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szariahwroteit · 3 days ago

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FUNGIRL A Trent Alexander-Arnold + Original Character Erotic series.

Chapter 7

18+ Minors DNI

The thin cotton of Amber’s T-shirt clung to her pert nipples as she raised her arms, pulling her hair into a messy bun. Trent smiled lazily over the FaceTime call, melting into his seat as he relished the visual.

As he sat there, his gaze drifted to the three elegant bouquets of velvety roses arranged neatly behind her. The vibrant red of the petals caught his eye, pulling at the corners of his consciousness. A cloud of uncertainty settled in his stomach, and his smile wavered slightly. “Someone’s pleased with you,” Trent remarked, trying to mask the surge of anxiety that twisted within him, betraying his feelings at that moment.

“Thank you! We closed on a case that I’d been working on for a few months. My colleague Kenneth gave them to me,” Amber explained, a soft smile spreading across her lips as she glanced over his shoulder at the flowers she’d been gifted earlier.

“Congratulations!” Trent smiled, clearing his throat as he attempted to stop his mind from going to the worst places.

Outside of her—her body, the way she viewed the present world, her surface-level likes and dislikes, and physical wants and needs—he didn’t know much about Amber’s life, and the revelation made his heart sink.

He had always been drawn to her vibrant energy and infectious laughter, but the more he learned about her professional life, the more he realized how little he truly understood her. The roses were a symbol of her success, but they also highlighted the distance between them—both physical and emotional.

“Thanks! It was tough, but I’m really proud of the outcome,” she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Kenneth helped me with some of the finer details of the case, we spent months and countless late nights working to get a win, I’m over the moon.”

Trent nodded, forcing a smile as he tried to mask the unease brewing inside him. “Congratulations. You deserve it. You’ve worked hard.”

The truth was, Trent had no real grasp of the effort that had been poured into the case that she had successfully championed for her client. As he reflected on their relationship, he began to understand the depth of her words when she remarked that he saw her as little more than a source of pleasure. The woman who existed beyond the warm, intimate cocoon they had spun around each other was an enigma to him, a puzzle he was increasingly eager to solve, yet felt wholly unqualified to approach because of his own doing.

He felt terrible.

Every match he asked her to attend, she attended. Whenever he asked her to make the commute from London to Liverpool for him, she did so without question, and he didn’t know much about her day-to-day life outside of what she did as an occupation.

She’d even faced scrutiny from his friends, degradation and disrespect yet Trent hadn’t paid any attention to the world around her that made Amber Webb the woman she was.

He finally understood why she was so hesitant to accept the earrings he sent her and threw his flowers out. It was Trent doing what he thought was right, not what she actually needed of him.

“Are you doing anything to celebrate?” Trent asked in an attempt to mask his current inner turmoil.

“Not really, we’re having after-work drinks on Friday and then it’s on to the next case I guess,” Amber shrugged.

“Do you have any other plans this weekend?” Trent asked, the knot in his stomach tightening ever so slightly.

“No,” she confirmed.

“Then would you like to come up to Liverpool after your work drinks?” Trent asked, the cogs in his head already turning.

“I’d like that, but the commute…” Amber trailed off.

“Leave it to me,” Trent interjected. “I’ll figure it out,” he continued, surprised by the vulnerability present in his voice.

And so, when Friday rolled around Amber and her colleagues made their way out of the office for the weekend, she messaged Trent to let him know the name of the bar they were heading to and left the rest up to him.

She knew that yesterday evening’s football match against a team she couldn't remember the name of was the last game of the week for Trent and his teammates and that was about it.

Whenever they exchanged words over the phone, he had consistently kept his plans under wraps, leaving her in a state of suspense. Despite the flutter of nerves that churned within her, Amber found herself relishing the thrill of uncertainty and spontaneity that came with it.

“I need a whole bottle of wine to myself,” Amber’s colleague Isabella sighed dramatically as both women climbed into the cab set to take them over to the bar. “This week has been tedious.”

“It has,” Amber agreed, a smile creeping onto her face when her phone vibrated in her hand, the black screen coming to life as a response from Trent came through.

Trent: Have a good time with your colleagues, we’ll have our fun later 😏

The message was rather flirty and made Amber’s cheeks warm as she read it over, before responding and putting her phone back into her purse.

“Who has you smiling like that?” Isabella asked teasingly, playfully poking Amber’s dimpled cheek as she attempted to sneak a peek at her phone.

“No one,” Amber blushed, dulling any suspicion as Trent took over her thoughts, holding them captive as they drove through the city.

“Is it Kenneth?” Isabella asked, her eyes widening in shock.

“No, it's not Kenneth. It's someone else, he's…a friend.” Amber explained trying not to give too much away.

“Would you ever go there with Kenneth?” Isabella pressed, her curiosity piqued.

Amber hesitated, the question hanging in the air. Kenneth was a great colleague, she appreciated his mentorship, and he was incredibly easy on the eye, but the thought of anything romantic with him felt off. “No, I don’t think so. He’s more like a big brother to me. I really value our professional relationship.”

Isabella nodded, but her expression remained skeptical.

“What?” Amber asked in amusement as she took in Isabella’s expression, it was clear she had more to say.

“It's obvious he likes you, have you never noticed?”

Amber rolled her eyes and laughed, shaking her head as she leaned back in her seat, the soft hum of the taxi driving through the night serving as background noise. "Isabella, we're colleagues. Yes, I think he respects and maybe even fancies me, but professionally, nothing's ever crossed the line. He's never made a move, and I've never considered him as anything more."

"Sometimes as women we don't always notice these things," Isabella argued with a raised eyebrow. "Your job's high pressure and your focus is always elsewhere, it's not unusual for people to feel unnoticed if someone's interested but never expresses it."

"Fair point," Amber conceded, though she still didn't see Kenneth in any other light than a valued mentor. As for potential suitors, she had no room in her mind for anyone besides Trent, and lately, that connection had become increasingly complicated.

“As handsome and friendly as Kenneth may be, my attention is elsewhere,” she continued vaguely.

Isabella pressed her lips together, still appearing unsatisfied with Amber's response. "Well, if he's such a good colleague, you should at least consider being kind to him. Someone might miss out on feeling special if you keep passing him up."

"Who says I'm passing him up? Like I said, he's more like a brother to me. I value the professional relationship we have," Amber defended, her tone a touch firmer now as they pulled up to the bar.

The neon lights of the establishment cast a gaudy glow over the vehicle as they climbed out onto the sidewalk, their heels clicking against the pavement. As they stepped inside, the familiar hum of conversation and clinking glasses enveloped them like a warm blanket.

Isabella stopped at the bar, ordering a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for herself before turning to Amber. "I'm heading to the ladies' room. Do you need anything while I'm in there?"

“Just for you to come back out with a change of heart and at least flirt with him,” Isabella smirked. “The same for you?” she asked as the bartender placed a crisp glass of wine in front of her.

“Yes please,” Amber smiled before turning on her heels and heading in the direction of the restroom.

After relieving herself, she lingered at the sink, enjoying the refreshing feel of cool water as she thoroughly washed her hands. Once dry, she reached into her purse and retrieved her favourite lip gloss, the shimmering tube catching the light. With a careful application, she coated her lips in a glossy, vibrant hue, adding a touch of glamour to her appearance. Satisfied, she ran her fingers through her hair, fluffing the strands into place, before making her way back out to the lively atmosphere of the bar.

“There she is!” Isabella smiled as she held up Amber’s glass to her, now joined by a few of their colleagues including Kenneth who had changed out of the suit he wore earlier in the office into a more casual outfit of jeans, sneakers and a knitted sweater.

Amber felt a flutter of nerves as she approached the group, her heart racing slightly at the sight of Kenneth. He looked effortlessly handsome, his dark tapered waves shaped to perfection and his smile warm as he caught her eye. She returned his smile, but the moment was fleeting as she was quickly swept into the lively banter of her colleagues.

“Amber! You made it!” one of her coworkers exclaimed, pulling her into a friendly hug. The atmosphere was electric, laughter and chatter filling the air as they settled into their evening.

“Cheers to a successful week!” Isabella raised her glass, and the others followed suit, clinking their drinks together in a toast. Amber felt a wave of camaraderie wash over her, the weight of the week lifting as she took a sip of her wine.

As the night wore on, the conversation flowed easily, and Amber found herself enjoying the company of her colleagues. They shared stories, jokes, and laughter, but every so often, her gaze would drift to Kenneth. He was engaged in conversation with another colleague, but every now and then, he would glance her way, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“Are you going to keep staring at him, or are you going to say something?” Isabella teased, nudging Amber playfully.

Amber rolled her eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “I’m not staring! It's… you made things awkward now.”

“I didn't do anything wrong,” Isabella winked, and Amber couldn’t help but laugh.

“Okay, okay, maybe I’m a little distracted,” she admitted, her heart racing at the thought of Kenneth’s attention. But her mind quickly flickered back to Trent, the anticipation of their plans later that night sending a thrill through her.

“Speaking of distractions, what’s the deal with that guy you were texting earlier?” Isabella asked, her tone shifting to a more serious note.

“It's a little complicated,” Amber said honestly, her heart fluttering as she thought about the rather complex situation she’d found herself in.

As if Trent had a sixth sense Amber’s purse began to vibrate as her phone rang inside of it. Placing her glass down on the bar, she lifted the flap on her bag and pulled out her phone.

She couldn't help the smile that took over her features as she Trent’s call and placed the phone to her ear.

“Hey,” she greeted, her voice warm and inviting, cutting through the ambient noise of the bar.

“Hi, beautiful,” Trent replied, his voice smooth and familiar, sending a rush of excitement through her. “How’s your evening going?”

“It’s great! We’re just getting started, actually. Everyone’s in here,” Amber said, glancing around at her colleagues, who were laughing and chatting animatedly. “How about you? I watched your game last night, congratulations.”

“Not too shabby on both of our parts. We’ve both won,” he chuckled, and she could almost picture the lazy smile on his face. “But I’m more interested in hearing about your night. Are you having fun?”

“Definitely! It’s nice to unwind after a long week,” Amber replied, her heart fluttering at his praise.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Trent asked instantly, making Amber’s eyes widen in surprise as she looked towards the entrance of the bar.

“Are you here?” Amber asked, her voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Her cheeks flushed a warm shade of pink as she envisioned the intricacies of her arrangements. The thought of her Premier League star friend with benefits mingling among her colleagues sent a flutter through her stomach, blending excitement with a hint of anxiety about how the evening would unfold, and the questions that would be asked.

“I’m outside, but I wanted to make sure you were okay with it first,” Trent replied, his tone light but earnest. “I didn’t want to crash your evening.”

Amber bit her lip, weighing her options. She could feel the energy of the bar pulsing around her, the laughter and chatter of her friends creating a warm atmosphere. But the thought of Trent being there, of seeing him in person, sent a thrill through her. “No, I’d love for you to come in! Just… give me a second to prepare myself,” she said, her heart racing.

“Okay, I’ll give you a second,” he replied, and she could hear the smile in his voice. “See you soon.”

Amber hung up and took a deep breath, her mind racing. She quickly scanned the room, spotting Isabella and the others still engaged in their conversations. She felt a rush of excitement mixed with nerves. What would they think?

The volume of the bar seemed to increase towards the entrance of the bar, bringing with it the patter of Amber’s heart in her chest. Her suspicions were confirmed when she heard someone utter Trent’s name.

When their eyes met across the room, a jolt of electricity surged through Amber. He stood at the entrance, tall and confident, his presence commanding attention. The dim lighting of the bar highlighted the sharp angles of his jaw and the playful glint in his eyes.

Clutching her glass Amber let out a breath she’d been holding as she walked towards Trent, who had been pulled into a conversation with a group of men who asked if he'd take a picture with them.

Amber slowed down slightly as she made her way towards Trent, trying to calm her nerves. She couldn't help but notice the way his broad shoulders filled out his casual grey sweater, and the way his dark curls had grown slightly since she’d seen him last, his hairline lined to perfection as if he'd just stood from his barber’s chair.

He took a deliberate step away from the conversation, letting the noise around him fade into a dull hum. He could feel the weight of curious gazes upon him, each one filled with a mix of intrigue and recognition. He sensed the silent speculation in the air as onlookers tried to piece together why his face seemed so familiar or, more than that, concluded his identity.

Trent's eyes traced over Amber’s figure as she stood before him, the lowcut blouse, jeans and heels she wore equal parts casual and sexy.

“Wow,” he breathed, his voice low and husky as he took in the sight of her. “You look stunning.”

Amber felt a blush creep into her cheeks at his compliment, her stomach fluttering with excitement. “Thank you! I wasn’t expecting your company, but I’m glad you’re here.”

Trent stepped closer, the warmth of his body radiating towards her. “I couldn’t resist crashing the party when you’re celebrating a win,” he said, his tone teasing, but there was an earnestness behind his eyes that made her heart race.

With a fleeting glance over her shoulder, Amber noted her colleagues, engaged in their conversations and completely oblivious to the presence of her unexpected guest. She turned her focus back to Trent, her expression softening into a warm smile. Gently, she extended her glass towards him, the polished surface catching the light as he reached out, fingers brushing against hers. He took a careful sip, savouring the drink while their eyes locked for a brief, electric moment.

“Are you going to introduce me to any of your people?” Trent inquired, his brow furrowed in curiosity as he scanned the crowd, trying to decipher which group Amber belonged to. Just then, Isabella turned away from her conversation, her gaze suddenly drawn to Amber. He noticed a flicker of surprise cross her face, her eyes widening as she recognized the woman standing a short distance away.

“Amber, is that…?” Isabella didn’t even finish her sentence before her expression shifted to one of realization and excitement. “No way!”

Trent chuckled, his confidence soaring as he caught the eye of several of Amber’s colleagues, who were now gaping at him in shock and awe. “Hi,” he said playfully, flashing a charming smile that only seemed to terrify them even more.

Amber’s heart raced with a mix of pride and nervousness as she leaned closer to Trent, feeling his warmth seep into her. “Okay, come on. I’ll introduce you,” she said, trying to shake off her wide-eyed disbelief and pass it off as normal behaviour. She led him toward the small cluster of her colleagues, who had momentarily paused their banter, captivated by the presence of the football star.

“Guys, this is Trent,” Amber announced, gesturing towards him. “He's a friend of mine.” She felt her cheeks grow warm as she admitted it, unsure of how her colleagues would respond.

“Trent, this is Isabella and Kenneth,” she continued, pointing out each one. Kenneth's expression was bemused, his mouth slightly agape, as he absorbed everything unfolding before him.

“Wow, nice to meet you!” Isabella said, flashing a smile of genuine enthusiasm while the other colleagues introduced themselves, their excitement palpable.

Kenneth, however, was still standing a beat too long in silence, assessing Trent with a guarded expression. “So, you’re Amber’s, um, friend,” he remarked, tone casual but with an edge of something more possessive underneath.

Trent turned his attention fully to Kenneth, eyebrows raised with playful challenge. “You could say that.” He shot back with a sly smile, his teasing tone igniting an internal tension that sparked to life igniting the air between them.

Trent had never been an insecure man, nor was he a controlling one in arenas he didn't have to be, but there was something about Kenneth, something about his proximity to Amber that he didn't feel.

She wasn't his girlfriend, but given their situation, there was a level of possessiveness that Trent had adopted when it came to Amber.

The idea that the two good-looking twenty-something-year-olds spent hours on end together was a fact he didn't want to ponder on and in an instant, he'd to his verdict.

He didn't like Kenneth.

Trent stayed close to Amber as he engaged in small talk with her work friends, doing his best to keep his wandering hands at bay.

“Can I get a round of drinks?” he asked, purposefully slipping his hand around Amber’s waist, leaning into her as she said something enthusiastically to Isabella.

“Wines good,” Amber confirmed, holding up her half-empty glass, her breath hitching in her throat when she felt Trent’s fingertips on the skin of her stomach as he listened to the orders of the rest of the group.

As Trent carried their drinks back to their cluster, his fingers brushed against Amber's lower back, sparking a tingle that ran through her. He placed her glass in her hand, his touch lingering just a beat too long, making it clear that he was as affected by their intimate moments as she was.

Trent's gaze softened as it met Amber's, the air between them charged with a current of tension and desire. For a fleeting moment, the noise of the bar faded away, leaving only the two of them suspended in a cocoon of raw emotion.

But reality snapped them back in an instant, their surroundings demanding their attention once more. Amber sipped her wine, her thoughts racing as she tried to process the surreal situation; Trent standing among her colleagues, making small talk as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

As the evening went on, Amber found herself fully at ease in the moment, slightly giddy from a combination of the wine she’d consumed and Trent’s presence.

But beneath the surface of her carefree laughter, she could sense the tension; Kenneth and Trent were exchanging glances, a silent battle of wills playing out in the backdrop. Kenneth’s practised charm felt a touch too deliberate, while Trent’s confidence exuded a raw, lingering energy directed solely at her.

“Another round?” Kenneth asked, attempting to divert the attention back to the drinks, his voice smooth as he regarded Amber. “How about a shot to celebrate your victory?” He leaned closer, his fingers brushing against her exposed collarbone. The contact sent an involuntary shiver down her spine, though she couldn't ignore the discomfort that flickered in Trent’s eyes as he watched.

She noticed Trent’s relaxed demeanour shift slightly, tension curling at the corners of his mouth.

As Kenneth leaned in closer, Amber could feel the warmth radiating from him, but it was an oddly misplaced warmth—one that made her acutely aware of Trent's presence just a breath away. She turned her gaze back to Trent, whose expression had shifted. A subtle tension gripped the space between them, and Amber's heart raced in response.

“Maybe we should skip the shots,” Trent interjected, his tone light but layered with something deeper, an underlying challenge that only Amber seemed to notice.

“Oh come on, Trent,” Kenneth said, his voice dripping with casual confidence. “Amber has just achieved something incredible; she deserves to celebrate.” The way Kenneth's gaze lingered on Amber made her feel exposed as if she were caught in the crossfire of a power play.

“I have a surprise waiting on her,” Trent replied, his smile never faltering, but the intensity in his eyes spoke volumes.

“Oh really?” Kenneth’s brow furrowed slightly, leaning back as he assessed the situation. “What kind of surprise?” The amusement in his tone was at odds with the tension radiating from Trent, who stood protectively close to Amber, his hand resting possessively on the small of her back.

Trent didn’t break eye contact with Kenneth, his expression a mix of amusement and defiance. “Let’s just say it’s something that’ll take us away from this place for a while.”

Amber’s heart raced at the thought. She felt a rush of excitement and curiosity flood through her alongside the growing tension. “What do you mean?” she asked, looking back and forth between the two men, trying to gauge Kenneth’s reaction and Trent’s intent.

Trent’s eyes flickered toward her, softening momentarily. “I arranged for us to take a helicopter ride back to my mansion in Liverpool after your drinks. I thought it might be a fun way to kick off the weekend.”

Kenneth’s demeanour shifted. The confident smirk slipped from his face as the reality of the situation set in. “A helicopter ride?” he repeated, trying to mask his surprise and jealousy.

Amber bit her lip, trying to process the grand gesture. The idea of soaring through the night together, feeling the wind tousle her hair as the city lights twinkled below them, sent a thrill through her. Yet she couldn’t ignore the weight of Kenneth’s glare, a silent challenge in his gaze.

Amber wasn’t sure what any of this was, but until Isabelle had taken the time to point out Kenneth’s behaviour towards her, she hadn’t noticed it.

The unspoken energy between the two men was palpable, hanging heavy in the air like a storm cloud on the horizon. Kenneth seemed to bristle at the suggestion, his earlier carefree attitude evaporating, replaced by an uneasy silence.

Amber felt caught in the middle, torn between two different worlds—the life she led with her colleagues and the whirlwind of intimacy she shared with Trent. She could sense the undercurrent of jealousy emanating from Kenneth, an emotion that stoked the simmering tension.

“Are you ready?” Trent asked, his voice low and inviting, drawing Amber's attention back to him. The warmth in his gaze made her heart race, and she felt a thrill of anticipation ahead of the adventure he had planned.

Isabelle and Kenneth watched the interaction between Amber and Trent, as they readied themselves to leave the bar and head to Liverpool.

“Do you have everything?” he asked softly as she pulled her thick winter coat over her shoulders and fastened the buttons.

“Have a good weekend,” Isabelle smirked knowingly, already anticipating her catch-up with Amber on Monday morning at the office.

“Be safe,” Kenneth added, his tone a mix of concern and something else—perhaps a hint of possessiveness that Amber couldn’t quite place. She caught his eye, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken words.

“Thanks, Kenneth,” Amber replied, forcing a smile as she felt Trent’s presence beside her, a reassuring warmth that made her feel bold.

“Let’s go,” Trent said, his voice steady and confident as he gently placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the exit. The gesture sent a thrill through her, and she couldn’t help but glance back at Kenneth, whose expression was a mixture of disappointment and something darker.

As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit Amber’s face, invigorating her senses. She looked up at the starry sky, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of the helicopter ride. Trent led her to a sleek black car waiting at the curb, the driver stepping out to open the door for them.

“Ready?” Trent asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he slid into the back seat beside her.

“Absolutely,” Amber replied, her heart racing. She felt a mix of exhilaration and nervousness, the thrill of the unknown ahead of them.

As the car pulled away from the bar, Amber glanced out the window, watching the city lights blur by. She could feel Trent’s gaze on her, and when she turned to meet his eyes, the intensity of his stare sent a shiver down her spine.

“Tell me more about this case you won,” he prompted, leaning in slightly, his voice low and inviting. “I want to know what you’ve been working so hard on.”

Amber smiled, grateful for his interest. “It was a complex case involving the separation of a merger that joined in the early 2000s. There were thousands of documents to go through and hours of emails, but I was able to come to an agreement that both parties were happy with. It was exhausting but rewarding to see it all come together in the end.”

Trent nodded, genuinely intrigued. “It sounds like you put your heart into it.”

“I had to,” she agreed. “My dad always says you either took up law because you're crazy or you love it,” Amber smiled softly, making Trent do the same.

“Sounds like you’re a little bit of both,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “But seriously, it’s impressive. I love that you’re so passionate about your work.”

Amber felt a warmth spread through her at his words. “Thanks, Trent. It means a lot to hear that from you.” She paused, her expression turning slightly more serious. “I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and it’s nice to have someone recognize that.”

Trent leaned back in his seat, his gaze steady on her. “You deserve all the recognition and more.”

Amber’s heart fluttered at his sincerity. “Thank you, Trent,” she blushed. “I really appreciate it. It’s been a while since someone told me they're proud of me.”

Trent smiled, his expression softening and his heart cracking, he pitied her.

“I’m proud of you, Amber. You’re doing incredible things, and I want you to know that I see you,” he said, his voice sincere. “Not just as the woman I’m attracted to, but as a talented professional who’s doing something and making her mark in the world.”

Amber felt a rush of emotion at his words, a mixture of gratitude and something deeper. “That means a lot to me, Trent. I sometimes feel like I’m just wading.”

“You’re not a distraction,” he replied firmly, his gaze unwavering. “You’re someone I want to be around, and I want to be part of your life, not just the fun parts. I want to know everything about you—the good, the bad.”

Amber smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. “I want that too. Life is just crazy, I guess.”

Trent reached out, taking her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a soothing gesture. “We can figure it out together. Just take it one step at a time. And tonight, let’s enjoy this adventure. No pressure.”

Amber nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “You’re right. Let’s just enjoy this.”

As the car approached the helipad, Amber’s excitement bubbled over. She could see the helicopter waiting, its blades spinning gently in the night air. The sight sent a thrill through her, and she turned to Trent, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“Are you ready for this?” he asked, his voice low and playful.

“More than ready!” Amber replied, her heart racing at the thought of taking to the sky.

As they stepped out of the car, the cool night air enveloped them, heightening Amber's senses. She looked up at the helicopter, its sleek design gleaming under the moonlight, and felt a rush of exhilaration. Trent's hand remained firmly clasped around hers, a reassuring presence as they approached the aircraft.

“Just a few safety checks, and we’ll be on our way,” Trent said, his excitement palpable. Amber could see the thrill in his eyes, and it made her heart race even faster.

The pilot greeted them with a nod, and Trent helped Amber into the helicopter, ensuring she was securely seated before taking his place beside her. The interior was surprisingly spacious, with plush seats and large windows that promised breathtaking views.

“Ready?” Trent asked, his voice low and filled with promise.

“Yes,” Amber replied, her pulse quickening. She could hardly believe this was happening.

As the pilot began the pre-flight checks, Amber turned to Trent, her heart swelling with affection. “Thank you for this. It’s incredible.”

Trent smiled, his gaze warm and sincere. “You deserve it. I wanted to do something special to celebrate your success. You’ve worked hard, and I want you to know how much I admire that.”

Amber felt a flutter in her chest at his words. “It means a lot to me, Trent. I’ve never had anyone go out of their way like this for me before.”

“Then let’s make it a night to remember,” he said, his voice filled with promise.

The helicopter lifted off the ground, and Amber felt a rush of adrenaline as they ascended into the night sky. The city below them sparkled like a sea of stars, and she couldn’t help but gasp in awe. The view was breathtaking, and she turned to Trent, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Look at that!” she exclaimed, pointing out the twinkling lights of the city. “It’s beautiful!”

Trent leaned closer, his shoulder brushing against hers. “Just wait until we get higher. It’s even more crazy up there.”

As they climbed higher, the world below faded away, and Amber felt a sense of freedom wash over her. The worries and stresses of her life seemed to dissipate, replaced by the exhilaration of the moment. She glanced at Trent, who was watching her with a soft smile, and her heart swelled.

“Thank you for being here with me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, his gaze steady and sincere. “You deserve it.”

Amber felt a warmth spread through her at his words. Everything felt a little too perfect and it scared her.

The journey from London to Liverpool was filled with laughter and shared stories, the hum of the helicopter blending with their voices as they navigated the heights together. Amber felt a sense of connection with Trent that she hadn’t fully grasped before, a bond that transcended their physical attraction and ventured into something deeper.

As they soared above the city, the lights twinkling like stars beneath them, Amber couldn’t help but steal glances at Trent. His profile was illuminated by the soft glow of the cockpit lights, and she admired the way his eyes sparkled with excitement.

Her heart raced as the helicopter climbed higher, the wind whipping through the open windows, creating a thrilling sensation that added to her excitement. She could feel a heady mix of adrenaline and longing as she reached out, her fingers brushing against Trent's arm as she pointed out various landmarks below, her excitement bubbling over.

“This is amazing! I can see the river! And look at the skyline!” she exclaimed. The world below was a patchwork of lights, shimmering like diamonds scattered across velvet fabric.

Trent turned to her, his expression a mixture of pride and endearment. “Just wait until we’re over the water. The view is even more breathtaking from there.”

His words sent shivers down Amber’s spine, not just because of the awe of the scenery, but because of the intensity of his gaze. At that moment, she realized just how much he meant to her. As the city continued to fade into the distance below, she felt liberated—free from the constraints of her thoughts that often weighed her down.

As they flew over the shimmering waters of the Mersey, Amber couldn’t help but turn to Trent, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is the most incredible thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

Trent’s expression softened, his eyes never leaving hers. “You deserve everything good in your life, Amber.”

A flutter of warmth spread through her at his words, and she felt a thrill course through her veins. Their eyes held steadily, each heartbeat echoing like drum beats, further closing the gap between the two, bringing them closer to that tension they both felt but had yet to fully acknowledge.

Within those electrifying moments, the helicopter banked gracefully over the coastline, the night sky wrapping them in a cocoon of serenity and allure. Amber marvelled at the rolling waves illuminated by the moonlight, casting an ethereal glow over the water.

By the time the helicopter landed Amber felt as though she was stepping out of a dream as Trent helped her climb out of the aircraft.

“That was amazing,” Amber gushed as took in the sprawling fields around them, turning to look at Trent who had pulled out his key to unlock his car parked a few yards away from the helicopter.

Holding out his hand to Amber, he guided her towards the svelte black car, the way he moved with confidence making her heart flutter.

When they finally made it to Trent’s house, Amber removed her heels eager to rid herself of them before heading upstairs to his bedroom to finally decompress after a long and rather precarious day, with Trent following close behind.

“Finish whatever you’re doing and come to me,” he murmured softly against Amber's lips, his breath warm and inviting. With a teasing grin, he pulled away, playfully catching her lower lip between his teeth for a brief moment before releasing it.

Amber felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched him turn on his heel, his confident strides carrying him across the room and out of sight. Left alone in the intimate setting of his bathroom, she could hear the faint sounds of his movements in the distance as he settled on his bed, awaiting her.

Her heart raced with anticipation as she reached for the hem of her blouse, she pulled it over her head, the fabric grazing her skin before she tossed it casually into Trent’s laundry hamper. Next, she turned her attention to her jeans, unbuttoning and sliding them off with a fluid motion, sending them to join her blouse in the hamper. Now standing in Trent’s bathroom clad only in her delicate lingerie, she felt an intoxicating mix of vulnerability and boldness, the anticipation of what was to come taking over her movements.

Making her way out of the bathroom Amber slowly made her way into Trent’s bedroom, her breathing steady as their eyes met.

“Come here, Amber,” Trent commanded, his voice soft yet filled with dominance as he eyed her hungrily.

Amber stepped closer to him, the anticipation that hung between the palpable as she stood at the end of the bed.

Sitting up, Trent shifted toward the end of his bed, his eyes never leaving Amber's as he reached out for her, pulling her to stand between his parted legs as his hands traced the curves of her shapely hips and thighs, leaning forward to press a soft kiss just above her pantyline as his eyes flicked up to her face.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice filled with want. “I want you in every way.”

Feeling a wave of desire come over her, Amber titled her hips towards Trent’s lips, her breathing uneven as she looked down at him.

“I want you too,” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with a mix of longing and urgency. The heat radiating from Trent's body was intoxicating, and she felt herself drawn closer, as if an invisible force was pulling her into his orbit.

Trent's hands moved with a gentle yet firm touch, exploring the delicate fabric of her lingerie, his fingers tracing the lace edges as he savored the moment.

Amber's heart raced as she leaned down, her lips brushing against his in a soft, tentative kiss. The connection ignited a fire within her, and she deepened the kiss, feeling Trent respond with equal intensity. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer until she was pressed against him, the heat of his body enveloping her as he pulled her into his lap.

Trent's strong hands roamed over Amber's body, feeling the softness of her lingerie beneath his fingertips as he devoured her lips in a passionate, dominating kiss. She melted against him, her curves fitting perfectly into the contours of his muscular frame.

As their tongues danced, Trent slid a hand up Amber's side, his thumb brushing the side of her breast before finding the hard peak beneath her bra. He pinched gently, eliciting a gasp from Amber that he swallowed as he deepened the kiss.

Breaking away, he leaned back to trail kisses down her neck, his breath hot against her skin as his hands found the straps of her lingerie. He worked at them, uncaring of the scraps of fabric that fell away until Amber was bared to him, her skin glistening in the dim light of the room.

There was a lack of control that Amber brought over Trent that no other woman was able to conjure from him.

And despite being a man of self-control and discipline, with her he loved to exercise his reckless side and lean into his lack of control.

Despite the vacant king-sized bed above them, Trent and Amber had found themselves on Trent’s bedroom floor, his hands gripping Amber’s behind her back as she rode him.

“There you go, sit all the way down on it,” Trent coached through his teeth as he looked up at Amber through heavy, hooded lust-filled eyes.

Amber moaned lowly, her hips rolling languidly against the rigid length of Trent’s dick, their bodies slick with sweat as she adjusted herself to take him fully.

"Just like that," Trent grunted with a furrowed brow, his grip on her wrist dropping so he could palm her ass, his grip tightening as he watched her work him into her pussy.

Amber’s muscles clenched around Trent as she started to move, rocking her hips in a sensual rhythm that had them both panting with desire. She leaned down to kiss him again, her tongue dancing with his as she set a pace that left them both breathless and needy.

“Trent, I’m going to cum,” Amber whimpered helplessly, her mouth falling open in a silent cry as her back arched into him.

As Amber’s orgasm moved through her, her body flopped against his before going stiff as she moved through the motions of a powerful climax.

Trent let out a moan as he felt her teeth press into his neck, her lips brushing over it as she whispered sweet nothings against his warm flesh.

Raising his hips, Trent tangled his fingers in the hair at the back of Amber’s head, tugging it backwards as he peeled her face from his chest so he could look her in the eye as he rearranged her from the inside out.

“I’ve been thinking about fucking you since I woke up this morning,” he grunted as he felt his end nearing.

Drawing out their sex for as long as he possibly could, Trent decided to exercise the power he knew he had over her.

“Who do you belong to?” he asked as he buried himself inside of her, his filled with a mix of desperation and possessiveness.

“Only you,” Amber gasped, her voice laced with surrender as her words hung in the lustful air between them. A declaration of their undeniable connection and the ever growing passion between them.

Trent's hands left imprints on her skin as they reached the peak of passion, her eyes rolling shut as she caught her breath far too suspended in pleasure to do anything but sit there, Trent’s softening cock still buried inside her.

As the final waves of their shared ecstasy faded, Amber remained in her blissful daze, resting her forehead against Trent’s.

Much like the effects of alcohol, the act of intimacy had a profound ability to unearth deep-seated emotions. As Amber nestled her head against Trent's broad chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat provided a comforting backdrop to her thoughts. A haunting melody, begging for reflection and clarity, clarity that she had been trying to avoid the admittance of.

In the case of Trent Alexander-Arnold; she was his without regard—even though she knew he wasn't ready to give himself to her in the same way.

#fanfic #jude bellingham smut #chick lit #trent alexander fluff #trent alexander arnold angst #trent alexander arnold smut #trent alexander x reader #trent alexander arnold fanfic #trent alexander imagines #trent aa #trent alexander arnold #taa #liverpool #liverpool fc #arronpierre #smut

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theplayer-io · 3 days ago

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I just had an interesting revelation about agent smith/pivot/gui

Spoiler alert for animation vs animator 11, and such.

So when I was making my babydoll x perfect girl edit with tco, I noticed that agent gui (smith/pivot/agent, or whatever you'd like to call him) was looking real good at tco's eyes when they were up at the atmosphere

Gui was looking dead straight into tco's "eyes" during the decimation, and what baffles me now is that I realize how terribly tco's fate could be with someone with this much vengeance.

Tco already struggled being beat up by gui back at the forest clearing. He had to ask tsc for help, and even then, they got captured.

After all, gui saw mitsi die, and he knew who tco was before vic. I think we all realize how personal this whole ordeal really got since we learned that gui was a great family friend of vic's and mitsi's. He's not just doing it for the money, and he never really was after a certain point.

Goodness gracious, and the fact that he was sobbing when having to rewitness mitsi's death with the save file reader? He for sure hates tco with a burning passion and was not hesitant when helping vic with the whole box scene.

Gui is one of my fav characters in this whole series, mainly because he resembles cgp grey, but his lore is incredibly good and complex. So, now we know that the manhunt is incredibly personal and that beating tco up in the forest clearing must be really cathartic for him.

Imagine the anger and resentment he has when he saw tco again, perhaps feeling freed when he was finally the one causing the terror to tco when he was chasing him with the other mercenaries. Imagine the defeat he felt when he looked at tco's eyes when tco froze the vehicle he was on when he made that escape to Alan's pc.

Now with tco and tsc at gui and vic's mercy, I'm curious on what his anger will lead to in future episodes..

he's so awesome

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misotsukiiyeooo · 16 hours ago

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"What's this one about?"

Pairing: Jeon Wonwoo x F! reader

A/N: need me a Wonwoo. (I'm too lazy to add photos for this one sry!)

Genre: Fluff

Word count: 3.6k

Synopsis: Wonwoo's curious and interested in the book you're reading, so interested that he accidentally reads ahead.

On a serene, cozy, rainy night, you stand in front of your kitchen counter, resting your book on it while being completely engrossed in the story.

So focused on the book, that you don't even notice your boyfriend, Wonwoo, walking into the kitchen.

He approaches from behind and wraps his big arms around you. "What's this one about, hmm?" Wonwoo asks, resting his chin on your shoulder.

With a smile, you reply, "It's about a girl on a mission to find out who killed her family. It's so good, and right now, the killer might be one of her best friends! Crazy, right?"

He listens intently as you speak, wanting to ensure you feel heard. He hums in response, "It does sound interesting."

You turn to face him and ask, "Want to read it with me? I could start over."

Wonwoo rests his hands on your waist as you talk. "Are you sure? Reading it over again doesn't sound fun."

You nod reassuringly. "I'm sure! Besides, I'm only like twenty pages in." You wait for his response.

He nods, "Alright then." You grin at him and take his hand, guiding him to your bedroom.

The gentle sound of rain drizzles against the window, creating a soothing backdrop to your shared silence.

You're both comfortably tangled in bed, feeling his chest rise and fall as he breathes.

"Isn't the book good so far?" you ask. He chuckles lightly, tilting his head. “I’m still trying to figure out if I can trust the second best friend. There’s something off about him.”

"Right? I think he might be the killer!" you exclaim, pointing at the page as if to emphasize the character.

He chuckles again, wrapping his arms a little tighter around you. "Now that I think about it, he's always around when the girl finds pieces of evidence."

You nod, enjoying how invested Wonwoo is in the story. Resting your head on his chest, you continue to read.

As you delve deeper into the book, you begin to feel tired, lulled by the rhythm of the rain in the background.

Gradually, you fall asleep, with Wonwoo remaining oblivious to your quiet state.

He gasps in shock as he figures out the plot twist. "He was the killer! We knew it!" He raises an eyebrow when he realizes you're not responding.

Wonwoo turns slightly to face you and scoffs. "Really? I guess I'll just have to pretend I didn't read it." He speaks softly, knowing you wouldn’t want to hear the details if he’s already finished the book.

He places the book beside the bed along with his glasses before kissing the top of your head and saying goodnight.

Sequel You and Wonwoo are both resting on the couch, watching TV.

"By the way, did you finish the book last night?" you ask, looking up at him.

Wonwoo shakes his head. "No, I noticed you were sleeping, so I didn't finish it," he replies, lying.

"Really? Oh…well, I woke up in the middle of the night because I couldn't stop thinking about it. But guess what? You wouldn't believe who the killer was!" you respond excitedly.

He looks over nervously. "Who was it?" He pretends to be curious.

"The guy we were talking about earlier—the best friend!" you reveal dramatically.

Wonwoo covers his mouth with his hand, his eyes wide. "Really?!"

You pause, sinking into the couch. "You read it, didn’t you?" You don’t buy his poor acting.

He sighs in defeat. "I'm sorry, Doll. I thought you were awake, so I kept reading…"

You giggle at his small pout. "It's fine, I guess. I did wake up to read it without you too, so…I suppose we're even."

He smiles. "I guess so." You sit closer to him again and look at the TV. "By the way, you're a terrible actor."

You both burst into laughter, the sound echoing joyfully throughout the house.

Reqs are open!!

Taglist!!

@jjunie-0 @black-swan-blog27 @allieyaaa @honglynights @bath1lda @hanniehae-yoon @wonunonu

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anotherjheastan · 3 days ago

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Another Complicated Love Story

A Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley FanFic

Chapter 4 | Masterlist

CW none

Chapter 5: Power Trip

Would you believe me if I said I'm in love? Baby, I want you to want me

Would you believe me if I said I'm in love? Baby, I want ya

And we are we are we are, got me up all night

And we are we are we are, all I'm singin' is love songs

- Power Trip by J. Cole ft. Miguel

December 24, 2024

Jey woke up in his bed alone. He groaned as he stretched. He had slept terribly. He tried not to replay last night in his head, but it was hard: Rhea struggling to breath, screaming at him. They were supposed to fly back to Florida together, but they didn’t. Rhea switched her seat on the plane. He didn’t know he could feel so angry and so sad at the same time. That heat and cold flared up again and formed a tornado in his chest. He felt his eyes water, but he refused to cry again. He had cried at the arena worried about Rhea. Seeing her passed out broke something in him. The helplessness he had felt made him want to punch a hole in a wall. And he had cried on the plane. What had he done to make her not trust him? Or had she never trusted him? Maybe it was a good thing he never told her he loved her.

Jey took a quick shower and threw on some workout clothes. He went into the kitchen and his heart dropped. One of the gifts he had bought for Rhea was a coffee maker. It sat on the counter with a big red bow, a few bags of her favorite ground coffee next to it. He had bought it so she wouldn’t have to rush home to make her morning cup or pick up something she wouldn’t like as much. He had watched her at her place. He realized how much she liked the ritual of making it. She took her time with every step and savored the finished product. Jey didn’t drink coffee. It made him too jittery. But he wanted her to have a comfort here.

He sighed, making a mental note to return it after the holidays. He grabbed a bottle of water and headed back to his room. He thought about her other gift in his nightstand drawer with the note he had written. He heard his phone ping a couple of times. Then he heard it ring. He grabbed it. It was Jimmy. He declined the call and glanced at the messages. It was Jimmy and Naomi responding to his “Rhea and I are done” text. He really didn’t feel like talking about it. He had been looking forward to being with Rhea last night and giving her the gifts this morning so she could spend more time with her friend. Maybe he would pass along the coffee and the other gift to Naomi to give her. Maybe he would throw the note away.

He texted Jimmy, “Going to the gym. Talk after.”

He grabbed his car keys, threw on his hoodie, and headed out the door.

With rap music blasting in his ears, he lifted weights. He kept pushing Rhea out of his thoughts. Memories of her laugh, kisses, and love bites kept popping up. Then the memory of her pulling away from him popped up. Her angry screams echoed in his head. He pushed himself harder. He thought about last week when he got Rhea’s gift: a Cuban link chain bracelet with diamonds, similar to his. He had met up with Jimmy afterward.

“Oh that’s nice,” Jimmy said. “Yeah, she’s gonna love that, uce.”

“Yeah I can’t wait to see her reaction,” Jey said. “You know what else caught my eye in the jewelry store?”

Jimmy looked at him, skeptical. “I know you not talking about rings?”

“I’m talking about rings,” Jey said.

Jimmy sat back in shock. “I knew it was serious, but rings already?”

“I love her,” Jey said, shrugging. He was grinning. “I think she might be the one.”

“She said she loves you?” Jimmy asked.

Jey rubbed the back of his head and Jimmy sucked his teeth.

“I haven’t even said I love you to her, uce,” Jey said.

“Naomi is right. Y’all are trippin. Don’t tell her I said that,” Jimmy said. “But why not?”

“I’m waiting for the right time. I know she loves me though,” Jey said.

“How you know?”

Jey put his hand on his heart. “I can feel it.”

Jimmy shook his head. “You might wanna slow down there.”

“I can see it too,” Jey said. “The way I see it all over you and Naomi. But I can tell that now’s not the right time. I’m thinking about telling her on Christmas Eve when we exchange gifts. But I don’t know.”

“Be careful,” Jimmy said.

“With what?” Jey asked.

“Your heart, uce. You seem more sure than she is.”

“I’m used to waiting for her to catch up,” Jey said with a chuckle.

“I know, but this is different. This isn’t just a crush you’re talking about, uce. You want a commitment. You need to make sure she’s ready for that. Otherwise…”

“I need to let her go,” Jey said, finishing Jimmy’s thoughts.

He re-racked the dumbbells and shook out his arms before going to work out his legs. He hadn’t let Rhea go, but maybe it was best she stayed gone.

After the gym, he felt clear-headed. The rumbling in his chest had also died down. He reluctantly looked at his phone, not excited about returning Jimmy’s call. He could already hear Naomi chastising him. He figured she would side with her bestie Rhea.

Jey called Jimmy as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“What’s up, uce?” Jimmy asked.

“Nothing,” Jey replied.

“Something happened. What you mean y’all done?”

“Oh Naomi’s friend didn’t tell you what happened?”

“Oh she’s just Naomi’s friend now?”

“She ain’t nothing to me,” Jey said. He felt a pang in chest, but he ignored it.

“Jey, be forreal. What happened?” Jimmy asked, earnestly.

Jey told him what happened. Jimmy was quiet for a moment.

“Yeah that’s pretty much what she told Nae,” Jimmy said. “But did you tell her y’all were just talking about Waffle House and Christmas plans?”

“I never got a chance to tell her. She shut me down right away.”

“Damn. I’ll come over and check on you,” Jimmy said.

“Naw, I know y’all are getting stuff ready for Christmas. Don’t yall have people over?”

“Yeah a few, but they’ll be alright. You’re not alright,” Jimmy said.

“I’m fine,” Jey said.

“Jey,” Jimmy said, sternly.

“Alright, I’ll come over there.”

“Cool. I’m gonna give you an hour. If you’re not on the way over by then, I’m coming to you.”

“Bet,” Jey said, with a laugh.

“I’m serious, you know?”

“I know.”

“Love you, uce.”

“Love you.”

Jey arrived at Jimmy and Naomi’s an hour later, Rhea’s gifts in hand. Naomi gave him a big hug and reassured him that no matter what, he was still her brother. It made him feel better, knowing she was on his side. The three of them went into the sunroom to chat.

“I should have listened to her,” Jey said. “She told me she wasn’t ready.”

“Yeah I guess she’s still dealing with trauma from Dom? Damn, I hope I didn’t push her too hard,” Naomi said, rubbing her arms.

“No, I think she thought she was ready,” Jey said. “I wanted her to be ready too.”

“So what are you gonna do?” Jimmy asked.

“Nothing,” Jey said. “Naomi is gonna give her the gifts along with the stuff y’all got her. And that’ll be it.”

“Jey.”

“Jimmy.”

“Jey, you were just telling me how she might be the one.”

“We can’t be together if she doesn’t trust me.”

“So you’re just gonna give up?”

“It’s not on me, uce. She won’t even talk to me. Plus weren’t you the one saying to let her go if she wasn’t ready?”

“Would you talk to her though? If you could?” Naomi interjected.

Jey sighed. “Maybe.”

Jimmy smiled and Jey shook his head.

“Look, I know what I said,” Jimmy said. “But falling out over a misunderstanding ain’t it.”

“I can be a mediator for you two,” Naomi said. “I love you both and want what’s best for both of you. Even if that means y’all aren’t together.”

Jey pushed the sadness he was feeling down. It hurt, but not as much as Rhea pulling away from him. And he tried not to hate himself for missing her.

“When is she picking up gifts?” Jey asked.

“Thursday since we’re all supposed to be driving up to Jacksonville for the holiday show,” Naomi said.

“Fuck! I forgot,” Jey said.

“I mean, Rhea, Jessica, and I will be alright if you wanna drive by yourself,” Naomi said.

“Naw cuz the plan was to come back here Thursday night so we could chill the whole day Friday,” Jey said. “I don’t want y’all driving back late by yourselves.”

“Are you sure? We’re big girls, Jey,” Naomi said, smiling.

“Yes, he’ll ride with y’all,” Jimmy said. “Since I can't go anymore. Plus Rhea’s friend can’t help you drive.”

“I just don’t want drama in the car,” Naomi said, holding up her hands. “It’s not too long a drive, but still.”

“If she wants to come over to talk before we get on the road, I’ll hear her out.”

“Okay. I’ll let her know,” Naomi said.

Thursday, December 26

Jacksonville was only about 2 hours from them, but they wanted to get out there by noon. Rehearsal was at 2 pm. Jey spent Christmas at Jimmy and Naomi’s, a mix of their families there to celebrate. Rhea and her friend Jessica were coming over at 9 am, giving them an hour to talk before the four of them got on the road. He had been looking forward to meeting Jessica, but now he was nervous. He didn’t really know if Rhea was still angry. She hadn’t reached out to him at all. But he was glad she was talking to Naomi. That let him know she was okay.

At 9 am sharp, the doorbell rang. Jey was waiting in the sunroom out of the way. He started pacing, unsure of how to feel. Even if they made up, how would they move forward? Jey hadn’t only been thinking about whether she could trust him. He had been thinking about whether he could trust her.

Naomi opened the door and smiled at Jey. She stepped aside and Rhea walked in. Jey felt all the breath go out of him. She wasn’t wearing any makeup and was more gorgeous than ever. She had on an unzipped black hoodie, a white cropped t-shirt showing off her tattoos. Ripped blue jeans and black Vans finished her look. She was holding a Christmas gift bag in her hands. Rhea smiled, but Jey could tell she was nervous. Jey didn’t return her smile and she gripped the gift bag tighter.

“Can I leave you two alone?” Naomi asked.

“Yes,” they said simultaneously.

“Okay. I’ll be back at 10,” Naomi said. She shut the door behind her.

“Hi,” Rhea said, softly. She was still standing near the door.

“Hi,” Jey said matter-of-factly. He put his hands in the pockets of his black sweatpants. Anger pushed away any affection he had been starting to feel. What they had was good. Why did she have to ruin it?

“Can we sit down?” Rhea asked.

“Yeah,” Jey said, sitting down.

Rhea sat on the other side of the couch, leaving some space between them. She put her gift bag in between them and rubbed her hands on her thighs. It was strange seeing her confidence shaken. She looked at him.

“I’m sorry for how I acted on Monday,” Rhea said slowly. “You didn’t do anything wrong. It was me. I was wrong. I put my crap on you and I shouldn’t have. I’m starting therapy in January since I have unresolved emotions around…you know who. I don’t wanna put any more of my crap on you. You didn’t deserve that.”

Jey nodded, taking it all in. It sounded good. It felt thoughtful, genuine. But he still had his pain and anger. And he was worried about getting hurt again.

“What happened…really hurt,” Jey started. “I care about you a lot. Trust is important to me. You have to trust me and I have to trust you. Right now, I don’t trust you.”

Rhea’s mouth twisted to the side. She blinked a few times and looked away from him. She took a deep breath and blew out a shaky breath. Jey ignored the urge to reach out and comfort her. She looked at him.

“I understand. And I will do everything in my power to earn your trust back. If…if you let me.” Rhea’s voice cracked at the end and a tear fell from her eye. She quickly wiped it away.

“We’ll see,” Jey said.

“Here’s your gift,” Rhea said, trying and failing to hold back more tears. She held out the bag to him. He took it, their hands brushing each other. He handed her her gift.

“Thanks,” she said quietly.

“Thank you,” Jey said.

Rhea stood up, wiping more tears away. “I’ll see you out there? Are we good for Jacksonville?”

Jey nodded. “We’re good.”

Rhea nodded and then quickly left. Jey was surprised at how quickly his tears fell. It was like he had been holding them back. He wiped his tears away. He looked in the gift bag: a PlayStation gift card, a Christmas card, an ugly Christmas pajamas and a Christmas onesie. He laughed at the sweater and onesie, certain Rhea had matching ones. He opened the card.

Thank you for changing the end of my year for the better. I never imagined I would be lucky enough to find someone as amazing, kind, thoughtful, caring as you. I never thought I’d be envisioning a future with someone so soon. But don’t people always that corny shit, “when you know, you know?” Well I guess it wasn’t just corny shit after all. And I should be brave and say this in person, but I love you. And I know it’s probably too soon, but I just wanted to let you know how I feel.

XOXO, Rhea.

Jey wiped away more tears and smiled, feeling some of his anger dissipate. She loved him too.

#jey uso #rhea ripley #jhea #wwe fanfiction #rhearipley #jey uso x rhea ripley #jey uso fic #jey uso fluff #another complicated love story

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mullermilkshake · 9 hours ago

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Twelve days of fluffmas

On the twelfth day of fluffmas, my true love gave to me...

Yakuza!Kento getting his Christmas wish.

Tags: Yakuza AU, Fem!reader, first meeting, unexpected and fate driven, spilt coffee,

"Coffee please. Thank you."

Kento's favourite part of the Christmas market stalls that lined the street were any that involved coffee. That and the type that served toasted sandwiches with his favourite bread.

Hot steaming coffee on his morning walk through the snow, icy breeze nipping at his cheeks, warmed coffee cup stopping his fingers from freezing and-

"Oh, I'm so sorry!"

Spilt coffee. All over his suit and coat.

Kento turned around slowly, padding his pockets for anything to wipe it up with before it stained and seeped through enough to burn him.

"That guy barged past me- but I should have seen where I was going..." it was you.

You who did not know he existed. You who had no clue how much Kento had watched you off in the background never getting the courage to speak with you. And here you were, right in front of him all glassy eyed because of a cup of coffee on his coat.

"I'm such a klutz..." your voice trailed off when you made eye contact and your head dipped down before you looked around for napkins. "I know someone who's really good at cleaning expensive suits, which I'm sure yours is- shit, I can have this cleaned."

Kento stood there speechless that you were stood there fussing over him and pulling napkins out to dab his coat. Instinctively, Kento drew his hand up to stop you and ended up cupping your napkin filled hand in his.

"Please, don't worry. It's only coffee," it was then he realised what he'd done, because your eyes widened and looked right up at his. "Sorry."

"No, it's alright," tucking a strand of hair away from your face, Kento noticed the blush in your cheeks. "I wasn't looking where I was going, it's totally my fault. Here-"

He watched you pull out a little note book and scribbled down on it. "Here's my home phone, call me and let me know what the bill is... and here's the address of the laundromat. She's a good friend of mine and she'll take care of you."

Not five minutes and you'd already given him your number and- Kento's eyes widened a fraction before he reined it in. Mei Mei was a prolific money launderer and everyone in the Yakuza world knew who she was.

So how did you know her? Were you aware of what she did behind closed doors? This coincidence begged the question as to how Kento never saw any link to Mei Mei whenever he saw you on the network cameras.

Perhaps he was slipping, it was true that he'd become burned out this close to the new year.

Kento never mentioned it, there was no need to. "Thank you, but I won't burden you with any bill for this. It's just coffee."

"I just feel so terrible, I'd be pissed if I got coffee all down me."

He realised just how cool he was being. No way in hell did he ever think he would react to you meeting by accident like this. Though now he was thinking about it, Kento felt himself shift uncomfortably and noticed he'd just been staring at you.

"Uh, it's really no bother."

By the relief splashed across your face, you were intent on leaving shortly and took one step backwards.

Yet you didn't lead the conversation that way. "I insist, really. But I'd like to buy you another coffee," your eyes paid him attention closely. "Or maybe lunch if you're not in any rush? I feel awful, it's such a beautiful suit."

A lunch invitation and compliment? Did you not know what sort of life he was leading, or what people he affiliated himself with- who you were being affiliated with? You should have known the moment you laid eyes on him. Most people suspected.

Yet you showed no signs of distress.

"Please?"

And now you were practically begging him to go with you. Kento contemplated all the times he'd talk down to himself for not pursuing you and how much of a bumbling idiot he would have been. There was nothing bumbling in the slightest.

Just long drawn breaths and pauses he used to figure out what to say though it flowed off of his tongue naturally like a waterfall into a lagoon.

"Alright, but I'll buy lunch."

You smiled sweetly and nodded. "Then I'll buy the coffee."

"It's a deal."

Kento let you lead through the stalls though it was really a chance to soak you in and let the realisation in that he'd just had his first conversation with you. A conversation he had agonised for months over.

"I know a really nice stall. It's off the beaten track a little, but I promise that it's great. It's only ever here at Christmas," once the stalls had dispersed along the street, you pulled back and matched his pace.

"If you recommend it, I'm sure I'll enjoy it," Kento was never a fan of group meals of crowded places to sit down and eat in.

A stall where he could sit off to the side was perfect. Especially uninterrupted time with you. Kento could not believe his luck.

"It has some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted but if you prefer something different, the stall next door serves raw fish which just melts in your mouth..."

You stopped right in your tracks and watched Kento as he turned. "I'm talking too much. I apologise... I'm talking to a stranger with so much familiarity. I hope that didn't make you uncomfortable," you bowed like Kento did not enjoy it.

"Not at all," he was quick to reassure you. "I admire enthusiasm. I never would have known where the best fried chicken was if you hadn't told me."

Kento took the information on board. Ino was partial to fried chicken every now and then.

He listened to that sweet little chuckle leave your lips. "That's good, otherwise I would have been a weirdo that talks too much and spills coffee on people."

"You're no weirdo..." You never heard him say that and carried on walking. For a moment, Kento watched you leave with a quickness in his breath.

Some would say he made a Christmas wish. But in reality, it was fate. A thing he never believed in until now.

And all it took was a little coffee spilled on his coat.

I was going to wait much longer for Kento and reader to meet, but it's Christmas and I'm feeling all fuzzy inside. THEY MET AT LAST.

Me rn writing this stuff.

#jjk #jujutsu kaisen #yakuza au #x reader #fem reader #reader insert #kento fluff #nanami kento #jjk kento #kento x reader #jujutsu nanami #nanamin #jujutsu kaisen nanami #advent calendar #festive #holiday season #twelve days of fluffmas #Kento get your happy ending

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multifandom-nerds-blog · 19 hours ago

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S7 ep 1 compliant mini fic with established Corvus (Cause Sorens face was bloody in one scene and clean in the next one somehow)

Maybe a bit similar to the one I posted a few days earlier, but who cares.

"Oh, right. Right! Because I'd be dead!"

Corvus could only shake his head at Sorens antics. Not without smiling though. The relief of seing him alive was strong, and gave him enough energy to stay on his feet even after the long day followed by flying for hours.

Though seeing the castle like this really was terrible. They had seen the smoke from far away already, and it wasn't much better up close.

Their capitol. Their castle. The home of Ezran, Callum and Soren. And well, after two years also his home, though this was obviously much worse for his friends who had grown up here. But Ezran was with Callum for the moment, so he could focus on Soren.

"Opeli is on the way to the Banther lodge with most people." Soren said while keeping his arm around Corvus shoulder. "I stayed here with some guards to keep the fires under control and look for uhh... stuff."

"You mean anything salvagable?" He didn't mentioned the ever so slight shaking of Sorens hand on his shoulder. Or the quite trembling of his voice. It would most probably just lead to Soren closing his walls.

"Yeah. Yeah! That. Also Barius and some others are going to the sorrounding towns for supplies and help to set up cam- what are you doing?"

Corvus had put his hand up to Sorens face. Unable to ignore the blood on the blonde mans face and hair any longer. He turned around to properly face his partner, Sorens hand not leaving him but sliding on his other shoulder instead when he moved.

"What happened?", Corvus asked. Lightly tracing his thumb over the streak of blood going through Sorens eyebrow. He didn't flinch so either he had pushed the thought of injuries to the back of his head, wouldn't be the first time, or it wasn't as bad as it looked. Corvus guessed for both, head wounds were nasty bleeders after all but Soren was also extremely stubborn and ignorant about his own wounds at times.

"Oh that?" Soren took his hand of his shoulder to poke his own forehead, with a bit more force than Corvus liked him to do. "Right. A flying stone hit me. Not as in the Stone knowing how to fly. Just a stone from the rubble flying into my face."

Corvus hummed while taking Sorens hand away from his face with his own to stop the poking. He would probably hear the whole story later. After everyone had time to collect themselves a bit.

His free hand started looking through his pockets while not letting go of Sorens in his other hand.

"So how was the wedding? Probably fancier than a burning castle. Though it was a sunfire elf wedding, so maybe they have some traditions about burning stuff?"

"Not exactly.", Corvus answered. You could probably say that Queen Janais relationship to her brother burned to ashes, but that would be a pretty rude oversimplification of the matter. He could also still feel the bruises from when Karims followers captured him during the battle. "The wedding is a... long story."

"Later?", Soren asked.

"Later.", Corvus agreed.

Finally he found the clean handkerchief he usually kept on him. Though honestly surprised it was still there and clean after everything. And finally Soren showed a reaction to his wounds when Corvus reached up to his forehead again.

"Ah." Soren's face flinched. Corvus might have not even noticed if he hadn't spend so much time of the last two years studying the other man. "You don't... have to. It's dried anyway."

For a moment Corvus wanted to ask if he was okay, but... that question seemed senseless in the current situation. But he could see that the adrenaline was starting to leave Sorens body. And there was a look in his eyes that was all to familiar to Corvus.

Right. Lord Viren was in the dungeon while Katolis had burned down. So what happened to him?

"We should still clean it up.", Corvus settled on. He let go of Sorens hand to cup his face instead in both hands, looking into blue eyes.

Sorens skin was warm, which confused Corvus a bit. His partners skin was usually ever so cold, but now warmth was somehow streaming from his body into Corvus hands.

"Your warm.", Corvus stated. "Do you have a fever?"

"Heh, well, most people would probably call this a normal body temperature."

Soren tried to crack a smile, but Corvus just raised an eyebrow.

"It's just from... the fire. Well. Kinda. But it's wearing of already." Soren laid one of his hands over Corvus', as if to prove it, even if his hands were usually even cooler than the rest anyways. "Everybody who was here is running hot right now. But as I said. It's wearing of already. You're gonna have your walking iceblock back soon enough."

There was obviously something Soren was leaving out in his story, but Corvus decided it would be better to talk about this later. As well as the unavoidable topic of wether Viren was dead or alive.

Later, Corvus thought. Later was good.

He ran his right thumb over Sorens eyebrow again, rubbing some dried blood of in the process. Soren responded by lowering his head until their foreheads meat.

"I... I'm...", Soren stuttered.

"It's okay. I've got you."

He could feel Sorens other hand landing on his shoulder and gripping on to him.

"I know."

"But now, really, let's find some water to get all that blood of your face."

"Hm, okay. Yeah. You're probably right."

"It's also in your hair."

"WHAT?" Soren promptly jumped back to check his hair. "Why did not nobody tell me?!"

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genderqueerdykes · 2 days ago

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With money and medical fields, goodness you are correct when you say "the medical field isn't your friend, it's for profit". I'm feeling this effect personally trying to get diagnosed with autism as an afab in her 20s. Already, I have the disadvantages of being an adult and a woman, I had to fight to get on the waiting list, lies thrown straight at my face by incompetent doctors, and even "you're getting a diagnosis for (financial) benefits" from those same terrible doctors. The waiting list time is far too long on the NHS and the price for private is ridiculously expensive. I just want a diagnosis and go on with my day to get the right help I need and all the medical field see is either a nuisance or profit. I hate it so much

i was literally also thinking about autism when i wrote that post, so im extremely glad you decided to send a message about this

that's another huge issue with the medical industry as well. research into autism has only seriously been conducted within the last few decades. like i want to remind people that when autism was first becoming known to the public, people would literally say autism isn't real. autism. something that we very well know to be real these days. i literally used to encounter so many people who would say "autism isn't real because there's no historical evidence before now to prove otherwise."

eventually, the present becomes that time that will be seen as the past. like one day, no studies on a subject exist... but down the road, they happen. just because something isn't being widely acknowledged by the general public doesn't mean it literally doesn't exist.

im so sorry you've been treated like that, holy shit. i would have never in my life even considered someone looking for an autism diagnosis just to get financial assistance? also like. what is wrong wiht an autistic person needing financial assistance. workplaces are designed for allistics, not autistics. you are already going to have an inherent disadvantage in finding employment that you can keep up with and that pays well because workplaces are not designed to accomodate you... at all. even with getting those accommodations, work can still be an absolute nightmare

i am so sorry they've treated you this way. especially when it comes to AFAB people and women, getting an autism diagnosis is nigh impossible. the medical industry gets pissed that whatever help you may need won't go into their pocket, but another organization's instead. autistic people aren't profitable enough. there's no medication specifically for autistic people. they can't push medications and invasive procedures as hard as they can with other conditions. the push is there, but it's not as bad as it is with something like schizophrenia where they can force you into in/outpatient therapy and force you to take medications against your will

i wish you the best of luck in getting your diagnosis. like you said you just want to move on with your life. you shouldn't have to go without the knowledge and resources you need just because it's not profitable enough for the medical complex. it's disgusting. i wish you the best of luck, if you need any help, feel free to come back any time

#asks #answers #autism

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thewriterwithsnakes · 2 days ago

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The Ekko of A Violin: Part 2

Sorry this took me so long to get another part in, the holidays have me swamped. I am excited to let you all know that this story has a death grip on me and will become a series. I've already got ideas running around for the next few parts.

Summary: Your first day as a firelight is as exciting as it is embarrassing. Aka your new environment is wonderful and you can't help being awkward around Ekko.

Warnings: Use of Y/N, still not hitting the full romance part yet, not entirely proofread

The next day you woke up, well rested for once. You stretched and your joints cracked. You sighed in relief and got ready for your first day as a firelight. Before heading out though, you did some warms ups and practiced a bit on your violin. It was nice to start mornings with music, it calmed your mind and let you mentally prepare for the day. You set the instrument down on your bed before throwing on some sneakers and heading out.

It was a bit of a shock, being greeted pleasantly. The usual greetings in Zaun consisted of foul words and attempted muggings. If you were lucky you'd only get demeaning looks and catcalls. So to be told good morning with a smile was a little jarring, but you took it all in stride. Usually change was pretty terrible, especially in the undercity, but now it was refreshing and more than welcome.

Unbeknownst to you, everybody knew that when a new firelight was recruited, Ekko wouldn't tell them who he was right away, he liked to see how people treated their equals. So nobody mentioned it to you, nobody batted an eye when Ekko approached you by the tree and told you his name was Gabriel. It was the name he used when recruiting so that way nobody would get mixed up. And recruiting in the undercity was sparse enough that it didn't happen often anyways. It's not like Zaun was full of people who spent their free time doing charity work.

"So what's your name, sugar?" A smirk graced his face as he leaned up against the beautiful tree. You let out a soft laugh.

"I'll tell you, but only if you promise to keep the nickname." You joked. He gave you a playfully offended look as he pressed his hand to his chest. "As if I'd ever forget!" He shot back as he laughed. You could get used to the sound. The sight of his smile and the sparkle in his eyes as he playfully shook his head at you in mock disappointment, hair swaying slightly with his movements. "So?" 'Gabriel' asked. "Hm?" Your brows furrowed in confusion. "Well are you gonna keep staring at me sugar or are you gonna give me your name?" Your cheeks burned, you hadn't even realized you were staring. "Oh uh sorry it's y/n." You looked at ground more than slightly embarrassed. "Pretty name, sugar." He spoke again. "I've gotta run, have fun on your first day as a firelight sugar." He walked away and you let out a breath you didn't even realize you were holding in.

The rest of the day was pleasant and you went through what was basically orientation. A fellow firelight explained their values and usual routines, what to expect and some basic rules. You delighted in finally feeling like you had a family. You made some friends and then spent the late afternoon playing your violin. The piece you'd been working on, a proudly original composition, was coming together nicely. You still had to tweak just about every note though, okay so maybe you hated it but an artist always hates their work right? You set the violin and the bow back it the case before settling in for bed. A sigh left your lips as you tucked your arm underneath your pillow with a smile. You really began to love going to sleep looking forward to the next day instead of dreading it.

#ekko x you #arcane ekko #ekko x reader #ekko arcane #arcane #ekko #ekko x y/n #firelights #ekko league of legends

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3rdsday · 3 days ago

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Broken Vows and Mended Trust

Sonic 3 spoilers ahead!

Summary: Things are settling after the events of the third movie, and Sonic and Knuckles need to have a conversation about Sonic's broken vow.

Note: Hi I did NOT expect to write this tonight it just had to come out and I did 0 editing on this whatsoever but here it is. I will be going to bed immediately after posting this <3

Read on AO3 here

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Sonic clutched his left arm in his right hand, rubbing it. He wouldn't meet Knuckles' eyes, instead studying the forest floor.

It had been a few days, and everything had finally started to settle following the... Eclipse Canon incident. Tom had finally woken up and would be okay, so a layer of tension that had been blanketing the rest of the Wachowskis had fallen away.

For Sonic, its place was taken by Knuckles' request that they have a discussion.

Knuckles was typically an echidna of few words. He preferred to make his point made physically when possible. So a request for a discussion, especially a serious one, immediately put Sonic on edge.

He was certain he knew what it would be about, and it only took a few words from Knuckles to prove that his intuition was correct.

"You broke our vow."

Sonic knew it was coming, but he still flinched. It wasn't even Knuckles' tone that caused it; the words weren't harsh or accusatory. Rather, the sentence was spoken simply, a pure fact.

Sonic just hated that it was true.

"I know, Knuckles, I am so sorry-"

"Wait!" Knuckles cut him off, raising a gloved hand. "I am not finished."

Sonic's mouth snapped shut, his stomach churning as he awaited Knuckles' next words.

"After our fight against Robotnik last year, I chose to trust you and the fox to share the duty of protecting the Emerald. Yet you were willing to compromise the Emerald's safety for the sake of seeking revenge."

"I was wrong," Sonic couldn't help but say. He wanted to wait until Knuckles was finished, but he couldn't help it. He had to know how terrible Sonic felt. How much he regretted it.

"You broke my trust, and in doing so, you could have risked the safety of the entire planet."

Sonic's shoulders hunched in as he instinctively tried to make himself smaller. All the guilt he was already feeling was increasing tenfold with each word out of Knuckles' mouth.

"Yet, I chose not to stop you."

...That made Sonic pause, blinking as he took in the words. "You didn't," he said slowly. "You let me go. ...Why? You could have won that fight."

Knuckles sighed and sat down on a felled tree trunk, motioning for Sonic to join him. After a moment that felt like it was teetering on the point of something, waiting to fall to one side or the other, Sonic joined him.

The view from their perch was beautiful. They were on a cliffside, overlooking Green Hills below.

"You might have broken our vow, but I still decided to trust you."

"I don't get it," Sonic insisted. "I betrayed you. Why would you still trust me after that?"

Knuckles turned his head to look at Sonic, who was still not meeting his eyes. "Because you're my friend, and my brother," he explained, like it was the simplest thing in the world.

Family was a concept that took Knuckles a little bit to truly understand, having lost his so young. It wasn't something that came naturally to Sonic or Tails either, both of them having been alone from an early age as well. But over the past year, the three of them had settled comfortably into their newfound roles as brothers. Sonic reveled in it, taking great joy and delight in his family. Tails was a little more tentative about it, hesitant to open himself up to familial affection when it had burned him in the past, but he had become a delightful little ball of chaos once he fell into his place in their dynamic.

Knuckles, though, once the concept had clicked in his mind, had taken up his role of eldest brother with an unrivaled enthusiasm.

Being Sonic and Tails' older brother was as important to Knuckles as guarding the Master Emerald was. Keeping his younger brothers safe and happy was a job he treated with the utmost importance, even if he was willing to tease and annoy them as he did so.

Sonic had forgotten that, somehow.

"I didn't know what would happen if you took the Emerald," Knuckles continued, not acknowledging the way Sonic finally met his gaze, or the way his eyes shone in a misty way. "I feared it would lead to catastrophe. But I knew what fighting you would lead to: both of us hurt. And I never want to hurt you.

"So I decided to trust you. Trust that, if nothing else, you could keep yourself safe while you took the Emerald long enough for Tails and I to back you up. And trust that you'd realize what a mistake you were making."

Sonic swallowed hard, fighting the lump in his throat. "I don't deserve that trust from you."

Knuckles hummed. "Maybe not. And I am still hurt by you violating our oath." He placed a hand on Sonic's shoulder with a gentleness not usually associated with the echidna. "But even if it takes some time for you to regain my full trust, I still forgive you."

Knuckles' eyes were filled with such intense genuineness that Sonic couldn't bear to look at it anymore. He turned his head away, staring out into the distance again as he shrugged Knuckles' hand off his shoulder, letting it fall away. A moment, then another, passed before he spoke again. "How can you forgive me so easily?" he asked, voice wavering.

"You forgave me for siding with Robotnik, did you not?"

Sonic let out a small chuckle that he didn't fully feel. "Yeah, I did."

"We all make mistakes, hedgehog," Knuckles insisted, "You regret yours. That's all I need to know."

Silence fell over the duo. Birdsong filled the mid-afternoon air. A chilly breeze, heralding the approach of winter, cut through the trees, although it was not quite harsh enough to be felt through the thick fur of the brothers. Despite the chirping and chittering of the small forest creatures, a calm silence seemed to settle over the scene in the woods. For just a moment, time was suspended, as two young boys, who normally stopped for nothing, took time to sit in the world around them.

But the spell did not last forever. Sonic found the courage to speak again, finally trusting that his voice would stay steady when he did.

"You shouldn't trust me with the Master Emerald again." Despite his efforts, his voice still came out small and hesitant.

Knuckles frowned, although Sonic wasn't looking to see it. "Why not?"

"I've proven that I can't be trusted to resist the temptation to use it," Sonic explained. It felt like he was stabbing himself in the chest at the admittance, but he knew it was true. "You should keep it safe from me, hide it somewhere secure. More secure than Wade."

Knuckles hummed again, taking a second to consider Sonic's plea before shaking his head. "No, I don't think I should."

"What do you mean? If I hadn't-"

"If you hadn't used the Emerald, you wouldn't have been able to share that power with Shadow. And if you hadn't done that, Shadow wouldn't have been able to help save Earth. Therefore, you taking the Emerald was the best possible outcome."

Sonic's head snapped to the side quickly to let him look at Knuckles. He didn't make any attempt to hide the surprise on his face.

"I- what- but-"

"Maybe you took the Emerald for the wrong reasons, but it worked out the way it needed to in the end. So I am glad that I trusted you," Knuckles said, giving Sonic a small smile.

"But- but it all could have gone so wrong!"

"But did it?"

"I- well, no, but-"

"Then there's no reason to worry about it, is there?"

Sonic's mouth hung open as he stammered a bit more, trying to find the words to counter Knuckles. When he couldn't form a reasonable argument, he sighed and let himself slump over slightly.

"I still don't think I should be allowed to consider myself a 'guardian' anymore," he muttered, bitterness leaking into his tone.

"What?" Knuckles exclaimed, a small bit of outrage entering his tone for the first time during the discussion. "You would abandon your duties?"

"I already broke the oath. I don't deserve to have them as my 'duties' anymore."

"Sonic," Knuckles said seriously, intensely. "There is no one else in all the worlds that I would rather have help me guard the Emerald than you and Tails. Your mistake does not change that."

"But how do you know you can trust me?!" Sonic insisted, feeling almost hysterical. He had gone into this conversation expecting Knuckles' anger and hurt, but instead he was insisting that Sonic still share the duties of guardian? How could that bethe case?"

"I don't need to know for certain. I just know that trusting you has never failed me yet, even if there has been some rough parts to get through."

Sonic's eyes darted between Knuckles', searching for any hint of a lack of sincerity or the trust he claimed to have. When he found nothing but the unwavering loyalty he'd come to know from Knuckles, he hung his head.

"I don't deserve your trust."

"Then do better. Work harder to earn it." Knuckles returned his hand to Sonic's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Fight to be better than you were yesterday. I know you can."

Sonic leaned into Knuckles' touch until he was essentially slumped against him. Knuckles wrapped his arm around Sonic's shoulders, careful not to get pricked on his sharp quills.

The two of them remained there for what might have been two minutes or two hours, pressed together in their half-side hug.

If a few tears slipped down Sonic's cheeks, nobody had to know.

Eventually, Knuckles pulled away and stood up from the tree trunk, stretching dramatically. "I don't know about you, hedgehog, but I'm ready to eat. Race back to the House of Wachowski?"

Sonic stood up to join him, giving a small but appreciative smile as he tried to fall back into his usual energy. He didn't quite make it all the way, but he was closer than he'd been in days. "Oh, you're on. Don't get too sad when you lose."

"Only if you don't get too humiliated when you are utterly defeated!"

With those words, the brothers disappeared into bright streaks of color, speeding off towards a better, trusting future, and leaving the weight of their emotional talk behind.

#sonic #sonic 3 #sonic movie 3 #sonic spoilers #sonic 3 spoilers #sonic movie 3 spoilers #sonic wachowski #sonic the hedgehog #knuckles #knuckles the echidna #knuckles wachowski #sonic fic #sonic fanfic #sonic fanfiction #...is that it did i tag everything

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