#will probably just alert my mom like hey i got too high last night n now im still feeling it. how abt u do most of the talking

[grecoromanyaoi]

i took an edible (too much edibles) at 7:30pm and now its 6:20am and im still kinda high... n ive got a doctors appointment in 2 hours, rip

[hangovercurse]

The Things We Can’t Tell Pete about ix

Pete finds out about you and Colson

Colson X Reader

Warnings: Cursing, slut-shaming, sibling fighting

A/N: It’s done! Thank you all for reading this far, hope it’s lived up to expectations.

A/N 2: This is modeled after the (many) fights I’ve had with my siblings 😊

Word Count: 2277

| i | ii | iii | iv | v | vi | vii | viii |  

“Just promise me that we tell him soon, okay?”

2 months later

Things had been going steadily with Colson since that first night he spent in your apartment. You’d honestly never felt happier in a relationship, except for the nagging fact that you still hadn’t told Pete. Every time Colson would ask about it, you’d feed him the same line, “I’m just not ready to handle that yet.”

You could tell he was tired of the sneaking around and the same old excuse, but you truthfully weren’t sure what the outcome would be. If Pete was going to be mad at you, you might as well enjoy what you had until then.

And were you enjoying it. You and Colson both had to admit that sneaking around everyone was thrilling. A few weeks into your relationship, he’d brought you on set of one of his music videos to “show you the process.” The process, it turns out, was hooking up in a side room while the crew was on lunch break.

You knew it would be so much better if you could be honest about your relationship. If you could go out on dates publicly or post the cute pictures you take of him on your Instagram, or literally anything a normal couple could do. But for now, you were happy.

Last night, Colson had come over with takeout and a bottle of champagne, setting up a picnic on the floor of your living room. You talked and kissed while different movies played in the background, the bubbly starting to get to your head. You almost let three very important words slip out, but somewhere deep in your brain, common sense still lingered.

You knew you loved him, but you didn’t want to pressure him into saying anything he wasn’t ready for. You wanted him to take the first step. So, you didn’t say anything. Instead, you let the night carry into morning, waking up to a loud knock on your door.

There was no part of you that was about to get up and open the door, so you just snuggled further into Colson and closed your eyes. But then, the lock clicked and the handle squeaked through the small apartment.

Your entire body was immediately on high alert, shaking Colson to wake him up. His tired eyes opened, finding you and shifting to immediate confusion. He opened his mouth to say something before he was interrupted by the voice of the intruder,

“Hey Y/N, mom wanted me to pick up the-“ The door of your bedroom opened, revealing a stunned Pete. His eyes shifted from you to Colson, and then back to you. He let out a scoff, shaking his head and leaving the room.

You sighed, jumping out of bed and throwing on the closest shirt, that just so happened to belong to Colson. “Pete!” You ran out of the room, grabbing onto his arm and stopping him from leaving, “please jus-“

“You are the most manipulative bitch I have ever met, and I’ve met a lot.” His voice was dark, furious. Your mind was running a mile a minute to figure out how to explain everything. “I asked you for one simple thing, and you can’t even fucking do that?”

Tears began to flood behind your eyes, panic taking over your body. You were already on edge from the earlier fear of someone being in your house, and you were incredibly tired. So combined with Pete yelling at you, even if you did deserve it, it was enough to send you into a spiral of negative thoughts and anger. “If you would act fucking rational when I tried to talk to you about it, maybe you would know that it wasn’t so simple!”

Pete chuckled, “right, sorry. I forgot that you’re a slut who can’t keep her fucking legs closed.”

His words hit you like a thousand punches, so much so that you physically took a step backwards. He took no notice, continuing to pour all his anger out on you. “And you’re a fucking liar. How long have you been whoring around with him? Because if I were to guess, it’d be a couple months by now, right?”

Colson, who was standing by the door to your room, not quite sure what to do with himself, spoke up, “Pete, st-“

“How many of my other friends have you been fucking?” Pete ignored his friend, eyes still seeing red and focusing on you. “I mean, seriously, what is this? Did I do something wrong? Did you want to hurt me? Is this you getting back at me for something, by fucking around with my friends?”

Tears were falling freely from your eyes, embarrassment and hurt coursing through your veins. “You always make everything about you, Pete. You never fucking consider anyone else except your goddamn self.”

You shoved his chest harshly, turning and walking towards your bedroom. You pushed past Colson, who tried to comfort you, slamming the door behind you. You sat on the bed and let everything weigh down on you, Pete’s words ringing in your ears. Part of you was angry with him, telling you that he was in the wrong. But another part of you was angry at yourself for not being a good sister.

Outside the door, Pete had turned his anger towards Colson. “Get out.” Your boyfriend had tried to talk reason with Pete, but your brother was having none of it. “You are not my fucking friend, okay? Not anymore.”

“Pete, you’re being ridiculous, ju-“

“I’m not being fucking ridiculous!�� Pete yelled, “that’s my fucking sister. You could fuck anyone else in the goddamn world and you chose to fuck my little sister? That’s fucked, dude.”

Colson was overcome by the urge to defend your relationship, “I fucking love her, Pete. Okay? Goddamn.” For the first time since Pete walked out of your room, he was quiet. “Do you think I would risk my entire relationship with you for some fuck? Do you think she would?”

He didn’t wait for a response, instead turning and walking into your room. The sight of you curled up, knees to your chest, made Colson’s heart break. He climbed on the bed behind you, back to the headboard, and pulled you into his lap. He could feel your body shake with every sob, so he just held you tightly in his arms.

When he could feel you physically start to calm down, he whispered gently, “I love you.”

You’d always hoped whenever you heard those words from him, you’d feel relieved, knowing your relationship was as real to him as it was to you. But right now you were only filled with dread. You didn’t want him to love you, because it made everything seem so much worse. How had you let it get this far?

Before you could respond, Colson continued, “I love you, but I can’t stay with you.” You leaned further into his chest, staring blankly ahead of you. “I want you to be happy, and you won’t be if you lose Pete.”

Your lip quivered as you whispered out, “I love you too.”

Colson sighed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head, before moving to climb out of the bed. Tears blurred your vision as you watched him walk out of the room. Him leaving only made you fall even more in love with him, which hurt like a bitch.

When Colson came into view of Pete, the younger man studied him, but not in anger. “Did you really mean that?”

Colson sighed, “that I love her? Yeah, I do.” Pete was sat on the couch, rubbing his hands over his face to try and calm himself down. “But I’m not about to let you ruin your relationship with her over me. So, if you want me gone, I’m gone.”

Pete was silent for a few moments, and Colson could feel his own heartbeat slowing down, the thought of losing you for good finally hitting him. “How long?”

The older man sat on the other side of the couch, elbows on his knees, “It’s complicated. I asked her out the day after we met but then I broke it off like a week later when you guys got in that fight about it.” Pete nodded to confirm he remembered, “then we tried the whole “friends” thing for like a month, but it obviously didn’t work. Then two months later, here we are.”

Pete was staring blankly at the black TV screen in front of him, absorbing the blonde’s words. “Why didn’t you guys just tell me?” Pete’s voice was weak, guilt and regret slowly sinking into his system.

Colson hung his head, “because she wanted to put this off as long as possible, I think. I tried to get her to talk to you about it but she wasn’t ready. I don’t think I was either, truthfully. I figured once you knew, if it were as bad as she thought it would be, I would lose her.”

“You would really leave if it meant keeping her and me from fighting?” Colson could feel his heart stop at Pete’s words, the expected heartbreak on the horizon.

“If it meant she was happy, yeah.”

Pete rested his head in his hands, sighing deeply, “I’m an asshole.”

This took Colson by surprise, as it was not the response he was expecting. He thought he’d be thrown out immediately. “What do you mean?”

“We have this rule that we don’t fuck each other’s friends because then someone gets hurt and one of us would probably lose a friend. So, I flipped out when she brought it up because I really didn’t want to be put in that situation.” Pete paused, looking up to his friend, “But obviously you’re serious about her and you make her happy.”

Colson replied sincerely, “you know I’m never gonna hurt her, right?”

“I’ll kill you if you do, best friend or not.”

“That’s fair.”

The two men sat in silence for a while before they broke out into laughter, Pete reaching over to shove Colson’s shoulder, “I’m sorry for being a dick.”

Colson nodded, laughing it off, “I’m not the one you need to apologize to.”

Pete knocked on your door lightly, not waiting for a response before slowly walking in. You hadn’t moved since Colson left; your eyes still blankly focused on the wall in front of you. He sat down beside you and pulled you into his side, head resting on his shoulder. “I didn’t mean any of that,” his voice was hushed but sincere. “I was hurt and confused and I said things in the moment that I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.”

You shrugged, “you don’t have to apologize. I deserved it.” When you spoke, your voice was flat, void of all emotion. Just how you felt.

Pete sighed, “no, you didn’t. You tried to talk to me about it months ago and I blew up on you. I can’t blame you for not telling me.”

“It’s fine Pete, it’s over anyways.” You wanted to scream at yourself for falling too easily and at him for making assumptions, but you couldn’t find the strength. “It was more than just sex though, Pete.”

“I know, I was being an asshole.” He squeezed you closer into his side, “I should’ve realized you wouldn’t hook up with one of my friends unless it was serious.”

You whispered, “I didn’t mean for it to get this far.” Your voice was strained, “I wanted to tell you but I knew when you found out that you’d get mad and then something like this would happen. But I really fucking liked him, I just wanted to hold onto it while I could.”

“I was mad. Dude, I was pissed when I walked in.” Pete could feel you tense up at his words, “but you’re my sister and he’s my best friend. I just want you guys to be happy. And I might not like it, but he makes you happy.”

You sighed in relief, “you know I would never try to hurt you, right? Like I didn’t do this to make you mad or put you in a weird spot. It just kind of happened.”

Pete chuckled, “yeah, I know. And I’m sorry for saying all that shit. I was mad, you know how I get.”

You rolled your eyes, “you mean I know that you’re crazy? Yes, I am very aware.”

He shoved your shoulder lightly, the two of you sitting in comfortable silence for a moment before he broke it. “If you two make me third wheel, I swear I’ll kill you both.”

“Have you two met yourselves? I feel like I’m third wheeling you guys when we all hang out,” you giggled, climbing out of the bed. “I think you owe me sushi now.”

Pete gave you a very confused expression, “you snuck around with my best friend behind my back. If anything, you ow me sushi.”

“You called me a slut and a bitch. And you embarrassed me in front of my boyfriend.” You said matter-of-factly, a small smile on your face to let Pete know you’d already started to get over it.

He rolled his eyes, getting up and moving to the living room, “that just makes us even.”

“I’m suing you for emotional damages.” You joked as you followed him, sitting on the couch next to Colson, leaning into him, “the court has determined you owe me sushi.”

Colson looked between you both, confused, “so, you two are good now?” Pete and you nodded, smiling. “Siblings are fuckin’ weird, man.”

Tag list @corpse-babe @sesamepancakes

[peachhcs]

Love Languages Pt. 2

Pairing: Luke Patterson x reader

Summary: Pt.2 to Luke asking you what Love Languages are

Warnings: talk of drinking and cheating but that’s it

Word Count: 1.6k

Here is part two that you all have been asking for! I deeply apologize for how long it took me to get this up, school is really kicking my butt. I have a bunch of people asking to be on my taglist and I’m currently in the works of making one so comment or reblog or something telling me you want to be on my taglist! Make sure you specifiy for my series or for small blurbs/oneshots like this or both! 

Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! I love the comments and y’all are so amazing! 

I’m not sure if this will have a part 3?? but let me know if you want one haha. I won’t be tagging anyone in this because my tags got lost in my notifications, so if you want to be tagged again, make sure you read above! :)

PART 1

* * *

You didn’t mean to avoid Luke, it just kind of happened. Junior Year was no joke and it felt like every night and every weekend you had piles of homework to get done, so you sort of drifted from going to Julie’s house everyday. She didn’t mind, she understood just as much and kept you updated on how the band was doing. However, you still felt guilty for avoiding the boys. You were worried that Luke would think he scared you away by touching you, but you were feeling the exact opposite. You wanted to explore more and find out more but here you were, in your room at 12am trying to finish this nagging essay that was due in 8 hours. 

You felt your eyelids growing heavy but you shook your head, trying to keep yourself awake. The 3 monster drinks on your nightstand said enough about how much you were trying to keep yourself awake. You had 2 paragraphs left but you knew you were at a losing battle with yourself. The way your eyes were just glazing over at this point and rereading the same sentence over and over was becoming a very evident indication that you needed sleep. Before you could even think about quitting for the night, there was a noise from the side of your room and a grunt. Your eyes quickly darted over to where the noise came from and there stood Luke with that magenta pull over that you really liked. 

“Luke?” His eyes quickly darted over to you, clearly surprised to still see you awake.

“Y/n..hey..” He started and you pushed your laptop away to give him your full attention. 

“What are you..doing here?..” You weren’t really sure why he was here and you felt a small bit of tension in the room from avoiding him for the past few weeks. 

“I uh..came to see you..” His voice was small and you pushed your eyebrows together in confusion. 

“At 12 in the morning?..” You knew ghosts didn’t really sleep but it was still a strange sight to see Luke in your bedroom this late at night. 

“Yup..” He trails off and pushes his glance down to the floor. You raised your eyebrow, knowing he wasn’t telling you the whole truth. You two were still best friends after all, so you could read him like an open book. 

“Luke, seriously. What are you doing here?” You ask trying to push an answer out of him. He finally meets your gaze again and you see his small expression on his face.

“Why have you been avoiding me?” 

You blinked a few times at his bluntness. This time you were the one to avoid his gaze. You picked at your fingernails slightly, knowing Luke was watching you and waiting for an answer. 

“I don't mean too.. School’s been tough and stuff.” You say cringing at how lame that sounded even though it was true. Luke stayed silent for a moment, trying to decide if you were lying to him or not. You avoided his eyes and kept your glance locked on the floor. 

“Did I do something wrong? Did I overstep by touching you? I didn’t mean to scare you or anything..” Luke trails off and you frown. You quickly shake your head to tell him no.

“No, no, no. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’ve just been really swamped with homework..” You grimace to yourself for coming back to your really lame excuse. You watch as Luke steps a little closer, testing the waters. When you don’t object to him moving closer, he takes a slow seat on your bed beside you. 

“You look tired..” He points out, gently reaching to touch your cheek. It warms both of your bodies as your skin makes contact. His hands were..warm..and comforting. You weren’t sure what you expected but it definitely wasn't this. Who knew ghosts were warm? 

“I told you I’ve been swamped with homework.” You chuckle and this time Luke chuckles along with you. He gently pulls his hand away and folds them into his lap. You stare down at your feet for a few moments trying to figure out what to say next. This felt like completely new territory the two of you were exploring and by the energy and growing tension in the room; this was a little bit scary. 

“Do you think you know..why we can..touch?” You ask hesitantly. Julie was filling you in here and there at school, but it wasn’t much and they didn’t seem to come up with anything as to why you had the “powers” too. 

“No..it’s still all confusing. We think Julie’s mom has something to do with us being connected to Julie but we don’t know about you.” Luke says, side eyeing you and you weren’t sure if that was a hint for you to talk about your past or not.  

You didn’t really open up about your past. No one had ever really asked so you never really talked. Julie knew a little bit, she knew that your mom and dad fought a lot and you didn’t like being at home that much, but that was about it. You didn’t talk about it further than that, so when you could feel Luke trying to dig into your past more, you shrugged. 

“My parents don’t talk much about stuff. I don’t know.” You say, keeping it short and simple. Luke frowns a little at your answer, but he knows not to push so he doesn’t. The two of you sit in more silence beside one another. You picked at your finger nails while Luke’s eyes travelled around your room. 

“I ran out on my mom. She didn’t believe in my dream and though dropping out of high school was the worst possible idea. We got into a fight and I ran out. That was the last time I saw her face to face. I died before I could make amends with her.” You glance at Luke, surprised at his openness. Even though you guys were best friends, talking about stuff like this was kind of off limits. The memory hurt too much so you never talked about at home, parent problems. 

“Wow..I’m sorry. That must have been hard on both of you.” You admit and Luke nods.

“It was, but Julie helped me make amends with them last year.” Luke smiles a little and you smile too. You knew his little story was a play to get you to start talking so you took in a little breath. 

“My dad cheated on my mom a few years ago with..a few other women. My mom keeps trying to make excuses for him to keep him around. They fight a lot because my dad doesn’t want to stay but my mom keeps pushing it. They’re both pretty heavy drinkers, too. It’s not a very good mix.” You explain. It felt weird to say it out loud, but it also felt nice to talk about it with someone.

“I’m really sorry, Y/n. I can’t imagine how difficult that is.” Luke empathizes but you only shrug. 

“It’s a good thing Julie let’s me come over so much. She’s been there for me for it all and I really love her for that.” You say, smiling at the thought of Julie’s friendship. You really couldn’t ask for a better best friend to get through it all. 

“Yeah, Julie’s really great. She does it all.” Luke laughs and you nod in agreement. More silence fills in between you two but it was comfortable silence. This time you lean your head on Luke’s shoulder and he pulls his arm around you to bring you closer. You could feel the tension slowly fading away. Sometimes all it took was one meaningful conversation to break the barrier. 

“Oh yeah, I saw these on my way over here and I thought you might like them.” Luke smiles and you watch as he digs into his pocket before pulling out a small bouquet of those pretty Aster flowers. You sit up a little, instantly recognizing them. They were your grandma’s favorite before she passed away when you were little. 

“Asters?” You ask and Luke glances at you a little surprised.

“Is that what they’re called? They’re really pretty.” Luke smiles and hands them to you. You smile, smelling them and instantly getting that fresh scent of your grandma’s house. 

“They are very pretty. Thank you.” You smile warmly and Luke smiles again. 

“Yeah, you’re welcome. They just reminded me of you.” Luke says and you chuckle. That was something your grandma had said to you a lot. 

“You should probably get going. It’s getting late and the boys are probably wondering where you are.” You chuckle, glancing at how much later it had gotten and you still had to wake up for school the next morning. 

“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’ll see you at Julie’s tomorrow?” Luke stands up and sends you a hopeful glance. You chuckle and nod a yes. 

“Yeah, see you there, Patterson.” Luke smiles at your response. You watch as he hesitates to leave for a moment and you’re about to question him when in one quick motion he plants a kiss on your cheek before poofing out. 

You sit there, a little stunned, before allowing a small blush to creep its way onto your cheeks. You got up to put your flowers in your little vase on your desk. It added a nice touch to your room. If Luke hadn’t come in to make you more alert, you would have missed it. On your desk by the vase was a small piece of paper with writing on it. Upon examining it further, it was one of the last notes your grandma had written to you before she passed away. You thought you had lost that somewhere in your numerous papers, but there it was, front and center on your desk. 

I will be with you, today, tomorrow, and forever. You just have to look for the signs - Grandma 

[leviathans-watching]

False Dichotomy// XIII: food for thought

False Dichotomy: when a situation is presented as ‘either/or’ but there is at least one additional logically valid option

As a childhood friend of Oikawa and Iwaizumi and manager of the Aoba Johsai Boys Volleyball Club, you couldn’t imagine your life without them. You know you like both of them, but you resolve to keep the feelings hidden, knowing staying friends is better than either having to choose one or losing your friendship with them both (an iwaizumi x reader x oikawa smau)

masterlist // XII: hey cutie // XIII: food for thought // XIV: not them being mutuals on twitter

wc: 1k

You checked everything off, one more time, praying that the team dinner wouldn’t be too much of a disaster.

Granted, you were cooking up a scheme, so to say, so at least one thing was

going to go wrong, but hopefully, you wouldn’t end up drenched like last time.

You couldn’t deny your nervousness- you were still a little iffy about the whole Terushima thing, but really, there was no going back now.

You would probably been a bit more comfortable with at least knowing what Terushima looked like, but at least he had agreed to let you know when he was going to make his move.

(And how could he? This was crazy, even by your standards.)

“Everything all right?” Oikawa asked, looking over at you for a second.

“Everything all right?” Oikawa asked, looking over at you for a second.

“Oh, yep!” You smiled thinly at him, debating whether sitting on your hands would be a subtle way to stop wringing them. “Just hoping I won’t have to throw my shirt out by the end of tonight.”

Not buying it, Oikawa pursed his lips. “Ok, well, you’d tell me if there was something up, right?”

“Duh,” you scoff, reaching over to squeeze his shoulder.

“Good.” Oikawa pulls into the restaurant parking lot, parking next to Iwaizumi’s mom’s car. Obviously, he had borrowed it for the night.

The two of you strolled into the restaurant, easily finding your team’s table. They were sat in a booth, unfortunately, and you waited for Oikawa to slide in before you sat down, securing yourself a spot on the end.

“Where’s Iwa-chan?” Oikawa asked, scanning the table. With a jolt, you noticed he wasn’t there.

“Bathroom,” Kunimi said, not even looking up from his phone.

Your phone buzzed in your pocket, and you fished it out, oh high alert. It was just Mattsun.

“Who’re you texting, y/n-chan?” Oikawa asked, leaning over to look at your phone. You turned it off, something you rarely did in front of him, something he undoubtedly noticed. “Just my mom.”

Mattsun, noticing, cut in. “Oh, there’s Iwaizumi. Scoot over to make room for him, y/n.”

Giving Mattsun a glare, you moved towards Oikawa best you could, ending up sandwiched between them.

The waiter swung by, grabbing your drink orders, and soon you were all engaged in conversations.

A couple of times you had to remind them to lower the volume, but overall, the boys seemed on their best behavior.

Once food orders were taken, you took a few photos of everyone, laughing at Oikawa’s exaggerated poses.

Thankfully, the food didn’t take too long to arrive, but before you could even take a bite, your phone buzzed.

A quick checks showed it was Terushima.

Not even 30 seconds later, someone approached the table. Looking up, your eyes actually widened as you took him in.

Bleached-blond hair, sharp features, and a devilish smile that lingered on the edge of his lips.

“Can we help you?” Iwaizumi asked, looking up at him.

“Oh, I’m not here for you.” Terushima ran his hand through his hair. “I’m here for them. Say, cutie, you’re looking pretty good. Want to ditch the rest of these losers and come hang out with me? The name’s Terushima, by the way.”

Ducking your head, you surpressed a smile. “Well, I don’t know, it’s a team dinner.”

“What sport?”

“Volleyball,” Oikawa answered for you, sliding closer.

“Oh yeah? I play. Maybe of you to get with me I can show you a real game.” Terushima’s tongue piercing clacked against his teeth.

You laughed, a non-committal reply that Iwaizumi surely caught, if the way his fists tightened against his side was any indication.

“Well,” Terushima sighed. “If you can’t let me whisk you away now, can I at least get your number?”

You barely caught the pen he tossed at you, but went on to scrawl your number (your real one, since both Oikawa and Iwaizumi were watching closely), and,

for good measure, and XOXO.

Terushima took the proffered napkin, tucking it into his pocket with a wink. He then walked off, leaving everyone speechless.

“You actually gave him your number?” Oikawa asked, and you shrugged, taking a bite of your food.

“What? He was-“

Makki interrupted. “Hot?”

“No! Well, yes,” you admitted, much to Oikawa’s loud dismay. “But I was going to say charming.”

“Oooh~” Mattsun teased. “Y/n’s got a boyfriend!”

Everyone laughed, most of the tension dissipating. You looked up, and Kyotani was staring at you, with a look that clearly read “we’ll talk about this later”.

The rest of the dinner passed normally, and soon, checks were being asked for. The money used to pay for the team dinners usually came out of club funds, something you had the card for, so the receipt went to you.

Scanning it, you saw it was less than you had expected.

Seeing your look of confusion, the waiter answered your unasked questions. “Oh, one of the meals was payed for by a guy from another table. Bleached hair, Teru-something.”

That wasn’t part of the plan. You’d have to pay him back.

“Well, that’s uh, nice of him,” you manage, handing over the card. The time waiting for the card back was spent in silence, but you saw Makki and Mattsun’s barely concealed grins.

XIV: not them being mutuals on twitter

a/n: god my brain melts for teru i’m not even sorry 😩🤚

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[speech-less]

wildest dreams

Morgan x Reader

warnings: none : )

genre: fluff but sad-ish fluff

w/c: 1,498

When you arrived at the restaurant this morning, you found a note on your desk. Sprawled in your assistant’s handwriting was: “Derek Morgan called for you. He’s in town and wants a table for 7 for tonight. Says he’s an old friend?”

The room started to lightly spin. You never expected to hear from Derek Morgan ever again. Derek was your first love: you dated all through high school and college. When Derek got accepted into the academy, you had no intention of following him around, and he was moving away, so you mutually decided to break it off.

You spent more time than you’d like to admit wondering what could have been.

 Even though you were young, you always felt like he was the one. You’d had boyfriends after Derek, but none of them were so fun, so loyal, so handsome. You even kept up with his mom and sisters, but you never dared ask about his love life. It would hurt too much to know. But, you assumed he had moved on and started dating some supermodel or badass international spy or even a princess.

You called back, but got his voicemail. The sound of his voice, even just on his answering message, gave you butterflies. Pulling yourself together, you waited for the beep and then said, “Hey there, stranger. You have a reservation for 7 for tonight at 7:30. Let me know if that time doesn’t work. If not, I can’t wait to see you.”

‘I can’t wait to see you?’ You thought, the line circling throughout your brain at the speed of light. Was that too much? What if he didn’t feel the same way? There’s no way he would have left a message specifically for you if he didn’t want to see you.

You were successful in your own regard. It wasn’t as flashy as the BAU, but you owned a few high-class restaurants in Chicago. It was fun and it really kept you busy.

-----

7:30 came before you knew it, and, right on time, you watched a group escorted to the table reserved for Derek.

You only counted 6 seated, and certainly didn’t recognize any of them to be Derek, but you decided to go over anyway to welcome them.

“Hi all, I’m Y/N, the owner. An old friend of Derek’s. I’m so happy to have you all here.” You announced, eyes flickering around the group.

“Y/N, thank you for having us. I’m Aaron, and this is the team. Derek is parking the car,” a very serious, but handsome, dark-featured man responded to you.

Before you could respond, you saw their eyes move past you.

“There’s my girl,” Derek announced from behind you. You turned to meet him, and, before you could even see him, he had enveloped you into a hug without hesitation. You happily returned the gesture, arms wrapping around his notably buff torso.

He pulled you back slightly, hands on your waist, and quietly said, “You really look amazing,” before taking his seat at the table.

You took a second to compose yourself, as you could feel the heat rushing to your cheeks.

Pulling yourself together, you turned to the group, saying, “Tonight’s dinner is on the house, so, please, enjoy. And don’t hesitate to let me know if you all need anything.” You were met with cheers from the group, and Derek winked and mouthed, “Thank you.”

You returned to the front of the restaurant, leaving them to enjoy their meal.

-----

Their waiter alerted you when the group was done with their meal, so you made your way over to their table.

“How was everything?” You mused, looking at the group who all seemed relatively pleased.

They all murmured accolades, which brought a smile to your face. You loved working in the restaurant business because you could bring people together.

They very kindly left a tip for their waiter before all gathering their things to leave. You told them they were welcome back any time and to have a safe trip back to D.C. in the morning.

Derek got up and put on his jacket, but, instead of leaving with the group, he approached you, asking, “Can I talk to you for a second? Somewhere more private.”

You nodded, grabbing onto his arm and pulling him into the back of the restaurant into your office. You couldn’t imagine what he would want to talk about, but you didn’t mind a moment alone with him. When in your office, you closed the door behind you, turning to him.

“Y/N, I feel bad for coming into your restaurant and eating for free and not spending any time with you,” he mused, “and eating an amazing meal for free, at that. I wasn’t trying to take advantage of you. I was going to ask you to sit with us, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

Derek could always borderline read your mind - which was probably why he was now so good at his job.

“That isn’t how I felt,” you shook your head, smile tugging at your lips. “I’m so glad that you all enjoyed your meal. And that you even thought of me when you were in town.”

“Of course I thought of you,” he stated matter of factly, as if this happened all the time.

His eyes lit up with their signature Derek Morgan sparkle, and he asked, “When do you get off? Can I walk you home?”

Not able to resist, you told him to give you 20 minutes and you would be ready to head home.

-----

Derek helped you put on your coat, and the two of you headed for the front door.

As you two stepped into the Chicago cold, a drunk regular, presumably waiting for his ride outside, tried to grab your hand, seemingly in hopes of sparking a conversation with you. You felt Derek’s demeanor change, immediately springing into protective mode, coming behind you, snaking one arm left around your waist and interlocking his other hand with yours. He pushed you both in the direction of your apartment, not even acknowledging the man.

As you two walked away, you said softly, “Derek, I’m okay.”

Derek let go of you, but laced his fingers with yours.

Conversation flowed very naturally, almost like there was no time lost. Of course, you had both been updated on each other’s lives through your families, but you hadn’t actually seen Derek in years.

“So you own a bunch of restaurants like that? You know, you’re really amazing, Y/N,” he complimented, bringing your hand to his mouth to give a soft kiss. “You always were.”

“Me? You’re the heroic FBI agent. I saw you on the news this week,” you shook your head, looking up at him. “I know you’re just being modest. You saved six kids this week.”

“My team saved six kids this week,” he corrected, clearly not open to taking the compliment.

“Regardless,” you shrugged, squeezing his hand, “it still seems like you’re doing remarkable things.”

You two walked in silence for the remaining block. You knew there was so much to say. Too much for one night. And, it hung over you both as you walked.

He dropped your hand and wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him. You returned the gesture, wrapping your arm around him and resting your head lightly on his shoulder.

As you got to your apartment, you softly said, “Well, this is it.”

You both stopped, just standing at the bottom of your steps for a second. You saw in Morgan’s eyes that something was gnawing at him. “Y/N,” he dragged out, “Do you think we could have worked?”

You didn’t want to answer, and he didn’t want you to, either.

Instead of answering, you leaned in, wrapping your arms around his neck, laying your face in the crook of his neck. You felt his arms lock behind you, pulling you tight against him. You closed your eyes, fighting back a tear or two, taking in a deep breath of his cologne.

Without pulling back, he began: “You’re really killing it out here, babygirl. I’m proud of you.”

You didn’t say anything, not able to respond without breaking out into tears.

“And if anyone ever starts giving you any shit, I’m just a phone call away. I’m serious. They’ll regret ever being born.” You laughed into his neck, not able to fight a smile.

Dropping your arms from his neck, you looked up at him, hoping the tears in your eyes weren’t too obvious. “Alright, get out of here. You have an early flight to catch,” you played, squeezing his hand one last time.

“I’m just going to watch you get inside,” he nodded, leaning in to give you a kiss on the cheek.

And as you walked up to your door, you swore you heard him say, “I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too, Derek Morgan,” you whispered, pushing the key into your door.

taglist///// @ciniluv

[buckthegrump]

IBTHNTTTY - 9

Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Summary: Y/n hates Bucky Barnes. Absolutely loathes him what makes it worse is that she has to share her office with him. Now with a promotion on the horizon she has to find a way to work with him and not against him.

Word Count: 1621

Warnings: this one has a lot of fluff, swears, sickness stuff, your welcome

A/n: leaving comments/ sending asks makes me happy

Working with Bucky on their project was turning out to be much simpler than Y/n once thought. During the first half of the week, he’d been super sweet to her. Honestly, it had set her on edge. Then one Wednesday, he had a personality change and was back to being a dick.

Which was almost a relief, but Y/n would be lying if she said that she hadn’t enjoyed the softer side of Binky Barnes. She had taken to calling him Binky in her mind to distance herself from those unwelcome feelings. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t working.

And to top off this week, she’d had a surge of anxiety on Thursday night. It was messing with her stomach, and when she woke up Friday morning, she didn’t feel much better. 

Y/n’s car had finally escaped Carol’s grasp and was sitting in her building's garage. But Y/n realized that walking made her feel like she was exercising daily, so she felt less guilty about lounging on the couch the rest of the time.

The smart thing to do would’ve been to drive her car, especially since it was pouring down rain. But she knew that if she’d even tried to get into any moving vehicle, she would’ve gotten car sick. She had this notion that if she got fresh air, she would feel better. It was just a minor stomach ache, after all. 

Her rain jacket that had been a gift from her parents had done nothing in the rainstorm. Neither had the fresh air. Her stomach was still uneasy.

Her outfit clung to every nook and cranny of her body, not leaving much to the imagination. Little baby hairs that had escaped their cages were now glued to her face. And she was dripping, legitimately dripping all over the floor.

As she entered the building, she had a thought. A troubling thought, she could risk getting motion sickness in the elevator that would last a few seconds, a minute at most. Or she could walk up the stairs, but who knows how long that would take.

Elevator it was then. She walked into an empty one hoping that she would get to suffer alone. (She was always extremely grumpy when she got sick.) But she wasn’t ill. It was just anxiety. 

Just as the doors started to close, Bucky slid through them. Damn it.

“Hey,” he greeted, not looking up from his phone. Y/n responded with a nod.

The elevator jolted into motion, and she almost heaved right then and there. She held her fist over her mouth and closed her eyes. 

“Are you ok?” He asked, looking over at her. 

Y/n waved him off. She was uncomfortable; her clothes were still soaking. (Not that she thought they would magically dry between entering the building and the elevator, but one could dream.) All she wanted to do was rip them off and put on her biggest and comfy-est t-shirt then crawl into bed. Ok, so maybe she should’ve stayed at home.

He closed the distance between them. She felt his hand, which was freezing, against her forehead.

“Your hand is cold,” she whined.

“No. You're just hot,” Bucky said.

“Stop trying to get in my pants, Binky.” His hand stiffened against her forehead and was pulled away.

“I meant your temperature, you’re burning up. Did you walk here in the rain?”

Y/n swallowed, attempting to keep the bile from coming up. “No, I rode my roller skates.”

“I highly doubt you would’ve even been able to get the skates on. Go home, you're sick.”

The doors opened with a soft ding, and Y/n was off the elevator in a flash. She walked to her office with her head held high, ignoring the looks she got from her co-workers. They were probably staring at her because she was sopping wet, but Y/n felt like they could sense her sickness.

No, she was not sick.

When she was finally safe in her office, she slumped down into her chair.

“You need to go home,” Bucky repeated. 

“I have a deadline,” she paused, “today that I can’t miss.”

“How long will it take you to finish it?”

Y/n didn’t answer. She was focused on getting the draft edited and sent off.

Luckily the edits were mostly done, so she finished the draft before noon. Before she got the chance to send it, she pulled her trashcan into her lap and vomited.

A hand started rubbing small circles on her back. 

“Let me take you home,” Bucky whispered. 

With no more fight in her, she sent the manuscript to Natasha and let Bucky help her out of her chair. She pulled away from him just as someone knocked at their office door.

Coulson entered after Bucky told him to. “I have a -” Coulson took one look at Y/n and froze, “Good God, Y/n, are you ok?”

“She appears to be a little sick, so I was going to take her home. All her work is done for the day -”

“Yes, of course,” Coulson nodded and stepped out of their way, “you can take the rest of the day too, Barnes.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Y/n walked through the office space, this time a little less confidently, with Bucky right behind her. 

Once in the elevator, Y/n leaned most of her body weight on the railing. There were small black dots in her vision and her knees buckled beneath her. Bucky was quick to catch her before she could fall to the ground; he then lifted her into his arms.

She mumbled something about being too heavy for Bucky to carry, his only response was for her to shut up. Letting herself relax in his arms and nuzzled her face into his neck. 

“You smell good,” she mumbled. 

Bucky’s chest rumbled with laughter. “I’m surprised that my smell isn’t making you nauseous.”

“Did you not shower today or something?”

“You’re halfway to death and still making fun of me,” he chuckled.

“Someone has to; if I don’t, your head will get too big, and you’ll be insufferable.”

“I think you’ll be pleased to know that you are not the only one who thinks that,” he told her. She hummed into his chest.

* * *

Y/n must’ve fallen asleep because the next thing that registered was Bucky helping her out of the car and into her building. He tried to pick her up, but she was being stubborn and walked with Bucky hot on her heels. 

He stood by patiently while she fumbled with her keys. Bucky gently grabbed the keys from her hand.

“I can do it,” she whispered.

“Sunflower,” he chuckled.

She froze and looked at him. “You haven’t called me that all week. Are you mad at me? Did I do something to make you mad at me? Because I’m sorry if I did. I don’t really hate you.”

He opened the door, and she walked in. Slowly, she melted to the floor, ready to just sleep there.

“No, no, no,” Bucky said, helping her to her feet. “You need to get out of those clothes and into something dry before you catch a cold on top of the flu.”

“I don’t have the flu.”

“Sunflower -” Bucky walked with her as she half led him to her bedroom.

“You never answered my question,” she said. Without thinking about it, she stripped down to her underwear.

“Oh my god,” Bucky quickly turned his back to her. “You can’t just take off your clothes like that.”

“I’m in my own house and -” she opened and closed her drawers. She finally found a new change of panties and her comfy shirt. After changing, she walked over to her bed. “You’re avoiding my question.”

“No, I’m not mad at you,” he said. 

“Bucky, come here,” Y/n ordered. Once he was standing next to her bed, she opened an eye to look at him. “Will you stay?”

“Oh, I don’t trust you not to do anything stupid,” Bucky reached out with his right hand and gently pressed it to her forehead. “Do you have a thermometer?”

An unbidden giggle escaped her lips. “My mom made me my very own first aid kit when I moved here. It’s in the bathroom under the sink.” 

Bucky’s thumb stroked her eyebrow before he walked away.

“Is your first aid kit in a little mermaid lunch box?” He called from the bathroom. She mumbled something into her pillow, not even she knew what she was trying to say. “Here.”

He held out the thermometer for her. 

“Will you do it? Just stick it in my armpit,” she groaned.

“Believe it or not, sunflower, I’ve taken someone’s temperature before,” He said.

“Some people are a stick it in the mouth kind of people. I just don’t want you to put my armpit thermometer in my mouth.”

“Noted.” He hesitated, then Y/n pulled at her neckline to give him access to her pit. 

“I’m hungry.”

“Probably because you’ve puked up everything you’ve eaten,” pulled the thermometer from her after it beeped. “But you’ll have to wait until you don’t dry heave for a few hours. You are currently at 103. If you go above that, I’m taking you to the doctor’s.”

Y/n grabbed his hand, and he stilled. She pulled him closer to him. Getting the hint, he took off his shoes.

“You don’t have to wear your pants,” she said. “Unless you’re going commando. I don’t want your dick out ready to play.”

He ignored her and climbed onto her bed and sat next to her. He didn’t get under the covers at all, nor did he lay down.

[storiesforallfandoms]

what if i can’t ~ machine gun kelly

word count: 1804

request?: yes!

“Hey! I love your writing could you do one with MGK where you’re trying for a baby with him but struggling to get pregnant and he’s super supportive?”

description: after struggling to get pregnant for some time, you start to worry that you may not be able to have kids and what that will mean for the future of your relationship, but your boyfriend is there to assure you

pairing: machine gun kelly x female!reader

warnings: swearing, mentions of infertility

masterlist

Colson and I sat on the bathroom floor as I watched the seconds tick away on the timer on my phone. Colson put a hand on my leg, drawing my attention to him.

“Watching the clock won’t make it go any faster,” he told me as he laced his fingers through mine. “You just have to have faith.”

“I’m starting to lose faith,” I sighed as I rested my head on his shoulder. “Babe, we’ve been trying for months and every time I take a test it comes out negative.”

Colson squeezed my hand tightly. “Well, they say when you give up is when it happens, so maybe this time is the time.”

I didn’t respond. I had very little faith in me being pregnant. There was just no signs of it happening; I wasn’t having morning sickness or strange cravings, I wasn’t feeling bloated (which many of my mommy friends have cited as their main tell for being pregnant), and my period wasn’t irregular, and hadn’t been irregular at all in the past few months.

I was starting to believe that I wasn’t meant to have kids, which was starting to worry me. Colson and I had decided months ago that we wanted to start a family of our own and had been trying ever since to no avail. If I couldn't have a kid, how would Colson react? I know he already had a daughter, but he was so excited for another baby, would he be upset if I couldn’t give him one?

My phone beeped, alerting us that the five minutes were up. I grabbed for the test so quickly that I fumbled and nearly dropped it. It took me a second to look at the results before throwing the test across the room in anger, hot tears forming in my eyes.

“Negative?” Colson asked.

“What the fuck do you think?” I snapped as I got up from the floor and stormed out of the bathroom.

I tried to combat my tears before they fell but it wasn’t easy. I was so frustrated. It felt like there was no use in trying anymore if the result was always going to be the same. It was becoming more and more evident that having a child of my own was not in my future.

Colson followed me into our bedroom as I threw myself onto our bed and buried my head in the pillows. We had tried so many times, there were so many nights where we declined the offer to go out with friends because I was supposed to be at my most fertile. I cut out all the foods and drinks that were supposed to be harmful to babies. I started working out and eating healthier, just to make sure my body was strong and healthy enough to hold a child.

Why did all of our efforts have to fail like this?

I felt the bed dip next to me as Colson sat down. He gently placed a hand on my back, rubbing it soothingly, as more tears fell from my eyes.

“It’s okay,” he said. I peaked up from the pillow to see he was laying next to me now. “We can go back to the doctor and see if there’s any treatments we can do, or any other options that might work. It’ll happen eventually.”

“But what if it doesn't?” I asked as I sat up. “What if the next visit to the doctor, we’re told that none of the treatments or options are viable because I can’t have kids? What if there’s something wrong with me that means I can’t get pregnant?”

“What if it’s me?” Colson responded. “It’s possible that it could go either way, but we can’t assume that’s the problem until we know for sure.”

I shook my head, more tears welling in my eyes. I wanted to stop crying, but I was so upset and frustrated, it was hard to stop.

“It can’t be you, you’ve already had a child,” I pointed out. “And we’ve tried everything, we’ve followed the advice from doctors and specialists and other professionals on the internet, we’ve been doing everything we’ve been told, following it all to a T. If I’m not pregnant, it’s probably because I can’t get pregnant. I can’t give us a baby.”

Colson wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I buried my head in his shoulder and started to cry, letting out all the frustration I had been holding in recently. I had been fearing for a while that the reality of our situation was that I couldn’t get pregnant.

At first, I thought we had just been having a hard time. I had plenty of friends, and had read plenty of stories, about couples trying to get pregnant and it taking some time. Some couples had even been trying for years and were on the verge of giving up when they finally learned they were pregnant. I knew it wasn’t impossible for it to just take some time until one of my eggs was fertilized.

But, as time went on, I began to grow more and more worried. We went to see doctors that confirmed that we were perfectly healthy and capable of having babies, and were given many options and talked to many times about ways to get pregnant. At this rate, I was sure I could go to school to become a pregnancy doctor and pass with flying colours with all that I knew. But still, despite everything we were doing, there was no pregnancy. Not even a sign that I could be pregnant.

Colson rubbed my back, soothingly, as he tried to reassure me, “It’ll all be okay. You’ll be okay, baby. People try for years for children, you can’t put yourself down after a few months.”

“What if it’s genetic?” I asked. “I have aunts that can’t have kids, what if it skipped mom and went to me instead? What if I can’t have a baby?”

“We’ll deal with that when and if the doctor tells us that it’s not possible. For now, we can’t just blame ourselves.”

He was so calm. I knew I should be grateful that he was, and that he wasn’t also taking part in blaming me, but part of me felt angry. I pushed him away from me, a little more violent than I meant, and got up off the bed.

“You don’t understand!” I snapped. “If I physically cannot have a baby, it means that I can’t give you another child! Do you really want to be with me if I can’t do that? Do you want to be with someone who can’t give you another baby?”

Colson stood and put his hands on my arms, forcing me to face him. “Is that what this is about? Do you think I’m going to leave you if you can’t get pregnant?”

I felt another lump in my throat, but I swallowed it and nodded instead of talking. Colson pulled me to him again and held me tightly.

“Baby, I’m not going to let something like not having a baby be the end of this relationship. I don’t care if we can’t have a baby that’s ours, I’ll gladly adopt a baby. Or we don’t have to have one at all. But I’m not going to break up with you if you can’t get pregnant. There are other options we can try.”

I looked up at Colson, my face drenched in tears yet again. “Really?”

He smiled and wiped my face with his thumbs. “I promise baby. If it’ll make you feel better, we can book you for a doctor’s appointment and see if there’s anything else that can be done.”

I nodded. “I’d like that, I just want to know for sure if there’s anything wrong with me.”

~~~~~~

A few days later, Colson and I sat in the doctor’s office, waiting for him to return with the results of the tests I had just taken. My legs were bouncing with anxiousness as we waited for the doctor to return. Unlike a few days before, Colson didn’t try to calm me down this time, as he was just as anxious as I was.

My heart began to beat a little faster as the doctor walked in with a clipboard in his hands. He pulled up a chair and sat across from us, scanning the clipboard. His prolonged silence made me even more anxious.

“Miss. (Y/L/N), if you don’t mind me asking, when was your last menstruation cycle?”

The question took me by surprise and I wasn’t sure if it should worry me or not that he asked. “Uh...like a little over a month ago I think.”

The doctor nodded. “And you said that the test you took a few days ago came back negative?”

My heart slowly began to sank as I solemnly nodded. Colson squeezed my hand to try and reassure me, but I knew whatever the doctor said next was not about to be good.

“Congratulations, Mr. Baker and Miss. (Y/L/N), you’re pregnant.”

I covered my mouth to stifle the scream of shock that came out. Colson was to his feet in seconds, lifting me up and hugging me tightly. He planted a deep kiss on my lips and for a second, both of us forgot that we were in a doctor’s office. It wasn’t until he laughed that we pulled away.

“But wait,” I said once Colson set me down. “The test came back as negative, and I haven’t had any other signs. How can that be right?”

“You’re in the very early stages,” the doctor explained. “Only a few weeks along. At this early on in the pregnancy, a false positive on a test is possible. If you test too soon after a missed menstruation cycle, there’s a high chance the test will come back negative. It’s why so many people might not think they’re pregnant after getting a negative on a test a day or two after they missed their period, only to find out a week later that they were actually pregnant.”

It was at that moment that I realized my period had been late, for the first time ever. I was so focused on hoping that I was pregnant that I didn’t even question how long it had been since my last period.

I turned to Colson, who’s smile mirrored mine. The doctor gave us some advice and booked us an appointment in a few months time to see how the baby was developing. Once we left the office, Colson took me in his arms again and kissed me deeply.

“We’re gonna have a baby,” he murmured against my lips.

“We’re gonna have a baby!” I repeated before kissing him again.

[itsmelaurel]

Begin Again

Summary: When your best friends move away for college, you think life is officially over. However, you find yourself making new friends including the blonde surfer from the other side of the island.

one

—————————————————

two.

The last three weeks of summer went by way too fast and it was finally your last first day of high school. You were currently out on the front steps of your home with a sign that said Senior. It was a tradition your mom went all out for every single school year.

“Looking like a snack before 8 am should be illegal.” Sarah shouted from behind your mom which caused you to roll your eyes.

“Oh, perfect shot. Probably going to use that for the Christmas card.” Your dad clapped sarcastically at your attitude being caught on camera.

“Alright, now all the kids on the steps.” Your mom directed. You and Sarah sat down first. Wheezie sat next to you and Katie, Kelce’s sister, sat on the other side of Sarah. Knowing it was only four of you this year had your heart sinking a little. These steps typically held seven Kildare Prep students. Now it was down to four and next year there would only be two left.

“I’ve got to send this to the boys. I tried to get them to take pictures on their first day of classes, but I was told they were too grown for that.” Kelce’s mom said while huddling next to Rose.

You had been successful in keeping busy these past few weeks in order to keep your mind off your best friend's physical absence in your life. All of you still texted every day in the group chat, but the promised daily FaceTime calls were slowly fading.

While you were busy with cheerleading and hanging out with the pogues, the boys had joined a frat and started classes two weeks ago. On top of that, they started partying several nights during the week and getting blackout on the weekends.

They still had no idea you were hanging out with the pogues. When they asked what you were up to, you would always tell them just hanging out with friends. Surprisingly, they never asked who. Just assuming you would never willingly hang out with the pogues.

You weren’t technically lying to them, but you constantly felt guilty about it. Then Sarah would remind you that they were living their best life at college, so why couldn’t you?

“Okay my sweet little babes, it’s time to head to school.” Your mom finally stops the photo shoot and pulls you from your thoughts. Her and your dad kiss your cheek goodbye, both of them tearing up when you get in your Jeep. They were so dramatic and you freaking loved them for it.

“I’ll see you at school after I drop these two off. Wait for me?” Sarah asked while leaning in your window. You promised to wait for her before leaving the driveway.

Arriving at school early was new for you. Last year you, Sarah and Kelce typically rode together in the mornings when Rafe had football and Topper had lacrosse. Kelce and Sarah were never on time which resulted in you running to first period with minutes to spare.

The song changed in the car, a soft country melody flowing through the speakers. The only person who listens to country is Topper and you roll your eyes at the fact he snuck this onto your playlist. Thinking of him made you realize that they really won’t be walking the halls with you today. It made your throat tighten with emotion at how different this year is going to be. The anxiety that you’ve done such a good job of hiding these past few years comes bubbling up unexpectedly.

Before you can stop yourself, you dial his number hoping it will calm your nerves. It rings a fourth, fifth and sixth time before it goes to voicemail and you hang up before you even hear the greeting. A dark, little voice in the back of your head says that he’s in college now and wouldn’t want to be bothered before 8 am about you're pathetic feelings.

The phone ringing through the speaker startles you and you immediately answer it without looking at the caller id thinking it’s Topper.

“Morning sunshine” JJs sleepy voice rasps through the car speakers.

“Morning punkin” a smile graces your face at the sickly sweet nicknames. It’s become a little joke between the two of you, mostly making fun of John B and Sarah’s overly sappy relationship.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, his voice sounding more alert than just a few seconds ago.

“Nothing, why?” your teeth capture your bottom lip and bite down.

“Somethings up”

“Nothings up-”

“Nu uh, don’t do that. Don’t lie to me. What’s wrong?” He prods hoping you let him in.

“I’m just really nervous about the first day, that’s all.”

“You’re going to have a great day, y/n. And if you don’t there’s nothing ice cream can’t fix.” His words are simple, but it causes you to giggle and your anxiety to melt away.

“How’d you know something was wrong?” You question.

While hanging out with the pogues these last few weeks, you and the blonde surfer had gotten close. When the couples would break off from the group, the two of you would hang out alone.

“I could just sense it and your voice cracked a little when you answered.” You imagine him giving you a shrug as if it wasn’t that big of a deal. But it was.

“Thank you, J.”

“Anytime buttercup. Do you have cheer practice today?” Now he’s the one who sounds nervous.

“I don’t. Why?”

“I don’t have work today either. Do you wanna hang out?” He all but rushes out the last sentence.

“Yeah, i'd like that.” You work out the details and he promises to bring ice cream just in case.

“Hey, you gonna sit out here all day?” Sarah knocks on your window causing you to jump. She gives you a weird look, but doesn’t question it. You climb out of the car and grab your backpack.

“How do I look?” You ask your tall blonde best friend as you head inside, motioning to your makeup and hair.

“I can’t believe you would wear that.” Her eyes scan your body and she grimaces playfully.

“We are wearing the exact same thing.”

“Shit, do you think they will notice?” She looks around at the sea of bodies all wearing a similar version of our private school uniforms.

“You’re so stupid.”

“But you love it.” She sticks her tongue out and you playfully return the gesture, all anxiety from this morning completely gone as you enter first period.

——

When you get home from school, a beautiful floral arrangement of your favorite flowers are sitting on the kitchen counter. A card is folded neatly next to them.

We hope you had a great first day. Wish you were here with us already.

xoxo,

Rafe, Kelce & Topper

Your hand dances over the petals softly as you lean in to smell them. The flowers are beautiful and you snap a picture to send the boys.

Y/n: thank you for the beautiful flowers. kildare prep wasn’t the same without y’all today.

Not even a few seconds after you hit send, your phone is lighting up with a FaceTime call from Rafe.

“There’s my little senior.” His voice is teasing as he comes into view. He looks the same as the last time you physically saw him. Hair gelled back and blue eyes bright as the sky.

“Thank you for the flowers.” You know it was him who specifically ordered them from the cheesy xoxo. It was something he started using after he watched a couple of episodes of Gossip Girl with you.

“I’m glad you like them. How was your first day?” He questions and you give him a quick rundown, laughing when you tell him about Sarah falling asleep in 2nd period with drool coming out of her mouth.

“Did you miss me?” He asks playfully, but there's a twinge of something else there too.

“Of course I did, Rafe.” You tilt your head as you watch him lay back on his bed.

“I miss you so much.” He admits softly and it catches you off guard. Rafe isn’t one to share his feelings or be vulnerable in any way.

“I miss-” you begin to tell him how much you miss him, possibly even admit how your heart aches when you think of all of them, but you're cut off quickly by someone busting through his bedroom door.

“Cameron! Are you ready to get lit?” His new roommate Parker comes into view when Rafe sits up in bed.

“Dude, I’m on the phone.” Rafe gestures to the obvious FaceTime call.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry.” Parker leans down and waves at you. “Hey y/n! How was the first day of kindergarten?” He laughs obnoxiously at his own joke and you wrinkle your nose in return. Parker wasn’t the worst person they could be roommates with, but he was pretty annoying most of the time. He lived for the frat life and everything college stood for. If you weren’t in college, he only referred to you as a child.

“Knock it off.” Rafe gives him a look, but Parker just flips him off.

“It’s okay Rafe, I have to go anyway.” You glance at the clock knowing JJ would be there any minute.

“No, don’t go. I’ll go down the hall.” Rafe says in a panic clearly not ready for your call to be over.

“I really do have to go, maybe we can talk another night this week?”

“Why can’t we talk later tonight before bed?” He questions.

“Because apparently you are about to get lit.” You let an impassive mask slip over your face.

“Oh, right.” He says as if he forgot he already has plans. “I could cancel and we could have a FaceTime movie night?”

“Dude, you aren’t cancelling. The four of us have had this planned since Sunday.” Parker chimes in with a look of mock disgust at his roommate. Thankfully the doorbell rings providing you with the perfect excuse to get off the phone.

“Rafe, I have to go. Text me later.” You blow him a kiss and hang up before he can say anything else.

However, your dad beats you to the door and let’s JJ in while you're still in the kitchen.

“My man. I didn’t know you were coming over today.” You hear your dad's voice followed by JJ saying something you can’t quite hear. They share one of those bro hugs making your eyes roll.

JJ and the rest of the pogues have been over to your house a lot the past three weeks. While your parents loved each of your new friends, they were especially fond of the blue eyed boy that would come over by himself sometimes.

“I promised the princess some ice cream.” He winked at you when he walked into the kitchen.

“Why does that not surprise me?” Your dad smirked with a shake of his head. “Wanna stay for dinner? We’re having steaks.”

“Uh, if that’s okay?” JJs eyes look to you to make sure you are okay with this and you nod.

“Perfect, I’m going to get the grill ready.” Your dad walks out leaving the two of you standing alone in the kitchen. JJs eyes roam over your body and he lets out a low whistle.

“Wow, this uniform is something else.” His words cause you to blush.

“I know you're jealous that you don’t get to wear it every day.”

“Caught me.” He laughs and you join him. Your phone starts ringing and you check to see who it is.

Rafe

You let it ring out only for it to start ringing again with Kelce’s name.

“The powerpuff girls seem eager to talk today.” JJ comments as he takes in the flowers and your phone ringing off the hook.

“Hey, don’t call them that.” You squint your eyes at the nickname.

JJ scoffs “Like they don’t call me worse names when you tell them we’re hanging out. Do you correct them?” He questions as he steps closer to you. You bite your lip and watch as his eyes darken.

“You do correct them, right?” He asks again when you hesitate to answer.

“Well, they would have to know we hang out in order for me to do that.” You admit sheepishly.

“We’ve been hanging out for three weeks. How do they not know?” His eyebrows scrunch together in confusion. You can see his train of thought even though he hasn’t said it out loud.

Surely she’s told them about me.

“When I tell them I’m hanging out with friends they don’t ask who. They just assume it’s not the pogues and I don’t correct them.” You watch as he deflates a little at your words.

“That- Uh, I-” He stumbles over his words, hurt dancing across his eyes.

“I’m going to tell them. I was trying to avoid all the kook versus pogue bullshit they are going to spout off.” and you're not sure why you do it but you let your hand slip into his, offering a gentle squeeze hoping it comforts him.

His eyes look down to your hands, his signature smirk back on his face and all the tension in the air slowly disappears with it.

“If you wanted me to be your little secret all you had to do was ask.” His cockiness is back in full swing and you let go of his hand to shove him playfully.

“So, what type of ice cream did you bring?” You ask effectively changing the subject.

The both of you head up to your room to watch Ozark. He asked if you wanted to watch it the last time he was here. You’d never seen it before so it wasn’t a problem to put it on. A little more gore than what you were used to watching, but it was a pretty good show overall.

Next thing you know, you hear your mom hollering that dinner is ready. Your eyes flutter as they try to adjust to the setting sun shining through your window. A hand lightly caresses your arm and you snuggle a little deeper into the bed.

Your eyes pop open when you realize you're actually cuddled into someone and not the bed. The thought causes you to jerk straight up and look over at the boy laying in your bed. His blue eyes are staring back sleepily and a soft smile graces his face.

“I- I don’t know what happened. I’m sorry.” You rush out feeling that predictable blush rising on your cheeks. He reaches over and grabs your hand. His fingers linking with yours much like earlier.

“I didn’t mind it.” He admits honestly.

“Me either.” Your words are barely a whisper but he hears you. Sitting up, his eyes flick down to look at your lips then back up to you making his intentions clear. You nod, giving full permission for him to lean in. His breath hovers over your lips as he gets closer, causing your eyes to flutter shut.

“Y/n! JJ! Let’s go!” It’s your dad's voice that bellows from downstairs this time and both of you jump apart feeling like you’ve been caught doing something you weren’t supposed to.

He stares at you for a moment longer before getting up “Come on, I don’t want to upset your parents.”

You follow closely behind him heading downstairs, head still spinning over what almost just happened.

Never in a million years did you think you and JJ Maybank would be cuddled up napping together or about to share a kiss. It was a lot for you to grasp. So, you push all thoughts of what just happened out of your mind for later and try to play it cool in front of your parents.

Too bad your mom sees right through it.

taglist: @dreamsndior @rafej-cambanks @prejudic3 @katiaw2 

[hairringtonsteve]

and they were roommates.

[steve harrington x reader]

summary: The shit hit the fan, and you need to find a place to stay. Steve Harrington, being the knight in shining armor that he is, offers to let you crash at his place during the quarantine. Clearly, feelings ensue. 

word count: 3,704

a/n: Hey guys. I’m back. The world is a little bit scarier than it was before, but we’re here and we’re getting through it. I need to emphasize that while this fic is lighthearted, it’s not me making fun of the situation. This last week has been excruciatingly stressful for me as well as the rest of us, and honestly, I just need some fluff. So here’s to you and Steve being stuck in an apartment together. Informational links will be located in the first reblog.

**********

“Do we stockpile toilet paper?”

You snorted in response, assuming that he was kidding. Instead of bothering to look at him, you kept your eyes on the Netflix menu, scrolling through the list of horror movies as you tried to ignore the anxiety building in your gut.

If someone had told you at the beginning of the year that you would end up being stuck living in Steve Harrington’s apartment for who knows how long because of a global pandemic, you would have laughed.

But who could have guessed that it would happen? Who could have guessed that your college would shut down and shift everything online, that you wouldn’t be able to fly back home because flights were too expensive? Who could have guessed that Steve Harrington would somehow have perfect timing and walk by just as you burst into tears over flight costs?

“No really, do we stockpile toilet paper?”

You ignored him and kept scrolling.

Really, though, his timing had been perfect. You’d been searching Google for the last twenty minutes, trying to find a flight back home when the cheapest flight out was still over two thousand dollars. Sitting on the steps of your college building – the one that had become like a second home to you since the dorms were awful – you’d shoved your head into your hands and cried.

“Hey, Y/N, you okay?” Steve had asked. You didn’t bother to look up at him, instead opting to take in deep, calming breaths. “You good?” He sat down beside you, not bothering to keep his distance.

The news had been telling everyone to practice social distancing, but it was hard when you were suddenly hit with the reality that you probably wouldn’t see most of these people again. Everyone had thought that you wouldn’t start the I’m graduating college goodbyes until May.

“Oh, you know,” you began as you lifted your head up but didn’t look at him. Your voice was watery as you spoke. “Global pandemic and all that. I’m fine.” Steve leaned over your shoulder to get a glance at your phone.

“Fuck, that’s rough. You trying to get home?”

You’d gotten the email the night before. Sitting in the common area of your building despite the fact that your classes had ended hours ago, the group from your department had all sat at the various tables in shocked silence. Students out of the dorms within ten days unless there were extenuating circumstances. They hadn’t defined what those circumstances would have to consist of, but you knew deep down that you wouldn’t qualify.

“Yeah, I uh… My mom can’t afford it and neither can I.” A new wave of tears started to sting at your eyes. A few made their way down your cheeks. “I’ve got ten days, though. I can figure it out.”

Steve sighed. You finally looked over to him. The tears made him a little blurry.

“My roommate is flying out tonight,” he said. He looked forward before looking back to you. “I’m sure he’d be cool with you crashing in his room until shit gets sorted out.”

You stared at him. Your throat got thicker. You had to bite the inside of your cheek to hold back the sob that wanted to burst through at the offer. Instead of saying anything, you gave him a short nod.

Within an hour the two of you were packing up your dorm room, throwing everything into whatever luggage you had. You hauled the luggage and everything else that couldn’t fit down the four flights of stairs and tossed it into his car. His two-bedroom apartment was a fifteen-minute drive away. There had been a quick goodbye to his roommate – who didn’t know what was going on until you had gotten there – and that was that.

“Toilet paper, Y/N. Do we need it?” A hint of annoyance was coloring his words and you finally shifted around on the couch, twisting your neck far enough so you could see him. He was standing in the doorway to the kitchen, already holding two packs of toilet paper, eight rolls in each.

“Dude, seriously?”

“What? What if we use it all up?”

“Then we go to the store and get more.”

“What if they put us under martial law and we’re not allowed to go anywhere?”

“Then we’ll figure that out. But we have enough for now. We’re not hoarding toilet paper like the rest of the assholes out there.” He tilted his head back and groaned. “Steve, c’mon. It’s fine. It’ll—” You were interrupted by your phone beeping, alerting you to a text. You ignored it. It was probably your mom, checking in. Again. “Steve, it’ll be okay. We’ll have enough toilet paper. We just need to go get food and beer, and we’ll go from there.”

Steve stared at you. “But what if one of us gets diahre—”

“Okay, that’s it. Get your shoes on. We’re heading to the store, dumbass.”

Steve grinned. “Wow, dumbass? It’s like we’re back in biochem.”

You snorted and got up from your spot on the couch, heading to where you’d taken off your sneakers near the door. You’d placed them next to his. It hit you, that your sneakers and his sneakers would be right there for the foreseeable future because of… everything that was going on. You swallowed, the anxiety that had been settled in your gut for over a week now threatening to rise to your throat. But you sucked in a deep breath, willing yourself to keep calm.

Things were fine. It would be okay.

Steve came up beside you and reached down to shove his shoes on. When he righted himself, he bumped his shoulder against yours and grinned.

“Think the beer will be gone?”

*****

The grocery store looked like it was ransacked. The toilet paper and baby wipes were off the shelves. People had grocery carts piled high with nonperishables and whatever else they could get their hands on.

You and Steve locked eyes without a word. His fingers thrummed against the railing of the last grocery cart that had been available while he raised a brow at you. You nodded and the two of you headed straight for the alcohol.

It took twice as long as usual to walk the length of the store to get to the far corner where they held the beer and liquor. Not surprisingly, the area was filled with mostly college-age looking people trying to get their hands on whatever would get them adequately fucked up for the next few weeks.

Steve cleared his throat and nodded towards the beer, the one that everyone had been studiously avoiding. “Should we get some?” He waggled his eyebrows.

You rolled your eyes. “No, that stuff tastes like piss.” He laughed and pushed the cart forward, stopping to get a case of Angry Orchard. “You like that stuff?”

“No, but it’s your favorite, right?”

You nodded as you tried to remember when he would have been able to figure that out. The first time that you’d met was last fall, when you had the same biochemistry lab together. “Yeah?”

“I thought so. I remember you mentioning something about it the night all of us went out after our final in December.”

That had been over three months ago. But everyone in the lab had gone out for drinks to celebrate making it through finals week. At the time, you’d exchanged a handful of words at most. Hell, you hadn’t even mentioned that it was your favorite directly to him. Something shifted in your chest.

Weird.

After that, things grew quieter between the two of you as you made your way systematically through the store. With the alcohol, you got some staples, some favorites, making sure to take into consideration the fact that there would probably be a few nights where the two of you would drink enough to kill a horse. After that, you started to make your way through the food aisles, getting whatever was left over. While most of it was taken, you got the important stuff: bread, vegetables, fruit, meat, peanut butter. Things were scarce, but you got through it.

And the whole time, your stomach was sinking further and further down.

Things weren’t supposed to go this way. All you could think about was the day prior as your professors had said their goodbyes to the students, everyone trying to keep a brave face. Rationally, you knew that things would eventually be fine. But it was hard to keep that in mind when it felt like the beginning of an apocalypse movie.

“—You good to go?”

“Huh?” You looked over to Steve, blinking. At some point, the two of you had made it to the front of the store.

He smiled, soft and understanding. “I asked if you were good to go. We should probably get in line. They’re just getting longer.”

“Oh, right. Yeah.” It took a few minutes to try to find the shortest line (if you could call any of them short. You glanced towards the front of the line, watching as the over-worked cashiers struggled to keep everyone happy. Looking back to Steve, you leaned against the grocery cart. “Have I thanked you yet for letting me crash at your place?”

“Only about ten times, but I haven’t figured out that you’re appreciative yet, so you could go for eleven.” You laughed and rolled your eyes as the line moved forward about an inch.

“Seriously, Steve. Thank you. You didn’t have to offer.”

Steve shrugged. “I kind of did. I can’t live alone.”

You scoffed. “You think we can live together and not want to murder each other?”

Steve shrugged once more. “As long as you let me win at Mario Party, we’ll be fine.”

The anxiety in your chest eased up a little. Maybe staying with Steve wouldn’t be too bad.

***** 

As it turned out, being around Steve Harrington constantly was a lot to handle. He was adamant that the two of you worked together daily on your coursework. He’d said that it was to make it just like being on campus as much as possible, but the two of you knew that it was really just an excuse to bicker over homework and steal each other’s pens.

It was weird, knowing these little intimate details about him that you only find out when you live with someone. He sang while he did the dishes. He never made his bed and left video game cases strewn throughout the living room. He had a habit of falling asleep on the couch in the most uncomfortable positions. He preferred tea to coffee, sweet to savory, and had a weird lack of movie knowledge. He also played a lot of Fortnite with a bunch of kids from his hometown.

When you asked him about it, he’d just shrugged and said: “I’m a really great babysitter, what can I say?”

To which you’d heard, muffled through his headset, a boy’s voice shriek, “Bullshit Steve!”

The biggest problem, though, was that he was starting to get to you.

Objectively, you’d understood that he was conventionally attractive. A guy with hair that nice couldn’t be wholly unattractive.

It was just that it didn’t really hit you until two days into quarantine. You wandered around out of your room, too occupied with replying to a text to keep yourself from running into a shirtless Steve, complete with a towel wrapped around his waist and water dripping from his hair.

His hands wrapped themselves around your arms as he pushed you back a little, making sure that both you remained upright. The two of you locked eyes. You were close enough that you could see the little flecks of gold in them. 

Oh. 

Oh.

Your stomach flipped and suddenly you were acutely aware of him. Your eyes started to slide from his face – taking in his nose, his jawline, his mouth – to his chest when he let out a choked sort of noise.

“Please don’t look down,” he said, his voice higher than you’d ever heard it before. You looked back up at him, scrunching up your brow. “The towel fell and I… Naked.”

There were maybe three seconds of silence before you burst out laughing. You took a step back, clapping a hand over your eyes as you struggled to breathe. 

There you were, in the middle of quarantine during a global pandemic, and Steve Harrington was naked and dripping wet in front of you. 

“Just shut it, okay?”

You tried to stifle the laughter, but it just turned into muffled giggles. “You good to go there, Harrington?” You could hear a bunch of shuffling along with some muttered swearing before eventually, he gave the okay for you to look. Your hand dropped from your face and the laughter died out as you got a good look at his chest. 

It took him clearing his throat for you to meet his eyes once more. He was looking at you with an intense look on his face. His tongue darted across his lips as he took a step towards you. Your heart thudded in your chest and just as he took another step forward and then — 

A knock at the door. 

The two of you jerked back. You almost knocked your head into a shelf while Steve said that he’d get the door. You watched as he stepped forward, raising an eyebrow in silence as he turned back to you, a sheepish look on his face. 

“Did you just now realize that you’re…” You trailed off as you waved your hand up and down to motion towards the towel. He nodded, his cheeks growing red. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll get it.” 

He’d scurried down the hall to change while you opened the door to one of Steve’s neighbors clad in a mask, asking if you guys had any extra toilet paper.

You got the elderly man two rolls and waited for Steve to come back out of his bedroom.

He didn’t come out for the rest of the night.

That was twelve days ago and since then, the two of you had been avoiding each other like… well... the plague.

Instead, Steve would walk into the kitchen, only to see you and abruptly turn around to walk out. You would head into the living room to watch Netflix and immediately try to leave when he was playing the PlayStation. When the two of you did talk, it was weird. Stunted.

“What do you want for dinner?” 

“Whatever you want.” 

A beat of silence. 

“Cool.” 

On and on it went, both of you hole-ing up in your respective rooms while trying to avoid the other. You even took turns doing the grocery shopping.  

The worst part about it, though, was how aware you were of him. When you walked by him in the hallway, your senses honed in on the way your arms brushed. When he was leaning against the counter and shoving his fingers through his hair, your gaze would somehow magnetically drawn towards looking at him regardless of what was on the TV. 

You had to shove your face into a pillow every time you heard the shower turn on.

It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair. Crushes – and that’s what this was, a full-blown crush – were awful to begin with. They were inconvenient and distracting in the best of times. But this? This was downright torture. Utter and complete torture. You felt like you were going to snap at any moment, ready to combust at a second’s notice.

And then you got the alert on your phone. You were sat on the counter, a spoonful of peanut butter shoved halfway in your mouth. Your thumb flicked the notification bar down as you read the headline. It wasn’t anything different, just an update on the virus spread and the estimated time that it would take for things to calm down.

But that meant that you would be there longer.  That meant that you would be in that apartment longer, having to go through silence and awkwardness and who knows what else for an “indeterminate amount of time.” Something inside you snapped. You hopped down from the counter, chucked the spoon of peanut butter into the sink, and hurried down the hall towards his bedroom.

After around five hurried knocks, the door swung open. He had a panicked look in his eyes as he stared down at you. “What? What’s going on? Did something happen?” He was frantic as he stared down at you. 

“What?” 

“You knocked like someone important just died, and I missed it. What’s going on?” 

“I — I just wanted to talk?” 

Steve blinked at you. “We’re… There’s a global disaster going on and you choose to knock like that so we can talk?”

“Steve, I knocked on your door. It’s not that big of a deal.” 

“There’s knocking on a door, and then there’s whatever the hell you did.” He stepped outside of his room, causing you to step back as well to give him some space. “So this —” He knocked against his door three times, slow and not too hard. “-- Is how normal people knock. And this —” There he knocked hard and fast against the wood, exaggerating how hard you’d knocked. “Is how you knocked. Now clearly, there is a difference and you almost gave me a heart attack.” 

“You’re dramatic.” 

Steve rolled his eyes. “So what’s up?” He crossed his arms and quirked a brow.

You heaved in a breath and started rambling.

“I — Look, I get it if things were weird because I practically saw you naked but we’re in the middle of a fucking pandemic and I’m stuck in your apartment for who knows how long and I can’t keep avoiding you like this. It’s weird, Steve.” 

He just stared at you and didn’t say a word. So you kept rambling. 

“I get it that you’re really stressed out and I am too, but Steve, this is just making things worse? And like, honestly it’s not that big of a deal. You were shirtless. It was fine. More than fine, actually. Like, it’s cool. It’s —” 

“More than fine?” 

You stared at him. “What?” 

“You just said that me being shirtless was not only fine but more than fine.” 

You could feel your cheeks begin to warm. “I don’t — I —” 

Steve took a step forward. “Is me being shirtless more than fine with you?” 

You gaped at him, frozen. 

“Do you like me being shirtless?” There was a smirk on his face now, as though your silence was enough of an answer. 

“Steve, I —” He took another step forward, right in your space. He leaned down a little. Your heart was pounding in your chest. 

 “You like me shirtless.” He wasn’t asking anymore. Your rational brain wasn’t working. You opened your mouth to reply something, anything, and what came out was: 

“We’re supposed to self-distance.”

Steve froze, eyes wide, and took a step back. “Did I — Did I misread? I thought—” 

You tried to shake your head, hoping that he’d notice, but he was too caught up in the panic of thinking that he’d misread everything and crossed a boundary. So you did the next best thing. 

(Really, the thing that you should have done a week ago.)

You reached out, fingers grasping at his shirt and tugged him towards you. You rolled up onto the tips of your toes and pressed your lips against his. He froze, his words falling silent. Your heart was pounding so hard that you feared it would come out of your chest. Slowly, his hands fell to your waist as his lips began to move. He pulled you closer to him, all thoughts of social distancing falling away as you kissed. 

Eventually, he pulled away, just enough to rest his forehead against yours. “We’re supposed to self-distance?” He asked, a slow grin spreading across his features. You rolled your eyes and tried to pull back, but he gripped your waist a little tighter, keeping you there. 

“I panicked, okay? You just — I just didn’t expect it to go that way.” He didn’t respond verbally, instead just raising his brow. “It’s been weird not talking to you and being here. And I didn’t mean to say that about you being shirtless, it just kind of slipped out.” 

“Why are you acting like that wasn’t okay? Y/N, you know I’ve liked you since the first day of biochem.” 

You blinked. 

“Seriously, you had to have known. I was hung up on you.”

You blinked again. 

“Y/N, I laughed at all of your terrible jokes in lab. I… offered to let you stay in my apartment during the quarantine.” While he’d started off laughing, by the second sentence, he was speaking slow and soft, enunciating every word. You opened your mouth to reply when he continued. “I let you win at Mario Party, come on. You’re terrible at that.” 

Whatever thoughts of acknowledging his feelings flew out of your head at that. “Excuse you, I am great at Mario Party. I kicked your ass at that the first two days that we were here.” 

He rolled his eyes. “I purposefully lost to make you feel better.” Your expression softened at his words. He pulled away just a little — his hands still on your waist — to stare up at the ceiling. “You were stressed about your mom constantly texting and I know that it’s hard for you to not be with your family. So I just wanted to make it easier on you.” He looked back down at you. 

Warmth bloomed in your chest. 

You smiled up at him as you searched for the right thing to say in response. But it was hard. There weren’t words to convey just how thankful you were for that. You leaned up to press your lips against his once more. After a moment, you pulled back just enough to look at him and grinned. 

“So, you want to go play some Mario Party?”

[rosepetals-flyingbirds]

Don’t Leave.

With: Bucky x Reader.

Words: 3.548.

Yes, i have a similar version with Ivar.

“Do you love me?”

“Yes.”

“Say you love me.”

“I love you.”

She would ask that, she didn’t want to sound clingy, probably why the moments she asked those simple four words were always when they were the most intimate.

How beautiful she is. Bucky could never grasp why she was with him. Y/N would always laugh when he said something as cliche like “I’m so lucky to have you”,“you’re so beautiful, what are you doing with me?”, "my sweet little angel", "my doll".

The truth was that Y/N found Bucky extremely handsome. She could watch him all day if required. She loved his eyes, his lips, his facial hair which seemed to grow by seconds, his soft hair, his jaw, his scars, his metal arm, his nightmares.

Everything.

But she also loved his personality. He was such a complicated person! Traumatized, stubborn, closed off but… he was funny, so damn smart, sweet, surprisingly romantic, and truly cared about her.

Both were too scared to start something when they first fell for each other. Bucky had such a terrible life filled with torture and loss. So even if unconsciously, he expected pain from all the situations, and if he couldn't love himself how could someone else love and accept him?

And Y/N had too much trust issues to trust a guy. Maybe it could be her father’s responsibility for cheating on her mother, hell, even her mother’s fault for cheating on her father!

Maybe it was all the people's fault for cheating on their s/o and acting like it was okay… like it was some animal instinct that overpowered them.

Weak.

But she allowed Bucky in her heart, how could she not? Never a guy has made such sweet displays for her. It was in the details, when he saved the last cupcake for her. When he would give her his jacket. Or offered her a ride on his motorcycle when she needed to go somewhere and Bucky didn't want her feeling crowded in the subways and buses.

Even so much as buying flowers. Back in the day it was normal, to court someone. Buy some flowers, a box of chocolate -or in the case of New York's depression, a flower stolen on the neighbor and some candy his parents had saved in the fridge- but in the modernity, it seemed as "clichê", he thought of asking help to make a cd to you, but then they said now it was a playlist-thing and he excluded that idea because it was getting too weird and he didn't want to ask help. So he did buy flowers, not a bouquet, but a small jar with a tiny flower so she could plant, then another, then a small cactus, and when the idea of receiving flowers from him was something expected; He bought a bouquet.

And it was stunning.

A mix of blue roses, with white tulips, lavender, and blue nemophila. Only the most distinct, so Y/N could feel he thought about her in the whole process. Which everyone could see he did. She was the only thing that mattered to him. He was so gentle, never pushed her to do something she wasn't comfortable with, on the contrary actually, y/n that initiated the first time they had sex, the kisses grew deeper but Bucky wasn't ready so they waited until he felt comfortable. He was honest, kind, and even with his nightmares... he opened up to her, allowed her in the vastness that was his mind. His guilt, his pain.

He trusted her, and Y/N thought it was amazing.

Once -while friends- they went to a small gathering Fury throw to celebrate a successful mission that took a couple of years to be done. And everyone was dressed up, and even that some said it was a small party, it ended up with 200 people. Bucky didn't want to go at first, but Steve told him it would do good, and then Y/N was excited too so he made the effort.

Besides, since he started working with the team, the shield agents took a likening to the metal armed man.

Bucky thought in holding his hair together in a man bun, but then he felt weird so he took it off. So he tried another style but it was also ridiculous. He ended up letting it freely, as usual, she seemed to like in that way.

But deep down he just wanted to look good. For her.

They went together to the place, of course it was high safety so they could relax, even for just a moment. Y/N looked stunning, per usual, she didn't like to use makeup on the daily basis, and she was a fucking piece of art. But she also managed to look striking with those products on her face, Buck giggled as she held his arm for support since she was wearing Natasha's heels, and since people always saw them together and adding that in the party people were sure they got together. 

Steve was proud, very much. Even though his heart broke a bit since he had a major crush on Y/N since the day he saw her for the first time. But the way Bucky looked at her... that was what love glowed like.

But as the night went on and Y/N mixed with her other friends, Bucky kept alert and spotted a man staring at her, he was Jay Halstead, a good guy, great agent, and Y/N's friend, and what pissed Bucky more was the fact that they would look great together.

If Jay was a prick, it would be easier but he was a good fella, as good at the level that he served with Sam in the army, good as he was the one that helped Steve to find the best psychologic on the country.

Annoyingly good. And he would be good for her.

Buck was talking with Steve and Clint when he got a glimpse of Jay approaching y/n, and she was very happy to see him. Hugged him and even allowed him to linger his arm on her shoulder.

Buck's stance changed and Steve realized why.

Clint drank his beer and shrugged. "If she isn't your girlfriend you can't be pissed because other guys like her."

Buck didn't agree, nor responded but he knew what Clint meant.

Before Steve could give some advice Buck smiled, y/n waved at him and called him over.

Buck looked at Steve who told him it was okay.

Jay smiled seeing Bucky, shook his hand and Buck was glad Jay’s arm wasn't around y/n's shoulder anymore.

"Hey, just wanted to congratulate you on the last mission, saw the files and you fixed what Fury has been trying to fix in 12 years."

Taken aback by the praise Buck only nodded, but a small smile lingered on his face. "Thanks, man."

"And also he now beats Steve in the mornings run." Y/N confessed.

Jay laughed and by Y/N’s smile it was clear it was an inside joke. "No one can ever beat Steve Rogers, I fainted last time I tried."

"Well, I have been winning in runs over the punk since we were 10. Some things don't change with time."

"Yeah, i have to go. Mission tomorrow morning, just passed by to say hello to everyone." Jay leaned and kissed Y/N's cheek. "Bye, sweetheart. Good to see you." And then extended his hand again to shake Bucky's. "And congratulations again, i am happy you're in the avengers. The world needs you." With a tap on the shoulder, Jay left and Bucky stood a bit shocked for what the man said.

But after all, it was all Y/N has been saying over the months she met him.

And after what seemed like ages Y/N finally let him in. And Buck also fought his demons and allowed to be loved and cherished by someone.

And it was amazing.

                               ...

Meeting her family took a bit longer than the ’normal’ couples take. Her family was okay, but she was worried about how they would feel and most importantly how Buck would feel.

Y/N’s family lived far and using Tony's jet they flew to her homeland, her cousin flirted with Bucky wich made Y/N glare at her almost all barbecue. Y/N's mom was a bit worried about her daughter date a man in such a dangerous life, but she was happy so that was all that mattered.

And Bucky's family was Steve, so it was clear that he accepted them together. 

Buck has never felt so much like he did with her.

                               ...

Dream.

Dream was the word Bucky could only imagine when Y/N danced for him. Her small satin dress covering her smooth skin, he loved how her hips moved so graciously, the scent of her shampoo, how she kissed his cheeks when he made coffee for her. Y/N could be in her period, feeling awful wearing baggy pants and still, she managed to steal his heart even without trying. He was sure that no one had ever loved someone as much as he loves her.

He could do anything for her.

                               ...

On a mission, Bucky was looking the area of the attack arguing with Sam of where was the best point of attack, he was really close to yell at the man who never agreed with his tactics when his phone made a ping sound letting him know a message has arrived.

Hey baby, I hope you’re okay and you haven’t slapped Samuel! I’m watching you, mister! ;)

I’ll have to make a small trip with Brenda, she had a problem with her parents and she needs me to help her. I’m sorry but I really have to go. See you in a few days.

Bucky, I love you. With all that I am.

Bucky found it weird, Brenda’s family lived in another country, why she would make such travel in a hurry? 

Of course, Y/N was a good friend, but she didn’t do such spontaneous things.

As he glanced at his cellphone with a keyboard (designed for him, since his metal arm managed to break the last smartphones) he re-read the messages before he tried to call her only to be met with a voice message. He tried to calm his nerves down and finish his work. She had warned him after all, it wasn’t like she went away without telling him.

At their apartment, he saw a few notes here and there, one in the fridge telling she left some leftovers for some days. 

Another in the bathroom reminding him to buy shampoo and one on their bedroom saying: “You won’t die if I stay a few days away.”

Silly girl.

But even if Buck was suspicious of the sudden new he needed to trust her, he couldn’t be the crazy boyfriend who didn’t trust his girl.

However on the next day, he found it completely weird that she didn’t call him, she sent a text saying she was okay and safe but she couldn’t call him, he asked why but she just asked him to trust her and quickly stopped answering his texts.

Really really weird.

Was she kidnapped? Was she cheating on him? Was she really traveling with her friend? His mind couldn’t stop making ideas up. Bad assumptions up.

Gladly Bucky had a great memory so he remembered Brenda’s adress when Y/N went there a few months prior, he had to go there and see if Brenda was at home, if his girl was there or if she was actually out of the country. If she was out of danger.

Finally reaching the the street he stopped the car before walking to Brenda's house. He knocked on the door praying for no one to be home, but after a few seconds, it quickly opened with Brenda showing him a confused face. “Hey? What are you doing here?”

Fuck. “Hey, um, is Y/N here?”

“No, actually I haven’t talked with her for weeks now. Why? Did you guys had a fight?” For Brenda, it was almost impossible for you and Buck to fight, but as herself had a realtioship where she thought the man was perfect, she knew to expect anything.

Y/N lied, what was happening?

Knowing it wasn’t for the best to let her know about the situation he made a small smile. “Yeah, we did, I thought she was here. Thanks.” He hurriedly left not waiting for her response.

All the -painful- way home Bucky overthought his whole relationship, why would Y/N lie to him?

He couldn’t place a reason for it, the only things that were hammering on his thoughts were the hypothesis: Kidnap, cheating or she simply got tired of his traumatized self.

But why would she cheat on him? 

Wasn’t he a good boyfriend? Does she suddenly feel tired of his problems?  

Was she tired of his hard personality? 

Wasn’t he satisfying her in bed?

Have you found someone else?

Why?

And most important…if so, with who?

Bucky's mind was around doubts and adding all of his insecureness wasn’t helping much.

He didn’t even realize he reached her building until he saw his neighbor going for a walk with his dog. The whole walk he was pinned by fear and rage that he didn’t even count his steps.

To not help much his case he called her with no answer, he texted her with no answer either.

What could he do? He didn’t know where she was, or with who she was.

Was she safe?

“What is happening, my heart? Why are you lying to me?” He mumbled alone in their bedroom.

His heart cracking each thought he had.

After five longs and painful days, he received a text.

Hey Bucky. I’m going home we need to talk.

Bucky couldn’t answer, he couldn’t possibly ask what she wanted to talk about? Why would she leave him?

                               ...

There she stood, a single suitcase in her hand and a tired face.

Bucky wanted to hug her, to get in his feet, and to say how worried he was… but no! He allowed his rage to consume him when he saw she was alright and no enemy of his has taken and hurt her.

He was mad.

“Hey Bucky we-”

“Why?” Without letting her finish her sentence or even getting up from the couch, he asked.

“What?”

“Why you left and lied? Are you tired? Do you want to break up? Because i re-create the past weeks and i can’t see a reason for this, Y/N. You ran away and lied to me saying you traveled with Brenda to Brazil?”

She didn’t argue, only let the suitcase on the floor and rubbed her face. And with her silent stare, Bucky knew the end was near.

And that would break him, make all of the pieces he built in the last years since he got free from Hydra to fall apart.

Letting a sarcastic chuckle his frustration over the last weeks started to show with full force. “You’re selfish! I always said that i don't need your help, that i was broken and still am but you didn't have to stay with me. I always warned you and now that i'm so fucking deep in love with you-you will destroy this. But please, tell me what is it. Am I not satisfying you enough? Or is the nightmares? Maybe because i ca not go to the library with you or because we can’t go to the movies and i know you always says that Stark's is almost the same but you love movies and Y/N-” 

For more dramatically Bucky sounded, she knew he was self-conscious about his state, of course, he did therapy to help with his self-loathing but seeing the most precious thing getting ready to leave was about to break his cold-mended heart.

Making all his therapy process going to air.

Y/N stood there, looking tired and staring at him. She knew he would be mad, she was mad at herself for lying so blatantly. “Are you done?”

Taking a deep breath and placing his hands on his pockets he nodded, trying to control the tears to leave his eyes.

“I’m not cheating you, I never did, I never will. And i'm not tired of us. I’m not overwhelmed, you are the most important thing in the universe to me.” She took her jacket off and walked to the couch.

Bucky looked at her carefully while she approached him, so what was the problem then. “Tell me.”

“I’m not trying to break up with you, if that is what you think.”

He nodded and let a small sigh let his nostrils. A lock of hair leaving his man bun and Y/N's fingers itched to pull it behind his ear.

“I… I needed some time to think, I didn’t want to lie to you but I really needed some time alone without you getting worried.”

Was she sick? Why was she so sad? 

He sat by her side and looked at her lap taking a deep breath, her gaze met Bucky's and she nodded her head almost telling herself it was the proper moment. “I’m pregnant.”

The time seemed to stop for Buck, such a brilliant man and that was the only thing he hasn’t anticipated to leave her beautiful’s lips.

It made sense for him now, Y/N was always predicting the worst. Always waiting for the day he would grow tired of her and leave, or only try to have some “fun” and fool around with someone else. 

She didn’t want to have a child because she was afraid she would have to do it all by herself.

“Y/N… baby, I’m-”

“I don’t want it.” Her answer was firm but her lips were trembling with nerves. “I-” Her eyes filled with tears, even with the past days being of pure anxieties and sorrow, she still had tears left. “I can’t have it, Bucky. I- I-, I’m so scared.”

He couldn’t control his eyes when they glanced at her belly, his child was there, growing each day. He wanted the baby, wanted a boy or a girl to cherish and take care.

And only the thought of a baby so pure and ethereal as Y/N meant a lot. 

It was his.

After everything he suffered, everything he did that provoked people to suffer, he was blessed with a son or a daughter.

But he needed to focus on her.

“Will you try ab- abortion?” He didn’t want her to do that, he would try to change her mind if she said yes but he knew it was her choice.

“I… I don’t know! I mean no I won’t. I can’t! But Bucky, I’m so so scared.”

“You think I’ll leave.” He said softly, she looked at him startled, but she shouldn’t. Bucky always knew her. “You know I would never abandon you, especially not with our child.”

She nodded, her heartbeat going faster and faster by the second. He could hear it, of course he could. Apparently, the time to “cool off” didn’t help as she has thought.

Bucky gently held her waist and thigh and pulled her to his lap, Y/N hugged him tightly and started to sob. Bucky was her home.

And she was terrified he would leave her, especially with a child to take care of.

“Shh shh, pretty girl. It’ll be okay.” His hand started to caress her scalp softly trying to bring her some comfort.

Some minutes of pure comfortable silence passed before Y/N straightened her back and looked at the deep blue of his eyes. “I’m sorry I lied…” She murmured.

Bucky chuckled at the thought of how angry he was 20 minutes ago at her, now it seemed really stupid the way he allowed his demons to make him think the worst of his angel. 

“I forgive you. Y/N,” He raised his hand and touched her cheek softly, she leaned in and kissed his palm. “I know you’re worried I’ll leave or that you will have to raise that child alone but I promise you that I won’t let you down! I won’t let our child down!” He placed his other hand on her belly, Y/N smiled at the vision. 

Of course, she didn’t have a bump yet, but seeing Bucky hand touching a place where half him and half her was growing was a new comforting feeling.

Y/N nodded and smiled at him, lifting her pinky she pouted. “Promise? Even that the serum has some effect or if someone tries to take them away from me. Promise you will be there for me?”

He chuckled at her cuteness but realized how deeper the worries about a child was, interlacing his pinky with hers he nodded. “I promise.” She leaned in and kissed him lovely. She missed him.

He gazed at her, and as he passed his thumb under her eye to dry a tear, he was more sure than ever that she was the light of his life. “We got this, my love.” He affirmed his hands holding her face softly. “We do.”

Bucky Barnes is good at protecting the ones he loved, so he will do the possible and impossible to protect his perfect little family.

                        …

<3 <3 <3

[shianhygge-imagines]

Silver Rose [Vergil/Reader] {Devil May Cry} Umbral Angelo

AN: I managed to finish this one in record time, and am already working on the next chapter. I’m intending the next chapter to be a bit of a dive into V and Vergil’s mentality, so it’s going to be a bit tricky to write... and a bit long. (If you take a look into my masterlist, I’ve already titled the next chapter “Bury the Light” so I’m going to try extra hard to make the next chapter worthy of the song.)

On another note: I’m probably going to start using my handwritten banner for this series from now on. I’ve noticed that gifs are rather intense for loading on certain devices/internet speed... and I’m tired of looking for appropriate gifs to use. I may end up changing the banner once I get photoshop or something >.>

If you like the content I create, please consider donating to my Ko-fi! Please help me feed my tea addiction!

|Masterlist Link|    |First Chapter|    |Prev. Ch.| --- |Next Ch.|

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

15th June 06:03am

- V’s POV -

V watched as you raced to greet Nero with a flying tackle hug that nearly sent the one armed boy tumbling to the floor from the force of your excitement. The mortal half of Vergil couldn’t help but feel equal parts bitterness, sadness, envy, and longing as he watched you fuss over Nero with worry. As he was, V didn’t feel like he was capable of having a family. Not only was the mysterious man dying the longer he remained separated from his demonic half, but because he felt unworthy after everything that had transpired since the day his family home was burnt down. Although he longed for this, it was probably one of the biggest conflicts within him during the past few weeks with you… and one of the reasons why the days had passed with too much left unsaid.

“Nero! Light of my life! My reckless son!” You continued the embarrassing titles while straightening his jacket and hair, taking care to pat down the spots covered in rubble dust. “I’m so happy to see you! Nico did such a good job with your arm! Oh! But that last one broke-”

The demon hunter’s cheeks pinkened as his mother continued to fuss over him, “Mom,” he whined, embarrassed at the fact that a stranger like V had to bear witness to this. “It’s good to see you, too, but I’m fine. I got a spare arm here-” Nero gestures to the red colored mechanical limb attached to his hip, “-see? I’ll be fine. But enough about me, what are you doing here?”

Like mother, like son, I see. V mused with amusement when the pair of you completely ignored the dying Goliath. Shadow had stalked over to sit at your side with a content flicker of its tail while leaving his weakened master to slowly walk over. “Little wanderer…” V addressed the dying demon, raising his cane to deliver the killing blow, “hie thee home.”

Just as the massive demon faded into burning ashes, you and Nero stopped your fussing to address V’s arrival. “Well, it’s a bit of a long story, Nero.” Your grin is sheepish as you pointed at V with two hands, “Apparently, V’s been living like a hobo before he came to Devil May Cry for the job. Since he didn’t want to leave Red Grave City… and I have a house here, he kinda stayed with me the past few weeks.”

“Uh-huh.” Nero crossed his arms and leaned on one foot, his expression incredulous as blue-green eyes flickered between you and V. “You expect me to believe that your old house is still standing after over two weeks of this.” To V’s amusement, Nero nodded at the rubble and chaos that surrounded them as he finished his sentence.

Kid’s got a point. Griffon communicated telepathically as it circled the sky above their group.

You pouted and slumped over slightly, “… well, it’s not standing anymore.” You looked saddened and bitter at the loss of your home, something that V understood. It had been the home Vergil gifted you, and watching the structure of the building get torn in two had been a devastating loss to you both.

Nero grimaced and uncrossed his arms, pulling you into a comforting hug. “Shit, mom. I’m sorry.”

“It’s uh, one of the reasons why I’m here, actually.” You confessed, hugging your son back. “I’ve got business to settle with Urizen… and I’m sorry to intrude, but would it be okay to stay at the orphanage with you and Kyrie after this is all over?”

“Do you really gotta ask?” Nero smiled gently, pulling away. “Kyrie’s been begging me to ask you to come over. So, just take this as a permanent invitation, okay?” The boy’s attention diverged to V, who had settled to stand off to the side, “By the way, V… Thought I was gonna have to pick you out of his… uh… tummy teeth.”

V didn’t bother hiding the smirk that appeared on his face when you pulled away to look at the fading Goliath and promptly giggled when you realized that the dead demon did indeed have tummy teeth. “Pardon our delay.” The mysterious man holds up the collection of William Blake poems to show Nero, “I was… catching up on some reading.”

Nero’s eyes narrowed at the book, “Yeah… looks like a real page-turner.” The young man remarked dryly. In the background, V and Nero both noticed your renewed laughter at your son’s dry tone while a section of the Qliphoth Tree crumbled. “So uh… you think Dante’s still in there?” Nero asked V, the pair now watching as a path forward was cleared by the falling debris.

“If Urizen defeated him, then I expect he’s not much more than Qliphoth pollen by now.” The somber words from V’s mouth put a stop to your laughing, and while he hated when you were upset, he would rather stay honest when possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- Y/N’s POV -

You knew what a Qliphoth tree was, so you didn’t bother paying attention to V’s explanation, preferring to explore the area for anything remotely useful or valuable. Shadow followed after you, its red eyes watching your surroundings in case a demon tried to get a drop on you while away from V and Nero. “V may very well be right about Dante.” You muttered to the demon panther as you nudged a slab of concrete to the side with a foot. “But we’re also talking about Dante, here.” You smirk down at Shadow with hope, “He’s always been the lucky one out of the Sparda twins. Whether it be a winning prize popsicle, or taking on a demon overlord… Dante’s always been able to pull through…”

When you hear the distinct sound of a car smacking against slabs of stone, you turn to walk back towards your son and V, watching with barely concealed amusement at Nico’s antics. “You know, Shadow… Some days I wonder what would have happened to us if Vergil had even half the luck Dante has.” Ignoring Shadow’s questioning gaze, you wave at the trio waiting for you by the van. “Oh well, forget I mentioned.”

Once you were close enough, you plastered a carefree grin on your face, “Hey, Nico! Thanks for looking after my reckless son!”

“Wha-Hey!”

You and the aspiring legendary smith ignored Nero’s indignant cry. “Ah! Don’t mention it, Mrs. S! It’s always mah pleasure!”

“Bullshi, then why do you compl-”

“How much does he owe you for a new arm?”

“Mom! I can pa-”

“Nuh-uh, Mrs. S. Don’t worry about it.”

“D-Don’t worry about it?! What a load of-”

“Aw! You’re sweet as always, Nico!” You grin, walking around to enter the van with V in tow. “I’m looking forward to working with you!”

“Ditto, Mrs. S!”

Poor Nero looks like he’s about to have a fit from his seat inside the van. You feel slightly guilty for teasing your son in such a way, but quite frankly, you and Nico were having too much fun. To rain on your parade, when V climbs up the stairs to stand just behind you, he leans over to whisper in your ear, “Perhaps you shouldn’t tease the boy so much.”

And of course his father would be against my need to tease. You roll your eyes and sigh theatrically, “Alright, fine. I’m sorry, Nero. Please forgive your mother?” You know he already did, but you bat your lashes at him anyways for the fun of it.

Nero just shakes his head and folds his arms, “Just sit down. I don’t wanna risk you two falling and breaking something because of Nico’s shitty driving.”

You and V take a seat to the soundtrack of Nico’s indignant yelling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

15th June 06:26am

- Y/N’s POV -

“I think we should split into two groups.” V suggested as the group of you sat in the van while Nico worked in the back.

“… And cover more group. Good idea.” Nero finished, turning to leave the passenger seat.

“Three groups.” You amended, getting up to snatch the Totsuka from where you rested it. “We’re splitting into three groups to get rid of the Qliphoth roots, and I’m leaving no room for arguments.” You shot a challenging look at both Nero and V when they opened their mouths to protest.

“Wait, Mom. Are you sure about this? We could still get this done in two groups.” Nero stood up to stop you from leaving the van.

“Yes, I would rather we all play it safe as well.” V’s green eyes locked with yours, silently worried for your well-being.

Sighing, you lifted a hand to pat your son’s cheek fondly. “I’m touched that you’re both worried about me, but you both said it yourselves. We’re on a time limit if we want to stop Urizen. I have Nico’s number, okay? So if I run into any problems, I’ll make sure to call.” With that, you waved goodbye to Nico, Griffon, Nero, and V before departing from the group, jumping out of the van with a spring to your step.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

15th June 08:30am

“Maybe I should have stuck with V.” You muttered out loud, back hand-springing off the wreckage of an industrial building to land on a sturdier platform. A few moments prior, you’d been strolling rather peacefully along the city’s central boulevard… or what was left of it anyways. When you noticed a peculiar figure standing in a dead-end of the collapsed street.

Having just dealt with a few lingering red Empusa stalking the streets and destroyed a few bundles of Qliphoth roots, you were still on high alert. For a moment, you simply stared at the tall imposing figure before it clicked in your mind how familiar the shape was. The last that you had seen that figure was a dark stormy night. “Nelo Angelo?” You whispered in disbelief, yanking the Totsuka from a dying Empusa and taking a step towards the imposing figure.

Of course, the moment you stepped towards Nelo Angelo’s direction, it turned its back on you and jumped atop the rubble blocking the street, only turning to look at you briefly before walking away. You weren’t naive enough to rule out a trap considering how close you were to the main Qliphoth’s structure, but if that phantom was connected to a main root… you would have to deal with him anyways. Sheathing the Totsuka, you followed after the figure, eyes set with flames of determination ablaze.

Which led to your current predicament: scaling collapsed buildings and platforms as you followed the figure of Nelo Angelo. “Honestly, why does every incarnation of Vergil make it their life’s goal to be difficult?” You cursed when your feet made contact with another unstable platform.

The floor gave away just as Nelo Angelo stopped to turn around, your eyes connecting for a moment before you plunged into what seemed to be a tunnel made by the Qliphoth roots. When you failed to grasp ahold of something to stop the fall, you cursed and fixed your position midair. Ah shit. Stick the landing. Stick the landi- You tucked and rolled to absorb the impact from the fall, but instead bounced as you rolled, “Oof!” You grunted when your back collided with a fleshy wall.

“Oooo… ‘A’ for effort.” You huffed, out of breath as you clambered to your feet and strolled over to pick up your Totsuka.

It was… deceptively quiet in the tunnel while you regained your bearings. Red, fleshy, pulsating walls told you that you were definitely somewhere inside the Qliphoth, though probably not in its main structure… maybe you were within one of its main roots? When the walls pulsed rather violently, you grimaced and backed away from the wall, trying not to remember Dante’s comments about demons and vore. “Urgh. Too late.” You groaned, going the slightest bit green as you journeyed deeper into the tunnels.

The further down into the tunnels you went, the less light there was, until you were forced to use a smidge of demonic energy to see in the dark. You’d seen Dante and Vergil use this ability mostly for intimidation purposes, but you found that it was useful for seeing in the dark. With a simple blink, gone were your human eyes, and in their place stood slit pupils, dark sclera, and ethereal glowing light grey irises.

When light was at its minimal, a wail reached your ears from deep within, and suddenly you were sprinting down the tunnel. The closer you came to the wailing, you realized with shock that it was a baby’s cry. What’s a baby doing down here? You wondered, turning as the tunnel drifted left before skidding to a halt at the scene before you.

“That’s not…” your words stopped, caught in your throat as something tight and unpleasant clawed in your chest.

They stood before you, a family. They weren’t much more than shades… shadowy images and illusions… falsehoods… but you knew what you saw. A mother comforting the crying baby boy in her arms while the father stood by his wife’s side, helping her quiet the little one with comforting shushes and whispered words.

“Shhh, shhh, everything’s going to be okay, Nero.” The woman carefully rocked the baby boy in her arms. “Vergil, do you mind humming to him? He always did love it when you sing to him.”

The man nodded and gingerly accepted the baby from his wife’s arms. “Of course, Y/N. You should get some rest, it’s my turn to look after our son tonight.”

The woman yawned and rested her head upon her husband’s arm, watching as he began to hum a familiar lullaby to his baby son. “No, I think I’ll stay right here, Vergil.”

You watched, eyes transfixed with longing and melancholy over the scene. How you wanted this for your family. How you wished that Vergil would have stayed all those years ago. How you wished that Nero was your biological son. How you wished and wished, but your wishes never came true.

The shades before you vanished into wispy shadowy smoke before reforming into two figures and a bed. The tears that had gathered at the corners of your eyes fell as you stared in misery at the scene before you. “No. I don’t want to see this.” You sobbed even when you couldn’t tear your gaze away from the two figures involved in a passionate embrace. Your hands rose to cover your ears, not wanting to listen as a shade of your husband made love with a woman that wasn’t you.

“V-vergil! Ah! Harder!”

“Stop.” You begged, finally closing your eyes, but you could still see and hear the shades.

“Y-you said you had a wife waiting for you at home.”

“Please. Stop!” You cried, shaking your head, not wanting to hear or see any of this.

“Tell me you love me, Vergil. If you don’t care about your wife.”

“… I love you.”

“STOP!” You wailed, throwing a volatile pulse of demonic energy at the shades, banishing the scene completely until you were the only one stood in the middle of a large room filled with rubble. Huddling into a ball of misery, you wept, your hair now a dark silvery white to match the rest of your family.

“Why must you torture me?” you asked the figure stood behind you, though you didn’t rise to confront them face to face, still drowning in your woes. When the figure didn’t answer, you let out a bitter laugh, sniffling, “Figures. You never answer. I don’t even know what I didn’t file for a divorce all those stupid years ago.”

Still crying, you rose to your feet and turned to meet the eyes of Nelo Angelo, though its armor was much different than you realized. Though its eyes glowed red from within its helmet, and its body was solid, you noticed that wisps of shadow and smoke would occasionally fall off it like a fog. This entire time, I was chasing a shade… Umbral Angelo. Probably a pawn of Urizen given life by the Qliphoth. Your grief seemed so intense that it felt like you were choking, but somehow you found it in you to be angry. “Of course Urizen would find it amusing to dance all over my emotions.” You snarled, drawing your blade to point at Umbral Angelo. “So, what! Are you a puppet as well!?” You demanded, taking a menacing step forward. “Are you a puppet to Urizen like Vergil was to Mundus!?”

Umbral Angelo seemed to flinch back, as if struck, but still it didn’t answer you, opting to hold its massive blade at the ready. Gritting your teeth in frustration, you charged forward, swinging the Totsuka in an overhead strike that Umbral Angelo easily parried and countered with a backhand, sending you flying backwards even when you blocked.

“Tsk.” You clicked your tongue in annoyance as you skid backwards upon sticking the landing, “Katana versus broadsword. Really should have taken Dante up on those spars.” You couldn’t get cocky here, you decided, widening your stance and sheathing the katana once more. “I’ll let you come to me, big guy.”

The shade knight raised his broadsword with both hands in a preparation for a lunging motion, the blade glowing and ominous purple before it blinked forwards. You barely had time to switch your footwork and unsheathe the Totsuka to parry the blow to the side before Umbral Angelo was upon you again. Being much smaller than the shade knight, you dodged the incoming elbow thrust by getting in close and under his arm, thrusting the Totsuka into a crack of the armor before pulling away and creating distance.

A growl escaped the shade knight as he too jumped away to create distance. For a moment, the two of you stood at a standstill, simply observing one another from across the room. “I don’t understand you.” The statement falls out of your mouth, eyes narrowing as you run a hand through your silvery hair. “You won’t attack unless I provoke you. You won’t speak. You just stand there!” When Umbral Angelo remained silent, you threw up your arms in exasperation. “Is it the grey eyes? The silver hair? It’s probably a little darker than those of Sparda’s bloodline, but- I’m getting carried away. Answer me!”

The shade remained silent, only changing its position from one ready to attack, to one of rest, stabbing its broadsword into the ground in front of its feet.

“Fine!” The Silver Rose is drawn and its trigger pulled in the blink of an eye, the single bullet hitting the wall just next to the knight’s head.

“…s…r…gi…” Broken sounds echoed from within the confines of the shade knight’s helmet as it shifted its position once more, raising its blade to swing. “…fea…m… w…i…”

Surprised, you could only jump to avoid the wave of energy sent at you from the swing. “Wait. What did you say?”

It didn’t reply, sprinting forward in a violent horizontal swing as you bent backwards to back hand-spring away. The assault of strikes was overwhelming as you were put on the defensive, parrying and dodging while trying to get a few hits in with Totsuka and Silver Rose. There were chinks in its armor, but very little injury to his person. Now that you were closer, however, you could finally hear what Umbral Angelo was muttering.

“…use your gift… defeat me with it…” The shade knight muttered, its voice an echo of something that was once familiar, but long since a memory. “…you must… for your own sake.” It pulled back just enough to throw another downward slash at you. “…please…”

The force of the strike as you block it causes the ground under you to give away. The knight is unrelenting as you struggle to lift the blade or even parry it to the side. You didn’t want to rely on your demonic power so much, but at this rate, you were bound to be defeated by a mere phantom.

A flash of light blankets the room in searing white as you call to your demonic powers. You can feel your body absorb both the Totsuka and Silver Rose as it changes. Before the bright light can disappear, you’d practically teleported to dodge the still descending broadsword.

You grunt in annoyance when you feel your grey hair cascade down your back, having grown longer than it was in your mortal form. Like Dante, your Devil Trigger causes you to take on a draconic appearance, tough silver, grey, and black scales adorning your body in a mimic of a knight’s armor. There’s a ridge around your neck and shoulders that resembles a high collar, protecting your neck from potential damage should the need arise. Your head and face are pulled into what looks like a snout, though your mouth and eyes seem to be stuck in an eternal grin of mischief. Behind you are a set of white leathery wings and a long tail. You have little practice with your wings in tight spaces, so they are currently folded into your spine, keeping them out of the way while you make use of your tail, probably one of the only weapons you have in this form besides your fists and feet. Though describing the appendage as a simple tail would be an understatement, as it is probably more like a stinger, its point, a sharp dagger that can shoot energy beams.

“If you want me to win so badly,” your voice is a hollow echo when you activate your Devil Trigger, “Then, come at me now.”

Umbral Angelo flies at you with another lunge, but this time you dodge and summon white energy copies of the Totsuka to lay into the knight while you throw in a few jabs and kicks, mixing the barrage of attacks up by occasionally backing away so your stinger has enough room to fire a beam of energy or two.

The assault is too much for the shade knight, and it is forced to create as much distance from you as possible. It looks like it can barely lift its sword from the damage you caused. Umbral Angelo drops his broadsword and falls to its knees, weakened and defeated as you approach.

“Now, let me ask again. Why did you show me those things?” You demand, releasing your Devil Trigger to stand as mortal once more.

“To show you the truth. To show you his demons. A part of him regretted. But a part of him did not. Before you face him again, you needed to know.” Umbral Angelo forced himself to reply, though his voice was weak. “There is… one more thing. He-”

Umbral Angelo did not get the chance to finish when a sword cleaved through his chest, killing the shade instantly.

You stood, wide-eyed, your face slightly splattered with dark blood as another figure bearing Nelo Angelo’s semblance stood before you. When it didn’t attack you, you wondered briefly why it had killed its own ally. And then, you heard a distorted demonic cackle behind you.

“A pity it wasn’t even useful to defeat his old whore.”

You had no idea what the hell you were staring at. A three headed woman fused with a giant chicken fetus. Wait… whore?

“WHORE!?” You screeched, immediately activating your Devil Trigger once more to rush the cackling abomination. “I’LL SHOW YOU A WHORE YOU RAGGEDY EXHIBITIONIST!”

“Oooh! I touched a nerve!” The abomination sneered before disappearing into a portal. “Deal with her.”

Just as you’re about to close in on the backend of the retreating abomination, you’re tackled so hard that you get sent through the floor and into open air.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once again, Thank you for reading! :D

[i-need-entertainment]

Ryunosuke Tanaka + “One man band”

This is the 20th Oneshot for the Valentines Day Event!! Thank you so much to the anon who requested this!!

Character: Tanaka x reader

*knock knock* “Y/n sweetie? Are you still asleep?” You opened your eyes and glanced at the digital clock sitting on your night stand. ‘10:35′ You groaned, “..I should be..” Your mom sighed, “Just, try not to stay in bed too long honey, we’re worried about you.” You frowned, “I won’t mom...” It had been 2 weeks since your boyfriend had dumped you for another.

It came out of no where, you thought things were going fine, or as fine as they normally did with him. But things were normal. So, when he had broken up with you it took you by complete surprise, and you’d be lying if you said you were fine. Hence why right now you were laying in your bed bundled in your covers past 10 on a Saturday. ‘Pathetic...’You sighed as you turned on your side, closing your eyes and trying to go back to sleep.

“WAKE UP LOSER!” You almost screamed as your door slammed open, your childhood best friend crush Ryunosuke Tanaka barged into your room, arms crossed as he looked at you. “RYU! You can’t just barge in here, what if I was naked?!” He raised a brow at you, “At 10:30 on a Saturday? We both know you stay in your pajamas all day, not to mention you probably haven’t even showered since I last saw you.” You rolled your eyes as you flipped over, mumbling ‘leave me alone’ and ‘let me be sad by myself’ as you hoped, albeit not really, that he would leave. You didn’t expect him to yank off your covers and *gently* pull you up from your bed. 

“Nope. Not anymore. You’re done being sad over that loser, he doesn’t get your tears! Now get dressed!” You stood up and stretched. “Get dressed for what..?” His expression turned serious, determination prevalent in his gaze. Without saying a word he walked to your drawer and pulled out a pair of jeans he knew you loved, your favorite socks and he threw you one of his hoodies you constantly stole.

He walked to the door before he turned slightly to face you. “A date, you’ve hurt enough for that jerk, it’s about time you go on a proper one.” Flashing you a mischievous smile he exited your room, leaving you shocked. 

You had a date...with your childhood best friend and love-interest...ohmygosh you have A DATE! Your eyes widened as you realized how much of a mess you probably looked right now. You hopped in the shower, taking what was possibly the quickest shower you’ve ever taken, before drying off and getting dressed. You put on the jeans and slipped Tanaka’s hoodie on, smiling as you noticed he had sprayed his cologne on it for you. Putting on your socks you decided to go with your favorite shoes, might as well.

You exited your room, alerting Tanaka who had been chilling on the living room couch. He got up and extended his hand out to you, you of course took it, and allowed him to lead you outside. You couldn’t even dream of fighting back the smile that came to your face when you saw he had gotten both of your bikes and parked them outside. “Where are we even going..?” He just chuckled as he got on his bike, you getting on yours. “I guess you could say we’re taking a small trip down memory lane.”

With that, the two of you got started on your date, him taking the lead and allowing you to just...enjoy. To be honest, you really weren’t that hurt over the break up, it was the crushing loneliness you felt was what got to you. Don’t get me wrong, you liked your ex! But he just wasn’t ‘the one’, so even if it was a little out of the blue, it would have happened eventually. You weren’t too bent out of shape about it, but the bruise it left on your pride was still a bit tender.

You had liked Tanaka for a long time, but you had always been too scared to tell him how you felt. So when you both got into high school and he had started falling for Kiyoko...you tried to give up on your feelings for good, figuring you stood no chance against her. So, you started dating your ex in your 1st year, hoping the feelings you had for the rambunctious ‘baldy’ would die out.

They of course had not.

Once upon a time, you knew Tanaka had liked you, but again, you had been to scared to say anything. And now, you had been so convinced you had missed your chance you hadn’t noticed that he still looked at you like you hung the stars in the sky. Because he still had feelings for you. He hadn’t said anything because he thought you were head over heels for that other guy, you sure seemed to be. He was going to let you go, let you be happy with him, but he could tell that you weren’t...

His top priority was making sure you were happy and okay, even if that meant it was with someone else. But right here, right now, he was going to do whatever it took to be that for you, to make you the happiest you’ve ever been. And as you both biked along paths you frequented as kids, you couldn’t remember the last time you felt that much joy. That much freedom. That is except for when you were with Tanaka. It was when you were with him that you were at 110%.

He stopped his bike at a small ice cream stand, you stopping close behind him. “Ah, Ryunosuke, Y/n, it’s nice to see you two.” Mr. Kirishima had been tending the small ice cream cart for decades, and as children (and teens) you and Tanaka had been regular customers. “Hi Mr. Kirishima!” Smiling, the old man handed the two of you your regular orders.

“So, I see you finally got that date?” Proudly smiling Tanaka did his little gremlin chuckle before swinging an arm around your shoulders. “Ah, yup! I told you she couldn’t resist me.” You laughed, but leaned into his side nonetheless. “It’s hard to resist when you, literally might I add, dragged me out of bed.” “All necessary to the greater good my dearest~” You rolled your eyes and started to eat your ice cream. After you both said your goodbyes to the nice man you got back on your bikes.

After you both rode for awhile, just enjoying the scenery and cracking some jokes here and there, he stopped at a small out of the way clearing. It was technically a park, but since there weren’t so much as a few benches it wasn’t very popular.

But seeing as it was a huge piece of open land, you and Tanaka regularly played their as children. You hadn’t been there in awhile, due to you being in a relationship and him having volleyball, so it was a nice change of scenery.

Grabbing your hand once again he led you to sit down on the grass, you leaning your head on his shoulder and his hand still in yours. “…Thanks for today, it means a lot..” He smiled and shook his head, “You don’t have to thank me, I hated seeing you down like that, down about him…you’re amazing, and you- you deserve to be treated that way.”

You felt the heat rise to your cheeks as you slightly squeezed his hand, really hoping this wasn’t some sick dream. “Y/n, I know I’m not perfect…and I’m not the best out there, but I’m serious when I say-“ He took a deep breath and turned to face you, hand still firmly holding yours.

“When I say I want to be the best one I can be for you. So Y/n, girl I have been hopelessly in love with for the past forever years of my life, please give me the chance to be your one and only.” You smiled as you pulled him into a hug, tucking your head into the crook of his neck as he tightened his arms around you in a hug. “..That sounds really nice…and, I like you too,” You smiled, you couldn’t let him get away that easily.

“I guess.” He pulled away a tad to look at you in *shock* “What do you mean guess?! Hey! Don’t laugh! You’re mine now, if you laugh at me, you’re laughing at your super cool awesome boyfriend! Don’t laugh more!” Snorting, you ducked back into his hold, sighing as you cuddled into your new boyfriend, and oldest best friend. You knew he would always take care of you, make you smile and keep you safe. So as you shed your previous fears and took this unknown leap into something new, you couldn’t help but be assured by the strong arms that were firm around you. This might be scary, but as long as Ryunosuke Tanaka is the one you call yours, you think you’ll be just fine.

“I don't wanna be a one man band. I don't wanna be a rolling stone, alone. Putting miles on a run-down van, Baby, we can take our own show on the road I'll lay down the beat, you carry the tune We'll get tattoos, and we'll trash hotel rooms. Baby, take my hand, 'Cause I don't wanna be a one man band”

[bi-bard]

You Aren’t Alone... I Promise- Malcolm Bright Imagine (Prodigal Son)

Title: You Aren’t Alone... I Promise

Pairing: Malcolm Bright X Reader (I tried to make this gender neutral)

Requested: Nope!

Word Count: 2,687

Warning(s): Kidnapping, death, mentions of previous murders, general dark subjects so please read with caution

Summary: Malcolm and (Y/n) were always close. (Y/n) had accepted every part of Malcolm, no questions asked. Most people would look at this as something amazing, right? But what if there was something more? What if there was something more to the situation than anyone knew?

Author’s Note: I have been tossing this idea around for so long! I am very excited to writ it but it’s going to be a little bit long so be prepared. 

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

“Hello,” I said in a cheery voice, closing the door slowly behind me. My mom walked around the corner and hugged me. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, sweetheart,” she replied. “What are you doing here?”

“I managed to get ready early so I thought I’d stop by on my way to work,” I shrugged. 

“Would you like some coffee,” my mom asked, pointing at her coffee maker. “I just made a fresh pot.”

“That sounds great,” I nodded, walking to her fridge and grabbing out some coffee creamer. 

“Have you guys had any interesting cases lately,” she handed me a travel cup, its lid, and a spoon. I shrugged.

“We had a murder last week but nothing too extreme since then,” I replied. 

“Well, maybe you should head in so you don’t miss anything,” she stuck her tongue out at me. 

“I’m sure talking to you a little bit in the morning won’t make me mi-”

And then my phone started ringing. I groaned and looked at the caller ID. Gil was calling. 

“And that’s my queue to go,” I shrugged. My mom pulled me into a tight hug, wishing me good luck. 

I quickly answered my phone on my way out, struggling to push open the door with the travel cup and my bag. Gil quickly rambled off a few quick facts as I went jogging out of the apartment. 

**Time Skip**

Come at least pick-up a little dinner tonight, I smiled to myself as I read my mom’s text. 

She didn’t have to offer me food on a normal basis... I was an adult. She didn’t need to let me steal her coffee. She was always doing the most. Probably more than needed but I loved her more than anything for that. 

“I thought I was the only one who smiled at crime scenes,” my smile went from my phone to Malcolm, who was walking over. “How has your morning been?”

“Definitely better than others,” I shrugged, giving him a brief hug. “What about you?”

He raised his eyebrows for a second with a look. That had become a simple signal. Still didn’t get enough sleep, probably didn’t eat, and his mom probably stopped by. I hugged him again, kissing his cheek. 

“Okay, we have a crime scene to look at,” I said with a grin. He nodded and grabbed my hand, dragging me over to the scene, and then promptly dropped my hand.

The scene was in an alleyway. It was like the killer was making a show of it all. Who were they entertaining? No one besides themselves. It was disturbing to see or think about.

I was ready to vomit when I walked into the room. A girl was tied up by her wrists. She looked like she was covered in blood. Her hair was matted, her clothes had blood stains and tears in it. Malcolm’s hand briefly touched my back as my face morphed into a look of pure disgust.

“Alright, please fill us in,” I said, looking over to our little team.

“Chloe Morrow, 23, found tied up without her tongue,” I grimaced as Gil relayed the information. “Edrisa has more specifics.”

“Yes,” Edrisa popped her from behind the body. “So... as bloody as she looks... that wasn’t the cause of death.”

“How the hell is that not the cause of death,” J.T asked.

“Well, the cuts were made after the victim had died, something else killed her,” she shrugged. “I don’t quite know what it was but my money would be on an overdose if it wasn’t lack of food or water. She was definitely dead before most of the bigger marks were made.”

“That’s so demented,” I mumbled. “And then to display them in public. God.”

“What are these,” we all looked at Malcolm, who had since walked over and lifted the shirt of the victim. 

“Don’t know, it looks like a code but I don’t understand it,” Edrisa replied. 

I stepped a little closer, staring at the markings. They were written in pen...thick, black marker. The killer wanted to know that you could see the marks. My eyes widened as it clicked.

“I know what this is,” I said. Everyone gave me the look that they usually give Malcolm, absolutely confused and a little more shocked than they need to be. “It’s Pigpen cipher. I learned it from my... parents.”

“What does it say,” Malcolm asked. I held my hand out, asking for a pen and paper. I quickly jotted down the symbols and filled them in letter by letter. “So?”

“‘I’m home,’“ I answered. “That’s what it says. Why?”

“Edrisa, find the cause of death,” Gil started listing off responsibilities. “Dani and (Y/n), go see if we have files on any other killers that use messages like this.”

**Time Skip**

“Nothing,” I smacked the table. “We’ve been searching for hours and we’ve found fucking nothing!”

“Hey, hey,” Dani stood up from her seat. “We’ll figure this out.”

“I just want answers,” I groaned, grabbing a file and opening it. I read over the general details. “Holy shit.”

“Did you find something,” she asked. 

“Unsolved case, the photos are of pigpen cipher, and disturbing injuries,” I handed a few photos over to Dani. “It looks like that last case was almost 13 years ago.”

“Maybe the killer was on the run for a while and now feels like they can come back,” she suggested. 

“Or it’s a copycat,” I mumbled, praying that it was only a copycat and not the original killer because... of personal reasons. That’s when the team walked in.

“What did you find,” Malcolm asked, looking right over my shoulder. 

“Almost an exact match for our murder,” I answered. “Cipher, injuries, all of it.”

“What does the cipher say,” Gil leaned on the table. 

“It looks like quite a few have been translated,” I shrugged. I rambled off a few examples, “‘Faith, money, liar...’“

“They’re all messages, lessons,” Malcolm added. I nodded.

“This guy has a serious John Kramer complex,” I looked at the confused stares from Gil, J.T, and Dani. “Jigsaw? From the Saw movies? The torture-porn ones?”

“Ew,” J.T. mumbled. 

“He thinks he’s superior,” I continued explaining. “He thinks he’ll inspire people by completely mutilating others.”

“Disgusting,” J.T grimaced. I nodded.

“The Pigpen Killer,” Malcolm decided. We all looked at him. “What? I can’t give the serial killer a name?”

We all ignored his question as Gil started speaking.

“Alright, we comb through evidence, follow up on any leads they had,” Gil instructed. “We need a list of who to look into. Got it?”

“Yes, sir,” Malcolm playfully saluted before grabbing the file from my hands. 

**Time Skip**

“Try and get a little bit of sleep,” I mumbled, kissing Malcolm’s forehead as I went to walk out of the precinct.

“I’ll try,” he replied before fully kissing me. “Get home safe, please.”

“I will,” I promised. “Bye.”

“Goodbye,” he waved at me as I walked off.

I was on high alert the entire walk. I had rounded corners slowly, ready to fight if I needed to. I probably looked insane but I didn’t care. This was exactly what I needed to do. 

I thought that everything was perfect. I thought I was being safe... and I was. I thought I was going to be able to go home and relax.

I did get home.

I didn’t get to relax.

I walked in and was met with another person right inside. I was about to scream when a cloth was held over my mouth. I struggled against whoever had grabbed me until I felt a cloud form around my brain as my body went numb. I slowly stopped fighting as everything went black around me.

**Time Skip**

I slowly woke up, blinking and trying to clear my head. The entire night slowly came back to me as I looked around. I was still in my living room. My arms were secured behind me and my legs were tied. There was some kind of cloth tied in my mouth.

My breath picked up when I heard footsteps behind me. I wanted to yell or do something but I couldn’t. I only saw the person’s back as they walked to my table and grabbed a chair, placing it in front of me. 

He yanked his hood off. My eyes went wide. He pulled the cloth out of my mouth with a smirk. It wasn’t a copycat. Why couldn’t it be a copycat?

“Dad,” I asked in absolute shock. He chuckled before doing some weird, condescending version of jazz hands.

“Hi,” he said. “Did you like my little code? Did you tell your cop friends or did they figure it out?”

“Why are you here,” I asked. “Why did you come back?”

“Can I not visit my kid,” he replied. 

“You were on the run,” I continued. “You probably could have hidden away for the rest of your life. You didn’t need to come back to the city and start killing again.”

“I don’t want to hide,” my dad rolled his eyes. “And I won’t have to.”

“Why,” I mumbled.

“Because you’re going to confess,” he explained, standing up to grab a camera from my closet that typically had my paper towels and other cleaning supplies. My apartment was kind of tiny. “You’re going to confess on camera to the murders of my 13 victims... well... now 14. I go off, never looking over my shoulder again, and you get a cute fluffy prison cell where you might get to eventually see your little boyfriend.”

“If you hurt Malcolm, I swear-”

“I won’t touch him,” my dad rolled his eyes. “I will... however.... kill your mom if you refuse. Remember when she tried to turn me in?”

“You’re psychotic.”

“The police still have me as a suspect because of her,” he ignored me. “Now... she’s tied up in your bathroom. If you refuse, I make a message out of her. If you don’t refuse... it ends. You and your team will never have to deal with me again. Look at the facts. You confess... and I disappear. Deal?”

“How do I know I can believe you,” I asked. “You could just be lying so I’ll play by your rules.”

“Oh my god,” my dad moved and grabbed the back of my chair. 

He tilted it back slightly so he could drag me over to my bathroom door. He pushed the door open and there was my mom, tied in place, sobbing, clearly scared out of her mind... and I couldn’t help her. My eyes filled with tears.

“So, do we have a deal,” he repeated. I nodded. “Good... keep yourself together. The crying will give something away.”

He dragged me back to my previous spot and set up the camera. I bit my lip, staring at the floor. I was trying to figure out exactly what I was going to say... and then another thought came to mind.

Malcolm. He was pretty much the perfect profiler. He would know this was fake. Maybe he would know that I wasn’t actually guilty. He could be my hero.

“Ready,” my dad clapped his hands. I nodded slowly. “Okay... and...”

He just pointed to me when he hit record. 

“I guess that guilt gets to us all at some point,” I started. “I have fooled everyone since I was in my teens. I used the appearance of innocence to hide everything I did and create a conspiracy around my own father. I am what the police have named the Pigpen Killer. I’m sorry to my team and to everyone who trusted me. It’s time to move forward. It’s time to face the time for my actions. It’s over.”

The camera switched off and my dad clapped again. I jumped at the sound. 

“Good job,” he cheered. “All of that in the first take, I’m impressed.”

“Just let my mom and me go,” I hissed as he walked over to my computer. I watched him transfer the video. This was it. The day everything ended. 

“I can’t let you call the police after I leave,” he shrugged, finally moving away from the computer. “So we’re going to watch the news of your little video.”

“How are you going to make sure that you don’t get caught if they come here to get me,” I asked. 

“Don’t worry about that,” he shrugged, pulling a chair over to sit next to me after turning on the TV. 

I couldn’t see anything but I could hear it. My heart started beating faster and faster. This was going to be the end of it all... if Malcolm couldn’t help me. I needed Malcolm to help me.

**Time Skip**

I had started crying once the report started. Not only was the news going, but Ainsley was the one reporting. I could hear her voice crack as she spoke. My shoulders were shaking as I started sobbing. They all thought I was evil. Everyone.

I had gotten to the point where I had given up hope. I was going to jail, my dad was going to go free, and my mom was going to be left on her own.  It was over. I was done for.

“I should really be going,” my dad said, as if I wasn’t tied up. “It was nice seeing you, kiddo.”

I just glared at him as he walked around me. I turned my gaze to the ground as he started to untie me. Both of us froze when the door slammed open. 

A group of detectives walked in. A few grabbed my dad but I was focused on Malcolm, who had come speed-walking in after them. He was quick to untie my arms before starting on one leg while I started on the other one. 

I basically dove off of the chair and hugged him tightly. Malcolm rubbed my back, mumbling quietly in my ear. I moved back for a second. 

“My mom,” I said through my sobs. “She’s tied up in the bathroom.”

“Get her,” Malcolm nodded to Dani. 

The rest of the event was a blur. Malcolm had guided me outside. I watched my dad get pushed into the back of the cop car. Malcolm wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I leaned my head on his shoulder. 

“Thank you,” I finally mumbled, after standing next to him in silence for a long time. “I knew that you’d know I was lying.”

“You didn’t move your body at all,” Malcolm explained. “I knew something was wrong.”

“Thank you,” I repeated before kissing his cheek. “I... I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about my dad.”

“It’s alright,” he replied. “It’s just he was still running around and I didn’t want him to hurt you or Ainsley or Jessica or Dani or Gil or-”

“I understand,” Malcolm cupped the sides of my face as he cut me off. “I completely understand, I promise. From one kid with a psychotic dad to another, I understand.”

“Can I stay at your place tonight,” I asked. He nodded softly, kissing my forehead. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” he mumbled, pulling me closer as he started leading me away from the scene.

That night, my name was cleared. With a smile, Ainsley reported that my confession was false and that the true killer has been arrested. My mom was taken care of and protected so she could have a peaceful night’s sleep. Everyone was safe... everyone was home.

The city blew up with the news. Some of them were honoring the victims. Some of them were saying that they knew I was innocent. The internet ran with it; screaming about the false confession from the comfort of their couches. 

Malcolm and I just went straight to his apartment. He sat on the couch with me, waiting for me to fall asleep... which I didn’t. We found this quiet peace where no one had to talk. No one had to be scared. It was the only thing I could ask for at that moment.

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[hollypastl]

the disappearance of [REDACTED] ch.3

miya atsumu/reader

Summary: "MISSING: MIYA Y/N" It reads. Underneath is a picture of yourself. Age, height, weight. Everything important is listed. How embarrassing.

Genre: angst/mystery

Warnings: missing persons, time skip spoilers

Notes: crossposted on ao3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/28726002/chapters/70566306#main

[y/n] 10:27pm: i’m heeeereeeee

[y/n] 10:29pm: i said i’m here you asshole

[y/n] 10:29pm: hurry tf up

[y/n] 10:29pm: did you fall asleep

[y/n] 10:29pm: i’m leaving if you don’t respond in the next 30 seconds

With a painful squeak, the window slides open. “Wouldja shaddup?” He hisses. “Yer gonna wake up ‘Samu if ya keep buzzin’ my phone so much.”

“Too fuckin’ late, asshole.” Osamu groans. You can hear him rolling over in bed and Atsumu disappears from view, courtesy of a pillow flying towards his face at light speed.

You take over the spot he’d been occupying to pop your head in and lean over the windowsill. “Hey, how are you?”

“Tired.”

“Then go back to sleep, stupid ‘Samu.” The killer arm flies out again and this time the pillow lands. Atsumu’s head gives a sick crack against the drywall.

You let out a low whistle. “Nice one.”

He finally sits up and comes into view. “[l/n], right?” He’s obviously tired, and you feel kind of bad for waking him up.

Your face quirks a performative smile, remembering that you do still have to respond. “The one and only.” You straighten your arms and hoist yourself up, over, and in through the window, taking a seat and holding out your hand to shake. “Hey, you don’t mind if I call you by your first name, do you? It’d be kinda weird to call you Miya when I already call Atsumu, Atsumu. You can call—”

Without warning, you shoot to the other side of the room and stick yourself to the wall.

The door swings open.

From where you stand, Osamu’s eyes connect with the person at the door, darting towards Atsumu for a split second. He realizes there could be big trouble really quick. His mom might be pretty chill, but having a random girl sneaking into their room? Does he realize that? He was suffering from brain damage at the moment.

A silent conversation takes place between the brothers and their mom, who stands silently at the door. It kind of freaks you out, how you can see her shadow splaying out from the light in the hallway and not hear a sound.

“Go to sleep.” She commands, slamming the door shut.

A breath of relief leaves all three of them.

It swings back open. “Sorry fer slamming the door. G’night, love ya.”

“Love ya, too.”

“Love ya, mom.” They chorus, slightly out of time with the other. When they speak in tandem like that, you can’t tell who’s voice is who’s.

“And close the damn window; it’ll mess with the AC.”

The door clicks closed, the lights in the hall are flicked off, and footsteps walk away.

You hop over to give Atsumu a hand up. He’s still sulking against the wall. “Like I was saying, you can call me [y/n].” You pat him on the shoulder, which is slightly awkward because the boy is so much taller than you. You wonder what their mom feeds them. Then you remember why you’re here in the first place. Seems like the trauma of almost getting caught redhanded was getting to you.

“[y/n] can we hurry up and go?” Atsumu whispers in your ear. You’re not paying attention, you’re too busy rustling through their closet and dresser.

“I’m kinda busy, right now. And we’ve got plenty of time. What difference is a few minutes gonna make?” You slide one drawer open after the other. “Eww. Teenage boy sock drawer.” Atsumu kicks it shut and you almost lose a finger in the process. You can’t see it, but intuition tells you he’s red in the face.

“Do I even wanna know what you two are up ta?” Osamu drawls.

“We’re breaking into an abandoned sweet potato farm.” You throw a different shirt at Atsumu. “Change into that.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so, that’s why.”

“I meant why are you breaking into an abandoned sweet potato farm?” Osamu corrected. You faltered. Why did their voices sound so similar?

“The third years are planning a party to kick off summer break, but they need a location. We just need to check if it’s safe, and we’re in.” Your head shot back at Osamu and you ignored Atsumu stripping in the corner of your eye. The room was dark enough. “Wanna come?”

“Uhh, I’ll pass.” He flops back down on his mattress with an audible whump and throws the duvet over his head.

You shrugged. “Suit yourself.” You turned to Atsumu, now dressed in a shirt that wasn’t cringy as hell. “Ready?”

He was already lifting himself out the window and extending a hand to you. “Bye, Osamu!” You whisper-yelled. “Sleep well. I promise Atsumu will try to not wake you up when he gets back.”

Outside, it was much brighter. From the light of the moon and stars, you could fully appreciate the scowl Atsumu directed at you. “What?”

He shuts the window first, obviously struggling not to slam it. “Didja have to spend twenty minutes flirtin’ with my brother?”

He’s already hiking his way up the hill that they called their front yard, probably looking for his bike. “Oh, was I? I didn’t even realize.” It takes you a second but you find it fallen in the bushes of his neighbor’s lawn. “Can you blame me? He’s pretty cute.”

Atsumu sputters, yanking the handlebars from you. “Will ya stop teasin’ already?”

He’s so easy to rile up. “I’ll have you know I’m never anything but truthful.” He swings his leg over the bike and checks the road.

“Hurry up and get on. Let’s go.”

“Yeah, one sec.” Without warning, you stick your thumb and middle fingers in your mouth and whistle nice and quiet. Wouldn’t wanna wake the neighbors.

The hair on the back of his neck shoots up and he waits a good thirty seconds for the lights to switch on in one of his neighbor’s houses. “WHAT THE HELL?” He whispers. When he looks back, you’re just tapping your foot and debating whistlin’ like a banshee again.

“Just callin’ our friend.”

“Wha—”

Finally, a giant dog bounds up from the woods, surprisingly silent for his size. “Good boy, coming here.” You rub his face affectionately and finally sit yourself down on the back of the bike. “Taro, meet Atsumu. Atsumu, meet Taro. Taro-taicho, really, but he’s not militaristic about his title.”

“Whydja introduce the dog first?” He grumbles, toeing the kickstand up.

The bike jerks forward and you wrap an arm around Atsumu’s waist to balance yourself. It’d be inconvenient and uncool to fall off. A piece of dried jerky is also tossed to Taro with your free hand and you call for him to follow.

The air feels nice, breezing through your hair and tickling your skin. July heat has been unbearable, you’ve hated it ever since you were a child. But it felt nice with the sun being long gone. Even the crickets and cicadas relentless buzzing was oddly tolerable. Maybe you should make late night summer outings a habit.

After twenty minutes of coasting up and down hills and towards their destination, Atsumu breaks your comfortable silence. “Yanno, this is kinda romantic.”

“Huh?”

“You. Me. Alone. Under the stars.” Objectively, he’s not wrong. Last time you heard, sneaking out with a boy in the middle of the night did fall under the spectrum of dumb high school romantic activities to engage in. You might have even entertained the thought of playing along if Atsumu hadn’t carelessly pointed it out.

“Don’t forget about Taro.” You reminded. “Or that I wanted your dreamy brother to come along—” You fail to deliver the line flat and a laugh bubbles up.

“Will ya stop with that?” He lurches forward and peddles twice as hard, putting his frustration into kinetic output.

You cackle and lean against him. “C’mon, I can’t help it, Atsumu.”

“Help what?” He sounds exasperated, like he regrets even agreeing to this whole adventure in the first place.

“Making fun of you whenever you try to flirt with me.”

He scoffs. “M’not flirtin’ with ya! That’s just how I am!”

“M’kay.” You hum. You don’t buy it for a second. “Well, that’s just how I am too.”

“Fine.” He huffs.

“Fine.” You mirror his tone and he isn’t sure if you’re teasing him again or not. “Turn here.”

“Yeah, yeah. I got it.” He swerves to the left and you let out a short whistle to alert Taro. Just because you’re feeling extra nice tonight, you toss the dog another piece of jerky, which he leaps in the air to catch.

“Hey, want some jerky?” You’re already pulling apart a nice, soft piece for him. You’ll feed the tough bits to Taro.

“You mean the stuff you’ve been feedin’ the dog?”

“It’s for humans, too.” It definitely wasn’t.

He thinks it over for a second. “Only if you feed it to me.”

Oh, the stuff that just pours out of his mouth. Does he think before he speaks? You’ll miss hearing it someday. Just to play along, you let your breath catch. It’s just loud enough for him to hear.

“C’mon, my hands are busy, just give it here.” He argues, turning his head slightly so you can see his mouth but he can still see the road.

“‘Kay.” You pop the meat in his mouth. “Huh.” You stare at your fingers.

He groans. “What now?”

“I’m just surprised you didn’t try to suck on my fingers or anything!” You explain.

At that, you can feel him stiffen up immensely. “I—If anything, y—you’d be suuuuuh…” He trails off.

But you know exactly what he wants to say. “I’d be…?” You almost miss the sign. “Oh, hey we’re here!” You bounce off the bike before Atsumu has a chance to stop, and run up to the gate. “Wow, lucky it’s only rusted shut.” You give it a few good kicks before the metal snaps open. “It would’ve been so annoying to lug my bolt cutters all the way back here. Hey, you’ve got your tetanus shot, right?” You shoot over your shoulder.

Taro beams ahead once he can wiggle through and you’re right behind, waving the flashlight on your phone around and picking your way through overgrown weeds. You’re glad you wore tights under your denim cutoffs or else your legs would be itching like crazy right now.

“Atsumu? You coming?”

He shakes his head and runs his hand through his hair. He must be tired. It is almost midnight after all. After a moment, he follows after you. Even from several feet away, you can see his eyes drooping and the sluggishness in his step. Right, he did just bike forty minutes with you balancing behind him and not helping in the slightest. Not to mention your personality can be… grating. Or so you’ve been told. When he gets close enough, you offer your hand and he takes it without any fanfare. This old place is creepy as hell and he’s not gonna say anything to make you take it back.

To Taro, you direct three short whistles, signaling him to lead the way, but stay close. He picks his way through the field carefully and you follow dutifully behind. The fields are full of holes and pits, you’re again glad that you wore clunky hiking boots with ankle support over some flimsy sneakers. The LED light on your phone can only help so much.

“Should you be wavin’ that thing around?” Atsumu asks, voice low with trepidation.

“What thing?” You ask.

“Yer flashlight.” He clarifies, halfway between a hiss and a sigh.

Your brow involuntarily furrows. Where had he gotten that idea? “Why? Kind of need it to see, ya’ know?”

“But what if someone sees?”

You stop in your tracks, drop his hand, and turn around. “There’s no one around for miles, Atsumu. Nobody’s gonna see.”

“Then why are we even here?”

“To check if it’s safe, I told you that.”

“From what? Some old farmer’s ghost?”

“When did I— Actually, you know what? That’s a good point. I didn’t think about the place being haunted.” Considering what you knew about the history of the property. You continued to mutter under your breath and swiped your phone on. Did you have a signal here? Could you download a ghost detector app? “Maybe I’ll just have to borrow one from the paranormal club at school. They owe me a favor, after all.”

“Can you PLEASE stop rambling and tell me what we’re doing all the way out here in the middle of nowhere in the dead of night?” His palms land on your shoulders. From the way his fingers dig into your skin, you’re glad he religiously clips his fingernails.

“—”

He shakes you, roughly. “EXACTLY?”

You dropped your arm from where it was held in the air, trying to get a better signal for your phone. “We’re checking for bombs.”

The annoyance in his expression drops and leaves you looking at… You didn’t really know what that emotion was. “What?”

“I told you it was abandoned in the 40’s.” Maybe you hadn’t been clear enough when discussing it with Atsumu the day before. In your defense, it seemed pretty obvious. Why did he think there were people here? You had said it was abandoned.

“You’re tellin’ me...” He sputters.

You cock your head to the side. “I mean, why did you think I brought Taro?”

His eyes dart behind you to where the dog is patiently waiting.

“We’re leavin’.” Before you know it, Atsumu has a vice grip on your wrist and is dragging you back the way you came. But you can’t leave yet, you haven’t cleared the property. At the very least, you wanted to make it to the old farmhouse and see if the floorboards were safe for dancing!

A sharp twist and tug of your wrist frees you for a split second, but his reflexes are quick, even when he’s not looking and it’s dark out. “Let go!” You whine. He doesn’t. Any attempts, physical or emotional, are useless. You’re caught off guard by just how much stronger he is than you and you’re not sure what makes it more infuriating: that you’re weak, or that you’re stupid for not knowing.

Taro barks and your eyes widen. On instinct you grab the arm Atsumu’s dragging you with and throw your entire weight back. By the grace of the gods, it’s just enough to send him stumbling back and you both topple over in the thistle.

“Owwwww.” You moan, already second guessing yourself. There are thorns digging into every inch of your skin and Atsumu’s bony elbow has planted itself in between your vital organs.

Slowly, he lifts himself up. “What the hell was that for?” By now, Taro has bounded over and is shoving his nose in your face. He growls when Atsumu extends a hand.

“Taro, heelAHHH!” One after the other, you take the proffered hand up, tell Taro off, and rise up. Except when you put weight on your ankle, it screams in protest. Tears prick your eyes and you grip onto Atsumu for support. You feel bad for him. Your nails probably hurt.

“Don’t step back.” You warn, remembering at least that through the pain searing itself up your leg.

He shifts his weight and Taro barks a warning again. “Is he barking because of the…”

“Yeah.”

From your spot hanging onto him, you can hear his heart beating faster and faster. It wasn’t a situation you were familiar with. Should you just tell him not to be scared? But that tactic never worked for you in the past.

He’s the first one to work up some courage and kick his mind back in gear. “Can you walk?”

You test it, setting some weight on your heel. Probably not as carefully as you should have because you hiss in pain.

“I’ll take that as a no.” He sighs, gingerly turning around and crouching down, listening for Taro’s warning the whole time. “Hop on.” You comply. “Taro-taicho? Lead the way.”

The dog stares Atsumu down while you bury your face in his back. You’re so angry. At what? You’re not quite sure. Definitely not Atsumu. It’s not his fault. Then again, why did he get so mad anyways? It’s not like you were purposefully— That’s a lie. Abandoned farm from the 40’s wasn’t specific enough. Even with the additional context of your bomb sniffing hound. You let him assume and from how quiet he’s being, he’s pissed. You would be too if the roles were reversed.

Vaguely, you process him helping you back onto the bike, giving his shoulder for you to hang onto. The person you’re mad at is yourself.

“Why’re ya snifflin’?”

If this were a movie, your tears would be shining in the moonlight as the wind whipped them off your cheeks. But it isn’t and you’re glad he’s not looking at you.

“I’m sorry.” You choke out. Your throat is closing up and they’re the first words you can think of. “Are you mad at me?” They’re whispered as loud as you can make them, but you can’t put any real force behind them because the frog in your throat is getting bigger by the second. The atmosphere is nerve wracking. His answer can’t come quick enough because your mind is already jumping to different, more effective, ways to apologize. What should you do? How do you make it up to him? You’ve never been good at gift giving. Was running an option? Let him take you home and then lock the door before he can say anything. Delete his phone number and ignore him at school.

The manipulative bitch inside you wonders if giving him a piece of yourself would suffice. Would he even want it? He sure spoke like he did. Sometimes. How far would be enough? A kiss? On the cheek, or lips? How long? What if he wanted more?

He had asked before. Half joking, half serious. Unwilling to commit. Back then, your rejection had been painless. The both of you laughed immediately after and went back to normal.

But that was then and this is now. 'Now' is painful and suffocating. It's a shot in the dark, but maybe the opposite action would give you room to breathe.

[lukecastellandeservedbetter]

13. New Rome

a/n: and finally, the Two Idiots have been reunited at last. I am really excited for everything that comes after this chapter, I hope y’all enjoy!

Read the others!: Masterlist

Luke looked over the edge of the ship as they came into the borders of Camp Jupiter. It looked beautiful from up here, but Luke was a little wary of flying into enemy territory, snatching up Percy and leaving again. 

A statue popped up, instigating an argument with Annabeth, even having the audacity to insult her mom. Annabeth was desperate as she argued, her eyes going back and forth from the statue to the ground. Luke switched positions to follow her eye line and realized why- 

Percy. 

His whole body relaxed immediately, the feeling almost painful since his body had been on high alert from the moment he learned Percy had disappeared. Percy was okay. And he looked happy, calm, like there was no danger around him. He wore a purple robe like Jason’s- how did Percy keep managing to convince people he deserved to be in charge? The kid still couldn’t make grilled cheese sandwiches without burning the bread. 

The humour he tried to keep dropped, and Luke was suddenly a little worried. 

As far as he was aware, Kronos had never actually seen any of the Camp Jupiter campers. Which means there was a good chance they had not seen him. However, there had been times over the year that Kronos had possessed his body where Luke had found himself sinking into nothingness, his consciousness slowly dying as the Titan Lord grew in strength, so he wasn’t entirely sure. The Titan was wearing his face through the whole endeavour, and he didn’t want to risk the crew’s- his friends -safety if he went down there and all the Roman’s saw was Kronos. 

“I think Annabeth is negotiating the terms of our arrival,” Jason mumbled to him, falling into place beside Luke on the rail, looking down at the camp he called home. “Got any advice?” 

Luke looked at him surprised before looking back down at the crowd. “Just be you, Jason. It wasn’t your fault you left the camp.” He told him honestly. 

“I don’t think Reyna will see it that way,” Jason chuckled sheepishly. “Especially when she meets…” Jason glanced over to Piper who was standing behind Annabeth protectively, hand on her dagger. “The Romans don’t take deserting lightly.” 

Luke nodded slowly. “They’re still your family,” He pointed out. “Once you get a chance to explain yourself, I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He said, looking back at Jason. “The Roman’s probably missed you as much as Camp Half-Blood missed Percy.” 

Jason nodded and took a deep breath, relaxing his shoulders a little before glancing back at Luke. “Thanks, Luke.” He said softly. “I appreciate it.” 

“Of course,” He nodded as Leo waved them over. “Welcome home, Jason.” He patted his shoulder and headed over to the rope ladder, climbing down. 

The Roman’s parted for Annabeth as she led them to a little clearing where Percy was. Luke watched her stiffen, trying so hard to remain calm, cool and collected as Reyna took them all in. His eye line connected with Reyna’s, and he watched her try not to recoil back at the sight of his face. Her head turned, but her eyes took a moment to follow suit to Jason, who stood there a little awkwardly. 

“Jason Grace, my former colleague, I welcome you home.” She started, formal and regal. “And these, your f… friends,” She seemed to trip up on the word, glancing back at Luke before returning her gaze to Jason. 

Annabeth rushed forward and tackled Percy, kissing him firmly. Percy grinned as she pulled away. “Gods, I never thought-” 

Boom. 

Percy was on the ground, having gone over Annabeth’s head. Luke saw the sea of Roman’s serge forward, and watched Reyna call them all to order, to stand back as Percy laughed at Annabeth’s threats. 

“I missed you too.” He told her softly. 

Annabeth got up quickly and Luke stepped forward, offering a hand to Percy who took it quickly. 

“Hey man,” Percy grinned up at him as Luke pulled him up effortlessly. “I see your sorry ass got dragged along, huh?” 

“Yeah, you’re lucky the manager likes me so I have a job to go back to when this is all over,” He told him, ruffling Percy’s hair. 

“It’s good to see you,” Percy told him, patting his shoulder with bright eyes. 

“You too.” Luke nodded with a small smile. 

Jason cleared his throat. “So uh, yeah, it’s good to be back.” He motioned to the other demigods. 

He introduced Piper first, who waved a little awkwardly, and Leo who threw up a peace sign. “This is Annabeth, she doesn’t usually judo-flip people,” Jason told Reyna. 

Reyna inquired with Annabeth about whether she was actually a Roman, or Amazon, rather than a Greek, to which Annabeth chuckled with a little embarrassment, holding Percy’s hand, insisting she didn’t always greet people like that, just Percy. 

“And this is Luke, he’s a senior counselor at Camp Half-Blood, he trains some of the newbies who come into Camp when he’s actually at Camp.” Jason finished up the introductions. 

The introduction was a little… glossed over for Luke, but he appreciated Jason trying to paint him in a good light. 

As Reyna called for a feast to be prepared for, some stringy 16 year old who looked like he’d never picked up a sword in his entire life marched forward, arguing with Reyna about the ‘intruders in camp’ and the ‘looming war ship’. 

Luke felt like he was looking in a mirror from 5 years ago, Octavian’s eyes were lit with a certain hunger for power, and his disrespect and disregard towards Reyna, who seemed otherwise highly respected and revered throughout the group, and her orders that everyone else seemed to follow without question, rubbed Luke the wrong way. 

Percy looked between Luke and Octavian, and realized that when he saw Octavian for the first time, the person he reminded him of was Luke. But not this Luke, not the Luke that tried to sacrifice himself for the camp, who dropped the new life he was slowly building to come find Percy, and who insisted on helping Sally with the dishes every night. No, he reminded him of the Luke that held up the sky. The skinny, broken Luke that had looked like Thalia could snap him over her knee like a twig, and she practically did when she pushed him off the mountain. 

He could also read Luke’s expression when the taller blonde looked at Octavian. 

Luke didn’t trust him either, then. 

“Why don’t you make a sacrifice to the gods as a thank you for returning Jason home safely?” Reyna told Octavian impatiently. 

“Yeah Octavian, go burn some bears.” Percy couldn’t help but taunt him. 

Reyna fought a smile, but Luke could see it twitching at the corner of her lips. “You have my orders. Go.” 

Octavian glared at Percy, and gave Annabeth and Luke suspicious looks before stalking off into the crowd. 

Percy chuckled, throwing an arm around Annabeth. “Relax, most of these guys aren’t like Octavian. This is Hazel and Frank,” He motioned to the pair. “They’re pretty cool. We’ll be fine here.” 

Annabeth looked up at the ship worriedly and back to Percy, studying him, as if she was trying to commit his face to memory. “We’ll be fine.” She repeated quietly. 

“Luke man, you would love the armoury, the swords are crazy detailed.” He told Luke with a grin. “If we can swing it, I’ll show you after the feast.” 

Luke nodded. “That sounds great, actually, I’d love to see the difference between Imperial Gold and Celestial Bronze.” 

Reyna cleared her throat. “Right, well,” Her eyes scanned over the group, lingering on Luke for a moment before they landed on Jason, with an unreadable expression on her face. “I think it’s time we catch up? We have some things to discuss.” 

[ayatosmlktea]

Your tumblr account is so fucking great!!! Glad that i found it. Can i request an imagine? Levi's s/o got pregnant in teen modern au and levi is having second thoughts and all but he eventually came back to them. Give me your angst and fluffffffff ❤❤ thank u

A/N: thank youuuu! Comments like these make my day ❤️ you guys are amazing and again thanks for being patient with my slow ass

𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒚 ❤️

It was the longest three minutes of her life, Y/N held the stick in her hands her eyes unable to drift away from the tiny display in front of her. In a matter of seconds her life was either going to change forever or things were going to stay the same. Every fibre of her being was hurtling towards panic as the seconds dragged on, the breath she had been holding released in a quick whoosh of air as the word ‘positive’ popped up on the screen.

“Fuck” she whispered feeling a sense of despair crawling into her mind. They were only kids; Y/N sixteen and Levi a year older, just freshly graduated out of high school and working minimum wage jobs that were no means of raising a baby on. Tears drip down her face at the uncertainty of the unknown, she knew her parents were going to be furious, they wren’t the biggest fans of Levi. She knew how hard working he was, constantly scraping by the skin of his teeth to help his mom and balancing their relationship on top of everything.

She bit her lip contemplating her options, as scared as she was at probably one of the biggest moments of her life Y/N knew she wanted to go through with the pregnancy but would wait to hear what he had to say before making a final decision. She loved Levi more than anything in the world and knew that he loved her just as much. Picking up her phone she dials his number without a second thought knowing that the longer she sat on her decision the more prone to backing out of telling him she would be.

“Hey Y/N, what’s up?” The sound of his voice alone was enough to help ease the ever-growing anxiety in her stomach.

“Are you busy? I need to talk to you about something.” Levi immediately knew something was off, not knowing what to think sent a heavy feeling of unease settled into his being.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Kind of, but I’d rather do this in person. Can we meet up?” Tugging at her bottom lip with her teeth she tries to steady her shaky hands to no avail. Levi’s nervousness was fuelling her own, the momentary relief she’d felt quickly squashed by a storm of doubt and second thoughts.

“Yeah I’m on my way home now, you can meet me there.” Hanging up the call she began pacing back and forth. The reality of the situation was almost suffocating, their lives were going to change after today. Y/N couldn’t handle the possibility of him leaving her over something like this. Gathering her things along with the pregnancy test she shoved them into her bag and headed towards Levi’s.

Their phone call had his nerves on edge the entire walk home, whatever she had to tell him couldn’t have been good. Maybe she was thinking about breaking up, Levi knew he could be hard to be around sometimes but Y/N had always been there to reassure him that she loved him. The alert from his phone letting him know she was there almost made him want to vomit, the suspension was becoming too much. Her appearance wasn’t helping calm his racing mind. She was clearly nervous about something, her skin was pale and a thin layer of sweat made her face shiny despite the weather being on the cooler side. Leading her to his bedroom he watched as she sat uncomfortably on the edge of his bed. Something was definitely wrong, she was never this high strung around him.

“Y/N tell me what’s going on, you’re killing me” Levi gulps his mouth feeling suddenly dry as he sits next to her. She meets his gaze hesitantly, something swimming beneath her forced collected exterior. Taking a deep breath she reaches into her bag and shoves something into his hands before turning her body away from his.

“Fuck” the tense situation had Y/N’s emotions all over the place and she couldn’t hold back the laughter at how similar their reactions had been.

“I know…this isn’t something we talked about before and it’s okay if you don’t want -“

“I do” Cutting her off Levi’s words were unwavering. His eyes still fixed to the result on the screen. There were many emotions swirling inside his brain but more than anything he wanted her and now their baby. His whole life had been a series of unfortunate events and Y/N was the one thing that had stayed consistent.

“I’m scared as fuck but I want us to be a family” His expression was so sincere and heartfelt that it brought her to tears again. She had hoped that Levi would say yes but she could never be sure. Pulling her into a hug he presses firm yet tender kisses on her temple silently promising her that he would the best father their baby could ask for.

♡    ♡    ♡ 

It had been a few months since then, Y/N’s baby bump was beginning to show more prominently now. True to his words Levi had been working his ass off, picking up extra shifts at work to save up for their baby. She was also working hard, saving every penny possible and trying to balance taking classes on top of it. Her parents had been less than thrilled at finding out their daughter was expecting a child with someone they considered to be stealing their baby’s youth; but had agreed to allow her to live at home until they were financially stable. It had hurt her that they still didn’t accept Levi but she would take advantage of their generosity until she moved out. Things had been going well between them, albeit Levi was more stressed than ever before but at least he’d had his mother’s support throughout all of it. Y/N began to worry when he started answer her calls with less vigour than she was used to, even on his lowest days her calls always cheered him up.

Lately Levi was closing himself off it seemed. His texts were shorter and less frequent and while Y/N knew that he was exhausted she couldn’t help but worry that he was having second thoughts.

“Are you ignoring me on purpose?” She asked over their nightly phone calls one evening.

“I’m just tired Y/N” he sighed heavily and she knew he wasn’t lying about that but his behaviours were becoming too questionable not to dig deeper.

“Do you still want the baby?” The silence at the other end was deafening and against her will hot tears were rolling down her cheeks.

“I don’t know” he sighed again, his voice sounded strained and it only made her feel worse for placing such a big burden on his shoulders so young.

“Sorry” was all she could manage between silent sobs.

“I’m just…confused” Squeezing her eyes shut she willed herself not to make any noise, not wanting to add to the stress she was already putting him through.

“It’s fine Levi! I’m sorry for bothering you, you should sleep! I’ll talk to you later” Her voice was disgustingly fake and he knew it.

“Y/N wait!” She hung up the phone pretending that she hadn’t heard him. Rolling over onto her side she pulled the blankets over her head and cried herself to sleep.

Levi threw his phone across the bed groaning in frustration, he didn’t know what to think anymore. He was emotionally and physically drained between having to help his mom financially on top of working everyday at two different jobs and having to provide emotional support for Y/N. His body and mind were too exhausted to think coherently. He’d been having doubts for a few weeks now, the growing life inside her belly added to the impeding stress that was going to follow after their baby was born. Levi couldn’t handle it anymore, he felt utterly disappointed in himself for not being strong enough for Y/N but he couldn’t help her if he was struggling this much. Every night before he went to bed and every morning when he woke up he’d pull out a picture of the first ultrasound they had gone to; to be quite honest he didn’t even know how the image in front of him was growing to be a baby. But it reminded him of why he got up everyday. Life had suddenly become more difficult than he had ever imagined at seventeen but Y/N was worth it. Without realizing it Levi had fallen asleep with the picture pressed against his chest.

♡    ♡    ♡ 

The next morning he had woken up feeling more refreshed than he had in months. Levi had only been slightly disappointed when he’d found no messages from Y/N. He could tell that his words had hurt her and knew that he needed to make it up to her. Levi was about to jump into the shower when the smell of bacon hit him like a truck, his stomach grumbled loudly and it wasn’t until then that he realized he hadn’t had anything to eat since lunch yesterday. Curiously he wandered downstairs to find Y/N in the kitchen quietly humming to herself as she prepared breakfast.

“Hey what’s all this?” He asked his arms wrapping around her from behind making her jump in surprise.

“God you scared the shit out of me!” She gasps as his arms tighten their hold on her waist, his head buried into the crook of her neck. Shutting of the stove she turns around to face him, her eyes still slightly puffy from crying the night before.

Levi frowns at her bloodshot eyes, his thumbs coming up to caress her cheeks.

“Were you crying?” Avoiding his gaze she tries not to get emotional again at how affectionate he was being.

“No” she mumbled but Levi knew all her tells and could see she was obviously lying so that he wouldn’t feel bad about the way their call had ended last night.

“Anyway um your mom let me in, I made you breakfast since I know how hard you’ve been working lately and I feel bad I haven’t been able to help you out and it’s my fault that you’re tired all the time-“ Levi’s lips meet hers in a long overdue kiss cutting off her ramblings. Her hands grab at the material of his shirt sighing happily against his mouth.

“It’s not your fault babe and I’m sorry for making you feel like that” His grey eyes shining with only love for the girl in front of him.

“But last night you said that you didn’t want the baby” Her voice was soft, repeating the words out loud hurt just as much as they had last night. Levi would be damned if she felt like she had forced this upon him.

“What I said was stupid, I didn’t mean it. I’ve just been really stressed out and tired from work and I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.” Cupping her face between his hands he draws her in for another kiss.

“I don’t regret this at all Y/N. I love you both so much and I can’t wait to meet our baby” his hand slides down to her stomach. A surge of intense admiration for his girlfriend makes him choke back tears, never in his life had he felt so strongly about anything and it scared the hell out of him but seeing that smile on her face was worth all the pain. Their future was worth it and together they would be able to make it out of anything.

“Come on let’s eat before all your hard work goes to waste” kissing the top of her head all his doubts disappeared. There was nothing that could tear him away from his family.

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