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wayward-dreamer · 4 years ago

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Life’s Lessons - Part 10

Title: Life’s Lessons - A Lesson in Love and Hope

Pairing: Mechanic!Dean x Female!Teacher!Reader

Other Characters: OFCs: Jill (Y/N’s sister), Evie and Mia (Y/N’s nieces), OMC: Brian (Y/N’s brother-in-law)

Word Count: 6,385 (notes in bold, thoughts, texts, song lyrics in italics).

Part Summary: As Christmas time approaches, Y/N and Dean are sad they can’t spend this time together as she goes home to New York for the holidays. However, their Christmas presents to each other prove that they have a future together.

Warnings: Slight angst, brief mention of reader’s exes, Dean’s self-deprecation rears its ugly head (slightly), Dean being sweet (yes, that’s a warning), Fluff (yes, it’s true, you read that correctly lol)

Music: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas by Jason Manns (Y/N at the airport scene), Let It Snow by Bing Crosby (playing in the background of Y/N and her sister girl talk scene), Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Jensen Ackles and Jason Manns (Christmas Eve scenes)

Life’s Lessons Spotify Playlist

A/N: It’s a Christmas chapter! Yay! Great timing as it’s the first day of the holiday season! Thank you to everyone who has been reading and loving this series. I never thought it would get as much love as it has, and I’m so grateful to every single one of you! There’s only 5 parts and an epilogue left after this, I can’t believe we’re almost at the end, but there’s still quite a bit of story to tell. I’m so excited for you guys to see what happens! Happy reading and enjoy! :)

Life’s Lessons Masterlist

Dividers by the wonderful @firefly-graphics! Check her out for all your AU needs, and for festive themes!!!

Y/N smiled as she watched the kids rushing out the front doors of the school. It was officially the end of the day and the start of the holidays. She pulled her coat a little tighter around herself, as she called out to some students to be careful on the sidewalk, as it had snowed overnight. It was December 22nd, and school had let out early. In a few short hours, she was flying out to New York to spend the holidays with her family. She was nervous about the weather and was praying that her flight wouldn’t be grounded. She was also nervous to be headed home but considering Ethan had made the permanent move to L.A. she doubted he would be there.

She went back into the school and quickly packed up her things. She said goodbye to all the teachers and to Chuck and walked out with Cas and Charlie.

“Alright, here” Charlie said, as she handed her a small present in the parking lot.

“Oh Charlie, thank you” Y/N smiled, as she took it and handed one over to her as well. Y/N opened the gift, smiling as she saw the earrings she wanted during a time when she and Charlie had gone shopping, but didn’t buy.

Charlie hugged her after opening hers, a beautiful scarf that had her favorite colors.

Cas and Y/N exchanged gifts too, a new tie, white with little books on it for him because “blue may be your color, but you can branch out” and a leather-bound journal for her.

“Merry Christmas” all three of them hugged and called out to each other before they drove home.

Y/N hurried to get home as she still had a few more things to pack before she left in the evening. She had messaged Mark a few days after the incident with him, telling him that it was really over and to never call her, ever again. So far, it seemed like he had gotten the message, having not tried to contact her at all in the last few weeks. She was incredibly thankful for that. She was also thankful that in that time, she and Dean had been hanging out a lot, too. It was all very innocent and simple, just watching movies and making dinner together, or ordering take-out if they didn’t feel like cooking, after they both finished work. After that first night when they slept in her bed, they hadn’t done more than that. She was beginning to wonder when Dean would ask her out, and whether she should just ask him. Though she knew that maybe they just needed a little more time.

When she got home, she unzipped her boots and walked around in socked feet. She picked her suitcase which was half packed already and put it on the bed. She started putting some clothes and shoes and other items that she would need, including a few last-minute presents for her nieces.

Once she was finally finished packing, Y/N got changed into the clothes she’d be wearing to travel. A loose, grey, high-neck sweater and dark grey scarf, black pants and her grey coat, and white sneakers to make it easier on her feet in the airport. She had her carry-on and check-in bags ready by the door, needing both for this trip as she had to carry so many presents with her. She couldn’t wait to see her family after so many months away from them.

Dean shrugged on a thicker plaid shirt, wrapped a scarf around his neck and then his brown leather jacket. He picked up the rectangle shaped present he had wrapped horribly (he had never been good at that) and opened the front door, leaving the house and closing it.

He walked down the porch steps and across the path in his front yard, where he had cleared the snow off to the sides. He walked across the street and down the path of Y/N’s yard, which he had cleared for her, walking up her porch steps. He stood in front of the door and let out a big breath, pushing the doorbell. He had her present in his hand and he wanted to give it to her at that very moment. He had enlisted Dorothy’s help in finding it for Y/N, after an idea popped into his head and he couldn’t get rid of it. Considering Dorothy had connections, she had managed to get him a decent price on it; it was expensive but at least it didn’t cost him an absolute fortune once she haggled the price down.

The door opened, and Y/N was shocked to see Dean standing there. She stood at the threshold and admired how adorable he looked all rugged up to protect himself from the cold.

“Hi” she smiled, softly.

“Hi” he smirked, walking in when she stepped aside. “You leaving soon?”

“Yeah, my cab should be here any minute” she said, shutting the door.

Dean nodded, as he handed the present over to her. “Here.”

“Oh, Dean” she smiled at him, as she took it from him. “I was going to leave yours at your door, but-” she stopped herself as she tucked the present under her arm, gesturing for him to wait and walked into her office.

Dean watched as she came back, carrying a large, thin, rectangular shape wrapped up in silver wrapping and a giant red ribbon, tied into a bow.

“This is for you” she smiled, handing it over to him. “But you can’t open it until midnight, after Christmas Eve is over.”

“Okay. Wow. Thanks” he said, looking over it and wondering what the hell it was. “You can’t open yours till then, either.”

“New York’s an hour ahead” she laughed.

“Doesn’t matter. We both open them on our midnight. Deal?” he asked, smirking.

“Deal” she nodded, with a smile.

“So… New York. I’m glad you’ll get to see your folks for the holidays” he said, his smirk fading away knowing that she’d be so far away. He was happy for her, though. She deserved to see her family after so many months away.

“I can’t wait” she beamed. “Just to see them all, hug and cuddle my little nieces, soak up the holiday spirit.”

“That’s great.” He smirked. Seeing her love for her family made him positive that his own would love her, and she would love them.

He looked down at the present in her hand and smirked. He really hoped that it would let her know what he felt for her. Y/N looked at the present she got him and hoped that he’d like it. It was something for his new building where he was going to have the restoration garage. It would look amazing in his office, there.

A car horn honking pulled them out of their thoughts, and Y/N glanced down at her watch. She looked up at him smiling brightly.

“Merry Christmas, Dean” she said.

“Merry Christmas, Y/N” he smirked.

She moved in and wrapped her arms around his neck. His automatically came around her waist, pulling her into the hug. They held each other for a moment, basking in each other’s touch, their eyes closed. They jumped apart as the car horn sounded again.

Y/N laughed as she gathered her things. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Yeah” he agreed. “Here, let me help.”

Dean placed his huge present outside on the porch as Y/N walked out and closed the door to her house, locking it securely. Dean walked down the porch steps, with her check-in suitcase, putting it in the trunk of the cab. Y/N walked down and opened the door to the backseat, as Dean took her carry-on and put that in the trunk as well. She waited for a moment, as Dean walked over to her after closing the trunk. She really wished she could stay back and spend time with him, but she had to see her family. She was really looking forward to it, but she couldn’t help but feel sad that she wouldn’t be with Dean.

He looked down at her, looking as beautiful as the day he first saw her. He hated that he wouldn’t get to see her over Christmas and New Years’, wishing that she could stay back, and they could spend the holidays together. He wished he could see the look on her face when she opened the present from him, but he would have to settle for hearing whether she liked it or not. He was really going to miss her. Kiss her! He thought to himself as he continued to look at her. Before he could think twice, he leaned in, pressing his lips against hers, softly.

It didn’t take long for it to deepen, as Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck. She smiled into the kiss, as he pulled her closer, their lips moving against each other’s. They were finally in each other’s arms again. There was so much behind the kiss; a promise of more to come, a promise of their future together, a promise of things being better for both of them. Y/N was the one to pull away, regretfully, but she had a plane to catch. “I really have to go” she said, frowning as she looked up at him. “But um… it’s about time you did that” she said, biting her lip.

Dean groaned when he saw her do that. “Don’t, sweetheart, or I won’t let you get on that plane.”

She laughed as she stopped. “Bye.” She leaned in and pecked his lips.

“Bye” he said, returning her smile.

With one last glance at him, she got into the cab. Dean watched it drive away with a smile on his face. He suddenly couldn’t wait to see her again.

Y/N eyes scanned over the crowds at the airport, trying to spot her dad. She had shoved her way through baggage claim and picked up her check-in and was now trying to find her father through the throngs of people embracing each other, excited to get their holiday celebrations underway. By the time they had a quick lay-over in Atlanta and flew into New York, it was 8.30pm, which was the scheduled time, and she was incredibly thankful to whatever higher power there was that got her there. It was still a 2-hour drive to Rhinebeck, and her family would most likely be sleeping by the time she got home, but at least she’d see them properly in the morning.

As the crowd around her cleared, she spotted her father and beamed as he saw her too, waving frantically. She rushed over to him and launched herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. She felt tears prick her eyes as she laughed, happy to finally see him again.

“Oh sweetie, let me look at you” he said, pulling away from the hug and holding her at arms’ length. “You look different.” He eyed her, his brows knitted together.

“I’m still the same me, dad” she shrugged, laughing slightly.

“It’s so good to see you” he smiled, his eyes glistening. “Come on, let’s go.”

As they walked out of the airport, a bearded man with glasses was jamming “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” on his guitar. His case was open in front of him, and Y/N quickly walked over, dropping a 20-dollar bill in.

“Thanks” he smiled. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas!” she called back and then hurried over to her dad, who was wheeling her bags to the parking lot. She smiled as she walked beside him; Christmas was her favorite holiday, and it was already off to a great start.

The drive back home was filled with Y/N catching up on everything she had missed. Her dad told her that her mom was going crazy with excitement of her being there soon and was making sure everything was perfect. Y/N laughed; her mom didn’t need to do anything extra to make things special considering it always would be no matter what, but she wouldn’t be her mom if she didn’t.

When they arrived home, Y/N gasped as she saw the house decorated so beautifully. The lights and decorations on the house were as stunning as always, and she was glad she got to see them again. As they went in, Y/N laughed quietly to herself as saw her mother, fast asleep on one couch, and her brother-in-law asleep on the other. Her sister and the kids were most likely asleep upstairs.

“I’ll get them up, you go upstairs” her dad whispered. “Brian can carry that up.” He gestured to her large suitcase.

“Thanks, dad” she whispered, as she quietly walked up the stairs with her carry-on.

She walked to her old bedroom and flicked on the light. She laughed slightly as she saw it still hadn’t changed at all since before she left for college. All her Backstreet Boys and NSYNC posters were still up on one wall, her Led Zeppelin ones still up on the other. She really had an eclectic taste in music. She heard a soft knock on the door and turned, seeing her brother-in-law, Brian, walk in with her suitcase. She smiled as she walked over, hugging him tightly.

“Jill’s gonna freak in the morning. I tried waking her up but Evie’s practically sleeping on top of her” Brian said, laughing slightly.

“I’ll catch them in the morning” she said, folding her arms across her chest.

Brian nodded, smiling at her. “It’s good to have you home. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight” she said, watching him leave and shut the door behind him.

Y/N quickly got changed for bed and slipped under the covers. As she drifted off, she couldn’t wait to see everyone else in the morning.

It was great to be home.

“Auntie Y/N!” a little voice yelled as it barrelled through Y/N’s room and bounced up on the bed.

Y/N gasped and flinched as a little body flung itself over her. She relaxed when she realized where she was, and held her 5-year-old niece, Evie tighter.

“I’m so happy you’re here” she smiled down at Y/N.

“So am I, sweetie” Y/N smiled, rocking her side to side as she didn’t let go.

Y/N looked up at the door when she saw her sister standing against the doorframe, holding her 8-month-old niece, Mia on her hip.

“This one wants to say hi, too” Jill said, smiling.

Y/N got up from bed, Evie stuck to her leg as she walked over to her sister. She hugged her tight, feeling a few tears escape down her face.

“I missed you, so much” Y/N said, holding Jill tighter.

“I missed you too” Jill said, pulling away and smiling at her.

Y/N smiled as she saw the baby. She was so big now, having only been 4 months when she left for Lawrence. She reached for her, but little Mia scrunched her face up, squirming into her mother.

“This one needs to be fed, so you get cleaned up and come downstairs. Mom’s making breakfast” Jill said, kissing Y/N’s cheek and taking the girls out of the room.

Y/N quickly brushed her teeth and threw her robe on over her pyjamas. She raced down the stairs and into the kitchen, smiling when she saw her mom’s back as she stood at the stove.

“Mom” Y/N said, as she walked over.

Her mom turned around and nearly started crying on the spot. She rushed over and took Y/N in her arms, hugging her tight.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here” her mom said to her as she pulled away, wiping her eyes.

“Me too” Y/N smiled.

“Alright, the pancakes are almost done. So, sit down and help yourself, and everyone else will down soon” her mom said, gesturing to the table that was already set.

“Can’t I help with something?” Y/N asked, frowning.

“No, you just got here, honey. Relax, we’ll put you to work tomorrow” her mom laughed, as she playfully shoved her towards the dining table.

Y/N laughed and shook her head as she walked over, licking her lips at the sight of the delicious breakfast.

After a great breakfast with her family, Y/N helped Evie decorate another gingerbread house, because the two she did with grandma yesterday weren’t enough. Jill sat with Mia on her lap, across from Y/N at the dining table, as Let It Snow played in the background through the house. Brian had gone back to their house to get some more bottles for the baby, and her parents had rushed out to deliver some homemade Christmas cake to their friends. So, Y/N was glad she and her sister were alone for a while, to have some proper girl talk.

“So…” Jill trailed off, as she distracted the baby with her toy, and tried to ice a piece of the gingerbread house with one hand. “How are things with Mark?”

Y/N smiled, sheepishly, feeling guilty she hadn’t told her sister yet. “Things are… over.”

“What?” Jill asked, wide eyes looking up at her.

Y/N shrugged, as she iced one part of the roof for the gingerbread house. “Things got a little… complicated.”

“Well, considering I only know whatever you told me up to the third date, I need the specifics” Jill said, shifting Mia when she started to fuss.

“I know, I’m sorry I haven’t talked to you in a while” Y/N frowned, looking up at her sister.

“It’s okay, Y/N. Don’t apologize. I mean, we’ve both been busy” Jill laughed slightly, gesturing her head between her two daughters.

Y/N looked at Evie sitting next to her and smiled, seeing her niece in full concentration as she decorated, her tongue sticking out.

“This one has to leave, though” Y/N said, looking at Evie and then Jill.

Jill nodded in understanding. “Evie, honey. Can you stop what you’re doing for a second?”

“What is it, mommy?” Evie asked, her big eyes looking at her mom.

“Can you make sure all the presents are kept neatly under the tree?” Jill asked her in return.

“Okay” she replied, simply, not understanding why she had to go but doing it anyway.

Once she was out of earshot, Jill turned to Y/N. “Okay. Spill.”

Y/N took the next few moments to tell Jill everything that had happened with Mark.

“Fuck” Jill remarked, not knowing what to say.

“Yeah” Y/N nodded.

A short pause fell between them as Jill thought about everything her sister just told her.

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” Jill asked, her eyes teary.

“I didn’t want you guys to worry about me” Y/N replied, shaking her head. “And don’t tell mom and dad, they’d freak out. I’ll tell them myself at a later stage.”

Jill sighed, but nodded. “Okay.”

“Thank you” Y/N smiled, softly. She bit her lip, wondering if she should tell her sister about Dean too. Maybe it was too soon?

Jill tapped her fingers on the table as she watched her sister, her face looking like her brain was overloaded with thoughts.

“There’s something else” Jill said, knowingly. “Isn’t there?”

Y/N looked at her sister, tentatively. She wasn’t sure if she should say it or not.

Jill cocked her head to the side, a smile gracing her face as she understood. “Who is he?”

Y/N scoffed, impressed with her sister’s intuition.

She spent another couple of minutes telling Jill everything about Dean. She felt a smile tug at her lips as she talked about him. After everything she had been through in the past, and then with Mark, she thought for minute back there she’d never be able to think of dating someone again, but things were different with Dean.

“So… when you get back, what’s going to happen?” Jill asked, curious about what she was thinking of doing.

“I… don’t know, but… I know that he’s it now” Y/N replied, her smile growing.

Jill smiled. “I gotta say, I’ve never seen you like this. Yeah sure, you’ve been with a few guys, but this is different.”

“It feels different this time” Y/N nodded. “I don’t want to get my hopes up, but… it feels like this is it. And I know he’s some years older than me, but that doesn’t matter to me.”

Truth be told, men who were slightly older than her were a turn on for her. Plus, she had only ever been with guys her own age. Maybe it was time for a change.

In that moment, Y/N’s baby niece started to fuss in Jill’s lap.

“Oh, honey. You can’t be hungry, I just fed you” Jill said, frowning as she didn’t know what was wrong.

Y/N got up and walked over to their side of the table. She slowly picked up the baby and held her close, lightly bouncing her. Little Mia smiled and Jill smiled, too.

“She just needs a little lovin’ from her aunt” Y/N smiled, kissing her niece’s chubby cheek.

Jill admired her sister with the baby. “You look good like that.”

“Stop” Y/N laughed, shaking her head. She didn’t need those thoughts in her head at that moment. She had always loved children, and couldn’t wait to have her own, but she wondered if Dean was the one who she would have them with. Did he even want any?

The doorbell rang and interrupted them. Y/N gave little Mia back to Jill and walked to the front door. She screamed when she opened it and saw Katie smiling at her. The friends hugged tightly, laughing.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Katie said, swaying them side to side.

“Me too” Y/N tearfully told her, letting go of her and letting her into the house. “You just missed girl talk, though.”

“Well, catch me up. I’m all ears” Katie said, walking into the house, taking off her coat.

Y/N laughed as she followed behind her, ready to divulge everything she told Jill to her best friend as well.

The next day brought a whirlwind of familial chaos, as Y/N’s family got everything ready for Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas carols were playing in the background, as her mom worked on the ham, her dad helped with all the sides and her sister was in charge of decorating the rest of the house, the table and setting it. Brian was keeping the kids entertained and Y/N was making pudding and few other treats for dessert.

It took all day, but they finally got everything ready and in time for dinner. As everyone got dressed and ready, Y/N took some time to admire the house. The lights were dimmed, the candles were lit, and everything was bathed in a beautiful glow. The lights on the tree were shining, and the fireplace crackled, adding to the ambience of the room. She was so glad to be here with her family and to spend this time with them.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Let your heart be light

From now on,

Our troubles will be out of sight

She quickly had a shower, and then got ready for dinner in a red, A-line dress, with sleeves that came to her mid-forearm. She pinned her Y/H/C hair into a bun, a few strands framing her face. She put on her nude heels and then went downstairs to join her family.

Dinner was absolutely divine, and her mom had outdone herself, yet again. Everything from the ham to the pudding for dessert was perfect, and everyone was absolutely stuffed by the end. They all relaxed on the couch and sang some carols, drank eggnog and enjoyed the fact that they were all together again. For the first time in a long time, Y/N had no fear about Ethan or Mark, or any of the other troubles she had had in the past. All she needed was her family and hoped that the man who she had fallen in love from the minute she saw him, would also be a permanent figure in her life.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Make the Yule-tide gay,

From now on,

Our troubles will be miles away

It was pretty much the same vibe over at the Winchesters.

Mary had assigned jobs for everyone, stating to the boys that they weren’t getting out of it just because they didn’t live at home anymore. She made Eileen and Sam come early as well as Dean, so that they could all do their assigned jobs.

Once everything was ready before dinner, everyone put on their ugly Christmas sweaters, a Winchester tradition that was something silly but fun. Bobby, Ellen and Jo arrived, and they all greeted each other. They sat around talking and laughing as they ate, and afterwards sat around on the couches, listening to carols while drinking eggnog. No one trusted Sam with it anymore, so it was Eileen’s job to mix it since she joined their family. Dean smiled as he looked around at his family, content for the first time in years.

Here we are as in olden days,

Happy golden days of yore

Loving friends who are dear to us,

Gather near to us once more

However, Dean was the first one to notice when Eileen wasn’t drinking any. He gestured to her and then signed “are you okay?”, which was just one of the things of what little he knew, but he was trying to get better at it. She nodded and then smiled at Sam. They had a small conversation between themselves, before Sam turned to everyone with a huge smile on his face.

“Well, now’s as good a time as any to tell you… we’re having a baby” he said, beaming. “Eileen’s 16 weeks in.”

Dean’s eyes widened but his smile grew as he got up, and hugged his brother first, Mary and Eileen hugging as Mary cried. Everyone hugged the expecting parents, before they all sat back down.

“Congratulations, guys” Dean said, as he returned to one side of the couch. “That’s awesome, seriously.”

Sam smiled as he kissed Eileen’s cheek. “Thanks, Dean.”

“Oh, I can’t wait for my first grandchild!” Mary exclaimed, as John kissed her head.

Dean’s mind wandered off as Eileen and Sam were talking about moving into a bigger place. Mary was listening intently, but Dean couldn’t focus on the conversation. He couldn’t have been happier for his little brother and sister-in-law. They were going to make great parents; he knew that to be the absolute truth. However, he couldn’t help but feel an unexpected sadness wash over him. He never thought of himself as the “having kids” type of guy, hell, he never pictured himself in a serious relationship. That was when he was younger though. As he got older, he realized he wanted those things, and even though he was happy for Sam, he felt a little jealous sometimes that his little brother would have all of that before he did.

The last year of his life had been a waste, as he tried to salvage a relationship with Lisa. He couldn’t help but think where he would be if he had broken up with her a year ago. Mostly likely with Y/N as soon as she got to Lawrence he thought as he tried to concentrate on the conversation his family was having. It was no use though, as his mind continued torment him with the possibilities that could’ve been, if he had just claimed his freedom sooner.

Dean silently excused himself and walked out to the back porch of his childhood home. He let out a long breath, seeing it cloud up in the cold. He sipped the eggnog, feeling the kick of the alcohol warm him up. He smiled sadly as he thought about Y/N, so far away from him, in New York with her own family. He wondered what she wanted from life and whether their wants would align, whether having a family was something she wanted or not. He really hoped so.

“Merry freakin’ Christmas” he mumbled to himself. He never had a problem with being alone, but as he got older it had started to become a fear for him. Maybe that was why it took so long to see the whole truth with Lisa.

“Sure is” he heard someone say behind him. He turned and saw his mom standing behind him.

“I’ll be back in soon, mom” he said, turning away from her.

“Actually” she started as she stood next to him and faced him. “I was thinking we could talk.”

“About?” he asked, staring down at his eggnog.

Mary was quiet for a moment before she spoke. “Who is she?”

Dean scoffed as he closed his eyes. Of course his mom had figured it out.

He opened his eyes and looked at her, his jaw clenched. “She’s… she’s the best person I’ve ever known and… I have no idea if I should do anything about this because honestly, she deserves more than me.”

“Isn’t that up to her?” Mary asked, knowingly. “If you’re spending so much time with her, and I know you have because I’ve hardly seen you over the last few weeks, then doesn’t that mean that she wants to give you a chance?”

Dean blinked a few times as he took in what Mary just said. “I guess.”

“Then all you have to is take the leap” Mary smiled.

Dean nodded slowly, scrubbing a hand down his face. “Yeah.”

Mary nodded. “Just know, you have to bring her here because we need to meet her.”

Dean groaned and laughed, shaking his head. “Great.”

Mary smiled, leaning over to kiss his cold cheek. “Come inside soon, it’s way too cold.”

“I will” he promised as he watched her go back in.

Dean smirked as he thought about how Y/N would actually fit in with his family. He knew he needed to muster up the courage and just ask her out. Let go of the fear that had developed because of everything that had happened with Lisa. Maybe it was too soon after, but the truth was, he didn’t want more time. He was ready to be happy.

Through the years

We all be together,

If the Fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.

At midnight, Y/N and her family all wished each other a Merry Christmas, before they cleared everything up and each of them headed to bed. They would be up in several hours again, to open the presents anyway. As she went upstairs, there was one thing she needed to do before she headed to bed. Walking into her room, she shut the door and walked over to her carry-on bag. She opened it and found the present from Dean. She moved the bag back to the floor and then sat down on her bed, the present in her hand.

She laughed a little as she saw the envelope on it had her name but also “READ AFTER OPENING” in Dean’s all caps writing. She opened the wrapping, frowning when the thing was wrapped in brown paper as well. She unwrapped the brown paper, noticing that it was a very old but beautiful, hardcover book. She frowned again, but as she turned the book around and saw the spine, she gasped loudly.

In her hand, was an early edition of her favorite novel of all time, Jane Eyre. Y/N’s eyes widened as they started to well up with tears. She remembered telling him it was her favorite at dinner with him. It was yet another thing he remembered about her, the Led Zeppelin album being the first. She felt the tears rolling down her face as she opened the book, slowly flicking through it. She closed it and hugged it to her chest. She couldn’t believe he had done this for her.

She put the book in her lap and picked up the envelope, opening it and sliding the card out. Opening the card, she smiled through tears as she read his words.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

I hate that you’re not here with me, but I can’t wait until you’re back. There’s a lot that I wanna say, but I’ve never been good with words. So, I’m just gonna do my best.

I’ve never been surer of anything, than I am that you’re the greatest person that I’ll ever know. You’re beautiful, smart, strong as all hell, and have the kindest heart of anyone I know. I know how freaking lucky I am that you’re in my life.

I hope this present lets you know how much you mean to me. How much you’ll always mean to me.

Y/N, this is it for me. You’re it for me. I need you to know that.

Have an amazing time with your family and I’ll see you as soon as you get back.

Dean

She laughed through her tears, shaking her head. She had never been surer of anything either; that he was the greatest man she had ever known. That she was so madly in love with him, and she couldn’t wait to tell him that someday.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas

When it reached midnight in Kansas, Dean said a quick “Merry Christmas” to everyone, but everyone kept wondering why he was heading off so quickly.

“You know, you can just stay the night to open presents in the morning” Mary told him as she handed out warm cider to everybody.

“No, there’s uh… something I gotta do” Dean said, putting his jacket on.

“Something or… someone?” Jo asked, smiling suspiciously.

“Shut up, Jo” he groaned, glaring at her.

Jo laughed as she and Sam looked at each other.

“Seriously, what’s the rush, kid?” Bobby asked, curiously.

“Can a man not have a little time to himself anymore? Jeez” Dean grumbled, shaking his head.

“Alright, everyone leave him alone” Mary said, calming everyone down. “He’ll be back soon anyway.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek, patting his shoulder.

He would be back in several hours anyway to open presents with everyone, but at that moment he had to see what was awaiting him.

When he got home, he walked over to the big present from Y/N, resting against a wall in his living room. He chuckled as he looked over the size of it, wondering what the hell she had gotten him. He opened the large bow, letting it fall away. He dug his finger into the edge of the wrapping and ripped it open, at every side to see the present more clearly.

“Holy shit” he gasped as his mouth open in awe.

The present was a large black frame, with a black and white photo of his beloved Baby, shining away in the sun. It looked like his backyard in the background of it, and he had to wonder how she took this photo. On the corner of the frame was an envelope with his name written on it. He took it and opened it, smirking as he saw her handwriting.

Merry Christmas, Dean!

I took this photo for you to hang in your new office at the restoration site. There’s nothing better to convince the customers to bring their cars to you than a picture of Baby.

I’m so proud of you for everything you’re working towards. It’s going to bring so many amazing things your way; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I hope that the new year brings you everything you wish for, because if there’s anyone who deserves it, it’s you. You’ve been an amazing support to me, and I’ll never forget everything you’ve done for me. Ever.

I can’t wait to see you when I get back and just be near you again.

Y/N xx

He smirked as he read over the note a few times. She really was something else. He couldn’t believe that someone like her would want someone like him, but he knew how lucky he was that she was in his life.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas

He looked at the clock and saw that it was ten past midnight, which meant it was ten past 1am in New York. Y/N was probably asleep, but he really wanted to speak to her. He sent her a quick text, asking if she was awake. When he got a reply instantly that she was, he dialled her number. In New York, Y/N sat up instantly when her phone rang and picked it up.

“Hi” she said, smiling. “Dean, I… I don’t even know what to say.”

“Did I make the English teacher speechless?” he teased with a smirk on his face.

“Yes” she admitted. “Dean, it’s… thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Dean smiled. “Well, it’s like I’ve said before, sweetheart. You don’t ever have to thank me.”

“Did you… did you mean it? What you said?” she asked. She already knew it was the truth, but she just needed to hear it. She just needed to know for certain.

“Yes” he replied. There was no pause. No hesitation.

Y/N felt tears welling up in her eyes all over again. “You’re… you’re it for me, too.”

Dean smiled, feeling like his heart would burst from her confession that she felt the same.

“Thanks for the photo. It’s so freaking awesome, Y/N” he smirked as he looked over at it.

“You’re welcome” she said, smiling. “But Dean, now our presents are totally uneven. This would’ve been so expensive-” she said as she picked the book, but Dean cut her off.

“Hey, no. It’s not about that, okay? I knew… I knew that I wanted you to have it. Plus, with Dorothy’s help it wasn’t too expensive, so we’re good” he reassured her.

“Okay” she said, nodding.

Dean looked up at the time and knew he should end the call. “I should let you go. Merry Christmas, Y/N.”

“Merry Christmas, Dean” she smiled as they both hung up the phone.

That morning, as they fell asleep for a few more hours before they had to wake up again, even with miles and miles between them, they fell asleep with dreams of each other. They fell into a peaceful slumber, knowing this was the start of something magical for both of them.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

-x-

Tags: @flamencodiva @deanwanddamons @winchest09 @katehuntington @akshi8278 @hobby27 @michellethetvaddict @spngirl05 @kyjey @halesandy @440mxs-wife @stoneyggirl @deanswaywardgirl @wonder-cole @that-one-gay-girl @redbarn1995 @marianita195 @babypink224221 @deans-baby-momma @parinarain @thoughts-and-funnies @mandalou29 @castiels-a-winchester @ellewritesfix05 @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @supraveng @roonyxx @supernatural-love14 @vicmc624 @prettyboyswow @lunarmoon8

#Life's Lessons #Dean x Female!Reader #Dean x Female!Reader Series #Dean x Female!Reader Fanfiction #Female!Reader Insert #Mechanic!Dean #Teacher!Reader #Dean x Reader Fanfiction #Dean Winchester Series #Dean Winchester Fanfiction #Dean Winchester Fanfic #Supernatural Fanfiction

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toomanystoriessolittletime · 4 years ago

Text

All I want for Christmas is You

Summary: Donaka could ask for what he wants. Because he would get it. But sometimes breaking someone to get what he wants, is so much more fun.

Pairing: Donaka Mark x OFC (Sara Morgan)

Word count: 2.4k

Warnings: stalking (very questionable behavior, okay?) mentions of sextoys (if you need a warning for that)

A/N: I thought I should at least write one of the Christmas Challenge Prompts, so here is my creepy take on “All I want for Christmas is you”

Masterlist

Donaka didn’t make much out of christmas. It had been just like any other day his whole life. He didn’t get into the festive mood. Which could have to do with the fact that it was harder to pay people to like you on days like christmas when they wanted to be with their own families.

He never understood the urge of people to do something for their loved ones just to see them happy. That was until he saw her eyes on the first company christmas party a couple years ago for the first time. It had been her first year outside of the states and she had just started working for one of his employees. Sara Morgan. A beautiful and intelligent young woman who always had a smile on her face. She had been in charge of planning the christmas party and Donaka himself had to admit he felt like he’d been thrown into a snow globe back then. Every surface had been covered in snow. Everything was blinking.

He didn’t notice it at first. His need to know more about her. It started with reading in on her file. Then he hired a private investigator to find out everything about her. Like a miracle (he initiated) she slowly climbed up the positions in his company until just at the beginning of this very year she became his secretary.

That’s when Donaka made the decision. He wanted her. He wanted her for himself. He wanted to be the only one who saw that smile. That little smile when got a compliment. How she would blush and shake her head before she looked up with a soft smile.

It was around the beginning of december when his plan finally was set into motion. He saw the courier arrive at her desk just outside his office with a package. Donaka got up from his seat behind his desk to make his way to her.

Of course he could just have asked her out. Like people do. But Donaka wanted her to come to him. Something that would never happen cause Sara would never sleep with her boss. He knew how all the former managers had tried it. So Donaka made a plan. A plan that would end with Sara having no other choice but to come to him.

“Anything interesting Miss Morgan?” He asked as he walked to her desk.

“Uhm…” She was flustered, that he could tell. “Just the signed contracts we have been waiting for. I’ll get them to legal right away.” She said quickly.

“And that package?” He gestured towards the package.

“I… It’s addressed to me. I’m not sure…”

“You know we don’t allow personal deliveries around here.” He said.

“I.. I know. And I don’t know who sent it. It’s probably a mistake….”

“Only one way to find out.” He nodded towards her. She looked up at him, her beautiful green eyes pleading with him. When Donaka didn’t make a move to leave she sighed and began to open her package. He followed her every move with his eyes. The way she held the scissors to open the package. Her fingers as she grabbed the wrapped box inside.

“From your secret admirer.” She whispered reading the card and frowned before she carefully unwrapped the box. A little smile sneaked to her face.

“These are beautiful.” Sara took out the bouquet of blue roses, bringing them to her nose to smell them.

“Blue?” Donaka asked.

“It’s my favorite color.”

“Seems like someone knows you very well.” Donaka said, as he turned around to leave for his meeting, suppressing his grin.

It was on day four when things started to get a little weird for Sara. She was still wondering who sent the flowers when another package arrived the day after. Her favorite chocolates. She shared them with Donaka on their way out to a meeting she had to accompany him. He had asked her if she had an idea who it was that sends the gifts, but she had no idea. Deep inside she had hoped it was him. Donaka Mark was an impressive and handsome man. A man she would never have. But the thought of him being interested in someone like her made her wait for the next day with excitement.

On day three, after lunch she came back to a piece of her favorite cake and her favorite tea waiting for her on her desk. Thankfully Donaka was nowhere to be seen. As much as she enjoyed the gifts, getting them at work, for everyone to see seemed a little unprofessional. Even if she had the tiniest hope it was him who sent the fits.

When day four arrived and the mailman set a package down in front of her that contained her favorite perfume, things started to get a little weird. The gifts in the following days got more personal and she kissed the idea of her boss sending these gifts goodbye.

It was a week later when Donaka noticed a change in her behaviour. She seemed on edge. Of course he knew why. He started out with innocent stuff he sent to her, but two days ago there was a very revealing Victoria's secret set delivered to her. He had fun at the store, imagining her in all these sexy outfits. Though he prefers his women to be not wearing anything at all.

Yesterday something had been delivered to her home address. Photos of herself in her bedroom. He smiled to himself. Changing. His plan was in full action.

“Sara?” He said, making her jump as he got out of his office.

“Yes Sir?” She asked, her voice high.

“Is everything set for today’s christmas party?” He asked. Of course she was still in charge of everything christmas.

“Oh yes. If it’s okay I would like to head over to the restaurant in an hour to check if everything is in order.” She looked up. He noticed the circles around her eyes.

“Of course Sara. But…” He stepped closer. “Are you okay? You look like you didn’t sleep last night.” He asked concerned.

“I… Thank you for asking. It’s just been some busy days.” She forced a smile.

“You know you can talk to me if there’s anything bothering you, right?” Donaka said.

“Of course Sir.” Her smile didn’t look as forced as before.

“I mean it. And of course you can head off to the restaurant. I will be a little late today.”

“I’ll save a seat for you, Sir.” Sara whispered. Donaka winked at her before left.

Sara couldn’t shake the feeling off that she was being watched. She left the restaurant just in time to get ready at home before she got back again. She noticed that she hadn’t received a package yet. And she hoped it would stay this way. What started out as a nice distraction from a secret admirer slowly was becoming a case for the local police. She still hadn’t figured out how that person got the photos of her in her apartment.

She knew all she had to do was tell her boss who basically ruled the city, but she didn’t want Donaka to know. He had enough to deal with himself. The man worked around the clock. How he managed to look this good doing it, was a miracle to her. Of course she noticed how attractive he was. She wasn’t blind. But she also knew that she was at least 20 years younger and that he kind of seemed like he wasn’t interested in women. Or men for that matter. He either was asexuel or had a sex slave. At least that’s what her very wild imagination came up with. Smiling at the bartender she took a glass of champagne to calm her nerves. Her co-workers slowly arrived and soon her creepy secret santa was the last thing on her mind. Her former boss, Marcus was just about to tell another one of his stories, when she felt a hand on her shoulder making her jump.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Donaka said. Sara looked up, taking in her boss who was dressed in all black with a deep red tie.

“It’s okay, Sir. Glad you could make it.” She smiled a little shy before she looked away and talked to her colleagues. Donaka loved the dress she was wearing. Like a present ready to unwrap. She was wearing another perfume than usual. Her hair was styled in waves and on her left shoulder. She looked beautiful.

“How are you spending your holidays, Sir?” He heard her ask. He blinked, surprised that he had gotten lost in his thoughts so quickly.

“I work. Like every year.” Donaka answered.

“Not a big fan of christmas?” Sara asked.

“Never had anyone to celebrate it with.” He shrugged. He could read in her face that she had questions, but she knew better as to ask him personal questions in front of anyone. In the last months when she had stayed longer to work with him, he had answered a question or two about his personal life. Something he never did before.

“I’m gonna head out for a cigarette.” He squeezed her shoulder before he nodded at the people surrounding them and walked outside on the big patio.

He was just about to finish his cigarette when he heard the click of heels behind him. Turning around he saw Sara looking at him.

“All of this looks beautiful.” He said.

“Thank you Sir.” She smiled.

“Donaka please.” He added. Everytime he heard the word Sir leave her lips he felt his cock twitch.

“Donaka.” Her smile got wider. She slowly walked outside, admiring the city view as he finished his cigarette.

“Can I ask you a question?” Sara said after a while.

“Of course.”

“If… If you had the feeling that you were being watched… What would you do?” He turned his head towards her, seeing her suck in her bottom lip.

“I would ask my security to do a better job. Do you think someones watching you?” He asked concern in his voice. He stepped closer to her, making her tilt her head up so she could look at him.

“I’m… “ She shook her head. “No. Probably watched too many scary movies lately.” She closed her eyes.

“You know that you can talk to me, right?” Donaka said quietly, suppressing the urge to brush away the stray of hair that had fallen in front of her eyes.

“Of course.” She smiled. “Thank you Donaka.”

The party was in full motion when the secret santa gifts were given out. Sara sat next to Donaka the whole evening and they actually talked. About everything. She found out about his love for motorcycles and he learned that she always wanted to be a cook but ended up working this job because she didn’t have enough money to open her own restaurant.

Donaka opened his present and actually had to laugh at the blinking reindeer ears. It was probably the champagne but he put them on, much to the delight of his employees and Sara.

“Looks good. We should change the Christmas cards to pictures of you wearing these.”

“Careful Miss Morgan. I’m still your boss.” Donaka teased.

“Of course Sir.” She winked at him. Shaking her head she unwrapped her gift and he could see her hands shaking.

“Everything okay?” He asked.

“Yeah. Just…. Nevermind.” She shook her head. He looked at her face in the moment she opened the package. Of course he knew what was inside. It was risky, but he hoped that this would finally make her run into his arms.

He saw the forced smile on her face as she opened the lid, her hands still shaking. Sara didn’t want to open a present in front of her boss.

“Oh my god…” She whispered, seeing the pink vibrator and closing the box immediately. Shaking her head she set it down on the table before she practically fled outside. This couldn’t be happening. Sara ran outside, thankful that there weren’t any people around as she tried to get air into her lungs. She didn’t even realize Donaka was following her until she felt hands on her upper arms.

“Breathe with me. In…. and out….” He said looking at her. It took a couple minutes before she finally calmed down. Letting her head fall against his chest. Donaka carefully wrapped his arms around her until she was safe in his arms. Looking over her shoulder he guided them both out of sight.

“What happened there?” He whispered.

“I… These gifts I got the whole week. They were nice in the beginning but… a couple days ago I got lingerie. Very revealing lingerie. And yesterday…. Yesterday someone sent pictures to my home address of myself in my apartment and I have no idea who took them. Or who sent them. I thought I’d be safe today but…”

“I saw the gift you just got.” Donaka said.

She shook her head. Terrified.

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” Donaka asked.

“You’re my boss. You have more important stuff to take care of.” Sighing he leaned back, his hand tilting her chin up.

“I’d like to think we are friends, Sara.”

“You do?”

“Of course. And now tell me everything that happened, so I can take care of it.”

“You should have told me right away Sara. Here’s what we’re going to do. I’m gonna let my security deal with it. And you’re not going home tonight. You can stay with me. Or in a hotel. I don’t want you going home until this is dealt with.”

“But… I can’t possibly…”

“I don’t accept any arguments. It’s with me or in a hotel with one of my bodyguards outside.” He said sternly. Sara looked at him. Donaka looked genuinely concerned. And she was genuinely scared to go home alone. Sighing, she finally nodded.

“I’ll go with you. It’s probably easier, your home is like fort knox.”

“Thank you.” He breathed out and allowed himself to kiss her forehead before he pulled her closer, his chin on top of her head.

A familiar song reached their ears “I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know, make my wish come true. All I want for christmas is you…”

“I’ll keep you safe, Sara.” He said, thankful that Sara couldn’t see the smirk on his face.

#fanfiction #fanfic #Donaka mark #Keanu reeves #Donaka Mark x ofc #Donaka Mark x reader #Donaka Mark x you #Donaka Mark fanfiction

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schnitzelbutterfingers · 4 years ago

Text

The Stroke of Midnight (Ethan Ramsey x f!MC)

Book/Pairing(s): Open Heart/ Dr. Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Dr. Abigail “Abby” Chacko)

Word Count: 2175

Summary: How would they get their New Year’s kiss if there are obstacles in their way?

Category: Angst with a happy ending

Warning(s): hospitalization (car accident, coma, fainting, depression, anxiety) kissing (ofc, it’s New Year’s Eve-)

______________________________________________________________

December 29th, 2020 (9:52 P.M.)

Abby loathed it.

She loathed wearing those damn masks that made her suffocate. She loathed wearing at least three pieces of clothing, which got her all sweaty and sticky. Best of all, she loathed COVID-19.

Damn every single human that doesn’t know how to social distance.

She got it. She knew how it felt to not spend time with her dear friends. She knew how it felt to not go to gorgeous beaches and get her tans.

But this whole pandemic would be over if everyone followed the damn rules. People are acting as if they are seeing their families for the first time. Airplanes flying across the sky with every seat filled. Beaches filled with women in bikinis and men in shorts. Parties filled with people and alcohol.

Abby is wholeheartedly done.

She recollected how Seb and Amma when they couldn’t come to Boston for the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations because of the fast-spreading virus. Even if she missed her family, she video-called them with Ethan, laughing and sharing joy with one another.

The moment of tranquility at that time inhabited her memories as more patients filled the ER, the moans and groans of pain settling in the overcrowded room. With a sigh, she got back to work, tending to them who may possibly have COVID.

After placing one patient in the ventilator after she had trouble breathing, the junior resident went to the diagnostics room to take a break. It was depressing to call their families and tell them the heartbreaking words that their loved ones might not make it. And for a bonus point, during the holidays.

And it’s already depressing enough that Ethan hadn’t called her yet. He was supposed to here now; his shift was going to start in 5 minutes. Habitually, he got here early, either to finish paperwork or to start his rounds. The fact that he is not here know made her stomach feel wary.

She jolted at the beeping of her pager, signalling her to the ER room. I wasn’t even gone for five minutes.

Reluctantly, she went back down to the ER. She could see figures not far, and a bloodied man. Automatically, her thoughts went to calling his family about this accident. She hated heeding the cries coming out of their mouths, wishing she could do anything, anything, in her power to to save their loved one. But she prompted herself that she tried her full hardest.

Thrusting those thoughts aside, she rushed down to the patient. Suddenly, a pair of hands ceased her from taking another step forward. Naveen.

“Abby, don’t go down there,” Naveen said, worriedly. Huh?

Abby was confused and impatient. “What are you talking about? I’m a doctor. I can help him!”

Naveen replied in a hushed, soothing kind of tone. “There are other doctors there. They’ll tend to-”

Just then a paramedic came, someone the Chacko doesn’t know. “Patient is Ethan Ramsey, age-”

The world stopped. People annulled their motions. At least, that’s what she concluded. Her pulse, however, grew rapid. Her eyes widened. In horrible fear? In terrible anguish? In emotional pain? She doesn’t even know.

“...Naveen? Please don’t tell me it’s who I think it is.”

“...I’m so sorry, Abigail. His car was hit by a truck and it rolled over a few times. He will be okay, I promise-”

But she’s not so certain. She wanted to slap herself. To cut herself, for ever thinking that. But even she took a look at Ethan. He’s covered in blood. She couldn’t even recognize him.

“No...”

Then, she said it louder.

NO! NO! ETHAN! ETHAAAN! Let me go. LET ME GO! NAVEEN, LET ME GO!!” Abby struggled, trying to release herself from Naveen’s grip. He was maintaining a vice-like grip on her, murmuring soothing words that he will be alright.

But she couldn’t make out anything. The world was spiraling, and so was she.

“...Ethan...”

In one blink she fell onto the floor, her knees making an uncomfortable thud on the white tiles, and her vision went black.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

December 30th, 2020 (10:06 A.M.)

The first thing she overheard was the beeping of a heart monitor. Next, she saw the IV going through her arm. She found out she was lying on an uncomfortable bed, sunlight streaming through the windows. Finally, she sees the Chief with an anxious face.

“Abigail! Ladoo, are you alright?” Naveen asked, concerned.

Only one word came out of her mouth. A name. “Ethan...”

She placed everything now. The bloodied body of Ethan Ramsey. Her true love. Unconscious. Unaware of any of her calls. She gasped out.

“Ethan! Naveen, where is Ethan? Where-”

Abby couldn’t breathe. She is suffocating. And she wasn’t even wearing one of those damn masks.

“Abby, deep breaths,” Naveen soothingly commanded.

She did as she was advised. Her breathing got normal, but her pulse didn’t.

“Naveen! Where is Ethan? Is he alright? Where-”

“Ladoo. Ethan is in the ICU, currently in a coma. He had a major surgery in his lung and chest. Thankfully, the surgeons stopped the blood loss. He had two broken ribs and a broken arm.”

Abby couldn’t get that first sentence out of her mind. “He’s... in a coma?”

The senior doctor sighed profoundly. “Yes, Abigail. We don’t know when he will wake up.”

We don’t know when he will wake up.

A tear spilled out of her eye, but she forced herself to swab it away. She will not break down. At least not now. Finally, she cared enough to question about herself.

“...What’s wrong with me?”

A sigh pulled out of Naveen’s mouth again. “You fainted after you had heard the news about Ethan. Your blood pressure increased. Fortunately, you’re fine now. I’ve informed Seb and Jazmin about this. They sensed you would be uncomfortable with talking about Ethan now, so they’ve decided to give you some space.”

She was appreciative. For having the best brother and mother. She treasured them. Too much. “I’ll shoot them a quick text message later. For now, I’m going to Ethan’s room. Where is he?”

“Abi-”

“Please. I want to see him.”

With a defeated sigh, Naveen and a nurse aided her onto a plastic wheelchair, much to her annoyance. She could walk fine, she’s not paralyzed or anything.

Abby was wheeled down the familiar hospital hall as nurses and doctors kept sparing pitiful glances. She didn’t need pity. She needed Ethan.

She walked into the room, preparing herself for what she was going to see. She wasn’t prepared at all.

Ethan was wearing a hospital gown and looked exhausted. His eyes were closed and he looked calm. Peaceful. Tranquility.

Some of her friends were already there. Bryce, Sienna, Jackie, Elijah, Rafael. They knew Abby would want to see her love. Some of them whispered comforting words. Others patted her on the shoulder. They all left her, and soon, she was alone with her fiance.

She started. “Hi, Ethan. It’s me, Rookie.”

She looked at the calendar. December 30.

“Two more days till this horrible year is over. Life always throws us curveballs, don’t they?”

Silence.

She sighed. “Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Couples are supposed to kiss each other at the stroke of midnight. I need to feel your lips on mine at midnight. Please.”

The tears she tried to hold fell out like a dam breaking. She broke out in sobs.

“Please, Ethan. I... I can’t live without you in this damn world. If you die, I die, Ethan. I die. Please. I wanna feel you lips on mine at midnight. We planned so much for the future. Please. We’re engaged. We’ll be married next year. We’re hoping to build a family. With Jenner, as our third wheel. Please wake up, wake up, wake up. I love you too damn much.”

She whispered the last sentence. She tangled his hand in hers and held them tight. He may be in a coma now, but she’ll sing a song for him now.

The sun comes up It's a new day dawning It's time to sing your song again

She takes a deep breath to keep her voice from cracking. Whatever may pass And whatever lies before me Let me be singing When the evening comes

Bless The Lord, O my soul O my soul Worship his holy name Sing like never before O my soul I'll worship your holy name

She sighed. He didn’t move, but something told her that he will move soon.

“Rest now, my love. I’ll be waiting for that kiss when you wake up.”

He didn’t wake up that day.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 31st, 2020 (11:40 P.M.)

Abby was with him yesterday and planned to stay in his room the whole night, until Naveen discharged her and gently forced her into an on-call room. It’s amusing how he thinks the 22 years old would get any sleep. She wanted to be in Ethan’s comforting arms. Him stroking her musky brunette hair. Her wrapping her narrow arms around his waist. Sleeping under the brilliant moonlight. But now, the coma threatened to take away that lifelong dream.

It was 11:40 P.M. on New Year’s Eve, and Abby was still waiting for that midnight kiss. He promised he would kiss her at 12:00 A.M. He didn’t have any problems in doing that. If so, he would have told Abby. He didn’t have to go into a coma to hamper it. Abby would still love him.

Abby was looking at the wall, staring at it blankly as she clasped his hand and gave it a squeeze, hoping for it to jerk. And minutes later, it did.

The first jerk got her out of her train of thoughts. The second jerk made her look at his bruised face, hopeful for a holiday miracle. The third jerk made him slowly open his eyes, his familiar hand gently stroking her thumb as to figure out who is next to him.

She gently fastened her eyes. Oh no, what if he loses his memory? It was a serious car accident after all. Stop it, Abby, Naveen didn’t mention a head injury. Oh no, what if he was lying? What if he was trying to make me feel better? What-

“Rookie...?” She looked back at her, only to observe Ethan staring intently at her, with a slight glimmer.

“Ethan...” She couldn’t hold back the tears this time.

The ocean eyes lost glimmer and instead widened with evident alarm. “Abby, don’t cry. What happened?”

Abby released a tremulous breath, one that she barely knew she was holding. “A truck hit you car and it flipped a few times. You were in it. You had a major surgery in your lung and chest. The surgeons stopped your blood loss just in time. You have two broken ribs and a broken arm. And you were in a coma.”

If Ethan wasn’t alert before, then he definitely is after hearing her last statement. “I was in a coma? For how long?”

“Just for a day, luckily. It’s New Year’s Eve.”

She looked at her watch.

“... 11:55 P.M.”

Ethan nodded his head slowly, before gently stroking her cheek to wipe away the salty droplets of water. “Rookie, don’t cry. I’m awake now, am I not?”

She broke. Again.

“B-but, I th-thought you wouldn’t m-make it. I thought y-you would never w-wake up. I thought o-our future was de-destroyed. I thought I would ne-never see you bl-blue eyes again. I thought-”

She gave up saying the last sentence and the first sob came out. Ethan’s heart broke piece by piece before shattering.

“Lie down with me.”

She was hesitant. “But w-what if I h-hurt you?”

“You won’t,” Ethan assured. “I want to hold you.”

Slowly, she got up from the uncomfortable plastic chair and gently lied down with him. Her hand came around his waist, mindful of his injuries. Ethan’s hand went to the daily job of stroking her hair down.

“I’m right here. Our dream will never be shattered as long as we have each other’s hearts. Even if I did die-”

“Ethan, stop-”

“No, Abigail, let me say this. Even if I did die, our hearts would be mended together. If you died, I would never love someone else again. You would be mine always, no matter what happens. My heart would belong to you and only you.”

Joyful and comforting tears obscured her vision. “I love you, Ethan.”

“I love you, too, Rookie. To the squares of infinity.”

Just then, they both heard the countdown. 11:59 P.M.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

“Are you ready?” Ethan asked.

Six.

Five.

Abby smiled. “Hell yeah, I am.”

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

And their lips met at the stroke of midnight, fulfilling his promise.

“Happy New Year, Abigail.” The former attending said, a beautiful grin adoring his face.

“Happy New Year, Ethan.” Abby returned with the same grin.

As sleep was overtaking both of them with colorful fireworks decorating the night sky, Abby managed to ponder on one more thought.

Good riddance, 2020.

notes: If you’ve made it this far, thank you!

notes 2: Happy New Year, and good riddance! Let’s all pray for a good year this time. I wrote this fic in one day, and I am pretty impressed of myself. But I thought I would give you one more fic as this year comes to a close. Forgive me if there were any spelling mistakes or grammar errors. Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoyed! ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

tags: @missmiimiie @aylamwrites @starrystarrytrouble @udishaman @caseyvalentineramsey @queencarb @choicesstan1 @newcolonies @arcticrivers @angela8756 @takemyopenheart @rookie-ramsey @ohchoices @ohvamsey @ohramsey @natureblooms24 @drariellevalentine @maurine07 @lucy-268 @drakewalkerfantasy @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @gryffindordaughterofathena

@openheartfanfics

@choicesficwriterscreations

#pixelberry choices #choices stories you play #open heart #open heart choices #pixelberry #pixelberry open heart #ethan ramsey #playchoices #ethan x mc #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey fanfiction #new year’s fanfiction

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cozy-the-overlord · 4 years ago

Text

Christmas Across the Stars

Summary: A backlogged mission on Jotunheim means Piper's going to miss Christmas with her family this year. At least she's not completely alone.

Written for @the-emo-asgardian's 'Tis The Season Writing Challenge on the prompt "snowed in and unable to get to family"

Word Count: 2,938

Pairing: Loki x OFC

A/N: *wipes sweat off brow* whew! For a while I wasn't sure if I was going to get this done in time for Christmas. But here it is! I've been writing a lot of angst lately, so it was really nice to write something sweet and fluffy for a change. I did try to keep Piper somewhat vague as a character, but there's a lot of me/my family traditions in this story, so for that reason I decided to make it an OFC rather than a reader-insert. Hope you don't mind.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your families, and I hope you all have a healthy and fulfilling New Year! Thanks for reading! :)

Tags: @lucywrites02 @gaitwae

Read it on Ao3!

She had been staring at the stone ceiling for nearly three hours when Piper decided enough was enough. Abandoning the thick, itchy blankets and the naïve dream of getting some sleep tonight, she reached for her boots.

One of the annoying things about life on Jotunheim (and there were many) was the inability to do a damn thing without first putting on fifty layers. Her nylon jacket rustled as she pulled it over her arms, zipping up with an obnoxious squeak. Across the room, Olsen popped up in her bunk.

“Wuzgoinon?” she muttered, opening a bleary eye.

“Nothing,” Piper said quickly. “I’m just going for a walk. Go back to sleep.”

Olsen hummed, head dropping back to the pillow. Her other two companions didn’t stir. Piper sighed and grabbed her scarf and hat.

Her footsteps echoed against the rocky walls as she made her way to the bunker entrance. They weren’t supposed to go outside alone, what with being stationed on an unpredictable alien planet and all, but the blizzard that had been raging on for the past two weeks had finally seemed to pass and Piper could use a breath of fresh air.

The frozen hellscape greeted her with it’s usual chilly slap to the face. She coughed, bringing her scarf above her nose. When they had first arrived, the cragged mountain cliffs had hypnotized Piper. They stretched far above the horizon, their jagged silhouettes cutting through the paint-splattered sky like a crooked dagger. It was a severe kind of beauty, unlike anything Piper had ever seen before.

Now, it felt like the serrated ridges were laughing at her.

Piper sat down against the bunker door with a grunt, rubbing her hands through her mittens. What was she even doing out here? What had she expected to find? Despite her day-long daydreams, the bitter wishes she stored deep in her heart, her reality had not changed: she was a tiny ant of a person, trapped on this icy rock of a planet, sleepwalking her way through this drawn-out farce of a mission.

What a way to spend Christmas Eve.

When she had signed up for this job, it had been an adventure. Traveling across the stars to a world that until recently had only existed in myth, to test out technology that would allow for interplanetary travel? Move over, Captain Kirk. Piper Bassow was boldly going where no (human) man had gone before.

The mission had supposed to last for six months. They left at the beginning of February, wide-eyed and excited for the enterprise. They had planned to be home in August. Then something came up, some snag with the tech back on Earth, easily fixed but it disrupted the schedule. Their return date was moved to October. No problem, Piper thought. We’ll still be back for the holidays.

Then, a blizzard knocked out their antenna. Again, easily fixed, but they had to wait for the wind to die down before they could risk going out to fix it. Disrupted the schedule. Now their return date was end of November.

We’re still fine, she told herself. Thanksgiving is a shit holiday anyways. Who cares if you miss it?

The final communication from SHIELD was what did her in. The last three months of data had gotten corrupted. They needed to stay until February. Piper had been on radio duty when she got the message. Instead of replying, she dashed the receiver against the wall.

It was immature. She had signed up for this mission knowing full well that there was a high chance that things wouldn’t go as planned. In fact, she should’ve been thankful—out of all the things that could have gone wrong, this was pretty innocuous. Everyone was safe, everyone was healthy, they had enough rations to last over a year. There was no reason to be this upset.

But … the reality that she was going to miss Christmas with her family this year was tough to grapple with. Christmas was a big deal. Her siblings and her had all long since moved out, but they still all flocked back by December the 24th, where they’d stay up all night stuffing their faces with their mother’s butter cookies and arguing over which movie to watch as the piney scent of the Christmas tree wafted through the room. No matter where they were in the world, they found a way home.

But Piper supposed she wasn’t anywhere in that world anymore.

She huffed, pulling her hands closer against her chest as the wind whistled on. Christmas had been the one thing she had been working towards all year. Feeling homesick? You’ll be home with everybody for Christmas. Getting frustrated with one of her teammates? By Christmas you’ll have forgotten they exist. Blizzard outside wrecking her day? Just think of all the stories you’ll have to tell everyone over Christmas dinner.

And yet, here she was, Christmas Eve, freezing her ass outside on this godforsaken ice cube.

“What are you doing out here?”

Piper nearly jumped out of her skin. She whipped around to find their Jotun guide looming over her with a frown. Nearly a year of companionship with him had proved that Loki Laufeyson was hardly the malevolent villain the rest of her world believed him to be (SHIELD wouldn’t have put this mission in his hands if he was), but something about his presence still unsettled her. He said very little, choosing to skulk in the shadows and reappearing only when he deemed it absolutely necessary. It never failed to amaze her that a living creature could move so quietly—you never realized he was besides you until you turned around and he was there.

Piper tried to pull herself to her feet, but with all her extra padding she just rocked around on the ground. Her face burned.

Loki raised an eyebrow. “Do you need help?”

“I’m fine,” she huffed, crossing her arms and scowling up at him. I guess I’m staying here for a bit. Where had he even come from? She was leaning against the bunker door—it hadn’t opened since she’d been here. “What are you doing out here?” she asked accusingly.

Loki motioned his head towards the boulder pile behind the bunker. “We were getting some odd readings from the east. I thought I should check up on it.”

“Oh.” Piper peered through the ice, but she couldn’t make out the sensor that was supposed to track the movements of Jotunheim’s celestial satellites. “Is everything okay?”

He nodded, gaze unflinching. “I believe an animal disrupted the apparatus. I righted it.” Cocking his head, he frowned. “So is there a reason you’re sitting outside in the middle of the night in the dead of Jotun winter, or have you just finally gone mad?”

Piper let out a breathy laugh despite herself. She leaned her head against the stone door. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Ah.” He sounded neutral enough, but Piper was fairly certain he was judging her.

“It’s Christmas Eve,” she added quickly. Glancing at her watch, she added, “Or Christmas Day. I’m not sure.” There was another annoyance about Jotunheim—the time difference was catastrophic.

“Oh,” Loki nodded again. He didn’t move. She frowned. What was he waiting for? Perhaps he didn’t know what she was talking about.

“It’s a holiday,” she explained. “On Earth. It’s kind of a big deal.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” For a moment, the two of them were silent, Piper staring out into the snow, Loki staring down at Piper. She waited for him to walk away, but he didn’t budge.

She sighed. “Do you need something?”

“You are upset.” He said it so matter-of-factly, as if it were plain as day. Piper’s embarrassment came flooding back.

“No. It’s not—” she inhaled. He was right. She was far too upset. “I just—I thought I’d be home for it.” Her eyes were burning. Piper leaned her head back against the door in frustration. Was she seriously crying over this?

“Oh.” Surely he’d leave now, now that he knew that nothing was actually wrong. She shifted to move her weight from against the door so he would be able to return inside. But to Piper’s surprise, he didn’t leave. After a moment’s hesitation, Loki sat down next to her with a grunt.

“I’m afraid my knowledge of Midgardian tradition is rather lacking,” he said as he made himself comfortable against the door. “Christmas is a religious holiday, yes?”

Piper stared. It took her a moment for her to find her voice. “Oh, um, yeah—” she stuttered. “Technically. But not everyone who celebrates it is super religious. Like, I don’t think anyone in my family has gone to church in their life.”

“What is it you celebrate then?” He leaned forward, seeming genuinely interested

“I don’t know. Family. Giving. That’s what they call it, the season of giving.” Geez, she sounded like the star in a Hallmark movie. “My family always had a big get-together every year. Or, has—I guess they still are this year, I’m just… not there.” Her voice trailed off pitifully. Piper forced a smile, desperate to show him that she wasn’t completely pathetic. “But it’s fun. We have cookies and chocolates and everything and we decorate the tree and give each other presents—”

“Pardon me,” Loki interrupted, perking up. “What do you mean ‘decorate the tree’?”

“Oh, yeah.” Of course he wouldn’t know what she was talking about. “It’s a Christmas thing. You get a pine tree—some people have fake ones, my family always goes to a farm to get one—and you put it in your house, and you decorate it with lights and ornaments and stuff, and then you put the presents for everyone under the tree.”

That was another thing she missed this year. Usually, whoever was in town with her parents for Thanksgiving would drive out with them to the Christmas tree farm the next day to help pick out a tree. That was always an adventure—her mom would be scurrying between the lines of trees as the rest of them rushed to follow her, pine needles attacking them mercilessly from both sides. Piper’s mother was a perfectionist in every aspect of life and picking out a tree was no different. They’d spend hours circling the farm, listening to her as she found a flaw in each one they came across.

“The shape of this one is just too wide. Far too dry. Oh look, there’s a hole right in the middle! That one’s beautiful, but it’s so tall, I don’t think it would fit in our house—”

Eventually, she would find a tree that came close enough to her standards (“well, this one has a bare side, but we’ll put it up against the wall so no one will see it”) and Piper would crawl under the thing with the shitty saw they got at the front and go to work, her two sisters bouncing around like cheerleaders at a football game when the tree finally came crashing down.

Piper suddenly realized that she wasn’t going to get to see this year’s tree.

Besides her, Loki sounded lost in thought. “That sounds like Yule.”

She turned, frowning. “Yule?”

“An Asgardian holiday. We decorate pine trees as well.” He sighed, almost wistfully. Piper had never seen him this relaxed before. “It’s probably where the Midgardian custom comes from.”

“Oh, yeah.” She thought she had heard that once, that a lot of Christmas traditions had come from the Vikings, although she had never made the connection between that and Asgard. It made sense—wasn’t Loki straight out of Viking myth? “What do your tree decorations look like?”

Loki hummed. “We had special enchantments on the trees to create the illusion of glowing orbs of light within the branches. You couldn’t touch them—your hand would go right through.” He laughed. “It drove my brother mad when we were little. On more than one occasion he knocked down the whole damn tree trying to grab the light.”

Piper grinned. “That sounds like our cat! We have these little glass balls that are like, multicolored, and he’s always trying to bat them down. My mom wakes up to find ornaments all over the floor. One time he even managed to get the star” That cat’s a little shit and he knows it, she’d tell Piper on the phone. I can’t wait til you guys get home. He’s always on his best behavior for you.

Loki was staring at her quizzically. “The star?”

“Yeah. You put the star at the top of the tree, and it lights up. It’s like a topper ornament. I’m not sure where that comes from.” Piper sighed. “I hope they’re able to get it all set up this year. I’m usually the one who does the lights and the star and everything.”

“I’m sure they’ll manage.”

“Yeah.” Of course they would. The idea that they couldn’t manage without her was nothing but wishful thinking on Piper’s part, a tiny, selfish little part of her that wished they were as lonely and miserable as she was. “It’s just—” she inhaled. “I’ve never missed Christmas before.” Her fingers were going numb under her mittens. She rubbed them against each other.

She could feel Loki’s eyes on her, studying her as she blew into her hands. He didn’t say anything for the longest time, but the silence felt more analytical than judgmental.

“You should go inspide,” he finally said. “It’s far too cold out here for you to just be sitting still.”

He was right, but still Piper bristled. “I’m fine.”

“Please.” He stood in one fluid motion, holding his palm out to her. “If you freeze to death out here, SHIELD will find a way to blame me for it.”

“I—” Her pride screamed at her to keep protesting, but the biting wind was picking up, cutting under her coat and piercing her bones. She couldn’t help the shivers, even as Loki shot her a pointed look.

Piper sighed. “Alright.” She took his hand (how was he so warm?!) and allowed him to pull her to her feet and lead her inside.

…

“Bassow! Bassow, wake up!”

The shouts rattled her skull as she pulled herself from deep within the recesses of sleep. “Hng?”

She was face down in her bunk. When had she even gone back to bed last night? She had been talking to Loki …

It was Medoff who was yelling her name.

“Come on, you’ve got to see this!” her teammate shouted in her ear as she shook her arm.

Piper groaned, pulling herself from the warm cocoon of blankets she had wrapped around herself at some point in the night. Her head was pounding. What time is it?

“See what?” she muttered.

Medoff yanked her out of bed, seemingly trying to jerk her up. “You’ve just got to see it. You won’t believe it otherwise.”

It was too cold. Piper ripped her blanket from her mattress and followed Medoff through the bunker hallways with it wrapped around her shoulders like a cloak, head lost in a sleepy fog.

“Is this really that import—” she trailed off when they reached the common area. The table where they took their meals had been pushed into the corner, but that was hardly what rendered her speechless.

There was a tree. A great, big, beautiful evergreen tree, with needles of emerald green, more vibrant than any Piper had ever seen on Earth. Kaleidoscopic orbs floated amongst the branches, slowly shifting through the colors of the rainbow before her eyes, held to the tree by chains of silver light. And on the top … it was a star, but comparing it to the plastic things Piper would haphazardly wrestle to the top of her Midgardian Christmas trees felt like a crime. It was as if someone had plucked one of the celestial bodies from the night sky and just fixed it at the peak, sparkling so bright it was almost blinding.

For a moment, Piper just blinked. “What—how—”

“We don’t know!” Olsen laughed from the table, where she was sitting with Wynn, the final member of their team. “We just woke up a few minutes ago, and it was like this! Isn’t it insane?”

“I mean, it is Christmas Day,” Wynn said. “Back at home, I mean. I guess Santa made it to Jotunheim after all.”

“Yeah. Santa.” Coming to her senses, Piper glanced about the room. It couldn’t be a coincidence that the most enchanting Christmas tree in existence magically appeared in their bunker mere hours after that conversation. She found him lurking in the hallway, watching them all from afar. Loki met her gaze, and Piper suddenly realized his eyes were the same brilliant green as the tree.

The biting homesickness that had been festering in her heart was still there, but it was beginning to fade, as if someone had wrapped it in a warm blanket. She smiled. As her colleagues continued to chatter over the tree, Piper made her way over to the Jotun prince.

“Thank you.”

He shrugged. “It was hardly an unpleasant task. I thought I might enjoy indulging nostalgia for a day as well.”

The changing lights from the tree cast a mystical glow to the desolate bunker, sparkling across the stone walls. It was like living within the Northern Lights. Hesitantly, Piper reached to put her hand on his forearm. “Merry Christmas, Loki.”

At first, he stiffened, but after a moment, he returned her warm smile. “Merry Christmas.”

#christmas across the stars #loki marvel #loki fanfic #loki x ofc #christmas fic

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softboyscully · 4 years ago

Text

Public School Stuff I Wanted to Share

public school is both beautiful and horrifying am i right

so ill just go by the grades i guess

Kindergarten, first year

i did kindergartden at a catholic school in a relativly big city so this one’s got some shit

we went to church every wednesday, me and best friend (lost track of her when we moved, wish we’d stayed in touch, she was awesome) would giggle the whole time, pretty sure we made fun of jesus once, can’t remember why, possibly the hair

i had the nicest teacher, she was (as i remember her) young, blonde, and super sweet, that was the first and last year i ever had naptime

SPEAKING of naptime

i never slept during it

once i found what i remember being a nut of some sort on the ground, probably came off someone’s shoe

i grab it, turn to sarah (my best friend), say something about putting it up my nose

sarah, apparently having common sense, says, “no dont do it!! we’re supposed to be sleeping!!”

i put it up my fucking nose

try to get it out, just push it farther in

im crying a little bit now, that shit hurts

go up to my teacher

“you’re supposed to be asleep!”

“i have a nut up my nose and it wont come out”

teacher tries to get it out, but it wont budge

just. sends me back to my mat

that was it

the art room was tiny

like re-purposed broom closet tiny

there was a copy of the mona lisa in the hallway, someone had drawn ray bans on it with a pencil, never got replaced

there was a creepy-ass basement i went down to after school, we ate cheeseballs and sandwiches with some kind of meat, mayo, and that kinda yellow bread

someone broke his leg down there once, think an older kid threw him at the ceiling or something

we learned how to play Silver Bells with actual bells in music class

Kindergarten, second year

i remember these two teachers as the evil step sister-type look, but it might be my little kid imagination

but seriously they were horrible

we learned stuff in a room that was more middle-school styled, except everything was green or black and it was v dark

me and sarah attained a new friend, john

honestly i think we would’ve stayed friends for a while if i didnt move away

i have two vivid memories

one is of me really wanting to go home, so i walked by the teacher’s desk and did a fake sneeze

they laughed at me and told me to go sit back down

the other is john leaning his chair back and then falling, so me and sarah went to help him back up

it was funny, so he did it again

and again

me and sarah were laughing, had the time of our lives

after the maybe fifth time the teachers said “john can get back up by himself. sit down and stay there.”

one of the reasons we moved was bc i got sent a letter from my fourth grade buddie

most of the words weren’t spelled correctly, many letters were backwards

my mother was horrified

ofc now we know it was probably a learning disability

1st grade

this is when i moved

beginning of school i was ASTOUNDED we didnt have uniforms, one of the best things ever to happen to me

nothing wrong with this teacher, she was cool

thing is i was a little shit

told everyone my dogs died (they did but i was maybe three when it happened, i remember it not)

all my personal narratives were bullshit (only one sticks in my memory, wrote it about celebrating christmas AND hanukkah with my dad’s friends who were jewish, i have never even met those friends)

had a crush on this kid, best friend (she was terrible and helped wreck me emotionally) told me to kiss him in music class. me being a stupid ass bitch, i did it, aND HE GOES TO THE TEACHER AND CALLS ME OUT. at the end of class she gets both of us to stay for a bit, AND I DENYIED EVERYTHING. i walked across the fucking classroom, kissed him on the cheek, ran away giggling, told my teacher i didn’t do anything, AND GOT AWAY WITH IT. i’ve embarrassed myself further with this child but thats another story

2nd grade

i loved this teacher but honestly he was absolute shit

like. all he did was play the guitar and sing with us

never actually taught us stuff???

middle of the year, my mom goes in for a parent-teacher conference, he tells her i dont pay attention is math.

“what do you mean?”

“she doesn’t listen, she just takes out a book and starts reading.”

“........have you.... tried taking the book away?”

“sure, i could try that.”

“o....kay”

he also told her i’d be a girl who’d grow up to love spellcheck (which i do lmao)

like ???? why not just??? teach me to spell????

there was this one dude who one day showed up, gave me a pink stuffed cat, and then asked me where i lived

funniest thing was he lived on the same street as me

something that is vivid in my memory is showing up to class one day and realizing that i was wearing my regular clothes over my pajamas

also we had fish

every day someone else was in charge of feeding them

one of the times it was my job, i grab the fish food and walk over to the tank only to find all of the fish floating on the top

i screamed “THE FISH CAN FLY?!?!?!?!?!”

everyone ran over, all of us scarred for life when Mr. G walks over and goes in the most normal voice ever “no theyre dead”

we held a funeral

the cause of death is still undetermined

3rd grade

this year just draws a blank for me

all i know is that whoever the teacher was, they neglected to teach me how to tell time from a clock

also we learned the Cotten Eyed Joe dance in gym around here

4th grade

i had two teachers this year

one was the same one from 1st grade, the other one was a total bitch

made a girl named hannah ball her eyes out once, never apologized

i was (and am) and avid reader, so my reading skills were high above average

instead of being proud of me she told me i was weird, not normal, and too smart for a 4th grader, so i MUST be cheating.

she was the start of a lot of self confidence issues for me ngl

this was around the time i went and got tested for ADHD (me and my grandmother almost broke down on the highway but thats another story), Mrs. M (the nice one) was super supportive when i told her why i was leaving early but Ms. S (bitch) told me ADHD wasn’t real and i just wanted to be special for once

she sucked, Ms. S

5th grade

this is getting super long so this’ll be the last one i do

but my teacher..... Mr. F was A+++++

he legitimately taught me math

we had i guess like,,, a buddie class we switched with sometimes

the teacher of that class was Mrs. R, who had crazy red hair and many freckles

at one point she referenced a meme and my entire class started screaming

also there was another Mrs. S (to differentiate this one will be called Mrs. Su)

she was kind of crazy

she was the astronomy teacher and she told us many times that the moon landing was faked

once she handed out sunscreen and had everyone put it on their whole body (this was in december, fyi)

Mr. F also hosted an ‘archeological dig’ which sounds cool but in reality he had a bunch of arcade prizes from his childhood buried in little flower pots we dug into with plastic spoons

also heres some stuff i cants pinpoint the time of/happened in multiple grades:

someone held a who-can-scream-the-most-like-a-goat contest

a guy named Makenzie won

remember we planned it while the teacher left the classroom so the teacher walks back in and one by one everyone in the room starts screaming, there was some applause, a few kids got a standing ovation

we cleaned out our desks in the middle of the year, i found 3 socks and a dog treat in mine

like how the fuck did any of those things get there

and where’s the fourth sock

b o t t l e f l i p p i n g

but no seriously there were at least five water bottles stuck in the ceiling in the cafeteria

my sorta friend charlie was obsessed with paper airplanes

one time he might’ve broken the world record for longest time in the air but he was counting in his head and it was at recess so there was no video

four square and gaga ball would be played no matter the setting, time, or conditions and it was super competitive

like if you could get to king in four square you got the everlasting respect of everyone

and everyone was super educated on four square special rules, special plays, that kinda shit

no but guys i grew up with bus stop, candy store, haunted house on mondays, haunted mansion on fridays, zombies was fair game unless it was Zach, Ryan, Chrissy or Vee

me and one other guy named andrew were the only known pjo fans, had the time of our LIVES making refrences

“HEY ANDREW IM NOBODY”

“I HAVE WAITED YEARS FOR YOU, NOBODY, COME HERE AND FACE YOUR DEATH”

“hey annabeth, i thought you looked like a princess when i first saw you. i printed out a picture you sent me casually and kept it with me. i snuck along on a quest so i could save you, endangering myself immensely. i held the sky for you. when you talk about your crush on luke, i get jealous. beckendorf understood, but hes dead.”

“ikr we’re literally the best of friends”

“RIGHT”

also the first time we finished mark of athena we were in the same classroom and we individually dropped the book, stood up, looked at each other, and screamed “WELL FUCK YOU TOO RICK RIORDAN”

#public school #percy jackson #percabeth #my childhood #you dont have to read this but i felt like posting it lol #if you've read this far #i applaud you #thanks for listening to my meaningless shit #im gonna be a comedian #school #school stories #adhd #kind of

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littlemessyjessi · 4 years ago

Text

“Chasing Jessi”: A Sirius Black Story: Plus Size OC: Chapter 10: “Go, Go, Go!”

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Sirius Black Imagine Turned Story

Re-Written and Edit of an old story of mine I had on Mibba that deserved some more love and attention, lol.

Sirius Black x Jess Scamander (OC, OFC, PLUS SIZE OC, PLUS SIZE OFC)

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While Quidditch in December was most definitely accompanied by frigid temperatures....the excitement wasn't any less intense. The roars of the of the houses were deafening- particularly Hufflepuff and Gryffindor who happened to be against each other at that moment. And in the midst of the Gryffindor stands was a certain brown haired, green eyed girlfriend. "Yeah, Siri! Get 'im!!!!!" came the roar of excitement as Sirius sent a bludger hurtling towards the Hufflepuff team. Jess had always gotten so excited during Quidditch matches that poor Lily serious considered hexing her for her own good. At that moment in time, the redhead was quietly watching her very new boyfriend, James Potter, race through the air as lead chaser...and dealing with the excitement of her nearly ravenous best friend. She was to her right and poor Peter was on her right. Remus cleverly having opted to sit just behind them so as to not be in her line of fire. "Go, Jamie, Go!" Jess bellowed leaning forward and almost toppling out of the tower. "Sit down!" Lily admonished her. "You're going to fall to your death! "I'm fine!" she grumbled but clutched her cheeks when the Hufflepuff team intercepted James' throw. "Trick, you dirty rotten little cockroach!" she growled. "I thought he was your friend." Remus piped up behind her with a smirk and she whipped around to literally hold his face in her hands for a moment as she stared at him with her big luminous eyes. "Remus, darling, sweet baby kitten that you are...I would maul YOU to death if you cross me about my favorite quidditch teams." she said to him sweetly before whipping around, "Come ON! GET HIM, SIRI! GET HIM! YESSSSSS!!!!!!!" Lily did not miss the look on Remus' face or the quiet 'I think it's more likely I'd maul you.' that he mumbled. She took a seat to serve him with a rather pointed look. "Yes?" he asked her cautiously. "Out with it." she said. The two of them watched the girl nearly squeeze Peter to death in celebration when Sirius managed to knock a chaser off her broom and James scored another point. "S'nothing." he said burrowing down into his book....which Lily had no problem just savagely ripping away from him. For those that loved Lily, they knew that while her heart was very good....she could be one fierce mother fucker when needed. While it's a running joke that she should've been in Ravenclaw for her smarts...Jess always tells her she should've been in Hufflepuff....because she'd badger the hell out of you when she wanted something. Lily sighed impatiently. "I'm in no mood for games, Remus Lupin. I'm cold. She's crazy. And she ate all my popcorn." "It's just...I never really had a chance to befriend Jess much before." he admitted to the ginger next to him. "Sure, the two of you are close but she's always off looking for some new creature or with Sirius. I've always WANTED to be her friend but I just always thought I was too quiet and she was too wild. And so I've always stayed away...but now... I just worry...I worry that if she ever finds out about my-" he rambled. Lily nodded knowingly. It was only last year that she had figured out that Remus was a werewolf but she assured him that it didn't change anything between them. She could understand his fear of losing friends because of it. But Lily KNEW that wild child in front of them.

She probably knew Jess better than she knew anyone else. "Listen, Remus. You don't have to tell her. She's smart. She'll figure it out. But don't worry about it. I know her. She's very accepting. I mean- she's dating Sirius. And who would've thought that THAT would ever happen?" "Probably the same people that always knew you'd end up with James." the usually quiet boy teased her. She rolled her eyes, "Oh shove off, Lupin." "Thanks, Lily." he said. "Really." She nodded and scooted closer to him. "I swear on Merlin's beard." she grumbled. "If I survive this game, I'm forcing James to take us all out for butterbeer immediately." Remus chuckled, "Agreed." The crowd erupted as the Gryffindor seeker caught the snitch and Jess just about lost her mind. She jumped into Peter's arms momentarily before nearly clobbering Remus when she literally jumped on him. "We won!" she screeched whipping around wildly. "We won! We won! We won! Yassss! Feel my wrath!!!" "Good grief!" Remus laughed as he tried his best to hold her and keep her from killing herself, "I don't remember her ever being THIS excited before." "Well, it could be because she'd dating a player this year." Lily said slightly amused at the brunette trying her best to do a handstand on poor Remus' lap. "It's not." The four of them turned to look at the Quidditch captain smirking at them. "What do you mean?" Peter asked. "I gave her sweets before the game." he smirked evilly. "James Potter!" Lily snapped at him. "How DARE-" He cut her off with a whistle to Jess. "Come on, weirdo. I promised you a ride if we won. Claim it now or - " he said. "I'm coming!" she said terrifying Lily when she just jumped over the railing and into James' arm. "Ooof!" he gasped. "Give a bloke some warning, would ya?" "Serves you right." Lily snapped. "Feed the child candy and then encourage her to leap from great heights. Shame, James. Shame." "Eh, he just doesn't know how to handle her." The five of them looked over at the beater. Sirius grinned at them all, "Prongs, get off my girl." "Hello, snookums." Jess grinned as she leaned back on James’ broom and looked at him upside down. "Hello, pookie." he teased back. "You two make my stomach churn." James groaned. "Snookie poo, Jamiekins is jelly welly of our loves." Jess teased. "Aw, Pwongy Poo." Sirius teased him. "Does someone have his antlers bent out of shape?" "Antlers?" Jess questioned and Sirius bit his lip. She didn't know about Remus or the animagus forms. The panic was clear on Remus' face. He wasn't ready to tell her. "Inside joke, love." he tried to reassure her and more importantly, distract her. "Come on, love. Let's go get some cocoa." "No more chocolate!" Lily admonished him. "Bye, Lilypad!" she called out as she climbed from James to Sirius and the two love birds sped off. Lily sat down with a hand to her heart. "She's the only person I know who would willingly CLIMB or LEAP from broom to broom forty feet in the air." she sighed. "She does willingly seek out dragons..." Peter trailed off. "I mean, I love her and all but she's weird and we all know it." "Hey, she's my best friend!" Lily said. "...but yes she is the WEIRDEST person I know." "But the sweetest." James interjected, surprising them all. He only shrugged in response. "Listen, I know she's nuts and she's a lot to handle but have any of you REALLY ever been rejected by Jess. Yes, she's been mad. She's called me more than one name before mind you....but nothing I've ever done has ever broken our friendship." he said. "She slapped you not too long ago." Peter piped up. "Only because she thought I wasn't deserving of Lily." he said. "She went through hell for me. Put her feelings for Sirius aside for our sake and then the only time she really blew her top was when she thought Lily's feelings were in jeopardy. No, she's not perfect...but are any of you?" he said. James ran a hand through his hair at the silence. "I swear, only you lot would be able to turn my clearly magnificent quidditch win into some big sap." he smirked. "I knew I should've just went with them. They're crazy but at least they're fun." Lily shooed him away and told them they'd be down soon before the three of them headed down with the rest of the students. Each lost in their own thoughts but none so involved as Remus. He knew to be a true friend he'd need to tell her soon. And whatever happened....would just have to happen. Down on the pitch, Sirius was carrying her around on his back and Remus could swear he could see her pupils dilated from the cocoa he'd undoubtedly given her.

Oh, the absolute horror she’d undoubtedly unleash on them all.

And he couldn’t wait.

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Chapter 9

Chapter 11

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Hello my darlings! I hope you’re well and you enjoyed this wee chappie! I’d love to hear your thoughts! I definitely wanted to include some more Quidditch into this story. Show the icky sickly sweetness of Jess and Sirius, a deepening bond between James and Jess as well as a budding friendship between Remus and Jess. He needs someone who he can be silly with and love him unconditionally.

And on that note..... I may have a little surprise for you. Remus may get a very Jess of his own. Still zany and still a Jess but a different story line, different background and a different Jess. What do you say to sweet Remus lupin and literally the craziest little werewolf he’s ever met?

But anyways, back to this Jess,lol.

How is everyone feeling about it so far? I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to comment, reblog with your thoughts and/or smash the ask box! Hearing from you makes my day!

All my love darlings!

Kenny

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Love, Kenny

Also, try and tell me this ain’t Jess Scamander energy right here.

Also, Christmas and wintery themed chappies coming soon.......

#chasing jessi #sirius black #sirius black imagine #sirius orion black #sirius black x jess scamander #sirius black x jessi scamander #jess scamander #jessi scamander #marauders #marauder era #young sirius black #ps #plus size #ps oc #ps ofc #plus size oc #plus size ofc

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harley-sunday · 5 years ago

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A Good Man Goes to War [03]

Summary: Starts right after Civil War. Steve Rogers is done being Captain America and quite happy living a quiet life in a safe house somewhere in Canada. Until Thanos goes after the Infinity Stones. What happens when a good man goes to war?

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC (f) but could be read as reader insert.

Warnings: Loss.

Word count: 4.5k

Entry for @browngirlmagic‘s writing challenge. My prompt was “Demons run when a good man goes to war.”

AN: We’re getting closer to the end. This one hurt, not going to lie, but you know, full-circle and all that. Well, almost anyway. Please let me know what you think ♥

I don’t do taglists, but if you follow Harley Sunday x Steve Rogers you should see any update I post.

Masterlist

“Steve?”

There’s something about her voice that’s different, but it isn’t the worried tone he’s heard before. He wonders what is going on and if it has something to do with the strange way she’s been acting ever since they got back from their trip into town yesterday. There was some secrecy involved when it came to the contents of her drugstore bag and really the only thing he can come up with is that maybe she’s dyeing her hair and wants it to be a surprise. She has been in the bathroom for a quite some time already, after all.

He finds her upstairs, but in their bedroom, hair looking her normal color, pacing up and down the room with a smile on her face and something that he thinks looks like a thermometer in her hands. To say he’s confused would be an understatement. He sits down on the bed at her request and can’t help himself, “Are you ok?”

She stands in front of him, smiling even more widely and then she shows him the stick that says ‘over three weeks’ followed by a whispered, “I think I’m pregnant.”

It’s a good thing he’s already sitting down, because his head is spinning, and he can’t believe this is actually happening. He knows she’s waiting for him to say something, anything, but all he can think about is how he finally seems to get to have the normal life he’s been dreaming of for so long. He looks up at her and when he sees the worried look on her face he quickly takes one of her hands in his and pulls her closer.

“You ok?” Her voice is soft, her free hand running through his hair before she presses a kiss to the top of his head.

He nods, gently tugging on her hips to make her sit down in his lap and then he kisses her to show her that, really, he is.

She smiles into the kiss before she pulls back a little, resting her forehead against his, “I know we never talked about this,” she clears her throat, “but-”

“Hey,” he interrupts her, pulling back a little so he can look at her, “there is nothing to talk about.” He kisses her again before he continues, “I have two missions left, but once they’re done I can’t wait to settle down here with you and,” he puts his hand on her stomach, “this little one.”

“I love you,” she says, sounding a little relieved, throwing her arms around him and pulling him close.

“I love you too, doll,” he replies with a smile, vowing right then and there he’ll make her his once he’s back for good.

Natasha visits them somewhere in May and somehow she knows?

He’s pretty sure he hasn’t told her anything, but still she shows up with a present for them, a wooden toy that turns out to be Russian made and exactly like the one she had when she was just a baby. Something passes over her features as she tells him about it, which in turn stop him from asking about it, after all he knows her well enough to know she doesn’t like to talk about her childhood.

He is surprised to see Natasha greet her like they're old friends when she steps into the cabin, their quick banter making him realize there’s more to their story than he first thought. He looks at them expectantly.

“Yeah, so uh,” she clears her throat, and nods towards the woman standing next to her, “Nat and I know each other from way back.”

“Right,” he says, because of course they do. Honestly, he should have seen this coming.

“I taught her some basic hand-to-hand combat skills when she first started running this safe house,” Natasha offers with a grin. “Fury set it up.”

“So that day you and Sam came over?”

“She knew who I was,” Natasha nods.

“Huh.” He crosses his arms in front of his chest, not sure if he should be mad or relieved. He decides he needs more information, “And you’ve been keeping in touch or?”

Natasha nods, “We use the secure line and sort of developed a code for everything.” She snickers then, “We call you ‘The puppy’.”

He looks from Natasha to her and sees she’s trying to keep a straight face from the way she’s biting her lip, but ultimately she fails and laughs, “It was the only thing we could come up with that would make sense to talk about once you moved in.” She looks at Natasha, “He’s a good boy, though.”

Natasha nods in agreement, a sparkle in her eyes, “He really is.”

“I hate you,” he says, shaking his head, trying his hardest not to laugh.

“No you don’t,” both she and Natasha counter at the same time.

There’s a mission somewhere in June, but both Natasha and Sam assure him they can handle it, and so he gets to stay with her, preparing the cabin for the summer months. He tends to the vegetable garden mostly, making sure to remove the dead crops after the winter and sowing new ones in time for the harvest in September, while she busies herself with the annual spring cleaning.

She’s just over three months when his birthday comes around, and he loves the way she’s already showing a little. The first trimester passed without too much trouble, except for some morning sickness she keeps telling him to stop worrying about. Like last year she’s made him all sorts of cupcakes for his birthday, the candle put into the blueberry one this time. He slightly alters his wish from last year, but ultimately he wishes for the same thing even though there’s still one mission coming up.

They’re on the front porch, where she’s sitting in his lap, her fingers running through his hair over and over again in a way that make him completely relaxed. Once again he wishes he could stop time and just enjoy this moment forever.

“Have you thought of any names yet?”

Her soft voice interrupts his thoughts and he shakes his head, “Not really.”

“No?” She sounds surprised, “I have.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she replies, pressing a kiss to his temple.

He looks up at her expectantly.

“Oh, you want me to tell you?” she acts surprised. “Nope,” she says then, popping the p, “not until you come up with some of your own.”

“Oh, it’s like that, huh?” He gently pinches her sides, making her laugh.

“Yeah, it’s like that,” she counters with a grin, hollering then when he lifts her up in one swift motion and throws her over his shoulder, “Steve!”

He leaves for his last mission somewhere at the end of August, even though every fiber in his body tells him not to go. She assures him she’ll be fine and that she won’t do anything crazy, but still he’s a little distracted when Natasha and Sam pick him up, and Natasha gently tells him to snap out of it when they take off.

When he returns home four weeks later she’s waiting for him on the porch, her stomach much rounder than when he left. She is glowing and he falls in love with her a little more, this strong woman that he knows will be an amazing mother soon. He holds her as tight as he can, pressing a kiss to her temple before he bends over and kisses her stomach, whispering a quiet, “Hey little one, Daddy’s home.”

“And here to stay,” she adds with a smile, relief washing through her voice as she runs her fingers through his hair.

He stands up straight and pulls her in for a kiss, smiling against her lips when he murmurs, “‘M never leaving you again.”

“At least not until we’ve finished painting the nursery,” she jokes before she throws her arms around his neck and kisses his passionately, a quiet moan escaping her when she opens her mouth and his tongue slips in.

His hands are halfway to her thighs, ready to lift her up, when he realizes there’s now a bump in the way and so instead he pulls back from the kiss and picks her up bridal style, carrying her up to their bedroom with ease. She snuggles up to him once he’s joined her on the bed, her fingers drawing intricate patterns on the arm that’s carefully draped over her stomach, and a quiet sort of happiness settles over him because she’s home to him.

She asks him if he has thought any more about names, but he tells her he still has some time and to not rush him otherwise he’ll name the kid Natasha whether it’s a girl or not.

They finish the nursery with a month to spare, the pale yellow walls of his old bedroom now a soft green with tangerine accents, or so she tells him anyway. To him it’s just green and orange. They decided early on that they’d rather not know the sex of the baby in advance, hence the lack of blue and pink in the room, which suits him just fine.

He makes good on his promise to make her his early November, exactly one year after their first kiss. He wishes he could say there was an epic proposal that knocked her off her feet, but in reality it was more of a joint decision. Like everything they have been doing so far. She was quick to tell him that she wasn’t one for big parties and so they traveled just across the border, to Littlefork, where they got married at city hall. They make a weekend out of it, and drive back home the long way round, spending their wedding night in a lodge somewhere in Caribou Falls.

They call Natasha on their way back home and tell her the news, but ask her to keep it to herself, at least for a little while. After all, he’s still not really talking to anyone else but Natasha and Sam and he’s not sure he ever will. Natasha invites herself and Sam to a visit on Christmas Day in the way that only she can, and of course they tell her they’re more than welcome.

Once they get home, time seems to go even faster and before he knows it’s early December and she yells at him to grab the hospital bag and gun it to town, because she thinks her water has just broke. He panics, just a little, but she stays remarkably calm and jokes that maybe she should drive. They make it there in about thirty minutes, a record he’s not necessarily proud of, but according to the doctors they got there just in time because the baby’s head is already crowning.

He gets to go with her to the delivery room and there he gets to witness a primal power that far exceeds his own when she pushes and pushes and pushes until there is a baby and he is a father.

He thinks it is the best feeling in the world, but then they put the baby on her stomach and he can actually pinpoint the moment she becomes a mother, and it’s like his heart grows ten sizes with nothing but love for her. He presses a kiss to her temple and whispers, “I love you,”

She smiles, a little exhausted, and sweaty, but still more beautiful than ever, and then the doctor informs them that it’s a little boy and she nods, looking down at the baby, whispering a quiet, “Hello, little man,” before she looks up at him, “I really like Wyatt.”

“Wyatt it is,” he replies, because somehow it fits, but also because right now he would do anything she’d ask him to.

“It means ‘brave in war’,” she offers, gently stroking their son’s blond hair.

One of the nurses steps in then, taking the baby from her, wrapping it in a blanket and handing it to him, because they’d like to clean her up a little, and so here he is, holding this tiny little baby boy that is his son. He takes it all in, the little fingers, the tiny toes, and the scrunched up nose that he hopes will end up looking like hers.

He knows he’ll be forever indebted to her now, because there is nothing he could ever give her that matches this, even though he vows right then and there, with Wyatt as his witness, that he’ll never stop trying.

Natasha and Sam visit them on Christmas day like they planned and suddenly the house is filled with people and laughter and stories of the good old days, and he doesn’t remember a time when he was happier. He tells them stories about Christmas when he was a kid, how Bucky would always find a way to get enough money to buy them a slice of fruitcake from the bakery around the corner. Talking about Bucky makes him realize he misses his best friend and he wonders how things are over in Wakanda. Maybe he should try to contact T’Challa in the new year, see if they can come over for a visit. After all, he did promise her he’d take her there someday.

Wyatt ends up spending most of the day in Natasha’s arms, who keeps whispering, what sound like little secrets, to him in Russian. Wyatt just stares at her intently, like he knows exactly what she’s talking about. He’s a little hesitant to let Sam hold his son, but it turns out Sam’s a natural, quietly singing Marvin Gaye songs as he walks around the living room with Wyatt in his arms until dinner is ready. He is sad to see them leave at the end of the night, but they promise they’ll see each other again soon and he knows they will.

They spend New Year’s Eve like any other night, except now they struggle to stay awake until midnight, while Wyatt’s sleeping soundly in his crib upstairs. And for Wyatt, New Year’s Day is like every other day and so he doesn’t care his parents were up way past their bedtime the night before, he would still like his bottle at six AM, thank you very much.

The morning shift is his, like any other shift really, because it’s his way of paying his dues. He lets her dote on their little boy while he takes care of bottles, nappies, and laundry as much as he can. Wyatt seems to thrive, and as happy as a one-month old can be, and she’s very relaxed about everything as well which makes him feel like maybe they’ve got this.

They venture out into the cold a few days into the new year, Wyatt bundled up and tucked away in the baby carrier he’s put on under his jacket. The sun is watery in the sky, and the snow covered ground shows endless animal tracks, most of them from deer and squirrels but he also thinks he sees some larger prints that would indicate moose. When he asks her about it she tells him it’s just a single family, who have been here as long a she can remember.

Day by day they get back into the swing of things, with her back in the kitchen more and more, and him doing whatever he can around the house. Wyatt is six weeks old and as happy as can be, which in turn makes them a little more relaxed too. And so one night, when they’re snuggled up on the couch, the three of them, Wyatt sleeping soundly in her arms, she rests her head on his shoulder, a content sigh escaping her, a quiet, “I love you,” following.

He kisses the top of her head, “I love you too.”

She’s about to say something but then she’s interrupted by a buzzing sound coming from one of the kitchen drawers. He gets up immediately, cursing quietly, and she looks up at him, worried because she knows what this means.

He finds the old flip phone somewhere in the back of the cutlery drawer and answers it with a solemn, “Rogers.”

The voice he hears on the other end isn’t Tony’s but Bruce’s and immediately he’s on high alert. He listens to the other man trying to form a coherent story, but in the end Bruce just says, “We need Captain America, Steve. Things are bad.”

He answers with a simple, “Ok.” and then ends the call. He turns towards her and shakes his head, “I need to go.” His other phone, the one Natasha gave him, beeps them, and he takes it out of his back pocket, opening the message app and quickly scanning what she wrote. Bruce was right, it is bad.

She joins him in the kitchen, Wyatt still undisturbed by the change in atmosphere although he is awake now, and looks up at him, “How long until you have to go?”

“Natasha and Sam are at the airport in an hour,” he replies, running a hand through his hair.

“With the Quinjet?”

He nods, “Yeah.”

“Oh God,” she whispers, hand in front of her mouth because she knows as well as he does that they would never use a civilian airport unless there was no time to lose. A sob escapes her then, but she clears her throat and he knows she’s trying her best to stay strong. “Ok,” she starts, “you have about ten minutes before you have to leave. What do you need?”

“More time,” he thinks, but instead he says, “Nothing. All my gear is still on the Quinjet.”

“When will you be back?”

She’s never asked this before, but he sees her looking at Wyatt and he understands. He wishes he could give her an answer, but instead he shrugs, “I don’t know.” He holds out his arms and pulls her in for a hug, “I’m really sorry, doll.”

“It’s ok. The world needs you more right now, so you should go and save it, Captain,” she tries to smile even though he knows she’s just trying to put on a brave face. “We’ll be fine,” she nods, “I’ll be on the porch when you get back. Promise”

The goodbye is hard, maybe the hardest thing he’s ever had to do, but he keeps telling himself that she’s strong enough for both of them. He tells his son that he’ll be back soon and to be kind to his mom, and he could have sworn Wyatt seems to understand.

He’s at the airport with minutes to spare, the Quinjet already waiting for him, a solemn nod from both Natasha and Sam as a greeting. He suits up once they’re airborne, Natasha then explaining everything to him way better than Bruce ever could and it’s then he understand the gravity of the situation and wishes he would have taken her and Wyatt with him.

“Don’t,” Natasha says, because of course she knows exactly what he’s thinking. “They are safe where they are.” Her hand is on his shoulder then, “I don’t know if she told you, but there’s a bunker, not far from the cabin. It has everything she needs to survive at least five months, if not more now that it’s just her and Wyatt.”

He looks at Natasha, surprised, because no, she never told him this.

“Smart girl,” Natasha comments before she explains, “The less people know about it, the better.”

“But we’re-”

“I know,” Natasha squeezes his shoulder, “but Nick pretty much made her swear on her life. Me too, by the way.” She nods towards Sam, “Sit down, get some rest. We’ve got this.”

They arrive in Edinburgh a couple of hours later and nothing is ever really the same after that.

They’re on their way to Wakanda, Rhodey and Sam flying the aircraft, while Bruce and Vision talk about how to safely remove the soul stone. Wanda keeps trying to come up with other ways to make this work, but so far her attempts are futile. He finds himself seated next to Natasha, mentally preparing himself for what seems to be a war against Thanos when suddenly he remembers something.

“When a good man goes to war,” he whispers, the taste of the words sour in his mouth.

“Sorry?” Natasha says from somewhere on his right.

“When a good man goes to war,” he repeats, a little louder. “I read it somewhere, right before I left for Canada.” He looks at her, “Seems fitting, doesn’t it?”

“Oh, Steve,” she reaches out, her hand on his arm then, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Stephen Strange wrote that,”

“What?”

“Yeah,” she nods, “there’s more to it though.”

“Tell me,” he says, probably against better judgment, because she looks very hesitant.

“Not now,” she says and points towards the window. “We’re here.”

He watches as Sam expertly lands the Quinjet on the square in front of the palace, and then he and Natasha are the first to exit. He walks up to T’Challa, “Seems like I’m always thanking you for something.”

T’Challa simply shakes his hand and tells them to follow him, where he tells them, “You have my kings guard, the Border Tribe, the Dora Milaje and,”

“A semi-stable one-hundred year old man,” someone says from somewhere in front of him.

He smiles, because he would recognize that voice anywhere, some of his worries a little less now that his best friend will fight alongside him. He can’t wait to tell Bucky about his wife and son but he never even gets the chance.

He’s lost all sense of time, not quite believing Natasha when she tells him the battle only lasted a couple of hours. Too much has happened. He’s lost Bucky. Again. Half the population’s gone. Thanos is God knows where doing God knows what with the Infinity Stones. It’s just too much and so he pushes all that to the back of his mind, determined to get back to that little cabin in Canada as soon as he can. He’ll deal with the aftermath once he’s home.

Natasha wants him to get looked at first, maybe get some rest, but he just tells her she can either come with him or stay here in Wakanda, but that he is going. Now. She stays, tells him someone needs to keep what’s left of the team together and before all this he would have taken this as personal jab, but now he just tells her to be safe and to stay in touch.

He finds the Quinjet where Sam parked it just this morning and pushes the button necessary for it to start up the systems. Natasha catches up with him just as he’s about to prepare for take off, and she’s a little out of breath and he thinks he sees the hint of tears in her eyes, but this is Natasha, so it must be a trick of the light.

“I think you need to hear the rest of what Strange wrote.”

“The poem?” He shakes his head, “I don’t think now’s the time,”

“It’s not so much a poem,” she admits. “It’s more a prophecy.”

“Natasha-”

She clears her throat, and he’s not sure if every other noise suddenly disappears or if that’s just his imagination, but he can hear her loud and clear when she recites,

“Demons run when a good man goes to war Night will fall and drown the sun When a good man goes to war

Friendship dies and true love lies Night will fall and the dark will rise When a good man goes to war

Demons run, but count the cost The battle is won, but the child is lost”

He flies the Quinjet back to the Red Lake Airport, pushing the aircraft to its absolute limits, trying to get there faster. The airport is empty, no one except the janitor who does what he always seems to do, quietly mopping the floors, but looking slightly more bewildered this time. He hurries past the man, who looks up expectantly like he’ll explain what has happened, but he doesn’t want to. Not now. Not ever.

His bike is waiting for him exactly where he left it, but then again he’s only been gone a little over two days. He shakes his head, trying to get rid of the images that keep flooding his mind, not wanting to think about everything that has happened since he left her and Wyatt, although the image of Bucky turning to dust is still fresh on his mind. He’ll have to deal with later. Or not at all.

There’s something tugging on his heart all the way from the airport to the cabin and he’s sure he exceeds the speed limit enough to lose his licence, but he really doesn’t care. Not that there’s anyone else on the road, which, to be honest, isn’t that unusual here, but still, it feels different this time. He really wants to get home as quickly as possible, hold them, make sure they are alright, even though he knows something has happened. He feels it somewhere deep in the pit of his stomach.

She’s not there on the porch like she promised she would be, and so he’s off of the bike and inside the cabin in a matter of seconds but she’s not there either. He checks upstairs, half expecting to find Wyatt alone in his crib, and not sure if he’s relieved when he doesn’t. He starts praying then, to a God he long stopped believing in, for them to be alright. He fishes out the piece of paper Natasha handed him, a quick drawing to show him where the bunker is located, and then he’s running.

When he gets there he notices the door is slightly ajar and he hears something that he can only describe as grief coming from inside. He takes a moment to just breathe, in and out, trying to get himself under control, knowing he will have to be the strong one for a while. He pushes the door open slowly and his heart shatters into a tiny million pieces when he sees her sitting there on the bottom of the stairs, her head buried in her hands as she cries. And cries. And cries.

He takes a tentative step towards her, reaching out to her, and her head snaps up and she looks absolutely lost. He rushes to her side and sits down beside her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. Her cries become wails then, her whole body shaking, and she doesn’t have to say anything, because he knows. His prayers turn to promises then, because someone will pay for this.

He promises right there and then that he will do whatever it takes to avenge his son.

#Steve Rogers x reader #Steve Rogers fanfic #ayesha1kwritingchallenge #Harley Sunday x Steve Rogers #Captain America

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jamlally · 5 years ago

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Family Fineary

This was written for the 25 days of Christmas Challenge that is hosted by @panicfob . The Day 2 Challenge prompt was Decorating the Tree

Warnings: Fluff

Pairing: OFC x Tony Stark (platonic)

Summary: Belle Porter has settled into her role as a part of the Avengers, at least as far as her work goes but when it comes to dealing with the team off the clock it is a different story

Belle rubbed her hand over her eyes, which were feeling the strain of the many hours that she had spent looking at digital files, maps and video feed finishing the analysis the last of the teams missions. She loved her job but there was no denying that it could be tiring even though she wasn’t out in the field with the others. When Tony Stark had offered her the position as a mission analyst for the Avengers she couldn’t believe her luck. She had been sure that he was about to kick her out of the training program, but he and Steve Rogers had seen something in her and now here she was today

It was well into December and she was just coming up on the year anniversary of officially joining the team, Steve and Natasha had been been teasing her about it over the coms when they were heading back, asking if she had any special plans. She had tried her best to avoid getting too drawn into the conversation, mentioning that she might go out to dinner. When they had asked whether her family would be joining her she had told them that they were busy and couldn’t make it. The truth was her family, well there was only her mother didn’t approve of her job and they wouldn’t want to be involved in any ‘celebrations’.

She had called her Mother the evening that she signed the contract excited to share the news with her only surviving relative. The sigh from her mother was not the reaction that she had expected

“Really Belle, I thought that you would grown out of the nonsense. It is bad enough you picked all those courses to get into the SHIELD program but now you’re telling me not only are you staying there you will be working with those other people. I mean really. You can’t honestly expect me to be ok with you working with a group of people who, at any other time, would be called terrorists!”

“They aren’t terrorists Mum !. They help people, they save lives. You know that this is what I wanted to do. I explained it all to you. I’ve worked hard for this and I…I want you to be happy for me”. Her voice wavered as she struggled to try and make her mother see that thus was her dream

“They have killed people Belle! Innocent people. I don’t know why you can’t see what they truly are. I want you to come home now and we will forget all about it. I will talk with Mr Dickson in accounts at the office and see if he can’t find something for you to do here”

“I’m not coming home Mum. This is where I want to be, it’s what I am going to do. I .. I need for you to support me”

The dead line had been her answer and Belle hadn’t spoken to her Mother since then. She had tried writing but had only received radio silence. She had accepted that this was the way things would have to be, but with it coming up to Christmas she couldn’t help but feel a little maudlin and alone

Tonight was movie night in the compound for the team, and as always an invitation have been extended to her, this time by Bucky. The usually quiet super soldier had sought her out just as she was heading out to grab a coffee

“Hey Snowflake - wait up !”

Belle had rolled her eyes at the use of her callsign. Tony had dubbed her Snowflake when he offered her the job and the name had stuck. Mostly because every time he introduced her to someone he offered that as her name. She had tried to object at first but had quickly realized that Tony did what he wanted so discretion became the better part of valor and she stopped correcting him

“Hey Bucky, is everything OK?” She couldn’t help but worry. It was unusual for Bucky to approach her for anything other than comment son the mission and how he felt that they could have adjusted the plan. As much as she wanted the coffee she wouldn’t rush what ever Bucky had to tell her. His thoughts had helped her learn and grow and he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important.

“Wrong? Nothings wrong Doll”. He gave her a soft smile “I just thought you might have forgotten than tonight’s movie night. It’s Nat’s pick and she usually has something good. The plan is to meet in the common room at 8. There’s gonna be pizza and beer”

Belle felt her body relax a little. She had plans for a quiet evening in her apartment and she was looking forward to it

“Oh right yeah movie night….” Belle dropped her gaze looking at the floor “You know it’s been a long week and with the mission wrap up and post analysis I’m kinda shot. I think I’m going to have to pass this time, Sorry”

Her face was growing warm with embarrassment. One of them always made sure that she was invited to group events, but she just didn’t feel that she belonged. She didn’t know how to fit in with them on a social level. Isolating herself to do well in school and college had a lot of benefits but it left her social skills a little lacking.

“You sure I can’t change your mind. If you think you’ll need more time to get things wrapped up we can wait for you” Bucky pushed

“No really Bucky. I’m, well I’m probably going to be lousy company tonight. I’ll be asleep 5 minutes in”. She saw his small smile fade as he stepped away.

“Sure thing”

She watched as he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked away and she felt the guilt gnaw at her. It probably took a lot for him to come and extend the invitation. She wasn’t even sure how many more times it would happen before they just gave up

“Hey Bucky” She waited for him to look back at her “Thank you - for the invite. It means ….well it means a lot to me, you know ?” Her face was sure to be scarlet but she needed him to understand that she appreciated the way he had put himself out there.

Bucky’s warm smile let the guilt ease up a little “Sure thing Doll, Enjoy your evening”

When Bucky came into the rec area later that evening he was greeted with hopeful expressions that fell when they saw he was alone.

“Is Snowflake just on her way up?” Steve was the first to ask

Bucky shook his head “ She couldn’t make it tonight. Said she was tired after the week and wanted a quiet evening”

“Thats like the 100th excuse that she had made to not come and join in. I’m starting to think she doesn’t like us” Clint grumbled

“She seems fine over the coms and when we are on missions and when I’ve seen her getting coffee she seems happy to chat. I don’t think she she feels badly about any of us” Wanda cut in

“Maybe she’s got other things to plan. You know like Christmas gifts for her family. When is she heading home ?. Tony!”

Tony glanced up as Sam called his name “Snowflake, when is she heading home for Christmas?”

“Oh ah I’m not sure. Her request is somewhere in my inbox. Look the pizza is getting cold, the beer is getting warm and non of us, including the two Old Men are getting any younger, so lets get the movie underway”.

Tony waited until the lights when down and people were eating before pulling out his Stark Pad and looking through his messages. He didn’t have a request for time off from Belle. In fact other than the mission reports he didn’t have anything from her. He paid no attention to the movie as he ran though all the interactions that he had with her. They were positive. She was happy and open and always had the information that he needed to hand, In fact the work that she had been doing had made the team more effective than he could ever have hoped.

He remained lost in his thoughts, working through and rejecting ideas and possibilities and as soon as the lights came up he made his excuses and left the room a plan of action firmly in place in his head.

Steve hadn’t been expecting to be called down to the Lab at 6am two days after movie night. He had been getting ready to go for a run but knew that his duty had to come first. Being greeted by Tony wearing the same clothes as he had been on movie night was shocking and made him fear the worst.

‘What are we dealing with?”

“What do you know about Belle’s family?”

“Belle?”

“Yes Belle. Agent Porter, Snowflake! Jesus is it the ice or old age that has gotten to your brain?”

“I know who Belle is and there is nothing wrong with my brain. I know exactly the same as you do. Father deceased, her mother lives in the same town Belle grew up in”

“Well it turns out I know a bit more than that. Sit down we need to have a conversation”

The rain lashed against the window and thunder rumbled somewhere in the distance. Belle sat snuggled on her bed a fluffy blanket wrapped around her body and Nina Simone playing softly in the background.

The day had been easier than some, mostly analysis reviews of data sent on from SHIELD agents. She was trying to work on a predictive model to see if that would help them. She wondered wether she should ask some of the others and see if they had any input, but she really wanted to have something more concrete to take with her, not just a pipe dream.

Slipping off her bed, holding the blanket close around her she shuffled through to the small kitchenette. The apartment came with the job Tony had explained. It made it easier for her to be available 24/7. She loved the fact that she was able to prepare her own food without having to go to the common floors and worry about having to try and make conversations with the others. Lifting the lid off the pot she had on the stove she took a deep breath smiling at the warm spice , citrus and wine smells. Mulled wine was one of her favorite treats of the season and she had this batch brewing since mid morning. Filling her glass and tuning off the burner she turned to head back to her room and her book.

Settled in her cosy nook Belle took a sip of the warm drink sighing in pleasure. She wondered whether she should go out and try and find a small tree for her room, maybe a few decorations to brighten the place up. She was just considering picking up her tablet to see if she could find something online when the peace was broken

“Apologies Agent Porter but Mr Stark is in need of your assistance” F.R.I.D.A.Y’s gentle voice sounded “He has asked that you meet him on the communal floor as a matter of urgency”

Why on earth did Tony need to see her there? Usually she met him by her office or in the Lab. Shrugging out of her blanket she pulled on some boots and a large sweater. She was grateful she hadn’t had more than one full glass of the wine. If they had a mission then she needed to be on the ball.

“Sure thing F.R.I.D.A.Y. Please let Mr Stark know I’m on my way”

Tony sat in the the Rec area, lights dimmed enough to make it seem soothing but not so much that it would be hard to see. He cast his eyes to the corner looking at his surprise, that was for later - but to get there he needed to have a conversation and see if he couldn’t work things out. He hated having to do this, it made him uncomfortable -the touchy feely stuff. Normally he would have passed this off to one of the others, but tonight he knew that this was his responsibility and there would be no shirking.

F.R.I.D.A.Y pinged letting him know Belle was getting off the elevator and he turned to the doorway, hip resting against the back of the couch, whisky glass in hand, the only sign of his stress being the way he swirled the ice around.

“Tony?”

He could hear that her voice was timid, nervous, in a way she hadn’t been since she first joined

“Over here Snowflake” he called out pulling her attention his way

“Do we have a mission?”

“Of sorts I supposed. Come on in” he gestured her forward. You know I’m not always good at seeing the bigger picture. That’s why we hired you. You help us all see a little more. You are one of those crystals we talked about, when you got the job remember ? See the thing is, its hard for a man like me to admit that I have some gaps in my knowledge. It doesn’t happen very often, but I can admit that I have..flaws”. He paused taking a sip from his glass “

The other day I realized that you hadn’t requested holiday leave, so I made some calls, and had an informative talk with you mother. She’s an interesting lady you know, She had all kinds of things to tell me”

Belle’s breath caught in her chest “My mother. I really wish you hadn’t, she can be a difficult person”

“I think the phase you are looking for is raging hell bitch. I mean at first she thought you were dead, and she asked if I would be paying for your funeral and then she got very angry when I asked about her holiday plans. Why didn’t you tell us, tell me even - about the fact she disowned you?”

Humiliation rose and Belle struggled to find the words to explain

“Tell you the she hates the fact I have my dream job. Or that she hates who I work for, or that she found it easier than she should have to turn her back on me. You’re my employer Tony. You’re a busy man saving the world and doing what others can’t. You don’t need to spend your time worrying about my screwed up family”

Tony moved to sit on the ottoman patting the sofa seat opposite. “Come and sit a minute I need to explain something”. He waited for her before he leant forward resting his arms on his knees.

“I get what it’s like to have a shitty parent, I do. My Father and I - we didn’t get on. I think now I understand a little more about him, but I still can’t forgive him. The thing is, you can’t let let the way that your mother treated you affect whether or not you let anyone in. Take it from someone who knows, that’s a lonely and unhealthy road. It's taken me a long time to find my way off that path, and I only did it with the support if the family I built. The ice cubes, point break, widow, bird brain, big green, all of them help me be better. They’re my family and we want to be yours”

Looking up at him tears running down her cheeks Belle couldn’t find the words

“I get that it’s hard. It’s just been you for so long, but it’s time to let people in, to build your family. You know when we invite you to the team stuff, we want you there. We want to hang out and chat and have fun, but you have to take that step”

“I… I don’t know how:|” her voice broke “I don't have anything to bring to conversation, all I can tell you is about what I learn, the missions, You don't get it but I didn’t have friends. Not at school or college. I don’t even know how to deal with it “

Tony’s heart broke a little. He wasn’t sure how he hadn’t seen what a hard time Belle was having. She hid her concerns so well but really she was lost and he had failed her. Hand shaking slightly he reached out and clasped her shaking hands in his own “ Everyone feels like that sometimes, but you work it out. The old men, well they like to talk about the 40’s, Nat and Clint like to talk about what ever they’re watching on TV, Bruce will talk about science until you wish he would shut up. You get there by learning a little about them, ask them what they’re reading, what they did on a day off and listen. Just one step at a time Snowflake”

Belle nodded trying to process all the information could she really do it, take that step and let these people be her family?

“I’m going to help you with that first step Snowflake. F.R.I.D.A.Y Can you let Point Break know we’re ready”

Belle found herself blinking in surprise and wiping at her face wondering what the hell Tony was talking about now.

“Stark!” A booming voice called out making Belle jump, “It is good to see you again my friend, I thought I should like to enjoy some Midguard Winter festivities with you all !”

“Point Break, welcome back to earth. There is someone I would like you to meet, a new member of the team since you were last here”

Belle found herself face to face with the largest and possibly the loudest person she had ever met

“Belle, meet Thor, Thor is this Snowflake”

“My Lady Belle, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Come tell me all about what you do here. I am excited to spend time learning of your Winter customs”

Belle found herself swept along in conversation with the Asguardian King and when ever there was a lull in the conversation she tried to remember what Tony had told her and asked Thor questions about the customs on Asguard.

Tony poured himself another drink and watched. He could see that Belle was getting more comfortable as she spent time with Thor. It had been fortuitous that the Asguardian had come for one of his visits. He couldn’t think of a better person for Belle to have her first family interaction with, Thor could hold a conversation with himself in an empty room, but he had a good heart and loved to meet new people.

Keeping his voice low he decided it was time to implement phase 2 “F.R.I.D.A.Y Let Capsicle know that we are good to go”

Belle found herself relaxing as Thor told her about the time that he managed to get both of the Super soldiers drunk “You should have seen them Lady Belle. Neither could stand and Barnes was singing some song about putting rings on things that he had heard”.

Belle chuckled as he imagined the scene. Neither Bucky or Steve were well known for letting their hair down so to speak.

“Ah speak of the devil, Rogers! Good to see you “

Belle felt herself freeze up turning to see the other team members entering the room. Tony caught her eye and winked before heading over to the bar to pour drinks

“If you don’t mind we will stay off the Asguardian Mead for the moment this is a pre Christmas get together not a frat house party” he called out before opening a some bottle.

“Hopefully you have something festive there Tony” Nat called out

“Whisky is always festive Romanoff”

Nat sighed “ Really ? Couldn’t the Catering company come up with something better?”

“Well this is more spur of the moment, so no you get what you get” Tony snarked back

“Um actually … if you wanted.. I could maybe make some mulled wine” Belle didn’t raise her voice much but it was enough to catch Nat’s attention.

“Mulled wine you say? Well that certainly seems more occasion appropriate. Move it Stark, at least Snowflake here knows how to create the right atmosphere”

“I’ll need to head back to my apartment, get the ingredients” Belle was feeling uncomfortable as all eyes seemed to focus on her

“Nah I bet you Tony as everything we need here in the rec room. Come on I’ll help you look” Clint threw his arm over her shoulder guiding her over to the pantry cupboards and fridges “Barnes why don’t you track down some red wine” he threw over his shoulder

Belle gave a small smile as she sat between Bucky and Wanda on the sofa. The others had bee telling stories about things they remembered or liked the most about Christmas. They hadn’t gotten to her yet and she was worried about what she would say. Would they laugh when she told them that it would be a toss up between this and last Christmas when she joined the team.

As the laughing quieted Tony stood and moved over to the side pulling out a large box. “While I hate to call a halt to the festivities, I wanted to start our Christmas with a new tradition for us all “ He paused looking around the group. “We may not always see eye to eye, or be in the same country, or on the same planet” he inclined his head to Thor “But we are family, and this year, well I figured, while we are all still talking to each other, we should take note of that. So if you would all follow me”

Belle moved with the rest of the group to the far side of the Rec room where a large curtain had been hung “F.R.I.D.A.Y if you could “

The curtain dropped and behind it stood the largest and grandest tree that Belle had ever seen. The green of its branches sparkled with white fairy lights and tinsel was strung around looking like a tasteful halter skelter . Belle pulled her hand up to her mouth covering the gasp she let out.

“The tree isn’t complete until we hang these” Tony moved stopping in front of Natasha “Widow” he extended his hand to her placing a delicate hand blow glass ballet slipper in her hand, before moving through the rest of the team. Each received an ornament special to them. Clint got a golden bow, Bucky was gifted a glass bauble that showed a beautiful Christmas tree inside decorated as if it was 1940. Steve got a book resting on a shield, Sam a peace dove suspended in glass, Wanda a bauble containing a picture of her brother, Bruce a glass hulk in a Santa hat, Thor a glass copy of his hammer and then finally he stopped in front of Belle and held out his hand

Belle looked up at him , her cheeks pink from laughter and the effects of possibly too much wine and her eyes bright. “Last but by no means least - this is for the newest member of the family”

Tony’s smile was soft as he rested her ornament gently in her hand. Belle looked down and saw the most beautiful snowflake made out of a lightly tinted blue glass. Belle looked back up smiling at him

“Thank you Tony . It is truly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen”

“Did you know that snow usually look blue when it is deepest? Its a strange effect of the light” He winked at her gently squeezing her hand before clearing his throat

“Well what are you all waiting for - decorate the tree my Christmas minions” He clapped gesturing for the others to go forward.

Having hung the ornaments Belle stood back and admired the way they sparkled on the tree, each stood out on the branches but there was something missing.

Belle excused herself saying she needed the rest room before heading to her apartment “F.R.I.D.A.Y I need your help…..”

Belle was gone for a surprisingly long time, long enough that Tony was thinking of going to look for her when she bounced back into the room.

“Everything good Snowflake?”

“Oh yes, sorry I had something I had to deal with but its all good now”

Her smile was slightly too bright but Tony didn’t want to push her in front of the others. He would ask F.R.I.D.A.Y later.

Belle was enjoying listening to Bucky talk about Christmas with is family when he was a younger boy when F.R.I.D.A.Y interrupted “Agent Porter your item is ready”

“Your Item?” Tony questioned.

“Yes F.R.I.D.A.Y was helping with something, that’s ok right?” She worried for a moment that she had overstepped

“Sure” Tony gestured “what’s mine is yours and all that - well other than the suits, cars and bank accounts but you know what I mean”

Belle smiled in relief before getting up “ Ok well I’ll be back in just a minute”

When she came back out of the lift she had her hands behind her back and her confidence seemed to have wavered as she went up to Tony

“I just had to say thank you - to you all. This, well this has been the best Christmas celebration that I have ever had and I promise that I’m going to try harder to spend time with you all. The thing is “ they could hear her deep breath as she paused “when you gave us those beautiful ornaments, well there was one missing. It’s not as beautiful as the ones you had made for us, but the family tree wouldn’t be complete if you weren’t on it”

Her hand shook as it extended and she pulled her lip between her teeth. She knew he didn’t like to take things from people but perhaps he might make an exception.

Tony tilted his head looking at her questioningly before looking back down at her outstretched hand

“Belle how about I take….” Sam headed over before Tony waved him away

“Back off Bird Brain this is my gift”. He held out his hand and Belle placed a small glass globe of his own into his hand. He looked closely, inside was a computer chip on one side it showed the Stark industries Logo and the other the Avengers Logo with the outline of his helmet resting below

His smile was gentle and warm as he turned it around letting it spin and catch the light before heading to the tree to hang it securely in its branches. Stepping back he placed his arm around Belles shoulders pulling her into his side before kissing her on the head.

“Merry Christmas Snowflake”

#panic's 25 days of christmas #day 2 #Decorating the tree #marvel #oneshot

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middleearthpixie · 2 years ago

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Seven Days ~ Chapter Ten

Seven Days - Modern Tolkien AU

Firefighter Frerin Durin died in a fire set deliberately. But after he helps his brother, Thorin find happiness, Frerin is offered a second chance. He has to prove himself worthy by righting the one major wrong in his life. Otherwise, history will repeat and he will die for good this time. The catch? He has seven days in which to do this and isn’t even certain what his major wrong is.

At least, he doesn’t know for long.

Syd Prescott has known Frerin since high school. She spent one night with him and then he vanished from her life. Now, he claims he wants to make it up to her, to right was he realizes was his major wrong. But can she trust him? And can he prove to her that she can before it’s too late?

A/N - This story is the sequel to Miss Fortune, but is a stand alone story.

Summary: The morning after…

Pairing: Modern!Frerin x OFC Syd Prescott

Characters: Frerin, Syd

Warnings: Unprotected sex, some corny fluff, the usual

Rating: M

Word Count: 4,344

Tag List: @tschrist1 @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knittastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78 @frosticenow @quiall321 @dianakc

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here.

December 7th

Tuesday

The phrase I thought I’d died and gone to heaven was almost cliché and Frerin had used it himself more than once, especially where women were concerned. But as he lay there in the dark, with Syd sound asleep in his arms, he realized he actually knew what it was like to die and go to heaven. And it wasn't anything like sex at all.

Despite Syd’s soft warmth engulfing him, he couldn't sleep. He had a little over three days to convince the Big Guy he’d righted his worst wrong. And he had a little over three days to convince Syd she could trust him. He also had no idea how he’d know if he was successful in convincing the Big Guy, and that bothered him more than a little.

She sighed in her sleep, snuggling closer, and he smiled. This felt more right than anything ever had before. Lisa had practically lived with him and he’d never felt this way. Little by little, as her things began taking over his house, suffocated was the word that came to mind. But not now. Now, he felt anything but suffocated. He didn’t want morning to come, didn't want to have to leave her and go to work. He wanted to spend every moment he could with her.

He’d be thirty on New Year’s Eve (or so he hoped) and it was the first New Year’s Eve where he didn't give a damn where the party was, or anything like that. He glanced down at Syd. He knew where he wanted to be this year. Right there. With the woman asleep with her head tucked against his chest and her silky red hair spilling across it.

Sixteen years ago, he saw Sydney Prescott for the first time and he still remembered it, as if it happened last week. He was a freshman, she was a junior, and they were in Spanish I together. She was sixteen and probably the cutest girl he’d ever seen, with her long, wavy red hair and eyes that hovered between blue and green depending on what she wore.

One time, she passed by him and her perfume alone was enough to fire an erection that made him terrified to have to get up for anything. Fortunately, it was only the beginning of class, but from that day on, she starred in every last one of his fantasies and he tried desperately to find some way to get her to notice him. She was a cheerleader and so he tried out for the football team, relying on his older brother’s advice and legacy on the field to score his way onto the varsity team as a freshman. He was lucky, he was skinny, but tall and fast, and could catch anything the quarterback threw within ten yards of him. His sophomore year, Cranford Falls won State. Even so, the only time Syd ever called out his name was on that damn field. She didn’t know he was alive otherwise.

He closed his eyes now, letting his fingers skim along her silky hair. She felt so right in his arms. Why the fuck had he been so stupid where she was concerned? If he’d just called her the next day, none of this would have happened.

Frerin didn't remember falling asleep, but then his alarm began bleating at eight-fifteen and he reached over to slam his hand down on the button with a, “Okay, okay. I hear you.”

Syd stirred, lifting her head to peer at him with heavy-lidded, sleepy eyes. “What time is it?”

“A little after eight.” He flopped back into the pillows. “I forgot to turn off the fucking alarm.”

“Maybe I should’ve gone home then, instead being woken up when I didn't have to be.”

“Oh, no, you shouldn’t have.” He reached up to rub the sleep from his eyes as Riley bounded up onto the bed and proceeded to stomp across to stand over him. “I think my dog’s trying to tell me something.”

Syd’s chuckle floated into the air. “I think you’re right.”

“Let me let her out while you get the shower going.”

She looked over at him. “Shower?”

“Yeah. I want to see what you look like naked and wet.”

“Frerin!”

“What? I bet you look amazing.”

“Frerin!”

“What?”

“I don’t have anything to wear.”

“I told you,” he rolled onto his side to gaze down at her, “I’ll loan you something of mine.”

“What do you have that will fit me?”

“I’ll find something.” He smiled. She should only know how adorable she looked, her hair sleep-tousled, her eyes heavy-lidded, and without thinking, he leaned in to kiss her.

But she dodged him. “Dragon breath.”

“Yeah? Me, too. Ask me if I care.” He caught her about the waist to tug her close and caught her lips in a soft, teasing kiss that he felt clear through to his soul. He expected her to resist, to twist away from him.

But she didn’t. He eased over her, fighting off a shiver as her arms slid about his neck and her fingertips danced along the nape of his neck, which seemed far more sensitive than usual. Now, he normally woke up with morning wood, but this time, it was solely because of Syd. Her legs parted, and as he settled between them and his cock dipped into the heat she offered, he had to hold back the sigh bubbling to his lips at the silken feel of her.

Riley let out a soft whine and Syd drew back. “You should probably let her out.”

“I probably should, yeah.” He sighed softly, easing off her this time and shifting to stand up. The draft leaking about the windows bit into him, but that didn't stop her from giving him a long up and down glance before smiling. It wasn't quite cold enough for there to be any shrinkage, thank God. “Hey, Syd?”

She looked up. “Yeah?”

“You’re staring.”

A hint of a blush crept into her cheeks. “Oh, crap… I’m sorry, I—”

“It’s okay. As long as you’re impressed and not on the verge of laughing at it.”

“No woman in her right mind is laughing at that.” She looked up at him now, her eyes wide as she gasped. “I don’t know where that came from.”

He chuckled and bent to kiss her. “I don’t mind it at all, honey. I’ll be right back.”

He drew back and fished his boxers from the floor to step into them, then said, “C’mon, Rile, let’s go.”

Riley leaped over Syd and off the bed, her nails clattering against the wood as she charged down the stairs ahead of him. He was out in the hallway when Syd called, “Frerin?”

He paused, peering over his shoulder at her. “Yeah?”

“Where are your towels?”

“Cabinet in the bathroom, top shelf.” He winked and made his way down into the kitchen to open the back door. A burst of frigid air swirled about him as he did and he shivered as Riley went bounding out into the snow.

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Jesus!” He whipped about to glare at Tori, who stood over by the stove. “What are you—are you trying to kill me permanently?”

“Sorry.” She smiled. “Is it a bad time?”

“Uh, yeah, kind of.” He closed the door and turned back to her. “I’ve got company, Tori, and you would be tough to explain to anyone here.”

“They won’t see me. Or hear me, so you might want to keep your voice down.”

He rolled his eyes, folding his arms over his chest as cold bit into him. “What are you doing here now? Don’t even tell me the Big Guy sent you again.”

“Yeah, sorry. He—ah—he heard you last night and thought you might be in trouble.”

“What?”

“You called Him.”

Frerin chuckled, shaking his head. “That wasn't me. That was Syd and she wasn't calling Him, she was thanking Him because of me…”

Tori stare at him, her eyes wide, her pale cheeks bright red now. “You mean that you… and her… oh… oh, I am so sorry, Frerin.”

Riley let out a bark and he stretched to tug open the door, shivering once more at the renewed burst of icy wind. “Yeah, she and I were… enjoying each other.”

“Oh… oh, dear… Frerin, I don’t even know what to say… except I’m sorry.” Tori sagged against the counter, looking beyond contrite. “I told you, I never… well… I’ll go tell Him everything is fine and moving along nicely.”

“Yeah, trust me, everything is going just fine down here. At least, so far. But, if Syd comes down and hears me talking to myself, that could all change.”

“Well, okay. I’ll—uh—I’ll see you soon. I’m so sorry to barge in like this.”

He moved to the pantry, crouching to scoop a few biscuits from the box for Riley. “No problem. Just… tell Him everything’s fine and it was a false alarm. I don’t know how He’d look upon me sleeping with a woman I’m not married to.”

“I don’t think He’d mind all that much, really. Depends on His mood. I mean, I’d say He made sex desirable for a reason, so…”

“Yeah, well… just to be on the safe side, let’s just keep my sex life between you and me and Syd, okay?”

“Yeah. That’s would be best. Okay, I’ll see you.”

“Bye, Tori.”

She vanished and he rubbed his forehead with one hand as he crossed to the Keurig to fire it up. The floorboards over his head creaked and he smiled at the squeak of the shower taps, followed by the rush of water.

Riley trotted up the stairs ahead of him, curling up in her bed, while he made his way to the bathroom, pushing open the door and smiling at the steam curling over the shower door. “Syd?”

“Yeah?”

“Just making sure.” He opened the door to carefully angle into the stall behind her and had to bite back a very un-Frerin-like sigh at the sight of her, her dark red hair slicked back, water beading along her flawless skin. He smiled down at her, moving closer, and curved his hands over her cheeks. Hot water cascaded down over them as he bent to her, his lips meeting hers in a gentle kiss. Her fingers curled about his forearms, her lips parting, her tongue sweeping along his. Her thumbs grazed the skin just above his wrists that he had no idea was so sensitive until she touched it, but as she did, he sighed into her mouth. He couldn't help it. Her fingernails stroked downward and pleasure shot through him like a bolt of lightning.

He released her face to let his hands slip along her wet skin, down along her arms, letting his fingers just brush the outer curves of her breasts and he smiled when she sucked in sharp breath.

Her breasts were absolutely perfect, fitting in his hands as if made for him, and as he slid his thumbs about her nipples, they beaded and she shivered against him.

He broke the kiss, sweeping his lips along her chin, down along the front of her neck, which bowed as he flicked out his tongue to catch a water droplet in the curve of her shoulder. She wound her arms about his neck, her fingernails biting into his nape as he caught another drop, this time from the inner curve of her left breast.

Her fingers wound into his hair as he moved and drew that nipple into his mouth, swirling the tip of his tongue slowly about the bead, smiling as she tugged gently on his hair. He caught her about the waist as he straightened, lifting her easily. She was tiny and weighed practically nothing as far as he was concerned. Lifting her was no chore at all, especially when her full, firm, wet breasts pressed so nicely against his chest.

Syd wrapped around him, her legs about his waist, her arms about his neck, those amazing breasts against him. Christ, he ached for her in a way he’d never felt before, and it only grew stronger when she seized his lips and plunged her tongue into his mouth to tangle with his.

He shifted her to reach for the taps when she broke the kiss to breathlessly whisper, “I have an IUD, Frerin.”

Heat streaked through him. “Are you fucking with me, Syd? ‘Cause it’s not nice if you are.”

She drew back, her eyes heavy lidded and seductive. “I’m not fucking with you. Promise.”

His entire body tingled at the thought of being skin to skin with her. “Are you sure, honey?”

“I’m positive.” A sensual smile accompanied those words, then she tugged him back to meet her kiss and he was a goner.

Her legs tightened about him, the heat swirling within him growing stronger still, firing his blood and urging him to reach between them. To position himself.

She sheathed him slowly, and it was all he could do to remain upright and on his feet as a white-hot pleasure scorched through him with the slightest bit of movement. She was hot about him. Hot and tight and he had to grit his teeth to keep from just thrusting as hard as he could into her. She felt that good. Oh, holy shit, did she feel incredible…

“Syd…” He couldn’t hold back his breathless moan as he filled her and sharp tingles stung him all over. They danced along his skin. Sped through his veins. Sent a more powerful heat spiraling through him as he offered up a thrust that almost had him losing control right then and there. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d done this without a layer of latex between him and the woman he was with, and as fire billowed through him, he whispered, “Holy shit, Syd… you feel… oh, holy fuck, you feel amazing.”

She carefully angled away from him, her eyes heavy-lidded and her eyes almost turquoise as they locked with his and she breathed, “So do you, Frerin… you feel so fucking good…”

Her husky voice stroked over him just as her body did, his fingers tensing on her as he thrust again. And again. Each stroke was silky and amazing, her body tensing about him, almost as if to keep him deep inside her.

She came back to him, her lips seizing his in a fiery kiss that had him almost stagger back a step. Her legs tightened about his hips, her thighs pressing sweetly into his sides as she arched hard against him.

“Do that again,” he managed to grit as she squeezed him hard, and when she did, he moaned softly into her neck. “Oh, baby… yes…”

Her arms tightened about his neck, her fingers stretching up into his hair and he couldn't hold back his breathless sigh as she tugged hard on it. His control began to slip at that point, his body demanding he thrust harder, faster, deeper, as his orgasm took root deep inside him.

Her breathless, silvery laugh swept along his shoulder, her thighs tightened against his sides, and she rocked teasingly to meet him. She was slick and hot and tight and he wanted just to pound into her until his head spun and starbursts of white light erupted before his eyes.

“Frerin…” Her airy moan rose like the steam as she tightened about him even more. Each pulse sent sweet pleasure racing through him, wrapping about him, brought him closer to the edge and all he wanted to do was drive into her until they exploded together.

But at the same time, he didn't want to do that at all. He didn't want to just fuck her. Not Syd. Not this time. He was going to prove himself to her in any way he could think of, even it took every bit of will he possessed right then to slow his thrusts, to savor each and every delectable sensation that rocketed through him. He wanted to share it with her and hopefully make her feel even a fraction of the fiery pleasure she sent streaking through him. She met each one of those thrusts, rose and fell with him, her eyes closing, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. Christ, he’d never seen a more beautiful woman than the one in his arms as he pressed her gently against the warm, wet tile.

“Frerin…” Her voice was beyond soft, almost dreamy and when she opened her eyes, he almost lost himself in their beautiful aqua depths. She quivered around him, and the sensations rocketing through him were nearly impossible to ignore now. He couldn't hold back, couldn't move slowly any longer. The inevitable bore down upon him, his climax wound its way about him like a constrictor, tightening and tensing his muscles and sinews until he was powerless to slow down and incapable of stopping. His thrusts came swift and deep and he growled her name as her fingernails dug deeper into him.

“Oh, God… yes…” She tightened around him, her eyes closing, her teeth catching her bottom lip once more.

The wave raced toward him, built up speed and strength as it rose. He drove into her, each thrust harder than the last, his body trembling as his orgasm took root and consumed him in a flash of white-hot pleasure. He arched hard, crushing her between him and the tile as he came, growling, “Syd…”

She shivered against him, let out a breathless cry, and clung to him as he slowed, then went still. His entire body shook from the force of his release, his mind went blank, his eyes closed. Truth be told, he was actually dizzy and it was only through sheer stubbornness he remained on his feet.

She melted against him, her arms tight about his neck, her cheek pressed to his, her breath a teasing caress against his ear, as was her whispered, “Oh, Frerin… Oh, my god…”

He smiled, even as he still fought to catch his breath. “Right? Holy shit, Syd… I—that—you—I can’t even think straight right now.”

A soft laugh grazed his ear. “Me, neither,” she whispered.

He drew back to smile at her. She looked sleepy and sated and he wished he didn't have to go back to work any time soon, but could just spend the rest of his days making her look that way. He gently set her back on her feet and smile down at her as he reached for the shampoo. “I hope you don’t mind smelling like a guy, but I don’t have any girly shampoo.”

“I’m fine with it. I don’t have any girly shampoo, either.”

Her eyes closed as he squeezed the shampoo into his hand and then went to work on her hair, taking care not to snag in it. Corny, maybe, but he didn't care and neither did she, from the looks of it. Instead, she leaned into him, her eyes closing, and smiled.

****

Syd smiled as Frerin curved up against her, draping his arm about her waist to tug her gently up against his chest. The soft hair curling away from it tickled along her back, and she shivered as he swept a teasing kiss along the curve of her neck. “You still awake?”

“Barely,” she murmured, peering at him over her shoulder. “I hope no one in my house is going crazy worrying about me.”

“They know you’re with me.”

“Why do you think they’re probably going crazy worrying about me?”

He smiled, his blue eyes sleepy and heavy-lidded, which really only added to his powerful allure. She couldn't remember the last time she’d enjoyed a date as much, or the last time she spent the entire day in bed with someone.

“You’re in good hands, honey,” he murmured, pressing another light kiss into the slope of her shoulder. His fingers swept lightly along her stomach, then down along her inner thigh.

She shivered again at his gentle touch, as his fingers grazed her outer thigh now, up toward her hip. It was somewhere around noon, and she neither knew nor cared what the actual time was, nor was she in any hurry to move, to leave his bed.

To leave him.

He peppered soft kisses along her shoulder, down over her shoulder blade. Her eyes closed as he whispered, “Syd…I…”

Frerin went quiet. The fingers on her hip went still, his lips on her back went still. She waited a moment, then broke the silence. “What is it?”

“I—nothing. Forget I said anything.”

“Frerin,” she carefully rolled toward him. His eyes were as heavy-lidded as hers felt, more gray than blue and far more serious than she’d ever seen, “what is it?”

He met her gaze and she’d swear she felt electricity shoot through her as he did. “It’s stupid.”

“What is?”

“I don’t want you to go home. I want you to stay here until I have to leave for work tomorrow.”

She didn't know what to say, his words were so unexpected, so unlike anything she’d ever thought he’d say. He offered up a sheepish smile. “I told you it was stupid.”

“It’s not. I just—this is not what I was expecting from you.”

“I know.” He leaned in to brush her lips with his and as he did, he gently eased himself over her. She shivered at the feel of him against her, the way he settled just so perfectly between her thighs. She was almost convinced this was some super-erotic dream she was having and she was going to be so damn disappointed when she woke up.

His lips found hers, soft and teasing, and she waited for him to arch against her. But instead, he just kissed her and when he drew back, he murmured, “You still want to go shoot pool?”

“I’d love to, but I have to go home and change first.”

“Go commando and I’ll loan you a shirt or sweatshirt.”

“Frerin.”

“What?” He dipped to nuzzle her. “No one but me will know.”

“That’s why it’s a bad idea.”

His laugh was a warm ripple along her neck. “It’s not like I’m going to jump on you in the middle of Darcy’s, honey. I’ve got a little more control than that.”

She sighed. “Okay, you win. What do you have that’ll fit me?”

“Nothing. You’re tiny. But, tiny girls always look hot in guys’ clothes.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.”

“Oh, I do, Syd. I absolutely do.” He dipped to kiss her softly, his lips parting, his tongue sweeping along hers softly. “How do you not see it? You’re fucking hot, honey. And you always have been and I’m a lucky guy, to be the one you’re with.”

She met his gaze again, expecting to see that devilish glint that gave away when he was teasing her. But instead, all she saw was a seriousness that left her at a loss for words. Frerin thought he was lucky to be with her? Had he ever seen himself? He was gorgeous. He was in amazing shape. He was a firefighter, for the love of everything. How could he be so seemingly in awe of being there with her, when he was all of those? It made no sense.

“Who are you?” she finally murmured, easing her arms about his waist to trail her fingernails along his smooth back. “Because the Frerin I knew was very much aware of the fact that he could have any woman he wanted.”

“He’s gone, honey,” he whispered back, his lips just barely brushing hers. “He’s dead and he’s not coming back. And the man in his stead just wants you.”

“Wants me for what?”

“To be his, Syd. I don’t want to see anyone else and I’m kind of hoping you feel the same.”

“Frerin, what are you about?”

“I’m about telling you I’m not seeing anyone else. And I don’t want to. I want to see what’s here, with you, with us, and I know that sounds completely moronic and not all like something I would say but I’ve said it and—”

She covered his mouth with her hand. “Shhh… Frerin, we’ve been out twice.”

He drew back far enough to break contact. “I know, and I—look, Syd, I can’t explain it. Not without sounding like a total pussy or a lunatic. But, there’s something here. I feel it and you can’t tell me you don’t.”

“No,” she said slowly, holding his gaze, looking for any sign of the smart-ass Frerin she knew. But, as he looked directly into her eyes, all she felt was the pull of him. “I’m not going to tell you that, but—”

“But, you know I know how to just disappear.”

“Yeah. There’s that, too.”

He flinched and eased off her. “I don’t know how else to prove it to you, honey. I—I just don’t. I mean, short of asking you to marry me.”

“Frerin.”

“Yeah, exactly.” He rolled over and sat up, then slid to the edge of the bed. “I just want you to trust me. That’s all.”

She stared at his broad back, at the way the muscle bands across his shoulders bunched when he moved his arms. As quietly as she could, she shifted up onto her knees, and moved to drape her arms about those broad shoulders. “I’m trying, Frerin,” she whispered, brushing his ear with her lips.

He leaned back into her. “I swear to Christ, Syd, I’m not going anywhere.”

She bushed her lips along his cheek, through the coarse fur of his beard, and when he turned toward her and her lips found his, she offered no resistance as he drew her around and astride him. All conversation was forgotten, replaced by far more urgent matters.

#Gerard Butler #Frerin Durin #Richard Armitage #The Hobbit #Thorin Oakenshield #Hobbit Fic #Hobbit Fanfic #Fan fiction #The Hobbit fan fiction #Frerin x OC #AU #Frerin Fic #Is it hot in here?#Romance #Modern AU

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winterisakillerwrites · 5 years ago

Text

Brave Face - Part Three

Title: Brave Face

One Shot: 3/3

Character: Tom Hiddleston/OFC

Genre: Angst

Rating: M

Summary: A wedding is one of the happiest days of one’s life. It is the beginning of the future and for Amelia Evans this was no different. Tom HIddleston stood watching her as she walked down the aisle while considering every choice that had brought him here. For better or worse, his life was fundamentally changed.

Authors Notes/Warnings: So full disclosure this story came about completely by accident. I had this vague idea in my head and it probably would have stayed that way had I not been talking to @redfoxwritesstuff and said “So I have this idea…”. This literally grew from a ‘huh, this should be straight forward’ to ‘holy fuck what have I gotten myself into?!’. All in all this is a 13,000+ word one shot that has been split into three parts to make for easier posting/reading. Hope you all enjoy.

Luke blinked at Tom in confusion before ushering him inside. Whatever it was had happened to bring Tom to his door in such a state and at this hour, Luke was certain it was definitely not a conversation for the front step. He closed the door and hurried to follow Tom into the living room. By the time Luke rounded the corner into his living room, Tom had collapsed onto the couch, legs spread and head resting in his opened hands as he rocked slowly back and forth.

He took a deep breath and came to stand before Tom’s hunched form. “Tell me exactly what’s happened.”

Tom stuttered through his explanations, unable to look Luke in the face, his were eyes downcast and his hands wringing together before him; he’d been drinking and picked up a woman he didn’t know at a pub, they’d gone back to hers and had sex, and only after had he realized that they’d not used protection. The mortification burned as he admitted just how badly he’d fucked up. How could this have happened? How could he have been so fucking careless?

He felt Luke’s eyes burning into him as his publicist fired off questions and demanded clarifications of him in rapid succession. Exactly which pub? Whose idea was it to leave? Did he remember her address? Her name? What had she said when he’d realized? Where there any photographs taken; at the pub, on the street, in her flat? Did she know who he was?

Tom was visibly shaking once more as Luke’s questions continued to rain down on him; his stomach tying itself in knots, his mind racing, and god he was sure he was going to be violently ill. Tears welled in his eyes and he couldn’t seem to stop them. God. Oh god what had he done? How could he have been so fucking, fucking stupid? He dug his fingernails into the palms of his hands, trying to ground himself, trying to keep the world from splintering around him. He couldn’t breathe; his chest burned with the effort and he could hear the worst sort of wailing noise that he realized to his horror, was coming from his own lips. But he couldn’t make it stop.

Luke’s sudden grip on his shoulder, so tight he was sure it would leave fingermarks, was only thing Tom could focus on. He heard Luke’s voice in his ear but couldn’t focus on his words. It felt as if the world was closing in around him. Luke shook him hard enough to rattle his teeth. “Tom, stop. It will be alright. We’ll fix it. Just breathe. We can fix it.”

Slowly Tom raised his head, his eyes wide and glassy with tears. “How? God, Luke, how are we going to fix this?” The words were jumbled together, almost incoherent. How could they possibly fix this mess? She would go to the press, she would ruin him. Everything he had worked so hard for would be gone. His mother would be so bitterly disappointed in him…What if she ended up pregnant? He couldn’t be someone’s father….Round and round the thoughts circled, bumping and colliding until they were all Tom could see.

“Tom! Stop! Look at me.” Fingers forcefully grabbed Tom under the chin and pulled his face upwards until his eyes locked with Luke’s. “I will worry about all of that. Me. That is my job. Just breathe for me. In and out. And in. And out. Good, just like that. In. And out. And in.” He could feel his racing heart start to slow. The tightness in his chest easing just a fraction. “We will figure all of this out.”

It took until well after sun up for Luke to get Tom calm enough to talk coherently. He plied Tom with tea as he went through the questions he needed answers for once again until they were both weary with exhaustion. Tom couldn’t remember the building number but was pretty certain he could recall the street name. He was able to give Luke the name of the pub and the woman’s first name, Anna. He also told him that she’d stated she was on birth control after he’d confronted her but that he had no idea if she was being truthful. She hadn’t seemed to recognize him, at least he didn’t think she had, and he couldn’t recall seeing any photographers around the pub or in her street.

“What I can’t understand is how this got so far out of hand, Tom? I know you’ve not been a saint since…” Luke’s voice trailed off for a brief moment, eyes darting to the side as he caught himself from uttering her name, before continuing. “But you’ve always been careful and discrete. This…Tom, what happened?”

A familiar burst of pain shot through Tom as his mind replayed the way she had smiled at the man who wasn’t him. At the way she’d seemed so happy. “Amy,” he whispered, the name sticking in his throat.

“Amy?” Luke repeated, dumbfounded. He’d known Tom’s change in personal behavior had stemmed from the disintegration of his relationship with Amy, but it had been well over a year since he’d last seen her. What could have possibly happened to trigger this, now? “What about Amy?”

Tom let loose a mirthless chuckle. “She was on a date…I knew sooner or later that she would…That she’d move on…But I just…I hadn’t thought that it would be so…” He couldn’t find the words, his thoughts a tangled mess. How could he even begin to put into words the kind of pain that had ripped through him when he’d realized what he was seeing? When it became clear she’d moved on. How could he put into words the numbing fear that overwhelmed him when he began to understand what he thought was his own closure was nothing more than a plaster to a broken bone. He’d been lying to himself for near on a year; he wasn’t over them. Wasn’t over her and the mess he had made of their once happy life.

Luke pulled off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Oh god, Tom.”

He flinched, knowing just how horrible all of this sounded; just how badly he’d let himself come off the rails. He hadn’t been over it, not even slightly, no matter what he’d been telling himself. And just as apparent was the fact he’d been chasing away his own guilt and loneliness in the bodies of others. It was stupid and dangerous and only now did he start to see just how badly he could fuck up his career, his life. “I know, dammit. I know.”

Silence overwhelmed them, neither man speaking for several long moments. A sigh of resignation fell from Luke’s lips. “I need to make a few calls, you might as well head up to the guest room, Tom. You’re dead on your feet.”

Tom nodded and pushed himself to his feet and towards the stairs leading to the second floor and guest room. There was little point in fighting Luke on this, the man was nearly as stubborn as he was; though Tom wasn’t sure if sleep were even possible no matter how physically drained he might have been.

And despite everything, he’d fallen asleep almost as soon as his head had hit the pillow.

The next several weeks were a blur of activity. Tom had thrown himself into rehearsals with a frenzy that caused quite the comment amongst his fellow actors and the production crew. He hadn’t paid it any mind. Working helped him cope with the uncertainty that had plagued his days. Along with whatever legal wrangling Luke had to orchestrate, he’d booked Tom in for testing a little over a week following his breakdown and arranged a meeting with a therapist; “Just because I think you need to really talk with someone. Please just give it a try. You owe yourself that much.”

Waiting for the results of his bloodwork had Tom on edge for days; torn between worrying just what he’d do if anything came back positive and not daring to let himself hope that he had dodged that particular bullet. He’d been short and ill-tempered which served his portrayal of Caius Martius well, but left him in ever growing knots. When the phone call came nearly a week later, Tom hadn’t been sure whether he’d wanted to laugh or to cry. Clean. All clean. The doctor cautioned him that he would be wise to be retested in six months’ time, just to be smart. He’d booked the appointment and called Luke straight after to make sure that he had the time cleared. He was lucky, far luckier than he’d deserved.

Rehearsals began to wind down as the December premiere date grew ever closer. Things were coming together, they were nearly ready. Tom was of two minds; both ecstatic to finally bring his character fully to life and terrified that once he had he would be torn to pieces. He was talented, he’d known that, but this was something so much bigger than himself. What if he had bitten off far more than he could possibly handle? He fought to shake off those feelings; working to recognize them for what they were, the jittery nerves he’d felt before the start of any project. Silly things he knew plagued even then best of the craft.

Opening night was upon him far sooner than he’d expected. The rush he’d felt as he walked onto the stage the first night nearly bowled him over. This was what he’d always wanted to do. And he owned it. Owned the stage. Owned his role. It was cathartic, stamping around on stage night after night; losing himself in someone else’s anger and frustration, letting his own shine through just a small amount.

He’d reluctantly agreed to see the therapist Luke had recommended. She was an older woman, in her well preserved fifties if he’d had to guess; no nonsense and seemingly unshakable. Their first few sessions were awkward; Tom having no idea how this sort of thing was actually supposed to work and dreading having to talk about his own failures with anymore let alone someone he honestly didn’t know. She’d been unfailingly patient with him, reminding him that these sessions were at his pace and therefore he could talk about any and everything he wanted or not. He’d asked her if she knew why he’d come and she’d answered by turning the question around on him.

Tom had stumbled far more than he’d walked in those early days and once he started talking he couldn’t seem to make himself stop. He’d talked mostly about that stupid, careless night and how he’d let himself get pissed enough to place not only his career but his life in jeopardy. He spoke about his fears of what the long standing consequences of his actions would be; what if there were a child? What if the tests were wrong and he ended up sick or worse dying? She had listened with a knowing presence, acknowledging that his fears were valid ones but that their likelihood diminished with each passing day. And if such things were to come to pass, then he would find a way to work through them.

The end of his Coriolanus run in January found Tom physically exhausted but in good spirits. It hadn’t been an easy run but he was proud of the work they’d accomplished. Josie had been a delight to work with and he found himself hoping he’d be granted the opportunity to do so again in near future. He had a few short weeks to himself before he would have to gear up for the start of filming for his latest project in Toronto. And then it Belfast to start the process all over again before finally heading to Louisiana

When his mother had caught wind of just what the year looked to bring for Tom, she’d pulled him aside and asked if he was sure this was what he’d wanted. He offered her his best smile and told her he understood her concern and would take care to keep himself together. These were chances he couldn’t risk not taking. His career was steadily on the rise but that wouldn’t last forever and he intended to take in as much of it as he possibly could. Diana had merely pursed her lips and nodded, telling him that while he was a grown man he was still and would always be her child. Her worry was something that went hand in hand with that.

Tom had thrown himself into filming Crimson Peak with seemingly all he had. He was often one of the first of the principal cast on set and one of the last to leave. The hours were long and more frequently than not fell into bed at the end of his days but Tom was honestly enjoying every moment. Mia and Jessica were a delight to work with; both immensely talented and wickedly funny often making even their longest and most grueling days enjoyable. Thomas Sharpe was not so much a departure, character-wise, for him but a challenge nonetheless. He’d dived headlong into working to understand who this dark and brooding man was and how his life and choices had worked to shape him. He wasn’t an evil man nor was he a good one. And Tom found working within that grey area to be profoundly interesting. Guillermo was bursting with ideas and had gladly welcomed and encouraged Tom’s in turn.

The end of filming several weeks later found him settled on yet another plane heading towards another city and the skin of another yet character for him to inhabit. This time a physician who descended into madness within the chaos and destruction of the community in a high rise. As the plane ascended, Tom found himself watching the landscape beneath him shrink. An unexpected pang of regret resounded within him. Toronto was a beautiful city and, in retrospect, he wished he had taken more time to explore it. But there was no time now.

Belfast came and went in what felt like a blink of an eye. He was grateful to be home, if only almost, and for a brief space of time. The days he’d spent on set were long ones and more often than not evenings found him all but crawling into his bed. He’d enjoyed the experience and the chance he’d had to work with actors he’d admired for years, but he could feel the pull of exhaustion threatening to drag him down. But there was little time to stop and rest. Once again before he’d been completely ready, he was on yet another plane and heading towards yet another city and yet another character; a real, living person and the stakes seemed insurmountably higher.

Louisiana was impossibly hot, especially for September, and he hadn’t expected the wave of heat that engulfed him as he disembarked the plane that first day. Tom found himself often thinking longingly of the cooler shores of his home that had never seemed more far away. Filming wasn’t set to start for weeks yet but Tom had jumped at the chance to get a head start on becoming the man that had been Hank Williams. Immersing himself in both music and dialect, he picked the brains of those around him; people, books, whatever he could get his hands on, in order to have a greater understanding of the man whose shoes he would embody. Hank Williams had been an interesting and incredibly flawed man; beneath his smiling veneer lay a deeply troubled and broken man and it had struck a chord in Tom that he hadn’t expected. Watching as this man’s life spiraled around him hit far, far too close to home.

It had been nearly ten months since that night and not a signal word had come from Anna. A profound sense of relief flooded through Tom at the realization that somehow he had managed to make it out of that disaster as unscathed as he had. The bloodwork he had redrawn several months back had also thankfully remained clean. God, he had been far, far luckier than he’d deserved. And as he found himself contemplating Hank and the demons the man had carried on his back, Tom had never been more grateful that he’d been given his own wakeup call that cold late December morning.

He’d flown home for a brief two weeks during a lull in filming, needing the comfort and familiarity of home. His mother had welcomed him with open arms, commenting on his noticeably leaner frame. “For the film,” he’d assured her, though that did little to lessen the creases that seemed to form whenever he came into her sight.

He’d been settled at the kitchen table one morning, when he’d stumbled across the announcement. Tom had been flipping through the pages, not paying overmuch attention as he chatted with his mother who had insisted on making him breakfast, despite his protests, when a familiar name caught his eye. The words faltered from his lips as his eyes settled more firmly on the name and the words surrounding it.

‘The engagement is announced between Edward, son of Dr. and Mrs. Gains of Watford, Hertfordshire, and Amelia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Evans of London.’

Tom felt his heart cease as the meaning behind the printed words sank in. Amy was engaged. She was going to marry a man that wasn’t him. Objectively, he’d known it was only a matter of time; she had always been the marrying type and one day some fool would recognize this and offer her his hand. But in the quietest recesses of his mind he’d always assumed that someday it would be his ring she’d wear, his last name she would take. That somehow, some way, they would find each other again. But now…

He shook off his mother’s concerns when she noted his abrupt change in behavior, her eye falling to the paper he’d carelessly folded beside him on the table, insisting he was fine. Wordlessly, she’d crossed the kitchen and plucked the paper from the table and scanned its pages. Her eyes darted from the paper to his face. “Oh Thomas…”

Luke’s call had come that afternoon; both concern and professional duty causing the man to reach out. He’d waived Luke off, reassuring him that yes he would be alright, doing his utmost best to avoid acknowledging the way his heart lay shattered in his chest. It was clear to Tom that Luke hadn’t believed a word he’d spoken, but he hadn’t pressured him to say it aloud and for that Tom was grateful. Two days later he was on a plane back to Shreveport.

He’d thrown himself once more into filming with a single minded focus which once more caused comment from co-stars and crew alike. His commitment and drive to make this performance his best, despite the uncertainties and the doubts cast about in the press, was something that had cause no little stir. And he found it almost cathartic, playing this broken man. Living through the choices that had lead Hank down the tragic path his life had become gave Tom a way to exercise his own demons. He had been there, losing himself in drink and in the arms of women, and he’d almost let it destroy him. This time, with his character, he could see just what his life could have been. Just how close he’d come to ruining it all. It was humbling and heartbreaking.

When filming wrapped in December, Tom found himself anxious to start his next project. The Night Manager wouldn’t begin filming until sometime in March and he’d taken the downtime before to work his way through both novel and script; throwing himself into table reads and meetings with the cast and directors. He would also take on the helm of producer and it was a daunting but exhilarating feeling. He’d found a sort of solace in his work that he hadn’t felt in a long while.

Christmas had been a quiet affair; he’d visited with his mother and sisters and had taken time to travel to see his father. He’d done his best to avoid the questions he could clearly see in their eyes, the concern, trying to smile and pretend, just for a moment, that everything was truly okay. He’d met with his therapist when he could, now that he was physically in London he could resume face to face meetings rather than the weekly phone calls he’d slowly grown used to. He’d opened up to her then about Amy; his cheating and its consequence and of finding the announcement and the concrete proof that he’d finally lost her for good. She’d been understanding and empathetic, letting him talk his own way through and offering support when he’d needed it.

February had him standing beside his dear friend, Ben, in a small church on the Isle of Wight as he married the women he’d known for years but had only in recent years been able to call his own. The ceremony had been absolutely stunning and it was clear to him just how much Ben loved his new bride. He’d worked hard to keep his own envy at bay and had wished both Ben and Sophie all of the best.

Spring through midsummer saw him traveling to Switzerland, Morocco, and Spain with a brief sojourn back to England in-between. He juggled his dual roles as best he could; always striving to learn as much as he could about the craft, the locations, and the people he worked with. It had been a learning experience and one he’d been grateful to have earned. Once production had wrapped, Tom could feel the exhaustion’s pull on him. But there were promotional tours that had come due; interviews and photo calls, and the constant sense of perpetual movement. So he had dutifully smiled and gave the world the bright and charming Tom Hiddleston they’d come to know and expect. He’d laughed and told antidotes from filming, signed posters and DVD cases and god knows how many other bits and bobs until his hands ached, posed for photograph after photograph, and never once complained. How could he? This was simply a part of what gave him the chance to do what he’d loved for a living. Yes he was tired, and god he missed his home, but he was able to do so much, see so much, and surely it was worth the price he’d paid in the end?

When he’d finally made it home, what felt like eons later, and finally been able to shut his front door and breathe, it was to an empty house and a terrifyingly large pile of mail; dutifully dropped off by one of his manager’s assistants. The silence after so many months of chaos and noise felt almost suffocating despite his overwhelming desire to simply be alone. He rifled through the various letters, bills, and magazines without much thought or care as he puttered around his bright kitchen making a simple dinner of fried eggs and toast.

He’d been so focused on making sure not to burn the eggs (he’d only managed it once and by god getting the smell out of the house had been a nightmare) that he’d missed it the first time through. It wasn’t until he’d settled at the dining room table, dinner in hand that he noticed the thick, off-white envelope. His name and address were written across the front in small, neat script. His eyes immediately flicked to the return address and felt his heart sink as recognition dawned.

Tom tore the envelope open as quickly and carefully as he could. The invitation was simple in its design but beautifully made. Thick cream colored cardstock with dark green text in a fine looping hand and tiny drawings of wildflowers decorated its edges. The words written in the looping hand stung far more than he’d expected. He’d known this was coming, thought he had come to terms with it, but seeing it before him, printed in no uncertain terms felt like an ice shard to the heart.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Evans cordially invite you

To attend the marriage of their daughter

Amelia Grace Evans to Edward Michael Gains

Ceremony to take place 23rd April 2016 at 1500

In the parish of St James

Reception to follow

A sheath of paper behind the invitation gave the details of the reception and other needed information, but none of it made the slightest bit of sense to Tom. The only thing echoing in his mind was that he’d lost her; for good this time. He sat staring at the cardstock until his dinner had long since gone cold. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or cry. Wasn’t sure exactly what he felt.

With shaking hands he fumbled his mobile from his pocket and dialed without letting himself think on what he was doing. “You’ve seen it, then?” Emma’s voice was softer than he’d expected. They’d drifted in the last two years, something Tom had hated. She may be his annoying little sister, but he’d loved her fiercely and had felt her loss acutely.

“Yes,” he managed to breathe, his head falling into his opened palm. He fought to control his breathing, to keep himself in check. The last thing he had wanted was to fall to pieces, especially now. He didn’t have the right to do so; he’d forfeited it the second he’d made the decision to stray. This, all of this, was nothing less than what he’d deserved. “I just,” he started, the words catching in his throat, “I don’t understand. Why? Why did she send me this? Does she…Was it to hurt me because I hurt her?” Even as he spoke the words, he knew they weren’t true. It was a childish hope on his part; because if she had sought to hurt him with this then it would mean she still cared. And he desperately wanted her to do so. Nor could he believe she was callous enough to want to hurt him out of spite. But while Amy had never been a saint, she had never, ever, been vindictive nor cruel. And despite the intervening years, Tom doubted she’d have changed so drastically.

“Oh Tom,” Emma whispered, “You know she wouldn’t do that. She doesn’t hate you.” She paused, taking a deep breath. When she started again, he could hear the hesitation in her voice. “She wanted to, especially at first…And I can’t say I blame her. You hurt her badly…But she doesn’t hate you, Tom, I don’t think she ever really could.”

A choked gasp escaped him at her words. He’d known he’d hurt Amy, and hurt her badly, but hearing it so bluntly put sent spasms of guilt and pain through him. All Amy had ever done was love him and he’d thrown it right back in her face. She should have hated him, would have been well within her rights to do so. And knowing that, despite everything, she didn’t felt so terribly unfair. “Then why?”

“I don’t know…Maybe…Maybe to show you that she is actually okay. That she’s been able to move on. That the hurt didn’t break her…And maybe she hoped that if you understood that you could take comfort in it.” Her words were hesitant and Tom desperately wanted to believe them, but he knew it wasn’t something he felt he’d earned or in all honestly deserved.

“Tom?” Emma’s voice cut through the confusion in his mind. “Tom are you still there?”

He cleared his throat before speaking, “Yeah, Em, I’m still here…I just…I don’t know what to do.”

Staring at the invitation now, Tom wasn’t sure what to think or how to start to precede. He could clearly imagine just what Luke would say. ‘Just let it be, Tom. Mark yourself as not going, send a gift if you want. But for the love of god, man, let it be.’ And he had to admit that would be the smarter path. She had said her peace in her own way, the best thing for him to do with it was left it be. But there was a part of him, growing steadily louder and more insistent, which wondered if actually going would be the best way to finally, finally, put this in the past. If he could just see it with his own eyes; see Amy happy and settled, then he would be able to move on as well.

Tom had mailed the RSVP back (with a tick mark in the attending box) within the week, not letting himself think overmuch on it. He’d waited nearly another before mentioning he had done so to Luke, who as he’d expected, had nearly blown a gasket at the news. “Dammit Tom, what the FUCK were you thinking? Actually GOING to the wedding? Have you taken complete leave of your senses?”

He’d let Luke rant, not knowing exactly what to say. A part of him knew that by actually going to this, he was playing with fire. A very real, very dangerous fire. He’d nearly ruined everything after simply seeing her in the street with another man (Edward he now assumed), why the fuck did he think he could handle seeing her married? Luke knew better than anyone just how bad an idea this actually was; in both a personal and potentially PR related manner.

“I can’t take it back now, Luke,” Tom finally cut in, his voice quiet and subdued. “I need to do this. I need to face this head on. I can’t keep burying my head in the sand. And maybe, just maybe, after it’s all said and done, I can try to let this go. I need to try.”

The months that followed were a blur of activity. Between the intense but profoundly enjoyable principal filming for Skull Island and various promotional and charity endeavors, Tom found himself staring down the 23rd of April far sooner than he’d been prepared for. He’d managed to forget, if only for a time, that the date had been growing ever closer and suddenly facing its imminent arrival made his knees buckle and his gut churn. But he had made his decision and he would not let himself back out of it, no matter what the cost.

And now, here he stood, watching as Amy promised to love, cherish, and honor someone else for the rest of her days and her groom promised to do the same in turn. Jealously and guilt burned brightly inside of him but Tom forced himself to smile and offer his support and congratulations as Amy and her new husband walked back down the aisle hand in hand.

He could see clearly the joy within Amy; she was radiant with it. And he was truly happy for her; happy that she had found someone to love and cherish her the way he hadn’t, happy to see the same joy radiating from the man by her side. But it did little to lessen to the sense of loss and agony of knowing that had he been a better man, had he truly appreciated what they had been, this could have been their wedding. Their happy ever after. But he hadn’t been and there was little he could do to change it now.

In the flurry of activity, Tom found his chance to slip away quietly. He’d known it was the height of rudeness to slip away before the reception but knew just as acutely that no matter how talented of an actor he was there wasn’t any way he could keep his façade going in any convincing manner for much longer. And the absolute last thing he wanted was to ruin this day for Amy. He’d taken enough.

She caught his eye as he made his way down the side stairs and he offered her what he’d hoped was a convincingly warm smile. She offered him one in return before her attention returned to the man at her side. She looked so unbelievably happy and it burned far more than he’d expected it to. The loneliness, the emptiness that he’d let his life become. Yes, he was successful and by any other standard his life seemed ideal, but it wasn’t until that moment Tom realized just how isolating it was. He had his family, his friends, his work, but somehow that didn’t seem enough anymore.

He fought the urge to tell the cabbie to take him to the nearest pub. It would be so easy to let himself drink and forget, to slip back into those hold and familiar habits. After all it was just one night. But he’d known far too well how destructive that path could be and he couldn’t, wouldn’t, let himself fall down it again. Not now. Instead, he rattled off his address with a weary sigh before leaning his head back against the seat, closing his eyes.

The house was dark and quiet on his return. He stumbled up the stairs, narrowly avoiding a collision with the suitcase he’d stashed by the landing that morning. Tom rushed his way through a shower before collapsing onto his bed. His flight to New York was set for midafternoon the next day, another reason Luke had been so deadest against his attending the wedding; the itinerary Tom had been forwarded the day before laying folded on top of the largest case. Another round of promotion and events; dinners and networking, smiling and playing the role he knew all too well. He found himself dreading this trip as much as looking forward to the opportunity it would offer him. Something would have to change though he couldn’t seem to put his finger on what or how; just that for his own sanity, it must.

#Tom Hiddleston #Tom Hiddleston RPF #Tom Hiddleston x oc #Tom Hiddleston x ofc #Tom Hiddleston x original character #tom hiddleston x original female character #Brave Face

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winterisakiller · 6 years ago

Text

Brave Face - Part Three

Title: Brave Face

One Shot: 3/3

Character: Tom Hiddleston/OFC

Genre: Angst

Rating: M

So this is going up two days early as I’m trying to get myself back to posting on Thursdays. Enjoy!

Tag List: @tinchentitri @noplacelikehome77 @theheartofpenelope @blacksuitofdoom @nonsensicalobsessions @messy-insomniac-bookgirl

if you want to be tagged for any future works, let me know.

Previous Part

He took a deep breath and came to stand before Tom’s hunched form. “Tell me exactly what’s happened.”

Slowly Tom raised his head, his eyes wide and glassy with tears. “How? God, Luke, how are we going to fix this?” The words were jumbled together, almost incoherent. How could they possibly fix this mess? She would go to the press, she would ruin him. Everything he had worked so hard for would be gone. His mother would be so bitterly disappointed in him…What if she ended up pregnant? He couldn’t be someone’s father....Round and round the thoughts circled, bumping and colliding until they were all Tom could see.

Luke pulled off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Oh god, Tom.”

And despite everything, he’d fallen asleep almost as soon as his head had hit the pillow.

He'd flown home for a brief two weeks during a lull in filming, needing the comfort and familiarity of home. His mother had welcomed him with open arms, commenting on his noticeably leaner frame. “For the film,” he’d assured her, though that did little to lessen the creases that seemed to form whenever he came into her sight.

‘The engagement is announced between Edward, son of Dr. and Mrs. Gains of Watford, Hertfordshire, and Amelia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Evans of London.’

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Evans cordially invite you

To attend the marriage of their daughter

Amelia Grace Evans to Edward Michael Gains

Ceremony to take place 23rd April 2016 at 1500

In the parish of St James

Reception to follow

“Tom?” Emma’s voice cut through the confusion in his mind. “Tom are you still there?”

He cleared his throat before speaking, “Yeah, Em, I’m still here…I just…I don’t know what to do.”

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston x ofc #tom hiddleston x oc #tom hiddleston x original female character #tom hiddleston rpf #tom hiddleston x original character #fanfic #Brave Face

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nordic-breeze · 6 years ago

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I was going through my files and I came over this document I sent to my friend @distant-rain pretty much the same day I realized I had fallen in love with Arthur, after weeks of being in denial or shrugging off my daydreaming of this cowboy as nbd or thought experiments and boy was I confused.

I knew next to nothing about RDR1 when I wrote this December last year and I didn’t know much about RDR2 post chapter 2 either except for Arthur’s fate, which I had just learned of, and oml was I upset and confused. Though also scaringly accurate about certain things.

Now over six months later, I love this cowboy even more. And I kept true to my word. If anyone wanna read the rambings of a fangirl who had just found her new obsession be my guest.

I was blown away by how massive this game is. The level of detail is incredible and I greatly appreciate the effort put into creating this world. Yeah, we’ve all heard about the horse testicles shrinking in cold weather but it’s not like it’s just one bizarre detail being essentially a dick joke in an otherwise average game. No, RDR2 is detailed enough that it actually makes sense to add in peculiarities like that. The amount of wildlife alone, I mean, ever since the PS2 era I’ve been used to seeing animals in games but R* created whole-ass ecosystems in RDR2, several of’em, from snowy mountains to marshlands, with animals that act so much like actual animals. Just listening to the birds singing, it’s like being out in an actual forest!

Characterization is another thing that amazed me, in particular the protagonist. I knew nothing about the first RDR when started playing RDR2, nor did I know anything about RDR in general other than it was western-themed and made by the GTA-guys. I expected somewhat of a similar characterization as GTA where every character is a stereotype or a caricature. I genuinely liked GTAV’s story for what it was and even though every character was more or less an asshole, some of them were also weirdly likeable and even earned my sympathy (and hint of affection) occasionally.

But it never really went deeper than that nor was it particularly long-lasting (still way more than I expected tho). I bonded with one of the characters more than I thought I would but not nearly as much as I would had the characters felt more like actual humans and not like the epitome of stereotypes. But it is what R* wanted and it worked. I expected the RDR2 characters to be the same but to my surprise the characters, especially Arthur, are fleshed out, complex, even relatable (depending on your actions I guess). Unlike GTAV, they act and react like actual human beings. Well, human beings that have lived their entire life (more or less) as outlaws. In a country and time period foreign to me. But still they felt human. Ofc I’ve not gotten to know any of the NPC’s as well as Arthur but from various missions and eavesdropping on their conversation I’ve gotten to know them a bit. Hosea is my favorite. He seems like a good man despite being an outlaw and I love how everyone goes to him for advice and how supportive he is. I also wish more people (esp a certain Dutch man) could listen to him more. I also really like Charles. He definitely got morals and could be a good influence on Arthur and the others. I haven’t seen much of Sadie yet, but think I’ll like her too. Lenny seems nice. That one scene when he and Arthur went out drinking together was absolutely brilliant! And lil Jack’s adorable ofc. Only one I don’t like is Micha or Miach or whathisname. I know no one in the van der Linde gang are saints but that guy is a total psychopath. I kinda wish Arthur had gotten his way there when he said they should just leave him in jail as he was nothing but trouble and it annoys me how Dutch is sticking up for him. Yeah, speaking of, not too fond of Dutch or that German guy either atm.

But all in all very impressed by the large open world, the level of details to well, everything and the characterization. Soundtrack is great, graphics are stunning, animations smooth, the horse-riding simulation is just extraordinary and you never know what’s gonna happen as you ride through the map. The amount and variety of random events and encounters are truly impressive. Often comical, like that wildlife photographer who keeps getting almost eaten up by the wildlife he’s trying to document, sometimes eerie like the serial killer side story, or sad like when Arthur met with his former love. Or a combination of said elements like the pig farmers I ran into. With no pigs. But were still veeery well fed. You know, when people are just a liiitle bit too friendly? That eerie feeling you get when you just know something’s wrong but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Until you can. I thought they were husband and wife I really did. You shoulda seen my face when I realized they were in fact brother and sister. Me and Arthur had the exact same face. They were living as husband and wife tho. Well, up until I killed them.

I also love the contrast between the more ‘modern’ world and the simpler life. I could go into town, buy food at the saloon and rent a room or take a bath at the hotel. Or I could ride a few mins out into the wilderness, hunt and gather my own food, cook it over a bonfire and sleep under the stars. Electricity exists, but people are still completely dependent on oil lamps and open flame. Trains and trams exist, cars have been invented, but people still mainly travel on horseback. This contrast between old and new as an era is ending and the modern era is about to begin has been an amazing experience considering the level of detail the game has. The colonization of the new land, which has been largely unknown to me, the contrast between this and modern-day America we see on TV. So many people did not even speak English, I often find abandoned buildings, or burnt-down buildings, some with bodies inside, leaving me wondering what happened to them, I found a ghost town whose inhabitants had been wiped out by a plague. It was tough for many I reckon.

In fact, I find the exploration of this foreign but also somewhat familiar, beautiful but harsh world and its many random events and encounters waaay more interesting than the actual main story itself, which is why it took me forever to reach chapter 3. In fact, the story is probably my least favorite part about RDR2, as backwards as it may sound. I’ve never been into western stories or aesthetics, and I’m certainly NOT into the whole ‘outlaws till the end’ stuff ugh. I fail to sympathize with the whole ‘boo-hoo the world no want outlaws like us no more it’s unfair’. Ugh, go cry me a fucking river. And then go get a job. A real job. Yeah, I get it that adapting to society is tough, life’s tough deal with it and stop preying on others. Wow, robbing two trains in short time and staying in the same fucking area actually has consequences, I’m so shook!

So yeah, story-wise I don’t quite ‘get it’ and Dutch is really starting to get on my nerves, which is probably why I prefer to just ride off alone and experience the world. I guess RDR2 story will rely heavily on being torn between gang loyalty and your own morality and principles but since I have virtually no concept of group loyalty that is all lost on me. My own morals and principles all the way. I’m like, ‘these people suck, take Hosea, Charles, Sadie, Tilly (maybe John Marston and his family) and leave these bitches behind’.

At the beginning, I did kinda liked Dutch. He seemed genuinely sorry for Sadie, took her in and saved her life, even if it meant another mouth to feed in dire times. And he showed Kiran mercy despite hating the O’Driscol’s. But as I’ve progressed thought the game, his grand speeches about sticking together, sticking with him, slowly but surely has turned from pep-talk to keep people’s spirit up to sounding like a cult leader desperate to keep his following no matter the cost. Yesterday when I was playing, I overheard him quote some quasi-philosophy book to Lenny and used the words to twist them into his own convictions to support his decisions. And when Lenny objected, Dutch literally said ‘you’re breaking my heart, kid’. Wow Dutch, talk about manipulating your prot��gé.

It was the mission when those lawmen approached Arthur as he was fishing with Jack that really made me consciously see Dutch in a new light. Up until then, RDR2 had mostly been fun and games but that conversation left me feeling a bit uneasy. But I just figured it was the main story finally picking up pace and also, I figured I was near the end of the chapter. I carried on, suddenly eager to see what would happen and was thoroughly surprised by how the chapter ended. In a bad way.

While both chapter 2 and chapter 3 begins with a ‘new start’ vibe, chapter 3 felt very different from chapter 2. Mostly it was that feeling that Dutch’s obsession with ‘sticking to this life’ is going to get people killed. Idk, it’s this eerie feeling something’s wrong but can’t quite put my finger on it-feel again. But thanks to internet being internet I already knew some spoilers so I couldn’t help but to look up something and… well, let me put it this way. I’m never going to finish this game. Ever. It breaks my heart because in so many ways it’s truly an amazing game and a fantastic experience. But I’m just not that into the story, I don’t like where it’s heading and I don’t want to see what’s coming to character(s) I’ve come to care deeply about.

I still want to explore the world more, see what unfolds, do more challenges, add stuff to my compendium, maybe get some trophies… but I doubt I’ll ever progress much story-wise. Quite the contrary, I might reload an earlier save and just stay in chapter 2 forever.

(wrtten a couple of days later)

Seems my instincts was right on the money, esp concerning Dutch. Sad thing, I do believe he is sincere. In the first few chapters at least. He is manipulative but I also believe he’s convinced himself that he’s doing the right thing. And then his obsession will eventually get the better of him and when people and the lifestyle is slipping away from him, he doesn’t handle it well at all. Ugh, it’s so frustrating, I just wanna gather all my favs and yell: “leave nooow, before it’s too late!

It’s not for the sake of spacing it out or making it last. I just don’t want to progress in the story at all. I hated losing Horseshoe Overlook. HATED IT HATED IT HATED IT!!!! Yes the new place is beautiful, yes I know it’s the life of the outlaws and RDR2 does show that life for better and for worse whereas most stories tend to romanticize the whole thing, yes as outlaws they can’t stay for too long in one place. But as mentioned I have a hard time sympathize with and immerse myself into that lifestyle. Yes, I got all my upgrades and a whole new area to explore, a bigger nearby town, and closer to that big city. Still hated it. Horseshoe Overlook was my place. The Heartlands was home. And the view was stunning! And I liked Valentine. It was small and dirty but I had good memories from there. Until I had to shoot up half the town. My motivation for continuing the main story is at absolute zero.

It was more what the transition represented, I guess. You never know what will happen in RDR2. And it’s true, for random encounters, and many of the individual missions. But when it comes to the story as a whole, I feel like I already now can predict how it’ll play out. Every chapter begins with the gang on the move, finding a place to settle down and have a fresh start, even chapter 1 (as they were on the run bc a heist gone wrong or something). Then they settle down, go into town to get to know the area and establish connections and looking for easy money, often at the expenses of others. X random events later, they get too overconfident or careless, screws up or get hunted down, it ends with a shootout, then they are on the run again, finds a new place to settle down where Dutch promises that THIS TIME IT WILL BE DIFFERENT until they’re wanted on the entire map and can’t go anywhere cos the wild west is ending. I really liked it at Horseshoe Overlook and whenever Im in that area again I’ll just get sad.

I had no idea I’d gotten so emotionally invested so I was really surprised at how much I disliked moving camps and all. I’ve also gotten so fond of Arthur. I was so busy with exploring, doing challenges, learning to hunt etc I didn’t even realize it happening. Until one scene had me almost tearing up! I think because, we as the player really have to look out for him. Even though I make sure that he eats regularly, he’s still underweight. When out riding I usually set up camp when night falls so that Arthur can get some rest. Something I’d never think about in any other game. And I always give him coffee in the morning. Then it’s his journal that gives such valuable insight into who he truly is as a person. There’s no doubt he’s so much more than just a mere outlaw. He writes surprisingly well and is open and is surprisingly honest about his thoughts and feelings. How torn he is between the life of an outlaw and wanting to be a better man, a better person. How he admired Charles because, for him it was ‘so easy to just be good’ whereas he himself always feel torn between good and evil. And his journal entries when he meets his long-lost love Mary and saves her brother from the cultists. The expression on his face as he said goodbye to her on the train station… how utterly heartbroken he was… how she still loved him too… man, that one tore at my heart. Still does when thinking about it.

I wish I could take Hosea, Charles, Sadie, Tilly, John’s family and maybe Lenny too with me, run off and start anew. Charles would have good influence on Arthur and encourage him to turn his life around and find his place in society and encourage John to be a better father and role model for Jack and they could all learn how to live as free men and women without robbing or hurting anyone (unless they deserve it). Like, Charles is an excellent hunter and tracker. He’d totally get enough food for the gang and maybe even enough to sell. He could train Jack too. Hosea was always more of a conman/grifter than a brute/robber. He could con bad guys or rich assholes Robin Hood style. If anyone gave him grief, John and Arthur would settle the score. Arthur could sell animal pelts and John could take up carpeting. They’d be such a happy lil family. But, RDR1 is yet to happen so it’s all just wishful thinking *sigh*

#red dead redemption 2 #arthur morgan #the ramblings of a fangirl #about me

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toomanystoriessolittletime · 5 years ago

Text

The thrill of it all (4/9)

Summary: Rose and Tom have been together for 7 years when he breaks up with her. She has no idea why. Tom regrets it almost immediately but still moves on. Until he realized what a huge mistake he has made.

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston / OFC

Warnings: angst

can also be found on AO3

Masterlist

On December 12th of that year Tom woke up late. He’d been out having dinner with both his sisters and it got rather late. He had his first appointment today and he didn’t want to be late. It was 9 am and he had to get ready. Grabbing his phone, he went to the bathroom to have a quick shower before.

While waiting for the water to boil in the kitchen a little later, he finally checked his phone which had numerous notifications but the one on the top made him hold his breath.

“Congratulations on your Golden Globe nomination. You truly deserve it. Rose”

It had been 3 weeks since he had sent her a text message. And she hadn’t responded. He couldn’t blame her. If she had left him the way he left her he wouldn’t want to talk to him either. Still. He couldn’t stop the little smile that made it’s way to his face.

On Christmas day Tom found himself in the house he grew up in, surrounded by his whole family. Still he couldn’t enjoy it as much as he would have.

“You know you could just call her.” His mother sat down next to him.

“I know.”

“Then why aren’t you doing it?”

“I want to talk to her in person. I don’t even know where to start to apologize.” He admitted.

“Oh Thomas.” Diana hugged her son.

“I know you will find a way. But you should hurry before you’re too late.”

“Dad. Oh my god don’t.” Rose put her arm over her eyes, trying to hide from the world. Yet laughing.

“Why?” Her father chuckled.

“Because it’s embarrassing.”

“It’s not. All of us had to start somewhere.” Ryan said, trying to keep a straight face.

“But you didn’t start with a rhyme of how much you loved banana ice-cream, didn’t you?” She asked.

“Nope.” He laughed and Rose joined. It was the day after Christmas. She had planned to go to London for the holidays, but her father surprised her in New York just on the day she was supposed to fly out to the UK.

Every concern she had regarding this Christmas where washed away as soon as she saw her father.

Okay. James probably also had to be a reason.

After going out with him a couple of times, they had decided to just date. As it turned out James was a music producer and even worked with some of the same artists as Rose. He couldn’t believe she was the one who wrote the latest Number 1 song of the billboard top 100. He was complementing her so much, and she had been blushing so hard in that moment, that she just kissed him just to shut him up. That was on her last day in New York 2 weeks ago.

You could imagine Rose’s surprise when she opened Ryan’s door this morning back in San Francisco as the doorbell ringed and found James standing there.

“We have a mutual friend here who invited me. I hope that’s okay.” He had said

“I’m going to kill Ryan.” Rose had answered, shaking her head.

“Okay… I can just leave again?” James had suggested slowly.

“No. No. You stay. Hey.” Rose had to stretch to hug him.

“Merry Christmas.” James had whispered and kissed her lightly.

And that’s how she found herself on the couch, James arm around her shoulders, while her father was telling embarrassing childhood stories about herself.

“Can we stop now with the stories about me and focus on something else?” Rose asked.

“Yes. Let’s focus on James who has been nominated for a golden globe.” Ryan suggested and Rose shot him a dangerous look.

“It’s nothing.” James took a sip from his whiskey.

“Oh please. You probably will win the Oscar also. The music and movie are brilliant.” Andrea chipped in.

“Which movie?” Rose’s father asked.

“La La Land.” SheI answered and her father looked impressed at James.

“Well. Congratulations. I saw it back in London on screen and loved it. I even bought the soundtrack on itunes.”

“Thank you so much.” James smiled at Rose’s father.

“You know I still don’t have someone to accompany to the Golden Globes.” It was way past midnight and Rose was laying with her back on James’ chest outside on the balcony under a big blanket.

“You don’t?”

“Nope. Haven’t found the right person to ask.”

Rose nodded.

“You know where I’m going with this conversation, don’t you?” James leaned down, close to Rose’s ear.

“I know.” Rose whispered and turned around so she was facing him.

“I can’t go with you and I’m going to tell you exactly why.”

“I’m listening.”

“Well first, we only know each other for 7 weeks. You don’t take your…” I was searching for the right word. “Girlfriend?” he suggested. I smiled at him.

“Was that a question? Because it sounded like that.”

“Do I have to ask you to be my girlfriend like we are in the second grade?”

“Who has girlfriends in the second grade?” Rose asked surprised.

“I don’t know.” James laughed and put his arms around Rose to lay her down on his chest. Sure they only knew each other for a short time but he was pretty sure he loved her.

“So…” She started again after a while. “You don’t take your girlfriend for 7 weeks on a red carpet of one of the biggest award ceremonies on the planet.

“I would.” James interrupted her.

Rose laughed and punched him lightly on his chest.

“Let me finish, won’t you?” She kissed his chest through his shirt.

“Okay maybe YOU take your girlfriend of 7 weeks on the red carpet. But…” She kneeled between his legs on the lounger.

“But maybe I don’t want to go because there is a high chance I will run into my Ex that I don’t want to take.” Rose confessed.

“The one who ghosted you?” He asked. She nodded.

“I know I don’t talk about it very much. He really did hurt me and I’m not sure what I’ll do if I see him. So I rather would let it happen anywhere but on a red carpet.”

“Understandable. Why would he be there?” James asked interested. He really knew nothing about this mysterious guy who broke her heart. More than once he imagined having a talk with him, to ask him what on earth was wrong with him to let a woman like Rose go.

“He is nominated as best leading actor in a mini series. You actually told me you loved the series when we talked about the globe nominations.”

“Your Ex is Tom Hiddleston?” James asked rather surprised.

“He is. We had been together for 7 years when he broke up with me.” A sad smile came to her face. James sat up and hugged her tightly. He knew that she was hurt badly. He was also pretty certain that she still loved him. And with this new information about how long they had been together, he needed time to process.

“It’s okay. Maybe you can join me on the after party? I can ask who is on the guest list, so you don’t run into him?” He asked. Rose looked at him and smiled, before she leant forward and kissed him. Giving him the answer he wanted to hear.

Rose wanted to send him something. Hell. She wanted to hug him and tell him how proud she was. And she wanted to punch him for his poorly chosen words. She could see that he was nervous.

“You should call him.” Ryan said.

“I can’t.” She watched as he stumbled over his words, while accepting his first Golden Globe for his role in “The night manager”.

“Then write him. Or write something.” He kissed her forehead and left.

She looked at herself in the mirror. The now red hair was curly around her head. The green floor long dress she chose fitted perfectly and the shoes made her at least 3 inches taller.

The applause on TV brought her back and she saw Tom waving to the crowd before he left the stage. Her phone already in her hand she went through her contacts.

“Oh my God please tell me it wasn’t that bad.” Were the first words she heard after the call connected.

She laughed. “Well it wasn’t that good either.”

“I really hate you, Stevens.”

“I love you too, Luke. How is he?” Rose had been in contact with Luke constantly in the last months. In the past years he had become a close friend.

“He’s doing interviews right now. I gave him a tequila after he came back from stage.”

“Like a good Publicist would do.”

“Are we still on for tomorrow?” He asked.

“I’ll pick you up around noon. I will call you before I’m on my way.”

“Good.”, she heard Tom asking who’s on the phone. Her stomach clenched hearing his voice so close.

“That’s Tom. I have to go.”

“Tell him congratulations.”

“I will. See you Rose.”

“You look absolutely beautiful.” James told her as soon as she exited the car.

“Why thank you Mr. Golden Globe winner.” She kissed him.

“Congratulations.” She kissed him again.

“Thank you. Should we go in?”

“We should.” Rose took his hand and smiled at him.

What she didn’t know was that only 2 cars away Tom had spotted her and had a hard time controlling his expression, when he saw the woman he loved was kissing another man.

She hadn’t expected for the meeting with Luke on the next day to be so awkward.

Usually they had no problems talking to each other. They had been friends from the beginning of Rose and Tom dating. But both of them where not sure how to proceed this friendship, now that Tom was out of the picture.

“Long night?” Luke asked as they were seated and looking through the menu.

“I actually haven’t slept at all. I was on a after show party of the golden globes.”

“I know. Tom saw you.”

Rose looked at Luke over the menu.

“He did?”

Luke nodded. “He was supposed to be at the same party but left as soon as he saw you with James Miller. He was quite upset.”

“And that should concern me?” Rose put the menu down and raised her eyebrows at Luke.

Luke became uneasy.

“No. Yes. God, this is awkward. I don’t want to be put in the middle of all this.”

“There is no middle, Luke.”

“He wants to make things right, you know?”

Rose leant back in her chair, shaking her head rolling her eyes.

“Then he should have made more of a effort instead of a text message. How would you feel if Laura left you without any real explanation, because we both know Taylor wasn’t the real reason. He waited too long. I have James now. And he’s perfect. I really want to try with him.”

“Do you love him?” Luke asked.

“I always will. But I don’t think I can get over the way he treated me.”

“I was talking about James.” Luke said after a while. Rose looked at him breathing in deep.

“I like him.” Rose answered. “You can’t love somebody after 2 months.” As soon as these words left her mouth and saw the look Luke gave her she, suddenly exhausted, rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“Jesus Benedict. We won’t be late. Who goes to watch a Shakespeare piece in the middle of the week?”

“Excuse you. Don’t underestimate the Shakespeare loving population of London.”

“Ugh.” Rose rolled her eyes and followed her friend. She and Benedict Cumberbatch had been childhood neighbours. Sure he was 10 years older than her but he had been her brothers friend. After he died he tried to be the big brother for Rose, David would have been.

Benedict had made it his purpose to take her to the theatre once a month. If he was available. His career really was starting to take off. That’s how she found herself sitting in the first row at the Donmar Warehouse about to see Shakespeare’s “Othello”.

“Do you think Ewan McGregor somewhere suddenly during this piece will stop and wholeheartedly sing the Elephant love song medley from the Moulin rouge movie? Because if that happens it might be worth leaving my flat the day before Christmas.” Rose had asked Benedict quietly before the lights went out.

Benedict had chuckled and whispered. “What am I going to do with you?”

2 hours later she joined in the standing ovation. She never liked Shakespeare. But if everything would have been performed like that, she would reconsider. When Ben told her Ewan McGregor would be in that play, she was sure she could survive 2 hours, subtle looking at him without actually paying real attention to the theatre. She hadn’t put in consideration the curly haired Gentleman that would also be there.

“So. How upset are you that there was no singing?” Ben asked, when the applause had slowed.

“Surprisingly I rather liked it.” Rose answered honestly.

“Oh?”

“This was the first time I really followed the story, so Congratulations Cumberbatch.” Rose looked at him. The cast came out for their final bow and she looked on stage again and swore she saw the Curly haired Man winking at her.

They were standing outside 30 minutes later, waiting for one of Benedict’s friends to have a drink with.

“I really want to go home Ben.” Rose whined for the third time.

“It’s Friday and it’s not even 11 pm. How old are you?”

“Right now I feel too old to even argue with you.”

“I’m taking you home on our way to the pub, all right?” Ben put his arm around her shoulder.

“Thank you. Adoptive brother.”

“Oh Tom. There you are.” Benedict suddenly took his arm away from Rose’s shoulder to greet the man who just stepped out with a hug.

“Glad you could make it. I hope you liked it?” As soon as she heard that voice, she knew that she so would go to the pub with Ben and his friend that night.

“Loved it. Rose here even liked it, and she is a though crowd.” Benedict stepped away from him and made a gesture to where Rose was standing.

“Though crowd? Why is that?” Tom looked at here interested.

“Oh she hates Shakespeare.” Ben provided and Rose could nothing but laugh at the shocked expression on Tom’s face.

“How… Why…” Where the only words that left his mouth while him and Ben where making their way over to Rose.

“I guess I just never really understood the fascination. Ben here tried very hard to make me like him. And the only piece I really ever liked way Henry V.”

“So there is hope.” Tom was now standing in front of Rose with a hopeful look on his face. So Rose was the name of the woman he had spotted first as he stepped on stage only a couple of hours ago. She was even more beautiful as she was standing right in front of him now.

“There is always hope, Tom…” She held her hand out for him to shake his.

“Thomas Hiddleston. But friends can call me Tom” He took her hand to shake it.

“And you are?”

“Rose Amelia Stevens. Nice to meet you Tom.”

When he brought her home that night, because Ben had left them by themselves after getting no word in, they were surprised to find out they lived only 5 minutes apart.

She was standing in her door, searching for the keys in her purse in the early morning hours of Christmas day. The sun about to come out. They had talked for 6 hours before the pub closed and they made their way home through Regents Park.

“So…” Rose finally had found her keys.

“So…” He repeated, smiling.

“We can agree that not everybody has to like Shakespeare?” Rose asked.

“We could do that.” He answered thoughtfully. “Or I could pursue you as long as possible with the outcome of you loving Shakespeare as much as I do.”

“I don’t think Shakespeare even loved himself as much as you love him, Tom.” She laughed. He joined.

“You might be right but I would like to try.”

“And how would you do that?”

“We could start by going to the theatre together?”

“I already do that, if I you remember.”

“Well yes but you haven’t been to the theatre with me.” He grinned.

“True.” Rose smiled.

Tom grabbed her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist.

“Merry Christmas Rose.” He had smiled.

“Merry Christmas, Tom.” She had smiled back and watched him leave her, going down the street.

As soon as she entered her apartment, still smiling like a lunatic her phone beeped, signalling a new message.

> She’s beautiful, and therefore to be wooed; She is woman, and therefore to be won. Henry VI Part 1 - Act 5, Scene 2 >

Right in that moment she had fallen in love with Tom. After meeting him only a couple hours earlier.

She looked at Luke. She had to leave.

“I can’t. I really want to. But I can’t.” Rose stood and put a hand on her friends shoulder.

“I have to find out if I can grow to love James.”

“But that’s not fair to either one of you.”

“I know. But sometimes you have to put yourself first. Like Tom did.” And with these word she left Luke alone at the Restaurant and made her way home.

>> Chapter 5

#fanfic #fanfiction #ff #tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston x ofc

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