#throws myself dramatically onto the nearest surface

[txmxkis]

what was it i said the other day.... about thinking of a character when a song plays..... oh yea that's right it is SO FUCKING OVER .

[pickingupmymercedes]

Neva Play - Lewis Hamilton

Part of 1K Jukebox Event

song: Neva Play - Meghan Thee Stallion

pairing: Lewis Hamilton x Reader!

genre: fluff with hints of angst - and a lot of sass (thanks anon who requested this one, it was perfect)

wordcount: +1k

As always, I'm open for feedback, come say hi!

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I expected the usual whispers when I stepped into the media pen. I’ve been around long enough to know how it goes when things don’t go Lewis’s way.

But this time, the way they were talking, like the man hadn’t just won races less than six months ago—it had got to me.

“Maybe he’s lost it. Can’t keep up with the young ones anymore.”

One journalist snorted behind me, speaking loud enough that it was clearly meant to be overheard. I pretended not to listen, but I couldn’t help the way my jaw clenched.

He’d barely made it two laps today before the car gave out, but they were acting like it was all on him. As if it wasn’t obvious that the supposed updates were off—especially considering his teammate had spun out in the same damn place in quali.

These people knew the car was at fault, knew the team had struggled all weekend, hell the past 5 races at least, but still, they chose to spin the narrative.

Then there were the Ferrari fans—louder than ever, celebrating their 1-2 finish as if that somehow proved Lewis wouldn’t be good enough for a seat anymore.

One of the older reporters made some comment about “when it’s time to hang up the helmet,” and I had to physically restrain myself from whipping around to confront him. It was all I could do honestly to keep a straight face through my interviews, nodding politely, smiling like I didn’t want to snap back at every smug comment.

By the time I wrapped up for the day, I had enough frustration boiling under the surface to fuel a dozen Instagram stories. But I kept it to one. Just enough to remind people who they were talking about.

And as I walked into Lewis’s hotel suite, the laughter hit me before anything else in the hall. I could hear the guys in the living area, probably already half a bottle deep into their pre-party drinks.

I took a second to breathe, let the tension roll off my shoulders. I didn’t need to bring that frustration in here.

When I finally stepped inside, I saw Miles perched on the arm of a chair, waving a drink around as he gestured wildly in conversation with the others. He caught sight of me the moment I entered, and that mischievous grin immediately spread across his face.

“Look who finally showed up!” he called, dramatically waving his arms as if I’d been missing for hours. “Your man’s honor here needs some more defending. That Instagram story? Had me weirded out.”

I rolled my eyes, but the corner of my mouth twitched up in a grin. “Just correcting a few people.”

“Oh, is that what we’re calling it now?” He laughed, standing up to give me a little side hug as I tossed my jacket onto the nearest chair. “I could’ve sworn you were about to hunt some of these journalists down in that paddock. Had me thinking you were ready to throw hands.”

“Who says I wasn’t?” I teased, shaking my head as I stepped further into the room.

Miles’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “Everyone hear that? She doesn’t play about her man.”

The room erupted into playful “ooohs” and knowing glances, but I barely paid them any mind. I was too focused on Lewis, who had been standing by the window, adjusting his watch.

He glanced up, catching my eye, and I could tell by the way his mouth twitched that he was holding back a smile. He shook his head, clearly amused.

“You really don’t have to do that” he said, his voice calm, but there was a warmth in there. “I’m used to that bs.”

Of course he was. Lewis was the king of shrugging off comments that would crush lesser men.

But me? I wasn’t about to let people drag his name without at least saying something.

I tilted my head, my arms crossing in front of me. “I’mma keep doing it” I said, shrugging like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Before anyone could chime in with another quip, I gave the room a little wave. “Alright, I’m going to get ready. Try not to burn the place down in the meanwhile.”

As I headed for the bedroom, I could still hear Miles behind me. “If I were you Lewis, I’d be feeling pretty damn lucky. You’ve got yourself a personal bodyguard.”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but chuckle under my breath. Miles’s brand of teasing always hit just the right note. And I wasn’t mad about it. Hell, it felt good to have someone see how much I cared, even if they were poking fun at me for it.

Once in the bedroom, I closed the door and leaned against it for a moment, letting the quiet wrap around me. The adrenaline from earlier was starting to fade, and I could feel the edges of fatigue creeping in

I had just unzipped my jeans when I heard the door creak open behind me. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. I could feel his presence fill the room before he even spoke.

Lewis stepped in, closing the door softly behind him, and I caught his reflection in the mirror as he approached. His eyes were on me, intense as ever, no matter how many times I’d seen them.

I started to turn around, but before I could, his hands found my waist, pulling me gently but firmly against him. His breath was warm against my neck, and his lips brushed the skin there.

“Protectiveness looks good on you” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that I felt more than heard.

I tilted my head, catching his eyes in the mirror, a soft smile tugging at my lips. “Someone’s got to keep those idiots in line” I teased, my voice light despite the tension in the air between us.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating against my skin. “And that someone has to be you?”

I turned in his arms, resting my hands against his chest, my fingers playing with the fabric of his shirt. “Duh” I said, my tone soft but teasing. “You’ve got enough to deal with that thing you call a car. Let me handle these poor excuses of journalists.”

His eyes softened, and he leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You don’t have to fight these battles for me, you know. That is also your workplace.”

I sighed, leaning into him slightly, my head resting against his shoulder. “I want to” I admitted. “I’m not going to sit back and let people talk. Not when it comes to you.”

He pulled back just enough to tilt my chin up, making me meet his gaze. His eyes were dark, but there was a warmth in them that made my heart melt a little. “They’re lucky you’re not exclusive to f1”

I raised an eyebrow, smirking up at him. “Oh, I know. But you are lucky I’m around enough to set people straight.”

He laughed then; a deep, genuine laugh that made me smile in return. “Lucky, huh?”

“Very” I said, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his jaw. “Now, are you going to let me finish getting ready, or are you planning to keep me here?”

He smirked, his hands still resting on my waist. “Now that you mention it…”

I gave him a playful shove, rolling my eyes. “Out. You’re distracting me.”

He stepped back, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Alright. I’ll go. But don’t take too long, okay?”

“I’ll be out in fifteen, just need a shower.” I promised, watching him as he backed toward the door, still grinning at me like he had some secret he wasn’t telling me.

Just before he slipped out of the room, he paused, glancing back at me over his shoulder. “For the record” he said, his voice soft but serious, “I appreciate what you did today.”

I met his eyes, my heart swelling just a little at the sincerity in his voice. And just as Lewis lingered there in the doorway, Miles’s voice carried through the suite, loud and as ever.

“Hey, Lewis! Let her go get ready, man. She’s not running away, you know?”

I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face as Lewis rolled his eyes. He gave a little shake of his head before turning back to me, his hand still resting on the doorframe.

“You’re not going anywhere, are you?” he said, his voice playful.

I stepped closer, smirking up at him. “Surely not if you keep stalling me.”

He chuckled, leaning down to kiss my lips. “Alright, alright. I’ll let you go... for now.”

I laughed softly, giving him a gentle nudge. “Good idea.”

Lewis flashed me one last grin as he finally stepped back. As he disappeared down the hall, Miles’s voice echoed again, this time with a laugh. “See? Told you, she’s not going anywhere.”

I smiled to myself, shaking my head as I went back to finish getting ready, my heart feeling lighter than it had all day.

No matter what anyone said, I knew exactly who I was. And so did he.

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[promptis-imagines]

How about Promptis go on their first ever date at an arcade or a fair and they're both nervous at first. They relax after a nice chat and some junk food and Noct notices a giant chocobo plush at a stall/prize counter and tries to win it for Prompto

nananasonatra: Noctis taking Prom on a summer carnival date. They both act like teenagers in love and at the end of the night they ride the Ferris wheel .Noctis bribes the operator to make them stop ontop .Sorry my heads fried in this heat lol 

yes this is exactly what I need. You two have galaxy brains. So I will combine them: first date to the fair complete with shitty carnival games and a ferris wheel extravaganza

They are both very obnoxiously awkward. Prompto can’t stop talking even when he desperately wants to shut up. Noctis is having a hard time speaking at all. They went to the fair because hey, it’s in town! Surely that’s gotta be cheesy and fun. Thing is, both of them are too shy to admit that they love cheesy things (even tho they literally...are going on a date there. They’re doing their best). It’s the way there and the getting tickets where they’re still acting the nervous couple bit, but once they feel the adrenaline of a rollercoaster and stock up on junk food (a horrible choice before going on more rides), they start to loosen up and laugh off the nerves. 

Also I can just...picture that scene. So vividly.

The sky was growing darker by the minute, which was only accentuated by the carnival lights dotting the view. Most of the rickety rides had been conquered, though not without a fair share of screaming on the couple’s part, so the tired boys decided to take a break for snacks before taking on the rest of the event. 

Okay, maybe calling them “snacks” was a bit of an understatement. Two orders of fried oreos, an entire funnel cake, some wildly-oversized corndogs, and a large lemonade. They might have forgotten to grab dinner before the fair in their nervous endeavors, and nothing was healthy at the fair.

Sitting on that bench, laughing and munching on their food, any hint of awkwardness or fear was left behind in some gross seat of a rollercoaster car. Well and truly, this was a real date.

There was only a bit left of the funnel cake in the end. Prompto heaved a sigh, shoving the plate onto Noctis’ lap while his head flopped onto his shoulder. “You eat it,” he murmured.

Noctis pouted. “No, you.” The plate was passed back.

“Noooo, I’m so done, dude,” Prompto whined. “Just take one for the team.”

That earned a snort from Noctis. “What team? And why do we have to finish it?” he questioned.

Prompto paused, then sat up straight again. “I dunno. Feels wrong to just throw it away?” he reasoned. Especially considering that Noctis was the one who paid for all of it. He would feel bad, prince or not.

Noctis lightly bumped him with his shoulder. “It’s not that big of a deal. It’s the last thing we have, and I’d rather toss it than have either one of us get sick before our date is over.”

He couldn’t lie, Prompto’s stomach still erupted with butterflies at legitimately hearing Noctis say they were on a date. He’d been dreaming of this for so long that he’d chalked up his hopes to wishful thinking. But no, they were here, and they were having a good time. It was enough to make him grin. “Fine, fine. Throw it away, and we can walk around for a while before hitting something that could make us lose all that food we just ate,” he conceded.

“Right.”

The two of them hauled their trash to the nearest trash can, and Prompto had to laugh at just how much powdered sugar had attached itself to Noctis’ all-black clothing. “Y’know, I applaud your choices to start wearing white,” he teased, making Noctis look down at his shirt.

“Oh, come on,” Noctis grumbled. 

Prompto ran his hands along the worst parts. “No worries, I got you.” It only took a few seconds more for him to note how low the powder had gotten. “Um...”

Noctis huffed a laugh, getting the rest off. “You’ve got some on you, too.”

“I do?” Prompto asked with a confused expression. “Could’ve sworn I dusted myself off, already. Where’s it at?” he rambled, hoping he didn’t look like a mess.

“Hm, right here.” Suddenly, Noctis’ hand was on his cheek, his warm lips pressed gently to Prompto’s in a kiss that lasted all of three seconds. Nonetheless, his cheeks were absolutely burning afterwards.

When they parted, it appeared that he wasn’t the only one. Noctis’ cheeks were dusted a soft shade of pink, though it was hard to see under the harsh lighting around them. 

It took a moment for either of them to say anything. “Did...you get it off?”

Noctis’ lips turned up in a faint smile. “Think so.”

Now it was Prompto’s turn to smile. “Cool. Thanks. What would I do without you?” he joked.

“Dunno. Have powdered sugar all over your face?” Noctis returned teasingly.

“All over? You saying I’ve got more on me?”

Noctis hummed in thought, once again brushing his fingers along Prompto’s cheek. “Nope, got it all,” he confirmed.

An eye-roll from Prompto. “Dork. Let’s move away from the trash can, yeah?”

The two headed back into the bustle of the fair, hand in hand without Prompto even realizing they'd reached for each other. It made him giddy all over again.

Before long, they stopped. A long row of carnie games sprawled out before them, vendors shouting for patrons to step up and take their chances. Stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes were presented along every surface, and it was a safe bet to assume they’d been waiting to be claimed for far longer than necessary.

Prompto looked over to his date. “Got something in your sights?” he questioned.

That got Noctis tugging him towards a nearby stall. “Does a giant chocobo sound good? I’ll try to win it for you,” he stated, all the determination in the world lighting up his eyes. It was rare to see Noctis this enthusiastic about something. Gods, it was cute.

Still, Prompto couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. The thing Noctis had pointed out was giant, which also meant that it was going to be near impossible to get. “I mean, it sounds great, Noct,” he started, leaning against Noctis’ shoulder. “But I’m not gonna get my hopes up.”

Noctis knocked his head against Prompto’s. “What, don’t believe in me?” he returned in mock-offense.

“Oh, c’mon, you know these things are rigged,” Prompto reasoned. “Plus, this is a shooting game. One, that’s even more rigged. Two, we should both know by now that I'm the better marksman out of the two of us."

His boasting earned him a scoff from Noctis. "While I might cave and admit that, it doesn't mean that I'm bad at it. Have a little faith," he requested, giving Prompto's hand a light squeeze. Without waiting for a response, he was off towards the unattainable holy grail of stuffed animals. Oh, to be the carnie that got to proctor this little event in history.

Watching with an air of amusement, Prompto leaned on his elbows over the counter. "Heya! What's the requirements for getting that Behemoth up there?" he asked, gesturing to the comically large bird in question.

The carnie's polished grin focused on him. "Well, buddy, it's fairly simple!" he chirped. "All you've gotta do is shoot at those little targets that are moving across the planks." He made a grand gesture towards the back wall, which sported plenty of painted wooden ducks with red and white targets on their sides meandering in a single file. "Each duckie has a different number on the back. Shoot as many as you can before the time runs out, and your score will be tallied afterwards. Get over fifty points, and the chocobo is all yours. But watch out! Some of the ducks are hiding negative numbers that will reduce your score. So, care to test your skills?"

His speech had sounded so trained and NPC-like, Prompto had to laugh. "No, not me. But this guy wants to give it a go." He tugged on Noctis' sleeve, a grin of pride bright on his face. Noctis, on the other hand, had lost some of that brazen confidence in his expression.

 It was always funny to watch people's eyes go wide. "O-Oh, Prince Noctis! Er, that is you, isn't it?"

"Nah, but I get that a lot," Noctis replied nonchalantly, rolling his shoulders in preparation. "Just a guy trying to win a chocobo for his boyfriend. Can I start?"

The man, seemingly recovered, nodded with his previous vigor. "Of course! Here is your weapon, good sir." After ducking down to grab one of the dingy guns from under the counter, he handed it over. "The timer starts when you first shoot."

Prompto cast a smirk at his boyfriend. "Let's see what you got, sharpshooter," he teased.

Noctis took aim. "Oh, hush. I'm doing this for you."

After a quick "Good luck!" from the man behind the counter, Noctis started the timer with a pop from the toy gun. One duck down, who knew how many more to go.

"Wohoo, got one!" Prompto exclaimed, beaming at a smug-looking Noctis. "Think you can keep it up?"

Still keeping his eyes on the targets, Noctis gave a little nod. "You bet I will. I've got someone to impress," he replied before knocking another off of the shelf.

Prompto snorted, slumping more over the counter. "You say that like you're on a date," he continued.

Another duck toppled. "And what if I am?"

That earned a dramatized gasp from Prompto. "Are you, now? Didn't know you had it in you to snatch a date. Always thought you were too shy." The mocking edge to his words were light, and he couldn't hide the slight giggling that followed. The next few shots hit the wall. He poked Noctis in the shoulder before wrapping an arm around his middle. "Trying to win him something?"

Noctis gave him a knowing glance. "I would be, if he wasn't doing stuff to distract me. Don't be disappointed when I can't get the prize for you," he warned, getting another target down.

Prompto leaned in to press a kiss to Noctis' cheek. "A good marksman should be able to work well under pressure." Still, deciding that he'd messed with him enough, Prompto let go and returned to being an encouraging spectator.

As the timer drew nearer to zero and the little duckies came crashing down, Prompto did have to admit that he was impressed. Especially considering the hindrance that was a rickety carnival gun, the sizeable amount of targets Noctis had managed to hit was most likely more than the average. Though he hadn't expected much of a reward from this mess, part of him was thinking he might be going home with a giant stuffed chocobo.

When the timer sounded, the carnie bounced back to life. "Aaalrighty, let's see how you did!" he said in his merry speech. He collected the last few fallen ducks, then laid them face up on the counter in front of them.

"Sweet, let's count 'em up!" Prompto was grinning as he began to turn over the targets. "Noct, count with me. This one's five," he stated, "and then eight, and…damn, negative six." Oh well, there were plenty more to bring the score up.

Noctis continued flipping over the next few. "Hey, got a fifteen," he boasted, shoving it over to the counted pile.

"Aw, so proud."

The scores varied for the rest of the ducks, some on the smaller or negative sides, presumably to keep the prizes from all being taken. Still, Noctis had gotten a few of the higher numbered ones. With one left to check, he had reached a whopping forty-five. Prompto was tingling with excitement; that chocobo was as good as won.

The last one stared them down with its chipped paint and bright, ducky smile. "You want to do the last one?" Noctis offered.

With a nod and bated breath, Prompto turned over the last one to add the number….

"Negative twenty?" he cried. "Why is that even in here!" Noctis groaned as well, and the two boys slumped against each other in defeat.

The man behind the counter drew up an apologetic smile. "Sorry, fellas, luck of the duck. But you still get to choose from one of the smaller prizes!"

He gestured to the side wall that sported the rest of this booth's treasures. They were way smaller than the grand prizes, more hug-to-your-chest size, but they were still something.

Noctis nudged Prompto's shoulder. "Go ahead and pick one."

"Mh-hm." Prompto's eyes flitted over the options: stuffed dogs and coeurls, moogles, various fruits for some reason, and a mini version of that giant chocobo above their heads. "Not to be predictable, but I do want the chocobo," he decided. So what if he consistently chose them? They were his favorites!

As it was being retrieved, Prompto turned to Noctis with a bright smile. "By the way, good job, dude."

Noctis shrugged, a light mix of embarrassment and pride in his face. "I would've won if it had just been about knocking them over," he reasoned.

Prompto chuckled. "Sure would've. They weren't ready for you," he teased.

"Here you are, sir." Holding it in his hands, Prompto decided that this was officially the best first date ever. How cool was it that his boyfriend won him something at a shitty carnival game?

They ventured back into the crowds, a bit dissuaded from trying any of the other booths for now. The chocobo plush was held securely with one arm while his other hand held fast to Noctis'. Now there was just the matter of deciding what else to do before calling it a night.

"Got any ideas what to do next?" Prompto questioned.

Noctis pursed his lips, doing a quick glance around. "Well, I think we already went on all of the rollercoasters, and you're not putting me back on that drop thing," he said definitively.

That drew a laugh from Prompto. "I half expected you to warp right off of that thing, by the way," he commented. "But fine, something else. How about…." He trailed off, rubbing his thumb along Noctis' hand. "Oh! We haven't done the ferris wheel yet."

What other way was there to end a night at the fair than being sappy while overlooking part of the city from the top of a rickety ferris wheel? Prompto hoped he wasn't coming across as too sappy, though; it was embarrassing, but he really did enjoy those dumb romantic fantasies. Even after being asked out, he was still worried that Noctis might laugh at him for wanting to do cheesy romantic things. Noctis just didn't seem like the type to enjoy that. He knew he was probably being ridiculous, but that didn't dispel the doubt in the back of his mind.

Thankfully, Noctis gave a casual shrug and nodded. "Sounds good to me. We can hit the ferris wheel and then head out for the night," he said.

Relief flooded back into Prompto's lungs, and before long, they were speeding up towards bright lights of the their last ride. Giggling, the two kept it up until they were running and dodging people in the crowd to get there first. Nevermind that they were still holding hands.

The pair stumbled to a breathless halt at the entrance gates, turning to each other with a full-out laugh. Prompto still had his chocobo clasped tightly between his arm and chest.

"After you," Noctis said, finally letting go of his hand to gesture to the open gate.

Prompto landed a playful punch to Noctis' shoulder as he walked past. "Really acting like a prince today, huh?"

"What, I don't normally?"

"Gonna have to give a no to that one, bud."

"Rude."

The worker got them situated in the seat, Prompto first. Noctis lagged behind slightly, turning to the lady in charge before climbing in next to his boyfriend.

Once they were snugly hip to hip, Noctis sighed. "How old do you think this ride even is?" he asked.

Prompto looked up. "Proooobably pretty old," he reasoned. "But I'm sure it's fine. They have, like, inspections and stuff, right?"

Noctis huffed a little laugh. "Hope so. If something does happen, I'll just grab you and warp off of this thing."

"My hero," Prompto teased. Though, as they began their ascent up and around the ferris wheel, the idea that it might break down did start to creep into his mind. A jarring bump halfway there didn't help one bit.

He pressed closer to Noctis' side just as he did the same. Prompto took a deep breath and closed his eyes, letting the feeling of being close to him soothe him. The warmth they shared was a nice defense against the cold winds, too.

A tiny smile formed on his face when he felt Noctis nuzzle slightly into his hair. "Sorry I couldn't get you the giant chocobo," he heard him murmur.

Prompto gave a slight shake of his head. "Nah, don't worry about it. This one's just as cute. And it's travel sized." He gave the toy a squeeze. Honestly, he was thrilled to have a gift from him in the first place. It was a silly little thing, but it made his heart swell in a way he thought he'd never feel.

As they completed the first rotation of the wheel, Prompto decided to look around more at the fair below. By now the sky was completely dark, making the colorful lights shine brighter. Laughter and shrieks of children reached even where they were up high. He even saw someone drop their cotton candy in a puddle, which he pointed out to Noctis so they could both grimace at the sight.

All of a sudden, they were stuttered to a halt at the top of the wheel. Prompto swung his leg a bit and laughed. "Welp, looks like we're up here forever," he joked.

Noctis snorted. "We'd better not be. I'm not sleeping on a ferris wheel."

"That's your problem with it?" Prompto laughed, making the seat sway slightly.

"There's other issues with living on a ferris wheel for the rest of my life. That one just came to mind first," Noctis said in his defense.

Prompto's laughter continued while he squeezed the stuffed chocobo to keep from dropping it. "Yeah, okay. Sleep is always your first thought."

"Don't judge."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

Being stuck at the top really wasn't so bad. They could see everything, and it was just the two of them, despite there being hundreds of people around. It was as if they'd been brought up just to be alone for a few minutes.

A hand rested atop his thigh, and Prompto turned to face his date. And gods, did he look so good with the lights of the city behind him. Noctis' dark hair made him a silhouette, though his features were close enough to make out. His cool gray eyes had a soft shine to them, and he was looking at Prompto in a way that stole his breath. He had to be the luckiest guy in Eos right now.

Noctis quirked a small smile. "Is it…too cheesy if I ask for a kiss right now?"

Prompto paused, then cracked a smile as well. "Very cheesy. Do it," he replied.

"Then can I kiss you at the top of the ferris wheel?"

Without speaking, Prompto slid a hand along the side of Noctis' neck and pulled him in. His lips were tinged with slight cold, but they felt soft as they touched Prompto's. And just like that, they were sharing one of those dumb movie kisses on their first date at the fair. The thought made Prompto's smile grow as he leaned in more.

Once they pulled away, there were a few moments of silence between them. Then the ride began to move again, starting through one more loop before they would be let off.

Prompto couldn't hold back another little laugh. "Good way to end that?"

"Definitely," Noctis said, looking equally relieved and happy. "Now we can't say anything else for the rest of the time so we don't ruin it."

That earned a shoulder punch from Prompto. "Oh, shut up."

"See, like that."

Prompto grinned, taking Noctis' hand in his. "Too bad you're stuck with me, then," he retorted.

Noctis smiled back. "What a shame."

[frangipansi]

When someone asks me what my favourite movie or TV show is, I become quite dramatic. I’m seconds away from throwing myself on the nearest surface in a Fay Wray kinda of manner while gushing and swooning before I can finally get an answer out only to go on an almost incoherent tangent.

I imagine MC doing this and all of the brothers would just be utterly confused and some perhaps wondering if they were having one of those human heart attacks... But Levi, even if he doesn’t know what MC is referring too, understands that feeling and passion.

He’s gonna go look into it if he hasn’t heard of it. If he has, the two of them are just going to be talking for hours and Lucifer already has a headache.

“Levi! MC! Go to bed this instant! You have RAD in the morning.”

“Can’t... Priorities. Marathon. Sleep is for the weak!”

Wailing as their favourite bit comes onto the screen.

[keyboardpunk]

Where the Ocean Meets The Sky [part 1/?]

Chapter 1: May Your Heart Be Your Guiding Key { Sora x Kairi }

So, I hated KH3′s ending. Like, it legit made me so upset, I thought I was gonna throw up. I’m still not over it, and I won’t be until they set things right. But, in the meantime, I wanted to write this alternative ending idea that I had. Naturally, this contains spoilers for KH3. Also, warning that later chapters maturity rating will go up!

♥ I hope you like it and thanks for reading ♥

Chapter Rating: T(13+) Chapter 1 ► Chapter 2

...

... ...

...

"Not without Kairi...” he said just moments ago, and that thought still resonated with him as he boarded the gummy ship. He climbed into the ship alone for the first time in a long time, or perhaps for the first time, he couldn’t recall. Sora felt like he was in a haze, a dreary like state that tugged him along rather than him being the guide of his own movement. As soon as he climbed into the ship, and stood alone in a space that had always been filled with Donald and Goofy, Sora collapsed against the nearest wall and slid to the floor, a heavy heap of dirty clothes, sweat, and blood.

The captain’s chair was only a few footsteps away, yet he completely lost the strength to get up and climb into it. He heaved desperate breaths as if he hadn’t inhaled properly in hours. He was panting, gasping, and choking on the oxygen that seeped in and out of him. It didn’t immediately become apparent to Sora that he was crying until the tears dripping down his wet face splashed onto his lap. He dragged the back of his glove across his face multiple times, only to find the tears quickly replaced.

“Stop,” he mumbled to himself. But, the tears wouldn’t stop flowing and he couldn’t stop gasping. “Kai-ri’s al-alone out there...”

You’re alone, too.

The weight of it all seemed to crash down on him, in that moment. It wasn’t just going on without Donald and Goofy, and it wasn’t just facing this world without knowing Kairi was safe. Ventus’ heart, Roxas’ heart... they were gone, too. For the first time since he started this journey, he was truly alone.

He had never known of the weight of Ven’s heart, as it had always been with him. He had never known what it was like to not feel it alongside his own. For the first time, he felt the emptiness of his heart, alone in his chest: the quiet, the stillness, the beating of a single drum. It was not so different from the time he became a heartless.

“Was it only easy until now because-... I was never by myself. From the beginning-... It was only easy because-” Sora’s words trailed off and he remembered what Riku had said to him when he had given up, when all seemed lost, and the source of his light had been taken from him.

You don’t believe that.

Sora leaned up a little so he could reach into one of the pockets on his pants and pull out Kairi’s good luck charm. One of the ceiling lights hit the crown in the center, making it shimmer. He slid his thumb over the surface of one of the shells and touched a crack that had formed in the time he had owned it. Sora couldn’t help but smile at the face that was staring back at him. He could almost hear Kairi tease him for damaging her lucky charm... his lucky charm.

“Enough,” he said again, firmly, mumbling to no one but himself. Sora wiped his face again, this time on his sleeve, smearing the fabric of his shirt roughly against his face; and, although the tears hadn’t stopped yet, he stood up. He summoned his keyblade as he approached the captain’s chair in his ship.

“Give me strength-” Sora glided the charm against the keychain on his keyblade. It flashed bright white as it took form against the chain. As it hooked onto the end, the entire keyblade lit up. In Sora’s grasp, he could feel the blade changing shape. The entire cabin was lit up with the bright light the weapon had illuminated. When it finally calmed, the Oathkeeper was in his grasp. “-show me the way... to Kairi’s heart...!”

...

... ...

...

As Sora walked along the sidewalk, he wasn’t immediately aware of what world he had ended up in, this time. It was dark and the streets were almost empty. The majority of businesses along the strip were closed for the night, except for one. Sora saw a creature clad in a fancy suit step out and casually walk by him, and encouraged him to properly look at his hands. Ah. grey fur.

Sora reached up and touched the silky smooth appendages atop his head, his spiky brown hair now transformed into something resembling fins. They were firm, like vinyl, but soft. He tugged gently on one of his ears, realizing they were now soft and fuzzy, and stuck out far from the sides of his head. So, he was back in Monstropolis?

“Donald’s magic is still with me. What a relief,” he sighed, whispering to himself. “A piece of Kairi is here, then. But... where?” Sora began wandering aimlessly down the street, helpless as to where he should even begin. After a few minutes, he wondered if he should head to Monsters Inc. But, he didn’t know which way to go, or if that was even a wise choice.

He just moved, and his feet just carried him, and he wasn’t sure if it was even the right way. His thoughts were a little unclear, other than to keep moving, to move forward, to whichever direction Kairi was. In a daze, Sora crossed the street without much thought, and was suddenly blinded by bright lights. There was a loud sound as tires screeched on the asphalt. Sora lifted his hands to shield his eyes from the brightness.

“Watch where you’re going, idiot!” an angry voice shouted at him. “Ah - uhm,” Sora stuttered, stumbling back away from the blinding light. “Sorry,” he apologized, moving out of the way. “Better be!” the driver shouted out the window as he sped by. Sora continued stepping back, out of the road, and his ankles hit the curb and he tumbled back onto his bottom.

“Omf,” he grunted as he hit the ground, his arms falling back to keep him from completely hitting the ground, catching himself on his palms. “Woah - woah - are you o-... Sora!?” a voice, a very close voice, shouted in surprise. Sora looked up from where he sat on the ground, up at a single, huge, teal eye.

“Mike?” he replied, almost in disbelief. “Yeah, ahehe,” Mike responded, smiling and laughing nervously. “What are you doing?” he asked, immediately adding on, “you look horrible.” Sora didn’t overthink Mike’s statement. He must have been right. He was alone, laying on the ground, with no idea to what he was doing. “Ah-... eh...” he mumbled.

“Hey, do you need a place to crash?” Mike asked, waving one of his skinny arms as if to single to the direction behind him. Sora’s brow curled curiously. “Crash...?” Sora questioned, tilting slightly to try to look behind Mike, to whatever he was signaling at. “Yeah, crash. Y’know, a place to stay the night?” Mike explained, bending his knees slightly so his huge eye took up more of Sora’s vision.

“O-oh! No, I couldn’t. Thank you! But, I have-” Sora’s words were silenced as Mike loudly interrupted him. “Sora, with all due respect, you look like you haven’t slept in days.” Sora smiled nervously, unaware that his toothy grin looked more like an uneasy grimace. “I’m fine. Honest,” he replied, moving to stand up properly and get his long legs out of the road. “No, you’re not,” Mike stated, matter of factly.

“Me and Sully are roommates. He’ll be happy to see ya’ again. Come on!” Mike started walking away with the utmost confidence that Sora would follow him. He was right because Sora wasted no time catching up to him. “Uhm, Mike, I can’t-” he tried, but Mike wouldn’t stop talking. “We have a really nice place. The couch folds out so you’ll have plenty of room. But, you’re so skinny, it probably wouldn’t matter anyway.”

“Mike, look, I-” Sora tried again. But, Mike carried on, “you’re pretty lucky. I just stepped out to get some things at the corner store.” It was only then that Sora realized Mike had a brown, paper bag tucked under his arm. “It’s not far away. Consider my hospitality a thank you for helping us out back then. Besides, we love company! ....usually.”

Sora felt a little helpless as he followed along, thinking about what he should have been doing, instead of what he was doing. But, he lacked the strength to tell Mike no. At least, he could visit for a bit and then leave. Honestly, he did want to see Sully again. Maybe, it would be nice: a quick get together and then he would leave and look for Kairi!

“It’s on the 3rd floor,” Mike commented as they approached a massive skyscraper. “Woah,” Sora muttered, tilting back so he could crane his neck and look up, trying to catch a glimpse of the top. He could see lights illuminated in some of the windows, so far up he almost couldn’t see. He titled back a little too far, and stumbled, trying to catch himself before he fell over.

“See? I told’ja you’re not okay,” Mike gently scolded. Sora looked over at the short cyclops, who had one hand dramatically placed on his hip... or the spot where his leg ran into his eye socket. “Ahehe,” Sora nervously laughed, rubbing a hand against the rough fin on the back of his head.

He followed Mike into the building, up the elevator, and into his apartment building. “Oohh, so this is what an apartment is!” Sora commented loudly as he stepped inside. “You didn’t know what an apartment was?” Mike asked, eyeing Sora curiously. Just as the teenager made it into the living room, Sully stepped in from the nearby hallway.

“Thought I heard a familiar voice,” he commented, his large feet gently shaking the floorboards as he walked. “Sully!” Sora exclaimed, waving at him excitedly. Mike walked by and began to remove the contents from his paper bag. He placed them on the counter, mumbling something about dinner. Sora expected Sully to question Mike as to why he was here; when he didn’t, Sora decided he wanted to explain. “Sorry for showing up unexpected. I won’t be here too long. Just - uh - thought I’d stop by and say hi before heading off.”

Sully’s smile faded, “where’ya heading off to in such a hurry?” Sora’s chipper expression also faded. For a moment, he wondered if he could come up with something on the spot; but, he decided that he’d rather tell the truth. “I’m looking for someone... someone important to me.” Sully stepped a little closer, close enough that he towered over Sora. “That explains why you look like that,” he commented, a little sadly.

“Like what?” Sora practically squeaked. “...like you haven’t stopped for a second,” Sully answered. Sora couldn’t see it, but it was particularly evident in his tired eyes. “Told’ja,” Mike quickly barked from the kitchen. Sora turned back to look at him for a second before immediately turning back to Sully. “You’re on your own with this one, huh?” the tall monster asked, turning around.

“Y-yeah...” Sora answered. “She’s all alone and I-... I gotta find her.” Sully plopped down on one of the armchairs and raised his eyebrows at Sora. “She?” he asked, in a tone Sora recognized all too well. “Ahehe,” he laughed nervously, walking over to take a seat at the couch. He leaned back and crossed one leg over the other, with his ankle resting on his knee, trying to act casual about the whole thing.

“Weeelll, what does she look liiiiike?” Mike called from the kitchen, voice drawn out and taunting. Sora jumped upright and set his foot back on the floor. He nervously scratched at his jawline with his claws. “Really blue eyes... and red hair,” he replied, looking away nervously.

“Fur, huh?” Sully replied casually, placing his hands on his lap and leaning over to try and get a glance at Sora’s blushing face. “Ehh - yeah!” Sora replied. He turned towards Sully. “Oh - and claws!” he added on, a bit too dramatically. He even extended his fingers for emphasis. Sully stared at him as if there was nothing odd about that, and Sora remembered the context of this world. He placed his hands on his lap, feeling silly.

“She sounds terrifying,” Mike commented as he approached them. “Ahehe. She is,” Sora agreed. The cyclops was holding one bowl in either hand, with another tucked into his inner elbow as he approached. Mike offered one of the bowls to Sora, and he took it hesitantly. “O-Oh! Thank you!”

“Don’t mention it,” Mike commented as he handed one to Sully. “It’s my turn to cook, which means I get to pick the channel. Hope you like Claw and Order.” Mike plopped down in an oddly shaped chair. It was curved and round, and clearly intended to fit his body shape.

Sora looked down at the bowl in his hands and realized it was stir fry noodles with bug shaped beans - at least, he hoped those were beans. “Guys, thank you so much, really, but... I really can’t stay.” Sully slurped loudly as he sucked a large portion of noodles into his mouth and Mike began fiddling with the remote, flipping through channels. “You really should get some sleep, Sora,” the blue monster encouraged.

Sora looked up at him with a surprised expression. “Sleep? But I-” Yet again, Mike interrupted him that night. “Do you even know where she is? The monster you’re looking for?” Mike asked, setting the remote control down to suck up some noodles. “I-...” Sora looked down at the bowl in his hands. “It’s written all over your face,” Sully commented. “If you keep going like this, you’re gonna collapse.”

Mike set his bowl down on the coffee table and hopped up from where he was seated. “No more excuses! You’re staying the night because I hospitably invited you over... and made my world famous noodles.” Mike didn’t immediately sit back down, but stared at Sora with a confident expression, awaiting another excuse, perhaps.

In that moment, Sora remembered that he was alone on this journey. He didn’t have Donald and Goofy to be the voice of reason anymore. He had to be that, himself. He couldn’t find Kairi is he could barely walk. That’s what Donald would say, right? And Goofy would encourage him to take it easy, not to rush.

You’re useless to her if you can barely function.

Maybe he should have realized it himself. He hadn’t slept since he defeated the new Organization XIII... since he defeated Xehanort. He hopped right into the gummy ship and took off. He was willing to keep going and going, his exhaustion be damned.

Sora took hold of the strange utensil sticking out of the noodles and scooped up a large amount. “Yessir!” he declared before slurping up the noodles in the same dramatic fashion that they had. Mike plopped back down in his silly chair, looking quite proud of himself.

They finished their noodles loudly, and Sully finished his with a dramatic belch, so loud that it shook their apartment floor. Mike chewed him out about it with a dramatic speech, something about having company and that they were going to get security called on them again, and Sora laughed the hardest he had in weeks.

That night, Sora slept soundly on a fold out couch, with his head propped on the armrest, wrapped up in a spotted green and yellow blanket. He was out like he had been put in a coma, one leg fallen over the edge of the couch and one arm propped beneath his head, snoring loudly while his ears twitched. He didn’t dream; or, if he did, he forgot about it when he woke.

...

... ...

...

"Her heart has been shattered... pieces of it must have scattered across the worlds. Sora... It isn’t safe. I can’t fathom what would happen if you keep using your keyblade to search for her... What if you-”

“I’m not afraid of what will happen to me... Kairi’s all alone. I have to find her. I promised her... I would never let her be alone ever again. I’ll do whatever it takes... no matter the consequences... I’ll make her whole again...”

...

... ...

...

“See... now you look like you could actually scare someone,” Sully commented as the trio exited the apartment complex. Sora enthusiastically stretched his arms above his head before crossing them behind his neck. He pressed his palms against the fur there and grinned. “Ya’ think so?” he replied happily.

“No,” Mike bluntly stated. “Buuut, you could make someone laugh with that ridiculous face.” Sora’s arms returned to his side and he pouted. “Ridiculous!?” he blurted, sounding childish and insulted. His ears angled downwards, further proving Mike’s point, unfortunately. “Actually, Sora, we were hoping you would come with us to work today,” Sully requested, his voice’s tone heightening slightly with hope.

“Huh?” Sora turned his attention away from the green cyclops on his right to the furry monster on his left. “Today is orientation for new employees and... Well, we’d love if you’d join us,” Sully explained. “Orientation?” Sora asked. When Mike began talking, Sora looked to him again. “Since we don’t scare anymore, we get a lot more job applicants. We do orientation to see if they got what it takes, ya’ know?”

“-and, well, we know you’re looking for someone,” Sully began, “but, you said you don’t know where to begin, right?” Sora turned back to Sully and nodded. “Soooo, we could help you look... after orientation,” Mike finished. Sora stopped walking and the other two also paused some footsteps ahead him. They looked back at the monster with the spiky head, who had one hand under his chin, eyes glossy as he stared blindly into the distance, thinking.

“My heart will guide me to Kairi,” he thought to himself. “My heart brought me here... Should I...?” Sora exchanged glances between Sully and Mike, and was taken aback by their hopeful stares. It seemed like destiny that he reunited with them, especially like this. Maybe-... maybe it was a chance worth taking, that may or may not bring him to Kairi.

Finally, Sora nodded enthusiastically. “Sure!”

...

... ...

...

Orientation was somehow exactly what Sora expected it to be, and somehow not at all. There were a lot of monsters here: some really large ones that barely fit in the doors, some small ones that looked like they got stepped on a lot. Some monsters were furry, some covered in thick scales, some completely hairless. Some monsters had horns or claws, while others had multiple eyeballs... or no eyeballs.

But, Sora wasn’t the least perturbed by the strange creatures all around him. They were normal people, deep down, people with hearts trying to find their way in the world. Rather, the entire experience was fast paced and a bit overwhelming.

The factory was bringing in doors like crazy and the monsters were in and out of them quickly while workers measured their ability to fill the tanks with children’s laughter. Mike and Sully didn’t seem at all overwhelmed by all of this. They walked along, monitored, sometimes examined the clipboards, sometimes gave advice, while Sora scurried along behind them, unsure of what to do himself.

At one point, Mike and Sully paused to monitor one of the potential hires. Sora stood behind Mike and leaned over him to properly get a look at what he was doing. “This one’s a tough one,” one of the monsters had said. He was holding a clipboard, and wearing a shirt that had the company logo on it. “Are you sure you don’t want an easier one? Most guys can’t get this kid to crack a smile.”

“Yeah I totally got this!” another monster proclaimed cheerfully, standing directly in front of the door, waiting for permission to enter. The monster holding the clip board scratched one of his seven eyeballs, humming with uncertainty. “Alright, kid. Show us what you got.” With great enthusiasm, the younger monster bolted into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. There was a moment of silence as everyone waited and stared at the meter on the power tube.

A very long minute passed and then laughter could be heard, bellowing and dramatic, like it had been long awaited, and the tube filled up almost instantly. Shortly afterward, the monster exited the room, panting dramatically. He shut the door behind himself and leaned against it. The monsters that had gathered around to watch began clapping and cheering.

“Good job, kid!” Sully congratulated him. “Keep up the good work,” he added, walking on to the next door before the kid could get a chance to properly react. Sora picked up the pace to keep up with Sully and Mike as they moved along the factory. Eventually, they got to the end of the row. A door was placed in the framework, but the light was off. A monster was crawling all around the metal frame, trying to figure out what was wrong with it.

“Oh!” he exclaimed when he realized he had an audience. “Sorry, boss. I guess this one is defective?” He climbed off the framework and approached Sully and Mike. Sora glanced at the door and saw the light catch a mark in the wood. “Huh,” he mumbled before doing a double take. Sora stepped around Sully and approached the door.

He leaned down on one knee to look at it properly. There were three marks in the wood, right on top of each other, made with a graphite pencil most likely. Sora placed a furry hand on the wood as he examined the marks. There was one line with a tiny “R” etched in next to it. The line beneath that one had a “K” next to it; and, then, at the bottom, barely a centimeter beneath the middle line, had an “S”.

Familiar.

“Hey, Sully,” Sora began as he stood up properly, turning his direction to the conversing monsters and interrupting them. They stopped talking for a moment to look at him. “Can I do this one?” Sora asked. “Uh. Sure? If you can get it to work,” Sully replied, nodding at the monster in the hardhat. He scuttled over to the control panel and disconnected the framework from the door and then reconnected it.

Sora stared at the light above the door with a hopeful gaze. Somehow, he felt a connection to this door. His heart pounded anxiously in his chest as he waited, watching the light with unwavering stare. It took a moment; but, this time, it did light up. He smiled and wordlessly stepped inside, wondering what awaited him.

It was dark in the little bedroom; but, Sora’s monster eyes could see through the darkness. The room was what you would expect of a child’s bedroom; there were some toys left on the floor, stuffed animals propped up on the top of the drawers, a little wood table with crayons and drawing paper scattered on the surface, a small chair jutting out. As soon as he entered, a little girl stood up from her bed and turned on the light at the side table, illuminating the room in a dull, orange hue. She stared up at him, innocent blue eyes blinking and red hair a mess around her shoulders.

“It’s not nice to barge into someone’s room,” she gently criticized. Sora’s ears perked up and his mouth fell open. That wasn’t exactly what he expected her to say. Then again, that did seem perfectly fitting. He closed his mouth and descended to the floor, plopping down on his bottom and crossing his legs at his ankles to get somewhat close to her level. “I didn’t barge in. I entered normally,” he replied, tone soft yet with a childish, chipper attitude.

“I didn’t say you could come in,” she replied, pointing an accusing finger. “Oh! Well... can I come in?” Sora requested, placing his hands innocently in front of him on the floor. The little girl tapped a finger against her chin and looked away, thinking intently. “I guuuuesss,” she replied, “just cuz you’re already in here.”

Sora smiled and tilted his head to the side, “thank you.” There was a moment of silence as the two stared at each other, and she contemplated whether or not she wanted to walk up to him. Sora’s ears twitched again, and that seemed to encourage her to approach him. The little girl tilted her head to get a proper look at his face.

“Why don’t you have a nose?” she asked, pointing at her own nose to make a point. Sora hummed thoughtfully for a moment. “Someone pulled it off,” he replied casually, albeit a bit dramatically. The girl giggled briefly, and chastised him, "noses don’t just fall off, stupid.” Sora gasped dramatically. “They can!” he defensively replied, lifting one of his hands in a menacing way.

The girl giggled some more, covering her nose with both hands just to be certain. “Maaaaybe, that’s why I’m here. I’m looking for a new nose,” Sora explained. “-and I’ll get it by scaring it off of you!” he added dramatically, raising both of his hands above his head and showing off his claws. The girl removed her hands from her face and grinned at him. “You’re not scary!” she accused bravely, mimicking his pose with her own little arms. “I’m not!?” Sora gasped, clutching at his chest with his hands.

“Ah uh!” she proclaimed. “You couldn’t scare a fly!” Sora gasped again and pouted at her. “Not true! I could be scary. Watch!” Sora lowered his head slightly, just enough to ensure the girl couldn’t see his face. He waited for a moment, keeping his head held low. In the corner of his eye, he could see her tilting down to try and steal a glance at his face.

He lifted his head, dramatically squealing, “eeeeeee!” with his eyes looking upwards, his smile showing a toothy grin, and his ears turned up as far as he could make them go. The girl’s laughter echoed in the small bedroom and she chanted at him, “you look silly, not scary!” Sora’s face returned to normal for a moment, and he replied, “nah - uh! This is super scary!” He repeated his actions, this time sticking his tongue out. It was long and pink, and dangled off the edge of his jawline. “Eeeww!” she hollered between her laughter.

Sora’s expression softened and he smiled at the girl as her laughter died into giggles. “Sora makes that face at me, too,” she commented. Sora’s eyes widened and he gasped, “huh?” She smiled at him, clutching a tiny hand to her chest. “Kairi-?” he whispered. Her body began to glow, a light that flickered and shined, but soon faded along with her form. He felt the light seep into his own body as she disappeared before his very eyes, leaving behind a faint giggle that, too, quickly faded.

Sora smiled and stood up. As if it was contagious, he began to gently laugh, as well. It didn’t last long, before confidence swelled up inside him. “Wait for me, Kairi. I’ll find you: all of you.” He turned to the closet door and stepped out of the bedroom and back into Monsters Inc. As soon as he stepped out, he was met with confused gasps and stares.

“Huh?” Sora turned back to the door and found there was nothing on the other side. He could see right through it to the opposite end of the factory. “Uhm...” he mumbled, turning back to face the others. “It was defective,” he explained. “Hm. Odd,” Sully commented, scratching at his jawline. “Better shred it,” he directed to the monster in the hardhat. Sora closed the door and looked down at the etchings in the wood. He smiled, almost wanting to hold onto it for a little longer, but stepped away.

...

... ...

...

“Are you sure you’re good to go on without us?” Sully asked, looking down at Sora with uncertainty. “Yeah! I’ll be fine,” Sora reassured him with a confident smile. Everyone was gathered in the main entryway at Monsters Inc, grabbing the paperwork that told them if they were hired or not. “I think I needed this,” Sora explained, a soft smile on his face. He looked around at all the happy faces around him.

“You didn’t do too bad for a rookie,” Mike explained. “Only one of those kids didn’t laugh at you.” Sora grimaced at the memory. “That kid was scarier than me!” he shrieked, shuddering at the thought of facing off against that kid with the braces again. “I’d rather face the heartless,” he mumbled to himself. Sully laughed and roughly patted him on the back. “You did good. I’d offer you a job if you were going to stay.”

Sora looked up at him, ears perky and smiling, “really!?” Sully nodded, laughing at his enthusiasm. Sora stepped around Sully so he was standing more directly in front of him and Mike. “Guys... thanks for all this, really.” The two stared at him for a moment, briefly lost in awe at his sincerity. Then, suddenly, Mike blew raspberries. “What are ya’ getting all sappy for? You had some fun, we got some energy... and we didn’t have to pay you for it...”

“I could’ve gotten paid!?” Sora exclaimed, flailing his arms. “Heh. Not a chance,” Sully replied, placing a heavy hand on the top of his head and giving a gentle shove. “You got paid in noodles and a couch,” Mike informed him, crossing his arms and grinning, proudly. Sora regained his composure and pouted, also crossing his arms. “All according to plan?” he asked, and Mike bluntly replied, “exactly.” Sully started laughing and the other two immediately joined in.

Sora could feel the warm spreading inside his heart, and he was confident he would find the rest of Kairi.

[joohoneyhoe]

You Are My Life: Three

Why is it you? I’m going crazy. What is this? I think I’ve fallen for you.

[song inspiration: Flume - Say It Feat. Tove Lo]

| One | Two | Three | Four |

info: lee jooheon x oc genre: single dad!au, boxer!au, a lot of fucking angst, suggested smut word count: 6.1k

{Monday}

I was wandering around putting away weights, waiting for Ozzy to show up. My eyes glanced over to the clock, it was already past four and it was the first time she had ever been late for a session. I brushed my worries aside and just continued the task at hand. By the time I had finished and began wrapping my wrist, it was nearly four fifteen.

Just as I pulled out my phone to call her, the door chimed and in she came. I immediately noticed that she looked tired, her eyes red and her cheeks flushed. She didn’t even look up at me as she approached, her shoulders not carrying their usual confidence, but slumped slightly. She looked almost defeated in a sense, like she had been knocked down one peg too many. Once her eyes finally met mine, I gave her a small smile and a slight wave, but received nothing in return.

It hurt, but I carried on with my job anyway.

“You ready to practice some new drills tonight?” I asked cheerfully, trying to lighten the strange mood permeating my gym.

“I suppose so.” she muttered, wrapping her wrist with ease as she spoke. My eyes dragged over her, trying to figure out if her behavior was because of what I had done on Saturday or something else. I felt a knot in the pit of my stomach, making anxiousness well up within me.

“Is everything alright, Ozzy?” I inquired finally, approaching her with caution. “Yeah, it’s fine, Jooheon. Can we just get started?” her answer was curt, it immediately shutting down the conversation.

“Sure. No problem.” I swiftly walked away from her, shoving my feelings deep down and ignoring them so I could make it through this session. Though, I had a hard time turning off my brain, it telling me I fucked something up over and over again as she followed me to the ring.

We started our session without a single word exchanged, bringing the focus mitts in and working there before we moved on. Her shots were halfhearted and weak, which was not like her at all. I kept that going for longer than usual, hoping to stir a fire in her.

It never came.

Finally I tossed away the focus mitts, my frustration starting to seep out in my mannerisms. I grabbed my gloves and got into defensive mode. She didn’t even bother, just got into her stance and waited for me to go for her. I shook my head, letting out a loud huff as I swung at her ribs, it landing perfectly, but not too hard as usual. She bit her lip, stepping back, but her defenses were still down. I swung again and she failed to block it for a second time, not even attempting to move away. I stopped what I was doing, ripped my gloves off and threw them aside, marching up to her, her eyes downcast.

“Ozzy, you’re not even trying to block me. Your shots are sloppy, your defense isn’t up and you won’t even look at me. What is going on? Did I do something?” I exclaimed, waving my arms in frustration as I stared down at her.

“No. I’m just-I’m just having kind of a shit day, okay.” she snapped, that feisty look coming back into her eyes for a brief second. I sighed loudly, realizing my temper had gotten the best of me. “I’m sorry. We don’t have to keep going if you don’t want to.” I quickly apologized, trying to set my actions right.

“You know, I think it’s best if I take the week off. I’ll still pay for all my sessions, I’m just not up to it right now. I’m sorry.” she stated, swiftly ducking out of the ring and heading to her gym bag. I followed closely behind her, confused and wondering what it was I had done or what could have happened to make her act this way.

“You sure you’re okay?” she spun around, looking up at me with watery eyes, her face flushed once again. I immediately regretted my hasty reaction, seeing that she truly was upset about something and I had obviously made it worse. “No, not really. But, what can you do about my ex-husband who decided to show back up after three years? Not much.” she blurted, taking a hold of her bag and hoisting it over her shoulder.

“I-I’m sorry, Ozzy.”

“Nothing to be sorry about, Jooheon. Just something I have to handle.” she said softly as she wiped a stray tear away from her cheek. “Is there anything I can do?” I offered, stepping a little closer, but she took a step back. “You’ve done enough.”

I felt her words hit my chest like a ton of bricks, feeling as if it was being crushed by the weight of her words. “Okay, just let me know when you’re ready to come back. I’ll be here.” I reassured in a soft voice, my throat feeling very dry all of a sudden.

“Yeah, see ya.” 

I sat down on the bench her bag had been on and one of the bars instantly snapped and sent me tumbling onto the ground. I just spread myself out against the cold cement in defeat, arms and legs spread out like a starfish.

“Of fucking course.”

{Wednesday}

“Heyyy, you called and I am here!” Wonho proclaimed as he rapped on my door frame. I didn’t even glance up from my paperwork to acknowledge him.

“Hey, Wonho.” he ignored my moodiness and went and sat himself down in Shownu’s chair, dropping his bag of welding gear onto the floor beside him. He spun a few times, his long black hair spinning with him.

“Where is Ozzy at? I thought you were giving her after hours sessions for the next like, six months. I was looking forward to seeing her. It’s been a while since I’ve been down to the shop.” he questioned, stopping finally to face me. I continued to not look at him, knowing he would be able to tell I was upset the minute we made eye contact.

“Oh, um, she took the week off. Said she had some shit she had to straighten out. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just her instructor.” he leaned as far over as he could, angling his head to look me in the eyes and I ignored him.

“Dude, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Anyway, one of my benches rusted out and snapped, luckily it was on me and not a client. Do you think you can fix it?” I requested as I stood up, shutting my laptop and walking out of my office to said bench. Wonho trailed close behind me, his gear in tow.

“Jooheon-”

I turned and faced him finally, my face showing my disinterest in the conversation he was trying to have with me. “Look, I really don’t want to talk about it. I’ll wave your gym membership for the rest of the year if you fix the bench and let this one go for now.” he scoffed at me, sliding his leather jacket off and throwing it over to the nearest surface, revealing his muscle tank underneath that displayed all his hard work in my gym as of late. 

“You’re not waving my fee for the year. Just a month and I’ll have it fixed within the hour.” he told me with a wide grin right before bringing the visor down on his welding mask.

“Thank you, Wonho.”

“Anytime.”

I walked away, leaving him to do his work while I went back to my office and moped some more. I slumped back down into my chair, eyes wandering over the paperwork on my desk, immediately spotting Ozzy’s information. I picked up the document, eyes scanning over it for the millionth time that day. Nothing was different on it, so why did I keep looking at it? 

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“Hey, your bench is fixed, man.” Wonho said as he popped his head into my office, his bare arms all covered in residual soot marks from where he was welding, his helmet still on his head. I set my pen down and turned to face him, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Awesome, I can’t thank you enough for constantly fixing my busted ass shit.” I thanked him as he walked in and sat back down in Shownu’s chair for the second time today. “Seriously, stop thanking me for this crap. You feed me, let me crash on your couch when I get too shitfaced and basically give me a free gym membership. We’re square.”

“If you insist.”

“You sure you don’t wanna talk about what’s bothering you?” he probed, leaning back in the chair as he draped his arms over the armrest.

“Free membership for next month revoked.” I told him, kicking his foot in the process. “Come on, Jooheon. I know something is really bothering you. You haven’t acted like this since the divorce. What the fuck happened?” he continued, kicking me back. I let out a loud sigh as I rubbed my face with my hands in frustration.

“I’m an idiot is what fucking happened.”

“Does this have to do with Ozzy?” he inquired, his eyebrow raising suspiciously. “Sure does.” I replied, my tone short. “What, you like her?” he said with a snort as he took a drink from his water bottle, like he almost couldn’t believe it.

“Like her, I had my tongue down her throat five days ago.”

He proceeded to spit his water out, making me jerk back so he wouldn’t hit me with it. Promptly he wiped his face and set the bottle down, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “What?!” he finally questioned me, eyebrows raised. “It’s a long story.”

“No, no, no! You can’t tell me you guys were playing tonsil hockey and then not explain how you got there!” he exclaimed loudly, flinging his arms around like a toddler. “It’s irrelevant.”

“Like fuck it is! Do you know how many guys I’ve seen try to get her to even talk to them?! So many, dude. And now you’re telling me, you’ve had your tongue, in her mouth, without context? Nope. Need the whole story.” he demanded unwaveringly.

“Jesus…” I complained, throwing my head back dramatically.

“Just tell me what happened, Jooheon. I want to help.”

“Fine. Um, I guess it started when I ran into her at the grocery store with the girls.” I began, leaning forward to try and get more comfortable, but I was quickly interrupted. “The girls have met her?!”

“If you would shut the fuck up and listen for a minute, I'd tell you.” I scolded him, hitting his arm with a resounding smack against the skin. He flinched and rubbed the spot, jutting his lip out as he pouted. “Sorry, I’m done.”

“Anyway, we ran into her, Jee being Jee, invited her to just come over. Well, that turned into Ozzy offering to do a warrior tea party with them at their request. So, I figured she was just being nice to them and didn’t mean it. But, Friday she came in for her session and brought it up, asking when we could do it. Well, I agreed to do it Saturday, she showed up at eight like she said she would and then ended up taking both girls to her house until like eight that night.

I literally slept all day, only waking up when she would text me with updates. I woke up around nine to her standing over me, trying to get me up. She had bathed the girls and bought them new pajamas before bringing them back, and then put them to bed all on her own.”

“You’re gonna fucking marry her, right?” he interjected with a smirk.

“What did I say about listening?”

“Sorry. Continue.” he apologized again, folding his hands together in his lap as he sat back.

“Anyway, she had brought me dinner and had it all warmed up for me and shit. I asked her if she wanted to just hang out and watch a movie with me. I was surprised she even said yes after having the girls for like, twelve hours, but she did. So, we watched a movie and at the end I kinda told her I wanted to...kiss her. She asked what I was waiting for and then it escalated from there.” my eyes wandered up from my shoes, finally meeting his and hoping he wouldn’t press for more details than that.

“Escalated how exactly?”

“None of your fucking business.”

He snorted, his lip curling like I was the asshole. “I mean did you sleep with her?” I shot him a look of irritation, scowling deeply as my nose scrunched up all on it’s own. “No, I did not sleep with her. We just...fooled around and then she went home. But, things were fine when she left and she acted as if she wanted to do it again.”

“Does Changkyunie know you wanna fuck his boss?”

“I’m going to murder you if you don't shut the fuck up. Anyway, she came in on Monday and all of a sudden it was like the air had been turned on. She didn’t even greet me the way she usually does. So, I’m thinking I’ve obviously fucked up. Then halfway through the session, I ask her if she was alright and she just said she decided she should take the week off. Something to do with her ex resurfacing and fucking up her week. I mean, that could be true, but to me, it just looks like I royally fucked this. 

And man, I really, really fucking like her. I don’t-I don’t know what to do.” I flopped against my chair, head hanging off the back as my arms dangled over the sides. I felt completely and utterly stupid after explaining what had happened.

“I think you should just give her time. I’m sure she just needs a bit to get her head straight. She hasn’t been with anyone since her ex-husband and I’m sure it’s a bit different for her, just as it is for you. Just be patient, give her the space she needs and she’ll come back around when she’s ready.” he rested his hand on my knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“How are you so stupid all the time, and yet you always have the best advice?”

“Well that was just rude.” I let out a laugh at the pathetic look taking over his features, clapping him on the back before sitting comfortably again. “Thanks for listening, man. I’m sorry I was such a dick about it earlier.”

“I get it, and you know I’m always here for you. Stupid or not.”

“I know you are, on both accounts.” I teased, him shooting me a frown in return.

“Firstly, I resent that and secondly, I’m gonna head home now, you should too. Call me if you need me.” he gave my knee one more squeeze before he got up, gathered his gear and walked towards the door.

“Okay, I will.”

“I mean it!” he shouted as he proceeded out the exit, making me laugh.

“Get the fuck outta here already!” I hollered back, him flipping me the bird before the door slammed shut behind him. I let out a heavy sigh, looking down at all he shit on my desk. I took a hand through my hair, brushing the long strands away from my eyes, feeling even more defeated now than I had earlier. I slumped back down into my chair, covering my face with my hands.

“FUCK!”

{Sunday}

"Daddy?" "Yes, baby bun?" I looked up from my plate to meet Dae’s gaze, her big brown eyes giving off a distressed look, making my heart leap into my throat immediately.

"Why doesn't mommy live with us now?" and there it was, the question I had been dreading since we moved out of Joy and I’s once shared home. I set my fork down, pushing my plate aside to give her my undivided attention.

"Well, sometimes mommies and daddies don't live together anymore. They sometimes grow apart and it's best to live separately. Does that make sense?" I told her gently, reaching over to take her hand. "Why don't we see her though?" there was the other question I had been dreading. "Mommy is very busy with her job, baby bun. It's not that she doesn't want to." 

"But you're busy with your job and we see you. Uncle Changkyunie, uncle Wonho, and uncle Shownu are busy with their jobs and we see them. Does she not want to see us anymore?" she argued, her little eyebrows knitting together. "That-that's not it, Dae. Her job is just very different than ours is all. You'll see her soon." 

"I don't want to see her." my eyes flew to my other daughter, my stomach turning at her harsh words towards her mother. "Jee, why would you say that?" "Because she doesn't love you anymore and I love you. She should love you too. I don't want to see her until she loves you again." my heart broke, for her and Dae, knowing that there was no explaining this to them right now. “Honey, mommy doesn't have to love daddy if she doesn't feel that way anymore and that's okay. Daddy understands.”

“Well, I don't. Can't Ozzy love you?”

“Love bug, that isn't how it works. Ozzy is just my fr...my client.”

“But I like her and she makes you smile. I like it when you smile. I want her to love you and make you smile all the time.” she stated, pushing her plate away forcefully, it clanking against the baking dish in the middle of the table.

“Jee...I-I’m sorry.” my voice cracked, my eyes watering as I looked over her beautiful little face. Her eyes began to well with tears, my hand reaching out to brush her bangs from her eyes.

“I want a mommy! Why can't I have one?!” she shouted, scaring Dae in the process.

“Jee, you have a mommy and she loves you very much.”

“No she doesn't! If she did, she wouldn't have forgotten about me.” she wailed, tears streaking down her now flushed cheeks. There it was, my four year old daughter already making connections no child should have to make so soon.

“Don't cry, Jee. Please...” her sister pleaded, her own tears now cascading down her face.

I got out of my chair, quickly bending down and turning her to look at me, my thumbs wiping away the tears. “Jee, I need you to listen to me. I love you so much, and your mommy loves you just as much. I'm sorry she has to work as often as she does, but that doesn't mean she's forgotten about you or your sister. She loves you both, I promise.” she sat there silently for a moment, then flung her little arms around my neck and hugged me tightly.

“I'm tired, daddy.” she confessed, burying her face in my neck. I felt Dae’s little arms attempt to wrap around my waist from behind, her cheek pressed against my spine. “Me too, daddy.”

I pulled both girls away from me, helped Jee down from her chair and swiftly picked up both of my babies and held them close. Their little hands clasped together, resting against my chest as they lay their heads on my shoulder. My tears couldn’t be stopped anymore and I just let them fall freely down my face as I hugged them tightly, never wanting to let go.

“Alright, let's get you both to bed then.”

After putting the girls to bed, I found myself pacing my room restlessly. My mind on overdrive, trying to think of ways to explain to my children what has been happening. How do you explain any of this to two four year olds? The reality was that they shouldn’t even have to be in this sort of situation. They didn’t ask to be born, to be disregarded by their mother because they weren’t male. They were innocent children that only wanted the love of their parents, and right now they were only getting one out of two.

I felt a panic rising up in me, my breathing becoming shallow. I had no way to calm myself down because I couldn't leave and go do what I normally would, which was lay into a punching bag for an hour or so. I pulled my phone from my back pocket, finding the contact I needed. It barely rang twice before he picked up.

“Yellow!” Wonho greeted me happily, far too awake for this time of night. Though he was probably in his garage doing something with his welder that he shouldn’t.

“Hey man, I know it's kind of late and out of the blue, but can you come sit at the house while I go to the gym? Girls are asleep and I-I need to um-” he cut me off, his tone calm. “Dude, you don't even have to explain. I'll be there in ten.”

“Thank you, Wonho.” I replied with a sigh of relief.  

“That's what friends are for, man. See you in a few.”

My bare fist crashed against the punching bag, sweat dripping from every pore as I punched relentlessly. Every clash of my knuckles against the leather bag sent a jolt through my entire arm, reminding me that I was still alive and could feel things other than hurt and pain. I jerked my wet bangs from my eyes, narrowing in on the bag as my shoeless foot came up to land a kick to the top of it, another jolt soaring through my calf all the way up my thigh.

I kept going, kept punching and kicking with all my might, my frustration slowly dissipating as I worked myself into a frenzy. I was so focused on what I was doing that I didn’t hear the bell to the front door chime and someone come in.

“Jooheon?”

“O-ozzy, what are you doing here?” that voice I had been wanting to hear all week rang out in the large gym, making me stop mid punch.

She approached me slowly, her hands in the back pockets of her gray skinny jeans, converse scuffing along the floor. “I was at the shop drawing and lost track of time. I saw the lights on when I was going by and decided to check and make sure everything was alright since it’s,” she glanced down at her watch. “One in the morning on a Sunday. Are you okay?”

I pushed away from the bag, walking up to her and taking a deep breath in. She didn’t shy away this time, instead she met my gaze with a sympathetic look. My brow furrowed in frustration and confusion at her presence, wondering why she suddenly cared if I was okay or not.

“No. No I'm not okay. My children essentially don't have a mother and I have to explain to them why. I have to see them making the connection that their mom doesn't give a flying fuck about them. That no matter what I say to reassure them that she does, one day they'll just realize it all on their own. I'm raising twin four year old girls alone, balancing them, a business, finances and everything by myself. I'm tired and yet I can't sleep. I don't have time to even think about meeting anyone, because I'm literally always here. And when I do finally meet someone, I fuck it up tremendously. This will be my life for the next fourteen years, me, alone.”

Her hand reached up to touch my cheek, her fingers soft against my damp skin. I leaned into it without even thinking, eyes closing as I relished in her gentle touch. “I don't believe that for a second, Jooheon. You shouldn't either. Any woman would be honored to have you as their significant other. I know I would be.” I looked down at her, meeting those eyes that were as blue as the Caribbean sea on a sunny day.

“That's the other thing. I fucking like you, Ozzy. But for the life of me, I can't figure out if you feel the same. You're so honest and open, but at the same time, you're closed off and careful too. After that night at my house, you just-you acted like you were upset with me. Like, maybe I had overstepped my bounds and you decided it was a dumb idea to do what we did. I-I didn't know what to think after that. I feel like I'm reading into something that's not there, because it's been so goddamn long since I've tried to date anyone. Fuck.

I just-I’m confused.”

Her hand remained perched along my cheek, her thumb rubbing it tenderly. I reached up and covered it with my own, fingers gently feeling the faintly raised skin from her tattoo, a sensation I had come to enjoy.

“Jooheon, you are the first man I've put this much effort into spending time with since I met my ex-husband ten years ago. I know you couldn't possibly know that, because I haven't told you. But, it's true. That night was probably the most fun I’ve had since I was a teenager. Afterwords, I didn't quite know what to do or whether or not I had overstepped my bounds.

Then my ex-husband showed up out of fucking nowhere, put it into my head that no one else would ever want me again and I panicked. I let him get to me, even after all these years. I thought the best thing to do would be to step away and clear my head. I didn't want you to do something you would regret later. You haven't been separated as long as I have, and I obviously still struggle with all of this. I didn't want to push you into anything too quickly. So, I'm sorry if it seems like I'm so hot and cold with you, it's been my defense mechanism for years after being married to the type of man I was for so long.” she explained, my hand leaving hers as she slowly dropped her own down to my throat, fingers curling around the nape of my neck and toying with my hair.

“What happened with him, Ozzy?”

She let out a long breath, her eyes moving down to my chest, her other hand coming up to trace along the lines of my tattoos, following them like a path. The sensation of her long nude nails against my naked flesh raised goosebumps, my nipples perking almost instantly, but I didn’t stop her. She appreciated the ink along my skin just as much as I did hers.

“What happened was I woke up from the fantasy world I had created in my head. One that wasn't really a fantasy at all, but a nightmare. He controlled everything I did, said and wore. I was a trophy, not a wife. I thought he loved me, blinded by the way he had treated me in the beginning of our relationship, even though looking back, all the signs were there. He loved the title of perfect husband and wife. It made him look good.

In the beginning, it was a love like I never thought I would experience in my lifetime. In the end, it was just a charade. He just needed someone next to him to make him look like the perfect family man for his family's business, and me being white helped with international business. He didn't love me. I was just someone there to show he was perfect and could have the perfect wife, a fucking prop if you will. He didn't even use my real name in public, he used my middle name, Anne. I was so goddamn stupid for not seeing it.

He controlled every little detail of my life, right down to the makeup I wore and how I fucked him. Which by the way, was the most boring sex of my entire life and it only got worse as time went on. I could go on and on about what a horrible and selfish lover he was. So bad that I haven't fucked anyone since I left him. I had a better orgasm with you just fooling around than I ever did with him, and that even includes the beginning of our relationship. But, this is beside the point.

The last year of our marriage I began going against him in every way possible. How I dressed changed back to the way I had always done it. No more overpriced dresses, slacks and whatever other ugly expensive bullshit I was forced to wear. It was back to holy jeans, giant t-shirts and converse. I basked in how much he hated it. I started changing my makeup the way I wanted and got my piercings back.

Then he began to totally isolate me to the house, not taking me out in public with him anymore at all. The final straw was when I got a huge thigh tattoo, the skull of a cat. He lost it and I said fuck you and left. I never looked back and that was almost three years ago. So, here I am, standing in front of you pouring my heart out, because I like you and I want to be completely transparent with you. This is all so new to me, but I'm pushing aside my anxiousness for this, because I think it could work. So, that's my story. This is why I am who I am.”

Her hand rested against my chest now, her palm feeling as if it was burning my still sweat slicked skin as the other laced our fingers together. I reached up and brushed the pads of my fingers along her jaw, her skin soft against my calloused hand.

“I'm sorry, Ozzy. You didn't deserve any of that. I can’t imagine you any other way than as the woman standing in front of me. I can’t even fathom trying to dim who you really are, because it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever encountered. You’re the type of genuine, kind and strong willed woman I want my girls to be one day. You should be celebrated, not hidden away. Period.”

“I think we both deserved a lot better than what we put up with for all those years, Jooheon. But without those hard years, we wouldn't have become the people we are right now.” she pointed out with a weak smile, her eyes roaming my face.

“My ex-wife...she-she did all the same things to me, controlled and manipulated everything and anything I did. It wasn’t like that at the very beginning of our relationship, but she had just started up her company then and wasn’t the cold, calculated and calloused woman she is today. We were together for ten years and the last six were the hardest for me. She convinced me that she wanted to have children, that she wanted to have a family with me. But, what she really wanted was someone to pass her legacy on to as her business began to grow, and nothing more.

We tried for nearly two years to have the girls and then ended up having to go through In Vitro Fertilization to even conceive. It took five times for it to actually take. But, as soon as she found out the twins weren’t boys, her entire demeanor towards her pregnancy changed. She didn't even hold them when they came out, she refused and I took them both, never leaving their side unless I was forced to. From that day forward, I was simply the babysitter, they were my problem and she was just the provider. It obviously took its toll on me and my girls, considering the state we’re in today.

But you, you came in here the way you did, strong, honest, kind, funny and just a breath of fresh air and you blew my mind. I haven’t looked at a woman the way I looked at you in over ten years. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner and you seemed so...out of reach to me, until that night at my house. And then-then suddenly it felt as if I had blown the only chance I may have had with you. So now, here we are, telling each other all the fucking bullshit we’ve dealt with over the course of the last ten years and I still feel like a fuck up.”

Suddenly, her lips were on mine, arms around my neck as she pulled me against her. My hands instantly moved to her waist, digits splaying out along her back as she pressed herself against me. Her tongue slipped past the seam of my lips, my stomach becoming tight and filled with butterflies as it always did when she kissed me this way. Her hand slipped into my hair, fingers tangling into the sweat ridden strands.

“What was that for?” I questioned once she had parted from me slightly, her warm breath tickling my lips.

“To show you that I really like you too, Jooheonie. So much, and I’m sorry for making you feel the way you did. That was never what I wanted to happen. There is so much about you that I enjoy, admire even. And it makes me want to be near you as much as I can. Honestly, It scared me how quickly I began to like you and how easily I became attracted, like almost instantly. It freaked me out and after we fooled around, it scared me even more and I disappeared, and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry, but this totally freaks me out.” she explained softly, her lips brushing along mine as she spoke.

“You don't need to be sorry, I really do get it. This freaks me the fuck out too. But, I like you. I'd rather feel like this, than what I felt the last 6 years of my one sided marriage. I want you because I think we could really do this and enjoy each other like we do already. I just-I like you so much, Ozzy. My kids like you, and to me that is important. God I feel like an asshole saying all of this out loud.” I said with a chuckle as my head tilted towards the ceiling, her fingers still interlocked in my hair.

She pulled me back down to look at her, a smile on her beautiful face. “Well, don't, because I really do feel the same. I want to do this with you, with your girls.” she informed me, giving me a chaste kiss. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

I darted for her lips again, cupping her jaw roughly as I pushed her towards the wall near the punching bag. Once her back hit the cement, her hands grabbed my face as she tilted her head to deepen our heated kiss. My free hand slipped under her t-shirt, gripping her hip as I pressed my groin into her, a small moan leaving her lips.

“Fuck, I've been wanting to taste your lips again since you left my house eight days ago. Why are you so addicting?” I told her after I pulled away, my hand traveling along her lower back now, fingers toying with the waist of her jeans.

“I could easily ask you the same. Monday all I wanted to do was feel your hands all over me again, your lips and anything else you could give me. I still do.” she admitted as her hands slid down my chest to my hips, fingers digging into my skin.

“Fuck, come here.”

I grabbed the bottom of her shirt and tugged it off, throwing it behind me carelessly as I began mouthing along her shoulders, hands beginning to unbutton her jeans. Her head rested against the surface behind her, hands holding my neck as I kissed every tattoo my lips could reach. Once her jeans were undone, she shoved me away, giving me a devilish smirk.

“I’ll have you know, I’m not into passionate slow sex. I had enough of that bullshit and not cumming for ten years. If you’re going to fuck me, you better commit.” she ordered, her eyes now dark like a stormy sea, blown out in lust.

“Oh, don’t you worry about that. I’m going to fucking tear you apart."

[thewildheroine]

Fly Away |Seven|

Warnings: Language

Words: 3209

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader (Slow Burn)

A/N: Oh wow. I definitely procrastinated on this. Sorry... I’ve been really stressed coming back to school and I’m having a few issues with my friends right now. Ergh. Anyways I really am so glad to have people following because they enjoy the stories I’ve been writing and also the response to my one shot requests! It really does make my day and make me feel so much better when I see how many people enjoy my work. THANK YOU! And just a quick reminder this is definitely a longer fanfiction. When I say longer I mean probably over 15 because I really REALLY want to develop other non-romantic relationships in this story. 

|Masterlist|

|Part Five| |Part Six| |Part Eight|

I’m stretched out on a soft couch, feeling the sun shine down on my skin, warming my body up under the rays of pure light. In my lap is a new book, the sleeve already taken off and placed on the nearest safe surface to keep it from getting ruined. Just behind me, I can hear my mom and dad giggling happily. It’s probably because she managed to make one of her funniest jokes yet.

“Y/N!” she shouts at me through happy tears. “Come here darling I want to tell you something.” I groan dramatically and toss my book onto the cushion before getting up. Before I step in I hide the smile with an annoyed look. Both of their hands are connected on the middle of the wooden table, playing joyfully with each other’s fingers.

“What is it?” I drop into a chair carelessly and smile through the hair that tumbles in front of my face. My mom opens her mouth to talk, but stops suddenly, her eyes caught on something behind me. I twist around nervously and look for whatever she’s watching but I only see the wall.

When I look back both of my parents are staring past me and at the wall. “Mom?” I whisper. “Dad?” Suddenly both of their faces turn to me in complete sync, and I fall back in my chair a little. They both stand, just as simultaneously as before, a green mist beginning to drop from the corner of their eyes.

“Out,” they mumble to me. I shake my head and stand from the chair.

“What’s wrong with you guys?” I rush to my dad and shake his hand. “Dad? Dad! Please listen.” He quickly grabs my hand back only his grip is tight. Nearly bone crushing even. I wince and try to pull away. When the first bone cracks I scream out at the sudden pain. My eyes move up to him to find any glimpse of who he is.

“Please,” I cry. His face shows no remorse though and he tosses me away from him. I stumble backward and trip over my own feet, falling onto my back helplessly.

“Out.” They stand over me. “OUT!”

I jolt forward when I wake up, my arms straining against the straps over my arms. My breathing is fast and lacks any rhythm. The dream fades away from my memory torturously slow so that even when I think it has disappeared there is still a stain of it on the back of my eyelids. I slow my breathing as much as I possibly can before settling back down into a chair.

My body stiffens when I feel the cold metal against my back. I look down at my wrists and study the restraints that are barely tight enough to keep me from slipping out. Then I observe the rest of my surroundings. I’m encompassed by different science tools, but not medical science tools. More like chemistry and physics sort of tools.

I look at the walls, more curious than ever and see that I’m surrounded by dark tinted glass. It blocks out most light, but I can still hear perfectly fine.

“I can’t believe you guys did this,” a muffled voice moans. “How dumb do you have to be to kidnap a teenager?” I narrow my eyes and look down at the restraints. They immediately disappear and I stand. My legs nearly cave in below me before I catch myself on a glass table.

“I did my best. I got us there, I talked to that woman at the front and got her to call down for us. Magic man over here was the one who just fucking knocked her out.” I roll my eyes at their arguing and slip around a corner. The voice that just spoke does seem familiar though. I creep towards the door to hear better.

“She was going to run away,” another voice responds plainly. “We needed her no matter what as well. You guys couldn’t possibly be angry at me after I told how important it is that we get the sorceress here.” My hands fly to my mouth to cover a gasp.

I need to get out of here.

The door opens slowly when I nod my head, revealing a door about three hundred feet away. I hold my breath for a moment before jumping out of the lab and sprinting towards my exit. Moments before I wrap my hand around the handle though I feel something grab me from behind and lift me off the ground. I try to fight back with my magic while I kick and flail hoping that they will drop me.

The grip on my backside doesn’t go away though, and I’m spun around. I expect to only be angry when I see my captors, but instead, I raise my brows out of confusion.

In front of me are the Avengers, three of them at least, who are watching me with wide eyes. Front and center is Steven Strange with his head lifted in the air, obviously controlling me. I glare down at Banner, Stark, and Strange all of which seem a bit shocked by what has just happened.

“What the fuck,” I growl at them. “Why the hell am I here?” Tony Stark simpers at Strange before throwing his hands up.

“You can handle this,” he declares and turns away. Strange sighs before letting me come back to the ground slowly. I plant my feet and watch him the others closely. Banner seems to be hiding his face from me while Tony just plays with his phone. I turn back to Steven.

“Why did you kidnap me?” I snarl. Banner scoffs and looks up for a moment.

“I told you she wouldn’t think of it as a rescue,” he asserts. Steven rolls his eyes and sits in a chair that suddenly appears behind him. With another wave of his hand, I’m sitting in one as well. I don’t tear my eyes away from him for a single moment.

“Look Y/N,” I try not to look surprised when he says my name easily, “I needed to bring you here for your safety,” he declares. I chuckle and drop my head into my hands.

“I live in Queens Strange. I wouldn’t think anyone would consider me generally safe there,” I deplore. He doesn’t seem to notice my upset tone of voice, though I’m really not surprised. I do find it odd however how effortlessly we use each other’s names. It’s not like I would call him sir even if he hadn’t kidnapped me. It is weird just calling him Strange or Steven though, especially since he’s incredibly close to becoming the official Sorcerer Supreme by now.

“You know that is not what I’m talking about Y/N.” I peek at him through my fingers. “I heard the call you made to the multiverse. Y/N you utilized both Asgardian and universal magic with perfect execution. That sent ripples. Incredibly large and powerful ripples and you know what that means right?” I cross my arms and place a finger to my lips.

“Oh- hmm- let me think. Could it possibly mean that other sorcerers are able to find me now without too much effort,” I shrug sarcastically. “I know what I did Strange, and I know the consequences of it. And guess what? I’m not some mediocre kid who barely dabbles in magic every once in a while. I’m a sorceress. Fully trained and undoubtedly skilled with the mystical arts. I can handle myself.”

“I realize that you must think that this is the last thing you wanted to-” I can tell Strange is getting annoyed with my frustration but I interrupt him anyway.

“You have no idea how many last things I’ve wanted to happen actually happened this week.” I raise my hand and begin counting off on my fingers. “Well, first thing first, some idiots decided to rob a bank when I was just trying to enjoy my coffee so I had to save a kid, which, you know, started all this bullshit.  Then I woke up late so I got to school thirty minutes late, and get this, it was raining. Then this guy named Peter decided to suddenly become friends with me so we went to a park and some fucking hunter brought us to the mirror dimension where I nearly died four times before he decided then would be the right time to reveal he’s the Spider-Man and help me, and now-,” I pause to take a breath, “now I’ve been kidnapped by the Avengers.”

The three of them stare at me with slack jaws but I’m still only focused on Strange. I already have a feeling Tony Stark’s shock is due to me knowing Peter’s alter ego but I’ll just eave that bridge uncrossed. “Now let me go,” I assert to them. Strange straightens himself and looks at me curiously.

“Could you tell me a little about yourself Y/N?” he wonders. I throw my hands into the air and fall into the backside of the chair.

“Did you not hear a single word I just said?”

“I did but now I want to ask you a few questions. Anyways it will give you yet another chance to harangue me,” he replies calmly. I push myself forward and observe him entirely. In his eyes there’s a gleam that dares me to say something. I push away the challenge momentarily and continue looking at him. He’s dressed in the regular sorcerer garb and his cloak looks just like it does in the books that go into detail about its abilities.

“What do you want to know?” I finally agree in a mumble.

“Your lineage,” he responds.

“My lineage?” He nods. “My mom’s dead. At least that’s what my father told me before he left.” I catch a few glimpses of Banner and Tony glancing at me. Strange seems unfazed though. It even seems like he was expecting my mouth to utter those indifferent words.

“Did you ever know your father’s name?” he asks next. I grunt and slump into the cushion.

“No. He never bothered telling me nor did he bother telling me my mother’s name,” I answer blandly, the feeling of this conversation already growing awkward because of Bruce and Tonyś staring.

¨How did you learn then,”Banner asks, obviously still nervous to blatantly walk up and interrogate me. I shrug and look at the pocket where I kept the sling ring.

¨He taught me. I practiced on my own though,”I reply to him, looking away from Strange.

“And once he left,” Banner begins. “What then? Did you just manage to provide for yourself at such a young age?” From the way he holds his glasses in his right hand I can tell that he’s relaxed a little, though there is still an aura of anxiety around him.

I nod at him calmly. “Yup.” I don’t get into the details of the issue. Not that they’re grim, just expected. No one would think that a ten year old could take good care of herself in the city of Queens. Not unless she had some other means to get money to pay for her apartment, schooling, and food. I may have been able to craft some sort of illusion to fool people into thinking I was paying them at times but illusions only last for so long and someone would notice sooner or later.

Instead, I did what I needed to do. Snatched cash whenever the opportunity presented itself and once I could pass as the working age I began changing my birth certificates and information.

“Look,” I start before I can even bother to continue thinking, “I get how you guys want to keep me safe, but I’ve been on my own for the past five years. I’m pretty sure I can handle myself, and unless you give me a specific reason I will be going.” When they don’t speak I stand up and give a half-assed smile to each of them. I turn my back to them and begin walking towards the door. My feet move faster than I would prefer if I want to seem calm but I figure as long as I get out it’s fine.

“You could become an Avenger.” I skid to a sudden stop, my shoes literally squeaking on the floor.

“Excuse me?” I whisper and turn around so that I face each of them. Tony has stepped forward a bit so that I can tell it is him who just said that. Looking with wide eyes next to him is Banner and Strange sighs tiredly.

“An Avenger,” Tony states again. “If you stay here Y/N, if you let us protect you, we can train you to become an Avenger. I keep a serious expression as I stare him down. He’s completely serious from what I can tell.

A smile falls onto my lips and I let out a soft giggle. “Really?” I laugh. Both Bruce and Tony look over at each other and back at me with a look of flat-out disbelief plastered to their faces. Each of their expressions somehow makes the idea funnier to me and I begin laughing even harder.

“You want to make me an Avenger? Oh god. Wow,” I shake my head and catch my breath. “What a concept. Well, now that the comedy show is over I’m leaving.”

“You don’t want to be a part of the Avengers?” Tony asks. I try to do my best and think of why he thinks I should even enjoy the idea of being a hero full time. Peter. From what I’ve seen Peter loves being a hero and must’ve been jumping at the idea to be apart of the most dysfunctional team I have ever seen. No wonder Tony automatically thinks that all teenager must automatically want to be on the Avengers.

“How about this? Answer this question for me, and if I like the answer I’ll stay here and let you train me,” I suggest to them. When I receive hesitant murmurs of approval I ask, “What is the workout regimen and the diet like?” Each of them immediately look a little shocked at the simplicity of my question. I tap my foot at them impatiently.

“Well-uh,” Tony shrugs. “We’re heroes so training will usually be sort of vigorous and the majority of the time you have to eat pretty healthy. At least when you’re around Steve I’d say,” he answers with his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

“Cool, bye,” I twirl around and wrap my hand around the doorknob.

“Wait, is that really going to be what decides whether you stay or not?” Bruce pipes in about the whole matter for the first time. I roll my eyes and turn my head towards them, not wanting to take my fingers away from the door.

“I hate working out,” I tell them. “I hate being sweaty and sometimes even thinking about exercising makes me feel anxious. As for my diet, it is nothing compared to what you would most likely require me to eat on a daily basis. If you’re wondering what I do eat and what I can afford it’s coffee, tea, mac n’ cheese, ramen, the worst salads ever, maybe a sandwich of which always has too much bread, and if I get a little extra money I’ll buy a pizza. I really do prefer large packs of things though so I don’t have to go out that much.”

Even though I was just trying to make a statement there’s a hint of pity in each of their eyes. I grunt and swing open the door only to find myself nearly running into someone's chest. Without even bothering to look up at the man’s face I put a hand on his surprisingly cold, even freezing arm and push him out of the way and stomp down the hallway.

“Y/N!” I hear Strange call out for me but before his magic can drag me back into that godforsaken room I snap my fingers, putting up a shield and jog down the stairs. The sun shines through large panel windows, making me feel warm. I don’t really care enough to enjoy the sunlight though as I fling open the glass doors with a wave of my hand.

At this point I just want to leave this place. It isn’t that these people are bad people nor is it because of the whole workout thing, which I actually think would be beneficial to me. It goes further than that. Further than what I’ve had to repeat to Peter. It goes to the dark place deep within my mind that screams at me, saying that I’ll tear them apart.

I’m pulling the sling ring out of my pocket when I hear someones muffled voice talking to me. Where do I even go from here? I can’t go home. Not when the spell has reawakened, and I can’t risk seeking refuge with Aunt May and Peter because of the fact other sorcerers are hunting me. That much has been confirmed by Steven Strange.

I don’t even register how much my hand shakes when I lift it to disappear. Really disappear. To dive into the void and leave this dimension and all the others. My mind only jumps to the salty water on my face for a second when I feel it drip onto my lips. I ignore it though and let the portal form in front of me.

Before it’s done though I feel a hand on my shoulder. Everything shutters to a stop and noise returns to my ears. My hand drops to my side and the loose sling ring slips off.

“Y/N? Y/N are you alright? What are you doing here?” As though Peter’s voice is a stray thread being pulled away from me, the questions make me fall apart, every seam ripping apart for the first time in four years. My legs crumble beneath me and I tumble to the ground. Tears leak from my eyes relentlessly now without my permission as Peter steps around me worriedly.

“I have nowhere to go.” Yes I do. I have the void. The endless abyss in which I can step into and everyone can just forget me. Something is pulling me away from it though. Something is dragging me away and keeping me here.

I do my best to wipe away my tears but with me still bawling it’s completely futile. Through my burning eyes, I look at Peter who seems appalled by my sudden outburst of emotion. Not knowing what to say or even how to handle it at all he pulls me into his arms and I shake against his embrace.

As his hands coax away my crying I realize the only choice I have now. I need to stay here whether I like to or not. If I can’t go home and I can’t stay with Peter then I’ll be doing the next best thing. I’ll stay here where he can still find me. It only seems fitting since he’s the one who’s keeping me from disappearing.