#that’s not a joke I got so emotional I almost threw up in the middle of the night

[hxzbinwrites]

Lovestruck Fool Pt 3

Vox x Emotionless! Reader | Cliché Mishaps

(Lovestruck Part 3)

Warnings ⚠️: Cussing, Vox being embarrassing, jokes about suicide, mentions of sexual harassment (only mentioned! nothing happens nor a flashback scene dont worry!),

11:30pm

"What should I say, oh God, what should I say??" Vox muttered to himself. His right, clawed hand gripping the top of his head, whilst his left was gripping his phone equally as tight.

His breathing was as erratic as his heartbeat, as he anxiously paced around his bedroom. His heels were clicking against the cold, hardwood floor. His pants were still on from the workday, but his shirt was completely discarded onto the messy bed in the middle of the room.

After he received the gift from (Y/n), he frantically took the note, and the gift box and nearly sprinted to his room. He nearly knocked Velvette, one of the two associates he shares the organization of Overlords he founded called "The Vee's". He'd have to apologize later. He quickly locked the door and punched her number into his phone, and nearly 3 hours later here we are.

"Hey Baby-"

delete delete delete

"Hey Sweetheart-"

delete delete delete

"What's up (Y/n)? I think I'm in love with you and you're in love with me too-"

DELETE DELETE DELETE

"Ughhh" Vox groaned, flopping down dramatically onto his bed. "This is so stupid. I'm a genius, tech CEO, and Overlord, I should be able to have women begging to get a corny text from me. So why the hell am I so paranoid about this?"

He sat there and stared at the ceiling, before making the spontaneous decision to just say fuck it and texted her just whatever popped into his digital brain.

Vox: Hey (Y/n), I got your gift and your note, thank you. No employee has ever done anything like that for me before. I have some spare time to help with your little predicament.

Vox immediately regretted sending that. He must he be so harsh and arrogant sounding. “Spare time?”, he’d just spent the last three hours dwelling over what to send to this woman.

(Y/n): Thank you sir. Do you have any ideas on what this could mean?

Vox: Well, what exactly is this feeling like? You said it was "this strangely warm feeling in my chest and my face, I feel clammy around you". Can you elaborate?

Vox wanted to face palm re-reading his texts, why is he addressing her so formally? This is a message, something to be shared between close friends, not a damn email!

(Y/n): I'm not entirely sure how to describe it. The closest emotion to it is anxiety, the whole nervousness in your stomach kind of emotion, but not anxiety itself. Is that an okay description?

Vox stared stunned at the message, some part of him almost doubted the note she had left practically confessing her feelings, but now he was completely sure of her feelings for him. Now, how was he going to explain this to her....that was the real issue.

Vox: Take what I'm about to say very seriously.

(Y/n): Okay...?

Vox sighed and typed out the message. He closed his digital eyes before sending it.

Vox: I think you might be experiencing a crush.

Vox quickly turned off his phone and started pacing around his room once more, nervously awaiting her response. A risky text has never felt this serious before. Sure, Val and him had sent some scandalous things back and forth, but this felt more intimate somehow.

Vox felt like an idiot, a lovestruck fool, a naïve man. An Overlord of Hell should not be feeling this way. He went through middle school when he was alive, there was no need to try and relive the awkward moments within it now.

Vox halted in his pacing, as he heard his phone buzz. He slowly lifted up his phone to see (Y/n)'s contact name on the front. He quickly threw it back on his bed, too nervous to even open it.

He sighed, taking off his shoes and pants, replacing them with his sleep pants and a pair of slippers. His chest was still bare, but it was a lot more comfortable than a button up shirt, seeing as he could not wear a normal t-shirt with his abnormally large, screened head.

Vox wasted another ten minuets before picking his phone back up. His heart sunk as he read the message.

(Y/n): I sincerely apologize sir. This is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. I understand if I am to be fired over this.

————

11:55 pm

(Y/n) paced around her room, her pajama's coziness giving no comfort to her situation. She looked like an idiot now! How stupid she felt as this moment could only be comparable to Vox's own doubts, as she felt actual anxiety creep within her.

She was done for, not only was her job on the line, but at Voxtech the employees are conned into signing their souls away to Vox when hired. He was an Overlord of Hell, CEO, her boss as well as the owner of her soul! Now genuine curiosity was going to look like sexual harassment.

Great. Excellent. Her soul was most likely going to be torn apart tomorrow. From now until 8:30am, she should live her life to the fullest because theres no turning back now.

What's even worse is the fact that Vox has left her message on delivered for 11, now 12, minutes at this point.

Unlike her counterpart, (Y/n) was holding her phone the entire time, looking down at the screen of bubbled messages. She nearly dropped the device when the faint text turned from Delivered to Read.

Maybe her message got through to him mentally, and he can find the kindness in his heart to spare mercy on her.

Yeah right, he's an Overlord. Hell, he's not nice whatsoever, nor is he willing to spare lives. Vox has been in his fair share of Turf Wars, and has no regard for the souls he owns, seeing as he gives some of his lowest earners to Valentino to kill fairly regularly.

Her heart sped up as her phone vibrated, showing Vox had finally responded.

Vox: Don't apologize. Don't quit your job either. You will not be fired. Do you really think I could replace you? No. You're far too valuable

(Y/n) let out a sigh of relief, but had to maintain her composure as she kept re-reading the last portion of the message. "He just means valuable to the company, an asset, he's not flirting with you!" She muttered, lightly slapping her hands against her face to calm herself down.

————

12:00am

Vox screamed into his pillow. What the hell was he thinking?! She was just worried about being unprofessional, and here he is, THE BOSS, throwing a flirtatious comment at her value.

Vox really wished he had a hold of some Angelic Steel right now, so he could kill himself and not regenerate.

He glanced at his phone, seeing she had read the message, and groaned again. Vox picked up his phone and threw it across his bed, where it landed on the top right corner of the screen, pressing the FaceCall button.

His eyes widened as he scrambled to grab his phone. He sudden motion made his device fall off the bed, where he leaned over quickly to grab it.

Before he could mash the red button to end the ringing, she picked up the phone. There she was, in her pajamas with her hair a little frizzy from the day the both of them had just worked. Her cheeks were a little flushed as she stared at him through the screen.

"U-Uh, Hi." Vox stupidly said. Angelic Steel was going on the top of his purchase list when he awoke in the morning, though now he doubted he was going to get any sleep at all.

"Hi Vox" She softly said. Oh yeah, no sleep for him tonight,"Why did you call me? Is everything okay?"

"Oh yeah, I uh, actually didn't mean to call you. My phone slipped and landed on the button"

"Okay.." She said, not buying it.

Vox took notice of how much more relaxed she was in this state, not at work just talking to him, late at night. Vox's ego definitely did not need to be fed, but in moments like these with her, and when he's acting like a fool, maybe that's not a terrible thing.

"Sorry Sugar" He said, rubbing the back of his bare neck,"didn't mean to keep you up."

"Its okay Vox" (Y/n) replied,"it's better than me going to sleep worried if I were to have my life tomorrow or not."

"Your life?" Vox said, his eyes narrowing,"You didn't think I would kill you? Did you?"

(Y/n)'s face flushed, as she looked away from his knowing gaze piercing through the screen. "Well, we all know what happens to the lowest earners..."

"Well you're not a low earner, I told you, you're too valuable to lose (Y/n)."

Her face flushed, and she showed a small smile, making Vox's screen flush in return. Both of these stubborn fools were sitting here, late at night, blushing over each other.

Vox's camera moved down a little, something he took no notice of, but (Y/n)'s eyes widened at the realization he didn't have a shirt on.

If Heaven had any mercy on a Sinner, this was it. Not only will she still have her job, and more importantly her life, but she got to see her hot boss shirtless. Damn, he's fine.

"Excuse me?" Vox said, his eyes widening to the same amount her's was

"W-What?"

"What do you mean 'what'?" Vox said, his voice shaking a little from embarrassment,"You just called me fine!"

(Y/n)'s face fell, all of the colors that had dusted her cheeks were gone. "I-Im so sorry sir! I did not mean to say that out loud!"

"You were still thinking it!" Vox said, "damn it woman you really did need my help in the emotions department."

"Okay okay, I do" She said, "I'm sorry, I know you don't feel the same way..but can you at least help me navigate this...?"

Vox stared at the screen. How dense was this woman?! How the hell didn't she know of his raging crush on her?! Whatever, he was going to play dumb until he saw fit.

"Sure, only if we keep this under wraps from the rest of the Ring. I don't want the press flocking you like they do me...well...even more than they already do. I know how annoying it gets, especially handling my PR. You know more than anyone how scandalous this will look. That fucker Alastor would have a field day with my name!"

"Alright." She replied,"So? Where do we start on this?"

"We'll start tomorrow" Vox replied,"Theres no use of saying anything more in this sleep deprived state of yours. Before you argue against that, you can't tell me that this is your usual self, letting things slip like that."

"You're right." (Y/n) sighed," I'll make sure to keep my composure, especially for tomorrow at work and whatever you have planned after that."

"Sounds good. Goodnight Sugar"

"Goodnight Vox".

Vox ended the call, and flopped back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He gripped the sides of his screen, his blue cheeks now a purple from blushing.

Not only did he look like a fool, but she called him "fine". Not only that, he's wormed in his way into teaching her how to feel love, more specifically for him!

Vox groaned, what has he gotten himself in to?

————

8:30am

(Y/n) made her way to her desk. She opened the side door effortlessly and slid into her chair. She logged onto her computer and clocked in. She sighed seeing Vox's timestamps, seeing as he clocked in at 5:30 rather than a normal time.

There was no way 5 hours is an adequate amount of sleep. He might be a machine with a human soul, but his body surely can't handle that little amount of rest. Evidence of that is the amount of caffeine he puts into his body each day.

She frowned, before catching herself. Why did she care? He was a grown ass man, he could make poor decisions for himself. Why was she worried for him all of a sudden?

Whatever, another question for another late night session she supposed as she began to type up his schedule for the day.

There were no unusual meetings for the day, seeing as Velvette was the only one who had scheduled one.

That train of thought was cut short when her work phone rang. (Y/n) promptly answered it.

"Hello this is VoxTech, this is (Y/n) speaking. How may I help you?"

"Ah hello dear (Y/n)!" A static-like voice sang to her,"I am begrudgingly having to use this frivolous telephone cable technology to contact your boss! Ha! I must book a meeting with him at once!"

(Y/n) recognized that accent and that tone, but had to remain professional regardless

"Alright sir, what name shall that be under and what time slot do you want?"

"The name is Alastor! I thought you would've recognized my voice from my coveted radio show!"

"No sir, I don't know who you are" She said, knowing that would bruise his large ego.

Vox came from around the corner, hearing static pour from the phone as he walked. His initial thought was to just casually pass by her, just to see her before she handed him his daily report, but curiosity got the better of him. He leaned against the right wall in the hallway behind her desk.

"Okay 2 o'clock? Oh! I'm sorry sir! It looks like you're banned from Voxtech! You will not be able to place a meeting with Mr. Vox."

Vox smirked. He could hear a slight smile in her voice. Damn, he liked her even more now. She was fucking toying with the Radio Demon. He strode over to her desk, leaning against the counter as he smirked.

(Y/n) blushed, and turned on the speaker phone for him to hear Alastor.

"Banned? I am an Overlord in Hell! I must have a meeting with this Vox character. It is of utmost importance!"

"Im sorry sir but you won't be allowed to book a meeting or step foot onto the grounds of VoxTech. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Hmm, let me speak to that box head through this device"

"No can do sir" (Y/n) lied, holding a finger up to Vox,"He's in an extremely important Overlord meeting right now. Wait, aren't you an Overlord? My, you can just talk to him at your meeting!"

Alastor was furious, not only was he unable to go to VoxTech to get dirt on Vox for his radio show, but now there's apparently an Overlord meeting he was not invited to. He hung up the phone and teleported his way back to the Hazbin Hotel.

(Y/n) and Vox heard the line cut and bursted out laughing, their smiles copying one another. Vox felt like he was on cloud nine, not only did he get to see her smile in its full glory, but he is now witnessing her laughter.

From someone who was emotionless at the very beginning of their encounters, for years, these past few days have been nothing short of a major change. Vox was very welcome to change, especially this one.

Their laughter died out, and they stared into each other's eyes for a moment too long. If they weren't at work, where anyone could walk past and see them, they would surely kiss with how close they were leaning into each other.

"I wonder how his lips feel" (Y/n) pondered as she looked at his digital mouth that was slightly agape, matching her own.

Vox's eyes eventually tore away from hers, as he brought his fist up to his mouth and awkwardly cleared his throat.

"Ah, well, I um... just get that report done! Good work on chasing that fucker off." Vox commented, before scurrying away to go hide back in his own office.

————

9:50am

Vox had busied himself with his work to distract his mind. It was ten minutes until (Y/n) would be here with the daily report. Hopefully he didn't make a fool of himself again.

For a TV host, as well as the man who owned everything media related, he surely should've known how to avoid such a cliché moment like that! I mean really, the man leaning over the receptionists desk as they make a prank! It's an exact copy of one of his shows VoxTech produces!

Whatever, that was nothing. It meant nothing. Her smile. Her laugher. The kiss they almost shared-

Okay maybe it meant something, but it shouldn't have.

This should have no effect on him whatsoever, it wouldn't if it was anyone else. But her? He might as well bet against himself, because time after time he will continue to make a fool of himself in front of her.

The thoughts spiraling in his head just made him more motivated to work himself into exhaustion, where he didn't have the energy to even conjure these thoughts.

He typed away vigorously, his sharp nails clacking against the keys as he was drafting a new drone product for his gullible costumers. He was finishing up some of the final code before he sent it off to his tech team to build the beta version of it, test it, and then they'll get it approved by him before sending it off to some of his factories in the other Rings.

While he himself as a Sinner could not traverse rings, his Imp employees could, therefore he owns factories in the Wrath Ring for them to work in and ship back to Pride.

Before he could type the last string of code, his elevator floor rose, to meet the guest who wishes to enter his office, before descending once more, revealing (Y/n), holding the same boring envelope with his daily report.

"Here you go sir" She said, handing him the file. "Your only meeting is with Velvette today at 12:30."

"Excellent, thank you Sugar" Vox replied, taking the file.

"Sir, why do you call me Sugar?" She asked, "you started calling me that when I slipped up and said I..."

(Y/n) flushed at the memory of calling him model worthy, before learning her throat and going back to an emotionless state.

"Anyways, you started calling me Sugar. Why?"

Vox was caught off guard. He didn't even realize he was still calling her Sugar in the first place. Initially, it was to egg a reaction out of her. Now? He was searching for an excuse.

"I don't really know" He finally answered,"Do you want me to stop calling you Sugar...?"

Now (Y/n) was caught by surprise, her voice catching in her throat. She paused for a moment, and attempted to recollect herself in a calm, confident manner. However it seems these past few days, after she witnessed her boss's tough exterior dissolve when he spilled his coffee, that manner she was used to maintaining was no longer obtainable in his presence.

"No..." She said, coming out way softer than she had intended.

Vox rose from his chair without thinking, and walked right in front of her, towering over her. (Y/n) wasn't short by any means, but it is hard to come face to face with a demon who reaches 7 feet.

His chest was rising and falling with tension. The only thing that could be heard in the room was their synchronized breathing, heartbeats, and Vox's fans kicking on due to the heat rising to his face.

He leaned in slowly, and (Y/n) leaned up. Their eyes drooped as they slowly inched closer and closer to one another's face. Vox could feel her shaky breath on his screen, making his face flush a darker purple.

They were so close, (Y/n)'s nose nearly touched his flat screen.

Vox closed his eyes and leaned in, as did she. As they got closer together, their lips touched ever so slightly when Vox's face began to vibrate, as he was getting a call from Valentino.

They tore apart from each other quickly, as Vox threw the call on the screen with his electronic powers. He turned to apologize to (Y/n) but she was already back on the elevator, her hands hiding her face.

Valentino was whining about something but Vox couldn't care less, he was so conflicted. He felt awful for the call interrupting him...but at the same time he was ecstatic. They nearly kissed, it was so close. So terribly close. If it wasn't for Valentino's mindless chatter on the phone, he would have already lost it on his innocent monitors surrounding him.

This day was going to take forever after that.

————

5:30pm

It was closing time for VoxTech employees, usually (Y/n) put in loads of overtime, but today she just needed to get home.

Her face never returned to normal after their close encounter, either adorning a blush, a goofy grin, or both. It was humiliating. She was stone cold, she had the toughest exterior anyone had ever known. Yet this man who's shown her his soft side, rather goofy side, has immediately torn down these barriers. It joyed and pissed her off to no end.

She quickly clocked out and began her trek back to her apartment. Vee employees lived close to the tower, the closest of them being Valentino's employees, who he liked to keep extremely close.

Vox was a lot more lenient on where his employees lived. He could care less as long as they show up on time and work to their full potential, that's all that matters to him.

Yet even with that disregard, high earning employees got a special apartment complex to live in. (Y/n) has always had the same one, even with job shifts, layoffs, hires, and fires, it has always been number 513.

It was always good to see that 513, whether it was a good or bad day, especially if it was bad, that dingy little 513 haphazardly imprinted into her doorframe would always be the most welcome sight in Hell to her.

She stepped inside before closing the door and slumping against it, burying her face in her knees. She let out an embarrassed scream as she recalled her two almost kisses with her boss today, one was just tension but the other? That must be the payback from that divine intervention (Y/n) thought of earlier.

She picked herself up and went through her regular routine, dinner, shower, pajamas, and before she was about to cozy up for a movie, her phone dinged. Odd, she doesn't really have any friends who contact her that regularly.

Her face flushed up when she realized it wasn't an old friend, rather it had to of been Vox himself.

(Y/n) composed herself before picking up her phone, seeing a notification from Vox

Vox: Hey Sugar we need to talk about earlier

She gulped as she replied

(Y/n): What about?

She wanted to face palm herself for asking that stupid of a question, but didn't want to get her hand sticky from her skin care routine that was still setting in

Vox: Don't play dumb with me (Y/n). I felt your lips with my own today, you and I both felt that.

(Y/n): I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable, I really wasn't thinking when it happened

Vox: That's the problem, it didn't. You're my employee, I own your soul! I shouldn't feel this way about you but I do! I think you understand what I mean.

(Y/n): I do understand Vox. I shouldn't feel this way towards my boss, but I do. I don't understand why or how, I have never felt this way before in my life! On Earth or in Hell!

Vox: Sugar trust me. We will learn to navigate this.

————

6:45pm

Vox stared at his phone, smiling as he finally confessed his feelings. That was a lot harder than it needed to be, he had been storming something up since their kiss was interrupted. He was still at his damn office! He couldn't bring himself to turn around and face the elevator once more after the interruption from Valentino. Even throughout his meeting with Velvette, all he could think about was (Y/n).

He smirked as (Y/n) replied to his message

(Y/n): I do Vox. I trust you.

Vox: Good. I think we should keep this a secret between us for now, but I do wish to continue whatever this is we have going on.

(Y/n): Me too

Vox: Then that settles it. It looks like this will be your first step in the emotional love counseling you requested. Tomorrow, 7:00pm, you and I will be going on a date.

————

Word Count: 4,184

Taglist

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[stardustizuku]

No cause the way Rozemyne protected Ferdinand to her own detriment for 10+ books, just to end up a semi-suicidal shell of her own self due to the God’s petty revenge against Ferdinand.

And now Ferdinand is desperately clinging to her, cause she’s the only good thing to ever happen to him and no one - not even the Gods this time - will take her away from him.

[lostdreamr-blog1]

Outrun the Future - G.Cleven Ch 4

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 5

Ch 4

The group was quickly hauled off into interrogation, leaving little to no time to process what happened. It was the same routine with every mission, never deviating no matter the number of remaining pilots. Marley learned early on that she needed to turn off her emotions until after all the facts were given. There was no time for tears in the middle of a war.

The interrogation room was built for teams of men. With the B-17’s holding 10 crew members, the tables had enough seats to accommodate them. So, when each P-51 pilot went to their own table, it showed the others how small they appeared. They often overlooked the fragileness fighter pilots can be when their planes prove to be some of the more superior ones in the sky. But seeing the individual pilots surrounded by no one but themselves, pity almost seemed to be thrown at them.

Bucky stood with his back against the wall, near the table his sister was at. None of them knew what their mission was, but clearly something went wrong for three pilots to not return. He needed to know why for a few reasons. One, to relay to the boys’ changes from the enemy that could impact their future missions. And two, to know how bad it is when his sister gets sent off. The constant battle between Major and brother was soon becoming an issue.

He stayed close by as she started recalling the details of the mission, providing support while staying out of her way. She had made it clear this morning when leaving without informing him, that she was her own person who didn’t need the support of her brother to get through tough situations. But he planned to be there in case the independence faltered.

Listening to the way Marley talked, it worried him with how different she was. Gone was the cheerful and free-spirited sister he had grown up with. In her place was a level-headed soldier who could recite facts about a mission that got three of her teammates taken or killed.

Before he could dwell on the change too long, she was done with her part of the interrogation and stood up to leave. If she was surprised to see her brother standing close enough to hear, she didn’t show it. Instead, she had schooled her face into a look of indifference. Something that was bound to haunt her brother in his sleep.

Buck had waited for the Egan siblings outside, wanting to see for himself how the two of them were. Marley was the first one he saw step out of interrogation and the blank look on her face didn’t tell him too much. He had only known her for a short time and while she seemed to be a carbon copy of John. He wasn’t sure how she handled stress. Bucky threw jokes around and shots back, not wanting to feel anything. The nights starting to get more frequent where he had to help his friend back to their bunk safely.

But Marley at this moment looked void of any emotion. The tears from earlier were long gone and in their place was a face that wasn’t going to falter.

Bucky stepped out close behind his sister, running a hand through his hair. Buck could easily see how much that situation got to him and wondered how bad it was.

“You okay, Marley?” Buck asked her while keeping his eyes on his friend. She nodded her head at him while Bucky shook his. He had a feeling things would play out like this, he just wasn’t sure what to do about it.

“Why don’t we get you somethin’ to eat? Let you settle back down from this mornings run.” Buck kept his tone light, not trying to seem like he was forcing the idea on her. He learned with Bucky that the second you demand something, he will do everything in his power to do the opposite. And if had to bet, Marley was going to be the same.

“I think I’m going to take a shower and get out of this flight gear before I do anything.” Buck looked to her brother to see how he would react to that answer, but he didn’t say a word.

The two men walked her back to her bunk, no one saying a thing. Marley was trying her absolute hardest to not have a second breakdown. Especially since her brother now knew exactly what went on up there. Bucky knew if he opened his mouth, he would be yelling at her for a number of different things. The main one was for joining the damn war as a pilot. And Buck was in foreign territory, not knowing what toes he could step on if he led the conversation. So, the trio remained silent.

Once they arrived at their destination, Marley gave them a slight nod in thanks. Buck looked to his friend and saw he was going to let her walk in there without a single word. He sighed and said, “We will be down at the mess hall if you want to join us after.” His words stopped her for a second, hand hovering over the doorknob. “Thanks.” It was a quiet reply, but words were clearly the goal with the Egan siblings. Buck offered a small smile and turned back to Bucky after she shut the door.

“How bad?” The two started walking to the mess hall, now having to set up camp there for at least an hour. They weren’t sure if the younger Egan would show up, but they wanted to give her a chance.

Bucky ran a hand over his face, “There were more enemy fighters this time which makes me nervous for when we go back up. Seems like they are pulling more of their resources to the air. Something we need to start planning for.”

Buck slowly nodded his head at the answer Major Egan gave. While he had only gone on one mission so far, he got a good look at how bad things could get. Or so he thought. “And Marley?” He needed the brother answer as well.

“I don’t know, Buck. The way she just turned things off was concerning. It was like my sister was shoved into some far away corner and was replaced by a soldier. And I know what you’re going to say. That we are all soldiers. But that wasn’t Marley in there. It-it was like a shell of her. And I feel like the longer she is out here, the more that shell is going to take over.” Bucky shook his head, recalling what happened in there.

Buck wasn’t sure what to say to that. He knew this was Marley’s 9th mission and that this isn’t the first time she’s lost people. This was a fraction of the losses compared to what she told him that night. If she was able to bounce back to her normal self after that, he wasn’t concerned. Honestly, he hoped he could do the same once he starts headed up there more.  But her brother didn’t know that.

***

Marley walked into her bunk area; thankful the girls were working. She needed time to process what happened without the worry of someone seeing her. Grabbing a clean uniform, she walked to the showers and started trying to scrub away the losses from today.

The mission was supposed to be simple. A short flight to France to provide support to a small group of bombers. The target wasn’t even high profile, but more of an inconvenience for the enemy. So, when double the amount of Luftwaffe fighter planes headed towards them, they knew the stakes had been raised.

In all honesty, only having three of their planes shot down was a bigger win than they wanted to let on. Even half of the B-17’s was still standing when they got out of enemy territory. But losses still hurt, and the war seemed to be evolving at a rapid pace. She just hoped the US could keep up before too many of them were lost.

The water from the shower soon ran cold, signaling that it was time to get out. One of the main things she missed from back home was long, hot showers. The ones that make it feel like your skin was borderline burning. The water at base never seemed to get above lukewarm.

Marley knew she needed to put on a brave face for her brother. The way he acted walking her to her bunk highlighted the fact that her not being okay will affect him more than her. So, she looked herself in the mirror and nodded her head. I can do this. A small mission never hurt anyone. Well… it hurt three people. She shook her head, not the damn point. We are fine and there is zero reason to act otherwise.

She made sure to repeat those thoughts as she got dressed and headed to the mess hall to meet up with her brother and Buck. Those thoughts started to deviate as the thought of the blonde pilot was brought up. How he managed to become best friends with her brother still confused her. The man was quiet, observant, and calmer than most. All things opposite of John.

But even with him trying to remain a shadow, he still caught her eye. He was confident, he was caring, and he was bound to be trouble.

Marley had made herself promise to not fall for any man during the war. After the carnage of the first mission she went on, it was a wakeup call she needed. Getting close to people out here was dangerous, not knowing if they would make it back.

But when she walked through the doors of the mess hall and was greeted with a gruff “hey doll. I saved you some food.” She knew that promise was going to be broken.

A/N: Thank you so so much for reading! As always, my tags and inbox is always open for you :)

-C

Tags: @probabydeadbynow

[bra1nwashed]

uhmmmmm so... here's a bunch of swiss headcanons :3

also i admit i stole some of those but i can't give credit cuz i don't remember who 😭

also some of these r just lil scenarios that i'm just like- yeah.

.・。.・゜✭・

⊱⊱⊱ he wasn't really supposed to be summoned. He just crawled up from the pits of hell whenever two of the ghoulettes were being summoned. the reason he was allowed to stay was because he was a rarer type of ghoul (multi).

⊱⊱⊱ when he was still a new ghoul, he got bitten by dewdrop because he called him shorty

⊱⊱⊱ he also tried to jokingly fight mountain when he was new. mountain ended up tossing him to the side like one of his broken drumsticks.

⊱⊱⊱ physical touch and words of affirmation are his main love languages !!

⊱⊱⊱ he purrs the loudest out of all the ghoul[ette]s

⊱⊱⊱ he acts like he doesn't care but getting called a "menace" makes him feel insecure.

⊱⊱⊱ he's actually very insecure about his personality but he always has a smile on his face and tries to stay positive in front of everybody.

⊱⊱⊱ genuinely afraid of communication of his emotions. he's always there for others but gets scared to ask for help or talk to people. because of this, he commonly cries alone in his bedroom or the bathroom.

⊱⊱⊱ he commonly has pretty bad mental health due to his insecurities and such, but he just covers it up to help people stay happy and draw concern away from himself.

⊱⊱⊱ he always tries his hardest to comfort people !!

⊱⊱⊱ he loves to pamper the others to make sure they always feel loved and such.

⊱⊱⊱ he will use really crappy pick-up lines on others just to make them laugh or smile.

⊱⊱⊱ he is a major flirt !!

⊱⊱⊱ he un-ironically loves just dance. he will occasionally force the other ghoul[ette]s to play it with him too.

⊱⊱⊱ whenever he can't sleep he'll turn on music and start dancing around his room in the middle of the night !! once sodo walked in and threw a pillow at him to shut him up (it didn't work).

⊱⊱⊱ he actually commonly hangs out with mountain and they enjoy smoking weed together.

⊱⊱⊱ he calls almost everyone by nicknames or pet names.

⊱⊱⊱ his favorite overall genre is romance !!

⊱⊱⊱ his comfort movies are dirty dancing and moulin rouge.

⊱⊱⊱ he loves musicals.

⊱⊱⊱ he makes random noises all the time (just a whole lotta vocal stims)

⊱⊱⊱ he also sometimes randomly breaks into song (it confuses so many people and he thinks it's funny to see them so put off)

⊱⊱⊱ he's extremely melodramatic, but not in a serious way !! if someone lightly smacks him on the shoulder he might pretend to trip and fall against something and walk around with a fake limp for a few days just as a joke.

⊱⊱⊱ he loves to do makeup !! it doesn't matter whether it's on himself or someone else, he always gets excited to do it.

⊱⊱⊱ loves to cook and is 50/50 when it comes to doing so. he either makes a super delicious meal or almost burns the whole kitchen. he's a little better at baking but not a drastic bit better.

⊱⊱⊱ he loves rice krispy treats !!

⊱⊱⊱ he likes sweet savory the best out of most flavors. sours good to him but he's mostly just eating it for the fruity taste. and he loves salt.

⊱⊱⊱ (going along with the last one) mountain once gave him a salt rock lamp for christmas and swiss got sick and threw up cuz he kept licking it

[that-1d-blogger]

This is part two ,

Part 1 is here

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

The reception was an absolutely gorgeous affair, twinkling strings of fairy lights and lush floral arrangements transforming the luxurious ballroom into something straight out of a fairy tale. As Liam and I made our grand entrance, I couldn't keep the ridiculously wide smile from stretching across my face. We were finally married - husband and wife, partners for life.

The opening notes of the song we had carefully selected for our first dance soon filtered through the speakers. Liam guided me out to the middle of the dance floor, pulling me flush against him as we began to sway to the tender melody, other guests cleared the path for us to dance, looking and cheering from a distance

"Hi wife," he murmured against my hairline, making me shiver pleasantly.

"Hi husband," I replied, feeling deliriously giddy. "Did you actually think we'd make it to this day a few years ago?"

"Not a chance," Liam chuckled ruefully. "When you sat down across from me at that cafe, I was so convinced you were out of my league that I almost bolted then and there."

Pulling back slightly, I fixed him with an incredulous look. "You're joking! That bold and fearless?"

"Fearless isn't the word I would've used back then, love," he said wryly. "More like terrified and self-loathing as all hell. If you hadn't practically hit me over the head with your interest, I probably would've kept on wallowing and never seen what was right in front of me."

A lump rose in my throat as I studied his dear face, chin trembling slightly. Damn these newlywed hormone surges already making me weepy! Liam seemed to sense the shift in my emotions, cupping my cheek tenderly with a concerned furrow in his brow.

"Hey now, it's our wedding day," he murmured. "No tears, yeah? Just focus on me - your hopelessly besotted husband who somehow managed to land an incredible woman like you."

"God, I love you," I murmured fervently, surging up to kiss him hard. A chorus of cheers and playful catcalls erupted around us as our family and friends clocked what was happening.

"Get a room, you two!" Louis' distinctive rasp sounded from the direction of the head table where he, Zayn, Harry and Niall all sat nursing tumblers of amber liquid.

"Give it a rest, Tommo - like you're one to talk about public displays," Liam shot back with a laugh, not taking his eyes off me. Our foreheads pressed together as we continued swaying slowly to the music, the rest of the reception fading away until it was just the two of us.

By the time the song ended and a new, upbeat jam with thumping bass came on, we were both breathless from snogging like a couple of teenagers. A sudden cacophony of hoots and hollering made me jump, whirling around to see our entire rowdy wedding party had flooded the dance floor around us.

Louis and Niall both had their dress shirts completely unbuttoned and ties hanging loosely, sleeves rolled up as they shuffled along uncoordinatedly to the music. Harry and Zayn appeared to have gotten ahold of some Vodka from the bar, sloshing it precariously with each lurching movement. Clearly the party had well and truly started!

Before I knew what was happening, a pair of hands seized me around the waist from behind, swinging me in a circle as raucous laughter sounded in my ear. I let out a rather undignified shriek, dissolving into helpless giggles when I recognized the culprit.

"Louis! You bonker, put me down!"

"Come and dance with your old mate Tommo, love!" he crowed gleefully, beginning to shuffle us both ridiculously to the music. Liam threw his head back with laughter at the image, windmilling his long arms as Niall attempted to twirl him with the same lack of coordination.

"I've got the bride, Tommo! You're stealing my thunder!" the Irishman hollered over the pumping bassline, flushed and sweaty from his gyrating antics.

Before things could descend into total chaos, Zayn smoothly cut in, whisking me away from Louis with a roguish wink.

"May I have this dance, oh wife of my esteemed brother?" he asked with exaggerated formality, expertly spinning us into the rhythm of the song. "Lads are being proper knobs tonight, I reckon we oughta represent a bit of class."

"Oi, I resemble that remark!" Louis squawked indignantly, throwing an arm around my shoulders and attaching himself to our dance like an overgrown limpet. Harry chose that moment to rejoin our bizarre conga line, wrapping himself around Zayn from behind with a mischievous grin.

The dance floor promptly devolved into absolute riotous pandemonium. With the five of us acting like a troupe of drunken circus performers, it wasn't long before others joined in the revelry. At one point, I spun away from our strange clump only to find myself sandwiched between two other couples from the wedding party who both assumed I was with them. I couldn't even keep track of Liam amidst the sea of writhing, laughing bodies.

Song after song blurred together, an infectious electricity coursing through the room that sent any sense of propriety out the window. My hair came fully down from its elaborate style, tendrils sticking to my sweat-slicked temples. I must have shucked my heels hours ago, bounding around the floor in my bare feet with little regard for my very expensive dress.

Just when I thought the energy couldn't possibly ramp up any further, the unmistakable opening beats of "Macarena" pumped through the speakers. An absolutely feral gleam lit up in Louis' eyes as he swung towards me with a borderline manic grin.

"YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, LOVE!" he hollered, grabbing my hands and forcing them into the opening position for the iconic dance. I doubled over laughing as Niall, Harry and Zayn all flocked around us, throwing their limbs haphazardly in an attempt to replicate the moves. Liam completely off sync with them and just thrusting his hips instead.

Within seconds, it seemed like the entire reception had joined in on our ridiculous Macarena circle. I could scarcely breathe I was cackling so hard watching all these posh wedding guests throwing their bodies around shamelessly to the cheesy 90s beat. Even some of the elderly grandmothers in attendance were gamely following along, adding their own flair with terrible dad dancing.

At one point Niall, clearly having imbibed past the point of no return, toppled off-rhythm and crashed directly into me in a tangle of flailing limbs and flying alcohol. I only just managed to shove him off when my best friend Salem came barreling in to my defense, squaring up to Niall with blazing eyes.

"Get your clumsy arse off my girl, Barney!" she snarled, using the derogatory nickname for the Irishman she'd bestowed on him ages ago. Niall just blinked up at her owlishly before letting out a booming laugh, collapsing back onto the ground in a useless heap.

"Easy there, tiger! No need to knock my sparkling personality down a few more pegs!"

Salem snorted indelicately but allowed Louis and Harry to haul Niall's drunken arse back to his feet, his inhibitions clearly being a thing of the past. A few beats later and they had abandoned any efforts at real choreography, dissolving into sheer unbridled flailing to the chorus.

At least I wasn't the only one losing my marbles, I noted with a relieved giggle. My entire bridal party seemed to have been seized by the same temporary insanity, shedding all decorum in favor of nostalgic dad dance pandemonium. Even straight-laced Zayn was shimmying his shoulders outrageously in time with the music, grinning that lazy, infectious smile of his.

We danced, hollered and carried on through the entire 90s kick, drunkenly sloshing our way through everything from the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" to the unforgettable "Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC.

At some point I acquired Harry's gaudy paisley print blazer and began wearing it as an inexplicable accessory. Louis seemed intent on stripping down to his pants but Salem and I managed to wrestle him back into his dress shirt, much to his raucous protests.

I laughed as I saw Liam twirling Niall around, and Harry taking off his blue blazer and twerking with his shirt half open , Zayn watching him in amusement and Louis -

"BUT I'M SO FIT THOUGH! LET ME SHOW THE LADS!" he hollered, wrapping those skinny arms around my neck from behind in a sloppy, sweaty headlock. Harry, ever the wind-up merchant, began egging him on by baring his own tattooed torso with a devilish cackle.

"You're right, Tommo - why hold back our masculine prowess on such a special night?"

"You're both disgusting," Zayn's gruff tones cut across the commotion, though his eyes danced with barely contained mirth. "Learn to control yourselves for once before you traumatize the entire wedding party."

A sudden wicked gleam sparked in Louis' eyes as he untangled himself from me, stalking towards Zayn with a predatory grin. In a shockingly swift move, he grabbed the front of Zayn's crisp white dress shirt and whipped it open, sending a spray of tiny pearl buttons ricocheting in every direction amid raucous cheers from the surrounding guests.

"THERE'S NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF, Z!" he hollered gleefully, seizing Zayn's flailing wrists before the darker man's modesty prompted him to cover up. "Ladies love the sexy lumberjack look!"

"Louis William Tomlinson, I swear on all that is HOLY-" Zayn's outraged bellow was swallowed up by the fresh wave of hysterical laughter that overtook everyone at the sight that ensued.

Whether egged on by the booze, the late hour or just the infectious euphoria of the day, Zayn seemed to decide that resistance was futile. Letting out a resigned groan, he allowed Louis to strip off his dress shirt completely, turning a few cursory circles with his gloriously tanned, tattoo-splashed torso on full display. The catcalls and awwws reached deafening levels as Zayn lifted those impressive arms over his head and danced slowly, almost prowlingly, the image of carnal grace.

He was definitely a vision to behold, all sinewy ropes of lean muscle and golden skin glistening under the soft lights. But then again, the entire night was quickly devolving into a glorious male revue regardless of his antics. Liam moved with an almost leonine sensuality despite his drunkenness, all rippling abs and biceps that strained against the thin fabric of his undershirt. Harry and Louis were all limbs and unbridled charisma as they flailed away, chests bare and shirts hanging open at this point.

Before I could even register what was happening, Salem was marching towards the center of the group with a wicked grin while shedding layers. I watched with wide, bemused eyes as my bold, brilliant friend began an impromptu lap dance on Niall right there in the middle of our bloody wedding reception. The roar of utter pandemonium was absolutely deafening as she rolled her hips over the gobsmacked Irishman, tawny limbs sleek and sinuous.

"Ohhhhh she's FILTHY!" Liam let out a shocked bellow of laughter, slinging an arm around my waist to steady himself. I could only gape incredulously as Salem continued putting on an absolute clinic for her captive audience, Niall's blissed-out expression speaking volumes.

The final straw broke when one of the bridesmaids grabbed a server's tray and began spinning it suggestively over her head like a makeshift stripper pole, drawing a fresh torrent of cheers and lewd gestures from the lads. That was apparently the breaking point for decorum - soon everyone was shimmying and shaking and grinding in an all-out bacchanalia that would make the most seasoned revue dancer blush.

I had tears streaming down my cheeks from laughing so hard at the unrepentant mayhem. Unable to take any more, I finally just allowed myself to collapse in a boneless heap on the floor, stomach aching from hysterics. The action didn't go unnoticed, and soon Louis and Niall had draped themselves over me like a pair of drunken dressing gowns while Harry twerked shamelessly above me in nothing but his obscenely tight pants.

"Oi oi, you lot having a party over here then?" he rumbled in that sinful rasp, dappled chest glistening and dimples cutting deep into those ludicrously chiseled cheeks. "Mind if I join?"

With that he promptly flung his whole, gloriously nude upper body onto the unholy pile of drunken limbs currently enveloping me, sending Sabrina into screaming hysterics all over again. At some point even Liam and Zayn succumbed, collapsing into one spent, breathless heap and dissolving into yet another fit of delirious giggles at the absolute debauchery surrounding us.

Louis had discarded most of his clothes entirely and somehow procured a comFedora which he wore at an obnoxious angle, leading a very uncoordinated conga line around the perimeter of the floor.

And poor Zayn, usually the quieter and more restrained of the group, looked to have reached his limit as the lads' antics became exponentially more zany. I watched in silent bemusement as he reached across the table, grabbed Liam by the lapels, and simply shouted "SAVE ME MATE, I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" before promptly passing out in a heap on the floor right there. Trust Liam's boys to bring that perfect blend of chaos, ridiculousness and wholehearted love to the most special day of our lives!

Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, the shindig began to wind down. I stumbled over to where Liam was slumped in a chair, utterly depleted yet grinning like a lunatic, and unceremoniously draped myself across his lap with my head lolling against his shoulder. He let out a breathless laugh, nuzzling against my sweat-dampened hairline.

"What a night, eh Mrs. Payne?" he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Not sure whether to be mortified or just roll with it when it comes to your new brothers."

I lifted my head to meet his sparkling gaze, feeling deliriously overwhelmed with love and gratitude for this beautiful, mad family of ours.

"Roll with it, definitely," I replied firmly. "We wouldn't have had it any other way."

Mainblog

[redskull199987]

Staying Alive

Katsuki Bakugou x female!reader

Word count:0.7k

Waenings:emotional Bakugou, it's set in season 6 but no real spoilers, Canon typical violence

Summary: After the fight with Shigaraki and the LoV, you awake in the Hospital and have to take care of an emotional Bakugou...

Masterlist

I had barely been awake for a minute, as I felt someone wrap their arms around me. I almost automatically hugged the person back and as my vision cleared after a few seconds, I realized that it was Mina who hugged me. I heard her sniffle slightly, as she pulled me against her tightly.

"I thought we lost you", she mumbled, as we parted. I stared at my best friend in confusion.

"It takes a bit more than Shigaraki to kill me", I joked. But the depressed faces that my friends made, caused me to loose my smile.

"Where is Katsuki?", I asked after I didn't find him in the room.

"He's still unconscious", Kirishima answered quietly.

"But he's fine right?", I asked, slightly panicking. My memories were slowly returning now and I remembered that he had saved Izuku from an attack, but got stabbed multiple times on the way. As he fell unconscious, I took over his job at protecting Izuku. But eventually I failed too and got hit by an attack from Shigaraki.

Right as Mina was about to answer, the door slammed open. My attention was pulled to the person entering and as I saw who it was, I felt my entire body relax.

"Out of my way, Extras!"

I chuckled at his usual rude behavior, as Katsuki stomped towards my bed.

"Bakugou!?", Kiroshima yelled, but he was not only pushed away by Katsuki but also by the others who pulled him with them to eventually leave the room. Katsuki and me were alone now.

"Are you okay?", he asked, his voice was quiet now and he was looking at the ground.

I smiled gently and leaned forward to grab Katsukis hand.

"I'm fine...considering the circumstances", I clarified and I saw how he visibly relaxed.

"When I...when I woke and...", I saw how Katsuki struggled to voice his feelings, I pulled at his hand so that he could sit down on the bed next to me.

"When they told me that you were still unconscious, I thought I had lost you.", he finally said and for the first time since he entered the room, Katsuki looked up and his eyes landed on mine. And I saw the tears in his eyes. I saw how close to a break down he was.

" I will never leave you", I said sternly, before cupping his cheek,"Do you understand? I would never leave you. I will always stay alive for you."

I saw how the fine cord snapped inside Katsuki and he broke loose. Tears spilled all over his face and a sob he couldn't suppress left his lips.

I immediately pulled him into my arms and I felt how he hid his head in the crook of my neck, while his arms wrapped tightly around my middle.

"I love you, Katsuki", I whispered into his ear. And I let him cry freely without any judgment, because I knew that he never opened up to someone like that before and I was glad the he trusted me enough to see him like this.

Vulnerable.

"I love you too", he finally said after a few minutes of trying to calm down. He slowly sat back up and sniffled quietly.

I raised my hand and gently brushed away his tears, before squishing his cheeks slightly, causing him to smile softly.

"Promise me, that you'll never leave me", he said.

"I promise", I murmured and leaned forward to kiss his forehead, then his nose and finally his lips. I felt him grab my hand, as he deepened the kiss. I felt him smile against my lips, right before we parted. And the smile stayed on his lips.

"I missed this", I said. Katsuki looked at me perplexed:"You missed the hospital?"

"No, silly", I chuckled, "Your smile. I missed your smile."

Katsuki tried to hide it but I saw how his cheeks started to get slightly rosy at my words.

"Idiot", he mumbled, before starting to lay down on the bed next to me. I waited before he adjusted and then threw the blanket over him. Katsuki slowly layed his head down on my chest while he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"It's gonna take awhile before it's going to be normal again, isn't it?", I asked sadly.

"Yeah", Katsuki mumbled, "Let's make it worth it then"

[iamthemain-character]

Merry x reader where they were friends before the while shebang and when Merry and the others come back to the shire Merry accidentally reveals his feelings and stuff

(also if the reader could be pretty ugly as well ty)

Hello, thanks for requesting!!! A little note, I genuinely don’t believe anyone is ugly, but I tried to hint that the reader wasn’t conventionally attractive. Remember, just because you don’t fit other people’s standards doesn’t mean that you’re not beautiful in your own way. <3

Coming Back For You

Merry Brandybuck x reader

gender neutral pronouns

TW: Reader is kinda sad in the beginning, mentions of assuming people are dead

LOTR Masterlist

16 months and 19 days.

Once the hobbits’ mysterious disappearances had reached 6 months, most people started to assume that they were dead. Memorials were held, condolences were given, but by the 12 month mark, life had returned to a sense of normalcy.

But for Y/n Y/l/n, life couldn’t be normal again. Merry Brandybuck, one of the missing hobbits, was their best friend. His absence left a large, unfilled hole in their life.

Merry and Y/n had been neighbors since childhood, running around and getting into scrapes and messes from the time they could talk. Merry was the one who stood up for Y/n when the other children would tease them about their looks. He would always wipe Y/n’s tears away, reassuring them that they were [beautiful/handsome] to him. Merry was the one who helped Y/n get their very first job waiting tables at the tavern, and he was their best customer, always making sure they got enough tips at the end of the night. With Merry, Y/n felt safe, like they could just be themself. Their heart had recently complicated things a bit; heart flutters and blushing became more and more frequent when Y/n and Merry would touch. Still, he was their best friend, and their life felt complete with him.

So when Merry went missing without a word, Y/n’s entire life felt like it had been uprooted. Their days were dreary and long, unable to see their friend’s cheery smile or hear his contagious laugh. Y/n’s heart was hurt and heavy, and it felt like they would never be able to smile again.

Y/n refused to believe Merry was dead; no matter what the other hobbits would say, Y/n remained in denial. In their heart, they knew he wasn’t dead, he couldn’t be dead. So every week, Y/n would go to Merry’s house to dust and clean in case he ever came back. It was also therapeutic for them, being able to be surrounded by his things and his essence. Sometimes Y/n would entertain the hope that they would be cleaning and Merry would walk right in through the door, sweeping them up into a hug and launching into his story about where he had been gone. But as weeks blended into months, and the months blended into a year, that hope became dimmer and dimmer.

Now it was almost 17 months since Merry had disappeared. It was fall, and the crunchy leaves underneath Y/n’s feet as they walked to his house. They stopped at the door, pausing a moment to close their eyes.

“One last time.” Y/n whispered under their breath.

As they pressed their hand against the door, but stepped back in shock when it gave, creaking as it swung on its hinges. Y/n took great care to close the door whenever they were finished, so, alarmed, they threw the door open.

And there in front of Y/n’s eyes was the hobbit they so dearly loved. Merry had lost a lot of weight, his hair was longer, and his skin was covered with visible scars. But when he turned around, Merry’s beautiful green eyes, though a bit sadder, lit up when he saw Y/n.

The pair rushed together, wrapping their arms around each other as if they would never let go again. Merry pressed Y/n impossibly closer to him, taking in the feeling of having them near again. Tears freely fell from both pairs of eyes, their hearts bursting with emotions.

“Meriadoc Brandybuck, where on middle earth have you been?” Y/n had meant to joke, but their voice failed them, coming out as a desperate whisper.

“I’m so sorry. There was this thing with Frodo and a ring, and then we had to save the entire world, I swear I never meant to leave you this long.”

Reluctantly pulling back, Y/n looked at Merry quizzically. “You saved the entire world???”

Merry laughed at that, shaking his head. “I’ll tell you about all that, I promise, but I need to tell you something else first.”

Merry took Y/n’s face in his hands, thumbs stroking over their cheeks as he drank in the sight of their face. His voice was hushed and reverent when he spoke. “These past months, I have seen and done things I never would have thought of two years ago. I have lost my way, and lost friends, and seen a whole world outside of The Shire.” Merry paused here, swallowing hard as tears glistened in his eyes. “But no matter what happened, all I could think about was you. How I missed you, how I wished I could have you with me, how I had to protect you. The thought of returning to you was the only thing that kept me going. You are the only thing that mattered to me Y/n.”

“Merry, what are you saying?

“I’m saying that I love you Y/n.”

Shock washed over Y/n as they heard those three words. Despite wanting to hear them for so long, they couldn’t believe it.

“But I’m not [pretty/handsome], I’m not clever, I’m not-“

Merry shook his head furiously, as if he wanted to shake the thoughts out of their head. “Y/n, you don’t see yourself as I see you. You are everything I could ever want, and I love you. I love you Y/n; could you possibly love me too?”

Tears threatened to spill over again as Y/n nodded their head. “Yes Merry, yes, I love you.”

Smiling, Merry leaned in and kissed Y/n. His arms wrapped around their waist, and their hands found their way to his hair. All the longing, all the hope, and all the passion was poured into that kiss, as if they were making up for lost time, but also making a promise for the future.

[mixsethaddams]

Knife To The Throat

Day 4 for @febuwhump. (Yes I know I’m late I’m catching up as best I can. I’ll add all these to ao3 soon too, I might end up just bulk posting them all there by the 28th instead of on tumblr.)

Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, Jim Hopper, Joyce Byers, Murray, Enzo

Words: 1166

Warnings: The title should be treated as a red flag. PTSD. Implied murder-suicide.

Steve never truly recovered from everything that went on in the Upside Down. 

None of them did, to be fair. They had their mandated therapy sessions and various hospital appointments to make sure their core temperature wasn’t showing any signs of harbouring a parasite. Everyone else seemed to be able to move on though, and that’s where Steve fell down. 

He listened to Hopper tell a story about the war once. The Chief detailed the emotions that still overwhelmed him when he thought back on it, how he struggled to fire his gun to protect himself because it reminded him of being right back there in the dark, surrounded by enemies and with no way out. Hopper spoke of nightmares, of sudden flashes of moments he thought his life was over, of losing his friends. Steve listened with wide eyes and it felt like his own thoughts were being read aloud by someone else. But Steve wasn’t a solider, so it couldn’t be the same thing, right? He was probably just being dramatic, so Steve never mentioned how he felt to his therapist either. He didn’t listen to any of Hopper’s war stories after that. 

Steve kept it buried as well as he could. He didn’t always manage to be entirely subtle about his reaction to the little things that triggered whatever it was he was going through. Sometimes he was already in the middle of grabbing the nearest weapon by the time he snapped out of it. Passing it off as a joke to the right person was easy, Tommy Hagan thought it was hilarious when Steve picked up a rock and threw it at a particularly large black labrador. The dog was fine; Steve managed to abort the throw just in time. Steve was not ok, however. He couldn’t help but think how awful it would have been if he actually hit the poor dog. 

“Steve, you need to listen to me,”

Steve never lost the control he worked so hard to keep. Well, almost never. He punched one of Jason Carver’s friends in the face at a memorial service. He was out cold immediately and it took three people to stop Steve from kicking the poor boy in the head when he was on the ground. Fuck that guy. He deserved it. He should never have said that Steve couldn’t protect Max from Eddie Munson. Didn't know what the fuck he was talking about. Sure, the reaction was a bit bigger than what most people would have had, but Steve protected his friends as best he could, and that prick made Lucas cry by talking about Max. 

“It’s ok, it’s all ok, you don’t need to- Can you please look at me?”

His feelings of being a total failure were already high in his throat, and it boiled over right as he was being dragged away from the memorial by someone speaking fucking Russian. 

He screamed at them and wriggled out of their grip, falling heavy onto the ground as they finally got him out of the building. Hopper and Murray stood with their hands outstretched, palms up, placating him. Another man Steve didn’t recognise stood with them, eyebrow cocked in stoic concern. As he asked the others if this boy is ok, he looks like he is having heart attack maybe?, his accent made Steve’s blood run cold. No, no. They were not letting him go back into that bunker, they were not handing him right back over to the enemy. Steve’s vision swam as he turned and ran, ignoring the shouts behind him. 

It didn’t take long for a small group to find him in his parents’ kitchen, backed into a corner with one knife pressed to his throat and another swinging wildly to stop anyone coming too close. Blood from his neck dripped down onto the white shirt he wore to the earlier ceremony. 

“I’m not going back there,” he hissed, slicing through the air in front of him as Joyce tried to approach. 

“I know, I know,” she soothed, taking a step back and holding her hands up in surrender. “We’re going to stay right here, okay?”

Steve’s eyes flew around the room, looking for escape. He was boxed in. Hopper and Murray were in the doorway, Robin blocked the back door. The Russian was standing near Murray. Too close to Robin. She was exposed. He couldn’t protect her like this. 

Steve lunged forward and grabbed Robin, spinning her around so her back was against his chest. He held her tight and moved one of the knives from his neck, to her throat. She gripped tight to his forearm, trying desperately to pull it away. Steve was strong from years of sports and fighting, much too strong for her to compete with. She couldn’t move him. 

“Steve please-” she gasped, feeling the already blood-warmed metal against her skin. 

“I won’t let them take us,” he whispered into her ear. “They won’t get us,”

Steve glared over Robin’s shoulder at the tight faces around him. Hopper moved towards them and Steve spun around to slash a knife in his direction. Robin’s fingers tightened even more around his arm and the blade dug into her skin, adding her own blood now to the mess. Joyce’s eyes went wide as she watched Jim try get close.

“None of you are taking us back down there, do you understand me?” said Steve, his voice far too calm. Hopper felt a panic rise up in his gut at the deadpan tone. 

“Steve, Steve, sweetheart, please,” said Joyce softly.

“I kill us both first,” said Steve, bringing the spare knife back to rest just below his adam’s apple. “You won’t get either of us,”

“They don’t want us,” cried Robin gently, her feet kicking out as she tried to stay on her tip toes to avoid the pain of the tool digging into her neck. “They’re our friends,”

Steve kissed the side of her head and buried his face in her hair. His wild eyes glared out sideways at the others in the room. 

“Shhh, shhh, I thought so too,” he said shakily, pressing his back harder into the wall behind him. 

“Please kid, come on,” said Hopper, one hand on his gun and the other stretched out in front of him. The Russian already had a gun trained on Steve. Murray was frantically dialling a number on the phone that hung on the kitchen wall. The knife against Steve’s neck flew out to point at Hopper briefly before returning to squeeze against his already torn skin. “Put them down, and we can talk,”

“No!” snapped Steve. Everyone froze as his hands visibly tensed around each of the handles. 

“Love you Rob, you hear me?” said Steve. “I have to keep you safe, it’s the only way,”

“Not like this,” she pleaded. “We’ll find another way to escape,”

“Put them down, Steve!” called Hopper, now pointing his gun.

Steve planted another kiss to Robin’s temple. 

“No,”

[roci-wolf]

[22:29]

lee know x f.reader

word count: 1,2k

genre: fluff, established relationship

warnings: slightly suggestive jokes, mentions of food, "witch" used as an endearment. please do tell if i missed anything!

a/n: had this in my drafts for a while now and i decided to finally finish it so i hope the ending doesn't sound a little too rushed. anywayz, tooth rooting fluff bcs i need it.

It had been a very exhausting day. Actually, exhausting was not enough to encapsulate the plethora of emotions boiling inside you or the way your body was feeling — your arms were aching so hard you almost dropped your bag on the way home more than three times, your legs were trembling like jelly and your eyelids were so heavy they were threatening to close against your will. But you had to at least get home first and collapsing in the middle of the street as cars were passing by wasn't on your to do list that day.

But there was something you haven't done yet. One last bullet point that desperately needed to get checked. You wouldn't relax unless you were completing that last task. That's why you were now almost running towards your apartment, high heels echoing in the silent and chilly night. The light in front of the apartment building was slightly flickering again, the buzz of the lightbulb giving its last breath filling your ears as you were fishing for your keys in your purse. You cursed under your breath — where were those damn keys?!

Everything seemed to be running in slow motion. The only thing engulfing your head was the image of the last task of the day needing to be tackled. Your blood was pumping furiously in your veins as if you had been fighting with a lion and a bunch of pirates before arriving home. A tiny moth flew in front of you, entering the building through an open window, as if it was mocking you for being a human who needed a keypad in order to enter their own home. You huffed and puffed, getting more and more agitated.

Finally, you found the keys hidden right at the bottom of your purse. It was as if the whole world wanted to piss you off by keeping you away from your task.

You couldn't even remember how you got in the elevator and then unlocked the apartment door. Everything happened so fast.

A smell of freshly heated food with a tint of male cologne filled your nostrils. Soft music notes carassed your cheeks, dim warm light kissed your eyelids and the fluffy carpet hugged your toes, inviting you in. You smiled to yourself like an idiot, taking a deep breath.

Your heart was on the brink of exploding. But not yet, you wouldn't allow it.

You dropped your purse on the ground, threw your jacket in the hanger carelessly and started running. Nothing could have made you run like that in that moment apart from what was waiting for you on the couch of your living room in a dark blue hoodie and sweatpants with a cat in his lap.

"'Night, Y/n, how was toda- OOF"

Dori was smart enough to predict the disaster that was to follow and quickly left her spot from Minho's lap when you decided to throw your body like a sack of potatoes towards him. You landed with half of your body on the expandable couch and with the other half on your boyfriend. Your hands crawled on his chest and reached his cheeks. He stared at you, blinking like a confused cat with puckered lips because you were gently pushing on his cheeks.

"I'm guessing you'le bely tiled?" he tried to speak with lips like a fish's and you giggled, tucking your nose in his chest and releasing his face.

"That hurt, honey", he whined as you scooted closer to him, wrapping your leg around his figure. Your skirt slightly rose up your leg, so he covered your lower half with the blanket that had been previously warmed up by him. You hummed as the crazy demons that were trampling in your mind burned in the cozy feeling and slowly perished.

"I could die happy now" you mumbled with your face hidden in his hoodie.

"Go ahead", Minho said, surrounding your shoulders with his arm. "Send me a letter from hell".

You gently punched his stomach with your fist.

"How rude! How could you know I'd end up in hell and not in heaven?!"

"With your demon-like behaviour and bewitching being? Darling, you're a walking sin."

You raised your head to glance at his face, chills traveling across your body like a gang of dancing mariachi.

"Wow", you said. "You got me there, Mr Darcy."

The corner of his lips lifted in a smug smirk upon perceiving your reaction.

"What, has my compliment vanished all your braveness? You were so determined to fight me a second ago."

"You're talking as if you didn't just admit I have bewitched you", you scoffed, placing your head on his shoulder so you could look at the side of his face better.

"Well, you do it everyday. I'm not ashamed of speaking about it. How could I not?"

Oh, he did not.

You felt his hand sneak up around you, his fingers traveling across your spine. You rolled around above him before his hand could find your bottom.

"Auch! Witch, what have I done to you?!"

"Keep those grabby hands to yourself, mister", you pushed his chest with your index finger. "Or I'll have to cast a spell and transform those fingers of yours in spaghetti."

"Babe, I don't think that you'd like that", he raised his eyebrow, looking you dead in the eyes. You couldn't believe he was so blunt that night.

"Are you trying to imply something?"

"I don't know, am I?"

Your faces were inches apart, your lips almost touching his.

"Hm. Maybe that tongue needs to disappear as well."

"Oh, honey, you make bad decisions upon bad decisions. You know, it's your loss, not mine. "

"Are you so sure about that?"

His long eyelashes were tickling your face.

"I know you, baby. You wouldn't resist two days."

"Oho, cocky, are we?"

"Hm, just like you like it, my witch."

You didn't push his hands away this time. He grabbed your waist with his hands and gently pushed your body up so that your lips could finally touch. You were fully draped over him now, with your hands on his chest. His fingers tangled in your hair, softly massaging the scalp, making you hum into the kiss. You felt him smile as his other hand placed itself on your back, pushing you closer. You pulled away from his face and let him intertwine his legs with yours as your bodies mingled together, almost becoming one.

You would have fallen asleep there if only your annoying stomach didn't start making weird sounds. Minho giggled, cooing at you.

"Aw, is honey hungry? Why didn't you say so from the beginning?"

You mumbled, feeling your face heat up.

He turned his head with his ear towards your mouth, mockingly.

"What? I didn't heaaar youuu", he trailed off, amusement clear in his voice.

"I said", you spoke up, "I wanted to cuddle first!"

You smirked seeing his face contort because you spoke too loudly in his ear. He frowned, blinking repeatedly and slowly.

"Well, your belly doesn't want cuddles."

"Then my belly is a loser."

"Hey", he retorted, patting your lower back. "Your belly is cute. Don't insult it."

"But it's standing in the way."

He laughed, a series of giggles ending in an "ah", almost like a sigh, while he was carefully prying away from you. You pouted, but he quickly pecked you on the lips before disappearing in the kitchen.

"I know something both you and your stomach would love", his voice floated to your ears. "Pancakes and cuddles?"

You smiled, hugging the blanket and your knees closer to your chest, hiding your nose in it, inhaling Minho's familiar scent.

My final task is about to be completed.

[loveaffaire]

Listen to me… dad’s friend!Bucky + reader

Bonus points if Steve is the father of the reader jensjsks

Almost Caught

Pairing: Dad’s bestfriend!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings/tags: mentions of sex, making out, slight hair pulling, pet names (doll), age gap (reader is 21 and Bucky is… 106), Steve cameo<3, reader calls Steve ‘daddy’ but in a normal father way, obviously🧍🏻‍♀️& credits to The Amazing Spider-Man for the cocoa scene (so TASM spoilers? lol)— 18+ (MINORS DNI)

Word Count: 1.3k

A/N: y’all wild, Steve is gonna beat the shit out of his old pal, Buck, if he ever found out🤠

🤍Written for my 1k sleepover🤍

You were laying on your bed and scrolling through social media when you heard your window glass sliding up, your head shot up and there he was, Bucky.

“Fuck” Bucky whispered, almost breaking the vase on your study table as he practically crawled through your window and fell on the hard floor of your room.

You giggled, eyes quickly checking for the lock on your door and making sure it was locked.

“Bucky!” You gushed, getting off the bed and walking to where Bucky was still sitting on the floor, brushing his jeans off.

“You need to tell Steve that you need a bigger, wider window” he said, slightly pouting.

“And tell him what?” You rolled your eyes, “Dad, your best friend sneaks into my room every night and it’s tough for him to get through my small window, can we please get a wider window?”

He smiled, any sign of distress leaving his face when his eyes landed on your face, “shut up”

He stood up, his 6'0" figure hovering over you as he looked down at you with a glint in his blue eyes, “come here, give me a kiss”

You instantly stood on your tiptoes to reach his lips, your lips softly pressed to his as he pulled your body closer.

You were 13 years old when you were sent to a boarding school far away from school, your parents, Steve and Natasha were too busy being Captain America and Black Widow for the country to keep you around. You were safer in the boarding school, anyway.

When you returned 5 years later, now 18 years old, you only saw Bucky once on a weekend for an Avengers get-together and then you were off to college. Three years there and then you were back home, taking a gap year for various internship opportunities.

That’s when you bumped into Bucky. Even though he's been staying in the Avengers’ compound for years, he only ever hung out with your parents or Sam or spent most of his time reading. So when you had found him in the library one day, a conversation was sparked up and since then, you were inseparable.

He was always around you, you were always around him and one day, when he got you alone in the middle of the large bookshelves in the library, he had kissed you and you happily kissed him back.

The guilt ate away at Bucky for a good few weeks, the thought of doing this to Steve made Bucky feel disgusted with himself, but every time his eyes landed on you, he couldn’t help feeling like a lovesick little boy.

So here you stood, in your bedroom, 3 months later with Bucky holding you against him with his lips on yours. It was wrong but it just didn’t feel like it, sure you had to hide from everyone but that’s what made it even more exciting.

The innocent kiss turned into something a bit more steamy as he roughly pulled you up, easily picking you up by the back of your thighs and placing you on your study table. The second he pushed between your legs with a little force, a whimper left your mouth and just then, there was a knock on your door.

“Y/N?”

You froze when you heard your father’s voice, gripping Bucky’s henley in your hands with wide eyes but as soon as you came to your senses, you quickly pushed on his shoulders and reached for the door and Bucky quickly duked down behind the loveseat.

“Honey, do you want some cocoa, mom’s making some cocoa!”

You opened the door, just enough to stick your head out. Your breath was shaky, chest heaving up and down, “no, dad, I do not want cocoa, honestly I’m 21 years old”

You father looked at you confused but the frown on his face turned into a smirk as he said, “okay, I just thought I remember somebody saying last week that her fantasy was to live in a chocolate house”

You heard a soft snicker from inside your room and your eyebrows shot up, “well, that’s impractical” you shut the door but opened it again, “and fattening,” you shut the door again.

You turned back and saw Bucky with his chin resting on the top of the loveseat, “chocolate house?” he joked, tilting his head to the side.

You rolled your eyes as you opened the door and saw your father standing there with a frown on his face once again, “sorry dad”

“It’s okay I—”

“I can’t have um cocoa right now, I’m- I’m working, I’m doing this, I’m- I have cramps!”

“Oh”

“Yes, I feel pukey and emotional, I’ve been crying—”

“Alright that’s—”

“It’s gross, I can’t have cocoa,” you gulped.

“Good good” your father shook his head, looking at the wall behind you.

“It’s brutal, you don’t wanna know” you whispered, making a gagging expression.

“Got it, that’s- I got it” your father nodded, turning around, he threw a thumbs up in the air.

“Thanks, daddy” you yelled out, shutting your door and locking it.

You rested your forehead on the door and sighed. Bucky sneaked up behind you and softly grabbed you by the waist, he kissed your exposed skin on your shoulder, his lips were warm on your skin.

“He could have caught you,” you whispered, moving away from him.

Bucky grasped your wrist, pulling you back to him and you stumbled back on his hard chest, “but he didn’t”

He leaned in, attaching his lips to yours, he softly tugged on your hair and you whimpered. As your lips fell open, he was quick to sneak his tongue inside your mouth and you moaned against his lips.

“Bucky, wait” you pulled away, shaking your head at him, “you should leave because what if dad becomes like- I don’t know- suspicious”

“But I don’t want to leave” Bucky whined like a little kid as he tugged on the hem of your tank top.

“He’ll kill you if he finds you here” you rolled your eyes at him, falling back on the bed.

“Did you know back in our days, Steve opposed 117 nations to protect me?” Bucky smirked, “he’s not gonna hurt me”

He crawled on top of you, resting his hands on either side of your shoulders. You’ve heard about the incident that broke up the Avengers a million times, Tony and your dad never stopped joking about it at the get-togethers.

“Well, back in your days, you weren’t fucking his daughter” you smirked, your eyes squinting at him.

“I haven’t fucked you” he whispered, “yet”

“It’s only been 3 months, I’ll make you wait a little more” you said, your voice smug.

“Well, I’ve still been to places… your places” he said, his voice low and filled with lust, “do you remember that time I tasted you? My pretty doll tasted so good for me—”

You pulled yourself up on your elbows, pecking his lips and shushing him. Not wanting him to see you so flushed, you rolled over with him under you now and your lips landed on his neck, you were quick to leave a pretty lovebite on him.

As you continued your work on his neck, with his head thrown back and soft moans falling out of his lips, you felt his bulge pressing between your thighs. He gripped your hips and lifted himself off the bed, desperately trying to feel you against him.

“Okay” you huffed and sat on his lap, you teased him by pushing a little harder on his bulge, “that’s enough waiting”

He quickly nodded, “3 months is a lot of waiting, yeah” his voice was shaky, neck red from the heat creeping up to his face.

“You wanna fuck me?” you whispered, nudging your face closer to his as he sat up with you still on his lap.

“So badly, doll” he said, resting his hands on your waist.

“Get to it then” you softly giggled, getting off his lap and crawling up on the bed.

You rested your back against the headboard and you removed your cotton shorts, spreading your legs wide open for Bucky to see the dampened spot on your underwear. As he looked at your face twisting in pleasure when you softly brushed your fingers over your clothed cunt, he was sure he was going to devour you tonight. He was going to absolutely wreck you.

I had to leave it at that, whatever happened after that was wild and they broke the bed so yeah🤠

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Writing letters, Epilogue, Part 1 - a Chenford fanfic

As Lucy walked through the door of her apartment she already had a to do list running through her head. The first item on the list was to take a shower. She had skipped this part of her after work routine at the station because she hadn’t wanted to keep Tamara waiting. She needn’t have worried. Tamara was still in the x-ray room for her post-casting pictures when she arrived. Nevertheless, they were out the door with a prescription for pain killers in less than half an hour.

Lucy was pulled out of her thoughts by Tamara.

“Good night,” she yawned heading towards her bedroom.

“It’s 7:30,” Lucy pointed out and received a grunt in response. “And you haven’t eaten since this morning. You should have something for supper.”

“Can’t,” Tamara groaned. The meds they gave me are no joke I will literally fall asleep in my food and drown.”

Lucy went to counter but Tamara was already gone.

“Well I’ll make you something anyway,” Lucy yelled after her. “And remember to elevate your arm. There are extra pillows on the couch if you need them.”

“OK mom,” came Tamara’s teasing reply from her bedroom.

Lucy begrudgingly put off her shower hoping to get some food into her roommate before she was out for the night. Her plan was soup, but as she went to the island to grab a pot from underneath, her attention was caught by a scuffed piece of paper. She went to move it to Tamara’s room thinking it was part of her class notes but stopped when she recognized the cramped printing.

Dear Lucy

I love you too. But you know I’m more of a show you kind of guy. My place, tonight, 9pm.

Love, Tim she read.

At first the words didn’t sync in. The note was so out of context her mind couldn’t comprehend the significance. But as she started scanning the scratched out sentences above, the situation became clear.

Kojo’s predilection for getting into garbage had led Tim to find the “letter” she had written him as a reflective exercise and never intended to send. The letter in which she realized and openly shared the extent of her feelings for him. That she was in love with him. That’s when the emotions kicked in. The first to hit were embarrassment and anxiety but then she reread his response and the big picture finally clicked.

He reciprocated her feelings. And wanted to see her. Tonight.

The anxiety remained but was muted as embarrassment was replaced by excitement and disbelief.

She almost texted him to make sure it was real but stopped short. She wanted to hold on to the possibly as long as possible and in her heart she knew all the worry was unnecessary. Because she knew his printing and communication style, just like she knew he would never hurt her. She trusted him with her life. More than that she trusted him with her heart. So she moved to get ready for an evening that could change the rest of her life as long as she was brave enough to take the leap. And Lucy Chen was nothing if not brave. In fact she had made that promise to herself as soon as she had finished penning the letter she now held. That If this opportunity presented itself she would take it, because the risk was worth it.

But first she had to make sure Tamara was safe to be alone. She walked into her roommates room to find her fast asleep, casted arm propped on a stack of pillows.

Lucy figured she wouldn’t even realize she was gone until she got up in the morning for breakfast. She left a note on Tamara’s bedside table telling her where she was going and to call if she needed anything. She grabbed Tamara’s phone from where it was tangled in her sheets beside her and plugged it in placing it beside the note. Then she added her bottle of meds and a smoothie with toast that she quickly threw together in case she woke up hungry in the middle of the night.

Then she turned her attention to herself. She started with the long awaited shower, washing the grim of the day away. Then blowed her hair into loose curls with her brush and hair dryer before applying simple makeup. She easily added jewelry, sticking with her tried and true. Her St. Michael medallion from Jackson, her opal ring and the opal studs Tim had got her for her birthday to match. Then she headed to her closest. Unlike on TV where the characters seemed to have a new outfit for every occasion Lucy was on a budget. Tim had already seen her in her two nicest dresses, the green one she wore to Angela’s would be wedding and the black and gold she wore to Harper’s reception and although she knew he wouldn’t care, especially as she replayed his eyes raking up each get up, she really wanted to surprise him with something new. She had lots of other pretty maxi skirts and cute sundresses and even a few sexy night out dresses but nothing that seemed good enough for the first date with the love of her life. Then her eyes landed on a dress she forgot she had and she flashed back to nearly 2 years ago when she bought it.

It was the end of her second week as a rookie and she and her fellow rookies had just received their very first pay check. Jackson had insisted they go to the mall to celebrate, blow off some steam and enjoy some of their hard earned earnings.

They had started at the food court and Nolan had bailed shortly after, but Lucy and Jackson had wandered through the mall for hours having fun making each other try on the silliest outfits they could find. They had entered a dress store both determined to find the frilliest, puffiest dress they had to offer when Jackson pointed to something much simpler. It was a matching two piece dress (crop top and high-waisted skirt) made of a shiny floral material,  teal with big white flowers.

“You should try this one,” he said handing it to her.

“Why. This one’s actually nice,”

“I know. And it suits you. You never know when you might need a nice dress.”

“I still have two nice dresses in my closest that I haven’t even had a chance to wear yet,” Lucy replied.

“The green and black with gold one’s you showed me when you were trying to choose what to where on that date?”

Lucy nodded.

“OK. I’ll admit those are stunning. But they show off your chest. This one would show off your arms and legs. Plus bonus midriff.”

Lucy rolled her eyes.

“Do you consider what parts of your body you’re accentuating when you pick a suit?”

“Of course. It’s usually my butt. But it can be my chest or arms depending on how I where my shirt.”

Lucy couldn’t help but laugh.

“You asked. Anyway. Maybe now that we’re officially cops we’ll have more fancy events to attend, like fundraisers or co-workers weddings.”

“What coworkers are inviting us to their wedding?” Lucy teased.

Jackson shrugged, “My dad says there’s a special bond between a rookie and TO. I feel like that’s deserving of a wedding invite.”

Lucy laughed. “Hell would freeze over long before Bradford would be inviting me to anything. Let alone his wedding.”

“You can be my plus one to Lopez’s” Jackson offered earning a playful shove from Lucy.

“Come on at least try it on,” he continued and she relented.

It had fit well and looked really good on and after Jackson threatened to buy it himself she had finally made the purchase (it helped that it was on sale).Then it had ended up in the back of her closet, forgotten. Until now.

As she looked at it now she couldn’t help but smile as she was reminded of good times with her best friend as well as how far she and Tim had come. And it really was perfect for tonight.

“Thanks Jackson,” she whispered to the sky as she quickly got changed, putting the dress over a matching set of lacy black lingerie. She added a simple pair of strappy white sandels then admired her work in the mirror. She looked good, great even and she couldn’t wait to see the look on Tim’s face.

She quickly threw together an overnight bag, hoping she wasn’t being presumptuous but also that she wouldn’t need the pjs she packed and would instead be sleeping in a T-shirt of Tim’s or nothing at all. That thought sent a bolt of excitement through her as heat rushed to her cheeks.

This whole thing still didn’t feel real. She kept waiting to wake up but when she didn’t she decided to embrace it.

She wanted to bring something, like a bottle of wine or flowers but there was nothing remotely appropriate in her apartment and it was already 8:50pm so she really didn’t have time to stop.

The last thing she did before leaving, after checking on Tamara one last time, was slip the paper, now with two love letters printed on it, into her purse. If this was going to change her life forever, she didn’t want to lose such a crucial piece of the story.

THE END (for now)

This is dedicated to all the people who left such nice comments on the original. Thank-you.

Part 2. What happens when Lucy get’s to Tim’s will follow.

[lol-im-done]

The Avenger & Baron of Sokovia

Thank you so much to @sagyunaro​ for coming up with this idea! I wrote too much to fit into a one shot so I’m splitting this into two parts!

Part One:

Part Two:

You can find this on my A03 as well: Anti_Social_Teen

Word Count: 2,818

What happened that horrible day in Sokovia affected you more than any other mission you had been on in your time with the Avengers. You had seen death, had seen destruction, narrowly avoided it every second of your life but as you lay on the ground of Novi Grad that day, trying so hard to keep the chunk of Sokovia close to the ground with your telekinetic abilities it became too much. You vividly remembered placing yourself close to the middle of the rising piece of Earth that Ultron was going to use like an atomic bomb to wipe out billions of innocent lives. 

“What are you doing?” Steve asked, running over to you. 

“I’m going to try and put it back down!” you replied, standing your ground. Wanda had come over with her brother Pietro, watching you with interest.

“Isn’t that what FRIDAY explained to us. The higher it goes the bigger the blast radius,” you said. Steve nodded, worry filling his face but you gave him a brave smile. Closing your eyes in concentration, your hands filled with dark green energy, tendrils beginning to snake down into the ground as it continued to rise. “I got this! Go!” you instructed them. It had felt like hours, you had never pushed yourself to these limits before and couldn't stop yourself from falling to your knees before you knew it your body collapsed completely but you persisted, your whole body and the area around you glowing green. Vaguely you could hear the others try to reach you but you shook your head silently, tears streaming down your face in pain and frustration, blood seeping out of your nose as you remained glued to the ground. 

The guilt of your weakness spread like a poison in your body, you weren't strong enough and by the end it didn't help when Novi Grad fell. They had told you that you had kept it at half the height it was supposed to be at, that your telekinetic energy had kept most of the big debris from falling but you ignored their voices of reason. It was Thor who had found you floating in the sea, passed out but cocooned by your powers. Numbness engulfed your body the instant you had awakened and you watched silently for the next few days as decisions were made on how the cleanup and relief would proceed. The answer became clear to you for what you needed to do next. 

“You don’t have to stay,” Steve murmured, placing his hand on your shoulder in a reassuring manner. 

“Who will I be if I don’t,” you replied sadly. Steve could see how much this meant to you, so he gave you a warm strong hug before walking off to the Quinjet to return to the Compound leaving you in Sokovia. The terms of your stay were strictly humanitarian, to help cleanup the destruction, your identity kept a secret. Only around official Stark Relief Foundation workers did you use your telekinetic powers in the worst part of the devastation. With a solemn look in your eyes you waved your hands, slowly lifting chunks of peoples homes, their belongings falling into the ash and rubble. After a few hours of this you would walk around, picking up trinkets, photos, anything you could recover. You’d return to your small apartment Tony had gotten you, and cleaned them as best you could with your kit of brushes before returning them to the main headquarters where refugees and survivors could seek help. It was only supposed to be a week but you stayed longer. It was mainly your guilt that kept you tied to Sokovia but soon you felt yourself growing connected to the suffering country. It was another day at the Stark Relief Foundation building, you were slowly picking up Sokovian, Wanda had even facetimed you for a few hours each night trying to teach you some phrases. It was mostly silent, somber in this wing of the building where survivors would arrive, where recovered bodies were documented. Slowly your eyes caught sight of a distraught man a few feet away. 

“He just found his family in the rubble,” Lana murmured to you, eyes glancing at the man who sat a few chairs away. She brought out a clipboard but you took it gently from her hands. 

“I got this,” you replied and she gave you a grateful smile before walking off. With a sigh you walked over to the man, who was covered in dust.  

“Hi. Ahoj,” your soft voice broke through the wall of silence the man had created around himself. It took him a few seconds to lift his head finally and the look of heartbreak on his face made a lump form in your throat. 

“My name is (Y/N). I’m a volunteer and I’m going to help you fill out some forms,” you said, taking a seat next to him. “English or Sokovian?” you asked. “English is fine,” he finally spoke, coughing to clear his throat. Giving him a sympathetic look, you passed him a handkerchief from your pocket which he took gratefully. 

“I know this is a difficult time but I’m here to help with whatever you need. We will help you find shelter, get food and financial assistance and help with the death certificates of your family,” you explained. The way you spoke to him was unusual, straightforward but kind. It was the custom to speak formally almost coldly to strangers, but there was a softness in your eyes. “So what is your name?” you asked. 

“Zemo. Helmut Zemo,” he replied. Giving him a small smile you brought out your pen and got to work. In the next few days you came to realize that Helmut Zemo was not just any ordinary citizen, he was a Baron. Even as Sokovia continued to crumble at the institutional level, Helmut played an active part in donating funds to the local organizations. He became a familiar face, always an active presence during the day and after a few weeks of working together you could comfortably call him a friend. You still didn’t reveal your true identity, there was a growing sentiment from some in Sokovia against the Avengers but overall most people were grateful you all had saved the world. You still struggled with guilt of course but things were becoming easier. Spending time with Helmut was peaceful, he would often read aloud to you when you spent time at each other's apartments after a long day of work. Even with his wealth he chose a modest apartment a few blocks from yours. Things always remained strictly friendly, both of you keeping conversations light and rarely bringing up your origins or past life. It became a comfort to listen to his Sokovian accent, look into those captivating brown eyes. Helmut often felt the start of a warm feeling in his chest when he heard your airy laugh after his terrible jokes but he forced himself to suppress the feeling. Just when you thought it would be a good idea to open up to him, to begin to reveal your true identity that was all shattered the moment you entered his apartment one evening. 

It was dark, only the crackling fire from the fireplace providing a light source. He stood back turned to you, hunched over the fire a glass of whiskey clenched in his hand. 

“Helmut?” you whispered, closing the door softly behind you so as to not startle him. 

“You’re an Avenger,” Helmut whispered, and when he turned around you saw something in his eyes you had never seen before. Anger and hatred, it was amplified by the reflection of flames in his eyes.  

“Who told you?” you asked, trying to stay calm but your heart pounded beneath your shirt. 

“I heard the Stark Relief Foundation workers talking about you. How Stark was coming to visit you soon,” he sneered. “Is it true?” Helmut asked. Wordlessly you lifted your hand twisting it summoning your telekinetic energy. That was all he needed, he began shaking his head a dark laugh coming from his mouth. “What is this then? Why are you here?” Zemo snapped, pacing close to the fireplace.

“I stayed to help,” you began but he threw his glass against the wall, shattering the glass cup. It stunned you, making you jump in place.

“Help,” he said coldly. 

“Helmut please let me explain-,” you tried to say, your voice wavering with emotion. 

“No! You played a part in it! You’re the reason why my family is dead!” Helmut screamed. Those last words hit you like a slap in the face, face falling as your heart seemed to crack right down the middle. It felt like all the air had been sucked from the room and before you knew it all the guilt and shame and memories hit you like a ton of bricks. There was no use in trying to say something, when you opened your mouth no words came out. Helmut made no attempt to move towards you, no attempt to take back his words as you turned away and stumbled out of the door. Heavy sobs began to slip out of your mouth, as memories flashed in your head, the screams of the innocent civilians, the bodies of the dead. Through tears you made your way back to your apartment, packed and left Sokovia that same night. 

You didn’t return to the Compound after that, choosing to stay in Switzerland in a home that Tony owned and had let you stay in. He felt for you, as did the others on the team as much as they wanted you to return to them. This is where you stayed in solitude and when the Accords were announced you had made no attempt to be a part of the rift between Steve and Tony. You thought it was ridiculous and when you were summoned by Ross you ignored the summons and remained secluded. It wasn’t until it was all over that you were granted a loose term of conditions to keep your freedom even though you hadn’t done anything. It shocked you, when you found out what Helmut had done, the plan he orchestrated. How could the kind man from Sokovia become so full of hatred and vengeance? You knew his wife, son and father had died. You had been the one to fill out their death certificates but never could you imagine it would end like this. He was often on your mind as best as you tried to shake him off but he had made an impact on your life. It wasn’t until one sunny morning that you received an unexpected call.

 “Hello?” you answered the phone as you stirred the sugar into your tea.

“Is this (Y/N) (L/N)?,” the German voice asked. 

“Yes. Who are you?” you asked a bit suspiciously.

“I’m Warden of the Berlin Detention Center where Helmut Zemo is being kept. He’s asked to meet with you and we would normally deny this request but seeing as you are an Avenger-,” the Warden began but you cut him off.

“I was an Avenger,” you corrected but he continued. 

“It is up to you if you would like to see him. If not I can tell him his request was denied,” he finished. A strange feeling filled you, why bother seeing him? He hated you, tore your family apart in revenge. But then you thought about the hurt and pain you both faced in Sokovia. 

“I’ll be there in 48 hours,” you finally said into the phone. Even after he had hung up you stayed there by the kitchen counter, tears silently flowing down your cheeks. 

Following the armed guards you clutched your purse tightly, the nerves finally hitting you at what you were about to do. It felt like you were in a dream as the door slid open, revealing a dark cell with a glass wall and a chair in front of it. There was no movement from the cell as you sat down on the chair they provided you, you actively avoided Helmut’s gaze, setting your bag down. You kept your eyes trained on the piece of lint on your jeans until he finally spoke up breaking the silence, but there was tension. 

“Will you not look at me (Y/N)?” that rich Sokovian voice that haunted your dreams asked.

“I didn’t think you’d want to look into the face of your family’s killer,” you said, the words sounded harsher than you intended. By the time you looked up to meet his eyes, Helmut’s face was a vision of regret. 

“I should have never said those things to you,” Helmut said, coming closer to the wall that separated him from you. He looked differently from the last time you had seen him, he looked defeated. His chestnut hair was tousled, stubble beginning to grow on his jawline. 

“Yet you did and never gave me a chance to explain,” you snapped crossing your arms.  

“My anger was misplaced. I see that now,” Helmut began. “I saw the footage, what they had recovered. The way you tried to save Novi Grad,” Helmut said, emotion filling his voice. 

“We tried to save Novi Grad,” you interrupted, even if you could see how the Avengers held responsibility, you weren’t going to allow him to slander your family. Helmut grimaced at your words. “Why did you ask me here?” you snapped, eyes hardening. Helmut inched closer to the glass, nervously running his hands through his hair.

“I’ve been contemplating what I’ve done. I realized that even if you had not been involved I hurt you and you didn’t deserve that especially after what I did to you in Sokovia,” Helmut said. Lifting your brow you allowed him to continue.“If you let me I would like to explain myself, not excuse myself. I want to tell you everything,” Helmut said. It felt like torture for Helmut, every second waiting for your response. 

“Alright. I’ll listen,” you finally said, leaning back into your chair. The faintest smile filled Helmut’s face as he began his story. In the weeks and months that passed by, it became a weekly occurrence to meet him. Berlin wasn’t too far from where you resided in Switzerland, the train ride was a part of your weekly routine now. When Tony had called you, expressing his concern at your visitations you explained that this was purely rehabilitation, for both you and Helmut. He wasn’t entirely convinced but he couldn’t stop you, not even Steve when he tracked you down to talk to you.

“(Y/N),” Steve greeted, surprising you in the alleyway by your apartment. “Steve! Christ you scared me,” you snapped, holding a hand to your heart. Giving him a stern look he chuckled. 

“Are you going to see Zemo?” Steve asked.

“Yes. Are you here to try and stop me?” you asked, tilting your head.

“I just want to make sure he’s not using you, manipulating you,” Steve sighed. “Don’t you trust me Steve?” you asked, stepping closer to him.

“I don’t trust him,” Steve replied. 

“He was in the wrong. I know that Steve but everyone deserves a chance to explain themselves, a second chance. You of all people should understand that,” you said. Steve stared down at you with those intense blue eyes but he knew you were right. Giving you a strong hug he retreated back into the shadows. 

“What are you thinking of miláčik?” Helmut whispered one day as you listened to him read a book on Russian history. History was something you both enjoyed so you would bring books every week for him. Heat rose in your cheeks at the way he called you darling but you shrugged. 

“How much I enjoy spending time with you. Even in this prison,” you murmured. Helmut smiled, feeling a joy he seldom felt since his family had perished. 

“I wish there wasn’t this glass between us,” Helmut said, but his tone surprised you. It was almost sad, and when you met his eyes there was something new in them. This was your chance, to admit your growing feelings for Helmut. Helmut watched you lean forward, giving him a closer view of your face. It was constantly in his dreams, your eyes his new favorite color. 

“Helmut I-,” you began to say, eyes full of adoration and sincerity but the words became stuck in your throat. Helmut’s confusion at your loss of words turned into horror as you slowly became dust, eyes wide with fear. The last thing he saw was your glowing green hand outstretched trying to reach him as he slammed his body against the glass, voice screaming your name until you were nothing. He was stuck in his cell of helplessness and loss, and that is how he stayed for five more years. 

[vicvpcvke]

That’s What She Said Pt 3

Im running outta TWSS jokes

The next two days, Robin acted weird at work and at school. Fortunately for you, she wore her emotions on her sleeve, so you immediately knew she was waiting to tell you something like a volcano ready to explode. This day in particular, she decided not to say a word to you until lunch.

You sat alone on the bleachers waiting for her, watching some dudes who thought they were good at football show off to some girls near them. You zoned out a bit looking into the field, knowing what it was like to be friends with people like that. You had learned your lesson back in tenth grade that those weren’t your kind of people, and eventually the universe brought Robin to you.

Your best friend plopped down on the metal bench beside you, making you jump in the process. Your best friend didn’t hesitate getting right down to business, “Y/N I was waiting until you came to me because I didn’t want to be nosey but you know me and how much I overthink, and well, I don’t know I don’t want you to think I’m being weird and stalker-y or anything because I’m definitely not I just-“

“Robin,” you cut her off so she could breathe, “what’s on your mind?”

She hesitated for a moment, then as quickly as she could said, “I saw Eddie Munson’s van parked at Family Video the other day.”

You panicked for a second and quickly realized it was nothing. Just as fast as the anxiety hit, it settled, knowing this was easy enough to play off, “Yeah…he’s a customer? He’s been there before.”

Robin turned away from you, facing the field, “Ugh I know, I know! Its just that you were working alone and…I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

An ounce of shock shot through you. Robin wasn’t in your class with him, and you two never spoke outside of that. You stayed silent, knowing she’d continue if you silently let her.

“Y’know, like in the cafeteria. He’s always sitting with his Manson-Hell Club Cult and I’ve caught him looking over at you a few times.” She continued, still worried.

You almost felt excited, but waved that feeling away like a cloud, “Robin I doubt that. Eddie’s more likely to have a crush on a cheerleader than me.”

Robin bit into her sandwhich, turning back to you, “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

***

Walking back into Ms Hart’s class, you noticed the back of the class was empty, no Munson in sight. You hated to admit it, but you were partially looking forward to his antics. The rest of the class filed in with Munson, nor Ms Hart, anywhere in sight. You sat down, tossing your brick filled backpack onto the floor, and heard a little crumble from under you. You stood up to see what the noise had been and looked down to your chair where a small note sat. Curiously, you picked it up and unraveled it, not expecting it to be anything more than a scribble.

Skip with me? - E

E? Little pins and needles pricked your heart, getting you excited- No, nervous…definitely nervous, you had never really skipped class much. You looked back around the classroom, Ms Hart no where in sight. Fuck it, you thought, and swiftly threw the backpack around your shoulder and slipped away. The hall way was completely empty except for a few kids late to class; no Eddie Munson in sight. You slowly walked down the hall, trying to make your shoe’s contact with the floor as quiet as possible. You came to a corner, but still didn’t see him anywhere, “Munson? Good god I’m going back.”

“Going somewhere?” A low voice hushed from behind, causing you to jump.

You turned to him, slapping his chest in the process, “Fuck you!” You half- jokingly laughed, wanting to wipe that stupid smile off of his face.

Eddie tucked his hands into his jean pockets and lightly rocked on his heels, almost imitating a nervous middle schooler, “You got the note?”

“No, actually I was on my way to take a shit,” you rolled your eyes then smiled, “so what’s on the itinerary.”

“2 o’clock showing for Aliens, hope you got your wallet.” Eddie started walking back down the hallway, you followed suit.

A familiar clopping echoed from behind you two, shit, “Edward Munson! Is that you.” One of the teachers called from behind.

“Shit!” Eddie grabbed your hand and started running down the hall laughing. You had barely done anything yet, but the thrill of slipping through those school doors, Eddie’s hand in yours, was already enough to keep you up all week.

Eddie whipped the keys out of his back pocket and started up his van. You jumped in the passengers seat as he instructed, he pressed his foot to the gas before you could even shut the door. With a hard left turn, you were sent flying over to the drivers side, your left leg landing overtop of his right one, and your hand grabbing his shoulder, “You good there sweetheart?” He asked with a low roll to his voice, like an ocean wave glazing over a rock.

Your abdomen fluttered so much you just about let out a giggle. You managed to contain it and said you were fine, once again sweeping the crumb of infatuation out of the way. But the broom never fully sweeps the crumbs on to the dust pan, does it?

A/N: AGH I’M SORRY THIS TOOK ME SO LONG •~• The summers been crazy busy but I hope to be more consistent! Thank you for the support!

- not edited

[katsubiatch]

Distant Shores-2

Summary: The heathens came to raid every year, stealing treasures and killing along the way. Your father was the King of Wessex and wanted to strike a deal with the heathens. The heathens and their ruthless numbers in exchange for some lands to farm, riches... and you. You are the Christian princess that is now to marry the Heathen King, a man that you're sure would rather kill you than marry you. This is going to be a miserable marriage.

A Viking!BakugouxReader fic.

The boat ride back to where the Vikings lived was a long one. As exciting as being on the open water was, to see so much open space it got old quickly. The water would spray at you, soaking you to your bones and causing you to shiver. There also wasn’t much to look at other than the deep blue of the ocean, white fluffy clouds in the sky, the other Viking ships floating nearby. 

You also couldn’t really speak to anyone, you did not know their language at all nor they yours. The only one who seemed to know anything was the man that was to be your husband, however he didn’t seem interested in talking. At least not to you. From what you could tell he was grumpy, rude, unpredictable and overall unpleasant. You wondered why these people followed him, weather or not they had a choice in the matter or not. Back home no matter what anyone thought of your father they had to follow, he was King after all. You weren’t quite sure how it worked here but you couldn’t ask either. 

You huffed, drawing the fur closer around your body, the same one that had been placed on you near the start of your journey. He had to have a nice bone somewhere in his body, right? If he gave you this fur, then again maybe he just hadn’t wanted to hear you complain. It felt like you had been on the sea forever, and there was a constant chill to you that you couldn’t shake. You had no idea how some of these men were shirtless, though you supposed it would be easy to work up a sweat rowing as they did. You hadn’t ever thought of that, that there were people who did such a job. You hadn’t been on one of your fathers ships and even if you had you wouldn’t have seen the men working so hard to row.  One of the men must have noticed your staring because he gestured to you and then to the oar that he was holding, laughing and joking with the men beside him. However you stood up, giving the man a smile. At this point you’d do anything to warm up and help. You felt useless this entire time, the only person who hadn’t taken a turn to row. The man looked shocked at you as you stood up, gently touching the oar. You weren’t quite sure how to do this, that much was obvious but the man did his best to instruct you without actually speaking. You figured you got the gist of it and it only took you a minute or so to get in sync with the other men rowing. You laughed softly to yourself before starting to feel the burn in your arms. This was a workout, but judging by the men near you and their large arms this was something they were used to. A few of the men near you let out little snickers and chuckles, shaking their heads. They hadn’t expected such a prim and proper lady to do such a thing. You on the other hand, found things like this interesting and wanted to try it all. 

It did not last long however until you felt a strong hand wrapping around your upper arm and dragging you up, causing you to drop the oar and gasp slightly. Bakugou was barking angrily at the man that had gotten up from his position while gripping tightly on your arm. You couldn’t understand what he was saying but he sounded angry and you instantly regretted your decision. “It is my fault.. not his.” You managed to get out, your own hand touching Bakugou’s arm.  “Quiet you, you are meant to sit here until we get back.” Bakugou growled as he looked down at you, almost snarling as he deposited you back to where you had originally been seated. You grumbled for a few moments, looking up at Bakugou with narrowed eyes, obviously upset that he had pulled you away from your task. 

The two of you were sharing a very long, intense stare. A few of the men around you admired your braveness and said as much, not that you could understand what they were saying to begin with. Soon a spray of ocean water broke your gaze as it came crashing right next to you and you had to move to get out of it’s way. “You sit here, and do not say anything the rest of the way.” Bakugou grumbled as he moved you to a spot where there wasn’t too much spray and threw another fur over you. 

His mood was hard to understand, he could be somewhat kind as you’d witnessed before, but he was also surly and rude. To be married to someone like that for the rest of your life, always having to guess at what emotion he had and walking on eggshells. That was not something that you wanted to deal with, however you didn’t have much choice in the matter. Running away? Well you were in the middle of the ocean and once you got back to land your odds weren’t much better. In a foreign land where you didn’t speak the language? Yeah that wouldn’t be good. So at this point you were stuck, with no much choice other than to marry a man you didn’t know or love. 

It was a day or so later that seagulls were seen flying above and you saw the men getting excited, so you figured that you must be getting closer to home. Well their home, your new prison. Moments later a small town came into view, huts and longhouses, docks and a beautiful beach. You stayed put where you were however, instead of going to get a closer look. You really didn’t want to anger your future any further. 

Soon the men were docking, women waiting with children at the docks smiling happily and waving at what you presumed were their husbands. They were all so happy to see their families some jumped off the boats before they were properly docked and unloaded. You wondered what it was like, to have such a family. You figured you’d never know. Your parents weren’t exactly the loving type, always more concerned with their country and duty. You smiled at watching them reunite, happy for them. Children climbed on their fathers shoulders, heavily pregnant women eagerly hugged their husbands. 

You were roughly pulled from your seated position, a calloused hand gripping your upper arm tightly and hauling you towards the docks. You did your best to fall into step beside him, tripping over your own feet as his pace was quick. “Keep up.” He grumbled as he looked back angerly at you before stopping once they had got to the red head you often saw Bakugou hanging around with. He was huddled close to a beautiful, bubbly woman holding a a newborn baby wrapped in furs. The two were cooing over the little thing before Bakugou walked over to them.  “Look at how beautiful she is, you really outdid yourself Mina.” 

“Well you had a hand in it as well you know.”  You heard the woman giggle but you had no idea what they were saying so you just stayed put, catching your breath from that walk. Bakugou stayed put, looking down at the baby and you could have sworn you saw a light smile gracing his lips. However whatever was there was gone just as quick.  “She is beautiful.” Bakugou agreed and looked at the two. “Congratulations. A new child is a wonderful thing.” “Who is she?” Mina asked, peeking around Kirishima to get a better look at the woman Bakugou was holding onto so tightly.  “Oh don’t worry about her, I’ll explain later.” Kirishima whispered to her before Bakugou drug her along and she stumbled to keep up. You didn’t dare speak up, not wanting to be embarrassed in front of people you didn’t know. It took a bit but soon you made it to a very big long house where many people seemed to be convening and all were smiling at Bakugou, saying words that you didn’t understand and clapping him on the back. You were sure they were all congratulating and thanking him for a raid well done. You got many curious looks as well, however Bakugou didn’t divulge that information to anyway.  There was a large feast prepared, everyone sat in the great hall laughing and feasting. You were set next to Bakugou, picking at your food because you were just too nervous to do much else. Of course you felt out of place, you didn’t understand any of the conversations going on and the only person who you could speak to seemed much more interested in other things. However a bit after this feast started Bakugou stood up and everyone silenced, even the children were quiet in the presence of their earl.  “We are gathered here to celebrate our great raid!” Bakugou yelled out into the crowd, even if it was quiet he felt the need for such celebration. Everyone yelled out, taking drinks and laughing amongst themselves. “We had a very succesful raid and we shall make it through the winter, if not longer! We did strike a deal with the King of Wessexs. He offered us riches and land in exchange for our army should he need it. We also have his daughter, who I am to marry.” He didn’t say the last part quite happily but it was what it was. He was to marry this girl and that was that. “Now weather or not we uphold our part of the deal is to remain seen. After all if he is going to drag us into a lengthy and pointless war we will not participate, and deal with those repercussions later.” At that the men laughed. “Now eat, drink, celebrate our return and our new riches!” 

You hadn’t understood anything that he’d said but you assumed that it had something to do with being back and some kind of pep talk you were sure. It didn’t take a genius to figure it out. Although while the men and women drank, celebrated and got a touch too feely with each other than you were used to you awkwardly sat and watched the festivities. Children running and playing, wives draping themselves over their husbands and some doing everything they could to welcome them back, men sitting around and talking with each other. Your husband to be was doing just that, drinking and talking with a few of the other men you’d seen him around often. 

You felt out of place some eyes staring at you and definitely giving you the cold shoulder. You were an outsider, a stranger to their otherwise seemingly close knit unit. Even those who seemed to be servants ignored and moved around you. It had been a very long journey and an even longer night. You felt yourself falling asleep sitting up, while you had no idea where you are supposed to sleep. “Get up.” A gruff voice next to you grumbled and gripped your arm, hauling you up from your seated position. Your eyes opened as you stood and looked up at Bakugou. “You can’t fall asleep at the table. Come.” He commanded as he made his way towards a curtained off area. Once you got past the curtains there was an area with a bed, trunks, spare furs and treasures you hadn’t ever seen before. “You’ll stay here with me, in the bed.” Your eyes went wide at that, having never shared a bed with a man before. However you supposed that this man was going to be your husband.  You nodded before looking around the room and noticing that your one trunk wasn’t here, “Your things are not here... you can sleep in this.” Bakugou threw one of his tunics at you, and while it would be big on you it certainly wasn’t what you were used to and you’d be showing more than you were comfortable with. “I’ll turn around.” He rolled his eyes, grumbling and turning around. 

“Thank you.” You whispered, although you knew that he would see it all soon enough you were grateful that he would at least give you this until that day came. 

Days came and went, and most of them would have been spent alone had Bakugou not been so generous as to allow one of his men to escourt you around, it helped that he was also fluent in your language. He had joined the Vikings on one of their raids last summer and while some of the men still didn’t trust him he was loyal to them. His name was Shoto Todoroki and he was quiet but kind. He would translate conversations for you, although most of them held no interest for you however some did involve you and most of the women around were upset that you were taking Bakugou. However you weren’t exactly taking him, you’d been forced into this marriage just as much as he had. You also didn’t think that he’d been too interested in the women either. 

No one wanted to speak to you, and it was lonely although you did have Shoto but there were times that he had other things to do and you didn’t want him to have to hang out with you all day. He was sweet and kind however and much more of a conversationalist than Bakugou. You would get occasional grunts and commands when you were together but that wasn’t often. He was always busy and kept you under watch whenever he was gone. 

A week had gone by since you’d been in the Viking lands and it was time for your wedding. It had been planned quickly and all the traditions were so different from your own. The wedding was on a Friday, because it was Friggas day and she was the Goddess of marriage, love and fertility according to Shoto. You’d bathed in a bath house with Bakugous mother, Mitsuki, to wash away your status as a Maidan. It was usually done with married women of your family however none of your family was here so different arrangements were made. You quite liked Bakugous mother, she was not quite as brash and rude as her son but you saw where he got his personality from. 

After your bath your hair was braided and ornaments were placed in it, another tradition you were not familiar with. You were dressed in a blue gown that had been made specifically for this wedding, it was simple as you’d been told your hair was more important than the actual dress. You’d picked up on a few words here and there, as well as Shoto had been teaching you some things. Especially what to say during the wedding, which was something you’d been nervous of. 

Once the actual wedding started you were feeling nervous, walking down that long way towards Bakugous back, seeing him wearing his best furs and clothes. During the ceremony you did your best to pay attention, although you didn’t understand everything and just went along with what was happening. Exchanging rings, swords-which was strange for you-and a very chaste, first, kiss. Bakugou looked indifferent the entire time, and you felt much the same. You hadn’t gotten to know him since you’d been here, he was always off working with his people or solving their problems. 

There was a large feast held afterwards with plenty of mead flowing and while you hadn’t ever tried the stuff before you decided why not, after all you had no idea what was to become of your wedding night but you had a feeling Bakugou was going to expect something. Where you came from no one spoke of it, however a few cheeky maids had let you in on the secret of losing your maidenhood. You were nervous but figured some liquid courage could help. You sputtered and choked at first, to which your now husband laughed at you for. “Didn’t expect you to want to drink.” He laughed, the mead loosening his tongue a bit. It was the most that he’d spoken to you in days.  “If I am supposed to be your wife maybe I should act like a Viking.” That got another laugh out of your husband who shook his head. This feast was quite a bit like allthe others every night but this one was bigger than the rest and there was much more alcohol flowing through it. 

The night dragged on and soon enough you found yourself in Bakugous large bed, naked and surrounded by furs. He could tell you were nervous and so he took his time. Working you up, only to have you crashing down with such a force that you couldn’t explain. The maids might have told you about losing your maidenhood however they hadn’t spoke to it feeling like this. Just when you thought you couldn’t take anymore he proved you wrong. You didn’t think that it could feel like this, nor did you think Bakugou could be so gentle and nice. At the end of it you could hardly keep your eyes open and Bakugou cleaned you up and dressed you, covering you up with furs. He might not have wanted this marriage but he wasn’t going to be the biggest asshole in the world. At least not tonight. 

A/N: I did my best to add in viking wedding traditions although it was a little hard because a lot of them involved thins with family and obviously reader does not have family here! Yes I decided to put Kirishima and Mina together, idk why it just seems like a good pairing to me and I’ve seen it in quite a few fics as well! Mina is also a warrior but she stayed behind because she was still pregnant at the time of the raid starting. Also when things are in italics that is when they are speaking the Viking language. Also I am not adding smut in because I can’t control if a minor is going to read this or not plus I am not good at writing it anyway haha. This got a little dry and boring in the middle, I apologize but The next part will start to get a little more angsty and juicy so I hope you’re ready!!

TagList

naiomiwinchester  wannabe99now  @whore-for-anime  moshi-moshi-angie015  ojfugk  angie-1306

[pogueit]

T.T: Sick Day

Pairing: Topper Thornton x reader

Summary: In the midst of Y/N and Topper's dating scheme Y/N happens to get sick and Topper can't help but be himself...

Warnings: None??? Maybe being sick??

WC: 1,047!

A/N: Hello!! I just had this cute lil idea abt fake dating with topper bc I love him... I might make this into a series... If you guys like it ofc.... ENJOY!!!

When you woke up this morning you knew it was going to be an awful day, even before hearing the tantalizing voice of the frat boy you were recently tangled with. The two of you were only excessively spending time with each other to keep up with the appearance that you two were "dating". It was pretty stupid, you weren't going to lie, but after Sarah Cameron, the royal kook herself, dumped Topper for a slight downgrade and you had been kicked to the curb by your own royalty adjacent shit eater boyfriend, both of your parents were desperate for you two to find someone else. The begging and crying had got so bad that you finally caved and asked Tops to be your boyfriend until you could find someone else. You expected him to turn you down immediately, wanting to reminisce in the heartbreak, but he was rather excited especially with the prospects of possibly making Sarah just a tad jealous. You and Sarah haven’t been on speaking terms since the 7th grade and your history had been messy since the start. It was a win for both sides of the party and a deal neither of you wanted to miss out on. It came with its consequences though, you had caught feelings for Topper and you caught them hard. The more time you spent with the frosted tip goalie the more you had to keep reminding yourself that this "relationship" wasn't real and you had started regretting ever doing this in the first place. On top of your emotional distress, you were now sick. The sickness that was milling around while you were asleep was now ravaging through your body. You should've started chugging Nyquil two days prior, but being an idiot you just ignored it, and now you’re sicker than shit. It was concentrated in your chest and nasal passages. You could feel the mucus slowly building in your chest. It sat heavily at the base of your throat as the access spilled out through your nose.

"Babe, you are not going to believe this!" He was loud, so much so that your alarm would be jealous. This vocal range was reserved for special occasions since he is known for exclusive using his indoor voice, so you knew something was up.

"Can we cut it out for today Box Tops?" You croaked from the nest of blankets and pillows that you created.

"Ew, oh my god, y/n, are you okay?" He was aghast at the sight in front of him. You were buried under multiple blankets, so much so that he could only tell that you were in there because of the used tissues that were scattered all over your bed.

"Why does your room look like a 14-year-old's room?" He continued not allowing you to gather enough air in your flooded lungs to hack out an answer. Topper left his shoes by your door which you had to train him to do.

"Because I'm sick, you asshole!" With all your might you could barely bring yourself to semi-yell and you immediately regretted it as it sent you into a coughing fit that only flamed your burning throat and lungs.

"Go home, Top, I don't want you to get sick" you added after you recovered and shimmied inside your cacoon to face him better. You swore that he got cuter from the last time you saw him which was about 28 hours ago. Topper took a few steps forward before you threw out your hands.

"Don't get any closer!"

"What why?" He teased inching forward, letting his backpack, which he let you embroider, slump against your bed frame.

"You already know why!" You stated sternly, yet he still ignored you. Topper immediately jumped onto your bed and engulfed you in a gator hug.

"What the fuck!" You were able to place your foot on his stomach and push yourself away from him, but that was short-lived as he wormed his way under the blankets.

"Just shut up and enjoy my company" he reached out and pulled you to him wrapping his arms around you comforting you.

"Topper James Thornton, you're going to get sick and then die!" You try to fight him off again but he doesn’t even budge.

"I accept my fate!" He proclaimed giving you a quick kiss on your forehead and lessened the grip he had around you. You were going to continue fighting him but instead, you let a sigh escape your lips and dropped your head onto his shoulder. There was nowhere else to place your arm except around his waist. You slowly walked your fingers across his middle until your arm was wrapped around his waist it was almost like second nature at this point. The both of you stayed like that for a while. It let you reminisce about his presence next to you holding you close. Something that might be over soon if either of you decides to get a legit partner. At this point, if someone asked you out you didn't know if you could bring yourself to say yes. You would rather lie to yourself about Topper being your actual boyfriend for just a little while longer. After a few minutes, Topper shifted underneath you and fished out his laptop.

"So, what does my girl want to watch?" The way "my girl" rolled off his tongue flooded your stomach with butterflies, even though he was only doing it in a joking way.

"Wait... Let me see...Tremors or Spice World?" he grabbed your face in his hands and felt around for a second. He squished your face every so often all the while making a thinking noise.

"Topper!" Your voice was muffled by how squished he had your face.

"Wait... Almost there...Got it!" He beamed down at you and finally let you go.

"Spice World, right?" He looked at you expectantly. You let out a chuckle as a grin overtakes your features.

"Yes, Box Tops, you are correct and your prize is having me narrate this entire movie" You snuggle in closer to his side.

"I wouldn't have it any other way" a shy smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he taps the space bar to begin the movie.

[floralseokjin]

⤑ made-up love song viii.

Your first encounter with Kim Seokjin doesn’t go so well, nor your second, or your third… and maybe that’s because it shouldn’t work on paper. You’re an elementary school teacher, never left the country despite hitting the third decade of your life not so long ago, and you’re unable to remember the last time you dated. He’s the dad of one of your students, nearly a decade older than you and divorced. Oh yes, and just another minor detail – he’s a multimillionaire. 

Your lives are lightyears apart, yet somehow, your paths having now crossed, things just seem to fall into place…

pairing; kim seokjin x reader   au/genre/warnings; strangers to lovers, romance, single dad! seokjin, ceo! seokjin, elementary school teacher! oc, age gap (oc is 30, seokjin is 37), seokjin is a dilf, angst, just straight up angst and drama, arguments, both seokjin and nana are frustrated, both have reasons to feel hurt, both make mistakes  words; 5,122

↪︎ chapter index

chapters; i • ii • iii  • iv • v • vi • vii • viii • ix • x • epilogue (+ drabbles)

You looked at Nana, chest a little tight, something heavy in your stomach. When your eyes locked the corners of her mouth curled upwards. “The stepmom!” She sneered. 

Your face fell, confused at first, as you attempted to make sense of her words, of her anger. You didn’t understand what was going on, but unable to stop yourself, irritation began creeping its way up your body, heat prickling your face. Confrontation made you uncomfortable, but under appropriate triggers, you often saw red. You opened your mouth, ready to say something – you didn’t quite know what – but then your gaze fell to Arin. Still clutching her mom’s hand. Her eyes were on you now, still wide and brimming with tears. She looked frightened. You came to your senses. 

There was no good getting angry. Especially in front of a child. By your side, Seokjin straightened his back, letting go of your hand to step in front of you slightly. You appreciated the thought, but you didn’t really need protecting. You could look after yourself.  

“Stop embarrassing yourself, Nana.” 

Caught off guard for the second time in under five minutes, the tone of Seokjin’s voice threw you for a loop. The venom you heard unnerved you, a sick feeling twisting your gut. You’d heard him stressed, you’d heard him tense, you’d even heard him stern a few times on the phone, but you’d never heard his voice filled with such bite like this. 

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Nana spat back, her long hair flipping around as she raised her hand to point at him. “Not when you’ve been playing house with your daughter’s teacher, letting my daughter call her stepmom.” 

Seokjin chuckled, the sound humourless. He shook his head, practically laughing in her face. “I don’t know where you’ve heard that from because it’s not true.” The look on Nana’s face told you she didn’t believe a word he said.  

Seokjin bent down, attention on Arin. He held his hand out, wanting her to take it. “Arin, come here,” he asked, voice gentle, nothing like how he’d spoken to her mother. She let go of Nana’s hand and slowly made her way over. He immediately wrapped his arms around her middle. “Tell daddy where you got that word from.” She still looked afraid, hesitating as she opened her mouth. “Don’t worry, I’m not mad at you,” he reassured, stroking her hair. 

“Mommy is.” Arin’s voice shook, one lone tear falling down her cheek. It broke your heart. 

“Mommy isn’t mad at you.” Seokjin’s voice was a murmur, but as he looked up at his ex-wife he had to try his best to sound composed. “Right?” 

Nana stared at him for a moment, her dark eyes piercing through him almost, but he didn’t flinch. Her gaze fell to the back of her daughter’s head, immediately softening, the regret obvious on her face. “No, darling, mommy isn’t mad at you. I’d never be mad at you.” 

Her words comforted Arin, and she looked up at her father, small voice still trembling with emotion as she explained. “Suzie told me that’s what Y/N is because she’s your girlfriend. She has one too.”

Seokjin exhaled slowly. “So, you heard it from your friend?” Arin nodded, and he quickly embraced her, rubbing her back as he soothed her. “That’s okay. No need to be upset.” You heard her sniff into his shoulder, but Seokjin’s attention was already on Nana again. 

“Happy now?” He shot, not giving her any time to reply. “Now get out of my house.” 

“Excuse me?” Her nostrils flared. 

“You heard me. Get the hell out of my house!” 

“Seokjin,” you breathed, reaching for his shoulder. He needed to remember everything he was saying was being heard by his daughter. He might be mad right now but he needed to think of Arin. 

As if Nana realised too, she took control. “Arin, go upstairs to your room and let me talk with your father.” 

Seokjin’s eyes flashed in anger. “Don’t tell her what to do in my home.” Nana scoffed, but Seokjin’s attention was back on Arin. He cupped her face in his hands.

“Sweetie, why don’t you go and play upstairs for a little while, okay? Daddy will come and check on you soon.” She nodded slowly, her tears dried. At least that was a positive. He kissed her cheek and stood up, encouraging her to make her way out of the room and upstairs with a nod. As she passed by you, you gave her a small smile. She returned it. You thought someone should at least accompany her to her room, but you thought best not to suggest it. It wasn’t your place. 

There was silence, a few moments as they waited for Arin to be safely out of earshot. Your heart drummed against your ribcage, still feeling nauseous. This wasn’t over just yet. Nana had no intentions of leaving. 

“Hypocrite,” she scoffed under her breath. 

“What did you say?” Glancing over at Seokjin, you saw his jaw was clenched, his gaze hard, unwavering as he stared at her. 

“I called you a hypocrite.” She sounded unbothered, eyes finding yours. “You don’t know him at all, sadly. You’ll soon find out how miserable he is. How frustrating it is when he always has to right. Mr. Perfect, aren’t you, Jin?” She was trying to rile him up, get a reaction. “Could never do anything wrong.” 

The way she called him Jin made you feel funny. It was so…personal. It had never crossed your mind to use the shortened version of his name. It had always been Seokjin for you. 

“Nice try,” he gave a hollow laugh. “Say what you want, we don’t care.” 

That much was true. Nana’s words wouldn’t make you doubt anything. Your relationship with Seokjin was solid. His relationship with Nana was nothing similar. 

“So when were you planning on telling me?”

Just like that you felt your heart drop, turning to look at Seokjin on instinct. You must have understood wrong. Nana knew about you, right? He’d told her about you, surely? 

“Did you just think you could pretend I didn’t exist?” Seokjin stayed silent, only infuriating Nana even more. “Answer me! How long has it been going on for?” 

“It’s none of your business!” He exploded causing you to jump. You had never once heard him raise his voice. His face was red, his blood pressure soaring. 

“None of my business?!” She cried, laughing in disbelief. His shouting did nothing to deter her. They were used to arguing, you guessed. “It is when my daughter is concerned.” 

It was Seokjin’s turn to scoff. “Oh, so now you care? You’re a joke.” 

Nana’s expression faltered. It took a moment for her to compose herself. “What is that supposed to mean?” Her tone was icy. 

Seokjin didn’t give her an answer. “I don’t owe you anything, Nana. You’re nothing to me anymore.” 

“I’m the mother of your daughter!” She was enraged, her eyes wide as she glowered. “You shouldn’t have kept this from me. I had no clue, Jin!” His indifference infuriated her even more. “Not one! Did you tell Arin to keep quiet?”

That had him biting, face scrunching up at her ludicrous claim. “Of course I didn’t.” 

“Then why,” she demanded, “why was I so oblivious?!” 

“Do I come up in conversation much? Maybe there’s your answer.” Seokjin shrugged. “When was the last time we were in the same room together?”

“Don’t! No, Jin, don’t use that as an excuse.” Nana’s voice wavered, words dotted with an emotion you hadn’t heard yet. 

You felt a pang of guilt. You’d been so oblivious too. Hadn’t realised she had no clue of your existence. You understood her frustrations. It was difficult not to. Seokjin was adamant though. Ruled by his emotions. He couldn’t see his fault. 

“You let our daughter stay with a stranger last weekend!”

But that hurt. 

You weren’t a stranger. You had known Arin for months. You adored that little girl and she liked having you around. You weren’t just anyone. Desperately, you tried to keep it together. Logically yes, you were a stranger to Nana. She had a right to be mad. You knew that. 

Although Seokjin didn’t see it that way, defending you angrily. “Y/N is not a stranger!” 

“To me she is!” Nana shouted. “I didn’t have a clue. What if something had happened to Arin?”

You wanted to say something. To tell her you understood her reservations. Maybe you even wanted to stick up for yourself, but you couldn’t find the words. Guilt was eating you up. 

“Just shut your mouth,” Seokjin hissed. His defensiveness made you nervous. “You don’t care. If you did you would have dropped everything and said yes when I called you.” 

“I was working.” Nana ran a hand through her hair, face patched red. “You think I didn’t want to say yes? I thought you’d just cancel or ask your parents to help out.” Then her eyes fell on you, that familiar sneer on her face. “Instead, you asked her.” 

Taken aback, you opened your mouth, words rushing out. “I’m really sorry you had to find out about our relationship this way, I… I thought–”

“I don’t want to hear it, stepmom.” 

Your cheeks flushed, anger bubbling at her dismissal. She wasn’t even going to hear what you had to say? “I’ve never referred to myself as Arin’s stepmother.” 

She raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. “And what if I don’t believe you?” 

Before you could defend yourself Seokjin flew in, in front of you once more. You felt fresh anger, but everything was moving so fast you didn’t know how to place it. “Don’t speak to her like that. God, you’re such a condescending bitch.” 

“And you’re a smug, arrogant bastard.” She shot right back immediately. 

Seokjin scoffed. “Don’t try to deflect. You’ve just heard Arin say she learned that word from a friend. Do you think I’d force my own daughter to lie?” 

Nana stared at him, her breathing laboured with anger. Her eyes flicked to you and then back at Seokjin quickly, a devious smirk spreading across her face. “She’s younger, Seokjin. Having a midlife crisis?” 

Seokjin exhaled slowly, his voice calm as he replied, lips twitching up in amusement. “Your goading won’t work.” 

Although she still tried. “What would Arin’s school think? Knowing you’re fucking your daughter’s teacher.” 

You didn’t take kindly to threats, no matter the situation. Straightening your back you spoke clearly, voice raised a little. “I’m not her teacher anymore and the school already knows.”  

“There’s nothing you can do, Nana,” Seokjin sighed softly, taking your hand. It didn’t feel as comforting as it usually did. “So just let me be happy. It’s the least you can do.” 

That did it. Nana saw red instantly. “Oh, quit playing the victim!” She exclaimed, laughing at his seeming absurdity. You prayed Arin couldn’t hear all the commotion. The house was large enough, the walls thick enough, but who really knew. “Am I not allowed to be mad? You’ve kept this relationship,” she mocked, eyeing your laced fingers, “a secret this entire time. You’ve been playing happy families with my daughter.” There was a beat of silence. “I’m Arin’s mother.” 

“Yes, but that’s all you are.” 

A noise fell from Nana’s mouth. “I know, I know, you hate me. You’ve made that abundantly clear over the years.” 

“I don’t hate you, Nana.” With a sigh, Seokjin let go of your hand, rubbing his temples. “That would imply I still care. I don’t. I stopped caring a long time ago.” 

Nana rolled her eyes. “This again.” You on the other hand were lost. 

Seokjin’s eyes locked on hers, gaze steady, just like his words that seemed to knock you for six. “I stopped caring the moment I found you in bed with another man.”

You probably couldn’t hide the shock from your face, mind reeling, but they didn’t seem to notice. You were barely concentrating on what they were saying anymore. 

“Shut up.” Nana shot, provoking him further. “You never cared, Jin. Never. I did you a favour when I fucked Jaehyun. It gave you the perfect excuse to leave because you were too much of a coward to do it otherwise.” 

“Whatever helps you sleep at night” Seokjin scoffed quietly, but you could tell by his face he was visibly irritated. Maybe. He felt like a stranger right now. “Believe what you want.” 

“I will because it’s a fact.” 

Seokjin’s chest heaved with anger, breathing heavily as he failed to keep calm. “I didn’t leave sooner because I wanted Arin to be happy!” His voice broke with emotion. “I wanted to stay together for Arin’s sake.” 

“And look how bitter that made you.” Nana laughed, her eyes quickly finding yours again, remembering you existed. “Are you taking notes?” She folded her arms across her chest. “This is what will happen. He’ll promise you the world and then a few years later hate your guts.” 

You looked at the floor, unable to rebuff her claims even if you wanted to. Your thoughts slipped to last night, out on the deck… The way Seokjin had held you, gazed at you, the words he’d said... I want to give you the world. It was silly to let Nana’s words sting, but they did, nevertheless. Last night felt like a lifetime ago.

You felt a strong arm embrace you, wrapping around your shoulders as Seokjin held you to him. It did little to comfort you. Your head was whirring, thoughts swarming you. “Y/N is nothing like you, so don’t.” He warned, glaring across at Nana. “Don’t you dare try to compare our relationship to the one I had with you.” 

Nana laughed loudly, her face contorting as she yelled. “What am I like then, Jin? Go on! Tell me! I’m so fucking curious!” 

“You’re a cold, heartless cow who can’t even be bothered to be a mother to her own daughter!” His words flew out as if they’d been impatiently waiting for the opportunity. 

“Seokjin!” You exclaimed in shock, spinning your head to look at him. He was letting his emotions rule his head, so much so, he didn’t even bat an eyelid at your voice, continuing his tirade. 

His arm let you go as he stepped closer to his ex-wife. “Do you know why Arin probably felt so comfortable calling Y/N her stepmom?” It was a question not meant to be answered. “It’s because she’s been there for her these past few months. Where have you been, huh? She’s so used to you cancelling plans that she always expects the worse.” 

You were gobsmacked, unsure what had just left his mouth as you tried to make sense of his words. He couldn’t be comparing you both. He couldn’t be using you to hurt Nana. Right? 

“That’s not fair, I haven’t cancelled in weeks.” Nana’s voice was quiet, a far cry from her earlier volume, and you took a glance, noticing that her wide eyes were shining in the sunlight that streamed through the window. She seemed smaller now, less imposing. 

“Bravo,” Seokjin spat, beginning to slowly clap his hands. “What do you want, a round of applause?” 

“I can’t help it I’m busy with work. That’s why we agreed she’d live with you.” Nana sounded clearly upset now, Seokjin’s words striking a nerve. You couldn’t help but feel bad for her. 

“And I’m not busy?!” Seokjin wasn’t done. “Your excuses don’t work on me. They never have.” 

“I love my daughter. Don’t you dare try to insinuate otherwise.” 

Seokjin wasn’t listening. “You came here just to create a scene. You didn’t think about Arin at all, did you? You made her give you all the details just to twist the knife in. That’s all you care about. You can’t handle the thought of me being happy because you’re so goddamn miserable!” 

“Just come out and say it, Jin!” She shouted, arms out. “You think I’m a terrible mother.” 

With a casual shrug of his shoulders, he replied, “I never said that, but if the shoe fits.” 

The silence that followed was deafening. You could feel your pulse pounding in your ears, a sick feeling turning your stomach. You didn’t want to be here anymore. You didn’t want to be involved in this shouting match. You didn’t want to see your boyfriend this angry, you didn’t want to hear him speak like this. 

Eventually, Nana’s voice pierced through the silence. It wavered but she kept her cool, head held up high. “Well, thank you, Jin. Thank you so much for finally telling me how you feel. How very brave of you. Finally.” 

You watched as she straightened her jacket and smoothed down her hair, and then she took a step forward. She was heading for the door. 

“That’s it?” Seokjin scoffed, his voice hoarse. “You’re leaving without saying goodbye to your daughter?”

Nana didn’t reply, she didn’t even look at him, just carried on walking out of the room. You heard her heels against the tiles of the hallway, steps retreating. 

“You really have no shame!” He called after her as you both heard the front door open, and then it clicked shut. “Fuck!” 

You jumped at the sudden raise of tone, watching him kick the footrest beside the chair across the room in temper. He had his back to you, his shoulders shuddering with his heavy breathing. You swallowed, feeling your throat dry but you couldn’t say anything. This was all new to you. This side of your relationship, this side of Seokjin. Actually, this whole situation was unlike anything you’d been involved in before. You’d had your fair share of relationship drama in the past, that was a given, but this… You were in over your head. This wasn’t about you. This was a situation involving Seokjin and Nana. You didn’t know what to say or do to make it better. In all honesty, you didn’t even want to try. 

“Daddy?” 

The tiny voice from behind startled you both, and you whipped your head around to see Arin in the doorway. Her eyes were pulled wide, worried and confused. It made your heart hurt. A small part of you couldn’t help but feel to blame. 

“Did mommy leave?” She asked, her gaze on her father, who was staring blankly ahead. 

“Yes, she did,” was all he said, stunning you in the process. 

“Seokjin, you can’t just say it like that!” You exclaimed, looking at him properly for the first time. Arin had walked into the room by now, hovering by your side, a hand to her mouth as she flicked her thumbnail over her teeth nervously.   

Seokjin’s eyes met yours, refocusing before something flickered inside of them – realisation. He looked down at his daughter, voice softening instantly. “She had to go home, Arin. Something came up.” 

You could tell by her face she didn’t quite believe him. She was a bright kid, not that you thought Seokjin was undermining her intelligence, but she knew something was wrong and you didn’t think it was fair to just gloss over the issue. 

“Why don’t you watch some cartoons?” He suggested, guiding her to the sofa. “I’ll make you something to drink. What would you like?” 

She gave him a small smile as he passed her the remote control. “Hot chocolate, please.” 

The tiniest of smiles lifted the corners of his mouth too. “Okay, one hot chocolate coming right up.” He turned to you, a hand brushing yours for a brief second, voice low as he asked you a question. “Can you stay with her?”

Your nod was barely there, and you watched him walk out, heading for the kitchen. After a moment’s delay, you joined Arin on the sofa, attention on the television, watching the cartoon characters bounce around the screen, but you were in a world of your own. Arin’s voice’s tore you from it, her question rattling you. 

“Why did she go?” 

“I don’t know.” You hated yourself for lying to her but it wasn’t your place to explain. Especially not now given the circumstances. Your thoughts were captured once more. Nana had been clueless to your existence this whole time. Had you been a fool to assume otherwise? 

“Did they argue?” 

Your eyes fell to Arin’s, wanting to embrace her but thought better of it. You’d have to reassure her another way. With words. If you could. “It’s nothing to worry about, okay?” You smiled, the action stiff. “They’re just a bit angry at one another.” 

“Because of me?”

Her question broke your heart. You shook your head hastily. “Of course not.” 

She didn’t respond, turning back to the TV. She didn’t seem visibly upset, nothing like earlier, but maybe this was worse. She seemed despondent, quiet. You were reminded of when you were a kid, hearing your parents argue nonstop before their divorce. At times you used to feel at fault too. 

“I’m sorry I called you my stepmom, I didn’t know it was wrong.” As she spoke she kept staring at the television, voice quiet. 

“Arin, it’s okay, sweetie,” you told her, this time unable to stop yourself from wrapping an arm around her shoulders. You wanted to comfort her. She needed comforting. “You’ve done nothing wrong at all.” 

You knew what children were like together. The conversation she’d had with her friend had been innocent. She’d had no clue what the weight of such a word could mean, or even do. None of this was her fault. 

You held her for a while, getting consoled yourself almost as well, but time was passing and Seokjin hadn’t come back with her hot chocolate. You glanced at the clock on the wall, he’d been gone fifteen minutes. “I’m going to check on daddy,” you said, pulling away gently. “To see what he’s done with your hot chocolate.” You tried to joke around but your laugh sounded forced. Arin nodded, giving you a tiny smile as you stood up. “I’ll be back soon, okay?” 

You found him in the kitchen, leaning against one of the counters as he held a glass of whiskey in his hand. Arin’s drink wasn’t even half made. Irritation flooded your senses for a moment. You got that he was upset, angry, maybe even a little dazed by the situation, but he still needed to pull himself together and be there for his daughter. Drinking at two o’clock in the afternoon was unacceptable. 

However when he saw you, his expression softened into worry, concern colouring his tone as he asked, “Is she okay?”

You swallowed down your frustration, but once again your mind was beginning to whir. You had so many questions, so many answers that you needed, but now wasn’t the time. He needed to make sure Arin was settled and then you both could talk. 

You walked further into the room, speaking as you went. “She’s upset. She thinks she did something wrong, that’s why you and Nana argued.” 

Seokjin sounded regretful when he sighed. His eyes closed, fingers tightening around the tumbler. “Do you think she heard any of it?”

In a clipped voice you replied. “I hope not.” 

Hearing your tone he opened his eyes, coming to his senses almost. “I’m sorry,” he breathed, placing his drink down on the counter. He moved towards you, a hand ghosting over your back. “Are you okay?” Despite his tone of voice being one you were familiar with, his concern did little to console you. All you could do was nod your head.  

“Don’t take any notice of her, okay?” He continued, his voice slowly changing again. “This is what she does. She pushes and pushes. She can’t stand–”

“Seokjin, enough,” you begged, exhausted. You could hear him becoming more and more irate. 

The hand on your back froze and then dropped to his side. “Are you sticking up for her?” He more or less accused. 

“What?” You looked at him, baffled. “Of course I’m not. You just need to calm down. I know you’re angry but your daughter needs you right now.” 

His features smoothed out and he stepped back, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re right.” He sounded apologetic. “I’m sorry.” 

“It’s fine.” You watched as he walked towards the fridge, getting out a carton of milk to pour inside Arin’s mug, chocolate powder waiting. He mixed it together with a spoon and placed it in the microwave, setting the timer. As it whirled around, you spoke again. “We can talk about it later.” 

There was silence as he placed the milk back inside the refrigerator. He closed the door. “Are you mad at me?” 

“No.” 

He didn’t believe you. Turning back he folded his arms across his chest, staring at you. “She’s gotten under your skin, hasn’t she? That’s what she does.” 

You heard yourself sigh. You didn’t want to do this now. Not with Arin just down the hallway. Why was he being so insistent? Your mind flew through the tonne of questions you wanted to unleash his way, but one slipped from your mouth before you could stop it. Before you could even acknowledge your own words. 

“Did she really cheat on you?” 

Seokjin looked taken aback, whatever he’d been expecting, it wasn’t that. Maybe you should have gotten your priorities straight, but stood in front of him right now, you felt deceived. You watched as he gave you a brief nod. Your heart dropped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He lifted his shoulders, not meeting your eyes. “It wasn’t a big deal.” 

“Not a big deal?” Your voice raised and you willed yourself to keep it down. “It seems like it was the reason you divorced her, Seokjin.” 

The microwaved beeped but you both ignored it. “It was over long before then.” He chuckled humourlessly. “She was right, I was a coward.”

A part of you wanted details but you knew right now wasn’t the time or the place. Besides, you didn’t think he’d share anyway. 

“Is that why you’re mad? Because I didn’t tell you?” He sounded worried, regretful, some other emotions you couldn’t think of right now. 

You sighed softly. “I’m not mad, Seokjin. I’m just… I didn’t know.” 

He went to step forward, to walk towards you but stopped himself. “I’m sorry, I should have told you. Especially with–”

“It’s fine,” you cut him off quickly, not wanting to hear the words you knew he was going to say out loud. You couldn’t bear it. You’d told him about Donghae in a bid to open up – because you trusted him. Why hadn’t Seokjin told you about Nana? You couldn’t help but feel betrayed. You didn’t know if you were being fair or not. 

“I should go and check on Arin,” he said suddenly, moving to the microwave to open it up. “Thank you for taking care of her. It’s more than her own mother could do, and she’s the one who caused this whole mess.” 

“Don’t,” you whispered, closing your eyes. He wasn’t going to do it again. “Don’t do that. Compare us.” Seokjin looked your way, confused now. “I don’t know Nana. I don’t know what your marriage was like, not really, and I don’t know what her relationship with Arin is like. You shouldn’t have said those things to her. She was obviously upset.” 

You understood that people spoke out in anger, that words just flew out, no matter how small the thought was, but it wasn’t an excuse. He was still emotional, but all you wanted him to see was the bigger picture. 

“I don’t care,” he brushed off. “She needed to hear a few home truths.” 

You scoffed. “And you used me to really drive them in, didn’t you?” You continued regardless of his frown. “It’s not a competition. I’m your girlfriend. I’m not even Arin’s stepmother. We haven’t talked about that yet,” – Seokjin went to speak over you but you stopped him with a hand in the air – “and I know Arin made an innocent mistake, but it obviously hurt Nana. She had no clue I existed, Seokjin. Not one!” 

He did look guilty at that, dropping his gaze, but you weren’t done. “You can be mad because of how she acted but you’re also at fault…” 

“I know,” he murmured. “I know that and I’m sorry.” 

You weren’t the only one he should be apologising to, but by now you were too exhausted to keep this up. You couldn’t stay here, not when you were sure it would end in an argument. You didn’t want to fight with him. You needed space to think. On your own. 

“I should go.” You told him, noticing his face wrinkle up in confusion. 

He was in front of you immediately, clutching your hand. “Y/N, wait,” his voice was unsteady, “You don’t have to go. I’m really sorry that I made you uncomfortable.” 

You appreciated his sincerity, and had no doubts that he meant his apology, but it still wasn’t enough to get you to stay. An I’m sorry wasn’t what you needed. It wasn’t as simple as that. 

“Honey, please,” he begged softly. “This is me with all my baggage. I’m not perfect.” 

Your brow furrowed. “I never thought you were, Seokjin.” This wasn’t about your so called flawless vision of him. He was human, just like you. Yes, seeing him mad like that had shaken you up at first but it wasn’t why you were leaving. Nor were you leaving because of the situation. Everyone had a history, or “baggage” as Seokjin chose to call it. It didn’t change how you felt about him. It was all just very overwhelming. 

You put your other hand over his, silently telling him to let you go. Above all else he needed to spend time with his daughter. “Go and check on Arin. She’s waiting for her hot chocolate.” You told him softly.  

He clasped your hand tighter. “Please don’t go.” 

“I just need some space to think.” You admitted. 

He watched you for a moment, eyes glassy – you expected yours were too – but ever the gentleman he respected your wishes and didn’t press you any further, no matter how much he wanted to plead with you to stay. Deep down he probably knew it was the right thing to do. If you stayed now no good would come from it. You could speak about everything when you were both ready. Whenever that was.

With a tight nod he slipped his hand from yours. You gave him a soft smile and turned your back to him. He had no choice but to watch you leave. 

Written 2020 - 2021. Please refrain from posting my work elsewhere. No translations allowed. © floralseokjin 2021