#yet she wants mE TO SIT AT WORK FOR 4-8 WEEKS

[ladykailitha]

Of Butterflies and Backstrokes Part 11

Hey guys! We're back!! It is feeling like this story is almost done, but every time I finish a chapter I go "This has two more chapters in it, I'm almost done!" and I've done that for the last three chapters. So I have given up trying to figure out when it's going to end. Hopefully the answer is sometime before the next Olympics.

In this we have a silly Eddie, Steve and Max are sneaky, and Max and Eddie have their first competition.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

~

Steve continued to have good days and bad days, but always Eddie and Robin were there to help him work through the bad. And then he would spill it all out to Dr. Hughes.

Today he had been able to wade out to Max in the main pool to correct her foot work. The water had come up to his chest, just like it did in the kiddie pool.

“All right,” Steve said gently. “I’m going to touch your leg. If you feel uncomfortable in anyway, I’ll have Robin do it instead, okay?”

Max thought about it for a moment. “But just my leg right?”

“Just your ankle even,” he assured her. “Ready?”

Max waded over to the side of the pool and started kicking her feet to level out her body. Steve gently grabbed her ankle and repositioned her foot so it was more like an extension of her leg.

“Whoa!”

“That’s right,” he said, “now keep it like that.”

Robin and Eddie who had been working in the endless pool came back to the main pool just as Steve was pulling his shirt back on.

Eddie eyed the wet swim trunks and the happily kicking Max and a sly smile spread over his face. “Stevie... you wouldn’t have happened to have gotten into the pool with Max would you have?”

Steve batted his eyelashes innocently. “Who me?” He turned to Max. “Did you see me get into the pool?”

“Nope!”

Eddie knelt on the side of the pool and said, “I’ll buy you ice cream for the next month if you tell me if he got in the pool.”

Robin sneaked up behind him and with Max’s help pulled him into the water as gently as they could, as to not trigger Steve.

It must have worked because when they all came up for air, Steve was doubled over with laughter.

“Absolute menaces the lot of you,” he said once he caught his breath. “I got the competition schedule for next week. Max is in beginner and Eddie in intermediate. I tried to argue for higher, but they because you’ve been out for so long, they want you in there first to see if you have room to grow.”

Eddie wiped the water off of his face. “That’s fair. I don’t think I’m ready for higher yet anyway.”

Steve gave him a fond look. “And then that’s what we’ll do. If you don’t feel comfortable competing at above intermediate yet, then I won’t force you. I just worry they’ll accuse of you of deliberately choosing lower to spank fifteen and sixteen year olds.”

Eddie blinked at him for a moment.

“Oh.”

He went to go shove his hair in front of his face, but it was all tucked away in his cap, so he started to sink into the water.

Steve, Robin, and Max all watched as he held his breath under water.

“So how long do you think he can hold his breath?” Max asked after about a minute. “Because I think cell death happens after three minutes.”

“Eh...” Robin said waving her hand back and forth, “about four to five, actually.”

Just then Eddie burst through the water, gasping for air. He wiped the water away and looked around. “So is anyone going to be nice and completely forget that happened?”

All three of them shared glances with each other and then said together, “No.”

Eddie buried his head in his hands. He slunk off to his lane with a sigh. “Woe! Woe is me! For I have been forsaken by my own team. Woe!”

Steve and Max shared a glance.

“Is he always this dramatic?” Max asked, eyeing Eddie splashing about and moaning about his fate or some shit.

Robin scoffed as she pulled herself out of the pool and rotated to sit on its edge. “This is tame for him, if I’m being honest.”

Eddie stopped his sputtering and turned to her quickly. “I? I am dramatic?” Then he made a sweeping bow, nearly face planting into the water. “Why thank you!”

Everyone giggled but Max and Eddie got back into their lanes and started practicing again. Robin got up and went to go stand by Steve.

“I’m glad you were able to help Max on your own,” she murmured. “But just remember, if you can’t, call and I’ll coming running, okay?”

“Okay.”

~

It was their first swim meet and Robin wasn’t sure who was more nervous, Max and Eddie or Steve.

She was sure that that pen lid would be a mangled, tangled up mess by the time this was over with.

She looked around the room, spotting a few friends, the Hell Squad from their own facility, and one very unfriendly face indeed.

Billy Hargrove.

Billy Hargrove was a swimmer from California and he thought living on the coast instantly made you a better swimmer. He even had that bit of surfer boy charm. You’d expect this blond haired, blued eyed, tan Adonis to start singing Beach Boys or some shit, but no.

Billy Hargrove was an ass. And he hated all the comparisons between him and Steve at the last Olympics. Dude went on to barely win bronze in two of five events and not medal in any of the others.

Today he was wearing a red and gold coach’s jacket with HARGROVE emblazoned on the back with two blonds standing next him as he talked them in low voices. One was a girl with strawberry blonde hair, green eyes, and bright smile. The other was a guy that looked about the same age as the girl. He looked like he had walked out the pages of Good Christians R Us. Hair neatly cut, blue eyes, chiseled jaw and washboard abs.

Robin hated them both on sight.

She was about to steer Steve away from all that when Billy looked up immediately clocked Steve, who promptly stiffened.

Max and Eddie who were talking to him noticed the sudden change in Steve’s demeanor. And unlike the locker room with Andy, Eddie could tell that this was a different breed of shark coming their way.

“Stevie...” Billy greeted. “When I saw the name Harrington I was wondering if that was you and then here you are. Such a pleasant surprise.”

Robin and Steve shared a bitchy glance. “Pleasant isn’t the word I would use,” Steve scoffed.

“You actually getting in the water, Harrington, or are you going to bitch out again?” Billy went on as if Steve hadn’t said a word.

Steve seethed. Billy had been present the first time he tried to get into the pool after his accident and started screaming.

“Don’t worry, darlin’,” Eddie said with a grin, “Stevie here doesn’t need to get in the water to beat you. He has me.”

Billy looked him up and down and he looked impressed for all of two seconds before he scoffed. “I didn’t think they allowed boys with such pretty curls,” he said tugging on one of the strands. Eddie swatted his hand away. “Maybe you should be on the girls’ team.”

“Last time I checked,” Eddie huffed, “I have the balls for the men’s team. Can’t say the same for the asshole who came up and harassed a guy that had his Olympic dreams washed away because of faulty equipment that left him traumatized and hurt for life, but still loves to swim so much that he would rather coach then to walk away forever.”

Billy’s face twisted in rage and he opened his mouth to reply when the whistle sounded. He jabbed a finger in Eddie’s face. “We’re not done.”

He walked off and suddenly all the tension built up in Steve escaped like a deflated balloon.

“That guy is a dick,” Max hissed. “My mom used to date a guy just like him out in Cali. Wouldn’t surprise me if they were related.”

That made Steve laugh. “I’ll beat him where I’ve always beaten him, in the water. Now come on, it’s time for you two to hit the showers. The beginners are about to start. You’re in the third heat, Max, first podium.”

She nodded and her and Eddie took off their team shirts and hit the showers. Steve looked over at Billy and smirked. Billy was watching every inch of Eddie’s body as he padded over to the showers that were next to the pool.

Robin handed him his bobby pins and he deftly put his hair under the cap, making it as sleek as any of the other male contestants.

The first set of eight girls lined up and then they were off with the shot of the starting gun. Steve watched, looking out for the girls that would be Max’s competition. So far none of the girls showed real promise and that included the girl who won.

The next heat was the same. None of the other girls had the same spark Max did. He looked up to the stands where the families were supposed to there to cheer them on. Robin’s parents were there. Eddie’s uncle, too. Of course Steve’s parents wouldn’t be there. He hadn’t talked them in so long.

He didn’t see the woman that would come to pick up Max and it made Steve squirm a bit. Then just before Max’s heat, he saw her come rushing in. Her hair was wild as if she had been running and she looked out of breath. She leaned over to whisper something to Wayne. Wayne shook his head and pointed to where Max was getting ready to get up on her podium.

Steve went over to her and pointed up at the stands.

Max’s eyes lit up and she waved at her mom. Her mom waved back. Max got up on her podium and put her goggles in place over her eyes. Steve stepped back and gave the judge with the gun a nod, showing that he had moved back far enough. Then the gun went off.

Max easily kept pace with the other girls and managed to squeak out winning by an arms length, touching her pad first.

She pulled off her goggles and looked at her time. She had clearly won. She started jumping and shrieking in the water. She pulled herself out and ran up to give Steve the biggest hug.

“I told you, you could do it,” Steve murmured into her cap.

“Yeah, yeah,” she huffed. “Nerd.”

They went through the next few heats and Max came in third overall in the girls division. Which considering it was her first meet, was very impressive.

Then it was time for the intermediate and as they watched the girls, Eddie began bouncing up and down to warm up his muscles.

“You ready to blow these people out of the water?” Steve asked with a grin. “I gave the organizers one last chance to put you in masters, but they wouldn’t do it.”

Eddie chuckled. “I don’t have the confidence you do in me, but hell yeah, I’m ready.”

Steve slapped him on the shoulder and watched as Eddie got up to the podium. He pulled the goggles over his eyes and turned away from the water.

This is what he loved most of all about the backstroke. Not facing the water or seeing his competitors out of the corners of his eyes. It was just him and waiting for the sound of the gun.

BANG!

And then he was arching backwards into the water, as smooth as silk. His arms and body worked with the water, slicing through like a hot knife through butter. He could hear the splashing of the other competitors but they all seemed so distant to himself. Not that they were that far away. Only that he felt on whole other realm then they were.

He touched the pad and peeled off his googles to look up at the clock.

He was in first place.

He was in first place.

He was in first place.

He looked up at the stands to see Mrs. Mayfield and Uncle Wayne on their feet and cheering for him. He raised his fist and they waved back excitedly.

It came as no surprise that he won best overall.

He was standing next to Steve celebrating with his team, when the judges came up to them.

“We would like to talk to you about moving up to the masters,” the first judge said with a grimace.

Eddie and Steve shared a knowing grin.

“I think that could be arranged,” Steve said, smug. The ‘I told you so’ lingering in the humid air of the pool.

~

Tag List: CLOSED

1- @rozzieroos @itsall-taken @redfreckledwolf @zerokrox-blog @gloomysoup

2- @gregre369 ​@a-little-unsteddie @chaosgremlinmunson @messrs-weasley @cryptid-system

3- @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog

4- @irregular-child @bookbinderbitch @bookworm0690 @forgottenkanji @eriquin

5- @anne-bennett-cosplayer @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @littlewildflowerkitten @genderless-spoon

6- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @disrespectedgoatman

7- @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @ravenfrog @swimmingbirdrunningrock @lingeringmirth

8- @gutterflower77 @a-lovely-craziness @just-a-tiny-void @w1ll0wtr33 @beelze-the-bubkiss

9- @chameleonhair @sadisticaltarts @dreamercec @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @mac-attack19

10- @aol19 @tartarusknight @morallyundefined

[shatteredfears-arch]

i had a red bull for serotonin boost bc my pill serotonin isnt giving me the happy its supposed to and suddenly its 8 pm and ive had a long insta story abt why p/amela i/sley deserves a new and better girlfriend whos also an ecote/rrorist and my drawing pads sitting open on my lap

there is nothing on my drawing pad

[clockwayswrites]

Not So Imaginary

Parts 1-3 Parts 4-6Parts 7-8 WC: 1177

“I brought you some more books to read,” Jason said as he entered the room.

After Danny had shown that they were clearly a person (a kid at that) and answered a few questions, they had been moved to an actual room on the Watchtower. Jason was pretty sure part of it was how he refused to leave the cell until Danny was moved, but he didn’t really care as long as it got his friend safe.

Danny looked up with a grin. They were pretty solid today, sitting cross-leg on the bed with feet and everything.

“You’re back,” the artificial voice spoke out from the tablet like device in Danny’s hands. It was a version of something called a SGD, Bruce had said, and was used by people who had trouble with verbal sounds. They didn’t know if Danny would always need it or if they’re vocal cords would come back as they continued to solidify.

“I am. B said I could stay a whole three hours today too as long as I ate a snack while I was here,” Jason said, holding up one of the bags he had.

Three hours still wasn’t a lot, but it was better than the one it had been the rest of the week. It took a lot of begging, but B finally agreed that Jason was well enough for a test to see how it went. Danny was still draining life force from Jason, and only Jason, which made certain Leaguers nervous about letting the two of them close. Jason had done everything he could to let it happen: he’d begged and argued, he’d eating everything Alfie wanted him to, he rested whenever Bruce wanted him too which was all the time, and he even agreed to stay benched for as long as it took.

That last one had really helped convince Bruce and Dick that Jason wouldn’t back down from helping his friend.

“Good. I am happy. What do you have?”

“You liked the Hardy Boys, right? I have a few more of those and I found you some science mags you might like,” Jason said as he flopped onto the bed next to Danny. He could feel the odd tingle travel up his arm as he leaned into Danny.

“Thank you,” Danny said with a wide smile. The tone of the electronic voice didn’t match the brightness of that smile, but it was alright. Jason could also feel how happy Danny was.

“You’re doing okay?”

“Yes.” There was a long pause as Danny found the right words. They were pretty quick already with preset phrases, but odder things still took longer than regular talking would. “WW took me to observation deck. We watched stars. She told me stories of stars from her home.”

“Yeah?” Jason asked, trying to keep his voice from hitching around the word. He couldn’t bug Danny with that yet. “You like her? Wonder Woman?”

“Yes.” The reply was quick, but Danny was watching Jason with furrowed brows. They pushed a sense of question through their bond.

“I’m fine. Just thinking through some shit,” Jason said with a wave of his hand. “But Wonder Woman is really cool. She’s my favorite too.”

Danny set the tablet aside so that they could run their fingers through Jason’s hair. It felt odd, what with not all of the fingers always being all of the way solid, but a good sort of odd. It seems Jason couldn’t just Danny’s concern aside.

“I’ll tell you tomorrow, okay?”

Danny let out what for anyone else would have been a sigh and gave a little nod. They shorted through the bag of books Jason had brought and found a Hardy Boy’s to hand over to Jason.

“What me to read to you?” Jason waited for the nod. Apparently it was really important to let Danny choose things right then, or so the adults said. “Okay, move over a bit, yeah? You’re hogging all the bed.”

Danny placed their hand to their chest, face screwing up in an affronted expression. It didn’t work though when Jason could feel the amusement through their bond.

“Yeah yeah, I’m a brute, now shove over,” Jason said with a laugh. He worked his way up until he was lounging against the head of the bed.

Danny didn’t move.

“You’re a brat,” Jason accused.

Danny gave a silent laugh, humor bumbling up in their bond, before they flopped over right onto Jason’s chest. Jason let a huff of a sigh, but ran his fingers through Danny’s hair like he knew they liked before he opened the book to start read about another adventure of the Hardy Boys.

It was easier to feel the drain like this, when they were so close to each other and touching. Jason had tried to avoid spelling that out too much to Bruce. He got that his dad was just worried, but he was afraid if B knew he’d tried to keep Danny away.

As it was Bruce was trying to send Danny away.

Jason brushed the thought aside, focusing on doing his best to give the characters good voices for Danny. At least it was a distraction from all the rest of Jason’s thoughts. Two chapters later the stopped to ask, “Want a break or do you want another chapter?”

Danny rolled over and off Jason’s chest to flop onto the pillow next to him and Jason froze. His shock must have been clear because Danny scrambled up off the bed until they were floating above Jason.

“No! It’s a good thing. Just… you’re getting some of your color back,” Jason explained. He should really stop staring. He should take Danny to a mirror to see or something, but it was just that… Danny was beautiful right then. He found himself reaching up to brush his finger tips of the bright freckles that were scattered across Danny’s cheeks and nose like a galaxy of stars.

Bright teal eyes blinked back at him.

Jason cleared his throat. “Right, sorry, let’s go let you look.”

Danny floated to the side, landing on their feet as Jason stood, and followed behind behind to the small attached bathroom. Jason guided Danny in front of the mirror. White was spreading into their hair now.

For a moment Jason was worried that Danny was frozen in shock, then the other leaned in close to the mirror, touching the surface before bringing their hand up to their own face. Suddenly Danny was moving, spinning weightlessly around Jason as they gave a soundless whoop.

“I know,” Jason said with a grin of his own. “Look at you! You’re really coming together now! I knew you could do it. I knew that you could come back.”

Slowly, Danny drifted back down so that the tips of their toes brushed against the floor. They rested their forehead against Jason’s.

He didn’t need words to understand what Danny was trying to say.

“Don’t have to thank me, stardust. I’ll always come for you just like you’ll always come for me.”

--- AN: Oh ho, is Jason starting to realize he has a crush? And what isn't he telling Danny? Hopefully this part is good, the weather is giving me such a migraine/making me super dizzy so my eyes are crossing some! (Yes, I'm resting, on the couch with a cat!)

I really should have made an update post for this... this supposed ficlet just keeps going! 7K now! Aaaah well. Anywho, stay delightful, darlings!

[deliciousangelfestival]

The Imperfect Couple - 7

Character: politician!Bucky x ex-wife!reader

Summary: A separated couple must pretend to be happily married while the husband runs for Vice President, dealing with old issues and political pressures during his election campaign.

Warning: The couple's arguments could be triggering.

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , Chapter 7 , Chapter 8 , Chapter 9 , Chapter 10 , Chapter 11 , Chapter 12 , Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist || If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee on Ko-fi 🙏🏻

Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

Bucky’s gut had been gnawing at him for weeks, a familiar, nagging feeling whenever Ian was around. Something about the man didn’t sit right, and Bucky couldn’t shake the sense that he’d seen this behavior before. His instincts kicked in, and he ordered someone to dig deeper into Ian’s past.

The brown envelope arrived the next day. Bucky sat at his desk, his eyes narrowing as he tore it open. Inside were the results of the investigation—pages that painted a much darker picture than he’d anticipated. As he skimmed the documents, his jaw clenched, and a low curse escaped his lips, “Shit.”

🌸🌸🌸🌸

The next day, you and Bucky arrived at a shelter for single mothers, a stop on the campaign trail. The women inside had experienced hardships most people couldn’t imagine, fleeing from abusive partners and trying to rebuild their lives. Their stories of survival hung in the air, unspoken but palpable in their tired eyes and wary smiles.

You moved through the room, serving food and making small talk with the women, trying your best to offer some comfort. As you handed a plate to one woman, you said softly, “I understand what kind of psychological torment you’ve been through. I hope you stay strong.”

The moment the words left your mouth, what you’d meant as a word of encouragement didn’t land the way you’d hoped.

Later that night, a video of the conversation went viral. It was clear someone had recorded the interaction and released it online. Bucky knew this had to be the work of his opponents, seizing the opportunity to discredit you—and by extension, him.

You watched the video, feeling a pit form in your stomach as the comments poured in:

"Stay strong? She doesn’t seem like someone who’s ever been through what we have."

"She wouldn’t understand. She lives in a happy home. How could she possibly know what it’s like to run from someone who’s supposed to love you?"

Their words cut deep, slicing through your carefully constructed image. They didn’t know the truth—that your marriage to Bucky was its own kind of prison. Pretending to be the perfect wife had taken a toll on you, but no one saw behind the curtain.

You froze, feeling exposed, as if they’d somehow sensed the cracks in your façade. You had become so good at lying, at convincing the world that you and Bucky were happy, that now, faced with these women who had lived through real pain, you felt like a fraud.

Furthermore, you wanted to tell them that you understood, that you too had felt trapped and powerless. But the words stuck in your throat. Instead, you smiled for the cameras, playing your part, knowing that your life was being documented as an example of “happiness.”

Then your eyes landed on a comment that sent you reeling:

"If they’re so happy, wouldn’t they have a kid by now?"

The question hung in the air, mocking you. They didn’t know the truth—how could they? And yet, their words seemed to pierce through the mask you’d been wearing for so long.

🌸🌸🌸🌸

The silence between you and Bucky was heavy, almost suffocating. You hadn’t said much since the shelter incident, and Bucky could sense your stress in the way you barely touched your food or drank any water. You sat at the dining table, staring blankly at the untouched plate in front of you.

Bucky watched you for a moment before stepping closer, his brow furrowing with concern. He gently touched your forehead, his fingers warm against your skin.

“You have a fever,” he said, his voice low with worry.

You immediately pulled away from his hand, your body instinctively recoiling. Your stress had a way of manifesting physically, and whenever you were overwhelmed, your body shut down. This was no different.

“Don’t touch me,” you muttered, your voice hollow.

Bucky’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. He knew this would happen, knew how your body responded when you were pushed too far. Without a word, he slipped his arm around you, supporting you as he guided you toward your room. You didn’t resist, too tired to fight.

“Just leave,” you said once you reached your room, your voice barely above a whisper.

But Bucky ignored your words. He sat you down on the edge of the bed, gently lifting your feet into his lap. You stiffened in surprise as his hands began to massage your aching feet. The familiarity of the gesture caught you off guard—he used to do this all the time when you were together, especially on nights when you came home exhausted, too tired to even think.

Your face grew warmer, though not just because of the fever. The tension between the two of you was palpable, a mix of unresolved emotions and unspoken words hanging in the air. Bucky’s touch, once comforting, now felt like it held the weight of all the things left unsaid.

“I’ll bring the medicine,” he said after a few moments, his voice softer now.

You didn’t respond, too lost in the swirl of emotions flooding your mind. The way his hands moved, the care in his touch—it was all too familiar. It made your chest tighten with memories of when things weren’t this complicated.

As Bucky stood to leave, you finally spoke, your voice quiet and raw. “Why are you doing this?”

He paused, turning back to face you. “Because I care. I always do” His eyes searched yours, and for a moment, it was as if the walls you’d built between you both cracked, if only just a little.

You didn’t respond, not knowing what to say. You could feel your eyelids growing heavy as the exhaustion of the day and the fever pulled at you. Bucky noticed, his eyes softening. Without another word, he pulled the blanket over you and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

You lay there, your mind racing despite your body’s exhaustion. His touch, his words, they lingered long after he’d gone. You hated that he still had this effect on you. And yet, deep down, there was a part of you that wanted to believe him, wanted to let your guard down. But after everything, how could you?

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

You woke up, feeling the weight of exhaustion still clinging to your limbs, but something was different. The fever that had clouded your mind the night before was gone, leaving you with a sense of relief. Slowly, you sat up, glancing around the room. Bucky wasn’t here. It was the first time you’d been alone in the apartment since arriving.

The quietness felt strange, almost eerie. For a moment, you simply sat there, trying to shake the grogginess from your mind. Eventually, curiosity got the better of you, and you decided to explore the space. The apartment was large, meticulously designed, but there was a personal touch to it that reflected both of you. You wandered through the rooms until you stopped at his office.

The door creaked slightly as you pushed it open. His office was a mess—papers and law books were scattered across the desk and shelves, as if he’d been too busy to organize anything. But something caught your eye, an area that was surprisingly tidy amidst the chaos: his vinyl collection. It was neatly arranged, displayed with care, each record in perfect order.

Bucky loved collecting vinyls. You remembered that about him. As you approached the collection, your eyes scanned the spines of the records. Most of them were from artists both of you used to listen to. Your fingers grazed over the albums, a nostalgic pang in your chest.

Then, something unusual caught your attention. Tucked between the vinyl sleeves was a piece of paper, slightly worn. Frowning, you pulled it out and realized it wasn’t just any paper—it was a letter.

You stared at the handwriting, your heart skipping a beat. It was Bucky’s handwriting. Slowly, your eyes widened as recognition dawned on you. It was a letter he never sent. A letter to you.

Your pulse quickened as a rush of emotions hit you. Should you open it? Guilt twisted in your stomach, but then that familiar voice—the devil on your shoulder—spoke louder. He wrote this for you. He never sent it, but it’s yours.

Before you could second-guess yourself, you quickly hid the letter under your shirt, glancing around the office as if someone might walk in at any moment. Your heart raced as you hurried back to your room, the letter burning against your skin like a secret you weren’t supposed to know.

Once in the safety of your room, you sat on the bed, staring at the letter in your hands. The room felt smaller, your breaths shallow. Was this right? Should you be reading this? But you couldn’t stop yourself.

With trembling fingers, you opened the first letter.

It was short, written in Bucky’s familiar scrawl.

"I’m sorry. I know everything we went through must have been painful for you, more than I ever realized at the time. We were close, but we never truly communicated. I knew you were hurting, and I did nothing to stop it. That’s my fault. I’m the one to blame.

One day, if we ever meet again, I hope you’ll give me another chance. You deserve happiness, and I wish you the best of luck in finding it, even if it’s not with me."

You blinked, feeling a lump form in your throat. You hadn’t expected this. An apology. Words you thought you’d never hear—or read—from him. Your hands shook as you carefully unfolded another letter.

"I read your article. It’s really good. I always knew you’d make a great writer. You’ve always had a way with words. I’m proud of you. I hope you have a safe journey."

The words blurred for a moment as tears threatened to spill from your eyes. You never knew he was following your work, that he cared enough to read what you wrote. It felt like a secret window into a part of him you thought had closed off to you long ago.

With a deep breath, you opened the final letter, bracing yourself.

"I’m worried about you. Going to a war zone as a journalist—it’s dangerous, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Please be careful. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. I pray every day that you’re safe."

Your chest tightened as you finished reading, the rawness of his words washing over you. Bucky had been worried about you all this time. His concern, his pride—it was all there, hidden in these letters you were never supposed to find. And yet, here you were, holding the pieces of his heart in your hands.

It was overwhelming. You didn’t know how to feel—angry, confused, touched. All you knew was that the walls you had built to protect yourself were starting to crack, and you weren’t sure if you could put them back together.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

You and Bucky met Greg again to prepare before heading to the TV station for the debate. Greg, always thinking ahead, was pacing as he went over the final details. His sharp gaze darted between you and Bucky, trying to ensure everything would go smoothly.

As the minutes ticked by, Greg suddenly paused, his face lighting up with an idea. "Perhaps," he suggested, "before Bucky heads out for the debate, you could give him a peck on the cheek. You know, for the cameras. A little show of affection can go a long way."

You hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, your expression neutral. "Okay," you agreed simply. The decision seemed easy enough—just a small gesture for the public eye. However, from the corner of your eye, you noticed Bucky’s brow arch slightly, a glint of surprise crossing his features.

Bucky glanced at you, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, "How about a kiss on the lips instead?"

You rolled your eyes, unable to hide your exasperation. "Shut up," you muttered, though the warmth of the moment lingered between you. Bucky chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the brief banter as Greg scribbled down notes, already planning how to work this into the media strategy.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

The day of the debate finally arrived. The room buzzed with tension as cameras were positioned, reporters whispered amongst themselves, and the stage was set. You stood backstage with Bucky, watching as the other candidates made their entrances. Edgar, running for president, was calm and composed, the very image of a seasoned politician.

Then there was Brock, another candidate for vice president—and Bucky’s long-time rival. The two had been at odds for years, their competition fierce and personal. The air between them crackled with animosity as they took their places.

As the debate began, the moderators threw sharp, pointed questions at the candidates, each probing their policies and character. Bucky was in his element, answering each question with practiced ease. His words were clear, his tone confident, and his delivery flawless. Every question thrown at him was met with a precise, well-thought-out response.

Moderator: "Mr. Barnes, what would be your first priority in office?"

Bucky: "My first priority is to address healthcare. Ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare is the cornerstone of a strong nation. We must invest in preventive care and make it easier for families to access the support they need."

The audience nodded in agreement, and even the other candidates seemed to respect his answer. Brock, however, was struggling. Every time he tried to match Bucky’s eloquence, he stumbled, his frustration mounting with each failed attempt to make a point.

Moderator: "Mr. Rumlow, what is your stance on education reform?"

Brock: "Well, uh, we need to… to invest in schools, yes, but we can’t just throw money at the problem. We need accountability, and we need… um, better results."

His answer lacked the conviction and clarity that Bucky’s did, and you could see the frustration in Brock’s face as the debate went on.

The tension between the two men simmered, especially as Bucky continued to outshine him with every answer. But just when it seemed like Bucky had the upper hand, Brock saw an opening—and took it.

At the height of the debate, Brock's voice cut through the air, sharp and malicious. "You talk a lot about honesty and integrity, Barnes. But what about your brother? Didn’t he hit someone and never face any punishment?"

The room fell silent, a heavy, uncomfortable stillness filling the space. From your spot backstage, you could feel the tension roll off Bucky in waves. His muscles tensed beside you, his jaw clenched tight. This was his darkest family secret, one he’d hoped to keep buried. But now, here it was, dragged into the spotlight in front of a national audience.

Bucky’s hands curled into fists at his sides, his eyes narrowing as he shot Brock a cold, hard glare. For a moment, it looked like Bucky might lose his composure. The silence stretched on, the entire room holding its breath, waiting for his response.

But then, with a deep breath, Bucky straightened, his voice steady but laced with restrained anger. "My brother's actions were reprehensible, and there is no excuse for them. But unlike my opponent, I believe in accountability—and my family has taken steps to address that privately. This debate is about the future of this country, not digging up personal attacks to avoid talking about real issues."

The room shifted as Bucky’s calm yet pointed response cut through the tension. Brock, visibly thrown by how easily Bucky had deflected his attack, fumbled for his next words, but the damage had been done. Bucky had taken control once again, leaving Brock at a loss.

Backstage, you watched the scene unfold, a mixture of relief and pride swelling within you. Bucky had handled the moment with grace.

But you knew you couldn’t rest. With Shawn’s dark secret now exposed, it meant that your marriage to Bucky could be the next scandal to surface.

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[hellfirenacht]

Wing Man 14

Fic Summary: Steve ‘the Hair’ Harrington is your best friend, and is constantly striking out. Sick of this, you two make a deal; you’ll wing man for each other. Hooking Steve up with dates is easy, but he finds himself struggling to find you a date. At least, until Dustin starts talking about his new cool friend Eddie.

Chapter Summary: Corroded Coffin audition with Paige, and you take more than one risk.

6.2k Words

(Master List 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13)

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?” You asked Eddie as the rest of Corroded Coffin piled out of the back of his van and started pulling out their instruments. You pulled your jacket closer around you, trying to shield yourself from the bitter wind right outside of Live Mike Studios. “I’m really not trying to be the Yono Oko here.” 

“You’re fine.” Eddie reassured you for probably the hundredth time in the past two weeks. “You’re just here for moral support, and to show Paige and her suits that we have at least one fan.” He handed you his guitar case and you slung it over your shoulder as he grabbed the amp while the others were grabbing Gareth’s drum set and hauling it inside. 

“Do you need the amp?” you asked.

He stopped for a moment, his brows furrowed and then set it back down in the back of the van. “Right. They’ll have one inside.”

“I mean, we’re at a recording studio. It makes sense.” You replied as Eddie shut the van door and turned back to you. In the few moments he had been out in the cold, his nose and cheeks had turned red which only added to the anxiousness in his eyes. 

Eddie said it was fine for you to be here, so you decided that at this point it there was no use arguing. Actually, that point probably came about an hour ago when he picked you up, kicked Jeff into the back of the van and had you sit up front next to him as you drove out of Hawkins to the studio where Corroded Coffin would be meeting with Paige and her people. 

You were a little intimidated to meet Eddie’s ex, especially since she held the future of your... boyfriend?  Eddie in the palm of her hands. It had been only a few weeks since that night in his trailer, but things had been going surprisingly smoothly all things considered. There had been no more miscommunication, no faking intoxication to get rides home, and the deal you had with Steve was dead and buried. 

The only thing that seemed to hang between you and Eddie was that you two hadn’t talked about what you two were or might be. That was one thing you never could wrap your head around when Steve talked about going on dates. He’d be going on multiple dates with different women, but he said it was all casual right now. That he was dating, but it wasn’t like he had a girlfriend yet.   

You couldn’t imagine dating more than one person at a time. Steve said you were thinking about it too hard, you said you didn’t want to hear that from him. Steve said that you clearly were doing well with Eddie, so you didn’t need to worry about dating anymore. You said that you still didn’t fully understand the difference between dating and being boyfriend and girlfriend. Steve said if it bugged you that much then to just talk to him about it. You threw an empty receipt roll at him for daring to give you good advice for once. 

There hadn’t been a good time to bring it up yet. After that chat with Steve, Eddie had announced that Corroded Coffin had an official audition with Left Turn Media. This meant that Eddie’s time had been all but completely been consumed by band practice, school, and work at the Hideout. 

Not that he hadn’t made time for you, of course. Eddie had picked you up and dropped you off every shift he had at the Hideout where Bev promised that he could play. It turns out that possibly being signed got the band more stage time. Not much, but more than just the usual half-hour per week that was allotted to them. 

He spent his nights with you, coming over after school or work to hang out in your shitty little apartment that was still decorated for Halloween because you hadn’t had the time to take them down. Eddie said that he liked the decorations, and that he thought it was pretty metal that you went so hard for the holiday, which only encouraged your laziness in taking everything down. 

Things were going well, and your crush on Eddie only grew more by the day. You didn’t want to mess anything up with him by moving too fast. 

Besides, today wasn’t about that. Today was about Corroded Coffin and their audition with Paige. Eddie had been worried about this for weeks now, even though you had said several times that this audition felt like a formality and that Paige seemed to really want to have him on board. 

Eddie didn’t seem entirely convinced, pointing out that the last time they auditioned WR Records had wanted only him, and didn’t want Corroded Coffin as a whole. 

Everyone made it inside the studio, instruments in hand. Eddie had taken his guitar back and you assisted with bringing in the drumset to set up in the recording booth. The band looked around in awe at the interior, despite how simply laid out it was. There was a palpable excitement within the group as this moment became more and more real. 

“Eddie!” A girl with freckles and dark hair walked out into the lobby to greet you all. This had to be Paige. 

You stood to the side as Eddie and Paige hugged awkwardly, and you weren’t sure how to feel about that. Paige then went to the remaining members and shook their hands and introduced herself. The only other person she seemed to already know was Jeff. Eddie had mentioned that he had been the only one truly around for the first audition. 

Then she turned to you, and looked you up and down for a split second before offering her hand out. 

“I’m Paige, you must be the girl Eddie mentioned.” She said. 

You took her hand and told her your name. “It’s nice to meet you.” 

The girl Eddie had mentioned. Not girlfriend or the girl he was seeing. Dammit, you really needed to get out of your own head about that. That was a conversation for later, not right now. You and Eddie were dating, that was a fact. Eddie had turned down this girl to date you. 

But seeing the way Paige interacted with everyone, doubt crept into your mind as to why. Paige was pretty, there was no denying that. Her outfit was the perfect combination of professional and alternative and here she was, offing the guy you were dating everything he ever wanted. 

Then there was you, at your dead end job as the assistant managed of a retail store, wearing clothing you still wore in high school and completely clueless as to what the fuck you were supposed to do with your life and where you were supposed to be. 

Eddie and Paige belonged in music, anyone with two working brain cells could see that. Paige led everyone to the back area where there were several people waiting at the recording console. A few were in suits and a few looked like they had just crawled out of bed and staggered over. 

You weren’t sure which were more intimidating. 

“There’s some coffee and water on the table, if you’d like to grab something while we talk to the band.” Paige said with a smile. 

“Right, yeah.” You nodded and just as you were about to turn away, you felt someone grab your hand. 

Eddie gave your hand a squeeze and you swallowed any insecurity and gave him your best reassuring smile. 

“You got this.” you said, and leaned in to kiss his cheek before you realized what you were doing. You didn’t look at him as you made your way to the small coffee station and grabbed yourself some water. Your stomach was already tied up in knots and you were sure that coffee would turn your inside to liquid right now. 

You took a seat on a couch and watched as Eddie introduced himself and the band to the people in the room. Eddie’s skin looked pale with nerves, but other than that you would have thought that he had done this a hundred times. There was something about him that always exuded confidence, even when he was nervous. 

After everyone had shaken hands, Paige took over and led a few people in suits and at least one person in the beat up AC/DC t-shirt into a back room. Eddie turned to his band and nodded, and everyone filed into the booth to set everything up. 

The next hour was warm up and sound checks. The guy at the mixing booth kept muttering to himself and then giving directions in the microphone for everyone to hear him. Each time Eddie would nod and someone would adjust their instrument or play a sample. 

After about ten minutes of this, they launched into a warm up cover of an old Dio song, which they played twice, followed by the song they were actually going to audition with. 

You wished you could hear them, in the soundproof booth you could only see them playing their instruments. You almost got up to ask the guy at the booth for an extra set of headphones so that you could hear how they sounded. Based off of what you were seeing though... you weren’t confident that they were at their best. Eddie kept stopping them, and would either say something to the guy running the booth or to the rest of the band.

After about a half hour of this, the guy in the booth called for a break. Eddie was the first to set down his guitar and walk out, not looking at you as he made his way out to the hallway. You followed him instinctively, not looking the look on his face. 

In the hallway, Eddie was bonking his head against a vending machine, making the chips and candies inside rattle. 

“You know, a quarter would be easier to get something out.” you said, walking over to him. 

Eddie looked up at you, his fringe plastered to his forehead from sweat. “I think I’m losing it.” he said. “I can’t seem to get us together to play the way we should. We either sound like we’ve never been on a stage or too polished. This happened last time too.” 

“Have you tried imagining the audience in their underwear?” you offered. 

“The only person watching is the guy in the booth. He’s not the scary part.” Eddie turned his back to the machine and leaned against it. 

“What’s the scary part?” 

“Everything else.” He rubbed his face with a deep sigh. “Paige, getting a deal, letting my band down again... I can’t shake it.” 

“Whatever happened last time was a big deal, huh?” you said, placing a hand on his arm. You felt how tense he was, which worried you. 

“You have no idea.” he shook his head, dropping his hands. “Last time was a fever dream. It... fuck it’s hard to explain. Everyone kept telling me how real I was, that I had what it took to make it. I was going to meet all these major executives for a major label and I blew it. Now, I’m trying again and this time- this is gonna sound so fucking stupid.”

“I won’t judge.” you promised.

“This feels more real than last time and it’s throwing me off.” He admitted, his body sagging against the vending machine. “An instant record deal with the biggest company for metal? It felt like a goddamn fever dream where I was somebody. I did shit I wasn’t proud of to get there, and now I’m trying to do things right for once and I feel like I want to book it out of here screaming.” 

You grabbed his hand and his froze for a moment before squeezing it. 

“You know, I don’t think you should run away.” you said, looking at him. “Only one of us can be a p ussy, and I already took that title in 8th grade.”  

Eddie’s head snapped from the distance to your face, eyes wide. “What?”

“I mean, think about it. You’ve been playing for years at the Hideout, you rock. You know it, I know it, Paige knows it, and I suspect the rest of your band might know it too. You’ve gone this far, you might as well try. What’s the worst that can happen at this point?”

“You-” Eddie stared at you for a second, trying to decide how to respond. You didn’t blame him, you had just started talking at him hoping that something would stick. “...I guess the worst thing is that I could be a pussy for running away.”

“Yeah, and I already claimed that title and already ran away from an audition. We can’t both blow it, Eddie.” you nudged him. “We can’t be that couple that has to constantly copy each other and do things exactly the same. Don’t be a copy cat.”

You could swear there was a slight blush on his cheeks under the glow of the vending machine. “You’re a weirdo.”

“And you’re a freak. The music world is full of freaks. Go in there and get freaky or something.” 

You felt him relax next to you and he pushed himself off the vending machine to face you. “Thanks.” he said and leaned down and kissed you. 

You squeezed his hand as you returned the kiss, and he let his lips linger a bit longer than necessary before there was a cough from the doorway. 

Eddie pulled back and you both looked over to see Paige staring at the two of you with a raised eyebrow. 

“Are you ready?” she asked, glancing between the two of you before landing on Eddie. 

Right when you were going to let go of his hand, he squeezed yours tighter and started walking towards Paige. “Yeah, I’m ready.” 

Once he was back in the booth, all eyes were on Eddie as he picked up his guitar and put it on. The men that Paige had been talking to were now in the room, huddled around the panel. One of the guys in jeans was setting up a camera in the recording room, making sure everyone was in frame. 

This time, you made your way to the front as well. It was a bit crowded, but you stood next to Paige with your feet firmly planted on the ground. You were not going to be intimidated by Eddie’s perfect ex after she’d caught the two of you kissing in the hallway. 

Paige leaned in and took the mic to talk to the band. “Alright, whenever you’re ready guys.” she said. 

Okay, maybe you could be a little intimidated. But that doesn’t mean you were going to run away or shrink yourself down. 

This time, you could hear the band from inside the recording room. You saw Eddie turn to Gareth and nod, and in return the drummer counted everyone off. 

The first take was better than what they had shown during warm up. They got through the first verse before one of the men in the suits leaned over to whisper something to Paige that you couldn’t make out before she called for Corroded Coffin to pause. 

Eddie looked over through the window, and any fear on his face had been replaced with all business. Paige gave them a note about their pacing and Eddie nodded and they started up from the beginning. 

This went on for about a half hour with the band playing and then being stopped for notes. Each note was being taken to heart, and with each take they were getting better. 

Which only confused you more when they couldn’t go through a full song without being stopped for some note. You could tell that everyone was getting confused and frustrated that each time they started they had to stop for some reason or another. 

“They’re too polished.” One of the men muttered, looking at Paige. “They look like shit, but they’re playing like a high school marching band.” 

You held back any amusement at the idea of Eddie in that stupid green marching band uniform with the feathered cap. 

Paige sighed, and looked at Eddie with furrowed brows, and gave him another note into the mic. Something was... off. These guys were giving Corroded Coffin note after note, but that wasn’t going to unlock what they really needed. 

“Thanks for coming out tonight, we’re Corroded Coffin and we’re here to make you feel like you’re fighting demons in hell!”“

You remembered that first night you had sat and watched them play at the Hideout. That’s what Corroded Coffin was supposed to feel like. They were supposed to be wild and raw, and make you feel like you were fighting in hell. 

Notes from a bunch of suits weren’t going to do that. 

What you were about to do was probably going to overstep so many boundaries, but your impulse control was thrown out the window. 

Taking a step back, you looked at each of the members of the band, trying to decide which one looked the most frustrated. Eddie looked stiff, Zack was fiddling nervously with his guitar, Jeff actually looked the least bothered... and then there was Gareth. Gareth looked like he was trying to burn a hole in his snare drum from the way he was glaring at it. 

Making sure that none of the suits were paying attention to you, you waved your arm at Gareth. He looked up at you confused, probably wondering why the hell you were looking at him right now. You hoped this worked, and you hoped that they’d forgive you for this later. 

“Hey.” you mouthed to the kid. “Fuck you.” 

Gareth blinked and his eyes went wide. He leaned back slightly, staring at you looking offended. 

You gave him your best. ‘Yeah, I said it. What are you gonna do about it?’ face. His grip on the drumsticks tightened as he glared at you. 

You yawned and glanced over at Zack, making eye contact with him. You hated doing this, and knew this was a shot in the dark to give these dumb suits what they wanted. You crossed your arms and looked him up and down, with a condescending smirk, mimicking the way that the popular girls used to look at you. 

You saw him mouth ‘What the hell?’ and this seemed to catch Paige’s attention for a second as she glanced at you while the suits were still muttering to themselves, oblivious to how two of the members of the band were now looking at you like you’d lost your mind. 

Jeff looked over at Gareth and then followed the line of sight to you. He just snorted and shook his head, his fingers absently walking along the strings of his bass. You had a feeling that provoking him wouldn’t do anything, so you looked at Eddie. 

He still looked stiff as he stared at the men watching him. Thankfully it was Jeff who walked over and nudged him and tilted his head towards you. 

There was a serious look in his eyes for a moment before he blinked and his expression softened. You smiled at Eddie. He smiled back. 

Then you pointed at yourself and then at him, earning a confused look as you pretended to dig into your pocket and pulled something out. Once your fist was in view of him, you shot your middle finger up at him. 

His head tilted down, and his eyes widened as you flipped him off. You pretended to dig into your other pocket and presented him with two birds for the price of one. 

“Freak.” you mouthed to him. 

You saw the way his grip tightened on the neck of his guitar and he looked back at his band. They all looked annoyed as they waited for the suits to let them know they could play again. 

Eddie looked at each of them and nodded before turning back to the mic. 

Gareth didn’t even wait for the signal before counting them off and starting their song. They were off, their music blaring through the room at an intensity and rawness that you’d seen at the Hideout, and that night at the talent show so many years ago. 

The suits looked shocked that they had started again so suddenly, but a glance at the men made it clear that they could see exactly what you saw. You took another step back, not wanting to interfere anymore than you already have. 

“Alright, I’m jealous.” Paige said, stepping next to you. 

That... was unexpected. You looked at her, but she was staring at the band with her arms crossed. 

“Sorry?” 

“If all it took was you flipping them off, I would have asked you to do that first.” Paige said. 

“They just needed something to snap them out of their nerves. They play better when they’re not being studied like bugs.” you shrugged, your breath catching slightly as you watched Eddie play. How the fuck did you manage to land a guy as hot as him? 

Paige was watching his as well with a thoughtful expression on her face. The suits had quickly shut up and were now watching Corroded Coffin with the attention they deserved. 

“I had my doubts about the new line up.” Paige admitted. “The first time, it was only Eddie that anyone was interested in.”

Even you? Is what you wanted to ask, but you held your tongue. 

“He works better with them.” she continued. “And with you.”

You glanced at her, but Paige just kept her eyes on the band as they played. 

“I don’t think he ever looked at me like that when we were together.” Paige continued, the corners of her mouth turning up. 

“Like how....?” you managed to asked, thrown for a loop at the turn of this conversation. 

“Like you’re a real person. A friend. A girlfriend.” Paige shrugged. “We had fun, and wanted the same thing but... I don’t think he really saw me. And I don’t think I really saw him.”

You weren’t sure what to say, so you kept your mouth shut as Corroded Coffin finished the song with a fire in their eyes. 

There was muttering between the men and the guy who had been in charge of the camera nodded. 

“That was great guys,” one of the men said in to the mic. “Now can you do that again with that AC/DC song-”

Before he could even finish, Gareth was counting them off and they started playing again. This time all the men chuckled at the enthusiasm. 

“You know, we already got the take we wanted.” The recording guy said. 

“I know, but I wanted to hear them play this one. It’s my favorite song.” the suit shrugged. 

“Are you really banking their audition on how well they can cover your favorite song?” Paige asked. 

“Not officially, but it helps.”

With the way the band was playing, you had a feeling this extra credit wouldn’t be a problem. Now that they had found their footing they were now taking off, looking like they were fucking flying as they ran through the song. 

A few requests later from the men, and the boys finally were able to file out of the recording booth, flushed beaming.

The men in the suits shook everyone’s hand with a promise that they will be in touch soon with an offer. 

“And offer...?” Eddie asked. “Wait does that mean-?” He looked between the suit and Paige quickly. 

Paige smiled at him. “I always had every intention of signing you, but we’ll need to talk business to decide on how we can market you all.”

Everyone looked at each other, their eyes wide. It was like it was just now occurring to them that this was really happening. That they had auditioned and were liked. 

“Oh fuck, my mom is gonna freak.” Gareth said, his eyes wide. You had a sneaking suspicion that Gareth may not have told him parents that he was doing this. 

After a few more handshakes and gathering everyone’s contact information, everyone broke down their instruments and started heading to the parking lot. 

“Holy shit.” Jeff was the first one to say anything as they stepped outside of the studio. “Did that really just happen?” 

Eddie, looking a little shell shocked, opened the back of his van and helped put Gareth’s drum set inside. It was silent for a few moments as they all put away their instruments in the back of the van. Eddie turned to look at his friends, who were all staring at their leader for confirmation that what just happened was real. 

You watched as Eddie looked at each of his band mates, his face firm for a moment before breaking out into a wide smile.

“WE DID IT!” He yelled, nearly jumping three feet in the air. The rest of the band followed suit, screaming and cheering and jumping up and down and grabbing onto each other. 

Their joy was contagious, and you watched as they celebrated, your own heart swelling with joy at seeing them succeed. Though you had only known them for a few short months, you couldn’t be more proud of them. 

Firm hands grabbed your shoulders and started shaking you, and you let out a surprised cry, gripping onto Gareth's arms. 

“What the fuck was that about in there?” He asked, laughing his ass off. “We’re in the middle of the most important audition of our lives, and you tell me to fuck off?!”

“Actually, I said fuck you.” you clarified as he shook you again. 

“Yeah, what the hell was with that look you gave me?” Zack asked. 

“You guys weren’t getting anywhere with what those guys were saying- Gareth please I’m gonna puke if you keep shaking me!” you said, and Eddie came to your rescue, pulling the drummer off you. 

His arm wrapped around your shoulder and pulled you in close. “We should be thanking her. She’s our biggest fan and she knew that the best way to get us out of our heads was to piss us off.” 

“I’m just glad it worked. I was really worried that I’d just make you all mad at me instead.” you admitted. 

“We’ll forgive you this time.” Jeff laughed. 

“So now what do we do?” Zack asked. “We just wait for them to call us back?”

“Basically.” Eddie said. “This is gonna be the waiting game for a while. Paige said that they’re still setting up the real studio.”

“The real studio?!” Zack stared at Eddie with his jaw hanging open. 

“I’m sorry, was that a fucking fake studio?” Gareth stared hard at Eddie. “Were we playing for a bunch of fake men in fake suits with fake notes?!”

“No, Gareth the Great, that’s not what happened.” Eddie used his free hand to ruffle the younger kids' curls. “Paige is setting up a studio for Left Turn media around here. She said it won’t be done until next summer.” 

“Dammit, I was hoping that meant we could quit school and focus on the music like you said the first time.” Jeff laughed. 

You looked at Eddie with a raised eyebrow and he shot Jeff a look. “If I have to stick with it, so do all of you.” He said firmly. 

“Dammit.” Gareth muttered. 

A chilled gust of wind cut through you like a knife and you found yourself moving closer to Eddie to steal his warmth and he pulled you closer. 

The drive to drop everyone off back at home in reality was filled with excitement as they all discussed what had just happened. Once they all remembered that you were watching from the other side of the booth, you were bombarded with questions on what the suits had said that they couldn’t hear. You answered everything as best as you could remember, still thinking about how Paige had admitted jealousy towards you of all people. Of course, that’s not something that they would actually care about. 

“They said you all look like shit.” you said from the front seat. “But I think that was a good thing. When you guys were sucking they said you sounded like a high school marching band.” 

This critique was met with yelling and denial but you held your hands up. “Don’t look at me, I’m just a fly on the wall. They shut up pretty fast when you got your shit together though. Also the one in the tan suit liked your cover of Highway to Hell. That scored you points because it was his favorite song.” 

By the time you all entered Hawkins again, they had exhausted every last ounce of information from you. Talks of the audition had been exchanged for dreams of grandeur and what it would be like to be big time rockstars. One by one the band was dropped off, hope in their eyes with the idea that this was the start of something big. 

Once at your apartment, Eddie collapsed on the sofa face first. You smiled and went to the kitchen and brought him a beer. It took a bit of coaxing but he finally sat up and took a long drink from the bottle and smiled at you. 

“Holy shit.” he said. 

“Holy shit.” you echoed. 

“I feel like I’m on top of the world and like I just walked all the way to Mordor.” Eddie shook his head, that smile never fading. 

“Nerd.” you said affectionately, leaning against him. “You did great, Eddie. I’m really proud of you.”

“Yeah?” he looked into your eyes. “I’m... I’m proud of me, too.” 

“You should be, you kicked ass.” You smiled at him. “And they’re gonna come back with a million dollar deal where you get to keep your master copies, get insane royalties, and get you set up with a world tour right away. You’re gonna chart at number one for weeks and you’ll get so popular everyone’s gonna get sick of you within two months.”

Eddie let out a laugh “Everyone’s already sick of me.”

“See? You’re already ahead of schedule. Good for you.” Eddie just laughed and shook his head. “...Not everyone is sick of you.”

Eddie’s hand moved to the back of your neck and rubbed the skin there absently, making goosebumps prickle your skin. “Most of this town is.” He said after a while. 

“Most isn’t all.” you countered. “I’m not sick of you.” 

“A brave woman. You should get a medal for dating the town freak. Most girls run away screaming by now.” He joked. 

“Pfff, you wish you were as scary as your reputation. I’ve been more intimidated by suburban moms at Family Video.”

“Sweetheart, you’re hurting my feelings.” He set his beer down and pulled you in closer. “If word gets out that I’m not the mean satanic spawn everyone thinks I am, then no one will take my music seriously.” 

“I’d make fun of you and point out that you put a lot of D&D references in your songs, but I’ll be nice.”

“I’d hope my girlfriend would be nice to me.” There was a waiver in the keyword in his sentence that you didn’t miss. 

Your heart made a weird thumping movement in your chest and you stared at him. “...Girlfriend?” You managed to choke out. 

Eddie stared at you for a moment, looking as though he had royally screwed up. You felt that arm around you twitch as he decided if he should pull away or not. 

“Yeah I uh...” he stumbled. “Thought maybe since you weren’t seeing anyone else and I wasn’t seeing anyone else-”

“I’d love to.” you said, your whole body felt like fireworks were going off. “I mean, if you’re good with it. I just assumed you’d at least keep me around as a groupie.”

Eddie doubled over laughing, his hair moving wildly as he shook his head. “Groupie implies that I’m going to share you with the band, and there is no way in hell I’m doing that.” 

“Oh good!” you let out a dramatic sigh of relief. “Because, between you and me, Gareth is just a tad young for me.” 

“Not into Juniors?” Eddie asked. 

“I generally don’t date high school students at all, but there are exceptions to every rule.” you said, crawling onto his lap and straddling him. His hands moved to rest on your hips and he looked up at you. 

“Listen about that I-” he started, but you cut him off. 

“I’m not gonna judge.” you said. “I had summer school every single year of middle school and sophomore year. It doesn’t change anything.” 

Eddie kept staring at you and took a deep breath. “...I sell drugs.”

Ok, that wasn’t what you were expecting. You stared at him blankly and looked him over. “What do you sell?”

“Are you looking to make a deal, or should I be careful how I answer that?” 

“I’m just looking for honesty.” you said. 

“Weed mostly.” Eddie ran one of his hands through his hair, his rings getting tangled in the curls for a moment. He struggled to break free as he continued. “Bennies... Special K....” 

“I take it that’s not a breakfast cereal.” you said, helping him free his tresses from the heavy rings. 

“No, not exactly.” Despite his wry answer, there was quiet laughter in his voice. 

“I guess it could be worse.” you said. 

“I just want you to know who I am before getting into something you might not want.” Eddie said, his fingers messing with the fabric on your thighs now that they were free from his hair. 

“Eddie,” you cupped his jaw and looked at him. “I like you. You like me. Stop trying to get me to dump you 2 minutes after calling me your girlfriend.” 

“Shit, sorry.” He sighed. “Yeah, I’m being a total dumbass right now, aren’t I?” 

“Only a little.” You dropped your hands onto his shoulders. 

“I know I’m not exactly the biggest catch. I’m a 6th year senior who’s already dropped out once, and a lot of people here think I'm some sort of Devil worshiper.” Eddie leaned back on the couch. “I’m just saying that dating me might not be the easiest.” 

“I’m in if you are.” you said, leaning over him, letting your fingers slide down his chest slowly. You couldn’t help but smile as you saw the doubt in his eyes immediately turn into Boy Brain at your wandering digits. “Are you in?”

His eyes darted down to your hands and then to your eyes and then to your lips. It was a little funny seeing him struggle internally with what you were offering. 

Eddie blinked and snapped out of that daze for a moment before nodding. “I’m in.” 

“Good.” you leaned in and kissed him. “No take backs.”

Eddie leaned up and met your lips in another kiss, deeper than before. His arms moved from your hips to slide around your waist and pulled you closer. You moved your hands back up to wrap around his neck so you could press your body against his. 

The two of you stayed like that for a few minutes, losing yourselves in each other as the rest of the word seemed to disappear. When you felt his hand slowly slide up your torso, stopping just below your breast, he pulled back and looked at you. 

“Is this uh... do you mind if...?”

You couldn’t stop yourself from giggling at how surprisingly polite he was being. The two of you had made out a few times, but hadn’t exactly taken that next step yet. Not that you hadn’t wanted to, and by the way you shifted and felt that insistent tent in his pants you didn’t think he’d have any objections. 

“Do you want to take this to my room?” you asked. “You can stay here tonight, if you want.” 

Eddie’s expression shifted into a sly smile. “Normally, I’d ask you to buy me dinner first, but you did that already a few times over.”

“Well, then I guess you owe me a few times over.” you smirked. 

“Good thing we have all night.” Eddie stood up as you slipped off of his lap, taking your hand in his. 

“Think you can go all night? Sure you aren’t wiped out from your big audition?” You teased him as you led him to your room. 

“Well, according to you I’m a hotshot rock god who’s about to go on a world tour.” Eddie closed the door and followed you to your bed where you laid down. He pulled his shirt off and crawled on top of you, the pick around his neck sticking to his skin. “If I can jump around on stage for hours and satisfy a stadium of adoring fans I’m sure I can satisfy my girlfriend.” 

“I like the sound of that.” you said, before pulling him into a deep kiss. 

Outside, a layer of snow started to dust the ground, but thee two of you had no trouble keeping warm for the rest of the night. 

a/n: I had a very long think about whether or not to add smut to this story and came to the unfortunate conclusion that it felt weird to add after such a chaste story. HOWEVER, with the series coming to a close within the next 2-3 chapters, I do plan on writing a few side stories. If you all ask REALLY NICE (ie: If at least one person says it lol) I will write smut for Eddie and Reader as a one shot.

We're really coming up on the end here, folks. I really can't believe that you all have stuck around this long. It's been almost a year since I started this story, and I really can't wait to see how this all wraps up! Yes, I know I'm the author, but that means absolutely nothing.

Dividers by: @strangergraphics

Tag List @k8loo @terrormonster55 @sp1dyb0y1008 @crocwork-clockodile @ali-r3n

@mxcheese @josephquinnschesthair @gagasbee @peaches-roses-sins @witchwolflea

@vintagehellfire @royale1803 @cumslutforaemond @prestinalove @browneyedgirly93

@perpetualmessmachine @thebook-hobbit @cultish-corner @grishaversecaptivated @sortagaysortahigh

@siriuslysmoking @huffledor-able541 @pookiesnatcher @eddiesguitarskills @browneyes-8288

@sheneedsrocknroll92 @kores-mun-son-n-more @eddiebuttcheeks @kirsteng42 @dreamerjj

@moonisu @em022O @cosmorant

[writerslittlelibrary]

I'm your mother now, chapter 1

masterlist series masterlist

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8

summary: when you wake up in a strange room, you soon come to realize the amazing Black Widow, who appears to be the perfect role model for girls all around the world, is greatly deranged…

pairing: Dark!Natasha x teen reader

warnings: yelling, a lot of swearing, dark themes, kinda evil Natasha

genre: angst

words: 2972

a/n: I really wanted to write a dark Natasha fic but I didn't want to make it romantic or anything, so I went with the idea of Natasha kidnapping a child. Please don't read this if you are not comfortable with dark themes. Reader is kinda abused but that's because of Natasha's trauma.

Hope you enjoy, and please let me know what you think :)

(I decided to make this a series, as I have so many ideas but find them simply too long for one fic. I will probably make a separate masterlist for the series) 

You do not have my permission to repost, copy or translate my work 

 |——————————— ⴵ ———————————|

You dropped your bag on the floor, kicking your shoes off and walking through the house, allowing yourself to fall on the couch in exhaustion. You were in highschool, and no matter what teacher you'd ask, they all called you their best student.

You passed every test, got good grades for every project, but mentally you were slipping. You hated your life. You hated the stupid loop you were trapped in. Every day is the same. You were tired. 

Your foster parents were scheduled to come home after dinner, so you knew you'd be able to lie on the couch for a while without being yelled at.

So that's what you did. 

You took a nap on the couch, enjoying the quietness of the house, when a noise upstairs catches you off guard. 

You get up slowly, carefully walking up the stairs. You had seen horror movies, and you knew what a bad idea it was, yet you decided to do it anyway. You creeped up the stairs, through the hallway and made it to your bedroom. It was small and there weren't many places to hide, but you were cautious anyway. 

Your window was open. The curtain was moving slightly due to the breeze outside. A shiver ran down your back. You had that feeling again. The same feeling you've had for the past few weeks. The feeling of being watched. 

You walked to your window carefully, pushing it close and locking it. Didn't you lock it yesterday?

Before you could even turn around, an arm clasped around your waist and a hand holding a cloth covered your mouth and nose. You tried to scream and try to get out of the person's grip, but it was of little use. The person holding you was strong. Way stronger than you were. 

You flung around in their grasp, trying to hit the arms that were holding you, but it was of no use. You heard a woman's voice behind you, shushing you and telling you it's all gonna be okay. Your eyes started drooping, falling close. The last thing you heard was a simple sentence….

“Shh baby, mama's got you…” 

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

Natasha had been observing you for weeks. She saw you in the park one day, sitting on a bench. You appeared to be okay, but she could see the way you were holding back tears. It took everything in her not to walk up to you and comfort you. 

After that day, she decided to watch you more often. She watched you when you picked out your clothes. She watched you when you went to school. She watched you when you came home and got yelled at. She watched all of it. 

After watching you for about a week, she decided to do some more research. She had to know everything about you. You were absolutely perfect.

She found out about your parents, how they left you in front of the police station one night. They didn't want you, and Natasha's heart broke. The foster families you were placed with didn't care much for you either. You were often heavily neglected, and you never knew real love. 

From what Natasha had seen, you were barely capable of taking care of yourself. She wondered how often you showered, how often you ate and if you even brushed your teeth. 

No one seemed to have taught you how to live, and it broke Natasha's heart. She was determined to make you feel loved. She knew it was fate. She had to take care of you. It was simply meant to be. 

Natasha had been trying to have a child for so long. After her past in the Red Room, she knew she'd never be able to conceive herself, but she had tried everything there was. She had gone to adoption agencies and tried to adopt. She had applied to become a foster mom but nothing worked. She'd pass most criteria, but when the psychological tests came her test scores dropped. The authorities simply deemed her to mentally unstable to take care of a child.

Natasha was mad. Mad at the authorities and mad at herself. She just wanted a child. That's all she's ever wanted. How on earth did anyone dare deny her that.

After she was denied for foster care, she was upset, but she didn't dare give up. Natasha was determined that she would find someone for her to take care of, and she did. Anyone in their right mind could see it. You were destined to be with Natasha. 

After observing you for quite a while, Natasha decided it was time. You were crying almost every night, the stress of school and your grades were simply too much. Natasha couldn't bear to see you like this any longer, so she finally decided to make her move. She snuck in when you were at school. She didn't even have to sneak in through the window. The doors had an easy lock, and she could easily pick it open. 

When she made her way inside, she immediately went up to your room. She looked through it, smelling your clothes, touching your bed and everything you owned, which wasn't a lot. 

She clutched your only stuffed animal tightly to her chest, a tear rolling down her cheek. She was finally going to be a mom, and she couldn't wait. 

She collected some of your stuff, but only the stuff she couldn't replace, which included some notebooks, coloring books and your stuffed animal of course. She stuffed it in a bag and put all of it in her car. After she finished, she made her way back inside and waited. 

When she heard you come home, she was nearly jumping at the anticipation and excitement. 

She started making some noises, hoping you'd come upstairs soon. She had opened the window in your room, knowing you'd walk over to close it. You did that every day. If you forgot to close the window, you'd close it after coming home from school. 

Soon enough, she heard you walking upstairs, peeking through the door of the bathroom. She waited until you went into your bedroom, indeed closing the window as she expected.

The moment you weren't looking, she snuck into your room and quickly covered your face, making you inhale the Chloroform she'd put on the cloth. You were flailing around heavily, trying to get loose from her grasp, but she just held on tight. 

Natasha tried to comfort you, shushing you as you slowly lost consciousness. 

After you had passed out, she carefully lifted you up, walking down the stairs and, after grabbing your school bag, walking back to her car. She was careful as she placed you on the backseat, protecting your head as you slept peacefully. 

She placed your stuffed animal in your arms, smiling at the sight of you fast asleep. She got into the driver's seat and took off, driving you two far away from the big city.

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

You groaned as the light hit your eyes, covering them with your hand as you blinked a few times, trying to get used to it. You stretched your arms above your head, slowly waking up from your deep slumber. 

The bed you were laying on was soft, way softer and more comfortable than you were used to, but you didn't really notice. The drugs were still wearing off, your brain pleasantly fuzzy as you slowly regained control over all of your senses. 

When you yawned and brought your hand up to your face, you finally realized the clothes you were wearing were not yours. 

You sat up quickly, scanning the room and realizing it looked nothing like yours. It was way too big, but it did seem to be arranged to your style and interests. You took in the room, confused as to how you got there and why it seemed to be accommodated perfectly to your wants and needs. 

You slowly slid your legs off the bed, sitting on the edge and carefully standing up, afraid your weary state would make you fall over. The pajamas you were wearing were soft and seemed to be made out of an expensive silk. 

You slowly stood up, walking around the room slightly. You thought you were dreaming. When you looked out the window, there was nothing but trees. You appeared to be in some clearing in the woods. You checked out the room, noticing how the books on the shelf looked an awful lot like the books you owned, except the books in this room seemed to be new and neat. 

It confused you, and when you turned around, you noticed the bedding was the same bedding as you'd always had, just for a queen sized bed. 

There were three doors in the room, and you ran to the closest one. When you opened it you found a closet, probably as big as your room back home. When you opened the next, you found a bathroom. It looked almost impossibly clean and the shower looked like it came straight from a millionaire's home.

When you opened the third door, you finally stood in a hallway. When you looked right, you saw another door, which was probably where the hallway ended, so you decided to go left. You walked fast, wanting to get out of the house as fast as possible. 

You were very confused by the whole situation. You remembered someone kidnapping you, but these were not the circumstances you expected to wake up in.

When you stormed down the stairs, you could see a kitchen on your right. You spotted a door right in front of you. It looked like the front door, so you immediately ran towards it, trying to open it. It didn't budge. You'd need a code, a finger scan and voice recognition. You sighed as you leaned your forehead against it. 

After standing there for a solid 5 minutes, you decided to explore the rest of the house. 

You reckoned you were alone, as no one had approached you yet, even when you tried to leave the house. You slowly walked into the kitchen, from it spotting a living area with a few couches, and on top of it, you saw a redhead. 

You froze when you saw her, unable to move or talk as fear overtook your body. 

“Ah, good. I was wondering when you'd wake up. I was thinking of ordering take-out. Just come over here and we can pick something,” the woman spoke as if she'd known you for years.

You didn't move, so the woman turned around, putting her book aside and getting up. She walked towards you slowly, but she didn't seem worried she'd scare you away. “You don't want take-out?” she questioned, putting her phone on the kitchen island. You stood next to it as she now stood in front of it, crossing her arms. 

“Where am I?” you shakily asked, worried you'd upset her. You knew the woman, of course. Every person in the world knew her. She was Natasha Romanoff. The Black Widow and fearless Avengers, although she retired a few years back. 

“What do you mean, silly? You're home of course,” Natasha spoke, looking confused as to why'd you even ask such a question. 

You frowned. “This isn't my home?...” Natasha shook her head. “Of course it is.” “Why did you kidnap me?” Natasha shook her head at your question. “I just brought you home, sweetie.”

“What the fuck?! Take me home!” you yelled, and she looked a little surprised before her expression went back to normal.

“I know it's your first day here, but you do not speak to me like that. Do you understand?” she responded, but it only made you madder. “Who the fuck do you think I am? Let me go, you crazy bitch!” you yelled as you tried to push her, but Natasha easily caught your wrists. 

“Careful honey. I know you're confused but that is no way to speak to your mother.” “You're not my fucking mother-”

Slap.

Natasha had slapped you across the face. Your head turned from the impact, your cheek almost immediately reddening. tears stung in your eyes as you moved your hand up to cup your cheek, a silent sob wrecking through your body.

“I am a very lenient person, but don't you ever dare speak to me in such a tone again,” she said. “Now go sit on the couch and think about what you want to order for take-out dammit.” 

You moved slowly, keeping your head down as you sat on one of the couches, silently crying over the situation. After a few minutes, Natasha returned from the kitchen, holding an ice-pack. She grabbed your chin and tilted your face up without a word, pressing the ice-pack against your red cheek. She softly smiled down at you, using her free hand to pet the hair out of your face. 

You sniffled, and she leaned down to give you a kiss on your forehead. “Mama didn't want to hurt you like that sweetheart, but you took it too far,” she said, pulling back and smiling down at you again. “Mama loves you. I promise.” She pulled the ice-pack away and softly kissed your cheek.

She put the ice-pack on the coffee table and sat on the couch to your right. She pulled out her phone from her back pocket and seemed to scroll through something.

“So what are you feeling like?” she asked, looking at you with a smile. You sniffled quietly, looking down to avoid her gaze. “We could do burgers, or maybe sushi? I know those are your favorites,” she told you, and you instantly wondered how she'd know such a thing. 

“Come on. Tell me what you want,” she urged, nodding slightly to encourage you. 

“Fries…” you said quietly, and Natasha smiled. “Exactly what I was feeling. Would you like chicken nuggets on the side?” she asked you, and you nodded. “Perfect,” she said as she typed it into her phone, paying quickly and tossing it aside.

“The food will be here soon. Would you like to watch a movie while we wait, or would you rather explore the house a bit more?” she asked, patiently waiting for your answer.

You shrugged, not wanting to pick an option that might make her mad. “We can also just sit here for a while. I know you must be confused, but I promise you everything will fall right into place.”

You were mad. Mad at how Natasha acted like everything was fine. Mad at how she acted like she had any authority over you. Mad at how she'd slapped you. Mad at how she was acting like she was your mother. Mad at how she seemed unbothered and acted like your behavior was insane. But mostly, you were mad at yourself. Mad how you looked up to her. Looked up to the amazing Black Widow. She had always been your favorite Avengers. How could she not be?

After sitting on the couch for a few minutes, you looked up slowly, seeing Natasha staring at you with a smile on her face. 

“Would you like to watch something now?” She asked, holding up the remote. When the hell did she grab that? You nodded slightly, and Natasha smiled widely at you for it. She pressed a few buttons on the remote, and soon the tv lit up with your favorite show ready to play. Natasha pressed play, and the show started exactly where you stopped last night.

You sat quietly as you watched the show, scared to make any noises. 

After about an hour, there was a knock on the door, and Natasha got up to open it. “Just wait here,” she said as she walked away. You got up from the couch and peeked around the wall, seeing the door and catching a glimpse of a blonde woman. 

She didn't look like a delivery person, and you realized Natasha must've called someone she knew to make sure no one knew the location of the house.

The woman handed Natasha the take-out bag and they spoke for a moment, before she moved to give Natasha a hug. They hugged for a second and Natasha kissed the woman's cheek. You watched as they said their goodbye's, hearing Natasha say she'll visit the blonde woman soon. 

You quickly made your way back to the couches, sitting back down and waiting for Natasha to come back.

Once she did, she set the take-out on the kitchen counter. You watched silently as she moved around the kitchen, grabbing two plates and opening the bag. “Just so you know, I see and hear everything. Don't sneak up on me again. You're old enough to ask when you want something,” Natasha spoke, not looking up from her task of plating the food.

Your breath caught in your throat. You should've known. She used to be an assassin for goodness sake. Of course she could tell if you'd watch her. 

Natasha grabbed the two plates and brought them back to the couches. She handed one to you, but when you went to grab it she didn't let it go. You looked at her, and she raised an eyebrow to you. “Thank you…” you said silently, and she smiled as she let you take the plate, moving to sit down herself. 

You ate in silence, not missing the glances Natasha shot your way. You found it creepy. You had no idea why you were here and what Natasha wanted with you. She had referred to herself as your mother a few times now, and it confused you beyond words. 

For now, you decided to let the confusion go, focusing on eating your food and surviving the night. 

Who knows what tomorrow would bring…

chapter 2

[cosmerelists]

How Cosmere Characters Would React to Having Roommates Who Leave Dirty Dishes in the Communal Sink

As requested by @angelofmusings :)

Per angelofmusings' request, Cosmere characters are in a dorm-type situation with a shared kitchen....and SOMEBODY keeps leaving dirty dishes in the sink! How will they respond?

1. Shallan

Let's just say you do NOT want to get into an "ignoring things" competition with college-age Shallan.

Shallan: [humming to herself as she sits at the kitchen table, drawing] Roommate: Uh, Shallan...? Is that....a good place to be drawing? Shallan: [Looks up. Behind her is a tower of dirty dishes higher than a human person, teetering ominously and casting a shadow across the table where she works] Shallan: Hmm? What do you mean?

2. Sarene

Uses weaponized incompetence until her roommates get their act together.

Roommate: Why are all of my bowls chipped? Sarene: I did your dishes for you since you don't have time! <3 Roommate: Y-You did a bad job! Sarene: Did I? Huh! I tried really hard to help since you seem to be way too busy to do any housework! Sarene: Anyway, I'll get back to doing your laundry! [prepares to dump an entire cup of bleach into the washing machine] Roommate: NOOOOO

3. Vin

Vin only has one solution. And that solution is MURDER. D-Dish murder, I mean.

Roommate: Um, why are all of my dishes in a garbage bag? Vin: Well, you left them in the sink for a week so I threw them away. Roommate: You can't throw away my dishes! Vin: It's either that or throw YOU away in a trash bag. Vin: But my boyfriend said murder wasn't the answer. Vin: Yet. Roommate: ... Roommate: I-I'll do the fucking dishes!

4. Elend

Elend convinces all of the roommates to vote on who does which chores.

Elend: ... Elend: ... Elend: I can't believe they voted for me to do ALL of the chores.

5. Renarin

Rather than confront the situation verbally, Renarin opts to leave anonymous notes when nobody is looking.

Roommate (reading): This one says, "The dishes have been in the sink for 2 days." Roommate: This one says, "The dishes have been in the sink for 3 days." Roommate: This one just says, "4 days." Roommate: This one just says "5." Roommate: ... Roommate: Why is this so ominous???

6. Steris

Ha ha! As if Steris didn't set up an extensive roommate contract and force everyone to sign!

Steris: The arbitrator will be here tomorrow at 4. Roommate: Arbitrator...? Why? Steris: To discuss the dishes issue, per Section 9c of the contract we all signed. Roommate: I ONLY LEFT THEM OVERNIGHT. Steris: 4:00pm. Be there!

7. Dalinar

Let's just say that the roommates of college-age Dalinar "Blackthorn" Kholin are not going to risk pissing him off.

Roommate 1: Dude! Don't just leave that in the sink! Roommate 2: My coffee mug? Why? Roommate: 1: Dalinar gets out of class soon! Roommate 2: So? Dalinar doesn't care about dishes. I've never seen him using any other than that one steak knife he carries around. Roommate 1: Yeah, the knife he used to STAB a guy in the LEG after which he KEPT EATING HIS BURGER Roommate 2: Whoa he did that??? Roommate 1: I'm just saying he seems like the type. Wash! Your! Dishes!

8. Marsh

Marsh just does all the dishes himself because he's the RESPONSIBLE one.

Marsh: (grumbling to himself while carefully washing the dishes) Stupid roommates out having fun with girlfriends, getting into trouble, doing stuff. Marsh: While I'm here doing what needs to actually be done... Marsh: ... Marsh: Makes me want to stab myself in the eyes sometimes.

9. Tress

Tress just does all the dishes herself because she is too nice to do otherwise.

Roommate: I can't TAKE it anymore! Tress: ??? Roommate: You're always making us dinner, you always do the dishes, you fixed the air conditioner last week even though that's not even your job! Roommate: Your power of friendship is TOO STRONG and I think I'm going to have to become a better person now! Tress: I'm happy for you! Roommate: YOU WOULD BE

10.Kaladin

At first, Kaladin performatively washes the biggest, heaviest dish he can find while everyone watches, hoping to inspire their better natures. But when that doesn't work...

Roommate: [Woken up suddenly as Kaladin drags them bodily out of bed at 5:00am] Roommate: What! What's going on??? Kaladin: [dragging him toward the kitchen] You are the biggest, meanest roommate I have and I'm going to MAKE you wash your dishes as an example to the others! Roommate: D-Does this make sense in a roommate situation?? Kaladin: I don't know what you mean. Kaladin [glowering at full power] Get. Washing.

[gojo-enthusiast]

Sunday Kind of Love

Series — My Husband Toji Zenin

It had been 4 months since Toji and you’s big fight, you both made it to couples therapy every week, on time and intently invested. “You both have grown a lot in just a short time, they way you both sit right next to each other now, rather than far apart like it was in the beginning.” Your therapist exclaimed, smiling. “Thank you, we are working hard to maintain open communication and getting to know one another, but also growing from the past.” You smiled, holding your husbands hand. “That is great to hear. How do you feel Toji?” She asks, “I feel closer to my wife.” He says, he was simple, to the point. “Good! You should be! Now, question for you guys, how is your sex life with one another? Are we maintaining a consistent and mutually consensual sex life?” She questions. “Oh.” You had blurted, not expecting her to ask such a lewd question. “You don’t have to answer. Just make sure to think about that. Alright guys, we are done for the day. I will see you two next week, same time and day?” She said ending the hour long session.

The drive back home was more silent, you both hadn’t thought about sex, well… You hadn’t, Toji thought about sex with you every moment of the day, most of the times, he was fisting his cock in the shower, trying to blow off the sexual frustration.

“Should we talk about the elephant in the room?” You nervously say. “That isn’t nice to call your husband fat.” Toji jokes. “Toji.” You giggle, feeling your muscles loosen. “We haven’t had sex in 8 months.” Toji states plainly. “Yeah, it has been a while hasn’t it?” You question. “Yeah.” He says back. He began to feel his cock start to harden, just the mere thought of his wife naked in front of him, had him already aching. “I guess we should just ease into it.” You quietly say. “Yeah.” He huffs out lightly.

4 days go bye, and Toji got stuck with overtime, making you feel insecure, you knew he was working but a little thought in the back of your head told you, he was fucking some other woman, since you hadn’t had sex with him. It was 8pm and you called your husband, “Toji?” You say through the phone. “Yes dear?” He questions. “When are you going to be home?” You question, “I am finishing up this last email, then I will be on my way. You hungry?” Toji questions. All of a sudden you burst into tears, “Y/n, what’s wrong?” He frantically asked, “I-I don’t want y-you to have s-s-sex with someone else, I only want you to have sex with m-me!” You cry. “Baby doll, what are you talking about? I’m not having sex with anyone, only you.” He soothingly says. “I will be home in an hour, okay?” He says, “O-Okay.” You calm down. “I love you y/n” He says, “I love you too Toji.” You whimper a little.

And there was your husband, an hour later. He came home, and saw his darling wife, laid on the couch asleep. He picked you up, taking you to your shared bedroom, lying you down. Crawling in beside you, pulling you into his embrace. “I love you.” He says, kissing the crown of your head.

You woke up the next morning, earlier than usual. The sun wasn’t out yet, still darkness, with a tiny bit of light. The black out curtains, not closed all the way. You look at the clock, seeing 6AM. You feel a heat coming from beside you, and it’s your husband, sound asleep. You leaned in, looking at him, smelling a scent of soap. “He must have showered when he got home.” You smile faintly. You stared at his face in admiration, it was Sunday, which meant he didn’t have work, and you two could be in bed all day. Yours eyes drifted down to his manhood area, you saw a little bit of a bulge, feeling testy, wanting to see a little more, you lifted the blankets, looking closer. His manhood erect, hard. “Mmm?” Toji groaned in his sleep. Your womanhood begin to feel heat, your breast perking at the sight of your shirtless husband. You softly placed your hand on his manhood, lightly stroking him over his sweats, kissing the side of his neck.

“Mmm, baby?” He groans, his eyes fluttering open. You felt yourself grow embarrassed, wondering what brought you to the conclusion that touching your sleeping husband was okay. “Why’d you stop?” He groaned, feeling his cock throb. “I-I” You stutter, your cheeks red. “Why you nervous?” He says sitting up. You sat there not saying a word, you were innocent, you were not used to doing these things, especially since the last time you two had sex, was almost a year ago. “You can touch me.” He says, kissing you on your lips. “Can I?” You question. “Yeah.” He responds back. “C-can you take your pants off, please?” You ask sweetly, making your husbands heart mush, he loved how innocent his little wife is. “I want to make you feel good Toji.” You said. “Then do so.” He cockily said, leaning back with his arms behind his head after he stripped out of his pants and boxers.

“You’re really big.” You said quietly, you knew your husband was big, but you forgot how big. “Scared?” He smirked. “No!” You huffed. You spit on the tip of his cock, stroking him slowly, it was early in the morning, you both were still waking up, so you tried to keep your movements slow and graceful. “Fuck.” You hear your husband groan. “Faster, please.” He adds. You quick up your pace, Toji’s cock already twitching. “Fuck— I’m about to cum.” He huffs out. Toji wasn’t one to cum fast, but it was early morning, and he also hadn’t felt the touch of his wife in months. His body was so sensitive to everything you did, he was obsessed. After a few strokes later, he spilled all over your hand, and you continued jerking until he grabbed onto your hand to get you to stop. “N-no more.” He huffed, “did it feel good?” You ask, “did that feel good? Yes. That felt fucking amazing.” He said catching his breath. Still grabbing onto your hand that was wrapped around his cock. He finally let go, and you brought your hand to your mouth, looking at him, he looked at you. You stuck your tongue out, licking his cum that had coated part of your hand. “Oh fuck.” He groaned, his cock springing right back up. “You just fucked up.” He growled, flipping you over to lay on your back. He had your cunt in his mouth in a matter of seconds. Licking you all over, stuffing his tongue into your tight hole. “Taste so fucking good.” He says, your moans filling up the room, you were melting, your essence coating his chin and mouth. He began to suck on your clit, while his middle finger slowly started stroking inside of you, Toji slowly stretching you out. “Ah— Toji!” You moan loudly, your cunt making so much noise. “Shhh baby— she’s talking to me.” He says almost in a hush. You moans at his words, but shutting your mouth. “Delicious little pussy.” He says into your cunt. Fucking his tongue into you, while his fingers did most of the work. “Toji, please put it in.” you moan out, your back arched. “Not yet, your to tight baby.” He said into your cunt. “Please- ahh! Toji— fuck.” You are moaning, coming undone on his face. “I’m cumming, fuck!” You groan out. The little knot in your stomach finally snapping, finally finishing, while your husband is licking up everything coming out. “Fuck!” He says, “taste so fucking good.” He groans into you. You tug at his hair, wanting him to come up to you. He comes up, planting a kiss on your lips. “Come inside me.” You whisper into his ear.

“Fuckkk—“ he groans, as he strokes his cock, and aligns it to your cunt. Slowly pushing in, he stretches you out slowly. Making sure you are comfortable. “You alright?” He huffs out. “Y-yeah. So-so big.” You moan out. “Fuck!” He groans loudly, pushing more of himself into you. He began rocking his hips after pushing himself all the way inside of you. He would go fast, then slow down, and he would repeat that method, making you wrap your arms around his neck and would scratch all over his back. He didn’t know it yet, but his back began bleeding from your nails. Which would make him fuck you again when he sees it.

“Fuck yes” he groaned, going quicker, feeling your gummy walls tighten all around him. “Let me make you a momma.” He moaned into your ear, moaning was not something Toji did. Which meant he was vulnerable with you. “Ah Toji.” You moan back, tightening around him. “Make me a mommy.” You moaned as he quickened his pace. Despite his quickness, he was gentle, he was quick, not hard. He gentle caressed your sides, as you shredded his back with your nails. Toji’s stokes began to get sloppy, and a few minutes later, he was fucking his cum deep into you.

He picked you up, pulling out for just a moment, lifting you in front of the mirror, so you could see your cunt. And he thrusted back into you, “watch me fuck my seed into you.” He groaned into your ear. He was so fucked out of his brain, all he wanted to do was fill your mind and body up with only him. “Look!” He groaned loudly, you moaned at the sight of your cunt swallowing his cock. “So pretty. So good for me.” He kissed your temple, fucking you out of your mind. “You see that doll, I’m so nice.” He said with a smirk, sweat sliding down his face. “I’m so good to my baby, I’m even letting you watch me fuck you. You like watching daddy fuck you?” He teased. “YES YES YES YES TOJI, YES PLEASE KEEP FUCKING ME!” You screamed, you body convulsing. He had you held up with one hand while the other arm snaked around was rubbing your clit. “TOJI FUCK!” You screamed, crying out. A couple of flicks later of your clit, you squirted all over the mirror, and your husband continued to fuck into you, until he dumped a second load into you. Fucking his cum into you once again. “Look at that baby, look how we’re joined together. Together forever.” He said into your ear. You looked down at your cunt, see your cum and his coming together, coating his cock, and filling up your cunt. “So beautiful.” He groaned even more. Fucking you again and again. You both kept at it like two animals in heat, until the afternoon sun was blazing. You both were lying on the floor with a pillow and blanket, as you rode his cock. Spasming all over, and he filling you up again. At this point he finally just started shooting blanks. He was empty and you were exhausted. You fell on top of him, and passed out. He caressed your back, “All mine.” He whispered into your ear. Drifting off to sleep along time with you.

[prettylittlels]

Over spilled coffee

(tom blyth x reader)

summary: you accidentally spill coffee over a man, can it be coincidence or just pure luck that he's sitting next to you on a 8 hour flight?

a/n: i've had this concept stuck in my head for days. hope you like it! send requests!

📖🩵🦢🌱🍵🏔⭐️

4:00 am is not my ideal time of the day to wake up to, but going to the airport makes it worth it. My flight to London is in five hours and I'm already at the check-in box, waiting for the airport staff to give me my boarding pass.

After going through customs and security checks, I decide to pass the time at a little coffee shop near my gate. I order an iced coffe and patiently wait by the kitchen island. Going back to my life in London feels amazing after spending the holidays with my family. No more gossip or body shaming me for at least a year!

The barista interrupts my thoughts when she shouts, indicating my coffee was ready. I start to walk towards my precious drink while another man does the same. As I reach the coffee cup, I realize it isn't mine, but when I try to turn around, the man with his beverage in hand blocks my view and the coffee slips from his hand. The dark liquid stains his grey t-shirt completely.

- Oh God! - I say - I'm so, so sorry, sir! -

-It's fine - he looks at me with an angry gaze - I'll just change -

- How can I repay you?- I ask full of regret - Can I buy you another one?-

The man lifts his head and I realize how gorgeous he is. I'm such a moron. He lifts his hand and waves my suggestions away. He's still looking annoyingly at me when he turns around and goes to the men's toilet. Fuck.

————————------• ♡ •------————————

The hours have passed I'm comfortably seated in the plane, window seat secured. New York to London, eight hours to relax and sl- oh no. The guy from the café is right in front of me. He observs his surroundings before settling his eyes on me.

-Oh. - He frowns at me - Hi again- he says. And I catch a subtle english accent

-Hi- I say weakly -What a coincidence, huh?-

-Sure is - responds, lifting his eyebrows sarcastically.

We don't exchange any more words until after the security talk the flight attendants give us. I can't believe I shat my chance at hitting on this beautiful man just because I wanted my stupid coffee, so I start the conversation again.

- Hey, I'm truly sorry for what happened- i say, trying to express my guilt - I see you managed to change your clothes!-

He softens his gaze a notch this time and thanks me.

- I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have reacted like that -

- It's understantable, I would have done the same thing- I smile at him - All good?-

He flashes me a flirty grin. - Everything's good.-

- Good! - I feel relieved - So, London? -

- Yes, work -he answers - I'm staying for a few weeks and then I'm travelling to Birmingham-

-Oh, that's nice - I say- Do you have family there?-

-I do, actually. What about you?-

-I live in London, I'm coming back from my parents house-

-Great - we stare at each other awkwardly - So, what do you do?-

-Oh, I'm a writer - I tell him - You?-

-I'm an actor!- he cheerfully says

-You do look familiar- I laugh - Sorry, what's your name?-

-Oh, right. My name's Tom. Tom Blyth.-

-You played Billy the Kid?- I ask, surprised by his words

-Yes, I did- he smiles appreciative.

-I loved that series! That's why I thought I'd seen you before. Oh, I'm Y/N, by the way. Y/L/N.-

- I haven't heard of you yet, Ms. Y/L/N - he observs

-It's because I'm in the middle of publishing my debut book, actually- I admit.

-When's it gonna come out?- a different accent slios out. Brooklyn, I think.

-Probably in October-

-I'll be waiting for it- he smiles.

The chemistry between us sparked like fireworks. It was so easy to talk to him. We spent all of the flight talking and discussing over things we loved. I didn't want this moment to end.

————————------• ♡ •------————————

The eight hours flew by very quickly, in my opinion, and it was time to say goodbye to my seat-mate.

-I had so much fun today - he tells me - I'm glad you spilled that coffee over me-

-You're funny. But I'm glad, too.-

We grin sweetly at each other, and I was about to part from him when he started talking once more.

-When can I see you again? - he asked, and I'm sure I fell for him right there.

-Anytime you'd like-

————————------• ♡ •------————————

Almost a year went by and we're in very difficult circumstances. Tom has become the interent boyfriend after starring in the new hunger games prequel. And I have sold over 5 million copies of my book in 2 weeks, making my way into a New York Times' bestseller. Life couldn't get any better.

[house-of-lovin]

legally binded - drabble (1)

Jenna Ortega x F!Reader

masterlist | series mast. |

Drabble #1: The Week in Coachella

Summary: After getting caught in some hot waters with the press, you are forced into an unexpected agreement with America's sweetheart, Jenna Ortega to save your career.

Warnings/Tags: dual!pov, famous!reader, actress!reader, mentions of substances, intoxication, mature language, real people. (do not read if any of these make you uncomfortable)

(this is all fiction!)

Note: a little insight as to the ‘domestic bliss’ J was referring to 👀 this takes place during chapter 4, the week leading up to R’s peformance. the first of many drabbles (hopefully)

Word Count: 3.8k+

Monday: 

“Turn it off… Jenna, turn it off!”

You whined, aimlessly swiping your hand on the covers in hopes it hits the other actress. 

The alarm blaring rudely in the dark, quiet air interrupted the solitude of the early morning.

You hear her groans but it sounded muffled under the lump of covers and pillows. “You turn it off…”

“Jenna…” You groaned but she still refused to move from her seemingly comfortable position. With a huff, you throw the covers off your head, squinting in the unlit room. The sun hasn’t even risen yet, what the fuck?

Reaching over Jenna’s body, you grabbed your phone on her bedside table. You must have fallen asleep with it in your hand again and Jenna must have placed it there for you. 

“It’s not even mine.” You muttered, reaching for her phone instead and snoozing the alarm. Then you flung yourself back into your side of the bed, sighing in satisfaction because the annoying alarm wasn’t blaring in your eardrums anymore.

“Was it my phone?” Jenna lifted the cover off her head but remained under. Her hair is a mess after a night of tossing and turning and yet she still looked… pretty. You’re not blind, she’s gorgeous but there’s something about her, being the first thing you wake up to that makes your heart palpitate uncomfortably.

Probably heartburn from last night’s dinner. Yeah. That’s it.

“Mhmm.” You hummed. It’s too early for words.

She groaned dropping the covers to hide again. “I have pick up at 5.”

“You’re working?” You questioned.

“Yeah, I forgot to tell you.” You hear and feel the shuffles of Jenna climbing out of the covers. “Are you going to be okay being alone with my family today?”

Cracking a single eye open and even through the darkness in the room, you see her brows knitted worriedly. “I’ll be fine, Jenna. I’ve been here for two days now, I’m settled in.”

“Are you sure? You can come with me to set if you want. I think I’m only filming some promo videos of Dior.” She urged. When you hear the concern in her voice, you opened your eyes fully, sitting up. 

“Jen, I’ll be okay. I promise. It’ll be nice to just chill today too ‘cause I’m not needed for soundcheck again until Thursday.” You reassured, blindly placing your hand on her bare thigh.

You feel her tense under your touch and you were about to pull away and apologize, not meaning to place your hand there but she placed her palm atop yours. “Okay… but if you need me to come back–”

“I won’t need to, but I will text you if anything happens, stop worrying.” You rolled your eyes, pulling your burning hand away. “Now go get ready before you’re late. I will be going to bed.”

“How can you go back to sleep so easily?” She questioned, climbing out of the covers. 

“Mhmm… magic.” You slur, already on the verge of sleeping.

You miss Jenna watching you for a few, long seconds with a fond smile after you’ve fallen asleep. You also miss her panic once she realized what she was doing, promptly turning on her heel to walk into the bathroom.

*** 

It was around 8:30 when you woke up again and like last time, it wasn’t on your own accord.

“Dad says wake up.” You spring up from the bed, eyes still closed.

You weren’t even sure if you were still dreaming but you swore you heard a voice.

“Over here.” Blinking your eyes open, you see Aliyah leaning against the doorframe with a smug smile. “Nice hair, is this what Jenna’s been waking up to every morning?”

“I see you and her share the same need to make fun of me.” You grumbled, wiping your eyes as they adjusted to the sunlight peering into the room.

“Mhmm. That’s how the family shows we care, we tease.” The younger girl shrugged, “Now come on, there’s breakfast downstairs and then chores.”

“Chores?” You asked but she already left.

Fucking chores? What the hell did you sign up for?

Swiftly, you threw on a presentable sweatsuit and brushed your teeth before hopping down the steps. From the moment you opened the door, you could already smell savoury waft of the morning meal awaiting you in the kitchen.

When you round the corner, entering the dining room everyone was already there, “Good morning.”

“Good morning, sweetheart.” Natalie smiled when she saw you. “Sorry Aliyah woke you up like that,”

You see her send her daughter a warning glance but you just laughed, waving it off. “No, it’s alright. Worked like a charm.”

“Come sit and eat.” She ushered, and you noted her uniform. 

“I assume you’re working today?” 

“Yes, it’s just going to be you kids in the house today.”

With Coachella weekend coming up, you had forgotten you were currently staying in a house with people who worked regular, 9-5 jobs.

“Oh, alright.” You smiled gratefully when the matriarch placed a plate of food in front of you.

“Dad and I have to go, you guys be safe okay? Call if you need anything.” She called out to the rest of her kids.

“You guys are carpooling?” Mia asked.

“Yup, the car’s not starting again.” The man grumbled, rising from his seat.

You perk up at that comment. “I can take a look at it for you if you want?”

All heads turn to you.

“You know cars?” Jenna’s dad asked, skeptical. This is the first time you’ve talked directly to the man.

“Yes sir.” You clear your throat, sitting up straighter. There was something about the man, maybe it was his constant silence or just Dads in general that made you a bit tense and feel out of your depth. “Used to work on them with my best friend, just a hobby but I learned a thing or two.”

He raised a brow but didn’t say anything. Natalie spoke up for him. “You don’t have to do that Y/N, but we would appreciate it regardless.”

You nodded, sending them a small smile. Aware that the man still hasn’t given you an answer but hey, you’ll take what you can get.

“We gotta go.” The parents bid goodbye and when the door shut, an awkward silence hung in the hair.

You keep your head down and pretend your breakfast was the most interesting thing on Earth.

“So, you got plans today?” Mia asked.

Lifting your head, you pointed to yourself, “Me?”

“Who else?” She raised a brow, and suddenly you’re made aware that sarcasm runs in the family.

Rolling your eyes playfully, you drop your spoon. “I don’t have plans.”

“Perfect. We’re all doing something.” Mia grinned.

You looked at Aliyah and Markus sending them apprehensive looks. “I… don’t like the way you said that.”

“Relax, superstar… when was the last time you let loose?” Mia grinned leaning on her elbows.

You glanced at the three siblings warily, “Fine… but if Jenna asks, it wasn’t my idea.”

“We’ll deal with her.” Aliyah matched her sister’s grin.

***

“This was your idea of letting loose?” You heaved exasperatedly, leaning against the leather headrest of the driver’s seat. 

The three siblings’ laugh resounds around you, agitating you further. Is this what it was like to have siblings? Maybe you’re not missing out on much.

“I thought you were an action star? Don’t you guys get paid to work out for Marvel?” Aliyah asked from the backseat. 

“I’m out of commission.” You glared through the rearview mirror. “And I hate hiking… why did we pick that?”

You started the ignition, cranking the AC to full blast and sighing in relief as the cool air relieves your sticky-red skin. 

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed. But there isn’t much to do around here.” Markus piqued up from beside his sister. “So when we all get together, we like to go hiking. Jen can’t make it most of the time, but I guess you’re the next best thing.”

He joked prompting his sisters to laugh but you flushed under the suggestion. You chose not to comment, instead pulling out of the parking spot. Clearing your thickening throat, you asked, “Where to?”

When you get back to the house, you're instantly met with an unimpressed look from the actress.

“You guys hung out without me?” Jenna crossed her arms as she stood in the foyer of her home, watching her siblings plus you trickle into the house. It’s fair to say that the younger actress was quite confused when she came back to an empty house. 

“Yup…” Mia responded, sipping on her drink as she walked passed the shorter actress. 

One by one, she glared at each of her siblings as they walked passed her until only you remained. You smiled sheepishly, holding out a drink. “They said you always get this smoothie… don’t be mad?”

Jenna stared at the drink in your hands. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. “Thanks…”

You send a large, goofy smile, pleased with yourself, “No worries.”

***

Tuesday:

The jury’s still up for debate if you’re enjoying yourself.

See you thought you were. Sure sharing a single queen bed with Jenna is… less than ideal, the home-cooked dinners have been delicious, and her family has been nothing but hospitable. You should be having a good time, right? Except, right now you’re seriously debating changing your answer cause you’re stuck.

Tied down, would be a better description.

“Jenna, please. Help!” You managed to pull out a free arm from one of her cousin’s firm grip.

Why do these kids have such strong hands?

Jenna turned at the sound of your desperation, cutting her conversation with her sisters short then she laughed, taking her phone out to record.

“No, please.” You nearly cried out, flailing your free hand.

“Show us your superpowers, Spider-Woman!” Another child yelled, jumping in front of you.

“Ow..” Your footing stumbles with the added weight, trying to hold the kid up in your arms.

“I count… one, two, three… oh and there's a fourth one hiding behind your legs, how cute.” Jenna circles you, recording all the children clinging onto you for dear life.

“Jenna, please. I’m gonna drop this child…” You begged again, arms burning uncomfortably.

You’re one kid away from toppling over if she doesn’t help you. If you do, you’re taking her down with you.

“I thought you do action movies? Use that action star training…” Jenna teased just like her sister, in turn, you glared menacingly.

“If I do go down, I’m taking you with me…”

She rolled her eyes, put her phone away then walked over to grab the kid in your arms. “Come on, guys… let’s give her some space.” She shooed off.

They groaned, echoing ‘you’re no fun’ at Jenna,  and you’d laugh at her offended face if you weren’t thankful that you feel 100 pounds lighter.

“You sure took your time,” You scoffed at her, watching as Jenna lets the toddler down on the ground after she got too fussy in her arms.

“Mmm… it was just too adorable.” She pulled out her phone to show you the multiple pictures of your panicked face, flailing hand and the small army of kids sticking to your side.

“Delete that…” You attempted to swipe her phone, but she stuck her arm out of reach, too quick for you.

“No!” She laughed, leaning back. You leaned forward, trying to swipe at the phone again but she pressed her hips against yours — pushing you back.

“Delete it!” You grabbed the dip in her waist with one hand; the phone now just at the tip of your fingers.

Jenna curled into a ball, clutching the phone to her chest making you wrap your arms around her body – practically embracing her.

“Seriously?” You laughed at the childish antics.

“Let me keep it!” She snickered, body shaking as she laughed and you couldn’t help but join in, forgetting about the embarrassing photos.

“Fine.” Rolling your eyes, you dropped your arms to your side, stepping back. “But if you post that, you’re dead.”

Jenna uncurled, standing straight with a lop-sided smile, “Who’s gonna stop me?”

You stare back challengingly but once you saw the up flick of her brow, you knew it was a done deal. With a sigh and a drop of a head, you muttered. “Whatever…”

Then you walked back to your seat beside her sisters.

Reaching down on the grass to grab your drink, you pretend not to hear Aliyah and Mia telling Jenna that you two are cute.

Pulling out your phone, you ignore everything going on around you. You feel Jenna take her seat beside you. 

“Hey Y/N,” Aliyah spoke up, phone in hand.

You flick a brow up, “What’s up?”

“You know this song?” She tapped her phone, connecting it to the speaker and playing a song that sounded faintly familiar.

Furrowing your brows, you shake your head, glancing at Jenna who had a confused look as well. “No? Did I write it?”

“You don’t know what songs you wrote?” Jenna asked, turning to you.

“No? There’s too many and sometimes if it doesn’t fit me, I just take writing credit or I produce it for someone else.” You shrugged.

Aaliyah shook her head, gaining your attention. “No, listen.” She smirked.

When the singer started singing, you froze, the tips of your ears reddening.

“I don’t get it?” Jenna asked.

“This is Nonsense by Sabrina Carpenter,” Aaliyah commented.

“Okay?” Jenna was lost. “Am I missing something?”

“Nope. I don’t think so— you wanna go for a walk?” You stood up swiftly, nearly giving Jenna whiplash as her eyes followed your movements.

You wiggle your fingers for her to take, but Jenna stayed put. 

“Later —“ She dismissed you, turning to her sisters who wore smug smiles on their faces, “What’s so special about this song?”

“Ask her…” Aliyah nodded toward you, currently pretending like you couldn’t hear the conversation around you.

She raised her brow, noting your weird demeanour. “What’s so special about this song?”

“Nothing.” Jenna raised a brow. You sighed, sitting back down beside her with a slump, ignoring the three others piercing stares. “Except it’s about…. me, or so I’ve heard, I don’t know.”

Jenna’s brows raised in surprise, her cheeks reddening when the next line plays. “It feels so good I had to jump the octave?”

You flushed, covering your face in embarrassment. “God, this is my worst nightmare.”

Her sisters’ watched with satisfied smiles as you continued to be embarrassed, actively avoiding everyone’s eyes and Jenna, who was stunned in silence but honestly looked more bothered the longer the song played.

You’ve never actually heard the song in its entirety, too embarrassed when someone said it was about you. You only saw the other singer one, two, three maybe even four times — so you were shocked.

“How fast can you take your clothes off, pop quiz?” Jenna reiterated as the song ended.

“Please, stop!” You groaned into your palms.

If Jenna wasn’t so satisfied with your embarrassment already, she might even admit that she’s a bit… irritated, for reasons unknown.

“Okay, Aliyah enough.” Jenna glared when the song replayed by accident.

Her sisters tried to chuckle lowly, but Jenna glared until they took the hint and scurried away, leaving just you and her.

“Are they gone?” You peeked through the opening in your fingers. 

“They're gone.” She chuckled, but the silence that followed was slightly awkward. “So… you and Sabrina? Didn’t know that.”

You cleared your throat, dropping your hands. “Yeah—uh. It wasn’t really anything.”

“Sounds like it was something…I mean she wrote a whole song about you.” Jenna questioned and for a second you wondered if she was jealous.

No, no way.

“That’s just fan theories and shit. I actually don’t know if it’s about me.” You felt the need to clear up. “It didn’t mean anything to me, at least.”

Jenna scanned you for a few seconds, feeling slightly uncomfortable under the intense gaze. “Mhmm. Cool.”

You blinked, unsure what that meant. But before you could say anything she’s standing, holding her hand out for you to take.

“Wanna go on that walk now?”

You nodded, slipping your fingers in between hers.

***

Wednesday: 

“Have you seen Y/N?” Jenna peeked her head inside her brother’s room.

“Not recently…” Markus responded, not looking away from his computer screen. “I think I saw her an hour ago though.”

“Where?” She huffed, leaning against the door frame.

“Don’t remember…” He replied distractedly. Jenna sighed, knowing she wasn’t gonna get a straight answer from him. 

Making her way down the stairs, she rounded the corner, entering the living room. “Has anybody seen Y/N?” 

She was met with silence. “Hello?” Jenna spoke up agitated.

“She’s with Dad, relax,” Aliyah answered and the actress couldn't even hide her shock. “She’s checking the car or something.”

“They’re together? Alone?”

Her sister nodded, confused.

“Yes? Why?’

“No reason…” Jenna lied.

“Is she scared of Dad?” Aliyah asked, a smirk on her lips.

Jenna rolled her eyes, not answering. Turning on her heel, she walked swiftly to the garage. You never admitted it out loud but she could see how tense you are around her Dad. It amused her more than anything.

Upon opening the door, she’s expecting to be met with silence as you worked on the car. Instead, her Dad’s laughter filled the room. 

“That’ll teach you to make a bet with her…” Her dad continued to joke. 

Stepping closer, she can make out your muffled chuckles from under the car. “Yeah… that one was on me, honestly. Robbed me clean of a thousand dollars.”

“Oh hey, honey. What are you doing here?” Her dad asked, noticing her standing by the door with a dumbfounded look on her face.

“Is that Jenna?” You asked.

“Yeah…” He responded.

Jenna blinked out of her stupor, walking to the hood of the car where her Dad waited patiently as you lay underneath the vehicle. “What’s going on here?”

You slid out from under the engine, using an old skateboard as a mechanic creeper; some oil splotched on your cheek. “Your Dad said the car wasn’t starting, so I offered to have a look at it.”

Jenna watches on as her Dad extended a hand out to haul you up. Exchanging the wrench in your hand for a wet rag to wipe the dirt off. She flicked a brow up in surprise. “I didn’t know you knew cars like that…”

You match her raised brow, “what, you think my cars are just for show?”

She rolled her eyes, not answering while you grinned, taking it as a win. She allowed her gaze to drop, noting your engine oil-stained white shirt hugging your arms tight and dark washed-out denim jeans. Looking like a real mechanic. 

“I think it was the transmission, try turning it on.” You said to her Dad. 

He follows your instructions, pushing the key into the ignition and turning it. Sputtered sounds of the engine roughly kicked back until eventually, it settled into a low, even rumble. You send her Dad a gratified smile. “What’d I say?”

“Impressive…” He scratched his chin, “I went to three different mechanics and none of them could tell me what was wrong.”

“Those guys are useless. You call me anytime there’s something wrong with her.” You popped off the hood struts, putting it back in its place before dropping the car hood closed with a loud slam, tapping on the top contently.

“You actually fixed that old junk?” Jenna crossed her arms, a little impressed but she’d never say it out loud.

You spin, flicking an unamused brow. “You doubting my skills, Ortega?”

Jenna tried shrugging impassively, walking closer to observe the running car. “Every single one of my siblings learned how to drive in this car, including me. Dad refuses to get rid of it.”

You run a hand over the hood again. What the younger actress said must’ve added to your satisfaction. “Just makes it more special then…”

“See, she gets it.” Her Dad peeks his head out from the driver's seat. 

“We’re not starting this…” Jenna spun in her heels, walking back into the house. She ignored her thudding chest.

***

Thursday:

“Hey, how was Soundcheck?” Jenna looked up from her book, watching as you trudge into her childhood bedroom in slow steps.

“S’okay…” You mumbled,  lazily dropping your shoulder bag on the foot of the bed. With a heavy sigh, you sat down and let gravity do all the work as you fell onto your back. Sighing in relief when it connects with the soft mattress. 

“What’s wrong?” Jenna crawled to the foot of the bed, rubbing your shoulder. She watched as your eyes fluttered closed in fatigue.

“Long day… too hot.” You muttered causing Jenna to chuckle.

“Well, we are in the desert.”

“Should have thought about that when I agreed to perform…” By now, Jenna’s fingers worked their way through your hair. Softly scratching your scalp. 

“Speaking of performing…” Jenna tried not to pay attention to the way you practically purred under her touch. “Who are you going on with?”

You grinned adorably, like when a baby smiled in their sleep. “Nice try…”

She tugged on your roots a bit, “Tease…”

“You’re the one tugging on my hair…” You cracked an eye open, staring up at her. Jenna flushed, choosing to ignore your words. 

“Why don’t you take a shower and we can finish watching Breaking Bad? Relax before your performance tomorrow?”

“That sounds perfect.” You scrambled up to grab some clothes from your suitcase before running to the adjoining bathroom. 

Jenna shook her head in amusement, ignoring the butterflies thrashing in her stomach. She moved up the bed, getting your side ready, and propping up the pillows to your preferred angle. Then she grabbed the remote, exiting out of the trashy reality show that she wasn’t really paying attention to. Only choosing the program to pass the time as she waited for you to come… home. But only because she’s honourable and chooses to uphold her side of the agreement; not to watch Breaking Bad without the other. 

20 minutes pass when the bathroom door creaked open and you stepped out, looking far more relaxed than when you first came in. 

Sliding into your side, you wiggled around, trying to get comfortable. “You kept your promise and didn’t watch the next episode.”

“Surprised?” She raised a brow.

“Mmm… a little.” You shrug, shooting her a chaffing smile. 

She elbowed your side, “idiot.”

“Okay, okay, just play the episode. I’ve been looking forward to watching it with you all day.” You covered a blanket over your lap, not realizing what you just said. Jenna stares at you, not speaking.

You turn, pulling a face before it contorts to an amused smile. You grab the remote out of her hands, not calling her out on her silence. “Come on, get down here.”

Still unspeaking, Jenna’s body moves automatically, sliding in close beside you; shoulders pressed together. The younger actress doesn’t have it in her to admit that she’s been waiting for you to come back because recently, she finds she can’t sleep without you.

Jenna chooses not to comment when she feels your head lean comfortably against hers.

—

(a little treat before ch 7🫢 )

***

taglist is closed

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[heli-writes]

Marriage of Convenience, part 12: lessons in swordsmanship.

Pairing: Yoriichi x you

Summary: Yoriichi's friends think that Yoriichi is too lonely and needs a wife and family to take care of him. They propose a marriage of convenience to a woman who's in need of a husband. The arrangement of the marriage is simple: both parties live their lives as before, y/n takes care of Yoriichi as a wife and Yoriichi keeps unwanted men (and demons) away. Love is not required, friendship is appreciated. However, how detached can one be when living so close to each other?

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12

Series Masterlist

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Y/s/n does not like moving again. He had just settled into the new house and had finally found some friends. He watches his mother with a scowl as she packs their things for a second time in just a couple of weeks. At least this time, he doesn't make a fuss.

„Look, honey, I know there have been a lot of changes in such a short time. I'm really sorry.“, y/n says as she takes the toy out of her son's hands and carefully stuffs it into one of the bags they brought along.

Yoriichi is nowhere to be seen. Apparently, he's been wrapping up things with the staff of the house, thanking them for their service and saying goodbye to some fellow slayers. Y/n already said her goodbyes this morning before Yoriichi came back from his nightly expedition against Muzan's demons.

When all bags are packed, y/n sits and waits while y/s/n sits in her lap fiddling with the ugly plushie Yoriichi won for him. Absent-mindedly, y/n brushes over her son's hair. She's feeling a bit nervous and there's a weight in her stomach that she can't place yet. She doesn't want to say it's a sense of dread, because that would put this whole new job under a bad star. But it does feel like it.

Suddenly, the door slides open and Yoriichi comes into view. He keeps standing at the entrance and gives y/n a wordless nod. It's time to go, y/n thinks and gently nudges y/s/n to get off of her. Standing up, she grabs the bags and softly takes her son's hand. She tells herself it's to soothe him but really she is soothing herself.

Quietly they exit the room and the mansion to start their way to the flame pillar's estate.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

„Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Tsugikuni.“

Ryo Rengoku and his wife Mei bow deeply infront of Yoriichi and his family. When Yoriichi takes too long to answer, y/n quickly steps in.

„Thank you for your hospitality. We're very glad to be here.“, she quickly says and bows deeply as well. She nudges Yoriichi and her son to do the same. Mei gives her a soft smile.

„Yoriichi, why don't we leave the women to tend to their business while we talk strategy? I'm sure you have a take on how we can react to the recent attacks on the demon slayer corps more effectively than we did until now.“, Ryo says and leads Yoriichi to the gardens.

Y/s/n grips his mother's hand a bit tighter.

„Please, follow me, Mrs. Tsugikuni.“, Mei says and gestures towards the entrance of their mansion.

„Please, call me, y/n.“, y/n says, „After all we will be working closely together.“

Mei nods and responds: „Gladly, I'm Mei.“

Mei leads her inside the house. It's of traditional build but the decoration is eye-catching. The theme is clearly fire, which considering that this is the flame pillar's house, shouldn't be surprising. Red flowers in gold-rimmed vases decorate the hall and the family's crest hangs high above the entrance to the next room.

Mei gives y/n and y/s/n a tour around the mansion including the quarter in which the Tsugikunis will be staying. It's somewhat bigger than their room at the Ubuyashikis. Y/s/n has their own little room in which the Rengokus already placed some toys which the boy eyes with sparkling eyes.

Mei then takes them to the gardens where their husbands are drinking some tea while three children are playing with a ball on the grass.

„Already done showing them around?“, Ryo asks his wife. Yoriichi looks up and meets y/n's eyes. She gives him a quick smile. She can see that Yoriichi also doesn't feel completely comfortable in this new environment.

„No, not yet, I want to show y/n the workshop next. I just figured it's not a place for children.“, Mei answers and turns to y/s/n. „Would you like to meet my kids?“, she asks him and holds out a hand to him. After short consideration, y/s/n takes it.

„Kyo, Sho, Rei! Come here, I'd like you to meet someone!, Mei shouts and leads y/s/n in the direction of the playing children. Y/n watches them carefully.

„So, y/n, I heard you're some kind of pharmacist? It'll be good to have you around here.“, Ryo addresses her.

She turns to the head of the Rengoku family and nods. „Yes, I am and I look forward to learning from your wife.“, she tells him.

Ryo gives her a lopsided grin. „You say that now, but my wife can be a real menace while she's working. … or maybe it's just me getting the short end of the stick when it gets stressful around her.“, he laughs.

Y/n is surprised at his open demeanor. Somehow she expected the flame pillar to be more strict. Maybe not as stoic as Yoriichi, but hardly anyone ever is.

„I've just been telling your husband that we have quite a few apprentices around here. Next to slaying demons myself, I do my best to teach the next generation to defend themselves against Muzan's demons.“, Ryo tells her.

„It's always good to have a look at the future.“, y/n answers and Ryo nods smilingly.

„I felt like you would get that. Actually, I still can remember when Yoriichi taught his breathing techniques to me and some other swordsmen. Of course, we never got close to Yoriichi's abilities, but still...“, Ryo chatters away.

Y/n's eyes widen. „Yoriichi taught you?“, she says in disbelief. She really can't imagine Yoriichi as a teacher. Doesn't somebody need, like, social skills for that?

Ryo lets out another hearty laugh. „Yes, and he was brutal! I couldn't move a single muscle at the end of the day for the first four months training with him!“, he tells her.

Yoriichi buries his face in his teacup while y/n gawks at him in utter disbelief. Ryo laughs some more at that and hits Yoriichi's back to the point that he has to cough up his tea.

„Can't believe you didn't tell your wife this!“, Ryo laughs. Yoriichi's face starts to turn red.

„Ryo, don't embarrass your guest!“, Mei scolds her husband as she returns to their sides. Y/n's gaze flickers to her son who now is joining the ball game of the three Rengoku children.

„Y/n, would you like to see your workshop?“, Mei adverts her attention back to y/n.

Y/n smiles and quickly nods. Sorry, Yoriichi, seems like you have to endure that a little bit longer, she thinks, not that I'm totally curious about your past with Ryo.

Mei leads her back inside and to a corridor that she showed her earlier that she labeled „hospital wing“.

„Do you get many injured slayers here?“, y/n asks while counting the rooms that are reserved for patients. Mei nods.

„Yes, many slaysers stay with us after their training with my husband. Thus we often have slayers that return hurt after a mission.“, she tells her and leads y/n further down the corridor.

„Alright, here it is, your own little workshop.“, Mei announces and pulls open a door opposite the nursing office.

Y/n peeks inside but Mei ushers her inside completely.

„We had it refurbished before you came here. I've had it stocked as far as I could guess what you'll need. If anything is missing or you need ingredients for your medicine, please let me know.“, she tells y/n.

Y/n takes a look around. Everything seems perfectly fine. The Rengokus definitely didn't spare any expenses.

„This is fantastic.“, she tells Mei who smiles contently in return.

„I'm glad you say that. I've also written a list of products that we need all the time. You know, like disinfectants, antipyretic remedies, and other basic things.“, she tells y/n.

„Perfect, then I can get to work right away.“, y/n smiles and Mei gives her a nod.

„Feel free to update the list at will. I'm sure you know many more useful remedies than I do.“, Mei says.

„I will. I also can't wait to learn from you, Mei.“, y/n replies.

Mei laughs and leads her back outside.

„Well, for today just let's get you settled.“, Mei points out and leads her back to their husbands.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

„Alright, you see when the wound is torn like this, you need to stitch it differently than if it was a clean cut.“, Mei points out. Y/n keeps her eyes fixed on the slayer's wound while trying to hold his shoulders down as Mei starts stitching him up.

The past few days y/n stocked up the medicine cabinet as well as she could. However, there are some ingredients missing so she can't work further until they've arrived. Thus, she uses the opportunity to follow Mei around and learn more about practical medicine.

Y/n came to the conclusion that she is little to no helpful when it comes to anything other than applying salves. Even her bandage wrappings are not as good as she thought they were.

Nevertheless, Mei is a patient teacher. Actually, y/n likes to be around the flame pillar's wife. She's kind but determined and a good leader. She takes no rude or whiny behaviour by the slayers in her care and is good at ordering the other nurses around in a polite but firm way.

Everybody in the mansion respects Mei. At first, y/n tought it's due to her position as the flame pillar's wife but soon she understood that the people around her respected her for herself.

„Y/n, take a break. Go get some lunch. I think your husband is training in the gardens, take some lunch out for him too.“, Mei tells her as she finishes the stitches and wraps a bandage around the slayer's leg.

Y/n nods and bows before leaving the room. She makes her way to the kitchen. On her way there, she peeks into one of the rooms where the children are practicing their calligraphy with a teacher. Mei proposed that y/s/n could join her children in their daily lessons. Y/n felt a bit insecure about y/s/n being ready for that but Yoriichi convinced her that the boy can only grow if he is challenged.

So far, y/s/n seems to love his lessons.

Y/n sighs as she turns the corner to the kitchen. Some maids already spotted her and greet her with deep bows. It still weirds her out how everybody is so overly polite towards her. Almost as polite as they are towards the head of the house. It's probably to them worshipping Yoriichi and she's his wife.

The cook gives her two bentos and some tea which she carefully balances towards the gardens. She has some trouble sliding the door open since her hands are full but once she can slide her foot in between the door and the frame, she pushes it open more easily.

Soft sunshine meets her eyes, blinding her for a second. Then, she makes out some fighting figures at a close distance. Y/n puts down the tea and bentos and sits down on the wooden porch. Her gaze is immediately drawn to Yoriichi who is standing not far from her, with a wooden sword fighting Ryo Rengoku.

Y/n watches her husband silently and carefully. Yoriichi has a concentrated look on his face. To others, it might not seem different as he usually looks, but y/n can see that he's deeply in the zone. Calling him out for lunch now would be rude. Instead, she decides to observe them for a little bit.

Yoriichi takes a careful step to the right. Ryo follows his suit. Then, quickly, Yoriichi makes a sharp half-spin. His feet slide over the grass effortlessly as if he's spinning in a dance. Ryo attempts to do the same by going in the other direction, but he's not as quick or smooth on his feet. However, when Yoriichi sets out to strike, he successfully blocks the strike with his wooden sword. The 'clank' of two wood pieces meeting each other is heard through the yard.

Y/n watches them silently as they exchange blows until Ryo notices her sitting on the porch. He's distracted for a moment and Yoriichi hits the side of his arm with a heavy blow. Ryo yelps and clutches his arm.

„You're too distracted.“, Yoriichi tells him and Ryo gives him a lopsided grin.

„I'm surprised you're not. After all, it's your lovely wife that's been watching us.“, he points out.

Yoriichi straightens his posture and lowers his sword.

„If I was a demon and that was your wife, you'd be dead now and the demon would devour her.“, he points out. Ryo rubs the back of his head.

„Sure, but if you don't pay attention to your wife once in a while you'll lose her one way or another.“, he shrugs. Yoriichi doesn't reply anthing to that and y/n has to stifle her laughter. She's not surprised that Yoriichi's mind would never wander there. He's not the type.

However, Yoriichi wordlessly turns to y/n at that and y/n lifts up the bento.

„I brought you lunch.“, she tells him.

„Wow, Yoriichi, you're a lucky man. Your wife comes all the way here to bring you lunch, isn't that sweet?“, Ryo laughs and pokes Yoriichi's arm with his elbow.

„It was actually your wife's idea.“, you clarify.

„And she didn't join you to bring lunch for me too?“, Ryo complains and y/n has to laugh.

„I think she still needs to tend to some of her patients.“, you defend Mei.

Ryo scratches the back of his head. „She always works so hard.“, he sighs. „Guess, I'll be the one taking lunch to her then.“, he decides, „You two enjoy your break!“.

After Ryo wandered off, Yoriichi joins y/n on the porch. She pours him a tea that is only lukewarm by now but he doesn't complain. She hands him his bento before opening her own. For a while, they eat in silence.

„Do you enjoy being here?“, Yoriichi suddenly asks her. Y/n is startled by the question. Does he worry that I regret my decision?, she thinks.

When she doesn't immediately answer, Yoriichi adds: „We can always leave if you don't.“

„N-no, no! It's fine. I actually like it here. Mei is a great teacher and I like working with her. Plus, y/s/n seem to like it here too, I think.“, she tells him.

Yoriichi hums in agreement. His eyes are fixed on something in the distance. Y/n thinks he's done with the conversation but suddenly, he says.

„I think he really looks up to Ryo's boys. I've seen him watch them train with their father.“, he informs y/n.

Y/n thinks about that for a moment before answering: „Do you think he's interested in swordsmanship?“.

Yoriichi only shrugs. Y/n ponders about that for a while. Actually, it wouldn't surprise her if y/s/n did. He doesn't only look up to Kyo and Sho, but to Yoriichi as well. I guess it's only natural that he wants to be like his father, she thinks.

It takes her a moment to realize what she just thought. Am I really seeing Yoriichi as his father? Or rather, should I really?

„Your heartbeat just picked up. Are you alright?“, Yoriichi rips her out of her thoughts.

Damn you Yoriichi and your supernatural perception, she curses him.

„Just worried what could happen if y/s/n would really want to pick up swordsmanship.“, she quickly tells him.

Yoriichi hums again before saying: „You're right. It's probably better if he doesn't.“

They sit in silence for a while. Y/n tries to stare into the distance the same way Yoriichi does but she's getting antsy. She feels like she should say more but she's not sure what.

Suddenly, she feels Yoriichi hand at her hair.

„A bug.“, he says plucking it out and snipping it away. Y/n blushes and her heartbeat picks up again. She didn't notice that Yoriichi was looking at her. Please don't mention the heartbeat again, she begs him internally.

Yoriichi reaches out to her again and the back of his index finger softly grazes her cheek. Looking up at him, she sees him watching her with his maroon eyes. Anything that she could possibly say to him right now is stuck in her throat. Her mind wanders back to when he kissed her and part of her wishes he would do it again.

Yoriichi lets his hand sink down and a few seconds later the door behind them slides open. He must've heard it before I did, y/n concludes.

Ryo, Kyo and y/s/n enter the porch.

„Mr. Yoriichi, Mr. Yoriichi! We're finished with today's lessons! Would you train us now?“, Ryo exclaims and his bother nods excitedly. „Yeah, you promised, Mr. Yoriichi!“, Kyo supports his brother.

Yoriichi's eyes shift to y/s/n who is still standing next to the Rengoku boys.

„Y/s/n is still too young to train.“, he tells them.

„What? He's not much younger than me!“, Kyo puffs and y/s/n bops his head up and down in agreement.

Yoriichi glances over to y/n. She understands what he means. It's her call to make. She takes in y/s/n for a moment. He's grown quite a bit since Yoriichi arrived first at their doorstep. No, he also changed in other ways. He's more confident nowadays. It's surprising to her that he gets along so well with the Rengoku boys. Boys like that would usually eat him alive in their village.

The boy can only grow if he is challenged. Yoriichi's words ring in her ears.

„Fine, I guess it's alright if he learns a bit to defend himself.“, y/n gives in and the boys cheer in delight. They take off to change clothes and get their wooden swords.

„You sure you've got time for this?“, she asks Yoriichi as she watches the boys disappear again.

Yoriichi nods. „I won't be going on a mission tonight, so it's alright.“, he tells her.

Y/n's heart skips a beat at that. She's always glad when Yoriichi spends the night in their quarters rather than out there fighting demons. Also, she likes having him next to her. Often, her mind wanders back to their honeymoon and that two-person futon. She wonders what it would feel like to sleep so close to him.

„Alright, then.“, she says standing up, „I wish you luck with these rascals. I've got to go back to work.“

She picks up the bentos and the leftover tea. Meanwhile, the boys come back to the porch with their swords. Before she goes back inside she watches them and Yoriichi take off onto the yard again.

She sighs wondering if it really is a good decision to let y/s/n practice swordsmanship.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tag list: @maluvilela @pirana10 @rjasmin2021 @puddingchoo @sukunasfavconcubine @jspidey5

[Please comment beneath the last update if you'd like to be tagged in future chapters]

[sidetongue]

I don’t know how to start this. First of all, I’ve read all of your message and comments and I appreciate each of you. I wanted to step away from this platform because it feels so wrong being here without Mil. For 8 years, sidetongue.tumblr.com has been a place where Miller has existed not only in my life, but in the lives of people all over the world. Her memory, her story, and her existence are etched into the walls of this blog and I feel like a traitor carrying on without her.

A comment stuck out to me though, and it said something like ‘you’ve built this community and we’re all here for you’. And that’s right; there is such a sense of community here, years worth of friendships, and it would be so unfair to shut you all out. I know many of you cried along with me, and many of you grieve over this little blue dog like she was a close friend. Let me fill you in.

On Thursday (Day 5) I had the day off from work but went in anyway to help put an NG tube in Mil. My vet had spoken to vets up north (where lepto is more prevalent) and they had said that clinical symptoms don’t improve until day 7 at least. That gave us a bit of an explanation as to why we hadn’t seen improvement yet. It gave us some hope. We had to buckle in and get her to day 7. Of course, we needed to get food into her, so a NG tube was needed so we could stop force feeding her with a syringe.

She was such a good sport for her tube. She didn’t fuss or squirm or complain. Her nose bled and I cried. She told me not to worry about it. I told her I loved her and I’d see her later.

At around 4:30pm I got a call from my vet. She said “you know how you asked me to tell you if it was time?” I knew what that meant. It meant something had changed, things weren’t okay anymore, it meant Miller was suffering. I rushed into work.

They told me she had collapsed a little while ago. They ran bloods, and her clotting time was abnormal. She was going into DIC. When I saw Mil she looked so tired. The vet said she’d carry her out onto the grass, but Mil wanted to walk. On shaky legs she dragged her tired body up and walked beside me as we went outside.

Mil got to feel the wind on her face, smell fresh air, see blue skies, and have green grass beneath her feet. I hysterically refused to put on a gown, gloves, and face shield. I didn’t care about getting sick, I didn’t care about protocols, I needed her to feel all of my love in her last moments. And selfishly, I needed to feel those velvety ears, run my fingers through her fur, and feel her warmth beneath my hands.

I buried my face in her neck and clung to her as she fell asleep. I squeezed my eyes shut and for many moments I couldn’t sit back up. Couldn’t open my eyes to a world without Miller in it.

It has taken me over a week to look at and edit these few photos. The SD card had been sitting heavy, holding the last two adventures we ever went on. It filled me with dread, knowing I’d have to sit and look at Miller being happy and carefree in these photos. If I didn’t look at them, then there would always be a little bit of Mil still alive and safe. But I knew, in order to feel closure, I needed to go through them.

My heart shattered over and over again as her bright eyes stared into mine through the screen. So full of life, so unknowing of what was to come. The beach photo was taken on the morning she was admitted, a mere hour before she walked into the vet clinic. Never to walk out again. She had been a little quiet; staying by my side and not venturing off with the rest of the dogs. That’s what prompted me to take her to work. That’s why I only got the one photo, after a seagull tempted her to half-heartedly chase it.

I will never understand why this happened to my little blue dog. My boss has clarified that we STILL do not recommend lepto vaccines and that they are still not indicated due to how very low the risk is. That’s a whole other level of pain. That it was a one in a million chance, that my best girl was the horrific anomaly and we’ll likely never see this disease again.

Thank you all again for your words of support. The other dogs are doing well, no one is sick, and Trickle is still with us. The foster program that Trickle is through has called up the clinic and paid the entire amount for Miller’s cremation; a huge gesture that took off some of the financial burden.

I feel so privileged to have shared Millou with you all - she had more friends than she could possibly ever know, which is saying something because she was just. So comically abrasive. I hope she’s found someone unsuspecting to bark at up there. I hope she’s climbing mountains and eating dead kangaroos. I hope she’s found the equivalent of grandma’s armchair and is snoozing peacefully. I’ll miss her forever.

[l33bang24]

OMG It’s You… (Part 2.5)

YouTuber! Fem reader x Stray Kids

Summary: Y/N’s YouTube channel is taking off after her reactions to Stray Kids MV God’s Menu. Now she’s making videos nonstop along with working a full time job. What would happen if she got offered a job of a lifetime and met the boys of her succession?

⚠️Warning⚠️: mild cursing, anxiety, overthinking

🏷️: @laylasbunbunny @weirdowithaphone @silverstarburst @jusanontstuff @anxiousskylar @drewsandsebastianswife @amararosesblog @niaalove (Taglist open)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 6.5 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9

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Y/N’s POV

I rolled out of bed when I heard my alarm go off. I’ve had a motivation block lately (don’t ask me where I came up with that). Some days I just don’t have the energy to get in front of a camera because that said energy gets sucked out from work. Work can be a pain in the ass sometimes, however it brings in money that pays bills even helps with the channel. When I first started the channel, I didn’t have a lot of equipment. I started off with the bare minimum with the money I had leftover from paying bills. Once I had the starting equipment like a microphone, headphones, camera, etc., then I had to come up with the channel name. I ended up with y/c/n because it sounded like me. I knew from the start that I wouldn’t get a lot of views, still that didn’t help my anxiety any.

I try not to let things get to me, though it can be hard when you constantly don’t feel like you’re good enough. Anxiety and overthinking can make a person feel like that, even in situations that have nothing to do with you, yet you still worry about things you can’t control. I started getting ready for work, already dreading going in. Hoping that maybe today would be an easy day.

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It wasn’t an easy day, it was actually the worst really. I am actually glad it’s the weekend though. I’ll have to rest up before I start up a new video. I’ve gotten into the routine of posting at least one to two videos a week (three if I’m feeling frisky). That way I can have time to go in and make edits of what I’ve recorded. I learned how to get a little creative with my videos over time, especially when I started moving my hands around when I’m talking. ‘You mean when you start rambling about a topic for hours?’ I hear my inner thoughts say.

I decided to take the rest of the day to relax since I have been running around all day at work. ‘I’ll just start filming tomorrow. That way I’m rested up from this hectic week and can be productive these next couple of days.’ I tell myself.

The Following Day

Taking a sip of my freshly brewed coffee, I hummed in delight. I took in my surroundings now that I have some caffeine in my system. It was a beautiful day outside. Feeling the morning breeze blow through the air ruffling the trees. Being able to sit on the back porch and take in the scenery with a cup of coffee in your hand makes everything feel simpler. Easier. Just for a moment.

I knew today would be a little busy for me but that’s what happens when you decide to make a YouTube reaction channel, especially when it’s about K-Pop. I had recently seen where I’ve now reached over 300K followers on YouTube. I need to make sure I mention that in my video. I didn’t do it once and the fans didn’t like that, not that I didn’t want to do it. I just didn’t pay it any attention. If I did that would really make my anxiety level go up and I don’t need that.

After finishing my coffee, I decided to go ahead and get started on making some new videos. I pulled my computer and monitors up, making sure that my microphone and headphones were up and ready to go. The last thing being my camera. Checking my monitor to make sure I have it positioned where I want it and that my main screen, where I show what I’m watching, is up as well. Once everything is to my liking, I take a deep breath and think about something that makes me happy to brighten up my mood. Clicking the record button, counting to three, I start my intro.

“Good Morning Lovelies! How are y’all doing this morning?” Taking a pause, I start again. “I hope you’re all doing well. Eating well, sleeping well, and going outside to enjoy the weather. It’s pretty outside today. I decided I’d have my morning coffee out there. Maybe next time I’ll film a little video for y’all, I’d think you’d enjoy it as well. Anyways before I get off track, today we are going to be watching the newest SKZ Code that came out recently. I always wait in case there’s a part two. So that way I can watch it back to back and not wait for the second part to come out. I believe most of you know this by now, though we also have new followers who don’t know that. Now I’m getting off track, haha. I can’t help it y’all, you know this. Okay! Let’s get started before I talk your ear off.” I smile looking at my main monitor that holds my videos for the day. I write down on my sticky notes nearby about the 300K followers so that way I don’t forget. I play the videos that I prepared for the day, laughing my ass off at the boys being silly. Occasionally wiping a stray tear from laughing so hard. Stopping to talk about my favorite parts or having to go back and rewatch a part just to laugh twice as hard as the first time.

Towards the end I look down at the sticky note I prepared. Getting ready to end the video I tell myself what I need to say. “Well, that’s it for the video today! I hope enjoyed it as much as I did, but before I let you go I have some thing I need to say. This channel just hit the 300K subscribers within this past week!! I’m so happy that people love watching Stray Kids as much as I do. I do more than just Stray Kids on here, but my Stray Kids videos get way more views than the others. I don’t like being biased to just one group but Stray Kids has always been the closest to my heart and I know my fellow Stays know that as well. And to Stray Kids if you ever see this, I hope you know just how much we love and appreciate everything that you do.” I smile at the camera. “Thank you everyone for supporting me and continuing to support me. Until then I will see you in the next video.” I do a two finger salute to the camera. “Bye!”

(A/N: Hi everyone! So I tried to get the whole part 2 together but I couldn’t figure out how to at more text under the pictures so I just made a second post to it. If anyone knows how I could do that please let me know because there might be more coming. Anyways thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it!)

[tsbs-shipfessions]

HI! OKAY HI SORRY IM LIKE!!!!!! okay so i remember a small bit ago you mentioned wanting to learn more about PuppetShow/ToyBox, and GOD I’ve been wanting to talk about it with more than just a few friends. Also for clarification, I am aware that this ship probably existed before my friend ghostsandfools and I started screaming about it and I started making content, but I am just gonna talk about how it started for us- ANYWAYS ONTO THE INFO

Prepare for lots of words

So this ship originally stemmed from me joking with Ghost about KidsCove, and then I had mentioned how Puppet also always hung out with Sun and Foxy, so we were like “omg they’re gay for each other, have them make out-“ and we had mentioned it slightly in brief conversations after about a week of obsessing over it and at this point we still didn’t have a ship name yet. And then we found one!

And the day after, the Sun and Foxy go on a Date episode aired. Ghost and I watched it together joking about the true puppetshow potential behind the nervousness between Sun foxy and FC, and then. And then FC said Mother.

Ghost and I start going fucking batshit, because “WHO WAS HE TALKING ABOUT???” And then Foxy called Monty. And talked about Puppet.

I was just shocked stupid. Ghost was too- and when the initial shock passed, we were rightfully INSANE, because “HOLY SHIT TREASURE BOX IS CANON????”

And blah blah blah, more episodes happen and even though Puppet and Foxy are dating, Sun is with them A LOT, like- god was it Foxy’s new body (ik this was BEFORE Treasurebox was confirmed but for example reasons) episode and Monty calls puppet and she’s like “yeah one second,” and we can hear Foxy so looking back it’s like, oh were they having an anime binge sesh? AND THEN THEY ADDRESS SUN AND WE FIND OUT THAT SUN IS THERE, and I just- you know how protective Puppet is over Foxy and her family, she loves those intimate moments with them. So why was sun there.

Ghost and I both IMMEDIATELY though of this plot line so here’s the layout:

1. Sun and Foxy are first beginning to be shipped, and they actually kinda catch feelings for each other and talk about it privately and they decide to just stay friends for the sake of the channels and out of spite of the shippers

2. Puppet comes into the mix

3. Foxy starts crushing on Puppet, while Sun still kinda likes Foxy, and Puppet is torn between no relationship or one with Foxy, who she liked

4. Foxy and Puppet get together, let the others know, but hide it from the fans

5. They get so used to having Sun around that they just start basically integrating him into their everyday lives.

6. FC runs to Sun and asks him to adopt him. Sun is very, very torn, and turns it down.

7. Puppet and Foxy were relaxing one day when FC pulls on Puppets hair and says “where is dad?” And Puppets goes “your dad is right here, bud” “No, that is father, I want dad.” And they’re both so confused and FC finally drops it

8. The date happens.

9. Puppet starts openly talking about how she and Foxy are strictly monogamous, tired of the shipping.

10. Sun comes over to watch Anime with them one day, and FC calls him Dad, to which they all freeze. Naturally this is gonna be awkward and so they just… ignore it.

11. After the whole ‘dad’ incident Foxy and Puppet sit down to talk about it. They both… really like Sun, but they both are terrified of what the other will think of them, so when they realize they both like Sun, it is as if a weight is lifted off their shoulders

12. They fail on multiple occasions to woo Sun, with it actually working but they’re all some flavor of neurodivergent so he just thinks that they’re woo-ing each other infront of him which like- buddy, come on…

13. EVENTUALLY, Foxy sits Sun down and tells him how he feels, and Sun is panicking because “is he cheating on Puppet? Did they break up because of him? How would they react to him telling them he likes them both?” And Foxy being able to tell when Sun is spiraling like the wonderful boyfriend he is, and explains that he and Puppet both feel this way, she just had to be with FC for something, and they want him to join their relationship, Sun of course says yes and he spends the night just cuddling with them and watching anime

And there it is. That’s the main plot. Yes it’s a lot of words, yes I’m mentally unstable, yes they’re gay, and yes, there is fanfiction about it

This was... very cute. I hope more people join in on you with this ship.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

aita for asking my mum to clean out the kitty litter trays even though its usually my chore

i drove to doctors and work this morning, i worked 8.30 till 5 she worked 8.30 til 4 and drove home after her shift ended to pick up my dance clothes for me (i only didnt have them because i had to stay late at work since 3 people went home sick).

my friend cancelled on me for dance tryouts so i spend the afternoon crying and eventually choose to go anyway because i was excited for hiphop but by this point my head is pounding.

i get out of work, she drives me to dance and goes to get macdonalds while she waits for me to get out. halfway through dance they mention we are not even doing hiphop today not until next week (u have to pay for the tryouts btw)

i get out 7.40ish. on the drive home im thinking "fuck its almost 8 i havent done any uni study, (i have 2 lectures, a quiz and like 8 readings that need to be done today and tomorrow), i havent spent any time with our cats or cleaned their litter trays yet."

for reference we have new cats and are introducing them into a house with a dog so rn we have them in one room and let them out occassionally while putting the dog out back, while i clean out the litter trays and top them up every day, once a week we empty them completely and clean them out

so we get home and i say "would it be too much to ask if you could please do the litter trays tonight" i try to explain that i have a headache and ive still got a lot of uni homework to do and i havent spent any time with the cats so i'd play with them for a bit while she cleans the trays and then do my homework

immeadiately she starts yelling at me that shes tired, she hasnt been home from work all day, she did it last time, shes done so many favours for me already today and blah blah blah.

the way i see it, first, i clean the kitty litter trays every day and vacuum their room. she has literally never done this, she emptied out and washed a tray last week because i was sick and got home from work and passed out. i (a learner btw so im very stressed when i drive) drove us to her appt and then to work, i worked more hours than her today, i danced all night with a headache, i also have not been home all day, after being cancelled on and then them not even doing the type of dance i wanted to do and i still have to do uni work tonight so i dont think im the selfish one here.

but sitting in my cats room while they eat their dinner i can hear her storm about and slam doors because shes so mad at me but i dont understand am i in the wrong here?

also literally as i am writing this she comes out and goes "tell me when youve finished dinner so i can let the cats out. and DONT leave it too late" while my food is literally cooking as we fucking speak jfc.

i have a bit of a diary where i write when mum is mad at me because if i mention to her that she upset me it never goes well so i write it down to safely let those feelings out and as i was writing this one i just needed some clarity i really cant fathom any reason for her to be mad except egocentrism so perhaps an unbias outsider can shed light?

What are these acronyms?

[gabby297]

You Look So Pretty, Pretty Like The Sun - Chapter 10

Chapter 9 Chapter 8 Chapter 7 Chapter 6 Chapter 5 Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Chapter 1

Tommy parked the car farther up the street, on the opposite side from where Athena had pulled over, giving them a clear view of the house she had just entered. He killed the engine, leaving the two of them in silence as they waited. Buck’s eyes scanned the street, searching for anything out of place, but everything seemed still, almost too quiet.

He leaned his head against the cold window, the chill offering brief relief from the dull throb in his head. At least the sunglasses helped to keep the worst of the pain at bay.

“No sleeping,” Tommy reminded him gently, breaking the silence after a few moments.

“I’m not,” Buck mumbled, his voice low and tired. He reached out and gave Tommy’s hand a reassuring squeeze where it rested on his thigh. He wasn’t sure he could sleep even if he wanted to; the tension and worry gnawing at him were enough to keep him wide awake.

Buck sighed quietly, forcing his eyes open again, his mind still racing despite his body’s exhaustion. Beside him, Tommy shifted to stretch, his movements slow as he adjusted behind the wheel. They had been sitting there for the past half hour with no end in sight.

Out of the corner of his eye, Buck watched Tommy, a familiar pang of guilt tightening his chest. Tommy had just finished his shift before this whole mess unfolded, and though Buck couldn’t be sure how much time had passed between him grabbing the phone at the station and Tommy showing up at the hospital, he was certain the man had to be just as exhausted as he was. Maybe more.

And yet, Tommy didn’t complain. He hadn’t once brought up his own fatigue or the fact that Buck pulled him into a weird chase down the city with very little explanation. It wasn’t fair to Tommy, and Buck knew it. He hadn’t meant to make Tommy’s life harder, but somehow, it always seemed to end up that way.

Buck let out a soft breath, his hand twitching towards Tommy as if he wanted to say something, maybe apologize, but the words stuck in his throat. What could he say that would make it better?

Before Buck could find the right words, Tommy shifted lower in his seat and turned his head toward him. “I can hear you thinking from over here,” he said softly, a hint of a tired smile playing on his lips.

Buck swallowed, his gaze dropping to his hands as he fidgeted with his fingers. “I just… sorry for dragging you into this. Whatever this is.” He gestured weakly with his free hand, motioning vaguely toward the space around them, as if it could somehow explain the chaos that seemed to follow him everywhere.

It wasn’t just this night. It was everything. First, messing up their first date. The weeks where he kept messing up Tommy's coffee orders while trying to guess it rather than ask it like a normal person. Then dragging Tommy into that Bachelor party at the last minute, and Maddie’s wedding right after Tommy had spent all day fighting fires. Leaving him behind in order to check on Bobby. Then leaving him again to check on Eddie. Now this. Every time, Tommy had been there, steady and understanding, but Buck knew it wouldn't have been easy.

God, could he ever do something right? There had to be a line somewhere, a point where it all became too much. Right?

"Why are you sorry? I wasn't aware you were the mastermind behind all of this," Tommy kept his voice light as he mimicked Buck's gesture. "Knocking yourself out would have been a sloppy choice."

Buck let out a small, tired laugh despite himself, the weight on his chest lifting just a little at Tommy’s attempt to ease the tension. But underneath the humor, Buck still felt the guilt gnawing at him. "I mean… I didn’t even think to ask how you’re doing. You just came off a shift, and I dragged you into driving me all the way here."

Tommy raised an eyebrow suggestively, a smirk playing on his lips. "You do remember I have no problem throwing you around, right?" he teased. Letting go of Buck’s hand, he moved his hand to rest gently over the back of Buck’s neck, his fingers grazing lightly against the back of Buck's head. "Trust me, I'm exactly where I want to be. And for the record, I’m fine. Tired, sure, but looking forward to when Bobby wakes up and we can finally go home, order some greasy takeaway, and crash on the couch together."

"That sounds… really nice, actually," Buck admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips as he leaned slightly into Tommy’s hand. "I’ll hold you to that."

Before Tommy could respond, their moment was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling into the driveway of the house Athena had entered. Buck sat up straight, instinctively pulling off Tommy's sunglasses to get a clearer look at the driver stepping out.

"Wait, I know him," Buck muttered, more to himself than anyone else, his eyes narrowing as he tried to place the man.

Tommy glanced over, his curiosity piqued. “You do?”

"Yeah, that's Amir," Buck said, his voice low but certain. "Remember when Athena picked me up on her way to the hospital last time? When Bobby went to Jacumba. I definitely saw him at the hospital. Him and Bobby… they’ve got history.

Tommy’s brow furrowed, the tension in the car thickening. "So, Athena suspects he's behind last night's arson?"

Buck shrugged lightly, his mind racing. "I mean, it could be? I didn’t see anyone until it was too late. But if Amir’s involved… It's not a coincidence. He’s up to something, and Athena knows it."

They watched Amir grab his dry cleaning and headed in. Just as he shut the front door and disappeared into the house, Buck scrambled to undo his seatbelt, ready to follow. But Tommy's hand shot out, grabbing his arm and tugging him back.

"Ass in the seat, Evan. That was our deal," Tommy said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

"She could be in danger," Buck tried to reason, his hand still hovering over the seatbelt.

Tommy’s grip tightened just slightly, his eyes locked on Buck. "She's a highly skilled sergeant, and you're a civilian who also happens to be injured and shouldn’t be here in the first place."

Buck’s jaw clenched, frustration bubbling up inside him. “I can’t just sit here, Tommy.”

Tommy didn't let go. “Being reckless won’t help her either, Buck. If anything, barging in might make the situation worse.”

Buck shook his head, the urge to jump out of the car and run after Athena still gnawing at him. He was sick of waiting, to not take action when someone he cared about could be in danger for the second time in the last 24 hours. “But what if she needs us? What if—”

Tommy cut him off. “Athena knows how to handle situations like this better than either of us. Rushing in without knowing what’s happening could end up putting her in even more danger. We need to trust her.”

“I hate this,” Buck muttered, his frustration still simmering just beneath the surface.

"You and me, both." Tommy sighed.

The screech of tires caught both of their attention as a heavy-duty pickup truck, covered in dust, made a sharp stop right outside the house. Buck couldn't do anything but watch as the doors of the truck slammed shut with a heavy thud. The truck, hulking and grimy, had its massive frame blocking any clear sight of who had exited.

It couldn't have been more than a minute before Amir emerged from the house, his hands raised in surrender. He didn’t resist, complying immediately with whoever was waiting for him. Muffled words drifted through the air, but from where they sat, Buck and Tommy couldn’t make out what was being said. Then, one of the men stepped momentarily into view.

Buck's breath caught in his throat, his pulse quickening as his eyes locked onto the unmistakable outline of a rifle, dangling loosely by the man's legs. The weapon swung casually as though it were an everyday object, but the sight of it sent a wave of cold dread through Buck.

Just as swiftly as they had arrived, the men piled back into the truck, and with a screech of tires, the vehicle tore away from the curb, disappearing down the street as fast as it had come.

“Well, shit,” Tommy muttered, shaking off the tension first, his voice the first to break the silence.

"What the hell was that?" Buck asked, his voice laced with disbelief as he looked up at Tommy.

Before Tommy could answer, a loud knock on the car window beside him, made Buck jump violently. His heart leapt into his throat as he whipped around toward the sound, adrenaline surging through him once more, every nerve on high alert.

When his eyes landed on Athena’s unimpressed face, standing just outside the car, it didn’t do much to calm his rising panic. He fumbled clumsily to roll down the window, hands shaking as he did.

"Okay, now... don't be mad," Buck forced a sheepish grin, his tone hopeful but unconvincing. This part—bracing for Athena’s stern, unimpressed stare—had become all too familiar over the years.

_________

Athena was, in fact, far from pleased, and she made sure her displeasure was crystal clear. It didn’t take long before both Buck and Tommy found themselves unceremoniously crammed into the back of her car while she drove off. Buck had insisted that they weren't going anywhere without her, and Athena had eventually given in, though not without making her irritation known. It was quite the sight: two grown men, normally full of bravado, now shrinking into their seats as Athena scolded them relentlessly.

"Come on, Athena," Buck half-whined, shifting uncomfortably under the weight of her reprimand. "What were we supposed to do? You needed backup!"

"Backup?" Athena's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, one eyebrow arched in disbelief. "You are concussed! Don't you even think, for a second, that I do not have eyes and ears everywhere." Her voice held the sharp edge of disbelief, as though the mere idea of Buck being useful in his current state was laughable.

"Barely," Buck muttered under his breath, trying to downplay it, though his hand instinctively moved to rub the sore spot on his head.

"Moderately," Tommy chimed in with an unhelpful grin. Buck shot him a mock glare, as if to say, Whose side are you on?

"And you," Athena's eyes turned to Tommy. "Don't think for a second you’re off the hook. I have no doubt only Buck here would come up with such idiocy. Yet here you are."

Tommy shifted in his seat, the weight of her disapproval pressing down on him. "Someone had to keep an eye on him," he mumbled, trying to sound casual but failing miserably under her scrutiny.

"That’s your defense?" Athena scoffed, her disbelief palpable. "You thought tagging along on his reckless stunt was somehow a smart move?"

Tommy straightened slightly, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "He was gonna go through with it no matter what. I caught him just as he was about to rush off on his own. I figured, better me there than letting him fly solo and end up in worse shape than just a concussion." He paused before adding, "And in my defense, I didn’t think it would lead to... this. I don’t even know what this is anymore."

Buck glanced nervously between the two, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. "Athena—" he started, but she silenced him with a look. The words died on his lips.

Athena’s lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing as she considered his words. "So instead of talking him out of it, you decided to jump headfirst with him?"

Tommy shifted again, clearly uncomfortable but not willing to back down completely. "Respectfully," he said, carefully choosing his words, "has anyone ever talked him out of anything?"

Athena’s eyes flashed, and for a moment, it seemed like her frustration might boil over, but then her lips twitched, just barely, in something resembling reluctant acknowledgment. "Fair point," she conceded, her voice softer but still firm.

"Guys, come on, I’m right here!" Buck finally interjected, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "And besides, is this really the main issue right now? Or are we just gonna ignore the part about the random men with guns?"

The random men with guns," she said, her voice dripping with a combination of sarcasm and frustration. “Are more or less Cartel, Buckaroo. So you might understand why I’m not exactly thrilled to find you two snooping around."

Oh.

"Not going to lie, I am so confused." Tommy muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

With a sigh, Athena filled them in with the details that she knew about Bobby's trip to Jacumba, her suspicion about Amir being behind the attack and what he told her in his house.

They ended up in an industrial park somewhere as the sun set, out of sight. Athena killed the engine and lights in one swift motion, plunging the car into darkness. The silence inside was palpable as she dialed 9-1-1, her focus sharp.

Without a word, the three of them surveyed the scene in front of them. They made it just in time to see at least three people bringing Amir inside. Their silhouettes were barely visible, but the outline of at least one rifle was clear as day.

Buck swallowed hard, his nerves creeping in as his gaze flicked toward Tommy. Quietly, he reached out for Tommy’s hand, and Tommy, sensing his tension, clasped it tightly, giving a reassuring squeeze.

The dispatcher’s voice came over the line. “9-1-1. What’s your emergency?”

Athena’s voice was low but steady, her professionalism cutting through. “This is off-duty Field Sergeant Athena Grant, badge number 1275. I’m at the industrial park on the 7,000 block of La Tuna Canyon Road. I have an abduction in progress.”

There was a brief pause as the dispatcher processed the information. “Can you describe the suspect or suspects, Sergeant?”

Athena’s eyes never left the figures patrolling the entry. “Three Hispanic males, mid to late 20s. The victim is a Black male, 40s. I’m requesting immediate backup.”

The reply came back quickly. “Units en route, Sergeant. ETA is approximately 14 minutes.”

A tense silence followed, broken only by the soft creaking of leather as Tommy shifted in his seat. He finally spoke, his voice low and resigned. “He doesn’t have 14 minutes, does he?”

Athena didn’t hesitate. “No, he doesn’t.” With a grim determination, she unbuckled her seatbelt, her movements deliberate and steady. “I’m going in.”

Tommy blinked, but the resolve in his eyes matched hers. “I’ll come too,” he said, his voice firm as he unlatched his seatbelt. “You never know—those army skills might actually come in handy for once.”

Buck's heart dropped into his stomach as the words sank in. Wait, what? They were seriously going in there? His pulse quickened as he moved to follow them.

But Tommy was quicker, shooting his hand out to stop him, gripping Buck’s arm tightly. “You’re staying here, Evan,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Buck’s eyes widened in disbelief, his voice rising in protest. “The hell I am!” He jerked his arm free, his heart pounding. “You think I’m just going to sit here while you go in there alone? Not happening.”

Tommy turned to face him fully, his expression both firm and pleading "Evan, you are injured. I don't have the time to help Athena and worry about you."

"But-" Buck started, his voice cracking, desperation creeping in.

Tommy cut him off, gripping Buck’s shoulder tightly. “Trust me, okay?” His voice was softer now, but no less resolute. “We need someone out here. And I need to know you’re safe. Please.”

Buck’s breath hitched, a whirlwind of frustration, fear, and helplessness battling inside him. His instincts screamed to go after them, to not just sit and watch, but the look in Tommy’s eyes made him pause. He hated this. Every fiber of his being rebelled against staying behind. Reluctantly, he gave a small nod, even though it felt like a betrayal to himself.

Tommy gave Buck’s shoulder a final squeeze, then stepped out with Athena. He sat there, jaw tight, hands gripping the edge of the seat until his knuckles whitened and watched them silently sneak inside.

______

For what it was worth, Buck lasted a grand total of five minutes in the car before his resolve crumbled. He muttered a frustrated "screw it" under his breath, throwing caution aside as he quietly slipped out of the car.

Best case scenario, he’d just sneak up, make sure they were okay, and then sneak right back without them ever knowing. Worst case scenario? Well, he'd have their backs and help. It was a win-win scenario in his eyes.

Entering the warehouse turned out to be easier than Buck imagined. All he had to do was stick to the shadows and not make noise. The building was old, with rusted steel beams, stacks of forgotten crates and metal shelving racks, offering plenty of cover. Voices echoed throughout the warehouse, at times getting louder. He consciously slowed his breathing, forcing himself to inhale and exhale as quietly as possible. Any sound, even a misplaced breath, might alert the wrong person. He couldn’t afford to be reckless now—not when Athena and Tommy were out here somewhere in the dark, too.

Buck moved forward, one step at a time, nerves on edge. He finally spotted Athena and Tommy further up ahead, seeming to quietly gesturing to form a plan. Buck paused, staying just out of sight, his heart pounding as he watched them. His instincts screamed to join them, to help, but he waited, watching what they were about to do. They were grabbing brightly red containers out of the shelves.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, something moved—a shadow flickered, barely perceptible but enough to catch his attention. His heart skipped a beat. A moment later, the faint shuffling of feet reached his ears, sending a spike of adrenaline through his veins.

Someone else was there. And they were coming closer.

Buck’s heart hammered in his chest as he glanced back at Athena and Tommy, hoping to see some sign that they’d noticed. But to his terror, they hadn’t. They were still focused on the red containers, oblivious to the approaching danger. His mind raced—there was no way he could alert them without exposing himself and drawing attention

The figure came closer, too close, and Buck's pulse spiked.

The man didn’t notice him, his focus elsewhere as he headed toward Athena and Tommy’s position. Buck’s breath hitched as he instinctively pressed himself further into the shadows.

He held his breath, willing himself to be invisible as the figure passed by, mere feet from where he was hiding Buck’s heart pounded in his ears, and for a split second, he was sure he’d be discovered. But by some miracle, the man didn’t turn. Instead, he walked past, exposing his back and giving Buck the perfect opportunity.

Instinct took over like a raging storm. Pure adrenaline surged through Buck's veins, and before his mind could catch up, his body moved. In a blur of motion, he launched himself from the shadows, muscles tense with raw energy. His hand shot out, clamping tightly over the man’s mouth before a full shout could escape. But a muffled cry did manage to break through, sending a jolt of panic through Buck.

He tightened his grip even further, his other arm locking around the man's torso, wrestling him back into the shadows. Buck didn’t dare glance around to see if anyone had heard. He couldn’t afford to. His focus was singular—disarm the target before anything else happened.

The man struggled, squirming violently, his breath coming in sharp, panicked bursts against Buck’s palm. Buck’s pulse hammered in his ears, but he held firm, shifting his weight to keep the upper hand.

It had been years—more than a decade—since he had trained for the Navy SEALs. He hadn't trained since then. That brief, grueling chapter in his life had faded into the background, buried beneath years of a career and life choices that led him away from the violence he had once trained for. He hadn’t kept up with the training, and hadn't wanted to. The thought of what that kind of training could lead to had unsettled him for too long. Over time, the exact stances and maneuvers had slipped from his conscious mind, filed away as distant memories. They were replaced by a different life, a different kind of service. The kind where he saved lives, not taking them if he ever completed the training.

Yet, in that moment, his body remembered. Muscle memory kicked in, the countless hours of drills and hand-to-hand combat training surging back to life. He didn’t have to think—his body knew exactly how to shift his weight, how to leverage his position for control—it all happened seamlessly, almost out of his conscious reach.

On autopilot, in a few seconds that blurred into one continuous motion, Buck had disarmed the man with ease. His grip on the man tightened just long enough for Buck to bring the butt of the gun down in one swift, controlled strike. The man crumpled to the floor, unconscious, his struggles ceasing as silence settled back into the air around them.

The rifle now sat heavy in Buck's hands, the cool metal against his skin feeling foreign, uncomfortable. His eyes flickered down to it, heart still pounding, as he stared at the weapon. He hadn’t held a gun like this in years, the weight of it felt wrong. For a moment, Buck stood there, gripping the rifle with steady hand.

But there was no time to reminisce. Buck snapped out of it, forcing himself to refocus on the present. He looked up, his breath still unsteady, and locked eyes with Athena and Tommy. Both stood frozen, their faces a mix of shock. Athena’s sharp gaze flicked from the unconscious man on the floor to the rifle in Buck’s hands, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. Tommy’s expression, however, was different—no less stunned, but there was something in his eyes. A flicker of recognition. His brow furrowed, like he was trying to fit together the missing piece of a puzzle.

But before any of them could say another word, the sharp scrape of a chair echoed through the warehouse, snapping their attention back to the situation at hand.

The commotion from the center of the warehouse was escalating, voices rising. It was clear things were about to spiral out of control, and fast. Buck’s heart raced as he exchanged a quick glance with Athena, her eyes already scanning the room. They were running out of time.

Without hesitation, Athena made a bold decision. She shoved one of the nearby shelving racks with all her strength, sending the items on it crashing to the floor in a loud, chaotic clatter. The noise reverberated through the warehouse, instantly drawing everyone's attention away from Amir and onto the disturbance. As the clatter echoed, Buck caught a faint whiff of gasoline in the air.

The shadows played to their advantage, concealing them from view as the cartel members turned, weapons raised, to investigate. Tommy didn’t waste a second—he grabbed Buck’s arm and dragged him into another hiding spot, the sudden movement almost causing Buck to fumble the rifle in his grip. But Buck held on, his pulse racing as he steadied himself, watching the men fan out.

Athena, ever the strategist, seized the opportunity, slipping deeper into the shadows and out of sight. Their luck held as the two cartel goons separated, each moving in a different direction to cover more ground. It was a split-second opening, and they all knew it.

Without a word, they moved. Silent. Precise.

Moments later, Athena and Tommy were both in position, creeping up behind the two cartel men. In perfect synchrony, they struck—Athena wrapping her arm around her target’s neck, the cold steel of her gun pressed to his temple, while Tommy swiftly locked the other in a chokehold. The men struggled briefly, but it was futile. They had lost control of the situation.

Emerging from the shadows, Athena and Tommy dragged the subdued men into view, their guns firmly in place. They stepped into the dim light, approaching where an older man stood towering over Amir. The tension in the air was palpable as the older man glanced from Amir to Athena, his eyes narrowing as he realized what was happening.

Buck moved into position, his heart pounding, adrenaline coursing through him as he aimed the rifle squarely at the older man. His finger hovered near the trigger, ready for any sudden movement. His eyes darted briefly to the remaining men in the warehouse, sizing them up, assessing whether they posed an immediate threat.

"Who the hell are you?" The man walked a few steps towards them, with a glint of surprise in his eyes. He clearly hadn’t expected this—an ambush from the shadows, his men subdued, and strangers holding him at gunpoint.

"I'm Mrs. Bobby Nash." Athena declared, her voice steady and cold, In one swift motion, she flicked open a metal lighter, the small flame casting an eerie glow across her face for just a second before she tossed it to the ground.

For a second time in less than 24 hours Buck found himself in the middle of a fire.

The moment the flame hit the gasoline-soaked floor, chaos erupted. A roaring whoosh filled the air as the fire ignited, spreading with terrifying speed. Flames instantly tore through the warehouse, licking up the walls and engulfing everything in their path.

The room exploded in shouts as Athena and Tommy threw the men they held to the floor, the cartel stumbled to get out and smoke filled the room.

“Evan!” Tommy’s voice cut through the roaring fire and the chaos of panicked voices. His eyes locked on Buck, urgency flashing across his face. Without thinking, Tommy lunged forward, shoving Buck toward the exit.

The force of the motion sent Buck stumbling, his grip slipping, and the rifle flew from his hands, clattering somewhere out of sight as flames danced around them. Buck barely had a moment to register it before he felt Tommy’s hand gripping him tightly, yanking him away as a beam fell down behind them.

“Move!” Tommy barked, pulling Buck with him as they barreled toward the exit, the inferno raging behind them. Buck had no idea where Athena or Amir ended up in the commotion.

Flashing lights greeted them as they burst out of the warehouse, the cool night air hitting Buck like a shock after the oppressive heat of the fire. He stumbled forward, gasping for breath. The sound of roaring flames behind them was drowned out by the blaring sirens of fire trucks and the chaotic shouts of emergency responders.

A firefighter grabbed Buck by the arm, gently but firmly, trying to guide him further from the warehouse. Buck instinctively resisted, shaking off the touch, his mind still struggling to catch up with everything that had just happened. His grip tightened around Tommy's arm, panic bubbling just beneath the surface, as though if he let go, he would disappear.

“Hey, hey, Evan, I’m right here!” Tommy’s voice cut through the haze, “Look at me. I’m right here.”

Buck blinked, his breath still ragged as he met Tommy’s gaze. Buck nodded weakly and Tommy turned to the firefighter.

“Off duty, Kinard with the 217,” he explained quickly, "My partner here—Evan Buckley, off-duty firefighter with the 118—he needs to be checked out. He recently sustained a moderate concussion.”

“We’ll get him checked out immediately,” the firefighter responded , signaling over to the paramedics.

Buck tried to shake his head, still clinging to a need to push through, to stay on his feet. But Tommy’s hand on him tightened, steady and firm. “Evan, it’s okay,” he said softly, “Let them take care of you. Everything is okay."

“Athena—” Buck protested, his eyes darting back to the fire raging behind them.

Just then, the warehouse doors burst open with a loud slam. Athena emerged, guiding Amir out with her, both of them alive and unharmed. The sight of them made Buck’s breath hitch, relief flooding through him as his knees wobbled, weak for a moment under the weight of the tension draining from his body.

Tommy was there in an instant, his arm wrapping around Buck effortlessly, taking some of his weight as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Buck leaned into him for just a second, exhaling a long breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“See, baby? They’re fine,” Tommy murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Buck’s cheek. “Come on, let’s get you checked out.”

“I’m fine,” Buck sighed, still trying to brush it off, though the exhaustion was beginning to weigh on him.

“Humor me then,” Tommy replied with a small smile, his arm still firmly around Buck.

Buck muttered a quiet, defeated "fine," knowing there was no point in arguing. He let Tommy take the lead, as they moved toward one of the parked ambulances.

Tommy stayed right beside him as the paramedics assessed him. Buck sat there, half-listening as they checked his vitals, asked questions, and went through the motions. But for the most part, he zoned them out, choosing to focus on Tommy's warm hand resting on his shoulder. Without thinking, Buck reached up and placed his hand over Tommy’s, squeezing it gently. He tilted his head to meet Tommy’s eyes, offering a tired but genuine smile.

“Just keep an eye on him. Check on him every few hours for the next 24 hours to be safe.” he paramedics instructed Tommy before nodding and leaving them alone.

Tommy watched them go, then sat down on the bumper beside Buck, his hand slipping from Buck’s shoulder to take Buck's hand and bring it to his own lap, holding it gently. He gave Buck’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Hear that? Plenty of rest, doctor's orders,” he teased.

Buck let out a tired chuckle. “God, I could sleep for a week,” he mumbled, the exhaustion clear in his voice as he leaned over, resting his head on Tommy’s shoulder.

“Deal,” Tommy chuckled softly, his tone light but laced with affection. He planted a tender kiss on top of Buck’s head, lingering just a moment longer than usual.

Eventually, the soft crunch of footsteps drew their attention. Athena approached, her arms crossed and a knowing smile tugging at her lips as she took in the sight of them together.

“Well, don’t you two look cozy,” she teased, her voice light and playful.

Tommy glanced up at her with a small shrug, a smirk tugging at his mouth. “It’s been a long day,” he replied with mock casualness, as though the chaos of the last day was nothing more than a mild inconvenience

Buck gave a tired chuckle, not even bothering to move. “Understatement of the year,” he mumbled.

As the moment settled, another police officer approached. He smiled at Athena as he held out a phone. “There’s someone who’d like to speak with you.”

Athena raised an eyebrow, taking the phone cautiously. “This is Athena Grant,” she answered, her voice firm but curious as she held the phone to her ear.

Buck watched closely, noting how her expression remained carefully neutral as she listened. Whatever was being said, Athena wasn’t giving anything away, her focus entirely on the voice on the other end. The call was brief, and when she finally hung up, she took a quiet moment to glance down at the phone in her hands, as if processing the news she’d just received.

When she looked up, her face had transformed. A wide, relieved smile spread across her lips and she spoke the words that made Buck’s heart skip, possibly the best words he could’ve ever heard.

"Bobby's awake."

_________

The journey back to the hospital was uneventful. They had ended up quite far from the hospital, and somewhere along the drive, Buck managed to doze off, despite being cramped in the back seat. The rhythm of the car had lulled him into a light sleep, his head resting comfortably against Tommy’s shoulder.

He jerked awake when the car pulled into the hospital parking lot, blinking groggily as he lifted his head questioningly. Tommy gave him a light smile, his arm still resting around Buck as if he hadn’t moved the whole ride.

“How are you feeling?” Tommy asked softly as Athena killed the engine.

"Hmm, better," Buck mumbled, rubbing his eyes. His head wasn’t pounding anymore, which was a relief, but the bone-deep exhaustion still lingered. "Athena, you go. We’ll catch up.”

With a nod, Athena didn’t wait any longer. SSe passed the car keys to Tommy and slipped out of the car, heading inside with a determined stride.

Buck sighed and pushed open the car door, stepping out into the cool night air. He stood for a moment, stretching his arms above his head, feeling the satisfying pull of his muscles as he tried to shake off the stiffness from the cramped ride. Tommy joined him, and together they took their time heading inside. There was no rush now, not with Bobby awake. When the doors slid open to Bobby’s floor, they stepped out, walking slowly toward the room.

As they neared, they noticed everyone standing on the outskirts of Bobby’s room. Athena was inside, seated beside Bobby, holding his hand, the two of them locked in a private moment. Chimney and Eddie turned as Buck and Tommy caught up with them.

“Where the hell have you two been?” Chimney asked, his tone playful but edged with curiosity as he turned to face them. Tommy clapped Chimney’s shoulder in greeting, flashing him a tired but warm smile. "Trust me, you don't want to know."

Eddie gave Buck a nod, his expression softer. “Everything okay?” he asked.

Buck smiled, the exhaustion still clinging to him but his heart lighter now. “Yeah, everything’s good,” he said, glancing into the room where Bobby lay, his voice filled with quiet gratitude. “Better now.”

Tommy stretched his arms above his head and reached for his phone. “Speaking of better, I need to go grab my car,” he said, scrolling through his phone to check the time.

Eddie perked up. “Want a lift?” he asked. “I could use stretching my legs, and it’ll definitely be cheaper than Uber.”

Tommy chuckled, clearly appreciating the offer. “Sure, man. If it’s not too much trouble.”

Eddie waved him off with a grin. “No trouble at all. I’ve been cooped up here for too long anyway,” he said, already moving to grab his jacket.

Chimney leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the exchange with a smile. “You two have fun. Don’t get lost on the way back," he teased.

Tommy laughed and gave Chimney a mock salute. “No promises,” he joked. He then turned to Buck, squeezing his shoulder. “You gonna be alright here?”

Buck nodded, giving Tommy a grateful smile. “Yeah, go. I’ll be fine,” he reassured him. “Thanks, Tommy.”

“I'll be back soon,” Tommy said softly. Leaning in, he placed a quick peck on Buck’s lips, before following Eddie as they headed toward the exit.

Buck watched them go with a smile, warmth settling in his chest. But as he turned back, his eyes caught Chimney leaning against the wall with a smug smirk plastered on his face. Without missing a beat, Buck rolled his eyes and playfully muttered, “Shut up.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, the thought of entering the hospital room didn’t fill Buck with dread. Bobby was awake, the order had been restored.

As Buck stepped inside, it felt almost surreal. His gaze lifted, and there, sitting up in the hospital bed, was Bobby—awake and smiling. It was like waking up from a long, heavy dream, one that had weighed on his chest.

For a moment, Buck just stood there, taking it in. The room felt brighter somehow, as though all the dark clouds they’d been living under had finally lifted. Their eyes met, and Buck couldn’t help but grin, the relief washing over him in waves. Bobby’s eyes crinkled at the edges, his smile just as warm and familiar as ever. It was like a weight had been lifted from Buck’s chest.

Athena, seated at the edge of Bobby’s bed, glanced over at Buck and waved him inside, her own smile soft and inviting. “There he is,” she said.

Buck stepped forward, his grin widening as he approached. “Hey, Bobby,”

Bobby smiled back, his eyes full of warmth and affection. “Hey, kid,” he said softly, his voice a little weaker than usual, but Buck would take that anyday over not hearing it.

That was all it took for Buck to close the remaining space between them. Without hesitation, he leaned over and wrapped his arms around Bobby, pulling him in probably too tight hug.

Bobby chuckled softly, patting Buck on the back. “Easy, kid,” he murmured, his voice still soft but full of warmth. Despite his words, Bobby’s own arms tightened slightly around Buck, as if he, too, needed this moment

________

By the time Tommy returned, the room had quieted. Most of the 118 had already left, each departing with promises to return later. Now, it was just Bobby, Athena, and Buck, who was lounging comfortably in one of the chairs by the bed, his legs stretched out on the corner of the bed.

A soft series of knocks interrupted their conversation, and Buck turned to see Tommy entering the room. He walked up to where Buck was lounging and offered a smile.

"Good to see you, Captain Nash," Tommy greeted, extending his hand as he approached Bobby.

Bobby smiled warmly, shaking Tommy’s hand with a relaxed ease. “Tommy, please, it’s just Bobby now,” he replied with a gentle chuckle.

Tommy nodded, his grin widening. “Alright, Bobby. Good to see you up and about,” he said. He glanced at Buck, who was still lounging comfortably in his chair, and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Buck gave Tommy a lazy grin, shifting slightly but not moving from his spot. “Took your time, huh?” he teased lightly.

Tommy just shook his head with a smirk. “Had to make sure your car was still in one piece. Did I miss anything?” he asked, his tone warm as he glanced back at Bobby and Athena, both of whom were watching the interaction with soft smiles.

Athena chuckled softly. “Just Buck here pretending he’s not ready to pass out,” she teased, raising an eyebrow at Buck’s slouched form.

Buck rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at his lips. “I’m perfectly fine,” he muttered, though the comfortable sprawl in the chair told a different story.

Tommy laughed and shook his head. “Yeah, sure you are." he teased, giving Buck a knowing look.

“Anyway, as I was asking…” Buck waved them off, the tone of his voice growing more serious. “What’s going to happen next? With the station, I mean?”

“The station has well-established contingency plans for emergencies like this,” Bobby explained “In situations where a station is damaged, we rely on neighboring stations to step in. One of them will share their space with us, depending on their capacity, until the damage at 118 is assessed and restored."

At least he would still have his job.

"The police will be taking statements later on," Athena added, looking at Buck.

“Me?” Buck asked, surprised. “I didn’t see anything. I went to the locker room to grab my phone, and the next thing I know, Bobby was grabbing me to get out. That’s not much of a statement.”

Locker room?” Bobby frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“Yeah,” Buck replied, his own expression puzzled.

But Bobby shook his head gently, his expression serious. “You were in the storage room when I pulled you out.”

Buck felt a chill run through him. His memory of that moment was hazy, but hearing Bobby’s words, it didn’t add up. He hadn’t gone to the storage room—why would he?

Tommy's grip on his shoulder tightened. "Bobby, what are you not saying?"

Bobby hesitated, his gaze flicking between Buck and Tommy, clearly weighing his words. “When I found you,” he began carefully, “it looked like the fire had started near the storage room.”

Buck’s stomach dropped, a sinking feeling settling deep inside him. “Wait… you’re saying the fire started in the storage room?” he asked, his voice quieter now, almost uncertain.

Bobby nodded slowly, his expression grim. “At least part of it. There was a blaze in the loading bay too, but realistically, it wouldn’t have had the time to spread to the storage room so quickly. I didn’t even know you were in the station until Anderson brought it to my attention."

The room fell into silence.

Buck tried to wrap his head around it. HHad someone really dragged him into the storage room and set a fire? The thought was jarring, surreal. It would mean that if Bobby hadn’t found him in time, he would have suffocated or burned alive. It didn’t feel real.

“Oh,” was all Buck managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

He glanced up, his eyes landing on Tommy. Tommy wasn’t looking at him, though—he was staring off at some distant spot in the room, his jaw clenched tight, the tension in his body making him look unnervingly rigid. His usual calm, steady demeanor had vanished, replaced by something darker, something Buck wasn’t used to seeing in him. It didn’t look right.

Buck reached out and clasped his hand, wanting to fix it. Tommy blinked, his gaze snapping back to Buck. He softened, just a fraction, but the storm still brewed behind his eyes. He squeezed his hand in response.

Before either of them could speak, a soft series of knocks interrupted the silence, drawing their attention to the doorway. May and Harry appeared, their presence a welcome break from the heavy atmosphere.

“Hey,” May said gently, offering a small smile as she stepped inside with Harry. Her eyes scanned the room, catching on the look etched in everyone’s faces. “Is it a bad time?”

“Not at all, sweetheart,” Athena replied with a smile, waving them in. With May and Harry’s arrival, the mood in the room lightened just a bit, the tension giving way to something softer as everyone exchanged hellos. Tommy, introduced himself quickly, and the conversation soon flowed into lighter topics

After some time, Tommy leaned over, his voice gentle as he spoke quietly by Buck’s ear. “Ready to go home?”

He nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Yeah,” he murmured. “I think I am.”

________

Buck couldn't have been happier to see the driveway to Tommy's house. As the car rolled to a stop, Buck exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing. It felt like forever since he last saw it.

Tommy glanced over, giving Buck a small, reassuring smile. “Home sweet home,” he said softly, turning off the engine.

As they approached the door, Tommy unlocked it with a fluid motion, pushing it open to let them inside. Buck followed Tommy in, closing the door behind them. The familiar scent of Tommy’s home wrapped around him, grounding him in a way that words couldn’t describe.

For a moment, Buck stood there, just soaking in the peace of it all. No alarms, no fires. Just the quiet hum of the house, and Tommy right beside him.

"You hungry? We could order something in, some place is probably still open." Tommy asked, watching him.

Buck shook his head slowly, his fingers reaching up to grab the lapels of his jacket, tugging at them absentmindedly. “Just bed,” he murmured, giving him a small smile. “Please?”

Tommy’s expression softened immediately, He nodded, stepping closer, his hand resting lightly on Buck’s arm. “Yeah,” he said quietly, his tone filled with reassurance. “Let’s get to bed.”

Without another word, Tommy guided Buck toward the bedroom, his arm resting around him. . It took only moments for them to strip out of their clothes, tossing them aside carelessly, the thought of a shower long forgotten—something to worry about tomorrow. The bed was waiting, warm and inviting, and when they fell into it, Buck let out a satisfying moan. HHe shifted further, moving instinctively until he was plastered against Tommy, his head resting on the man’s chest. The steady rhythm of Tommy’s heartbeat surrounded him.

Tommy’s arm wrapped around Buck, pulling him even closer.

After a moment, Tommy’s voice broke the silence, soft and gentle. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked quietly, his words barely above a whisper.

“About?” Buck mumbled, his voice heavy with exhaustion, though he already knew what Tommy meant.

“Anything,” Tommy responded, but there was more behind his words. Buck didn’t need to hear it all—he understood the unspoken meaning, the way Tommy was offering him a chance to let it all out if he wanted to.

“Tomorrow?” he finally whispered, his voice soft but sure, settling on the promise of another day to face the harder conversations.

Tommy’s grip tightened just slightly, a silent acknowledgment of Buck’s choice. “Tomorrow,” he agreed, his voice filled with understanding.

The silence returned and the last thing Buck felt threading through his hair before he finally surrendered to sleep.