#the girl's pack part 32 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

roosterforme · 1 year ago

Text

Always Ever Only You Part 9 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: What are you supposed to do when you don't know how to talk to your husband? How is he supposed to love you and your body when you can't even figure out how to love yourself anymore? You watch Bradley leave for deployment.

Warnings: Angst, sex, swearing

Length: 3700 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

This was written to accompany my series Is It Working For You? along with a bunch of my one-shots and other series, but it can be read on its own! Check my masterlist for the reading order. Always Ever Only You masterlist. Gorgeous banner by @mak-32

When you woke up on the bathroom floor the morning after your promotion banquet, and remembered what happened, you started crying. Your dress whites had been so perfect and crisply pressed. The excitement for your new piece of hardwear had fueled you along. You had forgotten about how much you hated your body right now, at least for a few hours.

Everything ached as you stood up and tried to stretch out all of the kinks you had from sleeping on the bath mat. Bradley was leaving tomorrow. He would be gone for eight weeks. And you didn't even want to leave this bathroom and see him right now.

But when you opened the door, curious about what time it was and ready to pack your back and go home, you nearly tripped over your husband. He was sleeping on the floor outside the bathroom, curled up with a pillow and a sheet. You braced yourself on the doorway so you didn't fall.

"Baby Girl," he croaked, his voice still hoarse.

Your eyes were stinging, and you felt miserable knowing he had slept on the floor, too. But he had ruined your night, and you didn't even want to have to listen to him apologize to you.

"I want to go home," you informed him with a steady voice that betrayed how terrible you felt.

"Can we talk about this?" he asked, getting to his feet and looking as miserable as you felt. "I wasn't trying to hurt you."

You just closed your eyes and shook your head. The sooner you got home, the sooner you could take a bath and change and start to feel better. "I don't want to talk about this right now."

He ran his hand over his face and swallowed hard, and you slipped past him to get your stuff together.

You were back home by nine o'clock. Part of you wanted Bradley to vanish and leave you alone. The rest of you was panicking inside, because by this time tomorrow, he would be gone. And then what would you do? It might be weeks before he could call you. But even though you knew you needed to straighten things out right now, you just couldn't bring yourself to do it.

So you sank down into a bubble bath while he muttered something about taking Tramp for a walk. Good. He was gone now. The house was quiet. And you were left alone to think about how out of control your emotions were. But you decided were allowed to be frustrated that your night got ruined, and you were allowed to be annoyed with Bradley. However, today was also your last chance to see him for two months. And you were ovulating.

So you shaved your legs and got out of the bath. Then you tried to do your normal routine of drying off and applying lotion, but you could hear Bradley messing around in the bedroom. When you wrapped your towel around yourself and poked your head in, he looked up from his duffle bag. "Hi," he said softly. He had his underwear and some clothing in stacks on the dresser. He was packing to leave.

You shifted your weight from foot to foot, your fingernails digging into your palms. Never had you ever, not even once, felt this awkward around him. It was disorienting and unsettling. You couldn't have imagined this if you tried. His brown eyes were sad and apologetic, but he seemed to be holding back what he wanted to say. And you were sure your expression was similar.

You had no idea how to make any of this better. So you blurted out the first thing on your tongue. "You're right. We shouldn't be wasting time. And maybe there's something physically wrong with one of us, but maybe there's not. So I think we should have sex today. While I'm ovulating."

But Bradley didn't budge. He blinked at you and licked his lips. "I'm sorry I upset you. And I really don't know if having sex right now is the best idea, you know?"

It's not like you even wanted to. But you felt like you should. So you let your towel drop to the floor at your feet, because you knew it was impossible for Bradley to feel nothing when you were naked for him.

His lips parted, his pupils went wide, and his breathing was ragged. "You really want to?"

"Yes," you said softly, lying to your husband even as he took a step closer to you. When his lips met yours, you turned your head so that his mustache skimmed along your neck instead. He kissed down to your shoulder, and it felt good. It always felt good. But you had to force yourself to lay out on the bed as he quickly undressed.

When Bradley settled on top of you, he stroked his fingers along your slit and then met your eyes. You knew you weren't wet. You bit your lip and had to hold back your tears.

"We don't have to-"

"Yes," you said, cutting him off. "We do."

Once again, he looked like you'd physically hit him. He just nodded and brought his fingers up to his lips, coating them with his saliva and returning them to your core. You let your head tip back against the pillow and tried to think about your honeymoon or the way Bradley once gave you a hat trick. You tried to imagine being back in La Jolla. Anything sexy. But all you could think about was how desperately you wanted to see a positive pregnancy test.

You hiccuped softly, squeezing your eyes shut as Bradley lined himself up with your opening and pushed himself inside you. He just needed to cum. The sooner the better.

"You okay?" he asked, pushing himself deeper.

You nodded, barely meeting his eyes. "Yeah."

And so he started to thrust as he kissed softly along your collar bones, but after a few minutes, you could tell he wasn't even as hard as he usually was. Tears stung your eyes. You couldn't do anything right. You couldn't get pregnant. And you couldn't keep your husband hard. You couldn't even seem to go five minutes without wanting to disappear into thin air.

When Bradley met your eyes, he muttered, "Sorry."

"It's probably my fault," you whispered, but he pressed his lips to yours and shook his head.

"It's not, Sweetheart." But he had to bury his face against your neck and stroke himself with his right hand until he was hard enough to fuck you while you laid there beyond mortified. And the sound of his soft grunts as he came inside you was such a relief when you finally heard them, you sank back with your forearm over your eyes.

Bradley didn't collapse in bed with you. He didn't snuggle up with you in his arms. You felt the bed dip as he climbed out and went into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

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

It was a long time before Bradley felt like he could walk back out into the bedroom and face you. What was happening here? He had fucked up last night. He knew that. He burst your bubble, tainted the delight you felt when you were being promoted. And he hated that he did that. He was proud of you, and he never wanted to disappoint you. But he'd just disappointed you again today.

You were gone when he opened the door, and he felt relieved. Embarrassment washed over him again. He wasn't hard for you. He was always hard for you. Even at the most inopportune times, he was ready to go just thinking about you. He didn't even need to touch the porn they gave him when he jerked off to collect a sperm sample for testing. He just pulled up one of the videos you and he made on his phone and went to town. Two minutes of looking at your body and listening to your voice and he was filling up that little cup.

"Fuck," he grunted, returning to his duffle bag instead of looking for you. Because he didn't even know what to say right now. Tears were collecting in his eyes as he packed his bag. His stomach was growling for lunch, but he didn't think he deserved to eat anything.

As he put the finishing touches on his uniforms and flight suits, he finally tossed his bag aside. He wasn't even going to be here tomorrow. He needed to fix all of this right now. He hadn't told you he loved you all day, and you hadn't said it to him. Maybe starting there would be a good jumping off place to try to fix things.

"Baby Girl?" he called out as he walked down the hallway into the kitchen. And he was treated to the sight of your beautiful body, gorgeous face and elegant hands. But you were holding the piece of mail he'd been trying in vain to hide all over the house. And when you met his eyes, you looked angry.

"I can explain," he said, holding his hands up in surrender. But that just seemed to make you more upset.

"What the fuck, Bradley?" you asked, the paperwork shaking in your hand. "Were you going to tell me about this? Or just try to avoid all of it?"

"I-" he started before freezing up. Your face was righteous with anger in a way he'd never witnessed before, and he wished he could go back to yesterday and do everything right.

Then your face melted into sadness. "You weren't going to say anything. Were you?" When he didn't respond, you screamed, "Were you?"

He watched you ball up the papers in your hands before you threw them at his chest with as much force as you could manage. He caught the paper ball, heart pounding and skin on fire. And then you rounded on him. "I can't believe you got your sperm tested without saying anything to me about it!"

He sucked in a deep breath. "I was just trying to help," he managed as angry tears flowed down your cheeks. When he took a step closer, you pressed your palms to his chest and pushed him back.

"You didn't fucking help anything! It's all my fault that I can't get pregnant!"

"You don't know that," he said as you shoved him harder. "We don't know that."

You reached out and smacked the balled up paper out of his hand and shouted, "Yes! I do! It's actually my fault. It's a fact. I saw it right there on that paper! Your sperm is perfect. So my body must be fucked up!"

"Baby Girl," he gasped in agony. "Don't. Please." To him, you were perfect. And having a child really wasn't worth seeing you like this. Seeing how you'd been sinking in on yourself over the past few months. But maybe right now you weren't wrong. He didn't even know anymore.

"And you were just hiding the results from me?" you asked, your voice still shaking with rage. "Blaming me quietly?"

"I'm not blaming you for anything!" he said, louder than he anticipated. His voice boomed through the kitchen, and you looked up at him like you didn't even know who he was. Even Tramp had run for cover by this point.

"That's okay," you whispered, your eyes unwavering even though they were filled with tears. "I'm blaming myself enough for both of us."

He looked at the floor. There was nothing he could do to fix any of this now. And you were literally the last person he wanted to disappoint. As he raked his fingers through his hair, he whispered, "Maybe it's a good thing that I'm going away tomorrow."

He heard you sob as you kicked the sperm test results across the room and stormed down the hallway.

You were in bed the rest of the afternoon, and Bradley wasn't sure if you were asleep or not. So he avoided the room altogether as he wallowed in this pain that he brought on himself. And on you.

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

You cried in bed for so long all afternoon, you must have fallen asleep at some point. Bradley's sperm was perfect. It was of higher quality than 95% of men in their mid-thirties. It was ideal for impregnation. The most desirable quality you could imagine.

And you kept imagining it. He'd come inside you hundreds of times. Thousands of times. Countless times. Even since November, he'd put his Grade A sperm inside you more times than you could possibly keep track of.

So, this was your fault. And now you knew it. You tried for hours to think about work or your friends or even the fact that you should have been able to go to brunch this morning to gush about your promotion banquet. But everything was turning to shit now. It was probably time to think about alternate options. Or consider just giving up completely.

But why should Bradley have to give up his dream of being a dad just because you weren't able to give him what he wanted? You couldn't be that selfish. As sleep overtook you, disturbing and hurtful ideas filled your mind. You were vaguely aware of Bradley in the room as the afternoon light got dimmer. You could hear him put something in your nightstand. You heard the zipper on his duffle. But you couldn't open your eyes through the haze of pain and exhaustion.

When you jerked awake in your pitch black bedroom, you heard Bradley's voice next to you. "Are you okay, Sweetheart?"

You reached for your phone. It was after eleven o'clock. He'd plugged it in for you. He must have gotten himself dinner and taken Tramp out and finished packing for his deployment.

And then your heart sank as you reached for him. Bradley laced his fingers with yours, and you squeezed your eyes shut at how good it felt to simply hold his hand.

"I don't know," you whispered, because you weren't really sure. Bradley brought your hand up to his mouth and kissed your fingers. You sighed against the sensation of his mustache on your body. You wanted to keep this feeling alive. This little glimmer of hope. But you muttered, "It's late. Go to sleep," as you withdrew your hand and rolled onto your side.

He was silent for so long, you weren't sure if he was still awake. Finally he said, "I hate leaving you more than I hate anything else. But we'll figure this out. I love you."

But instead of responding, you let him doze. When you both woke up at five to the sound of his alarm blaring, there were several feet of space between your body and his in the king sized bed. You felt like absolute shit. It was hard to breathe as you watched Bradley climb out of bed and head for the bathroom. You knew everything he was going to do: shower, shave around his mustache, apply deodorant. But you didn't want to see it. You went into the kitchen where you had all of the ingredients to make him heart shaped pancakes and strawberries. But you didn't want to make them.

Instead you made some French press coffee and cried softly. You took a few sips and felt like you were going to throw up. You tried to eat a granola bar, but you gagged. You had forty one minutes until the Admirals would start calling everyone aboard the aircraft carrier. Less than an hour until your husband would be away for two months. But even when he cautiously walked into the kitchen in his uniform with his duffle bag, you still couldn't quite formulate what you wanted to say to him.

Because maybe he was right. Maybe you and he needed to spend some time apart. You hated yourself and your body, so how did you expect him to love you right now? And you resented him for the decisions he was making and the things he was saying to you. It felt like he didn't understand how it feels to be you. And then you laughed darkly, because of course he didn't. And you were doing a shitty job of describing it to him. A horrible job of communicating with him in general.

"Let's go," you said, heading for the front door in the old lounge pants and shirt you'd slept in. You felt disgusting, so you might as well just look disgusting, too.

But he headed you off, keeping his hand on the doorknob so you couldn't turn it. "I can't go until I know you're listening to what I have to say."

"What?" you snapped, because that was just a lie. He'd be leaving shortly even if you refused to listen or drive him there. That was just a fact.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your night. I didn't mean to hide the test results from you."

"But you did," you whispered harshly. "On both accounts."

"I know," he said solemnly, reaching for you before dropping his hand to his side. "And I'm sick over it. But this doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you or that I'm perfect. And we can keep trying as soon as I get home, okay?"

"If I even feel like it," you sobbed, pushing his hand out of the way and wrenching the door open. "If you even want to. If you can even stay hard for me."

"Sweetheart!" he called out, running after you as you got into the driver's seat of your car. You'd drop him off in this one instead of the Bronco, just because it would irritate him.

You were turning the key and shifting into reverse before he even had his door closed. You wanted him gone. Now. You needed the silence of the house without him in it. Keeping your tears at bay was impossible, but at least the drive was quiet. Bradley had his hand over his eyes, and his head was tipped back. You saw the way his Adam's apple worked against his neck as he swallowed hard, but you didn't say anything to ease his mind. If you had to feel bad, then so did he.

You made it to the docks in just a few minutes, and you were out of the car right away. You saw Bob and Nat on the dock, waving and waiting for the two of you, but you just couldn't go over there. You didn't want to see them or have to explain why the two of you were miserable.

As you turned to face your husband, you were shaking with tears, and so was he. There was just a foot of space between you, but you hesitated. And it was clear to him that you didn't know what to do. So he just stood there and wiped at his eyes, shaking his head.

"This is not how I wanted to leave things between us," he rasped, and you looked down at the ground. He was the one who kept telling you he wanted to talk, but you kept shutting him out.

When you opened your mouth to try to tell him that you still loved him, he held up his hand to stop you.

"You deserved more than what I gave you, okay?" he whispered, and your tears just came faster. "You deserved the world, and clearly I wasn't delivering on all of my promises. At the end of the day, if I'm the one responsible for all of your tears, then what fucking good am I as your husband?"

"Bradley," you croaked, sucking in a deep breath.

But he just kept going, even though whistles were blowing and his squadron was being called. "I love you so much. I'm always going to. And I'm sorry I'm leaving you like this. I should have tried harder, because you are everything."

Your heart was breaking as he wrapped one big hand around the back of your neck and kissed your forehead. You tried to say his name again, but nothing would come out except a wretched sounding sob. So you reached for him and kissed his lips softly. But then he was pulling away, and you felt bile in your throat.

"I love you." Your voice was so soft and broken, you weren't sure if he heard you. As he joined Nat and Bob, you cried next to your car, overwhelmed by the feeling of finality. You stayed until he boarded the carrier, but then you climbed behind the steering wheel again. You needed to go to work. You needed to go home and change first. When you tried to start the engine, your fingers fumbled the keys. After three tries you screamed and pounded on the steering wheel with your fists.

Your heart was broken, and now you had nothing to show for it except some bruised hands. But as you finally got the car started and headed home, you thought to yourself that at least your day couldn't get worse.

That was just wishful thinking on your part. As soon as you walked inside your bedroom with the intention of taking a hot shower, your eyes caught on something gold on Bradley's nightstand. He had left his wedding band. He never took it off. You couldn't recall a single time he had removed it since you slipped it on his finger last November.

It was cold to the touch when you picked it up. It was supposed to feel warm from being on his finger. You wanted to call him and demand an answer as to why he was going away on a deployment without his wedding band, but you were too scared to hear the answer. And as his words came flooding back, you climbed into bed with the ring held tight in your sore fist.

You deserved more than what I gave you.

Bradley deserved more, too.

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

Well. Now they are both on their own for two months. And I hurt my own feelings. Thanks to @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 10

@hotch-meeeeeuppppp

@swthxrry

@chassy21

@yaboid19

@solacestyles

@avoirlecoupdefoudre

@daisyhollyxox

@throwinsauce

@awesomebooklover17

@wintercap89

@whosyourgnomie4

@rosesinmars

@blog-name6996

@bcon24

@wishfulwithwine

@backinwonderl4nd

@tetragonia

@gingerbreadandpaper

@emptyloverofmine

@chaoticassidy

@missmirandafe

@changlingkhat

@sugarcoated-lame

@avada-kedavra-bitch-187

@katiebby04

@marantha

@averyhotchner

@abaker74

@heli991113

@k-k0129

@noz4a2

@tallyovie

@shanimallina87

@starlightstories

@teddyluvs2sing

@little-wiseone

@ccbb2222

@lilyevanswhore

@o-the-o-grim-o-reaper-o

@hecate-steps-on-me

@xoxabs88xox

774 notes · View notes

yuriisclumsy · 8 months ago

Text

╰ Description: Snaps from my Google Doc "Thoughts and Ideas." It's a diary with some thoughts that come from my mind when they are being intrusive–AKA thoughts I have at 1 AM. Separate from other works, unless It's for a series. Putting this just to clarify misunderstandings.

What if there was an AU for [Name] being one of the top ranked mages in twisted wonderland?

╰Description: [Name] is one of the top mage in Twisted Wonderland, right after Malleus Draconia.

Part 1 (You are here) | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

—April 8, 2024—

Thought… What if there was an AU for [Name] being one of the top ranked mages in twisted wonderland. Like, there is a venue at NRC with everyone invited. Even parents were allowed entry. So the parties PACKED. And then a murmur amongst the students gave rise to a NEW racked mage, saying it was a girl in her teens. Then, an announcement was made, that there was a new Top Rank list.

EVERYONE was shocked. I mean, Imagine that the last change for this list was over 10 years ago, the youngest and last on the list being 32 years old. And all of a sudden, there is a new member on the list? Firstly, it is very difficult even REACHING the top 100, let alone the top 10. Just who is this girl?

As they announced the new list, they went from bottom to top, starting from 10. Number 10, (is now the previous 9th place). This stunt people. It wouldn't be that surprising if number ten was the one being replaced. But for it to go one down…means that the girl was in a higher position. Number 9, (previous 8th place). Number 8, (previous 7th place). Number 7, (previous 6th place). Number 6, (previous 5th place). The more people listened, the more wide eyed they got. There was simply no way a young girl got on the top 5 in one go. That’s just impossible. Yet the announcer didn’t stop. Number 5, (previous 4th place). Number 4, (previous 3rd place). Number 3, (previous 2nd place). Number 2…. People were at the edges leaning forward. The first place belongs to The Prince of Thorn Valley, and had been so for the last centuries. Surely this girl couldn't have beat that…right?

The announcer continued, waiting for no one. [Name], [Name] Fairytale. That was the name outered by the announcer. Number 1, Malleus Draconia. To have a young girl be almost in par with THE Malleus Draconia, prince and heir to the throne of Thorn Valley. That was impressive…and terrifying.

Who is she?

What is she?

A human like that couldn't possibly exist. I mean, she is standing right infront of them, but still. They needed to know where this girl came from, and how she managed to climb to the top of the ranks. Some want to know out of curiosity, others, out of anger and envy. But the worst of them all, was those who think they could use this girl in their schemes. Use her to their gain. Maybe even to get powers never available to them before.

I wonder…. Do they think you're that stupid? That you are just an innocent little girl? Smart enough to fight, but dumb enough to manipulate.

They’re all fools. You’ll just have to prove it to them. A demonstration will suffice, yes?

(Finished 4/11/2024, at 5:37pm)

𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚜: @scarabiafriend, @sleep-ydragon, @d3sperate-enuf, @elaemae, @lucky-whispers, @kiwiimochi, @emmorphine, @azriel-sama, @amora-ledezma, @writerstrashbin, @marinahavik, @twstwondersforyou, @lunatheroyal, @ririsun, @dyedscarletletter, @kuureii, @otomega, @valacz29, @busy-dadzawa-fish, @sarah22447, @valacz29, @wondering-again, @lucid-stories. Re-blog or Comment if you want to get added into the Tag section for Twisted wonderland. Back to The Mind

Back to Master-List

205 notes · View notes

jnnul · 6 months ago

Text

the right side of wrong. (part one)

TAGS ▸ violence (fighting, blood, general superhero warnings), warnings vary per chapter, uhh like trauma but it's not gone into super deeply, lots of mentions of isolation and manipulation, young justice au!, nightwing!sunghoon, there is a vision here of sunghoon as nightwing and i want everyone to have it as well, superhero au

PLAYLIST ▸ yosemite - travis scott, back - jey, stay - ari abdul, element - pop smoke, dirty laundry - blackbear

WORD COUNT ▸ 11.4k

AUTHOR’S NOTE ▸ i’ve fallen back into my superhero phase (which i’m always in, who am i kidding?) and everyone needs to understand my love for the found family + superhero trope. extremely self-indulgent and shamelessly fun to write! it’s a little different from what i usually write (college aus) so hopefully i do it justice (haha get it). part one out of eight-ish parts! quick note: feedback, comments, etc. GREATLY encourage writers! if you felt any sort of way (in a good or bad way!) about this fic, pls leave feedback!

TAGLIST ▸ @hybeboyenthusisast

[march 17, 20XX 6:32 p.m.]

[???]

ALL Y/N ARDOR FAUST CAN SEE IS ABSOLUTE DARKNESS. at first, she panics, grasping at air as she falls into despair when she realizes that she cannot manage to actually latch onto anything. no matter how much she tries to feel around for something - anything - she fails to do so, instead only managing to lose her balance in the nothingness. she knew that this would happen when she first devised her plan but she hadn’t known just how frightening it would be to escape.

escape. is that really what she was doing? or was she just painting the target on her back even larger? did it even matter anymore? if she couldn’t leave this place, she might as well give up. after all, once they found her, it didn’t really matter whether she would have escaped or not. no one would live to tell the story of the girl who escaped a prison with no exits.

she vaguely registers that someone is screaming and she wants to tell them to stop, that they were blowing her cover and that she definitely wouldn’t be able to escape if they kept screaming. it was too loud. too loud!

only when her vision clears does she realize that the person who had been screaming had been herself.

[march 12, 20XX, 4:19 p.m.]

[mount justice, happy harbor, rhode island]

sunghoon park shifts uncomfortably as he watches black canary wipe superboy off of his feet. jay grunts as his body meets the ground, the sensors in the training ground floor sounding out a resoundingly depressing “SUPERBOY - LOSS” that echoes throughout the training chamber. even after three months of training, it seemed like none of them could really beat black canary when it came to martial arts.

and sunghoon was trained by batman, so that really meant something. canary and him were tied (32 - 32) and he had a feeling that wouldn’t change any time soon.

“nightwing? you want to run roll next?” canary asks, eyebrow cocked in challenge. sunghoon smiles, adjusting his mask before he steps onto the training ground, the sensors announcing “NIGHTWING - BLACK CANARY” as soon as he does.

“why? taking out our heavy hitter wasn’t enough?” sunghoon asks and canary scoffs as she hunches into a fighting stance, ready to pounce the moment he gave her a chance to do so.

“hey! i was distracted,” jay exclaims, thanking miss martian slightly when she offers him an ice pack. sunghoon doesn’t have the heart to remind her that jay was half-kryptonian and that ice packs didn’t really help him in healing as much as she thought they did but he doubted it would make much of a difference. soojin was just about head over heels in love with jay and vice versa - she could offer him kryptonite to heal him and jay would accept it happily because his loving girlfriend gave it to him. or something like that, at least.

“just like nightwing is,” canary says before lunging forward, slicing at sunghoon’s head before shifting her position to aim for his knee instead. sunghoon launches backwards before he even realizes what had happened.

“nightwing has also been training in mma since he was in diapers, practically,” kid flash, aka jake sim (aka one of sunghoon’s oldest and best friends), points out. even sunghoon’s body on autopilot, maneuvering and ducking out of black canary’s well placed traps, was a lethal force but sunghoon had no intentions of breaking the tie in canary’s favor.

“technically, superboy’s only five years old,” soojin points out and jake grimaces underneath his mask.

“do you want me to point out the moral flaws in you dating a technical five year old? even if he’s biologically 21?” jake asks and soojin lifts her arms in understanding.

“point taken.”

“glad to see that martians don’t take well to that either.”

“i don’t really think that anyone does, kid.”

“now that we’ve established that everyone in the milky way has the same moral compass, you gonna spar with me or what, nightwing?” canary says, smiling cattily (oh, the irony) before sweeping at sunghoon’s leg, grunting when he leaps gracefully.

“you’re right, canary. hate to keep you on your toes,” sunghoon says. and with that, he successfully is able to grab her left arm, catching her off balance and causing her to try to twist her body to keep from falling but sunghoon is too fast. he lets go of her before she can find something to latch onto, and canary fails to knock sunghoon off his feet before gravity wins out.

she falls to the ground in a somehow still graceful manner, the mat below them reading “NIGHTWING - WIN” as sunghoon helps her get back on her feet.

“you know i’m going to tie that score up again, right?” canary says, cocking her head to where the scoreboard (only the two of them had a score; nobody else really needed one against canary) now read 33 - 32 in nightwing’s favor.

“counting on it. it’s the prestige of the league and the team at hand, after all,” sunghoon laughs and canary flashes him a mildly amused smile before straightening up once more.

“i know that it’s not the justice league’s jurisdiction to comment on the team’s inner workings anymore but some of the leaguers have expressed a little concern at the fact that the team is not accepting new members at this time - especially considering the fact that there are heroes like blue beetle or bumblebee who have made a considerable impact without compromising their identities in team fashion.” black canary sighs, running a hand through her blond hair before shaking her head. “but it’s not the league’s responsibility to propose additions to the team - it’s yours. specifically, nightwing’s.”

sunghoon exchanges a look with jake before shrugging. “i can appreciate the league’s trust in the team and the…forward thinking to increase our numbers. but we’ve decided that we’re not going to even consider additions to the team unless we’re all here to decide together.”

“yeah. unless aqualad and artemis are here, we’re not really jumping at the chance to make any big decisions,” jake echoes, and sunghoon sees jay shrug when soojin nods.

“i figured as much but aqualad and artemis have been in action for a while. the decision is yours but it’s hard to operate a team when 1/3 of it is currently unavailable,” canary says.

“i think you’ll find that we’re more than capable of holding our own,” jake says, arms crossed against his chest. he’s about to say something else but a look from sunghoon calms him down and just shrugs when jay looks at him.

“i don’t doubt it. but it’s just a suggestion from our own experience,” canary says, leaning over to pick up her previously discarded jacket, shrugging it over her shoulders.

“thanks. we’ll keep it in mind.” there’s no room for questioning in sunghoon’s voice in the way that he speaks but black canary appreciates the formality he carries nonetheless.

“alright. well. it’s up to you guys. i’m headed out but let me know if any of you need anything.” with that, canary bids the team goodbye, using the zeta tube to teleport out of the cave (where the team practiced and a few members of the team lived). in the next second after black canary has left, soojin uses her telepathic powers to establish a mind link between the four of them in the room, ensuring that they could all communicate via mere thoughts.

how much do you want to bet she’s going to go relay that to the justice league? jake says telepathically, eyebrows raised.

as much as you’re willing to bet that they don’t actually want us to replace members. they just want to know about what aqualad and artemis are up to, soojin retorts.

and as much as i’m willing to bet that that little black bat behind sunghoon is a bug placed by canary on batman’s orders, jay snorts, looking determinedly to the right of where sunghoon was standing.

don’t give it away, superboy. we know that they’ve bugged us and they’ll know soon enough too but let’s take the lead that we can for now. sunghoon sighs, stretching as he gathers his duffel bag with more comfortable clothes than his suit to change into.

“i’m gonna hit the showers,” he announces out loud.

“yeah, i’m not exactly feeling like i’m doing so hot the fragrance department right now,” jake says without missing a beat.

“alright, well i’m gonna go bake cookies if you wanna meet in the kitchens in a bit,” soojin says, getting up. jay rolls shoulder carefully, grinning when he finds that it doesn’t sting when he does so.

“cool. i’ll follow the crowd and take a shower too and we’ll meet you when we don’t smell like the inside of a middle school gym,” jay says, grimacing when he catches a whiff of jake’s training (which he had changed out of about 3.2 seconds after his defeat to black canary) gear.

the three boys part ways with their friend (and in one case, girlfriend) to hit the showers. soojin turns on the mental link once more once they're out of earshot.

how far are they getting, anyway? the old bat’s not gonna be in the dark about what’s happening in his own city for very long, jake says telepathically and sunghoon sighs, turning on the hot water once they reach the showers.

i’m not sure. i last heard from aqualad two days ago but i haven’t heard from yujin in over a week.

a WEEK? sunghoon winces when he hears jake’s incredulous voice echoing in his head. YOU HAVEN’T HEARD FROM MY GIRLFRIEND IN A WEEK?

it might be my super hearing but was that loud for everyone else too? jay asks, rather innocently.

yes, jay. i don’t think that’s how it works though, sweetheart. but jake’s right, sunghoon. you haven’t heard from artemis in a week? soojin asks from wherever she is in the den.

sunghoon shuts off the water, tousling his freshly washed hair as he steps out of the showers, contemplating how much to share with the rest of the team.

well. i’ve heard from heeseung about yujin but she herself hasn’t checked in lately. but remember, we knew that she was going to go no comms. jake, you knew that she was going to have to go under the radar from us too when they got closer to the objective.

jake doesn’t say anything, physically brushing past sunghoon to get to his own room down the hall from him.

i really hope so, sunghoon. i really hope that your objective is worth it.

[march 17, 20XX, 10:51 p.m.]

[gotham city, southern end of new jersey]

“you shouldn’t be out in this part of the city this late at night,” ardor hears a voice say from behind her. she looks over her shoulder to see who was talking to her, and the person takes a step back, gasping when they make eye contact with her.

ardor was hunched over on the ground in mouth of a frighteningly dark alleyway, shivering and teeth chattering. her hair was a complete mess, her arms covered in bruises, and she was holding herself protectively.

“hey, you alright?” the person knelt next to ardor and she couldn’t help but to inch away from this new person, hands gaining new injuries from making contact with the unforgiving gravel of the alleyway.

the other person raises her hands, almost as though she were trying to prove that she wasn’t a threat to ardor, who eyes her suspiciously as she wraps her arms around her knees.

“i promise i don’t have any bad intentions, but are you alright? i think that we should get inside before it hits midnight, and maybe you can tell me what happened to you?” the woman says and ardor stares at the stranger’s helping hand before slowly reaching out her own bloodied hand, only to be interrupted by a loud crash from behind the stranger.

“well, well. if isn’t two little girls on the wrong side of town, standing too close to the bank for their own safety.” the stranger grimaces as she turns around, coming face to face with the big pain in the ass himself, icicle sr.

“icicle, don’t you have better things to do than to terrorize gotham? like, i don’t know, spending quality time with your family? trying out a new hobby? when was the last time you picked up a book, huh?” the stranger says with a sigh, and while her tone is still lighthearted, ardor sees the stranger slowly shift into a more defensive stance, moving so that she was shielding ardor from their unwanted visitor.

“artemis, one of these days, that smart mouth is gonna land you somewhere you don’t wanna be,” icicle sr. growls, cracking his neck as he adopts a more offensive stance. ardor is silent all the while, more fixated on the blur of motion behind the big lump of human shaped ice than the ice itself.

“artemis, look out!” ardor yells. no sooner do the words leave her mouth does the blur of motion come to a halt in front of artemis, jabbing at her side. but artemis is quick, sidestepping the affront and pulling a bow and arrow out of seemingly nowhere.

the rest of the goons that were in the car suspiciously parked outside of the bank also start descending on artemis, ardor seemingly cast side for the moment. she tries to pull herself to her feet but the injuries from the impact that she had taken on her legs when she tumbled into gotham were still tender enough so that she couldn’t move too quickly.

ardor hunches over herself, looking down, only to see her foot completely twisted, facing the wrong direction.

she grimaces but tries to pull herself up regardless, a strange fire lit in her eyes. she reaches down and takes a deep breath before snapping her foot back into place, unable to keep the scream that escapes her throat inside.

“FUCK!” she screams, and this moment is the moment that changes y/n ardor faust’s fate forever. because no sooner does she yell this, a series of things happen in seemingly slow motion.

first is that a pack of icicle sr.’s goons descend upon artemis and ardor in quick succession. the second is that artemis is quickly overwhelmed by the seven people that seemed to have manifested out of thin air - likely other, smaller goons that had been drawn to the areas like moths to a light after hearing ardor scream. the third thing is that ardor is forced to protect herself from icicle sr. himself.

“normally i’d go for the blondie but risk assessment tells me that i should take the wimp out first,” he says, cracking his knuckles. his cronies fall back a little bit, letting their ‘macho leader’ take on the injured girl himself. she supposed that he probably always took the first punch when it came to new victims. he fit the personality type of a secretly impotent man trying to secure his place in society by victimizing those around him anyway.

“alright,” ardor says. “well then, i hope this doesn’t hurt too much!”

and with that, a column of fire leaps out of her palms and straight into icicle sr.’s chest, propelling him backwards. he flies so far back that he crumples into the van that he’d arrived in, about twenty feet away.

for a moment, ardor panics, fearing that she may have accidentally killed him (she hadn’t used her powers for the past year and a half, and that meant that she was seriously out of practice). but she hears him groan and twitch, his cronies looking between her and his form against the car (which had made a serious dent on the passenger side).

“what? want me to turn up the heat on you guys too?” she snarls, a little fireball dancing on the palm of her hand.

artemis looks back to see ardor launch the fireball in the direction of the mob that had descended upon them, watching them scatter like roaches from the light of her flame, the goons piling into cars or leaping on buildings’ fire escapes to leave the scene.

artemis turns to ardor dumbfounded, to which ardor can only smile ruefully. “don’t worry - it’s cold fire. it doesn’t burn but it leaves a pretty nasty feeling. kinda like being submerged into a bucketful of icy water.”

“couldn’t you have done that before?” artemis says, shaking her head. ardor blinks at her owlishly before tilting her head.

“um, i’ve never actually trained in combat with real people before so…” ardor says. “kinda didn’t wanna accidentally - maybe - really, hurt someone.”

artemis rolls her shoulder, where she’d shoulder-butted someone in an attempt to get them off of her. it worked, but her shoulder had to suffer for it.

this girl had pyrokinetic powers, knew how to use them, but had never engaged in combat? it was practically impossible to think that someone who was this well-versed in their powers could exist on earth without batman knowing about them. and artemis knew for a fact that batman didn’t know about this girl because if batman knew, nightwing knew. and if he knew, and this girl was from gotham, then artemis definitely knew.

which meant that this girl was not on anyone’s radar. that usually was not a good thing.

“what’s your name?” artemis asks after a beat of silence.

ardor thinks for a moment. “ardor.”

she didn’t know who this artemis kid was - although she was pretty sure that she was one of the good guys if someone robbing a bank wasn’t her biggest fan. but still. she didn’t come here to make friends with the wrong people. not again.

y/n faust needed to find the justice league. and she needed to make sure that she was on the right side of history this time.

“ardor,” artemis repeats slowly. she knows that ardor is not her real name, but artemis wasn’t about to supply this strange girl with her real name so she had reason to expect that ardor would give her hers.

still, something about this girl indicated that she was hiding something that she definitely should not be. for some reason, she kind of reminded artemis of…herself.

again, signs pointing things more than a little on the fishy side.

but artemis knew better than to judge based on things like that. she herself was a super criminal’s daughter. what right did she have to judge anyone else based on their life experience?

and besides, the way ardor looked around, taking in the grimy alleyway of gotham was too innocent. it was like she was seeing it for the first time - like she was seeing everything for the first time.

“alright ardor. well, what brings you to gotham?” artemis asks. ardor looks at her and then back down at her foot, leaning against the disgusting wall of the bank that they were so inconveniently next to to relieve some of the pressure on her injured foot.

artemis could practically see the gears turning in this girl’s head and she’s once again hit with the fact that either this girl was a really good actress or she genuinely had gone under the radar this whole time. in any case, whoever had taught her to use her powers hadn’t taught her how to keep a poker face.

“would you believe me if i said i came from another dimension? to look for the justice league?”

artemis searches ardor’s face, furrowing her eyebrows when she doesn’t see a single trace of lying in her eyes. she was speaking the whole, genuine truth. which of course, would have to be verified by batman and the rest of the league but as far as this girl herself knew, she was telling the truth.

she sighs, shaking her head and pulling out a transmission device on a secure line.

“sure. we have a speed force and zeta tubes. why not have alternate dimensions?” she mumbles under her breath, clicking a few buttons on the transmission device.

“nightwing? pull me out. i’ve secured the objective and uh, a friend that i think you should meet.”

[march 18, 20XX, 12:19 a.m.]

[happy harbor bowl-o-rama, happy harbor, rhode island]

“does everything in your dimension look this…depressing?” ardor asks, wide-eyed as she takes in the rather sad state of the bowl-o-rama.

artemis exchanges a look with nightwing before shrugging. “i mean, you did come straight from gotham right? that’s not exactly the happiest place to start off in…a different…dimension.”

nightwing nods. “yeah. what’s your dimension like? less crazy than icicle sr., i hope?”

there’s a wry smile on ardor’s face that feels out of place. like she’s not used to such an emotion.

“i don’t know; i wouldn’t call it less crazy necessarily. i mean, nothing’s ever normal when klarion’s involved,” she says, deep in thought. nightwing pauses, doing a double take and looking at artemis.

don’t look at me! i have no clue what this kid knows either, she says telepathically. miss martian hadn’t made ardor’s acquaintance, since nightwing wanted to keep this as under wraps as possible before deciding their next steps.

“i’m sorry, did you say klarion? as in klarion the witch?” nightwing says incredulously. ardor blinks, before nodding slowly.

“you’re not his friends are you? i doubt it, since klar doesn’t exactly do friends and his friends are definitely not as nice as you guys have been but of course, that could just be a false front as you wait for me to let down my guard so you can kidnap me and send me back to my dimension.”

now it’s nightwing and artemis’s turn to blink at ardor. i see what you mean, yujin. she’s definitely not showing up on any of our databases so i don’t think that she’s an undercover agent because she’s not really giving any of those signs. not to mention that ‘klar’ mixed with alternate dimensions is a pretty severe indication that this girl probably has been living a life hard to understand by our standards. and…as much as i can’t stand klarion and his stupid evil magic stuff, i think that her association with him might not be as evil as we think it is.

“no, we’re not his friends. in fact, i don’t think that he likes us very much at all,” artemis says gently. ardor’s eyes seem to glow in the dim lighting of the bowl-o-rama when artemis says this, and she leans forward excitedly.

“you wouldn’t happen to be connected to the justice league, would you? they’re pretty much the only people that i know for a fact klarion hates with a passion - and that means a lot for a warlock with the emotional maturity of a prepubescent boy,” ardor says. nightwing fights to keep the smile off of his face at ardor’s enthusiastic spirit at the sight of finding those who didn’t like her acquaintance (?).

it’s easy enough to do when the questions in his mind start to spin out of control.

“we’re familiar with people who could get you in touch with the justice league, sure. but before we do that, do you mind telling us why you’re here? in this dimension? and maybe why you’re willing to look for people who are actively working against your…acquaintance?” ardor’s smile from before starts to fade with nightwing’s torrent of questions as she looks down at her bandaged ankle, trying to come up with all of the answers to his questions.

“um. well, sure. but please, you have to promise to hear me out fully before you decide anything! and whatever i tell you, please please don’t send me back to where i came from. even though i’m pretty sure that’s kind of impossible without dark magic, i just really can’t go back,” ardor says with a hint of desperation in her voice.

artemis reaches out to place one of her hands over ardor’s hands clasped over the table that they were sitting at.

“i promise that we’ll give you a fair chance to explain yourself,” artemis says. “trust me.”

careful yujin. you said that she’s got pyrokinetic powers but we don’t know what else she’s got, nightwing says through the link, never once moving a muscle on his face.

i know that, sunghoon. but we’ve all had our fair share of dark pasts. we’ve gotta at least hear her out. and innocent until proven guilty, remember? artemis fires back, tuning back in when ardor opens her mouth to explain.

i know i’m not supposed to sift through her mind, but if it makes either of you safer, from what i can tell just from being as minimally invasive as possible to keep her from knowing i’m in her mind, she’s telling the truth, soojin says through the mindlink that allowed them to speak to each other and artemis almost misses the way that nightwing relaxes subconsciously, fighting to keep the smile off her face.

“uh…i guess there’s no easy way of putting it but my name is y/n faust. as in the daughter of felix faust, the magician,” ardor - y/n - begins. both artemis and nightwing nod, as if to coax her into continuing, thoughts racing at a mile per minute.

“i’m not really sure who my mom is. but i found out a year ago that my father moved me from this dimension, where i was born, to the dimension he created to keep me locked away from this world. he told me that it was too dangerous here and that he created that dimension to protect me from the horrors of this world - something like the story of rapunzel, if you guys have that in dimension.

“i’ve been living in a sense of seclusion for the past eighteen years. for seventeen years, i believed everything that he said. i thought it genuinely was dangerous in this dimension and that my dad was keeping me isolated from everything and everyone because he didn’t want me to get hurt. but there were things that just stopped adding up - if he was truly trying to protect me, why was he always in a different dimension, fighting those people called the ‘justice league’ instead of staying in my dimension and protecting me? why were the only people who were allowed in my dimension scary looking people like klarion? why did he only ever teach me out to make pretty shapes and do stupid party tricks with my powers instead of ever teaching me how to protect myself? why didn’t he ever let me see what the dimension next to me looked like? if it was so bad that i wouldn’t be able to survive, letting me see such a horrible dimension would make me want to run straight back into my safe little bubble, wouldn’t it?

“the questions kept adding up and i just never got any answers that i needed from my dad. one day, i managed to get klarion to confess exactly how i got stuck in that dimension and why my dad never let me leave. he never told me the full story - and obviously, i had to take everything he said with a grain of salt - but i’d gleaned enough to understand two things: one, my father was hiding me from the world, sure, but mostly from a specific person. two, he wasn’t the good guy like he was parading himself to be before i’d been able to trick into klarion telling me. i don’t think i actually tricked him, to be honest. i’m pretty sure he only told me out of spite for something my dad had done, but he told me anyway.”

artemis leans back in her chair, letting out a low whistle as her and nightwing process everything that y/n had just revealed to the two of them.

“i never knew faust had a kid,” nightwing says softly, and y/n (ardor?) shrugs, a wry smile wringing at her lips.

“faust’s kid didn’t really know there was a whole different dimensional world until last year so i won’t hold it against you,” she says. artemis and nightwing exchange a look.

soojin, i know that we’ve been pretty against mind-searching but do you think you could do a quick scan - as much as you can without getting caught - so that we can verify her story. i want to believe her but that’s a lot of information that can’t be checked otherwise. i mean if she’s really from a different dimension, there’s no telling what exactly happened in that dimension, nightwing thinks through the mindlink.

“so what made you come look for the justice league?” artemis voices out loud and y/n looks back down at her foot before shaking her head.

“my dad and his so called friends are doing some bad stuff in this dimension. i don’t know exactly what he’s doing but i think i have some intel that might be able to get the justice league ahead of my dad and his friends this time. because i don’t think this dimension should have to see the light.”

artemis bristles at the mention of the light. an evil counterpart to the justice league, the light was capable of any level of evil that the justice league was seeking to put an end to but with the company of various high level figures such as vandal savage, klarion the witch boy, felix faust, ra’s al ghul, and lex luthor.

even her father, sportsmaster.

they were twisted, evil people who thought that the best way to elevate humanity and make them the ‘ultimate ruling race of the universe’ was to eliminate those who were ‘too weak to serve their purpose’ and use the rest as braindead killing machines.

all for power. everything just for power.

which was why any and all intelligence that could be provided in the fight to first figure out what the light were up to and then to figure out how to stop it was of defcon priority one.

but a single look at nightwing’s face is enough to tell artemis that she might be the only one thinking that way.

sunghoon was lost in thought, analyzing the behavior of the girl in front of them carefully. his body language was cautiously open, showing that he was open to whatever information she was presenting to them, but his arms were crossed over the table that they were sitting so that it looked like he was leaning over to examine y/n and every single tell that she was giving.

“so that explains your search for the justice league then. and i guess the pyrokinetics. any chance you might clue us in on what information you have on the light?” nightwing asks, and y/n shrinks back, suddenly looking very unsure of herself.

“i - i don’t think so. you both have been very nice and i really have to thank you for being one of the good guys and not hurting me in my time here but i, uh, really would rather talk to the justice league. when i landed in gotham, i saw batman on one of the justice league posters. i don’t know any of the other members of the justice league so if it would be possible, i’d like to tell him directly,” y/n says with a somewhat regretful tone. “not that i don’t trust you guys! i think you would’ve hurt me already if you wanted to. but…from what i can tell, the light are some really dangerous people. i just don’t want more people to get hurt than i can help.”

anything, soojin?

nothing, sunghoon. she’s clean. she’s telling the truth. but i do have to say that she’s keeping something from the two of you. it’s nothing evil, but it’s definitely something personal. i wouldn’t ask her about it because i’m pretty sure it’s private business but i do think that it might be important later so make sure that you make her feel comfortable enough to ask, soojin responds and sunghoon makes sure to file away the information in his brain before tuning back into the conversation.

“…we totally understand where you’re coming from, y/n,” artemis is saying when he starts listening again. “and since it seems like you don’t have too many friends to stay with in this dimension, why don’t we take you to one of our safe houses before we can determine our next steps? like you said, we’re dealing with some pretty powerful and not so nice people. we want to make sure that everyone is safe before we do anything.”

“sure. i understand.” y/n pauses, seemingly hesitant as she looks down at her clothes. it’s only then that nightwing realizes that her clothes are somewhat torn from her scuffle (and undoubtedly from her tumble into their dimension).

“do you - i mean, only if you want - a change of clothes maybe? i’m not really sure what’s fashionable in your dimension but i’m sure artemis can conjure something up in your size. not that you won’t look good in whatever…if you care about that. not that you should! or shouldn’t, of course,” nightwing says, tripping over his words as he speaks. yujin turns to him with a interested glint in her eyes that signaled nothing less than i’m onto you as she turns back to y/n with a soft smile, who’s blinking at the two of them owlishly.

“uh…to be honest, when the only other female figure in your life is talia al ghul, you learn to kind of make your own fashion standards,” she says slowly, a small smile on her face.

“right. makes sense.” sunghoon stands up abruptly, unsure why he was tripping over his words and making himself seem like such a loser all of a sudden. “i’ll leave you two to it then. i have some things i need to take care of elsewhere.”

some things? you mean me, sunghoon? aqualad says in sunghoon’s mind and it takes everything in him to keep from freaking out in front of y/n and artemis, although the latter was faring no better than he was.

heeseung had been checking in - more frequently than yujin had been, anyway - but given the objective he’d been given, it worried sunghoon more than he cared to let on when he didn’t hear from him in over six days.

or did you mean anywhere but here, by elsewhere? jay adds and sunghoon can hear the thinly veiled poke at sunghoon’s floundering in front of y/n before.

see, this is why i hate superpowers sometimes, sunghoon grumbles, pushing the door to the bowl-o-rama open. and heeseung, i thought we were meeting directly at mount justice whenever you secured the objective?

already finished the objective, captain. i was just dropping by here since i was told by kid flash that there was an interesting show going on at the bowl-o-rama. i wanted to provide reinforcements if they were needed, heeseung says nonchalantly.

you’re just itching for seeing me make a fool of myself, sunghoon corrects and even soojin can’t keep the laugh out of her voice.

she is very pretty, to be fair. i’d probably fumble my words too. i just thought you’d be a little more suave for someone like you, nightwing, soojin says.

that’s - that’s not why i was fumbling. and besides, we don’t even know for sure if she’s really on our side or not. she might just be a horribly good actress and i don’t want to really give her the benefit of the doubt right now. that’s up to batman, nightwing says gruffly. but he still can’t help but turn around and glance inside the bowl-o-rama, where y/n is laughing at something that artemis is saying.

sunghoon shakes his head, unable to keep the smallest of smiles off his face. sunghoon is nightwing. he’s cool. suave. the boy wonder. he doesn’t get flustered in front of pretty girls. no, he flusters pretty girls. sunghoon is the man!

uh, boy wonder? big guy in blue? gray son of gotham? we can still hear you, jake says and this time, not even soojin keeps herself from laughing.

fuck my life. and fuck you guys too.

[march 18, 20XX, 8:19 a.m.]

[mount justice, happy harbor, rhode island]

“how long has the bat been in there?” jake asks, munching on an apple. yujin not so subtly jumps away from the door of the room that batman and ardor were sitting in, discussing whatever it was that she had on the light.

“at least forty-five minutes. i mean she said she didn’t have much so i don’t even know what they’re talking about this point,” yujin huffs, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at the door.

“you’re awfully overprotective over someone you met less than twelve hours ago,” jake comments and yujin rolls her eyes, pulling jake’s arm so that he stumbled over to her.

“and you’re awfully jealous of my attention being on a girl i met twelve hours ago,” yujins reasons, and jake leans forward to press a kiss to her lips, only to jump backwards when they heard someone clear their throat behind them.

“i understand that the two of you have been separated for quite some time but don’t you think that reunions should be done in places that are more private? such as perhaps the home that the two of you share?” heeseung says with a bemused smile and a raised eyebrow.

“lighten up aqualad,” jake says, punching him in the arm. “don’t worry, i was concerned for you too. i missed having to hide from people like i was going to get in trouble for kissing my girlfriend.”

“speaking of getting in trouble,” heeseung begins, pushing jake’s hand off of his arm. “don’t you two have school?”

“oh shit! it’s already 8:20? we’ve got ten minutes to get to class!” yujin says, checking her watch. she leans over to press a chaste kiss to jake’s cheek before rushing over to the zeta tubes to transport her directly to palo alto, jake hurrying to follow suit.

“you haven’t been back for more than a day and you’re already on parenting duty?” sunghoon asks, leaning against a pillar, mug of coffee in hand.

heeseung shrugs, nodding towards the door that was still closed. “well someone has to get them away from this door and back to their degrees.”

“i could barely keep them off of each other for long enough to get a mission briefing from her last night,” sunghoon says, shivering as he recalls the horrible sight of having to watch jake physically have to be separated from yujin when they reunited in mount justice last night.

“you say this now but you were definitely killing yourself trying to make sure that she was alright when she went under. especially since i bet kid flash was giving you hell about it,” heeseung says with a knowing glint in his eyes. sunghoon just offers him a tired smile as he waves, retreating into the kitchen.

“you’re welcome to take back team leader position whenever you’d like to, aqualad,” sunghoon calls out from the kitchen.

“no thanks. i’ve already got the title of ‘aquaman’ hanging over my head. i don’t think i’ll be itching for any new titles any time soon,” heeseung calls back. sunghoon sticks his neck out over the counter that separated the general meeting space from the living space, an incredulous look on his face.

“so it’s true? arthur’s handing over the mantle of aquaman?” he asks, now fortified with a plate of buttered toast. heeseung sighs, rubbing his hand over his face as he sits down on one of the bar stools on the other side of the counter.

“yeah. it’s hard to manage being the king of atlantis and the representative of atlantis in the justice league so he’s been asking for a while if i wanted to take on the responsibilities of aquaman,” heeseung says softly.

sunghoon lets out a low whistle, looking up at the bright lights of the kitchen before looking back at heeseung.

“what do you think? i mean…i hate to say it but you’d have to leave the team if you were to become justice league material. you know, our team being covert and all.” sunghoon’s tone is light, almost as if he were jesting but both heeseung and sunghoon know that his heart is heavy.

“you, jay, and i formed this team together. and with so many new threats, it feels as though i have had such little time with our team. i just can’t imagine leaving it so soon,” heeseung says comfortingly but sunghoon is able to read between the lines.

“but you have a responsibility and a duty towards your king,” sunghoon says, his words filling in the blanks.

“it won’t be anytime soon - if i were to accept the offer - but i figured it would be best to talk it over with the team leader before i made any decisions,” heeseung explains. “not to mention that our team has changed quite a bit in the past year already. i’m just considering all the routes to be taken right now. especially since the fact that entry into the justice league would be to abandon the covert identity of the team to expose myself to the public. for a good cause, of course, but i could never return to a secret team such as our own ever again.”

“hm. whatever you decide, it’ll be the right decision, heeseung. i can tell you that much. and as your team leader, i’d like to remind you that this team will always need you and have a spot on the team for you, so long as your identity remains covert. but at the same time, this team will never stay the same forever. i think that jake and yujin moving out to california was the first indication of that. but that doesn’t mean that our friendships or that our team will ever lose you,” sunghoon says after a moment of contemplation.

heeseung finally smiles a relieved smile. “it brings me great comfort to hear you speak that way, old friend.”

sunghoon can’t offer more than a bittersweet smile, and heeseung and sunghoon both know that things have been different between the three founding members for a long while now, even if they all hated to admit it.

“batman has asked you many times if you wanted to turn to fighting crime in the name of the justice league, has he not?” heeseung asks.

“yeah. he has. but i don’t know. i don’t think i’m ready to leave this team just yet,” sunghoon says, and for some reason, he finds his gaze trailing over to the door that was still shut. usually the therapy room was occupied for no more than twenty minutes (or longer if the mission had been particularly mentally taxing, but that was very rare).

“yes. there is still much to be done. many people to save,” heeseung says, and sunghoon snaps his gaze back to heeseung’s knowing one and for some reason, although the age difference between heeseung and sunghoon is but a year and a half, for some reason, it feels as though heeseung is lightyears ahead of sunghoon.

“i’m not into her,” sunghoon says feverishly, but heeseung just shrugs.

“i never said you were. she is someone to save, is she not?”

sunghoon doesn’t know what to say to that, but he finds that he’s saved (once again) by his old mentor, and batman steps out of the therapy room, y/n behind him, her eyes red and swollen, as if she’d been crying.

“i expect that mount justice has space for one more inhabitant?” he asks, but the tone of his voice makes it clear that he’s not exactly asking.

in fact, batman rarely used words that he didn’t exactly need to use. ‘mount justice’ meant that y/n was safest here, in a secret location that was used by the team as a secret headquarters. that meant that she was probably in danger - from the light, at sunghoon’s best guess. the fact that he also said ‘one more inhabitant’ meant that y/n’s powers (which had been described briefly by yujin) were to be utilized for good.

if sunghoon chose to. or realistically, if the team decided that she would be a good fit and that adding her to the team wouldn’t put her in more danger than she was already in.

“we have the space,” sunghoon says carefully, and batman almost smiles at the caution that he’s drilled into his mentee so many times in the past.

“she needs a place to stay. and she can hold her own - she’d be a good addition to the team,” batman confirms, and sunghoon can hear the true message behind his words.

she’s safe. her story checks out. you can trust her.

batman has never been wrong in the past; sunghoon saw no reason to start questioning him now.

and besides, when sunghoon had done some digging of his own last night, her saw that y/n’s story mostly checked out. at the very least, it would explain the inter-dimensional issues that were growing larger, according to doctor fate.

“then, i am going to leave sunghoon to showing you to your room. i have some business on atlantis to attend to,” heeseung says, and sunghoon catches the stray glance he throws at him, choosing to ignore it steadily.

“i’ll head out then, too. but nightwing, i’d like to have a one on one with you later on,” batman adds and it’s slight, barely there (as much of batman’s emotion usually was) but sunghoon can hear the faint jest in his words.

the cave (the nickname that they called the area where the training grounds, zeta tubes, and the therapy room were all located in, adjacent to the kitchen) grew emptier as the zeta tubes rang out twice, reading out batman and aqualad’s recognition numbers.

“and then there were two,” sunghoon says, largely to himself. y/n’s eyebrows furrow as she pouts, trying to recall if she’d ever heard the phrase before.

“i thought the book was called and then there were none?” she asks slowly and sunghoon shakes his head, a small smile on his face.

“i guess there’s a lot of gap between inter-dimensional sayings.”

“probably. the only saying that i know of is ‘don’t venture too far into the darkness or you’ll die.’ i didn’t know how to tell my dad that i was scared of the dark anyway.”

“for someone who grew up around the light, you’re pretty softhearted.”

“eh, it’s easy to not listen when your powers involve pyrokinetics. you know, because fire? and fire emits light? light beats darkness? also, you know my dad is involved with the light, right? it’s all pretty ironic and hypocritical if you stop to think about it.”

sunghoon blinks, unsure if how they ended up in this conversation all of a sudden. huh. it wasn’t like him to lose track of a conversation like that. to be fair, when your conversational partner is usually jake sim, half the time sunghoon was just stuck asking him to stop talking at the speed of sound.

literally.

“uh-huh. anyway, let me show you your room,” sunghoon says, rounding the corner to exit the kitchen and reach where y/n was standing. the two of them walk side by side and sunghoon leads her down the hallway past the amenities (pointing out the essential ones - the gaming room - as they walked) towards the bedroom.

“i’m sorry. i’m not being a burden staying here, right?” she asks after a lull in the sunghoon’s tour guide speech. sunghoon looks at her, somewhat startled by the question.

“why would you be a burden?”

y/n sighs, looking at the ground as they walked, finally stopping in front of the room that she had slept in yesterday. “i don’t know, but i’ve just been alone for my entire life. the closest person i had to someone that was kinda my age was klarion, the witchboy himself, and he doesn’t exactly make good company. i don’t really know what it’s like to be around people my age all the time - especially not people i thought were evil for so long.”

“you thought we were evil?” sunghoon asks and he wishes he could stuff the words back into his mouth. here this girl was, risking her life to share information to save them, and confiding her feelings to him and sunghoon was butthurt about being called evil. what happened to being suave? the big guy in blue? the smooth-talking hero that dropped panties?

maybe the last part was a tad bit tonedeaf. and unnecessary.

“uh. yeah. that’s why i was told i shouldn’t come to this dimension? why the justice league was bad and we should all ‘see the light’?” y/n says.

“right. sorry. um. how did you figure out that the light wasn’t really the good guys if the information you got in that dimension was so controlled? i can’t imagine klarion just letting up information like that. i know that you said that he did it to spite your dad, but it’s just so strange, is it not? i mean, klarion may be a pain in the ass but he’s not stupid enough to risk falling on the other side of the light’s alliances,” sunghoon says after a beat and y/n shrugs, but her eyes are guarded.

“it’s a long story,” she says, and sunghoon is left wondering if maybe batman had had the same question. that’s probably why the ‘interrogation’ too so long earlier, he realizes belatedly.

“i won’t pry. but y/n, i do have to remind you that the more information you’re ready to share with us, the more prepared we are when the light comes to this dimension to wreak whatever havoc you want to prevent,” sunghoon says, picking and choosing his words very carefully.

“and i’ve already given all the information i have to the justice league. i don’t know why i should have to share the information i have with every single person in this dimension. and besides, what does my personal enlightenment have to do with the light’s plans?” y/n asks, her tone quick and sharp, unlike sunghoon has ever heard her before.

granted, he only knew her for a total of about ten hours, but still. he never expected to hear such a tone from a girl like her, especially when she had been so open before. but it was like she said - when your only female figure is talia al ghul, it’s hard to imagine trying to be anything but the most cunning and cutthroat person possible. maybe all of her friendliness was just a facade and this was her true personality?

speaking of female figures, sunghoon wonders what had happened to her mother. clearly, she wasn’t in the picture if y/n had no clue who she was. but sunghoon knew from his own time as the detective of the team that oftentimes, in cases where the children were isolated from the rest of the world and raised by a singular parent, it was a trauma response from a behavior from the other parent.

of course, it wasn’t as though sunghoon had a bunch of cases to base his theories off of, but the patterns were almost glaringly obvious in the few cases that he did have.

“right. i’m sorry if i was prying. i just - never mind. i’m sorry y/n. you’re entitled to your privacy,” he says, stepping back from the doorway of y/n’s room to turn around and leave when he feels a hand grab onto his wrist.

his first instinct is to flip the owner of it over his shoulder and press a knife to their neck (battle worn responses, courtesy of training with batman and black canary) but for some reason, his second instinct is to cover y/n’s hand with his own. and sunghoon definitely doesn’t have any answers for why exactly.

“i’m sorry. i know i’m being touchy. it’s just that everything is just so new and so much. and like i said, i went a good part of my life thinking that you guys were the bad guys; it’s hard to remember that i can actually tell people things. and you know, trust people with information. you gotta give me some time. i promise, i’ve already said everything that’s absolutely vital to say,” she says, offering a sheepish look as an olive branch.

sunghoon’s heart pangs with guilt, and he takes another step back, barely registering the look in y/n’s eyes when his wrist disconnects from her hand. “yeah, of course. trust me, i know what it’s like better than most people what it’s like to feel like you can’t trust those around you. especially when you’ve just been thrown into a new environment. i’ll leave you to getting settled in.”

he turns around, making his way down the hallway, stopping halfway and turning around, only to make eye contact with y/n, who was watching him walk, her hand on the doorway and her body leaning slightly out of the room to get a better look.

“um. soojin and jay should be awake soon. they live here so you’ll never be completely alone, so don’t worry about safety or anything, okay?” he says awkwardly, trying to offer some sort of explanation of why exactly he kept hesitating to leave her standing there.

“thanks. that’s good to hear. but um, you don’t live here?” she asks, thumbing the metal of the doorway.

“nah. just soojin and jay. the rest of us live in our own places outside of mount justice,” sunghoon says, and he can’t help the eyebrow that cocks upwards, the corner of his lips tugged upwards. “why? would you prefer if i did?”

“no! i mean, no! i mean, like, i don’t have a preference if you lived here or not - it would be totally cool either way. i just - i was just asking,” she says, stumbling over her words and sunghoon finally feels the tension in his shoulders melt. turns out, his charm still worked on cute girls. even cute girls who’ve been surrounded by psychopaths like talia al ghul and klarion the witchboy.

for some reason, that thought suddenly makes the tension return to his shoulders.

“whatever you say, y/n.”

[march 18, 20XX, 6:48 p.m.]

[gotham city, southern end of new jersey]

“i assume you didn’t ask me to come back to gotham to feed me dinner, eunwoo,” sunghoon says, but he helps himself to another serving of steak, which doesn’t go unnoticed by neither eunwoo (batman, and the man that had raised sunghoon ever since he was orphaned) nor alfred (the family butler who had truly raised sunghoon).

“no. but i figured that it would be appreciated,” eunwoo says, and sunghoon can hear the affection practically dripping from his voice. when sunghoon had first seen eunwoo don the attire of the ‘batman’ suit, he’d been shocked.

sunghoon had always known eunwoo as a rather sweet and disciplined man, but he’d never imagined that eunwoo would also have the side of him that showed unreal levels of intelligence, seriousness, and a thirst for justice that he’d successfully passed down to sunghoon.

“alfred’s cooking never goes unappreciated, that much i can guarantee.” sunghoon sets down his fork, chewing slowly as he lets the silence between them grow longer.

when he was younger, full of passion to prove his worth to batman, sunghoon would run his mouth with things he’d learned or discovered, unintentionally telling batman many things that he probably wouldn’t have in other circumstances, just to fill the silence. but now, sunghoon just ate quietly, feigning nonchalance.

he knows that he’s won the battle of wits when eunwoo breaks the silence.

“so about ardor,” eunwoo begins. his eyes are trained on the food in front of him but sunghoon knows that all of his attention is on him. “she’s interesting. she’s shared some information that’s hard to believe but if it’s true, it could put at a serious advantage above the light.”

“right. well, i hope that information reaches the right people,” sunghoon says, shutting his eyes in regret when he realizes the freudian slip he’d let through his filtering system.

“what do you mean by that, young master?” alfred asks, and sunghoon sighs, knowing that the question was said by alfred but it was coming from batman. and sunghoon could never really keep any secrets from alfred anyway. the old man had a way of weaseling secrets out of him; sunghoon figures that alfred was secretly in espionage before retiring to help eunwoo take over cha enterprises.

or something like that, anyway.

“i just mean that she really emphasized that the information should get to the right people. she landed in gotham after she escaped the dimension she’s from. now i don’t know how much control she had of where she landed, but she’s mentioned many times that she thought that the justice league was evil. but the very point of our team is espionage and identity protection; there’s no reason that she should have to suspecting us, since she would have no idea who we were. but she still refused to tell us any information and insisted on only telling batman, who could’ve been proven to be evil, for all she knew.

“it could just be because she landed in gotham and did a little bit of research to figure out who the vigilante of gotham was, fixated on that singular person, and decided not to trust anyone else because of the people she’s been exposed to her entire life. but someone so skittish wouldn’t reveal any details to anyone and just insist on talking to you - batman - the whole time. there’s no real reason she had to give us any details if she truly didn’t trust us.

“so, that can’t be the reason why she was so hesitant sharing the information about the light with the rest of us. my guess? we’ve got a mole in the justice league or in the team. it’s likely not the team, since everyone just came back from their objectives safely and soojin would definitely realize if someone had been turned with her mind-reading capacity. i don’t doubt that martian manhunter, since he has the same set of powers, would also be able to see if there’s a mole in the justice league. but it’s different. not only is soojin more powerful, she’s also got an emotional link between the six of us - we all read certain signatures in her mind and she’s the first one to know whenever one of us have the slightest changes in our emotions. she’d figure out a mole in a second.

“so that rules out the team. her information must have something to do with the light having a mole. but she doesn’t know anyone else in the justice league, or maybe she knew for a fact that you weren’t the mole, which is why she’s been so fixated on finding you and telling you everything else. i assume that you’re only even telling me anything after verifying her information and getting her consent to tell me, if you found me safe enough to tell.” sunghoon can practically see the brainwaves radiating off of batman, analyzing every word that sunghoon had chosen to use to explaining his reasoning.

sunghoon hadn’t planned on revealing that soojin’s (and the team’s) bond ran deeper than just connecting them telepathically, but at least by telling batman that, he’d realize that the team was more than capable of taking care of each other and that they definitely didn’t need any new members right now.

besides y/n. if she wanted to join the team, sunghoon honestly wasn’t opposed to the idea of her joining, and he doubted that anyone else was truly offended by her presence. she’d be rather welcome, he thinks.

which is not what he should be thinking of right now. right.

“you’ve deduced the truth. there’s a mole in the justice league,” eunwoo says, shaking his head and leaning back into his chair. “but if we were to brute force it and try and figure out who it was in a way that’s obvious, the light would either find someone else to manipulate or just declare all out war on the justice league. and considering the members of the light, we cannot afford a war like that right now.”

his gaze turns to sunghoon, and grows thoughtful. “but the team can help us out. you specialize in espionage. it would be considerably easier for the team to find the mole, since the light isn’t exactly aware of the team besides chance encounters with a few villains here and there that might be affiliated with the light. in addition, if ardor were to be part of the team, she would have an easier time easing into this dimension, or maybe even be able to point out exactly who the mole is if she’s ever seen them before.”

“are you sure that y/n should be on the battlefield though? i don’t doubt her abilities but we really don’t know how strong she is. and she’d be fighting people she was once on the same side as,” sunghoon points out and eunwoo’s face grows visibly sad, something that sunghoon has seen very rarely during all of his time with him.

“i know. and i hate to ask that of her. but you and i know better than anyone else what it’s like to grow up around such evil people throughout your entire life. and having no one else to turn to? she needs people her age around her who can show her what life is supposed to be like. no one else should have to suffer like she did, but something tells me that she’s strong enough to be able to point the proverbial finger at the proverbial villain. living with such people could not have been easy. i hate to ask her to channel her revenge in this way but - ” eunwoo cuts off when he sees the look in sunghoon’s eyes.

“i’m not going to ask her to stand in danger’s way just so that it’s easier for us to beat the people that she’s always grown up with - the only people she’s known for her entire life. but the team will help her assimilate into this dimension. we’ll be her friends,” sunghoon says, and his voice has a protective edge to it that he can’t bother to disguise.

“just promise me that if she ever wants to join the team, you don’t shut her out,” eunwoo says finally. “give her a chance.”

sunghoon just looks at eunwoo. “i won’t stop myself from doing what’s best for the team.”

dinner is relatively quiet after that, alfred starting conversations here and there about sunghoon’s day job as a detective (it was relatively easy to deal with normal, petty crime here and there when there were so many crimes that involved superhuman people with streaks of world domination). but other than that, the three of them were rather silent, each of them absorbed in their own thoughts.

sunghoon excuses himself, offering to wash the dishes to take the load off of alfred, gathering the plates and balancing them delicately as he leaves the room to reach the kitchen.

alfred looks over to eunwoo, who’s looking up at the light fixture that they’d installed three years ago, at sunghoon’s request.

“our dining room looks more like a funeral room, eunwoo,” sunghoon had said. “come on, old bat. let’s add some color. some pizzazz.”

“pizzazz?” eunwoo had asked, eyebrows raised in humor.

“you know, whatever young kids call it these days.”

“you’re nineteen, sunghoon.”

“and you’re twenty-four. we all need some more life in this place. you’d think we’re all alfred’s age with the way this house looks.”

“young master, what offense has my age brought in all of this?”

“sorry alfred. low hanging fruit.”

“that feels like a euphemism.”

“that’s gross.”

eunwoo sighs, a quick huff of air escaping his mouth. that was about as close to a laugh as alfred was used to these days, anyway.

“when did we end up like this, alfred? he used to look up to me for everything. we did everything together. and i still love the kid half to death but it’s just difficult when it feels like we’re fighting about everything,” eunwoo says, never taking his eyes off of the light fixture. what do you know? it did have some pizzazz.

“that’s a part of raising kids, young master. you learn that at some point, the world is no longer ours. it’s the next generations. and they might not listen to elders’ advice because they have their own plans for the world but if there’s anything i’ve learned in raising you, it’s that oftentimes, their head is in the right place. they see things in ways that we cannot.” alfred smiles, leaving his seat in the middle of the table to sit right next to eunwoo, his gaze warm and comforting.

“he’s not my actual son, you know that right?” eunwoo says and alfred leans over to smack him upside the head - something that many people would dare to do to the batman.

“and you know as well as i do that blood relations means nothing when it comes to family, don’t you?” alfred says gently, his tone as firm as a warm hand clasped in a friend’s.

eunwoo glances at the doorway that led down to the kitchen and smiles faintly.

“yeah. i know that.”

[march 18, 20XX, 6:48 p.m.]

[???]

“YOU WHAT?” felix faust roars, fisting klarion’s freshly pressed shirt in angry palms. “WHERE THE HELL IS MY DAUGHTER?”

“alright pal, i’m gonna let that one go because i’m not in the mood right now. calm down,” klarion says, pushing faust off of him.

“YOU TOLD MY DAUGHTER THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS DIMENSION AND YOU WANT ME TO CALM DOWN? YOU MOTHERFU - ” faust never gets to finish the rest of his sentence because the second that he gets back in klarion’s face, the witchboy casts a spell over him, causing him to fall asleep right where he was standing.

klarion looks at his slumped figure on the ground, almost disgusted before clicking his tongue. “i don’t know where these lower level peasants get all their audacity from.”

he looks around for teekles, his cat familiar, stretching his arms out for teekles to jump into.

“hm. it would be a big issue with the rest of the light if they realize that faust’s daughter is missing. pah, i don’t know why i helped him keep her here the whole time. she was gonna be a liability anyway,” klarion mutters to himself. “then again, i guess i was the one who let her out. and told her the truth. well. it was bound to come out at some point.”

he shrugs, ready to walk away when teekles meows in his arms and he groans, stamping his feet childishly.

“what do you mean i have to clean up my mess? i don’t wanna!” klarion says but teekles just meows at him once more and klarion drags himself, kicking and screaming to the dimensional pocket that lead him in and out of this isolated bubble dimension faust had created to isolate his daughter.

“i’m not going to tell the light just yet. let’s see where this girl could’ve gone. oh bother. this is too much trouble for the five minutes of fun i got.”

“meow.”

“i don’t appreciate the sass, teekles.”

and in his childish hurry, for all of his wit, klarion the witchboy is none the wiser when felix faust rises from his slumber, plotting the death of his own daughter.

#jnnul #sunghoon x reader #enhypen x reader #sunghoon fluff #enhypen fluff #sunghoon fic #enhypen fic #sunghoon angst #enhypen angst #sunghoon imagines #enhypen imagines #jake fluff #jay fluff #soojin fluff #yujin fluff

69 notes · View notes

bwabys-scenarios · 1 year ago

Text

Reunited

Part 33

Illumi x Reader x Feitan(AND KURAPIKA??!!)

part 32

part 34

warnings: Kurapika cops a feel and is mad horny for reader 😭🙏

taglist: @tsukilover11 @mercyboluthecrazychicken @sxyriii @shidoni-san @living4tomrua @lemonslut @honeylunalove @sugarrushdaydream @canthebest1 @whorermoviestar @fabitheraven @ashdownunderscorebeloved @astresoleil @ranzxki @smuttysammie22 @yandere-enthusiast @lostsomewhereinthegarden

if you’d like to be ADDED to the taglist, please comment a red heart ❤️, make sure you’re able to be tagged/mentioned, and have your age in your bio(IF YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE TAGLIST, YOU DON’T NEED TO ASK TO BE ADDED AGAIN!!)

(Name) woke up to a few new messages on her phone.

Killua: Hey, we’re meeting up with Kurapika today, you want to tag along? We’re having a picnic.

Gon: (Name) can you bring some snacks? Killua is too shy to ask!

Pretty Boy🫶: Meet us at the park for a picnic.

(Name) giggled. ‘They’re all so cute.” She texted them all back quickly.

Strawberries: Yes, I’ll see you there!

She stood up and stretched. There was about an hour until they’d have to to meet up, meaning she had plenty of time to pack up a basket of goodies.

(Name) looked over her closet to find something suitable to wear. It was a picnic, so her choice was easy.

She pulled on a long blue sundress, pulling it over her head. She spun around in front of the mirror, smiling at her appearance. It hugged her curves just right.

She paired her look with a straw hat and a white cardigan with a yellow daisy pattern.

Once her basket was full of goodies, (Name) left her condo and began her walk to the park.

——————

She spotted Gon and Killua quickly once she entered the park.

“Hey!”

(Name) jogged over, holding her heavy basket with both hands. Killua jumped up quickly, his eyes lighting up.

“(Name), you’re-“

He cleared his throat. “You’re here. That’s nice.”

She giggled and ruffled his hair, the boy leaning into her touch with a huff. “I’m happy to see you too, Killua.

Gon jumped up and gave her a hug. “Do I smell baked goods?”

(Name) nodded, cracking her basket open to let the smell of fresh pastries fill the air. “Yep!”

She laid out a picnic blanket before setting out the treats, Gon and Killua adding the several different foods they’d brought as well.

“Go head boys, dig in.”

They didn’t need to be told twice, instantly stuffing their faces with the various foods available on the picnic blanket.

(Name) couldn’t help but laugh. It was nice to see them be so carefree and innocent after the harrowing past few days.

“Kurapika!”

Gon spat his food into Killua’s face and jumped up to run towards the blonde. It took (Name) a moment to process this information, the girl standing slowly before finally turning around.

Gon and him talked for a moment before the young boy had a pie shoved in his face by Killua. Kurapika laughed as the two chased each other around the park.

Then his eyes landed on (Name).

His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. She looked gorgeous in the afternoon sun, smiling at him with tears brimming on her eyes.

“Kurapika…”

He didn’t think, just walked forward with his eyes trained on her. Before either of them could process what was happening, he was pulling her close to him and pressing his lips to hers.

The two boys froze, staring at the pair.

(Name)’s eyes went wide with shock. Kurapika pulled away after a moment, looking down at her with those scarlet eyes.

“(Name), I…”

He finally processed what he had done, his face as red as his eyes. He began to back away, but (Name) pulled him back into a hug.

She didn’t speak, only holding onto him. He melted into her embrace.

When she pulled back, she didn’t look angry or upset, just… surprised. Her face had grown hot.

“Kurapika, that was… my first kiss.”

She buried her face in his chest, flustered. He raised his hand to run his hand over her hair. “My apologies for stealing your first kiss, (Name). I just… couldn’t control myself.”

He pushed her back and tilted her chin up, stealing another kiss.

Gon and Killua audibly gasped, looking to each other the running over to the pair.

Kurapika pulled away with a soft look in his eyes, licking his lips. “You taste so sweet, (Name). I think I want to kiss you aga-“

Gon and Killua tackled the man, sending him falling to the grass.

“Kurapika you pervert!” Killua yelled, bonking him on the head. Gon jumped up quickly to push (Name) away.

“You don’t kiss women randomly! What if she was saving that kiss for someone!? Aunt Mito said first kisses are important to girls!”

(Name) sighed and swatted at Gon’s hands. “Boys it’s fine, I didn’t mind at all.”

She offered Kurapika her hand, which he took without a second thought. (Name) pulled him to his feet, the man instantly reaching out and kissing her again.

This time it lasted longer, his hands slipping to her waist to pull her in closer. She felt his tongue press against her lips before she pushed him back.

“K-Kurapika… that’s enough for now…”

‘For now…’ he thought, staring down at her with half lidded eyes. Now that he thought the spiders were dead, he much better about his feelings for her. He’d find his clans eyes, and ask her to be his.

“I think I love you…”

(Name)’s jaw dropped at his words, shyly hiding behind Killua. It wasn’t that she didn’t have any feelings for him, but such a sweet confession after he’d kissed her so lovingly was making her brain short circuit.

“You’re going to make her pass out. Look, she’s flustered.” Killua said with a huff.

Kurapika couldn’t help but smile. She wasn’t rejecting his advances, and just from her face he could tell she wasn’t unhappy that he kissed her.

“Alright. Let’s enjoy our picnic, shall we?”

Kurapika watched her the entire time, sighing softly when she avoided his gaze. ‘She’s so cute. I want to kiss her again… and more.’

His cheeks went red when he thought this, quickly shaking the thought from his mind. He couldn’t think of that, no, not right now.

Once they finished their picnic, Kurapika helped (Name) pack up her basket and carried it for her. It was the least he could do.

——————

The group of five met up at at a hotel, all of them beaming at each other.

“It’s been a while since we were all together last!” Gon stated, his smile wide.

“Yeah!”

Leorio ruffled (Name)’s hair, the girl playfully smacking his hand away.

The group began walking towards the elevators, Leorio and Gon talking about someone named Zepile. Leorio turned to look at Kurapika.

“Anyway… you’ve got this intensity about you… you seem more intimidating now.”

The blonde tilted his head. “Really? You don’t seem to have changed much.”

“And now you’re more annoying too!!”

“He also confessed his love for (Name) and kissed her like 50 times.” Killua said, holding onto (Name)‘s sleeve.

“HE WHAT!?”

(Name) groaned, hiding her face in her hands. Kurapika didn’t seem embarrassed at all, putting a hand on (Name)’s shoulder. “I kissed her, not 50 times, but more than once.”

Leorio and Kurapika stared at each other for a moment.

“And you keep calling ME the pervert- OW!”

Kurapika hit him over the head as they entered the elevator.

“Oh, I heard you defeated a member of the Troupe.”

(Name) stopped paying attention now, quickly pulling a pair of headphones over her ears. It was all so overstimulating. She could still feel the soft touch of Kurapika’s lips on hers.

They quickly reached their destination, (Name) not noticing until she was physically pulled out of the elevator by Kurapika.

They entered the hotel room, quickly seeing that there wouldn’t be enough seats for everyone.

“I’ll stand, it’s no big-“

She was quickly pulled into Kurapika’s lap without another word, earning the blonde some looks from their friends.

“No need for that. You can sit here.”

Unlike Feitan, he was quick to pull her close and wrap his hands around her waist without hesitation. Kurapika was making his feelings extremely clear to her.

He began to explain his nen and the reason it was so strong.

“Restraint and vow?” Gon asked.

“Yes. Nen is strongly affected by your mental state. The stronger your resolve, the more power you receive. However, you also incur a big risk at the same time. In return for Nen power, I vowed to use it against the spiders alone. I established a rule for myself.”

“What’s the rule?” Leorio asked.

“If I use my chains on one who isn’t a spider, I will forfeit my life.”

(Name) hand shot to his arm, her eyes gone wide. “You what? Kurapika…”

The blonde rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “There is a nen blade pointed at my heart. If I break the rule, that blade will pierce my heart, killing me. This is the rule that shows my resolve. Restraint and vow. My power is the product of pure hatred. It only works on the spiders.”

(Name) stared at him with tears in her eyes, not even able to speak. He gently wiped them away as he continued talking. “I’m telling you because I trust you. Don’t tell anyone else.”

Killua stood up. “Why… why would you tell us something so important?!”

Kurapika tilted his head, surprised. “I’m not sure. Wit their leader’s death, I must have relaxed.”

“It’ll be fine if we keep our mouths shut.” Leorio said, trying to calm the white haired boy down.

“It’s too dangerous. One of the surviving members can read minds. If they find out, Kurapika won’t be able to beat them!”

“But she didn’t learn anything last time.”

“That’s because we didn’t know Kurapika was the chain user.”

(Name)’s lip quivered, Kurapika rubbing soothing circles into her back.

“Then we just have to stay away from them. They’ve already checked you, so they think you’re clean.”

“But there’s also this guy called Nobunaga.”

(Name) eyes went wide. ‘Did he just say Nobunaga? Are they talking about…’

“He’s especially dangerous, he’s looking for Kurapika and still trying to chase us down.”

(Name) felt Kurapika tense under her, his hands gripping onto her hips harshly.

“Is he aware that you guys know Kurapika?”

“No…”

“Then it’s okay! As long as no one around the mind reader knows Kurapika, you’re safe.”

Kurapika glanced down at (Name) before speaking. “Well, I’ve also been in contact with Hisoka, and so has (Name).”

“What?”

“Hisoka?”

“He knows that I am the chain user. We made a pact, but his target, the leader of the spiders, is now dead. So I don’t know what he’ll do.”

The five continued to speak as rain started to pour down outside. Killua had been trying to convince Kurapika to go after the remaining members while they were still in York New.

“Excuse me.”

(Name) stood up to walk to the bathroom, Kurapika watching as she left with lovesick eyes. Once she was gone, Kurapika seemed to consider Killua’s words.

“They could be making an escape as we speak. We don’t have time for too much thought.”

“The woman you mentioned is certainly a threat… But since their leader is dead, I’ll do we Gon says, and focus on recovering my brethren’s eyes.”

“Seriously!?”

“Yes. I would also like to begin courting (Name). I think I’ve fallen in love with her.”

“Are you sure?”

“Kurapika’s made up his mind. We can’t force him to change it.”

Killua sat down, defeated.

“Sorry, Killua. Thank you for the valuable information.”

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Kurapika didn’t really care too much about who had texted him, he was still on cloud 9 after confessing earlier.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and glanced at the message.

“It’s from Hisoka…”

(Name) came sprinting into the room when she felt Kurapika’s aura go from calm to intense anger.

“The bodies were fakes…”

She attempted to comfort him with a hand on his shoulder, the man glancing her way before pushing her hand off.

(Name) didn’t take offense, running towards the kitchen to grab him a glass of water to calm down.

When she came back, Kurapika was a bit calmer.

“The troupe is from Meteor City…”

(Name) paused in the doorway, dropping the cup at the mention of the city.

“(Name)!”

Kurapika stood and walked over, wincing as she began to pick up the shattered glass.

“(Name), stop.”

He smacked her hands away, pulling her now cut hands towards away and towards Leorio.

“She’s cut. Leorio can you-“

(Name) didn’t say anything, only closing her hands then opening them, the only hint that she’d been hurt was the blood staining her palms.

The two stared down at her with shocked expressions.

“How-“

She sighed. “It’s my nen. I’m a healer.”

Kurapika sat down with her in his lap again, his knee bouncing. “I… I am also from Meteor City.”

The four didn’t so much as breathe with her admission, Kurapika staring at her with wide eyes. “You’re… from Meteor City? But you grew up in Padokea, right?”

(Name) sighed. “It’s… it’s a long story that shouldn’t be shared in front of children.”

The two boys were shooed out of the room and (Name) hesitantly shared her tale. It was easier to tell them, due to how close they all were, but it still left her feeling awful.

Kurapika’s eyes were red, pulling (Name) against him so tight she could barely breathe. He shook with anger, Leorio gritting his teeth.

“(Name).”

He tilted her chin to look up at him, his eyes boring into hers intensely.

“The monsters that hurt you will be dealt with by my own hands. I will not rest until you are avenged.”

His intensity would have been terrifying to most, but (Name) felt safe in his arms. Kurapika let her cry against his chest, rubbing a trembling hand over her head.

Kurapika considered it his duty to avenge the woman he loved. She had given him so much, it was only fair he took this heavy burden off her shoulders.

The two boys walked in, Killua quickly joining (Name)’s side and hugging her. He was crying too, not bothering to hide his anguish.

“We… we heard everything.” Gon said, looking at the floor. “I’m sorry (Name). That… that was awful.”

She cried, Kurapika holding rubbing circles into her hips. Even through her pain, she dried Killua’s tears and gave him a soft smile.

“I didn’t want any of you to know. It’s… it’s scary. Disgusting. I didn’t want any of you to think differently of me…”

Kurapika held her even closer. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, (Name). Nothing that happened to you was your fault. You are still the woman I love, nothing has changed.”

He caressed her cheek, internally seething. He needed to be calm, now. (Name) needed his comfort, and he was more than willing to give in to her.

She left to go calm down in one of the bedrooms, putting a pair of headphones over her ears as the group talked in the living room. Kurapika promised he wouldn’t take long, and would hold her as long as she wanted when he was done speaking with the group.

———————

Kurapika opened the door to the room, his eyes softening when he spot (Name) curled up on the bed. She hadn’t heard him come in due to her headphones.

He walked forward and placed a hand on her’s.

“(Name)? Can you hear me?”

She pulled her headphones off when he touched her. “Hmm?”

He sat down on the bed next to her. “We’re going to be moving around a bit. I have to go talk to the community to see if they have any useful information.”

She perked up, moving to sit next to him. “So you’ll be busy?”

He smiled. “Not for a bit. I’ll be leaving to ask in thirty minutes. And after that, I may be free for a while more.”

(Name) nodded. “I see. I feel like I’ve barely gotten to see you today. It’s only 1 pm, and we met at 12 pm.”

He sighed. “Yes, I apologize for that. Once the auction is over and we’ve completed whatever plan we set, I should have some time to spend with you.”

“Don’t you mean with all of us?”

He shook his head and smiled down at her. “No, (Name). I want to spend more time with you. Longer than the others.”

She thought back to his confession and her face became warm. “I… I want to spend more time with you as well.”

He lied down on the bed, pulling her down with him. “(Name), do you love me? I apologize for asking you so frankly, and you don’t have to answer if you’re uncomfortable, but-“

She put a finger to his lips. “I do feel… something for you. As a friend, yes I do love you. Dearly. I do feel something more for you than friendship, but…”

He shook his head. “That’s all I needed to hear. Knowing you feel more for me than friendship makes me incredibly happy.”

His lips pressed against hers again, this time, (Name) allowed his tongue to explore her mouth. It was hard to think when he was slowly moving to pin her to the bed, his hands fumbling with her cardigan. He slipped it off and began pulling her sundress down.

“(Name), I want you. Desperately…”

She gasped, her hands flying out to stop his hands. “K-Kurapika! Not… not right now.”

He stopped, his breath coming out in short pants. She looked gorgeous underneath him, her face hot and her breasts nearly spilling out of her dress. He quickly regained his composure and looked away as she fixed her dress.

“Does that imply that I can have you later?”

He ran a finger down her side, stopping when he felt her shiver. Kurapika was enjoying her reactions to his touch.

“… perhaps. If you don’t get yourself killed.”

He chuckled at her words and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll keep that in mind, angel.”

She jumped at the pet name, looking up at him with her pretty (e/c) eyes.

“A-angel?”

He smiled. “When I had that nightmare and you comforted me at the expense of your sleep, you reminded me of an angel. Kind and pure.”

Kurapika caressed her cheek. “I want to preserve that purity, but the dark part of me also wants to taint you, dirty you with my own hands.”

He stared down at her with those scarlet eyes she had come to love. “Would you still love me after taking your wings, angel?”

Before she could answer, he placed a hand over her mouth. “Shh. Don’t answer. Save it for later, when I make you mine.”

The two sat in silence for a while, Kurapika soaking in every second of skin to skin contact with (Name). She was his light, the moon that guided him through the darkness.

“Kurapika, can I… can I kiss you?”

He blinked and looked down at her, his eyes softening. “Please do.”

She placed a hand on his cheek and stood. He was still sat down on the bed, looking at her with lovesick eyes. She stopped forward and stood between his legs.

(Name) leaned forward and placed a sweet kiss on his lips, the man instantly wrapping his arms around his waist to pull her closer. Her kiss was gentle and sweet, one that Kurapika would never forget as long as he lived.

When she pulled away, her eyes were half lidded. “Can you promise me something?”

He placed a hand on her cheek. “Anything.”

“Please… please promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you. You’re one of the most important people in my life, Kurapika.”

He contemplated pulling her in for another kiss, his eyes on her lips. “I promise. I’ll come back to you alive, alright?”

She nodded and pulled him into a hug, his head resting on her soft chest. “Please do.”

———————

(Name) left the room feeling confused and aroused.

‘Kurapika and I almost…’

She bit her lip as she followed Leorio and Kurapika to the elector. (Name) did feel something for Kurapika, yes, but there were two other men that were on her mind as well.

Feitan and Illumi.

The two of them were her close friends, and she had slowly developed feelings for them both. Unlike Kurapika, neither of them had explicitly returned those feelings.

She didn’t want to choose between any of them, not for a while. For now, she would follow Kurapika and give him the care and attention he needed as he attempted to avenge his clan.

Leorio and (Name) sat as Kurapika left to talk with the committee, the dark haired man looking at her curiously.

“So… you and Kurapika, huh?”

The girl became flustered immediately. “Kurapika and I, what?”

“You’re like… together now, right?”

She shook her head, twiddling her thumbs. “Not… not yet. I still have some thinking to do.”

He sighed. “Thought so. He sprung all of that on you pretty fast, and now he can’t keep his hands off of you. It must be confusing.”

She nodded, leaning her head against the table. “Yes but… I don’t dislike it. Kurapika is very sweet.”

Leorio ruffled her hair. “You two would make a cute couple, but be aware that he’s determined to finish his goals, at whatever cost. That cost may be you one day.”

She knew this, it was one of the reasons she was hesitant to accept his feelings. She knew he was telling the truth and truly did love her, but…

“Oh, how did it go?”

(Name) looked up when she heard Leorio’s voice, turning to see Kurapika approaching.

“I couldn’t get a straight answer. The community didn’t have any updates regarding the auction today.”

He smiled when (Name) stood next to him, reaching out to hold her hand.

“You should tell the the Troupe is still alive! Then the Mafia might rethink it.”

The blonde shook his head. “No, nothing will change. The community values its relationship with Meteor City. It’s safe to assume they will not attack the Troupe further.”

“Really?”

“But that wasn’t the information I wanted. My only concern is whether the auction will proceed as scheduled…”

“You’re not planning to intercept them, are you? That’s crazy… how can you confront them without mafia support!?”

“You have it wrong, Leorio. I never had any help from the mafia.”

(Name) squeezed his hand, giving him a concerned look. He didn’t look at her, but gave her hand a reassuring squeeze back. His attention was drawn away by Gon.

“Kurapika, let us help! We’re willing to do anything.”

The blonde frowned. “The reward was rescinded.”

“I know. I want to stop the Troupe, that hasn’t changed.”

Kurapika gave Gon his full attention, dropping (Name)‘s hand. “You’d be risking your lives.”

(Name) wanted to say something, but Kurapika continued talking.

“Okay, let’s put together a plan.”

“Uh-huh!”

She huffed. “I want to help t-“

“No.” They all said in unison. (Name) blinked, suddenly upset.

“Why not? If you all get to risk your lives for each other, why can’t I?”

Kurapika sighed. “You’re different, (Name). Your nen is purely support, so it wouldn’t be very helpful in th-“

“Leorio doesn’t even have nen, so that excuse won’t work on me.”

She put her hands on her hips and stared at him, her lips pursed. Even though his eye twitched in annoyance, he couldn’t help but find her determination adorable.

“Well, can you drive?”

She stared at him. “… no.”

Gon tilted his head. “Aren’t you 22?”

She groaned. “God you sound like my mom. I can’t get a license because I’m from Meteor City, and Im scared of driving.”

Kurapika placed a hand on her shoulder. “(Name), what do you bring to the table?”

She pulled out her dagger and was about to stab it into her arm to demonstrate her nen, but Kurapika was quick to grab it. She didn’t notice his eyes flash red for a moment before he quickly composed himself.

“Other than your nen ability, angel.”

The other three glanced at each other when he called her angel, (Name) huffing.

“I was trained by Illumi in martial arts. Anyone want to spar with me to prove a point? Or do I need to ask my friend to send the pictures of me handing Hisoka his pasty clown ass?”

“You fought Hisoka? And lived? Are you stupid?”

Killua pinched her cheek harshly, the girl whining. “Hey, he only broke a-“

She stopped suddenly, all their heads swiveling to stare at her.

“He what?”

Kurapika grabbed her chin and forced her to make eye contact with him. “What details did you leave out, (Name)?”

She puffed out her cheeks. “I don’t have to tel you. It’ll only stress you out.”

He smacked a hand over his forehead. “I’ll be stressed out nonetheless, angel. Just tell me and I promise I won’t be angry.”

(Name) glanced at Leorio, who just shrugged.

“He uh… broke my bones and um…”

She leaned forward to whisper into Kurapika’s ear. “He insinuated he wanted to… do things to me, and tried to take off my bra.”

Kurapika’s arms shot out to grip her shoulders so tight she winced. “He WHAT!?”

“You promised you wouldn’t be angry!”

“That’s before I knew the borderline pedophile clown threatened to assault you!”

Killua’s jaw dropped. “(Name). Why didn’t you tell us?”

She folded her arms against her chest. “I didn’t think it was that important. He didn’t do it.”

Her four friends groaned in unison.

“(Name), my angel, that is very serious. If I had known I wouldn’t have formed a pack with him.”

He rubbed a hand against his forehead. “This is another reason I don’t want you coming. I fear you may put yourself in harms way, and not even ask for help. It’s not guaranteed that one of us would be around to save you.”

She folded her arms over her chest. “That’s unfair. You’re assuming a lot.”

He sighed. “I have to. Any possibility of you getting hurt means a resounding no from me.”

She pouted up at him, the man not budging a bit.

“… fine. But at least let me stick around until you have to enact your plan…”

Kurapika shrugged. “I don’t see any issue with that.”

(Name) sat with the other four, pouting. As a precaution, (Name) had been asked to wear her headphones as they made their plans. It wasn’t that they didn’t trust her, they just couldn’t guarantee that their enemies would come after her.

If only they knew that their enemies viewed (Name) as one of their own.

Eventually Leorio and Killua stood up and started to walk away. (Name) took her headphones off, confused. “Why did they leave?”

Kurapika didn’t answer, only sliding her headphones back over her ears.

As an act of rebellion, (Name) turned her music off.

Kurapika began to explain his nen, summoning the chains on his hand. (Name) pretended to act oblivious.

“I’m not sure what all of that means, but you should be able to use your nen blade on me, right?”

“Yes.”

Gon nodded. “Go ahead. You can choose the rule to set.”

“I accept your resolve.”

(Name) threw off her headphones as Leorio and Killua appeared behind Kurapika.

“Can you make three of those blades?” Killua asked.

“Make it four.” (Name) corrected.

“You can rescind the rule once our mission is over, right?”

“Killua, (Name), Leorio!”

Kurapika pinched the girl’s cheek as Leorio continued speaking. “We had a little talk. And since we’re working together…”

“We should share the same fate.”

“What do you say?”

Kurapika sighed. “The answer to both questions is yes. But you four are wholly mistaken. I never had any intention of using my blades on any of you.”

“Then why endanger yourself by telling us your secret?”

“Gon, I wanted… No, I wanted to thank all of you for your resolve. Even if one of you ends up revealing my secret, I will have no regrets.”

He smiled, looking down. “I have good friends.”

“That’s not fair, Kurapika. You’re actually putting more pressure on us this way.”

“That was my goal.” He said with a smile.

“Oh, I get it now!” Gon laughed.

(Name) leaned her head against Kurapika, pouting.

“Well, I’ll head out then. Can’t waste any time.”

Both (Name) and Gon waved as he walked away. “Killua, be careful!”

“Yeah, I got this.”

—————

With the little time they had, (Name) and Kurapika sat across each other at the table in his room. He snacked on some of the baked goods she’s brought to the picnic.

“They’re good, (Name). How did you bake so many in such a short amount of time?”

She bit into a cookie. “Oh, I made these last night. I bake when I’m nervous.”

He frowned, placing his fork down. “Nervous? Why?”

“…”

(Name) took another bite of her cookie before answering.

“Well… I told you about the friend I was supposed to meet her, yes?”

Kurapika nodded slowly. “… the grumpy one?”

“Yes. He had some work here so he’s in town. He’s a part of a…”

She tilted her head. “I guess you could say they’re a group of… friends? Some of them also hail from Meteor City, so when I explained a bit of my story… they wanted to know more. People from Meteor City care for each other, even if it doesn’t seem like it.”

He nodded, signaling her to continue.

“The people that hurt me could still be active, so they asked me for any information I could give. To do that, they… had to learn about all the things I told you. My friend wasn’t there, so my biggest shame was revealed to a bunch of strangers. Of course, I agreed to it, but it doesn’t change the fact it was traumatizing to relive that.”

He gently squeezed her hand. “I see. That’s why you were nervous?”

She shook her head. “Not entirely. I… I had no one to talk with yesterday. It’s scary being alone with the memories of my past, so I baked to distract myself. It’s also the reason I’ve been wearing my headphones today. When it gets too quiet, I get overwhelmed.”

Kurapika looked down, guilt overcoming him. She’s been all alone with no one to hold her as the memories came flooding back. Of course she’s be a nervous wreck, he was just astonished she was okay enough to be talking to him right now.

‘She is strong. I just… I could never think about putting her in harms way.’

Kurapika kissed her hand. “(Name), after all this I would like to take you out on a date. Where would you like to go?”

She blushed. “Hmm… how about we go see a movie? Oh, or go to one of those cat cafes!”

He chuckled. “We can do both. I’m just glad you’re willing to go on a date with me, (Name).”

(Name) leaned her head on the table. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re a sweet guy, I don’t mind giving you a chance.”

He turned a light shade of pink at her words. “Really? I wouldn’t consider myself that sweet.”

She looked at him incredulously. “If you aren’t sweet then why do you treat me like I’m made of glass? You’re so gentle when you touch me. It’s different from my friend.”

Kurapika seemed both pleased and dismayed at her words. “He… touches you?”

His jealousy was poignant.

“A lot, really. Always rubbing my thigh, sleeping with me, holding my hand, grabbed my boobs in a dressing room…”

She sighed. “And I’m pretty sure he saw me naked when he sat in the bathroom while I showered.”

Kurapika’s eye twitched in annoyance. “Really? How… strange.”

(Name) crosses her legs. “Kurapika, you’re cute when you’re jealous.”

He pouted. “There’s nothing for me to be jealous of.”

She tilted her head before squishing her boobs together. “Oh really? Then you don’t wanna touch these?”

He stared down at her cleavage with his cheeks a bright shade of pink. “I didn’t say that…”

She giggled. “Mhm, that’s what I-“

He stood up and walked forward. “May I?”

“May you… what?”

He smiled down at he with a hint of mischief in his eyes. “May I touch you?”

She blinked, looking from him to his hands that hovered around her. Hesitantly, she gave him a quick nod, squishing her legs together.

He first started by placing his hands on her shoulders, trailing them halfway down her arms until they stopped right next to her breasts.

He glanced back at her before slowly cupping her chest. “Is this alright?”

His eyes were staring down at her, half lidded.

“Oh… um… yes.”

He gave her breasts a quick squeeze, seemingly mesmerized by the softness of them. Her little whimper didn’t go unnoticed by the blonde, a smirk pulling at his lips.

He thought about slipping his hands under her dress, but stopped himself. “Soft…”

Kurapika pulled his hands back. “You have my permission to touch me too, (Name). Anywhere you’d like.”

He kneeled in front of her, bringing the back of her hand to his lips. “You may not be mine yet, but I am yours. Completely.”

It was hard to resist him when he was looking at her with those pretty scarlet eyes, a testament to his intense feelings for her. She reached out to cup his cheek, the man instantly leaning into her touch.

“You’re really sweet, Kurapika. Thank you for loving me, I…”

He leaned forward, capturing her lips in another kiss. This one was quick, the blonde pulling away.

“Shh, you don’t have to say you love me yet. I would wait a lifetime for you.”

(Name) had never been treated so gently, so lovingly before. It wasn’t something she would take for granted.

She gave him a nod, ruffling his hair.

——————

They stayed together for a bit longer, Kurapika’s eyes never leaving her form. When it was time for him to enact his plan, he escorted (Name) to the hotel lobby and called her a cab.

“I’ll see you soon, (Name). Once this is over.”

He thought about kissing her again, but he didn’t. Kurapika wouldn’t push too hard, even though his heart yearned for her touch.

“You’ll be careful, right?”

He held open the cab’s door for. “I will.”

Kurapika closed the cab door and watched as it drove off, his heart hammering against his chest. She hadn’t rejected him outright, and had even kissed him herself.

He wasn’t sure if he should deserve to feel this happy, but let himself feel those butterflies for her.

‘I love her. So much.’

(Name) opened up her backpack and noticed a notification pop up on her phone. She’d silenced it when she’d left to visit Kurapika and the rest so she could really enjoy her time with them.

It was all from Feitan. (Name) scrolled up to the first message he’d sent.

Grumpy Pants: leaving town today. meet up before I do?

Grumpy Pants: (Name)?

Grumpy Pants: why did you leave condo?

Grumpy Pants: plans changed. text back soon as you can.

(Name) winced. She hoped she hadn’t worried him. He’d asked her to stay put in her apartment after all.

Strawberries: Hey Fei! Sorry, I was out with friends today! I’m glad you aren’t leaving today, that’s waaayyy too soon ><

(Name) jumped when her phone began ringing. She accepted the call quickly.

“Hello-“

“Where are you?”

(Name) froze. It was Feitan, but he sounded very… intense.

“I’m in a cab on my way to my apartment.”

“Good. Stay there. Dangerous, someone out for us.”

“Us?”

“Yes. You’re connected to me, means they could be after you too.”

(Name) sighed. “I see. I’ll be home soon. I-“

Her phone began to buzz, another call incoming.

“Sorry Fei, gotta take this.”

“(Name), d-“

She clicked on the other call.

“Illumi, hey.”

The man on the other end smiled. “I finally have time for you, (Name). I’ll be coming to pick you up for dinner in an hour.”

‘But Feitan said I needed to stay at my apartment…’

(Name) but her lip. ‘But… I miss Illumi so much…’

“Okay. See you then!”

(Name) hung up and placed her phone back in her bag. She sighed into her hands and looked down at her trembling legs.

Kurapika had worked her up a great deal when he’d groped her chest. She’d have to please herself in the shower before her meeting with Illumi if she wanted to be able to focus on anything.

219 notes · View notes

cookie-crumblr · 1 year ago

Text

Hype Train!

F! Streamer Reader x M!Yandere Streamer OC

Part 2~

His Info: 📹✨

Part: 1 2 3

!!!MINORS DNI!!!

CW: !F reader, use of she/her when referring to reader, reader has a vagina, extortion, pet names not given by ML (kitten, good girl), little angsty possibly?, smut will start in the next part!🐶✨!

“Sup Jazzy” his own voice says to him.

“Sup Devvy, how’re you and Issac?”

“Awww, did you just call cause you missed us?” they say in an mocking tone, their voice changing to one of their own mid way through the sentence.

“Always, but that’s not why I called.” He sends a copy of some of your cat cam footage that he sped watched through. “I just need the name of the dick hole at 57:32. I’d do it myself but I don’t want to look that thing up on my work computer.”

“Ooooo! I see why you need that info. She’s mine and Issac’s type too… Sent!”

“Thanks. This still doesn’t pay me back by the way.”

“Figures, I am using your face and all.”

“Yeah ‘nd my face is hot. You’ll owe me for a long time you filthy fuckin’ sadist.”

“Takes one to know one,” they say through a smirk. “Hey Jasper,” their head tilts in curiosity, “your girl just left her building…”

“What?” He pulls up some of the other cameras in the building to look. The second floor has a bling camera that pinged it’s owner’s phone just now.

Sure enough you’re seen walking down the stairs in front of that door. You have a baking pan in hands with one birthday candle sticking out of what looks like chocolate cake.

“Why is she going out at this time? it’s like 3am for her. Has she done this before? does she always bring cake, and nothing else?”

Not even a second passes, “Looks like once a month. She goes out at two-ish, I followed her through the ground cameras to a factory. Sending all footage from the last time now. And coordinates for current active cameras near the perceived destination.”

“Shit. A factory?! What could she possibly be doing at a place like that at three in the fucking morning. That’s so dangerous. Watch her until she gets home. And I don’t know, fucking, blow somethin’ up if shit starts to go down. I have to take a flight. ‘Nd, don’t go outside for a while, unless you get a new face in the meantime.”

“Awww, but I like your face,” they pout.

“Me too! Just kidnap someone for a minute, and deal with it. jeeze. You’ll figure it out.”

“Or I could—”

“Bye Dev.in, i’ll be in contact, and if something happens to her, you’re never getting out of my contract.”

“I hate being indebted to a filthy fucking sadist like you.” they fake a sigh, not actually upset.

“Takes one to know one.” Jasper hangs up abruptly, already packing up three laptops, and their accessories to go.

Sure enough, you’ve walked all the way to a factory at 3am.

You’re running a little late tonight…

He can wait… You think.

He’s already extorting you double, almost triple your rent now.

He can wait.

“Fuck!” You hurry.

All you brought is that stupid hollow cake filled with a plastic bag of cash, and a lighter. Like always.

Eventually you get there, none the wiser that you’re being watched over by a sort of guardian angel this time.

They invisibly follow as you swerve through dark alley ways. You take slightly different routes every time.

Dev.in sits watching, waiting, finding everything nearby that they could hack if they need to cause a distraction to hopefully save you if it comes to that.

You’ve done this so many times before, usually just out of a camera’s reach.

They get into the satellites, replaying footage, as it is unfolding in real time, comparing.

On more than one time you’ve gotten attacked.

Jasper isn’t going to like that.

He already doesn’t approve of this.

You hobble dazedly to the ER when that happens, but you still go to the drop off point first.

What could be more important or scary than that, that you’d not see a doctor first?

The satellite and the real time footage all play out similarly:

You meet the same man.

He grabs you

He kisses you on the cheek.

You light the candle.

He blows it out.

He leans in to say something into your ear.

You walk either home, or to the hospital depending.

Dogs are out barking viciously nearby.

You don’t even flinch at any of this anymore.

This has been going on for more than a year it seems.

What is in that cake?

“The cake you wanted.” You shift uncomfortably, holding the pan out in offering. “And sorry I was running a little late.”

“It’s okay,” He gives you that smile that sends a freezing chill right down into your bones. “things happen,” He shrugs.

He kisses you on the cheek, and leans further to tell you how much you owe them next month and the day he wants you to come.

His menthol cigarette scent makes you nauseous the closer he gets to you.

Intrusive and rough hands grope up your arms and one rests now under your chin.

He makes you feel filthy.

You’re grimacing.

“I trust you Kitten, besides… you know i’ll get my money one way or another.” His grip tightens and your face scrunches harder. “You’d hate to go back into the pit right? Now go on home and be a good girl until we meet again…” his grip is so tight you stifle a whine.

You turn and walk away again. Keeping your pace even, and your head held high.

You almost blend into the underground world.

Almost.

A man with a blade that glints in the cameras is following you back home.

While you fiddle with the main door’s lock and your keys, your hands tremble, displaying how terrified you really are.

Dev.in starts a car parked directly behind you.

You manage to stumble inside while the guy is distracted.

You lean against the inside of the front door, a relieved, and beyond stressed sigh leaves your chest.

Then you head upstairs, fatigued just like every time prior.

You have a fitful rest, filled to the brim with nightmares that constantly wake you up, panting and clutching your chest.

The dawn finally comes. The sun is more than welcome as it shines through the slits between your blackout curtains.

You jump out of bed, not wanting to try and sleep any longer.

You have today off work, thank goodness.

As soon as your computer is on, and dipcord is open, you get a DM, “Hey! Sorry I had to suddenly leave last night! getting a little overworked rn. Wanna VC soon?”

You call him this time.

The longer it rings, the harder your heart pounds.

“Hey there, Y/N, I forgot to tell you somethin’ last night.”

“Oh really?” You try not to sound nervous, or stressed but he can hear it all in your sleepy inflections.

“I have a meet up comin’ up soon!” He didn’t until last night though. “It’s in (a city near you), is that close to you at all? My viewers have been begging me to bring you since they met you!” He isn’t wholly lying, they really do love you already.

“What?! really!” your excitement overpowers you precarious emotional state, “That’s actually super close to me! I think I can afford the trip…” You sigh, remembering work, “Wait, um what day…?”

He frowns, his heart spreading a tingling sharp pain all the way down to his left hand, “I-I can change it! i-if you can’t make the day! when are your days off next month?”

“No!” ops, that came out a little too loud, “Uh, no, sorry. I can’t have you do that. I mean, what if your viewers already changed their schedule?” You sigh.

He hasn’t even told them yet, nobody’s schedule can be impacted.

He scrubs the footage from the bling camera downstairs to see your schedule quickly, you seem to have one day off a week… What the fuck? He thinks… And so much overtime, how little are they paying you?

“Jasper…?”

“Oh sorry! i only got like three hours of sleep last night,” he chuckles”

“Oh no! that’s not good, you should try and nap after this!” you sound so genuinely stressed for him. His pain evaporates.

“It’s on Tuesday the 12th. Is that doable?”

You sigh in relief, “Yes! I actually can! that’s so cool! it falls right on one of my days off!” Your gut flips, something feels so off…

Maybe it’s just the residual feeling from last night?

“Awesome! I’ll definitely be takin’ that nap soon then,” he laughs such a perfect and easy laugh, it somehow eases your entire being beyond belief.

Tears start prickling your eyes, and he hears your tiny sniffle.

“Is somethin’ the matter Y/N?” His voice is so gentle again. he makes you imagine a summer morning in a sprawling golden field. It’s like sun on your skin for the first time in so long…

Yes. God yes. your life. That’s what’s wrong. How the fuck did you get in half the predicaments you’re currently in? “No,” You fake a yawn, “I’m just a little sleepy, I guess we’re in the same boat there!” you let out a laugh that sounds more strained than you wanted.

You can’t cry yet.

Don’t cry yet.

Please.

Do. Not. cry.

I’m gonna take a nap too! sorry I-I have to go!” Your voice cracks, “sleep well, Jasper…”

You hang up without giving him a chance to say anything more. Without the chance to catch you.

and the second that app is closed, your dam bursts.

You feel like screaming, and you feel hoarse like you already have been.

How long ago was the last time you’ve cried?

The last time you’ve even felt safe enough to cry.

“Jazzy! my man-”

“Dev, I need ya to black this entire town out for an hour.”

#my oc #oc x reader #oc x you #yandere #yandere x reader #my fic #yandere x you #tw yandere #dead dove do not eat #oc jasper #yandere streamer #male yandere #yandere oc #streamer yandere #yandere streamer x you #yandere streamer x reader #streamer x streamer

145 notes · View notes

c-t-r-l14 · 11 months ago

Text

Special

“I wish I was special

I gave all my special

Away to a loser

Now I’m just a loser.”

—————————💔————————-

Synopsis: You refuse to go out quietly.

This is the second part to Session 32.

———————————💔————————-

In all of his panic, it took Alex a couple of seconds to notice that the drawers to the dressers were ajar and the suitcases with your clothes inside. You saw his eyes widen as the realization hit, but the feeling of incredulity made him ask one singular question:

“W-Where are you going?”

The quiver in his voice made you die inside, and yet you kept you voice low, and your tone firm and flat.

“Away,” You simply replied, “I’m moving out.”

…….

He simply stared at you—his doe eyes wide with hurt and distress. His stare burned into your own, and it was painful to look at him. Despite that, you kept your expression neutral, and your back firm and straight. You made sure your face didn’t show your true feelings.

“Right now? Why?” He inquired.

“Because we broke up. There’s no reason to stay anymore, so I’m leaving,” You simply answered, and you continued packing your stuff.

“I just—I guess I didn’t think that you’d leave so soon…I thought that maybe you were gonna stay a bit longer.”

“Why?”

“Well, I haven’t even started packing yet—I don’t leave ‘till February 16th and I still got a whole lot of paperwork to sort out and everything before I go. So, I just thought that we’d have a little bit of time left to sort this—”

“Well, you thought wrong.”

You felt Alex’s gaze as you continued to pack. You can feel as he was trying his best to contemplate what exactly was going on right now. Your short, curt responses and air of indifference was clearly bothering him, and you could tell that he didn’t know what to do.

“Okay—what is your problem??” he asked, annoyance and confusion evident in his tone, “You’ve been gone for days, you haven’t been answering any of my messages—”

“Why are you acting like you didn’t know where I was? I sent you a text. I told you where I was and who I was with.”

“Yeah you did, but I—“

“Okay, so stop acting like I didn’t. I needed some time away from you. Who I was with and my location was all the information you needed.”

“What is with you?? It’s the first time I’ve seen you in days, and all I’ve been greeted with is a bad attitude, a suitcase filled with clothes, and you telling me you’re leaving!”

You could hear the frustration in his voice, and even though you weren’t looking at him, you could practically feel the pain in his eyes. You continued to pack regardless.

“Yep, sounds about right,” you responded non-cholantly, “I got my girl Solana downstairs with the car. When I’m ready to go, she’s gonna drop me off at my mom’s house. Denise, Kimahri, and Dehlani are gonna be here in a couple of days for winter break, and they’ve agreed to help me pack up the rest of my stuff—Oh! I already told our Super that I’m moving too, he told me that I still have to pay my part of the rent—”

“Wait—Wait. Other people know about this?? You’ve had this whole thing sorted out already?” He asked incredulously.

That question confused you a little. Did he think you were at your mom’s house only for moral support?

“Shouldn’t it be obvious, Alex?” you sighed as you put a pair of pants in your suitcase, “I literally just mentioned the people who’ll be helping me move.”

“How come I was the last to know about it, though???”

You stopped packing, and turned your head in his direction and just stared. Your expression of neutrality was no more; your brows were raised and your eyes were wide with pure astonishment. You stared at his knitted brows, and the wrinkles on his forehead that were creased with worry. You stared at his glassy, doe eyes—and saw the hurt and pain they beheld behind the color of burnt sienna. His whole face held an expression of betrayal, agony, and bewilderment.

Oh, the irony.

“Yeah well, it doesn’t feel good now, doesn’t it Alex?” you sneered, trying your best to keep your voice low, “Being the last to know about shit you really SHOULD know about REALLY bites the big one, doesn’t it??”

“Oh my GOD, here we GO,” Alex groaned as he rolled his eyes.

“Oh what?? You’re mad now ‘cause you’re feeling what I felt that day??”

“(Y/N), How in the HELL did you expect me to tell you about the job offer if you couldn’t even handle me working with Natalie?? You looked through my phone, accused me of cheating, and expected me to not be at least a little bit hesitant about telling you?? And it seems like you STILL aren’t handling it well now, considering how you’re just ready to get up and leave!”

You faltered a little bit. Some of the things he said weren’t wrong. You lost your cool and made some very stupid decisions and it definitely wasn’t your proudest moment. Usually, when situations arose, you made sure to keep your feelings in check and be more logical and rational about things. But you were so worried that another person you loved would leave you for someone else. But that still wasn’t an excuse. And there was definetly a better way of communicating how you felt—one that didn’t involve you going through his phone and making stupid accusations.

“Look. I understand that you were hurt and surprised about what happened. I know what I did was wrong. I violated your privacy, and accused of shit you didn’t do, and I will always be sorry for that. I’m usually not like that—“

“I know,” he interjected.

“That’s the thing—you know! You know that I’m usually calmer. You know that I’m usually level headed. What I did was dumb, yes—but I would think that the one time I lose my cool and do something stupid wouldn’t be my defining characteristic!“

“It’s not!”

“Well you sure acted like it was when you made up that fuckass excuse—talkin’ ‘bout how you ‘thought you knew me,’ Alex. We were together for four years—and you me know better than anyone.”

You sighed.

“I’m not angry because you want to move to New York. It’s where your dream job is, and you should totally go for it. I’m angry because you tried to get rid of ME in the process.”

Alex’s eyes widened.

“What?” He gasped.

“It was so obvious that you’ve mentally checked out of this relationship long ago—and even more obvious that you’ve had your mind made up from the jump. And that’s comepletely fine. Sometimes, relationships don’t last forever…”

You swallowed the lump in your throat. You tried your best to hold it together.

“But the way you ended things between us was absolutely trifiling!!”

And it was true—that’s how you felt. You weren’t angry at him for leaving you. You weren’t angry that he wanted to go to New York. You were angry with the way he broke up with you—because the things he said that day didn’t make a lick of sense.

“I—I ended things for BOTH of our sakes! I did it because I love you!”

You couldn’t help but scoff at that statement. It took everything in your power not to roll your eyes.

“You did it because you wanted me GONE.”

“Wha—I can’t believe you’d say—”

“During the whole time you broke up with me, all you did was blame me for everything and make excuses, Alex! You say I’m not the right person to handle long distance—“

“Oh my GOD, there you go AGAIN with the assumptions!”

“Alex, how in the HELL did you expect me to take that??? You were most definitely alluding to it, don’t play with me!”

“I wasn’t—”

“If you weren’t alluding to it, then there was no reason to say it in the first place! If you really wanted to leave then that’s fine—but don’t get mad at me and accuse me of ‘jUmpiNG tO ConCLUsiONS’ when you say outta pocket shit like that! Especially since I ended up being right about you wanting to leave me in the first place!!!”

Your heart felt like it was about to leap out of your chest and your lungs were on fire. You could feel the tears welling up in your eyes, and your throat closing up. You just wanted all of this to be over. Having this conversation hurt too much. And suddenly, you found yourself wishing for the hollowness that had once consumed your body to come back. You were in too much pain. You’d rather feel nothing at all. This was so damn difficult to do.

But anything worth doing is hard.

So you took in a deep, quivering breath and let it out slowly. You blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, and you cleared your throat.

“You talked about how much this hurts you—how much it hurts to leave me, but it really doesn’t feel that way. You talk about how much you love me, but I feel like if you loved me as much as you said you did, then you would’ve at least tried to make this work, Alex. I KNOW how you are. You put your all into everything—into volleyball, into photography, and yet you couldn’t even muster up a little bit of effort to try and keep relationship going. You couldn’t muster up any effort, despite you telling me how much you loved me. So like hell, you do Alex. Like hell.”

You let the tears flow. There was no use in stopping them now. But despite that, you still continue on. A shaky sigh passed through your lips.

“I’m not mad that you want to leave. I’m not mad that you wanna pursue your dreams. But don’t tell me that I’m the love of your life and then do everything in your power to leave me behind! Nobody who claims to love someone as much as you do would be so blatantly dishonest! Your actions don’t match your words and it’s sickening!!”

You didn’t hide the quiver in your voice. You wanted him to hear the pain in it. You continued still, despite how horse your voice had become.

“I tried everything in my power to make things work, because I love you. I know I did wrong, and I’ll own up to that every single time. But do NOT put all the blame on me just because YOU don’t wanna be with me anymore! You are NOT completely blameless in all of this, and I’m sick and tired of you acting like you are!”

Your heart was pounding so loudly you could hear it in your ears. But you continued still.

“And I’ll be DAMNED if I let you go to New York thinking that what you did was even REMOTELY okay! You can’t just pull me out of your life with excuses and flowery words and cast me away whenever it suits you! I will NOT go out quietly, Alex! You will hear my mouth, and I want you to know that what you did was trifling!!”

Another shaky breath. In and out.

“If you had any love or respect for me at all, then you would’ve been straight up with me from the jump. There would’ve been no need for excuses or pointing fingers if you were just honest, Alex. I don’t know what was going through your head that day, but I’m telling you, I haven’t felt less human than in that moment, and I will NOT let you have the luxuary of living your best life in New York—not when you don’t understand what you’ve done wrong!”

Your eyes met his. They were as red and glassy as your own.

“I’m giving you a chance to break up with me the correct way. I want you to be honest. I want you to realize what you’ve done wrong. I want you to tell me straight up. No lies. No B.S. Please.”

A long, suffocating silence ensued. But Alex never said a word. He’d open his mouth, but nothing would come out—almost like the words would get caught in his throat before melting away. And whenever that happened he closed it. He did this for a good while—and each time, you waited for a response. And it felt like you were waiting forever.

But after what felt like an eternity, he simply hung his head and closed his mouth. He didn’t open it back up again. He didn’t have anything to say.

You couldn’t believe it. You were honest on the day he broke up with you, because that’s what he asked of you—and you felt like thats what he deserved. You were honest about where you were and who you were with when you left the apartment because thats what he deserved. You’ve been honest throughout this entire conversation. You poured your heart out to him, and told him how he made you feel, because thats what he deserved. And EVEN after all of that, he still wasn’t man enough to be honest with you. It was bad enough that your relationship was crumbling before your very eyes. It was even more terrible that you were losing him.

But you were literally giving him the oppurtunity to be honest with you right now, and he still wouldn’t take it. You weren’t even worthy enough for the truth.

That revelation cut deep. And it hurt so damn much.

And that hurt made you ANGRY.

“Forget it,” You growled, turning your attention back to your suitcase, “I should’ve known better than to ask a man who has such a hard time being honest to tell me the truth.”

He lifted his head as you began to pack.

“The craziest thing about this was how much you wanted me to be truthful to you on the day we broke up. You told me that trust is something that is crucial in a relationship, but I don’t know how you expect me to trust you when you can’t even practice what you preach. Integrity and effort is what keeps a relationship going, and you clearly lack BOTH of those things. I suggest you grow a fucking backbone and quick,”—You looked him directly in the eyes—“Or don’t be surprised when all of your future relationships end up like ours did.”

He didn’t say anything. He merely walked quietly out of the room.

………

You rolled your suitcase out of the bedroom. You wanted nothing more than to get out of this apartment and away from him.

“I’ll be back next Tuesday with my friends to pick up the rest of my stuff.”

You turned around and saw him standing there, right by the couch. He stared at you, eyes red and wide. His eyebrows knitted—creased with worry. And that same hurt and pain that was beheld behind the color of burnt sienna.

But you didn’t feel anything this time.

You opened the door.

“Goodbye, Alex. Hope your passion keeps you fucking warm at night.”

You walked out of that apartment—leaving Alex with nothing but a hollow feeling in his gut and the loud slam of the door ringing in his ears.

———————————💔———————————-

A/N: Good GOD, ya’ll. This was probably one of the most difficult fics I’ve ever written because it has so much dialogue in it!

I’m so sorry for the wait, ya’ll. But writing for Alex is actually really friggin’ exhausting because of how pissed he makes me. There will be more stories with Alex in them, but they will be spread few and far in between!

Also, sorry that’s so damn long💀 I didn’t wanna break it up into a third part because that’d be just stupid.

I hope ya’ll like it!

(And before any of ya’ll ask, YES, Kimahri was named after Saku’s pet cat.)

@tranquility-base-casino

Masterlist

#sakuverse #zsakuva #alex zsakuva #alex x reader #he needed to be put in his place #reminding ya’ll yet again that alex is the absolute worst and deserves nothing in life #he makes me so angry #zsakuva x reader

64 notes · View notes

nerdieforpedro · 8 months ago

Text

Nerdie’s Fic Picks - Volume Six!

All fanfics on this list are for readers age 18 and up, please respect the author's tags, warnings and notes as they're there so you know what's in them. YOU are in charge of your own reading experience!

Main fic recommendation list

1. two pack habit & a motel tan by @trulybetty (Frankie morales x f reader)

2. Door Number Three by @morallyinept (Javi G and reader)

3. El Punto de Olvidarte (Part three of Mejor Sin Ti) by @fhatbhabie (Javi P and female reader featuring asshole Joel Miller)

4. Cave In by @javierssunglasses (Jack Daniels x f reader)

5. Bloody Kisses - Part One - Less than zero by @perotovar (Shane “Dio” Morrissey x Tim Rockford)

6. going to make you sweat by @undercoverpena (Javier Peña x f reader)

7. To the Flame chapter 10 by @pedroshotwifey (dark Javier Peña x f reader)

8. Tension by @notjustjavierpena (Javier Peña x f reader)

9. Taurus by @magpiepills (Joel Miller x f reader)

10. 18 x heart candies by @trulybetty (Dieter Bravo x Bryony - ofc)

11. Cruel Summer by @fhatbhabie (Dieter Bravo x plus size reader)

12. Respected by @kteague (Javier Peña x reader - Diosa) SA warning

13. Dámalo by @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin (Javier Peña x f reader)

14. Salty Sweet by @pedroshotwifey (Javier Peña x plus size female reader)

15. Scandal by @wannab-urs (Dieter Beavo x f reader)

16. My Girl by @toomanystoriessolittletime (Din Djarin x f reader)

17. Masterpiece by @morallyinept (Dieter Bravo x f reader)

18. Fairy Gold by @julesonrecord (Ezra - Cali Gold Rush AU x f reader)

19. For the Record by @wannab-urs (Dieter Bravo x f reader)

20. Imagine (Drabble) by @bonezone44 (Ezra x Frankie Morales

21. Sanctuary by @fhatbhabie (Dieter Bravo x plus size f reader - wife)

22. Like Real People Do by @fhatbhabie (Frankie Morales x reader)

23. Love’s a weed: new dress drabble by @tinytinymenace (Frankie Morales x Ruby - OFC)

24. Mine by @toomanystoriessolittletime (Din Djarin x f reader)

25. Breakfast is Served by @maggiemayhemnj (Joel Miller x reader)

26. IRL part three @han_shot_first by @grogusmum (Javier Gutierrez x plus size f reader)

27. bloody kisses — part two: i don't wanna be me by @perotovar (Shane “Dio” Morrissey x Tim Rockford)

28. Longing by @creedslove (Javier Peña x f reader)

29. Cherry Wine by @julesonrecord DDNE (Jack Daniels x wife reader)

30. A Galaxy Far Far Away au: Part 1 First Contact by @grogusmom (Din Djarin x Earthling f reader)

31. Should’ve Stayed Bored by @pedroshotwifey (Chump Joel Miller x f reader

32. To The Flame chapter 11 by @pedroshotwifey (Dark Javier Peña x f reader)

33. Que Creías? by @fhatbhabie (Marcus Pike x plus size female reader)

34. A Galaxy Far Far Away au: Part 2 Juniper Cottage by @grogusmom (Din Djarin x Earthling f reader)

35. A Galaxy Far Far Away au: Part 3 Making Breakfast by @grogusmom (Din Djarin x Earthing f reader)

36. A Galaxy Far Far Away au: Part 4 Freaking Out, On The Outside by @grogusmom (Din Djarin x Earthling f reader)

37. A Galaxy Far Far Away au: Part 5 Di’kut by @grogusmom (Din Djarin x Earthling f reader)

38. The Wolf & The Lamb by @morallyinept (Dave York x plus size female reader)

39. A Work of Art by @boliv-jenta (Lucien Flores x f reader)

40. Roommates 1 You’re Joking right? By @punkshort (pornstar Joel x f reader)

Happy reading everyone! Remember to like and reblog all these amazing writers' fics. 🥰

34 notes · View notes

lovelyladyabsinthewrites · 1 year ago

Text

Love Song for a Vampire Pt. 36

Pairing(s):Edward Cullen x Wolf!Reader, Jacob Black x Witch!OC

Warnings: underage smoking (non nicotine, non cannabis)

Words: 3242

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40(series finale)

The time was growing late where you should have been back home already preparing for bed. You couldn't leave the comfort of the forest though, not when you and Edward lay side by side, him listening as you described Dieufel's magic and Nadege taking over Bella's training. Soft grass tickling your bare arms and legs and the singing of evening birds swooping into the trees after a long day. Bugs kept away from you and Edward, probably thanks to whatever supernatural scent was embedded into you.

You also brought up that in just two days you'd be free of all academic obligation. That meant you could finally go on your long overdue date.

Edward smiles, turning onto his side to face you. "I've been thinking of all the things we can do. Can't seem to decide on just one though."

Laughing you follow suit and roll over to talk to him. The sun wasn't bright any longer, but just a few meager rays were enough to dance off of Edward's skin and illuminate the prism-like structure of Edward's skin and how it's almost blinding. Odd how vampires took on such a trait. "Yeah? What are some of your ideas?" All the while you covertly admire how handsome Edward is in daylight. Your fingers itch to touch his luminescent skin and feel it's coolness against your skin.

He watches the subtle twitch of your fingers as you restrain them from reaching out to him. That makes the corner of his lips curl. Boldly he grabs your hand as he replies "Well, I thought about maybe a movie but that's too cliche. Go-karting sounded like fun when I was researching what girls these days like to do on dates."

You snort, hiding your blush while Edward plays with your small fingers. "You sound old when you say things like that."

"I am old!" Edward chortles before shaking his head. He likes how soft your hands are. It really felt like you were made for him the way your hand easily melds into his grasp. Pale fingers weave themselves with your's offering a contrast in skin tone that mesmerizes both you and Edward. "Then I remember you telling me how the pack go cliff jumping. We could probably both appreciate a bit of fun adrenaline."

"What about the sun? If we go during the day people might see you light up like a disco ball." Oh you love his laugh and how it rumbles his whole body. You don't remember him laughing as much as he did when he was with you.

He acknowledges your concern though. "Unfortunately we'll have to go later in the day to avoid that." An apologetic tone laces his words. There were limits on what the two of you would be able to do together. You don't mind though. The most important thing was being with him and nurturing your bond.

An amusement park would be ideal since places like that have many different types of rides to enjoy. The downside was that anything like that would not be found near Forks. You'd have to travel outside of the city, possibly several hours out but thanks to Edward's driving, it wouldn't be a long drive. It would be a sight to see the vampire on a roller coaster. A picture would be necessary to show the others that Edward wasn't us stiff and brooding as they all thought he was. At least with you, he came to life.

"What would you like to do?" He asks you.

You think for a moment and shrub against the blades of grass. "I don't know. I've never been on a date before."

That was news to him. "Really? You and Embry-"

Instantly your upper body shoots up and your hand falls from his. "What're you talking about?" For some reason it made me defensive when Edward brought up Embry. Not like anything happened. It had only ever been a crush plus that one kiss several weeks ago.

Gauging your reaction, Edward makes sure to compose his sentences more delicately. "I'm sorry. Just. . . The way I've seen him look at you and his thoughts. . . I thought there was something between you two."

What had Embry been thinking while around Edward?

Evita was going to need to make more amulets to prevent Edward from reading anymore intimate thoughts.

You purse your lips and relax back down though there's now a frown pulling down your lips. He wasn't exactly wrong. "Nothing like that at least. I did used to have a crush on him a couple of years ago and I think he did too, but nothing came of it. We've just decided to stay friends. Other than that, no dates. This will be my first."

That seems to make him grin a little as he was tickled by that. "I'll make sure not to disappoint."

The next day was spent with you itching to get out of your summer school classes and Bella continuing her lessons with Nadege while Dieufel and Evita tag teamed on making the wards. Their energy was always spent after making just one and needing a recovery period of at least the rest of the day so they could get back at it the next. However, even after getting out of your lessons, you and Embry had patrol duty and couldn't stay at Sam's for long. Seth is assigned to your shift too but linked to his mind, you feel something off. Unsettled as he attempts to keep whatever secrets that were bothering deep inside of him under lock and key. Embry exchanged a look with you but you shook your head. It was something to discuss later. Right now they had to keep constant vigil. Like the Cullens had reminded them, time was of the essence. No one knew when the Volturi would learn of everything. Not exactly. So every minute counted. Edward, Esme and Rosalie also aided in security as they kept to the treetops. A good thing they didn't require sleep.

Spreading out in a tactical maneuver, your pad along as your eyes easily adjust to the darkening sky. Above you hear branches groan against the landing feet of Edward. A reassuring sound for you as you had broken apart from Embry and Seth. You could still hear them, both in your mind and outside. Random check-ins with one another. Nothing to note. All the anxiety over when the Volturi would arrive was starting to wear on you. You hadn't been able to sleep well to begin with thanks to Xiomara, but now it was damn right impossible to fall asleep right away. If you were lucky it took you about four hours to fall asleep meaning you were getting about three hours worth of genuine sleep. But you couldn't complain. You didn't want to as you felt Seth fretting over something he didn't want you to know about. Even Embry was wearing thin thanks to summer school and was running on exhausted fumes.

Thankfully the both of you would be free soon. It was just one more day then You could focus your energy completely on patrol. Unfortunately you'd had to explain the circumstances to your parents on the simplest level. You kept the major facts away from them like how the Volturi most likely wouldn't like that fact of the existence of your pack and that they most likely wanted to exterminate all of you. Nothing too big.

A twilight glow takes over the sky that gradually fades into indigo and then eventual blackness. If only you could check your phone just to see what time it actually was. You wouldn't know if you're shift was up until the voices of the others became vocal in your mind. The residual scent of magic still hung in the air, waking you up and providing enough energy to keep moving through the part of the forest that was densley packed with trees and foliage alike. It echoes in your bones and fills your lungs up with the sweetest spices that envigorate you.

Thinking about the witches made the time go by faster thankfully as your conversations started to lean towards Bella's involvement.

"I still can't wrap my head around that Bella Swan, the weak human girl, can actually use magic and help us." Embry snorts at the thought and Seth's mind hums in quiet agreement as he half pays attention to the conversation.

"Oh come on. Don't say that. You make it sound like she was completely useless to us before. Just because she's a human doesn't mean she should be disregarded. She has her own given strengths."You roll your eyes at him. Granted she was the one to instigate this whole mess but it had never been her intention.

There's an accusation in his words "When did you two become friends." You didn't appreciate his tone and though you couldn't see him, you stop dead in your tracks and glare toward the direction you scented him.

"We're not."You shrug to yourself knowing Embry wouldn't understand. Though the hackles on your neck are now standing at attention, literally ruffled by him.

Embry wasn't about ready to give up though. Whatever bone he was gnawing on, he refused to relinquish it. "Even if Edward still loves her?"

Finally Seth butts in. "Embry. . ."The last thing he wanted to hear was more arguing. You catch a glimpse of his memory of earlier that morning. Leah was there as well as their mother Sue. Mouths moved with no sound produced but even that bit of a picture quickly dissolved as Seth didn't want anyone to pry.

You feel the skin of your snout scrunch up into a snarl, your teeth showing and your tongue licking across them in agitation. "Why are you bringing this up? Is it so wrong that I don't mind Bella? Can I not just be pleasant toward her for the sake of it? Edward has nothing to do with it."Why was everyone ready to pit you against Bella when she had never really done anything hateful toward you?

In response, you could feel Embry's embarrassment and shame, maybe even a lick of jealousy too as he finally backs down and doesn't say another word much to the relief of both you and Seth. You didn't like fighting with Embry, it never felt right. But it didn't sit right with you what he said. Bella wasn't useless. She just didn't have the special abilities that the pack and vampires did. Well, technically she's had magic in her all this time, just no way of knowing how to wield it or that she could manifest it into something greater.

Around midnight (or so you guess) you hear the voices of the others coming to take over for the rest of the night. Jared, Colin and Paul could already be heard padding through the trees.Glad that you could finally return home, you make a pitstop after you switch back to your human skin and slip on your shorts and tank top. You stumble into Sam's occupied backyard. There are two tents already set up, one for Nadege and Evita and the other for Diuefel though the later is the only one still awake. He's sitting outside the flap of his tent, from his lips is what looks like a cigarette but it smells sweet and calms you. Like herbs and not the sickening fumes of nicotine.

He notices you and smiles softly. "Welcome back. Hard day?"

"Not really. Just tedious." When he pats the spot next to him, you take it. "What is that?"

Pulling the small stick out of his mouth, you notice that the paper is black and not white. "It's a special blend of herbs that help me go to sleep. Even though I'm beyond exhausted I still have difficulties going to bed. Even when I was little it takes me hours to really fall asleep. Annoying but this helps." Dieufel hands it to you. "Try it."

Since it wasn't toxic like nicotine you gingerly take it between your forefinger and thumb, lifting it to your lips. You felt naughty but even sniffing the smoke that twirled from it's lit end has your muscles relaxing.

"Inhale very slowly." Dieufel instructs, watching you carefully. Even though you do as he said, you're still hacking up a lung. Not used to anything other than oxygen circulating in your lungs. You're basically tossing back the herbal smoke at him as your eyes water, throat up in flames. He pats your back and reaches into his tent for a bottle of water. Again he warns you to drink slowly.

You wheeze out that you're okay and hand the bottle back to Dieufel. "S-Sorry."

He chuckles. "Don't worry about it. Not your fault. It happens to everyone their first time." Returning the smoke back to his lips, he expertly inhales, holds it in then leisurely lets it go. Even though you weren't successful, you were still feeling a bit of a soothing effect that has your eyelids growing heavy and you have to lean back on your hands in order to keep yourself up.

"How'd you guys do today?" Voice still raw, at least you were capable of speech once again.

Rolling his neck to produce a nice 'pop', Dieufel groans. "Evita got sick when making her's. She's not used to using so much magic. I was only able to make one as even I am growing weary. But Bella, I don't know how she does it. She's able to take in so much information, absorb and utilize it appropriately. It took me two years before I could successfully conjure flames to light candles. Bella did it in a second after her lesson."

"How long until she's ready to make a ward?"

His grimace was enough of a response to you but he goes on to say "I don't know. Hopefully she'll surprise us. But. . . something like that is complicated. You see how it wipes us out each time. And the refractory period becomes longer. A spell like that is similar to weaving. You twine different spells together for a ward. In order for it to stick, the threads can't risk being unraveled. If it unravels at the wrong time, it could mean calamity to Forks."

From one of his pockets he pulls out the ward he had made today. The carvings that were magically etched into, he explained, were actually the spells woven together. No wonder it felt alive in your palms, warm and buzzing with energy.

He sadly regards it in your palm. "If we had older witches, they would have been done in a faster manner. We're young though, our magic not as strong."

"You guys don't know any other witches that are older?"

Shaking his head, Dieufel takes another drag from his smoke. "Not one that can travel easily. Plus witches tend to scatter themselves in the wind. It's dangerous to have a coven of witches. All that magic concentrated into one place? Any monster could descend on them with no trouble at all. Even with wards erected, there can be leaks if you're not absolutely careful. One leak will be the doom of the entire coven. I'm not going to lie, I feel uneasy with all of us being here. That's how Nadege and I were able to find Evita so easily from the sky."

"Why haven't we been attacked then?" You ask.

"Your guess is as good as mine." Lowly chuckling to not wake up the girl's in the tent next to him. "Could be because of the Cullens. Even other supernatural creatures try to stay away from vampires."

You were unable to stop the flow of questions coming out of you. Curiosity encouraging you. "What other things are out there? Witches, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters. . ."

His smile turns sympathetic. As if you didn't already know the world was actually a more dangerous place to live in since vampires existed. Now the possibilities were vast and endless. "Lets see. . . There's ghouls, you definitely never want to encounter them. A pain to kill. Ghosts certainly. Zombies, in a way. Wraiths. Sea people. Necromancers."

All that was missing were aliens which Dieufel could neither confirm nor deny since he'd never personally seen one.

Noting the subtle fear on your features, he attempts to reassure. "Not all of them are evil. Just like with vampires, there are good ones.Those who resist their thirst for blood and flesh. They still have their humanity."

You glance up at the stars. "Then. . . is it possible that there might be some good members of the Volturi? Those who we can talk sense into."

"If they are then they remain silent. Likely they have no real power and are just as helpless." Finally he's down to the stub of his smoke and Dieufel deposits it into a homemade clay ashtray. "It will not do us any good worrying about what is out of our control. We both need rest. Best if you head home."

That was the best idea you'd heard all day.

You drag your exhausted body home, taking care not to make too much noise as you go in through your bedroom door. Easier. The front door had obnoxious, creaking hinges that no amount of WD40 could fix. Tired, burning eyes barely manage to pick out your pajamas from a small heap near your bed. You let your body fall atop of your mattress face first.

"(y/n)! Please wait!"

You'd been dreading talking to Embry after the brief spat last night. No longer angry, you just didn't want things to grow awkward. Feet halting, your hands fly up to your backpack straps and grip them tightly; an anxiety soother. "Em. . ."

Equally nervous about confrontation with you, Embry hurries with his words before he lost his courage "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I said. I had no right and it wasn't fair of me. I'm. . . I-It's still hard for me to really let you go. . . I get jealous. But I'm working on it, I promise."

Demeanor softening, your lips turn up in an understanding smile. "No, it's okay. Embry. I appreciate the apology. And I get it. I'd probably feel the same way as you if you were the one to imprint on someone." Before your feelings had transgressed to those of romantic, you were best friends first and foremost.

Embry's face brightens and a blinding grin shines. There was nothing more that needed to be said about it.

Once backpacks were dropped off at your place, you and Embry hustle through the woods but stop when you pass by the Black residence. Gloom weighs heavy in your chest, remembering getting into a fight with Jacob over you revealing his imprinting to Bella. Bella needed to know but at the cost of your relationship with him? "Do you think Jake will forgive me?"

"Of course he will." Embry immediately replies with ease. He misses when it was just the four of you guys, back to simpler times where the four of you would spend hours outside in the woods at the back of Jacob's house. "Let him blow off steam. You know how stubborn he is. Give it time. Maybe Sam will let him back to patrol as long as he behaves himself."

One could only hope so as both of you continue to stare longingly at the back of Jacob's house.

TAGLIST: @saltedcoffeescotch , @dangerouslittlefairy , @burn-crash-rqmance , @casedoina , @avadakadabra93 , @daryldixonstorm , @blue-aconite , @xanniestired666 , @esposadomd, @godinho11 , @arin-swear-rose , @alexizodd , @melaninsugarbaby , @lyeatoalinatoheaven , @ronwownsme , @itsmytimetoodream , @afro-hispwriter , @mutandis-extremis993 , @hxgemxscles , @nightly-polaris , @corrodedcoffins-slut , @ellesalazar , @itgetzweird08 , @crybabyatthediscooffandoms , @sassyandclassyx , @scarlet2007 , @theroyalbrownbarbie , @jennyamanda8 , @stevenandmarcslove , @biancaindaeyo , @loversjoy , @turningtoclown , @vixorell , @xxthackerybinxxx , @daredevilonmyheels , @dumbbitch-juicee , @southern-bell-give-hell , @nat-the-gemini , @imdoingathingmom , @emmettcullenswife , @yoong1c0re , @daddykylokenobi , @minjix , @magical-spit , @krismdavis

#reader insert #reader insert fanfiction #twilight reader insert #twilight fandom #twilight fanfiction #twilight saga #twilight #edward cullen x you #edward cullen x reader #edward cullen fanfiction #edward cullen fanfic #edward cullen

76 notes · View notes

photogirl894 · 7 months ago

Text

Sun and Rain Part 2: Age of the Empire

Chapter 32

"The Gamble"

A "Bad Batch" fanfic!

Pairing: Hunter x fem OC, Echo (more best friend pairing)

A/N: Well, I know I said I was gonna wait until all my celebration requests were done...but turns out, I lied! 😜 I got hit with inspiration for this chapter and I was starting to miss it, so I went ahead and wrote the chapter anyway! I'm sure a lot of you are complaining 😜

Plus, it's just all been on my mind since season 3 ended and man, I am gonna miss this show so freaking much, but this story will continue on! We've still got a long way to go and a lot of things yet to happen; lots of twists and turns still to be revealed in the future 😆

Enjoy this, my loves!! It's a little shorter than normal, but fun nonetheless!

Taglist: @the-sad-batch , @nimata-beroya , @intrepidmare , @legolkenxbi , @tech-aficionado

@ladykatakuri , @d1n0-dan , @sammi9498 , @darthzero22 , @scarlettrose9901

@thebadbatchscyare , @chxpsi , @ilikemymendarkandfictional , @4pplecider , @locitapurplepink

@l-lend , @nekotaetae , @eternalwaffle , @merkitty49 , @avathebestx

@idoubleswearimawriter , @techs-stitches , @fantasyproductions , @sverdgeir , @totallyunidentified

《 Chapter 31

》 Chapter 33

All chapters (Part 2) (Part 1)

Explanation: Risks are taken when Omega decides to take on dejarik matches for money.

When Kimber, Omega and the Koriena Force returned to Cid's parlor, they found the building empty save for Cid sitting at a table with Bolo and Ketch, all of them in the middle of a game of dejarik.

“Wow, I think we're gonna have trouble finding a seat, girls. It's packed to the walls in here,” Rina remarked loud enough for Cid to hear after taking a drag of sweetblossom from her vape mod.

“I know, it's amazing how popular this place is right now,” Kimber added sarcastically.

Cid looked up at them, displeased at their remarks. “Ha ha, you all are hilarious,” she responded flatly.

As the ladies filed in, Irys informed Cid, “Jido's credits have been acquired and have been transferred to your account.”

“Let me double check, make sure it's actually there,” Cid replied, leaning over and picking up a datapad from right next to her.

“You doubt my skills?” Irys questioned.

“Or our credibility?” Kimber added.

With a sneer, Cid snapped back, “I don't trust anybody, especially when it comes to my money.”

When she went back to her datapad, Kida asked in comment, “Honestly, ladies, should we have expected anything else?”

Sighing with defeat, Lex answered, “Probably not.”

A few seconds passed and then Cid declared, “Would ya look at that? You ladies came through.”

“Doubt doesn't become you, Cid,” Kimber said back.

“And I believe you owe part of that to us for getting it for you,” Rina reminded Cid.

Waving them off, Cid said back, annoyed, “Yeah, yeah, don't get your britches in a twist, Shortstacks. I'll get to it after I finish this game.”

“Ugh, well, in that case, let’s hit the bar, girls,” Lex suggested, waving them over in the direction of the bar. “And Omega, I’ll grab you some juice. We hid a bottle for you behind the bar.”

“You’re the best!” Omega praised gladly as she took a seat on a barstool.

Lex went ahead and grabbed a couple different bottles and started pouring them into cups for everyone as they all sat down.

“To another job well done,” said Kida, raising her glass and everyone touched their glasses together in toast to their success.

As they took sips of their drinks, they heard Bolo behind them exclaim to Ketch, “You got her cornered!”

“Oh yeah, I’m real scared,” Cid replied mockingly.

The girls all turned in their chairs to watch, curious to see how the remainder of the dejarik game would go.

As Cid contemplated her next move, Ketch taunted her, “Delay all you want, you’re not getting out of this one.”

Cid moved to press a button on the table when Omega suddenly spoke up, “I wouldn’t do that.”

Kimber and the Koriena Force all looked down at her curiously.

“Hear that? We got an expert here,” Cid said snidely before rolling her eyes and going ahead with her move anyway.

Her piece in the holochess game moved around on the board, but ended up getting knocked down by Ketch’s piece and it disappeared.

Bolo laughed triumphantly and declared, “She’s done for!”

“I told you,” Omega said with snark that made the girls grin.

“You kinda suck at this, Cid,” commented Rina.

Kimber chuckled quietly as she took another drink. It was kind of nice seeing Cid get knocked around for once.

Looking to Omega and ignoring Rina, Cid asked, unamused, “Well, expert…what should I do next?”

Omega slid off her barstool and walked over to the table.

Leaning over to Kimber, Lex whispered, “This ought to be interesting.”

Omega proceeded to press a couple buttons on the console and then looked up as Cid’s dejarik piece knocked out Ketch’s piece easily, earning her the win. Bolo and Ketch weren’t happy about it; Bolo told Ketch he blew it while Ketch blamed Bolo for telling him to bet everything, so the two of them decided to take their disagreement outside. While that was happening, the ladies were all impressed with Omega’s easy win on Cid’s behalf.

“How’d you know to do that, kid?” Rina asked her.

With a casual shrug, Omega responded, “It’s a strategy game. I’m good at strategy.”

“Well, I’ll be…,” commented Kida.

“How good?” Cid asked her, a sly grin curling up on her scaly mouth. “Enough to uh…win some matches for some money?”

Kimber opened her mouth to reply, but Omega spoke up first: “Depends. What’s my cut?”

“Omega, no. You cannot be serious,” Kimber protested.

Ignoring Kimber, Cid told the kid, “Thirty percent.”

Wasting no time, Omega fired back, “Sixty.”

“Ohhh, she knows how to hit where it hurts. Way to go, kid,” commented Rina.

“Don’t encourage her,” Kimber chided her.

However, she heard Cid say, “Deal,” in response to Omega and said she’d start getting some matches set up before heading back in the direction of her office.

“Cid, you are not going to exploit a child to try and make more money for yourself,” Kimber stated, bolting up from her barstool.

Turning back over her shoulder, Cid shot back, “Hey, the kid agreed to it, Dollface. You wanna argue with somebody? Talk to her. I got some matches to set up.” Then without waiting for anything further, she went into the back hall towards her office, which only irritated Kimber even further.

Behind her, Irys said, “It’s not a terrible idea to make some extra credits.”

“That doesn’t matter. I don’t want Cid to take advantage of Omega and besides, Hunter said he wanted her to keep a low profile.”

Then she noticed Omega walking up to her and the young girl said to her, “I have a plan, Kimber. Don’t worry.”

Folding her arms, Kimber questioned her, “What is your plan?”

“I want to still help the squad even though I’m not on the mission with them. We didn’t get any of the weapons we were going to sell from Bracca, so we still have a debt we owe to Cid,” said Omega. “I can maybe help pay off part of the debt by doing these matches, which is why I asked for a sixty percent cut. That should get us a good amount to help pay Cid back.”

“I like the way you think,” said Lex before taking a swig of her drink.

Looking to Kimber, Rina put in, “That’s actually not a bad plan, boss lady. The kid knows her stuff. Might as well put that brain of hers to good use. If she wants to help, I say you let her.”

Kimber still was unsure. She despised the thought of Cid using Omega for any sort of gain, especially after her remarks earlier about trying to get free labor out of the girl. Even though Omega’s intentions were good, she worried Cid would try and pull a fast one on them, like taking more money than what was promised or making Omega do something that wasn’t part of the agreement. Kimber didn’t trust the Trandoshan for anything.

However, looking back down at Omega, she saw there was a pleading look in her bright brown eyes that made her heart drop just a little.

“Please, Kimber,” Omega insisted. “I want to do my part. I want to help our friends.”

Kimber sighed, knowing it was hard to say “no” to Omega sometimes. “Oh, all right…,” she relented, “but I’m keeping a close eye on both you and Cid. I don’t trust her to not pull any tricks.”

“Don’t worry, princess. None of us trust her either,” Lex said.

“You’ll have plenty of eyes on both Omega and Cid,” added Kida.

Irys slipped off her barstool and said to Omega, gesturing with her head to the dejarik table, “Come on, Omega. You and I can get a couple practice games in to prepare you.”

Omega gleefully agreed and ran over to take a seat.

“Be warned, though: Irys is also a pretty decent strategist herself,” said Lex.

With a look of confidence on her face, Omega replied, looking at Irys, “You’re on.”

While those two were starting up a game and Lex and Kida gathered around to watch, Kimber walked out of the parlor for a moment, needing some air and just some time to think. She limped to the top of the stairs, her leg still on the mend, sidestepped in front of the wall and then leaned back against it, letting out a sigh. She trusted Omega, but she still wasn’t sure about this gambling plan the girl had up her sleeve. Omega was confident, but Kimber still feared the plan would maybe backfire.

“Credit for your thoughts, boss lady?”

The smell of sweetblossom accompanied the sound of Rina’s voice and Kimber turned to see her reaching the top of the steps and looking her way.

“I don’t know about this plan, Rina,” Kimber confided in her. “I’m afraid Cid might try to trick us or Omega. I don’t like the thought of her using the kid like this.”

“Hey, child exploitation is no laughing matter,” Rina said back, “but Omega wants to do this. It’s her call. Frankly, I think she should’ve pushed for seventy-five percent.”

“Rina…!” Kimber scolded her.

Rina held her hands up defensively. “I’m just sayin’. It wouldn’t have hurt to milk a little extra out of old Scales.”

Kimber snickered. “Scales…that's new,” she commented. Then she let her head fall back against the wall again. “Am I doing the right thing? Hunter didn’t want her to draw attention to herself and I’m supposed to mind her while the boys are gone. I see why she wants to do this, but…I just don’t know.”

After taking another inhale of sweetblossom from her mod, Rina stepped closer to her. “I get your concerns. The kid’s your priority and you wanna do right by the Sarge…but Omega’s also her own person and she’s made her choice. She wants to help out, even though she’s been sidelined. This can be a great opportunity for her to prove herself and, if things go south, she’ll learn from it. Not to mention she’s got the Koriena Force watching her back. As long as she's not betting the ship, she'll be fine...plus, I haven't seen Scales take any fingers or limbs as a down payment.”

“Rina!” Kimber chided her, unamused.

“Sorry, sorry,” Rina apologized. She then laid a hand on Kimber’s arm. “Look, if Lover Boy gives you any grief for this, you know we’ll back you up, if needed. We’ve got your back and Omega’s. Gambling in and of itself is a risky business. Some people get real shady with that stuff.”

“You sound as if you’re speaking from experience,” Kimber remarked.

Rina scoffed a bit in disgust. “Not my own experience, but my old man's,” she replied. “He ended up with a lot of gambling debts which made him turn to smuggling in order to pay them off. He dealt with a lot of messed up people…including the likes of the Pyke Syndicate.”

“You’re serious?” said Kimber.

Nodding, Rina answered, “Uh-huh. Got in too deep with them and now, he owes more to the Pykes than he does to any of his gambling debts.”

“That's a shame.”

“Meh, it is what it is. He made his bed and then he got to lie in it. Ain’t my problem. The only thing all that taught me was to never mess with the Pykes. They're worse than bad news.”

“Well, good thing the Pykes won’t ever come here.” Kimber then looked up to the sky and her hand came up Hunter’s necklace lying against her chest, wondering how he and the boys were doing on Raxus.

Once again, she felt Rina’s hand on her arm and a light wave of calm seemed to wash over her. “Relax, Kimber,” Rina told her. “Everything’s gonna be fine. Omega is confident in her abilities; I think she’ll do us proud. If things go wrong, then she’s got us. You’re not dealing with this alone, you know that.”

Feeling content with Rina's reassurance, Kimber reached up and grasped Rina's arm, smiling gratefully.

Then Rina added, “Plus, you're turning into the Sarge with how worried and protective you're getting over the kid, so it's my job to tell you to lighten up.”

“I'm sorry, can you blame me?” Kimber asked in reply. “With Hunter not here, I'm just extra anxious, especially regarding Cid, that's all.”

“Are you gonna be this high-strung by yourself when you guys have smols of your own?”

“Whoa, now! We're nowhere near close to that point, so don't jump the gun on me.”

“I'm just sayin’...you gotta get a hold of yourself.”

“I know, I know….” Kimber then gave Rina a light, friendly jab in the shoulder. “Thanks for always looking out for me.”

In response, Rina playfully punched her arm back a little harder, reminding Kimber a lot of Wrecker, which was fitting. “Hey, Lex said it once and now, I'm gonna say it again: we're part of the Koriena Force. Like the wolves we're named after, we're in this pack for life.” Then she took another inhale from her mod and gestured back to the stairs with her head. “Come on, let's get back inside and help your kid get ready to kick some butt in dejarik.”

Shaking her head, Kimber said back, “She's not my kid.”

“Yeah, she is,” Rina immediately replied.

Kimber simply grinned as she followed her friend back inside.

Within a couple hours, Omega had won five matches.

By the end of the day, she'd won twelve.

Within the next couple of days, she'd won over a hundred.

The girl was on fire and the Koriena Force were cheering her on and encouraging her the entire time. It was impressive seeing how skilled at strategy Omega actually was. Even the cockiest and confident of opponents were beaten by her, which took their confidence down by a bit being beaten by a young kid. A couple people tried to pick fights, but the ladies were quick to either get them to back down or give them a good beating before throwing them out. Lex was certain she accidentally broke one guy’s nose because, out of habit, she threw a punch with her cybernetic hand. They weren’t going to let anyone mess with the kid.

Naturally, she was raking in the credits with all the bets being placed on her, which seemed to make Cid a bit more appreciative, to say the least. Appreciative of more money, anyway. Over the course of the couple days, Omega had accrued more than enough credits to pay off the Bad Batch’s debt, which made her happy. She was able to do something good for her brothers while not being on the mission with them. Despite the reservations she’d had previously, it made Kimber glad to see Omega feeling good about herself and what she’d done.

One match had started with a Pantoran man and the stakes were high. A lot of money was on the line because the man was a renowned dejarik player who was confident he would finally be the one to take Omega down. Tons of people who had either been in over the last couple of days or had heard word on the street about the dejarik matches were watching, cheering on both the Pantoran and Omega.

The match was nearing its end with only possibly a couple moves left. Both players had two pieces left on the holoboard. Cid stood beside Omega, her hands on the kid’s shoulders as she watched closely. Kimber stood on Omega’s other side with the rest of the girls next to her to keep the onlookers in line.

“No one can stop this kid!” one guy cheered in the crowd.

Kimber looked over her shoulder to see a few more people had entered into the parlor…including a few familiar faces that made her smile.

The Clones had returned from Raxus.

Most of them looked either curious or pleased to see Omega in her element…but Hunter didn’t exactly look enthused about the situation as Kimber spotted him shaking his head indifferently.

The Pantoran man clicked a button with a smug grin on his face. One of his pieces moved forward and took out one of Omega’s, leaving him with two and her with one. The onlookers all gasped and murmured in awe at what had happened and with wonder at how Omega was going to retaliate.

“Take him out, kid,” Rina encouraged her.

After studying the board for a few seconds, Omega looked up at the Pantoran and got a smug grin of her own. She hit the buttons on the console and her last remaining piece proceeded to take out both of his two, securing her the win. Everyone cheered excitedly for her while the Pantoran looked shocked at being beaten and then abruptly left.

“Well done, Omega! You sure showed him,” commented Kida, giving Omega a pat on the arm.

It was then Omega happened to catch sight of Hunter and the others and, after greeting them with a wave, she slid off her stool and ran over to see them while Cid informed the crowd that the matches were over and there were to be no more bets and she shooed the crowd out. Kimber and the rest of the ladies made their way over to greet the Clones, as well.

Wrecker swept Omega off the ground and settled her on his arm as he exclaimed with pride, “Kid, where’d you learn to do that?”

“She’s a natural. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Cid as she approached them.

“Truly, she is an intelligent and gifted child. You all should be proud of her,” Irys added.

Omega beamed with gladness at their compliments.

However, Hunter looked up at her and remarked, almost annoyed, “I told you to keep a low profile. This is the opposite.”

“Hunter, we can explain,” said Kimber.

Though, before she could, Cid gave Hunter a shove back and scolded him, “Ease up, Bandana. Omega made enough money to pay off the debt you boys owe me, so try showing a little gratitude to my friend.”

“She’s got you there, Sarge,” Rina commented.

As Cid walked over and greeted another man behind them that Kimber assumed was the Senator of Raxus and his Droid, the rest of the Clones followed them back to Cid’s office. Wrecker set a dejected Omega down, but roughly shoulder-checked Hunter as he walked by him, gesturing to the kid with his head and giving Hunter a glare that told him he needed to talk to Omega.

“Well, ladies, I think that’s our cue to leave,” said Lex to the rest of the Koriena Force.

“You want us to stick around and back you up?” Rina asked Kimber in a low voice.

She shook her head. “No…Omega was my responsibility and I supported this decision, so I’ll handle it.”

Kida laid a hand on Kimber’s shoulder and told her, “We’ll see you all back at the Aurora later then.”

Kimber gave her a nod and the rest of the ladies exited the bar, but not before Rina punched Hunter in the arm as they walked out.

He looked to Kimber, looking lost on what to do or think.

“She had good intentions,” was all she said. Then she gave him a reassuring smile and motioned with her eyes towards Omega, who was beginning to walk away with her head low, urging him, as well, to just talk to the kid.

Then he turned over his shoulder and asked, “You really paid off our debt?”

Omega stopped in place and said, without looking back at him, “I wanted to be useful…even if I couldn’t go on the mission.”

He hummed contemplatively and turned to Kimber before grinning, which slightly startled her. Then he declared, “How about we put those strategy skills to the test?” As Omega turned around to look at him, he walked over to the dejarik table and said, “One match. If you win, then no more sitting out on missions.” He set his helmet down on the ground and turned the table on, signaling with his head for Omega to come join him.

Now with renewed excitement, she ran over and sat on his other side.

��You ready for this?” he challenged her.

She replied back with a confident grin, “Are you?”

Kimber smiled with gladness at them. It made her proud to see Hunter beginning to broaden his mind in regards to Omega’s choices and being willing to include her more as part of the squad. Even though the condition of her not being left out of missions was her winning, she knew Omega would win. Whether it was on her own--which, more than likely, it would be--or Hunter would let her win. She could see in his eyes that he had no intention of leaving the kid behind again.

Watching them play their match gave Kimber yet another small glimpse of what a possible normal life could look like for them. Sitting around a table and playing games like a normal family…it brought a light tear to her eye.

Suffice it to say, Omega beat Hunter at the match easily.

The rest of the squad came out of Cid’s office just as the game was over and Omega happily exclaimed as she saw them, “I won! I don’t have to sit out on missions anymore!”

“Well done, kid,” replied Echo proudly. “Glad to have you back on board.”

“I assume Kimber shall be joining us again soon, as well?” Tech inquired.

“I believe so. My leg’s feeling much better after taking some time these last couple days and some of Kida's bacta salt treatments,” Kimber replied, “so I think I should be good to go.”

Wrapping his arm over her shoulders, Wrecker responded, “Good ‘cause we’ve missed you.”

“Come on, then. Let’s get to the Aurora and meet up with the girls,” suggested Echo, making his way toward the door with Tech.

“Good. I need some kisses from my girl after that mission,” said Wrecker, grinning as he followed.

Kimber went to walk after them, but was stopped by Hunter grabbing her hand. She turned back to him and found him eyeing her closely.

In a low, gravelly voice, he told her, “Wrecker's not the only one who needs a kiss from his love.”

She smiled even wider as she obliged him, stepped closer and pulled him in for a kiss, his hand cradling her cheek as he returned the gesture.

“Thank you for looking after Omega,” he told her when he pulled back. “I know I wasn’t pleased with what I saw when we walked in, but…I should’ve known things were under control because you were here.”

“Indeed. You should have a little more faith in us, darling,” she responded. “That and we had the Koriena Force with us.”

He chuckled. “Well, that doesn’t always inspire confidence.”

“Don’t let them hear you say that,” she said, chuckling with him.

His hand came up and he traced her cheek gently. “I hate having to leave you behind. It's never the same without you with us.”

“It's what needed to be done,” she replied, “but I'll be with you next time.”

“Thank the stars,” he said before joining his lips to hers again, this time with more passion.

“Oh, for the love of--would you two cut it out?”

The two of them broke apart and heavily sighed in frustration as they heard Cid ridiculing them.

“Sheesh, just get hitched already, will ya?” Cid added.

Fed up, Kimber spat back, “Cid, you just made a ton of money for your bar thanks to our kid. Would you just lighten up for once in your life?”

Cid simply rolled her eyes in disgust and then went over to manage some things behind the bar.

Hunter, when he looked back to Kimber, raised an eyebrow at her. “Our kid?” he repeated, a small grin on his lips.

Her cheeks went red, not realizing what she’d said. “Sorry…that just slipped out,” she admitted sheepishly.

His arms came around her waist and pulled her close, he gave her another kiss and then stated, “What I wouldn’t give to have a proper moment alone with you right now.”

A flirty smirk crossed her face. “Well…everyone else is on the Aurora right now…which means the Marauder should be empty.”

Hunter then got a devilish grin of his own and his eyes darkened with desire. “Then why are we still here, my love?”

The two of them wasted no time running out of the parlor, eager for a little alone time together before joining back up with their squads.

#star wars the bad batch #the bad batch #bad batch hunter #sergeant hunter #my sergeant #bad batch fanfic #hunter x oc fic #sun and run fanfic

26 notes · View notes

roosterforme · 1 year ago

Text

Adult Education Part 8 | Hangman x OC

Summary: Plans for the fraternity alumni fundraiser that Jessica is in charge of are starting to take shape. And things with Jake are starting to heat up. But even after she tries her best to take care of her students in her own way, she feels like she will never be successful at this college.

Warnings: Fluff, angst, swearing, smutty thigh riding, 18+

Length: 5200 words

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Female OC

This story is part of the Beer Boy and Sugar universe but can be read on its own! Adult Education masterlist

Seriously, who let Jake on my masterlist!? Banner by @mak-32

Jessica settled down in the spare seat in her friend's office with her slightly stale peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a notebook. "Wait, say that again. Beer pong with micro brewed beer? Come on, Advanced Calculus. Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of the frat boy vibe?" she asked with her pencil poised over the paper.

The other woman laughed as she ate the turkey and avocado roll ups that her husband packed for her gorgeous looking lunch. Jessica would have had some of Jake's chili to bring except that she finished all of it on Sunday and Monday while she texted him about how good it was.

"It would be an elevated frat boy vibe. I spent the weekend asking my husband what he would want out of an alumni event with his fraternity, and he came up with some pretty compelling ideas."

Jessica bit into her sandwich with a frown and chewed. "But depending on the turnout, a few kegs of fancy beer could be very expensive."

She shook her head and offered Jessica some mixed berries and a honey dipping sauce which she immediately accepted. "No, because Bradley knows a guy who owns a brewery in Solana Beach. He said he'd ask for a favor if you wanted him to."

Jessica perked up immediately. She had a friend. A friend who had a nice husband who was offering to help her out. As much as she wanted to dream big and believe she could get tenure if this thing was successful, she was afraid to hope too hard.

But she couldn't help herself. "Solana Beach isn't that far away. You think this guy would really cut me some sort of deal? My budget from the school is pretty tiny."

She shrugged. "He was in Bradley's fraternity at UVA. He's actually a really nice guy, so I wouldn't be too surprised."

Jessica only had to think about it for another second. "Okay yes. I am very interested in this idea." Then she ate a few more berries and jotted down some other ideas they came up with. hors d'oeuvres from the culinary school

frat boys in tuxedos

sparkling wine

silent auction

As she was finishing the last item, the other woman asked, "How was your weekend with Jake?"

When Jessica met her eyes, she could tell she was blushing. But she laughed softly and said, "I think he's my boyfriend?"

"Really?" she asked, nearly dropping her turkey roll up on her lap. "I'm sorry, but are you serious? You and Jake are exclusive?"

"Yes," Jessica whispered. Right? Hadn't he made it clear he wasn't seeing anyone else and didn't want to? Oh shit. It had been so long since she'd done this, maybe she wasn't even doing it correctly. "Is that okay?"

"Oh my god! He just... I don't think... I don't ever remember mention of him having a girlfriend. Usually he just-" She cut herself off with a wince.

"Picks girls up for the night?" Jessica supplied. She sensed that about him and the way he'd told her some things about himself. But he also bought a new truck so he could make sure he was on time to see her. There was a lot to unpack here.

"Well. Yeah. But I'm not saying I'm surprised that he's into you! You're great! I'm just surprised in general."

"Same." She just hoped she wasn't about to make a fool of herself when Jake stopped by later during her office hours. When she uncrossed and recrossed her legs, she could feel the pull of the green lace against her skin underneath her cute pleated skirt, and her sheer stockings felt like silk.

"Aside from the fact that he once called me Dr. Tits when he was belligerently drunk at my house, Jake is, and I say this a bit begrudgingly, actually really sweet. And kind. He dropped off two tickets for a Grateful Dead cover band last night since Bradley drove him around a few times after his truck broke down."

"I'm sorry.... did you say he called you Dr. Tits? Please, I'm going to need you to elaborate on that."

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

Jake spent Monday night making the most perfect lasagna of his life and waiting until it cooled down to pack some individual containers for Jessica. Then when he left for work on Tuesday, he left them all lined up in his refrigerator so he could grab them on his way to her office hours.

There was a guest speaker today, and Jake grabbed the empty seat next to Bradley who was trying to discreetly text his wife under the table before the lecture started.

"What's Dr. Tits up to?" he drawled, earning an eye roll.

"Text her yourself if you want to know," came the raspy response. "I'm going right to campus after work today to keep her company while she's on a phone conference," he added with a smirk. "Might stop by and talk to your girlfriend about her fundraiser while I'm there."

"That fraternity thing she has to do?"

"Yeah," Bradley replied, finally putting his phone away. "Sugar asked me to be nice to her, so I'm going to try to save her some money on beer from Beta Brewing."

"Isn't that the place that ages the beer in bourbon barrels and sells it for an outrageous price?"

"Yeah," Bradley said with a laugh. "A guy who was in my fraternity owns it. I haven't seen him in a bit, but I was kind enough to text him on behalf of Jessica. Now will you please stop calling my wife Dr. Tits?"

"No," Jake replied smoothly as Maverick called everyone to attention.

Bradley just grunted in response.

When they were released from the lecture, Jessica's office hours had already begun. Jake hadn't texted her much since he knew Tuesdays were busy for her. He just needed to get there before 7:00, because somehow if he arrived during her office hours, it made him feel like her student. And that made everything feel a little dirty. And he really fucking liked that. Plus she told him she was going to wear something sexy, and he'd been dying to find out what that meant.

He swung by his place and picked up the containers of lasagna and packed them in a cooler, and then he was off in his new truck. He could count on one hand the number of times he'd visited this part of the city before he met Jessica, but now he was constantly searching the side streets along campus for a parking spot. Tonight he found one on the same block as a familiar, blue Bronco.

Of course he got some looks from the college girls as he strolled toward the math and science building in his khaki uniform, but he was met with a glare from a man a little older than him with salt and pepper hair when he walked inside.

"Evening," Jake drawled as the other man silently examined his uniform. He could feel eyes on him as he walked toward the elevators. It wasn't like he was forbidden to be here, so he just ignored him. This ride up to her floor and the walk down the hallway had become familiar to Jake. But when he raised his hand to knock, he heard the doorknob turn from the inside along with Jessica's muffled voice. So he leaned back against the opposite wall as the door cracked open.

"Luca, there's no way I'm going to try out your skateboard."

"Come on, Dr. Reed. Just for a minute? It'll be really fun. But you probably shouldn't wear high heels."

She sighed and pulled her door open further, but she didn't notice Jake yet. "Fine. I'll try your skateboard on Thursday only after you show up on time and give me a full hour of your best effort."

"Sweet!" Luca said, giving her a high five. But now she was distracted by Jake as he smiled at her.

"Not in the hallway!" Jessica shouted after Luca who set his board down and promptly picked it back up again.

"My bad, Dr. Reed!"

Jessica was already wrapped up in Jake's arm, her lips ghosting over his. "Hey, Reedy," he whispered, and then he was being jerked away from the wall as she led him inside and closed the door, leaning back against it.

"Hi," she whispered back. Jake let his eyes drift down over her petite form and back up again, every inch of clothing and everything that was bare to him was making him salivate. She had on a rather short pleated skirt with sheer stockings and black heels. Plus he could see the telltale green strap peeking out from the white camisole as her cardigan slipped down her bare shoulder.

He swallowed hard. "You look nice, Baby. You having a good day?"

"Yes!" she gushed, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him harder this time. "My faculty meeting was blessedly canceled this morning, and I ate lunch with Advanced Calculus."

Jake set the cooler down on her desk in the tiny office so he could have better access to her body. "That's great. You call her Advanced Calculus? That's actually so cute," he said as his hands came to rest on her hips.

Jessica laughed, and he felt warm all over. "Yes, and she calls me Advanced Physics. And she's helping me plan that fraternity fundraiser along with her husband. Bradley actually stopped by a little while ago, before Luca was here. He's just the best. Advanced Calculus is so lucky."

"He's the best?" Jake asked, one eyebrow raised as he leaned down and kissed her bare shoulder making her shiver. "She's so lucky?"

When he ran his nose along that pretty green bra strap, she gasped. "Not as lucky as me."

Jake chuckled and murmured, "That's my smart girl." He brushed her hair aside and kissed his way from her shoulder up her neck to her ear while she clung to him.

She cleared her throat and asked, "How was your day?" as she tried to pull away from him. But Jake kept her right where she was.

"Better now," he promised. "Had to sit through a talk about the updates coming to my jet this summer. A new mechanical override and an updated comms system among other things."

"Ohhh," she sighed. "Did they give you a new spec sheet?" Her eyes were curious behind her glasses, and Jake was grinning.

"Sure did. You wanna see it?"

"Yes!"

"Well, that's classified, Baby."

She pouted and said, "Come on, Jake. I won't tell anyone. Can't you sneak one home with you or something?"

He ran his big hands up and down her back. "You want to work out some of the calculations, don't you?"

"Of course I do," she replied softly, and Jake was getting a little hot just thinking about her sitting in his kitchen with a pencil and a calculator. He trailed his hand down to her ass, and she was kissing him again as she touched his pins.

"If you really want to see them," he said between kisses, "I'll sneak them out." She giggled as she kissed his neck, and then his nose was buried in her hair. "God, you look so sexy, and you smell so sweet."

Her glasses bumped his cheek when she kissed his ear and raked her fingers through his hair. Every inch of the front of her body was pressed to his, and Jake just knew there was no coming back from this right now. Jessica had dressed like this with him in mind, and while her outfit was totally work appropriate, it was also a thing of fantasies. Skirts and heels and green lingerie and stockings.

"I can't seem to stop thinking about you," she said in the sweetest voice before she sucked on his lip. He wondered if her stockings were the kind that ended at her thighs or the ones that went all the way up to her waist. He needed to know. She didn't make him wait for an answer. Jessica guided him to the chair behind her desk, and he sat down a little hard. She was standing right in front of him with her gaze fixed on his pants, and when Jake glanced down, he could see the outline of his cock as he stood at attention for her.

"I'm sorry," he grunted, "but you turn me on so much."

"Don't apologize," she breathed, and he was treated to the sight of her sliding that cardigan down her arms. When she turned slightly and dropped it onto her desk, her skirt rode up her leg. Jake could see the lace trimmed top of her stocking hugging her thigh, and he groaned so loudly, her gaze snapped back to his.

"Jessica." His voice was a needy whine, and for some reason this was so much worse than when he almost fucked her on his couch. Because she was his girl now, and he wanted every inch of her well acquainted with every inch of him. "Come here." When he patted his right thigh, she obeyed him immediately, coming to stand with his knee between her legs.

Then she hesitated, and Jake didn't want to push anything. When he was just about to tell her that nothing sexual needed to happen here, he watched her reach up underneath her skirt and bend a little at the waist. His gaze shifted so rapidly from her pretty eyes to the lacy tops of her sheer stockings, he thought he might pass out. And then she started to slide that green thong down her hips to her thighs, and Jake caught the briefest glimpse of her pussy before her underwear was down her legs and her skirt fell into place once more.

"Fuck. Jessica." He was a panting mess as she stepped out of her thong and handed it to him. It was wet, and when he pressed it to his nose, it smelled incredible. And she was once again positioning herself with her legs straddling his right one before she came to rest with her pussy on his khaki covered thigh.

"Is this okay?" she whispered as her right knee nudged his cock, and his head tipped back slightly. She bit her lip and ran one gentle finger along his name tag, spelling out SERESIN while she looked him in the eye.

"Yeah," he groaned. "God. It's more than okay." She kissed him with her palm planted on his chest, and Jake was living for the way her hips rocked forward.

Her glasses and hair were tickling his face as she brought her other hand up to his neck, and then Jessica rocked her hips back and forward once again along his thigh. There was a smile on her lips as she kissed him and whispered, "You can set that down, you know."

Jake was still gripping her thong in his hand, and he pressed it to his mouth and lips one more time before stuffing it in his breast pocket. The fact that she was rubbing her bare ass and pussy on his uniform had him painfully hard, but he didn't want her to stop. This was a thousand times better than any lap dance he'd ever had before.

"You excited to see me today, Baby?" he asked, squeezing both of her knees with his hands and then guiding them up to her skirt. "This is a very warm welcome."

Her cheeks were flushed as Jake pushed her skirt up a few inches to play with the lace stockings. When he ran his thumbs along the soft, bare skin of her inner thighs, she whined his name. "Jake!"

"Fuck," he grunted, squeezing her with both hands as she rode his thigh, now gripping both of his shoulders. She was kind of jerking her hips along as her glasses slid down her nose. Jake leaned in to kiss her neck and chest as he whispered, "You gonna get off like this?" She squeaked as his fingers toyed with her stockings before he brushed her wet slit with his thumb.

"I never did before," she said, eyes a little wild now. Every time she rolled her hips back so she was sitting on her ass, she grunted a soft little sound that almost sent him through the roof.

"Baby, you can't tell me things like that and make those perfect little sounds okay?" he whispered. "Because now I need to get you off." He guided one hand around to palm her bare ass and tipped her chin up with the other. "Okay?" he asked, running his thumb along her lips. She nodded and kissed his thumbprint before he reached down and lifted up her skirt. "Holy hell," he moaned. Her pussy looked exquisite, and there was a wet spot the size of her palm on his service khakis from her slick.

While he was absolutely aching to get his cock inside her, he knew there would be time for that later. This weekend, perhaps. But right now, he thought she was close to coming on his fucking uniform. In her goddamn office. On the college campus. And he needed to make it a reality, because he could feel her wetness on his leg as she ground down against him.

So he kept his left hand on her ass, guiding her movements just a little slower as he took one more look at her pink pussy spread open for him, and he stroked her clit with his right thumb. And then Jessica was shaking almost instantly as she kissed his lips and muttered something incoherent.

"Come on baby. You're so close," he whispered between kisses. "This is so hot." Every time her knee bumped his cock, he thought he might cum in his pants, but he kept her going.

"Oh. My. God!" she whined suddenly before sucking in a deep breath and arching her back. Jake rubbed his face across her tits, nipples peaked through the fabric of her bra and camisole. And then she was coming and keening, and he eased up the pressure of his thumb and enjoyed every sound she made for him.

Jessica collapsed against his chest, lips pressed to his ear and cheek as she combed her fingers through his hair and rode out the little aftershocks. He ran his hand along her ass, stroking her until she stopped rocking gently against him. As she kissed her way to his lips, her fingers found his insignia pins just like always. Their kisses were soft and leisurely like she'd really worn herself out, and when she shifted, he grunted as her knee nudged his cock again.

She looked at him with wide eyes as she brought her hand down to his pants. "I'm so sorry," she gasped with a soft laugh. "I'm in such a daze, I wasn't even thinking. Let me take care of you."

Jake was shaking his head and immediately reaching for her hand. "Absolutely not." He would cum in an instant if she touched his bare dick with any part of her pretty body, and that was not something he was interested in at the moment.

"Why not?" she asked, looking thoroughly upset now as she pulled away from him to stand. Jake had to bite his knuckle at the sight of the mess she left on his khakis, and his cock jumped painfully in his pants.

"Baby, look what you did," he crooned, gesturing at his thigh. "It's gorgeous." But when he met her eyes, she was blushing and reaching for her cardigan. "Jessica, I can't have you taking care of this for me right now. I'm too worked up, and I'd rather have blue balls than cum as soon as you look at me, okay?"

She laughed as she pulled her sweater on, and she let Jake kiss her. "Okay," she replied softly as she looked down at his wet pants. "I can't believe I did that."

"Listen," he whispered, boxing her in between his body and her desk. "I think you should come spend the weekend at my place. Pack an overnight back and some more journals... the real sexy ones on the top shelf over there." He jerked his chin toward her bookshelf. "And I'll steal you a top secret spec sheet that could cost me some of my pins that you like touching so much."

"I could do that," she replied with a smile. "I need to go up to Beta Brewing with Bradley on Saturday morning, but after that, I'm free."

Jake kissed her as he pulled her green thong out of his pocket. "Sounds perfect. And I'm going to need you to wear this again on Saturday, okay? I didn't even get to see the bra yet."

She balled it up in her hand like she was suddenly embarrassed by it. "Alright." But he tipped her chin up again so she was looking at him.

"I can't get enough of you."

Then the sweet kisses returned before she took him by the hand and selected a small stack of journals for him to take him. "Here's a spicy one from the top shelf," she told him with a smile that made him feel weak. Then he said he would walk her and the cooler of food to her car. And she tried to hide her face against his pins when that same guy was walking through the lobby again, because Jake still had a wet spot on his pants from her pussy.

"You think I care?" he whispered to her before he nodded at the guy with salt and pepper hair. "I got my girl with me, and she got off on me."

"Jake," she gasped with a laugh, pulling him outside quickly. "He's the head of the chemistry department. And he already hates me."

"Who in their right mind could hate you?" His mind drifted for a moment to all the supposed rumors about her that were floating around. "Wait, is he the guy who got permanently banned from Chippy's?" He dug his feet in and there was no way she could pull him anywhere. "Why doesn't he like you?"

Jake was turning back to look into the building, ready to give this asshole a piece of his mind, but Jessica was still pulling on him. "Don't worry about it. Walk me to my car so we can make out." But he was going to worry about it. And yeah, he made out with her next to her car until he was starting to get hard again, which was honestly very painful now. And he was still thinking about it when he watched her pull away. He headed home to jerk off and start to consider what he could cook this weekend, but it still really irritated him that someone found something to dislike about the first woman he ever thought he could be serious with. Because in his mind, she was perfect.

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

"Luca, focus on the math, or I'm not going to embarrass myself on your skateboard."

"Sorry, Dr. Reed."

Jessica had to keep drawing her failing student's attention back to the problem sheet in front of him, but that threat really seemed to do the trick. For some reason, this kid really wanted to see her eat asphalt. And now he was solving all of the problems correctly. "Yes! Keep going." She watched him write out the long equation for the last question, and she murmured, "One just like that will be on the exam next week."

"Sweet," he replied with a smile. "I'll study this weekend. Weather is supposed to be shitty for surfing."

She rolled her eyes but collected his paper when he was finished. "This is all correct," she said as she stood up on the other side of the desk in her sneakers and pantsuit. "You just always rush instead of taking your time. I know you can pass my classes. You need them to graduate on time."

"I know," he whined and sat back in the other chair. "I'll keep coming to your office hours."

"Just keep trying and keep studying. I know it's not as hard as you think it is."

Then he stood and picked up his skateboard, and Jessica groaned. "Okay, but only for a minute."

"You say that now, but I think you're going to love it," Luca said as she followed him out of her office and down the hallway. "You're at least fifty years younger than everyone else who works here. You might think skateboarding is fun."

Jessica had to stifle a snort as they walked past Dr. Leeland's open door where he was napping in his chair. "That's not polite, Luca," she managed to say.

"Yeah, but it's still true."

On the ride down the elevator, she listened to him explain how to keep yourself balanced while riding. "Don't make any sudden movements. And don't lean backwards. Actually, don't lean forward either."

Jessica sighed. At least she could spend about a half second on this skateboard and then excuse herself back up to her office to pack up. Then she could call Jake on her way home and hear his sexy voice and talk about the weekend.

Once they were outside on the deserted sidewalk which was lit up by the dying sunset and campus security lights, Luca set the skateboard down with a huge grin on his face. "You're the coolest, Professor Reed. Now step up with your right foot."

She tried it and shook her head before planting both feet back on the ground. "Nope. It's already rolling away!"

"Here. I'll stand on the front so it won't move so much while you get on it."

With a deep sigh, she tried it again, but she started wobbling from side to side this time. "Luca!" she gasped, reaching for his outstretched hand. "This is not fun!"

He was laughing as he said, "It takes practice. Just hold my hand for a second and push off with your left foot." When he removed his foot from the board, she pushed off and went gliding forward as she screeched and held onto his hand with a death grip. "Yeah! That's it!"

She jumped off, looked at him, and said, "Can I do it again?"

Five minutes later, she was laughing as she tried pushing off with her right foot. "I can recommend a great skate shop for you!" Luca said as she slowly skated away from him and down the sidewalk. Damn, this was kind of addicting. She jumped down and skated back toward him as she cackled.

"You better move. I'm coming in hot!" she said, rolling so slowly it was laughable. Then she looked up into the icy blue eyes of Brian Conley who was scowling at her. She jumped awkwardly off of the skateboard, and it continued to roll to Luca who picked it up.

"What the hell are you doing, Dr. Reed?" Brian practically yelled even though she was right in front of him. She hated that she immediately felt tears stinging behind her eyes. "Can't you be professional for even just ten minutes?"

"I was just-" she started, but then Luca cut in when she really wished he wouldn't.

"It was my idea, Dr. Conley. Dr. Reed just finished tutoring me, and I thought it would be fun."

Brian just shook his head and sighed. "That's enough fun for one day I think."

"I'm sorry, Dr. Reed," Luca muttered as he hoisted his backpack on and started skating away. And then Jessica really wished she could vanish, because Jake was heading up the sidewalk at a blistering pace, a scowl on his handsome features while Brian went off.

"It's not your job to be messing around with your students. It is your job to be teaching them. I know for a fact that you have several students failing your classes, and I don't think skateboarding with them is quite the correct answer here, do you? If you think you're even close to being qualified for tenure, you are out of your mind!"

All she could picture was Leeland asleep during his office hours. All she wanted to do was relate to Luca a little bit to keep him interested in things. She was just upholding her end of the bargain since he did so great with the practice problems.

"You're such an asshole," she whispered as her vision blurred with unshed tears.

When Brian took a step closer so that he was almost touching her, Jessica heard Jake's voice call out in a loud bark. "Hey! Why is she crying?"

"I'm okay," she said softly which just made her want to cry even more. She pushed Brian away from herself and walked the rest of the way toward Jake who had his hands in fists and fire in his eyes. "I'm okay." She had to plant both palms on his chest to get him to look at her instead of Brian.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, gentler this time as Brian stormed back inside the building. "Should I be going after him?"

"No," she said as she hiccuped, and Jake pulled her against his chest so her glasses got smashed at a weird angle. But she immediately felt better. "What are you doing here?"

He rubbed her back and said, "I missed you and thought maybe you'd want to go to Chippy's after your office hours. I know you were supposed to help that kid Luca, but I figured you might feel like getting a Sam Adams with me. Didn't know I'd potentially have to kick that guy's ass."

Jessica felt like she was going to say something she had no business telling him yet. So she tamped down the words and instead said, "You don't need to kick Brian Conley's ass. He's not even worth it. And I would absolutely love to go to Chippy's with you."

She kissed Jake long and hard on the lips before leading him inside and back up to her office to pack up her things and lock the door. Then they walked across the street, hand in hand. Jake held the door for her, and he finally looked a little calmer now as he walked into Chippy's right behind her.

"I'm just waiting for him to glare at me," Jake said as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "I really need to take you to the Hard Deck one night, because honestly, Penny could give him a run for his money."

"I'd love to see that," she said with her first smile since she was on the skateboard. She laced her fingers with Jake's and led him to an empty table.

"Reedy," Chippy called out, and sure enough, there was a special glare reserved for Jake. Jessica was beaming by the time he pulled out a stool for her and kissed her.

"I'll be right back. Hopefully," Jake said with a look of extreme fear as he headed to the bar. This was her peaceful space away from Brian. And she felt safe with Jake and Chippy. And Jake was completely right; a beer and some peanuts were exactly what she needed right now.

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

Can't wait to check in with Beer Boy's former frat brother. And can't wait for Reedy to spend some more time at Jake's place. Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 9

@blahehblah

@sotalife

@desert-fern

@furiouspiespytaco

@rosiahills22

@daggerspare-standingby

@je-suis-prest-rachel

@callsign-joyride

@theharddeck

@withakindheartx

@roosterscockpit

@whatislovevavy

@hangmanbrainrot

@neferpatra

@sehnsuchts-trunken

@averyhotchner

@thedroneranger

@cherrycola27

@mygyn

@hoyaharper

@tallyovie

@gennyanydots

@callsign-magnolia

@whisperofsong

@seriouslyseresin

@double-j

@bradshawsbitch

@sugarcoated-lame

@katiebby04

@anotherr-fine-mess

@supernaturaldawning

@chassy21

@tylerjones98

@captainjaspenor

@gigisimsonmars

@fanboyswhore9

@angel-w0nderland

@abaker74

@idontcare-11

@isaebellaa

@bringnattolife

@xoxabs88xox

@djs8891

@hufflepufftruffle

@cottagecori

504 notes · View notes

reychvmpion · 1 year ago

Note

Hii love I was wondering if could request a zach turner x female reader where they meet for the first time

hi anon!! i wasn’t not too sure how to write this buuutt i tried my best :]

zach turner x fem!reader (both 16yo)

it’s nice to have a friend - part 1

you had just transferred to a new school. your parents had gotten a good job opportunity, but it was far from your home. so, your parents decided to move. although you were disappointed, you were looking forward to meeting new people.

“y/n, get up for school! y’need to be early today!” your mother yelled from the kitchen. the sunlight shone through your windows and curtains and painted your room as you groggily got up. the clock on your wall read “6:32”, and you threw your comforter off of you. “k mom, ‘m getting up,” you grumbled, getting off your oh-so-cozy bed and making it too. “you packed your bag, right?” she asked from the kitchen while probably cooking something. you trudged down the stairs and was immediately greeted by the fresh aroma of pancakes. mumbling a quick “mhm”, you made your way to the bathroom and did your usual morning routine. brushing teeth, washing your face, doing your hair, quick skincare, and changing into a simple shirt and sweatpants.

you had just finished your mother’s heavenly pancakes, and you wanted more. but then again, you had school. reluctantly, you picked up your bag as your mother gave you a gentle peck on the head. “enjoy your first day, hon.” she smiled, giving your shoulder a gentle squeeze. “bye mom, i’ll cya later. love you!” you smiled as well, hugging your mother tightly before letting go and leaving.

upon reaching the school, you looked around. it was pretty bustling considering it was 7am while school started at 7:30. just then, a bubbly and energetic girl, about the same age as you, approached you with a big smile on her face. “heya! you’re y/n l/n, right?” with a bit of shock, you nodded frantically. “nice to meet you y/n! i’m your esteemed tour guide for today,” she added, still smiling widely. “ah- thanks!” you chuckled, nervously fiddling with your shirt.

“and that’s the school. mainly. the other rooms aren’t really important. but if you want to know, i’m always here. by the way, i think we have a class together.” the girl said. ah, first friend here. “so we’re friends now?” you laughed. “yep!” she chuckled, wrapping an arm around you. “alright, better get to class now.”

when walking into the class, you noticed it was half full. “so i usually sit there,” y/f/n pointed to the table, as she approached it and sat down in the chair. you sat down beside her, not seeing the empty table beside you. “oh, by the way, i haven’t told you that he s—“ she stopped herself from saying more. wait, what? who is ‘he’? you turned around to look behind you since she also was, and you saw a guy with brown hair, chocolate brown eyes and headphones around his neck. he was wearing a light teal t-shirt with a turquoise hoodie, and sweatpants with white shoes. kind of average to be honest. however, he had a nice build — rather lean and was at least 6’0”. he was chatting with a friend when he spotted you. “yo, zach, i think there’s a new girl.” his friend said not so discreetly, gesturing at you. you think?! you thought to yourself, rolling your eyes slightly. zach said something you couldn’t hear, and his friend laughed and agreed.

“miss y/n, could you come to the front of the class and give an introduction?” the teacher asked when she reached the desk. you didn’t want to, but of course, you had to. “uh, i’m y/n l/n and i moved here recently. i’m 16 years old and- yeah i don’t think there’s anything more.” you said after going to the front of the class. “alright, thank you.”

as you were focusing on the teacher droning on about physics, a note was slipped onto your desk; from zach. you noticed he had a small grin on his face. what could he be up to?

hueueueuehahauehaueu cliffhanger!! i’m writing a part 2 to this soon, sorry i haven’t been posting often i’m just reaally busy :P

taglist open so if you wanna be tagged just comment lol

123 notes · View notes

autisticlancemcclain · 1 year ago

Text

fic rec friday 32

welcome to the thirty-second fic rec friday! where, on friday, i rec five of my favourite fics.

1. A Dragon’s Treasure by @wittyy-name

As heir to the kingdom, Lance always thought he knew exactly what life had in store for him. That is, until a dragon kidnaps him at the age of sixteen. Suddenly his life is a lot less parties, lessons, and castles, and a hell of a lot more barren mountains, grumpy dragons, and boredom. From heir to prize, in just one night.

So now he’s stuck living in a cave with an adolescent, grumpy dragon who doesn’t seem to want him there but still won’t let him go. Not to mention his annoying habit of defeating every suitor who tries to come rescue Lance.

As much as he hates to admit it, he’s probably going to be here for a while. So he might as well settle in and get to know this dragon named Keith.

i accidentally lied last week this one is the last one from my rereadables collection. and for good reason!! dragon beauty and the beast tbh. and wittyy-name ALWAYS nails the complicated i-love-you-and-feel-trapped-by-you, complicated relationships kind of thing. and i fckn love it so so much

2. Needle and Thread by VulpesVulpes713

Based on the prompt "kisses meant to distract the other person from whatever they were intently doing ". Keith tries to fix a tear in his jacket. Lance just wants some attention. The end result? Feelings.

this one is so cute they are so in love u know?? they just like to be around each other. always a fun read. vulpes is very good at klance with a crush on each other regardless of whether they’re already dating lol

3. Plans Are Overrated, Anyway by @chyeahlex16

"Lance, I-" "I know, I know," Lance said as he bustled around his nearly bare bedroom, tossing shirts out of drawers and pictures off of walls into his open suitcase on his bed. "I totally procrastinated till the last minute, just like you said! I don't need to hear the 'I told you so,' a little help packing would be nice!" "Lance-" "I bet you're already packed," he went on, oblivious to his best friend anxiously shifting in his doorway in frustration and anxiety. "Man, I can't wait until we get there-" "Lance! I have something to tell you!" Lance blinked, stilling his movements. He'd never seen his best friend so... guilty and anxious before. His brows pulled together in concern. "What's up, buddy?" "I'm not going to the Garrison with you." ~ In which I project onto Lance about things that I'm currently going through because I need to vent lol

HUNK AND LANCE HUNK AND LANCE HUNK AND LANCE. we do NOT have enough of it in this here fandom, ESPECIALLY prekerb, early relationship, and what a shame! i have always loved this fic’s exploration of their relationship and the ways they had to learn to grow into themselves, the starts and explanations for the way they were when we saw them. i love them

4. With These Hands by @azapofinspiration

Despite all the trouble they'd been through, Hunk figured everything had turned out all right. After all, he and Lance had managed to return to the castle!

Then Hunk sees the bruises and knows that things are not as good as he thought.

bro a-zap has always KILLED early season dynamics and their missing moments series is everything!! ive always needs three hundred percent more context on the mermaid episode and this fic provides not only that but also some excellent hunk & lance moments, with hurt/comfort that isnt imbalanced or infantilizing on either paladin’s part which is a low bar but awesome anyway

5. Not As Clueless by @azapofinspiration

Pidge had always thought it was strange that despite being quite observant, Lance had completely missed the fact that she was a girl. However, it seems that that wasn’t really the case.

from the same series i just mentioned! lance IS observant, thank you very much, and i loved this take and interpretation. as much as lance does have a tendency to be dense about things, he also tends to be very observant bc hes a walking dichotomy. he notices things but his conclusions are often different than what others would make, and this entire concept is nailed in like 1.5k words

that’s it for today!! i’ll see y’all back next friday for the next fic rec post!!!

#lots of platonic today and hell yeah for that!!#vld #voltron #team as family #lance #lance mcclain #keith #keith kogane #klance #dragon keith #prince lance #hunk & lance #lance & pidge #fic rec #fic rec friday #established klance

100 notes · View notes

im-out-of-it · 23 days ago

Text

season 1, episode 7, I present part 3

23. FUCK I KEEP FORGETTING WHERE I LEAVE OFF but anyways, alec has made a fool out of himself and I’m here for it. the funniest scene in the whole episode

24. Luke took the “you’re pack leader, you don’t need to ask for help” when it comes to clary because it doesn’t mean putting clary above your wolves each and every time especially when it means downworlder lives are at stake smh

25. Jace saying this will take all day when clary is looking at pictures of her mom. bro her mom is gone????? usually I’m not on clary’s side but that was just a rude ass remark

26. “It’s not like this is the first time alec has saved your life. I doubt it’d be the last.”-Izzy. that’s the whole premise of the books and the show

27. well, simon is on his way to becoming a vampire

28. side note- I like how Camille and Magnus have similar styles. black nail polish, eye shadow, lace clothing, moods can be similar

29. “I’ve been so focused on my mom, i haven’t realized all you’ve done for me.”- clary 🙄 all jace has done? HE HAS RISKED NOTHING. Jace could go on and kill as many people and the clave still wouldn’t care. but if Alec did the same? then it’s a problem. Alec risked everything and now it’s come to bite him in the ass. Clary is one of the most selfish characters in this show. I didn’t realize all you’ve done? oh because we break clave rules for everyone? she doesn’t understand or care about rules or any of the ramifications. she only cares if she gets what she wants

30. I still don’t see why clary has the gifts “angels” gave her. the most undeserving, selfish character who uses the angel gifts to get what she wants at any cost (I see using them for actual purposes and when it’s needed but she abused the purpose for them)

31. ew the worst kiss ever 🤢 I won’t torture y’all and attach a gif. I actually care about y’all 🥹

32. side note- the straight characters can kiss for hours on end or pages worth but when it’s a gay couple, it’s like a second or half a page. not saying I need them to make out for 20 minutes or so, but it’s something I constantly see in media 🙄 straight characters always gets more screen time but at least here, Malec gets a better developed story

33. “I want this institute on high alert, clary only matters” -jace. bro you can’t just force the institute to look for her. you aren’t in charge of it and thank the devil for that

34.I just want to talk about Alec for a second. everything he’s been dealing with I’m assuming in the last few days- feelings about jace, jace not choosing him, family duty, family honor, meeting Magnus, trying to decide if he can be happy, gay, and a shadowhunter all in one, being a shadowhunter, covering up for a girl he doesn’t like, taking all the heat, watching the guy he supposedly loves (I’m not here for Alec and jace stuff) catch feelings for the girl who keeps ducking up his life, and now has to watch that guy make out with that girl who is making shit worse for his family HAS TO FUCKING HURT

35. and Izzy knowing how Alec feels 😭

36. I’m just so sad for Alec. I don’t want him with Jace but it hurts my heart to see Alec sad over this worthless dick. he deserved so many apologies and amends from season one. ALEC WENT THROUGH IT

37. Izzy stealing the spotlight one pair of heels at a time (this happens in the next episode but whatever, Izzy slays)

38. now let me go cry for Alec 🥹 ITS OK HE WILL BE HAPPY SOON

39. well Simon is dead now so clary is going to care until he’s dead. vampire Simon coming soon 🫶🏼 I mean, raphael did warn him but this can 100% be blamed on clary. and I can’t wait for Simon to go off on her about this lmao CLARY CHOSE FOR SIMON

thank y’all for attending our Alec deserved better meeting and whatever name we used before. 39 (I think) was the number today 🥲 let’s see what we get for our next one, and thank you to anyone who is here and reading the dumb shit I post, love y’all

#anti cassandra clare #anti cc #just my stupid opinions #alec lightwood #magnus bane #anti clace #anti clary fray #show magnus is superior #show alec is superior #show malec is superior #putting anti cc on all show shadowhunter posts because i don’t want an pro book fans hating on my shit #shadowhunter show is superior #shadowhunters tv #let me go cry now #alec is constantly going through it #but at least Izzy is trying to be there for him #39 is the number

8 notes · View notes

socially-awkward-skeleton · 10 months ago

Text

All Along the Watchtower (chapter 7)

[Can also be read on AO3]

Pairing: Captain John Price x Fem!OC (3rd person POV)

Word count: 4.7k

Warnings: Minors DNI - no major warnings this time besides some angsty thoughts, mentions of human trafficking, smoking, and swearing

Otherwise, get ready for lots of flirting and banter

Summary: Upon return to the safehouse Rory and Price decide on their next steps to deal with Zorokov and face some of the skeletons in Rory's closet.

A/N: Rory Sinclair is a dual citizen (both Canada and the UK) who's been living in the UK since she was 14. She is 28 at the time of this fic, Price is 32. This series is set in 2017 before the events of the first MW game. Rory's thoughts are bold and italicized, other italics are used for emphasis

October 18, 2017 01:30 - Safehouse

Price stood against the frosty window, red flashing neon lights from the hotel sign outside painting streaks along the wall as coils of grey smoke drifted from the end of his cigar he puffed away on, clouds of it billowing from his mouth as he exhaled. Steady, cold eyes stared out from under his furrowed brow as he held his tablet and conversed with Laswell.

Rory tucked herself on the side of her bed, crossing one leg and folding it under the other as she lit her cigarette and listened to the two of them discuss how the mission had gone so far, the intel they collected, the freedom of the hostages saved, and what the next steps were, all the while feeling like she was a kid in detention. What had happened in that club was not her greatest hour and hardly the defining moment of her career (she hoped for this mission as well). Sure she’d saved the lives of those women, but there was certainly a new form of tension between her and the Captain – one she could have done without. She hadn't come this far in her career to fuck it all up now and get herself chained to a desk from here on.

“ The laptop was a good find. Searching it now. ” Laswell’s voice filled the small hotel room while Rory held an ice pack to her shoulder, her fingers trembling as they clung to the plastic bag, still feeling the ache from the fight she had been in earlier. She pulled the cigarette from her lips and exhaled, some of the stress momentarily relieved as she was hit by another dose of nicotine.

“Went through enough trouble to get it.”

Her ears burned as Price's condemning glare landed on her. Embarrassment and her wounded pride festered inside. For all her skill and her cool, calm demeanour she still fell prey to that part of her that wanted every reminder in her head of that mission removed by any means necessary, even putting herself and others in danger. It was hot-headed and foolhardy, not the move of someone who wanted to be a leader, not the decision someone with her experience should ever make.

She looked up at the captain just as he turned away, his back facing her and (taking the hint) got up and headed into the bathroom, the toilet lid serving as her seat as she continued icing her aches and pains away.

Pulling the sweater over her head, slowly rolling the bulk of knitted material off of her torso, she sat there in just the thin material of her bra, letting the shock of freezing ice hit her bare skin. Wincing, Rory bit her lip, exhaling smoke through her nostrils forcefully. The red swelling on her arm and shoulder had already given way to dark blue and purple bruising in tortoiseshell patches along her skin. Deep inside the tender muscle she felt the sting pulsating, the pain hidden far below the surface.

Even with the door shut she could still hear the hoarse whispers of Price from the other room as he continued talking with Laswell.

“ How’s the sergeant doing? ”

“SRR having her on desk duty might’ve been for good reason. Girl nearly botched the whole damn op.”

Tossing the bag of half melted ice into the sink beside her, Rory continued to smoke, sitting in the flickering fluorescent lights, beating herself up more about what she had done than the Bratva enforcer ever had. It was a nightmare. She had worked rigorously to get to this point in her career, tireless in her efforts. This was her shot to impress a special forces officer with her skills that could get her back out into the field and instead she was letting the shit that resided in the back of her head take the lead. She was better than all this. He had every right to say that about her. The situation only stung more knowing that this was all some vain attempt to prove that she wasn’t that twenty three year old corporal in the bathroom stall anymore, that she wasn’t young and impulsive, that she had changed.

Her hand shook as she held the cigarette, the ash falling off the end as she rubbed at her tired eyes. Saving those girls was the right move, it was the only move. It was the one her mother would have wanted her to make. Fighting for something that was right. Doing a little good to make up for all the bad she had done. That was the kind of person she had been raised as. The kindness of the ‘Lamb’, a direct result of her upbringing under the gentle wing of a woman who had always put others first before herself. Not the violent thing she had been trained to become, forced to morph into in order to survive in a cruel and unforgiving world filled with enemies.

“Thought you said she had experience with this sort of thing?”

“ She does . Plenty .”

More experience than Rory cared to admit, than her record would allow to show. Redactions upon redactions and black ink that hid all the things that had been asked of her. Things she willingly did. For the greater good.

Price grunted, “At least she can fight.”

That felt more like a sucker punch to the gut than a compliment. The reason she was sure the SRR had recruited her. Tired and worn out, bi-weekly visits to the therapist, pills to help her sleep – but at least she could fight. At least she had experience. At least she knew just how fucked the world was. How corrupt and fallible the system was, how rules were made to be broken just like people. They couldn’t lose that, could they? Her skills, her achievements, they were useful even as her hands shook. She could turn off her morality because someone with more patches and medals on their uniform told her so. At least she could fight.

“ The intel you found, it's a rabbit hole, John. Just when we think we've found the bottom another trail opens. This goes deep and Zorokov's name keeps popping up all along the way .”

“Any other names stickin’ out?”

“ Yeah , hold on a minute .” Laswell cut off for a moment, leaving Rory in the silence of the bathroom as she sucked on the filter of her cigarette and breathed in the burning sensation of smoke that charred every branch of her lungs. “ Abdullah Al Ghulam. He's apparently under protection. An asset. Was supposed to be keeping his nose clean in Dubai .”

She froze. God, that name would never stop haunting her . Just when she thought one door to her memory closed, another was kicked wide open. Crushing the cigarette butt into the sink, she walked back into the room as she pulled her sweater on carefully, trying not to agitate her shoulder further. Not bothering to wait for the captain’s reaction to her return before speaking, “Al Ghulam never should have been given protection. My squad should have taken him out in Syria when we had the chance.”

Price looked up from his tablet, his eyes burning into her. “Pardon?”

Pulling at the thick fibres hanging loosely around her waist, straightening out the sweater to lay flat, Rory continued, “Abdullah Al Ghulam. The black mission before my transfer. That was who my squad was sent to intercept. He was an arms dealer assisting the insurgency in Iraq.”

“ You’ve dealt with him before? Why wasn’t he removed ?” Laswell asked, a flurry of keystrokes audible from her end.

“The CIA officer we were working with had orders to keep him alive.”

“Of course,” Price groaned.

Laswell’s voice came through once more. “ Who was the officer on that mission, Sergeant? ”

“Officer Roger Walker.”

“ I’ve had dealings with him ,” Laswell replied with a heavy sigh.

“He’s a charming fellow.” The venom in Rory’s voice wasn’t lost on anyone.

“ I’ll look into his mission report for that op, see what I can dig up. Might give us some more fuel for the fire. Meanwhile –”

“Meanwhile, Zorokov is still making deals and walking around a free man,” Price interjected.

“ He’s still our priority here, getting to him is imperative. With the trace we have working we know there’s a meeting coming up between him and a few of his connections. Has it marked in the calendar as ‘Helios’ at nine pm on the 25th. From what I can tell, it’s a nightclub. Apparently it's the home for many of his dealings, out of the sight of prying eyes while under everyone’s nose .”

Price rolled his eyes to look up at the ceiling, visibly unimpressed with the thought of having to go to another club. “Christ,” he rasped.

“Relax, sir. You can’t go in there anyway, Zorokov’s probably already been made aware of you.” Rory looked at him with a smirk. “Besides, we both know you don’t like the music.” Rather than focus on her mistakes, she couldn’t help but make light of the situation, anything to make her feel a little less like a ball and chain that Price was forced to drag around.

Lifting his brow, the corners of Price's mouth just starting to curl. “So what, you’re offering to go in my stead? If he knows about me, he’s going to know you too – especially after your little jailbreak.”

She let the jab roll off her back like water. “Maybe. That’s a risk we’ll have to take. If anyone’s going to be able to get close to him, it’s me. No matter how well guarded a man thinks he is, when it comes to women, the brain might not be the one in control.”

The pause afforded between them was thick, that awkward elephant in the room still swaying its trunk. Professionalism was a tactful barrier keeping them from doing something they might regret. The rosy blush on Price’s cheeks faded while a grimace crept back up his face, the little flexes in each of his features letting her know something wasn’t sitting right with him even as he tried to remain stony.

“And considering Al Ghulam is tied up into this as well, there’s a friend of mine who I think could help,” Rory continued.

“A friend?” His brow rose. His body, a wall of muscle, stiffened.

“An MI6 agent. Andrew Owen.”

He sneered at the thought. “I don’t like to work with people I’ve never met before. I need to be able to trust who I’ve got covering my six. Not the biggest fan of intelligence personnel either – no offence, Kate.”

“ None taken. ”

Rory crossed her arms over her chest and shrugged her shoulders. “You’re working with me.” She tipped her head to the side and stared him down in a challenge.

For all intents and purposes, Price really didn’t know her other than in the biblical sense. He might have picked around in her head a little, barely scraping the surface, but he had an opinion of her now even if it wasn’t the full picture. He failed to remember she was also military intelligence. She might have screwed up her last shot, but this was an opportunity to save her bacon, to prove her skills in another capacity. Deep recon .

“That's different.”

“Is it?” She didn't see how.

Ignoring her question completely, Price continued, “How do you plan on getting to Zorokov? Gonna start more trouble?” He eyed her up and down with a low hum.

Rory smiled and dropped her hands to her hips, her confidence spilling over in the moment, reminding the captain of the pretty woman who had once grabbed his attention five years ago. “Just have to use my feminine wiles and sweet talk the prick, yeah?” She said with a simple shrug of her shoulder and a flutter of her lashes.

“You’re willing to be bait?”

Her eyes never left his gaze, pumping herself up on the inside, refusing to back down. “I know what my strengths are.”

Price’s eyes roamed over her once more, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. She was sure he was picturing how she had looked that night in the bar, the woman he had been seduced by. “Shouldn’t be too much of a problem for you to catch his attention.” His eyes seemed to twinkle at her as he said it, the smirk on his face causing the lines on his face to crinkle as he gave a quick little thrust of his pelvis and bounced on his heels.

Rory rolled her eyes and huffed quietly. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t try and chat me up in Russian.”

“If he does, you can always just smile and nod – he’d probably like that.” He paused and his grin got wider. “Just open with that posh girl accent you’ve built up and I’m sure he’ll have no problem usin’ the Queen’s English with ya.”

“Oh, cheers.” She couldn’t help but laugh as he took the piss out of her.

“I didn’t say it was a bad thing, Sergeant.” He spoke with a warm rumble, softening up to her. “You certainly sound more English than the first time I met you, can hardly tell you’re even Canadian anymore.”

“Yeah, well, time’ll do that to a person.”

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his head to meet her eye line, his voice quieter. “It suits you.”

Rory cocked her brow, taken aback by the compliment given out of the blue. Her lips parted, eyes widening. Doe-like . “Really?”

“Yeah. I like it.”

She pursed her lips and furrowed her brow, her jaw clenching tight. Not sure how to take it. It was just a little too friendly. He seemed a little too comfortable being playful with her now, even with Laswell on the line listening in, especially after the way she had acted earlier.

“Right,” he ran a hand through his hair and dropped his eyes from her to return to his tablet. Putting on the airs of the stoic captain once more. “Get in touch with Owen. We’ll start working on getting you nice and personal with Zorokov.”

“ Good luck out there. The both of you. ”

“Thanks, Kate.” He ended the call with Laswell and looked over at Rory once more, pausing to size her up. “You sure you’re ready for this? Going in undercover?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done it.” Sliding her hands over her hips, she rested them in the back pockets of her jeans. Casual . Hoping she appeared relaxed.

“This isn’t like recon out in the field though, is it? You’d be up close. On your own. I can’t have your switch flipping.”

“I’m aware. I know that this is our best chance of getting to him, nabbing him and interrogating him.” Her eyes fell as her mouth drew into a straight line, she knew how easily this situation could make her flip. “I’ll deal with the personal shit.”

Heaving out a sigh, Price bit his lip. “Contact your mate, get him out here, soon as,” he ordered, pointing his finger at her as he did so. “The quicker we can get the hell out of this shithole, the better.”

“Yes, sir.”

Crossing the room, he walked over to his bed and tossed the tablet into his duffel. Stretching his neck from side to side as he sat down, he finished smoking the last of his cigar, his impenetrable gaze shifting sideways as he kept her in his periphery.

Rory dug into her bag and pulled out her cellphone, scrolling through her list of contacts before her thumb hovered over her old lieutenant’s name. She always knew letting Al Ghulam go into CIA hands was the wrong decision, it was a little too late to say ‘I told you so’, but she might finally get some closure on an old scar and it would be nice to do so with an old friend at her side, someone who knew just how bad the bastard was.

The dial tone in her ear rang several times before Andrew answered, his smile apparent in his voice. “ Sinclair! ”

She paced along the floor beside her bed, a few steps to the left and then back to the right, glancing up every now and again to notice Price still watching her out of the corner of his eye. “Andy, I need you.”

“ Say no more, darling. What do you need? ”

Her thumb had drifted up towards her mouth and her nail sat between her teeth. “Working an op –”

“ You’re out in the field again? ”

The concern in his voice, she could hear it plain as day. Andrew had been the only person she could really talk to about what she had seen because he had lived it too. He knew just how badly it had affected her. The nightmares. The tremors. He was the only one with the clearance to know, not to mention the threat that still loomed over her from Walker about wiretapping. Even if she wanted to tell her father about what had happened to his only daughter, she couldn’t. All she had was Andy.

“Yeah. Russia.”

“ Jesus, you’re a ways from home. ”

Price stared at her from over his shoulder and she had to avert her eyes, going back to pacing in front of the bed. “Can’t go into full details but I need you to do a little shopping for me before you meet me here. And I need you to bring a very easily concealable wire with you.”

“ Consider me intrigued .”

“Going in undercover. Need to catch some prey. It requires using some… assets .”

“ Showing a little leg for a cause? ”

Her smirk grew. “I trust your judgement, Andy.”

“ You might regret saying that .” His laugh was warm and genuine, he’d never been above teasing her with playful banter.

“Shut it,” she said with a laugh. “Need you out this way ASAP.”

“ I’ll be there in two shakes of a lamb’s tail .” Rory rolled her eyes. “ Text me your measurements, yeah? ”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll send you details in a bit. Just hurry up.”

“ See you soon .”

Upon hanging up her phone she noticed the way Price’s eyes seemed to have narrowed, the crow's feet by his eyes creasing further. “It’s late. We should get some rest.” With that, he stood up and moved for the bathroom.

She would be lucky if sleep came to her tonight.

---

It had started to rain in the early morning hours, droplets spilling down the single glass pane cutting long streaks through the frost that clung to the window, the red neon lights filtering through and creating bubbled patterns on the wall. Rory sat wearing little besides a tee shirt and her panties on the radiator looking out the window, cracked open just enough to let a cold breeze through the room. Slipping a cigarette from the pack, she lit it and inhaled deeply while closing her eyes, breathing in the nicotine and the night. Running her fingers through her hair, she brushed the dark tresses over to part on the opposite side.

Lost in the haze of smoke that surrounded her head, she was startled by John’s gruff voice, made thicker by the sleep he’d just stirred from. “You’re awake?” Rubbing at his beard, he rolled over in his bed to sit on the side of it, wearing only his boxer briefs as his steely gaze bore into her from the dark as he watched her. “What’re you doin’ up?”

She took another drag of her cigarette before looking at him, exhaling out a stream of smoke like a chimney. "Can't sleep. It's not a rare thing for me."

Stretching out his back with a groan, he continued to watch her. "Somethin’ bothering you, Sergeant?"

"Not particularly,” she hummed. “Suppose it's just a good night for a smoke."

He chuckled and got up, grabbing his own cigar and lighter from his bedside table. "Mind if I join you?"

“Like I could stop you,” she said with a smirk, her gaze traveling with him as he took a spot near her on the wall by the window. It was the first time she had really been given the chance to see him in all his glory. Even when they had been together five years ago, they were both at least partially dressed. Seeing him like this was rather eye opening and Rory couldn’t help but take in all the sights along Price’s body. Every scar, each freckle, the hair that carpeted his chest, trailing down his stomach, and covered his muscular limbs.

"You’d be surprised." He smirked as he caught her eyes roaming over him, but he didn’t bring attention to it, rather basking in it instead. “New habit?”

“This?” Rory motioned with the cigarette in her hand. “God, no.” She laughed quietly and took another drag from it. "Been smoking these since I was 16. Used to sneak out to the pitch behind the school with my mates for a fag and watch the lads play footie."

"You rebel," John said with another chuckle. Lifting his lighter to the tip of his cigar, he let the flame dance against it until it began to smoke, burning in the dark.

"I’m surprised you didn’t taste it on my breath before." She tapped her cigarette ashes out the window and stared at the orange glow across from her, like a moth to a flame she felt drawn to him.

“I haven’t tasted much in years,” he said, chomping down on his cigar, letting the smoke billow from his nostrils.

She giggled quietly and her eyes rose to watch the embers at the end of the cigar burning with the same vigor as the ones that had begun to flicker in her gut. Her mouth suddenly went dry, finding it difficult to swallow. Her breath hitching as her mind tried to process the thoughts that didn’t revolve around the handsome man that stood before her. When she finally gained some clarity of thought between puffs of her cigarette, her smile faded as she spoke, "There is something, Captain."

"'Course."

His voice was gravelly at this time of night, and as he came to lean against the wall beside the window with his shoulder, drawing himself a little closer towards her, she seemed to find it hard to ask the question that she’d been carrying for some time.

"Why was I the one chosen for this mission?"

"You'd have to ask Laswell that one," he said with a grumble.

Warm hazel eyes tried to read his expression as shadows streaked across his face. “You didn't have a hand in it at all?"

"Not a one. Scout's honor,” he said with a nod. “Trust me, seeing you board that helo was one hell of a shock to me too."

A smile broke out across her face. "Liar. You didn't even know it was me." She tapped her cigarette ashes out the window and smirked around it as she brought it back to sit between her lips.

He flexed his shoulders, crossing his arms over his chest. "Maybe not right away. You’d cut your hair and your accent’s gotten thicker too, but the moment I heard you say Rory, well , then it all clicked into place."

“Oh, did it now?” She’d forgotten how very little she was wearing until the moment she noticed his eyes wander up the length of her legs, a hint of desire in his gaze before meeting hers with a warm glint. Pulling down on the hem of her shirt – what little good it did – she stared back at him. “We’re supposed to be professionals, remember ?”

His eyes flitted away from her, pulling the cigar from his mouth to blow out a plume of smoke. “Forgive me, Sergeant. There’s only so much a man can take before his body betrays his will.”

“You have been doing a very good job considering we’ve been trapped together like this. I’ll give you that.”

He cleared his throat, averting his gaze from her as best he could. Rubbing at his neck as he tried to change subjects. “Back there…seeing that side of you...the knife.”

The cigarette in her mouth glowed as she inhaled with a heavy breath, sighing out the stream of smoke. “I’m not particularly fond of having to be like that. I do what I have to. Intimidation, fear – they’re good weapons. But I’m not some sadist, I don’t enjoy it.”

“Wasn’t going to say that you do. You don’t stay a soldier for as long as we have without getting your hands dirty. I’m no innocent here myself.”

Tapping her cigarette out the opening once more, she leaned back against the window frame and closed her eyes taking a deep breath before returning the cigarette to her lips. “Getting my hands dirty…I know all about that.” She huffed out a laugh and took the cigarette from her mouth before resting her hands on her knees, the smoke trailing in wisps up from the cigarette’s ashy tip. “The mission I worked before this, the one that got me transferred. Al Ghulam . It was supposed to just be the usual joint CIA mission tracking weapon shipments.” A tremor shook through hand and she was quick to start rubbing at her knuckles, trying to work out the ghosts that seemed to haunt her nerves below. “I don’t know where the intel went wrong, but we stumbled upon something else instead.” She paused and pressed her forehead to the cold glass beside her. Her stare blank as she looked down at the street below. Her voice a quiet whisper as it cracked. “Human trafficking ring. I’ll never forget seeing women and children being penned like animals, bought and sold like property. Starving…Treated like dog shit.”

He pulled the cigar from his mouth, his brow furrowed as he stared at her, muttering a hushed “Jesus” under his breath.

“These bastards trade them like they’re on the fucking stock exchange.” She blinked several times and glanced over at him. “I’m sorry if I went off the rails back there. I just –” She shook her head, running her fingers through her hair again. “Knowing the absolute lows of humanity isn’t something I can always keep locked in the vault, you know?” Looking up at him, Rory lifted her brow, hoping they might come to some sort of understanding.

“Yeah,” he murmured.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t follow orders and that I acted on my own accord. I wouldn’t be like that for any other reason. It won’t happen again, Captain.” She gave him a soft grin, placating him.

Taking another long drag of his cigar, he blew smoke and sighed. “See that it doesn’t. We’re here to get intel to fight a war, Sinclair. Not get revenge. I don’t need you actin’ like a fuckin’ muppet on my watch.”

Cracking a wide grin, a laugh leaked out of her against her will. “I deserve that.”

“Goddamn right you do.” His teasing smirk returned, the crow’s feet around his eyes crinkling. “But considering the shit you’ve seen I'm surprised you can even crack a bloody grin at all.”

Rory shrugged, tipping her head to the side, feeling vulnerable for just a brief moment. “That's just life though, isn't it? It's the fucking pits, and then we die, and that's that. No point letting it ruin what bit of good there is.”

His brow knit together, but he kept his cocky grin as he continued to look at her. Not adding to her discussion, instead appearing as though he was debating something in his head, the cogs spinning behind his eyes.

Basking in the red neon light, she smiled softly at him. “You're looking at me like I've just grown an extra head, John.”

“ John ? We're back to a first name basis, eh?”

“Would that be such a bad thing?”

“Not exactly professional, is it?” He lowered his head and looked up at her through his raised brow, the lines in his forehead creasing. A spark in his self-assured stare.

“No, I suppose not.”

“You s'pose right.” He stubbed out his cigar on the windowsill. “Get some sleep, Sinclair.” He patted her leg with his large, rough hand and then moved back to his bed.

The warmth from where he had touched her lingered, her fingers grazing over where his calloused hand had been as if she could still feel him there. Her ogle followed him as he settled back into his bed, spending just a little too long focusing on his body.

Fuck.

She was falling despite herself.

#call of duty #fan fiction #john price #john price x oc #oc: rory sinclair #fic: all along the watchtower #chapter 7

19 notes · View notes