#7662 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thetargaryenbride · 10 months

Text

Nail To The Coffin - S3 - Chapter 8

Warnings: canon-violence, blood, gore, angst, death

Pairing: Steve Harrington x f!Byers!Reader

Word Count: 7662

𝐀𝐍: 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰, 𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵, 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵. 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨.

𝐀𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐟 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐎𝐂 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵! 🖤 🥀

Masterlist || Chapter 7 || Chapter 9

“Hey, kid.”

Your attention was grabbed by Hopper who was approaching you with a gun in hand and seemed to be ready to depart. You and Steve straightened up with the intention of standing on your feet so you could properly send him off.

“No, don’t get up,” he lifted a hand, motioning you to sit still as he sat down next to you instead and looked at you, visibly hesitating and mulling over the words he wanted to say to you. “Listen, I want you to take it easy, okay? Don’t do anything reckless or stupid and just rest while we go fix this... And when I come back, we’re gonna talk about everything, hm?” he asked, giving you a knowing look, and you nodded, managing a smile through the physical and emotional pain you were trying to keep at bay.

Hopper was probably the only person who understood you when it came to the whole substance abuse issue and you were honestly glad you found a kindred spirit in him. He could relate and he was the one person who knew best how to help you get over this.

“Come here,” he beckoned you over and you didn’t hesitate to leave Steve’s embrace and fall into Hopper’s, hugging the man tightly and closing your eyes, trying to savor the feeling because for some reason you felt like you weren’t going to do that for a long time.

“Be careful…old man,” you muttered and he rubbed your back, placing a kiss on the crown of your head, before pulling away and looking at Steve sternly but also fondly.

“Hey…you take care of my kid, ok?”

“Yes, sir,” spoke out the boy with a firm tone and Hopper’s lip curled up in a sort of a proud smirk.

In the meantime, your attention was grabbed by one of your best friends and you looked at him with worry, body tensing as you remembered that he had to set off away from here soon.

“And you? Are you sure you’ll be fine?” you asked Eddie and he lifted a brow.

“Excuse me, are you questioning my ability to look after two stupid kids and drive to a hill?”

“Pardon,” you lifted your hands in surrender and he laughed.

“It’s gonna be ok. Me and, uh…Robin?” he asked and Steve nodded. “We’ll take care of those two. And after that, all of us should grab an ice cream to celebrate. And it’s gonna be on the house. Right, big boy?” he grinned foxily at Steve and the boy rolled his eyes but smiled either way. “You worry about yourself, m’kay? ‘Cause the withdrawal symptoms are only gonna get stronger from now on,” his eyes softened at the sight of your form slumped tiredly in your boyfriend’s arms.

“I’ll be fine. You better go, though. We have no time to waste,” you reminded him and he almost jumped, eyes widening as he turned to look at Robin, Dustin, and Erika who were glaring at him with discontent, the former tapping her foot in annoyance.

“Shit! Yeah, uh, I gotta go. See you guys later!” were his last words before he bolted towards the trio and they headed out of the mall.

“Well…that’s that,” sighed Steve. “It’s our turn to leave now,” he said as he and Hopper carefully helped you stand up and held you steadily as you began walking.

“Hey, hold on. I need to see Mom,” you let go and approached Will and your mom who were in the middle of a conversation. Steve wanted to follow you but Hopper put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head, telling him to let you have your moment.

“You just stick close to your brother and sister and-and do what they say. You three take care of each other,” said Joyce as she rubbed Will’s arms up and down.

“I’m not worried about me, Mom, I’m worried about you.”

“Oh, honey, I’m gonna be fine.”

“Mom?” you interrupted them which got their attention and the two immediately grabbed you by each arm to bring you in for a hug.

“I’m gonna be fine. Everything will get better. You’ll see,” she spoke reassuringly to you as she hugged you both tightly and you allowed yourself to feel a bit more at ease.

“Ok, Mom. That’s enough. I can’t breathe,” choked out Will and she chuckled lightly, letting you go.

“Y/N/N, Will…c’mon. Time to go,” Steve reminded and you nodded, taking him by the hand.

You threw your mother and Hopper one last look over your shoulder and a part of you couldn’t help but fill with worry and unease. But at the same time, you knew that the two of them were more than capable of handling any situation. They have proven it over the years. So besides the worry, there was also hope. Besides, you trusted Murray. He was very smart so he was definitely going to be of help. You were going to survive this. Maybe not without some damage points but you were going to come out alive.

Anything else could be overcome.

Your group moved slowly because you and Eleven were injured and needed help from the others, but eventually, you made your way out of the mall where Nancy’s car was waiting for you. Murray had given you the keys to his home and you were supposed to drive all the way there. It wasn’t far but it wasn’t near either.

You were in for a trip.

It kind of unsettled you that you had to leave Hawkins altogether.

But maybe you weren’t going to leave Hawkins after all.

Because the car was damaged and didn’t want to start.

“What’s wrong?” asked Jonathan and Nancy shook her head in confusion.

“I don’t know,” she twisted the key over and over but the engine didn’t roar to life. “You can’t be serious. Come on!”

You tuned out the kids asking Nancy a dozen questions about the car as you focused your gaze outside the window, while Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve went to open the hood to check what the problem was, and your eyes widened when you saw a familiar car in the distance.

“Guys, he’s-“ before you could warn them that Billy was here, he gained everyone’s attention by revving his engine and their heads snapped to look at him, faces distorting in fear.

“Shit. We should get back inside. Now!” yelled Steve as he tapped the kids’ shoulders and made them rush out of the car.

He didn’t even allow you to walk this time as he just lifted you in his arms and all of you dashed inside the building.

“What do we do now?” asked Steve frantically as he sat you back down on the bench and sat next to you, having you lean on him and wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

“I say we call Eddie and the others. I mean, they can leave Dustin and Erica at the hill and come back for us,” offered Lucas and the others nodded.

“Yeah. Yeah, that sounds like a plan,” said Mike as he quickly grabbed a walkie-talkie and began calling for the other group to answer.

“Steve, I don’t like this,” you stuttered out and his grip tightened. “If Billy is here that means the monster is coming,” you buried yourself in his chest and placed a kiss on the crown of your head.

“We’re going to be okay.”

“I’m scared,” you admitted and he closed his eyes, kissing you again and stroking your cheek gently.

“I’m going to protect you this time,” he murmured. “I promise I will.”

“Do you copy!? We are trapped in the mall and in need of emergency transportation!” shouted Mike for the nth time and the despair in the atmosphere only grew.

It was pure chaos when Jonathan and some of the others tried to turn around the fallen car because he had figured out that the only thing they needed to get was the ignition cable, only to fail miserably.

“Guys!” you drew their attention and they stopped what they were doing to look at you. “Don’t do it like that. You gotta combine all your strength,” you reminded them and Lucas snapped his fingers in realization.

“Exactly! And we need levers!”

“Go help them,” you told Steve and he looked like he wanted to argue but relented nonetheless, letting go of you begrudgingly and joining the rest.

Just when they had succeeded in turning the car around and taking the cable, just when you had thought things were finally going to work out for you all, another catastrophe happened – the one you had been the most afraid of.

You and Will barely had the time to alert the others of the familiar, gnarly feeling you would get every time the Mind Flayer was near, before a part of the ceiling got shattered to pieces under the weight of the monster, raining glass shards on top of you, Max, and Will.

“Hide!” yelled Mike as he grabbed Eleven by the hand and ran away, the others not hesitating to follow his warning.

Steve quickly ran to you and pulled you into his arms, dashing towards Scoops Ahoy, and ducking behind the corner just when the monster landed down, cracking up the place you had just been standing on as it let out a terrifying screech, followed by a threatening, guttural snarl. Your heartbeat increased as your anxiety levels spiked drastically and you found it difficult to breathe as your brain got overloaded by traumatic memories. Your whole body began trembling and Steve squeezed your hand with his while the other went to clutch your face.

“Hey, hey, look at me,” he locked eyes with yours and you choked out a whimper as tears gathered in your eyes and began rolling down your bruised cheeks. “It’s going to be okay. We just have to keep quiet and it won’t find us. It’s not going to find us,” he whispered firmly and you nodded, managing to gain some control of your breathing as you buried your head in his shoulder and shut your eyes, trying to imagine something nice instead.

You imagined the end of it all.

You imagined that you defeated the Mind Flayer once and for all and you were back home with everyone else, safe and sound.

The creature let out another loud snarl which sent another harsh tremor through you, shaking you up to the core, and you clasped your hands over your ears while Steve’s hold on you tightened even more as he rocked you back and forth.

Will wasn’t faring much better either.

He was on the other side, hiding behind the wrecked car, with his knees tucked to his chest, arms wrapped around them as he tried to contain his shaky breathing. Everything inside him was screaming and traumatic memories, much similar to yours, were making their return, flooding him with anguish, panic, and anxiety.

Jonathan took a firm hold of his hand and the boy turned to look at his older brother, eyes glistening and full of fear.

“It’s gonna be okay,” silently mouthed Jonathan and Will gulped, his tense body relaxing just a tad bit.

Suddenly, the sound of metal hitting the tiled floor resonated through the air alongside a small girlish yelp. The clang sounded much louder in the deathly silence than it would have done otherwise, and everyone, including the monster, heard it loud and clear.

“Fuck,” whispered Steve and you pulled away so you could peek over the counter to see what was happening, trying to suppress your fear of the alien, and he mirrored you.

The monster let out an angry screech as it went in the direction of ‘The Gap’ and it dawned on you that someone from the group must have gone that way and had probably accidentally toppled something on the ground.

“We have to draw its attention away from them,” muttered Steve and your head snapped to look at him as if he was crazy.

“Are you mad?” you whisper shouted through grit teeth and he tilted his head, opening and closing his mouth as if he battled against the words he wanted to spill. “You literally can’t do anything! You’ll only end up drawing it to yourself and die. Don’t you dare do anything stupid, Steve, or I swear to the gods, I will shave your head while you’re sleeping,” you threatened with narrowed eyes and his widened in shock and horror.

“N-not the hair,” he groaned lowly as his hand went to touch and smooth out his hair. “You went too far,” he looked at you with the eyes of a kicked puppy and you clicked your tongue, face scrunching up in regret.

“You’re right…I’m sorry.”

Just then, you saw Lucas stand up and both of your faces morphed into fear as you watched him pull his string and shoot in the opposite direction. He managed to hit a balloon and it popped loudly, successfully getting the attention of the creature. Thankfully, Lucas ducked down and hid in time, making you and Steve let out relieved breaths.

“Okay, let’s go, go, go,” rambled the boy as he quickly lifted you in his arms and went to Scoop Ahoy’s backroom from where he easily, and without the threat of a looming monster, accessed the staff corridors.

He ran down the narrow hallways and staircases as if the devil himself was chasing him and to both your surprise, you ended up meeting the rest of your party in a place where the corridors met.

“Oh, thank God you managed to get away!” exclaimed Jonathan once he saw you and Steve, and soon after, everyone found their way out of the mall.

Steve set you on the ground so he could take a breath and you rubbed his back soothingly as he bent down and wheezed. He had just run a marathon with you in his arms. You couldn’t blame him for being winded even if he was a good athlete. Not to mention he already went through the grinder for the past day or so, both physically and mentally. It was a wonder he was still able to stand on his feet after everything the Russians did to him.

“You’re my hero, Steve,” you whispered after you also bent a little, one hand still rubbing his back while the other gripped his arm, and he let out a breathy chuckle before he straightened up and wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you closer and resting his chin on top of your head.

The short moment of peace was ruined when a familiar revving of an engine almost busted your eardrums and you gulped, turning around to see Billy’s car in the distance.

“Shit,” let out Jonathan and Steve at the same time.

“Get the car started. Go!” ordered Nancy as she circled the vehicle and took out her gun.

“Nancy,” you let out as you wrenched yourself off Steve’s grip and marched her way. “Nancy, wait!” you shouted as you grasped her wrist and lowered the gun she was preparing to fire at Billy with, making her face you with confusion plastered on her face.

“Y/N what are you doing?”

“You can’t just shoot at him. What if you kill him!?” you countered and she folded her lips.

“It’s him or us.”

“And why do we have to choose? Why can’t we save him too?” you asked with a mixture of desperation and hope.

“Because you can’t save everyone!” she raised her voice and you deflated, biting your tongue, not knowing what else to say because she had a point.

Just then, Billy’s car roared into life and he began driving towards you, increasing the speed more and more.

“Get inside!” yelled Jonathan and Steve’s eyes widened as he rushed to your and Nancy’s side.

“Y/N, Nancy, get away!”

Just as all of you prepared to face death head-on, and Steve wrapped his arms around you and Nancy as if he’d be able to somehow protect you from the power of a speeding car, a familiar van entered everyone’s periphery vision, and before anyone could process what was going on, the two vehicles crashed.

The van, being larger and heavier than the Chevy, managed to send the other car hurtling away from you all. It spun a couple of times before it hit one of the massive columns which instantly knocked Billy out and seconds later, a fire began spreading from inside the broken vehicle.

“I hope y’all saw this,” wheezed Eddie as he and Robin exited the van and approached the group with heavy steps. “Because I’m not doing it again.”

“Dude, that was insane!” exclaimed Steve with a smile as Eddie dragged his feet to the boy and the two fist-bumped one another.

“You okay?” Eddie turned to ask Robin who was trying to calm her breathing and she shrugged slowly, shaking her head.

“Ask me tomorrow?”

“It’s going to explode,” you muttered and everyone looked at you questioningly. “The car is going to explode,” you raised your voice slightly as panic began creeping up on you, and before your boyfriend or anyone else could take hold of you, you stumbled forward as fast as your body allowed you to.

“Hey, hey!” called out Steve as he ran after you, accompanied by Eddie, Robin, and Nancy, and tried to grab your arm. “What are you doing? Do you have a death wish?”

“Steve, let go! We can’t waste time now!”

“No.”

“So we just leave him to burn to death then?”

“I say good riddance,” joined Eddie. “Did you forget? He’s the enemy.”

“What is wrong with all of you!?” you yelled angrily as you yanked your arm out of Steve’s iron hold and their eyes widened. They did not remember ever seeing you this mad before. The disappointment and the rage in your eyes nailed them to the spot. “How can you say that!? How can you so easily doom someone to die!?”

When they couldn’t answer you, you let out a huff through your nose and whirled on your heel, heading towards the burning car.

“Billy,” you called out once you reached it and saw him leaning against the window, unconscious. “Billy, c’mon,” you sniffed as tears of helplessness blurred your vision. “C’mon, don’t do this to me,” you whimpered as you opened the door and your shaky hands fumbled with the belt, trying to release the boy from the contraption. It clicked and slithered back inside, finally allowing Billy’s body to be moved. You took hold of his arms and began pulling when you felt a hand on your lower back and your head shifted so you could take a look at the person behind you.

“It’s okay, I’ve got him,” muttered Steve a bit grumpily and you stepped aside to give him access.

Eddie joined the boy and the two managed to lift Billy with a grunt and drag him out of the car while Nancy and Robbed took hold of each of your arms and helped steady you as you walked, the three of you making your way back to Nancy’s car while Steve and Eddie were busy dragging Billy somewhere away from everyone else and away from the possible explosion range.

“C’mon, guys! Hurry up!” shouted Robin urgently as her eyes darted between the boys and the growing fire and you could see them dump Billy’s body at a random place and run to you.

“Oh, shit!” snapped Eddie and everyone looked up, blanching at the sight of the monster that had crawled on top of the roof.

“Wait, where are Eleven and the others!?” you asked worriedly and everyone looked around, finally noticing the absence of El, Max, and Mike.

“They’re probably still hiding inside.”

“W-what do we do!?” raised her voice Robin as her hands flew to her head. “Do we go back inside?”

“Oh, hell no! I think they’ll be plenty safe because we are drawing this motherfucker’s attention!” screeched Eddie.

“Get in! Quick!” yelled Jonathan and everyone rushed inside the car.

Nancy took the passenger seat, Eddie squeezed in the backseat alongside Will and Lucas, and Steve, Robin, and you got at the very back.

Jonathan didn’t waste time and sped up, successfully avoiding all of you being smashed by the monster that landed on the exact same spot you had been standing on just seconds ago, driving away just as Billy’s car exploded.

“Y/N, are you crazy!?” exclaimed Steve in disbelief now that he had the opportunity to properly pour out everything that’s been weighing on him since the moment you decided to go after Billy. “Why did you put yourself at risk for him!? What if something had happened to you?” his eyes darted across your face, full of worry, and Will, Eddie, and Lucas turned around to look at you, horror still gripping their hearts after witnessing everything.

“Because I was him!” you snapped, your anger from earlier not forgotten and not having gone away, making everyone flinch. “But I got another chance at life! And I had people who risked it all to save me! You weren’t there to see,” your raised voice lowered into firm talking as you made sure to remind him that he wasn’t there to see you and the others struggle in a battle of life and death against the alien and its army at the sauna, after the sauna, at the hospital, at Hopper’s cabin – your battle especially had been one of the hardest to deal with.

And it’s like this reminder hit him harder than a lightning bolt and sent another wave of guilt and regret in him.

“Nobody is trying to help him,” your voice cracked. “Nobody is trying to lend him a hand,” you stuttered out pitifully. “Why do I get to live and he gets abandoned?” you asked and everyone faced away, not being able to look you in the eyes because they had no answer to your question and they were ashamed to admit it. They were ashamed to admit how easily they would’ve abandoned the boy in that burning car, just because they didn’t know him well enough and because he wasn’t a part of the group. “If he ends up dying, rotting in the ground all alone, I don’t know about you but I will surely, never forgive myself,” you bit out wobbly.

“Alright, and what happens if we do try to help him and fail?” inquired Steve and your nose and eyebrows scrunched up angrily once again.

“Then at least we would’ve tried! And it won’t weigh that heavily on your conscious,” you bit out poisonously and he and the others did a double-take, feeling as if someone splashed them with cold water.

Yet for some reason, Steve felt as if you singled him, and probably Eddie, out. Because it was the two of them who had been quick to oppose you going to save Billy. Your words cut deep like a dagger and your seething anger and desperation were wounding him, but he had to remind himself that this was not the real you talking. You were not attacking him or the others. You were just heavily stressed, panicked, guilty, on edge, just to name a few, not to mention that the withdrawal symptoms must have kicked in and were probably making you more irritable, snappy, overly sensitive to anything, and more prone to anger outbursts.

As if realizing what you had just said and how you had said it, your thundering face melted into one of regret, wrinkles, and angry lines smoothing out as you tilted your head and opened your mouth, wanting to say something but the words simply got stuck in your throat.

“No, it’s okay,” Steve was quick to calm you down as he placed a hand on your cheek and you shut your eyes, not being able to look at him. “I understand. And oddly enough…I agree,” he conceded and your eyes fluttered open to study his face.

“What?”

“I’m saying that you’re right…We were quick to discard Billy just because he’s not part of our group. We were actually going to let him burn to death when… he’s not the real enemy we should be getting rid of,” admitted the boy with heavy heart and guilt and you sighed.

“It’s okay…people can do crazy things when on edge and when they’re desperate to protect their loved ones,” you whispered and his lip twitched.

Suddenly, a nauseous feeling overtook you, making you gag. The whole moving, running, jumping jerking around, the stress, the panic, had taken a toll on you and it was showing.

“I don’t feel too well,” you groaned and Steve let you lean on him and rest.

Just then, you heard Dustin’s voice through the walkie-talkies but he wasn’t talking to any of you. He was talking to a girl.

“Suzie,” exclaimed Steve and Robin simultaneously.

You found it ridiculous when Suzie pretty much forced Dustin’s hand and they began singing but oddly enough, their singing sort of soothed you. It was like a breath of fresh air amid the chaos, like a beautiful flower blooming amongst bloodshed on a worn-out battlefield.

“Guys, it’s turning around!” announced Steve and everyone turned to see what he was talking about.

“What?”

“The monster. It’s turning around!”

“Maybe we wore it out?” offered Lucas.

“I don’t think so,” countered Jonathan as he took a sharp turn, making everyone yelp at the sudden movement.

You gagged, body lurching, nausea returning full force, and you clamped a hand over your mouth.

“Jonathan, stop!” yelled Steve and the boy hit the brakes, the sound of screeching invading your eardrums painfully.

Steve quickly opened the backdoor and you stumbled out clumsily, your knees hitting the asphalt, as you threw up whatever little contents your stomach held. Steve had thankfully reacted quickly and had pulled your hair away, rubbing your back soothingly, while the others scrunched up their faces in sympathy.

“It’s okay, baby, it’s okay,” muttered your boyfriend encouragingly as you took a large gulp of air and slowly stood up on shaky legs with his help.

“Here,” Robin offered a bottle of water that Nancy had fished out and handed to her, and you gladly took it, quickly rinsing your mouth off the pungent taste and spitting it out on the ground.

“Okay, let’s go,” you breathed out and Steve helped you climb in.

Your brother spared you one last concerned look before he sped off again, driving as fast as possible after the monster and back to the mall you had just escaped from.

What you didn’t expect once you got in the building, was to find Billy standing over a helpless Eleven, Max and Mike nowhere in sight, and the monster descending from above. It was like a picture from some dark, twisted Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

But this time you were prepared to fight off the villain.

“Flay this, you ugly piece of shit!” yelled Lucas as he hurled a lit firework at the monster and it exploded in its face, making it screech and recoil.

And you? You were tired of playing the role of a damsel in distress. Now was the time when you had to be useful, somehow. Now was the time to tackle your fear and anxiety and be of help to the people around you. They needed you. Or at least they needed the strong version of you that always handled things with an iron will – the reliable version of you that took care of everything with ‘ease’ and managed to get out of any situation. So you were going to be that person despite it all. You refused to back down and cower while the rest risked their lives.

There was time to cower. There was time to cry. There was time for nightmares. But it was not now.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” asked Steve once you began hobbling over to the escalators and you frowned.

“We can’t leave her to struggle alone against Billy. I suggest you distract him while I help her escape.”

“You actually want me to get into a fight with him?” his eyebrows shot to his hairline in surprise and you sent him an apologetic look.

“I don’t want you to get hurt, but there is nobody else I can trust with such a mission. Take this as an opportunity to show off your skills. Dustin always teases you about never winning fights, right? Prove him wrong.”

“I already did,” he smirked proudly as the two of you began walking further you arched a brow.

“You did?”

“Hey, don’t act so surprised! I’m not that bad of a fighter,” he grumbled with mock offense and you let out a soft snort.

Once on the floor below, you had to take cover because the firework show and the trashing of the monster were too intense.

“Look,” you pointed with your head. “Hurting the monster is affecting him.”

“That’s going to be of help,” muttered the boy as he slowly stood up, careful to not get spotted by Billy or the monster. “Stay here, I’ll skip to the sports store.”

“What?” you whisper shouted. “Steve, we don’t have time. We have to take El somewhere safe, now.”

“I know, just give me a minute. I promise,” were his last words before he snuck away and you let out a sharp puff of air as you wiped the sweat off your forehead and focused your gaze back onto Billy and the girl.

When you saw Eleven crawling away from the boy, hope arose within you. But it was quickly squashed when you noticed Billy march towards her and grab her by the leg, dragging her back to the previous spot like a sack of potatoes.

“No,” you murmured as you watched horrified the way she tried to wriggle from his grasp but couldn’t escape. You looked at Steve who had stopped for a second to glance at you, as if knowing you were about to do something stupid, and even with the distance you could read his eyes begging you to sit still.

You cursed under your breath, trying to battle any and all symptoms wracking your body, as you slithered out of your hiding spot, ignoring Steve’s yells of protest, and ran towards Billy.

He was struggling to keep Eleven down and his back was turned on you, body bent a little, which gave you the perfect access and opportunity to jump on him. Your brothers’ eyes widened in utter shock as they watched how Billy straightened up immediately and you wrapped your legs around his torso and your arms around his neck as you put as much pressure as you could muster, hoping to choke the oxygen out of his lungs and hurtle him into the depths of unconsciousness. That way he wouldn’t be a threat. And maybe you could follow through with your previous abandoned plan and take his body to the sauna on the upper floor at the Jazzercise studio.

He let out a strangled, enraged shout as he gripped your arms and clawed at them, trying to pry them off him, but you held on tightly. He staggered and approached one of the big columns. Within seconds you realized what he was about to do but you couldn’t let go of him on time as he rammed against the column which knocked the air out of you and made you feel dizzy as your back and head collided with the hard, stone surface.

You let out a choked groan and yelp of pain when he backed into it once again, the pain getting unbearable, causing your grip to loosen which allowed him to grab your body and pry it away from his, pushing you harshly. You staggered in your steps and tried to keep your balance and not trip when he backhanded you so hard you fell on the floor. Jonathan and Will immediately ceased the throwing of fireworks and ran towards the escalators, not being able to withstand watching you try and fail to fight off Billy so El could slip away. The Mind Flayer had no use of you now. So this time they were sure he wouldn’t hesitate to kill you which chilled them to the bone.

You didn’t even get a couple of seconds in which you could regain your bearings and try to get up because he was already coming for you and was right at your feet. You tried to kick his groin but he grabbed your ankle and yanked it to the side, kneeling down and spreading your legs so he could nestle between them and get better access to you, ignoring your yelp of pain and attempts at struggling against his steel grip. Panic gripped at your brothers’ hearts as they almost tripped on their feet while running down the escalators, watching with horror the way Billy grabbed you by the throat with both hands and began choking the air out of you without hesitation, his grip now much stronger than that time at the hospital.

You trashed and flailed underneath him, hands going to claw at his as you desperately tried to fight him off but he was so powerful that he barely budged.

That’s when Steve intervened.

The moment he had seen you charge at Billy, he hadn’t wasted time dashing into the sports store. He had torn the place until he had found the baseball section and had grabbed the first bat he had laid eyes on, as he had previously planned. When he had come out of the store and had seen Billy slap you and pin you down, strangling you, he had seen red. He crossed the floor at record speed and rammed himself against the boy, knocking his body away from yours.

You took a sharp breath of air and coughed, hands flying to clutch at your throat for the second time these past days, as you tried to take much-needed gulps of oxygen, relieved at the sensation filling your aching lungs. You felt hands grasp your shoulders and you lifted your head to see a panicked Will and Jonathan, and you leaned against them, allowing yourself to use them as your pillars. You watched on with worry as Steve collided the bat with Billy’s body and your own body recoiled slightly as if you yourself were just hit and were feeling the same physical pain Billy was. This had to stop. Billy wasn’t the enemy here. What was the point of breaking his body and killing him in the process when he was only being used as a meat suit?

“Steve!” you called out and the boy ceased in his movements, looking at you, his chest heaving, face red and twisted in a mad rage. “Please, stop,” you begged and you could see him visibly relax at the sight of you safe and sound in your brothers’ arms.

In that little moment of distraction, however, the monster kicked out one of its legs and harshly shoved Steve away, making him stumble and fall on the ground, rolling away from Billy, making you gasp loudly, hand flying to your mouth in shock as your heart dropped to your stomach. It roared, as if telling Billy to focus on Eleven because she was the important one and he slowly got on all fours and neared the girl who tried backing away. He climbed on top of her and you could see how hardened he has become under the control of the monster. But you could also see Eleven’s resolution and bravery in the face of horror. You could see her look straight into his eyes and touch his cheek gently, speaking softly to him.

He finally seemed to still and listen to her words and you could see him slowly begin taking control. Your brothers tried to stop you when you got on your feet and took a step toward him. But you could feel it. You could feel him. It’s like there was still a connection between you, just not tainted by the Mind Flayer’s darkness and control.

You swayed on your feet as you wondered if you should go to him or go take cover somewhere else and in the same moment Billy stood up as well and faced you. His eyes were full of sadness, regret, guilt, but also resolve – as if he had accepted his fate. Suddenly, you didn’t feel as confident in his future as you were a minute ago. You stopped in your tracks and reached a hand out as if to warn him to stop and not do anything stupid, his name dying on your lips as you watched and heard him let out a battle cry and face the monster that was roaring angrily at him.

You couldn’t even react properly or find your voice as you watched a tentacle shoot towards the boy and him grabbing it with his bare hands, managing to resist its power.

“No!” he yelled as he struggled against it and your eyes watered.

You found the strength in your legs again and began staggering towards Billy as fast as you could, fighting against your blurring vision and the aching of every bone in your body.

“Y/N, no!” bellowed Jonathan as he ran after you, followed by Will, reaching out to grab you by the arm and prevent you from going further and endangering yourself.

But before anyone could do or say anything more, the monster shot out more tentacles and pierced Billy in the back, in the abdomen, in his sides, causing the boy to let out a bloodcurdling, pain-filled scream that broke your heart even more.

Max, who had arrived at the scene barely a minute ago, could only watch with horror, rooted to one spot, how her big brother was giving up his life to protect her best friend.

Steve arose slowly, eyes widening at the sight of Billy on his knees, stained in his own blood that was no longer red in color but black like tar. He looked at you, then back at the boy, and his face hardened with determination as he sprinted to Billy’s side and grabbed him by the torso with one arm and by the shoulders with the other, trying his best to pry him away from the monster’s vines.

You gasped when you saw that the monster was preparing to shoot out yet another tentacle, this time aiming for Billy’s chest.

“Steve!”

“Billy!”

You and Max shouted simultaneously and the two boys stopped their struggling and looked up, finally seeing what the monster was planning to do.

Everything happened as if in slow motion.

Without hesitation, Steve let out a powerful cry as he lunged forward and grabbed the tentacle before the monster even had the chance to shoot it out of its mouth and you covered yours with your hand as you watched on with shock. You could barely register Jonathan cursing and running to aid Steve, nor Eddie who had run down the escalators and was also sprinting in Steve’s direction to help him hold down the tentacle.

It was a mess.

Just when you were about to resume your path and join them in helping Billy, you saw the monster shudder violently. Your eyes furrowed in confusion as you saw it withdraw its tentacles, releasing Billy from its deadly clutch, and stagger backwards as it roared, skewered, and shook in what you assumed was pain. It lost its balance and kilted sideways, slamming against the second-floor railing before falling to the ground with a final screech.

It stayed there.

Unmoving.

“Oh my God,” you let out a strangled wail as you stumbled your way to Steve, Eddie, and Jonathan, and threw yourself on the ground in front of them, taking them in your arms and hugging them as best as you could. “Are you alright? God, are you alright?” you asked over and over as tears slid down your cheeks accompanied by sobs and hiccups. The boys didn’t hesitate to wrap you in their arms and squeeze you tightly, reassuring you that they were fine. “You three are crazy! You’re absolutely fucking bonkers!”

You then pulled away and all of you turned to look at Billy who had fallen onto his back. You fought off a wave of nausea as you crawled towards him and your hands hovered over his injured torso before you put them over the gaping wounds on his stomach, ignoring the way he sputtered blood that landed on you.

“You’ll be ok, you’ll be ok, I swear, you’ll be ok,” you chanted through sobs and he shook his head.

Steve, Jonathan, Eleven, Max, Will, Eddie, and Mike were quick to join you and surround Billy, the redhead kneeling next to you and taking Billy’s hand in hers.

“Billy,” she stuttered out, eyes filling with tears. “Hang on. Help is coming, okay? You’ll be fine. Now is the moment to show off how tough you can be…Please,” the last word she whispered so brokenly that it tore your heart apart for the nth time today.

“Hey…You can’t go and leave me alone. Not after everything we went through in this hell,” you sniffed and he let out a small smile, managing to gather the last of his strength to lift his other hand by a bit and reach for you which you instantly took a hold of.

“You…are not alone,” he muttered, blood gurgling from his mouth and you leaned and pressed your forehead against his hand, lips trembling as more tears slid down.

“Billy?” Max looked on with fear as she noticed the way his eyes were getting more unfocused and the way his breathing was slowing bit by bit.

“The most…annoyin’…sister,” he mumbled as he looked at Max and squeezed her hand which had her eyes widen and jaw slack open.

Then his smile faded.

His eyes drooped.

The strength in his hands vanished.

And he lay there unmoving, much like the monster that had controlled him not long ago.

“No,” muttered Max as she shook her head and the tears she held captive finally broke free. “Billy!” she grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him but when he didn’t respond she broke down.

You let his hand rest on his stomach and straightened up, wrapping an arm around Max’s shoulders and bringing her into your embrace. You threw him one last glance before you shut your eyes tightly, not being able to withstand the sight anymore, as you hugged the girl tightly and stroke her hair as she cried against your chest and you rested your chin on top of her head. You were so spent that you didn’t have the power to cry anymore. You were pretty sure that you had just spent the tears you were given for a whole lifetime. You could only hold the weeping girl as you stared blankly at your dead friend.

You were so broken, both physically and mentally, that you were beginning to feel nothing.

Nothing but a void.

And you were scared it was going to swallow the little that was left of you.

And that you were going to end up like him, one way or another.

What followed after was a haze to you. It’s like you were there but at the same time, it’s like you were looking at yourself from outside your body. The noise, the sensations, the feelings, everything around you was duller, everything inside you was numb. You moved as if in a trance, allowing Steve and your brothers to take you outside the mall and then escort you to an ambulance with a medic’s help.

Jonathan had told them all about your condition in as much detail as he could put together, and the medics were quick to fill the gaps and give you the needed medicine which had worked its magic and you had sobered up a little bit, bringing you back to your senses.

“Max?” you asked your boyfriend and the two of you began searching for her with your eyes, seeing her by another ambulance with Eleven by her side whose leg was being examined.

You stood up and Steve and your brothers immediately grabbed your arms to provide support as you headed to the girls. Max looked at you through red-rimmed eyes and tried to give you a small smile to which you responded by shaking your head, face still twisted in despair, and wrapping an arm around her. You stroke Eleven’s cheek with your free hand and she grasped it with hers, managing to send you a small smile as if trying to tell you that she was feeling okay.

And then your attention was drawn by a group of people exiting the building, among who were Murray and your mother. You heard Jonathan let out a breath of relief and Will ran to her immediately, bringing her in for a hug.

But you didn’t see Hopper and suddenly your gut clenched, the bad premonition you had felt when saying goodbye to him returning full force. El stood up, just as confused and expectant as you were, both of you trying to find Hopper amongst the crowd.

You glanced at your mother, sending her a questioning look much like Eleven had done. She only shook her head and shut her eyes, not being able to face you.

That spoke more to you than any words would have.

The pure anguish and regret on her face spoke more than any words would have, causing your heart to break into teeny tiny pieces which you thought was impossible at this point.

And then you knew that you had lost a father yet again.

_________________________

@anxiousbeech

#stranger things x reader #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things reader insert #steve x reader #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fanfic #eddie x reader #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson fanfic #billy hargove x reader #will byers x reader #jonathan byers x reader #hopper x reader #reader #reader insert

67 notes · View notes

ao3feed-sambucky · 2 months

Text

Blithe Spirits Higher Still and Higher

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/koWnQG0 by ElisabethMonroe Five times birds try to tell Bucky he has a secret admirer And one time a human does Words: 7662, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 2 of Valentines Day Bingo Fandoms: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (TV), Captain America - All Media Types, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: M/M Characters: James "Bucky" Barnes, Sam Wilson (Marvel) Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes/Sam Wilson Additional Tags: Secret Admirer, Sam Wilson Can Talk to Birds, Birds, Gift Giving, Miscommunication, Misunderstandings, Not Actually Unrequited Love, POV Bucky Barnes, Canon-Typical Violence, 5+1 Things, 5 Times read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/koWnQG0

#Bucky #Captain America #Winter Soldier #Sam Wilson #James Barnes #Falcon #SamBucky #BuckySam #IFTTT #ao3feed

14 notes · View notes

oneterabyteofkilobyteage · 5 months

Photo

original url http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Ring/7662/ last modified 2007-03-30 19:34:38

#TimesSquare #2007 #Explorer6 #WindowsXP #800x600

24 notes · View notes

exhaustedpirate · 2 months

Text

the one where Emma is pregnant

for everyone who didn't ask for it, I wrote a two-shot fic of that plotline on friends where Joey realises he loves Rachel but Ross kinda gets in the way but I made it CaptainSwan and (don't come at me) made it as it should have happened on the show ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ massive thanks to @belovedcreation for being my beta and having so much patience with me! rated T | 7662 words also on AO3

Chapter One - Killian

Killian Jones was going to hell.

Not only was he going to hell but he was living it too.

Emma Swan was pregnant. He was in love with Emma Swan. And he was not the father of Emma Swan’s baby.

On top of that, Emma Swan did not love him back and was currently in the living room they shared reading Dr. Seuss to her 6-month bump, in a painfully (read, lovely) domestic scene.

Maybe not hell but very close.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” Killian heard from the kitchen, watching her hand make absent-minded shapes on her clothed belly. “You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”

He took a deep centering breath. He did that a lot around her.

“Think the lad will come out speaking in rhymes?” He asked playfully, coming to sit on the arm of the couch.

“Ha-ha, very funny,” Even without looking at her, he could tell she was rolling her eyes and he smiled. “All the baby books say to talk to the baby, so he knows your voice and since I don’t want to bore him with adoption bureaucracy, Dr. Seuss will do.” With a pleased grin, Emma burrowed further into the carefully placed pillows and flipped the page. “You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em-” Taking advantage of her single-hand hold, Killian took the book from her hand. “Hey!”

“He is probably tired of your voice by now,” He teased, ignoring her raised eyebrow glare. “Uncle Killian is the master storyteller here.”

Emma scoffed, clearly trying to hide her smile. “Alright, Uncle Killian, dazzle us.”

“Make yourself comfortable, Swan.”

She made a show of fixing herself, positioning her body towards him with an expectant gaze, her hands on her five-month pregnant belly. For a moment, he let himself watch her, pretend for a moment that this was his. “We’re waiting.”

He shook off his fantasies, winking at her to disguise his turmoil. “You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, ‘I don’t choose to go there.’” Her eyes closed when he glanced over to her and his smile grew. “With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.”

“Wow!”

Killian turned sharply to Emma at her exclamation, finding her with eyes wide open and a surprised smile on her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, he just gave the strongest kick!”

He couldn’t help the fascinated expression on his face as he glanced between her belly and her face. “Really?”

“Yeah! Here,” Without warning, she grabbed his hand, the book forgotten to the floor.

His hand glided over her clothed belly guided by her own and he couldn’t help but to watch as her eyebrows scrunched in concentration, her teeth teasing her bottom lip. Tempting.

As if aware of his wandering thoughts, he felt a mighty kick against his palm startling a gasp out of him. “Did you feel it?”

“Aye,” Killian breathed out in fascination, a grin stretching over his mouth at the feel of a second kick right under his fingers. “He’s strong.”

“Don’t I know it,” Emma chuckled with a hint of a reproach towards the small human growing inside her. “He’s been kicking at me for a few weeks but the books were saying that people should start being able to feel it about now.”

Killian felt a third softer push against his palm and he began to move his fingers in a soothing gesture. “You’ve been kicking your mother, lad, that’s not very nice.” He admonished in a soft voice, directed at the baby. His rebellious response was two consecutive kicks to his hand causing Emma to snort in amusement. “Apologies, love, I tried.” He chuckled.

“That’s alright,” Emma sighed with a blissfully happy smile on her face, her hands rubbing up and down the sides of her belly, her fingers touching his on every up stroke. “He just likes Uncle Killian’s voice.”

He met her gaze. Her green eyes were a reflection of her happiness, of her serenity. Despite any misgivings upon discovering her pregnancy, there was no one who loved her baby more than Emma Swan. And all he wanted to do, all he was focusing on not doing was kissing her. Kissing her and telling her he loved her. Telling her he wanted to spend the rest of his days with her. Her and her lad.

That, in fact, had been the biggest shock of it all. Killian Jones, eternal bachelor and avid birth control advocate, wanted to be a father. Wanted to be a husband.

All because of Emma Swan.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” The sudden opening of the apartment door caused Killian to startle into standing before turning towards Neal. “Traffic was a bitch.”

“It’s Friday, everyone wants to get home first,” Emma groaned as she pushed herself into standing.

“I can relate,” Neal snarked, wrapping his arms around Emma for a quick hug before turning to Killian. “Thought you would be at the Rabbit Hole by now, or on a hot date.”

“Nah,” Killian waved the idea away. “I wanted to make sure Emma would be okay until you got here.”

“You’re a good guy,” Neal smiled with a pat to Killian’s shoulder. “Now that I’m here, we should really go.”

“Yeah,” Emma sighed, fixing her bag on her shoulder. “I told the doctor we would be late but we shouldn’t keep them longer.”

“I want to know everything when you’re back.” Killian said, as he always did.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Killian, I’ll give you a picture to add to the fridge.” Emma laughed, her hand running down his arm as she followed Neal to the door.

“See you later, man.” Neal waved leaving Killian alone in his living room, arm in the air in a wave.

To add fuel to the hellfire. Neal Cassidy was his best friend. Neal Cassidy was the baby’s father. And Neal Cassidy was also in love with Emma Swan.

---

Killian would admit, only under threat of excruciating torture, that he was jealous of Neal. It hadn’t always been the case, of course. He’d met him years ago through his flatmate, David, who had been Neal’s college roommate.

He hadn’t been jealous then. Didn’t envy Neal’s broken engagement or the betrayal that led to it. Didn’t envy having to restart his life after something like that. Not when he had gone through the same too.

So what if Neal and Emma had been friends during their school years? They shared the same friend group, so really nothing to be jealous of.

And it wasn’t like he had loved Emma for years, pining away in dark corners and brooding in a lonely room.

Truth was, Emma had fascinated him from the first moment they met. Strong-willed and caring, not to mention absolutely gorgeous, she had burst into their lives in a pink skin-tight dress. Hazards of the job, she called it. Apparently, she had followed her skip to New York and proceeded to ‘honey trap’ him, her words. There had been some choice words directed at her that had led her to the bar their group had been at as well, giving Emma and Mary Margaret an enthusiastic reunion. And he was entranced.

His reputation as a bit of a philanderer, however, had her keeping her distance from him. He couldn’t blame her. It would have likely ended badly if they had fallen into bed with each other. Probably.

In any case, they were friends. Emma had warmed up to him as he opened up to her. They shared stories, scars, adventures. He still slept around, she did too. She dated some people, so did he. She fell in love with Neal, he… was happy for her.

They were friends and it was enough for him.

Until it wasn’t.

David and Mary Margaret’s wedding was years in the making, more than a decade probably. It was clear to anyone who knew them that those two were perfect for each other. So to not only be a part of their wedding but to do so as the officiant was the best day of his life.

Finding out that Emma was pregnant with Neal’s baby did put a damper on the occasion.

He would have also preferred that said baby hadn’t been conceived at his place but Killian was making the conscious choice to put all that far away from his brain.

But it was fine, he had offered his spare room after Tink’s flat caught on fire. He had wanted to be there for his best friend and his infatuation was manageable. Besides, he didn’t want to ruin their friendship over some physical attraction he felt towards her. He had learned to live with it by trying to find a replacement in other people. Not exactly the healthiest but they were all consenting adults.

Of course, he should know that managing it wouldn’t cut it for too long.

“Killian,” Emma called, in that soft voice that told him she was about to ask him something. “Can you get me a muffin, please?”

He grinned, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Come on, I’ll make sure to tell the baby all about their amazing Uncle Killian.” She pouted, as she pointedly rubbed her bump, beautifully round 4 months into the gestation process, her eyes shining with mirth.

“You know, Swan,” he started, standing up. “Once that baby is out, you’ll have to stop using him to get what you want.”

“Agree to disagree,” She grinned as he shook his head with a matching smile. “Chocolate, please.”

He sighed, aware that all that hemming and hawing was purely for show. He would give her anything she asked for. He delighted in the happy wiggle she did on the coffee shop’s chair as he handed her her muffin, in the brilliant smile on her face. In a happy Emma.

“Actually, Swan, I want your opinion on something.”

“Shoot.”

Killian grinned at her muffled voice, her mouth full of muffin. “I’m trying to figure where to take Ariel on a date, do you know of any good restaurants?”

“Ariel? Who’s that?”

“Someone I met at the bar the other day, did I not mention her?”

“No,” She frowned as she wiped her mouth.

“Well, I need to impress her, if you know what I mean.” He winked, making it all the more exaggerated for the eye roll.

“Right,” She grunted.

“Something wrong?”

“Nope,” She quickly answered, popping the ‘p’. “Just make sure to go to her house this time, I wanna sleep.”

Killian’s grin widened. “Not to worry, Swan, I won’t get between you and sleep again. But will you help me?”

“Hmm,” Emma hummed as she broke the muffin into small pieces. “You could take her to Bella Notte, they make delicious food and it’s so beautiful there.” Her voice lightened as she spoke, her lips ticking up in a smile.

“That sounds good.” “And, afterwards, you could take her to Any Given Sundae for dessert. Or take her on a walk on the docks. Oh! Take her dancing!”

“That’s all well and good, Swan, but won’t all of that make her too tired to have sex with me?” He asked with a raised eyebrow, his grin threatening to split his face.

Emma rolled her eyes, sitting back on the couch with a pout.

“I’m sorry, love, those are great ideas.” Killian reassured with a soft smile.

“I can’t believe I miss dating,” She sighed, placing her free hand on her already visible bump. “I actually miss getting dressed up and going somewhere fancy with some random guy that will disappoint me in bed but will at least take me to a nice restaurant. I won’t be able to do that for a long time…” She patted her belly before turning back to Killian. “Not that I’m not excited to give birth to a sixteen pound baby, of course.”

Killian smiles at her understandingly. “Hey, Swan?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you want to go on a date with me?”

He almost laughed at the way her mouth gaped open before she scoffed, composing herself. “Yeah, right, like you would wanna go out with a pregnant woman.”

“You’re right,” Killian nodded, watching as her shoulders dropped in resignation. “I want to go out with my best friend and have a good time.” His heart soared at the soft smile on her face, a strange spark of something in her eyes. “Besides, it’ll take your mind off birth plans, c-sections, pushing a human head out of your-”

“Alright!” Emma interrupted loudly, glaring at his laughter before joining him. “I’d love to go out with you.”

“I promise you’ll have fun.” Killian winked before standing up to leave with a kiss to her head. “Be ready at 7.”

In hindsight, he should know that hell is filled with good intentions and, as previously said, he was in hell. While all he wanted was to make his best friend happy, he hadn’t been able to ignore the fluttering in his chest at the prospect of this date.

Killian knocked on his flat door at exactly 7pm. He heard her call out to him from inside and resisted the urge to laugh. He knocked once more and held his breath when he heard her approach. Emma opened the door and he was sure his heart had stopped at the sight of her surprised smile.

“What are you doing out there?” Emma asked, a confused smile on her face.

His grin widened. “I’m here to pick you up for our date.” He pulled his hand from behind his back handing her a red rose. “For you.”

Killian watched as her smile grew more genuine, her eyes softening. He felt her fingers brush against his as she took the flower from his hand. “Thank you.” He let her awed whisper and the way her eyes fluttered shut as she smelled the rose to nestle in his chest.

Right, hell.

“This is great,” She smiled widely as she turned to him. “It actually feels like we’re going on a real date,” She whirled around, letting the smell of her vanilla shampoo hit his nose at the movement, to put the rose in a glass of water. “Though, I do have a hint of morning sickness and this was the only dress I could fit in that was date-worthy.”

Killian let his eyes wander down her body at the mention. Her red dress fit snugly around her bump and left her legs bare from the knee down. He remembered the dress from one of their outings to the bar and how loose it had fit her then. She had kept her hair down and it shone even in the artificial lighting. She looked breathtaking.

He mentally shook himself away from fantasies about taking that dress off her. “Alright, Swan, I’m making it my mission to make you forget all about that,” he grinned before clearing his throat and fixing his posture. “Right, so, you have a nice place, I like your book collection.”

“Actually, that’s my roommate’s,” She played along, a beautiful smirk on her face.

“Your roommate? A fellow reader, they sound interesting.”

“He is but he’s also very protective so be warned.” She grinned as she grabbed her bag and her coat.

“And uh, is he good looking?”

“Mhmm.”

He approached with a swagger as she turned her back to the door, entranced by her happy smile. “Oh, it must be tough to keep your hands to yourself…”

Her soft laughter reached into his chest. “Actually, I think he has a leather kink, you know what I mean?” She winked as she opened the door to leave.

“Way to ruin the game, Swan.” He rolled his eyes, a faux annoyed tone to his voice even as he all but skipped out of the flat.

Emma was still laughing as they got out of the cab in front of the restaurant. Just like she’d suggested, he had booked them a table by the window at Bella Notte.

“What did I tell you?” Emma smiles, dazzled and vindicated. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

It was beautiful but that’s not where his attention was. It was on the way the warm candle light reflected in her hair. And the way her eyes shone with delight. And the way it made everything look so much more intimate.

And the way it put him in so much trouble.

“You’re always right, Swan,” he sighed, hoping she would take his tone as reluctance and not this fascination running through him.

Emma winked and he smirked as he rushed to pull the chair out for her. Her smile grew as she sat down, looking up at him. “Hmm, Killian Jones is a gentleman on dates.”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” Killian winked, taking her coat from her before taking one of her hands in his free one. “I’m always a gentleman.”

He hoped it hadn’t been his wishful thinking that he saw a shiver run down her arm at the kiss he placed on her knuckles, his eyes locked with hers. It was only the movement from an approaching waiter that broke him from the spell of her green gaze. He cleared his throat taking his seat, missing the disappointed look on her face or the way she rubbed the place where he kissed with his thumb. He had to show a semblance of control.

The waiter offered them a wine menu which had Emma’s brow furrowed in disappointment. In a show of support, Killian ordered a lasagna for two - after receiving Emma’s approving nod - with their best non-alcoholic beverage.

“You really don’t have to do this, Killian,” Emma pressed her lips together, even as he noticed the appreciative spark in her eyes. “I’m the one who can’t drink, not you.”

“I know.”

Her cheeks reddened under his smirk before she smiled fully back at him. Emma shuffled in her seat before she crossed her arms on the table, staring at him with searching eyes.

“So, besides pulling chairs, what else does Gentleman Killian do on dates?”

“Are you saying I need more than just my good looks?” He laughed at her answering look, raised eyebrows and all. “Well, my brother always taught me to listen, be respectful and polite. You have him to thank.”

Emma sat back on her chair, raising an incredulous eyebrow. “Really? No special moves? What about the hand kiss?”

“I’m just my irresistible self, Swan, that’s all I really need,” Killian winked as he mirrored her posture. “Don’t worry, I don’t have any special tricks that will make you fall in love with me.”

She still looked unconvinced as she inspected him, watching his eyes. He decided to level the playing field, leaning forward to place his elbows on the table.

“What about you, Swan? Any tricks?”

“I don’t need any tricks,” She smirked, pushing away hair from her shoulder in a slow move. His eyes tracked the movement of her hand as she brought it back down her chest before settling it back on her lap. When he looked up at her, her smile was wide and triumphant. “I just clean up well and that’s usually enough.”

“Well,” Killian cleared his throat, sitting back on his chair and scratching at the back of his neck. “That will do it.”

Emma laughed delightedly. That does it too. The waiter returned with their food and beverages and it tasted just as delicious as it smelled. Despite the initial plan of pretending to be on a real date, their conversation topics and general posture is equal to every other time they’ve been together.

With some differences. He felt the touch of her hand on his far more often as he forcefully pushed down his desire to hold it, especially when she dragged her fingers away and he felt her touch emblazoned on his skin. He watched her more attentively than usual too. The way her eyes sparkled, the way her full lips stretched, the way they parted, the way she ran her tongue over them, the way he just wanted to press his lips against hers.

Killian wondered if that is one of her special tricks on a date. He wondered if it would matter if they were. He wondered if it would stop the ache and the pining in his chest for something real with Emma Swan.

“This was great,” Emma smiled brightly, her coat wrapped around her shoulders as they reached their flat door. “Thank you for doing this.”

“It was my pleasure, love,” Killian smiled as he stood close to her, his hand coming up to push her hair over her shoulder. “I had a lot of fun.”

They were close. He could see the specks of gold in her green eyes and had never felt such a desperate need to touch her, hold her. He thought he heard her breath quicken before she cleared her throat.

“Well, how do dates usually end for Killian Jones?”

Her smirk wasn’t as bright as before, a hint of anxiety in her eyes and he wondered - hoped - she was jealous, as unrealistic as it was.

“In bed, either mine or theirs, as you well know,” Her unimpressed gaze lost its strength under the red hue of her cheeks. “Or did you want to know how I get them there?”

“Can’t blame a girl for being curious,” At his hesitation, she continued. “Afraid I can’t handle it?” She raised her eyebrow as she crossed her arms over his chest and he wanted to kiss that smirk off her lips. “Try me, Jones.”

“Alright, don’t say I didn’t warn you,�� Killian smirked, taking a fortifying breath, not just as a need to focus but to hold on to his restraint. “I usually get really close and say,” He raised his hand to cup her cheek, his fingers in her hair while his thumb rubbed against her cheek, his eyes glancing between her widened eyes and her lips. “You owe me a second date, love,” He lowered his voice, invading her personal space as his thumb moved down to whisper over her parted bottom lip. “I spent the whole night distracted by your lips.”

He felt her shaky breath on the pad of his thumb as he kept his eyes on hers. The way her pupils widened to swallow the green. The way her chest rose and fell to accommodate her stuttered breathing. He felt his heart beat faster on his chest as a feel of desire ran down his body. Maybe he’s the one who can’t handle it.

Emma blinked rapidly, her eyes losing their dazed quality as she focused on the here and now. She pulled back, removing her face from his touch as he noticed how she had leaned towards him in response.

“Wow, that is good, I almost believed you.” She let out in a shaky laugh, turning around to grab the keys from her back to open the door to their flat. He is thankful for the opportunity to gather some control now that he’s away from her captivating gaze. “I can see that working.”

Should he tell her that, despite having done it many times before, it had never affected him as much as then?

“Well, it worked with you too,” he quipped, putting on his tried and true swagger as he followed her in. “It got me inside your place.”

Her surprised laughter lifts his spirits and has his smile widening. “Right, I mean you did say it would work!”

Killian winked, stuffing his hands in his pockets to stop him from touching her again. “What about you? Anything you do to get them in your room?”

“Well,” Emma started with a smirk, dropping his jacket on the couch and approaching him, causing his fists to clench in his pocket. “It’s all about the hands, right?”

Her eyes lock onto his as she places her hands on his chest. He’s sure she can feel his heart pounding against her palm. “And keeping my voice real low,” She whispers as her hands run up to his shoulders. “As I tell you that I enjoyed our date,” Her fingers whisper over the skin of his neck, a spark running down his body until it reaches his waist, before placing them at the back of his neck. He can feel her fingers play with his hair and her breath against his as she speaks. “And that I would love to go out again.”

The rope that had been holding him back the whole evening breaks as he eliminates the space between them to press his lips against hers, his hands coming out to rest on her hips. Her surprised gasp brings him back to reality, quickly pulling away from her.

“I’m sorry,” He whispers with matching wide eyes. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Yeah, well,” Her voice is shaky and he hates himself for causing her such distress. “I think we let this fake date thing get to us a little bit.”

“I’m really sorry, Swan.” He breathes out.

“Don’t worry about it,” She waves away, running her hands through her hair. “We are just very good at this.”

“Aye.”

“Anyway, I really need to get out of these shoes so I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Of course,” He nods quickly. “Have a good night.”

She backs away towards her room with a small smile. “I had a great time, Killian, thank you.”

“Me too,” He holds his breath until her door closes behind her. He lets it out in a rush, his hands coming up to rub at his face as a panic starts to rise in his chest.

He was in love with his best friend. That’s when true hell began.

Despite his realization, Killian decided to follow Emma’s lead. She didn’t bring up their ‘date’ and what happened after and neither did he. They carried on as normal for the next couple of months, as he carried on his role as her devout friend.

His date with Ariel only served to cement his feelings towards Emma. While a lovely and gorgeous girl, he missed the desire and affection that had been so natural when he had been with Emma. It made it all clearer. Especially when he couldn’t bring himself to bring her to his room.

So he ignored the way his heart beat faster in his chest whenever she drew near, whenever they touched. He forced down his desire to hold her a little tighter, touch her a little longer, kiss her, love her. He pushed it all down because she was his best friend and he would rather have her as a friend than not have her at all.

---

“God, this kid is killing me,” Emma groaned as she all but threw herself onto the couch. “How long until he’s out of me, again?”

“According to your very detailed calendar,” Killian grinned, looking at the calendar stuck to the fridge door. “About 13 weeks.”

“Who was the smart asshole who thought counting it in weeks would help?”

Killian laughed, watching as Emma pouted before shuffling on the couch trying to get comfortable. “Does 3 months sound like less time?”

Her displeased groan was his only answer and the following glare at his responding laugh had him extremely glad that she didn’t have magical powers.

“I’m sorry, love, will a foot rub help?”

Her assessing gaze had him brightening his already dazzling smile. She sighed and he counted it as a victory. “Damn you, Jones, you always know what to say.”

Killian winked. “It’s one of my many talents.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Emma rolled her eyes but her smile took all the heat away from it, specially as she shook her feet out of her slippers. “Just come here.”

Killian grinned as he sat on the coffee table, a pillow on his lap to accommodate her aching feet. He took hold of her ankles, carefully pulling her feet up to his lap. She sighed at the upright position and he waited for her to get comfortable once more.

“Ready?”

“Oh yeah,” Emma smiled in anticipation. “Dazzle me with your skills.”

Killian laughed before finally putting his hands on her feet. He had become accustomed to rubbing her feet after a long day, especially during the latest weeks as they began to hurt more and more. She had protested against it the first time he tried to offer, claiming that she didn’t need to be babied just because she was having one. After she relented, she had basically claimed him as her foot masseur.

He didn’t complain. It made him feel like he was helping, like he was part of it. Besides, he definitely wasn’t complaining at the sounds Emma makes during his foot rubs. Especially when she really got into it. The pillow on his lap wasn’t just for her comfort.

Killian focused on the plot of the coin documentary Mary Margaret made them watch as punishment for the disaster that was David’s bachelor party. Little did she know, it had actually helped him a lot in situations like this.

“Ow!”

Emma’s startled gasp of pain had him quickly pull his hands away from her feet.

“What happened? Did I hurt you?”

“No, no, you were doing great,” Her face scrunched up in pain as her hands roamed her belly and sides before settling at the front of her abdomen. “I just felt this sharp pain.”

“Maybe you should lie down.”

“Yeah, may- Ah!” He took hold of her ankles once more to put them back down as she tried to curl in pain. “Okay,” She winced in pain as she felt another sharp pain. “I’m kinda freaking out, Killian!”

“I’m sure it’s all going to be alright, Emma, but,” he continued as she opened her mouth to argue with him. “Why don’t we go to the hospital to get it checked out? I’ll text Neal on the way.”

Emma nodded quickly, taking hold of his hands to stand up from the couch, letting go to place them on her abdomen once more. “Oh god!”

“Emma,” he called, placing his hand under her chin to bring her eyes up to his. “It’s going to be alright, trust me.” Even with fearful eyes, she nodded, her trust in him comforting as he smiled. “Let’s go.”

She took his hand as he led her out of the flat, gripping it painfully as she gasped in pain.

“Bloody hell!”

“Same here, buddy.”

---

Killian wondered if it was possible to wear out tiled flooring with all the back and forth pacing he was doing in the hospital’s waiting room. Of course, all of that stopped mattering when the consultation room’s door opened to an annoyed but no longer in pain Emma.

“So?”

“She’s fine,” The doctor answered as she walked out behind Emma who couldn’t help her eye roll. In any other moment he would have smiled at that. “Those were just Braxton Hicks contractions, they are contractions in the uterine wall not unlike labor contractions.”

“Yeah, so fine is an understatement, don’t you think?”

Again, if looks could kill.

“So, everything is normal?” Killian directed at Doctor Lucas - according to her coat - hoping Emma would forgive him for ignoring her comment. “And the baby is fine?”

“Absolutely, it can be a very scary situation but they are both fine.”

“Thanks, doc.” Emma smiled, a thin smile but thankful nonetheless. Doctor Lucas gave them a final smile and a nod before returning to her office.

Emma sighed, placing her hands on Killian’s arms. “Thank you, Killian, I couldn’t have done this if you hadn’t been so calm.”

“Calm?!” He exclaimed, his hands gripping her wrists. “I have never been more scared in my whole life!”

“What?” Her mouth parted as her eyes widened in surprise. “But you said everything would be alright.”

“I’m not a doctor, Swan, I don’t know anything!”

“But we are fine, it’s all okay.”

His hands moved from her wrists to grasp onto her hands. “Are you sure?”

Her smile both calmed his racing heart and created a flutter in his belly. “Yeah, all good.”

Killian wrapped his arms around her tightly while minding the baby between them, feeling all his worries leave him as her fingers played with the hairs at the nape of his neck.

“Hey,” Neal’s voice interrupted their hug and Killian stuck his hands on his back pockets as he took Emma’s hands in his. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s all okay.” She smiled reassuringly.

“Killian’s text said to come to the hospital, what happened?”

“Something called Braxton Hicks contractions.” Killian answered, with a deep breath as he fixed his hair.

“Oh, that’s a relief,” Neal’s shoulder dropped in relief as he ran his thumbs over Emma’s hands. “The books say most women don’t even feel them.”

“Alright,” Emma pulls her hands from Neal’s grip to place them on her hips. “No uterus, no opinion.”

Finally, Killian could smile at her glare, mostly because it wasn’t directed at him.

“What took you so long anyway?” Killian asked, hoping to distract Emma’s anger.

“I was having coffee with Tink,” Neal answered, before his eyes widened and he smacked his hand against his forehead. “Shit, she probably thinks I ditched her.”

“What? Why?”

“Well, I checked my messages while she went to the bathroom and didn’t even tell her.”

“She’s gonna kill you,” Killian laughed, stopping when he received a raised eyebrow glare from Emma. “I mean, I’m sure she’ll forgive you.”

“Oh,” Her eyes widened in realization. “I gotta go back in there.”

“Why? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Neal asked in succession as he laid his hands on her arms. “Tell me.”

Emma sighed. “I forgot my underwear, okay? Chill.” She answered with a chuckle.

“Oh.”

“Yeah.” She rolled her eyes fondly when Neal let go of her arms to nervously scratch the side of his head. She shared an amused look with Killian before returning to the consultation room.

Neal cleared his throat, turning towards Killian. “Thanks for bringing her to the hospital, man. I really appreciate it.” He nodded, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it, mate, it was the least I could do.”

“I just wish it had been me,” Neal sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I mean, I’m the dad.”

It wasn’t easy to forget.

He opened his mouth to reassure his friend when Doctor Lucas came back out of her office. “I got you some information on Braxton Hicks, in case you have any questions,” She smiled politely, handing Killian the papers. “You did the right thing bringing her in, you’re going to make a wonderful father.”

And while Killian’s heart soared at the compliment, there was a weight bringing it back down to the reality of the situation. He glanced towards Neal’s hurt expression before smiling thinly at the doctor. “He’s the father, actually,” Killian corrected, taking the papers from her. “And he knows way more than me about this so I need all the help I can get, thanks.”

“Right, hmm, I’m sorry.”

“No need to worry, you didn’t know,” Neal waved away Doctor Lucas’ apology with a tight smile. “It was an honest mistake.”

As if he didn’t already feel bad enough.

---

“Are you sure you should be doing this?”

“Mary Margaret has been complaining about this door for weeks,” David grunted as he tried to force a screw to leave its place. “She’s going to love me when I fix it.”

“I’m all for helping you make your lady happy, mate,” Killian continued, ignoring David’s unamused glare by adjusting his grip on the door. “I’m just wondering if you’re the right man for the job.”

David stood up, placing his clenched fists on his waist. “Are you saying I’m not man enough to fix a creaky door?”

“Not at all,” Killian quickly answered, holding back his amusement. “You just don’t have the greatest track record when it comes to fixing things. Need I remind you-”

“Don’t even start with the TV incident.” David interrupted before returning to the task at hand.

“I’m just saying, you still owe me 200 dollars.”

“How’s that inappropriate crush on Emma going?” David asked, effectively making him forget about the time he ruined their TV.

The skin behind his ear was tingling and his hands were too busy to scratch at it. “Bloody fantastic,” he gritted out. Sometimes, he still regretted having confided in his best friend. “I just wish I could make all these feelings go away, wish it could all go back to normal.” David sent him a sympathetic gaze and he sighed. “I love having her around, helping out with the baby is amazing but I think Neal is having a hard time with all of this.”

“What do you mean?” David asked with a frown, both at the idea but also with effort.

“I think he feels left out,” Killian answered. “When I took Emma to the hospital, the doctor thought I was the father and the look on Neal’s face killed me.”

“It’s not your fault, though, what else were you going to do? You had to take her to the hospital.”

“Aye, but-”

“It’s not your fault,” David repeated insistently. “You’ve done nothing wrong.” He returned to the task at hand, his head tilting to the side and a smirk twitching at his lips. “Except for loving the woman carrying your best friend’s baby.”

“Right,” Killian said bitterly. “Thanks, mate.”

David stood up to his full height and turned to Killian, with a sympathetic expression. “I’m on your side, Killian, you know I am. This is just-”

“Complicated, I know.” Killian sighed.

---

“Check this out.” Emma grinned excitedly as Neal entered their flat.

With a careful motion, she placed a can of Coke on top of her round belly, keeping it balanced. She turned a bright grin towards the two men watching. Killian laughed with her unaware of Neal’s fainter laughter.

“She’s been doing that all day.” Killian teased.

Emma rolled her eyes at him, taking the can back from its resting place. “I should be allowed to have fun with this pregnancy.”

“Of course, love, amuse yourself.”

Emma smiled delightedly, putting down the can on the counter.

“Right,” Neal interrupted. “Emma, I brought you some lunch, I thought-”

“Oh, what is it?” Emma asked, excitedly taking the container from his hand.

“Your favorite.” There was a soft smile on his lips. “Onion rings.”

As Emma opened the container, she quickly pulled it away from her as one of her hands flew to her mouth. “God.” Her muffled groan was his only warning and Killian quickly flew in to grab the container from her hands before she turned and ran - as best she could - to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

“What happened?”

“She can’t eat onion rings anymore,” Killian explained, closing the container again with an apologetic smile towards his friend.

“B-But you love onion rings,” Neal spoke at the bathroom door.

“Not anymore!” Emma groaned out.

“I’m sorry, are you gonna be okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be fine,” Emma coughed, her voice echoing. “Just make sure they’re gone when I come out.”

“Don’t worry, Swan, I’ll get rid of them.” Killian called out, throwing the container in the fridge.

“I can’t believe this,” Neal breathes out, running a harried hand through his hair. “I made her sick.”

“You didn’t know, mate, it could happen to anyone.”

“Not to you,” Neal pointed out. “You know this stuff and you’re not even the father. I should be more involved.”

“Right.”

They both turned to the bathroom when Emma came out, her hands holding her back.

“Onion rings, guys, this kid took onion rings from me,” she pouted.

Neal pressed his lips together in a small smile as he rubbed Emma’s arms. “It’s not long until he’s out here and I’ll give you a lifetime’s supply of onion rings.”

Emma grinned. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Despite the ache in his chest, he knew he had to come up with something to help them. He knew that it would hurt but they would be happy in the long run. And that’s all he wanted - for Emma to be happy. Even if it wasn’t with him.

Killian cleared his throat, catching their attention. “Can I talk to you two for a second?”

“Yeah, what’s up?” Emma asked with a concerned frown, even as she settled on the couch with Neal sitting at her side on the arm.

“I wanted to talk about us, the three of us.”

“Are you breaking up with us, dude?” Neal teased.

“You two should live together,” Killian said quickly, wanting to be done as fast as possible. “Because you live with me, I’m always here for the pregnancy stuff, Emma, and Neal is missing it and I know it upsets him.”

“Are you kicking me out?” Emma asked, her voice small as she looks at him with hurt in her eyes. He feels his heart breaking into a million pieces.

“No!” Killian quickly reassures, his hands in front of him. “I love living with you but,” He takes a deep breath. “If you’re going to have a roommate, it should be your baby’s father.”

“I mean, he has a point.” Neal agrees and Emma turns to him with a surprised look.

“Neal, are you sure this is a good idea?” She frowns. “It’s always been complicated between us.”

“I know but, he’s right, I hate missing out on all of this pregnancy stuff,” Neal sighs. “If we lived together, I could be there for you to help.”

“I don’t know…” Emma’s frown deepened as she glanced at Killian.

He had to cross his arms over his chest so that he wouldn’t reach out to her, beg her to ignore him and stay. Stay with him forever. But he couldn’t.

“We’ll give it a try,” Neal tries, his hand laying on her round belly. “For him.”

He watched as Emma pressed her lips together, not pleased with the argument but being convinced by it. Her hand rested over Neal’s and Killian had to look away, uncomfortable at the intimate scene, aching over Emma’s departure.

Neal would be a good father, he trusted that at least. They had bonded over the disappointing father figures in their lives when they first met so he knew he wouldn’t want to make the same mistakes as his father had made. But, despite his love for his friend, he didn’t fully trust him to not screw things up - he had betrayed Emma before.

But he wanted to give them a chance. To give the baby a chance at a family without a devilishly handsome bloke taking up space where he doesn’t belong.

“Okay,” She whispered before clearing her throat. “We’ll give it a try.”

“Great!” Neal grinned brilliantly, kissing Emma’s forehead before turning to pat Killian’s shoulder, almost too strongly. “That was a great idea, man.”

He really wished he didn’t have such great ideas.

---

Killian let the rum wash down his throat, enjoying the sting of it.

“Hey,” David greeted as he walked into the flat, receiving a head tilt as a response. “Emma all moved out? How are you taking it?”

“I’m doing brilliantly, mate,” Killian answered, a forced smile on his face as he leaned back on the couch. “I can drink rum again, I had to stop drinking because even just the smell made her sick, but since she’s not here…” He raised his glass in a salute before downing it. “I can make all the noise I want, bring back whoever I want, I could have sex in the living room!”

“Killian-”

“I can walk around naked,” He continued, standing up from the couch, gesturing wildly with his hands. “I can have an orgy in the house, I can scream, I can dance, I can do whatever I want!” He was almost manic as he all but threw his glass onto the coffee table. “I can rest easy knowing that I reunited a happy family. Maybe they’ll invite me to the wedding too, I can even officiate!”

“Dude, are you okay?”

“I’m a fucking hero, David,” he spat out. “I know that it was wrong to love her but I do. And I let her go because it’s the right thing to do, I lost my chance. If I ever even had one…It doesn’t matter. I’m better on my own, I can go back to my whorish ways and I can stay alone in this flat forever.”

“You’re not going to be alone.” David reassured him, approaching him.

“I will never love anyone like I love her, that much is true,” Killian sighed, burying his fingers in his hair and pulling on it to try and stop his tears. “I’ll go back to how it was before and I’ll be here to watch her be happy with someone else. And that will be fine because that’s all I want… for her to be happy.” He finished in a barely audible whisper.

David’s arms wrapped around him in an instant, his hand on the back of his head in that way that made everyone feel safe and loved. Killian returned his best friend’s hug, burying his face on his shoulder as he let his tears fall.

“You did the right thing, Killian,” David whispered, tightening his hold at Killian’s tearful scoff. “I know it hurts but I’m so proud of you. You’ll be okay and you won’t be alone, not while you have me.”

His arms wrapped tighter around David and he let the embrace tape all his broken pieces back together. He willed it to be enough.

second and final chapter posting tomorrow! hope you enjoyed!

#carolina writes #that one friends plotline #neal is a good guy in this one #just go with it #killian jones #captain hook #emma swan #captainswan #cs ff #ouat ff

16 notes · View notes

articfoxxxxsstuff · 2 years

Text

Hi guys! Finally the month of October is upon us and I know that plenty of authors will be taking the opportunity to churn out brilliant masterpieces for Kinktober if you know what I mean ;). As for me, I was doused with sudden inspiration to write an 'isekai'(time travel-ish)/dark soulmate fic, overflowing with angst featuring our beloved Rengoku and reader. Please turn your eyes away if you're not comfortable with the reader physically hurting herself (Only happens twice with valid reasons). The fic ended up turning a bit darker than I intended to. However do enjoy and drop a message!

With love,

Articfoxxxx

Title: Tell me that you're mine

Pairing: Rengoku Kyojuro x Reader

One shot (7662 words)

Warning: Extreme Angst, physical and emotional pain, self inflicted wounds, blood, possessive/delusional Kyojuro, toxic relationships

Masterpiece blessed by @nana.yin.nana

A bit of extra information for those who are not familiar with the soulmate universe: In this story, the concept of soulmates exist in the form of tattoos. The names of their other half will appear on the exact body part as their soulmates.

If there was hope before, it was now just a tiny flicker against the raging storm called fate. With the open arms of a bright-eyed young child, she reached out, her fingers extending as far as she could to grasp the dying flame before it was fully extinguished.

"I apologise (your name) but I'm afraid I can't return your feelings." The Flame Hashira's unusually low voice reverberated through the quiet atmosphere.

"I see." (Your name) replied in a cracked voice while looking down on the grassy patch under her feet. At first, it felt like a million needles prickling deeply into her skin, drawing out all the blood from her flesh. Gradually she felt her entire body growing numb to the pain and everything else suddenly didn't matter anymore.

The normally clear outlines of people passing by eventually changed to form foggy black and white shapes that dissolved into the dull background.

The light-hearted sounds of the children laughing nearby at the playground faded into nothing but a quiet stillness.

Kyojuro's ember eyes flickered with pity as he watched the (coloured) hair woman in front of him struggling to keep herself together. He shakily reached out to touch her, a weak effort to console her but she skillfully avoided him by taking a step back. She didn't need his compassion for it was because of his kindness she had confused for love. How foolish.

"Why did you treat me like a lover then?" Her chin trembled as she demanded an answer in a much louder voice. A few droplets of tears welled up and escaped her beautiful (colour) eyes as she tried to wipe them away, failing miserably while doing so.

"I sincerely apologise for leading you on." His voice was laden with guilt, the same way his responsibilities as a demon slayer weighed down heavily upon his shoulders like a pile of immovable bricks. The golden-haired swordsman looked away uncomfortably as his face turned bright red. He would be lying if he said that he wasn't aware of the girl's growing affections for him, but he just couldn't promise her anything. He didn't have time for a relationship or a family. The world, the people and the demon corps needed him more than she did. She also wasn't his to begin with.

"Leave." She whispered burying her face into her palms. "Just... leave." Her voice growing softer like a hushed whisper.

The man reluctantly left without sparing the woman another glance.

Drip.

(Your name) turned to face the dark sky as the pitter patter of rain drops gently danced around her. Instead of avoiding the rain like any other normal person, she simply closed her eyes and just let the heavy beads of rain roll down her fragile body soaking up her crimson red kimono. Drop by drop the beads of water gently caressed her face, doing little to wash away her tears and filling in the cracks of her broken heart. She had finally gotten her answer.

Ever since that day (your name) began smiling a little less, especially in front of the flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro. Whenever he was in the room, she would keep a respectful distance between them preferring the company of other quieter pillars. The woman would unfailingly place herself between the quiet Water and Snake Hashira both whose calm presence had often always greatly put her at ease.

It went without saying that everyone noticed that (Your name)'s eyes would often lose their usual focus during times when the flame Hashira's name was brought up. It then became an unofficial silent agreement between everyone to not mention about Rengoku's name in (your name)'s presence outside meetings from that day onwards. The young lady also stopped having conversions with the younger slayers, something she would often do in the past. Fortunately for her, her suddenly turned cold actions didn't deter them the slightest. If anything, it only made them seek her out even more to check on her wellbeing.

The flame pillar's rejection had left quite an impact on (your name). Unlike what she used to do in the past, she went out less and interacted only when required for example during monthly health checkups with the insect pillar. The gentle violet haired swordswoman would always find (your name) sitting in her clinic with a far-off look on her face. It was so obvious that the (colour) haired girl had been crying the night before but Kocho knew better than to ask about it.

"(Your name)?"

"Oh Kocho-san. Sorry I was just lost in thought." A strained smile found its way on the girl's face as she tried to stay focused.

The insect pillar watched her friend with a worried expression on her face while checking the girl's temperature.

'There she goes again.'

Staring into space had also become one of the (your name)'s bad habits as of late.

"(Your name) how are you feeling today?" The violet haired Hashira asked in a polite tone.

"I'm alright." (Your name) would always reply the same thing, always sounding as though she had something caught in her throat.

"Please take care of yourself."

"Thank you Kocho-san."

It did take some time for (your name) to grow accustomed to participating in monthly meetings with the Master and the other pillars but she eventually got used to it. The previous meetings held between Oyakata-sama and the 9 Hashiras which were previously a joyous occasion had now unfortunately turned into a dreaded event. (Your name) however fully understood her duty. As someone who had arrived in this era from the future, her service to humanity was to help prevent more unnecessary deaths with the knowledge that she had about this world.

She still remembered the day she first arrived in the world of 'Kimetsu no Yaiba'. It was on the day Rengoku Kyojuro was destined to die.

Flashback

The shrill sound of a train whistle caused (your name) to awake with a startled jump. The (insert age) year old girl let out a surprised gasp when she landed ungracefully on the hard brick floor of what seemed to be a bustling old train station.

'That's weird. Am I still dreaming?' She wondered aloud to herself as she watched countless passengers busily getting on and off the train compartments with their heavy luggages.

"Excuse me-" The disoriented girl was rudely cut off by what appeared to be a police officer.

"Stop thief!" The officer yelled and ran past her to chase after a disappearing shadow leaving the girl dumbstruck. She narrowed her eyes in disbelief at the ridiculous scene and decided to analyse her surroundings first before opening her mouth to ask for help.

This was definitely not 'home'. The girl deduced while taking note of the passengers' clothing and the old infrastructure of the train station. Despite having electricity, there were no electronic ticket booths and touch-screen maps that could tell her her exact location. She then decided to walk to the entrance to look for the train schedule. On her way to the entrance of the station, she couldn't help but notice multiple glowing spheres of red Japanese lanterns ominously illuminating the dark area sending feelings of unease up (your name)'s spine. She couldn't explain why she was suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. Tonight, just felt off.

Luckily for her, everyone seemed to be in too much of a hurry to pay attention to a lost child in unusual clothing. At this point, fear was beginning to seep into (Your name)'s bloodstream as the adrenaline of being sent to another world slowly subsided. What was she supposed to do now? The poor girl sunk down to the floor in despair and hugged her trembling knees.

"Miss? Are you alright?" A bright voice piped up from the darkness.

(Your name) slowly blinked her eyes open to see a figure of a man with a gentle smile on his face standing right in front of her.

He was like the sun.

His glowing sunset hues were filled with genuine concern as he extended his hand out to help the (colour) haired girl up.

"Rengoku Kyojuro! It's you! You're still alive! Thank God!" Tears began welling up in (your name)'s eyes again as she reached out to unabashedly touch the swordsman's face to make sure that she wasn't dreaming.

"Ah? Yes? Do I know you Miss?" The golden-haired man raised his eyebrows in surprise and felt his face heating up from the girl's over familiar touches. The last time a woman touched his face in such an affectionate manner was when his mother did it.

'Who is this strange girl? Her attire's quite unusual. Could she be a demon?' The flame swordsman quickly analysed the situation while calmly placing his hand on the hilt of his bright red Nichirin sword.

(Your name) suddenly realised that she might have overstepped her boundaries because the blonde-haired man looked as though he was having difficulty maintaining eye contact with her. His normally bright smile was replaced with a thin line showing his clear distrust of her.

"Sorry. I know that this might sound crazy, but you've got to trust me. A lot of people might die tonight on the Mugen Train but they're going to be ok because of you, Kamado Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu and Inosuke."

Not a lot of things could faze the level-headed flame Hashira but right now, the man found himself completely stunned by the gravity of your words. How in the world did you know about tonight's operation? Were you one of Muzan's demons sent to deceive him? Or were you telling the truth? For the first time in his life, Rengoku Kyojuro had no idea how to respond to the situation. He also didn't know whether he should believe the words of a suspicious stranger.

"I apologise but I'm going to need proof Miss..."

"(Your name)."

Proof. The sky was already pitch black, there was not a single ray of sun. How could she show him? How could she make him believe that she had always been on his side? Time was ticking too, (your name) could hear the train announcements calling for the Mugen train's departure.

Multiple alarm bells began ringing in her throbbing head. People's lives were at stake here, there was no time to lose. She took a desperate step towards the swordsman without a plan and watched him slowly drawing out his flame patterned sword.

He didn't believe her.

Of course not.

The young girl's face fell as she watched the remaining scene unfold. Was her favourite Hashira going to kill her? Just when she was about to give up convincing Kyojuro, her eyes immediately fell on his sword.

Right the Nichirin sword!

"I know that the Nichirin sword is made of a special ore that absorbs sunlight."

"That is common knowledge. Demons also know of it." He eyed her warily as she took another step closer to him with an unreadable expression on her face.

Whatever demon art this woman possessed wasn't going to prevent him from fulfilling his duty. The man thought resolutely to himself before cautiously unsheathing his blade. Unlike (your name), his mind was already planning out ten different scenarios on how to deal with her. This was going to be no different from any other situations in the past. He just needed to act fast and make the right judgement like usual. The flame pillar couldn't afford to endanger the lives of other civilians but never in a million years could he have predicted this.

The young woman stared back into his ember eyes with unwavering resolve and took a final step forward to firmly press the side of her (colour) neck against his sharp blade. (Your name) winced in pain for the blade felt like a long papercut against her flesh.

Drip.

The metallic smell of blood wafted into the flame pillar's nose while he stood there completely paralyzed for the first time. His eyes widened in horror as he watched the crimson red liquid trickling down his sword from the girl's fresh wound.

"Demons can regenerate quickly after being wounded right? Pretty sure I can't do that as you can see." She laughed a little while pushing more her hair back to show the Hashira her still-bleeding wound before hearing the sound of a sword dropping to the ground.

Clang.

"That was very foolish of you (your name)!" Kyojuro yelled as he shook the girl's shoulders a little harder than necessary. Ouch. She could feel his calloused fingers digging into the skin of her arms. Pretty sure that there were going to be marks tomorrow morning.

"I know but that was the only way to make you believe me. Sorry?" (Your name) smiled apologetically as she watched her favourite character pulling out a red handkerchief from his pocket to stop the bleeding on her neck. It wasn't too deep of a cut, but it was definitely going to scar.

"That aside, Rengoku-sama there are more pressing matters to deal with right now. I'm going to reveal to you exactly what is going to happen on the train." The (coloured) hair girl began in a serious tone before looking directly at the blonde-haired man.

It was at that moment a wave of unknown emotion suddenly surged up from within Kyojuro as he slowly took time to admire the female standing in front of him. She was not so powerless at all; her dazzling eyes held a determined gaze which made his heart beat even harder than it normally would.

"I can't reveal everything yet, but I promise to use what I know to guide you."

"Umu. I trust you." The three words uttered caused a blush to instantly form on (your name)'s face as she turned away to hide her face in her sweating palms. Oh, to be complimented by her idol!

"Are you alright (your name)?"

"Ah y-yes! First things first, Rengoku-sama you need to send Kaname to bring in more reinforcements AKA the other Hashiras, preferably those with no presence. Or Mitsuri and Shinobu would work too since they're both ladies."

"AKA? No presence? Kanroji and Kocho? Ladies? What do you mean and how do you know my crow's n- ah forgive me but I keep forgetting that you-" (Your name) firmly pressed a finger on the astonished swordsman's lips to stop him from wasting any more time.

"I'll explain later. Just do as I say."

"Alright."

End of flashback

"(Your name)? My dear child are you feeling alright?" A calm but kind voice lured the girl right out from her memories.

Oh right. She was now back in the present in the Ubushiyaki grand meeting room, in the middle of planning for the next ambush on Muzan's infinity castle.

"I sincerely apologise Oyakata-sama. I was just lost in thought about the past." The girl stammered while twisting the ends of her hair nervously.

"I see. My child, I still remember the day Rengoku-kun brought you to us. Do you?" The pale faced man gave (your name) a fatherly smile as he fondly ruffled the top of her head.

She nodded shyly with a little smile on her face. After successfully subduing the lower rank demon Enmu and saving the passengers of the train, (your name) was warmly welcomed into the demon corps. The flame pillar made sure to retell the events of her proficient orders to everyone while praising her bravery. Remembering him doing so didn't fail to make her face grow beetroot red in embarrassment.

Like everything in life, she initially had difficulty in gaining the trust of all the remaining 7 other Hashiras but it helped a lot since she knew about their past and their pain. However out of everyone there, Oyakata-sama's trust was the easiest one to gain. Unlike his wife Amane, the ill man didn't utter a single word or change his calm expression when (your name) brought up the secrets of the Ubushiyaki family which no one aside from his wife and children knew.

The relationship between Muzan and the Ubushiyaki family.

Oyakata-sama's curse and the faithful meeting between his wife and him.

The children and next heir of the 98th demon corps.

Once the girl was done with her story, the master coolly regarded her with a serene look on his face and waved her over to him.

(Your name) timidly approached the 97th leader of the Ubushiyaki family and braced herself before feeling the leader's fingers gently patting her hair.

"Thank you (your name). You've done very well."

The poor girl immediately burst into tears and broke down into loud sobs in front of the raven-haired man and his loving wife who was now smiling softly at her.

"It must have been very hard for you to suddenly find yourself in this world." Amane offered the girl a hug before gently stroking the crying girl's trembling body in a motherly way.

"I-I uh apologise Oyakata-sama and Amane-sama. I'll do my very best to protect everyone even if I can't wield a sword." (Your name) sniffled, her true feelings flowing out like a river.

"Do not weep child. Everyone has a role in this world just like you and I. We may not be able to fight but we can still play our parts in this war against demons.'

Events of the past flowed through the girl's muddled mind as she struggled to pay attention to the heated discussion between Sanemi and Giyuu. Three months had passed since the day her favourite pillar had rejected her feelings and it still hurt being in the same room as him.

Oyakata-sama's gentle smile softened a little when he laid his pale lilac eyes on (your name), his poor child was still in low spirits. He was deeply concerned about the girl fearing if this continued it might permanently affect her mental health. The man was no stranger to rejection and knew what it felt like because of his disease. The master glanced fondly at the lady sitting elegantly beside him. The hanging lantern shone brightly on the soulmate tattoo of his name on her neck. At that moment, Oyakata-sama felt truly at peace. Amane was the only lady who had fully accepted him for who he was, his disease, his family curse and everything. He sincerely hoped that each of his children would be given the same blessing and be taken care by their respective soulmates.

The meeting didn't take as long as it should which made (your name) feel extremely grateful. Day by day, it was growing exceedingly difficult to put on a 'normal' face. It was such a disgusting feeling coiling around her throat, knowing that everyone could tell that she had been shaking like a leaf throughout the entire meeting. She couldn't continue this any longer, especially when Rengoku Kyojuro chose to act as if the confession had never taken place. Not like her words mattered to him anymore.

Flashback

"Kyojuro! You need to believe in the new generation of slayers. Akaza has been defeated so it's time for you to take it slowly." The girl raised her voice in anger to shout at the stubborn flame pillar in front of her.

"I'm sorry (Your name)-san but I cannot do that. It is my responsibility whether I am wounded or not." The blonde-haired swordsman forced a laugh while swinging a training katana.

"I... did not come all the way here.... To watch you die needlessly again.... I watched you die five times Kyo, I don't think I can handle it again in person." The poor girl attempted to hide her tears in vain, but they betrayed her.

"(Your name)-san..." Rengoku's fiery eyes softened as he stared at her sobbing form. She suddenly looked so small and fragile compared to the day he first met her. It did tug his heartstrings to see how someone he never met before had actually cared so much for his wellbeing but he couldn't comply with what she wanted.

The flame pillar sighed in frustration. " You're asking me a Hashira, to abandon my duties? I cannot do that."

"And why not? You've done enough!"

"Do not speak as if you know everything!" Kyojuro uncharacteristically snapped while tightly gripping the wooden sword till his knuckles were deathly white.

Heat prickled across her skin as (your name) struggled to make sense what had just happened. The girl's pupils shot up in hurt at her favourite Hashira's cold words.

"..."

At that moment, it felt as though knife had pierced through (your name) still-beating heart and twisted at such an angle that she felt like dying. So that was how he viewed her.

A bother.

A burden.

In that case, there was only one thing left to do.

Without a single word, the quiet girl immediately turned away and bent down to retrieve her bamboo geta slippers.

"You're right I know nothing. I apologise Hashira-sama. I'll take my leave."

"(Your name)..."

With a polite bow, she left while leaving her feelings behind for the flame pillar at the butterfly estate.

Ever since the incident at the butterfly estate, she stubbornly refused to call Rengoku by his name ever again preferring to call him by 'Hashira-sama'. This was to protect her already vulnerable state and calling him by his title did help in setting boundaries between the both of them.

End of flashback

A stray thought wondered into (your name)'s mind one day as she was absent-mindedly staring out the window. What was the purpose of her being sent here? To suffer from a broken heart? How could the gods be so cruel. She had given up so much for humanity, putting her own life in danger numerous times and what has humanity done for her? Did she make the right choice? Choosing to let go of her distant life from before to stay with a man that she fell hard for from her favourite anime who didn't feel the same. She squeezed her eyelids shut in hopes that her tears would stop falling.

A door shuts.

Another one opens.

The world of 'Kimetsu no Yaiba' was as vast as the ocean but it was less dangerous now because of the demon corps' efforts. There were so many sights to see and people to meet. (Your name) realised that she shouldn't be wasting her time and feelings on someone who didn't feel the same about her. This wasn't like her, she wasn't this weak.

From that day onwards, (your name) decided to take the first step to heal her broken heart. She first started by getting rid of all the things that reminded her of him.

Faded letters exchanged between both of them.

The pendent he said that reminded him of her eyes.

A flame pattern kimono.

All of the little gifts he sent her and all the painful memories she had with him were carefully placed into a wooden box which she sealed with a heavy heart. A stray bead of water landed on the surface of the box with a loud 'thud'. She was a human after all.

The (colour) haired girl solemnly walked to the back of the garden and began digging into the earth with a small garden shovel. Countless thoughts ran through her mind for the last time before she delicately lowered the box to rest in the ground as if it was a coffin. (Your name) let out a final sob while praying with all her heart that her beloved sun would not suffer the same fate. Unbeknownst to her, a familiar blonde-haired man was watching her intently from behind an aged wisteria tree.

Her distressed sobs tore through his chest like a demon's claws but he kept his bottom lip sealed shut. Perhaps this was for the best. His mother Ruka had often told him romantic tales about finding one's soulmate. He fondly remembered how she would show him his father's name beautifully tattooed on her wrist and the radiant expression on her face was filled with love.

"My dear son. I hope that one day when you do meet your soulmate, make sure to always treasure and protect her."

"How will I know that she's my soulmate?"

"A tattoo of her name will appear just like how my name appeared on your father's wrist." The woman gently smiled while stroking her son's unruly hair.

"But what if my soulmate dies-" Kyojuro never got to finish his sentence because his father had just entered the room to lift his mother up into the air with a playful grin.

"Shinjiro!" Ruka chided with a deep blush forming on her face as she smacked her burly husband. With a smile on his face, Kyojuro watched his parents lovingly interact with each other.

What if my soulmate dies?

He only found out the answer to this question after the death of his beloved mother. His father's personality took a drastic change, no longer was he the loving kind father Kyojuro remembered after losing his beloved wife. His words became crueler and harsher towards him and his little brother, Senjuro. He would often berate them and spend majority of his time drinking while neglecting his duties as the flame pillar. Gone was the man that was one of the most respected flame swordsman in history, all that was left now was an empty shell of a man who has lost his one and only soulmate forever.

Kyojuro had never hated his father. In fact, he tried his best to be an understanding and optimistic child. His father was probably hurting even more than he did, something that he had yet to experience for his soulmate tattoo had yet to appear. The blonde-haired swordsman took one final glance at the sobbing girl before disappearing into the forest hoping that he had made the right decision. She was probably someone else's soulmate. He was not going to be the one to selfishly deny that right from a person.

The next day, (Your name) arrived at Oyakata-sama's residence with a resolute look on her face. She bowed respectfully to both the children who welcomed her and followed them to where the master of the house was.

"Ah my child. Welcome. How can I help you?" Oyakata-sama's Zen voice deeply rang throughout the entire room effectively calming the (your name)'s nerves.

"Oyakata-sama. I politely request for your permission to leave the corps." She bowed down respectfully to the master hoping that he would grant her request.

" My child. May I know the reason?" The raven-haired man's face remained unchanged as he smiled gently at the girl.

"I.... wish to live a normal life, fall in love normally and create a family just like you Oyakata-sama!"

"I see and why can't you do just that here my child?"

(Your name) bit her lips at the master's question while tensely gripping the ends of her kimono sleeve.

"I wish to see the world that the demon corps have worked hard to protect."

"... I see. Thank you very much for your service. Should you require any assistance, our doors will always remain open for you, my beloved child. The Ubushiyaki family and everyone owes you too much." Oyakata-sama and his family members bowed down to the surprised girl in deep gratitude.

"No please stop! Thank you so much Oyakata-sama, everyone for taking such good care of me." (Your name) frantically bowed down several times to the selfless people in front of her. She was so overwhelmed with emotions that she couldn't help letting a few sobs escape her tight mouth. The poor girl had already promised herself that she wasn't going to cry unnecessarily anymore.

The corners of Oyakata-sama's smile widened by a bit and he felt a sense of pride at (your name)'s growth. She no longer was as fragile as she used to be anymore, he looked forward to receiving letters about her future travels.

After meeting the master, (Your name) decided to quickly bid her goodbyes to the people that mattered to her before packing up her essentials for the long trip ahead. She wanted to leave as soon as possible and arrive at the next village before the sun set. Finally, the story was slowly coming to a close. In a few days, the demon corps would finally be able to settle the score between Muzan and the rest of humanity. The (colour) haired girl was positive that Tanjiro and the other young slayers were now ready for the fated confrontation. Her eyes softened a little feeling glad that she had played a part in keeping all the current Hashiras alive so far.

Kocho was the last person (your name) decided to say goodbye to since most of the Hashiras were busily preparing themselves for the final battle. Just when she was about the leave the butterfly estate for the last time, she heard a familiar voice calling out her name from behind.

"(Your name)."

"..." (Your name) bit her bottom lip anxiously as she attempted to push back the uncomfortable wave of emotions that were swirling from within her.

"Answer me...where are you going?" She must be hallucinating because it was impossible that the flame pillar's deafening voice would ever have a crack.

He called out her name again, this time his voice clearly strained but (your name) wasn't having any of it. How dare he? The girl opened her (colour) eyes and braced herself for the worst storm she had ever encountered in her life. She turned around to bravely face the man she used to harbour deep passionate feelings for with a steely look in her (colour) eyes.

"I hope that you get well soon Hashira-sama and safely return to your duties." With that she bowed politely and left. This time it was her that didn't spare Kyojuro a glance.

After leaving that fateful day, (your name) never saw the flame hashira ever again. Innumerable memories spent with the demon slayer corps grew faint as she slowly grew accustomed to her new life in a tiny village far from where she used to live.

Life had eventually become quite enjoyable for her, and she even managed to make a couple of new friends. The bonds between her new friends and her of course couldn't be compared to bonds she forged in battle with the noble slayers, but they were equally as kind. It wasn't long before romance kicked in and (your name) found herself very enamored with a very charismatic and handsome sushi chef called Takeshi who lived directly opposite her street.

It took a long time for (Your name) to finally accept the black-haired man's not too subtle advances. She had to applaud him for his determination even though she had already rejected him multiple times. It only took one date with him to make her realise how serious he was about her.

That night, Takeshi made sure to reserve a special table at his restaurant because he knew that (your name) liked Japanese cuisine. The man also did little things that didn't fail to move (your name)'s obstinate heart like helping her fold her kimono when he saw her sleeve dipping into the warm miso soup or leading her away from puddles with a protective arm.

Little things like these melted the woman's icy cold heart. She had long forgotten what it was like to be in love. After coming back from her first date, (your name) laid down on her bed staring up at the ceiling with warm feelings bubbling within her. She couldn't stop herself from blushing as she fondly recalled the number of times her fingers and Takeshi's touched.

This feeling was...nice.

While looking at her fingers, it was at this moment her face lit up in pleasant surprise when her curious eyes landed on the words, 'Sawamura Takeshi' etched in obsidian letters on her wrist causing her to experience the same fluttery feelings she used to have for someone years ago.

This man was her soulmate. She had been waiting for so long and here he was. Before the girl could rush out to look for him a repulsive feeling suddenly took hold of her, completely drowning her.

It suddenly felt so hard to breathe. (Your name) dropped on the floor shaking in disbelief as she helplessly watched the glowing red characters of 'Rengoku Kyojuro' sizzling on her skin like hot coals as the 5 letters mercilessly burnt away Takeshi's name from her (skin colour) wrist causing the poor girl to pass out from overwhelming grief.

Meanwhile it was also around this time when a certain flame Hashira was suddenly awakened from his slumber by a warm and gentle feeling which slowly engulfed his entire body just like how his mother used to. The energetic man immediately sat up to peer excitedly at the glowing letters forming on his wrist. He had been waiting all his life for this to happen and hoped to experience the same sort of feelings as his parents did in the past. The man vowed to treasure and protect this woman for the rest of his life.

Kyojuro's piercing eyes repeatedly scanned the glowing characters in pure shock before rubbing his eyes multiple times to make sure that he wasn't dreaming. The words '(Your name)' were unmistakable, it shone radiantly in a ray of iridescent light on his muscular wrist. It was at that moment ugly feelings of guilt and regret sank their deadly talons into the man's flesh, ripping him wide open, making his emotions run rampant.

He had hurt her.

He had hurt her so many times.

She was hurt because of his selfish actions.

But she was his soulmate, she would forgive him right?

"Your soulmate is the only one that will fully accept you for who you are Kyojuro." His mother words echoed through the quiet night.

"That's right," the blonde haired man muttered with a disturbed look in his eye. "She will definitely forgive me." He hastily got up and headed to where his soulmate used to stay, hoping that she had left him an address.

When Kyojuro arrived at the abandoned residence, he thought back tenderly to all the times (your name) and him spent together. Now everything made complete perfect sense, this explained why he couldn't stop himself from spending time with her.

Sure enough, he found a yellow envelope addressed to him on the table. He breathed in slowly before getting lost in his own thoughts as he took out the folded letter out of its confines.

'I'll wait for you.'

He sincerely hope that was what she had written.

These flame Hashira was of course wrong, his face immediately fell and his world dimmed when he read what you had written in a single paragraph.

To Rengoku Kyojuro, the man I used to love,

I'm thankful that we met in this life. It doesn't matter that you don't feel the same but I'm just thankful that you are alive. With all my heart, I hope that you will find happiness with your destined soulmate. You deserve to be someone's everything, the reason their heart beats and I know it can't ever be me. Thank you for being the warm engulfing ray of light in my dull life.

You kept my heart ablaze.

(Your name).

The flame pillar crumpled the letter in his bare hands feeling like the most worthless person in the world. He had hurt his soulmate. Did he even deserve her? Tears of guilt started falling fast and thick down his pointed chin as he placed his face into his palms feeling pathetic. What has he done?

'Your soulmate will surely forgive all your mistakes because she is your other flame, your other half.'

"You're right mother. She will forgive me." Kyojuro stood up with a determined glint in his eyes. First, he was going to retrieve all the things. He needed to show his soulmate proof. Proof of his love for her, this wouldn't be a difficult feat as he already knew exactly where the items were.

The crinkled secret letters exchanged between them. Each one written with care and genuine concern about his wellbeing.

The time when he bought (your name) a pendent after telling her that her eyes resembled the bright jewels twinkling in the night sky.

A flame patterned kimono specially tailored for her because he thought she looked radiant in his family's colours.

All the little gifts he gave her, all the precious memories they had with each other, all of them being dug out by the man's raw trembling hands. She was going to need at these now that they were bonded as soulmates.

Once Kyojuro was done packing away his valuable gifts, he made his way to Oyakata-sama's mansion in hopes that he could get information about your whereabouts.

(Your name) on the other hand was finally awake from her brief fainting spell. The (colour) haired woman tiredly pulled out a chair and stared out of the window, feeling more tears brimming at the corners of her eyes as she gripped her wrist a little harder than necessary. She let the tears fall, not caring to raise a hand to stop them. They splashed down creating dark splotches on her charcoal coloured kimono before slipping down to settle on the wooden floorboards of her kitchen, seeping through the cracks.

(Your name) had tried everything. Using water, using soap even resorting to using a sponge but Kyojuro's name still stubbornly remained, just like the owner. The exhausted woman quietly stared back at the name tattooed on her wrist feeling a sense of despair. She didn't want this. There was a time in the past when she once did but now, she had already moved on.

'Right. She had moved on.'

(Your name) got up with an expressionless look on her face before reaching out for a box of matches. Her nimble fingers gripping the middle of the matchstick as she pressed the head of the match hard against the striker to light up match like she had done plenty of times before in the past.

The flame on the matchstick flickered in that vulnerable way a fire does, reminding her of past self. She couldn't believe she used to find flames to be ever so beautiful. (Your name) wordlessly watched the flame dance in an almost captivating way before placing her wrist over the tiny inferno and closing her eyes.

It took some time before Kyojuro Rengoku had finally arrived at the little village where his soulmate was supposedly staying at. Normally it would have taken a person a day but, the blonde-haired man was a Hashira. It was during times like this, when he felt thankful for being born with superior abilities. Kyojuro felt his heart rate immediately pick up as soon as he thought about (your name)'s reaction to seeing him again.

He didn't know where to start. There were so many things that had happened during her absence. So many things to tell her. Muzan was finally eradicated so she must be worried about that Kamado boy and the rest, right? He on the other hand was also alive, aside from a few scars here and there but he was in still one piece.

The blonde-haired man unconsciously gripped his arm while peeking shyly at the name inscribed on his wrist. He couldn't help but admire the beautiful characters of his soulmate's name. Kyojuro briefly wondered how his name would look like on (your name)'s arm. It filled him with so much pride to know that the two of them were finally bonded for life.

'(Your name).'

The name of his soulmate.

Just when he was about to enter another street, he heard a masculine voice calling out the exact name on his wrist.

"(Your name). Please do me the honour of being my wife."

She couldn't.

She wouldn't.

She was his soulmate.

Soulmates were meant to be with each other. The flame pillar felt his mouth dry up when his eyes landed on her. (Your name) looked even more beautiful than she used to. Her hair was now longer, and it tumbled elegantly down her shoulders. Her eyes still held that same twinkle that reminded his so much of stars. The man couldn't do anything but watch the happy scene unfolding in front of him.

"You do know that I have a burnt so called soulmate mark on my wrist, right?" Kyojuro watched her giggle while showing off her wrist to the dark-haired man who was laughing cheerfully at her playful antics.

"Doesn't matter. Mine has your name on it. That's all that matters to me."

The blonde haired man watched frozen at the scene playing out in front of him painfully reminding him of his parents' loving interactions except this time he wasn't the one bringing smiles to the (hair colour) haired woman.

"Make sure you don't regret it Sawamura-san. I'm one in a million, no a bazillion!" (Your name) immediately pouted while folding her arms in a playful manner.

The sushi chef simply smirked while holding back his laughter. "I'll make sure you'll never regret it my love."

Rip.

Nothing had prepared him for this. Rengoku Kyojuro felt his heart splitting into two after hearing those words. His soulmate had just accepted a stranger's proposal.

Not his.

This was wrong.

The flame Hashira clenched his fist in anger while thinking of the next steps to take to make things right again. He was going to correct both his mistakes and (your name)'s. If he couldn't have her heart, he didn't want to live anymore.

Today turned out to be such a wonderful day for (your name). She was still feeling giddy from being proposed to earlier.

"At least, the name on Takeshi's wrist is mine." She whispered to herself completely unaware that a pair of golden eyes were watching her intensely from the corner of the room.

"Are you sure dear (your name) because I'm pretty sure this is your name tattooed across mine."

Clang.

The (colour) haired woman immediately dropped her keys on the hard floor in fear as did her poor heart. No, it couldn't be.

There in all his burning glory, Rengoku Kyojuro slid out from the shadows of the living room with a complicated look on his face.

"What's this about names when your real soulmate is right in front of you."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." (Your name) shouted while putting her wrist behind her back.

The ever-enigmatic man blinked earnestly at the woman while smiling.

"Stop trying to hide it (Your name)."

Kyojuro ran his fingers through his hair in an irritated manner, he didn't understand why his beloved was trying so hard hide her soul mate mark. Was it so shameful to be the soulmate of the flame Hashira?

"Please, just leave. You're not welcome here." Her voice was as cold as ice dripping with a sharpness that pierced his heart.

Kyojuro wasn't used to how (your name) was acting. He had originally wanted to crack his usual jokes, but he decided against it because he knew that she wouldn't laugh like she used to. The way she was acting now was beginning to get on his nerves.

Rengoku Kyojuro was normally an understanding man. Always bright, always positive and always in a good mood. All that shattered when he spotted his soulmate's wrist.

"What's this?" Kyojuro's eyes glinted dangerously as he forcefully pulled (your name)'s arm out to inspect the damage done to her soulmate tattoo. Whatever she had used to burn his name off her skin worked wonderfully. His name was completed seared off, leaving pink patches of skin behind.

"Like I said years and years and years before Hashira-sama it's NONE OF YOUR CONCERN." The (hair colour) haired woman spat out in a hateful voice and tried to pull her delicate wrist back in vain. That asshole's grip hurt.

"It is my concern! It's my name isn't it. Who did this?" The blonde man felt his patience thinning as he tapped his feet on the kitchen tile.

"I did."

"Why?"

"Because Rengoku Kyojuro is dead to me!"

"Oh?"

(Your name) had never seen Rengoku this angry before. The flame Hashira's complexion immediately darkened and he began taking a couple of menacing steps closer towards her. Before she could react, she found herself backed into the stone-cold wall of her living room, staring up at a very pissed off Rengoku Kyojuro.

"That hurt my love." (Your name) flinched when she felt swordsman lift her chin forcing her to stare back into his fiery globes.

"You hurt me first." The woman threw him the most venomous look she could muster but it didn't seem to faze him at all.

"Haha. Alright. So now that we are even, let's start over. My dear soulmate, we are going home." The Hashira placed a gentle kiss on (your name)'s knuckles and stared right into her (colour) eyes. His eyes holding a silent promise.

"You're delusional. Wait till I inform Oyakata-sama about this!"

"How cute. He already knows. Everybody knows that the name on my wrist is indeed yours." He whispered into (your name)'s ears while pressing his wrist closer to her eyes to show her proof of his love for her.

"No. That's... No."

"Fate has already decided my beloved one. So, I suggest that you stop fighting it. I won't stop loving you so please for both our sakes, tell me that you're mine." With that, Kyojuro sunk his teeth down into her scar to mark her again as his.

100 notes · View notes