#sitting like a wine mom wondering where it all went wrong

[battleslippers]

ohh my god. you know you're fucked when you make a fantasy au of your otp (tim/dally)

@mister-mickey 🙂

[yutahoes]

Caramel

(Part Ten)

characters: stripper! Yuta x female! wealthy! Y/N genre: chaptered, smut, angst, fluff word count: 3k words summary: Y/N has everything in her bitter life, not until she meets a sweet-looking stripper. warnings: matured theme, stripper au!, third person POV, crying, mentioned taken virginity, typical Kdrama trope, mentions of killing and gun (please see last chapter), mentions of vomiting, accidental pregnancy taglist: @cherrymotodude @tenjyucat @justsomekpopstuff @ilhoonseyeballs@whyme11@a-bts-world @amazinggraxia

Part Nine

“What is the meaning of this?” Jungwoo asked when Y/N entered his apartment. He was showing her an online article about the engagement. “Why didn’t you tell me about this? Is that why Jaehyun is back?”  

The girl sighed. “I’m as surprised as you are.” She claimed then breathed hard once again. “Can I use your bathroom to shower?” 

Her brother just stared at her. Her silver dress looked crumpled and her hair was a mess even if it looked like she combed it and just tied it in whatever way. “Where have you been?” He asked in worry before opening the bathroom door for her. “You didn’t spend the night in your place?” The girl shook her head before entering the bathroom. 

She loves Jungwoo and wants to tell him everything. But she didn’t know where to start. First, her head hasn’t wrapped up the idea of marrying Jaehyun just yet. Jung Jaehyun who she had known since childhood. The wide-eyed kid on the city playground who everyone kept on calling Casper for his white ghostly complexion. The scrawny kid who kept on clinging to her side, even changing to public school from his high-end luxurious school, just to hang out with her. 

Yes, he had changed a lot from what he used to be. Basketball and Connecticut had done wonderful things to the man. But he is still Jung Jaehyun. The nerdy guy she shared her virginity with because they were both curious about what sex feels like.       

Marrying him would be like getting into a relationship with either Kim brothers. It feels weird. It feels so wrong. 

Second, why would their parents arrange something like that? And when? Jaehyun claimed he had no idea. So how did they come up with this plan? And why? 

The company isn’t in jeopardy. She just secured a deal worth millions so she knew merging wouldn’t have anything beneficial for both companies. Is the rumors about her stepdad wanting to step down from his presidential position true? Then why can’t he just hand the company to Doyoung who had been learning the ropes of the company? Why not Jungwoo?

Why would she get married just for the sake of the merging? 

Then there’s Yuta. She regretted deleting his number from her phone, erasing all messages so there wouldn’t be a trace of him. Yet, that is a difficult thing to do. She can still smell his sweet scent, taste the cola and wine from his lips, hear his melodious voice, and feel his warm skin against hers. How could she forget about him when her mind kept on remembering his face? The long lashes, the high nose, and those plump lips. Her fingers could still remember the warmth of his cheeks.  

She could run away with him. He did suggest that idea. They could do that. But she’s scared that something bad will happen to him if she chooses a life with him. And she can’t bear the idea that she will be the cause of someone's suffering once again. 

Why does the world hate her? Why does her mom hate her this much?  

Y/N didn’t know how long she stayed in the bathroom but her eyes were so heavy and the skin of her fingertips was so wrinkly when she went out. Doyoung was also sitting on Jungwoo’s couch, staring at her in worry. “I went to your place and you weren’t there. Luckily, Jungwoo called me.” the oldest claimed and she nodded. “Yuta was there.” That made her stop. “He was also looking for you.” 

She tried to turn around to look for Yuta. Surely, Doyoung would bring him if he saw him. “But Jungwoo said you’d been crying while calling his name so I thought I wouldn’t tell him where you are.” 

The tears welled in her eyes. Of course, Jungwoo would hear that. Of course, Doyoung would do the best thing and not let him see her. If she does see him again, she might have run away with him. And everything will be in danger: the company, her parents, her brothers, and most especially, Yuta. The oldest stood up and then walked in front of the girl, wrapping her for a hug. “You don’t have to do this, Y/N. I can talk to Dad and…” 

She let go of the hug, Jungwoo just stared in worry. Y/N wiped the tears away from her face. “It’s fine.” She smiled. Everything will be fine, Y/N. If you follow everything she says. If you choose them over yourself. “I can marry Jaehyun.” 

Jaehyun isn’t bad. He isn’t the same age as her dad. He is handsome and rich. They grew up together. And he seemed to like her a lot. Jaehyun will surely take care of her.

Jaehyun will be such a lucky man.

Marrying Jaehyun wouldn’t be such a bad idea, isn’t it? 

----

The guy in front of her was just staring in question when she announced, amidst the revolt of her two brothers, that she was marrying him. Mrs. Jung was very delighted, even exclaiming that she knew this would happen even when they were still kids. Her mom had an evil smirk on her face that made Y/N shiver. Chairman Jung nodded, in a very chairman-like way, while her dad had a worried look on his face. Her brothers were staring at her as if she was hopeless while Junyoung glared at the youngest Jung. 

Why do some of them look bitter with the idea? It was their plan in the first place. And just like what Jaehyun’s mom claimed, this has been expected since they were young. Seeing his parents and her own mother happy, she knew this was the right thing to do. 

Y/N smiled, maybe she had truly lost her mind. 

“What about Yuta?” Jaehyun asked loud enough for everyone to hear. Y/N lightly glanced at him, begging him not to say something else. “He was there.” Both Jungwoo and Doyoung stared at her in surprise. “He didn’t say anything? I’m sure he wouldn’t…” She glared at him, begging him to stop. His parents were giving each other a confused look asking who Yuta was. 

Her mom stared sternly at her. 

“There’s nothing going on between me and Yuta,” Y/N answered coldly.  

—------

It has been almost two weeks but Y/N has never returned to her apartment unit. The hotel staff, who became acquainted with Yuta’s presence in the hotel lobby, had informed him that she hadn’t moved out but she wasn’t coming back either. The last time he saw her was that night. He could easily call and ask her where she was if she hadn’t deleted her number. He should have just followed Doyoung when he had the chance. With no other choice, he decided to go to where she worked. 

The company building is still so huge in his eyes. The ambiance makes him feel like he truly doesn’t belong in this place. The receptionist professionally greeted him and he greeted back, “Can I ask if Ms. Y/N Y/L/N is here?” The man typed something into his computer before shaking his head, claiming that she hadn’t been coming to work the past week. 

Wait, a week? His palms felt sweaty. He had always eyed Y/N as a workaholic. She would even sacrifice sleep and meals just for her job. And a week of not coming to work? That is so unlike her. “Is she alright? Do you know if she’s sick or something?” Maybe it’s the flu. Has she been eating? Is someone taking care of her? Was she in a hospital? 

Or worse, did something bad happen to her? 

The man shrugged before gesturing at someone, “You can ask Madam Y/L/N.” 

Maybe his palms are creating buckets of water right now. Y/N had every reason to be scared of her mom. She looks so intimidating even if she is just sitting in front of Yuta. There were a lot of people in the coffee shop where her mom brought him. Nothing bad will happen, right? 

“Is Y/N alright?” Yuta started in a soft voice. Somehow, he cannot look at her face. He doesn’t want to see her reaction. But if he wanted to know the truth, he should be brave to face her. “She’s safe, isn’t she?” 

She nodded chicly, taking a sip of the tea she ordered. “What is it with you and Y/N?” Yuta wanted to answer that question badly. “What is your relationship with each other?” But it was a complicated question. What are they? He wasn’t even sure himself. 

Y/N is very special to him. It’s just been weeks since they last saw each other but he’s already missing her. He cannot imagine the next few days not seeing her. He is in love with her. At least he knew that much. 

But this was all his feelings. What if she doesn’t reciprocate that? What if she doesn’t like him the way he likes her? What if she’s bothered by his presence? 

Their relationship? Is it still called a relationship when it’s one-sided? 

“She’s getting married. I’m sure you know about it.” There was a smirk on her face that annoyed Yuta much more. He was there when it was announced. Johnny and Taeyong both pestered him with questions when the articles popped up. Maybe that’s why he wanted to see her much more. To know if she really wanted this or if this was just a big ploy by her mom. “She agreed to marry her childhood friend.” The older one claimed as if reading his mind. “They have been inseparable since young. Jaehyunnie always had a huge crush on her.” 

“Why are you telling me all of these?” 

The woman crossed her arms against her chest, the side of her lips turning up. “Leave her alone.” Yuta gulped. Of course, she’ll pull something like this. Why isn’t he surprised? “If you need her money, I’ll easily give it to you.” She started getting out a checkbook from her handbag. “50 million?” 

Yuta smirked. “Is that how much your daughter means to you? 50 million?” Y/N’s mom raised her eyebrow at that. “This isn’t about money. But why the hell don’t you want your daughter to be happy?” He was holding the handle of the mug of coffee rather tight. His other hand is in a clenched fist under the table. “It isn’t her fault. I even think that it was your fault your son was killed. Who, in their right mind, would let a young child play with a loaded gun?” 

There was a surprised expression on the older woman then a chuckle. An evil chuckle which sent a shiver down Yuta’s spine. “I totally underestimated the two of you.” She exclaimed then laughed to herself. “That bitch might be too hung up on you.” That bitch? Yuta was angry. Is she really her mom? How dare she call her daughter that? “She’s in love with you. How cute.” But it seemed like she was just telling it to herself rather than to Yuta. 

What the hell is wrong with her? “Does she know?” Her tone changed that startled Yuta. “A runaway.” She whispered then sipped her tea, “How long had it been since you last saw your father?” His eyes widened in surprise. What did she know? “It’s not easy running away from the yakuza, isn’t it?” What the hell?

She stood up that startled him. “Thank you for making this easy, Yuta.” She claimed then left the cafe. 

Yuta was just in a daze. How did she know about his father? But before he could stand up, four men came inside the coffee shop which surprised him. 

A chuckle escaped his lips. She truly is a scary woman.

—--------

A light knock can be heard on the door, making Y/N open her eyes. How long has she been sleeping? Her body feels so sore. Maybe from crying too much. Her head feels light and even sitting up is a struggle for her. She hates that she doesn’t feel well. But she hates it more when her dad enters her room looking so apologetic. “Did I wake you up? I’m sorry.” He whispered, holding a tray of food.

It smells so good that Y/N’s stomach grumbled. The last meal she had was vomited in her toilet. Why is her body feeling like this all of a sudden? “The chef prepared some hot soup. The maids claimed that you threw up and just slept the whole afternoon so you might be hungry.” The older man explained while placing the tray of food on her bed. 

The girl glanced at the clock beside her bed, surprised that it was already 4 in the afternoon. She was almost asleep the whole day? He reached out a hand to feel her forehead then stared in pity. “It’s the first time I've seen you this sick.” 

Y/N smiled lightly. Normally, she prefers to be alone when she isn’t feeling well. That way she wouldn’t bother anyone. But since she’s at home and is feeling really bad, she cannot do anything about it. Besides, it was Junyoung who found her retching in the bathroom first. “I’m sorry,” she whispered then took a sip of clear chicken soup. 

“Why are you sorry?” she asked while sitting on the foot of her bed. “This is your body’s way of telling you to take a rest and you badly needed it.” The girl only pursed her lips at that. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?” The girl only shook her head. That would only make her feel bad. “Or I could call Dr. Hall to come here.”  

“I’m fine, dad.” He nodded, urging her to finish the soup. “It’s still early,” she started. “Is the stakeholders’ meeting done?” 

The older one sat on the foot of her bed, one leg on top of the mattress to face her. “I asked Jaehyun to fill in for me.” 

“Jaehyun? Jung Jaehyun?” she asked, eyes wide. “How? Why?” Maybe her head was aching really bad that she was hearing things. It is a stakeholders’ meeting. Her dad should be there as a president. True, there is a merger happening but why would Jaehyun fill in for the president of the company? It should be her dad. Or maybe Doyoung or Jungwoo, his heirs. Why Jung Jaehyun? 

The man breathed heavily as she prepared herself for his words. “Y/N, did you know the first time I saw you was when you were in middle school?” She looked confused. That was impossible, she was in high school when her mom met her new dad. It was their wedding when she first saw him. “You were selling those mint choco cookies to Chairman Jung while Jaehyun hid behind you.” 

Oh, she remembers now. It was one of their school projects back in middle school and since her partner is affluent, she tried selling all their cookies to his dad’s friends. They had the most sales back then and that’s when she realized what she wanted to do in life. “I was so amazed at your sales pitch that I thought of hiring you in the company once you graduate.” Wait. At middle school? “And chairman Jung had the same idea, even boasting that you and Jaehyun will be great assets if you end up together and take over his company.” 

He laughed, “But he only has Jaehyun and I have two boys, maybe I can have a shot.” What? He wanted her to marry either Doyoung or Jungwoo? “I came to your mom to offer you a scholarship and then maybe ask you to come to my company. Maybe you’ll fall in love with one of my sons.” 

Her shocked face says it all, making the older Kim chuckle. “Then Junyoung happened.” 

Y/N’s head was aching at all the information. He was after her, not her mom, all along? And her youngest brother was an accident? “I realized it would be better to have you as a daughter than a daughter-in-law.” He smiled, “The boys’ mom and I had always wanted a daughter. The two had always wanted a sister so I begged your mom to let you stay here instead of going with Jaehyun abroad.”  

This is too much information. “Thank you for coming into our lives, daughter.” 

The tears welled in her eyes that startled herself. That was new.

“I also know that you don’t want this engagement with Jaehyun to happen. I am terribly sorry, Y/N.” She shook her head as he moved closer to wipe the tears flowing down her cheeks. “You need to rest. When you get back to work, there are a lot of things you need to do.” She apologized but he just shook his head, smiling at her. 

“Prepare yourself for non-stop meetings and the judging looks of the board members.” She’s used to it, working in a male-dominated field. A woman cannot have power. A woman shouldn’t make mistakes. That is the reason why she’s still lucky to have such a high position in the company despite being a girl, in their terms. “That is an advice as an ex-president of the company.” 

What? She might be so light-headed that she’s hearing things. Maybe this is a dream. A wild fever dream. But as she pinched the back of her palm, she realized how real this was. 

Her stepdad was looking at her with a gentle smile on his face, eyes sparkling as if he was immensely proud of her. And in his soft and encouraging tone claimed “You’ll do great, president.” 

Part Eleven

[y0urm4m]

No Time to die ch.3

Warnings: smoking, swearing, arranged marriage (it is consensual so don’t come for me!!), alcohol consumption, weapons, blood, arguing, possible smut, fighting.(This includes all parts!!)

Summary: What will happen when two strangers with awful backstories are forced into an arranged marriage but one is seeking revenge.

┏━━━ 🀥 ━━━┓

A few days had passed since everything had happened with my dad and Darren. My dad ended up firing Darren which was utterly ridiculous and unnecessary as he hadn’t done anything wrong. Once I had found out about him being fired, me and my dad once again had a massive argument and I was sent to my room for the rest of the day. Like always.

it was currently the night before the wedding, I was sat in my room with Nick as I painted my nails a pearly colour. “What do you think about this colour?” I asked Nick, showing him my nails. “I love it, it will definitely go with the dress.” He replied, inspecting the nail polish bottle. “I’m glad and if you really like the colour I’ll see if I have some spare,” I offered smiling. “It is one of the only colours that I use.” I added, giggling. “Oh before I forget I brought an early wedding gift for tonight!” Nick exclaimed jumping up, he walked over to where his bag was grabbing something. “I got some more of wine we had the other night!” He grinned. “Oh gosh, well I will not be drinking as much as I had the other day.” I giggled.

— Once I had finished my nails, me and Nick grabbed a couple of wine glasses and brought them back up to my room. “Soo, have you spoken to Chris?” He asked, pouring a glass of wine for himself and I. “A little bit.” I said as nick passed me a glass. “Oh well, you’ll have all the time to speak to him tomorrow,” “That’s another thing, have you written any vows?” He added.

Shit I had completely forgotten about writing vows.

“I can tell by the look on your face that you forgot,” He giggled. “I can help if you want?” He offered, sitting up. “It’s fine but I’ll have to write some now.” I said, getting up and grabbing my notebook.

I sat for 5 minutes staring at the blank lined page, what was I supposed to say. I barely knew Chris.

“Just write from the heart, trust me it’ll work.” Nick said softly, sipping from his drink.

Me and Nick ended up scrapping the personal vows because my mind had gone completely blank, we ended up lying down to watch a film which also was scrapped as we ended up falling asleep.

— “Are you excited?” Nick asked from beside me. I nodded. “Time has gone so fast!” I replied, as the woman behind me styled my hair. “Is it okay to start doing your makeup?” Someone else asked. I nodded my head in response as they walked over with loads of makeup products. “I’ll be back once your make up and hair is done. Okay?” Nick said, patting my shoulder. “Okay that fine, I’ll see you then.” I smiled as he left the room.

My hair and makeup was finally done.

I decided to put the dress on once I had got to the venue so it wasn’t creased or potentially damaged.

“Nick I’m done.” I said, walking out the door. “Great, let’s head to the venue now as we’re still early.” He said, leading me towards a car.

“Your hair and makeup looks breathtaking by the way.” He grinned. “Thank you, I’m honestly scared I might ruin it if I’m not careful.” I giggled. “You won’t, don’t worry. We’re Almost there anyways.” He replied, looking out the car window.

— We eventually arrived and went straight to put the dress on. “Holy shit y/n you actually look amazing.” Nick said, as I showed him the finished look. I smiled, as a faint knock was heard. “Who’s that?” I whispered, looking towards the door. “I don’t know, one second I’ll check.” He whispered heading over towards the door.

After 5 minutes of Nick having a conversation with the person, he finally opened the door revealing my dad. His eyes widened as he looked at me. I smiled walking over to him. “Do I look okay?” I asked, looking at him. “You look wonderful, your mom would be proud.” He smiled, pulling me in for a hug. I felt my waterline fill as the words left my dad’s mouth. “No water works before the wedding, please.” Nick said which caused me and my dad to laugh as I pulled away from the hug.

“Everyone should be arriving and sat down soon so I suggest staying in here for now.” Nick said, looking down at his phone. “Yeah Matt, Chris and some of the others are actually already here, I saw them just before I came in here.” My dad replied, also looking down at his phone. “Right I’ll be back once everyone is sat down, I love you.” My dad said, leaving me and Nick in the room.

“Y’know, I actually really appreciate the fact that you wore my mom’s dress.” Nick smiled, sorting out his tie. “I’m glad I could wear it, it’s a beautiful dress,” I replied, smoothing out the sides. I looked up at the clock, surely everyone was sat down by now? “Nick, you should probably go after all you are one of Chris’ groomsmen.” I said, patting his shoulder. “Alright, I’ll tell your dad to come and get you, I’ll see you soon!” Nick replied, giving me a quick hug before leaving.

I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror, this was actually happening it wasn’t just a dream. “You can do this y/n.” I whispered to myself and with that someone was knocking on the door again. “Y/n, it’s me,” My dad said entering the room. “Everyone is settled down now, so are you ready?” He asked, walking Towards me. “I’m ready, before I forget let me get the bouquet.” I replied quickly grabbing the bouquet from next to me. “Okay let’s go.” I took a deep breath, as we left the room.

We began walking the corner, arm in arm. “I’m so proud of you.” My dad whispered.

It’s felt surreal the moment me and my dad made it to the start of the aisle. The decor that filled the venue was absolutely enchanting and made the ceremony feel as if it were a dream.

“Please rise.” The priest declared as I finally was in sight for the family, friends and guests. Everyone who was sitting arose from their seats turning to look at me and my dad :who was on my left, as we walked slowly down the aisle. I could see Nick grinning as I walker closer towards him and the others but that’s when Chris caught my vision, his mouth agape as he watched me finally reach him.

As we reached the end of the isle, my dad let go of my arm giving me a kiss on the cheek as he sat down.

Chris took a step forward, smiling at me as we took our places in front of the priest.

“In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit,” The priest began.

“Amen.” Everyone else replied.

“Grace to you and peace from God our father and the lord Jesus Christ.”

“And with your spirit.” Everyone replied once again.

“I will now start with an opening prayer. Be attentive to our prayer, O lord, and in your kindness uphold what you have established for the increase of the human race, so that the union you have created may be kept safe by your assistance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one god, forever and ever.” The priest said, nodding his head.

After the priest read a few readings from the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Gospel.

“Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honour and honour each other for as long as you both shall live?” The priest asked.

“I am.” Me and Chris said together.

“Since it is your intention to enter the covenant of holy matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent.” The priest announced, as me and Chris joined our right hands together.

Chris took a deep breath. “I, Chris Sturniolo, take you, Y/N Y/L/N, to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life.”

I smiled. “I, Y/N Y/L/N, take you, Chris Sturniolo, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life.”

After the priest blessed the rings and said a few more prayers it was now time to give one another them.

“Y/N Y/L/N, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” Chris said, sliding the ring on my finger.

“Chris Sturniolo, revive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” I replied, sliding the ring on his finger.

I looked over slightly to see my dad, who was now wiping tears off of his face as he smiled at me.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife!” The priest declared.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The priest said to Chris.

I looked at Chris before his lips met mine for a quick peck.

As we pulled back, the room filled with claps from everyone around us.

— After everyone had congratulated me and Chris we headed to the reception but before I entered Chris pulled me to the side. “I just wanted to say thank you for wearing my mom’s dress it really means a lot.” He said pulling me in for a hug. I was taken aback by the hug but I didn’t pull away from him, instead I hugged him back. “I really loved wearing this dress and I’m glad I was able to wear it.” I replied as we pulled away from each other.

We walked into the reception as I was immediately taken over to the dance floor where my dad stood. “You ready for a father, daughter dance? He chuckled. “I’m not going to let you go that easy.” He added as I walked over towards him.

The song ‘father and daughter’ by Paul Simon started playing which caused me to immediately tear up as it was a song my dad would play to me all the time when I was younger and we’d dance around the kitchen whilst my mom made sure we didn’t break anything. We began dancing slowly and carefully, as the song continued.

“I know I’ve already said it once but I really am proud of you.” My dad said to me as we danced to the song. “Thank you dad.” I replied as my lip quivered. “How about we dance just like we did when you was little, and if you keep crying it’s going to make me cry.” He chuckled, spinning me round just like he did when I was little which caused me to giggle. “There’s my happy girl.” He said as the song came to an end.

Chris walked towards the dance floor smiling at me and my dad as he put his hand out. My dad nodded, leaving me and Chris to dance. The song ‘At Last’ by Etta James started playing as Me and Chris began dancing. We danced to the soft beat of the song.

One of my hands was on his shoulder whereas his situated on my waist, our other hands were clasped together. Our movements were slow and synchronised as we danced around the dance floor. As we moved around, I looked at everybody who was watching. I smiled at Nick and Matt who was watching from the side as my dad put his thumb up and me and Chris. As mine and Chris’ dance came to an end he gave the top of my head a quick kiss.

“What would you like to do now?” He asked, my hand still holding onto his. “I’m not too sure.” I replied, looking towards Nick and Matt who were walking towards us both. “How are the newly wed feeling?” Nick asked. “Happy and excited.” I replied, smiling at him. “Same here.” Chris added.

— After having conversations with Matt, Nick and all the other guests we decided to eat some food.

Me and Chris were sat next to each other with my dad and some of Chris’ other family members including his brothers.

My dad arose from his seat, getting everyone’s attention. “If it’s okay I’d love to say some words for the newly wed,” He announced. I nodded, smiling at him.

“Y/n the moment before and when I walked you down the aisle will be a memory I will cherish forever.” He said, smiling down at me.

“And Chris, I don’t think any amount of preparation can ever make you feel ready to give your daughter away, but if I really had to choose someone, just know I would choose you every time without a doubt.” My dad said, toasting his drink.

After my dad’s meaningful toast, everyone ate their food, drank their drink and got lost in conversation.

“I hope you’re all having a great night so far but most importantly I hope you’ve all saved some room for something sweet because it is indeed that time! Please may the happy couple make their way over towards the cake so we can get this dessert party started!” The MC announced.

I looked over at Chris as we both got up from our seats making our way over towards the cake.

“Don’t they make the perfect couple? Let’s get some great pictures whilst they cut the cake!” The MC signalled for the photographer to come over.

Me and Chris grabbed the knife from next to us getting ready to cut the cake.

“Now if you’ll both do us the honour of cutting the first slice together.”

Me and Chris cut the first slice of the cake, placing it carefully on the plate in front of us.

“Wonderful! Let’s give them an applause.” The MC started clapping as everyone else around us joined in.

“And now, I invite the couple to feed each other a bite of the cake.”

I picked up a fork from next to us, collecting some of the cake as Chris did the same. “You ready!” I smiled, Chris nodding in return as we fed each other the cake.

“Wasn’t that lovely? Now, friends, family and honoured guests feel free to enjoy some cake and refreshments but most of all enjoy the rest of your night!” The MC said as pretty much everyone approached the cake.

The night was slowly coming to an end, everyone had eaten their slice of cake and had more drinks. Including me, I was currently sipping on wine having a conversation with Nick, Matt and my dad about today.

“Today has flew by it feels like moments ago I was walking down the aisle.” I sighed, looking at the few people who were dancing. “It really has.” My dad agreed. “It’s also been an emotional rollercoaster.” I giggled.

“Good evening everybody! Before this special day comes to an end, let’s have one last dance!” “Feel welcome to come join the others on the dance floor!” The MC announced.

“Are you guys up for one last dance?” I offered, standing up. “Chris is already there.” I added motioning towards where he was. They all agreed heading towards the dance floor.

An upbeat song played through the speakers as everyone spent the rest of their time dancing. The floor was highlighted by bright strobe lights: which flashed colours of yellow, red, green and blue. I rotated through dancing with Chris, Matt, Nick and my dad but we eventually started dancing all together resulting in a laughing mess as the song slowly came to a halt.

— Most of the guests had left leaving me, my dad, Chris and his brothers who were all helping clean and pack stuff up. “So are you coming back with me or do you plan on going with Chris?” My dad asked collecting all his stuff. “Uh I’m not too sure,” I replied. “Chris!” I called out, Chris’ head immediately shooting up and look over at me. I ushered him over. “My dad would like to know if I’m coming back with you or not?” I told him. “Me and your mom stayed the night in a hotel to get away from all the stress for the night,” My dad said. “I wouldn’t mind paying for you guys to stay in one.” He added. “I would love to. But only if Chris wants to.” I replied, looking at Chris. “Why not, thank you sir.” He thanked. “It’s no biggie and you don’t need to call me sir.” My dad chuckled, patting Chris’ back.

After my dad said his last goodbyes to the rest of us, he gave me some money and headed home.

— “Did I hear that the newly wed are staying at a hotel!” Nick teased as we left the reception. “You did indeed.” I chuckled, wrapping my arm around Chris’. “Well you guys have fun!” Nick winked which was followed by immediate laughter from us all. “We will do.” Chris chuckled.

After me and Chris said our goodbyes to Nick and Matt, we headed towards the hotel.

And if I was being honest I was excited to finally have more time with Chris.

Maybe this whole marriage wasn’t that bad after all, today had been amazing.

┗━━━ 🀥 ━━━┛

A/N: hope you enjoyed this part. For the super delusional people, No this does not mean ur married to Chris!! (Just had to clear that up). You all are going to enjoy the next part and no one come for me for writing out like half of a wedding ceremony and basically a whole reception. — hugs and kisses Gracie 💋

Tag list: @watercolorskyy @junnniiieee07 @patscorner @mattyb4dominicans @brooklynn0103 @imwetforyourmom @stasiesturn

[cat-astro-pick]

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝟎𝟐

𝑀𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠, 𝐸𝑧𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑥 𝐹𝑒𝑚! 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝟎𝟎

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝟎𝟏

It's been about a month since Heartsteel debuted. Nothing had changed. Ezreal called me up without even a hint of trying to care what the fans thought.

I was sitting in my studio, mindlessly taking notes on the score. The clicks of mouse and keyboard and the spinning of my laptop fan filled the room. I wondered how much my new piece would sell for. It was pretty pathetic that something I used to love to do was now just a way to make money.

I thought of a mouse. I remembered a mouse named Geronimo Stilton. With his long snout, sniffing cheese, loving what was around him, and speaking out when he saw injustice. As a child, I emulated him a lot. As the flavor of a clumsy cream cheese cake lingered on the corners of my mouth, I felt soap bubbles spinning around my head. The same mouse who rode in time machines and went on adventures to save fairy tale lands reminds me-

"There's a weird scale here."

"Huh?"

I said in my dumbest voice, with my dumbest expression, and my dumbest words. While I was making a fool of myself, she took the mouse and fixed the scale. I couldn't lie now and say it was intentional. I couldn't control my meltdown emotions. I've been thinking about the past a lot lately. The hand that popped the balloon was like popping my heart.

[Witnessing the debut of 'HEARTSTEEL', a group that will steal your heart at first sight].

[A close-up look at the lives of the HEARTSTEEL members!...]

[Exclusive! Ezreal's...]

.

.

.

I shoved my phone into my pocket. Shoulders ached. And my elbows, which had been crushed by the armrests for so long. My work had slowed down noticeably since everyone had left. I closed my laptop only after I'd made such a mess that efficiency was nowhere to be found. I slowly mulled over the title of the article I'd seen earlier. The more I thought about it, the funnier it became. I was proud of him, and then a nasty feeling of anxiety creeped up and wrapped around me.

I don't think Ezreal would abandon me. If he's the kind of person who would neglect a friend just because he's famous, then there's no reason for him to accept the selfish me that I was even before then, the one who broke promises, spoke harshly, fought with Kayn all the time, and hid in the corner of the room by myself. So I pushed harder. Even then, I was so stupid that I was testing Ezreal's feelings for me, experimenting to see if he'd get angry or not, even when I was wrong. Ezreal was the one who always passed my ridiculous and unfair tests. I, who was relieved to see him and then tested him with increased intensity, contributed nothing to his success. So I shouldn't be the one who is celebrated in Heartsteel's success.

But,

"...You idiot?"

"Why?"

"You're the one who should be celebrated."

"So what?”

“…Seriously?”

When I showed up at Ezreal's studio with the expensive bottle of wine I'd gladly bought, I was greeted by colorful confetti as soon as I opened the door. I was dumbfounded by the confetti covering my shoulders and head. I almost threw my wine bottle on the floor in surprise, but Ezreal didn't care. A pom-pom cone hat trimmed with shiny soft plastic was placed on my head. It was a tacky pink, the kind of color my mom might have put on when she was a young lady. Ezreal's hat was green. I didn't bother to joke that if Ezreal's hair had been a little more bushy and less cared for, it might have felt similar.

It was just the two of us, but it was refreshing in its own way. It was like having fun for the first time in a long time. Even when he was famous, Ezreal loved to spoon-feed the cake. It was fun to have a party with just the two of us, where we didn't have to be formal. In hindsight, I realize that it wasn't just the party that made me happy. There were other external factors beating on my heart. Well, I would call it a simple alcoholic deception.

When I opened the wine, the atmosphere was too quiet. I would have paid more for champagne if I'd known this would happen. The thought of Ezreal watching me open the wine with a spoon full of whipped cream in his mouth was overwhelming. If it was champagne, he'd be covering his ears and videotaping me from afar. Alas, fancy wine glasses don't exist in the workshop. Instead, we brought in two glasses and poured wine into them. It was wine, but we drank it like grape juice. The wine wasn't sweet, but that was okay as the cake was sweet. And there was something even sweeter in between. I'm not the type to get drunk, but I couldn't stop smiling that day. It was like someone was playing timpani and xylophones in my head. In fact, I don't remember much after that.

It was cold on the way home. As soon as I got home, I took off my stuffy walker, laid down on the floor, and laughed like a madman. It swung around and hit my shin, but I didn't even feel the pain. I couldn't remember how I'd gotten there, but my cheeks were hot, red and puffy from the cold wind.

I felt dizzy, precarious, like a piece of paper with a small margin. There were so many things I wanted to do. There were many things I wanted to say. There were many medications I was taking, and many doubts about the things that surrounded me. Walking back from the death wasn't exactly exhilarating. Cold sweat trickled down my muffler. The night view of the city was beautiful. I looked at the night view upside down, like a spider hanging from the ceiling, and saw the fall of the city. Maybe the fall would be mine. These were feelings that would be fine after a bout of tears. I felt like I was losing myself with each person I encountered. So I disliked Ezreal. Maybe I had a crush on him. Or maybe it was love. And so what?

I had done so many terrible things.

I tested him. I craved affection, and when I got it, I walked away. I came back when I ran out of love. I was no great being; I could not give him eternal life by sucking his blood. All I left him with was a terrible scar.

A day of emotion. Days when I can't get them out and they turn into a lump in my throat that burns and flows out of my eyes. On days like that, I had an awful habit of wanting to quit everything. I wanted to give up, but I didn't know what I wanted to give up, and I had no regrets. I just stupidly thought about the font of the name on my tombstone. He and I weren't meant to be. No, it shouldn't have happened in the first place. If God is a transcendent being with proper reason, he should make me miserable.

My pride wouldn't let me accept him. My horrible past wouldn't allow me to accept him. If I was going to spill my guts to Ezreal, it had to be after I'd changed. If not, it had to be when I wasn't me. Maybe I should go back a few years and strangle myself. Yeah. I didn't want to admit it. The moment I admitted it, I would have to deny my existence. Denying an emotion kept me whole, which is why I was afraid of emotions. To admit now that I'd been pouring out those sticky, unpleasant feelings to Ezreal would be like being naked in a clothing store display case. I'd held it in so far; it wasn't that I didn't want him to be famous. Stupidly, with a strange sense of possessiveness, I wanted him to be in my enclosure, but the world outside the egg told me that my illusions were false. Rather, it was I who was stuck inside his cage. The feeling of the world as I knew it expanding excluding me made me uneasy.

I should have kissed him when we were drunk. I'd ask him to forget the past. When this drunkenness was over, I would try to deny these feelings again. Solid feelings that haven't wavered in over a decade aren't going to show up for Ezreal overnight. At least not unless I change on the inside.

[longeyelashedtragedy]

How would you describe Frank's relationships at home with his family even though he seems to be so messed up and lost in his mind. Do you think his kids probably notice it(a factor could be that his older kids (taking account that their mum is his ex) don't spend as much time with him anymore looking at social media.

Another question is where do you think it went wrong for Frank with his relationship between him and his ex?

Sorry for the specific questions but I just wanted to hear a different point of view as I'm doing research for a fic 😅

Thank you and I love your writing btw!!!!

great question!

i have to say, i hope this part isn't projection because i am so weak for a footballer being a Good Dad, but from what i've seen (and i might have read him saying something to this effect, though not in these therapy language words) he made a conscious effort to Break the Cycle with his daughters and not be a complete controlling dick like his dad. i don't think we know anything at all about him + his younger kids (except for, where the fuck did they get curly hair from lol) so i'm talking about the older girls.

it's interesting, because my dad had an actual abusive and cheating father, and before my dad had kids he said he hoped he only had girls because he would have no clue how to teach a boy to be a Man and would probably fuck it up. luckily, he has two "daughters" so that worked out for him, and he's an amazing dad. i wonder if frank was the same, it could be?

as for the girls i don't know if they just are older with their own lives and don't want to be pictured online anymore, and he respects their privacy, or what. he does reference them in the diary of a ceo interview if you have watched it (if you haven't, and you're writing a fic, i totally recommend it--the two hours fly by i swear)--that now they're at high school graduation age and he's been giving them advice about the future and sometimes they have Disagreements where he agrees to disagree (i bet they're about politics lmao). it also could be that he's sort of depressing to be around right now? like, on instagram JT and Jody Morris and that crowd are always hanging out and playing golf and going to chelsea games and shit and frank is never there which makes me feel he's sitting around in a depression cave lmao.

as for the home life in general it's hard to know but the shit he and christine used to say about each other was cringeeeee. these days they just seem like they're kind of quiet and mind their own business and other than all their money they seem kind of normal? like "dad complaining about women Shopping all the time and facebook wine mom" vibes instead of nouveau rich celebs vibes.

elen! that's an interesting one. i'm not a fan of their relationship. like i feel like he and christine make sense as a couple/(marriage of convenience)in a sense but he and elen didn't make sense to me as a couple. if you read the parts about her in his book idk they're just...weird feeling? it had a very Wow a Hot Spanish Model is Interested in Me??!?!?!?!?! vibe to it and it was sweet i guess but weird. i can't see this dude being married to elen at all really. i think, and i actually think he says this in diary of a ceo as well, it really went wrong when his mom died :( as he said he spent the next year in a complete numb freeze state, was full of random anger, trying to repress his emotions etc, and many things suffered from that including his relationship. i think that could break a relationship up easily, especially if maybe it wasn't that solid to begin with?

(**it's VERY interesting that with both of the Ladies frank had insanely long periods of being...together but Not Married...HMMMM)

these are just my thoughts--let me know if you have any other Discussion Topics, omg. and i'm very curious about this fic 👀

[chamberedbeauty]

Weeks go by since she'd sent her first letter to Bucky, and while the hurt and heartbreak never dwindled, the anger slowly began to subside. It wasn't that she wasn't angry, but rather the frustration and pain of of the whole situation was the culprit of any moments she felt her temper rise. The world carried on. She wasn't sure how it did, but each morning she woke, put on a smile, and carried on.

The first week was pure and utter hell. She missed Bucky and there was still no sign of Steve Rogers. The worry for both her boys tore her apart. Every jail in New York was called, every hospital, every morgue- nothing. And she was just short of filing a report to the police until her father scoffed one evening at dinner, and made a mention of the Captain America program, she'd only ever heard whispers about. But, it was that night she learned where her friend was, and what he was in position to do. She'd nearly spit out her wine at the surprise.

But once again, there was nothing to do but move on. Steve would get an earful the moment she saw him again, but until then she straightened out his apartment, saw the Barnes women every Tuesday and Thursday, and attended her classes. Wedding gowns were finally being examined, details of the event began taking shape. Life went on.

And she was tired.

Finally a month after Gwen sent out the letter, she received her first from him. And while she should have ripped it up and tossed it in the garbage, her heart fluttered and quickly she opened it. Her temper rises, hurt coming back into her heart, as she reads his words on her apartment floor- a place now she only came by once a week. And goddamn him....damn him for everything and she was gearing to tell him that...if he didn't sign off how he did.

Yours.

Bucky- You could have just explained to me how you wanted to leave. I cannot guarantee that I wouldn't have tried to find you before boarding the ship, but I at least would have understood. I would not have woke up alone thinking of all the ways I have wronged you and how you have wronged me. My goodbye was nothing more than I'll see you, and I just wanted to do that one last time before you left the country. I don't believe that the way you left was good for anyone, including yourself, no matter how hard you try to convince it upon yourself. I'm too tired to fight this point any longer. I don't have it in me, and I don't want you to fight anymore than you already must. Maybe we will never see eye to eye on the matter, but I don't want this to be what our letters consist of. I pray for you. Every single day. I miss you. So does your family. They're doing alright. Rebecca will tell me how she is feeling and June, well she's just like you. I don't get much out of her, but I know she's trying to be tough for you. But they're doing fine. I attended one of June's art classes with her. It was safe to say I was by far the worst, but my humiliation was worth while. She laughed- hard. It was good to hear. Rebecca is on top of her schooling and often talks to me about what she's learning, but it makes me a bit queasy to hear about. She's come shopping with me a few times and has a great eye. June comes sometimes too, but she usually drags her feet. Your mom is okay. The girls are doing a great job of taking care of her, so well she even came out to have tea with me two days ago. I asked her if she wanted to sit outside, but she declined, so perhaps that can be a goal for next week or so. She was trying to tell me a doll she had as a child, she said the color of my dress reminded her of it. She got teary halfway through her conversation, but, she did wonderful. As far as Steve's silence, don't worry yourself with it. He got a job. I'm sure he'll write you when he can, but I've scarcely seen him. My father mentioned seeing him however, and he said he is doing just fine. But I will let him know he needs to write you. I'm okay too. As you know I graduate soon, Saturday to be exact. Four years flew by, but I'm still enrolled to begin my masters program in the fall, so nothing will change. The only thing that is different is not seeing you. Like I mentioned before, I miss you. Very much. I hope there are things that are beautiful over there. I know you can't tell me where you are, but I know you were in London. How beautiful it must have been. I tell myself that before I sleep. That you're in London tonight, or in New York, and I just didn't get the opportunity to see you. I tell myself tomorrow may be different. Stay safe. Please. Be smart. I'll see you soon. Gwen

Slumber comes surprisingly quick and easy despite the wave ahead. Maybe it was exhaustion from all the moments she'd faced tonight, maybe it was from her first experience like this with a man, or maybe it was the warmth and security Bucky provided her as he held her in his arms while she drifted. Whatever it was, all pains of hurt and fear were gone and instead...just blissful rest.

The gentle brush of her cheek rustles the woman just the faintest bit, though it wasn't a shudder of bother. It was comfort and it was if that touch forced her into a deeper sleep. Because she didn't hear the rustling in the kitchen. She didn't hear the door open nor close- or the man leaving her apartment.

A low groan is given as Gwen's eyes flutter awake, just as the sun began shining on the city. She looks up at the clock on her nightstand, brows immediately creasing when she saw it read 6:30. "Shoot. Bucky, I'm sorry- hey it's 6:30. You should get in the bath. I'll start on breakfast then start on your uniform. Let me." Gwen rolls over, shock coming to her features when she doesn't find Bucky asleep next to her, and quickly she sits up. "Bucky?" she calls out, quickly slipping out of her bed and into her robe.

"Bucky?" Gwen calls again, waiting for his response as she heads into her washing room- more confusion coming to her face when she no longer sees his jacket. She can't help the blood that comes to her cheek nor the way her heart picks up speed. "Bucky?"

The woman hurries to the kitchen and living area, her heart sinking just slightly when he was nowhere to be found, but slowly Gwen takes a breath and heads back for her room. He'd likely gotten up before her, or couldn't sleep, and decided to head home. Give his time to his sisters and mother before heading for the station. It was understandable- and hell it was what she wanted him to do.

And so she disregarded it, feet padding to her bathroom to bathe, put on her better dresses. Makeup is applied, her tamer red lip, and finally her hair is curled and heels are put on.

7:20. Just enough time to hurry to the station and say goodbye.

Hurriedly Gwen rushes to the kitchen to grab a piece of bread, and it's only after she's quickly taken a bite does she see it. The folded piece of white paper sitting on the countertop. Immediately she halts, her chest tightening. But slowly she opens it and reads.

He doesn't have to tell her what he's done. Gwen knows that man like the back of her hand, and he does not have to tell her that he won't give her the goodbye she'd been rehearsing for a month. He does not want the hug. He does not the letter she had tucked in her purse for him to read on the ship.

He wants none of it.

Tears fill brown eyes and slowly her hat is taken from her head and placed next to the letter. She bites her lip. Hurt and betrayal washing through her. Shame and misuse. His letter...it means nothing. Her mind swirls with anger. James Buchannan Barnes had a reputation. Loving on then breaking women's hearts in a single night...just as he'd done to hers.

A moment is taken to process, her hands gripping the countertop as she squeezes her eyes shut, a few tears slipping out. One breath is taken. Two.

"Goodness," Gwen finally whispers before smoothing the skirt of her dress, grabbing her hat and letter. Her hat goes to the hat rack. Letter in the garbage- along with the undershirt from the night before. It's taken out and placed in the washroom. The bread is sealed and she goes to the bedroom. And while she's numb, images of what they'd done in this bed playing over and over again in her head, she makes the bed. Crease free. She goes to the washroom again and begins washing Bucky's undershirt, along with her robe still wet from the rain. They're placed to dry, books are grabbed, and she heads out. She goes to the library, trying to force herself to read and study. She meets a friend for lunch. She goes to find Steve- who is gone. Then goes home. To her parents home. Because she cannot bear to lay in the bed in her apartment any longer.

It's then and only then does the gravity of what had happened wash through her. It's then when regret sets in. Because their night together was no longer just theirs. She was too loud...word got out. Apparently her neighbor had seen Bucky leave as well.

She will not "whore herself out". She's ashamed. She's disgraced herself, her fiancé, and their families. She's risked their reputation. She's risked everything. She's sorry. It will never be spoken of again. It cannot be and no longer can be a lone woman living in Brooklyn.

It's the third day after Bucky leaves- the third time she has not found Steve Rogers in his apartment- does she finally scream. Hands go to her hair as she falls to the ground next to Steve's bed, and she screams until she can no longer. Screams in hurt, in betrayal, in frustration, in sorrow, in loneliness, in guilt, in goddamn rage. Once it ends Gwen scrambles to her fight, hands digging through Steve's art corner until she can finally find a piece of paper, envelope, and pencil that is pressed hard into the paper.

For more than a decade, I have known what you do. The pieces of you that accepts the lust that comes your way. The piece of you that thrives off of it. I have watched you break hearts for so long, and in my blind adoration, I have criticized these women. I've told myself that they should know better. That they are wasting their time. It is only now does my heart ache for every woman who has come into your crosshairs. You are a bastard. You are a goddamn liar. You've lied to me over and over again. I cannot tell what it is that you want from me, but I cannot help but feel that you have finally got a piece of it. You tell me I'm not yours. You tell me that you want nothing to do with me. You tell me you love me. You tell me you will fight for me. What should I do with this information? Tell me that, because I have nothing.

I love you. There is no deceit behind those words nor is it the kind of love you showed me a few days prior. I have loved you since I was seven years old. You and Steve. You boys became my world, and you became my protector. I have spoken nothing but the truth to you, and you know this. You have always known my devotion to you and yet you take the innocence I have given you, which is not the cruelest part. You deprived me of a goodbye to my protector. Instead I'm left here with nothing but stained hands and fear that my last images of you will be waking up without you. You have hurt me more than anyone can. You had the power. You knew that. You did it anyways. I will remain the foolish one, because while you cannot hold your promises, I will hold mine. I will continue to love and care for your family and Steve. I will continue to pray for your safe return. I will continue to write you, even when my words mean nothing. I will do things because that is who I am. You say I am blind, and that may be so, but I was pure. I am kind. I am so desperate to find the good in this world, in this life, in you. I hope you reached London safely. I hope you are safe heading across Europe. I hope you find some beauty in the ashes and ruins. I hope at least once a day you smile. I hope you are stay smart. Sincer You know who this is from

[miyaagis]

oikawa is a handsome man, there’s no denying it. he might be twice your age but his trademark charm never fails to lure you in. too bad he’s your dad’s best friend

+ pairing. oikawa t. / fem reader

+ word c. 2,730

+ warnings. age gap, alcohol, mild degradation, mindbreak, noncon filming, squirting, watersports, mating press, one (1) slap in the ass, u call him uncle but he isn’t, so pseudo-cest? no beta we die like men

+ author n. my piece for the miki mouse whorehouse collab ♡ three weeks late, yes

the mid-afternoon sun burns above you, your exposed skin glowing under its blaze as you try to ignore the bickering of your dad’s friends.

oikawa’s playlist blasts through the speakers, the one with latin songs and that he’s been listening to since he went to argentina (according to uncle makki). you hum along with the beat unconsciously, so close to dozing off that you miss the sound of the approaching steps.

“a drink for the princess.”

flirty brown eyes meet yours through the tinted glass of your sunglasses, his handsome smile making your heart skip as you sit up and take the cold drink from his hands.

oikawa takes the seat next to you, handing his phone over to you to let you choose the next song. his fingers trace the rim of his beer bottle as he watches you type something on the screen before leaning back against the chair.

“my dad will yell at you for giving me alcohol,” you peer up at him, taking the straw between your lips.

he takes a long sip of his beer in hopes of calming down the myriad of thoughts swirling in his mind. it’s sinful how the wet fabric of your swimsuit clings onto your form while you lie under the sun—unbothered. but it’s even worse how the star of those thoughts it’s his best friend’s daughter.

“you’re an adult, you’re allowed to have fun.”

you scoff, “tell him that.”

iwaizumi has never been a strict parent but he likes to play the overprotective dad role every once in a while.

“he’s your dad. it’s kind of his job,” he tilts his head in his friend’s direction, his stare serious before switching into a playful one, “and mine is to be the cool uncle.”

you can’t help but snort, “who said you were cool?”

oikawa fake gasps at your statement, but his posture immediately tenses up as uneasiness takes over his body. 

he doesn’t have an idea when it all started, or when did the playful banter between you two turned into this unbearable sexual tension. many nights he has been haunted in his dreams by your cute but taunting smile, poking fun at him until his lips land on yours, and kissing you until you’re reduced to a pathetic whimpering mess.

“–kawa you asshole!”

hanamaki’s voice snaps him out of his trance, both of your heads turning to look at said man as he scolds matsukawa for spilling his drink on the table.

“don’t stay under the sun for too long,” oikawa suddenly stands up, shooting you a forced smirk, “or you’ll get wrinkles.”

you stick your tongue out at him and watch him walk away, staring at his back while a silly smile settles on your lips.

—

the sun has already set when you make your way inside.

you ignore the two drunk men passed out on the couch as you look around for your dad, but when you fail to catch sight of him, you decide to take a look in the kitchen.

oikawa’s shirtless back greets you, his muscles bulging under his tanned skin as he seems to be struggling with a bottle of wine.

“you’re doing it wrong.”

he immediately halts his movements and turns to look at you, “i’m sorry?”

you smirk, “you’re forgiven.”

he scoffs at your little joke, but when you see the hint of a smirk tugging his lips upwards you know he’s enjoying it as much as you are. with a push of your hips, you shove him aside and grab the corkscrew from his hands.

“this, is how you do it.”

he leans on the kitchen counter with his elbow as he observes you do your thing, “you’re being too awfully cocky lately.”

“not my fault you can’t open a wine bottle the right way,” you shrug before smiling triumphantly once it's open, taking a swig of the bottle.

it’s probably the way your eyes gleam under the dim lights, or how your lips look plump and glossy after drinking the wine. either way, the words leave oikawa’s mouth before he can think twice.

“oh? care to tell me what else i don’t do the right way?”

you watch as he takes the bottle from your hands and takes a sip, “you’d be surprised. i know more than what you may think.”

“i doubt it.”

“try me.”

the words hang in the air, the hidden meaning begging to be addressed but you stare at each other in silence, your chests heaving up as you wait for the other to make a move.

“do you know what’s been on my mind lately?” he’s the first one to break the silence, his figure looming above you while his hand moves to rest on your hip.

your breath hitches as you shake your head. gone is the playful gleam in your eyes, his stare feeling as if he’s a predator and you the helpless prey.

“you.”

he pauses, gauging your reaction while you feel your heart pounding wildly in your chest.

“oi!” 

you both jump at the sound of your dad’s voice. iwaizumi stands behind you with his car keys on hand, exhaustion evident in his posture.

“they’re hammered, i’m going to drive them home. you need a ride?”

the question’s directed at oikawa, who’s suddenly feeling like a deer caught in the headlights.

did he see anything? he wonders. but the tired look in his best friend’s face lets him know he doesn’t suspect a thing.

“nah, i’m good,” the odd look iwaizumi sends his way prompts him to come up with an excuse, “i’ll clean up and then i’ll be on my way out.”

on a normal day, iwaizumi would’ve refused. but if he could escape your mom’s wrath after the mess they made, then he’d take it in a heartbeat. good thing she’s out on her casino night.

“thanks, man. see you around.”

you both watch as he exits the kitchen, the tense atmosphere remaining even after hearing the front door close behind the three men.

you can’t help but deflate a bit, sensing the ‘moment’ between you is gone.

“where were we?”

your eyes widen and refuse to meet his, choosing to fiddle with your fingers as you repeat what he said earlier in a small voice, “you said… you said you were thinking of me.”

oikawa has to stop himself from cooing at your nervousness, humming instead as he takes one step in your direction.

“mhm, all day,” his hands snake around your waist to pull you flush against him, “i’ve been thinking about fucking you.” 

a small gasp leaves your mouth, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“you enjoyed teasing me, didn’t you? parading around in that slutty swimsuit of yours with your tits spilling out of your bra?”

he hauls you up by your waist and places you on the granite counter, settling himself between your legs, “i could see your nipples getting hard, begging to be kissed,” one of his hands leaves your waist and moves upwards to pinch your nipple. he can’t help but coo at the faint whimper that escapes your lips, “hmm, so cute.”

oikawa’s lips connect with yours, his other hand holding you by the back of your head while the other keeps rubbing the hardened nub. once his tongue glides into your mouth, breathless moans fill the kitchen.

“a-ah, uncle tooru,” you run your fingers through his hair, pulling him closer.

he starts to make his way down, kissing your neck and collarbone before he reaches your chest. his teeth graze your hard nipple, toying with it while a large hand moves down between your legs and pushes the fabric covering your pussy aside.

two long fingers prod between your folds, sliding in easily and making you groan.

“naughty girl, so wet already,” he rasps in your ear, throat dry at the sight of your wet folds.

the wetness dripping from your hole immediately coats his digits, making it easier for him to tease your insides. the pads of his index and middle fingers curl upwards to touch the soft walls, massaging them in slow movements.

“mm, fuck–” it’s exhilarating how good he’s making you feel just with his fingers, pulling moans so effortlessly out of you.

“feels good, hm?”

“yes, yes, so so good–” your head falls limp against his shoulder, your hands resting on his biceps as you try to hold onto something, “please… faster.”

the pace of his hand picks up while his thumb brushes over your clit, watching you lose yourself in the pleasure. his cock hardens at the filthy sounds of your pussy sucking his fingers in and your wanton moans.

“so needy,” he murmurs, a breathless chuckle falling right in your ear, “be a doll and cum for me. will you? c’mon, baby. i know you can do it.”

your grip on his shoulders tightens, his encouraging words awakening something in you that has you cumming right after. warmth floods your body as you chant his name desperately, the friction of his finger against your clit prolonging your high and making it difficult to catch your breath.

it takes you a minute to recover from the daze, his body-heat overwhelming you and fogging up your mind.

it’s not until he takes his fingers out of your dripping core and has a taste of your juices when he truly feels the lust take over him.

oikawa immediately picks you up from the kitchen counter, your legs wrapping around his torso as he blindly makes his way to your room.

his mouth moves hungrily against yours, your bodies occasionally colliding against the walls since you refuse to let go of each other. once you reach your bedroom, he pushes the door open and places you on the bed, climbing on top of you and latching his mouth onto your neck.

“baby, i need to– hmm,” the roll of your hips against his front causes his cock to twitch in his shorts, “need to fuck you.”

your eyes close when he moves your bra down and starts sucking on your nipple, one of your hands tangling in his hair and pushing his face onto your chest.

“want you so badly, please.”

“don’t worry, princess. i’ll make you cum again, so many times, and fill your needy cunt with my cum,” he murmurs against your chest, his tongue gliding over the sensitive skin while he rolls his hips against your core, “you’re gonna be a good little slut for me, right? bounce on my cock like a bitch in heat?”

you have never heard something so filthy leave his mouth, the promise of another orgasm sending a jolt down to your center.

“y-yes, i’ll do whatever you want! just please, fuck me.”

“yes, what?” his eyes glint with malice as he looks down at you, waiting for you to reply.

“yes... sir.”

a captivating smile graces his lips as he moves up from your chest to your face, his mouth hovering right above yours, “good girl.”

before you can process his words, he flips you on top of him, his hands going straight to your ass and squeezing the flesh. you notice the hardness underneath you and you have to stop yourself from bucking your hips against it.

with a tap on your butt, he signals you to lift your hips, taking off his shorts and turning to the side to place them somewhere. but in your drunken state, all you can focus on is on the cock in front of you, the flushed head glistening with pre-cum and causing your mouth to water.

he’s turning around when you wrap a hand around his girth, making him jolt under you before you lift your eyes to stare back at him.

“patience, baby. i’m not going anywhere,” he chuckles at the same time you rub his cock between your folds. his eyes stare intensely at you, watching you coat him with your juices before aligning him with your hole, “shit, i wish i could watch you like this forever.”

“you can have me whenever you want, sir. i’m yours.”

his cock parts your lower lips as you start sinking down, the vein on the underside of his shaft rubbing deliciously against your walls until he’s bottoming out. his hands rest on your hips, letting you get used to the stretch before he starts to rock you back and forth, slowly.

“feels so good… m-more.”

strong arms wrap around your waist, bringing your torso down until your breasts are pressed against his chest. his thrusts become intense, making you squeal as his laugh reverberates in his chest. he slaps your ass with one hand, groaning when your walls clamp down around him.

“tightest cunt i’ve ever fucked,” he groans.

“h-harder, fuck me harder,” you plead and, in a matter of seconds, he’s ramming his cock into you just like you asked. the friction of his length against your insides makes you dizzy, your mind wandering to how would it feel to be filled with his seed, “god– ugh, want your cum.”

“hm? my pretty little cumslut wants to milk me dry?”

he pushes you up as he slows down his pace, whines leaving your mouth in frustration. oikawa helps you bounce on top of him, his pelvic bone brushing against your swollen clit which causes your orgasm to approach faster than expected.

“‘m so close,” your rhythm falters, hips moving back and forth desperately in search of that delicious friction, “gonna cum, sir. please, make me cum.”

oikawa’s grip on your hips tightens, one of his hands moving down to your clit and rubbing it in fast circles, “shit– so tight,” he moans when you clench your muscles around his cock, feeling it twitch inside of you, “fuck, fuck, i’m cumming!”

he barely manages to rasp out before warm spurts of cum paint your walls, his cock throbbing against them while he keeps moving in and out of your hole. you follow suit, your pussy trembling around him as you both ride out your orgasms.

his cock visibly twitches once it's out of your cunt, lying flat on his stomach while white cum slowly drips on top of it. spreading your asscheeks, he stares at your glistening cunt and watches your juices coat him before flipping you onto your back. his entire weight rests on top of you, caging you in a mating press and entering your raw walls again.

“s-sir, no more! ‘m too sensitive– ah,” your legs are shaking at the overstimulation, his cock reaching so deep that you can feel it nudging at your cervix.

he grunts as he keeps thrusting into you, his balls slapping against your ass while you try to fight him, “one more, baby.”

“i-i can’t! no, no, no, please...” your nails dig in his muscles, a futile attempt to get him to slow down.

the slapping of skin on skin is loud, your cries encouraging him to drill harder into your pussy until he’s flooding it with his thick cum.

“shit, princess. of course you can. isn’t this what you wanted? you’re such a slut for me, i’ve known it all this time.”

you know you want to cum, but another tingling feeling settles on your belly and, after a perfectly directed thrust from his part, you gush around his cock.

“holy shit.”

everything seems to stop around you, drooling and babbling nonsense as you’re sent into a high that leaves your mind floating, your body growing limp under oikawa as he continues to fuck your hole until he’s filling it again.

the euphoria stops you from noticing when he pulls out, also missing how he remains above you with his softening cock in hand and pumping it slowly. a groan escapes your mouth when a sudden warmth soaks your sweaty skin, making you close your eyes and bask in it.

“fuck, baby,” he angles his cock in your direction, allowing his piss to pour down onto your ruined pussy and down your bedsheets, “look at you, my pretty little slut.

your craving for him was so powerful that you failed to notice the phone standing on your bedside table, angled directly at you. even when familiar moans blare through its speakers after oikawa picks it up, smiling down at it as he readies himself to enter you once more.

taglist. @newfriendjen @tsumue @cyb3rbab3​ @lets-go-datehoe @kageyamakock @oneholetickler​ @idiotgu​ @kageyama-i-want-tobiors​​ 

[hotch-stufff]

Meet the Parents

Gif is not mine

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x f!Reader

Warnings!: angsty, mentions of neglect, bad parenting, fighting, arguing, lots of yelling, parents saying degrading things towards reader, but happy ending between reader and hotch obviously

Description: Hotch meets your parents that have never approved of you or anything you do, how will he react when they begin picking apart your life?

A/N: not rlly sure if i love this one, but I hope you guys do. Probably a bunch of spelling errors, just warning you.

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

It was a bad idea.

Of course it was a bad idea.

You really didn't know why you had to go through with this.

You never wanted to have to introduce him to your parents. You had hoped this day wouldn't come. They were... not the best parents in the world, to say the least.

But you were engaged, getting married in only a few months, and your parents had of course heard of your engagement from your older sister. She had accidently let it slip on her last visit.

And now you had to introduce him. And God you were terrified. They had belittled and picked apart each and every aspect of your life.

It wasn't really your father, more so your mother. But he had never stopped her and joined in occasionally.

They had always hated your decisions. You had joined the marines straight out of highschool, and went to the FBI academy after 4 years of service. You had then quickly made your way to the FBI's behavior analysist unit, and that was where you had met your now fiance, Aaron Hotchner.

And of course your mother disapproved. She had always wanted you to go the traditional route. Be a stay at home mom, married with kids by the time you were 20.

You were now 28 and just getting engaged, so of course your mother was going to have some complaints.

But you had never expected how the night actually had turned out.

You had been wringing your hands the entire way there. Aaron had been worried about you for the entirety of the trip. Constantly sending you glances, taking your hand in his own and squeezing reassuringly.

"It will be alright, love." He would tell you. You would simply glance at him shaking your head.

He didn't know how wrong he was.

Soon enough you pulled up into the driveway of your childhood home. Your heart beat widely as you stepped out of the car, meeting Aaron on the other side.

"I'm sorry." He shot you a confused look.

"For what?" he had asked.

"Just apologizing in advance." And with that you rang the doorbell. You heard footsteps and the door was yanked open. Your mothers shrill voice rang through the air.

"Honey! They're here." She sent a smile Aaron's way, and glanced at you dissaprovingly. "Darling. What on earth are you wearing?" You looked down at your simple dress and rolled your eyes.

"Good to see you too mom." She shook her head.

"Of course of course. Good to see you as well. And you must be Aaron? We have heard nothing about you." You scoffed, quickly covering it with a cough, as Aaron responded.

"Yes, Aaron Hotchner ma'am. Its wonderful to meet you."he stuck out his hand for her to shake, but she just turned around and strutted away.

"Do come in, we wouldn't want dinner to get cold. You're already 20 minutes late." She scolded as she walked through the kitchen door.

"Mom, we are 5 minutes early." You stated simply. She laughed like you had said the most absurd thing in the world. You just rolled your eyes.

Aaron shot you a glance and you smiled softly at him.

You gathered around your table, hoping for a somewhat pleasant meal. You father walked in glancing at Aaron before doing a double take.

"Ah you must be Aaron." Your father held out his hand hesitantly. Hotch shook it respectfully introducing himself.

"Yes sir, Aaron Hotchner." He nodded politely.

You all sat around the table and began eating in silence. Small talk here and there but mostly silence, until your mother finally spoke up.

"So, you two met at work?"she asked, disdain present in her voice.

"Uh, yes we did. We work together at the BAU." You replied, catching your mothers eye roll but electing to ignore it.

"Yes, I'm the unit chief, and Y/n is one of our best agents." You couldn't stop him before he made his mistake. And you saw the realization flashed in your father's eyes.

"Unit chief? Like the boss?" He asked.

"Shit." You muttered under your breath. "Yes dad, like the boss." You said a bit louder.

"You're dating your boss!" Your mother exclaimed.

"Mom, its not that big of a deal, he isn't my direct boss, another agent is." You tried explaining.

"Ugh, this government talk us just too much at the dinner table." She sighs dramatically and you shut up, not wanted to start a fight so early in the night.

You all continued eating until your dad spoke again.

"So Aaron you must be significantly older than Y/n." Your father continued. Aaron nearly choked on his drink.

"Um, there is a small age difference yes. But we have never let it bother us." God this was painful.

"No but, why on earth would you bother with a young, disappointment like Y/n? I mean she's obviously gained some weight. She had a dishonorable job for a woman. She doesn't have a family, and jmis just now getting into a serious relationship. I mean seriously Aaron, you could do so much better than, her." You could not believe the audacity of this woman. Your mother effectively silenced the entire table. You felt tears gather in your eyes. As you tried to stop them from falling down your face, Aaron set his wine down calmly and stood up.

"Your daughter is very far from a disapointment." He stated matter of factly. "She is by far one of the Best people that I know. She is the love of my life. She is one of THE most prestigious agents in the FBI, and is apart of one of the best teams in the country. She is the most amazing partner in the world, and had become my favorite person. I dont know how you consider yourselves decent human beings when you can sit here and degrade your own daughter like this. And I feel sorry that you can't see how amazing she truly is." He was nearly breathless when he finished. You stood up beside him.

"Aaron's, right. You guys are the most indecent human bei-"

Anger had flashed in your fathers eyes as he stood angrily, slamming his hands on the table, effectively interrupting you.

"How dare you come into our house and speak such words towards us!?" He yelled at Aaron and you with a furociousness you hadn't seen since you joined the marines.

"Sit down and shut up!" Aaron yelled right back, furious that your father had just interrupted you.

You decided it was time to step in and leave.

"Me and my fiance will be leaving now. I hope you have wonderful lives. And the next time I hear from you it better be an apology otherwise you will never be meeting your grandchildren. And my my wouldn't that just be very indecent." You finished in a mocking tone, spinning around and walking away, Aaron hot on your heals.

You somehow held off your tears till you reached the car and pulled into your driveway and then you completely broke down.

Aaron held you the best he could over the console, trying his best to make you feel better

"Sshhh, sweetheart, its okay." He whispered into your hair. "That was so brave. I'm so proud of you." You smiled slowly pulling away from him.

"Thank you Aaron, for everything you said in there. I never would have had the courage to say anything to them if it wasn't for you. So thank you." He was about to protest, but you shut him up quickly by pressing your lips to his in a passionate kiss.

"I love you." He mumbled against your lips.

You just kissed him harder, getting your message across loud and clear. You pulled away, wiping away your tears.

"I think they liked you." You mumbled a few seconds later, causing him to burst into laughter.

"Especially when I told your dad to shut up." You giggled at his statement.

"Especially then." You continued laughing as you leaned in kissing him again.

Never had you been happier for having a man like Aaron Hotchner.

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Check out my Blurb Weekend!! Only accepting blurb requests for the weekend, but regular requests will be open afterwards.

Thanks for reading! Requests are still open, so ask away! If you would like an idea of what to request, here is my prompt list, and if you would like to read more of my work, here is my masterlist.

[handsomelyhiddleston]

The Cabin - Tom Hiddleston x Curvy Reader (Part 3/3)

Part 1

Part 2

You threw some shorts and your favorite baggy hoodie on and headed downstairs to see what everyone’s plans were for the day. When you made it downstairs you saw that most of Chris’ family was dressed to go to the mountain and ski or snowboard.

“You guys headed up to the resort?” you asked, taking the plate of food that Lisa handed you and sitting next to one of Chris’ sisters.

“Everyone but ma” Scott answered, looking half asleep on the other side of the table.

“Let Chris know that I had all of the tires checked on my SUV, even the spare” you said to Scott.

Scott nodded towards the stairs where Chris was almost to the bottom. “Y/n, Can I borrow your truck or do you need it today?” he asked.

“I was just telling Scott the tires and the spare are all good to go so you shouldn’t have to worry about them” you answered, taking a sip of your coffee.

“Perfect” he said, stopping to kiss you on the cheek before going to the kitchen to grab food. “Between our two trucks I think we can fit everyone.”

When everyone was packing up for their day trip up the mountain, you made sure to throw some extra jackets, blankets, and snacks in the back of your truck and made sure Chris knew they were there.

“Are you not going?” you asked Tom when he started helping Lisa gather all of the dirty dishes from breakfast.

“I think I’d rather hang back with you if you’d like the company” he said, stacking a few more plates.

“I think Lisa and I can put you to good use” you teased, grabbing the stack of plates from him and walking them to the kitchen. “Lisa, what are your plans for the day?”

“I don’t need to start dinner until 2 or so” she answered, cleaning up the kitchen from the breakfast mess. “Is the TV by the hot tub out back set up?”

“It is!” you answered. “The remote is waterproof and it’s already signed into all of the apps on it so you can watch pretty much anything.”

“Then I think I’m going to enjoy my quiet day relaxing” she laughed. “I watch the kids most days back home so this’ll be a little vacation within a vacation.”

“Oh my god, I almost forgot!” you said, turning to reach into the cabinet above your refrigerator. “I got you this last time I drove down through the vineyards.”

You handed her a bottle of the wine she fell in love with last time the family was at your cabin. “You didn’t!” She sat the bottle down on the counter and pulled you into a hug.

“You may as well have a glass while you’re relaxing out back” you said, watching Tom put the rest of the dishes from the table into the sink.

“Maybe just one” she laughed, going back to putting the leftover food away.

“What wine is it?” Tom asked.

Lisa started talking about the wine and how it reminded her of her favorite wine that they no longer made, insisting that she pour the two of you a glass when she poured hers.

“Ooo, that is very nice” Tom said, taking a sip.

When Lisa tried to help with the dishes you told her to go and relax. Tom helped you finish up cleaning the kitchen.

“What’s next?” Tom asked.

“Do you want to bake our cookies?” you asked in response.

Tom smiled, taking another sip of his wine. “That sounds wonderful.”

You turned the oven on and pulled all of the ingredients you bought out of the cabinet, telling Tom where he could grab the mixing bowls and measuring cups/spoons. The two of you took your time, laughing and talking as you mixed the ingredients all together.  

“These are going to be so good” you said, commenting on the fact that Tom had picked out regular chocolate chips and white chocolate chips and mixed them together in the cookie dough.

“You can never have too much chocolate” he said, sneaking a bit of the uncooked cookie dough into his mouth.

“So impatient” you teased, shooing his hand away when he went to grab more.

When you filled a baking sheet with balls of cookie dough, Tom put it in the oven and set the timer. You hopped up to sit on your counter while you waited, taking another sip of your wine.

“How was your workout with Chris this morning” you asked.

Tom laughed. “Let’s just say I was grateful to get rid of some tension after doing some…*clears throat*…light reading last night.”

You looked confused for about two second before you realized what he was talking about. You threw your head back laughing, “You started reading my book.”

“Oh, you underestimate your own talent, darling” Tom replied, walking up to you. “I read the whole book.”

Your cheeks instantly went warm. “Well, what did you think?” The look on Tom’s face, the way he licked his lips…you almost wished you hadn’t started baking so that you could just drag him up to your bedroom right now.

Tom’s hands settled on your knees, slowly pulling them apart so that he could stand between them. “I think…” his lips gently pressed against yours as his hands slid up to rest against your hips. “…that your mind is just as sexy as the rest of you.” He deepened the kiss, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of your hips.

You put your arms around his neck, his body leaning into yours. “Is that so?”

Tom wrapped his arms around your middle, pulling you tight against his body. “Absolutely, darling.” Right when Tom reconnected your lips, the timer to the oven went off.

Tom laughed, resting his forehead against yours.

“We keep getting interrupted” you laughed.

Right as you finished talking, Lisa walked back inside from the back porch with a towel wrapped around her.

“You’re not wrong” Tom laughed.

Lisa looked over at the two of you and smiled. “Aww, don’t let me stop you two. You might want to check whatever you’ve got in the oven, though.” The timer was continuing to beep.

Tom quickly kissed you again before stepping back and grabbing the oven mitts. “I’ll switch these out.”

While Tom was putting the last sheet of cookies in the oven, you were talking to Lisa.

“I think we should prepare everything we can for dinner early” you suggested.

“What for?” Lisa asked, topping off all three of the wine glasses.

“Well, if we get it done now, we’ll just have to throw it in the oven later” you answered. “Then we can order some Chinese take-out for lunch, open another bottle of wine, and play some games.”

Lisa seemed to be considering it.

“Sounds like the perfect way to spend probably your only quiet afternoon on this trip” Tom laughed, resetting the oven timer for the last batch of cookies.

“Okay, you’ve convinced me” Lisa said, opening the refrigerator to start prepping dinner.

You and Tom quickly cleaned up the mess from the cookies, making room for Lisa. “Mmm, these are delicious” Tom said, taking a bite of one of the cookies. He held the cookie towards you so you could take a bite.

“They’re so good when they’re still warm” you said, licking a bit of chocolate off of your lip.

Tom smiled, pulling you into a quick kiss. “I could have gotten that for you, you know.”

You laughed, stealing the rest of his cookie. “Okay, what do you guys want from the Chinese restaurant?”

Over the next few hours, the three of you went through another bottle of wine, most of the Chinese food, and 3 or 4 different card and board games. When Chris and the rest of the family got back, the three of you were a little drunk, hanging out in the kitchen while dinner finished cooking, telling stories and spending most of the time laughing.

“What’s going on here?” Chris asked, hugging his mom and asking if she was drunk.

“Just a little” Lisa laughed, moving to pull dinner out of the oven.

“It looks like you guys had a good time” he said, leaning against the counter that you were currently sitting on. Tom had started pulling out clean dishes for dinner.

“We had a great time” you answered. “How was the mountain?”

“So good” Chris said, pulling out his phone and showing you pictures and videos of the kids learning how to snowboard.

“Aww, I’m glad” you said, telling him to send you a few of them so that you could have them printed and added to the photos in the den.

“The table is set” Tom said, walking back into the kitchen.

“Thank you” you replied, opening your arms so that he would come stand between your knees. “Dinner should be ready in a few minutes”

Tom blushed as he slid his arms around you, knowing Chris was going to say something “I think everything is good to go, then.”

Chris smirked over at you. “Let me reiterate my statement from earlier. It looks like you guys had a great time.”

“You could say that” Tom said, pressing a quick, sweet kiss to your lips before grabbing your hand and pulling you to the dining room table.

That night you, Chris, Tom, and Scott were the last ones up. All of the activity on the mountain made most call it an early night.

“I’m going to go sit up in the hot tub if anyone wants to join me” you said, standing up from your position tucked into Tom’s side.

When you were all the way up the stairs, Scott and Chris turned to Tom.

“How’s it goin’ buddy?” Scott asked, smirking.

Tom laughed, looking up the stairs where you’d disappeared to. “Well, if I had to put it into words I’d say ‘very well’.”

“Is this just you guys having fun or is this going to continue after break?” Chris asked. He knew you were an adult, but he still felt very protective of you.

“I haven’t actually had the chance to talk to her about it” Tom replied.

“What do you want it to be?” Scott asked.

“If I’m being honest, I hope this is going somewhere permanent” Tom confessed. “She’s…” He started his sentence and cleared his throat, knowing that he was about to gush about his feelings. “Well, you two know her. You know she’s incredible.”

“Nah, what were you going to say” Chris reached to slap Tom’s shoulder, laughing.

“I know that this is going to sound horribly cliché” Tom continued, “but she’s perfect. She’s kind, creative, intelligent, beautiful, confident, funny…”

Scott let out a quiet “aww”

“And if you don’t mind, I’d like a few minute head start joining her upstairs” Tom said, standing and walking towards the stairs.

“No sex in the hot tub!” Chris jokingly yelled.

Tom laughed. “I’d need more than a few minutes for that.” He could hear the brothers laughing as he jogged up the stairs, snagging his swim shorts before walking into your room.

“Y/n?” Tom called into your room.

“Just getting changed” you said, your arms covering your bare chest as you peeked out your closet door. You’d just slipped your bikini bottoms on, but you hadn’t sorted out the straps to your top. “Are you joining me?”

“I think we all are” Tom smiled, closing your bedroom door. “I asked for a head start so I could speak to you for a moment.”

“Can we talk while I sort out my top?” you asked, walking back into your closet.

“Of course,” Tom replied, pulling his own shirt off. “I wanted to talk to you about…well, us.”

“A topic I’m very interested in” you answered. “Go on.”

“That’s good to hear” Tom laughed, stripping out of his jeans and boxers. “I don’t know what you want, but I wanted to make sure that my feelings were clear.” Tom pulled the swim trunks on.

“Well, I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours” you said, walking out of your closet when your top was in place.

Tom smiled, opening his arms and pulling you against him. “I really like you” he said, pressing a gentle kiss against your lips. “I was hoping that this is something you will want to continue after I’ve gone back to LA.”

Tom’s eyes were closed, his forehead rested against yours. “That’s a relief” you said, connecting your lips in a much more passionate kiss. “I was going to ask you how you felt about me driving back down to LA with you two.”  

“Really?” Tom’s eyes brightened.

“Yes, really” you laughed.

“That would make me very happy” Tom replied.

“Then it’s a plan” you said, moving to open your bedroom door and pulling Tom out onto the balcony.

When the brothers joined you two a few minutes later, they were dramatically walking around with their eyes closed, trying to feel their way to the balcony door. “Please tell me no one’s naked” Chris teased.

“You’re gonna have to see for yourself” you laughed. You were leaning back against Tom’s chest with his arms wrapped around your middle.

Scott opened one eye, calling an “all clear” when he spotted the two of you cuddled up in the hot tub.

The four of you hung out in the hot tub for probably another hour before the brothers called it a night.

When you and Tom climbed out of the hot tub, you wrapped a towel around yourself and walked to the bathroom that was connected to your bedroom. You turned on the shower and walked back to the doorway. “I’m going to shower tonight if you’d like to join me.”

Without waiting for a response, you dropped your towel on the counter and stripped out of your bikini. You stepped into the steaming shower, feeling the hot water run from your hair down your body. With your eyes closed, you lathered up your hair with shampoo and started rinsing it out. You could feel a short cool breeze as Tom opened the curtain to step into the shower with you. Before you opened your eyes, you felt Tom’s hands on your hips.

“You are absolutely stunning” Tom said, one of his hands moving to rest against the side of your face as he pulled your lips against his.

“I could say the same thing about you” you replied as your eyes took in his full naked form. Your hands slid down tom’s back and rested against his ass.

“Can I stay with you tonight?” Tom asked, his hands moving to your breasts and his lips moving to your neck.

“Just move your stuff to my room” you answered, your hands pulling Tom’s body firmly against yours.

“Now that I know I’ve got more time with you tonight” Tom laughed, grabbing your body soap and lathering his hands. “Let’s get clean and then we can move this to your bed.”

“Gladly” you smiled, lathering your hands and running them over Tom’s body.

The two of you didn’t actually fall asleep until after Tom’s gym alarm went off. Tom had sent Chris a text saying that he was going to skip the gym this morning, but that he’d continue going with Chris starting tomorrow.

When Chris went to give Tom shit for ditching the gym, he realized why he was staying home. Tom’s room was empty.

“I’m sure you got enough of a workout in last night anyways” Chris replied to Tom’s text with a few obscene emojis.

Tom laughed, tightening his arms around you after he set his phone down on the bedside table. “Chris will probably have a few questions for us when we wake up.”

“I don’t doubt it” you replied, snuggling into Tom’s side.

“Get some rest, darling” Tom said, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

A few weeks later while on a lunch break from filming, Chris looked over at Tom and you. “Did Y/n ever tell you what her other pen name is for?”

Tom nearly choked on his food, and you couldn’t help but laugh and reply, “You’re never going to drop that, are you?”

Chris’ eyes narrowed as he started at Tom. “God damnit, she told you.”

Tom started laughing. “I simply don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Did you tell him?” Chris looked at you.

“He’s my boyfriend, Chris. Of course he knows.”

“I’ve known you for years! You’re my best friend! You barely just met him!” You couldn’t help but laugh at Chris’ dramatics.

“Should I tell him?” you turned to Tom.

“I don’t know how he would handle it” Tom teased.

“I can handle it!” Chris interrupted.

“If I tell you, you can’t tell anyone else. Not even Scott.” You reached your hand across the table with your pinky sticking out.

“Did you make him pinky promise?” Chris snarked, hooking his pinky with yours.

“She did, actually” Tom laughed.

“Fine, I swear on my life I won’t tell anyone” Chris said, leaning forward so you could tell him.

You pulled out your phone and sent him a link to your website that lists all of your adult books. “Just so you know, you were sort of the inspiration for one of my characters.” You stood from the table and grabbed Tom’s hand as Chris opened the text and clicked the link. You were quietly laughing at Chris’ wide eyes as he realized what he was looking at.

“Wait, what?!” Chris looked up at the two of you. “You wrote all of these?”

“She’s did.” Tom squeezed your hand. “The ones I’ve read so far are actually incredible.”

“Thanks, babe” you pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, the two of you walking towards his trailer.

“How do I know which one you based on me?” Chris called out.

“You’ll have to read them to find out” you answered, feeling Tom wrap his arm around your shoulders.

[lepusrufus]

Double edged scalpel ch.6

ch.1 ch.2 ch.3 ch.4 ch.5

Summary: It's backstory time!

Mandatory warning since this is not a usual thing on my blog so I think a separate warning would be useful, there will be talk of past abuse and alcohol abuse.

----

"Wakey wakey," came the gruff voice from just outside her bedroom door.

It was slightly muffled but more than enough to make her jolt awake, muscle memory taking over the remnants of sleep. She only had one minute to be out the door. It was more than enough though, her routine perfected over years. Get out of bed. Put socks on. Get shoes. Grab the duffel bag. She slept dressed anyways, ready to go at any time.

Or not?

Where were her clothes?

Nevermind that she had time to put something on. Just grab a shirt and pants from the dresser.

Hurried steps took her over the plush carpet. Wasn't it supposed to be a solid grey? Had her mother swapped it for one of their fancier rugs?

That didn't matter right now. Clothes. She needed clothes. When she got to her dresser she stood there, frowning at the bookshelf that now took its place. She didn't even remember acquiring the tomes in front of her, most of them old and with unfamiliar trinkets surrounding them. That's not how her bedroom was arranged. Why wasn't anything in its place? Was Alex playing a prank on her? No, he wouldn't do that.

Time was almost up and she needed some goddamn clothes and to get out and her head was starting to spin-

"Nicole?"

Her eyes snapped back to the bed she had so hastily vacated, Cassandra looking at her concerned.

From the room's entrance came another familiar voice. Bela. "I only wanted to let you know that Daniela wants to go for a hunt tomorrow." Her eyes were averted and as soon as the words left her lips, she turned and shut the door behind her, not waiting for an answer from her sister.

Confusion mixed in with dizziness, but Nicole let out a quiet oh when she fully realized where she was. Cassandra's bedroom. They came here last night and fell asleep. And she was only wearing underwear.

She went to sit on the edge of the bed, head resting in her hands to try alleviate the fog in her brain. She probably looked like hell, but that was the least of her concerns right now.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Came the uncharacteristically soft voice of Cassandra, who had moved from her spot under the blankets and was gently rubbing her back.

"Uh, nothing," Nicole replied, as if she didn't look ready to puke.

Cassandra only pursed her lips and frowned. "You looked like you simultaneously saw a ghost and were ready to fight a ghost."

She swallowed thickly and forced out a laugh. "Oh are we at "tragic backstory" relationship level now?" It was at best a pathetic attempt to change the subject and at worst annoying.

When she looked back at the brunette she was still frowning, but not in annoyance. Her golden eyes sparked with concern, scrutinizing the redhead's face and body language for any clue as to what was wrong. It sent a pang of guilt through Nicole's chest. She took a deep breath and leaned back into Cassandra's touch, trying to collect her thoughts. Where does one even begin to explain this whole mess?

"Have you ever wondered why I came here? To the village?"

"...Not really," she admitted.

Nicole took another deep breath, pulling the words from her mouth as if she were pulling out teeth with pliers.

"My dad, he…he had a bit of a weird business. We never knew the details of it, he never told any of us and we knew better than to snoop, but I do know it had something to do with drugs and was highly illegal."

Staying in one place proved itself a pesky little task, so Nicole stood up and started to collect her clothes from the floor and started dressing. Cassandra instead remained in the same spot, listening intently.

"With a job like that you make enemies by default. And that made him paranoid beyond belief. When me and Alex, my older brother, were children it wasn't that bad. Worst thing he would do was lock our bedroom doors and refuse to let us attend public school."

She narrowed her eyes at a wall, still not wanting to meet Cassandra's gaze. Now that she said it out loud, not that bad sounded pretty bad too. Whatever.

"It started going downhill when I was around…" She pursed her lips, trying to make her brain put together some semblance of a timeline. "Twelve. Yeah twelve. He came bursting into our bedrooms at 2 a.m. saying that someone with a gun had gotten into our house and wanted to kill us. We were mortified. I remember my mom holding me and Alex in the backseat crying while my dad drove us to his secluded cabin in the woods."

"And that became a habit of his. He'd have us do these drills every once in a while and then scream at us if we didn't do everything in under a minute."

"That's so fucking stupid," Cassandra spat, golden eyes gleaming with anger.

Nicole started pacing back and forth, desperate for a distraction. "Oh I know. And after a few years of this I made sure to tell him exactly how much I thought it was bullshit."

Finally coming to terms with the lack of something to do while she talked, Nicole gave up and went back to the bed. She sat down by Cassandra's side, though still avoiding her eyes.

"Do you know what getting punched in the face feels like?"

Cassandra's expression contorted into a disgusted grimace. With the hand not on Nicole's back rubbing comforting circles, she dug talons into the soft fabric of a blanket. She didn't really have an answer because frankly she didn't know. Her body reacted very differently to physical harm and the few that could hurt her wouldn't go for a stupid punch to the face. Nicole kept on talking though, not really looking for an answer.

"That shut me up for a bit. Key word a bit. When he woke me up on the night before an important test I was pissed. I just thought fuck it and went upstairs to the library. It took him around twenty minutes to find me and when he did… Well, I regretted some life choices."

"I was so done with being there in that house. Though thankfully my parents went on a business trip the next day and Alex was at a friend's for the weekend. I had the whole house to myself and decided to grab one of my mom's vintage wines and just spend the evening on the couch drinking. And that's how I became an alcoholic at the ripe old age of fifteen." She let out a humorless chuckle at the end.

That day was a blur in her mind. The only thing that she vividly remembered was Alex coming home early and finding her blackout drunk on the couch. At the end of the day though, they were both in the same boat. He just grabbed the bottle from her and started to sip away at the remaining wine. Laughing at each other's hangover the next day was the most fun they'd had in ages so it became a habit for the both of them. Every once in a while they'd go into the wine cellar, pick out a bottle and then go drink it in the attic while they pretended their problems didn't exist. It continued well into their college years. Nicole was barely able to recall doing anything during her years in med school that wasn't being drunk or studying.

She groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. That's not where she meant to go with the story. Cassandra placing a gentle kiss on her shoulder brought her enough comfort to try and wrap it up.

"I guess in a sick ironic way my dad was right in the end though," she subconsciously shifted closer to the brunette and she wasted no time in loosely wrapping her arms around Nicole's waist.

"I was three weeks away from completing my residency when I came home from the lab, only to find my mom in a puddle of blood on the living room floor. My brother was in a similar state in his bedroom. My dad was nowhere to be found but I didn't care. It was his fault," she swallowed the lump in her throat and felt tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"I just grabbed my documents and a duffle bag with some clothes and ran. Booked the first flight to Romania to come stay at my grandparents'. Oh except they know what my dad is all about! Told me I had an hour to get some rest and be out of their house as they didn't want any trouble with my dad's people."

"I did grab a fuck ton of my dad's cash though so at least hotels weren't an issue," her words were coming out chocked, occasionally interrupted by sniffles. She rapidly whipped a hand across her face. "Have you ever been to Braşov? Old part of the city is quite lovely."

Cassandra grimaced. She didn't want to interrupt, but seeing Nicole in such a state made something in her unbeating heart ache. She gently wiped the trail of tears from her cheeks and placed a kiss on her temple from where she was sitting half behind Nicole. Then, with the softest voice she could muster, "And how did you meet Duke?"

Nicole's eyes widened slightly, apparently having forgotten that detail.

"Oh I stumbled upon his shop one day. I thought he was selling some neat stuff and he was nice so I kept coming back. One thing led to another and when I found out about a place off the map where no one gets in or out without help I thought it would be the perfect place to hide from the people trying to put a bullet through my head." Then she winced slightly. "I was also mildly tipsy when I made that decision."

Cassandra looked a little incredulous. "And he just brought you here?"

"I paid him."

Cassandra's expression turned to what could only be described as disappointed but not surprised. Then her attention went back on the redhead, glossy eyes fixated on the floor. To say she sucked at comforting others was an understatement. Daniela was far more well versed in the art of making others not feel miserable but she was nothing if not stubborn enough to try.

"Listen," she shifted to sit in front of her, hand placed gently on a wet cheek. "If anyone ever dares come near you with the intention of harming you, I'll make them regret every life choice that led them there. You're safe here." She may not be great with her words, but if Cassandra excelled in anything, it was keeping her loved ones safe. Loved one huh.

Nicole leaned into her touch, finally meeting Cassandra's eyes. There was a gentle kind of determination in her golden gaze, accompanied by a fiery rage that, for once in her life, brought comfort as opposed to terror. It came with the knowledge that it wasn't directed at her but at whoever may want to harm her.

She didn't doubt her words. Instead she shifted closer, face nuzzled in the crook of Cassandra's neck and, barely above a whisper, said: "Thank you."

[procrastinatorimagines]

Better Than They Know

Fandom: 9-1-1

Pairing: Evan Buckley x Reader

Warning/s: none

Word Count: 1,827

Request:  Hello! I Hope you're doing good! I don't know if you ccurrently do requests or not or if this is where to ask for them but I have one in case you do take them. Evan Buckley x reader where his parents come to town and they are really passive agressive towards him, complaining about his work and that he's "not as nice of a boy as he used to be" but he doesn't tell them to stop. Eventually they remark on his birthmark, hitting an old insecurity and reader comforts him? Thank you for your time! <33

You’d never met Buck’s parents, and he barely spoke about them, so when you got a call at work from your boyfriend telling you his family would be joining you both for dinner that night you’d spent the rest of the day fretting about what to wear, what to say, how to act...

Maddie and Chimney would be there too, but Buck had told you he wouldn’t survive the dinner without you, whatever that meant. You knew things weren’t great between the Buckley’s and their parents, but they’d both always been so vague on the details. Maybe you should have pushed, but you didn’t think you’d meet them this soon.

“They can’t be that bad, you and Maddie turned out great,” you tried, phone between your ear and your shoulder as you fastened the burgundy blouse you’d opted to wear. 

“Just wait until you meet them,” Buck said in a low voice, calling to check what time you’d be arriving. You could hear conversation in the background, definitely Maddie and two other voices you didn’t recognise, presumably the parents. 

“Is this really how you chose to decorate your living room?” You heard a female voice call out to Buck, hearing him sigh a little on the other end of the line, clearly wearing thin. 

“Okay, okay, I’ll come save you as soon as I can,” you promised, tucking your shirt in and searching for your earrings, curious to see just what Mr and Mrs Buckley were actually like.

“Thank you, thank you,” he repeated gratefully, getting called again by his parents as he hurried up his good byes, “I love you, see you soon.”

“I love you too, bye,” he hung up, leaving you to pick up the pace a little. He sounded stressed, and on edge, two things Buck rarely was. You wished he’d told you more about them, but you guessed you’d just have to find out when you arrived. 

Double checking you had everything and giving yourself one last look over in the full length mirror by your door, you headed out.

Buck had text you to just come right on in, so you made your way into his apartment and headed straight for the dining area, following the sounds of strained conversation with anticipation. Chimney seemed to be trying to carry a conversation, but it was clear from where you were standing that there was tension between the four Buckley’s.

Maddie gave you a pained look when she noticed you, still offering you a welcoming and almost pitying smile as the sound of your footsteps alerted the others to your presence.

Buck lit up, standing from his seat to kiss you. “Hey, glad you could make it,” he said, taking the wine you’d brought off of your hands so you could sit down.

“You must be Y/N,” the woman who was clearly Buck’s mother smiled, standing to hug you in greeting. It took you by surprise, but she seemed friendly enough. “I’m Donna, this is my husband Steve,” she told you, Steve standing up to shake your hand as you all settled down at the table.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” you told them, glancing between Buck and Maddie, then at a relieved looking Chimney. You’d come because Buck had wanted saving, but you actually thought he looked the most uncomfortable out of everyone here, which was saying something. 

“It’s lovely to finally meet you too, even though we haven’t heard very much about you,” Donna said with a pointed look at Buck, “I was hoping we’d get a chance to meet sooner, but it seems like we have to put in all the effort if we want to see our kids.”

“You know how busy we’ve been with work,” Buck explained, which was valid given that his parents lived out of state and both siblings worked five out of seven days a week. 

“You always are,” Steve retorted in a tone you couldn’t quite read, but from the way Maddie took a large gulp of her wine, you felt that this was an old issue in the Buckley family, and one that had probably already been brought up today.

The food looked lovely, so you settled in and took a bite as a bit of an awkward silence fell over the table, Chimney shooting you a sympathetic and knowing look that had you dreading what was to come.

“So Y/N,” Steve began, ignoring the looks of dread from both his children as he continued, “do you put on a costume and run into fires for minimum wage or do you have a proper job?” 

Oh crap. You slowly swallowed the food in your mouth, looking at him in a little bit of shock.

“Dad-” Maddie tried despairingly but he waved her off with a dismissive hand, still looking at you as he awaited your response. It suddenly felt like you’d turned up to an interview unprepared.

“Oh er, I’m a lawyer,” you replied finally, sticking more food in your mouth in the hopes of not having to say anything else on the matter. No wonder Chimney had looked so happy to see you - had he been subject to same third degree? From the way Steve had just spoke about firefighters, you figured you had your answer.

“Oh, see that’s what we wanted Evan to do, but...” Donna looked at Buck like some kind of child who’d just disappointed her, “it wasn’t his strong suit.”

You bit your tongue, your stubborn protectiveness rising up. These were Buck’s parents, there were certain rules of etiquette right? You couldn’t put them in their place? 

“I love my job,” Buck spoke up for the first time, “I’m good at my job, I help people-”

“Of course, we’re only saying we wanted more for you,” Donna clarified like that made what she said any better, or did she not even see anything wrong with it?

“What more could you want? That was your dream for me, not mine,” Buck replied defensively, the fake polite smile on Donna’s face vanishing. Steve put his cutlery down then, not happy with the tone Buck had just taken with his mother.

“Evan, really, what happened to that nice and polite boy we raised?” He scolded, voice stern. Buck clamped his mouth shut again quicker than you’d ever seen.

“Mr and Mrs Buckley-” you tried to interject, but Buck shook his head at you, resigning himself to accepting the criticism and insult once again.

You and Chimney shared a confused and helpless look, unsure of what to say or do in this situation but both wanting desperately to say or do something. 

The meal continued awkwardly, with snippets of small talk mixed in with the sound of cutlery and eating, and you naively began to think that the worst of it had passed. Donna had just asked what kind of law you specialised in, but by the time you’d finished explaining, it became clear that Mrs Buckley wasn’t done saying her piece from earlier.

“I’m glad Buck’s found someone mature and grown up, surprised, but glad,” she told you cheerfully, their complete lack of awareness at how terribly they talked to their children startling you once again.

“How so?” You asked, voice tight, your protectiveness beginning to boil over. Chimney saw the way you tensed, knowing you well enough to know that things were about to take a turn as he cleared he deliberately cleared his throat, warning you.

“Mom-” Buck tried with no small amount of desperation as Donna took a breath to reply to you, somehow unaware of your tone or expression.

“No no, you know what I mean, good job, good looking, Evan’s lucky he isn’t insecure about dating someone who earns more than him,” she and Steve laughed, but your jaw was clenched so tightly you thought your teeth were going to shatter, “oh don’t get me wrong, he is handsome, but we always said, he’d look much better if he fixed that mark on his face.”

You saw white as she tried to gently touch his face to make her point, looking a little insulted when Buck ducked away from her hand. She was about to make yet another comment when your knife and fork clanged down onto the plate with deliberate force, making her jump and stopping the conversation. Buck took that moment to get up, shoving his chair back and leaving the table.

“Buck!” Maddie called her brother, looking at her parents with disappointment. Donna shot back a questioning look, like she didn’t know what she’d said or done. 

“Evan we’re in the middle of dinner-” Steve seemed like he was about to lecture his son on his table manners, but you stopped listening, making a show of throwing your napkin down onto the table and glaring at both his parents before storming off after Buck without another word.

You found him in the bathroom, leaning with his hands on either side of the sink, head hung low and eyes closed. Without a word you went up behind him and wrapped your arms around his back, hugging him as you felt him release a breath, grateful as one of his arms moved to yours.

“I love you,” you told him, tightening your grip to emphasise the point, “they shouldn’t speak to you like that, they don’t have any right to.”

“They always have,” Buck sighed. You hated this, absolutely hated it, and you had just the mind to march back in there and tell Mr and Mrs Buckley just how much you hated it.

“That doesn’t mean they should,” you said with force, trying to convince him that he deserved more as you pulled the hand that was holding yours, getting him to turn around to face you. “Evan Buckley, you’re smart, you’re kind, you’re charming, and you’re ten times the man they could ever imagine, try not to forget that.”

“I not-” he began but you shook your head, not letting him get in a word of self-doubt and insecurity.

“Yes, you are, and even if I have to repeat it over and over, I’m going to keep saying it until you believe it too, okay?” You weren’t actually asking, and he knew that as he met your eyes, reluctantly nodding with a small smile of appreciation.

You sighed and wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. “I wish you could see yourself how I do, how the rest of us do, you’re far too good for them and better than they’ll ever know. I love you.”

“I- I love you too,” he got out, a little choked up by your sentiment as he cleared his throat and blinked a few times. “We er, we should probably get back in there and save Maddie and Chim, huh?”

You laughed, “I’ll try not to stab your parents with my knife, but I can’t say it’s a promise.”

[coffee-and-quill]

Birthday Wishes

Stucky x Reader: You have been feeling neglected lately, but Bucky and Steve promised they would be there for your birthday. When they don’t show up, you are left feeling broken, and they are left wondering how they will every make it up to you

Warnings: Angst, Bucky and Steve being adorable morons

_ _ _ _ _

It had been months since you spent any quality, romantic time with your boys. Months since you had woken up cuddled between them, months since they had eaten dinner with you or even gotten home before you fell asleep. Furthermore, it had been months since you had had any intimate sex, nothing more than a quick fuck before rushing off for work. You tried so hard not to get upset. They were superheroes after all; the great Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes, the Captain and the Soldier. Villains didn’t stop being villains just because you were feeling a little neglected.

           So you shut your mouth. You gave them polite smiles when they said they would have to stay late, you packaged up the dinners you made with love every night, you gave them quick kisses and declarations of love in the morning, and you hoped that things would slow down eventually. Life has a way, you figured out, of really taking the piss out of all of your hopes and dreams.

           You had told Steve and Bucky at least 50 times over the last three days that you needed them here on Saturday. You sent them texts, put notes up on the fridge, and even called Tony to explain the situation. They had missed Thanksgiving, they had missed Christmas, they had missed Valentines Day, they were not going to miss your birthday. You didn’t want anything but a full day of attention from the two men who you loved the most.

           Yet when you woke up that Saturday, your bed was cold. There was a not on the dresser from Steve saying that something important had come up and that he and Bucky would be back before dinner. You tried to hold back the feeling of dread. You told yourself that a romantic dinner with your loves was more than what you had gotten in a while, and that it was better than nothing. You might even be able to indulge in some well needed release with the two afterwards. So you sighed and began going about the preparations for that night.

           A feeling of peace came over you as you sipped your coffee and took out the ingredients for your cake. You had made one on every birthday you had shared with the boys. It was a favorite of all of yours: chocolate devil’s cake with rich ganache frosting and raspberry filling. You still remember the sinful moan that Bucky had let out when he first tried it on his birthday. You had almost creamed your panties on the spot. You smiled at the memory and continued to prep the ingredients, swaying your hips to the soft music playing. It was almost muscle memory at this point. When the cake was in the oven, you prepped the food for dinner. It was one of Steve’s mother’s recipes, rescued from the Smithsonian last year. You lived for the look of nostalgic glee that he got on his face whenever he came home to this meal. It made your heart soar.

           As the day wore on, you got more and more frustrated. You had gotten calls from your family, friends, even Tony had called to wish you a happy birthday, but you still hadn’t heard from your boys. It was getting later, closer to the time they would get off. You figured they wanted to surprise you. So you went upstairs, showered, and put on your favorite dress: a sleek, satin, red number that always made Steve and Bucky’s eyes grow dark. After, you set the table, placing the roses you had picked up yesterday into a crystal vase and lighting a few candles. You poured three glasses of the fancy wine you kept for special occasions and sat down to wait.

           By the time the clock rolled around to 9, you knew they weren’t coming. You had already drank half the wine and were feeling very, very pissed. You picked up your phone, hands shaking and tears on the edge of you eyes. The dial rang twice before Steve picked up.

           “Hey, sweetheart! Sorry, I didn’t realize the time. What’s up?” his voice was far too chipper, and it made you sick.

           “Where are you?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

           “We got caught up with something, there is a lot of paperwork. It looks like me and Buck will have to spend the night.”

           “I told you that I needed you today, Stevie.” You wanted to throw up.

           “I know sweetheart, but can we postpone? Maybe we can have date night next weekend?”

           You were crying now. Your breaths were coming in short bursts, and your heart felt like ice; a cold, heavy weight sitting in the middle of your chest making it impossible to breathe.

           Steve’s voice cut through, “Is everything alright sweetheart? Did something happen?” You could hear Bucky in the background, clearly recognizing the worry in his boyfriend’s voice. They had forgotten. You had been together for so long, and they had forgotten. You hung up without answering his question.

           The room was spinning. Everywhere you looked you saw the remnants of your life with the soldiers. Bucky’s work boots standing by the door, Steve’s favorite book on the coffee table, your mugs set up on the counter together. It was mocking you. You stumbled up to your shared room, ignoring the ringing of your phone downstairs. You didn’t want to think, you just wanted out, away from the pain, away from the reality of your loneliness. You threw some clothes in a duffle and left. You didn’t take your phone. You didn’t want to talk or be found. You could barely see as you drove, tears running down your face and smearing your makeup.

           Your mom didn’t ask any questions when she opened the door to find you there, still in your red dress with puffy eyes and a lost look. She opened your arms, and you fell into them and cried.

_ _ _ _ _

 Steve was already starting to panic when you didn’t pick up the third time. He racked his brain trying to figure out what was wrong. Did someone break in? Were you hurt? He vaguely remembered something about you asking them to take the day off, but it was lost in the panic of the attack. Some new recruits had returned from a scout to reveal information on three new Hydra bases that they hadn’t even known about. There was paperwork, lots of it, and plans that needed to be drawn up, teams that needed to be assigned. All of that seemed small at the thought of you hurt.

Bucky was pacing nervously. “Did she say anything else? Anything at all?” he asked, biting his lip.

“No,” Steve responded, “She hung up without answering.” The two super soldier were too preoccupied to notice Tony had entered. The billionaire eyed the men curious.

“I’m surprised you two aren’t home yet. I’d assume you’d had some grand plans for your girl’s birthday,” he said smirking. The words hit Steve like a bucket of ice water. He looked over, seeing Bucky with the same expression of shock, guilt, and fear.

Tony looked back and forth between them, and his cocky expression fell. “Don’t tell me-,” he didn’t finish. The boys were out of the room before he could, sprinting as fast as they could down the hall.

_ _ _ _ _

             The door swung open, nearly punching a hole in the wall as Steve and Bucky heaved through the door. One look told them all they needed to know. Steve walked up to the table, a gorgeous dinner lying cold on the plate and an empty bottle of wine next to two full cups and an empty one. The candles were burnt out and the roses had been knocked over. As he went further, his breath caught in his throat. The cake, so beautiful and made with so much love and effort, was smashed, and next to it on the counter was the promised ring he and Bucky had given you two years ago. A wretched noise left his throat as he sank to his knees.

           Bucky wasn’t fairing any better. His eyes scanned the room with military precision, but inside was a panic like nothing he had ever felt before. As Steve cried on the floor, he rushed past him and up the stairs to their bedroom, hoping to whatever god was out there that you were still here. He knew before he stepped in the room that his prayers were unanswered. The closet was open and your travel duffel was gone. Your toiletries which had so long held the place between his and Steve’s were missing, leaving a gaping hole on the counter that he could feel down to his soul. A cold feeling began to creep through him, starting deep in his chest and spreading outward. It was painful and heavy and dark, and Bucky hated it. He would take Hydra any day over this. What made it worse was he knew it was his fault, he knew and he could do nothing to fix it. You were gone.

           He trudged back downstairs where Steve sat motionless, still on the kitchen floor, clutching your ring like a lifeline. He slumped into one of the table seats, where he noticed your phone, abandoned and out of battery.

           “What are we going to do?” he asked, voice hoarse with emotion.

           Steve looked over, tearing up again. “I don’t know.,” he whispered. Bucky felt his heart sink even deeper.

[spencerhotchner]

Alternative {spencer reid}

Chapter 1 

summary: Since quarentine was announced, Y/N decided to rewatch all seasons of Criminal Minds. On a lonely night she wished she could be in that universe instead of this. What happens when she wakes up in 2008 in Quantico?

warnings: angst, a very confused reader, regular cm stuff and my grammar (if you find anything else pls lmk

word count: 2k

a/n: i have this idea while watching a movie about parallel universes and all, so i just wanted to try this out. it will be a 10 parts series! im not really sure about this, i think i kinda hate it but im posting it anyways lmao. i hope you gonna enjoy!

series masterlist

part 1 | part 2

You woke up feeling dizzy and with a major headache. At first you thought it was because you drank a whole lot of wine last night but then you saw yourself in a room you never saw before. You stoop up quickly trying to understand where you were and how did you end up there. You were sure that you have never been in this place before, and it was scaring you that you showed up in there.

There was a mirror nailed to the wall in from of you almost forcing you to look at your own body, that made you notice that you were still wearing the same clothes from last night, but you weren’t home. Not being home was odd given by the fact you stayed there with your family and two friends you invited over, since there’s a whole freaking pandemic going on and you for sure did not want to get sick or get other people sick. 

“Did I get kidnapped?” you think out loud. “No, I just watch too much Criminal Minds.” you tell yourself, trying to calm down.

You reach for the face mask placed on the nightstand, getting ready to leave this random place and go home. You tried not to freak out when you realized your phone was gone and the only cellphone in there was probably as old as your grandmother. You dialed your moms number about five times and all of them went on voicemail, making you curse mentally. 

This can’t be happening. Not to me.

As soon as you leave the apartment you were in you realized you weren’t in your hometown, definitely not. It was crowded, like, really crowded and no one was wearing any face masks. Where did the freaking pandemic go? You wondered while you felt like a misfit for being the only one wearing it. 

“Excuse me, can you tell me where I am?” you ask an old lady walking by.

“You’re on Main Street, sweetheart.” she says.

“No, um, I mean the city.” you watched as the old lady looked at you with a funny face, as if she was calling you crazy on her mind.

“We’re in Quantico, dear.”

“Quantico?” you repeat, mostly for yourself then for her. The lady started at you like you were an alien. “Thank you so much, ma’am.”

The air started to go low on you, how did you get to Virginia, anyway? That was across the country from where you lived, Bellevue in Washington state. You started lost walking, trying to understand what the hell was going on. It felt like you were on a parallel universe, like you were in a dream but couldn't wake up and it sure felt very real. You stoped a jornal shop taking a lot at the last newspaper in there, trying to figure if something happened that you were missing. However, nothing reported there shocked you, what did, though, was the date. 

July 1st, 2008

You were about to ask someone about it when you bumped into a blonde woman, falling on the ground. As soon as you looked up, you almost chocked yourself. If the day was already weird, this was even weirder. A.J Cook was standing right in front of you with a concerned look. You couldn't really say anything, just staring at her like she wasn't real. It was weird seeing her in front of you after only seeing her through screens. 

“I’m so sorry!” she said as she offered a hand for you to get up. “Are you ok?”

“I- um, yes! I’m fine.” you san, getting the dirt out of your outfit. “I’m a big fan of yours! Wish I had my phone here to take a picture but- sorry.“ you stoped talking, realizing she probably doesn’t care.

“Big fan of me? Wow, howcome somebody’s a fan of me?” she sounds surprised.

“Well, you’re on Criminal Minds.” you say as it was obvious. 

She looked at you as if you were out of your mind. Not that you weren't thinking otherwise at the moment, anyways. 

“I’m on what now?” she asked.

Maybe you got confused and she was the wrong person, but she looked so much like her to not be her. If they were not the same person, then definitely twins. This was so weird, once again, you found yourself asking ‘what the hell’ mentally.

“You’re JJ, Jennifer Jareau, FBI Agent and all.” you say, trying one more time. “Behaviour Analysis Unit...”

“Yea, that‘s me.” she let a nervous laugh comes out of her mouth. “How do you know me?”

‘This is weird’ you thought. How does she not understand where you know her from? Literally Criminal Minds, like you said at first. ‘Maybe this is all a dream.’

“I saw you on tv” you try.

“Oh, I see! You like law enforcement?” she asks you.

“Oh yes, I’m in law-school to be a judge someday.” you answered. “The show, all of it just makes me wanna put all them bad guys in jail.” you say, laughing a bit. 

“The show...? What?” you hear her whisper, but decide to ignore it. “What’s the mask about?” JJ asks, making you look at her surprised.

“Um, covid-19?” you say like it’s obvious, because it is.

“Oh, sure...” she smiles as she says it, almost like she's only agreeing because she won't discuss it. “Great talking to you, really, but I gotta go, FBI duty calls.” she jokes.

You smile at her watching carefully as she picks up her phone from her pocket and pick up a call. That phone looked awfully old, like 2000’s old. Why would a famous actress have that kinda of phone? Then, you looked around trying to understand more about what was going on. It was all too out of place.

First, nobody wearing masks, not even a single person but you. Second, you were in a city in which is miles away from your own. Third, a famous actress acted like she’s nobody. And fourth, the date on the calendar said 2008.

If it wasn’t just impossible I would say I time travelled into Criminal Minds universe.

After standing there for literal 10 minutes trying to figure it out what you were going to do, you decide to go to the police department. After all, you may have been abducted, right? Because you didn’t have any knowledge of the place, you took quite some time to get there. As soon as you got there you sigh in relief, that has been quite a walk and damn, you were tired of this situation. 

“Excuse me, ma’am, can you help me?” you ask to the lady standing behind the counter.

“Sure, dear. What do you need?” she looks up at you, taking her glasses of her face.

“I think I might have been abducted?” you start. “I woke up in this random apartment.”

“Maybe you had a one-night stand.” she said putting back her glasses.

“No! I am sure I didn’t because first of all, there’s a pandemic going on, second of all I was in Bellevue in Washington state when I went to sleep.” you yell, involuntarily, desperate to make her believe in you. 

“Miss, I’m gonna need you to calm down or you will be escorted out of the building. You’re probably on drugs, there's nothing we can do for you.”

“Fuck you.” you say as you watch her face get all red.

Frustrated. That could define what you were feeling, scared and worried could do the work, as well. What were you going to do now? Go to the FBI to see if they could freaking understand why you simply appeared in Quantico? Didn't sound like a bad idea in your mind as you decided to just try it out. After all, you were already pretty screwed up, it would worth a shot.

You reached for your back pocket, hoping that the money you shoved in there more than a week ago would still be in there. Bingo! You pull out a 20 dollar bill out of it and the next thing you know you’re getting into a cab asking him to take you to the FBI. Now that’s something you never thought would happen. The travel was quite quick, in 20 minutos you were standing in front of that big isolated building. It looked like it was taken straight out of your favorite show, that was insane. 

The wind blew hard on you when you got out of the vehicle, making you shiver a little, that reminded you that you did not have any clothes nor money to buy more. God, you did not even have where to go. You didn't even get the chance to get into the building as a big man steps in front of you, blocking your way. 

“Miss, you're not allowed in this building.” he said without much expression. 

“But, sir-” you started, as you saw he was about to interrupt you, you go on. “Ive been abducted and I don't know where or how the hell did I get in here, I’m completely hopeless... Please.” you beg him.

He started at you for a couple of seconds, that felt like centuries for you, just to sigh at you.

“Ok, follow me.” he said. “Do not make me regret this.” 

“I-I won’t, sir.” you were quick to answer. 

The agent asked another man to cover up for him as he led me into the building. Once again you found yourself admired of how much it did look like a Criminal Minds episode in there, if you weren't totally desperate you'd be amused. Soon, you two were out of the elevator on floor 8, leading with the words Behavior Analysis Unit quite big. 

“Can you take her to Agent Jareau, please?” the man said to someone who passed by, who simply agreed. 

Now, that's a funny coincidence, there's actually an Agent Jareau in the BAU. 

You followed the woman with questioning trying to stay calm when you saw Matthew Gray Gubler sitting on a desk reading some book in Reid style, almost like he was Spencer himself. If you had any doubts you were going crazy, that was the final proof. You stoped walking, taking a stare at him and then at the Agent that stared a you like you were an alien.

“Is there something wrong?” she asks you. “Miss, are you ok?”

You were unable to answer for a few seconds when you finally opened you mouth, still trying to figure it out how to say what was on your mind without sounding completely insane.

“Is that Dr. Spencer Reid?” 

And that was all you’re able to say because as soon as you let his name out of your mouth he looked up at you, trying to somehow recognize you. You were sure, that time, that you never looked - and sounded - as insane as right now. 

“Yes, that's me.” he answers. 

His voice was the last thing you could hear before everything go black. Maybe you were finally going to wake up. Maybe. 

[voxmortuus]

New Job | Chapter 2 - Did I Make A Mistake?

Billy Russo x F!Reader | Billy Russo x F!Plus-Sized Reader

Punisher Fanfic

TW: Angst, Questionable thoughts and ending actions, Angry Billy Russo, dominant Billy

Gif by @sun-summoners

This was it, the start to your new life, something you thought you would never do. After quitting your job after your meeting yesterday with Mr. Russo you had a new thought process, a new way of thinking, especially after how he handled that secretary of his. A part of you felt better than working as his secretary, but at the same time, one must start somewhere right? With a small sigh, you dress for work, putting on your best modest outfit for work. A black skirt that hits above the knee, a deep red silk blouse, a couple buttons undone at the top, your hair pulled back into a tightly slick ballerina type bun and a pair of your favorite black heels.

Sitting in the mirror doing your makeup you check your teeth and give yourself a once over before you stand up and brush your hands over your skirt. Looking around you grab your long black wool trench coat and your briefcase filled with notebooks, pens, and a few odds and ends, and your favorite breath mints and a purse and head to the curb for your car that Billy had sent for you. You look around and the driver tells you to get in as he holds open the door.

"Ms. Y/LN, Mr. Mr. Russo sent this for you, time to get to work." he tells you holding open the back door. Nodding you get into the vehicle and place your stuff on the seat next to you and you wait, almost panicked. You never liked the first day of work, it always made you nervous, but you were excited about this, something new in your life was good you tell yourself. You hoped you wouldn't fuck it up, that was the last thing you needed.

Getting into the office you notice you were there before he was, so that was a good start. Little did you know how this day was truly going to go. You looked over the phone took down the voicemails from the night before, and jotted down names and numbers along with their messages. You started a pot of coffee and flipped through the files on the desk putting them in the appropriate places and taking the appropriate measures for what was needed in the instructions left on the desk.

Taking a seat at the desk you look at the clock, 1 minute until the boss comes in. With a small breath you get his coffee ready and the files ready in your grasp. You stand waiting, hearing his voice you let out a heavy breath. He walks past you, saying nothing. You follow behind handing him his coffee, his files, and the messages from the night before.

"Good Morning Mr. Russo, I have your cof--"

"That'll be all."

"But I ha-" I said that will be all, he snarled.

Your brow furrows as you leave the office closing the door softly to be sure not to trigger anything. Letting out a breath you take a seat. He just seems so angry. You hear your mother's voice in your head. "He's upset, angry, pent up, you know how men get when they're pent up. They get pissy, prissy, snippy, and unruly. Blow him, girl sometimes that's the only way to get where you want in life." You shake your head and try to not listen in on his conversation but it's rather difficult not to when he's yelling.

"For fuck sake! I didn't agree to that!" he snarled slamming down his phone. "CAMILLE!" He yelled. You didn't move. "COME NOW!" he yelled again.

Standing you clear your throat. "Y/N, Mr. Russo, my name is Y/N." You remind him.

"Whatever, cancel my meetings for today." He tells you.

"Yes Mr. Russo." You respond.

"Sir." He snaps.

"Excuse me?" You question walking away.

"It's Yes. Sir." He snarls lowly.

You don't say anything and walk out. Slamming your hand on the desk but not hard enough for him to hear you take a seat in the chair and let out a heavy breath shaking your head you fix your shirt a moment before looking down at your nails and sit there behind your desk staring at a blank screen. The phone rings. You answer it.

"Sorry, but he's canceled that meeting today. He didn't give me a reschedule date, I am sure Mr. Russo will contact you with the appropriate date." The man on the other end snaps at you telling you that it was a major inconvenience and that you should find another line of work because clearly, you don't know what you're doing. You slam the phone down and you stand up and walk to the bathroom and lock the door.

Breaking down you shake your head wondering if this was the biggest mistake you could make for yourself. After 20 minutes you head back to your desk and take a seat fixing your makeup a bit you close your eyes and you jump a moment as he flings open his door.

"Y/N... where were you?" he asks his tone of voice stern.

"The bathroom Mr. Russo." You respond.

"You left the phone unattended..." He states.

"My apologies, I will put it to voicemail next time." You respond.

"Do you want this job Y/N? Like really really want it?" He asks looking you over. Noticing your blouse open a bit, and he eyes you, before making his way back to your face.

"Yes Mr. Russo." You respond.

"Then I suggest you start doing it."

"Yes Mr. Russo." You softly respond.

He turns and walks away. You have no idea why today is the way it is, you haven't done anything wrong, you've done exactly what was expected of you. You went as far as making his fucking coffee. You chalk it up to just being one of those days. You close your eyes and shake your head and pull out your cell phone and send your mother a text.

I think my new boss hates me.

You told me he loved your forwardness.

I know, but today is such a shit day. I am being yelled at, ridiculed, and questioned on if I even want my job.

Is he married?

Mom what?

Is. He. Married?

No mom, Jesus.

Get on your knees. Trust me. It isn't because he's your boss, he's clearly sex-deprived.

Thanks, Mom.

Now your response was sarcastic, but what if she had a point? You look back at the door, tilting your head. Looking down at the clock and shake your head. Going against the suggestion of your mother you keep quiet, answer the phones. Looking at the clock, forwarding phone calls, he had kept you alone the rest of the day.

Looking at the door you are putting things where they belong for the end of the night and he calls you into his office. Walking in.

"Yes Mr. Russo?" You ask

"Meetings rescheduled?"

"Yes, except one, you didn't give me a date for that one." You respond.

"I will take care of it. Tomorrow, I want you in my office, bent over my desk, present yourself to me. You are to wear exactly what I send you home that is in the back of the car. You are to go home, shave, take care of yourself, lotion up, and I expect you to me smooth and clean shaven again touched up and smooth to the touch when I get in here. You are to wear only what is provided to you and that alone, am I clear?" he asks you looking over you, almost undressing you with his eyes.

"Umm."

"Did I stutter? No. Am. I. Clear Y/N?" He asks you one last time.

Biting your lip you nod. "Yes Sir." you slip closing your eyes letting out a soft breath you think about what he had to say, and you look down at yourself and close your eyes.

"You are free to go." He states watching you walk away.

You go to your desk after closing the door and your face is hot, you're flushed and unsure how to respond not quite registering what just happened in the conversation. You gather your belongings and head down to the car. Getting in there is a bag, inside the bag is a deep red dress, a pair of red lace panties and a matching bra, and a pair of black heels and his choice of perfume. Letting out a breath before you know it the door is open.

"Have a pleasant evening Ms. Y/LN." The driver responds and you look at him and smile before stepping out with the bag and your belongings thanking him you walk to your apartment heading up to your floor you think about what happened back at work and admittingly you got excited about how forward he was, biting your lip you do exactly what he told you to do, shower, shave, lotion, you slip into your robe, opting for leftovers for dinner and a glass of red wine and you sit on your balcony watching the city, thinking about him in ways that would make the innocent blush, and thinking about what tomorrow may hold, and how that will change the aspect of your work.

[sisterspooky1013]

Only One Choice, Part 2, Chapter 2

Read it here on AO3 / Tagging @today-in-fic

“Oh, hi Dana,” Maggie says, drying her hands on a dishtowel. “Should I have been expecting you today?”

Dana shakes her head from her mother’s doorstep. “No, sorry for dropping by unannounced, I was just...driving around. I thought I’d say hi.”

“Of course, sweetheart, come on in.” Maggie ushers her inside and puts on a pot of coffee. “Did you and Ethan have a good New Year?” she asks, pulling the creamer out of the fridge.

“Yes, it was fine. We just had a quiet night at home, nothing exciting,” she responds blandly.

They get situated in the front room, the warmth of the afternoon sun streaming in the windows and betraying the chill outside. Dana watches a pair of squirrels as they forage for acorns stashed away in the summer months. It occurs to her that the nuts they will eat were hidden before she married Ethan. Possibly even before she broke Mulder’s heart. It feels like lifetimes ago, and yet it was recent enough that the fruit of its season is still edible.

“Dana,” Maggie says gently, “can I ask you something? And I hope you won’t take offense.”

“Sure, mom,” she answers, not looking away from the furry foragers.

“Are you happy?”

Dana turns to look at her mother, finding her with a concerned and empathetic expression.

“What do you mean?” she asks. She’s worked so hard to be okay, but maybe she’s not doing as well faking it as she thought.

“Dana, you are my most level-headed child,” Maggie begins, “I have never questioned your decisions or your logic, or your path for your life. It’s so clear that you make your choices with great intention and consideration, and that’s why I didn’t say anything.”

“Say anything about what?” Her breath is becoming just a bit labored. It feels like her mother is about to reveal something significant to her, only about herself.

“You changed, Dana, after you and Ethan got engaged. It was like the light went from your eyes. I didn’t understand it, but I trusted that you knew what you wanted and chalked it up to jitters. But it’s been nearly three months, and I thought I’d have my daughter back by now.”

The pain in her mother’s eyes brings a lump to her throat and she swallows against it. Her chin quivers just a bit, but she fights to maintain control. It’s something she’s needed to do often as of late.

“Mom, how did you know that Dad was the person you were supposed to spend your life with?” she asks hoarsely, and Maggie’s face contorts into a mask of pained understanding as she takes her daughter’s hand.

“I knew,” she starts but then stops again, looking out the window with a faraway quality to her gaze. “I knew because when I was with him I felt alive, like he really saw me. And whenever I wasn’t with him, he was all I thought about.” Maggie turns again to look at her daughter with shining eyes, the memory of her late husband still one that pricks at the pain of her loss.

“But did you always feel that way, even after you’d been together for years?” Dana further interrogates. Certainly such a strong feeling must fade with time.

“It changed, of course, after four kids and dozens of moves and deployments. It wasn’t as consuming, we didn’t have time for it to be. But yes, in the moments that mattered, I still felt it. I still do now, and not having him here to reflect it back to me is what made losing him so hard.”

Dana nods tersely, looking out the window again as she sets her jaw against the tears. They still come, as she hasn’t mastered control over her tear ducts even after months of surreptitious crying.

“Mom,” she croaks out, turning back to look at the face of a person she knows loves her without question. “I think I made a mistake.”

“Oh, honey,” Maggie replies, tears filling her own eyes in sympathy for her child’s suffering. “There’s no mistake that can’t be fixed.”

Dana shakes her head and then lets it drop regretfully. “I can’t do that. To Ethan, to you. I already didn’t get married in the church, and I know how much shame a divorce would bring to you,” she says to her lap.

“Dana,” Maggie says with some exasperation, “do you realize that you’re suggesting that you should spend the rest of your life unhappily married because you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings? Ethan will survive. He will find someone else who wants to be with him as much as he wants to be with them. I can certainly live through Marilyn Webber giving me the hairy eyeball at mass for a few weeks. You deserve to be happy, honey. And if that’s not possible with Ethan, you should move on.”

“Move on to what?” Dana asks in a whisper, wiping at her nose with the back of her hand.

“I don’t know, sweetheart. But you’ll never find out if you don’t start moving.”

———

She waits with a glass of wine in her hand, the third she’s consumed this evening waiting for him to come home, waiting to ruin his life so that she might save her own. He walks in the door sighing heavily, a sure sign of a bad day, and she’s afraid she might lose her nerve. He stops when he sees her perched in the armchair. It’s no accident that she chose a place where he couldn’t sit beside her.

“Dana, you’re home early,” he remarks, looking at her with confusion and a little concern.

“Uh, yeah. Can we- can you sit down, please? We need to talk.”

The worry in his eyes as he sits on the end of the couch closest to her makes her heart speed up. Just do it. Do it before you chicken out.

“Are you okay?” he asks hesitantly, and she nods her head emphatically.

“I’m fine, Ethan, it’s nothing like that.”

He looks at her expectantly, bracing himself. She closes her eyes.

“Ethan. You- you are a wonderful person. A wonderful husband.”

“But…” he interjects for her. She opens her eyes and sees that his expression has changed from worry to resignation. Almost like he knows what’s coming.

“I’m so sorry, Ethan. You haven’t done anything wrong. I’m just not- I don’t think we’re right for each other.” She takes a deep breath and a sip of wine. She’s almost there. Maybe he’ll take it the rest of the way for her.

He sits back on the couch, giving her an appraising look. “Since when, Dana? How long have you felt this way?” She can hear irritation in his tone.

She shakes her head gently. “That doesn’t matter, Ethan-”

He sits up abruptly and cuts her off. “It matters to me, Dana. Did you marry me knowing that your feelings had changed?”

She feels her chin pucker, the tears gathering in her eyes. She doesn’t respond.

He drops his head and gives a derisive little laugh, looking at the floor as he speaks. “I noticed the difference in you. I just didn’t want to believe it.” He lifts his head and there are tears in his eyes too, but his voice is steady. “Five years, Dana. What the hell happened to us?”

Mulder. Mulder happened to us, she thinks. But there is no value in telling him that.

“I’m so sorry, Ethan,” she says in a strained whisper.

“Yeah, you said that,” he replies dryly. “So, what do you want, to go to counseling? Get divorced?”

She looks at her lap. “We don’t have to get divorced. We’re not technically married,” she says quietly, shame constricting her throat.

“What the hell are you talking about?” he asks incredulously. “I did not hallucinate our wedding, I remember very clearly that you barely got through the vows.”

“Um, Charlie was supposed to sign the wedding license, we were supposed to sign it as well, and two witnesses, before it could be mailed in and registered with the state. Missy found it at Mom’s the next day, blank. I guess we all just forgot.”

He’s quiet for a long time. When she looks up at him, his jaw is set and angry tears are streaming down his cheeks.

“You were never going to tell me, were you?” he asks quietly.

She looks away.

“Goddamn it, Dana!” he shouts, slamming his palm down on the coffee table. She jumps at the sudden outburst.

“I’m so sorry,” she says again. She doesn’t know what else to say.

He stands and goes to put his coat and shoes back on. “I need to get out of here,” he says as he stuffs his wallet in his pocket and collects his keys. He’s almost out the door when he stops and turns back. “What happens now?”

“I’ll go stay at my mom’s for the week, so you can….” she can’t quite voice the rest.

“Move out. Right. This is your place. Always was. Well, I guess since we’re not actually married there’s nothing more to do. Good luck, Dana. I hope you figure out what you want.”

“I’m so sorry,” she says again.

“Yeah, me too,” he says before pulling the door closed behind him.

[oscar-lettjohanssonloveme]

Stop Running (Cordelia x Wilhemina x fem!reader x Ally)

idk what we got here, but its reeeeeeally long and made with google translate..so excuse me

summary: you have to meet the son of your girlfriends and he reminds you of ur dead brother and all the memories of ur childhood come back

warnings: suicide, depression, scars, child abuse..

Being in a relationship with 3 women at the same time was probably something like the jackpot. Before, you didn't even think you'd get one and now you had 3.

You still remembered the night these three women came into the club where you worked as a waitress. In the beginning it was just little things like saying 'please' and 'thank you' when you brought them something. Most of the people who came to this club got drunk too quickly to be polite.

Then they started asking you questions.

“What's your name?”

“How is it possible that a pretty girl like you works in a club like this?” (a question that made you blush)

“How can we get your attention?”

And at one point you gave a shit about your work and sat with them for the rest of the night. And at dawn they took you to their bed with them. You were the only sober person that evening, but the next morning none of the 3 were surprised or angry about your presence.

It had developed into a frequency, every Friday night they'd come to the club only to leave with you at the end of the night. And at some point it became more.

The trio had piqued your interest since the first night, which was probably because there were three of them and later you wanted to know everything about them. You found out that Ally was widowed with a son, that Wilhemina had her cane with scoliosis and that she had a secret fetish for the Victorian era, and that Cordelia was the headmistress of a witch's school, they all lived in.

And at some point you had to find out that you were in love with all three at once.

You loved Mina's severity and how proud she walked despite her scoliosis. No one had ever walked so gracefully with a cane, you were sure of that.

You loved seeing how gentle and balanced Delia was with everyone.

And you loved Ally when she explained the world to you and was the smartest person in the room.

The problem was that you were too scared. These women had known each other for a number of years and you had only known them for a few weeks. How many times have you wondered if you were just a distraction for her bedroom?

You were ashamed of this question and started avoiding contact with them. But when they confronted you, you finally revealed your feelings to them.

They weren't angry, on the contrary, they started laughing.

———————————

"We thought you knew that we love you too and were now afraid that you would avoid us because of that .." said Delia.

"Oh .." you mumbled confused.

"We're sorry we never made it official .." Ally said, putting a hand on your knee. "We thought it was obvious .."

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

And now you've finally been living with them for a week. You almost lived with them anyway. You knew the big building of the academy almost by heart, Delia's girls knew and liked you, and most of the time you spent in the trio's rooms instead of your own little apartment.

There was a little problem though: Oz, Ally's son.

Ally had decided it would be better if you didn't meet him until you officially lived with them. It wasn't up to you, but the circumstances were very complicated. If one mother died and you had two new ones, you didn't need a third.

The night you found out about Oz's existence, Ally had also told you the story of the Cult and how she killed Ivy.

—

"I want there to be no secrets between us. And I'm not proud of what I did, but it's part of me now .." she had said.

"We have all done things that we are not proud of .." was your reply.

—

The three of them tried to prepare Oz for you as best they could, which wasn't difficult because Oz wasn't a complicated kid. And you had been confident, because actually you got on well with children.

"Oz is in his room .." Ally said as she walked into your living room. She grabbed your hands to pull you up from the sofa before kissing you on the cheek.

Both of you were at home alone at the moment, as Delia and Mina were working afterwards.

You gave her a warm smile and together you went to the boy's room. Ally knocked on the door briefly before opening it. Her hand never left yours. A blond boy was sitting on the bed reading a comic. "Oz, this is Y / N .. I told you about her .." Ally said. The boy, Oz, raised his head and looked straight at you. Your breath caught at the sight of him.

He looks like Leo, was your first thought.

This little boy looked just like your little brother had looked that age. You got dizzy. All that you repressed in the last few years suddenly all shot back into your memory. Your abusive father, who hobbled on a stick because of his broken leg and didn't fail to punish Leo or you for anything senseless. Your alcoholic mother who drowned her frustration in alcohol and was never there when you needed her. And Leo, your Leo that you loved so much. How many times did you want to run away and stay because of him? Then this picture shot in your head, you were 17 at the time and he was 15. One day you came home and his dead body had tumbled from the ceiling by his belt. He couldn't take it anymore and you hated yourself so much that you didn't notice.

"Honey?" Ally's voice brought you back to the present. You looked away from Oz, who was now looking at you in confusion, and fixed your gaze on Ally. "I thought it would be better if I gave you some time alone .." she whispered.

"Sure ..", you nodded slowly.

She smiled and squeezed your hand. "Good .." was the last thing she said before leaving the room.

You stood lost in the boy's room, who by now was fixated on his comic again, and didn't know what to do. You wanted to run after Ally, bury you in her arms and start crying. But you knew that it probably wouldn't go down too well with Oz, so you just paused.

"She's happy again .." Oz suddenly said without looking up from his comic.

"Excuse me, what?"

"I mean mom .. she laughs a lot more .."

"Didn't she do that before?", You were confused.

"Yea .. but it always seemed so forced .. When Delia and Mina started to meet her, she felt like shit and she had to get back to normal, she was somehow sick or something like that .. I think she is happy to have someone who didn't see her as this wreck and that's why she's happy .. "

You didn't answer what he said because you couldn't judge it.

So it takes three women to replace one .. you thought and immediately hated yourself for it.

"What are you reading?" You walked slowly to the bed and sat down next to Oz.

"Avengers .." he muttered.

Inside you were relieved, at least something you knew.

"And do you like it?", You looked into the book and began to read along. "It's cool .." he said curtly and read on.

"That's Civil War .." you stated after two minutes. Confused, he looked at you sideways. "You know it?" "Of course.." He nodded shortly before looking back into the book. "Are you Team Cap or Team Iron Man?" You asked. "Although I like Iron Man more, Team Cap .. The way Shield is fighting him here sucks," Oz said and you nodded. You noticed the Iron Man movie poster hanging on his closet. "Have you seen the films?" "Nope .." he shook his head. "Mom won't let me .." "How old are you?" "11 .." "Okay well .. maybe I can talk your mom and we can watch her together .." you said.

"Are you serious? ..", he looked at you skeptically. "Yes .." you nodded. "I mean it's her choice, but I don't think the films are that dangerous you can't watch them .." "That would be cool .." he muttered, staring at the Iron Man poster.

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

"How about Oz, Y / N?" Asked Mina, who was sitting across from you. You looked up from your meal.

"Good .." you mumbled briefly

"Good ..?" She repeated before taking another sip of her red wine. Her eyes were still attached to yours.

"Yes ... I think I'll be able to make friends with him .." you added when you noticed that your answer was a bit short.

It was 10 p.m. and the four of you hadn't eaten with the other girls and Oz as usual, but only did it now because Mina had come home so late. And you had been noticeably quiet, still thinking about your Leo.

Ally put a hand on your knee under the table as she always did to calm you down. "You seemed very ..", she searched for words. "impressed? I don't know .."

"Uhm yes .. I was a little bit overstrained ..", you tried to smile at her, but you could still feel Mina's penetrating look. Like she's trying to look inside your head.

Cordelia, realizing the tense mood, let out a laugh.

"Overstrained would also fit our attitude when we met him for the first time ..", she said and threw a loving look at Mina.

"yeah?" You asked confused, because Cordelia always got on well with everyone.

"Oh yes .." she continued. "Ally had also left us alone with him and we didn't even know what to do .. I think it is already difficult for a child to accept one new person in the mother's life and then two ... it was all a little bit complicated.."

"And what did you do then?"

"We ended up playing Monopoly .." she said with a grin. You started to laugh. "Monopoly?" "Yes and in the end Mina was angry because she had lost .." You looked at Mina, who blushed. "Those were the wrong rules we were playing with .." she muttered. "You're just a bad loser, honey .." Cordelia said, still grinning.

Smiling you looked back and forth between the women. "So are you all right?" Ally asked again, drawing your attention back to herself. You nodded quickly. "yes, it's all good. Oz is great .. so he told me that you wouldn't let him watch the Marvel films .. they really aren't that bad, I think it's okay .."

"You think so?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Jesus Ally, don't feel criticized right away..I just mean that I could imagine watching them with him..you know, then this thing with befriending him might work better ..", you said and started playing with your fingers

Her eyes relaxed at your words. "I think that's no problem .."

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

The next day you lay on the sofa, tired, trying to get some sleep. At night it was impossible: every time you closed your eyes, you saw the picture of the dead Leo in front of your eyes.

Ally was sitting at the end of the sofa with your legs in her lap, her fingers running over them, while she was reading an article on her cell phone.

An approaching knock made you flinch and your body stiffened, which Ally didn't go unnoticed. This is your father, you startled for a moment.

"Don't worry, Princess .. outside of the bedroom, Mina's walking stick is no danger for you .." Ally said to you and laughed.

She might found it funny, but her words made you scared, not that you wouldn't be interested in this type of sex ... But the thought of Mina hitting you with her stick made you feel uncomfortable.

"Oz is looking for you Y / N ..", Mina said as she entered the room and saw Ally and you on the sofa. You nodded briefly and jumped up to go to the boy. "Thanks Mina .." was the last thing you muttered before you left the room.

Oz was in his room, as expected. You knocked just before you entered. He was sitting at his desk doing homework.

"Mina said you'd look for me .." you said and stepped up to him. "Are we watching Iron Man today?" He asked without looking up from his duties. "Today?", You were surprised. Ally had given Oz permission to watch the movies with you at breakfast, but you didn't expect to start today. "Yup.." "uhm...Sure" "Cool ..", he raised his head and grinned crookedly. Leo shot through your head. "See you later Y / N .." "See you then," you mumbled and left his room.

A few hours later you were sitting next to Ally's son on the sofa and tried to concentrate on the film. Oz sat next to you, focused on the film and just made a few comments.

The whole evening was relatively relaxed until Oz put his head on your shoulder and immediately you were a 13 year old girl again and next to you was not your lover's son, but your 10 year old brother Leo. You weren't in the living room either. You sat crouched at the end of your bed, Leo next to you, his head on your shoulder. The TV had turned into a door that you and Leo are now staring at, concentrating on the voices behind it. It was your father fighting with your mother. Your heartbeat quickened immediately. You could hear his footsteps as he hobbled his stick down the hall. It became harder to breathe when you saw the doorknob move down and-

"It works better than I expected.." Ally's voice whispered and you were immediately back in the living room.

"Is everything okay?" She asked confused when she saw your distraught look. You nodded slowly. "Yes-", you stuttered. "I'm just a little surprised, I thought it would be more complicated to make friends with Leo .." "Leo?", Ally sat down on the sofa and pulled her sleeping son into her lap. "Oz ..." you corrected yourself quickly. "I have no idea how I come up with Leo .. in the film someone was called that .." "You're shaking Y / N .." Ally remarked and saw you concerned at. "I'm sorry," you looked down at your trembling hands. "I'm just very nervous about Oz I think .."

Ally smiled. "You don't have to .. you're doing great .."

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

The next morning the 4 of you, Oz and the other girls were having breakfast together.

"That was cool last night, Y / N .." Oz said suddenly and your attention was on him.

"I think so too ..", you smiled gently at him.

"What I can think of .." Ally remarked. "I have a meeting tonight and Mina has to work late ... so you'll be alone with Oz ..." She looked back and forth between you and Cordelia. "I'm out .." Delia said and sipped her coffee. "Misty and I are going to the greenhouse tonight .." "Oz and I can come with you..I am sure that Oz-" "Misty and I want to be there alone, Y / N .." Cordelia shot you an apologetic look.

"Oh okay ..", you looked carefully at Oz, who was too busy with his food to catch anything in your conversation. "That's not a problem for you, is it?" Ally asked. You shook your head quickly. "No.."

So the subject was off the table and Mina's eyes stabbed your skin again. Although she hadn't said anything, she was probably the one who felt your discomfort the most.

In the evening you and Oz had dinner alone and at first everything went well, you talked about the movie from the previous evening over dinner and you didn't have to think about Leo at all.

"okay .." you started and stood up. "I'll tidy up the kitchen and that's when you finish your homework .." Oz grinned. "Whoever finishes first .." he said and ran out of the room. You had to smile when you started washing the dishes. 10 minutes later Oz walked slowly into the room and you immediately noticed that something was wrong.

"What's up?" You frowned. Oz without a word took out his soccer ball and a few broken pieces from behind his back. "What's that?" You asked calmly.

"I finished my homework and was playing with the ball in the living room. The ball hit Delia's vase and it fell from the cupboard .." he whispered and looked at the broken pieces in his hand.

You stared at him and saw Leo again and wondered what your dad would have done to him now. Tears stung your eyes. "I can't do this anymore .." you sobbed and buried your face in your hands.

Oz looked up at you with wide eyes. "I'm really sorry, Y / N! It wasn't on purpose ... I-"

"Oz no-" you said quickly and crouched down to look at him directly. "I'm not mad at you .. You know, I'm even glad that the thing is broken .. To be honest, I found the vase totally hideous .." "Really?" He asked skeptically. You nodded and tried to smile. "Are you hurt?" "No .." he shook his head.

"Well ... let's clean up the mess now and please don't play with the ball in the house anymore."

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

"Something is wrong with Y / N .." you heard Ally say to Cordelia the next evening.

You actually wanted to go to them in the living room, but when you heard your name, you couldn't help but stop to hear what they said about you.

"What do you mean?" You heard Delia ask. Ally seemed to think twice about what to say. "Oz told me last night that she started crying when he told her, the vase was broken .." she finally said.

Fuck. You closed your eyes

"I would probably have cried too, I liked the vase .." joked Cordelia. Ally groaned. "That's not funny Delia .. When I walked into the living room the day before, when Oz and Y / N were watching this movie, she also looked totally scared. She was shaking and looked like she was going to cry any moment .." she said.

Delia hummed thoughtfully. "Did you ask her about it?" "She said she was so nervous about Oz, but I don't believe her .. I guess-"

"What are you doing here in the dark, princess?" Mina's lips to your ear made you jump.

"Jesus, Mina .." you cursed and turned to your girlfriend. You could see her grinning in the moonlight that shone in through the hall window. "I didn't hear you coming .."

"If you can't even hear me coming, then you must have been really distracted .." she said, sounding somehow sad. "Let's go in. Unless you want to keep staring at the door here ..", she reached past you to open the door. You gave way and pointed into the room. "Age before beauty .." you just said and made her laugh before she entered the room in front of you.

The previous conversation between Ally and Delia never seemed to have taken place because they both just sat there, Delia read a book and Ally scrolled through her cell phone.

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

"Happy Birthday, Princess ..", Cordelia whispered in your ear in the morning and let you wake up. "How do you know that?", You grumbled tired and slowly opened your eyes. Delia sat next to you in the Scross-legged in bed. "I am the supreme, i know everything ..", she said smugly and let you snort in annoyance. "Of course you do .." you mumbled and sat up. "Where are Mina and Ally?"

"At work? Honey, it's 11 am .." Cordelia laughed. "And what are you still doing here?" You asked confused. "Can't I spend time with my girlfriend when it's her birthday?" She smiled sweetly at you.

"Do the others know ..?"

"Nope ..", she bit her lip. "I kind of felt like you wouldn't like it if we knew ..." "I don't either," you confirmed. "Still, you'll be sad when you find out .." she muttered.

For a moment it was quiet between the two of you and you just stared at each other. And just as you were wondering how Cordelia could look so good, even though she had just woken up too, she leaned over and kissed you.

"mh delia-" you protested against her lips.

"What?", She withdrew disappointed. "I actually wanted to give you your present now ..", she grinned and enjoyed how you blushed at her statement.

"At least let me brush my teeth beforehand .." you mumbled embarrassed and jumped off the bed.

"Hurry up, princess .."

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

In the late afternoon you sat across from Mina at the table. Ally was still working and Cordelia had arranged to meet Misty in the greenhouse. Mina was reading the paper in thought, a habit that you found incredibly cute. You yourself were playing some random game on your cell phone when the message tone on your cell phone beeped.

Message from Joanne: "Hello Y / N, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I'm going to your city next week because I have to go to the doctor and wanted to ask if you would like to meet me?

~ Joanne. "

Your heart quickened on the last sentence. Joanne was your mother and wrote you every year for your birthday, you had never even answered one of her messages and now she wanted to see you again after so many years. She would come here and there was nothing you could do against it.

"Y / N ..?"

You raised your eyes to Mina, who was frowning at you.

"You're hyperventilating .." she remarked emotionless.

"I'm just dizzy ...", you gasped and stood up to run into the bathroom, or rather to stumble into the bathroom. You could feel your stomach turn as you leaned over the toilet and vomited into the toilet bowl.

The world around you seemed to be spinning. The closed bathroom door became the door of your nursery, you could even hear the knock on your father's stick. And how he got closer and closer. You tried to scream, but your mouth was only a soft gasp. Tears stung your eyes. "Please .." you tried silently to get air. A hand put on your back and you instantly jumped away from the toilet. "Please don't hurt me ..", you whimpered and looked fearfully into the face of the person in front of you.

Mina stood in front of you in shock, she had never seen you like this before. And the look you gave her broke her heart. "Honey you need to calm down .." She sat carefully on the floor and grimaced as pain ran through her back. Slowly she reached out her hand to touch yours, which was a mistake. Your hand jerked back, you reached out and let your hand fall against her left cheek. "Don't touch me .." you growled. "What the hell Y / N .." Mina hissed, grabbing your cheeks and forcing you to look at her. "It's me, princess, Mina ..", she whispered and felt her own eyes fill with tears. Your eyes widened when you recognized your girlfriend. And with that you finally broke, but Mina was there to pull you into her lap while you cried into her blouse. She held you as tightly as she could while trying to process the things that had just happened. The cheek your hand had marked on it burned like fire and yet it was impossible for her to realize that you had just hit her. It had never been you, she thought. And yet it was you who was lying in her arms right now.

"I'm so sorry .." you sniffed into her blouse when you had slowly calmed down. Mina gently put her hands around your cheeks and searched your face as if it contained any answers for what had just happened. She swallowed just before speaking. "Are you scared of me, Y / N?"

When her words reached your ear, you wrapped your arms around her torso and did your best not to hurt her. You felt so damn guilty.

"I would never hurt you .." she said softly against your ear, her voice thick with tears.

"I know Mina .." you whispered. "And I could never be afraid of you .."

You drew her back before your fingers slided down her right cheek where your hand marked it. "I'm so sorry .." you repeated your words from a few seconds ago.

"I'm fine Y / N", Mina assured us and took your hand. "I'm just worried about you .. I've been watching you for the last few days, you're acting totally strange .."

"I'm okay .." you mumbled and stood up with shaky legs.

"Don't damn me lie to Y / N! ...", she hissed and there she was again, the strict Mina you loved so much.

"Mina .. I'm really fine, you just shouldn't worry .. That's why I would prefer if Ally and Delia didn't find out about what just happened ... "you said as you leaned towards the mirror to fix your hair.

Mina shook her head blankly and propped herself up. "You are unbelievably Y / N .. two minutes ago you were lying here on the floor and now you're pretending nothing happened ... You won't be able to run away forever .. "she said, took her walking stick and walked past you to leave the bathroom.

You had never spoken to anyone about it, nobody knew about what had happened in your family and actually you had sworn to yourself that you would never tell anyone about it. Simply because you felt terrible about it, somewhere Leo's suicide was also your fault because you weren't strong enough to defend him.

You ran into the hallway and saw Mina sitting at the table again. Lost in thought, she looked out the window. "I think I'll go to sleep, I'm relatively tired ..." you said. Mina didn't move an inch. "You probably won't see me again today .." you muttered and went into your bedroom to actually get some sleep.

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

A few hours later you woke up from a bad dream.

It was dark and the first thing you noticed was Minas lavender perfume that surrounded you. Then you realized that, despite the events of the previous day, you 4 had taken your usual sleeping position: You and Ally were in the middle. Cordelia on the right edge, next to Ally and Mina on the left edge, next to you. Mina had her arms wrapped tightly around you and your head was on her chest. Like a few hours ago in the bathroom, you noticed.

Are you scared of me, Y/N?

Mina's words echoed in your head. The sad look she gave you made you feel infinite guilt.

"Mina?" You whispered softly against her neck.

"mhm ..". Mina hummed in her sleep.

"Are you awake..?" You knew how stupid and unnecessary that question was, but you couldn't help it.

She didn't answer at first, before moving after a few seconds.

"Now yeah .." she muttered as she pressed her nose against your hair.

"I just wanted to say, I love you .." you whispered and played with the purple fabric of Mina's pajamas.

"I love you too, princess ..". Was her answer and she kissed you on the forehead. Then it became quiet again and after a few minutes you could tell from her breath that she had fallen asleep again. Unfortunately, in contrast to her, you were wide awake and therefore decided to get up. Carefully you free yourself from her arms and sat up in bed. Confused, you noticed that the place next to Ally, who was sleeping sweetly, was empty. Where was Cordelia? You carefully climbed out of bed and went to look for the blonde, only to find her in the bathroom. You crept and stopped suddenly when you saw Cordelia lying in the bathtub.

Cordelia gave you a warm smile when she saw you and you couldn't help but laugh out loud. "What's so funny?" Cordelia grinned. "You .." you uttered, still laughing. "I?"

"Yes. You .. It's two o'clock in the morning and you sit here in the dark and bathe ...". You trotted to the sink. "It's not completely dark, I lit candles ..", Cordelia defended herself. You shook your head in amusement and washed your face.

"You're sweating .." Cordelia remarked, referring to the sweat stains on your shirt. "Didn't sleep so well .." you replied curtly. "I guess you don't want to sleep again either ..?" "Nope .." You turned back to her.

"Well ... then I would love it if you kept me company here," Delia said and smiled again. You shook your head again, just grinning, before you pulled your shirt over your head and went to the tub to get into the water. Cordelia sat down so that you were sitting in front of her and your body was leaning against her bare torso. She carefully put her arms around your torso and rested her chin on your head. You lay down for a few minutes Just there and you would probably have fallen asleep had she not spoken.

"Mina told us about your dropout this afternoon .."

Of course she did..

You closed your eyes "Why don't you just tell us what's going on Y / N?" She began softly. "We're really really worried." "I can't Delia .. I've never talked about it .." you whispered. "So do you admit something is wrong?" You snorted. "Of course something is wrong .. I hit Mina."

"You know that she's not angry with you, she's just worried as I said .. You know, no matter what is on your mind, we all suffer with you, no matter whether you tell us what's going on or not .. ", Delia said and ran her wet fingers through your hair. You just nodded at her words. "You could only tell one of us if that helps you.", She offered, although she knew that this would also bring new problems. "No, I trust you all .. It's just that, as I said, I've never told anyone about it. I am just afraid of your reaction .. "you said.

"Oh y / n ..", she sighed and turned your head so that she could look you in the eye. "No matter what happened, we love you so much and nothing could change that ..". Again you nodded.

Then suddenly she got up and grabbed a towel. "What are you doing?" You asked confused when you watched her get out of the tub and dry off. "You pull the plug and get dressed ... Meanwhile, I'll wake Ally and Mina, we'll finally talk to each other .." she said and put her nightgown back on before she ran out of the bathroom.

"You won't do that, it's the middle of the night .." you shouted after her.

"I know."

You climbed out of the bathtub, trembling, and drained the water. You dried yourself off quickly and got dressed. Before you left the room, you took a quick look in the mirror. You looked like you were going to cry any minute.

"We're in the living room, Y / N .." Cordelia suddenly called. For a moment you closed your eyes, then you slowly walked into your common living room. Your 3 friends sat on the sofa and stared at you expectantly. Cordelia sat with her legs crossed, her hair wet and her short nightgown on the right end. Ally was sitting cross-legged to her left. Clad in a T-shirt and shorts, she narrowed her eyes against the light. And at the other end sat Mina, in her purple pajamas, her long red hair curling on the fabric. Her left hand held her walking stick and, as always, her gaze seemed to shine through you.

You sat in the chair in front of them when Ally held out her hand to you. "This is not a fucking interrogation Y / N ..". You carefully took her hand and she pulled you between Delia and herself. You stared nervously into your lap and played with your fingers. You could still feel their expectant looks.

"Oz looks like my little brother ..." you suddenly let out. "Is that all?" Ally asked confused. "No .." you shook your head and waited a few seconds. "..my childhood wasn't that great ... my mom had a big drinking problem I guess..". "And your father?" Cordelia asked. "Uhm, well ... he hit us when we didn't do things the way he wanted ..."

Briefly there was silence in the room. "That's awful Y / N, but what does this have to do with my son ..?" Ally finally asked.

"My brother committed suicide when he was 15 because of my parents .." you said and heard Ally take a shaky breath. "And actually I had repressed all of that over the years and when I saw Oz ... I only saw Leo ...".

You got up and walked to an unpacked box with your things. You came back with a picture, which you put into Delia's hand. It was a family photo. Delia stared hard at the photo. "Your father had a walking stick .." she said suddenly and you instinctively looked at Mina, who was staring lost at the floor. Her grip on her own walking stick had tightened so much that you could be afraid it would be squeezed by her fingers. "His left leg wasn't healthy ... that's why he hobbled ...". Delia passed the photo on to Ally, who only had eyes for the blond boy next to you. "Well .. he actually looks a bit like Oz ..", Ally only mumbled and wanted to pass the picture on to Mina, but she just shook her head. "I do not want to see this..".

Again there was brief silence and again Ally was the one breaking it. "When I told you about Ivy and said I don't want any secrets between us, I actually assumed you'd think that way too..That's why I'm kind of angry Y / N..I mean, Do you don't trust us?"

You just wanted to speak, when Cordelia came before you. "She wasn't ready yet, Ally..She-" "Cordelia, I asked Y / N and not you .." Ally hissed.

"I've never told anyone about it ..." was all you said. "But we're not just anyone .." Ally sounded disappointed. "I didn't want you guys to think wrong of me .." you said softly. Cordelia leaned forward and grabbed your hand. "What happened is not your fault .. it was your brother's decision and your parents' fault .." "But maybe I could have done more .." you whispered, tears gathering in your eyes. Cordelia just sighed and pulled you into her lap. You leaned your back against her chest and listened for her heartbeat.

"And what was yesterday?" Asked Ally. "Something must have triggered your strange behavior .." "My mother texted me .. she does that every year on my birthday .." you said.

"It was your birthday?" Ally looked at you with raised eyebrows.

You nodded briefly and made Ally moan in frustration. "If you don't even tell us that anymore, then-" "She said she would come here next week because she has to see a doctor .. She wants to meet with me .." you interrupted her. "But I don't want to see her ..", you felt tears running down your face.

Ally just shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest.

"You should have talked to us much earlier Y / N ..", Mina finally said. "Even if this is all new now, we are a family and it is our job to make sure that you are okay. We would never have left you alone with Oz, had we known about your brother .. Not just about you to protect, but also because of Oz's safety. It's important that we trust each other, we've all been through complicated things .. " You nodded guiltily again.

Cordelia cleared her throat. "The scars on your back, you told us they were from a car accident, is that true?" "No .." you said. Suddenly you felt Delia's cool fingers pulling up your shirt and exposing your scars. "Delia what-" "Shut up, Y / N .." They'd all seen your scars before, but knowing that those scars were someone's craft, made them look a lot more brutal when Delia gently ran her fingers over them. "Did he? ..- asked Mina. You nodded and tears fell into your lap as you let out a sob. "I'm sorry," you said, holding a hand over your mouth to stifle your sobs.

"Damn Y / N, stop apologizing ..". Ally jumped up, stood in front of Delia and you, pressed your head against her flat stomach and rubbed your upper back with her hand. Delia's fingers continued to slide to the scars on your side. "Was that him too?" She asked softly. "No .." you answered. "Then who was it? Your moth-" "It was her, Delia .." Mina interrupted her with closed eyes. How could they have been so blind? Such scars did not appear in car accidents.

"Is that true Y / N?", Cordelia's voice trembled when she asked. "I'm so sorry .." you sniffed at Ally's shirt. "Back then I didn't know how to deal with everything .." "Shhh princess .." Ally cooed. "Please finally stop apologizing for something you can't do anything about .."

"Honey, do you still hurt yourself sometimes?" Asked Mina, who had slipped up to you and put her hand on yours.

"I've stopped doing that since Leo's death .. I think he saw me with a knife sometimes ..". The thought of it brought new tears to your eyes and made you sob one more time.

Cordelia pulled the fabric of your shirt back down before leaning her head on your back and wrapping your arms around your waist. Mina, who was sitting next to Delia, was the only one who could see her tears as she reached out her hand to gently run through Delia's hair. "Some things are going to change now, Y / N .." she said firmly. "We'll be more careful about some things and we'll also have to see how we deal with Oz without it being uncomfortable for him or you. I'll contact your mother and make it clear to her that you don't want any more contact. We can't stop Oz looking the way he looks, but we'll help you deal with it because that's what we're here for .. ". Her thumb brushed the back of your hand, which was in her lap. That was the last thing that was said that night, but you stayed in that position for a long time. You in the midst of your worried lover