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Back To You - Part 3 | Sam Carpenter

Pairing: Sam Carpenter x reader

Warnings: mentions of violence, death, blood, injuries, and swearing

Summary: When Sam left after turning eighteen, you were devastated. You’d been in love with her since you were kids and her leaving meant you never got to tell her how you truly felt.

Fast forward a couple of years, Tara gets attacked and Sam returns. . .

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist

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“I’ve got a body outside a bar on Main, and then you get attacked here.” Sheriff Hicks almost sounds accusing as she looks at Sam while speaking. “You said the call came from Amber’s number?”

Sam nods faintly, a distant look in her eyes. She’s been like this ever since she and Richie came back into Tara’s room, and even though I know I shouldn’t be, I’m worried.

Not only did she almost get killed, she’s also got something on her mind that’s upsetting her. I know because she’s got that telltale crinkle of hers in her eyebrows.

“So?” Amber pipes up next to me. She came in a couple of minutes ago with Sheriff Hicks. “We know he called on my phone before when he attacked Tara.”

True, but it’s still a little weird. Why wouldn’t he just use a burner phone to make the calls?

I glance at Tara to see what she thinks about all this, but she’s just looking back and forth between Amber and Hicks, fear and uncertainty written all over her face. First she was attacked and now Sam.

Who’s going to be next?

“Or, and I’m just spit-balling here. . . You’re the killer,” Richie says and even though I neither like, nor trust him, I have to admit, he’s got a point.

Offended, Amber crosses her arms and stares at him incredulously. She looks like she’s about to say something to defend herself, but then Sheriff Hicks beats her to it.

She turns to him and narrows her eyes. “And where were you wenn all of this happened?”

Richie falters slightly and I can see him tighten his grip around Sam’s hand which he’s been holding ever since they came in. “I was. . . watching Netflix.”

I roll my eyes and sigh. Of course he was, how convenient. . .

Seemingly reading my mind, Amber scoffs and says, “Ooh, yeah. Super solid alibi, bro.”

“So, where were you?” He fires back. Then, he looks at me with raised eyebrows. “And what about you? Hmm? You just so happened to walk around the corner right after Sam was attacked?”

I stiffen and it takes everything in me not to walk around Tara’s bed and slap him. How dare he? I would never try to hurt Sam, or Tara for that matter. I can barely even kill bugs because I feel sorry for them, so how could I possibly hurt another human being like that?

“Excuse me?” My voice is low and dangerous and the only thing that stops me from snapping is Tara who grabs a hold of my sleeve. “How would I even do that? I’m injured, and I literally just got back to the hospital.”

Richie snorts. “So you say, but you wouldn’t be the first psychotic killer to fake getting hurt to divert suspicion from yourself.”

Fury pulses through my veins, but I don’t move or speak. Tara’s grip on my sleeve tightens and much to my relief, Sheriff Hicks comes to my defense while Sam continues to stare vacantly at a spot on the opposite wall.

“It wasn’t Y/N, or Amber,” she states. “Surveillance footage shows Y/N entering the hospital during the time of the attack, and it was’t Amber because I was questioning her and her friends at the sheriff’s station.”

I give her a thankful nod and place my hand over Tara’s, silently telling her that I’m not going to lash out.

“Yeah,” Amber says, leveling Richie with a glare. “I came as soon as I heard, but, you know, the Netflix alibi is good, too.”

I must admit, Amber and I never really clicked for whatever reason, but right now, she’s my favorite person.

Sheriff Hicks lets out an exasperated sigh and hands Amber her phone back. “Okay, both of you, stop it.”

“You’re going to put more cops on her room, right?”Sam’s voice takes me by surprise.

Tara glances at her sister and then back Hicks while Amber and Richie continue glaring at each other.

“Yes.” The sheriff’s face softens. “And I can move you to a private floor. Deputy Vinson knows what he’s doing, you’ll be safe.”

That last part seems to have been the wrong thing to say because Sam bristles. “Like we’ve been so far?”

Oh dear. . .

The air in the room shifts and I bite the inside of my cheek, waiting for Sheriff Hicks’s reaction.

I know Sam can be short tempered and people usually dismiss it, but I fear this time she might have crossed a line. Sheriff Hicks is only trying to help, and Sam questioning said help isn’t doing anyone any good.

“Samantha, let’s step outside.” The tight lipped smile on the sheriff’s face makes me cringe and be thankful I’m not on the receiving end of it.

Sam clenches her jaw and looks at all of us for a moment before getting up and leaving the room with Sheriff Hicks.

Not even a minute later she returns, alone, and stands by the open door with a defeated look on her face. “Well, she remains a delight. . .”

I can’t help the way my lips twitch in slight amusement, and when Sam’s eyes meet mine, a bitter sweet smile briefly tugs at her lips.

“Are you okay?” Tara asks, putting an end to our little . . . moment?

Sam’s eyes dart to Richie, Amber, and then back to me. “Uh, actually. Would you mind giving us a second? I need to talk to Tara.”

“Of course,” I say quietly, squeezing Tara’s hand reassuringly. “I’ll be outside if you need anything.”

She smiles softly and let’s go of my sleeve, watching Amber, Richie and me file out of the room before Sam closes the door behind us.

“So, you’re a fan of the Hawks?” Deputy Vinson asks when I run into him outside the bathroom.

“What? Oh.” I look down when he points at my hockey sweater. “Yes, kind of. I’m on the team.”

“Really?” He smiles.

“Yeah, but I don’t play professionally yet because I’m currently working on getting my Masters degree,” I explain.

Vinson lets out an impressed whistle. “Nice. So, you’re planning on playing professionally once you’re done?”

I shrug. “That’s the plan, yes, but we’ll see what happens.”

He nods and smiles. “Good for you.”

“Thanks.” I smile back and point my thumb over my shoulder. “I should go. Tara might need something and I think I forgot my phone in her room.”

He nods again and ushers me to get going. I chuckle and turn to leave, feeling my smile drop a moment later when I round the corner and see Richie standing at the door to Tara’s room, clearly listening to what’s being said inside.

“Hey!”

He flinches and steps away from the door, his eyes widening when he sees me.

“What are you doing? Are you eavesdropping?” I know the question is unnecessary, because he clearly is, but I want to make him squirm.

He takes another step back and raises his hands defensively. “What? No, of course not.”

I continue walking toward him, closing the distance between us until we’re almost toe to toe. We’re the same height, so I can’t say I’m looking down when I level him with a challenging stare, yet he seems to be shrinking in on himself the longer I stare at him.

“I was just— I wasn’t,” he stutters, trying to explain himself, but then a shout from inside the room cuts him off.

“Get the fuck out!”

Tara.

A second later the door opens and Sam comes out with tears streaming down her face. She winces when she sees Richie and me and quickly wipes at her eyes while trying to suppress a sob.

What happened in there?

The look on her face and the tears in her eyes remind me of the night eleven years ago when she snuck into my room. I still don’t know why she did it back then, but I have a feeling it’s related to whatever just happened between her and Tara.

Unlike that night eleven years ago though, I don’t make a move to comfort her. Not necessarily because I don’t want to, I do and don’t at the same time, but because Richie beats me to it.

He pulls Sam into a hug and looks at me over her shoulder, daring me to continue my interrogation from before. And even though I would love to do nothing more than just that, I drop it and slip into the room.

If Sam is this upset, there’s a good chance Tara’s not doing any better either, and when I see her, sitting in her bed with her own tears streaming down her cheeks, I’m proven right.

I close the door behind me and quickly make my way to the bed, sitting down next to her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay,” I whisper when she moves closer and buries her face in my shoulder. “You’ll be okay.”

“No. . .” She whimpers and hugs my waist. “Sam. . . She- She—“

“You don’t have to tell me what happened.” I cut her off, but she shakes her head.

“N-No, I do. You have to know,” she says, her voice muffled by our embrace.

I raise an eyebrow even though she can’t see it and ask, “Know what?”

Tara shudders and tightens her arms around me. “Billy Loomis is Sam’s real dad.“

Five years ago

“There you go, buddy. Sleep tight.” I laugh when Liam groans and buries his face in his pillow. He called me half an hour ago to pick him up from a party because Paige is sleeping at her girlfriend’s tonight and he didn’t want to bother her.

“Thank youuu, I love you,” he slurs and I just pat him on the back.

“I love you, too, dude.“ I go to the kitchen and fill a glass of water before returning to his room and placing it on his nightstand next to some painkillers. “Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” he mumbles again and then he’s out like a light.

I leave the apartment, locking the front door, and get into my car to start the short drive home.

It’s almost one in the morning, and I’m exhausted, but I’m glad Liam called me instead of driving home himself.

Yes it’s late, and yes, I’m tired, but I couldn’t have lived with myself if anything had happened to him if he’d gotten into his car, drunk, and gotten into an accident.

My parents woke up when I was on my way out, asking where I was going and when I told them, they simply told me to drive safely before going back to bed.

Now, I’m almost back home, and I can practically already feel the warm embrace of my bed again, but then I spot something that makes my heart stop.

Stumbling along the side walk with a man hot on her heels is Sam. The man keeps grabbing her arm, saying something, and she keeps brushing him off, obviously uncomfortable.

Her movements are uncoordinated and I hate the fact that I know why.

She’s high again.

Without thinking, I drive past them and pull over, stopping the car on the side walk right in front of them.

“Hey! Take a hike, dude,” I say, getting out of the car.

Sam and the man both come to a halt and stare at me. Sam barely even registers what’s going on, her glassy eyes staring right through me while the man scoffs and steps up to me.

“Mind your own business,” he growls. He seems to be in his thirties, has a buzz cut, and has a tattoo of a tiny rose on his temple.

“Sorry— No can do, pal,” I say calmly, trying not to cringe at the smell of alcohol on his breath. “She’s my friend, and you’re bothering her, so leave.”

“Or what?” he asks, smirking and revealing his chipped front tooth.

I sigh. “Or we’re going to have a problem.”

“Yeah?” He laughs and shoves me slightly. “What are you going to do, kid? Hmm? Call your parents? Or—“

My fist connects with his jaw, and a second later he’s on the ground, unconscious.

Was that a bit of an overreaction? Maybe. But did he deserve it? Definitely.

“Y/N!” Sam gapes at me. “W-What did you do?”

Even though she’s high, she doesn’t seem to have lost all of her ability to think straight. She sways on her feet and goes to crouch down next to the man, but I wrap my arms around her waist from behind and pull her back up.

“Come on, let’s get you home,” I say. She smells like alcohol, too, and I don’t even want to imagine the amount of drugs and alcohol she’s consumed tonight.

“No,” she slurs, weakly clawing at my arms. “I don’t— I don’t wanna go home. I wanna go— I wanna go with Josh.”

“Josh?” I ask. “You know that guy?”

“No— I mean, yes a little. He bought me a drink and—”

“He was trying to take advantage of you!” I argue, not letting go of her.

“No, he wasn’t!” she shouts and I cringe, hoping no one wakes up and looks out of their window because of her.

We’re in a quiet neighborhood, and I’m almost certain if someone saw us right now, they’d call the cops because they think I’m trying to kidnap her.

And I wouldn’t even blame them for it, because it definitely looks like it, but I’m really just trying to help.

This isn’t the first time I’ve taken her home after finding her high, and even though I’m used to the protest she puts up, the next thing she says catches me off guard.

“You always ruin everything, Y/N!”

I freeze and try not to let it get to my head, but her words tug at my heart painfully.

She doesn’t mean it. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.

I swallow the growing lump in my throat and loosen my hold on her a little. “Come on, Sam. I don’t want to fight. Just get in the car.”

Much to my surprise, a moment later, the fight leaves her body and she wordlessly let’s me lead her to the car.

I open the passenger door and help her in, making sure to put her seatbelt on before closing the door again and rounding the front of the car to get to the driver’s side.

As I open the door, the man, Josh, starts to regain consciousness. He groans and twists on the ground, making me roll my eyes.

Pathetic.

I know he’ll be fine since I didn’t hit him that hard, so I get in the car and pull back onto the road, leaving him behind just as he’s getting back up.

“I hate you,” Sam whispers a minute later. Her voice sounds clearer than before and the venom lacing her words makes me believe she actually means it.

She’s said it before, especially the first few times I picked her up from a party, but she’s never said it like this before.

It’s okay. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that she’s safe.

There’s a big chance she won’t even remember saying it tomorrow morning, but I know I will.

Neither one of us says anything else while I drive until I pull up next to the curb by our houses.

Seeing Christina Carpenter’s car in Sam’s driveway, I figure it’s not the best idea to drag her up to their front door and ring the doorbell, so I take her to my house after helping her out of the car.

She’s back to being completely high, head lolling from side to side and steps totally uncoordinated, so as soon as we get inside, I pick her up and carry her up to my room.

I expected her to protest, to tell me to put her down immediately, but she doesn’t. Instead she wraps her arms around my neck and holds onto me while I carry her.

“Alright, here we go,” I whisper when we make it to my room. I’m not afraid of waking my parents because they’d understand why I brought Sam here instead of taking her home, but I don’t want them to worry, so I try to stay as quiet as possible.

It turns out, opening a door with a whole ass person in my arms is more of a challenge than I thought, but I eventually manage to get it open, stepping inside and closing it behind us again with a soft click.

“‘M tired,” Sam mumbles, her fingers curling around the fabric of my jacket.

“Yeah, I bet,” I say quietly, feeling my own exhaustion wash over me. “Just a little longer, then you can sleep.”

I gently place her on the bed and take off her shoes before pulling the comforter out from underneath her.

“Do you need anything else? Something to drink? A sweater,” I ask, but Sam doesn’t answer. She has her eyes closed and it looks like she’s already asleep. When I move to sleep on my couch on the other side of the room though, her hand shoots out and she grabs my wrist.

“Just you.”

I hesitate and try to ignore the way my skin tingles where she’s touching me.

I hate you.

The memory of her words stings and makes my heart ache, but then she opens her eyes and looks at me pleadingly.

It’s the kind of look she always uses when she wants something from me, so a moment later, I cave and slowly slip into bed next to her.

“Thank you,” she whispers and the sincerity with which she says it makes tears well up in my eyes.

First she says she hates me, then she asks me to sleep in the same bed with her.

I’m so confused and exhausted, it hurts, and I don’t know how much longer I can endure this emotional roller coaster.

She changed after that night six years ago when she snuck into my room, and at first I thought it was just a phase, but then her dad left and as time went on, she pulled away more and more, avoiding me until, eventually, she started drinking and doing drugs.

There are moments where her old self shines through, like last week, when we had a movie night with Tara and my parents, but those moments are rare and these days, they’re basically nonexistent.

“Y/N?”

I freeze, her sleepy voice bringing me back to reality.

“Yes?” I hold my breath, waiting for her to continue, but she never doesn’t. “Sam?”

I turn my head to look at her in the darkness and exhale shakily when I realize she’s asleep. I admire her soft features for a moment, taking note of how grown up she looks now that she’s turned eighteen, and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Then, I drop my hand on the mattress in the space between us and sigh.

“Good night, Sammy.”

The next morning when I wake up, I’m not surprised to find that she’s gone, just like that time when she snuck into my room.

I figure it’s probably best to give her some space, and let her deal with whatever she’s dealing with, but then, two days later, Tara calls me crying, and tells me Sam has left.

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Tag list: @bella423 @artrizzler19 @btay3115 @canyonyodeler @quadofthec

[tortillamastersblog]

Quick question regarding Back To You | Sam Carpenter

[tortillamastersblog]

Omg yes can't wait for the lexa fic continuation, take all the time u need

Hi, oh my God, I’m so sorry I never replied to you. I thought I did, but I didn’t and then I forgot about it.

Anyway, I hope you still like the fic, and I hope you like how I’m going to wrap it up soon. 🫶🏼

[tortillamastersblog]

absolutely loving “back to you” so far — can’t wait for future chapters!

Thank you, I appreciate it a lot! Next chapter is already in the works ❤️

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Back To You - Part 2 | Sam Carpenter

Pairing: Sam Carpenter x reader

Warnings: mentions of violence, death, blood, injuries, and swearing

Summary: When Sam left after turning eighteen, you were devastated. You’d been in love with her since you were kids and her leaving meant you never got to tell her how you truly felt.

Fast forward a couple of years, Tara gets attacked and Sam returns. . .

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist

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Sam’s words die in the back of her throat when she sees me and for a moment we just stare at each other.

It’s been five years since we last saw each other, and even though I would still recognize her anywhere, she’s changed a lot.

She’s no longer a troubled teenager who relies on drugs and petty crime to feel good. No, she’s all grown up now, like me, and despite her tired and worry filled eyes she looks healthy. She looks good in her green jacket and with her hair up in a claw clip.

A wave of bitterness washes over me and I have half a mind to turn back around and walk out of the room again.

She came back for Tara, but she didn’t come back for me when I needed her the most.

I know it’s unfair to compare the two situations, I wasn’t attacked by a psycho, but I did almost die along with my parents.

“Y/N.” Her voice is soft, unlike the last time I heard it when she screamed at me to stop calling her.

I swallow harshly and try to keep any emotions off my face. “Hello, Sam.”

The twins share a confused look, and Wes and Amber watch Tara to see how she’s reacting to this unexpected reunion.

“You’re hurt.” She gets up from my chair next to the bed and takes a hesitant step toward me. “Tara said you were stabbed saving her.” I nod and when she takes another step forward, I instinctively take a step back. She freezes and something like hurt flits across her face.

It makes my insides clench up because I never thought I’d ever be the reason for that look on her face, but then again, she’s hurt me so much in the past, I think stepping back because I don’t want to be hugged or touched by her seems like a normal reaction.

She goes to say something, her brown eyes soft and pleading, but then the door opens and in steps a guy I don’t recognize.

“Sam do you want anything from the— Oh, hello,” he smiles when he sees me, oblivious to the tension in the room. “I don’t believe we’ve met yet. I’m Richie, Sam’s boyfriend.”

My heart drops. Boyfriend. Right.

I force myself not to look at Sam and shake his hand when he offers it to me. “Y/N. I’m. . .” Sam’s best friend? No, not anymore. “I’m Tara’s friend.”

His smile brightens and he says, “Ah yes, you’re the one who saved her, right?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” I say quietly, shifting my arm in the sling.

“It’s nice to meet you,” he continues. “What you did is very impressive. Not many people would have tackled a psychotic killer with a knife.”

My gaze darts to Sam for a split second. She’s sat back down next to Tara again, but her eyes haven’t left me. There’s now a guilty look on her face and when she realizes I’m looking at her, she quickly averts her eyes and buries her hands in her lap.

“Yes, well, it’s not like I had a choice,” I snap. I acted because I knew if I didn’t, Tara would get killed. I didn’t do it to come off as braver or heroic, and something about being praised for it rubs me the wrong way.

Richie’s eyes widen and he quickly tries to back-pedal. “No, of course not. I understand. I’m just saying—“

I clench my jaw and lift a hand to stop him “Save it. I don’t care.”

Technically, he’s done nothing wrong, but I already don’t like him and it’s not because he’s Sam’s boyfriend. No, that’s not the reason. Not at all.

“Y/N!”

Oh hell no.

“What, Sam?” I ask, pinning her down with a challenging glare.

She flinches and frowns. I’ve never, never, talked to her like this before.

“I—“

She’s once again interrupted just like when Richie entered the room. This time, however, it’s by Amber who speaks up with a sheepish smile on her face. “Guys, Tara is really tired. Maybe we should give her some space.”

I stop glaring at Sam and look at Tara. She does look pretty tired. Her eyes are glassy and it looks like every breath she takes is exhausting.

The twins and Wes agree, leaving with Amber after Amber gives Tara a hug. Sam gets up as well, but Tara asks her to stay and since I promised I wouldn’t leave until Ghostface is caught, I stay as well.

Richie looks back and forth between Sam and me, now no longer oblivious to the tension, before taking a seat on the chair in the corner.

Of course he’s staying, too. For fuck’s sake. . .

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?” I ignore Sam who’s once again looking at me, and focus on Tara.

“Do you still have my inhaler?” she asks and I shake my head.

“No, I’m sorry. I dropped it in your driveway, but I can go and get it if you want,” I offer.

No matter what terms Sam and I are on, I know she won’t let anything happen to Tara if I’m not here, and if Tara wants me to go and get it, I’ll go.

Leaving will also give them a chance to catch up properly and while I’m out, I can go home and take a quick shower.

There’s still some dried blood in my hair that I want to get rid of and I’m itching to get out of the shirt the hospital gave me after they cut mine off me.

“Please. . .”

I smile reassuringly and squeeze Tara’s uninjured leg over the comforter. “Okay. I’ll be back soon.” My face hardens and I look at Sam, shooting her a pointed look.

You better keep her safe. . .

She nods and straightens up a little. I turn and leave before she can try and start another conversation. On my way out, I spare one last glance at Richie who smiles tentatively and waves.

Moron.

Eleven years ago

I jump on my bed, face first, and groan into the pillow. Today’s been a long day.

I didn’t have school because we’re on winter break, but hockey practice is still being held and today’s practice was particularly long and grueling.

My dad even laughed at how tired I looked after picking me up, and my mom made sure I had an extra large serving of dinner.

Now, I just want to sleep. I’ve eaten and showered, and I’m too tired to watch a movie on my laptop like I normally would. So, I wiggle around in an attempt to get under the comforter without getting up.

A moment later though, I stop at the familiar sound of someone tapping on my window. There’s only one person who climbs the tree outside my window to sneak into my room.

“It’s open,” I mumble with a smile on my face. I don’t bother getting up, or even turning around because I know she’ll join me on the bed in a few seconds anyway.

The window slides open and there’s some shuffling before her feet land on my floor. She shuts the window again, and my smile widens because any moment now she’ll jump on the bed.

I wait, and wait, but nothing happens.

“Sam?”

No answer.

My smile dims and when I hear a sniffle, I frown. I finally turn around and the sight that greets me makes me curse myself for not turning around earlier.

Standing in the middle of my room in nothing but a tank top and sweatpants is Sam. She’s shivering and has goosebumps all over her body, but that’s not what concerns me the most. No, what concerns me the most are the tears that are streaming down her face.

“Sam?” Alarmed, I shuffle off the bed and cup her cheeks, forcing her to look at me. “What’s wrong?”

Her brown eyes are red rimmed and her bottom lip quivers. Once again though, she doesn’t answer. Instead, she rushes forward and wraps her arms around my waist.

“Hey. . .” I return the hug and bring one hand up to the back of her head when she pushes her face against the side of my neck. “What’s wrong?”

She still doesn’t answer, so I figure she doesn’t want to talk about it.

What going on? Did she have a fight with Tara, or her mom?

We continue hugging without saying anything, just basking in each other’s company until Sam starts shivering.

“Sammy,” I try to break our hug, but she whines and claws at my back to keep me close. “You’re freezing.”

“I don’t care,” she whispers, and the defeat in her voices makes my heart hurt.

“But I do,” I argue softly, reaching behind me to unclasp her arms from around me. “Here, take this.” I take off my hoodie and slip it over her head. “There, much better.” I make sure it fits properly, un-bunching the bottom and fidgeting with the too-long sleeves before pulling her over to the bed.

She wordlessly slips under the covers and drags me down with her, cuddling up to me as soon as I’m within reach.

She stopped crying a while ago, but she’s obviously still feeling vulnerable, so I pull her closer and run my hand up and down her back.

This isn’t the first time we’ve found ourselves in this position, but it feels different than any other times before. Something has changed and I have yet to find out what it is.

At some point, I must have fallen asleep because the next time I open my eyes, it’s seven in the morning. I stretch and turn to maybe get some more sleep, but then I realize the bed next to me is empty.

“Sam?” I ask, but Sam is gone. The window is open and the spot next to me is still warm, so it can’t have been long since she left.

Present

I step out of the elevator and greet Deputy Vinson and a nurse who are chatting at the nurses’ station.

They nod and smile in greeting before getting back to their conversation, and I make my way to Tara’s room.

I feel much better now, having showered and changed into a new set of clothes. I took a cab from the hospital to Tara’s, grabbed her inhaler, and then drove my car back to my own apartment.

I also called Liam and Paige, updating them on the situation and telling them about Sam’s unexpected appearance.

They know how I felt about her in high school since the three of us have been friends since middle school. They offered to come to the hospital and act as a kind of buffer between Sam and me, but I obviously declined.

I’m more than capable of dealing with Sam’s presence, even if dealing with it is simply ignoring her or interacting with her as little as possible. She broke my heart a long time ago and even though I’d be lying if I said I was over it, I know it’s best to just stay away from her.

Someone rounding the corner and crashing into me at full speed rips me out of my thoughts. I stumble slightly and grasp at the wall to stop us from going down together.

“Hey! Watch where—“ Crap. So much for staying away.

My mouth snaps shut when I realize who ran into me, and then my eyes widen when I see the panicked look on her face.

“What’s going on?”

Sam clings to me and tries to push me back, away from where she just came from, and for a moment all the hurt, anger, and despair she’s caused is forgotten.

“Somebody tried to kill me in the break room!” she cries and without thinking, I wrap my arm that is not in the sling around her and pull her closer.

“What?!”

Our shouting alerts Deputy Vinson, who comes running over with his gun in hand.

“In the break room you say?” he asks, and Sam nods frantically. Without another word, he dashes off, gun raised and shoulders tense.

“Are you hurt?” I ask, breathless even though Sam’s the one who literally just fought off the killer. Her panicked eyes dart around the place, still sensing danger in every shadow, so I tighten my grip on her and repeat myself. “Sam, are you hurt?”

She finally looks at me and shakes her head, panting. “N-No, I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?” I look her over but she seems to be telling the truth because I can’t spot anything amiss except maybe her disheveled hair which is no longer in its claw clip. She’s also taken her jacket off and is now only wearing a white t shirt.

She nods again which causes a few strands of hair to fall in her face. I instinctively reach up and tuck a piece behind her ear only to freeze a heartbeat later when my knuckles brush against her cheek.

What am I doing?

Sam is frozen as well and her brown eyes are darting all over my face, a storm of emotions raging in their depths.

I clear my throat and blink rapidly, stepping back. It makes her hands drop off my chest and I hate how I miss the warmth of her palms through my sweater.

“Y/N. . .”

“Sam!” Richie comes rushing around the corner and when he spots us he’s quick to pull Sam into a hug. “Oh my God, are you okay? Deputy Vinson just told me what happened.”

“I— Yeah, I’m okay.” Sam eyes linger on me and for a moment an emotion I can’t quite pinpoint flickers across her face. Then, however, she turns her attention to Richie and I look away when she lets him kiss her softly.

“Good. I was so worried,” he mumbles and if the kiss wasn’t too much for me already, his sickeningly sweet tone definitely is. I clench my jaw and brush past them, absolutely hating the hurt that settles on my chest and makes it hard for me to breathe.

Focus, Y/N. Tara needs you.

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This one’s a little bit shorter than the last, but I had to get some of the backstory stuff out of the way before the story picks up properly.

(Not proofread yet)

Tag list:

[tortillamastersblog]

Back To You | Sam Carpenter

Pairing: Sam Carpenter x reader

Warnings: mentions of violence, death, blood, injuries, and swearing

Summary: When Sam left after turning eighteen, you were devastated. You’d been in love with her since you were kids and her leaving meant you never got to tell her how you truly felt.

Fast forward a couple of years, Tara gets attacked and Sam returns. . .

Next Part | Masterlist

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“C’mon, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!”

Coach Mason’s voice makes me grit my teeth and push harder, skating as fast as I can even though my legs are numb and my lungs are burning.

He’s had us doing suicides for the last five minutes and if I wasn’t as out of breath as I am right now, I’d curse him out so bad.

“One more!” I stop right before hitting the wall, spraying it with ice before pivoting and sprinting back. “Aaannnd DONE!”

I fall to my hands and knees and cough. That was the worst. The others are panting as well and from the looks of it one of my teammates, Percy, is about to throw up.

“Good job, guys. We’re done for today. Go shower and enjoy the rest of your day.” Coach Mason pats my best friends Liam and Paige on their backs before stepping out of the rink.

I groan and get back up after a moment, and skate over to Liam and Paige. They’re wheezing and trying to catch their breath as well, but when they see my face they burst out laughing.

“Look who’s back P, it’s Tomato,” Liam says, taking off his helmet to reveal his sweat slicked hair.

“Fuck you.” I gasp and take off my helmet as well before sticking up my middle finger. I know my face gets red every time I exercise. “You’re just jealous you’re not as fast as I am.”

“Ha! Never. You’re not even that much faster.” Liam pokes me with his stick and turns to Paige who’s giggling at our antics. “C’mon back me up here.”

Paige raises her arms and shrugs. “Nah. I’m not getting involved.”

I laugh at Liam’s offended frown and smack him with one of my gloves before skating to the rink’s exit where our other teammates are already taking off their skates.

“So, are we still on for dinner tonight or what?” Paige asks when she gets off the ice after me. “And if so, are we ordering in, or cooking?”

“I say we cook something. It’s been a while since we cooked together,” Liam says, taking a seat on a bench to take off his skates.

Paige looks at me for confirmation and I shrug. “Sure. I’m fine with whatever.”

“Perfect. It’s settled then, but our fridge is empty, Lee, so we’ll have to go grocery shopping. Care to join us, Y/N? We can head straight to the store, buy what we need and then spend the rest of the afternoon watching movies before cooking together,” she suggests.

I check my watch for the time and frown apologetically. “I’d love to, but I can’t. I have to pick Tara up from school and I promised her I’d help her with a history project, so rain check on the movie marathon?”

Paige smiles and says, “Of course.”

Liam nods and stands back up. “Yeah, no problem. Just text us when you’re coming over.”

I take off my skates and check the time again.

Shit, I have to hurry. If I don’t I’m going to be late and Tara will think I forgot about her.

“Will do. Thanks guys! I’ve gotta run. I’ll see ya later!”

Liam and Paige give me a thumbs up and I smile gratefully before rushing to the locker rooms.

“Hey!” Tara jumps into my car as soon as I come to a stop in front of Woodsboro High School. I’ve managed to make it just in time. She throws her bag on the backseat and immediately accepts the aux cable when I hand it to her so she can play some music.

“Hiya, how was school?” I ask, waving at Chad, Mindy, Wes and Amber. They smile when they see me and I smile back before starting our drive to Tara’s house.

“It was fine, but we got a shit ton of homework.“ She pulls out her inhaler after putting on a song and takes a drag of it. “How was practice?” She glances over and smiles when she sees my face is still a little red. “Did Coach Mason make you do sui’s again?”

I glare at her playfully and stop the car at a red light. “Do you even have to ask?”

Tara laughs and takes another drag of her inhaler. “No, not really, but I like annoying you.” She smirks and drops the inhaler into the cup holder.

I grumble, not even half as annoyed as I’m pretending to be. “Mhmm. I can tell, you little shit. You know, if you didn’t have asthma I’d make you walk the rest of the way home.“

“No, you wouldn’t,” she quips confidently and turns up the volume of the music.

I raise an eyebrow but sigh a moment later, whispering, “Yeah, no. I wouldn’t.”

The rest of the drive is uneventful and before long I’m pulling into the Carpenter’s driveway.

“Is your mom home?” I ask when I get out of the car. My eyes momentarily dart to the house on the other side of the street.

My house. . . I square my shoulders and look away. No, it’s no longer my house. I sold it because it stopped being mine the moment my parents died in the accident.

Tara grabs her bag from the backseat and shakes her head, snapping me out of my thoughts. “No. She’s in London.”

I frown. “For how long?”

“Don’t know,-“ she turns to unlock the front door-“don’t care. It’s not like it’s the first time she’s left for an extended period of time.”

“Right. . .” I clench my jaw and step inside the house after her.

Christina Carpenter has been a shit parent ever since Tara’s dad left. I don’t dare to dwell on it though because if I did that woman would get an earful of how bad of a mother she actually is. It would be the truth, yes, but I know it would upset Tara which is why I stay quiet and take my frustrations out in the rink.

“So, what’s this project you need help with?” I ask, following Tara into the kitchen.

My gaze lands on the pictures on the walls, but I’m quick to look away and ignore the hurt that constricts my heart.

They’re nothing but memories now. Painful memories of what once was and reminders of what could have been. I’m in several of those pictures, alongside Tara and her family, but the face staring back at me, my face, is one I no longer recognize.

“I have to write a paper on the Cold War, but I don’t know how to start,” she says, pulling two bottles of water out of the fridge.

I cringe and take one of the bottles when she offers it to me. “Phew. Okay, I was never really good in history, but I’ll try to help as best as I can.”

Tara smiles and takes a sip of her water. “Thank you. Should we get started?”

“Sure. After you, ma’am.” I bow playfully and gesture for her to lead the way upstairs to her room.

“Idiot.” She smacks my arm as she brushes past me which makes me laugh.

We go to her room and plop down on her bed, getting started on the paper.

After skimming the instructions, I realize it’s not as difficult as I thought it would be. We work together, going through textbooks and using the internet to gather all the information we need before Tara gets to work on actually writing the paper.

I keep her company and proofread everything she shows me until, finally, after two and a half grueling hours, she’s done.

She saves the Word document on her laptop before shutting it and falling back on the bed with a dramatic sigh.

“Urgh. Finally. That was the worst,” she complains.

I chuckle and toss a pillow at her. “It wasn’t that bad.”

She sits up again and hurls the pillow back at me. I catch it with ease and stuff it behind my back to make myself more comfortable.

“Maybe for you it wasn’t. All you did was help me research. I did all the writing,” she argues, dragging her hands down her face.

“Yeah you did because it’s your assignment. I just said I’d help, not that I’d write the damn thing for you.” I nudge her playfully which makes her roll her eyes.

“Whatever,” she whispers before pulling out her phone. “Hey, it’s already pretty late. Do you want to stay for dinner? Amber’s probably going to come over as well.”

I check my own phone to see that Paige texted me that she and Liam managed to get everything to cook Spaghetti Bolognese together.

I sit up and shake my head with an apologetic smile. “I’d love to but I already made plans with Liam and Paige.”

Tara doesn’t seem fazed by my rejection and just smiles. “Alright. So, you’re leaving now?”

I get up and nod. “Yeah. Is that okay? Or do you want me to stay until Amber gets here?”

“No, no. You can go, I’ll be fine,” she says, getting off the bed as well.

“Okay then.” I pull her into a hug and press a kiss to the top of her head. “Call me if you need anything.”

She breaks our hug and shoves me gently with an embarrassed smile. “Yeah, yeah. Just go, I’ll be fine.”

“Fine. I’m leaving.” I go to the door and open it. “Love ya!”

Tara snorts, but says, “I love you too, idiot,” before I make my way down the stairs and out of the house. I lock the front door with my spare key and get in my car, texting Liam and Paige that I’m heading to theirs now.

There’s quite a bit of traffic, so it takes longer than expected to drive all the way across town and to make matters even worse, right before I get to Liam’s and Paige’s, I catch sight of Tara’s inhaler in my cup holder.

Shit. She needs that. She mentioned two days ago that she lost her backup inhaler.

I make a U-turn and call Liam.

“Yello?” he says after picking up.

“It’s me, Lee. I have to turn back around because Tara forgot her inhaler in my car.”

“Oh, no worries. Take your time. Paige and I are going to start cooking though, is that okay? I’m starving.”

He groans and I laugh. “Of course. I won’t be long.”

“Yeah okay. See you in a bit. And tell Tara I said hi.” I can practically hear the smirk in his voice.

“Ew, gross dude,” I say, adding, “She’s like five years younger than us.”

This time it’s Liam’s turn to laugh. “Relax. I’m just joking.”

I huff and make a right turn. “You better be.”

“I am, I swear,” he defends. Silence. Then. . . “For real though, tell her I said hi.”

I roll my eyes and hang up. I know he’s only joking, but it gets on my nerves sometimes. I continue driving, listening to the radio until fifteen minutes later, I’m once again pulling into the Carpenter’s driveway.

I grab the inhaler and get out, frowning at the absence of Amber’s car for a moment.

Shouldn’t she be here by now?

I shake my head and make my way around the front of my car.

Maybe she decided not to come over after all.

I skip up the stairs to the front door, only to freeze a second later when a muffled scream pierces through the silence.

“Tara. . .” I drop the inhaler and rush to the door, unlocking it as fast as I can before bursting inside.

Another blood curdling scream echoes through the house and I dash toward the kitchen where it came from.

There’s blood on the floor and a handprint on a nearby door and when I round the corner I see a cloaked figure standing over Tara.

She’s on the ground, sobbing and coughing. Her pink shirt is covered in blood and one of her legs is twisted in a weird way, obviously broken.

Looming over her is a cloaked figure and when she turns around to crawl away, he raises a blood covered knife and stabs her in her lower back.

“Tara!” I jump into action and tackle him to the ground.

He grunts, surprised by my arrival and manages to twist around underneath me. The sight of his infamous Ghostface mask me freeze for just a split second, but that seems to be all the time he needs to get his arm free and swing the knife at me.

I’m quick to react, leaning back just in time to avoid getting my throat slit. When he swings at me again though, I’m not as lucky and with a grunt he manages to stab me in the shoulder right next to my neck.

I scream and topple off him, raising my hand to my shoulder when he pulls the knife back out. My heartbeat is loud in my ears, and I think this is it, this is how I’m going to die, but then I hear the sound of police sirens.

No, this can’t be it. I’m not dying unless I know Tara is safe.

Ghostface grabs the front of my hoodie and lifts his arm to land the killing blow before making his escape, but he never gets the chance to bring the knife down on me because I kick against his knee, making him stumble.

That’s it. That was his chance. If he doesn’t get out now he’s going to get caught, I think, and I’m right.

Ghostface limps out as the sirens get louder. I know he’s not going to return, so I turn my back on the doorway and shuffle to Tara’s side.

“Y/N,” she sobs, clutching at her side. My eyes widen at all the blood and when I see she got stabbed through the hand I feel sick.

“I’m here, Tara. I’m here,” I croak. I pull off my sweatshirt even though I can barely move my shoulder, and press it against her stomach to slow the bleeding.

She hiccups and whimpers, and I slip my free hand underneath her to also apply pressure to the stab wound on her lower back.

“You’re going to be fine,” I whisper. Warm blood soaks the shirt around my own stab wound, making it stick to my back and chest, but I don’t stop applying pressure to Tara’s wounds.

She’s all that matters. She has to survive.

After what feels like hours, the front door flies open and police officers swarm into the house.

“You’re going to be just fine. I promise.”

The constant beeping of Tara’s heart rate monitor keeps me from falling asleep even though I stayed up the entire night. She’s been out of surgery for about half an hour now and the doctors said it’s going to be a while until she wakes up.

She looks so pale and small, it makes my heart hurt, so I carefully take her hand in mine and move my chair even closer to her bed.

It’s a little bit of a struggle because my right arm is in a sling since my shoulder was stitched up, but in the end I manage to get the chair to where I want it to be.

I let out a defeated sigh and lower my head. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, my voice breaking as tears prick my eyes. “I should have stayed. I shouldn’t have left.”

No one knows what would have happened if I had stayed. Maybe the attack wouldn’t have happened at all. Maybe Tara would be fine now, or maybe we could have ended up exactly where we are right now. The truth is, no one knows, but at least she wouldn’t have been alone and that is the part that gnaws at me the most because I broke my promise to her.

After Sam left, she was heartbroken. She was alone and lost, so I promised her that I’d never leave her.

She’s always been like a little sister to me because Sam and I were best friends and we used to look after her together, but after that promise, we became inseparable.

“I’m sorry.” I whisper again, shutting my eyes and ignoring the tears that drop down my cheeks. I squeeze her hand in mine and rest my forehead against the edge of the bed.

It’s an uncomfortable position, but I’m too tired to move. I stay like that for a couple of minutes, listening to the heart rate monitor until the door slowly creeps open.

I shoot up in my chair and hiss at the stinging pain in my shoulder.

“Sorry.” Paige’s soft voice makes me relax again and when I turn around I see her standing in the doorway with an apologetic smile on her face.

Liam is right behind her and, for once, he has a serious look on his face.

“Hey.” I sink back in the chair and send them a tight lipped smile.

“How are you feeling?” Paige asks, entering the room. Liam follows her and closes the door.

I don’t even have the energy to scoff at that, so I just whisper, “Like shit.”

Usually Liam would make a joke about it, teasing me by saying I also look like shit instead of just feeling like it, but given the severity of the situation, he doesn’t. He simply places the bouquet of flowers they brought onto the bedside table and joins Paige at my side.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, squeezing my uninjured shoulder.

“Thanks.” My voice is gruff, but I couldn’t care less about that right now. I keep my eyes on Tara, watching her chest rise and fall steadily.

“We were so worried about you,” Liam says.

I hum in acknowledgment, but don’t say anything. I called them using the hospital’s phone last night after the doctor’s took care of my shoulder, and filled them in on what happened.

They were so worried, they wanted to come to the hospital immediately, but I told them to stay at home and come back in the morning which it apparently already is now. I also called Amber and Wes, telling them to stay at home and go to school until Tara wakes up.

“Is she going to be okay?” Paige asks, bringing me back to reality.

I nod and tear my eyes away from Tara to look at her. “Yeah. The doctors said she’s going to be fine, but she almost didn’t make it. . .S-she could have died, Paige.”

A sob claws its way out of my mouth and almost instantly Paige and Liam pull me into a hug.

“Yes, it was a close one, but she’s going to be okay,” Liam says. “I’m sure if it wasn’t for you, she’d not be here right now.”

His words shatter something in me and suddenly, my entire composure crumbles. I begin sobbing uncontrollably and break down, clinging onto both of them as best as I can without letting go of Tara’s hand.

A groan makes my eyes snap up from my lap. Liam and Paige left a while ago after making sure I had something to eat (a disgusting protein bar from the hospital’s vending machine) and something to drink (an entire bottle of Gatorade).

They were reluctant at first when I told them to go to class, but gave in eventually when I convinced them their note taking (and then sharing said notes with me) would be more beneficial than their being here.

Now, my eyes widen at the sight of Tara waking up.

“Y/N?” she whispers, opening her eyes slowly.

I get to my feet and grab a cup of water from the bedside table. “Yeah, I’m here.”

I take a seat on the edge of the bed and smile softly when her dazed eyes land on me. I offer her the cup and help her drink from it when she takes it.

“How are you feeling? Are you in any pain?” I ask, taking the cup back when she’s done.

“N-No,” she says quietly. She moves her uninjured hand to her stomach where she was stabbed. “But. . . I’m scared.”

I nod and put the cup on my chair, not wanting to get up to put it back on the bedside table. “Me too.”

Tara’s eyes clear up a little and when she properly takes me in for the first time, she shudders and brushes her fingers over the sling my arm is in. “Your shoulder. . . You’re hurt.”

I grab her hand and squeeze it gently. “I know, but we’ll both be fine.”

Tears well up in her eyes and her chin starts quivering. “You came back. H-He was going to kill me, but you came back. Why did you come back?”

I nod and don’t bother swallowing the growing lump in my throat. “Because you forgot your inhaler in the car and then I heard you scream and—“ I gulp and decided mid sentence not to finish that though. “I’m not leaving your side again until that fucker is either behind bars, or dead, okay?”

A tear streams down Tara’s cheek and I let go of her hand to pull her into a gentle hug. “Okay,” she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”

“Here you go. One Red Bull and a Snickers,” I say, handing Deputy Vinson the snacks he asked for when I offered to get something from the vending machine.

Wes, Mindy, Chad and Amber got here a couple of minutes ago and I decided to step out of the room for a moment to give them a chance to catch up with Tara alone.

“Thanks.“ Deputy Vinson opens the Red Bull and takes a big sip. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Don’t mention it.” He took Tara’s and my statement earlier and was then stationed outside of her room by Sheriff Hicks.

We share a little smile and I walk past him to go back into the room, only to feel my heart drop when I hear a familiar voice as soon as I open the door.

No, it can’t be. . .

I step into the room and swallow harshly when my eyes land on her.

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[tortillamastersblog]

꧁ Angels Don’t Cry - Part 6 | Mor ꧂

Pairing: Mor x reader

Warnings: Mentions of torture, injuries, blood, kidnapping, vomiting and explicit language

Summary: After Hybern’s defeat, the Inner Circle makes a grave discovery in the late King’s dungeons. . .

Next Part | Masterlist

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When Feyre and I get to the House of Wind, the Starfall celebrations are already in full swing. Rhys even went so far as to hire a band to play some live music.

The drinks are flowing and people are dancing, excited for the spectacle later tonight, but as my eyes roam over the crowd I don’t spot the one person I’m anxious to see.

Feyre, ever the observant friend, notices my searching gaze and says, “She’s here. I talked to her earlier, but I don’t know where she went.”

I hum in acknowledgment and smile when she excuses herself to find Rhysand.

She’s probably just getting a drink from the wine cellar or something.

I start mingling, sticking to the people I know and am comfortable with until Elain appears, yanking me to the side of the room.

“Whoa, hi! Hello to you, too,” I say steadying myself with a hand on the wall so I don’t crash into her.

I haven’t even had a drink yet. . .

Elain smiles apologetically but her eyes dart around with urgency in them, her entire body tense. “Have you heard?”

“Heard what?” I ask, smirking when I notice the way her baby blue dress matches Azriel’s shirt. It’s an unusual color on him since he usually prefers to wear dark colors, but it goes to show how much he is willing to do for his mate. “You look nice by the way.”

She ignores my compliment and stands on her toes to look over my shoulder. “That,” she says, her lip curling in disgust.

I turn around and blink in surprise. “What the fuck?”

Walking into the room, shielded by Cassian on his left and Rhysand on his right, is Keir, Steward of the Court of Nightmares and Mor’s father.

I knew he and his people would be allowed into Velaris tonight, but I wasn’t expecting him to be here, celebrating amongst the Inner Circle.

“What is he doing here?” I seethe, glaring daggers at Rhysand when our eyes meet.

He ignores me and averts his eyes, saying something to Keir before getting whisked away by Feyre who looks as appalled and shocked as Elain.

“Azriel said Rhysand is bringing him here to express his gratitude for ordering the Darkbringers to help in the war against Hybern,” Elain explains, bitterness seeping into her voice. She takes a sip of her drink and offers it to me.

I take it and down it in one big sip, shaking my head in disbelief. “Allowing him into the city is showing enough gratitude. This is just pointless and borders on ass-kissing.”

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, a red-headed male steps out from behind Keir. Eris Vanserra. He left Mor in the woods to die after her father nailed a note to her stomach.

No wonder Mor is nowhere to be found.

An indescribable rage bubbles up in the pit of my stomach and before I can stop myself, I’m pushing through the crowd, making my way to Keir and Eris.

I don’t know what I’m going to do or say, but I don’t want them here and I don’t want them anywhere near Mor.

My wings are tucked in tight and my shoulders are squared, ready to fight, but then a familiar figure steps in front of me, effectively blocking my path.

“Move, Azriel.” I all but growl, trying to get past him, but Azriel doesn’t budge. He just raises and eyebrow and watches me carefully as something akin to realization flashes across his face.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he says calmly, his shadows curling around him. “Whatever it is you were planning on doing, that is. Starting a fight isn’t going to help anyone. . . Especially not Mor.”

At the sound of her name my eyes narrow, but I don’t try to get past him any more.

He’s right. I don’t know what I was thinking, but seeing them here, in a place Mor treasures so much, on this special night. . . It set something off in me.

“Where is she?” I ask, deciding to focus my attention on her instead of them.

“Upstairs.” Azriel steps aside just enough for me to get to the staircase.

I don’t spare him or Eris and Keir another glance as I skip up the stairs. The first place I go to is the guest room she usually uses whenever she’s had too much to drink and is too lazy to go home.

It’s empty though, so I look through all the other guest rooms as well. One after the other, I come up empty handed. That is until I open the door to my old room.

I almost overlook her in the darkness, but she’s there, staring out of the window with her back turned toward me. Her heartbeat is erratic in the silence even though she’s perfectly still.

I step into the room and close the door behind me, noticing how she freezes for a moment. She turns her head to the side ever so slightly and listens, relaxing visibly when she realizes it’s me.

Keeping her eyes on the view outside the window, she exhales shakily. She doesn’t tell me to leave, so I take that as an invitation to join her side.

I wordlessly cross the room and step up next to her, looking outside as well. The sight of the city and the Sidra below us is familiar and comforting. I couldn’t count how many times I looked out at the city after waking up from a nightmare.

While the muffled sounds of the party downstairs surround us, we stay completely silent. We don’t move or acknowledge each other’s presence until Mor’s finally had enough. She turns and throws her arms around my shoulders, burying her face in the crook of my neck.

She doesn’t cry, but her heart is still beating too fast, so I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer, hoping to provide her with the comfort she needs.

“They’re here,” she whispers after a couple more moments.

I press a kiss to the crown of her head. “I know.”

She tightens her grip on me and moves one of her hands to the back of my neck. “I hate them.”

I nod and brush my thumbs along her ribs over the fabric of her dress. “Me too. I think if it wasn’t for Azriel I would have punched them by now.“

That elicits a weak laugh from her. “And then what? Rhys would have you kicked out for threatening the alliance.”

I scoff and rest my cheek against the top of her head. “Rhys can kiss my ass, I don’t care about that.”

I just care about you.

That realization would have sent me spiraling a week ago, but now it brings me nothing but clarity.

I care about Mor. More than a friend and even though I doubt this is what it feels like for the bond to snap into place, I can finally admit that I want this. I want her, and I want us, and as soon as the bond snaps into place for me, I will accept it.

“Maybe, but I do,” she says quietly, “if he kicked you out you wouldn’t be here with me right now and I want you here.”

My heart soars hearing her admit that and I tighten my hold on her even more, breathing her in and pressing a kiss to her temple. “Mhmm. I want to be here, too.”

Mor nuzzles my neck and runs her fingers through the hair at the back of my neck.

I concentrate on her heartbeat and exhale in relief when I hear it has returned back to normal. “So, what do you want to do now? Do you want to get out of here?”

She shakes her head and pulls back so she can look at me. The room is dark, but it’s not dark enough for me to miss the defiance burning in her eyes. “No, if I run, they win. I don’t want them to know they’re getting to me.“

I raise an eyebrow at that and squeeze her waist playfully when she starts fumbling with the top buttons of my shirt. “So. . .?”

She huffs and stands up straighter, placing her hands on my chest. “We’re going to go down there and enjoy the night with our family and friends.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” There’s no hesitation on her part, but I’m still not sure about this.

“But what if they try to talk to you?” I ask. I can’t stop the concern from seeping into my voice and Mor’s eyes soften as she cups my neck with her hands.

“Let them. As long as you’re with me, I don’t care what they say.” She sounds so convinced, I can’t help but give in.

“Alright, but we’re leaving as soon as you feel even the tiniest bit uncomfortable,” I state, leaving no room for discussion.

Mor chuckles, but nods with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

I raise my eyebrows, needing her to be serious for a moment. “Okay?”

“Yes, I promise.”

I grumble. I still don’t like the idea, but I’m not going to tell her what she can or can’t do. Never. So, I let her step out of my arms and grab my hand to lead me out into the lit hallway where I get the first proper look at her dress.

For once she’s not wearing a red one, but rather a forest green one. It hugs her body perfectly and compliments her lipstick. The slit up the side of her leg exposes most of her thigh and the sight of so much skin makes me swoon.

“Close your mouth, Love, or you’re gonna catch flies,” she teases with a knowing smirk and when it registers what she just called me my wings flutter involuntarily.

I clear my throat, embarrassed that I was caught staring, but I don’t look away. “You’re unbelievable.”

She throws her hair over her shoulders and lets go of my hand to link arms with me. “I know,” she quips confidently before dragging me back downstairs.

After returning to the party, Mor and I managed to avoid Rhysand, Keir and Eris. We ate with Amren and Cassian (whom I’m once again on speaking terms with), shared a drink with Elain and Azriel, and had a little chat with Feyre.

She told us inviting Keir and Eris to the party was a split second decision on Rhysand’s part because he bumped into them in the city on his way here. They challenged his trust in them in front of his people, so in order to save face, he invited them to the party.

It makes sense why he did it, I would have done the same in his shoes, but it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t like it.

A finger poking my jaw makes me snap out of my thoughts. “You’re going to get a headache if you keep clenching your jaw like that.”

“Right. Sorry.” I try to smile at Mor who’s looking at me with soft brown eyes, but it falls flat.

She squeezes my biceps and tilts her head. “Why are you apologizing?”

I frown. “I-I don’t know.” Why am I apologizing? “It just feels like the right thing to do?”

Mor huffs and brushes a strand of hair off my forehead. “We’ll have to work on that.”

Huh? Who is we? And why is that something that has to be worked on?

Before I get the chance to ask any of that, I notice someone approaching from the corner of my eye and when I turn my head, I’m right back to clenching my jaw.

Eris.

“Good evening.” He stops in front of us and bows his head respectfully, but I don’t miss the conceited glint in his eyes.

Mor turns her body and returns the greeting with a polite nod. “Good evening.”

I don’t say anything, and as though she senses my reignited anger, Mor places a hand on my stomach to keep me from stepping between her and Eris.

“Are you having a good time?” he asks with a smug smile, his eyes darting to Mor’s hand on my stomach for a moment. Then he looks at me and something in his expression changes. His smile turns unsettling and a knowing look crosses his face.

He knows who I am. . .

“Yes, we are.” Mor is quick to regain Eris’s attention. She subtly shifts even closer to me and pats my stomach ever so slightly to remind me not to do anything stupid. “Are you?”

Eris takes a sip of his wine and smiles again. I swear if we were alone right now I would have already beat the shit out of him. “Very much so, yes. Velaris is beautiful. It’s a shame you kept it hidden for so long.“

Mor doesn’t bristle the way I do, but the way her hand twitches on my stomach reveals she’s just as agitated by Eris as I am. “Yes, well, you know what they say, you’ve got to protect what you love.”

Eris hums and glances at me again. “I suppose that’s true.”

My wings flutter and I shift forward, wanting nothing more than to see this smug piece of shit bleed for everything he’s done to Mor, but the hand on my stomach, once again, keeps me from acting on my desires.

Seemingly satisfied that he got under my skin, Eris grins and excuses himself, wishing us a nice night and vanishing back into the crowd.

It’s only when he’s completely out of sight that I scoff and tuck my wings in tighter.

“Hey, calm down. He’s gone.” Mor’s voice makes me relax slightly and when I look down at her I find her smiling softly.

The sight makes my heart flutter and it’s in that moment that I realize she still hasn’t taken her hand off my stomach. The warmth of her palm through my shirt makes me shiver and my stomach tenses.

At my reaction, Mor’s smile goes from soft to cheeky and I look away nervously. I simultaneously hate and love the fact that she has this kind of effect on me.

Before I can dwell on it though, the lights are turned off and Mor grabs my hand, pulling me to a nearby balcony where Elain and Nesta are already looking up at the sky.

“Have you seen anything yet? Where are the others?” Mor asks and Nesta shakes her head.

“No, nothing yet, but Cassian said it’s about to start. He and Azriel just left to grab some drinks. They should be back in a second,” she explains and as though summoned, Azriel and Cassian step out onto the balcony with smiles on their faces.

“Oh hey, you two,” Cassian says when he sees Mor and me. “Didn’t know you’d be here, too. Do you want some drinks?”

I decline politely and Mor shakes her head. “No, thank you.”

“Very well then.” Cassian smiles again and hands Nesta her drink before wrapping his arms around her from behind.

It makes my eyes widen and when I look at Mor I see she’s just as surprised about this new development. Neither Elain nor Azriel seem to be fazed by it, so Mor and I don’t comment on it either.

We just share a look before Mor pulls me closer to the far left corner of the balcony for some privacy.

Music starts playing and people start dancing all around us, but all I can focus on is Mir. The way her face glows in the moonlight makes me swoon and if I’d had more than just one drink tonight I would have written it off as a side effect of the alcohol.

And then. . . The stars start falling and a smile lights up her face. Her eyes sparkle and when they meet mine, something inside of me snaps.

The tug on my insides disappears and I’m suddenly overcome with a warmth that seeps into every single part of my body.

I gasp and my hand tightens around hers, making her eyes widen in realization.

The bond just snapped into place for me.

________________________________________________

Only one more part to go <3

[tortillamastersblog]

Miscellaneous — Masterlist

Sam Carpenter — Scream

⪧ Back To You | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

More to follow soon. . .

[tortillamastersblog]

➶The Bet - Part 3 | Kate Bishop➴

Pairing: Kate Bishop x reader

Warnings: angst with happy ending

Summary: Being known as the quiet and reserved student, you mind your own business and stay out of people’s way.

Kate Bishop is the exact opposite. Outgoing, bubbly, and loud, she’s the definition of a popular girl, so it comes as a surprise when she asks you out on a random Thursday afternoon.

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist

________________________________________________

A knock on my door makes me look up from my laptop. “Yeah?”

Riley opens the door slowly and steps into the room with a plate of food in her hand. “Hey.”

She smiles tentatively and I force myself to smile back, rolling my chair back to look at her properly. “Hi. How was class?”

She sets the plate down on my desk before taking a seat on the edge of my bed. “Fine, but boring without you.”

I hum to acknowledge her before changing the subject by gesturing at the food and asking, “What’s this?”

I know she’s itching to ask me when I’ll go back with her, but I’m not ready to answer that question yet.

Since I stormed out of Kate’s apartment a little over a week ago, I haven’t gone to class because I don’t want to risk running into her or her friends.

Riley doesn’t know what happened, but she’s known something’s up ever since I came home in tears after my date with Kate. She doesn’t push me to tell her about it though and helps me stay on track with all of our classes by sharing her notes with me.

“You haven’t been eating properly lately, so I made you some dinner,” she says quietly and a little hesitantly as if she’s afraid of my reaction.

My grip on my pen tightens and I glance at the food. She’s right. I haven’t been eating and I haven’t really been sleeping either. All I do is study, run until my legs are numb, and stand in the shower, staring at the wall until my eyes hurt.

I can’t get over how Kate used me. She was so sweet and kind and I still can’t believe all of it was an act.

I guess it just goes to show that my mother was right, always telling me I was naive for believing in the good in everyone.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “But I’m not really hungry.”

Eating makes me feel sick. I can only stomach a piece of toast or some fruit.

Riley sighs and slides off the bed so she’s kneeling in front of me. She takes my hands into her own and squeezes. Her eyes are full of concern and her eyebrows are furrowed. “I know, but you have to eat. I’m worried about you, Y/N.“

I avert my eyes, but don’t pull my hands out of her grip. “I’m fine, Rye.”

“No, you’re not,” she argues quietly, squeezing my hands again, “and that’s okay. You’re allowed to hurt and process whatever happened, but not like this. Your body needs food, and sleep, and rest. . .”

Tears prick my eyes at the emotion lacing her words and all of a sudden I feel guilty for acting like this, for making her worry and look after me. “Riley, I—“

“You don’t have to tell me what happened,” she cuts me off quickly. “But please let me take care of you if you’re not going to do it yourself.”

I take a shuddering breath and nod, blinking away my tears before meeting her hazel eyes with my own. “Okay.”

“Good.” She stands up and ruffles my hair playfully. “Now eat. I’m going to do the dishes, but as soon as I’m done, we’re watching a movie. You’ve been brooding long enough now and it’s about high time you spent some quality time with your favorite person again.”

I chuckle at that and nod again, watching her leave before taking a tiny bite of the pasta she brought me.

“An orbital is a three dimensional description of the most likely location of an electron around an atom. There are four types of orbitals: s, p, d and f. . . They are combined when bonds form between atoms and—“

I stop listening to Professor Jenkins and take off my glasses, pinching the bridge of my nose. Letting Riley convince me to join her today was a mistake. I can’t focus on anything other than avoiding Kate and her friends in the hallways.

Another week has passed since our date, making it two weeks now since we last spoke, but I’m still no closer to getting over what she did than I was the night it happened.

A nudge makes me snap out of my thoughts. “You good?” Riley whispers.

I put my glasses back on and shrug. “I don’t know.”

Riley frowns and watches me for a moment before tearing a blank piece of paper out of her notebook. She hands it to me and smiles hopefully “Here. Make me something pretty.”

I stare at it for a second before taking it with a thankful smile. My dad taught me origami when I was a kid and it always eases my anxiety, so I get to work folding a crane.

It’s not very difficult, but it takes some time, so by the time I’m done, class is over.

“Very cute.” Riley says when I present the crane to her. “Now let’s go home. I’m starving.”

We pack up our stuff and make our way out of the lecture hall. It’s already dark outside and I’m dreading the walk to Riley’s car because it started to snow a couple of hours ago and I didn’t bring a proper jacket with me.

The hallways are crowded because several classes just ended, but I still spot the last person I wanted to see making her way through the sea of people, heading my way.

Our eyes meet and I freeze, forcing Riley to stop as well.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, but then she follows my line of sight. “Oh.”

“Y/N!” Kate calls out, bumping into a group of people without apologizing.

“Rye,” I say desperately, my eyes meeting Rileys. “I-I can’t. . . I can’t— Not now.”

She nods and steps in front of me to block my view of Kate. I’m taller than her, so I can easily look over her shoulder and still see her, but the thought counts and I love her even more for it.

“Okay. Okay. Take my keys and go. I’ll meet you at the car,” she says, pushing her car keys into my hand. I turn around to leave, but Kate’s voice makes me freeze again.

“Y/N! Wait, please!”

I have half a mind to turn around, but then Riley shoves me. “Go. I’ll deal with her.”

I mouth a thank you and weave through the crowd, effortlessly escaping before Kate can get to me.

“So? What did she want?” I ask quietly as soon as Riley gets into the car. She cups her hands and lifts them to her mouth, blowing into them in an attempt to get some warmth back.

I’m sitting in the driver’s seat, so as soon as she closes her door, I put the keys into the ignition and start the car. She doesn’t mind that I drive her car sometimes, especially not after a long day of classes.

“She wouldn’t say, but she really wants to talk to you,” she says and I feel her eyes on me as I pull out of the parking lot.

“Hmm.”

I know she wants to know what happened, but she still doesn’t dare to ask, and I honestly admire her self restraint.

My grip on the steering wheel tightens for a moment before I sigh and glance at Riley.

She’s watching me with a mix of concern and curiosity on her face. It makes my resolve to keep what happened to myself crumble.

Coming to a stop at a red light, I push my glasses up the bridge of my nose before looking at her again. “Rye.”

“Yeah?”

I take a deep breath. “Kate. . . used me,” I start slowly, watching her for a reaction. “Asking me out was just part of a bet she made with her friends.”

Riley’s eyebrows shoot up. “What?!”

“Yeah.” I sigh and start driving again as soon as the light turns green. “I found out after she kissed me. Her phone was connected to her computer and her friends kept texting her about it and I saw all the messages.”

“What the fuck?” Riley’s voice shakes and before I know it she’s told me to pull over so she can give me a hug. “I’m sorry, Y/N. That’s so messed up. You’re the kindest and most selfless person I know, and you deserve the world. Kate is a bitch.”

If my heart didn’t hurt the way it does I would have chucked at that. I tighten my arms around her and close my eyes.

You deserve the world. . .

Her words fill me with warmth and when we pull back I press a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you.”

She smiles and flicks a tear off my cheek. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s go home.”

I nod and pull back onto the road while Riley connects her phone to the car’s bluetooth system to play some music.

“You know, Grace from my dance class is pretty cute,” she says and even though I’m focused on the road I know she’s smirking. “If you want I can set you up with her. She’s sweet and blushes every time you pick me up.”

I snort and can’t stop my lips from twitching into a smile. “Yeah, right.”

Grace is cute and I have noticed her crush on me, but I’ve never acted on it. Not because I can’t see myself in a relationship with her, but because until Kate came along, I couldn’t see myself in a relationship with anyone.

“I’m serious.” Riley laughs and changes the song. “She always asks how you are and every time you don’t pick me up, she’s disappointed she didn’t get to see you.”

My ears turn red at that revelation and I have to clear my throat before responding. “Yeah, no. . . I know you’re right, but—“

“But what?” She whines playfully. “You guys would be perfect together! She’s a great listener, she’s smart, and she’s a total nerd just like you!”

I scoff and shoot her a glare. “Excuse me? I’m not a nerd.”

“Oh please, you’re like the king of nerds, but that’s not my point. My point is, you guys would make a great couple, and you know it!” She raises an eyebrow as if to challenge me to disagree.

She’s right. Based on the few interactions I’ve shared with Grace, I know we get along pretty well, but after what happened with Kate I feel like I can’t trust anyone with my heart anymore. Well, anyone except Riley, but that’s different. She’s family.

I turn onto our street and stop the car in front of the gate of our building’s underground parking garage. “Okay, okay. I see where you’re coming from, but I can’t, Riley. Not now.” I say, quietly adding, “Not after what Kate did.”

I roll down the window and punch in the gate’s code on the keypad, waiting for it to open before driving into the garage.

Riley sighs and runs her hand through her hair. “Okay. Maybe not now, but keep her in mind for when you’re ready to go out again.”

When, not if. . . She honestly believes I will ever go on a date again after what happened. Yeah right. . . No, I’m staying single for the rest of my life.

Not in the mood to disagree, I just nod and pull into a parking spot. “Fine. Can we talk about something else now?”

“A fundraiser?” I stare at the flyer Riley just handed me. “You honestly expect me to go to this? I literally have no money to donate. Unlike you, I’m broke as fuck. They should raise money for me.”

The lecture hasn’t even started yet and I’m already over it. Today is Friday, and yet another week has passed since what happened with Kate.

I’ve managed to avoid her since last week, not even catching a glimpse of her in the hallway, and it’s making it easier to get over her.

“Oh, come on! We’ll go together. I think it could be fun. I’ll even donate something in your name,” Riley pleads, refusing to take back the flyer when I try to hand it to her.

I roll my eyes and take out my laptop, getting ready for class. “You mean your parents are going to donate something in my name.”

Riley waves me off. “Eh. My parents, or me? It doesn’t matter. The money comes from the same account. . . So, is that a yes?”

I look up to meet her eyes and even though I want to say no, the excitement that shines in her eyes makes me reconsider. Instead of straight up agreeing though, I compromise and say, “Maybe. When is it?”

“Yay! Thank you! It’s tomorrow night.” Riley pats my cheek playfully which makes me slap her hand away with a chuckle.

She pulls out her phone and texts her parents, giving me the opportunity to watch the students filing into the lecture hall while my laptop is turning on.

Some faces are familiar, others aren’t. Most of them yawn and carry coffee cups, but others are chatting animatedly with their friends.

I don’t get people who have this much energy in the morning. . .

I let my gaze wander around the room, not looking at anything in particular. That is until my eyes land on her.

She just walked in, dressed in a purple cashmere sweater and jeans, her jacket is draped over her arm and her hair is pulled back in a low bun.

She looks good even though I hate to admit it, but something about her seems off and it takes me a couple of seconds to realize why.

She’s not talking to anyone like she normally would, and her usually bright smile is no where in sight. She also has dark circles under her eyes and her eyes lack their usual brightness.

All in all, she looks exhausted and a tiny part of me—the one that still hangs onto the way she smiled at me and kissed me— feels bad for her.

That feeling, however, vanishes the moment she looks up and her blue eyes meet mine. It’s almost as though she felt me staring.

Oh no, she’s going to want to talk again. I shrink down in my chair and mentally prepare for the seemingly inevitable conversation we’re about to have.

Much to my surprise though, it never comes, because Kate averts her eyes a moment later and turns to take a seat on the other end of the lecture hall.

I don’t know if I should feel relieved or disappointed. On one hand, I’m glad I don’t have to face her because I’m still hurting. On the other hand though, I have a need for closure because I still don’t know why she did what she did.

“Okay, I talked to my parents and they would be happy to donate a little somethin’ somethin’ in your name in case you decide to come,” Riley says, turning off her phone.

I stop staring at the back of Kate’s head, still caught up in my thoughts, and nod absentmindedly. “Alright. Thank you.”

I hate this. I hate feeling like this and I wish I could turn back time. Not to stop myself from agreeing to go out with Kate, but to close the laptop as soon as I saw Greer and Franny’s messages. That way I would have never known about the bet and things between Kate and I would have fizzled out on their own.

“Good morning, everyone!” Professor Lopez walks into the classroom, putting an end to my spiraling thoughts. “Today we’re going to talk about chirality, but first— Your lab reports from last week. . .” He starts handing out our graded reports and I can’t help but glance at Kate one last time when he reaches her.

He doubled checks the name on her report, seemingly surprised, before giving it to her with a frown. “Please, see me after class, Miss Bishop.”

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Okay, I lied. It’s going to be four parts after all and not just three.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this one and I’m sorry for the delayed update.

Love,

Soph <3

Tag list: @vyvvycg

[tortillamastersblog]

➶The Bet - Part 2 | Kate Bishop➴

Pairing: Kate Bishop x reader

Warnings: angst

Summary: Being known as the quiet and reserved student, you mind your own business and stay out of people’s way.

Kate Bishop is the exact opposite. Outgoing, bubbly, and loud, she’s the definition of a popular girl, so it comes as a surprise when she asks you out on a random Thursday afternoon.

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist

_______________________________________________

After taking my headphones out, I unlock the front door of my apartment and step inside.

“Hey, are you making dinner?” I call out, taking off my running shoes. “It smells gre—EY!” I pull the damp dish towel that was just chucked at me off my face and glare at my roommate Riley. “What the hell?”

She’s standing in the hallway with her arms crossed. “You’ve been avoiding me for two days now, so, spill! What’s going on with you?”

I sigh and peel off my sweaty shirt, tossing it into the laundry room close by. “I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve just been busy studying.”

Riley raises an eyebrow and uncrosses her arms. “We’re both majoring in Chemistry, Y/N, and there aren’t any exams coming up, so talk.”

I chuckle softly and brush past her to see what she’s been up to in the kitchen. “I hate how well you know me.”

Simmering in a pot on the stove is a delicious smelling chili and I can’t help but grab a spoon to try some. Before I can lower the spoon into the pot though, Riley snatches it out of my hand.

“Nope. You don’t get to eat until you tell me what you’re trying to hide,” she scolds and I bite the inside of my cheek, thinking about how I’m going to handle this.

The reason I haven’t told her about Kate yet is because she’ll lecture me about why I shouldn’t have agreed to go out with her in the first place.

Riley knows me better than anyone and she’ll point out all the reasons why Kate and I won’t work, and I just don’t want to deal with all that when I’m only starting to get to know Kate.

We’ve gotten coffee every day since our first date two days ago and we have a dinner scheduled at her place tomorrow night.

We haven’t held hands, or kissed yet, but I can see us heading in that direction and I don’t want anyone to interfere. Especially not Riley even though she’s only trying to look out for me.

“Well. . .” I place my hand on the counter and trace the pattern of the marble with my finger. “I’ve been kind of going out with Kate Bishop and I didn’t tell you because I was scared you were going to judge me for it.”

Riley doesn’t say anything, so when I look up I’m surprised to find her looking at me with furrowed eyebrows. “Why would you think I’d judge you for that? I’ve been telling you to get yourself out there for a while now.”

She sounds genuinely hurt that I didn’t tell her which makes me feel somewhat guilty. “No, I know you would never judge me for dating, but I’m not just seeing anyone. This is Kate Bishop we’re talking about and—“

“Okay, yes, it is a little unusual that you’re going out with her of all people,” she admits, handing back my spoon so I can finally taste the chili, “but who am I to tell you what to do? Does she make you happy?”

I smile instinctively, thinking about the time I’ve spent with Kate so far. “She does.” I blush a little and smile softly. “She’s funny and kind, and I honestly don’t mind how bubbly she is. It’s actually quite endearing.”

I’m usually not a fan of loud and energetic people, but I don’t mind it when it comes to her.

“Oh my God.” Riley laughs and slaps me with another dish towel. “Look at you, you’re absolutely smitten with her!”

My blush intensifies and I take the towel away from her. “I am not!”

“Sure, you’re not.“ She cackles and I just roll my eyes, turning away to finally try the chili.

“This is great.” I nod in approval and turn back around to find Riley still grinning like a kid in a candy store. “Oh, shut up!“

“What?!” She shrugs. “I didn’t even say anything.”

I narrow my eyes. “Mhmm. But you wanted to, you little shit. . . I’m going to take a shower now.”

She laughs, but doesn’t say anything else, so I turn around and leave with a small smile on my face.

Even though she can be super annoying, she’s like a sister to me and I wouldn’t change her for the world.

I fidget with the tulips in my left hand and the bottle of wine in my right, waiting anxiously for Kate to open the door.

It’s five minutes to seven and I know I’m early because we agreed I’d be here at seven, but it’s better to be a little early than a little too late.

Riley told me to get Kate some real flowers this time rather than just a paper flower after I told her about our coffee date which is why I swung by a florist on the way here.

I didn’t want to get her roses because that’s just a little too on the nose for me, so the choice was between carnations and tulips. In the end, I went with the pink and purple tulips because I noticed purple is her favorite color.

“Y/N, hey!”

My head snaps up at the sound of Kate’s breathless voice and when my eyes land on her I can’t help but smile. She’s dressed casually, wearing jeans and a purple sweater and even though she’s trying to seem calm I can tell she’s a little breathless, probably because she had to rush to the door.

“Hi, you look nice.” I compliment after clearing my throat. Then I raise the bouquet of tulips and the bottle of wine, adding, “I come bearing gifts.”

That makes her laugh as she steps aside to let me into the apartment. “I told you not to bring anything.”

I smile at her and feel butterflies in my stomach when I notice her ears turning red. “I know, but it’s not polite to show up somewhere empty handed, so. . . These are for you.” I hold out the flowers once she’s closed the door behind us.

Kate’s eyes dart back and forth between me and the flowers before hesitantly reaching for them. “You got me flowers?” she whispers and I’m not sure why, but her voice is laced with disbelief and sorrow.

I frown and let her take them from me, trying to momentarily ignore how my hand tingles when her fingers brush against it. “I— Yeah, I thought you might like them, but if you don’t I can just—“

“No, no, no.” She shakes her head and looks at me with a pained smile. “I like them. They’re beautiful, it’s just. . . “

“It’s just. . .?” I raise an eyebrow and wait for her to go on, but she just studies me with a strange look in her eyes.

It’s almost as if she’s sad about something, but then she exhales shakily and puts on a smile. “Forget about it. They are beautiful. Thank you.”

What was that?! Did I do something wrong? I knew I shouldn’t have listened to Riley! She hates the flowers! Shit.

“Uh— Okay. . . You’re welcome, I guess,” I stammer, wishing the ground would just open up beneath me and swallow me whole.

Seemingly unaware of the sudden tension, Kate puts the flowers down on the dresser next to us before taking the wine out of my hands as well so it’s easier for me to take off my jacket.

“So, tell me what’s new. What have you been up to today?“ she asks casually while I take off my jacket.

Okay, I guess we’re moving on from whatever the hell that just was. . .

“Nothing much,” I say honestly. “I went for a run and helped my roommate Riley install some new bookshelves. What about you?”

Kate takes my jacket and puts it in the closet while I toe off my wet boots. It rained earlier today and even though it stopped a while ago, the streets are still wet and I don’t want to ruin her floors by keeping my shoes on.

“I had fencing practice this morning and then I hung out with Greer and Franny,” she says, picking up the tulips and handing me the bottle of wine. “They told me to say hi by the way.”

I smile at that and try not to combust when Kate takes a hold of my hand and pulls me into the living room.

I’ve never actually spoken to Greer and Franny, but I know they’re Kate’s friends and ever since she asked me out they greet me in the hallways with knowing smiles.

“Alright.” Kate stops in the kitchen and drops my hand to put the flowers into a vase. “I’m a horrible cook, so I thought we could order some dinner and then maybe watch a movie?”

“Sounds like a plan.” I smile and watch her grab a bottle opener from a drawer, “but I thought you invited me over so we could cook something together?”

That is exactly what she said when we made tonight’s plans and even though I’m fine with just ordering in, I want to know what’s changed, or why she asked to cook together in the first place.

Kate hands me the bottle opener and smiles sheepishly. “I know. I thought cooking together would be kind of cute and you agreed, but then I remembered I can’t cook after you’d already left and I didn’t want to change our plans again and—“

“Kate,” I say, my voice laced with amusement. “It’s okay. I don’t mind. I just wanted to know.”

Worried blue eyes meet my own and when I smile again, she relaxes and pushes two empty wine glasses toward me. “Right. Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I reassure her and open the wine before filling each of our glasses. “So, what did you have in mind? Pizza?”

She nods and grabs a takeout menu off the fridge. “Yeah, there’s this great place around the corner that makes the best pizza’s in the city. I know the owner and every time I order something he makes sure to put an extra helping of cheese on the pizza.“

I smile at how excited she looks and tell her to just order whatever she wants.

“Are you sure? I usually just get a cheese pizza. If that’s too boring though we can—“

Here she goes again, rambling like there’s no tomorrow.

I put my hand over her fidgeting one on the counter which makes her shut up immediately. I’ve never initiated a touch before and as soon as our eyes connect I can’t remember why.

“I told you, I’m fine with whatever, so if you want cheese pizza, order cheese pizza,” I say quietly without breaking eye contact.

It makes Kate gulp before she nods slowly. “Okay.” Her blue eyes dart between my own and for a split second they even drop to my lips.

Knowing it’s too early in the night for a kiss though, I take my hand back and lift my glass of wine. “Cheers?”

It takes a moment for Kate to recover, but once she’s snapped out of her trance she grabs her own wine and we clink glasses. “Cheers.”

We both take a sip and I watch how Kate’s eyes widen slightly at the taste of the wine as soon as it hits her tongue. She glances at the bottle before looking back at me with raised eyebrows. “How much did you pay for that bottle?” she asks.

I just shrug and take another sip before answering. “Nothing. It was a gift from my dad. It’s been collecting dust on my shelf ever since he died because there was never an occasion to open it until now.“

Kate chokes slightly and sets the glass down. Her eyes fill with the same strange emotion as before when I gave her the flowers and I don’t like it, not one bit.

Nevertheless, I ask her if she’s okay, but she just waves me off.

“I’m fine. I’m okay.” She doesn’t look at me though and picks up her phone and the takeout menu. “Why don’t you pick out a movie while I order dinner? I’m fine with whatever as long as it’s not a horror movie.“

I frown and watch her, but she refuses to meet my eyes, so I agree. “O-Okay.”

“My laptop is on the bed upstairs. The password is 1234,” she says, dialing the number of the restaurant.

Trying to lighten the mood again I joke and say, “That’s not a very secure password for someone whose family owns a security company,” but Kate doesn’t react the way she normally would.

She barely even smiles and I take that as my cue to just leave her alone for the time being.

What is going on? It seems like I keep saying the wrong thing. . .

I brush it off as best as I can and just climb the stairs up to the loft where I find Kate’s laptop on her bed. Not sure where she wants to watch the movie, I take a seat on the edge of the unmade bed and open her laptop.

I put in the password and open Netflix, scrolling through some movies while she orders the pizza downstairs.

“Pizza’s gonna be here in twenty minutes,” she says, coming up the stairs after hanging up. She’s acting like nothing happened again which is a little irritating, but I don’t want it to spoil our time together, so I let it slide. Again. “Have you picked a movie yet?”

I turn the computer and show her what I chose. “Is this okay?”

Kate beams and jumps on the bed. “Yes! I love Grown Ups! C’mere.” She pats the space beside her and I join her on the bed properly, leaning back against the headboard.

I’m about to start the movie, when Kate jumps to her feet again with an apologetic smile. “Hold on.”

She darts down the stairs and comes back up a couple of seconds later with our wine glasses and the bottle of wine in hand. She puts everything on the nightstand before climbing over me to her side of the bed.

It makes me hold my breath until she’s settled in next to me. “Ready?” I ask, my voice a little gruff.

Kate doesn’t notice the effect she has on me and nods before resting her head on my shoulder. “Yup.”

I press play and try to focus on the opening credits of the movie, but her head on my shoulder is making me nervous.

It’s a good kind of nervous, one I haven’t felt in a long time, but I’m nervous nonetheless and it doesn’t help when Kate, after ten minuets, brushes her fingers over the inside of my wrist.

I glance at her and see she’s focused on the movie, so I try to do the same, but then her touch drifts lower, across the palm of my hand until she slips her fingers between my own.

It makes my breath hitch, and Kate goes to pull her hand back, but I hold onto it and run my thumb over the back of her own.

Satisfied, she sighs quietly and leans against me and continues watching the movie.

I try to focus on the movie as well but all I can concentrate on is her hand in my own, her head on my shoulder, and the sound of her soft laugh every time something funny happens on screen.

I take note of how she smells, an intoxicating mix of expensive perfume and vanilla body wash, and admire the way some strands of her black hair have escaped her ponytail and are now framing her face.

She’s absolutely breathtaking and even though I’ve known she’s beautiful ever since I met her, I’ve never actually looked at her, like, really looked at her like this.

It’s only when Kate squeezes my hand that I realize I’ve been caught staring and I quickly look away, pretending to focus on the movie.

Seemingly not wanting to let it go though, Kate moves even closer and whispers, “Are you okay?”

“Mhmm.” I don’t dare to speak because I’m sure my voice would fail me right now if I tried. I can feel my neck heating up and force myself to keep staring at the laptop screen.

“You sure?” she whispers again and when I only nod in reply, she shifts closer and turns her head so I’m forced to look at her.

The intensity of her blue eyes in the low light makes my mouth go dry and I swallow harshly to get rid of the nervousness bubbling up in my throat.

“I’m sure,” I croak, but I’m anything but okay when her gaze, for the second time tonight, drops to my lips.

This is it. . .

I swallow again and let my own eyes dart down to her lips. “Can I—“ kiss you?

I don’t get to finish my question because the sound of the doorbell ringing cuts me off.

Kate and I jump apart and I blink rapidly to gather my thoughts while Kate scrambles over me to go downstairs and open the door.

Holy shit, we almost kissed! Kate Bishop almost kissed me?!

I run my fingers through my hair and close my eyes for a moment before grabbing my phone to distract myself.

Rye (7:17 PM)

How’s it going? Did she like the flowers?

Rye (7:23 PM)

Are you like making out? Is that why you haven’t answered me yet?

Rye (7:25 PM)

You guys are totally making out right now. I’m so jealous. I should ask Chad to come over. . .

I roll my eyes and smile at her messages before typing a quick response.

You (7:27 PM)

You’re such an idiot.

No, we’re not making out, we’re just watching a movie. Get your mind out of the gutter, pervert.

DON’T text Chad, Riley! That guy is a fuckboy who left you in tears the last time you saw him.

Riley reads my messages and immediately starts typing a response and because Kate’s still talking to the delivery guy downstairs, I don’t put my phone down just yet.

Rye (7:27 PM)

You’re so lame but I know you’re right. I’m not going to text him

Not because I don’t want to but because I don’t want you to hit him again

I roll my eyes, remembering how she couldn’t stop me from punching Chad in the face when he showed up at our apartment to get Riley back after cheating on her.

I’m usually not the confrontational type, I mean, I barely even speak to anyone except Riley, but after they broke up, Riley was devastated and I just had to do something when he showed up drunk and tried to push past me to get to her.

Rye (7:28 PM)

As for you and Kate though. . . Just kiss already!

I know you want to I can see it in your eyes when you talk about her ;)

You (7:28 PM)

Oookay, that’s enough. I’m putting my phone down now.

I’ll be home around ten.

DON’T TEXT CHAD!

I see Riley typing something else, but I turn off my phone before she hits send because I hear Kate making her way back up the stairs.

The tension from before is gone, but she still smiles shyly when our eyes connect.

“How much do I owe you?” I ask when she gets back on the bed with the pizza box in hand.

I guess we’re eating in bed. . .

I couldn’t deal with any crumbs in my own bed, but if Kate doesn’t mind, I won’t object.

“Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s on me,” she says, opening the box and offering me a slice.

I raise an eyebrow and take it, making sure to eat over the box as much as possible to prevent too many crumbs from landing on the bed. “Kate—“

She shakes her head and takes a big bite of her own slice. “Nope, you brought flowers and expensive wine and you payed for all my coffees so far. The least I can do is pay for a pizza.” I go to object again, but she just shakes her head again and presses a finger to my lips. “Hush now. Let’s continue watching the movie.”

I nod dumbly, and absentmindedly touch my tingling lips when she takes her finger away to start the movie again.

We eat in silence, actually watching the movie until the pizza is gone and we’re both full. I take the box off her lap and put it on the ground next to the bed before grabbing my glass of wine and taking a sip.

“You want some, too?” I ask and when she nods I hand her her own glass after topping it off.

She smiles in thanks and takes a big sip, her eyes lingering on me a moment longer than necessary before she goes back to watching the movie.

All of a sudden, the tension is back and I once again struggle to focus on the movie. She is just too damn distracting and when her hand brushes against mine I jump slightly and down the rest of my wine.

Kate chuckles softly at my reaction and empties her own glass before placing it on the nightstand on her side of the bed.

Then, she does something that almost makes my heart flatline. She takes the laptop off my thighs and sets it on the bed next to her before throwing her leg over my hips and straddling my lap.

My eyes widen and I stare at her slack-jawed. The movie is now completely forgotten and all I can focus on is the weight of her on me and the way she sets her hands on my shoulders.

“Kate. . .” I say, my voice low and scratchy.

“Yes?” she smirks, obviously knowing exactly what kind of effect she has on me as she moves her hands to touch the side of my neck and the underside of my jaw.

Just kiss already!

Riley’s text flashes through my mind and I hesitantly place my hands on Kate’s thighs.

My breath is coming out in uneven bursts and it takes everything in me not to just lean up and brush my lips against hers.

“Can I—“ I clear my throat, transfixed by the blue eyes darting all over my face. “Can I kiss you?”

No turning back now.

Kate’s smirk turns into a shy smile and she nods, cupping my cheeks. “I thought you’d never ask,” she mumbles and I lean up, brushing my lips against hers.

For a second neither of us moves, but then Kate tentatively moves her lips against mine and my stomach fills with butterflies. I close my eyes and kiss her back, tasting the wine she had just a moment ago on her lips.

It’s thrilling and intoxicating and I can’t help but groan when she shifts on my lap and deepens the kiss by running her tongue over my bottom lip.

My grip on her thighs tightens and when she allows me to slip my tongue into her mouth, I wrap my arms around her lower back and pull her closer.

“Fuck, you’re good,” Kate pants against my mouth and moves one of her hands to the back of my neck to pull me even closer.

I just continue kissing her, not knowing what to respond to that, and delight in the way her breath hits my lips every now and then.

Kissing her is even better than I imagined and I feel a shiver run up my spine when she moans softly against my lips when my fingers dig into her lower back.

“Shit.” She curses softly when I trail my lips down her neck, biting softly every now and then before running my tongue over the affected skin.

I’m not planning on going any further than this because I’m not ready to take that step yet, but Kate seems to think otherwise because when I move up to kiss her lips again, her hands slide down my chest and she grabs a hold of the bottom of my shirt, pulling it up.

I break the kiss with furrowed eyebrows and grab her hands. “Wait, I-I can’t do this.”

Realizing her mistake, Kate pulls her hands back with a guilty look on her face. “Right. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. I-I got caught up in the moment. I’m sorry.”

I sigh and grab her hands again, lacing our fingers together. I’m not mad at her, not at all. It’s actually quite flattering that she wants to do more, but I’m just not ready yet. “Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize, but. . . Let’s just take it slow, okay?”

She nods, embarrassed, and looks away, so I let go of one of her hands and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Kate, look at me.” I dip my head to catch her eye and smile when she finally looks at me. “It’s okay. We’re okay. I’m not mad, I swear. I like you, a lot—“ her lips twitch shyly and I don’t miss the way her ears turn red—“ and I want to go there with you eventually just. . . not now, okay?”

I squeeze her hand reassuringly and run my thumb over her cheek until she nods.

“Good, now. . . Where were we?” I smile cheekily and tilt my head up until I feel her breath on my lips, giving her the chance to initiate another kiss if she wants to.

Letting go of my hand so she can wrap her arms around my neck, Kate pecks my lips before resting her forehead against mine. “I like you too and. . . I know you told me not to apologize, but I am sorry. I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable and I don’t mind waiting for you.”

I swallow thickly and press a kiss to the corner of her lips before hiding my face in the crook of her neck. My ex always used sex against me, guilting me into it to make herself feel better, so this kind of understanding makes me emotional. “Thank you.”

Kate holds me closer for a couple of minutes until her phone rings.

She pulls it put of her back pocket and glances at the screen. “That’s my mom,” she says with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, but I should answer. I told her not to call unless it was important.”

I nod and let her get off my lap, watching her go downstairs to answer the call after giving me another quick kiss.

Once she’s gone, I chuckle in disbelief and close my eyes.

She likes me. She kissed me. . .

I feel myself smiling at the memory of her lips on mine and open my eyes again to grab the laptop and pause the movie we completely forgot about.

As I go to pause it though, a message pops up in the upper right corner of the screen and I can’t help but read it.

Greer @FKG (8:01 PM)

So?! What’s happening, Kate? How’s the date going?

I blush at the message, realizing her phone is connected to her computer. It’s a little embarrassing that Kate’s friends know about us spending the evening together, but it’s not like we’re a secret, so I should have expected she’d tell them.

Franny @FKG (8:01 PM)

I bet it’s going well. Have you guys kissed yet?

My cheeks heat up even more, but then another message pops up and it makes my heart sink.

Greer @FKG (8:02 PM)

I sure hope so! I have a lot of money riding on this. Remember @Kate, if you hook up Franny owes both of us fifty bucks ;)

Franny @FKG (8:02 PM)

Fifty?! I thought we said twenty!

Greer @FKG (8:02 PM)

Nu-uh! We said twenty if they kiss on the first date and fifty if they hook up within a week.

I slam the laptop shut, not wanting to read any more and try to blink back the tears pricking my eyes.

Of course all of this was too good to be true. . . I mean, what could Kate Bishop possibly want from someone like me? I should have seen this coming when she asked me out.

I feel like a fool for not realizing that all of this was just a game to her and get off the bed just as she comes back up the stairs.

My hands are shaking and I feel sick, realizing that I have to get out of here as quickly as possible.

Maybe Riley should have judged me and told me it was a bad idea because I would have listened to her, but no, she just had to be supportive. . .

I don’t blame Riley, not really, because she thought I finally found someone who actually makes me happy. Hell, I thought I found someone who makes me happy, but as it turns out we both thought wrong.

“Can you believe it? My mom called because she wanted to ask me to join her for lunch tomorrow. I swear, I told her not to call unless. . .” Kate trails off when she notices the tears in my eyes. “Hey, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

She lifts a hand to touch my cheek but I step back, wiping at a tear that managed to escape my eye.“Don’t touch me.” I hiss through gritted teeth, grabbing my phone off the nightstand.

Her eyes widen in surprise and she drops her hand again, her eyebrows furrowing. “Okay. . . Uh— What happened?”

I scoff and clench my jaw.

I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.

Sniffling slightly, I go to brush past her and leave, but she grabs my wrist even though I explicitly told her not to touch me.

“Hey, what’s going on? Where are you going?” she asks, her blue eyes full of worry.

“Let go.” My voice is dangerously low and when I couple it with a glare, Kate immediately lets go.

I watch as her worry gets replaced by confusion before finally stepping past her.

“Wait, where are you going?” she asks, daring to follow me down the stairs.

I make my way to the front door without answering and bend down to slip my shoes on.

I’m never going on a date again. I’ll just lock myself in my room for the rest of my life and die alone.

I get back up and open the closet to grab my jacket, only to freeze mid reach when Kate snaps at me.

“Hey!”

I turn around slowly and ball my hands into fists, seeing the immediate regret on Kate’s face when our eyes meet.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap it’s just— One moment we were fine, kissing and cuddling and drinking wine, and the next you’re storming out without even telling me why. . .” She sounds and looks desperate, her voice low and pleading.

I blink away a new wave of tears and stop glaring at her to show her how I actually feel, how hurt I am by what she did. “Why? Because you and your friends made a fucking bet, that’s why!” I shout, my voice breaking. “Twenty dollars for kissing me on the first date and fifty for fucking me within the span of a week, right?”

Kate eyes widen and she steps back as though I just slapped her. “H-How—?“

Hot tears stream down my cheeks and I don’t even bother to wipe them away anymore.

She’s not even trying to deny it.

“It doesn’t matter how I know,” I cry, interrupting her. “You used me, Kate! Do you know how that makes me feel?! I thought you were sweet and that you genuinely liked me, so I stepped out of my comfort zone and said yes when you asked me out, but it turns out you’re just like everyone else. You’re selfish and cruel, and I regret not walking out on you when you approached me in the library four days ago.”

I take a shaky breath and force myself not to feel guilty when I see the regret and devastation on her face. She’s crying as well now, but even though I hate seeing her like this, I don’t apologize and I don’t move to comfort her.

She should be the one apologizing!

“Y/N. . .” Shee steps closer and lifts her hands as if to touch me, but I take a step back and shake my head.

“No, just. . .don’t.” I take my jacket out of the closet and put it on. “I don’t ever want to speak to you again, Kate. Good night.”

I open the front door with shaking hands and step outside, ignoring the sobs that echo down the hall as I make my way to the elevator.

So much for getting myself out there again. . .

_______________________________________________

Phew, that was a long one. Hope you guys enjoyed it! It was definitely fun to write.

I still don’t know how I’m going to end this little fic, but the third and last part will hopefully be out this same time next week.

I’m super busy studying at the moment, so it’s difficult to find the time and energy to write, but I’m trying my best.

Love,

Soph <3

[tortillamastersblog]

Ever try writing in 3rd person point of view instead of 1st person POV?

Hi! Yes, I usually write in 3rd person, but I don’t do it on here because it’s easier to avoid using pronouns in 1st person. . . If you want a 3rd person story for a male/female reader though I’d be happy to write it :)

[tortillamastersblog]

➶ The Bet | Kate Bishop ➴

Pairing: Kate Bishop x reader

Warnings: angst

Summary: Being known as the quiet and reserved student, you mind your own business and stay out of people’s way.

Kate Bishop is the exact opposite. Outgoing, bubbly, and loud, she’s the definition of a popular girl, so it comes as a surprise when she asks you out on a random Thursday afternoon.

Next Part | Masterlist

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“Hey!”

An unfamiliar voice next to me makes me flinch before looking up from my notebook.

Standing right there, with sparkling eyes and a dopey grin on her face is Kate Bishop.

“Uh. . . Hi.” I cringe at my own awkwardness and look around to make sure no one is watching us.

What could Kate Bishop–popular, quirky, beloved-by-all Kate Bishop–possibly want from me? A nobody with only one friend and a knack for origami.

Seemingly unbothered by my hesitation, Kate plops down in the chair across the table. She smiles and puts her bag down, but she doesn’t take off her coat.

“Can I help you?” I ask politely, pulling my study material closer to my side of the table.

“Yes, actually.” She smirks and whispers conspiratorially, “You’re the only one who can help me.”

My eyebrows shoot up and I lean back in my chair. “Excuse me?”

Mistaking my surprise for offense, Kate’s eyes widen and she backtracks immediately. “No, wait—! That came out wrong.”

I cross my arms over my chest and bite the inside of my cheek to hide my growing smile.

We share some classes and have been in a couple of group projects before, but other than that we’ve never interacted. Have I noticed she’s cute? Yes. Is she charming? Definitely. Do I have a crush on her? Totally! No, absolutely not, but the way she’s all flustered and stumbling over her words at the moment is pretty endearing.

“I- I-“ she stutters and fidgets with her fingers, her cool and carefree demeanor replaced by nervousness. “Wow, this is not how I— You know what? I’m just going to go. . . Yep!”

She goes to stand up, red-faced and embarrassed, but I stop her. “No, hey. It’s okay. . . What do you want?”

“I—“ Blue eyes filled with uncertainty dart over my face. “I actually wanted to ask you something.”

“Yeah? And what’s that?” I ask, no longer hiding my smile.

Kate sighs and smiles tentatively as well. She takes another moment to gather her thoughts before saying, “As you may or may not know, we share a couple of classes and—“

I snort in amusement. “Yeah, I know”

“Right, and— Well, I kind of. . . like you—“

My eyes widen and heat crawls up the back of my neck. That is the last thing I ever expected to come out of her mouth, but here we are, I guess.

Kate is too busy fidgeting with her fingers to notice my delighted surprise and goes on talking.

“—but until now I’ve been too scared to talk to you, never mind ask you out and— Oh God, I’m rambling again. . .”

My smile softens and a warm tingling feeling settles into the pit of my stomach.

“Anyway.” She huffs and meets my gaze hesitantly. “I was wondering if you’d ever consider doing something with me. Well, not doing—“

“Kate.” I chuckle, interrupting her before she starts rambling again.

“Yeah?” She bites her bottom lip and furrows her eyebrows.

“Are you trying to ask me out?” She goes to say something, but I beat her to it. “Because if you are. . . my answer is yes.“

Her eyes widen and her jaw slackens. “Really?”

I smile sheepishly and scratch the back of my neck. “Really. I. . . kind of like you, too.”

Kate laughs in relief and jumps to her feet. “It’s settled then.” Her grin is so bright it’s almost blinding. “You and I are going on a date. How about tomorrow? After class? We could go to this cute coffee shop around the corner.”

Giddiness surges through me and I can’t help but nod eagerly. It’s been ages since I’ve been on a date, not only because my ex broke my heart a year ago and it’s taken me this long to get over it, but also because I’ve been too scared to get hurt again.

With Kate though, I’m not scared. She seems sweet and sincere, and I can’t wait to see where things go between us.

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then,” she says, grinning as she slings her bag over her shoulder.

“Yeah, see you.” I wave awkwardly and watch her leave the library with a dazed smile.

“So, you’re telling me you saw someone getting attacked by a crow in a park, and you did nothing?.” Kate laughs and I chuckle softly, taking another sip of my coffee.

“Well, yeah?! I didn’t want to be its next victim! Besides, that lady was fine once the crow left her alone.“ I try to reason, having just told Kate of the time I came across a crow attacking a woman during my run through a nearby park.

“I get that, but. . .you could have at least called for help!” She laughs even more incredulously and nudges me playfully.

“You expect me to call the cops on a crow?” I nudge her back.

“Well, no. . .” She smiles sheepishly and takes a sip of her own coffee.

I snort playfully. “Exactly.”

The cafe is quite busy, but Kate and I managed to secure a spot on the couch in the corner by the front window. It allows for the perfect view of the cafe’s interior and the street outside where people are rushing by wrapped in scarves and hats to ward off the autumn breeze.

“Hey, uh— I got you something,” I say after a moment of comfortable silence.

Kate sets down her coffee and sinks back into the couch with raised eyebrows. “Yeah?”

I nod and quickly look away to hide the redness creeping into my cheeks. I grab my bag from the floor and open it, rummaging around in it until I find what I’m looking for.

Either she’s going to like it, or she’ll hate it and think I’m a total nerd. . .

I swallow harshly and square my shoulders before holding out my hand. Sitting on my palm is a small origami rose head that I folded in class earlier.

I wasn’t actually planning on giving it to her, but then I thought Why not?

Eyebrows furrowing, Kate glances at me before taking it and inspecting it carefully.

She doesn’t say anything at first and I get the horrible impression that I shouldn’t have given it to her after all, but then she looks back up and asks, “You made this?”

I nod and bury my hands in my lap, trying to ignore the way my palm still tingles where her fingers brushed against it.

Adoration flickers over Kate’s face, and for a moment I’m filled with relief, but then something like regret shines in her eyes.

I frown and go to take back the rose, but Kate closes her hand around it and holds it against her chest.

“You know. . . all my life the people I love have always bought me everything I could ever dream of. A new car, a new bow, an apartment—everything.“

She meets my eyes and smiles sadly, her next words making my heart hurt for her. “But none of them ever put the thought and effort into giving me something that actually matters. Something that actually means something. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for everything I have, but. . . You made this for me and I—“

I frown at the way her voice falters. “It’s nothing, Kate. It’s just a piece of paper that I—“

“No.” Her hand on my knee makes my brain short circuit for a second. “It’s not. Not to me, at least.”

I look at her, seeing the emotional turmoil in her eyes and smile shyly. “Okay. . . If you say so. I’m glad you like it.”

_______________________________________________

This will probably be a three-parter. Hope you guys liked it! :)

[tortillamastersblog]

♕ Headcanons | Lena Luthor ♕

Pairing: Lena Luthor x reader

Warnings: none

Summary: Just a bunch of headcanons :)

_______________________________________________

˚✧ Lena might act like an extrovert in public and at work but she’s really more of an introvert and enjoys to spend her free time curled up on the couch next to you with a book in her hand.

˚✧ She’s exceptional at almost everything. Almost everything because she can’t accept a compliment for the life of her. Years of torment and abuse from Lillian and Lex have rendered her incapable of seeing herself the way you see her, so you make it your mission to tell her how extraordinary she is and how much you love her every day.

˚✧ She hates salmon and will even go so far as to not kiss you for a while after you’ve eaten some.

˚✧ She would never admit it, but she absolutely melts every time you refer to her as your baby.

˚✧ When the two of you started dating, she was hesitant to touch you. She’s would touch your cheeks while kissing, only to retract her hands again a split second later as though she’s afraid of overstepping some kind of boundary.

“You can touch me,” you said the second time it happened.

Lena’s eyes widened slightly and when she didn’t move, you grabbed her hands with your own and put them on your face, holding them in place.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything, so—“

“I’m sure.” You smiled and pecked her lips until she started to kiss back.

˚✧ As soon as you get engaged, you’re her plus one at every gala or event. She’ll introduce you to hundreds of people with her hand on your chest to show off her ring.

˚✧ Seeing you in your gym clothes after working out makes her go absolutely feral and you can almost always count on her joining you in the shower whenever you get home after the gym.

˚✧ She likes being held by you when she sleeps. She likes how warm you are against her back or how soft the fabric of your shirt is against her cheek when she’s laying on top of you with her head on your chest.

˚✧ You’re a decent chess player, but Lena is better. She won’t rub your nose in it though and she even lets you win sometimes.

˚✧ She isn’t a big fan of PDA. She doesn’t mind holding your hand, or getting a kiss on her cheek, but anything more than that is reserved for behind closed doors.

˚✧ When it comes to your love life, she usually prefers to keep it slow and intimate. Other times though (like when you get back from the gym) she likes it more rough and dirty.

˚✧ She loves, loves, loves marking you whether it’s with her teeth, or her nails. After a long night with you, you’ll wake up in the morning to find her tracing the marks she left on you with her eyes.

˚✧ She’s not bothered when someone flirts with you because she knows she’s got you wrapped around her finger.

˚✧ The fact that she’s rich doesn’t stop you from picking up the check almost every time. Neither does it stop you from paying for your shared apartment’s utilities, and Lena can’t help but love you even more for it.

˚✧ When you’re not home, Lena will cuddle with your pillow and breathe in your lingering scent on the sheets. She hates it when you’re gone and will cling to you for at least a day as soon as you get back (you don’t mind it at all).

˚✧ She likes neck kisses.

˚✧ You’re the only person she doesn’t mind crying in front of. Quite the opposite actually. She’s glad you’re there when she’s upset and she delights in the way you hold her and kiss her temple until she’s feeling better.

˚✧ She’d never admit it, but she likes pampering you when you get home after a particularly long day at the office. She likes how you’ll collapse on top of her on the couch and will run her fingers through your hair while you listen to her heartbeat.

_______________________________________________

This was short and sweet. I hope you guys liked it :)

[tortillamastersblog]

𖣂 Not My Commander - Part 4 | Lexa kom Trikru 𖣂

Pairing: Lexa kom Trikru x reader

Warnings: Blood, violence, injuries, cursing and some steamy scenes

Summary: Sending a hundred underaged prisoners down to Earth to find out if it’s inhabitable again is undoubtedly immoral, so The Council decides to send you down first, rather than float you for your crimes.

If you survive for more than a couple of hours, they can —in good conscience— send down the 100. If you don’t, well, then good riddance.

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist

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“How’s this look?” I ask, stepping back from the pottery wheel.

Milo peeks out from behind the vase he’s painting before getting up and inspecting the plate I just made. “Looks good, but try again from scratch. You still need a little more practice.”

I smile and go to grab another slab of clay. “So, you think we’ll be able to sell some of my stuff soon?”

“Absolutely.” He goes back to painting his vase with a smile of his own and strikes up a casual conversation about the paint he uses.

I listen attentively and get back to work as well, trying but failing to keep a permanent smile off my face. I haven’t felt this carefree and happy since landing on Earth.

Milo showed me his shop a week ago, but I’ve been back every day since then and when he offered to teach me how to do pottery the third day I visited him, I accepted immediately.

We work effortlessly together and we never run out of things to say. He tells me all about pottery and his life before losing his foot (it’s the reason he’s no longer a warrior), and I tell him about life on the Ark.

He asked about my family once a few days ago, but quickly figured it wasn’t something I like to talk about when I kind of froze up. Since then, he hasn’t brought it up again which is something I’m extremely thankful for.

Gustus, who still has to accompany me whenever I leave the tower uses the time I’m with Milo to grab a bite to eat and catch up with some friends.

It’s not like anything is going to happen while I’m here, so I managed to convince him to leave while I’m here. He’s still close by, don’t get me wrong, but he’s no longer breathing down my back.

The other grounders have also started relaxing around me more, especially now that I’m no longer just sitting around the tower all day. By working with Milo I’m actually doing something for the community and the fact that my Trigedasleng is improving daily also helps in bettering their opinion of me.

Titus is still a pain in my ass, but he’s happy with my progress and usually just teaches me in the morning before leaving me to my own devices.

A throat clearing behind me makes me stop the pottery wheel. “Are you taking me back to the tower already?” I ask without turning around, figuring it’s just Gustus who’s come to get me. It’s already pretty late and I’m sure I missed dinner, but I couldn’t care less.

I get lost in the work here and I enjoy spending time with Milo. He might be a couple years older than me, but we get along really well and whenever we hang out time just flies by.

I start packing up my stuff, thinking nothing of the silence I get in return (Gustus is not a man of many words) until I look up and see Milo staring past me with wide eyes.

I frown and turn around. “What’s got you all—Oh. . .” I freeze and clench my jaw when I see Gustus isn’t alone.

Standing next to him in her armor and with her war paint around her eyes is Lexa.

“Hello,” I say politely, keeping my chin up while Milo drops to his knee next to me.

“Commander,” he breathes, his voice laced with reverence.

Lexa eyes him, looking almost bored when she says, “Milo, good to see you again. How’s business?”

Milo’s eyes flicker up to her in disbelief. “G-Good, Heda. Really good. Thank you for asking.”

I raise an eyebrow at the whole interaction. It still doesn’t fail to surprise me how respected and admired Lexa is amongst her people.

Lexa nods, satisfied before she turns her attention to me. Her eyes travel over my clay-covered apron, over my dirty hands and up to my face. Her face stays motionless but her left eye twitches ever so slightly. “Y/N.”

I nod in acknowledgment. “What are you doing here?”

Milo gapes at me, his eyes wide with horror.

He probably thinks I have a death wish talking to his commander like this. . .

Lexa swallows visibly and averts her eyes for a split second. “I was nearby and thought I’d stop by. Gustus says you’ve taken up a job here, yes?”

I want to ask her why she cares because I’m still bitter about the necklace incident four weeks ago, but then I figure I should just be civil because she’s being polite and we’re in public.

She might not be my commander, but I don’t necessarily want to start a fight with her in front of her people.

“It’s not really a job because I’m not being paid, but I do help out around here and Milo is teaching me how to make pottery,” I say, keeping my voice level.

Lexa’s eyes dart between me and Milo. “I see.”

“You got a problem with that?” I snap, suddenly feeling defensive.

So much for staying civil. . .

Milo chokes in surprise and flinches. Gustus raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t say anything while Lexa clenches her jaw.

“No, not at all.” She says calmly even though hurt flashes across her eyes. It’s so quick, it’s barely visible, but I notice it.

It makes my stomach flip uncomfortably and when she goes to say something else I cut her off with an apology. “Right, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap like that.”

Her eyebrows fly up at that before she quickly schools her features back to calm. “It’s alright. . . I’ve got to get going now. Gustus will take you back to the tower once you’re ready.”

I send her a tight lipped smile. “Okay.” I pause and reluctantly add, “Have a good night.”

“You too, Y/N.” She holds my gaze longer than necessary before turning to Milo. “Goodbye.”

Milo who’s been rendered speechless by our interaction only manages to wave awkwardly as she leaves.

Then, once she’s gone and Gustus has also excused himself, he turns to me with wide eyes. “How the fuck are you not dead right now?! Do you always speak to her like that?”

I snort and shrug, not answering his first question when I say, “No, not always. But we kind of got into a fight a while ago and I’m still a little pissed.”

“Holy shit.” He laughs incredulously. “She must really like you then because no one else could get away with something like that.”

Feeling my ears tingle, I turn around and get to work cleaning my station. “It’s hardly a big deal.”

Milo scoffs and all he says before getting to work on cleaning his paintbrushes is, “Yes it is. It’s a huge deal, Y/N.”

“No, no, no, no, no.” I throw all the furs and pillows off the bed, feeling tears prick my eyes.

My necklace is gone. I just got back from Milo’s and was getting ready to go to sleep when I noticed that it was gone.

After the clasp broke I kept it under the pillow on the bed because I was too afraid of losing it if I just stuffed it into the pocket of my pants.

Well, it’s seems I’ve managed to lose it anyway and there’s no way I’m going to get it back now.

I sob and grab the water pitcher from my bedside table, smashing it against the opposite wall in a fit of rage and despair.

I’m acting like a madman, I know, but that necklace was all I had left of my family.

I run my hands through my hair and pull at it, falling to my knees with my eyes squeezed shut.

This can’t be happening. . . All this has got to be some elaborate nightmare.

Shaking and crying quietly, I think of Bellamy. If he were here right now he’d know what to say to calm me down.

He and my dad were the only ones that used to be able to calm me down whenever I was upset about something back on the Ark, but now neither of them is here and I’m left to deal with my overwhelming feelings alone.

I continue pulling at my hair, whispering no, no, no, over and over again until a hand on my arm makes me flinch. My eyes fly open and I scramble backward until my back hits the bed frame. “No, please. . .”

I don’t like being touched when I’m upset, especially not by a stranger.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. What’s going on? Are you hurt?”

That voice. . . I blink in surprise only now realizing who’s crouched on the ground in front of me.

Green eyes shine with concern and long dark hair is pulled into a simple, uncharacteristic braid.

“Are you hurt, Y/N?” Lexa asks again and when I shake my head her shoulders relax visibly. “What’s going on? The guards said they heard a commotion coming from your room?”

I don’t say anything, just jut my chin in the direction of the opposite wall where the broken piece of the water pitcher lie on the floor amidst a puddle of water.

Lexa glances over her shoulder, her eyebrows furrowing at the sight. “What happened?”

I blink slowly, feeling numbness settling in my chest. I’m done, done being upset, done being mean to her, and done trying to change how I feel about my new life because it doesn’t change anything at the end of the day.

“My necklace is gone,” I croak quietly.

Understanding flashes in her eyes and she moves a little closer, making sure she does so without touching me. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I know it meant a lot to you. I’ll help you get it back.”

I sigh. “Yeah? How? Are planning on strip-searching all your people?”

She doesn’t hesitate. “If that’s what it takes.”

I stare at her for what feels like an eternity but is only a couple of seconds in reality.

Why is she helping me? Why is she still being nice to me? Why did she take me in in the first place? She could have just killed me and been done with it. So—

“Why. . .?” I whisper.

Lexa holds my gaze and gulps. Before she can say anything though, the door flies open.

“Heda, what are you—?” Titus’s eyes widened when he sees his commander kneeling on the ground. “What’s going on here?”

Lexa freezes for a split second, her concerned eyes still on me. Then, the emotion is wiped off her face and she gets to her feet. “What are you doing here, Flamekeeper?”

Titus’s glances at me suspiciously, but I couldn’t care less about him at the moment. I just lost the one thing that connected me to my old life— my family—, so a judgy old man like him won’t get under my skin.

“I came to talk to you,” he says, his eyes darting back to Lexa. “But you weren’t in your room and the guards said you were here so—“

“You followed me.” Lexa’s voice is cold and void of any emotion, the complete opposite of what it was only moments ago when we were still alone.

“No —I mean, yes I did, but only because the guards said something about a commotion.” He clasps his hands behind his back, his eyes roaming around the room until they land on the broken water pitcher.

“And you don’t think I can take care of myself?” she challenges him with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course not, Heda!” He almost sounds offended. “I was just confused why you were personally dealing with a disturbance when the guards—“

“The guards-“ Lexa cuts him off once again, her body rigid with tension- “are under strict orders not to enter this room, Titus, you know that.”

Titus glances at me once again, a snarl on his face. “Yes, Heda, but—“

“No.” Lexa raises a hand. “Just stop patronizing me and tell me why you were looking for me.”

The snarl on Titus’s face worsens and he clenches his jaw, obviously doing his best not to look at me again while Lexa pins him down with a glare. “Ai don’t think osir beda discuss disha hir, heda.” (I don’t think we should discuss this here, commander.)

I roll my eyes and run my hands down my face. The fact that he thinks I don’t know what he’s saying after he’s been the one to teach me their language for the last couple of weeks makes me believe he’s even dumber than I originally thought.

Lexa stares him down a moment longer before turning to me, her eyes softening the tiniest bit. “Fine.”

Titus seems pleased and smirks, only to scowl again a second later when Lexa tells him to leave and that she’ll be right with him.

“I’m sorry about that,” she says once he’s gone, turning back to me.

I wave her off and lean my head back against the bed. “It’s okay. I know he’s a pain in the ass.”

Lexa chuckles. “W-What?”

I furrow my eyebrows and try to ignore the way my heart skips a beat at the sound of her laugh. “What what?”

“I’m not exactly familiar with the term pain in the ass, but I’m sure it describes Titus accurately.” She smiles softly, her eyes twinkling in the low light.

“Oh.” Sometimes I forget English isn’t her first language. My lips twitch into a small smile of my own. “Well, it means he’s annoying.”

“Mhmm.” She nods and bites her bottom lip to hide her smile “That he is. I’m going to have to remember that one.”

I huff, amused, and drop my hands in my lap. “Yeah, do that, but I think you should go now because if you don’t he’ll come back and I’ve honestly seen enough of him today.”

Lexa chuckles again and nods before turning serious. “You’re right. I guess I’ll see you around then.”

I nod as well and watch her leave. Before she can close the door behind her though I say, “Thank you, Lexa.”

She freezes, but doesn’t turn around.

“For everything. And. . . I’m sorry for being such an ass to you lately.”

Looking over her shoulder with an unreadable expression, Lexa swallows harshly before saying, “It’s all water under the bridge now, Y/N. . . Good night.”

“Good night.”

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I don’t like how this turned out and I’m honestly out of ideas regarding the future of this story, so I might just discontinue it or wrap it up in the next two-or-so parts.

Anyway, love you all! <3

- Soph

Tag list: @tigerlillyruiz @department-store-bazooka @hikyiwid

[tortillamastersblog]

✐ Drained | Kara Danvers ✎

Pairing: Kara Danvers x spider!reader

Warnings: angst, cursing, fighting, mentions injuries, and violence

Summary: Kara solar flaring and putting herself in danger over and over again puts a strain on your already fragile relationship. . .

_______________________________________________

“Y/N?” Alex’s voice in my ear makes me flinch and if it weren’t for the fact that I can literally stick to ceilings and walls I would have slipped off the edge of the roof I’m currently standing on. “You good?”

I sigh and lift my hand to my ear. “Yes, I’m okay. Just stopped a bank robbery.”

It was a fairly easy job, considering the robbers immediately surrendered when they saw me.

“Yeah, I saw it on the news, so. . .”

“So?” I play with the mask in my hands and close my eyes, enjoying the night breeze on my face.

“Are you coming back to the tower, or are you planning on spending the rest of the night on a rooftop?” she asks, her voice full of concern. She can see where I am because of the giant digital map back at the tower. What she doesn’t know though is why I’m here. Judging by the looks she’s given me lately, she knows that something is up, but she has yet to figure out what it is.

I scoff bitterly and slip my mask back on. “It’s not like it would matter anyway.”

“What?”

I take a deep breath and swallow the hurt clawing its way up my throat. “Nothing. Forget I said anything. I’m heading back now.”

There’s a short pause on the other end of the line before Alex says, “Okay. See you in a bit then. Swing safe, little one.”

“We’re the same age, Alex, and I’m literally taller than you.” I deadpan, leaping off the building.

My stomach flutters at the feeling of the wind rushing by and for a moment I forget all about why I was brooding in the first place.

“I’m four days older than you” Alex corrects with a chuckle and I can’t help but smile under my mask as I swing through the city.

“Pff. . . tomayto, tomahto.” I swing from building to building, keeping my eyes and ears open for anything suspicious while I make my way back to the tower.

Alex laughs again, trying to convince me that four days are a significant amount of time only to stop mid sentence when an explosion across the city captures both our attention.

“What was that?” I pivot and start swinging in the direction of the explosion, my spider-senses tingling ominously. Alex ignores me, cursing under her breath and typing furiously on a computer. “Alex!”

“Y/N?” J’onn’s calm voice does nothing to assuage my worry, especially not when I can hear Alex shouting something unintelligible in the background.

“What’s happening, J’onn? What’s going on?” I shout over the noise of traffic as I swing across a bridge.

“It’s Supergirl,” he says. “She got caught in an ambush. We’ve already sent out some backup.”

Kara. . .

My heart clenches at the thought of anything happening to her and I force myself to go faster. My arms burn and I’m panting in no time, but the only thought on my mind is that I have to get to Kara before anything else happens.

“They’re never going to get there in time, J’onn! Do we know who’s responsible for this?” Caught up in my own worry, I miscalculate on of my swings, coming dangerously close to swinging into oncoming traffic.

“We don’t know any details yet, but Lena and Brainy are working on it.”

I clench my jaw and force myself to go even faster when another explosion goes off. “Any word from Kara?”

The short silence that follows gives me the answer I’m dreading before J’onn even admits that communication with Kara has been cut off.

“Fuck!” I ignore whatever else J’onn says after that and perform two powerful swing before finally getting to the docks by the river. Sweat is running down my body below the suit and my lungs are burning.

I land on top of a crane and let my eyes dart all over the place until I spot what I’m looking for.

Below me, standing in a circle around Kara in her super suit are four goons, dressed in black combat gear. They have have strange looking guns pointed at her and I realize that every time Kara uses her heat vision, the guns absorb it before shooting it back at her.

Why isn’t she flying away?!

“Nala, what’s going on down there? Why isn’t she fighting back properly?” I ask the AI in my suit, trying to figure out how best to approach this situation without putting Kara in any more danger.

Nala scans the surrounding area before reporting her findings. “I have detected traces of Kryptonite in the air.”

“Shit. . . And how many hostiles are there?” I ask, only now noticing the way the veins in Kara’s face and hands glow a faint green.

“There are four hostiles at the moment but I have detected three more incoming human heat signatures in a lead-lined truck half a mile from here. ETA forty seconds.”

I jump off the crane and swing to a nearby container closer to the ground. “Fuck! They’re going to take her!”

My heart is pounding in my ears and I know that if I don’t act right now, it’s going to be too late, but I can’t think of a plan when all I can focus on are the yelps that escape Kara every time she takes a hit.

“Thirty seconds.” Nala’s says, her robotic voice as calm and rational as ever. “If you don’t do something within the next five seconds the chances of Supergirl being taken increase from 43% to 97%”

“I know, Nala! Shut up, I’m trying to think!”

A particularly strong blow hits Kara’s side and she drops to one knee with a whimper while one of the goons pulls a pair of bulky handcuffs from his pockets.

They wouldn’t normally be able to restrain Kara, but because she’s weakened and on the brink of solar flaring right now they’ll work on her just like they do on any other human being.

“Twenty seven seconds.” Nala reminds me.

“Argh, fuck!” I’m shaking uncontrollably, not knowing what to do.

“Your time to act is running out in three—“

My eyes dart around frantically, trying to spot something that could help me distract them.

“Two—“

There’s nothing. No pipe, no crate, or anything I could fling at them.

“One—“

Before Nala can finish, I leap off the container and swing right at the group below me.

I can’t fight those goons because they’d outnumber me, so a quick getaway is my only plan of action.

“Heads up!” I shout which makes all of them look up in surprise.

At the sight of me, Kara lets out a broken sob of relief and lifts her arms like we’ve practiced a hundred times before.

She does it just in time because not even a second later I slam into her, wrapping one arm around her waist and picking her up mid swing.

“Gotcha!” I readjust my grip on her and focus on swinging us away as her arms tighten around my shoulders. “Hold on, I’m getting us out of here!”

Kara doesn’t answer. She only sobs against my neck and wraps her legs around my hips.

Well, that was easier than I thought it would—

A blow to the back of my left leg makes me howl in pain and I almost miss my next swing. I look over my shoulder and see the goons below chasing us with their guns raised and firing.

“Nala! A little help here!” I screech as I see the lead-lined truck the AI detected earlier barreling towards us.

“Calculating alternative routes. . .”

Another blast from below grazes my shoulder, making me grit my teeth. “Oh my God?! What are you? My car’s GPS?! Tell me where to go!”

I take a sharp right turn and head for the city, now finally out of range of the goon’s on foot. The lead-lined truck however has turned down the same way we did and is now hot on our tail.

I can’t get higher because all I can swing off of are these containers and I can’t go any faster because I have Kara in my arms.

That reminds me, since picking her up she hasn’t said a single thing and her grip around me has also loosened considerably.

“Nala, what’s wrong with Supergirl?” I ask, doing my best to dodge the bullets that are being fired at us from below.

“It seems the Kryptonian has passed out.”

Great, she’s solar flared. . .

I grunt and readjust her in my arm. “Is she injured?”

“Yes, but she should make a full recovery as soon as her powers have returned.”

The gunfire from below suddenly stops and when I look down I see that the truck has come to a stop in front of a superficial police barricade.

Officers are swarming the place, ducking behind car doors and aiming their guns at the truck, screaming at the goons to step out with their hands behind their head.

“J’onn.” I breathe in relief when I realize that this is the backup he mentioned earlier.

I try to get my comms device working again, having no idea when it stopped working in the first place, but it doesn’t turn back on, so I just continue making my way into the city toward the tower.

Now that the imminent threat of being shot has been eliminated though, I slow down considerably and focus on keeping my swings as smooth as possible in case Kara wakes up.

Someone squeezing my hand makes me stir in my chair. I groan and open my eyes, feeling a dull ache on my shoulder and the back of my leg where I was hit by the goons.

“Baby. . .” Kara’s soft voice makes me shoot up in my chair and when I look down at her on the bed I find her blue eyes already on me. She smiles softly and squeezes my hand again. “Hey.”

“Hi, how are you feeling?” I ask quietly. I reach forward and push the sun lamps up enough for her to sit up carefully.

“Like shit,” she admits with a small chuckle.

I scoff and let go of her hand, burying it in my lap. If she’d said that three months ago, I would have laughed and kissed the back of her hand playfully, but since then, things have changed.

Three months ago, sitting in the med bay next to Kara was a very rare occurrence. Nowadays though, it’s almost a daily occurrence.

She’s constantly taking unnecessary risks and on the off-chance that she’s not out superheroing, she stays up late at the office to finish an article, or write a news segment.

I can’t remember the last time we slept in the same bed, much less when we shared a meal together. Our relationship is barely even a relationship anymore, and tonight has honestly been my last straw.

Frowning at the way I pulled my hand out of her grasp, Kara sits up straighter. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Tears prick my eyes and I dig my fingernails into my palms. “What’s wrong?! Are you kidding me, Kara? This is the third time you’ve solar flared this week! You were almost kidnapped and I was shot twice saving you!”

“Y-You’re hurt?” She squints, presumably to use her x-ray vision on me, but then she realizes her powers have yet to return. “Are you—“

“This isn’t about me!” I cut in, my voice getting louder. “You keep putting yourself in these situations and I can’t for the life of me understand why. What’s going on with you? Why are you doing this?”

Kara gapes at me, her frown deepening. “Y/N. . .My Love . .”

I shake my head and get up, pacing at the foot of her bed. “No, Kara. I want answers. What’s going on with you? Does it have anything to do with me?” I ask, my voice shaking. “Did I do something wrong? Is that why you’re never home? Are you being reckless to prove something, or—“

“No, you didn’t do anything,” she insists. “I promise. This has nothing to do with you.”

I stop and turn to look at her. Her blue eyes are shining with tears and her chin is quivering.

“Then what is it?” I use the sleeve of the hoodie Alex gave me earlier after cleaning my wounds to wipe away my tears.

Kara clenches and unclenches her jaw as if she’s struggling to admit something. “Y/N, it’s not— I mean, you didn’t— I know things have been a lot lately, but-“ she runs a hand through her hair and sighs. “I don’t know what’s going on with me.”

If that isn’t the biggest lie she’s ever told then I don’t know what is. She’s a horrible liar and even if I didn’t hear the telltale sound of her heart stuttering just now, I’d still know she was lying just by seeing the guilty look on her face.

I stare at her for a moment, wondering when everything started to go this wrong between us before hanging my head low and turning to leave. “Well, I guess you better start figuring it out then because I can’t do this anymore, Kara.”

“W-What?” she stutters. I hear her trying to get up to follow me before groaning and falling back into bed. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.” I reach for the door handle without looking back.

“Wait!” Her voice falters and when she sniffles I have to force myself not to turn back and comfort her. “Are you. . . Are you breaking up with me?”

I swallow harshly and open the door. “No, not yet anyway.”

I leave before she can say anything else and make my way to the tower’s main room where J’onn, Alex, and Nia are sitting around the coffee table.

“Hey, are you okay?” Nia asks when she sees the distress on my face.

I just shake my head and make my way to the elevator. “No. Alex?”

The older Danvers who’s also watching me with concern gets to her feet. “Yeah?”

“Tell your sister to pull herself together,” I say before stepping onto the elevator.

I see J’onn raise an eyebrow at the interaction and share a glance with Nia before the doors slide closed.

Kara might be the one who solar flared, but I could bet a hundred bucks I’m more drained than she is right now.

This has been quite some time in the making now, and I know it’s no longer up to me how things will turn out from here on out.

It’s in Kara’s hands now and if our relationship is as important to her as it is to me, she will have to prove it.

_______________________________________________

Uh oh. . .

[tortillamastersblog]

꧁ Angels Don’t Cry - Part 5 | Mor ꧂

Pairing: Mor x reader

Warnings: Mentions of torture, injuries, blood, kidnapping, vomiting and explicit language

Summary: After Hybern’s defeat, the Inner Circle makes a grave discovery in the late King’s dungeons. . .

Next Part | Masterlist

________________________________________________

“Y/N!”

Elain’s frantic shout makes me drop my decorating spatula and before I get the chance to leave the back of the bakery to meet her out front she’s already standing in the doorway with flushed cheeks.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” I ask, frantically taking off my apron.

“I figured it out!” she exclaims ignoring my questions and beaming from ear to ear.

“You figured it out?” I echo with a frown. “What did you figure out?”

“What it means, of course! The tugging, the longing!” she exclaims.

Oh. . . That. I completely forgot to tell her about it when I figured it out myself, but it seems as though she didn’t need me to tell her.

“I have a mate!” she goes on, gesturing wildly with her hands. “And it’s not Lucien!”

“It’s not?!” I’m too shocked to even pretend I didn’t know the tugging is caused by the mating bond, whether it’s snapped into place yet or not.

Elain shakes her head and closes the small distance between us to hold onto my forearms. She hasn’t even bothered to take off her snow covered coat yet, leaving a trail of water and dirt on the floor. “No, it’s not. . .It’s Azriel.”

My jaw drops at that. “It is?!”

“He came by the Town House this morning and told me how he felt and then it all kind of just clicked, I guess. It’s hard to explain, but. . . He’s my mate! Can you believe it?

I gape at her for a moment longer before snapping out of my trance and smiling at her. “I— Wow, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. So, what now? Are you two together?”

Elain shakes her head but her smile doesn’t disappear. “No, not yet. He wants to take me on a date first before we make it official.”

“That’s great, El! I’m so happy for you, you definitely have to keep me updated and tell my brother that if he breaks your heart I will rip his spine out and beat him to death with it,” I joke lightly, but the underlying message is clear. If he hurts her, I’ll make sure he regrets it.

Elain starts crying happy tears and pulls me into a bone-crushing hug. “Thank you! You’re the best.”

I snort and pull back. “I hardly did anything.”

“Doesn’t matter,” she says, wiping away her tears. “You’re always here for me and I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

I smile at that and pull her in for another quick hug. “You’re not too bad either, little one,” I joke. “But I do have a job to get back to, so if we could continue this over lunch or dinner sometime I’d be eternally grateful.”

“Oh, of course!” she smiles sheepishly and hands me back my apron. “Here, I’ll stop by for lunch tomorrow.”

“Thanks. I’m looking forward to it.” I slip the apron back over my head and send her one last smile as she leaves before getting back to work.

I’m happy for Elain and my brother, but the fact that the bond snapped into place for her immediately after he told her makes my head spin a little.

Why didn’t it snap into place for me when Mor told me about our bond? Is it because we’re not actually mates? Or is it there already and it’s just not as strong or life-altering as I thought it would be?

Suddenly self-conscious, I get so lost in my work that I jump with a yelp a couple hours later when someone places a hand on my shoulder from behind.

“By the Cauldron!”

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you,” Mor chuckles softly and when I spin around she has a tentative smile on her face. “Didn’t you hear me come in?”

“No, not really,” I admit with a faint blush. “So, what brings you in? How did you even get back here? Isn’t Renee working the shop out front?”

Earlier when Elain came by, I was alone, but my coworker Renee showed up a couple of minutes ago to start her shift.

“Well,” Mor steps closer, her smile not fading. “when your coworker saw me she almost died of shock, so she kind of just waved for me to go in the back when I asked about you.”

I can’t help but chuckle at that because Renee’s reaction is completely understandable. It’s not often that Rhysand’s third in command just strolls into one’s workplace, especially not on a fairly busy day like today.

“As for why I’m here. . .” she trails off and lifts the brown paper bag in her hand. “I got you this.”

She hands me the bag with flushed cheeks after I wipe my hands on my apron. “What is it?“

Mor’s brown eyes soften as she watches me take a very thin, rectangular gift out of the bag. “Just open it.”

I narrow my eyes, but drop the paper bag and unwrap the gift. It turns out to be a vinyl record and once I get rid of all the wrapping paper I turn it over and read what it says on it, “A collection of the most beautiful piano pieces.”

My jaw drops and my eyes snap up to find Mor already watching me with a hopeful smile and a twinkle in her eyes. “Do you like it?”

I gape at her for a moment before looking back at the record in my hands. “I love it, b-but I don’t understand. Why are you giving me this?”

Mor takes another hesitant step forward. “The necklace you gave me for Winter Solstice was so thoughtful and it made me realize that I didn’t even get you anything in return which, in hindsight, I still don’t know why not, I just thought you wouldn’t even want a gift from me, but then I saw this–“ she pulls the necklace from beneath her jacket–“and I knew I had to get you something, too, so. . . Happy belated Winter Solstice, I guess.”

I clutch the record to my chest for a second before putting it down and pulling her into an impromptu hug. It makes her gasp and for a moment I think it was the wrong thing to do, but then she hugs me back and buries her face in my chest.

“Thank you.” I squeeze her in my arms. “I love it, but you didn’t have to get me anything.”

“Yes I did,“ is all she says before pulling back.

We’re now so close I can smell her sandalwood perfume which makes my nose tingle and my heart beat rapidly in my chest.

“So, I heard a little rumor about Azriel and Elain. . .” she whispers, fixing the collar of my shirt.

I raise an eyebrow and try not to shiver at the brush of her fingers against my neck. “How could you possibly already know about that?“ I ask incredulously.

She shrugs, but smiles knowingly. “I have my sources. . .”

I raise my eyebrow even more which makes her elaborate. “Cassian told me this morning because he overheard Azriel telling Elain how he felt about her.”

I scoff and roll my eyes playfully. “Of course he did. He’s such a gossip.”

“How do you know?” she asks.

“Elain came in earlier and told me.” I explain, gulping when her brown eyes meet mine.

“And?” She stills her hands and rests them on my chest for a moment before stepping back. “How does she feel about it?”

I chuckle. “Pretty good I’d say, judging from the way she shouted the news.”

Softly biting her lip to hide a smile that’s beginning to form, Mor takes another step back and points a thumb over her shoulder. “Well, that’s good for her. I’m glad those two found each other. I’d love to stay and continue this little chat, but you’re busy and I’m already late for a meeting with Rhys, so. . .”

“I’ll see you around.” I smile and wave awkwardly, a gesture which she mirrors with a smile of her own before leaving.

“Bye!”

The record is beautiful. I’ve been listening to it daily for almost a week now and I’m still not sick of it.

I hum along to the current song and finish getting dressed just as a knock sounds at my door.

“It’s open!” I shout over my shoulder, checking my reflection in the mirror again. The front door opens and when I round the corner a smile tugs at my lips.

“Hiya!” Feyre beams and hugs me softly. “You look dashing.”

My eyes sweep over her midnight blue dress and I raise an eyebrow. “Me? Have you seen yourself? You look absolutely breathtaking. Rhys is one lucky son of a bitch.”

Feyre laughs and slaps my shoulder with a shy smile. “Oh, shut up. You ready to go?”

It’s Starfall tonight and because I’m still not comfortable flying, Feyre has offered to winnow us up to the House of Wind where the celebration is going to take place.

“Yeah, one second.” I rush to the mirror again and check to make sure my hair is still in place. I honestly have no idea where this sudden urge to look good has come from.

You look nice tonight. . .

The memory of Mor’s voice makes my skin flush and I raise a hand to tug at the suddenly too tight collar of my shirt.

“Y/N?”

My eyes snap up to connect with Feyre’s in the mirror. She’s watching me with a raised eyebrow and a half-smile playing on her lips.

“What’s got you all worked up?” she asks.

I clear my throat and turn around, tucking in my wings. “Nothing.”

Feyre crosses her arms, her eyebrow rising even more as she levels me with a challenging look.

“It’s—“ I squeeze my eyes shut and exhale shakily. “It’s Mor. . .”

“What about her? Has she said something else to you? I swear I talked to her! I thought the two of you were getting along lately.” Feyre is quick to step into my space, tugging on my forearms to get me to look at her.

I shake my head and chuckle softly. “No, no it’s not about that. We have been getting along, if that’s what you want to call it. . . She’s— Uh— She’s actually my mate.”

Feyre’s jaw drops and her eyes widen instantly. “She’s what?!”

Shrugging, I smile sheepishly. “She’s my mate, Fey. . .”

“I— What?! — How long have you known? Are you two, like, together now? Or is—“

“No, we’re not together,” I cut her off immediately, blushing at even just the thought of being with Mor. “Things are a little more complicated than that.”

Feyre frowns and tilts her head slightly. “How come?”

I sigh and step out of her embrace to grab my jacket from the back of the couch. “I haven’t accepted the bond yet. . .”

“Why not? I mean— I know the two of you had a rocky start, but the mating bond—“

“It hasn’t snapped into place for me yet.” I explain, putting on my jacket. “And I’m still not exactly sure how I feel about it.”

Feyre watches me with a contemplative look. “Okay. . . I get that, but you do know that the connection is only going to get stronger, right? So if you really don’t want it, you should reject it sooner rather than later.”

I nod. “Yeah, I know. . .”

Feyre’s eyes soften and she crosses the room to pull me into a tight hug. “I’m sure you’ll figure out what’s best for you soon.”

I scoff playfully and squeeze her in my arms. “Thanks. I appreciate you always being here for me.”

Feyre pokes my wing and pulls back with a smile. “Of course. Always. Now. . . Should we get going?”

I nod and gesture for her to lead the way out of the apartment.

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Only one (or two) more parts to go after this one!

[tortillamastersblog]

𖣂 Not My Commander - Part 3 | Lexa kom Trikru 𖣂

Pairing: Lexa kom Trikru x reader

Warnings: Blood, violence, injuries, cursing and some steamy scenes

Summary: Sending a hundred underaged prisoners down to Earth to find out if it’s inhabitable again is undoubtedly immoral, so The Council decides to send you down first, rather than float you for your crimes.

If you survive for more than a couple of hours, they can —in good conscience— send down the 100. If you don’t, well, then good riddance.

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist

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We’re back in Polis after three days of Lexa negotiating trade deals with the small village east of here, and even though she checks on me even more than she already did before, I have never felt as alone as I do right now.

I miss my parents and my brother, and I miss Bellamy. I keep thinking about him during the day, wondering what he’s up to now that I’m gone.

Does he know I’m still alive? Or is the Council keeping my wellbeing under wraps?

What’s he doing right now? Is he on patrol? Is he still part of the Guard?

His absence, just like my family’s, is like a painful hole in my chest that hurts every time I breathe.

A knock on my door makes me flinch in my spot on the floor by the window. I redirect my eyes from the lit-up city below me to the door.

“Yes?”

The door creaks open and in steps Lexa, holding a tray with some food and a cup of water on it.

“You didn’t come to dinner and Gustus told me you haven’t eaten all day, so I thought I’d come and check on you,” she says, setting the tray down on my bed.

I don’t move from my spot at the window, but I keep my eyes on her as she clasps her hands together in front of her.

“Do you check on everyone like this? I mean, you are the commander, so I’m sure you have better things to do than to bring me food.” I pull my legs up to my chest and drape my arms over my knees. I’m grieving for my family and my lost life, and after being forced to spend my day with Titus who’s taken up the responsibility of teaching me their language, I just want to be alone.

The muscle in Lexa’s jaw twitches, but ever since I got better at reading the emotions on her face, or lack thereof I should say, I know that’s she’s not annoyed, or irritated by what I just said. It’s more of a guarded concern underneath her mask of indifference.

“I do have better things to do,” she says carefully, watching me for a reaction, “but I didn’t just come here to bring you food.”

I raise an eyebrow in silent question which makes her take a tentative step toward me. I know that if I was one of her people, this kind of behavior would be unacceptable, but I’m not and she’s not my commander, so I’m not going to treat her like it.

I respect her, that’s for sure, and I’m thankful for her generosity and letting me stay with her, but I won’t bow to her.

“I wanted to know how your first lesson with Titus went today,” she says, keeping her hands clasped in front of her.

I scoff at the memory of the glares Titus sent my way every time I got something wrong and lift a hand to rub at my dry, irritated eyes. “He’s a pain in the ass.” I deadpan. “But other than that it was okay I guess.”

One corner of Lexa’s lips twitch in what I can only interpret as amusement before she goes back to being serious. “That was to be expected since he has yet to grow fond of you, but I’m glad to hear it wasn’t all too bad.”

“Mhmm.” I go back to looking out of the window, expecting Lexa to leave now that I’ve answered her question, but she stays right where she is, her eyes burning a hole into the side of my head. I pull my brother’s necklace from below my shirt and close my hand around my parents rings, hoping Lexa will get the hint that I want to be left alone now.

Much to my dismay, she doesn’t though and takes another step in my direction. “Y/N. . .”

I grind my teeth and look back at her, trying to control my sudden temper. I don’t like lashing out at people especially when they’ve done nothing wrong, but the storm of emotions inside of me is making it difficult to keep myself together.

“What happened the other night. . . back in that village—“

“I’m okay. It’s fine.” I squeeze my eyes shut to get rid of the memory of the darkness closing in on me in the lake. I am anything but okay, but I don’t want to talk about that.

We haven’t spoken about what happened until now, and if it had been up to me, I could have gone the rest of my life without speaking about it, but it seems as though Lexa has different plans.

“Yeah, no, I mean, I know you are okay, but I—“

“But what?” I interrupted her again, my head snapping around to look at her. “But what, hmm? I almost drowned because of your goons, but I didn’t. I’m here now, aren’t I? So can we please not talk about it.”

To my surprise Lexa flinches ever so slightly, but she doesn’t take a step back. Instead, she takes a deep breath and rests one of her hands on the hilt of her sword. It’s a habit of hers I’ve noticed she does every time she needs to ground herself.

She’s still dressed in her armor of the day, but now, in the low light and with just the two of us in the room, she looks more timid and vulnerable than I have ever seen her.

At the moment, standing in front of me isn’t Lexa, the fierce commander who leads her army into battles. No, right now she’s just Lexa, and the last time I saw her like this was when Gustus pulled me out of the lake three days ago.

“Okay, we won’t talk about it,” she says softly, “but to make sure nothing like this ever happens again, I’d like you to learn how to defend yourself.”

“I know how to defend myself,” I argued weakly. It’s true, I know how to do it, I was one of the best at sparring when I was training to become a Guard on the Ark, but three days ago my instincts just didn’t kick in the way they used to.

It could have been because of how shaken up I was after the nightmare, but deep down I know that that’s not the case. After every thing that’s happened, I just didn’t have it in me to actually fight them.

I had- I have nothing left to lose and when I realized that, I just stopped. . .

“Well, obviously not well enough,” Lexa snaps and the harshness of her words surprises me.

I can’t help but scowl and get to my feet. “I don’t need you to lecture me. I can defend myself just fine.”

“Oh yeah?” She raises a challenging eyebrow and steps up to me so we’re less than a foot apart.

I lift my chin in defiance and cross my arms, ignoring the way our proximity makes my heart skip a beat.

Lexa holds my glare for a moment before lunging at me without warning.

I’m quick to react and step out of her way, avoiding her blow and making her stumble past me. It surprises us both, Lexa more so than myself though which makes her come at me once again. This time, however she’s more aggressive, adamant to prove her point.

She places one of her feet behind my own before slinging her arm across my chest from behind. She pulls, trying to get me to trip over her foot, but I twist out of her hold. A painful tug around my throat makes me wince and once I’ve put enough distance between us, I raise my hand to touch my neck.

My stomach drops at the absence of my brother’s necklace and my eyes dart around the floor, trying to spot it.

It’s nowhere to be found though, so I look at Lexa who’s already looking at me with guilt written all over her face.

“Y/N. . . I’m sorry,” she whispers, her eyes dropping to her hands.

My gaze follows hers and when I spot my brother’s necklace in her grasp my throat closes up.

I wordlessly take it from her and inspect it, figuring it must have gotten caught on her sleeve when she tried to trip me.

My parent’s rings are still attached to it, but the clasp is broken and I know there’s no way I’m ever going to get it fixed down here.

These grounders don’t even have electricity, so how are they going to fix a miniature clasp on a delicate silver necklace.

I close my fist around it and squeeze my eyes shut, willing the tears that are dying to escape away.

“Y/N—“

“Leave.” My voice is hoarse and my whole body is shaking with the effort it takes not to snap completely.

“I could go and see if I can get it fixed. It was an accident, I swear I wasn’t trying to—“

My eyes fly open and I level Lexa with a glare so fierce it makes her shrink in on herself. “I said leave! Leave me alone. . .” A hot tear drips down my cheek and I wipe at it aggressively.

Lexa takes a deep breath and opens her mouth as if she’s about to say something else, but then she thinks better of if and close her mouth again. Her green eyes, filled with remorse and guilt stay on me a moment longer before she finally dips her head and leaves.

As soon as the door closes behind her, I let out the sob that’s been clawing at my throat and sink to the floor with the necklace clutched in my hands.

I didn’t think things down here could get any worse, but it seems as though life enjoys throwing curveballs my way.

“I’m sorry!” I panic and drop to my knees to help the guy I just ran into pick up his paintbrushes. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

Gustus chuckles next to me (it’s a sound I rarely hear) and tells any onlookers to continue walking. The two of us have gotten quite comfortable around each other over the last two weeks and when I asked him if he’d take me to the market this morning, he agreed with a grunt and a tiny smile.

I haven’t seen Lexa since she came to my room a week ago, and I can’t say I mind it. At least this way she’s staying out of my business. However, I can’t deny that my stomach flips every time she’s mentioned.

“It’s okay,” the guy laughs softly and take the brushes from my hands when we stand back up. “No one got hurt.”

Surprised at the lack of hostility in his voice, I stare at him with a half-smile. “R-Right. Yeah. . . You speak English?”

He nods and smiles as well. His brown skin glows in the light of the late-afternoon sun and his dark eyes twinkled mischievously. “I do. I used to be part of the Commander’s army.”

“Ah.” I shift on my feet awkwardly and ignore the way Gustus watches the whole interaction with an amused expression. “Cool, cool, cool. . .”

The guy raises an eyebrow with a smirk playing on his lips and before I can make things even more awkward, he gathers all his paintbrushes in on hand, extending the other with an encouraging nod. “I’m Milo by the way.”

I shake his hand, surprised he know this way of greeting (I’ve noticed the Grounders solely use forearm handshakes) and smile a genuine smile. “Nice to meet you, Milo. I’m Y/N.”

Milo beams and lets go of my hand again. “I know. I don’t think there’s anyone here who doesn’t know you. You’re quite infamous.”

I chuckle nervously and try to quickly think of a way to change the subject. “So—Uh, are you a painter?”

Milo glances at the paintbrushes in his hand and shrugs easily. “Kind of. I’m a potter and I like to paint some of my stuff.”

My eyes light up and for the first time since landing on this godforsaken planet I feel a spark of excitement in the pit of my stomach. I came to the conclusion that life down here was all about survival, but it seems as though artistry hasn’t gone extinct after all.

“Would you like to see?” he asks and before I know it I’m agreeing with a vigorous nod. “Alright then. Your friend can come along as well.”

Gustus grunts at that, but doesn’t object when I look at him pleadingly which makes Milo smile.

He jerks a thumb over his shoulder and beckons us to follow him. “It’s not far from here, I promise.”

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*not proofread yet

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