#truth & grit (bombs ocs)

[monkii-bombs]

old Truth Patoot doodles

[bombtastic-monkii]

Grit & Truth exploration :P

[obetrolncocktails]

Deception | Josh Kiszka X Reader | Part 4

Warnings: angst, stalking, embarrassment, miscommunication, depression, JOSH SOBBING IN HIS MOM'S ARMS, some suspicious shit, broken off engagement, foreshadowing.

Word Count: 6,243

A/N: Hey guys! It's been a while, but it's here! Prepare for your hearts to be broken and broken some more. Josh is pitiful in this chapter, and I just wanna hug him and tell him it's gonna be okay. Also, there's an OC in this fic (Hailey), who has no relation to anyone in real life, I just needed a mechanism for something....I won't give too much of it away.

Summary: They say it's not the bomb that has the lasting effect, it's the fallout. You'd shattered each other into millions of pieces, so where do you go from here? What's left to save in the wake of explosion?

“He’ll come to his senses, I know it,” Hailey, Sam’s girlfriend assured you, forking through her salad. Her demeanor was nonchalant, but her words filled you with relief, even if it was through false hope. 

“I hope so. He has every right to be hurt for what I did,” you began, leaning against the park bench, squinting your eyes as you looked into the trees above. “I lied. I didn’t tell him that I knew who he was before–before everything.” You pulled your hands up in the air in front of you, frustrated with the truth of the situation. You had spent the last half-hour explaining the very thing that had torpedoed your relationship with Josh. 

“So, you didn’t lie,” she said, chewing a large bite with her hand covering her mouth. “You just withheld information.” She shrugged, batting away a fly. You couldn’t stop thinking about how nice it would be to be able to dismiss the severity of the situation like she did. Then again, she wasn’t the perpetrator. You were. 

“Everything was just so great,” you reasoned, sighing deeply. “We were in love, we had sex for the first time.” You covered your face from the dismay and groaned into your palms. “I love him so much, and I’ve fucked it all up.”

“Just by keeping some things to yourself?” She asked, her eyebrows raised. You watched her crack open a bottle of juice. “I don’t think Josh could possibly hate you for that. Hurt? I get it, but not hate.” She shook her head for emphasis as she tilted her head back for a sip. “How did he even find out? Did you tell him in that letter? Cuz, wow. Bad timing on your part,” she said, offering a cringing expression, gritting her teeth together. 

“No, I was waiting to tell him after his birthday. I wanted him to have a great time at the party.” You realized that the beds of your nails had begun to bleed from picking at them. You rolled your hands into fists and continued. “This is so embarrassing, and unbelievable,” You began. 

“What do you mean?” She asked, turning toward you, obviously more enthused and interested than before. You didn’t make eye contact with her as you stared forward, watching as a squirrel turned to look at you before skittering away with a captured acorn. Here’s where you’d have to admit that you’d had-have a stalker. 

“Someone knew about all of it. Knew about my account. Knew that I was a fan of the boys before I ever met them,” you started, your voice thin from painful guilt and from the feeling of being violated. “Even knew that I…” you trailed off, ashamed of yourself. “That I wrote smut about them.” She nodded silently for a long moment. “That I had a following on social media–a fan account.”

“Wow,” she said finally. “That is a lot. How did anyone find out?” She asked, putting her curly hair into a loose bun. 

“I don’t know. I privated the account when I met Josh. I should have just fucking deleted it,” you admitted exasperatedly. 

“But you didn’t,” She continued. You shook your head no. 

“Nope,” you answered, staring ahead. “They stole my password, changed the authentication phone number–everything. They stalked me for an entire month and a half, threatened me, followed me, took pictures of me, and destroyed my life. I have no idea who they are, or what they want. I haven’t gotten another text, so maybe they’re happy now. They got what they wanted.”

You had left your entire lunch unattended at your side, and, glancing down, you noticed an orderly line of black ants assembling up and into the salad container. Good for them, you thought. Absolutely nothing in your body had a desire to eat, anyway. “Have you heard from Josh?” She asked after a deep sigh. “He’s been off the radar since the party.”

“No, and I don’t expect to hear from him any time soon,” you said with a shrug, a gesture that felt as if you’d been holding the weight of the world on your shoulders. “I understand.”

“You don’t feel the need to defend yourself?” She asked, her expression changing to that of confusion. 

“It’s not worth it to argue my position and lose him forever,” you decided. “I thought about writing him a letter and leaving it in his mailbox,” you shrugged again. “But I don’t know if he’d read it.”

“I think he would,” Hailey argued. “Josh loves you, Y/n. It would surprise me if he just thought that you were some traitor or something this entire time. You can’t fake love.”

You took a deep breath. “I guess we’ll see what happens. Maybe he’ll just ignore me for the rest of my life, and I’ll just move to a remote island that’s far off the grid.” Hailey snorted. 

“I don’t think you’d survive very long,” She grinned before standing up and grabbing her trash. “You didn’t even finish your lunch,” she said, turning to watch the insects feast on your salad. “Ready to grab Jita? I can’t imagine they’re still doing her hair,” she said, rolling her arm in front of her to glance at her apple watch. You nodded, taking the first step forward, tossing your uneaten meal in the nearest trash can. 

***

“I don’t know what to tell you, Jake. Do the rehearsal without me,” Josh said exasperatedly, rifling through his closet to fill a duffel bag. “I don’t really give a shit.”

“Hey man, you don’t get to speak to me like that. You signed on to be part of this band. It is your responsibility to be there. It’s on the damn contract!” Jake raised his voice slightly, but what was more intimidating was the rasp that had grown with his rising temper. “You don’t get to run away.”

“Watch me,” He seethed matter-of-factly, elbowing past his brother. Jake stood there for a long moment debating his next move.

“Can you at least tell me where you’re going? So I know you’re safe…” Jake began, stepping out of his brother’s bedroom and into the living room where Josh stood, zipping up the large bag. 

With a deep sigh he finally answered. “I’m going home. Okay?” He said, looking up at Jake. Though Josh seemed to be acting out of intense anger, Jake could see within his brother’s gaze that it was a safety mechanism. It was easier for him to be angry than it was to process how deeply hurt he was. He’d remain closed off for now, and everyone would have to be okay with that. The best path forward would be to give him the space he needed. 

“Okay,” Jake agreed calmly, nodding his head once as he placed his arms across his chest. “Please travel safely,” he insisted. 

“By the time I get back, have Y/n moved out,” Josh ordered, disregarding his brother’s concern. His eyes were blank and absent of feeling as he uttered your name. 

“Come on, Josh,” Jake attempted. “You’re not even going to speak to her?”

“She knows exactly what she did to me,” he said, hiking the bag on his shoulder. “She can go live with one of her fucked up friends.”

“Who?” Jake asked, confused. 

“I don’t know, maybe one of the thousand that write fucked up stories about us.” Josh’s eyes were wide and wild, and it almost scared Jake. 

“You’re hurt–”

“I’m not hurt,” Josh stopped his brother. “I’m fine. Really. I feel stupid. This whole thing. It’s all a fucking joke.” 

“She loves you, Josh. You can’t just throw your entire relationship away–tell me how that makes any sense.”

“I know you think you’re being helpful, Jake, but I don’t want to hear it. I have a flight to catch. I’ll text you when I land.” With that, he was up and walking out of the door. Jake followed his brother out of the house. “And I meant what I said about her moving out,” he finished, before closing and locking the door behind him. 

“Okay,” Jake swallowed, regretting that he had to be the one to relay such painful information back to you. “You sure you don’t need a ride to the airport?” Jake offered. “I could spare the half-hour.” Josh shook his head. 

“No. I love you, but I’m fine. I want to be alone.” With that, Jake left his brother to back out of his own driveway toward the airport, following him until he had to make the turn toward his own house. 

***

Danny’s house was beautiful, but it didn’t feel like home. You no longer had your own apartment, your parents lived hundreds of miles away, and couch-surfing with friends would only be a viable option for a few more days. You knew that while you were at his house, you wouldn’t be a bother to Danny. You had missed several days of work already, and had stayed to yourself in his spare bedroom until the growling in your stomach became so severe, you were forced to pull yourself from your depression hole of a bed. 

 You heard your phone ping from beside you, and you reached for it. It was Hailey. 

“Hey babe, what are you doing today?”

 You had half a mind to respond,“Oh, you know, loving life,” but you refrained, instead typing “I have nothing planned. I’ve been laying in bed all morning. Please save me from my own depression pit.”

With the motivation of possibly getting out of the house, you stumbled to the bathroom and looked at yourself in the mirror, and instantly regretted it. You were surprised that it didn’t crack just by the sight of you. Your hair had never looked worse, and your eyes were extremely puffy. Your cheeks had begun to break out from the stress of the last week. Sighing deeply, you forced yourself to take a shower, cranking on the faucet of the and waiting for the water to heat up. 

You weren’t sure how long you spent in the shower, but it was long enough for the searingly-hot water supply to turn ice cold, forcibly removing you from underneath it. 

“Y/n!” Danny called from downstairs. “I’m making some lunch, want something?” 

You cracked open the bathroom door and shouted back down to him. 

“Sure, anything you make is great!” 

“Cool, cool!” He responded casually. 

You stepped out of the bathroom, taking care to not slip as you dripped water onto the hardwood floor. You cursed yourself for not being patient and drying off adequately. 

“I figured we could go shopping, or do something to get your mind off things,” Hailey had texted back. 

You began to compose a message back to her. “Yeah, I think some shopping and walking around would help. Maybe we could talk about some things. Not sure who I can really turn to right now, you know? I don’t want to involve the boys, specifically Danny, more than he’s already involved. Josh is already pissed at him.”

“Just us! Don’t worry. We’ll make it a you and me day,” She texted, finishing with a heart emoji. 

“Meet at Danny’s in half an hour?” You asked, and she instantly answered back. 

“Sounds great!”

You tossed your phone onto the bed and heard it thump into the covers. You hadn’t spent much time with Hailey alone since she and Sam had started dating. Usually she would hang out with her local friends, and occasionally you and Jita would tag along with Hailey and you’d do something together. The lunch you had shared in the park the other day had felt kind of strange, but at the same time it was relieving to vent to someone who wasn’t directly in communication to Josh. Hailey was very responsive with everything you had to say, and for the most part, she didn’t seem to be judgmental, which surprised you. Something about her always made you feel a bit uneasy about getting too close. Now that you had chosen to lean on her for support, maybe she’d be just what you needed.

After getting dressed and brushing your resisting tresses into a ponytail, you grabbed your phone again, absently scrolling through tiktok, your heart thudding in your chest when a fan-made tiktok of Josh appeared on your FYP. You sighed deeply, and threw your phone back down on the bed, but decided after a long moment to pick it back up. You hadn’t tried to reach out to Josh in the last few days. His broken expression at the party had terrified you, broken your heart, and left you paralyzed to even know how to begin to explain the whole truth to him. Opening a new message to him, which you hoped would be delivered– God willing he hadn’t blocked your number. You took the gamble anyway and began a message. 

“I know you don’t want to talk, or really have anything to do with me, but I need you to know that I do love you, Josh. I love you with everything I have. Every bone in my body, every breath I take–is for you. You found out something I had kept from you for a while, but I intended to tell you. I wanted to tell you, until someone stole that from me. I’ve been stalked by someone for more than a month, and they threatened me over and over again. They had photos of me–” You deleted the last phrase for fear of going on too long. 

“Please don’t end things like this–this silence is not like you. Even if you’re angry, and hurt, which I know you are. Please talk to me. Please. I have made mistakes, but the one mistake I didn’t make was falling in love with you.”  You hit send. You felt as if someone had dropped the weight of the world back on your shoulders, and there was nothing you could do about it. So, for now you’d pretend to be okay. You walked downstairs and began to prepare for the day, shoving down the despair for a little while longer. 

***

Delivered. 

Josh had turned off read receipts to all of his usual contacts. He didn’t want to talk or entertain them. He simply wanted to disappear. As soon as his flight landed, he pulled his duffle bag off of the plane and retrieved a rental car, putting it into drive and almost immediately getting back on the road. Within an hour, he had pulled into the familiar town, passing the buildings and businesses that he had frequented his entire childhood and adolescence. He wanted to bring you here. He wanted to bring you back to his hometown, and show you everything that had made him into the person he had become. Now, all of those wants were thrown into the air with so much confusion, hurt and anger, that he had no idea what to do with it all. He finished the rest of the drive by forcing himself to tune out the sentimental thoughts that pried at him, the beautiful Michigan scenery rushing by without another thought. Occasionally through the drive, he swiped away the tears that betrayed his shredding composure. He knew this route by memory, having memorized every turn, every redlight and passing sign. And there it was.

As he approached the house, it took everything in him to not fall apart in the front yard. Stepping out of his car, he reached in and grabbed his bag and trudged up the stairs to the entrance of his childhood home, ringing the doorbell, which felt incredibly strange in the moment. Within seconds, Karen opened the door, her eyes wide as she discovered her son on the front steps, his eyes welling with tears. 

“Josh? Honey…”

“Mama–” Was all he could say before letting go. His mother was the one person in the entire world that he couldn’t, and wouldn’t lie to. No matter how hard he had tried, he couldn’t hide how utterly destroyed he was. 

“Oh, baby,” she comforted, pulling her arms around her son as he sobbed over her shoulder, his embrace so desperate and tight–as if he clung to her as hard as he could, he’d wake from whatever terrible dream he was having. His sobs ran loud and free for the first time since his birthday party, and Karen stood there with him in the heavy silence, holding him, her hands rubbing long lines up and down his back in a soothing pattern. 

“It’s okay, baby. You’re home,” She murmured softly, kissing his head over and over, rocking him back and forth in the afternoon sun. They stood there for a long time, Josh’s sobs slowing over time into choked sniffles. When they finally parted, Josh’s face had grown intensely swollen, his eyes exceptionally puffy, and his face reddened with exertion. 

“Come inside,” Karen said after another moment. 

“What’s going on?” Kelly asked, spinning around in the recliner in the living room. “Josh?” He asked, standing up and walking into the kitchen. 

“Hey Dad,” Josh offered with a tearful smile, wrapping his arms around his father, who returned the hug firmly, patting his son’s back. 

“I’m sorry about your girl–about everything, you know,” he said, attempting conversation, as much as Josh would allow. Josh offered a simple nod in response. 

“Did you come by yourself?” He asked, his eyes glancing at the front door. 

“I wanted to come alone,” Josh said, taking a deep breath and letting it out. “I really just needed to be away from everything. Out of Nashville.” Josh wiped the wetness of his tears from his face on his pants and continued. “I just–” He shrugged, unable to explain further. 

“Don’t worry, baby,” Karen comforted him. “You know you’re always welcome to come home. We miss you when you’re gone, you know.” She took Josh’s hand, rubbing her thumb over the tops of his knuckles. 

“I made soup for dinner,” She mentioned, turning over her shoulder toward the kitchen. “It’s in the crockpot. Let me make you a bowl,” She insisted. 

“I’m fine, Mom,” Josh assured her.

“No. You’re going to eat. You don’t eat when you’re upset. I’m your mom, and I know you well. Eat this bowl, and I won’t bother you again tonight about it. Can you do that for me?” She asked, eyeing him sternly. Even in his fragile state, she still parented him like she always had, and in a way, though Josh would never admit it, it made him feel the tiniest bit better. 

“Yes, Mama.” 

“Can you put ice in glasses?” She asked as she ladled portions into bowls. He did as he was told, bringing out the glasses and filling them with ice.

“We’ll just eat in the living room,” she explained. “No need to set the table.” 

Being home quieted the hurt for a little while. His mom and dad loved him more than anything in the world, aside from his brothers and sister, and they did a good job showing it. 

“Your sister was here earlier. She’s visiting for a few days before heading back out to LA,” Kelly explained, spooning food into his mouth. “She’s doing the whole fashion thing,” he continued. It had been a long time since Josh had seen Ronnie, and though he was in pathetic shape tonight, he’d most definitely want to see her before he left for Nashville. 

The rest of the night was quiet, and Josh spent the evening curled into his mother, watching a movie as she mindlessly combed her fingers through his hair. After a while, he fell asleep, calmed into slumber by her nurturing spirit. 

“Josh, honey,” she said after a while, stretching through a yawn. “I’m going to head to bed,” she mentioned, rubbing his back to rouse him from sleep. 

“Hm?” he asked groggily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Oh,” he responded, looking around into the dimly-lit living room, deciding that he, too, was far too tired to stay awake any longer. 

“Me too, mama,” he agreed softly, standing up and stretching his limbs with a low groan. 

“Dad put sheets on your bed,” she told him, standing up and reaching for the remote to turn off the TV. “I’ll see you in the morning, sweetie. Thanks for coming home,” she smiled softly, stepping over to give her son a long, firm hug. “I love you so much,” she spoke. “And I’m sorry you’re hurting, honey.”

Josh squeezed his mother tightly, laying his head on her shoulder as she spoke. “I missed you, Mama,” he admitted, feeling emotion cause his throat to ache from the possibility of crying again. He cleared his throat and began once more. “I love you so much.” 

“I love you too, baby. Get some sleep,” she said, planting a soft kiss on his cheek before stepping down the hall to her bedroom. 

In his childhood bed, Josh fell asleep almost instantly, suspended within the most restful sleep he’d had since the birthday party. Between the crickets chirping and the whir of his ceiling fan, he let his thoughts wander into a mindless drone of noise.

***

“Knock knock.” Josh’s eyes cracked open, squinting from the light cutting through the curtains into the bedroom. 

“Mom said you still weren’t up.” Josh felt the mattress sink towards his feet and turned to see his sister sitting cross legged at the end of the bed. 

Josh groaned, gazing at Ronnie, waiting for his eyes to adjust to a new day. “No peace,” he said softly and grumbly. “I get no peace anywhere.”

Ronnie moved to plop on top of Josh, chuckling when he groaned even more. “Get up!” She pushed, jostling him by the shoulder. “Mom told me what happened, and it’s my job to get you out of the house.”

“Let me mope in peace,” he grunted, reaching for the closest pillow, pulling it over his face. 

“Nope,” she insisted, stepping off of the bed to pull her brother by the arm. “Come on,” she grunted from the resistance that Josh’s weight posed. 

“Fine, fine! Ow!” He complained, stumbling out of his sheets. “Are you happy now?” He asked, scratching his head sleepily. 

“Very. Wake up and get ready,” Ronnie told Josh. “We’re going on a hike. You can’t say no.”

“No.” He said, leaning toward his sister, speaking just beyond the curve of her ear. 

“Ugh, you’ve got morning breath,” she said, scrunching up her face. To Josh’s amusement, he made a point to huff a deep puff of air into her face, chuckling when she swiped at the air with disgust. 

“You’re going, even if I have to drag you,” she said, stepping into the kitchen where Karen stood, cooking breakfast. 

“Going where?” she asked, turning over her shoulder as she worked on a batch of scrambled eggs. 

“I’m making him go hiking with me,” Ronnie announced matter-of-factly, a casual smile spread across her face as she shrugged. She walked over to the barstools at the island, and Josh followed, plopping down beside her. “Do I have permission to drag him out of the house?” She asked, echoing her warning to Josh. 

“Only if he doesn’t come back whining to me about it,” Karen said, grinning. “Josh, you should go. It will be good for you to get out of the house,” she said. “How do you want your eggs?” She asked, turning back to the pan. 

“Fried over medium. I’ll just make a sandwich if you’ll make the eggs,” he said, getting up to place two pieces of bread in the toaster. “Where are we even going?” He asked, turning to his sister. “There aren't really any places to hike,” he argued.

“Okay, we will be walking, but still,” Ronnie said, reaching for her plate as Karen handed it over the counter. 

Josh stepped behind his mother, reaching into the fridge for a bottle of orange juice. “Okay,” he agreed, taking a swig out of the container. 

“Joshua!” Karen scolded, turning and attempting to swat him with the now-cold spatula. Josh dodged his mother with a grin and a chuckle, plopping down in his seat beside his sister. 

***

“It’s been forever since I’ve been down here,” Josh admitted, looking out beyond the trail, watching birds stir from the comfort of their languid, sleepy pond, batting their wings and taking the air, flying high up into the sky, disappearing behind the alpine trees. “Probably since high school,” he said after a moment. 

“It’s been a long time for me too,” Ronnie admitted. The trail was only a mile from their house. Growing up, the kids had taken turns throughout the years of finding refuge in nature, taking the time to think and work through anything that may have been troubling them. Now, when Josh wouldn’t have thought twice to come back to this place, Ronnie had quite literally dragged him back to his roots, reminding him of the quaint protection that this area had served all those years ago. 

They were quiet as they walked together side by side, Josh kicking a worse-for-wear pinecone down the paved walkway. The asphalt was littered with a thin layer of pine straw, disguising the man-made trail underneath it. “So,” Ronnie began. 

He looked at her without a word, waiting for what she was going to say next. “You’re really not yourself right now,” she finally said, sighing. “Tell me what happened. Please.”

“There’s nothing really to tell,” Josh shrugged. Ronnie rejected his poor explanation instantly. 

“That’s not true in the slightest. You come home barely once a year these days,” she explained, stopping on the trail to turn to him with her hands on her hips. “If you’re here, I know it has to be bad,” she continued. “So tell me what happened.” 

It took much coaxing, but after a while, Josh began to open up, beginning somewhere in the beginning of the relationship. “Everything about her just makes sense–or made sense. She was so special. She understood me. She’s patient, funny, beautiful–” Josh continued, struggling to keep his tenses consistent, caught within the uncertainty of the current standing of his relationship. Ronnie nodded, arriving at the first bench, and sat down. Josh joined her and continued. “Since the beginning, we couldn’t get enough of each other, and it wasn’t like infatuation or anything like that,” he said, pulling off his Kavu hat to tangle his fingers into his unkempt curls. “She just knew me. She got me. I’d never ever had that before,” he said, his eyes cast down as he picked at the seam of his shorts. “Not in the way that left me thinking about her every single night. She’s my best friend.” Ronnie could hear the hurt in Josh’s voice, how the last words had crackled as they came out. 

“And what happened for that to change?” She pushed. 

“I don’t know how to explain–it’s so weird, I can’t–”

“Tell me one thing at a time,” she said softly, crossing her legs under her as she adjusted in her seat. “Take your time.”

“At my party, she handed me a card,” he said, his eyebrows furrowing as he remembered. “And she was smiling and so happy–I thought it was a birthday card.” his hands lifted in front of him, before dropping to his lap defeatedly. 

“Inside, there was a letter that said that Y/n knew who I was before we even knew each other. She wrote–she was–” he got hung up on his words. “She wrote stories about me. About the band.” Ronnie nodded slowly, understanding. “She had a whole dedicated blog about me– about the band, I mean.” Ronnie watched as Josh fidgeted with his clothing. “She lied. She led me on to believe she had no idea who I was when we met. The entire time we were together, she was a fan, not a stranger. I feel so–dirty? I don’t know.” 

“So she told you in the letter?” Ronnie asked, picking apart the situation one piece at a time, trying her best to understand. 

“No, it wasn’t her handwriting. It looked familiar, but it wasn’t hers. There were printed out pictures of her writing–screenshots of her blog, I guess.”

Ronnie let silence wash over the conversation for a long moment. “Josh,” she said, mostly as a statement. 

“Yes?” He asked. She looked out at the scenery in front of them. “Do you love her?” She asked, turning to look him in the eyes. 

“What?” He asked, though he heard exactly what she said. 

“Do you still love Y/n? Because so far, you’ve spent way more time telling me about the amazing things than you really have about the bad parts,” she said, tucking stray hairs behind her ears. 

He stopped for a moment and sighed. “Of course I love her, Ron,” he said. “Hell, I was going to propose to her at the party,” he continued. “But she ruined it.” She let the sting of his words calm before continuing.

“What’s the most hurtful thing about this whole– you know?” Ronnie asked. 

“I just feel lied to, and led on,” he admitted, rubbing his chin in an attempt to pacify and comfort the vulnerable feelings. “I don’t know what’s real anymore.”

“She didn’t really lie to you, exactly.” She said, squinting from the intense sunlight, turning to look at Josh. “Yes, she should have told you, but I can imagine that wouldn’t have been an exactly easy conversation to have,” she admitted. “And even so, it’s so embarrassing. Do you really think Y/n had this drawn-out plot to find you and make you fall in love with her? You’re many things Josh, but you’re not an idiot,” She said, punching him gently in the shoulder. He offered a half-smile. 

“I don’t know what I expected,” he answered. 

“Maybe she didn’t expect to ever meet you in real life. And–maybe she fell in love with you honestly. It didn’t matter that you are famous, or that it was you that she fell in love with.” She shrugged. “Have you ever considered that might be the case?” She asked. 

Josh shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“How did you guys meet?” She asked out of curiosity. 

“At the grocery store. On the pasta aisle,” he grinned, embarrassed. 

“Who spoke first?” She asked, as if scoping out Josh’s concerns, walking them back to the very beginning of the relationship. 

“I did,” He admitted. “She chose Rao’s sauce,” he grinned, nodding. “Girl has good taste.”

Ronnie chuckled through her nose. “You’re a loser.”

“How did she react when she met you?” She asked, moving further down her list of questions.

“She couldn’t speak straight, but she smiled so wide. She was funny–clever. Something about her just screamed to me that she was a good person, an interesting person,” He went on. “We clicked instantly. So much so that I didn’t bother getting her number. I knew I’d see her again.”

“And?”

“And I did. At the bar a few weeks later,” He went on. 

“Did she know that you were there?” She asked. 

“No, I don’t think so. She was with friends,” Josh continued. “From that night on, I just knew that it was her. I would have never told her, but I just knew it.”

“So do you really think she was pretending the entire time?” She asked finally. 

Josh was silent, trying his best to find words to say.

“Josh,” She began again. “What is the one thing that the world needs more of? You always say it.”

“Love,” he said, eyeing his sister with a suspicious rise in his brow.

“Did you even let her explain everything? Give her time to tell you all of it?” Josh shook his head, looking off in the distance. “Nope.”

“Why not?” She asked. 

“Because in the moment, I felt so violated that I couldn’t even look at her. I mean, I had the ring in my pocket, Ron.” 

“If you had the ring and were ready to propose, that tells me you were prepared to spend your life with her,” she replied. “You’re not a casual person, Josh. You never have been. Are you really willing to throw away what could be the love of your life over something she obviously feels awful about?” 

There was another long silence, save for the wind brushing through the trees. 

“And it doesn't make sense how you even found out about it,” she continued. “Who told you? Who wrote that card?” 

“I don’t know,” he explained. “Honestly, I didn’t even think about it,” he explained. “I knew Y/n didn’t know that it had been switched, but at that moment, I didn’t care. I just wanted to leave.”

“I’m going to be very honest with you. I don’t think it’s very fair to Y/n to believe everything you were shown at first glance, and then not even know where the information was coming from, even if it was true.” She delivered her opinion honestly, but still remained careful. 

“Danny knew about it. He knew everything.”

“Josh, it’s Danny we’re talking about. Do you really think he would betray you by siding with a crazy stalker fan?” Josh stared straight ahead, picking nervously at his cuticles. His gaze fell, staring down at the ground for a long time.  “You’re no longer the kid from Frankenmuth who sings in choir and gets the lead in musicals. You’re not a nobody.”

“Wow, thanks,” he said with a sarcastic chuckle. 

“You’re famous, Josh,” She continued. “And you’re becoming well-known in circles you probably never expected or dreamed of.” Josh nodded. “I don’t think it’s fair to place that expectation on your partner–to be a perfect stranger who’s never heard of you, even if that is how you think you’d want to meet them. If it ends up happening that way, cool, but don’t determine the end of your story together based on how it started.”

“I just didn’t want to be known for my music when it came to stuff like that,” Josh explained, visibly disappointed. 

“And why’s that?” She asked, crossing her legs as she adjusted in her seat. “Don’t you think that your music is an extension of who you are as a person?” 

“Yes, but that’s not what I mean,” He said. “I just want her to love me for being me, and I felt like she did, but now, I feel like I’m questioning everything.”

“You know what you need to do. You’re upset, and rightfully so, but I don’t think you’re upset that Y/n was a fan of yours. I don’t think that at all. You’re upset because she didn’t feel like she could tell you the truth. You’re hurt that you had to find out the way you did. You wish you’d heard her tell you first, and not in front of your closest family and friends. That was wrong.” Ronnie’s words were hitting home for Josh, and it was exactly what he needed to hear. 

“You can be hurt by someone and still love them. You can be hurt by someone and still want to be with them and work through things. I can’t tell you what to do,” She said, standing up from the bench. “But I can tell you that the brother I know would have told me the exact same thing. You would have told me to trust my gut, and lead with love, even if you end up getting hurt in the end. So,” She said, stepping forward and placing her hands on his shoulders. “You need to go home and talk to her–and you need to decide now if you love each other enough to move past this.” 

“Who taught you to be so wise?” He asked, his lip curling with enthusiasm. 

“Mom and Dad,” she answered with a grin. “But I’ll throw your name in there if it makes you feel better,” She finished. 

“I love you,” he said, pulling her in for a long, well-needed hug. 

“I love you too, turd,” she answered playfully, squeezing her brother tight. “I know you’ll make the right decision.”

“I hope I will,” he said, already lost in thought. 

“I know you will,” she repeated. “You’re Josh. You’re always the heart of everything.” Josh couldn’t exactly understand why it had made him so emotional, but Ronnie’s words had simultaneously shattered the rest of him, and repaired the broken pieces all at once. You’re always the heart of everything. He’d continue to be that person, even if it meant that he would hurt in the end. 

“I’m going back to Nashville,” He announced, clearing his throat, working through the emotion.  “I need to fix this.” He swallowed, straightening his posture as he stood up. 

With a keen eye for departing flights, Josh had cancelled and rebooked the soonest one he could find, opting for a less than ideal airline and paying an exorbitant amount of fees, but he didn’t care. He’d determined that through all of the hurt, he still couldn’t tell himself that he didn’t care about you, and no amount of convincing himself would stop him from loving you–being in love with you.

Touching down in Nashville that next morning, he booked it to his house as quickly as he could. 

He was coming home to you–if you were still home, for that matter. 

End of Part 4.

Taglist: @doodle417 @watchingovergvf2@capturethechaos @sammyfuckingkiszka @ace-harrington @gvfvanfleet @flo-gvf @sacredthefran @jjwrites @jmkho @joshsindigostreak @gold-mines-melting @allieisacrybaby @sammysprincess@gretavansara @dannythedog@demolitionndann @gretasmokerising @shesawomaninadream @sonicbaptism @vixenstail @hearts-hunger @malany-gvf @cal-a-bungaa @rhythm-of-space @alwaysonthemend@meetingthestardust@ageofsinners @katelynn-gvf @ageofwagner @dannythedog @allieisacrybaby@sacredthethreadgvf @takenbythemadness @st4rdust-ch0rds @joshysgirl @gvfvanfleet @gretasfallingsky @madneedshelp @lipstickitty @demolitionndann @myownparadise96 @meetingthestardust @vanfleeter @gold-mines-melting @sacredthefran @mini-vann @sacredthethreadgvf @love-and-greta @gretafaninheat @positivegvfthings @loveisonaroll @writingcold @tearsofjosh @meetingthestarcatchers @fallonfatality @puzzle-gvf @takenbythemadness

[mcfreakin-bxtch]

Jealously

Pairing: The Mandalorian x Reader, Reader x OC (Platonic)

Warnings: Jealously, fluff

Word Count: 1.5k

Requested: Yes | No

Prompts: #1 - “You’re not in love with them, are you?”

#6 - “Do you have the slightest idea of how fucking important you are to me?”

A/N: So I just now noticed that some of you have been left out of my taglist due to some technical difficulties and I apologize for just not noticing and fixing it until now. I feel like a stupid dick xD Anyhow, my requests and taglist are open!

Masterlist

Lan had only been travelling with you and Din for three days, and you could practically feel the jealously radiating off him; ticking and ticking away like a bomb, though slow, patient like the Mandalorian he trained to be.

Lan was your friend and partner for many years before your ultimate departure that led to you finding Din and the Child. It was mutual and understanding, rather one that did not become one of your regrets; it steered you to Din.

There was definitely a major difference when it came to Lan and the Mandalorian. Lan was more of the extrovert, the wavered, but had more of a muscular build than Din, whereas Din was closed off, deadly and gruff.

(Lan had once looked at you romantically, but you never reciprocated. And you never would)

Your relationship with Din was rocky at first, testing the waters of a new partnership. He was a closed off man – no question from the years of being alone – and you were the sociable. Although it didn’t happen right away, it didn’t take too long for him to start opening up to you, actually holding a conversation with you that wasn’t about a job or the Child. He was kind, patient, and paid attention. Over time you began to fall in love with the man, though you were quick to hide your feelings in fear of his rejection; just being with him and the Child right now was enough for you, and you didn’t want to risk that.

(Except you never noticed the lingering in his stance when you did the simplest of things, like talk to the Child or sing and sway when you thought he wasn’t listening or the way your fleeing touch would make his heart flutter and – if his helmet were off – you’d see the flush of his cheeks)

It was by pure coincidence, running into your old partner again. You greeted him with a warm hug and smile, not noticing the way the Mandalorian bristled behind you. He was stiff, stern during the introductions, but you chalked it up to Din sizing Lan up like he usually did when he met someone new.

Turns out the three of you were all after the same job. It was your idea to use his skills and split half with him, which Lan was quick to agree to. Din only nodded, which made you confused.

“Everything okay?” You eventually asked as he polished his weapons.

“Yeah,” he croaked out.

You sighed, sitting down next to him and waiting for him to turn to you. Once you realized he wasn’t going to, you began to feel frustrated; it was like starting right back at square one with him.

“You know you can tell me anything, right?”

(I’m afraid)

“I know.”

You clenched your jaw but nodded, getting up and walking towards the ladder.

“We’ll be heading out in an hour at least,” you informed him.

He only gave a tilt of his head. Lan could tell something was bothering you when you climbed up the ladder, watching the stars as you were in hyperspace.

“Trouble in paradise?” He teased.

You huffed, plopping yourself in the pilot’s seat. “It’s like I’m starting all over again with him and I don’t even know why.”

He smiled, giving you a pointed stare. You frowned, not aware of where it was coming from.

“What? Why are you giving me that look?”

He chuckled. “You really haven’t changed at all, Y/N. The man - .”

“It’s time.” You both jumped at the sound of the Mandalorian, still stealthy as ever even with the heavy armor. It infuriated you sometimes.

You looked in front of you to see that he was right, the planet in question was right on your radar. Lan raised his eyebrows and clapped his hands, trying to ease the tension in the room.

“Well then. Let’s get started.”

…

You didn’t realize just how you missed working with Lan until it came to play, the both of you fighting side by side in almost perfect tune while Din worked to get through to the bounty. The job was successful least to say, and you and Lan celebrated with high fives and giggles from the nostalgia of your old days.

“Talk to him,” Lan whispered to you when Din was out of earshot. You were standing outside the Razor Crest, getting ready to depart once again. 

“I think you’ll find what you’ve been looking for.”

You frowned, confused and opening your mouth to question him, Lan simply dismissed you with a goodbye and a wave, walking back to his own ship.

You boarded with a heavy heart, knowing that Lan was right, you did have to talk to him. 

Din was still just as stoic, and you could tell he was not happy about your suggestion to have Lan join you, at least on more than one occasion.

“Alright,” you huffed. “Enough is enough. What’s your problem, Din?”

His shoulders squared, fists tightening around the controls of the ship. You gritted your teeth and put the ship on autopilot, not missing the way he tensed and started to turn in his seat, quickly making his way to the ladder.

“Din,” you pleaded behind him. “Please, please tell me what’s wrong. I mean, I deserve an explanation at least.”

He sighed, shifting on his feet as he thought over what to say. Truth was, Din was scared. As soon as he saw how you looked and acted around Lan, he thought for sure he was done for. That you were going to leave him for your former partner and he would be alone all over again (he still had the baby at least). He was jealous at how well you and Lan worked together, nearly flawless. The love you held in your eyes when you looked at Lan was prominent, and it made his heart shatter at the mere thought that your love would never be placed on him; that his growing love for you would never be reciprocated.

And now you were suggesting that Lan stay and his throat closed at the thought.

“You’re not in love with him, are you?”

The words spilled out of him before he could even think about what he was saying. He immediately wanted to take it back once he saw your face fall; first confusion, then understanding, then anger. The last one is what confused him.

“Is that what this has been all about?” You questioned. “You think I’m in love with him?”

You laughed then, and it sounded defeated. Din’s frustration and embarrassment grew which each octave, but he patiently waited until you stopped. You stepped closer to him, crossing your arms over your chest as you thought about what to say next.

“Din,” you said softly. He inwardly leaned into your space, but you made no move to bring attention to it in fear of him moving away. “Do you have the slightest idea of how fucking important you are to me?”

(I’m in love with you, you beautiful moron)

He was taken back, expecting the complete opposite of your confession. You continued when he didn’t answer.

“I… I’m in love with you, Din.” You whispered, suddenly too shy to look at the visor, and chose instead to look down at your feet.

The silence, usually comfortable, was now suffocating. The tension was thick, ready to snap at any moment, and you almost felt like screaming.

“Look at me,” he finally said, gruffly.

You took a deep breath and did as he said, not realizing just how close he had gotten; your forearms were touching the chest plate of his armor.

“I – Y/N I’m sorry.”

You frowned, watching as he slowly reached out to take your hand in his. You subconsciously sighed at the feel of his tactical gloves.

“I should’ve been more honest with you,” he whispered. “I was just… afraid that you didn’t feel the same for me.

(If he too paid attention, he would see the soft smiles you reserved only for his eyes. The way you would light up every time he was in the room, how you always scooted close to him just to feel his warmth)

And now that I know you do, I feel like a complete fool.”

You both chuckled, looking down like a couple of nervous, lovesick teenagers. He hooked his finger under your chin, bringing your face up to look back at him. You licked your lips, and you heard the faint shudder of his breath underneath the helmet. Very slowly, giving you time to react and pull away – like you ever would – he placed his forehead against yours in a Mandalorian’s kiss.

You automatically closed your eyes, your eyelids fluttering when he brought his hands down to your waist to bring you closer to him. You placed your arms around his neck, basking in the feel of being in his arms.

“We should make it up to each other then,” you continued to whisper, not wanting to disturb the quiet setting.

Din hummed and rubbed your lower back, pulling his head back only to pull you into a full hug.

“That we should.”

Tags: @alexis-m-kruger​, @scarlett-berserker​, @justlovetoreadfics​, @lil-baby27​, @mando-vibes​, @beepbeepyabitch, @that-void-witch​, @im-the-music-whore​, @certifiedhunter​, @softpedropascal​, @hejahockey​, @okaydacre​, @lemongrove​, @appreciating-chase-brody​, @iwontforgettheapplepie, @mybabyboytony​, @olyamoriarty, @pcrushinnerd​, @elusive-ivory​, @dizzydazed​, @bluejeancntrygrl​, @dadzawas-eyebags​, @moonstruck-witchy​, @our-mrlangdon, @parody-the-emi​, @evalynanne​, @purplewaterbird​, @angel-hunter-winchester​, @tedpicklez​, @pascalisthepunkest​, @coffeeandtodd​, @blunt-cake-yes​, @agoldin​

[himarifuruya]

Diamond Light [ Eye Contact ]

Preface: Diamond Light is a non-linear series of stories based around my OC Himari Furuya and her relationship with Tamaki Amajiki or Suneater.

TW: Chapters may contain Rated M [18+] content, such as graphic sexual content, canon typical violence and gore, body horror and explicit language.

Chapter Summary: After earning her hero's provisional license, Himari Furuya got accepted to join Fat Gum's Agency where she began working alongside a shy chimera.

The first week was always the most stressful she had heard others say when they began their work programs. Himari had to admit there was a shred of truth in that as there was a part of her that was nervous when she joined Fat Gum’s agency. Perhaps, it was because she didn’t feel qualified enough to handle patrols like this and stood out like a sore thumb.

Yet, that night, she put on her gear with no intention of backing out. Despite his initial uncertainty, Fat Gum had thrown her a bone curious to see what she was capable of and she was not about to take that act of kindness for granted. She earned her provisional license for a reason after all.

Now she was perched on top of the sky railing getting an aerial view of the city. A cool breeze pushed at her as she leapt, her cape lifted allowing her to temporarily glide with the wind’s current, till she teleported to the condominium across the highway.

Her feet landed smoothly against the cement barely skidding against the surface. One thing that she liked about her quirk was that it allowed her to be light on her feet, soundless to the average listener.

A bit of static entered her ears from her wireless headset. “How’s it looking up there, Wraith?” She heard Fat inquire on the other line.

“Not much to report aside from a few jaywalkers.” She answered, peering down below. Her team was on the ground carrying out their patrol on the streets. It was only her, Fat Gum, and Suneater – a dark-haired boy she had come to recognize passing through the halls of UA. He had a countenance that screamed to intimidate, but once she was in close quarters with him, it was easy to say that looks were deceiving.

Not much different than herself.

“Sounds good, keep me posted if you see anything ─ OH and don’t go too far ahead!” He added at the end. “Can barely see you up there as it is.”

She laughed softly. “No worries, I’ll stay close.”

At that, she sprang forward, making her way to the next rooftop. As she soared through the air, she quietly admired the city lights under her while maintaining a watchful eye; even through the dark shield of her visor, their brightness was still extraordinary.

Feeling the tug of gravity begin to pull her down, she prepared to teleport again when something cut through the air. She swung her body around sharply, warping to the closest platform. She settled on the ledge of an apartment balcony and quickly moved behind the nearest pillar where the slugs made impact with concrete while more came whizzing by.

Quickly, she spoke into her headset. “Fat, there’s gunshots coming from the parking garage. I just had a couple stray bullets fly by me.” She peeked out, looking across the road. “─I think it’s coming from the sixth floor. I’m going to check it out.”

It didn’t take long before her mentor spoke up. “Tch, should have known the quiet wouldn’t last long. I’m sending Suneater your way right now ─I’ll be following close behind.”

“Be careful, they’re using a silencer.”

“Roger that.”

Silent as a mouse, she backtracked to the condominium over to the top of the attached parking garage.

As she was about to teleport to the next floor, an explosive thunder shook the ground beneath Himari, making her almost lose her footing. When the floor began to cave beneath her, she immediately took off. Clouds of smoke began rolling into the air as she descended to the lower level.

So much for the silencer…

The second she arrived on the scene, another bomb had been detonated. The shocks sent her skating back across the pavement in the direction she came. Smoke clouded her view, making it difficult to determine the situation, but if she had to guess, it was a turf war.

Based on the increasing debris, Himari decided that the best course of action would be to distract them to prevent further damage. She had to contemplate a way to intervene without throwing herself into a sea of bullets or worse, an explosion.

As the smoke began to lift, she saw her opportunity when a man of a hulking stature picked up a compact car. His bulging muscles flexed as he clenched down on the metal, making the material cave in like an aluminum can. He twisted his torso, yelling as he prepared to fling the vehicle at the rival group.

As he released it into the air, his grisly expression slowly morphed into one of confusion when the vehicle suddenly vanished. A loud crash caught his attention, whirling around to see the car now skidding to the other side of the room. His comrades seemed just as puzzled as he was by the strange phenomenon.

When she made her advance, the muscular man’s brows knitted together in annoyance. “Great, fucking heroes showed up.”

Predicting that more heroes would arrive, the two groups began to scatter. Before they could all escape, Himari teleported after them, blocking their exit to the stairwell with one of the cars that had been thrown in the explosion. The muscular man turned to her gritting his teeth in agitation.

“Got some telekinesis quirk or somethin’ kid?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

He scoffed.

“Kids like you should really mind your own damn business!” Following that statement, he raised one of his enormous arms and made a swing at her. The young hero dodged his fist, teleporting above his eye level and gave him a swift side kick to the jaw.

His comrades tried to gang up on her, attempting to seize her from the air. One of them projected his arms with his long fingers wrapping around her waist like grappling hooks. There was a twisted smile on his pointed face as he clamped down on her abdomen.

She managed to vanish before he could yank her down only to appear behind the muscular man. When he was about to turn, she grabbed ahold of the back of his shirt and teleported them both into the air. As they stood suspended in midair, she landed another solid kick to his lower back.

The impact made him drop to the ground like a ton of bricks, barreling across the floor into his accomplices. They slammed into a nearby wall, groaning in pain. The muscular man gritted his teeth as he struggled to his feet, looking straight at her with fire in his eyes.

“Some hero you are! Did they teach you to attack first before asking questions?”

“In case you forgot, you attacked me first buddy.”

“Man, I really don’t wanna kill a little girl, but if you keep getting in our way…” The man with bladed arms cracked his knuckles making the jagged knives extend further with more protruding from his back, making him look like a puffer fish.

“Aim for the helmet.” The muscular one barked. “I saw something flash when she jumped me.”

“Gotcha.”

Without further warning, he rolled his neck and shoulders making his bones snap, sending waves of razorblades at her. The razors were coming at all directions small, thin, and difficult for her to see. It made it near impossible for her to evade them all. She could feel them nick and tear at her flesh even when she teleported to take cover.

“Don’t think you’ll get away this time girly!” The bladed assailant shouted. “There’s plenty more where that came from!”

As more razors rained down, she decided to change her strategy and concentrate on the oncoming attack. Don’t flinch, don’t flinch… Sweat beaded on her forehead trying to maintain her focus without recoiling. To her luck, they disappeared from above.

With the blades under her control, she directed them to the wall where they wedged into the cement.

“Ah shit!” One of the men yelled.

When Himari rose from behind the vehicle, she saw Suneater had made his entrance. He had three men captured in his tentacle grasp, including the man with the bladed arms. He was struggling against his hold, eyes practically bulging from his head. His quirk must have been drained unable to cut free from the restraints.

“Bastard!” The muscular man roared puffing out his chest. His veins were twitching through his skin as he wrenched his massive body around trying to break free.

“You got some fighting spirit I’ll give you that.” Suneater replied lowly. “Too bad you don’t put that strength to better use.”

Before she joined him, she surveyed the area, making sure there weren’t more gang members in hiding. From what she could tell, it appeared that they were the only ones that hadn’t managed to escape. She hoped Fat made it in time to catch the others before they completely bailed the scene.

“Are you alright Wraith?” Suneater called out.

“Yeah, just a few scratches.” She teleported up to him. “─I appreciate the help.”

The dark-haired boy grimaced, mumbling under his breath. “I…didn’t really do much though.”

“What are you—” Himari didn’t have time to refute his claim as the weaselly man had somehow slithered an arm from beneath Suneater’s grasp. His fingers elongated camming at them like a group of whips.

Suneater blocked the assault with his clamed fist, still maintaining control over the group with his tentacles. They thrashed against him wildly desperate to turn the situation around.

“Give up! You’re not going to get away!” Suneater snapped.

“I’m not getting locked up again!” The weaselly man screeched back.

In that time Himari had teleported back into the air. When Suneater went in for a punch to subdue the men, she noticed the weaselly man had something in his other hand. Over the noise, she almost didn’t hear the distinctive click.

The device slipped from his hand as he fell unconscious.

There was no time to delay, Himari swooped down her eyes focused in on the group as the area went ablaze. Tears built up in her eyes as her quirk was reaching its limits. She was thankful when the room disappeared before her.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t bless them with a gentle landing. They tumbled gracelessly onto the roof of the nearby apartment building with a painful thud.

Slowly, the two heroes gathered their bearings with minimal groans. When Himari got to her feet, she looked across the street and winced at the sight of the caved in parking garage.

“So much for damage control…”

“As long as no one else got hurt, it should be okay.” Suneater assured, rubbing the back of his neck. “The cops have arrived so ─Ah, your helmet, it’s um…”

She hadn’t noticed during the fight, but large cracks formed on her visor with chunks of plastic missing from the bottom. Himari sighed as she pulled the headgear off certain there were bits of metal lodged in it as well. As she did, the boy uttered a startled noise.

It didn’t take her long to realize why.

“Oh, I guess you don’t know, but when I use my quirk, the blood vessels in my eyes burst and they glow, like this.” She turned to him with a wry smile. “It’s not very cute, huh?”

“W-What? No! Th-that’s not─ It just seems like it would hurt ─or something I’m not trying to offend you or─” His voice cut out as he struggled to find the right words. He lowered his head, averting his gaze.

She chuckled lightly. “It’s fine, I get what you’re trying to say.”

Suneater was quiet for a moment, before deciding to change the subject. “Um…we should bring those guys down to the police before they wake up.” He turned away to the gangsters lying on the ground still bound up.

“Right.”

With her quirk still activated, Himari tried to use her energy to transport the group onto the ground. Fixing her gaze on them, she was suddenly overcome with lightheadedness. She was forced to disrupt her focus to close her eyes, feeling exhaustion settle in.

Noticing this, Suneater put a hand on her shoulder stabilizing her. “Leave this to me.” He offered quietly. She heard him take something out of his pouches and eat it. Before she knew it, she was being swept off her feet. “Hang on tight.”

Opening her eyes, she nearly dropped her helmet when she felt a gust of air hit her face. Peering up at him, she saw he manifested a pair of massive white wings. Though she could have probably teleported herself with no issues, she decided to cling to him. When he took off, her stomach did a flip as they were pulled into the wind’s current. He glided down the city streets smoothly, easing up when they neared the pavement.

Once on the ground, he gently lowered her onto the road’s surface. Her gaze followed his to the cluster of law enforcement vehicles surrounding the vicinity. The two heroes brought the criminals over to a group of policemen where they were immediately apprehended. As they spoke with the police, Himari noticed that they had even obtained the ones that had managed to slip away. It made her wonder what happened to Fat after the whole escapade.

Her question was soon answered when she spotted a yellow figure walking in the distance. When he spotted them, relief set in his large eyes.

“Suneater! Wraith!” Fat Gum called, making his way through the crowd over to the two. When he finally reached them, he scooped the heroes up and pulled them into a tight bear hug. “Thank goodness! When I saw the building collapse, I was so afraid that you guys were still in there!”

Seeing their comrade safe and sound brought a grin to Himari’s face. “Nice to see you too big guy.”

Suneater ducked his head down. “P-People are staring…”

[nicole-lynne]

Worlds Colliding - Chapter Fourteen

Hi Hey Hello, It’s me, ya girl, who doesn’t know how to post chapters to stories regularly. But I can say, with great pride, that this story is finished so you will not have to wait months for new chapters. I will be posting the last few chapters in my queue

Also side note, I just discovered that my posts won’t be shown in the tags they’re tagged in if I have links to my other posts. So if you want to catch up on the story, the link to my master list is in my bio! Enjoy, like, follow, and let me know if you’d like to be tagged!!!

Relationships: Dean x OC, Sam, Stiles x OC, Scott

Warnings: death, kidnapping, violence

Description: Natalie faces something she never thought she’d have to face.

The group burst out of the vet’s office in a quiet chaos, Sam and Dean leading them straight for the Impala. Sam popped open the truck and revealed the secret compartment holding all of their hunting weapons and necessities. Scotts jaw dropped slightly as he soaked in the sight of the travel weapons vault. 

“Wow. You guys really come prepared, huh?” He chuckled awkwardly, his chocolate brown eyes darting between the men and their ammunition. His muscles were tense from the situation and this didn’t give him any reason to relax. 

Sam looked up, his hair falling into his face and his forehead scrunched as if he didn’t know what Scott could mean. He looked back down at the truck. “Oh, yeah, I guess you could say that. We go all over the place hunting down evil things, so it just makes it easier to have it with us.” 

“That’s all great, way to go fighting evil, but can we just get back on topic.” Stiles snapped at Sam and Scott. His mind was reeling with so many worst case scenarios, and now all he could think about was all the things he wished he’d said to her that morning. He wished he had taken an extra few minutes to kiss her skin and hold her body against his. There was no telling what this lunatic demon would do to her and horrible images flashed through his head. 

Dean lifted his head out of the trunk, and made eye contact with Stiles, trying to calm his own panic down. “Just hold it together. We’re going to get her, man.” He finished counting what looked like smoke bombs to Stiles and then looked at his brother. “Now let’s go over it one more time.”

Sam cleared his throat and nodded curtly. He knew that Dean needed his support so he ignored his own perturbation. “Yes, good idea. Okay, we know that they’re at an old warehouse that used to be used to store crop supplies so there’s a lot of machinery in there. It’s in the middle of nowhere, they probably chose it so no one would get suspicious.” 

“How should we go in? Won’t they hear us?” Scott asked inquisitively. 

“I think we should go in two through the front and two through the back. That way we can have the element of surprise. Stiles, you and Scott can go in the back, Dean and I will go in through the front.” Stiles opened his mouth to protest but Sam cut him off, “Just because we have experience fighting demons before and we can distract him while you guys save Nat. She’s the most important thing right now.” 

The boys nodded stiffly and Stiles’ eyes hardened slightly. It was deathly quiet before he finally asked, “Why are you so determined to save Nat? You were more than happy to leave her five years ago.” 

Sam cringed at the harshness of his tone but tears brimmed in his eyes. “You’re right. I was a stupid kid. I let my pride...and my fear get in the way of a person I cared about. Someone who was - is - family. But I won’t have a chance to make it up to her unless she’s alive. So let’s just forget about all of our petty disagreements and focus on getting her back where she belongs.” 

Dean slapped his hand on Sam’s shoulder comfortingly. This was the first time he had heard Sam say anything like that about Natalie and it felt nice to know that he had regretted the whole thing. Maybe after everything, things could get back to normal, whatever their normal was. 

Stiles and Dean’s eyes connected and they made a silent agreement that Natalie was their focus, regardless of anything else. They were going to do whatever it took to get her back. Dean slammed the trunk closed and they all piled into the Impala. It was now or never. 

-----

Natalie slumped down in the chair, her eyes following Orobas’ every move, her eyes pinched into a hard scowl. He stalked around her like he was hunting his prey. A twitch in his lip told her that he was particularly entertained by her stubbornness. 

“Now what is it going to take for you to let go of that control?” He lifted a knife up to her cheek and dug it into her skin. She let out a gutted whimper, refusing to satisfy him with a scream. “We both know that it’s going to happen, so you might as well give up now. Ya know, before you become disfigured.” He said with a sneer. 

Her grip tightened on the chair arms. “You can do whatever you want to me, but I will never help you.” 

Orobas took Natalie’s chin in his hand and forced her to look up at him, his fingers digging into her skin. “You will help me, you impudent child. I won’t care if you don’t have all your fingers or if you’re missing a leg. I will rip you open from gut to chest and then bring you back from the edge of death. I am your worst nightmare.” Natalie gulped, seeing the truth burning from Orobas’ eyes. 

He growled at her and then dropped her chin, his nails scraping against her cheeks harshly. Natalie let her head drop down hitting her chest. She willed the tears that were forming to dry up but after what had seemed like days in this position, they were being stubborn. A small tear slipped down her cheek and she sniffled quietly. 

“If you’re quite done, we shall continue.” Orobas said. He started towards her again when the door clanged open and a woman stepped inside. 

“Uh, boss?” 

Orobas snapped his head in her direction and stared at her. She shrunk at his piercing look. The woman was short and lean, barely reaching his chest. She scuffed her shoe against the ground nervously, avoiding his gaze. He growled, angrily. 

The woman jumped at the sound. “Uh, well, there’s something going on outside. You might want to come see for yourself...” She trailed off as the burning in his eyes grew deeper. 

With a huff, Orobas dropped a pair of pliers back onto the table. They clattered loudly in the empty space and he stormed out of the room. 

Natalie gritted her teeth together and took a deep breath. She focused her mind on a happier place, home with...someone next to her, keeping her safe. She tried to block out any of the other sounds, trying to find some comfort before he decided to come back and torture her again. 

She opened her eyes after a moment and her mind continued to wander, when a head popped up in the corner of the room and then disappeared again. Her vision was all a blur, her green eyes were dull and begging for sleep. Natalie was sure she had just been seeing things, seeing the person her thoughts had been on. 

“Stiles...” She muttered.

Natalie watched that same spot for a minute but he never reappeared. Her chest tightened and a lump formed in her throat. How stupid could she have been to think that he would come for her. 

She swallowed thickly, when a hand reached up from behind and tightened around her wrist. Natalie jumped in surprise and whipped around to come face to face with Dean. He was crouched down behind her chair, trying to stay out of sight. 

Her green eyes filled up with tears as relief flooded through her. His stomach flipped at the amount of blood on her clothes and cuts all over her body. Her face was bruised and one of her eyes was starting to swell. Dean wanted to scoop her up and hold her against his chest for the rest of his life. 

“You came for me...” Natalie whispered, her lip trembling. 

“Of course I came for you, baby.” He leaned closer to her drooping body, brushing a brunette tangle out of her face. Dean rested his calloused hand against her cheek and she let her head rest on it for a moment, letting the familiarity comfort her. 

Eventually, reality began to come back to Natalie and she opened her eyes slowly. Dean was still there. It hadn’t been her imagination. Her green eyes searched his, panic creeping in. “It’s not safe here, Dean. You need to leave. Now. Before he comes back. I-I can keep refusing him and once he sees that I can’t help him, he’ll stop... But you can’t get hurt. I can’t let you get hurt.” 

Dean shushed her calmly and laid his forehead against hers. “I won’t get hurt, Nat. And I won’t leave you here alone either.”

“But-” 

“No buts, we’re all here to take you home.” Natalie’s eyes widened at that. She glanced around the room and saw Stiles across the room, his brown eyes never leaving her. Her heart leapt with excitement and fear. Then she looked back at Dean. His focused had moved to the restraints around her wrists and ankles. His brows were pinched with concentration and she had to smile to herself.

Natalie took a ragged breath and held it in. She tried to remember what her counselor used to tell her. Count as many good things as possible in ten seconds, and then let it out. Dean. Stiles. Scott. Sam. Waffles. The Great Gatsby. Roscoe. Baby. The breath came out shakily. 

“I love you, Dean.” His head snapped up to look at her. “Maybe things aren’t the same as they used to be, but I’ll always love you.” He realized what she was saying and he wanted to be sad, but he was ecstatic at the words. No matter how he had wronged her, she forgave him. 

“I love you too, Nat. Forever.” A huge grin broke out across his face and he moved closer, peeking a quick kiss on her lips. A kiss to say that they were still best friends and there would never be any love lost. 

With that, he bent back down and struggled to release her restraints. Stiles was moving towards her with determination clouding his features. Natalie smiled at him and his face brightened with each step. His chocolate eyes melting with love the closer that he got. 

Then Stiles’ face changed into pure shock and panic. Natalie’s eyes scrunched in confused as she followed his line of sight. She turned to look for Dean just as his body was yanked into the air like a rag doll. 

Orobas had his hand clenched around Dean’s throat, Dean’s feet dangled off the ground and he grabbed at the hand choking him. Natalie screamed at the top of her lungs and began yanking at the restraints, trying to get free. The straps dug into the open wounds on her wrists and blood began to flow freely again. 

“Let him go, you bastard!” Her voice rose up half an octave. Hatred was bubbling up in her chest. 

Sam and Scott ran into the door, their chests heaving after fighting the demons that were protecting the surrounding rooms. Sam felt his nerves sit heavy in his stomach as he took in the sight before him. Natalie struggling in a chair, his brother suspended in the air with the life being choked out of him. A strangled cry fell from his lips and Scott wrapped his arms around Sam’s waist before he could fall. 

“Please... stop...” Natalie wailed. 

Orobas slowly dropped his gaze, their eyes meeting. A smirk spread across his lips and Natalie’s heart dropped into her stomach. Orobas thrust his hand inside Dean’s chest, and with a terrifying crunch, pulled out his stilled heart. Then without another thought, he tossed him away like a piece of trash. The light faded out of Dean’s eyes and his body crumpled onto the ground with a thud. 

It was silent for a moment. Her heart was cracking into a thousand shards. The only sound was the sound of Orobas’ shoes slapping the concrete, but Natalie could only see Dean. The last time she would ever see his smile. The last look of terror that was etched on his beautiful face. His lifeless body mere feet from her. The pain crawled its way through her veins, burning like hot flames. 

Natalie tilted back her head, unable to handle the fire any more. Her mouth fell open an earth-shattering scream tumbled from her lips. The power of her scream slammed into the room as a lock was opened within her. The boys hands flew to their ears and they dropped to their knees as an excruciating pain filled them. The room around them was shaking in the foundation and the windows were rattling loudly. 

Orobas’ had a grin on his face that began to dim as his surroundings began to crumble around him. An invisible force was yanking him from side to side, his human form beginning to rip at the seams. 

“No, stop it! This isn’t possible!” 

Natalie’s eyes were a pure white and her gaze was lethal. The bonds around her wrists and ankles snapped and she stood up freely. Wind surrounded her protectively, moving around her with ease. With two steps, she stood in front of Orobas. He shrunk away from her as she reached out and gripped his arm. 

The three boys watched in fascination at how ethereal Natalie looked. A light was shining from within her, making it almost impossible to look at her straight on.  

“You will never hurt anyone else, demon.” Her voice was smooth like a melody, enchanted with magic. She opened her mouth once more but no sound came out, only tendrils of energy emerged and wrapped around Orobas’ body. The tendrils squeezed and the smoke of the demon began to leak out of all orophases. 

Energy snapped upwards and dragged the demon down, with each pulse, he was being ripped to shreds. A final cry of pain echoed loudly and then the entire room came to a halt as if nothing had even happened. 

“Whoa...” Scott uttered. 

They all watched as Natalie swayed from side to side before crumpling to the concrete. Stiles and Sam rushed forward and dropped to their knees. Stiles reached for Natalie but Sam wrapped his arms around her first, worry haunting his face, shaking his frail body slightly. 

“Come on, Nat, I-I can’t lose you too. Pl-please wake up.” His words caught in his throat as tears rolled down his face. 

Natalie’s eyes fluttered slightly before opening. She looked up at Sam’s face, a painful expression spreading. Before she could stop the urge, she turned her head to see Dean laying on his back, his eyes looking into nothing, blood surrounding his body. With a whimper, a tear trailed down her cheek, and she looked back to Sam. Her shaky hand reached up and caressed his face.

“No, he can’t be gone. He can’t be gone. He can’t be gone. No no no.”

Sam pulled her into his lap, rocking her back and forth, as the Scott and Stiles watched them in agony. The sound of both of their combined sobs lingering in the air. 

“It’ll be okay, Nat.” 

“I’m so sorry, Sammy. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save him.” 

Scott gently placed his hand on Sam’s shoulder and nudged him. In a moment, Sam scooped Natalie’s weak body into his arms and transferred her into Stiles’ arms. She melted into his chest, her tears drenching his shirt. Stiles turned to watch as Sam picked up his brother’s body and followed them toward the exit, his face now void of emotion.

@multifandomdisappointment @music-magic-mayhem @ghostaccio @screamxqueenx94 @rissyrapp20 @dark-night-sky-99 @pissoffghost-korg @lettersofwrittencollective

[repulsivepangolin7]

Cooper VS Winch (1/50)

A/N: I came across one of my old fics thanks to a comment the other day. And I thought I should post a few chapters here to see if it got any love (basically). I have 50 chapters for it, if anyone is interested. It’s based off of MacGyver (2016), but set a few years pre-season1. So MacGyver is not a part of this one, but Jack Dalton is. I’ll also try to remember to post the translations at the bottom of the chapter, in case you are interested in what Cooper is saying when he’s speaking (or cussing) in Norwegian. -I might fail at putting up the translation for everything. In that case, call me out on it, and I’ll try to fix it.

And if you’re a fan of my SWAT H/C stuff, but not a fan of the show MacGyver. You don’t need to be a fan, you don’t even have to know the characters. It’s basically just Jack Dalton who is a character on the show, the rest are OCs. -And this one is definitely Hurt/Comfort heavy.

Alright, I hope you enjoy.

“Okay, it’s hooked up…” Duncan informed as he almost skidded in beside the rest of the squad. “Coop, you can start winching the package up here.”

Cooper nodded and wrapped his right hand around the handle and started turning the wheel around.

“Hurry up big guy.” Boxer snapped his fingers a few times as he tried to make the tall Californian work faster.

“Going as fast as I can here, Tex!” Cooper bit back as he struggled with the winch, “I swear this was rusty fifty years ago!”

“Sure it’s not you getting weaker?” Pete hackled.

“Pretty sure…” Cooper grit out as he turned the handle another half turn.

The manually driven winch ticked with each little tooth on the gearwheel.

“Hurry up man…” Duncan pressed.

“I know… We’re on a clock. AS ALWAYS!” Cooper frowned as he struggled with the crank on the winch, “I just can’t get th… OhFuck! Dammit!”

There was a couple of seconds filled with the sound of the winch running free, before it abruptly stopped as the break mechanism decided to kick in long after it was supposed to.

“You good there Coop?” Jack asked without even looking towards the tall Californian.

Fighting to keep his cool, Cooper shook his head. He had automatically tucked his hand into the nook of his elbow in a hope to protect it and to ease the pain.

“Coop?” Duncan asked when Cooper didn’t answer, “You good there buddy?”

“Nh…”

“Co-, CRAP!” Duncan almost shouted as he turned to look at Cooper, “Pete, Coop’s bleeding!”

“Wha…?” Pete looked up, then towards Cooper, “Shit man! That looks bad! Put pressure on it.”

Pete kept his eyes on Cooper as he took his backpack off and his hands found the med-kit. “Coop. Pressure!”

“Helvete det værker!”

“And he’s cursing in Norwegian…” Duncan frowned. “How are you holding up, bud?”

“Jævla vinsj jækel!”

“Pressure. Coop.” Pete repeated as he started to unzip the med-kit. “You’re bleeding a lot!”

When he understood that Cooper wasn’t going to do what Pete requested him to, Duncan scurried over and took matters into his own hands. Knowing that he was likely to get a hammer of a fist thrown towards him if he went directly for Coop’s injured hand, he knitted his fist and trapped it under Coop’s armpit.

“Good thinking Dunc…” Pete nodded as he finally found the right dressing in his kit and crawled over to Cooper, “Man, what happened?”

Doing his very best to keep from crying, Coop sucked in a sharp breath. “Winch. Slipped.”

“The winch slipped?” Pete asked as he tried to pry Cooper’s right hand away from him so that he would be able to put a pressure bandage on the wound to keep it from bleeding as much.

“Breaks didn’t work.” Cooper bit out, “Bit my hand.”

“Come on big guy, let me see that paw of yours…” Pete coaxed as he tried lifting Coop’s elbow to get to his hand.

“Is it bad?” Jack asked over his shoulder, he was on his belly looking over the edge, seeing of the package had went all the way to the ground or if it was hanging mid between the ledge they were on and the valley floor.

“Think he took out a blood vessel or two…” Duncan answered for Pete and Coop, as he started rubbing his free hand against Coop’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort the tall blond.

“Pete, how bad is it?” Jack asked as he moved back to the group, taking in the scene in total.

Pete shrugged and grabbed a hold of Cooper’s forearm, trying to overlook the fact that the large man tried to squirm away from him. “Dunc’s definitely right.”

“How’s the cut looking?”

“A little deep, and about 4-5 inches long.” Pete shot back as he started applying the bandage.

If it hadn’t been for Duncan already holding on to Coop’s left arm, Coop would have hit Pete square on the jaw.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry…” Pete shrank down as he kept applying the bandage, “I’m so sorry man, I know this hurts.”

The cusswords seemed to blend together as Cooper tried to twist free from Duncan and Pete.

“Okay, Dunc…” Pete ran a quick tongue across his lower lip, try to let go. Gotta see if this bandage holds up.”

Duncan freed his right hand from under Coop’s armpit, and tugged the larger man closer to himself, acting like a back rest.

“Well, it’s not bleeding through in five seconds flat at least…” Pete let out a breath he hadn’t noticed he was holding.

“Maybe you should stitch it up?” Duncan offered as he tried to provide as much comfort as he could, “It’ll probably bleed through pretty quickly…”

“Look at that winch…” Pete threw a hand out to point to it, “It’s greasy and rusty and an infection waiting to happen!”

Pete paused to wait for an answer from Duncan, when none came Pete continued, “For the same reason we don’t stitch up animal bites, I probably shouldn’t stitch up that before someone cleans it out properly!”

Cooper pressing air through pursed lips brought their focus back to him after a few seconds.

“How are you holding up?”

“Hand hurts like hell…” Cooper winced, looking down at his bandaged hand, “Think it’s broke…”

“Jack…” Pete turned and waved their leader over, his face serious as their eyes met. He didn’t wait for the Texan to get all the way over to him, before he stood up and closed the distance. He lowered his voice as they reached each other, “We should get him back to camp. He can power through and finish this mission, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“You don’t think so…” Jack nodded, he agreed.

“No, he’s in pain. But that’s not the main reason, that cut is dirty. I’m almost certain that it will get infected unless we get someone to do some magic on it in a sterile environment. And he might be right about his hand being broken too, it was already swelling pretty intensely.”

Jack nodded again, casting a look over at Coop and Duncan. The bigger soldier sat leaned up against Duncan, his right hand wrapped up in a bandage and held protectively to his chest.

“Look, the rest of us can go on, but I don’t like the idea of keeping him on. Infections are hard to calculate. He might get a mild superficial infection, a little puss running from the wound… That might be all, if we’re lucky. But he might also end up with sepsis, and we don’t want that. Especially not on a mission.”

“We can’t send him back alone. Can we?” Jack furrowed his brows.

Pete shook his head, “Infections can progress quickly. I don’t want to send him off on his own. And he’s gonna need help to get down a few of the climbs.”

Jack nodded, “We could zip-line him down, then he won’t have to climb.”

“True…” Pete nodded, eyeing the wire that was set up between the mountainside and the bottom of the valley, “We could use the winch to slow his decent…”

Jack nodded, “I was also thinking about that.”

“Who are we gonna send with him?”

“I can’t, because I’m the one in charge. I’d like to have you here if something else goes caca…” Jack started counting off.

“What about Box?”

“We probably need that mule for something later… If we meet someone who’s only speaking Kurdish, we need him.”

Pete nodded, “That leaves Duncan.”

Jack nodded, looking over Pete’s shoulder again. “He knows how to stop a bleed momentarily, he’s strong enough to help that giant if they need to climb…”

“And he knows what to say and do to make all of this a little less painful for…” Pete didn’t say Coop’s name, he just jerked his thumb towards the man.

“Exactly.” Jack gave a short nod, before he turned and looked towards the wire again, “Before we can use that to get them down quickly, we need to get the package up.”

“Don’t look at me. I’m not touching that winch.”

“I think it’s a two-man job anyway…” Jack informed before he called Boxer over to tell him their immediate plan.

 MACGYVERxDELTASPECIAL

 “Alright Wyatt…” Boxer nodded, after the three of them had gone over the plan, “Two of us winch that sucker up, pretty boy here guides it down when it reaches the top. Then we hook Coop and Dunc up and send them down the wire… Sounds good to me.”

Pete and Jack nodded and looked over at Cooper who had started shaking.

“Hey, Coop…” Jack cleared his throat and stepped towards the Californian, “You ready to get back to camp?”

“No, we’ve got a mission to finish…” Cooper winced as he tried to straighten up. “I’m good, we should get going.”

“Coop, I don’t think y…”

“Shut up Dunc!” Cooper grimaced, “We’re already past the hard part of this mission…”

“We’re not.” Jack truth-bombed, “We’ve got a lot of hard parts left.”

“He’s right Coop, you shouldn’t… You should just get back to camp, get medical attention.”

“Nah, man…” Cooper tried swallowing to mask his pain, “Gimme five minutes and I’m good to go…”

“Hey, big guy… This ain’t no question…” Boxer chimed in as he moved closer, hunching down beside Dunc and Cooper. “You’re going back to camp.”

“No, no need to…” Cooper squared his jaw and did his best to fool the others that he was actually doing kinda good, “It doesn’t hurt that bad anymore. I’m good to go on.”

“Kid, you ain’t fooling no one…” Jack sighed and shook his head.

“I’m good.” Cooper argued, “Let’s just get that damn package up here and we can get going!”

Boxer looked up at Jack and Pete, as if he was asking for permission. A short nod from the two of them led him to look back at the tall Californian before he unceremoniously went for the man’s wrapped up hand. Causing the larger man to cry out in pain.

“See, y’ain’t foolin’ anyone…”

“SonOfABitch!” Cooper cussed with his eyes squeezed shut. “Hell, that hurt!”

“I barely touched your hand…” Box sighed, “You’re goin’ back to camp, end of discussion.”

“But…”

“Nah-uh…” Boxer shook his head, “You heard me. You and Dunc are going back. Me, Pete and Wyatt can handle the rest on our own…”

“Sounds good Box…” Duncan nodded.

“Alright, Wyatt… Wanna give me a hand with the winch?” Boxer nodded towards the offending winch as he stood back up.

Jack nodded and stepped over to the winch, waiting for Boxer to join him. “Pete, take a second look at his hand. See if there’s something else you can do for him.”

“Alright Boss.” Pete nodded, “Just let me know when you need me.”

 MACGYVERxDELTASPECIAL

 “You said you thought it was broken?” Pete asked as he knelt down in front of Cooper.

“Yeah…” Cooper dragged his answer out, “I no longer think that’s the case…”

“And that scream you let rip when Boxer touched your hand, that was just a ploy?” Pete rolled his eyes, “Come on man, tell me what part of your hand hurts the worst.”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Cooper’s eyes found his boots.

“Come on buddy…” Pete pressed as he tapped Cooper’s knee, waiting for Coop to answer his question.

“Alright…” Cooper shook his head slightly, his voice barely audible, “Thumb… My thumb’s worst…”

“Your thumb?” Pete repeated, “Can you move it?”

When Cooper didn’t answer Duncan nudged his shoulder, prompting him to answer Pete’s question.

“Well, I might…”

“Might?”

“I might…” Cooper’s jaw muscles twitched, “I just really don’t want to check…”

Sharing a look with Duncan, Pete reached for his med kit once more.

“Now, Coop… I’m gonna need you to let me have a look at that hand of yours again. You might want some support for that thumb…”

“Nah… Not necessary…” Cooper grit his teeth, “I don’t need it…”

“Are you for real? Or are you just afraid of how much it’ll hurt when he fixes some support for it?” Duncan asked as he rubbed Coop’s chest.

“I’ll take the silence as ‘he’s just stalling’…” Pete smirked as he unzipped the kit again and pulled out a foam covered metal thing and an ACE bandage. “Hand me your paw.”

Cooper reluctantly did as Pete instructed, letting out a gasp as Pete placed the foam covered splint against his thumb to judge the size of it.

“Okay, just hold your hand there for me, while I fix this a little bit…” Pete locked eyes with Cooper for a split second, long enough to know that Coop was understanding what he was saying. Then he found a pair of scissors and cut the foam covered splint into two pieces. One long and one short.

Looking back up at Cooper he flashed an apologetic grin, “Sorry, this is gonna hurt.”

“Already does…” Cooper chocked out, his voice was uncharacteristically thin.

“Here’s to hoping it’ll be a bit better once we’ve splinted it…” Pete shrugged as he cradled Coop’s right hand in his left and started forming the largest of the two metal splints after Coop’s thumb and wrist. Then when he was satisfied with the first part of his splinting job, he went on to wrap the smaller part of the splint over the tip of Coop’s thumb, crossed to the original splint.

“Hey kompis…” Duncan whispered, he had his arms wrapped around Cooper’s chest and left arm, to make Pete’s task safer, “Kompis, you’re doing good. He’s almost done, just the bandage left now, right? Right Pete?”

“Yeah, right.” Pete nodded, “Just gotta wrap it up and we’re done.”

Taking a few rapid breaths to get some sort of control back, Cooper nodded.

“There, how does that feel?” Pete asked as he sat back on his heels. He was not pleased to see how Coop’s face contorted in pain.

“Ask me again in 5 minutes…” Cooper winced, “Think my hand has been tortured enough for this day now…”

“Yeah, kompis…” Duncan nodded, “I think you’re right.”

“Kompis?” Cooper repeated as he began to relax, “Where’d you get that from?”

“Remembered Charlie calling you that a few times things went sideways…” Duncan admitted as he brought a hand up to rub tension from Coop’s neck, “Figured it might help…”

Cooper nodded, “Kinda did…”

“What does it mean by the way? Was it a nickname?”

Cooper hitched up his left shoulder in a one-sided shrug, “It means the same as ‘buddy’… Charlie used to call me that when I was a kid.”

Pete and Duncan weren’t sure whether the pained tone in Coop’s voice was from the physical injury, or from being reminded of his older brother and that he would never be there for him again.

“Think the splint’s helping a bit Doc…” Cooper exhaled and looked down at his bandaged hand. “Still feels abused though…”

“No wonder,” Pete nodded, “You gonna agree that heading back to the camp will be best for you now?”

Looking every bit the part of a sulking 5 year old, Cooper nodded.

“Good, just sit here and rest while I help Jack and Box bring the package down on the ground. Then we’ll get the two of you back down the valley…”

“Two of us?” Cooper looked up in confusion, “Look, I can go by myself.”

“No-no-no…” Duncan shook his head, “I’m tagging along. What if you run into the wrong people…”

“Then I’ll do that alone.” Cooper twisted to look at Duncan.

“Hey, I will fight you on it.” Duncan looked hard back at Cooper, “And right now your chances don’t look all that great.”

Recognizing when he was defeated, Cooper nodded. “Okay. You win.” And the translations, bear in mind, not everything translates well. I might switch between doing word for word translations, and translations that makes the most sense. *Helvete det værker – Hell it hurts (This is word for word translation) *Jævla vinsj jækel – Fucking winch fucker (Could also be ‘Bloody winch sucker’ or something along those lines. This one did not translate as well…) Oh, and for later reference, I wrote this before I started nursing school. So... Some of the technicalities later on might be a bit off, or shady.  I’ll try to edit it to make it better in this posting (if anyone actually likes or retweets enough times for me to feel like I’m not just bothering people by posting OC-heavy MacGyver fics...)

NEXT: Chapter 2

[monkii-bombs]

AAAAA!!!!! TRUTH PATOOTERTON!!!

+ Sillay style

[bombtastic-monkii]

Ollllldd T&G dump :P I need to redraw these they feel so ugly now lol..

Also Truth Patoot w Twilight Sparkle :]

[monkii-bombs]

My favorite guys of time...

Grit & Truth exploration :P