#two (2) copies one for me and one for my sis so yeah it Hurt The Wallet a bit

[its--ali]

SHE'S SHIPPED, LADDIES

[scarlethexelove]

Hi! Request you ask? Well, what do you think about Wanda x Natasha x Reader being in a relationship but after a while Nat and Wands are slightly ignoring R, which makes her question their relationship. Wanda and Nat are doing that because R was on a long mission and they fell into a routine without R.

I Don't Even Know You Anymore

The image is not mine.

Pairing: WandaNat x Reader, Bucky x Reader (Siblings)

Word Count: 3904

Warnings: Angsty for sure, break ups, allusion to depression, I guess suicidal tendencies, Gun shots, bloody injuries, I guess no happy ending just an open ending. I'm not sure what else.

Part 2 What About Now?

A/n: this one got out of hand. I did not expect to write almost 4k words. But I hope you enjoy. I normally don't leave it with a none happy ending but this one felt like it needed it. If anyone comes up with other warnings I should add please let me know. I hope you all enjoy.

NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO STEAL, COPY, OR REBLOG MY WORK AS THEIR OWN

Your body aches as you wait for the quinjet door to open. Excited to be home after being gone for 3 months. Also being excited to see both of your girlfriends smiling faces. You weren’t able to talk to them because this mission was covert. It was just you and Clint for 6 months, but it was finally over. 

The door opens and as you look around. You're disappointed when you see no one waiting. You expected your girlfriends to be waiting for you when you got back. You haven’t been able to talk to them because the mission was covert. Only weekly check-ins with Fury were done which would be relayed to the team. This was to keep you and Clint safe. So it was sad when you returned and the two people you wanted to see the most weren’t there waiting for you.

As your demeanor deflates, Clint places a hand on your shoulder. “Maybe they had a mission or maybe Fury didn’t tell them we would be home today. Don’t worry Y/n/n.” Clint smiled reassuring you. You don’t know how he knows what you are thinking because he has always been able to read you like an open book. “Yeah, yeah you're right I’m just overthinking it.” You give him a weak smile. Something deep down is still nagging you. 

You both make your way into the compound. If your girlfriends aren’t around then you want to be able to go take a nice long hot shower and take a nap. You are exhausted and just need some small comforts. But as you make your way through the common area you are shocked and hurt to see your girlfriends sitting on the couch and the rest of the team surrounding them in chairs. 

Your brother Bucky is sitting across from them. When he notices you he jumps up and comes over and about squeezes you to death. “Hey sis!” Bucky exclaims. “Hey Buck.” You pat at his back hoping he will let you down, which thankfully he does. So that is when you turn your attention to the redhead and brunette sitting in front of you.

“Hi Nat. Hi Wands. I’ve missed you both.” You give them a gentle smile. Up until this point they really hadn’t given you a second thought. You were feeling hurt but hopefully it is just a big misunderstanding. ‘Hey Y/n.” Natasha greets you. But the fact that she used your name and not a pet name stung a bit. Wanda only gave you a gentle smile but you didn’t feel that it was genuine.    

“I-I’m going to go take a shower and take a nap if either of you would like to join me.” You say hoping that maybe the way they are treating you is just all in your head and they just are shocked to see you back. “We were just about to start a movie. So you go ahead and do that. You look pretty rough and in need of that.” Wanda finally says to you. “O-oh ok. Enjoy your movie.” You respond hurt hoping that no one notices the wavering of your voice. 

You ignore the looks you are getting from the team. They all give you a look of pity and you hate it. So you quickly make your way out of the room. You miss the look of anger on your brother's face towards the two women. He can see your hurt as you make your exit. You don’t want to stick around where you are clearly not wanted. 

Once you make your way into your shared bedroom and straight into the bathroom. You strip your grimy suit off and toss it into the hamper before turning on the water and stepping into the nice hot shower. You let the water rush over you, rinsing all the tension and hurt away. A few tears slipping down your face and into the drain. 

After standing there for a few minutes you finally look around for your soap, shampoo, and conditioner but they are all missing. Maybe you ran out before you left and forgot to replace them. It has been 6 months and that sounds like something you would do. So you use Wanda’s shampoo and conditioner and Natasha’s body wash. 

Once you feel adequately clean you step out of the shower drying off and walking into the bedroom. You see your favorite hoodie of Natasha’s and slip it on. Before climbing into bed and curling up. You see your bear that Wanda had gotten you one time when you were sick strewn almost off the bed. You grab it and wrap your arms around it. Within minutes you are passed out in the bed. Your heart is heavy and your mind confused.  

When you groggily wake up you look at the time and it is already 9pm. You slept most of the day. Your stomach roars with hunger so you listen as you crawl out of bed. You grab a pair of sweatpants and throw those on before heading out towards the kitchen. In your sleepy state you hadn’t even noticed that you were carrying around the teddy bear in your arms. You chuckle to yourself before setting it down on the counter going to make yourself some food. 

You whip up something to eat before sitting down at the counter. You slowly eat your food. The compound is quiet as you eat alone. Once you have finished eating you clean up your dishes and put them all away before making your way back towards your room to get more sleep. 

As you get to the door you are shocked when you find it locked and you can’t get in. You try and knock but get no response, but that is when you hear it. Your enhanced hearing picks up on Wanda’s moans and Natasha’s grunts. They get louder with each passing second that you stand there shocked. You feel your heart shatter in your chest. You weren’t just overthinking that they were giving you the cold shoulder. They were just waiting for you to leave them alone to lock you out. To seemingly break up with you. 

Tears start streaming down your face, a small sob escaping your lips. A door clicks open, you turn and see your brother looking at you. But all you can do is run. He tries to call after you but you run to your old room. The one that you had before you moved in with Natasha and Wanda. You slam the door shut and lock it before letting your back hit the door. You slowly sink to the floor sobbing and clutching the bear in your arms. 

That is when you notice the room. It is filled with most of your things. You had been so exhausted when you got back that you hadn’t realized that your things were missing from your shared bedroom. Your sobs become uncontrollable as you curl up in a ball in front of the door. You can hear your brother banging on the door to let him in but you don’t move. You can’t move. You're frozen in place like all those years with Hydra. You were nothing again. 

And that is where you stay locked in your room for most of the day sleeping the day away. Only coming out at night when everyone is asleep. Bucky occasionally stays up just so he can see how you are. You don’t say much but you let him be around and he is grateful for that. Sometimes you catch Steve in the early morning when he gets up for his run and you're heading to bed. He always gives you a sad smile. You can’t stand the look of pity in his eyes and you don’t want to see it from the rest of the team either. 

What you don’t notice is that Natasha and Wanda have also been watching you in the morning. They realize that they took it too far but they don’t know how to fix it. They still love you deeply and hate themselves for how they treated you. 

But Bucky sees them. You’re already in your room as he walks by the two women. He only scowls at them. He would love to do more but as much as wants to he knows that you would not forgive him. No matter what they did to you, you still care about them. 

You're startled awake when you hear FRIDAY speaking. “Miss.Barnes you are requested for a mission immediately.” “Do I have to go?” You mumble taking your pillow and covering your head. “Yes Miss.Barnes Fury has assigned you to a rescue mission. The quinjet leaves in 15 minutes.” FRIDAY informs you. “FRIDAY who else is on the mission?” You question scared that you may have to see the two women. ���Mr.Barnes and Mr.Rogers will be accompanying you.” You let out a sigh of relief hearing that it will be your brother and Steve who you see as another brother. 

You get up and quickly take a shower. It has been a few days, you haven’t had the energy to bring yourself to do it. Once you are done you slip on your suit. Not completely surprised that it doesn’t exactly fit. You have lost weight due to rarely eating. Only eating enough to survive. So it hangs loose on you but you don’t have time to care. 

You make your way out to the quinjet and join the two men standing there. You have been wearing baggy clothes so the two can see just how terrible you look. But they don’t dare say anything. They love you but they know never to push you into something you don’t want to talk about or do. 

You settle into the seat as the quinjet takes off. “So does anyone want to fill me in on what is going on?” You question. “Hydra has taken a group of scientists and doctors hostage. We need to rescue them before they are forced to do something for hydra. This is a time sensitive and top priority mission.” Steve tells you before you guys go over the game plan of your roles during the mission. 

Once you land you all have to split up. It is unknown where they are being held and the place is so large that in order to do it quickly and efficiently you have to split up. You pull your gun and head off to the right side of the building. Taking out Hydra agents left and right. Keeping up communication with your brother and Steve as you clear each section you were tasked to search. 

As you make your way down the hall you appear into a room. You see about fifteen Hydra agents and also the hostages. You press on your com. “I found the hostages but also about fifteen Hydra agents.” You whisper. “Y/n wait for backup we will be there in a few minutes.” Steve informs you. “I’m going in.” You ignore Steve’s orders. “Y/n/n you need to wait for backup.” Bucky tried to keep you from doing something stupid. “I can take them.” You tell them. Both of them keep trying to convince you to wait for them. It started to frustrate you so you pulled out your coms and stepped on it. 

You rush in and you’re able to take down ten of the Hydra agents, but then they are able to start overwhelming you. The remaining five were able to overtake you. One was able to get you down on your knees. One agent kneed you in the jaw almost causing you to bite off your tongue. You have blood in your mouth before you're completely knocked down. They don’t stop the beating there. They start kicking you. Several kicks to the head have you disoriented and barely conscious. 

One rolls you on your back as you spit some blood out. You can barely see but you can make out the silhouette of a gun. Just before he is about to discharge his weapon you can hear the distinct whooshing sound of Steve’s shield. It barely misses the man as he gets a shot off but it is enough for him to miss his main target, your head. The bullet hits your shoulder making you cry out. Before Steve can get another throw off the man is able to get off three more shots. Two hitting you in the lower stomach and one in your upper stomach lower chest area. 

All you can do is whimper in pain as you’re sure that the last one hit your lung. You can hear Steve taking out the remaining agents. As he does the door slams open and you hear Bucky yell out for you and that is the last thing that you remember. He sees you in a puddle of blood barely moving as he falls down next to you. He puts his hands over your wounds trying to stop the bleeding. One of the hostages comes over to you. “I’m a doctor, I can help.” So he and Bucky get to work on stabilizing you and being able to move you. 

They are able to get you out of there with the hostages. Once everyone is on the quinjet and it has taken off the doctor does everything he can to keep you alive long enough to get you to the compound so that you get the help that is needed. On the journey back you flatlined three times but the doctor was able to get you back each time. Luckily they keep blood for each avengers blood type on the quinjets in case of emergencies. 

Once the quinjet lands the doors are quickly opened and the team of doctors waiting move in and take you straight into surgery in hopes of saving your life. Bucky and Steve make their way into the waiting room where the other avengers are waiting. Everyone has a somber look on their face. The team was notified that someone was injured badly but they weren’t informed who. As they see the two men they know that it was you who was hurt. 

Seconds later the door to the waiting room slams open. Wanda and Natasha come running through the door. They look around and spot Bucky and Steve and their hearts drop. They know it was you. You were the one who was hurt and could possibly not make it though. The team was told it was bad and that whoever was hurt may not make it through. 

“W-what happened?” Wanda stuttered out tears in her eyes. Bucky quickly moves towards them and points at them. “This is your fault. Both of you. Get the fuck out of here before I make you.” Bucky yells at them. Natasha steps in front of Wanda and gets closer to Bucky. “We aren’t leaving.” She stands her ground. “If it wasn’t for you two she would be fine. You broke her. You broke my sister. You don’t deserve to be here.” Tears prick at Bucky’s eyes. After everything that you and him had been through you don’t deserve this. “She didn’t care about her safety. She ran in there without backup because she didn’t care to live anymore. She became reckless, no care if she lived or died. If my sister dies it will be all your fault and I could never forgive you. Now get the hell out of here before I make you!” Bucky continues to yell at the women. Natasha stands stoic but Wanda pulls her to leave. Not wanting to upset the room. 

They exit the room together. Natasha is doing everything she can to keep herself together and not break down. The door swings open and Clint steps out after the two. Natasha turns to him and she sees the disappointed look in his eyes. “I-” Clink cuts her off, raising his hand. “Natasha you are my best friend but Bucky is right about some things. What you two did to her was wrong. If you wanted to end things you should have done it the right way but you two were cowards. You truly broke her and even I’m not sure I forgive you for that right now. I still love you but you need to get your shit together.” Clint says giving Natasha and Wanda a reality check on just how much they fucked up. “I still love her.” Natasha whispered tears shining in her eyes. “Well if you do then you need to work on that. God forbid she doesn’t die in there and she actually agrees to even see you let alone forgive you you have a lot of work to do. She didn’t deserve any of that and you don’t deserve her. She was too good for you. If she does by miracle make it through you fix it. Both of you.” Clint finishes before turning to head back into the waiting room. “She was too good for either of us, we didn't deserve her.” Wanda says as she cries holding back a sob. Clint stops with his hand on the door. “I hope you both have the chance to fix this.” Was the last thing he said before entering the room again. 

Bucky never let Wanda and Natasha be around you. You have been in the hospital for a month now but you still haven’t woken up. Everyone was happy you were alive but still scared. They don’t know if there is going to be any long term effects if you wake up. The two women sneak in to see you late at night when the rest of the team is asleep. Sometimes Bucky is sleeping in your room so they stay outside. It breaks their hearts to see you like this. All the tubes sticking out of you and your unmoving form in the bed. They can really see how fragile you look laying in the bed. It is obvious to them that you had lost weight and not just from being in the hospital but because of them. They vow that they will spend the rest of their lives trying to make it better and to get you back. 

Another month passes with no changes. The women have been able to spend the nights with you since Bucky was sent on a mission. He fought to stay but Fury gave him no choice. Tonight is like every other night. Both women are sitting and reading listening to the steady rhythm of your heart beat. It is comforting to them to hear that your heart is still beating that you are still here with them.  

But this night is different from the others. They are startled to hear a groan coming from the bed. Both of them drop their books, not caring as they tumble to the floor. “Detka?” Wanda questions. Your throat burns and you feel groggy. It is hard to open your eyes or even open your mouth. You hear the words but your brain is sluggish and takes a minute to register. Once your brain catches up to the words you try and respond. “N-no-not y-your d-det-detka” Your voice is hoarse and you stutter your words. “Y/n/n don’t speak.” Natasha tells you. Your eyes finally blinking open to look at the women who are staring at you with joy and concern etched into their faces. 

Natasha gets up and quickly fills a cup with water and puts a straw in it. “Drink this.” You want to refuse her but your burning throat tells you to do what you are told. She holds the straw to your lips and you hesitantly take it and sip the water. The water hurts your sore throat at first but soon soothes it. You quickly start to suck it down not realizing how thirsty you were until you had the water. “Slow down detka you will make yourself sick.” Natasha tells you. You slow down to a stop knowing that she is right. 

“S-stop ca-calling me that.” The stutter is getting better and you still croak out your words but you sound slightly better than before. The women look at you sadly but nod in understanding. “W-why are y-you here?” You ask the women. They look between each other and back to you. “We love you Y/n.” Wanda tells you. “And we just want to help and take care of you. Y/n/n you have been in a coma for 2 months.” Natasha adds. You're shocked to hear how long you had been out for but you scoff at the rest. That hurts your throat but you ignore it. 

Your body has mostly healed in the two months that you have been out. The only question was if you would ever wake up and would you still be you. No one could know but they can see that you are still there. You may have a stutter but you're alive and talking and that is all that matters at the moment. 

“W-wh-why?” There are tears in your eyes when you look at the women. Begging for the explanation that you never got the one you thought you never wanted. Natasha sighs and looks down, not able to look you in the eye. She tries to take your hand but you flinch away. “We were hurt when you were gone so long. That is no excuse for what we did. We still love you. We fell into our own routine. We never meant for it to go this far. To hurt you this much. You don’t have to forgive us, but we will do everything in our power to prove to you that we are sorry. What we did to you was wrong.” Natasha sniffles and finally looks at you with tears in her eyes. “I never deserved your love.” 

As much as you were hurt by them, her words broke your heart. “You are too good for us.” Wanda adds tears streaming down her face. “Y-you di-did. I-I-I” The stuttering is frustrating you. “L-love you.” You finish. “B-but I-I do-don’t know i-if I c-can for-forgive you.” You cry as you say the words. You love them with all your heart but they hurt you. They threw your relationship away because they were hurt. Hurt over something you can’t control. Over the job that you all share. 

Both women cry but nod. “We understand.” Wanda tells you. She reaches out for your hand and this time you let her hold it. Natasha follows suit. You three are crying even if it is hard, this was needed. As you calm down you speak again. “I-I ne-need time. Pl-please g-go.” The women understand. Each kissing your cheeks before letting go of your hands. Natasha hits the call button before they both make their exit before the team of doctors rush to your side. 

The doctors rush in and are surprised to see you awake and concerned to see you crying. The women watched from outside the door hiding from plain sight. They don’t know if they will ever have you back but they will try with all their power to get you back. They just hope they can show you how sorry they are.

[persephoneflouwers]

Milano understood the assignment

I’m home. I mean I was home home with Louis there too, now I’m in my bed more like.

Sunburnt, throat ache, feet hurting, heart so full.

I want to write this because I want to share with you how insane live music is. I missed ever little thing of live shows. All those people sharing the same vibes, singing together. It’s such a good experience.

We went there till 11 in the morning. Look, I don’t want to be the one complaining because it was so good to be back and see a show in a venue so big. Really really great. But I am Italian and if I must say this was just pizza, pasta e confusion lmao. We knew for several weeks or moths idk that we would have had troubles with the reassignments of the tickets. We went there to queue to the ticket office and got parterre. I wasn’t sure of this for two reasons 1. Covid lol 2. People were camping for days/hours already. So we couldn’t get a nice spot. But alas, we were in the middle of it and yeah, it wasn’t that bad! I’m just very short, not my fault nor theirs I guess hahah

Anyway, so much colours and rainbows. Soooo many larries. I love that the husbands are so intertwined when you talk about Louis, you end up talking about harry and viceversa. I felt brave a couple of times and made joke like “omg there’s a bee… I’m buzzing, not in this way”. So many young people honestly! I was the oldest among them. They were like in high school and we were there being very closer to 30! I felt like a big sis and kept them close to me. For a few of them this was a first time. Also, thank god I brought sugar with me, bc we saw a couple of girls very close to pass out. But let me act like your friendly spiderman doctor of neighbourhood a bit.

ONLY THE POETS WERE SO FUCKING GOOD LIVE. The singer got the move. He did the hair flip a couple of time and he was so good on stage. His voice sounds so great. I never listened to them before, my bad, but they were so good really. The crowd was on fire too. We supported them and it was fun! Also the blonde was wearing Louis merch and he was so cute haha they just seem to love Louis so much and be very thankful.

I started realising all this was real when the smiley sipario was there. I cried I little when it dropped. I don’t know, I felt like overwhelmed.

I swear, if I had placed a bet on what shirt he was going to wear I would have won. I knew he was going for England. I knew it! It was also a topic of conversation when queuing for literal hours. Obviously, we took the piss of him for the Euro and he went on stage with THAT England shirt. We all laughed, it was such a good moment when we saw him. We provoked him and he teased us as usual. I love him so much for this.

I don’t know what to write because at this point we all know how good he is and how well he sounds on stage. The crowd was very loud. At one point I believed he would have left us sing a song only us haha the princess park line was obviously a trascendentale experience.

Copy of a copy was unmatched. I held my pride flag up for all the song. It was my favourite moment of the show.

OTB was perfect. The rainbow was perfect.

Too young was loud af. Defenceless, Always You too!

Fearless… my god, the band solo live is impressive. They are such good musicians!

His voice in Beautiful war is so angelic. At some point I wanted him to never stop singing. He also was so fucking hot, I can’t. Louis, you have me in a chokehold.

Through the dark was probably the most fun to listen to live. I love the song and it was such a serotonine boost! In fact I was there kinda hyperventilating before KMM. I felt like I was going to fall on the floor energy-less with no voice haha

I loved the band played Po-Po-Po after kill my mind haha they left us in a very good mood. We sang it a couple of times, as well as Sei bellissimo. It felt like they were taking our side in this little football fight with louis! It’s not about winners or losers… clearly. Clearly. He is so petty, I love him.

I wish I could share good videos and pics, but I’m… old fashioned and my phone kinda sucks lmao

I cant wait to see him again. Already counting down the days. I love you, Louis <3

Now, I know this definitely didn’t happen but I don’t care I’m sorry I am gonna pretend this was my y/n moment: he was right in the middle of the stage, in front of me. I was not very close, but I held my sign every time he was in that proximity and at some point he said “that’s funny” or something lmao and Imma pretend this is for my sign. Nothing harmful, just me and my imagination.

[princessbettina]

Vampire Love-Legacies-Sebastian x OC reader: Chapter 5: "Tell Your Tale”

Summary of episode: Just when things are starting to get good with everyone at the Salvatore School, things take a giant turn when a secret eating monster appears, going after Kenzie due to her secret that not everyone knows about. Meanwhile, the truth about Sebastian is still on the table as Kenzie desperately tries to discover that secret too.

(A/N: I want it to be noted that this not, I repeat NOT a remake or copy of the actual Legacies season 2 episode 6, "It Will All Be Painfully Clear Soon Enough" This story / chapter is inspired and based around that episode, but is not a remake of the episode. I promise! Thank you and enjoy the read :) )

*

The day after a school dance is kind of weird to get used to because it's the exciting thing that everyone had gotten ready for at the beginning of the start of the school year and now that it's over, what do we have to get excited for now?

I hope something soon. I found myself walking out of my bedroom dorm with Lizzie as we were walking to our classes for the day.

The atmosphere was filled with other students chit chatting with each other as they walked to their classes too. Lizzie and I are walking down the school's staircase and are now on the main floor of the school/ main lobby.

"I still don't know or understand what happened with that strange encounter with Sebastain last night, nor why it happened. Was it his way of showing me that he's secretly dangerous or not being truthful with me? I can't put my finger on it, Liz" I explained to my best friend how I was feeling about what happened last night after the school dance with Sebastain.

Lizzie looked at me and smirked. "No, yeah that was super fishy what he did. But I say, don't worry about it, Kenz. I'm sure it was just a move he wanted to do to show you how bad he used to be. Besides, I thought you liked bad boys." Lizzie said jokingly as she lightly pushed my shoulder.

I giggled at her and started blushing a little. I nodded my head in agreement after what she said and the two of us proceeded to walk to our classes.

*

Surprisingly, the school day came and went and now it's the evening and I'm walking back to my bedroom dorm and saw both of my twin sisters.

It seemed like they were talking about something and when they saw me, I paused as I walked into the room, just stepping through the door frame.

They looked over at me and Lizzie walked over to me with a worried look on her face. "Kenzie. Something bad is happening. MG and Kaleb are out right now trying to set a trap for Sebastian" I widened my eyes and was shocked.

Why would my two close friends go out and do that to the person who I want to be my boyfriend? That's so mean.

Not fair at all.

I was going to say something in response but Joise began to talk again. "We don't know why they decided to do that, sis. MG and Kaleb seemed to be in a rush when they told Lizzie and I,and we couldn't stop them. I'm so sorry, Kenzie."

Josie was on one side of my shoulder and Lizzie was on my other shoulder and they both came in and hugged me which I accepted and started to think of an idea.

"It's okay you guys. I promise. It'll be good. I just have the plan to do it" I said to them as I broke the hug and grabbed a few things that I needed for my nightly outing, things to keep me safe just in case because you never know.

Lizzie and Josie were confused as to what I was doing. "Kenz? What are you doing?" Josie asked curiously.

I looked at her as I placed the strap of my bag on my shoulder and gripped onto it. "To stop MG and Kaleb from hurting my potential future boyfriend."

Lizzie widened her eyes and tried to stop me by gently placing her hand on my shoulder. "Kenzie, I don't think you should do that. It's way too dangerous. Maybe you shouldn't. I'm sure Sebastain will be okay."

"I one hundred percent agree with everything that our other twin sister said, Lizzie's right" Josie chimed in and I started to get frustrated.

I shook my head and looked down at the ground and placed my hands on my temples for a second and then looked back up at my twin sisters.

"And what if Sebastian's not okay after what MG and Kaleb might do to him? I don't want to risk it. I'm doing this to save and protect him and I'm also doing it for love and to protect our love too. Something I know you both would save, especially you Liz!" I softly smiled at her and then turned around to face the opened door and walked out of the bedroom and quickly ran out of the Salvatore school and into the woods where both MG and Kaleb were headed, thanks to the trusty vampire hearing I have. That's how I was able to track those two.

Don't worry, Seb! You're safe I promise.

*

It was now close to being dark outside and it made it even creepier while about to enter the woods. The sky was a dark blue mixed with black color and soft street lights echoed on top of the creepy forest a little bit which kind of helped make it less scary but still it was a forest and they are always scary.

Anyways, I continued to sneakily follow behind MG and Kaleb and try to put a stop to what they're doing. Apparently, Kaleb's sister, Kym was in town for the week and wanted to help with her older brother and MG's plan on catching Sebastian.

She was the bait in their little experiment. She had this old fashioned dress that had a hood attached to it, making it look like she was little red riding hood. I hid off to the side a little as I watched Kym walk forward a little bit and low and behold Sebastain was quick to notice her and quickly walked at a fast pace behind her, almost as if he was going to feed off of her.

Seb no! Don't!!!

The closer he got to Kym, he became more and more of a dangerous vampire. His breathing quickened as his eyes glowed from the red bloody effects that appeared in his eyes and face and quickly right after that his fangs appeared.

His pace quickened and he growled softly when he got even closer to Kym. She still hadn't noticed that Sebastian was on her heels only until she turned around at the last second when Sebastian was about to dive right in and bite her.

Without warning, Kym sprayed Sebastian with some sort of spray and I could tell it hurt after hearing his reaction. I widened my eyes and gasped after seeing what just happened.

I started to get up from my crouching position but didn't want to blow my cover just yet. I continued to watch.

Sebastian on the other hand, groaned from the pain and covered his eyes with his hand as he stepped away from Kym a little.

"Oh, my eyes! What is this sorcery?"

Kym smirked as she watched what just happened to Sebastian. She was quick to respond.

"It's something like pepper spray, I think"

Sebastian kept groaning and I wanted to run in and save the day but I still didn't see both MG or Kaleb and I'm sure they were close.

Kym smiled more. "It's cool right?" She asked Sebastian but he didn't pay attention to her because he was almost blinded so no, Kym!

Not cool at all!!!

*

Just then, out of nowhere MG and Kaleb came storming in at vamp speed and were able to attack Sebastian while he was down/ distracted.

The two quickly pushed him into a tree and held him as their hostage. Sebastian tried to fight back by pushing MG away from him as Kaleb was still holding his other arm, trying to keep Sebastain from escaping.

All of a sudden, MG was able to push Sebastian back into the tree again and looked back at Kym who was still watching from afar as Kaleb kept his eyes on Sebastian, making sure he didn't try and escape again.

"You did great, Kym!" After hearing that, Kym smiled at MG and bowed quickly. That's when I decided that it was time for me to crash this little experiment.

"See! I told you this would work!" MG said to Kaleb as the two looked at each other. I used my vamp speed and whooshed right in next to Kym.

"What would work, MG?" I asked as I crept in. Kym turned to the side and gasped when she saw me. MG was quick to turn around and faced me as soon as I entered.

"Kenzie? What are you doing here?" To my surprise, it looked like Sebastian was happy to see me because he seemed a little bit more calm after I arrived at the scene.

My heart was racing super fast and I could feel the blushing coming along but I couldn't get distracted now. I set my focus on MG and answered his question.

"Stopping you three from hurting or potentially killing Sebastian. He did nothing wrong, you guys. You better let him go before I really have to start getting aggressive". MG shook his head in disagreement to what I said and continued to hold Sebastian, along with Kaleb.

Kym took a couple steps over to me. She told me that her brother and MG were trying to reer Sebastian into their trick to capture him and to fully see if he's lying or telling the truth about not being a dangerous vampire anymore.

Wow! Really MG? Really Kaleb? What is with everyone not trusting Sebastian and not believing him except me? I widened my eyes and became mad at my two supernatural friends. I couldn't believe that they would do such a thing like that to me.

I was going to say something but my ears were drawn to Sebastian as he began to talk more to MG and Kaleb. "Unhand me, you turnips. I only had one drink." His voice was filled with anger, and annoyance.

I also must admit that Sebastain does have one groovy and hot raspy voice when he's upset. Wait what? Oh my gosh not me getting distracted! Oopsies.

"Yeah, I bet you did. We just so happen to know that the drink's name was Wade." Kaleb fired back to Sebastian as he continued to hold on to him more, not letting him escape. MG nodded his head in agreement and I walked closer to the three, mainly to step closer to Sebastian.

"I did not even kill your precious Wayne you speak of. Now unhand me before I..." I had to interrupt Sebastian. I know, I know and I'm sorry.

"Wait! You didn't kill Wade, Sebastian?" I asked curiously as I saw MG and Kaleb turn their heads around to face me still while keeping Sebastain hostage.

Sebastian relaxed when he heard my voice and shook his head no.

"Okay. If you didn't kill him, then can you explain what you were doing sneaking around the party hall last night? Remember our little encounter?" I asked in a soft tone and raised my eyebrow in a curious way.

Sebastian smirked at me when he saw the look of curiosity on face. Cue the blushing again haha! Sebastian was going to explain but Kaleb rudely knocked him out by aggressively snapping his head, causing Sebastian to fall to the floor. I widened my eyes and gasped after seeing what just happened.

"Oh my gosh! Kaleb?! Why the heck did you just do that?" I snapped at Kaleb for a moment. He didn't seem fazed or bothered by my question.

*

After watching and letting Sebastian fall to the ground, both MG and Kaleb turned around and faced Kym and I.

Kym was also confused why her brother and MG did that to Sebastian. Kaleb wiped his hands a few times while shaking his head. He then looked over at MG.

"Go grab Sebastian and take him to Dr. Saltzman's office. It's usually pretty empty at night so no one should be there when he wakes up." I immediately ran over to where Sebastian was and knelt down to him as I gently rested my hand on his upper arm and tried to see if he was still awake or not.

He was just knocked out and still alive, thank goodness. I then turned my attention back to MG and Kaleb while still kneeling down by Sebastian.

"And by you, you mean me. I'll take Sebastian back to my father's office. I have easy access considering I'm one of my dad's daughters. You can help me carry him of course". Kym smiled softly at me and agreed to help me.

Surprisingly, MG and Kaleb were also on board and agreed to help me carry Sebastian. I think I scared them and hey it's all good because that's my speciality tee hee :) :)

*

When the four of us made it safely to my father's office back at the school while carrying Sebastian, MG and Kaleb tied him up with metal handcuff chains around his hands while still being out from what Kaleb did to him earlier, keeping him from doing anything suspicious or dangerous.

I didn't understand why they did that but they just insisted on doing that, must have still been scared that Sebastian's dangerous when he's clearly not. I shook my head and told them that I would be right back.

I walked out of my father's office and into the hallway where I was greeted by Hope, Lizzie, and Landon. They somehow found out about what was going on with Sebastian and everyone and wanted to know more.

I told them that Sebastian's in my dad's office and that I'll be right back, I needed to grab something from the kitchen. They agreed and went inside the office and waited for me to come back.

Okay, don't judge! I went into the kitchen because I was hungry and wanted to eat something, so I made myself a sandwich and when I was done making it, I turned around to leave the kitchen and head back to where Sebastian and everyone else were and out of nowhere this black shadow figure appeared and was revealed to be a monster.

This monster wore an all black ensemble with a black top hat and cape. He also had a tree-like face with a pointed and curved nose and his eyes were darker than the sky at night. It was really weird and creepy. I widened my eyes and backed up a little after seeing the monster in front of me.

"Oh crap!" I said out loud and continued to stay still and before I knew it the monster made a snarling noise and grabbed me by the neck with its hand and slowly pulled me forward as it's arm turned into slime.

I couldn't help myself but to scream, hoping someone would hear me. Out of nowhere, I heard a stabbing/ slicing noise and saw that the monster's arm was in two pieces. I quickly looked over and saw that it was Josie.

I smiled at her and then grabbed onto my neck for a minute, trying to let myself breathe again and then quickly ran out of the room with Josie holding my hand. The two of us quickly ran back into our dad's office and slammed the door closed and locked it, causing everyone to look at us and to even wake Sebastian up.

Josie and I still guarded the door and Lizzie quickly ran over to the two of us.

*

"Are you two okay? What's going on?" She asked and I looked at her worried eyes. I told her that a monster is on the loose again and for some reason it's after me and I have no idea why.

Hope came over and pointed to a black candle that she lit and explained that it's used to protect us from the monsters. I thought that was a huge relief and started to relax.

Joise and I moved away from the door and sat down in the chairs again in our dad's office. Of course, I sat down in my dad's chair again so I could be closer to Sebsatian.

"We need to figure out why the monster is coming after you, Kenzie!" Hope said and we all started looking in a bunch of books for possible answers.

MG and Kym were looking through a book together and I noticed that MG was vamp speed reading and Kym got super into that.

After talking about how cool being a vampire is, they somehow found out what the name of the monster is. Me, Lizzie, Josie, Hope, Kaleb and Landon gathered around both MG and Kym and looked at the book that they were looking in and explained that apparently the monster's called a Croatoan and it hunts people keeping secrets.

What secret do I have? The only one isn't even a secret at all and that's me wanting to make it official with Sebastian.

Everyone should know that by now. It was also revealed by Kym that this croatan can be summoned by powerful witches. I may be a witch and vampire but I'm not that powerful. Who could have summoned this?

"The witch's name was Cassandra. I would love to tell you all more about her, my dear turnips, only if you agree to let me go from these chains." Sebastian spoke softly as he woke and looked over at me and the others.

I smiled softly at him as Lizzie and Josie giggled after hearing Sebastian call them turnips. "Hey! For the last time we're not vegetables." MG said in annoyance.

I gently placed my hand on MG's shoulder and he turned his head to me. "Don't mind him, it's okay. And I think we should listen to him."

MG rolled his eyes and took a deep breath and then agreed to go with Sebastian's plan. That made me really happy.

Sebastian explained that Cassandra was out to find who was killing everyone in the village where Sebastian and her lived in many decades ago, making it hunt those who were/ are keeping secrets.

Hence why it's after me now. Just peachy!

"That's not good! How are we going to kill it? I'm sure it won't help that Cassandra's dead and won't be able to get rid of it. She's the only one who summoned it, which means she's the only one who can destroy it." I panicked a little but remained as calm as I could.

"I don't understand why I can't remember more. I vividly remember being deeply in love with Cassandra. Had she known that it was me who was attacking the townspeople, I believe she would have done things differently." Sebastian explained even more.

I looked at him, listening to everything that he was saying, along with everyone else in the room too. MG couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Maybe you should have been honest with your lady, instead of hiding from her and acting like another version of Dracula." I looked back at MG and rolled my eyes at him while shaking my head in annoyance.

*

Just then, Sebastian used his vamp speed and got super close to MG but this version of Sebastian was different. His eyes and face had a bloody effect in his eyes and face and his fangs shot out.

The clanging noise that the chains made after Sebastian shot up made me jump a little, as did everyone too. Lizzie comforted me by resting her hand on my shoulder for a second as we listened and watched the encounter between MG and Sebastian.

"A lesson in being honest about a woman one fancies is not what I had in mind, especially coming from you, Milton. I don't need to take lessons from you." I used my vamp speed to get in the middle between the two young men and try and separate them before something bad could happen.

MG stepped back as I walked Sebastain back to where he was."Are you okay, Seb? What was that about?" I whispered to him and I heard MG apologize which made me and Sebastian look back at him and Sebastian silently shook his head and apologized too.

"Why don't we try a mind spell to try and retrieve your memory of all this, Seb?" Everyone agreed on trying that and I then proceeded to gently place my hand on Sebstian's arm by kneeling down next to him and did a spell which made my hand and the area around him turn a glowing red.

Sebastian closed his eyes as I did the spell and I could feel everyone else in the room carefully watching me. A few minutes later, I finished the spell and waited for a response from Sebastian.

Lizzie walked over to me and kneeled down next to me after I finished the spell and smiled softly at me. "Are you okay, Kenzie?" I smiled back at her and nodded my head.

"Yeah, I think so. I'm not sure if the spell I did worked or not." My best friend was about to say something but then Sebastian opened his eyes and began to talk. Hearing his voice, I whipped my head around to face him, and listen to him tell the rest of his experience.

"I remember now. I am now able to see the whole story. Cassandra was the last lover that I had and she wanted to protect me from everything. When she found out who was attacking the townspeople, she summoned something far worse, something that would seek out and find those keeping lies in the town, keeping them from finding me. I know she loved me though."

"Which caused the Croatoan to go ham. Wiped everyone out." Kym chimed in with a soft tone of voice. Sebastian nodded his head and continued talking.

"Yes, that's right. After I found out what Cassandra was plotting, I tried to stop her. By this time I knew that she was keeping my secret. I was afraid that she'd become a target. So, she put me into a deep sleep. To keep me safe. By this time, all I could do was watch her get attacked by the Croatoan and unable to help her as I watched her die right in front of me."Sebastian concluded as I watched a tear drop fall from his face.

I couldn't believe everything that he told us. It was heartbreaking and it broke my heart seeing him tear up like that. I gently wiped away his tears as he relaxed in my hand/ at my touch.

"I am so sorry that happened, Seb. You didn't deserve that and I promise that won't ever happen again." I spoke softly to him as I started to tear up.

Lizzie and then Josie both comforted me by hugging me from my shoulders as Sebastian wiped away my tears too, which made me feel a lot calmer.

"This necklace was Cassandra's. Mackenzie, I want you to wear it so you have protection from whatever comes your way and that the same fate doesn't fall upon you. Please, Mackenzie?" Sebastian took off this necklace that he wore around his neck and handed it to me.

I looked at it for a moment as did everyone else in the room and then I looked at Sebastian and nodded my head and put the necklace on.

A sigh of relief could be heard from him as the two of us shared a hug which led into a big group hug from everyone else in the room.

*

Lizzie, Hope, and I traveled to the school's gym for whatever reason, I don't really know. Maybe to hide from the Crotaton that's still on the loose.

Which meant that Josie, Landon, MG, Kym, Kaleb, and Sebastian stayed right where they were in my dad's office.

"What do you mean Josie has a crush on Landon too, Lizzie?" Hope questioned as Lizzie chuckled to herself.

"Oh, relax. I'm sure it's a little crush. Besides, she'll fall out of it soon I'm sure. And it's not like I'm going to tell him or anything." The two stopped walking to face each other and Lizzie then turned around to face me and I put my finger to my mouth and walked to the gym doors and whispered to them.

"Will you two please quiet down! There's still a monster on the loose, remember?"As I continued to close the doors, all of a sudden this arm appeared on the door, causing me to scream a bit and run away towards the door and to my best friend and Hope.

The two of them gasped and Lizzie wrapped her around me as protection. "Uhm, nevermind. You two be as loud as you want because we are so screwed right now!"

The monster opened the gym doors and it was revealed to be the Croatoan. He stood tall and showed dominance while standing in front of the doors, blocking the entrance.

"It feeds on secrets, right? So let me have all of them right here, right now." Hope confidently said which made Lizzie chuckle to herself.

"I prefer to save my own dignity and not die without it." I raised my eyebrow and then furrowed my eyebrows after hearing what she said and then looked over at Hope.

"Okay, fine. I'll start." Hope mentioned as the three of us started to walk backwards into the gym as the Croatoan followed us inside.

"Lizzie, I stole your precious pink butterfly clip when we were kids."

My best friend gasped. "I loved that clip, Hope!"

"Also, for about a week, I had a crush on Josie when we were 14." Hope also mentioned. Hearing that was new news to me. Lizzie was quick to respond while having annoyance in her voice.

"Oh my gosh, can you already tell that the two of you are never happening? Give that one up, Hope" The two of them got distracted bickering with each other that it took them to bump into one of the gym equipment things to have them snap out of it and focus on right now.

The three of us looked around at each other and then back to the Croatoan. "Uhm, Liz, Hope? Focus." I snapped my fingers softly at them.

The Croatoan was getting closer to us and it was Lizzie's turn to spill her beans. "Okay, uhm. I siphoned you to cheat on your finals, I accidentally turned your pet hamster invisible..." Hope widened her eyes and questioned everything that Lizzie said.

I was surprised to hear all of those things too. "And I actually think you're cool, Hope!" Lizzie admitted with pain in her voice.

Just then, the Croatoan moved his cape out of the way and showed the eating trap that was his stomach which had these big long octopus arms at the ends and what looked like jaws.

As this was happening, the Croatoan made a screeching noise and continued to get closer to us. I widened my eyes.

"I don't think it's working you guys. It's not going to stop until it knows the truth, the secret that I've been keeping: That I have a crush on Sebastian and that I want to be with him." I admittedly said out loud.

Hope then asked to see the necklace that Sebastian gave me and I nodded my head and took it off my neck and handed it to her. She held it out infront of her in her hands, blocking the Croatoan to get any closer and proceeded to do a spell with the necklace.

"Finis habentis maleificia." and within a blink of an eye, the Croatoan died and was never to be seen again. Watching the monster die took a weight off of my shoulders. I hugged Hope as she hugged me back.

"Thank you, Hope! I couldn't have said my secret if it wasn't without you and my family." I said while looking at Lizzie too. The three of us shared a group hug and then went back to see everyone back in Lizzie's and I's dad's office.

We caught everyone up to date on what happened and told them the Croatoan was gone for good.

*

Later that night, Lizzie, MG, and I met up in the gym from earlier. The lights were off but it was still bright enough to see everyone who was in the room. We were just chit chatting about different stuff.

"Well, now that the Croatoan is gone, that must mean that we're okay and safe."I mentioned as I smiled softly at Lizzie and MG. They nodded their heads.

" For now at least. There's probably going to be another monster here but until then I think we're okay." Lizzie added as both me and MG agreed with her.

"This means no more secrets, right you two?" I asked and then felt my heart flutter and my face heat up from the blushing that appeared on my face.

"That sounds pretty reasonable to me, Mackenzie," Sebastian said confidently as I gave my full attention to him, as did MG and Lizzie.

I then began to panic a little bit. I widened my eyes a little and covered my mouth with my hand. "Oh my gosh! Am I having another episode or am I actually seeing Sebastian for good this time?"

You see, for some reason my mind thought it would be a good idea to play a trick on me and make me question everything I knew about Sebastian. Even though I know that Sebastian is real.

Remember everything that happened earlier and yesterday? Lizzie gently held my hand and MG got up from where he was sitting, and stood next to Sebastian.

I raised my eyebrow at him. "Wait, you can actually and fully see him, MG?" I asked and MG nodded his head in agreement.

"Everyone can see him, Kenzie. There's something I need to tell you." I looked at him and nodded.

"Go ahead, MG. Tell your tale. I'm listening." I encouraged him to tell me as Lizzie and Sebastian both listened to what MG was going to tell me.

I had no idea what to expect from him. What was he going to tell me? My mind desperately needed those questions.

"Okay, the truth is, all this time I made it look like you were having a psychotic break and pretended that Sebastian wasn't real when he has always been real this entire time. I did it to protect you because I wasn't sure what effect Sebastian would have on you and I didn't want you to be in any danger whatsoever. I am so sorry, Kenzie." MG concluded as he looked down at the floor and then back to me.

Hearing everything that MG said made me feel a whole bunch of emotions. Endless cycle of thoughts ran through my mind, processing everything that I was hearing.

This was going to be a long rest of my evening. This adventure is not over yet.

Strap yourself in and prepare yourself for what's next.

-End of episode story 5 :) 

I’m absolutely loving how I wrote this and also really proud of my writing with this and honestly it was really fun to write and I hope you all enjoy it. I’ll see you in the next one :) 

[albertasunrise]

It’s Yours - Chapter 7

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

Summary: You and Javier have been sleeping together for almost two years but after his name was leaked by the papers, he is sent home for investigation. You remain behind with Steve to catch Escobar but when he’s finally dead, you decide to go after the man you’ve fallen for. You don’t like what you find when you finally reunite with him.

Warnings: Fluff, Unprotected Sex 18+

Relationships: Javier Peña x Reader

~

The bar was practically empty when Javier walked in, just the usual suspects there at this time in the afternoon. Si was busy polishing the glasses that had just come back from the kitchen, his back facing the bar as he places each one on the shelf once he’s done.

‘Be with you in a moment.’ He says over his shoulder as he finishes the last glass before turning to face Javi ‘What are you doing here Peña?’

‘I came to talk.’ He states, hands stuffed in his pockets as he steps gingerly towards the bar.

‘Well, I don’t want to talk. She chose you. End of.’

‘Actually, she threw me out just after you left.’ Admits Javier as he sits himself down on one of the barstools.

‘Is that right?’

‘Look Si. What happened last night was completely unplanned.’ Starts the agent as he scrubs a hand over his tired face ‘The babies kicked for the first time and we got caught up in the moment.’

‘Do you love her?’

‘What?’ His tone comes out a little shorter than he means it to.

‘’Do you love her? Not that hard to understand.’

‘Yes.’ He states, not wanting to beat about the bush ‘It scares me how much. Seeing you and her together these past months has been killing me.’

‘Then go get her.’ Says Si as he shrugs his shoulders ‘I love her but we’ve been together five minutes in comparison to the time you spent with her.’ He pauses ‘You’re having twins together for fuck sakes. Yes, it sucked walking in on you fuckin’ her but I'd be an idiot if I didn’t think you two should at least try and make a go of it. For your kid's sake at least.’

‘Si I-.’

‘If you wanna say sorry then fine, I forgive you but for Christ’s sake Javier. Go and get her or I will!’ Groans Si as he points at the closed door.

‘How are you such a Saint all the time?’ He chuckled and Si shrugged again.

‘My momma raised me right I guess.’

‘That she did.’ Javier replies as he stands from his stool and leaves.

~

You sit there nursing your tea as you stare at the flowers on your coffee table, the turmoil within eating you alive as you remember the look on Si’s face when he saw you tangled with Javier. Taking a sip you scrunch your face up in disgust when you learn that it's tepid now, you’d not realised how long you’d been staring for. The door opening catches your attention and you look up to see Javier walking in, a look of determination on his face that you’ve never seen before.

‘Javi I don’t-.’

‘Just let me speak.’ He interrupts, raising his hand to stop you ‘I went to see Si.’

‘JAVI.’

‘Just listen dammit.’ He groans, raising his voice a little ‘I went to explain. Tell him that we hadn’t planned it. That it had just been us getting caught up in the moment. I swear that guy is a Saint because he fucking forgave us. He was hurt, understandably so, but he also told me that I should go get you. That he would be a fool to get in the way of us giving it a go.’

‘Javier.’

‘But I realised something.’ He continues ‘I don't want to give it a go with you.’

‘No?’

‘No.’ He confirms and your heart sinks ‘I want it all with you. I want to raise our babies with you. I want to make more with you. I want to call you my wife.’

‘Javi-.’

Javier pulled out a box from his pocket before slowly lowering himself to one knee, his eyes never leaving yours as tears start to form in his eyes.

‘Hermosa, I am completely and irrevocably in love with you. You own me body and soul and it has even agony these last few months not being able to hold you, kiss you, make love to you.' He pauses, taking in a shaky breath "Please end my pain and marry me.’ He finishes as the box creaks open to reveal a simple, yet spectacular, diamond engagement ring.’

Your hands fly up to cover your mouth as you gasp in shock, tears spilling down your cheeks as your shoulders shake. The longer you don’t answer the more nervous Javier becomes, his heart in his throat as he remains on his knee awaiting your answer.

‘Baby, please. Say something.’

‘Yes.’ You manage to choke out before covering your mouth again in an attempt to muffle your sobs.

Peña’s on his feet in a flash, scooping you into his arms before kissing you deeply as he slips the ring on your finger.

‘When the hell did you buy a ring?’

‘Not important.’ He chuckles before kissing you again, this time with a hunger that goes straight to your core.

You clumsily pull each other's clothes off as he backs you towards the bedroom, both of you naked as the day you were born by the time the backs of your knees hit the mattress. You fall back, giggling as he grabs you by the waist and pushes you further up before positioning himself between your thighs. Two thick fingers plunge into your heat and you yell as he curls them deliciously, pumping them in and out relentlessly.

‘Fuck Javi.’ You whine, throwing your head back as you practically growl from the stimulation his fingers were giving you ‘FUCK.’

He says nothing, just grins as you dig your heels into the mattress, feeling yourself barrelling towards your orgasm and you know it's going to be intense. He increases his pace, fingers hitting that spot over and over and over. Your toes curl as you cum, your release gushing over his hand and the sheets but you don’t have a chance to recover before he’s sheathing himself inside of you.

‘FUCK’ You scream again as he pounds into you, your moans swallowed by his mouth as he devouring yours.

Your nails dig into the muscles in his shoulders, so deep that it’s bound to leave marks but you don't care and neither does he, he wants you to mark him. Claim him. He’s yours and you are his. He changes his angle and it’s devastating, the coil within tightening at an alarming rate and you bear your neck to him as you scream his name.

‘Cum for me.’ He coos, his eyes black with lust as he watches you writhe beneath him.

As if on command you do, your walls clamping down on his length and pulling him right along with you. He collapses on the bed beside you, chest heaving as he turns his head to look at you with a blissed-out expression.

‘I love you.’ He says softly as he rolls onto his side, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear as he grins at you like a lovesick teenager.

‘I love you too.’ You reply as you smile at him ‘That was also quite something.’

‘Yes.’ He says, letting out a breathy chuckle ‘Yes it was.’

‘Make the most of fucking me like that whilst you can.’

‘Hmmm?’

‘Because soon, this is going to get in the way.’ You finish as you rub your swollen womb.

‘Well if that's the case then I think we better make the most of it again.’ He grins as he pulls you into a bruising kiss, already hard for you again.

~

‘Congratulations to you both.’ Says Chucho as he raises his beer bottle in cheers.

The bar copies the man's actions, cheering loudly and you gaze at Javi who is looking down at you with his big brown eyes, eyes crinkling in the corners. Wrapping his arm around your waist, he pulls you into a sloppy kiss that makes you swoon.

‘Congratulations guys.’ Comes a familiar voice and you both look up to see Si stood across from the two of you, a genuine smile filling his features ‘I’m really happy for you both.’

‘Thank you, brother.’ Replies Javier as he shakes Si’s hand before moving for you to accept Si’s hug.

‘Thank you, Si.’ You say sweetly ‘For everything and I’m sorry for you know?… For what happened between us.’

‘Water under the bridge beautiful.’ He replies ‘It was fun while it lasted.’ He finishes as he gives you a nudge and a wink.

‘That it was.’ You agree as you chuckle.

‘Well well well if it isn’t tweedle dum and tweedle dee.’ Comes a voice you'd never expected to head.

‘MURPHY?’ You yell as you run into his arms, squealing with excitement as he laughs at your reaction ‘What the hell are you doing here?’

‘Chucho rang he.’ He states as he slaps Javier on the arm ‘Couldn't miss my partner’s engagement party now could I?'

‘I never thought I’d see the day Javier Peña would settle down.’ Comes another voice and you look up to see Connie grinning at you ‘Definitely never thought he'd be having a baby.’ She finishes as she pulls you into a sideways hug.

‘Actually, it's babies.’ Javier corrects and both Murphy’s look between you in shock.

‘Your not?’ She asks with her mouth agape and you both nod.

‘Twins?’ Steve explains and you share a loving look at Javier before nodding again ‘Well shut the front door, that's fucking wonderful!’

‘Do you know?…’ Connie trains off, grinning at you.

‘Girl and a boy.’ You answer.

‘Jackpot.’

You laugh at Steves remark as you let your head fall against Javi’s shoulder, humming in delight when he gives your hip a small squeeze.

‘You…’ Connie points at you ‘Need to tell me everything. You two.’ She motions between Steve and Javier ‘Stay out of trouble.’

She drags you to an empty booth, hugging you again before sipping her drink and slouching back against the faux leather back of the bench.

‘Sooooo?’ She starts ‘How the hell did this all happen?’

‘Well, this.’ You point at your bump ‘Happened the night before Javier left Columbia.’ You clarify and she grins at you ‘Us. Well, let's just say a lot has happened in the last 5 months.’

‘Like?’

‘I met Si.’ You point at him and Connie looks at you with piqued interest ‘We dated for a few months. Was pretty incredible and I loved him but I wasn't in love with him. It took Javier almost drowning for me to realise that I can't live without him.’

‘Wait what?’ Connie interrupts, her expression changing to one of shock ‘He almost drowned?’

‘Yeah, he uh…’ You pause, taking a sip of your own beverage ‘He saw Si and me fucking on the couch. He’d popped round to show me some baby grows he’d bought and saw us through the window.’ You shiver as the memory of him falling assaults your eyes ‘He got smashed and decided to try and fix the pier down at the end of Chucho’s land. Lost his footing on the rotten wood when I called out to him and he fell. His dad and I managed to drag him out of the river and I gave him CPR. I managed to revive him but I almost didn’t. It broke me.’

‘So how did you end up together?’

‘Well, I’m not exactly proud of it.’ You start, giving her a guilty look ‘We uh… Well, basically the babies started kicking when he’d come round with some food. It was beautiful and we got caught up in the moment. One thing led to another and… Well, let's just say Si walked in on us.’

‘Shit.’

‘Yeah.’ You reply ‘He was surprisingly good about it though. Eventually. We deserved hell but instead, he gave us his blessing. He told Javier to go get me and Javier decided to take it one step further.’ You finished as you grinned at her before letting your eyes flit down to the engagement ring on your finger.

‘Boy did good!’ Connie exclaims when she spots the ring ‘Well done Javi.’ She finishes and you chuckle, gossiping well into the night.

~

Chapter 8

[jawabear]

My neurons are firing away! I really loved Don't leave and I saw that you said you'd do sequels, so I have a request for a Don't leave sequel 🥺 Like S3E4, when they go on that mission to catch Gilberto, and they need people they can trust, so y/n joins them, saying/thinking she can do it. But she's with Javi when he finds Gilberto and since he's pointing a gun at them she gets flashbacks from the time she got shot. So she gets through the mission with adrenaline rushing through her body 1/2

(2) Don’t Leave (Javier Pena x Reader)

Not my GIF (but y’all should know how much I love it)

A/N: Hey, here’s a second part to Don’t leave, as requested. Thank you anon! I hope this is good? I think its kind of a mess because I was basically rewriting the episode which was a little difficult. I had to use Spanish but I do not speak the language so it is most likely wrong so I apologise for that. This a little bit of a mess but I hope you can still enjoy it. Sorry for any mistakes. Stay Safe 

Genre: Angst

Warnings: Fem!reader, sexism, soft!Javi, alcohol, mental breakdowns, mentions of death, guns, me thirsting over how good Javi looks in this episode, mentions of medication, crying, confessions, tiny bit of fluff, my terrible comebacks

Summary: To catch a criminal, Javi needs people he can trust, but the person he trusts above all else is the one who he doesn’t want to take 

It had been a couple of weeks since she came back and was settling back in quite well all things considered. Javier made sure to keep an extra eye on her where he could. The smallest sign of struggle and he would be straight to her side to help in any way he could.

It was very sweet of him. It made her heart race. But she felt so much guilt as well. He had practically become her minder and that was an idea she didn’t like. She didn’t want to be a burden to anyone in the DEA, especially not Javier. But that’s what she was. Or felt like at least.

But she carried on as best she could given the circumstances. She didn’t want special treatment and made that quite clear to the Ambassador. She went back to desk duty which wasn’t so bad, it was what she was used to. But as strange as it’s sounds, now she had a taste of field duty, she wanted to get back out there. However, considering what happened last time, that wasn’t one of her brightest ideas.

It was late at the embassy which was pretty much empty. There were a few agents lurking around the building but most of them had gone home already. (Y/N) much preferred the embassy after dark. It was quieter and more manageable, especially with her fragile state of mind. She find it somewhat comforting sitting in her office. It was quiet. But a peaceful quiet. Not the painful and lonely quiet of her apartment, which was why she stayed a lot longer than necessary.

A knocking on her office door disrupted that silence. She lifted her head and saw it was Javi. She smiled to him and motioned for him to come in. He looked a little distressed.

He didn’t say and thing as he made his way into her office, closing the door and sitting in the chair opposite her, putting his head in his hands and letting out a heavy breath.

“Javi?” She said quietly bringing her chair round to sit in front of him. “Hey, what’s wrong?” She copied what he had done when she came back. She put her hands gently on his thighs as comfort to him.

“Shit (Y/N)” he muttered as he lifted his head a little, his posture still slumped over though “we could have him”

“Have who?” She asked.

“Gilberto Rodríguez”

Her eyes went wide with shock “are-are you serious? How?” She asked.

“Feistl just called. They tailed Guillermo Pallomari, the head accountant for the cartel. Lead them straight to Gilberto’s front fucking door”

“That’s...this is big Javi”

“Yeah. I know”

“What are you going to do?”

“We’ve gotta fucking go after him. We’ve got a secure location on him. We have to take it as soon as we can. But..” he paused for a moment “I need people I can trust. But there are fucking few out there” he said in a light laugh.

(Y/N) paused and looked at him. She looked at the way his thumbs rubbed over her hands. She saw the desperation in his eyes. The look of it being his only chance.

“What about me?” She asked quietly.

“What about you?”

“Take me with you”

“No” he said firmly with the sake of his head “no no no. No I’m not putting you through something like that again”

“You can trust me, can’t you?”

“Of course (Y/N). Of course I trust you. I trust you with my life. But I can’t trust myself to protect you from what ever happens. And I can’t...I can’t watch you get hurt again”

“There’s no guarantee I’ll get hurt Javi”

“There’s no guarantee you won’t get hurt” he retorted quickly.

“Javi,” she began quietly “I think, in this instance, catching one of the godfathers of the Calí Cartel is more important that me”

He squeezed her hands and dropped his head “fuck” he whispered “fuck. Alright, fine” he looked at her again “but you do exactly as I say, when I say it. You don’t fuck around. And you don’t get hurt. If something goes wrong, you get yourself out first. Got it?”

“Yes sir” she smiled “who else are you bringing along? If Calderón is working for the cartel, then who knows how many of his me are too. And this doesn’t really seem like a four person job, If we include Feistl and Van Ness”

“Don’t worry about that” he said with a slight smirk. “I’ve got an idea”

-

Javier’s idea was calling in a few favours from some old friends in Bogotá. Colonel Martínez and his most trusted men. Javi explained the plan of diversion to them all hours before the plan would be put init action to catch Gilberto.

“(Y/N), I want you to go with him” Javi said quietly to her.

“What?” She was slightly annoyed by his order. She wanted to stay with Javi.

“You’ll be safe with him”

“N-No, Javi, I want to stay with you”

“(Y/N)” He said sternly. He took a step towards her and rested his hands on her arms, rubbing them softly “Please. Please. Go with Colonel Martínez. You said if I let you come you’d do as I say”

She nodded “okay..” she whispered.

He brought his hands to her cheeks and tilted her head up slightly to meet her gaze “you’ll be okay” he assured her softly. She smiled as gently squeezed his wrists.

“You be careful. Don’t take any unnecessary risks”

“I won’t” he looked at his watch and pulled his hands from her cheeks. ”You better get going” he cleared his throat and glanced to his left to see that Colonel Martínez has been watching that whole ordeal play out. But as per usual, he show now expression on his face.

“Peña is right” he said as he strolled over to them “our window is getting smaller, we should go now”

“Yeah. Yes. Right, okay” (Y/N) nodded “I’ll um...I’ll head to the truck” she said before making her wave over to the chicken loaded truck. Javi watched as she jumped into the back, his heart sinking a little as he wondered if he had made the wrong choice.

“How long has it been?” Martínez asked in his usual stoic voice.

“How long has what been?” Javi asked looking at him.

“Cuanto tiempo llevas enamorado de ella?” (How long have you been in love with her?)

Javi let out a sudden and nervous laugh as he ran his hands through his hair “¿Qué te hace pensar que estoy enamorado de ella?” (What makes you think I’m in love with her?) He asked.

“I know the look of love when I see one Peña. What I saw was love. From both of you” there was a sudden softness to Martinez’s voice. Javi didn’t reply to him because he knew he was right. “Don’t worry” he said patting Javi’s shoulder “I’ll make sure she’s okay”

Javi could only nod before Martínez was walked to the truck and jumping in the back, the two metal doors being closed behind him. He just hoped she would be okay.

-

The ride in the back of the truck was dark, silence, smelly and hot. On a list of things she wanted to do before she died, riding in the back of a chicken truck was not very high up.

Her head rested back against the metal wall as she took in deep breaths. She couldn’t tell if she was nervous or excited. She was just daring to go. But she had to be sensible, smart. She had to be calm. But she was getting anxious. Mainly, she just wanted to be with Javi again.

The truck came to a sudden stop which signalled that they had arrived. (Y/N) lifted her head and her gaze met with Colonel Martínez who was sat opposite her. He gave her a subtle nod which she returned before pulling her pistol out of her vest.

From there, everything seemed to happen so quickly until she found herself in charge of making sure Gilberto’s three wives cooperated but not getting in the way or trying to relay false information. All three women have her looks. But (Y/N) couldn’t blame them. It was strange to see a woman in such a position. A woman in field duty? Laughable if nothing else. But (Y/N) was living proof that a woman was just as good on the field as a man. She was just waiting for her man to hurry up and make it.

Thankfully it wasn’t all that much longer until Colonel Martínez had motioned for her to follow him outside. When she did she saw a Police car pulling up being the Chicken truck with Calderón, Javi, Feistl and Van Ness inside. Her heart jumped a little to see that Javi was okay and that he has made it.

The four of them got out of the car and Javier and Calderón walked towards her and Martinez while Chris and Dan stood by the car.

“Colonel Martinez” Calderón said.

“Capitán” Martinez gave a subtle nod to him. Javi rested a comforting hand on (Y/N)’s arm but said nothing to her, so she said nothing to him. “sabes lo que está sucediendo aquí?” (You know what’s happening here?)

Calderón looked (Y/N) up and down giving her a slightly evil look. Before looking back at Martinez. “sí, creo que sé” (yes, I think I know) he said with a slight nod.

“te estoy dando una oportunidad. para hacer lo correcto y no follar esta opperación” (I’m giving you one chance. To do the right thing and not fuck up this operation)

Calderón looked back towards (Y/N) “si lo que he oído es cierto, no seré yo quien lo joda” (if what I’ve heard is true, I won’t be the one who fucks it up)

(Y/N)’s Spanish wasn’t the best, it was pretty awful all things considered. But she could understand when she was being insulted. That, and the fact she saw sudden anger wash over Javier’s face. But still he said nothing but squeezed her arm.

“This is no job for a woman” Calderón said “especially one who can’t hold her own”

“Maybe. But look who’s being allowed to help and who isn’t” she retorted calmly, which was more than could be said for Javi who was growing more visibly angry by the second.

Calderón back up to the car and Van Ness was quick to grab the keys to insure he wouldn’t drive off.

Martinez looked at Javi “Está aquí. Lo encontraremos” (He’s here. We’ll find him) he said. Javi gave a subtle nod back before dropping his hand from (Y/N)’s arm. Suddenly, it felt cold there. She was over come with the sudden urge to just jump in his arms, but they had something more important to be dealing with right now. “Véalo” (Watch him) he ordered to one of his men before walking back into the house.

“You still got your kids drawing?” Javi asked Chris as they all followed behind.

-

(Y/N) followed behind Javi up the stairs, trying not to get too distracted by how good he looked. Now was not the time.

They made their way into what appeared to be some sort of bathroom. No doubt one of many that was located in the grand house, but it was a bigger bathroom than she had ever seen. Off on the far wall were two extra room. They took one each, kicking open the door and holing their gun to as the search it. Both came up empty.

Javi gave her a look before looking back around the room, the same as her. He walked over to the large jacuzzi looking bath and walked up the wooden steps.

They both froze in place when an all too loud creak came from under his foot. He shifted his weight once, twice, to make sure he wasn’t hearing things. He wasn’t. There was definitely something not right about it.

He carefully and quietly step back down to the floor and gave her another look. She adjusted her stance and moved a little closer to him. She held her gun up to the steps as he bent down. He slid his hand over the bottom step. He reached down further and she swallowed thickly. Javi gave her another look and she gave him and nod.

The steps flew up and the two agents both too a step back.

There was Gilberto Rodríguez. His gun pointing directly at them.

(Y/N)’s heart began to race. Partly from adrenaline that was still flowing through her, but partly from fear. Seeing the gun pointing their way made her mind flash with images from that day. Only this time, it was worse. All she could see was a bullet going straight through Javi, and this time she wouldn’t be able to save him. She wouldn’t be able to jump in front of him. Instead she would be left to watch him die. Watch the blood flow from him.

She blinked her eyes quickly to try and wipe away the images but her hands were becoming shaky. She couldn’t stand there for much longer, not with a gun in her face. “suelta el arma” (drop your weapon) Javi said, surprisingly calmly.

Trujillo appeared on the other side of Javi to (Y/N) with his gun raised as well “suelta el arma” he repeated the same as Javi, in a less calm tone.

Gilberto hesitated for a moment before he slowly lowered his gun and dropped it to the floor in front of him “No dispares. Soy un hombre de paz” (don’t shoot. I am a man of peace) he said as he held his hands up in surrender. He grabbed the steps in his hands and shakily pulled him self out of his hideout. Javi grabbed his shoulders and pulled him out quicker, holding his gun to the back of Gilberto’s neck.

It was then that Martinez appeared holding his gun out but almost dropping it when he saw the Cartel Godfather at gun point. “Vamos” he said. Javi nodded and traded Gilberto off to him when he noticed that (Y/N) wasn’t moving.

“(Y/N)” Javi said quietly as he placed his hand back warmly on her arm, Trujillo and Martinez taking Gilberto away. She jumped slightly at his touch and looked at him “you okay?” He asked softly.

She blinked, swallowed and nodded. “Yeah” she said “yeah. I’m...I’m fine. Just...let’s get out of here” she said before walking past him, he followed closely behind her all the way down stairs.

The living room was almost full of Police. Gilberto was sat on the sofa whilst his three wives looked upon him with sadness, confusing and everything else along that line.

It was now only a matter of time before they would listed as heroes. They had taken down one of the Godfathers of Calí. That was no easy feat. But they weren’t in the clear just yet.

-

After managing to get Gilberto back to Bogotá and handing him off to the authorities, (Y/N) and Javier found themselves back at the embassy. (Y/N) had been quiet ever since they got on the plane to come back to Bogotá. It was obvious to Javi, and obvious to her, that the mission had effected her. She hadn’t said a said a single word to him for a few hours now and it just felt strange.

She went ahead of him when they got to the embassy and headed straight to the ambassadors office. Walking through the main office to get there, she was greeted with a round of applause for her work with Javi in arresting Gilberto. She gave them all a polite smile but walked quickly out of the office space, ignoring all the congratulations she was getting.

(Y/N) knocked on the door of Crosby’s office and she heard a “Come in” from inside so she opened the door and walked in. “(Y/N)” he greeted her, sounding a little surprised as he sat at the table on the right side of the office.

“Ambassador” she greeted back.

“I was expecting Peña to walk through the door” he motioned for her to take the seat opposite him and she did.

“Ambassador,” She said “I’m going to be frank with you. I can’t keep this up for much longer. I thought I would be okay, but being out there today...”

“Is this your way of telling me you resign?”

“No. No. Not resign. Just...I know I’ve already had so much time off for my injury but...I don’t know, I just need to not be in this. I need to just...need some time...”

“How much time?”

“I...I don’t know”

“Well (Y/N), let me be frank with you. What you and agent Peña did today was an impressive feat but comes with a lot of complications now for both the Colombian and American government. But I will congratulate you for your achievement. And, in all honesty, regardless of how it played out, I was going to sign you off anyway. Off work. If not just to get you back to how you were, then to get Peña to stop brining it up in every meeting we have”

“Sir?” She asked, a little confused at what he meant.

“He’s been hounding me to sign you off since you came back. Every meeting we have it’s the first and last thing he says. Keeps telling me that you need more time, and that you’re not in the right state of mind to work efficiently”

(Y/N) didn’t really know how to feel at that. It was sweet that Javi would do that in her behalf, but it was now properly evident to her that she hadn’t hidden her struggles as well as she originally thought.

“Four week” he said “I’ll give you four weeks. I don’t want to see you anywhere near this embassy building within that time”

“Yes sir” she nodded “thank you sir” she stood and reached her hand over to him, he shook it and she left for the door.

Just as she was leaving his office, Javi appeared and gave her a soft look “(Y/N)” he said quietly “what are you doing?”

“I um...asked Crosby for some time off. He’s given me four weeks” she mumbled.

“Good. You need it” he said to her.

“I...I better let you go in there”

“Yeah” Javi laughed slightly “no doubt I’m in for a fucking talk when I get in there”

She managed a smiled and nodded “I better go. I’ll see you later Javi” she said before walking past him towards her own office.

-

Javi let out a heavy sigh as he walked up the stairs towards her apartment that was just a few floors about his. Having to address the Colombian nation about the successful DEA operation of capturing Gilberto Rodríguez had taken it out of him. He needed to be with someone who he could relax with. He needed to be with (Y/N). He stood outside her door and knocked three times.

Then he waited.

He waited.

He waited too long. He knocked again. Still there was nothing. He pressed his ear against the door and could hear nothing from inside. This made him worry. It was unlike her to keep him waiting for so long. He tried the door handle but the door was locked. This worried him even more. Luckily he had a spare key in his back pocket that he carried with him everywhere. He pulled it out and pushed it into the lock before turning it and getting the door open.

The inside of her apartment was definitely not what he was use to.

It was a mess. Papers were thrown everywhere. In the kitchen, on the table were painkillers and other tablets scattered across the wooden surface. A half drunk glass of whiskey to go with them. She didn’t drink. The whiskey was technically his. She brought it for him so that he would have something to drink whilst he visited. But she hated alcohol.

He walked through her apartment looking for her and came to a sharp stop when he heard the sound of running water. He looked in the direction of the bathroom and saw the door was cracked open slightly. He took cautious steps towards it and pressed his hand flat against the door before slowly pushing it open.

There she sat on the shower floor. Fully clothed. The water drenching her completely. She hugged her knees close to her chest as she stared at the floor shaking. Whether she was shaking from fear or the water perhaps being cold, he didn’t know. But to see her like that broke him.

Javi walked into the bathroom, pulling off his jacket, shoes and socks as he did before he stepped into the shower and sunk down to the floor beside her, his back to the wall and his knees bent, his arms resting loosely on them. She immediately found comfort in him. Leaning her head onto his arm and bringing her hand up to grab at his bicep. “I-I thought I could do it” She stuttered quickly, quietly, her fingers flexing around his arm, trying to find the right place to hold, but it seemed she couldn’t. “I-I though I could...” she didn’t finish the second time. She couldn’t finish. The more she spoke, the more images of horror flooded her mind pushing her closer and closer to the point of crying.

She didn’t actually know if she was crying. She had been. But now she couldn’t tell it was tears or the water falling down her cheeks.

Javi didn’t say anything to her. He loosened his tie from around his neck and placed it beside him on the shower floor. He reached under his arm and grabbed her free trembling hand and pulled it through the gap and held it tightly in his hand. He brought her hand up to his lips and pressed a few soft and loving kisses to her knuckles. They were slow, lingering kisses. Each one lasting longer than the last.

His head then gently fell against hers, his cheek resting against the top of her wet hair. He turned so that it was his nose resting against her head. Breathing in what was left of her sweet scent, which wasn’t a lot, most of it had been washed away by the water and he no longer had her smell to comfort him. But in that moment, he didn’t much care. She was more important. She needed his comfort. He pressed a gentle kiss to where ever it was his lips were placed before slightly lifting his head from her and moving down

Javier nosed the side of her head, moving it round to her forehead and down her face, rubbing it against her own nose. She lifted her head slightly and let out a few shaky breaths as he continued the sweet action. The touch was so...absentminded, that she wondered if he meant to do it. But it made her heart swell. It made everything okay.

And then he kissed her.

He didn’t start off with the intention of kissing her, but he sure as hell didn’t regret it. Nothing had ever felt more right than the feeling of her lips against his. He felt right then that that was where he was meant to be. With her. Kissing her. Loving her. Doing what he should’ve done years ago. Doing what he should’ve done when he first realised he was in love with her. Doing what he should’ve done when she needed him most, when she had taken a bullet for him. Not just to help her, but to help him too.

He needed her. He wanted her. He wasn’t ever going to leave her.

She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back, pulling him from his thoughts before she barely pulled away from his lips. His nose still gently rubbing against hers.

“I love you” she whispered.

Her words lifted a great weight off his shoulders. So much so that he let out a breath of relief. “I love you too” he said in the same quiet voice. She laid her head back on his shoulder and he brought his arms round to wrap around her to hold her close. “You’re going to be okay (Y/N). I promise”

08/01/21

Taglist: @linkpk88 @phoenixhalliwell @lunaserenade

[dawnwriterimagines]

Stay with Me: Luther Hargreeves (2)

Request: Vanya hurts the reader instead of Allison; Luther and the others find them and the reader is dying. Lots of Angst!

Warning(s): Lots of Angst, Blood, Grief, etc.

"Can't you drive a little bit faster?"

Luther leaned in from the backseat, impatiently looking over to Five, who clutched the steering wheel. Already hitting over 90 on a small road off the highway that was probably only permitting anything below 30 on the speed limit.

"Ask me again," Five sighed. "And I'll burn you with the cigarette lighter."

Luther huffed, sitting back into his seat, glancing between his brothers. His palms were sweating, his hands were shaking, something was wrong, he needed you, he needed to know you were okay. "I just--somethings not right. Can you just press on the gas?" He said now, visibly alittle more lenient, just worriedly staring out of the window. The sun had set and stars were igniting the dark purple sky, it was your favorite time of day, when you could see the stars.

Diego glanced at his brother, before tapping on Five's seat. "How much longer?"

"No more than ten minutes, tops." Five then complied with Luther's wishes, pressing his foot down on the gas pedal until the car was going well over 120.

Luther visibly relaxed, closing his eye's for a moment, then opening them. He balled up his fists, the audible crinkle of paper stopped him however, he straightens and looks down before taking the narrow pieces of paper from his sleeve. His expression softens, he stares down at the tickets he had bought not too long ago, to Paris. Maybe if the world wasn't ending, you two could finally...live, together. He wouldn't disappoint you this time.

He pocketed the tickets before clasping his hands together, painfully squeezing to get rid of the burning feeling setting in his chest.

●

Allison's eyes were cloudy, swollen from crying for hours, she gasped out as she hauled your limp body another inch before collapsing. She had been able to get your body out of the house, but every move only pained you further, she finally collapsed as you begged hoarsely. "Allison, ally! Please," you wheezed, breathlessly, crying silently as blood continued to seep through your fingers. "Stop," you sucked in a breath.

Allison fell to her knees, a loose cloth from the couch pressed into your bloody chest, she whimpered lowly. "I-i'm s-s-sorry," she winced at every sound that flooded her throat, stopping with a hand over the side of her neck where she was bleeding profusely, her eyes dropping as she began to feel dizzy. She groaned, then looking down at you, where your eye's had began to dull, staring upwards. "N-no, (y/n), d-don't--" she leaned over her sister, stroking your cheeks to coax you awake, your vision fading in and out.

"Ally..." you muttered, a thin strand of blood ran down the side of your left nostril, your eye's crossed and Allison took your hand, holding it tight to her lips as she gathered you in her arms. "Where's--where's....V-Vanya," you struggled to say the words, your body spasms faintly, pain blossoming through your limbs as your toes go number and your legs lay limp.

Allison presses her lips together, closing her eyes at the mention of their sister, who betrayed them, who hurt the both of you. How could you still be concerned for Vanya's safety of all things when she left you like this? She doesn't answer, she can't. First, because she's physically incapable with the slice to the throat and secondly she had no idea where Vanya was now, but her first guess would be they were going back to Harold Jenkins place.

She instead, strokes the sides of your face, shakily wiping the blood from your chin and along your paling cheeks. She didn't want to lose you, she couldn't, you've been with her through everything. What would she tell her daughter? Who adored you, who she had made her Godmother, what would she do then? God, what would Luther do?

Allison let out a sob, hugging you to her chest, she couldn't even stand, they'd never make it to the car, you couldn't even take a step without crumbling. She couldn't just leave you either, she'd never do that, so she waited and as your breathing labored, your body shivering as blood pooled around the wooden planked flooring. Allison leaned her head against yours, her mouth opening and nothing left, she grimaced at the vibrations she had tried to create. But, she needed to try, she needed to let you be ok, "I--I heard...a r-r-rumor..." she could see your eye's begin to cloud over, a white glaze that washed over your pupils. "...that y-y-you...you're gonna be fine. You're gonna...gon' be o-ok," your eye's were glazed over, but she wasn't sure if it was from her power anymore.

The night air blew through her curls as she leaned over you, panting heavily as her eyes grew heavy, she stroked the side of your face. Your lips curved up fairly try before dropping, your skin was so pale, so cold now. "N-no...! No, please," Allison cried out as she felt her wound tear, but she still begged as she now laid beside you. Her hands shook you to stay awake, sniffling as she knew you didn't have much time left. "I'm--I'm sorry," Allison breathed, laying her head on your shoulder now, her hand pressing down weakly on your bleeding chest. She could hardly breathe, taking one painful breath after the other, and all she could do now is lay here with you until you were found.

It was moments later, Allison was on the verge of blacking out, when there was a sudden shout, a vibration along the wooden boards up to the both of you.

Finally...

●

The car came to a halt as the lights of the cabin illuminated the area, but Five narrowed his eyes driving up closer as there was no car in sight. "Harold's not here."

"What are you talking about, this is the place," Klaus brought up the police report copy, Five rolled his eye's, waving it off.

"Yes, I know that. But there's no car, Allison's call isn't here either." Five drove up further.

Luther sighed impatiently. "Well they have to be somewhere, let's go inside, maybe there's clues!" He hastily opened up the car door, just as Diego caught sight of the porch.

"Oh, god..." He breathed before pushing the door open and running towards the cabin.

Klaus finally could see and follwed. "Oh no!"

Luther rushed to the cabin, Diego racing towards the steps in front until he caught sight of the scene in front of them. "No...no!" He cried, pushing past Diego and collapsing to his knees in front of your limp body. "(Y/n), (y/n) hey, baby," he raised you up in his arms, your head limply hung to the side. "No, no! Please, (y/n)," his eyes burned at the sight of your bloody, broken body. His right hand shaking as it held the soaked cloth over your bloody middle, your breathing was so faint. "Oh god, oh god, oh god please, no! No!" He held you close, breathing heavily before lifting you in his arms, your skin was so cold, your eye's fluttered open.

Klaus came up, his eyes reddening, mouth agape at the state of his family, he was leaned over Luther, a hand on his shoulder, until the man began rushing back to the car. "Wha--oh shit, god no. Oh je--we have to get them back to the house!" He leaned over Allison as Luther took you to the car, his body shaking as he struggled to keep himself together.

"I couldn't--, I couldn't--," Allison gasped out, her eyes crossed in exhaustion as Diego carefully lifted her, Diego shushed her, quickly making his way to the car as Klaus opened his side door.

"We know, we know. It's gonna be ok, Allison," Diego assured her as he climbed into the car.

Five was already behind the wheel, pressing down on the gas as his own eyes blurred with angry tears, he couldn't stop his family from getting hurt, he came back to save them! And he couldn't protect them! He stepped on the gas, turning the wheel forcefully, they needed to get home and fast!

During the car ride, Luther ripped away his coat and wrapped you in its stifling warmth, hoping to keep you warm, but your body still shivered. He rubbed your shoulder, while your body was tucked into his chest as you sat across his lap, "We're heading home, you're gonna be ok, baby," he said, using his left hand to hold his coat in place over your chest as a desperate attempt to stifle the blood loss, the other caressing the side of your face. "Hey, (y/n), baby, look at me. You can't close your eyes ok?" He tilted your chin up, your head leaning on his shoulder, "You don't have to talk, ok? Just listen, stay awake," he tried to hold himself together, his body was shaking, he didn't know what to do or how to fix this.

All this blood. His pants were warm, his hands are sticky with your blood, draining from your body like a running faucet.

"Come on, (y/n)," Klaus turned in his seat, feigning one of his go lucky smiles Luther used to hate so much, "I thought you wanted go hear about my therapy session last week? I'll tell you now, that man was a mess, he spent more time talking about his problems more than my own. But then I took his, um, his car! And pawned it," Klaus produced a half-hearted laugh, you visibly produced a breath of humour, causing him to continue. "But, ya know I didn't make much, it was a rusty old thing, barely worth a grand."

"You're...hopeless..." You breathlessly spoke.

Luther adjusted you in his arms, relaxing slightly, happy to see you could still speak at least. He was thankful for once, for Klaus' humour, having never truly appreciated it.

Klaus leaned against the seat, his eyes on your pale skin and darkening eyes. "Yeah, yep, I am," he snickered lightly, his expression flickering as his eye's watered once more. "Yeah, you're right. But, I said it first."

You hummed, amused as Klaus laughed faintly with you.

Diego then pitched in, holding tight to Allison, who had her hand tightly looped with yours. "(y/n), hey, sis," Your eye's flickered over to Diego, "I still got a few tricks to show you, ya know. You're shit with the knife still," he said, turned away from you, snickering lightly while you snorted weakly.

"Gee, thanks," you breathed, a smile settled on our face. "Your...teaching is...just bad,," you finished, than humming a laugh as Klaus and Luther chuckle while Diego gave you a half-hearted glare.

Five looked up through the mirror. "Keep her up for ten more minutes. We're almost--," he looks at you, your eyelids fluttering. "Hey! Hey, (y/n)," Luther rubs your shoulder, coaxing you up. "We're almost home," he says directly to you, as calmly as he could.

You nodded, a faint movement he hardly caught.

Everyone tried to keep you up, Luther trying to hold himself together as you soon stopped talking altogether, only blinking or a light smile to show you were listening.

Then, you stopped responding, your eye's were still open so Klaus had assumed you were listening. All of a sudden, you stilled, Klaus paused, Allison sitting up after a few seconds and putting a hand over yours. When you didn't give any indication of response, she panicked, shaking your arm and that's when everyone realized what had happened.

●

"We're safe here for a bit," Leonard said, putting his keys on the table, shrugging off his coat.

Vanya stepped inside his home, numb as her hands were stiff with dried blood, her eyes with bags from the long ride and constant reminder of her betrayal to her sisters. Her body shivered with each step, her cheeks stained with tears that had gone on for hours.

"Can't stay long," Leonard continued, unfazed by the previous events. "We've gotta pack our things," he said.

Then fully turning to Vanya, her silence as she stared at her feet, "Vanya," he walked over to her, "Vanya," he said again, she didn't answer, she couldn't, a dead stare into a void he knew she must must be haunted by. "Let's clean you up." He took her hand, looking at the blood crusted along her hands and her clothes.

She followed him to the tub, when he ran the water, she sat down inside, the warm water did little to ease her. Even as Leonard--or was it Harold-- washed her bloody palms with a rag to the soothe her shaking bones.

"Your family," Leonard began, "they'll be coming for us soon," he said. When she said nothing, only still looking forwards, lost in the repeating memory of you falling in her arms, blood flooding your chest. "It's ok," he breathed against her. "You don't have to worry, we're a team now." He assured her. She blinked at the word, her eyes blurring once again with tears.

"Vanya! I made you this!" You ran down the hallway, clad in your umbrella academy costume, everyone was on their way to a mission. You had a mask in your hand, one exactly like everyone else's, Vanya hadn't received one before because she had no power at the time.

Vanya remembers being so emotional about it, tearing up so badly that she couldn't put the mask om right away because she'd just drown her own eyes in her tears. You gave her a walkie-talkie and shook one of your own in your hand, "Now, you can help me on missions!" You revealed, grinning widely. Wiping Vanya's eye's, you helped her put her mask on. "There! Now we're a team!"

"Take the fight to them," Leonards voice broke her out of her memory.

She spoke. For the first time in hours, "Why would they be coming for me?"

Leonard chuckles softly, "Vanya..." he breathes. "You killed (y/n)."

A flash of what she had done hits her, she flinched before shaking her head. "No, I..." she started. "I lost control." She explained. "Everything just happened so fast." She couldn't stop herself, she hadn't even known what she had done until it was too late. It was an accident. They'd understand that, right?

"I know," Leonard says, running the rag over her fingers. "I know," he repeated. "It's not your fault. You were protecting yourself."

"Vanya, vanya, I love you!"

From what? What was she protecting herself from? All they wanted to do was help, all you wanted to do was help her.

"That's not how they'll see it," Leonard continues.

"No. I'll-- I'll...I'll explain it to them." Vanya nods to herself, trying to convince herself. "Uh, I--I just need to get to them and I--I need to explain it to them."

Leonard frowned, leaning over her. "They wanna hurt you," he warned, "I'm the only one on your side who understands...just how special...you truly are."

"... (y/n) understood." A tear escapes Vanya's eye.

Leonard hums. "But, she's gone now." He reminds her.

She's silent after that, silently crying harder.

"I've known you were special since the day we met. I see it now, just as she did , as I look at your face," Leonard insists. "But they don't see it. And the only other person who did, she's gone now. But I'm still here Vanya," Leonard rubs her hands of blood, "They never have seen it, Vanya. And they never will."

She looks down at the water, having slowly turned pink, she sniffles, accepting the hard truth, the lie masked within his words.

"Say it."

She shakes her head. "I can't..."

Leonard stops, looks at her, hard. "Say it for me."

She takes a slow breath, a word she had once craved now seemingly cursed in her eyes. "I'm special."

"Say it again." He instructs, a grin spreading across his face as Vanya only sunk deeper into herself.

"I've watched everything my siblings can do, ruin their lives!"

"I'm special..."

Leonard chuckles. "Now that wasn't so hard."

●

The car comes to a screeching halt in front of the Umbrella Academy, everyone immediately piling out of the vehicle, carrying Allison's body out and Luther holds you tight in his arms. But, he hasn't moved from his spot in the car.

It's been an hour since you had gone silent, stopped breathing. Five stayed in the car, behind the wheel, gripping the leather wheel tightly and he still hasn't let go, he didn't dare look back at the back seat to see your body laying there. Luther hadn't been able to let go of you, burying his face in your neck as he cried in agony as you had passed on.

Allison had passed out after you had gone quiet, unable to deal with the reality, everyone else was in shock, thinking maybe they could make it home or to a hospital in time. But, they were too late.

Klaus and Diego left with Allison to carry her inside, hopefully Pogo and Mom would be able to make quick work to help her.

Luther is inconsolable as he finally goes inside the academy after an hour, carrying you inside and setting you down as Mom confirms you had passed on, giving a mournful kiss to your forehead as she runs a hand over your hair. She closes the infirmary doors after she had given Allison her blood transfusion from Diego. Cleaning you up from blood, she changes your clothes before letting everyone say their goodbyes as she opens the doors.

Allison wakes up later on, sitting up, hoarse breathing in as she cups the sore pain in her throat, she winced at the bandage on her neck. She hums but grimaced at the pinch that traveled up her neck, she looks around before noticing someone else in the room, two people actually. One on a gurney like her and the other sitting beside the other woman, her eyes widen as she recognizes your (h/c) hair.

Luther is at your side, holding your hand close to his face as he leans against your side, the man clearly having never left your side. Allison gasps softly in the quiet room, breathing heavily as she realizes you're gone, Luther looks up, his eyes were so dull, defeated and filled with grief.

He slowly straightens up from his spot before walking over to the woman, Allison cries as she can't take her eyes off of your body, she can't believe that you're actually... She sobs inaudibly, her chest clenching in agony, Luther comes over taking his sister into an embrace that she gladly responds to.

"No..." she gasps out, "No!"

Luther only holds her tighter, masking his own tears as the two sit in silence of their grief.

●

Klaus bursts into his room, stumbling to his bed, throwing the pillows off of it before pulling out the drawers underneath his bed frame. His eyes clouded over as he sniffles harshly, a shaky breath leaving him as he looks around for those little red and white pills he knows are hidden somewhere.

"What're you doing?" Klaus doesn't have to turn around to know Ben is speaking to him, his ghost brother, who steps into the room behind him. Ben's voice is dampened with sadness, having witnessed his sister bleed out on the way home and watched her spirit cross over. He didn't wish death on anybody, nobody is ready for it, he couldn't believe you had gone so soon as well.

"What does it look like?" Klaus stammered, he hiccups before wiping a stray tear from his face. "I'm looking for drugs!"

"Don't do it."

"I'm done listening to you!" Klaus spins around on him. "Just go away! Go away, please."

"I like the sober you," Ben admits as Klaus returns to lookin for the drugs he had apparently hid from himself. He rips through the fabric of a stuffed animal desperately while Ben frowns.

"Yeah well, sobriety's overrated." Klaus pulls out a few bagged pills from the fluff.

"Look where it's gotten you, though!" Ben points out, Klaus having met up with Sir Reginald earlier, albeit not a very informative meeting but he did it.

Klaus looks at Ben, upset. "Well, where has it gotten me? Where has it gotten me!?" He demands, "Nowhere!" He throws his hands up in exasperation. "I can't talk to the person I love. People...still don't take me seriously! The only one who did..." he paused before looking away from his brother, his hands shaking as he thought of his sister. "I can't even see (y/n)...I couldn't even say goodbye, nothing!" Klaus puts his hands to his face. "I wanna be numb again."

[monaisme]

Day 2: “I can’t take this anymore.”

Day 2: “I can’t take this anymore.”

“Dude? Are you sure you’re okay? Ned asked for the millionth time. “Maybe you should call Mr. Stark?”

Peter refrained from rolling his eyes, wholly aware that it would definitely aggravate the headache that hadn’t dulled since, well... Flash. He pulled his binder and Spanish textbook out of his locker. “Ned, seriously, I’m—”

“...Still a loser! Isn’t that right, Penis?”

Peter barely had a chance to brace himself before Flash was slinging his arm and the entirety of his body weight over Peter’s shoulder and laughing. “I still can’t believe you didn’t see that soccer ball coming!”

Peter shoved Flash’s arm off. “Shut up, Flash.” Peter growled. “It’s sort of hard to see something coming when it’s behind you.”

Ned’s eyes widened. “But Pete?” he started, “Your Peter tin—”

How Ned had managed to keep Peter’s identity a secret so far was a mystery. “Yes! Ned!” Peter interrupted. “My Peter tinnitus!”

Ned floundered.

“Yeah, it totally sucks!” Peter’s eyes widened with panic. He definitely wasn’t getting any help from Ned. “It really only flares up when,” he lowered his voice and stared at Flash, “I’m shmucked in the head by uncoordinated teammates.”

“Who are you calling uncoordinated, loser?! That was precision at its finest. In fact, I should totally get someone to hack the school’s security system and get a copy for me! Imagine all the views on my TikTok! Oh! I know—I can loop it! The world will see your idiot face over and over and over... AND over!” Flash finally trailed off with dreams of viral video fame, then looked Peter dead in the eye. “You, Penis Parker, are the best target EVER! I don’t know why I bother with the others.”

Peter’s headache pulsed and he had to bite back a groan. “Look, can we save this for another time, Flash. I’m not in the mood.”

Flash stared at him for a second, blank faced, then quirked an eyebrow. “Okay, Parker, another time? Done. Let’s see how you feel after school, if that’s how you’re gonna be.”

“What? No way—”

“Stuff it, Penis.” Flash got up in his face. ”You’re about to be my new after school ‘appointment.’ Lucky for that foreign exchange student, huh?” With that declaration, Flash flicked Peter between the eyes and headed down the hall towards his own locker and out of sight.

Peter let himself fall back into the lockers and rubbed at his forehead with a defeated sigh.

“Peter?” Ned spoke quietly. “If you want, I can call Mr. Hogan for you. Mr. Stark gave me his phone number for emergencies and if this isn’t one then...”

“Ned, please stop.” Peter begged. “We have one more class and then I can head to the tower, take some painkillers, and forget about Flash and this crappy day.”

“But Flash said—”

“Ned, I know what he said!” Peter snapped, then took a hopefully calming breath. “Let me worry about it, alright? Flash is obviously having one of those days and you know it’s better me than someone else when he gets like this.”

Ned shook his head in disagreement. “Dude, no. Not today. You already feel like shit.”

“Well then, you can go and tell Raveed that Flash is looking for some after school entertainment!”

“Maybe if you talked to Morita...?”

“Seriously, man? Flash has the school admins by the gonads and you know it!” Peter pressed his fingers to his eyes trying to counter the pressure. “Do the iPads in the library generously donated by Harrison Thompson ring a bell?”

Ned snorted. “How someone named Harrison could CHOOSE to name their kid Eugene, I’ll never get it.”

Peter offered a fake chuckle in return as the warning bell rang. “Ugh, have fun in Comp Sci, man.” Peter moved into their handshake. “Meet you back here after class?”

“Naw, Pete, remember?” Ned��s hands followed Peter’s lead. “I’m getting picked up early. Dentist appointment.”

“Well, shit.” Peter huffed. “Wish me luck then.”

Ned bundled Peter in a hug, “Hello? Dentist?! You wish me luck!” Ned teased.”Besides, you don’t need luck, Pete. You’re Spider-Man.” And Ned left Peter standing alone in the hallway.

With no one to fool, Peter deflated.  He mumbled a ‘mierda’ and shuffled off to Spanish class.

* * * * * *

Regret.

That was all Peter could focus on as the clock ticked down through the last 20 minutes of class. He regretted not letting Ned call Happy and he definitely regretted leaving his phone in his locker. Now if he wanted to contact anyone, it was with his Starkwatch and that was not something he wanted to deal with. A text saying ‘Hey. Killer headache. Need drugs’ was one thing. Any message sent via the watch was forwarded to ALL of the Avengers—even the newly pardoned ones.

... And he sure as heck wasn’t dealing with them.

He should have listened to Ned.

Or called someone himself.

Or just drowned himself in the boys’ washroom sink to put himself out of his misery.

... And he still had to deal with Flash.

Crap.

Yup. So much regret.

10 minutes—5 minutes—2 minutes...

Time slowed to the point where he wondered if the Time Stone was in play. It was just a fleeting, silly thought, but still too soon. His stomach clenched as he thought back on the time when—

Peter jumped as the final bell of the day rang through the room.

Crap.

He swallowed back saliva, the nausea distracting from his headache for a moment. That is until Flash strutted past Peter’s desk, cuffing him across the back of the head, brightening his pain once again.

“Don’t keep me waiting, Parker!” Flash sang out as he exited the classroom.

Double crap.

He tried to drag it out, slowly packing away his school items with unnecessary care. He’d have taken forever if he could, but that dream died with Senora Ramirez’s, “Vamos, Peter! Rapido por favour!”

Smiling back weakly, he replied, “Si, Senora Ramirez. Adios.” And he skulked out the door.

The hallway was almost empty by the time Peter made it to his locker, thank goodness. While his enhanced healing had barely started to touch his headache, the exhaustion of his metabolism trying and tentative hunger battling with his queasiness were real and uncomfortable. The quiet was good.

He took some deep breaths. “Okay,” he thought, “No thinking about the stones at school.”

More focussed, Peter managed to open his locker and grab his phone as it buzzed with a new text but his attempt to read it was interrupted by a rough shove; Peter’s shoulder connecting painfully with the locker’s frame.

“What part of ‘Don’t keep me waiting’ did you not understand, Penis?” Flash grabbed Peter by the shoulder and spun him around. “This is a smart school, ya’ know. Or maybe Mr. Scholarship doesn’t understand, huh?”

Peter flushed in embarrassment. “I’m smart.” Peter whispered.

“Well, if you’re so smart, you wouldn’t have made me have to come back into the school. Or are you deaf, too?” Flash shoved Peter back into the lockers.

Peter remained silent.

Flash slammed Peter back again, his head snapping back, too. “Dammit, Parker! Why do you make me so angry?”

How could anyone answer that question?

Again, Peter impacted the lockers. “You’re so pathetic, Penis. Standing in the gym, begging me to make you suffer.” Peter slammed again. “It’s so satisfying,” Flash hissed. “You’re practically asking for this.” With that, Flash reared back his fist and slammed it into Peter’s cheek. Spider-Man or not, it hurt, and the white bursts of light behind his eyelids spoke to that.

Was he begging for it?

Peter’s thoughts wandered to the time, in that moment when he slid down the wall to the floor. Had Raveed managed to catch his bus? Was he running late? Maybe his host family had picked him up.

A rough kick to his side pulled him from his thoughts. “There. That’ll keep me going ‘til tomorrow.” Flash grinned and stepped away.

Peter exhaled in relief.

“Nah,” Flash landed another kick to his thigh. “I lied. THAT will keep me going ‘til tomorrow.” Flash turned and jogged down the hall. “See you then, loser!” He turned the corner and was gone.

Peter closed his eyes and tentatively rested his head against the locker. Okay. It was done. He was okay. Peter picked up the phone that had landed on the floor beside him—Raveed had to be gone by now.

His phone buzzed again.

3:04pm

TonyBaloney: Hey! Got Rogues in house for meetings. :(

3:07pm

TonyBaloney: Reschedule?

Peter closed his eyes and inhaled. 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... and held the breath, only to lose his focus when his phone buzzed a third and fourth time.

3:08pm

TonyBaloney: Use that credit card. Buy some Thai for you and Aunt Hottie!

3:08pm

TonyBaloney: But don’t tell her I called her that!

3:08pm

TonyBaloney: Seriously, she’ll kill me.

Peter huffed out a real laugh at that. Aunt May would geld Mr. Stark if she ever found out his nickname for her. Not that he could tell her. But what was he going to do about the weekend? When Mr. Stark had invited him for the weekend, Peter was relieved. May was going away for some training conference in New Jersey and had told Peter to ask Mr. Stark to play babysitter. The spontaneous invite had kept Peter from looking like a kid and May got her wish. Win-win.

... and now none of that mattered.

3:10pm

PBWanKenobi: Np, Mr. STart. See you Tuesday?

3:10pm

PBWanKenobi: *Stark

His phone didn’t buzz again, and Peter didn’t expect it to. The Rogues tended to keep Mr. Stark pretty distracted. Besides, even feeling like hot garbage, Peter could still get excited about a suddenly free night of Spider-Manning. And really, how much energy would he expend helping little old ladies crossing the street?

* * * * * *

Hours later, Peter could ignore that deep ache across his shoulders and back and even the occasional tug as his mask stuck to the healing cut on his cheek. The headache was still a little much (read that as borderline unbearable), but he’d call the evening a win.

He was swinging and considering stopping at that new Mexican place across from the Dunkin’ Donuts for a burrito or two when his Spidey-senses flared and Spider-Man was twisting away from his original course toward an alley about a three blocks down the street.

His senses blared now. “Karen, call 9-1-1.”

“Peter, if I call now, you run the risk—”

“Don’t care.” His neck almost burned from the intensity. “Call now.”

A woman screamed in obvious pain.

“And tell them to send an ambulance.”

“Calling...” Karen responded and left Spider-Man to do what he did best. Save the day.

Spider-Man took no time to assess the situation and react: A man and a woman in a physical altercation- well, more like a behemoth of a man beating the shit out of this poor lady, oblivious to the fact that someone had joined the party.

She’d fallen unconscious, only held up by her hair grasped in his one hand as he pulled his fist back to punch her again with the other. A thwip of webbing and the man’s fist stopped in its path.

“Wha-?”

“Hey! Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?!” Spider-Man called out as he gave the webbing a yank and pulled the man away from his victim while blasting a cushion of webbing onto the concrete beneath the woman’s head.

The man’s initial confusion had passed quickly enough. He tried to remove the webbing from his right hand, but when that failed, simply went after Spider-Man with his left. “You got no business, here, ya’ freak!” He raged as he swung and missed. “She’s my woman! You got no say!” He swung and missed again.

“Dude,”Spider-Man jumped back, “Women have had the vote for, like, a hundred years! I’m pretty sure that she’s,” He jumped back again, “not your property, man!”

“She’s mine, ya’ bastard! And she knows what she did!” he raged, “She deserves everything she gets.” The man lunged one last time, going full bore on the young vigilante—and playing right into the trap. His fist came down as Spider-Man jumped up onto the alley wall. The crunch was nauseating and Peter was sure the man had to have broken at least three knuckle bones, if not several bones in his hand proper. He dropped his knees and cradled his injury, whimpering.

Spider-Man took advantage, securing the man to the ground with more webbing. He wasn’t going anywhere.

That taken care of, he rushed to the still unconscious woman on the ground. Now that he’d taken care of that dude, he could focus. “Karen, ETA on the ambulance?” He kneeled beside her prone body, better taking in her injuries.

“Two minutes, Peter.”

Okay, he could do two minutes. Her breathing was a little rough, and both of her eyes were swollen shut. He looked away, focused on the ground beside her and—were those teeth? This wasn’t the first beaten woman he’d helped, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling that this one was different. He pulled in deep breath, and shook his head to try and clear it... but then this damned headache. No. Help would be here soon and she’d be okay. Yeah, she’d be okay. He was sure of it. He grabbed her hand, “You’ll be fine, lady. Help is coming.”

He pulled in a breath. He was okay.

The man in the webs sneered. “Awww, you’re so cute. Thinking that this is the last of it.” Spider-Man glared back him. The man gave a chin nod in her direction. “Who do you think is gonna bail me out?”

“No one deserves this, man! Why’d you do it? You could’ve killed her?” Spider-Man yelled. “Why?”

The man laughed, ugly and low. “You wanna know why?”

Spider-Man stared back at him.

"I’ll tell you why. ‘Cuz she’s so stupid, the bitch practically begs me to hit her. She needs to remember her place, that she’s nothin’ without me.” The man sneered, “and sometimes, it just feels so damn good.”

Flash’s words from earlier in the day suddenly echoed through Peter’s head. Yeah, Spider-Man was done for the day and Peter had a lot to think about.

“Karen, ETA?”

“Arrival is imminent. Might I suggest taking refuge on a rooftop to avoid detection by the local authorities?”

Peter looked at the bruised and swollen woman on the ground, gently placed her hand at her side, and then Spider-Man plastered a patch of webbing across the woman beater’s mouth. Peter didn’t want to listen to him anymore.

The ambulance and patrol car skidded to a halt in front of the alleyway almost simultaneously. A police officer exited his vehicle with weapon drawn and preparing to clear the alley for the EMTs to come down with their equipment .

“Peter?” Karen inquired.

“Yeah, I know. That’s my cue to leave.” And with the flick of a wrist, Spider-Man was off and away from the scene.

* * * * * *

It was past his curfew, and save for the fact that he was pretty sure he’d saved the life of that woman in the alley, stopped several muggings, a car accident, and finally caught that pickpocket that’d been targeting tourists for weeks—well, he’d regretted every decision he’d made since getting off of the subway after school.

He’d planned to stop after that man, but an inexplicable need to atone for his very existence ate at him and within minutes of stopping on that first rooftop, he was off and at it again.

And now his face still bled, his head pounded, and he wondered if his shoulder had dislocated and then corrected itself at some point in the evening. His ribs ached, his bruises throbbed, and something... something gnawed at his gut. No. Not something. Everything gnawed at his gut and thoughts were swirling around in his brain and he kept wondering why and how and if...”

“Incoming call from Tony Stark.”

Peter closed his eyes and drew in a calming breath.

“Peter?” Mr. Stark’s deceptively calm voice came over the comm. “Care to explain to me why I’m having to give the Spider-Baby a call at 1:27 on a Saturday morning when your curfew is midnight on the weekend?”

He didn’t know what to say, so he stuck to the truth, “I’m just thinking, Mr. Stark. I promise.”

“And you can’t do that from the comfort of your own home?”

Peter closed his eyes. He wasn’t sure that was the best plan, being alone in that exact moment.

“Pete? Are you going to answer me, ‘cuz Karen and FRI are both works of AI genius and I know this call hasn’t dropped.”

Peter inhaled again. That realization made it all too much. He wanted to...

“Pete?” Mr. Stark was alert now. “Pete? What’s going on?”

“I’m...” a sob fought its way free. What was Peter supposed to say? He wanted so badly to say he was good—that he was great and just taking in the cityscape before heading back to the apartment. He wanted to talk about the hot dog vendor who gives him extra sauerkraut on his hot dogs, ‘cuz it’ll put hair on his chest. Heck, he’d have settled for a story about free churros...

But he just felt so heavy.

“Peter, I’m calling up a suit now. I can be to you in two minutes.”

Two minutes? He had two minutes, and then Mr. Stark would know that Spider-Man wasn’t a superhero—he was a distraction, a target, a victim. That he existed solely for the universe to pour all of its hate and misfortune onto him for the benefit of others. That no matter how hard he tried, it would never be enough. That maybe Flash and Toomes and every punch and kick and stab were karma for Ben? His parents? That maybe if he wasn’t here...” Peter sobbed again. How could he say that all in two minutes?  

Instead, Peter whispered, “Mr. Stark? I can’t take this anymore.”

There was a silence, then, and Peter panicked at the thought he’d said too much.

“I mean—it’s okay, I just...”

“Pete. Hang on just thirty more seconds, okay? I’m coming to you, right now. Do you hear me?”

Peter nodded.

Mr. Stark chuckled, “I can’t hear you nod, kid.”

“I hear you,” he breathed.

“Okay, ‘cuz I bet there’s a lot of stuff goin’ on in that head of yours that needs some revisiting and I imagine it’s not processing quite right just now, what with the concussion you’ve been dealing with,” Mr. Stark cussed under his breath. “Kid, Karen is telling FRI that you already had that concussion when the suit went on?”

Peter huffed a laugh and looked out onto the city. “Um,” his voice warbled as he answered, “It’s been a pretty shitty day.” He could see Iron Man in the distance.

“Definitely sounds like there’s a story there, kid.” Mr. Stark landed a few feet away then moved towards him, faceplate flipping up to reveal a look of concern. “I want to hear it but first, I think you need this first.” The Iron Man armour melted away and Mr. Stark pulled Peter into his arms.

Peter tensed. The hugging thing wasn’t new for them, but Peter was convinced that he didn’t deserve this—any of this and he couldn’t... couldn’t...”

“Hey, kid, you’re safe here.” Mr. Stark soothed. “I’ve got you.”

Peter burrowed himself into Mr. Stark’s chest, then shook his head ‘no.’

His head hurt so bad and he couldn’t stop crying.

“Hey, FRI? Can he take the mask off?”

A voice spoke out from the watch resting by his ear. “I’m afraid not, Boss. There are several CCTV cameras set for specific ongoing undercover operations. This would disrupt four active stake outs and potential chain of evidence.”

“Damn.” Tony thought for a second. “Hey, buddy,” leaned to talk quietly into Peter’s ear. “I’m gonna give you a lift, ‘kay? We’ll hang out at the tower, just like we planned and have a bit of a staycation this weekend, sound good?”

Peter’s energy level was ebbing but, even still, he remembered, “No, don’t want the Avengers to see me like this.” He pleaded.

“Yeah, they flaked after the last meeting wrapped up, bud. The tower’s free and clear. It’d be you and me and bad 80s sci-fi. What do you say?”

Peter shrugged. It was all he could give.

And Mr. Stark took it. “Okay, kiddo, I’m gonna let of you now so I can get back into my suit, okay? And then I’m gonna pick you up so we can get this party started... whenever you’re ready.”

Peter hesitated, and then pulled himself out of Mr. Stark’s arms. Peter stepped back, looking unsure of himself.

With the tap of a button, the suit completely encased the man in seconds. “Alrighty, then. How do you want to do this, Pete? Piggy-back? Bridal-style?”

Peter was paralyzed with indecision. “I... I... um...”

The faceplate flipped up again and Tony took in the boy’s state, “How’s about dealer’s choice, hey?”

Peter nodded in relief and managed to not squeak when Iron Man scooped him up into his metal arms. “Why don’t you just relax. I’ve got ya’.” And with that, Iron Man rocketed off the rooftop and towards Avengers Tower.

It seemed that Mr. Stark didn’t feel as much urgency returning to the tower as he had when he’d headed over to Peter on the roof.

It was nice.

“Hey, Pete?” Mr. Stark interrupted the quiet, “I’m lookin’ at the injury report that Karen sent FRIDAY. I know you can’t be feeling great, so how’s about we make a quick pit stop at the medbay and get you checked out, huh?”

“I’m fine.” The words left his mouth before he could process it.

Mr. Stark was quiet for a minute, and then, “You know, Pete, just because you can deal with feeling bad or are even used to feeling bad, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for it.”

Peter remained silent.

“You don’t deserve to be in pain, bud.”

How could Peter reply to that? He lowered his head into the Iron Man’s chest and they continued onward.

Within moments, they were touching down on the landing pad outside of the Stark penthouse. Peter waited to be put down, but Mr. Stark walked forward, the suit dismantling around him until it was simply Mr. Stark carrying him.

“Mr. Stark?”

“Hang on, kid. Almost there.” He grunted in exertion.

They made their way to the couch where Tony gently placed Peter, sitting him down on the couch before planting himself on the coffee table in front of it.

“Okay, first things first,” Tony announced and reached forward to carefully remove the Spider-Man mask.

Peter allowed it, but kept his eyes lowered.

But Mr. Stark wouldn’t allow that. Mr. Stark cupped Peter’s cheek and guided Peter’s face upward. Peter tried to look away, but Mr. Stark refused to allow it.

“Peter Parker, you look me in the eye right now, please.”

His tears welled up again, but he did it.

“Good job, kid. Now I need you listen to me, and you listen to me good.”

Peter couldn’t look away.

“You do not need to be okay with feeling bad.”

Peter shook his head to disagree.

Tony continued. “You do not deserve to feel bad,” Tony wiped away Peter’s tears. “And you sure as hell do not need to hide from any of the people that love you that you feel bad.”

Mr. Stark moved his calloused hand from Peter’s face to brush a curl from his forehead. “If you need a list of people who love you, they include, but are not exclusive to: Your Aunt May, Ned, MJ, Rhodey—who still wants you to call him Uncle Rhodey, by the way.”

Peter chuckled.

Mr. Stark beamed, “Now where was I? Oh, yeah! Happy—just don’t tell him I told you,” Mr. Stark gave a conspiratorial wink at that one. “Pepper! And Brucie! Do I need to keep going? ‘Cuz I will. Hell, I bet that guy that makes your sandwiches loves you, kid.”

Peter didn’t know what to say.

“I’m at the top of that list, Peter.” Peter could hear the affection in Mr. Stark’s voice.

“You, Mister Peter Park, are allowed to not be okay. Sometimes life is shit, but half the fun is in getting through this together. You got me?”

Peter managed a timid nod.

“Good, so do you wanna go to the medbay and see if we have something for the killer headache you’ve got to have?”

“Please,” Peter replied.

“You’re feeling pretty bad?”

“Yeah, and, uh...” Peter didn’t quite know how to say it. “Um, I’m not okay.”

Tony shuffled closer, pulled Peter into an all-encompassing hug, and whispered, “I hear you, Peter, but we’re gonna get you there.”

@febuwhump

[airis-paris14]

Starlight 5

Summary: Amani is an orphaned heiress who’s spent most of her life raising her younger sister. T’Challa is a widowed King and Father. Neither of them is expecting much from their night at the Lotus. But the coming months have many milestones in store for these young adults. Will becoming a family be one of them?

A/N: Happy Thanksgiving y’all!

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6

“Madiyson we’re going to be late!” Amani yelled at her friend who’d been doing her makeup for the past hour. The heiress sighed and buckled her heel shut around her ankle. She double-checked that her purse had her ID, insurance cards, some cash, and a portable phone charger. She threw in her lipstick de jour and shut the clutch. “Madiyson,” Amani yelled for her friend again. Her phone buzzed in her hand and she smiled glancing at her new message.

T’Challa: and I take it you aren’t particularly thrilled about having to work tonight?

Amani: Not even a little bit

Amani grinned. It’d been two months since she spent the night with T’Challa and Ada. Before she left the next day he’d made sure he’d gotten her number. They’d talked every day all day for the last 60 days. Unfortunately, T’Challa had been busy at home and didn’t know the next time he’d be in the states. That night while watching the movie she’d ended up wrapped in his arms and she missed him. They’d shared kisses on the couch, and one final one before she’d left the hotel the next afternoon. She couldn’t lie and say she didn’t really really missed him. “You ready?” Madiyson’s voice broke Amani’s daydreaming. “Huh?” Amani placed her phone in her clutch.

“Who are you texting?” A grin snuck its way across Madiyson’s face. “No one,” Amani mumbled trying to hide the blush sneaking on her face. She knew it wouldn’t show on her cheeks but her friends could read her like a book, Madiyson would know she was embarrassed instantly. “Um-hmm. It must be baby daddy from the restaurant that’s got you grinning like that,” Madiyson teased following her friend out of the house. Amani knew how to handle this. Just play dumb for long enough and Madiyson would lose interest relatively quickly. “Who’s baby daddy?”

“The fine man that came in with his daughter? You told me y’all reconnected at the last party and he spent the night over your house. Don’t act like he ain’t man up and finally get that number. If a dude stays at your house without trying to hit it, he likes you.” Madiyson shrugged. Amani locked the front door and unlocked her car. The two women piled in the car and Amani pulled off. “Or he just wants to be friends with me?” She spoke up a few minutes later. “Ah, so you admit that’s who you were texting?” Shit. Amani froze, “no he still hasn’t called.”

“You’re a horrible liar sis,” Madiyson chuckled. “New message from T’Challa,” the cars automated voice flowed out through the stereo. “Oh who’s T’Challa?” Madiyson smirked and reached for Amani’s phone. The heiress prompt smacked her hand away. “Leave it alone,” Amani whined. “Come on sis, I don’t know why you’re trying to hide that you like him.”

“I’m not trying to hide anything.”

“You’re really bad at lying we’ve gotta fix that soon,” Madiyson mock sighed.

“I just, I don’t know what we are right now if we are anything. I don’t want to go around telling y’all about him and we’re just temporary,” Amani relented and explained her feelings to her friend. “See was that so hard?” Madiyson teased. “Shut up,” Amani chuckled.

“In all seriousness I understand. And I respect that. I just want you to be happy. So if he makes you happy figure out what y’all are doing,” Madiyson shrugged. “Do you want to be more than friends?”

“I don’t know. I think I do, but he’s so far.”

“We’ll FaceTime is a thing for a reason,” Madiyson offered.

“Yeah. If it’s not the same as having him in my arms you know?”

“Woah Woah Woah! Time out! Flag on the play! blow the whistle! Y’all have been in each other’s arms?” Madiyson exclaimed. Amani sighed at her own slip-up. She and her big mouth. This conversation would never end now. “We may or may not have had a movie night in his hotel room a few months ago. “What! Why didn’t you tell me!” Madiyson pouted.

It isn’t that big of a deal. We just watched a movie and went to bed.”

“You spent the night!

Amani inwardly groaned. This big mouth just didn’t know when to stop. “ Yeah it was late and he offered me a guest bedroom,” Amani explained. Things didn’t exactly happen in that order, but what Madiyson didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her. “Can we switch topics now?” Amani pouted.

“What else you’re wanna talk about then? And it better be good to replace this conversation.” Madiyson sassed. “How about we’re here?” Amani pulled her car into valet. “Sure but we will finish this conversation later,” Madiyson pointer at her friend before allowing the valet to help her out of the car.

“Thank you,” Amani smiles at the worker before handing him her keys. She walked around the car making sure to the train of her outfit off of the ground. Once Madiyson had Her train in hand as well, they headed into the event together.

Two hours later found Amani conversing with one of the board of directors. He was explaining the idea he was going to propose at the next board meeting. She knew that the gentleman truly wanted her feedback and approval, but Amani couldn’t help the fact that her mind was wandering. She decided that she would ask the gentleman to email her a copy of his proposal and she would offer the best feedback she could that way. It was true that Amani, nor Amare, had a heart for business, but they did truly care about their parent’s legacy. Amani had watched her parents struggle for too long to build this business. There was no way she was going to watch it fall. So even though she and Amare weren’t on payroll, she made sure to keep abreast of what management had in store for her parents’ company. Feeling bad for having virtually ignored this man’s whole spiel, Amani decided to politely interrupt and ask him to email her, when a familiar voice washed over her spine. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering If I may have a word with the lady,” the voice asked. The look on the board member’s face gave the king away. “Of course your majesty,” the man stuttered. Amani felt a genuine smile erupting on her face for the first time tonight. She didn’t bother trying to fight it when she turned to look at T’Challa. “I’m sorry for the interruption,” Amani turned back to the board member, “f you email me your proposal I’d be more than happy to provide my full opinions and continue this conversation soon,” Amani offered. “I’ll send it to you tomorrow,” the man smiled. “Have a good night Ms. Okeke, your majesty.” Amani watched him walk out of earshot before turning back to the man that had been occupying her phone and mind for the past two months.

“Perfect timing as usual,” Amani smiled up at the king. Her heart fluttered at the sight of his smile. “I was known for being quite the prince charming back in my day,” the king smiled. “Care to sneak away with me?” T’Challa offered Amani his arm. She glanced over at Madiyson who’d been talking to a young exec from a sister company. Seeing them now moving to the dance floor she decided she’d text her to let her know where’d she had gone. “Where did you have in mind, your majesty?” T’Challa smiled, “I’m afraid the balcony will have to stand in for some great adventure. I didn’t know I’d see you tonight.”

“Me neither, I thought you weren’t going to be back in the country for a while?” Amani asked as they strolled around the room towards the balcony. Her cape slid behind her as they moved around the hotel ballroom. “I didn’t plan on it. I was hoping to surprise you this weekend, I heard about this event from another company I’m looking to invest in. When you said you had to work, I didn’t know that you’d be here.” The king explained. “I guess we both got lucky then,” Amani grinned. They stepped out into the night air. T’Challa stooping to help Amani and her cape get settled on a bench stationed on the balcony. “Thank you,” the mocha-skinned woman blushed. “You look beautiful,” T’Challa smiled. Amani blushed and played with the beading on her gown. Her dress was a true nude for her skin tone, which was a rarity for black women. It was covered in a layer of sheer white fabric and delicately beaded all the way down. A sheer white cape hung down from her shoulders and created a simple but dramatic train. “You look very handsome yourself,” Amani smiled up at him. “I’ve missed you,” she admitted as they smiled at each other. “I’ve missed you as well love,” The king leaned closer. “I missed doing this too,” he smirked before engulfing Amani in a kiss. His lips took over her mind as she kissed him back.

T’Challa pulled away a few seconds later. She was glad someone was thinking straight. This was not the best place to get carried away. Amani placed one last peck on his lips before sitting back fully. She bit her lip and looked away. “I should probably text Madiyson and let her know where I am.” She pulled out her phone and sent a quick message. She felt T’Challa’s eyes staring at her as she placed her phone back in her clutch. When she looked up he pulled her into another kiss. “Last one,” he whispered as he pulled away. Amani couldn’t fight the giant smile that took over her face. Her heart was racing and her stomach was fluttering. Just the thought that he was just intoxicated by her as she was by him was a major confidence booster. “How’ve you been?” Amani asked, she let her hand rest on the bench in between her and T’Challa. She observed his profile in the city lights. The sound of traffic surrounded them while the stared at the city and her lights. She’d never felt more at peace. “Busy, but good. Mostly missing you. Ada misses you as well.”

“I miss her too,” Amani brightened at the thought of the little girl. “How have you been heiress?” T’Challa takes her hand in his own. He rubs circles along the back of her hand while she gathers her thoughts. “I’ve been good. Aching to get out of the country. I’ve been seriously thinking about starting my own event planning company. I think a little vacation could give me the time I need to finally put it into motion,” Amani revealed. “I think that sounds like a great idea,” T’Challa squeezed her hand.

“Really? You don’t think it sounds crazy?”

“No. I think distance can very well bring clarity. It sounds like you’re serious and putting a lot of thought into this. You aren’t taking it lightly and rushing it.”

“Thank you. I’m still a little nervous but I think it’ll be good for me to do something I love for once.”

“I agree. Where were you thinking about going?” T’Challa moved closer to her on the bench. “I’m not sure yet,” Amani thought, “I’ve gotta decide whether I want to stay domestic or go international. Maybe I’ll come visit you,” Amani teased. T’Challa grinned, “ You are always more than welcome.” The two fell into a comfortable silence once more. “I’m glad I saw you tonight,” Amani blurted.

“Me too Amani. Can I take you out tomorrow night? If you aren’t busy or don’t have plans,” the king asked. “Of course. Tomorrow is my off day, so I’m all yours.” Amani swore she saw something ignite behind T’Challa’s eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came. “I have some meetings in the morning, but I’ll pick you up at 5:30?”

“I’ll be waiting.” Amani smiled, “How should I dress?”

“You look beautiful in anything,” T’Challa grinned. Amani rolled her eyes, “Really though, you always look so nice. I don’t want to wear jeans and then you show up in a suit.”

“It’s just a nice dinner and a surprise. Nothing Formal.” The king explained. Amani nodded. “Kumkani,” someone called from the balcony doors. Amani started to move away but T’Challa held her in place, with her hand in his lap. “Something has happened, we must leave quickly,” The woman relayed to T’Challa. Amani could feel the man tense and sigh. “No rest for the weary huh?” she teased in a whisper. The king offered her a small smile. “Go, I understand,” she reassured. The king nodded and stood, helping her up off the bench with him. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he reassured. Amani blushed as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. She offered a small wave as he backed off of the balcony before following the woman away. She checked her phone and realized that she and T’Challa had been on the balcony for a little over and hour. Ready to head home she spotted Madiyson talking to the same young man in a corner. She walked over and smiled at her friend. “Hey,” Madiyson smiled, “Marquis, this is my friend Amani. Amani this is Marquis. He works at Meridian Corp. We used to go to high school together.”

“Nice to meet you, Marquis,” Amani shook his hand. “Nice to meet you as well Ms. Okeke.” he smiled. “How’d you-” Amani started. “There isn’t a soul in this room who doesn’t know who the Okeke daughters are,” Marquis explained. “Oh. Well please call me Amani, a friend of Madiyson’s is a friend of mine.”

“Good to know Amani,” Marquis smiled, “I’ll leave you two alone. I really enjoyed seeing you again Madiyson.”

Madiyson blushed, “I enjoyed seeing you again too.” Marquis pulled her in for a hug, “I’ll call you soon,” he promised as he pulled away. With another nod at Amani, the young executive vanished into the crowd. “I didn’t know you were popular like that in these circles. You must be like the princess of Atlanta high society.” Madison gawked. “I guess,” Amani laughed. “You ready to call it a night?”

“Yeah girl, you were right. Marquis is the only remotely interesting person I’ve met all night,” Madiyson laughed. “I tried to tell you,” Amani joined in as they left the ballroom and got onto a balcony. Her phone buzzed in her purse. She took it out and smiled at the message.

T’Challa: I wish I didn’t have to leave, the emergency resolved itself before I could even get there

Amani: Aww poor baby. There’s always tomorrow though.

T’Challa: Indeed. I’ll be counting down the seconds until I can see you again.

Amani: Charmer.

T’Challa: Is it working?

Amani: You’re insufferable.

T’Challa: you seem to tolerate it pretty well.

Amani rolled her eyes.

Amani: Good night your majesty.

T’Challa: goodnight Amani.

“Amani!,” Madiyson’s shout pulled her out of her daze. “Yeah, sorry what’s up?”

“I asked where you vanished too earlier,” Madiyson asked. “Oh, T’Challa was here so we-”

“You saw him?! You promised you’d introduce me.”

“He had to leave early,” Amani explained. “What’d y’all talk about? I thought he wasn’t going to be in the country soon?”

“I’ll tell you all about it if you drive,” Amani chuckled.

“Can I spend the night?” Madiyson looked at her friend, her hand out awaiting the keys. “Of course.” Amani laughed.

“Then hand me the keys Mamacita! I’ll drive you anywhere you wanna go.”

Taglist: @almostpurelysmut @blackbypurpose @nyneebee @hutchj @tchoking @sisterwifeudaku @wikiwakanda @royallyprincesslilly @90sinspiredgirl @strictlyashley @afraiddreamingandloving @thedelightfulone @autumn242 @purple-apricots @kumkaniudaku @queertrex @kaciidubs @halfrican-heat @skysynclair19 @dramaqueenamby @gorjiss @leahnicole1219 @kreolemami @mzbritt @yoyolovesbucky @derangedcupcake @builtalongthewayside @ilcb7 @chaneajoyyy @lalapalooza718 @ororowrites @leahnicole1219 @dopegalkk @sarcastic-sunshines @sarahboseman @shesakillerkween @waitingonafriend @faatassbitch @lady-love-and-glitter-roses @cxnismajcr

[you-a-southpaw-doll]

Deaf ~ A Max (The Resident) One-Shot

Summary: Max gets a new tenant...and maybe a new family? With all the silence, will Leigh be able to draw Max outta the walls and into her life? 

Warning(s): Angst. Happy ending. Single mother OFC. Mentions of cheating. Bisexual OFC. Hearing issues. Deaf infant. Implied PTSD. Implied childhood trauma. Panic attack. Self-harm. First aid. Non-canon. OOC Max. Slight voyeuristic tendencies. OFC’s P.O.V. Soft Max. Hurt Max. Scared Max. Touch-starved Max. Max just needs some love.

Author’s Note(s): So, I watched The Resident (2011) a couple nights ago, and got this idea. I don’t do rape, so I changed Max’s character so he never goes that far. I also decided to do this from the OFC’s P.O.V. and show a different side of Max, one that would hopefully, kinda sorta, explain why Max seeks the refuge the walls give him. For people that suffer from PTSD, and other mental illnesses, everyone finds their own way of coping with their struggles. I’m not in any way condoning what Canon Max did. I just wanted to try and a different, less creepy, softer side. Also, in this story, Max is not a rapist, nor is he a murderer. And...I wanted a happy ending for Max, so that’s what I gave him.

Word Count: 7,982 words.

Relationship(s): Max x Leigh Sullivan (OFC) [romantic]. 

Characters: Max. Leigh Sullivan (OFC). Maxwell Dean Sullivan (OMC). Chris Sullivan (OMC). 

Taglist: @negans-network @prettyboynegan @mychemicalimagines @spnnnxangelsx @rockinkel21 @misskittycat02 @band--psycho @ofxallxwexlost @iron-halt @thamberlinawrites @ravenwings73 @lettherebepink @stoneyggirl @sebs-padawan

_______________________________________________________________________

Story Time:

Leigh’s P.O.V. ~

It’s been two weeks since I moved to New York City to start my new job at the museum and try to get on with one of the numerous publishing houses for my next books. Two weeks of sleeping in a cheap hotel room. Two nights of frantically searching for a somewhat cheap apartment that would be big ‘nough.

Two weeks of missing having his little body snuggled up next to me. Two weeks worth of triple FaceTime calls to my brother back in San Deigo just to see his cute little face. Two weeks of missing my baby boy. Two weeks of missing my adopted, six-month-old son, Maxwell. Two weeks of being completely alone in a new place for the first time in years.

It’s been two days since I saw that flyer pinned up on the hospital bulletin board after passing out from dehydration. Two days since I went to that old building that’s close to the huge bridge stretching out over the river. Two days since I saw the fancy apartment still being renovated that was clearly well outta my price range.

Two days since I met him and saw that beautiful dimpled smile hiding under the construction mask. Two days since I felt my heart flutter for the time in nearly half a year. Two days since that deep, slower than molasses but sweeter than honey voice told me it was mine for only $3,800 a month, minus utilities. 

It’s been two hours since he, my new landlord left my apartment after sitting down to enjoy a dinner of takeout from the nearby Chinese restaurant once we’d finished moving my meager belongings in. Two hours since he and I opened up a little bit to each other, getting to know the other person. 

It’s been two hours and I still haven’t stopped smiling. 

Leaning back in my chair, I slide my iPhone outta the pocket of my men’s holey, Skinny Flex American Eagle dark blue jeans. Holding my thumb down on the button so it recognizes my thumbprint, I wait for it to unlock before I click on the FaceTime app and call my brother. I take a deep breath, relaxing, as I wait for him to answer. 

Only...he doesn’t. Instead of my slightly younger brother answering, I get the best thing that’s ever happened in my life. The moment I see my son’s face fill the screen, I tear up and smile. 

“Hey, baby boy! You playing with Uncle Chris’s phone?” I coo in a soft voice.

I don’t get an actual response, but that’s ok. My son Max is deaf. He was born that way and the doctors said it’d be a few more months before we could even try to get him fitted for hearing aids. The said it was a side effect from where his birth mother had been using hard drugs for 99% of the pregnancy, even though I tried to get her help.

Max makes a bunch of soft, cooing noises as he holds the phone close. I realize that he hasn’t noticed that I’m the phone yet. Especially once I see his gums get closer to the camera. I laugh, knowing he’s trying to gnaw on the rounded corner of my brother’s iPhone. Hearing movement on the other end, I watch as the phone jostles, and a loud thunk echos to my end. 

A moment later, two small, chubby hands grasp the phone and my son’s face fills the screen once more. I watch as his eyes widen and he lets out a high pitch squeal, giggling, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that Max has finally noticed that I’m on the phone. Smiling, I wave to him and blow him kisses.

It just makes him squeal more, louder, and happier. I giggle and happily listens to his giggles, squeals, and babbles. After nearly 15 minutes of listening to him, and slouching in my chair, the phone jostles once more and I hear Max let out a whine and hear him sniffling, knowing his ‘bout to start crying. 

A second later, my brother’s face fills my phone’s screen and his eyes widen too, making him chuckle.

“Hey, sis. Sorry. Didn’t realize you were on the phone. I guess Max got ahold of mine when I went to fix him a bottle and a small jar of that mushy baby food you picked up for him before you left.” He says.

I smile. “Nah. Max didn’t call me. I called. He answered. Took him a hot minute to realize I was on the phone. Then he started telling me ‘bout the stuff y’all did today. Sounds like a productive day.”

Chris laughs and I watch as he gets settled on the couch in his apartment, holding my son in his lap, keeping him to where he can still see me on the phone.

“Oh yeah.” He chuckles. “Real productive. 3 naps, 6 poopy diapers, and a few bottles.” 

I giggle. “Sounds like it.”

He chuckles more and shakes his head. “Anyway. How’s the city? D’you switch motel rooms? That don’t look like the one you’ve been staying in.”

I grin from ear to ear. “That’s actually why I called you. I found a place. By the river and train tracks.”

“Yea? That’s great! You all moved in?”

“For the most part. All that’s missing is little man. Oh. And the actual furniture. I was thinking...think you and Max could be out here tomorrow?”

“Uh...yea. I still got 3 more weeks’ worth of vacation time saved up at work. Give me a sec to pull up flights and shit.”

I smile and nod, waiting as Chris sets his phone down. After listening to some shuffling and the protests of my son, my brother and my son’s faces are visible once more. I help guide my brother through the process of looking for, booking, and getting two cheap plane tickets. I tell him my card info so he can type it in.

“Alright, sis. It looks like we’ll be flying out ‘round noon our time. And, after a 5 and a half flight, we should be to the city by dinnertime. How’s that?” Chris double checks.

“Sounds fuckin’ good to me! I can’t wait. I’ll meet y’all there!” I grin and cover my mouth as I yawn.

Chris chuckles. “Good. Looks like you need to get to bed. It’s what, 11 there?”

I nod. “Yea...I think so. It’s been a long day.”

“I can tell. Well, get some sleep. We’ll be there tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait to see y’all. It’s been a long two weeks.”

“I bet. I honestly don’t see how you’ve been a single mom for the last 6 months. I’ve been watching this little monster for 2 weeks and I swear, I’m never having my own kids.”

I laugh. “Shut up! He’s not that bad. He just misses his mommy. And, you never wanted your own kids. You’ve always been too scared. Couldn’t even sit down if there was a kid in the room.”

“Hey! I just didn’t want to risk accidentally sitting on them and squishing them!” 

I giggle as my brother grins. “I know, bro. I’m just giving you shit.”

“Yea. Just like your son’s been doing all day.”

I laugh, yawning again. “Shouldn’t have given him the sweet potato mush. I warned you.”

He rolls his eyes, chuckling. “Whatever.”

“I am proud of you, bro. You’ve done so well with him, and I appreciate everything you’ve done to help me. I know it’s been a long couple of months, not just the two weeks I’ve been out here.”

“I just wanna see you happy again, sis, and I’m always here for you. That’s why I’m more than willing to help you.”

“I know. And it means the world. Give him kisses for me and tap his little tummy twice to tell him I love him?”

Chris smiles. “I will. Be careful, yeah? We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll try. Love you.”

“Yea. Ok. I know.”

He grins and waves, getting Max to copy him as he hangs up the call. I smile to myself. My brother’s never been one to say “I love you” to someone. He’s been like that since we were little when he was 5 and I was 6. So, I don’t take it personally when he just responds as he does. I know he still loves me. 

He’s been there for me, just like I’ve always been there for him. After my last relationship hit the fan and I caught my fiancé cheating on me with a man and said she no longer felt like being a mom in a same-sex relationship, just a few weeks before Max was born and we were supposed to gain custody of him, Chris offered to let me move in with him once Max was born. 

So, that’s what we did. Max and I left Kentucky where I’d been living all through and well after college and moved to San Diego to live with my brother. The 5.5 months we were there, I looked ‘round for a job that I could use my history degree in, while also working on my last novel. After getting an offer from a museum in New York, I broke the news to Chris that Max and I would be moving to the city.

He’d been shocked at first since we were both from a small town in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and I’d sworn I’d never live in a big city. ‘Specially one in the North since it got too cold in the winter and I’d always been made fun of for my strong Southern accent. I’d explained to him that I had to do what was best for Max, that I had a son to think ‘bout now.

He’d understood after that and was willing to watch Max while I traveled back across the country to a new place, to look for a good living arrangement, and get settled in for my new job. He told me that once I got settled, he’d bring Max out and then help me get all moved in and everything. Which is what led us to tonight. 

After hanging up with my brother and my son, I plug my phone up, set a few alarms, and curl up in the chair to try and get some sleep, knowing that tomorrow’s gonna be an even bigger day. All while never knowing that I was being watched by landlord peeking through a strategically placed and well-hidden hole in the wall.

When I wake up the morning, well early afternoon really, groaning and blindly reaching out for my phone to shut up the annoying alarms, I stretch and rub my eyes. I’m definitely not a morning person, and usually, get my best work done between the hours of 1 and 7 am. It’s been great since Max still hasn’t picked up on the whole sleeping through the night thing.

I finally push myself up outta the chair, my joints protesting the clearly uncomfortable position I just spent the last six hours in while curled up. Making my way to the kitchen, I get a pot of coffee going before padding back across the apartment to the bedroom and bathroom. I shoot my brother a text, letting him know that I’ll still pick him and Max up from the airport. 

After my shower, and downing the entire pot of coffee, I put some music on as I start to plan how I want the apartment set up and start looking up furniture stores on my phone, even ordering a few things online to be delivered in a couple of days.. I get lost in my search, that it takes me several long minutes to notice someone’s knocking on my door. 

Clicking my phone off, I tuck it in my pocket and make way to the door, opening it to find my landlord.

 He and I talk for a few minutes until I suddenly realize the time.

“Oh shit! I gotta go!” 

Max, my landlord, raises a brow. “Hot date tonight?”

I smile. “You could say that. I gotta go pick the love of my life up from the airport.”

I watch as Max’s face falls and he gets a sad look in his eye. 

“I thought you were single?” He asks. 

Scrambling to put my boots on, I reply to him. “I am. But, I still gotta pick him up.”

“Oh. Well, alright then.”

I look at him as I grab my drawstring bag that I use instead of a purse and put it on my back. 

“I’ll be back soon. If you wanna come over, I’d love to introduce you. You’ll see him ‘round a lot.” I say, grabbing my key.

“Um. Maybe. I know I’ll be busy with the renovations in the other apartments. I just thought I’d stop by and check on you, see how you settling in.”

I smile and gently place my hand on his shoulder, trying my best to ignore the rush of excitement that courses through my body at the touch. My landlord is not only smoking hot, but he’s also well built and I can feel his muscles under my hand.

“Thank you, Max. I greatly appreciate it.” I say.

He just nods and stares at my hand for a moment. 

“Oh...sorry.” I apologize, dropping my hand, quickly remembering how shy he is. “I’ll...uh...see you later, maybe? I’d really love for you to meet him. He’s a sweetheart.”

He shrugs and rubs the back of his neck. “We’ll see how the renovations go.”

“Sounds good! Don’t work too hard!”

“I am working too hard!”

I giggle, playfully smacking his shoulder. 

“Don’t do it.” I giggle.

I quickly leave after locking my door and hurry downstairs, hailing a cab and head to the airport. Thankfully, there doesn’t seem to be too much traffic, which surprises me since the first I noticed when I got to the city was all the traffic. When I get there, I realize I’m still a few minutes early, so I make my way over to the gates to wait. 

Nearly half an hour later, I spot my brother, holding my son, carrying only the diaper bag and a small book bag, and rush over. As soon as I reach them, I happily take my little boy in my arms, peppering his chubby little cheeks with kisses, which has him squealing happily and patting my head. I giggle and tilt my head back to look at him, despite the happy tears rolling down my cheeks.

Tapping my finger against his belly twice like I’ve done since the moment I first held him and the moment the docs told me he was deaf, I let my son know I love him. He giggles and curls his fingers ‘round mine, holding it tight. I lift my shoulder, turning my head in an attempt to wipe my tears away. Once I’ve done that, I look up at my 6’2” tall brother, grinning from ear to ear.

He just smiles and pulls me in for a hug. I lean against him since my arms are full from where I’m holding Max. Laying my head against Chris’ chest, I smile. He just hugs me a little tighter, but not too much ‘cause of Max.

“Missed you, sis.” He says.

“I fuckin’ missed you too, bro.” I reply. 

He laughs and lets go of me, looking at me. “You look happy.”

“I am now! I’ve got my little boy in my arms, and you’re here. But, I’m sure you’re hungry?”

“Always am!”

I laugh. “C’mon. Let’s go get some food and head to my place. You’re really gonna love it!”

He chuckles and follows as I carry a giggling and snuggly Max outta the airport. I look up Chris. 

“You’re taller. Hail a cab.” I say.

He raises a brow. “How?”

I giggle and tell him since it’s the time he’s ever had to do it. Growing up in our small town, we didn’t have taxis, and then when he moved to San Diego during my senior year of college, he already had his own car, so he didn’t have to worry ‘bout taxis out there. It doesn’t take long before one comes to a stop in front of us.

Piling in, I give the driver my new address, and we set off towards home. Well, my home. Chris and I spend the time talking while I just hold Max close, patting his butt. Right as the driver makes it to the apartment building, the air suddenly smells shitty. I know Max has pooped himself, and I soothe him before he can start crying and apologizing to the driver, giving him a decent tip.

Ushering Chris out the cab, so I can get out with Max, I shift my son in my arms. 

“Don’t worry, baby boy. Mama’s gonna get you upstairs, and get you all cleaned up!” I coo, softly, my lips near his ear so that he can feel the vibrations of my voice as I talk.

Max settles down a little as he sniffles, clinging to my shirt. I kiss his head and led the way inside and up to my apartment. Shifting him once more, I dig my key out, unlock the door, and step in with Chris right behind me. 

“Let me get him changed. Feel free to look around. There’s not much, but we’ll fix that tomorrow.” I say.

Chris nods and drapes the strap of the diaper bag over my shoulder. I carry Max into the bathroom and set him on the tiled floor. I keep him distracted while I change his diaper, and tap his tummy twice after buttoning his onesie and slipping his little shorts back on. He lets out a giggle, holding his hands up.

Giggling myself, I scoop him back up in my arms, tossing the dirty diaper in the small trash can as I walk out. 

***

Over the next couple of weeks, Chris helps me move furniture in, get the apartment set up, takes turns with caring for Max, and even teaching me some of the new recipes he’s picked up. He’s come along way, considering that the kid used to burn cereal when he tried to make himself some when we were kids.

We take a few days, once the apartment’s set up, to explore the city. I haven’t done much sight-seeing myself since I arrived. It was mainly ‘cause I was too busy trying to find a place and everything. A few times, I spot my landlord while we’re out and about, and I try to wave him over so he can meet my son and my brother.

Especially since he never showed up the night Chris arrived. I’d been really excited to introduce them. I couldn’t explain why, other than the fact that I wanted Max to meet my son and my brother. Yet, Max never comes over. He always pulls his phone out when our eyes meet and presumably takes a call, walking in the opposite direction.

Two and a half weeks after Chris arrives in New York, Max and I take him to the airport to catch his flight back to San Diego. We stay with him till it’s time for his plane to be boarded. As he hands his ticket over, he assures him he’ll text me when he lands in California and when he gets home. I give him one last hug and lift Max’s hand in a wave.

***

After Chris leaves, Max and I settled into our normal routine. I wake up shortly after he does, get him changed and dressed for the day, and then lay him down on the living room floor for tummy time while I get to work. The position I have at the museum allows me to work from home, occasionally going in once or twice a week, with Max, to take care of some things there.

When I’m not working for the museum, I’m attempting to work on my novel. After I get done with work, I feed Max and me, before we settle on the couch with a Disney movie or one of the three Despicable Me movies playing for naptime. Even if Max can’t hear, he still loves watching the screen, giggling. 

He absolutely loves the minions and squeals every time he sees them on the screen. After naptime, he and I lay on the floor for more tummy time while I try to teach him the sign language I’ve been learning. My baby brother, Eli, was also born with hearing issues, so thankfully I knew some when he was growing up, but I’ve also been teaching myself more since I found out Max was deaf.

At the end of the day, and getting some more work done, along with dinner, I give Max his bath. He’s always loved bath time, except for the few times water lands in his ears. Since it’s his favorite, I give him one every day, which doesn’t put too much strain on the water bill ‘cause Max’s baby bath is small and doesn’t take a lot of water.

When bedtime rolls ‘round, I curl up on my new bed with Max cuddled to my chest with my shirt tightly gripped in one hand and his shark blankie in the other. I rub his back and hum softly so he can feel the vibrations from it as he drifts off to sleep. We keep the routine up for the next month a half. During this time, I never talk to my landlord, not even when I go to give him the rent.

I mean, yeah, I’ll see him occasionally ‘round the building, but he doesn’t say a word. He just looks at me for a moment, before dropping his head and walking away. It breaks my heart ‘cause I want to talk to him. We had so much fun talking and goofing off the night he helped me move in. But, since that day I had to rush off to the airport, we haven’t spoken.

I just resigned myself to knowing that he obviously thinks we’re nothing more than landlord and tenant. Which, honestly, make me sad ‘cause I thought we’d have become friends. He was the first person that was actually nice to me after I moved to the city. I also tuck down the feelings of the crush on him I have.

He reminds me a lot of Papa Winchester from my favorite tv show, Supernatural, and I’ve always had the hots for the oldest Winchester. Even my ex-fiancé knew that, and she agreed. See, we’re both bisexual, but I’d always thought she was the one. Until I caught her in bed, our bed, with a man, and she’d told me what she did.

The six months after we broke up were the hardest, ‘cause I’d been ready to marry her. But it didn’t work out. And after I’d moved to New York, met my landlord Max, and realized I’d had a crush on him, I was starting to come to terms with maybe moving on. Getting back out there. I mean, I knew there’d probably be nothing more than a friendship with my landlord, but I was ok with that.

But, I don’t even have that anymore. I sigh to myself, urging my thoughts to go down a different road, as I pull the clothes out the dryer. Just as I finish pulling the last few clothes outta the dryer, I hear whimpering. I listen for a moment to try and figure out where the sound’s coming from so I can go get my son.

After a moment, and the realization that the sound of whimpers is coming from the falls, I try to tone down the feeling of panic that’s quickly spreading through my body. Max started crawling shortly after we moved here, and I know he’s been exploring the apartment. I just hope he hasn’t gotten himself stuck somewhere. 

I quickly leave the clothes on the dryer and walk further into the apartment, closer to the sound of the whimpers.

“Max? Honey? Don’t worry, ok? Mama’s coming to get you.”

I call out, without thinking ‘bout the fact that my son’s deaf. I call the words out based on instinct and the need to assure my son that he’s gonna be ok. I follow the noise, getting closer to the kitchen and my eyes widen. Did I forget to put the baby gate up so he couldn’t get in there? When I reach the kitchen and realize that I did indeed forget to put the baby gate, my heart drops to my stomach.

“Fuck!”

I step into the pantry where the sounds of the whimpers are louder and look ‘round. I don’t see my son anywhere. Then I hear the whimpers again and realize that they’re coming from the other side of the wall. I gently push against the right wall, to give myself leverage, as I keep looking, thinking there’s no way that the whimpers are coming from the walls.

My eyes widen as the wall shifts a little with my touch, and they nearly pop outta their sockets when I realize the wall isn’t just a wall. It’s a door that’s already slightly open. My heart starts beating faster as I realize that there’s a slight chance that Max could’ve crawled in here, and through the small opening.

I take in a shaky breath as I push the door open enough for my small frame to fit through. Once I’m through, I notice two things from the get-go. One, the whimpers get louder. Two, the door leads to what looks like an old set of maintenance hallways. I know older buildings used to have them, so it makes sense that this building would have ‘em too.

I just never really put the thought into asking or caring if the building had them. I make my way deeper into the hidden hallways, being careful not to trip or hit my head on anything. Keeping my eyes peeled for my son, I get closer to the sound of the whimpers until I finally reach the source. My eyes widen when I see who’s making the sounds.

“Max?” I ask, softly, getting closer.

My landlord doesn’t even look up as he flinches at the sound of my voice. He just whimpers and bites harder into his wrist. 

My heart breaks and I crouch down next to him, gently taking his hand and pulling his wrist from the tight grip his teeth have on it.

“Max? Honey, it’s ok. You’re safe.” I murmur.

He whimpers a little more and hides his face. I immediately realize what’s going on. He’s having a panic attack, and it looks to be a bad one. Rubbing my thumb across his knuckles, I lean closer to him, gently wrapping my arms ‘round the slightly older man, and pull him close to me. I reach a hand up and run my fingers through his hair, softly and silently convincing him to lay his head on my chest.

I soothe him, calm him, and help him relax ‘nough that he slowly eases outta the panic attack. Not stopping my fingers as they continue to run through his hair, I start humming softly. I know panic attacks are one of the worst things to go through. Especially all alone. It takes several minutes, but I eventually feel Max relax, sagging against me as the panic attack leaves him.

Even though he’s outta it, I continue to run my fingers through his dark curls. 

“Better?” I ask softly.

He nods, just a quick, subtle little jerk of his head against my chest, but it’s still a nod. 

“Will you come back to my apartment with me? I wanna take a look at your arm. You bit down on it pretty hard.” I explain after he looks at me with uncertainty swirling in his muddy water brown eyes.

He takes a deep breath but nods again. I smile.

“That’s a good boy. C’mon. We’ll get you all fixed up.” I say, not sounding patronizing, but rather motherly.

I smile to myself as a light blush covers his cheeks at my words. I gently pat his shoulder before we stand up. As I lead him back through the maintenance hallways to the door that leads into my pantry, I notice other little holes in the wall, discreetly checking them out. When I realize they show off different points of my apartment, I raise a brow but don’t say a word.

After peeking through one of the holes, I see Max, my son, sleeping peacefully in his little playpen and let out a soft breath of relief, remembering that I’d laid him in there when I went to do laundry. I hold my landlord’s hand the entire time we walk through the hallways if nothing more than to keep him calm.

When Max and I get to the door leading to the pantry, he suddenly stops, jerking me to a stop too since I wasn’t expecting it and had been leading him by the hand. I turn ‘round and look at him.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, confused.

“The love of your life? Where’s he at?” He asks after, nervously, after a moment.

I smile. “He’s sleeping, in the other room. It’s ok.”

I watch as more hesitation and uncertainty fill Max’s eyes. I give his hand a gentle squeeze. 

“Hey. It’s ok. He won’t mind you being in there. He gets a bit protective over me, but I just know he’s gonna love you.” I assure him.

“I...I don’t think so...guys typically don’t like me. Neither do girls. I’m a loner.” He mumbles, looking at his feet while flicking his thumb against his finger on his other hand.

“Max?”

He lifts his head, looking at me. “Hmm?”

“Trust me. He’s gonna love you.”

He shrugs. “Nah. He won’t. ‘Specially not since he has you.”

“Hey. Stop doubting yourself, ok? He’s gonna love you ‘cause I like you.”

“You...you like me?”

I smile and nod. “I do. And you’d know that if you hadn’t been avoiding me since I had to leave so quickly to get to the airport.”

A small smile tugs on his lips. “You’ve been busy.”

“I’m never too busy for you, Max. Now, c’mon. Let’s get your wrist all cleaned up, then you meet the person who stole my heart with just one look. And, he’s gonna steal yours too.”

I giggle and gently squeeze his hand as he looks nervous. I lead him into my apartment from the pantry, and into the living room. 

“Have a seat on the couch, ok? I’m just gonna go grab the first aid kit. Don’t try and leave. I’ll follow you and kick your door down if you do.” I playfully threaten. “I don’t mess around with first aid.”

Thankfully, it gets a chuckle outta him and he takes a seat on the couch, holding his hands up in surrender. I grin and head to my bathroom to grab the first aid kit. Walking back through my bathroom, I stop by the playpen, lean down and kiss my son’s head, covering him up more with his shark blankie.

Watching him for a moment, I smile to myself and head back to the living room. Max is still in the same spot he was when I left him a moment ago, but this time, he has his hands on his lap as he picks at the bite mark on his wrist. I gently slap his hand away. 

“Stop that, mister. You’ll do more damage than what you’ve already done.” I say, kneeling on the floor in front of him, between his knees. 

He raises a brow and mutters a quiet, “I’m sorry.”

“Good boy. Now hold your hand out so I can look at it.”

He blushes a little but does as I ask. Gently taking his arm in my grasp, I inspect the self-inflicted bite mark on his wrist. After cleaning it with some alcohol wipes and putting Neosporin on it, I gently wrap some gauze ‘round his wrist and tape it so it stays in place. Without thinking ‘bout it, I place a gentle kiss on over the wrapped wound.

It’s outta habit that I do it since I do it whenever my son gets a boo-boo. I hear Max suck in a deep breath and my eyes jerk up to meet his. His bottom lip is captured between his impossibly white teeth and his cheeks are a shade pinker than they were before.

“I...I’m sorry. It’s outta habit that I do that.” I mutter, trying to explain as quickly as I can.

“I...it’s fine. I’ve just never had anyone do that before.” He mumbles.

I raise a brow. “Your mama never kissed your boo-boos?”

His eyes get that sad, lost look in his eyes. He pulls his arm outta my grasp and, not answering, he walks over to the window. I sit back on my ankles, packing the first aid kid up. 

“Max...I’m sorry. I didn’t...you don’t have to talk ‘bout it.” I say quietly.

He just sighs and stares out the window, not saying a word. 

“My…” He starts, still staring out the window. “My parents died when I was 10. My grandfather, August, he’s the one who raised me.”

I stand and gently pad over to him. “I’m so sorry, Max. I didn’t know. I didn’t think before I asked that.”

He glances at me then looks back out the window. Without thinking, and just doing it, I wrap my arms ‘round his waist and lay my head against his chest. He tenses up immediately at my touch.

“What...what are you doing?” He asks.

I tilt my head back to look up at him. “It’s called a hug. It’s supposed to be comforting. I can stop if it makes you too uncomfortable.”

I watch as his facial expression changes with several different emotions before a smile finally settles on his lips.

“Nah. It’s not too uncomfortable. I’m just not used to this.” He says after a few moments. 

“This?” I ask.

He nods. “Hugs. I can’t even remember the last time I had one.”

I tighten my arms ‘round him and lay my head back on his chest. I feel his arms slowly make their way ‘round me, loosely holding me close, and I smile. 

“Whenever you want one, just come to me and I’ll happily give you one.” I say. “I’m not really much of a hugger, but with you, it just feels right, so you can have a hug whenever.”

“Really?” He asks.

I nod against his chest. “Mmhhmm.”

“Thanks...but...what ‘bout...the love of your life? Is he ok with you giving random men hugs?”

I giggle and look up at him. “You’re not a random man, but yes. He’d be ok with me giving you hugs. He loves them, so he’ll probably try and give you one too.”

“Um…” He hesitates, slowly dropping his arms. “I dunno how I feel ‘bout your man giving me hugs.”

I giggle. “You’ll change your mind when you meet him.”

“I dunno.”

“I do! Stay here. I’ll bring him out to you.”

“Ummm…”

I giggle and lean up to kiss his cheek. “Just wait here.”

He swallows deeply, making his Adam’s apple bob up and down. “Ok.”

“Good boy.”

I giggle and leave him in the living as I walk into the other room where I know my son is. Reaching into the playpen, I scoop him up, making him giggle. I heard him cooing to himself a few moments ago, so that’s how I knew he was awake. I kiss his cheeks and gently tap his tummy twice. He makes a happy noise and snuggles to me.

I smile and hold him close as I walk back out to the living room. Max is looking out the window again, this time, though, he’s got his arms wrapped ‘round his torso, almost like he’s giving himself a hug. I giggle softly and make my way over to him.

“Max?”

He lifts his head and turns his gaze from the river to me. His eyes widen as he sees my son in my arms. Shock, confusion, and another emotion flash across his face. 

“Who? Who’s that?” He asks.

“Max, this is the love of my life. My son.” I say, grinning from ear to ear.

“Your son? Love of your life?”

I giggle and nod. “Mmhhmm. I adopted him when he was born. I can’t have kids myself, and my ex-fiancé and I had talked ‘bout adopting. So, we decided to do it. Found out that this little guy’s mama was putting him up for adoption before he was even born. Then, just before he was born, my ex-fiancé and I split. I still adopted this little monkey and it’s just been he and I against the world since.”

“But...that man...who was here...was that your former fiancé?”

I giggle and shake my head. “No! That was my oldest younger brother, Chris. He’d been watching Max for me while I got settled in the city. After I moved in here, I called him, and he brought my son out here and helped me get furniture and whatnot. I really wanted you to meet him while he was here...but you kept getting phone calls…”

“Your brother?” 

I smile and nod. “He’s the oldest of my two brothers, and I’m the oldest of all the kids.”

“Oh…”

I giggle. “Yea.”

“Those phone calls...they weren’t actually phone calls.”

I raise a brow. “You mean to tell me you faked ‘em just so you wouldn’t have to come over?”

He looks down, nodding. “You just seemed so happy with him. I thought y’all were together and that the kid was y’all’s. It…” He shakes his head, cutting off the rest of his sentence.

“Max, I wasn’t lying when I told you I was single the first night I spent here. But I also didn’t tell you that there is a guy I like.”

“Oh...well...I don’t wanna meet him…”

I giggle. “Too late. You already have.”

He frowns. “I have?”

Nodding, I grin and take his hand. “C’mon. I’ll show you who he is.”

“I don’t wanna…”

“Tooooo bad, mister.” 

I giggle and lead him to the bathroom, standing him in front of the mirror as I stand next to him, holding my son.

“I thought you were showing me someone I don’t wanna see.” He says, his voice quiet.

“I am. Tell me who you see.” I say, grinning.

“Me. I see me, you, and your son.” 

“Exactly. So, you see the guy I have a crush on.”

“Isn’t that a little weird to have a crush on your son?”

I giggle. “Yea. So, it’s a good thing he’s not who I have crush on.”

His brows furrow in confusion and I giggle and gently turn him to face me.

“You’re adorable.” I say.

“How?” He asks, confused even more. 

“You’re just not getting it, are you?”

He shakes his head. “No?”

“Max, you’re the guy I like.”

“Me?”

Nodding, I smile. “You.”

I watch as he gets the cutest, dimpled smile on his face, making me giggle more. He blushes and ducks his head down for a moment before looking at me.

“You really like me?” He asks, softly.

“Mmhhmm. I do. I just thought you didn’t like me since you kept ignoring me.” I say.

“I was just trying to distance myself...I thought you were with that guy, who’s actually your brother...I thought he was your ex-fiancé that you’d mentioned that first night...that you’d taken him back.”

I giggle. “Oh, Max. My ex-fiancé was a woman. Who cheated on me with a man. In our own bed.”

His eyes widen. “You were with a girl? But...you like me?”

“I’m what you’d call bisexual. I play for both teams. I like guys and girls.”

“Oh!” He lets out a soft chuckle. “So...what’s this mean? For us?”

I giggle. “It means, that I’d like to date you. If you want that.”

He grins, making his dimples show more. “I’d...I’d like that.”

“Me too! We just have to get someone’s permission first.”

“Permission? From?”

I smile and turn my son ‘round to face him. “Max here has to approve first. I have to think of him now, especially when it comes to relationships.”

Max nods and looks at my son, then back at me. “Wait. His name’s Max?”

I smile. “Maxwell Dean Sullivan. Sometimes, though, I’ll call him Deaf.” (Deef.)

“Why?”

“Oh. He’s deaf.”

“Oh!”

I smile and nod then look down at my son as he wiggles in my arms, reaching out for Max. I giggle and gently hold him out, waiting for him to take him. Max gently, and somewhat nervously, takes my little boy, and cradles him.

“Awww! You’re like a pro!” I grin.

“I’m not gonna lie. I’m scared shitless. He’s so small.” He whispers.

I giggle. “You’re also really big. Max and I are both small compared to you. And you help me close and gently.”

This gets a soft chuckle from my landlord and he visibly relaxes, shifting Max so he’s a little more comfortable. My son giggles and reaches up, patting Max’s cheeks, squealing at the feeling of the short beard tickling his tiny palms. I smile and lean against the mirror, watching them. 

“I think Deaf likes you.” I say.

“Yea? You really think so?” Max looks up and he visibly tenses as he soon as he sees me leaning against the mirror. “Don’t lean against that. Please.”

I raise a brow, but step away from the mirror. “Why not?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I won’t, Max. It seems like a sturdy mirror. Plus, the wall behind it keeps it up.”

He lowers his gaze and hands my son back to me, much to my son’s protests and my own confusion. 

“I...I should go...just please don’t lean against the mirror.” Max says quietly and turns to leave.

I reach a hand out and curl my fingers ‘round his upper arm. 

“Hey. Stop. You don’t have to go.” I say.

He nods. “I do. There’s stuff you don’t know ‘bout me...I’m not a good man…”

I raise a brow. “Max. Aside from ignoring me for the last several weeks, we’ve still been good to me. You are a good man. I know you are.”

He shakes his head. “I’m not. I’ve done things I’m not proud of, but can’t help.”

A thought hits me and I look up at him. “You mean the holes in the walls? That allows someone to peep through into my apartment?”

His face pales and I get my answer. I reach up and cup his cheek. 

“Max. It’s ok. I saw him when I was leading you back to my place to fix your wrist. The walls...they’re your safe place, aren’t they?” I ask, softly.

“It’s quiet in there. I like the silence.” He mumbles, closing his eyes. “I can watch...and it calms me.”

“Have you watched me?”

He swallows deeply. “I tried not to...but I…”

“Shhh. It’s ok, Max. I’m not mad.”

“You’re not?”

“No. I’m not. Some might think it’s creepy, but in a way, it’s like you’re watching over, protecting me. Me and Deaf.”

“I...I didn’t think of that.”

I smile and tuck a strand of his hair behind his ear. “It helps you stay calm, watching me?”

He nods. “I can’t hear the voices…”

“What voices?”

“The ones telling me…” He shudders.

“Breathe, Max. It’s ok. What do they tell you?”

“That I’m a coward. A pervert. A creep.” 

His reply is so quiet I almost don’t hear it. But I do. I place my palm back against his cheek.

“Is that why you bit your wrist earlier?” I ask softly.

He nods. “To make them shut up.”

“Well, you don’t have to do it alone anymore, ok? I’ll tell those voices to shut up too.”

He opens his eyes and looks at me, unsure. 

“I will.” I assure him.

“But...why?” His child-like voice breaks my heart.

“Because, they’re lying to you, Max. The things they tell you, they’re not true. You’re not a creep. Not a pervert. And you are definitely not a coward.”

“But...I am.”

“No, Max. You’re not. You’re not any of those. You’re just a man who needs someone to show him what it’s like to be loved. You didn’t have a good childhood. Losing your parents, and having your grandfather raise you. But you survived. You grew up. You coped with everything thrown your way in the ways that you knew how. You’re a survivor, Max. And, that alone makes you the furthest thing from being a creep and a coward. As for being a pervert, I don’t think you’re that either.”

He doesn’t say a word, but he leans into my touch more.

“How do you know?” He asks after a few minutes.

“I know, because I can tell you’re not. Believe me, I grew up ‘round ‘nough perverts to know that’s not you. You’re nothing like them. That’s how I know.” I whisper.

“You still like me?” He lifts his eyes to meet mine.

“I do, Max. And, I’m gonna show you what it’s like to be loved. We’ll get there. And Deaf here, this little boy in my arms, he’ll show you too. I told you he’d love you when he met you.”

“He does?”

I smile and nod. “He doesn’t reach out to just anyone. It took him months just to go to my brother. But it took him maybe 5 minutes to go to you. And, kids are usually really good judges of character. Just like dogs. So, I can assure you he doesn’t think you’re anything like what the voices tell you.”

He nods slowly and looks down at the little boy in my arms. 

“He is cute.” He mumbles.

I giggle. “Damn right he is! He’s my son.”

Max chuckles softly. “That’s true. But...you’re not cute.”

I raise a brow and look at him. “That’s not exactly the best thing to say to your new girlfriend.”

He grins. “Girlfriend? I like the sound of that...but you’re not cute. You’re beautiful.”

I blush. “So are you. Ain’t you can’t argue with me. The girlfriend’s always right.”

He laughs softly. “Is that so?”

“Mmhhmm! Now. I believe there’s a little boy who wants to be held by you.”

He smiles and kisses my palm before standing up straight and gently taking Max from my arms, holding him close. 

“As for the mirror, Max. We’ll just board up the other side.” I say, getting the picture, from his reaction, that it’s one of those mirrors like police station interrogation rooms have. “And, you won’t have to go back into the tunnels anymore. You have me and Max now. We’ll be here for you.”

He swallows deeply and nods. “Promise?”

“I promise promise, Max. But, know that if you ever cheat on me, I’ll cut your dick and balls off.”

His eyes widen as he nods. “I...I wouldn’t do that to you.” 

I smile. “Good. And I wouldn’t do it to you either.”

He lets out a breath of relief. “So...does this mean...that I have a family?”

I smile. “Yes, Max. It does. We’re your family now, and you’re our family.”

[ashes-and-ashes]

He was going crazy.

Sirius paces around in his cell, trying to ignore the damp walls, the freezing air, the goddamn waves against the fucking shore. 

God, it was endless, the relentless pounding of water against the sand, against rock, escape so close and yet so fucking far. He could see the ocean, the white tips of the foaming waves, the water the exact same colour of slate, sprays of mist turning the air foggy. If he stuck his hand out through the bars, lay flat on his stomach and shoved his shoulder out as far as it could go he could sometimes catch a drop of water on his finger. 

He didn’t know what he was expecting in Azkaban. He had imagined the fortress right at least - all towering spires and slabs of metal, his cell a tiny octagon right along the eastern wall. The Dementors were horrible but bearable - he saw the images in his head every night; James, his twisted neck and shattered glasses, Lily in a pool of blood the same colour as her hair. A single brown eye - all that they ever found of Benjy, Fabian and Gideon’s limp bodies on top of each other. Marlene, the area around her scorched like she had lit herself on fire, Dorcas’s mutilated torso found the day after. There was nothing the Dementors could do to him anymore, nothing else they could traumatize him with. 

He was expecting torture, agony, the kind that turned you into an animal, ripped your bones out one-by-one, the kind that shredded you into too many pieces to ever be fitted back together. He knew pain, knew it like the scars on his back and he knew that no matter how much he could endure there was always more to give. 

He just didn’t expect the silence.

It had been 36 days since he had last seen a human being. He wondered if this was what would break him.

He knew he deserved this. He wanted to die.

~

They wrap him in chains and toss him into a room.

Sirius lands hard on his shoulder, biting back a groan as he pushes himself up on his knees. They had padlocked them together, huge weights pulling at his ankles, jagged spikes biting into his flesh. He flexes his toes and winces - the metal cut deeply into his skin and he knew that there would be blood. 

Slowly, painfully, Sirius manages to get to his feet. The chains rattle and clank around him - he’s reminded of Remus, wrapped in so much silver he could barely breathe, chained against the wall as the moon rose in the sky. 

Sirius shakes his head quickly. He couldn’t think about Remus. Because he was the one thing left, the only thing left in this fucking world that could break him, that could truly shred him apart. It’s what they did in the War, after all, tortured the two of them side-by-side, pushed them both to the brink. He remembers watching Greyback take Remus apart, bit by bit, remembers the way Remus’ breaths had hitched, the way he had passed out as Greyback cut him. 

Sirius closes his eyes, sags against the wall. He couldn’t do this. 

The door opens.

He hears the footsteps, stopping right in front of him. The sound of breathing, steady and even. “Sirius?”

His heart stops. Slowly, Sirius opens his eyes.

It hurt. God, it hurt, more then any Crucio, any knife, any whip. Sirius takes a deep breath, digs his teeth hard into his lip, lets blood fill his mouth before he speaks.

“What the hell are you doing here Remus?”

Remus cocks his head. He looks younger somehow, impossibly beautiful under the flickering lights of Azkaban. Grief had turned him paler, drained the colour from his skin and from his lips, his eyes still that stunning, ethereal shade of gold. 

Sirius bites down viciously on his lip, anything to stop him from lunging forward, kissing Remus until he couldn’t think, like they used to before everything went to absolute shit - 

“I came to see you,” Remus says, and Sirius almost bursts into tears at the sound of his voice. 

He reaches forward, needing to touch Remus, to interlock their fingers, to fit them both together like how they used to be but Remus draws away. 

“Don’t,” he says, and Sirius hears his sharp intake of breath. “You can’t touch me. The guards are watching. They’ll take you away.”

“How long - “

“30 minutes,” Remus says. “That’s it.”

Sirius nods. He can hear his heartbeat raging in his chest, blood pulsing in his ears. He lets his hands drop down to his side; Remus winces at the sound of the chains. 

“God, Si. What the hell have they done to you?”

“Nothing,” Sirius whispers. He swallows, hard. “They haven’t done anything to me.”

Remus shakes his head. “Bullshit.”

“They haven’t. No one’s touched me or anything.”

Remus turns away, his body shaking and fuck, Sirius wants to reach for him, wants to bury his face in Remus’ hair like he used to. He reaches out, hears the sound of metal on metal, lets his hands drop down. “Re. Re, please. I’m barely holding myself together. I can’t...if you break down - “

“You’re in here for life, Si,” Remus breathes. “They haven’t touched you yet? They will. They’ll torture you, until you can’t think anymore, until you shatter to pieces - ”

“Nah,” Sirius says, forcing a bitter smile onto his face. “You know just as well as I do what’s been done to me.”

Remus takes a deep breath. “Si - “

“I didn’t.” Sirius interrupts him - he can feel the minutes ticking down, feels every second draining away. “Re. Re, you have to believe me. I didn’t betray them. I swear it. I swear it on my life.”

Remus’ face goes completely blank for a second, that vibrant life draining away. “Don’t,” he whispers. “Don’t lie to me like that.”

“I’m not.” Sirius hisses. “Please, it wasn’t me. You have to understand - you were gone, everyone was dead. I told him, I told him to switch, to Peter and they did and God, it’s all my fault, it’s all my fucking fault - “

Remus’ face is still empty, still expressionless. He never used to be able to do that before, Sirius thinks. He was always so full of life.

“Please,” Sirius begs. “You have to believe me.”

“Peter is dead,” Remus says flatly. “You killed him.”

He forces out a laugh, past the tightness in his throat. “No. I didn’t.”

“Just tell me,” Remus grits out. “Just fucking tell me how you did it, how you managed to betray the entire goddamn Order. You owe me that, at least.”

“I told you I didn’t.”

“Bullshit,” Remus spat. “I know you, Sirius, I know when you’re lying. Tell me.”

“It was after you went to the camps, Remus, after - “ Sirius stops dead. There are tears in his eyes, blurring everything together, shades of white and gold and grey.

“Do you remember,” he whispers, “The day I proposed to you, last year? By the lake, underneath that huge oak tree. James and Lily were swimming, and you asked me if we would ever be like that, so desperately in love and I said...I said I was willing to bet on it?”

Remus’ eyes dart down to the floor, then back up. “Yeah,” he breathes.

Sirius closes his eyes. “God,” he murmurs to himself, and then he’s lunging forward, tripping over chains and weights and pinning Remus against the wall.

He hears Remus make a soft sound, of surprise or shock he doesn’t know and Sirius swallows it down because God, he doesn’t know if he’ll ever get to do this again, kissing Remus, doesn’t know if he’ll ever see him again. His hands are under Remus’ shirt, tracing over the skin there - he counts the scars 1, 2, 3, 4 -

Sirius pulls away, breathing hard. He can hear the guards yelling outside, hears the door being ripped open. Remus’ eyes are wide - Sirius stares into them, tries to memorize as much as possible, all the bronze flecks in a sea of gold. 

“Why?” Remus breathes. “Why did you - “

Sirius cuts him off. “You’re not real,” he says. “You’re an illusion. Something the guards made, I don’t know. You’re not him. I never proposed to him last year. I thought he was the Spy. I broke up with him.”

The guards are behind him - he holds out his hands, lets them drape even more shackles on his wrist. The illusion regards him curiously - Sirius wonders how he ever thought it was Remus. The eyes are too cold, the face devoid of any warmth, a pale copy of the fire that was Remus.

“How did you know?” the illusion calls out, as Sirius is dragged away.

Sirius closes his eyes. “You didn’t count the scars.”

~

The torture begins the next morning.

[leggomylino]

light switch 2 | yandere!seungmin

Genre: Yandere, romance/fluff (sorta?), thriller, a little angst, some comedy

Pairing(s): yandere!Seungmin x reader

Word count: ~8k

Warnings: Author rambling, run-on sentences, mild language (censored), a few memes, moments of high tension and possible anxiety, ooc, and mild abuse/violence

A/N: Requests are open! | Masterlist in bio! | I told you guys I was working on this!! Lol I’m so sorry it took so long! :(( But, nevertheless, here it is! ...And yes, there’s a surprise waiting for you at the end... >u>” Enjoy!! And please be sure to tell me what you think! c: I love hearing from you all~ <3 (For those of you that missed it, part one can be found here)

Oh my gosh it’s finally back

Can you believe it’s finally back

Seriously what took this chick {author} so long to write this sh*t wtfudge man

Okay okay I know I’m sorry

It’s been really chaotic and I’ve had a lot on my plate (and mind) but we’re finally back now and that’s all that matters

So

My question to you all is

ARE YOU READY TO FINISH THIS THING?!

(enter your response here)

...THEN YEEHAW LET’S GO 

  Okay so

To recap:

AT A CERTAIN DANDY BOY™ HOUSE

Your mother had just made a phone call to Seungmin asking to talk to you

She wanted to remind you to bring the mail inside before y’all got too comfortable and side-tracked since you told her you were at Minnie’s (a fatal error on your part) and she and your father are out of town on a cliche business trip

Things always go wrong during cliche business trips

Anyway Minnie was pretty confused at first but he caught on pretty quickly that something was up

Something rotten in the state of Your Town Name Here

And knowing that you must have lied he decided to play along, beginning to gather the materials he needed

*cue ominous soap opera music*

 “......”

“...Seungmin? Is everything alright?” Her voice is growing more and more worried with each consonant. “Where’s (y/n)?”

“......” 

He laughs.

Just laughs for a moment, shaking his head.

“...Yeah, yes, she’s here. Sorry, my connection has been on the fritz lately.”

“O-Oh, I see...can I talk to her?”

“She’s in the bathroom getting cleaned up right now. I’ll have her call you as soon as she’s out...”

He paces over to the blinds, peeking out into the neighborhood from his second story window. Like a lot of cliche villains or suspicious people do. “...but it may be a while. You know how long she takes just to brush her teeth.”

Mrs. (L/n) gives a relieved, but still somewhat nervous chuckle, sighing at the end to ease her tension. “Yes, I certainly do. Thanks so much, Minnie. I know I can count on you to take good care of my little girl.”

“Yes...” He smiles, nuzzling the phone between his ear and shoulder as he’s scouring his room for things: a bottle labeled “Witch Hazel”, some cloth, a copy of his dad’s car key...as well as an additional key he never thought he’d get to use until now. “You can always count on me. I promise she’ll be out like a light before the clock strikes twelve.”

“That’s a relief. In that case just tell her to bring the mail in, would you? Thanks again!”

“It’s not a problem. Good night, Mrs. (L/N).” 

“You too dear.”

Beep. He hangs up.

Looks back out the window. Sighs.

It wouldn’t be a problem at all.

“...at least, not for long.”

 ~~~

 Back at Lucas’ house...well really, your imagination...you’re having a nightmare you used to have as a child

You’re walking down the street, minding your own business...

When all of a sudden the sky turns red, then black

The faces of the people around you turn sinister; they look like they want to hurt you

You begin to run as fast as you can, but your whole body is weighed down, like gravity is twice as strong on you

But not on anyone else 

So while the people who are slowly turning into monsters are gaining on you

All you can do is cower in fear and pray that it will be over quickly

But then there’s a burst of white light

Like a light switch has been flipped on

And the ground crumbles beneath you, bursts of white shining through the cracks

And you go tumbling down into the earth

Down

       Down

             Down

Until you land into a pair of soft, strong arms

Your face instantly buries into the figure’s chest, because you know you can trust him

He smells sweet, like lavender and fresh Spring daisies

It’s a calming, pleasing scent

And all the monsters who were chasing you before vanish as they fall into the crumbling Earth, disintegrating into nothing but ash that’s carried someplace far, far away

You look up to see who your savior is

It’s never the same person

At first it was your dad; then it was your sixth grade crush; a couple times it was the cute actor from your favorite movie

But this time, and sadly like the last five times you’ve had this dream since you started high school...that person is none other than Kim Seungmin

He’s looking so ...

There isn’t a word for it

His edges are soft

So are his eyes

And he’s looking at you like you’re responsible for hanging the moon in the sky and making all the stars glow

He has such high expectations for you

From you

That you’re afraid to let him down

To tell him the truth

You aren’t God, after all

But...

......

You just—

“gaAAAAAHHH—!!!”

!!?!?!!!?!

What the heck was that?!?

Your eyes shoot open to the sound of someone crying out

It sounds like a man’s voice...

And it’s nearby

You’re stunned into shock for a few seconds before you can get your body to move, and when you do you grip the plushie in your arms against your chest—

Wait, plushie...?

You look down.

Your eyes are adjusting while a struggle is clearing going on outside 

It’s the plushie that Seungmin gave you

The one from your house; you know it is bc it smells like your bedroom

But you didn’t bring this with you...

You’re scared, but you quickly throw yourself out from the safety of the tent—

And immediately wish you hadn’t

The window beside the bed is open

A cold draft blowing in

Lucas is pinned down, struggling 

The shadowy figure above him

Is none other

Than Kim Seungmin

He’s ripping something off of his belt-

It’s a syringe

He stabs it into Lucas’ arm with a curse, and not but two seconds later the boy is little more than a vegetable; no longer moving, barely breathing

Holy sh*t

I mean

Holy sh*t--

You gotta bounce sis

You gotta MOVE

Seungmin tosses a bottle of some clear liquid aside in anger, and it spills open in the middle of the floor

The smell hits you pretty quickly; it smells of lavender and fresh daisies

Just like in your dream/nightmare

It makes you feel a bit woozy upon inhaling it

But you don’t completely pass out 

Which apparently is what Minnie was going for

There’s a thump as Seungmin jumps to the floor

And you’re scared

Actually, saying you’re scared is an understatement

This is pretty freaking serious man

You don’t think you can meme your way through this one

You can’t move

You just kneel there outside your tent in shock, trying to convince yourself this is one of those nightmares that stems from another; you simply woke up into a new dream is all

But it’s not so

Something in your heart is telling you

This is real life

Seungmin is doing something...

He’s...filling another syringe 

Now that your eyes have adjusted, you can see he’s completely surpassed resting b*tch mode

He’s gone off the deep end. Like, he’s really gone this time

Looking so serious and genuine, so certain about what he’s doing...

Yet having lost all the light in his eyes

“Now, (y/n)...I need you to be good and take this for me.”

Uh

Uhhhh

No thanks bro that’s okay

P h A t pass on that one man

Phattest pass, phattest pass

You get your legs to finally work as he’s approaching you, scurrying towards the door and only stopping when your back hits against it, because dammit all, he’s still too fast for you

Seungmin is just right there man

He’s got you trapped

His fingers brush over the soft palate of your arm, gently feeling about for a vein

Apparently he wants to be more careful and professional when he drugs you

For whatever reason

You’re back to being immobilized

It’s like your feet are stuck in blocks of cement

Oh dear Lord you’re gonna die ಥ_ಥ

This is it

He wants you dead

He’s gonna throw you and Lucas into some twisted vegetable soup and that’s going to be the end of it

And you may have thought that had it not been for the blue and red sirens flashing outside

Minnie turns around mid-prodding, an obvious cringe on his face, and then suddenly he’s tackled to the ground by none other than Big Brother of the Year Lucas oh praise Jesus you may live after all

Wow this guy is your hero

He’s weak and there’s blood all over his face, his breath heavy as he heaves out desperate words to you

“.....(y/n)........g-get out...s-side.........cops....will take...care of y-you...”

Welp, he don’t have to tell you twice

Through all this, he’s still trying to protect you. He’d been drugged, his face cut into, beaten senseless without warning, yet he was still trying to save you...like a guardian angel or something

...Wow, maybe the author should have made this a Seungmin x reader x Lucas instead hubba hubba

But unfortunately she’s spaghetti and swamped with updates so we’ll never know 🤪🍝

You fling yourself out the door and down the stairs as some officers have just broken down the front door, and you don’t grab no shoes or nothing Lord, you r u n outta that place, choosing to consult with a kind-looking female cop that’s waiting outside on standby

Frantically you gush out what’s going on as best you can, even though you’re not so sure what’s going yourself

Most importantly, you’re sure to tell her that Lucas is hurt first. He needs immediate medical attention from what you gathered in the faint street light pouring in the open window

She comforts you and assures you that they’re handling it, all the while wishing and hoping and praying with every fiber in your being you’ll wake up soon, any minute now...

...but unfortunately, you never do. The reality hits you when Lucas is carried out on a stretcher and Seungmin is forced out in handcuffs.

 ~~~

 You’re at the hospital with Lucas

Seungmin really did a number on him; after beating him black and blue, he pulled out a knife and nearly blinded him

Luckily it was dark and Lucas put up one heck of a fight. He wasn’t on three sports teams for nothing. 

He’d put up such a defensive display that Seungmin had just missed his left eye...sadly, though, he got the right one

Lucas lost half his eyesight because of you

You don’t know what to say...what to think, even

If only you hadn’t gone over there. If only you’d just stayed home...or...or maybe...

You swallow as tears begin to fall. What the heck were you supposed to do? You’d had no idea this would happen. You didn’t know things had gotten this bad...

...but you also kind of did

The poem? It was a warning

No

A threat

You’d been given a heads up long before, and you’d chosen to play dumb and ignore it

And now Lucas would have to be called Patchy for the rest of his life

The only Halloween options he’d ever have are Pirate or...parrot with an eyepatch

And it was all your fault

Thank God Seungmin had been arrested…

...Wait

Seungmin--

Omgosh

He’d been arrested. Kim Seungmin had been arrested.

Why was this just now hitting you so ha--

“Oh my gosh, my baby! (Y/n)!!”

Oop. Mama (Y/n) in the house.

Your mother comes charging in like a swarm of bees, enveloping you in her arms but also giving you a bit of a sting for lying to her like you did. Lucas’ parents had caught them up to speed already, your father glaring angrily but thankfully from the doorway. 

After hugging them both and explaining everything from your point of view, they agree to give you a few more minutes alone with Lucas before you’re grounded young lady no TV no video games no books well okay reading is important for your future but nothing enjoyable and no dessert. They also plan to have a serious discussion with you about Kim Seungmin as well. Great.

Not wanting to let you go your father drags your mom out, her protestant whimpering echoing down the hall and they retreat to discuss things further with Lucas’ parents.

Oi vey

What has all of this come to? What are you even doing? How did things get this bad…?

You turn your head slowly from across the room, examining the boy’s eye (or in some ways lack thereof) as you make your way back, settling carefully into the chair beside him.

𝑊𝑖𝑡𝘩 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑡𝘩𝑜𝑢𝑔𝘩𝑡

𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑑

𝑆𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠

𝐵𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝘩𝑒𝑦 𝑔𝑜 𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑...

...You now hate poetry

You’ll never read another sonnet ever again

“Hmn…”

!!

Lucas is waking up

It’s now five o’clock in the morning

You’re both dead tired, but you can only imagine how he must be feeling, being the one in the hospital bed…

……

...This is seriously all your fault

You hate yourself for it

You just

You just…

Ping!

There’s a text on your phone. You choose to ignore it, of course. Lucas is way more important right now than some Instagram or trivial weather update

Tenderly you reach, taking Lucas’ hand...or start to. You hover over it, wondering if you even deserve to be...if you even…

A warmth envelopes your fingers as Lucas takes them weakly into his own, the faintest smile present on his face. He carefully reaches up to pat the white surgical tape and bandages over the upper right half of his face. 

“...It’s never going to get any better, is it?” he asks.

You practically jump at the question: “No, it will. It definitely will.”

...Lying to him in order to not cause him any more panic is the best you can do for him now. Pathetic, but it’s better to remain hopeful, at least until he can handle it later.

His smile turns sad as he gazes at you with his one good eye. 

“I meant for you.”

……

“......”

You slowly shake your head no

He sighs, turning towards the fluorescent lights on the ceiling that have been dimmed to allow the patient on the other side to sleep. “I’m so sorry, (y/n). This is my fault. I should have just brought you to the police station, and they would have handled it professionally right then and there. I didn’t think...things had gotten this bad.” He squeezed with what little strength he had. “But I’m really glad you’re okay. Did he hurt you at all?”

……………

This man

Was lying in a hospital bed

Drugged

Bruised to a bloody pulp

He’d permanently lost sight in one eye

And he was worried

About you

->

So author, what was that about no love triangle going on here??

Smh

The only thing you can do is look downward, at the nightstand, the bedding, the far wall...anywhere that isn’t Lucas’ face right now

You don’t have it in you to accept his incredible kindness and heroic humility. You don’t even bother answering his question, except to mutter out, “thank you.”

 ~~~

 So what’s going on with Seungmin now?

Well, glad you asked

Cause you were just about to find out from a friendly sit down with three guest stars on the (Y/n)’s Chaotic Life show: Mom, Dad, and Officer Jenny

...No, not from the Pokemon TV series. Though you had to admit, the resemble was almost uncanny...not that this was anytime for jokes

“So,” Officer Jenny asks, pen and notepad in hand, “I’m sure you must be feeling many things right now, but let’s start from the beginning, if that’s alright. When did this all start?”

Your mom and dad just shared a look before turning to you, your mother gingerly patting and rubbing your knee. “Go ahead, sweetheart. Take your time.”

You take a deep breath and tell her everything you know. From the moment you first met Kim Seungmin, to the moment you first noticed him changing, to the events of some twenty-four hours ago. Your mother and father gave their piece as well, though really they claimed to be completely in the dark to any of Minnie’s chaotic and violent behavior, insisting he was always a sweet and well-behaved boy for as long as they’d know him. It was quite a shock finding out what he’d done.

Minnie…

…

Did you even still call him that? Would you? Could you?

He was practically a murderer. A complete psychopath. And you still had no idea why…

“So what do you think brought out this behavioral change?”

Your head snapped up from where it’d dropped downward, spacing out after having contributed your part of the story

Mom and Dad were glaring at you. Officer Jenny was waiting patiently.

But you had no idea what to say

Because you didn’t know

You didn’t

You didn’t…

...Did you?

Idiot.

바보

Does this sound familiar?

 “...I can’t do this anymore, (y/n)...not if you’re not going to listen to me or do as I say. It’s driving me crazy. Don’t you get it? Don’t you f***ing see how I feel about you? Have you really been so dense this whole f***ing time?!?”

“(Y/n). I need to know...tell me, do you…”

“...Do you feel the same way?”

 ...The part that scared you

The part that really scared you

Was that

You didn’t know…

 ~~~

 That night

After the talk show was wrapped up and everything was out in the open

Officer Jenny reassured your family that you were safe staying at home

Seungmin had been captured and a few officers had done a thorough investigation on your house to make sure there were no cameras or bombs or anything fishy like that

So it was essentially safe and there was no need to go the extra mile of changing identities and moving across the country

Except well

If you’re new to this story

You’re in for a bit of a shock because

Of course the author likes to shake things up :D <3

It wouldn’t be a story without something going wrong

And (Y/n) was just about to find out what that something was

It didn’t happen suddenly that night

Some time had gone by, about a week, maybe a week and a half

You were still pretty shaken up over the whole thing, and stuck in a mental state of Twilight Zone

You knew it was real but your brain almost refused to accept and process it

It was like a never-ending nightmare, too farfetched to be true

Because Lucas had to remain in the hospital for further examination and therapy, you brought all his school work to him

You’d taken a few days off yourself and then insisted you were fine to go back

You needed something to distract you from the reality

But, in reality, it only made it worse in some ways, students swarming you with questions and facility repeatedly asking if you were alright or needed a break

The only place you were allowed to go was the Student Council room, and Lord knows you did NOT want to be alone in that place again

Even though the school had already granted Lucas an extended leave of absence, he insisted you bring him a copy of your homework so he could “keep up with his studies”

But

In reality, he just wanted an excuse to see you. And you liked seeing him as well. It was nice to be in his company and check up on him, and he felt the same

When you weren’t at the hospital visiting and quote-quote “studying” with Lucas, you were either going through the motions on autopilot at school or sitting in your room, doing anything and everything to erase what had happened

That was, of course, easier said than done though

Often you found it hard being at home. It didn’t feel safe anymore knowing Seungmin had been here, so many times before, in the very room you sat in. Laughing with you, smiling, comforting or taking care of you…

He was everywhere. His laughter practically filled the walls and echoed down the corridors, his smile reflected in every glass sheen of sunlight

And when the lights flipped off, so did his expression. It was like you were reliving that horrific night all over again

You had to break out of there, your house and your mind

So you went to the park with a couple of new friends you’d made, Felix and Changbin. They were just as surprised as anyone else to learn what had become of Seungmin, and they’d actually been the first ones to shelter you and protect your privacy on your first day back, when your classmates started popping out of the woodwork to drown you in questions and condolences

As you may or may not have guessed, you’d gotten a new phone, during the Officer Jenny visit, along with a new number

After sh*t had really hit the fan, though, you’d become much less social, only registering your parents, Officer Jenny’s number by request, Lucas, and the day after, Felix and Binnie. Despite your previous crush on Jaemin, that had all but flown out the window and exploded upon colliding with a powerline, and you’re pretty sure after he heard what happened, he probably felt the same

And anyway, again, you’d become much less social since the whole incident. You really didn’t feel like talking to anyone unless it was your parents or these three boys. Maybe Jenny if there was some kind of emergency, which you sincerely hoped there wouldn’t be

...I’m pretty sure that covers everything

Yeah

So

You were now at the park with Felix and Changbin

Just strolling aimlessly, you in the middle with Felix to your left and Binnie on the right

Your two bodyguards

Felix, you’d come to find out, was a professional at taekwondo, which was nice

And though Changbin was rather on the short side, just his looks and voice alone was intimidating enough

So you felt relatively safe in their company, taking a quiet stroll at sundown

The park was mostly vacant save for a few late-evening joggers or cyclist passing by

Birds and squirrels and other wildlife were just getting settled in their nests for the night, the owls and probably a raccoon or two taking their place

The three of you walked at a steady pace, hands behind your back or shoved in your pockets as you stared straight ahead, at the sidewalk, or the surrounding forest life

...It was peaceful but a little awkward

Probably because you all had the same thing on your minds

Something you all knew you needed to talk about, but had been avoiding to spare an awkward conversation

Instead now there was nothing but Awkward Silence™

“So,” Felix spoke up after your second and a half time around, smiling awkwardly. “How are you feeling today?”

Both boys looked at you. You gave them each a short stare in return before shrugging just as uncomfortably. You knew you needed to talk about Seungmin, but you’d left your house to escape him, not engage him elsewhere.

After a few more paces you noticed the two had fallen a bit behind, muttering to each other in hushed tones:

“She probably doesn’t wanna talk about this right now. Why did you bring it up?”

“Yeah...I dunno, I didn’t know how else to break it in. Sorry...”

“Apologize to her, not me! We’re trying to ease it in, not break her.”

“That’s what I said, bro.”

“...No, you said-- never mind, just go do something.”

“Like what?”

“Like apologize! Am I the only one that knows how girls operate?”

“...Says the man that’s been single the entire senior ye--”

“Shut up and go talk to her!!”

At that point you heard a shove behind you, and Felix came stumbling back up to your left, Binnie steadily catching back up on the right. He gave you a calm and peaceful smile while occasionally casting eyes at Felix expectantly.

Felix took a deep breath while he scratched the side of his head, looking up at the sky for a second before tossing his whole gaze down on you. It almost caught you off guard how intense and smoldering it all was

“(Y/n)...listen, Changbin and I were thinking-- …”

He opened his mouth, but no words came. Instead he pointed toward the restaurant district of town. 

“...You wanna grab dinner after this?”

You blinked. Changbin facepalmed, a small groan escaping him.

But then all your stomachs growled, answering the question for you. You couldn’t help but smile, even just a little, as the other two laughed and the three of you headed off toward the nearby city lights.

Your phone gave a small ping! as a notification came up, but you failed to notice it thanks to the nearby rustling of what you assumed was active forest life, a stray cat or maybe a mouse

You had no idea how wrong you were.

 ~~~

 I know, things are starting to get a little slow

Just bear with me, okay?

Cause we’re about to pick up big time

Spoiler alert?

Oops

Anyway

You were now sitting at a small, quiet, but decently populated restaurant

There were a fair number of customers but it wasn’t overcrowded at all, more of a cozy cafe styled place

It was the compromise Changbin insisted you all agree on, he being the most vocally worried about your mental state. He didn’t want you to be overwhelmed by all the noise and chaos of some famous barbecue joint or a popular family restaurant, so after you insisted you could handle it and would be fine (he had been pitching the idea of just grabbing some food to-go and heading back to his place), the boys let you pick a cafe you often passed by on the way to school but never got a chance to try

...until now

Ironically and thankfully they were a particularly special cafe that served dinner because the author said so yeehaw B))

So yes, you’re all sitting at a small booth off to the side, Changbin on one end, you and Felix curled up on the other. You order your food and as you’re waiting, Changbin and Felix are locked in some dumb debate about a few of their other friends while flicking straw wrappers back and forth. They tried to get you in on it at first but, seeing that you’re still in a weird place, decided to leave the invitation open if you wanted to join.

Everything is just so weird right now. You’re still in the Twilight Zone. It just doesn’t seem real at all…

The whole spectacle refuses to leave your mind. You’re coming to accept you can’t get away from it no matter what you try.

Kim Seungmin, from the moment you met him, has always been a part of you. And he always would be. It was just going to be weird from now on because...because…

Ping!

Your phone again?

Honestly it had kind of been doing that a lot before but you’ve been ignoring it because, again, you’re not much for talking to people right now. Or getting involved with any social media events or news flashes or...or uh…

……………………..

Huh??

There’s...a message. From Lucas?

Bro when did he get his phone back tho

You’d been communicating through his mum and the hospital when you weren’t there cause patients can’t have phones so like

Nani the heck??

Wait

Maybe this was good

Maybe he was being discharged early

The treatment had gone well and--

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖧𝖾𝗒! 𝖨 𝗇𝖾𝖾𝖽 𝖺 𝖿𝖺𝗏𝗈𝗋.

Oh? A favor you say?

You were so there. You kinda owed Lucas your life after what happened.

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖮𝖿 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾! 𝖶𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝖨 𝖽𝗈 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎? 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄𝗌 :) 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗐? 

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖨’𝗆 𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖺 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌. 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌? 

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖸𝖾𝖺𝗁 𝖼: 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗇𝖺𝗆𝖾𝗌

> - > Bro why he wanna know tho--

Okay whatever

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖥𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗑 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖻𝗂𝗇? 

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖨𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝗄𝖺𝗒 𝗅𝗈𝗅 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝗇𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒

………..

*gulp*

It’s not?

Why

Why isn’t this okay

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖶𝗁𝗒 𝗇𝗈𝗍? :𝟢 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗇𝖾𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖢𝖺𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗐? 

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖴𝗁, 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗁 𝖨 𝗀𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗌? 𝖢𝖺𝗇 𝗂𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗂𝗍 𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝖺𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗌? 𝖨 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝖻𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾

Lucas is typing a reply as your food is being set down, the boys cheering and mouths watering while all you can do is nervously glare at your new phone.

Seriously, what was wrong with Lucas? He wasn’t in danger, was he?

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖨’𝖽 𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗇𝗈𝗐. 𝖯𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾. :(

…

Y’know, this don’t really sound like Lucas

All of this is hella sus sis

But you’re so worried about him anyway, and so distracted by the excuses running through your mind that he could be on medication or what if it really is an emergency that you instead grab your coat and are just about to tell Felix to yeet when something else catches your eye

Ooooooooh boy

Ooooooooh bro

Ooooooooh buddy

It’s uh

Well

All those previous notifications

They’re all news articles and the like, as you already had guessed they’d be

Most of them aren’t very important: Attorney so-and-so does this, City of Hoopla does that, Guy Catches Phone on Roller Coaster, band drops new album and it’s a huge hit, yada-yada-yada

But there’s this one

This one in particular

That nearly makes you break down and cry

I mean

You’re close to screaming sis

It’s pretty bad

You probably know what it is already

Yep: you guessed it

 KXX News: Local Malefactor Escapes [Your Town] Jail; Police Baffled

 ...Okay

Y/n

Y/n--

Don’t freak out y/n

Deep breath sis

Deeeeeeeep breath

Breath nice and deep now…

Oop too late you’re already panicking

Hell I would too sis :( This is some bad juju

But

It’s going to be okay

...Maybe

I mean

You are kinda having a panic attack right now?

But don’t panic bc it’s going to be…

...you just passed out so I’ll be switching povs now

I’ll sort of summarize too since this is about you and - h i m - anyway

Basically you totally black out, the restaurant/cafe panics a bit (the few people who happen to notice) but Felix manages to catch you (thank goodness you were still seated at the booth so you just toppled over on his shoulder more or less)

In five seconds Binnie and Felix come up with a game plan where Felix carries you outside, trying to look as natural as possible, Binnie taking care of the check.

They argue and walk laps around the cafe about whether or not to take you home or the hospital

Home

Hospital

Home?

Hospital!

But when you start to come to, they agree it’s best to get you home to your mother

You fall in and out of consciousness all the way there, the only thing flooding your mind being the faintest scent of lavender and Spring: and Kim Seungmin.

 ~~~

 You were honestly a little surprised when you finally woke up

You were sure seeing those words in that news headline, all in one coherent sentence, was going to be the death of you

I mean, he did want you dead, didn’t he?

He…

…

Sigh

You don’t know

You have no idea what’s really happening

A reoccuring theme in this story

You dunno

You just

Don’t

Know 

:)))

But it’s going to be okay because--

Ping!

SCREECH \(ϾAϿ)/ 💦

Bro

Bro man

Your phone almost gave you a heart attack

A real one this time

Oof

Oi

Oi vey to hell and back

All of this is really getting to be too much man

You dunno if-- ...well

We done went over this already

You don’t know anything anymore 🙄😔

I mean

What even is life anyway??

You roll over on your bed to snatch the phone on your nightstand, an eerie feeling in your gut

Whether that’s from the fact you’re still recovering or you’re terrified it has something to do with everyone’s favorite Dandy Boy is a toss up

It could also have been the few nibbles of food you’d managed to have before zonking out…

...actually no scratch that, you were still pretty hungry. Which was a good sign, honestly

It meant you were already recovering well and most likely not gonna die

(ღ˘⌣˘)

That was always nice, y’know, not dying <3

So anyway

You glare at the lock screen in the dark, the brightness blinding you for a moment as you’re squinting and fumbling to turn it down

And when you do

You see there’s another message

A message from Lucas 

Oop. You forgot about him in your whole fainting episode

Hope he’s okay--

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖸/𝗇. 𝖸𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗆𝗈𝗆 𝖼𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗈𝗅𝖽 𝗆𝖾 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗇𝖾𝖽. 𝖨 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖾𝗅𝗅. 𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝗈𝗍𝗍𝖺 𝗐𝖺𝗋𝗇 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾𝖻𝗈𝖽𝗒 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝗀𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖺 𝗀𝗈 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗍𝗓𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍, 𝗁𝖺𝗁𝖺

e-e

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖨’𝗆 𝗌𝗈 𝗌𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒, 𝖨 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗆𝗂𝗌𝖾 𝖨’𝗆 𝗈𝗄𝖺𝗒 

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖣𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗐𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎?

It takes a minute for him to respond.

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖭𝗈, 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗂𝗍. 𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝗇𝖾𝖾𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗍.

And then…

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖨’𝗅𝗅 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎.

…

Uhhh

He’ll what now?

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖣𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝗀𝗈 𝖺𝗇𝗒𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾. 𝖨 𝗐𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝖻𝖾 𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀.

UHHH

wat

Sis honestly

what?

Lucas you ho what are you doin you’re sick

Sorta

You on them drugs boy

You needa be staying yer ass in bed so you can--

Ping!

Again? 

Oh now what does this crazy bish want??

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖲𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒! 𝖩𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝖿𝖺𝗏𝗈𝗋 𝖨 𝗇𝖾𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗒𝗈𝗎

Uh

Sure? What is it??

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖮𝗄𝖺𝗒?? 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: :)) 𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄𝗌 𝗒/𝗇 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖦𝗈 𝗍𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝖼𝗅𝗈𝗌𝖾𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝗈𝗈𝗋.

………………………………………………………….

Bro man

……

Okay you know what

This is a little too weird

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖨𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗐𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎? 𝗈𝗇𝗈” 

𝖫𝗎𝖼𝖺𝗌: 𝖸𝖾𝖺𝗁, 𝖼𝗁𝗈𝖼𝗈𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖾? 𝖨𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗅𝖾𝖿𝗍 𝗅𝗈𝗅

oooOOOOOH

Oooooh man what a relief

If you’ll recall

Cause ik it’s been a hot minute

In the last episode (Light Switch 1) it was Valentine’s Day

He just wants something sweet =7=” Bro you know that jello sh*t they serve in them hospitals must be nasty af

He just wants some good stuff is all

Who doesn’t want chocolate when they’re sick? Or sad?

But author eating chocolate when you’re sick isn’t good for you do you want to die

Hey bro bold of you to assume--

...anyway

𝖸𝗈𝗎: 𝖮𝗁, 𝗈𝖿 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾! 𝖨 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗅𝗈--

…

Hold on

Wait just another hot minute

…

Sis how he know you keep chocolate in your closet??

He wasn’t here when you shoved everything in there

Heck he ain’t ever been in your house once

…

Enough ellipses you’re just gonna go for it

Screw it

It’s just Lucas

He probs just assumed it was a cliche or normal thing to do

You really needed to stop overthinking things and just

Do It ✔™

So you do it

You walk to your closet and open the door

…

Well you start to anyway

On the way over something catches your eye now that your sight’s adjusted

You make your way to your desk, where a stack of letters and junk flyers are just sitting there taking up space and making the room look trashy

You’re easily distracted at times, and a bit nosy, so you pick up the first flyer on the stack to figure out what it is

Such-and-So’s Pool Service!1!1 We clean--

Yeah okay you don’t care

About that anyway

What you do care about, or what piques your interest rather, is the date

It’s labeled as being delivered almost two weeks ago

…

All of the letters and junk mail are labeled as being delivered two weeks ago

…

You’re about to set them all back down when you see something flapping beneath the gentle circulation of the ceiling fan

A Post-It note?

A Post-It note

It says…

   It doesn’t matter what it says

Because you’d recognize that handwriting anywhere, after all the notes he’d written you

It’s from Minnie 

𝐼 𝑡𝘩𝑜𝑢𝑔𝘩𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑑 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔𝘩𝑡 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝑀𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝘩 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑖𝑟𝘩𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒? ;) 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑙𝑦, 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜 𝑙𝑎𝑧𝑦! -- 𝐾𝑆 <𝟥  

𝑃.𝑠. - 𝑀𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑎 𝑐𝘩𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑒. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟. 

Deep breaths deep breaths deep breaths

He was here

He’d been here

He’d come here the night before--

He’d known

You were such a dumdum

Of course you should have known one of your parents would call. Probably your mom-

UGH

WHAT IS THIS LIFE OF YOURS?!

Okay

But

He was arrested so it’s fine

No wait

He got out

He…

...He got out ._.”

And you

Were

Home

Rn??

……………………

Okay time to get those chocolates and move move move

Just make a small right turn and

Ca-chunk.

……………………………………………………

The closet door just...opens

A familiar figure stepping out from the shadows

He’s wearing his favorite striped blue t-shirt and faded blue jeans

And he’s holding a rose between his teeth

He removes it with a muffled sigh, tossing it back into the closet

“I wanted to surprise you but, I should have known it’s just like you to get easily sidetracked.”

He shoves a phone into his pocket

Lucas’ phone.

He smiles.

“Did you miss me?”

 He paces over to you, touching your face

Stroking it softly with ghost-like fingers

It’s...cold and somehow oddly comforting at the same time

Sending you down a trail of mixed signals and warning signs all over again

But you can’t move

He’s backing you up against the desk--

Wait yes you can move

You gotta get out of here. Don’t think. Just get out.

Scream! Yell! Do something!

You scream. He places a hand over your mouth, shoving you back down against the desk. His breath is hot against your skin from where he hovers over you just inches, centimeters away…

...Maybe you should have gone for using a brain cell or two instead

“Why are you doing this again? Why do you have to be so difficult all the time?”

You’re struggling but he must have been hitting up the gym again cause this beach is strong

He’s rambling things to you under his breath, but with the pounding in your ears it’s hard to make out everything he’s saying

Oh dear Lord in heaven you have to get out of here

Use your brain cells y/n use your brain cells

PLS

He’s forcing you both to stand upright. He pulls you so hard that the momentum causes the desk to sway, a drawer popping open

A drawer containing your knife. The same knife Seungmin had given you.

He wanted you to sever some bonds?

Okay, you could do that alright

Braincells: Activate!

You go for it

Raising a knee to his xxxx, you shove him back with all your feeble might and snatch that bad boy, whirling around to slash your way out of here if you have to

But somehow Seungmin has become a Superhuman™ and he parries your attack, twisting your arms behind your back and slamming you back down onto the desk

You almost hear him grimace as you cry out in pain, like he’s in just as much turmoil as you

And before you know it a rag is held up over your face, Seungmin gently laying his cheek against yours. Somehow in the span of time all this was going on, he’d managed to throw a mask over his face...

“I’m so sorry, y/n...I never wanted it to come to this...I was hoping to take you quietly…

...But it’s also not my fault you’re so damn difficult all the time.”

Moonlight streaming in through the curtain was blurring together, your thoughts slowly growing more and more incoherent

A scream still caught in your throat, the last thing you recall is again the scent of lavender and Spring daisies. Except it was much stronger now, because that scent was now carrying you somewhere up, up, and away…

 ~~~

 The faint sound of laughter is what awakens you for the 47294907204 time

Seriously how many more times were you gonna clock out like jeez

Not to over exaggerate but man alive

…

……

………

You’re blinking up at the ceiling when it all comes back to you

Seungmin

Your room

Kim Seungmin

Your closet

Minnie

You being carried away somewhere…

It doesn’t take you long to throw yourself up right, but when you do you instantly regret the action, as a splitting headache takes hold of your cranial

It causes you to wince, reaching both hands up to grab your skull...which are, surprisingly...rather heavy…

…

Holy frick and frack you’ve been chained

Your wrists

There are cuffs around them

And you’re literally connected to a bedpost

…………

You swallow

This isn’t good

It’s not good at all

What the heck is going on now…?

You gotta examine your surroundings. You need to stop being in the dark all the time

Time to flip on a light switch brother

Let’s see

You’re sitting in a bed

Your bed

…

Wait

Your bed?

That can’t be right

You distinctly remember, despite the running gag of you not knowing anything, that Minnie had hoisted you off somewhere

He’d deadass climbed out the window or something

You look up and around next

…

It was unmistakable

This was your room: here was your bed, your bookshelf, your desk, TV, closet…

Even your stuffed animals and stationery was here. Exactly as you’ve always had it.

Except, normally your bed was on the right side of the room. Currently, it was on the left

So it was like

A parallel of your bedroom

A weird mirrored version, like you’d stepped through the looking glass…

...You supposed essentially, in some ways, you already had. Starting around high school.

Argh

This was really bad

You had to get out of here

Thankfully the chains were pretty long, so your movement wasn’t too restricted and you could move around for the most part as normal

If you had to guess, you could probably make it about halfway across the room before you ran out of chain

……

A thought you’d never thought you’d be having

Swiftly, you raise the sheets to check your legs

They’re free, save for a few bruises. Yours arms are in worse shape with twice as many and these damned heavy cuff links

This was honestly an outrage

And hella dehumanizing

You weren’t sure what was scarier: the fact that you were sitting in a mirror copy of your bedroom chained like an animal, or the fact that Minnie had done this

…

Seungmin

No more Minnie

He was Seungmin now

Maybe even just Kim

Because you would no longer have any ties to him after this

He was long gone now

It was over

Bam!

“Hahahahahahahaha!”

Oh gosh

IT REALLY IS OVER

HE’S HERE

WHAT WAS—

Wait was that laughter just now?

It sounded...familiar…

As in

Recorded

…

You strained your ears, holding your breath a moment

If you focused really hard

You could just barely hear it

Voices. Sound effects. More audio laughter.

Someone was watching TV

That or Seungmin had sold you to a circus act

Which might have been preferable actually because you really didn’t know if he wanted you dead or not

I mean

On one hand

Why would someone go to so much trouble to make an exact replica of your bedroom?

But on another

There were some major sickos out there…

And you really could never tell what he was thinking

…

No, no, no y/n

No tears

We’re not going to cry

Big girl pants big girl pants

We’re going to get ourselves out of here and hop on the first plane to a new country

Move to Switzerland and start a cute little sheep farm

Change your name to Olga

Marry a huge scary-looking huntsman that was actually very sweet

And spend the rest of your days baking apple pies and schnitzel and shaving wool from sheep to knit fluffy sweaters and sell them on the Swiss version of Amazon

Yeah something like that

Everything was going to be a-o—

“You’re awake.”

ACAHNDUSLILIAHDSLINUFARJDSA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

It’s Kim Seungmin

He’s standing in the doorway

You didn’t even hear the door open

He takes two steps in before pausing to admire what a mess you probably look like

Only to him, you’ve never looked more beautiful

You don’t know this of course, but in his mind: you’re stunning

I mean, absolutely breathtaking

Sitting here in the room he worked so hard putting together for you

Your hair a wind-blown bed-mangled mess the way you toss and turn in your sleep sometimes

The natural glow that radiates off your face when you’re not wearing any makeup

The shine from the rays of faint sunrise as they hit your tear-stained face

It’s a work of art

What he’s worked for since he first laid eyes on you all those years ago

He’s wanted this so badly for such a long time

And it’s finally happening

He’s finally gotten what he’s pined for all this time: you

All that time he took getting to know you, forming a bond, taking measurements and pictures and writing down numbers, formulating the perfect plan

It may not have gone exactly how he imagined it would, but it’d still produced the same results. You were now, finally, his. All that was left to do was to clean you of any ties you had to your past life, and then the war would be over. The climax had come and gone. It was all downhill from here.

He told himself over and over again, that this is what he’d wanted...but yet

A part of him felt almost guilty for some reason

Of course he was happy, but also

…

It this really what he’d wanted?

He wanted to celebrate

But

Though you looked so beautiful

He also didn’t like seeing you so sad

…

It was fine

You just had to get adjusted, that was all

It’s hard being whisked off from one place to another

In a few days you’d be all settled in and then you could both celebrate being happy and alone together

You’d realize what a wonderful thing he had done for the both of you and thank him

And he’d never have to worry about anyone touching you or so much as looking at you ever again

You’d be his special treasure

Something he’d be able to look forward to coming home to each and every day after he landed his dream job as a photographer

Of course, you’d never get to accomplish the goals you’d told him about for your life, but…

That wouldn’t matter after a little time had passed, once you realized you only needed rely on him from now on

And there would be lots of fun things to do at home, he’d make sure of it

He’d take good care of you, here at his father’s old cabin house

And no one would be any the wiser because his parents were scarcely ever home

They were never around, always traveling from one place to another. He’d learned to take care of himself when he was 13, and from then on had been fiercely and undeniably independent

He really hadn’t seen or heard from his parents since, they’d just left him with the house and sent monthly checks to take care of the bills. If he thought hard enough, the last memory he had of his mother was probably at an unexpected Christmas visit when he was 15

And after that, nada

So as one could guess, his life had been very lonely…

Of course, he’d normally preferred being alone and if he was bored, he had Felix and Changbin to check up on him

But that all changed the moment he laid eyes on you

Oh sure, he’d seen you before that fateful rainy afternoon. When he actually bothered showing up to class. But…

Catching you alone that day was like a sign to him

He’d been wandering the back alleys as he normally did

On his way home, he realized he’d forgotten one of his cameras at school

So he had to make a detour to get it

He really wanted to take some shots of the coming storm for a new collection he’d been working on

On the way over, it wouldn’t leave his mind that something was missing…

He needed a host, a muse, a character

Some sort of other life force to give breath to the photographs

They were fine as they were

But just fine wasn’t fine for him

He could do better

Surely there was something—

...Drat. They’d already locked the doors.

He’d have to hoist himself in through a window now—

 ...And there you were.

He couldn’t explain it

He’d seen you before, sure, rarely, on occasion. But you’d just been a passing figure in the sea of endless faces

Now you were more than that. You were the figure, the face, the missing piece he’d been searching for

But he knew how fickle the human race was. So he’d have to play coy and civil before going in for the kill

If he turned out not to like you, he could always toss you back out into the sea

But the moment he swooped down to catch you from that (minorly hysterical) fall, he’d felt it. The missing spark he’d been waiting for all along.

He couldn’t take his eyes away. You were simply too real, too alive, too beautiful and unwavering

Yet shy and clean and simple all the same

It was a perfect paradox

An acute conundrum 

And he was loving every second of it

He knew, in that moment, that he had to 

As cringey as it sounds

That he had to make you his

And now you were...almost

It was just a bit further before he reached the light at the end of the tunnel

He’d never be lonely or lost for inspiration again

Because he’d have you

And that was all he needed...

 𝑇𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒𝑑...𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 ♥

[calpalirwin]

Leave Her Wild

Summary: Ashton fights against every protective instinct he has to leave his little girl wild.

A/N: Tyler Rich’s Leave Her Wild is a song that I will never not use as an open letter to anybody who ever loves a girl.

Content: Cursing. Dad!Ash.

Word count: Bite me! (Little over 3k)

And away, and away we go!

~~~

“You’re late,” Ashton’s voice sounded from the couch. It was the third time this week, and while he struggled to be understanding, the breaking curfew was getting out of hand. 

A small shriek escaped the girl’s lips, hand flying to her chest. “Jesus, Daddy! You scared me,” she giggled breathlessly.

Ashton rolled his eyes. If only she knew how much she scared him. “Where were you, Nora?”

“I was out, relax,” the teenager returned with her own eye roll.

“Bring him home,” was the clipped tone.

“What?”

“The boy, Nora. If he’s gonna keep you out passed your curfew, I want to meet him.”

“Daddy! Can’t you just ground me instead?”

“Ground you, so you can just sneak out instead? Nope. Bring the boy home, Nora.”

“Da-” the protested started again.

“Not another word about it.”

“What if it isn’t a boy?” she challenged anyway, pushing her luck in a way only she could.

“Your mother and I love you regardless.”

The girl threw her hands up in the air, sighing in frustration. “Ugh! You’re impossible!”

He just smirked and placed a kiss on his daughter’s forehead. “I know, sweetheart. It truly is terrible how much we love you, and want you to be happy. But, look, I’ll be nice, alright? Bring this person home, and it’ll just be me and your mother. Or, don’t, and I’ll call your uncles, and we’ll set up camp on the front porch.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“Try me.”

Her hazel eyes- an exact copy of his- narrowed. “Fine. I’ll bring Pete home.”

“Good. You got a week.”

“Dad!”

“Good night, Nora.”

“Dad!”

~~~

“Are you tormenting that poor girl again?” you asked, still awake in bed. Ashton had told you to go on ahead to bed without him while he waited for your daughter to get home. But you hadn’t been able to sleep knowing your daughter wasn’t home yet, and your husband wasn’t by your side.

“I just want to meet the boy.”

“Dad’s a menace, Mom!” Nora hollered from the hallway.

“You’re the menace, wild child!” you hollered back with a laugh.

“I get it from you!”

“She does,” Ashton agreed with a smirk.

“Seriously, Mom,” Nora said, her head peeking in the doorway. “Tell him not to do this to me.”

“Come, sit,” you sat, patting the bed next to you.

Nora huffed but landed with a flop beside you. “He’s gonna be all Dad about it, Mom,” she said, her eyes pleading with you to put a stop to it.

“We only care about you, you know this. Tell me about this person that keeps making you miss curfew.”

She rolled over on her back. “His name’s Pete. And he’s really cool.”

“Mhm,” you said, running your fingers through her hair. “And how old is really cool Pete?”

“He’s 18,” she said, biting her lip.

“Nora…” Ashton’s voice growled.

“What?!” she said, shooting up, and you could’ve killed Ashton for ruining the moment that was your daughter telling you about her love life. “You’re older than Mom!”

“By 2 months, not 2 years!”

“Mom!”

“Settle down, both of you,” you said, shooting daggers at Ashton. “So, really cool Pete is 18? Alright. What else?”

“Well, he’s a senior at my school. And he’s on the soccer team.”

“Oh? Uncle Cal will approve of that one,” you noted.

“Right?” she said, wiggling her eyebrows in delight as she laid back down next to you. “But, I didn’t think he liked me. I didn’t even think he noticed me. I mean, I’m a sophomore and he’s a senior.”

“And he makes you miss curfew.”

“Mom…”

“Does he make you happy?”

“So happy.”

“Bring him home.”

“Mom! You’re seriously taking Dad’s side?!”

“I’m not taking anyone’s side. I just want to meet the boy that’s making you dance around your bedroom.”

“Mom!” Nora said, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

“Bring him home. End of discussion.”

“Ugh,” she scoffed getting up and storming out of the room. “You guys are the worst! Can’t you just ground me like normal parents?”

“Hear that, Ash? We’re the worst because we won’t ground her!” you cackled. 

He fake gasped at you, “The horror! How dare we support our daughter, who we LOVE VERY MUCH!” he shouted down the hallway

“You’re suffocating me!” was the teenage outcry followed by Nora’s bedroom door slamming shut. 

You rolled your eyes and looked over at your husband adoringly. “Remember when we were that young?” you asked. 

“Baby, I didn’t met you until our twenties.”

“You still drove my parents wild,” you grinned.

“Nah, you did that all on your own,” he grinned back, collapsing into bed next to you.

~~~

You had your hands up and you stretched upwards in the convertible, letting loose a wild scream as you and your girlfriends headed out for a getaway weekend. 

“Oh, my God, Y/N!” your friend Sierra laughed at you, tugging you back down. 

“Aw, c’mon,” you pouted, your eyes shining behind your sunglasses.

“Hey!” Crystal said, pointing at a car in the next lane. “Car of cute boys to the right! Slow down a bit.”

Sierra slowed just enough to keep pace with the car of, admittedly very cute, boys. 

You looked over, winked at the driver, then reached over to honk the horn at them. 

The driver honked back and rolled down the window. “Hey!” his voice shouted out over the wind.

“Hey!” you yelled back, laughing wildly. “Race ya to the next exit! Step on it, Si!”

Sierra stepped on the gas while you heard the boys in the other car yelled at the driver to do the same. “I can’t believe you!” Crystal and Sierra laughed. 

You were all still laughing by the time Sierra pulled the car into a gas station just off the highway, all of you leaning against the car, grateful for the chance to stretch your legs. A car came squealing to a stop next to you. 

“You’re wild,” the driver, a man with the most beautiful eyes you ever seen and brown curls grinned at you as he got out of the car with his friends.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” you smirked at him. 

He giggled, a boyish sound that didn’t match his look, but somehow fit him perfectly. “I’m Ashton. These are my boys, Calum, Luke, and Mike.”

“I’m Y/N. This is Crystal and Sierra,” you introduced, taking in Ashton’s tattoos as he took in yours with the same hungry look you knew was on your own face.

“So, where are you girls headed?” Ashton asked, leaning against the car as he tried to look cool. 

“Wherever you are, hottie,” you winked.

~~~

“Mom, Dad, this is Ash. Ash, these are my parents,” you introduced 6 months later. 

“Pleasure to meet you both,” Ashton said politely.

“So, you’re the one who’s been keeping our daughter out until God knows when?” your dad said, eyeing the younger man clad in a leather jacket. 

“Dad,” you hissed. “It’s not his fault. And I’m an adult.”

“Oh, we know,” your mother scoffed at you. “She’s wild this one,” she continued, her attention turning to Ashton.

“Leave her that way,” your dad added.

“Yes, sir,” Ashton said, grinning over at you.

~~~

“Ash...” you cried, tears streaming down your face.

“What is it, baby?” he asked, his face worrisome, panic in his beautiful eyes.

“Baby!” you wailed, handing him the wadded up tissue that held a positive pregnancy test.

“Oh, shit…” Ashton breathed.

“What are we gonna do?” you asked, your voice a terrified whisper.

“We’re gonna have the most wild adventure we ever had,” he said, smiling and taking you in his arms.

“You really think we can be parents?” you sniffed.

“The fuckin best,” he continued to smile, a thumb brushing away your tears. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you, too.”

~~~

“Nora, be careful!” Ashton’s voice warned as the five year old girl swung herself higher and higher.

You reached out to smack his arm lightly. “She’ll be fine.”

“She’s gonna fall.”

“So what if she does?”

“She’ll get hurt!” Ashton said, his hazel eyes full of panic.

“Ash,” you soothed, rubbing your hands up and down his arms. “Maybe so. Or maybe she doesn’t. But, we won’t know if we tell her to stop.”

“So, I’m just supposed to let my little girl run wild even though she could get hurt?”

You nodded. “Leave her wild, Ash. She’ll be just fine.”

His head dropped, “I don’t like this. I want to protect her.”

“I know. But, let’s protect her by teaching her how to protect herself, yeah?”

“Okay…”

“Daddy, watch!” came the wild call and you both turned and watched the little girl launch herself from the swing, her small body flying through the air before she landed on her feet. The victory was short-lived as her momentum pushed her forward, sending her crashing to her knees. “Daddy!” Nora wailed as she sat back, her scraped knees already starting to bleed.

“I told you she was gonna get hurt!” Ashton snapped at you, before rushing towards his daughter.

You rolled your eyes as you walked at a slow pace towards the pair, Nora already cradled in his lap. “What happened, sweetheart?” you asked, crouching down to examine her knees.

“I fell,” she sniffed at you.

“Why did you fall?”

“Cuz I jumped from the swing. Did you see, Momma?”

“I did. Looked like you had fun.”

She smiled in spite of her tear-stained cheeks. “It was fun. I was up so high!”

“You were!” you agreed, ruffling her hair.

“But, then I got hurt,” Nora frowned.

“So what? You’re just never gonna swing again?”

“No… I like swinging. I like jumping from the swing. Feels like flying.”

“It does,” you agreed. “So what do you want to do?”

“I wanna swing! And jump! And not fall.”

“Sounds like you need to practice then,” you said.

“And a band-aid.”

“C’mon then,” you said, standing up and offering her your hand. “Let’s go see what kind we have.”

“Can Daddy carry me?” she asked.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Ashton said, standing up and placing the girl on his hip.

“Daddy?” she asked, pacing her small hands on his cheeks.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Were you scared?”

“Very,” he admitted.

Nora giggled. “You’re so silly! I’m fine! See!” She threw her hands up and laughed in his arms.

“Told ya,” you smirked over your shoulder at Ashton.

“How I ended up with the world’s two most wild girls, I will never know,” Ashton giggled with a shake of his head.

“You love us,” you winked.

“That I do. So much.” Then, he was nuzzling Nora’s face with his nose, making her erupt in giggles.

~~~

“Momma?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“When do I get my pictures?”

“Your pictures?” you asked, confused.

“Yeah. Like you and Daddy,” she said, pointing at your arms.

“Oh!” you said, realizing. “You want tattoos?”

“Yeah!”

“C’mon, I think we got a few lying around,” you told her.

“Tada!” you said, presenting her with an assortment of stick on tattoos your found in a drawer. “Which ones do you want?”

“All of them!” she cheered from where she was sitting on the kitchen counter.

“Alright,” you grinned, wetting a washcloth. “Where do you want them?”

“Here!” she said, holding out her arms.

You laughed and started placing the cartoon tattoos on your daughter’s skin. “Marvelous!” you admired when you were done, setting her on her feet.

“Badass!” she corrected.

“Very,” you agreed, not bothering to lecture the eight year old because as far as cursing went, “badass” was tame given who her parents were.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she heard the door open, running to him.

“Hey, sweetheart!” he said, crouching to accept her hug and pick her up.

“Look!” she said, showing him her arms. “I’m like you and Momma, now!”

“Oh, hey! Check that out!” he marveled at her. “Very cute, sweetheart.”

“Not cute! It’s badass!”

He quirked an eyebrow at you and you shrugged. Ashton chuckled. “You’re right. It’s super badass.”

“Super duper badass! Can we show Uncles?!”

“I think that would make Uncle Mikey’s day,” he told her.

“Did it make your day?” she asked him.

“You and Momma always make my day,” he smiled at her before kissing you.

“Ew!” Nora giggled.

~~~

“Mom, Dad, this is Pete. Pete, these are my parents,” Nora introduced.

You and Ashton took in the young man, who offered you his hand. “Pleasure to meet you both,” he said with a polite smile.

“So you’re the one who-” Ashton started.

“Stop,” you warned, placing a hand on your husband’s arm. “It’s nice meeting you too, Pete,” you smiled at the boy. “Nora tells us you’re a senior?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“You’re aware that Nora’s only a sophomore?” Ashton asked, his voice holding a small threatening edge.

“Yeah, I know,” the boy laughed. Nora kicked Pete’s leg. “Sir,” Pete finished with a cough.

“So, why Nora then? I mean, certainly there are plenty of girls in your own class to chase after?”

“Ash!” you scolded at the same time Nora let out a horrified, “Daddy!”

Pete, to his credit, just laughed. “I’ve never met anyone quite like your daughter, sir. She’s…”

“Wild?” you suggested.

“Yes!” the boy said, eyes lighting up. “In the most incredible way.”

“Leave her that way,” Ashton said.

“Yes, sir.”

~~~

“Motherfucker!” Nora screamed, racing up the stairs and slamming her door shut.

You and Ashton shared a glance at each other, eyebrows shooting up. “I’ll go,” you decided, getting up.

“No, I got it,” he said, following you.

You turned on your heel, looking up at the hazel eyes that burned dangerously. “No, you’re not,” you said, placing a hand on his chest. “She doesn’t need you storming in there all mad.”

“I swear if he hurt her,” he growled.

“Hey,” you said, your voice stern, pulling him from wherever his mind was taking him, which you imagined was not pretty. “You can’t protect her from this.”

“She’s my-”

“I know.”

“How is this so easy for you?” he whispered, nuzzling his face against your hands.

“It isn’t,” you assured him. “But, she’s going to be fine, Ash. We gotta trust that we raised her to handle herself.”

“Your blind faith scares me. You scare me.”

“I know, Ash. And I know how badly you want to go up there and comfort her, or storm out of here and strangle Pete. But, I need you to stay here. Can you do that for me? Calm yourself down?”

He nodded.

You kissed him. “I’ll be with Nora. Don’t you dare go after Pete.”

~~~

“Nora?” you called out softly, knocking on her door.

You were greeted by a wild scream of pure outrage.

“I’m coming in,” you said, pushing your way in the room to find Nora staring at her mirror, screaming. “What happened?” you asked, moving to sit on the bed, patting the space beside her.

“Leave me alone! That stupid motherfucker! That asshole! I’ll kill him!”

“What happened?” you repeated.

“He was using me! For sex! Can you believe that shit?! Him and his stupid buddies have a bet going to see how many girls from each grade they can fuck before they graduate!”

“Oh, Nora…”

“If that asshole thinks he can just apologize and I’ll go back to him, he’s got another thing coming,” she growled, her eyes dangerous and hard.

“Did you?” you asked.

“Did I what?! Have sex with him?! God, no!”

“Good.”

“Good?! GOOD?! That’s all you have to say?! Mom! He’s an asshole!”

“I agree. But, why are you so mad? You got out before he got what he wanted.”

“I thought he loved me!” she wailed, then burst into tears.

“Oh, Nora…” You patted the empty space next to you and this time she sat next to you, leaning her head on your shoulder as she shook with sobs.

“He’s such a jerk! How could he leave me so easy? Did he ever really care about me? Was anything real?!” she continued to sob.

“He left you?”

She nodded. “I walked home. He kicked me out of his car when I said I wouldn’t have sex with him. Seriously, who has sex after knowing someone a month?”

You shrugged your shoulders. At sixteen, you were glad she had that mentality, because in five years you knew she wouldn’t. “Sweetheart, you should’ve called. We would’ve come and gotten you.”

“Oh, so Dad could rip his head off, and then give me a lecture?” she scoffed. “Yeah, I’ll pass.”

You chuckled. “Alright, yeah, your dad’s a little hot-headed. But, we still would’ve gotten you.”

“A little? Try a lot, Mom.”

You chuckled again. Your husband was a tad infamous for his temper. A temper you often kept in check for him. “Well, you’re here now. And you’re safe. And I don’t have a lecture for you.”

“Good. I already feel bad enough.”

“What do you wanna do? You wanna go for a drive?”

“Can I drive?” she asked, perking up.

“Not in this state, sweetheart. Maybe on the way back.”

“Does Dad have to come?”

“Only if you want him to.”

She shook her head. “Nah, I’m not ready for that, yet.”

“Okay, sweetheart. Let’s go take that drive.”

~~~

“So, you really spent a weekend with Dad without knowing him?” Nora laughed as you both sat on the hood of the car, looking out over the city.

“I knew his name,” you protested. “But yes. I did.”

“Man, I bet Nana and Papa flipped their lid.”

You shook your head. “Nah. I was twenty-one when I met Dad, remember?”

“Am I ever gonna find somebody who loves me the way Dad loves you?” she sighed.

You wrapped an arm around her, “Of course you are! Who wouldn’t love you?”

“Mom…” she chuckled, embarrassed. Then, her hazel eyes were on you, sad and hopeful. “How can anyone love someone like me? I’m not exactly loveable.”

You kissed her forehead. “I used to think the same way. So, I’m going to tell you the same thing my mother did.”

“What was that?”

“That you will. Because everyone is deserving of being loved.”

“Even the wild girls?”

“Especially the wild girls.”

She sighed, seeming content. But then, “How will I know?”

“You’ll know in the way he kisses you slow. In the way his eyes go wide with fear before he chases after you when you run. In the way the only thing he makes you do is smile. The way he just lets you be.”

“Dad does that,” she realized.

“Yes, he does.”

“Can we go home now?”

“We can do whatever you want, wild child.”

~~~

“There you a-” Ashton started, but got caught off when Nora crashed into his arms. He let out a sharp intake of breath in surprise, instinctively wrapping his arms around. “Sweetheart, are you okay?” he asked, placing a soft kiss in her hair.

She looked up at him, a smile on her face, “I love you, Daddy.”

He tightened his hold on his daughter, savoring the moment. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

[starwitch3000]

What’s Your Story - 2

Pairing: Peter Quill x Reader

Summary: During lunch with their best friend the reader decides to do things a little differently.

Warning: Drinking and language. also this chapter is more of a look into the readers life and her friendship with Natasha. But Peter is in there and he’s a little sad. also Mantis!! 

masterlist  ~  ff.net

chapter one

You sighed sitting in one of your favorite coffee shops waiting for Natasha to show up. You were both on your lunch breaks and decided to meet up for a chance to hang out.

It's been a week since you dumped your problems on the bartender at The Milano and while that night you were filled with hope and motivation not much has really changed. You were shocked you haven't walked out on your crappy job because ever since not getting promoted everyone around the office has been acting like you’re incompetent. They'll praise the new guy over the tiniest things which is annoying as all hell.

You did however have a small stroke of luck. While sifting through your morning emails and nursing your third cup of coffee you had an idea. A story idea. And one that stuck with you too. You abandoned your emails immediately and opened a text document and threw everything in your head into the document like vicious word vomit. And all week you've been spending your free time piecing together an outline. Your dining room table was a disaster covered with notebooks and random slips of paper but you felt confident that this mess was going somewhere. Just not somewhere fast enough.

So now you're just trying to find some sort of escape route at work. You wanted out asap but you also needed rent and food, so you decided against just up and quitting. You were also thinking about reaching out and finding a new editing job somewhere else, but your search has come up empty so far.

You were also feeling incredibly lonely and bitterly heartbroken. The apartment you lived in just didn't feel the same after your ex moved out and you felt that same ache that you normally did after a break up. Which is usually when you end up jumping into a new relationship without thinking. It was hard for you to admit to yourself but ever since high school you never really stayed single for long. Always jumping from one commitment to the next like some sort of addict. So now you've been single for nearly three weeks and that similar itch has overtaken you.

"Sorry I'm late," Natasha was suddenly next to you breaking you out of your thoughts suddenly like a bucket of ice water was just dumped on you, "you would not believe the line I just had to deal with. People are fucking idiots."

She ranted without even acknowledging that she scared the shit out of you.

"I hope you don't mind burritos with your coffee," she continued, "but I've wanted a burrito all damn morning thanks to Clint so here we are."

She tossed two brown paper bags onto the table in front of you and she settled into her seat. You slid her the coffee you bought for her and she gratefully took a drink. You each grabbed a bag and dove into your meals setting into a comfortable silence as you ate.

"So how's work today?" Natasha asked breaking the silence after a while.

"Oh it's great," you replied sarcastically, "the new guy figured out the copy machine all by himself today. Pretty sure the gold statue of him will be finished by the end of the day."

She winced, "well at least the good news is it’s Friday. So you'll have two whole days to yourself where you don’t have to look at him."

"Yeah that's true," you sighed, "you want to get really wasted tonight?"

"I can't tonight," she replied awkwardly biting her lip.

"Something going on at work?" You raised an eyebrow watching mild panic cross your friends face.

"No, no it's not work," her hand grabbed her coffee to fiddle with, "Bucky just wants to go out tonight just the two of us."

“Okay you’re aware I know who Bucky is right?” You questioned raising an eyebrow at her, “He’s been your boyfriend for a while now. I’ve met him. We’re all friends. Why are you acting weird about this?”

She sighed, “It’s just… been a little weird talking boyfriends right now I didn’t want to bring it up.”

“So you were just going to pretend Bucky didn’t exist for my sake?” you watched her bite her lip looking a little ashamed.

“Maybe?”

You sniffled feeling touched, “you know I love you right.”

“Man shut the hell up,” she rolled her eyes, “look, I’m just saying, I’ve seen you after bad breakups and I didn’t want to make things awkward.”

“No offense but pretending a whole ass person doesn’t exist kind of make this awkward,” you said, “and, for the record, I’m fine. Sure getting dumped out of the blue really sucks, especially when you think things are really good, but he made his choice and there is no going back. So I’m gonna focus on me for a little bit. I need to sort some things out for myself before I decided to start dating again.”

“You’re acting strangely out of character you know,” she said with a faint smile on her lips, “but I kind of like it.”

“Please don’t hide Bucky from me okay?” you kindly asked, “He’s not the boogeyman okay I’m not afraid of him anymore.”

Natasha snorted into her coffee before taking a drink.

“At least promise me when you do start dating again it’s not going to be some deadbeat again,” She said setting down her coffee cup giving you a stern look.

“If I knew ahead of time that the guy was going to be a deadbeat why would I date him?” you questioned.

She shrugged, “Because he’s cute and you can never stay single long.”

"That’s not going to happen this time because my life is a mess right now why burden someone else with that bullshit," you sighed, “No matter how cute he is.

“Oh come on, it’s not that bad,” She said.

“No but for the first time in my life I think I just want to deal with my shit by myself you know,” you shrugged.

“Well no matter what you know you’re not in this alone,” She replied.

“You’re a total sap,” you shook your head teasing your friend, “look what love has done to you. I can’t wait to tell Bucky about this.”

“Watch it,” She warned.

Later that night you were at your apartment staring at the mess that was your dining table. It was a scattered mess as you were working on some outlines but you had hit a wall for the evening. You felt it. No matter how hard you tried to get anywhere you kept spacing out. Sighing you walked away from the table. There is no point forcing it so might as well clear your head.

Flopping onto your couch you didn’t even bother with the TV so you sat there in silence staring up at your ceiling. You stared for what felt like an eternity but in reality, as you checked your phone for the time and it read 7:30, it was only a couple of minute.

You couldn’t just sit in your house doing nothing all evening, as much as you wanted to work you knew it wouldn’t happen. So you got up grabbing your jacket and purse, stopping to fix your hair, and left your apartment and just walked. You walked wherever your feet wanted to go and as you walked down the sidewalk you thought through your options, you could get some food, maybe do some grocery shopping, call a friend to hang out. But you didn’t do any of those things because before you knew it you were standing outside a now familiar bar.

The Milano.

Might as well, you thought staring up at the bar sign and walked on in.

The place was a little more filled than it was last week and you saw a couple of familiar faces from the last time. One of those being Kraglin who was standing at a table near the bar with a beer in hand talking to a couple of people you didn’t know. He saw you walk in and gave you a kind nod causing the people with him to look your way. One older and taller with a red mo-hawk, a graying beard, scars and a mean look on his face. The other was a shorter, bald, muscular man who had both of his arms covered in red tattoos.

Putting on a friendly face you nodded in return to Kraglin as you made your way to the empty end of the bar. You noticed Peter was there behind the bar, but he was having a heated conversation with a small girl sitting on a stool in front of him. You were going to mind your own business and wait to get a drink but you overheard Peter say, “I don’t care how many times we have this conversation I will never understand why Jigglypuff is in smash.”

Given both of their serious expressions you were a little shocked that they were talking about a video game.

“Says the guy who only ever plays as star fox,” the girl in front of him sneered, “We get it Peter you want to be a spaceman, stop shitting on my favorite characters.”

“I’m not shitting on them, I’m just saying, you already have kirby bringing in another round pink character is just there to confuse people,” Peter defended throwing his arms up in defense.

You leaned against counter and watched the two taking in this girls appearance while the two continued their argument. She was sitting cross legged on the stool and wore a large dark green sweater and some leggings. Her black hair was straight and fell just past her shoulders.

“You know what sis I give up,” Peter threw his hands up again this time taking a dramatic step back, “If you want to attack pacman this way, that’s your choice. You’re wrong but it’s your choice to be wrong.”

Shaking her head she smacked her hands against the counter, “It’s like you’re not even listening to me!”

You grinned adamantly watching the two.

“Well I’m not anymore so have fun beating classic mode without me.” Despite arguing with this girl he still refilled her drink. Dropping the drink on the counter you finally caught Peters attention.

Leaning against the bar grinning over the argument that just took place, “Don’t look at me I’m a pikachu girl all the way.”

“Somebody gets it,” The girl rejoiced and threw her hands up in praise.

“Didn’t expect to see you again,” Peter said ignoring the girl.

“Yeah well where else do I have to be on a Friday night?” You joked.

“Ouch,” Peter hissed, “that hurts you know. What can I get for you? Having another one of those pity parties tonight?”

“Rude but fair,” you shrugged and asked for a beer.

“Bottle or tap?” Peter asked then nodded to the girl he was arguing with, “This is Mantis by the way I’m not speaking to her anymore so if you could let her know that’d be great.”

“Bottle is fine,” you replied then smiled towards Mantis, “Nice to meet you I’m (Y/N).”

Peter grabbed you a beer and opened it sliding it to you.

“Nice to meet you,” Mantis smiles, “I’m Peter’s sister and apologize in advance for any of his behavior.”

Confused because Peter and Mantis looked nothing alike you nodded and raised your eyebrow at Peter for confirmation on what you were just told.

“We grew up in the same foster family together,” He shrugged, “technically family.”

“Isn’t he just the sweetest?” Mantis gushed dropping her legs down from the stool she was perched on, “I feel the love Petey.”

He scowled at his sister as she walked away joining Kraglin and the other two men from before.

“I like her,” you grinned sitting in the stool you’ve been standing next to and earning a scowl of your own, “oh come on you can’t really be that upset over some video game.”

Peter sighed scratching at his scruff, “I’m not it’s just other stuff really.”

You took a swig of your beer watching Peter. He was just as handsome as you remembered. Tall and beautiful filling out that sweater nicely on the outside he looked perfectly fine, but perhaps focusing a little more on his eyes he seemed tired. Something was clearly bothering him.

Taking a deep breath you asked, “So what’s your story?”

He raised an eyebrow at you giving you a looked that just screamed, seriously?

“What? It’s only fair,” you shrugged fixing him with a mischievous look, “Tell me Peter, would you like to commit arson tonight?”

Shaking his head he let out a long sigh, “You know what I think I just might.”

“I’m all ears and no judgement,” you took another swig of your beer leaning your arms against the bar.

“Similar to you I was dumped recently,” Peter admitted, “though I wouldn’t really say we were dating in the first place it was more of a long term booty call, but we’ve lived together for a while now. We’ve been fighting a lot recently and this morning she officially moved out for good.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” you frowned and found yourself echoing him from last week, “Getting dumped fucking sucks.”

He nodded solemnly, “tell me about it.”

You were both silent for a moment. 

"Well you seem happier than last week," Peter says busying himself with cleaning a small area of his work space. He seemed a little fidgety from talking about his problems so he was looking to change the subject. 

"I am," you shrugged, "well trying to be. I started writing finally but I'm still at that shitty job constantly listening to my bosses praise this new guy. Who, by the way, is a fucking moron."

"Ugh, why would you stay?" Peter questioned with a look of disgust.

"I've got bills to pay man. I hate my job but I would really hate being homeless okay," you defended.

"Okay fair," Peter said, “but at least you're moving forward."

"At a snail's pace but I'm okay with that," you shrug, "too much shit has happened recently I want some peace and quiet."

At that moment a certain redhead stormed into the bar and made a beeline towards you. Seeing Natasha startled you mostly because she was supposed to be on a date with her boyfriend.

"What-"

"You have to stop him," she cuts you off immediately, "he won’t listen to me so it has to be you. Put a stop to this."

"What on earth are you talking about," feeling completely jarred by the situation.

"James," she verified, "you have to stop him."

Raising an eyebrow you asked, "are you asking me to murder him? Because sure okay just don’t arrest me for it."

"Thanks (Y/N)," Bucky, who had followed Natasha into the bar and was standing just beside her, said.

"No hard feelings it's kind of a best friend thing. She asks. I murder," you shrugged.

"Who are you going to murder?" Mantis, who made her way back to the bar for a refill, asks overhearing your conversation.

"This guy apparently," you gesture towards Bucky, "wanna help?"

Mantis grins but before she can answer Natasha cuts you both off.

"No I'm not asking you to murder him," she fixed him with a hard stare, "yet. I'm asking you to knock some sense into him because he wont listen to me."

"About what?"

"He wants to get a cat."

"Oh no," you huff in a unconvincing rage, "the bastard."

Natasha glares at you, "don't patronize me."

"I'm being completely serious. He should be hanged for his crimes."

"Okay I understand you don’t want a cat tasha, but look at this little guy," from under his jacket Bucky reveals that he's holding a small kitten that fits perfectly in his hand. The little thing is all black with hazel eyes that squeeze shut in content when Bucky pets under their chin.

"Oh my God you are so precious," you squeal reaching out to gently run your finger on the cats head.

Natasha huffs annoyed.

Peter clears his throat, "uh pretty sure the sign outside says no animals in the bar."

"But you're allowed in?" Mantis questions Peter, "that doesn't seem right."

"You can't seriously be mad about this little thing just look at the little face," you say to Natasha.

"We don't have the time for some animal. That thing is just going to destroy the apartment," Natasha argues.

"Babe you might be exaggerating just a bit were only gone during the day, for the most part, I think we can handle one cat," Bucky reasons. You had to agree sure work for Natasha got in the way but there’s always Bucky to be there to take care of the small thing.

“I know were like best friends and all Nat but I have to side with Bucky on this one,” you winced preparing for the incoming rage.

“Then you take the damn thing,” she spat getting mad that no one would listen to her.

“I can’t my building has strict rules because my landlord is deathly allergic to cats,” because this isn’t the first time you wanted a cat but being stuck on your lease with a decently priced apartment in New York you were always unable to have one.

“So move!”

“I can’t afford that! Look, just give the little guy a test run and if it doesn’t work out I’ll help you guys find him a new home okay?” you reasoned.

“Fine,” she huffs and looks at Bucky, “Don’t expect this to work out.”

“I love you too Nat.”

~

Chapter 3

alright here’s chapter 2! let me know what you think so far. I’m really trying to finish writing this one before I post more but I just can’t help myself. I’m also posting this on fanfiction.net if you prefer reading over there link is at the top.  enjoy! ~Star

[fanfics4all]

I’ll Protect You: Part 2

Request: Yes / No

Request are closed <3 Have a nice day/night

Jughead Jones x Andrews!Reader

Word count: 2393

Warnings: A few curses

Y/N: Your Name

Y/N/N: Your Nickname

PLEASE DO NOT STEAL MY WORK, I WORK HARD ON MY FICS AND IT’S NOT COOL TO STEAL SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK!

If you want to be on the tag list for anything (My series fics, specific character fics, or just all of them) All you have to do is send me an ask and I will add you!

1

Masterlist

(Not my photo, credit to whoever made it!)

I walked downstairs because I couldn’t sleep, every time I close my eyes all I can see are those green eyes. I was going to make myself a cup of tea but I found a sleeping Archie sitting on a box with a baseball bat.

“Arch?” I gently shake him and he instantly holds the bat up.

“Hey, It’s just me!” I said putting my hands up.  

“Y/N? Sorry.” He said and put the bat down.

“What are you doing up Arch?” I asked walking into the kitchen.

“I could ask you the same thing.” He said following me.

“I couldn’t sleep, I was going to make a cup of tea. All I can see are those eyes…” I sigh. Archie hugged me.

“I’m going to protect you and dad.” He said.

“Is that why you’re up?” I asked and he nodded. Before I could tell him how he needs sleep we heard footsteps coming towards our back door. Archie grabbed the bat and pushed me behind him, he slowly made his way to the door when Jughead opened it walking in.

“Whoa, whoa!” Jug said putting his hands up.

“Jughead, are you insane?” Archie asked putting the bat down again.

“Hey, you’re the one that looks like a Dream Warrior from Nightmare on Elm Street 3.” Jug said sitting down, I sat next to him.

“What’d the lawyer say?” I asked and he sighed.

“I’ve been walking around all night trying to wrap my head around how bad it is. It’s bad. My dad is facing 20 years…” He said and I warped my arm around him just to give him some form of comfort.

“Crap, Jughead, I’m sorry. That sucks.” Archie said.

“The lawyer thinks he should take the deal and that if he doesn’t, and the case goes to trial, he could be facing 40 years.” Jughead’s voice trembled a bit.

“I’m just really, really scared.” I could tell Jug was holding back tears. He stayed the night, in Archie’s room of course. The next morning I got dressed in a gray sweatshirt, jeans, high tops, and a necklace. I wasn’t really in the mood to put effort into today so I didn’t put makeup on. 

The three of us walked to school and went to class. We were all sitting in class waiting for the teacher when Principal Weatherbee walked in.

“May I have everyone’s attention? I have some tragic news to share.” He said. A few students looked at each other and there were a few whispers.

“Ms. Grundy, who was a teacher here last semester, was found murdered in her Greendale home last night.” He said. I looked at Archie and I knew this was going to be hard for him.

“I know some of you were students of hers, and that this news will be difficult to process.” Archie got up and rushed out the room. I got up and followed him I knew he was going home. I sat in the living room with my dad and Archie pacing around.

“First, you get shot. Then, Ms. Grundy is murdered. All within a matter of days. Dad what if some crazy person is going after the people I care about?” Archie stopped pacing and stared at us.

“What? You think I’m nuts?” He asked.

“No son, I think you’re scared. Understandably so. Truth is, we don’t know anything about what happened to Ms. Grundy.” Dad said.

“She’s dead, She was killed! Right across Sweetwater River!” Archie shouted.

“I know. It was a horrible thing.” Dad said with a sigh.

“Dad’s right Arch, we don’t know what happened to her, It could be totally unrelated.” I said. I knew the odds of this being unrelated were slim and that Archie was probably right. Archie sighed and walked off. I spent the rest of the night doing my homework and try ignoring what was happening.

Jug called me that night telling me about his plan to get Cheryl and her mother to testify for leniency. He asked me to come with him and I obviously agreed.

“It’s not exactly downsizing, is it?” He said as we walked up to the house.

“Hobo. Y/N. Welcome to Thistlehouse.” Cheryl said as we entered the house.

“Mother’s in the conservatory. Follow me.” She said. We all sat down at a large table and to say it was a bit uncomfortable was an understatement.

“Thank you for sitting down with us.” I said.

“Of course, Y/N.” Cheryl smiled.

“Okay, so the reason we’re here…” Jughead started.

“FP’s lawyer thinks that if the of the victim shows mercy-”

“Mercy. That’s why you’re here.” Mrs. Blossom cut me off.

“Well, it’s an appeal for leniency, from you.” Jughead said looking at both Mrs. Blossom and Cheryl.

“To reduce my dad’s sentence.” Jug finished.

“Where was your father’s mercy when I spent those countless nights walking the halls of Thornhill in agony, obsessing over what happened to Jay-Jay? Imagining the worst. Where was your father’s mercy when I slept under the same roof as a cold-blooded killer, night after night.” Cheryl said cutting Jug off.

“Cheryl, FP didn’t kill Jason. Okay? That was your dad. You saw the video.” I pointed out.

“If it were up to me, I’d watch FP fry in the electric chair.” Mrs. Blossom said.

“We need this sordid chapter closed forever, and FP is the last loose end to tie up.” Cheryl raised her voice.

“I will not have a living, breathing reminder of the darkest chapter of my life walking the streets of Riverdale.” She finished. There was no use in convincing them so we left.

“What do we do now that Cheryl’s gone all Poison Ivy?” I asked as we walked away from the house.

“Blackmail. Extortion. If they weren’t literally an orphan and a widow, I would do it.” Jughead sighed. I have to help him out, I have to help FP out. I know FP and I know he’s not a bad guy, he doesn’t deserve this.

The two of us went home and I went to bed. The next morning I got up and got dressed. I decided to put in a little more effort today. I put on a band tank top, black jeans, a plaid jacket, black beanie, and a cute pair of shoes. Archie and I walked to school and everything was normal.

The school day had ended, and cheer practice had ended as well; I knew Cheryl always stayed late so I went to the locker room. I shut the door causing Cheryl to turn around startled.

“Give a girl a warning will you?” She said tossing a mirror in her locker.

“You want closure, Cheryl?” I asked walking closer to her.

“I want to help my boyfriend’s dad.” I said.

“I already told you-”

“And I’m telling you to help FP or-”

“Or what?” She cut me off.

“Or I wide-release the video of your father shooting Jason.” I smirked.

“Try having closure with that out in the world.” I said. Wow I’m horrible right now… It’s for Jughead. It’s for Jughead.

“I thought you gave the damned thumb drive to Sheriff Keller?” She said nervously.

“No, not before I saved a copy onto Jughead’s laptop.” I moved in a bit closer.

“One click, and the darkest chapter of your family’s twisted psychodrama becomes a viral sensation.” I said.

“Are you threatening me?” Cheryl asked shocked.

“This? No this is just fun girl talk.” I smiled.

“You could save a man’s life. Think about it, a nice end to a sad story.” I said and Cheryl contemplated for a second.

“If I testify, you’re giving me that video. And a guarantee that any and all copies in your possession will be erased.” She said.

“You have my word.” I said and turned to walk away but turned back.

“Oh, and you let Betty have the Vixens for Retro Night.” I added.

“You’re a stone cold bitch Y/N Andrews.” Cheryl smirked and I left.

It was the day of the trial and I was sitting next to Jughead watching as Cheryl talked.

 “Ms. Blossom, you may proceed with your statement.” The judge said.

“Your Honor, I speak for myself and my mother when I say we forgive FP Jones for the part he played in covering my brother’s murder, we humbly ask the court for leniency. FP’s guilt has been blown out of proportion to satiate what my father’s suicide denied us…closure.”Cheryl said.

“As much as I sympathize, I can’t ignore the quality of Mr. Jones’ crimes. There were no extenuating circumstances.” The judge said. Cheryl thought for a second and I raised an eyebrow at her.

“My father threatened him.” She said quickly.

“I overheard them talking in daddy’s study. Daddy said he would hurt Jughead if FP didn’t comply.” Everyone stared at her shocked.

“Is that extenuating enough?” She asked.

“In light of these revelations, I suggest that we take a step back and reevaluate certain aspects of the case. At which time, we will revisit the sentencing. Adjourned.” Everyone gathered their things and FP turned around making Jug stand up.

“Is that a win?” FP asked.

“It’s a delay. So yeah.” Jughead said. I smiled as the two of them hugged.

Jughead was at Pop’s trying to save the dinner, I want to be there to help but I don’t know if I can go back there. I was sitting in my room working on homework when Archie came in.

“Hey, sis.” He said.

“Hey Arch, what’s up?” I asked.

“Do you…do you maybe want to go to Pop’s with me? I feel bad not being there to help out.” I was shocked.

“Arch, I don’t know. I mean I really want to go but I don’t know if I can.” I said with a sigh.

“Neither do I but maybe if we go together it won’t be as bad?” He said. I thought about it, I mean we shouldn’t let one terrible thing ruin our favorite spot right?

“Okay.” I said. I grabbed my jacket and walked to Archie.

“Let’s go.” He smiled.

We walked to Pop’s and when we got there the Pussycats were on the roof singing ‘Milkshake’. I smiled a bit, it was a cringy song but it fits so perfectly with the cause. We walked in and Veronica greeted us.

“Hey Daddy-O” She smiled at Archie.

“Y/N, Jug is over there.” She said. I smiled and walked behind the counter to hug him.

“Hey, Juggie.” I said.

“Hey Y/N/N, I didn’t think you’d be coming tonight.” He said with a smile.

“I wasn’t, but Archie wanted to and thought it’d be easier if I went as well.” I answered.

“Well, I’m glad you showed up.” He smiled and kissed me.

“Ugh, you two are like chimps in captivity, grooming and picking lice off each other.” Cheryl said. We pulled away and looked at Cheryl who sat down in front of us.

“Hello, Cher.” I smiled, just because I blackmailed her doesn’t mean I’m not her friend. She would have done the same thing if she were in my position.

“Mark this day in your diary. I lied under oath for you. And thank God I’m quick on my feet.” She said.

“Cheryl, thank you.” Jug said handing her the drive.

“Honor your promise to me.” We nodded and she walked off.

Pop Tate gave a speech about how Betty saved the dinner and how the Lodge’s made a donation that would cover any storms that might come. We all sat in a booth enjoying milkshakes.

“Ronnie, should I introduce myself to your dad?” Archie asked.

“You’ve faced enough dragons for one night. Next time, Archiekins.” V said.

“So, I guess tonight is a win for the good guys.” Betty smiled.

“A rare win, but yes.” Jug said.

“Thanks to you Betty.” I added. Archie was looking out the window and he looked uncomfortable, I was too but I know how to hide my feelings pretty well.

“You okay?” V asked.

“I’m here with you guys. So, yeah.” He said. Something was up with him but I knew it had to do with what happened to us.

Jughead walked me home because Archie wanted to talk to Reggie for a bit. I was working on the rest of the homework I had left when I got a call.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Y/N.”

“FP? What’s wrong?” I asked shocked.

“Jug, he went to see Penny.” He said and my eyes widened.

“What?” I asked shocked.

“You didn’t know?”  He asked.

“No, he told me he was going to talk to another lawyer but he never gave names.” I said. “He didn’t pay her, I told him not to contact her again but we both know she’ll try to get him so I need to you do whatever favor she asks him got it?” He said and I sighed.

“FP, I told you I can’t join the Serpents. If my dad or Archie found out-”

“You don’t have to join just please do whatever favor she needs.” I sighed knowing I would regret this later.

“Fine…” I said.

“Thank you.” FP said and hung up. I grabbed my jacket once again and rushed out of the house. I walked into the tattoo shop and a few Serpents were there.

“Y/N, what are you doing here?” Ace asked.

“Where’s Penny.” I demanded.

“Where she always is.”He answered. I walked in her office.

“Y/N, what a surprise, what can I do for you?” Penny asked with a smirk.

“Stay away from Jughead.” I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Whatever favor you think he owes you, you can call me and I’ll be doing it.” I added. She smirked.

“FP call you huh? Even in jail, he’s still trying to keep his boy out of this mess.” She said.

“You will stay away from him and come to me for whatever you want got it?” I said through grit teeth.

“Thought you weren’t going to be apart of Serpent business?” She said with a smirk.

“I’m not, I’m just doing FP a favor.” I glared.

“Sounds like you’re a Serpent to me.” I growled and stormed out to go home. What did I just get myself into?

Tag list: @les-bio-lie @tashy-bear @xrosesareredx @herokyolachan @ashwarren32 @hollie-blogs @schisbro87 @lover-of-books-and-teas @nerdygaloresposts @alex--awesome--22 @teenwolfbitches2 @genius2050 @drw0301bieber @tigermillionaire-philanthropist @hiya-imthatgirl @answer-the-sirens @mindsetjupiter @averysinclaire @mittelerde1999 @sweetest-peas @rousewriter @jjkingston @k-is-cray @camiconfessions  @rainbow-noodles @lovelywordsblog

[zoeykaytesmom]

What Is Life?

Description: I am taking my OC from A03, and putting her and Rafael Barba in a different universe of how they meet. I’m new to posting on here so it might take me a little bit to figure this out lol. The title comes from a George Harrison song; it’ll make more sense the longer the story goes.

@xemopeachx @sweetsummertime99 @lyssa1385 @tropes-and-tales @esparza-army @jramirezblogs @thatesparzacrush

September 1989

“Ma why do we have to switch schools for our Freshman year?” Anthony Rossetti Jr, or Tony as he was called, practically whined while his mother, Stella fixed breakfast.

“Stop whining, Junior,” his twin sister, Elizabeth or Izzy, said as she came in the kitchen, holding her blue and white plaid tie. “Ma a little help?”

“You two are going to have to learn to tie these yourselves,” Stella laughed as she took the tie from her daughter.

Stella Rossetti had accepted a position as the guidance counselor at a Catholic school in the South Bronx, after spending many years teaching high school English at a public school in their Brooklyn neighborhood of Bensonhurst.

“And to answer your question, Junior, the schools in this neighborhood are getting worse. Plus, since I work there, your dad and I don’t have to pay tuition. Also, you two have basically went to school with the same people all your lives and it wouldn’t hurt you to make some new friends.”

“Isn’t that what college is for?” Tony asked with a mouth full of eggs.

“Could you be anymore disgusting?”

“Come on, sis, you like seafood.”

“Junior, stop being gross,” their father said as he came in for breakfast.

FDNY Lieutenant Anthony Rossetti Sr. had come in from his shift around 6 am. He wanted to see his kids off to their first day of their freshman year and to wish his wife of 17 years luck on her first day of her new position.

“Come on, kids. Hurry up and finish your breakfast. We don’t want to be late,” Stella told her twins.

“God, we’re gonna look like such nerd riding to school with our Mom,” Tony muttered. “Well, you more than me, sis.”

Izzy had braces and Tony had teased her non-stop since she got them in the summer.

“Leave your sister alone, Junior,” Anthony instructed his namesake as he loaded his plates with the scrambled eggs and bacon his wife had made.

*****

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” Izzy said after she bumped into a guy, whose locker was next to hers, causing her books to fall into the floor.

“It’s okay,” he told her with a kind tone. “Hey, weren’t you in my 4th period AP Biology class?”

“Uh…yeah,” she sort of stammered as she looked into the guys green eyes. “Izzy…”

“Rossetti. I remember. You’re the daughter of our new guidance counselor.”

“That’s me,” she sort of chuckled as she took a book from his hand.

“I’m Rafael. Rafael Barba.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Rafael.”

“You, too,” he smiled as he helped her to her feet.

“Hey, Ra-ffi.”

“Hey, Eddie, Alex. This is Izzy Rossetti.”

“Hi,” she said as she sort of waved at them.

“Rossetti? Uh-oh. You’re the counselor’s daughter,” Eddie teased.

“Yeah, that’s me,” she repeated.

“Well, welcome to Monsignor Scanlan High School,” Alex said with smarmy smile that Izzy uncomfortable.

“So, what’s your next class?” Rafael asked her.

“Uh, lunch, actually.”

“Us too. You want to join us?”

“Maybe another time, Rafael. I need to find my brother.”

“I’m gonna hold you to it,” he smiled.

“It was nice to meet you guys,” she told Alex and Eddie before heading to the cafeteria.

“That girl is hot,” Eddie told Rafael.

“I don’t know about the braces,” Alex mentioned.

“What do you mean?”

“Come on, Rafi. You don’t want that amount of metal near your dick if she’s giving you head.”

“Seriously, man?!”

“I’m just saying. I mean, yeah, she is hot but those braces are scary.”

“I think they’re cute,” Rafael added.

“Uh-oh. Our boy has a crush,” Eddie laughed.

“Come on. I’m hungry,” Rafael told them as they headed to the cafeteria.

********************

“Baby girl why are you eating lunch in my office?” Stella asked her daughter.

“I don’t fit in here, Ma.”

“It’s been a half a day. Have you met anyone?”

“Well…I met a guy,” Izzy said with a small smile.

“Really? Is he cute?”

“Unbelievably so, Mom. His name is Rafael Barba.”

“Barba…Barba? I wonder if he’s Lucia’s son?”

“Who?”

“You remember Lucia Barba. She taught with me at PS 128.”

“Sort of,” Izzy shrugged as she picked at the cheeseburger she had got from the cafeteria.

“What happened to my daughter that didn’t meet a stranger?”

“I don’t know.”

“She’s still there,” Stella chuckled as she took a bite of her own cheeseburger.

“Why are me and Tony on different schedules?”

“Because I thought it would be best. You two have been joined at the hip since before you were born. You need to make new friends, meet new people.”

“I guess.”

The first bell rang, signaling to the 11:30 lunchers that they had 10 minutes to get to their 6th period class.

“I gotta go, Ma. Thanks for letting me have lunch with you.”

“Of course, baby girl. I know this is different from public school but you’re gonna do great.”

“Thanks.”

Izzy headed to her AP American History class.

“Ah, yes, Miss Rossetti. There is an empty desk next to Mr. Barba. Rafael, raise your hand so Elizabeth can find her desk.”

“It’s Izzy,” she told her teacher as she made her way to the desk next to Rafael.

She opened her book to the page Mr. Cervantes had said and was doing her best to concentrate but her attention was mainly on Rafael. He had his hand up to answer any question that was asked.

“Miss Rossetti?”

“Huh?”

“What started World War I?”

“The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand from Austria,” she answered without missing a beat.

“Just making sure you were paying attention to something other than Mr. Barba.”

Some of the kids in the class giggled as she wanted to die in her seat.

***********

“Don’t let Cervantes get under your skin,” Rafael told her as they walked out of class.

“I was just amazed at your knowledge,” she lied.

“I like to read,” he shrugged as they walked down the hall. “Speaking of…did I see a copy of ‘Less Than Zero’ in your hand earlier?”

“You did. Bret Easton Ellis is one of my favorite authors.”

“I saw the movie…”

“Oh no. The movie and the book are so different. Julian, Robert Downey Jr’s character, doesn’t die in the book.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“Have you ever read anything by Kurt Vonnegut?”

“Can’t say that I have.”

“You should. ‘Slaughterhouse Five’ is really good. I think you’d like it.”

“Well, I might have to check it out.”

“So, my friend Alex thinks you’re hot.”

“Yeah?” She asked, even though she didn’t want Alex to be one of the three to think she was hot.

“Yeah. You think you might be interested…”

“Not really. I mean, no offense but I have basketball try-outs next week and honestly, he doesn’t seem like my type.”

“I understand,” Rafael chuckled. “So, you’re an athlete, huh?”

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was 10. You?”

“The only thing I play is Chess…and Nintendo.”

“I could give you a run for your money.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’ve beat Super Mario Brothers 1 & 2 several times.”

He laughed at her joke.

“I could probably kick your ass at Chess, too, though.”

“Challenge accepted, Rossetti,” he told her with a smirk.

*********

“Hey, you’re Izzy, right?” A girl with brown hair asked as she opened the other locker next to Izzy’s.

“Uh, yeah.”

“Erin Harris. We have History together.”

“Right, yeah. You sit in the back.”

“So Mr. Cervantes will leave me alone. How do you like it here so far?”

“It’s been a week,” Izzy shrugged. “It’s not so bad, I guess. I’ve just been used to public school all my life.”

“I know the feeling. My parents made me transfer here to the junior high last year because I kept ‘getting in trouble’,” Erin laughed.

“I see.”

“I’m not that bad. Honestly. Just hung around with the wrong crowd. Dying my hair pink was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

“Wow.”

“So, uh, you like Rafael?”

Izzy was a little taken aback by Erin’s blunt question. “Wha-what do you mean?”

“I sit behind you and see the way you stare at him during class.”

“I mean…he’s cute,” she shrugged.

“Well, he’s in love with Yelina Ortiz so, don’t get your hopes up.”

“Who’s she?”

“Come on. She has the same lunch we do. I’ll show her to you.”

After Izzy and Erin sat down with their diet cokes and nachos they had gotten from the a la carte table, Erin pointed out Yelina to Izzy. She was tall, long dark hair, and very beautiful dark skin. Izzy gave up any hope of dating Rafael in that instance. She saw the way he practically fawned over her; Alex did, too, though.

“Are they dating?”

“No. That’s the thing. He follows her everywhere but she only dates older guys.”

“How do you know this?”

“It was like that last year in eighth grade even. It’s kinda sad cause he’s a very nice guy. Really sweet.”

Just then, across the lunch room, Rafael looked up to see Izzy looking at him. He sort of smiled, causing her to blush and look back to Erin.

“He’s coming over here.”

“No, he’s not.”

“If you’re gonna make the basketball team, shouldn’t you be eating better?” Rafael teased as he took a seat at their table. “Hey, Erin.”

“What’s up?”

“It doesn’t hurt to cheat once in a while,” Izzy giggled. “Hey! Don’t you have your own lunch?”

“I already ate it,” he smiled as he popped the cheese drenched chip in his mouth.

Izzy couldn’t help but laugh at the cheese that had dripped onto his chin.

“What?”

“You got…you…here,” she told him as she wiped his chin.

“Oops,” he laughed. Erin nudged Izzy and discreetly motioned toward Yelina, who was burning a hole through Izzy at that very moment.

“I think you’re…uh…friend is getting a little jealous.”

“She’ll be fine,” Rafael told her as he continued to sit with Erin and Izzy for the remainder of lunch before their history class.

The three of them walked down the hall after lunch to their class. Erin took the desk directly behind Izzy instead of her normal seat in the very back.

“You’re in my seat, Erin,” Bradley Walker told her.

“Now it’s mine. There’s a few other empty ones.”

“Ugh, whatever.”

********************

“You’re not going to the winter formal?”

“No, Ma,” Izzy answered as they worked on dinner one night in November.

“Why not. We could get you a beautiful dress, get your hair done…”

“No one’s asked me,” she shrugged.

“I thought Alex Munoz asked you. That’s what your brother said.”

“I can’t stand Alex, Ma. And he didn’t ask me. He told me I was gonna go with him more or less. I don’t need someone making decisions for me.”

“He was probably just playing around.”

“Still…there is nothing attractive about him whatsoever.”

“Well, you and Erin could always go with each other. Surely guys would ask you to dance.”

“Maybe.”

“Do you know this girl your brother is taking?”

“Heather? A little, not well though. She seems nice enough.”

“How’s my two favorite girls?” Anthony asked as he kissed his wife on the cheek.

“Good. How’d you sleep?”

“Decent enough. Uh, Izz, there’s someone in the living room to see you.”

“Me? Who?”

“That boy that hangs out with your brother.”

“That could be anybody, Pop.”

“I can’t keep all his friend’s straight. Just go see. I can finish helping your mother.”

“Okay.”

She opened the kitchen door and found Rafael, still in his school uniform.

“Hey, Raf,” she smiled. “My dad did tell you Tony was…”

“Yeah, I know. I came to see you, actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You know the winter formal is in a few weeks?”

“I’m aware,” she laughed.

“Your brother said you didn’t have a date and I was wondering if you’d like to come with me?”

“Uh…uh…”

“It’s just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’,” he said with a smirk.

“I just thought maybe you’d go with Yelina.”

“Yelina?” He laughed. “Please. She wouldn’t go to the dance with a nerd like me.”

“You’re not a nerd,” she told him as she tilted her head. “And yes, I’d like to go with you.”

“Are you saying that out of pity or because you really want to go with me?”

“I’d really like to go with you.”

“Then it’s a date. I’ll see you school at tomorrow.”

“Rafael what brings you by?” Stella asked after she came out of the kitchen.

“I…uh…I just asked your daughter if she’d like to escort me to the winter formal.”

“Is that right? And what did you say, Elizabeth Machelle?”

“Well, of course, she said ‘yes’, Mrs. Rossetti.”

“Jeez, Rafael,” Izzy said as she rolled her eyes.

“Well, I am finishing up manicotti that my son asked for but he can’t keep himself at home so you’re more than welcome to stay for dinner.”

“I should probably get home.”

“Nonsense. I’ll call your mom.”

“Oh, okay. Sure, thanks.”

Stella called Lucia who said it was fine if Rafael stayed for dinner and Anthony said he would make sure he got home instead of taking the subway back to the Bronx.

********************

Izzy had found a simple, strapless black mid-length dress with sequins but not too flashy at all.

Rafael showed up in a black 3-piece suit with a red tie. Izzy was impressed to say the least. She had only seen him in his school uniform, other than the few times he had come over on the weekends in jeans and t-shirts.

“You look beautiful,” he smiled at his date when she came down stairs. Her blond hair was done in ringlets which had given her a headache as they were being done but a couple of Advil later, she was fine and ready to go.

“Thanks, Raf. You look…pretty good, too.”

“And we all know, I look great,” Tony laughed.

“Okay, Tony. Where’s your date?”

“We’re picking her up on the way, Dad. Thanks again for getting us the car.”

“Well, I thought it was better than you guys taking a cab or the subway.”

“Yeah, thanks, Mr. Rossetti.”

“Not a problem, Rafael. I want my daughter home by 11.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If there’s one hair on her head out of place…”

“Dad!!!”

“I’m just kidding, princess. You guys have fun.”

They let Stella take a few pictures before they left. They sat in the town car, Rafael’s legs bouncing as he nervously ran his hands on his knees.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine, Izz,” he smiled to which Tony just sort of laughed, earning a nudge in his ribs from his sister.

***************

They finally arrived at the “Winter Wonderland” formal dance. It was basically a prom for the Freshman and Sophomores.

“There you are!!” Erin exclaimed when she saw Izzy walk in with Rafael.

“I told you I’d be here,” Izzy laughed at her now best friend.

“You look amazing. Doesn’t she, Rafael?”

“Yes, Erin. I already told her she looked great.”

“Come on, let’s dance.”

“Erin…”

“It’s okay, cariño. Go have fun. I’ll get us something to drink,” Rafael told her. She didn’t know what “cariño” meant but it didn’t sound bad.

Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” blasted over the speakers as Izzy and Erin danced while they laughed and sang along.

She noticed Rafael sitting at a table with Eddie and Alex as he watched her.

Erin had actually went to the dance with Eddie so they went to sit with their dates.

Soon Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Enough” started playing.

“Dance with me, Raf?”

“I don’t really like to dance.”

“Come on. It’ll be fun,” Izzy told him.

“What the hell?” He shrugged as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. She didn’t understand why he didn’t like to dance because the boy sure knew how to move. Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistible” came on next so the two of them continued to dance.

“How about a break? Some food maybe?”

“Uh, sure, Raf,” Izzy agreed as she was working up an appetite after dancing.

After a few snacks and a couple more glasses of punch, Erin grabbed Izzy as The Romantics “Talking in Your Sleep” started playing.

“So, uh, what’s up with you and Rossetti?” Alex asked.

“We’re friends,” Rafael told them. “She didn’t have a date and neither did I so I asked her…”

“Rafi?”

“Uh…hey, Yelina.”

“Your date seems to be more into her best friend than you.”

“She’s just having fun,” he shrugged. “We’re just friends. It’s not like she has to be by my side the whole time.”

“Hey, Yelina, you want to dance?” Alex asked.

“No thanks, Alex. My date is getting us something to drink,” she said as she motioned to the Senior that she had been dating, Riley Watkins.

Izzy noticed Yelina and immediately grabbed Erin and headed back to the table. She promptly took her seat next to Rafael, pushing Yelina out of the way with her butt.

“Izzy. I wondered why you were leaving this poor guy all alone,” Yelina snarked.

“Hey, Raf, you want to join me for another dance?” She asked as Billy Idol’s “Hot in the City” started playing.

“You bet,” he smiled.

They continued to dance. They were even warned by one of the teachers that was chaperoning that they were a little too close. Izzy wanted to make a move on him so bad.

“You know, I really like the red and green rubber bands you have on your braces,” he told her as they danced to Journey’s “Open Arms”.

“Uh, thanks,” she said as she felt her face get hot. She was so glad it was dark enough that he couldn’t see her blush.

“Would it be okay if I…” he asked as he moved in closer to her, making her heart skip a beat.

“Can I cut in?” Yelina had the audacity to ask.

Izzy knew Rafael was in love with her and actually let her.

She went to the bathroom with Erin following close behind.

“What the hell was that?”

“What?”

“You let Yelina dance with him? Are you crazy?!”

“What was I gonna say?”

“How about, ‘fuck no! He’s here with me,’?”

“We’re just friends.”

“He was about to kiss you.”

“No, he wasn’t.”

“Are you that fucking oblivious?!”

“Erin…”

“Her date left. She’s here alone now. She’s trying to swoop in on your guy.”

“He’s not my guy.”

“I’m just trying to help you, here.”

“I’m fine, Erin. Really.”

Rafael had went looking for Izzy after sharing half a dance with Yelina and found her coming from the bathroom of their school’s gym.

“Hey, you want another dance?”

“Actually, I think I’d like to go home.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I’m getting tired. Erin has been wearing me out,” she lied.

“Oh. Okay. Do you want me to find Tony and Heather?”

“They still have an hour before curfew. I can catch a cab.”

“No, you can’t. You came with me and I’m going to make sure you get home safely.”

“I’ve got her,” Erin said with a glare.

“Erin I can get her home. It’s fine.”

“I’m going with you then.”

“Whatever.”

************

Erin told Eddie she was ready to leave so he decided he’d go, too, even though she told him he didn’t have to.

Tony told his twin that he had enough money to get a cab for him and Heather and for her to take the car their dad had gotten for them.

The ride to Bensonhurst was a quiet one. Once the driver pulled up to Izzy’s house, she and Erin got out but Rafael insisted on walking Izzy to the door.

“I had a good time tonight with you.”

“Yeah, me too,” she smiled.

Erin leaned against the porch wall with her arms crossed, her eyes shooting daggers into Rafael.

“Erin can you give us a minute?”

“Uh no,” Erin replied to Rafael.

“Here’s my key, Erin. Just go up to my room.”

“If you say so, Izz,” she scoffed as she took the key chain from her best friend and unlocked the door.

“So, I guess I’ll see you Monday?”

“Yeah, Rafael,” Izzy nodded.

“Thanks for coming with me tonight.”

“I had a good time.”

“I’m glad. Well, I guess I should be going.”

“Okay.”

He started to move closer to her but the kiss landed on her cheek instead of her lips like she had hoped.

They said one last good-bye before she went inside.