#tom hardy oneshots

[bathylychnops]

jetts 2nd ever interaction with another character in our game, atthe bowling alley 2 years ago when he shook a dentists hand & failed his ‘Be Normal’ roll

THIS IS TRADITIONAL INKSS im practicing trying to get more comfortable i need to keep it simple bc allthe parts ofthe drawings i hate arethe complicated parts lolll

sketch below!

[cruel-seduction]

Hello! I was hoping I could request one where reader helps Eddie/Venom during a fight and gets hurt and they have to save her, lots of angst but a happy ending? Thank you very much!

Heyyy sorry it took a while. But I tried my best to write this. Hope you like it.

Shadows of Regret

The city was drenched in shadows, the alleyways pulsating with a darkness that seemed to wrap around you like a suffocating blanket. The distant hum of traffic echoed against the bricks, but you hardly noticed. Your heart raced as you stepped into the alley, the harsh, flickering light from a nearby streetlamp casting an eerie glow on the cold pavement. Clad in your favorite worn leather jacket, faded jeans, and scuffed boots, you felt a mix of adrenaline and fear. You had insisted on coming to help Eddie, even after he had urged you to stay behind. “You don’t understand what’s at stake,” he had said, his voice raw and pleading, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he turned away from you.

But you did understand. You understood the depths of his pain and the darkness that clung to him and Venom like a second skin. You couldn’t just stand by while he faced the chaos alone. You needed to be there for him, to remind him he wasn’t as lost as he believed.

When you arrived at the warehouse, the musty smell of metal and decay hit you like a wall. You could hear the distant growls and snarls of Venom as he clashed with the gang that had been terrorizing the city. Eddie’s gruff voice broke through the noise, tinged with anger and desperation. “Get out of here! You don’t belong here!” He didn’t see you, his back turned as he fought, but you could feel the weight of his words pressing down on you.

“Eddie!” you shouted, your voice barely rising above the chaos. You stepped forward, heart pounding, your instincts screaming at you to turn back. But you couldn’t. Not now.

In that moment, Eddie spun around, eyes wild, his breath coming in harsh gasps. When he saw you, a flicker of shock crossed his face, but it was quickly replaced by fury. “I told you to go! You shouldn’t be here!” His voice was a thunderclap, reverberating off the warehouse walls. The venomous edge in his tone cut deeper than any physical blow.

You recoiled slightly, hurt flashing across your features. “I’m not leaving you,” you said, struggling to keep your voice steady. “You need me.”

But Eddie’s expression hardened, and you could see the internal battle raging within him. He stepped toward you, fists clenched, his body taut with tension. “You don’t get it! I can’t protect you if you’re here! I won’t let Venom hurt you. You have to trust me.”

A deep ache settled in your chest as his words sank in. You knew he was right to worry, but you also knew that pushing you away was tearing him apart. The guilt that shadowed his every move was palpable, and it stung you to see him like this, so raw and broken. “Eddie, please…” you began, but before you could finish, a loud crash echoed through the warehouse, pulling both your attention away.

Venom’s monstrous form loomed in the dim light, a twisted amalgamation of muscle and shadow, his white eyes glowing with a fierce intensity. He was strong, fierce, and ready to fight, but you could see the flicker of concern in those glowing orbs as he watched you.

“Get back!” Eddie shouted again, panic rising in his voice as he stepped in front of you, a shield against the chaos. He was imposing and protective, but the fear behind his eyes was unmistakable. “I can’t lose you too!”

You felt your breath hitch, a mix of hurt and determination swelling inside you. “Eddie, I can handle myself!” you insisted, pushing past him, refusing to cower. But the moment you stepped forward, the atmosphere shifted, a palpable tension crackling in the air.

Venom roared, lunging at the gang members, a mass of dark tendrils and fury. You turned to see the fight erupt, but the chaos quickly descended into a blur of fists and snarls. Suddenly, one of the attackers broke free, rushing toward you with a wild look in his eyes, and in that split second, everything changed.

The air was thick with tension as Eddie and Venom fought side by side, a chaotic whirlwind of violence and desperate energy. You stood there, torn between fear and the desire to help, watching as Eddie threw himself into battle. Every part of you screamed to turn away, to run and get out of harm's way, but you refused.

"I’m not leaving you," you whispered under your breath. You wouldn’t run, not after everything he’d already sacrificed. You refused to be another person to abandon him when he needed someone most. But in the instant you stepped forward, trying to close the gap between you and Eddie, the world shattered.

One of the gang members—a hulking figure whose face was contorted with anger—saw the opening. His eyes locked onto you, and before you could react, he lunged. You instinctively tried to dodge, but your foot caught on a loose piece of debris. Time seemed to stretch in that split second as you felt your body stumble, your knees buckling under you.

The pain was immediate. His hand clamped around your wrist like a vice, jerking you into the air before slamming you against the brick wall with a sickening thud.

"NO!" Eddie’s voice rang out, filled with raw terror, but you couldn’t hear him clearly over the buzzing in your ears. Your vision blurred, and your breath hitched as your side exploded with pain. The air was knocked from your lungs, sharp and searing. The wall scraped against your skin like jagged glass, sending an icy, fiery sting through your entire body.

For a moment, you couldn’t breathe. You couldn't think. Your body burned with the sensation of the world falling apart.

"Shit!" Eddie's voice, desperate and filled with anguish, reached you just as the air around you felt suffocating. His figure, all tension and fury, collided with the gang member. The force of the impact sent the man crashing backward, but Eddie didn’t even hesitate—he turned back to you in a heartbeat.

“Stay with me,” he begged, his voice breaking. His eyes were wide, frantic. The moment his gaze met you, it was as if he saw everything he'd been running from. His face contorted in fear, the protective mask he'd worn for so long slipping, revealing the broken man beneath.

You wanted to respond. To tell him you were fine, that it wasn’t so bad. But your body was betraying you, the pain spreading like wildfire across your ribs, your lungs. You gasped for air, but all that came was a pained, shallow breath. Your vision spun, and you could feel the sharp heat of blood pooling beneath you. The world around you dulled as your consciousness began to fade.

Eddie reached you before you could slip into unconsciousness, his hands trembling as he cradled your face. “No, please don’t do this,” he muttered, his voice jagged with desperation. “Don’t you dare leave me… I can’t… I can't lose you.” His words seemed to echo, thick with a vulnerability you’d never seen from him before.

Venom raged inside Eddie, a furious entity locked within him, but even Venom—powerful, violent, and untamed—seemed to share in Eddie's fear, his sense of helplessness. "Stay with her, Eddie," Venom growled, his voice like a thousand serpents hissing in the air. "You can't lose her. Not like this."

Eddie’s hands moved over you like he was trying to hold your brokenness together, his fingers grazing over the bloodied side of your body. “You’re going to be okay. You have to be okay,” he said, more to himself than to you. His voice was trembling, shaking with a fierce, raw energy. But his touch, frantic as it was, wasn’t enough to stop the blood that stained your clothes and soaked into his hands.

He looked at you again, his breath coming in desperate pants, his face pale. His eyes, usually sharp with intensity, were now wide and filled with terror, as if every bit of him had unraveled in an instant.

“I told you to stay back,” he choked out, his voice breaking, full of blame, guilt, and grief. “I told you… I told you it was too dangerous.”

But you hadn’t listened. You couldn’t. You wouldn’t leave him.

And now, seeing you so fragile, so hurt, Eddie felt like he was crumbling. He tried to push the guilt down, tried to focus on you, on getting you to safety. “I should’ve… I should’ve kept you safe.” His hands shook as he tried to stop the bleeding, but the blood kept coming, your life slipping away with every passing second.

“You shouldn’t have been here,” he muttered, the words coming out jagged, broken. “I never wanted this for you.”

Venom’s voice cut through the storm of Eddie’s thoughts. "Eddie, don’t—" The symbiote’s voice softened, a rare moment of calm in the midst of the chaos. "She chose to be here. She chose you."

Eddie swallowed, his breath uneven, and for the first time, he looked at Venom as though he’d never truly understood the weight of his own feelings. “I—no, I can’t lose her, Venom. I just can’t.”

Tears welled up in Eddie’s eyes as he pressed his palm to your side, trying to steady you, trying to hold onto you. “Please don’t leave me. I need you… I need you to stay.”

But your body was growing colder, your breath coming slower, and as much as Eddie tried, as much as he wished, he knew he couldn’t control everything. He couldn’t stop what was happening to you.

"Don't go, don't leave me..." Eddie repeated over and over again, each word a fragile thread he clung to as though it were his last lifeline.

Eddie’s frantic voice echoed in the stillness of the warehouse, as he tried desperately to keep you with him. The panic that had initially gripped him began to take on a sharper, deeper edge—the weight of everything pressing down on him. He couldn’t lose you. Not like this. Not after everything he’d done to keep you safe, only for you to be hurt because you refused to leave his side.

The blood was still coming, staining the fabric of your clothes and soaking his hands as he tried to staunch the flow. The fear in his chest was suffocating. He wasn’t sure if he was speaking to you or to himself when he muttered, “Please, don’t leave me... please...”

His heart hammered against his ribcage, and he was on the verge of losing control. “You can’t leave me,” he said again, but his words felt hollow, too desperate, too broken. “I’m sorry... I’m sorry I told you to go. I should’ve let you stay. I should’ve trusted you.” The words were coming out in a rush, tumbling from his mouth as he clung to you, his hands trembling on your bloodied body. The guilt felt like it was suffocating him.

Venom surged within Eddie, the symbiote feeling the devastation pouring through him, but the anger and frustration were twisted with a strange, painful sense of helplessness. “Eddie,” Venom growled softly, his voice trying to ground Eddie through the chaos. “We have to focus. Stay with her. We will fix this.”

Eddie’s grip tightened on you, his eyes locked on your face as though willing you to respond. The world around him seemed to blur, and all he could focus on was you, the person who had refused to leave him no matter how many times he told you to go. His heart ached in a way that words couldn’t describe. You were slipping away from him, and he couldn’t stop it.

But then, just as the darkness started to close in around the edges of your vision, you felt a warmth—slow, steady, like a flicker of life trying to push back the cold. A faint pressure on your side. You could feel Eddie’s hands trembling on you, but there was something else. Something deeper, stronger, as though the bond between you and Eddie was pulsing, alive, trying to fight back.

You didn’t know how long it had been, moments stretched into infinity, but the warmth you felt began to grow, spreading through your body, igniting something inside you. With effort, you forced your eyes open, the dim light from the broken windows above casting a shadow on Eddie’s face. His expression was a tortured mess, eyes filled with unshed tears as they locked onto yours.

"Eddie..." you whispered, the sound rasping from your throat, but just the act of speaking, of breathing, was enough to bring a glimmer of hope.

His name was a strangled sob. He leaned down, his forehead touching yours as though you were the only thing that mattered in the world. “You’re awake... You’re awake.” His voice cracked, the rawness of his emotions spilling out in that single sentence. “I thought... I thought I lost you.”

He was shaking now, barely able to breathe, his hand gently cupping your face. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry...” Eddie repeated over and over, as though he could make it all better if he just said it enough. His lips trembled as he pressed a kiss to your forehead. The love and pain mixed in that kiss, raw and unfiltered.

“I couldn’t... let you leave me,” he whispered, voice breaking. “I need you.”

Venom’s voice rumbled from deep within Eddie, but it wasn’t filled with fury this time. Instead, there was a strange warmth in it, almost as if the symbiote itself had recognized the gravity of the moment. “You’re both stronger than you think, Eddie. Together.”

Eddie’s hand slid down to your side, gingerly pressing to the wound, but this time, the blood flow had slowed. The bleeding had stopped. Venom, in his own way, had reached inside, using his healing abilities to stitch the torn pieces of your body together. The symbiote worked quickly, trying to make sure you were stable.

You could feel the pull of Venom’s influence, but it wasn’t suffocating. It was healing. It was saving you.

The moment dragged on, but slowly, you started to feel your strength return, your breathing becoming less shallow, the dizziness ebbing away. You looked up at Eddie, who still hovered above you, his eyes wide, watchful, never leaving your face.

“I’m… okay…” you whispered hoarsely, though you knew it wasn’t completely true. But the warmth spreading through your body, the steadiness returning to your breath, gave you hope.

“Okay?” Eddie repeated, his voice still cracked, but there was disbelief in it, as if he couldn’t quite accept that you were truly waking up, that you were going to be okay. “You’re... you’re gonna be fine. I swear to God, I’ll make sure of it.”

For a moment, it felt like the weight of the world had lifted just a little. Eddie’s hands were still on you, but this time, it wasn’t frantic. It was tender, caring, almost as if he couldn’t believe you were still there, still alive. Venom’s presence—once something terrifying and alien—now felt oddly comforting, like an anchor, steadying Eddie and allowing him to focus on the most important thing in that moment: you.

Your body was exhausted, but the warmth of Eddie’s touch, the bond you shared with him and with Venom, was enough to make you feel like you could hold on.

“We’re not leaving you, not now,” Eddie promised, his voice fierce but filled with relief.

You nodded, tears stinging the corners of your eyes as you reached out with shaky hands to pull him closer, needing him more than you had ever needed anyone. “I’m here, Eddie,” you whispered, your voice soft but determined. “I’m not going anywhere.”

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Eddie let out a deep breath, his tension easing as he pulled you into his arms, his body cradling yours protectively. Venom was there too, a steady, comforting presence within Eddie, assuring that they would both protect you—no matter the cost.

“I promise,” Eddie murmured into your hair, his voice thick with emotion. “We’ll be okay. All of us. Together.”

As the night pressed on, the city still echoing with its distant sounds, the three of you remained, bound together in a way that felt unbreakable. Whatever the future held, whatever dangers awaited, you knew that you’d face them side by side.

[raz-writes-the-thing]

More Venom x Reader Please!👏🏼🤌🏼

Idk if you want smut, angst, fluff or what so here's some HCs cutie

Venom x Gn!Reader Relationship HCs

VENOM: @0alk0msan @romeosix1 (send an ask to be added to a tag list!)

Venom is fiercely protective. As in, will have to be talked down from killing a person for checking out your ass kind of protective.

Mind you, if you like people checking out your ass he won't be bothered. He will even let you know that they did.

Kisses with Venom are mostly his tongue licking over your cheek. That's how he shows affection and gives you little pecks.

Venom is obsessed with forehead kisses. He pretty much demands them at least ten times a day.

Because you're his host, he knows your body literally inside and out and (with consent) will rile you up and tease you all day.

He will project images inside your mind of filthy things he knows turn you on- including some things that turn him on as well.

He will also trail tendrils up and over your skin under your clothes when you're out in public. Including over your crotch.

If there's even a hint of a headache, a paper cut or a stomach ache, he will fix you up with no problem. Usually, before you even know there's something wrong.

He loves to go to the movies with you, watching the movie through your eyes or if its dark enough, letting his form leech out from your shoulder so you can watch it together. He's a fan of horror and comedies.

His favourite thing is making you cum on his tongue. He will make you cum with his tongue two or three times minimum before he will leave you be.

[lyralu91]

Oneshot: James Delaney

hoodeddreams13 asked:

"Hi! I'm not sure if you're requests are still open for James, but I was wondering if I could request something based off the following:

"Did you care?" + "I wanted everything."

From the prompts list: dialogue prompts: three words by @/promptsbytaurie

No pressure and thank you 🖤 (it does not need to be a James × reader fic if you do write it)"

A caring confession

James admits he has feelings for a childhood friend. ❤️ (James Delaney x Fem OC) Warnings: none (just a bit of intimacy and light sexual tension). Dialogue prompts are highlighted in red. Word count: 1951.

“He’s been lying to me this whole time! I cannot believe it!”

She stormed past James, leaving him to hold the front door open with a stiff expression. He stood there, pipe in hand, blinking like he wasn’t particularly pleased to have a visitor.

Saying that, he wasn’t at all surprised to see her.

He closed the door with a grunt and moved his head, far too slow, to follow her march into the front room. 

“I just met Clara for a walk and she told me the most awful things about him! Things I refuse to believe! But then there’s this, she brought me this,” she said, half shrugging her coat off, half waving the morning paper at James as he came to stand in the doorway. “Written proof of his bloody lies! Right there for everyone to see.”

About time, James thought but waved it over with an uninterested noise, brows drawn together, puffing on his pipe. He had already guessed what she wished to show him: the announcement of a certain engagement. 

Angelica claimed the old armchair by the fire, sighing hard as she sat, then leaned down to undo her boots, only to stop midway to pull off her “bloody hat!”. Her chestnut curls were heavy and wild around her face, her cheeks all rosy from the bitter spring cold.

“I hate hats, I hate gloves, and I hate men,” she said, tugging her gloves off and slapping them on the dusty footstool like she’d given all men in London a collective slap across the face. The poor piece of furniture was then shoved aside, making room for Angelica to kick off her boots, only she pushed it dangerously close to the fire. 

“Careful…” James muttered with a cautioning glance from where he was pouring them both a brandy.

Angelica carried on like she couldn’t care less if she set the whole house on fire.

“Clara even said she had ‘had her suspicions’. Can you believe that? All winter she kept it from me. And now he’s off to marry some Louise or Louisa I haven’t even heard of! She should’ve just told me!”

She stood up and nearly knocked the glass from James’ hand as he stood there, calm as ever, offering her a drink.

“And would you have cared?” he asked, composed amusement coming through his deep voice.

“Of course I bloody would - it’s all I’ve cared about for months! - all I’ve been able to think about!”

James watched her drink, nodding like he knew that to be true, while his grunt seemed to say “but that wasn’t what I asked”, then moved to sit on the sofa. He lowered himself with a groan, slurped around the rim of his glass and kept his eyes on her. Leaning back lazily into the seat, he sought her gaze with his head tilted to the side, blinking deliberately as if ready to prove a point.

“And did you care for all the things I told you about this man? Hmm?”

Angelica scoffed from where she stood by the fire, back towards him, cradling her drink in both hands.

“I was there, if you care to remember,” James said, voice lowered in a story teller’s lilt, eyes lit by something wicked and patronising. “On that very night…”

Angelica rolled her eyes at the way he clearly intended to mock her first meeting with Mr Homburg, the handsome Swiss merchant she had fallen in love with.

“Watching you dance… Acting as if you were already - ”

“Yes, James, I remember very well how you stared and sulked and followed me around, behaving like a right -”

“ - yees, like someone who cared for you,” he rasped, like it had been the right thing to do and like he’d happily do it again. “Yes,” he nodded. “I cared. And I tried to tell you. I did.”

This was concluded with another nod and a hefty swig of brandy. It burned its way through his chest and he sucked air through his teeth, lulling his head towards the fire.

He sighed. He seemed tired, but there was something restless in the way he studied the flames, eyes twitching imperceptibly, as if touched by hidden frustration. 

For a while he stayed quiet, then said:

“But did you ever care to consider why I was there in the first place?”

Angelica frowned, confused and caught off guard by the question. She knew he hated those parties, of course she did. So what - did he want an apology? Was he trying to make her feel guilty for going? 

As if his question wasn’t actually meant to be answered, at least not yet, James continued.

“The things I told you that night, and the things I did, I did because I could not stand the thought of you getting hurt.”

This only deepened her frown and she glanced in his direction, increasingly uncomfortable, as his voice had gone darker and his gaze suddenly felt like a physical hold on her. Like hands on her waist.

Angelica took a steadying sip of brandy. Swallowed hard. 

His words almost sounded like a confession.

“Why care for anything that was said or done that night…” she said, quietly into the fire, as if the flames had brought her back to something forbidden or pleasant, or something questionable in between. Something confusing. “None of it matters now anyway.”

“But it does,” James said, sweeping his glass of brandy through the air for emphasis. “Because you’re here, yes? In my house. Caring for a man who does not love you.”

Angelica snorted, knocking back the last of her drink, screwing her eyes shut. It angered her to feel a tear tumble down her cheek. She brushed it off like nothing had happened, turned around to face James and spoke with fragile conviction. 

“And what do you know of love?”

She eyed him stiffly up and down, chin raised like a shield of spite, then stomped past him to pour herself another brandy.

James caught her wrist and snatched her down on his lap. He ignored her half-hearted thrashing and the snappy “let go of me!”, holding her in place as he calmly set his glass down next to him, on the sofa.

Sprawled beside him, almost mockingly, was the morning paper. He crumpled it slowly into a composed fist and raised it in front of Angelica’s face, narrowing his eyes like she better listen carefully. 

“I know that this… this isn’t love.”

He lowered the paper a little, searched her face for a reaction, then grunted a nod and let it fall to her lap. Angelica didn’t flinch and kept her eyes forward, too stubborn and too startled by the way he held her. 

“I also know,” James continued, speaking close to her shoulder, very aware of the rise and fall of her chest, “- that whatever that man did to you… or however he made you feel -” now he loosened the grip on her wrist, thumbing the soft skin over her vulnerable veins, “- was not out of love.”

She could have sworn he glanced at her lips then, and the part of her that felt trapped seconds ago, no longer wished to move away from him.

“Power - and lies…” James whispered theatrically, so raw and soft at the same time, like he was relieved but sorry to tell her the truth about dear Mr Homburg. “That’s all it was, Allie.”

He watched her swallow, chin still raised as she refused to look him in the eyes, but the skin around her collarbones flushed at the use of her childhood nickname.

James kindly lowered her wrist onto her lap and withdrew his hand to lean back into the sofa. With a grunt he clasped his hands high on his chest, as if making a point of keeping them away from her. His eyes however, were locked on her. Unblinking, unwavering. Knowing.

Angelica didn’t move from his lap. Maybe out of spite or stubbornness. Maybe for other reasons. 

The sputtering of the fire seemed louder, closer, as if the room had turned into a giant hearth, enveloping them in teasing, flickering heat. James found himself contemplating - no… admiring - her beautiful curls. They suddenly looked softer, heavier, there for him to touch, as they moved up and down with her chest. 

His eyes shot to her hands as she scratched the spot on her wrist where he had touched her. James inhaled slowly through his nose and Angelica opened her mouth to say something, and when she spoke, her words were as breathless as she looked. 

“Why were you there, James?”

“Hm?” he grunted, deeply absorbed by her fingers, stroking her wrist now rather than scratching.

“Why were you there in the first place? At the party?”

He scowled and made a noise that suggested he wasn’t in the mood to answer. It made her feel like he wanted, and waited, for her to figure it out on her own.

She glanced at him sideways, his gaze flicked up to meet hers, and her neck flared up again.

This time James couldn’t help himself.

Head tilted slightly to the side, he reached out to brush a thick lock over her shoulder, humming a noise of approval when she visibly shuddered at his touch. 

“I think you know…” he said, letting his hand ghost along the length of her hair, so very tempted to swirl a lock around his finger. 

“James, you -” that’s when his other hand came to rest on her thigh, his palm all warm and heavy.

She closed her eyes and another unexpected tear rolled down her cheek, brimming with anger and relief at the same time. His touch had made her clutch her knees, as if she didn’t know what to do with her hands or needed support to sit up straight. 

“You should’ve told me,” she breathed, cursing the way her dress felt restricting with each rise and fall of her chest.

“But I did,” he said candidly, his right hand coming to rest on her upper back, thumbing her shoulder blade as if reminding her of all the years he’d cared for her.

It was a calming gesture that did nothing to calm her, as their eyes met briefly and James began to sit up. Eyeing her chest and neck, he claimed her space, weaving his head like a patient, curious snake in no rush to proceed. 

“No,” she said, gripping her knees and looking ahead of her, refusing to acknowledge how close he was and how she wanted him even closer. “It’s not fair, I’ve… I never knew what you wanted. How you felt or -”

“Oh I wanted everything…” he murmured in a dark lilt and slid a soft palm up the back of her neck. “Mhm?” He looked up at her under raised eyebrows, forehead creased as if asking for permission to continue, or to tell her there was no going back after this confession. “With you.”

James thumbed the back of her neck, nodded and added: “I still do.”

Without startling her, he brushed the newspaper off her lap. There was nothing intimidating to the action, only conclusive, like it was no longer of any use and had been sitting there for far too long.

“Why don’t you, put that on the fire, then come back here, and sit with me.”

When Angelica didn’t answer, he pressed his palm against her lower back, urging her to stand up. To make a decision.

As if James had been waiting all this time to say it, he dipped his head towards her ear, so close she could feel his breath, and whispered:

“Go on now. Burn it.”

[followsfrankiep]

Disclaimer:

This fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only. All characters and settings belong to their respective creators. No copyright infringement is intended.

TW: Alcoholism, light smut

Dear Frankie,

It was another hectic Monday. Frankie (you), a mother of two teenagers, is in-charge of the morning routine for the whole family. Your hair was clamped up but some strands were falling down your face while you scruffle through the fridge for some orange juice and cheese. Sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the bustling scene. You, looking a bit haggard with hair tousled and dark circles under your eyes, were busy flipping pancakes on the stove. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Multiple Footsteps can be heard from the rooms upstairs as your kids prepare for school, and your husband prepare for work. Penny, your eldest, was the first one to come down, followed by Luke, the younger.

"Mom, you look like you fought a bear and lost," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. Your family has always been comfortable with each other, such as throwing witty banters from here and there.

You sighed, a tired smile tugging at your lips. Jason, your husband, walked in, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind and kissing your head.

"Don't listen to her, love. You're the most beautiful lady I've ever laid eyes on." Jason said taking a sip of his coffee.

"Oh please, Dad. Spare us the mushy stuff," Luke groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically.

You couldn't help but laugh, the stress of the morning easing a bit. Your husband has always been like this, showering you with sweet compliments and light kisses. You felt so lucky. The banter continued, light and full of love.

Jason cleared his throat, about to say something "You know, kids, your mom had another admirer back in the day. A guy who was head over heels for her."

Both of your kids perked up, curiosity piqued. They both looked at you with their eyes widened.

"Really? Who was he?" Penny gasped.

"Yeah, tell us, Mom!" Luke agreed to his big sister.

You hesitated, flipping the last pancake onto a plate. You have not thought about that person for a long time now. It revived some feelings in your chest. You looked back to your family at the dining table and Jason gave you an encouraging nod before heading out to run some errands. You bid him a kiss goodbye and sat down at the table, the kids leaning in eagerly. Your husband had left, but his presence still lingered in the warmth of the kitchen. A big sigh escaped from your lips as you prepare the story on how you met Edward.

"Alright, alright. His name was Edward. We met in college. He was... well, he was something else."

"Edward was charming, always knew how to make me laugh. We met at a bar near campus. He was studying at a drama school nearby, and I was deep into my economics studies at the university." You continued as you imagine the day you two met like it was yesterday.

---

Flashback

Your college friends invited you to unwind in a bar near the university. The place was dimly lit, filled people of your age. There was a drama school nearby, and this place is where their students usually perform to warm up or practice their talents. You were there with a group of friends, sipping on your second glass of Sangria and trying to relax. Suddenly, the room quieted as a young man with a pair of enticing eyes took the small stage, launching into an impromptu monologue. His passion and energy were infectious, drawing everyone in. Your eyes met and you have him a warm smile, admiring his incredible talent.

For the rest of his performance, it’s as if he’s speaking directly to you, his gaze never wavering. You feel a connection, a spark that makes your heart race. When he finishes, the room erupts in applause, but his eyes remain on you. He steps off the stage and makes his way through the crowd, heading straight towards you.

“Hi,” he says with a charming smile, “I’m Edward. I couldn’t help but notice you during my performance. Would you like to join me for a drink?”

You smile back, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. “Sure, Edward. I’m Frances. You were amazing up there. How did you manage to keep your focus on me the whole time?”

Edward chuckles, a playful glint in his eyes. You were both walking to the bar to get another set of drinks. You two kept your distance fairly close, not wanting to lose each other in the crowd of people. “Well, Frances, it’s hard not to be captivated by someone as intriguing as you. So, what brings you to this bar tonight?”

You laugh, feeling the warmth of his compliment. “Well we just finished our exams. We felt like we deserve some fun for tonight. And you? Do you perform here often?”

He nods, leaning in slightly. “I do, but tonight felt different. Maybe it’s because I met you. So, tell me, what’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?”

You leaned towards him as well, your lips almost touching his ear. "Why don't you walk me home and find out?"

Edward looked at you with eyebrow raised and smirked. You were the first to walk out of the bar and he silently followed.

You wake up to Edward still asleep beside you, his breathing steady and peaceful. The dim lights at the bar did not do justice to his beautiful face. It was a great night, just two college kids fooling around and having a night for themselves. You smile at the sight, but then glance at the clock and realize you can't be seen naked by this man in the morning. Quietly, you slip out of bed and start gathering your clothes, trying not to make any noise.

As you're pulling on your shirt, you hear a sleepy voice behind you. "Leaving already?" Edward mumbles, his eyes still half-closed.

You turn to see him stretching and rubbing his eyes. "Yeah, no. I was just going to cook breakfast." you reply with a smile. He was so cute.

He sits up, the sheets falling around his waist. "I would like a taste of that." he teases, a playful glint in his eyes. "But you could stay a little longer, you know."

You chuckle, shaking your head. "Tempting, but I really can't. Besides, you need your beauty sleep."

Edward laughs softly. "I think I get enough of that when you're around." He reaches out, taking your hand and pulling you back towards the bed. You fell on top of him, and his hands wrapped around your waist. "How about we make a deal? You promise to keep in touch, and I'll let you go."

You raise an eyebrow, amused. "Oh, is that how it works now?"

"Absolutely," he says with a grin. "I don't want to lose touch with you. You're too intoxicating." He tucked a strand of hair behind your ears.

You feel a warmth spread through you at his words. "Alright, deal," you say, leaning down to give him a quick kiss. "I'll keep in touch."

"Good girl.." he murmurs, his eyes softening. "Now go, do what you have to do. I am starving as well."

You smile, feeling a mix of affection and determination. You tried to get up but his embrace was a little bit too tight. "Uhm, eddie, you can let go now." Tapping his chest lightly.

He smiled when he heard you call him that. "Eddie, huh? You sure know how to make a man happy, Frankie." he chuckled, placing a soft peck on your lips before releasing you slowly.

Eddie and Frankie. You knew that man would make you feel all sorts of things. As you leave, you can't help but feel a sense of excitement for the next time you'll see him.

---

Present

"A drama student? Sounds interesting!" Penny squealed.

You chuckled at your daughter's reaction. "Oh, he was. One night, I was out with friends, and there he was, performing an impromptu monologue. His passion and energy were infectious. We started talking, and before I knew it, we were spending a lot of time together."

"What was he like?" asked by the curious Luke.

You stared at the car outside your window, reminiscing the times you shared with Eddie.

"Edward was full of life. He had this way of making everything seem exciting. We would go on these spontaneous adventures, like sneaking into the theater late at night or having deep conversations about our dreams and futures."

--

Flashback

Ever since your encounter, Edward made an effort for the both of you to meet regularly. After his class, he would buy a take out from a restaurant then head straight to your university to pick you up. You and Edward would often share cozy evenings at your apartment, enjoying takeout from your favorite local spots. The two of you would sit on the couch, chatting and laughing as you ate, savoring both the food and each other’s company.

After the meal, Edward would usually stretch out on the couch, a contented smile on his face. “I think I need a nap, babe.” he’d say, his eyes already starting to close. You’d chuckle, knowing this was his routine. He’d make himself comfortable, and within minutes, he’d be fast asleep, looking completely at peace.

You’d watch him for a moment, feeling a warm sense of happiness. These simple moments together, sharing a meal and then watching him nap, were some of your favorites. They made your apartment feel like home.

Your friends kept teasing you about your new found "friend".

One night, Edward led you to the theater where he studied. The building was dark and empty, but he had a key. He took you inside, the silence of the place adding to the thrill. He pulled you onto the stage, the dim lights casting long shadows.

"Why don't we perform a scene? Just you and me."

You laughed, feeling a bit silly but excited. He handed you a script, and together, you acted out a scene from one of his favorite plays. His passion was contagious, and for a moment, you felt like you were part of his world.

Afterwards, you sat on the stage, talking about your dreams and fears. He told you about his aspirations to make it big in acting, and you shared your hopes for a career in finance. You stayed there until the early hours, just talking and laughing.

"Frankie, can I tell you something?" the tone of his voice deepened.

You looked up from the script, curious.

"What's on your mind?"

He took a deep breath, stepping closer to you.

"I've been wanting to say this for a while now. When you're not beside, and I can't stop thinking about you. And when you are, I just want to hold you between my arms..." he sighed and smiled.

"I love you, Frankie."

Your heart skipped a beat, and you felt a rush of emotions. Before you could respond, he leaned in and kissed you softly. It was a gentle, tender kiss that spoke volumes. When you pulled away, you both smiled, knowing that everything had just changed.

---

Present

You and the kids were already cleaning up the table. Final preparations were being made before they go to school, but they were adamant for you to continue.

"Edward was also really into hip-hop. He loved rap music and even dreamed of becoming a rapper. He used to write his own lyrics and practice them all the time."

"A rapper? That's so cool!" Penny mumbled. She was braiding her hair with the tie in between her lips.

"Yeah, he was really passionate about it. He even performed a few times at local clubs and open mic nights. He had this incredible energy on stage, just like when he was acting. It was amazing to watch."

---

Flashback

Edward had recently developed a fascination with hip-hop and was determined to create his own rap song. You noticed him, in your living room, scribbling lyrics in a notebook and tapping out beats on his phone.

“Hey, I need a rap name,” he said, looking up at you with a grin. “Got any ideas?”

You thought for a moment, then suggested, “How about ‘E-Money’?”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Too cliché. I need something unique, something that stands out.”

“Alright, how about ‘Rhythm Ed’?” you offered, trying to keep a straight face.

He chuckled. “Better, but still not quite right. I need something with a bit more… flair.”

You both brainstormed for a while, throwing out increasingly ridiculous names. “DJ Ed-ucation?” you suggested, giggling.

“MC Napper,” he countered, referencing his habit of napping after meals.

Finally, he looked at you thoughtfully. “You know, I think I want to incorporate your name somehow. How about ‘Frankie Pulitzer’?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Frankie Pulitzer? From my name?”

“Yeah,” he said, smiling. “It’s got a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Plus, it reminds me of you.”

You were genuinely surprised and flattered when Edward decided to incorporate your name into his rap persona. “Frankie Pulitzer, huh?” you said, a smile spreading across your face. “I never thought I’d be part of a rap name.”

Edward grinned. “Well, you inspire me. Plus, it’s got a cool vibe to it.”

You laughed, feeling a mix of amusement and pride. “I guess it does. Just make sure you give me a shoutout in your songs, okay?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “Frankie Pulitzer wouldn’t be complete without you.” he said, leaning in to give you a quick kiss.

You playfully nudged him. “Alright, Mr. Pulitzer, let’s hear some of those lyrics you’ve been working on.”

-

You were at a small, crowded club, the air thick with anticipation. Edward, now going by Frankie Pulitzer, was about to perform. You stood near the front, your heart pounding with excitement and pride.

"This one's for someone special. You know who you are."

He winked at you before launching into his rap. The crowd went wild, and you couldn't help but smile, feeling a deep sense of connection and love for him.

After the performance, he found you in the crowd, pulling you into a tight embrace.

"What did you think?"

"You were amazing, Eddie. I'm so proud of you."

He kissed you, and in that moment, everything felt perfect.

--

After a few months of dating, you and Edward decided to move in together. Your apartment was big enough for the both of you. Living together can't be that bad since Edward has been staying in your place for some time before. The walls were adorned with posters of your favorite movies and bands, and the shelves were filled with his textbooks and scripts.

You were sitting on Edward’s lap, sharing a tender kiss. His hands gently massaged your waist, slowly moving down to your hips, sending a warm shiver through you. The connection between you felt electric, each touch deepening the intimacy of the moment.

You broke the kiss, looking into his eyes with a loving smile. Your fingers ran through his hair, feeling the soft strands between your fingers.

"I can't believe we're actually doing this. Living together while studying is going to be a challenge." You said, bitting your lower lip.

"I know, love, but we'll make it work. We're a team, remember?" He smiled, eyes sparkling with a playful glint as he gently pulled you back in for another kiss. This time, the kiss deepened, becoming more passionate. His hands on your hips tightened slightly, drawing you closer.

You slid your hands under his shirt, slowly removing it as he did yours too. Without breaking the kiss, Edward hoisted you up with your legs around his waist as he carried you to the bedroom.

Most of your nights were like this; it always ends with you two panting in bed.

--

As time went on, Edward's acting career faced many ups and downs. He struggled to land significant roles, and the rejections began to take a toll on him. You noticed the changes—his once bright eyes grew dimmer, and his laughter became less frequent.

You got home late from studying, you found him sitting alone in your apartment, a bottle of beer in hand. His eyes were glassy, and he looked up at you with a mixture of sadness and embarrassment.

“Hey,” he mumbled, trying to sit up straighter. “Didn’t expect you back so soon.”

You sighed, feeling a pang of worry and frustration.

"Eddie, what's going on? This isn't like you."

He shrugged, looking down at the bottle in his hand. "I Just… had a rough day. Needed something to take the edge off, love." forcing a smile.

“This isn’t the way to handle things, you know that.” your voice was stern but more concerned.

He nodded, his expression softening. “I know. I’m sorry.”

You sat beside him, taking the bottle from his hand. You placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay. Let’s get you some water and talk about it.”

As you helped him to the kitchen, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. You cared deeply for Edward, and seeing him like this was hard. But you also knew that he needed your support now more than ever.

After getting him settled with a glass of water, you sat down with him, ready to listen. “Tell me what’s going on,” you said softly.

He took a deep breath, finally opening up about the struggles he’d been facing. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I keep getting passed over for roles, and it’s like no one sees what I can really do.” He sighed. "and it’s like all that effort is for nothing. I feel like I’m stuck in this endless cycle of auditions and rejections. It’s exhausting.”

You nodded, listening intently. "You have so much talent, Eddie. Don't let this break you."

Edward's struggles with alcohol began subtly. At first, it was just a drink or two after a long day of auditions and rehearsals. But as the rejections piled up, so did the empty bottles.

"Edward, this is becoming a problem. You can't keep drinking like this."

His anger, and frustration made his movements erratic. You watched him with growing concern, not recognizing the man infront of you.

"I am drowning, Frankie. What the fuck am I supposed to do?"

As he took another swig, he suddenly lashed out, throwing the bottle against the wall. It shattered, and he sank to the floor, his head in his hands.

“Baby, please,” you said, your voice trembling. “This isn’t you. You’re hurting yourself, and it’s breaking my heart to see you like this.”

He looked up at you, tears streaming down his face. “I don’t know what to do,” he admitted, his voice cracking.

You knelt beside him, taking his hands in yours. “You don’t have to do this alone. We can get through this together, but you need to take the first step. Please, Eddie, seek help.”

He nodded, but the cycle continued. The stress of auditions and the pressure to succeed weighed heavily on him, and he often turned to alcohol for solace. But despite your support, Edward's struggles with alcohol worsened. He became more distant, and the vibrant man you fell in love with seemed to be slipping away.

---

Present

You finished a glass of water while you remember the dark point of Eddie's life. "Edward started having a tough time with his acting career. The rejections were hard on him, and he turned to alcohol to cope. It was heartbreaking to watch him struggle."

"That sounds really tough." Penny said with a sympatized look, feeling your pain.

"It was. Eventually, he realized he needed help and checked himself into rehab. It was a difficult time for both of us."

--

Flashback

You stood in the doorway of your apartment, watching as he packed a small bag with trembling hands. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, and you could see the pain and fear in his eyes.

“Are you sure about this?” you asked softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

He paused, looking up at you with a mixture of determination and sorrow. “I have to do this,” he said, his voice cracking. “I can’t keep hurting you… or myself.”

You nodded, tears welling up in your eyes. “I know. I just… I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”

He walked over to you, pulling you into a tight embrace. “I’m so sorry for everything,” he whispered, his voice filled with regret. “I never wanted to put you through this.”

You clung to him, your tears soaking into his shirt. “I love you, Eddie. I just want you to get better.”

He pulled back slightly, cupping your face in his hands. “I love you too, Frankie. And I promise, I’m going to fight this. For us.”

You nodded, trying to hold back the sobs threatening to escape. “I’ll be here, waiting for you. Every step of the way.”

He kissed you gently, a bittersweet moment that felt like both a goodbye and a promise. “I’ll come back to you,” he said, his voice filled with determination.

As he walked out the door, you felt a mix of heartbreak and hope. Watching him leave was one of the hardest things you’d ever done, but you knew it was the right thing. Edward needed to heal, and this was the first step.

You stood there for a long time after he left, the silence of the apartment feeling overwhelming. But deep down, you held onto the hope that this was the beginning of a new chapter, one where Edward could find his way back to himself and to you.

---

Present

A tear escaped from your eye and you quickly wiped it away when Jason arrived infront of me.

"After Edward and I broke up, it was really tough. I focused on my studies and work, trying to keep myself busy. My friends and family were a great support, but it took a long time to heal."

"Did you ever hear from him again?" Luke wondered.

"We lost touch for a while. He needed to focus on his recovery, and I needed to move on with my life. It was hard, but it was the right thing for both of us."

--

Flashback

One day, out of the blue, you received a letter from Edward. He had completed his rehab program and was doing much better. He thanked you for your support and apologized once again for the pain he had caused. He wished you all the happiness in the world and hoped you had found peace and love.

---

Dear Frankie,

I don't know where to begin.. I’ve been thinking about you constantly, and there are so many things I need to say. I’m writing this from rehab, a place I never imagined I’d end up, but here I am, trying to piece my life back together.

I want you to know how much you mean to me. I’m so sorry for the pain and suffering I’ve caused you. My absence, my lapses, and my struggles with alcohol have hurt you deeply, and for that, I am truly sorry.

I know I’ve let you down in so many ways. I’ve been selfish, lost in my own despair, and I failed to see how my actions were affecting you. You deserved so much better than what I gave you. You deserved someone who could be there for you, support you, and love you unconditionally. Instead, I became a burden, and I hate myself for that.

Being here in rehab has given me a lot of time to reflect. I want to be someone you can be proud of, someone who can stand by your side without causing you pain.

But as much as I want to be that person for you, I know it’s not fair to ask you to wait for me. You have your own life to live, your own dreams to pursue, and you deserve to be happy. I don’t want to hold you back or keep you tied to someone who is still trying to find his way.

So, I have to let you go.

I hope one day you can forgive me for the pain I’ve caused and remember the good times we shared.

Take care of yourself, Frankie. I love you more than you know.

Eddie.

--

Present

"Edward went to rehab, and we eventually broke up. He needed to focus on his recovery, and I had to move on with my life. It was heartbreaking, but it was the right thing to do."

"Wow, Mom. That must have been really hard." Luke whispered, looking down at his shoes.

"It was. But every experience shapes who we are. And I'm grateful for all of it because it led me to your dad and our wonderful family." you said, smiling at them and kissing their cheeks one by one.

"And we're glad you made those choices too." Jason said, kissing your head.

"That was a great story, mom. We're glad to know that part of your life." Penny said and kisses your cheeks as well, biding good bye.

You smiled, feeling a sense of closure and contentment. You were happy that Jason was unfazed by the story I was telling. He was always supporting and loving.

--

Flashback

After receiving Edward's heartfelt letter from rehab, you were devastated. The pain of losing him was overwhelming, but you knew deep down that he was right. He needed to focus on his recovery, and you needed to move forward with your life.

The days that followed were filled with a mix of emotions. You threw yourself into your studies and work, trying to keep busy and distract yourself from the heartache. Your friends and family were there to support you, but the void left by Edward was hard to fill.

Months turned into years, and you gradually found a new rhythm in life. You graduated with honors and landed a great job in finance. You met Jason, who brought a new sense of joy and stability into your life. He appreciated you for who you were, even when you felt stressed and haggard.

---

Present

It was a great day to go out and explore. We were out for a day in the city. You decided to visit a local theater festival, a favorite pastime of yours and Jason's. There are more people here than it used to. You overhead a few people talking about an actor promoting his movie. As you walked through the bustling crowd, you spotted a familiar face on one of the posters.

You stopped your tracks and stared at the poster infront of you, catching the attention of your family as well. "Oh my gosh, it's Eddie..." you muttered.

Your kids looked at you ridiculously. "Mom, are you okay? that's Tom Hardy." Penny tapped your shoulder, looking at you suspiciously.

Your eyes are still fixed at his poster, thinking that he looks good and successful now. You can't help but to feel proud.

"His name is Edward Thomas Hardy." You muttered.

"Are you sure, mom?" Luke asked, evidently concerned.

You nodded, a mix of excitement and nostalgia washing over you. Just then, you saw Tom Hardy himself, standing near the entrance, greeting fans. He looked up and his eyes met yours. A smile spread across his face as he recognized you. You saw him making his way towards your family.

"Well, if it isn't my old friend! How have you been?" Tom beamed. He was wearning his glasses, his stubble is now a light gray color, and his hair is thinning slightly but he was handsome as ever.

You introduced him to your family, and the kids were starstruck. Penny was the first one to speak.

"Mom, you dated Tom Hardy?"

"This is insane!" Luke said, still not believing his eyes.

Tom chuckled and placed his hands inside his pocket, nodding to Jason. "It's great to see you again, Frankie. You have a beautiful family."

"Thanks, Ed-- I mean, Tom. It's good to see you too." You stuttered.

You all chatted for a while, reminiscing about old times and catching up on life. The kids were thrilled to hear stories from Tom about his early days in drama school and his journey to becoming a famous actor.

As you parted ways, you felt a sense of closure and happiness. Life had taken you on different paths, but it was wonderful to reconnect and see how far you'd both come.

"Well, that was quite the surprise. Who knew we'd run into a movie star today?" Jason cheered, earning a giggle from your kids.

"Life is full of surprises, isn't it?" You chuckled.

The kids were buzzing with excitement, and you couldn't help but smile. It was a day to remember, filled with unexpected joy and a reminder of the beautiful journey your life had been.

Later, you and Tom found a quiet spot away from the crowd to talk more privately. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the festival grounds.

“Frankie, I can’t tell you how much it means to see you again. I’ve thought about you often.”

“I’ve thought about you too, Tom. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”

He smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I owe a lot of it to you. Your support and love kept me going, even when things were tough. I’m sorry for all the pain I caused you.”

You reached out, placing a hand on his arm. “I’m just glad to see you happy and healthy.”

“Rehab was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was worth it. I had to face my demons and learn to live without alcohol. It wasn’t easy, but I had a lot of support.” Tom said, pausing for a minute.

“Frankie, there’s something I need to tell you..." Tom placed his hand on top of yours. "After I got out of rehab, I looked for you. I wanted to find you and make things right. When I finally did, I saw you with Jason. You looked so happy, and he was taking such good care of you. I didn’t want to be a nuisance or disrupt your life, so I decided not to bother you. Instead, I focused on working hard and building everything I have now.”

You felt a lump in your throat, touched by his words.

"There are still times when I wonder what could have been. If we had stayed together, I probably would have married you. But seeing you happy now, I know it was the right decision.”

He looked at you with a tender smile.

“You’re still as beautiful as ever, Frankie. And I want you to know that I have a family now too. I have a wonderful wife and children who mean the world to me.”

You smiled, feeling a mix of emotions.

“I’m so happy for you, Tom. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

"I’m so glad you found your way. You deserve all the success and happiness in the world.”

He looked at you, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Frankie. I’m happy we could reconnect."

You nodded. "Life has taken us on different paths, but it’s good to know you’re doing well.”

“It is. And I’m glad to see you happy with your family. You deserve it.” Tom said, smiling while savoring this moment with you.

You both stood there for a moment, taking in the significance of the reunion. It was a bittersweet reminder of the past, but also a celebration of how far you’d both come.

" I’d love to catch up more and maybe even work on something together again.” He added.

“I’d like that, Tom. Let’s not lose touch again.”

As the festival continued around you, you both felt a renewed sense of connection and hope for the future. It was an emotional and meaningful reunion, one that brought closure and a new beginning. You parted ways with a hug, filled with love and respect for each other.

THE END.

Author's note: Sorry for the back and forth of Present and Future. I was trying to incorporate the style of HIMYM in this story! This is my first one shot/story ever made so pls do not expect too much!!

Btw, Jason is Jason Segel. I got inspired by his role as Marshal, and the kids were the same as Ted mosby's kids LOL

[godlessandwrecked]

a bit of a shameless self-plug,,, this is still one of my favorite things I’ve ever written, every time I think about how little interaction it got I literally want to scream 😄 but anyway if you want to read it 👉👈 here

[cannibalcoyote]

Unraveled Ch.3: The Family

Ch.2 Ch.4

After doing some paperwork for about an hour Ellie suddenly runs into the office, rushing over to my desk.

"Come on Els! The beach has been blocked off and we're both being called down there. Apparently there is a body." Ellie whispers quickly to me in distress.

I look up at her, feeling my memories attempting to resurface, but I quickly push them back, swallowing my nerves as I put on my cold, stern exterior. We quickly walked out of the department, hopping into our respective cars and heading over to the beach. I can constantly feel the memories of that little girl's body in the water trying to pick its way into my vision, but I shake it off. I couldn't avenge her, but I can try and solve whoever it is that we find.

Flashing our badges we park our cars and get access to the beach, I stumble slightly in the sand as Ellie and I weave through the small group of people beginning to crowd against the police tape.

We walk straight up to the tape, quickly being allowed in by the uniforms, Ellie going first and walking towards the body. I, however, feel myself slowing down, the waves rolling and the image of a child's dead body being all too similar. My mind and my body feel disconnected, like I am physically here but my mind is simply watching the nauseating scene unfold.

The only thought in my mind being, 'Is this penance for my downfalls, God?', closing my eyes and sharply reopening them I push myself forwards, watching Ellie beginning to get emotional, I think I heard her saying 'no' and 'I know this boy.' Both of these caused my blood to run just that much colder.

I trek towards the body with false confidence, keeping my eyes trained on the body. I can see figures of the D.I. and Ellie having a slight confrontation in my peripheral vision, but I pay them no mind as I spot the body of Danny Latimer lying in the cold sand.

I then look up when I hear an all too familiar accent and tone. The buried feeling of longing resurfacing as the voice awakens old memories.

"Shut it down. You're working a case now!" His voice was serious and his accent Scottish, I finally look up to see his face. He luckily hasn't seen me yet, but seeing him causes my striding over there to hesitate greatly as I feel my facade of confidence crumbling in mere seconds.

He introduced himself to Ellie but I care not about that, all I can focus on is the face of my best friend, Alec Hardy. Luckily they are talking about Danny, him turning around as Ellie identifies the body, Alec turning around as he learns this information. The sickening feeling in my gut is only growing in this whole situation, but I push myself forward. I've got a crime to solve now and I can't let past personal experience interfere with that.

I walk forwards, my feet feeling heavy, the type of heavy like when your boots are filled with water that can never be emptied. I only stop when I reach Ellie, trying to stay out of Alec's view.

"Ellie? Is that who I think it is?" My question rang through the tense air, my voice soft and accent not as noticeable. Ellie jumped in fright before realizing it's me.

"How bad are the uniforms at keeping civilians out of a crime scene?!" Alec exclaims in anger, luckily not looking at me yet.

"They're not that bad, seeing as I'm no civilian Alec." I state. Ellie looks at me in surprise and confusion as I call our new D.I. by his first name. Even he freezes at my tense greeting, almost as if having a moment of realization at hearing my voice. He slowly turns to see my face, the face of his missing best friend, the face of a person he desperately longed for though thought he would never see again.

"Elswyth?" His soft yet gruff voice is full of longing and questioning. His eyes seemingly darkening in sadness as he remembers our past together. Sadly we don't get long to remember as I hear the sound of someone who is not going to take this situation well at all, Beth Latimer.

"Oh, God, who's that?" Alec questions as he shifts his gaze to the distraught mother.

Ellie and I both looked as well with wide eyes, seeing one of our closest friends and mother to the now deceased Danny. We both glance at each other before stumbling forwards, holding our arms out to catch Beth before she can reach Danny. Ellie is telling her she can't be here, but my only focus is to keep her from reaching Danny. I grab her, struggling as she pulls me slightly forward, Alec grabbing her too until the uniforms finally rush over and drag her back, Beth fighting violently as she screams about how those are Danny's trainers, screaming both of our names in despair.

I quickly look away, stumbling backwards slightly, this is all wrong, it's happening all over again. I feel as though I'm going to collapse and be sick when two strong arms grasp me quickly, holding me against their chest as comforting words are spoken quietly. I recognize him, his smell and touch are the same even after not seeing him for so long. He turns me around, as I rest my head against him, his arms wrapped tightly around me as we both understand how this is affecting each other.

After a few more moments I push away from him, I can't let Ellie see this, she would quickly catch on to what happened in my past, and I don't want her hating me like how she loathes Alec. He looks at me as I stumble back again, reaching out to steady me but I push his hands away, he stops immediately, looking down slightly and lowering his hand at my rejection. I can't stand looking at him sad, so instead I turn to Ellie, her hands against her forehead at the despair of Beth. I quickly pull her into a hug, I know this is going to be one of the worst experiences of her life, and I have to be there to make sure it doesn't end up how my case did.

——————————

We're walking along the cliffs, the tape now blocking the edge. We all walk through the y'all grass, I cross my arms across my body as a form of comfort, the waves below splashing loudly.

"They let people walk along here, no safety barriers?" Alec questions, his tone confused as to why.

"It's the coastal path, people know to be careful." Ellie responds simply, all of us continuing to trudge through the tall grass.

"It's a death trap." Alec states as he looks behind us then back around. I give a small, almost nonexistent smile at how blunt he still is, hopefully he doesn't realize how much I've missed his rudely blunt and socially awkward personality.

We continue walking, finally running into SOCO at the crime scene.

"How's it going?" Alec asks as we stop to speak with Brian.

"Well, from what we've got up here, sir, it's looking like the rockfall around the body was faked." Brian responded solemnly. My eyes going dark as I now know for sure that this is a murder.

"What do you mean?" Ellie questions. I hold in my sigh of annoyance as I remember that I can't be mad, this is after all her first murder, as well as this town's first murder; I'm going to have to be patient for Ellie. Brian continues to talk but I feel my mind wandering elsewhere as I examine the area in my head, already having seen that there was no proof Danny was even up here, I then begin to think of all possible suspects, the family are always suspects at first, as well as anyone he might've seen on a day to day basis.

I don't even realize we're leaving until I hear my name being yelled, "Els! Let's go!" I quickly look over to see Alec glance over at my frozen form before walking down the path and Ellie waving me over before following Alec. I quickly run over to catch up, hearing Alec telling Ellie to get the pathologist to hurry up even if it's preliminary. I walk a few feet behind them both, my head looking down at the steps until I hear a sharp yell that grabs my attention.

"D.S. Miller! D.S. Carlisle!"

"Who's that?" Alec questions Ellie as to why someone is shouting our names. I look up to see the one and only obnoxious reporter, Olly Stevens. I push in between them, pushing both of them forwards faster.

"Just keep walking." Ellie sighs as she picks up the pace.

"Ellie! Els!" Olly shouts as if we're best buds.

"He seems to know both of you." Alec states, albeit a little bitterly as he looks at me. I roll my eyes knowing exactly what he's thinking.

"Auntie Ellie! Auntie Els!"

"No no no, don't pull that bullshit Olly." I angrily snarl as I continue walking, now leaving the other two behind as I head to my car.

"I told you, don't do that!" I hear Ellie practically growl at him in annoyance. I ignore them as I go to open my door, looking back to see Alec scowl and release a disgusted sound when hearing Olly works for the Broadchurch Echo. I smile slightly at that scowl upon his face, it makes me remember back to when I would call him Hardy when we were younger and he would scowl in annoyance before returning the favor and calling me Carlisle. I realize what I'm doing and wipe the smile off my face, slipping into my old Alfa Romeo and waiting for Ellie to leave, hearing bits of their conversation and how they're not giving statements.

Olly, seeming to not have any luck with them, instead rushes over to my car.

"Auntie Els, I heard there was a body?"

"Don't pull that shit Oliver, we're not giving statements right now, and you are not allowed to speculate. Now shut it and wait till we give a proper statement." Feeling pissed I slam my door, harshly shifting gears before I speed off to follow Ellie to the Latimer house.

——————————

We all exit our vehicles, Ellie looking a little confused and perturbed. Alec must've told her to tell him if the family we're acting odd. I understand why she's acting like that, but she needs to understand that right now everybody's a suspect. Ellie walks up to the doors first, Alec hangs back and pulls me aside.

"Els, I know this case is bringing up bad memories, if you want to hang back in the cars I understand." Alec states, his normally rough Scottish voice now quiet and concerned. I smile slightly, resting my hand against his shoulder as he looks at my eyes.

"I would love to take up that offer, but this is Ellie's first homicide, and I can't let her face that with you, I know you understand what you're doing, but Ellie won't listen to you, she needs me there to guide her." I pat his chest before walking up to the door, Mark answering it. A flash of uncertainty streaming across his eyes as he greets Alec, Ellie, and myself.

We enter their home, meeting the whole family in the living room. Beth standing up, anxious and restless as she already knows why we're here. Her daughter Chloe, gazing up at me as if begging me to tell them it's not Danny. I look away, the ground becoming my sole focus as they take their seats.

"Hi I'm Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, and I believe you know D.S. Miller and D.S. Carlisle" Alec introduces, inviting them to sit down as he grabs me and himself a chair. We all sit down, the whole family distraught, Ellie barely keeping it together, and Alec being the one forced to keep it together. I'm simply there, I'm there for Ellie and the family, and now I'm also here to make sure that Alec is alright as well.

"The body of a young boy was found..." Alec starts before Beth interrupts, being hushed by Mark before he tells Alec to continue.

"We believe it's Danny's body." Alec states.

Beth looks over at us as she breaks down, "Please Ellie, Elspeth... Was it him?" Beth's question destroys Ellie, she looks over at me before nodding in confirmation to Beth. Beth breaking down even more now, Ellie being unable to hold in some of her tears.

The whole family shudders, the dread of the situation amplifies as everyone cries and Mark attempts to keep it together and hold the family.

I have a feeling of complete emptiness, this is the second murder of a child I have to investigate where I know the family personally, and this is going to be the one to destroy what was left of my shattered soul. My hands shake slightly, and Alec discreetly reaches over to hold them, running his thumb over the top of my hand to calm me down whilst still keeping an eye on the family's reaction. I knew this case was hitting close to home for him as well, so I attempted to soothe him as well, squeezing his hands in thanks and comfort.

Ch.2 Ch.4

[lyralu91]

This picture makes me want to write a scene where James surprises his lover on her way back from church 😏

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

Imagine him snatching her against his chest, wooly coat all damp, cold leather gloves cupped over her mouth, wintery breath in her ear and a nudge of damp, bristly moustache against her cheek 😌🫠

"I missed you..."

(P.S. @justrainandcoffee I can also see him doing this to Agnes!!)

[jks1uv]

𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑙 ; tommy riordan | one-shot |

summary: you’re visited by the love and loss of your life after he walked away a decade ago.

pairing: tommy riordan x vsangel!reader.

trope: estranged childhood best friends to lovers.

genre: hurt / comfort + romance.

warnings‼️: a 3 year age gap (reader is 22 & tommy is 25) + crude language + a kiss scene + a suggestive line towards reader as a model (some guy says she’s fine) + a minor detail describing a small part of the daily routine of a marine which may be inaccurate.

word count: 3,652.

random disclaimerrr: me when tom hardy: 😍😍 happy reading! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ♡ © 2024 @jks1uv

────♡♡♡────

you and tommy were the best of friends. inseparable at the tender ages of 5 and 8.

you two were neighbors and your family consists of four; mom, dad, you, and your little sister.

tommy and brendan had a bigger age gap than you and your sister but whenever you girls would be out in the yard, tommy would feel the itch to go out and play in his little hands.

he knew y’all were younger than him but that didn’t discourage his curiosity.

“um, is… is it okay if i can play with you?” he asked hesitantly.

you and your little sister look towards the voice and find a boy older than the two of you standing by his front porch, looking bashful.

you nodded enthusiastically, so excited to make a new friend.

“yes!” you exclaimed as you grab his hand and drag him along your front yard.

ever since then, the two of you were joined at the hip.

────♡♡♡────

tommy would come over to your house often due to the close nature of your friendship.

you may have been 12 at the time but you were wise, and that made it easier for him to confide in you.

“he’s drunk. again.” he shook his head and chuckled bitterly.

your eyes were soft and sorry. you wish he wouldn’t think pitying him was a bad thing.

you lace your hands with his and insist on watching a movie while snacking on his favorite things.

“you can spend the night if you want.”

it was second nature to go above and beyond for him, but it was second nature for him to deny your kindness. you never understood why.

“nah, i gotta get back to my mom.” and you smiled at that.

one thing about tommy? he’s a great son to his mother.

they say it gets worse before it gets better and that was certainly the case for tommy. he and his mother had been pushed to their limits. they both packed their bags and never looked back at pittsburgh ever again.

you were devastated, heartbroken. you couldn’t believe your best friend just up and left without even saying goodbye.

you figured it was because of his father, paddy, but you never knew he’d push your best friend away from you.

you harbored a secret animosity towards him whenever tommy would spill his guts out but in this moment? you resented him.

paddy was the sole reason your other half, your soulmate was gone.

you never even got to tell tommy how you really felt about him.

tommy told you his secrets and you shared yours. you were never this close to a person, ever.

your little sister is an exception but of course she’s gonna know you better than you know yourself. she’s your blood, but tommy isn’t. he’s someone who’s seen what the inside of your heart looks like and he hadn’t judged you one bit for it.

tommy is your first love, but he was also the loss of your life.

────♡♡♡────

10 years later, present-day:

“standby y/n.”

you're nervous as fuck and rightfully so. in addition to this being the first time you open a victoria’s secret fashion show, you're wearing your first fantasy bra to do it.

that’s a lot more firsts a girl can hope for!

you’re just a couple of minutes away from so many things happening tonight. tripping and twisting your ankle, falling on your face and the internet never letting you live it down, or worse: never getting another chance to model for victoria's secret ever again.

well, there goes your career! over before it even started all because of some heels or the floor or the lights or some other, valid yet non-excusable reason.

you take a deep breath in and exhale through your lips forming an ‘o’ shape. you close your eyes and join your hands together to pray silently with the few seconds you have left.

please, please, please don’t let me fuck this up. please.

you hear ariana grande belt out the few lines before the chrous of “dangerous woman” out front. you make a mental note to ask for a photo and autograph when you see her later.

“go, y/n!”

showtime.

it’s muscle memory for your hands to place themselves on your hips as you make your way down the large, well-lit, glittery floor.

perfect timing to make your appearance as the chorus of the song plays on.

cheers and screams erupt from the seats as you stand tall and concentrate on moving your ankles in front of the other.

you’re at the middle of the runway when you tug on a strap and large, black, feathery wings make their appearance. more encore from the venue & you can’t help but feel like that bitch.

when you make it to the end of the runway, you turn your chin down a bit and let your eyes do the talking. they’re outlined with black eyeliner and highlighted with silver and black eyeshadow, blended so nicely together.

the theme for your fantasy bra is “black swan” and it’s perfect for you as that’s the energy you’re known to give off. dark feminine, mysterious and unpredictable.

you pause for a few seconds to pose and let your side profile hang in the camera angle for a bit before you turn to the side. you make a full 360. you eye the camera on the side, offering one last glimpse before you’re on your way backstage.

you let the crowd fuel you as you depart and hope you looked your very best.

you know only angels get to wear wings and you know it’s a privilege to get to do both; be an angel and wear wings.

you were signed as a victoria’s secret model at 18 and worked very hard for 3 years to earn your title as an ‘angel’. at 21, you were gifted an opportunity so many girls only dream of.

the rest of the girls backstage practically flood the room with excited shrieks, warm hugs and elated faces.

you were the youngest of the batch and had so much yet to learn but they all treated you as their baby.

“you killed it out there!”

“so beyond proud of you, babe.”

“there she is! the highlight of tonight.”

“our black swan did so beautiful!” and there were so many more words of encouragement that made you spill so many tears but you did it! the hard part was over.

now you can change into other lingerie and wings and just be content with the fact that you did it.

────♡♡♡────

after the show was successfully complete (and ariana grande came asking for a photo), a celebration in the form of drinks were obviously in order.

you’re out with your sister and you deem it’s baddie baddie shot o’clock.

“girl, save some for your birthday.” your sister laughed.

you just sent her a toothy grin and shrugged. “we’ll just drink some more when it gets here.”

your 23rd birthday is still some time away but you weren’t thinking about that tonight.

“HOLY SHIT, IS THAT TOMMY?!”

yup. that’s what you were thinking about. the boy who left pittsburgh and took a piece of your heart with him.

your neck snaps up at the name and you see him for the first time in forever.

he’s here. in the flesh, and not on television breaking some guy's jaw. he's about 10 ppl away from you.

your heart stops.

your breathing stops.

time stops and all of a sudden, you’re a little kid again forming a memorable friendship with the neighbors youngest son.

he’s wearing a white tank top under a baggy, black zip-up jacket with a pair of black sweatpants.

his baby blues are darting from one person to the next, an unnoticeable smile on his face as people come up to him and say nice things with proud smiles on their faces.

you think he looks good. a bit uncomfortable and edgy, but he looks like he’s been taking good care of himself.

you begrudgingly look away from him and blink rapidly to keep your tears from falling.

your sister puts a comforting hand on your shoulder, begging you to go up to him and rekindle what may be lost but you silently plead with her to just let you have this.

you don’t have it in you to go up to him and make small talk, act like the last 10 years didn’t happen.

at least not tonight.

she indulges you and the two of you quietly leave the bar. unaware of the stunned pair of eyes that want so desperately for you to turn around to see what’s slipping away.

────♡♡♡────

you wake up with a headache but it's not from a hangover. it's from crying yourself to sleep.

you couldn't believe yourself. how did you miss the one chance you've been so desperately praying for? how did you walk out and away from him?

like he did you.

you sigh and drink some water from your nightstand before getting ready.

you shower and eat and think about going to just drive around town as you haven't been back in 3 years.

should you also go see him? maybe he's still here?

or maybe he left. again.

you shake your head away from those thoughts, no matter how possible they may be. you're gonna go out there and find him and... well, you'll figure out the rest of the plan when you see him.

the sound of the doorbell ringing catches your attention. your sister left for work and said she won't be back until 6.

you grab your keys and purse and make your way to the door, hoping it's a girl scout with cookies or something.

but of course, the universe says “nuh uh!” and behold! it's the very thing you ran away from. this time, just a couple of steps away from touching you.

“tommy?” you breathe out in disbelief.

he blinks slowly and your stomach feels funny. like all the adrenaline in you is swarming in your intestines, daring you to move your body. without thinking, you accept the challenge.

you jump out at him and crush him in the biggest hug you've ever given and the vigor of it knocks his balance off a bit. you hear him grunt in surprise and your arms are wrapped around his neck in a vice grip. like if you loosen them even a little, he'll disappear again.

hot tears brim along your eyes. you close them tightly and let them slide down your cheeks anyway, feeling them trail a path down your face.

his hands slowly rise towards your figure and he's unsure where to put them. he's never hugged or been hugged like this.

even when he made up with brendan, it was different. but why is this different? it it because it's you and not his no-longer-estranged older brother?

he hugs you back. one hand is across your hip and the other is your shoulder blade in his palm. he slides his face into the crevice of your neck and noses your collarbone in a silent apology.

you sniffle as you accept it.

“i'm sorry.” he croaks out.

you shake your head, to tell him he doesn't have to be but he insists.

“i shoulda came to see you but-” he sighs and moves his face back, prompting you to do the same.

you look at him with watery eyes and his eyes dart around your face. like he's memorizing it.

his eyebrows come together and form lines on his forehead. you know he does that when he's thinking really hard about something.

“the truth is,”

you let go of his neck and his cradles your face in his hands.

“i knew i wouldn't be able to leave if i saw you.” and when he drops that bomb on you, you can't help but stitch your wobbly lips together in a smile.

it doesn't reach your eyes though, and that's how he knows you missed him just as much as he missed you.

“but i woulda understood why.”

and he knows that, of course he knows.

he also knows that the second he would've seen those tears in your eyes, he would've broken his resolve. and how could he not? you break his heart when you cry.

he wipes your tears with his thumbs.

“i know.” he murmurs.

he pulls you into him once more with a hand on your neck and you cry softly, unbeknownst to you that he's forcing himself to brave through his teary eyes.

────♡♡♡────

“oh my god, you're so old.” you giggle.

“and you're so young.” he bites with no heat.

you invited tommy in and changed, finding your mission successful. the current conversation is about how different life has been for the both of you.

“so i guess we're both kinda like celebrities, huh.”

you tap your nails against the sofa arm.

“more you than me.” his lips split open in a toothy grin.

you smile back and think how great this all is. there's no sign of forced conversation, he's as relaxed as he can be and you are happy.

tommy stares at you and finds himself seeing all the things he's missed. he finds all the years he's missed in your face, all the places you've been in your eyes and all the joy you've experienced in your lips.

the truth is, he saw you on tv every time you were in a show. even back when you just modeled for any show before you were officially signed on as an angel.

his unit members would tease him but he didn't care. you were on national television and to him? you were amazing.

if anyone said anything about any woman in a suggestive tone, he'd say something anyway but he never played about you.

“damn, she's fine.”

if looks can kill, you wouldn't wanna be that guy. tommy could kill with his bare hands just as well.

alas, that was the only warning that poor chap got before it was lights out. all because he couldn't keep his thoughts in his head. he just had to air it out to everyone.

tommy slept good that night, too.

“whatcha thinkin’ ‘bout?”

you pull him away from his memories.

he deeply exhales and looks away from you, fiddling with his chain around his neck.

“i watched all your shows.” he mumbles.

you still heard it though and you show it by the way your face is beaming.

“really?”

you’re elated because you were on his mind just as much as he was on yours.

he nods, still refusing eye contact but it’s okay.

you scoot a bit closer to him and your knees are folded under you, touching his thigh.

he stops fiddling with his chain and eyes your hands on your knees. slowly but surely, his eyes lock onto yours and he sees how happy you are.

“i didn’t know they allowed people to watch tv over there.” you can’t help your grin.

your head tilts to the side a little as he explains how everyone shares one tv and there’s a daily time limit to how much tv they can watch.

“wait, so, you even watched the shows i did before i was exclusive to victoria’s secret?”

“every single one.”

that made your heart swoon. your crush on him never left but this amplified it.

you had guys try to hit on you and say a line or two to get your number (or something else) but they weren’t tommy.

he haunted your life.

“why didn’t you ever call?”

you didn’t want to ruin the mood but this has been sitting on your mind the second you let him in. you don’t know if he feels it, too.

“why’d you leave the bar?”

you quirk up an eyebrow at his quick yet witty retort.

touché.

this has been weighing on him for quite some time, too.

“i didn’t know how to face you… i guess i was overwhelmed.” you answer, ashamed.

he nods like he was satisfied in your answer. “same.”

you look at him, unsatisfied with his lack of explanation.

“i never called because i thought you might’ve hated me.” he admits.

you’re offended and you don’t hide it.

did he really think his friendship meant that little to you? so little, that you wouldn’t understand?

he sees the look on your face and shakes head, as if he was answering your questions.

“no. wait, it’s not like that-”

“i could never hate you.”

there’s a softness in your voice as you say the words he’s been longing for. it soothes the wave of self-loathing washing over the shore of his heart.

all he’s wanted to hear, to know; is that you don’t hate him.

your knees slide out from under you and you cross your legs together, facing him.

“i honestly thought you forgot about me-”

“never.” he says so instantly, like that idea is so absurd and bizarre.

to him? it is.

“i could never, ever forget about you.”

now it was his turn to be offended.

how could you assume he’d ever forget about you? the same you that never let him down? the same you that always had a place for him in your mind and heart? that you?

you sigh softly and look down at your hands. you’re unsure where to go now.

“okay.” you nod.

“okay.” he asserted.

you huff out a laugh from your scrunched up nose and your smile threatens your unbothered demeanor.

tommy smiles back, a tight-lipped one but a smile nonetheless.

he gazes into your eyes and they drift to your lips on their own accord. like a magnet, they’re drawn to your mouth and your eyes are drawn to his.

he hesitantly leans in a bit, giving you time and space to back off if you’d like but you’re frozen.

you gulp and meet his eyes and he whispers, “i’ve liked you for the longest time.”.

that makes your heart leap out of your chest. all these years you’ve been crushing on this big, tough guy, not knowing he’s liked you back?

“since when?”

you’re so starstruck.

he smiles bashfully, a faint red blush painting his cheeks. as uncharacteristic as this looks, you weren’t about to let this phenomenon go to waste by looking away.

“since that day i asked if i could play.”

your eyes widen and your jaw goes slack.

this endearing motherfucker.

“i… i’ve been crushin’ on you, too.” you admit.

you can’t look at him. you don’t know why you feel this way. maybe it’s because you’ve never been this vulnerable with a man before.

“don’t go all shy on me now.” he teases.

he moves his head to catch your gaze.

you smack your teeth and halfheartedly hit his shoulder with your knuckles.

he brings his head towards you once more and aligns his forehead with yours. you close your eyes at the contact and he asks, “can i kiss you?”.

you nod faintly, your hands coming up to rest on his shoulders.

his palms rest on the curve of your waist and he kisses you like he’s making up for all lost time.

he’s gentle, letting you set the pace, letting you take control.

but there’s something else you need to know.

your head tilts back a bit and he chases you, dazed and not a single thought behind his eyes other than kissing you forever if you’d let him.

“easy, tiger.” an airy chuckle leaves your lips and you set a hand on his chest.

he lazily smiles and places his hand over yours. he kisses your forehead.

it makes you smile, tommy being so affectionate. a stark contrast to his demeanor in the public but you think he’s one of those “tough guy with a soft heart” kind of guy.

“i want you to stay.”

he pauses his actions and slowly backs up to meet your eyes.

“you stayin’ here?” he asks curiously.

“for the time being.”

you interlock your fingers with his.

he nods and says, “what you really mean to say is; you want me to come with you.”.

you purse your lips sheepishly. tommy thinks about it for a moment.

“new york city?”

“mhm.”

you’re nervous. was that an impulsive move? or is that question a result of your fear; him leaving just as fast as he showed up?

he deeply inhales and blows a raspberry, simulating a worried persona.

“okay.” he decides a beat later.

you blink and shake your head, getting whiplash from his behavior.

“wait, what?!”

“i was gonna come visit you anyway but this sounds better.”

he nods like he’s made up his mind.

tommy says things like this like it’s the most obvious thing in the world and to him, they are.

but for you, this is a commitment. a promise. something you can’t turn back from and you convey that to him.

“tommy,” you begin. “this is a very big and important adjustment. we’re moving in, together.”

“what else would i be doin’? where else would i be?”

“for starters, your family is here. i know you’ve made up with brenadan so i figured…”

you trail off and hope tommy can fill in the rest.

a lopsided smirk is drawn to his handsome, smug face and he holds your hands.

“that’s sweet and you’re right. but he chose when and where to make his family and i’m tellin’ you; there’s no place i’d rather be.”

he says is so intrinsically that your heart wills no choice but to believe him. there’s a silent promise in his words, one that he hopes you hear him make.

i’m not leaving you again.

“…okay.” you muse.

“okay.” he settles with a quick kiss to your lips.

[dyns33]

Rafiq alruwh

I'm not sure yet if this will be a Bane x reader oneshot or not.

I like it like that, but I could find ideas for part 2. My only problem being that I still need to finish others Tom Hardy's characters story, while wanting to write Feyd Rautha stories.

As much as Y/N listened to these stories over and over again, she couldn't imagine the feeling everyone would describe.

The moment your skin touched your soulmate's skin, and suddenly everything became clear, better. A feeling of joy and the burning need to stay by this person's side forever.

It was a rare phenomenon that scientists could not explain. It was completely impossible to know when this would happen, or if it would happen, because fate seemed cruel. Most people either didn't have soulmates or didn't have the chance to meet them in their lifetime. The world was too big and time too short.

There were still skeptics, who claimed that it was all nonsense, lies, invented by people blinded by love or who wanted to give themselves a certain gender. Only those who ended up meeting the person changed their mind, the others remaining too jealous to accept the truth, considering that it was only a romantic utopia.

Y/N wanted to believe in it. She dreamed of meeting her soulmate and experiencing this special moment.

Her parents were not meant to be together. It was visible.

In her entourage, she had an uncle who had had this experience, a few neighbors, a friend, and all had said the same thing.

What they had in common was that they were all good people. Maybe that was one of the reasons.

“You might have had to choose another type of profession then.”

"Mom…"

“I’m just saying that cop is not the most popular job in the world.”

"And I would say that choosing to be a non-corrupt police officer in Gotham is almost like being a saint."

"You'll end up getting killed, long before you meet your soulmate. I'll never understand why you wanted to be a cop, especially in this town."

There came a day when her mother's fears almost became a reality. The day when terrorists took the entire city hostage with a bomb, preventing everyone from entering and leaving.

It was probably not what she had thought when she talked about dying, but for several months, hidden with her colleagues, Y/N thought about her soulmate, trying to imagine this meeting that would probably never happen.

Staying mainly with Blake and Gordon, she tried to hide her pain, but it did not escape Miranda Tate, who took her hand with a gentle smile and asked what was tormenting her.

“We’re going to die here.” Y/N whispered. "I mean, I'm not afraid of that, that's the risk of the job. But… I didn't think it would be like this now. I wish I had met my soulmate before."

"Your rafiq alruwh. I didn't think many people cared about it here."

"My what ?"

"That's how my father called soulmates. I grew up with a lot of stories about it, because he and my mother were related. I prayed a lot to be that for one of my friends, but no. Our destinies are linked, but not like that.”

"Sorry."

"Even if I would have liked him to be mine, I wish him happiness and that he meets his other half one day. A being worthy of him, of his love and his protection. He deserves to be happy. You too, you seem kind. Maybe you shouldn't have been here."

Her words were strange, but Y/N didn’t tell the others. It wouldn't have changed anything anyway. Even though she had discovered that Miranda Tate had the detonator, that she was the real leader of the terrorists, the streets remained controlled by the militias.

As always, they were saved by the Batman. She had never really known what to think of the vigilante, protected by Gordon and hated by everyone else. He clearly wanted to help Gotham, but his methods remained illegal, and not necessarily effective in the long term.

His death was a tragedy, but not necessarily the end of a symbol. Hope was still there, even stronger, and the Gotham police were determined to ensure everyone's safety.

Y/N felt this determination too.

Still, she froze as she inspected the sewers with Blake and Ramirez. They too had a moment of hesitation, as their lamps illuminated a body. A huge body, sitting against the wall, face hidden by this frightening mask.

There had been a search for Bane and his men after the explosion. Witnesses said the Batman fought him, and won, but they found nothing.

Obviously, the terrorist had managed to drag himself here to die.

"What do we do ?" Ramirez asked shyly. “Should we put a bullet in his head ?”

"What ? Why do you want to do this ?"

"To make sure he's dead. I've seen a lot of movies, man, I know the mistakes to avoid."

She didn't approve of the speech, but Y/N agreed, it was necessary to check it out.

Feeling almost stupid, she moved forward slowly, her hand reaching towards Bane to see if he felt a pulse.

She didn't expect the large hand that quickly grabbed her neck before she could touch him.

Fear paralyzed her body, and yet there was something else. An indescribable, incredible feeling, which resembled happiness but more intense, which was absurd in this situation.

Y/N felt so lost that she didn't realize the hand was relaxing, just resting against her skin instead of squeezing and snapping her neck like it easily could have done.

"Habibi…" was the word spoken with difficulty by Bane, who stared at her with an indecipherable expression.

“Let her go right now, you bastard !”

Maybe he was as confused as her, or maybe he was too weak, but the terrorist didn't avoid Ramirez's punch, while Blake grabbed Y/N to pull her as far away as possible.

She stood still, not understanding what was happening, as Ramirez called for reinforcements, proud of having been able to knock out the giant, even though he knew as well as anyone that he would have had no chance. if his mask hadn't been damaged and he wasn't half dead. It was not possible.

Bane couldn't be her soulmate, Y/N refused to believe it. A man like him had no soul, not after everything he had done, and above all why would he be destined for her ? She didn't feel like she had committed a crime that deserved such punishment.

She was probably never going to see him again anyway.

If he survived to Blackgate, he would be locked there forever. Even if she had permission, she had no intention of visiting him.

But the feeling remained there, strong, impossible to ignore, demanding more. An incomprehensible need to be close to the one who had touched her, so that he would touch her again.

Y/N resisted. She gave her report to Commissioner Gordon, forgetting a few small details, and indicating that she did not wish to follow this case, leaving Bane's case to better agents than her.

This seemed to surprise him, as he considered her one of his best people, but he accepted.

However, it was impossible not to think of her soulmate, since the whole town was only talking about him and his arrest. The television was on loop every day, and her colleagues thought they were doing the right thing by keeping her informed of progress.

"They say his face is horrible. I think there are photos in the file."

"I'd love to see that ! I can't imagine that fucker at all without his weird mask. Do you think he has a normal voice without that thing ?"

“I can go get it so we check.”

Ramirez's gaze met hers as he stood, and without her needing to speak, he knew it was best for him to sit back down and change the subject.

Y/N didn’t see the photos. She absolutely didn't want to.

After several weeks, she asked to take a vacation, claiming to still be traumatized by what had happened to her, in addition to the near destruction of Gotham. She needed some time to rest.

Turning off all the screens and her phone, she tried meditation to clear her mind, so she could get some sleep and forget that her soulmate was a crazy, half-dead terrorist who would soon be judged.

This miserable attempt being a failure, she turned her phone back on shortly after midnight, only to be bombarded with calls and messages, coming from several colleagues, Blake, and Gordon.

"What is happening ?" she asked, calling the Commissioner back.

"Damn, I almost sent men to check on you, you weren't responding ! Where are you ? Are you okay ?"

“I’m at home, why ?”

"Don't panic. Blake will come get you."

“Gordon, what’s going on ?”

"He hasn't said anything since his arrest, keeping very quiet, and then yesterday Bane spoke. He asked to see you, giving your name. The other agents are categorical, it's impossible that he knows ot, no one told him. The agent simply replied that you were not on the investigation, and even on vacation… Damn, he…"

“Gordon, what ?”

"He escaped, Y/N. We don't know how. No one knows where he is, or what he's going to do. But since he talked about you, I don't want to take any risks. Don't move, John will come right away."

She could have told him that she knew very well why Bane had spoken about her, and that it was undoubtedly necessary for her to leave without delay, but fear held her back.

Even if it wasn't her fault, what would the commissioner think when he learned of her connection to the fugitive ? He was a good man, but all men had their limits, and she would be the first to be wary of someone designated as Bane's soulmate.

After hanging up, she jumped out of bed to grab her gun and shoes, ready to wait for Blake to arrive in her living room.

Y/N froze in the middle of the hallway, seeing the huge figure standing between her and the front door.

His face was covered by a scarf, his posture a little less proud than in the videos she had seen of him during his city hostage situation, he appeared to be in pain, but it was obvious that if she tried to pass, he would retain her without the slightest difficulty.

“Habibi.” he whispered, and indeed his voice was different without his mask, more human. "What a joy to see you again. More beautiful than I remember or on pictures. Will you come with us without resistance ? I don't want to hurt you."

"Hands in the air." she replied, pointing her gun at him, ignoring the urge to hug him. “Don’t move, my colleagues are coming.”

"I admire your sense of duty and honor, Habibi. But I will not return to prison, ever again. And I will not leave you either. I thought of you every day. Is your neck healed ? I need to repair my wrongs to you.”

“I said, put your hands in the air.”

“So you leave us no choice, Habibi.” he sighed, looking behind her.

We. He said we, and someone gave him her name. Y/N reacted too late, one man grabbing her gun, and the other not holding her shoulder, injecting something into her neck with a syringe.

In an instant, she found herself on the ground, her vision blurring, but her body not panicking, as it was invaded by an incredible sensation. Bane had reached out to hug her, his eyes smiling as he ran a hand over her cheek.

"It's okay. I'm taking you home, rafiq alruwh."

All her life, Y/N had waited for this moment, this feeling, this sentence. She told herself that the stories we said to children were really stupid, as her eyes closed.

[butterfly-lies-chase-them-away]

TOM HARDY MASTER LIST

REQUESTS CLOSED

Fics under cut

-

Alfie Solomons

The Boogeyman 🎃Halloween Special🎃 

- Monster!Alfie Solomons

Summary: "Do not misbehave, be a good girl. And no matter what. Never! enter the woods. He will get you."

In a small village plagued by the ominous presence of the Boogeyman, you, a young and curious woman, find your world forever altered when you cross paths with Alfie Solomons, an enigmatic and older man. Instantly captivated by his mystique, you're drawn into his intriguing world, but as your connection deepens, you can't help but wonder if your newfound association with him will lead to unforeseen danger and consequences.

(UNEDITED)

Soulbound Scars (ONESHOT)

Alfie Solomons x Fem!Reader

- Soulmate AU

Summary: In a gritty world of crime and secrets, Y/n, marked by shared scars and pain with feared gang leader Alfie, takes an unexpected punch to his face.

(UNEDITED)

Brave Little Protector (ONESHOT)

Summary: Following a night on the town, Alfie and Y/n's evening takes an ominous turn when a menacing group of men attempts to intimidate them. Despite Alfie's leg issues, the men foolishly believe they have the upper hand, oh boy, were they mistaken.

(UNEDITED)

Mine to Kill (ONESHOT)

Alfie Solomons x Gn!Reader 

Summary: When Alfie finds himself on the brink of death yet again, it's Y/n who drags him to an unexpected safe haven. Even with the hate between the two, they can’t deny the connection between the two of them. 

(UNEDITED)

Spoiled 

Alfie Solomons x Fem!Reader

Part One

Summary: Y/n is looking in a dress boutique when a strange man comes in and pays for her dress. This forms a strange friendship between Y/n and Alfie. 

Part Two

Summary: Alfie and Y/n had been friends for a while now and Y/n started catching feelings.

(UNEDITED)

DestinyAlfie Solomons x Gn!Reader

Summary: The story follows Alfie and the reader, who repeatedly cross paths throughout their lives but never truly meet until they both end up in Camden after the war. Despite numerous near-miss encounters, a fateful day finally brings them together, and their meeting feels like the culmination of a deep, unspoken connection.

[ooihcnoiwlerh]

Okay, so, just saw The Bike Riders and

I am still very much invested in my Feyd/Reader fic but I also really want to write a Johnny/Benny/Kathy oneshot? It wouldn't work in canon because of the relationship dynamics but Benny is a character that would've been so flat and uninteresting with a weaker actor but Austin Butler just breathes life into him to the point that yeah, it's no wonder both Kathy and Johnny are so in love with/protective of/possessive of him. It doesn't hurt that both Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy are also very attractive shhh

[madmen-ao3feed]

Quick Oneshots/Crossovers - Part 51

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/nGpsROu

by CreativeLiterature

A collection of oneshots and/or crossovers which jump right into it.

Each chapter name mentions which fandoms it contains.

Words: 2162, Chapters: 15/15, Language: English

Series: Part 51 of Quick Oneshots/Crossovers

Fandoms: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Real Person Fiction, Gilmore Girls (TV 2000), 13 Going On 30 (2004), Mad Men, New Girl (TV 2011), Will & Grace (TV), RimWorld (Video Game), Alias (TV), MADtv (TV), The Chase (TV), Austin Powers (Movies), Victoria & Abdul (2017), Legally Blonde (Movies), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Family Guy (Cartoon)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Original Characters, Ms. Perky (10 Things I Hate About You), Jenna Rink, Don Draper, Jessica Day (New Girl), Roger Sterling, Karen Walker (Will & Grace), Nick Miller, Julian Sark, Miss Swan (MADtv), Bradley Walsh, Dr. Evil (Austin Powers), Frau Greta Farbissina, Abdul Karim, Queen Victoria, Tom Hardy (Actor), Elle Woods, Paulette Bonafonté, Peter Griffin, Tom Riddle | Voldemort, Stewie Griffin, Harry Potter, Rubeus Hagrid, Quirinus Quirrell, Molly Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Lois Griffin

Additional Tags: Screenplay/Script Format

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/nGpsROu

[ceafighter]

I couldn’t resist 🫣

Sweet Like Chocolate (Venom Drabble)

Eddie/Venom x GN!Reader / requests are open

Summary: Venom's enjoys it when you're his host.

CW: fluff, making fun of Eddie

Venom Tag List: (send an ask to be added to a tag list!)

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

WE ARE NOT A BABY.

You tut and continue about making Venom’s tater tots. It hadn’t really been a genuine thought. It’s just that when you and Eddie trade Venom between you like parents trading a toddler for alone time, it kind of felt that way at times. Not that you were complaining, of course. Any time with Venom piggybacking in your head was time well spent in your own personal opinion. 

It was just a shame that you weren’t a better match. Then he could come around with you more often. But no, that was Eddie’s responsibility, it would seem. 

“I know, V- you know how human brains work. Thoughts just pop in unannounced.” 

I WILL ALLOW IT.

 

You chuckle and pour yourself a glass of wine. A tendril of Venom’s form spreads from your back to put the wine bottle away for you, and you thank him kindly. Checking the timer on the tots, you frown. They were going to be at least another fifteen minutes. 

“What do you want to do tonight, V?” You ask, plopping down on the lounge chair and taking a sip. 

WE WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU. 

You smile softly, and Venom chuckles in your brain in response. That took some getting used to, actually, hearing someone laugh in your mind. But like all things, you acclimated. 

“We’re doing that, buddy,” you reply. 

YOU ARE FAR NICER THAN EDDIE. EDDIE IS MEAN. 

You take another swig of your wine and flick the TV on quietly, flipping through to get to Venom’s favourite channel. 

“How do you mean? Eddie’s a sweetie deep down,” you respond, finally finding the channel and putting the subtitles on for yourself. Eddie was always a sweetie. It was just that he was a bit gruff. Venom grunts. 

EDDIE’S AN ASSHOLE. 

You hear the bathroom door creak open and turn around, seeing Venom’s tendril rooting around in there for something. You don’t question it further than that, knowing that whatever he’s looking for will be found. 

You’re proven correct when the tendril returns with your hairbrush. You dutifully fluff your hair out from the neck of your cardigan for Venom, who hums appreciatively and begins to brush at your hair. 

It’s something he likes to do for you. You’re not sure whether it’s because he enjoys the sensation himself, or whether it’s something he does for you. It could be both, all things considered. Your eyes flutter shut, and you lose yourself in the motions for a few minutes. 

“He can be an ass,” you finally acquiesce. “But he means well.” 

Venom’s head materialises from over your shoulder and faces you. His tendril pauses its ministrations in your hair for a moment, and he appears thoughtful. 

“I suppose,” Venom replies. “We prefer you. Prettier host.” 

You flush pink and brush a hand over Venom’s cheek. Or what would be his cheek, you supposed? 

“You’re a sweet thing, V.” 

Venom nods, ripples of his skin flowing over his form. 

“Like chocolate, yes?” 

You laugh and make to get up when the timer for the tater tots goes off. 

“Like chocolate.”

[lyralu91]

Chapter update - The river that connects us

Still writing the smutsmut my lovelies! 😅😝 Been two messy weeks for me but I'm getting there! 🥵 So are James and Lorna hehe 😏💦 For those of you who missed, I'm also working on a James oneshot and a Tom Hardy RPF! 🐾

[ao3feed-scorbus]

Hardy Potter Oneshots

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/pMmko65

by Anonymous

Oneshots I write for fun sometimes. You can leave requests but I’ll be writing my own too.

Words: 4805, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Thorne & Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Movies)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M, Multi

Characters: Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Bill Weasley, Fleur Delacour, George Weasley, Fred Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Bellatrix Black Lestrange, Tom Riddle | Voldemort, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Severus Snape, Pansy Parkinson, Nymphadora Tonks, Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Black Malfoy, Scorpius Malfoy, Albus Severus Potter, Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, Theseus Scamander, Gellert Grindelwald, Albus Dumbledore

Relationships: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter, Harry Potter/Severus Snape, Harry Potter/Tom Riddle, Harry Potter/Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger/Harry Potter, Harry Potter/Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger/Harry Potter/Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger/Severus Snape, Fleur Delacour/Hermione Granger, Hermione Granger/Bellatrix Black Lestrange, Hermione Granger/Pansy Parkinson, Fleur Delacour/Bill Weasley, Fleur Delacour/Nymphadora Tonks, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, Remus Lupin/Severus Snape, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin/James Potter, Sirius Black/Severus Snape, Sirius Black/James Potter, Harry Potter/Fred Weasley/George Weasley, Fred Weasley/George Weasley, Luna Lovegood/Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom/Luna Lovegood, Luna Lovegood/Harry Potter, Lucius Malfoy/Narcissa Black Malfoy, Hermione Granger/Narcissa Black Malfoy, Scorpius Malfoy/Albus Severus Potter, Tina Goldstein/Newt Scamander, Credence Barebone/Newt Scamander, Newt Scamander/Theseus Scamander, Albus Dumbledore/Gellert Grindelwald, Gellert Grindelwald/Newt Scamander, Credence Barebone/Gellert Grindelwald

Additional Tags: Other Additional Tags to Be Added

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/pMmko65