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anniezsecretz · 1 year ago

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Replacement ★ (Ch 2) OC x Simon "Ghost" Riley

here's the second chapterrr :) i had it written up already, just had to edit and fix it up a bit before publishing ^^ you can find this chapter of replacement on ao3 here

first chapter ★ prev ★ next thank you for reading!

★★★★★★★★★

chapter tags: // sparring, tension, older brother price, captain OC, OC x Simon “Ghost” Riley, light trauma mentions, OOC Ghost (for a reason), spiteful Ghost, enemies to lovers (enemies), vague mentions of death, canon deviation, prick ghost

★★★★★★★★★

bite-sized synopsis: trick’s first training session with the squad goes competitive and tense.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ The boys filed into the training room I designated one by one. MacTavish and Sanderson seem the most drowsy, each had wrinkled training gear compared to Garrick and Riley’s put-together appearance. I even got John to wear his gear for the day, watching him uncomfortably pull at the collar of his shirt against his muscles.

“A’igh, ev’ryone here?” I called out for confirmation from our officer, Ghost. Just to make sure that he was paying attention.

“Yes, Captain,” he replied. I nodded my head and looked down at the clipboard in my hands, biting the inside of my cheek while I think. My plan today was simple: assess all of their individual abilities despite how seasoned they are. Laswell encouraged me to do this, saying it was the best idea to do during my first week. She also said to whoop their asses and knock their egos down a few times.

I put my clipboard under my armpit and fixed the sunglasses that I wore underneath my new Australian cap. Garrick was the one who got it for me to get on my good side, saying it was so he and I could match. As much as I can smell the ass-kissery, he was a standup guy. But with that aside, today I get to really test them each. But I am especially interested in seeing how Seargent MacTavish does. For a chatty guy, I have seen him make good on his word against some recruits challenging him to spar.

“Thank you, Lieutenant. Attention, please.” I straightened my back out while watching them all prop up and stand straight instantly, a pleased smile across my face underneath the mask. “Well boys, today is trainin’ day. I’m gonna do the Aussie Physical Fitness Assessment on y’all times 4, plus a mile run. Your standard for the run’ll be 6 minutes, ‘n Price will be the one helping keep track o’ y’all’s scores with me while I also participate in this trainin’ day. Just to be fair.” I take in a deep breath.

“So, ev’ryone, get yer asses on the mats ‘n get ready to do 60 push-ups. Go!”

Watching them all skitter to the mats across the room was hilarious. Riley was the fastest and in push-up position first, the last one being Sanderson who got crushed under a mat because MacTavish accidentally moved it too much while Sanderson was gettin’ away.

I handed off my clipboard to John as he clicked his pen a few times, and I got on my mat next to the boys. Waiting for Price’s cue and then we were off. First to 60. ★★★

“Wooo! 60! N’ in what, fucken 50-ish seconds?” MacTavish asked out loud to John who was writing down his time.

“49 seconds,” John said matter-of-factly while writing down Garrick’s and Sanderson’s times too. Meanwhile, Ghost and I were still at it at an insane speed. I heard MacTavish’s mumbled whispers to John before his low reply. “They’re both at 108. I’ve been countin'.” ★★★

Ghost groaned out of annoyance when we both got up. My muscles were sore and I was just going off adrenaline but that didn’t stop my victory cry while giving Ghost a pity pat on the back. I grabbed my sunglasses on the floor and hook them on my tank top. “Price, how many pushups was that?”

He and the other boys were staring at the two of us with the most jaw-dropped expressions I’ve seen on people. MacTavish was pleasantly shocked, his eyes darting between Ghost and me. I could see Sanderson's widened eyes, that's the only tell sign I got from him. And then there was Garrick, staring mostly at Ghost, his expression slightly unreadable to me. “... 328 for Verdano, 326 for Riley," Price chimed in.

I whooped again, flexing my arm muscles goofily. “Fan-fucken-tastic! Thanks, Price.” MacTavish runs to me to join in on my celebration, cheering along.

“Amazin’ job, capt!” The scot said while nudging me. We haven’t talked too much, but I sure as hell knew he was the hype man of the group. I laughed with him before straightening myself out.

With a shake of my head and a heavy sigh after all of that physical labor, I stared up at Ghost and gave him a nod of respect. One that he half-heartedly gave back. “Next section should be sit-ups, then a shuttle run, n’ finally the mile run. I hope you boys got yer roos on tight because this ain’ gonna be easy.”

I even made John do the training with the rest of the group unless I really needed him counting. But every time we did something, Riley and I were competing. The best of the best, eh? And we both were really challenging that, pushing ourselves to the brink just to outcompete each other. I beat him on the sit-ups, and he beat me during the shuttle and mile runs. But by the time I was standing at the front of the group again, we were far from being finished. I stared down at each and every one of the boys with a knowing smile before taking in a deep breath.

“A’igh, ‘n last one of the day. Sorry I didn’t tell you ‘bout this one earlier, but we’re gonna do some sparrin’ real quick.” With my hands on my hips, I started to pick out my first prey. “Hm. John, you n’ I am sparrin’ first. The rest of you pair up n’ when someone taps out you’re finished.”

John and I walked toward a corner of the training room. “One-on-one time, eh?” He laughed a bit while commenting on it. “You ‘n Simon really do go at it, I haven’t seen someone best him of all people quite yet. Good on you, Annes.” He gave me a pat on the back before we both got into crouched positions across from each other.

Then we lunged at each other, his hulking mass coming right towards me until I sideswiped him, practically on his back like a jetpack while I dragged him down by forcing his back to give out. Of course, putting him in a chokehold with my legs when we drop to the mat. He was trying to grab at me, scarily close to succeeding. I got off and let him recover momentarily to protect myself.

“Well, thanks, John. Y’know I like pushin’ myself to the absolute limit, even if it means I’m kinda nauseous right now,” I half-heartedly admit before getting tackled and put into a submission position, John using his full weight to pin my hands above my head and putting himself between my legs.

With his brows furrowed with concern and his eyes full of focus, he asks me, “Do you need the infirmary?”

I roll my eyes at him before using my complete leg power to kick him off by the chest, rolling myself on top of him and pushing his head to his right shoulder. “Nah. I’m all good, I ain’ lettin’ down that easily viejito.”

Before he used his other arm to grab me and flip the position. “Ah, you sure Anne? I don’t want you gettin’ hurt now. Well, y’know, ill kind of hurt.”

With struggling breaths, I grimaced. I was stuck in this hulking man’s strength, but I managed to worm my way out and catch him off guard with a knee to the stomach. I put my right leg over his waist and a reverse choke hold to hold him down. “I’m sure, John.”

He struggled to get up, barely even able to talk or breathe. Eventually, he was tapping my arm to yield and I let go of him with heavy pants while he put his hand over his neck. ★★★

Next was Sanderson and I, both of us greeting each other before I tackled him. I had him in a submission I had Priced in earlier, his shoulder to his balaclava’s cheek.

“Well, we ain’ talk that much either, hm? Price says you like playin’ COD in the dead of night, n’ honestly? Same.” His eyes opened a bit, already tapping out and sitting up to look me straight in the eyes when I let go of him.

He was definitely a little awkward. Or a little more than just awkward, but I could work with that. We just kinda stared at each for a second with a mutual feeling and knowing of the kinds of things we witness and hear in that game.

“After this, do you wanna play a few games with me?” He asked me, and I considered for a second.

“Y’know what? Sure. I bet I could whoop kids with you, aye!” I gently jabbed his shoulder playfully, but we continued to talk anyhow. “How long have you been playin’ COD? Or better yet, which ones do you play?”

He tapped his chin in thought, the balaclava covering his mouth. “Probably err… 2003, since I wus smaller. Usually, I play the originals. They’re classics fo’ a reason, eh?” I took note of his accent. This motherfucker was British, just like the rest. God, why am I surrounded by Brits? Except for the Scot MacTavish, he’s fun.

I chuckled. “Yeah, you’re right on, Sergeant.”

With a inhale I watched him nervously inch his hand to me to shake. “Just call me Gary– or my callsign, Roach.”

“N’ you can just call me Anne. Just not Annie, y’know.” I took his hand in a firm shake. “Do you like insects? Is thas why you have antennae like a cockroach?”

He gently shakes his head and then lightly bobbed his head from side to side. Now I noticed some antennae were sewn onto his balaclava. Hey, that’s a cute touch! I find myself pleasantly surprised before I noticed he was actually responding. He takes time to think questions through, but I’m patient. “No, I survived an explosion. My plane was shot down ‘n I survived it. So now they call me Roach.”

I let out a low whistle while I lean on my arms, both of us sitting across from each other on the mat. “Well, that’s quite a story. You really did embrace it, didn’t you?” I felt my smile widen while thinking about it. “I think it suits you, Gary.”

Then Gary leaned forward, his chest to his knees while we conversed and waited for everyone to be finished. “Why are you called Trick? Price said you were called Viper too.” His voice was soft when he asked as if asking a question was like questioning authority, poor guy.

“I was called Viper like… shit, 3 years ago or somethin? I was named that because I was a hacker. I slithered in the systems like a Viper n’ struck just as fast as one.” I explained while biting the inside of my cheek. “I’m called Trick because my late wife’s callsign was Treat, ‘n it’s said I’m always trickin’ people.”

I can tell his eyes softened when I said late wife. His brows furrow underneath his balaclava and I try not to stay on the topic of Xio too much. Especially since Axel was busy taking a break outside while I was training, I didn't want to risk anything. “Can I sew cat ears on your hat?” Roach chirped.

Blink blink.

“Whaddaya mean?” I questioned with a tilt of my head.

“You have the cat skull and… well, I think it’d fit with your aesthetic.”

A smile spread across my face as I smiled. “Yeah, you can. Just after trainin’, maybe when we meet up after this to play some games.” But it took me a second to fully process that he tapped out so early. Neither of us has even broken a sweat. “Uhm… why did you tap out so early?”

He shrugged. “You’re scarier than Ghost. I’d hafta be bloody mad to actually challenge you.” Then we were separated to switch partners again. ★★★

Oooh boy. Garrick and I, neither of us said much until he had me pinned. “Well well well, Garrick. You have some moves I didn’t expect.” Then we flip the position again, his arms constricted with my legs and my arms holding him in a chokehold. “But I think I can do well.”

He chuckled. “You wearin’ the hat I got you?” He asked with a slight strain before breaking from my hold, now picking me up and practically throwing me over his shoulder.

“Well, yes I ams, ain’ I? ‘M not someone for wearin’ a gift, but I like this one.” I managed to jetpack him as I did with Price and pull him down to the mat, and I heard the air from his lungs escaping.

Garrick got up and out of my grasp but managed to pin my wrists over my head and get himself between my legs. Just like Price had done earlier in the day, he was probably watching that. “Well, thank you! I appreciate it, Captain Verdano.” He smiled. It was a cute sweet smile, making me tilt my head a bit before retaliating. With my legs, I flip him onto his side and then his back before securing him into an Americana/V Arm-lock submission. I didn’t typically do this on Price because of his size, but Gaz was short enough for me to.

“Of course, Sergeant. Feel free to call me just Anne instead, never Annie.” He seemed a bit awkward with the introduction just like Roach, but he and I managed to at least have a pre-established companionship.

“Uhm… Gaz is fine, and Kyle.” He was slightly bashful about it until we changed positions again with him somehow sliding out of my Americana, then I decided I should pull an old finisher on him.

With a polite smile shown in my eyes, I nodded. I ran behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Nice to meet you, Kyle!” I shouted out before fucking suplexing him onto the mat behind us. I watched him tap out in a daze on the mat, he didn’t even realize I had already let go of him! How endearing this team is. ★★★

Good ol’ MacTavish. He was definitely a little taller than the other two, with a blinding smile. “Aye, cap’n! I dinnae you like a brawl,” he said cheerfully with a twinkle in his eyes that I find fascinating. He was always so optimistic throughout all this training when the others were groaning about the running.

“Ah vuy, MacTavish. No need for cap’n if I’m ‘bouta beat yer ass, just call me Anne! Never Annie.” MacTavish smiled.

“Mmmm… can I call you bonnie, Anne?” He asked with a dumb smile. Was this drongo cunt really flirting with me? Before I whoop his ass?

I weakly groaned and rolled my eyes, deciding to use some of his slang against him. “Oh bile yer heid. Use it sparingly, sarge.”

“Yes ma’am.” He laughed before we started.

Our sparring session was tense. He was able to pin me down more than I expected, being super observant of my actions and how I was observant of his. We exchanged small quips here and there before he brought up an interesting topic and our session started to go a little longer than I had expected.

“Y’know, cap’n, I ain’ evah seen L.t thas fucken competitive. Usually, he follows the orders strictly, y’know.” It made me raise a brow before he put me in a submission pose, my face smooshed into the mat below us and my wrists pinned against my lower back.

“Well, him ‘n I don’t get along well. I ain’ shocked if he’s tryna one-up me. For some reason, he was offended that I wassa Captain ‘fore him.” Using sheer leg strength, I put in all my weight when kicking him away, ending up having a slight rumble when we were face to face again.

Johnny (as I now “affectionately” call him) was probably taunting me with his captain story. But he had a small laugh after I said that. “We’ll see, Ms. Anne. Want me to tap out so we can all see what happens when you go against Ghost?”

“Well, it would be a cheap win but…” I had him V-pinned within a minute, trying to keep my amusement covered when I watched him tap out. He looked at me knowingly, knowing something that I obviously don't know.

We both stood up, me lending him a hand and some light praise about his form before I was face-to-face with the mysterious Ghost. He towered over me and I suddenly felt smaller than I ever was. I felt like a gnome compared to him, and the hard glare he gave me did not soothe any nerve in my body once. But despite doubts slowly infiltrating my mind, I took a deep breath and straightened my back. "Well, ready?" I asked with a false sense of security.

John could feel the tension between the two of us and put himself in between. “Everyone, to your next mat!” I put a firm hand on his shoulder while I offered a kind smile with my eyes creasing, and a slight tilt of my head as well.

“Price, it’s a’igh. Let’s make this into a demonstration o’ sorts. I can only assume we’re both undefeated as of right now, we oughta make this into a small competition.” I stared at Ghost hard. Before sticking my hand out to shake, doing my best to keep a warm feeling. A true leader.

But a true leader puts their lower ranks into their place when they need to.

Ghost and I were on a training mat, on display for all of the boys to see us. “See boys? I’m approximately mmm… 160 centimeters, give or take. ‘N 52 kilos. Meanwhile, Ghost here is about 1.90 meters, 100 kilos. ‘N you’re gonna watch two skilled individuals go at it, one with quite a few pounds on ‘im!” He glared while the boys did their best to stifle some laughter. “So, let’s be nice while you watch Ghost get his–” I could already see him trying to pick up and put me over his shoulder, from where I sidestepped him and kicked him in the back. He only lightly stumbled, but it proved my point a bit. “-- ass beat. As I was sayin’ before bein’ interrupted.”

Now we started an all-out brawl, the boys being forced to witness a power struggle between us. Two strong minds, one of agility and the other of strength. A lot of the time, it was one of us just barely managing to put the other in a submission position. Other times, it was one of us barely dodging the other.

My hand slipped past his chest so many times. His thighs grazed my face so many times. My own chest betrays me and grazes past his hand above me, and I can see the look of recognition on his face every time it happens. To the point that the second he does that and is in shock for a second, I get him into a submission position.

“Listen up, boys. Despite tha enemy being taller, ‘n much bigger, doesn’t mean you can’t put up a fight. You never give up!” I strained out while holding my position with Ghost, a V armbar. He was straining to get out, I was straining to hold it. Fucking hell, does this dude never give up? It’s been 5 minutes of fighting, tussling, tossing, and neither of us are ready to give up. "Fuck!" I curse while falling onto the mat, my hand outstretched to try to soften the fall. But the instant pain I got was insane, all of my weight put onto my wrist trying to save me in time. I tried moving it while I was down and it hurt like hell. Most definitely sprained or broken at this point. Yet in the end, I do not care. I do not give a single shit about if I were hurt or not. So I stand up and stare at Ghost in his beady dark eyes that were darkened by the eyeblack around them. "Hey, Anne? Are you injured?" Price chimed in with concern thick in his voice, but I just shot him a look. Even he knew not to test me when I'm pissed off. He knew I'm as stubborn as a mule, and it was amplified by how I went back at Ghost to grapple on his shirt and drag him down.

We kept trying to get the other to tap out, no punching into submission, just pure pinning as much as we could. Until one last time when Ghost had me pinned, his chest against my back while holding my waist down by my hips. But I wasn’t gonna budge now.

“Verdano,” he started with a husky voice, “just drop the act. Yield. We can accept a captain who admits their flaws.” He whispered into my ear, but all that did was make me even more pissed. I could practically beat his head in with a rock if I so wanted to, but I didn’t. Instead, I socked him in the cheekbone with what little strength I had and stumbled up. The beads of sweat that ran down my face underneath the mask felt like fire, beads of lava.

Then the second he recovered himself, I was stealthily behind him and curling my arms around the waist.

What the boys saw was devastating. Well, devastating for Ghost’s ego and his back. They watched me pick him up with all my strength and suplexing him, just like I did to Gaz but worse. I let him go after three weak taps on the mat, stumbling up while the world spun around me. I just barely had the energy to make a quip, the pain in my back and in my wrist finally catching up to me as the adrenaline wears off.

“‘N thas boys, is how you fuck up yer L.t.” I was nearly about to pass out until I heard a scoff from Ghost who put a gentle yet firm hand on my shoulder. I felt like I was about to get yelled at by my brother for what I said.

He takes a moment to catch his breath before talking. “‘N your captain is 20-fucken-8. She’s the same age as Gaz, bloody hell. She's far too young 'n inexperienced compared to the rest of us.” Ghost stood up straight and I felt the burning eyes on me again, but I was looking ahead at the squad’s reaction. It was confusion, concern, and overall what the fuck . “She’s barely mentally stable to the point she needs a service dog—”

Price steps forward. “Now Simon, calm down here.” But he was cut off.

“No, Price. She is clearly unqualified for a position as co-leader for both her age and her mental stability by themselves. Also, she's an immigrant from Las Almas! We know the extent Valeria would go just to get back at us. Her brothers are in Las Vaqueros, but so was Valeria at some point!” He barked at John, and my heart stopped. I stared at Ghost with some bit of betrayal. He really brought my brothers, my past, and my hometown up just to prove a point that I'm distrustful. Who the fuck is Valeria anyways?

I thought that would be the end of me from the way that the squad looked at me. They believed Ghost over me, but why wouldn't they? I'm the new captain leader and everything he said was true. I am an immigrant, I am from Las Almas, and my brothers are a part of Los Vaqueros. But John. He glared at Ghost and gave me the nudge to get next to him.

“Lieutenant Simon Riley, are you questioning who I choose for my team ? Captain Verdano is a wonderful leader that I chose personally after years of knowing ‘em. They’ve been through the worst heartbreak someone could go through ‘n yet, here they are.” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Their age, background, and immigration status is not an excuse; she is the squad’s co-leader.” I can feel the others’ eyes on me, some of their hot breathing on my neck while I got their Lieutenant to get his ass chewed out by John.

I was so out of it I barely heard half of their back and forth, I was just staring at Ghost’s expression going from furious, to confused, to just… upset. I had sympathy, of course. I know a younger miss getting a higher position over you could hurt a lot, I know. But I can’t just let it slide. ★★★

I was in the infirmary afterward, my wrist wrapped in bandages with a splint after we iced it for a while. Johnny had come with me to watch me and check if I’m okay, especially after that little outburst of Ghost’s.

“Well, didn’ I tell you, bonnie? He’s pissed at ya, ‘n don’ ask me as tah why.” He sat next to me on the foldout bed with a comforting heavy hand on my shoulder, I felt his thumb run against the skin over and over. I even slightly leaned into him. I would’ve never thought my officer was that mad at me for just being chosen for my position– I didn’t choose it!

“Agh. Tha hell did I do? Be born after ‘em? Be fucken– I ‘unno un Mexicana? I'm proud o' who I am, his ass needs to shut it.” I vented out my frustrations momentarily to Johnny. Then took in a hard sigh while wincing at the pain of my wrist. “I ‘unno. I just hate being disliked for somethin’ I can’t bloody control. ‘N I feel bad too for not bein’ who he wants me to be, which is the worst part. Plus John– Price arguin’ with him about it!”

He squeezed my shoulder. “Anne, you don’t gotta worry ‘bout Ghost, he takes a woile to warm up tah. ‘N besides, we’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns!” Johnny enthusiastically said with a light chuckle. “O’ in English, ehm… we’re all the same. We ain’ too differin’ from one anothah, we’re all really on tha same level. Ghost is just bein' a bampot, y'know? Just actin' up because of somethin'.”

I lightly nod in agreement. “Thanks, Johnny. Would’ve been fucken worryin’ my head off all night if you hadn’ told me that. I knew he was a tough nut, but jeez. Even a roo couldn’ kick a nice comment outta him!” We both laughed at the image of Ghost getting kicked in the stomach by a kangaroo. God how that’d hurt.

“Well, again, cap’n. I ain’ seen Ghost with a spark in ‘em like thas. He woulda burn te place down if he didn’ say anythan. He woulda been a furnace all week too.”

Ffffuck. And I can’t get rid of this guy, especially since I sleep in the same barracks as him. I just hope we make up before bed tonight. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

thank you for reading chapter 2!!! <3 here's to more chapters in the future, ^^ i'll try to get an actual schedule going, probably every two days or when i have the chapter ready.

also NO not racist ghost, he's just a prick in this chapter because of what happened in las almas in the game :)

#modern warfare 2 #ghost call of duty #simon riley x oc #oc stuff #cod oc: annette “trick” verdano #simon riley #call of duty mwii #cod #captain trick

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teabights · 2 years ago

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(Un)Conventional Romance

Summary: Josie is Joseph’s old friend from school, they reunite during a convention where she is the monitor for the panel of Stranger Things. (loosely based on Canada Expo) Joseph decides that he wants to play matchmaker with his new friend and his old friend.

Return of Josie Woods - my oc. (Older oc/finn) (hes 19 in the story like he is irl)

“No fucking way! Is that you, Quinn?” Josie asks.

“What? Fucking no way, Woods?!” Joseph says back to her.

“The one and only!” Josie speaks.

“What are you doing here?” Joseph’s lips curl into a smile as he hugs her tightly.

“I was just grabbing some coffee before I had to be at work.” Josie’s lips are the biggest smile.

“Who is this?” A guy asks from next to Joseph.

“Shit, Finn, this is Josie. She was my best mate when we were in secondary school.” Joseph says.

“Nice to meet you, Finn.” Josie smiles at the younger man. “What’re you doing?”

“Nice to meet you too.” Finn says.

“Uh, we have press in like twenty minutes, but Finn convinced me to get coffee.” Joseph’s smile is still spread across his lips.

“It’s great to see you, Joey. It’s nice to meet you, Finn. I have to go. I might already be running late.” Josie says as she holds her coffee close to her body.

“Still a late one, I see.” Joseph says with a grin.

“Like always. See ya boys.” Josie walks away from the men.

Joseph and Finn get in line. Finn looks over at Josie as she is walking out and Joseph bumps into him lightly.

“She’s really cool, Finn.” Joseph says in a singsong voice.

“What? Nah, Joe, she’s like 9 years older than me.” Finn defends himself.

“Try 6.” Joseph grins as they get to the counter finally.

“Still, she has her life together and I am still trying to figure shit out.” Finn says.

“Uh, I am going to do the venti salted caramel cold brew with extra foam, please.” Joseph orders.

“I would also like that.” Finn says.

“Alright, that will be $11.80.” The cashier says. “What’s the name on those?”

“Mike and Eddie.” Finn says.

Joseph pulls out the cash and pays her the amount, dropping the excess change into the tip jar. The men move to the pick up area.

“Josie did theater with me. She’s fantastic.” Joseph says. “Her parents are military. They moved there her freshman year.”

“Joseph, I am not going to date Josie. Why don’t you date her? You couldn’t stop smiling.” Finn says.

“Take her on one date. She loves brunch.” Joseph smiles at him.

“Joe, seriously… I don’t know if I can woo someone who is 6 years older.” Finn says.

“You can. I saw the girls that you would pull.” Joseph jokes. “She likes those guys that you went and did some episodes with and played video games with.”

“Really?” Finn asks.

“Yes Finnie. Just ask her.” Joseph nudges the man again.

“SALTED CARAMEL COLD BREW FOR EDDIE AND MIKE.” A barista calls out.

“Cheers.” Joseph says as he picks up both drinks. He hands one to Finn.

Joseph and Finn make their way back to the convention's back doors so they can slip back in. They chat and drink their coffees.

“There you two are. We have ten minutes and they have someone special for us!” Grace says.

“Finn said he wanted coffee.” Joseph says.

“Yeah, we got coffee.” Finn says with a grin.

“Are you two ready?” Grace asks.

“Who is going to hold our coffees?” Finn asks.

“I am sure we can have them with us.” Joseph says.

They’re called to the stage and Joseph almost squeals with excitement as he sees Josie sitting in the curating spot.

“JOSIE!” Joseph calls out, holding his arms up.

Josie hugs him tightly. “JOEY!”

“They went to school together.” Finn whispers to Grace.

“Ah.” Grace is now up to speed.

Everyone exchanges hugs and sit down.

“Well, shit, I get to see my best friend and my crush… Wooo, I am luckkkky.” Josie says into the mic with a smile.

“I get to be with my best friend and my on screen crush!” Joseph says with a chuckle into his mic.

“We are going to have to battle over Grace?” Josie jokes.

“Well, Josie is cute, but Joseph’s eyes are unbeatable.” Grace chuckles.

“That is true! Give it up for Joseph Quinn’s eyes.” Josie says and lets the cheers happen. “Finn, I have a joke for you.”

“Give it to me.” Finn says as he puts down his coffee next to the chair.

“What did Batman say to Robin when they got to the car?” Josie asks.

“I know what it is, but what did he say?” Finn’s lips are in a huge smile.

“Get in the car.” Josie says and can’t help but laugh at the joke.

“That got Joseph and Grace giggling.” Finn says with a chuckle as he watches his co-stars giggle.

There is a big booming laugh that comes from a mic off stage. Josie knows that it is Jamie Campbell Bower doing his Vecna voice, but laughing.

“Oh nooooo.” Joseph says.

“Who could that be?” Josie says. “JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER!”

Joseph is the first out of his seat. Finn and Grace get up to hug Jamie as he gets on stage. The hug between Jamie and Joseph makes the husband’s rumors seem true. Everyone sits down again.

“Now my crush is here.” Joseph says.

“Oh, that is so sweet, love.” Jamie says with a chuckle.

The entire interview goes over very well. Josie is able to keep it pretty tame. Everyone leaves the panel. Josie follows Finn off.

“Hey, it was cool to know that you watched my Game Grumps episodes.” Finn comments to her.

“Oh my god, they made me laugh so hard. You were such a baby on those.” Josie says.

“Yeah, all grown up now.” Finn says. He glances at Joseph who was giving him a ‘do it’ face. “Uh, hey do you wanna get brunch tomorrow?”

“Yeah! I love brunch! Le Petit Paris is my favorite spot.” Josie says. “If you wanna go.”

“I would love to go.” Finn says.

Josie takes out her phone, starting a new contact, and hands him her phone. “Put your number in. We can meet there at like 11?”

“Ye-yeah.” Finn can’t believe it is that easy to ask out someone older than him. He punches his number in and hands it back to her.

“Thanks Finnie.” Josie says with a grin.

“Joe is the only one who calls me that.” Finn comments, finding it hard that that is the nickname she’d come up with.

“Well, now it’s me and Joey.” Josie comments back.

“You are the only person I have heard call him Joey.” Finn comment.

“It is his close friend’s nickname I suppose.” Josie shrugs her shoulders.

“Do you like him?” Finn asks.

“Joey is my best friend, nothing more than that.” Josie answers.

“Oh, okay.” Finn nods his head. “Cool.”

“Hey Finnie! Let’s go.” Joseph says as he walks up to the pair.

“Hang on a moment.” Finn responds.

“I do have to get going. I have another panel to do.” Josie says. “I’ll text you Finnie.” Josie gives Joseph a big hug. “Imma text my mom that I saw you. We should get dinner afterwards.”

“Definitely.” Joseph says with a grin.

“Okay, I’ll send you a lil DM.” Josie says.

She walks away. Finn just watches her for a moment before moving quickly to meet up with Jamie and Joseph who were just chatting.

"An older lady, Finn? How bold." Jamie jokes.

"Oh, it's Joe's idea." Finn fights.

"You didn't have to listen to him." Jamie says.

"How do I resist? I mean look at him." Finn says as he holds Joseph's face and turns his face to Jamie.

"You're right. I can't." Jamie says as Finn lets go of Joseph's face.

"Just thought they'd be a good match." Joseph inputs.

The guys and Grace get to their booths. They go back to signing stuff. Josie walks back and she waves to Joseph and Finn, who wave back to them. Finn can't help the smile on his face.

The day passes on, getting close to the end of the lines.

Joseph looks at his phone, seeing Josie shot him a dm with her phone number. He sends her a quick text that they’ll be done in an hour and he'd love to grab dinner. Josie is quick to reply and tell him that it sounded good.

The lines end finally. Joseph walks over to Finn's table.

"Hey Finnie, are you going to come to dinner? I am going to ask Jamie and Grace." Joseph says.

"Uh, sure if Josie doesn't mind." Finn says.

"I am sure she won't." Joseph winks at him.

"Why did you suddenly decide you want to play matchmaker?" Finn asks.

"I thought about it and you two have a lot in common. Now, you get off my tits about it.” Joseph chuckles after his response.

Before Finn could protest, the Brit made his way to Grace, smiling.

“Hey pretty, Josie, myself, and Finnie are going to catch dinner, do you wanna come?” Joseph asks with a smile on his face.

“Yeah, I am about to be done.” Grace motions to the few people watching this interaction.

“I’ll text you the info.” Joseph winks to her.

He moves himself from her table to find Jamie about to leave his table.

“Jamie!” Joseph calls out.

“Joseph!” Jamie says back to the man.

They meet with a small hug.

“I am getting dinner with the rest of us, do you want to join?” Joseph asks.

“Hell yes, I am starving.” Jamie says, throwing his arm around Joseph. “Right now?”

“Grace is finishing. Finn was finishing when I asked him.” Joseph informs him. “We can see if they’re done now.”

The two walk to their co-stars’ tables. Grace was signing something and making small talk. Grace grabs her bag and thanks the fan. She moves herself to be with the guys. They all walk to Finn’s table, stopping a few feet back.

“Yeah, I think Joseph was asking everyone, I am sure he’ll be back soon.” Finn says.

“Well, knowing him and his fans, he probably got caught up doing stuff and seeing people.” Josie says, pushing her hair back.

“Yeah, I have never seen our fans be so receptive to a character since Joe Keery had to wear those little shorts.” Finn laughs.

“Oh, can you blame us?” Josie says with a laugh. “Not everyone likes Mike, but you are doing such a good job with him. You’ve gotten so handsome over the years.”

“Ah, thank you.” Finn’s cheeks deepen a little.

“FINN!” Jamie says as the group approaches the pair. “Are you two ready?”

Finn’s eyes roll, which makes Josie giggle. “Yeah, let's get this over with.”

“Hey Finnie. You are making it seem like we are terrible.” Josie says as she moves to link her arm with Finn.

Joseph flashes Finn a proud smile. “Come on Finnie.”

The group of five walk out to the convention center, into one of those bigger cars. Josie and Finn got booted to the back of the car. Jamie and Joseph were talking and Grace was busy on her phone.

“Sorry Joseph is an insufferable ass.” Finn whispers.

“Nah, believe me, I know he is.” Josie whispers with a chuckle.

“Who makes your favorite movies?” Finn randomly asks.

“Rob Zombie. I think I could die the moment after I meet him.” Josie answers him.

“Which one is your favorite?”

“Probably House of 1000 Corpses, unfortunately.”

“Why unfortunately?”

“It just follows the classic cheesy horror movies. Gore and tits.”

“I am a big Stephen King fan.”

“Yes! The books are incredible. Of course you would say that.”

“No, like genuinely. Yeah, It was cool, but that novel is probably the worst thing I have ever read.”

“It is always a bad read.”

“The script was incredible to read. I’ll have to find it for you to read some time.”

“Yeah, that would be so cool.”

“We are here!” Jamie says loudly. Josie and Finn both roll their eyes.

“Thank you Jamie.” Josie says.

Everyone gets out of the car, Joseph’s arm found its way around Josie’s shoulder. Finn was on the other side of Josie. Josie takes out her phone and takes a photo with Joseph. She tells him that it is going to her mother. They get in and Jamie gets them a table. They all walk to the table to sit. Josie has Finn and Joseph on either side of her. Joseph has Grace on his other side. Jamie is stuck between Finn and Grace.

“What did you backseaters talk about?” Jamie asks.

“Directors.” Josie says.

“Horror really.” Finn chimes in.

“Who is your favorite horror director Josie?” Grace asks.

“Rob Zombie. There is just something about …” Josie starts, but Joseph chimes in.

“You just love seeing blood and tits.” Joseph laughs at his own words.

“Oh shush Joey.” Josie rolls her eyes. “He’s not wrong.”

“That is a perfect reason to like a movie, Joseph.” Jamie says with a small wink.

“What did you guys talk about?” Finn asks.

“We were discussing the rumors…” Joseph replies.

“We were.” Jamie asks.

“Yes, everyone thinks you guys are husbands.” Grace chuckles.

“I don’t see it.” Jamie says.

“Are you fucking serious?” Josie asks with a chuckle. “The way you guys hugged today.”

"Yeah, come on Jamie." Joseph says with a chuckle.

“Well, Joseph and I just bonded from all the press, not our fault.” Jamie combats with.

Josie rolls her eyes in a playful manner. “Huh, it's not your fault?”

The waitress comes over and they all order food. Josie and Grace abstain from getting alcohol for Finn’s sake, but Joseph and Jamie get martinis. Josie shakes her head with a chuckle after Joseph had ordered.

“What?” Joseph asks.

“When did you start drinking martinis?” Josie asks.

“After school?” Joseph says. “After you moved away.”

“Hey Josie, why don’t you act?” Finn asks.

“Uh.” What a question Josie thinks. “I enjoy doing more local theater work. I don’t think I am cut out for the silver screen.”

“That makes sense." Finn says.

Everyone sort of broke up into conversations, which was Josie and Grace talking across Joseph, and Joseph, Finn, and Jamie talking loudly to each other. The night goes on from there and everyone enjoys their meals and Josie picks up the bill. Jamie, Grace, and Joseph catch a ride back to their hotel. Joseph only left after the world's longest hug with Josie as he mutters drunkly about how great it is to see her and how much he misses her. Finn evebtually had to leave after chatting with Josie for about another hour.

Josie wakes up with a plethora of texts from Joseph and one from Finn.

Joey: It was great seeing you!

Joey: I called my mom this morning and she was so excited that I bumped into you.

Joey: I miss you!

Joey: Let me know how the date gooooes.

Joey: i thinknthat youll fo grwy on the silver screen

Joey: Next probysy i get you are in it for sure ill suggest you for any rome andjrhell trust me because im everuon3s favorite

Joey: you had to br an eddie girl huh i Hve to geta a eig and we can live the fantasg

Josie chuckles as she can see which ones were sent last night and the ones sent this morning. She looks at Finn's message

Finnie: Hey, I called ahead to La Petit Paris this morning — got us a table for 11am.

Josie squeals a little bit. She is definitely excited. She gets herself ready a little early as it was only 9:30 AM, but getting there in the LA traffic is a nightmare. She knows there is a park nearby. She can pick up coffee and hang out at the park until he arrives.

She sits at the park, sipping her coffee, nervously checking the time about every ten minutes until it's like 10:50 and she sees Finn walk up to the restaurant. She finishes her coffee as she walks over to the cafe. He spies her from his peripheral and turns and reveals the little bouquet of flowers. She squeals as she takes the bouquet from him.

“Finnie! This is so cute! It’s been forever since someone has gotten me flowers.” Josie squeals as she looks at them, giving them a little smell.

“I thought maybe it would be a gentleman-y thing to do.” Finn says with a grin.

“It’s cute Finnie.” Josie mumbles.

They walk in the restaurant together. Josie’s other hand finds Finn’s hand. Finn intertwines their fingers together. Finn gives him the hostess his last name and she takes them to the table, something secluded in the back. They sit across from each other, Josie able to put the flowers to be leaning out of her bag and hang her bag on the back of the chair.

“So, how was the rest of your night?” Josie asks.

“Pretty good, I ended up in bed early. I was truly exhausted.” Finn answers. “What about you?”

“Pretty good. This morning had me rolling, Joseph sent me a bunch of drunk texts.” Josie says with a small giggle.

“Ah, I did get a few texts from Joseph also, horrible. I hate him.” Finn says with some sarcasm in his words.

They break out into a conversation about how it was shooting Stranger Things and how local theater still bring in a big crowd. There is a break when they order food. Josie gets mussels and fries. Finn gets tuna tataki. They go back to their conversation, which lasts the rest of dinner. There is a break that comes from them eating. Afterwards, Finn picks up the tab. The two of them walk out of the restaurant.

“Thank you so much for brunch.” Josie says.

“No problem. Thank you for coming with me.” Finn says back.

Josie didn’t want this to end. “There is a park over there, we can go to.” She points to the park next to the restaurant.

“Yes please.” Finn says with a smile.

They saunter off to the park. Josie and Finn end up on a bench, sparking conversation. There was a small glance at each others lips before their eyes meet.

“Josie?” Finn asks.

“Finnie?” Josie responds.

“Can I… kiss you?” Finn asks.

“Yes, please.” Josie answers with a big smile.

Finn grabs her chin and presses his lips to hers. Josie returns the kiss to Finn. Josie lets out a small squeal as they kiss. Finn pulls away from her. Josie snatches her phone out, they proceed to take little cute pictures. She sends one to Joseph, and within minutes Finn’s phone was blowing up.

“Looks like Joseph is happy.” Finn says.

“Looks like it.” Josie chuckles.

They share another kiss, Josie couldn’t be happier.

#Finn Wolfhard #Finn Wolfhard Fanfic #Finn wolfhard fanfiction #finn wolfhard fan fic #finn wolfhard fan fiction #finn wolfhard x oc

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alj4890 · 4 years ago

Text

And Then I Left You

(Thomas Hunt x OC*Amanda) in a what if to the And Then I Met You

A/N This picks up directly at the end of Chapter 4 with Amanda’s reaction to Thomas’s *cough* dates. Seeing what is going on, someone very close to her decides to intervene and help the two find a way to be together.

@krsnlove @my-heart-beats-for-ya @aworldoffandoms @flyawayboo @trappedinfanfiction @everythingmarvelsherlockspn @sophxwithers @kate-mckenzie @twinkleallnight

Masterlist

Chapter 5 Strategic Planning

St Orella, Cordonia...

"No." Amanda softly moaned.

Her eyes wouldn't mind her in turning away from something she wished she didn't have to see.

She blindly reached for the remote control to turn the volume up.

Her daydreams and hopes crumbled to dust at seeing the footage of Thomas out with other women.

Gorgeous women.

There's no way I can ever compete with that, she thought. How did I deceive myself into believing I remotely had a chance to be with him?

To fall in love with me?

Blinking back tears she concentrated on the gossip show's host.

Thomas Hunt has been seen recently around town with a different beauty on his arm every night. It seems he is making up for lost time now that The Earl's Undoing script is completed. A source close to Hunt suspects that now that Amanda Bridgerton is back in Cordonia, he is more than ready to find his new personal leading lady.

Amanda dropped her head in her hands.

"What's wrong?"

She looked up to see Drake standing in the doorway with a newly arrived Liam. Both were staring at her in concern.

"Nothing." She forced a smile towards them as she rose to greet Liam. "How are you?"

Liam's eyes were narrowed in concern as he glanced at the television and then back at her face.

It only took seeing the images of Thomas out with various women for Drake to know what was going on.

The three turned toward the sound of Amanda's cell phone vibrating on an end table.

Taking a deep breath she strolled over and hesitated.

Thomas's name and image flashed.

She hit ignore.

"So?" She said a little too brightly. "How have--"

She had to hit ignore again.

"How have you been--"

She hit ignore a third time followed by swiping angrily at the text notifications from Thomas, Holly, and Addison. There was even one from Ryan Summers that she didn't bother to read.

"Would you like a moment alone or--" Drake began.

"Talk to us." Liam urged. "Please."

Turning her phone off, she sat down in a plush chair. "There's nothing to talk about."

"Yes, there is." Drake argued. "She's in love with--"

"Drake! Don't!"

"Thomas Hunt." He finished, ignoring her outburst. "Once this social season ended, she planned on telling him how she felt."

"I did not! I said I had considered it!" She gestured toward the television. "Now I don't have to. He's not interested."

"You don't know that." Liam argued.

"I think his being with numerous women points directly toward his lack of interest." Amanda’s voice held an unusual amount of bitterness.

Her mind went over the last few weeks of conversations with him.

"Oh no!" Her head dropped once more into her hands.

She had called and texted during some of those dates. How embarrassing to have told him I missed him and he...He hadn't even bothered to tell her he was out with someone else. Not that he needed to, she told herself, but still.

Liam placed his hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing. "Why don't you tell him?"

She laughed bitterly. "Because he clearly has more women than he knows how to handle and I wouldn't do that to you. You have enough scrutiny on you without adding to it a potential suitor desiring some Hollywood mogul." She patted his hand. "Besides, I was going to be the one lady you could use when you needed a break from the overly eager suitors. You won't have to worry about my wanting to be queen."

"I can't ask you to participate if you are in love with--"

"I'm fine." She stood up, dislodging his hand. "I'm better than fine. I know that my feelings are not reciprocated and I can move on from what is probably another crush."

Drake and Liam shared a look before watching her pace and argue the reasons why this was, in the end, a blessing of sorts.

"It's saved me a great deal of embarrassment and future heartache." She told them.

"So, you're fine?" Drake prodded.

"Yes." She said, not quite looking him in the eye.

"And that's why you wouldn't answer his calls? Because you're fine?" He added.

"It would have been rude of me to answer with you and Liam here." She straightened her shoulders. "I do have some manners."

"Uh huh." He quirked an eyebrow at Liam. "What do you think?"

"The lady doth protest too much." The prince responded.

"Liam!" She exclaimed.

Hudson cleared his throat from the doorway. "Forgive me your grace, but there is a Ms. Sinclair on the phone."

"Tell her I am unavailable." Amanda ordered.

"Yes, your grace." He bowed and left the room.

"Now then, what brought you to St Orella?"

"Amanda, you should tell Thomas--" Liam closed his mouth when she glared silently at him. "Actually, we came here to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" She repeated.

"Maxwell and I are taking Liam out for a bachelor party." Drake explained. "We want to do it now before nobles and the press make it more..."

"Toned down?" Liam offered.

"Yeah."

Amanda easily smiled at that. "Sounds like just what you need. How long will you be gone?"

"Two nights." Liam replied. "I finished with all i needed to do early before the Masquerade Ball."

"Good. You deserve a break before the storm hits." She hugged them both. "Have a wonderful time.”

"We plan on it." Drake replied.

*******************

An hour later, Amanda had curled up on her couch with a bowl of ice cream. She had finally found a movie that wouldn't make her think of Thomas and was just getting through the opening credits, when Hudson walked in once more.

"Lady Beaumont, your grace." He stepped back as a concerned Nadia scurried in.

"I heard about Thomas." She sat down and hugged Amanda. "How are you?"

The duchess had her usual, I'm fine, ready to say...but something about Nadia's earnest worry had her confessing everything.

Nadia accepted the bowl of ice cream Hudson had silently prepared with a brief smile of thanks.

"I can't believe he would choose those women over someone like you." She huffed loyally. "He must not be as smart as I thought."

Amanda swiped angrily at her tears. "You thought he was smart?"

"I," Nadia hesitated, "honestly, I thought he was in love with you."

"You did?” Amanda sat up straighter. “Why?”

"Whenever I saw you together in pictures, he looked so happy having you beside him." Nadia shrugged. "I really thought you had found your soulmate."

"Oh." Amanda's eyes filled with more tears. She too had begun to attach that description to Thomas. "You know what hurts even more?"

Nadia shook her head while wiping her sympathetic tears.

"He didn't tell me he was dating again." Amanda admitted. "I thought we had become such close friends while living together. I told him things I could never talk easily over with Liam or Drake, not even Maxwell." She bit down on her lip as the tears trickled down her cheeks. "Now I see that I wasn't merely foolish for falling in love, but even more so for thinking we were friends."

Nadia let out a sob as she threw her arms around her, hating to see her friend so heartbroken.

"Just wait until he comes to town." She vowed in a trembling voice. "We'll get Olivia and make him wish he had never betrayed your trust!"

Amanda laughed through her tears. "I doubt he would care." She reached for a box of tissues Hudson had quietly placed on the coffee table.

He cleared his throat to get her attention once more. "Her grace, the Duchess of Lythikos is here to see you."

Nadia whooped as she got up to greet Olivia.

"Just who we need!" She hugged the surprised redhead tight.

"Need?" Her frown became fierce when she noticed Amanda's tears. "What happened? Who made you cry?"

Between the two, Amanda and Nadia managed to share what had happened with Thomas.

Glaring at the magazines, Olivia tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair. "What do you want to do to punish him?"

Amanda shook her head. "Nothing. I intend to treat him as he wants." Her chin firmed. "He means nothing more than a work place associate to me now.”

*********************

A few hours later, the royal jet...

"Wooo!" Maxwell pumped his fists in the air. "Look out Vegas! The Cordonians are taking over!"

Drake brought them a round of drinks. He sat down across from Liam and began to argue with Maxwell over what they should do first.

Liam, was studying something on his phone.

Seeing one of his friends so heartbroken had struck a nerve.

The last thing he wanted was to see her lose a chance at real happiness. He had suspected she was falling for the director and he had thought the man was in love with her. The photos and interviews of the two of them revealed, at least in Liam's opinion, how fond the director was of Amanda.

He couldn't allow her stubbornness to destroy a chance to have the one she was meant for.

"Liam?" Maxwell leaned over. "What are you looking at?"

"A slight detour." He slid out of his seat and went to inform his pilots of the first stop he wanted to make.

*****************

Thomas’s home, the next morning...

"I can't believe she won't even accept our calls." Holly muttered.

"I know." Addison sent another text message. "This isn't like Amanda."

"She had to have seen the news story." Holly took her glasses off and rubbed her eyes. "I really wish we had not laid it on so thick about Thomas being down without her."

The two friends jumped when they heard Thomas slam his study door. Without a word, he prepared another pot of coffee.

"You want me to do that, boss?" Holly called out.

"No." He snapped.

"Have you heard from Amanda?" Addison had to fight from cringing when he focused his rage filled eyes upon her. "I needed to ask about if there were anymore paintings of Elizabeth she could..." She trailed off when his expression became darker.

"I have not been in contact with her." He grumbled.

"Oh." Addison slumped once more over a sketch of a day dress she had been working on.

"Her butler said she was unavailable again." She mumbled, causing him to pause in his tracks.

"Then she must be." He bit out.

"Do you think she saw your," Holly cleared her throat nervously, "activities?"

Thomas didn't bother answering. With one last glare he returned to his study.

****************

Many hours later...

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Drake asked.

"Amanda's temper isn't something I want to experience again." Maxwell shivered. "It might be a rare occurrence but she makes Olivia look like a teddy bear when she finally unleashes it."

"This must be done." Liam replied, knocking on the door.

******************

"Oh my gaaaawwwdddd!" Addison stared up at the prince she had only seen pictures of.

Liam turned toward her. "You must be the Ms. Sinclair I have heard so much about."

"You--you have heard--" Addison gaped "about me?! Prince Liam knows me?"

He kissed her hand and bowed. "Forgive us for coming unannounced, but I was hoping to speak to Mr. Hunt. I know he must be busy.” He smiled warmly at her. “I promise we won't take up too much of his time."

"Addison!" Thomas yelled out, "Who in the--" his eyes widened at the three men he instantly recognized on his doorstep.

"Mr. Hunt." Liam bowed his head in greeting. "Please forgive our intrusion, but I was hoping to speak to you on a delicate matter."

"Of course." Thomas ushered the men inside.

Liam greeted a stunned Holly before turning back to the director. "Is there somewhere more private we can talk?"

"We can leave if you need us to." Addison spoke up. "It's getting late anyway and--"

"No need." Thomas waved his hand down a hallway. "We can speak in my study."

Liam followed him, leaving Drake and Maxwell with Addison and Holly.

Once the door was heard clicking shut, the two ladies nearly pounced on the men.

"What is going on?" Holly whispered.

"Is this about Amanda? Thomas's recent dating?" Addison asked in quick succession. "How is she?"

"Well, it's um..." Drake hedged.

"Yep. It's all about them." Maxwell grunted when Drake elbowed him.

**************

"May I offer you anything to drink?" Thomas asked.

"No, thank you." Liam sat down across from him. "What I have to say hopefully won't take long."

"Is there a problem with my film crew coming to Cordonia next month?"

"Not at all. The country is excited to see Lady Amanda's novel turned into a movie."

Thomas leaned forward and folded his arms on his desk. "Is something else wrong?" His curiosity turned to concern. "Something hasn't happened to Amanda, has it? I haven't been able to get ahold of her and--"

Liam raised his hand to silence him. "What I have to say does involve her." His typically warm gaze hardened, turning the blue eyes to ice chips. "What is your relationship with Amanda?"

"My relationship?" Thomas uttered in disbelief.

"Yes." Liam snapped. "What is it?"

"We worked together and formed a friendship." Thomas narrowed his eyes at the prince. "Why?"

"Did Amanda ever share with you why she returned to Cordonia earlier than planned?" Liam countered.

"No. Only that she needed to take care of things before the social season began."

Liam's lips eased into a reluctant grin. "She has always been trustworthy."

Thomas lifted his eyebrows in silent question.

"My brother abdicated the throne." Liam explained.

Thomas still was in the dark over what this had to do with Amanda.

"Being Cordonia's future king, I have to take part in choosing a bride." When Thomas still appeared to be perplexed, Liam continued. "One from either the noble ladies of Cordonia or those that come to participate."

Thomas slumped back in his seat, stunned when it hit him. "Amanda is one of your choices?"

"Yes." Liam studied the man closely.

He looked as if his entire world had shifted.

"Given our friendship," Liam added, "I don't want to choose her and force her into giving up someone she cares for...and who in turn wants a future with her."

Thomas rubbed a hand down his face.

All his plans to tell her that she was the only one he wanted were destroyed with one conversation.

Why didn't I tell her? Why did I insist on making certain by going out on dates?

"So I ask you again?" Liam leaned forward. "What is your relationship with Amanda?"

Thomas realized the prince was giving him one last chance. "I'm in love with her."

Liam slowly smiled. "Good. Here's what we will need to do."

******************

The Masquerade Ball, The Royal Palace...

"This is incredible." Nadia gripped Maxwell's arm. "My first ball in Cordonia!"

He chuckled while kissing her cheek. "You look like you belong here."

She softly squealed before turning toward Riley. "Ready to see your Prince Charming again?"

"I am.” Her smile was filled with excitement. “We had plans to meet up again in New York before his brother abdicated."

"I think the only two more starry eyed than us during our wedding was you and Liam." Maxwell winked at her. "He will be thrilled you are taking part in this."

Riley smoothed her dress and took a deep breath. "I hope so." With a final smile toward the couple, she got in line to greet the King and Liam.

"This is so exciting!" Nadia whispered. "We will actually get to see them falling in love."

"I think I can make this even better." Maxwell whispered back.

"You know I think you can do anything," Nadia told him, "but I don't see how you could possibly make this better."

"How about watching and assisting two couples in their falling in love?"

"Two?" She blinked in surprise. "Who else--"

He cleared his throat and nodded toward Amanda.

"But...who? How?" Nadia gasped when she noticed a masked man making his way toward the duchess. "Is that..."

"It is." Maxwell grinned proudly. "We stopped off in Hol--" he stared in shock at his petite wife jerking away and rushing over to Amanda.

He could tell just by the set of her shoulders that she was livid at seeing the director intent on speaking to Amanda.

***************

"Thank you." Amanda said when the waiter paused to exchange her empty champagne flute for a filled one.

Taking a sip, she watched the couples swaying in time on the dance floor.

It was usually a sight that brought a smile to her face. Even as a little girl, she loved seeing the nobles dressed up, dancing under the sparkling chandeliers.

But tonight, she felt...numb. Nothing. Every action she did seemed to be nothing more than muscle memory. The curtsies. The smiles. The banal conversations. Everything was done on autopilot.

Since she refused to think on Thomas Hunt and his gaggle of ladies, there was little else to draw her attention.

"Amanda!"

She lifted her eyes to Nadia, waving and trying to push past nobles to get to her.

Wondering why she was in such a hurry, Amanda stepped forward. Her eyes dropped down on the hand that grasped her arm.

They then lifted up to the face she knew she would always recognize, regardless of the simple black demi mask upon it.

"Good evening." Thomas softly smiled at her. "I have--"

"What are you doing here?" Amanda asked.

Thomas looked about. "Is there somewhere we can go to talk?"

"Alone?" She asked.

"Yes." His hand slid down her arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps as he took her hand. "There is something I need to tell you."

"No." She pulled her hand away. "There isn't anything you need to tell me.”

His eyes widened. "But I--"

"Excuse me." She muttered, gathering her skirt. "I need to--"

"Amanda, please." He grasped her arm again. "I tried calling you. I--"

"I've been busy." She snapped. "And so have you."

"I haven't--"

"Thomas!"

They both turned to see an unmasked actress.

One Thomas had a dinner date with two weeks ago.

"Simone?" He said in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"I had a photoshoot with Ana De Luca." She replied. "She then got me an invitation." Her sultry gaze drifted down his body. "I'm glad she did."

Amanda did not want to be part of their touching reunion.

"Excuse me." Amanda said once more. "I must--"

"Excuse us." Thomas corrected. "Enjoy your evening, Simone."

"I plan on it." She winked at him before following a handsome noble to the bar.

"Will you let go of me?!" Amanda hissed.

"Not until you hear me out." He replied, his own impatience coming forth. "I--"

"Are you no longer directing The Earl's Undoing?"

"What? Of course I'm still the director." He guided her toward a secluded corner.

She folded her arms. "Are you still planning on filming in Cordonia?"

"I am." He tilted his head as he gazed down at her, confused over her line of questioning.

"Is there anything wrong with the script?"

"No."

Her lips firmed into a thin line. "Then I don't see what we have to discuss. Now if you will finally excuse me, I must make my rounds."

Thomas refused to budge.

"You must have seen the news story about my," he swallowed, "my--"

"I did." Her eyes narrowed. "I suppose I should apologize."

"Apologize?" Thomas blinked.

"Yes." Amanda lowered her eyes. "I kept you from..." She took a steadying breath. "From being able to go out whenever you pleased."

"You didn't--"

"Then again," she interrupted, "I never demanded that you stay home with me every night." Her eyes flashed with barely restrained temper. "You could have done whatever you wanted."

"I did do exactly as I wanted." He snapped. "If you will give me a chance to explain why I--"

"You owe me no explanation, Mr. Hunt." She forced a friendly smile at him. "I'm nothing to you. We collaborated on a film." She shrugged her shoulders. "At least we got along well while working together. That is all anyone can hope for."

"You will let me have my say." Thomas said in a tone that intimidated everyone he knew.

He should have known that it would be ineffective on the stubborn woman he loved.

"Oh I will?" Her chin lifted. "You have another think coming, Mr. Hunt."

"Thomas." He snapped. "Do not pretend that we aren't on a first name basis."

"Mr. Hunt!" She said just to further frustrate him. "I cannot spend all night in this corner listening to you going on about your dates."

"They weren't dates!" He nearly strangled on trying to keep his voice low.

"Oh really?" Her eyebrows lifted. "Then what were they?"

"They were dates in a sense, but I was using them to--"

She brushed past him.

Using her years of easily maneuvering her way through crowded ballrooms, she lost him within a few quick turns.

Amanda nearly screamed when a hand grasped hers.

Nadia immediately let her go. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"You didn't." Amanda lifted a shaky hand to her forehead. "I think I need some air."

Nadia wrapped her arm around her waist. "I'll come with you."

***************

"I don't say this lightly," Drake thrust a drink in Thomas's hand, "but that was painful to watch."

Maxwell clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Were you able to say anything?"

"Nothing that will endear myself to her." Thomas winced at the welcome burn of whiskey going down his throat. "She didn't give me a chance to explain why I was here. She said..." He finished off his drink. "I have to fix this."

"We'll see what Liam thinks." Maxwell offered, motioning towards the bartender for a refill.

"He has enough to contend with. This chance to talk to her should be all I need." Thomas responded. "I knew Amanda had a stubborn streak but I had no idea she could be so..."

"Bullheaded?" Drake offered.

"Mulish?" Maxwell added.

"Yes." Thomas pushed his empty glass away. "I'll try again later."

"There's always the other upcoming events." Drake reminded him. "Bound to be one where she can't escape."

"I hope so." Thomas mumbled his thanks and went back into the crowd to try and find her.

"You think he's going to need help?" Maxwell asked.

"Yep." Drake snorted. "Amanda's determination to keep him away is going to be a problem."

****************

"He's here?!" Olivia peeked through a window. "Why? How did he get invited to the palace?"

"I don't know." Amanda folded her arms.

"You didn't ask?"

"No."

"Why?"

Amanda glared at her. "Why do you think?"

"Oh Amanda." Olivia closed her eyes. "Have you learned nothing from me? You have to know everything about your enemies. Which means questioning them!"

Amanda rolled her eyes. "I feel differently. I don't want to know why he and his actress are here."

Nadia stood on tiptoe to peep into the ballroom. "But they didn't come together."

"And he didn't leave you to be with her." Olivia reluctantly added.

"I don't care." Amanda huffed. "He can do whatever he wants. I just don't want to know or hear or --"

"Who's that dancing with Liam?" Olivia interrupted.

"That's my friend from New York!" Nadia replied. "Riley Brooks. House Beaumont is sponsoring her."

Olivia's eyes narrowed. "I see." She ducked when Drake strolled by with Thomas. "What are you going to do for the remainder of the ball? Hide out here?"

Amanda shook her head. "I'm going to my room. He can't follow me there."

"We'll see you first thing in the morning." Nadia promised. "We won't let Thomas bother you at the derby, will we?"

"I'll come to your room and escort you to the boutique.” Olivia decided. “I doubt he's learned all the ways to get around in the palace."

Amanda hugged them both goodnight. "Thank you. I doubt he'll try to speak to me again. I'm sure his beautiful Simone will keep him occupied."

"I doubt that." Olivia muttered when she noticed the actress openly flirting with numerous nobles.

*****************

"Where could she be?" Thomas whispered.

"She isn't outside." Maxwell reported. "But if Nadia and Olivia's frowns were any indication, she was out there at some point."

"She must have retired for the evening." Liam scanned the ballroom. "Tomorrow we will make certain she doesn't escape."

Drake nodded. "Even if we have to corner her."

Thomas thanked them. "I believe I will go to my room also." Saying goodnight, he slipped out the ballroom door and made his way upstairs to his guestroom.

"You better find someone to dance with before Penelope traps you in another poodle conversation." Drake warned Liam when he noticed the dog loving lady approaching them.

Patting his shoulder in thanks, the prince disappeared behind his friends and searched for Riley.

******************

Thomas felt his hope drop once he was alone in his room. Amanda's cold reaction to seeing him again surprised him. He had expected anger, even hoped she would accuse him so he could explain everything to her. This icy disdain was a hurdle he wasn't certain he could overcome.

If he could only find a crack, he would prove to her that she was the only one he wanted. He would tell her how every women he had been photographed with fell by the wayside when compared to her. They couldn't begin to measure up to Amanda.

Thomas began to undress while pulling his phone out with a wish she would text him. Call him. Even if it was to let him know how hurt she was. Give him some glimmer of a possible chance to be with her.

Just when he was about to turn his phone off, it vibrated.

Seeing Amanda's name in the notification caused his heart to beat faster in anticipation.

Opening the message, he felt the hope he so desperately wanted.

Mr. Hunt, I hope that whatever caused you to feel the need to speak to me about your private affairs will not be repeated tomorrow. As I stated earlier, it is no business of mine what you do. I think we should be able to remain civil if you leave me alone. I will uphold my end of our arrangement with the film when the time comes. Other than that, we have nothing more to say to one another.

He quirked an eyebrow. Little did she know how pleased he was to have irritated her this much. Now Thomas knew how to get a reaction out of her.

He was going to pester her into falling back in love with him.

#and then I left you #Thomas Hunt #thomas hunt x oc #thomas hunt x amanda #choices the royal romance #choices red carpet diaries #choices crossover #drake walker #olivia nevrakis #maxwell beaumont #liam #trr liam #liam x riley #choices fanfic #nadia park #maxwell beaumont x nadia park #thomas hunt rcd

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stusbunker · 5 years ago

Text

An Olive Branch and a Crossroads

For Better or Worst Series: Chapter Ten

Gif found on Tenor

Featuring: Sam Winchester x Emery Simmons-Winchester (OFC)

Other Characters: Castiel, OC Bandit

Series 14 AU

Word Count: 2196

Summary: Castiel interrupts, Sam questions and Emery reveals.

Series Masterlist

^*^*^

Urgency hung in the air as Castiel roamed through the crowds, his eyes somehow his strongest asset in a search now. Time marched on and he grew older and Heaven’s light waned from his being more rapidly than both, exponentially so. He was anxious because he had been on the West Coast when the news came through and he didn’t want Sam to be subdued again. They couldn’t keep dragging their feet, not with real progress after so long without answers. He was overdressed in the bright sunlight, trench coat earning him glances he was once unaware of but had long since minded. The booths were filled with every local delicacy, smells and voices overwhelming in their temptations. He misheard his name with every cash only vendor and each whisper about finding an ATM.

Eventually, he felt he had lost his chance, having searched through every face in the sea of affluence. Dejected, Cas stepped out of the stream of foot traffic to text on his phone just to be jostled by someone as they collided with his sturdy frame. A canvas bag fell at his feet and he bent to pick it up.

“Uh, here, you dropped—.” His body instantly stopped moving, thoughts rolling in panic.

“Sorry, God, I’m so sorry,” exclaimed a hand covered mouth beneath mischievous eyes. Castiel softened as he saw how worried she was, sensing honest concern in her.

“It’s alright, Emery, no harm no foul.” He shook his head, brushing off the awkwardness, holding her nearly empty bag out genteelly.

She hesitated, before taking the bag and tucking it back onto her shoulder, brow knit in confusion. She crossed her arms, “I’m sorry--- do I know you?”

Cas swallowed, just as he was about to take his turn with apologies, Sam caught up with them. Eyes darting amongst them until the tense moment evolved into a nervous stalemate of confusion and disastrously avoiding setting Sam off.

“Uh, guys?” Sam’s deep voice shattered the bubble of quiet.

“Sam—” Cas began.

“What’s up? We just bump—” Emery started explaining.

Sam’s eyebrows did the thing where his forehead jumped two more inches, though he leaned in so far, he effectively shrank. “Cas, what are you doing here? Is everything alright?”

Cas focused Sam with his quintessential exasperated expression and sighed, “I don’t know, Sam. Is it? You texted me.”

Emery bit her lip as she watched the men huff at each other and communicate so thoroughly without saying anything of consequence. Sam ran his hand through his hair and the man in the jacket stood impatiently. She was almost concerned, if the whole thing wasn’t so suddenly intense; she found it all funny by sheer bafflement.

“Did you---?” Sam held up his hand waiting to see what had transpired before his arrival.

“No,” Castiel said flatly. “I didn’t say anything, in fact, she ran into me.”

“Well, you did say my name, so that was a bit of a faux paus,” Emery muttered, sneaking in a slight challenge as she raised her eyes at Castiel’s renewed annoyance. Sam bit his lips and slammed his eyes shut.

“Fine, whatever. Emery, this is Castiel. Cas, this is my-- wife,” Sam spat the last word at the angel like it was his fault.

Cas nodded at Emery. “It’s nice to meet you, finally.”

Sam shook his head at Cas’s words, but Emery perked up, holding out her hand for him to shake.

“I don’t understand, I thought--,” Cas smiled despite himself at the warmth in Emery’s eyes.

“Oh, he’s still pissed. But, it’s nothing new for me. Now, how do you know Sam?” Emery leaned in to conspire with Cas as they walked out of the farmers’ market.

“Well, uh, we go way back. You could say we used to work together?” Castiel suggested feebly.

Emery laughed out loud, “No. But, really? I mean, he’s texting you, risking a whole fucking lot, in the process. Who are you?”

“Guys? Maybe we should have this conversation in private?” Sam pinched the bridge of his nose, the telltale headache that Cas’s presence brought flaring up again.

“Sure can! So, Cas? How do you feel about pheasant?” Emery chirped overtly cheeky.

^*^*^

An hour later, the at odds couple and the persistent angel were seated in the den. Bandit lay, unimpressed, between Emery and Cas on the large sectional. Sam sat on the steps, forearms resting on his knees as he didn’t drink his beer.

“What do you remember?” Emery shoved the ball into Sam’s court, fierce and frank, cherry bombing them to the crux of the conversation. He inhaled and closed his eyes, “I remember a lot, Emery, but most of it isn’t real. I remember us dating up to proposing on Christmas Eve. I remember you getting the offer to move here. Our whole relationship, before.”

“Where would all of that come from?!” Emery stared back at Cas, shocked. Before circling back to Sam. “Do you remember the real stuff too? The deal, Naomi, the wedding? Any of it?”

Sam cleared his throat and stretched his neck, “Yeah, that’s there too. But some of it hurts? Like it’s been buried.”

“We need to know more about the deal, Emery. Why did Sam have to leave? What exactly are the stakes?” Castiel leaned in, squinting as Emery tried to keep herself calm.

She nodded, smiling sadly at Sam. “I don’t know what Sam promised, exactly. I just know that neither of us could go back to our old lives, if we went back, even one of us, everything was lost. No do overs or take backs. They bound us together, to keep us accountable. Because we would have already sacrificed ourselves as the means to our ends. Depending on each other kept us each invested. I feel like I’m not being very clear. But, um, so, whatever Sam needed help with was huge, right?”

Sam and Cas shared a look, but Sam answered with a tight, “you could say that.”

“Okay, me too. But they knew we wouldn’t stop badgering them--,” Emery gave a knowing look to Sam. “On our own, so to keep us in line, they stuck us together. If I go back or after them, or anything like my old life. Sam could die. If Sam goes back or starts nagging them or whatever his equivalent is, I could. It’s all soul deep stuff, instant repercussions without them having to be here to witness it.”

“True marriage?” Cas said softly. “A soul bond? That is very old magic.”

“Can it be undone?” Sam asked Cas, ignoring Emery’s slight intake of breath.

“Not by any means I know of,” Cas answered with wide, pressing eyes. “If the deal is fulfilled, perhaps, but I don’t know how they did it in the first place.”

“Hold on!” Emery sat up; arms raised to the men on either side of her. “The deal isn’t the problem, that we both agreed to. The problem is Sam doesn’t remember what’s real. He doesn’t--- we don’t--- we need to sort out what or who is messing with his head. And why.”

Sam watched Emery as she finished off her wine, setting the empty glass on the coffee table with a tightness in her every move, snapping back into the corner, watching the entire room.

“Were you a hunter?” Sam’s question landed heavy, deflating their momentum.

Emery’s eyes dilated, but her voice came out evenly, “No, what does that have to do with anything I just said?”

Cas watched them, untold emotions warring within each Sam and Emery, and with their untrusted halves.

Sam shrugged sarcastically. “I was. And I’m not talking Bambi.”

Emery stabbed her tongue into her cheek and glared at Sam, “I know what you meant, Sam. We’re having drinks with your buddy the renegade angel. I get the whole spectrum of things that go bump in the night, okay? Stop treating me like a victim. You don’t have to ease me into it. I’ve been here.”

“When did Sam, stop acting like himself?” Cas broke in before they raised their voices. “Did something happen? Did you meet someone new? Have any uninvited guests?”

“You mean stop acting like an asshole?!” Emery replied tersely. “Because as soon as that spell was set, wooo, let me tell you, he picked up a bottle of Johnny Walker and didn’t look back.”

“Not exactly,” Cas floundered.

“It’s okay, let her get it out. Maybe she can remember when I started acting like a love drunk teenager. So demented that I suddenly became—”

“Kind? A gentleman? Not some bitter slob, who needed to blame everyone but himself. Even Heaven, you know, the ones who were just trying to help?!

Sam stood up, bracing himself for a thorough verbal onslaught. Emery tisked at Sam’s position as an overreaction and rolled her eyes.

“When, Emery? Don’t worry about him,” Cas pressed, arm out as if to restrain Sam. They bore into her with attention as she looked forward, and unfocused her eyes. Slowly she relaxed and just when she couldn’t seem to place when the shift had occurred; everything fell into place.

“Our anniversary,” Emery spoke into her fingertips, like a kid catching themselves do something wrong. She looked up to Sam, who waited for more, clearly not remembering what she had. “It was one month here, and I didn’t know why, but you remembered. Surprised me with a gift but never mentioned it. From then on, you were different. Nice even.”

Cas glanced over to Sam, who was visibly swallowing, throat tight. “I don’t remember buying you anything.”

“What was the surprise, Emery? Where was it?” Cas asked softly, the realization clearly affecting her.

She looked up at Sam, eyes glistening with tears and attempted to smile. “Perfume.”

Sam slammed his eyes closed and nodded. “Of course, God, yeah, that’d do it. Fuck!”

^*^*^

Emery had surrendered their bedroom to a thorough investigation by Sam and Cas before they delved any deeper. Cas promised to have the perfume examined to see if its origin could be established. Finding nothing else sinister, they gave in and humored Emery by sitting down to dinner. Hesitant, yet desperate, Castiel approached Emery’s loyalty to the deal.

“I know you want to believe they are helping you, but I assure you, Naomi only does something if it benefits her cause,” he warned.

“Castiel, I know you have your own history with Naomi. But I have to believe this will work. If everyone benefits, why question it?” Emery had the soft forgiveness to her expression that Sam had grown to love and hate in equal measure. Perhaps not hate so much as envy, he longed for her blind faith like a child missed a cherished blanket.

“Emery, there’s things you need to understand about us,” Sam started.

“I’ve lost too many brothers and sisters trying to fix Heaven’s injustices,” Cas’s voice was low, yet not quite patronizing. “I will not lose Dean, too, because you refuse to listen to reason.”

Emery recoiled at the suggested vengeance in Cas’s tone. Sam instinctively rubbed her back, trying to soothe them both. Emery didn’t miss that it was the first time he’d touched her in days. When he realized it, he pulled back in clumsy movements.

“Cas? Let me explain it to her?” Sam offered, waiting for Cas to understand what he was implying.

“You want to do that alone,” Cas surmised after a few beats. “Very well. But I’m not going to remain idle.”

“Nobody is saying you have to, man. As for us, Emery and I—.” Sam looked to his wife trying and failing to see any leeway.

“We’ll be in touch,” Emery finished. After Cas begrudgingly said goodbye, Sam and Emery sat eating with nothing but a faint playlist to break the silence.

“I’m going to ask, just because it will gnaw at us both if I don’t--- but, Em, you have to be straight with me,” Sam, who had been speaking at the lazy-Susan, finally met Emery’s curious stare. “Did you have anything to do with the love potion? Do you know anything about where it came from?”

Emery shook her head at Sam’s questions, eyes locked on his face, open, honest. He wanted to trust her in a way that made him frustrated to be inside his own skin. How could he be so upset and still determined to stick to her side? How long before he could trust himself around her again? Sam licked his lips and nodded, acknowledging her answers without pressing for more.

“Can you do me a favor while I clean up the kitchen?” Sam stood, stacking their plates.

“Sure? What’s up?” Emery perked up at the casual direction the conversation took.

“Mind taking a shower?” Sam requested. “It’s just--- I have a lot to tell you and I want to be sure that I get the reactions you’re having and not the ones I want to see.”

Though slightly off put by his diligence, she agreed, letting the last traces of the cursed fragrance disappear with a fresh bar of soap and plenty of hot water.

^*^*^

Read On: The Wife She Was Never Meant To Be

#for better or worst series #sam winchester fanfiction #sam fic series #castiel #sam/oc #supernatural fanfiction #sam x emery #sam winchester fic #sam fic #sam x ofc #simwin #s14 au #s14 fix it fic #spn fanfic series

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inveesible · 6 years ago

Text

OC FALLOUT COMPANION MEME

Tagged by @scarecrow-forest and @mrninjapineapple , thank you for thinking of me^^

a companion May would probably be a "champion of justice", former member of the Brotherhood of Steel, devoted to helping the defenseless that fight under no banners.

NAME: May (non romanceable companion)

FOUND: Cambridge Police Station during Fire Support, not recruitable until the end of Tour of Duty, but since she is not on the Prydwen anymore, you must looking for her in a random settlement, Diamond City or Goodneighbor.

FLAGGED: unessential, you can kill her right away.

PRESENT: one Rad-Away a day + Occhio di Falco (+50% damages if you take a headshot in V.A.T.S., 100% limbs damages in V.A.T.S.) after personal quest.

MAX APPROVAL PERK: Rampage - when your health drops below 20%, May enters a state of battle frenzy that instantly headshots all the enemies involved. Only works if May is the active companion.

WEAPON OF CHOICE: unnamed Laser Rifle (she says it's a gift) + Combat Knife (even if it's in her inventory, she doesn’t use it in combat and you can’t take it)

I THINK WE SHOULD TRAVEL TOGETHER: (first meeting) “Fine, but remember: if I don't like the way you go about, we are done; if I REALLY don't like the way you go about, YOU are done.” - “Check your supplies first, especially for Rad-X and Rad-Away… and cigarettes.”- (after reached max affinity) “Sure buddy. After you.” – “I was really looking forward to this, thank you.” – “Who drives? *little pause* yep, sorry…”

YOUR THOUGHTS? “Don't you miss taking a bath in a nice, warm and fragrant bathtub? Or taking a shit in a working and clean toilet? *deep sigh*” – “Am I the one always cold or is it a frozen men thing?” – “aaaand with this I officially read all the books here in Boston… *sigh*” – “Too many Raiders, too few composers… *deep sigh*” – and other nostalgic mumbling…

OPEN INVENTORY: “if there is only one pack of cigarettes left, it's mine.” – “sure, take all the Nuka-Cola you want.” – “deposit or withdrawal?”

USE STIMPAK: “NO DON’T WAST-*sigh*, thank you…” – “I'll return the favor, thank you.”

WAIT HERE: “Don't take too long, please.” – “If you don't come back in two cigarettes, I'll leave.” – “Just whistle when you're ready”

FOLLOW ME: “*sigh* about time…” – “*sarcastically* as you wish, your Lordship.”

DISMISSED: “I'll take care of some personal stuff while you're away, be careful.”

SEND HER HOME: “You know where you find me if you change your mind.”

CHANCES OF UNIQUE DIALOGUES IF YOU…: start a relationship with MacCready, Danse or Cait (you can romance them all, but the dialogue will be triggered only the first time) - end forever your relationship with MacCready, Danse, Preston or Cait – side with the Nuka-World Raiders – destroy Acadia with the Brotherhood of Steel.

LOCATIONS COMMENTS:

(Diamond City) “I hate this... city, but unfortunately there is no safer place to do business.” – “if you want advice, stay away from the reporter… Oh, you already know her…” - (if Unlikely Valentine is complete): “Thanks for saving Valentine. If something happened to him I would never have forgiven myself…”

(Goodneighbor) “You should not mess with these people, but if you behave yourself, they are pretty decent folks…”- “Hancock says we can put everything on his tab at the Third Rail, but if you're up for something else, don't count me in.” - (if Long Road Ahead is completed): “I wonder how RJ and Duncan are getting on? Oh, thanks from me too, by the way.”

(Listening Post Bravo) (if Blind Betrayal is complete): “ca-can we just l-leave, please?”

(The Prydwen): “Did I ever tell you I was an “almost Knight”? Then I left for, well, let's say "differences of opinion."

(Cambridge Police Station) (until Blind Betrayal): “Do you mind? I'd like to greet a friend, if is there.”

(Vault-111): “With your permission, I'll wait outside. I seem to go back in time when I go in there…”

(Abernathy Farm) (if Blind Betrayal is complete): “Excuse me a minute, I go check and see how Lisa's doing.”

(any research laboratory): “It’s so weird, I never felt at home even at my home, but here…” – “This was my life before… certainly the best part.”

MAY LIKES THAT: helping innocents - healing Dogmeat – weapon or armour customization

MAY LOVES THAT: killing named super mutants – killing named Raiders – killing named Gunner - entering power armor – flipping the bird to Maxson (*snort* just kidding)

MAY DISLIKED THAT: taking chems - picking owned locks and stealing - taking too much alcohol in a row

MAY HATED THAT: murder - killing cats or domesticated dogs - getting addicted to chems or alcohol - destroying all the three factions in Far Harbor, one “hated” per faction - agreeing to become the new Overboss in Nuka-World

PERSONAL QUEST: before gaining enough affinity to unlock May’s personal quest, your partnership could proceed, end well or end badly depending on your actions from Blind Betrayal onwards:

1 – if you bring May with you and you agree to kill Danse, after talking to him, and then you do, she will leave the party and she will never travel with you again - you can still find her wandering the Commonwealth and you can kill her if you want to [bad end].

2 – if you bring May with you and you agree to kill Danse, after talking to Maxson and then you do, she will attack you immediately, forcing you to kill her first [bad end].

3 – if you bring May with you and you can’t persuade Maxson to spare Danse, May will attack him immediately, forcing the Elder to incapacitate her first, then she will leave the party and she will never travel with you again - if you decide to destroy the Brotherhood in With Our Powers Combined, you will find May at The Castle ready to help you deal with those assholes [bad end].

4 – if you spare Danse, regardless of whether you bring May with you or not, you gain a considerable amount of affinity that unlocks her personal quest (The Sleeping Beauty, read below) - from this moment on, the Combat Knife in her inventory will disappear forever [good end]

5 – if you (or Maxson) kill(s) Danse without bringing May with you, the next time you see her she will ask you for explanations about it, you can tell her that you tried everything to save him, even lying if required, and still unlock her personal quest, but not the “considerable amount of affinity”, you still have to work for that. [good end]

6 – if the events of Blind Betrayal never take place, you being vilified from the Brotherhood and you proceed with With Our Powers Combined, Rockets' Red Glare or Airship Down, May will fight alongside the Brotherhood and Danse, forcing you to kill her [bad end]

7 – you can still reach a “good end” without unlocking May’s personal quest if the events of Blind Betrayal never take place and you destroy The Institute alongside the Minutemen - doing so you get the perk but not Occhio di Falco [good end].

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY: once you gain enough affinity, May will ask you to take her to Vault-111; once there you have to follow her to her cryopod, then she will tell you that this is where [May’s real name] died and where May was born, confessing that she is the creator of the technology that brought the Sole Survivor up to here; you can choose to blame her for everything that happened to your family (and eventually kill her), or tell her that if it wasn't for her, you and your family would surely have died with the bombs dropping, so she will tell you that thanks to this second life chance, she was able to find many things to live for and many people that were worth keeping close to, including you, then May will give you her 10mm, Occhio di Falco, and ask you to get the hell out of there.

I’m tagging YOU, that you read up to here.

Wooo this was a hell of a work XD!

#may #oc meme #long post #sorry about this...#>///<

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bethhxrmon · 6 years ago

Text

All I Ask of You Pt. 35

“Look how far we’ve come, we can’t give in. It’s one foot forward at a time, dust off all that grit and grime, we still have a lot left to do” - “Drive” from The Lightening Thief

Pairing: Peter Parker x Female OC

Word Count: 2.1k

Summary: Some more Seattle shenanigans, a big part is coming!

Warnings: None???

A/N: Wooo! I’m getting these chapters out and the story is getting to an ending point. As always, I love hearing feedback and I also have the masterlist in my bio!

After what felt like hours, Peter and Annie finally got their drinks and left the coffee shop. Neither of them said anything for a few moments, and Annie was almost positive that she knew there was going to be some kind of question about what in the world had just happened. The worst part was, Annie wasn’t even sure what she would say about it. Even though, if it had been nearly nine months before, she would have had far more to say.

“So… I’m just a friend?” Peter asked.

Annie’s jaw dropped, “No, I just…”

“You didn’t want to tell her. Fine, but why? And are we going to be like that when we go back home? Because I want to know now before something like that happens again,” he said, looking down.

Annie frowned, “That was Jen, I didn’t want to tell her because she would see some form of weakness coming from me. And she probably would’ve brought you into it. I didn’t want that for you.”

“Well I could’ve taken it. You shouldn’t choose what I can and can’t handle. We’re not even going to see her again, so why does it even matter?” he questioned, looking over at her.

She sighed, holding onto the hot cup a little tighter with one hand and then using her free hand to pull Peter into an alleyway, “Look, I told you about everything that happened. Jen and Greg were a thing, I stole Jen’s role and I stole her kinda boyfriend. It was stupid, I was stupid. And she blames me for Greg killing himself, which is fine… well, not really fine, but that’s it’s own thing. And when I left, I thought I wouldn’t see her again, and then I see her and everything just kind of short circuited.”

“That’s supposed to make me feel better because… why?”

“Because, it’s not gonna happen again. Peter, I like you, I want to be with you. Trust me, if I didn’t think this was gonna work out, I would’ve said something by now.”

“Do you promise?”

Annie nodded, “Yeah, of course. Now let’s go find Ned and Harper.”

Though, they didn’t have to go far to find Ned and Harper practically sprinting down the street. Harper was dragging Ned, seeming completely confident in their direction. Ned, on the other hand, looked like a chicken running around with its head cut off.

“Hey… guys… Christ, that was a workout,” Harper panted, “We needed to find you quick…. Wait, you said… you were…” they paused for another breath, “Gonna be at the coffee shop.”

Annie grimaced, “About that… we got the caffeine, but Jen was there. Figured you wouldn’t wanna see her again.”

“Oh yeah, I totally hate that bitch. If you’d just listened to me the first time when I told you to not bother with her, you would’ve been fine,” they said.

Ned cleared his throat, “What about the actual important thing?”

“Oh, right… um… you see, when I was snooping around my parents’ place, as you do, there was a news broadcast. And, well, what had happened was, well-”

“Harper, just spit it out,” Annie said, taking a sip of her coffee.

Harper shook their head, “Carnival’s causing all kinds of destruction in the city. You guys need to get back there and, like, destroy him or something.”

“Y-you’re kidding, right?” Peter asked.

Ned frowned, “It’s not your fault, Peter, you guys needed to come up with something. We don’t know if Mr. Stark knows yet, but we figured that we should tell you guys as soon as we found out.”

“I knew something like this was happening. This is why I didn’t think leaving was a good idea. Just, we needed to stay closer. Now we’re over here and we need to get there. How bad is it?” Peter asked.

"It's pretty bad, but it's something that can wait another day. We can't just hop on over to New York, Peter. I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but you know it's true. We just all need to take a deep breath and find Tony and Pepper quickly and we'll figure it out," Harper assured with a small smile, "Now, let's go get some coffee because I'm actually exhausted from all that running and sneaking around."

Annie grinned a little, "Oh yeah, how did the whole 'running around my parents' house' deal work out?"

"It went about as well as you could expect. The tuatara guy almost got us caught. But Ned was actually a freaking great lookout," Harper said, heading in a different direction.

Ned shrugged, "What can I say, I'm waiting for the CIA to sign me up already."

"I figured you'd be waiting on SHIELD or something like that," Annie commented.

Peter pouted, "I thought you were just gonna stay my guy in the chair for the rest of our natural born lives."

"I'd love to do that, but being guy in the chair pays about as well as being Spider-Man does," Ned responded.

Annie laughed, "That was some serious shade."

"Whoops... I was only pointing out the obvious," Ned said.

The teens continued down, Harper and Annie leading the way as the rain started to clear up to a slight mist. Annie wasn't sure what she should say to Peter, of there was even anything else that he wanted her to say. How in the world was she supposed to know? Everyone always claimed that girls were difficult, but Annie was finding guys to be just as difficult, if not even more so. Sure, Annie wasn't always blatant with what she wanted, but would it have killed Peter to tell her what she could have done to make things better? Then again, they had sort of been interrupted before they could really get anywhere.

Still, Peter reached out for her hand, holding it tightly. Annie breathed a small sigh of relief. Maybe he did believe her. There was no reason for him to not believe her, right? She hadn't done anything that was meant to hurt him before, and she wasn't going to start now. If anything, she wanted to try and protect him. A part of her wasn't even sure if she wanted to go back to New York. Why couldn't they just stay in Seattle? Why couldn't they just go back to Lake Tahoe and then never go anywhere else? Life would be so much easier and she could deal with whatever baggage she had there. Then, maybe if things cleared up enough, they could both consider going ahead and travel around for a little bit.

Except, Annie knew that she was neglecting some of the more obvious facts. They both had to go back to school once the summer was over. Not to mention, they both had powers. Peter always felt obligated to help people, and Annie knew that if she didn't use her powers, she would more than likely go insane. That was what had nearly happened last time. And maybe that was because she had completely isolated herself, but she also didn't doubt that ignoring her power had contributed at least a tiny bit.

"Okay, we're here, the second best coffee shop in this lovely city," Harper chirped, opening the door.

Peter looked around, "YOu don't think they'll get mad that we have some other place's coffee?"

"Not if we buy a pastry or something. Granted, most places don't care as long as you're just not loitering around. It's a city, Peter, just think about what you would normally do," Annie told him, squeezing his hand a little bit.

Ned sighed, "I um... I kinda left my wallet in my room."

"No worries, I'll cover it," Harper said, pulling out their wallet.

He shook his head, "You really don't need to do that."

"But I really insist."

"But you shouldn't, you're gonna be a broke college student."

"But it hasn't happened yet, I'm fine on money."

"But I don't want you to."

"Shut up and let me pay for your damn coffee," Harper sighed, shaking their head.

The barista looked between the four teens and smiled uncertainly, "Hello, what can I get you all?"

"I'll have one black coffee, and he'll have..." Harper trailed off.

"Um... a caramel macchiato," Ned finished.

Annie looked between Harper and Ned before leaning towards Peter, "Five bucks that they admit to having crushes on each other before we leave Lake Tahoe."

"That's gonna literally be in less than twenty four hours. Not gonna happen. I'm not taking the bet," Peter whispered.

She smirked, "Because you're scared of losing."

"No, I don't want you losing your money."

"Fine, whoever loses has to take the other out on the date of their dreams."

Peter looked at Annie, "You know it's so not going to happen. Ned hasn't had a crush on someone in ages."

"Because he hadn't met Harper yet. I know chemistry when I see it."

"Like how you know physics?"

"Shut up, Arachnerd, are you taking the bet or not?" Annie asked, crossing her arms.

Peter sighed, "Fine, I'll take it. But you better be ready to plan out the best Star Wars marathon that I've ever had."

"Deal, that's gonna be so easy. I just need to show up."

"You're lucky you're cute," Peter replied, rolling his eyes.

Annie gasped, "That's my thing! You're the cute one."

"I beg to differ."

"Yo, Lovebirds, are you getting anything or not?" Harper asked, looking between peter and Annie.

Annie thought a moment, "Yep, let's get one of those freaking huge chocolate muffins."

After finding a table and waiting for Tony and Pepper, the teenagers seemed about as calm as they could get. Which really meant everyone but Peter was relaxed. He, on the other hand, was shaking like crazy and looked like he was about to stand up and pace around the whole coffee shop.

“That’s not gonna make waiting go by any faster,” Harper remarked.

Peter sighed, “I know, but people are getting hurt.”

“People get hurt without some crazy monster terrorizing them,” Annie pointed out, “If we didn’t do this, we’d be going into a fight completely blind. Remember what happened the first time?”

“Hey, in all fairness you shocked me.”

“Not the point. We both still almost died, and that’s just what would’ve happened over and over again. But I feel like we’re actually ready now. And I would rather go into something knowing that things were going to turn out okay than end up dying.”

“Do we always need to talk about getting killed?” Ned asked.

Harper shrugged, “It’s an angsty high schooler thing, just saying.”

Right then, Tony and Pepper made it into the coffee shop, “Alright, kids, we gotta go. We’re leaving tomorrow morning.”

“Can’t we just leave now, Mr. Stark?” Peter asked.

Tony shook his head, “Not a great idea, you guys are gonna have it rough leaving tomorrow as it is, leaving now would make it a bit worse. And we don’t even have our things together.”

“I think having one last night with everyone together like this would be good for us,” Annie said.

Pepper nodded, “Exactly, and then after all this is over, we can let you guys all recoup together.”

“I don’t remember agreeing to that,” Tony said.

Pepper raised an eyebrow, “So you were just going to have them all go back home so suddenly?”

“Either way, we need to go now! How can you think otherwise?” Peter asked.

Annie reached for his hand, “Because, it won’t make too much of a difference. Carnival is slow-acting, we’ll get it figured out. Trust me.”

“Your girlfriend’s got a point, we can leave after we’re all rested and packed tomorrow, so let’s get a jumpstart on both of those things,” Tony replied.

Annie nodded, getting up. It still felt odd, thinking about whether or not Tony was her biological father. The odds weren’t completely there, but crazier things had happened to her. But she wasn’t going to mention it to the others until she was positive it was true or not. And she wasn’t sure if Tony had done the same either.

And before she knew it, they were on the plane to go back to Lake Tahoe. Was she ready to leave again? It still felt like there was something about the city that she just couldn’t get anywhere else, but there were also things back in New York that she couldn’t get anywhere else either. She stared out the window intently, just trying to grasp the last bits of her home that she could.

Peter wrapped an arm around her, “Hey, we’ll come back here sometime, okay?”

“Well, yeah, I’d drag you back here if I had to,” she responded, smiling at him.

No one ever said that she couldn’t just visit Seattle every once in awhile. How could anyone just leave somewhere that they loved? Sure, there were things she didn’t like, but there was so much more that she cared about.

Tag List (if you wanna be added, just ask!): @flushings-here / @gaypanda / @twilightparker / @parkerpuff / @ironmaxn / @lcy-thot / @buzzinglee / @dolphinsarecuteandstuff / @moonstruckholland

#peter parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker x reader #peter parker x you #peter parker x oc #mcu #spider-man #spider-man x oc #spider-man x reader #spider-man: homecoming #spider-man: far from home #mcu fanfic #marvel #all i ask of you fic

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