#this is about my sick and twisted relationship with jay

[kryptonbabe]

My nefarious defense for a villainous Jay Nakamura

I have this panel of Nia beating Jay so I can look at it every time Jay is being obnoxious (or the Jay fandom), he looks so peaceful and pretty on the bottom panel, he's so pretty when he's silent

He's absolutely right to be angry and revolted in this storyline, however his behavior is so righteous and morally superior to everyone around him, I cannot help but feel like a super-villain, he makes me want to keep taking everything he has until he becomes a villain just like me. At first, I used to dislike Jay in a way I wanted him to disappear from DC, now I enjoy disliking Jay, I want his character to be present and developed and to get worse and worse (I feel the same about Charles Xavier - I love to hate him), until he becomes a complex and interesting character, a villain please, then his obnoxiousness would be endearing, his moral superiority would be interesting and I'd have the queer annoying villain I've been asking for years. Jay Nakamura, I want the worst for you, but in the best way possible. Think about his relationship with the Super family, how angsty and melodramatic that could be... how we could work nuanced storylines in which a queer person is allowed to be evil and still make some valid points about his reasons...

So this sums up things, I still dislike Jay in his boring current form, but I see his potential, we are the same you and I Jay, we are both gay and annoying in specific ways, come to my side, you're not good, you know you want your revenge, we accept you one of us

Image from Absolute Power - Ground Zero #1 (2024)

[addicted-to-dc]

AK!Jason Todd x Catwoman’s protégé! Reader - Just for tonight, Kitty - Pt 2

I really had to squeeze my brain to get this out, but I cannot wait for maybe part 3 👀? I have some ideas revolving around a fic or two for Gotham Knights! Jason. We shall see.

Link to part 1

Content: mind control, violence (obv), toxic af relationship, lovers to enemies to lovers (again)?

----------

It feels like you’re being puppeteered, every movement meticulously controlled by strings and sticks. It almost feels like last Tuesday. You had infiltrated Star Labs to steal some new tech designs, especially when Batman was distracted by Catwoman.

Security is nothing compared to your skill, even if you’re not completely yourself. It takes a bit longer than you’d prefer, but you finally make it to Stagg’s office.

Adjusting your goggles, you scan the area for anything that could spoil your fun. One by one, you check off your mental list until you clear the room. Most rich CEOs usually hide their deepest darkest secrets, not wanting an inkling of them to be discovered. Not Stagg, though, you know his type.

Walking around the room, your eyes scan over the décor. A man like Stagg likes to be reminded of his accomplishments. The publicity photos, front page Gotham Gazette articles, the whole nostalgic works. Everything seems to stroke his ego one way or another, but then you finally see what you’re looking for. At first, it seems like a piece of trash thrown onto a table. No, it’s the focal point, the center of it all.

You scan over the structure before carefully opening it. A flash drive appears, absolutely begging to be taken away from this place. Readying yourself, you snag the drive and place the top back on.  Just as you’re about to head to the door, you hear footsteps approaching. You immediately head for the window, quickly dismantling the alarm as you pry a panel open.

Closing it just in time, you push yourself up against the exterior of the building. Letting out a breath, you move further away from the window and jump. Falling with the rain, you crack your whip and swing off a flagpole. The momentum sends you buildings away from Stagg Enterprises, finally completing what Jason… what the Arkham Knight ordered you to do.

“It’s done.”

Despite the job being done and over with, you still have no control over yourself. Your body keeps moving, heading deeper and deeper into parts of the city you’ve never even seen. Landing softly in an alleyway, your body heads straight towards the end of it. Even your sensors fail to pick anything out of the ordinary. Why has he brought you here?

You hear him land behind you after a few moments. Turning around, you move to hand him the flash drive. The Knight acknowledges it with a head tilt before taking it from you. It disappears in one of his pockets. As soon as his hands are free, he presses a button on his wrist.

You tear your helmet off as soon as your body catches up with your mind. Rage builds into your chest as you lash out at him. He can’t prevent your claws from screeching along his armor until you finally find skin.

“You just come back from the dead and USE ME?!” you scream, grunting as he grabs your arm and twists it behind your back.

You try to lash out with your free arm, but he quickly dodges the attack. Before you know it, your back is against the cold brick wall of the alleyway. One hand holds yours above your head, the other trails across your cheek to wipe away rogue tears.

“They wanted me to kill you, this was the only option,” Jason reveals, using his spare hand to open the front of his mask. “I-I couldn’t do it.”

“Why are you doing this, Jay?” you beg, sick of the mind games that he’s putting you through.

“Batman.” A wave of cold washes over you at his tone, riddled with a hatred you’ve never seen before. “He left me to die, (Y/N), he deserves to die for what he’s done.”

“Jay, he searched for you. We all did, but when we saw him shoot you, we thought you were dead,” you whisper, flinching as he leans closer to your face.

“You did find me, though, in Venezuela,” he growls, leaning closer until his helm digs into your skin. “Do you know how hard it was to let you leave? I couldn’t believe my girl finally found me.”

“What are you going to do now that you have me?” you ask, staring into his cold blue eyes. “Lock me away as you take over Gotham with your buddies?”

His eyes darkened at the suggestion. “I don’t want to lose you again.”

You shake your head, more tears escaping from your eyes, “I lost you, Jay, really lost you. I just got you back and you’re just going to do it all over again.”

He remains silent, unsure how to respond. Jay slowly leans in, his lips ghosting over yours before lightly kissing you. Your resolve shatters quickly, leaning into the kiss and giving in to your desires. You can’t lose him again.

He releases your hands, abandoning them to grasp your waist and yank you closer. The softness of the kiss disappears, desperation forcing the kiss to become feral. Both of you break away to breathe, taking each other in as you recover.

“Can we pretend, just for tonight, Kitty?” Jason asks, his eyes desperately pleading you to agree. “I can’t stop what’s in motion, but I’ll explain everything.”

Fuck it.

“Just for tonight, Birdy.”

[squarebracketsmileyface]

On a totally opposite end of the spectrum from the role swap-

Imagine if after the Promise chapter things flipped. If after that argument The Operator- out of pure animalistic type curiosity- said “ooh lemme stick my fingers in this sauce here” and left Alex alone to latch onto Jay. Its already discovered how it can push and twist and manipulate one person, but what about a completely separate person? Will the results be the same? Different? Will it be easier or harder?

So it latches onto Jay, and Alex experiences a flat out withdrawal from that thing’s influence, followed by the most gut wrenching clarity. Realizing how crazy he went, how he killed his friends to “save” them when it never would have mattered. So two weeks pass, and all he can think about is Jay- talking to him again and telling him everything, being honest and actually fucking admitting that he cares about him, that he wants to make good on his promise and do things right.

But Jay doesn’t answer. Jay is the one who drops off the planet and goes MIA, and Alex has a horrible, sinking suspicion he knows why. He hopes that Jay just finally got sick of him- he HOPES thats all it is- but deep down there’s this creeping suspicion that its not a coincidence. That he passed his own torment on to Jay like some twisted fucking disease-

He finds out he’s right, later on. When he starts working together with Tim(he’s desperate to find Jay, to fix things, even if that means groveling for Tim’s help-), when they start having run ins with Jay where he won’t see reason, where he argues every point they make and tries to convince Alex that everyone has to die, to help him(and wow, did he sound that crazy too? probably, yikes-)

And in the end Alex makes one last desperate attempt. He meets Jay somewhere alone, tries to convince him to come with him, tells him that he loves him-

But Jay doesn’t believe him. He tells Alex as much(“i love you but i can’t trust you- you said it yourself, why would you ever love somebody like me?”) and Alex wants to cry when Jay throws his own awful words back at him, things he never meant to say-

But what destroys him is when Jay takes the gun that he stole from Alex months ago, puts it to his own head and pulls the trigger with a bang right in front of him.

I’m in a dark mood today LMAO we die like tunnel guy

we die like tunnel guy lmaoooo

fucking THIS tho oh my god the ANGST

i literally have nothing else to add really, my brain saw this and turned into angst mush i fucking love this so much. Jay not believing Alex when he says he loves him fucking OW. This is literally fucking perfect. like, actually.

Everyone come look at this and be fucking destroyed by it because OW. it's especially sad because i'm thinking so much about Alex being the one feeling super hurt and stuff in his uni relationship with Jay, because im writing if it ain't broken at the moment. I am in the perfect mindset for just pouring over Jaylex angst with Alex being the one left feeling worst for it.

Honestly though, Alex finally seeing things fully, truly clearly and realising how terrifying and horrible it must have been for Jay to see him the way he was with the Operator in his head, all angry and not seeing sense and arguing every little thing.

withdrawal from the Operator tho, like, actual withdrawals from it could be so interesting. Like, how would that interact with Tim since he's been dealing with the operator since he was a kid presumably. is he fucked either way? like, if he doesnt take his meds he could get withdrawals from them, and if he doesn't take them for a while then goes back on them does he then get withdrawals from the Operator? Or is it different because the Operator isn't in his head the same way it's in Alex's? is just being near it enough? Like second hand smoke?

[uh-niran-really]

I'm back again..i swear i fill up your asks box too much! (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) Forgive me 😔🙏

But i would like a fem reader x lw fic please 🛐

An almost break up scenario where reader gets tired of niran always being too busy to hang out with her but seemingly always have time for satya and is super flirty with her(reader knows hes flirty but she thinks its different whenever he says it to satya)

Niran begging for her to stay bc idk im sick and twisted like that 😭🙏

Fluffy-lemony ending pls where she gives him another chance and he takes her out on a super lovely date that ends with a steamy make out sesh in his car🤭🤭

Sorry this one isnt as detailed! Im cooking up another request bc im addicted to your writing istg😫🫶!!!

Fem Reader x Lifeweaver - Don’t break my heart

Content: Angst, Arguments, Fluff, Suggestive content at the end, but SFW

Word Count: 2,300+

A/N: I loved this one so much! I tried to make their argument believable when it came to Satya so I’m sorry if it’s not quite what you had in mind, but I think it would make sense given the nature of their relationship! <3 As always I hope you enjoy, and I apologise in advance for the tears lovely! It’s always such a delight to write for you!

“Why do you never have time for me!?”

“Y/N dearest, I try my bes-“

“No! You ALWAYS have time for Satya! We haven’t been on a date in two months Niran!!”

This whole argument started when Niran canceled on you for the sixth time in a row to help Satya with a project. It stung. You knew they were close, it didn’t bother you at first but now it’s like you are second best to her. Your own boyfriend chooses her over you almost every single time.

“I.. I’m sorry..”

“I don’t think this is working out Niran.”

“What do you mean by that?”

His face screamed fear. He was worried. Still he tried to look at it from another angle hoping and praying that you didn’t mean it like he thought you did. But you did…

“I think we should break up.”

“Oh baby no! Please!”

“You don’t love me Niran. It’s so obvious!”

Niran attempted to take your hands in his, to hold you close and tell you that you were his world. You however didn’t want him to touch you. This only hurt him further. He looked��� devastated.

“I… I do love you… Y/N please.. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I do y-“

“You’re lying to me! I know you love Satya! Maybe not in a romantic sense.. but.. the way you talk to her and the way you prioritise her over me has been breaking my heart.. I’m sorry Niran but it’s over.”

“But I love you..”

Those four little words were enough to break your heart all over again. If only they felt true. You suspected that Niran probably did love you, but you couldn’t take the constant pain he put you through. He ALWAYS had time for Satya. ALWAYS.

“I don’t believe that anymore Niran.”

“Please hear me out!”

“I’m over it Niran.. Tell Satya I said hello.”

You turn to leave but he grabs your hand falling to his knees. He was incredibly saddened by your words but knew they were true. He pulled you close and rested his head against your tummy.

“Please don’t leave.. I.. I’ll try harder petal I promise you..”

“I don’t want you to try harder. I want to leave Niran.”

“I don’t want you to leave.. I don’t want Satya! I want you!”

“Sometimes.. I see the way you look at her.. and I think..”

You trail off, tears starting to form in your eyes. He looked at her like she was life itself. You knew Niran was a huge flirt, but with Satya it looked real.

“Tell me Tîi Ràk.. I can take it..”

“I think.. ‘He looks at her like she is his reason to live.. I wish he would look at me like that’..”

If heartbreak was an expression, he’d be showing it. He looked up at you with such sadness in his tear filled eyes, his lips slightly parted, quivering.

“Y/N I love you.. ONLY yo-“

“THEN WHY DO YOU CHOOSE HER!”

“She’s my best friend… I worry about her Y/N.. I love her of course I do, but it’s completely platonic.. I… I worry we’ll drift apart.. that one day she’ll feel abandoned again… I left her wãan-jai… I left her alone for eleven years.. I… I don’t want her to ever feel like that again… but… losing you over this… please… my heart can hardly take it..”

He clutched his chest, tears streaming down his soft features. He glanced down at the floor and wiped at his tears with his sleeve. He felt ashamed by it all. He had ruined your relationship over an irrational fear that to him was completely justified. Satya had suffered a great loss without him and he wouldn’t do that to her again.

“If I lose you now… Oh my darling.. I.. I can’t stand the thought…”

His eyes remained fixated on the ground, head hanging low. His hand slipped out of yours falling against the floorboards. He was crushed.

“Niran.. I don’t want either of us to hurt..”

“Am I a bad partner petal..?”

“No Niran.. I.. I just wish you would choose me for once..”

He sniffled, head lifting once more to look up at you. Then you saw it. That gorgeous look that he often gave Satya, yet somehow it was different. His eyes were full of love and adoration for you, yet he was all so sad.. He looked at you like you were his goddess.. like he was worshiping you..

“I’m sorry.. I.. I just worry.. I don’t wish to make this about her Kon Dii… really I don’t.. but.. before you go.. please hear me out.. I don’t want you to hate me..

You offered him a hand up, but he didn’t accept the hand up, too ashamed of himself to hurting you this way. Instead he placed your hand against his cheek, nuzzling into you. His tears turned to sobs. It hurt so much to see him like this.

“Satya has been… different.. She’s grown so much.. it scares me.. my reasoning for picking her has been for completely selfish reasons I’m afraid. Please don’t hold this against her Y/N she’s a good person. I… I just worry there will come a day where she doesn’t need me anymore.. and she leaves me behind.. like I left her.. I hold onto her because she reminds me of the mistakes I made.. and how I can never repeat them. But also happy times in our childhood.. I want you to know that I’m sorry.. and that I love you and that won’t stop.. I’m begging you.. from the depts of my broken heart.. please.. don’t leave me… I’m.. I’m nothing without you..”

His words felt so real. Honest. Maybe you had been a little hard on him. From the start you knew that he and Satya were inseparable. He had come clean about their history, telling you everything right away. You knew what they had was strictly platonic in every way, but it hurt that he picked her so often, but now you knew why. You drop to your knees and pull him into a warm hug.

“Don’t cry Bua.. please don’t cry.. I’m sorry for being so hard on you.”

He grips onto you and cries on your shoulder, the sound shattering your heart further. He had been going through so much pain and anguish. He didn’t blame you for being upset, you were right to be.

“I love you so much… I’m so sorry… Please don’t leave… I need you… I need you Petal.. I’m not strong enough without you..”

“I’m here Niran.. it’s okay..”

——🪷——

A few hours had passed and Niran was feeling a little better. You for the most part had forgiven him. He wasn’t a bad person, you were glad he explained himself to you, finally. He promised to take you out on a date. A lovely one that he promised you would enjoy.

“I just need to call Satya. I’m not bailing on you, I just think it’s time that I was open with her. I think she needs to hear how I feel.”

“I think that’s for the best love.”

Satya was highly confused as to why he even felt like that in the first place. Her first instinct was to actually laugh at him and call him a fool for assuming her intent.

“Honestly Niran you really are so hopeless! I don’t know how Y/N puts up with you!”

“Barely.” You laugh, teasing.

“You really should prioritise her more. I don’t have the time to entertain you daily. That’s what Y/N is for Niran. You’re with her, so you don’t have to bug me constantly!”

Niran smiles. She was right, of course she was. He felt a little better hearing his friend assure him it was okay. To anyone else she sounded hostile and cold. To him, she was telling him to not worry, and that he was silly for thinking he had to. He understood her better than anyone.

“I’m about to take her out on a date actually.”

“And I should think so too Niran!! Now please stop dragging me down with you, get a grip.”

“Love youuuuu!” He called.

She grunted and hung up on him, making him giggle. You smiled too. As things were you loved the man. He was a good friend and his concern for Satya made sense. He was worried that they were drifting apart again, and of course he would want to cling on to her. You decided to forgive him whole heartedly. He wasn’t a cheat, he hadn’t been intentionally hurtful, he was open and honest. He showed his vulnerability to you.

“Are you ready to go Pumpkin? You look… breath taking..”

Whilst he was on the phone to Satya you slipped on his favourite dress. One that had him swooning over you the first day you met. You had thrown your hair up into a neat bun, showing off your lovely collar bones.

“Thank you Bua.”

He offered you his hand and you walked down to his car. You delighted in the way he still opened the door for you every time. It was times like these you felt his love. It reminded you that things were different. Once inside the car he cups your cheek and kisses you. Nothing too wild, just a simple peck on the lips.

“Okay so now we just need to go pick up Saty- I’m kidding!!”

You playfully roll your eyes at him. Niran Pruksamanee, forever the tease. Still at least he was feeling better and you were too.

——🪷——

He took you star gazing. The night was warm and cozy. Sky as clear as glass with delicate stars dancing above them. He found a spot on top of a hill and scooped you lovingly into his arms so you didn’t have to walk up it yourself. His arms felt safe, warm. Niran had thought of everything. Blanket, food, wine. He even downloaded some romantic music on his phone. You sit snuggled up to him staring up into the star filled sky.

“I often look up at the sky when we’re apart.”

“Why’s that Bua?”

“You see the same stars I do wãan-jai. It’s comforting to think you look up when I do. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in the universe, that I have you.”

“That’s beautiful Niran.”

“Close. You’re even more beautiful than any star.”

He leans over and kisses you softly, which then turns steamy with you falling back onto the blanket, taking Niran with you. The warm air suddenly felt hotter and the sound of the gentle breeze gained the sounds of soft smooching of lips.

“I love you..”

“And I you.”

You spent the next twenty minuets laying beside Niran watching the stars twinkle, just enjoying each others company. You both needed this more than you realised. Spending time together was important for both of you.

“Look dearest, a shooting star! Make a wish!”

“I wish that no matter what, we promise to be open with each other. I wish us a long and happy relationship full of love, laughter, and romantic breath taking kisses!”

“I second that last part.”

You sipped wine and nibbled on the light snacks Niran made, chatting about good memories and silly times he had with Satya. You spoke about your own childhood and the happier times you had. You enjoyed each other’s company and the wine certainly helped you relax. Niran was responsible enough to not drink, wanting to be a safe driver, but he loved seeing you tipsy. It was quite the sight watching as your hands were all over him, trying to kiss every inch of his skin.

“Easy baby, we’re in public.”

“I just want a kissss!”

“I’d love a kiss from you my dear, though I fear your definition of a kiss and my definition of a kiss may differ right now.”

He was trying to be respectful not wanting to take advantage of you in your sweet tipsy state. He was all too happy to give you all the kisses you could ever want, he just feared that one kiss would turn into something akin to ripping each other’s clothes off. He never was that good as resisting you.

“Noooo!” You protested.

“Let’s get you back to the car my love. It’s getting late.”

He packed everything up and offered you a hand up before rolling the blanket away. You both looked up at the stars again, loving their soft illuminating hue, before heading back to the car. Just like before he carried you down the hill so lovingly in his arms whispering how much he loved you. How he wouldn’t change you for the world. Once inside the car you decided that you didn’t want to wait anymore and that you were tired of waiting.

“Kiss!”

“Oh my baby, are you demanding I kiss you?”

“Yes! Kiss!”

“You’re very cute when you drink dear, I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

“Kisssss!”

“Oh alright.”

He captured your lips in a hungry kiss. He too had been wanting to kiss you. It was quick but left you wanting more. You fumble, trying your best to lean over and kiss him again but cars were such awkward spaces. Still you managed, slipping onto his lap, straddling him. Your dress had ridden up to your thighs and he got the perfect view of your cleavage.

“Oh aren’t you just a treat.”

“The sweetest!”

“Mmmm I would have to agree with you darling. All for me.”

He leaned into your lips catching you so off guard with the kiss. His greedy hands holding your hips as his tongue roams your mouth. You tasted so sweet from the wine, felt so good against his body. So perfectly his.

You wiggled your hips softly teasing the man, earning a pleasant hum from his lips as he broke the kiss.

“Can you wait until we get home?” His eyes filled with burning desire for you. Your eyes were half lidded and your smirk was lustful.

“You have a back seat for a reason Niran.”

[whumblr]

Drabble soooo.. jay gets a new job that leads him to spend longer hours with his boss late at night, and it could just be a purely professional relationship (or maybe not if you make it that way), but either way, Zayne is not happy… maybe jay needs a reminder of the importance of coming home on time ?

I just love the sentence Zayne is not happy… maybe jay needs a reminder of the importance of coming home on time ? So much to unpack :3

Anyway, here's how Zayne solves it.

Home is where the hurt is: Part 1

-

Random acts of kindness

“Jay…” The honeyed voice was too sweet to be anything but genuine, and didn’t quite cover the danger that lurked underneath. Jay shivered when a hand rested on his shoulder and it lightly pulled, willing him to turn around.

Zayne’s smile was the same as his voice – hinting at the malice about to burst out – and Jay suddenly realised what it meant when someone’s smile didn’t reach their eyes.

“I’m actually quite sure we’ve had this conversation before…” Zayne looked deep into his eyes and then shifted his gaze to the clock on the wall next to him.

“I… yes… but—” Fingers tightened into his shoulder and a fist curled up and slowly pulled back. “No no, wait, hear me out!”

“Oh, I’m all ears. Especially when you throw in some screaming.”

“It’s--!” A blast to his abdomen prevented him from turning his air into an actual excuse. He doubled over, fell back a step before he crashed to his knees. “No…” he forced out, panic quickening his next words when a hand snagged in his shirt pulling him up and he saw another fist on right approach. “It’s not my fault! It’s not my choice!”

The fist stilled. The hand in his shirt twisted, nudging him up.

“It’s…” Jay took a deep breath. “It’s mandatory overtime, okay? Our new boss is a… perfectionist to say it kindly and he’s making that our problem.”

Zayne’s eyes narrowed, looking down on him. “You never had a problem with overtime.”

“Well, I do now. I’m not taking advantage of some nit-picker forcing me to dot all my i’s.”

“What happened to your old boss?”

“Luke’s on paternity leave and this guy is temporarily stepping in from another department. And surprise! That department is working on half strength because half their team is on sick leave and overworked. A relief for them. It just sucks for us. Honestly, I genuinely wish that I could leave at five, for more reasons than just you, but I really can’t.”

Zayne hummed. He let Jay’s shirt fall back down and retreated a step.

“It’s just for another few weeks,” Jay continued. “Please, just cut me some slack here.”

Another hum, this time with a growling lilt. “We’ll see.”

-

A few days later, Jay was happy that Zayne hadn’t been waiting around for him. After gruelling days at work, he really didn’t need torture at night as well. It was a mercy. And a surprise too, really. After Zayne’s parting words, he hadn’t actually expected the guy to cut him some slack… It was a tiny ray of light that he really needed.

Biking up to work, he thought he deserved to start the day on a good note, and he treated himself to his favourite but expensive coffee drink before he entered the office. A little pick me up before Alexander would pull up his latest written article, ground it into the floor with his shoe, and demand a rewrite before EOD.

When he got to his department, he was surprised to find everyone huddled together.

“I don’t know,” he heard as he joined the group. “Could probably take weeks.”

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“Alexander got in a traffic accident.”

“Jesus, is he alright?”

“We think so, but he’s in hospital.”

“It was a hit and run. His wife told us he’s conscious, but that’s about all we know.”

So they’d just have to wait… Jay sipped at his coffee, glancing up over his cup at the group. While they all seemed to be in relative shock, none seemed to be all that… worried. The conversation quickly shifted from concern to their actual work schedule and outright relief that they’d be home on time today. Jay couldn’t help but think the same, even though being home on time was a sensitive subject at the moment.

“Oh,” Terry started as he was scrolling on his phone. “I’m reading here they’re saying he got hit by a motorcycle.”

Jay made a choking sound into his cup as his coffee slipped into his windpipe. He turned away, somewhat glad his coughing gave him an excuse for his wide eyes. He couldn’t make the blood run back into his face, though.

No, no, no, no. Noo, this just had to be a coincidence. But for some reason, he had the very sudden urge to scramble for an excuse for overtime tonight…

“Why does The World know about that before we do?” someone demanded, a little indignant, reading over Terry’s shoulder.

“Because one of their reporters was actually there at the crossing.”

“Figures.”

“Alex would chew us out on that if he were here.”

“Well, as a direct source he’s bloody useless.”

“Bet his blood pressure is rising once he reads this…”

“That’s good, hospital might interpret that wrong and keep him longer.”

“Den, could you write something up? Quickly? And maybe forge the publishing date or something?”

“Yeah,” Dennis turned away, but kept his eyes on Jay. “Jay, help me out.”

“I will,” Jay croaked. “But I’ll organise a little something first for Alex. Flowers? On behalf of the department?”

“Yes, good idea,” people chimed in.

“Get a card too.”

“Oh, that’s sweet, Jay.”

“Yes…” Jay said with a steady smile that didn’t match the guilt in his eyes. “Least I— we can do.”

-

Tag list: @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @burtlederp @castielamigos-whump-side-blog @hurtmebeautifully @rougenoirofthepurpleterror @susiequaz12 @whump-me-all-night-long @rippedjeansandfadeddreams @im-just-here-for-the-whump @restrainthenmaime @freefallingup13 @whatwasmyprevioususername @myfriendcallsmeasickwoman19 @firewheeesky @redstainedsocks @hold-back-on-the-comfort @whumpawink @break-so-beautifully @approach-me-and-ill-cry @painsandconfusion @afabulousmrtake @wormwriting @soopytime @whumpedydump @pickleking8 @itsmyworld98

[henrys-wee-hen]

No-one Fucks With The Lobos - Chapter 25

I am so, SO sorry for the length of time it took me to write this chapter! A lot has happened recently that kept me from writing it! I was at home doing construction work, then when I came back to Belgium, I was working on a series pilot outline for a consultation. And redrafting a feature! So, busy busy. But... here it is! Chapter 25, in which you realise maybe things with the Lobos aren't always clean and what they seem...

We're definitely coming to the end of this fic, too, so stay tuned!

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48070186/chapters/124895539

Or read under the cut, as always!

It wasn’t that he changed. He didn’t change overnight. But something was a little bit different after that day.

I'd assumed that marrying him would solidify the amazing relationship we already had. I’d thought it would lead to something even more magical, a power couple to rival the most famous power couples. POTUS and FLOTUS. Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Harley Quinn and the Joker. Peanut butter and jelly. Monogrammed bullets and golden handguns. Nic Cage and the Declaration of Independence.

What it actually led to... I woke up the following day to an empty bed, Teddy already in the office, yelling at someone about how he was going to send Apache Joe in.

“...I fucking know the first one got killed – you fucking think I only had one Apache Joe?! There’s always an Apache Joe! ALWAYS!” I hovered in the doorway, listening. “You better fucking find it. If you don’t have it by the end of the fucking day, I’m taking your fucking head off. You’ll wish it was just your fucking tongue. Or your fucking ear.”

I’d never heard Teddy be so violent. But there was a hardness in his voice that I’d never heard either. I pressed my lips together. Maybe something had happened with Bellafrancesca that I didn’t know about. I stepped into the room, and Teddy turned a glare to me.

“What do you want?”

“Oh... bad time?”

“Not a fucking good time, is it?”

“I woke up and you weren’t there -”

“Don’t be so fucking needy.”

“If you’d let me finish... I was concerned that you’d started working so early.”

Teddy looked at me like I’d gained three heads.

“And?”

What the fuck...?

“And...” I didn’t really know what to say. I twisted the rings around on my finger. “I’m sorry, is it a bad time?”

“Get dressed. We need to go out.”

“Teddy –“ I didn’t finish the sentence. He dismissed me with a flick of his hand and turned his back to me while he scrolled something on his phone. What the fuck?! I looked around the room, my eyes landing on a vase that, sure, fit the décor of the room, but was fucking hideous alone. I picked it up and threw it hard across the room.

It shattered against the wall behind him.

Teddy stopped scrolling and turned slowly. Painfully slowly. His face? Unreadable.

“Do not… fucking dismiss me… with your fucking fingers…” I felt sick. “Tell me why you’re being an asshole…” Teddy stood up. He walked around the desk and sat in front of it, perching on it. He beckoned me closer. “What did I just fucking say?” He rolled his eyes.

“Alright. Fucking come here.” I complied. And as I reached him, he was on me. I’d expected him to hit me or something, with the mood he’d been in, but he didn’t. He pulled me flush against him, tracing my lips with his finger. “That vase… belonged to my fucking father…” he whispered. “And you belong to me… and my things don’t break my father’s things…”

“I think this possession thing has gone a bit far, Teddy –“

“Shh.” The finger tracing my lips pressed hard against them. “I didn’t say you could fucking speak…” He watched me for a moment. When I kept quiet, he continued. “Nothing has changed, sweetheart. Nothing at all. The only thing that has changed is that, to the outside world, the darling little police officer in the New Orleans Police Department has fallen victim to the dangerous criminal Teddy Lobo… and you have. And after the things I did to you, I was surprised you’d agreed to it at all… but here we are…” When I looked at him in confusion, he spluttered with laughter. “God, I fucking love it when you’re all confused, (Y/N)… poor thing. You just keep trying to figure out what the fuck’s happened to you… but I’ll give you a clue, since I’m feeling nice…” he put his mouth by my ear and kissed the hollow of my jaw. I shivered, despite myself.

“Teddy…”

“My behaviour never fucking changed, baby.”

Rebecca’s car screeched to a halt outside Lobo Mansion. She was pissed. Truly pissed. She checked her gun over, making sure she had enough bullets to defend herself. With a final adjustment to her bulletproof vest, she grit her teeth and left the car.

Lobo Mansion was the usual bustling place when she walked in. She looked around, and qas quickly accosted by one of the Lobos’ gargoyle-like brutes.

“What are you in here for, little piggy?”

“I need to see (Y/N) Lobo. Or Bellafrancesca.” Rebecca kept voice even.

“You got an appointment?”

“No.”

“Then the Boss is busy. And (Y/N) lives and works with Teddy. And Teddy lives and works away from here. In his apartment.” Vague, cryptic… Rebecca wanted to nail him in the forehead then and there.

“I need to speak to your boss, then!” she yelled. Cause a scene – that’s how one got to Bellafrancesca. And since (Y/N) was obviously off on some fucking business trip… Bellafrancesca would have to do.

“The Boss… is busy…”

It was Brice who sauntered over, hands resting over the two guns on his hips. Rebecca looked up at him defiantly.

“What’s going on?”

“I need to speak to your Boss. Or (Y/N) Lobo. Or Teddy. Anyone, really.”

“Why? What’s it about?”

“Personal matters.” Rebecca ground her teeth. But she caught the little flicker of amusement in Brice’s eyes. “I… heard (Y/N) and Teddy got married. And…” she looked down. Act. It was all an act. “Well… don’t make me say it out loud, dude. Come on.”

“I understand. And since you’re about to fuck your life up spectacularly, I’ll give you this one. C’mon. With me. Oh – but I’ll take your guns before we go.”

Stripped of her weapons, Rebecca felt a little less powerful than she had been before. But her goal there was simple enough for her to remember even if things did get a bit spicy.

First, she wanted to know where the fuck (Y/N) had been for months. An easy enough question to ask, but whether she’d be able to make sense of the answer was another story entirely.

Second, she wanted to know why (Y/N) had caved and had joined the Lobos. Not just as a dirty cop, but as full-on fucking married to the piece of shit who’d killed her father and so many other people out there…

Third, she’d assess whether or not (Y/N) was there in full sound mind. If not, rescue mission would be a-go.

The upper levels of the Lobo mansion were quiet, which surprised Rebecca, given the hubbub below. Bellafrancesca’s office was at the end of the long corridor.

“This is Rebecca Quincy –“

“Officer Rebecca Quincy…” Rebecca spat.

“Gesundheit. Make her a drink. I’ll go speak to the boss,” Brice murmured to the meek, timid little teenager posing as Bellafrancesca’s assistant.

The kid stood up and moved in impossibly-high heels (for her) to the drinks cabinet.

“What do you like, Ma’am?”

“Water.” Rebecca scowled at the girl. The girl nodded, reaching down into a small mini fridge for a bottle of Voss. She fetched it, with a glass. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

It took an age for Brice to leave Bellafrancesca’s office and invite Rebecca in. But when he did, his face was mirthful. Bellafrancesca was sat behind her desk, smirking too. They’d both bought Rebecca’s bullshit.

“My, my,” Bellafrancesca said softly. “What is this? Officer Quincy. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I want… I want to know about (Y/N). What happened?” Rebecca took the seat offered to her. “Why is (Y/N) now a Lobo?” Bellafrancesca smiled widely.

“It has been a pleasure to watch (Y/N) step into this role Teddy has provided.”

“(Y/N) wouldn’t have stepped into this role willingly at all. What did Teddy do? What did you do?”

“We merely gave (Y/N) the same option you were given.” Bellafrancesca leaned back. “The only difference is that where you have resisted at every turn, (Y/N) chose to take the knee.”

“No. NO.”

“Yes, my dear… even today, you lied to my men to get yourself in here. Understand this, my darling. The three good cops of the city have been whittled down to one. You. One little cop dead, one little cop on bended knee before my son… what shall we do with you, hmm?” Rebecca missed it entirely. The little glance Bellafrancesca gave to Brice, who strode forwards and, before Rebecca knew what had happened, had her tied up expertly in knots she’d never be able to undo alone. “You… I think… will become a little toy for my daughter. She’s ready to break her first police officer, see… we just needed one that still resisted. And you’re a prime candidate.”

“(Y/N) won’t let this happen!”

Bellafrancesca simply laughed.

“Take dear Officer Quincy downstairs. Make sure she can’t escape. Mandy will visit her soon…”

“Of course, Boss.”

I sat beside Teddy in the car, shaking. I looked good today, matching his red suit with my own outfit. We had matching jewellery on, too. But there was something missing from my mind that I couldn’t fully understand, almost like a fog had been lifted and I was seeing the world in full HD again. We were outside a warehouse on the river, but I couldn’t focus on anything Teddy was telling me to focus on. I couldn’t figure out what it was I was missing.

“(Y/N).” Teddy took my hand, but his grip wasn’t loving, like usual. It was hard. Controlling. Domineering. “What did I just fucking say?”

“I… I d-don’t know –“

“Ugh!” he threw my hand back. I twisted the rings that sat heavy around my finger. “Why are you fucking spinning out on me now?! Huh?!”

“I – I’m not –“

“Ever since the fucking wedding you’ve been weird.” He looked at me.

He smirked.

I lost it.

“BECAUSE NOTHING MAKES ANY FUCKING SENSE, TEDDY!” I cried. “Nothing! Your behaviour! The situation! We were in love! We were so in love! And you were willing to give up being a fucking criminal so that we could focus on helping the community! And now you’re cold, you’re mean, and it’s like a foggy weight’s gone from my shoulders – ever since the wedding!” I turned to him. “I want my Teddy back!” Teddy looked at me. It was as though he hadn’t expected me to be so eloquent… until he burst out laughing.

“Oh, sweetheart!” he cried. “Oh, fucking genius!” He pulled his gun out, cocked it, and pressed the barrel against my temple. “Get out of the fucking car and play your part… obey me… or I’ll decorate the window with that magnificently dim little fucking brain of yours. Darling.”

I stared at him, but despite everything, I realised I wasn’t in any position to do anything else except obey him. And I remembered the vows I’d made at the town hall when I’d married him. A vow to obey what he told me to do… but he hadn’t framed it for this kind of situation. He’d framed it like I’d be in trouble and needed to trust him.

There was no fucking trust here.

Still, I got out of the car, and Teddy put his gun away.

The docks were empty, the breeze cool as I stood beside Teddy, slightly behind, watching. Three men were stood opposite too. A shipment was expected to come in that night, and Teddy was giving orders on how the eyewatering amount of cocaine would be distributed around evenly. Half would be sent to other states, and half would circulate Louisiana.

“And the… ahem… live contraband?” one of the guys asked. “They’re in the warehouse.”

“Oh. Them. Yeah. All girls?” Teddy folded his arms. The guy gave him a curt nod. “Show me. I’ll pick the sexy ones, clean ‘em up, and they can come work for me. The rest can go wherever there’s a toilet that needs cleaning.”

“You got it, boss.”

I felt sick.

“Women?” I breathed, falling into step beside him as we walked over to the warehouse behind the guys. “Teddy, you’ve imported women?!”

“Yeah. How else do you think we get hookers?” he looked down at me, face passive, like he was explaining how bread is made to a kid. He offered me his arm, and I knew better than to refuse it. “We gotta keep the boys happy, sweetheart.” I looked down.

Teddy was presented with a seat, and I was given one too, just beside him. He kept his hand on my thigh the entire time, possessive and controlling. I didn’t know, genuinely, if it was a show, or if it was natural for him to do that, now. But the confusion quickly left me as a line of women walked in. It was a disgustingly sorry sight. Some wore clothes too tight for them, shorts that ate into their hips and asses, shirts that threatened to burst around breasts unsupported by any bra. Other women – some of them mere girls – wore baggy, holey clothes that barely revealed anything.

And Teddy’s choices confused me further.

The girls and women covered up were sent off with three of his men to work at the Lobo Mansion, or in the Lobo-owned clubs in the city. The rest, the ones who clearly wanted to show off their assets, were sent to work as cleaners. One woman, sentenced to a life as a cleaner, made a run for Teddy, her long nails clawed as she lunged at him. But before she could spew out whatever language she actually spoke (because I wasn’t wholly convinced these women were North American), Teddy pulled out his already-loaded gun and nailed her through the forehead. He barely moved an inch, otherwise.

“Fucking crazy bitch,” he murmured. I felt sick again. I couldn’t stop it. Before I knew it, I turned and vomited, the meagre breakfast Teddy had given me five minutes for coming right back up. “Jesus fucking Christ, (Y/N)! What happened?!”

“Teddy…” I whimpered. “She – you d-didn’t –“

“I did have to, baby. Otherwise they would have all done the same shit.” He patted my back and smiled at me. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

As we drove home, Bellafrancesca called. I barely paid attention to the conversation, Bellafrancesca asking about the warehouse, the girls, any special ones… until she mentioned Rebecca. And how Rebecca was there now, wanting to speak to me. Teddy took the turn-off for the Lobo Mansion, and smiled at me.

“Time to see what you’re really fucking made of, baby,” Teddy grinned. When we parked up, he handed me a pack of gum, and reached into the tiny space behind his seat for a water for me. “Sick breath, baby. I wanna kiss you real bad, but I can’t kiss you with sick breath.” I flushed, and drank some of the water, then took a couple of pieces of gum. He watched me, bemused. Amused. Gleeful, almost.

“You wanna kiss me, but you won’t tell me what the fuck has happened these past couple of months, and why it all feels like a dream sequence.” I looked at him.

“Alright. I’ll cut you a deal.” He took the gum from me, then took my hands. “You show me what you’re capable of in here, with Quincy… blow my fucking mind… and I’ll tell you what happened. Deal?”

“Define what you mean by ‘show you what I’m capable of’ and ‘blow your mind’,” I replied. “Because blowing your mind could mean sucking you off so well, you can’t think or see straight for a week… or it could mean getting your gun from you and blowing your literal mind from your skull.” I smiled at him.

“I’m not suicidal, sweet cheeks,” he murmured, stroking my face. “And for a change, I’m not horny. Does that help?”

It helped.

I climbed from the car with him, jaw set. I knew what he wanted me to do, deep down. I just didn’t know if I’d be able to do it when faced with the one person who’d kept me on the straight and narrow in a city where the straight and narrow was a minority.

[bekah-reading]

End of Year Book Tag 2023

Best Book You’ve Read This Year?

Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven

Sick Fux by Tillie Cole

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah

Book You We’re Excited About And Thought You Were Going To Love But Didn’t?

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Most Surprising Book (in a good way or bad way) You’ve Read This Year?

Good way- Viper by CJ Pinard (I read it and then like binged the rest of the series)

Bad way- The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (I really thought I would enjoy it a lot more than I did.)

Books You’ve Pushed The Most People To Read?

Sick Fux by Tillie Cole

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah

Scream for Us by Molly Doyle (which I read last year but still rave about to my friends lol)

Best Series You’ve Started This Year? Sequel? Ender?

Starter- The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah

Sequel- Twisted by Emily McIntire

Ender- The Witch of Maracoor by Gregory Maguire

Favourite New Author?

Tillie Cole

Chelsea Abdullah

HD Carlton

Audrey Rush

Best Book From A Genre You Don’t Typically Read/Was Out Of Your Comfort Zone?

I don’t think I read any books out of my comfort zone this year.

Most Action Packed/Thrilling/Unputdownable Book You’ve Read This Year?

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton

The Brides of Maracoor by Gregory Maguire

The Book You’ve Red This Year That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read?

Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton

Sick Fux by Tillie Cole

FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven

Favourite Cover Of The Year?

Most Memorable Character?

Heathen from Sick Fux

Cresswell and Audrey Rose from Stalking Jack the Ripper series

Zade Meadows from Haunting Adeline

Rain from The Brides of Maracoor

Most Beautifully Written Book You’ve Read This Year?

Haunting Adeline, I swear that was crack. It was a book I blasted through and it was wonderfully crafted.

Sick Fux, it was rough but the writing style was Al over the place and it fit the story and the vibes really well.

Books You Can’t Believe You’ve Waited To Read?

FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Resting Place by Camilla Sten

The Brides of Maracoor by Gregory Maguire

Favourite Quote Of The Year?

“And like roses in his hands, Death blooms.” Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

Shortest Book?

Home: Habitat, Range, Niche Territory by Martha Wells

Longest Book?

Ghostland by Duncan Ralston

Book That Shocked You The Most?

The Oracle of Maracoor by Gregory Maguire

The Haunting of Adeline by HD Carlton

Grave Love by Audrey Rush

OTP Of The Year?

Cresswell and Wadsworth from Stalking Jack the Ripper series.

Blaze and Rey from Grave Love

Zade and Adeline from The Cat and Mouse Duet

Heathen and Ellis from Sick Fux

Favourite Non-Romantic Relationship?

N/A I can’t think of anything right now

Newest Fictional Crush?

Qidar from The Stardust Thief

Zade Meadows from The Cat and Mouse Duet

Glitch from Glitch

Blaze from Grave Love

Julian from Twisted

Cade from Crossed

Heathen from Sick Fux

Hidden Gem Of The Year?

The Cat and Mouse Duet by HD Carlton

Sick Fux by Tillie Cole

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

How Many Books Have You Read This Year?

124 books. (DAMN! I have no life, like none. But still- DAMN!)

[casspurrjoybell-19]

CLAIMED - Chapter 20

*Warning: Adult Content*    

‘Not even gonna lie, I was feeling pretty damn good.’

Beta Jaxson Cahill’s date with Head Warrior Corey Cahill had been a perfect disaster, a mirror reflection of what their relationship was at its core.

Looking back on last night, Jaxson quickly realized how stupid he was to have been so nervous about it. 

The borderline panic attack he had was so damn embarrassing, just thinking about it made him ripe with the desire to hurl his guts all over the cushy rug that he currently sat on.

"Ooo, I've got a good one. Would you rather have toes for nipples or nipples for toes?"

Everyone in the upstairs Crescent Moon Common Room shot Pack Warrior Tyrus Cahill a somewhat dumbfounded look as they contemplated his question. 

The man was grinning proudly as if he'd just discovered the cure to cancer, unreactive to all of the confused expressions cast in his direction as he sat on the carpet to the right of Jaxson with Fae Pack Medic, Daffodil's tiny body curled tightly around his entire left arm.

"Is that seriously your question?" balked Alpha Oasis Amador, who also lounged on the carpet along with everyone else. 

Jaxson’s best friend had one, muscular arm resting up on the seat of the couch behind him and the other curled tightly around the waist of his Mate, Luna Berlin Cahill, who sat comfortably in his lap.

"Don't be rude, Osi. You had your turn, now it's his," Berlin scolded through closed teeth, smacking his Mate's chest gently as 'punishment' before turning back to his brother with a big, toothy smile as he began to explain himself

“I mean, I've always wondered what I would choose. Like, toes are really useful for picking up things but would they be just as useful on your chest? But then again, what if you wanted to go to the beach, would everyone see your nipple toes or could you just hide them in the sand? Man, it keeps me up at night sometimes," Tyrus continued, his expression twisting into one of genuine contemplation and free hand going to scratch at the back of his neck.

The room was silent for a long moment as everyone continued to stare, lost for words as to how to respond to the Pack Warrior's abnormal thought processes.

Well, everyone except for Daffodil, who was, as always, in his own little world as he clung to Tyrus' arm and smiled so brightly that it was obvious that there was not a single thought behind those giant-ass, alien-lookin' eyes.

"Nipples for toes," responded Pack Doctor Benji after a few beats, pink hair fluttering as he nodded finitely and settling further into the dark cave of his Mate, Pack Warrior Tank's chest. "I value my nipples way too much. Plus, I could just like... wear socks all the time and nobody would even notice."

"Yeah. Benji's nipples are much too valuable to me," Tank added a second later, grinning a wide, Cheshire-cat smile that made him look even more dangerous than he already did. 

The large Warrior attempted to inconspicuously slip his hand up Dr Benji's shirt at the same time but was easily intercepted by Benji's anticipatory hand which grabbed his wrist in a tight grip.

"Not here," Benji whispered, although the entire room could totally fuckin' hear them.

"Ooookay, let's move on, people," Brook, one of Luna Berlin's friends, encouraged as she sat next to her own Mate and Pack Patroller, Jay. 

Her kind gaze swiveled over to me and my eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the attention. 

"Let's see what Ortiz has up his sleeve."

All of a sudden, the urge to gag overwhelmed Jaxson.

Not because everyone was waiting for him to take his turn in the game, staring as if he were a specimen under a microscope. 

‘No, I felt sick because of... of that. That name. Ortiz.’

Whenever he looked into the mirror, Ortiz was all that he would ever see staring back at him. 

That scared little boy only being called by his family name, cowering in a filthy corner and protecting his head at all costs like he'd been taught in that one self-defense lesson at school.

Ever since Corey started calling him his real name, anything else began to sound alien.

He was not Ortiz. 

Not anymore.

The pressure of Corey's littlest finger crossing over the top of his and pressing down firmly held him anchored to reality as he began to get a little bit too carried away in the perpetual ocean storm that was his memories. He gratefully accepted the gesture that sent comforting tingles throughout all of his nerves, knowing that his Mate was likely picking up on the hint of smokiness that was beginning to overtake his scent.

'Tell them. You've got it, Jax,' Corey's impossibly deep voice crackled through our private mind link, the Alpha's intuitive nature easily working out the source of Jaxson’s discomfort.

Risking a glance upward and to his right, his Mate's eyes were already on him, hooded and dark and trained to his face like a flower to the sun. 

However, this time they shone with a glint of encouragement that anyone else absolutely would have missed.

Encouragement that somehow melted away all of the anxiety that had rested on top of Jaxson’s shoulders like a heavy cloak.

"Hey, guys..." he started hesitantly, peeling his gaze away from the black holes that were attached to his Mate's face and settling them instead on the group that sat around and in front of him. 

His palms began to sweat but before they could get really bad they were engulfed by the pressure of Corey's giant, cool palm.

"I would really like for you all to call me Jax from now on. That... that's my name."

The room was drawn into complete and utter silence for a good twenty seconds or so, everyone shocked into a hush by his unexpected request.

 But before long, Osias' raspy voice broke the streak.

"Alright, Jax. What's your... 'would you rather?'"

Jaxson lacrimal ducts filled with equally unexpected tears that he quickly forced himself to swallow down.

He may have been moving in a good direction when it came to taming his wild ass emotions but crying in front of all of these people would not be a part of that process.

It took a few more moments for his brain to start working again before he could even begin to think of a 'would you rather' question that matched the level of insanity that this game was quickly moving toward.

"Uhh... Would you rather go to the grocery store in your underwear or go to a beach fully nude?" he finally asked after a careful inner-deliberation.

"Pfft, that one's easy, Jax," came the high-pitched voice of Corey's dad, Daniel Cahill.

The Omega lounged in the far corner of the circle, tucked securely between the tree-trunk legs of his Mate Raymon Cahill, whose large hands were pressed protectively against the steadily protruding swell of Danny's large, third trimester pregnancy bump. 

Raymon was not participating in the game but Danny was more than excited to engage, so therefore, like a shadow, Raymon followed his Mate wherever he desired to go.

"I would literally be naked all the damn time if I could," he exclaimed, eyes widening a moment later as if he'd just had the epiphany of a lifetime before swiveling his upper body around toward his mate as far as his big belly would allow. "Ooo, Ray, remember that one time in California and we went to that one nude beach and found that spot behind the rocks that nobody else was at and then you kept giving me those eyes like you wanted to eat me and then I basically just immediately dropped to my knees and..."

"Dad," Berlin practically screamed, pressing his palms over his ears in an attempt to drown out the story that was rapidly turning more and more explicit. "Just once, can you please not scar us for life? That's all that I freaking ask, dear Goddess."

Jaxson couldn't help but laugh,  a real, genuine, stomach-burning laugh, at the sight before me, one that he'd seen countless times due to Danny and Raymon's inherent knack for oversharing their rampant sex lives.

One day, they were seriously going to break a few bones going at it like they do. 

In fact, the Beta had ten bucks in the pack-wide bet on their hips being the first to go.

But, aside from the ridiculousness of the situation, it was exactly what Jaxson needed to help usage the dry lump in his throat that elicited a constant, uncomfortable pressure against his Adam's apple.

‘They accepted me. They accepted Jax. I'm not sure what I expected. Maybe my constant fear of rejection kept me from seeing the true beauty of my pack all of this time, of my true... family.’

"Oh damn, it's about to be like one in the morning," Hannah, one of Luna Berlin's other friends, yawned as she spoke, her eyes trained on the time that flashed across the giant television in the room.

"Ugh, yeah, we should probably all start to turn in. I'm sure the childcare Omegas are tired of chasing around Hale and Cassius all evening," Berlin pouted as he untangled himself from Alpha Oasis' firm grip and pushed on the floor beneath him to stand. 

The rest of the room followed suit, stretching themselves out and standing slowly after sitting in the same spots on a hard floor for a few hours.

"Well, this was fun," Danny squealed, smacking Raymon's heavy arm with his black neck pillow in order to escape the firm restraints before quickly running up to Jaxson as fast as his short legs could carry him. 

The Beta’s eyes widened down at the little Omega that stood in front of him, jumping in his skin a bit as he grabbed his hand in a tight, comforting grip. 

"I'm so glad you finally joined us for game night, Jax. You really should come more often, everyone loves having you around."

Jaxson’s cheeks grew warm as his brain whirred, trying to formulate a response. he was a God at formulating sarcastic-come-backs on the fly but way too many people were being nice to him lately and his swiss-cheese brain was still adjusting to having to respond in kind.

"Uhh... Y-yeah, I think I will," he finally responded shakily, grinning tightly down at the tiny man.

"Oh yay, I can't wait." 

Jaxson instinctually leaned back as Danny moved in closer, shifting his gaze from the Beta to his son, Corey and lowering his voice as if he were sharing a secret. 

"Also, we need to have a talk soon, future son-in-law," Danny grinned, reaching up to tap his neck pillow against Jaxson’s chest playfully before finally retreating back to his husband who was waiting in the corner, looking particularly dejected and lost without his Mate squished between his arms.

To Jaxson’s luck they retreated from the room quickly, so the Beta didn't have to go through the painful process of not being sarcastic again. 

But just as he went to follow behind the throng of Pack Members leaving the Upstairs Common Room, a flurry of bright pink hair stopped him right in his tracks.

Jaxson blinked down at the half-Fae, half-Werewolf Pack Doctor as he stared up at the Beta with eyes that held something important behind them. 

Dr Benji's giant Mate, Tank stood respectfully off in the far corner with a patient yet observant expression, propped up against the wall with his arms crossed tightly against his muscular chest.

Benji looked over his shoulder as if he was gauging how many stragglers were left in the rapidly emptying room before shifting his eyes back up to Jaxson.

"Jax... we need to talk," he whispered, eyes flickering over the Beta’s shoulder to Head Warrior Corey as if asking if it's okay if he hears.

"Corey stays," Jaxson breathed confidently, although he was a bit freaked out by the little Fae twink's intensity. "What is it?"

Dr Benji shuffled his feet, eyes shifting downward before looking back up at me  Jaxson with a contagious look of confusion that made the Beta’s own breath hitch.

‘What the fuck is his problem?’

"I... I got back the results of your genetic testing."

All of the air was sucked out of the room. 

All Jaxson could do was blink as scenario after scenario ran through his head.

But before he could get too deep Corey's heavy arm wrapped around his waist like a vice, likely sensing his impending distress. 

By pressing him into his side, his Mate succeeded in instantly melting a big chunk of his anxiety away for what was probably the thousandth time at this point.

'I'm here,' Corey's intense voice booming in the front of Jaxson’s skull was the push he needed to finally respond. 

Clearing his throat of the thick saliva that had built up in it, he responded back, voice no louder than a whisper.

"What... what did the results say?"

Dr Benji hesitated once again, soft features twisting up into something that displayed the depth of his puzzlement.

"That's just the thing, it didn't... it wasn't..." Dr Benji sighed, running a hand through his bright hair as if he was trying to figure out the best way to phrase what he was trying to say. "You are a Beta. That much is very clear from the results."

Jaxson raised a brow, still not understanding what the Doctor was getting at.

"Huh? Of course I'm a Beta." 

His head moved back and shook gently in a signature, bewildered 'what are you talking about' movement.

"Yes, yes, of course you are,"��Dr Benji continued, reaching out to place a dainty hand on Jaxson’s arm as if he was telling a kid that his third hamster died.

"Can you just cut the crap and just spit it out?" Jaxson finally snapped, unable to hold back his agitation as Doctor Benji kept drawing out telling him whatever it is he was so obviously hiding.

"Sorry, I just..." Benji squeaked, giving the Beta’s arm a squeeze before heaving out another sigh and meeting my eyes once more. "Jax, you are a Beta. But somehow... somehow you are also an Omega."

[dejunectar]

RELATIONSHIP | lucas & jaehyun

(( suggested 18+ content ! ))

(part 2)

Your body pushed against the ones surrounding you in the thick humidity of the house party you were at. Your tight black dress was slowly becoming too uncomfortable to wear, so you were looking around to find your ride so they could take you home.

Your only problem was, they were mushing their body and lips against someone else's. Your eyes locked on Lucas as he pulled the girl close to him with a lazy smirk on his face. The longer you watched, the hotter your stomach felt. His hands roamed their body slowly before they slightly separated. The girl then said something in his ear, making him smile and nod.

They left the crowd, and you lost sight of them.

The feeling in your stomach worsened and you knew exactly what they were doing, but you turned around on your heel and made your way back to the front of the house. As you pushed and shoved your way through the sweating bodies around you, you felt your hand tugged back, sending you flying into someone's chest.

"Y/N, babe! Are you leaving already?" You turned around to smile up at the culprit. Jaehyun grinned down at you and pulled you into a small hug.

"Jay, I had no clue you were even here!" you greet him with your arms wrapped around him. "I was on my way out, yeah. I'm getting tired and was gonna call an Uber home." At this, he frowned slightly and checked his phone.

"It's only 12, do you have work in the morning?" he asked, slipping his phone back into his pocket. You shook your head no in response which only gave him more confusion. "Then what's the rush to leave? Usually, you're the last to leave the party."

You brushed your brain for excuses but blurted out the obvious truth, "I came with Lucas." With that said, a look of realization wiped across the taller man's face. You nodded, not wanting to explain any further.

"Do you wanna get out of here? We can go get food or something if you'd like." Jaehyun's suggestion brought a smile to your lips and butterflies to your chest. You'd only known the guys for around 4 years but for the first 2, you had a crush on him. He was always aware of the crush but never said anything because he cared too much about you as a friend. You two had been friends for so long, though, that the crush slowly withered away. Even without romantic feelings involved, you both were still close and oftentimes hung out without the group. This resulted in Jae slowly developing feelings that he still held, but he kept it to himself in fear of rejection.

Part of the reason you stopped crushing on Jaehyun, was that you'd begun sleeping with Lucas a year and a half ago. He found you entertaining, fun, and beautiful at all angles, but he had deeply rooted commitment issues so you two never made anything official. Anytime you would even have thoughts about pursuing something more with him, he'd shut them down before you could ever air them out. But you kept up this sexual relationship with Lucas, almost as some sick and twisted form of self-harm.

You knew Lucas would never belong to you the way you belonged to him. Yet, you still met him in the nights and had your secret rendevous whenever you got his text or call. In your mind, he was yours. When you were tangled in the sheets and whispering each other's names, you were his, and he was yours.

Nevertheless, you took Jaehyun's hand and followed him out of the door and into the night, leaving Lucas and his new attraction behind.

When you and Jaehyun arrived at a small 90's diner-style restaurant down the street, your phone began buzzing wildly from your purse. As you peered down at it, your stomach began growling. Without reading the text, you looked back up at the menu in front of you.

"Thank God for places that are open until 4 a.m., right?" He chuckled across from you, earning a small laugh in response from you. "What're you thinking of getting?"

"Probably a grilled cheese sandwich and a vanilla milkshake, you?"

"Pulled pork sandwich looks pretty good to me."

You both sat your menus down and looked up at each other expectantly. "What?" You muttered, patting at your face. "Do I have something on me?"

He laughed small and shook his head, "No, Y/N, you look as fine as always." His compliment threw you off slightly but you shrugged it off. "Are you ever gonna tell me the real reason you were storming out of the party? Or are we playing the guessing game?"

"How about neither," you mumbled as you slump against the booth at the thought. Your heart sank as you recalled the image of Lucas being intimate with the girl from the party.

"C'mon, kid," he jokingly kicked your foot under the table, "don't make me pry it out of you."

You rolled your eyes and squinted at him, "And how do you plan on doing that?"

"It's a longer walk home than you'd think," he threatened.

"Oh, you wouldn't dare."

"You're right, so let's skip the bullshit and get to the reason why you looked so livid earlier."

You sighed in defeat before sitting up and resting your head in your hand as you slouched into the table. "It's just girl problems. That's all."

He raised an eyebrow and waved a hand as a way to convince you to go more into detail. You rolled your eyes once more before deciding to blurt it all out. He'd find out sooner or later, anyway.

"You already know, I've been sleeping with Lucas for a while now but earlier tonight, before we got to the party, he kissed me and he called me pretty and it just- I guess- I mean, it just felt like maybe he felt it too, y'know? I know it's stupid but I just have this feeling that maybe one day he'll feel the same way I do about him. I dunno," you picked at the chipping paint on the table, awaiting a response.

Jaehyun's hand reached across the table and sat atop yours. "It's not stupid, and you're not stupid," You looked up at his words to find a sincere look in his eyes, "Lucas is, though. I know you think that continuing whatever you have with him will change how he feels about you one day but, Y/N, he's the type of guy who will do what he pleases whenever he pleases. That's not gonna change unless he wants to."

You knew everything he was saying was right, but it only broke your heart more. Still, you shrugged to look indifferent and began chipping at the paint again. Tears pricked your eyes but you yawned to mask them.

After you both ordered your food, you started up a new conversation to lighten the mood. Within mere seconds he had you smiling and laughing again. You were throwing jokes at each other, enjoying the company and time spent together. Your phone buzzed a few times throughout the meal, but you ignored it, deciding not to ruin the moment.

You only got halfway through your burger when Jaehyun received a call from Jungwoo. "Yeah?......huh? Hold on, go somewhere quieter I can't hear- okay.........yeah.......okay, and?.........we just went to grab food......no, she didn't see.....we've been eating- Jesus, alright, fine......yeah, 'kay. Bye." You watch as he slips his phone into his jacket pocket and slips a 20 dollar note out and places it on the table.

"We gotta go," He sighs before sliding out of his seat and standing up. "Lucas is blasted off of his ass and apparently has been blowing you up asking where you are."

You scoff out a sarcastic, "Wonderful." As you get up from your seat you look down at your phone to see 3 missed calls and 8 texts from Lucas.

xuxi <3:

y/nnnnnn

wher are you

som1 saif you leftg withj jae

i misssd youu

whre r uuuuuuuu

pls come homeeewee :(((9(9

head huerts so fucjin bad

r u witgh jaewmdjfchbgfd

You chewed your lips, debating on whether to respond or not. "You don't have to go home with him if you don't want to. You can crash at my place or even- I'll have Ten take him so you don't have to put up with him." You smiled small at Jaehyun's suggestions but shook your head.

"It's fine, really. Can we just drive back?"

Jaehyun gave you a long look, trying to figure you out, but ultimately gave up and nodded along.

[thebookreader12345]

New Romance

Pairing: Jesse Lee Soffer x Best Friend! reader

Summary: Y/N and Jesse have an interview where they talk about what it’s like working together on Chicago PD

Requested: No

Warnings: slight swearing, spoilers to season 7, mentions of nudity 

Words: 1,172 Words

Note: Y/CN means your character’s name

I got situated in my seat next to Jesse on a small love seat, draping my right leg over my left knee to where it almost touched my co-star. It’s not like he would mind though, seeing as we had been best friends for the past few years ever since staring in Chicago PD together. Jesse then rested his right arm against the back of the couch, a position I knew made him comfortable. The cameras were getting set up all around us while our interviewer, Sara, prepared her questions. Finally, it was time to start rolling.

“Good afternoon, everyone. Today we are here with Jesse Lee Soffer and Y/N L/N from the hit NBC show Chicago PD. How are you guys doing today?” Sara asked.

“We’re doing good. How about you?” I question.

Sara gave me a small smile. “I’m doing fine. Do you guys mind if we get straight into the questions?”

“Not at all,” Jesse replied.

“All right. So, Jay and Y/CN, the characters you guys play in the show, have been dating for a whole season now. What’s it like shooting those scenes?” Sara asked.

“Here’s the thing,” I say. “I don’t particularly like filming romantic scenes.”

“What? But you’re so good at them,” Sara pointed out.

“Which is what I tell her, but she won’t listen,” Jesse added.

“I don’t dislike them as much as I used to, which could be because I’m working with Jesse, who is basically my best friend,” I note and smile at the man next to me, who pulled me into his side and gave me a small squeeze.

“Aren’t the romance scenes awkward then? Seeing as you guys are best friends?” Sara questioned.

Jesse shook his head. “I mean, they were a little awkward at first, but over time, because we’ve had so many of them, we’re just used to it. We always laugh about the scenes after shooting too.”

“So, if your characters had to date someone else in the show, who do you think they would date?” Sara asked.

“I actually think Jay and Hailey would be good together,” Jesse spoke.

“Forget Jay and Y/CN. Jay and Hailey would be a way better couple,” I joke.

Sara laughed. “What about your character, Y/N?”

“I was thinking maybe Adam for you,” Jesse said.

“No way,” I argue. “I think Y/CN and Adam are too good of friends for it to ever go there. Besides, if they were together, I think they’d just argue all the time. Can we pick a character who left the show?”

“Of course,” Sara responded.

“Then I’d say Mouse,” I say.

“Really?” Jesse questioned.

“100%. I loved the friendship Y/CN and Mouse had. It always seemed like there was a little bit of flirting there as well,” I point out.

“All right. Onto the next question. Tell us about one of your favorite memories on set,” Sara stated.

“Mine’s a recent one, actually,” Jesse answered. “Y/N and I had to do a shower scene together, and it was on the funniest things ever. We had to redo the scene multiple times, so both of us were soaking wet for hours. And both Y/N and I had to wear these skin colored swim suits so it would look like we weren’t wearing clothes, and 9 out of 10 takes, my finger would get caught under the back of her bikini top, so we had to reshoot the scene. We also slipped a few times, which was pretty funny. It was a long day, but I had a great time.”

“That’s a good one. Mine is actually from a few years ago,” I remembered. “It was like the 2nd or 3rd week of filming season 1, and I got really sick, so I couldn’t film anything. I basically sat in my trailer all day. But after filming, Jesse, Paddy, and LaRoyce all stopped by to check up on me and make sure I was okay. I think that was when I knew we were all going to be friends for a long time.”

“Those are pretty interesting memories,” Sara admitted. “Now, we had the viewers send in some questions. A lot of fans were asking what your favorite episode to film was.”

“See, when people ask me that, I never know what to say. I don’t have a favorite. I love working on every single episode,” Jesse confessed.

“Well, unlike Jesse, I do have a favorite episode, or 2 episodes, since they go hand in hand,” I explain. “My favorites would have to be the ones from season 7 where Jay was kidnapped, and then the episode right after that when he was in the hospital and no one knew if he was going to survive. One of the reasons I liked those ones so much was because throughout seasons, Y/CN has been a pretty stoic character. I mean, we almost never see when she’s feeling upset. And then in these episodes, she’s constantly on the verge of a breakdown. It was weird filming them at first, but as I got into it, I really enjoyed it.”

“The last question we have is pretty interesting as well. How did you react when you found out your characters were going to be in a relationship?” Sara asked.

“We found out, what, the beginning of season 6?” Jesse questioned.

“Yeah. Because Erin left after season 4, and season 5 was based around Al’s case and your PTSD,” I clarify.

“Right. So, I remember walking into the script read and taking my seat next to Y/N. We started getting into the script and as we were going through it, I noticed a few flirty remarks between Jay and Y/CN along with some little touches here and there. Once we finished the read, I turned to Y/N, and I was just like, ‘Are you seeing what I’m seeing here?’ And she was like, ‘Yeah. I always assumed our characters would stay best friends in the show, but here we are.’ And as we continued the script reads, I kept on seeing the relationship between Y/CN and Jay grow. So of course, when we got to the midseason finale, and Y/CN and Jay had to have their first kiss, I wasn’t too surprised. I never thought our characters would go there, but I believe it was a good twist. Both of them needed someone they could count on no matter what, and I think they’ve found that someone in each other,” Jesse finished off.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” I say.

“All right. It looks like that’s all the time we have for today. It was so great talking to you both,” Sara commented.

“You too,” Jesse replied.

“Before we go, do you guys have anything to say to everyone watching?” Sara asked.

“For sure. Thank you guys so much for watching Chicago PD. I know my castmates and I appreciate it. And don’t forget that Chicago PD returns this Wednesday at 10/9 Central, so tune in,” I inform the viewers.

________________________

Tag List:

@prettypyschoinpink @securityfriendly-jay @scarletsoldierrr @lorenakaspersen @virtualreader @carnationworld @caitsymichelle13​ @dreamingmanip @campingmonkey @winterberryfox @nevertoofarfromivar @anotherfan07 @giagma @mrspeacem1nusone @i-like-sparkly-things

[justmypartner]

Make it Work: Chapter 8

Summary: When offered a permanent position with the FBI, Hailey agrees to take it under one condition: Jay comes too. As their personal lives and work lives begin to change, the two partners find it increasingly difficult to navigate their complex relationship and manage their feelings for one another.

Writer’s Note: This is my favorite chapter so far. I cried, I smiled, I felt a lot of emotions while writing it, and I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. There are a few warnings for this chapter, so see those below. Not to give anything away, but if you didn’t like Walker before, you really won’t like him after this chapter. Thanks to everyone following this story, I appreciate each and every note so much! Prepare your tissues and please enjoy!! 

TW//: mentions of assault and attempted sexual assault

Tagging: @angelsjedi , @brookerz122493 , @cpdfan2014 , @the–carousel , @maya-asturias , @itsdesiree86​ , @tvshowsaremyhappyplace 

Read on AO3 or below

A light patter on the window woke Jay long before his alarm did. He threw his duvet from his body and rose from the bed, stretching out his tired limbs before moving to the window to watch as rain fell from the sky. It was his first rainy New York City day, and his mood certainly matched the weather. Unlike the day prior, he was hangover free, but he had a strange dismal feeling in his chest he couldn’t explain. He chalked the feeling up to the dreary weather and slowly began to get ready for the day.

He walked to work, maneuvering through the sidewalk traffic carefully as his umbrella bumped into those around him. When he made it to the office, it was uncharacteristically quiet. He went to the break room to make a cup of coffee before settling into his desk. He had been quietly catching up on things when Walker walked in. Jay’s attention shot up when he noticed the red and purple bruises scattered across his face.

“Dude, what the hell happened to you?” Jay questioned, suppressing a snicker that leapt out from the back of his throat. Walker only replied with a scowl and a shake of the head. Jay threw his hands up in surrender, but he wasn’t planning on fully letting it go. Whatever happened, he figured must have taken place sometime after he left work the night before. Then it hit him, Hailey went out with him and would surely know the story.

Jay pulled out his phone, clicking on her contact and typing her a message.

Cannot wait to hear about what Walker got into last night. He’s being tight-lipped about it, but I’m sure it’s a story you’re just itching to tell ;)

He sent the text with a concealed smirk before slipping his phone back into his pocket and bringing his attention back to his computer. Not long after Walker showed up, Daisy walked in, immediately taking note of the bruises on Walker’s face and chuckling to herself.

“What happened Burrows, sleep with the wrong guy’s wife?” she mocked with a sneer as she settled into her desk. He silently shut her down the same way he did Jay. Daisy’s eyes met Jay’s, widening with curiosity and amusement. He shrugged, shaking his head with an entertained grin.

After a while, Hailey still hadn’t shown up, causing him to worry. She was never late, so he decided to call her. No answer. He texted her again, this time asking if she was alright. By the time Drake had come in to brief the team on the day’s case, she still hadn’t shown up and she still hadn’t responded. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he knew something was wrong. After the briefing, he pulled Walker aside.

“Do you know where Hailey is?” He asked him. The man twitched at the sound of her name, causing Jay to look at him crossly.

“No clue,” Walker replied bluntly.

“Did something happen last night?” Jay questioned, anxiety building as he surveyed the man’s beaten face, his imagination beginning to run unhinged.

“Look, Halstead. I have no clue where she is, leave me alone,” he spat, pushing past him to end the conversation. Something was up, and every word that left the man’s mouth only made Jay more concerned. His gut told him her absence and his bruises weren’t mutually exclusive, the thought sent a hot anger through Jay’s body. Before Walker could get far, Jay grabbed at his arm, pulling him back around to face him.

“What the hell happened?” He hissed. Walker tried to yank his arm away, but Jay tightened his grip, preventing him from doing so.

“Back off, Halstead,” he bucked up, trying to get in his face.

Daisy noticed the scrap, rushing over and inserting herself between the two of them.

“Woah, okay what’s going on here?” she raised, pushing against each of their chests to separate them. Avoiding the question, Jay shook his head, moving towards his desk and snatching his jacket from the back of his chair.

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll go find out myself. It better have nothing to do with you,” Jay threatened, pushing a finger into the man’s chest.

He turned to Daisy. “Tell Drake I had to take care of something. Also, don’t let him out of your sight,” he told her softly, nodding his head towards Walker. She nodded skeptically, and he turned to make his way towards the elevators.

His heart practically leapt out of his chest as he trudged through the rain on his way to Hailey’s apartment. In his rush out of headquarters, he left his umbrella, leaving cold rain pouring over him, soaking in his clothes down to his skin the entire walk over. Yet, it did nothing to cool down the fire that filled his body with rage. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but the twisted feeling in his abdomen went from bad to worse after his confrontation with Walker.

He reached her building, desperately punching the buzzer for her apartment. It took several minutes, but eventually, she answered.

“Yes?” her soft voice echoed through the speaker, causing him to lean a hand into the building in relief. The comfort of hearing her voice dwindled quickly when he realized the defeated tone she carried.

“Hail, it’s me. Let me up,” he said as calmly as possible, raising his voice slightly to be understood over the thrumming of rain around him. There was no response and there was no buzz. He repeated his words once again.

“Let me up, please. I need to see that you’re alright,” he begged, the rain continuing to seep into his suit and cling to his skin.

A few moments later, there was a buzz and the lobby door opened. He made his way through it, ignoring the slippery mess he was creating all the way into the building and rushing up the stairs to her apartment. When he made it to her door, he took a beat, preparing himself for whatever he was about to see on the other side. He knocked. The sound of light footsteps approached before the lock clicked and the door opened slowly.

His heart fell in his chest the second he caught sight of her. His eyes travelled up and down her body, taking in every heart-wrenching detail. She wore an exhausted, somber look on her face and her eyes hopelessly avoided his. Her curls were a tangled mess framing her face, her bottom lip was split, the low cut of her tank revealed bruises along her neck and collarbone, and despite the way the long sleeves of the open flannel she wore covered her hands, he made out defensive wounds along her nails and knuckles. Without thinking, he reached out his hand, trailing his fingers gently along the red and purple bruises lining her neck and chest. The cold rain dripped down from his sleeves and onto her skin, sending visible shudders through her body.

“Hailey…” he whispered. Something broke in him when he noticed the way her eyes slowly fluttered closed as she relaxed under his touch.

“I’m okay, Jay,” she muttered, continuing to avoid eye contact with him. “Let me get you a towel, you’re probably freezing,” she said, moving away as he became aware of the way his body was shivering, the rainwater dripping down into a small puddle in her doorway. He stood there frozen, his eyes taking in the room from her door, noticing the knocked-over lamp and shattered picture frame on the floor.

What the hell happened here? He thought to himself before she reappeared in front of him, holding out a towel for him to wrap into. He stood a statue, only his eyes moving from the room and back to her, tears blurring his vision as the image of her battered body tore him apart inside. When he didn’t take the towel, she moved toward him, rising on her tiptoes to wrap it around his shoulders. She stepped back out of the way, and he stepped inside, just enough for her to close the door.

“What did he do?” he questioned, trying to remain soft with her even though his ire toward Burrows was spilling over inside of him. She sighed a shaky breath before turning around, finding a spot on the arm of her couch, flinching in pain lightly when she crossed her arms. He remained in the entryway, waiting for her to speak as rain droplets from his hair left trails down his face. He watched as she bit down hard, clenching her jaw as she concentrated on her thoughts.

“We went out last night,” she began, Jay taking note of the way she avoided saying his name. “It was getting late, we had a lot to drink. He had way more than me, way more than usual, but I didn’t oppose when he offered to walk me home. When we got out front, he emptied his guts into the bushes and asked me if he could come up for some water. I agreed, and he came up to my apartment. I pulled a glass from the cupboard, and when I turned around he was pressing me against the counter,” she said, the shakiness in her voice building up as she continued. Jay felt like he was going to be sick himself.

“He was trying to kiss me, holding me against the counter with one hand… groping me with the other. I told him to stop, that he was drunk, that I wasn’t interested. I tried pushing him away, but I was drunk myself… weaker and clumsier than I usually am. His hands were still on me, pulling, squeezing…” her voice trailed off as tears rolled from her cheeks. Jay was fuming with anger, ready to go kill the man with his bare hands that second.

“The more I struggled to get away, the more he laid into me. Punching me, choking me, putting his entire weight into my body as he forced himself on me,” her breath shuddered and she groaned as tears escaped her eyes. Jay’s head was pounding from holding back tears and vexation. The more she said, the angrier he became.

“Did he?” He asked fearfully, unsure of whether or not he wanted the answer. He felt that same heart sinking feeling he had when he asked her the same question so many years ago when he found out what Booth did to her. The same way it did back then, his voice broke with the words. He only hoped she didn’t notice the way he was completely falling apart with her. She shook her head as her puffy eyes blinked closed, sending tears down her cheeks.

“I was yelling at him to stop. Telling him no and pushing with every part of my body to get him off. He was so drunk he wasn’t even registering my words, but I was able to get a hit in, leaving him vulnerable for a split second. Long enough to catch him off guard. I laid into him until his face was so swollen I didn’t even recognize him. He got up and stumbled towards the door, falling into that table. I was able to shove him out of the apartment… and I just... I’m okay. Really. It’s nothing I haven’t dealt with before,” she said, looking down into the floor. Her words stung deep because he knew it really wasn’t anything she hadn’t had to endure before.

She was quiet for a moment, swallowing hard almost like she was trying to stomach every emotion that had to be consuming her. She stifled a series of whimpers and despite her best attempts, she fell apart completely. She clutched at her body with her arms as deep sobs shook her entire being. He wasn’t sure if he should approach her, wasn’t sure if touching her would trigger her, wasn’t sure what she needed in that moment.

So, he slowly made his way towards her, close enough to touch her, to remind her he was there and she was safe, but holding back as sobs continued to escape her mouth. She reached an arm out, trying to steady herself as she attempted to catch her breath. That was the affirmation he needed, so he carefully grabbed her by the arms, wrapping her up in his body slowly. She nestled into him and despite the cold and soggy mess he was, she clung tightly to him. They dropped to the floor as she fell apart. He rested his chin against her head as his arms squeezed her as tightly as they could. The rain droplets fell down his face and blended with the tears that spilled out of his eyes.

“Shh. I’ve got you. You’re safe. He won’t hurt you again. I got you,” he said, repeating the last three words over and over again in whispers. He felt her fingers clench tightly around his back and they sat like that for a while, huddled together on the floor until she had come down from it all.

She pulled away from his hold, keeping her fingers gripped against his back as he cradled her in his arms.

“I’m sorry,” her voice cracked with the words, and Jay responded instantly by shaking his head.

“No, don’t do that. You have nothing to be sorry for,” he whispered tenderly.

She reached a hand up, brushing a loose, wet curl from his forehead as he lost himself in her glossy blue eyes. Her eyes steadied him, casting out all of the rage that previously filled his body, and bringing him into an unexpected state of peace despite everything that just happened. She was all that mattered. Regardless of the trauma she had went through, in that moment, she was okay, she was safe, and she was in his arms. As she looked up at him, the pain and sadness that filled her eyes somehow coexisted with that familiar glimmer she only reserved for him, sending a fluttery feeling in his chest and a stroke of courage through his body.

“I love you,” he whispered, the words escaping his lips before his brain could even realize it. Her face fell with surprise, and tears refilled her eyes as he brought a hand to cup her cheek. His thumb swiped fragilely against her jaw as silence filled the room.

“I love you, Hailey” he said again, almost like he didn’t believe he said it the first time. Her mouth fell slightly agape as deep breaths sent her chest up and down steadily. Her watery eyes travelled from his eyes down to his lips, training themselves there for a moment as he took in every movement, every reaction to those words in the silence of her apartment.

In a flicker, she reached her head up and closed the space between them as her lips connected with his. She kissed him slow and steady. Her lips moved meticulously, delicately connecting and disconnecting from his as they each remained mindful of the wound on her bottom lip. It was a short kiss, but the feeling of her lips against his lingered long after she pulled away. She rested her forehead against his and stayed there as they each caught their breath. Silence surrounded them, and he felt like she could hear his heartbeat broadcasting loudly in the quiet.

“I didn’t sleep last night,” she blurted out as her eyes remained closed and her forehead stayed pressed against his. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his as she pulled away ever so slightly. The interruption caught him by surprise, and he became nervous. He worried that it was all too much, that he had ruined things by confessing his feelings, that the kiss was just a reaction to her emotions, and that her next words would be to send him away.

“Would you lay with me?” She uttered. He breathed out a sigh of relief. In any other context, he would’ve teased her for the suggestive nature of the question, but in that moment he knew exactly what she meant. She needed rest, a moment to forget about everything that happened, and just as comforting as it was to have her in his arms, he realized the feeling went both ways.

“I don’t mean-“ she began before he interrupted.

“I know,” he told her, nodding his head softly.

“But my clothes…” he said, becoming suddenly aware of the way his damp suit was stuck to his skin. She stood, offering him a hand to stand with her. His heart stopped in his chest when she pulled the towel off of him and moved her hands to his shoulders, sliding her fingers under his blazer and dragging it down his arms. Her small hands moved to the buttons on his shirt. He nodded when she sent him a silent question of consent. His breath came out in nervous shudders when her fingers slid across his bare chest, peeling his wet shirt from his body and letting it fall onto the floor. She continued undressing him slowly. It wasn’t sexual, it wasn’t awkward, and to his surprise, he didn’t even blush when he was left standing before her in only his boxers. It was intimate, sweet even, and his breath remained unexpectedly stable through it all. She grabbed the towel from the ground with one hand and his hand with the other, leading him to her bedroom. She settled him at the end of her bed and she brought the towel to his head, gently drying the loose droplets from the ends of his short, unruly curls. His gaze remained on her eyes the entire time, trying to convince himself that what was happening was real. She climbed into her bed and he climbed in on the other side, feeling an unexpected sense of comfort despite it being their first time sharing a bed, in just his boxers no less. Under the covers, she curled her body into his side. He wrapped his arm protectively around her and her hand came to rest against his chest. He grasped it in his, noting how small it was, rubbing his thumb gently over her bruised fingers.

“Thank you for coming here... making sure I was okay,” she whispered into his chest.

“Thank you for being okay,” he muttered back. She looked up, bringing her lips to the side of his jaw briefly before settling her head back on his chest. They laid like that for a while, and eventually she succumbed to sleep.

He laid awake with her head against his bare chest, staring at the ceiling, in complete disbelief of everything that had happened. Part of him was still full of anger, ready to find Walker and put him in the ground for what he did. Another part of him wanted to lay there with her in that moment forever. Walker would get what was coming to him, but in that moment she needed him, so that’s where he’d stay. It didn’t go unnoticed that she didn’t say the words back, but he didn’t care. He finally told her how he felt. He confessed his love for her with nothing but emotion and sincerity, and he finally knew what it was like to be kissed by her, to be wrapped in her warm body, and consumed by everything she was. They certainly needed to talk, to figure out what everything that happened would mean for them, but for him, for that moment, being there with her was enough.

[petersasteria]

Love Documentary - Harry Holland

Harry || Main || Taglist

Pairing: Harry x Reader

Requested? Nah.

3,470 words

TW; one mention of death, heartbreaking

* * * *

“Hi everyone! I’m Harry Holland and what you’re about to see, are short interviews that I did with people as I ask about what great love really is. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this love-filled journey.”

-

“Are you ready?” Harry asked and the old couple looked at him and nodded with a smile. Harry smiled too and started filming them. “So, how did you two meet?”

“We were childhood best friends.” The old man smiled as he reminisced the early days of his childhood. “I was a hopeless romantic and she wasn’t, but it all worked out in the end.”

“He was really cheesy.” The old man’s wife added with a laugh, causing Harry to laugh too. “He recited lines from movies just to get me to be with him. It was like he knew that we’d end up together.”

“Did the lines work?” Harry asked.

“They didn’t, but look where we are now.” The old lady smiled at her husband.

“We’ve been married for 60 years.” The old man proudly said.

“Are you each other’s greatest love?” Harry asked.

“I’d say we are.” The old man responded as the old lady nodded in agreement.

“We are.”

“So, for you, what is great love?” Harry asked. That was the important question. He needed that to be answered.

“Great love is loving someone unconditionally. No matter what happens between the two of you, you’ll still love them.” The old lady answered. “Right?” She looked at her husband.

“Right.”

-

Harry sits behind the camera as he watches the old man sit comfortably in his seat. The old man nods at Harry, signaling that he’s ready to be interviewed. Harry smiled softly and started recording.

“Please tell me your name, sir.”

“My name is Henry and I’m 82 years old.” Henry, the old man, said. Harry nodded before looking down on his notebook to write Henry’s name and age. After doing so, he read the question that he wrote there earlier.

“Who is your great love?” Harry asked.

“That’s easy; it’s my wife.” Henry answered with a sweet smile. “She’s the loveliest person you’ll ever meet and she makes the most delicious pancakes from scratch.”

“She sounds lovely.” Harry smiled. “How long have you two been married?”

“55 years this year, but this will be the first time I’ll be celebrating without her. She passed away.” Henry shared. The sadness was evident in his eyes and it made Harry sad.

“How did you two meet?”

“We met at a car repair shop. She was the mechanic and I was there getting my car fixed. She was the only girl I’ve ever been with and I have no regrets. Everyday, she loved me like there was no tomorrow. No one’s ever loved me like that and I will forever yearn for it.” Henry said, not bothering to wipe the tears streaming down his face.

“And, what’s great love for you?” Harry asked.

“For me, great love is being an all in one person for your one and only person. You’re the best friend, the sidekick, the lover; everything. When you meet your great love, you wouldn’t find anyone else.” Henry answered.

-

“Hi! I’m Harry Holland and I’m just popping in to say that the elderly know so much about great love. So, I asked the youth what they think is great love.”

For you, what is great love?

“I’m Amaranthine LaSpina and I’m 21 years old. They say that great love is what Jesus did for us, but I don’t know about that since I don’t believe in things like that. But in my opinion, great love doesn’t necessarily mean ‘romantic love’. It can take on many forms like friendship, family, etc. The constant factor is that they are people who care for you regardless of the decisions you made and will make. They offer you their full opinions without bias, and still support you even though you go on a different path. In summary, they want what they think is best for you without being control freaks.”

“Hiii, I’m Jaemren and I’m 15 years old. For me, great love means having an instinct, of some sort, to treat someone as part of your family even though you’re in a relationship with them or if they’re just a friend or if they’re an artist who doesn’t know you exist. You will have the sudden urge to protect them at all cost because you don’t want them to get hurt. Because if they get hurt, you feel their pain; you feel like you’re getting hurt too. Of course, you will correct them when they’re wrong and you’ll be comfortable around them because you feel at home when you’re with them, y’know? Like, there’s warmth. Great love is treasuring someone you don’t want to lose in your life and in terms of feeling it, I think reassurance is the best way.”

“Betty Montefalco, here! I’m 20 years old now and great love will always be there. It’ll always fight for you- in fact, it never slept without an argument. It’s great, it’s explosive, it’s annihilating, it could be exhausting, but at the end of the day- it’s what you want and it’s what you go back to. Even when you’re not in that headspace or happenstance anymore, it’s yearning for someone for the rest of your life; consciously, subconsciously, or unconsciously. If you’re lucky enough, maybe you’ll get to see the greatness endure and eventually flourish in this lifetime. If not, I believe you get to have that love elsewhere. Maybe in another lifetime or in a mirrored universe. I believe the people we yearn for were put in our lives for a reason and none of these people go to waste. I try to remind myself that everyday and that not everything’s figured out yet.”

“I’m Lucas and I’m 18 years old. For me, great love just boils down to understanding a person to the deepest level. It doesn’t even need to be exclusive to a romantic kind of love. True love, for me, is knowing the person in every situation. I don’t mean that the person knows your favorites or knows your deepest, darkest secrets. Knowing the person in every situation is knowing how to talk to you in times of your happiness, knowing how to keep you happy, and knowing how to be there for you in tough times without being intrusive or anything. They can sense when something is wrong about you or if you’re feeling off and they really know how to help you. They don’t even need to be your lovers or even best friends. It takes a certain kind of empathy to be able to understand someone’s emotion so well and knowing how to help you with those emotions is what I believe to be the greatest kind of love one can show to another.”

“HAHAHA, great love??? I haven’t experienced that yet. I only have my firsts, but I don’t consider them my great loves. My expectation is that hopefully we’re in the same wavelength-ish. To me, it doesn’t matter how they will be. Hopefully no sacrifices will be made. You can get great love from your friends and family. Like, you do stuff for them just because you love them. Oh, I’m 21 years old and my name is Hebe. It’s pronounced like ‘Phoebe’.”

“I’m Alessandra; 21 years old. Honestly, I don’t know what great love is. But I guess it’s something that makes someone’s world meaningful. Crushes come and go, but great love stays.”

“I’m 18 years old and my name is Dash. Great love is where you can experience the good and bad without ever getting tired nor ever get sick of the person. It’s trusting the person who you experience great love with.”

“I’m Jai and I’m 18 years old. Greatest love. As someone who ceases to exist, but lives by the quote ‘we accept the love we think we deserve’, I definitely have no idea what love truly is. In the first place, we shouldn’t even be rationalizing what it is. I once told a friend that I never believed in love. I was teased about it, but sometimes I just want someone to take me in their tender arms and cover me in dirt, cover me in roses. As gravity pulls me in their arms; I’ll feel warmth, I’ll feel safe, I’ll feel at home. Oh, to have someone be the mark of who I need to be, to have a blossoming reverie with, like the way they came in my life would feel so right. I think greatest love would make me want to twist and turn, cry and burn, but I’d like it.”

-

Harry sat in his room editing his ‘great love documentary’ and he’s frustrated. He couldn’t feel a thing from it. He felt as if he’s lacking some kind of passion, but he doesn’t know what it is; he can’t put his finger on it. So, he saved the video and went to the kitchen to fix himself a sandwich. While doing so, he took out his phone and called his mum.

“Harry!” Nikki happily said through the phone. “How are you?”

“I’m alright. ‘M just a bit stressed, that’s all. You?” Harry asked before putting his mum on speaker, so he can decently make a sandwich.

“I’m alright. I’m just editing pictures. How’s the documentary coming along? Is it like you pictured in your head?” Nikki asked.

“Yeah, it’s alright. It’s not finished, but it’s all coming together. The documentary isn’t the problem, though. It’s me. I feel like something’s lacking in me. Like, I don’t feel a thing while asking those ‘for you, what is great love?’ questions. When I asked old couples, I didn’t feel my heart swelling with joy and love. Is something wrong with me?” Harry explained.

“No, there’s nothing wrong with you.”

“Then, what is it? I want this documentary to work, I really do. I just want to be a great director. Not just for this project, but also in projects that I’ll do in the future. But I can’t do that if my feelings aren’t in the right mood or place. Am I making any sense, mum?” Harry sighed before taking a bite out of his sandwich.

Nikki laughed, “I definitely know what you’re talking about. Harry, darling, you’re not inspired. That’s it. You’re doing a documentary about ‘great love’, but you don’t have one yourself.”

“Do I have to find someone as soon as possible?” Harry asked. “I don’t want to put this documentary on hold.”

“You don’t have to find someone as soon as possible and you don’t have to put your documentary on hold. You’ll find someone along the way, I promise you that. Just do what you have to do.”

“How do I know if I meet the right one?”

“You’ll just know. Trust me.”

Harry sighed, “Okay. Thanks, mum.”

“You’re welcome. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Harry hung up and finished his sandwich before going back to his room to continue editing.

-

Harry took his time with the documentary. He needed the inspiration to continue, so he took a break from it. He was in the neighborhood with a small ball in his hand as he walked Tessa for a little bit of exercise. That’s when he saw you. You were painting a piece of cardboard as you sat on the grass. Your eyebrows were knit as you concentrated on what you were doing. He walked up to where you were and stood next to you. He removed the leash from Tessa’s collar and threw the ball. Tessa immediately ran off to find the ball and Harry finally gave you his attention.

You felt his presence next to you, but you didn’t mind him. After all, he was a stranger.

“Um, hi!” Harry spoke, causing you to look up from painting. You gave him a tight-lipped smile and said, “Hello.”

“What’re you doing?” Harry asked as he crouched down to see it better.

“I’m doing a miniature version of The Office. Right now, I’m painting the walls. So, when I put them together, it looks like an empty office. I already have the grey felt paper for the carpet flooring of the whole office. I haven’t sticked it yet because I have to cut out the exact shape of the floor if that makes sense.” You rambled as you continued painting.

“That sounds… tiring.” Harry said. He looked around and saw Tessa coming back to him. He pats her head before throwing the ball once more, making the dog leave again.

“It’s really tiring. I’m just glad that I have all the materials and the patience to make things like this. A few months ago, I did Rachel and Monica’s apartment. It was epic!” You grinned before looking at him. “What do you do?”

“Excuse me?” Harry asked, sitting down next to you to stretch his legs.

“Like, what do you do in your free time, or just in general? What are your hobbies? Anything.” You asked him.

“Oh! I, uh, I’m a filmmaker.” Harry answered. You looked at him for a while and nodded. “That’s interesting. I’ve never met a filmmaker before. I guess this’ll be my first time meeting one.”

“There’s a first time for everything.” Harry chuckled awkwardly. “I’m Harry, by the way.” He extended his hand to you.

“Like the prince?” You asked and he laughed, but nodded. “I’m Y/N.” You shook hands before you continued painting. Tessa came back with the ball and Harry took it from her before throwing it again.

“What kind of films do you make?” You asked as you carefully put the cardboard down on the spot next to you to let it dry. You grabbed another cardboard and started painting it.

“Just anything that comes to mind, really. Right now, I’m making a documentary about ‘great love’.” Harry said and you nodded.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why?”

“Why are you making a documentary about ‘great love’?” You asked. You paused painting to look at him with curious eyes. Harry looked at you and shrugged, “There’s no special reason, actually. I just want to experiment. It sucks, though. I don’t feel it and I hate that I don’t feel it.”

You nodded in understanding, “You need a muse, y’know, like an inspiration.”

“Funny. My mum said the same thing.” Harry chuckled which made you smile.

“Great minds think alike.” You giggled. “Your mum and I should hang out, then. We clearly have the same thoughts.”

“I’ll tell her.” Harry said. You both laughed and you looked at your watch. The sun was about to set and you decided it’s best to start packing up your materials. Harry helped you pack up and when you were done, you smiled at him.

“Thank you.” You said and he just grinned in return. “I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Harry.”

“It was nice meeting you too, Y/N.” Harry said. At that moment he realized that if he lets you go, he probably would never see you again. If he never sees you again, his mind will swarm with what could have been’s and what if’s. He didn’t like it already. He knew he had to decide now and he did.

“Can I have your number, Y/N?”

-

As cheesy as it sounds, Harry became motivated in his work again. He began to really feel things towards you and it made him soar. His mum was right. He’ll know when he meets the right person for him. Lucky for him, he found that person at 22 years old while others aren’t so lucky.

He never doubted you for one second. He knew that you were the right person for him. That’s why he confidently asked you on a date. He was delighted when you agreed to go on a date with him. Eventually, one date turned into multiple dates. You even met his family. You thought it was too soon, but he insisted on introducing his great love to his loved ones.

You and Harry didn’t have a label yet and you were still at the ‘getting to know’ stage of your ‘relationship’. Harry learned about your quirks while you learned about his likes and dislikes. It was truly an exciting experience for you because it’s different and new; it’s refreshing.

Harry was your breath of fresh air on a sunny day. He was your quiet life in the countryside. With him, you were peaceful and safe. Your life would come to a pause when you’re around him because you want to live in the moment. You were merely a passerby in this situation.

Of course, passersby come and go. People who pass through the countryside rarely stay because it would only be a matter of time until they make their way back to the hustle bustle of the city.

And it happened to you.

His name was Jack. You and Jack had a long history together, but you both went your separate ways for reasons you could barely recall. You know how people have something consistent in their lives? Jack was yours and you were his. Even if you weren’t together anymore, both of you knew that you’d have each other no matter what. You didn’t know how Jack found you, but he did. After all, that’s how fate works.

Then suddenly the life in the countryside didn’t seem as enticing as it was anymore. The air made you feel suffocated and the sun started burning your skin. Your quiet life in the countryside began to make you feel agitated. Your life desperately wanted to play, but it stayed on a pause and you feared that it would stay that way. You wanted to move on and go through the roads up ahead, but something- someone, rather, was holding you back.

You knew it was time to come clean. As much as you enjoyed and liked Harry’s company, you just couldn’t stay with him. It pained you to realize that the countryside wasn’t for you even if it seemed so perfect. But fate tied you to the city and a city person, you’ll remain. When you told Harry, he didn’t understand it. You didn’t expect him to understand immediately, but you knew that in time, he will.

And he did.

He didn’t let you go; you just left. Besides, he could never let you go. You were the best thing that’s ever happened to him. He was crestfallen for a long time, but his mum told him that things would get better. And she was right… again.

Harry moved on too, but he never forgot about you. To him, you’ll always be in his heart. He finally finished the documentary and he was happy with the outcome.

-

“Hi, it’s Harry! I’ve decided to add a little clip of me saying stuff that I’ve learned throughout this documentary.” Harry said with a small smile on his face.

“I’ve learned that great love is different for everyone. Great love is loving someone unconditionally and great love is also being an all in one person for your one and only person. Great love is or are people who care for you regardless of the decisions you make and will make. They also want what’s best for you. You have the urge to protect them at all costs and you treasure them because you don’t want to lose them in your life.”

“Great love will always be there; it stays. It’s what you want and will go back to, no matter what. It’s yearning someone for the rest of your life. Great love is understanding someone on the deepest level and you do things for them just because you love them. It’s something that makes someone’s world meaningful. Greatest love would make you want to twist and turn, cry and burn, but you’d like it. You’d like it because it comes with it.”

“During the process of this documentary, I’ve met my great love. I realized that all the answers that I’ve heard made sense when I met this person.”

“Unfortunately, this person isn’t in my life anymore. I used to curse life because of it, but now I get it. I was not their great love, but they were mine. What I felt for them was special and I will never feel that way for someone ever again. I now understand that just because I found great love for me, doesn’t mean that I’m their great love too. I will forever yearn for this person, but I will move on. I am moving on.”

Harry paused for a second and smiled at the camera, “Thank you for watching.”

* * * *

lol what do yall think??? i personally like how it turned out. feedback would be greatly appreciated. you are all my great loves 🤍

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @thatforgottenangel @turtoix @givebuckyhisplumsnow @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @yourstrulyamour @euphorichxlland @thevelvetseries @buckymylove @more-like-reyna @aayaissaa

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @holland-styles @trustfundparker @calltothewild @felicityparkers @hufflepuffprincess24 @tommysparker @justasmisunderstoodasloki @quaksonhehe @call-me-baby-gir1 @itstaskeen @theonly1outof-a-billion @lost-in-the-stars03 @justafangirlduh @piscesparker @speedymaximoff @miraclesoflove @lexirv @blairscott @getbywithasmile @pqrkerr @lavender-writer @blackbat2020 @hoodpankow @bi-lmg @emmastarz

+ @leafy-holland (oml why cant i tag u??)

[haileyyanneupton]

fairytale 🧚‍♂️ 🪄

in which Hailey realises that maybe — just maybe — love isn’t a complete scam after all. 

upstead oneshot (hailey upton x jay halstead)

warnings: mention of sexual assault

masterlist | series masterlist 

Hailey had always found it disgustingly cheesy when the books she would read would describe falling in love as something that happened "hard and fast." She just didn't believe in it. Maybe it was because she had never really been in love — at least not in the way that the fairytales made it out to be — or maybe it was just some ploy to set every little girl's expectations far, far too high.

They were sitting in his car one day, checking out a suspect that looked good for a double homicide when it happened. He had made some stupid joke and of course, Jay being Jay had cracked up laughing at his own sense of humor. It wasn't the joke that made her fall, but the way his eyes lit up in amusement and happiness — genuine happiness too, not that knock off shit. It was the way his head turned to face Hailey without any hesitation to see if she was laughing too; the way to him, she was the only person that mattered. It left her a feeling little winded and a little bit like she was floating, but she didn't mind. Right there, in the passenger seat of his car with binoculars in her hand is where she realised that sometimes, with the right person, you could indeed fall hard, and you could fall fast. The first time she met him, it was no secret to anybody that she wasn't too fond or Mr Jay Halstead to say the least. He had that cocky smile that could piss her off to no end, but what bothered her most was just how hard it was to hate him. She'd be lying if she said she didn't have a vendetta against attractive detectives in the CPD — every time she had allowed herself to like them, even if it were just platonically, she'd always wind up getting hurt. That was why she tried to keep her distance from Jay to begin with — but alas, just as fate would have it, Erin's unexpected departure had left Hailey partnered with the detective she had told herself she would stay away from at all costs. Her painted hatred didn't last long. After even just their first proper shift together, Hailey found herself bending over backwards to make her new partner's life a little bit easier after a case they had been working had gone sideways, Jay's 9mm behind the death of a young girl that had hit him pretty hard. She managed to get a read on him right away — he was so scared, so broken — even Hailey knew that the unfortunate ending to a case had to be just the tip of the iceberg. She wasn't going to fix him — that wasn't her job — but she was going to fight like hell until he could do it himself. She knew what it was like to be there, she remembered how awful it felt; she wouldn't wish it upon anybody, much less her partner who she was becoming strangely fond of with each passing moment. Their first few months working together flew by, but that didn't mean that it had been uneventful. Hailey and Jay had grown close relatively quickly, their personalities gelling together like no other. It was nice to know that someone had your back, but for Hailey, who had somewhat left an entire life behind her when she joined intelligence, their first major challenge as partners came when Ronald Booth inserted himself back into the scene. Really, she knew that she should have expected Jay to do what he had and dig up all that he could find on Booth the second he got a whiff that something had gone on between him and Hailey, but alas; all she wanted was to be seen as who she had worked her entire life to become. Someone who was strong, independent — not someone who allowed themselves to be taken advantage of, someone who ended up in the hospital because she couldn't fight off some old guy. When her stubbornness had reared its head and landed both her and Jay back in Booth's warehouse for a last ditch attempt at undermining him, things turned ugly — and fast. It all happened so fast. One moment, they were about to make the exchange — the next, she was being shoved into a car door while being checked for a wire. His hands against her — god, she could still feel his dirty, disgusting touch from that New Years Eve party like it was yesterday. She had gotten so close to forgetting, so close to pushing it down just far enough so that she wouldn't have to think about it, but when he ran his hands up and down her legs and groped her with such a hunger that her breath hitched in her throat and bile rose, burning her oesophagus and leaving a bad taste in her mouth, she simply couldn't forget. She almost let herself slip back to that night — him on top of her, his weight enough to keep her from moving — but the sound of Jay's voice behind her kept her anchored right where she was as she breathed through it. One more second, and it's over. That's all. Just one more second. "Come on, man. You don't gotta do it like that." There was silence for a moment. You know the kind. The kind that fills the air in the eye of a storm, right before everything goes from bad to worse. Still, no matter how prepared you are for everything to turn to shit again — it's never really ever enough. "Gun! He's got a gun!" "I don't have a gun, man —" she could hear the panic in Jay's voice. "Take it easy! I don't have a gun!" "Back it up!" "I don't have a gun!" Booth was distracted. His hands were still on her, but his grip had loosened. His hand was resting on her hip now rather than grabbing it, and with his attention diverted to the situation unfolding behind them, she took her chance and ran with it. Her elbow collided with his nose as she twisted his arm back in a shape that arms were definitely not meant to go in, a distinct crack echoing through the air for a split second before the sound of two much louder pops overpowered it. She had pulled the trigger faster than she had been able to process, and before she knew it, Tyler had hit the ground and was gasping for air he wouldn't get no matter how hard he tried. Hailey couldn't even turn around before Booth was gone — but she wasn't about to let him get away that easy. He found her before she found him, which was definitely not the way she wanted it to go. Her back hit the wall first, followed by her head hitting the railing of a staircase as he threw her around like a ragdoll. What infuriated her more than anything was how easy it was for him to do it, her body hitting different corners of each stair as she fell down them. Hailey's legs were flailing around methodically, aiming for all of the weak spots as she tried everything she had been taught (and a bit more) to get the upper hand. Finally, she regained her footing, but it wasn't long before he had her by the shoulders and was slamming her up against every wall he could find yet again. Bang. "I knew you were a cop!" Booth growled dangerously, his tone venomous with fury. "I just didn't want to believe it!" Bang.

"Believe it!" With a quick and smooth movement, she finally had some kind of control as she took the position of the slammer, and not the slammee. She was so angry, the adrenaline rushing through her veins so quickly that she threw punch after punch without feeling a thing, a small smirk curling the corners of her lips upwards as it was Booth's turn for a little trip down the stairs. He was halfway unconscious by this point, but she didn't care — he was right where she wanted him now. "Admit you killed Garrett!" Booth smiled a sick grin as he let out a hearty laugh that made Hailey nauseous. "You'll never find him." She felt the anger and white hot, blinding rage bubbling up inside of her, choking her, clawing at her throat as she held the gun to Booth's face. She would never forget the feeling of her finger brushing up against the temptation of the trigger over and over and over again, or the myriad of thoughts rushing through her head. One squeeze of the trigger, and he's gone, Hailey. You could end this right here, right now. Garrett. What about Garrett? Booth is the only one who knows where Garrett is, Hailey — don't kill him! But he's right here, and the gun. . . it's right here in my hands and —

"Hailey!" Jay's voice started out loud, but faded into a whisper. "Hailey. Hailey." Her breathing was heavy, and even though his voice had snapped her out of whatever rage she was in, part of her wanted to jump right back into it and finish the job. Hailey's blue eyes were trained on Booth like it was life or death, never flicking away from the man for even a second. "Hailey —" Jay tried to coax his partner this time; he knew if this continued on the way it looked like it was going to, things wouldn't end well.  "He wins if you do it. This is not how you beat this." His hand was on her shoulder, following the rapid rising and falling of her chest as she held the gun firmly in place. her fingers were trembling but she showed no fear, a ferocious, burning flame in her eyes. She was not done yet. She wasn't. "Please, Hailey, please." He was desperate now; she could tell by the way his grip tightened ever so slightly at the same time that his voice changed. "Please. This is not the way. You — You gotta trust me." It was the pleading that struck her hard enough to really realise what she was doing. It was the pleading that gave her the strength to fight against the rage and finally swing her right leg off of the scum beneath her and growl at him to get up, the sight of him struggling providing her with a secret, visceral pleasure that she would never be able to explain. But when he sat up a bit too quickly for Hailey's liking, the woman deciding that the awful man hadn't suffered quite enough yet, her boot collided with his face one last time before walking her right out of the stairwell. If she stayed, she knew one person would be coming out in a body bag and the other in handcuffs.  She had a feeling she knew which she would be in.

Jay and Hailey's relationship shifted after that night, but neither of them viewed it as a bad thing. There was something about trauma and tragedy that tends to bring people together in some bittersweet way, and despite the fact that they each had their own perspective of what had happened in that warehouse, both of them knew that without the other, things could have ended much worse. It was soon after that that their 'thing' started. Drinks at whichever bar was closest quickly became a regular occurrence, but during the summertime when the crowds got a bit too crowded for either of their liking, they found themselves more and more often bypassing the bar all together by picking up a 6 pack of beer and retiring back to one of their apartments instead. 

After a few times, Jay had compiled a bunch of clothes that he either did wear anymore or that no longer fit him and had left them folded up in the dresser of the guest bedroom for Hailey, who frequently would crash in her partner's guest room after a long night. She secretly loved the scent of his cologne on the neckline of his hoodies that she'd sleep in, though she'd never admit it to her or anybody else — especially once she noticed how much better she slept when she had one on.  

Fast forward a few months, and that's when it happened. That was when her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach from the realisation of what had just happened in a matter of seconds as she sunk back down in her seat ever so slightly, her brain screaming with a million different emotions. She had been quick to mask it, turning her head to look out the window until before she knew it, she was looking back at the dark haired man so intensely that she thought if she looked away for even a second, he'd disappear. Looking turned into kissing, and kissing turned into a personal hour which lead to a little bit more. The whole time though, in amongst everything else, one thought stuck out more than the rest. 

This is your fairytale, Hailey, she thought. This right here is your happy ending. It's him.

a/n: sorry it’s not very long, and that the ending reads kind of rushed, but i’m actually sorta proud of this one aaaa???? i hope you all like it!! might do a part two 👀 

tagging: @ruzek-halstead @detective-buttercup @lissethsrojas @justanotheronechicagofan​ did y’all ask to get tagged? no but i’m tagging y’all anyway bc i value each and every one of u and my tags are reserved for awesome ppl only so 🥰

[creativeashproductions]

Mountains and Lessons // Luke Patterson

Summary: A bucket list item Reggie had had was to experience a white Christmas. He ended up dying before hand and his opportunity brings up. All Luke wants is music and warmth, not stuck on a stupid mountain in cold Colorado. Alex is excited to get out of Californai for once.

Warning: Swearing, death, angst, Christmas themed but not Christmas and fluff

Words: 4.9k

A/N: Breaks my heart that Reggie potentially never got to experience making snow angels, snow people and join a snowball fight. But my theme appears to be angst so there’s that as well.

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Masterlist

Julie had a structured routine and schedule she liked to follow in her life, not strict but definitely a guideline. Monday to Friday, like ever minor, spent the majority of the time in a classroom. After school, she would return home straight to the kitchen for a quick snack before spreading her homework on the kitchen island. The homework was typically one hour before Julie would head out to the studio for band rehearsal.

Flynn, as the band manager, had declared Friday’s to be band free just so that Julie and Flynn could hang out. Saturday’s consisted of morning band practice, the early afternoon had a songwriting session with Luke. In the late evening after an early supper, the band would head to the gig they had gotten. Sunday’s however were strictly days off from the band no matter what, the boys would go their own ways for the day as well.

Today, for the young teenager was a Friday but Flynn had strep throat confining herself to her house. No visitors and her electronics taken away to get rest. It was incredibly dull, and no one wanted to go against Flynn’s words because she could be scary.

Julie had done her homework, did her chores, revised a new song, started a new book and added more doodles to her shoes. Now she was laying on her bed staring at the ceiling with her headphones in.

“Julie?” Ray spoke from her open bedroom door. The man received no reaction with his daughter’s head in the clouds, “Julie? I need to talk to you.”

Ray walked over to his daughter to tug the bud out of her left ear bringing the girl back down to land. The teenager sat up to look at her father.

“What’s up?”

“Can you meet me in the living room?” Ray’s blue eyes crinkled at the corners from the many laughs he had shared in his lifetime. While she was confused, Julie proceeded to follow her father down to the lively decorated room.

Carlos had already been corralled to the living room couch listlessly staring in the distance with no iPad on his person. The lack of electronic was a red flag to the musician, the girl settled on the couch while Ray shifted things on the coffee table.

Once settled on the wood coffee table, he focused on his children, “We’ve always discussed big decisions in our family. We had an open discussion of retracting our initial decision to move.”

“Is this about my bed? I can clean it! I will-“

“Carlos! This isn’t about under your bed, we do need to have a conversation about that young man.” Carlos pointed one finger in Carlos’ direction before addressing the situation, “This year is the first year we’ll celebrate Christmas without…”

“Mom.” Both Carlos and Julie murmured slumping down at the stifling reminder of the loss the Molina’s had suffered.

Julie clenched her jaw, forcing the grief down as her hand crept over to hold Carlos’ hand in comfort. The glittering of his eyes and the gnawing on his lower lip dead giveaways he was losing the battle with sadness. Ever since Julie was a kid, she had always been there for Carlos, not saying they didn’t fight. Evidence as Carlos’ requesting a normal sister.

“It’s going to be different. I got offered an excellent contract by a ski resort, we could potentially renovate the bathroom.” Ray’s eyebrows came together as the touchy topic came about.

After Rose died, it had dented the Molina’s financials with the loss of income, the money didn’t matter compared to the person. When the sun shone through the dark clouds, it had affected the way the Molina’s had to live. Of course, the Molina’s had it better than most with a house over their head and food on the table.

Ray just wanted the best for his kids.

“We could build snowmen?” Carlos gleefully exclaimed beaming at the sheer image of seeing snow in person.

“That’s the thing. The ski resort hosts a handful of parties by companies and clients. The contract is photographing the events for their website. All expenses paid and it could open doors to more clients.”

The idea tore Julie in half. Not decorating the tree with her family, Tia Victoria’s tamales that changed every year and carolling with her friends. A lot of traditions wouldn’t happen that had been constant for the Molina family. New Year Eve’s movie night with Flynn wouldn’t happen; the two girls exchanged wrapped Christmas pyjamas to wear.

On the other hand, the new scenery would distract Julie from the broken Christmas holiday without Mom. Julie always wanted to experience a white Christmas for the snow angels, the snowmen, spontaneous snowball fights, sledding and hot cocoa to warm up after the cold.

In the end, it was the glee on Carlos’ face and the excitement on her father’s that had her caving.

“Let’s do it.” Julie faked her enthusiasm before excusing herself from the conversation of Carlos’ disgusting bedroom.

The young teenager shuffled her way to the studio yearning for the piano to cheer herself up. Typically discovering the guys playing music alone infuriated the girl but at the moment she just wanted to mourn the change of Christmas.

“Hey!” Reggie spoke with a bright grin at the moping teenager. At the lack of reaction, his grin faltered, “Julie?”

Luke’s guitar solo came to an abrupt halt seeing the forlorn girl slumping on the piano bench staring listlessly at the ivory keys. The melancholy aura gave the boys a sick feeling in their bellies, Luke wondered if her grades weren’t at Ray’s standard. Alex wondered if she had a fight with Flynn and Reggie just wanted to hug her.

Reggie did so. His arms wrapped around her shoulders in comfort, and he thanked whatever deity there was at finally being able to hug her. After Caleb and the weird situation, the OG Sunset Curve turned into glow sticks touch had become prevalent. Reggie had a secret handshake with Julie. When Alex got overwhelmed over his anxiety escalated, he would braid Julie’s hair and play with her fingers; when this happened, she never physically touched him unless he asked. Luke was a different story.

Luke’s love language is obviously physical affection, he would hug the living girl, gives high fives, grasp her hand to squeeze it. He’d also sit as close as possible for their legs to touch. It was a way for Luke to feel real.

“What’s wrong, Jay?” Alex asked, approaching the piano to heave himself on top of it. His concerned blue eyes on the teenager.

“This is the first Christmas without my Mom.” She revealed, the desolation drawing Luke to be closer to his friends.

If the boys’ had beating hearts, they would have stuttered and shattered, seeing the sorrow overflow in Julie’s eyes. In a short time, they had spent with her since the first night they had come to care about each other immensely.

 “I’m so sorry,” Alex spoke scootching closer to lay his hand on the limp hand resting on the piano top. The smile of thanks warming the drummer inside.

“Dad got this perfect job at a ski resort. It’s good money, and Carlos is excited. I don’t want to spend Christmas somewhere else. I want to be here; I want to go carolling with you guys. I want New Year’s Eve movie night with Flynn, I want to fight Carlos on who gets to put the star on the tree. I want to bake cookie.” Julie broke, “Sure a white Christmas would be cool, but this is home.”

 “It’s not about where you celebrate. It’s about who you celebrate with Jules.” Luke quietly spoke up physically with them but mentally elsewhere.

His mind returned to the night in December that irrevocably altered his relationship with his parents’. He had tainted Christmas for himself and his family when he stormed out never to return. He would give anything to spend a Christmas, a birthday, or even a Mother’s Day with his parents just one more time. A consolation to the guitarist was easing his parents’ pain with Unsaid Emily.

“You’ll get to build snowmen?” Reggie questioned pouting at his lifer friend who giggled at his look of betrayal, “I was going to spend Christmas at my uncle’s place in Washington before we died.”

Reggie’s words didn’t change the sombre atmosphere, but it did flip a switch in Julie’s mind. Julie could create new traditions with her new family as well.

“We’ll get to build snowmen.”

“How? We’ll be here. You’ll be wherever the resort it.” Reggie interjected with a twisted smile at Julie’s words. The young girl rolled her eyes at him, “We can’t crash your family vacation. It’s Christmas.”

“Reg, you wouldn’t be ‘crashing’ the family vacation. You three are part of my family.” Julie’s words had to be the most touching thing the boys had heard in years, both the twenty-five dead and from 1990-1995.

“I’m so excited!” Reggie beamed, “I have to go, thank Ray!”

With that, the ghostly teenager disappeared in a bright ball of light to the house where Ray was most likely accepting the job. While Luke and Reggie didn’t know boundaries, they sure could make things better for their friends.

The giggle came from the girl bundled up in layers tossed a packed ball of snow at the enemy behind the other snow fort. The sharp laugh of her opponents warming you up more than hot cocoa, well the layers were unnecessary. But, what’s winter without the bundled up outer clothing.

“Surrender!” You called out throwing the new ball high with the hope it would land on the other person. It hit the top of the wall instead.

Lucy was just about to return fire with one of her pre-made snow weapons when the resort’s main building front door opened. Backlit by the lights giving a heavenly glow was a woman of average height. Greying hair scooped up in an elegant style, and thick clothing stood Lucy’s mom.

Your heart clenched at the visible sadness on the woman’s face as her eyes found the mountain in the distance. It had been a constant in the last seven years of the year-round residents and the plaque on the property. Lucy’s family had never properly healed from the tragic event, but they also could bear to leave the place either.

Fox & Hare Ski Resort had been in the ownership of the same family for over a hundred years, a place of happiness. A place where Lucy had loved as a massive fan of skiing and wintertime, Lucy was excited for this year the most. It was Lucy’s third year of lessons with a very well respected and highly sought out trainer.

“Bye!” Lucy spoke to the now standing young adult. Her little feet dashing to the main building for supper with her parents.

Your eyes found the parking lot as a car pulled up to one the spaces reserved for staff; his looks matched the temporary photographer. With him was a young boy and a teenage girl about your own age. All bundled up for the cold climate, but you were most surprised at the sudden appearance of three males.

They had to ghosts. If the teleporting wasn’t obvious enough, it was the lack of warm clothes. For God’s sake, one of them didn’t even have sleeves.

“Hm interesting.” You hummed scrutinizing the trio following the other three aimlessly to the building. You pegged them as about your age with a very vintage style in both fashion and hairstyles.

The luggage clicked on each transition to another board on the porch ramp for accessibility a welcome sound. Just another daily occurrence that brought peace to the individual. Unable to hold yourself back, you quickly scooped up three snowballs.

The first hit the taller boy in the back of the head. When his head swivelled, he couldn’t see the person that did it. Shaking it off, he turned back to view the mountain. Sprinting to the vast sea of trees you stopped halfway to chuck the second snowball. It hit the guy in the leather jacket.

You ducked behind the tree when he loudly protested the sudden attack. With a wicked grin, you went to send the third one before you yelped.

“Nu-uh.” The sudden voice spoke clicking his tongue. Slowly turning you saw the last boy staring you down, “You should have left Reggie for last. He’s very loud, he’s a personal alarm.”

Your mouth opened as the other two appeared, “I’ve never had a snowball fight before!”

You took a guess that was Reggie.

“I’m Y/N.” You spoke holding out for hand for the three to shake. They each introduced themselves; your first hit was Alex, the second was Reggie, and the failed hit was Luke.

“What brings you to Colorado?” You asked shoving your hands in your snow pants bouncing on the heels of your feet. The crunch of snow under them unfamiliar to the trio.

“Our band member is staying here for two weeks. Her dad got a photography gig.” Alex spoke, scanning the area, “So, are you a ghost?”

“I’m a tour guide and area expert.” You beamed revealing a big smile to the three guys standing in the powdered snow.

The cheery light in your eyes, easing the ghosts in the unfamiliar landscape, each a juxtaposition to the climate. Nodding towards the rental shop, you guided them into the average-sized building for the necessary winter wear. Seasoned with your background working in the shop, you quickly grabbed items that wouldn’t be noticed for them.

“We don’t nee-“

“Gotta live the experience. I used to work in here, so I’ve taken the liberty to group your gear. Alex, you have light blue and pink. Reggie red and black leaving the dark blue for Luke.”

You wore a seafoam green ski jacket and matching snow pants paired with the trusty black boots. While the boys dressed in the clothing you chose, you collected your things as well. As soon as they finished, they turned to see you had a snowboard lilac to the dark purple-black gradient. On the top of the board in the middle had a moon with the white foam of the ocean. On the lilac background, the deep purple cut the moon in half, the deep purple background had the lilac moon half. The black had a rough outline of a circle similar to the moon on the front with BURTON in the ring.

“I had a different board.” Your smile faltered, remembering the beautiful board your parents had gotten you for your birthday.

“What happened to it?” Luke questioned scanning the room for the board.

“It snapped in half.” You stated practically skipping out the door, “C’mon! I wanna teach you how to kill it on the mountain! Have you ever done this? Skiing or snowboarding?”

“Neither,” Alex spoke glancing around the area as you led them to the Gondola lifts that brought people to the top of the mountain. This one specifically for the beginner levels perfect for the three new friends, “We’re born and bred in California, never got the opportunity to travel outside the state.

“Well, I’ll try my very best to give you a good experience on the mountain..”

Once released from the Gondola, you jogged to the side giggling at the sight of them struggling to walk in the heavy boots. Near the Gondola, the area was the shift ski patrol building with the heated bathroom. The building along with the bench had been a new addition a few years ago. It never failed to halt you to stare at it for a handful of seconds.

“Okay, so we’ll start with the basics.” You announced clapping your hands together in the thick mittens.

Alex picked up the activity naturally with confidence and calmness he couldn’t even remember last feeling. He had to focus on his movements and directions, giving him a welcomed break from his overthinking. Luke had started his angry pout with his accurate portrayal of newborn Bambi.

“I’m just going to take a break,” Luke muttered wheezing from his sudden position staring at the sky. Taking pity on the Californian boy, you pressed the release function on his boots.

“I think Reggie’s at the ski patrol building.” You called to the boy with the fringe sulking in the direction of Reggie. It left you with Alex learning new hacks to the board.

“This is fun!” Alex shouted, raising his mouth to the sky, “Ooh Willie would love yelling up here.”

“Ghost?” You asked, receiving a nod in response, taking the time to sit down with your knees raised—the board on the edge still connected to your boots.

Alex flailed as he copied you taking in the sunset, backlight the buildings slowly turning their nights one at a time. The large main building would have a fire for everyone with supplied hot cocoa. Tomorrow the mountain would be less populated with the first of many Christmas parties. The crisp air welcomed high above the buildings you felt peace.

“Is it safe to get off the mountain at night?” Alex asked, hugging his knees to his chest, tilting his head to look at your profile.

The smile was small but warm on the girls face as Alex took in her features that had a particular contentness that is hard to attain. Alex could see in Luke when he finished a song he would deem his best work before the next song. Or Reggie at a beach bonfire with the ocean crashing faintly behind Luke’s acoustic guitar.

“Yeah.” You replied smoothly removing your board from your boots to carry it to where Luke and Reggie were. You backtracked to ensure Alex released his boots; his fast learning evident when he stood with a proud smile.

Alex and you both surveyed the area for any lost items or gear you may have forgotten about, coming up clear you continued walking. Reggie and Luke were laughing with their skiis neatly put aside. Hands locked in a fierce game of rock, paper, scissors they looked childlike and untouched by life’s hard teachings.

“I’ll put my board in the Gondola. Be right back!” You called over your shoulder. Alex looked over his shoulder to reply, but the space was empty.

“She moves fast,” Alex muttered shaking it off to jog closer to the boys. He was close to sitting down on the bench when it caught his attention.

“Whoa. That’s nasty.” Alex spoke, gaining his bandmates attention to the bench they had overlooked.

The bench was made out of two snowboards in stone and wood combinations with a gorgeous design. Pieces of the snowboard made to look like a nearly finished puzzle—a plaque on a thick post behind it.

“For the girl who changed the sport for women. Fast like a fox, as graceful as a swan, may you guide lost souls to safety.” Reggie read off the plaque. Luke’s fingers went to brush the ice and snow clouding the picture above the words.

“You guys coming?” You yelled from a distance startling all three intrigued teenage ghosts. Their eyes glanced at the edge of the board in the picture that matched the bench.

“Thanks for that by the way,” Luke spoke gesturing to the area as the Gondola moved down the mountain. His eyes greener in the dimly lit enclosure that shadowed your flustered features at the sole attention.

“I’m on the mountain every day. It was fun talking with people my age.” You informed them pleased to sit in the silence. The three took in the sunset from the height with no buildings blocking the view, “If you can’t find me, I’ll be on the mountain.”

Once back on the bottom of the mountain, the four teenagers snuck the equipment in your personal shack to dry and keep hidden for future lessons. The three guys bid farewell to find Julie in the large cabin, each with beaming smiles and stories to tell the girl.

“Where’ve you guys been?” Julie asked the ghosts in the tucked-away corner near the massive fire ceasing her scribbling to look at them, “Usually I can’t shake you. I had to sit through a safety talk by the director for the mountain.”

“This wicked girl taught us how to snowboard! She’s so cool, Julie. There’s this passion in her when we got on the mountain. The passion that we all have for music!” Luke gushed, breaking his cool guy personality, “She’s so patient.”

“What’s her name?” Julie laughed, getting a first-hand look at Luke all crushed out on someone. His cheeks a rosy pink and soft eyes it amused Julie just imagining the number of love songs he would pen.

“Y/N.” Luke sighed slouching against the wall, “She’s so pretty.”

“-once more, I ask that you check every morning and afternoon for weather conditions, the local Avalanche Information Center website and be aware of our maps for potential avalanche areas. We have a live app that gives updates as well. Just a reminder that I’m Susan and you can also have the ski patrol contact me for further information. Enjoy your stay!” Susan called out gracefully cutting through the crowd to Lucy falling asleep in her chair.

”I heard some lady talking to her friends that the safety regulations and rules increased after an avalanche killed someone. I didn’t catch the name, but it took weeks before they found the bodies, they found the board in a few days.” Julie supplied with a half-smile at another reminder of death.

The three boys had a moment of clarity. They put the pieces together that the bench made of the boards was in memory of the person who died. It was a bitter moment of potentially standing where a person tragically killed with no warning.

“Anyway, I have to meet Dad and Carlos in the room. Have to video call Tía as her stressed wishes for not being home.” Julie sighed, pushing her feet into the slippers, she left the dino ones at home, she had grabbed from the room.

A few days into the Molina’s white Christmas it had been a charming morning thus far. The guys had done a songwriting session for most of the morning. Luke’s eyes continued to scan the room for you as he had since the first day. He had yet to see you inside, if the ghostly trio wasn’t on the mountain with you, then you were playing with Lucy.

 Julie and the Phantoms had retreated to the suite the Molina’s had been assigned when the weather looked questionable. Most of the tourists had either stayed in their rooms, cabins or in the main building. It led to Julie taking the session to the privacy of the suite to avoid looking like a crazy person.

“I need to stretch. Walk?” Reggie asked, gaining different sounds of agreement from the band.

The four individuals walked to the main lounging area where a crowd formed around the makeshift stage. On it was Susan shaking in her husband’s arms.

“Please, has anyone seen Lucy?” Susan sobbed, “She’s ten years old. She’s got blue eyes, ginger hair and she’s small for her age.”

Julie joined her father near the crowd, where he swiftly brought his eldest child into his arms with Carlos. Ray’s heart clenched at the thought of his kids going missing like the owner of Fox & Hare owners.

“Dad’s what’s going on?” Julie questioned viewing the blownup picture of a little girl, the perfect split of her parents.

“Susan Fox’s daughter Lucy didn’t show up for breakfast. They thought she was playing just outside the building. No one has seen her. There have been warnings of avalanches, and the mountain was closed twenty minutes ago. ” Ray told his daughter squeezing her once more cementing his gaze on the couple, “It’s devastating to them.”

“Why?” Julie questioned for the concerned ghostly trio at her side.

“A few years ago, Susan and her husband closed the resort for a few months. They completely gutted their regulations and worked closely with avalanche experts. They upgraded the area for increased safety and reworked the rules and regulations.”

 “What does it have to do with Lucy?” The Puerto Rican girl questioned furrowing her brow in the same way her mother had. Julie had scrapped back her hair into a half-up ponytail this morning.

“They did all that because they lost their daughter in a slab avalanche when Lucy was three. Slab avalanches are the most dangerous type, they make up 90% of avalanche deaths.” Ray sighed, staring up at the snow-capped looming mountain, “It took weeks to recover her body, there’s a bench on the mountain where she loved to snowboard. She was training for the Olympics actually.”

Luke’s attention faded from the conversation recalling that you would be on the mountain at dawn to watch the sunrise. In the sudden motion, Luke stumbled over his own feet heading straight for the shack. His mind is numb as he applied the gear to his body, the movements keeping him from panicking. Luke sensed rather than saw Reggie and Alex behind him.

“What are we doing?” Alex questioned, getting dressed as well.

“Going to the mountain.” Luke was very determined. Catching Reggie’s confused gaze Luke roughly gestured to the far corner, “What’s missing?”

“Y/N’s gear.” Alex and Reggie breathed physically shaking at the desolate area where a gorgeous board usually was. That lit a fire under their asses for sure, grateful for poofing they appeared on the mountain.

Scouring the white background, Alex pinpointed a speck of seafoam green running for a speck of bring pink and yellow. In the fear they had taken to sprinting in the bulky boots as if they felt something about to happen.

Your attention solely on Lucy, “Lucy, we need to leave now.”

For Lucy, the mountain was her life, it had been one of the things that her older sister lived and breathed for. All Lucy wanted to do was to be like her big sister. Lucy had the potential, her moves and posture striking to the late sister.

“This is the best trail!” Lucy stomped her black boot in the snow while her other one secured in her snowboard.

“It’s also one marked off for an avalanche.” You hissed to the little girl staring up with tear-filled eyes, “Please, go back.”

The unmistakable ‘whoomph’ sound shattered the otherwise quiet area freezing Lucy in her steps. The once stubborn ten years old turned petrified at the sheet of snow coming straight for the two girls.

“Slab avalanche.” The words covered by the snapping of trees. Your arms yanked Lucy up as you raced perpendicular to the moving snow.

Your ears couldn’t distinguish between Lucy’s screams, your screams or even the loud sound of the destructive avalanche. The alarm and terror drowning your insides, leaving no room for thoughts, only actions. Lucy’s small stature and the years you had on the location helped to dive into a safe zone.

Even in the safe zone, you raced further to collapse with Lucy’s inconsolable body quaking in absolute distress. The tears of relief fell down your face as you leaned against the bench of the memorial. Your head thumped the bench causing a puff of snow to fall on your hat.

“Holy shit.” The sob of words from Luke came before his arms wrapped around you. With being able to touch Julie, the guys didn’t get alarmed at the sight.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Alex frantically scanned the little girl before moving towards you in the same amount of fear. Reggie rendered speechless at the events.

“What the hell were you thinking!” Luke shouted, lunging away to stare you down. Tears streaking his own cheeks, “You’re also preaching the safety rules of the resort. You definitely read the reports and decided to come on the mountain?”

“Luke,” Reggie mumbled remaining the only one standing. His words went ignored, “Luke! LUKE!”

“What!?” Luke snapped resulting in the bassist flinching at the stark memory of his home life, “Sorry, Reggie. What’s wrong?”

“I don’t think Y/N was ever in danger,” Reggie stated, bringing both confused boys to where he stood.

There above the bench uncovered by the snow that melted on Y/N’s thick toque was a picture. Above the quote was a picture of a girl holding the snowboard the bench was made of. Wearing a unique matching snow set was the exact replica of the girl Luke had fallen for.

“Holy shit.” Luke and Alex murmured gaping at the picture and the name of the girl who had died.

Luke recalled things you said,

“I used to work in here.”

“It snapped in half.”

“It was fun talking with people my age.”

Luke’s mind went a step further recalling the first lesson you gave the guys where you went from the bench to the Gondola in a short time. How people didn’t react to you, the ski patrol that ignored you every time on the mountain with them.

“You’re the daughter that died in the avalanche.” Luke gasped, dropping his jaw nearly to the snow-packed ground.

“Exactly seven years ago today.” You replied, keeping your eyes glued to your little sister yearning to comfort here, “Reggie, can you go in the building and press the red button? It’s a signal sender for people sheltering from the conditions.”

Nothing could meet the feeling of your parents weeping along with Lucy after the medic deemed her okay. While you wish you could join the hug, you also knew that things happened for a reason. The feeling that same with kissing Luke could never meet the level of happiness at Lucy’s safety.

I came close to killing ten year old Lucy in this but decided not to be cruel.

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[waywardwrestlewritingwaif]

Raise the Stakes, Part 11

Let's mainline some angst, shall we?

(Don't forget to check the Master List for previous segments)

Pairing: David Finlay x OFC x Jay White

Word count: 1,483

Content advisory: language and some toxic relationship stuff that some might find disturbing/ upsetting

You smack your arm on the corner of a crate of equipment as you pass. It hurts and it’s probably going to leave a bruise but you don’t care. There are other people around but you hardly see them. If any of them is trying to talk to you, you can’t hear them because the blood pounding in your ears blocks everything else out. You’re on a mission. You’re going to kill the son of a bitch.

It occurs to you that maybe you should grab something so that you might look a little threatening. If there wasn’t still action going on in the ring, you’d run out and see what was stashed under it. That’s where all the potential weapons are kept, right?

You keep replaying the backstage scene in your head. One minute Juice and David are there, pumped from winning their match and talking about challenging for the tag titles again and then they’re just ambushed, a coward’s attack.

Son of a bitch. You’re going to murder him when you find him.

His voice gives him away, always too loud because he wants to make it impossible to focus on anyone but him. And although you can’t hear much of the sound around you, that voice cuts right through. You find him sitting with Chris Bey, of course, the two of them laughing and carrying on. He turns to face you, smile still plastered on his face, but his eyes are predatory. He wanted this showdown. You’ve played into his hands but you don’t care because he’s taken things too far.

At first, David had withstood the attack well enough, he’d gotten some blows in. But it wasn’t a fair fight. Jay had been fresh and knew what was coming. Even then, he’d resorted to smashing a heavy palette with equipment cases right into David’s prone body. It was at that point that you’d covered your face but the sounds were bad enough.

As soon as you’d made sure that David was off to get checked by the doctor, you’d started hunting down his nemesis. Your nemesis.

“Uh-oh, looks like he sent his muscle after you,” Bey croons as you enter the room.

“Damn right. She’s the scary one,” Jay laughs.

“You sleazy bastard,” you snarl. “You pompous little chickenshit. What the hell were you trying to prove?”

“Look out man, I think you pissed her off.”

“You think this is pissed off? This is what she’s like when she’s happy.”

The two of them crack up laughing again.

“Get the hell out, Chris,” you seethe. “I have to talk to your new boss alone.”

He glances at Jay who gives him a little nod, then makes his way out of the room, acting like he’s scared of you.

“Are you not enjoying the show tonight, angel?”

“If you ever pull anything like that again…”

“That’s the job. If he can’t handle a few punches then maybe he should go work as a crossing guard or a data entry clerk or something. Might be easier for him, now that I think about it. Less chance of being a complete failure.”

“The job is to make audiences believe in what they’re seeing, not to actually hurt people.”

“Hey, I’m the one getting hurt. He stole my shot at the title in Japan. He stole my girlfriend. You should be feeling sorry for me, not him.”

You aren’t quite able to hide the surge of feeling you get when you hear him call you his girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend, you tell yourself.

“You leave him alone. Have your big big blow off match since that’s what you want so much. Then you get on a plane back to Japan and stay there. You don’t come near him otherwise.”

“Strange that they haven’t told you yet.”

He knows something you don’t and although you hate to play into his hands, you can’t help but do so.

“Who hasn’t told me what?”

“New Japan. They’re doing more shows in America. A bunch of them. So they needed to bring in some star power. I guess they’re trying to figure out who’s going to do all this liaising or whatever you’re calling it.”

“I can handle a little extra work.”

“You’re not going to be doing it.”

“Is that your way of saying you’re going to get me fired? And I’m supposed to be all scared like I could never get any other job?”

“Fired? Of course not. You’ll always have a job as long as I’m around.”

He stands and moves closer to you, running his fingers up your forearm with an unkind smirk.

“Stop that. I don’t work for you anymore.”

“Believe me, I know. I think about it all the time.”

You back away, trying unsuccessfully to avoid getting pinned against the wall.

“I am going to beat him. I am going to humiliate him. There’s nothing you can do about that.” He leans in close and continues, “But whatever else happens, that’s up to you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I told you: I can make it so that he can’t get work at anything larger than a midwestern bingo hall. But I’m a generous man, so I’ll leave it in your hands.”

You stare at him, hoping he’s not implying what you think. His cheeks are flushed with excitement. He’s winning and he knows it.

“You come back to work for me. You forget this silly fling you’re having and get back to what’s important. And if you do that, I’ll let your little boyfriend keep his job.”

“Are you for real? That is sick, Jay, even by your standards! You want me to whore myself out to you to protect the man I love? What sort of tacky 19th-century melodrama are you living in?”

At the sound of the words “the man I love”, you can see something dark pass over his features. It takes him a long moment to compose himself before he takes both your hands in his and presses them to his lips, kissing them and letting his tongue slide over the skin.

“I know it’s my fault. You felt neglected and so you ran to the person you knew was desperate to please you. And when I got you back so quickly-”

You flinch the second you hear that but you grips your arms tight and continues.

“I clearly didn’t express some things well enough. If my reactions seem extreme, it’s actually because I want the drama over with. Sweet though I’m sure he is, David Finlay is a distraction for you. So consider this me protecting you from your own bad instincts.”

This is one of those moments, and there have been a number of them over the years, when you wish that Jay would haul off and punch you the way he would if you were a man; like somehow it would be easier to take if the two of you could just get in a fist fight than engaging in this sort of dialogue. The wounds would heal faster.

Everything he’s saying is about his ego, manipulative and self-serving and yet you know it would be so easy to lean in, to let him kiss you which you can tell he wants to do. He still occupies a space inside your head, big enough that no matter what sort of bullshit he’s spouting, you feel obliged to consider it.

“No,” you snap, twisting to get out of his grip. “Not this time. Get your hands off me.”

His hold on you tightens.

“Jay, I’m serious, let me go right now or else.”

“Or else what?”

“Let her go.”

David’s voice slices right through, an unusually dark tone behind it.

Jay laughs a little and waits for a few seconds before releasing you and stepping back to allow you to leave. You scramble clear and grab hold of David’s arm, gasping like you’ve been held underwater. At first you don’t notice the look passing between them but when you do, it almost frightens you. There’s real violence in it, real hatred. You’ve been watching the two of them bond and square off for years, you’ve seen the bitterness, envy, and insecurity they’ve raised in each other but never anything like this. They’d look like animals preparing to tear into each other if the emotions on their faces weren’t so uniquely human.

“Come on,” you whisper, gently tugging on David’s hand. Every muscle is tensed, all the way up to his neck and you’re worried that you’re not going to be able to stop a fight. “Please,” you whimper.

David relaxes just a little and leans back without ever taking his eyes from Jay’s. He doesn’t move to leave on his own but he lets you lead him away very slowly. It feels like a long time before you’re able to pull him close to you.

[becausewerebatfam]

Mother F*cker (3)

Jason Todd x Reader

[ Part One ] [ Part Two ]

After finally getting your children to sleep you closed your eyes for a second only to open them immediately when you heard light footsteps on the roof. You sat up silently to listen when the noise spread to all sides of the house. Instinct kicked in, your hand swiftly patted down the sides of Jason’s mattress. When you felt the familiar shape of a knife you smiled thinking how predictable he was. 

Jay whined as he felt your movement out of the bed. “Ma-”

Your hand quickly went to silence your young weary son. “Shhh...” your finger rested upon your own lips momentarily before tapping your daughter and waking her as well. “Jay take your sister and find a spot to hide,” you whispered.

They did not question you or wait for a comforting kiss goodbye. Their lives revolved around stealth and survival, they knew the risks that came with being a Wayne. 

You were surrounded by a dead silence yet you could feel the presence of about a dozen or so people. There was only a select group of people who could make you feel that way. Knowing what you were up against put you at peace. You slid the knife into your sleeve and stepped out to face your mother. 

“What are you doing here?”

Talia smirked, “Hello my child.” She was pleased to see you once more. After all that waiting around for an opening, she finally managed to get you away from the manor and your father. 

“I will not ask again.”

“I am here to see my grandchildren.”

In the blink of an eye, you drew the knife you had hidden. There was no way in hell you would let her near your children.

“Your grandfather was so pleased to hear the Al Ghul bloodline runs strongly.”

“They are not Al Ghul-”

“Blood runs deep my beloved daughter. No matter how much you try to deny it, you, your brother, and your children have Al Ghul blood coursing through your veins- as do I.” She held her hand out, palm up. “Do not run from your family, from your power, from your legacy.” Talia knew you would turn her down. Bruce had taught you well and although she could try brainwashing you once more she knew you would be better prepared to break out of it. 

“After all...” Instead, she wanted to weaken you to the point where you would lose to your instincts. She wanted to light that murderous fire she instilled you with many years ago. “...we are the reason Jason lives.”

The weight of her word made it hard to breathe. “What-”

“Jason is stronger than before thanks to the Lazarus Pit and me.”

“You?” Your stance faltered as you were almost afraid to continue. “What did you do?”

“What didn’t we do.”

Your eyes widened at the implied meaning of those words. Her sly smirk and shifting of her weight from one of her hips to the other sickened you. This woman in front of you was your mother yet she- The thought made you sick to your stomach. Your jaw clenched tight unable to hold your tongue. 

“Jason was my boyfriend!”

“Was,” she pointed out the past tense of the word. “Thanks to me, Jason has become the man he is now. Stronger, faster... alive.”

“Silence!” That’s it, that’s all it took for you to throw your knife directly at her head. A shot you would have never taken in your right of mind. Of course, the league stepped in and deflected your attack sending the knife back your way. 

You caught the knife and ran straight at them with murderous intent.

“This is my daughter,” Talia smiled as you took the entire league on. Her sights turned to the safe house where she knew you had hidden away your children.

Inside Jay and Jas had already begun reaching for one of the guns They were not the type to heed warnings of danger and sit on the sidelines quietly. The creak of the front door caught their attention.

“Jas stay behind me.”

“As if,” the young girl pushed past her brother. “You got the helmet, I get to lead.”

“Tt, fine.”

She gave him a worried look when he took a good look at the gun in his hands and pushed something that made a metallic click. Her brother had never fired anything other than a Nerf gun so she wondered what he was doing. 

“Jay be careful.”

“Worry about yourself,” the hot-headed boy warned. He had seen enough movies to know how a gun worked.

Jasmine gave a curt nod before opening the bedroom door, only enough so she could stick her small hand out and toss the combat knife. It did not go far, the heavy handle was not meant for throwing like a dagger but it distracted Talia. When she turned Jas jumped out immediately going for a sweep kick at the intruder.

Talia jumped making the girl miss. “You dare strike your own grandmother?”

Jas had not seen that coming, she panicked and was unable to get back up.

Jay came to his sister’s aid, aiming the handgun at Talia when she got closer to her. “Don’t touch my sister.”

“How valiant of you my grandson,” Talia smiled with admiration at what was the new generation of Al Ghul blood. Her eyes then went to Jasmine who only now had gotten up. “That you would think of striking me is equally commendable, however...” Talia easily knocked the gun out of Jay’s hand, “you both lack the necessary skills.”

The twins silently mulled over Talia’s words with a scowl each.

“My- you all take after my beloved.” She knelt down in front of them eyeing the result of your relationships with Jason. Despite what anyone said Talia had love in her heart. It was a strange twisted one that based itself on different principles but she did indeed love. 

“Jason and Jasmine...” she called to them with a hint of fondness to her voice.

“How-” the twins simultaneously wished to ask how she knew their names but were silenced by her hand caressing their cheeks. Her eyes brought a sense of familiarity that made it easier for them to believe she was truly their familiar.

“I will continue to watch over you and return when it is time for you to meet Ra’s al Ghul.”

The noise outside began to die down prompting Jason to ask for you. “What are you doing to our mother?” 

When she did not respond he tried for the door.

Talia stopped him, holding him by the shoulder. “She is continuing the training she started many years ago.” 

The strained relationship between the two of you had kept her from them. One day she knew she would be able to instill them with the same lessons she had taught you and Damian.

But today was not that day.

+++

Jason walked ahead of Bruce eager to see you. His steps came to a halt when Talia emerged from the safe-house Jas and Jay at her side.

“What are you doing here?!”

She ignored him and instead looked past him to Bruce who was just as eager to find out what she was doing there. He had a bad feeling when you didn’t seem to follow them.

“Hello Beloved.”

“Batman-” Jas wanted to run up to her grandfather but was held back by her grandmother’s hold on her shoulder.

“Patience my dear.” Talia needed time for the League to retreat far enough that no one would be able to interfere. She would successfully bring back her daughter to fulfill Ras’ wishes. 

Jay made no attempt to move nor did he call out for help. He managed to hide his anger and fear well while his eyes roamed the surrounding area for any sight of his mother. 

“Don’t you dare harm them!” Jason took a step towards them but Bruce held him back knowing very well they had to hear Talia out. She held all the cards at the moment.

“I do not wish to harm them.” As proof, she let go of Jas allowing her to go ahead and seek her grandfather. The sight of the young girl slightly hiding behind the cowl was heartwarming. “She runs to you just like her...”

Her obviously being you- her first born daughter.

“As soon as she knew of your existence I stood no chance of confining her.”

Feeling ignored Jason once again questioned her. “Where is Y/N?”

Now Talia turned her attention towards him. “Who would you chose, given the choice between your son and your beloved.”

It was a hard decision but nonetheless, Jason knew his children’s safety was to take priority. “My son.”

“Go to your father,” Talia smiled releasing a confused Jay. Her smile was then directed to the two adults who eyed her every move. “Parents must always side with their children even when the children do not side with us.”

With the children safe Bruce finally confronted Talia. “Where is she?”

“She is where she belongs.” Having done no wrong for Batman to pursue her, Talia simply turned to leave. 

“Are you just going to let her go?” Jason asked incredulously.

Of course Bruce was not satisfied with the answer but he knew he could find his daughter if he simply searched all of Ra’s al Ghul’s known properties. He had found her once before, he could find her again. But for now he had more important matters to attend to.

He eyed his grandchildren who seemed to hold up well yet behind those stoic faces laid worries and unrest.

“For now we must go.” 

Jason was relieved his children were fine but he could not rest now that he was so close to recovering you.

“I can’t just go like this.” 

He ran to Talia grabbing at her arm only to be thrown on to his back with a loud thud. Jason quickly recovered and began fighting with the woman who saved his life.

As they fought Jas finally found her voice and asked what had been on her and her brother’s mind. “Is he really our father?”

Bruce silently confirmed with a nod.

The moment was interrupted by Damian as he arrived after having gotten word from Bruce. He was immediately being held down by Jas who desperately needed comfort. She knew neither Wayne would openly offer affection when in their suit but she was a confused child at the moment. All she wanted was to feel safe.

“Uncle Dami- mother... and then- father.”

Her words were unclear as she spoke through tears, her small face hidden in Damian’s chest after he picked her up. He figured it had to be something bad to bring her to tears. When Jas kept muttering “mother” Damian looked for answers.

“Where is Y/N?” He began to panic when all he saw was his mother and Jason fighting in the distance. Bruce’s silence didn’t help either. He became far more desperate in his questioning, “Where is my sister?!”

Bruce didn’t know for sure but he guessed this time around Ra’s would hide you well if he went through the trouble of using Jason to get to you.

“We’ll find her,” Bruce assured him.

Jay kicked at a nearby rock sending it flying. He hated the fact that his mother was taken. He felt an urge to grow up so he could do more than stay back and protect Jas. He wanted to protect you too.

Talia dodged one final time before settling a few paces away from the agitated Jason. He was certainly keeping her on her toes but he was not her match today. It was all the emotions clouding his mind, she was sure of it. He never even drew his weapons.

“I advise you not to seek her out- even if you were to find her I doubt she would talk to you... I made sure of that.”

"What did you do,” Jason worried knowing Talia wasn’t above using his moment of weakness against him. 

His accusatory tone was not appreciated. Talia got close enough to whisper words only audible to him, “it is not  what I did but what we did together.”

Jason swung his fists at her again but she easily dodged the emotionally distraught Jason. Before he could get another chance she was walking away, not even taking a second look back at him.

After securing the children in the Batmobile Bruce was going to stop Jason from going after Talia. She would never lead them to you. But Damian held his father back. 

“I’ll deal with him father.” He looked at his niece and nephew who clung to each other as they shared a seat. They needed to feel safe, they needed to go home and be around people they trust.

Bruce didn’t fully trust Damian to handle Jason but at the moment he knew his priorities were the children and their mother so he left it up to Damian to make Jason realize what Talia was trying to do.

As soon as his father was gone, Damian grabbed Jason’s shoulder to stop him from going after Talia. He turned him around and put all his strength into his fist as it impacted Jason’s chin.

“YOU MOTHER F*CKER!”

Damian had been able to pick up what his mother whispered to Jason. It was already bad enough that he had gone after his sister but now Talia too. “How dare you appear before my sister again after what you did.”

Jason groaned wiping the blood from his lip. “It’s not what you think-”

“Save your excuses for someone who cares Todd.” Damian began observing the area in hopes of finding any useful leads as to where you were taken but all the footprints seemed to lead in different directions. 

“I already thought very little of you but now you are even below Drake.”

The closer he looked the more he realized there wasn’t a single footprint belonging to you. The League had done their job, they got rid of all evidence that you were there and purposely left their footprints to taunt them. It would be much more difficult this time around to locate you.

He looked back at Jason who sat with a guilty look on his face. He resembled a wounded puppy who had no idea what to do or where to go. Taking into consideration that they would need all the help they could get, Damian set aside his personal feelings. 

 “Don’t just sit there like the worthless person you are Todd and help me find my sister.” For better or worse Jason was the father of his niece and nephew. “If you can’t find the mother of your children then you aren’t fit to call yourself a father in this lifetime.”

+++

Back at the manor.

The kids looked at each other with confusion and curiosity before little Jason decided to point out the obvious. “All of you said father was dead. Dead people can’t just come back to life.” 

Jas nodded in agreement and looked to her grandfather for an explanation.

Tim and Dick looked expectantly at Bruce wondering if he would fully explain the situation to the kids. 

“There is a man named Ra’s al Ghul...” Bruce began.

Dick’s jaw dropped, “Is he really going to tell them the truth?”

Tim knew the bat family history was intense but these kids were Wayne by blood. “At this point what else can he tell them?”

The two listened but kept their eyes on the screens in front of them. They were trying to locate you using all the available resources. They were scouring through video surveillance and sending notice of your disappearance to the justice league. They were essential in finding you the last time you were being controlled by Talia. 

Jasmine and Jason were no less closer to understanding what was going on with their mother and the man who they now knew to be their father but they were now less confused.

Just in time too. 

Jason and Damian walked in keeping a distance from each other.

“Uncle Dami~” Jas ran to hug him.

Jay stayed put by his grandfather’s side as he eyed Jason. 

-end-

Continue??? I know it’s been a while ^^ Are you all still interested in a part 4?

A/N: I’m a fan of Batman x Talia instead of Batman x Selina. That’s why I hated the fact that they had Jason and Talia sleep together in Lost Days. So then I went ahead and wrote this and now you know how the fic got it’s name LOL