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storiesofsvu · 3 years ago

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The Washington Saga Pt 8.

Elizabeth Keane x fem!reader.

Warnings; language, lots of political bullshit, minor arguments, mentions of SVU canon s10/11/12 episodes/angst.

Casey had already stepped out of her heels, carrying them in her free hand while she crept through the halls of the Residence. She knew she should have come home hours ago, but the desire and pull to Alice was entirely too much, and it was a little escape out of the hectic political world she’d been living in. Tensions were high everywhere in the White House right now, and it had been unbelievably wonderful to just forget about it for a night. She only hoped that she could make it back to her suite without waking Nic up, knowing he would disrupt the two of you probably still sleeping.

Which is why she was surprised when she entered the main suite, finding you at the kitchen table, your head snapping up at the noise. Truthfully, you’d been in the West Wing until long past two a.m working alongside Rob until Beth sent you a text, telling you to at least come back and work from home for a bit where you could be more comfortable. You’d originally protested, but she reminded you she was still currently the leader of the country, and thus, in charge, and called Rob to send him home, reminding him of his waiting wife and daughter.

You raised a brow to Casey, taking in her slightly disheveled look, and the flush on her cheeks on being caught on her walk of shame. She cleared her throat awkwardly,

“You’re up early.” She stated, her voice huskier than normal and you huffed out a laugh.

“I take it the date went well?” You smirked.

“I…it did…she’s super cute. But I’m not just getting home now I”-

“Casey please. You’re not wearing work clothes and there’s a hickey on your neck. Make sure that’s covered before you go into the office, okay?”

She felt her cheeks flush even hotter than before, knowing her entire face must’ve been tinged pink at being the topic of conversation. Never did she think that she would have to worry about you being up so early, usually Beth was the first one to get up but that wasn’t for another hour or so, she thought she was in the clear.

“You get an early phone call?” She asked, placing her shoes down and beginning to shuffle through the room.

“No.” You let out a weary sigh, running your hands over your face as you pushed back your mussed up hair, “I haven’t gone to sleep yet.”

“Did O’Keefe actually give you something that substantial to work through?”

“I mean…he did, and I’m pretty sure it’s linked to this.” You gestured to the mountains of papers and laptops in front of you, “but that’s not why I’m still up.”

“What happened?”

“We found a bug last night.” You groaned, massaging at your neck, the stiffness starting to seep into your bones.

“Oh fuck.” Casey swore, “in the residence?”

“Technically.” You shrugged, “I’m ninety percent sure it was Paley, I’m just trying to find more information, or something linking him to it so I can add it to the charges. And hopefully do it before he manages to tell anyone else or leak the proof that the President has a little gay side piece.” You groaned at the thought, knowing it meant the end of Beth’s career.

“What’d’you mean technically?”

“It was on Nic’s collar.” You rubbed at your eyes, stifling a yawn, “but he’s been spending so much fucking time in Paley’s office, it has to be him.” When you glanced up, you noticed all of the colour very quickly draining from Casey’s face, “what?”

“You don’t have to worry about anyone using what’s on that bug against you.”

“Casey…” you warned, your voice hardening, “what the fuck did you do?”

“I…was just trying to help.”

“By illegally planting a bug in the fucking White House?!” Your voice grew, “have you listened to everything on it?! Do you have any idea how much extremely confidential information you must know now?! There were meetings Beth was in that even her chief of staff wasn’t allowed in! Ones that the VP wasn’t even a part of! You cannot tell me you thought this through! If anything on that bug gets out, everything is completely fucked, you get that right?” She opened her mouth to reply, but the bedroom door creaked open and Beth stepped out, still in pyjamas, concern splayed across her face.

“I take it the yelling means you found something?” She asked in your direction and you huffed, sitting back in your chair as your arms crossed across your chest.

“Yeah.” You nodded to Casey, “the one who planted the fucking bug.”

“What?” Beth’s brow furrowed as she looked over to Casey, wondering if her still half asleep brain wasn’t processing things properly.

“You do realize that Beth could throw you in federal prison for this, right? You planted a fucking bug in the entire White House.” You huffed in annoyance, slamming the laptop in front of you shut, “You’re seriously telling me that I pulled an all nighter trying to trace this back to Paley when it was actually you? And you weren’t returning any of my texts because you were out getting laid?!”

“Would you just let me explain!” Casey shot back, knowing that whatever anger you seemed to be shooting daggers toward her with was much more exhaustion and frustration, that you’d eventually come around.

“Fine. Try to get out of this one Case.”

The other woman glanced between the two of you, her heart thundering in her chest as she took a heavy breath, hating that she was going to have to do this on little to no sleep, and honestly, feeling pretty fucking bad that you’d been up all night.

“One of the first weeks here, I got lost…I ended up outside Paley’s office and overheard him on the phone with Simone.” She cringed at the way both your and Beth’s eyes widened, “they were talking about McClendon, and I heard something about impeachment. But I didn’t know who any of these people were, or what any context was.”

“So the next logical step was to put a bug on Nic and have our entire lives documented?” Your sass levels hadn’t gone down at all.

“No.” Casey urged, “the first step was to try and figure out who Paley was, who Simone was, and who Jamie was. That one at least didn’t take too long. I knew Paley had to have it out for the Presidency, and I wanted a way to monitor things, make sure he wasn’t going to try and have her killed again or something. I thought about putting it in his office, but Carrie and I agreed he’d find it and then he’d know we were onto him, so…we planted dog treats in his office and planted the bug on Nic.”

“Why am I not surprised Carrie was in on this.” Beth huffed, practically rolling her eyes.

“I was just trying to find out as much as I could and nudge you in the right direction so you would do it legally. I figured things were going to be moving pretty fucking quickly, and I wanted to make sure we came out on top of it.”

“So you knew the entire time we’ve been here that Paley and his play thing were involved with McClendon arranging the assassination? And you didn’t say anything?”

“I couldn’t and you know that!” She retorted, “any kind of investigation would’ve been thrown out in court so fucking fast, and then that would’ve been twisted and warped to make it seem like she was the bad guy and didn’t deserve the re-elect.” Her hand gestured out to Beth, who pinched at the bridge of her nose.

“How much of what’s on the bug have you listened to?”

“The only things I’ve listened to were where I could hear Paley’s voice.” She ducked her gaze to the floor, “so…I’m sorry to say that I’ve definitely heard bits of meetings that I wasn’t supposed to…but as soon as I realized, I’d fast forward.”

“Has anyone else heard them?” Beth asked.

“Just Carrie.”

“I need you to destroy everything you have.” She ordered and the younger woman nodded, “make sure any computer searches are cleared and any notebooks or scrap papers are burnt.”

“But…what about trying to incriminate Paley?” She glanced up, naturally using her puppy dog eyes to try and get at least a little bit less anger drawn to herself.

“If you had bothered to pick up your damn phone at all last night you would know that we not only flipped O’Keefe, but we found the link in his technology and I’m just waiting on arrest warrants.” You replied through gritted teeth.

“I’m sorry.” She winced, “I thought if it was urgent you’d call, and they were just texts…” she was cut off by the ringing of your phone and you let out a near whine at the sound.

“What?” You snapped into it.

“Someone’s grouchy without any coffee.” Heather’s voice chuckled through the receiver and you huffed.

“Try without any sleep.”

“I take it from your tone that you were up all night working, not fucking.”

“Jesus.” You paused, letting your eyes fall shut for a moment to try and regain yourself, “yeah, unfortunately it was work that was completely and utterly useless.” You shot Casey a glare, “What’d’you need?”

“I just wanted to let you know I’m on my way in and I have your warrants. I’d suggest setting up three teams, one for Paley, one for his house and one for Simone so everything can happen at the same time. We don’t want anyone catching wind of something and running or destroying evidence.”

“Yeah. I’ll make some calls.” You pushed up from the table, packing your things up that you would still need for the day, “I’ll meet you at your office.” Hanging up the phone, you grabbed your work bag, tossing your laptop into it, “I’ve gotta go.” You glanced into the mirror hanging in the hallway, fixing your skewed hair and praying yesterdays make up would hold through the rest of the day, then turned to Casey, “as soon as Paley’s clocked in for the day I expect you with the team going through his house. I want not a single stone left unturned, and every piece of electronics that exists. I don’t care if it’s his kid’s iPad, I need to go through it.”

“Yes.” Casey nodded, almost instinctively adding a ‘M’am’ at the end of it to let you know that she remembered you were her boss, and in charge, that your friendship wasn’t the priority right now.

You cast Beth a soft look, a world of unspoken words between the two of you before you stepped into your shoes and vanished from the residence. Leaving the other two in a mildly awkward silence, Beth sighed softly and Casey dared to look up at her, a sheepish look on her face.

“You’re….not going to throw me in jail for this, are you?” She held her breath for a moment but let it out with Beth laughed in response.

“No sweetheart.” She moved closer to her, squeezing at Casey’s arm, “you were trying to help. I just wish you’d told me.”

“I didn’t think it through I guess.” Casey shrugged, “I thought you’d tell y/n, and I couldn’t have that.”

“You know she’s not actually mad at you about this right?”

“I know.”

“She’s just exhausted, and trying to deal with the bug on top of everything threw her for another loop. I had to order her back to the residence last night.”

“She’s just trying to protect you….”

“I know.” Beth gave her a small smile, “which is why I was worried about her having the job in the first place. I knew she would go to the end of the earth to make sure my campaign was clean. I just never expected all of this…” she moved into the kitchen, hitting the button on the coffee pot to brew, “and I know that you were just trying to protect her.” She cast Casey a look and Casey gulped.

“She’s the one with the second most to lose, after you…I don’t have a license, I don’t have a job waiting back for me in New York, I don’t have anyone else left to disappoint…” she thought back to Liz’s words in her office the night of her suspension, “no one was willing to fall on their sword for me…but I know y/n would fall on hers for you, so I took that opportunity from her. Made sure that I was the one who would take the fall if Paley ever found out about it. She deserves to keep doing what she’s doing.”

“While I thank you for sacrificing yourself, you really didn’t need to Casey. Politics…it’s a fucking disaster, no matter how you look at it. And you got sucked into it right as shit hit the fan.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier. Carrie and I were just trying to figure shit out.”

“It’s alright.” Beth smiled at her once again, “now go get changed and get ready for work. By the looks of it that hickey’s going to take a while to cover.” She smirked as Casey’s hand flew to her neck, her entire face flushing once again before she scurried off to the privacy of her own bedroom to freshen up.

That morning you made what felt like more than a million phone calls, waking people up all around the city for your needs. Between yourself, Carrie and Saul, you got the appropriate teams set up for the arrests and searches, making sure each one had at least one person on it that you knew you could fully trust to make sure things were done properly, and there was no way someone could claim something was planted.

You took it upon yourself to oversee Paley’s arrest, a single cocked brow all you needed to make him feel insignificant as you ran through the list of charges, watching the colour drain from his face. There was just a whole other level of satisfaction watching him being led away in cuffs. You let out a heavy sigh of relief, knowing that there was a certain level of stress lifted off your shoulders. You let out another one when Simone instantly flipped on the other two, admitting that she was a Russian operative, and had been conspiring with and sleeping with Paley, confirming the stories that O’keefe had dropped. You were thankful that in the end, two made deals, so you would only have to set foot in The Supreme Court once, and for Paley, who was easily the most to blame.

You basically began to live out of Heather’s office, going over things a million and a half times, using her to play as Paley’s lawyer, or mocking up against Casey while Heather played Judge. You were a little terrified of using your legal skills in a court this large, this prominent, and this publicized. This trial was the event of the year next to the actual election. And there was one hell of a lot riding on it…and thus..you. Casey did her best to remind you of your win rate, of the amount of sharks you’d won against in the past, and that she knew you were going to crush it.

It was late one night in Heather’s office where you were nearly in tears, terrified that you were going to lose this case, that you were going to fuck everything up for Elizabeth. If Paley was cleared from this, not only would Elizabeth look bad, so would you, and there was a high chance they could and would still go after Beth about McClendon’s murder, even with testimony from the other two. They were civilians, one from Russia, and they were going against a Senator, you knew how cases like this went. Teary eyed, exhausted and doubting yourself, you turned to Heather, begging her to take the case instead. She simply shrugged, saying that she couldn’t, being solicitor general meant she couldn’t get involved, all of these meetings were secret, off the record. She then cast you a warm smile, giving your shoulder a squeeze and telling you that you had this in the bag, she had complete and utter faith in you, and so did Beth. You were going to win this, she knew it.

There were more than a few nights that Beth found you passed out on your desk, head buried in your arms, surrounded by mountains of paperwork. She sighed softly and slightly annoyed each time, gently nudging you awake and getting you to bed where you belonged. She commented multiple times about not wanting you to work yourself to death, especially over this. You simply replied that you wanted to be ready, that you weren’t sure if you could handle it, and each time she assured you that you were, that she’d watched some of your publicized trials in the past and wouldn’t have hired you for the job otherwise.

When you weren’t working on the case, you were watching Heather’s trials, a lot of the time on FaceTime with Alex as you did so, getting a third legal perspective on what tactics you could steal and use for yourself. There were a lot of voice memos, scribbles on scraps of papers or corners of already written out arguments, but it was very clear just how Heather had climbed the rungs as quickly and prominently as she had. She was one of the greatest lawyers any of you had ever seen, her quick wit and power in the courtroom leaving all of you in awe. Alex also helped you go through your wardrobe, making sure you had what she deemed appropriate to pull off the right look and confidence for the trial. (And to be completely honest, Heather had taken you on a shopping trip herself to make sure of the same thing, reminding you how much of a boost the right clothes could give you in confidence).

When the trial started, you were honestly glad that Beth and Heather weren’t in the gallery, giving you the time to focus on what you were doing with only Casey sitting taking notes and conferring with you during recesses. (You had learnt to turn a blind eye to the cameras and reporters a long time ago, so at least that was no different).

You felt like you barely saw Casey aside from within the courtroom or your appointed office for the time being, with Beth out on the campaign trail, there were nights the entire residence was completely empty, sometimes even including Nic. Which meant a few nights of dinner over at Rob’s, finally having a breather to hang out with his wife and meet their daughter. You spent a couple of evenings at Carrie’s, decompressing and watching shitty horror movies, and Heather (who you had no doubt was keeping a watchful eye on you on the President’s orders) had you over for dinner a couple of times, getting to meet the rest of her family.

It was one evening that she had both you and Casey over, watching the democratic debate in Iowa, knowing that you wished you were there in person, but couldn’t go midst trial. She had a bottle of scotch for the three of you to share, and herself was jotting down notes, no doubt for her own run in four years time. You found yourself drawn to Casey, having leant up against her shoulder as you watched Beth absolutely crush her competition, you let out a little sigh.

“What?” Casey asked softly.

“Is…is it bad that I hope she loses?” You shifted your gaze up to the blonde, who smiled down at you, knowing why there was a misting of tears in your eyes.

“No.” She pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, “not at all.”

Heather stayed silent, but gave your arm a reassuring squeeze. While she didn’t know nearly as much as Casey did about your personal life, she still knew that Beth winning her second term meant another four years of you not being able to be with her, four more years of you living and working in different cities. While a loss meant that all of your work was for nothing, and would be devastating for Beth, it meant that she would be able to return to New York in January once her successor was sworn in. That you’d have a life together finally…if that’s what you both wanted.

A few weeks after the first debate, your case finally went to the Jury. You were incredibly thankful, knowing that the results of the trial greatly affected Beth’s campaign, and knowing just how hard she was trying to keep her cool in the debates when those topics were brought up, trying to steer away from it without sounding too suspicious. You were honestly surprised when the Jury came back less than twenty four hours later, this time, beyond stressed knowing Beth was in the room, Rob on one side of her and Heather and Saul on the other, Carrie and Casey managing to sneak into the back of the room at the last minute, you held your breath until the foreman uttered the words ‘guilty on all counts’.

Beth couldn’t help but let out a breath herself, watching the way your shoulders sagged she frowned. She knew you’d been under incredible stress with the trial, but now all she could hope was that you would understand just how worthy you were, how incredible at your job you were, and that you’d saved both her ass and her career. You were now officially one of the most important people in the country, there was no doubt to her that this case would blow your name up, you’d never have trouble finding a job again.

Despite wanting to immediately celebrate, throw herself into your arms in congratulations, she knew she had another debate that evening, giving you a bright smile and a small nod of the head as you glanced back, returning her gaze with a small smile. You spent at least an hour doing press until you managed to get back to the White House, every thankful when Casey was in the residence. Pizza was ordered, beers were cracked, and you watched the first half of the debate together while you ate. Your phone buzzed shortly after it started, Liz’s name flashing across your screen.

‘Congratulations sweetheart. I knew you had it in you. Looks like someone’s headed for another promotion when they come back. ;)’ you huffed out a small laugh.

‘Thank you. Hardest trial of my career, that’s for sure. Hope you’re doing great and New York is just as wonderful as I left it.’

She didn’t reply, but as the debate nearly wrapped, your phone buzzed again, this time, a call from Alex, that you answered as you swiped over to speakerphone.

“Hey. You’re on speaker.” You greeted.

“You fucking killed it! Holy shit!” She laughed, pulling one from both you and Casey as well.

“Thanks Alex.” You smiled, “you watch the entire thing?”

“Of course!” She practically shrieked, “I cannot believe they tried to take her down for that much shit! This is insane.”

“Welcome to politics.” Casey cut in dryly and you laughed.

“How’s New York?”

“The city?” She scoffed, “same old, same old.”

“How’s work?”

“A fucking disaster.” She sighed heavily and you could practically see her rolling her eyes, “Casey’s replacement was a fucking bitch, and a horrible attorney at that. She came in all hot and cocky, dirty talking you, which everyone was quick to correct her.”

“How the fuck does she dirty talk someone she’s never met?” Casey asked with a laugh.

“She kept telling everyone you were disbarred, and that you were a terrible lawyer.” Alex replied through the speaker, sending you both into fits of laugher.

“You said was?” You asked.

“Yeah. They sent her back to D.C after she kept fucking up, asked me to come back full time.”

“What’s her name? Cause I may know a few people who can make sure she doesn’t get another job out here if she’s that bad.” Alex laughed at your comment, hearing the teasing smirk in your voice.

“Kim Greylek.”

“Noted.”

“Sonya still executive?” Casey asked and Alex vocally grimaced, “what?”

“Uh…Sonya was killed working a case.”

“What?!” You both sat up straighter in your seats, eyes darting to the phone. While neither of you had been particularly close with her, it was still unsettling to hear news like that.

“Yeah. Case she’d been chasing for like eight years or something.”

“Jesus.” You swore softly, taking another swig of your drink, “any other deaths we should know about?”

“Uh…” Alex hesitated and you and Casey shared a worried glance, “remember the case that landed Liz in the hospital?”

“Yes?” The two of your replied cautiously.

“Turns out the perp on trial wasn’t the one going around killing more people. Stucky, from CSU got butt hurt over how he was being treated after her cross contaminated evidence.”

“Of course he did.” You rolled your eyes.

“Yeah…he managed to take out Julia Zimmer and O’Halloran…”

“Seriously??” You shot back, “that twinky little fuck?”

“He almost got Liz, and he tried to kill Elliot too..”

“Jesus Christ!” Casey swore, “please tell me he went down?”

“Oh he’s dead.” The blonde assured you.

“You got anything not so dramatic for us?” Casey asked.

“Mary’s about to retire?” Alex offered, “planning on moving down to Florida.”

“I knew that.” She replied.

“There’s a handful of new A.D.A’s, they’re not great….I got offered an executive position but I’m not sure if I’ll take it.”

“Lex!” You shot back, “why?”

“I dunno.” She shrugged, “‘I just feel like there’s too much else going on in the world that’s more important. I’ve seen too much to really think that the A.D.A life is where it’s at. Besides, I think they’re eying some guy from Brooklyn for it too.”

“Understandable.” Casey let out a soft sigh, knowing she still had a good chunk of time before she could even hope to return to the D.A’s office.

“How’re things out there? You stressed with the election only a month away?”

“No.” You laughed, “I’m incredibly un-stressed now that this trial is over and everyone’s behind bars. All we’re doing now is watching debates and skimming paperwork.”

“Sounds boring.”

“It is.” You laughed, your head turned at the sound of the door opening, smiling at the sight of Beth returning to the residence. “Hey…I’ve gotta go…”

“Tell her I say hi.” Alex practically smirked through the phone and you laughed knowing Beth could already hear her.

“G’night.”

“Night.” The blonde replied before the phone beeped as she hung up.

The rest of the evening was peaceful, the talk of politics was left on the other side of the door as everyone wound down from their days, laughing and joking as mindless t.v played in the background. You and Beth managed to coerce Casey into telling you about her little White House girlfriend, and how things were going with that. She blushed furiously, explaining that it wasn’t exclusive, that Alice had been open and said she’d been dating casually as well, but that they did very much like each other. As the night went on, the wine and beer flowed easily, knowing that tomorrow was at least somewhat of a day off, tonight was a bit celebratory. Things finally seemed to be looking up once more, looking like there was no doubt Beth would win her second term, and as much as that pained you, it made you exuberantly happy, knowing that she would be doing what she loved and making great changes to the country over the next few years.

———

@natasha-danvers @disaster-and-disgrace @lazarettta @bumblebear30 @nocreditinthestraightworld @swimmingstudentchaos891 @enduringalexblake @season4scullyhair @dxtery @mmmmokdok @whimsicallymad @anne-gillettes-wh0r3 @imaginaryoperagloves @jamiethetrans

#elizabeth keane #elizabeth keane x reader #casey novak #penthouse of sugar #the washington saga #casey novak x oc

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recklessmark · 3 years ago

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chapter seven: the truth revealed

—from DISCRETION series

Summary: you incidentally met a notorious CEO and your gut told you that you must claim this man. and even the fact that he’s engaged to someone else didn’t stop you from achieving what you want.

Pairings: CEO! Mark x Designer! Reader

Warnings: use of guns, minor blood mentioned

Words: 1109

—previous: chapter six-come to your love

Thursday

You’re sitting on the plane, anxiety filling your chest. Just a few hours ago, when you’re heading to the airport, you received a call.

“What’s up Donghyuck?”

“Y/N, as you requested I have detected Kim Yeri. This wedding is a trap for Mark, I’ll send her information to you.”

You closed your eyes, sighing tiredly, but you suddenly remembered something. “Shit, I forgot to bring some spare clothes, it will take a lot of time if I come home first.”

“I know you will forget.”, Alicia gave you a dress, along with some makeup. “If you come to rob the groom like that, it will be too embarrassing, right? You should put on some makeup first, more like a side chick come to ruin the wedding.”

Friday

The wedding is celebrated in a fascinating hotel, except of closed friends, no one knows Mark is getting married. Nevertheless, there are still a considerable amount of guests. An hour passes by and the wedding officially starts.

“Y/N may not arrive on time.”, Jungwoo sighs.

Jaehyun chuckles, “Not her style. I think she’s probably preparing for a terrorization.”

Donghyuck’s observing around the place, but he can’t find anyone suspicious.

All the lights are turned off, there’s only one single light left on the stage. The door opens, a girl walking inside, step by step towards the stage.

“Y/N made that dress?”, Jungwoo’s eyes follow the bride

“Yeah.”

Yeri smiles strolling towards Mark on the stage. He looks ethereal, a white vest that goes along with the bride’s dress, his hair is stroked backwards. His eyes emotionlessly looking at Yeri, sometimes they glare down at the crowd, looking for a figure.

He’s looking for you.

But you probably don’t come.

Mark makes a step forward, holding Yeri’s hand, helping her walk on the stage. Everyone goes silent as the pastor speaks up.

“I ask you now, in the presence of God and these people, to declare your intention to enter into union with one another through the grace of Jesus Christ, who calls you into union with himself as acknowledged in your baptism.”

The man turns to look at Mark and continues, “Mark Lee, will you have Kim Yeri to be your wife, to live together in holy marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her aslong as you both shall live?”

He doesn’t answer, he zones into silence for a while, and when everyone is extremely eager on the edge of their seats, his voice soothes the room. “I will.”

The pastor now turns to Yeri, “Kim Yeri, will you have Mark Lee to be your husband, to live together in holy marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in heath, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”

The bride’s lips curl up mysteriously, her eyes glistening with something. Donghyuck realizes what’s happening, he glances around the room.

“I...”

“I will not!”

Yeri frowns, her attention switches to the door, the sudden light from the entrance makes it difficult to see clearly. A familiar figure strutting towards the couple, tender but confident, either the walk and the voice.

“She definitely doesn’t want to marry the man that made her dad live in prison, right...Kim Yerim?”

Mark widens his eyes, staring at you, he still can’t process what you’re saying.

Yeri darts her eyes around the hall, she throws the bouquet onto the floor, pulling out a pistol inside her chest.

“Y/N, you didn’t make me disappoint.”, she points the gun straight at Mark.

Seeing the weapon on Yeri’s hand, the crowd goes wide, everyone runs into different directions. Donghyuck, Jaehyun and Jungwoo all stand up, eyes open widely.

“Explain.”, Mark demands.

Yeri laughs cruelly, “Explain? You’ve forgotten? Five years ago you ruined my family, my dad was arrested, my mom suicided. I was only 20, kneeled on the ground begging you.”

You don’t care what makes Yeri hurt, neither if Mark did anything wrong, stepping forwards to stand in front of him, the gun muzzle now points at you.

As Alicia arrives, she frantically runs towards you.

Bang!

“Don’t move or I’ll shoot!”, an old man suddenly appears in the room, Yeri’s dad.

“Y/N, when I’ve done with you, he is next.”, she coldly says.

You chuckle, “You think I will sacrifice my life that easy? I still didn’t get laid with Mark.”

He grabs your arm, trying to pull you, “What are you saying? Go behind my back.”

You instantly pull out a silver gun, the gun is glowing in your hand.

“Y/N, don’t use it!”, Alicia yells at you.

“Yeri, your black gun or my silver gun, which is faster? You wanna try?”, you ignore Alicia.

She frowns, “You can only bark, no bites. Do it! Pull the trigger!”

You lower your voice, your eyes give the woman a sharp gaze, “Kim Yeri- Kim Yerim, I think you already know there’s nothing I can’t do.”

Mark turns to give Donghyuck a slight nod, signing him to call the police. His arm comes to grab around your waist. “Y/N, give that gun to me!”

Bang!

The red color of blood painting the white wedding dress as the black gun is dropped on the floor.

“Yerim!”, the old man screams.

You make a step forwards, seeing Yeri painfully kneel on the floor, there’s a bullet in her hand. “Don’t try me. Your heart is next.”

Mark’s eyes go widen, he didn’t think that you would pull the trigger, moreover, he didn’t know you‘re good at targeting with a gun. Donghyuck takes advantage of the situation, taking out his phone to call the police. Mark snatches the gun in your hand, unhesitatingly shoots Yeri’s father causing the man to kneel on the ground.

Yeri tries to pick up her gun on the floor but you’re quicker to kick the gun away.

“Shut your mouth, I will consider to let you and your dad share the same room in jail.”, you secure her arms by her wrists.

taglist: @nuoyii @jjikyuu @keemburley @skrtbeepbeep @sunshinedhyuck @jenotation @cloudykeiji @generantionct

#mark lee #nct mark #mark blurbs #mark boyfriend #mark imagines #mark lee imagines #mark lee scenarios #mark scenarios #nct x reader #nct drabbles #nct mark lee #nct imagines #nct u scenarios #nct scenarios #discretion

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bedbellyandbeyond · 3 years ago

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Librarians

(Story Post)

After spending another night with Diederich, Nari was back at the library. There was a different guard at the front desk time which meant another hassle to get back in. She asked for both his patron card and ID and things seemed to be going well until she tried to have him leave his phone because ‘smartphones contain silver'. When he argued that there wasn't even half a gram of silver in the average smartphone, she then said it was to enforce their ‘no photography’ policy, something that was never even brought up the last time he entered. At that point, Nari asked for Kobann and had to be escorted inside again. Looking up at all the seemingly infinite rows of bookshelves, Nari sighed and tried to remember where he left off. He decided it might just be better to start with a whole new section and see what he could find. Like before, he'd started around noon, but he figured the sun was going down when he noticed more and more perusers passing by. Some of the vampires climbed the ladders like him but he noticed more and more were able to float from floor to floor, a vampiric ability he wasn't even aware of. It was the floaters that made him most uncomfortable because they made no sound as the went by, eyeing him with curiosity and disapproval, he bet. So, when one vampire floated up next to him on the fourth floor and placed a hand on his shoulder, he was caught completely by surprise. Instinctively, he spun around and went for a neck grab, but the other vampire was quicker and caught his wrist.

“Whoa! Sorry if I scared you,” the stranger said grinning. He was tall, he had dark hair like Diederich's, and he looked rather smug with his uncomfortably intense eyes. “What do you want?” Nari growled, yanking his arm back. “I don't like to be disturbed.” “I just noticed you're new around here, that's all,” the stranger said. He had some kind of British accent. “Maybe, I could help you out.” “I'm not looking for help,” Nari said. The strange vampire tilted his head. “Oh? Most vampires come to the library because they're looking for help with something. Whether it's learning about their own immortality, or discovering new powers, or…” He glanced at the book in Nari's hand. “…starting a family?” Nari blinked and closed his book. “Who are you? Do you work here?” “Ooh, I got it right, didn't I?” The stranger was quite pleased with himself. “No, I don't work here, but I might as well with how long I've been here.” He offered a hand. “Everett.” “Nari.” He took the hand to shake it but was quickly pulled close to the stranger's chest. “H-Hey!” “I could help you, you know,” Everett said, smiling down at him. “With the whole baby thing.” Nari curled his lip in a sneer. “Let go of me. I have a partner.” Everett let go and grinned as he pat Nari on the head. “Don't get so worked up, I'm only joking! I too am taken.” He leaned back, looking up towards the upper levels of the bookshelf they were currently standing on. “Wes! Come down here for a moment!” Another vampire floated down, this time with sandy curls and bushy brows, and he held a finger to his mouth. “Shhhh! We're in a library, remember?” “Wes, my dearest!” Everett went in for a kiss, but the other vamp blocked him with his hand. “Who are you harassing today?” he asked. Nari noticed this new vampire preferred to remain afloat whereas Everett had alighted on the floor beside him. “Ah, this is…Norris?” Everett guessed, patting Nari's back a bit roughly. “Nari,” Nari correctly, glaring at him. “Stop touching me!” “Nari, I'm Wesley,” the other vampire said, offering his hand. “I'm really sorry about my partner. He's a menace to society.” Nari just looked at the hand and wrinkled his nose. Wesley sighed and grabbed Everett by the ear. “What did you do? He won't even shake my hand!” “Isn't that a thing in their culture?” Everett asked. Nari just put his book back and started climbing down the ladder. “I'm done… I give up.” Wesley gave Everett's ear a good yank. “You racist shit, look what you've done! Apologise!” “Shh, we're in a library, my love!” “Apologise.” Everett dove down to meet Nari on the next level upside down. “Nari, I'm sorry if I offended you. I was just trying to make friends.” “I was not.” Nari got off the ladder and prodded Everett in the forehead. “Just leave me alone.” “Hold on, hear me out for a moment,” Everett said righting himself so he could stand with Nari. “I really could help you find whatever you're looking for with this baby business. Wes and I have been coming to the library almost every day for decades. We know the books. The one you had out was not going to help you, but I could tell why you might think it would.” Nari frowned. “You've read all the books?” “Oh no, it would take a millennium to read everything in here,” Everett said. “I'm only just hitting my 180s. But I have read my fair share and more. I know the system they've got here. I know what books are practical and which are just hogwash.” Nari exhaled through his nose. “…So, since you seem to know everything, what do you think I'm looking for?” Everett smiled. “You want to know how to increase your chances of having a viable pregnancy with your partner.” Nari blinked. “How did you figure that?” “The book you had out,” Everett said. “It was about some Russian vampire queen with fifty children; it's a go to for a lot of vamps like you. But it's completely fabricated.” “And you know that how?” Nari asked. Everett shrugged. “It was just classic sexism. They thought she was a vampire because she appeared youthful for many years and was able to produce children well into her fifties. Men just like to call women monsters when they do anything they thinking isn't normal for a woman. That's all.” Nari put his hands on his hips. “So, what do you actually know about vampire pregnancy?” “One moment.” Everett held up a finger and then floated away to a far-off shelf several rows down and several levels up. Nari just opted to climb back up to look for a different book. He forgot however that the other vampire was still there. Wesley smiled sheepishly. “You really do have to forgive Everett; he can be an asshole sometimes. But he means well.” Nari sort of ignored him because he was trying to pinpoint what was giving him a vibe that this vampire was different. Then it clicked. “You're American.” “That's right, pardon my accent,” Wesley said, bashfully rubbing his neck. “I'm surprised I still got it with how long I've lived with Evie.” “I've never met an American vampire,” Nari said, although he hadn't met a lot of vampires in general. Wesley nodded. “Yep, they really like to keep it in and among the Europeans, I've found out. I got lucky, I guess.” Nari wrinkled his nose. “Lucky? This is a curse.” Wesley continued nodding. “Yeah, I felt that way for a long time… But, Everett saved my life.” “…He turned you?” Nari asked. Wesley put his hands in his pockets. “Yep. WWII, nazi I thought was down picked up his gun, shot me right in the back. I would've died that day if Evie didn't turn me.” Everett came back with a couple books in hand. “He still blames me for robbing him of his hero’s death, though.” Wesley grinned and wrapped an arm around Everett's neck. “Yeah! You just had to be the hero in that situation, huh? Bitey bastard…” “I thought only ancient vampires could turn people,” Nari said. “Really, really old ones.” “The natural ability to do it did peter out a few hundred years ago,” Everett said. “But like a lot of vampiric abilities, turning can be learned by any vampire. I frequented the library many years before joining the military. I'd never turned anyone before though.” “Why'd you learn it then?” Nari asked. “It's a bit embarrassing…” Everett admitted. “He had a wife before,” Wesley said. “He wanted to turn her so they could be together forever. But she got pregnant while he was in basic training. Postman. You know, the classics.” “Ah…” Nari eyed the books Everett had. “So, these are supposed to help me?” “Yes, I can't remember which, but one or more of these talks about birth chance I think,” Everett said. “What do you think, Wes? Take ‘em back to the house for a study session?” “Yeah… We've only been here a bit, but I'm already getting tired,” Wesley said. “I found what I needed.” “You can't take the books out of the library,” Nari said. “Not with that attitude,” Everett said. “Come. Follow us.” “What?” They both started to float down to the main floor. Nari tried to climb down after them, but it took him a lot more time. Everett came back and met him halfway up. “I could carry you down.” “No, thank you,” Nari huffed. “Are you sure? I've got strong arms. I've carried Wesley around quite a bit.” “I'm perfectly capable of climbing down on my own,” Nari said. “I don't even know why I'm following you…thieves.” “We're borrowers, not thieves,” Everett said, setting foot down on the ground just as Nari made it to the first floor. “We’re strong believers that library books are meant to be borrowed. Come on, Wes can't hold out much longer.” “Don't rush me,” Nari said. They led him through the labyrinth of shelves all the way to a little fire exit guarded by what looked to be another familiar. “The library had to put in a fire escape a couple years back to bring the building up to code,” Wesley said. “But it's clearly guarded,” Nari complained. “Hey, Ozren!” Everett went up and patted the guard on the chest and Nari noticed him slip something into his chest pocket. “You have a good shift, buddy!” The guard just acted like he didn't see them at all as they slipped past and through door. Despite a warning on display saying an alarm would sound, everything remained silent. Once they were in the hall beyond the door, they stopped for a moment. It was a narrow passage leading to another exit door, but Nari noticed there was also a wheelchair folded up against the wall. Wesley floated to it eagerly and unfolded it, before taking a seat. He sighed happily and hung back his head. “Oh my god, floating is so exhausting!” Nari stared at him for a moment. “…Can you not walk?” “Nope.” Wesley used his hands to pull his legs up onto the footrests of his wheelchair. “Already told you, I was shot in the back. Hit my spine.” Nari blinked. “But you can float. Why don't you do that all the time?” Wesley frowned and tilted his head. “Did you not just hear me say how exhausting that is? I only learned it so I could use the library. I much prefer my chair. This place has zero accessibility. It's a nightmare.” “Oh.” Nari blinked some more. “I'm sorry, I didn't realise…” Wesley rolled over to him and patted his back. “Don't worry about it. Let's just get out of here.” “Right.” Nari looked at Everett. “What'd you give that guard?” “Cash, obviously,” Everett answered. “He’s a familiar. They don't pay him anything. It's so easy to bribe a familiar.” “Got it...” Nari said. “I still don't know where you're taking me...” “Just to our house,” Everett said going down the hall and opening the door for them. “You can meet the others!” Wesley said excitedly as he went outside. Nari followed them out nervously. “Others?” “You’ll see.” “You’ll like them.”

#lore #Nari #vampire #Wesley #Everett

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fuckallthegood0nesweretaken · 4 years ago

Text

New World CH. Ten

Title: Into the Prison

Words: 2752

Warnings: Strong language, canon-typical violence, Thomas being a sexist asshole

A/N: If you’d like to request something, send me an ask. I’d love to write for you!

If you’d like to support me, buy me a Ko-Fi?

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

New World Masterlist

Daryl Dixon Masterlist

The Walking Dead Masterlist

Masterlist

~~~~~~~

Dean

Flashlight in hand, Dean walked quietly through the dark halls of the prison. It echoed easily and he made sure to keep his feet light. Rats squeaked in the distance and torn-apart bodies littered the floor. Maggie scrunched up her nose at the smell and jumped slightly when Glenn spray painted an arrow on the wall. Everyone was on edge and it didn’t help when Maggie turned right into Glenn, shrieking somewhat quietly. Dean whipped around, ready to fight, but relaxed when he didn’t see any walkers.

“Sorry,” Maggie whispered.

Quickly, they all moved forward. Turning another corner, Glenn made another arrow and Dean walked beside Rick. Looking at each other, Dean nodded and turned a corner at a ‘T’ intersection, knife at the ready. Nothing was there and he went to the left. Walking quietly, there was a thud somewhere in front of the group and when Rick went forward, there were walkers.

“Shit,” Dean said.

“Go back! Move!” Rick said.

“Walkers!”

Everyone rushed back, trying to get away. Hershel tripped over a body and fell against the wall. T-Dog helped him upright and they continued running. Dean was in the front of the group with Daryl.

“S’go! This way,” Daryl said.

Running as fast as he could, Dean heard Maggie scream. He looked back and she was okay, so he went back to looking forward. Daryl opened a door and ushered everyone inside. After doing a quick sweep of the tiny room, Daryl crouched down.

“Where’s Glenn and Maggie?” Rick whispered harshly.

“We have to go back,” Hershel said.

“But which way?”

Everyone was silent and Rick opened the doors once the walkers were gone. Dean rushed back the way they came, looking for any sign of Glenn and Maggie.

“Maggie? Glenn?” Hershel whispered into a deserted hallway. Getting no answer, he moved on, following Rick. Dean stayed up front with Daryl and only turned around when he heard Hershel screaming.

“No!” Rick yelled, shooting the walker biting Hershel. Glenn and Maggie came tearing around the corner. Glenn and Rick helped Hershel up and Dean took out some walkers approaching the group.

“We’re blocked!” Dean yelled. “Get back!”

They ran and came across a set of double doors with handcuffs chaining it together.

“Open the door!” Rick yelled. T-Dog snapped it in half with his crowbar and Dean ran inside, checking for any walkers. He didn’t see any and helped keep the doors shut with Daryl and T-Dog until he closed it off with his crowbar.

“Hold him down,” Rick said, taking his belt off to wrap it around Hershel’s knee. “Only one way to keep you alive.”

Rick grabbed an axe and started hacking away at Hershel’s leg. His scream made Dean flinch slightly but when they stopped, his heart dropped. Looking at him, Dean saw that he just passed out. Maggie was holding his head and she was crying, not looking at Rick. Soon, Rick had cut off his leg.

“He’s bleeding out.” Dean went to grab a piece of cloth laying on the floor, but Daryl held his hand up, motioning for everyone to stay down.

“Duck,” he said quietly. Rick dropped while Dean and Daryl stood up, pointing their weapons at five men.

“Holy shit,” one of them said.

“Who the hell are ya?” Daryl said, inching closer.

“Who the hell are you?” One of them said back.

“He’s bleeding out, we gotta go back,” Rick said. “Come around here and put pressure on the knee!”

“Why don’t ya come on outta there?”

“Nice and slow,” Dean added.

“What happened to him?” The one in the wife-beater asked.

“He got bit.”

“Bit?” They pulled out their weapons and Dean took out and cocked his pistol, T-Dog drawing his gun too.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy now,” Daryl said. Dean had his eyes narrowed as the one in the wife-beater trained his gun on Daryl. “Nobody needs ta get hurt.”

“You have medical supplies?” Glenn asked, pushing past the men.

“Where do you think you’re going?” One of them said. At that moment, the walkers started banging on the door and snarling.

“Rick, we gotta go,” Dean said.

“I know.”

“Who the hell are you people anyway?”

“Don’t look like no rescue team.”

“If a rescue team is what you’re waiting for, don’t,” Rick said. “Come on, we gotta go!”

Glenn rolled out a cart and they heaved Hershel onto it. Dean never looked away from the men, but he slowly walked backwards.

“T, the door!”

“Are you crazy? Don’t open that!”

“We got this,” Dean said. Only one walker came through the door and T-Dog took care of it.

“Dean! Daryl! Come on!”

Dean started walking backwards, Daryl following. Once they were out the door, Daryl slammed it shut and everyone started running back to the cell block. Dean took the rear with T-Dog while Daryl took the front. He could hear the men following and frowned.

“They’re following us,” Dean said.

“Follow the flashlight,” one of them said.

“Go, go, go!” Daryl said. Rick started pushing the cart again, Daryl taking point while Dean was at the back of the group. It didn’t take Dean as long as he thought it would to get to the cell block and when they did, Rick called to Carl.

“Carl, open the door! It’s Hershel! Carl!”

When you heard Rick yelling, you stood up fast and ran to the door.

“Oh my god what happened?” You said, stepping aside so Rick could wheel Hershel inside. “Where’s Daryl? Is he okay?”

“He got bit. And Daryl’s fine.”

That was all you got out of Rick so you took your gun out and walked into the common area where you found Daryl. Eyes were locked on the door Daryl was staring at and you readied your gun. You could hear feet shuffling and whispering before you saw them. The one with the gun came in first, and you shifted your stance.

“That’s far enough,” Daryl said. They didn’t stop walking until all of them were in the room.

“Cell block C,” gunman said. “Cell four, that’s mine. Let me in.”

“Today’s your lucky day fellas. You’ve been pardoned by the state of Georgia. You’re free ta go.”

“What you got goin’ on in there?”

“Nothing that concerns you,” you said. He looked at you and licked his lips.

“Well aren’t you a pretty little thing? Why don’t you put the gun down and let me show you a good time?”

You scrunched your face in disgust. “No thanks. I’m perfectly fine over here.”

“Then don’t be telling me what’s my concern.” He pulled out his gun and advanced on you. You tried your hardest to not flinch but you closed your eyes for a second. Daryl didn’t like that and he went to stand in front of you.

“Oh, I see. You two fucking?” He looked at you. “Why don’t you leave arrow-man and let me show you how a real man fucks.”

He laughed and one of his friends spoke up.

“Chill, man. Dude’s leg is all messed up. Besides, we’re free now. Why are we still in here?”

“Your friend’s gotta point,” Daryl said sharply.

“Yeah, I gotta check on my old lady.”

“A group of civilians breaking into a prison they got no business in got me thinking there ain’t no place for us to go.”

“Why don’t you go find out?” You said.

“Maybe we’ll just be going now,” one of them said.

“Hey, we ain’t leaving,” gunman said.

“You ain’t coming in either,” T-Dog said, showing up from around the corner. His gun was raised and so was the prisoners.

“My house, my rules. I go where I damn well please!”

“Calm down,” you said. He pointed the gun at you.

“Don’t tell me to calm down, bitch,” he spat.

“Don’t talk ta her like that,” Daryl said. “There ain’t nothing for ya here. Why don’t ya go back ta your sandbox?”

“Hey, everyone relax. There’s no need for this,” Rick said, Dean right behind him.

“How many of you in there?”

“Too many for you to handle.” Rick’s eyes moved between you and the gunman, his gun still trained on you.

“You guys rob a bank or something? Why don’t you take him to a hospital?”

You furrowed your eyebrows and looked at your brother.

“How long you been locked in that cafeteria?” Dean asked.

“Going on like ten months.”

“A riot broke out,” the big man said. “Never seen anything like it.”

“One guard looked out for us, locked us in the cafeteria. Threw me this piece and told us to sit tight, he’d be right back.”

“Yeah, that was two-hundred and ninety-two days ago,” Big man said.

“Ninety-four, according to my calculations.”

“Shut up!” Gunman said.

“We were thinking that the National Guard or the army should be showing up any day now.”

“There is no army,” you said.

“What you mean?”

“There’s no government, no hospitals, no police. It’s all gone,” Rick said.

“For real?”

“Serious.”

“My kids and my old lady,” one of them said. “You got a cell phone or something that we can call our families?”

“Ya just don’t get it, do ya?” Daryl said

“There are no more phones. Or internet. Everything’s gone.” You looked at Daryl and lowered your gun.

“As far as we can see, at least half the population has been wiped out. Probably more.”

The men looked like they were trying to process the information and gunman lowered his weapon slightly.

“Ain’t no way,” he said.

“See for yourself,” Rick said, pointing to the door. The men walked outside, you following close behind. Your weapon was still drawn and you were still tense. Daryl was right behind you and he put his hand on the small of your back.

“Ya good?” He asked lowly.

“I’m fine. Just worried about Hershel.”

“Ya can go back inside if ya want.”

“And leave some of my boys without any defense? No,” you said with a shake of your head. “Carol and Sam have things under control.”

“You never said, how did y’all get in here?”

“Cut a hole in the fence over by that guard tower,” Dean said.

“That easy, huh?”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” you said.

“Easy for you to say. You probably haven’t wanted for anything in your life,” he muttered. You rolled your eyes and looked away.

“So is it a sort of disease?” The big man said.

“Yeah, and we’re all infected.”

“What you mean, infected? Like, AIDS or something?”

“If I was ta kill ya, shoot an arrow in your chest, you’d come back as one of these things. It’s gonna happen ta all of us.” Daryl said. You bit your lip and sighed, looking at him.

“Ain’t no way these Robin Hood pussies are responsible for killing all these freaks,” gunman said. “Especially if they have women helping out.”

You bit your tongue at that remark and tried looking as unbothered as possible.

“Where’d you come from?” He asked Rick.

“Atlanta.”

“Where you headed?”

“Nowhere, for now.”

“I guess you can take that area down there near the water,” gunman said. “Should be comfortable.”

“We’re using that field for crops.”

“We’ll help you move your gear out.”

“That won’t be necessary. We took out these walkers. This prison is ours.”

“Slow down, cowboy.”

“You snatched the locks off our doors,” the shortest one said.

“We can give you new locks if that’s what you want,” you said with a shrug.

“This is our prison. We were here first.”

“Locked in a broom closet? We took it, set you free. It’s ours,” Rick scoffed.

“We’re moving back into our cell block.”

“You’ll have to get your own,” Dean said, crossing his arms.

“It is mine. I’ve still got personal artifacts in there. That’s about as mine as it gets.” He pulled out the gun again, and you pointed yours at his head.

“Whoa, whoa! Maybe let’s try to work this out so everybody wins,” the blond one said.

“I don’t see that happening.”

“Neither do I,” Rick said.

“I ain’t going back in that cafeteria for one more minute.”

“There are other cell blocks,” Blondie said.

“Ya could leave,” Daryl spat. “Try your luck out on the road.”

After a moment, gunman spoke. “If these pussies can do all this, the least we can do is take out another cell block.”

“With what?” Bigman said.

“Atlanta here’ll spot us real weapons. Won’t you, boss?”

“How stocked is that cafeteria? Must have plenty of food. Five guys lasting almost a year?”

“Doesn’t look like anyone’s been starving,” you observed.

“There’s only a little left.”

“We’ll take half,” Rick said. “In exchange, we’ll help you clear out a cell block.”

“Didn’t you hear him? There’s only a little left,” Shorty said.

“Bet you got more food than you got choices. You pay, we’ll play. We’ll clear out a block for you then you keep to it.”

“Alright,” Gunman said.

“But let’s be clear. We see you out here anywhere near our people, if I so much as even catch as whiff of your scent, I will kill you.” Ricks voice got quieter the more he spoke and you knew he wasn’t lying.

“Deal.”

---

“Pantry’s back here,” Gunman said. It hadn’t taken long to get to the cafeteria and thankfully you didn’t run into any walkers.

“You never tried to break out of here?” T-Dog asked.

“Yeah, we tried to take the doors off. But even with the smallest noise, those freaks’ll be lined up outside the door. Trying to get in.”

“And the windows?” You asked.

“They got bars that He-Man couldn’t get through.”

“You done jerking each other off?” Gunman said. “Sick of waiting back here.”

Walking to the back room, your jaw dropped when you saw the amount of food. You looked at Dean and he was as shocked as you were.

“This what ya call a little bit of food?” Daryl asked, walking farther into the room.

“Goes fast,” he looked at Rick. “You can have a bag of corn, some tuna fish—“

“We said half. That was the deal.”

“Let’s get a cart. Load up as much as we can,” you said. You holstered your gun and walked toward the kitchen, grabbing a cart and loading it up, Dean helping you. T-Dog and Daryl grabbed some boxes and carried them back to the cell block, you pushing the cart. No walkers popped up and you all made it back with no incident.

“Food’s here!” T-Dog said. Carl opened the door and you walked through.

“What you got?” Carl asked.

“Canned beef, canned corn, canned cans,” T-Dog said.

“There’s a lot more where this came from, and I’m pretty sure that there’s everything I need to make chili.” You looked at Carl and he was basically salivating at the mouth.

“You make chili?”

“I do. My dad and brothers always loved it,” you said with a laugh. “I don’t know if there’s anything to make it spicy, but I’ll look, if you’d like.”

“Thank you. That sounds amazing,” Carl said, wrapping his arms around your waist. You hugged him back then went to follow T-Dog to put the food away.

“Time to go back.”

---

Once the food you were promised was safely stored, you got ready to go clear out a cell block. Before you left, your brothers pulled you aside.

“I know you can take care of yourself, but these men are dangerous,” Sam said quietly, the prisoner’s right in the other room. “We’d both feel a lot better if you stayed here with Adeline.”

“But I can help with them,” you said, frustration lacing your voice.

“We know you can, sweetheart. But we also need hands here just in case something goes wrong with these assholes,” Dean said.

“Fine. But I hope you both know that you won’t be able to bench me forever.” You were really peeved that they were doing this, but you knew that there wouldn’t be any point in arguing.

“Thank you,” Dean said, letting out a breath. He kissed your forehead and Sam pulled you into a hug.

“The two of you best come back without any injuries. We’ve had too many of those lately.”

“Yes ma’am,” both of them said at the same time. You laughed softly and kissed their cheeks before they left the cell block, Carl shutting the door and locking it behind them.

#New World #daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon fanfiction #the walking dead x reader #supernatural x reader #twd #spn #daryl x reader #x reader #reader insert

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let-it-raines · 4 years ago

Text

Black Velvet (Part Two)

1919. The War is over, but life is far from normal. While the imminent danger is gone for many, it is not gone for Emma Swan. Her secrets have always been dangerous and had the ability to control her, but they have never been more dangerous than now as she is forced to work undercover as a barmaid and keep her true intentions hidden from the most notorious gang leader in England.

Her life depends on it, but unfortunately for Emma, Killian Jones can read her better than anyone ever has.

Rating: Mature

a/n: I know, I know, we thought my days of you guys convincing me to continue one-shots were over 😉 In all seriousness, I did not intend to do this and wasn’t going to, but my mind started working and here we are.

We pick up with our favorite duo (and Lee, lol) on their journey to America! Thanks to @shireness-says and @resident-of-storybrooke for helping me out a little on this🖤

Ao3: Part One | Part Two

Tumblr: Part One

-/-

1920.

Emma has never hated the sea more.

When she was a child, it was her favorite place in the world. The insides of orphanages and homes were dull with broken furniture and scratchy blankets, and when she could get away, she would try to find the ocean. There was a rare time in her life where she lived near the shore, and every day she breathed in the salt air and looked out onto the water with the hope that more was out there and with the hope that she wouldn’t always be so alone.

The sea was her safe haven.

Now it is her enemy.

One of many, if she’s honest. Her childhood dreams have become her waking nightmare. She’s spent fifteen days on the ocean on her way to a new country, but all she wants is to be back in England in the comfort of her bed in her grungy little flat she thought she hated. Every day feels a little closer to her last, like Gold is on her heels, a gun pressed to her temple.

Her thoughts have run wild with fear. What if he was fast enough and followed them? What if he’s on the next ship to America? What if he’s found William or Rob and hurt them?

What if he’s found her son and hurt him?

She doesn’t keep up with him, knowing that each bit of information about him breaks her a little more. She wasn’t ready to be a mother, still isn’t, and it isn’t fair to the kid for her to check up on him. She gave him up for him to have his best chance, for him to have a good life, and from what she’s seen, he’s had that.

Emma is terrified that her running away is going to strip that good life away from him, and she should have thought more about that before she allowed Killian to pay for their passage on this ship. Hopefully his parents have enough protections that everything will be fine, but she knows that just because they work in the government with Gold doesn’t mean he’s safe.

Gold will obviously betray anyone, but she hopes he has limits when it comes to a child.

Her stomach turns as they move over a rough patch of ocean, and she wraps her hands around the railings as another breeze washes over her. Her nose is red with chill, her toes curling under themselves in her boots, and suddenly the temperature warms, a solid body closing in on hers, an arm wrapping around her shoulder and pulling her closer as unshaven whiskers prickle against her temple.

“You’ll be nothing but an icicle if you stay out here, love,” Killian tells her as the ocean roars around them.

“And why would you care about that?” Emma bristles.

He sighs. “Please come back to the cabin.”

Emma pulls away from Killian, gooseflesh bubbling up her arms and a shiver wrapping around her spine. She doesn’t feel like having him near her or going back to the cabin. Escaping closeness to Killian is the reason she left the warmth of the cabin to begin with. “I don’t want to come back to the cabin.”

“You are going to freeze.”

“It is a hell of a lot warmer out here than it is in there.”

“You speak in falsities.”

She does, but she won’t admit that.

Emma cocks her head and rolls her eyes before looking at the ocean again. According to the Captain and several crew members, they should be in New York either tonight or tomorrow morning, and Emma cannot wait to step foot on dry land again. She doesn’t know what their plans are for when they get there, but she knows that even if she doesn’t stay with Killian, she has enough money to get her lodgings and food for at least a few months. She hopes that she’ll be back in England by then. Or another country in Europe.

“I don’t.”

Killian’s lips press into a firm line, and the lines on his forehead appear. She’s seen that look more than she would care for, and she doesn’t care to see it now. “Swan.”

“No. I don’t want to go back to the fucking cabin, Killian. I’ve been in there for two weeks with you and Lee, and I’m sick of it. I’m sick of having to listen to Lee complain, and I’m exhausted from having to figure out when you’re going to ignore me or not. I sleep with your chest pressed to my back every night, and I’ve never felt so alone.”

“What exactly is it that you want from me?”

Emma throws her hands up in the air as they hit another rough wave and Emma’s stomach churns. This fucking ship. “I want you to make up your mind, Killian. Do you want to kill me for betraying you? Do you want to fuck me? Do you want both? Because I don’t know, and I need to know what I’m dealing with. Because if I’m going to die, do it now so I don’t have to suffer on this ship any longer.”

He takes a step back and crosses his arms over his chest, his coat shifting with the movement. Emma watches as his hair blows in the wind, long black strands whipping together then apart. He hasn’t shaved for these two weeks, his skin is paler, and there are purple bags underneath his eyes. Even with the striking blue, his eyes are tired, sad, and Emma likes to convince herself that he is just as confused and affected by everything like she is. He has to be, but then again, Emma has never known Killian to be unsure of anything.

His power is in his sureness. His steadiness.

It is all rocking beneath their feet.

“For fuck’s sake, I’m not going to kill you. That has never been in question.”

“Then what do you want?”

“Bloody hell! I don’t know, Swan! You cannot expect me to have everything between us figured out in a fortnight when I’m aware of the fact that I’ve known you since June and yet all of it has been a lie.”

“It hasn’t all been a lie.”

“What hasn’t been?” he counters, his voice still raised, and she notices the crowd around them turning their heads to look. Their conversation has piqued the interest of the ship, and Emma doesn’t want that. She cannot have this conversation with people watching, listening, judging her. “I need to know because I cannot be a fool who is brought down by giving my trust and my heart to someone who hasn’t bothered to do the same.”

“What you mean to say is you cannot be a fool who is brought down by a woman.”

Killian scoffs and steps toward her, pressing his hand into the small of her back. It’s a feather of a touch beneath her layers of clothes, but she can still feel it, warmth permeating through. “Let’s go back to our cabin.”

“Is Lee there?”

“No.”

Emma nods and begins walking through the crowd until they come across the staircase that leads them below deck and to their cabin. They’re in the middle of the hall, and she has to kick the door open until she’s in the small space that has nothing more than two small beds and a dresser that is bolted into the floor. There were more luxurious rooms as well as ones without privacy, but Killian didn’t want to waste money when they don’t have much of a plan for what to do when they arrive in New York. Well, he might have a plan. Before they left he managed to send a letter to Liam as well as making several phone calls, but Emma wasn’t privy to any of that information. She was still trying to wrap her head around the previous twenty-four hours of her life.

The door clicks closed behind them, and Emma settles down on Lee’s bed while Killian sits opposite her on their bed, his knees hitting hers. In reality, it’s much warmer down here, and the shivers that were taking over her begin to dissipate.

Emma loves this man sitting across from her. She loves the blue of his eyes, the quirk of his smile, the scars lining his skin. She loves the way his mouth feels when it’s on her, the way he feels inside of her. She loves the way he tells a story, the way he makes her laugh until her stomach hurts, and the way that despite their history, he makes her comfortable for the first time in her life.

No part of her is comfortable right now.

Sucking in a deep breath of air, Emma looks up from her twiddling fingers and to an expectant Killian. She doesn’t know what he wants from her or what she can give him, so she begins with the basics, the history that is unchanged no matter how much she wishes to change it. “I was born in Brighton. I don’t know of my parents. I was raised in homes until I left to be on my own at sixteen. That’s when I became pregnant, and everything after that has been me working for Gold. He gave me my education out of necessity for the job, and everything I own has been his doing. A part of me sometimes feels like everything I am is his doing.” Emma shrugs and clasps her hands together. “I can’t think of any specific lie I’ve told you. I have learned it’s easier to keep track of things if I only tell the truth, even if it means cutting some details short. The only lie was my intentions and why I walked into My Fairest Lady.”

“How old are you now?” Killian asks.

“I turned twenty-four in October.”

He hums and leans back, closing his eyes so his dark lashes fall against his cheeks. “So Gold has had you under his thumb for eight years then?”

“Yes.”

“He’s a coward of a man,” Killian growls, but his eyes stay closed. “His wife, my Milah, was tired of the way he paid her no attention. She wanted out of the marriage. She wanted…she wanted to do many things with her life, but he wouldn’t let her leave. When she did, he murdered her in front of me and then set the building on fire. I nearly lost my hand trying to save her. I’ve never understood why he went away after that, why he was waiting to catch me in an illegal act. He could have pulled the trigger at any moment, but he didn’t.”

“Do you have an idea as to why?”

One eye opens, and his foot hooks around her ankle. “I think he believed that living on the edge of fear would be a greater torture than instant death, but I fear neither him nor death. He should fear me for what I’m going to do when I see him again.”

The venom in Killian’s voice has Emma’s shivers return. This is a man set out for vengeance, a man who wants to take a life, and as much as she would like to do the same for all Gold has done to her, she doesn’t know if she can.

Emma has feared death for years, and all she wants is to live without shackles holding her down.

“How do you despise Gold but love me?” Emma asks. “I worked for him. I could have been the reason you were murdered.”

“You had no choice, love.” He leans forward, invading her space, and his breath comes up in a white puff of air between them. She can smell the rum he must have had earlier. “I never once thought I would love again after Milah. My heart was black, and there was no room for that sort of thing, especially after the War. My only job in life is to keep the Jones Corporation alive and make sure it continues when I’m gone, but then you walked into the pub and sang as you poured a drink for Leroy. Something shifted inside of me then. I cannot give you my full trust, love. Not yet. And I cannot guarantee that there will be no strife between us because I am still trying to figure what the hell is going on in my mind, but I would like to imagine there is a world where you and I can have the simple pleasures in life.”

He leans back and laughs, clicking his tongue. “Well, at least on occasion. I don’t think you and I are set for a life with a white picket fence and nothing to worry us.”

“I’d like that,” Emma smiles, “I think. It’d be nice not to worry.”

Killian leans forward and reaches his hand out. She takes it and is pulled into him, settling her knees on either side of his hips and she settles in his lap. His lips ghost over the bare skin of her neck, his hand tugging away her scarf until there’s more skin for him to devour, and Emma lets him. She does not know what is between them or what will come next, but for now, she can forget about all of that.

She hasn’t felt good like that for two weeks, and the chill that’s been constant on her skin has been both from the ocean and from Killian, his shoulder turned to her even when he’s pressed against her.

“Swan,” he whispers, almost reverent, as her hands reach underneath his coat and start to take it off. “What are you doing?”

“Do you have to fully trust me for us to do this?”

His breath is warm against her, his teeth sharp with her skin, but his nose is soft as it presses into the hollow of her throat to speak. “No.” He helps her push his coat off, and now she can feel the muscles in his back. “You don’t have to fully trust me either, love, but one day, we’ll do this with no barriers between us.”

Emma’s nails scratch against his skin. “What a glorious day that will be.”

Killian kisses her until she’s dizzy, touches her until she’s breathless, and he moves inside of her until she’s fully warm, sweat beading at her temples and the small of her back. Killian’s weight above her is a comfort, his hand on her thigh is a guide, urging her to lift it higher so he can sink deeper, and his voice is a melody of a song that is familiar but the lyrics are floating away, so close, but far enough away for her to not be able to reach.

She doesn’t care.

Not when she finally might have someone who could want to be hers.

“Oi, did you see what they’re serving in the dining hall?” Lee groans as he pushes his way into the room with little preamble. “It’s nothing more than stale bread. I – oh, fuck off,” he mumbles as Killian shifts over Emma to cover her and pulls the sheets over his arse. He chuckles into her neck, and Emma presses her lips to his cheek. “I have to share this cabin with the two of you. Have a little compassion.”

“Lee, go back to the fucking dining hall and get us some bread,” Killian mumbles, pulling away from her neck and winking.

“Did you not hear me when I said it was stale?”

“Are you so obtuse that you do not realize that the lady and I need our privacy?”

“I expect my own room whenever we get to New York.”

“You’ll be lucky if I don’t leave you on the streets. Now go.”

Lee curses underneath his breath, but he quickly leaves the room, the cabin door clicking behind him. Killian’s jaw clenches, and Emma reaches up to caress it, her fingers dancing along his skin, coaxing him back to her.

“Would you really leave your brother in the streets in a foreign country?”

“Eh,” Killian clicks his tongue, “possibly. He has a few lessons he needs to learn.”

Emma sighs and closes her eyes before pressing her lips to the underside of his jaw. “Promise me you won’t leave Lee on the streets…unless he insults me because I’m a woman again. Then he can spend some time away from us.”

“That is a promise I can make,” Killian chuckles.

-/-

When they step on dry land the next day, Emma’s legs nearly crumble beneath her. America is a foreign land, and while the soil should feel the same as England, it doesn’t.

She doesn’t know how it feels or what to feel, and Emma doesn’t fully process everything that happens once they leave the ship. She fills out papers, careful only to give as much information as is necessary, and she watches as Killian puts in false information. She should have done the same, but it’s too late now.

Hopefully Gold will never make the voyage here and if he does, he won’t come through this port and check the records.

She doesn’t know where to go, but Killian does, taking them to a line of smaller boats that are going to take them into Manhattan. The thought of getting on another boat makes her stomach queasy, but she does it anyway, keeping her luggage in her lap. When they’re on land again, they start walking, wandering through bustling streets that are full of more people than Emma ever saw in Birmingham. As they move and her feet begin to ache in her boots, she watches as the clothes and the hair change, going from dull and much like hers to bright and extravagant. The buildings change too: fresh paint, doormen, nice cars waiting on the outside. It’s two different worlds, and from everything she’s heard, there are more worlds within this place. It’s divided between classes and race, and Killian walks through every section like he belongs.

He knows not a soul, but Emma swears some who pass by look as if they know who he is, what he does.

The chill that runs down her spine and makes residence there returns as she thinks once more of why they are here, of what they’re running from.

She’s been running for her entire life, but she’s never run this far.

She’s never had someone to run with.

They stop at a small restaurant for something fresh to eat, the aroma of fresh baked bread overpowering the scents of the city, and Emma nearly melts into the leather booth that sits by a warm fire. Killian orders their lunch, nicely cooked beef with a heavy soup and bread, and the taste is so miraculous that even Lee is quiet for the duration of the meal. He’s been complaining, wishing he would have stayed back in England and traveled to see Liam and Elsa instead of coming to America, but unless he wants to get back on the ship and travel back now, he is stuck with them.

Emma isn’t too fond of the kid, but at the end of the day, he is still a kid who has time left until he’s technically a man. Even growing up in times of war in a family that is entrenched in crime and danger, he still has the soft edges of a child who has been raised without a mother and is searching for someone to guide them.

Emma would know. She’s been searching for her entire life, and she did not have any brothers to surround herself with.

The couple who owns the restaurant comes to say hello and ask if they would like any more food, and when they hear the differing accents, they begin to ask questions. It puts Emma on edge, as if these two people who radiate kindness could know they are on the run, and she doesn’t like to answer with anything more than the minimum. Killian is much better at talking to them, eloquently giving them enough information without giving too much, and she does not fail to notice the way he keeps her left hand in his, hidden underneath the table.

“My wife and I are thrilled to be starting a new life here,” Killian tells them, squeezing her hand, a silent request for her to play along. “It seems we’ve already picked the greatest restaurant in the city to dine in, so we are off to a wonderful start.”

“Oh, how long have you two been married?” the woman, a petite brunette with short hair asks.

“Newlyweds,” Killian answers. “What about the two of you?”

“David, how long has it been now? Five years?”

“It was five years in October.” David kisses his wife’s temple, and Emma moves closer to Killian, glancing at him in an attempt to see what angle he’s playing. “Best five years of my life.”

“And you’ve opened up this damn fine establishment in this time?”

“If only,” Mary Margaret laughs, holding her hand to her chest. “My parents own several businesses across the city, and when we were married, they gave David a few of their finer dining establishments to manage. Where are you two living? We could give you all of the best recommendations.”

“We haven’t figured that out yet, love, but I’m sure we will find a place.”

“Stay with us!” Mary Margaret suggests, rising on her toes in excitement.

“Pardon?” Killian asks as Emma coughs on her drink and Lee kicks his leg under the table.

“Stay with us,” Mary Margaret repeats. David doesn’t look thrilled at her suggestion, but she’s powering on. “We live in an apartment a few blocks away, and it is far too big for just the two of us. You could have your own bedrooms, bathrooms, and living area. We would have to share the kitchen, but I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem, would it, honey?”

“We couldn’t impose,” Killian insists, laying on every ounce of charm he has with his smile.

“My wife won’t take no for an answer, so believe me, you wouldn’t be imposing. We’d love to help get you on your feet. Maybe one day if we make it over to England, you two could be our guide.”

“Absolutely, mate,” Killian promises, squeezing Emma’s hand.

-/-

When Mary Margaret mentioned her family owning several businesses and restaurants, Emma knew they were wealthy. It was obvious in the way the woman dressed and the way she spoke, but as Emma sits on a bed with blankets as soft as silk and as warm as every coat she has ever owned, she is taken aback by the luxury of the place they are in. Emma has never been in a palace, but she imagines the Nolan flat is similar. Everything is ornate, no detail left unchecked, and being inside here is a different world than the outside. Even where the city is bustling and bright, there is still a darkness to it with the rarity of nature. It’s not Birmingham with its lack of sun and smog-coated air, but there are similarities.

This flat is a world away from any place she has ever stayed, and she imagines once they leave, she’ll never return.

If she’s honest with herself, Emma is worried her clothes are going to ruin the furniture every time she sits down.

“Emma,” Mary Margaret calls as she enters the room, a basket in her arms. “I know you likely have your own things, but I figured you could use some soaps and lotions. I also brought a robe. I have several, and I can only wear one at a time.”

“That really isn’t necessary.”

“I insist.” She walks a little further into the room and places the things on a low table. “The boys are having a drink together and talking business. You know how men do. So I figured I could make sure you’re comfortable.”

“This is the nicest place I’ve ever been inside, so yes, I am more than comfortable.”

“Good.” Mary Margaret smiles, and sits down on the arm of a sofa. “Listen. I don’t know if you’re interested in working or if Killian is the breadwinner for you and Lee, but if you are, I have connections with every department store and several offices where you could be a secretary. What did you do back in England? Did you work? I know it is rare for married women to work, but I take you for a rare woman.”

“I was a barmaid,” Emma lies. She was, technically, but for years before that she was blackmailed into being a spy. A part of her doesn’t feel free of that yet. “I was a barmaid and sometimes I would clean homes.”

“Oh, well, if you want to work in one of our restaurants, I could arrange that. Or you don’t have to do anything at all. What does your husband do?”

Emma blanches, and she inhales to calm her breathing. “He produced rum, owned a few pubs. It’s a family trade, actually. After the War, Killian and his older brother took over, but Killian wanted to explore the world for a little while and allow Lee to experience new things and mature. I don’t think Lee expected that would mean traveling with the two of us.”

“Is that how you and Killian met? At one of his pubs?”

“Yes.” Emma nods and smiles, rubbing her hands up and down her arms to smooth away the gooseflesh. “That’s how we met.”

“Do you not wear a ring?”

Emma’s fists clinch, and she attempts to hide her left hand, wrapping it under her arm. “Oh, it’s in my luggage. I didn’t want to risk losing it or having someone take it off my hand.”

Mary Margaret nods and returns Emma’s smile, hopefully believing her lie. “Anyhow, I don’t mean to be intrusive. I’ll leave you to bathe and take care of yourself. Would you like to have breakfast with me in the morning?”

“I would love that.”

Once Mary Margaret has left the room, Emma rises from the bed and collects the things she left. The bathroom is connected to the room, and the tile is cold against Emma’s feet. The bathwater is warm, however, the lotions all smell of vanilla and apples. After she’s bathed, Emma’s skin is softer than it’s ever been, and the dark shadows that have been lingering underneath her eyes for two weeks have begun to fade. She’s clean and comfortable, and she melts into the sheets when she gets into bed. Emma doesn’t know what time it is when Killian sulks into the room, but what she does know is that he never comes to bed. Instead, he sleeps on the chaise in the corner of the room and she’s left with no warm body pressed into hers.

Emma’s confusion grows, but at the moment, all she cares about is how she is sleeping with solid ground beneath her.

-/-

There’s a note and a box sitting next to her head when she wakes up the next morning.

Wear this. The Nolans are traditional. That is why I said we were married in the eatery. I realized in my conversations with David that we would need rings and to discuss a few details to align our stories. I don’t want to take advantage of them or their kindness, but as you well know, sometimes lies can be used to get us what we need.

Killian.

Emma squints her eyes to see if the words change, but they don’t. The words don’t change, and Killian’s lack of presence in the room doesn’t change either. She doesn’t know what time it is or where he is, but she knows he’s not here.

She also knows that inside the black velvet box is a ring, a gold band holding up a round emerald stone. It’s delicate and intricate, and even with her untrained eye, she knows it is real.

-/-

Emma’s day is spent with Mary Margaret in the flat and in another one of their restaurants where they eat lunch. They chat and wander around, and Mary Margaret shows Emma her collection of books as well as some paints and fabrics she uses to occupy her time when she cannot drive to her family’s land where they have horses and a bow and arrow course where Mary Margaret apparently likes to spend much of her time.

Emma never would have figured the woman for enjoying so much time outdoors, and the past near decade of Emma’s life has been spent reading people for their secrets.

Killian returns long after the sun has set, Lee and David with him, and David informs all of them that Killian will now be handling the books at several restaurants until he establishes himself in the city. Lee will work as waitstaff when he can, but they want to work on him enrolling in University.

It all sounds great, but to Emma, it sounds like she’s been left out and that she’ll have to piddle around all day with nothing to do but talk about fabrics and the latest fashions with Mary Margaret.

Emma isn’t used to not working, and she’s going to need something to occupy her time if she doesn’t want her mind to run wild. Working in a department store or as a secretary sounds dreadful, but she may have to take the offers she can get.

-/-

“Do you like it?”

“Hmm?”

“The ring. Do you like it?”

Emma glances down at the stone on her finger, the heavy weight she’s been fiddling with all day, and she turns back to Killian as his arms wrap around her waist and his lips press into her neck.

“It’s beautiful. Where did you get it? How did you get it so early in the morning?”

“I have my ways.”

“Killian.”

He doesn’t say anything back, instead kissing her until no thoughts are left in her brain and no clothes are left on her body. They fall into the back and forth, the push and the pull, and Emma’s left breathless as she moves on top of him, every problem melting away into the firmness of Killian and the comfort she feels with him.

The pleasure too, especially when his head is buried between her thighs, and Emma can do nothing more than hold onto his hair as tightly as she is holding on the sheets.

-/-

When she wakes up in the morning, he’s gone, and she’s not sure if he slept next to her or not. The blanket hanging over the chaise makes her think otherwise.

-/-

Emma takes the next few days to explore the city. As kind as Mary Margaret is, she cannot spend all of her time with the woman, and she certainly cannot commit to a job when she isn’t sure which would make her less miserable. So, she walks and explores, listening to people play music from street corners and coax people into their stores. It’s as if the people never sleep and more and more come in each and every day. Emma thrives in it, even if she stays in the corners and observes.

So much of her life has been spent with a gun pressed to the back of her head, and for once, she has been relieved of the cold weight of the metal.

She isn’t sure how to deal with any of it.

Days begin to pass, and Emma spends many of them wandering, even more of them sitting by a large window with a pile of books next to her as she stares out at the snow falling outside and coating the streets with a white powder. Killian comes and goes, sometimes coming back for meals in the middle of the day, sometimes not, and a week after arriving, Emma tells Mary Margaret she would love to work in one of their eateries as a barmaid or a server, even if that is uncommon in America.

That’s when all hell breaks loose, and the government passes laws about the sale of alcohol.

The prohibition, they call it.

Bloody pointless, Killian calls it.

Every night at dinner, Killian and David discuss how not being able to sell alcohol is affecting the restaurants. Mary Margaret’s father comes by one night in a rage of fury that is only quenched when he realizes Killian, Emma, and Lee are there, and it seems that the little slice of paradise they’ve found may be disappearing.

“Should we look for somewhere else to stay?” Emma asks as she rubs lotion down her arms, vanilla filling the bathroom. “I know the Nolans will never lose their money because they owned more than pubs and eateries, but I can’t help but feel we’re taking advantage of them.”

Killian moves a blade across his jaw as he stares in the mirror. “The only lie we’ve told them is about the state of our relationship, love.”

“That’s quite the lie.”

“I don’t think it’s too far fetched.”

Emma turns to him and crosses her arms over her chest. “We are not married, Killian. We are so far from married that we don’t sleep in the same bed. Actually, I take that back. From what I’ve heard of some couples, we might as well be married in that you fuck me and then leave. So I guess you’re right. We’re not lying to them.”

He doesn’t flinch. Instead, he finishes his shave and puts the blade down near the sink before turning to her with a clenched jaw and fire in his eyes. “What is it you’re trying to say, Swan?”

“I don’t think I have to bloody explain it!”

Killian cocks his head to the side and mirrors her, crossing his arms over his bare chest. “So, you’re cross that I’m not sleeping in the bed with you?”

“I think it’s preposterous that you sleep in a chaise when we have a bed.”

“I think that’s not what you’re truly mad about.”

“Well, what would you know about what I think?”

“You’re an open book, Swan. I’ve told you that before, and I’ll tell you again. You try to hide how you feel, but you cannot do that from me.”

“Well, that makes you a real arse because then you would know that I’m not happy to be wandering around this place all day with Mary Margaret. I’m not someone who is meant to be a housewife.”

“I thought you were tending the bar at – ”

“I obviously lost that job, Killian. We can’t sell liquor.”

Emma turns away from him and catches a look at herself in the mirror. Her hair is long and soft, brushed out and curled, and it’s never been like this, never this smooth and well taken care of. Half a month in a new place, and she already looks like a different person.

“I don’t like not having work,” Emma continues, “and I don’t like that I’m in a new country and the man I came here with runs off and spends all his time in business I know nothing about.”

Killian scoffs and drops his hands to his sides. “Need I remind you that we are here because you got yourself involved with Gold.”

“Need I remind you that you slept with his wife and are a gangster. I didn’t make him come after you like that. You know I had no fucking choice, Killian. I was trying not to die or to have my son killed! You have always had a choice in your actions. This is not my fault.”

“You betrayed me,” Killian says, his voice steady even as his fingers twitch, the ring on his left hand catching the light from the lamp above. “You betrayed me. You worked with my enemy, you lied to me for months, and you made me believe you were getting close to me because you fancied me. Little did I know that it was because you were trying to learn all of my secrets so I could be carted off to prison while you continued to live your life.”

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“I know.”

Emma throws her hands in the air and covers her face, trying to regulate her breathing to calm her breath.

She is not successful.

“So what do you want, Killian? I can’t keep having this conversation. I can’t keep walking on the edge of a cliff. I want some stability. I want to not be terrified all the time, and not knowing where I stand with you terrifies me. If it would be better for us to part ways, let’s part ways. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life feeling like you’re never going to trust me. I’m tired of us running in circles and not solving anything.”

Killian moves her hands away from her face, calloused fingers cupping her chin and tilting her gaze up to his. His eyes are still dark, his mouth still firm, but there’s a softness there that wasn’t there before. “I am not an honorable man, love, and you deserve better than me. You deserve to live a good life with a man who can give you everything your heart desires and who doesn’t have so many secrets.”

“Tell me your secrets,” Emma whispers. “Tell me, and I’ll tell you the rest of mine. That’s the only way we can make this work, and if we can’t, I can find my way back home or to a new place. I’ve always been on my own, and I don’t have any problem with that.”

Killian leans his head forward and presses his forehead against hers, wet hair dripping onto her. “I should hate you. You should hate me for how I’ve treated you over the past month, for how I treat others.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“No?”

“I think you’ve been a right bastard lately, but I also think I deserve it.”

“You don’t.” Emma chuckles, and Killian presses his nose further into her cheek. His lips inch closer, but they don’t touch, not yet. “We’re fucked up, Swan. There’s no way around that.”

“But we could be less fucked up if we tried.”

Killian huffs and gently kisses her. “Will you come to bed with me?”

“Well, as long as we get into bed and not your chaise.”

“Aye, I think that sounds like a better plan. The bloody thing has been straining my back.”

Nothing about their relationship has ever been normal, and as they settle under the covers of their oversized bed, Emma is once again reminded of that. They’ve never had this, not like this. They had their night in the pub, which was interrupted, and then they were forced to share space on the ship. Here, Killian has only come to bed for sex, and then he’s moved to his own space.

This is foreign, especially as Emma rolls over to face Killian and finds him already looking at her with his hand reaching out for her hip underneath the covers.

“The night we first slept together,” Emma begins, “why’d you have to get that gun that night?”

He slowly blinks. “Rob needed it the next day for a job, and it wouldn’t have been smart to go digging in graveyards in the daylight.”

“What was the job?”

Killian raises his brow. “Someone made an attempt on his lady’s life, and he needed to take care of it. I was the only one who knew the location of the guns, so it had to be me who retrieved it.”

Emma nods and moves an inch closer as Killian’s thumb traces circles on her hip. “Will you tell me more? About everything? As if I was one of your brothers and in the inner circle?”

Killian huffs and squeezes her hip. “You are certainly not one of my brothers, and thank fuck for that.”

“So crude,” Emma laughs.

“I’ve never claimed to be otherwise. My life isn’t pretty. Are you sure you want to hear it all?”

“No secrets,” Emma repeats. “That’s what I want. Keeping them has gotten us nowhere.”

So, he tells her. He tells her of how his family has been in the business for generations. They used to be wealthier, but they fell apart under his grandfather’s guidance. His father, who Killian holds no affection for, was ruthless and his ruthlessness elevated the Jones Corporation to the levels it once held in the past. He made the relationships with the coppers, figured out how to hide illegal dealings in legal ones, and it is with all of his teachings that Killian learned everything he knows.

It is with Killian’s hatred of him that Killian has learned to do everything better than his father.

It is his love of his mum that kept Killian from living his entire life in the pursuit of money and revenge. After he lost Milah, all he wanted was revenge on Gold and every person who had done him wrong, but then the War happened and Killian saw more evil in the world than he had ever seen before. It changed him, and while violence is still necessary in his line or work, he does everything he can to avoid it or minimize the carnage.

Killian tells her so much of everything she’s never heard before, and as each minute passes, the man in front of her changes, a chameleon that she is attempting to keep up with.

She does the same.

She tells him everything she can think to tell in the dark of night when sleep is creeping into the edges of her eyes, and she knows in the morning she won’t remember each word she utters and each story she tells. But in the morning her heart will be lighter, and maybe, just maybe, she and Killian can be lighter too.

For good this time, with all of the trust they did not have when exchanging stories on the ship.

-/-

He drives her across the city in the morning, not telling her the destination, but she recognizes Harlem and the way it differs from Fifth Avenue almost immediately. The buildings are smaller, not as luxurious, the people are more diverse, and the streets are filled with children playing and more street performers than in the main parts of Manhattan.

It is more like what Emma is used to, and it creates a stark divide between the wealthy and the normal.

She imagines she would like to live here more than in the Nolans’ flat.

“Was that Lee?” Emma asks as they drive past a small block of apartments. “Isn’t he supposed to be in classes?”

“He gets time off, and the lass he fancies lives here. That is not what I’m trying to show you no matter how interesting the lad’s love life may be.”

What he is trying to show her is an empty café, the black and white tile work half done but no one around to finish it. Despite the obviously new tile, it looks abandoned. “What is this place?”

Killian takes her hand, interlacing their fingers, and walks her through the café and toward the back wall. He presses against it. There’s a click, and then the wall is sliding open. Killian guides her through the hidden door, which makes her heart ache for the My Fairest Lady back home, and then they’re walking down a hallway and down a set of stairs until they’re in what looks like a combination of a pub and a dance hall. It’s darker and full of stained wood, and the lights are dim. There are no windows, but she does see several doors behind curtains and counters.

“Killian – ” Emma begins as he turns on more lights. “Killian, please tell me this isn’t what I think it is.”

He turns to her and flashes his trademark smile, the one that could get her to do anything without a word muttered from his lips. “It’s a speakeasy.”

They’ve been popping up across the city ever since the ban on liquor was announced, and she should have known this is what Killian has been doing.

Emma shakes her head. “You’re a scoundrel.”

“Dashing rapscallion. I prefer that.” He winks and takes both of her hands in his. “I don’t know how long we’re going to be here. I’ve wired and written Liam and Will, and they both say they’ve heard whispers of Gold searching for me, for us. Liam is staying in France for a longer time to protect Elsa. Will and Rob are taking care of the businesses. I don’t have everything figured out yet, but I thought we should make the best of our time here.”

“You’re going to get arrested. You don’t have the coppers in your pockets here. Do you know what you’re doing?”

“This is who I am, Emma. This is what I do. I find ways to maneuver around the bloody system when I can. I know many a lass expects a man to change and become softer when he falls in love, but I do not want to give up who I am.”

“I would never ask you to do that.”

“Then trust me,” he insists, cocking his head and smiling, a real, genuine smile this time. “I know what I’m doing, and this is an opportunity for me, for us. If I don’t do it, someone else will. You can help me. You can be by my side, fully this time. It’ll be similar to how I ran things back home.”

“That nearly got you killed.”

“I don’t think a spy is going to maneuver her way into my life and seduce me.”

Emma tilts her head back with laughter. “She better not.”

Killian tugs her closer until they’re pressed together, and he glides his lips over hers as his hand slides down her back and rests in the dip. He’s gentle and demanding all at once, and he could convince her of anything with one kiss.

One kiss, one smile, one turn of phrase.

“We make quite the team, love.”

“We’ll have to see about that.”

-/-

Over the next few weeks and months, Emma watches as Killian works his magic on this place. Out front, construction continues on the café, a place that will sell sandwiches, sweets, tea, and coffee at a quick pace to compete with other cafes, and in the hidden halls behind and below, the dark room is finished and transformed into a pub that Emma would have wandered into in England with little question. It’s beautiful, and when it’s full of people and records are at full blast, Emma can feel the life vibrating through her skin.

New York City is unlike any place she’s ever been before, more alive than any place else, but hidden in the back of a café with Killian’s arm around her waist and a drink in her hand as people dance around her, Emma knows that she partially feels that way because of the man she’s with.

He brings out color in things that are black and white, and she could dance and laugh with him forever.

The money comes in like nothing she’s ever seen, and Liam brings in barrels of rum and whiskey from England. It’s a coordinated effort that nearly goes awry at the port, but they manage it. For a week, Liam, Lee, and Killian are reunited, and since Liam brought Elsa, Emma takes her to meet Mary Margaret, who insists on taking them shopping and to get their hair done before they dine in a park, the new spring flowers beginning to bloom. Mary Margaret and David have no idea as to what goes on behind the scenes of one of their businesses, and Emma hopes they never do. She’s grown overly fond of the couple, and they’re good people. She doesn’t like taking advantage of that kindness, and after much warring in her heart, she’s decided that she won’t tell them about any of it. Their ignorance is for their safety.

That isn’t a thought she has too often, though. She’s too busy helping Killian by making sure everything runs smoothly. Every day more people come to their speakeasy. Lately, it’s been full of singers and actors who are in the pictures and on Broadway, and Emma knows they’re gaining a reputation as one of the best places for drinks and music. As good as business is, that also comes with its own dangers. With more notoriety comes more of a chance of the coppers finding out, but with his impossible charm, Killian has managed to get them in his pocket as well. It hasn’t been easy, and there have been times when she’s not sure Killian is going to return to their bed at night.

He always does, laying a kiss on her cheek before he falls into a slumber right before the sunrise.

Elsa and Liam return back to Europe after a wonderful week, taking Lee with them after his schooling period finishes, but Emma and Killian don’t join them on their return. Rumors of Gold run rampant through Birmingham. Few have seen him, but Liam told Killian yet again that the threat on his life is still prominent. It would be better to stay until they can locate Gold and take care of their problem. Liam looked at Emma with disgust when he said it, like every danger toward Killian was her own fault, but she knows that Gold’s history with Killian predates Emma. His deciding to murder Killian, however, does not, and she never allows that to slip from her mind. Emma doesn’t think Liam likes her much, likely thinks her too much trouble, and she wouldn’t disagree.

She never was too fond of Liam, but after he assures her that her son is safe with his parents living life completely unaware of his birth mother’s troubles, she thinks she has never loved anyone more.

She won't let anything bad happen to that child. She wouldn’t be able to live with herself.

When Mary Margaret announces she’s pregnant in May, Killian makes the decision that he and Emma are going to move to their own place. The Nolans insist that they stay. They like having them around, but it truly is the best for them to find their own home. Emma promises that she will see Mary Margaret every week and that she will be sure to shower her baby with all of the finest things.

“Are you two thinking about children?” Mary Margaret asks as she cradles her bump. “You would be a wonderful mother, Emma.”

“Maybe someday,” Emma insists, trying to keep her voice steady when it wants to waver. “Maybe someday.”

Killian takes her hand, warm palm over the cool metal of her ring, and squeezes before guiding her out of the Nolans’ apartment and to the car that’s waiting to take them to their new home, a brownstone away from Fifth Avenue but still close enough that Emma can easily walk everywhere she needs to go.

Their furniture has already been placed, food stocked in the cupboard and the icebox, and while now would usually be the time for them both to go to the café, Killian assures her that someone else is taking care of it for the night. They can take the night off to relax into their new home and make it theirs.

Emma quickly learns what he means by that when his hand cups the back of her head as he pushes her into the door. She laughs into the kiss as Killian murmurs filthy words, but soon she’s breathless. Each touch, each whisper, each kiss builds her higher, and by the time they’re in their bed and stripped out of their clothes, Emma is dizzy in the desire for it all.

As she moves above him, each thrust of his hips and movement of hers bringing them closer, all Emma can think about is how she’s home.

This is her first true one, and it is nothing like any of her dreams told her it would be.

“I love you,” she whispers to Killian as her nails leave red marks on his chest.

“And I you,” he promises, bringing her down to meld their lips together.

-/-

Emma’s staring at the ceiling of her bedroom, soft sheets strewn over half her body, and Killian’s leg is half hooked over hers, his breathing coming down from heavy until she can barely hear it at all. Emma reaches out for him, placing her hand on his chest, and Killian reaches for it and brings it to his lips to kiss.

“Do you like your ring?” he asks.

“Hmmm?”

“Your ring. Do you like it?”

Emma lifts her hand away from Killian’s and moves her fingers, watching the gold and emerald glint in the lamplight. For so long this ring felt foreign on her. It felt like more of a lie than it was, but now, when she takes the ring off to bathe or to clean, it’s as if something is missing from her.

“It’s beautiful.” Emma flips over onto her stomach, her breasts pressing against Killian’s chest, and she props herself up on her elbow to look both at Killian and the ring. “How did you get it so quickly? You left it by the bed so early in the morning. I don’t think any jewelers were open before the sun rose, and you didn’t answer the first time I asked.”

He clicks his tongue and presses his head back to the pillow. His hair is messy from where her hands were running through it, and she can see some of the lines around his eyes and the few that have started to form on his forehead. She realizes now that she has no idea how old he is. He was born in August, but she doesn’t know what year. He asked her about her age, but she never thought to do the same.

“It was my mum’s.”

Emma stops tapping her fingers against his chest and looks at Killian. “What?”

“Your ring was my mum’s. She had it made for herself, and she wore it every day. When she was sick, she gave Liam her wedding ring, and she gave me this one. We were instructed that we were to give the rings to the women we married, and, well…”

Killian arches his brows, as if he wants Emma to fill in the blanks, and Emma drops down and rests her hands on his chest and her chin over her knuckles so her eyes are on the same level as him.

“We’re not married.”

“Aye, but…” Killian tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear, and his left hand finds her back, cool metal running against her skin. “We could be. I could make an honest woman out of you.”

“I think you and I both know neither of us will ever be honest.”

Killian chuckles. “We’re honest with each other, and that’s enough for me.”

Emma’s heart is beating in a faster rhythm than a jazz band, and yet, she feels calm.

She feels steady, and her home is so much more than the four walls around them.

“Would you really want me as your wife? All I seem to do is get you into trouble.”

“Ah, but I love trouble.” His hand slides further down her body and squeezes her arse. “And you only get me into the best kind. So, what do you say, Emma Swan? Would you like to marry me?”

“Yes.”

-/-

They get married a week later in the park near their home. Killian wears a suit that isn’t in his daily rotation and Emma wears a white dress with silver beads sewn into it that she found while walking to the café two days before. It’s simple, intimate, and if Emma is honest with herself, not much changes other than her last name.

Emma likes it that way.

She likes her life.

She loves her husband.

“One round of drinks on the house,” Killian exclaims in the speakeasy that night as a band plays loudly in the background. “But only the one. I’m not made of gold.”

There’s a chorus of cheers around them, and Killian nods to the bartender before wrapping his arm around her waist and pressing his lips to her check, stubble scratching against her skin.

“Well, aren’t you generous?” Emma teases. “What’s the occasion?”

“Married the bloody love of my life today.”

“She sounds wonderful.”

“Aye,” he winks. “The best.” Killian pulls her closer and moves his lips over hers in a dirty kiss. “Most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Most intelligent too.” He kisses her again, then moves to her jaw. “Witty and wild and fierce.”

“Wild?” Emma sighs, tilting her neck back to give him more access.

“You wouldn’t believe the things she gets up to. I hear she had the bollocks to become friendly with gangsters.”

“Who would ever do that?”

“She would.”

Emma laughs and presses her fingers against Killian’s chest, tugging on his jacket sleeves to pull him even closer. “You have a private office here, right?”

He arches his brows. “Aye.”

“You might consider taking me to it.”

“Mrs. Jones, you need only ask.”

She and Killian walk through the crowd of people, stopping to say hello to everyone along the way, before they move past a wall of beads hanging from the ceiling and several doors that lead them to Killian’s back office. It’s filled with files for the speakeasy and from the café, his legitimate and illegitimate businesses combining in one place, and Emma shakes her head when she sees it all. How has he managed to pull this off?

How have they?

The door clicks behind her, several bolts shifting as it locks, and the heat of Killian catches up on her as he moves behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, breathing her in and slowly swaying her. Emma sighs back into him and tilts her head to look at him.

She could get lost in his eyes, and she would willingly throw away the maps.

“Do you remember the song,” Killian begins, “the one you sang in the pub?”

“The one that made you kiss me for the first time?”

“Aye. That would be the one.”

“Of course I remember.”

“Would you mind singing it again?”

Emma laughs and twists around in his arms. She wraps her arms around his neck and continues to sway. “Well, if you insist.”

“I do.”

Emma sighs and rolls her shoulders back, all of the sounds of the outside fading away as she focuses on Killian and the way that he is gently swaying her, their steps only matching up with each other instead of those outside the room.

“In a neat little town they called Belfast, apprentice to trade I was bound. And many an hour's sweet happiness have I spent in that neat little town. A sad misfortune came over me, which caused me to stray from the land. Far away from my friends and relations, betrayed by the black velvet band.”

Killian closes his eyes in the middle of the verse, but his lips tick up in a smile. There’s a flash of white teeth, and Emma leans her head against his shoulder, resting her cheek in a place of comfort, and sings in his ear.

“Her eyes they shone like diamonds. I thought her the queen of the land. And her hair, it hung over her shoulder, tied up with a black velvet band. I took a stroll down Broadway, meaning not long for to stay when who should I meet but this pretty fair maid come a-traipsing along the highway. She was both fair and handsome. Her neck, it was just like a swan. And her hair, it hung over her shoulder tied up with a black velvet band.”

“Do you know how this song ends?” Killian asks.

“She betrays him.”

“I think it’s rather fitting for you and I, but the lyrics would have to change for us.”

“That can be arranged.”

Killian laughs into their kiss, and Emma can feel joy spreading over her body as she melts into it. He is not perfect. Neither is she. They will never be two people who have a white picket fence and no stains on their hearts, but if Emma is honest, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

All she needs is to be happy, and she is.

There’s a sudden bang outside the room, and Emma pulls back from Killian’s lips. His hands tighten on her back, and they still as another bullet is released from a gun.

“Bloody hell.”

“What’s happening?” Emma whispers as Killian moves away from Emma and toward the door, pressing his ear against the wood.

“Fuck,” he hisses. “Fuck. The coppers are here, and I don’t think it’s the ones who enjoy our drinks.”

Emma feels her stomach drop.

“What do we do?”

“We stay here,” Killian says, slow, measured. “Help me move the desk against the door.”

“They’ll hear it scraping.”

“Not if we lift it. There’s too much commotion outside for them to come here first.”

Emma nods and helps Killian move the desk. It’s a heavy oak, and she struggles to keep it from falling to the ground. They get it, along with several filing cabinets, and Emma’s heart pounds as the commotion outside keeps happening. There are several exits for this exact reason, for people to run away if someone snitches on the place, and Emma hopes most everyone is able to leave and run to safety.

She knows that she and Killian are not going to be so lucky. They’ll only have so much time before they’re arrested.

Emma turns to see Killian with a crowbar, and he pulls back a plank of wood siding on the wall. “What are you doing?”

“There’s a tunnel through here,” he explains. “I had it installed when Dave put me in charge of construction on the place.”

“Oh my God, are the Nolans going to be charged for this?”

“No.” Killian shakes his head. “I changed the paperwork. Even though this is connected to them, no one will ever know. And if someone finds out, Mary Margaret’s father has enough power to aid them. Come help me. We’ll only have so much time to get out of here.”

Emma nods and walks toward him, helping to pull away boards until there’s a big enough gap for them to move through. Killian gets down on his knees and goes first, and Emma follows behind him, only a little light available to guide them. Her hands and knees are covered in dirt, and with each passing minute, they become more scraped and bloodied. It stings, but it’s nothing she can’t handle.

Emma doesn’t know how much time passes or how far they travel, but eventually, they come to a stop and Killian kicks against another panel. The sounds of the city come through, pouring rain joining it, and when Killian climbs out first, she can see streetlights. He helps her out, apologizing for making a mess of her dress, and Emma doesn’t have to look down at it to know that it is no longer white and that some of the beads are lost.

“Where are we?”

“A few blocks over. C’mon, love. We have to go.”

They walk through the rain, puddles gathering at their feet and water soaking through their hair and their clothes. Killian attempts to shield her with his jacket, but it does no good. She is already a drowned rat, and she might as well accept it. They can’t go back, can’t see what’s happening in the place they’ve put so much of their heart into, so they go home.

Nothing about it feels right.

“Aren’t they going to come looking for you here?”

“I’m Mr. Jones to everyone there. No one knows my first name. No one knows anything about us. We should be safe for now, but I’ll have business to attend to. We may need to leave for awhile, possibly return to England to keep me from ending up behind bars.”

Emma stills then slips off her heels. “What will we do with everything here?”

“Save it for us to return. We can make a home in whatever place we desire. The options are there for us, sweetheart.”

Emma reaches up and squeezes the water out of her hair as Killian undoes some more buttons on his shirt, his hair dark with water on his chest. “What about Gold? You remember what Liam said? He’s looking for you, Killian. He’s looking for us.”

“I am not scared of that crocodile of a man,” Killian seethes. “He is a coward who has others do his work for him.”

“Are you not a coward, Mr. Jones? Running away with your mistress to America and then running back to England when your threads are pulled?”

Gooseflesh rises on every inch of Emma’s skin, and ice runs down her veins. She knows that voice. It haunts her nightmares and her waking hours, and she thought she’d washed the grime from him away. She thought he was gone, that she was safe.

And yet he’s here, in her home, emerging from a dark corner. The silver of his gun appears as lightning flashes outside and thunder joins with it, shaking their home to its bones of wood and brick.

“Killian,” Emma whispers. Her hands are shaking, and she wants to vomit. Her legs are heavy, unmovable, and she watches in horror as Killian’s eyes widen. For the first time, she sees fear there.

“What do you want, Gold?” Killian turns away from her to face Gold, and his shoulders straighten. The tension is obvious through his soaked white shirt, each muscle defined despite the lack of light.

“I want you dead, of course. I’ve come all this way to finish you off for all that you’ve done to me.”

“I did nothing to you.”

“You had my wife.”

“Your wife left you, and you murdered her.” Killian’s voice is even, but she knows he’s raging inside. They don’t talk about Milah often, only on nights when Killian is near drunk and a little melancholy, but Emma knows Killian loved her and she loved him. “That happened years ago. An entire war has been fought since then. You’ve had plenty of opportunity to kill me. You could have shot me while I was walking down the street at any time. I half expected it every time I left my home. What are you getting from this?”

“Getting to see you suffer, of course.” Gold steps closer, his face becoming more illuminated, and though it has only half a year since Emma last saw him, he looks years older. “It was so pleasurable the last time, but you didn’t get your due then. No, no, that comes now.”

All those times Killian suspected that Gold let Killian live because he wanted Killian to suffer from uncertainty were right. That’s exactly what the bastard was doing, but the time of waiting has run out.

Killian’s hand flicks behind him, and she knows he’s trying to subtly reach for his gun. Emma regrets not having any weapons on her. She didn’t think she’d need any today. She didn’t expect this to happen.

Any of it.

The raid of the speakeasy and Gold showing up in their home are connected, and while Emma wants to know how he found them and why he waited until a day that was supposed to be about them celebrating their marriage, she knows none of that matters when he might kill them both.

“It’s so nice to see that the two of you have patched things up,” Gold giggles, maniacal. “I assume this means you know you’ll not be with a blushing virgin tonight, Jones. What a shame for you to have to deal with on your wedding day. Broken goods.”

“Keep your mouth shut about her,” Killian hisses, his hand flinching right over his holster. “This has nothing to do with her.”

Gold clicks his tongue. “That’s where you’re mistaken. It has everything to do with her. You took my wife. Now I think it’s time I took yours. It’ll be so much more satisfying than it was the last time.”

The glass shattering behind her comes to Emma’s attention before she realizes that shots have been fired. She doesn’t know who shot first, where any of the bullets landed, or if Killian is okay. The power has gone out in their home, the rain and the thunder have picked up outside, coating the world in darkness like she has never seen before, and when the lightning comes, she sees flashes of limbs moving. It’s not enough to know where anyone is or what’s happened, and Emma is pulled down to the ground as another bullet soars by her, crashing into a mirror. Emma covers her head and drops fully to the floor, careful not to cut herself on any of the glass.

She should run.

She’s been doing it for her entire life, but she can’t do it now.

She can’t leave Killian behind.

Grunts, groans, and curses mix in with the roar or the thunder and the pounding of the rain, and she sees more flashes of movement, hears more shouting. Killian lets out a loud hiss of pain, and Emma moves closer to where the noise is coming from, trying to find him.

She can’t find him, and her heart starts to pound.

One beat, two beat, three beats too fast until her cheeks are heated and her chest aches in pain.

Killian is still making noise, so he can’t be dead.

He can’t be, he can’t be, he can’t be.

She cannot lose him.

“Emma,” he groans, and she turns. He’s in the corner of the sitting area, his knee clutched to his chest, and there are visible red stains on his fingers and his shirt. “Emma, love, you have to go.”

“I’m not leaving you here.” She moves quickly in an attempt to get to him, to heal whatever has been hurt, but then she’s being yanked back and can feel the barrel of a gun pressing into her temple.

It’s not the first time it’s happened, but she has a sinking feeling it will be the last.

“You should have listened to him, dearie,” Gold whispers in her ear, and that old familiar shiver at the sound of his voice comes back. “Better yet, you should have listened to me and not run away with a dirty gangster.”

“How is that any worse than having to work for a dirty politician?” Emma spits.

“Because with me, you don’t end up dead.”

Not dead but certainly not alive.

Emma hears him cock the gun. She feels him twitch behind her. It’s not enough and too much all at once, and Emma’s hand flexes, blood running across her palm and she takes the shard of glass she’s holding and jams it into Gold’s bad leg. It’s enough for him to fall back in pain, for him to lose his footing and stumble to the ground, and before Emma has a chance to do anything else, a bullet hits Gold.

One that will keep him from ever getting back up.

“Emma, darling,” Killian pants, dropping his gun to the floor. “Emma I need you to come wrap my leg, and I fucking need you to get me my rum. This bastard fucking hurts.”

If she wasn’t too busy crying, Emma would laugh at Killian’s words. Right now, all she wants to do is collapse to the ground, but she can’t. She has to help Killian, so she moves to the kitchen, stumbling over furniture and hoping her bare feet don’t get cut up with glass, and she finds Killian’s rum and some wraps before returning to him. She can’t see, but she thinks there’s a bullet in his thigh, and she already knows he won’t allow her to take her to the hospital for this.

“Are you okay, love?” he asks as he takes a large gulp of rum.

Emma laughs at the ridiculousness of his question. “I’m not the one who got shot.”

“But you could have.”

She yanks on the cloth and starts wrapping it around his leg. She won’t be able to do anything more than stopping the bleeding right now. “I didn’t.”

“I should have been more careful, love. I shouldn’t have allowed myself to get so soft.”

“Killian Jones, never in a million years could that happen to you.” He manages a lopsided smile, but from the way he grits his teeth afterward, she knows it’s taking more effort than he would admit to hide his pain. “Some wedding night, huh?” Emma jokes as she tightens the wrap. If she had been a nurse in the War, she imagines she would have been sent home almost immediately for her shoddy skills.

Killian laughs, this time genuine, and Emma leans forward to press her forehead to his and press her hand over his heart, thankful to feel it beating right along with hers. She can feel his smile pressing into her mouth, and she never wants to lose that feeling. “We’ll get there, my love.”

And they do.

In the morning light and with the help of one of Killian’s bartenders who was actually a nurse in the War, Emma gets Killian back to functional. He struggles walking for awhile and is stubborn enough to act like nothing hurts, but Emma knows him better than that. They know their time in New York is limited with everything that’s happened in the past twenty-four hours, so after packing a few bags and Killian having his men here clean up the mess with instructions to return the house to livable condition as soon as possible, they make themselves look presentable for a few last goodbyes.

Emma buys Mary Margaret baby gifts, and Killian buys a pram to put it all in, his way of thanking them for everything they did that neither Killian nor Emma deserve. They don’t see them, instead leaving a note and promising to come back to visit when the baby is born, and Killian leaves a separate message for David about their work. It’s not the cleanest break, but there’s no way they could allow the Nolans to see them with all of their scrapes and bruises.

It would only break their hearts.

Soon after that, they’re at the harbor, Killian is buying them two tickets back home, and Emma can do nothing more than stare at the ocean, the one that she is ready to cross again when she spent so many months hating it.

Once again, it is her safe haven.

Though, she may have found another one, a man whose eyes mirror the ocean and consume her all the same.

Killian grunts as he sits down on the bench beside her. She takes his hand in hers and squeezes, wishing she could take some of the pain away. It won’t last forever, and soon, his scars will be another mark on his body, another story to be told. If Killian tells the story, she imagines he will embellish every detail. The thought makes her smile even as the cuts on her own two hands sting when they are hit with the mist of the salt water.

“I don’t want to run away again,” Emma admits. “I know we’ll never be traditional, but I’d like to stay in one place and be surrounded by our family. I think it’s time you took back your rightful place as the head of the Jones Corporation in Birmingham. For good.”

“As long as I have you by my side.”

“Always.”

-/-

tag list: @qualitycoffeethings @mrtinski @klynn-stormz @scarletslippers @jonirobinson64 @snowbellewells @therealstartraveller776 @thejollyroger-writer @sherifemma @galaxyzxstark @galadriel26 @idristardis @karenfrommisthaven @teamhook @spartanguard @searchingwardrobes @jamif @shireness-says @ultimiflos @nikkiemms @onepunintendid @bluewildcatfanatic @superchocovian @killianswannn @carpedzem @captainkillianswanjones @mayquita @mariakov81 @jennjenn615 @onceuponaprincessworld @a-faekindagirl @scientificapricot @xellewoods @ultraluckycatnd @stahlop @kmomof4 @tiganasummertree @singersdd @tornadoamy @cluttermind @lfh1226-linda @andiirivera @itsfabianadocarmo @captain-emmajones @ilovemesomekillianjones @capthamm

#black velvet #black velvet part two #cs fic #cs ff #cs fanfic #captain swan fic #captain swan ff #captain swan fanfic #captain swan

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sanzu-sanzu-sanzu · 3 years ago

Note

Ok so I had a really weird nightmare and you're the first person I thought of when I woke up so I NEED to tell you about it. It's kinda long lol.

In this nightmare I didn't live where I currently do and I wasn't with my sister but with my boyfriend (he absolutely doesn't exist and we'll call him X since I don't know his name). And it's so weird cuz I remember everything about this place and when I say everything it's e.ve.ry.thing like how the rooms were placed and even all the decorations. I drew it so it'd be easier to explain.

(architects better watch out for their jobs lol)

Anyways, a lot of weird things happened like things would move by themselves like not in front of my eyes but for example at one point in my dream I put my bag in the kitchen and then I found it in the bedroom. And anyways it was things like that but also I would hear myself like videos of me and X and the first thing I thought was someone broke into my place and robbed some videos and I was so sure they came from the door behind the bed (the little circle). This door was scary af cuz even if it was just next to the kitchen, it was another entrance door like when you opened it you'd see the hall. But then I thought that it was impossible cuz the only videos we had were either on my phone or X's phone. So the only thing possible was that this person recorded us themselve it wasn't anything weird most of the audios were just both of us talking but it was scary af to think that someone knows almost everything about your life like that and I'm so sure they came from that weird door. Anyways X wouldn't believe me, he'd even make fun of me and idk why but one of my sisters was there and she understood why I was afraid while he really didn't. And one moment the switch of the kitchen started to melt just like that by itself and there were water drops coming from the light and because of that some things started to catch fire and X was trying to save any pieces he could and I was like wtf how can you still not believe me after that ? This mf had a horror movie father behaviour lmao not believing shit telling his wife it's all in her head. Anyways he managed to stop the fire on time and idk what happened but I suddenly found myself in a BIG VERY BIG school. Like yk a school for rich ppl I was the only mid-class there and I'm pretty sure I was considered poor af but anyways I don't remember all the details but the students would die one by one and for very very stupid reasons like crossing the road when they're not supposed to and we'd scream "don't don't there's a car" but they wouldn't hear and I know they weren't killing themselves and that's when I understood that I was in fact the problem.

Then I found myself (suddenly again) in my bed and I was sleeping and I had a sleep paralysis (still in my nightmare) I felt something around my neck and something like caging me on either sides of my hips and I could barely open my eyes and it was all blurry and the only thing I could make out was a tall shape/shadow in front of the bed and I didn't know if it was X or some sort of demon but I'm pretty sure it was the latter lol. And ik that when you have a sleep paralysis you can't move anything but in my dream I could move my fist so I started to bang on the wall behind me and I wanted to scream but I couldn't.

Then I woke up banging the wall next to me crying lmao.

I've been having nightmares almost every night for a while now sometimes I remember them clearly sometimes I remember just a few things like just the main "plot" and if they're not nightmares they're weird or stressful dreams so you'll be served 😂

oh my god. that is one WILD dream 😭 the thing with the videos is legit terrifying it's like one of those yk those stories of people finding out that there's someone who's been living in their closet (or like, inside the walls) this whole time and taking vids of them n shit? creepy behavior man i can't stand that 😭 the things catching fire are so weird, too?? and, honestly, idk which one's freakier: the house having secret actual human occupants, or a poltergeist............. and, of course, the horror movie boyfriend has to be a gaslighter and everything 🙃 MEN

also the fact that you really remembered the entire layout of the house is both creepy and interesting lmao dreams (and the way our minds work when it comes to dreaming) are interesting huhhh. it's like you were watching a movie with the cam zooming in and out and all, that's cool.

the thing about the school & students dying weirdly is soooo weird it makes me smile hahahaha 😭 i'm sorry it's slightly funny....the crossing the road bit bc they couldn't hear the warning huhuhu

and o h my god.....sleep paralysis stories always freak me out ☹️ though this one was happening in the dream, right? still, just any headspace where you're trapped/unable to breathe or move is fucking scary as hell and huhuhu i'm sorry you had to dream something like that.......the shadow/demon....god, you're supposed to feel safe in your bed!!

i'm all for bizarre and very senseless dreams, really, like i love the weirdness of all of it 😭 but nightmares are just sad and exhausting huhuhu and i'm so sorry you've been having those lately. i hope you feel better now, or that you at least had someone in the house with you when you woke up, or if not then at least sharing this to someone had made u feel less alone or sumth huhu (actually, i hope recounting this wasn't so distressful on your part!!)

thank u for sharing and remembering meee. i wish you no nightmares tonight and in all your nights.

#sanzusbestie✦#anri 💌

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jawritter · 5 years ago

Text

Broken Me...

CH. 1

Summery: The Dallas Convention couldn't have come at a worse time for Jensen. His world fell apart earlier that morning, but was expected to just act like everything was normal. You and a friend were at the convention for her birthday. Life hasn't been that great for you either, but a forced meeting on stage changes two worlds. Will you be able to put this broken man back together again...

Series Warings: Cheating, shitty marriage, Danneel is a bitch, I unfortunatley have to put that as a warning because some people tend to get turnt up about it if you don’t... Smut, Crying, Suiside Attempt, brief discription of suicide attempt and recovery, depression, hints of self loathing, language. I think that’s it... Suicide Trigger warnings will be placed over each chapter!

Chapter Warnings: Cheating Danneel, Depressed Jensen, Emotionally hurt Jensen, Language, I think that’s it...

pairing: Jensen Ackles x Reader

Word Count: 1797

A/N: BINGE READ TIME!! As always all mistakes are mine! Please do not copy my work! Feedback is gold!! Hope you all enjoy this one!!

Want More? Check out my masterlist!!

****MASTERLIST****

Jensen pov:

"Yeah I'm well aware this is partly my fault Danneel there's no reason to drive the point home, but I wasn't the one fucking one of my employees was I?"

Jensen was reeling, he couldn’t believe this was happening, he couldn’t believe what he had seen, it all felt just, not real...Like some strange out of body experience or nightmare that he just couldn’t wake up from..

Then as if to add insult to injury, here she was on the phone with him, trying to make it out like this was all HIS fault...

Like he was the one bouncing on the dudes dick when she came home from work, and not the other way around.

He just wanted to see his family, his kids, his wife, maybe even play with the God damn dog a little before leaving for the hotel before the convention started tonight. You would have never convinced him of what he was going to find when he walked through that front door the way he did today, not in a million years.

The raw and unforgiving reality of it though was that it was real, he saw it with his own eyes, and just like that, his marriage was over. It was almost too much for him to take all at once, and the longer he heard her make one excuse right after the other to try and play the victim, instead of the cheating whore that she was, the more angry he got...

"All that time I was gone you weren't the only one that was lonely!! You weren't the only one who wanted to be close to someone!! I WANTED TO BE CLOSE TO YOU!! I HAD MY DAMN PICK OF ANYONE I WANTED!! I SPENT WEEKS PLANNING THIS TRIP SO I CAN HAVE JUST A FEW HOURS WITH YOU!! I'M DONE DANNEEL WE'RE DONE!!"

Hanging up the phone before he could say anything he might regret, or anything she might be able to use against him in court, Jensen threw his phone across the room onto the hotel bed and shoved his hands into his hair, trying to get a hold of his frustration.

He started trying to talk it out with her, he really did, but the longer he was on the phone with her, the more his temper got the best of him. By the time he got off the phone with her, his face was red, and he had a knot in his stomach that made him feel like he wanted to vomit, and he was pretty sure that his blood pressure was at stroke level the whole time driving from Austin to Dallas…

He only had about three hours to get myself together before the rest of the cast and crew would arrive to get their rooms, and start the convention…

He was supposed to perform tonight for the Saturday nights special like he always did… So he had to get himself together before that started, and he had to take the stage in front of all those fans..

Thank God the hotel staff let him check in early. So he didn’t have to go to his parents to face them, or drive around Dallas for three hours because he was in no shape to be driving around right now.

Jensen didn’t have time to get drunk before the show tonight, or to sober up in time for it to start anyway, so he paced around his room trying to control his rapidly beating heart rate. Because right now he either felt like he was having a heart attack, panic attack, or both…

His mind was reeling with questions.

“How could she do this to me? I made sure she wanted for nothing. I loved and supported her the only way I could. I don't understand why she did this. I was faithful, even when I had every opportunity not to be I was faithful. This isn’t fair. Did she ever love me at all?”

A knock on the door disturbs him from my thoughts, and he glared at it a moment, thinking about ignoring it until he heard Jared yelling through the door.

"Hey J!! Are you there? I got here a little early, and they said downstairs that you were already here!! Let's get a drink before everyone else gets here!!"

A drink did sound pretty good, and if there was any he trusted it was Jared. He'd known Jensen the at his worst, and at his best, and he was always there when he needed him.

He had a right to know what happened.

Jensen grabbed his hat and shades before walking to the door, leaving his phone on the bed, he didn’t want to talk to Danneel anymore, he’d said everything he had to say, and if anyone wanted to find him that bad they usually called Jared.

Steading his nerves before he opened the door to join Jared for drinks he couldn’t help but feel like this was going to be a long convention.

.....................................

Your POV:

"Come on Y/n!! Put that damn guitar down!! The concert starts in one hour, and I want a good seat!!" Y/f/n yells at you from the hotel bathroom.

Rolling your eyes you sit your guitar back into its case, and put it in the closet so that housekeeping or whatever wouldn’t just see it laying around and take it.

It was your most prized possessions...

Music was your life...

It's what kept you going, what got you out of bed in the morning, and the last thing you thought about before you went to bed at night.

Most importantly it was there for you when no one else was… That much you had learned the hard way…

"Don't you think getting there an hour early is a little extreme?" You complain, turning around and checking your makeup in the mirror and grabbing your phone, and slipping it into your back pocket.

"Look you have no idea how crazy these people are that come to these cons, and I want to be so close to the stage I get sprayed with spit when Rob starts to sing." She says matter of factly, pulling her purse over her shoulder, and meeting you by the front door.

"Yeah because that's what a totally sane person would say about their seating arrangements." You mumble, rolling your eyes and shaking your head as you open the door.

The girl had it bad for Rob, which honestly was a nice chance, most girls were here for Jared, Jensen, or Misha..

You were more interested in seeing Jensen tonight yourself. The way his voice washed over you when he sang! Ugh there's nothing else in this world like it. It always rolled over you like honey, but burned slow, like a shot of the best top shelf whisky..The man wasn't human.

He was a damn God, and deserves to be treated as such.

The two of you rode the elevator to the first floor laughing, and talking about music. There were two guys in the elevator when you two got on, but you didn’t really pay them any mind. One of them smelled like he'd had more than one drink, and they both seemed to be trying to blend into the back wall of the elevator, not wanting to talk to the two of you.

"If they call for a fan to come up on stage tonight you should totally go sing with Jensen." She said, elbowing you in the ribs. Eating herself the best bitchface you could muster.

"No way dude, I'd never get past the first line. I'd freak out, and make myself look like a complete, and total idiot.."

The shorter one of the men in the elevator smirked at the ground at your conversation. There was something familiar about that smirk........

You were about to tell him it was rude to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations, when your friend spoke up again..

"Come on Y/n for my birthday PLEASE!!" She begged, giving you puppy dog eyes worthy of Sam Winchester.

"No way. He's not gonna want to sing with someone like me.” You say, trying to brush her off..

“What would you even want us to sing?"

The two of you exited the elevator, and you had all but forgotten about the two men following you just in ear shot.

"Hmm.... I don't Know........ How about.... Picture, by kid rock and Sheryl Crow." She said, all but bouncing as you joined the already forming line outside the doors leading into the hall where they were about to have the concert.

She loved that song, even though it was overplayed and overdone.

"That song is so damn old Google probably can't even find the lyrics to it anymore." You tease her.

She just rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out at you.

“It’s my birthday, so I pick the song! I didn’t say you’d have to like it”

The doors were opened before long, and the two of you made your way through the doors into the large room the concert was being held in. Leaving early had paid off. You were center stage, front row. Thanks to your friend’s media pass and gold tickets too, but you weren’t going to point that out.

Y/f/n was jumping up and down in her seat with excitement, and you just couldn’t burst her bubble.

"Did you see those two guys that were in the elevator with us?" You asked, as the two of you watched the other fans filter into the room.

The smile that one guy did sure did look familiar. You wished you could have gotten a better look at his face better, but they were both wearing shades and ball caps; keeping their heads down like they didn’t want to be bothered, and you didn’t want to stare at them, and make them feel uncomfortable..

"Yeah I saw them, probably just two dudes here with their girlfriends." she says shrugging you off as she sets up her camera for tonight. You don’t know why you cared so much, not like it mattered anyway who they were, or why they were here, there were a lot of strange people that went to these conventions, and they probably were here with their girlfriends, but still that smirk…

You shoved the thought of the two strangers in the elevator aside, you were about to see “The Jensen Ackles” sing. Honestly if you could have known you were going to die when he walked off stage.

You'd die happy.

Just cause you were that close to that beautifully sculpted, almost inhuman body, and voice that could melt you like butter.

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

Tag List: @deanwanddamons @screechingartisancashbailiff @thecreatiivecorner @aflamboyanceofgays @imabitch4jensen @rvgrsbrns @bi-danvers0 @onethirstyunicorn @i-love-superhero @akshi8278 @alanegaming @magssteenkamp @lemondropirwin @squirrelnotsam @hobby27 @spnbaby-67 @mrsjenniferwinchester @defenderrosetyler

Binge Tag:

@sarahbaker2010

#jensen ackles #jensen ackles fanfiction #jensen ackles fanfic #jensen ackles series #jensen ackles x you #jensen ackles x reader #jensen x reader #jensen ackles smut #hurt!jensen #suicidal fic #dark fic #hurt!comfort fic #spn fanfiction #spn fic #x reader inserts #jawritter

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leverage-ot3 · 5 years ago

Text

notable moments from The Bank Shot Job

leverage 1.05

I decided I’m also going to start highlighting meta material in these posts for reference reasons (like for fics, headcanons, meta, etc)

I’m colorcoading by what character the meta pertains to btw

Clerk: Hello, Judge Roy.

Judge Roy: [slaps her ass] Hey, sweetheart.

Frank: Can I help you, your honor?

Judge Roy: Yes, Fred. Her phone number?

Frank: It's Frank. And she's 19, sir.

Judge Roy: That's too bad. She got a younger sister

diSgUsTiNG

- - - - -

Hardison: No. No more. We gotta talk to Nate. No more rip deals. They take too damn long.

Parker (ripping paper): That's why they're called "Rip Deals". You have to convince them they're getting a deal before you can rip them off.

Hardison: Two weeks. Two weeks sleeping in crappy hotels. Two weeks eating in crappy diners. Two weeks having my soul sucked dry. It's 107 degrees. Who lives where it's 107 degrees?

Parker: Juan's not so bad. I kinda like this town

I wanna see that domestic shit of them sharing hotel rooms and eating the continental breakfasts and dingy diners and everything about them living in rundown hotels for two weeks

- - - - -

Hardison: You know, I had to retask two satellites just to get a lousy internet connection. Took more than an hour to torrent the last episode of Doctor Who.

Parker: Hey! Illegal downloading's wrong. (lights paper on fire in trash can)

that’s it. that’s their relationship.

- - - - -

Hardison: How we coming on the breakdown?

Eliot (loading truck elsewhere): Fake addresses are shut down. Post office boxes are closed. The phones are cleared. Five more minutes, we never existed

bruh those props ??? I wish I had a screenshot but wtf where they DOING for the con ???

- - - - -

Hardison: Want me to call the Delgado family, tell them the news?

Eliot: Nah. Soon as I clear county line I want to do it. I just wish we could do more than bankrupt that corrupt son of a bitch

eliot is so good you guys im-

- - - - -

Nate: Get out. Now.

Hardison: Is he talking to us?

Parker: An unmarked van parked across the street from a bank that's being robbed? Yeah. I think he's talking to us.

Hardison: Yeah, well, five more feet and he would have been in the clear. What the hell was he thinking?

Parker: Don't be an idiot, Hardison.

Hardison: What?

Parker: Sophie was still in there

parker knows nate loves sophie and would never leave her behind because she may not always get people, but even she can see how much nate cares for sophie

- - - - -

Derrick: Everyone empty your pockets. Wallets, purses, watches, everything you've got, throw it over here.

(everyone throwing stuff to center of floor)

nate threw his fucking toothpick

- - - - -

Deputy Arnold: No, right here, right here, and we need ...

(Eliot crosses police line)

Deputy Arnold: Whoa, whoa, I need you to take a step back, sir.

Eliot: Tell me what's going on in there.

Deputy Arnold: I'm afraid I can't do that, this is an active crime scene, and you need to ...

Eliot: (to cop) I'm not talking to you. (to Nate) How many are there?

Nate: Yeah, you're right. Clearly amateurs, these two. Yeah. The younger one, looks like he's never handled a gun before.

Eliot: Is judge blow-hard next to you?

Nate: Yeah, uh-huh. Yeah, definitely amateurs, That's what makes them so dangerous.

Eliot: Alright, 2 guys, both armed, neither one a criminal mastermind. You want me in there?

Deputy Arnold: Sir, we can't have you going inside the bank ...

Nate: Probably, uh, a good idea just to sit tight, don't you think? You know, and see where these guys' heads are

at, you know?

Eliot (backing away): Alright, your call boss.

Deputy Arnold: Thank you

poor deputy arnold + eliot being done with local law enforcement

- - - - -

Sophie: Okay. So what is the plan, Stan

“what’s the plan, stan” adorable.

- - - - -

(Eliot leans against a building across the street and watches Hardison and Parker pull up in a sedan)

Eliot: Nice ride.

Parker (taking notebook and removing badges): It's embarrassing. Everyone knows you don't rob a bank without an exit strategy. These two deserve to get caught. 42 seconds. (tosses notebook back to Eliot)

Hardison: What?

Parker: To rob this bank. One security guard who has never fired his gun before, 2 closed-circiut cameras outside, 1 inside, and a Glen-Reader safe built in the 50's whose default combination is the birth date of the manager's wife! Get in, get out, 42 seconds.

Hardison: Seriously

parker was so angry that she chucked the binder at eliot and he was like ??? we good ???

- - - - -

Hardison: Seriously? (to Bill) I'm Agent Leonard. This is Agent Elmore. We'll be taking over this crime scene,

Sheriff ...

Bill: Bill Hastings. Nice to meet you. You guys sure are quick, just called this in 20 minutes ago.

Hardison: Well, we were coming back from a little border skirmish. Patrol unit came under attack from a pack of Chupacabras.

Bill: Chupacabras? I thought those things were urban legend.

Hardison: You're adorable

I love it when hardison fucks with people it’s hilarious

- - - - -

Hardison: Whoa, what's going on?

Bill: Cut power to the bank. Standard operating procedure.

Hardison: Standard ... it's standard op ... it's standard? Where do you getting that bull-hockey from son?

Bill: Deputy Arnold, he took a seminar in crisis management last year.

Deputy Arnold: It was an online seminar. We got certificates.

Hardison: Certificates? Magic kits come with certificates. Does that make it cool for kids to saw their parents in half?

Bill: We're just going by the book.

Hardison: The ... the book? The book got a good man killed. I can't ... my blood pressure.

Parker: Ex-partner. Probably shouldn't mention the book again. Or propellers.

parker is doing so well with grifting considering and I’m so proud of her

- - - - -

Sophie: They are not cops, I promise you, they're friends of mine, you can trust them.

Derrick: Why should I trust you? I don't know who you are.

Sophie: I am a thief.

Derrick: Okay, I'm not sure what to do with that.

that’s it guys. that’s the show.

- - - - -

Nate: I didn't say it was going to be easy. But nothing's impossible, especially when you have the world's greatest thief on your payroll. Parker, have you ever robbed a bank that's being robbed?

Parker: There's a first time for everything.

her SMILE YOUR HONOR

- - - - -

Parker: The bank was built before 1980, before computers. Means it's got a larger than normal night deposit chute.

Hardison: 'Cause business had to drop off ledgers with their daily hauls. What, you thought my genius was only limited to ones and zeroes?

Parker: I'm thinking the chute's my way in. Only problem is, it's in the alley on this side of the building

the way she looks at hardison like damn boy you know my stuff

- - - - -

Hardison: I can take care of that, but, we actually have bigger problems.

Eliot: What's that?

Hardison: Well, Sheriff Coltrane over here called the FBI, the real FBI. Now the closes office is in San Diego, so they should be here, in about, um, give it 45 minutes.

Nate: We can't worry about that now.

Hardison: When do we worry about it?

Nate: In about 45 minutes

hardison, internally: lord give me strength

- - - - -

Hardison: Hold on ... Excuse me. (answers phone) Agent Leonard. We will do whatever you need us to do, just please, don't hurt anybody. Okay. (hangs up) Guys ... Boys, boys, come on, gather 'round. Now boys, that was THE call. The call we were waiting for. Now look, they have a list of demands. First off, they want 12 large pizzas. One cheese, one Hawaiian, extra pineapple. Two pepperoni and black olives, two meat lover's, t ... Seriously? Nobody's writing this down? Seriously? One triple-shot half-caf vanilla latte, tall,

(Parker goes down alley and opens deposit drop box)

Hardison: …three of the latest copies of the Hall and Oates CD. I know, right? Exciting stuff I didn't know they were coming out with a new one either. We're gonna need steaks. Steaks and a grill. They're trying to tailgate. Okay, they need your overalls, I don't know why. They need some kibbles n' bits, we need an Etch-A-Sketch, somebody in there likes to squiggle okay ... Are we good? Let's go people. Everybody. I need you guys moving. Everybody get out. Go. (hardison points at an officer) You stay. We need to talk about Hall & Oates.

I fucking loved this monologue,,, hardison is VERY GOOD at improvising

- - - - -

(Derrick opens night deposit box)

Parker: Hi.

Derrick (hands her the briefcase): There's a lot of money in there.

Parker: Yeah, I know.

Derrick: My wife's life depends on that money getting where it needs to go.

Parker: I understand. Sometimes bad guys are the only good guys you get

parker’s face softened and you can see that she understood. parker didn’t get people in the beginning of the show, and sure her values and ideas aren’t typical, but she was ALWAYS a good person. she cared and understood what was at risk and she consoled him.

also, this is yet another piece of evidence that parker was the main character all along!!! I’m not gonna go super into it because there are already posts out there about it, but she had three (3) episodes dedicated to her character in season one alone AND had her say what is basically the mission statement of the show here in this scene

- - - - -

Sophie: Things could be worse.

Nate: Worse than me getting shot and you blowing our cover?

Sophie: No, no, you're not gonna lay that crap on me. We wouldn't even be in this mess if you'd just walked out with the cash when you had the chance. I would've been fine.

Nate: I know.

Sophie: Yeah, I can take care of myself. I've been doing it a long time. Since way before I met you. I'm just saying.

Nate: Yeah, you're right.

Sophie: Okay

nate knows sophie is a strong independent woman and that is one of the only things I stan about him lol

- - - - -

Sophie: We lost communication.

Nate: Yeah, we did.

Sophie: Hardison, Parker, and Eliot ...

Nate: That's right, they are on their own. Yup.

they ended up doing great on their own, but also, can we acknowledge what a glow up it was building up to the rundown job ???

- - - - -

(Mom gets out of truck and tries to run)

Meth #2: Where the hell you think you're going, old lady? (pulls mom back) Where the hell you think you're g ...

Eliot (catches Meth #2’s arm): Hey, what smells like crank and screams like a girl? (Takes his gun and breaks his knee)

Meth #2: AAHH!

Eliot (kicks car door closed before Meth #3 can get out, empties the bullets from gun): That's the right answer. (throws gun into car at #3, hits #1 as he approaches) Come on. (fights #1, kicks door shut, beats #1 more, kicks door again) Stay in the car. (beats the hell out of #3 and #1, kneels down near mom and removes her gag)

Mom: Who are you?

Eliot: Well ma'am, we'd be the cavalry.

this entire fight scene always has me ROLLING it’s so funny

also I’m not sure if this should go on the List Of Non-Weapon Objects Eliot Uses As Weapons but eliot DID use the car door in the fight

- - - - -

Sophie: Just let the paramedics take him. The rest of us will stay.

Judge Roy: And give up my leverage

*sophie and nate look at each other*

both, internally: tHATS OUR WORD

- - - - -

Nate: Hey, listen. She's gonna be alright. Everything's gonna be alright

Derrick: Your people ... they're good?

Nate: Yeah. The best.

nate’s smile when he says that??? proud dad alert

- - - - -

Sophie (looking at replay of tape): You're still a geek.

Judge Roy: They're trying to ruin me.

Hardison: Geek power, baby. Stay strong!

in other words: age of the geek, baby

also- kudos to 2008 hardison editing video like that. I can’t do that shit with today’s tech lmao

- - - - -

Bill: Go home now. Bank robbers are in custody, hostages are safe. FBI's got the whole thing wrapped up.

Taggert: Do you have any idea what?

Mcsweeten: Just go with it.

Deputy Arnold: Mr. FBI guys, can you help me here?

Bill: My, my. Look at this. Our local drug boys, both with outstanding warrants. It's incredible.

Taggert: Damn, we're good!

mcsweeten and taggert stumbling onto the leverage crew’s cons and directly profiting off of them is iconic. they have no idea. too pure for this world

- - - - -

Sophie: Hey, thanks Parker.

Parker: Whatever.

Sophie: No. It was an excellent performance.

Parker: Yeah, I think I can act okay when I'm yelling at people and bossing them around.

Sophie: Well, it's a good start.

proud mom!sophie + grifting parker

Nate: Listen, we have to make sure we get the cash to the Delgado family. Ow!

Eliot (tending Nate’s wound): Oh! Settle down. You act like you've never been shot before.

Nate (glances at Sophie): So, uh, pizza boxes, huh?

Hardison: Yeah, I know, I know, You could have done better.

Nate: No, no, no. No I couldn't have.

eliot casually stitching up nate’s wound bc no hospitals but also can we talk about how much nate has to trust eliot to literally operate on him

nate giving praise to hardison ??? rare af I don’t know her

#leverage #the bank shot job #leverage 1.05 #leverage 1x05 #mine #notable moments #leverage season 1 #season 1

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loveisblindfanfictionbka · 4 years ago

Text

Love Is Blind: Chapter Twenty-Four

“Robs, we got a meeting in five minutes,” Beverly stated as she stood beside Robyn’s desk.

“I know. I’m trying to find the vendor file for Albert’s. Question? Did you move some of my stuff off my desk while I was gone?”

“I unpacked that box that was delivered the day your boyfriend came by and moved some of your files to your inbox but that was it.”

“What was in the box anyway?”

“This,” Beverly pointed at a large marble figurine that was now sitting by her phone, “I left the card it came with in your top drawer. I’m surprised you didn’t notice it.”

“I’ve been on Zoom conference calls all day. I haven’t had time to look at my phone. It is beautiful though.”

“It is.”

“Did you read the card?”

“Thought about it but it seemed like a personal gift.”

“Well thank you for your restraint.”

Beverly laughed, “We need to get going to the meeting. I got paper copies of the presentation slides and of the vendor file, we’ll have to find the original later.”

“Works for me.”

Robyn grabbed her iPad and followed Beverly to the conference room.

“Just something for you to always remember me by and to brighten up your desk. Love you. Christopher.”

Robyn smiled as she read the words of the card. Chris got her a just-because gift. And it was expensive as hell, going by the price on the internet when she researched what the figurine was. It was a marble statue in the shape of two non-descript bodies, one male and one female, entwined with each other. She didn’t see one that looked exactly like the one Chris gave her so it seemed to be custom. She picked up her office phone and dialed a number. It rang for a few moments before she heard a voice, “Hello, Professor Brown speaking.”

“Professor Brown? I kind of like the sound of that.”

Chris laughed, “Hey Baby. What’s going on?”

“Nothing much. I just wanted to check on you. How are you?”

“I’m good. Getting back into the swing of things.”

“Regretting teaching for the summer yet?”

“Actually no. I got a pretty good set of students this summer. I’m happy about that.”

“That’s great but I wanted to thank you for my gift.”

“You finally opened the box?”

“The day you came over for lunch, I completely forgot about it. Bev unpacked it while we were in Pennsylvania. Why didn’t you say anything about it?”

“Because it was a gift, I didn’t want to assume you opened it already and then ruin the surprise.”

“I guess. Is it custom?”

“It’s one of a kind but I didn’t have it specially made. The artist doesn’t do mass production.”

“Well it’s beautiful. What made you pick that one?”

“It just seemed like something you would like. Was I right?”

“Very right. What you up to right now?”

“Just finishing up a lesson plan. Why?”

“You gonna be in your office for a while?”

“Maybe a few more hours. I got office hours this afternoon.”

“Cool.”

“What are you up to?”

“Nothing. Just wondering.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. Well I just wanted to thank you for my gift. I gotta finish up this proposal and take a nap.”

“You’ve been doing ok with working your normal hours?”

“As long as I sneak a nap in, I’m good.”

“Alright Baby. Finish your work and get some rest, I’ll see you at home.”

“Ok. Love you.”

“I love you too, Baby. Bye.”

“Bye.”

They hung up. Robyn glanced at the clock then looked down at the proposal on her desk, “that can wait until tomorrow.”

She logged into her computer system and pulled up the online order form for her favorite restaurant.

“Somehow I just knew you were gonna pull up on me,” Chris said as he opened his office door. He took the large cloth bag from Robyn’s hand as he leaned in to kiss her.

“I wasn’t going to but then I said what the hell, I haven’t seen your office yet.”

“You haven't?”

“Nope.”

“That’s crazy. I thought I brought you here before but regardless, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too. I needed to get out of the office.”

“Tough day.”

“Long day. I was gonna just take a nap and get back at it but I decided to just take the rest of the day off.”

“My couch is very comfy if you wanna stay and still take your nap.”

“I’m not trying to crowd your space, I just wanted to bring you something to eat for a change.”

“I like you in my space though.”

Robyn playfully rolled her eyes as she sat on the edge of his desk, “so what’s the lesson for the week?”

“We are working on basic scales on the piano. This is my beginner’s Piano class that I’m teaching this summer.”

“You teaching composition classes?”

“Not this summer. I didn’t want to teach anything too complex. Beginner’s Piano lets me relax a bit because if I don’t want to teach, teach, I can always give them practice notes and they can do that in lieu of class.”

“Ah, good thinking.”

“I have good ideas sometimes.”

Robyn chuckled, “so when are you gonna play for me again? It’s been a long time actually.”

“Well after lunch, I could take you to my classroom, I keep a keyboard in there for illustrations.”

“I’d love to.”

“Great. So we’ll eat, I take you around to see some stuff then we’ll go to my class.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Dada!”

Chris pulled his attention from Robyn moving around the kitchen to Christian sitting on his lap. He carefully fixed his elongated curls and kissed his forehead, “what’s up, Baby Boy? Daddy not paying enough attention to you.”

Christian poked out his bottom lip and Chris chuckled, “your sister’s been teaching you a lot more than I thought.”

“Did he hit you with the pout?” Robyn asked with a laugh.

“He definitely did.”

“I took his teddy bear this morning and he did it to me. Isn’t it cute?”

“Yea until he realizes it’s power.”

Robyn laughed, “like Anesa has with you.”

Chris rolled his eyes, “whatever.”

“Our daughter has you wrapped around her finger and you know it.”

“She’s just like her mama.”

“I am not spoiled.”

“Yea. Right.”

“Well if I am spoiled, it’s your fault.”

“Whatever.”

Robyn chuckled, “you decide what you want for dinner?”

“Isn’t it a little early?”

“I’m in a cooking mood so I’d rather start while I feel like it.”

“I can cook dinner, Babe.”

“I know but I’m not asking you that. I’m asking what do you want to eat for dinner?”

Chris raised his brow at her and Robyn settled her hands on her hips as she tilted her head at him, “problem?”

“Nope.”

A big smile came over his face and Robyn’s brow furrowed in confusion, “why you smiling so wide?”

“Just realized something.”

“Something like?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

“Ok,” Robyn said softly, “you know what you want?”

“Oxtails.”

“Yellow rice or rice and peas?”

“Rice and peas.”

“Macaroni and cheese or cabbage?”

“Can you do both?”

“Yup. Dessert?”

“I’ll make it. What you thinking?”

“Apple pie with ice cream sounds good.”

“I can do that.”

“Good. I’ll get the oxtails started and in the crockpot so you’ll have your space for whatever you need to do.”

“Check and see if there’s any ingredients you need, me and the kids can go to the store for you.”

“I should be good. I did want to ask you something.”

“Anything, Baby. What’s up?”

“Do you have any friends?”

“Are you serious?”

“I’m very serious. I never hear about any or see you leave to hang out or anything.”

“I do have friends but we all have busy lives so we don’t get together as much. Also I did leave most of our friends behind in LA.”

“Do you ever regret leaving LA, separate from the divorce?”

“Honestly? No. We lived there for a long time so there’s not much I missed while living there. You?”

“I don’t know. I think we spent so much time together and traveling all over the place, LA was a home base but it wasn’t home, if that makes sense.”

“I get what you mean. You ever think about going back?”

“I’ve thought about going to visit but never actively made plans.”

“We should take the kids. Go to Disneyland, show them my other profession.”

“How is the firm doing?”

“It’s going well. I haven’t had any fires that needed to be put out so other than occasional conference calls regarding budgets and project approvals, I’ve been pretty hands off.”

“You ever thought about going back to being an architect?”

“I get the chance to still be a part of the industry being on the board so I don’t feel like I totally left in a sense.”

“Understandable.I also need to know if you’re going to my gala with me.”

“Of course. I’m your forever date, remember?”

“I don’t remember agreeing to that but ok.”

Chris shook his head with a laugh, “there you go being stubborn for no reason.”

Robyn laughed, “I’m just saying that I don’t remember saying that.”

“OK Wife.”

“Ok Boyfriend.”

Chris stuck his tongue out at her while he stood up with Christian in his arms, “I’m gonna put him down for his nap then I’ll be back to help cook. Don’t start without me, I need to see how you cook these”

“Oxtails are not difficult to make.”

“For someone who’s been making them most of their life, of course not.”

“Am I giving you a cooking lesson?”

“You could call it that.”

“I think you just want to be up under me.”

“Up under you and a whole lot more.”

“You lucky he’s still an infant and not repeating you just yet.”

“I got some time before we have to start speaking in code.”

“You’re silly.”

Chris left down the hall while Robyn began rummaging through the freezer.

“Ok, you can put the peppers in now,” Robyn instructed as she glanced over into the crockpot. Chris gathered a pile of chopped green pepper and dumped them into the vessel, “those aren’t chopped too big?”

“Nah, it’s gonna stew for a couple hours so they’ll break down. If we diced them to start with, they’ll disintegrate by time the food was done.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

“So what exactly do you know how to cook?”

“Anything as long as I got the recipe.”

“You don’t cook from memory?”

“Some stuff, mainly stuff I’ve been eating the majority of my life but everything else, I need a recipe.”

“And here I was all impressed, thinking you were cooking from memory or something.”

“It was still good though.”

“It was but we’ll work on that part.”

“What part?”

“Learning to cook from the heart and not from a cookbook or Google search.”

“That sounds way easier than it is.”

“I think you’ll catch on quick. So earlier, what was that big smile all about?”

“What smile?”

“When I was asking you about what you wanted for dinner.”

“Just reminded me of when we were first married. You get pretty feisty once you get comfortable with someone.”

“I’ve always been comfortable with you.”

“No you haven't, especially since we were kind of pushed into the next step of the relationship before either of us were ready.”

“What you mean?”

“We had only been seriously dating for a few weeks then suddenly we’re moving in together. I’m sure that was not part of your plan at the time.”

“I honestly didn’t have a plan. You were the one ready to get married again.”

“Getting married again and having a baby are two totally different plans.”

“Another baby wasn’t in the plans?”

“Considering your age, I wasn’t exactly sure if you wanted to try for biological children, that’s why I never brought it up.”

“We never talked about kids?”

“No. Nesa asked you about it once but other than that, the discussion never came up. And that was before we were even dating.”

“We didn’t talk about a lot of stuff.”

“Not exactly my fault though.”

Robyn cut her eye at Chris and he shrugged his shoulders, “you had me walking on eggshells and you know it.”

“That was never my intention.”

“I know.”

“You know you could’ve broken up with me at some point.”

“That was never an option.”

“Why?”

“I trust you and your judgment, you know when you’re tripping and will adjust accordingly. It’d be stupid as hell to break up over something that’s easy to fix.”

“I guess.”

“Did you want to break up with me?”

“I didn’t even want to get back with you in the first place, remember?”

“Actually you did but you were afraid to, not the same thing.”

“Fear was the reason. Not dating was the action. You and your semantics again.”

Chris laughed as he grabbed a bottle of juice out of the fridge.

“What’s so funny?”

“You’re being feisty again.”

“You’re annoying.”

Chris chuckled as he walked over to her and leaned against the counter next to her. Robyn rolled her eyes as she placed the seasoned meat into the crockpot and put on the lid. She set it to high then turned to face Chris, “so what do you wanna do until dinner?”

“Let’s keep talking about this feisty attitude of yours.”

“I’d rather not,” Robyn pointed a wooden spoon in his direction, “and if that smirk turns into a laugh, I’ma pop you in the head with this spoon.”

“Now you’re threatening me? Oh, I should definitely start planning our wedding.”

“You get on my nerves.”

“And you love me.”

“You’re just a glutton for punishment.”

“Considering I dish it and don’t take it, I will disagree with that.”

“The lies.”

“I got some clips that say otherwise.”

“Shut up.”

Chris took a sip of his juice, “if you were to get married again, do you want a wedding or just a reception?”

“Neither. I’d rather just skip to the honeymoon.”

“You wouldn’t want to celebrate?”

“Been there. Done that.”

“Wouldn’t hurt to make new memories though.”

“I just don’t want the theatrics. An uneventful proposal and marriage day works. Simple works just fine for me”

“Really?”

“Yea. What? You over there taking notes?”

“No, just asking questions.”

“I already know you’re gonna propose to me so you don’t have to play coy.”

“I’m not proposing tonight therefore I’m not playing coy.”

“Would you want a ceremony?”

“Something simple to mark the moment, yes.”

“Hmm…”

“Why you say it like that?”

“Just thinking. You wanna take a nap? The babies are still asleep.”

“Sure. Bedroom or couch?”

“Couch, it’s closer to the kitchen for when I gotta periodically check on the food.”

“Works for me.”

“When are you gonna make the pie?”

“About two hours or so before dinner, apple pie is better when it’s warm.”

“That’s true.”

“You gonna help me bake?”

“Considering my dessert resume only has pound cake on it, I’ll learn from you.”

Chris smiled then took another sip of juice.

“You and these damn smirks. What now?”

“Feisty then submissive. Just observing.”

“I am so over you right now.”

Robyn tossed the kitchen towel she was holding onto the counter and left out the kitchen with Chris’s laughter following her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Chris, what are you doing here? I thought you had a class today,” Robyn said as she opened her office door. Chris held up a to-go bag from her favorite BBQ place and smiled, “I came to have lunch with my wife and today’s my free day, remember?”

“It definitely is. Well, this is nice. I was just thinking about you.”

“You were? About what?”

Robyn shrugged her shoulders as she grabbed napkins and plastic utensils from the basket underneath her coffee table. Chris sat down on the couch next to her as she handed him some wet wipes.

“Nothing specific. You just crossed my mind.”

“Should I be concerned?”

“Have you done something concerning?”

“No.”

“Then you don’t have to be concerned.”

Chris rolled his eyes and Robyn laughed, “forever the smart ass.”

“You asked. I answered. So what did you bring me to eat?”

“Chicken, hushpuppies and macaroni and cheese. Oh, and a Pepsi.”

“You are ruining my diet.”

“You aren’t on a diet.”

“Precisely my point, I can’t start with you feeding me like this.”

Chris laughed, “you don’t need to diet. As long as your doctor says you're healthy, the rest is welcomed to stay.”

“You just like my fat ass, you can say it.”

“You already did”

Robyn gasped and hit his arm, “you weren’t supposed to agree.”

“That ass is fat. I don’t know how you meant it but I know how I mean it and it’s perfect to me.”

“Whatever.”

“Do you really wanna lose weight or do you think I have a problem with your weight?”

“I don’t think you have a problem with my weight, considering how you always rubbing on my butt, hips and love handles, I’m getting the sense you’re enjoying it.”

Chris grinned at her and Robyn rolled her eyes, “but I’m still personally on the fence about it. I’m not as self-conscious but I’m still getting used to it.”

“Understandable. Well, since we’re talking about things you might still be on the fence about, I figured I’d get this question out of the way.”

“I know you are not proposing to me right now.”

“And if I was?”

“Chris, I am at work and sitting in front of you with Bbq sauce all over my hands and maybe on my face.”

Chris smiled as he used a napkin to wipe the corner of her mouth, “and you’ve never looked more beautiful to me.”

“This can’t be the moment. This is ghetto.”

Chris laughed, “This is not ghetto. This is real. This isn’t about having some spectacular story to tell because I think everything about our journey has been spectacular. I’ve always wanted to believe that you’d come back into my life and for seven years I was deathly afraid to but God and fate saw fit to bring you back to me in a manner that I never imagined. It gave us both clarity and allowed us to remedy a situation that honestly never ended, it just stopped. Robyn Rihanna Fenty Brown, I would be honored if you would be my wife again.”

“Oh my god, I need a napkin.”

Chris chuckled as he grabbed some wipes and gingerly wiped her hands, “better?”

“A little. I still think this is a bit unorthodox but...I’m completely ok with it.”

“Anything else you’re completely ok with?”

“I would absolutely love to marry you again.”

Chris grabbed her face and kissed her deeply before hugging her tightly, “I love you.”

“I love you too. Now where’s my ring?”

“I don't have it.”

“How you gonna propose with no ring?”

“I didn’t say I didn’t get a ring. I said I don’t have it, meaning it’s not on my person.”

“So where is it?”

“You got it.”

“How would I have it?”

Chris smirked and Robyn hit his shoulder, “Christopher. Stop playing.”

“I’m not playing. You have your ring.”

“I did pawn our last ring.”

“I know and I wouldn’t use that one even if you did still have it.”

“Chris, where is my ring?”

Chris wiped his hands then walked over to Robyn’s desk and grabbed the new marble art piece that was sitting beside her phone. Robyn’s brow furrowed as Chris brought it over to the coffee table. She became more confused as he turned it upside down and pulled out a silicone plug. He shook it lightly and something wrapped in a white cloth fell into the palm of his hand. He placed the silicone plug back then set the art piece down on the table before turning to face Robyn. He carefully unwrapped the white cloth and a large marquise shaped diamond set into a platinum band that was covered in smaller circular diamonds glistened in his hand.

“Your hand, please?”

Robyn shakingly put out her left hand and Chirs slipped the ring onto her ring finger, “Robyn Fenty Brown, will you marry me?”

She nodded her head as she wiped the tears from falling down her face, “Christopher, it’s so beautiful.”

“I did good, huh?”

“You did but how long was that ring in that piece?”

“Since the day I mailed it to you.”

“So what would’ve happened if you proposed somewhere, not my office?”

“That was never the plan.”

“You planned this? I am not even dressed up or nothing.”

“Because I wanted it to be about us, not fancy dinners and stuff, which there is nothing wrong with, but we’ve also done that already. I thought you would appreciate me not making a huge spectacle of it.”

“I do but I’m also a little caught off-guard.”

“You just knew I was gonna propose in front of the Empire State Building or something with fireworks, huh?”

“I was anticipating it.”

Chris laughed, “are you happy?”

“I am very happy.”

“Good.”

“We’re getting married again?”

“We’re getting married again.”

“EEK!” Robyn squealed as she jumped into his lap and kissed him, “I love you, Christopher.”

“I love you too.”

#chrianna #loveisblindfanfiction

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televisionrulesthenation · 3 years ago

Photo

S1E6 - “Harrison B. Harding of Camp Crowder, MO”

Original air date: November 6, 1961

Episode recap

A man shows up at Rob’s office unexpectedly. His name is Harrison B. Harding and he says he knows Rob from the army. He says he knows Laura too. Rob doesn’t remember him but acts like he does.

Harrison insists on taking Rob to dinner. Rob calls home and Laura has already started a roast. Rob invites Harrison and his wife to his house for dinner.

Harrison and his wife come for dinner. Rob still can’t remember him. Rob and Laura excuse themselves to the kitchen. Rob begins to worry Harrison is a con man. Richtie joins the Hardings in the living room. Rob and Laura eavesdrop to see if the boy can pick up any intel.

Harrison starts asking Richtie where his dad keeps his watch. Richtie takes the Hardings to the bedroom to show them his parents jewelry. Rob starts a series of phone calls to the police to report a robbery.

The Petries move to the living room. Rob opens the brown paper bag Harrison has been carrying since he saw him at the office. The bag is full of jewelry. They eavesdrop from the living room the conversation in the bedroom. Harrison takes Rob’s watch and tells Richtie to keep it a secret.

Everyone comes back to the living room. Harrison reveals himself to be a jeweler and finally starts offering all sorts of army details that proves he is not a con man. He worked the projector at the army hall where Rob MC’d events. Harrison was even there the night Rob and Laura met. Rob suddenly remembers him. Harrison takes out his jeweler lense thing and fixes the engraving on Rob’s watch which is why he was being so secretive about it. It’s been bothering him for years that he messed up the engraving.

The police show up but Rob sends them away. Somehow the night ends up with everyone laughing and having a good time and not awkward at all.

Everything is about me

When the four of them, Rob and Laura and Harrison and his wife, got together, they were so dressed up. Then men were in suits, the women in dresses and heals. Laura blew everyone away with her outfit as always. But everyone looked nice.

I have been spending a lot of time at the soccer fields lately. Our three kids have practice over four nights over two different fields. Then the weekend brings games.

I dress like a slob. T-shirt. Baggy shorts. Comfortable walking shoes.

This seemed normal to be for the past while. And I didn’t talk to many people anyway, just walked around with my AirPods in.

But now our youngest two are on travel teams and we are getting to know the parents better. So I am talking to people, making strong acquaintances, potentially a friend or two.

And when I look around, some parents are actually dressed OK. Not for 1960s sitcom dinner party standards. But in a nice casual or nice active wear kind of way.

(One dad overdoes it in the hipster direction, but at least he doesn’t look like a slob.)

And I realize I can do this. It’s not like I even have to spend a ton of money on clothes. Just wear something respectable. And I’m now realizing that work from home since March 2020 has devolved my work attire which bleeds over to slob wear at the soccer fields.

I need to present a better image.

Episode observations

Life before cell phones

Harrison just pops in at an old friend’s place of business unannounced and expects to be seen. Presumably now they’d have one another cell phone numbers and text. Or at least reach out via socials and arrange something.

Clothes and fashion

This blog would probably be better if it was just pictures and commentary on Laura’s outfit each episode.

Vocabulary lesson

Harrison keeps calling Rob “you dog” or “you old dog” as a term of endearment. I assume the dawg/dogg slang of the ‘90s to present evolved from this 1961 usage, but I can’t be sure. And I’m not John McWhorter, so I’m not going to research it.

Best joke/funniest moment

After Harrison leaves Rob’s office, and Rob tells Buddy and Sally he doesn’t remember Harrison from the army, Rob starts thinking out loud of where he might know him. Buddy says with a straight face, “hey, maybe he was one of the enemy.”

Definitely Buddy’s best joke so far. Might be my favorite joke of the series so far.

Other assorted thoughts on life in the 1960s

Laura says she hates to waste food, but the 2021 version of this story definitely involves them going out for dinner rather than hosting at home. Laura would save the roast in the fridge to microwave the next day. And it wouldn’t be a roast, it’d be chicken. And she probably wouldn’t have even starting cooking the chicken yet because she was just going to do some 30-minute recipe, so she’d just save the ingredients for the next day. And she was never going to cook that chicken and was were planning on getting takeout the whole time. And the kids have soccer practice and there’s no way they could go out to dinner on moments notice anyway. OK, I’ve tied myself into knots on this one.

The police show up to a suburban home pretty quickly to check up on a possible robbery. Seems highly unlikely nowadays.

Final thoughts

I wonder who the Harrison B. Hardings are in my life.

#s1 #e6 #the dick van dyke show #sticom #tv #dick van dyke #mary tyler moore #1960s #marriage #friendship

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fillingthescrapbook · 3 years ago

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Rewriting The CW's Kung Fu, Part 7: Act III

This is already the penultimate post, but if you're somehow seeing this before any of the previous posts, you can find them here:

Part 1: The Characters

Part 2: The Pilot

Part 3: The Mythology

Part 4: The Story Map

Part 5: Act I

Part 6: Act II

Hopefully, I haven't lost you yet. Especially since we have now reached the end of the first season with our final act.

Episode 10: Opulence

We are splitting focus in the first episode of this arc--with Nicky at the center of the two main plots. One of them is, of course, about the mystical weapons. Nicky, Ryan, Henry, and Evan bring the box from Mei-Xue's cabin back to San Francisco--which they are able to open with the jade key they retrieved from the puzzle box. Inside the box is the scabbard of Liang Dai-Yu's sword. It's jade design is engraved with characters, but Henry says it will take him some time to make sense of them, and Mei-Xue's journal writings.

Nicky starts grilling Henry about the guardians of the weapons, but Henry doesn't really know much since his father never talked much about it. All Henry knows is the things he researched on his own...and the whereabouts of the weapon his father lost: the safe of a business mogul named Raymond Tan. Evan recognizes the name, reminding Nicky of who bailed the museum goons out. He tells her that he was able to talk to one of Raymond Tan's son, Kerwin, who seems like a nice guy. Nicky thinks they can persuade him to separate the weapons--to save the world.

The other main plot has Althea asking Nicky to find out why Chloe, Dennis's younger sister, is always disappearing. Althea blames herself a little bit, as Chloe started acting out after her revelation at the Soong family dinner. Nicky promises to keep an eye out on Chloe.

While Nicky is staking Chloe out at an event with Evan, the latter spots Kerwin mingling with the other guests. He pulls Nicky towards Kerwin so they could talk to him about the weapons, and to ask for his help in separating them. Nicky slips and tells him that a dangerous woman is collecting them, and having them all in Raymond's safe makes it easy for her to steal them. Kerwin apologizes to them, saying he cannot control his father's actions.

Nicky, already dejected, realizes she lost track of Chloe. She and Evan try to look for her, but to no avail. When Henry calls Nicky to give her an update about the scabbard translation, Nicky tells him her problem. Henry swoops in for the save by trawling through Chloe's social media presence, her friends--before seeing a questionable post. He tells Nicky to show an Instagram post to Evan. Evan recognizes it as jewelry that's been reported missing. Evan tells Nicky that Chloe's friends might be involved in a gang of robbers that's been targeting San Francisco's elite. Nicky, Evan, and Henry then work together to save Chloe from her friends.

Meanwhile, Dennis plans to purchase Cloudrush Capital so he could oust Althea's former boss, without telling his soon-to-be wife. But when Althea goes public with her sexual harassment experience, Dennis's business deal suddenly falls apart. When he asks his parents if there's something wrong with their finances, they admit that they were the ones who kiboshed his plan. They want him to break up with Althea because she will tarnish the Soong name. Dennis refuses.

Ryan, living alone for the first time, realizes how his life revolved too much around work and family. He tries to meet new friends via phone apps, only to realizes that most men on the apps are just looking for hook-ups.

Mei-Li and Jin are also starting to feel the emptiness of their house with Ryan and Althea gone, and Nicky always doing something. Because of their empty nest, Mei-Li starts spending more time at the restaurant--needing purpose; while Jin feels himself drifting...ending up at the community center, wanting at first to catch Ryan, before ending up helping people out while he's there.

Going back to Nicky, Evan thinks they should be careful because Chloe's friends might be dangerous. Henry, on the other hand, thinks they're just bored teens with access to the mansions that are being stolen from. When they finally track Chloe down via her friend's Instagram Live, they realizes that the group has set their sights on the Soong's mansion.

Evan separate so he could call in an anonymous tip to the police, while Nicky and Henry try to talk Chloe and her friends out of robbing the Soongs. When Chloe's friends refuse to listen, choosing to act in violence instead, Nicky and Henry are forced to use non-lethal combat moves to incapacitate the teens. One of the teens threaten to have Nicky and Henry arrested, but when the police arrive with a lawyer from the teens' families, Nicky and Henry are assured that they're in the clear--provided they sign an NDA with regards to the actions of the rich teens. Nicky agrees to sign if the teens leave Chloe alone. When the teens are gone, Chloe thanks Nicky, explaining she was afraid to leave her friend group because of their retaliation. Chloe hopes she'll find a friend who are as chill as Nicky and Henry.

The episode ends with Zhi-Lan breaking into Raymond Tan's house. She sneaks into the the businessman's private room and breaks into his safe. Only to find that it is empty. And then we reveal Kerwin, holding three weapons. He tells Zhi-Lan that he's not there to stop her... because he wants to team up. He wants to help her bring his father down.

Episode 11: Beginnings

When we begin this episode, Nicky and Ryan find out that their father has been putting in hours at the community center as a volunteer worker--which is causing friction between him and their mother. While Mei-Li tells Jin that volunteering is noble, she doesn't think he should spend so much time outside the restaurant which needs all the help it can get.

Things take a turn for the worse though when Jin finds out from a conversation between Ryan and Henry that the community center is in danger of being closed down due to lack of traffic. When Jin brings this up to Nicky, who sees how important the center had become to her dad, Nicky tells him that they'll think of a way to save it.

Meanwhile, to manage the stress of the media's interest in her sexual harassment case, Althea decides to help Henry out in figuring out what Mei-Xue discovered via her journals. Althea realizes Mei-Xue's writings aren't just flights of fancy--they're coded. With Althea and Henry working together, they realize that Mei-Xue had become obsessed with the fables of the eight mystical weapons and have been tracking them down.

"But what made her stop and take root in Canada," Althea wonders as she and Henry continue to peruse the photos of the journal pages.

Mei-Li, now taking care of the Happy Dumplings kitchen due to Jin's insistence on helping the community center, digs up old recipes written by her mother--where she also finds a very old photo of her mother hiding something behind her back: the sword of Liang Dai-Yu. Mei-Li recognizes it from the drawings that Nicky had been showing them. She decides to hide the photo, worried that it might push Nicky further into fulfilling her "destiny" to leave her family.

Evan approaches Nicky with news about an auction where one of the weapons Henry told them about is being sold. Nicky realizes they have no means of attending the auction or bidding for the weapon, nor do they have the time since Nicky, Ryan, and Jin are busy rallying help from Asian business owners to help save the community center. Evan tells her that both Zhi-Lan and Raymond Tan will probably be there. Nicky hopes that, at the very least, the weapons continue to be separated.

At the auction, we see Zhi-Lan win the bidding war for the weapon. Outside the nondescript hotel where the auction took place, Zhi-Lan gets attacked by goons from Raymond Tan. But she isn't alone. Kerwin pops up and helps her fight the goons. Kerwin grins at Zhi-Lan, "we make a good team."

Back at the Shen House, Dennis checks up on Althea and reports that her apartment building still has a few media stragglers. "Must be slow news week," Althea mutters. "Hopefully, the attention will be gone by the time our wedding rolls around. If your parents don't hate me yet for coming out with my story, they're gonna hate me when the media crashes the wedding."

Dennis tells Althea, "what if we just elope?" Althea is taken aback. She reminds Dennis that everything has been planned out, they've had to find the most auspicious date for their union, the tea ceremony has been scheduled-- Dennis interrupts her by saying that none of that is important. He just wants to be with Althea. "Won't your parents be angry?" Dennis admits that his parents want the wedding off. They want him to break up with Althea. Which he doesn't want to do. Althea is torn. She doesn't want Dennis going against his family. Dennis says he's not going against them--just their antiquated beliefs. "And they'll learn to live with my decision." Althea agrees to eloping.

Ryan sets up an appointment with the Chinese Community Development office, accompanied by Jin, to talk about what can be done to keep the center open. Meanwhile, Nicky and Evan work together at the city hall to find out how they can drive more traffic to the community center--to make it a viable candidate for city funding. With the two efforts combined, the community center gets saved--and Nicky realizes that this is what she likes doing: helping people, making sure they have a place to go to, guiding them in the ways they can fight for themselves. So she also volunteers her legal counsel at the center, vowing to go back to school as well to finish her law degree.

She and Evan have a moment, where Nicky realizes that Evan is still her best friend from childhood. But she also realizes that their relationship now is not built on romance but rather in respect and trust.

At the end of the episode, Henry and Althea hit a breakthrough in their research with Dennis's help. Dennis helped them see that Mei-Xue had realized that the power the eight weapons would grant its collector is massive--and can become a barrier between Mei-Xue and those she loves. So she chose love.

Mei-Li overhears this as she accompanies Nicky towards Althea, Dennis, and Henry. While Nicky and the others are discussing the implications of Mei-Xue's words, Mei-Li traces the engraved jade on the scabbard of Liang Dai-Yu's sword. Triggering a mechanism. Causing light to filter through one of the scabbard's holes--and projecting a story to the Shen's ceiling: of how Bian-Ge has been passed from guardian to guardian, rotating through the families to make sure it never falls in the wrong hands. Every few years, a guardian is chosen to collect the weapons from the families to take where the golden flowers bloom--to receive Bian-Ge and become its new defender. A glow then rotates through the eight weapons before stopping at the longsword. At Liang Dai-Yu's sword. Nicky realizes, "it looks like a descendant of Liang Dai-Yu is the next guardian to receive Bian-Ge. It has to be one of us." Henry posits, "unless Zhi-Lan and Pei-Ling are also Liang Dai-Yu's descendants."

Episode 12: Honor

Our main thread, as always, will revolve around Nicky. In the last episode, she made a decision that she wants to help people--and while doing so, she also wants to finish her law degree. But, at the same time, she now knows that her family has an obligation to become the next bearer of Bian-Ge. And there are currently only two choices for who it can be: her, or Zhi-Lan.

Mei-Li wants Nicky to focus on who she wants to become, separate from the warrior destiny. Althea and Evan are siding with Mei-Li because they fear for Nicky's safety. Ryan and Henry, on the other hand, believe that Nicky is more than capable to take care of herself. Jin tells Nicky that he only wants her to follow her heart.

Henry sees that Nicky is still undecided so he tells her not to pressure herself to make a decision. "Even if Zhi-Lan gets seven of the weapons soon, we still have one weapon. Zhi-Lan can't achieve Bian-Ge without it."

And then we cut to the visiting area of a prison. The dojo fight-club douche-bag wants to cut a deal with his visitors. He's fine with staying in jail, but he wants them to beat the living daylights out of Nicky Shen before they take the deer-horn knives they're after. And then we cut to who he's talking to: it's Zhi-Lan. "It'll be my pleasure."

While looking at college prospects, Nicky gets attacked by Zhi-Lan. They fight. Nicky matches Zhi-Lan's strength, but Zhi-Lan is desperate. No one wins this skirmish though because Cody (from Episode 3) sees them and calls for campus security. Zhi-Lan gets away--and Nicky calls Henry, after thanking Cody, to tell him that they're in trouble. Zhi-Lan is on the hunt for the weapon they have.

Henry and Evan work together to hide the final weapon from Zhi-Lan, not knowing that Kerwin is staking Evan out. Kerwin calls Zhi-Lan to tell her that the weapon is on the move.

Meanwhile, Althea and Dennis spend the episode getting ready for their elopement. Althea wants Dennis to invite Chloe, so he could have family there--so he does. But his parents find out about the civil wedding they're planning when Chloe slips. Chloe tries to warn Dennis, but Althea decides to stand up to her soon-to-be in-laws. She tells them that she doesn't want Dennis to lose his family, to which they agree. Before adding that he won't lose them if Althea goes away. They even offer her money., which Althea rejects with disgust. If they continue with their civil wedding, they're cutting Dennis off--financially, and from the family. Dennis tells them that he already made his choice--before saying goodbye to his parents.

Joe returns after his month-long contract with a non-profit organization in Seattle...only to tell Ryan that he's accepting a full-time job with a charity there that helps homeless people turn their life around. Ryan tells him he can move to Seattle--but Joe isn't ready for that level of commitment yet. Their relationship already moved too fast for him, but he couldn't turn Ryan away when the latter needed a place to stay. Joe tells Ryan they can still be friends.

Back to Nicky, she meets with Henry to visit Ronda (from Episode 4), who volunteered to hide their weapon. Before they leave Ronda's place, Kerwin catches them. Nicky is surprised to find out he sided with Zhi-Lan. Kerwin tells her, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Henry strikes first. Ronda tells Nicky she can take the weapon away while they deal with Kerwin. Nicky hands her the bag that hides the weapons.

Kerwin is ruthless, using a mixture of street-fighting with different styles of martial arts. But his goal isn't to defeat Henry or Nicky. It's to get the weapon. While Nicky and Henry do their best to stop Kerwin from chasing after Ronda, the young woman quickly makes a decision to throw the bag into the bay. Kerwin tells them that they made a mistake. Nicky, confident, confesses that the bag was just a ruse. Kerwin grins. "We know."

Evan is about to drive away from the District Attorney's office, with a bag identical to the one Henry had been carrying in his passenger seat. But before Evan could leave the parking lot, a motorbike slams into his car. Zhi-Lan reveals herself by taking her helmet off. She thanks Evan for keeping the weapon warm for her. Only to open an empty bag. Zhi-Lan is pissed. She wants to know where the final weapon is, but Evan refuses to tell her. Not wanting to deal with the police, Zhi-Lan quickly makes her exit.

We then see Nicky knock on a door. It opens to reveal Stanley (from Episode 1). He is ready to surrender the weapon to Nicky, fearing that it will bring him bad luck. Nicky thanks him for keeping it safe. Apologizes again for bailing on him with no warning three years ago. Stanley says there's nothing to apologize for, because he's grateful that she gave him the chance to meet and marry someone of his own choosing. Nicky is about to leave with the weapon when Stanley calls after her, saying, "I hope you find the one for you too."

Nicky exits Stanley's apartment building to see Henry waiting for her. And he's being held at gunpoint by Kerwin, who is now with Zhi-Lan. "I'll take that," Zhi-Lan says as she pries the weapon off Nicky's hands. Nicky hits back with a barb, "I don't know how Pei-Ling could be related to someone as selfish as you." Zhi-Lan laughs, "it's funny how you hold Pei-Ling to such high regard when you do not even know who she really was."

Zhi-Lan reveals to Nicky how Pei-Ling's selfishness cost them their father. Cost her her childhood. And for what? To guard a sword that she wouldn't even harness the power of? Nicky remembers Pei-Lings words to her from throughout the season, her regrets, her failures--Nicky realizes that Zhi-Lan is just like Pei-Ling. Carrying a lot of hurt. But they reacted in different ways. While Pei-Ling spent her life trying to atone for a mistake, Zhi-Lan grew up blaming Pei-Ling for everything that had gone wrong in her life. And now, Zhi-Lan is planning to achieve Bian-Ge so she never gets hurt again.

Henry creates a distraction to throw Zhi-Lan off. Nicky swoops in to try and take the weapon away from Zhi-Lan. They fight. Kerwin and Henry get into their own fight. Both fights are evenly matched. But Nicky gets distracted when Kerwin shoots Henry. Kerwin and Zhi-Lan flee, while Nicky runs to Henry to see if he's okay. Henry shows her that the wound isn't serious. (It shouldn't be.) But Nicky is still worried.

At home, Nicky tells her parents that she has to go back to China. Jin and Ryan accept this. Mei-Li is more reluctant, but she knows that the more she tries to pull her daughter in, the more she is pushing Nicky away. So she will support Nicky. Althea tells Nicky that she will give her blessing to Nicky's trip on one condition. Nicky says, "anything."

And then we cut to Althea and Dennis's civil wedding, with the Shen family as witnesses. Nicky is her "maid of honor," giving a speech at Happy Dumplings about how much of a beautiful couple the two make--and how lucky they are to have each other. Althea thanks Nicky for being there, saying she didn’t want Nicky to miss another family milestone. We see a bandaged Henry there, Evan, Althea's former co-worker, a few of her friends and Dennis's, and Chloe.

At Zhi-Lan's apartment, she admires the eight weapons she has been able to collect. Kerwin kisses her from behind, saying that now she can have the world. Zhi-Lan smiles at him, before saying she no longer has any use for him. Kerwin isn't surprised that she would betray him--his only surprise stems from the fact that he fell for Zhi-Lan. Zhi-Lan apologizes that she must now kill him, so he can't tell his father where she is going. And she does. Once Kerwin is down, Zhi-Lan sheds tears. We see that she's just cutting the relationship short before she becomes too attached.

Meanwhile, Nicky checks on Henry outside Happy Dumplings. She has her ticket for China booked already. But she shows him two tickets. Henry asks, "so you already have a return flight? Someone's feeling cocky that they're gonna stop Zhi-Lan quickly." Nicky punches him in the arm, before apologizing for hitting the part with the wound. "The other ticket's yours. If you want to help me stop Zhi-Lan." Henry grins.

And this is where we end this post for now. Because after writing the finale breakdown, I realized... I wrote the actual finale scene by scene. So that deserves a post of its own. Also, this post has already gotten so long.

#Kung Fu CW #tv talk #my words

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yoddream · 5 years ago

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The Price to Pay | n.jm

pairing: jaemin x fem!reader

summary: when you’re given your dream job, what will happen to you and Jaemin?

warnings: ANGST, bad writing lmao, depression (not specifically mentioned but it’s obviously there), a shit ton of crying, jaemin being kind of an asshole ngl, mentions of hockey (only because there might be some things that don’t make sense idk maybe they do to somebody who doesn’t watch it), VERY INACCURATE INFO ON BECOMING A TRANSLATOR

notes: here’s part 2 to New Beginnings! idk how to link it lmao im sorry im really bad at this also im iffy on how this came out but at this point whatever i wrote a lot. I’m gonna try to do the bold for korean again (cuz new beginnings on the app is fucking jacked af but on the full website it looks how it’s supposed to) but like just assume that everything the OCs are saying are in Korean and whatever the Dreamies say that aren’t to English speaking people are in Korean

“Please put on your seatbelts as we will begin our descent to Los Angeles, California.”

You did as the flight attendant asked and looked out the window. The ground slowly got closer and closer, and your heart raced with excitement. Despite how you’d felt a year ago, you couldn’t wait to land and start the next chapter in your life. You could still feel the exhaustion from it being in the middle of the night in Seoul, but that was so little compared to all the emotions running through your body.

Once you were out of security, you pulled up FaceTime on your phone and called Jisung. It rang and rang, and you almost gave up when he finally answered the call. He was out of breath, as if he’d just run to get his phone. His face lit up when he saw yours.

“Y/N! You landed safely!” he said. Your parents appeared in the frame, which made you smile.

“I did! I’m heading towards pick-up now, so hopefully I’ll be on my way to the rink,” you told them.

You’d decided you wanted to be an English-Korean translator, so you had been hired as a translator for a new NHL prospect. He was born and raised in Korea, and he knew very little English, so you were going to help him during prospect camp, translating and teaching him English. You expected to be in America until September, but if he made it past both prospect and training camp, who knew what your future held?

“Oh honey, I’m so proud of you,” your mom said.

“We both are. You’re gonna do great, we know it,” your dad added.

You looked around and spotted your name on a sign that was held by a man with a driver’s cap. You told your family you had to go and hung up before walking over. He greeted you with a smile and grabbed one of your bags, heading to the parking lot. You shot a text to the boys, letting them know you’d landed. The drive to the rink didn’t take long, and you were escorted by a security guard through the hallways to an office.

“Ms. Park is here,” the security guard announced before heading back to his area.

“Y/N, it’s very nice to meet you. I’m Rob Blake, the general manager,” a very tall man in a suit said. He held his hand out to you, which you shook. “We’re very happy to have you here. Chi-won Han��s translator from last year has a new job, so we’re glad you can stay for longer.”

“Thank you, Mr. Blake. I’m very excited for this opportunity,” you stated with a wide smile. “So, where should we start?”

Mr. Blake’s assistant gave you multiple papers to sign before bringing you to get your ID made. You proudly hung it around your neck, even though your picture looked absolutely horrible (you just got off an eleven-hour flight). Then, Mr. Blake himself brought you to a conference room where the prospect, his agent, and the coaches were.

“Everyone, this is Y/N Park. She will be Chi-won’s translator.”

You bowed and said, “Han Chi-won, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Park Y/N.”

The boy bowed as well. “Thank you for flying here, Y/N. You have to idea how appreciative I am.”

You then introduced yourself to the agent and the coaches, dropping your bags to bow and shake hands. You told them about your exact role and how to contact you in case you were needed last minute. You’d been given a phone for work with everyone’s contacts in it, along with a rental car since you still had a valid driver’s license. You were then handed the keys to your apartment, which you would be sharing with Chi-won and one of the Kings’ players, Tyler Toffoli.

“Y/N, do you own any skates?” Marco Sturm, one of the assistant coaches, asked.

You shook your head. “I’m not very good at skating, but I’ll definitely do my best.”

“Have Tyler and Chi-won take you shopping for a pair. We really need you on the ice for drills.”

You translated for the hockey player when his head perked up at his name. He nodded shyly, his eyes darting to the floor. You couldn’t help but feel bad for him; he had no idea what anyone was saying, so for all he knew you could’ve been talking poorly about him. None of you would do that, but he didn’t know any better.

“Camp doesn’t officially start until tomorrow. We just wanted you to meet before then so that you can get situated. before the madness,” Mr. Blake explained.

“I appreciate that. It’s past midnight in Korea, so I’m pretty exhausted,” you replied.

“You guys are all set for today. We’ll see you bright and early tomorrow for day one.”

You turned to Chi-won and asked, “You wanna get food?”

He nodded vigorously, saying, “Tyler and his wife were making breakfast when I was called down here.”

Grabbing your bags, you said your farewells to the men before heading out, Chi-won hot on your feels. When you clicked the key fob for the rental car, a new SUV lit up. You let out a low whistle and popped the hatch, tossing your suitcases and duffel in. You and Chi-won then climbed in and decided on a local diner. The car ride was mostly silent, the radio playing softly in the background. When you walked into the restaurant, his eyes widened in fear as the waitress spoke to him. You ordered juice for the both of you and then started translating the menu with ease, watching his shoulders relax at the sound of a language he knew.

The two of you ate in silence for a couple minutes, simply enjoying your food. You checked your personal phone for any messages, but there was nothing. You weren’t surprised, though. The boys were supposed to be asleep, so you expected there to be nothing, but it still hurt to see that you hadn’t even heard from Jaemin. Then again, you probably should’ve expected as much.

“What?” Jaemin asked quietly.

You’d shown up at the dorms, wearing one of your boyfriend’s sweatshirts and a pair of shorts. Your hair was a mess from stressing out, so you had the hood up. He had to know what was going on, and you were out of time.

“I’m going back to America,” you repeated. “A major sports team contacted me last month to help one of their prospects. He doesn’t know much English, so I’ll be translating for him during camp.”

“When you do leave?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?!” You flinched at the sudden rise of his volume, the sound bouncing off the walls. There was no way the other Dreamies hadn’t heard him. There was no way the other Dreames hadn’t heard him, and you started to panic. This was definitely not how you expected this to go. “You’ve known for a month, and you’re just telling me now?!”

“I was going to tell you sooner, but since you’re working on your comeback, you’ve had to cancel dates! I didn’t have a choice but to tell you now!” you argued.

“Oh, so now it’s my fault?”

“I didn’t say that, Jaemin. I’m just explaining that there wasn’t a good time, so that’s why you aren’t finding out until the day before my flight. I’m sorry it wasn’t sooner.” Your hands were wringing in the kangaroo pocket, but it was hidden by the island in the kitchen.

“How long will you be gone?” When you didn’t answer right away, his jaw clenched. “How long, Y/N?”

Scared by his tone, you said, “I have no idea. Prospect camp is for a few days, but they’re expecting him to continue on to training camp in September.”

“Are you even coming back? What does that mean for us?”

“I don’t know, Jae!” you snapped. Your voice reverberated off the walls, and you could hear shuffling down the hall. “I don’t know.”

There was a heavy pause. He then asked, “You don’t know if you’re coming back? Or you don’t know what will happen with our relationship?”

“Both.”

“You’re very young to be a translator,” Chi-won stated, snapping you out of your thoughts.

You wiped your mouth with a napkin, giving you time to think of your answer without revealing too much. “My step-dad is from Korea. He and my mom got married when I was nine, but he and my step-brother had to stay there while my mom and I live here. We would visit whenever there was a vacation for school, so I learned it over the years.”

“Do you live in Korea now?”

“Right in Seoul. I moved after I graduated high school last year.”

Chi-won was silent after that. After you paid the bill, you plugged in the address for the apartment building and made the quick drive over. Parking along the street, Chi-won grabbed your bags for you and led you to the apartment. You used the key to unlock the door and walked inside. A man and a woman looked over at the same time from the kitchen and smiled.

“You must be the translator. I’m Tyler, and this is my wife, Cat,” the man introduced.

You shook their hands and said, “It’s nice to meet you. My name’s Y/N Park.”

“Come right in. I’ll show you where your room is,” Cat offered.

You followed her down the hallway to a room that had grey walls, dark wooden floors, and a matching wooden dresser. There was a queen-sized bed with fresh sheets on it and a cream armchair in the corner. Identical nightstands stood on either side of the bed, and there was a bathroom attached to the bedroom.

“Make yourself at home. You look like you’re about to fall asleep standing up,” she joked.

“Yeah, I’m gonna take a quick nap, if that’s okay?” you asked.

“Go ahead.”

Cat closed the door behind her, leaving you alone. You collapsed onto the bed and checked to see if any messages had come in before you’d left the diner’s WiFi, but still nothing. Sighing, you put your phone on the nightstand and let your eyes close, the heaviness becoming too much to fight against.

When you woke up, the sun was high in the sky. You groaned as your arms stretched above your head. According to your phone, it was a little past noon, so you rolled out of bed and headed to the kitchen. Luckily, the password to the WiFi was on the refrigerator. As soon as your phone was connected, it started blowing up with messages and snapchats. The sudden sound made you jump, definitely waking you up. You took some time to respond to the boys and your parents, and it took you a few minutes to notice that none of the notifications were from Jaemin. Sighing, you shoved your phone into your pocket and went looking for Chi-won. You found him in his room, looking at an English book with furrowed brows.

“I’m not starting lessons until after prospect camp,” you said.

The boy jumped, clearly unaware of your presence until you announced it. He closed the book and placed it on the nightstand before looking around the room, avoiding your eyes. Sighing, you sat at the desk that was by the window.

“What’s on your mind?” you asked.

“What if I don’t make it past this camp?” he questioned.

You let out a deep breath and said, “Then you go back to your team in Korea, continue to train and practice, and then next year, you’ll come back. The exact same thing as what you went through last year.”

“What will happen to you?”

“I’ll go back home as well. I’m currently under contract with the team, so if you’re not here, I’m not needed. They’ll let me know when I am. You’re stuck with me.”

///

You and Chi-won walked into the practice rink the next morning, a fresh pair of skates in the duffel bag on your shoulder. You’d gone out with Tyler and Chi-won after dinner to buy them, just like Coach Sturm had told you to. The thought of being on the ice with a bunch of hockey players and falling on your ass was terrifying, but you didn’t have much of a choice.

You headed to the weight room and sat on a bench. Skating wouldn’t come until after they were done for the day, so your bag was simply dropped to the floor. You then pulled out your phone and looked at the last message you’d sent to Jaemin.

You: I know you’re upset, but I would love for you to be at the airport tomorrow.

He never showed up. Everyone else had, but he’d stayed at the dorms. The way the conversation had ended left the status of your relationship up in the air, and you were too scared to ask. Your anniversary was supposed to be in a little over a month, but you didn’t even know if that was something to be celebrated anymore.

The sound of the door opening behind you caught your attention. The players started filtering into the room, shooting odd looks your way. You stood up when Chi-won walked in, moving to his side for when the head strength and conditioning coach started talking.

After a speech, the coach came over and introduced himself, apologizing for missing the meeting the day before. When you assured him it was fine, he transitioned the conversation to the first test he wanted Chi-won to run through. You translated everything as you followed them to the bikes, not missing a single beat. You watched as he pedaled and pedaled, sweat dripping down his face as his leg muscles rippled from the rapid movement. You could hear the cheers of encouragement from the other prospects as they watched the others that were running through the tests.

When there was time for a break, Chi-won took the water bottle you handed him, draining it fairly quickly. He then grabbed the towel from your shoulder and wiped his face and neck, tossing it in the hamper in the corner. He looked around at the other prospects, watching them talk and laugh with each other. You felt bad knowing he wouldn’t take that first step. It was understandable, though. You’d gone through the same thing when you started making trips to Korea; you’d been surrounded by people who understood you as much as you understood them, which was not a lot.

After a few minutes, it was time for more testing. You followed the group around the weight room, mostly watching but translating when needed. Everyone’s eyes were on you whenever either of you spoke, but all your attention was on him and whoever was talking to him.

At the end of the day, Chi-won looked like he was about to drop at any moment. You decided to skip the skating and brought him back to the apartment, using the work phone since it could connect to data. He dozed in the car, his face finally relaxed. You’d never noticed how much tension was there until now. Between the stress of getting past this camp and not knowing what anyone was saying, his head was probably spinning.

When you entered the apartment, Chi-won immediately headed to his room to nap. There was a note from Tyler and Cat that they’d gone to run errands, leaving you alone. You tried to FaceTime your parents, but neither of them answered. You knew the others were rehearsing, so you called Mark, but he didn’t answer either. Feeling dejected, you headed to your room and sat in the armchair. You looked out the window and watched the world below, a sudden flashback to the day you and Jaemin were sitting in the mall’s food court. Your heart ached at the thought of one of the happiest days of your life, knowing there was a chance it was all over.

///

It was the last day of the four-day camp for prospects. You wobbled onto the ice as you tried to skate closer to Chi-won. He looked over and rolled his eyes before skating over, grabbing your arm, and dragging you to the group. A few of the players laughed, but you didn’t care. You would be laughing too if you’d seen it.

Yesterday, they’d run drills, so you got to see Chi-won on the ice for the first time, and you could see why he was their first-round pick the year before. However, the true test was the scrimmage scheduled for today. Drills could be run over and over until you got it right, but in a game if you made a mistake there was no going back.

Once the teams were split, Chi-won helped you to the bench. You could hear your personal phone ring with a FaceTime call, but you ignored it. It was most likely Jeno, calling to talk to you before he finally went to bed. He loved to call you before he went to bed, which annoyed Jaemin whenever you were on a call with your boyfriend. You wished you could answer, since you hadn’t had much interaction with anyone. You mostly translated back at the apartment, leaving you craving to talk to someone, but you felt too awkward talking to Tyler and Cat.

The scrimmage was exhilarating to even just watch. Chi-won was fast, despite how large he was. He wove through players, making fantastic plays. His stick work was quick, and he seemed to know where his teammates were, making passes without looking. There was no doubt in your mind that they were keeping him, but seeing the looks on the coaches faces made it that much better. Chi-won played fairly, probably too much; he always passed the puck for a goal instead of taking a chance himself.

During a break, Coach Sturm was going over a couple plays to Chi-won’s team. You translated as fast as you could, trying your best to make it sound clear and right. Hockey pretty much had its own language, so you assumed it was working when he nodded along. As he was about to head back onto the ice, you grabbed his attention.

“Shoot the fucking puck, man. You’ve made plenty of great passes. They want to see what you’re capable of.”

His eyes widened, but he nodded and bumped your held-out fist before skating back to the face-off. You watched the puck drop, and the game was on. Your eyes never left the player you were there for, his form zipping across the ice with a breakaway. He was denied, but you could tell there was a fire lit under his ass. There were still amazing passes, but he was taking shots on goal more. The goalie was just unbelievably good at his job,

There wasn’t much time left in the scrimmage when Chi-won was skating towards the goal, him against two defensemen. His feet moved in a way you couldn’t explain, and he slipped past the opposing players, taking a shot on goal. You nearly jumped with joy as it flew past the goalie’s shoulder, and you didn’t miss the smile on his face as he celebrated with his teammates.

At the end of the day, Chi-won was asked to dinner with some of the other prospects. He nodded his head with a grin, so they told you the restaurant. Your phone connected to the Bluetooth as you were typing it into the map, and “My First and Last” immediately started playing through the speakers. Chi-won sent a look your way but said nothing.

The other players made sure you and Chi-won had seats next to each other so you could easily translate for him. They asked him questions about his life in Korea and his teammates. He talked about his family, his girlfriend Eun-ji, and his friends. You were learning more about him by doing your job rather than conversing with him yourself. You could feel something heavy settle in your chest as they all talked to each other, only looking to you when you translated.

When you were back at the apartment, Chi-won collapsed onto the couch. You sat in an armchair and stared at the ceiling, thoughts of Jaemin running through your head. It’d been five days since you last heard from him, and you were still hesitant to reach out. He was probably in the same boat, but what if he didn’t want to hear from you? What if your relationship was over and you didn’t know it? You hadn’t talked to the other boys about it, not wanting to drag them into your drama.

“You’re thinking too loud,” Chi-won complained.

“Sorry,” you said quietly. “How do you think camp went?”

“I think I did well. My whole body hurts, though. I wish Eun-ji was here. She gives amazing back massages. I would be in constant pain if it wasn’t for her. I’m definitely the luckiest guy in the world.”

That’s what Jaemin tells me. “Is she gonna be starting college this fall?”

He nodded. “She wants to study sports medicine, so she’ll be studying at Seoul University. I’m so proud of her.”

You looked at the time on your phone before realizing that it was your work one. Your personal phone was still in your duffel, which was in the car. Cursing under your breath, you rushed downstairs and grabbed your phone from the bag.

Jaemin💕: 3 missed FaceTime video calls

Shit. Just in case your relationship wasn’t fragile enough, you’d missed three calls from him. It was the first time either one of you had tried reaching out since you stormed out of the dorms in tears. Worried, you headed inside and returned to the apartment as fast as possible. You tried calling Jaemin back, but he wasn’t picking up. It was about ten in the morning where he was, and he never slept in too much no matter what time he’d gone to bed, so you knew he was ignoring you. Trying again, you cursed and swallowed around the lump in your throat. He finally picked up, and he was not happy.

“Hey,” you said as you moved to your room.

“Hey. Where were you?” he asked.

“We were at camp, and then we went to dinner after,” you explained.

His eyebrows raised. “You went to dinner?”

“Yeah.”

“Was it a date?”

Your eyes widened in shock. “What the fuck, Jaemin? Of course it wasn’t a date! Why the hell would you ask that?”

“I mean, you did say you didn’t know how this would affect our relationship,” he snapped.

“That doesn’t mean I would cheat on you. God, do you really think that low of me?” You could feel the sting behind your eyes of tears forming, but you tried to hold them back.

“I don’t know what to think anymore, Y/N. You waited until the day before you were leaving to tell me about it—”

“I didn’t have a choice, and you know it!” you exclaimed. “You know what? I’m done. I can’t do this right now.”

You hung up and threw your phone across the room, muffling sobs into your hands. Being here, having the job you’ve worked towards the past year, it was supposed to be exciting, yet you were dealing with possibly the worst heartbreak yet, and you didn’t even know if there was a relationship to salvage anymore.

Your phone was ringing with a FaceTime call from Jisung, but you ignored it. He couldn’t see you like this; even though you were partially in the wrong in the fight, he would completely lose it and attack Jaemin. You didn’t want to be the cause of something happening to NCT Dream. It would have to stay to yourself, just like everything else about your life.

///

You’d been in America for two weeks, and you were absolutely miserable. You didn’t talk to the boys as much, ignoring some of their calls so that when you did answer, there was too much to talk about for you to think about Jaemin during the calls. You hadn’t talked to him since your last argument, and you didn’t know what to do. Jisung didn’t now, but it was clear he was suspicious of something. You just wanted to go home, but Chi-won had to stay in California for more training and practice. He’d been invited to training camp in September, so it was easier for him to just stay here until he knew his future with the team post-camp.

Chi-won’s English was improving a little, but it was clear he wasn’t confident in himself. Learning a language was hard, and English was one of the most difficult. From conjunctions to words sounding the same but being spelled different to even the sentence structure, you didn’t blame him for feeling self-conscious and frustrated. You had talked to Jisung, and he’d agreed to speak with Chi-won.

“Chi-won, can you come here for a minute?” you called out.

He walked into the living room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He looked at your phone, jaw dropping when he saw Jisung on the screen. You held it out and said, “My brother wants to talk to you.”

He took the phone, sending a glance your way before looking back at Jisung. You moved to the kitchen to make breakfast, giving the boys some privacy. You could hear Jisung’s laugh through the tiny speaker, and it made your heart ache. Not seeing him every day felt like torture. You were so used to talk to him every day, but the both of you were too busy with your jobs, not to mention that you were still unsure of what the others knew about you and Jaemin.

As you were making some fried eggs, Chi-won joined you, holding your phone out with Jisung still on the screen. The hockey player sent a look that told you there would be a conversation later, and then he disappeared to his room. You looked at Jisung and smiled, asking him how it went. He said it went well, that Chi-won seemed to really listen to what he’d had to say. A door had opened behind him, and Chenle walked into the room. His face lit up when he saw you, and he ran over and jumped on Jisung’s back.

“Y/N! I haven’t talked to you in so long,” he said, suddenly pouting.

“I know, I’m sorry. Prospect camp was crazy, and I’ve been busy with teaching Chi-won English,” you replied. “I wish you guys were here. You’d love it.”

“We’ll have to visit sometime. Jisung, we gotta head to bed. We have practice tomorrow morning,” he said.

“Sleep well, you two,” you said with a smile.

“Love you!” they shouted, and then the call ended.

You finished breakfast and called for Chi-won. He joined you in the kitchen, taking his plate from you without a word. The two of you sat at the breakfast bar, eating in silence. Tyler and Cat were in Canada for a wedding, so you were alone with him. You waited for him to say something, anything, but he didn’t. Instead, he washed the dishes and went back to his room. He returned a few minutes later in workout clothes, so you changed into your own outfit and silently followed him to the gym downstairs. He started out on the bike while you went to the treadmill, starting a light jog.

After a few minutes, Chi-won said, “So, your brother is Park Jisung.”

“Yup. Has been for ten years,” you panted.

“I didn’t even know he had a sister.”

“No one does. It’s too dangerous.”

“That must suck. I can’t imagine keeping my sister a secret,” he said.

“Seeing him live his dream makes it all worth it. Besides, once I’m living here permanently, we’ll be able to tell everyone who I am.”

///

Getting out of bed was harder and harder as each day passed. You could feel yourself settle into a deep and heavy depression. and it seemed like the people you were living with were concerned. You never felt hungry, you were having trouble finding the motivation to shower, and you were ignoring every call that popped up on your phone.

There was a knock on your door before Cat poked her head in. You glanced at her before turning your attention back to the window. She sat in the armchair and leaned on her elbows, sending a smile your way.

“So, Chi-won and Tyler talked to the team, and they decided that if you want, you can go back to Korea until it’s time for training camp,” she told you.

You sat up slowly and asked, “What?”

“We can all tell how homesick you are, and Chi-won said that you had an argument with someone that sounded like your boyfriend. They have a back-up translator, so you can go home for a little bit,” she explained.

“He told you all that?”

“Well, he used an app to translate, but yes.”

Leaping out of bed, you hugged her tightly, mentally thanking yourself for having showered that morning. She laughed and hugged you back before telling you to start packing. You started throwing your things into suitcases and your duffel bag as she left, and tears started streaming down your face in happiness.

You hugged Tyler and Chi-won in thanks before rushing to the airport, not wanting to stay in America any more than you had to. You called your parents and Jisung once you had a ticket purchased, and they promised to keep it a secret. Jisung was practically vibrating in his seat once he heard the news, and you couldn’t wait to hug your family again.

Somehow, you managed to sleep on the flight. When you landed, it was about three in the afternoon. You raced towards your family as soon as you spotted them, leaping into Jisung’s arms. He lifted you up and squeezed tight, as if you would disappear if he let go. You then hugged your parents, not afraid to let the tears fall down your cheeks.

“I missed you guys so much,” you sobbed.

“We missed you too, sweetheart,” you dad said.

When you were home, you took a couple hours to settle in before taking Jisung with you to the dorms. Not only did you have some boys to surprise, but there was a certain boy with blue bangs you needed to speak to. Jisung seemed to be excited to be on the other end of the surprise.

As you walked into the building, your stomach twisted into a giant knot. You didn’t know how Jaemin was going to react. Before you could dwell on it too much, Jisung opened the door to the Dream dorm. Jeno and Haechan were playing video games in the living area, but they stopped immediately when they looked at you.

“Sunshine!” Jeno shouted. He threw the controller on the couch and ran over, scooping you into a bear hug.

“What are you doing here?” Haechan asked as you managed to pry away from Jeno to hug him.

“They let me come back home until training camp starts,” you explained. “Where are the others?”

“They’re in their rooms. Jaemin’s napping, but Renjun and Chenle are playing PUBG,” Jeno explained. “It’s good to have you back. Jaemin’s been moping every since you left.”

So they didn’t know. “I’ll go see Renjun and Chenle first. Jaemin must be really tired if he’s napping.”

You walked down the hallway and quietly stepped into Renjun and Chenle’s room. They were too busy looking at their phones to notice, so you sat by Renjun and asked how he was doing. He glanced at you and then did a double take before tackling you to the bed. Chenle complained, but when he looked up a screech left his mouth instead as he piled on top. They started asking you a bunch of questions at once, but you shushed them and explained why you were home. Chenle didn’t want to let go, but you explained that Jaemin didn’t know yet.

Jaemin looked so peaceful as he slept. You could just stand there and watch until he woke up, but the conversation needed to be had sooner than later. Quietly closing the door, you walked over and sat on the bed as gentle as possible. Your fingers carded through his hair, pushing it away from his forehead. He sighed in his sleep, melting under your touch. You called out his name lightly, but he didn’t stir. You tried a couple more times, and his eyes finally opened. He stared at you for about ten seconds before grabbing you. You were suddenly thrown on the bed, and he pinned your arms down before kissing you.

Kissing Jaemin felt like a dream, especially after what you two’d been going through the past few weeks. He pressed kiss after kiss to your lips, finally pulling away with a frown.

"I’m really sorry for how I acted the past couple times we talked. I trust you, and I support your career,” he said.

“I forgive you. God, I forgive you. I’ve been so miserable the past few weeks. I should’ve tried harder to tell you sooner than when I had.”

“Let’s just forget this, okay?”

“Deal.”

He leaned down to press your lips together again, not leaving any space between your bodies. He trailed kisses down your neck, sucking a mark into your skin at the base of your throat. When he moved back to your face, he whispered, “I love you.”

That was the first time either of you had ever said those words. Whenever the two of you were together, there was a good chance another Dreamie was with you, so actual dates were rare, which meant that neither of you felt like it was the right time to say them. However, the past three weeks, had proven that it didn’t matter how much time was spent alone.

“I love you too.”

It was about half an hour before you two emerged from the room. The others made fun of the hickeys that were all over your necks, but in that moment you didn’t care. You and Jaemin were more than okay, and that was all that mattered to you.

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vintage-story-time · 4 years ago

Text

Mom Gets It On by Kathy Andrews

Chapter 10

The next morning, Saturday, Sandy woke up feeling smothered. She found

herself lying naked between her husband and son. They each had an arm

and leg over her body. She extracted herself gently so as not to awaken

them.

She stood for a moment looking down at them, a smile of love on her

face. They looked so peaceful and relaxed. She went into the bathroom

and showered, then, wearing a housedress with nothing underneath, she

prepared breakfast for them. She tingled all over, and she sang softly,

happier than she had been in a long time.

When breakfast was almost ready, she woke them. "You two have just

enough time for a fast shower before breakfast," she told them. "So move

your asses, fellas!"

Rob swatted her ass playfully as he got out of bed. Joey raced off to

the hall bath while his father used the one in the master bedroom. When

they finally went to the table, everything was laid for them. There were

platters of eggs, sausages and toast.

"Eat it all," she ordered. "You two are going to need all the strength

you have."

"It sure seems that way," Rob agreed.

"More than you think, darling," Sandy said mysteriously.

There were a few things that Rob had to do in the yard, and Joey helped

him. Sandy cleaned up the kitchen, then made a phone call to Lori.

Rob and Joey were a little surprised when Lori showed up at noon. Rob

was not as surprised as his son. Joey could hardly conceal his pleasure.

He followed Lori all around the house, his eyes looking at her lovely,

slender, but sweetly curved young body. Sandy was amused at her son's

excitement. He had not fucked the teenage girl yet, and she knew how

anxious he was.

"I think I understand what you mean by needing strength," Rob said to

Sandy. "Why didn't you tell me about this idea of yours?"

"What idea, darling?" Sandy asked, innocently.

"Lori."

"But, Rob ... I don't know what you mean," she teased. "There isn't any

idea that I know of."

"Bullshit!" he snorted, grabbing his wife and pulling her into his arms.

He ran his hands down her back and cupped her swelling ass cheeks. "You

don't have anything on under this dress, Sandy."

"That makes it easier to get to my ass, doesn't it?"

"I think I like it," he said, sliding her dress up in back and feeling

her creamy-smooth ass. "Yes, I definitely like you naked under your

dress."

"What if Lori should see you feeling my ass like this?" she teased.

"She'd just have to wait her turn, that's all."

"Take my turn?" Lori asked, coming into the room with Joey. "Take my

turn at what?"

Sandy's back was toward them, and they looked at how her dress was at

her waist, her naked ass revealed with Rob feeling her ass cheeks.

"I think I see what you mean," Lori murmured. Joey turned to the teenage

girl. Lori faced him, their eyes almost level, but Lori was slightly

taller. "Wouldn't you like to do that to me, Joey?" she asked.

Joey gurgled with pleasure, finding his dreams coming true. He wrapped

his hands about Lori's waist, and cupped her ass.

"Under my dress, silly," Lori murmured, twisting her sweet little ass

against his hands. "You're supposed to feel my ass under my dress!"

Joey immediately lifted her dress and clasped his hands on her pantied

ass. "You have panties on," he pouted.

"Then put your hands inside my panties," Lori suggested.

Joey's cock was hard, very hard, as he slipped his hands into Lori's

panties, feeling the sweet smoothness of her tight ass. He pressed his

hand against her crotch, and Lori mewled softly as she ground her cunt

against him.

"You're hard, Joey," she said in a husky voice. "I bet you'd love to put

that inside me, wouldn't you?"

"Yes!" Joey shouted.

"Then let me take my panties off," Lori whispered hotly. She stepped

back from Joey. She lifted her dress and shoved her panties down,

winking at Joey wickedly. She held her dress up as Joey leaned over,

staring at her blonde-fuzzed cunt. "Well, Joey ... are you gonna just

look at my cunt all day? I thought you wanted to fuck me?"

Joey ripped his clothing from his overheated body so fast he tore his

shirt. Sandy and Rob laughed at their son's eagerness, and Rob

understood his feelings very much. His own cock was straining against

his pants, and Sandy released his prick with eager hands.

Lori stroked Joey's cock a moment, then sprawled onto the floor, her

slim thighs wide. She lifted her blonde-haired cunt and ground her pussy

into the air, her blue eyes shining with eagerness. Sandy and Rob stood

next to each other, with Sandy stroking her husband's cock as they

watched their son settle between those enticing young thighs. Sandy,

especially, enjoyed her son's pleasure. He had been wanting this sweet,

hot-assed teenage girl for a long time.

"Gosh," Joey grunted as he gazed at Lori's uplifted cunt. "That is so

pretty!"

"Come on, Joey," Sandy said to her son. "You can admire Lori's cunt

later. Right now it seems you better get your cock in there before you

come all over her pussy!"

"Yes, Joey," Lori agreed. "Put your cock in my cunt! Stop looking at my

pussy! Fuck me, Joey! You can look at my cunt all you want later ... but

I want you to fuck me now! Stick that cock up my cunt and fuck me,

Joey!"

"If you don't," Rob said in a tight voice, "I will!"

Joey moved his cock toward Lori's uplifted cunt. She grabbed for his

prick, and he watched in awe as his cock slipped into her tight, wet,

hot cunt. "I'm doing it!" he shouted. "I'm finally fucking Lori!"

"Then fuck me good, Joey!" Lori cried, pulling him down on top of her,

wrapping her long, creamy thighs about his hips and pumping her ass.

"Fuck my cunt good and hard! Oooo, what a nice cock, Joey! Give it to me

... give my pussy a good fucking!"

"Beautiful," Sandy murmured, watching her son's naked ass bouncing

between Lori's teenage thighs. "Isn't that beautiful, Rob ... our son

getting the ass of his dreams?"

"You're right, Sandy," he agreed. "And she's a good fuck for him. Lori

has a nice, hot, tight cunt!"

She yanked on his cock. "And I don't?"

"Your pussy is just as tight," he agreed quickly. "And I'd love to have

your cunt around my cock right now."

He sat on the couch, his cock straining in the air, dripping from the

piss hole. Sandy tugged at his pants until she had them off. Rob removed

his shirt, and then just as naked as his wife, he reached for her. Sandy

straddled his hips, then sat down on his cock. She cooed as his prick

entered her cunt. She began to fuck up and down as he clutched the

cheeks of her ass. They were in such a position that they could still

watch Joey and Lori.

Lori looked up from the floor, past Joey's shoulder, watching Sandy's

naked ass move up and down, seeing Rob's cock fuck the dark-haired cunt

of his wife. She writhed and twisted her hips, grinding her cunt against

Joey's thrusting cock.

"Fuck his cock, Sandy!" Lori urged in a thick voice. "I can see your

cunt sucking up his big prick! Fuck it good for him. Joey, oh, Joey ...

ram it to me! Ram your sweet cock up my cunt! Oooo, look, Joey! Look at

your mother's naked ass bounce on your father's cock! Look at them!"

But Joey was more interested, at the moment, with the steaming

sensations Lori's cunt was giving his cock and balls. He was thrilled at

the way Lori banged up against him, the way she ground her cunt into him

as he fucked. Her pussy seemed identical to his mother's, yet there was

a subtle difference, he knew, but couldn't really tell. It was just as

hot and tight, as wet and slippery, and Lori moved almost the same way,

yet different.

"Oh, Lori!" Joey groaned, driving his cock faster and faster. "I love

it, Lori! Ohhh, you're gonna have my cock coming in a second! Gosh, your

cunt is tight and hot!"

"Fuck it, Joey!" Lori gurgled, holding him tightly with her arms and

legs now. "Fuck my pussy, Joey! Ahhh, I love a hard cock fucking my

cunt! Fuck me faster, Joey! Oooo, fuck me faster and faster and faster!

I like getting fucked fast and hard!"

Sandy listened and became more excited as she bounced her naked ass up

and down on her husband's prick. Her eyes glowed hotly as she watched

her son fuck brutally into Lori's teenage pussy. Seeing him sent her

into shivers of delight, and her cunt clamped tightly on Rob's cock. She

was making gurgling sounds in her throat, and she was coming with a

series of swelling orgasms. Each orgasm was more explosive than the

last. She could feel her husband's cock throbbing deep inside her cunt,

and she knew by the way he squeezed harder at her naked ass that he

would be coming soon. She banged her ass up and down faster, her pussy

riding his hard cock even as she came, her hair lined cuntlips closing

and opening like the petals of a flower.

"Come, darling!" Sandy grunted as she banged furiously on his prick.

"Come with me, Rob! Oooo, feel my pussy squeezing your cock? Come in me,

darling! I want to feel your cock coming inside my hot cunt!"

Lori squealed, her half-naked body writhing with ecstasy. "I'm coming!

I'm coming! Joey, Joey ... you're making me come! Fuck it, Joey! Oooo,

fuck that hot pussy of mine! Fuck me, Joey ... fuck me good and hard!

Ahhh, drive that sweet, hard cock all the way up my cunt ... shove your

prick all the way to my mouth! Give it to me, Joey! Squirt ... squirt

that come juice into my hot pussy!"

Joey was pumping furiously into her flexing, convulsing cunt. He was

panting and gasping, his balls banging at her upturned, grinding ass

cheeks. He held her tight in his arms as Lori scissored her thighs up

and down his hips, her ankles locked about his lower legs. Then, with a

loud grunt, he stabbed his cock deep into her gripping cunt and came.

"Ooooo!" Lori mewled hotly. "You're coming in my cunt now, Joey! Fill me

up, Joey! Fill my cunt up with all your thick come juice! Fill me ...

fill me ... fill me!"

Joey could do nothing but grunt and strain against her cunt, his cock

gushing into her cunt. His body shook, and he gasped loudly. Then,

finally, he went limp on top of her. Lori held the panting boy, running

her hands up and down his naked back, giving his ass cheeks a gentle

squeeze. She dropped her legs apart, letting him catch his breath.

She turned her head and saw Rob just as he came into his wife's cunt.

She watched his balls draw up tight at the base, quivering as he came.

She also saw Sandy's ass shaking with ecstasy and even noticed the

spasms of Sandy's asshole. She felt happy that Sandy had walked in on

her during that gang-bang in the school gym. She thoroughly liked the

idea of fucking and sucking cock, and of licking Sandy's cunt. This was

so much better than her being the only girl at a gang-bang. She liked

the idea of being with Sandy, fucking Rob and Joey and sucking on

Sandy's cunt now and then.

Joey rolled from Lori and sprawled, on the floor, feeling tired. He saw

his mother lift her naked ass up from his father's cock and felt

pleasure rumble through him. He was glad he and his mother didn't have

to hide to fuck or suck now, that his father was willing to get

involved. It made things much better, more open.

After a few minutes, Sandy decided everyone was hungry. She and Lori

prepared sandwiches and cold tea for them. As they sat and ate, Lori

removed the last of her clothing. Her tits were perky and saucy with

large pink nipples. No one thought anything was wrong when Lori fondled

Sandy's tits, even when she leaned over and took a few licks and sucked

Sandy's nipple for a few moments. What her action did was excite Rob and

Joey.

After the light lunch, they found themselves in the master bedroom. No

one had suggested it, but that's where they all wound up anyway. Rob was

feeling and kissing Lori, and Joey was with his mother.

Somehow, Joey managed to get his mother on her stomach, and was leaning

over kissing and licking at her curvy, creamy ass cheeks. He ran his

tongue about the backs of his mother's thighs, tasting her sweet flesh.

He curled his tongue at the roundness of her ass, licking and kissing

and sucking at her flesh. He was enjoying this very much, and, on an

impulse, he wormed his tongue between her ass cheeks.

"Ohhh, what are you going to do, darling?" Sandy murmured, wiggling her

ass into her son's face.

Joey laughed. "I'm going to kiss your pretty ass, Mother! What did you

think I was going to do?"

"I don't know, but it sure feels good," she replied, twisting her naked

ass for him. "Kiss it some more, baby! It feels very good!"

"Do me!" Lori squealed, twisting about and presenting her young ass to

Rob. "Kiss my ass, too!"

Joey slipped his tongue up and down the warm crack of his mother's ass,

shoving it deeper and deeper. When he probed against the tightness of

his mother's asshole, Sandy yelped in pleasure.

"Oooo, do that to me, Joey! Ohhh, that is nice! That's very good. Lick

me there, baby! Ohhh, yes, lick my asshole, Joey!"

Joey's tongue lapped up and down his mother's asshole eagerly, and his

cock became extremely hard. He probed the tip of his tongue against the

hot tightness, and she was surprised when his tongue slipped into her

asshole.

"Ohhh!" Sandy whimpered, arching her ass up. "That's good, Joey!

Tonguefuck my ass ... Ohhhh, do it up my asshole! Ahhhh, tonguefuck me

in my fucking-hot asshole, baby!"

Joey felt his mother's hot ass cheeks covering his face as he pressed

his own lips against her asshole, his tongue darting back and forth. His

chin was against her cunt, becoming smeared with her hot pussy juice.

From next to her, Sandy heard Lori crooning, her little ass in the air,

"Oooo, a tonguefuck up the ass! Ohhh, I love it! A tonguefuck in the

fucking asshole!"

"Eat her little asshole, Rob!" Sandy shouted, shaking her ass in her

son's face. "Suck her young asshole, darling!"

"I can't stand much more of this!" Lori wailed, shivering with ecstasy.

"It feels so fucking good, I can't take much more of it! Ahhh, fuck my

asshole, Rob! Ohhhh, yes! Fuck my hot asshole with your cunt-sucking

tongue!"

Sandy yelped loudly, jerking her ass from her son's mouth, "God, was

that good!"

She rolled onto her back, her legs wide apart. She rubbed at her cunt as

she looked at her husband, his face buried in the creamy cheeks of the

teenage girl's shaking ass. Lori was on the floor next to the bed, her

knees drawn under her naked body, her face an expression of sheer

ecstasy as she rubbed her ass into Rob's face.

"Mother," Joey said, stroking his cock. "I won that game last night.

When do I get to claim my prize?"

"That's right," she said. "You haven't fucked my ass, have you? My, look

at that beautiful hard on you have, Joey! I wonder what it's going to

feel like?"

Rob pulled his face from Lori's teenage ass and looked up at his wife.

"You promised, Sandy," he said, his eyes shining. "You said whichever

one came last would get to fuck you up the ass first. You can't back out

now!"

"Who's backing out?" Sandy asked.

Sandy scooted to the edge of the bed so that her round ass hung over it.

"Come on, Joey," she said. "It's time your mother got fucked up the

ass!"

Joey dropped to his knees on the floor, moving between his mother's

widely spread thighs. Sandy drew her knees up to her naked tits, holding

them wide. This position lifted her ass, the cheeks spreading to reveal

her tight asshole.

Lori stared at what was happening, then shouted, "Hey, I want to be

fucked up my asshole, too!"

She shoved her ass toward Rob, who was on his knees behind her. "Come

on, Rob! You fuck me in my asshole!"

Joey moved the swollen head of his cock to his mother's exposed asshole,

brushing up and down. Sandy turned loose of her knees and gripped the

cheeks of her ass with both hands. "Shove it to me, Joey!" she shouted.

"Shove your cock up my fucking asshole, baby! Fuck me in the ass ...

like your father is fucking Lori's asshole!"

Joey stabbed his cock against his mother's tight asshole, and it slipped

right in.

"Ohhhh, good!" Sandy moaned, wiggling about so that her son soon had

every inch of his cock up her asshole. "That is fucking good, baby! Fuck

it now, Joey! Fuck mother's asshole good and hard! Drive your prick in,

Joey!"

Lori, shivering as Rob plunged the long thickness of his cock in and out

of her asshole, moved closer so she could see Joey fucking his mother in

the ass. Sandy lowered her legs on each side of her son. She held her

hips still as he fucked his cock in and out of her burning, gripping

asshole.

Lori, seeing that hairy cunt in front of her face, shoved her lips down

and began kissing and licking Sandy's pussy. Rob, seeing this, grabbed

the teenager's hips with his hands, driving his big cock deep into her

hot asshole.

"Eat her cunt, Lori!" he shouted excitedly. "Eat her hot, hairy cunt

while Joey fucks her in her hot ass! Fuck your mother's asshole, Joey!

Fuck it good for her while Lori sucks her cunt! Eat her hairy pussy,

baby! Lick it, suck it, eat it!"

"Ohhh," Sandy wailed, thrilled to have a cock fucking up her asshole

and, at the same time, Lori's lips and tongue sucking and licking her

rigid clit. "Oooo, eat me, Lori! Eat my pussy while my son fucks me up

the ass! Ahhhh, it's so fucking good ... mouth and cock ... asshole and

cunt! More, more, more!"

Rob fucked hard into Lori's asshole, his cock throbbing and ready to

come any second. Seeing his son fucking Sandy in the asshole and seeing

this beautiful, sexy teenager eating her cunt, sent his emotions high.

His balls banged against Lori's dripping cunt.

"Ohhh, I'm about to come!" Sandy wailed loudly, clawing at her swollen

tits with both hands. "Ohhh, Lori, your mouth and tongue is so sweet!

Eat my hairy cunt! Fuck my ass, Joey! Ohhhh ... Oh ... oh ... Ohhhh,

there! I'm coming!"

Joey felt his mother's asshole close tightly around his buried cock,

and, with a loud grunt, he spewed come juice into her hot ass.

Rob felt Lori's asshole flex on his prick, and he knew the girl was

coming from the muffled moans and the way her body shook. His cock

jerked, and he flooded her asshole with his own come juice.

Exhausted, Joey pulled his cock from his mother's gripping asshole,

falling to the floor. Rob, also tired, pulled his cock free from the

teenage asshole and fell next to his son, panting just as heavily.

Lori managed to climb onto the bed and lay down next to Sandy. She

fondled Sandy's tits gently as she breathed raggedly. Sandy murmured,

"How about that!"

"I think I want it up the ass again, Sandy," Lori gasped. "This is sure

a lot better than ... you know."

"I agree, Lori," Sandy said.

Rob lifted himself up and looked at his wife and the sweet bundle of

sexy fluff. "What are you two talking about?"

Sandy grinned wickedly at her husband. "All you need to know, darling,

is that you and our son are going to be getting all the hot cunt you can

ever use! Right, Lori?"

"We'll fuck them to pieces!" Lori agreed.

"I believe it," Rob laughed.

Joey sat up. "I'll be hard again soon, and I'm ready to try."

Sandy laughed and caressed Lori's sweet, perky tit. "And when they're

too tired, you and I, Lori, know what to do with each other, don't we?"

"We sure do," Lori said, kissing Sandy on her mouth.

Rob and his son grinned at one another. "This is going to be

interesting, Joey."

Joey grinned, reaching for his mother's cunt, his other hand going

between the smooth thighs of Lori. "Let's get 'em, Dad!"

The End

#Mom Gets It On by Kathy Andrews #Chapter 10 #The end

1 note · View note

lynelovespopculture · 5 years ago

Text

THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF ZELDA: CHAPTER 7-HILDA’S WEDDING I personally dedicate this chapter to my good friend @missxzeldaspellman, who beautiful piece of art based on my final scene so made me up my game! If she enjoyed this part only half as much I love that drawing, all the hard work will be well worth it!!! 😘💖😘 PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT AND REBLOG!!!

CHAPTER 7-HILDA’S WEDDING

“Oh, it’s going so well! Don’t you think it’s going well? I think it’s going well.”

Zelda rolled her eyes. If she hadn’t seen the pagans defeated with her own 2 eyes, she would swear they were back and had this time turned Hilda into a hummingbird. Zelda drew in a breath before she said.

“Yes, Hilda, it is going well. Granted, we just had cocktails and still have a whole dinner to get through so you please calm down, sister!”

It was a Friday evening and the reason Hilda was so nervous and on edge was because some of her fiancée’s family, namely his two brothers and their wives had arrived in Greendale yesterday for Christmas and the upcoming wedding and tonight, they all came to dinner at the Spellman house. Although this whole dinner had been her own idea, Hilda had been a nervous wreck all day and apparently still was, as Zelda watched her sister run around the kitchen trying to put finishing touches on all the food while Zelda sat calmly at the island focusing on a single dish.

“Okay, it looks like we’re ready to serve the 1st course.” Hilda smiled.

“Finally,” muttered Zelda “Let’s get this show on the road,” She slipped off the stool, picked up her tray of food and was about to leave the kitchen when

“Zelda!” Hilda called out, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Zelda turned back an eyebrow raised. “What?”

“You’re still smoking.”

The older sister glanced at her cigarette in its holder on her finger. “Yeah, so?”

“Mortals frown at smoking, especially during pregnancy and you are showing very much these days, sister.”

“But I’m not mortal.”

“I know you’re not-“ Hilda closed her eyes, let out a breath, and tried again. “We’re not mortals, but as I’ll already explain it to you, 3 times today alone, Dr. C’s relatives are so will you please put that out? Hecate, Zelda! Why have you been so snippy today?”

Rather than answer her sister, Zelda stepped past her, laid the food tray on the island once again, and put out her cigarette in a nearby ashtray and placed the holder down before turning back to Hilda. “There. Better?”

Hilda shoved the forgotten food dish in her sister’s arms, “There, perfect.” Hilda grabbed her own dish and the 2 sisters journeyed into the dining room where Dr. C and the others were chatting. There were the 2 brothers, Sam and Mike and their wives, Rose and Sara. So far, the Cerberus family outnumbered the Spellmans which only consisted of the 2 sisters. Ambrose and Sabrina left while the getting was good, a part of Zelda envied the children’s getaway and Faustus, well, he said he would be there for the family dinner, but it didn’t exactly take a genius or a fortune teller to tell that this would be a hard day for Faustus, no matter what he did or where he went. Like the loving and supportive wife Zelda thought she could never be but somehow had become, she made plans, handed over her classes and made sure her other duties were taken care of so she could spend the whole day with Faustus. Yet when Zelda woke up this morning, her husband was already gone; not only from their bed or from their room but from the house. Zelda told herself not to worry. After all, if she was Faustus, she would need some alone time too, today of all days. When there was still no sign of him an hour after breakfast, Zelda decided to go to work after all. Work proved a good distraction so many times before and it did today, up to a point. It was about noon that the worry Zelda told herself not to content with, started to creep up in. Prudence casually saying that she hadn’t seen her father at all today. That didn’t help matters. Zelda placed several calls to the house throughout the afternoon. Either Faustus wasn’t home or didn’t care to pick up the phone. After school, Prudence joined her in the church when they met up to pray for the twins’ safe return. There, in the stillness, Zelda studied her stepdaughter. 2 years ago, Zelda could barely tell who was who in the trio known as the weird sisters. Now it was overwhelming how much love and pride Zelda felt for the strong outgoing young woman that reminded Zelda so much of herself at her age. As soon as she stepped out of the church a student approached with a message from Hilda, who wanted her home right away. Zelda returned home to see her sister whipping herself into a frenzy. Zelda could barely get a word in, let alone explain what day today was and that Faustus was MIA. Someone’s laugh bought Zelda back to reality.

“You 2 plan to be married on New Year’s Day and you’re going to do it outside, in the woods? Why?” asked 1 of the brothers who’s name escaped Zelda at the moment.

“I told you, Sam,” Dr. C answered “Hilda and her family are of a different faith than ours. We want to have the wedding on neutral ground. Plus, the Greendale woods have their own natural beauty.”

“Plus, we plan to decorate, dress it up a bit more.” Added Hilda.

“What about the reception?” Asked Mike, Dr. C’s other brother. “Do you get a hall or something?”

“No,” said Dr. C, “We’re going to have to have the reception right here.”

Rose, Sam’s wife looked horrified. “Here?! But this is a funeral home.”

Zelda immediately felt insulted. “Excuse me, this is our family home!”

“Yes, it is and we had lots of lovely parties here, you’ll see.” Hilda got up to clear the table before laying out the main course, and Dr. C got up to help her. Hilda was able to whisper into her sister’s ear.

“Please Zelda, just calm down and behave!”

Zelda was about to answer her sister when she felt her baby kick within her. Instantly, Zelda forgot her sister, looked down, smiled, and placed a hand on top of her swollen middle.

“So, how far along in your pregnancy?” Sara, Dr. C’s other sister-in-law asked Zelda, edger as Hilda was to change the subject.

“Oh, I’m 10-“ Zelda caught herself before she said months because a mortal pregnancy is 9 months rather than a witches’ 13. “I’m 10 days in my 8th month,” Zelda said.

“Nice save,” Dr. C whispered as he grabbed Zelda’s plate. As Hilda and Dr. C went into the kitchen and Zelda found herself alone with 4 mortals. What came next was the same boring small talk Zelda had come to expect while dining with mortals. Yes, she and Hilda were truly sisters. No, no one was adopted or was a half-sibling. Zelda could’ve sworn she had this exact conversation with Diana’s family. Thank Hecate it wasn’t too long before Hilda emerged from the kitchen, bearing a wonderfully cooked turkey in her arms, Dr. C was right behind her, carrying side dishes.

They were in the middle of the main course when the front door opened and closed. Zelda only had to turn a little in her seat to see that her husband was finally home, Zelda couldn’t help but smile.

“Faustus!”

For some reason, Faustus was filthy, covered head to toe with mud and dirt. “I apologize, the time got away from me but I didn’t forget about dinner, I just need a moment to clean up.” With that, Faustus disappeared upstairs. However, it was 10 minutes before Faustus slid into the chair next to Zelda.

“I’m sorry I took so long. It takes me forever to do anything now that I don’t have magic-um, magic soap. I hate when they discontinue things.” Faustus laughed nervously.

A confused Sam looked over to Dr. C. “I thought you said the brother was dead.”

Rose, his wife, gasped in shock. “Sam! You can’t just say things like that!” Rose scolded

“Sorry,” Sam muttered.

Hilda smiled. “It okay! It’s true that Zelda and I have a brother who died 16 years ago. His name is Edward.”

“That’s right,” Added Dr. C. “But this is Faustus” when his family still had no reaction, Dr. C tried again. “Blackwood? Come on, guys, I told you about him. He saved me when the store was robbed.” Dr. C finally got the reaction he was waiting for.

Mike pointed at Faustus and Zelda with his fork. “So, you 2 together?”

Faustus gave a tender look at his wife before answering. “Yes, very much so,” He said while Zelda nodded.

“Oh? How did you guys meet?” asked Mike’s wife, Sara.

“We were 16. It was our first day at the academy,” replied Zelda.

You’re high school sweethearts?”

Zelda smiled. “You could say that.”

Sam laughed. “Well, who knows? With Robert and Hilda getting hitched, maybe wedding bells can ring a 2nd time.”

“Oh no, you misunderstand. Zelda and I already got married last year.” Faustus explained.

“You can’t be all that serious about marriage, neither of you is wearing a ring,” muttered Sam.

The table fell silent. Apparently, there was no easy way to tell Hilda’s future mortal in-laws that those slivery wedding bands were painful reminders of their first few weeks of marriage. A time when Faustus and Zelda were both suffering under awful bewitchments. So together, not long after destroying the music box, they agreed to get rid of the rings and gave them to Ambrose to smite them. So far, there was no talk of replacing them.

Dr. C was desperate to change the subject. “So, Mike, how are the kids?”

“Pretty good,” Mike responded. “though Sara and I try not to think too hard about them getting down here once school lets out. Can you imagine? Only 1 licensed driver, that small car and 4 kids?”

Inwardly, Zelda flinched. Did the mortal really have to pick right now to mention 4 children? It took a moment for Zelda to gather the courage to look beside her. When she did, it only confirmed what she already knew. That Faustus stiffened in his seat.

“I’m really sorry. I thought I could do this but I just can’t. Sorry again, Dr. C, Hilda, please excuse me.” Faustus got up and left out the front door. With only an ‘I’m sorry’ glance at her sister, Zelda followed her husband out to the porch, pausing only to grab a jacket on the way out.

Hilda laughed nervously at her remaining guests. “Desert, anyone?”

Outside in the cold night air, Faustus could feel hot tears forming in his eyes. “That mortal doesn’t know lucky he is! I would give anything to know where all my children are!” He muttered to himself. Faustus wasn’t aware of Zelda’s presence until he felt her putting his coat around his shoulders.

He turned to her. “I’m sorry I ran off like that.”

“Don’t be, it was a boring dinner party.”

“I’m also sorry that I didn’t leave a note for you this morning. I was across town before I remembered.”

“That’s alright.”

Faustus gave his wife a half-smile. “You’re being pretty understanding with me today. You remember, don’t you? You know what day today is.”

“That it’s the twins’ birthday? Of course, I remembered!”

Faustus felt his wife shiver in the cold so he led Zelda to the bench, sat beside her, and put the coat over both of them. Then he put an arm around Zelda.

“I knew that you would never forget the twins’ birthday! After all, apart from their DNA, they’re as much your children as they are mine.”

Zelda looked at him. “Do you really feel that way, Faustus? Truly?”

“I do, truly.” Faustus smiled at the wife he so adored.

Rather than give in to tears, Zelda sighed and put her head on Faustus’s shoulder. Faustus kissed her brow while she said, “I can’t believe the twins are already 1.”

Faustus looked up sharply. “1? You keep on forgetting they were raised in that damn time loop. Zelda, it’s their 16th birthday and you know how important this day or rather, this night is to our people.”

“It’s their dark baptism,” Zelda whispered.

“Exactly and I can’t stand that the twins, our twins, are with him! Especially tonight, the night of their dark baptism. I’m so afraid that damn curse will go ahead with his stupid plan!”

“What plan?”

“This curse seems to be an extreme version of me and sometimes I do think the old ways are best but he-it-takes it too far. You see, centuries ago, Blackwoods would wed brother to sister to keep bloodlines pure.”

Zelda’s eyes widened as the true horror dawned on her. “Faustus, no!”

“We can only pray to Hecate that something happens. Like the curse changes its mind, or perhaps the twins will object and refuse to go through with it.”

Zelda didn’t know what to say in order to comfort him, so she just snuggled closer to her husband. For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence. Then Zelda felt Faustus’s hand on her middle.

“Say, what do you think we find a spell that will keep our child right where he or she is, safe and warm forever.”

Despite herself, Zelda laughed out loud. “Darling, when this baby is 16 and out of control, you have my permission to bring up this conversation but until then, my body can’t do any more than the 3 months remaining in this pregnancy.”

Faustus smiled. “Just a thought.”

“So, what did you do all day?” Zelda asked casually.

“Well, in an effort to locate the children I spent the whole morning trying to find my own ‘twin’. Then I spent a lot of the public library, researching.”

“Researching? Researching what? I mean, what could possibly be of any use to you at the public library?”

“Dearest, this is Greendale, the spell books are everywhere if you know where to look. I was researching a couple of things, mostly pagans.”

Zelda was beyond confused. “Why are you reading about pagans?”

Faustus got up and sighed. “I was unsuccessful in finding my middle children today but maybe I can still give my firstborn her sister back.”

Zelda immediately understood what he was saying. “Agatha? Have you found a cure for her madness?”

“No, not a cure exactly, not yet. More like a lead.”

Zelda was entranced. “Go on.”

“I found an old book about local pagans way down in the library archives. In the back of this book was a map for some sort of wooden puzzle box that according to legend can cure any witch of any insanity bought on by a pagan. I immediately knew that it was a map of the Greendale woods!”

“Is that why you were so dirty when you came home?” Asked Zelda.

“Exactly! I think I got carried away and left big holes in the woods. I just kept thinking about Prudence and how happy this would make her and I kept digging and digging until I lost the light. I didn’t find anything but if it’s out there I will find it.”

Zelda said nothing but just smiled as she got up, put her arms around Faustus’s neck, and kissed him. “I love you and I’m so proud that you’ve come so far in so short of time.”

The husband and wife kissed again but the moment was interpreted by Dr. C and his family who came out the door.

“We’re going now,” Dr. C told them as the brothers and their wives went to the car. “Zelda, can I have word with you please?”

“Sure”

They walked a few steps before Dr. C explained. “I need a favor from you. You see, I need your help to plan a surprise for Hilda.”

Meanwhile, Faustus went inside and turned into the kitchen where Hilda was wrapping up food.

“I’m sorry I ran off during dinner like that.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Faustus smiled. “I wanted to talk to you, Hilda. I need a favor from you. You see, I need your help to plan a surprise for Zelda."

“What are you looking at, dearest?”

Zelda was sitting up in bed when she saw Faustus coming to take his place in bed beside her. “Oh, nothing,” Zelda dismissed, “It’s just a picture of me and Letitia, er, I mean Judith that Sabrina took last Yule.”

Faustus shook his head. “I think you were right the 1st time. I think her true name is and always will be Letitia. I mean, you’ve been her mother since the very beginning.”

“That’s just a nice way to say that I stole your daughter.”

Faustus laughed. “I preferred to think of it of saving her from the curse without even realizing it. By the way, where did you get that photo?”

“Oh, I always keep this in my nightstand.”

Faustus’s smile only grew wider. “Really? Then great minds think alike.” Faustus turned and got something out of his own nightstand and then placed another photo in Zelda’s hands. “I believe that this picture of you and Judas was taken after we got engaged.”

Smiling, Zelda nodded. “I remember.” Zelda then took one photo each in 1 hand and moved her knees to lay both pictures down side by side on the bed. “You know, it’s just too tempting” Zelda touched both photos, spelling them into 1. Now, it looked like Zelda held both babes in a single pic. “But that’s too easy,” Zelda frowned as she turned 1 back into 2 again. “We need to be realistic about this.” Zelda offered her hand and Faustus took it in his. Zelda closed her eyes and started to pray. “We pray to our dark mother, Hecate, and to Hera, the mother of all mothers, to watch over these babes, our children until they’re safely back in our arms.” After the photos were laid aside, and she laid in Faustus’s arms in the dark when she said, “They’re going to come home, Faustus, I know it. Soon, this house will be packed with children.”

If Zelda needed a distraction to keep her mind off the twins, there were a lot of distractions for her to choose from. On top of preparing for Hilda’s wedding, the Yule season was fast approaching so Zelda was needed everywhere. At the school, at church, and at home. On top of all her duties, Zelda still managed to work on Hilda’s surprise, even if she had to depend on Sabrina and Ambrose to teach her the technology. The very busy high priestess even found time to steal away for an afternoon to go up to the mountains to visit Gryla. Over a brand new never been opened bottle of gin, Zelda explained the insanity curse and Gryla said she would keep an eye out for the twins.

Before Zelda even knew it, it was December 23, the start of the winter solstice, the shortest day and the longest night. It was also when the Spellmans gathered together to exchange gifts. Sabrina gave Zelda ‘the book of Hecate’. It was so infamously banned by the dark lord that Zelda was shocked that it was in her hands. She tried to keep her reaction reasonable, for Sabrina’s sake. Zelda gave her husband a silver pocket watch. Faustus gave his wife a golden charm bracelet with one 1 tiny charm on it in the shape of a baby carriage.

“Open it,” Faustus suggested excitedly.

Zelda did so and on the left side of the tiny charm/locket was a picture Zelda had never seen before. It was of Prudence and both twins as infants. “Faustus, it’s beautiful. But when was it taken? You don’t have the magic to spell pictures and Prudence had such a short time with Letitia and Judas when they were babies.”

Faustus laughed. “I can’t get anything past you can’t I, Zelda? It’s true no one posed for this picture and no, I didn’t spell it. Instead, Ambrose taught me some new kind of magic on the computer. He called it photoshop. Anyway, I put the children all on the left side and the right side empty so we could put a picture of the baby in it once he or she is born. That way”

“I will have all my children all in 1 charm.” Zelda nodded while finishing her husband’s thought.

“And I promise to give you another charm every year until that bracelet is full.”

Zelda smiled. “I love it and I love you,” she smiled and kissed him.

After a relaxing solstice, Zelda went back to her busy schedule. The Academy was still in the semi-holiday mode so Zelda focused on helping Hilda, whose wedding was less than a week away. On December 30th, Dr. C closed the bookstore so he and Hilda could host a unisex bridal shower. They had party favors, unwrapping of gifts, and something called a cake pulling. A cake pulling is where there are little blue ribbons and all the guests pick a ribbon and pull out a charm that had been baked into the cake. The charm you pulled predicts the future. The next day, New Year’s Eve, was spent in the woods. Setting up for the wedding the next day. A white runner was tapped down to mark the aisle, fold-out chairs were arranged. The 2 trees that Dr. C and Hilda were going to be married under was all decked out with pink streamers were wrapped around the trunks and fairy lights in the branches. Zelda found the streamers a little tacky, but since it was Hilda’s wedding tomorrow, she held her tongue.

“Well, do you ladies need or want anything else before Ambrose and I head out?” Faustus asked as he was dropping off a bottle of champagne in Hilda and Zelda’s old room. It was New Year’s Eve but even more importantly, it was the night before Hilda’s wedding. Dr. C was hosting a little boys’ night at the bookstore. Now that a bride didn’t have to wait for the dark lord on her wedding eve, Hilda took Sabrina up on her suggestion for all girls’ movie night. Sabrina was downstairs right now, making popcorn.

“Actually, Father, um, Faustus, I’ve been meaning to talk to you all week, but I’ve been so busy,” Hilda explained. “Anyway, I wanted to ask you if you will do me the honor of giving me away?

Faustus’s eyes widened. “Me? You want me to walk you down the aisle?”

“Well, my father and Edward are dead. You are the most senior male member of this family now. Of course, if you rather not, I’m sure Ambrose”

“No, no I’d love too,” Faustus smiled. “Do you really consider me part of the family? Now I feel bad about the shower.”

Hilda frowned. “What about the shower?”

Faustus reddened. “Nothing, it’s silly. It’s the cake pulling. I was grumpy because I got the heart charm. According to the meaning list you gave us, the heart means I’ll meet and fall in love with someone new.”

Hilda smiled and shook her head. “But the heart token has a double meaning. If you’re single, it means you’ll meet someone new. If you have a partner and you have the heart, it means that your partner is your true love.

“I don’t care if you made that up or not, I’ll take it!” Faustus kissed Zelda goodbye and left.

“I’m not making anything up!” Hilda called out after him. “Gosh, the cake pulling was a big hit with Dr. C’s family. What did you think of it, Zelda?”

Zelda looked up from where she was giving the dresses a once over with a lint brush. “Oh, I don’t believe that a cake can predict the future.”

“That’s just Zelda-speak for I didn’t like my token either!”

Zelda sighed. “Okay, you got me. I got the engagement ring which means that I’m the next to be married but that’s impossible because I’m already married, the last 2 months, quite happily.”

Hilda frowned. “Well, maybe Sabrina liked her token.” Then Hilda saw her sister smirk. “What? What token did Sabrina get?”

Zelda bit her lip as if to keep from laughing. “The thimble.”

Hilda’s jaw dropped. “No!” Both sisters knew exactly what the thimble meant. “The old maid!” The sisters laughed together.

They were still laughing when Sabrina came in with the popcorn and the all-girls movie night began for Hilda, Zelda, and Sabrina. They had invited Prudence to join them but it was her night to do bed check at the Academy. So, the line-up tonight was films like Beaches, Pretty Woman, and 27 Dresses. These were girlish dramas and romcoms that Hilda and Sabrina loved. Zelda didn’t but once again she held her tongue. It didn’t even matter because Zelda fell asleep half-way through the 1st movie.

“Should we wake her up?” Asked Sabrina.

Hilda shook her head. “No. Let her sleep. I think this is the 1st time your poor aunt Zelda had been asleep before 10 in over a month.” So, they put a quick silence spell around Zelda and returned to the movie.

Hilda didn’t like the idea of getting married in white or black. So, she looked around until she found a material she liked in soft peach. Hilda sewed herself a wonderful looking peach wedding dress of cotton and a little lace. She also had heels, a straw hat, and a short fur coat, all dyed to match and they were all Yule gifts from Zelda. Zelda, the maid of dishonor and the bridesmaid, Sabrina, were both dressed in royal purple. The dresses, which Hilda also made herself, was slim and form-fitting, except Zelda, had a built-in elastic waist to support her baby bump. Hilda and Dr. C chose to have a night ceremony, which served them well, as the fairy lights and dozen of candles used looked wonderful against the glimmering snow. The precession began; Sabrina went first, followed by Zelda, and then Hilda took the arm that a smiling Faustus offered her.

“You look wonderful,” Faustus said to Hilda they began their walk together.

Dr. C winked at his bride as she came closer to him. Faustus and Dr. C nodded to each other as Faustus handed over the bride. Side by side, Dr. C and Hilda smiled adorably at each other. Still, something was missing.

“Where is the justice of the peace?” Hilda whispered to her groom.

Dr. C smiled, “I canceled him so that I could do this,” Dr. C turned to address the crowd. “Hello, friends and family. Hilda and I would like to welcome all of you to our wedding! But before we get started, I have a surprise for my bride. As most of you know, Hilda and I are from different faiths. What most of you don’t know, not even Hilda is that we have 2 ministers of each faith in our own families. Per my request, they’ve been working together via skype on a joint ceremony to marry Hilda and me here tonight. Please welcome my cousin, Brian, and Hilda’s sister, Zelda.”

As the crowd clapped, Zelda drew a nervous breath, handed Hilda’s bouquet of daisies to Sabrina, and then took her place beside Brian.

“Okay, this is my 1st joint wedding, so bear with me.” Explained Brian.

The crowd laughed.

“This is my 1st wedding ever, so bear with me too.” Explained Zelda.

The crowd laughed even harder.

Brian then got serious. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to bear witness and celebrate the marriage of Robert and Hilda. Marriage will always be a symbol of God’s perfect love for his people but in these modern times, with marriages become more and more unsuccessful or sometimes skipped altogether, why do people still marry? People marry because it’s the strongest way to say to your partner and the world that ‘I choose this person before anyone else in the world.’ When 2 people enter into wedlock, it’s a true union of mind to mind, heart, to heart and soul to soul.”

As Brian delivered his address, Faustus and Zelda kept stealing glances at each other. He winked at her and she smiled deeply at him, blushing. Then, it was Zelda’s turn to speak.

“For millions and millions of years, the goddess Hecate has presented herself as the 3 in 1. Those 3 are the maiden, the mother, and the crone. Yet before she could become a mother, she became a wife when she wedded the god Aeete and bore his children. To honor their union, we have been marrying in Hecate’s name ever since.”

“Do you, Hildegard Antionette Spellman, take this man, Robert David Cerberus, to be your legally wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, honor him and comfort him, for better or worse, in sickness or health, for richer or poorer and will you keep yourself only on to him until death do you part?” Asked Brian.

Hilda looked at Dr. C and smiled. “I do.”

“Do you, Robert David Cerberus, take this woman, Hildegard Antionette Spellman, to be your legally wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, honor her and comfort her, for better or worse, in sickness or health, for richer or poorer and will you keep yourself only on to her until death do you part? And do you promise to take her to visit her family at least once a week?” Asked Zelda. There was a silent pause before Zelda confirmed “I know what I said.”

The crowd roared with laughter and when it died down, Dr. C was still smiling. “I do.

Brian walked over to Dr. C’s best man and took a ring from him. “The wedding ring is perfect for marriage because a ring, like love itself, has no beginning and no end. Robert, you may place this ring on Hilda’s finger and say ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”

Dr. C placed the ring on Hilda’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Sabrina passed the ring on to Zelda. “We believe that the ring is a circle to match a full moon, which is a phase of every wit- woman’s life. Hilda, you may place this ring on Robert’s finger and say ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”

Hilda smiled and did so. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“By the exchanging of vows and the giving and receiving of rings, we now pronounce you husband and wife.” Declared Brian. “Robert, you may kiss your bride.”

Hilda gave a happy giggle as Dr. C kissed her.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s my honor and pleasure to present to you Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Hilda Cerberus!” Announced Zelda.

Everyone left the woods and returned to the house for a very successful reception. Despite earlier misgivings, Ambrose made a wonderful DJ. Everyone agreed it was so them when the bride and groom chose ‘the Monster Mash’ for their 1st dance. Everyone loved the wedding cake that Hilda make herself and Sabrina caught the bouquet.

After Hilda and Dr. C left for their 2 weeks honeymoon in Hollywood, life got back to normal for the rest of the family. For Faustus, that meant looking after the bookshop, per Dr. C’s request, and digging in the woods. It had been nearly 3 weeks since Faustus had found the map of the wooden puzzle box that may hold the cure to Agatha’s madness. Faustus had been digging nearly day. Even when he was helping set up for the wedding, he was eyeing his next digging site. One afternoon, Faustus was worried he was running out of places to dig when his shovel hit something hard. He knelt, dug with his fingers. Faustus smiled and laughed when he realized he was holding the very puzzle box he was seeking. He ran all the way home and up to his room when he studied a photocopy of the spell.

“Yes! Yes, this should work!”

Faustus looked up when the brick broke the window.

Ambrose and Sabrina ran down the hall as fast as they could and burst into Zelda’s office.

“Aunt Z! Aunt Z! You have to come with us!” cried Sabrina.

“I don’t know what happened! They just stormed into the house and took him!” Ambrose was trembling.

Zelda held up her hands. “Children, calm down. Now, who took who?”

They led Zelda to the tree where they hung the Greendale 13. Only today, there was only 1 noose for 1 witch.

Zelda felt her heart leaped into her throat as she saw who the angry coven was getting ready to hang. “Faustus!” Zelda heard sniffing so she looked up and saw her stepdaughter. Zelda ran to her. “Prudence! Prudence, what is happening?”

Prudence, arms crossed and her cheeks stained with tears, shook her head. “I don’t know, Sister Zelda. Dorcas and I were just talking a walk when we saw the adults of our coven leading my father, who had his hands bound behind his back, here, shouting and yelling that they were going to kill him. I tried to talk to some of them but no one will listen to me.”

“Stay with her,” Zelda told Sabrina and Ambrose before disappearing into the crowd. As Zelda fought to get to the tree, Faustus was led out, forced to stand still on a barrel as they put the noose around his neck. Zelda got to the tree trunk then. “Faustus, darling, what is happening?”

He looked down at her and smiled. “Zelda, my dearest, and only love. I’m so glad I got to see you 1 final time.”

“Don’t speak that way! I’m sure we can sort this out.” Zelda was about to say more but someone grabbed her arm and whirled her around. Now Zelda was looking at 1 of the teachers in her employ. “Brother Lovecraft?”

“Well, if it isn’t the traitor, Zelda Spellman!” He spat at her.

“I’m not a traitor” Zelda snapped.

“You’re a traitor and a lair! You claimed the titles of high priestess and headmistress for yourself and then you gave shelter to the villain who tried to kill us all.”

Zelda shook her head. “He’s not a villain!”

Lovecraft gave a short laughed. “You referred to him as one many times.”

“That was before. I was misinformed. I can explain-“

“Explain what? That you lied to the whole coven when you told them you fully intended to be a single mother or that you faked your relationship with Mambo Marie?”

“I faked nothing!”

“Enough!” Lovecraft turned back to Faustus. “Faustus Blackwood, any last words before you die?”

“Forgive me,” Faustus whispered.

“Like that’s ever going to happen.” Lovecraft sneered before he kicked the barrel out from under Faustus’s feet.

“NOO!” Faustus heard Zelda scream before everything black.

The next thing Faustus knew, he was underwater. How did I get here? He wondered. Did they hang me and then tossed my body in the river? Am I dead? It was then that Faustus heard a low moaning. Faustus looked beside him and saw a woman he knew but had not seen in years, Prudence’s mother.

“Madeline?”

The back of her head looked perfectly normal but when she turned, her rotting skin was peeling off her face and the eyes were missing from their sockets. Before he even knew what was happening, Faustus was swimming for the surface. When he got there, someone was waiting for him.

“Father?!”

“Hello, boy,” Liam sneered. “Not dead yet? Here, let me help” Liam reached out to reach his son’s head pushed him underwater, and held him there.

“No!” Faustus struggled and somehow grabbed on to his father’s wrist. Just then, Faustus sat bolt upright in bed, breathing heavily and realized that he had Zelda’s wrist, who held a damp washcloth, in a death grip. He blinked. “Zelda?”

“Oh, Faustus, you’re finally up! Darling, I was so worried!” She hugged him tightly.

“Was-was it all a dream?”

Zelda frowned and shook her head sadly. “No, my darling. Unfortunately, the hanging was very real.”

“Then how am I alive and back here?”

“It was a team effort,” Zelda explained, “Ambrose made the rope disappear and he transported you back here where he and Sabrina sealed down the house while Prudence helped me seal the coven in the church until cooler heads prevailed and we reached a deal.”

“A deal? What deal?”

“You know, I think this washcloth needs more water. You rest here, you’ve been out of it for 2 days.”

Zelda quickly left the room and Faustus did lay back until the puzzle box and the spell caught his eye. Agatha’s cure! He got up, grabbed the puzzle box and the spell, and ran downstairs. On the 1st floor, he rushed past by Ambrose, Sabrina, and Zelda.

“Faustus, don’t!” called Zelda.

“I got to go do this.” Faustus continued to run, opened the door but could not cross the threshold. He tried over and over again but he couldn’t do it. “What’s going on?”

“You didn’t tell him?” Ambrose asked Zelda.

“Not yet” Zelda muttered. “I’m sorry darling, but the coven voted to put you under extreme house arrest, you’re not even allowed to leave the house.”

Faustus said nothing, he just turned and went into the kitchen. He grabbed a pen and hurryingly wrote down instructions on the back of the page of the spell. Then he rushed back to the trio. “Go to the Academy, find Prudence then go to Agatha’s cell and perform this spell exactly the way I’ve written it. I believe that this will cure Agatha’s insanity.” Faustus watched Ambrose and Sabrina scatter out the door but he was puzzled when Zelda didn’t move. “Aren’t you going with them, dearest?”

“No, I trust them. They will do well.”

“It almost sounds like you’re under house arrest too.” Faustus was joking but 1 look at his wife’s somber face and he knew the truth. “Oh Zelda, you didn’t.”

“I had no other choice, Faustus. The only way I could get the coven to allow you to live, was to agree to step down as the coven’s high priestess and the academy’s headmistress and if I shared your punishment of house arrest.”

“That’s absurd! Why should you be punished even more than I was? You did nothing.”

“Neither did you! I tried to tell them about the curse but no one would listen. I don’t care what I have to give up, as long as I have yo

Faustus stepped forward, took Zelda’s hands in his, and kissed her. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” They kissed again and just as Faustus was gathering Zelda into his arms, a fury of knocking came from the front door. Zelda went to the front hall and she barely turned the knob when a group of boys barged in, ignored her, and went straight to the living room where Faustus was.

“Father Blackwood, we knew you would come back to us, what are our orders? Should we burn down the school? Or kill that heretic that now called himself father, Lovecraft?”

Faustus looked at them in shocked horror. These were his boys, his Judas society. Some were once very fine, decent young men, they now were bitter, angry and murderous and it was all his fault. All his fault! Faustus felt his heart sink like a stone.

“You’ll be happy to know, sir, that we kept your manifesto, the 5 facets of Judas, safe for you.”

“Wait a minute,” Zelda said, coming forward. “When we reopened the school, I ordered every copy of that to be destroyed.”

The head boy laughed. “Right, us listening to you over Father Blackwood is as laughable as you calling yourself a high priestess.”

“Shut up!” Faustus finally spoke as he grabbed the manifesto. “I had hoped to never see this again. I’m ashamed of every word of this. Every letter! This is complete and utter shit!” Faustus threw it into the fireplace and enjoyed watching it burn.

The head boy was puzzled. “What happened to you? You’re not our leader anymore.” Then he turned his eyes to Zelda. “You!” he hissed. “What did you do to him? You did something to him, I know it!”

The head boy tried to advance on Zelda but Faustus quickly stepped in between them. “Hey! You want a leader, fine. Here’s my final order. From this day on, from this moment the Judas Society is disbanded!”

The head boy shrugged. “Fine by us. The way you’re acting now no self-respecting warlock would ever follow you.”

“I would.”

The entire room turned to see Ambrose in the door, smiling. “It’s funny. I was so unsure about following Father Blackwood last year, you know, about the time when you all swore your lives to him and now, you guys are writing him off, I would follow him anywhere. He saved Agatha from her insanity tonight for no other reason than it was the right thing to do.”

For a moment, Faustus forgot all about the Judas boys and focused only on Ambrose. “The spell? Did it work?”

“To borrow a mortal phrase, like a charm.”

“So what?” Said the head boy. “Agatha is only a witch, witches don’t matter. You taught us that.”

“Then I taught you wrong,” Faustus muttered

“No, you didn’t, the curse did.” Ambrose corrected and stood up to the head boy. “This man is the better choice. Not only would I follow him, but I’m also proud to call him my uncle!”

“You’re only saying all this because you’re banging his daughter!”

“That’s it!” Faustus snapped. “You boys are leaving right now! Now, will you be going on your own according or do I have to throw you out?”

“Oh please, allow me.” Faustus watched Ambrose escort the boys out. Zelda saw that he was upset so she took his arm and kissed his cheek.

Soon after, Sabrina came home and brought all 3 of the Weird Sisters with her. It was so good to see Prudence, Dorcas, and Agatha, all together and all safe and whole.

“Sabrina? I thought you were going out with Roz tonight?” It was 2 days later and Ambrose was just walking by Sabrina’s room and saw his cousin lying across her bed.

“Yeah, but I don’t feel like going out tonight.”

Ambrose smiled and sat on the bed beside Sabrina. “Oh, you don’t have to pretend with me, cuz. You feel guilty of going out because Father Blackwood and Aunt Z are under house arrest. Am I right?”

“Well, yeah, of course. Aren’t you?”

“You mean because the very man who helped me get off house arrest got it worse than me and he didn’t even commit a crime? Yes, I feel bad but what can we do about it?”

Sabrina sighed. “I don’t know. Aunt Zelda is so afraid the coven will kill Father Blackwood, she won’t even talk about how unfair this is.”

“Excuse me, guys,” Faustus stood in the doorway, holding a laundry basket. “Sabrina, here are your clothes. Oh, I’m sorry I brunt dinner tonight. I guess your Aunt Hilda will have to give me some more cooking lessons when she gets back.”

Sabrina smiled. “Thanks Mr. Blackwood.”

“It’s really sweet how he barely lets Aunt Z lift a finger the more pregnant she gets. Now with Aunt Hilda out of the house, he’ll pick up even more of the slack. Too bad the coven can’t see him the way he is now.”

“That’s it! Ambrose, you’re a genius!”

“What? What did I say?”

For the rest of the week, Sabrina secretly took pictures of Faustus doing housework, or as the curse would have called it, ‘women work’. It was Sabrina’s hope that if Sabrina showed these pictures to Brother Lovecraft, who had overnight become the head of school, and if she could convince him that Father Blackwood had changed and then explain about the curse. Then Brother Lovecraft hopefully would go to the coven. By Monday, Sabrina had enough evidence and was waiting outside the main office when she heard a voice.

“Hello, muffin.”

“Aunt Hilda? When did you get back?”

“Just this morning. Ambrose was waiting for Dr. C and me at the bookstore when we pulled up. He explained all that happened and I thought I would come down and help you, be a 2nd witness.”

“Good idea! Hmm? Did you hear that?

“What? Sabrina?”

“I thought I heard Father Blackwood’s voice but he’s stuck at home.”

Hilda grabbed Sabrina’s hand and together they snuck up to the office door that was slightly ajar.

Inside, Lovecraft was pouring 2 drinks. “There’s 1 thing I still don’t understand. Why didn’t you let us hang Faustus? He could have been dead right then.”

“I want that pathetic weakling alive. Alive and close when I kill his beloved Zelda Spellman.”

“It’s Blackwood, the curse,” Sabrina mouthed to Hilda.

“Besides, we both got what we wanted. You’re now the head of the coven and with the strong sister housebound and the ditzy one living uptown, I can kill those damn Spellmans 1 by 1 any time I want.”

“Sabrina, do you have your camera with you?” Hilda whispered. When her niece nodded, Hilda continued. “Get ready to take a picture and make sure the flash is on. Ready, on 3.”

Hilda counted to 3 and then threw open the door as Sabrina took a photo. The 2 men were both dazed by the flash and Hilda worked fast, grabbed both men, and transport them all to the Spellman’s kitchen.

Zelda was at the table and when she saw the others, she stood up. “What on earth?”

“Aunt Z, it was all a setup. Blackwood and Lovecraft have been working together the whole time. Lovecraft wanted to be the head of the coven and Blackwood to control where we go so, he can kill us more easily. It was probably Blackwood who told the coven that Faustus was even here.”

Before a shocked Zelda could say anything, Faustus came into the room and saw Blackwood. “You!” Faustus hissed and charged for him. “Where are my children? Where are the twins, you bastard!”

“Don’t hurt him, at least not yet. Just hold him there.” Hilda took Sabrina’s camera and took a picture of the two. “There! This will be useful when I tell the coven about the curse.”

“You’re going to talk to the coven, auntie?”

Hilda nodded. “I’m going to call a coven meeting first thing in the morning.”

That was exactly what Hilda did. She went armed with every piece of information the Spellmans had. This included the page that Zelda ripped from Lucifer’s book, the one detailing Edward’s deal with the dark lord and the details of the curse itself. The recording Ambrose had made of Zelda confronting Edward about the curse, the spell that saved Agatha, and that had Faustus’s handwritten instructions proving his involvement and of course, the pictures. There was a lot of ground to cover so the meeting took most of the day. Meanwhile, Zelda and Faustus could do nothing but wait on pins and needles at home. They were in the living room when Zelda brought up what had been on her mind all day.

“You know what I don’t understand is why would Brother Lovecraft team up with the curse against us?”

Faustus lowered his eyes. “I may know why. Last year, before we were married and we were just being professional, I discovered that Lovecraft had a thing for you. I caught him stalking your classroom once or twice and I told him, not so nicely, to back off.”

“I never knew about any of this.”

“I know, I think that made Lovecraft even angrier.” Faustus looked out the window and froze. “Dearest, the entire coven is outside and headed this way.”

“They must have reached a decision.” Zelda put her cigarette out and stood up. Faustus caught up with her in the hall, grabbed her hands, and kissed her deeply.

Zelda no matter what the coven says or does, just know that I love you and that you are everything to me.”

Zelda smiled. “Same.”

“Zelda Spellman and Faustus Blackwood!” Came a booming voice. “Please come out on to the porch.”

For the 1st time in over a week, nothing stopped Zelda or Faustus from going out the front door. As they faced the coven, Zelda slid her hand into Faustus’s.

“Faustus, Zelda, the coven has reviewed your cave and have come to personally welcome you back into the coven.”

Faustus shook his head. “I can’t. I’m sorry. I am very grateful for your understanding and mentally, I know that the curse’s actions are not my actions but just the thought of entering the school or church makes me anxious.”

Hilda, who was with the crowd, spoke up. “They already agreed to put Zelda back as high priestess so it’s basically her choice.”

“In that case,” Zelda declared, “It shall be an open invitation. Brother Faustus may attend mass. He may even return to teaching if he so wishes but only when he is ready.”

The very next night, Faustus was turning down his bed when a sighing Zelda entered with her medical bag. “So, how was Lilith tonight?”

“Cranky,” Zelda answered shortly. Lucifer too. Don’t ask me why I didn’t care enough to pay attention. I just did my job and came home. What?” Zelda asked when she saw her husband’s frown.

“The school called about an hour ago. At supper, they checked the cell. They found Lovecraft dead and the curse…was nowhere to be found.”

“It got away again? This is the 2nd time!” Zelda sighed. “I was hoping that he would tell us where the twins were and we could live a quiet life for a while.”

In a way, Zelda got her wish. True, they didn’t have the twins, but the rest of January, as well as all of February, was uneventful. After dinner on Feb. 28th, Zelda took a bath, but when she came out of the bathroom, she found herself alone in the house. When Zelda got to her room, she gasped. No one else was there at that moment but someone had put candles upon candles all around the place as well as a few wrapped gifts on the bed. Right in the middle where it was unable to miss lay a sealed envelope with her name on it. Smiling, Zelda picked up the envelope, unsealed it, and began to read.

My Dearest Zelda, the letter began;

It has been downright impossible not to be swept up in ‘wedding fever’ that has surged through this house lately (well, before that terrible week) and it got me thinking. Yes, Hilda’s wedding was lovely and I’m truly happy for your sister and Dr. C but what about you? Every woman should get a day that they will never forget. Granted, our wedding day was memorable but for all the wrong reasons. Ever since Hilda and Dr. C got back from their honeymoon, the whole family had aided me in this little side project. That’s right, this time your family not only approves of me, they helped! How? Open the packages on the bed and it will all become clear.

Then if you want to marry me again (no pressure!) Meet me in the woods by the stone altar.

I love you,

Faustus

After putting the letter down, Zelda eyed a garment bag with the tag SOMETHING BLUE on it. Zelda unzipped the bag and beheld a beautiful airy blue gown with a diamond belt and a note. The note said I really hope you like your new dress! Don’t worry, dear sister, with my alterations it should fit like a glove. -HILDA

SOMETHING OLD was written on the top of a small golden box. Inside, another note. Great-grandmother Spellman’s diamond clips. They’ll look lovely on you. -AMBROSE Under the note, Zelda found the earrings.

SOMETHING NEW was the top of a note sitting next to a velvet ring box. The rest of the note said 2 new white gold eternity wedding bands, Father insisted. Yours is the one with all the diamonds. -PRUDENCE

The SOMETHING BORROWED note rested on a pair of shoes. My very best white dress flats. Auntie, don’t even think of wearing heels in your 12th month! -SABRINA

Wiping away happy tears, Zelda got ready. When she stepped out of the house, Dr. C was there to drive into the wood. When they got there, Zelda could see fairy lights in the trees and a white runner to mark the aisle, like Hilda’s wedding. The family was all gathered around the stone altar. Each dressed in their best, complete with a beaming Faustus in his best suit. Dr. C escorted Zelda down the aisle. After handing her purple primroses to Hilda, Zelda turned and held hands with the man she now knew she belonged with forever.

“The bride and groom will now say their own vows.” Said Hilda.

Zelda laughed. “No, we won’t. Until 5 minutes ago, I didn’t know I was a bride.”

“Please, then, let me,” Faustus smiled. “September 19, 1826, was my 1st day at the Academy of Unseen Arts. It was during the morning assembly while the headmaster was taking attendance, that I looked across the hall and saw her. The redheaded girl, who that day had her hair in curls and wore a green dress. It is 2 centuries later and the fates have tried to keep us apart more times than I can count but there is 1 thing that hasn’t changed, that will never change, how desperately, hopelessly in love I am with the redhead girl and how she grew into an amazingly strong and intelligent woman that I have the honor to call my wife.”

“Oh, Faustus!”

He took the diamond ring and slid it on Zelda’s finger. “I love you, Zelda and just being near you makes me want to be a better man.”

Zelda smiled and placed the matching ring on her husband’s hand. “The insanity curse got the best of you because I lost faith in who you are. I promise never to lose that faith again because I love you Faustus, so much. I also promise to be the best wife and mother I can be.”

“It’s time for the signing.” Dr. C said.

Zelda was confused. Signing a marriage license at a vow renewal? When she saw the papers on the stone altar, she was even more confused. “A legal name change?”

“I know the family calls the curse Blackwood when I’m not around and if the name Blackwood only brings up the curse or my father, then why am I holding on it? I want to take your name Zelda,” Faustus smiled. “I want to be a Spellman.”

“We’ve talked about it a lot, Aunt Z,” Sabrina told her “and we think he’s ready. It was just so sweet how he asked Hilda to set up a secret family meeting so he could ask our permission.”

“What about you, Prudence?” Zelda wanted to know. “Are you comfortable with being the only Blackwood in Greendale?”

“I’m going back to the surname, Night, like my sisters”

“But you’re still my beloved daughter” Faustus added quickly.

“Trust us, Zelds, we thought this through from every single angle. We’ve been working on this since before Solstice. The final papers just came in this morning.” Said Hilda

Faustus nodded. “That’s right. All I need now to be a Spellman, is a witness’s final signature.” He smiled and offered her a pen.

She took it and signed it. Then the family clapped.

“Ladies and gentlemen, for the 1st time, Zelda and Faustus Spellman!” Dr. C announced.

Faustus and Zelda kissed and were half-way down the aisle when Zelda doubled over. “I think the baby is coming!”

#chilling adventures of sabrina #caoz #chapter 7 #part 4 my way #spellwood #zelda spellman #faustus blackwood #hilda spellman #dr. c #sabrina spellman #prudence night #thank you #ambrose spellman #long reads #fanfic #fanfiction friday #fanart

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