#since they apparently don't understand falling asleep to voices

[windfighter]

Am listening to a Tootie-vod and she started talking about falling asleep to other people's streams and how it's like hanging out with friends in a relaxed setting until you fall asleep, like a sleepover

and it was such a difference to every single hermit whose reaction when people fall asleep to them is to get sad/upset and go "oh so I'm boring?" and everytime I just want to grab them and shake them until they stop being overdramatic

No, it means you're safe. You're a friend (parasocial) and we're hanging out until we fall asleep. Like a sleepover, except you're on the other side of the world.

[bruisedboys]

good job on 8k🥳 may i please request:

john walker - venom - "don't you dare tell anyone about this." "wasn't planning on it."

thank you lovely! implied smut/mature themes 16+!!

john walker x fem!thunderbolt!reader, 0.9k words

You wake up with John Walker in your bed, fast asleep next to you with his arm thrown over your waist.

You sit up so fast you almost break your neck.

What the hell? You panic, frantically feeling around for your phone in the dark, when you realise that your ensuite light is still on and the door half-open, a warm glow spilling onto your bedroom floor. A trail of discarded clothes, both yours and John’s, traverses from the ensuite to your bed.

It all comes back to you then. John, getting hurt on a mission while protecting you. You, urging him to let you patch him up rather than doing it himself — it was the least you could do after he saved your life. John, shirtless, sitting in your ensuite and staring at you with those dark, brooding eyes of his while you tended to his injured shoulder. His skin was warm under your touch, and your heart was thrumming in your throat. There was a sort of intensity in his eyes that you could feel reflected in your own gaze.

It’s all a blur after that. You don’t know who kissed who first, but there was a lot of tongue, and then a lot of touching, and it ended up with you naked against the mattress and John on top of you. Both of you sweating and gasping, moaning each others’ names. You must’ve fallen asleep not long after, because you don’t remember much else. The ache between your legs tells you all you need to know.

The first few hints of morning slip through the curtains. You apparently had enough sense to put some clothes on after the events of last night, because you look down to find you’re half-dressed, in your underwear and one of your sleep shirts.

John stirs next to you.

“What’re you doing?” He murmurs sleepily. His hand searches for you under the covers and finds your thigh, thumb skipping over your bare skin, “What’s th’matter?”

You feel dizzy. You don’t think he’s realised where he is yet. You swallow.

“John,” you say, like a warning. You can’t look at him. If you do, you’ll remember the way he kissed you last night, and your feelings for him will come crashing down on you all over again.

“What?” He mumbles, like he’s irritated. He rolls onto his back, clearly disoriented. “What’s… oh.”

John groans softly as he sits up next to you. He’s bare chested but for the bandage you’d wrapped his shoulder in last night. The sheets fall around his hips. You try not to look at the distinct V-shape at his abdomen that plunges downwards, disappearing into the waistband of his boxers.

“Hey,” he says with a wince. His voice is rough from sleep. Your eyes dart to his chest and back up.

“Hi,” you say back.

“Uhhh.” John rubs the back of his neck with his good arm. You ignore the way his bicep bulges with the movement. “Did we have sex?”

You nod, your face hot. “Yeah.”

You turn your face away from his, embarrassed and confused. You’re not sure what this means for you and him. You’ve liked him since you met him, but you’ve never had the guts to do anything about it, let alone tell him. You worry you’ve only gone and made it more complicated by sleeping with him. What does he want from you? What does he think you want from him?

It all floats around in your head and makes you feel lightheaded. Meanwhile, John runs a hand over his face and sighs.

“Hey, listen…” He touches your shoulder hesitantly. It’s a stark contrast to the way he touched you last night, so sure, so firm. Now he touches you like you’re made of glass. “Look at me?”

Despite your best efforts, you can’t ignore him. You twist to look at him. He’s already looking right back at you, hooded eyes boring into yours. There’s something in the way he looks at you that you don’t understand.

“It was… nice, right?” He asks you slowly, voice low. “You… did you like it?”

Feeling a bit like you’re stuck in a trance, you nod. His proximity, and the memories of last night that only get more and more vivid as the minutes pass, are making you dizzy.

“I… yeah. It was nice,” you say quietly. But what did it mean? You want to add.

John grins lazily, the side of his mouth quirking. “Yeah? You enjoyed it?”

You find yourself nodding, unable to do much else as your tongue seems to have turned to lead in your mouth. John leans closer, pushing his hand over your shoulder blade and spreading it over the space below your neck.

His other hand toys with the hem of your shirt. “So did I,” he murmurs.

You find yourself leaning into him like a moth to open flame, unable to stop yourself though you think you know how this will end.

In the half dark your hand finds his chest. He pushes his own hand under your shirt to hold your hip, and suddenly, you’re back where it all started.

You glance down at John’s mouth. “John…” you whisper.

John tugs you closer. He’s looking at your lips, “Hm?”

You swallow. Are you really about to do this again? You feel his warm hand climbing your ribcage under your shirt, feel his firm chest under your palm, and think, screw it.

“Don’t you dare tell anyone about this,” you say gruffly. You wrap both hands around his neck and get close enough to kiss him. “Alright?”

John grins. “Wasn’t planning on it, sweetheart.”

He kisses you, and it feels so good that you forget to wonder what it means.

[revolutionsingingintherainnn]

Hi! I loved the "through their eyes" fanfic with lando, and i was wondering if youd do it with literally any other driver? Maybe oscar, max or charles? If not thats fine x

through their eyes .ೃ࿐ 

Summary: charles and y/n's relationship through other people's eyes.

lando's version

༉‧₊˚. cl x reader ‗ ❍

༉‧₊˚. fluff ‗ ❍

masterlist ☾☼

arthur

arthur loved his brother. he really did. his elder brother was his favourite person in the world sometimes.

key word: sometimes.

he hated his brother when he called in the middle of the night. he hated his brother a little more when his reason for calling was because he was afraid his new little puppy had accidentally eaten chocolates.

charles himself never ate chocolates. arthur knew that. so, he couldn’t understand where charles had the idea that leo ate chocolates.

nevertheless, he let his brother drag him to an emergency vet at 4 am. charles was craddling leo, talking to him in a baby voice. arthur tried to take the whole thing seriously, he really did, but sometimes his brother forgot that other people needed sleep.

"they're taking so long. what if something happens to leo in that time? this is an emergency." charles mumbled.

arthur sighed and said, "you're next in line. just be patient."

charles nodded and went back to running his fingers through leo's fur.

when they finally called charles' name, he immediately stood up and speed walked towards the door. arthur sighed, and followed behind, dragging his feet because he really just wanted to be in his bed right now.

"hi, i'm doctor y/l/n. what brings you here?" the doctor was pretty, arthur had to admit.

though, the funny part was the way his brother had lost the part of his brain that made sentences as he stared at the doctor with wide eyes.

as much as arthur loved to see his brother like this, he refused to let him make a fool of himself, or of arthur.

"his dog apparently ate chocolates?" arthur said.

the vet let out a small chuckle, "you say that as if you're not sure,"

"well, i just came home and saw chocolate wrappers around him, which was weird, and immediately rushed him here." charles finally said, finding the part of his brain that made words.

"that is weird. do you have a lot of chocolate at home?" she asked as she began to check for any signs on leo.

"not really. i don't eat a lot of chocolate," charles said, alternating between the doctor and leo.

"any idea where the chocolate was since it was accessible to such a small dog?"

both leclercs stopped for a second and thought. charles was usually careful about not leaving things like that near leo's reach, well aware that leo was a hyperactive dog. and for the days that charles was away, arthur babysat leo. just like he had done that day.

oh.

arthur's brain finally began working, and he hit his brother's back.

"i had the chocolates!" arthur exclaimed.

charles turned to him, confused, "what?"

"i was babysitting leo today and i got some chocolates with me!"

"so you ate them in my living room and left the wrappers?" charles asked, a little bit of anger seeping through his voice.

oh.

this was what arthur had told himself today to not repeat to his brother. that he had been lazy and decided not to clean up like he knew he should've.

arthur opened his mouth to defend himself, to say anything that could pass off and not have his brother lecture him in the middle of the night. but, the doctor saved him. thank fuck.

"oh, i know what you mean. sometimes, i have too many chocolates, and then i fall asleep from a sugar crash and forget to pick up the wrappers or clean up," she said casually, as she continued checking leo.

charles turned back to her, and arthur watched as he slowly nodded and accepted the answer. arthur wasn't sure whether he wanted to be pissed at that or amazed at the power this woman already held.

she subtly winked at arthur, and he decided that he liked this woman.

she turned to charles and said, "alright, he's not vomitting, so that's a good sign. i'm gonna write my personal number for you just in case there's an emergency."

arthur smiled, though he tried to hide it. he knew what she was doing. he just hoped his brother caught on too.

charles took the piece of paper from her, and thanked her. she waved at the two brothers, as they turned to leave.

just as they settled in charles' car, he asked, "why did she give me her personal number?"

arthur facepalmed.

carlos

carlos had been seeing charles' new "friend" quite often in the paddock. charles hadn't introduced them yet, and carlos didn't know why. he still respected his teammate's wishes.

carlos liked to think that he was an observant man. he liked to think that he knew charles well enough to read his body language and know or at least, understand some part of what his teammate was feeling.

he had been observing charles every time y/n was close by. had been watching the way charles stood a little taller, spoke a little softer, laughed a little harder. watched the way charles almost touched her back while showing her around, and insisted on putting the headphones on her head himself, and the way charles waited and waited for her to do anything and everything.

it reminded him of lando and his girlfriend. though, those two were much more touchy than whatever this was. in comparison, charles seemed hesitant, yet eager.

it was during the fourth or fifth grand prix that carlos noticed that charles was properly touching her. not just a hand on her back to guide her way, but a hand on the waist, and her arm, and sometimes her fingers. not only that, she was touching him just as much. she played with his rings and his hair, and she stood just a tad closer than friends would.

carlos knew then that something had changed. something had definitely changed, and he knew it was for the better. he did not say anything, though. it wasn't his place.

towards the end of the season, charles finally introduced the woman to carlos.

"carlos, this is dr. y/n y/l/n. she's a vet," he paused, "and my girlfriend,"

carlos smiled instantly. shaking y/n's hand, he said, "hello, dr. y/n. i am carlos sainz jr, though i'm sure you're already aware of that."

she laughed, and carlos watched the way charles lit up, "yes, i do know who you are! i'm so glad to finally meet you!"

"me too! i was expecting charles to hide you from the world, especially me," carlos laughed.

"i apologise, that was based on my request," y/n looked slightly apologetic, but she also seemed sure in her response. it was her request to not be known, and she had the vibe that she would fight anyone who questioned it.

"well, then i'm glad to see charles is capable to following requests. my request for feeding him pancakes have always been ignored. hopefully, you can convince him,"

charles groaned, while y/n laughed, leaning into him slightly.

"i'll convince him, for sure. don't worry,"

the three of them chatted for a little while longer, giggling and making fun of charles. when she started yawning, and leaning into charles more, carlos bid his goodbyes to the couple.

he watched as charles tucked her into him, and watched they shared a soft kiss as they walked towards the exit. he watched as charles smiled radiantly, and he smiled as well.

what was it with carlos and watching his teammates finding their forever loves in front of him?

lewis

being a part of ferrari had been a dream. it was everyone's dream. but, lewis had some doubts. it had been a tough decision, definitely. now, though, with almost half of the season over, lewis felt more comfortable.

he had been waiting for charles to finish talking to the fia president to go over some strategy changes for the next few races. he wasn't eavesdropping, he was just listening attentively for any signs of their conversation being over. lewis desperately wanted to go home, but he wanted to finish this and then go home.

as soon as the conversation ended, lewis watched as charles and his girlfriend bid their goodbyes and walked to charles' driver room. lewis jogged to keep up. he was 40. he shouldn't have to jog to keep up now.

just as lewis reached the door, the two had already locked themselves in the room. in hindsight, lewis could have just yelled at them to wait up like a normal person would, but well, maybe he doesn't care about the strategies enough to do it.

he raised his hand to knock when the words from inside the room registered in his brain.

"-such a dick." y/n was saying. who was a dick? a lot of people were dicks, so it didn't exactly narrow down the list for lewis.

charles laughed. his voice was louder. maybe he was standing closer to the door.

"don't laugh! it was so annoying standing there. three different people, including me, mentioned to that fuckass president of yours that i'm a vet and i have a medical degree, and i've made a name for myself! but, no! he kept referring to me as your girlfriend!"

if lewis leaned against the wall to get slightly more comfortable, he definitely didn't. definitely.

"you say as if it's a bad thing he referred to you as my girlfriend! you are my girlfriend, after all." charles said.

"that's not the point, charles. the point is that i'm accomplished in my own ways. i'm y/n y/l/n first, and somebody's something second. him refusing to acknowledge that i'm a doctor, even if it was for animals, was disrespectful."

lewis hoped that charles got his shit together in this conversation.

"i understand that. but, you know that's how he is. we've all told you stories of how he is. he's not going to change." well, lewis agreed that he wasn't going to change, but it still wasn't the argument that charles thought it was.

"that's bullshit, no? he's the president of the fia, and he refuses to acknowledge women as someone other than a secondary person. i mean, how many others has he done this with? we've got professional golfer lily, and a super smart degree in engineering, and we've got kika as a model and studying in fashion design. they're all highly accomplished women."

"mon cheri, i agree with you. i promise i do. but, the president barely treats us drivers as humans. his viewership and his money literally depends on us, and he doesn't have the decency to treat us nicely,"

that was true, lewis had to agree.

it was quiet for a few moments, and then hushed whispers. lewis leaned in closer to the door as he tried to make out the words, but he just couldn't.

"oh, hey lewis!" one of the mechanics said, clapping a hand on his back.

lewis immediately straightened, and made polite conversations. he really wanted to get back to listening to the conversation happening inside.

just as he was done with the conversation, the door opened, and charles greeted them, and the conversation began again.

for fucks sake.

jules

jules was always watching from the sky. he was always watching over his godson. after all, that was the duty of a godfather, wasn't it? to protect the godson when no one else could. to be there for the godson when no one else could. jules had promised charles' father that he would always look after his son, and not even death can stop jules.

he'd watched charles find y/n. he'd watched the way she supported him and helped him grow as a person. he's watched as she made him the happiest man on earth. he'd watched her celebrate every win with him, and comforted him through every loss.

it was safe to say that jules felt the proudest of his godson the day he proposed to y/n. charles was smart to never let her go. charles was smart to make sure that she stayed with him and loved him just like he loved her and wanted to stay with her.

it was the day of charles and y/n's wedding.

jules was there in spirit. he always was.

y/n was a sweetheart. she had saved him a seat, along with charles' father in the front row for charles. jules wasn't sure if she had told charles, but he knew his godson would be so thankful for it.

jules was there in his suit and tie, looking crisp, even if no one could see him. he sat on the seat reserved for him as he waited for the groom to walk down the aisle first.

he saw every person who ever cared about charles sitting there. family, friends, team, ex drivers, current drivers. it made jules smile. so many people loved charles. so many loved y/n as well. to see them all together in one place to celebrate their love was heartwarming.

the music began, and charles walked down the aisle with his groomsmen: pierre, carlos, and bryan. they smile and laugh with him, shaking his shoulders as tear gather in charles' eyes.

jules watched as charles' gaze roam across the mass of people sitting there. he waves slightly at a few. jules watched as charles' gaze finally settled on him. he watched as charles' tears fell at the realisation of what his fiance had done for him.

he watched as charles covered his face, silent sobs escaping him. and then, the music began, and the bride walked down the aisle. everyone stood, including jules.

the bride was smiling wide, a little bounce in her steps as if she couldn't wait to marry his godson. her hand was tucked in her father's elbow, and the other hand held a bouquet of lilies.

jules watched as she stood on the little podium in front of charles, smiling brightly while his tears mixed with his grin. the love in charles' eyes was as beautiful as the aurora borealis in the night sky.

the ceremony began, and they went through the usual process. jules had been to few weddings, though he didn't remember most of them anymore.

when it was time for the vows, charles broke down again as he thanked his bride for saving a spot for his dad and his godfather, that he didn't think of doing something like that despite how much he wanted them to be there on their wedding there. he thanked her and promised to love her forever. he promised to cherish her and always be there for her, and he promised that he would always be at her beck and call, because she was the greatest gift he'd ever gotten.

y/n cried as well. it surprised jules a little bit. maybe he wasn't expecting her to cry as well. but, it was nice to see. to see that their love for each other was so overwhelming that smiles could not contain it.

she said her vows as well. she told him that she knew how much he missed his father and godfather and she wanted to do something small that would make him feel closer to them. she told him how much she loved him and how much she's going to continue loving him. she promised him to be the first one jumping for every win, and be the first hug he needs when he's disappointed. she promised that she would hold onto his hand as long as he held onto her, and she promised to laugh at every joke he said, regardless of how funny or not funny it was.

almost everyone was in tears. jules was too.

when the priest finally said, "you may kiss your bride," the couple did not waste another second. charles' hands cupped her face, as she held onto his wrists, and they kissed for the first time as a married couple.

jules smiled.

he knew pushing y/n towards charles was a good idea.

he knew he'd made the right decision, even from the sky.

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

i genuinely feel like my writing skills have massively deteriorated. im not even fishing. im just saying. i feel like it takes me one or two tries to get a particular driver right. i don't really pay as much attention to the other drivers as i do with lando, and also that i connect with lando a lot personality wise, so its easier for me to write him. anyways, i hope you like this! im sorry it took me so long to write this one! this is my prompt list, so y'all can select a number, give me a driver and i will write it as soon as possible! i also have a google form for a taglist if anyone's interested! you can sent in your requests here :)

taglist: @imlonelydontsendhelp ; @greantii ; @anamiad00msday ; @maketheshadowsfearyou ; @nocturnalherb16 ; @justaf1girl ; @peterholland04 ; @phobiccneel ; @winkev1 ; @alexxavicry

i'd love your support! https://ko-fi.com/kavi2305

[weneeya]

soft kiss m.list | rules

pairing. haikyuu x reader

characters. oikawa, osamu, kageyama, kenma

note. apparently i'm not able to write with anything other than haikyuu, so here i am once again! i'm trying to write with different characters bc i love them all <3 don't hesitate to request!

Oikawa as sharing a kiss after a long time

It had been months since the great Oikawa Tooru had left for Argentina. You had pushed him to leave without a single thought ; it was too much of an opportunity for him to just say no because of you. Yes, you missed him like crazy, but you called each other anytime you could, fighting against the timezone. 

Argentina was so far away, and Oikawa was so busy that you didn't have a single idea of when you would be able to see him again. You tried not to worry too much about this, knowing well that he would feel guilty for leaving like this. 

You were with Iwaizumi, laying down on his couch while telling him how you felt about the distance with your boyfriend. After all, it was also his best friend, he was the best to help you right now. Your monologue was cut off by the bell of the door. You looked up to glance at Iwa who simply shrugged his shoulders. 

“You should go open,” he told you, and you didn’t understand why he would ask you to open the door of his apartment after hearing someone ; but you did it anyway, standing up from the couch to go to the door. You opened it without expecting anything, until your eyes locked on a face you knew too well. 

Your eyes widened and you didn’t even know what to say right now. You blinked a few times, trying to process when you heard his voice. “You didn’t miss me?” Tooru teased you, and the second after you were almost jumping on him. He caught you the second after, keeping his balance so none of you would fall. 

You looked into his eyes, still not realizing that he was really here now. What made you realize it was when he leaned closer to capture your lips, his fingers tangling with your hair at the back of your head to keep you close. It felt surreal, because you haven’t felt him so close since what felt like an eternity. 

You kissed him back like your whole life depended on it, your hands cupping his cheeks. It never felt so strong before, perhaps because you never spent so much time away from each other before. 

What brought you both back on Earth was Iwaizumi clearing his throat behind you, arms crossed on his chest and a grin at the corner of his lips. “At least get inside,” he told you, and Tooru nodded, taking your hand in his to get in Iwa’s apartment. You had no idea for how long he would be here, but you planned on enjoying every moment until he left again.

Osamu as a forehead kiss to check your temperature

You had been feeling sick the whole day, but your boyfriend was sadly not here to take care of you. Osamu had a lot of work to do at the restaurant, and he left too early to even notice how bad you could feel. You decided not to say anything to him while he was gone ; he had enough stress with work, he didn’t need to be worrying about you on top of that. 

When Osamu came home after his long day of work, he simply walked to the living room where he knew he would find you. Except that he didn’t expect you to be half asleep, but clearly feverish. You slowly looked up at him, and you quickly noticed the light frown on his face. 

“What’s going on?” He asked you, crossing his arms as you slowly sat back up on the couch. You sighed a bit, before you explained that you spent the day here on the couch, not even able to go make yourself something to eat. It simply made his frown a bit harder on his already tired face. “Stay here, lay down and don’t move.” 

Osamu left for the kitchen, after he made sure that you were really laying down on the couch while he was gone. He came back in the living room a moment later, with a plate in his hands, which he put on the table next to you. You sat back and he took a seat right next to you. “Eat what you can, but don’t force yourself.” 

You took some time to eat a bit, before you turned around to be facing him. You were about to say something when you simply felt his lips brushing against your forehead. It caught you off guard, his hand resting at the back of your head. He moved away a few seconds later, a bit of worry in his eyes. “You got a really bad fever. Come here, let’s get you to bed.” 

You were too flabbergasted to realize that he was already taking your hand to guide you to the bedroom. You didn’t know what you did to deserve such a sweet man, but you knew he would take care of you for as long as you would need it.

Kageyama as kissing your knuckles to ease your anxiety

Exams were slowly but surely approaching, and as always, it made you a nervous wreck. You weren’t bad at school, never really having catastrophic grades ; and yet, it made your anxiety rise like crazy. You were overworking yourself, spending hours on studying to be sure that you would pass. 

It made Kageyama worry a lot. He was bad at showing it, but he really hated those times because you were staying inside the whole day, not even caring a little about your own health. He knocked at the door of your dorm room, and the light sound he heard from the other side gave him the permission to get inside. 

His eyes met your figure sitting in front of your desk, not even looking up at him when he walked closer to you. He sat on your bed, next to where you were, waiting in silence until you would finally look up from your books. 

“Did you need something?” You asked without looking at him, and it made him frown slightly. He stood up, marking your page before closing the book in front of you. Suddenly, you looked up at him, about to say something, when you realized what was going on. You sighed slowly, putting a strand of hair behind your ear. “I’m sorry, I just…” 

“I know,” he told you softly, falling on his knees in front of you. He gently grabbed your hands in his, looking up at you. He was bad with words, he knew it ; and he wasn’t really good with showing it either ; but for you, he always tried his best. 

He raised your hand closer to his face, and his lips kissed your knuckles without saying anything more. You stayed silent too, tilting your head to the side while looking at him. No words were needed, you simply closed your eyes and breathed slowly. He always said he was bad at showing you affection, but you couldn’t ask for better.

Kenma as kissing your nose to watch you blush

Your boyfriend had never been a huge fan of PDA. In fact, he wasn’t a huge fan of physical affection in general. But if there was one thing that he loved way more than he disliked PDA, it was teasing you in front of everyone. It was his little guilty pleasure, he couldn’t lie about it. 

Kenma was currently streaming, and you were doing your own things in the rest of the house. His viewers knew you well. Even if he wanted to keep your relationship a secret at first, people began to notice things and, eventually, he had to properly introduce you to them. It was safe to say that he never missed a chance to embarrass you in front of his whole chat since that. 

He was just chatting with the viewers, when he heard some noise from outside, which made an idea cross his mind. A light grin on his face, Kenma called out for you. It didn’t take you long to join him, opening the door and raising an eyebrow. 

“Come here, please,” he asked you to walk closer, which you did without understanding what was happening. He gestured to you to lean over him, and when you did, he quickly left a kiss on the tip of your nose. It was fast, but it was enough to make your face burn all of a sudden. 

You stuttered a few words which didn’t make any sense, and all he did was to grin at you. You hated how proud he looked right now. You pushed his shoulder, moving away from the camera angle, and it made him chuckle. Teasing you really was his guilty pleasure.

thank you!!

[silens-oro]

Well Enough Alone: Part IX

Not all fics have adult content, but this blog is 18+. Andrew "Pope" Cody x f!Reader (nicknamed Hawk) Prologue Cut the Loss (companion piece) Part I Part II Chicken Hawk (companion piece) Part III Part IV Trespassing (companion piece) Part V Part VI Slowly We Unfurl (companion piece) Hold on to the Thread (companion piece) But I'll Always Remember (pre-WEA companion piece)

Masterlist Pope Cody Playlist GirlDad!Pope Baby AU Masterlist

General Synopsis: Everything comes to a head. Word Count: 5.9k Content Warning: typical animal kingdom warnings, heavy angst, mention of miscarriage, murder, Baz & Hawk straight up beefin'. AN: Don't ask me how I wrote this entire thing today because I do not have an answer for you. Here's a lil Friday treat since you all have been so kind. Also, "treat" is used very loosely here because this one is going to hurt 🤭 please comment & reblog :)

Pope didn’t come home at all that night and Hawk didn’t wait up for him. She set an alarm before falling asleep in the vast emptiness of her bed so she could wake up with enough time to make Lena some breakfast before school, and then promptly passed out at 4:30 that morning. Pope usually handled anything early in the morning since he was up anyway, but in his on and off absence the last couple of weeks, Hawk took the reins just like she did this morning. She fell back into the routine she had with J when he was Lena’s age, and she came to the realization that she truly missed those years.

Nicky helped carry Lena out to the car for Hawk since her ribs were still giving her trouble, and Lena only cracked her eyes open for a moment when Hawk was buckling her into the backseat. 

“I get to go with you and Uncle Pope tonight?” Her tiny voice mumbled out. 

“Of course you do, sweetpea.” Hawk replied sweetly. “I’m so sorry you had to go through this tonight. To make up for it, how about some pancakes in the morning before school? I’ll even do some with chocolate chips. Sound good?” 

“With the smiley faces?”

“Absolutely. Can’t have chocolate chip pancakes without smiley faces. That’s just not right.” Hawk joked with a grin. Lena sleepily smiled back and nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as she lost the uphill battle with the sandman. Hawk gently closed the door before meeting Pope at the driver's side with her arms crossed over her chest. 

“Thank you for coming to get her.” 

“You know me –someone calls my phone and I answer.” 

“Hawk-”

“-It’s just weird how you answered J’s call, but I haven’t been able to get a hold of you all day, Pope.” Hawk was exhausted, mentally and physically and he could see it. Hawk’s eyes burned and her body ached, and that headache she tried to hold off was barreling its way forward behind her eyes every time she blinked. “Apparently you didn’t learn the last time -I’m not doing this again, Andy. I’m tired. I’m exhausted. I’m in pain. This family is driving me up the fucking wall and I can’t worry about when you’ll turn up again when you decide to fall off the face of the fucking Earth while also worrying about Lena.” 

“I’m sorry.”

“I don’t need an apology, Pope. I just need you to be present. I have no idea what the hell Baz is doing, but Lena could’ve been killed tonight for his negligence –do you understand that? And he’s bringing Lucy here after Smurf is suddenly arrested?” Hawk shook her head, looking around the trashed driveway. “Something isn’t adding up with any of this, Pope. I don’t know what Baz did to get her locked up, but you, Deran, and Craig need to be careful. He’s never been trustworthy. I know you love him like a brother, but my gut has never been wrong. I may not always listen to it, but it is never wrong. I need you to trust me on that.” He nodded, looking past her through the windshield to Lena’s sleeping figure that was slumped over in the backseat. “Smurf is a lot of things, but she isn’t stupid. We both know that. She does stupid things, but she’s calculated. She didn’t want Lucy in this family’s business for a reason.” Pope stepped forward, hesitating before pulling Hawk to him in a hug. He kissed the crown of her head and her arms draped themselves loosely around his waist. God, he needed her. Her touch, her warmth, her love. Everything about her, he would take and take and take until she refused to give. 

Selfish

Selfish

Selfish, his brain chanted. 

“I’ll be home later, after I’m done dealing with this.” He spoke softly into her ear as he let his head fall into the crook of her neck. His lips found their home just behind her ear and he felt her breathe against him. 

“Yeah.” Hawk sighed with a subtle shake of her head as she pulled away from Pope before turning to get in the driver’s seat. Pope thought back to the gun he held in his hands right before J called him, and how ready he was to end everything at that lifeguard stand on the beach. All he could think about was Cath, about the conversation he had with that detective, about the fact that she didn’t flip on them. He thought about how he was the source of Hawk’s problems as of late, whether she knew they stemmed from him or not. He ended one woman’s life that he cared about, and was actively ruining another’s that he loved. 

And Lena…all of her problems, present and future, were because of a choice he made. 

“Hawk,” Pope called out to her, his voice cracking as he looked at her with an infinite sadness that penetrated her heart. He cleared his throat when she held the door open, waiting for him to continue. “I love you. Both of you. Let me know when you get home, alright? So I know you’re safe.” Hawk nodded, albeit reluctantly.

Pope's behavior was off, way more off than his usual scale of what he dealt with -what she was used to. This Pope…this Pope was desolate, starved, trapped. He was drowning in a way she couldn’t recognize nor comprehend, but he refused to let her in for any kind of solace. She knew he needed it, but how can you save someone who didn’t think they deserved to breathe in the first place?  

“I love you, too, Andy.” Hawk whispered. “Don’t stay out too late.”

Hawk recalled a conversation she had with Pope about kids of their own, and her chest tightened as she thought about doing all of this while pregnant. The stress alone would probably make her miscarry, and she had to bite her lip to stop from outwardly crying as she mixed the batter for the pancakes she promised Lena. The idea of bringing an infant into this dynamic -a dynamic that was only eroding by the day, made a deep rooted dread pool in the pit of her stomach because while she didn’t deserve to deal with the mess that was happening, and a baby sure as hell didn’t either. 

The sound of the front door opening and closing with a click broke Hawk out of her thoughts. She took a deep, shuddering breath as she puttered around the kitchen to keep herself busy. Pope didn’t know what to say to Hawk as he approached the noise coming from the kitchen. He didn’t know what there was to say. 

“Can you wake Lena up? I’m about to start some pancakes.” Hawk didn’t look at him as she turned the stove on, grabbing a pan from the drawer underneath the stove.  

“J has power of attorney over Smurf’s assets.” Pope muttered as he stood out of Hawk’s way. He saw her brows scrunch together as she ladled small dollops of batter onto the griddle pan. She let them cook for a few moments, letting them start to bubble on top before she added chocolate chips in a smiley face design. “Do you know anything about that?” Pope’s tone wasn’t accusatory. He didn’t think she’d keep something like that from him, but he still had to ask.

And it still irked Hawk that he did. 

“Why would I know anything about that? Why would I know anything about Smurf’s business?” She snapped at him, spatula in hand as she turned to face him. 

“Baz framed her for killing Javi.” Hawk scoffed, flipping the pancakes over.

“Didn’t she?” Hawk asked sarcastically as she put the pancakes on a plate before adding more batter to the griddle. That whole situation was another mess. Hawk told Pope to let her know when it was done, and she let it rest after that. No questions, no explanations. Done was done.

“Smurf paid Javi’s own guy to do it so she wouldn’t be tied to it. Baz knew where the body was, and tied her to the scene by planting all the evidence and called it in.” 

“What did I tell you? What did I tell you.” Hawk said with a shake of her head. “Were any of your brothers in on it?”

“No,” Pope sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. "And neither was J."

“Can’t say I’m surprised he finally bit Smurf in the ass. The whole ‘snake eating itself’ thing -can't say it isn't jingling my jimmies. She was smart to move things over to J before Baz knew what was coming. I’m guessing it happened when you guys pulled your little coup against her because God forbid her darling boys not follow her word as scripture. I’m more surprised that Baz didn’t think he’d be punished for it. Lord knows she’s done worse to you guys for less. I’m sure Baz had a very stable reaction to that news when he found out.” 

“He’s pissed, and it put a target on J’s back.” Hawk hummed in response.

“How do you feel about it?”

“I think she was right to take Baz off of the accounts. She’s not just punishing Baz -she’s punishing all of us. She knows J isn’t going to let go of anything without her saying so while she’s locked up. He wanted to sell everything and split it.”

"And you don't?"

"No. If he's lucky, she stays in there until she's dead. But Baz isn't lucky."

"No he is not." Hawk added her two cents. “Baz shouldn’t have crossed mommy dearest.” She said with a shrug. “If J signed those papers, then he’s well aware of the consequences that may pop up -and I’m sure Smurf told him as much. If he thinks he can handle doing the shit you guys do, then I can’t stop him.” Hawk plated the first set of little pancakes along with some cut strawberries for Lena. “Now can you please wake Lena up before her food gets cold?” Pope was thrown by her nonchalance, especially towards J. He watched her move around the kitchen for a moment, but did as she asked, trying to not rock the boat that was slowly taking on water once again. 

A couple days had passed and Pope was still tiptoeing around Hawk. She wasn’t unwelcoming or rude, but she let him know loud and clear that she was frustrated with him. She didn’t let it show while Lena was in the room with them, but when it was just the two of them, it was abundantly clear. 

Pope wanted to touch her, to hold her, to be held by her. He knew she was still having nightmares, that she wasn’t sleeping at night like she used to. He saw it on her face day in and day out that she was struggling, but she wouldn’t talk to him about it because she felt like she couldn’t talk to him about it. He was emotionally unavailable as of recent and she felt like she was adrift out at sea without so much as a goddamn paddle. 

Hawk would busy herself at the shop when she wasn’t with Lena. That was the place she haunted when she would have normally been home because there was nothing there for her while Pope was MIA and Lena was with Baz or at school. Making arrangements and bouquets, re-potting houseplants and getting plants ready in the greenhouse to move up front to the storefront kept her mind and hands busy in a way she desperately craved as an escape from reality.

She’d have to catch herself on days she leaned a little too hard into being mean -not just to Pope either. This funk Hawk had been in was pushing her into a decline she was starting to see for herself and she didn’t like it for a single second, but there was only so much a person could bend before they broke. She gave, and gave, and gave, and gave, but sometimes it felt good to not give -not because she couldn’t, but because she didn’t want to.

Hawk knew she needed to speak with someone about all of this -a therapist preferably, but how could she frame the mess that was her life without giving the real context of what it was?   

Pope and Hawk dropped off Lena that morning at school, then headed to Smurf’s. Hawk didn’t have a good feeling about whatever they were going to walk into with this family meeting, but Pope asked her to be there. He knew she didn’t want any involvement in the politics of the family, and she hadn’t been part of a family meeting since Pope got arrested, but he had seen first hand what was going on with Baz -that he was up to something- and he needed her there with him. 

Now as she sat on the red sofa in the den next to Pope (purposefully not thinking about what she had seen happen on the cushion she occupied during that house party), his hand rested on her thigh, she would’ve rather not been involved at all. Her eyes caught J’s and she nodded to let him know that she knew. He gave a nod back, his eyes meeting Baz’s when he stepped between them.

“What’s she doing here?” Baz motioned to Nicky. 

“Weird question." Hawk spoke up before J could answer. "What’s she doing here?” Hawk gestured to Lucy with an incredulous laugh, who only looked at Hawk with a smug tilt to her lips. Hawk only grew more irritable as the days passed and she had no tolerance for whatever Baz was about to pull. 

“I asked her to be here.” Baz replied simply. 

“Interesting.” Hawk said, keeping her eyes on Lucy. 

“I invited Hawk. I’m sure J invited Nicky.” Pope shrugged as he spoke. 

“I did.” J confirmed, silently thanking Pope for speaking up.

“Fine.” Baz paced the den between Hawk and J. “Smurf gave J her power of attorney, so now J controls all the properties, the investments, the bank accounts, this house, the titles to our cars, everything. Everything that we earned that she stole from us.” Hawk’s eyes glanced at Pope, but he was watching J. “She gave it to J because she doesn’t trust us-”

“-She doesn’t trust you.” J spoke up, his words clear. Hawk felt pride when he looked Baz directly in the eye as he spoke without a single stutter. Hawk didn’t miss the look Baz shot at him as he tried to continue to manipulate the situation back in his favor. He was trying to turn the brothers against J, Hawk realized. 

“Didn’t trust us to keep it safe for her. She thinks it’s all hers, not ours. What do you plan on doing with it, J? Hm? Everything that we earned —sweated over, bled for— hmm? Planning on selling it, like we all wanna do?”

“Like you want to do.” J corrected Baz. Hawk could see the veins in Baz’s neck starting to bulge with every push back that J gave him, and that his brothers weren’t stepping in didn't help either. Everyone was curious to see how this was going to play out. For all of Deran and Craig's flaws, they weren’t completely stupid -Deran least of all. He could see the forest through the trees, and Hawk could see that he was miffed that Baz didn’t include any of them on this. And if Deran wasn’t on board, then neither was Craig because where one went, the other inevitably followed.

“Oh, is it just me? Am I the only one who wants to sell it?” Baz circled the room. “Pope? Deran? Craig?” Hawk couldn’t stop the snort that escaped her, as hard as she tried. Pope’s hand squeezed her thigh in warning, but the second Baz spun to confront Hawk, she placed a hand on Pope’s flexing forearm. 

“Something funny?” Baz directed his irritation to Hawk.

“I mean, yeah.” Hawk outwardly chuckled this time, not holding it in. “I’m laughing because you really thought you out-manipulated the master of manipulation, Baz.” Hawk crossed her arms over her chest as she sat back, her grin never faltering because she knew it would make him unravel. “Smurf will always be five steps ahead of you because she knows you think you’re smarter than you actually are. This dog and pony show-” She motioned with her hand, “-will only get you so far when you’re not looking at the whole picture. Even I know that.” Baz’s eyes turned into slits as he glared at Hawk.

“Were you in on this with them?” Hawk shook her head, her grin fracturing the facade he put up because she knew exactly what to do to get a rise out of him and it seemed that J had picked up on it too in her absence. 

“I didn’t need to be. And I also don’t need to be a goddamn genius to know that Smurf is like a roach. Unless you take her out for good, you’ll never ever get a leg up on her." She held her hands up, "But what do I know?” 

“You think you’re so goddamn smart, huh?” She shrugged, leaning into Pope’s side as she crossed her legs.  

“I’d say I’m smart enough to not put my bloody feet in a piranha tank, yeah, but some people just don’t learn their lesson when it comes to getting bit, do they Baz?” Pope squeezed her leg again, but he still didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to speak for her or defend her honor, they all knew that. She always held her own when she needed to when it came to the boys of this family -it was Smurf who made her shrink back down to size.

“Well you keep finding yourself back in this fucking house, Hawk, so I’d have to agree with you.” Baz spat. He was fuming and everyone in the room could see it. Hawk leaned forward, still smiling at him knowingly. 

“Whether I’m inside of this house or not, my life doesn't start or end because of Smurf, Baz. You, as you've just learned, can’t say the same.” Hawk felt Pope pull her back into his side and she let him.

“Why didn’t you tell us about what you were planning to do with Smurf?” Craig broke through their bickering. Hawk was right -they were upset he didn’t include them, but it went deeper than that. If Baz was holding out on something as important as this, then he’d hold out on other things too -that's what it all came down to with them. 

“I didn’t think you were strong enough to go through with it.” Baz tried to sound like he cared, that he did it for their own good, but that bit had been thrown out the window. Deran scoffed.

“Strong enough? Screw you, Baz.” He spoke up, picking at the label of the beer bottle he was holding. Hawk could see Baz’s hackles rise as he continued to get pushback from around the room when he was expecting everyone to fall in line. 

“Yeah, strong enough.” Hawk couldn’t help but feel vindicated as Baz started to bicker with Deran and Craig. Her knowing look when she caught J’s eyes gave him a boost of confidence that he’d hold onto. “Little Deran running away every time mommy hurts his feelings.” Baz taunted.

“Careful, Baz. Pissing off the only people who were in your corner might not be the way out of this.” Hawk teased, enjoying the show. Lucy watched her with understanding in her eyes as she realized that Hawk had more power with this family than she initially realized. Especially if she had Pope in her corner. 

“Enough.” Pope muttered into Hawk’s ear. Her hand met his and she gave the top of it a squeeze. 

“And you,” Baz motioned to Craig, still going on his tirade. “Smurf looks at you sideways and you snort ten grand up your nose.” 

“Where’s the rest of what I helped you steal from that storage unit?” J spoke up again, pushing Baz further into the proverbial corner. Bingo, Hawk thought with a brow raised. Her eyes darted from J to Baz, with her interest piqued.

This also got the attention of Pope, Deran, and Craig. 

Baz you stupid, stupid bastard, she thought.

“It’s safe, don’t worry about it.” Baz tried to play it off, but J wasn't going to let him get away with what he was trying to do.

“But what was in those safes, huh? There were five of them.” Pope, Craig, and Deran were not aware of the other safes and that was very clear on their faces. Oh, J was good, Hawk thought. 

“What, you think I’m holding out on you?” Baz scoffed, challenging J to continue. J could feel Hawk’s eyes on him, egging him to keep pushing. J was smart, Hawk already knew this, but he seemed to have picked up the manipulation tactics that Baz thought he had.  

“Yeah, I do.” That accusation, especially because it was said in front of everyone, was enough to push Baz over the edge. Baz knew he had lost what little support he had in the room, and if there was one thing he wouldn’t tolerate, it was being outsmarted by a kid.

“Who the hell do you think you are, you little shit,” Baz pushed J and J stood up to confront Baz face to face. 

“She didn’t trust you, but she trusted me. And was she wrong? She’s in prison because of you, Baz!” Baz scoffed, then immediately went to hit J. Hawk flew off the sofa, but was quickly wrangled by Pope wrapping his arm around her waist. Her legs were fully off the ground, kicking as he pulled her down onto his lap with a grunt, his other arm caged around hers to keep them down at her sides so she didn’t start swinging. 

If Pope let Hawk loose, he knew she’d kill Baz with her bare hands.

“Keep your hands off of him!” Hawk spat at Baz while Deran and Craig got in the middle of J and Baz. “Let go of me!” She shouted back at Pope, but his muscular arms didn’t sway from their purpose. 

“Calm down. Now.” He growled in Hawk’s ear. Once Baz was pulled away from J, she settled down in his hold. “Enough!” His voice broke the fight up as everyone caught their breaths. Hawk pushed her way off of Pope and went to check on J as he sat back where he was originally, shouldering Baz on her way over. 

“Enough!” Pope repeated as he stood up, eyeing Baz, then landing on Hawk. He walked straight past her and out of the den shaking his head. Hawk touched the top of J’s head before following after Pope. 

He stalked through the house and out the front door with Hawk trailing behind him. 

“I didn’t ask you to come so you could stir the pot.” Pope fished the keys to his truck out of his pocket, pressing the unlock button as he turned to face Hawk.

“Then why did you ask me to come?” She asked, arms wide.

“Because I knew she’d be here.” Pope’s face held frustration, redness creeping up his neck and over the points of his ears. “Whatever he’s doing, she’s behind it.” 

“Well yeah, anyone with two functioning eyeballs can see that much.” Pope just stared at Hawk, his jaw clenching in irritation before he just shook his head and climbed into the truck. Hawk took a deep breath before walking to the passenger side and hoisting herself up.

Hawk awoke the next morning to Pope standing in front of the bedroom slider, naked as the day he was born as he watched the ocean in the early morning hours. He turned to glance over his shoulder when he heard the rustling of the comforter, but turned back when he saw Hawk had no intention of getting out of bed just yet. 

“Come back to bed,” She beckoned him, scooting over and lifting the covers so he could slide in front of her. It was an invitation he didn’t think he’d get from her, not after the way he’d acted recently. Still, she was trying. Pope sighed, and his feet were moving before he realized it. He climbed into the bed, rolling over so his back was to Hawk. She wrapped her arm over his torso and his hand grabbed hers. He loved to be held, and she loved to hold him. This was comfort. Their legs tangled together and Hawk laid tender kisses on his neck and shoulder, connecting each freckle together as she went. 

“We’re both struggling right now, but we’ll work through it. We always do.” Poe’s eyes clenched shut as Hawk spoke. He bit his lip to stop any sound from coming out as she continued to kiss his bare skin. God, Hawk didn’t know how wrong she was. 

The buzzing of Pope’s phone from his bedside table woke the couple up later that morning. They had rotators over to Pope’s side at some point in the morning and Pope was now spooning Hawk. She groaned as he reached over her to pick up the phone, pushing her face into his pillow so she could get a few more minutes of sleep. She could hear the automated call of an inmate that she was all too familiar with and assumed it was Smurf calling. 

Hawk felt Pope tense behind her, his words mumbled as he spoke. He ended the call without a goodbye and got out of bed in a hurry. 

“What happened?” He went into the closet and threw clothes on. Hawk hopped out of bed, throwing on a t-shirt and a pair of discarded shorts -forgoing a bra or underwear so she didn’t lose track of him as he moved from room to room. “Andy!” All Pope could do was try to get himself out of this house and away from Hawk. 

Baz knows, Pope. His entire world was about to crash around him after he heard those three words from Smurf, and he wanted to be as far away from Hawk and this house as he could be so he didn’t leave the mental scars behind that he knew would result in what was about to happen.

“What the hell is going on with you lately?” Pope ignored Hawk’s question, sidestepping her to go back into their bedroom. She followed closely behind him as he went into the closet again, rifling through a duffle bag that he kept on the top shelf in the back of the closet, before he pulled out a pistol. “What the fuck is that and why is it in my house, Andrew?!” Hawk pulled Pope’s shoulder, twisting him around to look at her. His eyes were freaked out, scared, but he kept his mouth clamped shut.  

“Don’t do that.” Hawk shook her head. “You promised me you’d talk to me when something happened! What did Smurf say to you?” Pope swallowed, opening and closing his mouth a few times before he got any words out.

“This isn’t something I can talk to you about.” Pope ground out, pushing past Hawk to exit the bedroom. “I need you to trust me on this.”

“All I do is trust you, Andy!” She followed once more, jogging to catch up with him. “If something’s wrong, I need to know!” 

“You don’t get it! You will never speak to me again, Hawk. You’ll never look at me again. You’ll never touch me again.” He pushed his feet into his boots, tying the laces quickly, before he grabbed the keys to his truck. He tried to shut the front door between them, but Hawk’s reach was quicker. She ran out of the house barefoot to stop him from leaving. 

“Andrew!” He shook his head when Hawk threw herself between him and the door to the truck. “Stop!” She screamed as she put her hands up to his chest, pushing him away from the pickup. His sunglasses were forgotten inside and Hawk saw the absolute anguish and agony that stormed within his eyes as he looked down at her, mouth trembling as he barely held himself together. Her hands cupped his face sternly, not letting him escape without having to physically pry her off. 

“I’ve done something.” His chest was heaving and Hawk could see his foundation crumbling before her. “I’ve done something so unforgivable that I don’t even deserve to breathe the same air as you. And now I’m facing the consequences of it -as I should.”

“You’re scaring me.”   

“You were always better off without me. Always. I wanted you so bad, Hawk, more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life, but I didn’t want to ruin you. You have to understand that.” His voice was thick with unshed tears and raw emotion that he had been holding back for god knows how long. 

“That’s not true. You’re not ruining me-” Hawk reassured him, her voice shaking as she pulled his forehead down to hers. She felt him tremble, losing control of himself in her grasp. 

“It is true!” He shouted through clenched teeth. Hawk flinched, but didn’t retreat from him. “Everything I touch turns to poison, Hawk. Everything. You’re not an exception because I was born bad and will always be bad.” 

“Stop!” Her eyes looked into his as he tried to pull himself away, but her grasp on him was unrelenting. Her nails left little crescent shapes in his cheek and he only pushed himself further into them because he needed the physical pain to keep him present. “Look at me! You need to tell me what the fuck is happening, Andy. What did you do?” He shook his head, eyes clenched shut. 

“I have no right to ask you for anything, Hawk, but if something happens to me-”

“-Andy-”

“-if something happens to me,” He spoke louder, “-will you look after Lena?” His breathing was labored and Hawk feared he was going to pass out if he kept this up.

“Pope-”

“Please!” He shouted again, eyes shifting manically. “Please, I need to hear you say it, Hawk. Will you look after her if something happens to me? We’re all she has…” 

“Of-of course I will. You know I will. What is going to happen to you?!” The sound of a vehicle pulling into the driveway broke Pope and Hawk apart. Pope physically shoved her towards the front door, her feet stumbling over each other from the force of it. Hawk looked at Pope like he struck her. Pope never put his hands on her like that and Hawk was almost about to fight back when he turned to her. 

“Go inside now!” Pope demanded. “No matter what you hear out here, you don’t open the door, do you understand me?” He was scared, for her or himself she couldn’t tell, but his eyes begged her to not argue and to just listen. “I love you.” His voice cracked. “I’ve always loved you, Hawk. Always.”

“Andy-”

“Get inside. Now.” His voice boomed just as Baz hastily parked his Jeep and jumped out, leaving the door wide open with his sights on Pope, gun pulled out and pointed at him. “Now, Hawk!” Hawk felt like she was going to throw up. Her fight or flight instincts kicked in, but she didn’t know what they were telling her to do. Pope turned his back to Hawk, facing Baz head on. 

“Go inside, Hawk!” Baz yelled at her, his dark eyes were clouded with anger and destruction. His gun was at the ready with the intent to kill and Hawk stupidly took slow steps back down the walkway towards Baz and Pope. 

“Baz, put it down.” Her voice shook as she held a hand out. 

“Did you know?” Baz yelled at her, his eyes narrowed, but never taken off of Pope. 

“She doesn’t know.” Pope whispered, shaking his head. “Go inside, Hawk, please.” He begged, looking over his shoulder desperately. Hawk saw the shine of tears that lined his cheek, the red of his bloodshot eye that was visible to her, the way his jaw trembled. “We’ll do this, but not in front of her, Baz. Please.”

“Put the gun down, Baz!” Hawk begged, trying to diffuse the situation. 

“He killed Cathy, Hawk.” It felt like the air was knocked out of Hawk. Her jaw fell as she looked between Baz and Pope. Her brain and her heart denied what Baz was saying, but with every second that passed that Pope didn’t deny the accusation, her eyes settled on Pope’s back in horror. 

“She didn’t suffer.” Hawk collapsed onto the raised stone barrier that lined her walkway when Pope spoke. She knew Cath was dead, in her heart of hearts she knew she was, but Hawk didn’t think it was because of Pope. She wouldn’t put it past Smurf, but Pope? Her Pope? “We thought she was…talking to the cops.” He explained weakly.

No, no, no, no, Hawk’s ears rang. No, no, no, no-

This man who she knew her whole life, who she let into her home, into her heart and her life -who she would’ve defended to the death in a heartbeat- had betrayed her. 

He betrayed Catherine. 

He betrayed Baz. 

He betrayed Lena. 

The pieces of this fucked up puzzle were starting to fall into place as memory after memory punched its way to the forefront of Hawk’s mind. From Pope’s disappearances early on, to pushing her away, to his sudden attachment to Lena. His detachment the last couple of weeks came to mind, and Hawk’s heart shattered as she put the timeline together. 

“Pope-” A devastating sound broke free from Hawk, her brain shorting out as it tried to process what was happening. Pope’s chin was tucked into his chest, his eyes clenched shut. 

“Cathy didn’t deserve any of this. I cared about her. You knew that and you still took her from me.” Hawk’s heart clenched as she listened even though her mind was telling her, screaming at her to go inside. She had no idea that Pope and Cath were involved in any capacity, but there were long spans of time where she wasn’t present in any of their lives. This happened to be one of them. “You took Cath to punish Smurf because Smurf didn’t want you to have Lucy, but you punished me too! You would’ve taken Hawk if she gave you the time of day because that’s what you do. You never thought about me!” Pope shouted, voice raw. “Not one of you ever thought about me!” Pope turned, pointing to Hawk, “Except for her.” Hawk’s head shook in disbelief, tears cascading down her cheeks. 

“Smurf said she was talking to the cops,” Pope sobbed, turning back to Baz. Any fight he had left in him vacated his body in that moment. His confession had taken the weight of the universe off of his shoulders and for the first time in a very long time, he was ready to pay for what he did. “-but she wasn’t. Smurf said she was, but Cath didn’t say anything to them!” 

Hawk’s encounter with the cops who came by her shop rammed into the front of her mind like a head on collision. Had Smurf caught wind of that, would she be in the same boat as Cath? Hawk brought a trembling hand over her mouth.

For the first time since Hawk met Pope, she felt fear when she looked at him -at what he was capable of. If Smurf told him back then to get rid of her because she was a danger to them, would he? Hawk didn’t think he’d do it now  -not after everything they’ve been through, but back then…her stomach clenched and bile climbed up her throat. 

“So do it.” Pope begged Baz. “I want you to do it. Please.” He had given up entirely, the immense amount of guilt he harbored had eaten away at the structure that held him together as a person and he was just done. “Please. I’ve lost everything already.” He whispered.  Hawk couldn’t take it anymore. She lifted herself up and stumbled her way to the front door in a daze, chest heaving as she tried to breathe through the agony that wrenched itself around her chest and squeezed. She didn’t make a sound as she shut the door behind her, twisting the deadbolt behind her and sliding down the door on the inside, sobbing for Cath with everything she had.

I'm starting a Baz is a Bastard club if anyone wants to join.

[mcrdvcks]

Sweet Dreams - Chapter 1

Series Summary: Alexandria Sokolova spent 15 years with HYDRA, ever since her parents and brother were killed in front of her when she was 3. She was raised to be a soldier; an assassin. But now, faced with coming to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, she has to come to terms that there are people around her who don't want to hurt her, people who actually care about her.

But recognizing that is harder than it seems, especially with a teacher like Logan Howlett, who seems to care more about her than he lets on.

Just because she's currently safe from HYDRA's grasp now, doesn't mean she's safe forever.

Chapter Summary: The Avengers bring Alexandria to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.

Word Count: 8.9k+

Pairing: Logan (X-Men) x Original Female Character (platonic relationship)

Notes: and hello! welcome to this series! this is going to be a long one, since there are going to be three parts, this story, another series based around 'logan (2017)' and another based on 'deadpool and wolverine'.

but let's get a few things out of the way. this is NOT a romance with alexandria and logan. this is about them slowly recognizing they are more alike than different, and how they both eventually let their guard down around each other. if you will, it's a 'slow burn' father-daughter relationship.

another thing, alexandria's powers are as followed: dream-weaver; enter and manipulate dreams and telekinesis. you'll understand a bit more as you read on.

another, another thing, this is an au, the characters of jean, scott, kitty, jubilee, and others mentioned are TEENAGERS. they are students in high-school level classes as the X-Mansion, not adults. some of these characters may seem ooc, and if we're being honest it's because i've only watched first class-dark pheonix, the deadpool movies, wolverine origins, and logan. i tried watching the original x-men movies but i ended up falling asleep (oops). so if these characters are written wrong, it's my fault, but we are sticking with the ooc tag.

Series Masterlist → Chapter 2

AO3 Link For Chapter

Alexandria didn’t much care for whatever they were taking her. The Avengers, that is. Being saved from HYDRA did warrant them a ‘thank you’, but after a few days of staying at the Avengers Compound, they decided that it wasn’t a “good fit”.

Meaning a few things: one, they were scared of her, which was unlikely considering her powers weren’t all that terrifying, or two, they simply didn’t want to deal with a 17-year-old girl with trauma dating back 14 years ago.

The only three people who talked to her like a normal person was Wanda, Bucky, and Natasha, which she appreciated greatly.

“Coming up on the school.” Tony’s voice sounded out through the cockpit of the Quinjet.

Alexandria rolled her eyes, this all seemed like too much. She was a kid, just rescued from a terrorist organization and now she was supposed to go to school?

Was this a fucking joke?

Alexandria glared out the window as the Quinjet descended towards the sprawling grounds of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. The idea of school felt absurd after everything she’d been through. She crossed her arms, sinking deeper into her seat, eyes narrowed.

“Hey, I know it’s not ideal, but this place might be good for you,” Natasha said, catching Alexandria’s expression. She leaned over from her seat across the aisle, her voice gentle but firm.

“Yeah, a place full of more people who can do freaky stuff. Great,” Alexandria muttered.

Bucky, seated next to Natasha, turned to her. “It’s not just about powers. You’ll meet people who understand you, maybe even help you find some peace.”

Alexandria snorted, her skepticism apparent. “Peace? That’s rich coming from you.”

Bucky’s face tightened for a moment, but he nodded. “Touché. But it’s worth a shot.”

Tony’s voice came through again. “We’re landing. Let’s not make this harder than it needs to be.”

The Quinjet touched down smoothly, and the ramp lowered. Charles Xavier was waiting, a welcoming smile on his face, his wheelchair positioned at the edge of the landing zone. Beside him stood a younger man, wearing glasses, a flannel shirt, a tie, and a white lab coat.

Alexandria hesitated at the top of the ramp, glancing back at the Avengers. Wanda gave her an encouraging nod, while Natasha and Bucky looked on with reassuring expressions.

“Come on, kid,” Tony said, gesturing for her to follow. “Let’s get this over with.”

With a resigned sigh, Alexandria descended the ramp. Charles rolled forward to meet her, his eyes kind and understanding.

“Welcome, Alexandria,” he said warmly. “I’m Charles Xavier, and this is Hank McCoy. We’re here to help you.”

Hank offered a friendly smile. “Hi there. We’re really glad to have you here.”

Alexandria nodded stiffly, feeling the weight of their expectations. “Thanks, I guess.”

Charles seemed unfazed by her reluctance. “Why don’t we show you around? Hank, could you give Alexandria a tour while I have a word with our friends?”

“Sure thing,” Hank replied. “Come on, Alexandria, I’ll show you the school.”

As they walked away, Alexandria glanced back to see Charles engaging in a serious conversation with the Avengers. She couldn’t hear the words, but the tone suggested they were discussing her future.

“So, this place is like a school for mutants?” Alexandria asked, trying to make sense of it all.

“Exactly,” Hank said. “We offer a safe environment for young mutants to learn and grow. You’ll find a lot of people here who understand what you’ve been through.”

“Doubt it.” she muttered. Part of her didn’t even believe she was a so-called ‘mutant’. What she was however, was an experiment.

Hank chuckled softly as he led Alexandria through the halls of the Xavier Institute. “Well, I can’t promise you that everyone will understand perfectly, but you’re not alone in feeling out of place.”

“Yeah, right,” Alexandria replied, glancing around at the impressive but unfamiliar surroundings. “I’m supposed to just fit in here after everything that’s happened?”

“Everyone here has their own struggles and history,” Hank said. “Some are more recent than others, but we all find a way to make it work.”

They passed by a few classrooms, and Alexandria noticed students engaged in various activities. Some were reading, others were practicing what looked like combat techniques. It was clear this was not a typical school.

“Here’s the gym,” Hank said, opening a door to a large, well-equipped space. “It’s not just for physical training. It’s a place where students can test their abilities and find out what they’re capable of.”

Alexandria’s eyes flicked over the gym, taking in the equipment and the few students who were sparring. “Sounds like a lot of work.”

“Training can be intense, but it’s also important,” Hank said. “And there’s more to this place than just classes. You’ll find people who become like family.”

“Family, huh?” Alexandria muttered. “That’s something I’ve never had.”

Hank looked at her, his expression thoughtful. “You’re not alone here. Many of us have found a sense of family and belonging. It takes time, but it happens.”

They continued the tour, moving to the dormitory area where Alexandria would be staying. Hank showed her the common areas and her room, which was modest but comfortable.

“This is where you’ll be staying,” Hank said, opening the door to a small, neatly arranged room. “It’s not much, but it’s yours.”

Alexandria walked in, setting her bag down on the bed. “Great. Just what I always wanted. A room of my own.”

Hank smiled faintly. “It’s a start. And if you need anything or have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Sure,” Alexandria said, her tone flat. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As Hank left her to settle in, Alexandria stared out the window, her thoughts racing. The enormity of her situation was starting to sink in. This was supposed to be a new beginning, but it felt more like another form of confinement.

She stared down at the baggy jeans she was currently wearing, something that probably came from deep inside Wanda’s closet.

Alexandria wasn’t much for talking, nor did she know what to do. Usually, she was only let out of her cell for lab-time, which lasted the entire day, before being thrown back into her cell.

She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the small, framed picture of the school grounds that hung on the wall. The room, though modest, was far from the sterile, cold environment she’d been accustomed to. But that didn’t make it feel any less isolating. The quiet was oppressive, and she found herself fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, a nervous habit she’d developed over the years.

A knock on the door startled her out of her thoughts. She stood up quickly, her pulse quickening. It was probably someone from the staff, here to check on her or give her some new set of instructions.

“Hey,” a voice called through the door. “It’s me, Kitty. Mind if I come in?”

Alexandria hesitated for a moment before opening the door. A girl about her age stood there, wearing a casual hoodie and jeans. Her brown hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and her eyes were a warm brown, filled with curiosity.

“Hi,” Kitty said with a friendly smile. “Charles sent me to see if you needed anything. I’m one of the students here.”

“Uh, sure,” Alexandria said, stepping aside to let her in. “I didn’t know anyone was coming by.”

Kitty stepped into the room, looking around with a mixture of interest and sympathy. “I know it’s probably a lot to take in right now. I remember my first few days here weren’t exactly easy.”

Alexandria sat back down on her bed, feeling a bit self-conscious. “It’s... different. I’ve never been to a place like this before.”

Kitty nodded, taking a seat on the small desk chair. “Yeah, it’s a lot to get used to. But it’s a good place. People here care about each other. I know it might not feel that way right now, but it does get better.”

“Do you really think so?” Alexandria asked, her skepticism evident.

“Absolutely,” Kitty replied earnestly. “I know it sounds cliché, but this place is like a family for a lot of us. You might not feel it yet, but you’re not alone.”

Alexandria shrugged, not entirely convinced. “I guess we’ll see.”

Kitty tilted her head, studying Alexandria for a moment. “You’ve probably been through a lot, right? With HYDRA and all that?”

“More than you could imagine,” Alexandria muttered. She hadn’t talked much about her past, even to the Avengers. It was easier to keep it all inside, where it couldn’t hurt anyone else.

Kitty’s expression softened. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here. Sometimes it helps to get things off your chest.”

“Thanks,” Alexandria said, though her tone suggested she wasn’t ready to take her up on the offer just yet.

Kitty stood up, giving her a reassuring smile. “Well, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay and see if you needed anything. If you do, just let me or any of the staff know.”

“Alright,” Alexandria said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Kitty nodded and made her way to the door. “See you around, Alexandria.”

As Kitty left, Alexandria sat back down on her bed, feeling the quiet settle around her again. The small bit of interaction had been a welcome distraction, but it also left her feeling more alone than before. She wasn’t used to people reaching out, and it made her wary.

And because she was wary, she spent the rest of the day in her room trying to figure out what the object on her desk was. It looked almost like a small, compact box, with many wires connecting to it.

After hours of trying to understand, night fell, and she needed a break. Alexandria grabbed a pack of cigarettes and a lighter before walking through the empty halls.

Finally, Alexandria stepped through a side door and found herself in a large, open field surrounded by trees. The night air was cool, and the quiet was a welcome contrast to the clamor of her thoughts. She lit her cigarette, the tip glowing softly in the darkness, and took a long drag. The smoke curled around her, blending with the shadows.

She leaned against the door frame, looking out at the expanse of grass and trees. The quiet of the night felt different here, less oppressive than the silence of her room. Maybe it was the openness, or maybe it was the fact that she was alone, and for the moment, she didn't have to pretend to be okay.

"Smoking's bad for you, you know," a gruff voice said from behind her.

Alexandria tensed, turning to see Logan standing there, someone Hank had mentioned to her, his arms crossed over his chest. His expression was hard to read, but his eyes held a hint of curiosity.

She took another drag from her cigarette, exhaling slowly. "So I've heard."

Logan stepped closer, his gaze fixed on her. "You planning to make this a habit, or just tonight?"

"Does it matter?" she replied, her tone defensive.

"Maybe not to you," Logan said, "but to the people around here, it does. They care about what happens to you."

Alexandria let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, right. I'm just another problem for them to solve."

"You're not a problem," Logan said, his voice firm. "You're a kid who's been through hell and needs a chance to find herself again."

“Find myself?” she scoffed. “There’s nothing to find.” Alexandria turned to face Logan, who lit a cigar, much bigger than her cigarette. She scoffed again. “You’re one to talk.”

Logan took a long drag from his cigar, the end flaring bright in the dark. “I’m not here to lecture you, bub. Just saying it like it is.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes, taking another drag from her cigarette. “Yeah, well, I don’t need your advice.”

Logan’s gaze was steady, unyielding. “You might not want it, but you sure as hell need it.”

“Why do you even care?” she snapped. “You don’t know me.”

Logan exhaled a plume of smoke, his eyes never leaving hers. “No, I don’t. But I’ve seen enough kids like you to know when someone’s hurting. And I’m here to tell you, you don’t have to go through it alone.”

She rolled her eyes, dropping her cigarette and stomping out the light. “I’d much rather be alone.”

Logan watched as Alexandria stomped out her cigarette, the ember disappearing into the grass. The silence that followed was heavy, and he could see the tension in her posture. He took another drag from his cigar, letting the smoke curl around him before letting it out in a slow stream.

"You think pushing people away is gonna make things better?" Logan asked, his voice rough but not unkind.

Alexandria didn’t respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the dark field ahead. “It’s easier this way. Less chance of someone screwing things up.”

“Yeah, 'cause being alone always solves everything,” Logan replied sarcastically. “Look, I get it. You’re used to keeping people at arm’s length. But if you keep shutting everyone out, you’re never gonna get what you need.”

“What I need is to be left alone,” Alexandria snapped. “I’ve survived this long on my own. I don’t need a bunch of strangers telling me what to do.”

Logan took a few steps closer, the crunch of his boots on the gravel breaking the silence. “And how’s that working out for you? You ever stop to think that maybe you’re just scared to let anyone in?”

Alexandria shot him a sharp look. “I’m not scared. I’m practical. I know what happens when you let people get close.”

“And what’s that?” Logan asked, his voice low and steady.

“They get hurt,” Alexandria said flatly. “Or worse, they end up hurting you.”

Logan shook his head. “You’re making it sound like everyone’s out to get you. That’s not true. Some people actually want to help, but they can’t do it if you keep pushing them away.”

“Everyone is out to get me. I let someone in before and it didn’t end so well for them.” She shook her head gently, removing the graphic, bloody images from her head.

The anger and pain inside her were like a storm, churning and relentless. She didn’t know how to let anyone in, how to trust after everything she’d been through. HYDRA had stripped her of that ability, leaving her with nothing but suspicion and fear.

Logan sighed, taking another drag from his cigar. “Look, kid, I’m not saying it’s gonna be easy. Hell, it’s probably gonna be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. But you’ve got a chance here, a real shot at something better. Don’t throw it away because you’re scared.”

Alexandria glanced at him, her expression softening ever so slightly. There was something in Logan’s eyes, a flicker of understanding that made her want to believe him. But the walls she’d built were high and thick, and she wasn’t sure she could tear them down.

“I’ll think about it,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Logan nodded, his gaze steady. “That’s all I’m asking. Just give it a shot.”

With that, he turned and walked back toward the mansion, leaving Alexandria alone with her thoughts. She watched him go, feeling a strange mix of frustration and hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way out of the darkness that had consumed her life for so long. But it would take more than a few words from a gruff stranger to convince her.

She stayed outside for a while longer, the cool night air helping to clear her mind. When she finally went back inside, the mansion was quiet, most of the residents already asleep. She made her way to her room, the events of the day playing over and over in her mind.

As she lay in bed, she thought about what Logan had said. She wasn’t ready to trust, not yet. But maybe, in time, she could find a way to let someone in. For now, she would take it one day at a time, trying to navigate this new world she’d been thrust into.

---

The following morning, Alexandria awoke to a soft knock on her door. She groggily sat up, rubbing her eyes as the door opened slightly, and Kitty peeked her head in.

“Hey, sorry to wake you,” Kitty said with an apologetic smile. “But I thought you might want some breakfast. We have a pretty good spread in the dining hall.”

Alexandria stretched and nodded, still not fully awake. “Yeah, sure. Thanks, Kitty.”

“No problem,” Kitty replied. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

After quickly changing into some clothes that fit her better, Alexandria joined Kitty in the hallway. The two girls walked to the dining hall together, the atmosphere between them more relaxed than it had been the previous day.

“So, how was your first night?” Kitty asked as they walked.

Alexandria shrugged. “It was okay, I guess. A lot to take in.”

Kitty nodded in understanding. “Yeah, I get that. But trust me, it gets better. The people here are really great once you get to know them.”

When they reached the dining hall, Alexandria was surprised to see how lively it was. Students were chatting, laughing, and eating together, the room filled with a sense of camaraderie and belonging. It was a stark contrast to the isolation she’d known for so long.

As they grabbed their food and sat down, Alexandria couldn’t help but feel a bit out of place. But Kitty was friendly and patient, introducing her to some of the other students and helping her feel more at ease.

Alexandria looked at the food on her tray. Some of it was colorful, in fact, it all was. There were red triangular objects on her tray with a green leafy top, a fluffy golden-brown circle, and a small cup of amber liquid.

Alexandria stared at the food on her tray, her brow furrowed in confusion. She poked at the red triangular object with a fork, then glanced over at Kitty, who was already digging into her own breakfast.

“What’s this?” Alexandria asked, holding up the fork with the red object speared on the end.

Kitty looked over and grinned. “That’s a strawberry. Haven’t you had one before?”

Alexandria shook her head, eyeing the strawberry warily. “Not that I remember.”

Kitty’s expression softened. “You should try it. They’re pretty good.”

With some hesitation, Alexandria took a small bite of the strawberry. The sweet and slightly tangy taste was foreign to her, but not unpleasant. She nodded slowly, chewing thoughtfully. “It’s... different.”

Kitty laughed. “Yeah, in a good way, though. That round thing is a pancake, and the syrup is for pouring on top. Trust me, breakfast here is usually a highlight.”

Alexandria mimicked Kitty’s actions, pouring a small amount of syrup onto the pancake and taking a cautious bite. The flavors were rich and comforting, and she found herself enjoying it more than she expected.

As they ate, the din of the dining hall continued around them. Alexandria noticed how the other students seemed at ease, joking around and chatting as if they didn’t have a care in the world. It was strange to see so many people with powers like hers acting so... normal.

“So, what’s on the agenda today?” Alexandria asked, trying to sound casual but feeling a bit lost.

“Well,” Kitty began, “after breakfast, there’s usually some training sessions. You’ll probably have an orientation with Professor Xavier and maybe some one-on-one time with one of the teachers to figure out where you’re at with your abilities.”

Alexandria nodded, pushing her half-finished pancake around on her plate. “Sounds like fun,” she muttered sarcastically.

Kitty smiled sympathetically. “It might not be as bad as you think. Plus, it’s good to know what you can do. There are some pretty cool things you could learn here.”

Alexandria took a sip of her juice, trying to ignore the bustling energy of the room. “Yeah, well, we'll see.”

Kitty looked around at the other students who were beginning to head off for their various activities. “Hey, you want me to show you around a bit more before the orientation starts? I can give you the rundown on some of the places you might want to know about.”

Alexandria shrugged, finishing off her pancake. “Sure, why not. Couldn’t hurt to know what I’m dealing with.”

Kitty led her out of the dining hall, guiding her through the maze of corridors. “So, that’s the library over there. It’s got a lot of books on pretty much everything—powers, history, science. It’s a good place to catch up on some reading.”

Alexandria glanced over. “Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And over here is the common room,” Kitty continued. “It’s where everyone hangs out, watches TV, plays games. It’s pretty chill.”

Alexandria raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a place I’ll avoid.”

Kitty laughed softly. “Fair enough. Oh, and there’s a small gym off to the side. It’s not as big as the main one, but it’s good for some light workouts.”

As they walked, Alexandria’s gaze drifted to the various students passing by, their casual conversations and easy smiles making her feel like an outsider. She didn’t belong here, and she wasn’t sure if she ever would.

“So, how do you get on with the teachers?” Alexandria asked, trying to shift the focus of the conversation away from her discomfort.

Kitty’s expression turned thoughtful. “They’re pretty great, actually. Professor Xavier is really understanding, and Hank is super smart. There are a few others who are great too, but it depends on what you need.”

“Yeah? And what about Logan?” Alexandria asked, her tone a little sharper than she intended.

Kitty hesitated before answering. “Logan’s... Logan. He’s got his own way of doing things, but he means well. You’ll get used to him.”

“I met him the other night,” Alexandria said, her voice dropping to a murmur. “He didn’t seem all that interested in being nice.”

Kitty nodded. “That’s kind of his style. He’s not exactly a touchy-feely kind of guy, but he’s got a good heart. If you ever need anything, though, he might surprise you.”

“Yeah, I’m not holding my breath,” Alexandria muttered, more to herself than to Kitty.

Kitty gave her a sympathetic look. “Just keep an open mind. Things might not seem great now, but you might find some unexpected allies.”

As they reached the main area of the mansion where students gathered before heading to their various activities, Kitty turned to Alexandria. “I think we’ve covered the basics. How about we head to the training room? That’s where you’ll be meeting with Professor Xavier.”

Alexandria nodded, her mood lifting slightly at the prospect of getting some structure to her day. “Alright, lead the way.”

Kitty guided her through a series of hallways until they arrived at the training room. The door was slightly ajar, and the sounds of conversation and movement filtered through.

“Here we are,” Kitty said. “I’ll leave you to it. Good luck, Alexandria.”

“Thanks, Kitty,” Alexandria replied, watching as Kitty walked away. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door, stepping into the room.

Inside, Professor Xavier was waiting, his wheelchair positioned near a set of training equipment. He looked up as Alexandria entered, his expression warm and welcoming.

“Good morning, Alexandria,” he said. “I trust you’re settling in?”

Alexandria nodded, though she didn’t quite meet his gaze. “Yeah, I guess. Kitty gave me a quick tour.”

“That’s good to hear,” Professor Xavier said. “Today, I’d like to start with an assessment of your abilities. It’ll help us understand what you can do and how we can best support you.”

Alexandria braced herself, feeling a mix of nerves and irritation. “Alright. What do you need me to do?”

Professor Xavier gestured to an open area of the room. “Why don’t we start with a demonstration of your powers? If you’re comfortable, show me what you can do with dream-weaving and telekinesis.”

Alexandria took a deep breath and moved to the center of the room. She closed her eyes, focusing on her ability to manipulate dreams. She’d rarely demonstrated her powers to anyone outside of HYDRA, and the idea of doing it now made her uneasy.

She visualized a simple scenario- a peaceful meadow with gentle breezes and blooming flowers. The air around her seemed to shimmer slightly as the dreamscape began to take shape. When she opened her eyes, she saw that a small, serene meadow had appeared in the room, though it was more a projection than a physical space.

“Impressive,” Professor Xavier said, observing the scene with interest. “And what about telekinesis?”

Alexandria moved her hand slightly, and a nearby object- a small training ball- levitated off the ground, spinning slowly in the air, covered in her blue telekinetic hue. She held it there for a few moments before setting it back down.

“That’s very good,” Professor Xavier said. “You’ve got a strong control over your abilities. We’ll work on refining them and exploring how they can be used in various situations.”

Alexandria crossed her arms, still feeling the unease bubbling beneath the surface. “And what happens if I don’t want to use them?”

Professor Xavier’s expression remained calm, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes. “That’s entirely up to you. Our goal here isn’t to force you into anything, Alexandria. We’re here to help you understand your powers and give you the tools to decide how you want to use them, or not use them.”

She hesitated, her gaze drifting to the floor. “Yeah, well, understanding them didn’t really work out for me before.”

“Your experiences were under very different circumstances,” Professor Xavier said gently. “But you’re safe here, and you have the freedom to choose your path. No one here will push you into anything you’re not comfortable with.”

Alexandria looked up, meeting his gaze for a moment. There was sincerity in his words, and for the first time since she’d arrived, she felt a tiny spark of hope that maybe—just maybe—things could be different here.

“Alright,” she finally said, her voice a little softer. “What’s next?”

“We’ll take it one step at a time,” Professor Xavier said, his tone reassuring. “For now, I’d like you to get familiar with the training room and the equipment. You’ll be working with some of the other students, but if you ever need time alone, just let me or any of the teachers know.”

He led the way in his wheelchair to a different section of the training room, eerily familiar to the setup the Avengers had.

But she doesn’t like training rooms. Too many needles, wires, and electrodes attached to her and called ‘training’. It wasn’t training, it was torture. Studying her brainwaves, her movements, how her powers worked, it made her hate training.

While she’s partially sure there was none of that here, she still had to ask. Alexandria wrangled her hands before keeping them at her side, trying to seem normal and not at all disturbed. “There’s not… any- you know, electrodes or anything, is there?” she asked quietly.

Charles looked up at her, a hint of sadness in his eyes. It was the softest he had heard Alexandria’s voice since she arrived and the closest he had seen her act like her age. For a moment, he hesitated, weighing his words carefully.

“No, Alexandria,” he said gently, his tone reassuring. “There are no electrodes or anything of that sort here. This is a safe place for you to explore your abilities at your own pace. The only equipment you’ll use is designed to help you understand and control your powers better—nothing invasive, I promise.”

Alexandria nodded slowly, though the tension in her shoulders remained. “Okay,” she murmured, glancing around the room again. It was a lot to take in, but at least she wasn’t going to be hooked up to any machines. That was a relief.

Professor Xavier offered her a small, encouraging smile. “Would you like to try out some of the equipment now, or would you prefer to take a break and come back later?”

She hesitated, unsure of what she wanted. Part of her wanted to get it over with, to face whatever challenges were ahead, but another part of her just wanted to be alone, away from everything and everyone.

“I guess… I could try something small,” Alexandria finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just to see what it’s like.”

“Of course,” Professor Xavier replied, nodding approvingly. “Why don’t we start with something simple? We have a training dummy over there,” he gestured to a humanoid figure across the room, “that’s designed to react to telekinetic force. You can try moving it, just to get a feel for your abilities in a controlled environment.”

Alexandria followed his gaze to the dummy, her expression unreadable. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this whole thing, but she figured it was better than sitting around doing nothing. At least it was a distraction.

She approached the dummy slowly, her steps hesitant. When she was close enough, she raised her hand and focused on the dummy, trying to summon the telekinetic energy within her. For a moment, nothing happened, and she felt a flicker of frustration.

Then, with a deep breath, she tried again. This time, a faint blue aura surrounded the dummy, and it lifted off the ground slightly, wobbling in the air.

“Good,” Professor Xavier encouraged from behind her. “Take your time, there’s no rush.”

Alexandria’s brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to maintain control over the dummy. It wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be, and she could feel her frustration growing. The dummy began to wobble more, and she clenched her fists, willing it to stay steady.

But her frustration got the better of her, and the dummy suddenly shot across the room, slamming into the wall with a loud crash. Alexandria flinched, her hands dropping to her sides as she took a step back, her heart pounding.

“Sorry,” she muttered, feeling a mix of anger and embarrassment.

“There’s no need to apologize,” Professor Xavier said calmly. “You’re doing well, Alexandria. It’s natural to have moments of frustration, especially when you’re trying something new. The important thing is that you’re trying.”

Alexandria didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the floor. She hated feeling out of control, hated how her emotions seemed to dictate everything. It was a reminder of all the times she’d lost control in the past, with disastrous results.

Professor Xavier wheeled closer to her, his expression thoughtful. “Would you like to take a break? We can continue this later if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

She shook her head, a stubborn look crossing her face. “No, I’m fine. I just… need a minute.”

“Take all the time you need,” Professor Xavier said softly. “There’s no pressure here, Alexandria. We’re here to help you, not to push you.”

Alexandria took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. She knew she couldn’t keep avoiding her powers forever, and maybe this was the best place to start figuring things out. But it was hard, harder than she’d expected.

“Okay,” she said after a moment, her voice steadier. “I’ll try again.”

“Whenever you’re ready,” Professor Xavier encouraged.

She took another deep breath and focused on the dummy again. This time, she tried to keep her emotions in check, to approach it with a calmer mindset. The blue aura returned, and the dummy lifted off the ground once more. It wobbled slightly, but this time she was able to keep it steady, holding it in the air for a few moments before gently lowering it back to the ground.

“Good job, Alexandria,” Professor Xavier said, a note of pride in his voice. “You’re making progress.”

She nodded, a small sense of accomplishment filling her. It wasn’t much, but it was something. Maybe, just maybe, she could get a handle on her powers after all.

“That should be good for today. I can have Kitty introduce you to some of the other students if you would like?” Charles asked.

Alexandria considered Professor Xavier’s suggestion, her mind still buzzing from the training session. Interacting with other students wasn’t high on her list of priorities, but she knew that isolating herself wasn’t going to help her in the long run. Still, the thought of making small talk or having to deal with people who would undoubtedly be curious about her past made her uneasy.

“I guess,” she said after a moment, shrugging. “It’s not like I have anything else to do.”

“Very well,” Professor Xavier replied with a nod. “I’ll have Kitty meet you outside the training room. She can introduce you to some of the others.”

Alexandria didn’t say anything, just nodded back, trying to suppress the anxiety that was bubbling up inside her. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she figured she might as well get it over with.

“Before you go,” Professor Xavier added, his tone gentle but firm, “remember that you’re not alone here. It might feel overwhelming now, but you’ll find your place in time. Be patient with yourself.”

“Yeah,” Alexandria muttered, not entirely convinced but not wanting to argue either. “I’ll try.”

She turned and headed for the door, her footsteps echoing in the quiet training room. When she stepped outside, she found Kitty waiting for her, leaning against the wall with a friendly smile.

“Hey,” Kitty greeted, straightening up. “How’d it go?”

Alexandria shrugged. “It was fine, I guess. Just trying to figure things out.”

“That’s normal,” Kitty said, her voice light. “It takes time, but you’ll get there. Anyway, ready to meet some of the others?”

“I suppose,” Alexandria replied, her tone noncommittal. She wasn’t exactly looking forward to it, but she knew it was inevitable.

Kitty led her down the hallway, the sound of their footsteps the only noise between them for a moment. Alexandria could sense Kitty glancing at her occasionally, probably trying to gauge how she was feeling. She appreciated the effort, even if she wasn’t in the mood to talk about it.

“So,” Kitty began, breaking the silence, “I was thinking we could start with the common room. A lot of the students hang out there between classes and training sessions. It’s pretty laid-back.”

“Alright,” Alexandria said, keeping her responses short. She wasn’t trying to be rude, but she wasn’t sure how to engage in light conversation, especially with someone she barely knew.

When they reached the common room, Alexandria was struck by how relaxed everyone seemed. Students were scattered around the space, some playing video games, others watching TV, and a few just talking or reading.

“Over there’s Bobby,” Kitty said, nodding toward a guy who was absorbed in a video game. “He’s pretty chill, likes to freeze things.”

“Freeze things?” Alexandria asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, he’s got ice powers. Cool, right?” Kitty said with a grin.

“Sure,” Alexandria replied, trying to muster some enthusiasm but mostly feeling out of place.

“And that’s Jubilee,” Kitty continued, pointing out a girl with bright yellow sunglasses who was chatting animatedly with a couple of other students. “She’s a blast—literally. She can generate fireworks.”

“Fireworks,” Alexandria repeated, her tone flat. It sounded more like a party trick than a power, but she kept that thought to herself.

Kitty seemed to sense her unease and gave her a reassuring smile. “They’re all good people. It might take some time, but you’ll get to know them. And they’ll get to know you.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Alexandria muttered, not entirely convinced.

As they walked further into the room, a familiar figure caught Alexandria’s eye. Logan was sitting in a corner, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face as he watched the room with a look of vague irritation. He hadn’t noticed her yet, and Alexandria wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

“Logan’s over there,” Kitty said, following her gaze. “You two met, right?”

“Yeah,” Alexandria replied, her voice tight. “Briefly.”

Kitty hesitated, picking up on the tension in Alexandria’s tone. “He’s a bit rough around the edges, but he’s one of the best. He’s been through a lot, like you.”

Alexandria’s jaw tightened. She didn’t need anyone comparing her to Logan or anyone else. “I’m sure he’s great,” she said, her tone clipped.

Kitty glanced at her but didn’t push the subject. Instead, she gestured to a group of students who were chatting near the windows. “Those are some of the newer students. Might be easier to talk to them since they’re still figuring things out too.”

Alexandria looked over at the group, noticing how at ease they seemed with each other. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. She hadn’t felt that kind of comfort around others in a long time, maybe ever.

“Maybe later,” she said, not ready to dive into socializing just yet.

Kitty nodded, understanding. “No rush. You can take your time.”

Alexandria looked over at the TV, a movie playing as a bunch of the students sat around the couch and the floors entranced by it.

“Oh, Scott likes to watch Star Wars, most of the time a lot of us end up joining in.” Kitty explained.

“What’s… Star Wars?” Alexandria asked slowly.

“It’s a movie- or well, a bunch of different movies and shows. It’s a franchise.”

Alexandria tilted her head at the large TV screen, currently a girl in an all-white dress kissed a dirty-blonde boy’s cheek before he swung them across some sort of room.

It was intriguing, or maybe that’s just because she’s never seen a movie.

Kitty noticed Alexandria’s gaze fixed on the TV screen, her curiosity evident. She gave her a gentle nudge, breaking the silence. “We can stay and watch it if you’d like. I’m sure Scott won’t mind. He’s a big geek about this stuff.”

Alexandria hesitated, glancing back at Kitty with a mixture of uncertainty and intrigue. “I’ve never really watched movies before.”

Kitty’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Never? Well, this is a good place to start. Star Wars is pretty iconic, and it’s one of those things that a lot of people here are into.”

Alexandria looked back at the screen, where a space battle was unfolding amidst flashing lights and dramatic music. The idea of sitting down and watching a movie felt foreign, but also oddly appealing. “Alright,” she said finally. “I guess I can give it a try.”

Kitty smiled, leading her over to the group around the TV. Scott, a tall guy with a pair of glasses perched on his nose, glanced up from the screen as they approached. “Hey, Kitty! And, um, Alexandria, right?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” Alexandria replied, trying to sound more relaxed than she felt.

“Great to meet you properly,” Scott said with a friendly smile. “We’re just getting into one of the best parts. You’re welcome to join us.”

Alexandria nodded, taking a seat on the couch. The other students, already absorbed in the movie, barely glanced up, which was fine by her. She sank into the cushion, trying to focus on the action-packed scenes.

Kitty settled beside her, giving a small wave to Scott and the others. “I told her you’d be okay with us joining in.”

Scott nodded, adjusting his glasses as he turned back to the screen. “No problem at all. It’s always good to have more people to discuss the movie with. We’re in the middle of the epic lightsaber duel. It’s one of my favorite parts.”

As the movie progressed, Alexandria found herself drawn into the story. The special effects were unlike anything she had ever seen, and the characters seemed to be larger than life. She didn’t fully understand all the details yet, but there was something captivating about the narrative and the way the students reacted to it.

Kitty leaned over and whispered, “So, what do you think so far?”

“It’s… different,” Alexandria admitted, her eyes still fixed on the screen. “I can see why people like it.”

Kitty grinned. “Yeah, it’s pretty immersive. And there’s a whole series of these movies, plus spin-offs and shows. It’s a bit of a rabbit hole.”

Alexandria raised an eyebrow. “How many movies are there?”

“Quite a few,” Kitty said with a chuckle. “But you don’t have to watch them all at once. We can always catch up on more later if you’re interested.”

“Hold on, Kitty.” Scott said, “there’s a certain way it should be watched. Some will say release date order, some will say chronologically, but I say no to both. It should be Episode 4, 5, then 1, 2, 3, then 6.”

Alexandria’s eyes widened, “there’s… that many?”

“Well, technically more than that, but those are the ones that really count,” Scott said, his enthusiasm evident.

Alexandria leaned back on the couch, her eyes still glued to the screen. “I didn’t realize there was so much to it,” she said, her tone carrying a hint of amazement.

Kitty smiled. “Yeah, it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s all part of the fun. You get to dive into this whole new universe.”

“You know what that means, right guys?” Scott asked.

A girl, sitting on the floor in front of Scott looked up at him, “Scott…” she gritted out, almost teasingly.

“Star Wars marathon!” Scott exclaimed.

Kitty leaned in to Alexandria as some of the kids groaned and others were amused. “That girl is Jean.” She gestured to the girl sitting in front of Scott, who was now rolling her eyes.

“Jean, huh?” Alexandria said, watching as Jean settled back into her spot on the floor, a bemused expression on her face.

“Yeah, she’s got some pretty impressive telepathic abilities,” Kitty said. “She’s one of the more powerful telepaths around here. But she’s cool.”

Alexandria raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. She thought back to the cubed shaped thing on her desk, if Scott knew all about movies, then maybe he knew about… whatever that was.

“Um, Scott? What’s that thing on the desk? The… cubed thing?” Alexandria asked.

“That’s a computer.” He answered, shoveling popcorn into his mouth. “Do you know how to use it?”

She shook her head no.

Scott’s eyes widened in surprise. “You don’t know how to use a computer?” He looked at her with a mix of curiosity and concern. “It’s pretty basic. You can do a lot of things with it—surf the web, write documents, watch videos. But it takes some getting used to.”

Alexandria shrugged. “I’ve never seen one. What’s so special about it?”

Scott tilted his head, clearly intrigued by Alexandria’s unfamiliarity with something so commonplace. “Well, it’s one of those tools that make life a lot easier. It’s like a window to the world. You can find almost anything you need on the internet.”

Kitty, sensing that Alexandria was feeling out of her element, chimed in. “If you want, we can have a quick tutorial later. It’s not that hard once you get the hang of it.”

Alexandria looked at the computer again, her curiosity piqued. “Maybe. For now, I guess I’ll just stick to figuring out this Star Wars thing.”

Scott grinned, clearly happy to have a new project. “We can definitely work on that. Maybe after the movie, we can set up a session to show you the basics.”

“Sure,” Alexandria said, her tone more engaged than before. “I’m willing to give it a try.”

---

After the group finished the movie, which was after Scott rewound it to the beginning for Alexandria, him and Kitty taught her how to use the computer before they had to go to class.

As she browsed the web, some term Scott used, she realized it was late at night, around 11 o’clock. She took a quick shower and got into what Jean called pajamas, before getting into bed.

Sleep couldn’t claim her. The problem with her powers was that she could see people’s dreams, which was fine when she was with HYDRA, since she was either far away from other people, or they put her in her specialized cell.

Once the clock hit 2:48, Alexandria got out of bed and grabbed a cigarette and her lighter from her bag before heading up to the roof.

Last night, Logan was smoking by the side door, but tonight, and possibly all other nights in the future, the roof seemed like a better, more quiet place.

Alexandria stepped out onto the roof, the cool night air greeting her with a briskness that made her shiver. She leaned against the railing, the city lights twinkling far below. She flicked the lighter, the tiny flame illuminating her face for a moment before she took a drag.

As she exhaled, the smoke curling into the night, she heard the faintest sound of movement behind her. It wasn’t unexpected; she had a feeling she wasn’t the only one who sought the quiet solitude of the rooftop at odd hours.

After a few minutes of peace, the door at the ground floor opened up, with Logan stepping outside and smoking his own cigar. She was glad she wasn’t down there; she had enough human interaction to last a lifetime.

As she looked up at the sky, she realized quickly that she’d never seen stars before. Which was out of the ordinary, or weird, considering most people connect nighttime and dreams with the stars.

Out here, where there were almost no other signs of civilization, the stars seemed to shine brighter than she thought possible.

Alexandria decided to sit on the ledge of the building, her legs dangling and swinging, hitting the brick’s gently as she continued to look up at the night sky, her cigarette forgotten in her hand.

Down on the ground, Logan was finishing his own cigar. He had come out to the side door for some fresh air, his usual gruff demeanor on full display as he paced, taking long, deliberate drags from his cigar. The rooftop wasn’t the only place in the mansion that offered solitude, but Logan found the chill of the night air soothing.

As he neared the side of the building, Logan noticed a faint sound of movement from above. He squinted up, barely making out Alexandria’s figure silhouetted against the night sky. He grunted and took another drag, deciding to keep to his own space rather than investigate further.

Alexandria’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, the stars above providing a stark contrast to the chaos she had known. For a moment, she felt disconnected from her past, as if the night sky was a canvas offering a new beginning. She let the cigarette fall from her fingers, the small ember disappearing into the night air.

Suddenly, a light shone up from below, catching her attention. It was Logan’s cigar, glowing brightly as he took another drag. She couldn’t make out his face from this distance, but his presence was unmistakable. Alexandria’s instincts told her to retreat, to avoid any unnecessary interaction.

But Logan, in his usual fashion, wasn’t one to ignore an anomaly. He looked up again, his gaze searching for the source of the disturbance. The flicker of the cigarette's ember had caught his attention. He grunted softly, debating whether to climb the stairs or simply ignore it.

Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him. With a resigned sigh, Logan made his way to the rooftop access and began his ascent. As he approached, he could see Alexandria more clearly now- perched on the edge, seemingly lost in thought.

Logan didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Couldn’t sleep?” he called up to her, his voice carrying over the distance between them.

Alexandria looked down, her face expressionless. “Not really. Just needed some air.”

Logan grunted in acknowledgment. He walked over to the edge of the roof, leaning against the railing as he surveyed the view. “You got a problem with the stars or something?”

Alexandria shrugged. “No. Just never really seen them before.”

Logan raised an eyebrow, glancing over at her. “You mean to tell me you’ve never been outside much?”

Alexandria gave a short, bitter laugh. “Not until recently, no.”

Logan grunted, not quite sure how to respond to that. He wasn’t good with feelings, especially other people’s. He settled for taking another drag from his cigar, letting the silence hang between them for a moment.

"Not exactly the kind of thing you'd expect to hear around here," he finally said, more to himself than to her. “You’ve been through the wringer, huh?”

Alexandria nodded, her gaze still fixed on the stars. “You could say that.”

Logan watched her for a moment, trying to gauge what kind of person she was. She was tough, that much was obvious, but there was something else there too—something that reminded him a little too much of himself. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

He decided to keep it simple. “You’ll figure it out,” he said, his tone gruff but not unkind. “This place isn’t perfect, but it’s better than the alternatives.”

“Is it?” Alexandria asked, her voice carrying a hint of skepticism. “Or is it just another place with its own set of problems?”

Logan smirked, appreciating her bluntness. “Depends on how you look at it. Everyone’s got their own demons. But here, you might actually have a shot at dealing with ‘em.”

Alexandria shifted her gaze from the stars to Logan. “And what about you? What are you dealing with?”

Logan wasn’t one to open up about his past, especially not to someone he barely knew. But there was something about the way she asked the question—direct, no-nonsense—that made him consider it, if only for a second.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” he said, deflecting. “Just focus on yourself for now.”

She didn’t press further, sensing that he wasn’t the type to share more than he wanted to. Instead, she nodded, accepting his answer without any more questions.

They stood in silence for a while, the night air cool against their skin. Logan was content with the quiet, but he could tell Alexandria was still restless.

“Why do you stay here?” Alexandria asked, breaking the silence but keeping her gaze on the stars.

Logan took a deep drag from his cigar, exhaling slowly as he considered her question. “It’s as good a place as any,” he replied, his tone neutral. “Better than most, actually. Got people here who understand.”

“Understand what?” she pressed, turning her eyes to him, searching for something in his expression.

Logan met her gaze, his own hard and unreadable. “What it’s like to have a past that doesn’t let go,” he said simply. “This place gives you a chance to move forward, if you let it.”

Alexandria snorted softly, a hint of bitterness in the sound. “Sounds like you’re trying to sell me something.”

Logan shrugged, unbothered by her cynicism. “Not selling anything. Just telling it like it is.”

She looked back at the sky, her fingers drumming lightly against the brick. “I’ve been around people who claimed they could help before. Never turned out well.”

“Yeah, well,” Logan said, flicking ash from his cigar, “this place isn’t perfect. But it’s different. Nobody here’s gonna bullshit you. And you’ll have to pull your own weight.”

Alexandria’s lips twitched in what could almost be mistaken for a smile, but there was no humor in it. “Pull my own weight. That I can do.”

“I’m sure,” Logan replied, his tone dry.

They lapsed back into silence, but it was less uncomfortable this time, as if they’d reached some sort of understanding. Alexandria leaned back on her hands, still sitting on the edge of the building, letting the night breeze cool her skin.

Logan finished his cigar and glanced over at her, noticing the way she seemed to relax, even if just a little. “You planning on sitting out here all night?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

“Maybe,” Alexandria answered, noncommittal. “Why? You worried about me?”

Logan’s smirk was barely visible in the dim light. “Not my style to worry about anyone.”

“Good,” she replied, her tone matching his. “I don’t need anyone worrying about me.”

“Figured as much,” Logan said, pushing himself off the railing. “Just remember, you don’t have to do everything alone here. But you do have to show up. Can’t just hide out on rooftops.”

Alexandria gave a slight nod, acknowledging his words but not committing to anything. Logan didn’t push further; he’d said what he needed to say. With a final glance at her, he turned and headed back toward the door.

“Logan,” Alexandria called out, just as he reached the stairwell.

He paused, looking back at her. “Yeah?”

She hesitated, then shrugged, as if she wasn’t sure what she wanted to say. “Thanks. For… you know.”

Logan gave a short nod, his expression softening just a fraction. “Don’t mention it.”

With that, he disappeared down the stairs, leaving Alexandria alone on the rooftop once more. She watched the door close behind him, then turned her attention back to the stars. Maybe this place was different.

[cosmic-glow]

Anonymous asked: May I request some hidan x reader sfw? Someone's trying to hit on s/o who'd not into it?

My Agony - Hidan

Warnings: reader's gender or body not specified; no use of "y/n"; mention of death and aggression (not from the characters); Hidan and his sick and possessive romance; SFW with slight indecency.

Minors do not interact!

Genre: Oneshot (1.8k).

Hidan was an idiot, the problem was that you loved him. You really did. And you knew that he loved you too, even when you were fighting.

What started out as a little teasing, something even innocent just to play around a bit, ended up escalating into a real argument about him being too possessive. You said things you shouldn't have, he said some even worse, which resulted in the current situation: Hidan and you have been avoiding each other for a few days, both too proud to simply give in and apologize, even though the distance is slowly killing you both.

The only person who really seems to be taking advantage of the whole situation is Hayato, the Akatsuki newcomer. He arrived recently and hasn't had time to be properly introduced to everyone, so he doesn't know that the way he's close to your body now could cost him his life.

Ever since you and Hidan stopped talking, Hayato has been clinging to you, following you everywhere, flirting shamelessly with you. Because in his mind what you and Hidan have isn't that serious, he doesn't know how many times Hidan has torn your name into his skin out of pure pleasure and devotion. Hayato doesn't know how many times Hidan used his own body as a shield to protect you. Hayato doesn't know how Hidan wraps your body so close to his as if he needed to drown in you to be able to sleep peacefully every night. Hayato doesn't know how Hidan speaks your name as if it were music, a divine blessing, awake or asleep. Hayato doesn't know how every morning, when he sees you by his side, Hidan thanks Jashin on his knees for having you. Hayato knows nothing.

- I'm just saying that if I were your partner, I'd already be on my knees asking for your forgiveness. Maybe he doesn't like you so much since he hasn't given in yet... In fact, I don't think we'd even have fought about it if I were your partner.

Eyes as blue as the foggy sky analyze your reaction to his words, an almost mischievous smile tugging at the corner of his lips while his black hair falls a little under his eyes when he tilts his head. Hayato is persistent and optimistic, too optimistic for your taste... He's working among mercenaries and assassins but still believes in empathy and mercy. He's pathetic.

- It's just not his way, it's not how Hidan shows his feelings... - you explain tiredly as you're still stuck in this conversation, having to hold back a lot not to roll your eyes.

- I would never do that to my partner. I would have bought flowers, chocolates, even a giant plush if I had to, all to please the one I love. Then... - you notice him slowly getting closer, more than any rational man who knows who you are would do, but Hayato is proving to be anything but "rational" - ... I'd shower with kisses, take to the bedroom... you know what I mean, right?

Your fists clench involuntarily. You have to repeat over and over in your mind that it's not worth it in order to maintain your posture, lest you break Hayato's beautiful, ridiculous nose. You feel your jaw clench to hold the answer you wanted to say while you search for another. However, another voice speaks for you as turn down the corridor.

- Yeah, I think we understand perfectly what you mean, brat.

Apparently, Hidan overheard the conversation and stayed for a few seconds at the bend in the corridor, where he couldn't be seen, to know how far it would go. From the look on his face, he's not at all happy with what he's heard. Without looking away from Hayato, Hidan walks over to you, a familiar look on his face... it's the same look he gets when he's about to kill someone who has aroused his hatred. As soon as he saw the man, the smug smile on Hayato's face died, his shoulders slumping as the confidence drained from his body to give way to fear.

You feel Hidan's hand wrap around your waist and pull you closer to him, it's the first time he's touched your body in days so without realizing it you don't even stop him, but lean into him. Hidan's eyes pierce Hayato's soul, he doesn't even blink, as if trying to choose which way to kill the boy out of all the worst he knows.

- Hi my love... - that's all he says when he turns to you and without waiting for your answer, grabs your face and kisses you. You've experienced that kind of kiss before and you know exactly what it means... he's bursting with jealousy and anger.

Hidan purposely delays the kiss, it's almost indecent because it's so deep and intimate, as if he wants to make Hayato uncomfortable. And you know he does. He wants the boy to see who you belong to. To see who is the only man you allow to touch you like this. The hand on your waist still holds your body firmly against his as Hidan separates his lips from yours with a smile and looks at Hayato again.

- Who's your little friend, darling?

- He's not really my friend... - You realize you're a little intoxicated by the kiss, your body reminding you how much you missed it.

- No? - Hidan feigns surprise and curiosity before his eyes take on a really dangerous gleam - What are you to My Agony then?

"My Agony" was the way Hidan chose to call you even before you became a couple. He said was because it was the way he had always felt about you, a great agony of wanting you, an agony of needing you. An agony of wanting to make you his and of being completely devoted to you. Only you caused him that agony and Hidan loved it.

- I... we were just getting to know each other and talking, nothing much... - Hayato tries to explain, doing his best to hide the nervousness in his voice.

- Do you want to meet this guy, my love? - Hidan asks, looking at you, who pretend to think for a few seconds.

- No, I don't think so. He's really bothering me.

Hayato seems to turn even paler at your words, but Hidan smiles as if he had just won a prize.

- You heard, didn't you? I'm unusually patient today, so if you've got any sense left in you, you're going to get out of my way now and never cross our path again.

Hayato takes a step back and opens his mouth, but for the first time you see him make a wise decision by giving up and just running, disappearing down the corridor opposite where Hidan came from. Without even realizing it, a smile appears on your face as you watch him run away, amused.

- Where did that confident man who was flirting with me go...?

You ask sarcastically and take a step away, knowing that Hidan will go back to ignoring you as he was doing before now that he's rid of what was bothering him. Or at least that's what you thought before you felt him grab your wrist and in one swift, firm movement bring it to his chest, forcing your body to turn towards him.

-Who. was. that. man. darling?

Jealousy still shines in his pink eyes, which are now close to red with intensity. Now you realize that it wasn't just an overreaction to get Hayato away from you, Hida really is jealous. He doesn't care if you're still angry with him, if you want to keep ignoring him because of the fight, Hidan won't let you go until you talk to him. Until you explain it to him.

- It's just the new guy, Pein mentioned him, he arrived three days ago. Don't you remember?

- What a coincidence... He arrived three days ago... Well, I've been thinking about nothing but you for three days, you big idiot! Maybe that's why I didn't notice the arrival of some guy!

When his words hit you, your eyes open a little wider and your lower lip drops a little. It's been exactly three days since you and Hidan had a fight, three days that he hasn't focused on anything else. He was also counting the days, he was also missing you, even if he was too proud to admit it.

- Why didn't you tell me before?

- Because everything I thought of saying only sounded even more possessive and I didn't want to fight with you again because I love you, hell !

He... He was really considering what you said during the fight, he was really rethinking the way he acted towards you, he was thinking of a way to apologize. To show that he really cares and wants to change if it bothers you, but the words were tricking him. They showed that deep down it was something stronger than him to control at times, something that flows with his blood, something that takes control of his senses.

- I... I don't want to keep fighting either, my love. I didn't even want to start a fight... - you wrap your hands around his face and Hidan leans into your touch, his face softening - ... I understand your side, I just don't like it when you don't seem to trust me.

- I do - he replies quickly, as if he doesn't want you to think that for another second - I swear I do, I just... I need to spill the blood of every other man who thinks he can touch you the way I do, that's all.

Hidan wraps his arms around your body as he speaks and moves closer to your face, and you end up laughing at his justification. As if in a dance, you both slowly close your eyes and move closer together before joining lips. There's no need for a warning or a request, your souls are talking in silence and you fully understand each other's needs. The kiss is slow, intimate, sincere. The apology they both don't know how to put into words. Hidan breaks the kiss after a few seconds but remains close to you in the same way, his lips caressing yours as he speaks.

- You know I only didn't kill that guy in front of you because I didn't want to get blood on you, don't you, My Agony?

- Yes, I know - you give him a brief kiss - Very kind of you, love.

Hidan smiles and in a swift movement that doesn't even give you time to react, throws you over his shoulder as if you weighed nothing.

- Well, now you're coming with me, we have a lot to make up for these three days apart, My Agony. - Hidan says before going into the room you two share and closing the door behind him.

Sorry for any typos;

Buy me a coffee?

Masterlist.

[noinoi10101010]

A daughter lullaby

mono angel secretly walked when the creator, and mono fallen were all asleep / turned off it was just her in the moonlit night as she walked to a very special place she made after......she killed ruin. She walks to a small little grave she made that was two pieces of wood she made to look like a cross, the prettiest flowers she could find, and small pictures of him looking happy some of witch were with her. "Hey papa." She says as she sits down at the grave as tears well up in her eyes. "I-i...want to sing you a song that I was planning on singing to you before.....*sniffs* it happened." She said trying to choke back tears. She just wish she could just bring him back to her but... Because she killed mono devil who his realm he would have gone to when she killed him he just died with no spirit of him left for him to revive. She takes a breath and starts to sing

🎵🎶"far away in the death game alone stands a girl with tear in her eyes. It is her where she can at lest try to see the one and only person that loved her."🎶🎵 mono angel sings as best as she can muster thinking that she was right in front of ruin singing and wanting it to be perfect for him 🎵🎶"now that you are gone I am all alone with no one who cares for me. As the mere image of you fading from my eyes will forever hunt me"🎶🎵 mono angel says as tears fall down from her cheeks 🎵🎶"rest away dear father in comfort and peace as I try lull you to sleep as like you once did. As I forever live with the guilt."🎶🎵 mono angel sings as takes out the hand made plush she made of ruin and gently puts her hand on it 🎵🎶"you were always there for me no matter how I treated you. Even though I killed someone you loved you still loved me yet I was to blind to see how much you care for me or the warning you gave."🎶🎵mono angel sang as she gently puts the ruin plush on the grave she made 🎵🎶"even after all of that when it came down to it you still chose me over you. Even after everything I did you still love me and yet I still don't understand why."🎶🎵 mono angel sang slowly realizing she not the innocent angel she thought she was 🎵🎶"rest away dear father in comfort and peace. as I try to lull you to sleep like I once did. As now realize that everything that happened to you one that day I can't blame no one but myself. "🎶🎵 mono angel sang as she realizes everything that happened to her is her fault. It was her fault fan girl is not her friend any more and it's her fault..... That ruin is dead. The one and only person that loved her she killed with her own hands. She goes on her hands and knees sobbing her eyes out 🎵🎶" rest away dear father in comfort and peace. As I try to lull you to sleep like I once did. OH IF I COULD DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT UP TO YOU!"🎶🎵 mono angel sang in a desperate voice as she cried and cried and cried to what knows how long before "MONO ANGEL!" The creator yelled as just as quickly as her tears she wipes them away and goes back to being the "innocent angel" she will forever view herself as.

Mono fallen wanders around with the mimic trying to find a new place to build their killing game. Mono angel has long since was killed by solar when they saw what seems to be a small grave followed by a random plush. They pick it up and think to themselves "*is this what ruin looked like"* it that was the case then mono fallen didn't expect someone who apparently destroyed 5,000 dimensions to look so...average well they had a nice style I guess. They kept it all through out until the start of the killing game were they dropped it by accident and was then picked up by ballora who frowns and misses her dear friend even more.

@goodolddumbbanana @catspawcreates @lednet-sorrow-au-blog @multifandomcutie13 @doodledrawz @dolce-cerise @llamaisllama777 @cosmossnake @weirdcoregal35 @tricerapor12

[layla4567]

Adam Warlock Headcanons

Warnings: angst, smut, mentions of sex and body parts, nudity, mention of masturbation, mention of bondage, maybe gotg v3 spoilers, and i think that's all

SFW

Adam cares more about your feelings than his own. Do you have a small scratch on your face? Adam will put his hands on your cheeks and carefully examine you as if he were a doctor. Are you sad about something? He will not leave your side and will hug you if necessary, he will also listen to you for as long as you need without interrupting you.

He is an enthusiast for learning new things, he will want to learn all the information he can to enrich his experiences. He loves that you teach him things he doesn't know. He likes to listen to your warm voice while you explain to him what the earth is like or how plants grow or even your favorite book, the simple fact of seeing your face light up comforts him

If you know how to sing or dance, prepare for Adam to enjoy watching or listening to you all day. Your melodious and honeyed voice sweetening his ears like the nectar of flowers is for him the best sensation in the world. Sometimes he watches you with a tender look while you sing distractedly. And every time you dance, your joyous and contagious energy envelops Adam like a warm blanket. Your dizzying turns and the way you move your arms harmoniously make Adam want to dance with you and he wishes you would teach him.

He is definitely a jealous guy. He understands that you can have friends and be with several people but sometimes he feels sick to your stomach every time you're with a guy, it makes him feel insecure as if he's not good or handsome enough for you. Adam feels like you belong to him, and not in a toxic or misogynistic way, but it's just that to him you're the best thing that's ever happened to him and every time you don't spend time with him his heart sinks a little.

Adam hates bullies. When he sees that someone is being rude to anyone in Knowhere, his eyes harden and his fists clench firmly and he will walk with a sure step towards that person to teach him a lesson. However, Adam is quite a pacifist so he won't fix things by fighting, he will simply talk and maybe, why not, if the bully is too pedantic Adam will threaten him

This golden boy has a hard time expressing his feelings because he simply doesn't understand them, when he saw you for the first time he felt something in his belly, a strange tingling that filled him with adrenaline. He looked everywhere for help, at first he thought he was sick but the sensation was not uncomfortable, on the contrary, every time he was near you he felt comfortable and safe. He asked all the guardians what it was that he felt, they all said the same thing. Love. Oh boy, he got a little scared, he didn't know how to confess his feelings towards you.

When he finally made up his mind to tell you how much he loves you, he blurted out the words as if he were getting rid of a heavy load. Adam was afraid you'd reject him but apparently the feeling was mutual. You will always remember how his face relaxed and a big smile lit up his lips.

He loves hugs! He is like a child seeking maternal warmth. He will hug you whenever he can and sometimes when you are off guard. Being taller, he likes to hug you from behind and rest his chin on top of your head. Other times, you will be the one who needs a hug so he will wrap you in his strong arms wrapping you and caressing your back. He just loves physical contact as a love language.

And speaking of hugs, Adam also really enjoys cuddles. He likes to snuggle next to you when you're lying in bed. He will place his head on your chest and wrap his arms around your waist. He also loves it when you stroke his hair until he falls sound asleep. He prefers to be the little spoon but if you want he will be the big spoon and he will cover you and put his arms on your stomach like a big bear (since he is taller).

Adam really appreciates that you listen to him and pay attention without judging him especially when it comes to talking about his mother. He still feels somewhat guilty and responsible for what he happened to his mom so he seeks to vent to you and for you to comfort him. That's why Adam is also very overprotective, he doesn't want anyone to suffer or have the same fate as his mother. He couldn't bear the thought that someone was hurt because of him.

NSFW

Adam doesn't understand much about sex. He knows what he is but has never experienced it. In fact, for him it is a simple act done to conceive children. He didn't know he could have sex for pleasure until it was explained to him. Yet it's hard for Adam to understand why something like this would be satisfying.

As I mentioned before Adam had never felt a need to experience sex but the more time he spent with you a burning and primal sensation took over him. A sensation that made him clench his legs and clench his jaw. At first he felt embarrassed by this, he told himself that he should control himself while you are around so as not to scare you. He didn't want to force you to do something you didn't want.

One day Adam couldn't take it anymore and he rushed into your room, opening the door violently and getting on his knees hugging your waist and burying his face in your stomach. He told you that he was worried because he didn't know what was happening to him or how to stop it. "(Y/N) there is something wrong with me, you have to help me." He explained to you that every time he was with you he felt a wild need to touch you and feel your warm skin. You blushed because you knew exactly what was wrong with him. How could you tell him that he was basically horny and probably his raging hormones required him to fornicate with someone?. He looked into your eyes with visible confusion. For him to understand you caressed his cheek, that little touch was enough for Adam to close his eyes with a sigh and melt in your hand like butter in the sun.

You offered to try that experience with Adam but he refused. "No (Y/N) in any way, I will not force you to do something you do not want." Oh but if he knew that you wanted that since you first saw him. His statuesque physique captivated you but his cute and lovable personality was what won your heart. You wanted to teach Adam because everyone said having sex gave you serotonin. You gave him a passionate kiss, the first of many. It was the first time that Adam tasted your lips, they were even softer than he could have imagined. You led him to your bed and sat on his lap. His hands shyly gripped your hips. Each kiss you planted on his jaw and neck made him gasp. Every time you rubbed your ass against his crotch he felt something grow under there but he had no idea what it was. Your hands on his abdomen and shoulders are enough to turn him on. When they were both ready they began to undress.

When he took off his pants, he was surprised to see that his penis was erect. Was it because of that tingling he felt in his pants? "It's normal" you said smiling. You led Adam into your entrance. He was afraid of hurting you but you told him it was okay for him to hold his grip on your thighs and squeeze them if he wanted. Adam nailed his fingers into your fleshy skin, yet it was soft and delicate. You leaned Adam's body towards yours and now with your mouth in his ear and his head on your neck your hot breath made him feel feverish, your moans filled his head and his grunts matched yours.

Your nails scratching on his back made him feel an electric shock throughout his body. They were about to reach the climax but he didn't know what to do, he just felt that his penis hardened and your walls tightened more around him. "(Y/N)?" You look at him panting. "I think-.." he couldn't finish the sentence because fluid shot out and filled you. He got scared thinking that he had done something wrong but when he saw that you weren't upset and that you had also released that fluid, he calmed down. Catching your breath, you explained that they had reached orgasm. Adam felt better, he had never experienced anything like this and now understand why everyone said he made you feel good. That burning sensation had disappeared to give rise to the relief. They stayed talking and I explained to him that sometimes the people did a second round. He was enthusiastic and proposed to try it, in his innocent mind he believed that something so pleasant should be done more often. Laughing, you told him that people didn't have as much resistance as he did and they ended up exhausted. Then they practiced aftercare, both of you holding each other Adam behind you nuzzling your back with his nose and you holding your hands in front of your chest massaging them. It could be said that Adam was now more expert

But when they were apart whether on missions or whatever, Adam had a hard time containing his primal urges. He missed your touch on his abdomen or the way he called out his name. So you also showed him that he could give himself pleasure whenever he wants. At first you showed him how, wrapping his hand around his member and rubbing it up and down. Adam had never had that explained to him and he wondered why, it was almost as good as having sex with another person. Now every time he's away from you by himself, practice what you taught him with your face in his thoughts.

I see Adam as a sub but he could also be a soft dom. He prefers that you be on top of him riding him and teaching him everything you know how to do. On the other hand, if he is the dom he will be as soft as he can be and will constantly ask you if you feel good, if you want to continue or if he is hurting you.

What does Adam like most about you? Your kisses. Your mouth running over his sculpted body is enough to have him on his knees begging to touch your body. Your warm lips or your small bites will drive him crazy wanting for more. And what is Adam's favorite part of your body? It is a tricky question because Adam loves your whole body but I think it would be your abdomen and a little below it without reaching your privacy. He has learned what your weak points are to make you squirm as you desperately pull at his scalp.

Finally, it was clear that Adam loves to learn and try new things, but as long as it is something that does not involve harming yourself. So he doesn't really like the idea of ​​bondage, handcuffs, hot wax, etc. But he could try it for you if you insist. Also, you would tell him that if it is practiced properly, it is not risky or dangerous. Even so, at the slightest sign that you don't feel comfortable, he will stop.

[ladylilithprime]

24 + 58, whatever configuration of Sam, Dean, and Castiel being involved in the mess you like

24: Soulmate AU

58: Accidental Eavesdropping  

AND HERE I thought angels didn't have soulmates!"

That was Dean's voice, tense and biting. Sam felt the urge to cringe away from the tone if not the words and made himself be still to avoid drawing attention. When his brother was in a mood to use that tone of voice, no attention was good attention.

"Normally we do not," came the response, predictably in Castiel's voice, though the angel (former angel? Angel once removed?) sounded far more frustrated than Sam had ever heard him. "We are also not usually human while still retaining our memories as an angel. My situation is, once again, unprecedented."

"And you're sure it's not Jimmy's soulmark?" Dean pressed. "Or, hell, a tattoo he might've gotten before you took up residence?"

"Jimmy's soulmark disappeared from this body when he was Reaped during the Apocalypse," Castiel huffed. "And he did not have any tattoos. Nor did this mark appear until after Metatron precipitated my Fall!"

Well, that definitely sounded like it was a soulmark.

Apparently Dean agreed, because he changed his approach a bit. "So why come to me? I'm no good at this kinda touchy feely crap; that's more Sam's wheelhouse than mine."

Rude. Accurate, probably, but still! Sam was ready to just keep pretending to be asleep now just to force Dean to man up and deal with the emotions for once, except he didn't think that would be fair to Castiel to make him flounder just because he had gone to Dean first.

"Dean, please at least attempt to have some compassion," Castiel snapped. Actually snapped! Stunned as he was, Sam almost missed the rustle of fabric before the former angel growled, "Look!"

There was a heavy silence that lasted for six of Sam's heartbeats - not that he was counting - before Dean mumbled, "Oh." And then, "Shit."

"Exactly," Castiel agreed in grim tones, leaving Sam even more confused than before.

"But I thought he had--"

"A ploy on the part of Azazel's agent," came the almost nonsensical reply. "But you see why I chose to speak to you about this, despite your ineptitude."

"Hey!" And there was Dean's offended, audible pout, because God possibly literally forbid that anyone point out Dean's emotional constipation besides Dean himself, and that was almost enough to distract Sam from--

"He still mourns her, even nearly a decade since losing her," Castiel said, sober and quiet and agonized. "It would be the height of cruelty to show him proof that it was all a fabrication of Hell, especially when I have no proof that the mark will remain when I am able to reclaim my Grace."

"So what, you plan to just.... keep it covered and never make skin contact with Sammy while living here with him?" Dean demanded, sounding angry again. To be fair, Sam was starting to feel a bit angry himself, because what the hell, Cas? Even with the unfortunate (heartwrenching) truth that Castiel having Sam's soulmark implied about his bond with Jess, that wasn't something you just hid from someone you lived with whom you also claimed to be a friend!

"I have no intention of hiding it, or of avoiding Sam!" Castiel growled back, and suddenly Sam was battling down a very different sort of flush of heat, because that tone was doing things to him. "I was hoping, perhaps erroneously, that you would have insight into how to break it to him gently that his true soulmate is not only a former angel who may one day soon cease being human and thus no longer have a soul, but also one who has previously betrayed him heinously and would completely understand if he would rather have nothing to do with me than be bound to me for all eternity!"

"Well if you're going for gentle," Sam found himself saying into the silence, carefully sitting up from the couch and peering over the back at his brother and, apparently, his soulmate, "maybe don't have a loud argument three feet from my head while I'm trying to nap?"

"Sam," Castiel breathed, eyes wide even with the painfully pronounced bags under them from lack of sleep, before shooting a panicked look in Dean's direction.

"Hey, Sammy," Dean said, his voice higher than usual and looking torn between caught out and gleeful. "So, uh... you heard--"

"Most of it," Sam broke in, stifling a yawn with the back of his hand. "And I'm still tired, so having any deeply emotional conversations should probably wait until we're all better rested."

He got up, prying himself away from the comfortable warmth of the couch by reminding himself that it was only warm because of his body heat and that his bed would be more warm and comfortable. Without really thinking about it, he reached out and took Castiel's hand, stroking his thumb over the skin as the former angel's breath caught and Sam felt the tingle of the gray and black feather on the inside of his left arm presumably filling with true color for the first time.

"Just so there's no misunderstanding, now or later," Sam murmured, looking down into celestial blue eyes, "Eternity with you sounds a lot better than the rest of my life without you. So don't run away on me, okay?"

"Okay, Sam," Castiel murmured, staring up at him in wonder even as their hands shifted, fingers entwining.

"And if that's at least temporarily settled," Dean said, throwing up his hands, "I say you two go get a room and we all go get more sleep!"

"That," Castiel said dryly, "is the first useful suggestion you have had this entire conversation."

[kissorkill16]

If Bubba Had Lived In WWWOH: AHNF

By JJ

Summary: The title says it all.

The door opened, and Jay and Luanne walked in the door, hanging up their coats on the way.

"Mother, we're home.", called out Luanne.

"I'm in the living room. Both of you, come here now.", said the elderly lady, her voice stern.

Despite their confusion, they went to the living room, where Bubba sat down on the sofa with her suitcase sitting next to her leg.

"Well, we see you're already packed. Should I go start the car?", asked Jay. Bubba held up her cane to the man.

"No.", said the elderly lady.

Luanne looked at her mother in confusion, "Mother, what do you mean?", she asked. "Do you need help with your bag or something?"

"Let me say something."

Hearing her stern voice, Jay and Luanne sat across from her, waiting for her to say what she wanted to say.

"I'm not going back to the nursing home.", she said.

Jay stood up and walked over to Luanne's mother, "Since when was it your decision?", he asked. "Aren't we the ones who put you there, ma'am? We -"

"I said I'm not going back there, James!", she yelled at the man. "Apparently, things have been falling apart so fast ever since I left. Nicholas has been getting into this, causing trouble with that, and disappearing to hell knows where for God knows how long! And neither one of you have been around to put him in check."

"Mother, you don't understand. We have to work -", Bubba raised a hand to her daughter. "I'm not finished.", she said.

She reached behind her and held up the bag that Nicky wore over his head earlier. "And look what I saw him wearing when I finally found him after a month."

Jay and Luanne looked at the bag with widened eyes, but neither were too convinced or concerned.

"Are you sure you're not overreacting here, lady?", said Jay. "You always were a bit of a loose screw."

"Overreacting? Overreacting, James? I'm overreacting because I actually care about my grandson?!"

"Mother, I care about Nicky -"

"Then why don't you act like it, Luanne?", said the elderly lady, "Why don't either of you act like it?"

Jay and Luanne got quiet and looked down at the floor.

"I won't go back to the nursing home. I will stay right here, because Nicholas needs someone to care about him when his own parents don't.", said Bubba. She bent over to grab her suitcase and went upstairs.

After she got everything settled back in her room, she was about to go to bed, but then she noticed that the bag she held earlier was gone.

She was just showing it to Jay and Luanne earlier.

Just then, she heard whimpering coming from Nicky's room. She immediately left her room and went to his room, and she saw him curled up on the floor, wearing the bag.

"Nicholas?", she whispered to him. She moved forward to try to hold him, but she coward away from her touch.

"I'll play with you, please just leave me alone.", he whimpered into the bag.

Bubba leaned down and tried once again to hold her grandson, and Nicky resisted for a moment, but he eventually relaxed in her hold.

When the elderly lady looked up, her eyes widened when she saw a tall, darkened and distorted shadow with bright, white eyes.

Was that the thing that was scaring her grandson?

She held Nicky closer, and the shadow slowly disappeared.

Bubba scooped Nicky up in her arms and placed him back on his bed, pulling the blanket over his quivering body. When she was sure he was asleep, she gently pulled the bag off of his head.

She pulled his chair from his desk in the room and sat down next to the bed, as she sat next to him, she gently caressed Nicky's forehead.

"I will protect you, Nicholas.", she whispered to him. "I will protect you from the demon."

[momoyukirin]

Momo's "An Idol's Daily Life" Rabbitchat Part 3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Darling is dreaming

Momo: Yoohooヾ(｡>ω・)/ thanks for coming all the way to our dressing room to say hi earlier, Maneko-chan☆

Tsumugi: Thank you for your hard work! Apologies for disturbing while Yuki-san was sleeping... ＞＜

Momo: Not at all! Rather, I'm sorry for making you whisper while we talked!?

Momo: Yuki never wakes up when he falls asleep so don't worry (*´∀`)b

Momo: It's been a while since I last had to chat so stealthily, it was kinda fun www

Momo: Even though you had to repeat that you brought* us momorin many times since I couldn't understand you ww

Tsumugi: It was no problem at all! I was the one who couldn't handle whispering well!

Momo: Handle whispering ww

Momo: Saying "momo" in a quiet voice is difficult, isn't it( ´ p ` )

Tsumugi: Let's try practicing for next time..!

Momo: Practicing www

Momo: Maneko-chan, you're as diligent as ever. What a good girl... ( ´ ∀`)

Momo: Come to think of it, weren't you about to say something near the end back there?

Tsumugi: I just wanted to thank you for bringing us those lemon cheese tarts the other day..!

Tsumugi: I wasn't confident I could express this well enough while whispering, so I gave up and said I'd just thank you through rabbitchat later...

Momo: I see ww

Tsumugi: Thank you for the treats and for taking our Agency's staff into consideration! It really was delicious!

Momo: Thank you for the sweets and the momorin you brought us earlier too! We'll be enjoying them d( ´ ∀`)

Tsumugi:

Tsumugi: I'm glad they suited your taste!

Momo: Since my darling is still asleep, I'll make sure to tell him they're from you when he wakes up! (・΄ω`・)

Tsumugi: Thank you!

Tsumugi: Yuki-san has the drama filming too, so he's probably very tired, isn't he...

Momo: Yeah, and since he was filming all night yesterday, it's to be expected that he'd be at his limit ＞＜

Momo: Ah

Momo: Yuki woke up just as I was talking about him ww

Tsumugi:

Momo: He says you, Okarin and I appeared in his dream www

Option 1:

Tsumugi: What were you doing in the dream, Momo-san?

Momo: He says I was swimming in a fizzy momorin pool w Can you even swim in something carbonated? Though naturally carbonated water springs do exist(*ノ∀*) Maybe it's because I opened a bottle of momorin next to him while he slept ww

Option 2:

Tsumugi: What was Okazaki-san doing in the dream?

Momo: Apparently we all went to a pool made of momorin, but Okarin was standing by the pool, dancing to Silver Sky ww Yuki said he was great at it and looked cool ww I wanted to see it too!

Option 3:

Tsumugi: What was I doing in the dream?

Momo: Apparently Yuki, Okarin and I went to a pool to swim, but for some reason you were there swimming in a ninja suit www Well, your stealthy footsteps when you came to our dressing room earlier really did make you look like a ninja www

Momo: Yuki's face has a red mark where it was pressed against the sofa (￣♢￣；)

Tsumugi:

Tsumugi: Will he be okay for the next shoot!?

Momo: Looks like we can more or less conceal it with make-up so it's fine!

Momo:

Tsumugi: Thank goodness... ><

Momo: Even as he's getting his make-up done, he's still dozing off www

Momo: I want to share some of my ability to wake up easily with him (＞人＜*) I'm the fully-awake-in-3-seconds Momo-chan, after all☆

Tsumugi: 3 seconds, I'm jealous..!

Tsumugi: When the weather is cold it takes me about 5 minutes, since I end up dozing off in my futon ＞＜

Momo: It's cute if it's just this much, don't worry☆(゜v｀⁠d)

Momo: Even when I wake him up, Yuki just falls asleep again and again, and if I let him be he doesn't wake up until after noon ww

Tsumugi:

Tsumugi: This much..!!

Momo: When he focuses on composing, day and night get reversed (＞ｘ＜*)))

Momo: Back when we lived together, we'd go on morning walks to improve his daily rhythm, but if I took my eyes off of him for even a second, he'd be sleeping while standing or on a bench www

Momo: While standing...! That's quite impressive!

Momo: It's a kind of talent, isn't it ww

Momo: Ah, Yuki's in a sleeping position again...

Momo: As you can tell, it'll be bad if he's not up soon, so I'll go wake him up!

Tsumugi:

1.the word "差し入れ" is used a lot and in this context it means "(bringing) snacks for sb who's hard at work" or something of the sort. It's a cute word so I wanted to give context for it www

[fatuismooches]

smooches did you hear the theory about pantalone apparently not being super calm in collected

i saw a theory that used wanderers and Childe's voice lines about how he's super pushy about the idea of fair exchange through the gods and mortals, and apparently it's hard for anyone to know what he's saying which is why he's business partners dottore because DUE TO HIS INTELLIGENCE HE'S PROBABLY THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN MAKE EVEN A BIT OF SENSE OF THESE GODFORSAKEN RAMBLINGS

anyway imagine cuddling with this man and he goes on this whole thing about fair exchange and you're just like "darling go to sleep" i think the reader would also be able to make sense of his ramblings because they hear them so often, he also melts if you're engaged and asks some questions because he's not used to people understanding him but will also understand if you don't want to hear his ideas at 3 in the morning (he will still be pouty about it later)

i still like the calm and collected version of him but also imagine this man not letting you leave his lap as he goes on about his views on fair exchange as he does whatever

i think the suave, cool calm and collected pantalone and this rambling pantalone are the same, i think he's both tbh but i wanna know your thoughts because it hasn't left my head at all - 🎈 back again

YESSSS I KNOW THAT THEORY😭😭 I LOVE IT DEJDKDWK I THINK IT'S TOTALLY TRUE. I believe that he keeps up a calm persona around most people, like his business partners etc since you know, you can't be acting crazy around them when there are negotiations and Mora on the line 😅 But when he's around different people. Like Childe for example. He will literally just go on and on, unprompted too! You're listening whether you want to or not (Too bad Childe doesn't know what the hell he's talking about, bro's scratching his head and nodding 💀💀) Scara on the other hand doesn't care and says he's delusional but... I think Pantalone's onto something here. I stand with him 😤 I bet even though Dottore understands he probably gets fed up from time to time since he really does not want to be speaking this long with him 💀 He has other things to do than listen to the banker ramble on... So yes he's a rambler but tends to keep it to himself most of the time, just because he needs to keep up appearances for regular people. Though... I'm sure some of the regular fatui have heard him go on.

"Darling go to sleep" is so real 😭 Like you love him but you're also worried for his throat because how is he speaking that much without any water? Also your beauty sleep sir. When Pantalone wakes up grumpy he refuses to let go of you. But YEA you would definitely be able to understand some of it at least, you may not make sense of everything but it's the effort that counts! If you not only indulge him but genuinely ask questions he will be. So. Freaking. Enamored. He will literally delve into a whole other conversation which makes you both very happy and a little bit worried because you love seeing him so excited but also you know neither of you is sleeping for a while- (that's fine... he's a cutie so he gets a pass) Falling asleep during one of these convos means he's gonna be cooing at your adorable question but also a bit pouty because "he was just getting to the good part!" (he's been speaking for hours)

I think and love him being calm too but, I think when he starts getting more rambly, not just about fair exchange, but about other things in general, it shows that he really trusts you enough to let you into his mind and the things that trouble him :3

[captainlunaxmen]

Be My Queen

Chapter 7 (finale)

Eddie Munson x reader x Steve Harrington

This is a repost since the old blog doesn't work anymore. 🥰

Chapter summary: finally home.

Chapter warnings: none.

I sense movement around me, but when I open my eyes it still dark so I can't recognise who's in the room with me.

As I try to sit up I hear something whispering "shit", I instantly recognise the voice.

"Eddie?" I ask, finally sitting up straight and turning the lights on.

I find him sitting in a chair next to my bed, or he was trying to... I think he fell asleep and fell.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"Hello, sweetheart" he innocently greets, "I... uh... I'm here to visit."

I look at him perplexed and look at the time.

1 am.

"It's... 1 in the morning, Eddie... did something happen?" I'm suddenly feeling worried.

"No... no... I just missed you"

I look at him suspiciously.

"Eddie,"

He deeply sighs and come sit back next to my bed.

"Had a nightmare," he states, looking down. "I needed to check if it really was a nightmare."

"Do you wanna talk about it?" I ask, reaching out to gently grab his hand.

"It's nothing... I mean, now it feels a lot more like a nightmare and not like reality, you know when you think back at the dream you were having and you realise all those things that were obviously not real, but felt real when you were IN the dream... it's stupid.. I'm sorry" he shakes his head, stopping his rambling.

"It isn't. Trust me, I know." I squeeze his hand to get his attention, "we all do, Eddie."

"I did think I lost you," he chokes on his words, "I... had to check,"

"Come here," I scoot a little on the side so he can lay on the bed with me.

He wraps his arms around me, careful not to touch my bandages. He lays his head on my chest, sighing deeply.

"I'm sorry, I woke you up," he mutters.

"Shush. You have nothing to be sorry for," I gently play with his hair. "You can wake me up anytime you want."

"Thank you,"

"Take a deep breath, nothing's gonna hurt you," I kiss his head, "We won. That asshole got what he deserved, he's not gonna do anything anymore"

"We won," he quietly.

"You're not alone, know that, okay?" I whisper.

"Okay"

With that we both lay down and fall asleep in each other's arms.

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

I wake up suddenly when I feel a hand on my forehead.

"It's me, kid. It's me," I look up and immediately calm down, seeing Hop beside my hospital bed.

"Sorry..." I mutter as I sit up a bit straighter.

"Not your fault, kid. Deep breaths," he says.

I take a deep breath as he said.

I notice Eddie's not anywhere in the room, I look around confused and Hopper, knowing what I'm about to ask, answers.

"I sent him home to get some proper sleep. He didn't want to wake you up... again, apparently" I can feel his curiosity.

"He had a nightmare and came to check" I explain and he nods, understanding. "How long have you been here?" I then ask, wondering what time it is.

"Don't worry about it," he smiles at me.

"Since the visiting hours started?" I tease.

"What did you expect?" He laughs, and I follow, "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

"I'm okay," I notice his expression turning into a concerning one, almost guilty. "I'm okay, dad, I promise." I reassure him."The pain is almost entirely gone. And I'm alive."

"You're so brave," he smiles.

"Yeah, yeah... they already told me, " I say faking arrogance.

"Of course they did. You don't need this old man telling you how proud I am of you." He points out.

"I'll always need you to tell me if you're proud of me," I confess.

He smiles, moved, I think I even see his eyes slightly watering.

"Well, I am very, very proud of you... what you did wasn't for everybody. "

"Did... did they tell you..." he nods, and I let out a little sigh of relief, knowing I don't have to tell the whole thing again.

"What about the nightmares and... visions?" He tentatively asks.

"What about them?"

"Are they still that bad?" He asks, " and don't lie to me, kid. When I walked in yesterday, you were terrified." He warns.

"Kind of..." I sigh, defeated. There's no way to avoid telling him, "They feel so real. At first, when I first woke up after everything, I couldn't separate reality and dreams. When I saw you walking in, I... I thought he was using you to haunt me... and I mean, you can't blame me... I thought you were dead!"

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he says softly.

"No, no, I mean, it's not like it's your fault," I let out a humourless chuckle, "what happened anyway?"

"Russian prison," he simply answers.

"What!?" I exclaim.

A knock on the door stops Hop from explaining.

"Hey, sweetheart," Joyce walks in with a box in hand.

"Hi, Joyce," I smile at her, "What's in there?" I ask, curiosity taking the best of me.

"Breakfast," she answers with her usual reassuring smile.

She gently puts the box on the bed, opening it, revealing several kinds of doughnuts. My eyes light up immediately.

"Oh, I love you!" I cheer.

"Don't let those boys hear you," Hop jokes as he hands me a doughnut.

"Jim," Joyce scolds him with a look.

"I didn't say anything," he defends himself, taking a bite himself.

"Stop teasing her."

"I'm just doing my job, Joyce!" He explains.

"You... are you sure you're not mad?" I ask.

"Of course not, as long as they treat you right, I have no reason to be mad about it." He states, "They do treat you right... right?" He checks.

"Yes, Hop. They treat me right." I smile at both him and Joyce, "but... a Russian prison? What the fuck?!"

"Okay, first of all language-" he starts.

"Don't give me that, you can't just drop a bomb like that and expect me to 'watch my language', alright?" I scoff. "You have to tell me everything."

"In due time, kid," he chuckles, taking a bite from his doughnut.

"Oh, c'mon," I insist.

"I promise, I promise!" He laughs, mouth still full.

"He got captured, befriended a guard, Enzo, and sent a message to me letting me know he was alive," Joyce starts, earning a betrayed look from Hop, "Murray and I flew to Alaska to this guy who was supposed to take us there, but he drugged our drinks, because he wanted to hand us over to the police. We managed to escape and found a way to get into the prison and save Hopper and Enzo."

"Wow..." I say.

"Oh... and we fought some of those ugly creatures too," Joyce then smiles proudly. "That's basically it,"

"Shit..." that's all I manage to say.

"Yeah... pretty much," Hopper sighs.

"Makes sense though," I say.

"What?" Hopper asks.

"You befriending a guard,"

"I got my ways, kiddo" he proudly grins.

"I gotta thanks this Enzo guy, then," I smile, "for saving my dad."

Hop smiles back at me and lean closer to kiss the top of my head and I catch Joyce looking at us lovingly.

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

"Are you ready, sweetheart?" Steve calls from the door.

"Yeah, not that I had to pack that much," I smile, walking to him and kissing him.

"Let's go then," he winks and grabs my hand, leading me out of the hospital. "It doesn't hurt anymore, right?"

"Well... it just stings every now and then, but it'll pass" I nudge him reassurignly, "Where's Eddie?" I ask, curious why I'm not seeing him anywhere.

"What? Am I not enough for you?" He puts his hand on his heart, feigning hurt.

"Well... I need someone with decent music taste," I tease.

"That's hurtful, honey," he playfully scolds me, "gotta have to punish you."

He says it so lightly, but it's just enough for my brain to start racing, along with my heart.

"Oh is that so?" I smirk.

"Yep," he squeezes my hand and pull me more to him as we near his car.

"Hope you can keep your promise," I hint and squeeze his hand back.

"You know I can, sweetheart," he moves his hand on my hip, squeezing it before opening the car door, and I get in.

"Are you sure Hopper is fine with you staying at my place?" Steve asks once he's in the car, too.

"Yap. Since El is still wanted and staying at the cabin, it's better not to bring any attention to it, " I answer. Steve must've noticed the worry in my voice, because he gently take my hand in his as he drives.

"It's gonna be fine, okay?" He reassures me and I nod, smiling grateful at him.

"So," I start, changing the subject, "did Eddie move in already?"

"Yep," he answers, popping the p, "he's been a pain in the ass since."

"Don't be mean," I chuckle amused.

"Just kidding, it was all fine. Except yesterday morning, I couldn't find him anywhere, not until afternoon."

"He didn't say anything?" I ask, wondering why Eddie didn't say anything about the nightmare. Steve shakes his head. "He came to the hospital. He apparently had a nightmare and came to make sure it really was just a nightmare."

"He could've told me."

"I think he was embarrassed," I explain, "he didn't want to tell me either, but I mean, it's not like he could hide anything from me. " I chuckle slightly, "we've been through a lot, we are, sort of, used to all this... he wasn't."

"Yeah... it makes sense," Steve nods, "well, now he's part of the gang... I'll make sure he knows that."

I bring his hand, that was holding mine, up to my lips kissing it lovingly as a thank you.

We arrive at his house rather quickly, and as soon as I step foot out of the car he rushes to my side.

"Now... I need you to close your eyes." He simply asks, or better, demands.

"Why?" I sigh.

"Just keep 'em close, will you?" He smiles at me and takes my hand in his ready to lead me into the house.

I give him one last sceptical look, and I close my eyes, letting me lead the way.

"I swear, Steve, you make me fall, I'll kick your ass," I warn him, chuckling.

"You won't fall, love, don't you trust me at all?"

"Not one bit," I answer.

"You wound me!" He feigns hurt.

I tentatively walk with Steve until he stops, and I hear him opening the door.

"Alright, watch your steps, sweetheart," he sweetly warns.

"I can't see..." I laugh.

He leads me into his house for a few more steps, and then he leaves my side.

"Steve?" I call, "Steve, I warned you, didn't I?"

"Open your eyes, love," I recognise Eddie's voice and immediately open my eyes seeing everyone in Steve's living room, with a big sign with "Thank you" written on it.

"Welcome back!" They all scream.

"Oh god!" I exclaim, covering my mouth with my hand holding in a sob, "You're terrible!"

I walk to them and let them hug me.

"Never do that again, okay?" Lucas, basically, scolds me.

"I promise, I promise!" I comfort him, and everyone else around me, already knowing it is not the last time I'm scolded.

"You better!" Max supports Lucas.

"Alright!" I exclaim laughing, "Alright! I said I promise."

"Especially without us here!" Mike complains.

"As if it would've made any difference," Dustin teases him.

"We could've helped," Will tentatively speaks up.

El simply stays by my side, sending me a knowing look, almost to say "I will always protect you even from afar"

"She's way to stubborn, and, not to mention, that monster was fucking crazy!" Lucas argues back, all of them still around me.

"Alright guys, let her breath." Eddie chuckles making his way through the sea of bodies.

"I am breathing, let them be," I laugh.

"Well, I want to hug my girl, can I?" Eddie complains and opens his arms ready to give me a big hug.

"Come here," I let him wrap him arms around me, holding me tightly to him, "welcome back, my love."

"Thank you."

"Hey, my turn!" Robin chimes in, pushing Eddie out of her way only to replace his arms with hers, "you have no idea how scared you made me! Don't do it again!"

"I said, I promise!" I exclaim once she lets me go, "and I mean, next time something like-"

"It won't happen again!" They all exclaim at once, cutting my sentence off.

I look at them all surprised, not expecting all this noise.

"You rehearsed that, didn't you?" I accuse.

"Of course we did," Dustin says with a huge smile.

"C'mon guys. We got the food, we got the music. Let the celebration begin," Steve claps his hands to get everyone's attention.

Eddie's again by my side, hugging me with one arm.

"I'm really happy you're okay, you know?" He whispers to me.

"Me too," I kiss him and lead him with the other dancing and celebrating.

"May I have this dance?" Steve holds his hand out for me to take, making a small curtsy. I laugh, but before my hand can touch his, another comes into view and grabs my hand.

"May I?" Eddie gently turns me towards him.

"C'mon man," Steve starts to complain, he lets out a soft laugh, "I asked first,"

"Should've grabbed her hand faster," Eddie shrugs.

"Alright, you two," I scold them, "you both may,"

I squeeze Eddie's hand that I was already holding, and I take Steve's. I pull them close to me so we can dance together without leaving out anyone.

For the first time I actually believe that everything is going to be okay. My friends are all okay, all alive, we defeated (once again) the threat and... shit... Hop is alive!

Everything is just perfect.

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

I'm washing the last few dishes left when I feel two strong arms wrapping around my middle. The amount of hair tickling my cheek suggests me it's Eddie coming to annoy me.

"How about you go take a shower or lay down, relax a bit?" He suggests, for the millionth time.

Him and Steve tried to talk me out of cleaning up after everyone went home.

Silly boys.

"How about you let me help here, uh?"

"I'm pretty sure you've done enough, love," he laughs, kissing my neck. He's definitely trying to distract me.

"I'm fine, plus I'm almost done if you stop distracting me," I accuse.

"Me? Distracting you? How could you know me so well, sweetheart?" He keeps on kissing my neck, his hands slowly stroking my sides.

"You're terrible, Munson," I hiss when he starts to bit a little, always careful to not get to the wound.

"Oh I know,"

I basically stopped washing the dishes a little while ago, too distracted by him to properly function.

"You managed to make her stop, finally." Steve's voice comes from behind us, I go to turn around and look at him, I find him right beside me.

"I'm actually almost done, Steve,"

"Mh..." he looks at me then at the few dishes I have left, "go lay on the couch, sweetheart, we got this."

"It's just a few left, I'm more than able to finish," I wickedly smile at him, "plus, if you just stop distracting me..."

"We are... okay, okay, you heard it, Munson?" Steve says, as his hand softly graze my thigh.

"Keeps saying it's our fault" Eddie tsks, his hands grabbing my flesh softly.

"It is," I insist.

"Well then..." Steve leans down to whisper into my ear, "we'll need to make it up to you."

"He's right." Eddie gently slap my ass, "go lay down on the couch and let us make it up to you."

"C'mon," Steve insists again, leaving a kiss on my ear.

"Fine." I say. "Fine, you're so demanding!"

I laugh, they move back a little to let me move out of their grasps.

"We'll see you in a bit, love," Eddie says, he gently take my hand and kiss the back of it, before letting me walk to the couch.

"Turn the TV on, if you want!" Steve shouts from the kitchen.

That's what I do. Taking the remote, I turn the TV on, looking for something entertaining enough.

After a few minutes, Eddie and Steve walk into the room with me. Taking a seat next to me.

Steve makes me lay my head on his chest, while Eddie does the same, on my lap, letting me play with his hair.

"How do you feel?" He asks.

"I'm alright." I answer, I feel their worries so I give Steve's hand a reassuring squeeze and I caress Eddie's cheek, "I promise. Okay? I might be stubborn and I might not like asking for help... but I promise you, I'm okay. Especially now, after today, having everyone here. Celebrating. Knowing it's finally over. Knowing everyone is alright. Nightmares are something that will pass only with time," I let Eddie grab my hand, holding onto it, "but we're all alive. We're all here again, so yeah... I'm alright."

I look up at Steve smiling at him, he kisses my head. I look down at Eddie, who smiles and kisses my hand once again.

"We're all here together, yes. We'll get over this shit together, as always," Steve agrees, I see him moving his hand to mine and Eddie's giving them a good squeeze.

"That's very comforting, actually." Eddie chuckles nervously, "I mean it. I...I'm just... "

"Hey," I get his attention, "I know what's going on in that head of yours. You're not a bother."

"Yeah, man," Steve chimes in, "we might've been through this before and you haven't, but that doesn't mean we're gonna leave you behind."

"That actually means a lot, Steve. Thank you." Eddie tells him, "thanks you too, princess,"

"You're welcome, love,"

"No problem, man."

We stay like this for a little while, not exactly paying attention to whatever is on the TV, just cuddling and comforting each other.

"Let's get to bed, guys," Steve declares after a while, seeing we were all able to fall asleep, "it will be come comfortable."

"Good idea," I sleeply says and Eddie just nods.

We all walk upstairs and get ready for bed.

I walk into the bathroom to wash my face and change into one of Steve's t-shirt.

When I walk back into Steve's room I see him and Eddie debating which side to take.

"I'm okay to sleep on the right," Eddie offers putting a pillow on the bed.

"Yeah, no, that's fine by me," Steve agrees, fixing the sheets.

"What about me, uh?" I intervene.

They both look at me dumbfounded, they share a look, and then Steve speaks up.

"You're sleeping in the middle."

"Yeah, that's not up for debate," Eddie adds.

"Are you-"

"Yes!" They say in unison.

"Alright!" I raise my hands up in surrender.

I get into the bed with then, back against Steve's chest and front towards Eddie's, their arms securely around me.

"Are you comfortable, honey?" Steve asks from behind me, nudging his face into my hair.

"Mhm," I humm, "the bed is comfy, the sheets are warm, and I got my boys to protect me. It's perfectly comfortable."

"We will always protect you," Eddie says and kises my nose.

"Exactly, after all..." Steve starts.

"You are our queen." They say at the same time.

I laugh with them at their own antics, pushing them both slightly.

"You rehearsed that too, didn't you?" I guess, the biggest smile growing on my face.

"This is all talent, love," Eddie says proudly, making all laugh.

And just like that, we start to fall asleep together, safe and without a worry... except maybe help Eddie finally graduate... and improve Steve's music taste... yeah.

I can relax, at last, I know the nightmares won't stop right away, but I know Eddie and Steve will be by my side no matter what.

We can finally live our lives properly, starting here, cuddling in Steve's bed and not thinking for one bit about the UpsideDown, or about demogorgons, or the Mind Flayer or even Vecna.../Henry/one.

Not for one bit.

[lunamadhatter99]

Be My Queen

Chapter 7

SteveHarringtonXFem!readerXEddieMunson

Here we are, final chapter. It's nothing much, but I think it's cute and I hope you all like it.

Chapter summary: Finally, home.

Chapter warning: none.

Tag list

@once-upon-an-imagine

@munsonology

@cutepumpkin4

@summerbrooksblog

@iheartmyguitars

@trickylittlewitch

@eddiesguitarskills

@justheretoreadleavemealone

@alnitakstarsky03

I sense movement around me, but when I open my eyes, it is still dark, so I can't recognise who's in the room with me.

As I try to sit up I hear something whispering "shit", I instantly recognise the voice.

"Eddie?" I ask, finally sitting up straight and turning the lights on.

I find him sitting in a chair next to my bed, or he was trying to... I think he fell asleep and fell.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"Hello, sweetheart" he innocently greets, "I... uh... I'm here to visit."

I look at him perplexed and look at the time.

1 am.

"It's... 1 in the morning, Eddie... did something happen?" I'm suddenly feeling worried.

"No... no... I just missed you"

I look at him suspiciously.

"Eddie,"

He deeply sighs and come sit back next to my bed.

"Had a nightmare," he states, looking down. "I needed to check if it really was a nightmare."

"Do you wanna talk about it?" I ask, reaching out to gently grab his hand.

"It's nothing... I mean, now it feels a lot more like a nightmare and not like reality, you know when you think back at the dream you were having and you realise all those things that were obviously not real, but felt real when you were IN the dream... it's stupid.. I'm sorry" he shakes his head, stopping his rambling.

"It isn't. Trust me, I know." I squeeze his hand to get his attention, "we all do, Eddie."

"I did think I lost you," he chokes on his words, "I... had to check,"

"Come here," I scoot a little on the side so he can lay on the bed with me.

He wraps his arms around me, careful not to touch my bandages. He lays his head on my chest, sighing deeply.

"I'm sorry, I woke you up," he mutters.

"Shush. You have nothing to be sorry for," I gently play with his hair. "You can wake me up anytime you want."

"Thank you,"

"Take a deep breath, nothing's gonna hurt you," I kiss his head, "We won. That asshole got what he deserved, he's not gonna do anything anymore"

"We won," he quietly.

"You're not alone, know that, okay?" I whisper.

"Okay"

With that we both lay down and fall asleep in each other's arms.

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

I wake up suddenly when I feel a hand on my forehead.

"It's me, kid. It's me," I look up and immediately calm down, seeing Hop beside my hospital bed.

"Sorry..." I mutter as I sit up a bit straighter.

"Not your fault, kid. Deep breaths," he says.

I take a deep breath as he said.

I notice Eddie's not anywhere in the room, I look around confused and Hopper, knowing what I'm about to ask, answers.

"I sent him home to get some proper sleep. He didn't want to wake you up... again, apparently" I can feel his curiosity.

"He had a nightmare and came to check" I explain and he nods, understanding. "How long have you been here?" I then ask, wondering what time it is.

"Don't worry about it," he smiles at me.

"Since the visiting hours started?" I tease.

"What did you expect?" He laughs, and I follow, "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

"I'm okay," I notice his expression turning into a concerning one, almost guilty. "I'm okay, dad, I promise." I reassure him."The pain is almost entirely gone. And I'm alive."

"You're so brave," he smiles.

"Yeah, yeah... they already told me, " I say faking arrogance.

"Of course they did. You don't need this old man telling you how proud I am of you." He points out.

"I'll always need you to tell me if you're proud of me," I confess.

He smiles, moved, I think I even see his eyes slightly watering.

"Well, I am very, very proud of you... what you did wasn't for everybody. "

"Did... did they tell you..." he nods, and I let out a little sigh of relief, knowing I don't have to tell the whole thing again.

"What about the nightmares and... visions?" He tentatively asks.

"What about them?"

"Are they still that bad?" He asks, " and don't lie to me, kid. When I walked in yesterday, you were terrified." He warns.

"Kind of..." I sigh, defeated. There's no way to avoid telling him, "They feel so real. At first, when I first woke up after everything, I couldn't separate reality and dreams. When I saw you walking in, I... I thought he was using you to haunt me... and I mean, you can't blame me... I thought you were dead!"

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he says softly.

"No, no, I mean, it's not like it's your fault," I let out a humourless chuckle, "what happened anyway?"

"Russian prison," he simply answers.

"What!?" I exclaim.

A knock on the door stops Hop from explaining.

"Hey, sweetheart," Joyce walks in with a box in hand.

"Hi, Joyce," I smile at her, "What's in there?" I ask, curiosity taking the best of me.

"Breakfast," she answers with her usual reassuring smile.

She gently puts the box on the bed, opening it, revealing several kinds of doughnuts. My eyes light up immediately.

"Oh, I love you!" I cheer.

"Don't let those boys hear you," Hop jokes as he hands me a doughnut.

"Jim," Joyce scolds him with a look.

"I didn't say anything," he defends himself, taking a bite himself.

"Stop teasing her."

"I'm just doing my job, Joyce!" He explains.

"You... are you sure you're not mad?" I ask.

"Of course not, as long as they treat you right, I have no reason to be mad about it." He states, "They do treat you right... right?" He checks.

"Yes, Hop. They treat me right." I smile at both him and Joyce, "but... a Russian prison? What the fuck?!"

"Okay, first of all language-" he starts.

"Don't give me that, you can't just drop a bomb like that and expect me to 'watch my language', alright?" I scoff. "You have to tell me everything."

"In due time, kid," he chuckles, taking a bite from his doughnut.

"Oh, c'mon," I insist.

"I promise, I promise!" He laughs, mouth still full.

"He got captured, befriended a guard, Enzo, and sent a message to me letting me know he was alive," Joyce starts, earning a betrayed look from Hop, "Murray and I flew to Alaska to this guy who was supposed to take us there, but he drugged our drinks, because he wanted to hand us over to the police. We managed to escape and found a way to get into the prison and save Hopper and Enzo."

"Wow..." I say.

"Oh... and we fought some of those ugly creatures too," Joyce then smiles proudly. "That's basically it,"

"Shit..." that's all I manage to say.

"Yeah... pretty much," Hopper sighs.

"Makes sense though," I say.

"What?" Hopper asks.

"You befriending a guard,"

"I got my ways, kiddo" he proudly grins.

"I gotta thanks this Enzo guy, then," I smile, "for saving my dad."

Hop smiles back at me and lean closer to kiss the top of my head and I catch Joyce looking at us lovingly.

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

"Are you ready, sweetheart?" Steve calls from the door.

"Yeah, not that I had to pack that much," I smile, walking to him and kissing him.

"Let's go then," he winks and grabs my hand, leading me out of the hospital. "It doesn't hurt anymore, right?"

"Well... it just stings every now and then, but it'll pass" I nudge him reassurignly, "Where's Eddie?" I ask, curious why I'm not seeing him anywhere.

"What? Am I not enough for you?" He puts his hand on his heart, feigning hurt.

"Well... I need someone with decent music taste," I tease.

"That's hurtful, honey," he playfully scolds me, "gotta have to punish you."

He says it so lightly, but it's just enough for my brain to start racing, along with my heart.

"Oh is that so?" I smirk.

"Yep," he squeezes my hand and pull me more to him as we near his car.

"Hope you can keep your promise," I hint and squeeze his hand back.

"You know I can, sweetheart," he moves his hand on my hip, squeezing it before opening the car door, and I get in.

"Are you sure Hopper is fine with you staying at my place?" Steve asks once he's in the car, too.

"Yap. Since El is still wanted and staying at the cabin, it's better not to bring any attention to it, " I answer. Steve must've noticed the worry in my voice, because he gently take my hand in his as he drives.

"It's gonna be fine, okay?" He reassures me and I nod, smiling grateful at him.

"So," I start, changing the subject, "did Eddie move in already?"

"Yep," he answers, popping the p, "he's been a pain in the ass since."

"Don't be mean," I chuckle amused.

"Just kidding, it was all fine. Except yesterday morning, I couldn't find him anywhere, not until afternoon."

"He didn't say anything?" I ask, wondering why Eddie didn't say anything about the nightmare. Steve shakes his head. "He came to the hospital. He apparently had a nightmare and came to make sure it really was just a nightmare."

"He could've told me."

"I think he was embarrassed," I explain, "he didn't want to tell me either, but I mean, it's not like he could hide anything from me. " I chuckle slightly, "we've been through a lot, we are, sort of, used to all this... he wasn't."

"Yeah... it makes sense," Steve nods, "well, now he's part of the gang... I'll make sure he knows that."

I bring his hand, that was holding mine, up to my lips kissing it lovingly as a thank you.

We arrive at his house rather quickly, and as soon as I step foot out of the car he rushes to my side.

"Now... I need you to close your eyes." He simply asks, or better, demands.

"Why?" I sigh.

"Just keep 'em close, will you?" He smiles at me and takes my hand in his ready to lead me into the house.

I give him one last sceptical look, and I close my eyes, letting me lead the way.

"I swear, Steve, you make me fall, I'll kick your ass," I warn him, chuckling.

"You won't fall, love, don't you trust me at all?"

"Not one bit," I answer.

"You wound me!" He feigns hurt.

I tentatively walk with Steve until he stops, and I hear him opening the door.

"Alright, watch your steps, sweetheart," he sweetly warns.

"I can't see..." I laugh.

He leads me into his house for a few more steps, and then he leaves my side.

"Steve?" I call, "Steve, I warned you, didn't I?"

"Open your eyes, love," I recognise Eddie's voice and immediately open my eyes seeing everyone in Steve's living room, with a big sign with "Thank you" written on it.

"Welcome back!" They all scream.

"Oh god!" I exclaim, covering my mouth with my hand holding in a sob, "You're terrible!"

I walk to them and let them hug me.

"Never do that again, okay?" Lucas, basically, scolds me.

"I promise, I promise!" I comfort him, and everyone else around me, already knowing it is not the last time I'm scolded.

"You better!" Max supports Lucas.

"Alright!" I exclaim laughing, "Alright! I said I promise."

"Especially without us here!" Mike complains.

"As if it would've made any difference," Dustin teases him.

"We could've helped," Will tentatively speaks up.

El simply stays by my side, sending me a knowing look, almost to say "I will always protect you even from afar"

"She's way to stubborn, and, not to mention, that monster was fucking crazy!" Lucas argues back, all of them still around me.

"Alright guys, let her breath." Eddie chuckles making his way through the sea of bodies.

"I am breathing, let them be," I laugh.

"Well, I want to hug my girl, can I?" Eddie complains and opens his arms ready to give me a big hug.

"Come here," I let him wrap him arms around me, holding me tightly to him, "welcome back, my love."

"Thank you."

"Hey, my turn!" Robin chimes in, pushing Eddie out of her way only to replace his arms with hers, "you have no idea how scared you made me! Don't do it again!"

"I said, I promise!" I exclaim once she lets me go, "and I mean, next time something like-"

"It won't happen again!" They all exclaim at once, cutting my sentence off.

I look at them all surprised, not expecting all this noise.

"You rehearsed that, didn't you?" I accuse.

"Of course we did," Dustin says with a huge smile.

"C'mon guys. We got the food, we got the music. Let the celebration begin," Steve claps his hands to get everyone's attention.

Eddie's again by my side, hugging me with one arm.

"I'm really happy you're okay, you know?" He whispers to me.

"Me too," I kiss him and lead him with the other dancing and celebrating.

"May I have this dance?" Steve holds his hand out for me to take, making a small curtsy. I laugh, but before my hand can touch his, another comes into view and grabs my hand.

"May I?" Eddie gently turns me towards him.

"C'mon man," Steve starts to complain, he lets out a soft laugh, "I asked first,"

"Should've grabbed her hand faster," Eddie shrugs.

"Alright, you two," I scold them, "you both may,"

I squeeze Eddie's hand that I was already holding, and I take Steve's. I pull them close to me so we can dance together without leaving out anyone.

For the first time I actually believe that everything is going to be okay. My friends are all okay, all alive, we defeated (once again) the threat and... shit... Hop is alive!

Everything is just perfect.

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

I'm washing the last few dishes left when I feel two strong arms wrapping around my middle. The amount of hair tickling my cheek suggests me it's Eddie coming to annoy me.

"How about you go take a shower or lay down, relax a bit?" He suggests, for the millionth time.

Him and Steve tried to talk me out of cleaning up after everyone went home.

Silly boys.

"How about you let me help here, uh?"

"I'm pretty sure you've done enough, love," he laughs, kissing my neck. He's definitely trying to distract me.

"I'm fine, plus I'm almost done if you stop distracting me," I accuse.

"Me? Distracting you? How could you know me so well, sweetheart?" He keeps on kissing my neck, his hands slowly stroking my sides.

"You're terrible, Munson," I hiss when he starts to bit a little, always careful to not get to the wound.

"Oh I know,"

I basically stopped washing the dishes a little while ago, too distracted by him to properly function.

"You managed to make her stop, finally." Steve's voice comes from behind us, I go to turn around and look at him, I find him right beside me.

"I'm actually almost done, Steve,"

"Mh..." he looks at me then at the few dishes I have left, "go lay on the couch, sweetheart, we got this."

"It's just a few left, I'm more than able to finish," I wickedly smile at him, "plus, if you just stop distracting me..."

"We are... okay, okay, you heard it, Munson?" Steve says, as his hand softly graze my thigh.

"Keeps saying it's our fault" Eddie tsks, his hands grabbing my flesh softly.

"It is," I insist.

"Well then..." Steve leans down to whisper into my ear, "we'll need to make it up to you."

"He's right." Eddie gently slap my ass, "go lay down on the couch and let us make it up to you."

"C'mon," Steve insists again, leaving a kiss on my ear.

"Fine." I say. "Fine, you're so demanding!"

I laugh, they move back a little to let me move out of their grasps.

"We'll see you in a bit, love," Eddie says, he gently take my hand and kiss the back of it, before letting me walk to the couch.

"Turn the TV on, if you want!" Steve shouts from the kitchen.

That's what I do. Taking the remote, I turn the TV on, looking for something entertaining enough.

After a few minutes, Eddie and Steve walk into the room with me. Taking a seat next to me.

Steve makes me lay my head on his chest, while Eddie does the same, on my lap, letting me play with his hair.

"How do you feel?" He asks.

"I'm alright." I answer, I feel their worries so I give Steve's hand a reassuring squeeze and I caress Eddie's cheek, "I promise. Okay? I might be stubborn and I might not like asking for help... but I promise you, I'm okay. Especially now, after today, having everyone here. Celebrating. Knowing it's finally over. Knowing everyone is alright. Nightmares are something that will pass only with time," I let Eddie grab my hand, holding onto it, "but we're all alive. We're all here again, so yeah... I'm alright."

I look up at Steve smiling at him, he kisses my head. I look down at Eddie, who smiles and kisses my hand once again.

"We're all here together, yes. We'll get over this shit together, as always," Steve agrees, I see him moving his hand to mine and Eddie's giving them a good squeeze.

"That's very comforting, actually." Eddie chuckles nervously, "I mean it. I...I'm just... "

"Hey," I get his attention, "I know what's going on in that head of yours. You're not a bother."

"Yeah, man," Steve chimes in, "we might've been through this before and you haven't, but that doesn't mean we're gonna leave you behind."

"That actually means a lot, Steve. Thank you." Eddie tells him, "thanks you too, princess,"

"You're welcome, love,"

"No problem, man."

We stay like this for a little while, not exactly paying attention to whatever is on the TV, just cuddling and comforting each other.

"Let's get to bed, guys," Steve declares after a while, seeing we were all able to fall asleep, "it will be come comfortable."

"Good idea," I sleeply says and Eddie just nods.

We all walk upstairs and get ready for bed.

I walk into the bathroom to wash my face and change into one of Steve's t-shirt.

When I walk back into Steve's room I see him and Eddie debating which side to take.

"I'm okay to sleep on the right," Eddie offers putting a pillow on the bed.

"Yeah, no, that's fine by me," Steve agrees, fixing the sheets.

"What about me, uh?" I intervene.

They both look at me dumbfounded, they share a look, and then Steve speaks up.

"You're sleeping in the middle."

"Yeah, that's not up for debate," Eddie adds.

"Are you-"

"Yes!" They say in unison.

"Alright!" I raise my hands up in surrender.

I get into the bed with then, back against Steve's chest and front towards Eddie's, their arms securely around me.

"Are you comfortable, honey?" Steve asks from behind me, nudging his face into my hair.

"Mhm," I humm, "the bed is comfy, the sheets are warm, and I got my boys to protect me. It's perfectly comfortable."

"We will always protect you," Eddie says and kises my nose.

"Exactly, after all..." Steve starts.

"You are our queen." They say at the same time.

I laugh with them at their own antics, pushing them both slightly.

"You rehearsed that too, didn't you?" I guess, the biggest smile growing on my face.

"This is all talent, love," Eddie says proudly, making all laugh.

And just like that, we start to fall asleep together, safe and without a worry... except maybe help Eddie finally graduate... and improve Steve's music taste... yeah.

I can relax, at last, I know the nightmares won't stop right away, but I know Eddie and Steve will be by my side no matter what.

We can finally live our lives properly, starting here, cuddling in Steve's bed and not thinking for one bit about the UpsideDown, or about demogorgons, or the Mind Flayer or even Vecna.../Henry/one.

Not for one bit.

[rorywritesjunk]

!! Vent !!

I'm so sorry btw. Just needed to bring it all up.

Sometimes I just sit and think about the fact my brother was born about a month after I turned 12

(Jan. 15th and Feb. 23)

At first, it was just helping here and there. Still everyday. But I could get into bed on school nights (which instead of sleeping was me time mostly because yk)

Slowly he became my full responsibility. At like 13-14 I was accused of being on drugs. I wasn't doing 🍃 at the time.

So my mom goes through my entire room, finds nothing.

What was really going on? I was just tired. No mom, my eyes aren't red from 🍃, it's because you just woke me up. I mean, sure, I was laying on laundry in the bathroom.. But come on! Give a girl a break. I was TIRED.

when COVID hit, it was full time. 24/7. So since I was home, I was taking care of my dad's mom and my brother. While trying to keep up with school work and zoom classes. To say I did horribly..

But by the end of that school year my mom pulled me out of that school and put me in homeschooling.

So. That's great. I guess I could say I have experience in childcare. Not that I ever want to work with children.

I'm undiagnosed, I know that. With what? Probably a lot of shit.

My brother is ADHD/autistic we believe (not hard to see it) and I have to be the one watching him every day?

Who thinks it's a good idea for a holding-on-by-a-thread neurodivergent adult to take care of a equally neurodivergent child?

My mom apparently.

And she still gets pissed when I don't finish something or do something.

I'm simply just tired. So tired.

One day I know I'll get to leave, go stay with my girlfriend. Or my aunt. Whichever comes first. I know it will get better. I just have to keep going. I know I'm likely burned out but I don't have much of a choice. I still have a child who relies on me.

And you know what? My mother calls me so many different fucking names. Yells. (Which, I WILL cry whenever someone raises their voice at me.)

I'm a bitch if I get an attitude.

I'm a bully if I'm not nice to my brother.

I'm stupid and ignorant if I don't understand something. Which, I'm now too scared too ask for someone to repeat something or to ask for help. Because I should know how to do the thing already apparently.

I'm a liar when I say I don't like ground meat because of its texture. Because I've ate it before. Or, when I say I'm going to the bathroom but my brother doesn't want me to leave. And I go to the bathroom, but then I go sit in my room.

And *oh* the disappointed and disapproving look my mom has given me as she passes my room after I refused to cuddle with my brother saying "it would have only taken only ten minutes and he would have went to sleep"

context: My brother will ask to cuddle when he's tired. And if you allow him to curl up he'll likely fall asleep within 10-30mins.

More context: SA has made me VERY uncomfortable with just about anyone touching me. Sometimes I can't mentally or physically handle anyone touching me AT ALL. and it got really bad so I was turning down my brother a lot. And yeah, I feel fucking shitty. I love that kid.

But I need space sometimes.

And often these things linger in my head. It gnaws. It's always there. I randomly cry at night because of the amount of fucking shit my family has put me through.

Sometimes I feel like I'm actually a really bad person. That I am these things I'm called.

Then I remember. I video things I do sometimes. While chatting with the people I'm closest to. I talk through my process. I can stay on track. It's a lot more fun.

Also I started this really upset and um lost what I was saying. But um that's actually a lot I wrote, I'm sorry.

Peace out

—🍃🍄💫🌾

Wow.

I'm so sorry you had to deal with all that. Children shouldn't be raising children at all. I've heard and seen so many parents do that to older kids, make them in charge of their younger siblings, take care of them, see to their needs, everything. It shouldn't happen.

I'm betting your mom is around my age so I'm ready to throw down.

And please know you having boundaries with your family, especially your little brother, is fine. He needs to learn that sometimes you need your own personal time, as does your mom, because you're a human and not an in-home babysitter.

Ugh. 🧡 I'm sorry you've been dealing with this. I'm going it looks up soon for you!