#you're making me want to open the doc but i have only JUST sat down

[pynkhues]

In my head the cruising fic is Lestat and Louis mutually going 'Of course. Of course. Of course. oF cOuRsE' about seeing other people but deep down they're biting pillows and screaming, clawing at the walls, indulging in detailed murder fantasies of each other's sexual partners, and so on. I don't know if that's true to the spirit of the fic! But that's the way I imagine them if the most Un-Chill couple ever was cruising in the 2020's and pretending to be Chill

Ahahah, that's definitely a little bit in there, anon! They're always trying so hard to be normal about each other, and it never, ever works.

[bigassmoonchild]

The Aftermath

Pairing: Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader

Word Count: 2k

The first part does give context, but isn’t required for this read.

Summary: You knew the difficulty the process of being a mated Omega in the military. You understood how much you would lose, but you never thought about the difficulty in your normal life. Never thought about the panic you would have, or how much it would effect you and Ghost's personal relationship.

Content Tags: Hospitals, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, No use of Y/N, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha! Ghost

A/N: I was not expecting such a good response to Maple Syrup, and since y'all seemed to like it so much here's basically the next part. Let me know if you want anything specific, my asks should be open. <3 I'm adding a 'keep reading' link to make sure you can scroll on if you want.

Previous, Next | Headcannons, Masterlist

Everything felt wrong. Ghost wasn't injured, but he was being held overnight in the medbay. The Maple Syrup had run its course through him, but he could hear chatter echoing in the room. He could smell you, you weren't too far from him but he wasn't allowed to see you. Price had come in not too long after the doctors had checked him over and cleared him, arms crossed as he sat in the chair next to the bed Ghost was in.

"We'll need to talk, you know," was the only thing Price had said, leaning back and relaxing in the chair.

"Is the Doc okay?" Ghost asked, looking in the direction your scent was coming from. The sickly sweet smell of heat was becoming stale, but you were on lock and key just in case any Alpha soldiers tried to come in. Price looked in the same direction, giving a faint shrug.

"I'm going to be updated once she's steady enough for the doctors to leave her alone," Price said. "Gaz is on watch outside her room," Ghost nodded. Gaz was a Beta, so it would be fine for him to be that close. Ghost still didn't like it, he didn't know how his pack was, where everyone was, if everyone was safe.

It took a few hours, it was well past midnight before any movement came from the direction of your room. The curtains surrounding Ghosts bed was moved, the Doctor gesturing for Price to follow him. Ghost had tried to listen in, but it wasn't worth it. He was still in mild pain from the mission, the place where the tranq had stabbed him still throbbed every so often.

Price walked back in some time later, looking at Ghost with a sigh. That didn't make him feel good, panic started to flow through him, thoughts of you dying flashed in his mind for a few moments.

"She's gonna be fine," Price started. "They got her heat back under control, they're just waiting for it to finish cycling through her. Outside of that, she's fine," Price sat next to Ghost. "I can't ask you about what happened. I can only tell you what will happen," he looked away.

You woke up, head foggy and throbbing with a headache. You could see a form moving next to you, checking your vitals. You gave a soft groan, your neck throbbing alongside your core. Everything hurt, but you weren't able to tell if it was everything.

"You finally waking up?" The voice asked, and you could recognize it. "You've been out for a few days, you've even had Ghost trying to get in," she giggled a little. Amanda. That was her name, she was one of the nurses you'd been working with prior to the mission that went south.

At the mention of Ghost, you sat upright, vision spinning before righting itself.

"It was a really bad heat you were sent into, y'know. Took us a few hours to stabilize you, but you're doing good for yourself," she smiled, trying to lay you back down but you pushed her off of you.

"I need to talk to him," god even your throat hurt. She nodded slowly, sticking her head out of the door. You rubbed your head, headache now making you feel sick. It took a few moments, but you heard footsteps come in the room, a figure standing next to you. When you looked up, it was Price.

"There are some procedures we need to go through. I've already got some officers in, but we still need to talk about what happened," Price started, moving to sit in the chair near you. "Ghost has already spoken with them, so it'll be you, me and the officers. I think Laswell has flown in as well," you stared at Price.

With a few blinks, you looked down to think. Ghost had already spoken with the officers? You knew what the rules were like, and you knew that your career was now in his hands. It pissed you off, if you could really focus on feeling much outside of pain.

"The officers are trying to get him to make a decision on your career. I can't let you two talk about anything yet, the Adjutant Officers still need to figure things out before you'll be allowed near each other," Price looked away, your jaw tensing. You really had no rights anymore, did you?

It took another few days before you were released. The second you had clothes of your own to wear, you were gone off into your room.

Someone had been here. You could smell a stale scent, but you weren't able to place it. It was too distant to be able to decipher, but your room was exactly the same as it had been left before you were hospitalized. You didn't feel comfortable in your room, knowing someone had been here.

A knock on the door made you spin, nerves set tight. As you opened the door, a large figure came into view.

"Doc," Ghost started, before being yanked into your room and having the door slammed behind him. You turned on him, staring at him sharply. You pointed, opening your mouth before shutting it and groaning, running hands through your hair.

You kept trying to start talking before you stopped yourself, eventually kicking at the wall in irritation.

"What did you say to them?" You hissed, back still turned and facing the wall. You could hear him shift behind you, boots scuffing against the ground. You turned, storming up to him, chest to chest. "What the hell did you tell them? You gonna dismantle my career? Make me some fucking house-omega?" You were growling now, you could feel your muscles tensing.

When he didn't respond, you groaned, tossing your hands up in defeat and walking away from him. You turned, hand on your hip, waiting for a response.

"I don't want to take your career away," he whispered, finally. You barked a laugh, rubbing your wrist against your bitten gland. His hand reached out to grab you, but you moved away from him. "I don't want to make decisions for you," he added, voice growing more desperate.

You shook your head, pulling your hand away from your gland and shaking them out. Ghost reached out to you again, hand catching your shoulder before you shrugged him off.

"I don't know what to do," you whispered. "I'm terrified, because now I'm outed to so many people, and there's quite literally nothing I can do to save myself," you turned to look at Ghost.

He scoffed. "You think I'm going to ruin things for you? I've already told you, I don't want that kind of control over you," he looked away, crossing his arms. You could smell the distress on him.

"You have done shit to make me trust you!" Your voice raised before dropping, a hand running down your face. "I have zero control left, you know how many rights I have as a mated Omega?" He shook his head. "None," you glared at him.

Ghost glanced at you before looking away again. He shook his head, moving to leave before you blocked the door from him.

"You don't get to walk out when we're talking," you growled at him and he growled back.

"This isn't a conversation, this is you getting all pissy on me," he loomed over you, forcing you to take a step back. "I didn't want this to happen, I would have chosen any other way to save us, but we didn't get a choice, did we?" You looked away.

"Get out,"

He could smell the distress on you the second he spoke. Your scent left him spiraling, he was panicking. His Omega was distressed, and he was the cause. He wanted to fix it, correct the problem and make you happy again.

Ghost could do nothing when you repeated yourself.

"Get the hell out," you glared at him. Ghost opened his mouth to give you a retort, but you had turned away. He bit his tongue, turning to stare at the door.

"You know that's not what I meant," he whispered, opening the door and leaving.

Even after walking aimlessly for ten minutes, he could still smell your distress on your scent, the sour taste stuck on the back of his throat. This wasn't how he had intended to talk to you, he wanted to make a plan for when they asked him more questions regarding your career.

Ghost was pissed off, more so with himself than you, but he wanted to comfort you. Fix what he had said, take it back.

But he had a meeting to attend, and he needed to make sure he didn't say anything wrong.

You sat in the conference room, Price, Laswell and an Adjutant officer sitting across from you. This was the third time you'd gone over what had happened.

"So you say this 'Maple Syrup' is what caused Ghost to go into a feral rut?"

"Yes," you deadpanned, glaring through the Adjutant. "We've already been through all of this, there is literally nothing else that I haven't told you," the Adjutant hummed.

"We need to make sure everything is covered," he told you, looking at the paper he had been writing on for the past hour and a half.

You looked at Price, hoping he would help you in any way. He looked away, leaning further back into his seat.

"What about my career?" The room went silent, the Adjutant stopped reading, glancing over at Price who had finally looked at you. "I want to know what's happening," you whispered. The last few days had left you unsure of yourself. You wanted to confront Ghost, you wanted to apologize for snapping at him, you wanted to fix what you'd said.

None of them spoke, Laswell had opened her mouth to speak before closing it, taking a deep breath. Her fingers tapped on the table, looking at Price and the Adjutant.

She looked back at you. "You aren't allowed to make any decisions regarding that, you know," your head dropped back with a groan, wrist rubbing against your bitten gland roughly. You were terrified, you didn't know what the future was going to hold.

You had so little control and it was getting worse. You stood abruptly, going to walk out the door before Price spoke.

"Would you like to speak with Ghost?" You closed your eyes and took a deep breath. With people around, you wouldn't snap on him, but you also didn't want to see him since his last remarks. You really needed to know if you still worked here, or if he was going to force you to become a house-omega.

You nodded, turning around and sitting back down while staring Price down as he made a phone-call. A few moments later, Ghost walked in and sat beside you, but you still couldn't look at him. It was silent for a few minutes, everyone looking at each other, waiting for the first to speak.

"You still have a job here," Ghost spoke up. "I didn't let them remove you, but they won't allow you on missions anymore," he added the last part quietly. You nodded.

You could hear Price and Laswell ushering the Adjutant Officer out of the room, the door closing with a click behind them. Neither you nor Ghost talked for a few minutes, you could smell a certain level of stress on him.

"Thank you," you whispered, glancing quickly at him. He was staring at you, eyes watching your every twitch and shudder. "I'm... sorry, for the other day," you fiddled with your fingers. "I didn't mean to snap at you."

Ghost shook his head, hesitating before grabbing your hand, pulling it close to him and in turn tugging you towards him. You finally turned to look at him, and his eyes visibly softened.

He looked down, then back up to you. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said what I did. Not in the way I did," he tugged you even closer to him, nuzzling into your gland. "I don't regret having you as my mate now, but if I could've changed what I did, you wouldn't be stuck with me making decisions for you now," you leaned in to him, pressing your face into his chest.

It relaxed you, his scent, and allowed you to think much clearer.

"I'm just so scared,"

Next

[notiddygothgf]

6. troublemaker

★ pairings: aki hayakawa x fem reader

★ ❝ Did you miss me? ❞ ❝ Only a little. ❞

★ c.w.: smoking, smut, lots of filthy dirty talk omg. (more content warnings and tags)

★ a/n: i hated writing this chapter only bc its like omg. i just want everyone to be HAPPYYYYY!! ugh. I tried to make it slow burny but as you can see that did not work out. I missed aki too much to bear it. Anyway! I'm finishing up the last few chapters in google docs (dw there are many chapters you will see before i post them, i like to be prepared is all) and im thinking of how to end the story. Leave suggestions! Keep them comments coming, I love reading through them! I be, like, kicking my feet n shit. 

★ w.c: .5.5k

shameless ; chapter index

THE MORNING LIGHT FILTERED SOFTLY through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. You stirred, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath your cheek. His arm was still draped over you, holding you close. As you opened your eyes, you found yourself face to face with him. He was already awake, his gaze warm and soft, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice husky.

Yesterday was real. He was real.

"Morning," You replied, a blush creeping up your cheeks. The two of you were still pressed bare chest to bare chest, a gesture so sickeningly intimate that you couldn't help but blush.

He brushed a strand of hair from your face, tucking it behind your ear. "How did you sleep?" he asked.

You smiled, feeling a little shy. "Better than I have in a long time," you admitted. "You?"

He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "Like a baby," he said, his hand gently caressing your back. "You're a wild sleeper, though. Almost pushed me off the bed."

You laughed, feeling a lightness in your chest that you hadn't felt in ages. "And you're a wild lover. My back feels like shit," you teased, snuggling closer to him.

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "Sorry," he said quietly, his breath warm against your skin. "Wanna do it again sometime?"

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, and for a moment, you were lost in the tender bliss of it all. 

"When's sometime?" You dared to ask.

He grinned – giddy and breathless and pretty, "Right now works for me. You?"

You laughed, "Don't be greedy."

Still, you thought about it. You thought about rolling over and kissing his pretty face again, being close to him – feeling his hands on your hips while he slowly, lazily thrusted up into you.

But then, reality came crashing down on you. You had a train to catch and responsibilities to face. As much as you wanted to stay in this cocoon of warmth and affection with him forever – stay buried in his strong, sweet smelling arms – you knew you couldn't.

You glanced over at the clock on the bedside table and your eyes widened in alarm. "My train!" You exclaimed, quickly pulling away from him. You reached for your phone, checking the time. 

Hurriedly, you got out of bed. You began gathering your things, slipping into your Public Safety suit and tie uniform. As you zipped up your suitcase, you caught his eye in the mirror. He was watching you with the most tender smile, and it made your heart ache.

"I'm going to have to call a cab," You said, smoothing out your uniform in the mirror. "I was going to walk, but... at this rate..." You trailed off, biting your lip.

He sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Don't worry about it," he said, getting out of bed. He came up behind you, his presence comforting. "I'll drive you."

You turned to face him, a look of surprise on your face. "You sure?" you asked, your voice soft. "I don't want to put you out of your way. I know you have work today."

You really, really, could get used to a sight like this – a handsome captain standing in nothing more than a pair of boxers behind you, admiring your uniform in the mirror like you were a fucking painting.

He smiled, a gentle, reassuring smile. "I can run a few minutes late," he said. He wrapped his arms around you from behind, resting his chin on your shoulder. "I want to make sure you get there safely."

It felt so good to be desired by him.

You felt a lump form in your throat. The way he held you, the concern in his voice—it was more than you had expected, more than you felt you deserved. You looked at your reflection in the mirror, meeting his eyes. 

"I'll be fine, Aki," You said softly. You were a devil hunter, after all. You could defend yourself against anything.

"It's not up for debate," he said gently but firmly. "I'm taking you to the train station. Are you all packed?"

At this rate, I'm gonna fall for him.

"Yeah," You smiled breathlessly.

He landed a smack on your ass, "Then bring it here, and let's hit the road. If I look at you any longer, I'll give you a reason to miss the train."

"Fine," You laughed. "I'm carrying my own suitcase, though."

It was something you were used to doing. Something completely mindless – your husband never helped you with your bags, or anything like that. 

"And have you lift a finger?" He retorted, "Over my dead body."

"Watch me," You grinned back.

You never did wind up carrying your suitcase to the car. Or opening the door, for that matter. Aki, a man true to his word, did not let you lift a finger.

.

The train station was the same way it had been when you'd arrived only a week or so earlier. The only different thing about it, in fact, was the fact that you were with the same man you had bumped into upon your arrival – and now he was carrying your luggage for you.

As you reached up to grab your suitcase, you collided with someone. Startled, you looked up to find yourself face-to-face with a man who immediately captured your attention. He was tall, easily over six feet, with broad shoulders and a powerful build that spoke of both strength and discipline. His dark hair was tied back in a neat topknot, accentuating his sharp, angular features. But it was his eyes that held you—their piercing blue depths seemed to look straight through you, filled with a seriousness that made you catch your breath.

"Sorry—" he began, his voice a deep, resonant baritone that vibrated through the narrow space.

The butterfly effect was a strange thing, truly. 

The two of you stopped in front of the tracks. He checked his wrist watch, parking your luggage right beside him. As if on cue, a train pulled into the station, screeching to an unceremonious stop. You had half of a mind to be upset about its arrival, as if you had been robbed of your precious time with him (even if it was only a few minutes, and even if the two of you had spent the entire car ride talking shit about coworkers).

"Just in time," He remarked.

You didn't know how to feel. Should you have been happy that you were finally able to leave your transgressions behind and return to your husband? If such was the case, then why did you feel as if you were leaving such a large part of you behind?

As if your heart was buried in Tokyo along with the memories of your past?

"Yup," You replied in a remarkably stupid fashion. As the doors of the train opened and passengers began pouring out, your heart dropped.

He observed you fondly, the faintest hint of affection in his stoic resting face – as if he was expecting you to make the first move.

So, not knowing what else to do, you bowed your head ever-so-slightly. 

"Thank you for everything," You said. Then, struggling to find the words to say what you meant (I miss you already...? Will I ever see you again...? I wish I didn't have to leave...?), you added, "Okay. I guess this is it. Goodbye, Aki."

You turned to walk away, feeling the weight of the moment pressing on your chest. Every step felt like a betrayal. 

Suddenly, you felt a firm but gentle grip on your arm. Before you could process what was happening, Aki pulled you back with a surprising urgency. 

In an instant, his lips met yours in a kiss so passionate that it took your breath away. You stumbled backward, the sheer force of the moment making your knees weak, but his arm around your back secured you, holding you close to him – like he was afraid he would lose you if he let you go.

Time seemed to stop. The world around you blurred, and all you could focus on was the warmth of his lips and the pounding of your heart. His other hand moved to cup the side of your face, fingers gentle yet firm, as if he was trying to memorize every detail of this moment. Your hands instinctively found their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your fingertips.

When he finally pulled away, you were both breathless. He looked at you, eyes filled with a mix of emotions you couldn't quite decipher. His cheeks were tinged with a slight blush, an endearing contrast to his usual stoic demeanor.

"Goodbye," he said softly, his voice slightly husky from the kiss. The faint blush on his cheeks deepened, giving him an almost boyish charm. 

You could feel your face heating up, the blush spreading like wildfire. "Bye," you managed to say, your voice coming out more giddy than you intended. The giddiness in your tone mirrored the tumultuous emotions swirling inside you.

With one last lingering look, you turned and walked toward the train, toting your suitcase with you. As you reached the door and stepped inside, you couldn't resist glancing back. He was still standing there, watching you with a mixture of longing and resignation.

The doors closed with a final, echoing thud, and the train lurched forward. You found a seat by the window, your heart still racing. As the train pulled away, you watched Aki's figure grow smaller and smaller, until he was just a distant memory in the Tokyo landscape.

Like the night you had taken a cab to get away from him.

You sighed, resting your head against the window. The kiss lingered on your lips, a bittersweet reminder of what you were leaving behind. The train rumbled on, carrying you back to the life you knew – a life that, for some odd reason, seemed much emptier.

A faint buzz of your phone, and you were checking instantly. A part of you hoped it was him, begging you to get off the train, to stay with him, husband be damned.

AKI

|   I hope I get to see you again soon.

|   Get home safe.

Soon. Somehow, despite the heavy feeling in your chest that you were leaving something behind, you found it in yourself to smile. . . .

Deciding to take the more scenic route home, you opted out of boarding the bullet train. You rode local instead. You didn't even mind that you had to transfer three times, or that the commute took eight hours. It gave you some time to finish up the book you had packed, and even more time to catch up on the sleep you had lost the night before.

More importantly, above all else, you wouldn't have to see your husband so soon.

By the time you finally stumbled into the house – haphazardly tugging your suitcase along with you, it was bedtime. You found yourself hoping that your husband had gone to bed early, so that he wouldn't come all up on you expecting some sort of "I missed you" sex.

You kicked your shoes off in the foyer, and pulled your suitcase down the corridor until the voice of your husband called your name.

"You home?"

Fuck.

"Yeah!" you huffed, reluctantly following his voice towards your bedroom. You had hoped to slip in unnoticed, crawl into bed, and avoid any conversation altogether.

He was sitting on the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on you as you entered. He looked familiar – brown hair and tired eyes searching your face – but his presence didn't bring you the peace it once did. You could see the tension in his jaw, the furrow in his brow. He was waiting for something, perhaps an explanation, an apology, or a confession.

"How was your week?" he asked, his voice neutral but his eyes piercing.

"It was fun!" you said, trying to sound casual. "Met up with some old friends, got to meet some new ones..."

Images of Aki and you together flashed through your mind, and you felt a pang of guilt.

"I stayed up to talk to you, you know," he said, his tone harder now.

Your heart dropped. "About what?"

"These new friends of yours," he said. "Wouldn't happen to be one of your coworkers, would it?"

Shit. Fuck. Shit, fuck. 

Did he know? Knowing him, he could have been drunk and jealous, and just talking out of his ass. Still, a part of you couldn't help but wonder.

You froze. "What are you getting at?"

"I'm saying I don't know what you thought you were doing in Tokyo," he said, his voice rising. "But word travels in Public Safety. There are rumors about you dancing around with a little Captain, or some shit."

He does know.

"That's ridiculous!" you snapped, your defensiveness rising. "The Captain and I are mutual friends with Himeno. She made introductions, and he bought us a round of drinks. They're blowing it out of proportion."

"Are they?" he shouted, standing up. "Then, you should really, really start clearing your name. You could very well have fucked him already."

"It's not like that!" you retorted, tears stinging your eyes. It was like that. "It's not my fault that people have nothing better to talk about. I'm in love with you, and only you."

You were lying. You knew you were lying. He knew you were lying.

"Bull shit," he scoffed. "We haven't made love in two weeks."

"I don't want to do this right now," you muttered, turning away. He was insufferable, as per usual. "I'm exhausted."

"You're always exhausted," he shot back. "Always too tired to talk, too tired to fuck. Then you go off on this work trip, and there are rumors about you at some party. What am I supposed to think?"

You felt a mix of guilt and frustration. "You're my husband. You're supposed to trust me," you said quietly. "I didn't cheat on you. Don't be a dick, it was just a dance!"

Truly, the irony of the entire conversation was not lost on you.

"Want to know the truth? I really don't give a shit if you cheat on me or not. I can have another woman in here tomorrow to take your place," Your husband's next words were cold and unforgiving, "You want to keep your white-picket-fence life? Then stop embarrassing me in public."

With tears streaming down your face, you slipped into a nightgown you had hung up on the dresser. The bed felt cold and uninviting as you slid under the covers, your husband's eyes still boring into you. You turned your back to him, staring at the wall, trying to will yourself to sleep. 

The damage was already done, the emotional distance between you and your husband growing wider with each passing moment. The bed felt even colder now, and you closed your eyes, hoping for sleep to come quickly and take you away from the reality you were living.

Lying there, you couldn't help but replay the moments with Aki in your mind. The way he made you feel alive, seen, and wanted. You felt a deep pang of guilt, knowing you had betrayed your husband's trust. Yet, part of you couldn't bring yourself to regret it entirely. 

The fact of the matter was that Aki had filled a void in your life, one that you hadn't even realized was there until he came along.

Aki was ten times the man your husband could ever dream of being.

The hustle and bustle of Tokyo played in your mind, the energy of the people, and the warmth of a certain dark, handsome Captain. You even found yourself missing Himeno, her infectious laughter and the way she always knew how to lighten the mood. But most of all, you missed the secret moments with Hayakawa, the stolen kisses, the way he breathed passion into your name. Your heart ached with the memory of it all.

"I hope I'm wrong," Your husband said, his voice low and steady – a reminder of all that you had lost by settling down with him so young. "But, above all else, I hope I don't have to tell you that cheating is insulting to a man like me and stupid for a woman like you."

A man like him. You could nearly laugh at the prospect of your husband being grouped into any sort of high category. He was a piece of shit. That's what he was, and it was getting progressively harder to ignore that fact.

"Goodnight," you muttered, your voice barely above a whisper. You wouldn't glorify him with a response.

Your husband lay down beside you. 

"Is there something you're not telling me?" he asked suddenly, his voice breaking the silence.

Your heart raced. "No," you said, your voice barely steady. "There's nothing."

You swallowed hard, the weight of your guilt pressing down on you. 

He's too late, you thought to yourself.  .

8:38 PM [New Message]

[Play]

[Automated: Playing Voicemail from 'Makima']

"Hello. I'm sorry for calling so late. I hope I didn't disturb you. I wanted to speak with you at your earliest convenience. I have some concerns about one of my new recruits, and I'm uncertain that he will function well in his group. Would it be possible to request you for backup? You did such great work last time, and I know you won't fail me. A little help would be greatly appreciated, at least until we recover from the tremendous losses we just suffered. Thank you, again, for all that you do. Please call me back and let me know if you're available this week. Again, all expenses will be paid. Goodbye."

[Automated: You have no new messages.] .

The work week dragged on, each day blurring into the next. Every task felt like a mountain to climb, your thoughts repeatedly drifting back to Tokyo and the emotional whirlwind you'd left behind.

A few days later, as you stood in the kitchen, the aroma of cooking filling the room, you decided it was time to share your news. Your husband walked in, his mood noticeably sour.

"I've got news," you said, trying to sound casual as you stirred the pot on the stove. "I'm being reassigned to Tokyo again."

His eyes narrowed immediately. "Tokyo? Again? What is this, some kind of joke?"

"It's not a joke," you said, turning to face him. "It's a new assignment from Makima."

"Makima's orders?" he echoed, his voice rising in frustration. "So you're just going to pack up and leave again? How many times do I have to watch you walk out that door?"

"It's not like that," you said, struggling to keep your voice steady. "This is a work assignment. It's out of my control."

"Out of your control?" he snapped. "Its your job. You can say no."

"I didn't want to," You said. "I would be getting paid almost double. What did you want me to do?"

"Quit, like I've been telling you to do for the past few years," He replied. "When are you going to let me take care of you? I could make you a stay at home wife. You don't need this job."

You. A housewife. You, being trapped inside of the house all day – all of your ambitions and dreams and achievements being reduced to your status as a homemaker. That wasn't your life. It wasn't what you wanted for yourself.

Why wouldn't he take the hint?

"I'm not gonna quit. I want to work," you said, feeling a pang of defensiveness. "I need to go to Tokyo for said work. To get paid more. It's not about escaping you."

"You don't even see how you're doing exactly that. Run off, then. Go back to Tokyo."

"It's not like that," you said, trying to explain. "Life's been overwhelming. I'm not trying to run off, I just–"

"Overwhelming?" he scoffed. "You were full of energy over there. You had time for everyone else but none left for me."

Dick.

"It wasn't like that!" you said, your frustration bubbling over. "I was catching up with friends. It was a chance to get away from all of this. You cant– I won't let you criticize me for having a life outside of this marriage."

"Is that what you call it?" he snapped. "A life outside of our marriage? While I'm stuck here, waiting for my wife to come home, barely even recognizing her when she does?"

"That's not fair," you said, tears welling up. "I care about you. But it's been hard for me, too. I've been dealing with a lot."

"Dealing with a lot?" he repeated, his face reddening. "Do you even realize how distant you've become? We barely have sex anymore. We hardly talk. What kind of marriage is this?"

"I don't know," you admitted, feeling the sting of his words. "I'm tired. Maybe I would want to fuck you if you... I dunno... maybe, helped me out once in a while. You never even lift a finger around here. I'm working just as hard as you, and yet you are the one who gets to come home to a home-cooked meal."

"This wouldn't be an issue if you just quit," he shot back, taking a step closer. "But you're too busy being an independent woman, right? I own this house. It's in my name."

"I pay half of the bills," You added.

"But it's my house," He corrected you. "On paper, it belongs to me. Don't get out of line."

"Do you even hear yourself right now?" you said, your voice breaking. "I wish you would stop– fucking– pointing fingers at me for once and realize that there's a bigger issue here. We're struggling, and I don't– it's not my job to fix us."

"You can't fix shit. This is us," he said, his voice growing colder. "This is marriage. The difference between me and you is that I'm stuck dealing with this mess while you run off and live your life. How am I supposed to just accept that?"

"You don't have to accept it," you said, frustration rising. "But you need to understand that I'm not doing this to hurt you. I need to have a life of my own."

"A life of your own," he echoed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "It seems like you're more interested in escaping the life you have than in fixing what's broken between us."

"Stop it," you said, your anger flaring. You set your spoon down on the stove, turned the burner off, and turned to face the man you were supposed to love. "This conversation is over."

"I don't get it," he said, his eyes darkening. "Are you happier away from me? Are you saying that you're not interested in being here, in working on our relationship?"

"That's not what I'm saying," you said, lip quivering with anger. "But I can't just flip a switch and make everything perfect. I'm trying. You can't wall me up inside this house and expect me to be your bitch forever. I want to– I need to have a life."

"Be grateful for the life I gave you," he spat, his voice harsh and final, dripping with hatred and venom. It could not have been more apparent. Your husband hated you. "I'm the one who provides for you. I'm the reason you have a home and a life. Without me, you'd have nothing."

"Even with you, I have nothing," you laughed humorlessly. "There's nothing here. Nothing between us. I'm starting to believe I shouldn't have married you to begin with. Lord knows we were fine before, but you just had to settle down in the countryside."

You froze. The coldness of your own words cut through the air like ice. Before you could take it back, apologize, even, his hand lashed out, striking you across the face. The shock of the blow left you reeling, your cheek stinging with pain.

He spoke slowly, like he was sounding it out. His eyes wide, he apologized– "Honey, wait, I–"

"Fuck you," you whispered, the tears falling freely now. 

You turned on your heel and fled to your room, your heart pounding.

Inside, you slammed the door and leaned against it, your breath coming in short, ragged bursts. The pain in your cheek was sharp, but you forced yourself to focus on something else. 

You began unpacking your suitcase, using the physical task to distract yourself from the emotional turmoil.

You tugged the zipper open, revealing neat piles of folded clothes. You began to pull them out, laying at the foot of your bed. As you reached the bottom of the suitcase, you uncovered the painting Aki had gifted you, carefully wrapped in bubble wrap. 

You unwrapped it slowly, revealing the vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes. The painting was a tangible piece of Tokyo, a reminder of a time when you had felt truly alive – the flowers in the field. The strong tree. The blue sky, and the warm, warm sun.

It had no place in your home.

Your room felt cold and impersonal, a stark contrast to the warmth of the painting. You knew it didn't belong here, in this bedroom that felt more like a prison than a home – with gray walls and gray floors. But as you looked at the painting, a deep longing settled in your chest.

You glanced around the room, your eyes landing on a framed photo of you and your husband. It was one that had been taken at your wedding reception. He was grinning ear to ear, holding you close to his side. You were smiling, too, face smeared with cake – hopeful for your future with the man you loved.

Without hesitation, you took it down and replaced it with the painting. As you hung it up, you felt a rush of warmth spread through your chest, a flicker of happiness amid the darkness.

Standing back, you admired the painting. For a brief moment, the pain and anger seemed to melt away, replaced by the comforting memory of Aki. Oddly enough, staring at the painting long enough, you felt as if you could almost feel his presence, smell his warm cologne whipped together with the scent of the nicotine that lingered on his uniform. You felt as if you could practically feel him behind you, hands resting on your waist, soft lips pressing tender kisses to the valley of your neck.

And, only then did you really grasp the gravity of your situation. You were fucked. Completely and totally fucked.

Aki's text from the train sat heavy and unanswered still in your pocket. A week had passed, and you hadn't dared to text him back. 

You didn't need to open it to know what it said. You had stared at it for so long that the image was practically ingrained into your memory.

I hope I get to see you again soon.

Get home safe.

You shouldn't. You knew you shouldn't. But you could feel the weight of your phone in your pocket, the weight of your desire rearing its ugly head during a moment of weakness, and you couldn't help yourself. Before you could stop and think twice about it, you were flipping your phone open and browsing your contact book, pressing 'ok' on a name you most definitely should have deleted by now.

The phone rang once. Twice. A third time. 

Then it clicked.

"Hello?"

"Hey," You exhaled, relieved that your call had gone through. You crossed your legs, plopping down onto the bed.

"Hey, troublemaker."

The wave of heat that washed over you at the sound of his voice was uncanny. He filled you with a fantastic sort of giddiness that you hadn't felt in years – you didn't even care that your husband was about to eat dinner in the next room, just as he didn't seem to care that you had been M.I.A. for the past week.

In his typical fashion, he made you forget about your surroundings. Right then, it was just you and him, and that's all that mattered.

"Did you miss me?" Aki asked.

"Only a little," You replied. You couldn't help but smile. "What are you up to right now? Do you have time to talk?"

"Of course. I always have time for you," He answered warmly. His voice was deep and tender, and it made you melt all over the bed. "I'm laying in bed right now. Just had a smoke. How did you know I was thinking about you?"

There were so many things you wanted to say to him – I miss you, come get me, he hit me. I need you – and yet you couldn't help but bask in the comforting silence.

"Lucky guess," you said, feeling the warmth spread through your chest. "I've been thinking about you too. What's it like there? Anything exciting?"

"It's Tokyo," he said with a lazy lilt to his voice. He sounded tired, as he always did. It was endearing. "Could be better, but honestly, I'd trade it all just to be with you right now."

You felt a shiver of excitement at his words. The warmth of his voice and the lightness of the conversation made you forget, if only for a moment, the coldness of your current reality.

You knew it was bad. Still, you grinned, rolling onto your stomach while you took the call, kicking your feet.

"So, what's the weather like there?" You asked, trying to keep the tone light but unable to mask the undercurrent of flirtation.

You would say anything if it meant you would get to hear his voice a little longer.

"Warm, surprisingly," Aki replied, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone."Have you been holding up okay over there? You haven't spoken to me in a week."

"Probably for the better," you said, a laugh escaping you. "Even now, I shouldn't be talking to you. I'm sitting here in this freezing room, and your words are the only thing warming me up."

"Good," he said, his tone suggestive. "Maybe one day soon I can warm you up in person. Until then, just know I'm thinking about you."

You rested your head on the bed, the phone pressed to your ear, feeling as if you were floating in the warmth of his words. Despite the rational part of your mind telling you to be cautious, you found yourself lost in the conversation, savoring every last moment you could.

"Are you still there?" Aki's voice came through, warm and inviting, like a soft blanket in the coolness of your room.

"Yeah," you replied, settling into the bed, propping yourself up with pillows. "I'm still here. Just... don't want to hang up."

"Glad to hear it," he said, his tone teasing. "I'm not ready to let go of you either. What are you thinking about?"

You smiled, feeling a flutter in your chest. "Just thinking about how nice it is to hear your voice. It's been such a rough day, and talking to you made me feel a little better."

"Wanna talk about it?" Aki asked softly. "I've been thinking about you like crazy."

"Really?" you asked. "What do you see when you think of me?"

Aki chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent shivers down your spine. "I see me and you – in that little black dress of yours – and the way your kisses tasted."

You felt a flush of warmth at his words, the intensity of your feelings bubbling up. "You probably shouldn't," you admitted. "You'll catch feelings."

"You're making it hard to stay focused on anything but you," Aki said, his voice growing more serious. 

You laughed softly. "You're good at this, you know. Making me feel like I'm the only person in the world."

"That's because you are," he said earnestly. "For me, anyway. Wanna talk about your day?"

You shifted in bed, pulling the blankets around you as if trying to draw closer to him through the phone. "I don't really feel like talking about it."

Aki's voice was tender and soothing. "That's fine. Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"

"I don't know," You sighed, the sound a mix of contentment and longing. You felt weak. "I just want to hear your voice. I need you."

"I need you too," he said, his voice softening. "I had a dream about you, you know? It felt like I was back in that hotel room with you again, watching you get ready to go home," A pause, then he added, "I should've made you miss that train."

You closed your eyes, letting the image of a shirtless Aki slipping into his work slacks flood your memory. "You're terrible."

He's one fine piece of ass.

Aki's laugh was deep and gentle, like the tides of the ocean tugging at the shore. "I am. I'm a terrible, rotten man, and it's all your fault. Have you been thinking about me, too?"

You glanced at the painting on the wall, feeling a pang of an emotion you couldn't quite place, "More than I'd like to admit."

"Hold on, I just heard something break in the kitchen. I think my nightmare roommate is up," Aki said. "I have to hang up. Promise you'll text and call more often, though. I've been worried sick."

"I promise," you said, your voice barely above a whisper, your face flushed like you were a lovestruck schoolgirl. "Goodnight, Aki."

"Goodnight, troublemaker," he replied softly. "I'll be dreaming of you."

a/n: oh nooooooo... what do yall think is gonna happen? (i know, but yk....). but actually i hope you loved it, I loved writing sexy phone aki ugh it makes me wanna write more of him. I hope you all dont hate me too much for keeping them apart. (i'll make it up to u soon, trust.) anyway, QOTD: wyd if you were y/n? x

credits: UNKOWN ATM. I found the cover pic on pinterest unfortch. If you know the artist, please let me know, so I can credit them properly for their work!!! This is NOT MY BEAUTIFUL DRAWINGGG. I obviously do not own csm or anything related to it. please do not reproduce, copy, or translate my works anywhere. dont fk w me im a bruja.

also: come find me on my wattpad if u wanna interact more!

taglist: @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505 , @acethebrave , @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505

wanna join the taglist? | shameless ; chapter index

[muzzlemouths]

Since you're working on a new fic/au, this might be a good time to ask: how do you start creating a new story? Do you start with an outline? Do you open a word doc and go in guns ablaze? What's the process on that I'm very curious

I sat on this ask for a couple days because I've been struggling with figuring out how to answer it, since the actual answer is that I don't have a process. Not one that sticks, anyway.

For DMD, I had a clear, concise idea in mind for how it would start, how it would end, and a few scenes that needed sorted in between. But the "outline" looks something like that one post:

Most of my fics that end in "?" for the final chapter look like this.

In terms of my oneshots and drabbles, I very rarely have any sort of outline in mind. I'll get an idea for a scene that I want to see, and I'll just start typing until it's finished. Anything over 3k words normally has me writing down some notes for direction, at least.

As for DFtR, due to the nature of that story (what with having three alternate routes) it was pretty much required that I write a full outline, otherwise I would undoubtedly lose track of some details.

My newest au, Easy As Pie (formerly Stardust Hotel) also has a full outline, though it is far more simplified than the one for DFtR, and acts more like guidelines for me to follow with only the necessary/important information established, which still leaves me with room for changes where/when necessary.

For example, here's an excerpt from that outline which has the main bullet point (What that scene is "About") and then a brief description of the room underneath that I can use as a descriptor, while writing everything else around it. That is, the dated appearance of the room is the main focus, and everything else that occurs in this scene will be written as a secondary focus.

Occasionally I'll also include brief phrases/conversation just to ensure that said lines make it into the fic, and so I don't lose track of what is meant to be happening in that moment. Those bits normally look pretty silly (at least to me). Here's one of them!

And that's my process! It's kind of a mess, but it works for me, so that's all that matters haha

[star-writes-sometimes]

nothing

c.w. - drug use (marijuana), implied fem reader, fluff, idiots in love, pining

a/n - this is just two short blurbs inspired by the song 'nothing' by bruno majors, this is the same remus and r as the look after each other verse (if you wanna check them out look here)

—

remus was wearing grey sweatpants and a faded graphic tshirt. you were wearing a star wars hoodie and fluffy pyjama shorts. 

you both had mugs full of red wine on the coffee table in front of you. your mug was an care bears mug and remus had a jurassic park one.

the end credits of scooby doo were rolling on the screen. matching pairs of worn doc martens were in a pile by the door and phones were discarded face down on the table.

remus stretched lazily, causing his shirt to ride up and you to get a lovely view of his pretty happy trail disappearing behind his low hanging sweatpants, “wanna play a game now, bunny,” he asked with a slight yawn.

“only if you’re ready to lose,” you said with a cheeky smile.

remus set up mario kart and sat next you on the couch. you sat criss cross applesauce, you socked foot and bare knee touching his leg. he handed you your controller, one half pastel pink and the other half pastel yellow. his were pastel purple and pastel green.

you loaded up the game, you were always player one. you selected your usual character and kart combo, while remus selected his usual character, dry bones.

you played the egg cup, you came first on every course. you were laser focused, leaning towards the screen, the controller clutched tightly in your grip.

you never noticed the way remus would stare at you with an affectionate smile, adoring your concentrated expression. 

whenever he played against james or sirius he effortlessly beat them everytime, rejoicing in watching them lose, he usually hated losing but he didn’t mind it so much when he got to watch you win.

it was worth it to see you smile.

—

one of remus’ favourite spots to sit was on his fire escape. he had his set up like a proper stoner with an ash trays and pillows to rest on. on those rare nights without rain you would usually find him out there, the window open as some old music pours out from inside.

and more often than not you would join him.

you'd sit shoulder to shoulder, gazing at the stars and humming along to the music, chattering aimlessly.

“do you think aliens are real?” you asked softly.

“more than likely, but i don't think we'll ever have confirmation,” remus replied.

you'd hum softly and bring the pink bong up to your lips for another hit. as you exhale the smoke your eyes flutter shut and you would lean your head back.

“i think you might be an alien,” you would say sweetly, not taking your eyes off the stars.

remus raised his eyebrows, “oh yeah? whys that bunny?”

you giggled softly, the green coursing through your veins made your thoughts slower and heavier, “because you're like, so perfect for me.”

remus chuckled, “that makes me an alien?”

“yeah because scooby doo, y'know?”

“i'm afraid you've lost me, love.”

“theres this scooby doo movie called alien invasion and shaggy and scooby meet this girl and her dog and they are just so perfect for them but then it turns out they're aliens and they can't be together.” you explained with a small pout, “sometimes i worry that the real reason you're so perfect for me is cause you're an alien about to leave me.”

remus smiled affectionately and wrapped his arm around your shoulder, gently moving you to rest on his chest, “you got nothin’ to worry about sweet girl, i promise i’m not an alien,” he kissed the crown of your head gently, “and even if i was, i wouldn't want to leave you.”

you hummed and put down the bong, intertwining your fingers with his, “you promise you'd tell me if you were an alien?”

“pinky promise, bunny,” he brought your linked hands up to kiss softly.

you stared at the stars together silently for a few beats, the only sounds being the traffic below and the bowie record playing inside.

“have i told you lately i’m grateful you're mine?” remus whispered softly.

you blushed and giggled, “shut up,” you said playfully, trying to ignore the butterflies in your stomach.

—

[mj-iza-writer]

I’ve been thinking about caretaker saying “you’re not so scary anymore huh?” To non human whumpee being captive or in a lab

The whumpee may not be able to talk but caretaker can notice by their eyes and by their body language that they’ve lost the fighting spirit. So human caretaker starts to let down their guard and finally start taking care of whumpee

Anyways i love your writing so much❤️

I know I say this a lot, but this one was a fun one. Thankyou so much forbthe ask, and I'm glad you enjoy my writing.

Lab Whump.... again. I'm sorry it's such a fun trope. You can literally do anything you want. -MJ

Caretaker sat in their office looking over notes from a recent transfer to their lab.

The monster came from a lab a few cities over. It had to be closed due to malpractice, Caretaker's lab was the only lab trusted to take on the beast.

The more Caretaker read, and the louder the banging down the hall occurred, the more Caretaker regretted taking that thing in.

The vehicle it was transferred in had to be retired because of the welts that the monster had caused.

"I don't understand why they didn't tranquilize it before the transfer. Less headache and stress for everyone", Caretaker stood to leave their office, "I guess that's why they closed for malpractice. Absolute idiots", Caretaker sighed.

Caretaker walked past the door of the room they had contained the monster in. A type of quarantine until their room was finished.

"I hope that gets done soon. This door might not hold", Caretaker ran their finger along the welts, "that is reinforced steel."

Caretaker walked into the viewing room, and had the guards pull up the video feed.

"Oh, they've stopped banging", Caretaker watched the footage, "they must have gotten tired."

The guards nodded.

"What is its name again?", a guard turned.

"Uhm, Whumpee", Caretaker frowned, "I might try to sneak it some food while it's tired."

"You're going to feed them", another guard looked at them in shock.

"Yes, can't let them starve. They're here to be taken care of", Caretaker turned, "from what the notes say, they have been subjected to many test and abuse. They're probably terrified that the same will happen here. Maybe they will become more manageable if we get them comfortable here and with us."

Caretaker quietly opened the door to the cell and tiptoed to a table to set the meal down.

They saw that the creature was asleep and, against their better judgment, carefully walked toward them.

'I've not gotten a close look at you yet', they thought to themself, 'I don't even know what I'm working with here.'

Whumpee opened their eyes and looked right at Caretaker.

"Crap", Caretaker gulped.

They both stared at each other for a few seconds before Caretaker tried to walk backward to get away.

Whumpee was quick to get up and chase Caretaker.

Guards quickly opened the door, providing an exit for Caretaker.

Caretaker didn't escape unscathed, though. Whumpee managed to claw at their back before they got out.

"What would you like to do with them?", the guard slammed the door closed and frowned as Whumpee started to claw and bang, "we can't just let them do that."

"Absolutely nothing. I startled them, and they reacted. I should have not gotten that close, I knew that while I was doing it", Caretaker sighed, "I think I need med."

"They tore through your lab coat and shirt. You have four deep cuts down your back", a guard started to follow Caretaker to medbay, "your bleeding doc."

"Trust me, I am fully aware", Caretaker sighed, "nothing happens to them, but from what I just felt. That room needs to be finished pronto, and we need to make sure it is equipped to handle them."

The guards talked as Whumpee paced throughout the room until they finally found the food. Whumpee seemed to relax once they had a few bites.

"They must have been starving", a guard frowned, "we'll record and update Caretaker once they finish in med."

Caretaker sat impatiently while their cuts were treated with stitches and staples.

"That beast may be better off being put down. This is insane", the doctor frowned.

"I have considered putting in the request, but it just doesn't seem fair to do it to them. They went through a lot of things at the last place. I would love to give them a better quality of life here", Caretaker sighed.

"Well, you need to think about yourself too... if the guards hadn't been there, you could have gotten hurt or even worse", the doctor tied the last knot, "consider this their warning to you. They are not to be messed with."

Caretaker nodded, "I'm going to get a new lab coat now."

The guards stormed the room Whumpee was in. Their guns raised, ready to fire.

Whumpee was shot several times with the tranquilizer darts.

"I told you all only three darts maximum. Are we trying to kill them?", Caretaker took their stethoscope out and listened to Whumpee.

"I don't even know what a normal read is for them", Caretaker sighed, "I hope that's normal."

Whumpee's new room was a bigger space for them to move in. It would be separated from the door by metal bars so people could get in and study them closer, but safely.

Everyone groaned as they rolled Whumpee onto a gurney.

"That's solid muscle under the fur", a guard commented as they looked at Caretaker, "you should have helped."

"Yeah, and pop a stitch... do you want the doctor to kill me", Caretaker smirked.

"I would like to weigh them before we get them situated. We really have no information on this one. I need some base levels to work with. Urine and blood would be nice, but I'm not going to push it."

"Uh, do you need a stool sample from them? I think I just stepped in one", someone grunted in disgust.

"I'll come back for it", Caretaker chuckled, "sorry about the shoe. Good luck cleaning it. Can I ask you to wear one of these so you're not dragging feces around the lab", Caretaker handed them a shoe cover.

Whumpee was left inside of their new cell. It was slow for them to come out of their unconsciousness.

"Yes, definitely way too many darts. We definitely shouldn't have used that many. Next time we start with one and add more if needed", Caretaker watched from the cameras.

Whumpee moved around the room to investigate.

"They seem comfortable", Caretaker marveled.

"Maybe they like the openess of the room a bit better. The holding room probably felt cramped. This is a little more roomie", a fellow scientist commented, "they may even realize that this is for them."

"Maybe", Caretaker agreed, "I think I'm going to go sit with them for a while. They do need to get use to our presence, but they also need to learn they are not here to be hurt."

"Just don't do anything dumb. I already know about your back", the scientist smirked.

"Yes sir", Caretaker winked.

Caretaker stopped by a vending machine to get chips and a drink. They missed lunch because of the room change.

Whumpee looked up and growled when Caretaker came in.

"It's okay, I'm not here to hurt you. Just thought you'd like some company", Caretaker was pulling in a chair, "for the sake of my back, I'll be staying on this side of the bars", Caretaker laughed.

Whumpee kept a trained eye on every movement Caretaker made.

'Who is this strange person', Whumpee leaned up against the wall, far away from the stranger. They didn't trust anyone in a lab coat. To many people hurt them while wearing one.

A bag started to rustle, causing Whumpee to back into the wall even more.

"I'm sorry, it's just a bag of food", Caretaker saw how frightened Whumpee was, "just some chips."

Caretaker held a chip up, "see, they're really crunchy", Caretaker tried to talk in a soothing voice.

Whumpee cocked their head to the side and lowered themself to the floor.

"Do you want to try some", Caretaker pulled one out and went to the edge of the bars.

They reached in and flicked the chip toward Whumpee.

Whumpee looked at it for a few seconds, contemplating what to do. They watched Caretaker turn and walk back to the chair.

In that moment, they got up, ran, and grabbed the treat, then back to their spot.

Caretaker had heard them running, and by reflex, they braced themself tonbe attacked again.

Caretaker was quite confused when they heard the chip being munched on.

They turned and saw that Whumpee was looking at them with amusement.

"Oh, you think it's funny, hmm", Caretaker smirked, "do you want more?"

Caretaker reached for the bag of chips and walked back to the bars. They then knelt down.

"You're gonna have to come get them if you do", Caretaker reached another chip through the gate, "let's build some trust between the both of us."

Whumpee looked at the chip, then at Caretaker. They slowly stepped closer and closer, taking constant stops to reassess the situation.

Finally they got close enough and stretched for the offered treat.

They never remembered the other white coat wearers offering snacks. They even finally had constant meals again.

Caretaker smiled while Whumpee munched on the chip.

Whumpee saw another one was offered, they inched even closer and grabbed it.

Caretaker started to reach for another chip when Whumpee reached out of the bars and grabbed the bag.

"Wait", Caretaker tried to grab the bag from them, but they were too late. Whumpee was already at the other side of the room looking at the bag happily.

Caretaker watched as Whumpee studied the bag for a few moments before sticking their giant clawed hand into it.

"Try to dump it into your mouth", Caretaker watched as they struggled.

Whumpee looked at them sadly.

"Like this Whumpee", Caretaker acted as though they were pouring chips into their mouth.

Whumpee still tried to pull chips out of the bag.

They huffed and grunted in frustration.

"Come here, I can help you", Caretaker sighed, "don't worry, you earned those fair and square. I can help feed you."

Whumpee looked at the bag again in defeat before cautiously crawling to Caretaker and handing them the bag.

They looked down shamefully while Caretaker straightened the bag out and started to put chips through the bars.

Whumpee carefully took each chip and munched away. They seemed to be completely relaxed for the first time since arriving.

When the bag was emptied, Caretaker gently folded it a few times before slipping it into their pocket.

Whumpee looked at the pocket longingly before giving a pitiful, doe-eyed look to Caretaker.

"Those were pretty good, hmm?", Caretaker smiled, "we can have more tomorrow. We need to probably set to work on a diet plan for you."

Whumpee looked around the room, then yawned.

"Yeah, are you sleepy?", Caretaker smiled, "you probably are. This has been stressful for you, I'm sure."

Whumpee's eyes connected with Caretaker's again.

"I wonder if you'll let me", Caretaker cautiously slid their hand through the bar and held it their.

Whumpee sniffed it a few times to see if there were any treats left.

Once satisfied that the treats were gone, Whumpee sat back down a few inches from the hand and stared at Caretaker.

"Well, I'm not currently being gnawed, so thats a plus", Caretaker started to pull their hand away but was surprised when Whumpee seemed to follow their hand.

"Did you want me to leave my hand in the...",

Whumpee suddenly nudged into the hand and rubbed their head up and down and side to side.

"Oh", Caretaker smiled in astonishment.

Whumpee rubbed more vigorously when Caretaker shaped their hand to scratch Whumpee's head.

The guards watching the video feed almost jumped from their seats with excitement.

Whumpee stopped and looked at Caretaker with relief.

"I'm sure that felt good. I don't think you have the movement capabilities to reach that spot very well", Caretaker smiled, "do you want more?", they opened their hand again and smiled as Whumpee started to get close.

Whumpee laid down against the bars and looked at Caretaker expectantly and hopeful.

"Oh, you just want all of my attention now", Caretaker started to pet and scratch on Whumpee, "you're not so scary anymore, huh?"

Whumpee sighed in relief and contentment.

After an hour, Caretaker could hear Whumpee snoring. They gave a few soft pats to Whumpee's side as they sat down and started to note what had happened.

They noted several spaces they had felt for observation, and even upon closer inspection, they noted possible growth of horns on Whumpee's head. They grew just above Whumpee's ears.

"What was that?", everyone turned to Caretaker when they walked in.

"An amazing breakthrough", Caretaker grinned, "I couldn't believe it, but they definitely looked relieved. Their are definitely some areas we need to follow up on, but I think we can build trust and get them back to health."

Caretaker went back daily with bags of chips. As they interacted with Whumpee, other scientists and doctors were able to get close looks over the beast.

It wasn't long before proper medicine could be administered.

After weeks, Whumpee seemed to be so much happier. They didn't fight anymore. They became like a lab pet almost.

They could often be found following Caretaker down the halls or sleeping on a bed in Caretaker's office while Caretaker worked.

Normally, an opened bag of chips or other treats was nearby.

Caretaker would always watch over Whumpee now, so happy they didn't change their mind or decide to put them down because of their difficult start together.

This was so much better for everyone involved.

Taglist. As always please let me know if you want to be added or taken off of the list. It's not a problem at all.

@villainsandheroes @the-beasts-have-arrived

@sacredwrath @porschethemermaid

@monarchthefirst @generic-whumperz

@bloodyandfrightened @freefallingup13

@notpeppermint @cyborg0109

@idontreallyexistyet @painfulplots

@whumpbump @everythingsscary

@skittles-the-whumpee @expressionless-fr

@theforeverdyingperson @legendarydelusiongoatee

@candleshopmenace @whumpanthems

@lavndvrr @ivymyers

@starfields08000 @a-living-canvas

@lumpofsand @watermeezer

@indigoviolet311 @whumpy-mountains

@3-2-whump @risk606

@electrons2006 @paperprinxe

@whumprince @kaz-of-crows

@mis-graves @decaffeinatedtimetraveler94

@sausages-things @sunglasses-in-the-bentley

@isikedmyself878 @daffyduckcommittedtaxfraud

@valravnthefrenchie

[sofasoap]

A quiet moment  – John Price 

Pairing :  John Price x f!reader.

Summary: Marriage, Baby and life. Fluff and domestic feels. 

This is part of the “Mini” MacTavish universe, but the reader isn’t “ Mini”. Continuation of Little secret and Learning to let go.

“masterlist” for prequel to this Mini MacTavish expanded verse.

Price knocked on the door gently, but there was no response.  Slowly he opens the door to the infirmary, finding you sleeping , curling up in the chair, head in a bizarre angle , in front of the desk. Piles of unfinished paperworks scattered on the side, laptop screen showing you were halfway through typing your report before you dozed off to sleep. The coffee he brought you this morning, untouched. Price is worried about you. You seem to be a bit off lately. Getting tired more easily, not sleeping well at all. Your appetite also changed. You were a big eater before, sometimes you can eat more than him. Now you tend to nibble on crackers and trail mixes, skipping main meals. 

He notices you tend to overwork yourself, no matter how much he nag you not to overexert. Your sense of duty and focus always overcomes your common sense of looking after yourself. 

You startled awake when Price touches your shoulder. “John?”

“ Love, you're gonna strain your neck if you sleep like that. .. and you are drooling.”

Wiping your mouth, embarrassed, “ I am not… and what are you doing here?” “ Wondering why my wife isn’t in bed with me.”

The two of you got married a few months ago after a long courtship. Both of you are pretty low key type of people, and none of you wanted a lavish wedding.: I have cut ties with my family,  you said to him once, and he doesn’t have any close family around anymore. So at the end, with your friends Doc and Ghost by the side as witnesses, Price and you got married in the registry office. The only other people who knew about the marriage was the HR team. 

“You are overworking yourself too much lately, are you sure you are Ok?”

“.... Never been better.” he can sense you are lying, hiding something from him. But he doesn’t press on. Until one day after he came back from a mission he couldn’t find you. Not in your shareroom, not in the infirmary, or anywhere on site. “Captain.”  Doc called out to him as they spotted Price storming down the corridor.  He takes a deep breath before turning around, trying not to show the panic that is slowly building up in his stomach. 

Doc looked left and right, making sure there were no other people in close proximity before they whispered, “She’s in hospital. Got sent there two days ago.”  Price threw a few words of gratitude over his shoulder as he turned around and rushed towards the address Doc provided.

“Oh hey darling, you are back.” You greet him lightly as you look up from your tablet, sitting in the hospital bed. 

How can you be so calm still while on a drip and looking so pale? Just as he was ready to launch another lecture, you seemed to be able to read his mind and interjected before he opened his mouth.

“ Before you tell me off…” you reach over to the side table, grabbing a little print out and handing it over to him. It’s a picture of an ultrasound.

“... John?” No reply. He pulled a chair in and sat down. Stunned. “Are you going to say something?” Voice wavered as your face crumbled a bit. He’s going to be a father. Something that he never thought of. Hell, he never expected to be married or even to be in a relationship with anyone years ago. And here he is,having the first glance of his future child. A soft smile grew on his face. He reached out and grabbed your hand. “Did you know?”

“... I had an inkling for a while.”

“ Why didn’t you tell me?”

“... I wanted to be sure first.” You look down at your finger, fidgeting away.” Plus, things have been so busy at work I… “ He sighed. “ You need to take better care of yourself. Not just for yourself,” He leans over and places his hand on your abdomen,” For the bub, and for me too. Please.” You nodded your head. After getting discharged from the hospital, you found out that you will no longer be staying on site at the base. John has signed a lease for a house nearby, more suitable for a growing family. What surprised you even more was, everything was moved and new furniture was already in place, even the nursery. Full of toys. “.... I might have gone a bit overboard.” Price admitted sheepishly. 

“We don’t even know if it's a boy or girl yet.” You chuckled. “ Hence why I bought both….” you rolled your eyes as he commented.” Plus it doesn’t matter. They can play with whatever they want.” He pulled you in from behind and rested his hand on your slightly growing stomach. “ Thought of the name for the bub yet?” You lean your head back into his neck. “ I was thinking of Grace for a girl… or Kyle if it’s a boy.” he kisses your head. “ I like that.” “ Well, little one, mummy and daddy can’t wait to meet you in a few months' time.”

“Sergeant Kyle Garrick reporting for duty, everyone calls me Gaz….. Something wrong Captain?”“No.. Nothing is wrong. You got a great name.”

“?????”

[s1ater]

cards.

pairings. will hunting x fem!reader

about. will has a conversation with a woman that's very close in age with him and yet very different.

warnings. swearing

ricky rocks. this movie was the first to ever make me cry. i also hate dumbass people (especially old ones) that come into my work asking me questions that have nothing to do with me. i need a raise atp.

“you’re a therapist?” you watch his face screw up and narrow as if in deep confusion, pointing before it slowly all slips away and is replaced by amusement. he laughs. he laughs in your face proudly, but the laugh doesn't seem genuine, but rather… mocking. “no fuckin’ way, you’re all pulling my leg now.”

your lips are pressed into a thin line as you watch him. you feel a distinct pull in your chest of slight humiliation, but as well sadness; for him.

“how old are you, kid?”

“i’m 22, will. how old are you?”

“22 and you’re doing this,” he shakes his head and you can’t tell if he’s impressed or still mocking you. “how’d you end up here?”

you sigh, leaning back in the chair you sat in, knowing you’d get no where from here, “i played my cards right.”

“yeah, no kidding.”

“you want to tell me how you ended up here?”

he smiled. he smiled like it was funny that he sat in the orange jumpsuit he was in and it was funny that he was screwing himself over, “i didn’t play my cards right.”

“no kidding,” you mumbled, looking at him with the most unimpressed look he had ever received from a stranger. “why?”

“what do you mean, ‘why’?”

“why’re you doing this to yourself?” you mean it. “do you not think you deserve this, that you could do better, be better?”

he doesn’t like that question.

“that’s awefully personal of you, doc. don’t you think you should take me out to dinner first?” he laughs again, but it’s not strong, it’s more nervous than anything.

“will,” you cut off the amusement in his tone, giving him a pointed look. “i’m not here to interrogate you, you know that right?”

“then what are you here for?”

“to talk.”

“about what?”

“whatever you want.”

he scoffs, “if it was whatever i wanted, we wouldn’t be talking at all.”

"what then?"

and then he smirks. his eyes rack you up and down from what he can see sitting across from you, but he keeps his mouth shut. he doesn't have to say anything for you to be able to tell what he's thinking anyways.

you look like a mother with the way annoyance just soaks you like a second skin. he almost regrets even implying such a thing with the way silence simmers uncomfortably between the two of you.

he coughs, "you like what you do?"

you inhale sharply, still staring at him carefully, thinking on how you want to reply to him. you could take one of two different routes; answering honestly, and continuing a conversation as if he was someone you had just met under normal circumstances or turning the question around on him and ultimately getting no where.

"yes, actually, I do."

"why?" he's quick.

"I like helping people."

"I knew you'd say that," he almost grumbles, like what you just said proved something to him. "everyone to ever exist with your exact career always says the same damn thing and you know what? I don't believe it."

you're taken aback, mouth slightly open, "why?"

"because people don't just like helping people out of the goodness of their heart."

"well, maybe people like you don’t."

his head tilts slightly back, you watch a slight curve form on his mouth at your retort, "what's the difference between you and me, huh? what's the little riff that separates us and makes you better than me?"

“i don’t think i’m better than you.”

“but still..? what is it?”

you stare at him, blankly, before you shrug, "well to start off you're a man and-"

"awh, cmon doc," a fake groan resonates from the back of his throat as he cuts you off, obviously fucking with you. "not this sexist shit."

"tell me I'm wrong."

he stays silent, but it's only because he wants to hear you talk.

"it's proven on multiple occasions that women are more empathic than men. it's even proven through animals that there's a seemingly large difference in empathy between genders."

"animals?" he raises a brow, "we're basing our research on animals now?"

"I mean we always have," you can't help but roll your eyes, even as he is still fucking with you, "hormones. if you want a simple basis; hormones. women's hormones are higher, so their empathy levels are higher."

"I see," will nods, but you can see there's still a pressing matter of mischief in his eyes. "you're a woman, so that's why you want to help people and I don't."

"that's not the only reason."

"what're the others then?"

"why don't you tell me?"

he narrows his look on you upon the request. you had trapped him into another question and he felt an actual drive to answer this time.

“you know this really has nothing to do with gender… but the nature we were raised in.”

oh, will hates that.

“what?” he looks relentless, like he’s given up almost, “you want me to tell you that i’ve been abandoned all my life and think our society doesn’t deserve any help? that they’re all pieces of shit and don’t deserve anything more than what they give? that your entire life has been easy, so you don't understand just exactly how fucked up people are.”

he hates how the way you look at him. the way you look content, like you had gotten exactly what you wanted, but there's sympathy; your eyes are soft, and your lips are pressed together in a half frown. that's the only thing that keeps him from not being completely on edge, the soft look of your sympathy.

"is that what you wanted to hear?"

"not necessarily," you fold your hands up on the table. "hearing anything from you would've been fine."

he scoffs, "you goddamn therapists."

"i don't think we're much different at all, actually," you glance at your hands, still folded nicely on the table between you. there's a silence then that you allow to fold up in between the two of you as you think. "life has never been easy, will. i don't think it is for anyone. everyone has their struggles, some of us just face a more... difficult horizon. in the end it only matters with how we deal with it."

he stares at you blankly as you continue to speak.

"you can wake up every day still harvesting that hate for society for whatever it has done to you, and you'll never change, because you hold that hate in your chest, because you don't let people hear you," your eyes go progressively softer, and your head slightly tilts, driving him even more insane. "i was mad for a long time at what my life was, but i became comfortable with it. you can't change what has already been done, but you can make of it what you can."

it's silent.

will thinks about your words more than he intends. having those words spoken to him by someone so similar in age to him made him feel strange, like he was a failure. you seemed to have everything in your life so figured out, as if you were so content with anything that came your way. he doesn't understand how you don't hold hate, how you just let it go as you claim.

"you happy, doc?"

you smile then, "as happy as i allow myself to be."

"you're strange," he chuckled, "you must've never been really fucked over by the world if you just let things roll off you're back."

"what would it matter?" you try to reason. "a person's dog could die and that person could take that harder than if your father were to die. your level of 'fucked' is different to everyone, but it shouldn't matter. you shouldn't feel the need to invalidate someone's feelings, just because yours were continuously. and you shouldn't feel the need to rely on the world to validate your 'fucked up things'."

he feels like he's suffocating from the large amount of empathy you shoved into his ears and down his throat. he had always heard the classic 'you deserve better' speech, but never like this. the way you laid it all out for him put it all to a different level of understanding for him, creating a feeling for guilt that was creeping around his heart for even saying anything remotely ignorant about people's struggles; for thinking he had it worse, that he felt pain more than anyone else.

will feels foolish staring at you. he feels foolish that it took this simple interaction of man sitting across from woman being what it took to make him truly understand he was in control, even his own happiness.

"we really did play our cards differently."

you smile softly, "good thing it's never too late to draw a new one from the deck."

[mistressoftheelderitchwhorehouse]

Pulling Me Out and Connect Me

A/N: Just some Chuuya lab PTSD thoughts.

TW: Blood, mild gore, child abuse

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Pairing: Chuuya x Reader

Reader Type: Gender neutral, black coded

_____________________________

Small fingers twitched against warm glass as more chemicals were pumped into his tank. He could feel the tubes in his spine and wrist suck them into his veins, and then distribute them to his brain, heart, and stomach.

He wanted to scream, but his vocal cords constricted against the tubes shoved down his throat. He began to thrash, but the needles in his spine dug deeper and deeper into the bones and nerves until the liquid around him was dyed red.

"Doctor his vitals are dropping!"

"Give him-"

"Wait the energy levels are rising. We have to enact Code 535!"

His skin jumped as warm fingers brushed his face. They passed along his forehead, down his temple, and along the curve of his jaw.

"N there's nothing more we can do."

"That's fine. Dump the tank. We can produce another eventually."

He slammed his hands against the glass, but all of the shadowy figures on the other side ignored him.

He slammed his hand again, only for warm, small fingers to lace with his.

"Chuuya. Chuuya? Baby. C'mon you're the one who wanted to be up early."

He opened his eyes, and the slurry of blue, black, and red liquid was gone. Instead he was staring at your face, your curtain of dark curls hiding you both from the outside world.

Your frown broke into a grin. "There we go. Now we're cooking with oil."

"Time is it?"

"4 AM."

He groaned and shut his eyes. "Fuck, why'd I suggest this again?"

"Hmmm." You kissed his jaw, along his cheek, and finally a chaste kiss to his lips. "Cause you're sweet and lovely."

He opened his eyes again when he felt you sit up and your weight shift. You were still astride his hips, but you were looking out the window and at the glowing city. The sun hadn't risen yet, and through the smog and lights he could see a few stars doing their best to burn against the blue and black sky.

He shuddered, and this drew your attention back down to him. You brushed sweat slick strands back behind his ear.

"Baby."

"Doll."

Your smile softened at the nick name. " You okay? You're a million miles away."

"I'm fine. Early as shit." He grabbed your hips, his voice going lower as he slipped his fingers under your shirt to kneed at the soft flesh of your sides. "C'mon. Said I'd take ya out today, yeah? Can do this again later. I promise."

"I suppose I can leave the most comfortable seat in exsistence." He loosened his grip as you got up. "Want me to make coffee before we head out?"

"That'd be fantastic."

You grabbed your robe and slipped it over you shoulders, before going back to the bed, and pressed another chaste kiss to his lips. Without another word you were gone, the soft padding of your footsteps the only hint you were still in the apartment.

Chuuya shut his eyes and and rubbed at his wrist. The past was the past, and there was nothing that he could do to change it. The choices he made, the people he gained and lost, all of it was the rocky and blood slick road that had made the Chuuya Nakahara of today.

He sat up and swung his legs over the bed, before going over to a small table under a window. He plucked up a photograph that had six figures staring at the camera. They all wore the type of straight faces that threatened to burst into laughter if so much as the breeze blew wrong. A smile ghosted upon his own lips as he traced the wood frame with his thumb. He couldn't remember when the picture had even been taken anymore. He supposed that's what happens when a decade goes by.

"Coffee's ready!"

"Kay! Gimme a sec!"

He set the picture down and grabbed his cigarettes out of the drawer, before leaving the room entirely. The photo of a 15 year old Chuuya, Piano Man, Lippmann, Doc, Iceman, and Albatross seeming to wish him the best as he left.

[enchantedchocolatebars]

Sharing & Caring (Cookies 💕 🍪) [Based on this official story image.]

(I haven't read the full book, but based on this image, I'm assuming there's only one page for this part.)

"Oh my, you all have a surprise for me?" A sweet and innocent smile graced Snow White's blood red lips as her eyes were closed and her seven small friends led her inside their cottage.

"That's right!" Doc would confirm with a smile of his own.

"A wonderful surprise!" Happy added.

"Something sweet," Sleepy would say as the drowsy dwarf emitted a small yaw.

"For our sweet," Bashful chuckled, blushing a bit.

While Dopey would nod in agreement about the surprise, Grumpy would grumble and roll his eyes, his annoyance clear on his features.

Sneezy, of course, would just sneeze. "We hope you like it!" He sneezed again, which made Snow White giggle.

"Oh, I'm certain I will."

...

"Okay, princess, you can open your eyes now."

Once Doc gave Snow White the okay to open her eyes, she did so and immediately let out a gasp.

"Oh, my!" Elation shined in Snow White's brown eyes at her surprise.

Two platters piled with freshly baked golden cookies were sitting on the wooden kitchen table.

Her favorites too.

"What a sweet surprise!" Snow White placed a hand on her heart. "I'm so utterly touched by your kindness. Thank you everyone!"

After thanking them, Snow White and the seven dwarfs sat down at the table.

"Oh, you're very welcome, princess," Doc told her, taking a cookie from the platter.

"We've been watching you bake!" Happy would reveal as he happily helped himself to two cookies.

"And taking..." Sleepy yawned with a single cookie in his hand. "...notes." He fell asleep, which made the others, except for Grumpy, laugh.

"Apparently, we're not too bad at it," Sneezy would say, holding a finger to his nose while holding a cookie in his other hand.

He was attempting to steer clear from sneezing at the table as it would not be polite.

"I liked baking!" Bashful would giggle while munching on his cookie. "It was fun!"

"I bet old Grumpy did too since making these cookies were his idea!" Doc would divulge with a chuckle, causing his grouchy brother to shoot him a glare.

Snow White turned her kind smile towards Grumpy. "Grumpy, is this true?"

Grumpy would grumble and nod while looking away from Snow White, taking a cookie and reaching for another one.

Snow White would give a short giggle at his surly behavior before looking to Dopey who was sitting near her.

"Dopey, may I please have a cookie?" She asked him, to which Dopey, holding the cookie that he bit into, nodded with a smile while reaching for a cookie to give to his friend from the pile.

Being the polite princess she was, Snow White would always say please whenever she wanted a treat. 💕 🍪

[bluekat12345]

He's my son, not yours! Part 5

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Here is the final chapter of this fanfic! Another thanks to @gelu-the-babosa-multiversal for inspiring me to write this! And I hope you all enjoy!

"Dad!" Cody called out. "Dad, wait!"

"Let's give Dad a minute to calm down." Dani suggested.

Cody frowned at Dani. "But I need to talk to him."

"You will." Graham assured. "But just give him a minute. He might not be in the mood to talk."

Kade frowned. "And let Dad get worse? No, I say we go to him now."

As the Burns siblings talked amongst themselves, Tony and Steve glanced at each other.

"Did it really look like I was trying to take Cody from him?" Steve asked.

"No, of course not, Cap." Tony assured. "This is my fault, I kept teasing him about you being the kid's dad. I shouldn't have said the things I said."

Steve frowned. "Still, I probably should've done something about this sooner, especially since people have been calling Cody my kid."

"C'mon Cap, you could've have known this could've happened." Tony insisted. "I mean, sure, you spend a lot of time with the kid, but I've been spending a lot of time with Doc Greene's daughter."

Steve sighed. "Somehow, I don't think its the same thing." Then he starts to walk out of the base.

"Where are you going?" Tony asked.

"I'm going to talk to Chief Burns." Steve explained. "I need to make this right."

"What is wrong with me?" Charlie asked himself, as he tried to calm himself by taking deep breaths, but only produced weak gasps and hiccups as he fought the urge to cry.

After rushing outside, he quickly went to Chase, who wasted no time getting into vehicle mode, and allowed to Charlie to sit in his driver's seat. He wanted to ask what was wrong, what had happened to leave Chief Burns in such a state, but he wasn't sure what to say without fearing a negative reaction, so he simply remained quiet, allowing Chief Burns to calm himself before he said anything.

But then there was a knock at Chase's window. Looking at the passenger side, Charlie saw Captain Rogers, standing there. He quickly wiped his eyes away of any tear that managed to form and sat up straight in the seat.

"Captain Rogers." Charlie said as calmly as he could.

"May I speak with you?" Steve hesitantly asked.

"I am afraid I will have to refuse." Chase declared, startling the veteran. Charlie would've chuckled if he wasn't feeling so lousy.

"You can let him in." Charlie told Chase.

"But Sir." Chase attempted to protest, but Chief Burns shook his head.

"It's fine, Chase." Charlie assured. "I just want to get this over with."

After a moment of hesitation, Chase opens his passenger door. With just as much hesitation, Captain Rogers entered and awkwardly sat on the seat.

It started off in uncomfortable silence, both men wanting to say something, if to just end the discomfort, but not knowing what to say.

"I'm sorry." Steve finally said. "I wasn't trying to claim that I could be a better father, or that I was trying to steal Cody at all."

Charlie sighed. "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said all that. I know you weren't trying to."

"Still, I should've said something sooner." Steve declared. "With people calling Cody my kid, I should've stopped them when it started."

Charlie scoffed. "I doubt Cody would want that."

Steve frowned. "That's not true. Cody may like me, but that doesn't mean he actually wants me as his father."

"Why wouldn't he?" Charlie exclaimed. "Anyone would want a hero for a father. And you, you're a war hero and a superhero."

"You know Cody isn't shallow like that." Steve declared. "And you're Chief of police here, you're a hero too, and you've accomplished a lot in your career, things that surpass even my own. If Cody really wants a hero for a father, he already has one with you."

"It's not just that." Charlie said in a defeated tone. "You're right, I am chief of police, and there aren't even that many police here, and even if the numbers weren't low, being police is a huge responsibility that takes up a lot of my time, and the time that could've gone to Cody, I've had to spend doing my job."

"You have a responsibility, Cody understands that." Steve assured. "We all do."

"Yet, you've been able to give him more attention since you've been here since I have his entire life." Charlie insisted.

Steve shook his head. "That's not true. Don't you think-"

"You even look more like you could be his dad than me." Charlie interrupted. "You both have so much in common, you two look more alike than me and Cody do. When people look at you two, of course they're going to think you're Cody's father." Then he sunk deeper into his seat. "Most I can get is getting called his grandfather."

There was a moment of silence between them. After a moment, Steve finally spoke. "Chief Burns, I won't pretend I know everything about you, Cody, and the rest of your family, but what I do know is that you are being the best father you can be. And your best is better than you think."

Charlie scoffed. "How do you know?"

"Because Cody told me." Captain Rogers answered. "Whenever he and I are together, one of the first things he'd tell me is about you. About how much he looks up to you, about how well you do your job, and how much he wants to make you proud."

Chief Burns' eyes grew wide. "He actually says things like that?"

"And more." Steve declared. "I care for the boy, but in the end, he is your son, not mine, and Cody wouldn't want it any other way. You are that boy's hero, his number one hero. He says so himself, and how he wants to be a hero like you, not me, you, when he grows up."

Chief Burns gave a small smile. "Cody truly is an amazing child."

"And who do think you raised him to be like that?" Steve asked. "You claim you barely did anything, but you raised Cody to be the young man he is today. To be able to do, only a loving, attentive, and supportive father who does his best to care for his child can achieve something like that. And you are clearly that kind of father."

Tears began to fall from Charlie's eyes again, but this time, they were happy tears. He let out a weak chuckle as he wiped his tears, feeling a bit stupid for crying like this when that was the most uplifting thing he heard in a while.

"Thank you, Captain Rogers." Charlie said. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that."

Steve smiles at Charlie. "Just doing what I can, Sir."

Once Chief Burns felt his was calmer, he said. "I need to get talk to my kids."

"I think now is your chance." Steve replied, pointing at the driver's window.

Looking out the window, Charlie saw all his kids standing outside. Not wanting to delay, Charlie got out and stood in front of his kids. Before he could speak, Cody rushed to him and gave him a huge hug. Then Dani, Graham, and even Kade joined in, hugging their father, pouring all the love they could into the embrace.

Charlie felt himself cry more happy tears. Not trusting his voice not to crack or break, he hugged his children back in silence, grateful to have them with him at that moment.

The Burns family was quiet when they finally returned home. Charlie wasn't as depressed as he was earlier, but he still carried a sense melancholy around him, but that was more out of personal shame for behaving the way he did than out of fear.

"I got pizza." Dani announced as she entered the kitchen. After today, the kids figured their father wouldn't be in a state to cook, so they decided to grab some pizza for them to eat.

"Dad, sit down at the table, we'll get the plates." Graham insisted.

Charlie did as he was told and watched as his kids prepared everything. Then Cody placed a plate with a slice in front of him. Once the kids got their food, Charlie began to eat.

But as he lifted the pizza off the plate, he finally got a good look at the plate. It was blue, and in the center was a drawing of a police badge. Upon further inspection, he realized that it was his police badge.

Looking up at Cody, his youngest son gave him a small smile as he ate his food.

"I hope you like it, Dad." Cody said.

Charlie gave Cody a smile. A genuine, wide, and happy smile. "I love it."

He truly was lucky to have a son like Cody.

I hope you all enjoyed this. Sorry again for taking so long when writing these chapters, but I'm glad I was finally able to finish the story and thank you all for reading!

[winterwakesthewolf]

Wolves They Both Must Be

Jon Snow x Sansa Stark

Summary: “Did you bend the knee to save the North, or because you love her?”

Jon snaps his head up at Sansa’s question. Her eyes are brimming and hot and he can suddenly see this is not the argument he thought they were having. This is something else. Something deeper and much more intimate.

OR

The missing scene we deserved in 8x01

Author's Note: I first published this one shot on AO3 in 2019 and then a few years later I wrote a sequel that just sat in my google docs collecting digital dust. I may turn it into a series if there's enough interest so please let me know by liking, commenting, and reblogging if you want more.

Disclaimer: 18+, smut, (I'm serious, if you're not over 18 then scram), cousin incest, presumed half-sibling incest.

Word Count: 1.7K

part one - part two

“Did you bend the knee to save the North, or because you love her?”

Jon snaps his head up at Sansa’s question. Her eyes are brimming and hot and he can suddenly see this is not the argument he thought they were having. This is something else. Something deeper and much more intimate. 

She tries to conceal the dread in her eyes, but he knows her. This attempt to hide her heart from him makes her pain all the more transparent. He sees in her eyes that she is breaking and the sight of it breaks him too.

It cracks him wide open. 

Every memory and every touch, every heated quarrel like the one they are having now, every smile and tear, and every racing heart. Every night he took himself in hand when the temptation was too intense to ignore. Every shameful, possessive, and obsessive thought he tried to bury deep has been unearthed by this moment, by this unspoken admission of hers. By the unshed tears in her pale blue eyes, and the foreboding he finds in them.

He fears he is mistaken to think that she might love him the way he has tried not to love her. But they have so little time before the dead march down their doorstep, and he has grown beyond weary of this lie. 

So he treads carefully and takes a measured step forward. 

“Sansa, I don’t love her.”

A heavy, shuddering breath escapes from her lips. The undeniable relief is evident in the softening of her shoulders and the smoothing of the crease between her brows. In the way the corner of her mouth lifts slightly. 

It gives him a surge of hope and he realizes this may be his last chance. As hard as he will fight he knows they may very well die in this battle. He wants not for either of them to perish without Sansa knowing how desperately and deeply she is loved.

“There is only one woman who possesses my heart, Sansa,” Jon confesses, her name rolling softly off of his tongue before his voice takes on a guttural tone, “and it is not her. It has never been, and never will be her.”

Sansa’s eyes narrow and she draws in a slow breath, her chest gently heaving in what looks like defense, and he hopes more than any hope that his instinct has not deceived him.

“To whom does your heart belong?” She asks him, trepidatiously. 

“You know,” Jon whispers, so quietly he thinks she may not have heard him. 

But then she reaches out her trembling hand to him and he clasps it in both of his. Gazing down at the soft skin cradled between his calloused palms, a teardrop lands upon her knuckle and he brings it to his lips to kiss the cool saltiness away. 

She sweeps her fingers over his forehead, pausing to gently rub her thumb across the scar above his eyebrow. His eyes slowly slide shut at the sensation of her attentive touch. And when she cups his bearded jaw he leans into it, releasing a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding since first he laid eyes on this red-haired specter at Castle Black.

Sansa steps gingerly into his space, careful and cautious as if he were an untamed animal. And maybe he is. What came back from death must have been half-beast at least. There is no other way to explain the twisted affections he has held for his father’s daughter all of these many moons. 

But she is leaning into him as well. She is pressing her forehead to his, setting his heart to race, pounding wildly back to life again (and again and again). If this love makes him a beast, then wolves they both must be because she is whispering his name like a honey-sweet song. And hers are the fingers twining through the curls at his neck as she softly bumps her nose against his. 

Her breath, hot upon his mouth, beckons him to open his eyes and when he does he finds the fear in her own has been replaced by a wild hunger he never imagined she would possess for him. A sudden ferocity claims him and he tempers a growl. His fists find her hips and he pulls at her skirts, tugging her body closer to his.

He breathes her name. It’s almost a groan and definitely a question. Pulling his forehead from hers, he finds the answer in her eyes, now a deeper blue than he has ever seen them. They shift swiftly from his lips to his eyes and back again. She inclines her head forward ever so slightly and it is enough to give him the courage to lift his hands to her face and take her lips softly, gently into his.

The kiss is tentative and soft at first like drifting snowflakes brushing his skin. She opens her mouth to him and he relishes the taste of her lips, committing the sweetness of her perfect mouth to memory as he sweeps his tongue across hers. 

Their hands roam, slow and careful at first. Releasing her face from his gentle grasp, he runs his fingers through her hair and slides his rough palms to cradle her neck and grasp the small of her back. He clutches her tightly to him, so close he knows not where he ends and she begins. The realization of it overwhelms him and he whimpers in relief. She hums in response.

Her delicate fingers pull at the leather strap in his hair and she grabs fistfuls, tugging gently at the freshly unbound curls.

A pulsating heat spreads from the core of Jon’s belly, intensifying at the sounds of Sansa’s soft, melodic moaning. The vibration of her song emanates into the lips that she begins to bite. He snarls at the delicious throbbing her teeth creates. It is everything Jon can do to keep from curling himself into her. From grabbing the back of her thighs and wrapping them around his waist to carry her into her bedchamber. From laying her down beneath him so that he may kiss the soft skin of her thighs and the wetness between them until she is breathless and howling his name.

But he refuses to test her limits, allowing her to take control and show him what she wants.

And as if sensing his intentions, she pushes herself into him until the back of his thighs bump against her desk. She grabs him by the waist and steers him to her chair. As she breaks away from their kiss she drags her hands up his chest and to his shoulders, pressing him down slowly onto the seat, all the while never taking her dark and heady eyes away from his. He gazes up at her perfect lips, swollen and reddened by his own. She is breathless and radiant and panting as heavily as he is. 

And as he whispers her name, she pulls her skirts up to her knees and climbs onto his lap. He is hard beneath her and if she hadn’t noticed before she surely knows it now, and yet it doesn’t deter her from relaxing into him. She cradles his face in her hands and proceeds to kiss him deep and slow. It makes him bold enough to take hold of her hips and rub circles into the sharp bones there with his thumbs. She moves her mouth to his neck and tastes his racing pulse with her hot tongue, licking and nipping a trail up to his ear where she breathes his name on a quivering sigh.

He knows it’s wrong but the thrill that sends wave after wave of chills, and the deep-seated coiling in his gut at her ministrations, make him forget his honor. Or hers. And when she begins to arch and grind herself into his lap he can’t help but dig his fingers into the flesh of her thighs, pushing himself up to meet her movements and claim her mouth once again. 

He has wanted this for too long, longer than he can even admit to himself. The feel of her softness, of her heat so close to his, sends his desire climbing so high and so fast he nearly spills right then like a green boy. 

“Sansa,” he groans, reluctantly pulling away from the sweetness of her lips. 

“Hmmm?” 

He meant to put a stop to this most depraved entanglement, to tell her that he will not dishonor her. But as he gazes into her hooded eyes, so full of hope and desire, and remembers that soon they might both be dead, he can’t think of any reason to end a moment so deliciously akin to his shameful fantasies. And maybe the fact that he knows this is not just a reverie makes him daring enough to speak his most hidden secret into existence.

“Sansa, my heart is yours. Only ever yours.” The confession staunches the relentlessly bleeding ache in his chest and he is desperate for the relief of it. 

“It has been yours since the moment I clapped eyes on you at Castle Black. It was then I knew why I was brought back from the nothingness of death. It is why I pushed myself out of that pit of men on the battlefield that day you came to save me. Why I swam to the surface of the freezing wight-infested water. It was for you. To protect you as I promised I always would. Everything I have done since then, all of it, has been to return home... to you.”

Sansa releases a tremulous breath and gently sweeps her thumbs across his cheeks. She kisses away the lingering dampness that the tears he hadn’t even realized he shed left upon his skin. With her hands on his chest, she pushes herself up and climbs away from his body. It aches from her sudden absence. And then she takes his hand in hers, pulls him up from the chair, and leads him quietly to her bedchamber.

Jon knows he should stop her. When she closes the door behind her. When her dress falls to her feet. When she undresses him and lays him down upon the furs atop her bed. But when he kisses her scars, and she kisses his, he forgets to care about all the reasons why they should stop. 

And when he buries himself inside of her and draws her pleasure out, bringing silent tears from her shining eyes, he refuses to regret any love they make between them, forbidden or not. 

And if they soon should die, at least for now they truly live.

~

Taglist: @thaisthedreamer @bluedaffodil21 @ilargizuri

[iguana-eyanna]

Please write more Lewis capaldi fanfictions please

If I could marry the scottish beyonce myself, I would. Here's something I thought on the spot!

Summary: Lewis is trying to figure out why you are giving him the silent treatment

Lewis groggily woke up, as a sliver of light was stinging his eyes. He looks over to his left, seeing his wife sound asleep, wearing a baggy marvel t-shirt and booty shorts. Under the covers, she was covering her 22-week bump.

You and Lew were ecstatic, as you two were in a great place to financially start a family. It has been pretty breezy even during your pregnancy as you had minimal nausea but had some particular cravings.

Lewis thought the worst was behind you two

"Morning love." Lew says, wanting to snuggle closer to you, and kisses your shoulder.

You flutter your eyes and kinda shake him off as you got up to use the bathroom.

Lewis is left on the bed, forming a thin smile as he lands back in his pillow.

"Another day, woo hoo!" He says sarcastically to himself.

For the past few days, you sorta stopped talking to Lewis. He thought that it was joke, but when the third day past, he knew something was wrong. He tried asking you what happened, but you didn't budge.

Hopefully, today would be different as you had your appointment today, and it could help you into a brighter mood.

You two went along your day without speaking to another. Lewis tried making you chuckle or at least smile, even making a stupid tiktok that always made you laugh till you peed.

You couldn't even crack.

Finally, Lewis drove with you to your appointment, helping you down the car and walk inside the clinic.

You two sat in uncomfortable silence as you lay down on the examination table wearing a gown when the nurse came and gave you instructions. Lewis bounces his leg up and down.

"Please love, it's killing me that we haven't spoken in days. Tell me what's wrong." He says desperately.

You take a deep breath as you shook your head.

"You still don't know what you did." You mutter under your breath.

Lew can't feel but helpless.

"I am the most clueless man in the world! Like have I snored too much recently? Or does my breath smell and you can't stand it? I just-"

The door swung opened and you see your doctor come in.

"Hey, you two! Ready to see your baby?" she says in a cheery tone.

You and Lew could only nod your heads as she started prepping.

"Your vitals are good, blood pressure not too high, blood work looks really good... now we can skip to the best part!" she said, putting on her gloves as she grabs the gel.

She squirts it on the bottom of your belly and starts moving the wand looking at the screen.

"I think they're not shy today... would you like to know the gender?" She asks, looking up.

Lew looks down at you, eyes pleading. He's been dying to know the gender since you've started showing, but he knew it was your decision to know first.

"Yeah, we'd like to know." You said softly.

She looks back at the screen.

"Looks like you're expecting a little girl!"

You began to smile as your heart pounded faster. Lewis holds your hand as you share the same excitement. You squeeze his hand, as the anger you've been holding has almost washed away.

The doctor lets you change in the bathroom, so Lewis takes this opportunity to talk to your doctor.

"I know when you said she'll be changing with her emotions, but I feel like she hates my guts." Lewis said.

The doctor chuckles as she writes something on her clipboard.

"When I was pregnant, I was like that with my husband when he didn't kiss me goodbye when I was off to work. Be patient, she'll be able to turn around."

"Thanks doc,"

"Of course. I know how supportive you are of your wife. I mean, what's the worst thing you could have done: eat all her ice cream?" Your doctor asks jokingly.

Lewis laughs along until he thought back to a week ago, and his face fell.

"Fuck"

The car ride was the same when you left home. You stared into the window, looking at the buildings and scarce trees. Suddenly, Lewis takes a different route and heads to your local market. He unclips his seatbelt and mask, heading out of his side.

"I'll be back. Shouldn't take me long." He said, almost jogging to the sliding doors.

Soon, you saw Lewis coming out with two bags filled to the top. He opens the back and places them on the floor. He returns back to the driver's side, looking at the receipt.

"I got chocolate, rocky road, vanilla in case you don't want something too rich, mango sorbet-"

"Wait, what's all this?" You ask Lewis.

"I bought every flavor in there, I'm so stupid that I didn't realize what I've done. I'm sorry for eating your ice cream last week."

One thing that has been dominant in your pregnancy is that you were always craving ice cream.

Lewis remembers when you two came from a date. He was staring at the freezer to look for a dessert and ate your last ice cream carton. And it wasn't just any ice cream, but strawberry ice cream. (Which was what you've been snacking on most of the time.)

When you went to the freezer and realized that he finished it, you started to get very emotional and focused your frustration on Lew.

He scrambles back and brought out a little bowl of self-served strawberry ic cream, and gave it to you as a peace offering.

"Forgive me?" he asks.

You started to tear up and nod your head.

"I-I'm sorry, I've been acting so silly over something that could have been avoided." You said, sniffling.

"Hey no... I'm the idiot here. I should have asked if you needed more. You're growing our little girl in there, so you deserve all the ice cream in the world." Lewis says, placing a hand on your belly.

Suddenly, you felt a flutter underneath his palm, and his eyes grew 3x wider.

"Was that-" He asks as he started stuttering.

"Her first kick!" you acclaimed.

Lewis bends down as he saw movement under your thin top and begins to smile.

"Hey, there little one. Barely out and you're giving your parents trouble already? Not that I mind, but go easy on your mum. She's already doing so much for you and getting mad at me. But I'll do anything for you two... you're my whole universe. Know that we're waiting impatiently to meet you, our little sweet." He said.

You couldn't help but cry more. Lewis leans over and kisses your forehead and slowly kisses your lips.

"I know you don't mean it, so no matter how mad you'll get, I'll always love you."

You chuckle and return the kiss.

"I love you too. Thank you for all this."

"Let's go home, we don't want the ice cream to melt." He said, giving you one final peck as he started the car.

You took a bite of your ice cream, humming in delight as you two talked along the way home, discussing baby names.

[btsqualityy]

Hey can we have a drabble of the parks being distant and snappy cuz of the miscarriage. Maybe some arguments, visit to docs and tears concluded by lots of cuddles. Thanks shay 💗

Warnings: mentions of miscarriage

"So, you look to be doing well Y/N," Dr. Choi said as your appointment reached it's end. "Physically, you aren't carrying any lingering scars from the miscarriage."

"Wish I could say the same for my emotions," you joked dryly, making Dr. Choi smiled sadly.

"I do have some referrals to therapists, if that's something you're interested in," she said.

"Uh, I'm not sure," you grimaced. "I'll have to think about it."

"Alright, that's totally fair," Dr. Choi sighed. "If you and Jimin decided that you wanted to start trying again though, you are able to physically."

"Alright, thank you," you murmured quietly. Once your appointment ended and you made it back home, you trudged upstairs to find Jimin sitting in an easy chair in your bedroom, his notebook on his lap as he wrote furiously.

"Hey," you spoke up and Jimin looked up at you.

"Hey," he replied shortly as you sat down on the bed. "How'd your appointment go?"

"Dr. Choi said I'm ok physically," you reported. "The miscarriage didn't leave any scarring or anything like that so we can try again whenever we're ready."

"Hm," he muttered before focusing back on his notebook.

"Hm?" You repeated with an arched brow. "You have nothing to say about that?"

"I'm happy that you're healthy," he said without looking up.

"You don't sound too happy."

"What were you expecting?" Jimin wondered as he looked at you again. "For me to throw you onto the bed and fuck another baby into you, right here and right now?"

"Why do you always have to be such a dickhead about things?" You demanded to know. "You don't have to be so crude."

"And why do you always have to be so insensitive?" He shot back. "You weren't the only one who lost a baby and you haven't even asked me if I'm ready to try again yet."

"The way you've talked since we found out we lost the baby, it sounded like you were," you shrugged. "Sorry I assumed."

"Yeah, whatever," he scoffed, getting up from the chair and walking out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

..............................................

A few days later, things had remained icy between you and Jimin. The two of you hadn't really talked and you had gotten used to falling asleep alone at night and waking up the same way.

You were laying in the dark, your eyes droopy but your body unable to relax enough to let yourself rest. Suddenly, you heard the door to your bedroom open and footsteps fall into the room. You held your breath as Jimin moved over and climbed onto the bed, wanting him to think you were asleep, but you couldn't help the gasp that escaped you when Jimin wrapped an arm around your body and pulled you close to him.

"I know you're awake but I just need you to listen to me," he whispered, waiting until you had slowly nodded your head before he continued. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that and I'm sorry for doing so. I just....I'm so fucking angry still."

"I know the feeling," you replied.

"And I have no idea how to handle the shit," he added. "My heart aches for someone that I didn't even know. Plus, if things had been worse, I could've lost you and the thought of that drives me insane."

"Jimin-ssi," you whispered as you turned around so that you could look at his face, and you weren't surprised to see tears already streaming down his cheeks. "Baby, if you're hurting, you have to talk to me. Remember when you told me that we were in this together?"

"I remember," he nodded.

"Then come to me and we can cry together," you told him, a sob escaping your throat afterwards. "I already lost our child, I don't wanna lose you too."

"Oh jagi, you could never lose me," Jimin chuckled through his tears, tightening his grip on you.

"Promise me?" You requested, your hands coming up to cup his face.

"I promise," he swore. "I love you so much."

"I love you more," you replied, bringing him closer and pressing his head against your chest as you held him in your arms. The two of you stayed like that all night, crying together until you drifted off to sleep.

[anxiously-going]

Mirror Image

This is part of draft for the AOS Mirror!verse I started back in January 2019 when I first started writing fanfiction.

Leonard McCoy readjusted the bag hanging from his shoulder for the tenth time before punching in the code to his home for the next four years. The door slid open to reveal a simple living room with a kitchenette to one side with a short hallway that led to one of the two bedrooms and a door opposite that for the other room.

He had never particularly cared for the mild fame his family had back home, but it certainly came with its privileges. Namely, getting more of an apartment than an ordinary dorm room. Even having to share the space wouldn't be so bad since there were separate bedrooms.

Len walked down the hallway to stake his claim on the furthest room. He hadn't been particularly eager to be at the Academy, but his mother had insisted and gone through all the effort to get him in on good standings, so turning up early to make sure he got the room he wanted was a small prize.

His bags hit the ground with a dull thud when the door closed behind him. He fell back against it with a small sigh.

So this was it. A bed sat in the middle of the room. To one side a closet, to the other a bathroom, and just at his elbow a dresser. His new home.

Vaguely he wondered how Jocelyn was enjoying having the house to herself. An ache started in the middle his chest and spread from there at the thought of her. He had tried convincing his mother that a simple life, in the family clinic, with a family of his own could be an honorable thing. Besides, he needed to be there for her. He couldn't leave her alone after his father's death.

But she would hear none of it. Her father and brothers had serviced in the Imperial Fleet, and so would her son.

It was a shame that Jocelyn wasn't interested in long distance relationships. She'd handed him the divorce papers along with his acceptance letter into the Academy.

Len nearly fell backward when the door swished open behind him, but a pair of hands pushed him upright and held him steady.

"Guess I'm not the first one in the dorm."

Len turned to find his apparent roommate giving a lopsided smile and offering a hand "James Kirk, Command."

"Leonard McCoy, Medical." He shook the young man's hand firmly.

"I guess you just got here too?" James asked gesturing to the bags on the ground.

"I did," Leonard confirmed. "But I'm not moving. And you're not in command yet so don't expect me to follow any kinda orders."

James chuckled. "That almost sounded believable. I'm gonna hold you to that 'yet' part though." He hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and turned and walked away.

"Hey, Doc," James called down the hall. "Dinning hall's open, you comin'?"

Leonard wore a look of bafflement as he met his roommate in the common area. "You're James Kirk."

James arched a brow at the man. "Last time I checked, yeah. And you're Leonard McCoy. Only surviving doctor of an outbreak in Georgia last year." Len bristled at the mention of home. "You're not the only one who can run a name search, pal," James finished brusquely. "People are gonna ask about it. You'd better get used to talking about it."

"It's not their business," Len answered sharply.

"They're not gonna care. You're mildly famous for it. People are gonna talk. Especially the other med students. I've got an idea," James waggled a finger at the doctor. "Follow me."

"I know where the dining hall is, Kirk," Len rolled his eyes.

"We're not going to the dining hall. You like cheeseburgers?"

Leonard followed James across the campus and into the library. "What are we doin' here?"

"Emergency exit," James answered.

"Don't those normally set off alarms?"

"Not this one." He popped the door open and ushered Len to the outside. "Welcome to San Francisco."

Leonard arched a brow. "How do you know how to sneak off campus after only one day here?"

"Family secret," James smirked. "C'mon, let's go get dinner."

Len followed uncertainly.

"When the Empire landed on Tarsus there were nine of us that survived the execution order," James started conversationally as they headed down the sidewalk. "When I heard who was on the list, and that it included me, I pulled as many of the kids as I could. It wasn't many. But the order was to be carried out immediately so I didn't really have a lot of time. The youngest was four. I held him so he wouldn't cry when we hide with the bodies when they came through to take a count. Tom and I kept the others hidden. Tom stayed with the kids and I'd go out and scrounge for whatever food I could. It was two weeks before help came. The Empire basically recruited Tom and I right out of the hole they dug us out of. They took our kids away and shipped them out without ever telling us where they went. I still don't know where most of them went. Tom... I don't know what happened to him either. I was told he washed out. Pike tried to help him like he helped me, but he just couldn't reach him. I nearly washed out for that matter, but Pike, well, he wouldn't let me go. He took me under his wing, defended me against everyone trying to get rid of me, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him."

"Why're you tellin' me this?" Len asked wearily.

"People are going to ask what happened in Georgia. It's just gonna happen. And you're going to be expected to talk about it like it was nothing, like it was an accomplishment. Because it was. You saved a lot of lives, McCoy. But you can't sound like it affected you."

Leonard scoffed. "Sure. I only watched half the town hospital die. Who's gonna be affected by something like that?"

"The attitude is a great defense mechanism, but someone's gonna see through it and then you're gonna be in trouble."

Len halted. "What do you care anyway?" he demanded, throwing out his arms.

"Because I get it," James answered calmly.

"Oh you 'get it'?" Len scoffed incredulously.

"Yeah, I do."

"Enlighten me."

"You're angry. Here's this young kid, who doesn't know the first thing about what you went through, telling you to pretend like it was nothing. Not only that, but he has the audacity to congratulate you for surviving something you had no business surviving. And if you were honest with yourself, you probably didn't even want to survive. But here he is pretending to get it, pretending to understand. Pike did the same thing to me. Except, y'know, it was some old guy who didn't really care. And at first I hated him for it. I gave him a bloody nose for it, actually. Look, you can hate me all you want, you can even punch me for it. But I'm warning you now, the way that he warned me. You will not last here, if you let it show how it affected you. I'm not saying, 'don't be affected' that's impossible. I'm saying, 'don't let them see it'. You cannot let it show. Because if you do, they'll either kick you out, or worse. They'll let you stay and let someone else tear you apart and make an example of you." James waited a minute, hoping Leonard was taking in his words, before speaking again. "Look. We don't know each other. That makes it hard to listen to a thing I say, but I'm telling you now because Pike waited with me, and I nearly got sent away. And, yeah, maybe I'd be on a better course, but I would've lost Chris. And I don't know what I'd be without him. You're drifting. The Empire is…far from perfect, but it is an anchor. And you need that right now. Or you're gonna find yourself in worse trouble."

Leonard slumped against the wall of the shop they had stopped in front of with a sigh. "I don't even want to be here."

James arched a brow. "I would never have guessed. How'd you end up here then?"

"My mother wanted me here a long time ago. Was my plan to take over the clinic one day though, so I stayed home. I wanted to stay even more after… She needed someone to take care of her. But she started talking to my uncles who'd served and their friends... I never even filled out an application. Just got an acceptance letter in the mail and was out the door a week later."

Jim nodded slowly and began walking again. "Sounds like a rough year."

"Year to the day," Leonard agreed and fell into step next to him. "One year ago today Michael Thompson walked into the E.R. with what we thought was just an sinus infection. Six months later…" He shook his head. "Nearly every patient I'd worked with that ended up sick was dead. And two of the other doctors there were sick. Three months after that all our patients were dead and me and couple nurses were the only ones not sick. At the end of the fourth month it was all over. Me and two others survived. Everyone else who stepped into that hospital during those ten months was dead."

"Sounds like survivor's guilt."

"I minored in psychology, kid, but thanks for the eval."

"You did do a lot of good though. You know that, right?"

"I know the media only tells half the story," Len answered quietly.

[orangeinecstasy]

cup of music, part two ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟryan mcmahon

✧: part one

paring: ryan x fem!oc

summery: erin finally gets a glimpse at the rockstar girlfriend lifestyle.

a/n: hey everyone! so i originally uploaded these to wattpad, but i wanted to have a bit of a platform change. please let me know what you guys think. my requests are currently open so please feel free to send in an idea you have. enjoy!

wc: 2.5 k

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It had been a couple of weeks since you and Ryan had last seen each other. Because I and school and Ryan had stuff with his band, it felt almost impossible for us to meet up. That, however, didn't prevent us from calling and texting each other practically every minute of the day. He would show you his art while you would talk about your classes and working at the shop. He was like a breath of fresh air on a hot summer day.

Today, thankfully, was a beautiful spring day. Everything around me was so green and vibrantly in bloom, making the fact that I had to study slightly less bearable. As I stared outside, the glass of the cafe window separating me from the world's beauty, my phone started to vibrate on the counter. Flipping it over, my face lit up once I saw Ryan's name across the top of it.

"Hey!" I say, answering the phone. I didn't know what it was, but my heart skipped a beat whenever he called me.

"Hey!! What are you up to?" I could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke.

"Just studying for this bullshit test. You?" I slip my pencil into my notebook and shut it to focus more clearly on Ryan. "Damn, that sucks, love. If you're free a little later, I was wondering if you wanted to get some dinner and maybe come to one of my shows?" I was honestly kind of shocked that he asked me to come to one of the shows so soon. There was a stereotype that people in bands had a reputation for keeping their relationships as open as possible. I knew Ryan, and I didn't have a set label, but that simple question caused my heart to give in to him more.

"Erin? You there?" I was so struck with shock that I forgot to respond. "Oh, yeah, sorry," laughing, I respond, "I'd love that. Just text me with all the details of that stuff." He hummed a soft response, "Will do. I'll talk to you later, yeah."

"Yeah!" The call ended, and I couldn't help but look down at my phone and smile. I was falling for him hard and fast.

After a few more hours of studying, I left the library and headed back home to change into something a bit cuter.

I didn't know much about Ryan's band. Just that he was the drummer, and Josh, the friend who came with him to the shop the last time, was their guitarist.

Because I didn't know what the video of the night would be, I settled on a black shirt with a low-scoping back that allowed for the tattoo of lilies of the valley on my spine to be exposed. Finally, I slipped on some jeans, a belt, and my trusty pair of black platform docs and headed out to meet Ryan at the dinner spot.

Thankfully the restaurant was only a five-minute walk from my apartment, so I decided to enjoy the beautiful weather and walk there. I hummed softly as I walked, and soon enough, Ryan came into view.

"Ryan!!" I call out to him, waving, his a giant smile on my face. "Erin!" he jogged over, arms engulfing me in a hug that slightly raised me off the ground. I didn't realize how strong he was, but that's what comes with being a drummer.

Hugging back, my lungs fill with his woody scent. "It's so good to see you." my feet again touched the ground as we slightly pulled away from the hug. I gently reach up, touching his cheek, and he leans into my touch. "It's really good seeing you too."

He took my hand, and the two of us walked into the cute cafe-style restaurant. "I hope you like this place. I've only been here a couple of times, but it's always been really nice." he squeezed my hand softly. "I'm sure I'll love it." I smile up at him, returning the squeeze.

Once we sat down at a table next to the large open windows and ordered, we spent nearly two hours just chatting. It was so lovely to sit there and talk with him about anything and every as we exchanged small touches. He was effortlessly funny and even more handsome than the last time I had seen him. After we finished, we decided to head out to the venue where he played tonight.

Our clasped hands swing between us as we walk to the venue. "So, you already know Josh. That leaves Eli and Robert. They're great, though Robert can be kind of... unfiltered at times." Nodding, I respond, "Cool! What type of music do you guys play? Should I be expecting jazz or heavy metal slipknot-type stuff?" he laughs, free hand running through his hair. "It's like alternative rock-pop-ish. You'll like it, promise."

"Hmm... okay, I trust you." leaning up, I kiss his cheek gently, leaving a berry stain on his cheek. "Oh, shit, sorry." laughing, I try and rub the lipgloss off of his cheek. "Don't be sorry. I like it; it's cute." I blush slightly at his comment.

The two of us got closer to the venue, fans coming into view. "Don't be worried, okay? They're usually super nice." He lets his hand drift on my bare back, creating a comforting touch. "I trust you."

Soon enough, the two of us got spotted. Fans started to scream Ryan's name as he walked past, some whispering to each other, asking who I was. But Ryan was unfazed, continuing to be his happy self as he waved back to the fans, returning some highs and I love yous. Seeing him be himself around the fans made him even more attractive. How confident and unwilling to create some rockstar persona showed me how lucky I had been.

Finally, the two of us were able to slip into the venue. "I hope that wasn't too overwhelming for you." looking down at me, he moved some hair from my face. "It was fine. They seem to really love you a lot."

Nodding, he smiles. "Yeah, they're the best. Ready to meet the guys?" I hum in response, his hand falling naturally back into mine as we walk to the dressing room.

The door was already open, allowing the chatter and music coming from inside to spill into the hallway. As we walked in, the smell of cigarette smoke, wood, and metal filled my lungs and mixed to have a pleasant smell.

Ryan cleared his throat, to which the music and chatter quickly stopped. "Guys, I'd like you to meet Erin." I wave as the guys start to stand. "Erin! It's good to see you again!" Josh said, pulling me into a tight friendly hug. "It's good to see you too." hugging back, laughing lightly at his enthusiasm. "I'm Eli. It's nice to meet you. Ryan seriously wouldn't shut up about you." we hug quickly before I meet the final band member. "I'm Robert. It's grand to meet you." I gave out the last hug. Though I was nervous before meeting the lads, they all seemed nice. "It's really wonderful to meet you all too. I'm super excited to watch you play!"

"I'm going to show her around a bit more before they let everyone in for the show. I'll see you, lads, in a few." As we walk back out of the room, I give them a little wave, hoping that I seemed friendly in our small interaction.

"Soooo, you always talk about me, do ya?" I nudge his side a few times before we start laughing. "I'm not even going to try and pretend like I don't. I like you a lot." he rubs his nape, making his slight embarrassment more noticeable. "I like you a lot, too." my arm loops around him as I rest my head on his shoulder.

We chatted as we walked around before, and finally, the two of us ended up on the stage. Ryan pointed out the guy's guitars before we got to the drum set. "It's so cool that you play the drums. It really fits your character." My fingers glide across the smooth cold metal of the symbols. "You're so fucking sweet," he kisses my head. "Here, sit down. I'll teach you how to play a little something." He settles himself on the stool, then pats his knee.

Sitting down on his knee, I move my hair, allowing it to lay across my shoulder, exposing my bare back and tattoo. "Holy shit Erin, this is beautiful." his hand travels down my spine, stopping at my mid-back. "I'm glad you like it. Lilies of the Vally they're my favorite." he takes a pair of drumsticks out of their holder. "I'll keep that in mind."

Handing me the drumsticks, his arms lay across mine, hands helping me hold the drumsticks in my own. "Okay, let me just test this," he stepped on the foot pedal, causing a thud to vibrate off the bass. "Hmm, okay, cool, ready?" nodding, our arms start to move together. It was just a simple beat, but it was fun to experience something Ryan was passionate about.

After a little bit of play, we stopped, the vibrations of the drums melting into the floor. I turned to face him, "See, you're not half bad." he smiled, hands moving from my arms to around my waist. "I think that's just because I have such an amazing teacher." I didn't know what it was, but at this moment, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. "Oh really? How good?" Ryan's gaze moved from my eyes to my lips and back up again. My heart beats faster as I lean down, our lips connecting shyly but soon melting together as the kiss becomes deeper.

Pulling away, my heart settled slightly. "Prove my point?" I move some hair from his face. "I think I need to test that again." he gives me a soft kiss, the biggest smile on his face. "Yeah, the point is proven." I shake my head. "You're such a dork."

Finally, it was time for the show. The fans' energy was terrific as they crowded into the venue, adorning cowboy hats and other fun accessories. Because I didn't want to take a good spot away from someone, I opted to stand on the side of the stage. "Hey, you're going to kill it out there." Squeezing Ryan's hand, I give him a peck on the cheek before he and the band member have to settle on the stage. "Thanks, love. I hope you enjoy." He returned the squeeze before the boys got the cue to go onstage.

The fan erupted in cheers as the boys walked on. Even though I only knew Ryan well, I was proud of all four lads. From what Ryan told me, they worked so hard to get where they are now, and it's so beautiful seeing someone you care about achieve their dreams.

The music was fucking amazing. I couldn't help myself from dancing and yelling along with the crowd. The energy was like nothing I had felt before, and being able to feel the mix of the instruments vibrate through the floor put me into some sort of trance. And Ryan, holy shit, it was amazing to see him play. Every once in a while, we would make eye contact between songs, or when the guys were switching out his guitars, even in a moment where he should feel like he's on top of the world, he would mouth things like 'Are you okay?' or 'Are you having fun?'. Fuck, he was literally the sweetest, and I made sure to show that I was enjoying myself to the fullest.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight. We'd like to dedicate our last song of the night to a very special person." Eli's voice melted into the microphone and out of the speakers as he spoke, his eyes shifting to glance at me. Cocking my eyebrow in confusion, I look to Ryan, trying to get some calcification. "Me?" I say, pointing to myself. He nods, before the start of When I'm With You starts blasting through the speakers, the fans screaming along with the lyrics.

I couldn't help but stand there speechless, my eyes never leaving Ryan. Once the song ended, the crowd roared, the guys saying their goodbyes, throwing picks and drumsticks into the crowd. Ryan was the first to walk off stage, his arms instantly wrapped around my body in a tight hug. "Did you enjoy yourself?" he looks down at me, the cheekiest grin on his face. "Enjoy myself? Ryan, I had the best fucking time. You're amazing! The lads are amazing! You didn't have to dedicate that last song to me," my eyes shift away from his, "You're the sweetest person I've ever met." we exchanged a small kiss, and the boys made some joking groaning noise that caused me to blush under the dim backstage lights.

The rest of the night, the guys and I hung out, just drinking and talking. It was nice to get to know the rest of the band. They were all so sweet and funny. I couldn't believe that I had found someone so perfect who had friends that I had clicked with. At around two in the morning, we decided it was time to pack up and get some rest.

The night had a slight chill, which prickled against my warm skin. "I'll walk you back to your place," Ryan said, loading the last part of his drum kit into the van. My hand extended to him, and he took it, the two of us walking down the street close together. "I really did have a wonderful time tonight. It means a lot that you invited me out." My head rests on his shoulder as we walk. "I'm glad you like it, Erin. Feel free to come to any of our shows, okay?" I nod, and the two of us finally reach my apartment.

My heart protested as the two of us stood in front of the blue door of my apartment, my hands still in his. "We'll see each other soon, yeah? Maybe go out somewhere in a few days?" he pulls me closer as he speaks. "Yeah, I'd like that a lot." I smile up at him before giving him a goodnight kiss. "Goodnight, Erin." one of his hands breaks away from mine. "Goodnight, Ryan."

He moves to leave, but I speak up before our hands can break away from their hold on one another. "Hey, do you want to stay the night?" he turns back, smiling. "I'd love that more than you know." The two of us enter my apartment, tangled in each other's arms again.

Even though it was early in the morning, we stayed up, talking, kissing, and never leaving each other's sides. Honestly, it was one of the best nights of my life. Who knew meeting a boy in a recorded story would change your life.