#what is happening in the house of commons??

[eden-axe]

Wrong Sparks p1

Summary: During an argument with Eddie, Volt gets upset with you and kicks you out of the bar, unknowingly hurting you.

Part 2

Eddie/Volt x gn!reader

Warnings: Yelling, electrocution, mentions of falling down stairs, Volt being possessive, minor violence.

Word Count: 1,727

After closing hours at the Breaker Box arguing could be heard to anyone who passed by Dorian, who was unlucky enough to have heard all of it for the past hour.

From inside the club you and Eddie were having, what you both would consider a ‘causal argument.’ Though to those who did not, your dynamic would think it would put Harper & Dirk's shouting matches to shame. Though every argument you had with Eddie had one thing in common: it came from a place of genuine concern and love; but paired with both of your stubborn ways, it looked more violent than you intended.

"Do I seriously have to ban you for a week so you can just cool down?" Eddie was growing tired from trying to get you to stay put at the bar for the past hour. You have been trying to help with maintenance, but he denied your offer every time since you sprained your wrist.

You knew his threat was empty, but with your mind growing just as tired, you believed him. You huffed, “Fine, then maybe I'll go be a regular at Bev's!”

Eddie reeled back at your very real threat. You did it before and didn't come to the Breaker Box for two days. All because Eddie wanted to stop serving you after you got drunk once & almost fell down the stairs; And if it weren't for Dorian pulling you into your room and getting you to bed safely. After Eddie learned what happened, you got into another argument, to which you went to Beverley's and slept next to Koa that night. You knew Eddie would blow a fuse that night out of concern if he saw you go up the stairs after getting drunk at Bev's.

When you realize you stepped out of line due to Eddie's silence, you shuffle your feet, thinking of what to say, but he beats you to it, "You can stay... but you can't help.

That comment sparks the fire of the argument in you again, "That's how we got here in the first place!"

Eddie sighs and pinches his nose, “Oh god, not this again" Eddie sighs & pinches his nose.

Your argument picks up again, possibly even louder now. The reason for the fight? You had recently sprained your wrist & cramped your hand from taking on a part time job from home while in ‘labor limbo’ and going around the house helping everyone else. Due to your exhaustion you didn't help much with repairs at the bar, but just sat at the bar and chatted with Eddie.

Eddie was there when you realized how bad your hands were; You were drying dishes while he washed, when you turned the glass & dropped it clutching your hand.

After a quick trip to Farya, she wrapped and iced your hand and told you to take it easy on physical labor. You listened to her for a few days; you stopped helping people around the house, and only took time in keeping pleasant conversation, and even took time off work. But now you feel guilty. Eddie had fallen further behind on work since you would stay after house at the Breaker Box for a chat. Now he was stretching himself thin to take care of you and the bar. When you didn’t come to the bar, Eddie would always come to find you and make sure you were resting… Which brings you back to now...

"I can handle it! Let me help!”

"No, you need rest. I've got it handled." The lights were starting to flicker as Eddie just wanted to get back to work and let you rest.

You scoffed, “Oh yeah, because working alone got you really far last time!"

You both paused as a bulb burst from above you. You look at Eddie, shocked at your own words. You start to move to him when a large hand grips your shoulder, painfully so.

“Volt—” Eddie starts, but doesn't get to finish.

Volt's skin, an inhuman shade of blue, stares coldly down at you, “You’re cut off for the day. Get. Out”

"Volt” You grab his wrist, about to beg him to hear you out, when he suddenly grabs your injured wrist.

Eddie tries to reach Volt seeing you hold back a pained yell, but Volt already has you out the door. "Stay away from Eddie." "Volt doesn't even look at you as he slams the door.

You bang on the door yelling for Volt to let you in, when a small current comes through the door. That small spark finally allows you to feel the pain in your arm, it's excruciating. Volt, whether knowingly or not, had electrocuted your arm. You let out an ear piercing scream, only muffled when someone pulled you into their chest & everything went dark.

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When you wake up you notice Farya and Betty right by your sides. Betty was petting your head as Farya was checking up on your arm. Her poking and prodding didn’t bother you, but you were confused why she was here.

“What happened?” You look around, but Betty keeps you lying down.

Curt and Rod appear from the end of your bed. Curt starts off the explanation, “It was crazy. Dorian bursts into the room carrying your.”

“And you were practically dead. Limp. The whole dramatics.”

“Yup. Farya entered not long after, and you were messed up real bad. Whoever you fought, they got you good.”

“They singed your arm bad. Farya considered cutting it off.”

Your heart started sped up as your breathing became uneven.

“They are just messing around. That was never even an option cutie.” Betty reassured you. Her warmth helped a bit, but the second you calmed down, you shot back up.

“Eddie!” You leapt from the bed before anyone could stop you. You raced to the door, but before you could even touch the handle Dorian grabbed your hand.

You look at him, but he shakes his head, “You need rest. Not to go mingling about with them.”

“Dorian, he didn’t mean to,” Your legs gave out, and he picked you up. When he put you back on the bed, you grabbed his hand, “Can you at least check if they are alright, especially Eddie.”

When Dorian doesn’t respond, you resort to puppy eyes and beg, “Please?”

Dorian sighs and squeezes your hand, “Your heart is too big from them, luv’.”

You thank him, and tell him you’ll go rest. You go to turn the lamp off, but when you make contact with the switch it shocks you. You go to pull your hand back, but Farya is already checking your fingers, lightly touching them.

“Does it hurt?”

You look at your shaking hands being touched by her steady one, then look at her, “I- I can’t feel anything.”

She releases your hand which begins to shake even more violently. Curt and Rod get up and head to the door.

“Oh those two really have their wires crossed.”

“Ain’t nobody mess with our friend.”

When they reach Dorian, he blocks their path, and before they could protest he gives them a look that shuts them up, “Look fellas, I know emotions are high but please, stay here with em’. I’ll handle them, I swear.”

Curt and Rod nod and go back to your bed, Curt pulling out cards they had kept themselves busy with before you woke up.

Rod dealt the deck as Dorian closed the door behind him.

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The Breaker Box had been closed for a few days after the incident with you and Volt. Eddie was against the idea, but Volt wanted him to rest and get the repairs done in a timely manner; it also gave Volt time to cool down.

Volt had regretted how rough he handled you that day, but when he saw Eddie blow a fuse he got overprotective. It was a rare thing for both of them, especially now that you joined them. When Volt got too overprotective, he boiled over to controlling and possessive, and this was the first time you had seen it. His blue flared side was something Eddie had told him to reel in, and Volt swears he’s been working on it.

Now Eddie was ignoring him as Volt refused to let him leave to check up on you. So now Volt is in the front cleaning up, while Eddie sits backstage. A loud banging on the door interrupted his thoughts.

“We’re closed.”

“Not here for a drink.”

Volt stood up straighter and opened the door when he heard Dorian’s voice. Volt invited him in and put on his warm host persona.

“How can I help you Dorian? You rarely come here, even when I personally invite you.”

Dorian glances around the room, “Where’s Eddie? I need to speak with both of you.”

Volt felt his protective nature boil up again, but Eddie’s voice carried from across the room, “What do you want? We’re busy right now.”

“Look I don’t want to be here either, but I need to know,” Dorian glares at the two of them, “Which one of you blokes messed with the power.”

“I beg your pardon? We’ve been here fixing the breaker.” Volt puffs out his chest as Eddie stands by his side.

“Look,” Dorian closes his eyes, “I know you lot had an argument the other day, but what you did was too far.”

Eddie moved his hand to his hip, “What was too far?”

“Ah… alrighty then.” Without warning Dorian reels back and punches Volt, sending him to the ground. Eddie rushes to Volt’s side and opens his mouth to yell.

“Look, if you want answers, ask your mate here. And please do stay away from the human unless you both have a proper apology. And I’ll think of letting you see them once they recover from your little stunt.” Dorian gives Volt a pointed look before taking off.

Volt sits up and looks at Eddie confused, “What does he mean ‘recover?’ Our live wire got hurt?”

Eddie looked at the door of the bar, “Yeah, they sprained their hand earlier. The one you grabbed, rather roughly.”

Volt looked down, the guilt finally catching up to him.

“We’ll go apologize to them tomorrow, for now let's deal with your face.” Eddie helps Volt up and takes him to the back to ice his face.

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Note: I will be making a part 2, so if you want to be tagged send me a dm or ask and I'll make sure you're notified when it drops. Please know it may take me a week or so to get it done. Any comments, feedback, or support is appreciated.

Also requests are open, please check pin to check out who I write for!

[dating-eveeything]

can you do romance hcs with an autistic mc? any characters you want really, but i would love dorian, cam, skips, johnny, betty, idk i'm not picky!

Them with an autistic S/O

Featuring: Dorian, Johnny, Betty, Amir

Fic type: fluff, comfort, headcanons/scenarios

Gender neutral reader, I'm using my own experiences of being autistic as a reference- please keep that in mind. Length varies for each

In all honesty, he's a decent person to be around, especially if you're overstimulated or about to have a melt down.

He's an overall quiet guy, and can easily recall stories or just talk about something random if you need the distraction.

His build is firm, and while he doesn't do it often, his hugs are just as firm and are a good way to calm you down, the pressure of his big arms a wonderful way to ground someone who's out of it.

Honestly, he doesn't really know anything about autism, nor does he quite care- he's a busy guy guarding doors, but post-relationship he pays attention more. He's watching out for you, making sure you don't stress yourself out; especially if you're leaving the house.

Very helpful when it comes to remembering things, he can help you find anything you might've misplaced. He always goes over a list of essentials needed when you leave the house.

If you're someone who gets overwhelmed quickly, he's your guy. Like earlier, he's a pretty quiet guy, so go ahead and sit against him- he'll keep quiet for you. And if you ask real nicely (though you really don't have too), he'll crouch down and pull you into his side, humming a quiet melody. The melody doesn't really matter, he knows the deep vibrations of his chest are what's helping you.

His outfit isn't as textured as you'd expect- he's a simple guy- but if you really like textures he'll let you touch and play around with his suit. Secretly enjoys it when you wrap your arms around him to feel the inside of his suit jacket (which is most definitely silk).

He stands at the door, barely letting a muscle twitch as he stares ahead. It would've been an intimidating sight if it weren't for you hugging his legs, leaning your head on his thigh like he was a pillow.

It had become a somewhat common occurrence after your relationship with Dorian started to truly blossom, you started going to him when you felt stressed and needed a moment of silence. The soft texture of his pants was enough to get some sort of sensory to help you calm down.

His hand slips down from his chest where it was crossed and rests his hand on the top of your head, not doing anything else put lightly resting it there. What a sweet door.

THIS MAN. He is the person you go to when you need to TAAALK. Lemmie tell you.

Johnny is open to hearing all about your hyperfixation or special interest. He knows so much about how it feels to be ashamed for his passions, for simply liking what he likes, and he would never want to make anyone feel that way.

He'll sit on the floor with you and listen about whatever it is you like, doesn't even have to know anything about it! He'll try and ask related questions to understand more.

Will be so excited when you come to him all excited to tell him about something that happened with your favorite topic. Go ahead and tell him all about your favorite show or game, the plot twist in your book or maybe an animal you saw that isn't usual for the area!

Absolutely remembers the little things about what you like, and when he sees you (even in passing) he'll ask for updates or just to see if he can chat you up.

Just for fun, he would write little songs just for you about your special interest! It's not exactly related, anyone but you wouldn't be able to tell what he's singing about, but you? You hear him say a single line similar to what you've told him and you're basically jumping up and down and leaning in while he sings. He does his best work just for you.

Johnny sits on the floor, legs stretched out, and listens as you speak. He has a huge smile on his face as he listens to you yap about this TV show you've been watching recently, going episode by episode about the plot and how the characters are cool or stupid.

You sit on his knees and hold onto his shoulders, every now and then shaking him when you get really excited about something. His smile never fades, and you can tell it's the most genuine smile he's ever had on his face- well, other than when he sings.

Another amazing object to go to when it comes to sensory/stimulation.

Her honey smooth voice is like a favorite song you play on loop when everything gets too much, and she knows it.

She holds you close, but doesn't whisper in your ear knowing it's uncomfortable, her head lays on yours and she practically suffocates you in her hole; just like you want. Often she repeats things she's said before, quiet funny stories she remembers about other objects in the house, repetitiveness is good for you.

Telling you something you know already is calming. She doesn't get it herself, but if it helps you she'll repeat the same thing over and over.

The blankets and pillows that decorate her are almost always the perfect temperature for you. Never too hot nor ever too cold, she makes sure of it.

Absolutely let's you play with her hair. The curls as soft as a freshly washed pet, easy to brush your fingers through and mess with, making little braids before brushing them out and starting again.

She's one of the few objects that can get anyone to shut up with a polite ask, especially if the other lives in the bedroom as well (the Hanks). It's real nice to know you have a guarantee of a quiet space whenever you want.

"There you go, lover" Betty mutters, her arms keeping you close to her. Your hands are wrapped around her and playing with the ends of her hair, the soft texture relaxing against your fingers.

She rests her hands on your head and places a big kiss on the crown of your head, resting down and slowly recalling a story she's told a million times, something about Jean Loo and Dorian- probably a silly fight- she knows you don't pay attention to the stories; just that you like to hear her voice verberate though her and to you.

Amir is GREAT for self image help and helping set routines. No one knows how to help get you out of an episode funk like this guy, let me tell you!

He'll sit next to you on the bed and rub you back as you lay away from him, not able to do much but lay there. He can be quiet if you really want, but he enjoys giving you compliments; we know this, it's like second nature for him.

Eventually he does get you out of your bed, at least getting you to sit up and lean against him. His arms wrap around you and a hand of his will come up to run through your (let's be realistic here) greasy hair and just sit there for as long as you need.

Of course he can't go a true minute without giving you a compliment. He's stroking your cheek and talking about how gorgeous you are, even with how out of touch you look after sitting in bed for who knows how long, he still takes the time to tell you how gorgeous you are.

When it comes to setting up a routine, Amir is your object. He's supportive every step of the way, holding onto you to help. When you forget to do something he's reassuring you it's alright, when you can't bring yourself to do something, again, he's there to reassure you it's alright and that you'll be able to do it tomorrow. Routines are made to be broken sometimes.

Even at your worst, when you haven't taken care of yourself in days, he's still giving you the sweetest- most genuine compliments; it's hard to believe him at times, but he has never lied about how much he finds you to be the most stunning human he's ever seen.

Amir sits on the counter, holding you- who's standing- in-between his legs as he holds onto your face. He's got a bright smile on his face, looking at you with nothing but love. "It's alright" he murmurs, moving his thumbs to brush up on your face.

Your routine had been ruined for after you had slept in and refused to get out of bed when you had woken up. It was a minor setback, but to you it was the destruction of something you had worked so hard to set up. Amir believed otherwise, helping you into the bathroom to help start up when you would've done a few hours ago.

"It's alright my darling, so you're a few hours behind. No problem, there's no better time to start than now." He leans down and kisses your forehead, grabbing the brush behind him to bring up to you. "What do you say, Sweetheart?"

[pawberri]

Walking forward is gameplay. Digitally simulating walking through an art gallery is a game where you imagine you are in an art gallery. If I walk around my house pretending to be in an art gallery, I might call that "playing art gallery."

"Challenge" is as nebulous of a concept as "game" is. Walking forward in a game can be challenging to people who've never held a controller or to people with cognitive disabilities who find using the controller difficult. It seems like it's very challenging to continuously press A for 100 hours and pay attention to what happens in those hours because many people refuse to finish games like this. The game has a natural fail state, but for some reason, an artificial fail state is the one we value. I would call this a game because it is a piece of software designed for play (not entertainment or fun, but play) rather than practicality and which allows the player a level of control over the pace not offered in other mediums. The key mechanic is "controlling the pace." There are even save, load, and reset functions to aid in this. This might make people wonder if all 'interactive media' is a game, but I find that to be a more interesting question than the reverse.

I think defining what a game is by what is a challenge ends up favoring certain perspectives of what is a challenge. If a child tells you to play with them and your role in the game is to watch them stack blocks, you are playing a game where your role as the player is to observe. This is quite challenging for many people, they get bored or angry and want to stop or participate more actively, but they may have the impulse to blame the child and say this isn't a game at all. Well, I think it's clearly a game.

Many gamers seem uncomfortable or even actively threatened by visual novels being called games (to the extent that we call them Visual Novels in English rather than adventure games as is common in Japanese) because they don't "challenge" people. During Gamergate, this took a central role with less "challenging" games being explicitly considered more feminine. We could say that interactive media isn't a term used to devalue certain games, but a lot of game reviewers actively feel uncomfortable offering awards or praise to games that might be "not a game." I listened to someone flounder over giving Anthology of The Killer GOTY because it doesn't have gameplay, despite the player needing to control the game the entire time for the game to happen. The people who know these games exist and are most likely the engage with them are people who Play Games, but they feel uncomfortable considering them the same thing. Idk. I see no value in refusing a visual novel or walking simulator the title of game, except to protect the sanctity of the categories of "game" and "challenge."

Its weird to me when I listen to gamer podcasts or just hear gamers debating and theyre like "the game doesn't really have a core gameplay mechanic you just walk around" likeee... walking around exploring is the core gameplay mechanic then... even in real life there are games where you just walk around and use ur imagination... #pretendmaxxer

[lalachat]

"Shadows and Scandal"

Author's note: So I am back!!! I am honestly so scared to post this, but it's whatever. Can't be worse than the crap I wrote for Lucien😭 Honestly, I just be daydreaming about ACOTAR and come up with stories that I really need to be writing out. Once again, I am NOT a professional writer. I have only really been doing this for 3 months, even though my first fic came out AWHILE ago... (we're just going to ignore that...) Azriel is pretty mainstream, so all you sticklers for high-quality fics ain't gon find NOTHIN here. You can stay if you wanna though☺️

Summary: For years, you lived in hiding. Your wings concealed by a glamour no one dared question. But one forgotten drop changed everything. Afraid of what your father might do next, you fled your home and offered your own fate to the Night Court. Rhysand has problems of his own: a tense court, a mated female in love with another, and a brooding Spymaster too loyal for his own good. The solution? A marriage of convenience. Their marriage is nothing more than survival… until the quiet between them starts to feel like something more.

Warnings: nothing?

Word Count: roughly 2,431 words 🤷‍♀️

Chapter 1: "Sanctuary"

Everyone knew what happened to Illyrian females. It was a common practice where you were from. Beautiful wings of females were clipped, sometimes young, sometimes brutally, but they were always stripped away to feed the male population's need to feel superior. It was tradition, and tradition was law. But you, your wings were different than everyone else's, and your father hated you for it. Unlike the usual leathery, bat-like wings of the Illyrians, yours were soft, feathered wings that were as deep as the midnight sky. The edges, dusted with silver like starlight that ended in curved talons as dark as obsidian.

The night before your scheduled clipping, set up by your father, you’d snuck out of the house through the backwoods towards the brewmistress’s cave carved into the face of the mountain. This was the place the village girls whispered about, but never dared visit. The woman there wasn’t Illyrian. No one knew what she was. Only that she sold solutions for impossible problems, at a price.

You told her your situation, showed her your wings, and she gave you her price. You traded three silver rings and the memory of your first flight for a vial the color of ash and honey.

“Drink one drop at sunrise,” she’d said. “And they’ll see what they expect to see, nothing more, nothing less.”

The next morning, when your father came to collect you for the ceremony, your wings were gone from view. After that, your father insisted to everyone you'd been clipped young, no one questioned it—why would they?

You hid them every single day. For years.

Until the morning you didn’t. The morning you overslept, forgot the potion, and rushed out the door to help at the village square, where your father found you in broad daylight, wings fully visible, alive, strong, and untouched.

The look on his face wasn’t just fury. It was betrayal. And in the mountains, a betrayal like that was a scandal that didn’t stay quiet for long.

You wrote to the High Lord as soon as you could. There were no goodbyes once the carriage arrived. Scandal was not welcome in a family like yours, and whatever future had been mapped for you was now gone. The letter was sent with haste: an arranged marriage proposal sent to your high lord in the Night Court asking him to tie your fate to someone so that you could avoid your father. You only hoped it was with someone loyal, kind, and understanding. Someone who could protect you in this dire situation.

Before you sat down in the carriage, you took a drop of the potion. That's when you saw a letter sealed in wax next to you. You admired the seal as the carriage took off to meet the person with whom you would soon be married. You took a calming breath as you opened the letter, which was addressed by the High Lord. His handwriting was elegant as he wrote to you the situation that you would soon find yourself in.

"Y/N, I hope this letter finds you well. When I got news about your situation, as your high lord, I acted before your father could. In itself, you are a blessing in disguise, as I have a situation in the inner court that needs solving. We have a female who is mated to another male and feels bound by expectation, not choice. Given her situation, it is fair that she feels this way. However, she is starting to have eyes for another unmated male in my court. This is causing some to be irritable and uncomfortable. After much discussion, that said male has agreed to have your hand in marriage. He understands your situation and has been made aware. He is very trustworthy, whom I trust with my life. I know he will be able to provide for you and keep you safe. He agreed, knowing it would offer you protection. His name is Azriel. The carriage is headed to a sanctuary where I, the High Lady, and Azriel will be waiting. I have arranged for a priestess to meet with us to officiate the marriage. I will see you soon. Everything will be alright. Your High Lord, Rhysand"

You reread the name. Azriel. The Spymaster. The shadowsinger. Your soon-to-be husband. Cauldron save you. The last unmated male in the Inner Circle, and perhaps the loneliest. Well, from what you read, it seems like he wasn't all that lonely. You hadn’t expected Rhysand to court you to someone so high up, but he did. You could not believe it.

The carriage slowed, and you arrived at the sanctuary. Not as a guest, not as a prisoner, but as the soon-to-be wife of Azriel. Bound in name to him whom you have never met or seen. You only heard stories of how hauntingly beautiful and lethal he was. What if he's a slob? What if he backs out last minute? What if he thinks you're ugly?

You shook your head to try and stop the "what-ifs" as you exited the carriage. This was not going to be love. It was an arrangement made hastily. One where you could avoid a scandal and have safety, and one where he could stop the advances of other females. As you stood on the pavement, the High Lord and High Lady walked out of the sanctuary to meet you.

"It is very nice to meet you, y/n," Rhysand spoke.

"You as well, my Lord," you responded as you curtseyed.

"Oh, no need for such formalities. You can call us by our names," Feyre spoke, causing you to rise. "We'll be family soon," she offered you a kind smile.

You returned it, "Thank you for everything, this is more than I could have wished for in this situation."

Rhysand only hummed, "Let's go in, shall we?"

When you entered, the priestess stood waiting beneath a flowering archway. The night's chill was in the air as the sparkling night sky lit up the room. Your hands trembled, not from cold, but from the weight of it all. It was not the wedding you’d imagined as a child. There were no guests. No music. Only Feyre, whose expression was a quiet kind of sympathy, and Rhysand, unreadable as ever.

And then you saw him.

He landed without a sound, shadows curling around him like smoke. He stood tall, dressed in a dark tunic that matched the solemn look in his eyes. His hair was wind-blown from the flight, as his siphons glinted faintly in the night sky. Your breath caught in your throat as he walked towards you, stopping right in front of you, your future husband.

“Y/N,” he said, voice quiet. “It’s… good to meet you.”

You hesitated, searching his face for something like regret, but all you found was a stoic glance. He was hard to read, and just as hard to look away from. He really was hauntingly beautiful.

“And you,” you said softly.

Rhysand cleared his throat. "We will let you two get acquainted, we'll come back when it's time for the ceremony," he and Feyre left with a small nod.

The two of you stood in silence looking at each other for cauldron knows how long. The air stilled as you both waited for someone to say something to break the silence around you.

You spoke first, “Now that you’ve met me… has your mind changed?”

You saw his shadows stir slowly around him at your question, a ghost of a smile touched his lips, “No,” Azriel said. “It hasn’t. Has yours?”

You stared at him a second too long, trying to detect any sound of uncertainty in his answer, but found none. "No, I suppose not," you spoke honestly. He hummed in response.

"Alright, are you two ready?" asked Rhysand just before any awkward silence could happen.

The look you exchanged said what neither of you voiced: "Are we really doing this?" When neither of you moved, Azriel responded with a curt, "Yes."

The ceremony was short. The priestess asked you two to hold hands as she blessed the marriage. Azriel didn’t flinch when he took your hand. His hands were calloused but warm, causing you to take a small sharp inhale from his touch. She spoke of honor and commitment to one another, as Rhysand and Feyre watched from a small pew. Then she pronounced you husband and wife. There was no kiss, just a simple smile as you two held hands for a second longer before turning to Rhysand and Feyre.

"Congratulations, brother," Rhysand clapped Azriel's shoulder lightly as he and Feyre went to sign as witnesses of the marriage. After that, everyone left. You stood beside Azriel on the balcony of the sanctuary overlooking the hillside of Velaris. It was quiet.

“I have a house just beyond the river,” Azriel said. “Two bedrooms. You’ll have your own space. I don’t expect anything from you.”

You turned to him, studying the stiffness of his shoulders. “Thank you, Azriel."

He glanced at you, "You're welcome. Are you ready to fly out there now? We will meet up with the others tomorrow."

You hesitated as you spoke, "Fly-out?"

Azriel responded, "Yes, I will fly us there. Is that okay?"

You nodded your head, "Yes, sorry, I just never have flown before."

"Ah, well, I'll take it nice and easy," he smiled softly.

"Thank you," you spoke as he wrapped his arms around your frame, his warmth instantly spread through your body, making your cheeks warm. If he noticed, you didn't know.

"Just hold onto me and I'll do the rest, " he spoke with reassurance as if he could sense your nerves.

You offered a nervous-sounding "Okay," as you wrapped your arms around his neck and interlocked your hands. His shadows stirred as you felt his muscles tense at the feeling of your uncovered hands. "Good," you thought, "you weren't the only one feeling the intimacy of the situation."

"Alright then, here we go," he said as the wind instantly touched your face with the first beat of his wings. You closed your eyes and tightened your grip around his neck as he took off higher. Azriel flew like it was second nature. His wings cut through the air, gliding easily on the wind as the sanctuary disappeared beneath you. You said nothing during the flight, and neither did he. You assumed he was too focused on flying to say anything; besides, you didn't want to distract him either.

The moon was almost at its peak when you spotted a modest cottage tucked into tall trees near a river. It was stonewalled with vines growing up it. No neighbors, no nothing. Just the presence of nature around you. As you got closer, the feeling of magic was wrapped tightly around you. He had warded the perimeter, which was comforting to know. He landed carefully, setting you down before his feet even touched the ground.

“This is it,” Azriel said, voice quieter than before. “Home.”

You took it in slowly. From the outside, the house looked... quaint. He led you to the front door as he turned to you.

"I have added you to the wards so you should be able to come and go as you please."

"Thank you," was all you could think of as a response.

He opened the door, and you quietly followed. It opened into a singular common room with a couch, fireplace, and a chair. Only one book on the shelf, one coat on the hook, one pair of tactical boots by the door. The kitchen was clean but bare. No fruit in a bowl. No spices on a shelf. Just enough plates for two people. There was a teapot, and a blade stashed behind the breadbox. He led you down the short hallway.

“This is your room,” he said, pushing open the first door. “Fresh sheets. You can change anything you’d like. I won’t be offended.”

You smiled as you stepped inside, trailing your fingers along the windowsill. The room smelled like cedar and fresh linen.

“Thanks,” you murmured.

He paused outside the doorway. “I know it isn’t much.”

You turned toward him. “It’s just fine, thank you.”

The next door he brought you to was his. Not bothering to show you what his own space looked like, but at least you know where he would be if you needed it. The last room he showed you was the bathroom, at the end of the hallway.

Everything was neat, almost impossibly neat. A thick black towel hung perfectly folded on the rack. A razor sat on the sink counter next to a comb and a bar of soap. There was a half-used candle sitting at the end of the tub. The scent was foreign and faint, but you could smell it. It smelled of smoked cedarwood and leather. The tub itself was deep and well-used, which surprised you. There's a small window with sheer curtains that was cracked open just enough to let in the night breeze.

Azriel cleared his throat. “I get up early to train, so don't worry about waking up on time. You can sleep in.”

You nodded. “Sounds good.”

"There’s tea if you want some, help yourself to anything. I'll go to the market later this week if you want anything."

"Thank you, Azriel."

“Y/N,” he said softly.

You met his gaze as silence filled the space around you, his mouth pressed into a thin line as if he wanted to say something. You waited, the anticipation slowly eating away at your conscience.

He cleared his throat softly, “Uh- sleep well."

Your chest tightened. “You as well," as he wished you one last good night before retreating to his room.

That night, on your wedding night, you slept by yourself. Alone in a bed where the sheets were cold and untouched, inside a room that doesn't feel like your own quite yet. You lay awake, staring at the ceiling, listening to the trees blow in the wind, thinking about where you now live. He calls this home, yet everything is so neat and pristine. No decor on the walls, no homey furniture, or any signs of living other than the well-used tub. The thoughts of "will this ever feel like home?" are plaguing your mind and preventing you from sleeping, so you tossed and turned all night. And somewhere beyond your door, in the other room, Azriel didn't sleep either.

[moody-alcoholic]

Cross My Heart

Chapter 5 - Not So Safe Safe House

Summary: poly141 x reader. Enemies to lovers. WC: 6.3k Original abridged version HERE

CW: death, descriptions of injuries, alcohol, suicide bomber, war, terrorisom.

Previous - masterlist - next AO3

Enjoy <3

You’re thrown off your feet. The fire coming off the smoldering car is hot making you shield your face, the smoke makes you cough as you pull yourself up. You look around, you see Soap pulling himself off the ground, you go over to help him. He grunts in pain, there’s a throbbing in your side now. You don’t have time to worry about it.

“Are you okay?” You ask as he straightens himself up, his hand goes to the top of his arm. You can see burnt fabric. Shit, you can see the red flesh. 

“Soap!” You hear someone shout. You don’t have time to do anything about his arm here.

“Over here!” You call back and pull him to where you heard the shouting from. You spot Gaz coming towards you. 

“You okay?” He asks. 

“Yeah, Soap got burnt.” You say, you look back at him. 

“Don’t touch it!” You snap, swatting his hand away.

“It fucking hurts like a bitch.” He says through gritted teeth, you throw his good arm over your shoulder letting him lean on you.

“Yeah it will.” You look over at Gaz who’s talking into his radio trying to get in contact with Price or Ghost. You can’t hear anything in your ear, just the ringing from the explosion and static.

“They were right next to us, they can’t be far.” Gaz flashes you a look of concern, what if they’re hurt? You’re not really in the mood to play medic again, especially with burns. The smell of burnt flesh always turns your stomach.

“Let's check this way.” Gaz says. You nod and go to follow him when shots ring out. You can’t see anything past the truck fire. You all immediately turn and head back towards the tree line you came from. You throw Johnny behind a tree before dropping to the ground. You hear shots hit trees but you can’t see anyone. 

“What do we do?” You shout, turning to look at Soap taking cover behind another tree. 

“Gaz!” You hear someone in your ear. It’s Price you think. 

“Cap! Where are you?” He asks back. The shooting dies down, maybe they’ve run out of bullets, maybe they’re just reloading. 

“On the other side of the truck. I’m with Ghost. Head to the safehouse, we’ll meet you there.” Price says. You’re trying to see where the shots are coming from if they’re on the other side of the clearing. It has to be from the access road. You can’t see anything though, wherever it is it’s clear you can’t stay here.

“C’mon let's move.” Gaz says, you nod getting up and help Soap get his balance before following Gaz deeper into the forest.

…

It feels strange being back here. In the safehouse they found you in. You got there before Ghost and Price. Gaz said he would keep watch while you checked out Soap’s burn, the place hasn’t been restocked since you were here last and they’d already used most of the stored supplies on Price. 

“What’s the prognosis doc?” Soap asks as he sits shirtless on the bloodstained sofa. You took your heavy vest off too, you’re sat next to him with some tweezers and wet cloth’s. You need to pick out as much of the debris and chard fabric stuck in the wound. 

“It's not too serious. Lucky.” You say, it’s not as deep as you thought it was, not as large either. You can’t remember the system for classifying burns, you just need to get it wrapped up and keep an eye on him, shock is common with burns, that you do remember. 

“Stings like crazy.” he says gritting his teeth as you pull another piece of fabric off.

“Yeah, it will, burns are the worst.” You dab the red flesh with the wet cloth, you can almost see the relief in his face, it doesn’t last long, before he’s back to gritting his teeth.

“What do you think happened?” You ask him, looking up at Gaz who’s been looking out the window since you got here. 

“Don’t know, someone wants us dead though. My guess, Konni or Al-Qatala.” He says, great , so they have no idea other than the obvious. 

“Did you find out where Makarov is?”

“Yeah, he’s in Russia with Jamal and Khaled, some place called Volgograd.” You explain as you finish cleaning the last of the burn. You reach over to pick up the aluminium foil.

“What are we going to do now? Cook my arm?” He asks, smiling.

“It’ll keep the wound contained, traps fluid which helps with the healing process. I’ll wrap it in bandages. It’s all we have for now, no burn cream unfortunately.” 

“They’re here.” You both turn to look at Gaz opening the front door. Price and Ghost walk in. 

“What happened?” Ghost asks as soon as he sees Soap.                                                                                                                    

“He got burnt.” 

“We’re marinating my arm for when we run out of food.” Soap says as you wrap the foil round him. You tut shaking your head and look over at Price who has his hand on Gaz’s shoulder. 

“What happened?” You ask looking up at Ghost, maybe they have more answers. 

“Don’t know.” He says. Great, no one knows anything and now we’re trapped in a safehouse. 

“Are we going to go back to Farah?” You ask as you switch to wrapping bandages round Johnny’s arm. 

“No.” Price says coming over. “Not until we know who’s after us.” 

“It’s more likely to be Al-Qatala than Konni.” Ghost says.

“What makes you think that?” Gaz asks. 

“The base was abandoned, Ivan sent everyone home, important people probably left with Makarov. The missiles were fired from within Urzikstan, Al-Qatala fired them.” Price says. 

“Great so we’re back where we started?” Gaz says. 

“Not necessarily, we know where they are. We just need to get there.” Price says.

“You want to go to Russia?” Soap asks. 

“It’s that or we wait for them to come to us. Farah will have her own problems pushing back the Al-Qatala attack on the missile targets. We can use that to our advantage to sneak over the border.” Price says. 

“Sounds easy.” You say sarcastically. To your surprise Price smiles. “It’s never easy.” You sigh looking down at Soap’s arm. It’s the best you can do for now.

“Are you okay?” Price asks, you look up at him frowning. He nods down at you, you look where his eyes land. Shit, your wound is bleeding through your shirt. 

“Yeah, I probably pulled some stitches.” You say getting up. You pick up the first aid box you’ve been using. 

“I’ll go get cleaned up. One of you should keep an eye on Soap, he could still go into shock.” You say as you head for the stairs.

“Come hold my hand Ghost. I might fade away.” Soap says half-serious. You smile as you head for the stairs. 

“Need a hand?” Gaz calls.

You don’t even brother turning to look back at him, “No, I'll be fine.” 

You turn into the bathroom, it’s barely a bathroom, the bathtub looks like it’s seen better days and like the rest of the place there’s a thick layer of dust on everything. You rest the first aid kit on the sink and look through it for what you think you could use. You pull your shirt off, when you stretch your arms you feel your skin tugging on the stitches. You can feel the pain relief wearing off too.

When you look down at the damage you think maybe you could have used a hand. You don’t exactly have a suture kit to fix the pulled stitches. Not that you think you could grit your teeth through the pain like Price did. You have to settle for using way too many steri-strips and bandages. It’ll hold, at least for a while. If you’re going to be moving up into Russia, you’re going to have to bring enough supplies to keep on top of your wound changes and Soap. 

“Hey.” The voice makes you jump, you look up to see Soap standing in the doorway. “You good?” 

“Yeah, I'll be fine, what about you? Feeling okay?” You don’t have time to be embarrassed about sitting in front of him topless, you’re too focused on finishing off bandaging the wound. 

“Tired.” He says coming into the room. You pull your top back over your head. 

“Did you need to use it?” You ask to get up off the toilet. He shakes his head. “I’m finished anyway.” You say closing the first aid box back up. 

“I’m good, I wanted to talk.” You frown, looking up at him. You feel nervous all of a sudden. Soap looks behind him and closes the door. Now you really feel nervous. 

“What about?” You ask, trying to keep your cool. He takes another step towards you, your heart is thumping in your chest. 

“You could have betrayed us so many times, why didn't you?” He asks, you swallow the nerves, for some reason your mind is drawing a blank. 

“I don’t know. I guess I trusted you guys.” You say. Maybe this is a test, maybe they still think you’ll betray them. You can’t really blame them, you were the enemy. 

“Why did you pick us? Would have been easier to side with the ULF.” 

“Al-Qatala and the ULF, they’re both as bad as each other. You guys, you have a goal, you’re not affiliated with any one person. You know what you need to do and you do it well. I guess I wouldn’t mind working for someone like that.” You don’t know what he’s looking for. “I would rather be on the front lines than stuck in a war room watching.” 

“You’re a doer.” 

“Sure.” You say your mouth suddenly feels dry. He smiles at you. You look up at him, he’s moved closer while you’ve been talking, you’re finally getting a better look at him. He’s handsome, well they all are. Ghost you don’t know he always has his mask on. You’ll need to ask him about that at some point. 

Soap has deep blue eyes, they complement him, his hair is always perfectly messy, like all he needs to do in a morning is run his hands through it. 

“Are you sure you’re okay? You look a little peachy.” Soap says. You nod.

“Yeah, all good. It’s hot in here.” You say. It’s a lie, it’s the closest you’ve been to them, any of them. There’s a twinkle in his eye, a cheeky grin on his face. You’re blushing, and he can see it. One of his hands runs up your arm, the other lands on your waist. 

“Soap.” You say, this is definitely not appropriate, but you’re not stopping him. You don’t want to.

“Johnny, please.” He says, you can feel his breath on your face as his hand moves up your shoulder to your neck then your face. You swallow hard and your mouth tips open.

“This is definitely not appropriate.” You breathe, you don’t care, your hands reach out for his waist.

“Definitely. Can’t stop thinking about you though.” He says, you smile, your heart is hammering in your chest. You grip his hips pulling him towards you and as you do he reaches down to kiss you. 

It shocks you at first, it feels like he’s sucking all the air out your lungs as he pushes his tongue past your lips. You close your eyes, wrapping your arms around him. You forget where you are and who he is as you play with his tongue.  

Before you can really relax into the kiss there's a banging on the bathroom door. 

“Soap.” Ghost calls. He breaks from the kiss and you clamp your hands over your mouth. His hand drops from your face and he turns his head.

“Yeah?”

“Hurry up, Price’s waiting.” 

“Christ, can’t a man take a piss in peace.” Johnny calls. You hear Ghost leaving and Johnny turns back to look at you. You slowly drop your hands, his thumb comes up to brush your lips. He hums, his eyes scanning round your face. 

“Sweet as sugar you are.” He says, dropping his hand. He turns to leave, opening the door. “Don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss the fun.” 

You don’t know what to say, you just nod and sit back down on the toilet seat. You swallow the unbelievable amount of saliva that’s built up in your mouth.

Holy shit, you kissed Johnny, and you liked it.

…

You make it back downstairs, your heart still thumping in your chest. You can still taste him on your lips. You can’t believe he kissed you, you can’t believe you kissed him back. It was a good kiss, one that you could sink into and forget your worries. You look over at him sat on the sofa next to Gaz. 

You can feel heat rushing to your cheeks. Price is stood with his arms crossed, in the center of the room. You’re not sure where Ghost is, probably in the kitchen.

“Okay, let's get started.” Price says as you go over to sit down on a chair. 

“We know where Makarov is, Konni is splintered and Al-Qatala are focusing their resources on creating a new border. Now is a better time than any to move in.” You hear Ghost come out of the kitchen, you watch him stand behind the sofa. John turns to look at you.

“You and Soap are going to go back to Farah, give them then intel we have-”

“Like fuck. There’s no way I'm going back while you push into Russia.” Johnny says protesting. 

“You’re both injured, and we need someone to tell Farah what’s going on.” Price says.

“No way. I want to stay.” You say. Price sighs pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“It’s not a request. We don’t even know if they’re still going to be in Volgograd.” Price says. You lean forward in the chair shaking your head, you look over at Johnny he looks just as pissed. 

“If we find him you can fly out, meet us there but you need proper medical treatment.” Price says.

“I’m fine.” Johnny says standing up. Price takes a step forward opening his mouth. Whatever he was going to say is halted by a knock at the front door. 

No one moves for a second, silent glances are shared. It’s like no one wants to believe what they just heard. You let out a slow breath, the pain in your side is suddenly forgotten about. You shift your weight and there is another knock. 

Everyone silently moves into positions, they look between each other, moving in near silence. There’s hand signals you’ve seen people use before but you don’t know what any of them mean. Soap grabs your arm pulling you over to the sofa, you turn frowning at him as there’s another knock at the door.

“Hello? I was told to come here. I could really use some help.” A voice calls in Arabic. Price turns to look at you.

“They’re asking for help.” You say, your heart is thumping in your chest. They sound young, you feel sick. Price and Ghost stack up on the door. When it opens there's a boy standing there, he’s older than a boy, a teen maybe 17, 18. He has an Al-Qatala headband on. He’s holding his hands up.

Price reaches forward, gripping his arm and pulling him in. Ghost closes the door then lets go of his weapon letting it swing down next to him. His hands run up and down his legs. His eyes are locked on to you, you feel guilt. Maybe you smuggled this guy for Al-Qatala, maybe he knows you, you don’t remember everyone.

You doubt it. It doesn’t take long before Ghost’s hands stop. He pulls the coat on the person open. Your breath catches in your throat, you gasp. He’s got a bomb vest on. Ghost backs up.

“Christ.” Soap’s voice is almost angry as he walks past you over to man. You don’t know what to do or what to say. Al-Qatala do this, you’ve never seen someone with one on before. You’ve seen them on tables, you’ve smuggled C4 and over explosives for Al-Qatala before. You could have been directly responsible for this, there’s always such a disconnect when you’re just handing things over. None of it ever feels read. 

This is real though, now you’re seeing it in person.

“What’s going to happen?” he asks, he sounds scared. You swallow the lump forming in your throat.

“You’re the one with the bomb.” You reply. It’s all you can think to say. Price comes to stand next to you.

“What’s he saying?”

“He wants to know what’s going to happen.” You say looking up at him.

“Soap?” Price calls.

“It’s on a timer, it’s not pretty but it shouldn’t be too hard.” He says he sounds confident. Gaz moves over to help him. You feel sick, you’ve helped cause this. He looks young, he probably had no idea what he was signing up for, just like most of the people Al-Qatala or the ULF recruit.

“Who sent you?” You ask him. It’s a stupid question but you don’t care, talking keeps you calm, it’ll probably keep him calm too.

“The Butcher. He said it was my time.”

“I thought he was in Russia?” You say, he doesn’t say anything. You take another step towards him trying not to spook him.

“Did you blow up the car?”

“The ULF are traitors!” he snaps, putting his arms down.

“Woah woah, eazy.” Soap says as he and Gaz stand back, your eyes flick over to Ghost who still has his weapon trained on him.

“Tell him to keep still.” Price says.

“Keep still or they’ll shoot you.” You say to him. He stops moving, turning to look at Ghost.

“Good then I will take you all with me.”

“We’re not ULF.” You snap at him. He looks back over at you frowning.

“You blew up the base, you’re in a ULF safehouse.”

“This is a ULF safehouse?” You ask, trying to play dumb. He doesn’t say anything, his hands come black up as Soap and Gaz approach him again.

“The ULF killed my father and my brother.” He says, you sigh sympathetically.

“Mine too.” You say. There, that's how they do it. When you’re young and vulnerable looking for someone to blame. You tried to run and leave the country you called home all your life. Some people, the unlucky ones end up like him, scared, following orders they probably don’t even agree with. All they need is the promise of a better afterlife, one where they don’t have to worry about war, the loss of their family, everything is better in Jannah.

In another world you might have ended up like him. Married off to an Al-Qatala general helping the cause to take down the people you blame for both your parents death. Maybe it was a good thing you were too scared to stay, war scared you as much as the next person. You weren’t exactly willing to die for a country being torn apart by terrorists.

“What’s going on?” Price asks, leaning in closer to you.

“He was sent by Al-Qatala, he thinks we’re ULF. They killed his father. He planted the bomb on the car.” You explain, you feel sorry for him, he thinks killing you is going to bring him and his father peace. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Alone?” Price asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Are you alone?” You ask him.

“No.” He says, that makes your stomach drop. He’s being watched, someone making sure he completes the job. Making sure there are no loose ends, or he could be lying. You hope he’s lying.

“He’s not alone.” You say. You hear Price sigh. You take another step towards him watching Soap and Gaz mutter cutting wires.

“How old are you?”

“17.”

“You look older for your age.” You say, you see a little smile form on his lips.

“I was the tallest boy in my village.” He says.

“I bet you were.” You smile back. Keep him calm, let Soap and Gaz work and everything will be fine. Innocent blood doesn’t have to be spiled today. 

“Shit.” Soap’s voice cutting through the air makes you stop. He stands up straight looking at the boy before walking over to you and Price.

“I can’t stop it. If I cut anymore it could go off.” Soap says, he looks serious, his face dark, eyes sullen. It’s the first time you’ve seen him like this. Price lets out a long sigh.

“Can’t we just take it off him?” You ask.

“It’s hardwired into the clips, pull them and it’ll go off.” Soap says.

“What do we do then?” You ask, you know you’re not going to like the answer.

“I managed to disconnect the shrapnel, when it goes it’ll be contained.” Soap says. When, When it goes. It makes you feel sick. You look back over at him.

“There has to be something you can do?” You ask urgently. You can feel your heart pick up speed.

“We can make sure we survive.” Price says. “How long do we have?”

“Five minutes,” Soap says. You look up at him shaking your head, you can’t believe what you’re hearing. You can’t believe you kissed him.

“What do I tell him?” You ask Price as Soap goes over to Ghost.

“Tell him he’s going to be okay.” Price says darkly. You look at the boy, he’s frowning watching Soap and Ghost talk.

“He’s just a kid.” You whisper, you don’t mean for Price to hear you just hate it. You hate what’s happening right now.

“They always are.” He breathes, crossing his arms.

“Are you sure they know what they’re doing?” He asks.

“Of course, they’re experts.” You say, you force a smile. He nods the frown leaving his face. You can’t see the timer from here. Soap said 5 minutes, you’re trying to count in your head.

“Where are you from?” You ask him, you need to keep him distracted. 

“Sakhra. What about you?” He asks.

“A little town in the south, it was destroyed when the fighting started.” You say swallowing the tears back. You need to keep your cool. You watch as Ghost moves ever so slightly, his weapon dipped in his arms. Soap opens the front door.

“What’s going on?” He asks, suddenly straightening up.

“Nothing, it’s going to be okay.” You lie, why does lying come so easily even now? You’re not sure how long is left, you stopped trying to count. Soap and Ghost move, getting into position to pull him out the door and leave him out there until the inevitable happens.

It’s cold and calculated, self preservation. He would be dead anyway, at least this way only he will get hurt. You hope there's an afterlife, Jannah or heaven, even just some kind of limbo, you hope he can see his father again.

You see Soap nod. It happens fast. Gaz steps out the way and Soap grabs him from behind. You don’t mean for a yelp to leave your throat as his screams breaks the silence in the air. You feel Price grab your arm pulling you across the room and into the kitchen. You stumble letting him push you behind a wall, Gaz joins you next.

You can hear him shouting, shouting for help, banging on the door that has been locked in his face.

Soap and Ghost come round the corner next. There’s a few seconds of silence then an explosion. It shakes the house, the smell of gunpowder and sulfur fills the air. Everyone walks out the kitchen. You take a second to collect yourself. Price letting go of his tight grip on your arm.

When you make it out the front door has been blown open and the window smashed in. There’s surprisingly still a body, you can’t look at it for too long.

You feel ill, he was just a kid, 17 years old. You never even asked his name. 

You turn, going back inside the house. Someone’s hand lands on your shoulder. 

“You did well.” It's John. 

“He was just a kid.” You say. He sighs, squeezing your shoulder.

“Get some rest, we’ll deal with this.” He says, dropping his hand. You feel like you should help, it’s the least you should do but you don’t the smell of burnt flesh hits the back of your throat and before you know it you’re heading up the stairs. 

You’re laid in the same bed Soap found you in, you stare up at the ceiling, there used to be paint but it’s all chipped away. Soap came up and offered you something to eat, it surprised you, you didn’t have the stomach to eat after what happened. He stays and talks with you though while he munches on a protein bar. He explains that Ghost and Gaz cleaned up the body, putting it in the shed. Price promised the ULF would come by and deal with it. You didn’t believe him.

Price and Soap did a sweep of the area he’s convinced if there was anyone watching they’re gone. Regardless, Price still said someone should be on guard just in case. He hasn’t talked about his plan to go to Russia again, he just ordered everyone to get some rest.

“We’ll be leaving early tomorrow.” He says squeezing your leg and getting up. You hum, yawn and turn over in bed. 

“Sleep tight.” He says leaving and closing the door behind him.

You can’t sleep though, your mind is plagued, you can’t get his shouting out of your head. They just threw him out in the cold to die. He must have been terrified. Maybe this was a bad idea, maybe you’re not built for this type of job. Soldiers kill people, so do the ULF and Al-Qatala, maybe you wouldn't mind being stuck in a war room right now. It’s easier to hear about these things then witness them first hand.

You get out of bed, you can’t sleep. You might as well see if Price is still awake, maybe he’ll let you keep watch and then he can get some rest. Besides, he probably sleeps better after these kind of things than you.

When you make it out into the hall every door but the bathroom is closed, you can hear snoring coming through one of them. At least someone is sleeping. You make it down the stairs and see Price leaning back on the sofa with a bottle of something on the table and a half filled glass. He doesn’t have a hat on, he’s almost always wearing one. He watches you walk and sit next to him on the sofa.

“Couldn’t sleep?” He asks. You lean back, nodding. “Want one?” He asks leaning forward to pick up his glass.

“I don’t drink.” You say, he hums finishing his glass and putting it back down on the table.

“You should get some sleep. I can keep watch.” You say pulling your legs up onto the sofa.

“It’s okay, we’ll be leaving in a few hours anyway. You look over at the window Soap board up with some wood you found out back. There’s a chill in the building now.

“Do you still plan on going to Russia?” You ask. He nods.

“We have intel Jamal and Khaled are still in Volgograd.”

“How?” You ask frowning.

“CIA contact, they were able to do some snooping for us.”

“What about Al-Qatala?”

“They’re still moving south, it looks like they’re going to be targeting ULF bases, Farah and Alex will have their hands full.” Price says as he reaches over to refill his glass.

“How did they know we were going to attack the base, they blew the car and sent a suicide bomber after us.” You say. He sighs again bringing the glass to his lips.

“Konni has more info than we think. Makarov is normally smarter, this isn’t like him.”

“What do you mean?” You ask.

“Sending Al-Qatala after us, something’s changed. Why Al-Qatala and not Konni? Why not people he trusts? He’s desperate.” He says sounds like he’s talking to himself a stream of unbroken thoughts, you almost don’t want to interrupt him.

“Or maybe he just really wants you dead.” You sigh.

“Then he would have done a better job.” He looks over at you.

“You did good today.” He says, you shake your head looking away.

“I wish we could have saved him.”

“We can’t save everyone.” He finishes his drink off, putting the glass back on the table. “A Lot of the time it's us or them, we don’t always have the luxury of a choice.”

“So I guess you still want me and Soap to go back to Farah tomorrow.” You ask changing the subject. He nods. “We’ll be in contact, let you know when you should come up.”

You don't say anything, turning away and looking back over at the stairs, you’re not in the mood to fight with him.

“If you’re still willing to work with us?” He asks, you turn back to look at him. He's got blue eyes like Soap, his look darker, the circles under them deeper. You nod, he smiles, his hand comes to lay on your thigh. You freeze at the contact, his hand is warm, he squeezes it then gets up.

“You should try and get some rest, you have a long trip tomorrow.”

“So do you.” You say swallowing the saliva that’s built up in your mouth. You can feel heat rushing to your cheeks, he smiles at you then heads into the kitchen. You close your eyes, squeezing the bridge of your nose. You’re emotional, you’ve had a long day. 

There’s no way you’re crushing on Price too.

He’s right less than an hour later before the sun is coming up people are getting up. You help them pack, Johnny is mysteriously absent though. Ghost said he was still sleeping and he didn’t want to bother him. Price leaves you with a list of instructions and enough ammo he thinks you and Soap might need. 

They’re ready to leave in less than half an hour. It’s all a well practiced routine, that's the military in them. Their plan was to get over the border then commandeer a car or something. Price said it could be a few days before you hear from them but they will send word. 

Soap sulked down the stairs an hour or so later, when the sun was just peaking through the clouds. You can’t wait to leave here and never come back. The whole blood soaked place can burn to the ground for all you care.

“They left already.” You say as he comes to sit on the sofa next to you.

“I know. Si- Ghost came to say bye.” He shuffles on the couch rubbing his burnt arm. You’ll need to change the dressing before you leave. “We should get going soon. We need to get a car. It’s easier to do while it’s still dark out.” 

You follow Soap’s orders in silence, the lack of sleep is finally catching up with you. You change the dressing as Soap grits his teeth complaining about itching. You have no idea if it’s healing or if it's still supposed to look the way it does. It’s only been a day or so anyway. 

When you’re done Soap steals some supplies- mostly food -from the safehouse and you set out to look for a vehicle. It doesn’t take you long to find a rather old looking car, you keep an eye out while Soap hotwires it like he’s done this a thousand times. Before you know it you’re on the road driving back to Sakhra.

“What’re you thinking about?” He asks after at least an hour of silence, you were starting to doze off. His question jolts you awake and you look over at him. 

“Why did you kiss me?” You ask. He smiles.

“I just had to, you’re stunning lass.” He says, it makes you blush. You turn to look out the window of the car. 

“Don’t falter me, a few days ago you would have put a bullet in my head.” 

“Yeah, we’re not merciless killers though.” You scoff, they’re soldiers, they're trained killers. You sit there in silence. 

“You’re a good kisser.” He says suddenly. 

“What- I mean. It was just a kiss.” You say feeling embarrassed, he just laughs. That annoys you, he’s being so chill about it, what if Price found out? What if he finds out then decides you’re a liability?

“You all seem close.” You say trying to move the subject on from you and Johnny. 

“Closer than you think.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“We’re a close unit. Worked together for years. When you spend so much time together, you develop a strong relationship.” He says switching between watching the road and your expression. You have an eyebrow raised, you expected him to continue. 

“Brothers in arms right?” You say, you’ve heard that before from soldiers.

“More than that.” You shake your head scoffing. He’s playing with you, trying to wind you up. What's closer than brothers? 

“You fucking each other or somthing.” You joke back. He doesn’t say anything, you turn back to look at him frowning. He’s just smiling, the cheekiest grin you think you’ve ever seen. “Really? You’re messing with me.” He just laughs, it doesn’t help you decide if he’s joking or not.

You let out a sigh looking out at the winding road. You’re not far now.

____

When you make it back to the ULF base the place is almost empty. You both head straight to the doctor who fixes your stitches and tends to Soap’s arm as well as giving him a pot of burn cream and instructions. 

When you’re done you both go to see Farah. Alex is with her, they both look tired. The table is filled with maps dotted with big red X’s. You look round as Soap catches them up on what happened. You wonder if Price has sent word yet, you hope they’re okay.

“-We take out Konni, before they make it any further south.” Farah says, you look over at them, catching the end of the conversation. 

“We don’t know if Konni are moving or not. Price will be able to give us some idea.” Soap says.

“We could be waiting days for that.” Alex says crossing his arms, he doesn’t have a sling anymore, maybe his arm was just sprained.

“They attacked their own bases?” You ask pointing at the map. 

“They want to shift the blame to us.” Farah says.

“The fact they used American weapons on civilians has got the US all wound up.” Alex says.

“They’re spreading us thin, I’ve already lost 20 men. We can’t fight them on the front without leaving ourselves open to attacks.” Farah sighs.

“You have weapons from the US, why not fight back?” You ask. There’s silence, people look around at you like you’ve just asked them to do something impossible. 

“If we fire on them we lose our advantage.” She says.

“Which is?” You ask with a raised eyebrow.

“If the Americans come, they won’t be after us.” She says. You look down at the map, the new line Al Qatala have formed. There’s no news if Konni or Al Qatala forces have made a move from the border, it seems like they’re waiting for the ULF to make a move first. 

It’s too many targets for Farah to handle alone. 

“What about hitting them at the source? Take out the rest of their weapons.” You say pointing at the farm you know they’ve been storing munitions and rockets.

“They were fired from Russia.” Alex said.

“No, they were fired from inside the country. I bet if it's going to be anywhere it’s there.” You tap the map. Farah and Alex look at eachother. 

“A full scale raid is not possible.” She says, stepping back from the table.

“We could go in quiet.” Soap says. “Just the 4 of us.” 

“The place will be heavily guarded. They could have also moved them elsewhere.” Farah says.

“Even if we don’t find the missiles we will deal a pretty big blow to their resources.” Soap says. “You need all the help you can get.” 

“Okay. Tonight, you should get some rest.” Farah says. Soap smiles at her and Alex. He grabs your arm gently pulling you out of the room. You’re heading down to the sleeping quarters before Soap grabs your arm pulling you into a store room. 

“Hey!” You call, you almost trip over something as his hands grab your shoulders and he pushes you up against the wall. Before you have a chance to say anything his lips lock onto yours. His kiss is needy, his tongue pressing into your mouth. You hum, closing your eyes and letting your hands drop to his waist. 

“Johnny.” You breathe as he pulls his lips off you, his mouth moving to your neck. His hands 

“What?” He asks, he’s not stopping though, running his tongue up your neck.

“What if Price found out?” 

“What do you mean?” He says. “Want him to join, I reckon he’ll be down for that.” He chuckles, now you’re convinced he's winding you up. You push your hands up his shirt and he grip your waist, his fingers digging into your skin, you’re sure he’ll be leaving marks. You run your fingers up his chest, feeling each muscle and scar. He’s hairy, you don’t care, now you’re getting needy, his lips running over you sucking on the sensitive spots on your neck. 

He looks up down at you, his hands come to hold your face. “I’m so glad I got you first. I thought I was going to have to fight off Gaz, or Price.” You frown at him but before you can press him further he kisses you. You drop your hands from his chest, gripping his waist and pulling him closer to you. 

Suddenly there’s a knock at the door. You freeze, you didn’t think anyone knew you were in here.

“Soap? There’s word from Price.” it’s Alex’s voice. Johnny smiles down at you.

“We’ll finish this later.” He says quietly before reaching over to open the door. You feel yourself blushing as Alex raises an eye at you both. Johnny slaps him on the shoulder and they walk away.

Banners by plum98

[jilyawards]

June

clearing the air (WIP, 11.7k as of 30 June 2025) by lovelystag. Rated T.

“Can we talk?” “Look, I’m not really looking forward to having another row with you–” “Me neither, I just want to clear the air.” OR A series of events in which James and Lily (and sometimes the others) end up talking things out, finding common ground.

Formidable (WIP, 8k as of 30 June 2025) by @yallthemwitches. Rated M.

“Been practicing your French then?” Sirius sniggers. “ My, wonder why you’d want to boast knowledge of such a romantic language.” “Because it’s the polite thing to do while visiting a foreign country?” “Or—” Sirius hums, taking a drag. “You are trying to impress a certain redhead who—” “Who is my friend, ” James cuts in, with a stern look. “A friend, Pads. Really. Nothing else.”

Catch the Wind: The Remastered Edition (WIP, 33.4k as of 30 June 2025) by @yallthemwitches. Rated E.

When she had stepped off the train in Hogsmeade station, Lily Evans had promised herself one thing: don't be stupid. She isn't quite sure where letting James Potter get under her skin falls on the spectrum of idiocy, but it's definitely up there. 

Icebreaker (completed, 281 words) by @tedwardremus. Rated G.

James never backs down from a dare

When the Void Calls, Will You Answer? (completed, 3k words) by @yallthemwitches. Rated T.

“If anything happens– y’know, to me–will you take care of her?” The question hangs in the air like smoke. “Nothing is going to happen to you mate.” “I know, but I’m speaking hypothetically–” Frustration rises like a wave in his chest, making him want to strike something hard and deliberate. “And I’m saying hypothetically or not, nothing is going to happen to you.”

under the july sun (completed, 3.6k) by @tainwho. Rated T.

A Saturday in Central London is no joke, and several times in the last few minutes, Lily has had to unceremoniously grab James’ arm to prevent them from getting separated. After what feels like at least an hour, James remembers to ask: “Evans, where are we going?” And Lily, with that same, dazzling smile thrown over her shoulder, says: “To get ice cream, obviously.” Or: James and Lily hang out the summer after Sixth Year. James tries to be normal about it.

Second Breakfast (completed, 3.4k) by @tedwardremus. Rated T.

Lily hadn’t realized that the playful talks she’d had with James about getting a house together after Hogwarts were more than just jokes until she found herself standing in the doorway of the cozy little cottage they now shared.

A Sound, Whoever It's For (completed, 2.6k) by @yallthemwitches. Rated E.

It will take a lot of mental scrubbing later, but even through the waves of regret, he knows it will be worth it. How many nights had he laid awake wondering where the creamy ivory of her skin led to under some short pair of jean shorts or muggle skirt? How many casual moments had she accidentally flashed the view of her knickers at him whenever they went swinging in the park or climbing trees out by the industrial mill? He’d banked up years worth of stolen moments like those, each one as precious as the last and he hadn’t even been able to touch her. Now, Potter sits back on his heels and takes for granted the gift he’s been given and it boils his blood deep into every artery. 

january is for lovers (completed, 13.6k) by @ohhevans. Rated T.

“James?” “Lily.” Snow is falling between them and half obscuring his face, but she would know this face in any weather, in any place. Nine years ago she closed a door and left this face, and she has thought of it ever since. She has thought about how the contours changed from eleven to twelve to thirteen to fourteen to fifteen to sixteen to seventeen, the jaw sharpening and the stubble growing on his cheeks. She has tried to accelerate him forward in time, from seventeen to twenty-six, and see how his face looks now. The answer is: as she expected, comforting, familiar, glowing even in the weak January light and the snow. “Is it you?” Lily whispers. “Is it really you?” “It’s me,” James says, “it’s really me.” -or- A series of people places things and moments from Lily Evans' life, and a love(r) story.

Waiting Is A Horrible Game To Play (completed, 1.4k) by @tedwardremus. Rated G.

Lily wants to smash the clock on the mantle—anything to silence its relentless ticking, counting down every minute James is late returning from an Order mission.

i don’t know why i like you (but i do) (WIP, 43k as of 30 June 2025) by @firefeufuego. Rated E.

‘You are so exactly the person I thought you were, James Potter.’ That’s his girl, still so condescending even when she’s put down. ‘Yeah,’ he says, not looking back, ‘I guess I am.’ Lily and James read History together at Balliol College at Oxford. Unfortunately, they just can’t seem to read each other for shit.

Magnolia (WIP, 9.1k as of 30 June 2025) by @theesteemedladydebourgh. Rated E.

Exploding Ministry memos and one or two requisite dragons and cursed magical objects. Old school romances with a dash of new workplace flirtation. James Potter and Lily Evans may have missed each other the first time around…but not this time, if Ministry regulations have anything to say about it.

there's a war going on out there (completed, 2.6k) by @ohhevans. Rated G.

It’s a wedding ring. James Potter is married. James Potter is married and pressing a kiss to Lily Evans’ cheek, and she is tipping her face up to look at him, to accept a kiss on her lips, because James Potter is married to her, to Lily Evans, to Lily Evans who swore up and down when they were fifteen years old that she detested Potter, that Potter’s stupid crush didn’t mean anything to her, that he meant nothing to her, and yes she’d thrown all that out the window for a bit in their seventh year, but that was proximity, wasn’t it? Head Girl and Head Boy, it was bound to happen, surely she would come to her senses. Instead, she got married. Instead, she married James Potter.

another way of saying "i love you" (completed, 10.6k) by @ohhevans. Rated E.

His internal alarm clock is usually impeccable, has him up and gently disentangling himself from her to go on his morning run and then to get ready for work long before what most people would consider a decent hour, but every now and then it fails him, as it has today: It’s his birthday, but the universe has granted her the gift of waking up first.

a picture is worth a thousand words (completed, 765 words) by @emeralddoeadeer. Rated G.

James puts his time to creative uses while in hiding...

one more time now, with feeling (WIP, 136.8k as of 30 June 2025) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated M.

“Why us?” “If memory serves,” Dumbledore says, with a gentle, knowing smile, “you two were once rather good friends.” Lily feels something twist painfully in her stomach. Dumbledore’s gaze moves pointedly toward James. “And forgive an old man’s nostalgia, James, but I seem to recall you having quite a profound affection for Miss Evans at some point during your time at Hogwarts.” His blue eyes twinkle slightly, corners crinkling behind his half-moon glasses. “Whether that holds true today, I cannot say—but I find that such history can be remarkably persuasive when circumstances require...believability.”

Fever for Her (completed, 1.7k) by starlitscribr. Not rated.

as James Potter leaned against the brick. His hazel eyes, usually glinting with mischief, were fixed on the sliding glass doors, searching for her. Lily Evans. It had been six months since she’d left for her study abroad program in Florence. Six months since he’d last seen her fiery red hair, her sharp green eyes, her smile that could stop traffic. Six months of torturous longing, James Potter was obsessed.

Choose Your Own (sexy) Adventure (WIP, 360k as of 30 June 2025) by @ghostofbambifanfiction. Rated E.

Too many cooks can occasionally write a story.

When Flowers Bloom (WIP, 42.6k as of 30 June 2025) by @number1abbasupporter. Rated T.

lily evans and james potter are both tired of their best friends’ nonsense about their obvious like for each other. the only logical thing for them to do is to take it into their own hands. However, neither of them think about what all the time they spend together will do. or, jily falling for each other while setting up wolfstar!!

Roman Candle of the Wild (completed, 4.4k) by @secretlanguage. Rated G.

James couldn’t figure out what had suddenly changed. One moment, his chin was slumped on his hand, his elbow resting atop the sticky wooden table, as his eyes followed Sirius and Peter, who were attempting to get Madam Rosmerta's attention and fetch their group a round of butterbeers. The next, he was looking right at her, irrevocably enthralled by every single detail enveloping Lily Evans.

Until the Very End: Preparing to Fall (completed, 70.2k) by @thejilyship. Rated T.

The past Victors are all gearing up for the 74th Hunger Games. Lily Evans won the 66th games when she was only 14 years old. She's been doing this for almost ten years now and she just wants to get this years games over with. In the years since she's won, she's alienated herself from her sister and she's started fighting with her childhood friend. But she'll paste a smile on her face for the Capital and pretend like all is well. Having won the 70th games at 17 years old, James is still considered a new comer. It's his first time being a mentor. He knows there's not much he can do to help his District's tributes, everyone knows it. He won his games but with each passing year, it feels more like he lost. The Capital citizens love Sirius Black. He's from District 4 and they are fascinated by him. He won his games at 13, the youngest ever! He's all over billboards and he's invited to all the parties when he's in the Capital. If they're lucky, they can snag him for a date. Everything about his life looks so glamorous, and he hates all of it. All of their lives take a dramatic turn when Mary MacDonald throws a wrench, into how the games always play out.

Just enough shades of messed up (completed, 6.3k) by octaviajeune1544. Rated E.

Lily gets stood up, caught in the rain, and found walking home in a soaking-wet dress by her best friend's godfather. James Potter really shouldn’t stop for her. He definitely shouldn’t offer her his jacket. And under no circumstances should he pull over on a quiet street and let her crawl into his lap. Gratuitous car smut to satisfy my, and anyone else's, need for James Potter with DILF vibes.

you can hear it in the silence (completed, 2.7k) by @oakheartedmuse. Rated T.

"When Lily accepted Mary’s invitation to that damned college party, she couldn't have been more disheartened. She would likely end the night more stressed than when she had arrived. But she had never been so happy to be so wrong." Or, Lily has the best night of her life. And she wants more.

do the hustle! (completed, 1.1k) by @theyonlytoldthemoon. Rated G.

sometimes i listen to music and all i can do is think about them. this is pre-relationship jily, first kiss, all that good stuff. if you want to (and please do, it really sets the mood), listen to The Hustle by Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony!

December's Valentine (WIP, 34.6k as of 30 June 2025) by @stonecoldhedwig. Rated E.

Sometimes, a one-night-stand with a guy off Tinder is just that: a one-night-stand. No lasting feelings, no strings attached. It's the kind of thing that's easy to get your head around when you're trying to get your heart around the end of a relationship. Sometimes, it's not that simple. Sometimes, you're a journalist, and you get assigned to write a piece on an up-and-coming restaurateur, who just might be that one-night-stand from Tinder that you can't stop thinking about. And sometimes, to make matters worse, the two of you get snowed in... **** Or: Lily shags James, and thinks she'll never see him again. Right? Wrong.

Find the previous months' recs: November & December | January | February | March | April | May

[writerjayne]

Wymack owns apartments au

This was inspired by my friend and their wacky ass neighbors in their Apartment complex (including one who is apparently wanted by the police??) We were talking about said neighbors and I went: what if the Foxes lived in the same apartment? But Exy wasn't a thing because being a team gives them a common interest (using that word very loosely), and just being neighbors would not. So without further ado, have this AU that I'll probably never write a full fic of:

So, keeping Wymack in character: he owns an apartment complex focused on renting to people who would be rejected/denied housing by other companies. He inherited it from his parents who were awful to thier tennatns and borderline slumlords. Wymack poured everything he had into the apartments, renovating and modernizing them, determined to make something better than his parents could ever dream of. Wymack lives on the premises and every opportunity he has to do the opposite of what his parents would do, he does. 

Dan's a stripper and can only pay cash? She has an awful credit score, but hey, rent's getting paid, why would Wymack care? (Eventually, he rents some units to her stage sisters too) Matt eventually moves in with Dan, and Wymack doesn't bat an eye. 

Nicky showed up as a 19 year old with two 15 year olds who he has custody of? Wymack knocked a wall down between two units so they had 3 rooms (even if they stayed in each other's rooms half the time Wymack understood the twins may need space and privacy as they get older), and he gave them a discounted rate until Nicky got a solid job.

Kevin escapes his abusive adoptive family and runs to the only other person he knows outside of that circle. If he has no money/prospects? Wymack knew Kevin's mother, of course, he'll take the kid in, set him up with an assistant manager job, and get him enrolled in classes so he can get a certification while also helping Kevin with the legal side of things. Kevin sleeps on Wymack's couch for a month before he's comfortable having his own apartment.

Renee, needing to start over far away from her old gang? Her mother called Wymack and he had a unit free. She quickly befriends other tenants and suggests a community garden to Wymack who is happy to oblige. (Andrew often gardens with her and everyone thinks the friendship is weird) She and Andrew bond per canon and Renee becomes the heart of the complex and as much of a unifying force as she can be given the circumstances.

Allison, disowned and cut off from family money, with no job? Wymack sets her up with a unit and helps her apply for jobs, telling her she won't pay rent until she has a job, as long as she keeps applying. She finds a job within the month and Wymack holds off on charging her rent anyway.

Seth can't hold a job and has multiple evictions on his record? Wymack still gives him a chance. Second and third ones too when rent's not paid. Or when cops show up looking for him. Or when he starts fights with his neighbors. Wymack can see the scared kid who just needs someone to believe in him. 

So when Neil shows up, clearly trouble and too young to be on his own, desperately trying to come across as normal, Neil, who flinches when Wymack moves too fast, but offers enough cash to cover first and last months' rent plus double Wymack's normal deposit request? Wymack asks no questions and simply sets him up in the unit across from Nicky and the twins. 

It would be easy for them to be the kind of neighbors who never interact, but enough of our Foxes are friendly/nosey that I think they would all eventually become friends. So here's how I think some of that would happen:

Allison and Seth do date but it would be a lot more volatile than cannon (though never abusive) with lots of fighting that everyone else in the building just get used to. (Dan and Renee always check on Allison and Matt eventually becomes friends with and starts checking in with Seth too) 

Renee is everyone's friend and often bakes (just seems like her vibe) she unintentionally scares the crap out of Neil his first night by dropping off some chocolate chip cookies to welcome him to the building. (Much later, she's very apologetic about it, and Neil is able to acknowledge that it wasn't anyone's fault. Besides, he had never been upset with her over it, just cautious)

Nicky is the nosiest neighbor but not to the point of invading people's privacy. Anytime there's movement outside, he's peeking out the windows and has been known to crack the window open to listen to loud conversations/arguments outside. He does know everything about everyone even though he hasn't been here the longest.

Aaron is still going to med school, Andrew and Nicky are supporting him.

Andrew often goes up to the roof to smoke (boy likes to be tall) and this is how he and Neil actually meet face to face. (Andrew was aware that there was a new tenant but hadn't seen him) Neil sits up there to burn cigarettes and stargaze, kinda. Andrew immediately is like 'this kid is weird, let's figure out all his secrets,' and Neil is basically along for the ride.

Neil would still be on the run but maybe from just his dad, Mary did still die so Neil was desperate for a slice of normal and took a chance with Wymacks apartments. I haven't expanded this to much further than what I've shared here so I don't have all the answers or even a plot really but I think Neil would pull everyone together like canon.

Layout-wise (if you're curious), I'm picturing we have Building 1:

First floor- Dan and Matt in A1, Allison in A2, Renee in A3 and Seth in A4

Second floor- Nicky and the twins in unit A5 and A6. Across from them is Neil in A7 and Kevin in A8 

Basement has washers and dryers as well as storage units for each apartment. 

Building 2 has Wymack's double unit (B1 and B2), Kevin still crashes here sometimes but Wymacks door is always open to anyone who needs to talk. Abby also has a unit in building 2, B5, and she also helps out where she can. 

Building 3 has an assortment of different tenants, some of Dan's stage sisters, a couple small families and a couple single person units. 

[sabine-smitten-obviously]

Good Omens Fanfic Recs - part 2# June 2025 🥳🩷

Multichapterfics

98] Under my skin (E) by @ilikeblue

Aziraphale runs a publishing company with his half brother Gabriel - apart from that, there is nothing they have in common. He is bone-achingly lonely, with Anathema being his only friend. When she slips him the number of an escort, he is just being polite by taking it - right? But after another horrible birthday he decides to take the plunge. 🌶️💓 Art by @zamolodchikohyeah

A nice and kind of pretty woman style fic, low on angst and high on feelings! My 3 story of this author and I decided to simply read all and everything they ever wrote in the GO-universe!

99] Deluded (M) by @di-42

Aaaaahwww, you gonna love this one! Human Au, in which Aziraphale only does relationships, while Crowley only does ONS. They are both not very successful with their ways, which might be the reason why Maggie sets them up for a blind date. Which Crowley only accepts to be polite, never ever would he be thinking about changing his mind. ... Really, Crowley? 😉

I read this story on a sunny afternoon on my balcony and my neighbours must have thought me crazy, because I had to laugh so much. The banter is hilarious! 😂

I am ever so glad to know @di-42 personally and am honoured to be her sometimes-beta. 🤓 She also shares a LOT of fanfic recs, practically all of the time, so please go find her on tumblr and follow her!

100] On a dark and stormy night (E) by @tawnyontumblr

Human Au, in which Viscount Eastgate lives alone in the crumbling family estate, writing novels with (at that times) embarrassingly explicit scenes. On a dark and stormy night, Miss Antonia Crowley seeks refuge in his house. They don't seem to like each other ... 😉

101] Not a mounted dildo but a fucking machine (E) by @naromoreau and @summerofspock

Human AU. Beeing roommates since Uni, Aziraphale and Crowley find themselves stuck inside during lockdown. While Crowley experiences withdrawal-symptoms from not beeing able to have sex, Aziraphale - being a virgin - is getting itchy, because his online-date seems set on "physical experiences" soon. Them both being straight, there seems no harm in some ... let´s call it "teaching lessons" - can there? 🤦‍♀️😁🌶️🌶️🌶️

My Goodness, who would have thought they could even be more ignorant about what´s going on! Hot Hot Hot!

102] This is not my beautiful house (T) by @the-written-wyrm

Crawly wakes up in a place he doesn´t know - a rectangle filled with lots of other rectangels. His hair is cut short, he is wearing ridiculous clothes and there is an angel calling him Crowley. What the heck is going on? 🤓

I really liked this story - what would happen, if Crowley didn´t know Aziraphale - would they fall in love again? Spoiler-alert: of course. Crowley discovering the modern world is hilarious!

103] 24 hours (I've waited my whole life) (E) by @createserenity

Human Au. When there's a knock on Aziraphale s door the morning of his 40th birthday, he is grumbling. But opening the door there is not the expected food delivery, but a handsome stranger waiting to entertain him for 24 hours. Turns out, it's Anathema's gift to Aziraphale.😎

Well, another story with one of them being a sex worker - seems I have a type! 😅

Oneshots

104] Sugar we're going down (E) by @depraveddame

Crowley is sick of shaving and goes to a queer friendly studio to try out sugaring. The technician with the blond halo seems to be helping the process as much as the pain. Crowley is in for so much more than he expected ... 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Mind the tags!

Series: Allure

105] The Allure of Correction (E) by @ajconstantine

Human AU: Crowley is the butler to Viscount Fell and wants to please. One might he accidentally drops a glas of wine - this behaviour needs to be corrected. 👋 A short little Oneshot to start of their voyage.

106] The Allure of Desire (E) by @ajconstantine

The story continues: it´s been a whole year, since they first crossed the invisible line. They both cherish each other dearly, but Crowley is very aware of his position in life. He will never be anything more than a butler, a person of no rank. So when Aziraphale wants to make them an "us", Crowley can´t see a way. 💔 They will find their happy end of course! Both stories can be read as stand-alone, the series is not marked as finished.

Hope you enjoy the list, pls share the love with kudos, comments and shares! 🤗

Follow along for short summaries and recs on the books i read🩷 The numbers are for funsies - i want to count my reads throughout 2025.

I only read finished stories and one-shots. You will find no WIPs in here. Also you will only find happy or at least hopeful endings here - i couldn´t handle anything else.

Also i try to find every author here on tumblr to link-to, but some times i am out of luck. If you happen to know them, please tell them, write to me in the comments or DM me and i will update the post!

Ratings in ()

Fanfiction is my happyplace 🩷

PS: if you´re interested in GO-recs, here is the overview of all of my recs so far!

[deadhands69]

Villain Radio

Tomura Shigaraki x Reader League of Villains Band & Roommate AU (quirkless)

Washing Machine Heart you get to know one of your roommates better as he helps you navigate the broken appliances (and people) of the house

[previous track] [discography]

It's the first week of summer and it's already starting to heat up. While you were unpacking, you realized you have a lot less clothes for the season than you remembered. Some are ill-fitting, others don’t match the warming weather. On top of this, you irreparably ripped your favorite pair of jeans while you were moving. So, after three outfits, it’s time to do laundry. Spinner showed you the laundry area in the basement when you were putting your detergent away on day one so you know where it is.

You bring your small pillowcase of clothing down to the washer and throw it into the front loading machine with some soap as the instructions on the top say. Hitting the “start” button, you turn to leave. Unfortunately, the door swings open and your clothes spill out onto your leg.

Not a big deal, it probably wasn’t closed all the way. You load it up and try again.

Within seconds, the same thing happens – throwing your clothes on the floor. You try pressing the door shut once more, maybe the latch is just finicky.

“That won’t work,” a gravelly voice informs you, “did anyone tell you about this?”

“No,” you reply, “can you?”

Tomura sets his laundry basket down and you notice there’s a switch stuffed into the side. It would appear he was planning to stay down here for a while.

“The door latches don’t work on either of them, the washer opens randomly and spills your clothes and all the soapy water everywhere. The dryer does the same, but it just shuts off. That’s why there's duct tape on it.”

“Can we fix it?” you ask. He gestures at the rest of the house while staring at you pointedly. “Fair. So, show me what to do.”

“Do you have everything in there?”

“Yeah,” you reply, as he looks at the embarrassingly small load of laundry you’ve amassed. 

“Are you sure?”

You nod.

“Okay,” he says, throwing his own clothes over the top of yours and tossing the basket to the side. “So, here’s what you’re going to do. You sit, and press your back against the door then I’ll turn it on. Typically, you won’t have someone else helping so you’ll have to move fast.” 

This works, at first you're thrilled. Then a few seconds later you realize you’re now stuck sitting here until the laundry cycle ends.

“Do you have to do this the whole time?” you ask.

“Just for the washer, the dryer stays closed with the tape.” He says this as if it’s the most common way to do laundry. Tomura takes a seat with his back against said dryer. “And, we did try fixing it but the parts are old and hard to find. So, this is what we do.”

“Got it, this works.” You’ve spent hours sitting in the laundromat before, you tell yourself this is similar. Like laundry and a free massage. The company's not bad either this time. 

You ask Tomura about the other broken appliances around the house. 

The blender that turns on as soon as you plug it in and you have to pull the plug to get it to turn off. “That moved in with Compress, no one knows why it's like that and he claims that's just how that one comes.” He pauses to think for a moment, “uh, it's probably an electrical issue. Maybe you shouldn't touch that.”

The door that locks itself. “We tried fixing it. After we replaced the whole doorknob and lock set-up, it just kept happening. Magne told us to hire a medium or get some sage next time instead.”

The coffee maker that only Dabi seems to understand. “It's not level. Or maybe the counter isn't, one of those. He stacks coins under the base in a specific order or it overflows.”

One thing leads to another and you're talking about your own stories and lives. Turns out, Tomura is really easy to talk to. 

“Wait,” you say, “so, Dabi’s dad is a record executive?”

He nods. 

“And yours–”

“Adopted dad,” Tomura corrects. 

“He is too. Is that how you know each other?”

He laughs. “No, distinctly not. They're in rival companies. Dabi showed up from a classified ad. Everyone did, even Twice.”

“Wait, Twice is in the band?” 

“He was, but he has such bad stage fright that it didn't work out. Even wearing a mask, he couldn't get past it. He'll still help us record and everything, he just can't perform in front of people. We've known him the whole time we've been a band though. He's the one that got us into this place a few years ago.”

“Got it. So, Twice is kind of in the band just not for the shows. Are Toga and Magne?”

“No,” he shakes his head, “Magne's a great guitarist. We tried to get her to play with us, she said it's not her style though. She helps us load up sometimes. And Toga runs the merch table if we aren't at a bar. She used to at least. She got an after school job at a boba shop with her girlfriend and she's been less excited to work after working. We did let her play tambourine once though.”

“So, Toga works at the boba shop. What does everyone else do?” you try to picture most of them at jobs, it's difficult to imagine. 

“Magne and Twice both work at the corner store. Twice used to have a more corporate job but it didn't work out.”

You nod, that's not too surprising. In you'd brief interaction with him, he didn't seem like the type to last in that type of career. 

“Spinner delivers groceries on Instacart. Dabi is a tattoo artist. Compress does musical theater seasonally when he gets a part and teaches vocal lessons on the side.”

“And you?” you ask. 

“I fix guitars and also teach lessons. It pays okay sometimes, could be better. One day it would be nice to get a record deal and not have to worry so much all the time.”

“Do you think you'd ever sign with either of your or Dabi’s dad's record companies?”

“Maybe,” he brushes his hair away from an angry looking nose piercing. “Dabi’s dad signed his brother so he's a little busy with him. Also, I'd have to fight Dabi on that one - he wants to sign with my adopted dad.”

“Not his own? Why?” you ask. 

“Nothing would piss his dad off more than that.”

“So are you going to? Or are you trying to piss off yours too?” 

“I wish that would bother him. No, he told us we have to earn it first somehow.”

“Well,you're good so I'm sure someone will sign you. Maybe someone else. And when that does happen, you're all buying a new washer.”

“Deal,” he smiles. “But old tapey stays.”

“I can live with that.”

The washing machine chimes behind you. It's time to switch the clothes over.

[discography] [bnha masterlist]

taglist: @shigarakislaughter @dance-with-me-in-hell @minniessskii @vaval3ntin @ykyouluvme

@kitkat13001 @kennys-partner @amira-44820 @its-evee16 @thesecond2demonking

@dummi666 @lotus-flower420 @nonominchan @softnfuzzy @mysticalhills 

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@chimaerakirin @fwxyz00 @thatoneawkwardfeeling @d1s1ntegrated

[krikeymate]

Thinking about an AU where Natalie and Laura Lee are stepsisters.

Sophmore year, Natalie's father dies, and her mother finds religion. Natalie's mother meets Laura Lee's widowed father at some church event, cue whirlwind romance and by the end of the summer, they're married and living together, much to Laura Lee and Natalie's confusion (Laura Lee) and horror (Natalie).

Here we'll say that Natalie went to a different much crappier school at the other end of town, but she wasn't entirely unknown to WHS students.

Natalie, still reeling from her father's death - and the guilt of being the catalyst, of missing him, of not missing him - of moving across town, living in a house for the first time, of going to a new school, and having a stepsister of the same age who is entirely too nice and a stepfather who is nervous and kind, is kinda a lot for her.

Laura Lee's father, aware of Natalie's history and what her father was like, does his best to be as unthreatening a figure to Natalie as possible and kinda just lets her do her own thing - which suits her just fine.

This all happens like 3 days before school is due to start, so Lottie comes by to pick Laura Lee up for school and finds her best friend dragging the angriest angel of a human being towards the car by the arm. Natalie is half asleep and does not want to go to school, but Laura Lee is determined to help her new stepsister adjust to all the changes that she herself is still coming to terms with.

Lottie's sitting behind the wheel mouth agape as Laura Lee pulls open the back door to the car, shoves Natalie in, slams it shut, and makes her way to the passenger seat. "Uhhh, hi?" Laura Lee takes a deep breath, relaxes the frown on her face, turns to Lottie and goes "Hi Lottie, how was your weekend?" as if this was all normal. Lottie glances at the backseat where this strange girl has decided to just lie down and continue sleeping. "Uhm. Good. How... was yours?"

ANYWAY.

Flash foward a few months and Laura Lee is tutoring Lottie (a willing and grateful participant) and Natalie (the opposite), and it is a disaster. Laura Lee does her best, but it's hard when her two students are more interested in flirting and playing footsie than the work. A few desks over some of the other team members are watching this unfold. Jackie almost gets up to go and save Laura Lee from being in the middle of borderline filthy commentary when Tai puts a hand on her arm and goes "no, let's see how this plays out."

ALSO.

Laura Lee managing to convince (bribe) Natalie to stay after school one night to help her practise soccer, unaware that the Coach's are watching. The next day she's pulled off the bleachers (where she waits for Laura Lee and Lottie to be done with team practise when she doesn't want to walk 'home') by the Coach's and before she or anyone else understands what's happening, finds herself on the team.

Natalie doesn't want to be on the team, but Laura Lee gets so excited about having something in common with Natalie and gives good hugs and being mean to her is like kicking a baby and also she likes being good at something, so maybe she'll stick around. And also have a reason to stare at Lottie's legs. So. It's not all bad.

[shock-borror]

.

Shock gazed at Bailey for a moment, mulling over his words. She knew he saw a lot of what she did as 'excuses', but they weren't so: they were reasoning. If she knew X would happen if she did Y, then being careful wasn't cowardly --it was just common sense.

Still, she wasn't about to explain herself to him, not when she was so happy, when everything was going so well. Shock laughed once more (when was the last time she had laughed so often?) and let him lead her by the hand back to the van.

The hotel wasn't big, but, considering all her experience with hotels was through a screen, Shock was either expecting a full-blown Hilton mansion or a seedy little motel. Either one had its appeal. The real deal, though. was much more mundane. It felt like a combination of Carthay Cinemas, with its carpeted floors and ready counter, and, she imagined, with a proper house, with rooms and so. Nothing extraordinary.

He gave her a card and pointed to the door handle. She frowned, unsure of what was meant to happen, but did as he instructed. The light turned green, and then the door was opened. "That's some sci fi shit," Shock muttered under her breath, realizing too late that made her sound awfully provincial.

“You make a lot of excuses it seems,” Bailey teased her. “But you don’t have to. Not with anyone, but especially not with me.” He could see through most of them, anyway. Maybe be the end of the night, or at least, the end of the adventure, just maybe, Shock would understand a little better why he did all of this for her. He knew he could never outright say it without risky… well, everything, essentially. Still, secretly he hoped she would just figure it out one of these days if she hadn’t already.

Bailey hummed when she clarified it was because she was being considerate. “How noble and selfless of you,” he joked. “Alright, come on then,” he agreed, instinctively grabbing her by the hand to lead her back to the van. “It’s just down the street, we’ll be there in maybe two minutes.” Once they got back to the van, Bailey made sure she got in alright before hopping into the drivers seat. He was alright to drive, having not drank that much and the fact that this road was a straight line.

Luckily, due to the traffic that often rolled through nearby, the hotel didn’t have a cutoff time when it came to checking in. He’d technically done it online before the concert, so all they really needed to do was give the name and their room key. Walking in, Bailey headed straight to the counter, where an employee was filing some papers. He was able to get her attention with a polite excuse me, and in no time they had their key cards and were heading to the room. “You can do it,” he gestured to the door handle that had a large square on it, used to scan the keys. “Just tap it, and wait for the light to go green.”

[for28seconds]

Max is clearly not a fan of PR and they got him to do this tik tok, which I'm sure he happily obliged to looking how happy and silly he seems while doing it.

Man they're really obsessed with Charles at the Red Bull garage. All of a sudden they're posting too much lestappen on the main.

[booogage]

Love dichotomy of the Oscar-Ferrari relationship

One driver wants to throttle him and the other one just offered to adopt him

[carpesabrina]

Sabrina watched as Max’s face turned into disgust, “oh good. I know your moomoo’s boy so wasn’t sure if that just trailed onto sex your life.” She said teasingly. “But agreed. Nothing older than 40. 50 might not be so bad either.” She had always been into older man, Chris was probably the oldest she had ever slept with. But she definitely flirted with even older in the past. She rose her eyebrow, her gaze going over to his hair as he mentioned going bald. “I mean, I’d still find you hot if you go grey. I think you’d look marvelous with salt and pepper hair. But bald? Not going to happen. I need something to pull on when you’re eating my pussy.” Her hands were always in his hair, whether they were just making out or making love. She loved stroking it and brushing it with her fingers just as much as she liked to tug on it. “People keep talking about you shaving your hair now that you’re part of the Hurt Syndicate and I’m just saying this now, if you do, I’m leaving.” She told him. She wouldn’t actually follow through with that threat. She loved him, and didn’t care what he looked like. His looks wasn’t why she was with him. She was with him for how he made her feel when they were together, how happy she was to be his. Sabrina nodded in agreement, “Our love is more than just sex. We don’t need it to flourish or to show each other how much we love one another.” Their relationship started off with it, but it had grown to be more than just that over the past few months. She loved their slow mornings of cuddling in bed and kissing just as much as she loved making love to him. She laughed as he mentioned Ricky hitting on Cayla. “That’s fine. Maybe she’ll date a wrestler too and we’ll have more in common.” Cayla was easily the sister she didn’t have a lot in common with. But the eldest carpenter daughter was still one of Sabrina’s best friends. She went to Cayla to things she couldn’t go to her other sister’s about. She was the first person that she told about Max. “I agree, I don’t want to be working that day. I’ll sing along to songs but that’s about it. Is it a good idea? I’m worried it won’t be and he won’t like it.” She knew that was a crazy fear. Her dad liked all of her songs, even if he didn’t completely approve of their lyrics. An he would love a new one about him. “I’m glad you’re mine too, baby. I don’t think I could have picked any better.” She mused, leaning up to kiss his cheek. She knew people judged the relationship, and said she could pick better. But he was everything that she had ever imagined in a partner. “It’d have to be after. You can’t see my dress until I’m walking down the aisle.” She reminded him. She knew it wasn’t as much as a tradition anymore. A lot of couples did first looks at weddings and she was still on the fence about it. Once they were at the porch, she leaned against it, and smiled. “We are getting married in Long Island, Mr. Friedman.” She confirmed with a head nod. A year ago, she would have definitely wanted a place like this venue in the city. But now she was falling in love with Long Island and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. She had kept her apartment for now, but also was becoming well aware she would have to eventually get rid of it. As he opened up the door she slid into the passenger seat and buckled up. As he drove back home, she called the venue they had picked to confirm all the details that they could confirm in that moment. She gave them her card info so she could reserve the rooms before she hung up the phone. It had felt like a short phone call, but it had taken up most of the drive as Max pulled into their neighborhood. “Alright, we got two dressing rooms, the big ballroom, and then assistants for us. We’ll have to go back closer to try food and cake. Decide if we want a live band or a DJ.” She told max as he pulled up to the house. The big things were decided but now it was time for all the little things that came to make the wedding. 

Max twisted up his face in disgust. "No granny kinks for me. I wouldn't turn down a hot woman up to 35 but that's about it." Max was almost thirty and didn't mine older women but after a certain age gap it was a no. "Maybe up to 40 but they would have to be very hot but that's as far as I could go. No granny's for me." He was aware that Chris was 44 and Sab had went out with him but he couldn't see her going much older than that or her family approving. "You have amazing genes and will be totally hot at 80 and I'll still be older than you and probably bald or have a head of white hair. "You going to still find me hot? They both had a ways to go since they were still in their 20's but he had no doubt no matter their love would last. "I promise I'll still love you and even if we aren't into sex anymore that I'll still hold you, kiss you and make sure you feel as loved as you do right now. Love isn't about sex but emotions and we're never losing that." Ricky was a lot like Max when it came to charming the ladies but unlike Max, Ricky was always nice to people. It was rare for him to lose his temper. "I'm sure they'll be fine but he might hit on her." Max said smiling. He glanced down at her fingers as they rand along his and smiled. It was something he loved about her and caught himself often doing the same, rubbing the back of her neck or playing in her hair. "I'm glad because you need to enjoy your special day and not be working. I love hearing you sing but I just want you to have fun and not deal with anything but saying I do and being with those that truly love you and want to celebrate with you." Max was touched as she told him what she meant and he knew how special it would be for David. The man had made a mistake but he loved his family and his girls. It was a way to show she had forgiven him and loved him in spite of everything. Sure he knew that but this was more personal and Max knew that. "I think that's a good idea, kitten. You are and hopefully Sarah will be next, he's got a lot of crying coming his way. All of you girls are beautiful and anyone would be lucky to have you for theirs. I'm glad you're mine, I really am." He squeezed her hand lightly before turning the corner. "I think you're right because Winnie would want to be with you the whole time. Bjorn, Benny and Piper might be find to curl up on a tree at the alter but not Winnie. We can do pics with them before or after. A family pic to hang in our living room." Long Island seemed the obvious choice the more they talked about the wedding. "Unless this wows us then it has to be Long Island. You're right, everything keeps pointing there." He loved walking in with her and seeing people turn to look at them. His chest always seemed to puff up with pride that she was on his arm After listening to everything and going back outside to the car he agreed. "I do too, looks like we're getting married in Long Island, Mrs. Friedman." He opened the door for her and then got in and started the drive back home. They had a venue and a date.

[pitstoplexi]

WTF IS HAPPENING THEY BROUGHT BACK PALPATINE

[thomas-mvller]

Alexis Mac Allister (16') Mohamed Salah (73') Everton | 2 - 2 | Liverpool FC 2024/2025 Premier League - matchweek 15