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averagewriter-inthedark · 2 years ago

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The Doc Is In 🩺 | Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell Imagine

Takes place during TGM

TGM Masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell x doctor!reader (romantic), dagger squad (platonic)

Content Warnings: fluff, slight profanity, mentions of medical operations | female!reader (she/her) | wc: 2.7k

Requested 📨 yes/no (for @wildellaa 🤍)

Premise: Funny how a routine checkup after a near-death experience can lead to sudden revelations. For the dagger squad, this revelation comes in the news their infamous instructor happens to be quite close to the new base physician…who happens to be a high ranking Air Force personnel.

Note: I’m sorry by how long this took and I apologize if its bad/weak 🥹 I started a new job (my first job every) and it’s been a wild couple weeks but I promise I’m coming back! Also side note- the joke I added about the Air Force Dress Blues is an actual jab the branches use against the Air Force 😂 my mom was in the AF for 24 years and hated the Blues after they changed the uniform.

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“Are you feeling any lightheadedness, nausea, or ringing in your ears?” Nat squinted against the light shining in her eyes, but adjusted before answering.

“No, just a little shaken. That’s all.” She kept her gaze forward as instructed, blinking once the light turned off. A light chuckle left the physician's lips.

“I would expect so after what you just experienced,” her smile was kind, jotting down notes on the pad beside her. “Normal behavior, but if you feel any of the symptoms I just listed at any point let me know. It doesn’t appear you have a concussion but we can never be too careful. And no visible sign of injuries to the chest or torso, indicating you had a more graceful landing than most pilots I see.”

“Is emergency ejections a common occurrence for you, Colonel?”

The woman chuckled, “You’d be surprised. Between the Air Force and Navy, my resume with treating you a lot doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.” She goes to the computer to enter the report, “Most cases involve broken or bruised ribs. But thankfully you appear in good shape. We just wanna watch out for any changes regarding your head.”

Nat nodded, moving to zip up her flight suit while the physician, an Air Force Colonel, the highest ranking for Air Force officers, with the last name L/n-Mitchell, wrote up the report notes on the computer.

Huh, funny how she shared the same last name as her boss.

“Your vitals are normal, no visible external injuries, and no sign of a concussion,” she repeated, fingers typing away, “but again we’ll keep an eye on those. I’ll get you and Lieutenant Floyd checked in for overnight observation��in the meantime is there anyone I can call to bring you anything you might need?”

“No need,” Nat waved a hand, “They’re all out in the lobby waiting for an update.” Rooster had sent her a text saying they had her and Bob’s things from their locker and food from the base Exchange.

Colonel L/n-Mitchell chuckled, “I’ll go grab them for you two.” She goes to the edge of the curtain, speaks to the person on the other side briefly before moving the fabric away to release the divide between the two spaces. When she does so the curtain reveals a pale-faced Bob on the opposite side.

“You good, Floyd?” Nat asks, untying her boots to make herself comfortable since she was to stay the night. Her answer was a groan.

“I might have thrown up a couple times.”

“What’s the diagnosis?”

“Just the case of my stomach being flipped upside down,” Bob leans back until he’s sprawled out on the bed. “I’m surprised I didn’t crap my pants.” Phoenix cringed, but bit back a laugh.

The Colonel placed her pen in her front pocket, smiling at the aviators, “I’ll be right back with your friends. Hang tight.” She opened the front curtain and disappeared, combat boots echoing with each step.

Bob and Nat waited about five minutes tops when she returned with Jake, Bradley, Mickey, Reuben, and Javy. “They’re in one piece,” she teased, moving to the side so they could all greet each other.

“We got your favorite,” Jake lifted a bag from Subway. Pulling out two sandwiches for Nat and Bob. They thanked them and started showing down when the curtain drew back again to reveal Pete.

“Sorry I’m late,” eyes instantly go toward the physician causing a smile to form on his lips. “Well this is a surprise.” Her own smile appeared.

“I told you I was transferring here.” The statement had all eyes, minus Bradley’s go wide. In fact Bradley mirrored Mav’s happy expression. Indicating he had some sort of familiarity to the Colonel.

Pete shocked them even more when he pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I was expecting to see you next week,” he lets his eyes wander her uniform clad figure, grinning from ear to ear. She was in her Air Force ABUs, “Did you get in last night?”

“I did. Got settled at tlf, was planning on surprising you tonight but it looks like fate had other ideas,” she giggled, accepting his kiss causing gasps to ring out. “I take it this bunch belongs to you?”

“Hold the phone,” Javy said what everyone was thinking. He pointed at Mav, “You,” then pivoted to the woman, “And you are….”

She finished for him, “married.”

“Married!”

“I missed some chapters.”

“You never said you were married,” Phoenix stated, not seeing a wedding ring on either of their hands. It was common for military personnel to not wear rings due to their jobs, but surely Maverick would’ve mentioned in passing.

“I thought you guys knew.”

Javy scoffed, “We sure did not. Let alone to the base physician.”

“New base physician,” she corrected, “I just transferred here so really no one would have known. Although,” she turns to Bradley, “I thought you would’ve said something, Bradley.” The pilot just shrugged and mumbled how his thoughts were occupied with Nat and Bob. “Anyway, it is nice to meet you all. Sorry we had to become acquainted in these circumstances.”

The pilots were flabbergasted. First to find out that their instructor was married, and second to discover it was to a full bird Colonel.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Colonel,” Jake began, not used to addressing Air Force personnel. The Navy’s equivalent to a full bird colonel was Captain. Which happened to be her husband's rank. And generally when licensed physicians enter the Air Force they’re automatically ranked Captain or Major. So it made him wonder how long Pete’s wife had been in the Air Force to reach the rank of Colonel. “But where were you before coming to Miramar?”

“Vandenberg.” Ah, the Air Force Base up north in central California. One of the largest bases in the country and satellite home of both NASA and SpaceX.

Not to mention in the last two decades it had several shark attacks on its beaches.

The next hour consisted of the squad asking the couple several questions including the typical, “how long have you two been together?” “Have you always been in the Air Force?” And “Why haven’t you mentioned you were married, Captain?”

“Again, I thought you knew,” Mav reinstated, slightly flustered from the knowing look he received from his wife.

“We’ve been married ten years,” Y/n explained with a smile. “Though we’d been friends for some time. So…” she brought a finger to her lips, “I wanna say it was 2004 when we met for the first time. I had just commissioned.”

“What did you come in as?”

“Captain,” she answered Payback, “well, Lieutenant in your case.”

“And how long have you been a full bird, ma’am,” Mickey’s eyes were full of curiosity. He thought it was so cool his instructor was the highest officer rank for the Navy and married to the highest officer rank of the Air Force.

“About three years,” her face was full of pride, as was Mav’s. “And to answer your question from earlier; no, I hadn’t joined until after six years of being a civilian practitioner following my residency.” If they were to do the math, it would put Y/n at graduating from both high school, college, and med school one year early.

Oh she was smart smart.

One could guess by the John Hopkins and Duke University class rings on her fingers.

“I gotta ask,” Mickey looked between the two, grin already forming. “Do you ever have rivalry?”

“You mean because of Air Force vs Navy?” Y/n laughed. “Of course we do. Especially during college football season.” Pete laughed with her.

“You’re outnumbered here, darling.”

She playfully scoffed, “It’s only fair since you were back in Lompoc.” Turning to the pilots who were holding back smiles she added, “fifteen years and things don’t seem to change. I hope,” she motions a hand between them, “we can find some civility. All things considered.” Of course it was a joke, the branch rivalry and all that. But Y/n loved a good friendly bicker and the squad seemed to also.

“Just don’t wear your Blues around here,” Javy started, “unless you wanna be called a flight attendant.” The entire room erupted in laughter, Y/n pointing a finger as if to say, ‘Good one.’ She hated how the Air Force Dress Blues looked. It was the running joke between the branches and she couldn’t blame it.

Every time she had to wear them when flying she was stopped by people asking where to find their gate.

Hangman let out a whistle after they all calmed down. “When I woke up this morning I didn’t expect It end with meeting Mrs. Mitchell?” The couple shared a look, a smile on Y/n’s face.

“I prefer Doctor Mitchell.”

Pete went into detail of how the two met—which had Nat snapping her head to Y/n only to receive a wink.

No wonder she mentioned chest injuries as a theme when dealing with pilots.

It was a stellar retelling of how the man decided to defy yet another Admiral resulting in him ejecting from a high speed plane over a mountain range. Y/n had recently commissioned and was sent to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, but was TDY to Oceana Naval Base for a seminar. Seeing she was the most qualified and only personnel available at the time, she was to conduct Pete’s medical examination.

“So,” she mused at the name on the clipboard, not bothering to pay him a glance as he sat on the bed. “You’re the infamous Pete Mitchell everyone has been buzzing about.” Beelining to the computer, Y/n heard a deep chuckle.

“Guilty.”

The response led to a roll of the eyes, focusing on the screen in front of her, “Are you experiencing any nausea, dizziness, lightness of the head?”

“No.”

“Ringing in the ears, distortion of the eyesight, or pain in any area?”

“No, ma’am.”

The clicking of the mouse rang with each check off the electronic list, “It says you made physical contact with the ground when you landed. Are you feeling any discomfort in your chest or abdomen?”

Pete shook his head despite her not looking at him, “just a little soreness and a bruised ego. But other than that I’m good.” Biting back a grin, Y/n grabbed the stethoscope and began to turn.

“Well we can't be too careful now can we?” Upon settling her gaze on Pete Mitchell, Y/n felt an instant ‘Woah’ to her otherwise relaxed composure. Freezing for a bare second as their eyes locked before remembering where she was, stepping to his side to begin her evaluation.

Only her heart was beating a little faster than the average rate.

The nurse had already taken Pete’s vitals. Blood pressure, temperature, and all that. Now it was time for Y/n to conduct a more thorough scan.

“Deep breath for me, please,” were her instructions, the scope on his back, “And tell me if you feel any pain.”

Pete, hoping the skip in his own heart goes unnoticed by the doctor, does as he’s told. A slight wince causes her brows to raise in concern, “Commander?”

He clears his throat, “Yes, sorry. I feel a little tense.” She steps away from him, asking to point out the area. She places the scope lightly where he locates the discomfort.

“Deep breath, slow this time,” leaning in, Y/n pays close attention to the sound thumping against her ears. “Inhale.” Pete draws in a breath. “And exhale,” he winces again. Removing the stethoscope, the Captain instructed him to lean back until he was laying down.

“Would you mind unzipping your flight suit, Commander Mitchell?” Pete was left in his undershirt, suit unzipped to his hips allowing Y/n to lift the material to assess his chest. She was trying not to look flustered at her obvious attraction to the man. He had to have been nearly ten years older than her, probably in his 40s to her mid thirties.

Still, he was quite the looker. And without a ring on his finger.

The light purplish-yellow swelling on Pete’s torso was an indication he sustained more than just a damaged ego. “By my accounts, Commander, it appears you have acquired at least one if not two bruised ribs,” she lifts his shirt back down, helping him sit up, “I’m impressed you’ve managed to hide the pain you’re experiencing.”

Pete flushed, “I’m used to it. Feels no more than a tickle nowadays.” Y/n snickers, returning to the computer to log the report, “Well you certainly live up to your reputation.”

“I try to,” Pete winked, sending a ripple of warmth through Y/n. Quickly she shook it off to remain professional.

“I’m putting you on bed rest for at least three weeks. Considering this isn’t your first rodeo, I assume you know it takes three to six weeks for bruised ribs to heal completely before going about any physical activities.” Taking a pad to write down his prescription, Y/n continued, “over the counter ibuprofen works fine, but I’m gonna go ahead and prescribe you with Naproxen which is basically Aleve. Cold compress for ten to twenty minutes each day and I would recommend you coming back to the physician on duty for a green light before getting back in the box, Commander.”

Pete makes a face, tilting his head slightly, “You won’t be giving me the green light,” eyes flicker to the ranks on her collar, realizing they were indeed Air Force and not Navy ranks, “Captain?”

His question has her smile, albeit sadly, “Unfortunately I will be back at Langley, Commander. I only assessed you because everyone else on duty was occupied.”

Well that instantly had Mav deflate, stomach sinking at the thought of not being able to see her beautiful face again. Already the pilot was becoming smitten. He wanted to learn more about Y/n, like her career and the things that make her laugh and smile. The type of food she ordered and what she envisioned her life would be like.

“How long are you in town?” He couldn’t help but ask. It made her lips curl up.

“Till Sunday.” It happened to be Wednesday. Allowing the two half of week to allow the sparks starting to form to ignite into fireworks.

One can best believe Mav and Y/n took the opportunity once it was in their grasp. It started with lunch on Thursday to dinner on Friday and a late night drink at the bar on Saturday. By Sunday Y/n left with a light heaviness to her chest that was amended with the fact Pete’s number was in her phone and they had made plans to meet again. Langley and Oceania were not far in distance, so there was hope for the two.

And it was very well received.

The next five years were endless bliss. They had done the distance back and forth for some time and were lucky when they got duty stations near each other, but it wouldn’t be until they married that the Air Force and Navy would station them together or within the same state.

With Y/n as a licensed physician she could be sent to any base, be that Air Force, Navy, or Army. Working through the ranks at an impressive rate. Every base wanted her at their clinic then of course local hospitals were fighting to get her on their board. Then there was Mav as the Navy’s best fighter pilot with a reputation they both loath and admire. Sometimes they were at a base for six months to a year. Other times they didn’t even unpack the boxes.

Let’s just say….Pete lost count of the amount of disapproving looks when he fucked up.

“Seriously, Pete? Again?” Her eyes remained on the paperwork in front of her, arms crossed across her chest while her boyfriend pouted on the opposite side of the table. “We haven’t even been here for a year.”

“I know, but……” he paused, unsure if he would make it worse with his defense. “You did say you hated it here and wish to be reassigned.” He was met with a groan.

“That didn’t mean I gave you the green light to piss off your boss! Again!”

On their five year anniversary, Mav made sure it was one to remember. Following a long day at work all he said to Y/n was to change and met him in the car. Overlooking his typical Levis and white tee, she asked, “Any particular way I should dress?”

“Cute and cozy,” he kissed her cheek, “just like you love.”

Say less. Throwing off her Abu’s Y/n put on a sweater dress since it was chilly and simple shoes. Finishing off the look with one of Pete’s bomber jackets knowing he loved when she wore them. Evident by the smirk on his lips.

Driving down to their fav outdoor bar and grill they ordered appetizers and drinks while enjoying the live music and setting sun. Afterwards he took her to one of their favorite spots in the park. It was filled with lights and fountains, stars twirling from the sky above.

When it came time to present Y/n with the ring, Mav took her hands in his, got down on one knee and relayed a speech straight from his heart that brought tears to both their eyes.

“What do you say, Mrs. Mitchell?” He ended with a cheeky smile, the diamond ring sparkling from within its velvet boxed.

Teary eyed and grinning from ear to ear, Y/n leaned down to kiss him on the lips. “I prefer Doctor Mitchell.”

………………

Tag list: @avaleineandafryingpan , @caitsymichelle13 , @poppyalice2001 , @cutelittlepotatofry , @luckyladycreator2 , @americaarse , @elenavampire21 , @back-tooo-black , @wildellaa , @artemissunn , @pinkpantheris

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futuremrsdrcullen · 4 months ago

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This Love Came Back To Me - Chapter 2

It's Finally Here!!!! I can not apologize enough for how long this took to get out. But here it is! I hope you love it.

Summery- I was completely overwhelmed with this looming dread. This wasn’t just about Bella anymore. Though that was bad enough, this involved me now. Despite how often Edward disregarded my safety and despite how desperately Carlisle tried to protect me from this;

My life was in danger.

It was never going to end was it?

Word Count- 8,775

Warnings- Vampires- and all the things that go along with vampires (blood, biting, age gaps, sparkling, dramatics) a lot more swearing this time. There's some minor injuries and some very minor character death. mentions of vomiting (2 actual vomits, due to injury) Battle, fighting and planning. It's all very happy I promise.

There is no imprinting and there never will be <3

Notes from me- My name is Claire and this! This is finally my third love child. I started writing this on the 27th of July in 2022. I lost hope a few times but it's here and I hope you love it. Thank you, so so much for staying with me.

As always, I DO NOT own The Twilight Saga. All rights go directly to S. Meyer.

Read on AO3 <3

Masterlist <3 (Preface, Ch 1)

I love you <3 Thank you for still being here <3

I had gone home for most of the duration of the school day. I wasn’t sure what to expect when Alice called me halfway through folding my laundry.

“Is everything alright?” I barely had enough time to get it out before she was yelling on the other end of the line.

“If I lose this car because of Jacob Black-”

“Alice, could you please calm down for a second?” I could hear the sound of her heels on the hardwood floors as she paced. “What is going on?”

“Jacob Black showed up at the school and Bella ran off with him.” I had to bite back a laugh. Somehow I knew she would manage to escape. I stayed as quiet as I could manage while Alice continued, “Edward is going to kill me and take away my Porsche all because Bella wants to throw herself head first into danger.”

“It will be fine, Alice. Just… don’t call them, okay? I’ll go down to La Push and check on her and report back.”

“I don’t think that will make anything better. Carlisle will just be angry at me too.”

“He’ll… get over it.”

She sighed, “Just make it quick, okay?”

“Of course.”

I did not leave as quickly as I could have. I stayed long enough to switch over the laundry. I did the dishes and cleaned out the leftovers from the fridge. I hoped that my stalling would give Bella some time. I wouldn’t drag her home if she wanted to stay, but I also didn’t want to ruin her time.

They weren’t at the Black house when I got there. I waited for a few moments, just in my car, not wanting to chat with Billy if it wasn’t necessary. I could wait here and hope they come by, but couldn’t return to Alice empty handed.

Of course, I wasn’t there for five minutes before Sam was knocking on my car window. I sighed but got out as he held the door for me.

“Y/n? What’s up?” He almost sounded concerned.

I crossed my arms across my chest. “I’m just looking for Bella.” I said like it wasn’t

obvious.

“She isn’t here, but I’m sure they’ll swing by later. Did your leech send you out here to scope out the situation?”

I pulled my lips into a tight line. “No one sent me. He wouldn’t be all that excited to know I was here.

“He doesn’t know?” He smirked and I wanted to smack him. “I didn’t take you for a rebel.”

I forced a laugh. “I’m not rebelling. I can do whatever I want- Could you just drop the wolfy bullshit and tell me where my sister is?”

His grin didn’t falter. “Probably on the beach, but you don’t have to worry about her.”

I moved to get back in my car but he still held the door. “I’m not-”

“She’s safe here, you know?” I nodded. “There probably wouldn’t be a safer place if Jacob had his way.”

“She’s happy with Edward. She’s safe with him too.”

“Sure, Sure…”This time I smiled warmly at him. I knew he was being genuine. I was still annoyed but I could appreciate his efforts. “I might agree that you’re safe with Carlisle… But Edward and Bella?”

“They’re young and in love. We’ve been there.” I pushed his arm lightly; He barely moved. I did not think too much about what he’d just said about Carlisle. “Sometimes we choose what's wrong for us… Sometimes what’s wrong for us is exactly what we need.”

I didn’t mean it as a jab, I didn’t know the whole story between him, Leah, and Emily, but he winced. “Maybe you’re right.” His voice was less cocky. I might have felt bad, if it wasn’t Sam.

I didn’t have time to dwell before Bella and Jacob were pulling up. When she got her helmet off I couldn’t tell if she was happy to see me or annoyed.

She walked over to us with her hands in her jacket pockets. “If you’re here to kidnap me again, I won’t go.”

“I’m not. I’m just here to check in… And then I got caught up chatting with Sam.”

If she knew I was lying she didn’t call me out. She just bit her lip and nodded. “I’m okay.”

“I see that.” I tried to smile at her, but the rain was picking up so I only winced. “I’ll be at the Cullens, to help soften the mood before you get back.”

“Did Alice… Call him?”

I shook my head. “No, thank god. She called me and I told her I’d come check on you as long as she promised she wouldn’t call them. It’s best to try to not make things worse for ourselves.”

She smiled, “Thank you… I will be back later.” They drifted towards the house and Jacob opened the door for her.

“Have fun!” She didn’t turn back around. I pushed off the side of the car and tried the door again. Sam hadn’t moved.

“Y/n…” he hesitated but took a step back and let go of the door. “Don’t be a stranger.”

“You either, Sam.”

He looked like he wanted to say more, but I didn’t stay long enough to hear it.

Alice was still pouting on the hood of her car when Bella got home. She must have seen her coming because she didn’t budge, if anything the pouting only became more theatrical.

“I haven’t even had a chance to drive it.” She sighed

“Sorry,” Her words were acid.

She was soaking wet and shivering. “You should probably take a hot shower.” I tried.

“Yep.”

Alice could tell as well as I could that something happened with Jacob, but where I was more covert about it, her curiosity was plain on her face. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

“Nope.”

“Do you want to go to Olympia tonight?”

“Not really. Can’t I go home?”

Alice and I both winced. “Bella…” I tried.

“Nevermind,” Bella said. “I’ll stay if it makes things easier for you both.”

“Thanks,” She sighed in relief.

Bella went straight upstairs and took a shower before going right to bed. Even Alice didn’t stay in the main living space for long. I went to Carlisle’s room and fell asleep reading in our bed.

I felt a shift in the mattress just as the sun started to peek through the trees. I smiled up at him, more asleep than not, and rested my hands on either side of his face.

He kissed me quickly. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I’m glad you did. I missed you.” He kissed me again. “Did Alice fill you in on the weekend's events?”

“She filled us all in on the key points. She also said you’d have more to tell me. Edward laughed. Should I be concerned?”

“Hmm~ Maybe~” My sleepy smile didn’t go away. “When were you going to tell me you bought me the Prius?”

“Oh… Well.” He laughed nervously, knowing he’d been caught. “Are you certain I haven’t told you about that before?”

“Nice try,” I kissed his nose. “but I think I would have remembered you mentioning it before.”

“I apologize for not telling you, though I think you would have questioned my sanity If I had.”

“I do that anyway, so that’s not really a valid point.”

He laughed loudly at that and kissed me again. “I promise I will tell you before I buy you a car next time.”

I giggled against his lips. “That’s all I ask.” I could feel myself falling back asleep so I lightly pushed him so he’d lay flat. When he did, I laid my head on his chest. “I went to La Push.”

“I’m aware.”

“I spoke with Sam for a while.”

I let my eyes close as he ran his hand through my hair. “How did that go?”

“ ‘s Weird…” I didn’t try to stop myself from yawning. “I feel like we really could have been friends, but it's too complicated now to try.”

“He was nice, though?” His arms tightened around me slightly. It made my heart flutter.

“Yeah he was nice. He even kinda said that we were good together… in not so many words.”

He sighed and I placed a soft kiss on his chest.

“I know you guys don’t think it’s safe for us, but I saw her with Jacob today, I saw how Sam felt about it, and I truly think it will be okay.”

“I trust your judgment on this.” I knew he did. It was more Alice and Edward that put up a fight. “I think Edward is coming around. I think if she really wants to go back, he’ll let her go.”

“Good.” I didn’t feel the need to voice my opinion on him letting her. Carlisle knew how I felt about that anyway.

I yawned again and Carlisle chuckled. “Get some rest, Mon Coeur. Everything else can wait until the morning.”

“I don’t have any more stories to share. I just missed you.”

“I won’t have to go into the office tomorrow. We’ll have the whole day.”

I leaned up and he met me halfway. The kiss was slow and made my heart skip a beat. I wanted to stay right there forever, but I was officially too tired to keep my head up. I snuggled back into his chest and slept for a few more hours.

Carlisle woke me a few hours later and convinced me to go downstairs where he was finishing up the breakfast he’d made for me. We very often had the best conversations over my breakfast, so that particular morning I used the time to bring up Bella and Rosalie's conversation from the other night.

She had filled me in on most of her backstory in small ways throughout our almost friendship, but I was still pretty lost on his part in it all. I never wanted to press, but that morning, with it so fresh on my mind, I couldn't help my curiosity.

He let out a heavy breath and for a second I thought he might not tell me anything. I didn't want him to feel like he had to. I almost told him to forget it, but right then he started, "I was just a simple family doctor when Esme, Edward and I moved to Rochester, New York. Our family was still so new, but I was overcome with pride in them. More importantly, I was satisfied with what we had built together.

"At the time, I didn't see that this wasn't the life they would have chosen for themselves. I had no idea, despite the fact that I felt the same way." They had all made this very point multiple times. It's why we needed Bella to be sure; Why I needed to be sure. I never wanted to regret him.

He continued, "Edward had just returned to our little family but he was still angry. When I brought my concern to Esme she seemed to think he was just lonely and if I found him a companion to share a love like ours he would be happy." His phrasing was delicate, like he was afraid I would be upset by it. When my expression remained unbothered, he went on. "I should say, the night I found Rosalie, I wasn't looking for her. I had honestly brushed Esme's comment aside, knowing it was far too selfish to turn someone for that reason alone.

"As I was walking home that night, suddenly all I could smell was her blood. I followed it to her almost on instinct. I found her lying on the ground dying, and I didn't even consider that she might have preferred to die. I just wanted to save her."

He sighed as he took out a plate for the food he'd made for me. "During her transition Esme's previous comment surfaced in my mind. Maybe she was the missing piece to our family. Maybe she could help Edward in a way Esme and I could not. I found comfort in the fact that I had at least given her a chance.

"That's not to say that I regret turning her. I love her and she is such an important part of this family. I could never regret her. I do wish I had considered her wishes."

My chest tightened as he spoke. He had carried this guilt with him everyday for all of these years and it made my heart break for him. Of course, I didn't believe he was entirely without fault here, but I also didn't entirely believe that she hated her existence. Maybe it wasn't the life she would have chosen, but I knew, and I think a part of him knew as well, that she had found happiness in this life too.

"Carlisle… You couldn't have known." I tried to assure him but he smiled softly at me and brushed past it. I thought he might change the topic completely, but he expertly plated my omelet and slid it across the table to me before continuing her story from his perspective.

"Edward’s immediate upset was very disheartening and now, with hindsight, probably should have been the first clue that this wouldn't work out. I wanted her to live, I wanted her to be happy. He was certain my actions would affect our lives negatively. I suppose, in a way he was just being selfish, though I’d never tell him that.

“I think that’s when the guilt set in. I’d taken this young girl with her whole life ahead of her and cursed her with this life-”

I had to stop him. I said his name, the disbelief heavy in my voice. Despite this, he still smiled. “It was a long time ago, Dove. We’ve all grown to think differently over time.”

“But you still hold all of that guilt. I can see it. I don’t think you’re being fair to yourself.” I was soft. I wanted to be comforting even if he swore he didn’t need it.

“I’ve had many years to look at the whole picture. Every single one of them that I’ve turned, hate this life.”

“Emmett doesn’t” I added.

He laughed, “No, I guess not. Rose and Esme, on the other hand, never stopped longing for basic human desires. Edward still believes himself a monster. For a long time I couldn’t help but blame myself for that.

“Eventually I came around.” He mentioned quickly, soothing just a bit of my frustration. He continued, “Rose continued to be so strong. She got her revenge on all the men who had hurt her all the while never tasting human blood.” He was clearly very proud, even if he didn’t entirely approve.

“She killed them?” I asked.

“She did…”

His grin didn't falter and for the first time this whole conversation, I smiled too. “Good for her.” I added.

He laughed. “I can’t say I was necessarily excited for her to go out and kill them, but I couldn’t fault her after what they’d done. And she never considered leaving us. Even when I told her we’d have to leave New York, or that we’d have to change our names and abandon everything. She handled it all with grace and she never expressed an interest in going her own way. I offered her that choice and she laughed and politely declined.” The guilt on his face turned into fondness.

No matter what these kids did, he loved them more than anything. They were the reason he is the compassionate family man I knew and loved. I leaned across the bar and he met me in the middle for a quick kiss.

When I sat back still smiling at him, he finished the rest of the story. “I was very surprised when she brought Emmett to me. I never expected her to want to change another human, but she looked me in the eyes and said the very thing I had said to Edward about her. ‘I couldn’t just let him die, it was too much.’

“He surprised me too. Not only did he survive some gruesome injuries long enough for Rosalie to bring him to me, he also handled the transformation like a true fighter. He hardly called out and his heartbeat was strong and steady until the very end.”

“Perfectly matched, aren’t they?” Like they were meant to find each other- as cheesy as that was.

“They brought out the best in each other and, in turn, the best in our family. I’d like to think that after all this time, Rose is content with her life. Even if she still wants more for the other still-human women in her life” The way he put that was very pointed at me and Bella- I chose to let it be. Rosalie was allowed her opinions. I, of course, wasn’t running headfirst into immortality, so most of her opinions were mostly directed at Bella.

Sometimes though I still caught on to her lack of enthusiasm for my choices as well.

I was all too content in my life as it currently stood for any dramatic changes, so I let it be; he continued to talk about our family and the changes he began to see in Edward. He moved to sit next to me as I ate. I leaned closer to him as he finished.

I wanted to kiss him again. And this time I wanted to kiss him and get lost in it for a very long while.

But Carlisle froze in his spot. His eyes went wide before they squeezed shut. He had stopped breathing.

“When was this?” He waited a tiny second. “How?” I wondered who was answering his questions and from where- and if it was the reason for his sudden change in demeanor.

His hands tightened slightly around mine and he pulled me up. “Carlisle?”

Without answering, he pulled me into the living room where Alice and Jasper sat perfectly frozen on the couch. I tried again, “What is-”

“It’s all right, Y/n.” I sighed impatiently at his interruption. I wondered if he’d forgotten I couldn’t hear the other end, and at that point, had no idea what was going on, but I didn’t speak again. I could tell just how wrong something was. Alice sat half in Jasper's lap, leaning against him like she needed the support. Her face was in her hands.

I wondered if she had a headache. I wondered if they could get headaches.

Jasper's powers danced in the air. I felt it swirl around me. I wished I could feel the calm it offered, but like always, I didn’t. I nodded in thanks to him anyway.

Then Rosalie and Emmett came into the room. Rose sat next to Alice on the couch to offer her more support. Emmett stood causally on my other side. Though the reason was still unknown, his presence added a bit of comfort.

“Another day, another crisis…” Emmett joked and bumped me with his shoulder. Despite my panic, I managed a chuckle.

Carlisle hissed, “Emmett. Not now.”

He was angry- outraged really. I had never seen him like this and it really drove my worry home. I placed my hand on his arm. “Carlisle… What is going on?”

He softened immediately, as if he really had forgotten I couldn’t have known. He pulled me closer to him. “It will be fine.”

“Edward will be here soon. He wants you two to follow the scent.” Alice mumbled from her spot on the couch, vaguely gesturing to Emmett and Jasper.

“Sure thing, Boss. We’ll be back.” He leaned forward to kiss Rosalie. Jasper followed him out the door.

Carlisle led me to the couch. “You should sit.” I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t roll them, but sat anyway. He stayed standing next to me.

I felt Alice get up from the couch at the same time Rose’s hand held mine. I turned towards her as another wave of panic hit me. Even Rosalie was trying to comfort me, but no one would explain what was going on.

A blanket of silence covered the room and it made me so uncomfortable I wanted to scream just to tear it apart. I almost did. I almost screamed the same question again, but then Edward was there next to Carlisle and Bella sat next to us.

And when Edward demanded to know what happened, Alice answered him.

“I have no idea. I didn’t see anything.” She crossed her arms and chewed her lip. I couldn’t tell who was more angry between the three of them, Carlisle, Edward or Alice. I just wished I knew why.

“How is that possible?” His patience had clearly run out.

“Edward,” Bella said with quiet disapproval.

I, again, wanted to make them tell me something- anything, but Carlisle interjected before I got the chance. His voice was significantly calmer than before, as he tried to mediate. “It’s not an exact science, Edward.”

“He was in their rooms, Alice. He could have still been there- waiting for them.” my brows furrowed. My heart rate accelerated.

“I would have seen that.”

Edward threw his hands up. I wanted to do the same. “Really? You’re sure?”

I finally broke, “For the love of god! Can anyone tell me what the fuck is going on?” Alice held back a laugh at my outburst, but it was Bella who finally answered my question.

“When Edward came over earlier, he noticed another vampire- we don’t know who- had been in the house.”

I forgot to breathe, my eyes were locked on her. “Dad-”

“Is okay. He was home but had no knowledge of the intruder. Whoever it was looked in every room, but mainly in yours and Bella’s.” Edward filled me in on the rest, clearly very annoyed- or maybe just worried. He added, “And Alice missed it.”

I was suddenly freezing cold and shivering hard. Carlisle was next to me on the couch with both of his hands clasped around mine. I let myself lean into him.

Alice’s voice was cold when she answered. “You’ve already got me watching the Volturis’ decisions, watching for Victoria’s return, watching Bella’s every step. Do you want me to watch Y/n’s too? Because we already know how well that will work. What about their rooms or the whole damn house? Edward, if I try to do too much, things are going to start slipping through the cracks.”

“It looks like they already are,” he snapped.

That’s not fair, I thought but I couldn’t make the words come out. Edward huffed a laugh.

Alice retorted, “She was never in any danger.” By she, she meant Bella, I had been here. Of course I hadn’t been in any danger, but it still sounded like she was trying to comfort both Edward and Carlisle. “There was nothing to see.”

“If you were watching Italy, why didn’t you see them send-”

“I don't think it was them,” Alice insisted. “I would have seen that.”

“Who else would leave Charlie alive?”

I winced. Carlisle squeezed my hands. “Who else would have bothered with my room? No one has been interested in me before now.”

Alice sighed, “I don’t know.”

“Helpful.”

“Stop it, Edward.” Bella whispered. I wanted to thank her. He really was being unreasonable. His head jerked in her direction. He was still so angry he almost looked like he was going to yell at her too. I probably would have lost it, if Carlisle didn’t have my hands.

But then he took a deep breath and relaxed a bit. “You’re right, Bella. I’m sorry.” He looked at Alice. “Forgive me, Alice. I shouldn’t be taking this out on you. That was inexcusable.”

“I understand,” Alice assured him. “I’m not happy about it either.”

“Okay, let’s look at this logically.” Edward took another deep breath. I was still shivering. “What are the other possibilities?”

As if on cue, everyone softened a bit. Carlisle kissed my hair and sat back leaving only one hand on mine. Rosalie got up and stared out the window. I wished I could comfort her.

Bella and I shared a long look. I was forever hoping she knew how happy I was to have her with me in this- even when it was awful like this. I knew I couldn't do it alone, so I was happy to have her at my side.

Carlisle spoke first. “Victoria?”

I shook my head. “She’s never been interested in me before. She’s never even thought twice about me.”

“Maybe she’s considering you an easier target now.” His voice was so soft, like he was tiptoeing past a bomb. He could probably tell I wanted to scream again.

“But I didn’t know the scent. He might have been from the Volturi, someone I’ve never met…”

This time Alice shook her head. “Aro hasn’t sent anyone to look for them yet I will see that. I’m waiting for it.”

Edward’s head snapped up. I waited for him to be mean again, but he wasn’t “You’re watching for an official command.”

“You think someone’s acting on their own? Why?” Carlisle questioned so I didn’t have to.

“Caius’s idea,” Edward suggested. His panic cracked his resolve again.

“Or Jane’s…” Alice added. “ They both have the resources to send an unfamiliar face…”

Edward scowled. “And the motivation.”

“I don’t see the point though. If they were meant to wait for me and Bella, Alice would have seen it. Obviously they had no intention of hurting us- or Dad for that matter.” I said. A small part of my panic turned to basic confusion.

Bella winced when I mentioned Dad again. I pulled away from Carlisle to hug her while whispering, "It's going to be fine, Bella." It had to be.

"The question remains, What was the point?" Carlisle asked. I was glad he understood my confusion.

"Checking to see if we're still human"

"It's possible, and would explain why they checked Y/n too."

Rosalie sighed and it was loud enough to make me and Bella jump from across the room. For the first time since the boys left she turned away from the window and looked towards the kitchen. I guessed that Emmett and Jasper were back, and from the annoyed look on Edwards face, they didn't have an answer he wanted.

"Long gone, hours ago." Emmett announced, disappointed. Rosalie moved to his side and he threw an arm over her shoulder. "The trail went east, then south, and disappeared on a side road. Had a car waiting."

"That's bad luck," Edward muttered. "If he'd gone west… well, it would be nice for Jacob and the others to make themselves useful."

I kinda wanted to laugh, it always sounded silly when Edward tried to insult Jacob, But Bella winced at his words so I didn't. I just rubbed her back between her shoulders.

Jasper looked at Carlisle. "Neither of us recognized him. But here." He held out something that looked similar to a tree, just a small tree. I wanted to laugh again. When Carlisle took it from him and held it to his face, I did laugh. He turned his head just slightly away from me to hold back a laugh as well. "Maybe you know the scent."

"No," Carlisle said, serious again. "It's not familiar. No one I've ever met."

"I mean… Hypothetically, couldn't it just be some random passing vampire?" Everyone turned to look at me like I'd lost it, so I added "Of course not in that they just happened to pick our house to drop in randomly. Just maybe this person was a bit curious. All of your scents are all over us. Maybe they wanted to know why."

"Why wouldn't they just come here then? If they were curious?" Emmett challenged.

I laughed softly. "Not everyone is as brave as you can be, Emmett. But from an outside perspective, our family is huge and consists of mainly gifted vampires. They might be a bit intimidated. Dad wasn't hurt. They didn't stick around for us to get home. It could be someone who's just passing through. Someone who caught our scents and wanted to see what was going on.”

I think I was trying to convince myself that there was no immediate threat. It was an easier pill to swallow that someone was passing through rather than someone with malicious intent. I looked at Bella for backup, but she looked like she was plotting. I didn't want to know what was running circles in her mind.

"I don't think so, Y/n…" Alice interjected, pursing her lips. "The timing of it was too perfect… This visitor was so careful to make no contact. Almost like they knew I would see…"

I shivered again, pulled completely out of my false sense of security. I knew it was improbable. I knew they were trying to get to the bottom of this. Deep down, I knew that this person definitely had bad intentions.

But I had to hope, if only so I wouldn’t start screaming.

Carlisle squeezed my hand. "He might have had other reasons for avoiding contact." He reminded her and reassured me. I smiled at him in thanks. He kissed my hand.

"Does it really matter who it was?" Bella asked and I squeezed my eyes closed and placed my head on Carlisle's shoulder. "Just the chance that someone was looking for me… isn't that reason enough? We shouldn't wait for graduation."

"No, Bella," Edward and I said in unison. I didn't look up.

He continued. "It's not that bad. If you're really in danger, we'll know."

"Think of Charlie," Carlisle reminded her. I could kiss him. "Think of how it would hurt him if you disappeared."

"I am thinking of Charlie! He's the one I'm worried about. What if our little guest had been thirsty last night? As long as I'm around Charlie- as long as we're both still human- He's a target too."

"Nothing is going to happen to Dad, Bells. He's lived in this supernatural infested town long enough without problems." I tried to sound comforting.

"His daughters weren't bringing them to his house then." She clearly wasn't comforted.

"We're just going to have to be more careful." Edward added. He had faith in our family. That was comforting; at least to me.

"More careful?" Bella repeated in disbelief.

"It's all going to be fine, Bella," Alice Promised.

Bella sat back, accepting we wouldn't budge no matter how much she begged. That night at least, she would stay human.

I drove home early the next morning, but I still managed to miss Dad on his way out. Bella said that he was gone before she woke up too and, knowing him, he probably left before the sun was even up.

I walked into the kitchen to find Bella and Edward discussing why he had to leave just because Jacob is stopping by. I rolled my eyes at the cliche, but appreciated Edwards diplomatic approach.

I did wonder just how far he planned to go. I doubted he would leave us completely alone, but I also knew he wouldn't stay close enough for Jacob to know. I assumed that he would lurk back with Jasper, but stay ready to spring into action if need be. He nodded once in my direction with just the tiniest smirk on his lips and I knew I had guessed correctly.

He turned his attention back to Bella. "I'll be right back." I heard him laugh as she walked him to the door.

I figured it was as good a time as any to pick Bella's brain a bit about Jacob; Even if it meant I had to interrupt her grumpy grumbling as she cleaned the kitchen.

"Hey, Bells?"

She jumped and nearly dropped the glass she was placing in the sink. "Y/n! I thought you'd gone back upstairs."

"Nope… Still down here." I giggled. and waited a small second for her to get her breathing right. When she smiled at me I continued, "So, why is Jacob coming over?"

"He wants to check our rooms for the scent of that vampire…" I cringed at how nonchalant she said it. "And I decided to forgive him. For what he said before…"

I didn't mention that she never told me what he'd said before, I knew it wasn't kind. I let it go. "I think… I guess it wouldn't hurt to have their help in this too." I pulled my lips into a line and she nodded. "Though, it would be much easier if they could just get along- if the three of you could get along in general." I paused to gauge her reaction but when she laughed so did I.

"Wouldn't it?" She bit her lip and looked at the dishes in the sink. I thought for a second that she was going to say something more, but she didn't. She got lost in her thoughts and I didn't want to bother her again. She focused back on the dishes and I started to help by putting away what was already clean.

There was a kinda demanding knock at the door and before I could go answer it, Bella was calling for Jacob to come in. I wanted to vanish. It's not that I had anything against him, I just didn't trust myself to not tell them to get over themselves.

Despite just telling him to come in, she still jumped when he spoke. "Should you really leave your door unlocked like that?" And when he noticed he made her splash dish water on herself, he added "Oh, sorry."

"It's not like a locked door would stop anything after us anyway." I said while she tried to dry the front of her shirt.

"Oh… Good point, Y/n," He agreed before adding, "I didn't see you there."

I had to laugh. "That seems to be pretty common." I nodded.

Bella squinted her eyes, like she was judging him, clearly in her own world. "Is it really so impossible to wear clothes, Jacob?"

I laughed out loud. If they were going to discuss Jacobs nakedness, I definitely did not need to be in the room. I left them to talk and, for the first time in the hours since I'd gotten home, I went upstairs.

I hesitated by my bedroom door. I knew that no one would be in there and yet, I couldn't make myself open the door. I stood there and looked at it and even reached for the handle, but that was as far as I got.

Instead, I turned on my heels and walked down to Dads room. His door was already open and, of course, he was not inside. His bed wasn't made, but his room wasn't messy. It smelled like him- Warm, musky, and dusty. It smelled like home. I wondered how much it smelled like him to the others if it smelled this strongly to my human nose.

He'd never lived anywhere else in his adult life. He probably smelled like this place. It was probably one in the same. I heard Jacob's heavy footsteps as he stomped up the stairs. I laid on Dads bed in an attempt to stay out of his way.

It was comforting in a way I hadn't really expected. Like how it was when I was a child and I'd run in there to hide from the monsters under my bed- Only this time there really had been a monster in there. I shivered and pulled his blanket up around my face. I couldn't let myself cry; I knew I wouldn't be able to stop.

It wasn't long before Jacob poked his head in anyway. He was quiet then he kinda took a sharp breath. "Hey, Y/n. I didn't know you were in here-" I laughed, he continued. "This rooms clear- No vamps in here. Is this Charlie's room?"

I nodded.

"That's good. That they didn't come in here…" He looked across the hall towards the other rooms. "Your room reeks though. Like they were in there for a while. Touched a lot of stuff too, like they were looking for something."

I stared at him, eyes wide open. "I-" I wanted to scream again.

"But it's good! ‘Cause I can really smell them in there. Bella's room reeks of Cullen, so it's hard to get only this new one. But it being all over your room… helps." I knew he was- however unsuccessfully, trying to calm me down.

I sighed and smiled softly at him. "Thank you Jacob."

He grinned wide. "No problem! Hey uh… Sam asked if I would mention that he needs to speak with you."

"Of course he does…" I shook my head, already annoyed.

"There's a bonfire tonight. You could come-"

"I couldn't." Mostly because I didn't want to deal with Sam, but also I didn't want to impose. "I've got plans with Carlisle."

"Sure. Sure. But could you at least call Sam so he'll get off my back?"

"I'll consider it."

He grinned again. "Thanks, Y/n!"

Then he left before he said anything else. I threw myself back on the bed. I didn't want to go back down there while Jacob was still there and as soon as he left I heard Edward get back. So I stayed in my dads bed trying to convince myself to go into my own room.

Eventually I decided to just rip the bandage off. I walked to my room and again, hesitated by the door. Only this time, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and swung the door open on the exhale.

Jacob was right. My room was a mess. It was honestly so much worse than I could have expected. My dresser drawers were open. The closet was open and missing some of its contents. Even my laundry basket was knocked over.

But what shocked me the most- My entire bed sheet and my pillows were gone.

For a long moment I was just frozen in the doorway, staring at the mess my bedroom had become. I didn't notice how bad I was shaking. I kept thinking I wanted to clean up my room but it was too overwhelming.

Whoever this was, was in my room. They went through all of my things. They stole my bedsheet. And I could not fathom why. I think that's what scared me the most.

All this time, even though I had been running with them too, the rogue vampires only wanted Bella. So I didn't understand why they were suddenly interested in me.

I stood there for a long while until I couldn't handle it anymore. I went far enough into my room to set my laundry basket up right. One of the only things still in it was one of Carlisle's sweaters- A navy blue one he'd worn when we'd gone to the library. He swore it looked better on me and he didn't need it anyway. I agreed to take it because it smelled like home. It still smelled like him.

I threw it over my head, decided the mess could wait, and went downstairs to meet up with Bella and Edward.

As I drifted downstairs, Bella was explaining to Edward why she thought Alice had cleaned her room. "-that was lying around, my shirts, my socks, and I don't know where she put them."

As I approached Edward went rigged.

“No, I think Y/n is right. When did you notice your things were missing?"

"When I got back from the fake slumber party…"

Then Edward looked at me, which made Bella look at me. My eyes went wide and I guessed that he wanted me to answer the same question. "Oh… I-I haven't been home. So. Today? My bed sheet is gone and some of my clothes…"

I hadn't considered that maybe it was Alice, but Bella was known for not looking at the whole picture. I didn't think that made much sense anyway.

Edward shook his head. "I don't think Alice took anything. Not your clothes, or your bed sheet. The things that were taken, these were things that you'd worn… and touched… and slept on?"

"Yes. What is it, Edward?" I didn't know how she hadn't pieced it together yet.

I couldn't tell if Edward was angry or confused. Or both. "Things with your scent?"

"Oh!" She breathed and I knew it clicked for her. They stared at each other for a while and If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was reading her mind. “The visitor…” she muttered.

“He was gathering traces… evidence. To prove that he’d found the both of you?”

Again, I found myself at a loss for why.

Bella actually whispered, “Why?”

“I don’t know. But, Bella, I swear I will find out. I will.”

“It also doesn’t make sense. Why did they clean up Bella’s room and tear mine apart? Why do they care about me at all?” My questions were mostly rhetorical. I knew there weren't any real answers yet.

He was kind enough to entertain me anyway. “You’re right, I have no idea why their focus has extended to you as well. But the state of your room makes a bit of sense… Your scent is hard enough to trace as it is , but if you haven’t been sleeping here and because you always smell like Carlisle- I would guess he couldn’t find a solid trace of you-”

“And then he got frustrated and trashed my room?”

“Maybe. It’s just a running theory. I will bring it up with Carlisle.”

Bella sighed and laid her head on his chest. I was already overwhelmed and I’d only dealt with it for a day. I didn’t know how they had managed it for so long.

Edward pulled his phone out right as it started ringing, only briefly checking the number. “Just the person I need to talk to,” Once he answered my heart started to race a bit. “Carlisle, I-”

I could hear his voice over the phone. It was low and fast. Edward looked very focused. I hoped nothing else was falling apart. “I’ll check it out. Listen…”

He went on to explain mine and Bella’s missing things, though it sounded like he was just as confused as we were. Carlisle sounded very concerned about my situation. I wished I could kiss him.

“Maybe I’ll go…” His eyes drifted to Bella. “Maybe not. Don’t let Emmett go alone, you know how he gets. At least ask Alice to keep an eye on things. We’ll figure this out later.”

Carlisle said something made Edward look at me. “Yeah. I’ll have Jasper go with her. I think that’s a good idea. I’ll talk to you soon.” He got off the phone, sent a quick message to Jasper I guessed, then turned to Bella. "Where's the paper?" he asked her.

"Uhm, I'm not sure. Why?"

"I need to see something. Did Charlie already throw it out?"

"Maybe…"

Then he was gone and I looked at Bella to see if she had any idea what was going on. I don't think she did. Half a second later, Edward reappeared with Jasper in tow. Despite my utter confusion I smiled warmly at Jasper.

"Hey, Y/n. Carlisle asked if I could bring you to meet him at the hospital." I wasn't sure how it would work or why exactly he wanted me to meet him there but I was more than willing to go. So I just nodded and he grinned. Any ideas to call Sam and see what he wanted went out the window.

"I'll-... just need to grab some things." I walked upstairs before anyone said anything more to me. I heard them resume making plans, I really just had to grab my keys and bag from Dads room. I couldn't even look into my own room again.

I went back into the kitchen and they were still talking, but I only caught the end of it. "I'll have to tell you soon. When there's time. It's a bit lengthy…"

She sighed and set her head on the table "What a mess."

Both of the guys chuckled softly before Jasper turned towards me. "Ready?"

"Sure…"

I said my goodbyes to the others. I told Bella I loved her and then we drove to the hospital in silence. He drove my car with the windows rolled down, so it wasn't terribly awkward. I thought that the windows being down might help ease some of his tension, and he was breathing so I figured I'd guessed right.

Though it was a bit strange, I was grateful he was willing to bring me to Carlisle. When we pulled up to the main entrance, I thanked him before I got out.

"It's really no problem, Y/n." He was the perfect southern gentleman as always. "I'll drive your car to the house. Carlisle will probably want you to come home with him anyway."

"You're right. Thank you… again."

He laughed, "Of course. One last thing… When I tell Bella my story, I'd like for you to be there as well. I think it might help clear some things up."

"Oh! Sure. We can make that happen."

"Alright. Then I'll see you later?" He gave me another crooked smile and I got out of the car. I thanked him again and he just laughed and drove towards his house.

I went straight to Carlisle's office. The receptionist was expecting me and informed me that Carlisle was in a meeting, but should be done quickly. I sat in his office chair and pulled the sleeves of his sweater around my hands before laying my head down on his desk.

He really didn't take long- Five, ten minutes tops- and when he was finally in the room he crouched down right in front of me.

"Are you alright, Dove?" His voice was heavy with concern. He placed a steady hand just above my knee.

"I'm okay- overwhelmed, but okay." I moved my head from his desk and rested it instead against his forehead.

"I am so sorry, Y/n. I'm going to get to the bottom of this."

My heart broke for him. "I know you will." I whispered. I smiled softly at him to really express my point and when he pulled back to look into my eyes, I kissed him. It was really cathartic. All I wanted to do was wrap myself up in him and hide from whatever was after us this time. Kissing him felt like I could do just that.

Remembering where we were, I eventually did pull back. "How much longer do you need to stay here today?"

"We're actually good to go now. They'll call if I'm needed, but I don't imagine they will. I thought we both would feel a bit better if you were here with me. He brushed my hair back and kissed me quickly before he added "If I'm being honest, I think I would feel significantly better if you were with me more consistently." There were a lot of implications in his tone but my brain was too cloudy to decipher his meaning.

When he saw how confused I was he continued. "If you were willing… If you wanted, I would be elated if you moved in with me."

As his words processed my eyes went wide. I held up one finger so I could think. I believe he chuckled and told me to take my time, but I couldn't be sure; I was too focused.

I spent most of my time at his house, moving in with him wouldn't be a huge change- if it didn't feel like a huge change. It felt official. I wasn't ready for marriage and I think most would agree that for our particular circumstances, marriage could wait.

But I did want to live with him. I knew that meant living in a house full of vampires, but they were my vampires. I wondered how they would feel about living with me. I hoped it wouldn't bother them too badly. I hoped it wouldn't be unbearable for Jasper.

Because I really wanted to live with them. I thought about my Dad. Bella would also move out in a few short weeks. If I moved out, he would be alone. I'm sure he knew we'd move out at some point. I still felt guilty that it was now. For now at least, I wouldn't be far.

And I wanted this.

I wanted this.

I felt my cheeks warm as I blushed. I smiled at him and realized he was speaking again. His sentences were jumbled and he hardly put spaces between each word.

"-you do not have to. I know that we've only just gotten back and I would completely understand if this is too soon. I just want you to be safe and comfortable-"

"Carlisle." He froze and saw the smile on my face. He almost cracked a smile too. "I want to. If you're serious, I would love to move in with you."

For a second, he looked like he was processing. I gave him the time he needed, just as he had with me. When it cleared he held my face in his hands and kissed me. I melted into him immediately.

Sure, we would have to tell my dad eventually, but for right that second I could just focus on him. Whatever came next we would face it together.

I caught Dad right before he went to work one morning, though he was already in uniform and only had to lace up his shoes. I floated down the stairs just before he could reach for the door handle.

I took a deep breath and rushed the words out, “Hey, really quick before you go… I was kinda thinking about moving in with Carlisle.”

He raised his eyebrows and turned to look at me. I couldn’t quite read his expression. “Oh, really? When?”

“I-I. Well, he asked me- a few days ago now. And I thought about it and decided I really did want to, so-” I stammered my way through my response a bit taken off guard. Thankfully he interrupted me with a laugh.

“No, Y/n, I mean when were you planning on moving out?”

“Oh…” I didn’t know. I hadn’t really thought past telling him. I'd basically already had started living there, without out-right saying it. "Most of my things are there, so I guess now." I waited for him to react, but he just nodded.

"Will You need help with your furniture? I'm sure Bella won't mind if we use her truck."

"No, No. I think I can leave most of it here… If that's okay with you." I threw the last bit out in a rush. I didn't want to assume I could.

"Of course, Kid. It's not like I've got plans to turn your room into an at home gym. You'll always have a space here."

I bit my lip, suddenly fighting back tears. "You're not mad?"

"Mad? Why would I be mad?" His confusion was genuine.

"I…" I took a steady breath. " I just thought you might still be upset that they left. I mean they haven’t been back that long and I wasn’t sure you’d be ecstatic about me moving in with him right now… And also you haven’t been alone in a long long time so-”

“Y/n, Honey, It’s okay. He crossed the room to wrap me in a tight hug. “It’s not like you're moving to a different country; you’re just going across town. I want you to be happy, I want you to start your life.”

He leaned back and smiled at me before wiping a tear from my check. I wasn’t sure when I’d started crying. He continued, “Now I won’t lie to you and say that I’m all that excited for you to get this serious so soon after they hurt you but- I do trust your judgment. I know you’ll be okay.”

I nodded and said, “You’re right, I will be.” then quickly asked, “Will you be alright?”

He laughed. “I will be alright, too. And, in the worst case, you can always come back.”

It was my turn to laugh. I pulled into him again and hid my face in his chest. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, kid. I always will.”

Taglist!

@jakanddexter67 @a-not-so-poetic-poet @bridge597 @cestlavie03 @gaymazinglula @short-potato @jennyamanda8 @daisydreamingsims @arg888cam

#twilight #carlisle cullen #twilight fanfiction #carlisle cullen x reader #im always in this twilight #twilight x reader #iaitt #reader insert #this love came back to me #tlcbtm

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tala-bez-i · 7 months ago

Text

At first sight Chapter Nine

(m!reader x Bonten!Haruchiyo Sanzu)

Fluff/slash/reader is male/cursing/BontenTimeline/drugs and alcohol mentioned/violence/blood/death

All characters that appeared in the Tokyo Revengers manga and anime belong to Ken Wakui.

Words: 3318

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It had been raining for a good two hours now, making you feel more and more sleepy. You wanted to talk to Takeomi today and ask Rosie a few questions, but a small voice in your head was whispering to you to give up for today, that it was time to go to sleep.

You stood up from behind your desk and left your bedroom, heading towards the gang advisor's office. You liked talking to a man 10 years older than you, even though Sanzu told you many times not to get involved with him. You knew the difficult relationship between them, and you didn't want to let it go. Sanzu could give you various orders, but you were as stubborn as he was, and you had no intention of following this particular one.

You often had the impression that the pink-haired man knew this very well and, despite his frustration, accepted it. Or at least it seemed that way for now...

You stopped for a moment outside Takeomi's office door and listened. If Rosie was inside, you didn't want to catch them doing anything. You heard that one time Ran walked in and found Akashi up to his balls in the whore. You didn't mind this type of situations with Haru, but you preferred not to see his older brother in a similar situation. Especially if it was about Rosie.

You didn't hear any suspicious-sounding activity, so you knocked on the door. You immediately heard a man's voice telling you to get inside. You opened the door and the first thing you noticed was the strong smell of cigarettes. The guy smoked them as if he was in a hurry to get to the next world.

“Ah, it's you Y/n. Come in, come in.” Takeomi gestured to you. His fingers were decorated with rings and signet rings, brazenly showing that he was not a poor man. “Sit down, please.”

You sat down in the chair in front of his elegant desk and Takeomi placed a new cigarette in his mouth, lighting it from the still glowing butt. “Nasty weather, isn't it?”

"May be. I like rain.” You replied calmly and the man laughed, blowing smoke from his mouth.

“You haven't visited me in a long time. Sanzu must have kept you on a tight leash, hmm?”

“You could put it that way.”

“Any progress on the case?” He looked at you with interest.

“Yes, you could say that. I know Kisaki forwarded this case to me, but recently it turned out that it was just the part that Kakucho handled.”

“Oh... Yeah. I know that." He shrugged. “If it moved on, it was a good idea.”

You looked at him in silence for a moment and the man smiled again before taking a long drag on his cigarette. “I understand you brought Kakucho back into the case, correct?”

“Yes, yes, it's true.” You nodded, slightly confused. “I also started working with Mochi. He had the rest of the reports and came up with some leads as well.”

"Very good. I didn’t expect anything less from you, Y/n.” He made a note on his calendar, the smile still on his face.

“We have a boy here who works for Akira. He revealed a lot of information to us.” You added and Takeomi froze, his smile shrinking.

He looked up and blinked several times. "What?"

“I said we have a boy here from…”

“Wait, what was his name?...Yata?” The man interrupted you and put a cigarette in his mouth before scratching his face near the large scar and shrugging slightly. “I guess that's good... As long as Akira doesn't look for him....”

“Akira knows I took him.”

"What? Have you talked to Akira?” Akashi was surprised.

“No. He must have been watching us from the window of his building. He saw Yata get into my car and after a while we drove away. He recognized me and contacted Sanzu..."

“Haruchiyo? Why would he contact him?” Takeomi frowned and reached for a pack of cigarettes that was lying on the desk. It turned out to be empty, so he crumpled it up and threw it in the trash.

“I think everyone knows I follow him around like a dog.” You shrugged, watching the older man rummage through his desk drawers for a new pack of cigarettes.

He cursed quietly as he got up from the chair and went to the hanger where his coat was and took out cigarettes from one of the pockets, then returned to his seat.

“Okay. I see." He put out the cigarette but didn't take out another one. “So, when will you release him? Are you going to kill him?”

“We won't give him back to that son of a bitch. Yata goes to Madarame.” You said, watching the man's strong hands. He kept them on the desk, but with each small movement one of his hands came closer to the pack of cigarettes.

"That's good. I always thought the young man came to the wrong place.” He sighed and looked at you with a serious face. "So? You didn't come to me just to give me this information. Do you have any questions?”

“It's basically one thing.” I have a few... What are your plans for Rosie? “Do you know Nagano?”

“Ah, Hideki Nagano... Yes, I know him.” He said, grabbed a pack of cigarettes and pulled out a cigarette, but didn't put it in his mouth. You were sure it wouldn't be 5 seconds before he inhaled the smoke again. Terrible addiction. “Mochi mentioned him and another one, Jin Nagasawa.” He laughed darkly and lit the lighter. “Three top pimps scheming in the backroom of Bonten.”

You stared for a moment at the blue ribbon flying from the glowing end of the cigarette. "Unfortunately. I need to find one man who works with him. Yata said it would be worth trying to talk to him.”

"Yes? Who is this about?"

“Do you know anyone called Yuu?”

“Yuu?” Takeomi repeated and leaned back in his chair. “Yuu… Working for Nagano… Hmm…” He took a drag on his cigarette and exhaled slowly, thinking. "I think so. I'm not 100% sure, but I have a feeling that this Yuu... is Uchiyama. I can't remember the name."

Uchiyama... You've heard this name somewhere before...

“Try talking to Rosie.” Said the advisor and smiled. “The pretty girl has worked for more than one pimp, maybe she will know something more. The girls trust her.”

The corner of your mouth involuntarily turned up and you nodded. “That was my intention, but I wanted to ask you first.”

“Oh? For what reason?"

“Because of the girls you used to sleep with.” You shrugged slightly. “Everyone knows you preferred them from Nagano.”

The man laughed loudly and sincerely. "True, true. Oh, Y/n…” He shook his head, amused. “How are things going with my wonderful brother? Do you work well together?”

You weren't expecting this question now, even though it came from Takeomi four times a year. You bit the inside of your cheek lightly and shrugged again.

"It's good..."

"Really?"

"Yes. We cooperate, freak out and watch each other's backs... The latter can be considered suspended for now.” Takeomi took another drag and looked intently into your eyes as he exhaled. The last time he looked at you in such a piercing way was many years ago. That was the first time he saw you with his little brother.

“Y/n... You're fine but be careful what you do or say. You know how Haru is.” He said quietly and you nodded.

"Mikey is as important to me as he is to Sanzu... I will not betray him..."

“Mikey is like a king to Sanzu. You are like a dog.” He interrupted you while you were speaking. “For him, our leader comes first and always will. Remember this and respect it and it won't hurt anyone. And you will live.”

You looked at the man in silence, taking his statement apart. He was right, although deep down you hoped that over time you would become as important to the pink-haired man as he was to you. You knew you couldn't handle being rejected again. Someone will die then, and even if it were you, you would take as many as you could with you. Just for others to have their hearts broken too...

“Hey, Y/n…” Takeomi's voice was softer this time. “Haruchiyo is more stubborn than a donkey and I regret the way I used to treat him. I know he'd jump at my throat the next chance he got, but Mikey still listens to my advice... Or at least some of it. He could use some tenderness. Let him see you as a human being, not a dog, as many call you here.”

"I do not mind. I'd rather be called a dog than a wild horse." You said calmly and Takeomi chuckled to himself.

“You're tired, Y/n. It's time for you. Wash, bead and go to bed. You can go." He waved you off and there was nothing left for you to do but get up and go back to your bedroom.

“Have a peaceful evening, Takeomi.” You looked at him, stopping in the doorway. He was lighting another cigarette.

"You also." He nodded and made another note on his calendar.

You closed the door behind you and walked down the hall. Somewhere in the distance you heard thunder, and the rain became heavier by the second, hitting the windows with redoubled force. Perfect sleeping weather.

As you passed by the stairs, you saw Ran and Rindou brushing off the raindrops from their jackets and trousers.

“You've gotten a bit carried away.” You greeted them and Ran smiled at you.

“We had to ask around in several places, but we managed to get some information.”

You put your hands in your pockets and looked around...

“Sanzu rushed towards the bedroom first. Didn't you hear him swearing on the way?" Said the older brother.

“No…” You were surprised and winced slightly. “Did he get very wet?”

Ran laughed, running his fingers through his damp hair. “Rindou pushed him under a leaky gutter.”

Rindou smirked and took off his jacket, which he slung over his shoulder. "The pleasure is all mine. Good luck, Y/n.”

They walked past you and towards their bedrooms, and Ran wished you good night in an amused tone.

“Shit, not that again…” You muttered and continued towards your room.

The closer you were to your goal, the more clearly you heard the curses coming from the pink-haired man's mouth. He didn't go to his bedroom, but to yours.

You went inside and looked around. One of the nightstands next to the bed was open and there was a mess on the desk that you were sure you hadn't made. Someone was looking for something in it.

You sighed, closed the door and headed towards the bathroom.

“Haruchiyo?” You called out quietly, looking inside.

There were several towels thrown from the cabinet on the floor, and a completely soaked man was leaning against the sink. His hair was a complete mess and stuck to his face and neck. He held an open pill bottle in one hand.

“Haru?” You went inside but didn't come any closer.

This time he responded to the name you said and lifted his head to look at you from the mirror. He was angry, very angry. You stood in silence, waiting for him to speak.

“I'll kill them one day.” He said, trying to make his voice sound happier, but he was shaking too much.

“I heard about that stupid joke…” You looked down and noticed that Sanzu was standing on the bare tiles, completely barefoot. “You'll catch a cold. At least stand on the rug.”

"I do not care." He growled and poured three pills into his hand, which he immediately swallowed without any problems. “Stupid fucking joke. Funny as hell.”

You hesitated for a split second, but went into the bathroom and grabbed one of the towels that were left from the cabinet. “I'll run you a bath…”

“Am I not wet enough?” He asked you coldly, turning to face you.

You gave him a quick glance and placed a towel on a low stool before running hot water into the tub. “Lavender or rose?”

Sanzu stood silently for a moment, throwing daggers from his eyes at you, but after a while he sighed and began to unbutton his shirt. “Lavender, please.” His voice was quiet, but still filled with anger.

You poured some oil into the water and made foam as usual. You stood up and walked past the half-naked man out of the bathroom. “I'll get you some clean underwear.”

When you entered the bathroom again, Sanzu was already sitting in the tub, the water running for a while before turning it off. He leaned back against the edge of the bathtub and let out a long sigh.

“They're going to finish me off one day.” He said quietly, looking up.

You sat down next to the tub and leaned on your hand, just like Rosie did the night before.

“You know what they are like. They have to tease someone every once in a while.”

“And that someone always has to be me, hmm?” Sanzu muttered, looking at you.

How much did you took today?

“I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you.” You said quietly and the man shook his head.

"You have nothing to apologize for. I should have known better, I let my guard down.” He reached for a sponge and started washing himself. You watched his movements for a moment, admiring how his muscles worked under his fair skin. Suddenly he turned his head towards you and his hands stopped moving. “Why are you watching me like that, huh?”

“Because I like looking at you.” You said honestly and brushed the wet hair from his forehead. “It calms me down.”

“You're crazy.” He mumbled and resumed the washing process. “And perverted.”

“I'm not crazier than you... And you're the one who often parades around naked in front of me, so who's perverted here?”

“I can walk around with my ass bare whenever I want, wherever I want, and you don't have to stare.”

“It's not my fault it's something to look at.” You shrugged and Sanzu splashed water on you. He looked at you defiantly, so you stood up and, placing your hands on his bare shoulders, pushed him under the water.

You released him almost immediately and Haru quickly sat back down, sputtering water. “You really... *cough* are going to get beat today! *cough* I'll kick your ass! You'll see, L/n!”

You grabbed the shampoo bottle and poured little bit into your hand before starting to wash the angry man's hair.

"Anything you want." You said calmly, gently rubbing his scalp.

Sanzu grumbled something else under his breath, but you couldn't understand his words. You left the lather on his head and started massaging his neck and shoulders, which made Sanzu go silent and start to relax again.

"You are horrible." He hummed softly and you picked up the shower head.

"Close your eyes." He obeyed you and you rinsed the shampoo from his hair. You applied some more conditioner and after a while you started drying his hair with a towel.

Sanzu's eyelids fluttered open and his dilated pupils immediately found yours. The drugs didn't seem to have stimulated him as much as usual, so apparently whatever he had hidden in your bathroom cabinet was having a calming effect. He was tired, very tired.

“Can you get out of the bathtub?” You asked quietly and the pink-haired man snorted.

"Of course I can. Who do you think I am, Y/n?” He stood up and carefully left the bathtub.

You handed him a new towel and he started drying himself with it. When he finished, he put on clean underwear and poked you in the chest with his finger. “Tonight I'm sleeping at your place. Stick to your side of the bed.”

“The whole bed is my side.” You said a little louder and he answered you from the bedroom.

"Not today."

You laughed to yourself and started cleaning up the mess the pink-haired man had made. You pulled his keys and wallet out of his soaked pants and placed them on the counter of the locker.

You drained the bathtub and took a quick shower after undressing.

Dressed in pajama pants and ready for bed, you turned off the bathroom light and returned to the bedroom. Sanzu was already lying under the sheets and yawning.

“Lock the door.” He said quietly and despite your surprise, you followed his instructions. You bypassed the bed and drew the curtains on the window, making the room dark, and the only source of light was the night lamp on the unoccupied side of the bed.

You slid under the sheets and looked up at the ceiling. This wasn't the first time you'd laid in bed next to Sanzu... But until now, the conditions were a little different. Usually, he was high and laced with alcohol, and you were almost completely drunk. But this time...

“How did you do today?” The man asked quietly.

“I brought Kakucho back into this case and started working with Mochi.”

"Seriously?" Sanzu lifted his head from the pillow to get a better look at you.

"Yes. I think we're on the right track. We already have three suspects. Including one… let's say confirmed.”

“Akira?” He asked, turning on his side and propping himself up on his hand.

You looked at him and nodded. “Akira.”

“Son of a bitch.” He muttered. “Almost nothing has moved for us.”

“So let me tell you something…” Sanzu turned his bright eyes on you. “Akira and Sato are connected. That bitch from the club… Akira sold her to Sato.”

Haruchiyo blinked a few times, perking up slightly. “You're talking nonsense, aren't you?”

"Nope. That's what Yata said. You know, the young one I brought here.”

“Do you trust him?”

“Kakucho and Mochi trust him.” You said and Sanzu nodded slightly.

“I will tell it to Ran and Rindou tomorrow.” He sighed and changed his position again, resting his head on the pillow.

There was silence for a while, so you turned off the lamp and closed your eyes, thinking that Sanzu had quickly fallen asleep. Sometimes it happened to him when he was on drugs.

“Y/n?”

“Yes, Haru?”

“How the fuck is it possible that your bed is more comfortable than mine?”

“Because I don't bring whores to mine as often as you do to yours.” You replied without thinking and the pink-haired man elbowed you in the ribs, knocking the air out of your lungs. “Fuck…”

“Mean bastard.” He grunted in annoyance, and you laughed softly. “And what are you laughing at, you idiot?”

"I love you." You said quietly and closed your eyes again. “Good night, Haru.”

He didn't answer you, but he moved, changing his position once again, and soon his longer hair tickled your chest and something warm and soft was pressed lightly to your lips. He kissed you...

Sanzu started to pull away, but you grabbed his neck and pulled him back to kiss him again. You could clearly hear a loud heartbeat and you weren't sure if it was yours or his. After a while, you let him pull away and lie down.

"Mean." He mumbled and turned his back to you, pulling the sheets almost to the top of his head. "Good night."

"Good night." Your voice was quiet, and you listened to his breathing, which mixed with the sounds of the rain that had calmed down. After a few minutes, you noticed that Sanzu had already fallen asleep... You closed your eyes and let sleep take over you too.

#tokyo revengers #tokyo revengers x y/n #male reader #tokyo revengers haruchiyo sanzu #haruchiyo sanzu #haruchiyo sanzu x reader

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owlsandwich · 11 months ago

Text

The Mechanics of Magic

Read along with me :D - Chapter 8

Chapter 1 | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

It would be unfair to say I hate this chapter, but I still remember how hard it was to write. I don't write crime, and so I really struggle with scenes that require formal police involvement or law. At least it's a fantasy world, so I have the freedom of making up the procedural rules myself!

Something I've noticed is that Mechanics has a lot more internal thoughts than Darkness (though, as will be revealed later, this is for good reason)

Chapter 8 is under the cut:

Tamara pinched the bridge of her nose and tried to stifle a yawn. Pale threads of dawn had barely begun to weave across the sky when Morgan’s messenger had woken her, bringing news that a vehicle would be ready to collect her within the hour. She estimated that she’d managed maybe five hours sleep, and the soothing motion of the government car was not helping her to stay alert.

The incident report lay on her lap, and she again ran a finger over the note stuck to the front: One for you to look into. Morgan’s handwriting was neat and understated, but his signature below the message was unmistakable. She didn’t know whether to be grateful that the document held only scant details; it had made quick reading despite her frazzled mental state, but she still wasn’t sure what to expect upon arriving in Golebach.

Gravel crunched as they pulled into the car park of a bleak, grey building that Tamara assumed must be the local police station. She coughed to clear her throat, aware that she hadn’t spoken for the entire journey, and attempted to form her face into an expression of engaged interest. After a moment, her driver opened the door and Tamara thanked him with a smile that she hoped hid her exhaustion. Report clutched tight to her chest, she straightened her jacket and stepped into the fresh morning air.

There was no one waiting outside, and she eyed the door to the building, wondering if she should just walk in. Before she had to decide, it was opened by a tall police officer in a crumpled uniform, who looked as though she may have had even less sleep than Tamara.

“Hi, I’m here from the palace.” Tamara stepped forward as she spoke, rotating her folder so the ID card she’d slipped into the front was visible. The woman glanced down at it and back to her face, before holding out a hand.

“It’s good to meet you. I’m Head Officer Helen James.”

Tamara took the outstretched hand as two other people emerged from the building.

“This is Officer Barrie. He was first on the scene.” Helen gestured to the short man who had walked up on her right. “Senior Officer Robinson assisted in securing the site and transporting the suspects involved.”

The younger, clean-shaven man to Helen’s left stepped forward and shook Tamara’s hand.

“I’m Tamara Elden. It’s nice to meet you,” she said, releasing the handshake before Robinson could feel the clamminess of her palm. “I read the report on the way down, but it was a little light on detail. Has anything happened since?”

“Apologies for that.” Helen’s alert manner belied her appearance, and Tamara sensed a radiating magic energy from her that revealed her to be a mage. “We alerted the palace as soon as we determined there could be magic involved, however I am aware that meant the report was rushed. Would you like to come inside, and I’ll give you a run-down of events?”

The other two officers were looking at her with wary fascination as they walked, and Tamara was glad she had the report to occupy her nervous hands. A short corridor opened into a small office area dominated by scattered paperwork and the strong scent of coffee. Helen gave a brief wave to one or two people that looked up as they passed. “Can I get you a drink?” she asked, looking back at Tamara over her shoulder.

“That would be great, thanks,” she replied. People were usually kinder when you accepted their offers. “Milk and one sugar, please.”

“Jason, can you grab some coffees for us?” Helen called to a young man who was attempting to scuttle by with a stack of folders. He nodded and dashed off, leaving Helen to lead Tamara and the other officers into what was presumably an interview room.

Chairs screeched on the vinyl floor as they sat, and Tamara laid her folder on the empty white table in front of them.

“Very little has changed since the report,” Helen said, continuing from where she had left off outside. “As you will have read, we started getting calls about an earthquake at approximately twenty past eight yesterday evening. One or two of the higher-magic locals said they felt magical energy around the same time, but mostly it was just people who were scared.”

“I can imagine,” Tamara replied. “Ardveld isn’t known for its tectonic activity; there shouldn’t be any earthquakes here.”

“Exactly.” Helen nodded. “So when a call came in about an explosion, things began to make more sense.”

A large enough shock wave might well explain the supposed earthquake. Barrie had taken a seat next to Tamara and now cleared his throat with a dry cough. “I was about to head down to the village when we got the report of a loud explosion from Golebach Court—”

“It’s a local historical site that’s open to the public,” Helen interjected. Tamara opened the file and leafed through to the picture of the manor house, rotating it so the others could see.

Barrie went on. “I drove over there expecting some kind of equipment malfunction or something, but when I arrived… Well, there should be some photos.”

Tamara turned the page to an image of a stone structure, surrounded by blackened grass and spattered dirt.

“This is where the report says the explosion happened,” Tamara said. “Is this near the manor then?”

“The actual bomb site is an ancient ruin, about a hundred meters from the manor,” Helen explained. “It’s in the grounds but accessible at all hours.”

The door clicked open as the junior from earlier brought in their drinks. Tamara took her coffee, cupping the mug in her hands to warm her fingers.

“So I got there,” Barrie continued when the junior departed. “And I saw the damage, which is basically as the picture shows — however, there were also two casualties at site. That’s when I decided I’d better call this one in.” He looked towards Tamara. “I contacted the station for medical and backup, and made sure they weren’t dead.”

Tamara nodded, eyes not leaving the photo. “Where are they now? The report said they were uninjured, though the young man had magic sickness. Is that correct?”

This time it was Robinson who replied. “Yes. After medical checked them over and we’d secured the site, we brought them back here to await interview. There were no serious injuries apart from magic sickness.”

That’s a relief, at least.

“Could it have been an accident?” Tamara asked. If she remembered the report correctly, the explosion had supposedly been caused by a device that two teenagers had brought to the site. She pulled the folder back towards her and flipped to the page showing the transcribed text.

“Sure. If you want to call getting caught up in the blast from their own bomb an ‘accident’.” Barrie rolled his eyes and earned a stern look from Helen.

“They actually admitted that they made a bomb then?” Tamara frowned. “Did the young woman tell you this? I can’t imagine you would’ve got much information from the magic sickness case.”

Opposite her, Robinson glanced at Helen, and Tamara had the uncomfortable feeling that she had said the wrong thing.

“The transcript in the report is what the female suspect told us as we were bringing them in,” Helen explained. “Despite my colleague’s assumptions, the suspects haven’t confirmed the purpose of the device they brought to site. We obviously haven’t conducted any interviews, as the reports of large scale magic place this case under palace jurisdiction. As per protocol, we have waited for you to conduct the interviews when you take over the case.”

“Ah.”

Take over the case? The room felt even colder than it had before.

It made sense that they would think as much. After all, she had come from the palace so technically she was the most senior person here. Tamara sipped her coffee, burning her tongue. As Head of Magic Affairs, she had expected to come here and evaluate the source and mechanism of a magical incident, but Morgan had given her no formal instruction for direct involvement with suspects.

Surely that should fall under defence…?

“I believe that I am just here to assist and advise on the magical elements of this case.” Tamara placed the mug down with a clunk and gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

Helen suddenly looked exhausted. “My apologies, but we are a small operation here.” She rubbed at her eyes, losing some of her professional composure. “Protocol says that we must refer upwards in any case where there are signs of powerful magic involvement, and this... bombing is far beyond what we are equipped to deal with. I was informed that an advisor had been sent from the palace. Isn’t that you?”

Three pairs of eyes were scrutinising her now, and Tamara looked down at her report, scrambling for an answer. Her burnt tongue hurt, and she pulled on her magic to soothe it. Maybe it was supposed to be her dealing with this. The memory of her last conversation with Morgan flashed into her mind: she and him in the dim office where he’d shown her a letter of resignation from his former Head of Defence.

“I— Please don’t worry. I’ll contact the palace and find out who is coming to take over the case. In the meantime, I will see if I can determine exactly what magic was involved.” Tamara hoped her voice contained the authority she wished she felt. Helen, at least, appeared reassured.

“Thank you,” the Head Officer said. “Until then, we will assist you in whatever you require. Where would you like to start?”

“Well…” Tamara chewed at her lip. “I think it’s best that I go and visit the site.”

The drive to the manor was short, and the police car stopped outside a cordoned-off area around the manor house and grounds. Helen informed Tamara that, though the ruin was obviously a crime scene, they were also concerned about the structural stability of the manor, given the movement of the ground.

As they approached the ruin, Tamara could see for herself what the picture had shown — a shallow crater surrounded by mud and scorched grass. The two officers stationed there let them pass, and Tamara ventured ahead to what looked to be the explosion’s epicentre.

There wasn’t much to look at. The ground was hard from the summer heat, which may have gone some way to limit the damage, but whatever blast had occurred didn’t seem to have been all that impactful. Apart from some scorch marks, even the ruin itself appeared undamaged to Tamara’s eyes. That at least explained how the two teenagers had made it out unscathed. Presumably the remains of the so-called bomb had already been safely removed, as there was no shrapnel of any kind to be seen.

There was no magic that she could sense here either, not even from the manor behind them, which should have been teeming with spells.

“Everything okay?” Helen said as she approached, and Tamara hummed an acknowledgement without turning to look.

A moment later, her brain caught up. “Oh, yes. Sorry. I was just thinking.”

“It’s no problem. Please, carry on.”

Tamara flicked her fingers a few times, then stopped as she saw Helen watching. The Head Officer had been kind and respectful so far, and she felt it was worth giving an explanation. “I’m from Avel Kifaeros,” she said, with what she hoped was a non-threatening smile. “So if I seem a little, well, odd...”

“Ah.” Helen nodded. “Don’t worry; my nephew is like that. He’s Ardveldian, but you know what I mean. Take all the time you need.”

It was a good enough response. Though they were the majority in Avel Kifaeros, it wasn’t unusual for people in other parts of the world to be born with the typical mix of traits associated with the Kifaerish. If it helped Helen understand, then it was a useful piece of information to share, as long as she afforded Tamara the same respect as she had before she knew.

“There doesn’t seem to be any magic around the building.” Tamara gestured towards the manor.

“Yes, I’ve just heard that myself.” To her relief, Helen allowed the conversation return to work. “It seems like whatever happened here wiped the passive spells nearest the manor. Staff aren’t happy – they’ll need to bring someone in to recast the more complex ones.”

A light wind whipped up the dust at Tamara’s feet, and she looked back towards the stones. “I don’t see how a bomb could have done that. Not without physical damage to the building.” Being a mage herself, Helen should have known that. Tamara squinted at her face. “And why would anyone want to set off a bomb here anyway?”

Helen folded her arms with a frown. “Pure selfishness? Don’t think I’ll ever understand what these kids get out of vandalising places that others enjoy.”

Blackened dirt came away when Tamara brushed a hand over the closest scorch mark, but the stone underneath remained intact. “There doesn’t seem to be much damage to the ruin, either,” she said, dusting her fingers on her skirt. “You said you originally got calls about an earthquake? Before the report of the explosion?”

Helen nodded and Tamara continued, her mind chasing an idea. “Was there any damage in town?”

“Yes,” Helen replied. “Not a great deal, but there was some minor structural damage to a few buildings.”

This was it. The part that didn’t make sense. “Were they just out of range of hearing the explosion then? Or is it possible that the damage in town did genuinely happen first?”

Helen seemed to hesitate before replying. “I’m not quite sure what you mean. You’re suggesting we could be dealing with two separate events?” Her expression remained polite, but left Tamara wondering if she had just said something incredibly stupid. “With all due respect, it’s not something I had even considered. Don’t you think that would be far too much of a coincidence?”

Tamara bobbed her head as she attempted to arrange her thoughts into a reasonable explanation. “I don’t necessarily think the events are unlinked,” she began carefully. “But I was called here because there was likely magic involved. The damage from this explosion is nowhere near enough to have reached the town. I mean, it barely reaches ten meters and didn’t harm the ruin at all. It makes me wonder if there is something magic based going on that caused both the town damage first, and then the explosion.”

Helen breathed a sigh, raising a hand to shield her eyes from the sun as she looked up at the manor. “An explosion alone wouldn’t have got rid of those spells. You’re right about that.” With an incline of her head, she started walking back towards the perimeter. Tamara took the hint and followed. “You honestly think two eighteen-year-olds could have enough magic to cause an earthquake?” Helen lowered her voice as she spoke.

“I’ve never heard of any mage strong enough to cause an earthquake,” Tamara replied. “But the boy does have magic sickness. There could be more to it than him just having shielded them both. I think I need to talk to them both.”

“I thought you didn’t want to take over the case?” Helen said, opening the passenger door for Tamara as they reached the waiting car.

“I don’t, and I still plan on calling the palace for you, but I need to ask more questions before I can pass on a report,” Tamara replied, settling into the seat. “Will that be okay?”

“Of course.” Helen sounded surprised, and again Tamara was reminded of her own seniority. “Whatever you need.”

Heavy doors sealed off the two holding cells from a bare grey corridor back at the station. Tamara had to rise up on her toes to see through the open hatch of the first. Inside, a young woman lay on a narrow bed, apparently asleep.

“Don’t wake her if we don’t need to,” Tamara said, putting out a hand to stop Helen from opening the door. “Perhaps the other one is awake?”

“I’m happy to check, but I don’t know how much you’ll get out of him, even if he is,” Helen replied. “Unless there’s anything you could do to speed up his recovery?”

“Unfortunately not.” Tamara was unable to help a smile at Helen’s suggestion. “Even I can’t transfer magic into someone else. The only thing we can do is keep them rested and cared for until they recover their energy naturally.”

“Well, he doesn’t seem to be asleep anymore.” Helen was looking through the hatch into the next room, and Tamara craned herself around beside her to see. The room was a mirror of the previous cell — a small single bed running down the left side of a white brick wall. Sat on the bed, staring down at the floor, was the young man they had been discussing. He didn’t seem to have noticed their arrival, despite their conversation outside the door.

“Do you mind if I go inside to talk to him?” Tamara asked. “It’s nothing formal, so it seems unfair to make him move.”

“Go ahead.” Helen placed a hand on the door and whatever spell powered the lock clicked open as it registered her identity. “Do you want me to come in with you?”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Tamara doubted a magic-drained teenager would be much of a threat, even if he wanted to be. “He may need water if he’s been asleep since the incident. I’ll let you know if he says anything.”

Helen gave a nod. “Fair enough. I’ll be just down the corridor. Call if there’s anything you need.”

With a push, Tamara swung the door open, and stepped inside. It closed with a metallic clang behind her, but the teenager still didn’t look up.

Tamara slid the report folder from where she had been carrying it under her arm. Thankfully, their names were already listed in the transcription. Closing the folder softly, she walked towards the figure on the bed.

“Hello? Alexander? How are you feeling?” Dark brown curls partially obscured his face, but he stirred at the mention of his name. That was better than nothing. With no other seats in the room, she perched herself further down the bed. “It’s okay. I just want to talk. Can you hear me?”

This time, he lifted his head. Tamara saw him squeeze his eyes shut and then slowly open them, as if trying to focus on the room. Despite the tan of his skin, there was an ashen sheen over his face that made her want to reach out and comfort him, just as her mother had done when she was sick as a child.

He made a sound of acknowledgement and Tamara decided to wait to see if he needed some time to process. It was a few seconds before her patience was rewarded. “It’s Alex. Sorry. I’m... I’m really tired.”

“No, it’s okay. I know you’re tired.” Maintaining the conversation was important now he was responding. “I just need to ask you some questions. Is that alright?”

The reply came quicker this time. “Yeah... sure. I don’t— I don’t think...” She watched as he moved his fingers, clenching and unclenching his hands, and remembered the weakness and nausea that came when she overused her own magic.

“You don’t think…?” Tamara prompted, hoping he would pick up the train of thought again.

“Sorry.” Alex turned his head, and she found herself looking into unfocussed dark eyes. “I don’t think I’m very well.”

Tamara’s heart twinged with sympathy. “Yes, that’s true. You overused your magic. Can you tell me what happened?”

Alex squinted. “We were... we were at the site. The place... with the magic.” He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture and gave a small shake of his head. “I can’t really think. The name... you know?”

“Do you mean the ruin near Golebach Court?” Tamara had a vague memory that you shouldn’t ask leading questions in an interview, but then this wasn’t really a proper interview, so she figured it would be fine.

“Yes!”

Tamara was surprised to see him give a weak smile before he seemed to drift back into his own thoughts. “Okay, so you were at the ruin, remember? Can you tell me why you were there?”

“Hmmm... We were there, yes.” He didn’t seem to be able to keep focus for long enough to give her any information. Perhaps this was a lost cause. Tamara ran her fingers over the plastic cover of the folder, remembering the note from Morgan that she had slipped away inside. One for you to look into.

“I brought the generator. To try... to try the ground magic.” Alex spoke again and his eyes seemed to gain focus as they widened. “Eira! She was with me. Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. Nobody was hurt.” Tamara kept her voice gentle, and Alex appeared to relax. His words, though, had set her mind racing. “What do you mean by ‘ground magic’?”

“Ground magic... you know? It’s there. In the ground.” He leant forward and buried his head in his hands with a groan. “I’m sorry. I can’t think.”

Ground magic in the ground. Not very helpful.

Alex knew something, though. He was talking about some kind of magic that hadn’t been there when Tamara had gone to the site. She would have to wait until his head cleared and hope he was still forthcoming with information.

Of course, by that point, he would be being interviewed by whoever else the palace sent to take over the case. Tamara had no idea what kind of approach they would take.

“I’m going to let you rest now.” She stood up from the bed. “I’ll arrange for someone to bring you water. Please lie down and try not to worry.”

It was hard to tell what sort of person she was dealing with while Alex was in this state, but Tamara just couldn’t picture the teenager as a hardened criminal. She walked over to the hatch in the door and called down the corridor for Helen, leaving Alex slumped at the edge of the bed.

“So how did it go? Did you learn anything?” Helen asked once they were back in the interview room.

“More questions than answers, unfortunately.” Tamara sighed. “I think I’ll have to do further research back at the palace.”

“Do you know when we’ll hear who’s taking over the case?” Helen’s question reminded her that she should probably call Morgan now, rather than arranging a meeting when she got back. That’s if he even had time to take a call.

They had only given her this role to fill a gap; Morgan had said as much at their last meeting, but she was still the Head of Magic Affairs. Hadn’t she told him she intended to do the best job she could? A wrong choice had to be better than no choice after all, especially if she was expected to fail, anyway.

Forcing herself to meet Helen’s eyes, Tamara gripped the folder until the edge dug into her palm. She would have to take the teenagers back to the palace with her; it was clear now that the little police station wasn’t equipped to cope with them. “You won’t need to wait. I’ve decided I’m going to take on the case myself

#themechanicsofmagic #writeblr #fantasy books

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thetempleofthemasaigoddess · 2 years ago

Text

Planning on seducing Elrond and it not going exactly as you had planned would involve...

Elrond x reader. This is a modern!AU.

Dedicated to the lovely @montyc !! Thank you so much for your support!!

*****

🧝 You and Elrond meet on the job, since you both work for Gil-Galad, an important businessman; Elrond is his personal assistant and speechwriter, while you work in the marketing department.

🧝 You soon find out you take the same train to go to work and return home. You don't actively decide to ride together, waiting for each other at the station and sitting together, it just happens, and soon a friendship develops between the two of you.

🧝You like Elrond a lot. Clever, kind, humble and hard-working, focused on his work and capable to carry out a conversation and make you laugh the rest of the time, he is exactly the type of person you could appreciate; you rarely interact while in the office, but when it happens you work so well together that Gil-Galad assigns the two of you on a new project to manage together. Elrond also clearly appreciates you since, while he is friendly with most colleagues, you are the first real friend he makes at the office, and he often proposes to hang out in your free time.

🧝Life is not always easy for Elrond. While the company has strict rules against workplace bullying and a couple of employees have already been dismissed for mobbing, your friend is harassed by colleagues and superiors, who either resent his close relationship with Gil-Galad or belittle him for his Half-Elven origins; there have been a couple of very unpleasant episodes that he never reported to your boss or the HR Department despite the urging of his friends, inclunding you.

🧝Also, there are moments -days, sometimes even weeks- in which his usual sunny demeanor fades into melancholy and sadness, and he withdraws in himself, spending days at a time isolating in his office or at home; more than once you offer your help, your time and your support, to comfort him in whatever problem he is dealing with but, while grateful, he remains tight-lipped about his troubles, determined to keep them for himself.

🧝You care for him; a lot. When he is sad, worried or mistreated, you know there is nothing you would not do to see him smile again; in any case, he is the best company you could wish for, and when you are with him, even if you are just sharing a coffee in your living room or sitting quietly next to each other on the train, you feel happy, relaxed, safe, and you wish those moments would never end.

🧝Even through you think the world of him, it takes you a while to realize your feelings go beyond mere friendship; you have always known Elrond is handsome, with his elegant features, sunny smile and deep, warm brown eyes, but at some point you realize your heart beats twice as fast when he takes your hand to help you (he is such a gentleman!) climb down a ladder or that the flush on your face is due to a specific reason that time that you accidentally enter his office while he is changing his shirt after an accident with a cup of coffee...

🧝You have a crush on your friend; maybe even something more than that, you reflect one night when sleep has eluded you and you spend a whole hour staring at the ceiling, lost in your thoughts, and while you already consider yourself lucky to be his friend, you wish your relationship would develop beyond that.

🧝The problem is, you have no idea whether he shares your feelings or not; Elrond is an extremely private person, and while you know for sure he is single, you have no idea whether his heart beats for someone in particular. If you confessed your... affection, and you found it is not reciprocated, it could be the end of your friendship, and that you want to avoid at all cost.

🧝So you decide to... test the waters, trying to make your affection known to see whether Elrond reciprocates and at the same time acting with enough discretion to save you both the embarrassment if he had to let you down. You take special care in your appearance when you hang out, make sure you spend time together alone and not with other friends, especially in the privacy of your home or his, and take every opportunity to touch him -obviously not in a way that would make him uncomfortable; an hand on his arm to get his attention, your thigh lightly pressed against his when you sit side by side on the train, your usual hugs lasting just a second more and your kisses slightly moving from his cheeks towards his mouth- hoping to elicit a physical reaction before an emotional one.

🧝It doesn't work; not in the slightest.

🧝The problem is, your relationship with Elrond is already close, warm and affectionate; you already spend so much time together, mainly without the company of other friends, that there is not much more that you can do to in that regard without potentially resulting intrusive, and your friend is physically affectionate by his nature, as well as always complimenting you on the way you look or dress, which makes it difficult to understand whether those gestures and words are given out of friendship or something else.

🧝So, you decide to step your game up. One night when you have decided to visit a club together, you wear a particularly... interesting dress, showing more of your cleavage and legs than you normally would, and later, when you sit on his sofa to watch a movie, you press yourself against his side, almost sitting on his lap. Still, it doesn't work; Elrond compliments your dress, like he has done a thousand times before, and while you sit together, he simply asks if you are comfortable or want a pillow to put behind your back. Damn him! How can such a clever person be so clueless?

🧝Of course it is also possible that he knows perfectly what you are up to, and ignores your advances because he is not interested in you like that and is trying to let you down as gently as he can. It could be, you admit to yourself, since you have been friends for three years now and he has never shown to want more than friendship from you, but you still suspect... or maybe it is just wishful thinking, who knows... that he simply hasn't realized what you are doing. Which can only mean one thing...

🧝You have to be even more direct. You have tried dressing up to impress him; now you will do the opposite.

🧝Gil-Galad is away on an important business trip, and while Elrond usually leaves with him in his role of the CEO's personal assistant, this time he has been left home to run the company while Gil-Galad is away, a choice that has displeased many higher-ups and has made you enormously proud of your friend. Elrond has never been so busy, but he is doing a great job, even at the expense of his personal time. He deserves to be rewarded... and you are only to happy to take the matters in your own hands.

🧝The next day at work you barely see Elrond, who had to come to work early to take care of his new responsabilities, and who remains after everyone has left after dark. You, inspired by your friend's dedication to his duties, make sure to complete your work, then you wait for the building to be empty except for you.

🧝You have bought some very special lingerie, in a color Elrond once told you looks particularly good on you; your hands tremble as you put it on in the ladies' restroom, paired with a pair of high heels, then you fix your hair and make up. You look at your reflection in the mirror and yes, you tell yourself, you look really nice, and if Elrond doesn't want you tonight, he never will.

🧝The thought makes your legs shake as you cross the corridors, dark and empty, having covered yourself with a long coat; Elrond's office -he didn't want to occupy Gil-Galad's while he is away, even if it means having to go back and forth between the two rooms to check the CEO's mail and files; he is so humble, you have thought, your heart full of love and pride- is on the second floor, the light inside visible through the colored glass walls. You take a deep breath, push the door open, and enter.

🧝"Hello, Elrond; would you like some company?" you ask, in what you hope is a sensual voice -but maybe it is just corny- standing in front of his desk; you open the coat, revealing the lingerie you are wearing, and let it fall on the floor. You look at him, waiting for his reaction and hoping it is the right one... and then you freeze as you realize you have come in the least opportune moment.

🧝Elrond is crying. Sitting behind his desk, his back bent as if wishing to offer as small a target as possible to an attacker; his shirt, his hands and face and even his hair are dirty with what seems to be green paint, and your poor friend is shaking as he cries, holding something against his chest.

🧝He is so lost in his own pain that he didn't hear you come in, and when he realizes you are standing there, taken aback and not knowing what to do, he gasps, and then he looks at you, goggle-eyed. "Oh, you are here, I didn't hear... what are you wearing?! Why are you half-naked?!"

🧝"I wanted to surprise you, obviously! And make my intentions clear, since you appear to be blind to what I feel!" you cry, and seeing him blush is quite satisfactory, but whatever intention you had for tonight disappears from you mind a second later: you have no idea what has happened, but your friend clearly needs help and care.

🧝"What is wrong? Are you all right? Why are you covered in paint?" you ask as you hastily put your coat back on and walk to him; he shakes his head as he tries not to look at you, but then he sighs, too exhausted and pained to focus on your state of undress.

🧝Today is the anniversary of his brother's death. Elrond has lost him when the two twins were barely more than children, and while many years have passed since then he has, nor he could, never overcome the loss of the person who was closest to him, as well as the death of his parents, also untimely. Your poor friend has lost his entire family when he was still a boy, and that grief has remained his constant companion ever since, especially in the days that remind him of his solitude the most, like the festivities and the anniversary of his relatives' deaths. This is way he sometimes appears melancholic without an apparent reason, and even though he is generally more than happy and satisfied with his life; still, today he couldn't stop thinking about Elros, his beloved little brother, and he was so tired and stressed for his already demanding job and the added responsibilities due to Gil-Galad's absence. Moreover, those idiot colleagues who disapproved of the CEO's high regard for his assistant decided to pull a cruel prank on him.

🧝"I had gone to Gil-Galad's office to check some files, and returning I found the door ajar; I didn't think much of it, even though I always make sure to close it when I leave, but then... they had placed a bucket full of green paint above the door, and when I closed it, the bucket fell and its content spilled all over me. This shirt was new, and I am so tired and I have so many things to do, then I started thinking about Elros again, and... and..."

🧝It is too much, you realize as your heart fills with so much pity it could break it, too much even for a clever and resilient Elf like him; he could bear to do the CEO's job as well as his own, or face his colleagues' bullying, or mourn his family and withstand the solitude and the grief stemming from it... but not all three of those things together. No one could.

🧝"It is all right; cry if you want, if it makes you feel better." you whisper as you hug him, caressing his hair as you hold him trying to comfort him; you are still half-naked, the coat only partially covering your body, but neither of you pays any attention to it "My poor friend... if only I knew you were suffering so much. Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you..."

🧝Elrond delicately points out that actually you couldn't, since his family is lost forever and you don't have the expertise to help him carry out Gil-Galad's duties. He is sorry you had to see him like this, he had a... a moment of weakness, but he is all right, he can go back to work...

🧝 "That is out of the question; you cannot work properly in the state you are in, especially not today, and especially not after what those idiots have done to you. You need to go home and rest; come on, I will come with you." you decide; this is definitely not how you had imagined, not to mention hoped, your night would go, but now you need to take care of your friend, and this comes before everything else... including the embarrassment you will feel yourself blush with as soon as you won't have anything more important to focus on. "Come on. I need five minutes to put my clothes back on; I'll see you at the door."

🧝 Usually you are not so assertive, and maybe because of this, or maybe just because he is too tired, Elrond half-heartedly tries to protest he has too much to do to call it a night, but then he relents. The thing he was holding to his chest as he cried is the framed photo of his family, taken during the last birthday party he ad his brother celebrated with their parents; he kisses it reverently before putting it back in its place on the desk, and does his best to remove the green paint at least from his hands and face.

🧝 Five minutes later, fully dressed once more, you join him at the door. There is no awkwardness between the two of you, only compassion and gratitude; Elrond doesn't want the people you would meet on the train to see him in his state, so you call a cab and ask to be driven to his apartment.

🧝 "I will wait for you, shall I?" you propose once you have closed the door behind you "And I will prepare some tea while you take a shower, you look like you need it." Elrond's smile is weak but grateful, and as you take your coat off you see his eyes drift along your body, as if he is remembering what you had meant to offer him; he says nothing -because he is not interested? Or simply because he is waiting for the right moment?- but his look is enough to make you blush, maybe because in it you see what you want to see, or maybe because after being so brazen at the office, now you can't help feeling naked and defenseless, your feelings as exposed and easy to read as your body was, an hour ago.

🧝 When Elrond returns, wearing clean clothes and having gotten rid of that blasted paint, you welcome in his own kitchen with a smile and a cup of his favorite tea. You have just made a pot of it, and you drink it together, sitting side by side as you have done a thousand time already, and you don't need to tell him how sorry you are for everything he is dealing with, the mobbing and the pressure and the mourning for his family: he knows already, because he knows you, and he has never been so grateful as he is now.

🧝"Do you want me to leave?" you ask softly in the end, instinctively taking his hand in yours "When I am sad I like to have my friends close, but if you'd rather be alone to relax..." Elrond shakes his head; usually he does prefer to be alone when he's dealing with something important or dramatic -or both- but this is different... you are different, and he has known within three days of meeting you. "To be honest... I'd really like for you to stay. I don't think I can be good company and I want to go to bed early, since tomorrow I'll have to go back to work, but..." "But you don't want to be alone?" "Being alone would be fine; but being with you would be even better."

🧝You obviously accept. You order a pizza at Elrond's favourite restaurant, and you eat it together in front of the TV, paying little attention to the movie on the screen but enjoying each other's company as you have always done. Elrond wraps his arm around your waist, and you rest your cheek against his shoulder; there is nothing romantic about those gestures, but they speak of the affection and the trust between you, the way you just need to be together to feel comfortable and safe and happy, and you will treasure it as long as you live.

🧝"You need to talk to Gil-Galad." you tell him in the end; you know the last thing he wants to talk or even think about are the reasons for his moment of desperation just three hours ago, but you know that if he doesn't do something to change things, his situation will never improve "It was not fair of him to delegate all his work to you, since you are already so busy with yours. I know you are the person he trusts the most, and you should be proud of it; but this doesn't mean he can double your workload and not think about the consequences. Your mental health matters as well, and there is no shame in asking for help." Elrond nods, too tired to argue, and promises that the next time he will have to substitute the CEO, he will ask Gil-Galad to assign someone to work with him, to share the added workload.

🧝"And, you'll have to report the idiots who pulled that prank on you." you add, still munching your pizza, and Elrond sighs; he clearly would like to relax and enjoy his dinner and your company, rather than discussing such an unpleasant matter. "Can't we talk about it another time?" "I am sorry, we have to; and don't pretend you wouldn't insist as well, if I were the bullied one. Because this is bullying, not just pranks or friends joking around; you are continuously insulted, demeaned and harassed by your colleagues, and this cannot go on. The longer you do nothing, the crueler they will get. You need to tell Gil-Galad, and the HR; or I swear I will."

🧝 Your friend sighs, clearly unhappy at the thought of you getting involved in something he would like to forget; but he has to realize you are right, because "I'll think about it, I promise." he says in the end, and you are satisfied, because unlike a thousand other people he really means those words when he says them; his free hand finds yours, and for the first time since you met, you perceive his shyness as he looks at you "Now... I could call a cab for you, but..."

🧝You smile. Eru, you love him so much. "But?" "But, I would really appreciate if you stayed the night. With me. In my bed. I know it wouldn't be proper, but it would really be... of comfort to me, and..."

🧝 Those are the words you needed to hear. "Elrond?" "Yes?" "Stop talking. Do you have a shirt and a pair of shorts I could borrow?"

🧝 And so you find yourself sleeping, and only that, in your friend's double bed, wearing his clothes, after using a new toothbrush in his bathroom. You happily snuggle under the covers, and a similar joy is clear in Elrond's smile as he snakes an arm around you, to keep you close. As deep and close the friendship between the two of you has been, this is new, and beautiful because of it; to pass your fingers in his hair, still damp after the shower, to feel the heat of his body as you snuggle against him, to hear the strong, peaceful beating of his heart as you rest your cheek against his chest.

🧝 You smile in the darkness of the cozy room, and Elrond should not be able to see it, but he does, and answers with a smile of his own as he kisses your forehead. "I know this is not the night you had hoped for..." "Oh? You know?" "Well... not to be presumptuous, but I think I can make an educated guess. And I am sorry I cannot... give you what you wanted, since I am exhausted; but I am so happy you came."

🧝 You smile again as you turn on one side to look at him. Since I am exhausted, he said, which means that he would have welcomed your visit the way you had hoped, had he been less tired; this bodes well for you and the future you had hoped, but there will be time to think about that, time to talk and discuss and make plans. Now you only want to enjoy this moment, this intimacy with the Elf who has captured your heart, and in the meanwhile, make sure he is all right. "I wish you could see yourself the way I see you." you whisper as you cradle his smooth cheek in your hand "So clever, and loyal, and hard-working, and kind; I wish you would see how much respect you deserve, and that your origins are nothing to be ashamed of, quite the opposite..."

🧝 "I am not ashamed of my origins, and of my parents; I could never. And because of that, I am not touched by offenses and insults." You tell him you are glad to hear that, but that his moral superiority does not give his colleagues the right to keep harassing him, especially when the abuse turns physical; that night has been the last episode of a long list, and you wouldn't be surprised to discover that your friend has been shoved or tripped more than once.

🧝"You need to tell Gil-Galad, Elrond; about that, and about the need to share your responsibilities with someone else when he is away. Please, promise me you will." He huffs, but there is affection in his eyes, that you can see despite the darkness, not contrariety. "All right; I promise. Can we sleep now?"

🧝 The feeling of the soft sheets against your skin is pleasant, but not as pleasant as the one of Elrond, safe and content and in peace once again, holding you in his arms and kissing your hair as you both wait for sleep to claim you, your hand caressing his chest to listen to the beat of his heart.

*****

🧝 The other half of the bed is empty when you wake up the next morning, the memory of body heat on the sheet the only proof you haven't slept alone. For a moment you stare at that emptiness, more saddened and disappointed than any other time something like this has happened in the past, but then you realize this is different, because this is not your apartment or an hotel room found for a specific purpose, but his bed, and that Elrond has gotten up before you doesn't mean that he wants to forget everything that has happened... or not happened, since he was so tired. But you are happy nonetheless.

🧝 You visit the bathroom next to the bedroom, cleaner and tidier than what you could expect from a five star hotel, brushing your teeth and making a half-hearthed attempt to fix your hair. Then you move to the kitchen, where you are welcomed by the delicious smell of bacon, as well as Elrond's smile; he's standing in front of the stovetop, barefooted and handsome enough to leave you breathless, looking at you above his shoulder.

🧝You quietly exchange your hellos, and he confesses that last night he has slept better than he has in a long time, and for the first time in weeks he feels well-rested and ready to start a new day. He insists on preparing breakfast by himself, while you wait sitting at the table. You share a look, but neither he nor you feel the need to talk until he serves you a plate with a delicious breakfast, and a cup of coffee prepared exactly as you like it. "I just wanted to say... about what you did last night..."

🧝 "What did I do?" you ask, displaying your most perplexed impression.

🧝"Please, do not make fun of me. I just wanted to say... I am flattered. And I know I ruined the moment -no, no, it's ok- but if you would give me a second opportunity... I have cared for you for a long time, and I never thought you would think about me as something more than a friend, but I would like to show you... how important you are..."

🧝Your friend is even more adorable when blushing and stammering, but in the end you can't help putting him out of his misery. "Elrond." you start covering the hand resting on the table with yours "I have been flirting with you for four months and last week I spent a week's wage on a dress to impress you. Believe me, you are also very important to me. And as much as I care for your well-being and your mental health, it would be a complete lie if I said I only see you as a friend. So if you want to ask me out please do, because I won't refuse."

🧝Elrond's happy and slightly bashful face is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen; he quietly proposes to go out tonight, after he has left the office at the end of his normal working hours instead of staying so late it is almost early, to have dinner and maybe later go dancing. Of course, if you'd rather do something else...

🧝"I'd love that." you quickly reassure him; it is a new side of his personality you are discovering, awkward and shy when the person in front of him is no longer just a friend, but you quite like it, like you like everything about him "Now I better eat, and then go home to change. Do you mind? It smells delicious."

🧝Elrond sits next to you, in front of the second plate he brought; you feel his leg touching yours under the table, and you smile, and he smiles back, and neither feels the need to talk in the room bathed in the red-yellow early morning light.

Tagging @starlady66 and @elvenenby!

#The Lord of the Rings #The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power #The Rings of Power #Rings of Power #Elrond #Elrond Peredhel #Robert Aramayo #Bellona's stuff

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electrospherevaults · 2 years ago

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Defiler - Chapter 20

[Click here to read the rest of the Defiler story]

A Maiden Cannot Choose

Lionelli held onto her blaster tight; she wasn’t about to let her guard down just because the ground had started shaking, not with those chrome morphing creatures still out there somewhere beyond the walls that surrounded them. The fall was as inevitable as it was disgraceful. To add further insult to her wounded ego, the gun also fell out of her grasp. It tumbled down into a hole in the wall, clanging on top of the metal entrails of the starchild. Now, it too would become part of this great machine, and in the future a defiler would find it, evaluate it, and then barter it in the market for rations.

She shook her head. Her Most Esteemed Lady Serenessi had called upon her to evaluate this ship. She had succeeded, of course; there really was never any doubt between her and Amateracci about the mission. A simple reconnaissance mission’s success is always guaranteed when these two are involved, really. No, the tricky part in such operations always comes in the extraction phase – and right now, they both found themselves lodged like a bullet deep within the cartilage of a planet killing machine.

Nevertheless, the objective was clear: find the way back home.

Home. Back to Wrethella’s embrace. To report your findings, to assess your threats. Threats to the King? His grip tightened around your collar with each sword you drew from your sheath. Each life took was in his name. And Wrethella? She was long dead, Her crushed rebellion still inspiring you to die the same way.

But home… Home was more than Her, or even him. Home was also Analussa and her care. Home was more than the wars, it was the embrace of the living as well.

She shook her head again. There would be time for sentimentalities later, deep within her chambers, alone and collected. A Maiden cannot choose how her service is spent, and she was not about to break her vows by dying inside this abomination.

“I lost my gun!” Lionelli grumbled as she used Amateracci’s hand to get back up.

“We’ll find you another!” Amateracci chuckled and she handed her spare pistol, one she had cleverly hidden in plain sight. It was more ceremonial in nature, but a bullet is a bullet; should the time ever come, a Maiden knew how to kill. Lionelli smiled in acknowledgement.

She then turned back. “Where’s the rest of them?”

“Guardian Van’kos!” Amateracci called. A pained valleakan sounded off from behind them. Next to him, the other valleakan armed guard, his helmet still somehow on. She smirked gleefully. “Good, you’re both still alive.” She stepped ahead, howling next for the defilers’ names in the darkness. Friga, the ratlung with her head in the clouds. Jaksy, the jaldari brute force of nature. Mallik, the ratlung who led them through this maze, even if she was no real defiler. Slowly, two responses came back. Distant, and further apart, but alive for certain.

“How the fuck did they get so far away from us,” Lionelli grunted.

“I do not like this, Lionelli. We should head back.”

“Did you hear Mallik respond?”

Amateracci shook her head. Lionelli turned to the distant voices. “Is Mallik there with you?”

“We thought she was with you lot!” the voice of Friga echoed back.

“Fuck,” Lionelli muttered under her breath and checked on her new pistol. Full charge, it would be good for seven shots at full power. She waved towards the guardians to follow her as she started walking towards the defilers.

“Why do you insist upon this ratlung?” Amateracci asked her, her position unmoved.

“Because she’s one of us.”

Amateracci threw her head back. “No, she is not, Lionelli! She is butanother ratlung, exploited by the savages of her home planet like we were. She is like us, but she is not one of us.”

“I think that’s where you are wrong, my old friend,” Lionelli retorted. Amateracci growled, and was about to speak her mind before the ship growled back.

Another tremor. Felt like a pulse. The ship was behaving erratically; ships are meant to hum gently in the background, the artifice of their construction never brought to the forefront, whether this construct took place aeons ago, ornately crafted to serve purposes grand and mystical and despicable, or mere months in haste to replace the unceremoniously departed. But this ship was different. It breathed. These circuits housed life within them, Amateracci knew it. She felt the wind across her chest, brushing against the armor with an intensity she felt when she drew her own breaths from her own lungs after a spirited jog. It would seem that the starchild now also drew and blew its gasps of Tabora’s stale, sand-filled air. The first it had in centuries.

But what was more was that neither maiden had ever seen a starchild prior to today, let alone been inside one. Though the Lady’s Recollections, the book every Maiden must memorize, were meant to be allegorical, there would always be instances where the details felt too specific, too pointed, too real for lack of a better word. How could one recall them and not consider what was said but a kernel of something greater, a truth dressed up in fairy tale garments so as not to scare the child away from its visage. Both she and Lionelli were highly trained elite warriors, a class above every other warrior the galaxy had to offer, whether on the King’s court or in the General’s yard. But ultimately, they too were children, and now, Amateracci was feeling unnerved.

So, instead of an argument, Amateracci opted to hold the grasp onto Lionelli’s shoulder pad. She grasped it tight, the sound reverberating within these tight white hallways.

“Do you really believe she can save our asses?”

Lionelli held onto her comrade’s hand softly.

“Yes.”

Amateracci stared into those eyes, considering the answer. Lionelli’s resolve burned stronger than the fire of the lit torches and busted handmade lamps around her. It was true though, that ratlung was smart. So were her friends, the other defilers. Maybe not Friga, but it would not be wise to underestimate a defiler at this hour. At the same time, those were literal children, all three of them. What little they could have known was pass-me-down legends and folklore from the previous generations.

Much like herself and Lionelli, really. Even Wrethella, she humoured, would smile at this coincidence of fates. Maybe Lionelli was right. She let go of her hand with a smirk. “Alright,” she said as she turned back to the defilers. “Friga, Jaksy! Get your asses here already! We got to find Mallik!”

“We can’t!” a pained howl rung back across the hallway.

“What do you mean by that?” Amateracci yelled back.

“The floor!” Jaksy responded. “It… It’s never done this before! It just shifted! It’s gone!”

“What?!”

And just then, both Amateracci and Lionelli were blinded. The lights came on. Not the ones prior pilgrimages had meticulously and carefully installed along those derelict hallways; no, those would not have been enough to shine all the way down to the floor through the thick layers of sand. The hallway, a standard, rusted and dusted path, suddenly blinked brightly. The dust that clung to its surfaces for centuries shot into mid-air, evaporating in an instant, as if none of it had ever sat upon its surfaces. Lightbulbs came on one by one, whilst wires and panels shifted before their very eyes. Those panels. Shiny and chrome, like the pale mirror surface of a lake under moonlight, shifting and shaping and forming until they solidified into a shape that resembled what came before. Except now it was new and spotless and clean, the walls having settled upon a gentle dull white colour that would not have looked out of place in one of those corporate offices back in the Twilight Strip.

Smelled about the same as well.

“What the fuck,” the masked valleakan guardian uttered in disbelief.

“FRIGA!” Amateracci shouted at the top of her lungs. “JAKSY!” But no answer came back. Amateracci armed her gun.

“Hold on tight, men,” Lionelli barked, “this is far from over!”

A gun clang to the floor, followed by the rush of a sprint in the opposite direction. “Van’kos! Get your ass back here!” Amateracci screamed in vain as guardian Van’kos abandoned them. His heart in his throat, tears streaking across his cheeks, the guardian run away, trying to follow the path they had carved into the structure prior, so meticulously and methodically. The last sight of him was reported by Maiden Amateracci, seeing him take a left turn where he should have taken a right.

Amateracci bellowed at him again, tossing her gun on the floor. The floor bent, and then promptly liquefied. The liquid chrome embraced her gun, starting to suck it into its structure. Amateracci, in her rage, screamed once more and kicked the gun away from the chrome, only for a tendril to reach out and grab her leg from below.

Only one shot rang out. No more were needed; a blaster, the standard gun type found across the galaxy, packs enough punch to sever tissue and metal alike. Whether in a small and ceremonial pistol such as the one Lionelli had just drawn, or in a regular rifle the other valleakan guardian he had fired with pinpoint accuracy just now. Tissue and metal alike, the blaster does not discriminate in its path of destruction. The tendril fell back into the panel, reforming again into a perfectly average, dull white tile in mere seconds, as if it had never moved.

Lionelli moved to her fallen comrade, gasping for air on the floor next to her gun. “You okay?” she asked softly, to no answer. She held Amateracci’s chin, forcing her to look at her in the eyes, and asked again, sternly like a commander. Amateracci gulped.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Lionelli let go. Her hand reached for Amateracci’s gun instead, handing it over back to her once she was up on her feet. “Be careful with this. I don’t want to file a report on your death, Amateracci.”

“Oh, you won’t be rid of me that easily, Lionelli.” Amateracci chuckled, but Lionelli remained stoically stern. Amateracci lost her smile, and knelt. “It won’t happen again, my Lady,” she complied.

Lionelli nodded, and turned her attention to the last remnant of Lof’ra attaché to their mission. “Thank you, Guardian Zenkins,” she spoke to him softly. “How are you holding up?”

The guardian lowered his head, undoing the buckles of his helmet. “May I be candid, ma’am?”

“Of course,” Lionelli encouraged. The guardian took off his helmet, breathing in longingly. The maidens’ hearts sunk, and the barely contained emotions Lionelli had kept under control throughout this entire expedition formed into a singular rage. “What the FUCK are you doing here!” Lionelli exploded.

“I-I-I just wanted to ensure Mallik’s safety…” Zysso, son of Lof’ra, the man who hired their services to protect himself and his family, responded. His gun hung by his belt, barrel still smoking.

“HOW?!” Lionelli lambasted him. “By getting yourself killed too?!”

“Heh, Lof’ra’s kid’s got a crush on Mallik,” Amateracci chuckled.

“It’s nothing like that, I just…” Zysso swallowed his tongue. “I want my friend to be safe. And right now, I think we need to save her.”

“No, what we need to do right now is to take your idiotic, pompous rich ass back to your father, before I kill you myself,” Lionelli cut him off.

“No, Lionelli wait,” Amateracci chimed in. “Kid wants to help, and Mallik’s our only chance to save ourselves, right?” Lionelli narrowed her eyes. “Who knows, maybe the feeling’s mutual, and the kid being here will make her seek him out.”

“You insinuate that…” Amateracci nodded. Lionelli, still breathing sharply, continued. “You want to use the kid we were sworn to protect as bait then, Lady Amateracci?” The question came out more as an indignant bark of resignation. Amateracci stared at Lionelli, then glanced at Zysso. She nodded, adding a simple nonchalant “Yep” that startled the boy. Lionelli threw her hands on her face, contending the firing squads that would await them back home. If they ever made it back home. She drew in a long breath, filling those lungs with the gravity of the situation. Then she blew it all in resignation. “Yeah, fuck it,” she concluded, passing by Zysso, patting him on the back, welcoming him on board properly. “Keep that rifle sharp, kid.”

Zysso gulped; he had gotten his wish, and now fell in step after the two Maidens of Wrethella, in a quest that looked as futile to them as it seemed achievable to his young naïve heart. “So where do we start, boss?” Amateracci chimed as she walked next to Lionelli.

“For now?” Lionelli answered, her gaze not averting from looking forward. “Just get where Jaksy and Friga were. We find those bitches…”

“We find Mallik,” Amateracci concluded for her. Lionelli nodded with a smirk so forced you could tell she was not trying at all to upkeep her collected façade. A detail Amateracci found amusing, even cute to an extent. Zysso followed after them in silence.

The three of them marched down the corridor, their boots the only sound that kept them company. Those echoes dampened with each step, becoming quieter, reverberating in the air less and less. It was as if the room itself was getting accustomed to the presence of organic bipedal beings walking its corridors again and was taking measures to optimise its acoustics so as to make the noise less distracting. To create order out of a chaos that nobody but the room itself really noticed. It happened gradually, as the room stretched beyond the wall that once had separated the two defilers from the rest of them. That wall in fact was now gone, a corridor standing in its place that led down a longer corridor. Lionelli noticed how a smudged panel on the side of a doorway repeated every five or so doorways, the pattern of the smudge emerging fully formed.

And this form started taking shape. On the twentieth pass, whilst Amateracci and Zysso sat down to take a small rest, Lionelli examined it closer. Pareidolia. There was no other explanation for what she saw. She recoiled back, almost tripping on Amateracci’s leg. Lucky in that regard, for if it was Zysso’s leg she had stepped over, the poor kid she had given her vow to protect would now have no leg.

“What did you see, Lionelli?”

“Nobody.” She had lied. But the face of a person she dearly missed had clearly stared back at her, with eyes as big as the day she last met them. Eyes she did not want to entertain the thought of not seeing again. She locked that thought away with a shake of her head, and with a hand on her forehead she nursed a headache that she feared would soon become too great to ignore.

“This place does numbers to us all,” Amateracci confided. Zysso, timid and silent, simply nodded.

Lionelli turned to him. “You holding up alright, kid?”

Zysso nodded again. “I just… I don’t know, we should have reached Jaksy and Friga by now. I don’t get it, it’s like we’re stuck in a loop.”

“Want me to shout for them?” Amateracci asked, and did not wait before she bellowed their names again, to no avail.

Lionelli, clearly displeased, frowned at her comrade. “You have an awful shout.”

“Oh please,” Amateracci chuckled, “you just wish I was shouting your name instead, dear.”

“Yeah, I’ve no greatest pleasure in my life than to hear my friend let out a blood curdling screech of my very name.”

Amateracci, pleased with herself, got up again. “That can be arranged,” she added, lending out her hand to Zysso. He graciously took it and got up again. They then got on the move again, walking down the same corridor, turning right at the same turn, then a left before they walked down again the same corridor, turning left at the same turn, then a right before they walked down again the same corridor, turning a left and a right a left and a right and then straight ahead. Eventually, the sound of Amateracci’s steel-reinforced bootheels came back as softly as a slipper tiptoeing across the room at midnight to grab a refreshment from the kitchen.

And the journey to this kitchen was long. The room stretched on, distant sounds of mechanical whirs intercut with sounds of… singing. Amateracci stopped in her tracks when she recognized the tune that only faintly was carried through the air. A song from her homeworld of Isoropa. A simple world, an agrarian world, fields of corn and cotton. Days of gold and white, all under a blue sky filled with silver linings, linings emerging from the grid of a dome installed to ascertain the crops never befell harm. This childish hymn sang of living harmoniously with nature. It was a sound she thought she had forgotten. A sound that she had to forget.

Amateracci raised her hand towards the wall. It collapsed into a cornfield. Before she could blink her eyes, a murder of crows flapped their wings, cawing overhead as they swung by. And just as soon as she retracted her hand, she stretched it out again.

Then she was grabbed.

“Fancy seeing you here, buff pretty lady! But what are you doing in my desert?”

Amateracci blinked her eyes several times. The ratlung defiler, Friga, was grasping her arm. The air was no longer moist, but it had the same taste of stale and dry wind Eonov possessed. The golden crops, the silver linings, all a distant memory.

“Friga?” Amateracci asked hesitantly as she pulled her hand away from her grasp. “We were looking for you. Where the hell did you end up?”

“I think I’m home? But it’s tricky, ‘cause we’re not.”

“Yeah, no shit we aren’t.”

“So, I wonder what the Maker is doing with us, and why He is doing what He’s doing.” She frowned as she turned to look around the endless desert stretching across the horizon. “He’s never treated me like this before. It is kinda scary.” Friga had never looked smaller.

Amateracci did what she never thought she would ever choose to do. She laid her hand on Friga’s shoulder. “Friga,” she eventually asked. “Where is Jaksy? Did you see Lionelli and Zysso?”

“Zysso is here?!” Friga asked, her excitement overpowering her other emotions. Amateracci squeezed her shoulder a bit. Friga yelped and came back to her senses. “I… I am not sure,” she responded. “Jaksy was right here with me as the floor collapsed. Then I found myself here. I stretched out to grab onto the glorious sand, to thank the Maker I was out of here – and then you… showed… up…” Right as Friga finished talking, both were struck by the realization of what was being iterated.

Amateracci grabbed onto Friga’s small arm and held onto it for dear life. She then unholstered her blaster. “Pray that it works, small one,” she commanded as Friga covered her ears as best as she could. Amateracci took her gun and aimed at the sun. She unleashed a single volley.

It deafened the skies.

The lights went out.

Amateracci could feel Friga’s fear on her shaking hand.

A small chromatic lake formed right above the two of them as the shot panel melted from the heat of the volley. The chromatic tendrils, hard at work, rushed to replace what was lost. Friga hyperventilated as she looked around. Zysso and Jaksy were standing by the edge of the room, the confines now normal, finite, small, their guns raised as they tried to understand if their friends were still lost in the oblivion of the space within or not.

Friga, beaming with a huge smile, waved at Jaksy and Zysso. She tried to run, but Amateracci was still holding her. She looked at her with big pathetic eyes, trying to dislodge her arm from her grasp, but Amateracci would not let go. “Not until we make sure it’s safe to do so, small one.”

“Well,” Friga sighed, “at least I’m held by the hot one.”

Amateracci turned to look at her. “You have never heard of Wrethella and her Maidens, have you?”

“Nope!”

“Figured, small one.” She then walked towards Lionelli. She put her blaster away, and with her free arm, she reached out to grab Lionelli’s arm. She pulled it away from the panel with the smudge. Lionelli let out a yelp, a small pathetic sound like the ones children make when their toy is taken away from them in front of their very eyes. Tears streaked across her face as she began to realize where she was located.

“Amateracci? Are we still in the same room?”

“Yep.”

Lionelli shook her head, bringing both her hands to clasp and cover it completely. She let out a frustrated yell, muffled as much as possible. She then turned to look at the smudge on the panel on the wall, and, without a moment’s hesitation, punched it. Bent it.

“What did that poor panel do to you?”

“Zip it, Friga,” both Lionelli and Amateracci ordered.

Just then, a door on the wall opened. Nobody had realized this wall had doors. And it was only after it had formed that the doorframes around the door showed up. Or maybe they were always there, but nobody had come to noticed them in this room.

Out of this door walked a man. He wore a light grey polo shirt, and light grey overalls, and sported a light grey cap. He walked next to Lionelli, Amateracci and Friga, and asked them to scoot over. “This panel is faulty”, the man said. “I am here to fix it.” He then produced a screwdriver on his hand, it forming in between his fingers from the same material the chromatic tendrils were fixing the ship this entire time. He then proceeded to put down the panel with the smudge. He dropped it on the floor. It shattered into a million pieces, each piece making no sound at all, each piece absorbed directly into the floor. The smudge had never existed.

The man then produced a torch. He looked into the exposed wires, rusty and brown and coated in dust. “Yes, this will be a problem. But,” he turned to talk to the rest of the crew of misfits that had gathered around him, “I will fix it so we can keep on keeping on.”

“Keeping on with what, though?” Friga asked. Amateracci, still holding her arm, squeezed it out of self-afflicted embarrassment on behalf of this dumb kid.

“The protocol, of course,” the man replied and turned back towards his work. “We are ascending.”

“Ascending?” Lionelli asked. “To where?”

“The stars, of course.” The man bent slightly to the right opened a port window. There was no window, of course, Lionelli and her team were stranded so deep within the structure it would take hours to walk back to the external shell. And yet, here it was, in all its glory. Outer space. For the first time in so many days, this pure blackness enveloped Lionelli’s senses. Twinkling stars popped across the horizon as Eonov – Tabora – sunk underneath her eyes. The crater from which the starchild had dislodged itself cracked the earth, leaving ravines and canyons that spread rapidly in its wake, wrinkles of a world uprooted of its true age.

A deafening silence followed, as the realization hit them all.

Lionelli looked at her comrade. There was nothing that she or Amateracci could say. Their mission was a success. All that was left was prayers to wish that it was not. But, a Maiden cannot choose her fate. The moment Wrethella embraces you, your fate is sealed in Her name.

Only Zysso, much too later, stepped forth. “E-excuse me,” he asked the man, still blipping and blooping along to the circuit board he was tending. “Are communications allowed? Can… Can I make a phonecall?”

“Of course, dear Valleakan,” and the man presented Zysso with a brick that was phone shaped. On it there were five rows of digits, arranged in columns of six, accounting for every possible numeric system observable in the known galaxy. Zysso grabbed it. He started dialling the numbers he recognized.

“Who are you calling?” Lionelli asked him.

“Someone that can help us.”

#defiler #my writing #sci fi #nanowrimo wip #nanowrimo 2021 #original fiction

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aspenforest732 · 3 months ago

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Libertias Aut Mortis Chapter 2: GUB

tw: bigotry, dehumanization Where their relationships are at and a very confusing game that I would pay money to see how it would actually play out

Notes:

‘text’ JSL Text thoughts Page break text page break ???

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

On Monday, the class was abuzz with the news of an explosion on Mt. Takatsuma. The Wild Wild Pussycats were called in to help with the rescue efforts, but no bodies were found. News stations reported an old, abandoned terrace farm was the target, although the source of the explosion was yet to be determined. Akira played along while ignoring the confused glances from Fumikage and the knowing look from Aizawa.

At lunch, Fumikage prodded, “So, what’d you have to do with the explosion?”

Aoyama choked on his drink and Koji startled from leaning over to talk with a critter. Shouto looked on curiously as Akira half-heartedly glared at Fumikage. ‘ Seriously? You can’t just ask someone that. Also, Sparkles, you okay? ’ At his thumbs up, they continued, ‘ Things are about to get a lot more dangerous for anyone in my proximity, so if you’re going to ask questions like that, it needs to be in a secure location after checking for bugs. ’

“So you did have something to do with it?” Koji asked, worry and a spark of hurt in his eyes.

Akira was slightly taken aback at the latter and thought for a moment until they remembered the effect that could’ve had on wildlife . Akira clarified, ‘ I’ll have a conversation with them anyways so this specifically isn’t as big a deal to share. It was a rescue mission, and the explosion was to make sure the facility isn’t used in the future. It had protections in place to avoid forest fires. ’

“How do you know that?” Koji asked, gaze sharpening slightly.

‘ I used to live there and familiarized myself with as much of the Tinker tech they had as I could. ’ Akira forced themself to take a few bites as their appetite waned. ‘ Normally, no one would think of leaving, so most of it was to keep people out and quirks in. ’

“Who were you rescuing?” Aoyama asked, glancing between them and Koji somewhat nervously.

‘ Quirkless kids and a few kids with very weak quirks. No one who would be missed, ’ Akira signed bitterly. After all, the family would be far less likely to go after them over their rejects than the next few steps of the plan. Without even a whisper of League involvement, they couldn’t take accusations very far. Akira slowed eating as they went over the next stage again, mulling over possible hiccups and alternate exit strategies.

“What do you think?” Koji interrupted their thoughts.

Akira looked up, flushing as they realized they hadn’t heard a word of what they’d been saying. ‘ Sorry, got distracted. What do you want my thoughts on? ’

Fumikage started to say something but was interrupted by Dark Shadow nudging the hand Akira was holding chopsticks in. “You’re not eating,” they rumbled. With a tight smile and slight chuckle, Akira resumed eating but nodded expectantly to Fumikage.

“This week is focused on analysis, and most of this term covers strategy and planning. Will you have time for a study group or will you be too wrapped up in your… extracurriculars?”

Akira snorted at the word choice but paused in thought. They’d need to go to Midoriya if I don’t lead the group, and he’s already got Yaoyorozu’s group. But if I commit and drop out when I need to… Akira shook their head and offered, ‘ I can’t commit for the full term, but I can help you get started. ’

Shouto frowned in confusion, looking between the two of them. “I thought we weren’t allowed extracurricular activities as part of the hero course.” Aoyama whispered to Shouto, and a look of understanding crossed his face.

Establishing Akira’s Headspace

‘ Am I being selfish? ’ Akira pulled their blanket a little tighter as they leaned against the wall.

“Pipsqueak, I’m gonna need more context, but I can already tell you the answer is no,” Dabi huffed from his position draped over the couch.

‘ Staying with Mad Banquet until I have to leave, ’ Akira ignored the last part. ‘ I can’t exactly tell them “oh by the way, I’m going to drop out and go on a killing spree if Plan A doesn’t work, which at this point, we don’t think it will.” ’

“I mean you could…” Dabi grinned wolfishly, making Akira snort. His expression dropped into concern, though, as he continued, “Seriously, Pipsqueak, the answer is no. You should be a kid while you can. Enjoy your friends, have a party or two, you’re already technically sneaking out.”

‘ Won’t it just hurt them more the longer I stay, though? ’ Akira chewed on the necklace Sero got them for the Secret Santa.

“Does Stringbean seem happier to you?” Dabi raised an eyebrow. “Pretty sure last time you talked about them, he seemed pretty miserable to me.”

‘ That’s different, ’ Akira groaned. ‘ Blank got a sneak peak of the shit show that’s coming, and he decided to leave before I could leave them. Honestly, that’s what I was expecting if they found out a piece of the plan, but… ’

“But they’re more loyal than the average cat,” Dabi smirked. “Come on, Pipsqueak, you couldn’t ditch them if you tried. Even sounds to me like a couple might follow you out the door.”

‘ They better not, ’ Akira shot back immediately. If they couldn’t keep the people they cared about who were in the least amount of danger safe, how could they expect to keep the rest safe?

Family Meeting

The café door dinged as Umbra strode into the sparsely populated dining area with geometric beams hanging from the ceiling. Aside from Asami and one of the family PR managers, two Legacy Holders sat at separate oak tables. One wore the standard mandatory identifiers while the other only wore the red wren ring, just visible on the hand around a mug. Umbra wove around the neat rows of tables between the two, careful to keep a distance from both despite being set up to run into the latter if avoiding the former. After grabbing chamomile tea in a to-go cup from the pristine white tiled bar, Umbra relaxed into their seat facing the exit. ‘ You wanted to talk? ’

“We all know why we’re here, so let’s cut to the chase. I’m Osamu Inoue, and you know Asami,” Osamu spoke plainly as she sipped a latté. “What’s your goal here, child?”

Without missing a beat, Umbra casually replied, ‘ My goal was to get those kids into safe homes. Clearly you weren’t going to just give them up, so I took them. ’

“And what do you intend to do with them?” Osamu sneered. Asami shifted uncomfortably but stilled as the other’s hand moved to her arm.

Umbra waved her off. ‘ They’re of no use to me. They were of no use to the family. Think of it as less mouths to feed if you’d like. ’ They offered, focusing on the negative stereotypes they grew up with.

Osamu’s eyes narrowed slightly even as Asami nodded along. “So you are aware any further action against the family would be pointless, correct?”

Umbra straightened slightly, eyes growing wide. ‘ Of course! That would be suicidal. I’m not going to pointlessly die. I’m only interested in finding the useless a space to quietly exist as themselves. I’ll happily take any others off your hands, but I’m not expecting as much. ’

After a moment of tense silence, Osamu huffed and stood. “Then we’re done here.”

Umbra nodded and gave a slight bow in acknowledgement before leaving with their tea. Both Legacy Holders followed soon after, spread apart to normally avoid being associated. Umbra kept their pace measured and steady as they picked their way down the street while keeping an ear out for the two pairs of footsteps in sync with them. The suburban streets were a little quiet for a Saturday afternoon, the light bustle reduced to a tense near-silence.

As Aizawa’s black sedan came into sight, Umbra inwardly relaxed slightly and brightly smiled. They gave a little wave and quickened their pace slightly, locking their expression as they heard their tails quicken their own. Umbra easily side-stepped the attempted brush by the incognito one, a civilian on the receiving end instead as the Legacy Holder apologized. By the time Umbra felt his eyes again, they were closing the car door.

“Was that-”

‘ Legacy Holder, yeah, ’ Akira let their breath out in a woosh . They watched through tinted windows as the man continue down the street like nothing happened. ‘ I don’t think they know I’m aware of the markers. Or at least the ones meant for reconnaissance since they had a plain-clothed one. ’

“You alright?” Aizawa asked, concerned eyes flitting to them as he drove off.

Akira nodded, slumping into the passenger seat with a shudder. They carefully set their cup in the drink holder to be tested later and turned slightly to watch the city whiz past. The new mask they’d crafted to deal with their family on… pleasant terms made their skin crawl, but neither Akira nor Mortis would fit into the slightly off model citizen the family had to think they were. Just until they have to see me as a threat .

“Who are you doing the analysis on?” Aizawa asked after a while.

Akira glanced over and smirked slightly. ‘ You’ll just have to wait and see. ’ At Aizawa’s quirked eyebrow, they chuckled, sliding into the now familiar dynamic. Soon, they’d only be able to reliably stay in touch with Aizawa and Nezu, the completion of the first real step gaining the momentum to start a domino effect.

Yamazawa House Dynamic

At the house, Oboro and Bastard sprinted up yowling at the pair, the tuxedo bearing pink ribbons on his tail and looking altogether unamused. Akira snorted and reached over to pet Oboro as they untied their boots. Aizawa huffed in amusement, and Akira looked up in time to see Eri emerge from the living room with a very sparkly Nico, his once black fur shimmering in a rainbow of colors as he lay flopped over in Eri’s arms.

“You’re back!” she cheered with a small grin. “Nico wanted to play with glitter, too.” Eri held up the little black cat as proof, spraying the pair with a light dusting of glitter.

“I can see that,” Aizawa smiled slightly. “Where’s your pop?”

Eri pouted and let Nico down as he started wiggling. “He had a work call. Pop’s been in your room for a while now.”

Aizawa’s smile faded slightly as he glanced toward their bedroom in concern. “Why don’t you show Reaper what you’ve been working on, and I’ll check on him.”

Eri eagerly pulled Akira into the living room where sheets of paper sprawled across the floor along with crayons, bottles of glitter, glue, and markers. Hitoshi sat in the armchair with his laptop open and one earbud in. Akira gave an awkward wave as they looked up.

“Toshi said I could draw for his ena… anal….”

“Analysis,” Hitoshi gently corrected. “I’m doing Amajiki from 3-A.”

‘ Neat, I’m doing Hagakure from 1-C, ’ Akira smiled slightly. ‘ Wanted someone who had less footage. ’

Eri gasped, eyes sparkling on her upturned face. “Can I draw them?”

Akira shrugged, ‘ She’s actually always invisible. Her outfits stay visible, though. I’m considering a couple reasons for the invisibility so will let you know if there’s something more exciting for you to draw. ’

Eri firmly nodded and went back to drawing… looking closer, Akira wasn’t entirely sure what it was other than an amalgamation of several animals. They glanced at Hitoshi with a raised eyebrow, but he was back at work.

“Alright, who’s up for some takeout?” Yamada asked as he and Aizawa emerged a few minutes later.

Glancing over, Akira frowned slightly at the tension behind the adults’ expressions, and Hitoshi seemed to notice it, too. Eri was all too happy to go over options with Yamada while Aizawa signed ‘ later .’

Sleipnir Meeting

Mortis slipped through the window of a dark warehouse, searching for any flicker of movement as they dropped a few inches to the floor. One of the longest running vigilantes in the province agreed to meet them after putting out a call for vigilantes through Giran. While their quirk wasn’t particularly powerful, Sleipnir’s illusions could help mask movements, and if it agreed, other vigilantes would surely follow.

“Good of you to show up,” a smooth voice called out from the darkness. The lithe vigilante stepped out of the shadows from where they should’ve been visible, forest green and amber costume rippling about it.

‘ I’m early, ’ Mortis retorted as they took in Sleipnir. Although, they couldn’t be sure this was their actual appearance. ‘ You come highly recommended by Broker. What’s your interest in our operation? ’

“The hero system as it stands is corrupt,” Sleipnir casually circled Mortis, hands clasped behind its back. “The people who want to become heroes get burnt out or flat out rejected while the ones who shouldn’t become heroes receive praise and accolades.” They paused behind, Mortis resisting the urge to follow their circle. “Giran said you seek to root out and crush the core of the corruption.”

‘ Do you have any alliances or partnerships with heroes? ’ The handful of underground names lined up with what Giran gave Mortis, so they nodded along thoughtfully. Mortis asked a few more questions dancing around the topic of the Wrens, clocking every shift of weight and expression as they talked. Eventually, Mortis felt satisfied enough in Sleipnir’s answers and said, ‘ I think you’ll be a good fit. If Plan A works, you’ll know. Otherwise, I’ll be in touch once things die down. ’

With a sharp nod, the two parted ways, Sleipnir disappearing into the night as Mortis made their way back to the warp point. Even if they got away with the bombing, the Wrens would undoubtedly start surveillance on them. Mortis was a little surprised at their lack of surveillance up to this point, but then again, they hadn’t really given their family a reason to do so. Mortis buried their face into their thick scarf against the biting wind as it whistled through the streets.

At two in the morning, very few people roamed the streets. The occasional houseless person and group stumbling out of a bar were their only company. Wrens and Wren allies now watched Yamada at his station and the commission under the guise of forging closer work friendships. The indirect surveillance would be easy enough to avoid, but it did lock in the danger to the household. Once they got within range, Mortis texted Dabi.

They emerged from the goo in the beige hell of the League’s common room of the PLF base. A few ratty throws and their mismash of thrifted or stolen dishes bled the only color into the large room. Even the damn couch was beige, a rough white rug the only padding against echoing floors.

“How’d it go?” Twice asked, looking up from a game of GUB. Dabi scowled at what Mortis could make out as a stack of Uno cards on top of red playing cards with two +2 on top as they got closer.

‘ Good, ’ Mortis gave a rundown of the encounter. They settled into a stiff beige chair, drawing up to join Twice, Magne, and Compress’ team. Dabi drew four as Magne smugly took the trick. Mortis glanced at the bidding sheet and played a two of clubs while they sorted their hand. Game nights had become a way to unwind in the midst of their planning and training, a small reprieve in the whirlwind of activity. Compress tried to sneak a few extra cards before they implemented the mc rule, and Kurogiri used to warp them away with a disappointed glance.

While Shigaraki grew more responsible to fill Kurogiri’s void, a tension hung in the air that only increased when they started working directly with the Doctor. Moments where he would’ve looked to Kurogiri were filled with silence instead before he huffed and moved on. Spinner took to making tea and trying to mix the occasional drink, but most were either too strong or had bizarre flavor combinations. Magne and Compress made sure the members took care of themselves, establishing check-ins and cooking or bringing takeout as the less recognizable members of the League outside of costume.

“Hawks keeps pushing to join,” Dabi grumbled as he set down a reverse. Mortis cocked an eyebrow and reversed. “We still going with after your reveal?”

A small smirk played on their face as the reverse chain kept going. Mortis nodded and briefly set their hand down. ‘ He must be with the commission still. Can’t let them know I’m with you early. ’

“Can you let us play?” Spinner snarked, drawing a chuckle from Magne. Mortis locked eyes for a moment as they set down a +4, making him scowl and draw as Magne and Dabi cackled. “Why are we even entertaining him joining? He has an out and hasn’t taken it.”

Mortis winced as everyone fell silent, only the shift of cards audible in the barren room. Dabi looked to them before responding, “He comes from a similar situation to ours. Once he knows Pipsqueak is on our side, he’ll follow.”

After game night wound down, Akira passed Dabi a box of Chips Ahoy and matcha cookies and another of scar and skin care products. ‘ Happy Birthday, Wildfire. Peppermint wanted to contribute to the cookies, but he’s almost as bad as you are in the kitchen. Winter and Summer got the rest. ’

Dabi snorted and ruffled their hair with a muttered thanks.

Notes:

this opening gave me such ick to write. I wasn’t expecting to add another mask for Akira, but here we are. Umbra is specifically who they need to be in case family members are present with mind-reading quirks. Almost missed Dabi’s birthday until I saw a few tiktoks celebrating it. I have in-universe dates for each chapter since the last arc of Bello Licentiae was a real headache without writing those down, and this chapter falls on January 13-19. Gods going back and trying to understand the rules of GUB (go fish-uno-bridge combined) was so confusing XD lmk if y’all want the rules; originally I made the game for chapter 41 but figured I’d introduce it here instead since I had them playing Uno

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#libertias aut mortis #nonbinary #agender #aro ace #lgbtqia #mha #when good people go to war #bnha #dadzawa #nonbinary mc #class 1-a #oc #chapter 2

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the-firebird69 · 9 months ago

Text

Out of all the people who are having the checks cut there are three outstanding and it is who you think it's Trump Terry cheesman and Dave and our son says Terry cheesman is a surprise Dave never had money to give out or anything but he's trying to help but he's really surprised that the guy can't figure it out this is not even your money and you'll get other people in trouble but you feel like you're running the show or something when you're going to have to fight his clones and Dave is trying something so we heard about his stuff and it's not really a check but it is tough and Terry she's been too our son says you have your little friend there send it and they hold the bag so he's started thinking about it and it's going to start that as well then you get the government involved in the max and you can actually get something cuz you're right there and that's probably what happens with Titan he's smiling and saying it probably is there's no way up there otherwise and I'll see your body I see the a****** and you just have an eyeball popped out it's probably from stress

So yeah I'm saying it but it's funny cuz it probably is stress. There's some other news it's not bad

-Trump is getting depressed and he should be he should have paid our son and instead he's the enemy and he's everyone's enemy and her son said it that he thinks that tightness probably run my clothes they were trained by Dave and other things too that are not his and he's confused and doesn't get it that's probably what was running in the first place and you put it together and it makes sense you have certain ships that were not complying and you can't hit that many $5 trillion but you can hit a whole bunch of them and it's an illusion and it probably hit half a trillion and it looks like all of them and it widen the beam and real wide and you know you can lower the power and really that thing is extremely powerful because of our son and design of the death Star and it's intense this is intense but there's good news

-we are going to see people change their minds and he said to Trump and the hospital he said you're wearing a beard and he had Dave's jacket on and he was upset and he found out it was true not a great friend of Joel but maybe other characters

-he is not paying up but he wouldn't of course he'd be attracting himself and he should try it and he has for a long time and they show up and start bothering him we have some other good news

-we see that he's bothered by these clones everybody is and we know about it and other people have the same problem in the process of doing it they're pulling these clones in I ask him where they're from and they're saying out there with aliens from a foreign planet and they're happy to announce it and it's Camino so it's going on that way and things are happening like that and to go up there and they actually find an alien doing the cloning and Daniel goes up there and it's before Warhammer and it takes a while for that to happen and he says I think this would happen beforehand unless they don't think it's Trump but it sounds like they think it's him and that's a problem and they are looking at Titan and they can see people there and they look like Trump's and they see ships coming and going and it's only going to be a few moments more they're going to capture a bunch of ships and it's the empire. And yeah Dave calls this kind of person to cookie and cookies to the computer thing and he said we have to eat all those up and it takes too long and can takes computing power it's having a lot of people do it so we are also reporting some decent news

-but any word that other people are getting on board with this plan and that it's because of these hateful clones that are coming from somewhere else and yeah they're bothering the s*** out of the max too they're huge assholes and they're going down to fisherman's village occasionally and he says you have to try to retrain and they go and why and they say they have the big laser and they're working down The fleets so we can grab his wife and I said don't bother and they start saying that's great and start turning it up and getting captured and it's going to be over.

-some other people are deciding to do things and send things one of them is the federal government and discussion tonight around 11:00 p.m. and they're talking about it and he said we're going to draw him to the government and do something so sit around talking about it it's disgusting and it's a bunch of different groups and they have this problem with these clones and they're going to find these clones and they're not from now some of them are Trump and they might be the groups in the hospitals cuz they're a bunch of assholes and David programmed them and boy are they stink and they figured it out and then the money centers and they're saying their clones of this guy running and there's a bunch of them there so they start looking at the shipping company and it seems s*** heads and they're fighting each other over it and a little and they were not allowed to do anything cuz people are in there before it got there but they figured out what they are and they're saying this different language now they're stupid people but they're smart enough to your problem and they're going to get rid of them and these people are another Fringe race I'd say like 7% and they're on Titan with another 5%. That's going to be a war and right now it's going very fast okay and it didn't get much armament and David doesn't want them going at him and he was like that with his kids right now on Earth it's not silly at all it's just a nightmare very hard and we need our people we need our people now I have to ask you for help..... Okay so he says that's not good news it really is not but off planet is more but on planet about 7% roughly 8% of 7 or 8 it's hard to calculate there going at it now in about 10 hotspots in the United States and they're all over the world pretty soon they go after certain things and people are going to the money centers and now they're still around 7% or so and it's only changed like 0.03% but later on tonight people going to get this is jackasses and they have a big laser on them and they might be saying they're Saturn and it's going on now and right now and they got their fat asses in the way of everything and they're getting killed at the post office then they're getting hammered at these other hot spots of people trying to help our son and they have to go it's another remnant of JC and Mary going out and refused computer is up there a huge computer and you need the data and it says and there's one of hers they fight all the time it's nasty and we need them out this is happening right now and we urge people to pay attention it's a huge problem you're having and they're the enemies Trump fights them but you can see that they have the ships that are up there and over Titan but it's not right away and he's relaxing a little and says that's ridiculous you have these two and he says it's a Terry cheesman

Thor Freya

Olympus

I sort of get this he's trying to pin it on me cuz I'm investigating things and he's not paying it on our friend here and his people getting creamed over there to dump this is ridiculous he's in pain and suffering but I didn't thank him for his efforts and I started it off and this is greatness I noticed that these clothes are showing up of trumps then these other idiot clones and they're calling themselves Titans and it's horrible because that's what they are this this is a weird thing we really have never had this that much there's only a few now there's a ton of people who are appointed a different planet and our friend is laughing about it and will and Bill are too they're kind of a bit squishy and weak oh this is terrible

Daniel

They said it wears off and it should but Tommy f and his people come up there fishy and they have fights and it looks terrible but that was one of the clothes and we feel bad for them because they're so obnoxious and they took the money sent us over and tighten and they're probably not going to make it before I really rude hey trying to retrain and couldn't do it

Other news is there are four or five other people we're going to have a check cut and the federal government is thinking about it and they see who and what it is now and now that they've acquired it at least one of the major problems they're going after it and Trump and Terry cheesman and Dave they're on probation and they've been trying to get him stuff but it's awful but there's a focal point that is what they called we don't think he's going to recover he's been having them do awful things and said they responding and stuff it's cuz they're from a different planet and these Max are interested in it cuz they be keeping around is not true stopping him from getting kidnapped cuz I understand it and they ran it on them and it's also the trumps yeah we don't trust them and he gets the car because Ronald dies and terry cheese and thighs and then dies. She says and it's Lily I saw your wife the chair just in case and it makes people think better of me they said and it really is true and that format it usually happens. And it's gross we're not feeling good because they die and I don't want to drive it around. It reminds me of Arnie and they bother the s*** on me and he says I'll take it on for a little bit if it's too much I can sell it to some idiot and it's true too but with him and it's going to be phenomenally different and these Trump sters will die and that's what he said and I want that I can't stand them they're so stupid. And you figured all these problems out to be the hero and just does not work for people and you want to be big daddy and your grandkid and you want to mess me up the whole time and you get really hurt and people get hurt all the time and it's gross like that idiot who's held up with a ship it's disgusting you you're dying like that and you just won't move you're so gross I'd be happy to help he's trying to ride his bike and he needs to rest and he can't and it'll be a nice time if he had other funds and it's true insurance and gas but he says by the time I get in any kind of position to this is a big fight up there it will probably be different and if he has like 40 or 50 Grand that's fine that's true too he's paying insurance and don't use it too much and some nice car and so if VW German engineering it's a normal size but I've been in it and it handles real well and it goes pretty good and his front wheel drive driveway it's it's a little higher up than Dave's car and boy is he kind of a dick he's killing his family and he's a pig since it's always been a pig but he can't handle this pressure and you can't go back on it and neither can Trump the committed to somebody sins and crimes and atrocities but mainly the biggest problem is it sounds like you're blamed for Titan and this clone thing is a nice pipe dream but I think that Trump concentrated on Trump and perfected it somehow by stealing it from George and that these guys Dave who really is kind of a brute but he's helped me in the past and cheesman has helped me they go after him and they they do and really what would help in the government you have Garth and they're not very big and they usually don't complain and the order would come down from someone else and then it would go to her and she go to Cherry cheeseman who has to approve it and all of them would be in trouble but in DC and there's something different in DC and it's because it's connected to New York and that's where the big money is and Trump is playing this game with people okay and he's probably going to try and threaten everybody he has a ships and he has to be lying about something and people need to figure out what that is

And so Lily says back I don't agree with something I don't think he has that huge fleet but he's lying and he's lying pretty good about it and his infiltrating using the brain thing and yeah tightness different so it's good and we're going to rock and roll now and that's Lily and she's Hit girl so her son get some money his laughing he can't do that but if worse comes to worse and Jason keeps showing up and Lily says no and our son is kidding but it is funny to her cuz that's going to be her character name and he's still going to try and find it but really he thinks he knows the character

Thor Freya

Olympus

Zues Hera

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enchantedbrew · 10 months ago

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Rindo shot her a squinting sort of smile, something between playfulness and apology but he focused on the phone call. The voice on the other end could be barely heard, but his demeanor shifted to match those stiff voices, being calm and stalwart in the face of the discussion. He patiently explained the situation and gave a brief report of the incident they had just left. He was cut off, but he remained calm and simply waited for his turn to talk again.

"Yes, I understand. However, I do believe this could be an exception. We have this individual on file, and I feel like this could be good for the organ-- ... No, not as a researcher. I think the connections would be sufficient... Ah... I... do have a relationship-- ... Yes, that's correct."

Suddenly his expression soured. Whatever was being said was hitting a sore spot, and it was either that she didn't qualify for keeping her memory, or something equally upsetting. In fact, Rindo was being reminded that his own sister had caused the last catastrophic disaster that the organization suffered. That because of him and his relationships, they had lost people and money to a drastic degree. The implication was that someone else that had a close relationship to him, being friends or family or lovers, would undoubtedly follow in his sister's footsteps and create chaos and destruction. Considering how out of left field his sister's actions had felt, it was a particularly painful insinuation.

His jaw set tight, but he replied with the same measure of calm as he had started the conversation with: "I understand your concern, but I would remind you that this single event has been an outlier in my time with the organization... No, I don't. I'll be happy to monitor her just the same as I do Enchante... Yes, I'll take responsibility I won't-- ... Yes, sir."

Having been completely cut off without a last word, Rindo sighed and lowered the phone back down into its cradle again. There was no point in talking about it. He'd been told they would consider the request and send him word through an email. But either way, he had a lot of paperwork to fill out as a new subject to monitor, so he went to work getting those ready instead. And though he knew he needed to explain what was going on to Herja, he chose to answer her previous question first instead.

"I think I should explain a little. My job is to monitor these entities, but my official position is Chief of Intelligence. I lead and manage the Intelligence Division here at GPM, and it's my job to have extensive knowledge of anyone that might become involved in my work. I obviously didn't start doing background checks on you after our first meeting, but when we continued to meed up and develop a friendship, it seemed more necessary. I took it upon myself to get as much information on you as I could, and, being a government organization, I can receive far more information than your average individual. I wasn't intending to invade your privacy, understand. I simply needed a better understanding of the kind of person I was... Admittedly allowing particularly close to this hidden world. I didn't want to risk a friendship if I didn't think you'd be able to handle being accidentally exposed. I... didn't think it would happen in this way, however."

Considering she didn't exactly have anything else to distract herself with, Herja's gaze would inevitably wander over towards the various files littering his desk, only to pause with surprised blinks once she happened to glimpse her name on a document. Honestly, she didn't manage to read much else before Rindo picked it up, but with how astute she was, she knew she hadn't been seeing things. Still, it warranted the question - why exactly did he have a file specifically on her? Before she could even express her bewilderment, however, the words Rindo next uttered aloud has her snapping her head upwards.

"W-Wait a moment, Kaoru-dono... do you mean to tell me you have already done a background check on me?" Herja finally questions, allowing slight disbelief to lace her tone. Though it wasn't as if she treated her past like a closely guarded secret, the fact he already uncovered so much about her did feel like a small breach of privacy, and soon, she'll sheepishly begin fidgeting with her fingers upon wondering exactly how much information he remained privy to.

Why, despite not really minding Rindo knowing she had originally hailed from an aristocratic family in Iceland, the fact he was possibly aware of how she never had a boyfriend and was oftentimes flustered around the company of men who aren't her subordinates seemed embarrassing somehow. ...Then again, he did have a point, since by most standards, she was by no means an ordinary woman, and upon realizing this, she'll awkwardly lower both amber brown eyes back down towards her lap.

Regardless, the whole entire Rindo was on the phone, Herja wouldn't so much as utter out a single word, for fear it would be terribly impolite for her to do so... especially when the conversation between him and whoever was on the other end didn't require her input. To that end, she'll stay silent, even after she'll ultimately spare a nervous glance at him from underneath her lashes once a few seconds had elapsed.

#۞ another regular at enchante ⌱ rindo ic #۞ i hope you come back soon! ⌱ reply #۞ i was able to make honest connections with the nonhumans here ⌱ non route verse #causalitylinked

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artzee-bee · 3 years ago

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End of all things [1] | Chat Noir x witch!reader

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug (Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir)

Summary: Y/N had been Chat Noir’s friend and moral support for a long time now. Even though she had magical powers too, she never liked getting involved with akuma attacks, but now, as Hawkmoth’s gotten control of the miraculous of creation, she couldn’t stay indiferent anymore. She had to save her friend and Paris!

Genre: Mostly angst? A little fluff

Warnings: canon typical violence, mentions of death/dying

A/N: This was requested, but as I was writting it, it got very long and I’ve decided to post it in 2 parts. I’m not gonna post the request just now, so as to not spoil the rest of the story but Part 2 will be coming out on friday!!!

Part 2

~~~

Chat was pacing around the room, waiting for you to be done with your potion. You had heard from your parents that there had been a new akuma attack today, but as the news reported, the two parisian heros took care of the problem in no time. For this reason, Chat’s presence at your house felt unusual. Normally he would stop by when he needed to rant, when he was in need of comfort and reassurance but the fight today went well, so what could possibly be bothering him?

“Ok, I’m done” you said, screwing the cap on the little bottle and placing it on your shelf “Wanna talk?” you asked, to which Chat gave you a shy smile

“Yeah, a little”

You made your way to your bed, motioning for him to follow you. You got under your covers and passed him his favorite plushie, a cat to no one’s surprise

“So what’s up? Is it about the fight today?”

“Well no it’s more like a...personal problem?”

“Oh…”

“Claws out” in a rush of light and electricity, the infamous hero vanished before you, transforming into Adrien Agrest

“Well, what is it?”

Adrien revealed his identity to you months ago. You first met him as Chat, but when you really got to know each other, he decided you needed to know all of him. Well, he needed you to know all of him.

You listened to him rant until way past midnight. Until you were both too tired to stand up straight, so you laid down in your bed, covers up to your necks, muffled stories told in between yawns. You listened carefully, giving him your full attention. He fidgeted with the collar of the stuffed toy and you used your magic to make 2 hot chocolates. Eventually, everything that needed to be said, was said. You offered Adrien to watch a movie, since that always cheered him up, but he refused

“It’s late and I have a photoshoot early in the morning. My makeup team will be angry with my dark circles anyways, better not make it worse” he joked

Adrien transformed back into Chat and you cast a safety spell on him, which you did every time he left your house late at night. He always teased you about being ‘too protective’, but deep down he found it sweet how much you cared and wanted to know that he would get home in one piece.

“Night Chat” you said, wrapping your arms around the hero

“Good night Y/N!”

The next few days went by quietly. You hadn’t run into Adrien at all, but you texted a bit back and forth. Sunday evening however, things took a toll for the worst. You turned on your tv, ready to catch up with your show when you heard Nadja Chamack’s voice doing the news report

“It seems as though Rena Rouge and Chat Noir are struggling to stay on their feet! They have taken shelter under a fallen bus, leaving Ladybug alone to defeat Hawkmoth'' your pulse skyrocketed. As you watched the screen you could see Chat and Rena off to the side, struggling to catch their breath. Rena seemed to be in pain while Chat was trying to help. Ladybug was using her yoyo the best she could in order to protect herself from the supervillain, who was wielding his cane like a sword over her head. The fight was clearly going in Hawkmoth's favour! You grabbed your jacket and ran out the front door and onto the empty streets of Paris, towards the Eiffel Tower, where the fight was taking place.

People screamed at you from their balconies to go home, warning you about the fight and the danger you were putting your life in but you didn’t care. All you could think about was how they needed you. Chat needed you! Every late night talk and every inside joke shared between you two replaid in your head like a broken record. Behind Chat’s tough mask, his alter ego of hero and protector, was the fragile figure of Adrien Agreste. The young blonde boy who cried during romantic comedies, who liked to have his hair braided and forgot how to speak when someone complimented him. If you didn’t help, the heros would loose and he would most likely die! Alongside Ladybug and Rena who, even though you didn’t know their real identities, were still young girls. As you ran down the street, you heard kids crying inside one of the homes. You ran past but at the last second you heard Nadia’s voice coming from their tv

“Ladybug was akumatized”

You approached the Eiffel tower from the side, where you could see everything going on. In front of the tower, right next to Hawkmoth, stood Marinette Dupain-Cheng, dressed in a tight, dark red suit, darker than Ladybug’s. Black butterflies replaced the dots of the heroine's suit and the purple butterfly mask of Hawkmoth’s control was shining over her face. Marinette was Ladybug! She did, in fact, get akumatized. On the other side, you saw Rena and Chat, struggling to stay up right. They were obviously in a lot of pain and extremely tired, but Hawkmoth was merely mocking them.

“After all this time” Chat spoke up, but his breaths were shallow and rapid “I thought you’d know one thing about us! We don’t give up without a fight. Never will. Especially not against you” and with that, the two ran at each other.

“It doesn’t have to end like this, you know?” he said “We don’t have to fight to death. I wouldn’t want to have that on my conscience. All you have to do is give me your miraculouses willingly. The town will be safe, you will be safe! It’s the most heroic option you’ve got. You won’t be any good to Paris if you are dead”

You knew this was not just another fight between them. This was it. Either the heros won or everything they’ve worked for would be lost. Hawkmoth would win and get his hands on both miraculous and god knows what kind of destruction that would bring not only upon Paris, but the world. You focused all your energy in one spot in the air, right between where Chat and Hawkmoth were supposed to clash but before they could reach each other, you sent a wave of energy that blew both of them apart, like a bomb. Hawkmoth flew back into the Eiffel tower while Chat hit the pavement with a thud. Confused and certainly disturbed, both of them began looking around for an answer as to what happened when, finally, Hawkmoth’s eyes landed on yours.

“Aha, miss Y/L/N. What a spectacular honor to finally meet you!” you didn’t reply, instead you stood tall, maintaining eye contact

“I know a lot about you. Seen a lot. Felt a lot of your emotions. None of them can compare to the powers I’ll have with the two miraculouses. With Ladybug’s earrings and the guardian under my control, I’d say my mission here is almost over’’

“Y/N get back!’’ Chat screamed but you were too involved now to run. This was your fight too.

“It is time you give up Hawkmoth. Paris is not yours, neither are the miraculouses. We will destroy you, no matter what it takes!”

“Listen to yourself, kid! <<Destroy me>>? The most you can do is pull a rabbit out of your hat…” before he could finish his sentence, you snapped your fingers in his direction and instantly, the ground around beneath Hawkmoth and akumatized Marinette, fractured. From within the cracks, many tangled plants came out, encapsulating the 2 villains. You sprinted towards Chat and Rena, ignoring the signs of struggle coming from the prison of weeds.

Alongside the two superheros, you hid inside a corner coffee shop, which was now empty.

“Y/N, you need to leave!! You are putting yourself in too much danger!” Rena told you, as she collapsed to the ground from exhaustion

“Stop with that already! I am here and I’m not going anywhere!”

“Yes you are!” Chat looked at you. His voice was calm and yet, his eyes were filled with disappointment “You are not a superhero. This is our job!”

“You need help”

“No we don’t!” Chat had never, in all your years of friendship, raised his voice at you, let alone yell “ You need to stay safe! You could die! Hawkmoth doesn’t care about anything if it helps him get what he wants! I am ready to take that risk. Rena is too” you both turned to the red headed hero, only to see her slowly nod “But I can’t allow you to take it”

“You can’t tell me what to do”

“I don’t want you to die!” he screamed again “I love you and I will never forgive myself if you don’t come out of this alive!”

Before you could say anything, you saw Hawkmoth and his minion, through the cafe window, cutting through the last of the plants and escaping your trap. You grabbed Chat’s arm and pulled him to the floor, from where you could not be seen

“We’re in this together now” you said in a stern voice, looking the blonde kid right in his eyes “Whether you like it or not '' this time, he simply nodded.

You stuffed your hands into the pocket of your jacket and pulled out 3 little bottles, containing a mate, green liquid. You had prepared one for each of the heros, now you’d only need two.

“Here, drink this!” You handed each of them one “Regeneration potion. Should put you back on your feet.” as soon as they finished drinking the brew, you could see color coming back to their faces

“Where’s Marinette’s akuma??”

“Her necklace” replied Rena “It’s a gift from her kwami”

“Got it. You deal with Hawkmoth. I’ll bring Marinette back!”

Chat and Rena exited through the front door, grabbing Hawkmoth’s attention. He called out to Marinette to attack, but before she could take a single step in your direction, you had snuck up behind her. Using a simple invisibility spell, you managed to exit unnoticed behind the two heros. It finally felt like the fight had truly begun. From the corner of your eye you could see Chat and Rena doging Hawkmoth’s attacks while you, were doing your best to get your hands on the stupid necklace! Even though she couldn’t see you, Marinette seemed to almost always know what your next move was. She would expertly block all your attack and would keep you an arm’s length away at all times. Finally, you had enough and in one swift motion, you pinned her back to your chest, ripping the necklace away. A wave of black and purple took over the both of you and when it vanished, all you were left with was a half unconscious Marinette in your arms. You dropped her to the ground slowly as she was coming back to her senses. You wanted to talk to her but your thoughts were driven away as you heard Chat scream bloody murder.

On the opposite side of the platza, you saw Hawkmoth rip Chat’s ring off his finger, forcing him to detransform. The exhausted figure of Adrien Agreste fell to the ground with a thud. Hawkmoth had, indeed, gotten his hand on both the miraculouses.

#miraculous ladybug #mlb #mlb x reader #adrien agreste #adrien agreste x reader #adrien agreste fluff #adrien agreste imagine #adrien agreste angst #chat noir #chat noir x reader #chat noir fluff #chat noir imagine #chat noir angst #rena rogue #marinette dupain cheng #ml ladybug

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misscarolineshelby · 3 years ago

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Spanked

Part Three: The Proposal

Pairing: Modern Tommy Shelby x Reader

Words: 1,045

Warning: None…This is only the beginning!

Original Blog: @queenshelby (this is just my backup account as I have been having Tumblr issues)

Two weeks later…

Your heart fluttered when you saw his name pop up in the lower right side of your computer screen.

Over the past two weeks, you had learned that you weren’t the only one at the firm whose breathing quickened when they saw a notification from him and rumours had it that, if he sent you an email himself, you would either be fired or there is a serious issue he required you to fix.

In the company, Thomas Shelby was certainly known for his bluntly worded feedback, demanding expectations, and his particular style of putting employees on the spot and, whilst many of the females in his company took a liking in him, they feared him at the same time.

You quickly opened your inbox and clicked on the email. It was short and straight to the point.

‘My office at 4 o’clock. Don’t be late’ it said, giving you no indication on what this was about.

You had never been to his office and asked Lizzie where it was. She confirmed that it was on the top floor of the building and you already dreaded going in there even after you had run into him in the building almost every day for the past two weeks and he had never said anything bad to you.

***

At 3.50pm, you grabbed a pen and your notebook, flipping to a fresh page. You began mentally preparing yourself to speak to him, wishing his email had given you any inclination as to what he might want so you could prepare yourself further.

You found him rather intimidating and stood up and smoothed down your outfit which was a navy-blue dress that fitted you quite well. It clung to your small figure and it was yet another dress you had borrowed from your roommate.

You straightened the tight blazer you wore over it and fiddled with the long necklace that sat on your chest.

Clutching your notebook against your chest, you quickly made your way to the elevator which took you to Tommy’s office.

***

You approached his partially opened office door. Taking a deep breath, you hurried up to it and knocked twice on the door.

‘Come in’ Tommy called out, not bothering to lift his head up to face you.

You stepped in and stood waiting at the table that separated you while he finished typing a sentence in an email. You surveyed the office. It was extremely neat and tidy. It was also perfectly fitted out. In one corner, there was a side board with a record player and expensive bottles of whiskey while, on the other side of the room, there were some large book shelves.

‘I looked at the charitable contributions made by my Michael Grey two days ago. Was that your idea?’ he asked and you nodded nervously.

‘Mr Shelby, I know it is a lot of money but the penalties imposed by the tax department would have been higher and, at least this way, you will be seen to provide essential services to the community’ you explained, justifying your report to Michael Grey who was one of the senior business advisors of Shelby Company Limited.

‘Well, according to my cousin, you saved the business 800,000 pounds’ Tommy then said while looking up at you for the first time and instructing you to take a seat.

You nodded shyly in response to his comment and sat down in one of the large arm chairs in front of his desk. By this point, you were fidgeting your hands and it was obvious to Tommy that you were nervous.

‘Now, I need you to develop a plan to deal with some more money coming in next week. I want all of it invested across our different businesses’ he said.

‘How much are we talking about Mr Shelby?’ you asked.

’27 million pounds’ he responded, causing you to gulp.

’27 million pounds? The forecasts I’ve been given don’t show this kind of money coming into the business as a lump sum during this quarter’ you said somewhat surprised.

‘That’s correct’ Tommy said, looking at you sternly.

‘It’s off the books and you want me to launder the money?’ you asked nervously, assuming that this is what he was referring to.

‘I don’t like to use this word, Love. Let’s just say, I want you to get creative’ he explained and you were surprised that he had just admitted to you that his company was, indeed, involved in some illegal operations.

‘What makes you think that I agree to this? I could just go to the police instead’ you said somewhat surprised and, just as you did, Tommy began to laugh.

‘You have a 70,000-pound debt Love. University degrees are expensive. If you get creative with the company’s accounts, you will be debt free in no time. Your name will not appear on any of the accounts and, if there is formal investigation, your identity will be protected’ Tommy explained and, after you took a moment to think about what he was offering you, you nodded.

‘I want 5 cents on every dollar laundered’ you stammered after having gathered all your confidence.

‘Love, we work in pounds here, eh. It’s 27 million pounds’ Tommy clarified and you nodded again, but this time with a smile.

‘Yes, but I won’t be laundering the money through your UK businesses. It will be done through some brand-new enterprises in the US, which I will set up slowly. Thereby, no connection can be made to Shelby Company Limited’ you explained, causing to Tommy to nod with approval.

‘Alright, 5 cents in the dollar it is Love’ Tommy smirked before asking you to put together a proposal for his consideration and prepare all of the necessary paperwork and forecasts by the end of the week.

You nodded again before standing up and thanking Tommy for his time. Then, you walked towards the door while holding on to your notepad which is when Tommy said something else.

‘Y/N’ he said and you turned around to face him.

‘Yes Mr Shelby?’ you asked nervously.

‘The dress suits you’ he complimented you, causing you to blush.

Tag List:

@lilymurphy03 @deefigs @theflamecrystal @desperate-and-broken @weepingstudentfishhorse @livinginfantaxy @rosey1981 @atomicsoulcollecto @peakyboyslover @nerdy4itall@elenavampire21 @hanster1998@mariapaiva13 @fairypitou @harry-is-your-sunflower @zozeebo @lauren-raines-x @kasaikawa @littlewierdalien @sad-huffle-nerd @theflamecrystal @peakymalfoyscullymulder @themissthang@0ghostwriter0 @stylescanbeatmyback @1-800-peakyblinders @datewithgianni @momoneymolife @ntmynouis @lilymurphy03 @mcntsee@cloudofdisney@missymurphy1985 @peakymalfoyscullymulder @otterly-fey @janelongxox @uchihacumdump @basiclassy @being-worthy @chaotic-bean-of-smolness @margoo0 @chocolatehalo @vhscillian @ysmmsy @littlewierdalien @crazymar15 @stickyknightflowerbailiff @im-constantly-fangirling @goldensunflowe-r @tellingyouastory @captivatedbycillianmurphy @namelesslosers @littlewhiterose @ttzamara @ttzamara @cilleveryone

@peaky-cillian @queenyshelby

@severewobblerlightdragon @ysmmsy @midnightmystic

#cillian murphy #cillian murphy smut #cillian murphy imagine #cillian murphy x reader #Tommy Shelby #tommy shelby smut #tommy shelby x reader #modern tommy shelby #tommy shelby x you #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby smut #thomas shelby x you #Peaky Blinders #peaky blinders fanfic

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xion92 · 2 years ago

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TMMN: Masaya/Ichigo relationship, episode 12

Hey people, I'm alive! Well, yes. I just had a lot of things to do and every time I started watching the episode for analysis I inevitably got lost in it, unable to write anything. But now, after two weeks, my heartbeat has passed a bit and I can write an analysis as it should be.

So where to start? This episode represents ichisaya culmination, as well as showing us imo the most beautiful scene of the season as a worthy ending. And did you notice this? in the rain scene they wear the same clothes of the theme song!

So, guys, in this episode I’ll have to make comparisons with the manga, because it’s something inevitable. Let's go first with the scene where he’s waiting for her. But before…

Lol. Masaya has Rau as a whatsapp profile picture. Hahaha! Ichigo, give up, Masaya has already chosen between you two! Nobody can separate a man and his dog!

And even in the middle of the battle, Ichigo can't avoid putting him first. So, RiP her smartphone. I guess she’ll have a new one with a new design in season 2.

Now let's go into this scene. In this episode a scene was reported that in the manga will only appear via flashbacks in volume 5. Not the whole scene, just a part. In the flashback it’s also shown what Masaya does and thinks after discovering that the Mew Mew are fighting, but here it stops before of that. However, we can understand why the authors have made this addition (in the manga at this point it only shows that he calls her and she doesn’t answer): to make us understand his state of mind when she reaches him at the end. Even if we’re not shown the whole scene, what we see is more than enough, the rest will probably be shown in the second season.

I also really appreciated this little detail. The series is full of details like this about Masaya, and that's why I repeat myself: best male character, very well written. Here we see him interacting with Moe and Miwa, they tell him that something strange is happening at the Tokyo tower, and he immediately gets alarmed. However, since he is still talking to them, here we see him trying to keep his mask of imperturbability and education, making one of the tight smiles he often did in the first episode even with Ichigo, thanking them, and then returning immediately to himself, worried, as soon as they leave. Yes, because, Masaya as a character is growing and changing, but let's remember that for now the change in his behavior has it only with Ichigo. It's not that while he opens up to her and becomes human with her, he becomes human with other people at the same time. With the others, for now he always remains the same, for the moment only with her he changes, and for him only she exists. Ichigo represents a bridge for him, first he changes with her, and only after her will he begin to open up more with others as well.

Here, even before having verified that the Mew Mew are involved, he immediately calls Ichigo to find out if she's okay, also a detail that I appreciated. And since she doesn't answer and he sees the photo of her fighting a monster, we can immediately understand the feelings he'll have for the next couple of hours: fear and anguish that something bad might happen to her. After all, he had already seen, in episode 9, her being badly hitten in front of him, and this battle is even more dangerous. Unlike the manga, where he had never seen her fight and therefore he couldn't even really realize the danger she was in.

Oh, I was almost forgetting: blue smartphone! Only after all these episodes in which every time he shows something blue do I understand why they didn't give him blue eyes like in the manga: because he already had so much blue that even the eyes would have been too much (and maybe it would have been too much similar to Mamoru).

And here we skip to the last scene. I really liked this change that was made with respect to the manga. In the manga, Ichigo forgot about the appointment after the battle, she even happyly said to go back to the café with the others, and it is Minto who reminds her of Masaya. In New, on the other hand, Ichigo never forgets about him, even once the battle is won she is not as happy as in the manga, she remains sad and aloof because an hour has already passed, she couldn't warn Masaya and she's sure it's useless to go because he would have already returned home and from now on he won't want to speak to her anymore. But thanks to her friends, she takes courage and goes anyway, presumably arriving an additional hour late, because when she arrives it's dark (so she probably arrives at 20:00 instead of 18:00).

Wonderful that they put My Sweet Heart in the form of a ballad for an important scene like this, but then the scene where Ichigo runs to reach Masaya has a great meaning: it shows her full of guilt for her constant lying to him despite him has shown several times that he cares about her, and when she slips and falls she remains a bit on the ground in her dark thoughts before getting up. She is already sure first of all that he has gone home, and in any case that he will no longer want to speak to her. Arriving at the stadium, she at first doesn't see him and she's about to start crying, seeing her fears confirmed. But anyway she, going all the way, she wants to at least tell him how she feels about him before ending their relationship. Poor thing, how much pain this image gives me. In these two days everything happened to her, yet she always puts him first.

Small thing: I believed that at this point something would happen that in the end did not happen. Do you remember this scene from episode 7? In which she thinks the same line that she says out loud in the rain scene in the manga. I believed that they had chosen the path "she first thinks it, then here she says it". But no, they didn't do that, they just moved that line. But that's okay, she doesn't need to say goodbye to him thanking him. Her worried look is enough.

Now… I could write an essay on this scene, analyzing every little detail. Let's start by putting ourselves in his shoes. How does he feel here when he sees her in front of him? Masaya had been in distress for her the whole time of the battle. As the manga shows us in a flashback later, his concern for her was so great that he even wanted to run up to the tower to help her, but then he stayed there because he realized he couldn't do anything for her. The only thing he could do was waiting for her, not knowing anything if something had happened to her, if she was injured or even killed. Think how difficult it can be for a guy with as strong a protective instinct as him to realize that he can't actually do anything for her (by the way: it started in episode 9 and here it reaches its climax. First requirement for the Blue Knight checked). When he finally sees her coming, imagine what weight he feels lifted off him. But in the meantime the feelings of fear, anguish and worry have worked in him, he finally sees her arrive so eager to meet him despite the tiredness and the rain, that at first she doesn't even understand what to feel. And from the initial non-expression of him we see it. He doesn't know how to behave or what to think concretely.

But reality snaps inside him when she looks at him in this upset way. At this very moment he manages to shift into rationality what he felt for her all season, which tormented him not understanding what it was and which has grown continuously (second requirement for the Blue Knight, checked: he is ready to enter the scene next season). The moment he realizes it, he doesn't wait any longer and doesn't leave her in doubt and fear, he snaps and hugs her. He finally realized how much he loves her and how precious she is to him, knowing that he could have lost her that day.

It is wonderful that when he embraces her, the greyness disappears and the lights come on with their colors. Blue above and pink below, mixing and merging. We can actually see him for the first time with blue hair. I've already said it, but I love their difference in height and size. That she is so small compared to him and he has to bend his back and knees to be able to hug her.

Small digression: when you’re translating a work for a foreign audience, the dialogues shouldn’t be translated literally, they have to be adapted to convey to the aforementioned audience the same feelings that the original dialogue would transmit to native speakers. In such a context, "suki da" literally means "I like you" but actually it means "I love you". Take this Quora answer as an explenation. Our case is clearly the third one. This is the meaning that is conveyed to Japanese viewers, and this is what a translator has to convey to Western audiences when he adapts the dialogues.

And also ... no, here Masaya doesn’t say "I knew you would come", but "zutto matteta", "I have always waited for you". What was done here instead isn’t an adaptation, it’s a distortion that also contradicts his character and what actually happened. Masaya had absolutely no idea if Ichigo would eventually arrive or not, that's why he got so anguished and scared, but he still decided to wait for her anyway.

Among other things, the dubbing of this scene is something spectacular: he talks to her in a hoarse, almost rigid tone, you can feel how much he had been in anguish all that time, how shocked he is to have seen her in front of him and for realizing he loves her.

Let's realize for a moment what it means, for him, to hug someone. He has probably never hugged anyone in his life, but his love for her has become so strong and the feelings he feels at that moment upset him so much that he no longer has any barriers. She can't even believe it at first, and in fact, before hugging him in turn, she hesitates a moment, but then her expression is wonderful: she believed that between them it was over, that he would not even want to see her anymore, that the last thing she had to do before parting was to find the courage to tell him what she felt for him, and instead not only he isn't angry with her, but he precedes her by declaring himself first. She no longer thinks about seeking justification or wondering why he's not mad at her, she just enjoys the moment. What a sense of relief transpires from this image.

And there’s the big change from the manga, a change that I really liked: in the manga, at this point Masaya says that Ichigo's hair is all wet, and this is clearly an excuse to be able to start touching her. In short, we understand that in the manga he wants to go further with her, maybe even kiss her if she gives him the chance. But Ichigo, who is nervous throughout the scene, runs away from him as soon as she feels her ears have popped up. There's the scene of the misunderstanding, as in the manga Masaya doesn't yet know about her ears, and he, showing great respect for her feelings, thinks he has scared her and is willing to leave, despite having just realized how much she's important to him. She stops him just in time using her handkerchief to cover her head, declares herself from a distance remaining afraid and fearful, when he hugs her again she simply leans on him, praying the rain to not to stop for fear of being discovered. It's at this point that Masaya realizes that she has cat ears, but he decides to ignore it. Furthermore, he begs her not to go away again and to let herself be embraced. It's clear at this point that his intention was not just to hug her, but he would have liked to go further with her, but he must be content with this to not scare her. It was a scene that had always left me with a sense of dissatisfaction, a "it could have gone a certain way, but no, these two poor lovers, due to external circumstances never manage to go through with it ..."

In the anime, the scene has been rewritten, as it has happened for many scenes between the two of them, eliminating any sense of dissatisfaction in me. Here, Masaya notices Ichigo's ears before her, and quickly, before she gets too nervous, puts the handkerchief on her head himself to make her feel calm and prevent her from running away from him as happened the day before (among other things, looking at that scene several times, I think Masaya realizes right here about her ears, in episode 10 he still hadn't noticed them). Telling her that her hair is wet here is an excuse to put the handkerchief on her head, not to start touching her and going further with her. What a sweetheart anyway, with this excuse... he just said the first thing that came to his mind hoping that she would believe it (and you can hear it from his uncertain tone), because it's clear that as an excuse in itself it doesn't hold: they're continuing standing in the rain, her hair is already soaked, and his handkerchief will get wet too, but the excuse works and she calms down. At this point we have a wonderful scene, and beautifully drawn.

Now she is ready to declare herself as well, and he shows that he is a bit worried and does not know what to expect. "Maybe she wants to tell me the truth about her identity?", he thinks probably. He's so uncertain that he even takes his hands off her shoulders. And here we see her tears, so important that they are mentioned in the title of the episode. "Me too ...", she begins to say, looking at him with intensity. He doesn't understand immediatly. "Me too what?". He clearly doesn't expect a declaration from her too, he has the same expectant expression that he had at the end of episode 9, it's clear he still expects she wants to tell him the truth.

Here Ichigo has a slightly different expression from the shot from before. She has an even more intense look, with a love in her eyes that she had never had before. "I love you too," she tells him, but notice the way she tells him, in a very poetic way. Using "watashi" instead of "atashi", "anata" instead of "Aoyama-kun" (yes, as you may have noticed, Japanese often use the person's first name instead of the second person singular even while they are talking to said person, such as if they were talking about a third person) and "desu" instead of "da". She uses the formal, this means that it's a very serious declaration of love, and for her it's of great importance. And the way she says it… Yuuki Tenma really let herself go in this scene, with that trembling, soulful voice. And unlike manga, she can tell him fearlessly, in front of him and looking him into his eyes.

Wonderful. Absolutely amazing. Masaya crying for joy as he watches her after she confessed to him. Look what a wonderful expression he has. Happy, relieved, moved, in love, especially considering how important she is to him, how her love warmed the cold heart he had at the beginning of the series, making him acquire that humanity he didn't have and making him discover those feelings that he didn't even think he had. Masaya has no one else in life but her. Ichigo is the only deep bond he has, the only person he loves and who really matters to him, so we can remotely understand his feelings for her when we see him with this face. The tears of the title are not only Ichigo's, but are also his. And also the sigh that he lets go ... of relief because he reciprocates him, happiness, emotion. This sigh says a lot. I also wanted to point out one thing: did you notice that the last time he blushes with her is in episode 9? In this scene, she blushes, but he doesn't. Even in this he has grown up, his relationship with her has changed and he's no longer ashamed and insecure with her. Now he's sure and certain of their bond, he transmits his emotions in other ways, with expressions and tears, but, as we have also seen in episode 10, he's no longer shy and no longer feels embarrassed with her.

For the first time, as I mentioned earlier, I didn't feel dissatisfied in this scene. It is true, in a normal context, with such a declaration, a kiss would have been a must, but with the two of them, everything is perfect this way. Why? From Masaya's point of view: he just isn't ready to kiss her yet. In this scene he realized that he loved her deeply, he hugged her tightly, something that before now he probably hadn't done with anyone, and for the first time he cries with joy, letting go of his feelings, welcoming them without trying to hide them (as had happened in episode 3). For him there's a lot of stuff that happens in a few minutes, he's changing and becoming more and more human, but it happens step by step. He needs more time. A kiss would have been too much for his current development. He has already satisfied his desire for Ichigo that he had in episode 10, in which he wanted to be close to her and at least be able to touch her. And here he can do it, he can hug her and feel her hug without her being nervous and rejecting him. This is enough for him for now, he still can't go further. He will kiss her, sure, but that will happen later, when he'll be ready.

She, too, doesn't seem to expect a kiss at all at this point, and she isn't disappointed that he doesn't kiss her. She had arrived there, exhausted after two intense days of misadventures and fighting, thinking first of all that he wasn't there, then that he hated her and didn't want to see her anymore. Now he has embraced her for the first time, telling her that he loves her. She doesn't need anything else right now. She is tired, relieved because the situation has been resolved in the best way, after two intense days she has finally found peace in the arms of her love, and for now this is enough. It was the first time in which, in front of this scene, I did not really perceive that something was missing, unlike the manga where unfortunately it was clear that both could not let themselves go, she for fear, he for fear of frightening her.

And after the declaration, they hug again. Under the monsoons. A little longer there and Retasu would have passed by swimming next to them, in the same way as Snoopy here (seriously, I would have laughed so much if it actually happened 🤣)

They don't even think about going to take shelter somewhere before hugging each other again. At that moment there is no rain for them, there are only the two of them. They stay there, and their hug is different from both the manga and the previous hug. In the manga, Ichigo doesn't is in the moment, hugging him, but she stays leaned against him, here instead she hugs him tightly to make him understand even more how much she loves him. The way Masaya hugs her is different from how he did before. It's no longer a hug full of fear, anguishes of losing her. Now they have declared themselves, they are a couple, and he hugs her in a warm, tender and loving way. How much I love this screen. How much warmth and love it gives off. She who even stretching can barely reach his shoulder and hug him, and he who, in order to hug her, has to bend both his body and arms. Even if their faces are partially hidden, their expressions are clearly visible. Full of relief and happiness for having found each other and being together, now as boyfriend and girlfriend. She thinks "Please, please I need you to know how strongly I feel about you", and he is clearly feeling it.

His face is framed, eyes closed, completely lost in her, relieved, this time he whispers "suki da yo". "Yo" is a particle that serves to emphasize, so it’s a stronger "I love you" than before. It can be translated and adapted with "I love you so much". And he tells her in a really calm and happy tone, he has probably never been so happy in his life. And in a safe, loose way, without any shyness. By now he’s sure of the value he has for her and of the love that binds them, and he repeats it again. He too, like her, wants her to understand how strong he feels about her. Ichigo understands this very well, and emits a satisfied sigh and smiles happy and serene, close to him. Unlike the manga, there’s no nervousness from them, but they completely let themselves go to each other, without anything being able to interrupt them.

Think that this girl at the beginning of the first episode wanted to find a boyfriend only because she wanted to live an "high school love" experience. She certainly hadn't imagined that she would find the love of her life instead.

Another thing to point out: the fact that we have no way of seeing what happens after this scene. It's something I've always been curious about, I've always wondered: "but after the declaration of love, what happens? What do they do?" But the point is precisely this: whatever happens between them after the declaration, it is a private thing, which belongs only to the two of them. We don't have to see what they will do next, it's not our business.

A wonderful scene, a wonderful couple, a wonderful season. After so much effort, struggles, obstacles that have tried to separate them, these two lovers can finally be together and seal their relationship. I have no words, this TMMN has given me everything I wanted most, both for Masaya and for his relationship with Ichigo. I can't wait for April to arrive to be able to see what will happen in the second part of the story, which is so juicy and full of twists about the two of them.

#tokyo mew mew new #ichisaya #ichigo momomiya #masaya aoyama #ichisaya analysis

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deidearly · 4 years ago

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Gaara Relationship Headcanons

Here are some random Gaara’s relationship headcanons, enjoy! X.

You’d constantly crave for his kisses because he’s not big on physical affection, making his kisses like a rare thing. His kisses are rather quick, it would be something like a peck. He’d have his right palm cupping your jaw as he’d lean for a soft kiss.

As much as you hate to admit it, Kankuro and Temari play a huge role in your relationship. Kankuro would be the one suggesting things, followed by Temari rejecting his ideas most of the times.

“Gaara, as an expert in Understanding Woman’s Feelings™, when you two are having an argument, you should cut her off with a... tender kiss—“ , “THAT’S DEFINITELY NOT IT.”

Even though you’re together, he wouldn’t explicitly admit that you’re his S/O— instead, he’d be very subtle about it. It’s very common for him to say something like, “Well, I do know her pretty well.” or other similar things.

His favorite romantic gesture is holding your hands, and surprisingly, he’s not that shy about doing it in public. To him, holding your hands can also be a form of encouragement or reassurance.

He’s very sentimental about holding your hands, actually. It’s his way to know that you��re still there for him— that you’re still by his side. So, whenever he’s feeling happy, your hand would be the first thing he’d reach. When he’s scared, expect a tight grip.

Definitely very bad at communicating his jealousy.

Jealousy is a new thing for him and he pretty much doesn’t know what to do about it. He’s just too afraid that you’d find him weird for feeling jealous.

Don’t worry, though, it would be quite obvious. He’d look uneasy and alerted. Since he’s not a big fan of PDA, when he’s jealous, however, he’d stand awkwardly close to you to the point it would make people nearby uncomfortable.

The Kazekage has SO MUCH SPACE to stand but he’d stand really, really, really close to you.

“Gaara, what is it? Is there something you’d want to tell me?” , “No... not really.” , “Then why are you this close to me?”

But as the time goes by, you started to understand that this is an obvious sign of him being jealous.

And being a thoughtful person that you are, when he’s jealous, you’d grab his hand and brush his skin with the tip of your thumb gently. It’s now your way to tell him “I’m okay, you’re okay.” and he’d eventually breathe a sigh of relief.

Back to kisses, don’t worry, he kisses you every morning and every night— just right after he wakes up and when he’s about to sleep. It almost feels like he’s thanking the universe that you’re still the first and the last sight he’d see every day.

Morning kisses are rather lazy. It would just feel like his lips brush yours and... done. Sometimes it would just be on your forehead or cheeks, too.

But the night ones... yes.

He’s very passionate about kissing you at night. It would somehow turn very heated but man he’d get... shy.

As you were laying on your bed together he’d tuck your hair behind your ears and with your eyes closed he’d lean forward and start kissing your lips gently and when it’s getting heated he’s moving on top of you and

Let’s skip to the next morning, shall we? He’d make you breakfast.

Although... he’s not the best cook, of course.

He’d actually struggle.

Expect inedible food... there are some sands.

He’d eventually just do his part by making tea or wash the dishes. This man definitely doesn’t belong in the kitchen, I’m so sorry.

He’d love to have you close to him. So, if you’re not staying in the Sand Village, he’d expect you to come by whenever you’ve got a chance or he’d simply fly himself to wherever you’re staying. He’s clingy, you guys.

Of course he’d sleep lightly when you’re on a mission.

He’s SO, SO WORRIED.

But he’s pretty good hiding it. Or he simply has a lot of Kazekage things to do to distract him.

It’s either “doze off for hours thinking about Y/N” or “BRING ME THOSE 1000 PAPERS TO SIGN I WANT TO KEEP MYSELF BUSY”

It’s not like he doesn’t trust you and the things you’re capable to do, he just doesn’t want to lose you.

Will 100% be at the front gate to welcome you.

Or it’s just his flying eye.

His true self is acting cool at his own office.

Come on, the Kazekage doesn’t want to look like he has a favorite.

“Oh, you’ve arrived? When? Why didn’t I notice that...” and other lies.

If you’re not from or staying in the Sand Villages, he’d simply ask about your wellbeing to the Kage... very subtly.

“With this official message, I hereby congratulate your village for another successful mission. On behalf of Sand Village, it would do us a tremendous joy if you could report back the mission— to know if there’s any casualties. Best regards.” or something like that, honestly.

WOULD SPOIL YOU!

Would most likely take you to his garden.

He’s very thoughtful about it, too. He’d learn facts about flower and tell you about it and of course he’d pick a flower that suits you best.

It would be: your favorite flower, his favorite flower, a flower with a sweet meaning for you, and a flower that describes you best.

Any of those flowers would be your nickname.

Would keep your photo in his dashboard. It wouldn’t be framed on his office desk but it would be the first thing he’d see when he opens his dashboard.

The framed one would be on his nightstand.

He would actually own some... they’re his personal favorites.

The first one would be a picture of yourself, smiling brightly on his garden— with a flower being tucked behind your ear.

The second one would have a little story behind it: it’s a little shaky photo of the both of you. You were trying to get a picture together but no one was around to take the picture. So you offered him to do it yourself but you were struggling to get into the frame, and you tiptoed. But you lost your balance in the middle of photo-taking and the picture came out blurry. Gaara thought your expression in the picture was cute and he decided to keep it.

His role as the Kazekage, unfortunately, would mainly be the cause of your relationship problems.

Him being too caught up with his job... what’s new.

And this is where the Sand Siblings help!

You’d let Kankuro know about your problems. He’d try to talk to Gaara about the matters. Meanwhile Temari would give you emotional support— being there to listen to your vents and all.

Naruto would sometimes help

But the two of you don’t usually have an argument because he’s just simply not with it.

The concept of ‘anger’ itself highly reminds him of his past-self, which he desperately tries to bury. So, to have a fight with you definitely would be some kind of a torture for him.

“Let’s talk about this when our heads have cooled down.”

WOULD NEVER RAISE HIS VOICE! Never.

He’s honestly too sweet.

Arguing, or solving problems with him would involve a lot of sighs every minutes because he’d try his best to calm himself down.

It would always end well. You two have a soft spot for each other.

He’d grab your hands and kiss your knuckles.

He’d look into your eyes fondly, admiring the way your eyes glistened. He’d use his sands to pull your hands and he’d hold your hands, kissing your knuckles. He’d bring himself closer to you, pulling your waist into his embrace— letting your head to rest on his broad shoulder, “I love you, always.”

#naruto #gaara #gaara headcanons #gaara fluf #gaara imagines #gaara x reader #gaara x y/n #naruto imagines #naruto headcanons

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graaythekwami · 3 years ago

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The Little Things - ML One-Shot

(Spoilers for the season 4 episode Hack-San)

-------

"Out for a solo patrol, Chat Noir?"

Chat Noir jumped slightly, not quite use to hearing an unfamiliar voice up here on the rooftops, and turned. The figure was standing on a chimney a ways from him, the reds of her costume matching the setting sun.

"Scarabella?" Chat Noir said, looking at the temporary Ladybug heroine he had met the other day. His surprise quickly gave way to worry, eyes widening slightly. "Did something happen to Ladybug? Is there an akuma out right now? Is–"

Scarabella held up her hands, but didn't come closer. "No no no, everything is okay– I just wanted to talk to you, that's all, and Ladybug said you often did some patrols in the evening..."

He gave a tight smile, shoulders relaxing slightly. "Not really a patrol, not like what me and M'Lady do when we patrol. It's just... to get some fresh air, I suppose."

He was slightly startled when he turned and found Scarabella walking towards him, as he hadn't heard her steps. She had some papers in her hands, and an uncertain smile on her face. She paused a little ways away from him.

"Is it okay if we talk for a bit?" Scarabella asked. "I don't have a lot of time, and then I can leave you to your... 'patrol'."

"What's up?" Chat Noir asked, trying to sound as casual as possible. His feelings on Scarabella were... mixed. She was an ally and she had spirit, but he would be lying if he said there was no bitterness when he thought about her. About what she knew and why she was there.

"I... I wanted to just show you this," Scarabella said, holding up the papers in her hand, before carefully setting it down on the roof near him, before retreating back slightly. "I had to edit out a few 'tips' for identity reasons, and Ladybug doesn't know I'm showing this to you, but considering my sudden appearance I figured maybe it would help if you saw it."

Chat glanced at the papers, then back at the spare heroine. "I don't want to go behind Ladybug's back."

Scarabella blinked, then let out a small laugh. "Oh, no, no, it's not like it's something I can't show you. It's just the list of tips she gave me of how to be Ladybug while she was gone."

"Okay?"

Scarabella smiled. "Read them, would you? Please?"

Chat Noir looked at the papers, before carefully picking them up and unfolding them. Sure enough he found a list of 'tips', each one carefully numbered off. His eyes scanned down the list, noting a few numbers were missing, which must have been the editing she had been referring to.

Chat Noir's eyes jumped back up to the top, and began reading. He could tell right away that it was indeed written by his Lady, and he could almost hear her voice as he read.

Tip 1 - Keep the earrings in at all times, they are easy to misplace. DO NOT TAKE THEM OFF.

Tip 2 - Always have sweets for Tikki on hand.

Tip 3 - Not just for recharging if an akuma appears, make sure you have something she can snack on if she's hungry.

Tip 4 - No. Seriously. Holders know no fury like a kwami starved.

Chat Noir snickered, knowing fully well what she meant. His interactions with Tikki had been limited, and she had been a very sweet kwami. Ladybug told pretty much the same story... except for the times she didn't have cookies or macarons on hand for her kwami. It turned out the little Ladybug kwami was just as passionate about her sweets as Plagg was with his cheese.

Tip 11 - Tell Chat Noir what's going on right away if an akuma shows up. Since I wasn't able to talk my way into staying in Paris like I thought I didn't get time to tell him I was leaving.

Tip 12 - If you see Chat Noir patrolling at night don't worry, it doesn't mean there's an akuma or somewhere you need to take my place. My Kitty is a free spirit and Paris is our city.

Tip 13 - Leave out croissants for him if he happens to come by where you are on patrol.

Tip 14 - The chocolate covered ones are his favorite. Chat loves anything with passion fruit too.

Tip 15 - Chat Noir likes any kind of sweets, actually, but try to get him his favorites if you can.

There was a small smile on his face as he read, eyes carefully looking over each word, warmth in his heart. The tips soon drifted back towards things regarding the Miraculous, a good dozen involving Lucky Charms and explaining how the yoyo worked.

Tip 25 - Lucky Charms might be bigger than you think! Be prepared to leapt out of the way in case a piano comes crashing down instead of a pencil.

Tip 26 - Don't ask Tikki to explain Lucky Charms. She'll be vague and she'll do it on purpose.

Tip 27 - Don't try to force a Lucky Charm to work. It's just kind of instinctual? I don't know how to describe it.

Tip 28 - Ask Chat Noir for help if the Lucky Charm is too confusing. He's been Misterbug before and has helped me defeat villains with countless Lucky Charms.

Tip 29 - Just ask Chat Noir if you have any questions, he's a professional.

Tip 30 - Don't ask him so many questions though that you stress him out! Akuma fights are hard enough and with him being the most experienced he'll have enough to worry about without a bunch of questions.

Tip 31 - Just follow Kitty's lead, he knows what to do.

Tip 32 - Chat Noir has good instincts and enhanced senses, listen to him.

Tip 33 - When Chat Noir makes a joke try to laugh, even if you think it's not funny. It makes him happy. :)

"My jokes are always funny, My Lady!" Chat Noir exclaimed in protest, though there was a smile on his face.

Tip 34 - Make sure Chat Noir is happy.

Tip 35 - Don't make fun of his purring, he's self conscious about it even though it's adorable. (He embraces everything cat except for the purring, I don't know why.)

Tip 36 - Purring doesn't always mean he's happy! Cats can purr when they're hurt! If he takes a hit and you hear him purr then you got to defeat the akuma as quickly as possible! Sooner you can cast the Miraculous Ladybugs the sooner Chat Noir isn't hurting!

Tip 37 - Don't let Chat Noir take any hits for you.

Tip 38 - Seriously. He does that way too much and I don't like watching it. Stupid self-sacrificing cat. Make sure he stays safe.

Tip 39 - Or else.

"These aren't even tips at this point!" He said, holding back a laugh.

"She does that a lot," Scarabella said with a fond smile. "With 675 'tips' a good chunk of them are ramblings."

"Six hundred and what-?" Chat said, quickly flicking through the papers and towards the end. Sure enough the very last one stared back up at him, the same number as Scarabella had promised.

Tip 675 - When you say "Miraculous Ladybug" don't forget to throw the Lucky Charm.

He flicked back a few more pages, eyes scanning the various notes that had been left. Many were just like he had expected when Scarabella had first told him what the list was: advice on what to do with different types of akumas, how the timer worked, tips for finding the akumatized object, and what to say to a victim after they were freed from Shadow Moth's control.

But then there were others, small little mentions of him and things he hadn't even realized his Lady knew or noticed, things he didn't know people cared about.

Tip 142 - If Chat Noir is dismissive with how his day has gone crack a few jokes. He tries to cover up when he's had a bad day and this is the best way to lift his spirits.

Tip 143 - Chat Noir loves hugs. Quick hugs, tight hugs, long hugs, he adores them.

Tip 144 - Chat likes to be scratched under the chin and behind his faux ears. It makes him purr, but don't mention the purring (see tip 36).

Tip 145 - Chat Noir is a cuddler.

Tip 146 - Ignore all the last few tips. Respect Chat Noir's personal space.

Tip 147 - But don't be distant either, support him! Fist bumps, pats on the back, you know, be friendly.

Tip 148 - You better be nice to my Kitty. I'll be watching all akuma coverage.

Tip 149 - No booping Chat Noir on the nose. That's our thing.

Tip 150 - No bonking him with the yoyo, carrying him in your arms, or using the nicknames 'chaton' or 'kitty', again those are our things, not yours.

Tip 151 - You can use the nicknames 'Chat' or 'CN'.

Tip 152 - He may kiss your hand. Chat Noir is a gentleman, don't let the costume fool you.

"M'lady..." Chat Noir said softly.

Tip 355 - Let Chat Noir handle the media, he's a pro at that.

Tip 356 - Don't leave him alone to deal with all the reporters though, that's a lot of pressure.

Tip 357 - Chat's ears and tail can tell you a lot about how he's feeling. I've read a lot of cat behavior articles and it's helped me a lot.

"Hey!" Chat Noir protested, even though his Lady wasn't here to see it.

Tip 598 - If anyone makes any comment about Chat Noir being dangerous or being a sidekick, you don't hold back.

Tip 599 - If it's a reporter that makes this comment give me their name and who they work for so I can make sure they never get an interview from the heroes again.

Tip 600 - Send Chat Noir a cat meme on the yoyo to cheer him up if anyone does say anything about him.

"I need to go," Scarabella said softly. "Feel free to keep those, I... I just wanted you to know that she was thinking about you. You mean a lot to her, Kittycat."

Chat Noir looked up at Scarabella, vision blurring slightly, but a smile was on his face. "I don't think 'Kittycat' was on the list of approved nicknames, Scar."

Scarabella scowled. "Well I can tell you that one isn't on my list of approved nicknames either."

Chat Noir grinned. "I'm sure it will grow on you."

"Purrhaps," Scarabella said, before giving a salute and a smile. She then tossed her yoyo, swinging away. Chat Noir watched her for a moment, before looking back down at the list he had been given.

He smiled, holding the papers close to his chest as he laid down on the roof, letting out a happy sigh.

#hack san #ml hack san #ml spoiler #ml spoilers #ml season 4 #ml season 4 spoilers #chat noir #scarabella #alya cesaire #adrien agreste #fluff #hurt/comfort

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the-bau-quinjet · 4 years ago

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Nervous

Hello! This is honestly just a bunch of fluff (a tiny bit of angst bc Spencer worries about everything) and the reader being very nervous! I am currently writing a sequel to take place directly after this one! Read part two here!

Summary: Reader is arrested by the BAU! Little do they know, she is dating the one agent who is currently on medical leave...

warnings: none!

Word Count: 4954

“Are you sure you can pick her up today?” You are currently running around your apartment, phone held to your ear with your shoulder. You have to be at work in fifteen minutes, but first you have to drop your daughter off at school, and you’re running very late.

“Babe, yes. I’m almost completely healed and I don’t go back to work until tomorrow. I’ll pick her up after school and then meet you at your apartment when you’re done working. Okay?” Thank God for Spencer Reid. He has been on medical leave for 5 days, slowly going insane. But, it meant more time for you and Lily to spend with him, so you’re not complaining.

“That’s perfect, thank you so much! I gotta go, I love you!” You are in such a daze, you don’t stop to think about the three words that just came out of your mouth. You hang up before Spencer can respond as you wrestle with your six year old to put shoes on. Grabbing both of your coats, you run out the door.

You met Spencer Reid 9 months ago when he came into the hospital you work in with a concussion and some pretty bad bruises. It was really a chance meeting. Normally, you don’t even deal with patients because you work in research. But, your best friend asked you to run some lab results to a patient’s room and you couldn’t say no. Dr. Spencer Reid happened to be that patient.

He wasn’t supposed to be in the room, but apparently something happened with the CT schedule, and he was done earlier than expected. So, instead of simply dropping off forms in an empty room, you hit a man with a door. Why he was standing behind the door is still a mystery to you, but you felt awful. This man is in the hospital and to make matters worse, you come along and hit him! With a door! You offered to get him some coffee as an apology, and in his concussed state he said “Only if we can go together.” You’ve since realized that was smoother than he normally acts, but you don’t care. He is the most lovable man you’ve ever met.

You met up for coffee three days later, and have been dating ever since. He met your daughter, Lily, on the second date. They clicked instantly. You knew then and there that you would love this man forever. You have not, however, actually said I love you before this morning. But, you’re still in too much of a rush to stop and think about it… or even realize it happened.

You pull into the parking garage at the hospital 7 minutes late. Honestly, better than you expected. The morning flies by as you work on research grants and hospital studies. All in all, a pretty average day. That is, until you walk back into the building from your lunch break.

You don’t get a lot of visitors in the research wing, so it’s strange to see two pretty official looking individuals at the front desk. It’s even stranger to hear your name come out of one of their mouths.

“Hi there. We are Agents Morgan and Rossi from the FBI. We’re looking Ms. Y/N L/N. Is she here?” That must have been Morgan talking.

Spencer has told you a lot about his team. You feel like you know them all already with how many stories he’s told you. You’ve been hesitant to meet them though because of Lily. You don’t want her to get too attached to him and his friends if things were to go sideways. You haven’t really dated anyone since her father, so you’re a bit nervous. Spencer, of course, completely understands. He just wants you to be happy. It’s hard not to love him even more at the thought.

You are immediately thrown into a panic at the sight of the two agents. Your thoughts are running wild with possibilities. They must be here because something happened to Spencer. Wait. That doesn’t make sense. He’s not even working today.

Your panicked train of thought pulls to a stop when the two agents walk up to you. “Ms. L/N? Can we speak with you for a moment?” You nod, leading them toward your office.

“Of course. My office is just down the hall.” You can’t help but feel nervous at the prospect of meeting Spencer’s coworkers without him. Especially if it has to do with a case they’re working. These are the people he loves most in the world. They are his family. What if they don’t like you? What if they think you’re an idiot? What if they think Spencer can do better? It also doesn’t help that you know they can tell you’re nervous because you know they are profilers. You sit down behind your desk, offering them the seats on the opposite side.

“Ms. L/N, you’re in charge of the research department, correct?” Rossi says it like a question, but he clearly knows the answer.

“That’s right.” You are trying everything you can to get your nerves to settle, but it just isn’t working. You’re basically lying to two human lie detectors, even if it is just by omission.

“So if items were to go missing from this laboratory, you would be responsible for reporting it.” It was Morgan who spoke this time. It’s hard for you to follow their line of questioning. What would go missing? It’s not like you wouldn’t notice if a fume hood suddenly disappeared.

“I suppose so, although it depends on what items. We don’t have a specific inventory of commonly used products like syringes and gauze, we just order more when we get low.” You can’t decide which agent to focus on. Your eyes are flicking nervously between both of them.

“What about human tissue?” When the words come out of Morgan’s mouth, you freeze for just a second. You don’t have any human tissue in the lab, so how would it go missing? Of course, the profilers take the delay in your response to mean something other than confusion.

“We- we don’t use human tissue in this specific laboratory. We focus on small animal models. The other research lab is responsible for human tissue protocols.” You stutter through your words under the harsh glares of the two agents. It is really not helping your nerves.

“Then how do you explain this?” Rossi slides a paper across your desk. It’s housed in a large plastic bag with “EVIDENCE” across the top in big, block letters. It’s a form you have never seen before. The kind someone would fill out to transfer human tissue between labs. Your hands shake as you hold the paper, slowly trying to figure out what it is. You almost puke when you reach the bottom. It has your signature as an approval of the request. You drop the paper as if it has burned you.

“I’ve never- I didn’t- how did-” You’re cut off before you can try to finish your sentence, but you don’t hear what they are saying. You feel the cold click of metal around your wrists, tight enough to just pinch your skin. They lead you back out of the building, to a waiting SUV. You can’t help but be grateful that nobody was there to witness your arrest.

The ride to Quantico is silent. You keep trying to figure out how someone could have signed your name on that form, but you can’t focus. Your mind keeps drifting to memories with Spencer.

You remember your first date in the coffee shop a block away from the hospital. He ordered a black coffee only to pour in an exorbitant amount of sugar. He blushed slightly, as if he was embarrassed by his drink preferences, only for his features to transform into a soft smile as you did exactly the same thing. The two of you talked for hours, only ending the date when you had to go pick up Lily.

You remember running into him in the park with Lily, what you would come to refer to as your second date. He looked ethereal sitting at a table playing chess. Lily ran up to him, or rather the chess board he was sitting in front of, before you could stop her. She wanted to know what the horsey was for. You watched as he patiently explained to the five year old that it was a knight responsible for defending the king.

He told her how it moves on the board. He told her how it was special because it is the only piece that can jump over other pieces. He must have spent 15 minutes talking to her about this one piece. And she was enthralled. When he was done, he looked around to find the child’s parents only to meet your eye. You’ll never forget the way his smile grew when he realized Lily was yours. The three of you spent the rest of the day in the park, playing chess, walking around the pond, and getting to know each other.

You remember the look in his eyes right after he kissed you the first time. You remember how worried you were the first time he was injured on a case. You remember Lily asking you if he could be her daddy, and crying yourself to sleep that night because you wanted that too, more than anything, and you were so scared it wasn’t going to happen.

Then you finally remember he’s picking Lily up from school today. Suddenly, the car ride isn’t so quiet anymore.

“I need to call someone.” The words come out frantic and rushed. You are absolutely sure the expression on your face screams crazy, but this is about your kid, so you really don’t care. You need to call Spencer. Then he’ll come fix this. Explain how you couldn’t possibly be involved. The agent’s response is shorter than you expected.

“Why?” Rossi sounds skeptical when he asks it. You would later suppose that he had a reason to be skeptical of you. Right now though? You didn’t do anything wrong so the whole innocent until proven guilty thing feels a little fake to you at the moment.

“My boyfriend is picking up my daughter from school. I need to call him.” You don’t really know how to tell them said boyfriend is one Dr. Spencer Reid. You weren’t supposed to meet his friends yet and definitely not without him. You aren’t really in the right headspace to be deciding if right now is the best moment to out your relationship.

“If he’s already planning on picking her up, you shouldn’t need to call him.” It feels to you at this moment that they don’t even believe you have a child. Of course, they must know because they have the one and only Penelope Garcia to find out every little thing about you. Before you can say anything else, they are dragging you out of the SUV and into the building. You are pushed through security into an elevator that takes you to the fifth floor. The BAU. You thought the first time you visited Spencer’s work would be a happier occasion. And that he would be here. The whole situation would actually be kind of funny if you weren’t so worried and nervous.

The first thing you say when you are lead through the very intimidating glass doors is “JJ.” You would come to understand why that might earns some stares. The whole room is looking at you as if you have grown another head.

“How do you know my name?” That’s a loaded question. Spencer has showed you pictures of his godson, Henry. JJ happened to be in some of those pictures as he is in fact, her son. Of course, you can’t really articulate that because you are too stressed and nervous to form full sentences. It takes a lot out of a person to be arrested, dragged from their place of work, shoved in a car, driven two hours through DC traffic, and then pulled into the FBI building as a suspect.

Instead of properly calming yourself down until you can form a complete sentence, your eyes go wide and you say “Henry” as if that is enough of an explanation. If looks could kill, you would be dead.

“How do you know my son’s name?” JJ’s words are so harsh, you physically flinch.

“I.. it’s just that… You… Well… I-” You are a loss for words, yet again. You didn’t expect for Spencer’s best friend to ever look at you with such disgust. It’s honestly a little overwhelming to think the people he calls family all currently hate you. Even if they don’t really know who you are.

“Maybe a few hours in here will jog your memory.” And with that you’re left alone to sit in a cold metal chair and stare at your reflection.

Throughout your relationship, Spencer has tried not to worry. You frequently come home from work a bit later than you originally planned, especially if you feel like you got a late start. So, when you don’t enter your apartment right at 5:30, he doesn’t think anything of it. When 6:00 rolls around, he texts you. At 6:30 he calls. By the time it reaches 7:00 and he still hasn’t heard from you, he’s actively pacing your small living room. When his most recent call goes to voicemail, he breaks. He packs up Lily’s stuff and the two of them are on the way to Quantico, finding you being the only thing on his mind.

He replays his favorite moments with you in his mind as he drives from your DC apartment to Quantico. Normally, he’d take the metro, but if you really are missing it’s safer for Lily in the car.

He remembers the look on your face when you realized you hit him with a door. He couldn’t imagine a more beautiful person. You looked so guilty, he felt the need to hug you to tell you it was okay. It was a foreign feeling for him. He’s never been one to physically comfort people. Maybe it was the concussion. It was definitely the concussion that gave him the courage to ask you to coffee.

He remembers the fluttering of butterflies in his stomach when he watched you pour almost as much sugar as him into your coffee. The soft smile on your face as the two of you spent hours talking about anything he could think of to keep the conversation from ending.

He remembers the utter joy he felt upon realizing the five year old who inquired about the horsey on the chess board is your daughter. He remembers how he felt when he looked up, expecting to find an annoyed parent given that he just lectured a five year old on one chess piece for 15 minutes, but was instead met with your kind smile and loving eyes. He loves Lily just as much, if not more than he loves you.

He remembers how you hung up the phone this morning before he could say “I love you too.” And now the thoughts he’s tried so hard to block out are circling in his mind. The words repeating in his head, over and over. What if I never see her again? What if I can’t tell her I love her?

He pulls into the garage, carrying Lily so he can run faster into the building. He puts her down when they finally reach the elevator. She’s been surprisingly calm despite Spencer’s nervous attitude.

“Spencie, where is Momma?” Spencer’s heart constricts at the sound of her sweet voice. He doesn’t know where you are, and it terrifies him.

“We are going to find out! How would you like to see my desk? You can play with the cube I showed you at home!” He pulls a Rubik’s cube out of his satchel, placing it in Lily’s small hands. He guides Lily to his desk, telling her to stay there while he looks for his friends. She looks so tiny in his desk chair, he would stop to take a picture if his phone had that feature.

He finds the team in the round table room. His eyes scan the room, landing on JJ’s concerned expression last. He’s surprised to find Will in the room as well. JJ notices him before anyone else.

“Spence, thank God you’re here. We need fresh eyes.” Before he can protest, Morgan is filling him in on the events that have unfolded.

“We brought a suspect in from DC, and she knew JJ.” Spencer’s eyes go wide. If the team is in trouble, that could be why Y/N was taken.

“When I asked her how she knew me, her only response was ‘Henry.’ Something doesn’t add up.” Movement in the doorway catches everyone’s eye.

“Spencie, did you find Momma yet?” Lily stands in the doorway, looking straight at Spencer.

“Not yet sweetheart. I have some cookies in my bag, why don’t you go back to my desk and eat them, okay?”

“Can I have two?” The little girl holds up two of her tiny fingers, unaware of the confused glances from every adult in the room that isn’t Spencer.

“Of course, sweet pea. Whatever you want. You can even spin around in my chair!” The child nods before running back to Spencer’s desk. Spencer turns around to find all eyes on him. The entire team wears similar expressions of shock and awe.

“Spencie?” Derek questions the nickname.

“Sweetheart?” JJ’s more focused on how Spencer responded.

“Who the heck was that 'sweet pea’ and why have you kept her from me?” Garcia is glaring at Spencer for hiding such a cutie pie from her for however long.

“She’s why I’m here. Well not her, her mother. We’ve been dating for the last 9 months. I picked up Lily from school today. We were supposed to meet back at her apartment, but she never came home. She’s not answering my calls and I don’t know where she could be.” Spencer breaks down as he tries to explain what’s going on. He can’t imagine a world without you in it.

“Reid, give Garcia her phone number to track her location. This could all be related to our case. If someone is targeting the BAU, we will find them.” Hotch’s no nonsense tone calms everyone in the room. Again, movement in the doorway catches everyone’s attention.

“Sir, she keeps saying she can explain everything. I know you said 3 hours, but I think she’s ready now.”

“Thank you, Anderson. We’ll be right there.” The agent leaves without another word. Hotch turns back to continue filling Spencer in on the case. “Reid, we’ve got a suspect in custody. She doesn’t match the profile, but we think she knows something.”

“She mentioned a boyfriend in the car. He might know something too.” Morgan pipes in as well.

“I want to talk to her. If she knows where Y/N is, I have to talk to her.” Spencer is out of the room before anyone can stop him. He’s practically running across the bullpen to get to the interrogation room.

“Y/N?” Morgan questions to the agents left in the round table room.

You are so cold. They must have the air turned down to put you on edge. You have finally calmed yourself down enough to form actual sentences instead of useless mumbling.

“Please. Let me explain! I can tell you everything. Well, not everything, because I don’t know how my signature ended up on that paper, but I can tell you about JJ! And Henry! Let me explain!” You never thought about how weird it would be to know someone could be watching your every move. You feel like you’re talking to nobody as you beg for them to let you explain.

The door flies open with so much force, you fall out of your chair in shock. There are hands on you, pulling you to your feet before you’ve even registered hitting the ground.

“Where is sh- Y/N?” Spencer’s tone of voice changes so quickly your brain can’t follow. You just look into his before you burst into tears.

“Oh thank God. Spencer, I was so scared. I was so nervous when Derek and Rossi came to interview me. I didn’t want them to hate me, you know? Even though they didn’t know who I was. And then I saw JJ, and I got even worse. I mean, she’s your best friend! And she sounded so angry, which was my fault, but I couldn’t even form words to explain myself because I was so sure these people- the people you consider family- were going to hate me and I made everything so much worse. But I-” Spencer knows if he doesn’t cut you off, you’ll ramble endlessly. It’s always like that when you spend too much time alone. As if all the energy you could’ve spent talking to someone pours out of you all at once.

“Shh, baby, it’s okay. We can explain everything. I’m so happy to see you. To know you’re okay. God, I love you too.” You turn your tear stained face to look up at him.

“Wha- oh my God. I said that. I didn’t even realize I said it. But it’s true. I love you so much. I can’t imagine a world without you. That’s why I was so nervous about meeting the team. And they wouldn’t let me call you, so I couldn’t ask you what to do.” The two of you continue trying to fill each other in on what has lead you to this moment.

Hotch and JJ make their way into the room without either of you noticing. They both sit down before either speaks. “Reid, I’m going to need you to leave the room.” Spencer turned around with you still in his arms, your head pulled tight to his chest. He glares at his boss before responding. “No. She didn’t do this. The dates from the case file you gave me, they don’t line up. April 17th, we watched the new episode of Doctor Who and spent the rest of the night discussing theories. April 20th, we went to dinner to celebrate Lily’s sixth birthday. April 22nd we watched Tangled with Lily until she fell asleep and then we…” He trailed off, turning a bright shade of pink. You wiggled in his arms, trying to hide the blush on your face as well.

“Spence, where’s Lily?” You know he needs to leave if you are ever actually going to get out of this room.

“She’s at my desk. She looked so tiny in my chair.” He practically has heart eyes as he thinks back to where he left your little girl.

“Why don’t you go tell her you found me? I’ll be okay.” You wipe the remaining tears from your eyes as you sit back down in the cold metal chair. Spencer looks as though he would rather read Twilight again than leave you, but he reluctantly walks out of the room.

You start rambling before the agents get a chance to ask you a question.

“I’m so sorry. I’ve probably wasted so much of your time. I just freaked out when I realized I was meeting Spence’s family. That’s why I know your son’s name.” You turn slightly to look at JJ. “He talks about him all the time, and he’s shown me pictures. I’m so so sorry that you had to worry about your child’s safety because of me. I was just nervous to meet you. That’s why I haven’t met you yet actually. Because I didn’t want Lily to get too attached if something happened and we broke up. Not that I can imagine breaking up with Spencer. I would spend the rest of my life with him if he gave me the chance.” You can feel the tears brimming again. “I really don’t know why my name is on that paper. I never would have signed it! My lab doesn’t use human tissues.” You try to stress that point.

“Ms. L/N, we believe you. We never thought you were responsible, but it was a suspicious situation. You can never be too careful in our line of work.” Hotch still looks extremely serious, but his tone is slightly more relaxed than when he threw you into this room.

“Of course. I would’ve thought I was guilty if I didn’t know the truth. Is there anything I can do to help?” You are so relieved to know they don’t think you’re a crazy murderer.

“We need to ask you a few questions about the people who work in your lab.”

“Oh. Okay.” You have to actively force yourself not to start rambling again.

“Do you know any of these people?” The agent shows you three pictures of young women. They couldn’t be more than 25.

“No…” You can’t put your finger on it, but they look familiar.

“But?” JJ encourages you to continue.

“I’m not sure. They look familiar for some reason.” All three women have brunette hair and green eyes. Their face shapes are even shockingly similar.

“Do you know anyone who looks like these women?” You don’t know how they know that, but you do. They’ve planted the seed, and it instantly grew into a massive oak.

“I do! Her name is Renee. Um... Renee Watkins. She works in the hospital, in the lab where they run blood tests.” You look at the agents with hope in your eyes. Maybe now they’ll let you leave. They both stand up without saying anything else. Hotch leaves first. JJ stares at you for a minute.

“I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just, you’re his best friend. If you hate me, we won’t work. He cares about all of you way too much for me to get in the way of that.” You honestly still feel awful about the unnecessary fear you’ve caused her and her family.

“He cares about you too. He’s been happier than I’ve seen him in years. I knew something was up, but I didn’t want to push him.” You can’t keep your smile off your face at her words. “Let’s forget about all of it. I’m just going to focus on the relief of knowing nobody is after my son.”

“Thank you. I really am so sorry though.” You feel the need to keep apologizing.

“Really, it’s fine. Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

JJ leads you back to the bullpen. Right as you turn the corner, you can spot Spence playing with Lily and Henry. He’s captivated their attention with a magic trick.

“He’s so good with them.” Almost involuntarily, your hand brushes over your stomach.

“He’s always wanted to be a father.” JJ eyes your hand before giving you a rather pointed look.

“Oh! No, I’m not pregnant.” You let your arm fall back to your side. “He’s just so good with Lily; she asked me if he could be her dad.” You can feel the tears coming again. “I just know that one day I will have that man’s babies.” JJ snorts and suddenly the two of you break out laughing. Your laughter makes enough noise to capture Spencer’s attention, two little pairs of eyes following his lead. All three of them are suddenly running across the room to you and JJ.

Lily jumps into your arms, much as Henry does to JJ. You pull her close, leaning into Spencer as his arms circle around you both. The moment is interrupted when Penelope Garcia comes running into the room.

“I’ve got him. Shane Harrison, 28. He dated Renee Watkins in high school. He was recently fired from his position in the human tissues lab at Children’s National Hospital. There are reports of him breaking in, although nothing was reported stolen due to falsified transfer documents.”

“What made him start killing?” Morgan asks while you and JJ desperately cover the children’s ears.

“Renee recently got engaged. She posted all about her new fiancée on social media. I already texted you the address.” JJ says a rushed goodbye to Will and the team is out the door. Lily runs back over Spencer’s desk with Henry so she can show him the Rubik’s cube.

“Aren’t you going to help them?” You turn to Spencer who hasn’t left your side.

“I think they can manage this one without me. I’m needed somewhere else at the moment.” As if to prove his point, he leans in to kiss you. It’s short and sweet and everything you needed at the moment.

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulls the two of you out of your bubble.

“Hi, I’m Penelope Garcia. I’m sure the Genius Doctor has told you all about me.”

“He has indeed. You’re even lovelier in person.” Garcia is just as bright and bubbly as Spencer described her. It makes you smile to think that the team has her never ending positivity while they are surrounded by so much darkness.

“We are having a team gathering at Rossi’s tomorrow night. You should both come. And Lily!” Garcia smiles again before walking away.

“You know that means we have to go, right?” Spencer asks you the obvious question.

“I know honey. You’re afraid of what Garcia could do to you if you get on her bad side.” You laugh at his pout, pulling him down the stairs and over to Lily. It’s about time you all head home.

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