitchen, set on eating the frozen meal you lost your appetite for the other night.

You peel back the corner on the tray and shove it in the microwave. As you shut the door, you nearly wince at the unexpected figure in the doorway. You don't know if you're really surprised or if Andy has you jumpy. Both.

"Want some coffee?" You offer your grandmother, hoping to appease her. "Tea?"

She grumbles and waves you off, shuffling across the tile in her slippers. She crosses her arms and her lip sticks out, "nice of that man to come all the way down here like that."

You turn your attention back to the countdown and shrug, "yeah."

"He didn't need to just for all that. For you, did he?" She prompts. Her interest both irks and worries you. She never cared about anything. "And after losing his family."

"Right, yeah, it's tough," you twiddle your fingers at your side.

"Don't sound so heartbroken," she scoffs, "Christ, wasn't that boy you're friend?"

You face her as the microwave beeps, "grandma..." you can't tell her. If she even bothered to listen, she wouldn't believe you. She doesn't even know Andy and she's already taking his side. Typical. "Yeah, I'm sad. Guess I'm a bit in shock."

You turn back and take the too hot tray out, holding back a hiss at the singe in your fingertips. You spin and cross the kitchen to grab a fork. Your grandma huffs and putters after you.

"He sent them flowers," she says.

You stir the noodles and cheese, "he did."

"Fancy. Expensive."

You don't really get why she's still harping on. She didn't put so much mind to your prom or graduation or even when you got your job. Yet you can't be surprised where she's strayed; she's always been on you about money.

"Seems to me he's a bit lost," she says, "you're..." she weighs her words before she speaks, something she rarely does, "maybe he's tryna find some direction. He might... might wanna take care of ya."

"Huh?" You make a face and glance at her from the corner of you eye.

"Like, I dunno, I watch those talk shows, grief is something nasty. I would know," she goes on. You can't remember the last time you heard her talk so much. "He only got-- had the one kid. You're about the same age... maybe he's tryna, I dunno, replace what he lost."

You nearly laugh in her face. Really? This is what she cares about? You stare at her and furrow your nose. You could tell her. You could try. She's listening. For once.

"I don't think... it's not... I'm not his responsibility and I don't wanna be."

"You're barely your own responsibility," she sneers, "can't see a good thing in front of you."

"Grandma--"

"Well? Pretty sure there's more where those flowers came from," he tuts, "you got a few hard lessons to learn, girlie.

You look down at the macaroni. You're not hungry anymore. You grab the tray and walk away.

"Yeah, well, maybe you shoulda tried to teach me some, huh?" You toss over your shoulder and stomp out of the kitchen.

You go into your room and kick your door shut. How is he doing this? How is everyone, even a woman who hasn't lived in reality for twenty years, on his side?

You put the tray and fork down and go to the other side of the bed. You sit facing the window and drop your head into your hands. The only person you have is too far away. Besides, you don't want to drag her into this. Not any more than you already have.

🎮

For once, you’re anxious to get to work. You welcome the distraction from everything else; debt, grandma, and the biggest problem of all, the one you won’t even name. You stroll up to the ice cream booth as Luis stands outside the window, chatting to Jessie as she stands at her vigil inside. You frown. You don’t see the manager often. Only when he hired you.

“Ah, there she is,” Luis spots you and waves you over, “right on time.”

As he checks his watch you pull out your phone. You’re early, like always. His presence is more than a coincidence. You have this ripply feeling in your stomach. You black your phone and cross your arms, hiding it under your elbow.

“Hi, how’s everything going?” You ask as you approach the kiosk.

“Everything’s great,” Luis smirks, “sunshine’s out, customers too.”

You glance around. The picnic tables are mostly full. It is the perfect weather for a scoop.

“Yeah, gonna be a busy shift,” you pander with a smile.

“Hey,” Luis wags his finger as if remembering something, “before you start, let’s have a chat.”

“Oh, alright,” you agree.

He waves you away from the window as more customers approach. You follow him to one of the tables. You wait for him to sit before you do the same. He looks around from behind his black lenses and tilts to reach into his back pocket. He slides out his phone and brings it forward to cradle in both hands.

“So uh, how are you liking it? The work?” He asks.

You’re uneasy. You stare at his cell then look him in the face.

“It’s good. Steady,” you answer as you keep your own phone in your lap.

“Mhmm,” he hums and once more glances around, “look, this is never easy but I got a complaint--”

You blink slowly. You’re not surprised. You figured it would happen. Still, you thought maybe Andy might be above that. Or anything at all.

“Obviously, I take these things seriously. This business is all about customer service, especially with the Dairy Queen down the block,” he explains, “but I do try to give the benefit of the doubt. I checked the cameras.” He pauses for effect as you shrink down, “you closed the window.”

You sigh and heave out a breath, “I did.”

“You know we don’t do that,” he reprimands.

“Sir, I know but... the customer... he wasn’t a customer. He’s... bothering me.”

He pokes his tongue into his cheek and scratches his neck, “oh? Didn’t look like that type. When I spoke to him, he didn’t even seem upset. He just asked me to check in, really, but it’s not his shop. He don’t gotta worry about the bottom line. I do.”

“It won’t happen again,” you wisp out.

“I know it won’t,” he says.

You sit, waiting for him to continue. He just stares at you. You shake your head. No.

“Sorry, I gotta let you go.”

“What? It’s my first complaint--”

“This is an ice cream shop, how many of those do you think we get? Not very hard to keep the people happy so if you’re getting unhappy customers, well, that’s all I need to know.”

“Please, Luis, I need this job--”

“Shouldn’t have closed the window. I’m sorry. That’s the one rule.’

“God, I--” you huff and snarl, “whatever. Fine.” You stand and untie your apron, “get your bottom line.”

You toss the apron on the table and swipe up your bag. You turn without waiting for another empty apology. Fuck. It’s shitty but hey, there’s always the DQ and now you have experience, right?

🎮

You fill out an application for the Dairy Queen and a few other places. Your job hunt has been chronic as it is. It’s only that your search for a second gig, is now back to square one. You have only your last check coming to you before you’re digging into your meagre savings; the money meant for tuition.

Your grandma is back to living in her novels. Good. You didn’t realise until before how much you preferred it.

As you close yourself in your room, your phone vibrates. You look down at the message. It’s him. He’s been messaging, still thinking he might talk you into it. He is a lawyer but this isn’t his court. This is your life.

How pathetic. A grown man meddling in the affairs of a nineteen-year-old. If you could let go of the catfishing, everything else has assured you of his character. You flop onto your bed and swipe away his texts.

You wallow there for a while. In self-pity, in futility, in listlessness. You don’t know what to do. Everything is at a standstill. You have no job, you don’t know if you can pay for next semester, let alone the year, and you’re stuck in this deadbeat town.

You put on a video to try to drown out the incessant anxiety. Today, you’re just going to let yourself sink. You can deal with everything tomorrow. You close your eyes and yawn, drifting into a haze that makes your head fuzzy.

You’re roused by another vibe of your phone. You ignore it. He’s not going to get an answer. He can keep skirting around your blocks but you’re not wasting your energy. You’ve told him enough times to leave you alone. He has to get bored eventually.

You roll over and bury your head in the pillow. You hear your grandma clunking around in the kitchen. You hate this place. You hate your life. The more you think about it, you can’t deny how horrible it really is, especially in the shadow of your dwindling future.

What did you do to deserve this? You’re a good person. At least, you’ve always tried to be. It feels like a lot of karma for that Twizzler you stole when you were eight.

Your grandmother keeps up the racket and your phone keeps on buzzing. You flip over and sit up. You snatch up the phone and stop yourself from flicking your thumb sideways. It isn’t him. It’s Kara. You never did call her back.

You answer and put her on speaker, “hey, sup?”

“Hey,” her voice is shaky, “uh, I don’t know.”

“What?” You sit up straighter, “is everything--” your voice trails off as you listen to the commotion on her end; chatter you can’t make out, movement obscured through the speaker, “what do you mean you don’t know?”

“The cops are here,” she murmurs, “I don’t know. They just showed up. Said they got a call from the landlord or something. Cause it’s the property owner, they can just come in or whatever. I don’t know, I don’t know...” Her voice quivers with panic, “me and Calvin were just hanging out...”

“That’s... why would they--”

“Shoot, I think...” she lowers her voice, “they must’ve found his stash. Shit, shit.”

“Kara?” Your heart races as you try to keep track of what’s going.

“Miss, can you please hang up the call? We need to question you,” a deep voice interjects.

“One second, I’m just on the phone with--”

“Miss, hang up or you’ll be charged with obstruction.”

The line cuts and you gape at your phone. What the hell? You try to dial back, the call rolls through but doesn’t pick up. You try again and again. You get out of bed and pace, texting Kara helplessly. Shit, shit! How is this happening? Over what? A tiny dime bag? Everyone smokes, not that you’re the biggest fan. Too smelly for you.

You put your hand to your forehead. What do you do? You can probably get a bus ticket. Even if you get to her, the bond is going to be way more than you can afford. You doubt you’ll even be able to scrape it together.

Do you call her parents? No, they’d kill her, then she’d kill you.

You shake as your legs turn to jello. You sit back down and close your eyes. Holy crap, this can’t be real.

Your phone vibrates. It doesn’t stop. You look down at the incoming call. Unknown Caller. You’re not stupid. You know it’s him and his timing assures you he had something to do with this. This isn’t a coincidence. Those don’t exist. If there was any sort of luck in this world, you would have found some by now.

“What?” You put the phone to your ear and snarl.

“I can help your friend,” he says.

You’re silent. You want to scream at him. You want to swear at him. You want to call him every nasty word you can. But this isn’t about you, not just you. You brought Kara into this mess, even if you never meant to. You won’t let her pay for your stupidity.

“Meet me at Oxford and Maris. There’s a restaurant--”

“Fine,” you snip and hang up.

You lower your phone and shudder. He won. Given his career, he must be used to that.

#andy barber #dark andy barber #dark!andy barber #andy barber x reader #fic #dark fic #dark!fic #series #defending jacob #end game

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fanged-fanfics · 3 months ago

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*BOLTS TO YOUR INBOX*

hiya!! i really love your work and am glad that you are feeling better, even if its a little bit! welcome back :3

could i request red son with a S/O he’s known since he was a kid, but only as an adult did he confess to them?

❤️🔥 Flickers Left Unsaid — Red Son x GN Reader Fic 🔥❤️

Genre: Fluff || He/she/they pronouns for Red Son, they/them pronouns for reader || No warnings needed

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆˚｡⋆୨🔥୧⋆˚｡⋆✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖

Though he often refrained from admitting it, the flame prince was rather emotional. However, that's not to say that he was particularly good at managing said emotions. She felt very intensely, anger like a wildfire and joy like fireworks. But expressing these feelings, processing them, or reasonably resonating with them? Much less common for the princess.

You, somehow, had stuck by him when he was a particularly rambunctious and chaotic kid. His parents saw you as someone to keep their kid distracted while they planned his future, so you were allowed at the Demon Bull Kingdom whenever you pleased. Red Son delighted in your visits as a kid, always excitedly holding you by the wrist and dragging you everywhere. She wanted to show you every single scrap of metal they'd find, and displayed great enthusiasm n having you witness her majesty. But there was something a little more to it, something that stuck with the demon for many years to come.

She remembered a particular instance where you were playing his favorite game, Kingdom Battles. He'd set up obstacles, having designated areas for where each 'Kingdom' was, and you'd be his most trusted right hand, helping them take over the world. After a vicious fight with a mock dragon made of cleaning materials, Red Son had excitedly taken you to his 'castle' to announce to her loyal subjects of stolen home objects that you'd returned safe and sound. In the middle of narrating and acting out the joy of the monarchy, you'd said something that caught her attention. "You're such a great king, Red Boy! I can't wait to be part of all this for real someday!"

And though it had all been a game, just a young royal and his pal playing pretend, in that moment it felt very real. You were genuinely his closest and only friend, so having you in these big, important positions only felt right. And he'd always brag about how they'd be the king someday, so it made sense. He'd given you a bright smile that day, already mentally planning how he was gonna convince his mom and dad to let you rule beside him.

Things... didn't quite end up going as planned. Red Son was still merely a prince, and he'd had a few arguments with his parents over you for so long. But things were getting better. Red Son was flopped on his bed, one arm draped dramatically over his eyes. They'd never had the chance to tell you how she felt back then. When they were young, they had no idea what it was. She assumed the flutters in her chest and warm feelings were some demon biology thing or something. But he knew now, and he was all too aware of it. He ruminated over his feelings for what felt like the 50th time that hour. Sure, he was still abrasive, but he was much more controlled than he was a kid. This shouldn't be so hard, right?.... Gods this was going to kill her. But they were pulled out of their own thoughts at the sound of the door being knocked, making him shoot upright immediately.

"Darling, your friend is here" Princess Iron Fan announced, not even sparing a glance as she held open the door. You entered, giving her a polite "Thank you, ma'am" before the door was closed, leaving you and Red together. You walked in, flopping on the bed next to her "Whew. I thought their lectures were never gonna end". Red Son smiled, laying back with you "Did they try to convince you to leave again?". "Not quite, but they did go on a lot about how a prince 'should' associate himself with others" You answered. Red Son rolled his eyes "They can complain all they'd like, you're still welcome over anytime". "Thanks, Redsy" You smiled, making that extra soft warmth fill Red Son's chest once again. He was almost on pins and needles from the idea of actually doing this.

"So, why'd you call me in? Get bored of royal junk again?" You asked. This was it. That was her opening. Red Son took in a shaky breath, slowly sitting up once more. "No, I... I have something I need to discuss with you" they said softly. You sat up as well, a concerned frown on your face "Shit, did something happen? Are you okay?". "Yes, I'm alright, it's nothing like that" Red Son replied, waving their hand a bit. They felt a little heat to go their cheeks as they added, "But it is... rather personal". "Ohhh" You responded. You sat cross-legged, scooting in closer "Hey, you know I won't tell anyone, yeah? You can tell me anything". Red Son nodded, giving you a thankful smile. She was sure the pink hues to her face were growing noticeable, but he purposefully tried not to think about it.

He took in a deep breath, taking your hands in his. "Do you remember that game we used to play when you'd come over? With um-". "Flareblast Kingdom?" You responded, chuckling at the memory "Yeah, of course, why?". "Well... I've been thinking a lot recently. We've known each other for so long, and... I want to fulfill my promise that I made back then" Red Son said. He was speaking a little slowly due to some stammering, but you nodded a little as you followed along "Which is?". Red Son took a second to collect herself. They took a chance, moving one of their hands to gently cup your cheek in her palm. "I... want you to be a part of my kingdom. This one" they began, adding in, "Mother and father have said I can appoint my own staff now, but with very limited positions. I- I want you to be my advisor, in real life, and-" he nearly got choked up on his nerves, but he pushed through "If- If you'll have me... I want you to be mine. My- partner, for life"

Red Son had turned their face away from you, full of anxiety and worry. He knew this was probably a massive shot in the dark, and that there were many more appealing than a hotheaded royal. He felt like his heart was in his throat, and he was almost tempted to immediately apologize. But that's when he felt you plant a soft kiss to his cheek. Her hair sparked, a puff of smoke and flames coming up in surprise. They turned to look at you as you giggled from the reaction, gently cupping the hand Red still had on your cheek and leaning into it. "I'd be glad to. You'll need someone here to keep you sane. And besides..." you smiled warmly "I love you too"

Red Son blushed even more, nearly all of his face entirely pink. They were stunned for a moment before hugging you tightly, burying their face in your shoulder. "I- I love you too," he finally said, hugging you close. He felt elated as you returned the hug. "I love you more" You replied playfully, causing the princess to chuckle as she nuzzled into your neck "That's impossible". You huffed in amusement, patting her back "Is too. You're just too stubborn to accept it". Red Son let that one slide, too wrapped up in the feeling of being in your arms to mind. You stayed there with them, holding them close as you enjoyed his warmth. "You gonna tell your parents?" You asked. "I'll tell them you're my new advisor, yes. The rest..." Red Son trailed off with a smile "they'll figure it out. For now, I just want to be here with you"

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jessicas-pi · 1 month ago

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So. You guys remember that AU I had? The one where Darth Vader kind-of adopted Inquisitor!Ezra as his son? Among other things? No? Ok yeah here's the link to the OG post

...

ANYWAY I HAVE MORE THOUGHTS NOW!

Shortly after arriving on Lothal, Sabine found Ezra some armor and painted it to match hers. Since they look pretty much the same and never take off their helmets when they're out vandalizing, no one knows who they are or even how many of them there are. People start calling them the Mad Mandos. Sabine thinks it's a lame nickname, Ezra thinks it's awesome.

When Vader shows up, Ezra insists he stay for dinner. Yes he knows Vader can't eat with the suit, but it's polite and he hasn't had a family dinner with Dad in so long...

Cue the most awkward meal of all time. Vader tries to make small talk. Sabine is silently panicking while Vader is making small talk. Vader is trying to figure out who the Mandalorian is (is she ezra's friend? is she ezra's girlfriend? did she kidnap him? did he kidnap her? was it mutual kidnapping? this is all very unclear and vader needs answers) without being too scary, for Ezra's sake, but frankly there's nothing he can do about it. He's terrifying. It's a fact.

Anyway. Ezra's happy. Sabine's freaked out. (She's so glad she took Ezra out of the bounty hunting profession because this would have ended so badly if he'd been hurt.) And then...

Actually, I have to back up and explain.

So, the Empire is in absolute CHAOS right now. Mostly due to the fact that the Emperor is dead.

Palpatine had been trying to get rid of Ezra for some time, seeing the boy as a weakness to Vader, so Vader offed Palps as soon as he had the chance.

Then Vader realizes oh no, am I the Emperor now??? Vader thinks quick, trying to figure out someone who he could appoint as Emperor. They need to be smart and responsible and able to deal with crazy people and...

Cody!

Vader makes Cody the Emperor, and immediately runs off to find his missing kid.

(Cody lasts two years as Emperor before abdicating due to how much he absolutely loathes the job. He departs from the public eye and instantly vanishes. No one can find him. No one knows where he is. He goes down in history as the least hated emperor of the short-lived empire. Legend has it that he can still be seen, now and then, drinking space margaritas on the beaches of Scarif.)

But with Cody's abdication and immediate vanishment, nobody is left in charge. Power struggles are immediate and messy, and in all that chaos, some of the regular protocols are forgotten.

Such as the one maintaining Vader's life support system.

See, Palpatine didn't want Vader being operational without him, so he had something built into the suit so that it would shut down if he didn't enter a specific code every week. Cody kept it up because it was just one of those regular protocols, he didn't even know what it did, but now with the chaos, it's forgotten about.

On Lothal, Vader collapses suddenly.

Sabine would rather do anything than touch the machinery of Vader's life support system, but he's Ezra's dad and he's dying and grrrrrrh FINE SHE'LL HELP.

With some quick thinking, she gets the most essential parts of the suit to work, pauses briefly to make sure Ezra's not going to have a panic attack, and then sets to work on restoring the rest of the suit.

Sabine is horrified by the state of Vader's prosthetics. This equipment is like... 10, 15 years out of date.

Project: Repair Ezra's Dad becomes her new hobby. Vader is a begrudging participant in this project. He's just doing it because she's Ezra's friend. Well... probably his friend? He passed out before he figured out what, exactly, she was.

But once he is awake and functional, it's not long before Vader comes to the conclusion that she's SEVERAL things to Ezra, including his ride-or-die best friend, his roommate, his partner in crime, his occasional parental guidance, and his substitute moral compass.

By means of incredibly unsubtle questioning, Vader does rule the girlfriend thing out. By equally unsubtle means, he also makes it very clear to Sabine that the girlfriend thing is completely off the table in the future as well. Like forever. Hands off his son.

(That was a dinner conversation neither Sabine nor Ezra would ever like to repeat.)

Anyway, over time, Sabine and Vader get to talking. No one--especially not Ezra--knows how it happens, but Sabine and Vader actually become friends. It's kind of a terrifying idea.

(Vader attempts, with his usual unsubtle means, to gauge Ezra's opinion on potentially acquiring a sister.)

(Oddly, Ezra doesn't seem too keen on it.)

(Vader, now worried, makes a mental note to reiterate to Sabine that under no hypothetical future circumstances will she ever be allowed to date his son.)

So, yeah. Time passes. Vader just kind of... sticks around. A couple Inquisitors show up and he yells at them for interrupting bonding time with his son but he doesn't Force-choke them because it makes Ezra upset when he does.

In fact, Ezra seems to be getting upset about several things Vader does that he used to be fine with before. Vader almost wants to be mad at Sabine for giving his son a conscience, but he begins to realize that he doesn't quite like doing those things, either.

(Without the outdated, barely-functional suit tormenting him nearly every second of the day, and on a planet that shines with Light, Vader's grip on the Darkness is slipping.)

(One day, standing amid the long grasses, watching Ezra trying to show off by climbing the rock spires, Vader smiles.)

(He has not smiled in fourteen years.)

But good things don't always last, do they?

One day, on one of their vandalism missions, both of the kids go missing. Vader, filled with rage, takes his TIE and chases their kidnappers down to one of the shanty-towns.

He is seconds away from going on a murder spree when Ezra's frantic intervention stops him.

Some intimidation and a bit of mind reading later, Vader uncovers the truth. These people, it seems, got Ezra and Sabine out of a scrape, and were genuinely going to bring them back home after their stop here--or, if that didn't work out, after they went on a brief mission to free Wookiee slaves.

Vader doesn't even really notice that they were going to be freeing Wookiee slaves from the Empire.

Ever since the oozing slick of Darkness started to be washed away, Vader has felt something worryingly like pangs of conscience for what he has done in service to the Empire.

Long before he was a Sith--long before he was a Jedi--Vader was a boy who had a dream about freeing all the slaves.

"I'm coming with," he announces.

"Dad, I'm not really sure that's a good idea--"

"This is not up for discussion, son."

Oh Force, Kanan thinks. Oh Force, this is definitely a Sith Lord. There is a Sith Lord going on this mission with us to fight the Empire. what the kriff what the kriff what the kriff---

What follows is the most awkward, tense mission the Spectres have ever undertaken.

It's also, without a doubt, the easiest mission the Spectres have ever undertaken.

Vader goes all Rogue One Hallway Scene on the transport full of Stormtroopers, which Ezra frowns at him for, and Vader feels a little tiny bit bad about it.

Zeb is slightly impressed by Ezra's ability to whack stormtroopers together by their helmets without even touching them.

"Hey, Kanan, kid's like you!" he says, without thinking.

There's a long, terrified pause.

"Cockroaches," Vader huffs, pointing at Kanan in something more like annoyance than anything else. "You're like cockroaches. Squish one and three more show up. Utterly impossible to kill."

"Da-ad!" Ezra complains. "You can't kill my friends!"

"I'm not going to kill your friends. I merely said they were difficult to kill."

"Well you made it sound like a threat! And you said you wouldn't do that anymore!"

"I know. They're just like this," Sabine mutters under her breath, giving Kanan a consoling pat on the shoulder. "You get used to it, after a while."

#star wars #star wars rebels #ezra bridger #inquisitor ezra bridger #sabine wren #darth vader #jessica's random thoughts #sabezra #(in that Vader is staunchly against it at the moment)#(that awkward moment when your dad is a Sith Lord and trying to shovel talk a girl you're not even dating)#anyway there is more of this to come!#but alas I work the early shift tomorrow so for the present I must retire to my chambers and slumber #Dad Vader But He's Got The Wrong Son AU

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shy-urban-hobbit · 6 months ago

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Modern au

Lambert takes his niece to get her ears pierced for her birthday and oh no, the new guy at the studio is ridiculously hot!!

"You still sure about this, kid?" Lambert asked as the two of them rounded the corner onto the next street, Ciri took a break from demolishing her purple frosted doughnut to give him an excited nod. It was the answer he'd been expecting but it still didn't hurt to check. Ciri had expressed interest in getting her ears pierced a few months prior and the agreement she'd reached with her father was that if it was something she still wanted by the time her birthday came around and it wasn't just a passing whim then she had his permission. That day had finally arrived and Lambert had volunteered to make the arrangements and take her to his usual guy, fully convinced that Geralt would just end up wandering into the nearest Claire's otherwise - having no personal experience, the man had proven himself to be clueless when it came to researching reputable places.

He felt Ciri press a little closer to him and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He didn't blame her, they weren't exactly in the most respectable part of town anymore - he was pretty sure the rats would try to mug you if they were capable - and if any of Ciri's three parental figures were with them (Jaskier was definitely in the realms of honorary parent at this point, whatever the situation was with him, Geralt and Yenn) they'd probably be making them turn around and head back. They weren't though; and Lambert had been using this place for the last seven years, since he was eighteen and making questionable choices just to push Vesemir's buttons.

There'd been some new graffiti added to the red brick of the outside of the studio since the last time Lambert had visited - not that it'd stay there very long before one of the inhabitants covered it with work of their own. Years of this has led to a good portion of 'Dyn Marv tattoos and piercings' being covered in a mish-mash of traditional tattoo designs, psychedelic swirls, detailed wolves and tigers and a relatively fresh looking comic style UFO by one of the top windows.

Lambert's brow furrowed a little in confusion at the noise that greeted them as they entered. There was music playing - nothing unusual in that, there was always music playing on a low volume but this wasn't Cedric's usual heavy metal or Schrödinger's classic rock or even Axel's K-Pop. It sounded almost like folk rock if Lambert had to guess, unfamiliar but not unpleasant.

The figure behind the counter was also unfamiliar as they stood with their back to them, fairly tall and dark skinned with black curls tied back with a strip of blue cloth, a sleeveless white tank showing off muscular arms. Lambert cleared his throat awkwardly to catch their attention, then felt his throat dry up instantly when they turned at the noise. Oh no.

He was fucking gorgeous. A few loose curls framed a high cheek-boned face, full lips framed by labret and septum piercings pulled up into a wide smile which in turn caused khol rimmed, emerald eyes to crinkle at the corners. A silver chain disappeared into the low neck of his tank top which also offered a glimpse of toned chest, the edges of black ink barely visible.

"Hi there, can I help you?" He asked and oh god, even his voice was hot.

"You're not Cedric." Lambert immediately wanted to go drown himself in the customer bathroom.

"He left me in charge while he had to run out. Something about moving apartments and Schro getting stuck in a box again..." He finished with a shrug, "I'm Aiden."

Lambert felt something click in his brain, "Cedric's brother right? He's mentioned you a couple of times."

"Whatever he's told you, it's all lies." Aiden said with a wink, leaning on the counter and resting his chin on his hand - the back of said hand Lambert noted, sported a tattoo of a realistic snarling, green eyed black cat.

"So anything I can help with today or would you rather hang out and wait for Cedric, although I couldn't tell you how long he'll be."

"Depends. How are you with kids and piercings?" He knew Dragonfly only dealt with tattoos whilst Joel specialised in the more 'adult' piercings and didn't tend to take clients under twenty one. Lambert gestured to Ciri who had wandered away from him to browse over the display of various spiked cuffs and brightly coloured necklaces for sale.

"I've experience with both. I did my apprenticeship and got my qualifications under Cedric and Axel and have many niblings and foster siblings, as you probably already know if you know Cedric."

Lambert nodded. Cedric and the others ran a tight ship, they wouldn't allow Aiden to work here if he didn't meet their standards, "Ciri." He called, dragging the girls attention from a plastic unicorn necklace she'd been eyeing up "This is Aiden, he's going to do your piercings, ok?"

Ciri scrutinized him for a couple of seconds before giving a nod. Aiden grinned back.

"And what are we going for today. Nose, belly button? No don't tell me... eyebrow!"

Ciri giggled, "My daddy said I can get my ears pierced for my birthday."

"Oh really?" He threw a quick look at Lambert and something in his expression closed off, "Well let's get some studs picked out and then we'll get you all comfy and set up."

"Can I use the bathroom first, please?"

"Just through there, sweetie." Aiden said, gesturing to the lime green door behind her before placing one of the standard forms in front of Lambert, "We'll do the boring paperwork in the meantime."

"I'm not daddy by the way." Lambert blurted out after a couple of minutes spent in awkward silence.

"Huh?"

"I'm her uncle." He held the form out for the other whilst trying his damned hardest not to stare at those lips.

"Well," Aiden deliberately brushed his fingers against Lambert's as he went to take it, voice pitched lower as his eyes slowly looked Lambert up and down, "If you ever want to be someone's Daddy, I wouldn't be opposed."

Before Lambert could even think of a response to that Ciri returned and Aiden was back to being professional, yelling for Dragonfly to come watch the front before showing his newest client all of the different earrings she could choose from and having a serious discussion about red Vs. blue as if he hadn't just made Lambert's brain short circuit. Dragonfly chimed in with her opinion every now and then too whilst throwing a smirk at Lambert which left him wondering how much of that exchange the petite, heavily tattooed blonde might have heard.

Lambert was ready to leave at a moments notice as Ciri glanced around Aiden's workspace, sitting stiffly and looking far too small in the leather chair.

"Ok Ciri, we're all ready to go." Aiden settled on a stool next to her, angling himself so the tray bearing the bright pink studs (and more importantly, the needle) was out of Ciri's eyeline, "Now, you look a teeny bit nervous there so would you like me to explain everything to you or just shut up and get on with it?"

"Could you tell me please? I don't like not knowing what's happening."

Ten minutes later, after having Aiden show her everything he was going to be using and answering all her questions, a much calmer Ciri was staring at the far wall trying to count all of the band stickers which had been put there and added to over the years, with Lambert sat on the now vacated stool by her feet "Feel free to swear kid. We won't say anything if you don't."

"Absolutely." Aiden agreed, "Ok. And 3...2...1"

"BUTTS!"

Lambert rolled his eyes heavenwards whilst Aiden looked like he was trying to hold in a laugh.

"Well, I can honestly say I've never had anyone scream 'butts' in my face before now. You got a poop to go with it? 3...2...1"

"POOP!"

"I need to be having a word with her dad if she thinks butts is a swear." Lambert muttered as he paid, Ciri back to hanging around the jewellery display and proudly showing off her new piercings to Dragonfly.

"Oh come on. It was pretty hilarious." Aiden chuckled somewhat awkwardly, "Hey, I'm sorry if I came on a little too strong earlier by the way. Sometimes my mouth shoots off before my brain kicks in."

Lambert made sure Ciri was suitably distracted before leaning in closer, "It's not your mouth I want to make shoot off."

The hitched breath he got in response was incredibly satisfying.

"Uncle Lambert, look what Dragonfly gave me!" Ciri yelled, breaking the moment and holding up the unicorn necklace from earlier.

"For the birthday girl." Dragonfly looked a little too smug and Lambert was going to figure out a way to get revenge.

"Well then...if there's nothing else I can help with today...?"

"Actually-"

Vesemir sighed, shaking his head in defeat as he caught sight of Lambert, "Please tell me taking Ciri wasn't just a cover for that. What on earth were you thinking?"

Lambert merely waggled his eyebrows in response, the new gold bar in the left catching the light as he did. Right now he was thinking getting an impulsive piercing to give the pretty guy a reason to touch him wasn't the dumbest thing he'd ever done by a longshot. Especially when said pretty guy gave him his private number afterwards "Incase you have any problems with aftercare."

He smirked as he fished out his phone, firing off a message to Aiden inviting him to find out sometime exactly how seriously he took aftercare.

#the witcher #the witcher fanfiction #lambert x aiden #lambert/aiden #lambden #aiden x lambert #aiden/lambert #witcher aiden #lambert #witcher lambert

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lesbianpepsi · 2 years ago

Text

you fit me better than my favourite sweater

pairing: wednesday addams x fem!reader

summary: you and Wednesday end up stranded in the middle of the lake

words: 3.954k

warnings: mentions fear of drowning, swearing, bad writing

author notes: this has been in my drafts for a fat minute and i completely forgot about it ngl

"It won't be that bad, I mean any idiot can do it." You say as you meticulously enter the canoe, gripping at the sides with a God strong as the tiny wooden boat rocked from side to side.

"Any idiot can, but you're the most idiotic person I've ever met." Wednesday grumbled as she swiftly sat across from you, entering the canoe much more gracefully than you.

You grinned as you carefully grabbed the oars from the bottom of the boat, carefully sticking them through the small holes on the side of the boat.

"At least that makes me memorable." You remarked.

Wednesday shook her head as she leaned over to push the boat away from the small dock, the boat wobbling as it caused small ripples in the water.

You sighed as you messily began moving the oars in and out of the water, the canoe moving slowly.

"Row. Row. Row." Wednesday uttered in a deadpan tone, her eyes glued to the lake. You rolled your eyes as you moved the oars with all of your strength. "Could you be any more uplifting?" You mumbled sarcastically as you unconsciously gripped at the oars tighter.

There was an actual reason behind the entire situation of you and your friend-not so friend- Wednesday going canoeing at a late hour.

You couldn't swim, an embarrassing fact but unfortunately true, you simply couldn't. Whenever you had lessons as a kid you never could float and would always manage to have at least one or more near drowning incidents.

You tried for months but never got the hang of it, eventually you just accepted the fact you're not a swimmer.

That was something Enid was afraid of.

Ever since the Black Cats won for the first time in decades in the Poe Cup, Enid wanted to make sure they stayed champions.

To make matters worse Yoko said she didn't want to participate this year due to getting poisoned over the entire race last year.

That's how Enid ended up asking you to which you agreed but disagreed at the same time. You would do it, but you couldn't swim. So if their boat broke, you’d be fucked.

Enid took that a 'yes with some minor technicalities' and somehow managed to convince Wednesday to take you out to canoeing. If you could canoe like a pro then that would help the team and decrease the risk of the boat going down.

You agreed to it whereas the goth was very reluctant to go canoeing with you. Enid thought it was because Wednesday didn’t do people and would loathe having to communicate with someone if she didn’t gain anything from it.

Thinking about it, it was partially true but you know the real reason why Wednesday doesn’t want to be alone with you.

She didn’t trust herself.

A few weeks back you and the local goth had a situationship going on; Wednesday being the one who started it and tried ending it on multiple occasions. She’d drag you into the closest, the dark corners of the library, empty classrooms, her dorm room, your dorm room and even the forest at one point to make out with you.

Each time she claimed it was a one time kiss and she was simply trying something new, but then the very next day those slender fingers were wrapped possessively around your wrist and dragging you towards the closest empty room.

You’ve been in love with the goth for a while which meant you greedily complied with her wishes and did whatever she wanted, like a dog to its owner.

She wanted to make out because she didn’t do as good on a test, you’re there for her. She wanted to learn what a hickey is, you’re more than welcome to show her and guide her. She says it’s the final time, you give her the fakest smile and agree with her.

Self respect? Who was she?

It had been a week ever since yours and Wednesday last kiss and she was avoiding you like the plague. It hurt but you didn’t really expect anything else to happen.

That’s why when Enid asked the psychic to go canoeing with you, you were more than happy whereas Wednesday was reluctant. But nobody could say no to Enid's puppy's eyes; that's how you ended up rowing slowly while Wednesday sat there comfortably watching you.

"If I did it would physically pain me." Wednesday quipped as she sat there with her incredibly straight posture, glaring at you.

"You don't wanna be my personal cheerleader? If you were, you'd have to say 'but I'm a cheerleader' at least once." You said with a giggle, moving further into the lake as you moved one oar quicker than the other.

You knew Wednesday didn't understand the joke as she observed you. "You're not amusing nor comedic, Y/n. I'd rather talk to a brick wall and I guarantee it would still be more interesting than you."

You barked out a laugh at her comment, not taking it to heart, it's the one thing you've learned ever since she started dragging you into every isolated room to make out with you.

"Bricks can be pricks." You joked as you rowed further and further, starting to get tired even though you had only been doing it for a few minutes. "When can we have swapsies? I've proved I can row so it's all good."

"I can swim and row like a professional, I also brought the Black Cats to victory the previous year. I do not need to row, you do." Wednesday said with her tone bordering on bragging.

"I get it." You sigh as you keep rowing. "You've seen how good I am at it and don't wanna embarrass yourself."

Wednesday's head snapped towards yours with a sharp look. You smirked as you looked down, your arms flexing as you rowed.

"Good? If you think that is good then you're destined to make us lose the poe cup." The ravenette barked out, this was the reaction you were expecting.

You shrugged your shoulders as you smiled innocently at her. "It's fine, Wednesday. I get it, I'm weirdly good at some things."

Wednesday didn't say anything for a moment. Her eyes trailing your face before they moved to glance at the oars.

You heard the girl let out a small grunt before she looked back at you. "Fine. Switch positions with me."

Pride flooded you instantly as you managed to convince the stubborn girl to do something. Feeling much more confident than you had in the beginning, without thinking you abruptly stood up to allow Wednesday to sit where you were sitting at.

As you stood up Wednesday's eyes widened dramatically as her eyes gazed towards your hands, grip loosening on the oars.

As if it was slow motion Wednesday watched as the further you stood up, the weaker your grip got on the oars.

"Do not let go of the oars!" Wednesday yelled at you the very moment you stood up completely straight, your grip on the oars vanished.

Splash

You nor Wednesday moved. Completely frozen.

You slowly eyed the space where the oars used to be, you swallowed nervously as you felt eyes on you. Averting Wednesday's gaze you slowly sat back down, the canoe drumming side to side momentarily.

"I told you specifically to not let go of the oars." Wednesday snapped in a harsh voice, breaking the silence of the night.

You winced at her harsh tone that you couldn't blame her for. "I'm so sorry, Wednesday."

Wednesday shook her head as she looked away from you, as if disgusted by the sight of you.

"Enid is the one who suggested it." You reminded her quickly, not wanting to face the wrath of Wednesday Addams alone in an isolated place. You’re not the brightest bulb but you still shine.

"And you're an imbecile for agreeing with Sinclair to do this, Y/n." Wednesday hissed through gritted teeth, her arms crossed over her chest as she glared at you.

You rolled your eyes as you waved your arms dramatically. "Not my fault, Wednesday. Enid asked me a question that for the sake of my life I couldn't lie about."

The goth shook her head aimlessly, looking away from you with a clenched jaw. "Should've lied."

"You also agreed to help so it's partially your fault too!" You defended with a smug smile, one that Wednesday did not appreciate.

"It's because of you and your tomfoolery and laziness we're stuck in the middle of the lake with no oars for the canoe!"

Yeah it was most definitely your fault.

"Well I'm sorry Wednesday but you're gonna have to just jump into the water, grab the boat and swim us to shore."

Wednesday's eyebrows lifted in utter disbelief. "I'm not swimming." She stated flatly.

"Wait, my phone, duh!" You said excitedly as you removed your phone from the pocket of your hoodie, smiling hopefully as you checked your phone.

Your smile faded as you noticed there was no signal. Fucking perfect, you thought bitterly to yourself .

"No signal." You told her, shoving your phone back into your pocket with a huff.

"Shocker, I would've never presumed that a cellular device would be useless in a situation of emergency." She snarked out, crossing her arms again in her short sleeve black t-shirt.

"Emergency?! Oh my fuck are we gonna die? Cause I'm not having 'DIED BY SITTING IN A CANOE' on my gravestone."

The raven haired girl who looked visibly more relaxed than you glanced over towards the dock. "We'll just have to wait here until either Enid comes looking for us or someone else passes."

Your eyes widened dramatically as you stared at her in disbelief. The plan didn't sound fun, good or reliable.

"What if it takes hours?"

"Then we will sit here for hours." She answered, her eyes returning to meet with yours.

"Oh fun." You retorted with a roll of your eyes. "So, since it's just the two of us, is this going to turn into a childhood trauma kinda talk or gossip talk?"

Wednesday glowered at you with her iconic death stare, you sighed. I'll take that as a silent kinda talk then, you thought to yourself.

Your eyes gazed over Wednesday's face which was turned to look at the dock, her already sharp jaw pulled into an even tighter clench.

You managed to stay utterly silent for what felt like a full hour (but was really only five minutes) before you finally cracked, your knuckles white from the grip you still had on the plank you're sitting on.

"So, how've you been?" You asked gingerly to the goth. Wednesday didn't spare you a glance as she replied.

"I'm currently stranded in the middle of the lake with the absolute dunce of a human being." She snarled, her cold eyes meeting yours once again.

"I'll take that as good?" You joked as you purse your lips, hoping you could make light of the pretty shitty situation.

"You're infuriating."

You sighed as you glared at Wednesday, you were trying to be nice and making the situation better but she was not helping it at all. "Thanks." You grumbled sarcastically.

Yes it was a not so good situation, yes it was your fault, yes you felt bad about it. But you felt like Wednesday didn't have to dig into you that much, you wouldn't mind as much if you knew she was joking. But you knew her well enough to know she was utterly serious.

The more minutes passed the more bored you got. Wednesday was refusing to look at you whereas all you could stare at was her side profile.

Your fear of not being able to swim started to gnaw away at the deep pit of your stomach.

"I very much doubt Enid will notice we're stranded due to the fact she's spending the night at Yoko's tonight." Wednesday suddenly announced, the feeling of fear intensifying as you realised the odds of you sleeping on this canoe over night was growing.

"What time is it?" You asked her quickly.

She glanced at the watch on her wrist briefly before she glimpsed at you. "It's nine in the evening, and curfew is at nine." You gawked at her as the chances of you sleeping outside for the night increased significantly. "You sure you don't wanna go for a little swim?" You attempted one last night, in hopes Wednesday would agree.

"No."

You sighed as you nodded your head weakly, you're sleeping on water tonight.

Great.

"Alright if we're sleeping here overnight how are we doing it?"

"I will not be sleeping." Wednesday stated. "I'll stay on watch in case an individual passes."

"All night?" You asked with your eyebrows raised.

"Is your hearing damaged?" Wednesday replied dryly, her eyes boring into yours, you huffed as you averted her piercing eyes looking over at the sun slowly setting.

"At least it's warm, some might even say a hot summer night in mid July." You joked in a playful voice, turning your head to look at the beauty of the lake.

The sunset lightning up the dark lake with a shine that made it even more beautiful .

"Your obsession with that woman is odd." Your head snapped back to look at Wednesday, your jaw slackened as you gazed at her with shock.

Wednesday remembered you liked Lana Del Rey? More importantly, how did she even know it was a lyric from Lana Del Rey?

Without much thought you voiced your last question to the goth.

"How'd you even know I was talking about Lana Del Rey?" Wednesday blinked at you as she stayed silent, her eyes glued to yours as she tried to think of an answer. "You do nothing but extol her." She said in an affirmative tone, her fingers playing with the thick steel black ring Enid gifted for her many moons ago.

You tilted your head like a curious dog as your eyes narrowed on her fingers.

She was lying.

You weren't Wednesday level good at reading people, but you could always notice a tell when it was presented to you.

You hummed, looking back up at Wednesday's face with a smirk. "I talk about Lana and how good she is but from my knowledge I've never actually sung her song in front of you before. Matter of fact, I don't think I've even talked specifically about the lyrics of her songs with you before, probably with Enid but never you."

"I don't understand what you're trying to say." Wednesday questioned with threat lacing her words. “I’m just saying, how could you possibly know that line if you’ve never heard me say it before, ‘cause I know Enid is a K-Pop and Swiftie kinda girl, not a Lana one. And you’d never listen to such ‘pointless audios’ as you said, would you?”

“Terminology with celebrities is obtuse.” She said briskly, her eyes avoiding yours the exact way she was avoiding your words. You hummed as you nodded your head, smugness infiltrating your smile.

Silence filled the wooden canoe after that, Wednesday staying perfectly silent as she stayed perfectly still. Her main focus being the docks as she hoped someone would pass and help the two of you.

Thirty minutes passed and there was still no sign of life other than you and the raventte. With a long sigh you reconnected your eyes with Wednesday.

“We’re stuck here all night aren’t we?” You asked in a knowing tone.

Wednesday nodded her head curtly. “Yes we are.” You let out an exasperated breath as you ran your fingers through your hair. “Also, due to how this canoe is structured it would be impossible to lay down flat on the ground to sleep.”

You looked down at the boat as you tried figuring out any spot where you could sit down in any position and luckily you quickly found one.

Without saying anything you carefully pushed yourself off the small seat moving to sit at the bottom of the canoe. After a few moments of repositioning yourself with the boat rocking back forth gently you managed to find a semi comfortable position.

Your feet dangled off one edge of the boat while your neck rested on the edge of the opposite one, it wasn’t the most comfortable one but if you fell asleep your biggest worry would be a stiff neck and not drowning.

Grinning, you turned to look at the girl whose boots were only about half a metre away from your side. “You say impossible, I say possible.”

“I say irritating, you say humorous.” She remarked with a glare as she stared at you with her beautiful dead eyes.

“Well I’m the one who can sleep tonight if someone doesn't come get us.” You tell her with a smile before adding. “No shame if you came down to join me.”

“I would rather live for an eternity than lay with you.” She hisses through gritted making you let out a little giggle. “Whatever you say.”

Minutes passed as you and Wednesday stayed in silence, you gazing up at the sunset making the colour shine gorgeously as Wednesday gazed at your side profile.

After what felt like a century in silence you decided to put on your Spotify playlist that you downloaded to your phone, needing something to erase the booming silence.

Hitting on the playlist ironically the first song that played was ‘Young and Beautiful’ by Lana Del Rey; the song that had the infamous ‘hot summer nights, mid-July’. You had the DH Orchestral version downloaded.

As the song played in a low volume you heard a small rhythmic tapping from next to you. You turned your head to the side and to your surprise you noticed Wednesday was the culprit of the noise.

She was now gazing off in the sunset like you were doing earlier as her fingers moved against her thigh going along with the beats of the song.

Wednesday listened to Lana Del Rey because of you.

You didn't comment on it; simply admiring her with a small smile until the song finished, another random Lana Del Rey song playing soon after.

The goth must've felt eyes on her as she snapped her head back into your direction, locking eyes with you as she tilted her head slightly to the side.

She didn't say anything and neither did you. The two of you sat in silence as you gazed at each other; the two of you having a glint of love in each other's eyes, but neither of you would comment on it.

Somehow an hour had managed to pass as the sun was almost entirely gone, only a small arch left warming you up.

“Do you think we’ll tip over if we go to sleep?” You voice up slightly nervously as you stare at the wooden canoe. “I will not be sleeping so I’ll make it won't happen.”

“Wait, you were serious about not going to sleep?” Wednesday stiffly nods her head as her posture still remains as straight as ever while sitting up.

“I never lie.” She tells you.

You bite your tongue into not saying anything that might annoy the goth since you know damn well she lies. She’s lied to you many times when preaching your sessional kisses were only a ‘one time thing’ for each one.

You sigh as you glance up at Wednesday, nodding your head. “Okay, I'll stay up with you.”

“There is no need, Y/n. You may fall asleep if needed.” Wednesday insists with a shake of her head.

“Don't be ridiculous, Wends, I’m not letting you stay awake all night alone while we’re trapped in the middle of the lake.” You reply in a tone that indicates you're not going to debate with her about it.

The goth sighs as she reluctantly nods her head in agreement. “Fine, whatever.” She mumbles not making eye contact with you as she twisted her body to the side slightly, her brows furrowed ever slightly telling you she's in slight pain.

You don't say anything as you lean forward and take off your hoodie before laying it flat on the bottom of the canoe as the end of your hoodie reaches the tips of Wednesday's boots.

“If your back hurts you need to lay down for a while.” You say making her look back at you with her eyebrows even more furrowed.

“I’m an Addams, we thrive on pain.” Wednesday answered as if that explained anything. You rolled your eyes as you tapped at your thigh meekly.

“Okay, fine you love pain and shit. But if it gets too much you're more than welcome to lay down, I wouldn't shame you or tell anyone.” You reply with a soft smile as Wednesday scoffed at your words, not verbally replying.

You didn't say anything as you looked away, glancing over at the dark lake as the sun had officially set. The only light being gifted being the pale moonlight; glistening the water just as softly as the sun did.

Five minutes passed before you heard small shuffling from Wednesday’s side of the small boat, you didn't look over at her as you gazed off into the water.

Wordlessly, you can hear Wednesday slowly move to the bottom of the canoe as she quietly moves up closer to you, laying her head on your lap as she laid straight on her back.

Your hoodie under her body definitely made it more comfortable for her, something that filled you with pride.

You look down at Wednesday to see her already looking up at you, her eyes seeming softer as they glinted from the moonlight.

“You’re so pretty.” You whisper out to her moving to lay an arm over her stomach to try to give her as much body warmth as you could.

Wednesday blinked for the first time as she never broke contact with you, stiffly moving to lay a hand over the one you had on her stomach.

“You're pulchritudinous, Y/n. Not only on the surface level but also inside.” You tilted your head confused at what she just called you, laughing nervously.

“I’m what?” You ask her, resulting in her rolling her eyes as a soft red shade of colour attacked her ears.

“Beautiful, Y/n, it means beautiful.” Wednesday answers make you blush as a nervous smile forms on your lips.

Admiring her as you run a hand through her soft bangs, not surprisingly they fall right back into place as if you never touched them when you pull away.

As her dark eyes locked with your eyes you couldn't help but let out a breathless laugh, the look in her eyes and the look you know you have in your eyes telling her everything.

“I don't want to make it a one time thing.” You confess as you lay your hand near her head. “I don't want it to only be secret kisses, Wednesday. I want you. I want everyone to know how much I love you.”

For the first time in your life you see Wednesday smile; not smirk, but a true and genuine soft, small smile.

Gracefully she grabs your hand that was on her stomach as she lifts it to her lips pressing a kiss to your knuckles making you blush at her actions.

As she held your hand she refused to pull them away from her lips, you could feel her breath tickle your skin gently as she whispered the words you have been waiting weeks to hear.

“I love you too.”

—————

authors note: i hate this sm 💀💀

#wednesday addams x female reader #wednesday addams x reader #wednesday addams & reader #wednesday addams x femreader #wednesday addams #wednesday #fluff #enid sinclair #my fanfiction #jenna ortega x fem!reader #jenna ortega x reader #jenna ortega x you

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laurenfoxmakesthings · 15 days ago

Text

Alt: An excerpt of a bluesky thread by Emily Quinn concerning what to do about the transphobic S.9.

'hi, cis folks! meet S.9. it's the senate sports ban for trans athletes that matches what passed the house & they'd love a bill for trump to sign day one.

short call scripts for democratic & GOP senators follow. if you said you'd stand with trans folks, it's time.🧵

if your senator is a democrat, try the script below. it’s got a bail out written in. you’ll get an intern. be polite. by all means, fiddle & improvise!

so far, there are no dem cosponsors. what dems need to know to fight is that it won't hurt them to stand with trans people. it won't!🧵

"Hi, my name is _______________ and I'm one of Senator _______________'s constituents. I need the Senator to commit to voting No on S-9—the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act" ban on transgender athletes.

This bill isn't about protecting anyone. And there's no compromise Democrats can make on trans rights to make Republicans stop attacking.

Voters respond when Democrats fight against injustice.

If Democratic Senators stand together against this, Republicans

can't pass this unjust law.

[you can stop here at 0:30 if you want to bail out]

Not standing up for trans people didn't help Democrats win elections in 2024 ask Sherrod Brown, Colin Allred, or Kamala Harris.

Please tell Senator _______________ to vote No on S-9. If not for trans people, then because voters show up to support Democrats who stand for something. Thank you."

if your senator’s GOP, try the script below. it’s got a bail out written in. you’ll get an intern. be polite.

different issues motivate these fools, but some can be manipulated, especially if they think it could come back to bite them—see the next post. by all means, rewrite or improvise.🧵

"Hi, my name is ________________ and I'm one of Senator ________________'s constituents. I need the Senator to vote No on S-9—this "Protect Women and Girls in Sports Act."

Government shouldn't be in people's business like this. I don't want some adult looking down a kid's pants to make sure she's got the right parts to play softball. That's disgusting nonsense and it doesn't do a thing to bring down the price of eggs-which is up again, by the way.

[you can stop here at 0:25 if you want to bail out]

I thought we were going to help the working class? Fix the economy? Going after 20 people across the US doesn't do that. Most folks don't ever even meet one of these people. This kind of stuff just makes people hate us. It's embarrassing. Who cares?

[you can stop here at 0:45 if you want to bail out]

Tell ________________ to vote No on S-9. Focus on business. Things that matter. Not culture war nonsense. We don't need perverts looking down kids' pants. Thank you."

the so-called “protection of women and girls in sports act” is cosponsored by 36 republicans.more from this list may sign on.

until then, check the screenshot below. if your senator’s 1 of these 8—especially one of the top 4—i’m borderline begging you to call & let them know this could bite them. 🧵

"persuadable?

susan collins - maine

deb fischer - nebraska (was pro-bostock?)

dave mccormick - pennsylvania

lisa murkowski - alaska

occasionally not frothing at the mouth

bill cassidy - louisiana

john curtis - utah

chuck grassley - iowa

mike rounds - south dakota"

“how do i find my rep?” try this website.

and unfortunately, at this time, i wouldn’t recommend calling from outside the US.   getting people to act on this at the moment may well depend on making them afraid they’ll have to deal with angry constituents and/or lose the next election. 🧵'

End of alt.

And my addition to this is trying faxing with these templates if you can't call, but want to do something.

And that wasn't the whole thread, the rest has some great resources about why this bill sucks, but I figured time is of the essence and people on here should know what to do.

#trans #trans rights #us politics #call your senators #lgbtqia+

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bumblingbabooshka · 2 months ago

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I think Sarek and Amanda Grayson both lowkey seeing their children as little experiments in different ways is undeniably bad parenting BUT .... I mean you talk about matching each other's freak .... Like imagine for a second Sarek is like "I am going to show that Humans are just as good as Vulcans by molding this Human child and my half Human son into the perfect Vulcans - This will show that despite what society thinks of as their genetic inferiority, they're just as good as any Vulcan." and Amanda's response to that is to think "Sarek is wrong...Michael's humanity MUST be preserved...so that I can show her all the love and affection I can't show Spock and maybe through their sibling bond all my unspoken and unexpressed love can trickle down to him through her." What are you both DOOOOING!?? You guys are NUTS like PLEASE just TALK to each other and compromise about how you're going to raise your children!! [Love the drama though] So I'm imagining in my head that Sarek is severely pressuring both Spock and Michael to act as perfect Vulcans their entire lives with him or else they're failures not only in his eyes but in all of society's (because he's an ambassador and raising these children is tied irrevocably with his work as such) WHILE Amanda is secretly trying to funnel her humanity and love for Spock through Michael and as such failure to receive, express, or internalize that love is failing not only your mother but also the entire Human race. Damned if you do damned if you don't! Who do you want to disappoint more, kids?

In 'Point of Light' Amanda says that she gave Michael all of the love, joy, and affection which she wasn't "permitted" (we must question the use of the word - what stopped her from directly giving Spock this love? I'm not saying there wasn't pressure for her not to, I'm saying the word 'permitted' absolves her of any personal choice or failing in a way that's interesting to me) to give Spock and though this is on the surface level sweet and probably meant to be interpreted that way, I submit that it must be kind of fucked up to hear that your foster mother was maybe only so kind and caring to you because she felt she wasn't allowed to act that way towards her "real" son. Michael Burnham as a tool for both her parents, however unintentional, is very interesting and I'm not sure it's something canon considers (haven't watched the show, I just like imagining things). The feeling that you have to be grateful to these people for not only being your parents but being YOUR parents. For taking you in and giving you a beautiful life - you have to pay them back, you have to make them especially proud of YOU. Because they didn't HAVE to, did they? Because you're not their "real" child. In the end, it's always Spock - isn't it? The love your mother gives you is Spock's love and if only one child can enter the Vulcan Science Academy then it has to be Spock. You're the appetizer your father serves before the REAL main course and your mother's stuffed doll which represents the thing she REALLY wants to hold and you know they genuinely care about you. That's the worst part. Because you know they care and they didn't mean to hurt you and the voice in the back of your head keeps telling you that any hurt they've dealt you pales in comparison to the debt you owe them and they love you, they love you, they love you, they love you, they love you [repeat as often as need be: remember the debt]

#Amanda & Sarek @ a traumatized child: Congratulations!!! You are now one of our elite [emotional/political] employees~!!#<- My personal headcanon of them where they're both strange and terrible parents in their own unique ways is so delicious to me #Enough 'Vulcans are evil and Humans are good' in Spock related storylines and more 'What the fuck are Sarek & Amanda doing fr'#Maybe the real evil is so closely monitoring your children's traits and behavior and being disappointed #when they express anything which doesn't embody what you personally want for them regardless of if that's #'to be Vulcan' or 'to be Human'#If you're not Vulcan enough your dad's gonna be disappointed and if you aren't Human enough your mother's gonna cry #they can love each other for who they are but NOT you bucko you gotta CHOOSE!!!!#I hope this makes sense again I have NOT watched Disco I am just intrigued by what could be #Sarek & Amanda have to foster toxic relationships with their children so they can keep their own romance healthy - it has to go SOMEWHERE

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flowerandblood · 2 years ago

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The sweetest fruit (5)

[ Aemond • Targaryen x Valyrian! • female ]

[ warnings: sex content, smut, angst, sexual tension ]

[description: (Anon Request) Aemond is to meet his future wife from Essos, in whose veins runs the blood of Old Valyria. They’ve been engaged since they were kids, but he’s in no hurry to get married and he’s not happy about her arrival. His future wife, however, turns out to be someone completely different than he expected. Smut, angst and a lot of sexual tension.]

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Previous and next chapters: Masterlist

_____

Aemond woke up to the chirping of birds outside the window. He could feel the sun entering the room directly into his face. He grunted in dissatisfaction, propping himself up on one elbow. He heard a silent protest, the hand of his newly wedded wife tightened on his back, snuggling against his chest. Only now did he feel, looking at her, that he was still deep inside her. He felt goosebumps on his face.

After what she told him he came inside her twice more that night. He didn't pull out of her, because they both didn't want to. That night they became one flesh. He was shocked how just a few words exchanged between them made complete strangers feel so close and passionate.

After telling his wife before their wedding to both give up their lovers, he wrote Alys a letter. He didn't know how to put his feelings into words.

He knew she deserved him to say it to her face, but he was afraid that she would try to get him to bed by saying it was their last time, making him feel guilty. If his wife knew he had a mistress and was able to anticipate his movements, she would have found out about this too, and their marriage would have ended before it even began.

He wrote her in a letter that he wanted to give his marriage a chance. That he asks her to respect that. That she can always count on his undying friendship in times of need. That she will never miss anything. That she wouldn't try to come to King's Landing and visit him. That it was his decision, not his wife's. That he wants it.

He gave the letter to his servant, feeling that he had deceived her and would surely cause her great pain. He thought she deserved honesty at least. Better that than if she had waited for him unconsciously, or worse, arrived in King's Landing.

He was in a foul mood and didn't feel like talking to anyone. He thought that if his future wife came to him again at night and tried to get into his bed, he would dismiss her. But she didn't.

She hasn't touched him since then. He had her watched by his servants, waiting for her to stumble, for her to show him that it wasn't worth his trouble and sacrifice after all.

But nothing happened. Their wedding day was approaching, and he noticed a change in her. She didn't flirt with men anymore, didn't let them get any closer than was appropriate. He knew that she spent every night alone in her chamber and did not come out.

He thought then that maybe she really took his words seriously. Perhaps, she also wanted to see if they would succeed. The thought made him feel warmer about her.

When she came to him with the pineapple, she surprised and embarrassed him. He understood then that she was really planning their wedding night and wanted to give him pleasure. He felt hot just thinking about it. He wondered if she might just be disappointed in him in the end.

On the day of their wedding he was dying of nerves. He hated to be in the crowd, to be in the spotlight. He knew that the lords on the side called him a cripple, and though they would never dare say it to his face, he knew they thought that he didn't deserve such a woman. Only when he saw her, with no trace of fear or hesitation on her face, did he calm down.

During the great feast, he began to feel more and more lust. She sat next to him, beautiful and blooming, with flowers pinned in her hair, in a wonderful dress through which he could see the outline of her body which was supposed to be only his tonight.

He kept reminding himself that she was now his wife. That he could fuck her for the rest of his life, drink the sweet juices from her mouth and between her thighs. He felt like he was going to explode.

However, he hadn't even expected in his dreams what he experienced in bed with her. He had never been so close to someone before. Everything she did seemed so right, so good. Every gesture of her body, touch of her hand was passionate, tender and caring.

His scarred face did not put her off, he had the impression that she was not paying any attention to her at all. He felt like a normal man around her. The one she wanted and desired, the one she wanted to touch and caress. The thought of it made him feel hot in his heart.

He leaned over her and kissed her hair tenderly, sliding out of her, wanting to change position. He heard her little moan of displeasure, her eyes still closed, she snuggled into him, helpless.

"Shh, my sweetest fruit." He whispered tenderly, kissing her again, this time on the forehead. He slid lower, escaping the sun with his face, and took refuge between her breasts, burying his face there, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

He smiled almost imperceptibly as he felt her wrap around him like a vine, slipping her hand into his hair, hugging him to herself with a purr of contentment. They slept like that for a while longer, enjoying the pleasant, fresh smell of the morning. They got up reluctantly only when the servants woke them up saying that they would serve them breakfast.

They decided to eat breakfast in bed. They had no strength to get up and did not want to get dressed. His wife looked at him curiously as she ate a piece of her bread.

"What are you doing today, my husband? Will you be leaving to train with Ser Criston soon?" She asked lightly, knowing that their morning trainings were his daily routine with which he started his day. He swallowed the piece he was chewing and looked at her.

"No. I have decided that the day after our wedding I will give up all activities. I am at your disposal." He said calmly as he continued eating. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her shift in place, a wide, happy smile on her face. In a way, the sight touched him.

"I'm really glad." She spoke softly, and he knew she wasn't lying.

After she ate, she stood up, still completely naked, some of the flowers still clinging to her hair. She sat down in front of her dressing table, pulling out leaves and flowers, letting her hair down on her own. There was something mythological about this sight. She reminded him of a goddess that he had read about in books, often depicted as a naked woman bathing or combing her hair.

He thought that her lightness and openness, lack of embarrassment, made him feel less self-conscious. In part she was so phenomenally beautiful in his eyes because she felt so herself. Her joyful self-confidence gave her charm and sensuality. No man could ask for a better wife, he thought.

He finally got up, walking slowly towards her, grabbing her gently by the nape of the neck. She shivered pleasantly at his touch and let him tilt her head. He looked down at her for a moment. Her eyes shone, her face was gentle and calm. He felt his member throb again at the sight. She smiled seeing it. Her hand brushed his thigh, making him shiver.

"Do you want me to satisfy you, my husband, before you return to your chamber?" She asked sweetly.

He wondered how she could look so innocent asking him such things. His manhood automatically responded to her words. He gasped in pleasure,as she leaned over him, shoving him between her lips as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

After he cum inside her mouth, they kissed and parted, wanting to freshen up and get dressed. He told her that she could decide how she wanted to spend the day with him. She was delighted with this opportunity. He knew how she loved to plan, and he was curious to see what she would come up with.

As he entered his chamber, his servant approached him, extending his hand to him with a small, sealed envelope. He knew that it was a message from Alys. He thought for a moment whether to read it. He figured he should, especially if she was planning to do something he might not like. He opened the letter. There were only two sentences written on the paper.

"I saw it in my dream. I will always wait for you."

He felt pain in his chest. He thought that even if he didn't love her, he clearly cared about her in some way. However, he felt that in the situation he found himself he had to give his wife all or nothing. He sighed heavily, tore up the paper and threw it into the fire. He decided he wanted to give her everything.

***

Namyss combed her Lady's freshly washed hair, while her other servants sat on the floor beside her. They asked her lots of questions, curious, and she answered them with amusement.

"Is he a good lover?" One of the girls asked, the rest of them giggled softly, waiting for her to answer. Lady Vhassar smiled to herself as she looked ahead.

"Yes. Indeed, he has dragonfire within him." She said softly.

She experienced fulfillment with him two times more that night, the last one practically in the morning, when it was already dawn. She came so hard that she lost touch with reality. She didn't know if her husband was really taking her from behind, or she was just dreaming.

"He didn't slide out of me all night." She added finally, and the girls looked at each other, blushing, obviously happy that their Lady was so pleased with her newly wedded husband.

"Will you spend the day with him, my Lady?" Namyss asked, braiding the last locks of her hair back.

"Yes."

Lady Vhassar was waiting for her husband outside his chamber, which was now right next to hers. People who walked the halls congratulated her on getting married. They watched her curiously, as if to decide from her appearance alone whether Prince Aemond was also a bed crippled. She smiled widely, giving them no cause for any unfavorable gossip.

Her heart beated faster as the door opened and he stood before her in surprise. She was delighted to see his eye soften at the sight of her. After her last night with him and their "first time", something changed between them. Some invisible barrier that separated them from each other, disappeared.

She thought she felt something not only between her thighs, but also in her heart. She knew he felt the same. She felt it in his touch, saw it in his eye, heard it in his voice.

No one had ever been as tender to her in bed as he was. He treated her body with reverence and delicacy, he cared for her comfort and well-being. She bowed before him.

"My husband." She said softly and looked at him. She saw that he was looking at her intensely, obviously wanting to say something.

"You don't have to bow to me anymore." He said calmly.

She looked at him surprised and smiled widely. He touched her cheek at the sight, apparently unable to keep his hands to himself after what had happened between them. She placed her hand over his, pressing her cheek against it. He swallowed hard as he looked at it.

"How shall we spend the day, my wife?" He asked softly and quietly, she thought that his voice was no longer cold. She smiled widely at his question.

"I want to read a book with you lying in the garden." She said finally. He looked at her, not hiding his surprise. It wasn't what he expected.

"Is this what you want?" He asked, wanting to make sure he understood, and she nodded.

She knew what he liked to do, and she wasn't going to tire him out with activities that didn't interest him or bore him. She herself loved to read and spent the evenings incessantly in the great library at Volantis. She asked her husband to show her the library in the Red Keep. She knew that they had an excellent, rich harvest there.

The sight of the room surprised her. The library was gigantic. She must have asked him for help finding the departments that she was interested in. She decided to choose a book about the history of the North and Winterfell, because these areas of Westeros she knew least about. She had never seen winter or snow in her life.

Her husband chose a book written by one of the famous philosophers whom she liked very much too. They talked about him and his theses as they walked through the cloisters towards the garden, ignoring the curious looks of people around them. She thought with delight that her husband was a very well-educated man also in history and poetry. She hadn't expected that from him.

She led him to a place where she asked her servants to have a little picnic for them. They lay down on the cloth under the tree. Aemond sat down, leaning against the trunk, opening the book. His wife lay down on her stomach beside him, her head against his shoulders, setting the book on the grass in front of her, flipping through it curiously.

They sat in silence, the chirping of birds and the pleasant rustle of leaves spread around them. Lady Vhassar was very drawn in. She looked curiously through the illustrations and read about the kings in the North that she didn't even know about, occasionally eating a green grape from the dish beside her. She flinched as she felt her husband's hand on her back, running up and down her body.

"I love it when you do this." She hummed softly, delighted. Every movement of his fingers sent a pleasant shiver through her. She loved that gentle, stubel touch.

"Mmm." He only grunted in satisfaction, and she heard him turn the page with his free hand.

They didn't bother each other, focusing on what they were reading. After half an hour she changed position, sore, laying her head on his thigh, holding her book in front of her in her hands. His hand automatically started stroking her hair.

She thought it was wonderful, that what he couldn't put into words, he seemed to want to put into touch. She pursed her lips, wondering if she should ask him what had been on her mind since she'd arrived in Westeros. She figured there couldn't be a better opportunity.

"My husband?" She asked uncertainly. She heard him grunt, obviously meaning he was listening to her.

"I'd like to see King's Landing. Tonight." She said calmly. She heard him stop reading and look at her in surprise.

"What do you mean?" He asked, obviously not fully understanding what she expected of him. She propped herself up on her elbows, looking at him.

"I would like to see how this city lives at night. Go for a walk, look at the crowded streets." She said smiling slightly. She saw him frown at her words.

"I am responsible for your safety." He said coldly.

"That's why I want you to accompany me. We could disguise ourselves so no one would recognize us. In Volantis, I was often mistaken for a boy when I ran away with my brother from home." She laughed a little, but she could see that his expression was not convinced. She leaned in, burying her face in his hand.

"Please, husband. I want it so badly. Don't you want to share secrets with me?" She asked sweetly, looking at him from under her long, black eyelashes. She saw his lips tighten as he swallowed hard. He looked away, thinking hard.

"Will you obey and stay close to me?" He asked, without looking at her. Her eyes lit up. She leaned over and kissed his hand tenderly.

"Yes."

***

Lady Vhassar couldn't contain her happiness at the thought of escaping the keep at night with her husband. Aemond had drawn her a map, showing how to get to one of the secret passages. His servant brought her clothes in a sack to change into. She had to do it herself, so it took her a little longer than usual.

She looked at herself in the mirror with a smile. With her oversized jacket, pants and fabric cap, with her hair tucked back, she really looked like a young boy. She felt a wonderful rush of adrenaline, the same she had felt in Volantis when she and her brother had been sneaking out.

At the appointed time, she slipped out of the chamber, turned up the winding, narrow staircase and ran downstairs, hearing the echo of her own footsteps. She stepped out into the great passageway, which smelled of damp, and saw the windows and the exit to the outside.

She saw a hooded figure, leaning against the stone steps. She ran happily to her husband, throwing herself into his arms. He embraced her in surprise, then cupped her cheeks in his hands to make her look at him.

"Stay close to me. Don't talk, so no one will know that you're a woman. If I say we're coming back, you won't protest. Do you understand?" He asked dryly, looking at her intensely. She nodded quickly, unable to suppress a wide smile. He sighed heavily, defeated, took her hand and led her down the stairs.

Lady Vhassar was shockedat how much King's Landing differed by day and night. By day it felt like the city was dying in sun and decay. But now, looking at it in the torchlight, hearing the sounds of music and partying, walking through the crowds of people, she felt that it was buzzing with life. She looked around, curious about everyone and everything, her husband's big, warm hand holding her steady.

She paused to watch the people who danced with the fire and blew it from their mouths. She saw that a man was standing nearby, roasting meat and vegetables on the fire. She looked there and at her husband.

"Are you hungry?" He asked softly and she nodded.

"Stay here." He said dryly and walked over to the man, buying a few pieces of meat for them.

They ate them together, leaning against the wall of one of the houses, watching the men and guards pass by. They watched from a distance a small performance on a wooden stage, apparently some kind of lampoon. It amused her that the women were played by men, painted and disguised, trying to make high, thin sounds. She laughed along with the crowd, watching their antics.

She looked at her husband and saw that he was watching her intensely. She swallowed the last bite, looking at him in surprise. She saw his lips part slightly, felt her nipples harden at the sight. He suddenly grabbed her hand and led her into a dark side street.

They entered a building that was unlike anything she had seen before. She saw that many half-naked women were walking around it. They both looked at each other and she shivered with excitement.

He took her to a brothel.

She watched, enchanted and curious, without a trace of embarrassment, as the people they passed writhed beneath each other, intense sounds surrounded them, full of groans and panting, the smell of sweat wafted around them.

They passed through delicate, white curtains. They were separating the beds that stood around them, giving the illusion of privacy to those who had fun on them. She felt wet, their intertwined hands tightening on each other.

He stopped when he saw that one of the beds was empty. He looked at her, his gaze dark and lustful. She shivered as she saw it. Her lips parted, feeling that she had never wanted someone to fuck her more.

They both breathed uneasily, staring at each other for a moment. He approached her, pulling the hood from his beautiful, blond hair. She also pulled off her canvas cap, letting her dark hair fall over her shoulders.

They lunged at each other, pressing their lips greedily to each other, hands clenching tightly on each other's hair and clothes. They were panting loudly into each other's mouths, as they moved quickly towards the bed, licking and sucking each other, untying their robes in haste.

She didn't even know when he threw himself on the bed with her, pulling off her pants, kneeling in front of her. She was breathing fast, unable to calm down, juices leaking from her entrance straight to the sheets beneath her.

He moaned low at this sight, pulling down his pants, spreading her thighs apart, seeing that no additional caresses would be needed. She pulled him to her, digging hungrily into his mouth, guiding his hard, swollen member to her entrance. He slid into her instantly, confidently, deeply, making them both moan loudly, eyes squeezed shut.

He started moving inside her, fast and hard, fucking her, and that was exactly what she wanted. She clenched her hands on his back, both of them breathing heavily, delighted with the sensation, hearing the raucous moans of other couples in the caica of elation.

"Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me!" She moaned loudly, feeling how perfectly he filled her, his rough movements rubbing her where it felt so good.

He groaned loudly at her words, speeding up, her hips responded greedily to his every thrust, loud, wet slaps followed each time his thighs hit her buttocks. Their tongues intertwined in a messy, dirty, sticky kiss.

She thought she really was his whore tonight, and she was delighted with the thought. She pressed her hands against his buttocks, panting heavily.

"Please, harder" She sobbed and heard him moan loudly, as he began to fuck her with all his strenght, brutal and animalistic, holding her hips, their juices running down her thighs.

They both moaned louder than ever before. She arched back as she felt his thumb on her clit, massaging her quickly and intensely, leaving her gasping for breath. She knew that a few more of his thrusts and she would come as hard as never before in her life.

"Feels good? Do you like it when I fuck you like that?" He asked with a smirk, panting, as delighted as she was that they were fucking in this place and this way.

"Yes, Gods, it feels so fucking good" She breathed sweetly, her mouth parted, her hands clenched painfully around his buttocks, driving his cock inside her as deep as possible. He moaned low at her words, speeding up, both of them sobbing with pleasure.

"Oh Gods, yes, yes, yes!" She moaned helplessly, arching her whole body as he heard his loud, low moan. They both came hard, writhing under each other, all sweaty and hot, making low, almost animal sounds, their fingers clenched painfully on each other's bodies. She felt his warm semen spreading inside her as they both throbbed against each other, unable to calm down.

He stared at her with hazy eye, his lips slightly parted in pleasure. She touched his cheek, and he buried his face in her hand as if he were a drowning man, and she was the ship that would save him. They were both breathing heavily, looking at each other with delight.

"You must take me here more often, my husband."

_____

Aemond Taglist:

(bold means I couldn't tag you)

@its-actually-minicika @notnormalthings-blog @avgdusterfan @nikstrange @zenka69 @bellaisasleep @k-y-r-a-1 @random-ocity @g-cf2020 @melsunshine @opheliaas-stuff @chainsawsangel @iiamthehybrid @tinykryptonitewerewolf @namoreno @snh96 @malfoytargaryen @qyburnsghost @aemondsdelight @persephonerinyes

Others: @ethereallocs @bellameshipper @tssf-imagines @crazymusicgirl104 @itsabby15 @fan-goddess @menaosama @it-is-getting-better @danielle-leah1997

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atimeofyourlife · 5 months ago

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I tried to hold back, but you drew me in

wc: 1787| rated: t| tw: referenced domestic violence, mentioned vomiting| read on AO3

Buck starts at the 118 before Tommy leaves. Tommy tries to keep his distance from Buck, but they eventually become friends and something more. Set pre- s1e1 First in a series of one shots of different times Buck and Tommy could have met.

Tommy wasn't surprised that they were getting a new probie, after all they'd been running a man down since Sal had been transferred out. He told himself he wouldn't get attached, they would only be working with each other for a few months, just until everything for Tommy's transfer to airops was finalized. He knew he wouldn't still be at the 118 to see the end of the probationary year.

But then he met the kid. Evan Buckley. 25 years old. Legs that went on forever, an ass that didn't quit, sparkling blue eyes, and a smile that lit up the room like sunshine on a rainy day. And that adorable birthmark that Tommy just wanted to kiss.

And sure, there was the cocky facade that so many young men had when they'd made it through the academy. Evan Buckley was hot, and he knew it, showing off and flirting with anything that moved. But under that facade was a heart of gold, a kid who would try to see the best in everyone, who would try to connect with everyone. Tommy was falling, and falling hard.

Tommy tried to push it away, to forget about it, but with every shift, Evan made that harder and harder. With how hot he was when harnessed up to do a rope rescue, or in his turnouts all covered in soot after a fire. With how gentle he was with kids, a unique ability to keep them calm no matter the scene ("I think it's because they know he's one of them." Hen had joked after a call to an injury at a playground, where Evan had efficiently distracted all the other kids from their injured friend.) How he would listen to the little old ladies that became frequent fliers due to falls or issues with their medications. His ability to comfort people, no matter how bad the scene had been.

But he was still determined to keep Evan at arms length. He wasn't being hostile, just cautious. Tommy did everything he had to as Evan's training partner, answering any and all questions he had about the job, wanting to set him up to be a good heavy rescue asset. During downtime at the station, he'd make friendly small talk, and talk to Evan as part of the group, but he kept it superficial. Never opening up for anything deeper.

The call that made him reach out more, extend an olive branch more, was a difficult one for anyone. A DV call where the wife was beaten so badly, she was barely recognizable. Evan managed to hold it together just long enough for the woman to be loaded into the back of the ambulance before he was turning to throw up in the bushes at the edge of the property. He really felt for the kid, because he'd had a similar reaction on his first DV call. Evan was quiet all the way back to the station, and disappeared off alone the moment the engine pulled in. Tommy left him, knowing that sometimes after a hard call being alone was needed.

But then he didn't reappear. He would come out when there was a call, but kept to himself on the way there and at the scene. Only speaking when necessary. Then keeping himself away from everyone else when they were back. When it was nearing the end of the shift, Tommy decided to do something about it. He extracted himself from where he was watching Howie and Hen trying to beat each other at whatever videogame they'd started playing, and went looking for Evan. It didn't take him long, finding him in the locker room, his back to the glass. Tommy pushed the door open quietly, not wanting to startle him.

"It's just. It reminded me of you. Can you please call me back or something, I just need to know that you're okay, that you're safe. I love you." Evan's voice was soft, but thick, as if he'd been crying.

"Evan? Are you okay?" Tommy asked softly as he entered, moving to sit next to Evan on the bench.

"I'm fine." Evan straightened up and wiped his face, putting his phone back into his pocket. "If you're here to make comments about what happened-"

"Any first responder that tries to claim that they have never lost their lunch, or at least been close to it, at a scene, or because of a scene, they're either lying or it's just not been their turn yet. I've been doing this job for over a decade, I've seen it happen to almost everyone I've worked with." Tommy replied.

"Ever happened to you?" Evan asked after a moment.

"More than once. First time was because of a scene a lot like the one we were on today." Tommy admitted. "I always find DV scenes difficult. Some people find them harder than others."

"It made me think-" Evan started, but cut himself off. Tommy wondered if it had anything to do with who he had been trying to call.

"DV calls are so hard for me because they remind me too much of my mom." Tommy said quickly, something he'd only told Howie and his therapist. "She was too scared to leave, she never got out. Is. Is there someone it made you think of?"

"My sister, Maddie." Evan said quietly. "I think her husband hurts her. He's always been a controlling asshole, and I think it's got worse. But I don't have proof. I haven't seen her since I was nineteen, she was supposed to leave Pennsylvania with me. I didn't realize it at the time, but I think he stopped her. Did something to her to keep her from leaving. I call her and leave voicemails, and I send postcards to the hospital where she works so she knows where I am and he can't get hold of them. But she stopped responding. I haven't heard from her in over two years. I don't even know if she's-"

Evan cut himself off, but Tommy knew what he was implying. He didn't know if his sister was alive, or if her husband had killed her.

"What about your parents? Surely they would let you know if anything had happened?" Tommy asked.

"I don't really have a relationship with them. I can count on one hand the amount of times I've spoken to them since I left home. And they pretty much abandoned Maddie when she married Doug."

"That's awful, Evan." Tommy said, unsure how else he was supposed to respond. "If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."

"Thanks, Tommy." Evan whispered, managing a small smile.

After that, Tommy found himself actually becoming friends with Evan. It was easy, chatting and joking around on shift, Tommy lookimg forward to when the team would go out for drinks after work. Wanting the opportunity to spend more time with Evan. And he knew he was going to miss Evan endlessly when his transfer came up. He hoped he could stay friends with Evan, and Hen and Howie, but he had seen, and knew from experience how hard it could be to keep in touch. Different shift schedules, and busy personal lives taking up too much time to have anything more than the occasional catch up text.

For his last shift, he was expecting something. Likely something small, but at least a goodbye, maybe drinks after work. He wasn't expecting the house to be taken offline for the last hour of the shift, with Hen and Howie jumping out the back of the ambulance with balloons and streamers, or getting shoved face first into a cake. He didn't expect the cards and little gifts, the kind and friendly words. The tight hug from Evan as he said how much he would miss working with Tommy.

The evening out for drinks that lasted a lot longer than usual. People drifting out as they needed to get home for their responsibilities, wives, girlfriends, kids. Leaving Tommy and Evan alone together at the end of the night. They headed out at the same time, waiting outside the bar together for their Ubers. Evan kept up a stream of chatter as they waited.

"At first I thought you didn't like me much. Like, you did your job and taught me everything you needed to, and answered all of my questions about it, no matter how weird or repetitive they got. But other than that, you wrre almost cold." Evan said, and Tommy hated that he'd made Evan feel like that.

"I was worried about getting too attached, knowing I'd be leaving after a few months. I've had it too many times before when friends have moved on, we've said we'll keep up, still make time for each other, but life gets in the way. And soon, at the most it's texts at birthdays and Christmas. Maybe a check in if we've been on the same scene. I didn't want that to happen again." Tommy replied, baring himself to Evan. "But you're. You draw people in, Evan. You drew me in."

"I hope that doesn't happen to us. You're so easy to be around, Tommy. I feel like I can be myself around you, that I don't have to hide parts of me." Evan admitted.

Tommy saw his chance, the liquid courage pushing him to do something he never would sober. He tucked his fingers under Evan's chin, pulling him into a kiss. He could feel Evan's surprise, and nearly pulled back, hoping that he hadn't ruined their budding friendship. But after a moment, Evan kissed back. It was a little hesitant, but became more sure. Tommy kept his eyes closed for a moment after he pulled back, wanting to savor the moment. When he opened them, he could see the almost dazed look on his face. It was Tommy's first time seeing the other man speechless.

"Like that?" Tommy said softly. "You make me want to not hide this part of myself any more."

"I. Yeah. It works." Evan stumbled over his words.

"So that was okay?"

"Better than okay." Evan's smile widened, and Tommy wanted to see it everyday for the rest of his life.

"What are you doing Saturday?"

"Uh, Saturday?"

"I was thinking we could do something. You free?" Tommy asked as a car pulled up.

"Yes. I. I am free." Evan replied

"If you text me your addresss, I'll pick you up around eight?"

"Yeah. Eight's great."

"Great. I'll see you Saturday." Tommy climbed into the car, looking back at Evan.

"Yeah. Saturday." Evan replied, a soft smile still on his face as Tommy pulled the car door shut behind him.

#bucktommy #bucktommy fic #evan buckley #tommy kinard #911 fic #911 abc #the times we missed each other one shots #atimeofyourwrites

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wandabear · 2 years ago

Text

WISH YOU WERE HERE - WANDA MAXIMOFF X F!READER

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Summary: 17 years ago, a New Jersey high school girls' soccer team travels to Seattle for a national tournament. While flying over Canada, their plane crashes deep in the wilderness, and the surviving team members are left stranded for nineteen months.

Warnings: This is a fic based on the tv show 'Yellowjackets'. If you didn't see the show, don't worry. This is not the same for make it more interesting.

CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN FINALE

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Jules is portrayed by Adelaide Kane. Here.

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“I'll never forget the day I heard their plane had gone missing.”

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The man looked out the window with his arms crossed behind his back. Nick Fury looked at the students who entered the school excited, others silent and some others laughing. Every year it was the same. But the thought of that day always gives him goosebumps.

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“So… what do you think really happened out there?” asked Christine Everhart, Westview’s Ledger reporter, wrote down everything the man said.

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“All I know is that what happened was a tragedy. A terrible tragedy.” Principal Fury took a moment before continuing to speak. “I probably shouldn't say this, but... some of these kids, eh, no big loss, if we're honest. But those girls were special…”

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Melancholy was reflected in the principal's eyes. “Those girls were champions.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ17 YEARS AGO…

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The cheering of the people made everything even more exciting. The referee whistled and the ball was in the air once more. The blonde girl from the Hydra team side-kicked for her teammate to catch, but it was impossible.

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Yellowjackets defense player, Jennifer Walters, jumped as high as she could to steal the ball and ran with incredible agility.

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“LET’S GO!” Pietro shouted from the bench, cheering the girls who ran like huge beasts defending their place. His sister, Wanda, watched the game carefully, biting her lower lip.

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She loved watching those girls play, even if half of them were bitches, Wanda always loved watching them. Sure she'd tried to make the team, but couldn't even kick well. Wasn't one of the popular girls either, so she couldn’t be a cheerleader.

Wanda was the dorky, cute, smart one. The girl who had almost perfect grades, the girl who didn't get into trouble but all the popular girls used to avoid.

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It's not like she wanted to be around them anyway.

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Coach Coulson watched the team carefully, had an enormous faith in his girls. It was all thanks to him, the support of a great Coach and his affection made the team come together and move forward.

The tension brewing slowly, like slow motion. Jennifer kicked again.

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Y/N took control of the ball and ran towards the goal, making the goalkeeper feel the pressure. Everyone in the stands was expectant, excited, if they score one more goal, the nationals would be their next destination.

Timer marked 94:20. The most decisive moment of their lives.

Of course it was a tough game, the ninety minutes of play had been decisive for both teams.

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“Y/N, over here!” Natasha waved at her. If Y/N continued, she might be able to score, but could also be attacked by the two defenders coming at her.

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What to do? She had to choose right now, whether to lose the ball and thereby lose a good opportunity -besides shining as the match's top scorer- or try to play a bit and give it to Nat, winning the whole game. Y/N decided to do a long pass towards Natasha, who with a header scored the goal they needed to win the match.

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Natasha screamed, knowing that it was the decisive moment. The referee blew his whistle and the game ended.

Everyone in the stands jumped up and down, cheering, clapping and laughing just as much as the players.

Y/N ran over to Natasha and jumped for the redhead to catch her in a big hug, her teammates quickly following behind.

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Westview Yellowjackets 4 – Newport Hydras 3

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“Good shot!” Nat congratulated Y/N who just smiled, so damn happy.

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They all laughed as the goalkeeper, Monica, ran towards them from the other side of the field screaming.

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‘AND THAT’S IT! THE NEW JERSEY ‘YELLOWJACKETS’ ARE GOING TO NATIONALS! WE’RE IN, WESTVIEW!’ reported Peter Parker, a freshman student ‘working’ for the school radio from the stands.

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“WE’RE GOING TO NATIONALS!” Y/N yelled as her team lifted her into the air. ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ It was incredible, everything she ever dreamed of was coming true. Despite the fact that her life was falling apart at times, Y/N managed to reach an unexpected place with her friends.

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They all formed a circle and began that typical ritual, chanting: “BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ!”

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It was a beautiful day in New Jersey, a wonderful morning in Westview’s suburbs.

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The girl parked her mom’s car outside the Romanoffs' house, checking the watch to make sure they would make it to class on time.

What she didn't expect was to see a black-haired girl come out of one of the bedroom’s window, sneaking through the bushes to escape, but not before seeing that Y/N caught her.

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Shaking her head, Y/N just waited another ten minutes until Natasha left her house in a bit of a hurry, but still walking with a unique elegance. Her red hair was wet so she must have taken a quick bath.

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“Hey, Y/N/N. Good morning.”

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“Morning.” Y/N handed over the coffee she picked up earlier and kept her own. “This one is for you.”

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“My lifesaver. Everything okay?” Natasha asked after kissing her best friend's cheek.

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“Peachy.” Y/N finally started the car and drove out of the place quickly, hurrying so she could be on time. Didn't want to miss chemistry class again.

ㅤㅤㅤ Y/N drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, enjoying the song on the radio, ‘Mr. Jones’ by Counting Crows.

Natasha turned to see her and smiled mischievously at what she would do. Without further ado, she stretched out her finger to remove the cassette and put the radio, playing a much more fun song.

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“Oh, sorry. Were you listening to that?” Nat teased. She always did that.

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“No, no.” Y/N just shrugged, going along with her joke. “It fell into the tape deck, and I accidentally pressed play.”

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But the russian girl didn't say anything, just looked out the window hoping that would wake her up more than coffee. Of course she hadn't slept all night.

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“I saw Jules come out of your room.” Y/N couldn't wait to say it. “What happened to no distractions before nationals? Ripping off the Band-Aid and all that?”

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“Yep.” Natasha just pursed her lips, she didn't have much to say. She was guilty.

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“Is that all you're gonna say?” Y/N just shook her head, really annoyed. “You swore to me that it was the last time!”

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“I know…” Natasha didn't seem very sorry. “It’s just-”

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“You'll break her heart.” She stopped her before Nat could go on.

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“Why does it bother you so much what we do?” Natasha sighed in defeat, crossing her arms. She definitely didn't understand why all of this had to be such a big deal. “It's not like I force her to do it, okay? Jules wants to have sex with me.”

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“Because she's my cousin and I didn't beat your ass just because you're my friend!” Y/N growled. “You’ll go to Yale, she’s going to Harvard. You don't want anything serious with her... and she's in love with you.”

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Nat just drank her coffee.

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“This has to stop, Natasha.”

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“OK. I promise it's over. I'll talk to her before nationals.” Nat rolled her eyes.

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“After.” Y/N stopped the car and waited for the light to turn green. “We don't need our best midfielder to go in a big depressive hole before the most important game.”

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They both continued chatting about the next game when Natasha frowned, seeing a huge billboard in front of them.

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‘WE’RE PROUD OF OUR BOYS! GO VARSITY FOOTBALL! GO JACKETS!” said the Walker's Pizza billboard.

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John Walker's father -one of the attempts at a good american football player- owned that Pizza restaurant, the man was always really annoyed by their success.

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“The hell is this bullshit?” Natasha scoffed.

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“What?” Y/N frowned, looking at the billboard. “These assholes were under 500 all season!”

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“Y/N, honk at that thing.” Nat patted Y/N's shoulder and opened the window, ready to scream.

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“They're just gonna think we're, like, saluting mediocre football.” The brunette smirked. Sometimes her friend was incredibly crazy, but was always by her side.

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“No, they'll know.” Nat persisted, grinning widely as Y/N slowed down so she could yell: “Try undefeated, bitches!”

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Y/N chuckled. “Oh my God, Nat!”

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“We're going to motherfucking nationaaaals!” Natasha whooped and Y/N sped up, laughing so hard.

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The girls' locker room looked quite lively, full of energy, especially when Jennifer walked in with her radio playing loud Salt N' Pepa's 'Shoop', making the girls to start dancing.

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Of course, winning a decisive match and being two days away from fucking nationals made everyone have a good mood. Those girls were the pride and celebrity of the whole town.

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“Here I go, here I go, here I go again! Girls, what's my weakness?! Ok then, chillin', chillin', mindin' my business!” They all sang as they finished changing clothes, even Jessica Jones -who was the grumpiest of all- was dancing.

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Natasha moved through the dancing girls as Y/N smiled looking at them, finishing painting an adorable bee on Titania's cheek.

The door to the changing room opened, a girl with brown hair and huge glasses went in looking for the team captain. Some girls started to make fun of the girl, throwing some clothes and calling her 'Braces’, but Wanda just ignored them.

ㅤㅤㅤ That was when she was ten years old, she didn't even wear braces anymore, she didn't understand how those girls didn't get over that.

Wanda Maximoff, Coach Coulson's assistant, carried a big bag of new jackets for the girls.

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“Coach Coulson said that everything is ready.” She handed the bag to Natasha. “Principal Fury send this... Each has their own here. After the pep rally, we will go to practice.”

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“Thanks, Wanda.” Natasha nodded began to hand out the jackets to each of the girls, they were all delighted. Screaming excited.

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Wanda just nodded and turned to leave, but not before looking at Y/N who just looked at her completely dazed. Oh, she was so in love with that girl and would never admit it.

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“Hey, Y/N.” Wanda smiled shyly.

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Y/N cleared her throat. “Hey, Wands. All good?”

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She felt her heart jump out of her chest every time she saw Wanda. Y/N had a crush since Freshman year, when she met her. Wanda had just arrived from Sokovia, she wasn't as good at socializing as Pietro. Her only friend was a girl named Darcy Lewis, a dork like she was.

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At that time Y/N had failed two tests and Wanda agreed to help her, otherwise, she couldn't continue playing on the team. But since that day, Y/N couldn't see another girl that wasn't that adorable sokovian, with a gloomy look and black eyeliner.

Of course she couldn't do anything, Wanda was straight and had a stupid crush on Jeremy Sumpter, fucking Peter Pan.

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“All good. The bee is cute by the way.”

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“Thanks.” Y/N smiled. All the girls on the team were silent, making the moment even more tense. “Going to the bonfire party tonight?”

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“I don’t know yet. Vision said he'd pick me up later, maybe take me on a surprise date.” She smiled a bit nervous again and decided to leave, somewhat in a hurry.

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Y/N said nothing, just babbled like a fish out of water seeing her go. As soon as Wanda walked through the door, all the girls began to whistle and tease her, yelling: 'Y/N has a crush on Braces!'

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“Oh, shut up you all. Told you to stop calling her like that!” The brunette grunted and shook her head, painting Titania's face. The girl seemed somewhat nervous.

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“You all right?” Y/N watched as Titania looked worried. “It's just a pep rally.”

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“I’m okay.”

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“Honestly, I think the whole point is just to give freshmen something to jerk off to later.” She tried to be supportive but the girl didn't seem to take it very well.

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“Told you I'm not nervous.” Titania tried to appear disinterested, but Y/N just rolled her eyes. “I'm the only freshman who got asked, you know?”

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“Are you sure of that?” Y/N just watched Jules who was coming, exchanging amused glances. The Boston girl only covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

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“It's so unfair.” Titania whined like a baby. It wasn't the end of the world either, but for her, it was. “My dress was gonna be amazing.”

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“Well, hey, at least you can wear it next year.” Jules tried to cheer her up as she put on some lipstick.

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Titania narrowed her eyes, somewhat annoyed. “You don't get it, Jules, 'cause nobody asked you.”

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Clenching her jaw hard, incredulous at that girl's words, Y/N smiled wryly.

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“Okay, you're done, dipshit. Outta my face.” She pushed Titania away, who just rolled her eyes.

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The brunette looked at Jules, who was just smiling surprised.

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“Jesus Christ! Does someone want to tell to that primadonna to maybe worry less about prom and more about not fucking up nationals?” Jules looked at herself in the mirror one more time, fixing her hair. Carol reached over to do the same, tucking it into a side braid.

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“Don't worry, you look hot anyway. Surely someone will invite you.” Carol winked at her and Y/N rolled her eyes again.

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“Come on, Danvers. But about Titania… If she plays like she did at states… We don't have a chance at nationals.”

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“Well, don't worry about that my friend. That's not gonna happen, I've got that covered..” Carol's voice and the way she said that was so sure about it, that it was a bit weird. Neither Y/N nor Jules said anything, Carol was sometimes a bit rough, but definitely an amazing friend.

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“Okay, Yellowjackets. Let’s go!”

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The bleachers of that gym were occupied by all the students of that school. Some seemed excited while others seemed fed up, sick of having to attend to this.

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The team's signature blue and yellow colors graced the walls, along with huge banners reading 'GO YELLOWJACKETS!' 'WE CAN SMELL YOUR FEAR!’ ‘YOU'RE NOW ENTERING IN OUR TERRITORY!'

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“All right, let's hear it for the boys! Let's give the boys a hand!” Principal Fury said, thanking the football team who lost again. There was scattered applause, John Walker's face telling how embarrassed he felt to be there right now. It was priceless. “Thanks, guys. You did your best.”

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Pietro chuckled but Wanda nudged him, shushing him. Both were next to Coach Coulson, who was waiting for his team with enormous pride.

Nicholas Fury cleared his throat, now grinning widely.

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“Now, our next act needs no introduction, so let's all just make some noise for your New Jersey State Girls' Soccer Champions!” Fury exclaimed excitedly pointing to the entrance. ㅤㅤㅤ

‘It's such a good vibration, it's such a sweet sensation’ That catchy song began to play and everyone started shouting and whooping, dancing to that song, even those who didn't want to be there couldn't help it.

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The crowd began to cheer as soon as they saw how the girls trotted in with elegance and proud smiles. Their hair moved in a divine way, they were not going to deny that being on the winning team gave them immediate popularity. Even those who were the 'weirdos'.

Wanda's huge eyes lit up when she saw how those girls moved in slow motion, totally fascinated. Wasn't going to deny that she admired them, especially since she couldn't play. That is why she was satisfied with helping the Coach and, of course, Yale valued if you were on the winning team.

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“Buzz, buzz, buzz!” The crowd was chanting.

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All the girls smiled and applauded, grateful that everyone received them with such kindness, although some seemed a bit shy. Y/N turned around to see Nat, their looks shared an enormous happiness as big as their smiles.

This was all they wanted in their lives. They would do anything to win that game. They wanted to be champions.

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The moon was shining high in the sky, the relaxing noise of the fire and the warmth of it was welcoming. It was quite a nice night. 'I'm Only Happy When It Rains' by Garbage played while some guys were surrounding the huge bonfire on the woods.

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Y/N got out of the car along with Natasha and Jules, it seemed to be a nice party. Some guys brought some beer barrels, pizzas and good music.

She hated going out to these parties but, what the hell, they had a lot to celebrate. Right? It was a tradition every year, to start that year with a good party.

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They approached their teammates who were gathered sharing a few beers and laughs.

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“Hey, they’re here!” Valkyrie said laughing out loud, she definitely smoked something with Carol and Jessica.

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Y/N rolled her eyes when she saw Carol a bit wasted, but still accepting one of the beers the girls offered.

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The brunette couldn't even look at her, not since in afternoon practice. It was all a shit show. Carol kicked Titania so hard she'd knocked her out of the game and out of nationals. The girl ended up with her broken leg, and of course Y/N thought Carol did that on purpose.

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On the other side of the party, Wanda sighed deeply, looking around really uncomfortable. Of course she liked being with her boyfriend, but she admitted that the people Vision surrounded himself with were stupid and irresponsible.

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Vision kept up talking with Tony, Rhodes, Bruce Banner, and some other dude she didn't know his name. The small group of nerds who were also lazy assholes. Especially Tony Stark, who believed that with daddy’s money would solve everything.

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“What am I doing here again?” Wanda whispered as Vision leaned in to kiss her cheek.

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“Come on, you need this.” Vision said while drinking some beer. “You need to socialize more, Wanda. Also tomorrow you're going on that trip...”

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“I’m okay with who I am, thanks.” She crossed her arms, looking away.

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“Bloody hell, Wanda! Why are you so obnoxious today?” Vision frowned.

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Wanda was going to answer that with a 'fuck you', but she decided to sigh and calm down. Especially when Vision was the one who was going to take her home later.

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“One of the girls broke her leg in practice today and won't be able to go to Nationals tomorrow. A lot of blood, a lot of stress.” She winced thinking of Titania. “Though the whole team seems to give a shit tho.”

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She looked up to see how everyone was there celebrating, but her gaze landed on Y/N, who was the only one of them she liked, maybe Jules or Natasha sometimes.

Laughing at one of Jennifer's jokes, Y/N turned to find the person she most expected to see at this party.

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Wanda was there, watching her. She looked so beautiful, she was wearing a beautiful long shirt and dark jeans. Her hair was down, of course she was still wearing those huge glasses that made her look adorable.

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Y/N smiled and waved at her, but all her joy vanished when Wanda cupped Vision’s face and kissed him, causing endless sensations in Y/N and none of them were good.

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“Dude, you're so in love with her. Give up. She has a boyfriend, even if he’s a asshole. The emo girl loves the dick.” Jules stood next to her, drinking some beer.

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Y/N turned to look at her, trying not to say anything she would regret. “Why don't you mind your business? Especially with Natasha, where is she now, huh? Surely behind Stark's truck eating another girl’s pussy.”

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Her cousin seemed quite hurt and surprised by those words. Clearly she answered in the worst way, but right now she had no time to put up with other people's feelings. She warned Jules many times. Clenching her jaw to bear the anger, Y/N decided to walk away for a while when she bumped into Carol, who was pouring herself another beer cup.

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“You should calm down, we have a flight tomorrow.” Y/N said completely annoyed.

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“Yeah, boss. Whatever.” Danvers just rolled her eyes, didn't have to put up with anyone.

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“I admire your resilience, Danvers.” Y/N hissed as she moved closer, perhaps a bit intimidating. “Can't be easy, knowing you fucking crippled someone today.”

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Carol laughed wryly and just turned to leave. “Cool. Good talk.”

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Y/N wasn’t going to stay like this, walked after her willing to continue the fight. “Just admit you did it on purpose.”

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“Excuse me?” Carol turns to face her.

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“You heard me.” They both stood facing each other, staring at each other for a few seconds until Carol shook her head.

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“You're wasted, Y/N.”

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“And you're a fucking sociopath.” The brunette moved towards her but Carol pushed her away. At that moment Jules decided to intervene, along with Valkyrie who positioned herself next to Carol.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Whoa! Calm down.” Jules got between them both, trying to push Y/N away but her cousin refused.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No! Listen, you guys, we don't have to worry about the Titania problem anymore.” Y/N yelled pointing at the blonde. “…because Carol fixed it for us.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What?” Kate Bishop frowned, not understanding what they were talking about. Kate and Yelena were almost the only freshmen babies being accepted into the team. “What's she talking about?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She's talking about Carol's little plan.” Yelena scoffed, shaking her head.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh, please. Since when do you give a shit anyway? You hardly care about the team, baby widow.” Carol rolled her eyes.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Guys, come on. This is not the time to talk about it, we are all drunk and tomorrow we have a flight.” Jules tried to calm things down.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Don't you have a bong to hit or a dick to suck? Oh, yeah, you do Nat’s pussy.” Carol's eyes narrowed, she was so drunk.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Don't talk to her that way!” Y/N defended Jules quickly, pointing to Carol.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh, fuck off, Y/N!” Jules narrowed her eyes, finally exploding. “I don't need you to defend me. Last time I checked, you were asking Natasha to leave me. What did you just say? Oh, yes, minding my own business!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Okay, seriously, what are you talking about?” Kate asked again but was startled when they all yelled at her:

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Shut the fuck up, Kate!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Okay, come on guys, stop it.” Jennifer moved closer to try to calm them down.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Somebody needs to take her wasted ass home.” Y/N hissed looking at Carol but the blonde was finally done.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Say that again, bitch. Say that again!”

“I will say it again!”

They finished the distance and began to push each other when the girls intervened again. Y/N and Carol tried to break free and hit each other.

But some guys around them started shouting 'GIRLS FIGHT!' when they saw the whole situation, drawing the attention of Natasha who was busy flirting with a girl far away.

ㅤㅤㅤ The redhead approached her friends who were still screaming at each other and yelled:

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That's it! Enough!” Natasha got between them and pushed them both. “You all, with me. NOW!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

They all fell silent and looked around as everyone looked at them surprised or amused. Feeling a little embarrassed, Y/N just nodded and walked after Natasha.

They all moved far enough from the party not to be heard, staying in a clearing between the trees.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I don't know what the fuck that was, but I do know that it's over.” Natasha turned to face them, shaking her head. Couldn't believe that they did this one day before the most awaited day for all. “We're about to go to nationals.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N just pursed her lips, knowing that she was right but was carried away by jealousy and anger.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“And based on what I'm looking at right now, we might as well not even bother getting on that plane.” Natasha looked at them one by one, but none of them said anything. They just drank their beer and looked the other way, like scolded puppies.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“All right. Everybody line up.” The russian commanded.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Nat, come on…” Y/N tried but Nat just gave her a deadly look.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, I'm fucking serious. Line up!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The annoyance in Natasha's voice made them all settled into a row. She could be quite imposing when she wanted it to. Not for nothing was the team captain.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Here's what we're gonna do. I want each of you to go down this line and say one nice, true thing about every other girl on this team.” Nat walked in front of them.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What is this, fucking Girl Scout camp?” Carol rolled her eyes, making Valkyrie laugh. Y/N was going to shut her up but Natasha went first.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Do you want to go first, Danvers?” Natasha cocked her head, daring her to, but Carol said nothing. She just pressed her lips together.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Okay. I'll go first.” Natasha stood in front of Y/N. “Y/N… You have more fight in you than anyone I've ever known. I'm inspired by your determination.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Surprised by those words, Y/N didn't know what to say. Finally someone noticed her, Natasha noticing that she was always by her side. That made her feel good.

Not even her mom cared that much about her.

Natasha walked over to Kate, who was looking at her like an expectant puppy.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Kate Bishop… Your smile makes me feel happy every time I see it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The Bishop girl smiled happily. Nat kept walking standing in front of Yelena, who was raising an eyebrow. Come on, she was her sister.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yelena… I love that you don't care what anybody thinks and you're so completely yourself.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She's also deadly at beer pong.” Y/N added and they all chuckled.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“So, go on. Tell her.” Nat pushed them to tell each other what they though.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Despite the fact that many did not seem to want to, they all turned to see those in front of them. ㅤㅤㅤ

“Jennifer, you have very shiny hair and I love it.” Daisy Johnson told her friend who just smiled tenderly.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thank you, Daisy. I like that you’re presistent, motivated and really brave.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N stood in front of Carol who hesitated to do it, keeping her hands in the jacket pockets. They both looked quite uncomfortable doing this.

Swallowing, the brunette broke the silence. “I'm sorry, for what I said before, about you... I was mad about something else.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I didn't…” Carol started and bite her lips, trying not to show the sensitivity within. Life taught her that she had to be tough, but her eyes filled with tears. “You know, mean to hurt her. It really was an accident, I didn't mean to do it. I was such a dick cause I was angry at myself.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N nodded and just hugged her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Are we cool then?” Carol asked something afraid of losing a friend.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I don’t know…You haven't said anything nice about me yet.” Y/N joked and they both laughed.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha turned to see Jules, who was looking at her a little excited to hear her. “What?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You haven't said anything to me.” The girl smiled flirtatiously.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nat rolled her eyes and chuckled, standing in front of her. “Jules, you never talk shit unless someone really deserves it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The girl smiled widely, nodding.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You are a really good dancer... and you have seriously questionable taste in music... You can't hold your liquor for shit.” Nat continued, a little nervous but sincere. “But you're the only one who's always been there for me.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Feeling her heart pound, Jules felt on cloud nine. Oh, she was so in love with Natasha that she couldn't deny it anymore.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You're the best friend I've ever had.” The redhead put her hand on the girl's shoulder, knowing that this would end up breaking any hope. “You know that, right?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules didn't know what to say, really. Feeling her heart break inside and her eyes filled with tears, but didn't allow herself to cry.

The brown-eyed girl just nodded. “Yeah. I know.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N watched that situation from afar and was grateful that it was that way. Natasha wasn't in love with Jules, she had to let go of all those hopes with her. Would be the best.

She walked to the bonfire, smiling to see that an adorable sokovian was pouring some beer from the barrel.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Hey.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Hi.” Wanda smiled kindly.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Enjoying the party?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah, it is… pretty… interesting.” Wanda stammered, watching out of the corner of her eye as some of the boys played a game of who drank the most beer in the least amount of time possible. Oh, wishing she could be home right now.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I heard everything that happened there…” She lowered her gaze, somewhat embarrassed but also curious. “All good?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah, everything is fine. We had a fight but we were able to work it out, nothing to screw up the nationals.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I’m glad you all worked it out.” Wanda looked her up. “I understand that you were upset. I was also when I saw Titania like that. Even if she was a dick…”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N shrugged. “I know Carol didn't want to hurt her on purpose, she's an idiot sometimes but…she's not an total asshole.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It's good to know that. She doesn't seem like a crazy aggressive bitch even though she is a jerk sometimes.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

They both looked at each other for a moment, the silence wasn’t uncomfortable between them.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You look beautiful today.” Y/N said without even thinking about it, and she didn't regret it. It was getting harder and harder to hide her feelings for Wanda. Come on, everyone knew.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thank you.” Those words surprised her, she wasn’t used to hear that. Well, not from anyone other than Vision, he was rarely so…romantic. “You look cool, as always. I like your leather jacket.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N looked at herself, she was wearing a white half sleeve shirt and tight-fitting jeans. For one day she left her varsity jacket behind.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thanks.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The flames of the fire moved back and forth in a mesmerizing way, making Wanda's beautiful eyes pop more, looking adorable.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Little fish, big fish, swimming in the water. That song seemed to invite them to lose each other, unite and never let go again. Like two kindred spirits claiming, pushing and pulling each other back.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I’ve to go… Vision is waiting for me.” Wanda broke the tension, scared of the connection that the two of them could have.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah, it looks like he's waiting for you.” Y/N said ironically and drank some beer, the boy didn't even seem to care that his girlfriend wasn't there.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Why's that?” Wanda narrowed her eyes somewhat annoyed.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You know he doesn't deserve you, don't you?” Y/N just shook her head, now she was talking too much because she was drunk, and even though she knew it, didn't stop. “He spends all the time flirting with Eve, with Mantis, with Virginia. Come on, Wanda…”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda didn't say anything, she just crossed her arms and pursed her lips trying to calm the anger. In the end, she just chuckled wryly, rather disappointed. ㅤㅤㅤ “Now I can see it, you're not that different from your friends. Fuck you, Y/N.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Why me? I’m not the one who’s cheating on you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“And yet, I still choose him. Not you.” The Sokovian shook her head and walked away.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Whatever!” Y/N sighed and looks at the beer cup before taking a sip. “Sure your boyfriend is waiting for you.” Out of the corner of her eye Y/N saw how Wanda walked away, hugging Vision’s waist.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Next morning was all chaos.

Waking up with a hell of hangover, after a good sandwich and some juice for breakfast, Y/N finished packing everything in the suitcase.

She sighed deeply, looking around her bedroom one last time. Posters of bands like 'Garbage,' 'No Doubt' or singers like Alanis Morrisette surrounded her. Many books on the shelves, and some stuffed animals.

ㅤㅤㅤ

The gameboy was on the table, charging the battery. CD player was in her backpack as well as some of her favorite discs, she would surely take advantage of the flight to listen to music and read or play.

The biggest adventure awaited her and she didn't know it.

Y/N took the suitcase and her backpack and went downstairs, finding her mother passed out on the couch last night. A half-filled glass of whiskey, she still had her robe and pajamas, and bottles on the floor told Y/N she'd been drinking all night.

Feeling so tired of this, and kinda grateful to go and leave all this chaos for a while.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Mom, wake up… I've to go.” Y/N tried to wake up her mom but it was impossible. “MOM!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N clenched her jaw and ended up giving in to the anger, walking to the door and slamming it shut.

She was so damn upset, so hurt that her mom hadn't even considered that this was HER day. Didn't expect her to make breakfast or kiss her forehead before go, but inside… the hope sometimes played really cruel tricks.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Sighing, Y/N waited outside the house with arms crossed for ten minutes until the car pulled up. Jules waved at her, next to her was a woman with dark brown hair, small brown eyes, and chubby cheeks. She honked three times, making Y/N smile.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Hey there, cutie!” Auntie Claire got out of the car and hugged her like a big bear, then helped to put the suitcase in the trunk. Y/N got into the back of the car, as Claire sped away from the house.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You okay?” Jules asked, she knew her perfectly.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She didn't even realize that I left, she was wasted, dude.” Y/N just shook her head, looking out the window.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules didn't say anything, Auntie Claire and her looked at each other, knowing that woman perfectly. It wasn't the first time nor the last time to be honest. Y/N’s mom had always been a jerk to Y/N, especially the past few years.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Sorry, sweetie.” Aunt Claire looking at Y/N in the rearview mirror. “My sister has always been a bit… difficult… always.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It’s okay, auntie.” Auntie Claire was always trying to make her feel better, she leaned down to put a hand on her aunt's shoulder. “Thank you for coming for me.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh, don't worry, dear. You know I'll always be there for you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Aunt Claire drove them to the airport, but not before buying a bunch of sweets that they all shared.

The lady escorted them to the boarding area, hugging them tightly and wishing them both a safe and beautiful trip. She apologized for not being able to go see the game, but she had to stay home and finish some work. That was a lie, she planned to travel tonight and surprise them tomorrow.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Bye, auntie Claire.” Y/N hugged her again before grabbing the backpack and walking towards the boarding zone.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Bye, mom!” Jules kissed Claire's cheek and ran to catch up with Y/N. “Love you!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Bye, kids! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Love you!” The lady tenderly yelled at them, waving her hand.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Here, I'll give you guys a hand.” Pietro offered to help some girls as they walked down the aisle of the plane, looking for a seat.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda just rolled her eyes knowing how flirtatious Pietro was. She just kept walking until she found an empty seat and put her bag in the luggage compartment.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Wicked.” Jules whispered smiling while looking at that plane, it looked much smaller than the ones she knew but still, quite good. She took a seat next to Daisy, who was also quite excited.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I can't believe your dad paid for a private plane.” Jennifer said to Hope Van Dyne, who was sipping her smoothie and sitting in one of the front seats.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It's pretty much his only form of parenting.” Hope shrugged. “I guess I'll take it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Well, thank you, Mr. Van Dyne!” They all exclaimed at the same time, laughing.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“All right, hustle up.” Coach Ward settled into one of the seats, looking that everyone was doing the same. Couch Coulson was already in Seattle, finishing up some paperwork or something. “It's gonna be a long flight.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

[pilot over speakers] ‘This is your captain. Our flight plan to Seattle has us going a bit farther north than expected. We're gonna try to avoid a storm system that's coming in. Should get some great views of the Canadian Rockies.’

ㅤㅤㅤ

Pietro returned to sit next to Wanda, who had saved his place by the window.

He settled and buckled in, noticing that Wanda kept moving her leg and playing with the rings on those soft hands. Something she did whenever she felt nervous.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You okay, sestra?” Pietro raised an eyebrow.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda didn't say anything, just nodded and faked the kindest smile she could. But not good enough to fool her twin brother.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Remember when you came to Hilton Head with us in second grade and you cried the whole flight?” Pietro reached into his backpack and pulled out a bag, Twizzlers plus two delicious packs of Marinela's Pingüinos. “I brought these for you. I know you love them, always help you feel better. I also saw that you forgot some of your cassettes on the kitchen table, so I brought them for you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

He handed the bag to Wanda who just smiled and squeezed her brother's hand, totally grateful.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I know you're doing this for me, coming on the trip when you shouldn't.” Wanda rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I know. I'm basically the best brother you have.” He smiled all smug.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You’re the only brother I have.” Wanda smiled, they stayed that way for a moment until the boy gave her his Hummel jacket, that one he loved so much. The one with some cool white arrows on the sides of the sleeves.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“And take this, in case you're cold. It's a good luck charm. Now nothing can touch you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda chuckles softly.

ㅤㅤㅤ

From afar, Sharon Carter watched this and tried to get the attention of one of her friends.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Psst. Dottie. Look at the weirdbros.” Sharon nodded at the twins, making her friend laugh.

What they didn't expect is that Y/N was listening behind them, so she kicked her seat making them jump.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Stop saying that or I’ll break your fucking leg too.” Y/N said between her teeth, making Sharon open her eyes wide like a scared mouse and settle back into the seat. “You’re still in trial period, baby-Yellowjacket.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Next to Y/N, Natasha just smiled and shook her head.

The plane finally took off towards Seattle and everyone cheered, although as the pilot said, they would make a detour for a moment to avoid a huge storm without knowing that soon, their lives would change radically.

ㅤㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ2023

ㅤㅤㅤ

Like every day, Wanda Maximoff got up early to make breakfast for the kids. Vision left two hours ago, he was in too much of a hurry saying he had to get to an important meeting or something.

She waited for the bus to pick up the twins, then did the laundry -she cursed Vision three times under her breath for getting lipstick or tomato sauce on a shirt, she didn't know what the fuck was exactly-and finished cleaning the house.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Her life has been the same for years, a routine life, boring perhaps… and she never knew exactly why. She changed a lot, although physically not so much. Wanda stepped out of the lovely suburban home in Westview, a pretty, family-friendly place. She kindly greeted her nosy neighbor and began to water the plants, until something caught her eye.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“What the hell…” She murmured, half of those plants were bitten, completely devoured.

ㅤㅤㅤ

At that moment, a blonde woman got out of her car and walked slowly towards the entrance. Wanda was looking at her flowers, muttering some insults in Sokovian, didn't seem very happy.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Aphids?” The blonde asked, taking off her sunglasses.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Rabbits.” Wanda looked up, surprised to find someone in the garden, but above all, someone she didn't know.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Poor little guys.” The woman chuckled softly, getting closer. “Just trying to survive, I guess.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda brushed the dirt from her hands and approached the woman. “I'm sorry, do we know each other?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Christine Everhart, Westview’s Ledger. I left you a few voice mails.” Christine wrinkles her nose knowing that Wanda wouldn't take that well, and she was right.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Right.” Wanda exhaled and turned to leave. “Fuck off, Christine.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Wanda, wait. Wait!” The reporter walked after her, trying to stop her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I don't talk to reporters, but I'm guessing you already know that.” Wanda opened the door ready to lock herself in her house.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I know that you've been letting other people tell your story. People who barely knew you, and they are making a lot of money doing it.” The blonde couldn't believe how she didn't talk about what happened on that trip. How come none of them spoke?

Everyone was eager to know what the hell happened, the huge mystery that surrounded the Yellowjackets for seventeen years.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Five minutes. That's all I ask.” Christine begged with her best puppy face. “If you don't like what I have to say, I will leave you alone. Promise.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Hesitating for a moment, Wanda looked around, then allowed the reporter into her home. If she was going to get rid of her, she would do it in the least violent way possible or it would get more attention.

Trying to be as polite as possible, Wanda served some coffee for the guest while she organized the stuff she bought in the market.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I know what you want to hear.” Wanda opened the fridge and put some meat and vegetables in the fridge. “But the truth is… the plane crashed, a bunch of my friends died… and the rest of us starved and scavenged and prayed for 19 months, till they finally found us.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

She took a bunch of bananas and smiled somewhat ironically, leaving it in the fruit bowl. It was so simple, getting food just by leaving the house and walking a few streets.

Everything they lived through that time in the Canadian Rockies had been truly cruel and painful.

ㅤㅤㅤ

She swallowed hard, remembering with regret. “And that's the end of the story.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The reporter nodded and then narrowed her eyes, completely unwilling to believe it was as simple as that. “I think we both know there's a... bit more to it than that.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Christine noted that in one of the bags, there was a 'US WEEKLY' magazine and on the cover was the huge wrecked plane in addition to the headline: ‘LITTLE GIRLS LOST. 17 YEARS LATER: remembering the Yellowjackets tragedy. Where are they now?’

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I can't imagine what you guys went through out there… Nobody can.” She tried to pretend, in a very poor way, how sorry she was.

ㅤㅤㅤ

The brunette approached to take the magazine and put it in a drawer, out of sight.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“And that is worth something. It's worth a lot, actually.” Christine perched on the breakfast counter. “Wanda… I can guarantee you a seven-figure book advance right here, right now.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda snorted, shaking her head. As if other people or chains had not tried it before, especially with Netflix pushing to do their thing.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We could write it together but it's your name on the cover.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda looked up, there didn't even seem to be interested. “Mmm, not interested. Sorry.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Christine bit her lower lip, trying her last card completely desperate. “What if I told you the others were?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda smiled ironically. “Then I would say that you're lying.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“So you're still in touch.” Touché. Christine smiled finding something else, something more than what she knew. “As well as Natasha Romanoff, who you keep as close friends. But how about the others?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I haven't spoken to any of them in years. I would not know how to get ahold of them even if I wanted to.” Rolling her eyes, Wanda seemed more and more disinterested, more uncomfortable and more annoyed. The memory of her friends ached inside, still, so bad.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What about Y/N?” That question caught her off guard. Like an arrow shot straight to her heart, that name made her entire body shudder.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda shrugged, trying to look uninterested.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I moved on, and I genuinely hope that they were able to do the same.” Wanda exhaled deeply, even thinking about Y/N made her stomach drop painfully. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm late to...”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Wanda, this is the kind of money that could change your life.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda closed her eyes, trying to regain all the patience that remained inside her. She hated journalists so much, especially the ones who wrote shit about them and then stood there begging them for a bit of fame.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You were a brilliant girl. Straight A's. Early admission to Yale. Is this really how you thought your life was gonna turn out?” Christine snorted, she couldn't believe that the future of that woman was so different from what was expected.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda tilted her head, making Christine to rethink everything that came out of her mouth. Wanda's look was definitely an imposing one.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Sorry.” The journalist stammered. “I didn't mean to, uh...”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I don't give a shit what you meant, you smug little bitch.” Wanda went from being an adorable soccer mom to a much more dangerous woman, a totally cold look. If she had powers, Christine would be in pieces right now. “You don't know a fucking thing about my life.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The coldness in Wanda's gaze made the blonde shiver, but she was grateful that the Sokovian woman just turned around and continued with her business, completely ignoring her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Well... if you change your mind...” The blonde approached to take a pen and write the exact amount that she could offer, and her pone number.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda just pointed at the door.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Get out of my house, my children will arrive soon.”

Hours later, the doorbell rang again, pulling Wanda out of her thoughts. She was grateful that Vision took the kids to the movies.

She hurried to open the door, who quickly entered the house.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Sorry, I'm late.” Natasha apologized, taking off her jacket, feeling the warmth of the home.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda smiled and they both walked towards the living room. “It’s okay. Do you want some tea or coffee?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, I’m okay.” Nat licked her lips and sat on the sofa, expectant. She noticed that Vision and the twins were not there, so the urgent call from her friend must be a really important one. “What's going on?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“A reporter approached me today.” Wanda handed her the card Christine left. “She said she was with the local paper, but I googled her and she wasn't credited in any bylines anywhere. Maybe it's a fake name.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha exhaled, taking the card to look at it. A phone number, the name of the journalist and a rather large number.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“These people come out of the woodwork every few years on some anniversary or another.” The redhead sighed, shaking her head. She was really exhausted from always having to deal with the same idiots. “You know that. There's no reason to think this is any different, Wands.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I can think of a few.” Wanda lowered her gaze, playing with her rings. “We agreed to say no more than we have to, stay out of the public eye. Last night, Jennifer appeared speaking to reporters as she was leaving the Courthouse. ”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Wands, she's a lawyer... and a really good one.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, Nat, I mean it… If someone's digging, we are all fucked.” Wanda got up to help herself to a little more coffee, maybe that wasn't helping so much. “You’re a cop. Take care of it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I’ll do it, don’t worry.” she sighed somewhat tired.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Noticing that Natasha was telling her the truth, Wanda nodded much more relaxed. “Thank you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nat didn't say anything, just moved closer so she could take her hand and squeeze it gently. After a little silence, Wanda hesitated whether to ask what she wanted so much but ended up doing it. “Have you talked to her?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha pursed her lips. “All I know was she was in rehab. Again.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Feeling deep sorrow and sadness upon hearing that, Wanda nodded. “And there's still no sign of the others?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Not for months.” The Russian played with that card between her fingers.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Then we're fine. We’re okay.” Wanda tried to calm down. Maybe she was being too paranoid, but her whole life she was surrounded by all these crazy people wanting to know what they did in that place. “I just don't want to hurt my kids.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Don’t worry, okay?” Nat reached out to hug her tightly, knowing it was all her best friend needed. “Twins are safe. Long as nobody does anything crazy... we have nothing to worry about.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thank you, Nat.” Wanda closed her eyes, losing in that hug for a while until they moved away.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I've to go now.” The redhead put her jacket back on and walked towards the door with Wanda. “She's going to be so upset if I don't show up for dinner tonight. I made a promise.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She’s too good. Say hi to your wife for me.” Wanda opened the door and kissed Nat’s cheek, watching her walk away. “Tell Jules the Pavlova dessert was delicious, the kids loved it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She’s amazing at cooking, right? I feel very lucky sometimes.” Nat smiled fondly and then walked to her car. “Love you, Wands. Take care.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda stayed in the doorway, watching her friend drive away. Losing herself in thoughts once more.

ㅤㅤㅤ

With the gaze lost in the swell of the waves, the sound of the seagulls and the beautiful landscape, Y/N tried to drown out all the chaos of her mind. ㅤㅤㅤ

Seventeen years later and a lot of pain, she was there. Her hair was a bit shorter, but she hadn't changed much. She seemed more mature, a scar on her eyebrow marked a change in her. She was wearing this huge dark T-shirt from some band so old, that no young man would recognize it.

Sitting with her eyes closed, she tried to meditate for a long time, breathing deeply and exhaling slowly. But of course there was always something that got in her way.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N, time for group.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Until that stupid voice kicked her out of her paradise. Y/N cocked her head to see how that blonde boy invited her to attend the meeting. That stupid face of fake kindness made her stomach churn.

Anyway, she decided to take another deep breath and nodded, getting up to walk to the therapy room.

ㅤㅤㅤ

About fifteen minutes later, she was sitting across from all these people she didn't even know well, talking about their own problems.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Remember, anger can be good.” Said the counselor, pulling Y/N out of her thoughts.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Sure tell that to my parole officer.” One of the women in the group complained, she seemed quite upset. “I mean, all I'm saying is this bitch cut me in line.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N?” The counselor looked at her, expecting that this time she would speak. “Seeing as how this is your last day with us, any final inspirations you'd like to pass on to the group?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

After a few seconds of silence, Y/N sighed, leaning back in the chair. “Purpose. Find a purpose.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

She licked her lips and noticed how everyone listened carefully to everything she was going to say. Didn't know if it was because they were really interested in her or just because she was a Yellowjacket, and those were morbid bastards.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I used to think all the drinking, drugs and the sex…” Y/N inhaled deeply. “I used to think I did those things because of… what happened out there.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N’s gaze was lost. She could still hear the screams, could still feel the hunger, could still feel the cold burning her skin.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What I... saw.” Y/N murmured, remembering the sound of the plane crashing. The screams of who her friends were. “What I... did.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh, my God. What did you do?!” One of the girls in the group ended up exploding, expectant and exhausted from never knowing the answer. “You literally never told us.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Zip it, Ariana!” She was silenced by another one.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Anyway, the real reason is much simpler.” Y/N spoke again, coming back to reality. “After they rescued us, I lost my purpose and thanks to my time here... I finally know how to get it back.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The group therapy ended and after saying goodbye to everyone, Y/N sat on the steps at the entrance of that place, waiting for the cab that would soon pick her up.

She didn't have many belongings other than a suitcase with clothes and her keys.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N sighed, wishing with all her heart that she could have a cigarette but decided to look for something in the pocket of the leather jacket.

It was postcard, someone sent it with her mail, of course she didn't have mail so that had definitely surprised Y/N a lot. ㅤㅤㅤ The postcard had a beautiful landscape of the Canadian Rockies and a typical: WISH YOU WERE HERE!

ㅤㅤㅤ

But the strange thing about this was the drawing on it, in a reddish color. Some kind of symbol, starting with a circle, a triangle as the body and four lines on the sides of it. But the last of the lines went through the triangle and below, a kind of hook.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Of course she recognized that fucking symbol perfectly, whoever sent it knew what they did.

ㅤㅤㅤ

The cab lights blinded her for a moment. She took the suitcase and got into the taxi, happy to get the hell out of that damn place.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Where to?” The driver asked, watching her in the rearview mirror.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You pick up a lot of people here?” Y/N raised an eyebrow.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“A few, sure.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N chuckled softly. “How many go straight to a bar?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You want to go to a bar?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N thought about it for a moment and then settled into the seat. “LAX. I'll catch a red-eye flight.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The taxi moved forward leaving that place behind and with it, a completely different Y/N. The dark-haired girl took a chewing gum, closing her eyes as she tasted it.

Wishing with all her heart that everything turned out well.

After six hours of flight and two large cups of coffee, Y/N opened the door of that self-storage on the outskirts of New Jersey. It was quite a safe place and very discreet, that's why she had left her baby there.

ㅤㅤㅤ

She swallowed hard when she saw the car, covered by a huge dusty sheet which she carefully removed, uncovering that wonderful car.

It was a beautiful black Porsche Carrera 993, still immaculate, still badass.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N slid her fingers over its roof, caressing it gently and reliving so many memories. Her heart sank as she remembered Auntie Claire’s smile when she was driving the Carrera.

She held on and closed her eyes, knowing that she should live in reality and not in those memories. Once she was able to get over all those bad feelings that tried to drown her, Y/N walked to the trunk to look for some stuff.

ㅤㅤㅤ

A sports bag with money, some documents and passports, but mostly a gun,a shotgun and some bullets. She covered everything quickly with the same sheet. ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ

“Nice ride.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

That male voice forced her to turn around quickly. A man in his fifties and rather good-natured appearance was watching her from afar.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Sorry. I'm Dave. The manager.” Dave smiled friendly.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Hi, Dave.” Y/N arched an eyebrow, waiting for the man to say something else.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I'm sorry. It's just...” He shrugged somewhat embarrassedly, definitely making Y/N feel somewhat guilty. “Haven't seen anyone around this unit since I've been here. Vultures have been circling it for years, but I keep telling 'em, long as the bill's paid, it’s not my thing to touch.” The man chuckled.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Then thank you, Dave. I really appreciate what you have done.” Y/N gave him a bit of a friendly smile, for the first time in a long time.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You local?” Sure enough the chubby man tried to get some info of her but she just shrugged.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Was.” The dark-haired woman turned to look at her car and narrowed her eyes, pulling out the key to unlock the alarm. “Been a while since I've been... home.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Then welcome back.” Dave smiled tenderly again and held out his hand. Y/N hesitated for a moment but she ended up shaking it.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thanks, Dave.” Y/N opened the door, but not before turning to see the trunk, knowing what was kept there. “I wasn't sure how I'd feel, but... I think it'll be good to reconnect with some old friends.”

Well, I hope you liked it! It is the beginning. I am very delighted with the tv show! I want you to know that there will be stuff that I am not going to write here, or there are things that I will take her my way. This is my own dumb version. Example, pregnancy, I'm not going to bring that here.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Enjoy it, I hope you do. If you want to be tagged, just ask!

ㅤㅤㅤ

the cutest and lovely people tags ✨ : @imnotasuperhero @yourfavunsub @kaiidth-wandika

ㅤㅤㅤ

#wanda maximoff x reader #wanda x reader #wanda maximoff imagine

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tobiasdrake · 3 months ago

Note

YES! Digimon Adventure 02, my favorite *starts rubbing hand together* i'm going to be so obnoxious.

Anyway since you're done with Adventure could you rank the Chosen Children up to now? I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts.

Let's see. Chosen Children from Most Favorite to Least Favorite, since I don't actually have any I dislike.

1 - Tachikawa Mimi. I'm sure there are no surprises about that one. Mimi's job is to be the relatable everykid. The one who acts the most like what an actual real-life ten-year-old thrown into this situation would act like. She cries, she screams, she wants to go home.

But she still pulls it together and has a lot to contribute all the same.

All of the kids do a great job of being relatable, honestly. But Mimi has the most interesting journey to me,

2 - Kido "Joe" Jou. You know, as a kid, I adored Yamato so much. He would have been my #2. But as an adult, I can't help but appreciate how hard Jou-senpai worked at the mostly thankless job of trying to be responsible for these kids.

He's just as scared and confused and lost as they are, and in the beginning the burden of responsibility weighs so heavily on him that it nearly breaks him. But he rises to the challenge. Even after they decide Taichi is officially team leader, Jou is always looking out for them, always trying to guide them as their senpai nonetheless.

Jou giving his life to save Takeru is my favorite Crest activation of the lot.

3 - Ishida "Matt" Yamato. He's still up there, just not as high as Jou. Yamato is the most damaged of the Chosen Children at the start, though it may not be immediately obvious. He comes into the series with more baggage than anyone. He's already carrying his parents' divorce on his back and emotionally spiraling down a defensive rabbit-hole before we even know his name.

Yamato isn't capable of being a selfish person, and that much is on display left and right. His kneejerk reactions are almost always for the betterment of the group. He can't help himself but to care about everyone else. But he's so messed up that he thinks that's a character flaw. Who he is and who he wants to be are miles apart, and who he wants to be kinda sucks so that's a good thing.

4 - Takenouchi Sora. Sora's carrying some damage on her heart as well. She's similar to Yamato, in that there's a stark disconnect in her character. Not who she is vs. who she wants to be, but rather who she is vs. who she thinks she has to be.

I love how much attention her dynamic with her mom gets in the Vamdemon arc. Sora has the most interesting and dramatic home situation out of any of the kids.

But it does feel like the show starts to de-emphasize her over time, particularly in the Dark Masters arc where Sora routinely has to be protected or saved and rarely gets to be the one who looks cool. Whether she's propping up Takeru, Hikari, or Yamato, Sora often ends up taking a backseat as the series draws closer to its conclusion.

5 - Takaishi "T.K." Takeru. I didn't actually like T.K. as a kid. He just seemed like an annoying little kid. But that's because of the dub downplaying his growth and his strength. Ironically, Takeru is probably the one of the original seven who already has his shit together the most from the start.

He's innocent, naive, and abhors violence, but he's not a helpless baby either. Takeru is resourceful, strong-willed, and contributes as much as anyone to the children's survival. Which is, itself, a key factor in Yamato's arc as much as his own.

6 - Yagami "Kari" Hikari. Hikari suffers tremendously from entering the series so late. She has very limited opportunities to shine, something that 02 will help her with.

She makes good use of what she gets and has a lot of great moments nonetheless. Granted, she's a little bit deus ex machina-ey, but she's literally the Light of the Eight Gods so we can forgive her for that.

7 - Izumi "Izzy" Koushiro. He made my kid cry.

No, I jest. Koushiro's in a rough spot where, as the computer nerd of the group in the Digital World, he has to try and walk a tightrope between "Koushiro OP plz nerf" and "It feels like Koushiro should be doing more."

It's not a tightrope he walks easily. He gets off to an interesting start as he's building out his understanding of the Digital World. But that kinda reaches a head at Etemon's pyramid and after that he just starts leaning on stuff Gennai gives him.

Once the setting is well-established, we don't get to see him do cool things like writing a program that will display a holographic map of Etemon's pyramid in physical space anymore. Gennai gives him all of his tools going forward and he just... sorta becomes the Pokedex.

8 - Yagami Taichi. He yelled at my kid for grieving dead friends.

That's less of a jest. More generally, Taichi has a lot of good points. He's the one who keeps his eye on the ball during the Dark Masters arc and keeps pushing forward while Mimi, Jou, and Yamato are having their respective crises. He's usually the guy you want to lean on in a crisis.

But wow, can Taichi be insufferable at times pre-development. He's reckless, self-centered, occasionally sexist, and utterly insensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others.

Taichi is a wild card. You never really know if you're gonna get "gets everyone caught by Etemon because he thought it'd be funny to cause trouble" Taichi or "pulls this team back together after they split up" Taichi.

Though meeting Homeostasis near the end and hearing the background of their adventure seems to do wonders for Taichi putting all of this to rest and becoming an emotionally stronger leader.

#digimon #digimon adventure

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euphreana · 7 months ago

Text

The Shape of Truth - Chapter 7: Unit 531

Masterpost

Knightly Storage required a passcode to get in. The key tag hadn’t included that - it just had the name and unit number; 531. And 531 wasn’t the code.

The storage building was a tall, stone structure with a side entrance hidden from the street by some towering bushes. An awning over the door blocked the rain as Ambrosius stared at the keypad next to the doorway. Nimona, next to him, shifted into a hulking humanoid with large hands.

“We could break in.” She said with a grin, flexing an arm.

Ambrosius rolled his eyes.

“That would be illegal.”

Nimona smirked and shifted back to a teen.

“As if today wasn’t already toeing the line.”

“We didn’t… break any laws.”

“Sure. We just bent them a little.”

“Exactly. A knight must uphold the rules that keep us in order.”

Nimona groaned.

“Come on… don’t tell me you haven't broken at least ONE rule at least ONCE in your life.”

Ambrosius still looked unamused.

“Even if I did, I wouldn't be telling YOU about it.”

“Aw, why not?”

“Because I still don't know anything about you! I don't even know how old you are, or if ‘Nimona’ is even your real name!”

Nimona was silent while Ambrosius tried to figure out the door code, punching in several numerical combinations off the top of his head. The keypad flashed red each time.

Nimona’s voice broke his concentration.

“They never told you how your dad really died, did they?” she said, seemingly out of nowhere.

Ambrosius gave her a side glance.

“What in Gloreth's name are you talking about?”

“I mean you were just a kid - they didn't want you to think he was a bad man or anything - nothing you could possibly blabber to the wrong person about. They told you he went out for a few drinks with his knight buddies, got plastered, and then walked in front of a speeding truck, right?”

Ambrosius looked wary.

“That's... what happened.”

“That's what they WANTED you to think happened. That's what they wanted EVERYONE to think happened. They couldn't let Gloreth's name get dragged in the mud, could they?”

Ambrosius didn’t look convinced.

“So you're saying there was a coverup.”

"I'm saying you never saw him drunk before, did you?”

“I don’t remember. Maybe?”

“Believe me, you didn’t.”

“How would you know?”

“I’m telling you - I’m full of information about your family.”

Ambrosius turned back to the keypad.

“Aaaand now you're just sounding creepy. One less reason for me to trust you.”

“Think about it though! The man never got drunk. So how did he get so tipsy that night he didn't see the truck coming?”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

“Hey, you don't have to take my word for it - with your rank, you can go to the medical records building and see the original coroner's report for yourself.”

Ambrosius typed in another combination.

“Maybe I will. Or maybe I won't. What difference would it make? He’s still dead.”

The keypad flashed red again. Ambrosius sighed. He was quickly realizing he could stand here all day trying different combinations and none of them work. He waved a hand towards the other side of the building.

“Come on, let’s go to the office.”

“I still vote ‘break in’.”

Ambrosius gave her a weary look. Nimona held her hands up.

“I mean bend, not break.”

~ ~ ~

There was already a woman arguing with the clerk when Nimona, now matching Ambrosius’s height and age, entered the office, followed by Ambrosius himself. Fortunately, there was another worker passing by whom Nimona was able to flag down.

“Heeeeeey… I totally forgot the passcode for the door. Could you let me in?”

The worker pointed to the desk.

“Sure, just show them your ID.”

“ID… yeah… you know, I think I left it at home. I just ran over here to get something” she dangled the storage key in her hand.

The worker gave a forced smile.

“Talk to the desk.”

They both looked at the discussion at the desk. It didn’t look like it was going to end soon.

Nimona held a hand up, “Come on, me and my brother just need to grab something real quick.”

“Talk to the desk.”

“What if I slid you a 20 goldpiece?”

“Talk to the desk.” The worker pushed past her, off on their own errand.

Nimona glanced at Ambrosius with a look that said ‘ok we tried it your way and it didn’t work.’ Ambrosius shrugged and jerked his head towards the desk. This could still work - his own ID would draw attention, but maybe Nimona could work something out.

“For the last time, we can’t let you use acid on the lock!” The clerk behind the desk was saying, “You either find your key or find a licensed locksmith to remove the lock for you.”

The woman in front of the desk waved a hand desperately.

“But what if—”

“We can recommend a locksmith for you if you don’t want to do the footwork yourself.”

“— I fill the lock with water, and then freeze it! Water expands when frozen, so the lock should break right off!”

“Miss Bitsmore, there are other people waiting in line behind you.”

“It’s Blitzmeyer! Meredith Blitzmeyer!”

“Miss Blitzmeyer, would you like the number for the locksmith or not?”

“I’m telling you, I can’t afford a locksmith! My lab burned down and I’m living off savings!”

Ambrosius’s ears perked up. The initials from the sword invoice flashed in his mind. MB!

The clerk didn’t miss a beat, sliding a business card across the desk.

“You can find the number here. Let us know when you plan to come. Next!”

The woman waved her hands in exasperation and stomped out the door, not bothering to take the card. The clerk tapped an intercom button on the desk.

“Hey, keep an eye on unit 531 - we might get someone trying to break into it.” Then the clerk looked up at Nimona. “Can I help you?”

Nimona gave a toothy grin.

“Heyyyy, I need to get in but I forgot the passcode. My ID is—”

Ambrosius hurried forward and grabbed Nimona by the arm.

“Hey you know what? I think I remember where you left your ID!” He pulled her toward the door. “Come on!”

~ ~ ~

It had started to rain in earnest now. Meredith Blitzmeyer walked hands-free, umbrella balanced on her shoulder thanks to the weights built into the bent shaft and handle. She'd designed that part herself, and more.

“Excuse me missus umbrella lady...”

Meredith looked down to see a small boy suddenly standing in front of her. He was dressed in tatters and looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

“I can't find my mommy... She went through that scary alley over there.” the child pointed, shivering in the rain. “Could you help me find her? Pwease....?” He looked up at her with sad puppy eyes.

Meredith glanced around. There were other people walking down the street, but nobody was stopping to see if the child was alright. Nobody except her. She sighed.

“Come on, let’s find your mom.” She took the child by the hand and started down the alleyway.

She hadn’t gotten far before she sensed someone else behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, there was a tall, hooded figure barely a meter behind her. Of course. Meredith could have slapped herself for being so gullible.

The hooded figure reached out, but Meredith was faster. Before either the child or the stranger could react, she’d swung her umbrella off her shoulder, collapsing it and shoving the end into the stranger’s chest. A crackle of electricity rippled through the air and the hooded figured dropped like a stone.

Meredith broke into a run. The street was close. Just a few meters… A beastly snarl echoed down the alley as a set of jaws clamped around her leg, yanking her to the ground. Meredith tried to get back up, but the grip on her leg wouldn’t let go. It started to drag her backwards, away from the street, back into the dark alley.

The electrified umbrella was still in her hands. Meredith turned and swung it at the beast, electricity arcing at its tip. She almost hit it. It let go of her instead, ducking out of the way. That was all the time she needed to get back to her feet. But before she could run, the hooded figure slammed into her, knocking her back to the ground. Then the beast - a large, pink wolf - grabbed the umbrella in its jaws and yanked it away.

Meredith blinked in surprise. Pink? The next thing she knew, the hooded figure had rolled off her and the wolf was towering above her, teeth bared.

A man’s voice rang out, angry.

“Who are you working for?!”

The question caught Meredith by surprise.

“What?!”

“We know you ordered the sword!”

“I didn’t—”

“We have paperwork - with your initials on it! You had the sword - the sword that killed the queen - the sword that framed Ballister, that got him killed…” The man’s voice broke.

Meredith tried to look at the source of the voice, but the wolf growled at the slightest movement. The man found his voice again, wavering as it was.

“I should turn you in now. There’s enough evidence here. That’ll be enough to prove his innocence, and then… then…”

The wolf spoke in a female voice.

“Hey, keep it together man. We’ve got an interrogation here.”

Meredith, fully bewildered by now, broke in.

“I didn’t do it! They ordered the sword in my name and then burned down my lab when I said I wouldn’t put the blaster in it! …. I can show you the emails!”

The man sank to his knees next to her. Meredith got a look at his face.

“Wait, you’re the Goldenlocks guy!”

Ambrosius didn’t bat an eye.

“Yeah. Something like that.”

“Ohhh no… I- I didn’t do anything wrong! I swear I thought I was designing mining equipment! Good Gloreth I talk too much…”

“Why didn’t you say something after they arrested Ballister?”

“I thought he was the one who’d ordered the sword! I- I didn’t want to get in any more trouble!” Meredith blinked several times under her glasses. “They already killed my friends in the fire…”

There was a long silence. Then the wolf spoke again.

“You think she’s telling the truth?”

“Not all of it.” Ambrosius turned back to Meredith. “You said there were emails. Show me.”

Meredith hesitated.

“Ah, you see, I don’t have my work email on my phone - I use my laptop for that. And I left that at home.”

Silence. Meredith spoke again.

“So if you could let me go….”

“We found this at your old lab.” Ambrosius said, holding up the misplaced storage key.

Meredith’s eyes grew wide. Ambrosius pocketed the key and continued.

“Meet us at the library. We’ll be in a study room under the name ‘Goldenlocks’. Bring the laptop. Otherwise I toss the key and give the sword invoice to Security.”

“But… I have somewhere to be…”

“You have two hours.”

Meredith looked like she wanted to say something else, but thought better of it. She didn’t want to get on the bad side of a noble, much less a knight. She nodded instead.

The wolf backed up. Meredith scuttled backwards, grabbing her umbrella and getting to her feet. She paused to brush the water from her clothes.

"If I can ask... You said you thought Ballister was framed. Why? Didn't he confess to the murder?"

Ambrosius hesitated.

"I don't think that confession was from him. It didn't... sound like him."

Meredith gave an unimpressed “Oh,” then flicked her umbrella open and hurried back to the street. Still in the alley, Nimona shifted back to dog form, suddenly dry as she ducked under an overhang. Ambrosius turned away, rubbing his eyes. Nimona looked up at him.

“You okay, boss?”

Ambrosius didn’t look at her.

“… It was just yesterday. They published the confession at noon, and he was dead before sunset.” He leaned back against the wall. “I didn’t even get to see him...”

Nimona sat next to him, pressing her furry head under his hand. Ambrosius reflexively ran his fingers through her fur, appreciating the softness. He cracked the faintest smile. So that was what having a dog was like.

Next Chapter

#this chapter was so much fun to write!#I'd say more but the tags are visible in the preview and I don't want to spoil anything #nimona #the shape of truth

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