#so i can't imagine the next few days will provide any relief

[dalishthunder]

.

[nerdynarrator28]

Storm of the Heart-Tyler Owen’s x Reader PT. 2

Synopsis: Being a sister to one of the notorious storm chaser crews online was a lot, You were Boone’s Sister, you have always heard stories from him and watched all the videos when they were live storm chasing. One Day your Brother invites you to go Storm Chasing with him and the crew, what will happen during that time? Will you and a Certain Storm Chaser get close to each other?

Pairings: Tyler Owen’s x Reader

Word Count: 658

Author’s Note: Hi! Everyone! I just wanted to say thank you for reading my first ever Tyler Owen’s fic ❤️ and giving it some love! Since it is becoming popular I have decided to do a part 2 of this story!❤️ Let me Know if I should make this into a series!

Weeks had passed since your first storm chasing experience with Tyler and the team. You'd been making excuses to visit Boone more often, always managing to time your visits with upcoming chase opportunities. Your brother saw right through you, of course, but he kept his teasing to a minimum.

Today, you were back at the base, helping the team prepare for a potentially massive storm system. As you loaded equipment into one of the chase vehicles, you felt a familiar presence behind you.

"Need a hand?" Tyler's voice sent a shiver down your spine.

You turned, offering a smile. "I've got it, but thanks."

He leaned against the vehicle, watching you work. "You know, you're getting pretty good at this. Ever thought about joining us full-time?"

The idea made your heart race. "I'd be lying if I said no," you admitted.

Before Tyler could respond, Boone's voice cut through the air. "Alright, lovebirds! Time to move out!"

You felt your cheeks flush as Tyler chuckled. "Your brother's got quite the imagination," he said, but there was a hint of something in his eyes that made you wonder.

As you climbed into Tyler's vehicle, Boone caught your arm. "Be careful out there, sis. And I don't just mean with the storm."

You rolled your eyes, but his words stuck with you as you set out.

The chase was intense from the start. Multiple tornadoes touched down, keeping the team on their toes. You found yourself working seamlessly with Tyler, anticipating his needs and providing support.

As day turned to dusk, you spotted a massive funnel cloud forming. "Tyler, look!" you pointed.

His eyes widened. "That's our target. Hold on tight!"

The next few minutes were a blur of adrenaline and fear as Tyler skillfully maneuvered closer to the tornado. You were mesmerized by his focus, the way he seemed to become one with the storm.

Suddenly, a piece of debris smashed into the windshield. You let out a startled cry, and Tyler immediately reached out, his hand finding yours.

"I've got you," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around you.

In that moment, as the world spun wildly outside, something shifted between you. The tension that had been building for weeks crystallized into something undeniable.

As the storm began to dissipate, Tyler pulled over. The team's voices crackled over the radio, but neither of you moved to respond.

"Y/N," Tyler started, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "I need to tell you something."

Your heart pounded. "What is it?"

He took a deep breath. "I know you're Boone's sister, and I know it could complicate things, but... I'm falling for you. Hard."

Joy surged through you. "Tyler, I-"

"Wait," he interrupted. "Before you say anything, you need to know what you'd be getting into. This life, it's dangerous. Unpredictable. I can't promise safety or stability."

You smiled, reaching out to touch his cheek. "Tyler, I know all that. And I'm falling for you too – all of you, including the storm chaser."

Relief washed over his face, and he leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a kiss that rivaled any storm for intensity.

When you finally parted, breathless, Tyler rested his forehead against yours. "So, what do we tell Boone?"

You laughed. "I think he already knows. But let's worry about that later."

As you drove back to base, hand in hand, you felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. You were embarking on a new adventure – one potentially more thrilling and unpredictable than any storm.

Back at headquarters, Boone took one look at your intertwined hands and sighed dramatically. "Well, it's about time. But Tyler, just remember – I know where all the tornadoes are."

You couldn't help but laugh. Whatever challenges lay ahead, you knew you could weather them together – just like the storms you chase.

@ellieslittleburrow @child-of-of-the-sunshine

[spacexseven]

hello its dazai anon I'm currently thinking about subordinate au dazai so here i go

ive been imagining that in the verison of events where dazai catches feelings for darling cuz they (despite the many many reasons they'd have to let him suffer and die) took care of him while he was injured, that dazai would be very interested in paying that forward at some point.

when dazai first finds out that his favorite subordinate is terribly sick or badly injured and is gonna be out for a while, his mind immediately jumps to how... nice it might be to take care of them. well, actually the first thing is mind jumps to is a million worse case scenarios where they die and hes alone for the rest of his life but once he recovers from THAT panic attack he moves on to nursing plans. hed probably think it's a foolproof plan for having darling finally start warming up to him (especially if chuuya has recently gained some ground in that area), i mean, he likes YOU cuz you take care of him, it only makes sense that youd start liking him for the same reason! also he just... REALLY enjoys the thought of being your nurse. 1) since you're sick/in pain if he decides he wants to ask you a million questions or make you play games with him or kiss you a thousand times you can't run away 2) isn't it kind of. domestic? to take care of someone like that? he can almost pretend the two of you are actually together when he does this.

I should note that dazai isn't like. a medical expert or anything of that sort BUT since he has (mostly) good intentions in this escapade hed be willing to listen to advice from others or direct requests from you. except asking him to leave or get off you he won't ever do that but most other things. also he's still. dazai while this is going on so expect a lot of needless mockery about how weak and useless you are, but then in the same timeframe thinking about what might happen if you die and clinging onto you in complete hysterics. frankly hes just making everything worse all the time but thats dazai!

- 🩹

i couldnt take myself seriously while writing this T^T

when you don't show up for your usual shift with dazai, he's already on edge. he immediately thinks that you must be avoiding him—or that chuuya must have charmed you away with the promise of a day with no dazai. was it because of the time he hung you upside down? that was eons ago and hadn't he already made up for it with the numerous fun (dangerous) and exciting (life-threatening) adventures (escaping from yet another person dazai angered) he's taken you on?

but then he sees chuuya walking around on his own, and you don't show up again the next day, and now he's sure that something was very wrong. which is why, his first response was to show up at your door. maybe, if you were able to answer the door, you'd be terrified at the sight of dazai with his face pressed up to the window desperate for any sight of you, but as you were now, you were far too exhausted to even receive him, so naturally, after numerous attempts at slamming the doorbell, he let himself in.

the sight of you, so tired and incoherent, surrounded by tissues and water bottles, initially made him let out a huge sigh in relief. you weren't avoiding him! you were just bedridden—wait, was that because he insisted you help him find his wallet in the river the night before? was it his fault you were ill?

after the initial guilt, dazai jumps into action. you, as tired as you were, couldn't provide any more protest apart from a few grumbling words at the sight of dazai rummaging in your home, but he was unbothered, dedicated to his new temporary position as your personal nurse.

dazai wasn't too unfamiliar with runny noses and sore throats. for the most part, he was sure you weren't dying and he was somewhat confident in his ability to nurse you back to health. and surprisingly, you didn't seem too mad at his presence, begrudgingly allowing him to spoonfeed you soup that was far too salty.

honestly, this experience made him a little nostalgic, thinking back to oda taking care of him after their first encounter. but also, you were surprisingly quiet when you were sick, not the same silent anger you normally radiated, but just quiet. he didn't mind it all that much, though, since the first night he stayed over, you were so deliriously ill that he definitely took advantage of your state and asked you all sorts of questions that you'd normally ignore. half your answers didn't really make sense, but they served to be pretty entertaining deciphering games when you were fast asleep and he was bored.

the real fun only started when you started getting better. for one, you looked horrified at the sight of him prancing around in your apron and messing with your kitchen, but because you were able to answer him coherently, it was all the more entertaining. while waiting for your water to boil, dazai would offer to read your journal out loud, sing you a lullaby in the middle of the day, and even dare to ask if a kiss would make you feel better. and then he'd provide commentary on every object in your home.

the ease with which he navigated your home and the familiarity with which he handled your things did send some alarms blaring in your head, but what could you do in your current state?

any attempts at protesting his presence are fruitless. even if you claimed he might get sick from hanging around you, dazai would only laugh.

"i'm not as weak as you," he'd say, "i won't get sick. and if i wasn't here you'd probably be dead by now. besides, if i get sick, guess who'd going to have to come to take care of me?"

somewhere during his response, dazai managed to stick himself closer to you, a hand wiping at your clammy forehead. if at all you seemed to not get better, dazai immediately jumps to threatening you, saying that if you didn't get better, if you died on him, he'd never forgive you, promising to make sure that your ghost will be stuck with him. and that's about the best incentive to get better.

[autumnbell32]

1/14/24 at 2035: Message to Therapist

Hi.  I've been sad about our last appointment- it seemed, I don't know, disharmonious.  I know I keep repeating the same patterns (is that normal?), and I feel like I am not grasping/remembering things I am supposed to be learning very well.  And maybe that is frustrating for you?  I was definitely on the defense, maybe projecting.  Usually I come out of our appointments with at least a little hope, but I honestly just felt stupid and kind of scared- is this the point where literally EVERYONE stops having patience with my issues?  I know what you mean when you say that I reach outside of myself once I get to a certain point with bad depressive episodes.  You are right, I do.  This stuff is isolating, lonely, and mirrors when I used to get so overwhelmed with emotion as a child (and teenager) that I would cry to the nearest adult.  Things that helped in the past that may not help now or have any permanence: reaching outside of myself for inspiration/assistance/hand-holding from others, following plans and lists, being rigid, seeing in black and white.  But I'm not sure what else to do because it is like playing the lottery- one of these things MAY work (they've worked in the past), and it may provide relief (even for several months!).  Do I have to totally abandon my old operating system?  Although, these things are losing their efficacy over time and as I get older, honestly.  

I am on a medical leave.  I am not sure for how long, but I will get some pay while off.  I tried to go to work Thursday, was relieved a supportive manager was going to be there, was packing my lunch and spilled some oatmeal and just broke down.  And then that caused a cascading effect- everything after that made me break down.  One minute I was crying, the next I was filled with so much rage that I felt dizzy.  Not good.  My PCP referred me to a gynecologist that treats PMDD, I see her Tuesday.  I'm hopeful something outside of myself will still provide relief- PMDD is gnarly.  I need a stone, at least one stone, lifted off of me so that I can continue to try (good grief, SOMEONE give me a piece of paper with a plan on it that I can follow and check boxes and tell me they will see me in a week to check my progress because this plan will likely give some relief from the cycles).  The obstinance is just ridiculous- it's like the toddler in me has stomped her foot and said, "No more, someone do something to help or I'm not moving from this spot."  It feels both good and bad, and I don't know how much I am screwing myself in the process, or how many more chances I will get or how many times people (my family included) will continue to help.  

What have I done this past week (jesus, I haven't been at work since December 30th, got a small check last Friday)- watched PBS a lot, cried, cried while watching PBS, did some chores here and there (sometimes while crying), picked up books I long to read and then immediately put them back down because I can't concentrate or be motivated for more than a few minutes, binged, colored in an adult coloring book called "Cat Farts" (it's exactly what it sounds like), and imagined myself being better in the spring somehow (I have visualized this so many times over the last several days- actually progressing in the right direction consistently).  I fall asleep many nights talking on the phone to Josiah because I feel less alone that way.  I'm screwed.  Am I screwed?  

[theiris-storyvault]

Change Your Ticket

Namjoon X Reader

Warning: None!

Genre: Fluff

a/n: Feeling down lately but there's nothing a little Joon fluff can't fix! I hope everyone's doing well 💙 Anyway, I got a little carried away writing this, but this is how I imagine falling in love with Joon 🫶🏻

✈️

Time never stops going as the world never stops turning, but sometimes you wish it did. The beautiful golden skies, cool breeze, and freshly bloomed tulips across the street had been the most precious view, but the one you couldn't stop thinking about was in bed beside you. You didn't know how and why but it happened.

Placing your luggage by the closet, you hop quickly onto the white linen spread atop the cloud-like soft bed the Airbnb you've rented provided. Life got a little too tough to handle. Work had been nothing but a routine, people around expecting you to do everything for them the moment they need you to, not being able to smile from ear to ear like you used to because of the stress and anxiety that everything around you at home brought had been what you've become of and you wanted an escape. So, with no double-take, you quit your job, packed your bags, and finally, here you are. In Europe, wanting to get lost in every city, every village, and every street you cross. At least for the month, you've paid to be here.

The sound of the birds chirping outside your window pane had been music to your ears making you wish you could stay forever. The clock reads 1PM, and already, you were excited to go. You had an unsorted list of things to do during the duration of your stay and you just can't wait to get it started. Walking out of your temporary home, you decide to explore the area. As cliche as it may sound, you find yourself taking pictures of every spot you see, thinking it was ethereal. Spotting a small coffee and pastry shop, you briskly walk toward it, hoping to get a quick fix for your post-flight hunger. The smell of coffee beans and freshly baked bread welcomed you and immediately, you're stomach grumbled. Ordering a small latte, and an eclair, you take a quick scan of the room looking for a seat. You opted to go for the one beside a window for you to continue your sightseeing as you sat with your food.

The sky was clear today, and surprisingly, so was your head. You've no thoughts about any type of worries you once had, and you were grateful. It was the first time in years that you were feeling genuine relief and some type of calm. Taking a sip from your drink, your gaze shifts toward the man who sat at the next table. He was dressed casually, in a hoodie, loose jeans, and a beanie. His eyes focused on the book he had, as he munched quietly on his croissant. Something in you felt like he was special. Like you saw him for a reason, but you brushed it off thinking it was a hilarious ploy your brain played to distract you. Refocusing on the tulips from the flower store across the street, you take notice of every color there was. You loved tulips, it had been something that made you happy. The vibrancy yet simplicity that each one beholds takes your breath away. Taking your last bite, you quickly gather your things, walking out of the shop to make the most out of what's left that day.

The next few days were quite a charmer, but one day that week was unforgettable in particular.

That one Tuesday, the cold temperature awoke you even before the sun rose. A perfect way to get started. You take a quick stretch before bringing yourself out of bed and into the warm shower to take a rinse. You came out just in time to see the sun slowly wake from dawn.

The bus ride out was peaceful. A soft tune played In your headphones as you laid your head on the rest of the chair. You catch a glimpse of the city and what it offers. Your bus takes a quick stop to let more passengers in. You scoot over to the window side to give space to anyone who needs a seat. Fixated on the gleaming glow of the city, you were unaware of what else was happening around you. It takes a few minutes for the bus to arrive at your destination. Today, you had decided to take a roam around a few small galleries. You knew big museums would be great, but you loved simplicity and silence.

Thanking the driver as you hopped out, you take a quick glance at the place. It was a small building made of glass, positioned in between towering buildings making it a little bit secluded. About 5 to 10 people were inside and it was a relief. Every artwork had its own story. From love stories, tragedies, and simply works of the mind, each artist conveyed differently. It was indeed majestic to you. Your eyes shifted from each photo to the texts below them, and soon enough you've reached the end of the gallery. Looking around, you take notice of the man beside you. He had a camera 'round his neck, hands in his pocket, and intently reading the description of the painting he was before. He seemed so familiar to you but you couldn't pinpoint who he was, letting curiosity swallow you whole, your eyes fixated on him, rather than the 20 artworks around you. He catches you off guard when he turns to look at you too. Your face flushes red in embarrassment, quickly facing the opposite direction. The man chuckles softly, finding you of interest now. He quietly approaches you, tapping your shoulder. "Hi," He says, voice low, bringing shivers down your spine. "Hey" You respond, slowly turning to face him. You both stand before one another, eyes locked together. "Sorry I stared, I just thought you looked so familiar." You excuse, he smiles. "Yeah, I saw you at that cafe by Via Del Corso." He says. "Oh yeah, were you the guy with the book" You try to finesse, making him laugh, "Yeah, one of them probably." He replies. Talking to him was so easy. It felt like you've known him when he was no one to you. At least for now. "Namjoon." He reaches his hand out toward you, which you gladly take. "Y/N".

Hitting it off quickly, he tells you about the other galleries around the city. Now, you wouldn't normally go around gallery-hopping with a stranger no matter how handsome they looked in a blue hoodie, but something about him was enticing to you. Interesting, and safe too. He was someone who you would describe as a man from dreams and books. So, with no hints of fear or doubt, you followed him. Wherever he went, you went.

And that was how you met the man who now was sleeping in your bed. All you know was one day you were walking around museums together, then the next your naked bodies were entangled with each other. You spent all your days with him. Holding his hand, drinking his unfinished cup of tea, hugging him as he read to you, and kissing his lips, his cheeks, and neck. It was a whirlwind romance, if you had to word it out. For nights, you'd find yourself reflecting on everything. With him in your bed, you sit by the balcony, admiring the stars, thinking about how everything was going right. None of it planned, but it all aligned somehow. You really wish it would never end.

The days succeeding the day you met seemed like it was from a Nicholas Sparks book. Like, if you told anyone what had happened, they wouldn't believe you. For every day you were with him, he had given you a flower, tulips in particular. The same day you met, he had asked you out to dinner. There, you both dumped information about each other and realized how much you both had in common. From books to art, to taste in music, you were so in synch; and when you found out about the tulips, he never stopped buying them for you. In every color there was, he scoured to get it to give to you.

Today, you both decided to visit a local library. It was small, in between the crevices of the city. It smelled musky and woody, you found it calming. You make your way from shelf to shelf taking each book that caught your attention and placing it in a basket. You soon find Namjoon immersed in the pages of the book he held. Eyebrows scrunched. Walking toward him, you catch his attention with a small kiss on the cheek. His eyes shoot toward you, smiling softly, putting his dimples on display. Every part of him was beautiful, his face, body, and especially his mind. You admired him, even more than you could imagine, and the thought that you had about 1 week left with him was heartbreaking. How could you leave, when everything you wanted was right here. You take the book from his hand, making sure to slip your finger in between the pages where he was to keep track. "You're adorable when you're focused." You say. He slips his hand around your waist, pulling you close. "I was enjoying it, it was interesting," He tells you before planting a soft kiss on your head. "Well, we best buy it! So I can hog it after you" You say making him laugh. "Okay, baby go-ahead by the counter. I'll just grab a few and follow you out" And so you do. He arrives with a couple books in hand. Before you could even take your money out, he swipes his card swiftly by the register surprising you. With no word, he takes the bags from the counter, and walks out quickly.

You hurriedly walk out, reaching for his arm. "How much was my pile? Let me pay you back" You say, he shakes his head. "No need." He says simply. "What? Joon, I bout like 20 books, that's too much" You try to take the bag to look for the receipt. He chuckles, jokingly lifting the bag high up for you not to reach it. "But I like you enough to buy the 20 books for you so let it go, and let's get a bite to eat" He says, You try to fight back, but before you could protest, he plants a soft kiss on your lips before pulling your hand to the nearest restaurant.

The following days were mostly spent in bed, getting lost in pages, and in each other. Days come and nights go and both of you did nothing but read and make love. It was magical. Namjoon would find himself drunk in you. Every part of you was an abyss that sent him into the galaxies. He was falling in love with you, the lady he met at a museum. Just like in his dreams, and he didn't want to let you go.

Five days become four, and four become three, and three become two, and two becomes one. It was the last day. Namjoon laid beside you. Your head on the pillow, but your fingers were on him. You traced mindless shapes on his skin, trying to study every part of him not wanting to forget. He soon wakes, grumbling at the light that shined in his eye. "Good Morning" He says. Your fingers find their way into his soft hair, combing through softly. "Hey" You say. He pulls your body close to his. You feel his warm skin on yours, making you feel calmer by the second. "I don't want to go" You whisper into him. He hums, agreeing. He knew from the moment you met, to the night he stayed din your bed that he wanted you there with him. "So don't go" He says. You were quiet. "Let me change your ticket home." He continues, still you were quiet. You were contemplating on whether or not to say yes. You had life back home, people to attend to, but at the back of your mind, you knew you'd never been this happy. For years it had always been them you thought about. But now, right now, you thought about you. Namjoon notices your long silence, making him sit up. You follow his lead. "Stay with me. For a little more. I want more of you" He proposes again. His hands were now held by yours, and eyes lost in one another again. At this moment, you knew you had fallen for him, hard, but you were curious of what could happen next, not ready to put an end to the most exciting chapter of your book. Quickly pushing the second thoughts of doubt that clouded, you tighten your hold on his hand saying, "Okay."

[mimisempai]

Missing you comes in waves and tonight I'm drowning

Summary:

After seeing Loki disappear before his eyes and confined to the TVA because of the failed mission, Mobius decides to still believe in Loki and search for him. He witnesses the discussion between Sylvie and Loki on the train

Notes:

My theories on the method used by Mobius to locate Loki is probably very far-fetched and lacks technical truth, but that's not the most important point here, so I hope you'll forgive me for my short cuts. (I miss them together!)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32162878

2008 words - Rating G

"Loki! Wait!"

Loki looked at him for a moment before stepping through the portal.

By the time they got there, it was too late Loki and the portal was gone.

"I knew he would betray us as soon as he could!" said one of the hunters right next to Mobius.

"Shut up!" shouted Mobius at him before returning to the TVA.

As he walked toward Ravonna's office, the same thoughts swirled over and over in his head.

Had Loki betrayed him! What were his plans? But worst of all, was he in danger?

He tried to think rationally.

Loki always said he was one step ahead, but Mobius knew that wasn't true. Loki was improvising. Loki was adapting. So reason told Mobius that this is what he had done.

That's when Mobius decided to do something he'd never done in his life at the TVA, he was going to bet on chaos. On the fact that Loki had chosen to follow the variant not only for his own sake but also because it was his mission.

Because Mobius could not imagine that what they had shared was nothing in the eyes of the god.

"Mobius! In my office!"

Ravonna... he was already imagining her reprimands, "I warned you" "he can't be trusted"...

As soon as he entered her office, she showed him a screen and just said, "Look!"

A scene showing the variant fighting in a hallway with the guards and Loki in the locker room retrieving his daggers then arriving at the place where the guards were eliminated.

Next scene Loki and the variant fighting, Loki trying to convince her to team up, at this point, despite the faith he has in him, Mobius could not determine if this is a way to stop her or get what he wants.

Then Rovenna arrives and the variant uses Loki as a hostage.

Mobius could not prevent a gasp.

Still on the screen, seeing that Rovenna is not persuaded, Loki grabs an object that opens a portal above them and he and the Variant disappear.

Mobius tried not to show his relief, but he saw that Rovenna was not fooled.

"So you still trust him?"

Mobius looked at her defiantly, "As long as I don't have concrete, real proof that he betrayed us, yes I’ll trust him!"

"Always the idealistic dreamer huh?"

Mobius didn't answer, Rovenna continued, "You're grounded here until I tell you otherwise. You can get out."

Once out, Mobius sat in a chair, held his head in his hands, and began to think. He was grounded, but there was nothing to stop him from trying to figure out where Loki was.

He just had to figure out how to locate him.

The difference was that now, thanks to Loki, he knew to look in the apocalypses, what he had to find now was the equivalent of that candy, something out of the ordinary, something anachronistic.

He stood up suddenly, he had found it!

He went to the office, where the screen that displayed all the nexuses was located.

"Casey! Come here!"

The younger man got up and joined him. Mobius spoke more softly, "Will you help me with a secret project?"

Casey, who had great respect for the man, nodded.

"Follow me."

They headed into the archive room. Mobius chose a table a little out of the way.

"You sit here. I'll be right back."

A few minutes later, he returned with a stack of files that he separated into two piles.

"In all these apocalypses, we need to find one where it mentions two Lokis variants and unusual magical acts."

"Got it!"

Mobius didn't know if his smoky theory would work out, but he didn't have much choice.

He couldn't help but think back to a similar scene a few days earlier, when Loki had fallen asleep. He had let his guard down in the presence of Mobius, so that meant something, didn't it?

He started to flip through the files.

"M-Mobius! I think I've got it!"

Casey was showing him a file, Lamentis-1 - 2077, a woman reports that two demons tried to attack her. One even allegedly posed as her deceased husband in order to get information.

Mobius could feel it in his bones. It was Loki and the Variant.

He was going to have to gamble on someone again.

"Casey. I need you to keep this a secret for a while longer. If Ravonna gets wind of this, I'm afraid she'll launch an assault and won't hesitate to eliminate Loki."

Casey nodded without taking time to think, "As long as you need Mobius."

Mobius was surprised that he didn't have to persuade Casey more than that.

After all, he seemed to be the good, loyal employee who never disobeyed.

Casey, seeing his reaction, added with a knowing smile, "You know, I like Loki too. He promised me he'd show me what a fish is and you know? The drink he took from me the other day, he bought me another one and apologized. A villain wouldn't take the time to do something like that right?"

Mobius's throat tightened. Casey was the first person other than himself to acknowledge that there was good in Loki.

"Thanks."

Casey nodded and returned to his desk.

Mobius headed straight for the video archive room. The advantage of being an agent of his rank was that he had unrestricted access to this section of the archives.

He searched through the shelves until he found the videos of Lamentis 1 in 2077.

He sat down in front of one of the small projectors provided for this purpose. He was going to start from the described scene that Casey had shown him.

After entering a few parameters, the screen lit up with Loki being blasted by an old woman.

The noise of the meteors that rained down around

Loki and the one who accompanied him, prevented Mobius from hearing what was being said.He pressed the fast-forward button until Loki and the girl, after some trouble to enter the train, found themselves in a box in the dining car.

He turned up the volume to hear their conversation.

He was amazed at how easily they seemed to converse, despite the jabs on both sides, and couldn't help a twinge of annoyance that he refused to recognize as jealousy.

The variant said to Loki, mockingly, "FYI, that wasn't even a plan."

"Oh, really?"

God how Mobius missed that cheeky attitude. Even when unmasked, Loki still had that irritating confidence.

The variant replied, "Plans have multiple steps. Dressing as a guard and getting on a train is just doing a thing."

She couldn't hold back a yawn.

Loki responded, "Oh, are you a bit tired? Feel free to, you know, get some rest."

One thing Mobius had realized and Casey had confirmed to him just before was that Loki cared more about others than he let on if you paid attention.

The variant grunted and replied, "I can't sleep in a place like this."

"You can't sleep on a train?"

The variant retorted, irritated, "No. I can't sleep around untrustworthy people."

Loki replied, still cheeky, "Oh, right. That's me?"

Fearing he might misinterpret what had been said, Mobius pressed rewind and let the scene play out before him.

The image of Loki nodding in agreement about not being able to sleep near people he couldn't trust was superimposed on the image of Loki sound asleep in his company.

He could not suppress the pang of his heart.

Loki trusted him, Loki considered him trustworthy.

While he was thinking, the video had continued and Loki was now talking about his mother.

Mobius had witnessed Loki's relationship with his mother and his devastation at the news of her death.

Loki's voice had become more hushed, with that hint of fragility he had whenever he spoke of her.

"She was, um... A Queen of Asgard. She was good. Purely decent."

Then the variant and Loki respectively provoked each other about the fact that they were adopted and Loki continued, "You know, when I was young, she'd do these little bits of magic for me. Like turn a flower into a frog or cast fireworks over the water. It all seemed impossible. But she told me that I'd be able to do it too because... Because I could do anything. You wanna see?"

Loki sets off tiny fireworks over his hand.

Mobius could not deny his feelings at that moment.

The sight of magic coming from Loki's hands, pure magic, was enchanting.

Loki continued, "She was the kinda person you'd want to believe in you."

Mobius could not help but whisper, "Loki, I believe in you."

For a few moments he didn't catch the conversation until it was audible again. Apparently they were talking about their love interests.

The variant asked Loki, "How about you? You're a prince. Must've been would-be-princesses or perhaps, another prince." She finished with a wink.

Loki, replied with a serious look, "A bit of both. I suspect the same as you. But, nothing ever..."

The variant finished his sentence, "real."

"Let me find you and I'll prove to you how real it is." Mobius didn't realize he was speaking aloud. He pushed fast-forward again.

The Variant had fallen asleep and Loki looked a little giddy.

Loki waved his hand and was back in his TVA agent costume.

He could wear the illusion of any outfit, and he chose this one. Why stay in these clothes?

Mobius really didn't want to be under any illusions, because how could he imagine that someone like Loki, a prince, a god, would want to claim a belonging to something like the TVA... to someone like Mobius?

Loki had started to dance and sing.

Mobius could not help but laugh. Then his laughter died down as Loki's song became more melancholic,

I stormsvarte fjell, jeg vandrer alene

Over isbreen tar jeg meg frem

I eplehagen står møyen den vene

og synger "når kommer du hjem?"

Men traner danser og fossene stanser

når hun synger, hun synger "kom hjem"

Then seeming to regain his spirits, Loki began to dance and sing happily again as if trying to prevent nostalgia from invading him.

When the music stopped, he joined the Variant and resumed his seat in front of him. Mobius managed to understand what they were saying to each other.

"What did you just sing to look so disturbed?"

Loki looked a little moved and answered him with the voice Mobius knew well, the one he used when he was serious, when he was sincere.

"It's Asgardian, it says:

In storm-black mountains, I wander alone

Over the glacier I make my way

In the apple garden stands the maiden fair and sings,

"When will you come home?"

Loki stopped, apparently moved, and the Variant simply said, "So there's a would-be-princess somewhere..."

Loki chuckled looking so sad before answering her, "I like metaphors you know, it's not a princess it's a prince, and I don't know if he's waiting for me or hoping to see me again, it's not even really my home, but..."

"But you'd like to believe that right?"

Loki nodded.

Mobius, didn't dare to believe that it was him that Loki was talking about, even though he couldn't stop the hope from rising up inside him.

The video continued, much more animated, after a wild fight, both jumped off the moving train and found themselves walking through a kind of desert towards the energy source they apparently needed to reactivate the tempad.

Mobius saw Loki suddenly stop, looking shocked. But Mobius was unable to hear what they were saying, the sound of the meteors again covering their voices.

Suddenly, Loki shouted louder, "But they don't know that!"

And they began to run.

Mobius could see that Loki was repeating something as he ran, an expression that Mobius had never seen on his face. Like he was worried. But he couldn't hear him. He zoomed in closer to try to read Loki's lips and finally succeeded.

Mobius.

_________

The whole serie here : The story of Loki and Mobius

Not beta'd I hope you enjoyed it 🥰

[weebsinstash]

Now that I'm post-surgical, I'm thinking back on my ideas for yandere Chocobros x disabled Reader (slightly more focused on Iggy and Gladdy cause they my mans 👉👈)

-once they find out you have chronic pain/physical limitations, you're not allowed to strain yourself in any way whatsoever besides some mild mild exercise. Trying to help them out by carrying a few extra bags to camp, or hell, even just one? "Wait up, let me get that for you, we don't want you to hurt yourself"

-it's tender love and care to the point of condescension. Their intentions are pure but execution, well... some of them are more subtle about it than others. Prompto excitedly recommending visiting a place that involves a lot of high-activity or a lot of walking and Ignis just politely "I think we should go to this place instead", suggesting a place he deems more suitable for your limitations. You think you're ever getting to see a Lucian amusement park? Forget it; too much walking, too many people that could hurt you

-speaking of hurting you... the gang was taking a pit stop to refuel on gas and some stranger wound up bumping into you really aggressively and knocking you to the ground, either outright putting you in enough pain to make you start crying, or making you incredibly sore for the next few days, or both. Gladio lost it and tracked the guy down later, and let's just say he's missing some teeth. And blood. Ok, so he's dead, but no one's going to be able to tell it's by human hands after the Shield leaves the corpse for some wild animals to start chewing on

-does Ignis combine his knowledge of cooking and biology with Gladio's talent for foraging for natural resources to put natural painkilling herbs and downright sedatives into your food? Absolutely. Ignis knows you're just so shy, you're reluctant to express when you're in discomfort or not feeling well, so the steward watches you like a hawk for any signs of you being in pain

-Prompto is always showing you new phone games that the two of you can play together as a no-stress bonding activity, as well as taking plenty of pictures when they have to go somewhere you can't follow so he can share things with you when he gets back (although most of the time it just makes you wish you could have gone, too)

-Noctis is pretty shy when it comes to expressing himself, but he'll nervously ask you how you're feeling from time to time. He'll shyly scratch the back of his neck as he suggests "hey, if you need to take a break or anything--". It'll take some time for him to open up to you fully, but on the sidelines, his friends are helping the Prince keep his eye on you. He may be too shy to speak to you much initially, but his friends are hearing all about his ideas for how they could help you, or how Noct noticed a particular flier for a festival you were eyeing and, maybe it would make you really happy if they could take you there and--

-chiropractic adjustments from Ignis! I can't find it again, but I saw an in-game gif where Ignis pops Noctis' back, so I can just see him giving you nice adjustments when you're sore. He's very adamant about making sure you get adjusted at least once a week once he sees how desperately you need it. Could you even imagine getting adjusted by him after years of chronic pain, and you're just so relieved from feeling all that tension disappear that you start crying, asking if it's ok for you to hug him? He considers it his DUTY to take care of you and help provide you relief from that moment forward 🥺❤

-whether you're from another world or an amnesiac trying to find out where you came from or whatever, the 4 young men all decide that it's in your best interest to be taken back to the Crown City where you can not only get the best healthcare Lucis has to offer, but where you'll also never have to worry about being attacked by daemons or wild beasts like those living in the Outland. Sure, once you go inside that magical wall there's no coming back out, but they seem a lot less upset about it than you since it just means they'll get to see you whenever they want. yeah, you can never see your friends and family ever again, but they're your new family now, and they're all you need ❤

[chocolate-parfait]

Yay, askbox is open! I hope that means requests too, if not please ignore this and sorry. But could I request another angst? Could I please ask for headcannons for Dazai (and the others could be either Theo, Vincent, Leo, Comte, Will or Arthot, you can choose two, 'cause I can't XD) who find their S/Os suicide note? You can take it wherever you want from there. Thank you so much, love your works <3 Have a grwat day!

Hi @robin-the-enby !! I'm happy to see you in my inbox again, and although this took me embarrassingly long (my procrastination tendencies and school got the better of me :,)), I'm more than happy to provide something that will help with your coping! Despite it all, I hope that you'll get better soon and hang on a while longer. I'm sure this prolonged pandemic has had negative effects on most people's mental health, but remember that we'll get through this in one way or the other! Stay strong and keep fighting, if it gets too much don't hesitate to take a break and go easy on yourself❤

Halfway through I realized I was writing scenarios instead of simple headcanons ,, I was too engrossed in writing to realize it oops 🧍‍♀️ 🧍‍♀️ 🧍‍♀️

Finding MC'S suicide note - Ikevamp headcanons (Dazai, Arthur & Leonardo)

(TW; suicide / mentions of self-harm / major character death / blood)

(CW; slight and inaccurate spoilers for Dazai's past)

For those who'd like to avoid specific contents, this is what I wrote for each suitor:

Dazai - MC is unconscious and bleeding, I didn't specify whether they survive or not

Arthur - MC is stopped before they can do anything, survives

Leonardo - MC isn't stopped in time, dies

Dazai

It was as if history was repeating itself. The message, the bloodied sheets and the unconscious body. The only different thing was perhaps.... him. It was a him that had experienced true happiness, a him that had learned forgiveness, a him that knew better than retort to suicide as a way of repentance. And yet... was it not enough? Dazai's mind swirled with the pungent thoughts of his own fate as he ran with your body in his arms. He ran, and ran, and ran, passing by a seemingly endless succession of hallways and wooden doors.

Never before did he wish your room was closer to Arthur's, as he felt your body grow colder and his clothes dampen with blood with each step forward. And yet the stars that were now adorning the night sky's black cape, seemed to be offering their compassion to him, for when Dazai burst into the writer's room he saw him sitting at his desk, completely sober and still functioning in the middle of the night.

Arthur slightly turned in his chair, and as he was about to comment with displeasure how rude it was of the man to come into his room completely unannounced, his mouth was left agape and eyes wide open, wordlessly staring at your limp and seemingly unmoving body as the smell of blood hit his nostrils in mere seconds.

"What in the Heavens happened-?!" Arthur abruptly stood up, leaving his half-finished manuscript forgotten on the table, rushing closer to check your pulse. The two novelists had never liked each other, a difference in life choices maybe, but it surely was not a hate that could surpass even the most perilous of situations, particularly because you were an outsider to their rivalry. As such, Arthur did not hesitate to put to good use all his medical knowledge, carefully rushing through every step to avoid the worst.

Seconds slowly transformed into hours, although Dazai was convinced time had stopped ever since the moment he had found you on your bed, utterly frozen in a state of unconsciousness with a crumpled letter of apologies laying on the bloodied sheets. The only thing that perhaps gave him the slightest hint to time’s passing was the way he could feel the blood on his chest and hands grow drier as the night morphed into the day.

As the first rays of light poked from behind the thick curtain of the doctor’s room, Dazai sat by his bed, right next to you, silent and outwardly calm, although dazed in the raging storm inside his heart.

Perhaps this was what Destiny itself had decided for him. Perhaps it was wrong of him to blame casualty instead of himself. His old, stupid self, who hadn’t learnt a single thing from past mistakes. But as his fellow vampire’s warm hand came to rest on his shoulder, Dazai decided to delay all judgment about his negligence until the Gods determined your fate.

Arthur

Staring at the familiar handwriting, Arthur felt his whole body grow numb, as if someone had thrown him in the darkest depths of the ocean, leaving him to suffocate under the overwhelming weight of the waters above.

He had noticed the worsening of your symptoms, but he had never imagined you'd go to these lengths. He had gravely underestimated your condition, and he could already hear the old ghosts of his past laughing at him, pointing their fingers while mocking him. But now, he had no time to worry about his own lack of foresight; his priority was getting to you in time, so that all could be fixed, hopefully.

Scanning the writing on your tear-stained note, his brain started listing all the possible places where you could've gone with a speed that would leave speechless even Sherlock Holmes himself. The writing was hurried and scrambled, meaning that it was a sudden decision. The city was too far away and bustling with people that could interfere, so it was an unlikely location. As he was running around the mansion in search of you, he passed in front of the terrace on the last floor; there, he saw your clothes swirling in the wind, and your figure standing on the stone railing.

He almost crashed against the glass door as he launched himself forward with extreme speed. You were there, looking down and slightly trembling. You were scared, as it was normal, but if death frightened you so, then what pain would be so strong to push you in its embrace? To drive you away from his warm arms and into the eternal darkness? Was such a painful experience worth the possible relief?

"MC!!!" Arthur shouted out of instinct with his whole lungs, like a volcano erupting in all its fury. A few steps later and you were falling backwards, your back colliding with his chest as he harshly pulled you to him. It all happened so fast that you didn't even have the time to turn your head and look at him. Now that you were on the ground, safely locked in his embrace, everything slowly sank in.

His voice came out choked and trembling. "W-what were you thinking-?!" He was trying so hard to hold everything back; the tears, the sobs, the anger in his voice. He was angry at himself, and you were not the target of his resentment, but he realized that it could be easily misunderstood by someone in your situation. Taking a deep breath and turning you around, he stared deeply into your pained eyes, softening his iron-like grip on your forearms.

His voice now steadier yet gentle with affection and worry added:"Love, I'm sorry for not noticing all of this sooner. I'm sorry for not helping you enough. Still, I want to be of some use to you, I want to be there for you.” A sharp breath interrupted his speech, maybe from him, you or perhaps both of you. “…So please, please rely on me; whenever you feel like you can't do it anymore, whenever you feel like you have enough of life, give me the chance to help you."

Seconds later, you burst into tears, sobbing confused "I'm sorry"s in the crook of his neck. Arthur slowly caressed your hair soothingly, as his heart continued to painfully hammer against his chest. He knew this was not going to be an easy nor a short journey; it was going to take time, and it would be hard, but he wouldn't give up on you no matter what. Through thick and thin, the way you did for him, he was going to support you the whole way.

"I love you more than anything in the world, MC." he added at last, hugging you tightly.

Leonardo

The deafening sound of crickets did not reach the man’s ears. He couldn’t hear anything but the fast pumping of his own blood in his veins. A heartbeat that had never and would never stop; stronger than anyone else’s, but also alone. The sound of his heart was utterly lonely, the only one under the white gazebo, now shrouded in the darkness of the night.

How much he would give not to hear it anymore, to put an end to it right then and there. But he couldn’t. And as Fate loved torturing him endlessly, he was now once more deprived of a person he loved. But this time was different than the countless others before. He thought he had gotten used to the company offered by Death herself, and it had been long ever since tears burned within his eyes, as if made of fire.

Between his arms laid a lifeless body, utterly still and deprived of any warmth. It seemed like mere moments had passed when Leonardo was contentedly caressing your hair as a tired yet relaxed sigh fell from a pair crimson lips, which whispered some loving words before blooming into a smile. Now, they were pale and slightly agape, a cold frown sculpted onto the body’s face. Perhaps he had gotten so used to the passage of time that he did not pay it more mind. Perhaps all his memories took place too long ago, and perhaps things had changed considerably from those happy moments you shared.

Leonardo’s expression subconsciously mimicked your own, one that would remain in his mind for who knows how long, and he did not dare to move away, sitting there with you for the very last moments of his eternally long life. He tried not to think about the way his heart lurched in his chest like a ship at sea during a storm when he found your note. Your handwriting, calm and precise as if it was a decision you had made long ago; where was his mind wandering off to while you were deciding to seal your own fate?

Silently strangling all those whirling thoughts in his head until they died down, leaving him in a deathly silence, he lovingly bid you farewell with a final kiss to your lips.

“Hopefully, we’ll meet in another life.”

“Next time, I won’t let this happen again”

Suffering was human, but he had learnt all too well how contagious pain could be. And yet, he now found himself isolated in his grievance, for you weren’t with him anymore.

[cherry-gemz]

Summary: This is a continuation of the movie Before We Go and my interpretation and imagination of an A/U. Brooke is you (Y/N) and Nick is still Nick :)

Prompt: "Just admit that I'm right." for @the-ce-horniest-book-club Drunk Drabbles for Nick Vaughan.

Pairings: Nick Vaughan x Y/N

Rating: PG-13

Word Count: <2k...is this a drabble still? Oopsies XD

A/N: I watched this movie for the first time just last week. It's now one of my top 3 Cevans movies! While I'm all for a romantic, serendipitous, spontaneous trope...much like Before Sunrise *no spoilers*, the ending was great, but I wanted a different spin. No pressure...yah, right! Either way, hope you enjoy xx.

Tags: @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss @tonystankschild @a-little-counter-esperanto

****************************************************************

You sniff and rub the end of your coat sleeve with your nose. Had to be the chill in the air, you thought. Not the fact that you just spent the most amazing and life changing night with a man you just met hours before and it was ending.

You stare out the train’s window; the gentle hum of the cart gliding across the steel tracks echoed in your thoughts. You shook your head in thinking that you made a mistake. I should have stayed...I should have told him how I felt…

“Nick. It's you again. Listen. I want to give you one more piece of advice. You're gonna be playing one night... Grand Central... thinking of every reason in the world to not go see the girl that broke your heart. Then, you're gonna meet somebody. And now, at first, she's gonna seem… icy. You're gonna know right away she's trouble. She's gonna take all your money. You're probably gonna get punched in the face. But stay with her; you're gonna need her a lot more than she needs you. And at the end of the night, you're gonna want to say some things, but don't. Don't ruin it. It's nothing she doesn't already know. Just give her a kiss. Wish her good luck. And thank her. Thank her for showing you that you can love more than one person in this life.”

He was unbelievably charming. You said so yourself. His raw talent with the trumpet was beautiful and different from what you were used to. The suburbia of the Boston bubble was what you were forced to live in now. You were from London, you were cultured and refined. Sure things with Michael were exciting at first, but the ho hum of the daily diatribe of routine became loathsome. Dépaysement. But you still never wavered in your marriage. Unlike Michael who had crossed that sacred line and lost your trust. It wasn't even fully the physical aspect that he went to another woman. It was the intimacy of telling her his deepest desires and then some that hurt the most. That he would want to share that with anyone else but you. But tonight. Tonight was what made you see clearly.

"It's possible, isn't it? It's possible that you could meet somebody who's perfect for you even though you're committed to somebody else," you asked as you bit your lip.

"No, no, see, I think if you're committed to somebody, you don't allow yourself to find perfection in someone else."

You found yourself blushing and cupping your cheek in thoughts of Nick. He was right. The whole night was a cluster mess of you trying to get home before Michael so you'd be able to throw away that wretched note. That he'd come to his senses and forget Linny. That he'd realized he was a fool and you'd start over. Just like old times.

However, slowly that feeling of reconciliation faded away little by little as each hour in the city passed. You couldn't pinpoint it exactly, but somehow the scrappy trumpet player Nick Vaughan etched his way into your icy heart and left an impression and stayed.

His fluffy, dark hair - so soft and inviting for you to rake your fingers through it was enough to drive you mad. His scruffy beard, which tickled when you kissed. You already loved ghosting your palms over it softly and imagined being able to do it whenever you wished. He said earlier into the night you weren't his type; you scoffed, but we're annoyed that it bothered you. You were a classic model of what guys were into, looks wise. Sure, your attitude was what rubbed some people the wrong way, but Americans really were too sensitive.

He however...he was the full package. Every toothy grin, wink, and full hearty laugh. He was addicting. He was a dead ringer for a heartthrob, but you also couldn't hate the guy for it. He was the friend you'd call to bail you out of jail at 4am and the boyfriend that you could see settling down with. It was nauseating really.

And then his lips. His soft lips...you can’t believe you kissed him in the hotel room. And then again at the train station. But you would have kicked yourself for not doing so in the first place. The way your fingers interlaced themselves on his terry cloth robe, how desperately you wanted to press your body against his. All you wanted was for him to feel that burning need within the apex between your thighs and extinguish it all night. But it was more than that, he was what you were missing. But you were kidding yourself. You weren’t running to Michael, you were running away from Nick.

But why? Because of the unknown? Because he actually knew who you were deep down inside? How could a man you barely knew, change you? Change what you thought was true, what you thought was love?

You dove your hand into your wool jacket’s pockets to push any thoughts of self-doubt, when you realize there was a piece of cardstock. You were puzzled to find it and immediately smiled in recognizing the hotel survey card. You bit your lip as you read down the survey questions one by one and notice Nick’s handwriting at the bottom, ‘turn over’ with an arrow.

Curious you turn over the hotel card and he’s written the word ‘yes’. Yes? You furrow your brow and contemplate further what he would be saying yes to. You think about the night - the time at the bar, helping him with Hannah, when you went to the psychic reading. Yes? What in the world - and then you turn the card back over and realize that on the second to last question it asked “Will you be likely to return?”

None of the boxes are checked, but he’d written ‘yes’ on the back. Yes. Yes he’ll return? Where? To the hotel? But when? You look up and rush to think about stopping the train dead in its tracks to return back to Grand Station. You breathe out heavily and come to terms that this isn’t a movie. He’s not chasing you down the tracks, jumping on the train to find you. Or is he? You wouldn’t put it past him. The whole night was filled with serendipitous concourses, this would be icing on the cake. You dart your head around to see if he’s in the cable car. It’s like in every rom com movie ending, the man of your dreams will be right there. He’s somehow charmed his way into boarding the train and found you waiting like a princess in her high tower. The train car is dark and bleak, only a few passengers are riding it as it’s the first route to Boston on a Sunday. You peer over to see if he’s in the next cart, but alas he is not. You slump in your seat and rub your thumb methodically over his words.

"Have you ever had a feeling that somebody was going to play a major part in your life?” you ask.

“Yeah."

“Do you know the most interesting thing about hotel art? It's what's on the back.”

It’s then you realize you have to return to New York. This story wasn’t about you and Michael anymore. No, it was about the man who selflessly helped you while you were in need, not only at your dire hour, but metaphorically as well. This was meant to be. You were meant to miss your train, break your phone, and meet the handsome man named Nick Vaughn. You knew he’d still be in the city because of his audition for the day with Duke at least, if you could just get to him somehow...

*

Your knees bounced as you sat on a cushioned chair in the hotel lobby. You had planned to wait there all day, but then realized the $13 train ticket was your only way of providing you security back home. So you went home. Confronted Michael. Cursed, cried, and then relief rushed over you as he had read your letter and how you knew about the affair. How you wanted to throw fists on his chest and tell him how much you hated him. But once you saw him, you found it didn't matter to you anymore. Someone else was worth fighting for. Your marriage was over. The hatred and spite you once had for your husband had dissipated. Your world didn't end like you thought it would. This wasn't your only chance at love. You were choosing to be happy, whether it was with Nick or not. This was the first time you were going to jump without having a net.

And Nick was wrong. Michael didn't want to work things out, he was coming to tell you that he loved you, but that and he'd be returning to Atlanta for good. The house, car, everything was yours: Nick said so himself, you gotta be okay with not being okay. So you walked away. You made the choice just like the psychic said and took it in stride, you faced the music.

However now you found yourself back in New York. Not the once stranded woman at a crossroads less than 24 hours before, but the woman that made a choice. You were worried that Nick would see it as you running away again. Running away because Michael didn't choose you. But in reality you didn't choose each other.

Still without an ID, you took your car and better against the four hour drive to the city and hoped a cop wouldn't pull you over. You thought of the night in the hotel. The laughs, the closeness you two encountered. The playful and cheeky way he could make you feel seen. You were starting to get nervous, what if he doesn't show up? What if I missed my chance?

"I'm an idiot," you murmur to yourself. "I can't believe I'm here."

You stand up and realize there Nick was there in your path. He looked a little worn, obviously from staying up all night. But he had changed and showered from the looks of it, and his signature trumpet case held in his hand.

"Well look who it is. The biggest loser in New York."

You laughed and blushed at the sight of him. He slung his trumpet case over his broad shoulder and walked over to close the gap.

“Just admit that I’m right.”

"Admit what?" You ask as you find yourself touching his jacket sleeve.

"Admit that you couldn't get enough of me." You hitched a breath from his words.

"You can say that."

"I can't believe you came back," he responded. His blue eyes gazed into yours as he brushed away a tendril of hair from your face.

"I read your answer to the survey...on the back."

"The stay did exceed my expectations and I did say I would return," he smiles.

"And here you are."

"Here I am…" he pulls away slightly as he's reminded that you're married.

"I jumped," you replied.

He's taken back by your statement and furrows his brow.

"What? With what?"

"I told Michael it was over."

"Wow. I'm so...sorry, Y/N."

"Don't be. You said so yourself, at some point it was time to face the music."

He nodded, absorbing the information.

"Say what's in your head."

He shook his head and grinned,"I'm just glad you came back is all."

"Yeah? How'd you know?"

"I didn't. Just sure as hell hoped you would."

He intertwines your fingers with his and holds tight. Like a missing puzzle piece found, your hand fits perfectly with his.

"Whaddya say we get out of here?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"I may know a place," he smiles devilishly and gives your knuckles a kiss.

You grab his dress shirt collar and turn him towards you. He runs his hands through your hair and places his lips upon yours, kissing you deeply. It's a kiss so passionate, so perfect - that after you part, neither open your eyes for a few moments afterwards and he embraces you tightly.

"Good, because I'm not going anywhere."

[itsadamcole]

i wish

fem!reader x tyler breeze

It’s been almost three months since reader last saw her husband, Tyler Breeze. He’s been traveling for wrestling. Reader has a fancy dinner event for her law firm and she wishes that Tyler was there to accompany her. Little does reader know that Tyler has a little surprise up his sleeve ... “i wish you were here”

word count: 4.6k

warning: soft smut, fluff, a scene including sexual harassment, tyler being cute and happy, probably wrong legal stuff but we’re gonna pretend it’s real for the sake of the imagine

— just something i’ve been working on for a while and never posted —

masterlist || request an imagine here

~ 18+ content below - read at your own risk ~

As you do your makeup for your formal dinner party with your co-workers, your mind wanders off to your husband.

It's been close to three months since you kissed Tyler goodbye and it's gotten harder and harder every day. You miss him. You miss him being around and you miss hearing him yell and scream when he's streaming or playing UNO with DaParty.

The house has been too quiet without him. The only reason you're not feeling lonely is because of Kanga, Tigger, and Roo, the two dogs and the cat you and Tyler parent.

As you're applying your lipstick, you realize that you have a few tears running down your cheeks, ruining your makeup. You groan, frustrated with yourself as you dry the tears and fix your look.

Once your makeup is finally done, you get into the dress you bought for the occasion.

The dinner tonight is a formal event, meaning full-length dresses instead of the usual cocktail dress. You bought a full length dark red satin dress for the occasion. The top of the dress hugs your chest while the skirt has a slight flare to it. The v-neck dips down a little bit and the sleeves are thin as they sit on your shoulders. You pair the dress with dark red heels.

You put in diamond earrings that were gifted to you by Tyler on your first wedding anniversary. They hand down a little bit. To decorate your neck, you wear a necklace that your sister gave you for your birthday two birthdays ago. You put on your engagement and wedding rings on your left ring finger. You rarely ever wear your rings to work, let alone a work event.

As you're putting on your jewelry, your phone starts to go off. You walk over to the ringing device. Tyler is trying to FaceTime you.

You've told him about the dinner tonight and he said that he'd be there if he could. He knows how much you hate any kind of party.

Putting a smile on your face, you answer the FaceTime call. Tyler is looking at his phone, waiting for you to pick up. The second he sees you, a smile lights up his face. "There's my beautiful wife," Tyler says. "I can only see your face but I just know you look stunning."

"Hold on," you say, walking over to the full-length mirror in your bedroom. You turn the camera so the camera is on the mirror. The sunlight coming through the window lights up the room.

Tyler has a look of awe on his face as he looks at you in the mirror via the phone camera. "Baby," he says. "You look like a princess."

You smile and say, "I just need a little tiara."

Your husband says, "You don't need a tiara to be a princess, baby. This right here proves it."

You giggle and turn the camera back to your face. "I wish you were here," you say. "I hate going to these things alone."

Tyler says, "I know. I wish I was too. I'll be home for the next event though and we can kill it together. I promise."

"I can't wait," you say, glancing at the time. "Okay, I have to get going. It's going to take me years to drive to the place where this event is going to be because I'm in a gown and heels."

Your husband laughs over the phone and he asks, "Is it at The Oak again?"

Nodding, you say, "Of course it is because the partners always have this stupid dinner at the same exact place every few months."

Both you and Tyler laugh before he says, "Well, then, I'll let you go. You look beautiful, baby. I love you."

"And I love you," you say, blowing him kisses through the phone. "I'll see you when you come home."

Tyler smiles and says, "I'll be home before you know it. It'll go by quickly."

You smile as you both say your goodbyes. You grab your clutch and walk downstairs, phone already in hand from having just been on it when Tyler called.

You get into your car. You turn it on and start the half-hour ride to The Oak.

The Oak is a fancy hotel with a large ballroom area that the partners at your law firm always use for these events. There's one every four to six weeks. You've been working at Dolan and Reid's law firm for close to ten years so these get kind of boring after a while. You're required to be at each one though because of your position in the firm. You're a junior partner. You were promoted late last year and you were ecstatic.

You've been with Tyler since you were just starting out in the law firm. You got married four years ago. It's been an amazing four years.

As you pull up, you see several of your co-workers walking into the hotel. They're laughing and already having a good time. You park in the parking lot before you walk into the hotel yourself.

You've been here so many times, the hotel employees know your name and you know most of theirs. You don't have to ask where the bar is because you've been here so often.

When you walk up to the bar, the bartender, whose name is Lucy, asks, "What can I get for you, Y/N?"

You sigh, "A glass of your best whiskey, Lucy. Thank you."

She nods and gets your drink ready.

"This drink is on me," a male voice says beside you. You look over and see one of the other junior partners standing next to you. Danny Watson. You roll your eyes as you're handed your drink. "What? No 'hello'? Or what about 'hi, Danny. How are you'?"

You sip your drink and hold up your left ring finger with your wedding ring on it. "I'm married, remember?" you say coldly. "I'm not interested for the hundredth time."

Danny says, "I know for a fact that your husband is out of town for some wrestling bullshit so let me take you home, baby. Let me show you what I could do if you dumped that husband of yours that's never home."

You stay calm as you say, "Listen here, Daniel. Don't you insult my husband's work by calling it bullshit. And don't you dare even ask me to go home with you. I'm tired of you and your sexual harassment. Do it one more time and I'll talk to the partners about it."

He laughs and says, "You think they're gonna do anything about it? They have more important things to deal with than an allegation of sexual harassment."

"You forget that I'm a lawyer that handles sex cases or cases involving harassment and assault," you spit at him. "I'll sue you and represent myself."

Danny rolls his eyes and says, "Whatever, Y/N. You're not worth my time anymore."

You get angry and you say, "Fuck you, Danny. I was never worth your time because I am not going to cheat on my husband with anyone, let alone someone as low as you."

Someone walks over and stands beside you. "Y/N, is Danny bothering you again?" You look over and see that it's your best friend from work, Y/WBF/N. You sigh with relief and nod. "Go the fuck away, Danny. Stop harassing the poor girl when she's already upset enough."

Danny rolls his eyes and walks off. You thank Y/WBF/N and say, "My hero."

She hooks her arm with yours and says, "Let's head into the main room and dance a little bit. We both need to let off a little steam after that."

You finish your drink and say, "I couldn't agree more." The two of you walk into the ballroom area and walk to the dance floor.

Y/WBF/N is wearing a full-length form-fitting black dress. It looks beautiful on her. Her jet black curls bounce up and down as she moves.

You and your work best friend both dance for about 30 minutes before the DJ says, "Let's slow it down a little bit so the couples in the room can dance together."

A Thousand Years by Christina Perri plays and you leave the dance floor area with Y/WBF/N, finding a seat at one of the round tables. You sip the water that's provided for you and you notice Y/WBF/N glance behind you and smile a bit.

Before you can react or say anything, you hear a familiar voice behind you say, "Excuse me, Mrs. Breeze. I believe that you should be on the dance floor with your husband." You quickly turn around in your seat and look behind you to see your husband, Tyler Breeze, standing behind you. He's fully dressed in a black and white suit with a red tie.

Quickly, you get up and wrap your arms around Tyler's neck. You're on your tiptoes as you hug him. You're hugging your husband for the first time in months. Your arms are wrapped tightly around his neck.

Tyler takes your hand and leads you over to the dance floor, where about twenty or so couples are dancing together to the slow song. You haven't been able to stop smiling since you turned around in your seat.

Your husband takes you in his arms, wrapping them around your waist. You wrap your arms around his neck and sway to the music. You stare up at Tyler, meeting his pretty brown eyes for the first time since he left three months ago.

"How did you get here?" you ask. "Last time I checked, you were supposed to be in Seattle for NXT Takeover."

He smiles and says, "That's not until Saturday and I decided to come by for the next four days and spend time with my wife. Dango is covering for me in Seattle while I'm here with you. It wasn't worth spending four days in Seattle with nothing to do so I decided to come and surprise you."

You smile and pull yourself closer to Tyler. Your cheek is now on his chest and you listen to the sound of his heart beating. You say, "I'm so happy you're home for a few days. I've missed you so much, so have Kanga, Tigger, and Roo."

Tyler laughs and says, "I said hi to them when I stopped by the house to grab this tie so I can somewhat match you."

Laughing, you look back up at Tyler. A smile is on your lips as you sigh, "I've missed you, Tyler. So much."

Your husband says, "I've missed you too, Y/N. You look absolutely stunning and I am so glad that I got to see you in the dress."

You smile and wrap your arms tighter around Tyler's neck, pressing your cheek to his chest again. Tyler kisses the top of your head and you close your eyes as the song ends but changed to One Direction's If I Could Fly.

Tyler wraps his arms tighter around your waist and you both continue to sway to the music.

As you dance with your husband, you wish that this moment would never end that way he wouldn't have to leave in four days to fly across the country from you. You wish you could stay in his arms forever. You don't want him to leave and you can't go with him because you have an important case to prep for. The trial starts on Monday.

"Hey," Tyler says, looking down at you. "Y/N, what's wrong? You're crying."

You hadn't noticed that you started crying. You wipe your mascara filled tears away and you say, "I wish you didn't have to leave in a few days. I hate it when you leave for so long. I wish you could stay with me for a while."

Tyler smiles and says, "I was going to surprise you with this later but after Takeover, I'm home for nine weeks. No more touring until after the holidays. The next Takeover is in Orlando so I don't have to go very far."

The news makes you smile wide. You say, "Really? You're going to be home for nine weeks straight?"

Your husband nods and says, "I am. I'm all yours for the next nine weeks after Takeover. I also told Dango to stay away for the first week or so since I have a lot of time to make up for." Tyler winks at you. You lightly kick Tyler's shin.

"Tyler!" you scold. "I'm at a work event. You can't be saying these things when my co-workers are around."

He laughs and asks, "Am I not allowed to touch you then since your co-workers are around?" He lets you go and you pout.

You say, "I never said that." Tyler smiles and puts his hands back on your waist. "You're mean."

Tyler smiles and says, "But you love me."

You giggle and say, "Yes. I do love you."

"Am I allowed to kiss you or no?" your husband teases. "Since your co-workers are around."

Rolling your eyes, you say, "I don't care if my co-workers are around. I haven't kissed you in close to three months."

Tyler laughs and brings his lips down to yours. They move against yours slowly and your eyes flutter closed as you kiss your husband for the first time in three months. The kiss is very soft and passionate from the start. Your hands slide to Tyler's cheeks, holding his face between your hands.

The song changes and everyone comes back into the dance floor. Tyler pulls back from the kiss and looks down at you.

"Y/N," one of the partners calls, walking toward you. Mr. Reid is the partner walking toward you. "May I have a few words outside with you?"

You nod and look at Tyler. "I'll be right back," you say to your husband. "Y/WBF/N is still at the table you found me at."

Tyler nods and you walk away with Mr. Reid, leaving the large ballroom and loud music. You find yourself in the lobby of the hotel with not only Mr. Reid but Mr. Dolan and Danny.

That bitch, you think to yourself.

Mr. Dolan says, "Mr. Watson here has told us you have been harassing him for a few weeks. He's been saying you've been wanting to, and I quote, 'take him to bed'."

Your eyes widen and you say, "That is not how it went down, Mr. Dolan. It's been the opposite actually. My husband has been away for a few weeks for his job and Daniel has been harassing me the entire time my husband has been gone." Panic rises in your voice. "I've never once asked if Daniel could take me to bed. As a matter of fact, I've never approached Daniel for anything outside of work."

Mr. Reid looks at Danny and says, "You omitted the part where she had a husband, Mr. Watson."

You've rarely ever told anyone that you have a husband let alone that Tyler Breeze is your husband because of his status. NXT Tag Team Champion and WWE superstar. He's well known, and you never know who is or isn't a wrestling fan.

The partners never asked for your marital status so you never told them. You were single when you started working at the firm. You've been going by your maiden name at work, not your married last name since you never legally changed your name to Y/N Breeze after you married Tyler.

Between your friends and family, you are Mrs. Breeze. Legally, you're still Y/N L/N so you're not obligated to tell anyone you're married. You've only told Danny and Y/WBF/N because of Danny's harassment and because Y/WBF/N is your best friend.

Daniel says, "I didn't think that was an important subject."

Mr. Dolan says, "Miss L/N, we did check the footage from tonight at the bar before we came to get you and we did see that Mr. Watson came up to you and you did seem agitated that he was there. You held up your left hand as well. We just wanted to confirm that it has been Mr. Watson harassing you since we did have visual evidence."

You sigh with relief that the partners didn't believe Danny.

Danny on the other hand looks pissed that he's been caught in a lie. Mr. Reid says, "Now, Mr. Watson, next time you lie, you might not want to lie to lawyers. As of this moment, you have been demoted to associate, and associate you will stay for a while. If we get any more reports of harassment coming from you, you will be terminated. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Danny mumbles.

Mr. Reid says, "You're dismissed, Mr. Watson."

Danny walks away and you look at the partners. Mr. Dolan asks, "Miss L/N, is your last name legally L/N, or do you share your husband's last name?"

You say, "It's legally still L/N. I've been thinking of legally changing it to my husband's last name for a little bit."

"What's been stopping you?" Mr. Dolan asks.

You play with your thumbs and say, "My husband is a professional wrestler. A pretty well-known professional wrestler and I've been trying to keep my marriage on the quiet side because of his job."

Mr. Reid says, "You don't have to use your husband's last name on your cards for work if you want to change it to his last name. You can still be Y/N L/N since it is your maiden name."

You blink and say, "In that case, I might legally change my last name to my husband's. I was lead to believe that I had to use my legal name."

Mr. Reid says, "You can go by your birth name or your married name, Miss L/N. We have a few documents upstairs that will help you begin the process of changing your last name tonight. I can retrieve them quickly. All you have to do is provide some information and sign a few papers and then it's done."

You nod and say, "Let's do it."

The partners go and get the documents. Tyler texts you in the meantime.

11:27 pm

tyler bby: everything okay? you’ve been gone for a little bit

11:28 pm

you: everything's okay. we're talking over a case that starts monday. i'll be back in a few minutes

Tyler writes back an "okay see you in a few" and you sigh.

He surprised you and now you're going to surprise him. He's been wanting you to change your last name so he'll be happy about this.

With Mr. Reid and Mr. Dolan's help, the documents are all signed after you provide the information. It takes about fifteen minutes once they come back with the papers.

Mr. Reid hands you a document with your new legal name and says, "Congratulations, Mrs. Breeze."

You smile and say, "Thank you."

You walk off back toward the dinner party and walk to Tyler.

When you get to Tyler, you lower the paper in front of his face from behind him and you say, "Surprise."

Tyler looks up at you and asks, "You changed your last name?"

You nod and say, "It'll take some time and some processing before it's officially legal but yes, I changed my last name. I am now unofficially Mrs. Y/N Breeze. I'm still going to use my maiden name at work and it's what my clients will call me but my legal name will be Y/N Breeze."

Your husband stands up and kisses you. You giggle into the kiss and he mumbles, "Mrs. Breeze sounds so hot."

"It was your last name before it was mine," you say against Tyler's lips.

Tyler smiles against your lips before he pulls back. "Tonight's just full of surprises for both of us," he says.

You peck his lips and say, "Take me upstairs to see another surprise that will give you a preview of what our week will look like once you're back from Takeover this weekend."

Tyler's eyes widen and he takes your hand. He walks to the receptionist's desk and says, "We'd like a room. Any room that you have available."

The woman behind the desk says, "Room 1118 is available."

Your husband says, "We'll take it."

Tyler pays for the room and is given the key. Excited, he takes your hand again and walks to the elevator. He steps on and pulls you into his arms. As the doors shut, Tyler kisses you passionately. You giggle against his lips and mumble, "Someone's antsy."

"I haven't been intimate with my wife in three months," he says, pulling back from the kiss and undoing his tie. "Excuse me if I'm a little excited to have sex tonight."

You smile and pull Tyler back to you by pulling his jacket. Your lips crash to his and the intense kiss continues as Tyler presses you against the wall of the elevator.

Luckily no one is on the elevator as you ascend to the 11th floor. The trip takes what feels like forever before you reach the 11th floor.

Once the doors open, you take Tyler's hand and walk down the hallway quickly until you get to room 1118.

Tyler unlocked the door with the keycard and pulls you inside. The door closes and automatically locks behind you as Tyler presses you against the door.

You stare up at Tyler and see his brown eyes dark with lust and need, for you. Your core begins to ache at the thought of what Tyler's going to do to you tonight after he sees the underwear you're wearing.

It's been three long months since you last had sex. Three months too long.

Your need for Tyler overwhelms you and you lean your head up, kissing Tyler hard.

As your lips move against Tyler's, you push off his suit jacket. It drops to the floor. His tie joins the jacket before the two of you stumble toward the bed.

It's mostly dark in the room, except for the moonlight and bright lights of Orlando shining into the room from the window and glass doors that lead to the balcony.

You've done this so many times with Tyler that the two of you know each other like the back of your hands. You don't need light.

Tyler's fingers work on the zipper on the back of your dress as yours work on unbuttoning his shirt. Your lips move feverishly against each other. You eventually get Tyler's shirt unbuttoned and you pull it off of him.

He gets your dress unzipped and you let it fall off your body, pooling at your feet. You step out of your heels and Tyler pulls back from the kiss. He looks down at you. You're not wearing a bra but you're wearing a pair of red lacy panties.

Your husband licks his bottom lip and says, "Now that's a surprise."

You giggle and start to unbutton his pants as he spins you around and pushing you back onto the bed. He leans over the bed with his hands on either side of you, holding himself up. Tyler kisses you softly, taking his face in your hands as you kiss him back.

Tyler pushes you onto your back, breaking the kiss. His lips are on your chest and slowly trail down your body. You've missed this feeling. His lips on your body, his fingers touching your skin. It's been three months since you've been with Tyler like this.

He pushes your panties to the side and starts to kiss and suck on your sensitive clit. You let out a soft moan and bite your lip. Tyler hums softly and runs his tongue through your folds. "Tyler," you sigh. "Please. No teasing tonight."

Your husband smirks and pulls off your panties before slipping two fingers into you. You moan a little louder and your back arches off the bed as Tyler moves his fingers quickly.

You grasp onto the bedsheets and let out a loud moan as he adds a third finger. Loud moans escape your lips with every flick of Tyler's wrist. Your body jerks beneath Tyler's touch and he looks up at you with his eyes.

It takes maybe five minutes before you're pulled to the edge of an orgasm. Your legs shake a bit as you get closer and closer, then Tyler pulls his fingers out of you. You whine and look at him.

"Baby," you say, pouting. "Not fair."

Tyler stands at the foot of the bed in front of you. You watch as he pulls off his pants and his boxers. You gently bite your lip and Tyler crawls onto you, hovering over you between your legs. His lips are on yours within a few seconds and they move against yours intensely. Your fingers are in his hair, holding Tyler close to you.

The two of you share the passionate kiss for a few moments before Tyler begins to push himself into you, making you moan and gasp softly against Tyler's lips.

Tyler pulls back and his lips attach to your neck. Your hands slide down to the back of Tyler's neck and he starts to thrust his hips into you gently. Your eyes flutter closed and you enjoy the feeling of Tyler inside you. "God, Tyler," you moan. "I've missed this."

Your husband smiles against your neck as he moves harder into you, his tip grazes your g-spot and you moan his name loudly.

He props himself up on his arms, pulling away from your neck. Your eyes meet his as you wrap your legs around his waist tightly. His thrusts are harder and he's so deep inside you that his hips are now flush against yours.

As you're pulled closer and closer to your orgasm again, your legs begin to shake. You're gasping and moaning. The sound of skin slapping and your moans fill the small room.

"I'm close, baby," Tyler groans as he's pulled closer to his climax.

Your hands cup his face and you say, "Come, baby."

Tyler thrusts a few more times into you before you both release. You around him and him inside you. He helps you ride out your high. You come down, whining and sighing. You pull Tyler's face down to yours and kiss him lightly.

Both of you are out of breath as Tyler rolls off of you and walking to the bathroom to grab something to clean everything up. You crawl under the blankets and once Tyler's done cleaning up, he joins you. You rest your head on his chest and listen to his heart beat in his chest. You smile and say, "Your heart is beating so fast."

He lets out a breathy laugh and he says, "It's beating that fast for you."

You move so you're laying onto your stomach. Your breasts are presses against Tyler's side and you rest your chin on your hands, which rest on his chest. Tyler smiles at you and you say, "You're so cheesy, but I love it."

Tyler kisses your nose and says, "I can't wait until after Takeover now if that's what our week is going to look like as soon as I get back."

Laughing, you say, "It's going to look like that and so much more. Expect some new outfits too, Mr. Breeze."

Your husband smiles and says, "Oh, I'm excited about these new outfits, Mrs. Breeze."

[glimmerglanger]

If you're taking prompts for slo!au, I have to say I would love Bly's perspective of Cody's Extremely Dramatic Yet Low-Key Courtship of his general. I'm sorry, but you can't tell your brother that you're the love of someone else's life without it being brought up ad nauseam for the rest of your natural life.

IT’S TRUE, YOU CAN’T. Cody is getting reminded of this for the rest of his life. I mean, Bly has already started doing it in the fic, so I can imagine that Cody just never hears the end of it. I feel the only reason he really gets relief is because Bly is just as head-over-heels for Aayla, and Cody knows it. ANYWAY. Some fic.

~~~~~~~

Cody had always been serious and focused. Bly knew perfectly well that there was a reason his brother had been selected as Marshal Commander, over all of the rest of them. He’d shown tremendous potential, the ability to stay on-task, and all the rest of the qualities the Kaminoans loved to expand on.

He was also, Bly realized, during that long first year of the war, completely out-of-his-head about his Jedi.

Cody had already been on the front for months by the time Bly got out there. Everyone who couldn’t fight had watched the battles unfold with a pervading sense of tension. Bly was far from the only one to obsessively review the information they got about the battles.

The first time he watched Cody bodily jump onto a droid he shook his head. The fact that Cody had done it to protest the Jedi beside him had been hardly of note, at the time. And then the Negotiator had come back to Coruscant and Bly had spotted his brother carrying a kriffing baby and, well…

Bly had really thought it all strange, the way Cody watched General Kenobi. That had lasted about until he first saw Aayla and felt his heart just… lurch in his chest. He’d thought something was wrong with him, that he’d experienced some kind of defect, previously unnoticed. But the medics all said he was fine, even though just seeing her made his heart beat faster.

They - all of his brothers - had to figure out how certain things worked on their own. The Kaminoans had not provided adequate information about interpersonal relationships, but they’d been designed to learn, adapt, overcome any situation they were thrown into.

Bly figured it should be marked as a success of their training when he heard, through the gossip network that sprung up almost immediately as more and more ships were deployed, that Cody had managed to spend an entire heat with General Kenobi. Word was that Kenobi had been all smiles the following day. 

Cody looked offended when Bly slapped him on the shoulder, the next time they met. Bly had thought they might come to blows, briefly, when he asked what it had been like. Bly decided to redirect by asking about battle plans for a joint mission.

He had noted, however, that Cody seemed a bit wistful when he explained that they had to maintain their professional distance, at least until the war was over.

Bly heard there was very little professional distance after Kenobi got drugged with something off-world, but there was shockingly little chatter about the event. The 212th shut down all attempts to pry into exactly what had happened, even their medics, who had to know. The only information came from a few droids, and they were useless, really.

Still, he heard a few months later that Cody had definitely lent a hand with Kenobi’s next actual heat, and nodded, impressed. He’d seen no reason to disbelieve Cody, when they met up briefly, and discussed the future.

They’d learned a lot about love and affection in a short period of time. It seemed to Bly, based on his experiences, that Cody somehow had managed to snag the heart of his General.

[shi-daisy]

Snowed In

Well this it folks, my last Ulquihime Week entry for this year. As always it's been a joy to participate and see everything that all of the other users have created, and that those who host the event take such care to plan our ship week. I had a blast and I'm looking forward to doing this again next year. Till then however, let's all keep on making content for our otp!

Ok so onto the story, today's theme is Winter/Warmth and I really didn't know what to do, until I remembered I have a whole AU I could use and stuck with that. For those who haven't read my entries from previous years the Reunion AU basically had Ulquiorra and Orihime meet again after a few years, Orihime ran off from her wedding with Ichigo and Ulquiorra is now human(along with the other Arrancar). At this point in the time the two have been dating for a month. Hope you like!

@ulquihimeweek

Ulquihime Week- Day 6: Winter/Warmth

Snowed In

"For the last time Tia, I'll ask her but that dosen't mean she'll say yes." Ulquiorra repeated over the phone for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

His friends had all told him to invite Orihime over for Christmas dinner, and while he wasn't too keen on the holiday he knew his woman was. This would be the first time he would be asking her to spend an event with him and his 'family' and while he might deny it, Ulquiorra was nervous.

"Schiffer, of course she'll say yes. That girl is quite taken with you."

"I'd like to think so, but still, don't be disappointed if she declines."

"Yes, yes, I am ready to accept a negative answer. Still, I wanted some civilized company this year."

He could tell she directed her angry tone at Nnoitra. From over the phone Ulquiorra could hear them bickering.

"If ya don't want me to eat the cookies. Don't leave em on the table!"

"Those were freshly baked! How are you not burned?!"

"Cuz I still have Arrancar-like skin."

"Fool! Your hands are red! I have to go Ulquiorra. Our gigantic toddler has injured himself again."

"No surprise there. I shall see you later."

He arrived at the cafe soon after his call ended, yet he knew things weren't right. Orihime usually waited for him outside, but despite the closed sign in the door, she was nowhere to be seen. Ulquiorra rushed into the cafe, immediately upon entering he heard a loud noise.

"I know language was never your best subject but I think the sign on the door was pretty easy to read Kurosaki!"

"Inoue, just let me explain everything."

"I told you to fuck off!" Orihime angrily took off her arpon and walked away. Ulquiorra headed towards her. The second she saw him, her anger subsided.

He dared to look at Kurosaki. The redhead was no longer the headstrong teen he had met six years ago. His hair was shorter, and while he's grown taller, Ulquiorra thought he looked less intimidating.

"How- How are you here? You died."

"I got better." Ulquiorra answered sarcastically. "Now, I believe you heard the woman. She's not interested in speaking to you."

Ichigo didn't seem keen on backing down, his surprised stare turned into a glare. "You don't get to decide for her anymore, Ulquiorra."

"Oh just shut up already, Ichigo! I don't owe you shit! Tatsuki picked up my stuff a while ago, I've kept away from you and your kin, and paid back what I owed to you father. Aside from those unresolved matters we have nothing else to talk about!"

"I think leaving one's own wedding and then vanishing for two months is something to talk about! You never gave me an explanation for that."

He'd never seen Orihime so enraged, her pale face turned red and she was clenching her fist so hard her arms shook. "You want an explanation?! Fine! I left because just as I was going to get Kenpachi-san to walk me to the altar, I found you and Kuchiki-San! Then you kissed her! When we were young I thought you were in love with her, but since you proposed to me and made me feel as if I was the one you wanted, my worries faded. Imagine how I felt at that moment! I gave up NASA for you, scholarships, internships, my own damn college ambitions all went down the drain! All because I wanted to be with you, and look where the fuck that got me!

So there's your bloody explanation! Now scram!"

There was a small moment of silence before Kurosaki left. The second he was out the door, Ulquiorra hugged Orihime close. "Let it out."

Orihime didn't want to cry over it anymore, but her body betrayed her. She shook as she cried, her sobs echoed in the small cafe and the only solace she could find was the warmth Ulquiorra's hug provided.

As he held onto her, Ulquiorra checked an alert on his phone. There was a snow storm coming to Naruki.

"Woman, it's likely we won't be able to reach your apartment in time. Would you like to accompany me home?"

Orihime stopped crying after hearing that. "Yes. I'd love to go with you."

"Good, I've sent a message to Szayel, he should be coming to pick us up before the storm gets worse."

"Okay."

Orihime stared at Ulquiorra's face for a moment. When she first saw him again after all these years he looked just as he did the day he turned to ash under her touch. Now, he seemed so different. His hair was longer and styled, he often wore leather and dark make up, and even facial jewelery. She also noticed he began doing those things when the two began dating. Maybe it was an effort to become more human like for her.

"Ulqui, are you sure it's okay for me to come home with you? I don't want to bother the others."

"It's no bother, they were all hoping to see you again." Ulquiorra cleared his throat, as he often did when he was nervous. "Actually they were insistent that I brought you home for Christmas celebrations next week."

She blushed. "Really? I'd love to go! Spending Christmas alone is not much fun. I would be happy to spend it with your family."

He sighed in relief. "I'm glad."

"You sound nervous, did you think I'd decline?"

"Well, yes. But that's not why I was nerveous. It's just the others can be quite a handful. I don't want them to overwhelm you."

"I'll be fine, I love hyper groups of people. Besides you and I can have some alone time later."

"That I won't mind."

Szayel arrived at the cafe slightly later than expected. The sky was already darkening, and the road was icy. He drove slowly but made sure to calculate the time properly.

"Inoue-san, I hope you don't mind, Halibel has prepared a room for you, along with clothes. It's likely the snowstorm will keep you from going home tonight, perhaps even longer."

"That's fine. Thanks for telling me Szayel. I'll be sure to not cause any trouble."

"Oh sweetie it's no trouble at all, we are all looking forward to having you around. Ulquiorra has told us so much about you!"

Ulquiorra, Who had been dozing off in the front seat, was now wide awake and glaring at Szayel.

Orihime laughed at the scene before her. "Does he? What has he told you?"

"That he enjoys speaking to you, and that you have a lovely aura, and that you look very pretty in a sundress."

By now Ulquiorra was a blushing mess, he hid his face under the hoodie of his coat, but Orihime has already seen it. She smiled and blew a kiss in his direction. "Well I think he looks good in black clothes."

Ulquiorra caught the hint. Black was what he always wore, meaning Orihime always found him to be cute. He smiled, this time without covering his blush.

***

Her arrival had been met with hugs, greetings, an enthusiastic snuggle from the family's pet.

"Kukkapuro's no stranger to cuddling new people. He won't leave you alone for the rest of the night." Stark drowsily told her as he tried to get Kukkapuro to move. The hollow puppy ignored him.

"That's okay, Stark-san. I don't mind."

The sleepy man nodded and went back to his favorite spot, on the lap of his boyfriend. Szayel rolled his eyes and let him sleep.

She smiled at the scene, it reminded her of the times she'd act overly affectionate and Ulquiorra would be either unimpressed or dead quiet. Strangely enough she didn't mind.

"Orihime! Can you come to the kitchen? I need your help!"

She followed Halibel's voice to the kitchen. The older women had baked a new batch of cookies and wanted her opinion.

"You're the star baker after all." She told her.

The woman's tone was so sweet Orihime couldn't bear to tell her she hadn't finished culinary school.

She took a bite, savoring the sweet yet salty ginger cookie. "These are great! You're an incredible baker, Halibel-san."

"Thank you, it means a lot coming from a professional. There is something I'd like your help with."

"Anything."

***

"Are you going to chose a movie already?!"

Ulquiorra glared at Nnoitra, who had probably been banned from the kitchen.

"I am not choosing anything until the girls come back with the food. Have some patience Jiruga!"

"I am plenty patient!"

"I agree with Ulquiorra, you have a short fuse. Now be quiet." Szayel snapped.

"Tch. If I'd know you were going to be so moody I would've spent the week with Tesla and Cyan."

"Tesla might've been your fracción but I think even he knows you shouldn't be around a newborn." Stark mumbled in his drowsy state.

Ulquiorra chuckled, as he remembered the little bundle Cyan had given birth to a week ago. He didn't consider himself the baby type but that had been disproven the moment he was allowed to carry the tiny child.

"Maybe you and Inoue will produce a cute baby one day."

Ulquiorra almost fell off the sofa. "Nnoitra if you don't shut up I will disembowel you!"

Szayel shushed them both and pointed down to a sleeping Stark, but by then it was too late. The pair began bickering and Kukkapuro howled along.

***

"See? It's always like this. Can't get some quiet until bedtime."

"Don't worry. This'll warm them up!"

The girls walked out of the kitchen with cookies and hot chocolate. "Settle down! We're here with the treats! Ulquiorra you can pick a movie if you'd like."

He nodded and began browsing. Orihime gave everyone a cup of chocolate and cookies. Once her boyfriend had picked a movie, she sat down with him and their treats.

It didn't take long for the others to fall asleep. According to Ulquiorra this was a common occurrence. 'They'll be asleep before the second act ends.'

The couple was snuggling together covered by a thick blanket, they had finished their sweets and once the movie ended they would be going to bed.

"Hey Ulqui."

"Yes, love?"

"Thanks for tonight. I don't know how badly things would've gotten if I hadn't come with you."

Seeing Ichigo had soured her day greatly, and walking home alone in the freezing cold to cry herself to sleep would've been twice as hellish. Thankfully her boyfriend was there to dry her tears and make her smile again.

"You're welcome woman. I shall always be here for you, so whenever you feel like the world is falling apart remember to lean on me. It is now my eternal duty to keep you smiling."

She giggled and nuzzled close to him. "Thanks Ulqui. You're really sweet." The beating of his heart was lulling her to sleep, but Orihime resisted, she wanted to see the end of the movie. "I have to repay you one day for all the kindness you've given me. Feels like I'm only taking."

"No, you're mistaken. It is I who's repaying a debt to you. Back when I was a hollow you brought joy into my life again, and since then I've thought that one lifetime won't be enough to repay you."

"Then you better be with me in every other lifetime."

He wouldn't refuse such a request. Ulquiorra looked down at Orihime, their gazes met and he knew this was the perfect moment to do as he had planned for so long. He leaned down to press his lips against hers, a soft kiss which caused them both to blush. They both tasted of chocolate and ginger cookies, still it was perfect.

"I love you." He whispered only for her.

Orihime caressed his cheek and smiled. "I love you too."

They stayed like that for the rest of the night, tangled in a warm embrace as the snow continued to fall outside.

[brokecollegenerd]

Chapter One

Genre: Royal au, Cross-dressing au

Paring: Spy! Baekhyun x soldier! Reader ft. Sehun

Summary: Your life gets turned upside down when the King demands one male of every household to enlist and defend the nation from invading forces. Fearing for your Father’s life, you enlist for him and head off to fight for your home. All while trying to hide your true identity. While doing this, you meet a member of the Royal Spys. Who seems to always be there for you, when you need him the most

Tagging: @shesdreaminginoverdose​

Masterlist | Prologue (The Spy) | Prologue (The Soldier)

The sun shines down on your back as you walk along the dirt road. You were currently surrounded by all the men heading off together to the capitol in order to enlist so that they could fulfill the decree’s demand. The original group that you had left with was much smaller than the current group you were walking with. As the group had traveled, more and more men of all ages joined the party, making it grow in size. This led to you hanging out in the back, more often than not. You were trying to avoid as many people as possible to lessen the chance of someone figuring out your secret. You figured the less people you talked to the lower your chances were for any of them asking questions and figuring out your gender. This was why you often hung out at the back of the party, especially as it grew in size, to avoid conversations. Unfortunately, Helios seemed to want you to stay by his side for the entire trip and subsequent enlistment.

While you appreciated his desire to keep you safe, it was also a pain how overbearing he was being. You had known Helios your entire life, so you understood him when he kept insisting you stay by him. Helios saw himself as your protector on this journey. Afterall, you had that type of unofficial engagement that came from living in a small town, the type that wasn’t real but most boys or men believed it was. Thus, you knew that he wasn’t so much worried about another man discovering your secret and what it could do to you and your family, but rather if another man would try and make a move on you. This was why you had not even gone two miles into the journey before doing everything in your power to separate yourself from him. If he was overbearing the whole trip, someone would get suspicious and ask questions. That was something you didn’t want to happen, or rather, that you couldn't let happen.

Moving your hand, you shade your eyes so you can look at the sun. You were rather grateful for your short hair at this moment, it was much cooler than your long hair had been on a sunny day.  It was almost midday from what you could see, which meant that you would need to find a place off the road to eat midday meal.

At that very moment a call went out, “Time to stop for a midday meal.” A great cry went up from all the men at the news. The crowd moved towards the large covered wagon that held the food for the collective. You knew better than to head to the front like everyone else. Slipping between the people, you made your way towards the back of the covered wagon. The back of the covered wagon had a window that all the other men seem to forget about. They always headed to the front window, because that was the main place that food was served. However, you had learned early on that if you went to the back window, you could be given food before the majority of the others. Arriving at the back window, you gave it a knock to let the person inside know you were there. The window opened to reveal a rather small man. A cheeky smile came to his eyes once he saw who had knocked.

"Ah, Lyn. Hold on I have your meal coming right up." The small man left the window for just a few moments before coming back with a bowl of grits and an apple in hand. "Fresh and ready to go my lad." He said, taking too much joy from you cheating the system. You smile at him, he was trouble but at least he was fun.

"Thanks Kibum," you say, making your voice a little lower than your normal tone. "Tell Minho he better not have poisoned me." As you walk away you could hear Kibum's laugh roaring behind you. As quickly and quietly as you had gotten to the wagon, you left in the same manner. The next step for you was to find a place to eat away from everyone else. Fortunately, you spotted a lone tree not too far from the path. It was the perfect spot, it had shade and was away from where everyone else was gathering to eat. You walk over to it and find a perfect spot to sit under the tree that provides the most shade. You had barely sat down and leaned up against the tree, when the peace is interrupted by someone calling out for you.

“Y/N!” Helios yells. Panic fills you as he calls you by your real name. You jump up quickly from your spot under the tree and look around it to find Helios searching for you. 

“Helios!” you call out, “What the hell are you doing?” Hearing his name, Helios makes eye contact with you and a look of relief comes to his face. He walks over to your spot under the tree. The light shining bright on him, making his golden hair glow.

"There you are, I was wondering where you ran off to. I just got you a spot to sit in the group for the meal but you had already vanished." You could feel frustration building up within you. 

"I've already told you, Helios, I don't want to sit with those guys cause they bring too much attention to themselves. I'm trying to keep a low profile." Which you seem to not understand you think to yourself, "And I told you, don't call me Y/N. I am Lyn from now on and no matter when or where we are, you need to call me that." Helios lets out a breath of frustration. It seems you aren't the only frustrated person.

"And do I have to tell you again to stay close to me. I need to make sure you're safe. I promised both my sister and parents to look after you." He says.

"I know, and I am grateful for your help, but you're not doing a good job of keeping a low-profile. That's what I need right now, not a personal guardian. I'm not a child, Helios, I can take care of myself pretty well on my own." A short laugh leaves Helios.

"Barely, you aren't nearly as old as me or even half the men here. Just imagine what will happen to you if you're alone with any of them, or worse one of the enemy." 

"I'll punch them in the face," you respond, "I've got a good hook." Helios doesn't seem to like that answer. His frustration becoming more clear as he crosses his arms.

"This isn't a joke." He says through gritted teeth.

"I don't think it is. You just don't trust me to be alone with anyone other than you, and I don't trust you to keep a low-profile. So I did both of us a favor and just separated myself from everyone. It's the best of both world" You sigh. Calming yourself down a little, you try talking to Helios again without yelling at him. "Look, I know you're trying to take care of me and keep your promise; but I'll be fine, I promise." A large sigh escapes Helios, he looks back over at the large group.

"I know you'll be fine. Doesn't mean I like it." 

"I know," you say, "can you just trust me to be alone, maybe stop being so overbearing? Just for today at least?" You reach out and place your hand on Helios' arm. It seems to calm him down a tiny bit.

"Fine, you can eat your lunch alone today. But," he turns back to look at you, "can you promise to sleep next to me for the rest of the trip? It's the one thing I ask."

"Sure," you promise, "I have no problem with that. As long as you let me sleep." A small chuckle leaves both of you. A small peace comes between you two, if just for now. Helios unfolds his arms and pulls you into a hug. 

"Just be careful" he says against your head. You nod to reassure him. Helios let you go rather reluctantly, giving you a small smile as he leaves. "See you around, Lyn." He says, putting great emphasis on the word. 

As you watch Helios walk away, you can feel your frustration slowly starting to fade away with him. This journey was not going to be easy with Helios acting this way. However, you don’t have long to relax before you hear a noise. It was the awkward clearing of someone’s throat. Panic quickly overtakes you and you freeze upon hearing the noise. 

“Well, that definitely wasn’t a conversation I was supposed to hear.” Following the sound of the voice, you look up into the tree you're under to see the last you want. It's a young man, nay more like a boy, sitting in the tree. He is long limbed and lanky, with black hair and dark eyes. Even though he looks to be on the younger side, his face is shaped and chilled like that of an older person. He's a strange combination of both man and boy and you can't quite seem to get a grasp on his true age.

“How long have you been there?” You ask. You feel foolish asking but you don’t know what else to say. The lanky boy smiles rather cheekily and rubs the back of his head.

“The whole time, I got here before you.” The panic within you changes to terror. He heard everything. He knows. It no longer matters if Helios can stop acting obvious, it’s already too late. You feel your breathing begin to come out in pants of terror. The boy seems to catch on to your panic and worry covers his face.

“Don’t panic! I won’t tell anyone.” The whole world seems to freeze at his statement. He won’t tell? But why? What does he have to gain from not telling?

“Why?” you ask, looking at him laying out in the branches. The lanky boy moves from his reclined position to one where he is sitting up straight on one branch. His booted-feet dangle just above your head.

“Cause I don’t see any reason to, you’re doing no harm.” he says casually. You are shocked at his response. 

"What do you mean no harm?" You ask.

"Well," the lanky boy sighs, "you being a girl doesn't change the fact that you're probably going to fight and die, the same as the rest of us. You probably also didn't plan on signing up for fun, especially if your beau over there is going on about keeping you safe."

"He's not my beau, just a family friend." You say, almost mumbling it. The boy nods, understanding coming over his face as he grasps the relationship you and Helios share. You feel relief flood through you, he wasn’t going to tell anyone. His reasoning made sense, and it made you almost embarrassed how nervous you were about the whole situation. Your moment of relief stops almost as soon as it starts when the boy speaks again.

“I understand why you want to keep it a secret though.” 

“You do?” you ask, tilting your head.

“Yah,” the boy says, “Not everyone is going to think the same way I do about, well, this whole situation.” he says gesturing towards you. “The higher ups might see you as cheating the system, and, well, army men are not exactly the best people to be around as a girl.” You wince at the thought of what could happen to you if everyone did find out about your gender. Maybe your concerns were warranted if even this random boy thought so. You were then struck by an embarrassing thought, you hadn’t asked the boy his name yet. 

Blushing a little you say, “I just realized I haven’t asked what your name is yet. You know mine, hell both of mine." You hear a small chuckle leave the boy and your nerves get even worse. "So, it would probably be good to ask what yours is.” The boy smiles at you, he jumps down from his spot on the tree branch. He lands easily on his feet, straightening up and pushing off his black tunic and brown pants. He puts out his hand for you to shake.

“Sehun, it's nice to meet you, Lyn." You reach out and shake his hand. You feel warmth grow inside you as his uses your fake name.

"Ummm," a sense of awkwardness falls between the two of you. You rack your brain to come up with something to say. "Where are you from?" You say rather awkwardly shrugging your shoulders in a way that shows you have no confidence in the question. Sehun sighs and looks back the way the party had come.

"I live on a farm near the Oh Valley. Maybe about two miles or so outside the town in the valley." Shock overcomes you, that's the neighboring town to your hometown. He probably lives not more than ten miles away from your home.

"What!?" You exclaim, "That's the crazy, I live just outside the town in the south hills from the Valley. We're practically neighbors!" Sehun's face lights up with excitement, his face changing into a boyish grin that makes him look almost cute. "It seems fate is wanting us to be friends or something." You say, grinning wide.

"I don't know about that," Sehun says, a skeptical look in his eyes. "Nevertheless, it's nice to meet someone from the same area as me." He then leans forward a little. "If you do want to be friends then I am more than open to the idea. I've been on my own this whole trip and I would love to have someone to travel with." You feel a smile come to your face. You bring your fingers to your chin, in a mock thinking position.

"Hmmmm," you muse, "that is a very intriguing offer. I have been in the market for a partner in this journey, my current one doesn't seem to be respecting my wishes exactly." The smile of Sehun's face turns into a smirk.

"Well, I promise to keep your secret, respect you as an individual, and only ask that you don't get annoyed with me." Sehun says.

"Deal," you put out your hand to seal the "deal". Sehun takes your hand and shakes it firmly. Before both of you know it, you're laughing way to hard. The giddiness that floods your heart is something you weren't expecting. You like Sehun, a lot actually. He seems like a fun person, but still a good one. After you both catch your breath after laughing, you motion to the food you have sitting on the ground.

"If you don't mind, can we sit down so I can eat?" You ask.

"Of course," Sehun says. You sit back down on the ground, getting yourself comfortable and finally able to eat.

"Now then," Sehun says, settling down next to you. He eyes your food with a greedy look that makes you shake your head at him, "Why did you sign up? There has to be a story to it." You sigh, you knew he would ask but it wasn't something you really wanted to talk about.

"I'm an only child, so the only male in my family is my father. He isn't exactly young and full of the spirit of youth anymore. When I saw the decree, I knew that he would definitely die if he went to fight. He probably wouldn't even make it past training without some health concern. So, I decided to go in his place and tell my parents that the decree said one member of the family and leave out the male part. I went to the family friends we had and told them the whole situation. They weren't exactly happy about the situation as you can tell." You say gesturing to where Helios left earlier. "But they all knew that it was the best opinion. Then the parents told Helios, that guy from earlier, to make sure I'm safe, and you can clearly see how well that's going for the two of us." You take a bite of your grits after you finish your small tale. Sehun looks at you with an thoughtful look.

"They're going to find out you lied to them." He says.

"I know," you respond, "by the time they learn though it will already be too late." Sehun let's out a small chuckle.

"I can see you thought this through." He comments

"Sort of," you say, "I kind of come up with the plan as I walked home from town, and then showed up at the family friends house with cut hair and a vague plan. It all came together after that." You take another bite of your grits. You can see Sehun continue to eye the food, and hold out your bowl to him. "Want a bite?" You ask.

"Yes please," he responds, "I didn't grab any food." You raise one of your eyebrows and give me a look of confusion.

"Why would you do that?" You ask, while handing him your apple.

"Didn't feel like dealing with that mob." He says. He takes the apple from your hand and immediately starts to devour it. You let out a small chuckle. What an interesting reason for not getting food.

"When did you plan on eating then?" You ask.

"I usually eat in the mornings and evenings." Sehun response, apple already half gone.

"All because you don't want to deal with the group?"

"Yup," he says. You make a humming nosie of acknowledgement, it wasn't exactly a bad idea but one that you don't think you could do. You decide to change the subject at hand.

"What's your story?" You ask. Sehun looks at you with confusion on his face.

"My story?"

"Yah, why are you here? Are you an only child? Only living male? Everyone has a reason for being here, and you heard mine, so what's yours?" You take another bite and wait for Sehun to answer. He sighs and his face becomes more serious. Yet again, he looks older when he isn't smiling in some capacity.

"It's nothing really extraordinary, like yours." Sehun leans back against the tree and looks out over the field. "I'm the youngest of two brothers, and my older brother had just recently gotten engaged. I thought that if he died, it would be worse than me. So, when the conversation came up, I offered and no one could really argue with me." Sehun takes a final bite out of his apple and mutters, "that's all there is to it." His story is simple but it does tells you one thing about Sehun, he cares deeply for those he loves. He's almost like you in a way, choosing to go enlist because you dying would be the least painful in the family. Pausing in your meal, you look at Sehun. You can see the silent resignation in his eyes, that look of knowing he may never be able to see his family again and this is his one final act love for them.

"I understand," you say. Sehun looks at you and a sense of companionship passes between you. Sehun clears his throat and tries to change the subject.

"So, what are your plans for after the war?" He asks, throwing his apple core away. You're thrown completely off by his question. You never really thought about what you're going to do after the war.

"I don't know," you say, "probably just go back to the farm and continue to work it." Sehun nods slowly. A small silence falls between the two of you. You venture to try and start up the conversation again.

"Do you have something in mind for after the war?" You ask.

"Not really," Sehun states, "Maybe stay on with the Army."

"Is that something you want to do?" you ask, a little intrigued at the thought of Sehun officially joining the Army.

"I don't know," he responds, "I mostly just want to get out of my home, start a new life somewhere else. I want to be more than just a second son to a farmer; and I feel like this could really provide me the opportunity I've been looking for." You nod your head in a acknowledgement. You understand that thought process, Helios has a similar idea but it wasn't as simple. Sehun genuinely seemed like he was trying to figure out what to do with his life and he felt being in the army or even in the capital would give him that opportunity. Helios just wanted to be important, and he saw being in the army as a way of doing that. In a way, you can relate more Sehun's idea than Helios's, the idea of starting over somewhere new to figure out your life is something everyone has felt. You reach out and grasp Sehun's hand strongly. He is taken off guard at your sudden action. You look him dead in the eyes, which were a beautiful chocolate color.

"Well then, as my repayment to you for keeping my secret, I promise to make sure that you will live to the end of this war and can figure out what you're meant to do with your life." Sehun smiles one of his childlike smiles and a look of fondness comes to his eyes. You feel your heart swell with happiness, even though you have just met this lad, you already feet deep affection for him and the want to keep him smiling like that. Sehun's grip on your hand tightens.

"Thank you, Y/N" he whispers, so quite you almost can't hear it. At that very moment a call goes out.

"All bowls need to be returned to the wagon and those who have start walking!" Sehun and you both look back to the party and hear the noises of grumbling men and boys.

"Well, you better return that bowl or you'll lose your head." Sehun jests.

You look back at him and retort, "I'd like to seem them try." Sehun let's out a chuckle and stands up, pulling you up along with him.

"Shall we?" he asks, hand still clasped in yours.

"We shall." You respond taking off in a run, pulling the poor boy behind you.

"Lynnnnn." Sehun whines. You only laugh, but still hold onto his hand. Sehun likewise, despite his whining, holds on firmly to your hand.

Next Chapter

[alittlepronetopanic]

Can't Stop The Bleeding (Deal - Canon Divergence AU)

A/N: I leep thinking about this moment and I couldn't help myself. Set literally just before Matt is shot in ‘Deal’. Also, I'm no medical expert, Google doesn't have all the answers I needed but I tried to do my best with the medical side of things. I’m sorry if any of it is wrong.

I'm the worst person for writing this, I know, I'm sorry.

(gif is mine)

Prompt(s): "I can’t stop the bleeding."

Pairing: Matt x Reader

Word Count: 5,761 (Sorry, it got VERY out of hand.)

Warning(s): A shit ton of angst, a little fluff.

Hope you enjoy it! And as always, feedback is appreciated. :)

Leaving the courtroom after winning a case was always satisfying, and tomorrow would just be another day at the office. You walked down the road with Matt, Alesha and young Kaden Blake who you'd been helping for the case, and Matt had identified with him more than any young adult you had worked with.

Matt stops in his tracks, and takes a moment to talk to Kaden, leaving both you and Alesha stood a few feet away. What happened next was just like the movies, you expected it go fast like a blur, but it didn't. You didn't know why Matt pushed Kaden out of the way, you expected it to be for a silly reason like a bug or something. But that theory was almost immediately shattered when two gunshots came and Matt hit the deck after having both of them inserted into his chest, now him pushing Kaden out of the way made a lot more sense.

“Matty!” you screamed, feeling you throat get sore just by screaming so loud.

Everyone surrounding the court crouched to the deck in fear, you looked towards where the gunshots came from but the car had already gone. You rushed straight over to Matt not thinking of your own safety, you knew the gunman could still be on the loose, but you had to help him. You took off your coat, despite it being your favourite one, and immediately apply pressure to his gunshot wound. There were two, so you tried your hardest to apply the same amount strength to both gunshots, “No, no, no, no.” you panicked as blood starting escaping from his mouth. “Alesha, call an ambulance.” you tell her, she didn't respond, frozen in shock. “Alesha. Ambulance.” you reiterated, snapping her back into the real world and her shaking hands took out her phone and called the emergency services.

You saw Ronnie rushing forward out the corner of your eye, all of your strength was on the wounds but the bleeding wouldn't stop, “I can't stop the bleeding, Ron.” you sob but your hands didn't move. His chest was still moving up and down, but you knew his breathing wasn't normal, it was laboured and he was struggling more with each breath. Ronnie moved one of your hands away helping you try and stem the bleeding, “Don't you dare give up. Don't die on us.” you pleaded, your voice was almost garbled due to the fact that you couldn't stop crying. You had no idea where the ambulance was and you was starting to get frustrated that they weren't getting here quicker to help Matt.

Matt's eyes closed, and his breathing slowed, his chest was barely moving as opposed to the breathing his was doing moments earlier. “No no, come on Matty, you gotta keep those eyes open.” Ronnie instructed him, you could barely see him with the tears clouding your vision but you had to let these bout of tears fall just to clear your eyesight.

Seeing his eyes close just made the tears fall from your eyes even more. You felt the pulse in his neck, it was there, but incredibly weak. He needed medical attention and fast, and you knew that you and Ronnie wasn't providing it. “Matt.” you spoke, he didn't respond causing you to look at Ronnie. You wanted to scream louder than probably humanly possible but you couldn't, “Matt, please. Come on.” Ronnie tried to find his pulse and though he could also find it, it was still horribly weak; and it was getting weaker by the second and you knew he probably didn't have long left. The ambulance needed to get here.

The ambulance had arrived a few minutes after Matt closed his eyes, arriving at the hospital was touch and go. They managed to get him breathe with help but he was far from out of the woods, and he was likely going to need a blood transfusion too, not to mention surgery to remove the bullets in his chest.

The blood still covered your hands, the coat you used to stop the bleeding was still draped over your arm but you couldn't hold it any more; it was just a reminder of what happened, a reminder of what could still happen. It wasn't a certainty that he was going to make it. You dropped the coat to the floor and something clanged to the ground, a silver chain poked out from underneath the coat. Picking it up, you knew it was Matt's St Christopher necklace, despite the fact the medal was covered in his blood. You felt the tears pool in your eyes, people wear them to keep them safe, and now Matt was in such danger, more danger than you could bear. You tried to wipe some of the blood off but a lot of it had dried and set within intricate design of the medal; just like the blood had begun to dry on your hands, caked in the lined crevices and around the fingernails.

Your whole body slumped to the floor against the wall and Ronnie rushed over. Ronnie seemed more composed than you were, but inside, he was just as broken. Matt was like a son to him, a son that wanted to be a part of his life, unlike his daughters who decided to keep their distance. Your cheeks were covered in the moisture from your tears, tears that wouldn't stop falling. Ronnie joined you on the floor, groaning in his advancing age. He didn't say anything, he knew nothing would make you or him feel better and empty promises wouldn't do anyone any good. Your hands sat in your lap, one hand tightly squeezing Matt's necklace and your free hand was soon taken by Ronnie and he just held it comfortingly.

You didn't know how much time had passed, it felt like hours and it probably was that long. The doors at the end of the corridor opened. A single nurse came out and you both stood up, you couldn't speak, it was still like a bad dream, “He made it through surgery.” she informs you both and you breathe a sigh of relief and the tears started to fall again as you sat yourself down on the bench. “He's not out of the woods yet. We've removed both of the bullets from him and we've also had to carry out a blood transfusion due to the amount of blood he lost.”

The door opens again and bed is wheeled through with Matt on. You knew you weren't able to see him yet, but seeing him that way was horrible. He looked pale and wires came from many different places; he was hooked up to a ventilator with a tube escaping from his mouth to help him breathe overnight, a chest tube was insert to try and make sure that blood, fluid and air didn't surround his heart and lungs. Not only that, IV drips were placed in his arm.. The panic set in, seeing him that way made it more certain that his chances weren't looking good, “What are his chances?” you asked, squeezing his necklace even tighter making the chain leave an imprint on you palm.

“It's very hard to say at this stage. I wouldn't like to guess.”

“What about in the long term?” Ronnie questioned the nurse.

“Again, it's very hard to say until he's woken and we can monitor his condition more thoroughly. While he's in the condition he's in, it's incredibly difficult to even speculate any long term damage.”

You had stopped taking things in once Ronnie asked the question; you could see Matt through the doorway, another nurse tending to him. But you noticed when she stopped talking, “Can we see him?”

“Of course.” the nurse nodded. You didn't mean to appear rude when you pushed past the helpful woman, but as soon as you were able, you wanted to get to Matt; you wanted to hold his hand, hoping he knew you and Ronnie were there.

As soon as you reached Matt's bedside, you took his hand in yours and placed his St Christopher in between your hands. Matt wore it constantly, so you thought it would be nice for him to have it back. You looked at him, at least he looked peaceful being able to sleep despite what he's going through. All of a sudden, all of the memories you have with Matt came flooding to you. Your desk was opposite his at MIU and you remembered all the fun times you had together and you couldn't imagine never having them again, there was so much life he had and it's almost being snatched away. “What if he doesn't make it, Ron? What am I – I mean 'we' gonna do without him?”

Ronnie came behind you and placed a hand on your shoulder, “He's a fighter, our Matty. We just gotta wait just like the nurse said.”

“Yeah,” you mumbled. “I just... It's just... Seeing him like this...” you sighed. Your eyelids felt heavy as the time approached 3am, you didn't want to sleep, you couldn't. Ronnie goes to another chair as you stay in the position you've barely moved from. You didn't want to let go of his hand, but you knew nothing was going to happen tonight; he wasn't going to wake up, and you just had to pray nothing else happened. You shuffled the chair closer, and made sure your fingertips still touched Matt's skin and you allowed yourself to sleep for a little while.

The smell of coffee made it's way up your nostrils and you immediately woke up. You followed the arm attached to the cup, and Ronnie smiled, “Thank you.” you said, wiping the sleep out of your eyes. Hospital coffee wasn't the greatest you had tasted, but it will do for now.

You hoped that yesterday was some kind of horrible nightmare that you just hadn't woken from but once you had woken up and you reassessed your surroundings, it was obvious that it was very much real. Looking over to Matt, his ventilator was still doing the breathing for him and wires still attached to him like he was some kind of piece of electrical technology. You had remembered that the ventilator was only for overnight use and they were later going to try and take him off of it; it worried you. Not just because it might not work but in some ways, it worried you that it would; not knowing the long term damage that he could have suffered by the shooting.

Matt's St Christopher shined in the sunlight that burst through the window. It was draped over his hand that sat palm down by his side, and the medal kept sliding off the plastic clip on his finger that measure the oxygen in his blood. His breathing was more normal but you knew it wasn't really him doing the work, the machine was doing it for him but at least it was an improvement on before. Sitting at Matt's bedside made time feel like it was much slower than usual, and there wasn't much you could do but just sit and wait.

“Come on, Matt. We need you back.” you spoke softly grabbing his hand once more.  Ronnie watched as you spoke to Matt, watching for any movements he might make. It was the same thing he did almost every waking moment, “What are we going to do without you, eh? I'm gonna need to back opposite my desk; making jokes about Ronnie's eating habits, moaning about whatever it is you moan about – which is more than you realise you do.”

Ronnie scanned Matt's body, he thought that him being spoken to might provoke some kind of reaction from him. The nurse had said that he could hear. A twitch came from Matt's finger as you spoke, but Ronnie wasn't sure if he was imagining it, so he waited.

“But I also want you back because I lo --” his finger moved again, more so this time.

“[Y/N]!” Ronnie interrupted, almost yelling. Your head turned abruptly, looking at him worryingly. “His finger moved.”

“What?!”

“Talk to him again. Tell him how really feel about him.” Ronnie tells you. You frowned, and turned to Ronnie again, “Come on, you really think I didn't know?” he paused and looked at you, the same way your dad did whenever you were upset. Ronnie could see the hurt in your eyes whenever you looked at Matt, even when they weren't it was like a constant pain that Ronnie could see. “He knows too. Tell him. Even if you don't tell him that, say something to him.”

Your eyes lowered back to Matt's hand and you draped his St Christopher back over it, “Remember when we first met? The first time I walked into MIU as a DC on transfer. One of the first people I saw was you. You were talking to the DCI about some case, and I was introduced into your office and the only empty desk was the one opposite you. So that's where I sat, where I still sit. The way you kept looking at me was in a way nobody has ever looked at me before. You know, the first case that you had when I joined, I solved and you looked at me when you realised I was right; you looked at me with such awe that I could solve the case. It was like you were surprised, but --”

Matt's finger moved again, followed by another quick movement and this time you saw it. Ronnie knew this time he had to get someone, so he rushed out, finding the nearest nurse he could. He rushed in, followed by the nurse on duty on the desk. “It could just be an involuntary muscle movement.” she states as she checks his eyes. “But seeing as we plan to take him off the ventilator today. We could try and do it now.”

The nurse left and brought two doctors with her and you and Ronnie moved to the corner of the room. You almost wanted to shout at them to stop, you couldn't help but worry that he'd stop breathing all together. The nurse made her way over to you, she could see both you and Ronnie were worried, “What if he stops breathing altogether?”

“Mr Devlin was put on a ventilator overnight with sedation and we've been gradually withdrawing it overnight without any problems. The majority of breathing he's been doing over the last hour or so has most likely begun to be his own work. We also managed to perform a few checks on while you've been out of the room or asleep. We believe he's ready.”

You were unaware that Matt had been getting weaned off the ventilator, it must've been happening while you weren't totally with it. It gave you a bit of peace of mind that Matt shouldn't have any problems but you couldn't help but cling to Ronnie like a small child as they started to fuss around him. You wished you could just hold his hand while it was happening, but neither of you wanted to get in the way.

You could hear the two doctors performing checks once again to make sure Matt was ready to be taken off the machine. Eventually you saw them remove the tube from Matt's mouth that had been down his throat and they fixed a nasal cannula instead. They also moved his bed so he was sat up more rather than being lay down flat. “How long until he wakes up?” you asked.

“Could be anything from 10 minutes to 10 hours or more.”

“Thank you.” Both you and Ronnie said with a smile. Now it was just a case of waiting for Matt to wake up. You sat by his bed and grabbed his hand once more. Ronnie sat on the other side and you both watched Matt like a hawk. Your eyes barely moved off him making sure that his chest was moving with each breath, the only times your eyes did move was when you checked the screen of machine next to him making sure that his heart beat was normal.

Your head had found it's way on to the bed as you were uncomfortably bent over in your chair. A tickling sensation brushed against your cheek that woke you up, you thought it was a strand of your own hair or part of the cover that was over Matt. But it wasn't, Matt's finger had slowly been caressing your cheek.

Sitting back up in your chair, you looked over at Matt whose eyes where slightly opened and he smiled at you. “Matt?” you beamed. Ronnie jumped up from his own sleep and immediately leaned forward.

“Hello.” he rasped in a light whisper but he still managed a little smile. His voice sounded like he hadn't had a drink in weeks, and it made you feel a little sad. It was nice to see him awake, and that little smile made it even more worth it.

“Hey.” you grinned back, squeezing his hand. He squeezed it back for the first time since you held it whilst you've been at the hospital. “I would ask how you're feeling but I think I can guess.”

Matt chuckles and quickly grimaces when he realised it was a bad idea. “Well...” he begins as he attempts to shuffle in the bed. You stand up, and try to carefully help him sit more comfortably, but you knew you had to be careful. “Ouch. I feel like I've gone many rounds in a boxing ring and gone out for drinks with the lads from football all at the same.” he laughed again, but it was hushed, barely any sound escaped his mouth. “So, what happened then?”

“You don't remember?” Ronnie asked.

“I remember leaving the court with [Y/N], Alesha and Kaden. Then nothing.” Matt wasn't wearing a shirt as several bandages covered the majority of his chest. “I'm guessing this has something to do with it.” he continued as he tugged gently at the bandage.

“You were shot. Twice in the chest.” you told him and Matt's face turned to shock. He looked as if he honestly had no idea that is what had happened.

“So that's why it feels like the world's strongest man has used my chest as a trampoline?” It was encouraging that Matt still felt able to have a joke. Matt directed his attention to Ronnie, “Shouldn't you be going to see you daughter?”

“Daughter? Is she okay?” you asked, looking back up to Ronnie.

“Yeah, she's fine.”

“She had a baby, Ron. I remember you telling me that.” Matt says.

“Well, why didn't you say anything? You could've gone to see her. ” you told him. Ronnie slightly shook his head. “Go. Now.”

Ronnie looked at you, before looking over at Matt who smiled wearily, “I'll be alright, Ron. Go.” his hushed voice rasped. “Besides, I'm hardly going to be here totally on my own am I?” he said before turning and smiling back at you.

He looked hesitant to leave. He knew that Matt was in the best place possible and that Matt would be glad to have you there with him but he still didn't want to leave the room. Ronnie grabbed his coat from the back of his chair and made his way out of the room, giving you a kiss on your head and shaking Matt's hand as he left. “Don't let him get up to any mischief, will ya?”

“Oh, yeah, I'll be running riot through the halls before you know it.” he jokes. He winces in pain and again attempts to shuffle in his position to make himself more comfortable. Ronnie gave another small smile before leaving the room and going to see his daughter and new grandchild.

Ronnie hadn't long left and you thought he'd be tired enough to sleep, but if he was, he wasn't going to take that opportunity this time, “Was it really bad?” he asked. You didn't want to answer, you didn't want to relive it, and you didn't want Matt to remember any of it. You looked down and Matt moved his hand, directing you to take hold of it which you did.

Your thumb caressed Matt's hand as you held it. You didn't know what to say but the silence was worse. “We almost lost you, Matt. It was – It was horrible.” your voice almost broke by the end of the sentence and Matt could see that it distressed you. He didn't realise how much you had seen, how much anyone had. Upsetting you by bringing it up was the last thing he wanted but a part of him needed to know what exactly happened, though he was willing to wait for the answers.

You remembered Matt's necklace was now in your pocket, “I have something of yours.” you told him as you took the necklace out and passed it to him. You didn't want him to see the blood on it so you cleaned it up earlier before giving it to him.

He took it off you and looked at it, “These are supposed to keep you safe.” he scoffed. Matt's comment made you feel sad; he was right, they were, that's why people wore them and he was the one hurt. He didn't put it back on, instead he just put it on the table next to his bed. You couldn't help but look at it as it sluggishly was placed on the desk. The fact that he didn't even feel like wearing it anymore when he had wore it for longer than you have known him; and the fact the didn't feel like it could keep him safe any longer when it had just failed him.

“But you are safe. You're here.” you said with a quiver in your voice. You had to try and keep the emotions hidden. It didn't matter when he was asleep, he couldn't see how you felt. It wasn't just the sadness of what had happened to your friend, but to you, he was more than that; you loved him.

Matt's eyes lowered, and his jaw jerked; a little tick you noticed he does when he was sad. He licked his lips, another nervous, sad tick of his, “You said I almost died, [Y/N].” You hated hearing Matt talk like this. He was right, you did somewhat say that, but you weren't going to lie to him.

“Yeah, but I – I wasn't going to lie to you, Matty.”

Matt's head lowered to his lap once again, “I know.” he mumbled. Raising his eyes back up to you, he licked his lips again to try and return some normality to his voice, “I'm glad you told me.” he smiled slightly.

Whenever Matt tried to move, the discomfort and pain became unbearable, but whenever he stayed in the same position for too long, the stiffness he started to feel was even worse. Shuffling again, a few groans escaped his mouth and you got back up to help him move around in the bed. Despite the pain relief, he still felt the soreness from the surgery he had; it was throbbing through him like several drummers pounding around his wounds.

He finally managed to feel comfortable again and after a few deep breaths to help get through the pain, he settled back down. “What were you going to tell me anyway?” he asked before taking large gulp trying to take away some of the dryness in his throat from the ventilator.

“What? When?” you asked.

“I don't know. I'm just sure I heard your voice. But I don't remember when.”

Matt saw you when you frowned but he waited for you to speak before he said anything, “I was speaking to you earlier but you were still unconscious. You heard that?”

Matt shook his head and shrugged lightly, “I dunno, maybe.” he whispered, but not by choice; it was only the dry throat from the ventilator that was still making his speaking sound rough. “What did you say?”

You didn't know whether you wanted to tell him what you planned to say but you wasn't sure what to tell him either. “I was just reminding you of when we first met. Ronnie thought it might provoke a reaction from you.”

“Oh, yeah.” Matt chuckled, “Ow.” he said immediately after, realising again that laughing was a bad mistake. “I was making my way back from interviewing a suspect with Ronnie, and I stopped to talk to the DCI. You were waiting to be assigned on transfer and they – unfortunately for you – sat you in front of me. You stole our thunder and solved the case.” his voice rasped.

You laughed in disbelief, “I stole your thunder?” you scoffed. “You should be lucky I was there.”

Looking back at Matt, he smiled at you and used his thumb to weakly stroke your fingers as your hand was still in his. After a few moments of looking at each other, “We were very lucky.” he smiled. Matt turned away and lowered his head sadly, “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah, course.” you replied with a little smile.

“Who was there? When it happened?”

Your little smile quickly faltered and you , not wanting to remember what had happened, but you also didn't want to lie to him. “Me, Alesha and Kaden. Ronnie was talking to another officer and he was walking out when the gun went off.”

“Then what?”

“You pushed Kaden out of the way, got hit. I ran over, took off my coat and used it to try and stop the bleeding, but I couldn't. Ronnie came over too and helped but it still wouldn't stop. Then the ambulance arrived.”

Matt frowned, his head tilted slightly, “So... I'm still alive because of you two?”

“I kept checking your pulse. I wasn't – I couldn't let you go.” your voice cracked through the emotion and Matt could see the tears gather in your eyes. “But, the hospital did all the work. They're miracle workers.”

He slowly grabbed your hand and squeezed it lightly and even managing a little smile - it was always something Matt did – especially when he knew you needed it the most. This time it was his little way of apologising for making you upset; he knew that it must've been a horrible thing for you to witness and he would've felt the same way if he had just watched anyone he cared about being shot.  

“Come up here with me.” Matt requested as he shuffled closer to you as he sat in the bed and you were next to it in the chair.

You let out a little chuckle, “What? I can't.” you replied, not knowing if he was being serious.

“Why?”

“There's quite a few wires for starters.”

“Don't be silly. I'll move more this way, you come on this side, there's less here.” Matt tried to move a little bit more, being careful of his injuries but he did grimace a couple of times when the pain ached through his chest.

You eventually agreed to Matt's request and you made your way around to the other side of his bed and you climbed up to lie next to him on his right. You weren't really sure the best place to put your hands but Matt soon took hold of the one closest to him and lifted it up and you did the rest, allowing him to carefully snuggle next to you. The hand closest to you slowly made it's way to sit on your thigh; the back of the hand was covered in medical tape that held the IV line needle in place. Matt was quiet and he barely spoke, and only hummed when you asked him questions. It was a little unusual to hear him so quiet; he'd usually have some kind of joke to crack or some sarky comment about something but since you joined him on the bed, you could only hear the distant chirping of the birds outside the window, and looking down at him briefly, you saw the sadness in his expression.

His fingers bent slightly as he moves the tips slowly and caressed the material of your trousers in small circular motions. The feel of his body slowly rising and falling against yours was calming but his silence was speaking volumes. You moved your hand over to his and your own fingertips gradually ran across his free knuckles and towards his own fingers and your interlocked yours loosely with his. Matt was sat lower than you, his head settled on your shoulder facing towards your chest. As you lowered your head towards his hair, you placed your lips through it and planted a kiss on his head.

You heard him let out a shaky breath and his fingers moved loosely through yours, being careful of his IV. Asking him if he was okay felt futile, you knew he wasn't and you wished you could make it better but you hoped that simply being there was enough for him to feel a little less scared a lonely. Matt started to move a little in the bed and sat more upright instead of being slouched towards you, “Sorry.” you said.

“No, no, it's not you. I just can't sit like that for long it seems.” he responded. His eyes met yours and the sea blue colour of his irises seemed brighter than usual, and his eyes shined in the glassy appearance of them and you knew he had been trying to stop himself from letting his emotion show too much. The look lingered and you chuckled nervously as you looked away. Matt lifted his hand carefully and used his finger to lightly turn your face back to him before his finger moved slowly to your cheek and he caressed it.

It was a rather calming feeling. The way the palm of his hand cupped your jawline as his fingers glided over the skin of your cheek. You were lost in the moment, being able to briefly forget everything that had happened, even if it was just for a moment. Lifting up your own hand, you allowed it to meet him. Your own fingers settled on his collarbone briefly before travelling upwards and you ran them along his own jawline, it seemed less refined than usual but you just allowed your fingertips to slide up and down his jaw and neck.

“You asked me earlier what I said to you when you weren't awake.” you started, and Matt stopped caressing your skin and frowned instead, “Before Ronnie cut me off, I was trying to – I was – I was going to say that... That I love you.” you blurted out, almost as if you weren't in control of what the words.

Matt took a few moments while he just looked at you, making you immediately regret your brain's decision to blurt it out. A smile soon slowly began to form on the detective's face and his hand moved to caress your cheek once more. After a few light strokes of your cheek from the gentle skin of his hand, he leaned his face closer and your lips met, pressed together for a passionate kiss. “Thank god.” he said after breaking it off, “I thought it'll be up to me to say it first.” You both chuckled and it was the first time since this happened that he seemed to give a genuine smile of happiness.

You both mutually leaned closer for another kiss, though it was cut short when the door started to open. Alesha came through the door and she saw a glimpse of the kiss, smiling to herself. “Look who I found outside.” she announced as she held the door open and James walked into the room.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” James asked Matt as he placed his coat at the end of his bed.

“I'm not too bad, despite the two bullet holes in my chest. But, I've had decent company the whole time so I guess it's been worth it.” he responded, flashing a smirk your way.

While Ronnie was spending some precious time with his Grandson, James and Alesha stayed for a few hours before leaving. When they left, Matt tried to encourage you to go home and sleep in a proper bed, but you refused. He made you join him back on the bed again, and when you did, you looked at him and the corners of your mouth turned upwards as you began to smile. “Well, if you're not going to go home, you could at least let me offer you half of a bed.”

“Okay, I can accept that.” you grinned.

You both sat like you were before, hands together, fingers interlocking and his head on your chest. As you were just about to speak, you realised the quietness between you both, and when you looked down at Matt, his eyes were closed and his chest gentle went up and down as he slept peacefully. You were glad he was finally getting the sleep he needed; he must've felt exhausted and you just wanted him to heal as much as he could. Seeing Matt sleep so calmly made your need to sleep greater and soon, you too had drifted to sleep; Matt's hair brushing lightly over the skin on your upper arm and the warmth of him making sleep much easier.