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dreamerstreamer · 3 years

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Driver’s License

Pairing: Dream / Clay x f!reader

Summary: [High School!AU] You’ve had a crush on Clay ever since he was first assigned to be your lab partner, and you finally muster up the courage to confess your feelings to him. But sometimes, not everything goes the way you hope it does.

Word Count: 6.8k

A/N: this was requested by an anon who wanted some angst inspired by olivia rodrigo’s driver’s license! i hope i captured the right mood with the setting and story, and i sincerely hope you enjoy! <3

You glanced down at your phone, your thumb pressing on the power button before the screen flickered to life. The time flashed back at you in a white, clean font, and you chewed on your lip, your toes curling in your shoes.

There were only seven minutes until the bell—he was going to be late, wasn’t he?

Sighing, you picked up your phone and pushed your thumb against the home button, opening up your text messages. You scrolled down the list of contacts that stared back at you, your thumb hovering the one name that sent your head spinning in a flurry of pink hearts and white stars.

Clay.

Of all the people to have a crush on, of course it just had to be him. After all, how could you not fall for him? He was tall, cute, funny, and, well—he was a dream come true. It was almost like the universe had just set you up to fall, and really, you had no one to blame but yourself. It wasn’t like he liked you back, either. He was the cool, fun quarterback that was friends with everyone, while your only claim to fame was that you were his lab partner.

Should I text him? you wondered, fidgeting your fingers. I feel like I should text him. I know we’re technically just lab partners, but we’ve texted about other things, too. It wouldn’t be weird if I just asked him where he was, ri—

“Hey, you.”

You whipped your head up, immediately shutting your phone with one hand as your eyes wide went wide, your heart tripping in your chest. Standing by the desk next to you, Clay waved, amusement flickering across his face at your shocked expression.

“Hi, Clay,” you said, suddenly feeling breathless all at once. You could already feel the warmth blossoming in your chest, as his eyes locked onto yours. You really were too gone for your own good.

Sliding into his seat, he flashed you a bright grin as he dropped his bag onto the space beside him. “What’s up? Anything exciting happen to you?”

You turned away from your notebook with a soft smile. “Not really.” Trying to force down the heat crawling up your neck, you wagged a finger at him, a teasing lilt seeping into your words. “But you, my friend, are actually early—for once.” You shot him a thumbs up, winking. “Congratulations.”

Unzipping his backpack, Clay rolled his eyes at you, something like amusement flirting across his face. “Look,” he said, rummaging through his bag, “not all of us can be as early as you.”

Your lips twitched, and you leaned back in your chair, crossing your arms over your chest with a triumphant look. “Well, I’ll have you know that I drove myself here today.”

He froze, his hand pausing as he looked up to blink at you with wide, fascinated eyes. “You did?” A grin slowly spread across his face, and he pulled out a notebook before setting his bag back down on the ground. “Does that mean what I think it does?”

You nodded your head eagerly, electricity buzzing up your skin as you pulled out your wallet from behind you. “It sure does!” Flipping it open, you held out a small, plastic card towards his face with a giddy smile. “I got my license.”

In an instant, he was cheering, his eyes as wide as saucers as he clapped his hands in celebration. You had half the mind to be embarrassed that more than just a few people were looking at you now, but you were far more focused on Clay. “Woah, congrats!” he said, lifting a hand tentatively toward you. “Can I...?”

You nodded, watching as he gently pulled your license from your fingers. He turned it over in his hands once, his lips curling up into a crooked grin before he tapped at your photo. “Look at you,” he said, mirth dancing through his emerald gaze. “They got your good side.”

You raised a brow at him, holding your palm out toward him. “Are you saying I have a bad side?”

Clay shook his head, sliding the card back between your fingers and your hands brushing. A spark ran up your fingertips at the touch, sending a dizzying surge of heat rushing into your chest. “Nah. Every side is your good side.”

Your breath hitched in your throat as he turned back to his desk, his gaze leaving yours. Your fingers curled tighter around your license, and you swallowed. How could he say something like that so casually? It was so unfair. You already liked him enough, and then he just had to go and say something like that. Of course. Stupid, dumb, handsome Clay. It was not your fault he was so... attractive. Totally.

After a long moment, your fingers curled a fraction tighter around your license, the plastic digging into your skin as you softly said, “Thanks.”

He waved a hand at you, his eyes curving into crescent moons. “Anytime.”

Your stomach tightened into a knot in your gut, tingling elation shooting through you and wrapping around your lungs. Tucking your license back into one of the wallet flaps, you watched as he flipped his notebook open to a blank page, quickly scribbling the date in the corner of the paper with a focused gaze. With a reluctant sigh, you tore your eyes away from him to look back at your own paper, pretending to write something down that wasn’t just his name. It was almost embarrassing how easily you could just stare and get lost in everything he did. You never thought you would be one of those people, yet here you were.

“Hey, by the way,” he suddenly said, his voice making you jump while his eyes flickered to meet yours, “do you happen to have any plans for Friday?”

Catching your breath, your pencil stopped in its tracks on the page. Friday? You furrowed your brows, the cogs in your head churning before you slowly nodded. “I think so.” A grimace tugged at your lips, and you held back a quiet groan. “I’ve got a project due on Monday that I need to get done, but I can’t work on it until Friday, so...” You gestured vaguely. “You know.”

There was a moment of silence, and Clay’s lips curled into a slight frown. “Oh,” he said. “I see.”

You could have sworn you saw disappointment flit through his face, but it was gone in an instant. Leaning toward him, your eyebrows knit together in concern. “Hey,” you murmured softly, “is something wrong?”

In a flash, he was smiling again, and you couldn’t tell he had been frowning even a split second earlier. “No, no, I was just curious, that’s all.” He raised his hand toward you, tapping a finger against your nose. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.”

Your cheeks burst with warmth, his eyes brightening at the way your lips curled. Reeling back, you raised your chin at him, huffing. “Hey, this pretty little head is the one saving you from a C in chemistry, right now.”

He chuckled, his arm dropping back down to his side as he leaned back in his seat. “You sure are, and I hope you knows how much that means to me.”

Your heart came to a screeching halt in your chest. All at once, it felt like all the oxygen had been sucked from the room. Did he... could he—?

“Good morning, everyone.”

You jumped at the sound of your chemistry teacher’s voice, your hand tightening around your pencil as you watched him send your class a smile. “I hope you all had a good weekend. Today, we’ll be...”

Soon enough, you were already tuning him out, your mind drifting back to Clay’s words.

I hope you knows how much that means to me.

Something soft and fuzzy rolled over in your stomach, and you felt hope bubbling up in your throat.

Maybe your crush wasn’t as one-sided as you thought it was.

You dashed through the halls, your backpack bouncing against your shoulder as you weaved in between groups of friends leaning against the lockers and couples holding hands as they walked. You stifled a curse as you dodged someone’s arm, grumbling to yourself as you finally pushed past the doors that led outside. Couldn’t people learn to just not stand in the middle of the hall? People needed to get places—people like you.

Inhaling the fresh, spring air, you bounded across the dewy grass toward the familiar picnic table underneath the school’s willow tree. It was the only spot on school grounds that actually had enough shade to keep your head from overheating in the simmering Florida sun, so naturally, it became your and Wilbur’s go-to spot for lunch.

As the bench drew nearer, you felt your face brighten, spotting Wilbur already sitting in his usual spot, his beanie askew atop his head. The two of you were unlikely friends, to say the least, but after having spent years living next to each other, you were more than proud to call him your best friend, even if he did make you want to smack him more often than not.

Wilbur offered you a brief wave as you finally reached the bench, tugging open his sandwich bag with his other hand. Above you, the willow tree swayed, the branches and leaves scattering sunlight across his face. “Hey, how was chem—”

“Today, our hands touched when I showed him my license,” you blurted, not even pausing for breath.

Wilbur blinked at you once, stunned for a brief moment. Then, a groan flew from his lips, and he pressed two fingers to his temple, grimacing. “[Y/N],” he said, drawing out the syllables of your name, “I can’t keep doing this.”

You blinked as you sat down in the space across from him, dropping your bag onto the seat with a thud. “Keep doing what?”

He didn’t miss a beat. “Keep listening to you endlessly pine over Clay without doing anything about it.” At your bewildered expression, he sighed, taking another bite of his sandwich as he pushed his glasses up further onto his face. “It’s been, what? Four months, at this point?”

“Five,” you said immediately.

He stared at you. “Five,” he repeated. When you nodded, his frown deepened. “You do realize how bad that sounds, right?”

A wave of embarrassment crashed over you, and you curled back into yourself, grumbling, “Let me live my life.”

“Not like this, I won’t.” Wilbur leaned over the table with a firm look, pointing his finger at you. “You need to ask him out.”

Your eyes widened at his words, and you felt your jaw drop open in disbelief. “No way,” you said, slapping your hands onto the table. “Absolutely not. I am not doing... that.”

You could practically see Wilbur’s impatience wearing thin, his mouth pressing into a thin line. “[Y/N]. C’mon. You like him—it’s so obvious.”

You opened your mouth to shoot back, then shook your head, closing it—Wilbur knew you too well to even try. “Probably, but not to Clay. To him, I’m just his lab partner.”

“His cute lab partner,” he pointed out, lifting a finger. “Who is also pretty, and smart, and funny, and interesting and—”

The smile was stretching across your face before you could stop it, and you whined, feeling your chest grow warm with genuine appreciation. “Stop, please.”

Wilbur’s lips split into a teasing grin, and he poked a finger to your side. “You know I’m only calling it like I see it.”

When you glowered at him, he only laughed, brushing a stray lock of hair out of his face. Scoffing, you reached your arm toward him. “Well, if it’s only as much as you’re seeing it,” you said, “I guess I’ll just have to take these, then.”

Before he could react, your hand had wrapped around the side of his glasses, and you were pulling them off his face in a whirl. He jumped at the sudden change, and you watched as he fumbled with his sandwich, gaping at you as he whipped around. “Hey, give those back!”

You leaned back, sticking your tongue out at him as you held them above and behind your head. “Not until you stop.”

Now, it was his turn to glare at you, and he clenched his jaw with a long exhale. “Fine,” he said, focusing his attention back to his lunch. “I guess I just won’t tell you what’s happening on Friday, then.”

His glasses went limp in your hand, and your voice dropped down to a meek whisper. “There’s something happening on Friday?”

Wilbur only shrugged, humming softly. “Maybe, maybe not.”

Resting your elbows on top of the table, you pursed your lips, leaning forward to scan his face. “Will,” you said, your tone firm and demanding, “please tell me. Clay asked me if I was free on Friday and now I regret telling him no—you can’t just leave me hanging like this.”

Wilbur lifted his head to meet your gaze, a look of pure shock and disbelief shooting across his face. “He asked you if you were free and you said no?” He paused for a moment, then sighed for what must have been the millionth time. “Maybe you’re a bigger idiot than I thought.”

You scowled, but didn’t say anything. Instead, you lifted your head to slide his glasses across the table toward him. “Here,” you said, the tiniest tinge of desperation soaking into your voice, “I’ll even give these back.”

He raised his eyebrows at you, picking up his glasses with a soft whistle. “That was easier than I thought,” he murmured, ignoring the glare you shot him. Sliding his glasses back onto his face with practiced ease, he turned his attention back to you with a gleam in his eye. “Fine then, I’ll tell you.”

You held your breath as he leaned forward, opening his mouth. “There’s a football game on Friday,” he said, “and Chrissy’s throwing a party for after the game.”

You stared at him, then frowned, confusion swirling in your eyes. “Chrissy?” you parroted.

Wilbur nodded. “Yes, Chrissy.”

Your eyebrows knitted together. While you didn’t really know Chrissy yourself, you most definitely knew of her. That was the case for a lot of people in your school. After all, how could you not know Chrissy? She was the head cheerleader and practically the face of the school. With shiny, golden hair and a dazzling smile that put the sun to shame, it was basically impossible to miss her—you’d have to be blind to.

On one hand, you wanted to believe she was stuck-up and catty like all the cheerleaders you saw in movies, but deep down, you knew you had no right to make that judgement. People said she was nice, and you had never spoken to her yourself, so who were you to stereotype her? But on the other....

“What does Chrissy have anything to do with this?” you blurted, your eyes scanning his face for even a hint of something more. “We’re talking about Clay, not her.”

Wilbur only stared blankly at you, his eye twitching in agony. “How you pass your classes and still manage to be this dense is beyond me.”

You let out a groan, hanging your head in your hands. “Wilbur, you know I’m stupid. Now, will you please just get to the point?”

Wilbur dragged a hand over the bottom half of his face, sucking in a deep breath before lifting a hand toward you. “Chrissy is the cheer captain, [Y/N]. Clay is the quarterback. It’s an after-game party. He’s definitely going to be there.”

Silence washed over the two of you, and for an excruciatingly long minute, you simply stared at him, the dots slowly connecting in your head to form a full picture. After a few moments, Wilbur sighed again and looked away, giving you some time to think. Your head spun with thoughts of Friday, Clay, and your project, and you watched distractedly as Wilbur shoved the last bit of his sandwich into his mouth, chewing while you eyed him up and down.

A party, huh? you thought to yourself. Maybe, just maybe...

Just like that, something suddenly snapped inside you, and you felt your chest swell with determination. You could not believe you were about to do this.

“Wilbur,” you said, calm and slow, “this changes everything.” When he silently cocked a brow at you, you tightened your jaw. “We’re going to that football game, then we’re going to Chrissy’s party.”

He nodded, only half-listening as he stuffed his now empty sandwich bag into his pocket. “Sure, yeah, good for yo—wait.“ He froze, and you almost let yourself feel a sliver of pride as he gaped at you. “You said we.”

You ignored the sense of slow, sinking horror settling into your gut as you swallowed, squeezing your hands into tight fists. “Yeah—we. Because I’m going to need the moral support.”

Wilbur blinked once. Twice. Then, a slow grin began to spread across his face, and you could already tell you were about to regret telling him that. “Does this mean you’re gonna—?”

You swallowed thickly, your throat bobbing as you threw back your shoulders and nodded, firm and true. “I’m going to confess to Clay.”

Wilbur was on his feet in an instant, his hand shooting forward to clap you on the shoulder. “Attagirl!” Pulling back, he crossed his arms over his chest, smiling eagerly. “Sure then, I’ll come with. But you’re driving.”

You furrowed your brows at him, pulling yourself up until you were also standing. “You know I’ve only had my license for, like, half a week.”

He slung his arm over your shoulder, his lips twitching at the way you stumbled at his sudden movement. “That’s all the more reason to celebrate. Let’s go get ice cream.”

You gaped, somehow even more confused than before. “Celebrate? What are we celebrating? My driver’s license?”

Reaching down, Wilbur patted your head, grinning brightly. “You’ve made a step forward to finally being less of a wimp. That’s something.”

You sent him another glare, but shoved your hand into your pocket nonetheless. A few moments of rummaging later, you pulled out your parents’ car keys with a defeated sigh. “You’re lucky I like ice cream. But don’t blame me if I crash the car.”

“Hey,” he said, unwrapping his arm from its spot on your shoulder to pick up his bag, “even if you do, at least that way I’ll miss my stats test tomorrow.”

You gasped, frowning at him as you smacked his arm. “That’s a terrible thing to say.”

Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he simply hummed at you, his eyes gleaming in the sunlight. “Sometimes, the truth hurts,” he said, “and you just have to accept it.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but he waved a hand, gesturing to your backpack. “Enough of the melodrama, though—get your stuff. I want ice cream.”

With a sigh, you rolled your eyes at him again, leaning down to grab your backpack with one hand and your keys with the other. As the two of you began to make your way across the field, squinting past the blinding sunlight, you felt your heart flutter in anticipation.

Friday—you could wait for Friday.

The roaring applause was absolutely deafening around you as the football slammed into the grass, claps and shouts ringing across the bleachers like nothing you’ve heard before. On the other side of the field, you watched as the cheerleaders shook their pom-poms, Chrissy landing a flip in front of the crowd with a stunning grin. With a slight wince, you grimaced, your eyes flickering to the scoreboard. Your team was losing 24 to 37, but from the way everyone was yelling, you’d have thought they had just won a war. Did they just get a point, or...?

“You don’t know anything about football, do you?”

You whirled around, tearing your eyes away from the scoreboard to find Wilbur sitting beside you with a bucket of popcorn sitting on his lap. You frowned at his unimpressed look, resolve etched into your features. “I know things. Like, um—” You paused for a second. “Like, Clay is the quarterback.”

A sardonic smile stretched across his face, and he cocked his head at you. “That’s great,” he drawled. “But do you know what a quarterback does?”

You stiffened, digging your thumb into the palm of your hand. “Plays football?” you offered sheepishly.

Wilbur deadpanned, picking at a stray thread on his mustard yellow sweater. “You’re hopeless.”

You let out a whine, burying your face in your hands to at least try to ignore the aching warmth creeping onto your cheeks, a prickle of anxiety creeping up your spine. “I’m trying, okay?”

A hand settled onto your shoulder, familiar and warm. “I know, I know,” he murmured, sounding reassuring for once, “and I’m proud of you for that.”

You lifted your head, your wide eyes meeting his earnest ones. “Really?”

He smiled. “Really. But,” he added, something flashing in his gaze, “as your best friend, it is also my responsibility to clown you at every given opportunity.”

You pushed his arm off your shoulder with a pout. “You’re right, but I hate that you’re right.”

With a chuckle, he stuck his hand into the bucket on his lap, tossing a piece of popcorn into his mouth. “Look,” he said, casting a worried glance at you, “I’m just trying to lighten the mood a little—you look like you’re stressed out of your mind.”

Your voice came out louder than you would have liked, your nails digging into your palms. “Because I am! I am, okay? He...” You trailed off for a moment, searching for the right words. “...he means a lot to me, and I really like him.”

Wilbur’s gaze grew soft, his hold on the popcorn bucket growing loose. “I know you do.” He paused for a moment, then nudged your shoulder with his. “Tell you what,” he began, “if we win the game, you tell him, but if we lose, we can just go home.”

You stared at him, the weight on your shoulders suddenly feeling a lot less heavy. “Seriously?”

He nodded, his lips quirking. “Yes. I don’t want to push you into doing something you’ll regret.”

You turned back to the scoreboard once more, your gaze darting back and forth between the 24 on the sign and the grass. Down below, you caught a glimpse of a uniform with the number one plastered across the back dashing across the field as the crowd cheered. The gears in your head whirred, and you felt your gut churn. Did you really want to leave and give up, now? Were you really okay with that?

Memories of emerald green eyes and loud peals of laughter flashed across your mind, and you felt your chest grow hot.

“Okay,” you breathed, quiet yet firm. “Okay, I think I—”

You stopped, squeezing your eyes shut for a moment. Sucking in another breath, your eyelids shot open and you swallowed. “I can do this.” Your eyes flitted to Wilbur’s. “Yeah?” You nodded to yourself. “Yeah.”

Wilbur sucked on the inside of his cheek, his fingers nervously tapping on the side of the popcorn bucket. “We can still go home, it’s okay. We can leave now if you wa—”

You shook your head, and his words fell quiet. “No,” you sighed, feeling both nervous and relieved. “No. I’m gonna do it.”

His fingers stopped, surprise seeping into his expression. “You are?”

You watched as the football soared across the air, spinning in a perfect spiral. Something inside you flipped, and you found the words leaving your mouth before you could stop them.

“I am.”

Flashing lights scattered broken rays of rainbows across the ceiling, moving bodies jumping and dancing against one another as their eyes glimmered with excitement. Some pop song you were pretty sure you had heard on the radio that morning was blasting through the speakers, making the floor shake beneath your feet. You blinked down at your shoes, feeling your arms tingle at your side with discomfort.

“I kind of regret doing this.”

Beside you, Wilbur let out a long sigh, shaking his head as he poured himself another glass of... whatever he had been drinking. “I literally told you we could leave earlier.”

Your hand trembled at your side, your thumb pressing against your side as you shuffled back and forth anxiously. “Do not remind me, please. I’m already on the verge of losing my mind right about now.”

Wilbur glanced down at you, taking in your shaking lip and nervous expression, then smiled, bending over slightly so that he was eye-level with you. “Hey,” he said softly, his voice still reaching your ear despite the deafening music, “you’ve got this, okay?” He pushed his cup toward you, gently tapping your arm with it. “I’m still here for you, even if goes badly. Remember that.”

The sting crawling up your spine grew a little fainter at his words, and you bit your lip, shooting him a sheepish smile. “Thanks. I’ll, um, find you later?”

Reaching his hand up, he ruffled your hair with a reassuring smile. “Of course. Go on, now.” Patting your back one last time, he bumped his side into yours playfully, pushing you forward. “You can do it.”

You pursed your lips one last time, willing the butterflies in your stomach to die down before turning on your heel and making your way through the house. You could do this—yeah, you definitely could! What was the worst that could happen?

You stepped past wild movements and braying laughter, weaving your way through the maze that was Chrissy’s house as your eyes swept over the bustling crowd. You never knew Chrissy lived in such a nice place, but really, you weren’t all that surprised, and you weren’t really complaining. After all, it was a nice party, and more than a great place to celebrate your school’s victory.

Although you would wished that it wasn’t as big as it was, if only so you could actually find Clay.

As you slowly pushed against the torrent of mingling people, your mind began to wander. I wonder if I look okay. Does my hair still look alright after Wilbur messed with it? He better not have ruined it. Or maybe Clay would find it cute? Your face burned, and you shook your head to yourself, muttering under your breath. You weren’t sure anymore, but you could tell that the nerves were starting to get to you.

You found your pushing into the kitchen, nearly toppling over someone’s leg as the dangling lights came into view. Reaching forward, you grabbed onto the counter to balance yourself, blood pumping in your ears. Were parties always this crazy, or was everyone just high off the adrenaline from the game? You couldn’t tell.

It was then that a voice called out over the deafening music echoing in your ears. “Yo, [Y/N]!”

You whirled at the sound of your name, your eyes scanning the kitchen for the owner’s voice before landing on a familiar face leaning up against the counter. “Sapnap?” you said, eyes widening as you walked over.

Sapnap flashed you a welcoming smile, raising his cup to his lips to take a small sip. “Hey,” he said, his voice somehow sailing across the blaring bass, “it’s good to see you. I feel like you never come to parties.”

You nodded, tucking some hair behind your ear as you offered him a sheepish smile, shrugging. “Just thought it would be nice to spend some a night out for once, you get me?” It was right when Sapnap nodded that you gasped, clapping your hands together. “Oh, by the way, have you seen Clay?”

Sapnap paused, fiddling with his cup. “Clay? I’m pretty sure he was with Chrissy out in the backyard.”

He jutted his head toward the glass, sliding door on the opposite side of the room, and you sent him a grateful grin. “Awesome, thanks.” Raising your hand in a wave, you turned. “See you around!”

He raised his cup in return, smiling back at you. “See ya.”

Your anxiety had blossomed into excitement now, a grin tugging at your lips as you leapt around the dining table and grabbed the door handle, sliding it open with a grunt. Stepping outside, you heard the splashing of the pool and bursts of giggles echo around you, washing the dim, evening clouds with a pale, swimming glow. Like the rest of her house, Chrissy’s backyard was big—bigger than you’d have thought. With a pool and a gazebo to boot, you were shocked by how unsurprised you were.

Sapnap said he was out here last time he saw him, you thought, wiping your damp palms on your bottoms. Your heart raged against your rib cage, beating wildly as you sucked in a deep breath. I guess it’s now or nothing.

Plastering a smile to your face, you lifted your head, taking a step forward only for your eyes to catch on someone moving in the gazebo.

Your heart stopped.

Tucked away under the gazebo’s arching roof, there sat Clay, his arm wrapped around Chrissy’s waist as he gazed at her with warm, fond eyes. He dipped his head down to whisper something into her ear, and you could only watch as she giggled, tilting his head down to press her lips against his in a soft, sweet peck.

Your lungs were constricted in your chest, and you suddenly felt like you couldn’t breathe. Every breath you took felt like a weight of bricks had been set into your bones, your vision hyper focusing on the sight lying a few feet away from you.

Her hands in his. His eyes focused on her. The sound of her laughter, light and pure. The flash of his smile, loving and kind.

He... Clay... and Chrissy...?

It was almost as you had ducked your head into the pool, everyone’s voices sounding murky and unfamiliar. Beside you, you could vaguely make out the conversation of two girls chatting away with one another, their smiles bright and gazes eager.

“Hey,” one murmured, “do you know how long Clay and Chrissy have been together?”

The other paused. “I think he asked her out after they won the game, right when everyone was coming over. Romantic, right?”

There was a gasp. “Really? That’s so cute. They’re perfect together, aren’t they? Head cheerleader with the quarterback—” A dramatic sigh. “—it’s like a movie or something.”

You heard a noise of affirmation. “And they’re both so nice. Like, gosh, no wonder they ended up together.”

You swallowed the lump that had formed in your throat, your eardrums ringing inside your head. The world suddenly felt like it was a million miles away, like you were hearing everything through a tunnel as you stumbled your way back toward the house. Voices chatted around you and bodies jostled you as you walked, but all you could think about was the thought of Clay’s lips pressed to Chrissy’s, the image burned to the back of your eyelids.

Wilbur, you thought through the jumbled mess of your thoughts. I need to find Wilbur. Where is he?

Someone laughed beside you—it sounded too much like Clay. Everything was too loud, too bright. You were going to be sick.

Just then, a swathe of mustard yellow caught your attention from the corner of your eye, and in an instant, you were turning on your heel, pushing past strangers and acquaintances alike with only one goal in mind. Wilbur was taking to someone you recognized as Eret, the British transfer student from a little while back. They looked like they were getting along well, what with the way Wilbur was smiling, but right now, you couldn’t wait another second to get your best friend’s attention.

The moment you reached him, your hand was already gripping onto his arm, tugging at him. “Wilbur,” you said shakily, feeling like your knees were about to give out, “we need to leave. Right now.”

Wilbur turned, the bright lights making his eyes gleam in the dimness. “Oh, [Y/N], how’d it g—” His smile fell from his face the second his eyes met yours, worry flooding his features. “What happened?”

Your throat felt tight as you curled your fingers tighter into his sweater, the fabric bunching up in your hand. “Wilbur, please.”

His eyes lingered on you for a moment longer, then he nodded, his gaze softening. “Okay.” Turning, he sent a quick wave to Eret, muttering some excuse before dipping his head closer to you and placing his hand on the small of your back. “I’ll drive,” he murmured. “Where to?”

You felt your heart squeeze in your chest, a small, tight noise leaving you as your lips struggled to form a sentence. “I don’t know—my house... yours... the park?” You clung to his arm like an anchor, half-feeling like you would drift off into the endless sea without him. “Just... anywhere but here.”

Wilbur scanned your face, his fingers twitching against your backside before he nodded, nudging you forward ever so slightly. “Park it is.”

You were only vaguely aware of being pulled away from the party, walking down the front steps of the house and into the passenger seat of the car as Wilbur turned on the ignition. Your vision grew blurry as you felt hot tears begin to stream down your cheeks, the world outside the car windows turning into a hazy mess of colour and shadows. Inside your chest, you felt the shards of your heart dig against your lungs. Heartbroken didn’t even begin to describe the anguish you felt.

At least you weren’t the one driving.

You kicked your legs back and forth on the squeaky swing set, the loud creaking digging into your skull like a thought you couldn’t shake. Your insides felt heavy underneath your skin, and you felt the back of your eyes burn with unshed tears.

“Did you want to talk about it?”

Your eyes slowly lifted to meet Wilbur’s, who was standing in front of you, his face contorted in concern as he quietly waited for you to respond. “I...” you began softy, swallowing. “I’m not sure.”

He simply watched you for a moment, then nodded, murmuring a soft, “That’s okay.”

In the distance, you could see a lamppost flickering in the darkness, the light fading in and out of view like it was just barely grappling to stay afloat. A wave of sadness rolled over you at the sight, although you couldn’t name why, as you found yourself opening your mouth, the words tumbling from your lips in incoherent sentences.

“It’s just... I just... I, um. I—” You stopped, letting your eyes fall shut before you managed to whisper, “He was with Chrissy, you know?”

Wilbur froze, his eyes slowly widening as he took in your words. “He was?”

You nodded your head, something cold and broken rattling in your chest at the movement. “Yeah.”

Fury flashed across his face like a wildfire, and he crouched down before you, his jaw clenched tightly. “Even after he asked you if you had plans...” He scowled, cursing under his breath. “What a prick.”

You let out a soft laugh, but it felt forced, the smile immediately slipping off your face the moment you closed your mouth. “He was all over her, you could tell,” you whispered, clutching your arms tighter around yourself. “He was looking at her like... I dunno, like she had done something wonderful, like she was the greatest thing in the world.”

The back of your eyelids stung, and you sucked in a shuddering breath. The hollow hole in the pit of your stomach suddenly didn’t feel so empty anymore as something cold and sad began to pool around your lungs as you continued. “And like, gosh, just... you were right when you said the truth hurts, Will.” Beside you, you saw him since, his expression blurry from the tears starting to fill your eyes. “It hurts. A lot. It really, really does.”

Your hand clutched at the fabric covering your heart, almost as if you were trying to cradle the shattered pieces. “I know I can’t control his feelings, and I shouldn’t have expected anything,” you whispered, “but I just felt like we had something, you know? Like we could have been something. But now it’s all—”

Your voice suddenly cracked, your sentences cut off by an empty, choked out sob. Hot, wet droplets spilled down your cheeks, and you squeezed your eyes shut, your sides trembling. In an instant, Wilbur’s arms wrapped around you, and you felt him tug you into his chest, your head resting against his shoulder while you whimpered.

“Oh, [Y/N]...” he whispered, his hand stroking against your back.

You hiccuped against him, shaking like a leaf as you buried your face into his sweater. “I’m sorry for roping you into this—I really thought I had a chance, but what was I thinking? She’s Chrissy, and I’m just...” You sobbed. “I’m just...”

All of a sudden, Wilbur pulled you back from him, his hands gripping onto your shoulders tightly as his eyes bore into yours. “You’re you.”

Your breath hitched in your throat, your eyes going wide. Wh-What?

Before you, Wilbur’s fingers dug sternly into your shoulders, his stare unwavering as he spoke clearly and true. “Look,” he said, “I can’t tell you what he was thinking, and I can’t tell you why he did that. But...” He paused for a moment, and you watched his face soften as his tone grew warm.

“I can tell you that he just passed up the best girl in the whole, wide world.”

You felt tears prick your eyes once more, but this time they didn’t burn. “Y-You’re just saying that,” you whined, reaching a hand up to wipe at your eyes.

He shook you gently in his arms, prodding you with his hands. “I’m not, I promise, even if I do think you’re my loser best friend.”

When you laughed this time, it didn’t feel nearly as heavy as it did before. You caught a glimpse of his smile as you pressed the sleeve of your shirt against your eyes, soaking up your tears. “Thanks, Wilbur,” you whispered as you sent him a smile—a real one. “Really.”

He grinned at you, dropping his hands from your shoulders. “Anytime, [Y/N]. Now,” he said, rising to his feet, “how do you feel about getting ice cream?”

You blinked at him, taking in the sight of his glimmering eyes in the light of the shining moon. “Please don’t tell me you’re calling this a celebration.”

He shook his head, but you caught the way his lips twitched in amusement. “No. Sometimes you just get ice cream because it makes you feel better.” He stretched his hand out toward you. “Here.”

You slipped your fingers between his, letting him pull you up from the creaky swing set with a slight huff. Once you let go, you held your palm up toward him, waiting. “I’ll drive.”

He cocked his head at you, slowly pulling your keys out of the pockets of his jeans. “Are you sure? You don’t have to.”

You shook your head at him, picking the keys up from his palm. “It’s alright.” Tossing them once in your palm, you flashed him a grin. “Hey, if I crash the car, I won’t have to hand in that assignment on Monday.”

Wilbur blinked at you once, then twice. Then, he burst into laughter, clutching at his chest as he keeled over, wiping a tear from his eye as he smacked your arm with his. “You know what?” he gasped between breaths as he stood upright once more. “I’ll pay for ice cream, this time.”

A cheer tore itself from your lips, and you pumped your fist in the air as you went racing down the hill toward your car parked by the sidewalk, the wind whipping at your face. Behind you, you could hear Wilbur shout your name as he chased after you, his voice echoing into the cool, dark night.

Maybe things weren’t as bad as you thought. Clay was happy, and while you weren’t quite there yet yourself, you knew that one day, you would be, too.

After all, while the truth may hurt, it wasn’t all bad, either.

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brain-deadx0 · 3 years

Text

Frozen Heart ch 7

Chapter one: Do you Wanna Build a Snowman

Previous: Reindeers are Better than People

Chapter Seven: In Summer

Warnings: Innuendos curtesy of Remus, minor injury of a main character, referring to someone as an it (temporary), let me know to tag

Patton and Remus had been walking in silence for a long time. Remus seemed a bit down since the marriage argument and Patton felt bad about that. He wasn’t sure why it upset Remus, but something about it did.

“Hey Remus?” He asked.

Remus looked over, “Yeah?”

“Um, are you okay? I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or anything earlier…”

Remus blinked, “...What the hell are you talking about?”

“Well it’s just… you’ve seemed kinda...”

“Wait, have you been guilt tripping yourself this whole time?” Remus asked. The look on Patton’s face was a definite yes. Remus rubbed the back of his neck, “Look, I still stand by my statement about marriage at first sight, but at the end of the day it’s none of my business. You didn’t hurt my feelings or anything.” Remus told him.

“Oh… but I thought… you just seemed…”

“I’m not used to holding full out conversations with other people is all.” Remus told him, “So don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?” Patton asked again.

“Yep. Trust me, my family is all about speaking your mind. If we had a problem I’d let you know.” Remus told him with a reassuring smile.

“Good.” Patton sent a smile back, “So um… would you be open to talking then? I don’t really like silence so much. You don’t have to of course!” He reassured him.

“Eh, why not.” Remus shrugged, “Anything in particular?”

“Oh, well you mentioned your family. Can you tell me about them?”

“Sure. They’re a bit weird, but in a good way. I’m the tall one though, by a lot.” He gave Patton a somewhat sly look that Patton didn’t understand before saying, “I’m also the biggest.”

“So most of your family is on the shorter side?” Patton asked.

Remus smiled wide, “Something like that.”

“Do they live here in the mountains?”

“Yeah. They’re practically part of the mountain at this point. I don’t see them so much during the warmer months though since now is usually when I’m busy getting handsome strangers in my hole.”

Patton laughed and Remus sent him another one of his grins he tended to wear after some of his jokes that Patton didn’t always get. “Does that happen a lot?”

“Nah. But that’s ok. I like theirs even more. Especially when they have a large stick in the front.”

“Are the sticks used to mark where the pits are?” Patton asked. He didn’t see one when he fell in Remus’s trap, but then again he hadn’t been looking either. Come to think of it Remus said he didn’t mark his.

Remus’s smile widened again, “Something like that.”

Patton was about to ask what he meant but his attention quickly shifted to the scene in front of them, “Woah.” He breathed. There was a large group of willow trees ahead of them. The branches were frozen and were glittering in the sunlight, “It’s so pretty.”

Patton was awestruck as he slowly made his way through the trees. He couldn’t stop trying to look in every direction just to take everything in. Until he noticed two eyes staring down at him from a branch above his head.

As much as Remus hated the cold, he never truly got sick of seeing snow. He still remembered the first time he saw it. It was a couple months after his family adopted him. He grew up in a place where the temperature never got below “cool summer day” and his eyes had been so big they were close to popping right out of his skull. He probably looked about the same now as he stared at the frozen trees. He’d never seen them freeze like this before!

Remus probably could’ve spent a long time staring at the trees alone, but was torn from his nostalgic wonder by screaming.

“Ahhhhh!”

Patton and the… thing, screamed in unison for a moment before the thing fell off of its perch in the tree and scurried backwards and away from him.

“What the hell is that?!” Remus asked in amazement.

Now that the… snow… thing? Cat? Was on the ground and not looming over him, it was actually kinda… “Cute.” Patton told him.

“I am not!” The snow cat told him indignantly.

“Ah! It talks!” Patton said in shock. He then watched as Remus walked over to the talking snow cat and picked it up. He held it under the arms and stared at it for a moment, much to the snow cats apprehension.

“Oh. My. God.” Remus said, “You’re so creepy!” he told it before hugging it tightly.

“H-hey!” The cat said before hissing angrily, “Put me down!”

“But you’re so- ah!” Remus looked down at the once puffy snow cat that was now covered in large spikes of ice and- oh my gosh are those fangs! Those weren’t there before!

“Oh my gosh-Remus! Are you ok?!”

Remus stared at the growling cat in his arms before slowly looking to Patton with a wild grin, “Patton can I keep him?!”

It earned him another bite from the prickly snow cat.

“Remus- Remus let it go!” Patton told him.

“Aw…” Remus whined before unceremoniously dropping the cat who immediately turned to hiss angrily at him.

“Hey, hey it’s ok.” Patton told the cat as it’s tail swished back and forth, “No ones gonna hurt you. Ok?”

After a moment of looking back and forth between him and Remus, Patton was relieved when the spikes on its back, as well as claws, disappeared into the deceptively soft looking snow exterior. The cat was by no means calm, but at least it didn’t look ready to attack either.

“There we go.” Patton said, “Everyone just calm down a bit.”

“I’ve seen some weird shit up here but this thing takes the cake.” Remus told him, “It’s neat.”

“I think we all got off on the wrong foot.” Patton told the nervous snow cat, “How about we start over? This is Remus,” Remus wiggled his fingers in a wave, “and my name is Patton.” The cat tilted his head as he seemed to consider Patton, “Do you have a name?” Patton asked.

The snow cat blinked, “Uh, it’s- it’s Virgil.” He told them as he rose to stand on his hind legs.

Patton stared at the now bipedal snowcat, Virgil, and for a moment was thrown back to when he and Logan were little. They were building the snowman they always did and Patton was adding its ears and tail.

“Wait… you’re Virgil.” He said in disbelief.

“Yes…?”

“You know this thing?” Remus asked.

Patton nodded, “Sort of anyway. Logan and I used to build him all the time when we were kids. He was never, well alive, but, you know?” He said before realizing something, “Wait did Logan make you?”

“Uh… probably? Maybe? All I know is I open my eyes, I’m in the middle of nowhere, and am somehow alive and freaking out.” Virgil told him. He still looked like he was freaking out.

“Accidentally making a living being. Just another reason to use protection.” Remus said sagely.

Virgil glared at him for some reason, “I don’t think Logan knew he could do that?” Patton told Remus.

“Maybe someone should teach him about the birds and the bees then.”

“... What do birds and bees have to do with it?” Patton asked.

“Nothing.” Virgil told him; sending another glare to Remus.

“Anyway…” Patton said in confusion, “You look exactly the same!” He told Virgil, “...Well, almost.”

Virgil cocked his head in confusion as Patton removed the black and purple scarf before wrapping it around where Virgil’s neck was. “There we go!” Patton told him as Virgil inspected the scarf, “Oh wait! Your nose.”

Patton thought for a moment… he didn’t exactly have any extra buttons in his bag. He glanced down at his coat before pulling the top button off. “Here we are.” He smiled before placing the button onto Virgil’s face. Virgil scrunched his face at the action but didn’t seem otherwise bothered. “Perfect!”

“Uh… thanks?” Virgil told him.

“Of course!” Patton grinned, “So Virgil, you wouldn’t happen to know where Logan is would you?”

“Not really…” Virgil told him, Patton deflated a bit, “I guess I could show you where I woke up though? I mean, if nothing else he would’ve been there at some point right?”

“That’s a great idea!” Patton told him.

Virgil ducked into the scarf, “It’s just an idea.” He mumbled into the fabric.

“Good ideas, bad ideas, who cares?” Remus told them, “If you guys are done pussyfooting around, which way are we headed?”

“Right.” Patton said, “The sooner we find Logan, the sooner we can bring back summer and go home.”

“Oh joy. Heat.” Virgil deadpanned.

“Oh… sorry...?”

“Meh,” Virgil shrugged, “My existence is a curse upon humanity and I’m ok with it.”

“Jeeze. Been sentient for a day and already a pessimist.” Remus snorted.

“Don’t worry Virgil!” Patton told him, “I’m sure we can figure out a way to bring back summer without you, um… you know.”

“Whatever.” Virgil told them, “Come on, it’s this way.” He said before leading them up the mountain again.

Roman had been worried ever since Patton left. Not to mention he had left last night and still hadn’t returned. He caught himself glancing at the gates regularly, hoping to see Patton return with or without the king. But as it stood he couldn’t spend all day staring out at the distance, Patton had left him with responsibilities after all.

He offered one of the many cloaks he was carrying to yet another shivering citizen.

“The castle is open to everyone!” He reminded the ever growing crowd, “There is soup and hot drinks in the great hall!”

Roman was sorely tempted to join the citizens in the warm room, it only seemed to be getting colder and he did not enjoy the freezing temperature. But he wasn’t going to, at least not until the crowd outside was in there as well. It was a royals duty to ensure the safety of the people first and foremost after all. Even if it meant freezing on his part in the meantime.

“Prince Roman,” an irritated voice called.

He looked to see the Dutchess of Weslton marching towards him with two of her bodyguards. Feeling a long and unnecessary conversation coming, he quickly passed off his stack of cloaks to a nearby guard, asking them to continue handing them out, “How may I assist you, m’lady?” He asked the duchess.

“Are we expected to sit here and freeze to death while you give away all of Arendelles tradable goods?” She scowled.

“Prince Patton has given his orders and-”

“And another thing!” She interrupted, “Have you stopped to think that perhaps the prince may be conspiring with an evil sorcerer in order to destroy us all?”

Roman sent her a glare, “Do not question the prince or insult his honor in such a way.” He commanded, “Prince Patton left me in charge and I will not hesitate to protect the citizens or their country. Even from treason.”

“Treason?!” She gasped in offense.

“Now if you’ll excuse me-” Roman was interrupted by a commotion near the gate.

He quickly left the woman and made his way over, hoping to see Patton, but was instead met by the princes sweaty and nervous horse. One of the castle guards managed to quickly grab hold of the horses reigns as the crowd began to murder nervously.

Roman looked around as if Patton would materialize out of thin air. Patton had told him how well trained the horses were, so for one to show back up without it’s rider meant that something had to be wrong. Patton was in danger. Roman cursed himself. He knew he shouldn’t have let the prince go alone. He could feel the eyes of the courtyard staring at him, waiting for a response.

“It appears the prince’s horse has returned alone.” He announced, “I’ll need volunteers to assist in the search to find him!”

It didn’t take long to get a decent search party put together. Roman made sure they were all well equipped with survival and medical supplies. He ordered several pairs of riders to search the nearby woods in case Patton was still close and left the castle staff with instructions on how to carry on until he returned with the prince.

He couldn’t voice it out loud, but he knew Patton was in danger. And Roman was determined to save him.

#frozen heart #brain dead writes #frozen au #sanders sides #fan fic

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deathonyourtongue · 4 years

Text

Willow Run | Ch. 4

Summary: On a horse ranch in Texas, life is far simpler than on the streets of Bakubah, but Syverson has a bad habit of taking in strays of all kinds, no matter what demons may be after them. Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC Word Count: 2K Warnings: Death. Yeah, I said it. A/N: You guys are the absolute best! I apologize in advance for what I’m about to do (my body count is WAY too high at this point, but a niche is a niche I guess, right?) CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2 | CHAPTER 3 |

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If pain and suffering were library books, Syverson was way past due.

Despite all the extra work he’d put in, Sy slept fitfully. Sasha's presence had more than once awoken memories of his past and now, without his consciousness to act as a filter, his mind was having a field day as it dragged him down memory lane. He tossed, turned, murmured and finally cried out in sheer terror as the most horrific image of his life came back in full, breath-taking force.

Syverson sat bolt upright as the moment played out, his body covered head to toe in sweat, eyes wide and wild as he reached for a gun that hadn't been there in years; not since the incident with the window.

He couldn't catch his breath, couldn't block out the image, and even though he looked awake, Sy was still very much caught in the grips of his nightmare; the tears streaming silently down his face and his mouth locked open in a hoarse scream were proof enough.

Though Sasha had taken a bit to get comfortable in a new bed, she’d fallen asleep without much issue once she settled. After only about two hours’ worth of sleep, Sy’s scream jolted her awake, startling her badly until her mind was able to make sense of what was happening. Wearing only the t-shirt she’d grabbed from his laundry and not bothering to put on the shorts, Sasha dashed across the hall, opening the door to find Syverson awake, but not at all present.

She’d never seen a man look so terrified in all her life, and while most would find it emasculating to be so scared, Sasha knew better. This was no ordinary fear; this was a haunting, one that had probably been with him for years. Her heart broke for him as she approached slowly, seeing the tears pouring from his blue eyes.

“Sy, sweetheart. Can you hear me? You’re having a nightmare, babe. Wake up.”

Being careful about where she stood, Sasha slowly reached out and smoothed a hand over Sy’s curls, willing that her touch would bring him back to reality.

Her voice and touch, so calm and soft in the midst of all the violence and screaming in his mind, snapped Syverson out of his nightmare and he took a gasping breath, looking and seeing her as if for the first time. Shaking his head to clear it, Syverson quickly wiped his eyes and tried for a smile to assure her he was okay.

"Hey, sorry. Did I wake you? I'm really sorry," he whispered, sniffling as he opened his bedside drawer and grabbed the black leg brace he hadn’t needed in a few weeks. Syverson's hands shook violently as he strapped the appliance around his leg, everything in his posture screaming of fear. He needed his pills, but they were down the hall and that meant attempting to walk. Syverson felt like kicking himself for being so stupid; the first time he had company in ages and he forgot to prepare the most basic of necessities in order to keep the night quiet for them.

"You should go back to bed, mama. Get some rest. I'll be fine, just need to grab a glass of water, then I'm back to sleep," he added, his eyes pleading with her to accept the bold-faced lie; it was the only area of his life that Syverson ever hid from anyone and he was certain he'd be able to hide it from her as well.

Sasha didn’t wait for Sy to continue telling his version of the truth and instead grabbed his water glass and made her way to the upstairs bathroom, filling it up with ice-cold water straight from the tap. Despite feeling like she was overstepping her bounds, she searched through the medicine cabinet until she found a prescription bottle with a valid date and Sy’s name on it. Relieved that it was Tramadol and not something stronger, Sasha returned and handed both over to Sy, her eyes holding the same sadness his had earlier in the day.

“You need anything else?” She asked, cupping his face with her hand and trying to keep the hurt out of her voice. Sasha felt like a chump for opening up to him about her past when it was clear he was unwilling to do the same and felt the need to hide so bad that he would lie about it just to pretend all was okay.

Her hand on his face caused a hitch in his breath, Syverson nearly losing his composure once again at the gentility of her touch. He fought tooth and nail not to lean into it, rest his head on her palm and just let go as she had earlier; he was a man, and a soldier to boot. Soldiers weren't supposed to cry and they certainly weren't supposed to talk about how they felt or what they'd seen and done in far away countries.

Sitting there with Sasha, Syverson felt like letting it all spill out, laying his soul bare, and facing the consequences head on. His brain got the best of him however, and he kept mum. No use in terrifying the poor girl; she'd done nothing to deserve hearing about the atrocities he'd witnessed and done overseas.

"N-no, you just go on back to bed. No use in stayin' awake on my account," he murmured, the words sounding almost like a mantra; in fact, he had said them on more than one occasion to his own family. They'd all just looked at him with sad eyes, shaken their heads, and left the room. Syverson wasn't sure, but it didn't seem like Sasha would be so easy to shoo off.

His further distancing only opened the fresh wound in Sasha’s heart a little further, making her feel miniscule and stupid for being as candid as she had. It was an age-old double standard, one she’d thought would bypass her interactions with Sy, given how open he’d been all day. Whatever it was that plagued him, the walls he’d built to protect himself were high and steadfast. Sighing, she stood, raking a hand through her hair as she met his gaze.

“If we’re going to pretend that this never happened, that you don’t look like you’ve seen a ghost, then fine. But don’t expect me to open up about anything else in my life, if you’re unwilling to do the same. I’m not a little girl, Sy. I can handle whatever it is you seem so keen to hide away from the world.”

Turning on her heel, Sasha gripped her stomach, ignoring her baby’s kicking as she began to make her way back to bed, wishing Sy wasn’t so stubborn.

It was the same old song over again and frankly, Syverson was tired of being the one to press play. His face crumpled and he let out a sob without being able to hold it back. When he spoke, his voice came out tinny and weak, but the desperation in it was as clear as the word was simple.

"Sasha!"

Syverson hoped it was enough, hoped she'd turn back and let him apologize, let him give in a little and let go the way she had. It wasn't easy for him to relinquish the control he usually kept so tightly bound on the subject, but he'd seen how his pushing had hurt her and Syverson didn't want to be the reason she walked out the door in the morning, never to come back.

She’d never heard her name called with such need, such distress before, and it stopped Sasha in her tracks. Born with a touch of a stubborn streak herself, Sasha had only planned on standing in the doorway to hear him out, but one look at Syverson’s tear-strewn face, the pleading in his eyes, and she moved as though being pulled by a magnet, sitting at his side in a matter of moments, all thought of being bull-headed forgotten.

Syverson's tears subsided as Sasha sat down, his eyes red-rimmed and still filled with fear as he took her hand and held it in both of his.

"I'm sorry. I'm not used to havin' people around, especially for this crap. It's not somethin' I like talkin' about and people don't like hearin' it, so I was tryin' to spare ya. Didn't mean to push you away, sweetheart," he sniffled, his thumbs rubbing circles over her knuckles before he kissed them gently.

“Were you dreaming about whatever happened that sent you to the VA? I saw the album downstairs,” Sasha confessed, her free hand stroking through his curls, her face dipping to catch his gaze as Sy lowered his head, shaking it.

“Nah, that was just an IED that I had the misfortune of drivin’ over. It’s why I still have a prescription and a rod in my leg,” he answered, Sy clearing his throat before shaking his head once more, clearing the persistent whispers from his mind that told him to shut up and not talk about it any further.

“My nightmares are only ever about one thing. One little girl, actually. Her name was Zakiya. She was the sweetest lil’ thing. Big bright eyes, so expressive, she just put a smile on yer face immediately.”

Sitting back against his headboard, Sy held Sasha’s hand a little firmer, his own trembling, although whether from pain or anguish, Sasha couldn’t be sure.

“We used to drive through her village every time we left the wire. Back then, we always carried candy bars and extra MREs with us, mostly for the kids, but for people in need too. She’d come running every time she saw us comin’ through, like we were the ice cream man or somethin’. Anyhow, she took a shine to me. Would always ask for me to hold her, ‘cause I was taller than anyone in the village and she liked seeing out over the horizon.”

Sy blew out a breath, his body beginning to rock back and forth as tears shimmered in his eyes once more. Sasha’s concern grew, her other hand covering the one already gripped in her palm.

“We didn’t speak a lick ‘a each other's languages, but we somehow made it work. She always had a smile and a big ol’ hug for my neck. She wouldn’t let go until it was time for us to move along and even then, she stayed behind wavin’ like it was her favorite thing to do. She couldn’t ‘a been more than five or six.

“One day, we get there and she’s not there, waitin’. Instead, she’s in her father’s arms. He was a village elder ‘a some sort, and for whatever reason, had got it in his head that his wife and Zakiya had both dishonored him by being nice to us. Just for being nice, friendly...normal. By the time we got there, he’d already killed his wife...But he was waitin’ for us to show up before he killed Zakiya.”

Sasha’s own heart clenched, knowing what was coming would be horror on a level she never hoped to experience first-hand, her sympathy and respect for Syverson going up exponentially as she steeled herself for the end of his worst nightmare.

Sy kept his eyes on the mattress, his free hand picking at a loose thread in the bedding, terrified that after he told her everything, Sasha would never see him as the same man again.

“I got on my knees for that man. Took off my helmet, my plates, everything. Told him to take me instead of her. I begged like the world was endin’ and I needed one more day. Our poor interpreter could barely keep up with me, I was talkin’ so fast.”

Scrubbing a hand over his face, Syverson let out a noise akin to a dying animal, folding himself in half for a moment before taking several rattling, deep breaths.

“You know that famous shot of Jackie trying to catch Kennedy’s brain? He dropped her like a fuckin’ sack ‘a potatoes after he blew her head open, and all I could do was h-hold-”

As a longing wail loosed itself from his lungs, Sy felt himself wrapped up in the fiercest hug he’d ever received. Sasha cupped the back of his head as her own tears slipped down her cheeks, unable to fathom how Sy had managed to go about his life with that sort of weight in his heart; she’d known men who’d taken their own lives for less.

“I’m so sorry, Sy,” Sasha whispered into his curls, her heart breaking at the way Syverson clung to her as though he were drowning. In a way, he was, Sasha wishing there was more she could do to help ease his suffering, though she wasn’t sure if anyone had ever even gotten this far with him before.

“What happened to the elder?” She asked as she heard his breathing calm some.

“I emptied a mag into his face.” Sy said resolutely, Sasha hearing no remorse in his voice, though she couldn’t blame him, given the circumstances.

“No one in the village ever complained, not even his older kids. Think they were all afraid of him. We did them a favor. You don’t kill kids. Especially babies. You give ‘em kindness, compassion, love. That’s it. End of story. You hurt a child, you murder a child in cold blood like that? I put you in the ground, plain and simple.”

She held onto him, stroking his broad back, carding her fingers through his hair, letting him take the pain he’d held onto for so long and finally let some of it go. Though she knew he’d never truly recover from that day, Sasha hoped that finally talking about it to someone who wouldn’t judge or pity him, would make a small difference.

His breathing slowed and Sasha gave him another squeeze, realizing something she hoped would help ease his pain further.

“For what it’s worth, Sy? If nothing else, you brightened that little girl’s day each time you saw her. You gave her a smile just like she gave you one. You were with her at the end and that’s what counts. She didn’t die alone. In a perfect world, she wouldn’t have died at all, but in the horror that was her final moments, she knew you were there. She knew.”

#henry cavill #captain syverson #syverson x ofc #captain syverson fic #fic #deathonyourtongueoriginals #willow run

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thephantomofthe-internet · 4 years

Text

Read Into Me Chapter Two: The Importance of Being Earnest

Steve Harrington x Reader

Catch up on the series HERE

Word Count: 2,030

Warnings: Swearing, death illusion

Author’s Note: This chapter is a bit shorter than I’d like, but I promise that the next one is longer! Also, some of the tags aren’t working for some users, so I’m so sorry if you aren’t getting notifications for this series! If you know how to fix this lemme know!

Tags: @divinity-deos @thecaptainsgingersnap @wolfish-willow @scoopsohboi @herre-gud-nej @clockworkballerina @maddie1504 @i-am-trash-so-much-its-scary @banjino-in-the-whole @buckysarge @wildcvltre @stanleyyelnatsiii @t0rment0 @10blurredsmoke10 @unussuallchild10 @n3wtscaseofniffler5 @alwaysstressedout @peterparxour @linkispink1995 @asharpknife @a-big-ball-of-idk @used-avocado @mochminnie @sledgy14 @lilmissperfectlyimperfect

Steve was so very fucked. He’d been sat at his desk since he got home from school and could not think of a single fucking thing to write. He’d had his notebook open, his typewriter loaded with paper, pen uncapped and waiting to be used, and the most work he’d done was chew on its blue cap. He just couldn’t think.

Writing was not his thing. Reading was not his thing. School was not his thing. He had lines of trophies on his nearly empty shelf-swim meet, track and field, basketball, and baseball for one summer in fifth grade. He could understand how to play a sport. That was competitive, improvisational, and had a core outcome-you won, lost, or tied. The same three outcomes with a million ways to do it, a million variables to get in the way. Math and science were the same, he could swing Cs and Bs in those classes, but English was the opposite. There were too many opinions. Too many options. When he managed to read one of the assigned books for class and not merely the Cliff’s Notes, he found he had nothing to say about it. Everything the author said felt true, even when his teachers were telling him to look for specific things in the narrative. Sure, if someone told him that the conch shell in Lord of the Flies meant something, but if you asked him what he wouldn’t know. And he would believe you if you said that the conch shell didn’t mean anything. His essays were all crap.

He thought about calling Nancy. Nancy would know exactly how to help him, she always did. But Nancy was with Jonathan now and he wasn’t confident that they were still friends at all. If they were ever friends. He didn’t think that they were. They weren’t really friends before they dated. Still, his hand hovered over the egg shell white rotary phone on his desk, a gift from his eleventh birthday. He lifted the phone off its hook, dialling the number off by heart. It took three rings for someone to pick up.

“Eleven?” Mike Wheeler’s frantic voice came through the other end. Steve couldn’t help but roll his eyes, the boy was far too attached to that girl, it was honestly concerning.

“Nah dude it’s Steve, your sister around?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

“She’s out with Jonathan.” Mike’s voice dropped into one of boredom. “You know, her boyfriend?” he was such a little shit sometimes.

“Yeah, I know dipshit, you wanna tell her I called when she gets back?” Steve huffed back.

“If I remember.” With that, the call went dead. Steve groaned, rolling his eyes as he slammed the receiver back onto the hook. What a fucking waste of time. He’d never hear back now, that kid didn’t like him from the start and would do whatever he could to keep them from being friends.

What was to be done now? He didn’t have anything to say about his spring break! Mr. Lawrence was a bastard for even asking him to write about it. Nothing happened! His parents went to Miami Beach to rekindle their marriage for the hundredth time and left Steve at home alone. He tried to throw a party but almost got busted by the cops with a fake ID at the Pick n’ Save and Tommy’s brother wouldn’t give them any weed to supplement what would’ve been a pretty dry party. He cancelled the party after that and sat at home alone. Nothing much to tell about and definitely wouldn’t fill a page, even if he used the longest words he knew.

Steve stood from his desk, looking through his shelf till he found the heavy yellow pages he’d put on the bottom of his shelf to weigh the sucker down so it wouldn’t fall over as fast. He flipped it open, searching through the numbers till he found what he was looking for, lifting the receiver off its hook again.

Across the street, you were sprawled out on your rose printed bedspread, your head in your hands with Samantha sat on your desk chair, laughing at your pain. “You know it’s not that bad, right? You could’ve gotten stuck with someone way worse.” She said, mindlessly digging through the black jewellery box sat dusty in the corner of your desk. Your mother had sent it from Spain and had filled it with different things she found across Europe. You didn’t care much for the stuff yourself but you kept it on your desk to show that you used it, not that she was ever home to seemed to notice.

Your bedroom was clean and stark white. It used to be pink, to match the rest of your white iron rod and pink padded furniture. You didn’t like the pink that much, and you didn’t adore the white, but you could hide it behind the art you tacked to the wall. Every portrait, still life, and landscape painting you’d been proud of hung proudly in your home gallery. You’d done recreations of your favourite album covers, and splatter art with balloons, and a few charcoal drawings of your grandparents and your father. You’d painted clouds and stars on your ceiling when you were in middle school, and while they had a lot of room for improvement, you left them above your head as a comfort to you. Your father had helped you scrape the popcorn ceiling down flat and helped paint the ceiling sky blue. It was your last project together.

“Oh yeah totally…” you said through your hands, refusing to look at her, focusing instead on the yellow sun spots floating under your eyelids.

“I mean, you could’ve gotten stuck with Tracy Lords again, she’s in that class.” Samantha replied easily, pulling out a green sea glass bangle from the top drawer, running her fingers over the red velvet interior of the box. Tracy Lords was a menace to productivity, at least she was according to Samantha. They had issues, which meant that you did too by association, but she’d done nothing to you except glare and pop her gum at you.

“At least she does her work!” you sat up, letting your feet dangle over your bed. “I don’t think he’s ever done his work on time, he’s always late with stuff!”

“That’s not your problem; as long as you do your work then Lawrence won’t care.” She flashed the bangle in front of your face “You should wear this more it’s nice.”

You shrugged “You can have it if you want.” You didn’t really care about what your mother sent you, it didn’t change the fact that she didn’t care enough about you to be home for more than a month out of the year. Besides, where on earth were you supposed to wear any of it? Your mother loved to spend your father’s riches on random, useless crap and you hated the idea of showing off the money your father died for. It wasn’t anything to brag about.

“Nah, not my style, it won’t match any of my stuff.” She put the bracelet back, closing the box with a metallic thump. “But anyway, you’ll be fine. Steve’s completely harmless.” You weren’t exactly sure if you believed her.

The phone on your desk blared loudly. You begrudgingly jumped off the bed, pulling it off the hook. Your grandmother was still at the hair salon and if you didn’t answer, one of her little friends from the old folk’s home might think that she died again.

“Hello?” you asked, motioning for Samantha to move over a bit, closing your white curtains closed again, your eyes scanning the streets with a bored expression.

“Hey is this Y/N?” Steve asked cautiously. He couldn’t quite remember your voice but he had double checked your last name in the year book and the phone book.

“Yeah, who is this?” dread filled your stomach the second he spoke, you were hoping against hope that it wasn’t Steve. You could see him pacing his window from across the street.

“Hey it’s Steve from English?” Fucking hell. You wanted to slam the damn receiver onto its hook. But if you did that, Samantha would think that you were crazy and you didn’t want to seem like such a baby.

“Oh hey what’s up?” you asked cautiously. Samantha was pulling at your sleeve, mouthing ‘Who is it?’ at you. You pulled your arm away, pushing her chair away from you with your foot.

“Oh nothing much, I was just wondering how your paper’s going?” Steve didn’t really know why he called you, he wasn’t certain that you’d even help him if he asked. He hardly knew you, he couldn’t name two things about you. But you seemed smart, you could be of some help if he had the balls to ask for it.

“Oh um…it’s fine. How’s yours going?” your hand came to the back of your neck, rubbing it awkwardly. You wanted to run away, to utterly disappear into another dimension. You didn’t like strangers, especially the whole small talk part. You didn’t feel like you had anything interesting to say about yourself and you hated silence. Your mind just didn’t come up with questions to ask.

Steve’s face burned. He couldn’t admit that he was stupid now; he was hoping that he wasn’t the only idiot in the class. “Oh um it’s good! I’m almost done.” He said, mentally cursing himself for saying that he was anywhere near finished.

“Oh cool. Do-do you want to switch them off tomorrow?” Now you had no idea what this phone call was even about. In the back of your mind, you assumed that he just had a question about the essay, but now you had nothing to grab onto.

“Yeah sure, that works for me.” He said, looking to his empty paper. He was so totally screwed now. He couldn’t admit that he was an idiot to you, not when you already had everything so clearly understood. You spoke so confidently, it made him feel small and pointless.

“Okay…I’ll see you in class then.” You said. Steve bid an awkward goodbye and you both hung up unsure what the hell had just happened.

Samantha was on her feet, jumping on your mattress “Did Steve Harrington just call you?!?” she cried, following it was it a giddy scream. You hushed her, rolling your eyes.

“It’s nothing to freak out about, you weirdo!” you countered, turning to face her fully with a sullen expression. Your heart was still pounding hard in your chest, adrenalin pumping through your veins.

Samantha landed on her knees, looking up at you incredulously “What? He’s cool! That’s cool! Boys never call you!”

“Way to rub that one in.” you scoffed, crossing your arms over your chest. Talking to people wasn’t your strong suit, and while for the most part you were okay with not having many friends, you lack of experience with relationships made you very insecure. “You crushed one of your spikes on my ceiling.”

Samantha reached up and touched each individual black spike with the tips of her finger, finding the dented one at the top of her head. “It’s true! God, I’ve got more guys calling me and I’m a lesbian.” She lowered her voice at the mention of her sexuality. You both knew that your grandparents wouldn’t be kind to her if they knew, their homophobia a mark of their small mindedness.

“Yeah, well, the guys at this school are all idiots.” You looked back to your paper, pulling your red pen out from behind your ear and crossing out a word on your essay.

“You didn’t think Jonathan Byers was an idiot.” Samantha replied. You cheeks flashed cherry red. It wasn’t fair of her to even mention him. He was a dickhead and Samantha knew it.

“Yeah, well now I know that he’s just as big of an idiot as everyone else is.” You muttered, pulling your desk chair over and taking a seat once again. You didn’t have the time for stupid boys, anyways. You had work to do.

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weightlessrosewrites · 3 years

Text

Levi Ackerman x Fem! Reader Part 2

Tw: mentions of death, angst Masterlist

(Name) stared up at the house she finally had all her stuff moved into. Tonight was the first night she'd be alone. The thought was equally terrifying and exhilarating. She scanned the property, catching a glimpse of the expanse of forest behind the house and the large willow over hanging a stream the gurgled peacefully. (Name) smiled before heading into the house. Her bestfriend, Eren, was already in the house making himself at home, which caused her to laugh when she walked into the living room.

Eren gave her a cheeky grin. " Sup, fancy seeing you here. " (Name) snorted, " yeah, as if this isn't my house. " Despite the age difference, they were quite close. (Name) being in her final two years for college, and Eren being in his last year of high school.

" Hey, you don't mind if I invite my friend over later, do you? He lives near by, and we've been meaning to hang out. " (Name) gave Eren a curious look. " He's not another werewolf, if he? " Eren shook his head. " Nah, he's uh.. Actually a vampire. " Eren responded, putting his feet on the coffee table.

(Name) rubbed her neck subconsciously. " That's neat, I've never met a vampire before, to be honest, I didn't think I'd really want too. " She laughed, and Eren chuckled. " Nah, he's good. He doesn't bite people without asking if it's okay first. " " Oh good. " She giggled.

---

It had been several months now. Levi was now a common sight in (Name)'s house, as was Eren, much to her dismay. As with Eren, always came a giant mess. He was part dog after all. For the seventh time that evening, (Name) had let out a huge sigh. Eren had gone home, and left her living room a mess. She furrowed her brows when there was a knock at her door. It was pretty late, but not insanely late.

She walked over to the front door and unlocked it, opening it only to discover Levi. " oh, hey Levi! Eren left like.. ten minutes ago. " He raised a brow. " I know, I saw him running. " (Name) blinked. " Ah.. then why are you here? If you don't mind me asking. " I came to visit you. I have some questions I feel like asking now that I know you better. May I come in? "

(Name) stepped aside. " Yeah, no problem.. uh.. I still need to clean up the living room, so you probably don't want to, y'know, go in there. It's a mess. " Levi only rolled his eyes, walking in and shutting the door before taking off his shoes. " Eren lived with me for a year, I know how much of a mess he can make. " Again, (Name) blinked in surprise.

" Uh, well, your questions, what are they? " She asked, following him to the living room where Levi started to clean for her, out of habit. " Technically it's only one question. " He responded. " Oh? " " You have an incurable, deadly disease, don't you. " Levi looked over at her, living room already half cleaned. But (Name) was flabbergasted. Not at how quickly her living room was cleaned, no. She had gotten used to Levi's fast cleaning pace over the months. It was his bold statement. Something no one knew but herself... and the one who gave it to her; Dr. Grisha Yeager.

" I... How did you know? " She asked, eyes wide. Levi didn't think he'd get this far, he'd expected her to toss him out like last time. Last time... As a vampire, Levi had been around for a long time. This time he remember his past two lives. And (Name)'s past three reincarnations; this would be her fourth. Something he had realized was that this disease always took her life a few months after she turned twenty five.

" I know because... " He didn't want to say it, Levi didn't want to admit it. " The worst of it always hits you a few months after you hit twenty-five. You always die. " Levi turned away. (Name) dropped what she as holding. " ...what? " Levi almost flinched at the tone of her voice. Almost. He had, most certainly, expected this reaction. One of many. " And Grisha has been the one to give it to you. Every single time. " Levi finished cleaning.

(Name) watched him. She felt... Odd. Uncomfortable? But Levi was right. Grisha was the one who gave it to her. And she hated him. (Name) watched Levi walked over to the window, and look up at the darkening sky. " For some reason, I thought this time would be different but. When Eren invited me over the first night, and you opened the door I.. Could smell it on you. " " Well that's a little creepy, don't you think? " (Name) joked, attempting to lighten the mood. She could tell this topic was hurting him, they must've been close in their past lives.

Levi turned to look at her, and his face was oddly calm. But (Name) could see his eyes, the color of gunmetal, and they were a storm of emotions. " Hey... Obviously this bothers you, so lets not talk about it, okay? " She spoke softly, a frown sliding onto her face. Levi shook his head and looked out the window. " Every single time. Minutes before you pass, you always. Always. Make me promise to meet you in the next life, and I have. This time... Was not soon enough. And I.. apologize for that. "

(Name) frowned. " Levi... " " Don't. That's how you start it. I have to leave, I was just stopping by. My mother needs me to get her blood tonight, she can't feed off Carla. " (Name) nodded. " Because Carla is sick. " And Levi nodded, leaving shortly after. She heaved a sigh and flopped on the couch, a frown on her face. (Name) was now alone completely, and she really wish someone was here with her still. (Name) wanted to know more, even though she knew it'd bring her pain.

---

It was late when Levi showed up to (Name)'s with Hanji, his scientific witch friend. When (Name) opened the door, Levi's motionless heart sank. Tonight was the night. Hanji immediately ushered the girl in, out of sight from any possible prying eyes as blood dripped down her chin, staining the beautiful blouse she wore. (Name) uttered a come in for Levi, who followed in quickly and shut the door.

" So how is Erwin treating you? " Hanji asked joyfully, to keep the mood up from the impending sorrow. " I sure hope my spouse isn't giving you a lot of homework. " They grinned cheekily, helping (Name) on the couch. She giggled weakly. " I actually just finished all the work he gave me.. though there's a little blood on them. "

Levi frowned, walking in to survey the mess. As he figured, (Name) hadn't been able to keep up cleaning, and it looked like Eren had been over. There were distinct paw marks on the ceiling, making Levi question it but not sure if he wanted the answer. But (Name) saw him staring anyways. " I have no idea how he got paw marks on the ceiling. I was making him lunch in the kitchen one minute, " She paused, a violent coughing fit wracking her body causing the other two to wince. " and next I'm hearing pained yelping. Obviously leaving Eren to his own devices isn't smart. "

Levi snorted. " Yeah, you can say that again. " He started cleaning out of habit, and (Name) giggled. Hanji and (Name) sat in silence for a moment, watching Levi clean. " Um, Hanji, could you get me some water please? " She asked them. Hanji nodded and got up, leaving the living room. Shortly after (Name) started coughing again, knocking her phone off the couch as she fell forward. Levi was immediately at her side as (Name)'s phone skittered across the hardwood floor, the only sound being her coughing, and the panicked foot falls from Hanji as they ran back into the living room with water, but froze at the door.

(Name) was coughing up a lot of blood. More than Hanji has ever seen when drawing blood from their patients even. (Name) was limp in Levi's arms, and they could see the pain in his eyes. Levi rubbed her back soothingly, in an attempt to cease the fit. And it worked.

" Levi.. " She managed to get out, body shaking. " No. Don't say it. " He responded immediately. Hanji carefully backed out, and instead leaned against the hallway wall just out of sight. " What if.. What if you were to turn me? " She asked before breaking into another fit, more violent than the last.

He shook his head. " We tried last time. It worked, for a moment. I can't go through that again. " " ..oh. W-well... In that case... Promise me- " " -stop, please don't finish that. " Levi interrupted (Name), and Hanji could feel a tear slide down their face at the voice crack in Levi's voice. It was hard enough for them, but they could only imagine how Levi felt. Especially when they knew Levi remember all her past deaths this time around, to experience this a fourth time? Hanji was heart broken for them.

" Promise me we will meet again in the next life.. I-I've come- " She paused, coughing again. More blood, enough to thoroughly soak his shirt. " I've come to realize... even though I start fresh every time wi-with no memory of you.. I still.. re-really care for you... So please... Promise... "

" I promise. " Fell on deaf ears, as (Name) lay lifeless in his arms. This time, Levi didn't stop the tears, which even he realized was uncharacteristic for him. " Hanji... " He choked out. " She's... She's gone. "

Hanji walked into the room. " Oh.. Levi... I'm so sorry... " They frowned, immediately walking over and setting the glass of water down before kneeling beside him. " ...(Name) knew... That's why she sent you away. I-I think she wanted to spare me the embarrassment. How ridiculous... " Hanji rubbed his back soothingly. " She'll be reborn again... " This was, as Hanji immediately realized, the wrong thing to say as Levi slapped their hand away. " No! I-I can't. I can't do this again. "

He got up with (Name) in his arms, laying her on the couch and closing her eyelids. " ...I can't do it again. If I die here, tonight, our souls will wait for a cure. When we're reborn into the next life, there will be a cure for her. " " Levi... " " No. I can't stand it. I cannot fucking stand the loneliness of waiting for her to be reborn, and then waiting for her to be an adult, only to have a few fucking years to be with her. I can't fucking do it again. "

" What are you going to do? For heavens sake Levi, you're immortal. " They responded, confused. But Levi stayed silent, turning away from (Name) and looked at Hanji instead. That's when it dawned on them. " ..oh.. you.. you want me to stake you. " " Stake me, and burn my body. " He said, looking them dead in the eye.

Hanji shifted uncomfortably. " This is going to hurt me... A lot. Levi, you're my best friend... " " We will meet again in the next life, shitty glasses. "

---

(Name) walked into the art building and headed to her floor. She sighed softly. It was only her third day, but she still felt shy. Not to mention she shared a table with another guy who'd be absent for the last two classes, although her teacher, Mike Zacharias, said this was normal for the student.. That didn't mean it didn't make her any less nervous.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice a shorter man step into the elevator with her. It wasn't until he accidentally dropped his phone and swore, that (Name) noticed. She blinked once. Twice. This man looked familiar to her, but she was certain she'd never met him. The man stood up straight, and (Name) noticed a few of his tattoos. She smiled faintly, but he caught her starting.

" ..can I help you? " He asked, quirking a brow. (Name) flushed, causing him to smirk a little. " I-I no, no that's uh, that's okay. I just sort of noticed your tattoos? I uh, I really like them. " She squeaked out, embarrassed at being caught. He snorted and turned away from her. However, he noticed how pale she looked.. and that she looked sort of sickly.

It wasn't until they both got off on the same floor and walked down to one of Mike's classes that (Name) figured he was her missing table partner. Thankfully, she walked in first as he stopped to talk to someone. ...And boy, was she glad she did, because when he walked in there was an excited squeal from one of her more annoying classmates who seemed really sweet but talked way to much.

(Name) watched Petra practically fling herself at the guy, who's name she still didn't know, and giggled softly when he dodged completely. She turned away after and got her stuff out, lastly her headphones. She was glad that Mike wasn't overloading them with projects, and currently only had two. Two that didn't have to been done any time soon. (Name) popped her headphones in and got to work, sketching. Fortunately, he said they could do anything, and since (Name) was a commission artist, that's what she worked on.

A few minutes in, (Name) felt a tap on her shoulder and she looked up, pulling a earbud out. It was the guy from the elevator. He raised a brow at her. " Mike said I need to introduce myself to you. The names Levi Ackerman. " " (FName) (LName). I-it's nice to meet you. " And there was the stutter. God, she wished she wasn't shy. " Is that so? I think I heard the brat talking about you, Eren thinks very highly of you. " Levi stated, leaning back as he pulled out his sketch book. " He told me that if I ever got to meet you, that he figured we'd get along well. " " H-he did, did he? Th-that's just like Eren... Trying to find m-me more friends. I think i-it's fruitless b-but he doesn't stop.. "

Levi glanced at her. " Fruitless? What makes you say that? " Levi was genuinely curious, (Name) could tell that much, and despite not knowing him very well, she told him anyways. " I have.. A condition that I was diagnosed with as.. as a kid. I can't get treatment until I turn twenty-five because of how serious it is and.. well, the survival rate is fifty-fifty. " She shifted uncomfortably, dropping her pencil.

Levi's mouth suddenly dried. His body tingled, and there was this nagging feeling at the back of his mind, trying to tell him something. Did he know her? Levi was certain he'd never, ever met (Name). Only heard about her from Eren. Levi couldn't bring himself to look away from her. " A fatal condition? With a fifty-fifty survival rate? Levi couldn't imagine.

" Uh.. I'm sorry to hear that. " He managed out, trying to be as sympathetic as he knew how. She only shrugged and picked her pencil up. " Even if I don't survive.. I don't have many people who really care for me.. I literally have Eren, his adopted sister, and their mom. " Levi watched as she started drawing again. " What.. about school? " He asked. Another shrug. " This was just something for me to do so I didn't waste away being depressed about it. As it is.. I'm told depression runs on both sides of my blood family so. I guess it was inevitable? " " You're blood family? " " Carla adopted me when I was eight, but she never forced me to call her mom. My parents drove of a cliff. It was called an accident but, I think it was suicide. Escape being parents, y'know? They never wanted me, my grandfather forced my mother to keep me but he passed away four months after my eighth birthday and... bam! Dead parents. "

Well.. Levi certainly wasn't expecting that. He stared at her, and she must have been able to read body language. " oh, sorry. I uh, I started rambling, you probably didn't need to know all that. " But Levi only shrugged slowly. (Name) gave him a half smile.

---

A few months went by, and Levi found himself becoming closer and closer with (Name). When he asked about her birthday, she refused to tell him because, and these were her words, " I don't want you to miss me if I don't make it. " Which Levi found absolutely ridiculous. When Levi called his mother that night to vent, he learned that (Name) was in fact, not born with this disease, but in fact injected with it, by none other than Dr. Grisha Yeager, an ex-scientist who worked on finding a cure for the disease. Now presumed dead, half of the patient's he tested the formula with didn't make it.

Even more disturbingly: Grisha had injected his own son with it. Eren, however, was fit and strong for his young self, and still had a few years. As it was, people used to have to wait until they reached fifteen to get the cure, and the survival rate was even less. Levi was confident by the time he reached twenty five, he'd be cured.

Currently, Levi was marching down the hall of the student apartment building. It was his luck that he was on the same floor, a couple doors down even. He did, however, feel bad when (Name) opened the door. It was late, and she looked tired. " Bad time? " He asked. (Name) shook her head. " Nah, I like your company. " She smiled cheekily. 'And I like you.'

Levi walked in and shut the door behind her. " My mom informed me when your birthday is... It's coming up. I think we should go out for drinks. " He watched her tense up and round on him, and she looked a lot more tired now. " ...seriously? " (Name) asked in disbelief. Levi nodded. " I'm always serious. " He deadpanned. (Name) giggled slightly, though tiredly.

" I get the feeling you'll pester me until I say yes, so fine. However I don't want to get drunk... I'm a bit of a light weight and alcohol is a depressant. It's not a good mix for me. " She informed. Levi nodded, understanding. His uncle was an alcoholic.

---

Hanji dropped the two off at Levi's apartment, shaking their head. While neither of them were drunk, they definitely weren't sober. " Do you two need help? " They asked, concerned, but absolutely amused. Levi waved them off. " Go fuck eyebrows. " He snipped, clearly annoyed that Hanji would even ask if he needed help. (Name) snorted. " No thanks Hanji. " They rolled their eyes and smiled at (Name). " Alright, call me if you need anything. " And with that, they were gone.

Levi and (Name) walked in after he unlocked it, and shut the door behind them. " How.. How do you feel? " He stumbled on his words slightly, trying to figure out how to lock the door. (Name) out her hand on the wall to steady herself. " Great, actually. " She slowly headed to the living room where Levi had blown up a queen sized air mattress for her.

Levi followed when he figured out how to lock his door. " Mm, (Name)? " He called. She looked over his shoulder at him. " Yeah? " " I don't... I don't want you to die. " He slurred ever so slightly. The (h/c) girl snorted in response. " I don't plan on it. " (Name) stumbled into the living room and fell on the mattress with a soft thud. Levi followed in shortly after, collapsing on the couch. (Name), however, had other plans in her slightly foggy mind as she pulled him down off the couch and onto the mattress with her. There was enough room after all.

Levi chuckled, squirming to get comfortable. " Mmm, I haven't had a drink in ages. " " You shouldn't be drinking all the... all the time anyways. " Responded the other, almost in a scolding tone. " School is more important. " Levi only have a long, thoughtful hum. " I~ know what's more important than school. " He said, shifting onto his side.

(E/c) peered into his gray ones, obviously confused in her state. What could be more important than school? " What's that? " " You. " Levi answer honestly. They fell into a semi awkward, but comfortable silence for a few moments, staring at each other before (Name) spoke.

"..me? " She asked softly, unconvinced. " What's so special about me? I'm sick, and my chance for living is... fifty-fifty? Yeah. There's no reason that... That I am more important- " "-nonsense, " Levi cut her off. Maybe it was the liquid courage running through his veins that suddenly made him feel confident enough to tell her. " You... You reached me on a level no one else could. " He found himself struggling with words, after all, Levi wasn't exactly a talkative person. " Almost.. almost like we are on the same... " " Like we're on the same wavelength, an understanding only we have with each other? " (Name) finished the sentence softly, sensing his struggle.

Levi only nodded, raising a hand to gently brush the bangs out of her eyes. The action wasn't special, but (Name) placed her hand over his. " I think that too. I... I think we were meant... " She trailed off, not as confident as Levi. " Meant to be together. " It wasn't a question, more of a statement. A statement she nodded at. " So.. you wouldn't mind if I... Kissed you? " Levi asked, voice quiet.

(Name) shook her head, " I wouldn't mind at all. " She confirmed. Levi leaned down the rest of the way and closed the gap, kissing her gently. And (Name) returned it, just as gentle.

---

Levi paced around the waiting room anxiously, and Hanji felt just as nervous watching Levi as they felt waiting for (Name)'s blood test results. Since they didn't work at this hospital, Hanji had nothing to say to try and make Levi feel better. Hanji did feel like the odds were in their favor, and that (Name) would be okay.

" Levi please, sit down. She'll be okay. " Hanji told him, but the waver in their voice betrayed their emotions. Levi stopped and turned to look at them, giving Hanji an ice cold look. " You don't even know, so don't try to tell me she'll be fine. " But Levi relented and sat down beside them, folding his arms and giving the floor a murderous stare.

" Your mother is coming as soon as she finds a ride. " Hanji said softly. Levi gave them a look. " For heavens sake, it's after midnight, why the fuck did you call my mother. " He hissed. " She needs her rest. " Hanji gave him a look. " Because the only person closer to you than (Name) is your mother. " " We're close, aren't we? " He asked, scowling at them. " Yes, Levi you're my best friend, but our bond is no where near as strong as your bond with (Name) and your mother, and I can see that you're hurting, and you need them. "

Levi scoffed and turned away from them, angry. He just didn't know who to be angry at anymore.

---

A month later (Name) was discharged from the hospital, although she still had a lot of healing to do, she was disease free. While she healed, she was given a long medical leave from college, and would be able to pick up right where she left off with Mike teaching still. (Name) stayed with Levi's mother, Kuchel, who was very diligent in taking care of her future daughter-in-law. Yes, she wasn't fooled.

Levi frequently visited after classes were over, to bring (Name) tea or to tell her what happened. One day he'd even told her about how his work had finally gotten noticed by a tattoo parlor, and that he had now started interning there. (Name) was, to say the least, very proud.

The road to recovery was long, longer than Levi admitted he liked, but progress was progress. Four months after (Name) was discharged, she was finally back in class. Although said classes were much shorter and much more difficult, Levi spent all his time helping her. Eight months after being discharged, (Name) was back in class full time and worked hard on catching up. Levi kept a close eye on her, making sure she didn't overwork herself. Which proved... Difficult. It had been unfortunate that Levi's stubbornness had rubbed off on her.

When Levi told his mother this, Kuchel had laughed lightheartedly and told him this was payback for all the times Levi had been unwell and still tried to help around the house. Levi had turned away, a light pink hue dusting his cheeks in embarrassment as he exclaimed, " Mother! "

A year and three months after (Name) was discharged, she was completely healthy again. Her immune system back to what it had been before, though Levi would argue that it was even better. He was proud. (Name) had made a name for herself as a self employed artist, and now photographer. These two things took a lot of her day time up, and even some evenings. But Levi didn't mind. At the end of the day, he still got to hold her in his arms as she lay asleep.

Levi often thought what might've happened had she not made it, and hated that possibility. It seemed, however, that (Name) had a sixth sense for his self destructive nature and would always wake up. When this happened, they talked quietly about it until he felt better.

But Levi was a bit of an insomniac, so the most he'd sleep would be two to three hours a night. He didn't mind it anymore, though. Levi got to hold the love of his life. That's all he could have ever asked for. He figured everyone deserved a happy ending, no matter what.

#levi ackerman x reader #levi x reader #attack on titan levi x reader #aot x reader #attack on titan x reader

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drawing-way-outside-the-lines · 4 years

Text

The true scent of Medieval times.

Pt 2. < Previous Sparkle: *She whimpered louder the more scared she became by the whole scenario and how she had gotten here, and how willing she had been to go THAT far to finally be with the man she had loved all her life. And her fear only intensified as she felt an unseen force grab onto her and drag her backwards into a darkness, where it felt as if she was sent falling down the tallest building. Well, that was only until she landed on the ground with a loud thud, all air being knocked out of her. She groaned loud, everything around her getting brighter although she had still to open her eyes. Fearing what she might face, she kept them shut tight, till a familiar voice reached her ears only few seconds later*

Raven: You're alive and just fine, you can open your eyes now.

Spakle: *Although his voice was deeper, rough, she knew very well whom was speaking, so she slowly opened her eyes, blinking a few times, before her bright surroundings started taking shape. They appeared to be in some sort of forest, the air was chilled, but mild. Judging by the bright green fresh leaves it was late spring.*

Raven: *She spotted him next to her, sitting on a fallen tree, carving a piece of wood into a point. He wasn't looking at her. His clothes was dirty, and so was he, even his usually silky black hair was dirty and it looked as if he had rolled the forest floor one too many times.* I would have gotten you out of there earlier, but I had to find you some suitable clothes first. *He kicked a foot against a leather wrap on the ground just a half meter from where he was sitting.* Get dressed before you catch a cold.

Sparkle: *she quickly sat up, trying her best to cover herself with the blanket, looking around confused* Where are we?

Raven: *He sighed soft and kept carving the wood* Medieval London....

Sparkle: *Her eyes got wide with shock* I thought you guys always said time travel isn't possible!?! Are you joking?

Raven: *He sighed annoyed and stuck his knife into a leather pouch strapped to his ankle, then slipped the wood down next to it, before he closed the pouch and stood up slowly, now for the first time looking at her with a slightly raised eyebrow* Do I look like I am joking?!

Sparkle: *Speechless she sat there watching him, until a black horse she hadn't notice before, grunting from behind Raven, snapped her out of it and she quickly flew up from the ground* How the fuck can we be in Medieval London when you always said that

Raven: Look... Willow has a son she gave birth to in the 90's, so clearly it's possible to travel in time *he sighed deep* But must I remind you what happened when she thought time travel was a great idea? She got her pretty behind stuck and nearly ended up there for good. *He grunted irritated and kicked the leather wrap again* How about you get dressed and we can deal with your little freakout, when I can't look directly at your privates?

Sparkle: *She was just about to interrupt him as his last comment reached her ears and she blushed bright red, angrily but quickly grabbing the leather wrap and dragged some fabric out from inside it. A beautiful tan and white maiden dress she had always seen in Medieval movies... although this one had a bit of blood on the chest? She looked at Raven with squinty eyes*

Raven: Yes... it's worn, I didn't have much time or you would have gotten a -may I add- very painful and completely unnecessary sex change! But don't worry, the previous owner wont be missing the dress. *He smirked lightly and sat back down on the tree trunk*

Sparkle: *She looked at the garment hesitating*

Raven: It's what we have.. for now... I will get you something better when the opportunity is there, but for now, I suggest you toughen up and put that clothes on you, if you want to survive. Cause whether you like it or not, I'm all you got right now, I'm your only chance at survival, and I am your only ticket out of here. So get dressed, and we can talk about everything over a beer.

Sparkle: *She frowned deep and gestured at the trees around them* A beer?!

Raven: I told you we are in London, didn't I?... well...slightly outside London, but close enough for a smaller horse ride. *He sighed deep* Clothes...

Sparkle: *She groaned irritated, but quickly started getting dressed, figuring it was probably best not to ask further about the stained dress*

Raven: There's shoes in the sack as well... and a cape to keep you warm. The blanket you are wearing must be destroyed so no one tracks us here *he nodded at the blanket she had dumped on the ground, waved a hand and it was gone in the blink of an eye* We ride as soon as you are done changing, and I prefer we don't talk till we are in a much noisier place, just in case we were already tracked.

Sparkle: But you already gave away our location....

Raven: Did I? *He smirked his usual smirk and stood back up, walking around the tree trunk, getting his horse ready for the upcoming ride*

*About 15 minutes later, they sat down, in a dimmed corner of a pub, with each their large beer*

Raven: So throw it at me.....

Sparkle: *She frowned soft* ...... how did you know I was there? You have been gone for quite a while now... like almost

Raven: Don't tell me! *He grunted soft and sipped his beer* I don't want to know how long time I have been gone, it makes it more difficult *he grunted with a soft sigh and wiped beer foam off his upper lip with the back of his dirty hand*

Sparkle: *She studied him for a moment, he looked tired in his eyes, beaten up, but not in a way as if someone had laid their hands on him, more in a way as if time had been unkind to him for quite a while. She sipped her beer before she spoke in a calmer voice* How did you know I was there and what was going on?

Raven: Luckily Bard never knew how to keep his mouth shut *he grunted soft*

Sparkle: But I thought no one was in contact with you?

Raven: None are. But just because I have broken contact with my family, doesn't mean they have broken contact with me. I still tune in from time to time, you're just lucky I tuned in at the right time and overheard Bards half drunk blabbering about this sweet young blonde girl, whom desperately had seeken his help in order to

Sparkle: *She cringed strongly* I didn't seek his help? How could I when I didn't even know about him? I mean, I barely know anything about your family, so how can I know about some random cousin’s powers?

Raven: ..... Oh I'm aware of that... Bard is very.... colorful, when he talks. *He sipped his beer again, but this time licked the foam off* I overheard him and decided to act fast, even if it could potentially risk my lovely hideout *he chuckled soft as he gestured at the surroundings, then a serious frown settled on his face* How did you come across him anyway?

Sparkle: ..... I was looking for you

Raven: But you knew I was gone, so why would you come looking for me?

Sparkle: *She shrugged lightly* A desperate attempt, I suppose? I needed someone to talk to

Raven: *He looked at her with a squint* Nah.... I'm probably the last one you would seek for a chat. You have to do better than that. How 'bout you tell me the truth, considering I just saved your ass *he pointed up and down her* and every other part of you for that matter.

Sparkle: *She sighed soft, tears gathering in her eyes as she took a sip of the beer* I'm not sure, honestly what happened... the past months has been a bit of a blur. I have felt so lonely with Penny, and I have been missing a man in my life more than ever.

Raven: THE man?

Sparkle: *She nodded soft and sniffled her nose* I know it's stupid, I don't need another lecture. I know I should just forget about him an move on with my life, not just for me, but for Penny as well. I'm a mother now, and it might not have been the way I always dreamed of, but I am a mother none the less. So I should try to just make the best out of it right? But I am tired of always having to make "the best out of it", my whole life has been like that! I just thought.... maybe after Penny was born, Andy and I would finally find each other, and private parts wouldn't matter any longer.... I mean... when you love someone enough right? If Evan can why can't Andy?

Raven:..... as much as I get what you mean, I also have to remind you sexuality isn't just something you switch on and off. Andy has tried to do the whole straight thing, for many years, and he was miserable. Besides, if he didn't fall in love with you back when he WAS straight.... how on earth could you still think it's all about body parts only? What was your brilliant idea here? Become a man and think he would fall in love with you just because you finally had a dick?

Sparkle: There were supposed to be a spell involved as well

Raven: *He shook his head lightly* Bard knows no spells... yes he has the power to alter someones exterior, but nothing more than that. He's a lower leveled demon, he's a scammer at best, who only cares about his own gain.

Sparkle: But I thought since he was a McKinney

Raven: McKinney or not, we are still just demons, not “God’s”, Sparkle *he grunted soft and sipped his beer* so why exactly did you seek me of all people, as far as I remember, you're not very fond of me?

Sparkle: *She sighed soft and nervously rubbed her sleeve* Ehm..... I needed a MAN.... and.... well.... you're the only MAN I know, who isn't a stranger.... who isn't someone I see as family, and who isn't gay....

Raven: Please hold back on the flattery, I can hardly stand it *he lifted an eyebrow teasingly as his sarcasm cut the thick air between the two of them* I'm not about to play happy family though, I have enough trouble already

Sparkle: ....... that's not what I meant. Being without a man in my life for so long, it's not just a need for everyday intimacy that I am missing out on.

Raven: *He lifted an eyebrow but chose not to comment* ...... so how did you end up butting heads with Bard?

Sparkle: There were some sort of family gathering when I showed up at your family's castle

Raven: Ah yes... and how did you even get there?

Sparkle:...... the portal at the clinic? *she smiled nervously and rather apologetic* Felix once blabbered about it over some drinks.

Raven: ..... not much of a surprise. *He grunted soft* Remind me to fix that when I return home at some point. That portal is to remain hidden for a reason. Otherwise fair maidens may just get themselves in all kinds of trouble *he smirked teasingly at Sparkle in her maiden dress*

Sparkle: Right *she cleared her throat rather awkward by the situation, and went on* I bumped into him while searching for you room. He offered me a drink and he just seemed so familiar and warm and friendly and.... did I mention I need a man so desperately I was seeking you? *She chuckled nervously* so before I knew it I was spilling out all my sorrows. He told me he could help me and well, he sounded very convincing. And.... it just all in a matter of minutes sounded like the fairy tale I always dreamed of. I guess I got carried away, and well, before I even got to think one clear thought I seemed to already be in the middle of it all.

Raven: Mh-hm...

Sparkle: *She sighed deep and lowered her head embarrassed* I can't believe how far I was willing to go for him. And you're right, there's no guarantee it would have even worked out. If he couldn't fall enough for me while he was straight, then it's most likely not about body parts, but rather about us simply not being compatible, no matter how much I wish we were. I think this finally opened my eyes.... I just hate that it had to come this far

Raven: Almost.... this far *he reached out and planted a hand on hers, squeezing it gently* Almost

Sparkle: Well, if it wasn't for you

Raven: No.... I'm sure you were already coming to your senses, I'm just not so sure Bard would have accepted a no. May I ask.... what you paid him anyway? I know Bard well enough to know nothing comes for free... so what did he want from you?

Sparkle: *She looked to the side, trying to avoid Raven's eyes* .......my next child..... he would take it as soon as I would conceive it, I wouldn't even know. I figured with all the abortions I have already been through, at least this would be less cruel, cause I wouldn't even know.

Raven: *He squinted his eyes* Sparkle.... this is

Sparkle: I know.

Raven: Did you sign something?

Sparkle: No.

Raven: Are you sure?

Sparkle: *She sighed deep and looked at him with teary eyes* I might be stupid enough to put myself through something like this for fucking Andy... but I didn't want to sign a thing till I had seen the result

Raven: But Bard can't reverse, and a job is a job...

Sparkle: Yes, but... I might not be as dumb as I look okay? I told him he would only get a child if I was satisfied. If I wasn't we would negotiate another price.

Raven: *He sighed soft and squeezed her hand again before he let go and sipped his beer*

Sparkle: So.... I guess I still owe him a

Raven: No. No papers were signed. And he didn't perform his procedure. He has nothing on you, and he might be a dick, but he knows very well there's nothing he can do without breaking several very strict rules, even he doesn't want to mess with. You're fine. Don't worry about him at all, let me deal with him once I get back.

Sparkle: And until then I do what?

Raven Do your best to forget all about him as fast as possible. And stay away from our castle. Well, that's when I get you back at least. For now, lets just keep you alive till I can set up a portal.

Sparkle: Does it have to be today? I mean, time works different here too, right?

Raven: Yes... it does. What do you have in mind?

Sparkle: How long can I stay here before my babysitter will wonder why I'm not coming home?

Raven: That's the tricky part. Time is fluent when magic in involved, I'm sure you have heard Andy speak of that before? *He sighed soft* I have been here literally for years. If you and I get separated I might even lose you for years. We can spend a day here and it might be a minute back home... we can spend a day here and it might be a month at home. There's no real way to calculate it. Not even between my home place and your time. Well it's easier, but calculating time from Medieval London and to Penny's next nap, is rather impossible. You are welcome to stay, for a couple days, maximum a week. Then I should try to get you back home safe. But while you're here, there's few rules...

Sparkle: *She nodded soft and understanding*

Raven: Stick to me at all time. It's absolutely the most important thing. As I told you, if I lose track of you, I might lose you for years... in our time *he poked his finger at the old wooden table between them* Blend in. This means you might see or hear things that can be hard to stomach, but this is another time, another place. Here you get a hand chopped off if you steal an apple. And try to keep in mind I am a demon *he pointed at the bloody chest on her dress* I'm.... different.... than I am back home. The longer I stay away.... the more it changes me. Lucky for you, I'm still tame..... mostly...... *he grunted soft and sipped his beer* but I have done things here that mostly belong to my past, however, nothing inhumane, cause rule number 3 is, do nothing that might change the future. You have probably heard this rule from lame sci-fi movies, but it's true. Change the past and you might as well change the future. It doesn't matter if you change it for the better, it may still create a ripple effect through time, and people or situations that belongs to the world that you know, might change completely. How would you like to return and find out everyone you ever loved never existed?

Sparkle: *She nodded slightly shocked and sipped a large portion of her beer*

Raven: That's the 3 rules... for now.... I may add more as we go along, but that's the basics and most important for now. I make most of it up as I go anyway *he shrugged lightly* I never was all too serious about stuff in life.... except the part of not changing the past. Even I wont be casual about this particular matter, which is why I stay away from any larger demon activity. I can't exactly end up in a history I am not supposed to be part of.... yet.

Sparkle: Wait..... yet? You lived in Medieval time?

Raven: ..... *he sighed soft* Yes.... but not in London... for at least another decade, that's why I came here, now... I wouldn't want to run into that old version of myself.... *he frowned soft then sipped his beer quietly, obviously not comfortable getting into further details on the subject*

Sparkle: *She nodded soft, well enough remembering bits and pieces Andy had told her about Raven's past*

Raven: Don't change yourself so much for anyone that you are no longer you. It's alright to change parts here and there to be more compatible, most people change some sides of themselves to fit better into the world, or relationships. Lets say a gambler finds a lovely wife, but the gambling is ruining the marriage, well, there's two choices then, either you quit gambling and keep your wife, or you keep gambling and quit your wife. In the long run we all have behaviors that can be toxic to ourselves, and the people we love. It is up to us to fix them and have a better chance at life, or keep them and keep... well... poisoning our own path. That's why I stopped being the murderous maniac I was... doesn't mean I completely changed who I was, I am still very much that person, I just try to keep it at bay, do stuff that tickles the urge but doesn't let it run rampage and destroy everything good in my life. I'm still Raven. And you should still be Sparkle. Naturally, you -like all other people-, have some stuff you could work on, specially since you're still rather young at mind

Sparkle: *She frowned deep* Is that your way to call me childish?

Raven: *He snorted soft* ..... perhaps.

Sparkle: *She opened her mouth, but figured there were no point in getting into a fight with him just yet, she needed a timeout from everything around her, and suddenly finding herself in Medieval London, seemed to be the best opportunity for that. No crying babies, well at least not her own, no responsibilities, nothing trying to constantly get in her way, no curve balls, no hidden traps she had to constantly try to be aware of, and best of all, no Andy! It seemed like a much needed break, so she wasn't about to potentially ruin that, by starting a fight with the only reason she was even there.*

Raven: How about we take a round of beer to my room *he nodded at the surroundings* The sun is sinking, which means soon this pub will be filled to the roof with people. There's not much to do around here after dark, besides getting drunk or getting in trouble... most people choose both.... There isn't really any internet or flat screen tv's around here *he chuckled soft* there's no need for us to get involved in something the first evening you’re here.

Sparkle: *She looked at the already growing mass of half drunk people and nodded* Sounds like a plan.

Raven: Aye! *He stood up slowly and nodded at a waitress* Can you send a couple rounds up to room 14, please... and a Whiskey?

Waitress: *She nodded confirming and disappeared between people, most likely heading towards the bar*

Raven: *He forced a soft smile as he looked at Sparkle, but his eyes were tired, heavy, and had lost their usual spark* Follow me.

#Trigger warning: Brief abortion mentioning #Sparkle Diamondsheart #Brandubh McKinney #Raven McKinney #Medieval storyline #unicorntales #inbetweendreams #story outtake #immortal #supernatural #demon #Irish demon #ts3 #sims3 #sims 3 #Daniel mumbles

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keydawolf · 3 years

Text

Calming the Flames

Chapter 3

Matchoff

Boscha growls through the halls, she had woken up in a bad mood and everyone knew it from her posture, her clenched fists, the way she bared her teety at anyone walking by and the way she walked heavily on each foot, givimg very audible warning that she was approaching. One student however, didnt seem to get the schoolwide memo to leave her alone. Indigo seemed to run into Boscha after almost all their classes and happily waved and tried to speak to her, no matter how many times Boscha growled and told them to "Buzz off" Much to the dimay of anyone who liked Indigo, they kept at it, Luz, Willow, Gus and even Amity had told them they would end up hurt if they kept approaching the fuming witch, yet Indigo just shrugged with a smile. Once lunchtime came around, Indigo noticed Boscha heading for the gymnasium once again, this time they decide to not disturb her, lest she damage the door most, they do howver wait outside the gym. When Boschs did eventually come out, their mood was a little lighter, but upon seeing Indigo sitting there, obviously waiting for them, that mood changed back to anger. "Alright Weirdo, I've had enough of you following me around!" Boscha yells but the reaction she got was not what she'd expect. Rather than suprise, fear or anger, the weirdo simply smiles and stands up then has the audaxity to ask "Why? You seemed lonely to me" "Lonely? As if! I can't stand all you goody goody idiots, even if I was lonely, which I wasnt! Why the heck would I want to hang out with YOU instead?" "Cuz you are lonely, even if you wont admit it, I KNOW you don't hate seeing me around" Boscha felt her thrid eye twitch in irritation, then, an idea comes to mind and a smirk forms on her face. "Alright then, how about this, after school, one v one grudgby match, if I win, you have to leave me alone from now on" Indigo's eara twitch upwards in interest "And if I win?" Boscha snorts "If you win? You can bug me wherever the heck you like! I wont even get mad!" Boscha says, the weirdo may be good at dodging, but there was no way they could beat Boscha at scoring. "Sounds good to me" Indigo says and sticks out a hand to shake on the deal. Boscha looks at the hand in disdain but shakes it anyways, it wasnt a deal if they didnt shake on it after all. "You better not flake out on me" Boscha snarls and walks away. "Wouldnt dream of it" ----‐------------------------------- "You did WHAT?!" Amity almost yells as Indigo sits back down at the table with her news. Willow, Gus and Lux just stared, Before they all started talking at once, which made following all their words difficult. "...make an oath?" "....Can't possinly expect to..." "......Gonna really hurt you...." "....need to think before you...." Indigo's ears twitch downwards ans they frown at the others, which makes them all stop, Indigo wasnt one to frown often, so when they did it caught everyones attention. "I'm doing this" they state and even use their full worded voice to make it clear to everyone before them. The others don't argue, staring at them. "Why are you putting so much effort into Boscha?" Willow asks suddenly, gaining Indigo's attention "All she has ever done is hurt others, mentally and physically, heck she's clearly not opening up to you, why put yourself through all this just for her?" Indigo is silent for a long minute "Because she's stuck in the dark, she doesnt know what the light feels like yet, but she never will if no ones willing to show it to her" Indigo says and to Willow and Gus it just seemed like a metaphore, but Luz and Amity knew exactly what Indigo was reffering to and their eyes met for a moment, a look of slight understanding passed between them. Amity sighs and looks at Indigo. "Boscha is very prideful in her abilities for grudgby, she doesnt take defeat well at all, she WILL try to hurt you if she thinks she will lose to you" Indigo nods "I'll keep that in mind" Willow pipes up as well "Also make sure she doesn't pull the rusty smidge ploy again, make sure it isnt on the field" "Got it"

The line of concersarion continued until the end of lunch, apparently others had heard about this 1v1 match and were planning to come watch and see who won, though apart from a few grudgby fanatics, it was pretty much just Skara and the other grudgby teammates, Luz, Amity, Willow and Gus. Indigo stood on the grudgby field, staring across at Boscha, Indigo had chosen a nice blue uniform, Luz and Amity had done their face paint, red and blue lines down their cheecks from their eyes. Boscha had gone for the normal Banshee design. "You know the rules weirdo?" Boscha asks with a smirk. "Yup, is the rusty smidge on the field?" "Nah, if i'm gonna beat you, I wanna make it a good one" Boscha says with a smirk. Indigo smirks back as they wait for the ball to fly. Luz, Amity, Willow and Gus are cheering for Indigo on the sidelines, as the ball is sent into the air, Indigo had the height advantage and was able to grab the ball first, keeping it however, was harder than it looked. Boscha knew how capable Indigo was at dodging and didnt have any qualms charging full tilt at them for the ball, Indigo had to dodge a lot of attempts, trying for a goal too early just to get Boscha to stop, it misses and bounces off the goalpost, right into Boscha's waiting arms, she tears off to the other side, getting halted by an earth spike trap, which lead to a tackle from Indigo. Bischa had to commend the weirdo for their form on the tackle, but she refused to allow them the ball that easy, struggling out of their arms with a lot of effort and kicking the ball before they reach her again, scoring first. Indigo stands, wiping the dirt off their face, catching their breath. "Nice one" they compliment as Boscha gets back into place. "Hmm, your tackle wasnt too bad at all, but your aim is terrible" "Heh, we'll see" Indigo replies as their hand circles behind their back, unseen by Boscha, a clone of Indigo appeared behind her and as the ball shot up, the clone tackles Boscha before she can jump so Indigo can hop over them with the ball and head for the goal. "Agh, forgot you did Illusions too" Boscha grumbles and elbows the clone hard, it poofs away and she gets to her feet in time to see Indigo toss the ball through the goal with ease. Indigo's group cheers loudly, Gus waves his flags with vigor. Indigo jogs past Boscha to her place, grunning from ear to ear. "Pfft, you look like you just won the whole game, it eas only ONE goal" Boscha says condesendingly but Indigo doesnt falter at her snide comment, simply grinning as they waited for the next ball. "Man, psyching them out is NOT working" Boscha thinks to herself in annoyance. A few more goals on each side and it was all tied up, 5 points to each of them. Boscha glares up at the clock, only time for one more play, someone HAD to get this one. The ball flies and both girls jump, but rather than grab it, Boscha bats it right into Indigo's chest, Indigo couldnt dodge in the air, the shift in intent was too fast for them to even register, they hit the ground with a cough, clutching the ball. Boscha lands and folds her arms, waiting for Indigo to call it quits. "Hey! That cant be legal!" Luz yells. "It's a completely legal and well known play in grudgby" Skara answers from the next aisle "Besides, Boscha gave up control of the ball, if Indigo can get back to their feet, they keep it unless they miss" Amelia adds in. "They're right Luz, its a common play, but most grudgby players know not to leave their middle wide open" Amity adds with a look at the two, who nod in response. "Yeah... its usually for well prscticed captains that the other team want to slow down, but Boscha is risking a lot giving up full control of the ball like that, if Indigo can score, they win, if they cant, its a tie, so the only winner here is Indigo in the end" Amelia replies. Amity thinks it over "Yeah... that... isnt like her, what is Boscha trying to prove?"

Boscha waits as Indigo struggles to their feet, making their way slowly towards the goalpost, she hadnt skimped on that impact, they were quite resiliant, though the hit had very obviously hurt, they were still doing what they could to get the ball close enough to score.

waiting for Indigo to call it

"Hey! That cant be legal!" Luz

"It's a completely legal and well known play in grudgby" Skara answers from the next

"Besides, Boscha gave up control of the ball, if Indigo can get back to their feet, they keep it unless they miss" Amelia adds

"They're right Luz, its a common play, but most grudgby players know not to leave their middle wide open" Amity adds with a look at the two, who nod in

"Yeah... its usually for well prscticed captains that the other team want to slow down, but Boscha is risking a lot giving up full control of the ball like that, if Indigo can score, they win, if they cant, its a tie, so the only winner here is Indigo in the end" Amelia Boscha waits as Indigo struggles to their feet, making their way slowly towards the goalpost, she hadnt skimped on that impact, they were quite resiliant, though the hit had very obviously hurt, they were still doing what they could to get the ball close enough to score.

Indigo got to the goalpost and looked up at it, they had 20 seconds left, in one last ditch effort, they tossed the ball as high as they could, but it wasnt high enough, bouncing off the very bottom of the post and falling back.

One very small vine errupts from the ground, catching the ball and tossing it through the post, just before the timer ticked to zero.

Everyone looked surprised, naturally everyone also looked at Willow, who immediately raised her hands up,.

"Willow didn't cast that, I checked when I saw it" Skara confirms immediately when Bosxha looks their way.

Boscha shrugs and nods "Must have been the court itself then, guess it liked their determination" she says and walks away, no fuss, no screaming or flaming grudgby balls flying everywhere.

Everyone watches in astonishmemt as the three eyed witch leaves in complete calm.

Indigo had fallen back to a sitting position with a grin on their face.

"Thah was.... so much fuuun!" They yell loudly as they try to get on their feet.

Luz was the first over to help them up "You did great!"

Amity walks over soon aftwr with Willow and Gus in tow "I have to admit, if I was still captain I'd definately ask you to join the team, those were some smart plays"

"You did iiiiit!" Gus yells as he runs in circles around Indigo and Luz and waves his little flags eagerly.

"That was weird at the end though right? The court normally stops goals, it doesnt usually score them" Willow says quietly.

"Heh, this one tends to have a mind of its own, I hate to say it but Boscha must be right, it didn't send one obstacle to stop Indigo getting to the goalpost" Amoty observes.

"So wait... what was it you got if you won?" Luz asks curiously.

"Boscha can' geh mad if ah hang around 'er now" Indigo replies matter of fsctly.

"Wait... thats all you wanted?" Willow asks with a raised brow.

"Yeh" Indigo says with a grin."Eh was de opposi'eh oh whah she wan'ed" they explain

"Oh, I kinda doubt she'll keep to that, she was way too calm when she left, normally when Boscha loses... everyone loses... and I dont mean the game" Amity says.

Boscha sighs as she heads to change, noticing her potted plant had poked out of her bag for some sun, it had three little buds growing upwarss now.

"Hmph, is that some cheesy reference to my eyes? Titan damn it Amelia, if this flower matches my hair too I swear" she says and rolls her eyes, zipping her bag up so no one would see the plant.

#Calming the Flames #Boscha #Indigo Wrath #Original Character #Luz noceda #Amity Blight #Gus Porter #Willow Park #TOHSkara #TOHAmelia #Grudgby

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timelessbian · 4 years

Text

we’re not too far gone

like i said last time, i do not control the hyperfixation. i’m obsessed with the clawthorne sisters and i really just want them to love each other again, is that too much ask?! also, i love eda’s gang of accidentally-adopted children. takes place post 1x17, so mild spoilers for that.

also on ao3

Eda wasn’t sure that she could pinpoint the exact moment that the Owl House had transitioned from an isolated secret outlaw hideout to the premiere after-school hangout spot for a quartet of misfit teenagers, but ever since Luz had started school, it had become common for there to be an extra kid or two or three hanging around.

The day after the grudgby match, a sleepover just seemed like the natural progression of events. For one thing, the kids were all far too excited to split up, but if Eda was honest with herself, it was also a welcome distraction. All afternoon she’d just heard Lilith’s voice playing over and over in her head.

No! I can’t go back to the emperor empty-handed.

Lilith had always been the stoic one, the strategic one, the brave one. But there was so much fear and anguish in her voice at the very thought of going back to the emperor, and it worried Eda more than she had tried to let on. Lilith wasn’t supposed to be afraid of anything. It was a childish thought, Eda knew, but she was still sure that anyone that could scare her sister like that was someone that Eda didn’t want to meet.

At least with the kids around, Eda was almost able to forget about Lilith and the emperor.

Almost.

She was still far too worn out from the day to even think about cooking, but she found enough leftover stew to throw in a pot for dinner, and she sent Owlbert out to try to snag something from the Bonesborough bakery for dessert.

Meanwhile in the living room, Luz had found a banged-up game board in one of Eda’s most recent treasure piles, and she was animatedly trying to explain it to Willow, Gus, Amity, and King. From what Eda could hear, it seemed to involve a lot of money, strategy, jail, and occasionally some good old-fashioned highway robbery; in other words, it was calling Eda’s name.

“Alright, you got me,” she said as she plopped down on the sofa. “Got room for one more?”

“The more the merrier!” Luz exclaimed. She slid Eda a metal game piece shaped like a wheelbarrow and set up the rest of the board.

It took a few turns for everyone to figure out the rules, but it quickly turned into a fierce competition. Willow proved herself to be a silent threat while Luz, confident as she had been in the beginning, seemed to be struggling to keep up. It wasn’t long before they were all completely lost in the game and Eda forgot about grudgby and the emperor and her sister almost completely.

She wasn’t sure how long they played, but eventually the light spilling in through the windows started to turn golden, and midway through a round, Luz got up to turn on the lights. As she was walking back towards the game she glanced out the window and immediately paused.

“Um, Eda?” she asked without turning around.

Eda had the dice in her hands frowned as she got up and glanced out the window to see a figure coming up the path to the house. The figure was wearing a long white cloak with a hood that hid their face, but Eda could still tell exactly who it was. “Ugh, her again?” She rolled her eyes and dropped the dice on the table. “King, play for me. I’ll be right back.” The sleeping demon let out an angry exclamation, but he snatched up the cards anyway and scrambled to sit at the table.

Eda rolled her neck and felt every joint in her body groan in protest as she walked towards the door.

“Who is it?” Luz asked, still eagerly trying to look out the window to get a better view of the visitor. “What’s going on?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Eda said. She cast a spell circle and the blinds snapped down. “You guys keep playing, I’ll just be a few minutes.”

“Luz, it’s your turn next,” Willow said pointedly.

That was enough to draw Luz back to the game, and Eda took the opportunity to slip outside. The evening air was crisp and cool, and a light breeze rustled the leaves in the trees. She cast a quick sleep spell on Hooty; she was hardly in the mood to deal with him right now.

The figure on the path stopped and lowered and her hood, and sure enough, there she was.

“Lilith.”

“Hello, Edalyn,” Lilith replied. “I’m sorry to drop in on you like this. Especially when it seems you’re…” she paused and raised one eyebrow. “…otherwise occupied.”

“Nah, it’s just the kids and they’re busy enough,” Eda said. “What are you doing here? Looking for a rematch?”

Lilith chuckled drily. “No. I’m not here to make a scene. I’m actually officially not here at all.”

“A social call? That’s new.”

“Not quite. I’m here to return this.” As she spoke, Lilith stepped closer and pulled Eda’s ring out of the folds of her dress. When Eda didn’t move to take it, Lilith rolled her eyes. “I didn’t do anything to it. Go ahead, you can check.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Eda said as she aimed a detection charm at the ring. Her yellow spell circle flew over the gem and spun around it a few times before dissipating without sensing so much as a schoolyard hex. With that assurance, Eda stepped closer and carefully took the ring, visually inspecting it before she slid it back onto her hand. “So,” she started. “How’d it go?”

“Well enough,” Lilith said simply in a tone that warned that Eda was treading dangerously close to an edge. “But neither the emperor nor I have any further use for it, so I thought there wouldn’t be any harm in returning it.”

The emperor.

The very mention of him sent Lilith’s desperate cry playing in Eda’s head all over again, and somehow having Lilith standing in front of her so frustratingly strong made it even worse. She crossed her arms tightly in front of her chest and started to turn away.

“Thanks,” she said simply.

“I think I should be thanking you,” Lilith said. “I can’t say that the emperor was pleased, but it was something, so thank you for that.”

Eda shrugged. “Don’t mention it.”

There was a long moment in which neither of them spoke, and the quiet between them seemed as solid as a stone wall. There was so much she longed to say and to ask, but she couldn’t seem to find the words. And even if she could, she was sure that she wouldn’t get any answers. It was secret, after all. Coven business. Eda wouldn’t understand.

“I should go,” Lilith said finally.

She turned back towards the path, but before she could leave, something came over Eda. She sighed, rolled her eyes, and before she could second-guess herself, she called out, “Lily, wait.”

Lilith stopped and paused for a moment before she turned around, slow and almost uncertain like she wasn’t sure that she had heard right. “Yes?”

“Since you’re already not officially here, you feel like not officially coming inside for dinner?”

That clearly wasn’t what Lilith had been expecting. She frowned. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch,” Eda said. “Last I checked there weren’t any laws against inviting my sister for dinner.”

Lilith’s lips twitched. “And if there were you’d probably break them anyway.”

Eda smirked. “Probably. But what do you say? I mean, it’s just leftovers, but the kids like it well enough. And besides, Owlbert should be back with something sweet any time now. What do you say?”

Lilith paused and bit her lip as she considered the offer, but her heavy sigh was answer enough. “I can’t. I’ve stayed too long already.”

“Is this about the emperor?” Eda asked. “Listen, I don’t know what he’s got over you, nor do I want to know, but I will say if you ever get sick of him and his dork brigade, there’s always a spare room around here. I swear Hooty just spawns them to mess with me on cleaning days.”

“Thank you, Edalyn.” Lilith’s voice was soft and looked down as she clasped her hands together. “But I promise I’m than capable of taking care of myself.”

“Oh I know that,” Eda said, waving a hand dismissively. She leaned back against the house and casually nudged the door so that it opened just the slightest bit, barely noticeable, but just enough that Eda could hear when the game inside apparently took a turn. King squealed and the kids’ laughter spilled outside. “Just know that you don’t have to do it alone.”

Lilith sighed again, but she didn’t try to object. In fact, she didn’t say anything at all. For a long moment, the only sounds were the rustling of the leaves in the evening breeze and the muffled cries and exclamations of the kids inside. Eda waited, let the quiet stretch until she saw Lilith bite her lip and shift her gaze upwards—the same tell she’d always had when she was trying not to cry. For just a split second the coven mask seemed to slip and Eda saw a rare glimpse of her sister behind it.

“I can’t,” Lilith said finally.

“Another time then,” Eda said.

Lilith offered a flash of a half-smile as she met Eda’s eyes again. “Maybe another time.”

Eda straightened up and let one hand fall lazily to her hip. “Well,” she said. “You know where to find me. The door’s not always open, but I can usually talk Hooty out of eating people if I get a heads up.”

A flicker of confusion crossed Lilith’s face. “Is that—”

“Yes, that was a joke.” Eda shrugged. “Mostly.”

“I’ll remember that,” Lilith said. In a practiced movement that Eda had to admit had style, she brought her closed hands together and parted them as her white staff appeared. She mounted her staff and let it hover for a moment as she faced Eda. “There are big changes coming,” she said. “No matter what you think of the Emperor, his is the safest side to be on.”

“And there’s the sales pitch.” Eda rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “Well, it was nice while it lasted, but I’ll see you around.”

She started to turn back towards the house, but this time it was Lilith’s turn to stop her.

“Eda, wait.”

Eda. Lilith had only ever called her that when she was desperate, and that alone was enough to make Eda turn around. The low evening light cast shadows across her face, but it still wasn’t enough to hide the sheen over her eyes, and Eda felt her heart twist even before she heard Lilith’s tight voice.

“I know we don’t always understand each other, but I hope you know that I’ve never wanted to do anything to hurt you.”

And there it was.

The backs of Eda’s eyes started to prickle and burn and she crossed her arms again, tighter this time in a half-hearted attempt to keep herself together. There were a million things that she wanted to say and a million different emotions swirling through her: so many years-worth of pain, anger, betrayal, grief, and more that she couldn’t even name. But beneath them all was the one that she most feared admitting, so naturally, that was the only one that she could put words to.

“I love you, Lily.” Her voice was so soft to her own ears that she almost wasn’t sure that she had said it at all, but she couldn’t bring herself to repeat it.

Lilith didn’t say anything for a long moment, and Eda kept her eyes on the dirt, terrified that when she looked up, she’d find Lilith already gone. But after what felt like an eternity, she heard her sister’s quiet voice.

“I love you too, Edalyn.”

The first tear slipped its way out down Eda’s cheek and when she looked up, Lilith had already turned away. Her dark hair was a curtain blocking her face from view, but her hands were tight around her staff and she twisted them as she clearly struggled to compose herself.

At that moment, the game inside seemed to come to a climax. The inarticulate, overlapping screams and hysterical laughter was such a sharp contrast to the somber mood outside that it was almost comical, and Eda felt a smile twitch across her lips. Well, that was just one more emotion to add to the confusing mess that she wasn’t looking forward to untangling later that night.

Lilith had clearly heard the kids too. She let out a dry laugh and shook her hair back as she looked back down at Eda. “I’ll let you get back to your little slumber party,” she said. “And don’t think I’ll let you forget that you owe me a dinner.”

“I’ll be waiting for it,” Eda said.

Lilith offered her a half-smile, and there was a genuine warmth in her eyes before she turned her staff to the north and took off. Eda watched until she disappeared over the trees and even longer after that until suddenly the yard around her was bathed in light and she heard Luz calling her name.

“Eda? Is everything okay?”

Eda sniffed and swiped at a few last stubborn tears before she spun around to face Luz.

“Yeah, kid, everything’s fine.”

Luz narrowed her eyes, and for a moment it seemed like she was going to ask more questions that Eda didn’t feel like answering, but to her surprise, Luz didn’t say anything. Instead, she just wrapped her arms around Eda’s waist and hugged her tight. Eda hadn’t even realized how much she needed that.

“Thanks, Luz,” she murmured as she ruffled Luz’s hair.

“That’s what families do,” Luz replied. She pulled away and looked like she was about to say something else, but then something over the trees caught her eye. “Is that Owlbert?”

Eda spun around to look, and sure enough, there was the little palisman, flapping his wings hard to keep both himself and the overstuffed tote bag he had in his talons in the air. He hooted excitedly when he saw Eda and Luz, and he dropped the bag on the ground beside them before perching on Eda’s shoulder and nuzzling her cheek. The bag was filled to bursting with all different kinds of cakes and cookies and pastries—far more than Eda had expected—and she felt her stomach growl just looking at them.

“Good work, Owlbert.” She scratched the top of his head and he cooed. “Help me get this inside? I’m starving!”

“On it.” Luz grabbed the bag and picked it up with a groan. “Farewell, weak nerd arms.”

Eda chuckled and followed her back into the house. The game had been paused, but Eda still had to swat King away from the board to keep him from mixing up the pieces.

The kids clambered around the kitchen table, and Eda couldn’t help but notice how Luz helped Amity into a chair and volunteered to get her food for her. Willow was telling a story about some incident or another with a carnivorous plant, and Gus was entertaining King with miniature illusions of himself. It was almost strange how natural it felt to have the house so full of life, and it was almost enough to push all thoughts of Lilith and the emperor and the impending end of the summer out of her head.

Sister or no, Eda still had family, and at least for the night, that was more than enough.

#my fics #the owl house #toh #eda clawthorne #lilith clawthorne #my dream arc for lilith is her straight up killing the emperor and becoming the goth aunt of the owl fam #but i have a feeling agony of a witch is going to hurt me personally so i'm living in denial thanks #ngl i'm kind of unsure about this one but i really wanted it up before the new ep drops so here we go lmao #also y'all were so sweet on my last fic so that helps

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aka-willow · 4 years

Text

SHIELD

gif

Words: 1526

Characters: Willow Wren, Phil Coulson, Jemma Simmons, Leo Fitz, Daisy Johnson

Prompt/Tag:

“Don’t touch me.”

“here’s a glass of whatever.”

Summary: Willow wakes up in an unfamiliar place

Timeline: March 2016

Song: Rocket Launch - Bear McCreary

A/N: ugh i love aos SO MUCH and i’d incorporate them more if the story allowed for it but i gotta pick my battles so to speak

—————————————————————————–

I woke up in another laboratory, machines beeping around me, and several needles stuck in my arm. I wanted them out, but when I tried to move, I realized I was strapped to this hospital bed as well. Again.

Don’t talk to these people. Don’t listen to what they say. This could still be enemy territory. As my eyes adjusted, I saw a few figures beyond the area I was being held in, discussing something at a lab bench. Both had accents and they bantered back and forth in short jabs. Just to test, I flexed my palms as much as I could, and at least try to summon a breeze. The papers on the nearby table fluttered, and it caught the attention of the people at the bench.

“Woah, hey, don’t do that,” said the man, holding up his hands. “Jemma, she’s awake.”

The other woman hurried over and checked one of the machines before reading notes off a tablet. “Hi,” she said, and even though it sounded friendly, her wide eyes indicated a measured caution. “You’re safe. You’re at a SHIELD base.” She pointed at herself. “Agent Simmons. And that’s Agent Fitz.” He gave a small wave. “How are you feeling?”

When I didn’t respond, she looked at Agent Fitz for help, but he looked equally uncomfortable. “I’ll let Coulson know,” Agent Simmons murmured. She typed out a message on the tablet and then put it down on a table. “Mine if I…?” she pointed to the IV line and I pulled my arm away as far as the straps would let me. Don’t touch me.

“I’m going to take it out,” Agent Simmons explained. I watched as she unstuck the tape and slide the needle out. “See? That wasn’t bad, was it?”

She hummed as she checked the other machines, occasionally shooting a look at the man. “You heal fast,” she commented. “But it’s lucky Coulson found you when he did.” Agent Simmons wrote a few more things down. “Never treated someone with wings before,” she said, almost to herself, and Agent Fitz cleared his throat, cutting her off.

“I’m going to undo these now,” Jemma said softly, gesturing to the restraints. “Can I trust you not to do anything?”

I looked around the lab, listened to the conversations in the hallway beyond. My ribs hurt when I breathed, and I had never felt so weak in my life. I couldn’t even if I wanted to.

“Just... promise me you won’t pull out the needle in your other arm,” she said. “Please?”

I nodded once.

Someone knocked on the door frame of the lab and it was the same man who had come to Marty’s apartment, a time that felt like years ago now. Remember when that was my biggest worry?

“Miss Wren, it’s good to see you with us again. How are you? Phil Coulson, we’ve met before.” He pulled up a chair and sat down next to the bed. “Agent Simmons said all your tests checked out. You’re going to recover just fine. I’m so sorry for what you went through there.”

So, what happens to me now? Where do I go from here? This is exactly what Jessica warned you about so long ago. I’m never getting out of here. I went from HYDRA to SHIELD. What’s the difference? I’m still trapped.

“When you’re ready, we’d like to assess you for the Index,” Coulson continued. I began to shake my head slowly. “Look,” he said. “We know. But this is the protocol. It’s for everyone’s safety.” There was so much he wasn’t saying—surely, he must have known about all those HYDRA agents and about Marty and who I was and what I had been doing. There was no way he didn’t know. The fact that it hadn’t been mentioned yet made me nervous. He offered a smile and then got up and walked over to where Agent Fitz and Agent Simmons were working, back at the lab bench.

“Has she spoken to you yet?”

“Not a word,” Agent Simmons replied. “She seems petrified.”

“Well, that can be expected.” He looked back over at me. “Stay with her. I’ve made some calls.”

“We should give her something to eat,” Agent Fitz offered. “She’s probably starving.”

Shortly after the conversation, I dozed off, and when I woke up, there was another familiar face in the doorway of the medical area, holding a tray and several wrapped items under her arm. Agent Johnson? Is that who it was?

“Hi,” she said. “Mind if I sit here?” She pointed to the space at the end of the bed. I shifted my legs and finally sat up, using the pillow as support. “Fitzsimmons thought it would be good for you to eat something. So, they recommended this from the canteen,” she said, holding out the tray, and I saw a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a bag of crackers, and a bowl of cut fruit. “But I got you some better things as well.” She produced a package of pop-tarts and two Rice Crispy Treats. “Don’t tell Jemma.”

I almost smiled, and she then placed a glass down on the table next to me. “And here’s a glass of whatever. She said it’s some sort of electrolyte thing. I don’t know. But it’s grape flavored.” I picked at the sandwich and pulled a small chunk out from the middle on one half, touching it to my lips and finally eating it. Somehow, it was the most delicious peanut butter and jelly I had ever tasted.

“You can call me Daisy, by the way. And you’re Willow, right? I remember meeting you.” She sighed. “Look, take it from me, these are genuinely good people. You can trust them. All right? I know you hardly know me, but I’ll promise you that if it makes you feel better.”

I looked up and made eye contact, but I didn’t say anything.

“Coulson says you have abilities, right?” She smiled. “I do, too. I know how weird this all seems, the Index, trying to control them, feeling like you have to hide. You don’t have to do that here, okay? We’ve all seen some pretty weird shit.”

I heard footsteps in the hallway beyond the lab and turned and watched the door, where about five seconds later, Agent Simmons entered again. “What are you doing bothering her?” she exclaimed to Daisy. “She needs her rest!”

“Nah, we’re friends already,” Daisy said. “Right?”

By now, neither of them seemed to expect a response. “I have to take one more blood sample,” said Agent Simmons. “Is that all right?”

I held out my arm and looked away as she poked it with the needle, which Daisy watched the scientist. “Jeez, she’s not going to have any left at this rate,” she joked.

“Coulson asked me to be thorough,” Agent Simmons huffed. “I’m sorry to keep sticking you like this,” she said to me. “We just wanted to make sure we don’t miss anything.”

They hung out longer, the two of them chatting back and forth as Agent Simmons ran the samples. Eventually, Agent Fitz returned to the lab as well and when I fell asleep again, the three of them were joking around about something one of their friends had done. I found myself wondering if Peter had gotten my message by now, if Ned knew what happened, or Jessica. What happens now?

Agent Johnson must have noticed me watching them, because she waved a hand, motioning me over. “You can sit over here if you’d like.” Agent Simmons shot her a look and Agent Johnson scoffed at her. “It’s just across the room.”

“Coulson said…”

“Her… uh… powers…” Agent Fitz interrupted.

“You’re not going to do your airbending or whatever, are you?” Agent Johnson asked me. “See? She’s fine. Come on.”

I slowly climbed out of the hospital bed and walked over to the lab bench they were sitting at, putting up a stool. I picked at a loose thread on the hospital gown while the others let me into the circle. They continued to talk about random things, missions, or whatever, pretending like I was a normal part of the conversation even though I still hadn’t said a word. The three of them stayed late until Agent Johnson got called away and Agent Simmons sent me back to bed, mock-horrified when she saw how late it had gotten.

“Shame they’re picking her up tomorrow,” I overheard Agent Fitz say as I lay my head down on the crinkly pillow. “Think Daisy likes having another powered person around. Even if she doesn’t say much.”

“Hasn’t said anything,” Agent Simmons murmured. “Don’t know how they plan to interview her tomorrow.”

Who’s coming tomorrow? And why? Where am I going now?

“You know, Romanoff used to be a SHIELD agent,” said Agent Fitz.

“Everybody knows that.”

“I didn’t in the beginning.”

“That’s because you’re clueless about those things.”

“Am not!”

I shut my eyes and tried to block out the rest of the lab and get some sleep. One hour at a time, even if I couldn’t imagine living the way I was anymore. One hour at a time. I didn’t care enough to escape, and I didn’t have anywhere to escape to. I was stuck with whatever this was, whoever was coming, even if I didn’t see the point in any of it. I’m not worth all this. I did what I set out to do. What happens next, I don’t care. If I had died at that base, that would have been okay, too. Maybe it would have been for the better.

#ww writing #willow wren #daisy johnson #leo fitz #jemma simmons #phil coulson

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lovemesomesurveys · 4 years

Text

1. List 5 things you want to do before the year ends. I’d love to just be able to go to the beach and relax, but that won’t happen. That was the only place I could feel relaxed. Beaches have reopened, but the hours are limited and you can’t just sit/lay there like you used to be able to. You can only walk around. And anyway, the fact we’re still very much in the thick of this whole thing I don’t feel safe or comfortable going places yet or being around people. I wouldn’t feel relaxed at all.

2. What color are your pants? I’m wearing black leggings.

3. Favorite motivational quote. Meh.

4. When was the last time you drank coffee? I’m drinking a Starbucks Doubleshot energy drink, which as the can says is a “energy coffee beverage.”

5. What was the last thing you ate? Ramen.

6. Favorite animal. Giraffes! <<< Aww, saaaame. And doggos. (:

7. Favorite song. I couldn’t just choose one favorite.

8. Last movie you watched? I’m completely blanking at the moment in regards to the last movie, but I’ve binged a lot of a couple shows on Netflix recently.

9. Any turn ons? Nice smelling cologne.

10. Any turn offs? Cockiness and arrogance.

11. List 4 big words off of the top of your head. Claustrophobia, arachnophobia, agoraphobia, tryphophobia.

12. What are some meaningful movies? Hmm.

13. 2 most important people in your life right now? God and my family. Yep, I’m grouping my family cause I couldn’t just choose 2.

14. What are 3 things you want to do before the month ends? Let’s be real- I won’t be doing anything.

15. When was the last time you read a good book? I’m almost done with one called, “Never Walk Alone” by Willow Rose.

16. How long do you study for usually, if you study? I spend about 20 minutes to an hour when doing my Bible studies.

17. Do you have any nicknames? Just Steph and Sis.

18. Favorite kind of perfume? (fruity, alluring, etc.) I like certain fruity and sweet ones, ones with patchouli, and beachy and autumnal scents from B&BW.

19. Do you have any international friends / friends who live out of state? Those of us in this survey community live all over.

20. What is something unique that you do every single day? Probably that I have a bowl of ramen of every night.

21. If there was a movie based on your life, what would it be called? A series of unfortunate events <– Pretty damn accurate. Lmao. <<< Lol, I’ve made that joke before, too. I also find it quite fitting for my life.

22. When was the last time you bought a gift for someone? Last month.

23. Are you a shopaholic? I was. My online shopping got out of hand the last few years, too. However, I’ve actually been pretty good this year so far.

24. What are some songs that always make you feel better? Upbeat and catchy songs help in the moment. Sad, emo, relatable songs can help as well, though. Sometimes just shouting along to “I’m Not Okay” saying, “I’M NOT OKAY, I’M NOT O-FUCKING-KAY!” or something can feel good. ha. Need some good angst.

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself. Surveys, reading, and listening to ASMR.

26. If you could live in any biome (and survive) which biome would you live in? I don’t think I’d last long in any biome.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning? Uh, I don’t.

28. How was your day? What did you do? It’s only about 330 in the morning, but so far it’s been fine. I’ve had my bowl of ramen, scrolled some through Tumblr, watched YouTube videos, and now I’m doing surveys and listening to ASMR.

29. What did your last text message say? I sent my brother a TikTok video that reminded me of our doggo.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly? It depends.

31. Who was the last person you called? My mom.

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list. I don’t knowwww.

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for? I wouldn’t be famous. I’m not that special or talented. <<< Same. I don’t want to be famous anyway.

34. Winter or summer? Winter, HANDS DOWN.

35. What is a quality that all people should have? Empathy would be great.

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be? I already have a large collection of giraffe stuffed animals, books, key chains, and graphic tees. I don’t have room for more.

37. What have you been thinking about lately? My mind is always a jumbled mess with a lot of stuff that is always on my mind from my health, family, and just life in general. But this year has and continues to give me a lot to think about as well.

38. What is the secret to a happy life? Ha, you’re asking the wrong person.

39. What are some phrases you say often? I know I have my many “Stephanieisms”, but I always seem to blank when asked this question.

40. Favorite food? Ramen, scrambled eggs with shredded cheese, spinach, and green onion, Wingstop garlic parm and lemon pepper boneless wings, spaghetti and meatballs, pasta salads, pesto pasta, deli sandwiches, and baked potatoes.

41. List 3 wishes. I feel like you’ve asked me this in different ways a few times now.

42. What are some of your greatest fears? Losing my loved ones, death, never getting better/getting worse, never doing anything with my life and just wasting away...stuff like that.

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? Some stuff for the last Bible study I did.

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)? Beautiful beaches and mountainous areas. I went on a gondola last year that took us up over 9,000ft and the views were breathtaking.

45. Spicy food:Like or dislike? I used to be obSESSED with spicy food, but I haven’t been able to eat it for a few years now due to some health reasons. It sucks. :/

46. Scary movies:Like or dislike? I love ‘em. I used to be a big baby, but I did a complete switch a few years ago.

47. Do you like to travel? Yes.

48. Any regrets? I have a lot of those.

49. Do you like rain? I love the rain.

50. What do you spend most of your money on? It used to be food or clothes, but this year I haven’t been doing a lot of shopping.

51. Would you rather visit the past or the future? Past.

52. Favorite clothing store? Hot Topic and BoxLunch.

53. What is the best advice you can give to those who are feeling down? I’m always feeling down, so I’m not the one to ask about that either.

54. How often do you think about your future? Does it scare you? The future terrifies me. My mind is more wrapped up in current and past stuff.

55. What angers you the most? Injustice and corruption.

56. When was the last time you got majorly angry? In my personal life, it’s been awhile since I’ve been angry. I get irritated and frustrated very easily, though.

57. When was the last time you got really sad? Sadness is one of my personality traits.

58. Are you good at lying? I used to be when it came to lying and downplaying about myself like with how I’m doing and really feeling, but my emotions took control. I still downplay and leave things out, but it’s obvious I’m not doing well.

59. What foreign language would you like to learn? I’d like to be fluent in Spanish. I’ve been wanting to brush up and start practicing again.

60. How many languages can you speak and what are they? I’m only fluent in English, but I can speak some Spanish.

61. How often do you go to parties? If you don’t, what do you do instead? I stay at home.

62. What books do you plan to read this year? I’ve read several this year and I plan to read several more.

63. Do you have breakfast every morning? Nope. Very rarely these days since I sleep until like 3PM everyday. Sometimes I’ll have breakfast foods for a late lunch or dinner, though.

64. Tell us a secret. Nah.

65. How many concerts have you been to? Seven.

66. Last hug? My doggo. I haven’t hugged a person in months.

67. Who knows you better than anyone else? You guys, probably. ha.

68. Baths or showers? Showers.

69. Do you think you’re ambitious? I haven’t been for a long time...

70. What song is stuck in your head? None at the moment.

71. Countries you’ve visited? Mexico. Besides my own, of course.

72. What do you most value in your friends? Understanding and low maintenance. 73. What helps you to sleep better? Listening to/watching ASMR can help.

74. What is the most money you have ever held in your hand? 1k.

75. What makes you nervous? A lot of things. 76. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? Hmm.

77. Is it easier to forgive or forget? I always forgive but never forget. <<<

78. First mobile phone? A gray Motorola flip phone.

79. Strangest dream? I have a lot of those.

80. Best dream? Hmm.

81. Who is the smartest person you know? My younger brother.

82. Who is the prettiest person on tumblr? All of you.

83. Do you miss anyone right now? Loved ones who have passed away.

84. Who do you love? Why? I love my family. They’re my everything.

85. Do you like sharing? Sharing what?

86. What was the last picture you took with your phone? Probably of my doggo.

87. Is there a reason behind everything that happens? I believe so.

88. Favorite genre of music? I like variety. 89. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be? Mess.

90. Describe your life in 5 words. Nahhh.

91. Describe the world in 4 words. Nahhh.

92. Craziest thing you’ve ever done? I’m boring.

93. First three songs in your favorite playlist? I’m not checking right now.

94. Are you more creative or logical? Logical. I wish I was creative.

95. Would you rather lie or hurt someone with the truth? I mean, it kind of depends. If it’s something serious and they need to know, then I’d have to tell them even though it would be hard and could hurt them.

96. What are you most proud of? I don’t feel proud of myself for anything.

97. What personality trait do you admire in other people? Those who are driven.

98. When you imagine yourself as really, really relaxed and happy, what are you doing? I’m at the beach, just staring out into the ocean while listening to the waves crash in and out and feeling the cool ocean air on my face, breathing it in.

99. How do you usually start a conversation? I usually don’t, ha. But I suppose with a “hey” or something of the sort.

100. What is the best news you could hear right now? That it was all just a horrible dream. <<< Oh man. If only.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

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opheliathedreamer-blog · 5 years

Text

OKCryptid // Pt. 3 { Ghoul }

You decided to linger over one of your lower percentage matches out of curiosity. It consisted mainly of nighttime stills of the graveyard at the outskirts of the city and sound bites of popular Gothic rock bands. He didn’t post a photo of himself. The only hint you received as to his identity was that he was a male non-human of unspecified age whose name was Grindel. The tone of his profile description (Location: The Void. Occupation: Feasting on corpses overlooked by the machine) would have given you cause for concern if it weren’t for rare glimpses of his sardonic humor (Mood: Wake Me Up Inside).

You debated whether you should message him for a few moments before deciding to take the plunge. If he seemed a bit too off, you could always block him.

You: Evanescence fan?

Grindel: Unironically? Never

You snorted.

You: Given the spooky aesthetic, I thought you would be

You: Which I like btw

You: There are a lot of gravestones on your profile

You: Are you into history?

Grindel: Of a sort

You: It a secret?

Grindel: Yes

Grindel: I wouldn’t want to have to kill you

Although you rationalized that he must have meant it as a joke, a shiver raced up your spine. You didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Hell, your neighbor was married to an ogre that was at least twice his size, but, much to your chagrin, you couldn’t help but remember your parents’ stern warnings— Monsters can wear their masks in public but nothing’s changed. Our ancestors made us wary of them for a reason.

Grindel: Where do you live?

Of course his next question didn’t alleviate your anxiety in the slightest. Icy tendrils slithered around your heart, and you debated following your plan B and blocking him, before your fingers typed a message of their own accord. Curiosity killed the cat, or so they say.

You: The abyss. It’s right next door to the void. Can’t miss it

Grindel: Nice

Grindel: I see you too work in the food industry?

You: A bartender, yeah

You: Crappy job but it’s temporary

You: I’m still looking for an artifact restoration position someplace local that doesn’t call for thousands of years of experience

Grindel: Are you interested in history then?

You: Of a sort

Two can play at this game, you thought. After he didn’t respond for five minutes, you pocketed your phone and started to load your washer before you felt it vibrate. He had responded by attaching a photo of a dilapidated mausoleum. A cracked stone family crest displayed a raven holding a chalice in its talons.

Your tension concerning his previous comments gradually melted away. This was an area in which you thrived. The carvings had to have been at least three centuries old, possibly older. It was, however, hard to tell due to the copious amounts of lichen and ivy decorating the tomb.

Grindel: This belonged to the Korbin family. The last heir, Emelia Korbin, died in 1876. Since then, no one seems to pay attention to it.

You: That’s a shame. I bet it was stunning in its hay day.

You: Is this from the cemetery in town?

You: I never knew it housed anything this old

Grindel: There’s a lot of things people can overlook

Grindel: Past things often fade away in the dark

Grindel: I look after them though

Your ears all but pricked. Was that a clue?

You: So, you’re a groundskeeper?

Grindel: Undergroundskeeper

You mentally repeated the word, brow furrowing. Undergroundskeeper. Did he help construct coffins? Did the mausoleum vaults descend that far?

Or did he live underground? You knew some bat people and cave fae who were particularly sensitive to light. That would explain why all his photos were taken well after the sun had gone down.

Before you could offer a possible answer to the mystery, you glanced at your phone’s clock and saw that your shift started in half an hour. Cursing under your breath, you ran towards the door.

You: Sorry shift starts soon

You: I’ll text you later

Grindel: Thank you

Although you hadn’t the time to reply, the odd nature of his statement kept your thoughts turning. Not “okay. Not “all right, ttyl.” He said, “thank you.” A part of you started to feel sympathy for the secretive monster. It seemed that not many took the time to get to know him.

You went through the motions at work, chatting with the regulars and painting on a smile whenever someone outstayed their welcome. The bouncer, a minotaur named Frank, was pretty good at looking out for everyone, but that didn’t mean you hadn’t experienced a few lewd comments and wandering hands.

You normally brushed it off and went about your night, head down and ears closed, but that night one of the patrons, a troll who had one too many, was far too insistent for comfort. You had told him you weren’t interested for the sixth time that evening and politely excused yourself in order to go wave down Frank before the troll’s calloused hand shot out and wrapped around your neck. Your breath caught in your chest as he pulled you forward. The scent of vodka and whatever trollish mead he had been pouring into it stung your nose. You weakly struggled as his tusks scraped against your face in an attempt at a kiss.

You sent a silent prayer that someone would intervene and, a few seconds later, a few orc bikers that were regulars pulled him off. The troll growled something in his native tongue and threw a few punches. You watched in relief as Frank ran over and got him in a headlock from behind. One of the bikers—Zadok, you thought it was—bellowed at you to call the police.

The troll paled, blurry eyes rapidly blinking. He stopped struggling. “Whateva.’ Ah’ll leave. Jus’ let go o’ me.”

Zadok looked at you. “You want to press charges on this asshole?”

You looked at him, hand over your racing heart, and remembered a news headline from days prior. There was a robbery at a convenience store. Just some teenage kids sneaking around and trying to pilfer some booze. The elf got off scot free. The troll with him was sentenced to five years in prison because the police insisted that the necklace he wore, a collection of claws and fangs from kills starting after his coming-of-age ceremony, was a weapon.

You thickly swallowed and shook your head. “He’s drunk. Just let him go.”

Frank escorted him out, yelling after him that if he saw him in there again, he would call the cops. You glanced down at the counter and realized your splayed hands were faintly trembling. Glaring, you clenched them into fists and wrapped your arms around your middle, breathing deeply, in and out.

“Hey,” Zadok softly began.

You turned your head so sharply that the orc winced. “You okay?” he asked.

You exhaled roughly through your nose, nodding. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay.”

“It’s almost closing time, and the boys and I ain’t got nowhere to be. Want us to help you home?”

“Nah. I know you have to work tomorrow, and Marnie’ll be worried. I’ll just call an Uber or something.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.

He didn’t look convinced but let any budding arguments die with a sigh. “Kay. Take care of yourself, all right, Y/N?”

“You too, Zadok. Thank you.”

Those who had witnessed the altercation went out of their way to leave extra tips and, when the Lagoon finally closed, Frank volunteered to drive you home himself. However, despite your previous promise to call an Uber, you found that the crisp night air was clearing your head. Your body was also so full of adrenaline that you feared if you were driven home and tried to sleep, you’d stay up all night thinking about it.

You thought back to the old cemetery. A foolish thing, perhaps, but your hobbies had always done wonders in alleviating your stress. You had your phone, and you had pepper spray hidden in your back pocket. And, with how taut your muscles felt, you thought you could outrun anything. Besides, you wanted to see the mausoleum for yourself.

Frank thought it was a terrible idea once you told him but, knowing how stubborn you were, he made you promise to text him once you arrived and once you were safely home. If he didn’t hear from you in twenty minutes, the time it would take for you to walk there, he said he was calling the police. You reassured him that you would and then set out for your walk.

The chilly weather caused you to huddle inside your hoody for warmth, but you appreciated the full moon and the scarce stars that could be seen through the haze of light pollution. The more you walked, the more you relaxed. As you texted Frank updates, you actually felt your eyelids droop. It had been a long night. After a few moments of looking, you’d head back home.

Upon reaching the cemetery, you drank everything in—the languid shadows birthed by the yellowed moonlight, the mournfully swaying weeping willows, the damp grass and time-stained stone, the scent of decaying flowers, incense, and overturned soil. You were surprised to notice how many prominent non-human families were there. You even saw a Baron or two, one an elf and the other a goblin. You silently wished you had brought a notebook so you could jot down dates and try engraving some of the more battered headstones, but you promised yourself you would return in the daylight.

You were leaning downward, poised to take a picture of the late Yera Offley’s stone, featuring her battle-ready relief, when you saw an approaching shadow out of your periphery. Remembering the previous events of the evening, you ducked behind a nearby mausoleum and waited. The quadrupedal creature drew closer. You hid your phone’s bright screen against your chest. No sound heralded its coming, and that somehow frightened you more than its actual presence.

“You should have known better than to loiter in graveyards at night,” a throaty rasp announced. “Didn’t I warn you? If I found one more of you children defacing the graves, there would be the Underworld to pay.”

You fumbled with your back pocket.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are.”

When you finally retrieved the pepper spray, you struggled with the safety release and dropped the can.

“Shit!” you hissed under your breath.

You reached for it and saw another hand emerge. Its elongated, emaciated fingers were tipped with ivory claws, and fine hair grew on its knuckles and what you glimpsed of its palm. Your breath caught in your chest, and you reeled back with wide eyes. It was gangly and faintly humanoid, even though it seemed to prefer traveling on all fours, and was clothed in a tattered button-up and trousers. Its ears were large and tapered into points, and its red eyes were a stark contrast to its colorless skin. Its nose, which consisted of two raw slits, flared and its mouth, filled with sharp, yellow teeth, shut with a snap.

You barely registered that you were hyperventilating until your head grew light and black spots danced in your vision. The creature retreated and held out up both its hands placatingly.

“Calm down, Y/N. I’m sorry. I thought you were someone else... I won’t hurt you.” It slowly retrieved the can of pepper spray and offered it to you. “Here. It’s all right.”

Seeing that it wasn’t going to eat you outright, you slowly accepted the proffered can and forced your breathing to slow.

“How do you know my name?”

It canted its head to the side. “The same way you know mine.”

You tried to organize your scrambled thoughts until it hit you. Undergroundskeeper. Cemetery pictures. Past things often fade away in the dark. I look after them, though. Grindel, one of your matches on that ridiculous dating app, was a ghoul.

“You’re not supposed to be real,” you said. Ghouls were a legend, a myth, a creature that humans and monsters alike referenced in scary stories to discourage rebellious teens from disrespecting the dead.

“And you wonder why I don’t advertise what I am,” he snorted. “There are monsters that even monsters fear.”

You thought back to his listed occupation status: Feasting on corpses overlooked by the machine. You had thought it was a grunge reference, but he meant it literally. You shakily chuckled. A living myth was in front of you, one who killed grave robbers and could supposedly travel to and fro between the mortal realm and the Underworld.

And you had matched with him 65%. The incredulity of it wasn’t lost on you.

He blinked, seemingly confused. “What?”

“I’m tired, terrified, and in disbelief at the fact that the cryptid among cryptids took the time to install a dating app.”

He glanced downward. “Tch, All the other ones have emerged. I thought…” He waved his skeletal hand vaguely before he shook his head. Thin, cracked lips frowned. “Ah, what was I thinking? If the others face persecution, the guardians of the dead will only face that much more.”

You grew silent at his morose tone, and a part of you felt sympathetic. You remembered how he thanked you when you told him you would talk to him again.

“Maybe... but I think if there are people brave enough to get to know you, minds will change.” You paused and added, “Like mine. I... I’d like to get to know you.”

He surveyed your face in disbelief before his eyes landed on your neck. He slowly reached forward a hand. You gasped, more out of surprise than fear, as you registered his cold hands. His claws, which could most likely rend bloated flesh like a scissor could paper, rested on your skin as softly as a breeze.

“Who did this?” he murmured. His breath smelt of carrion. You tried to ignore it, but your stomach still instinctively curled.

“What?”

“There’s a bruise here.”

“Oh.” You exhaled. “Just some drunk asshole at work. It bad?”

“It depends on your definition of bad.”

You cracked a smile. “You’re always so damn cryptic.”

His sharp teeth winked in the shadows as he returned a roguish grin. “Mysteries are no fun if they are solved right away.” His grin faded and he withdrew. “Still, I apologize for that. You weren’t kidding when you said it was a crappy job.”

“Don’t be sorry. I told you it’s only temporary.”

You placed the can back in your pocket and slowly rose to your feet. Your legs briefly wobbled. Grindel reached up to help you stabilize.

“Are you all right?”

You nodded, barking a short laugh. “It’s been a ride. My body’s still trying to catch up.” After texting Frank another reassurance that you were all right, you turned to your newfound companion. “Grindel?”

“Yes, Y/N?”

“The initial reason I came here was to see the Korbin mausoleum. Could you take me to it?”

“Of course.”

Pictures couldn’t do it justice. The Romanesque carvings were breath-taking, and Grindel showed you a secret passage into the tomb, where you were able to read walls of names and observe countless bas reliefs of the harpy family.

“You like it?”

“I love it. I’ll have to come back with some of my notebooks. I’d love to do research on them. They must have so many stories to tell.”

“You’ll come back?”

The fragile hope in his voice tugged at your heart. Before you realized what you were doing, you knelt down and wrapped your arms around his neck. His skin was still as frigid as you remember, and it was disturbing how you could feel every rib and bump in his spine. However, your sympathy outweighed every other thought when Grindel carefully returned your embrace, hands hovering just above your hoody. If you were still a little frightened, then he was terrified of this fragile tie between the two of you.

You mustered up the courage to turn your head and gently press your lips to his sharp cheekbone. He sharply inhaled. His breath still testified to his unorthodox diet, but you found you could grow used to that, too.

“I promise.”

@thetravelerwrites, @ban23

#ghoul x reader #okcryptid #male monster #gender neutral reader #exophilia #okay I am definitely doing more with Grindel in the future #he is so fun to write #and I hope all of you enjoyed him too!#I'm glad I was able to get this out to you early

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eye-raq · 6 years

Text

Ember 4

Erik [code name Golden Jaguar ] x Black OC [name is Kimora but her code name is Ember]

Warnings: SMUT NSFW kink Phone sex cam sex SLOW BURN.

Summary: Erik becomes infatuated and obsessed with a live cam girl by the name of Ember, and all the way in NY, Ember is feeling the same towards Golden Jaguar.

This is gonna be a slow burn, so that means the anticipation is REAL between these two. I hope you guys enjoy and thanks so much for the reviews.

Ember Ember 2 Ember 3

“You are enough to drive a saint to madness or a king to his knees” - Grace Willows

Splash!!!! *honk honk*

“You fucking asshole!!!” Kimora wouldn’t have been so upset if she would have watched her footing, face buried in her Stephen King IT book while walking down W 50th Street. It had just stopped raining and she decided to leave her job at the MET early to get home and rest up. She wore a thrifted pleated plaid skirt today with a black sheer holographic top with a cropped denim jacket, no bra. Her legs all the way down to her platform dock martens were drenched and she stopped to take a minute to breath, the other New Yorkers around her not paying any attention.

“I just really wanna go home now...” she made her way to the subway station as quick as she could, hoping to catch the A train to East Harlem in enough time. Making her way into the subway station she speed pass the crowd of people just 2 seconds away from missing the train. Relief washed over Kimora as she entered, squeezing pass a group of tourists. She decided to travel to the furthest cart to avoid bumping into wet people.

Kimora tiredly sat down near a window seat watching the train fly through the tunnel out of her graffiti stained window. Her mind wondered to Golden Jaguar as she relaxed, that being the 10th time it happened to her since two days ago. She thought about him living all the way in LA before they’re line cut, body still aching from the heated conversation. She bit at her glossy plump bottom lip, blush creeping up her neck making her hot.

{I love sucking some pussy miss Ember}

She opened up her live cam account on the train, noticing automatically that she had an inbox full of about 200 messages. Her interest was only on one person who ever he really was, scrolling through 30 new messages landing on about 5 of his. She chuckled at his eagerness, reading them in her head:

-Miss Ember I’ve been thinking about you heavy...I wonder how you treating that pussy right now...I miss you on live cam today.

-Damn girl is it embarrassing to say I dreamt of you last night? It was some wild shit too.

-I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that you live in NY, why you gotta be so damn far? Do daddy gotta come to you?

-Am I being pushy...you can be honest with a nigga. It’s just you do things to me ma...you got me in my feelings forreal lol

-Is it possible if I could have your number? I’m being bold right now and usually I don’t beg but I really wanna hear your sweet little voice again outside of this live cam shit. I promise, you don’t have to show your face or tell me who you are if your not ready baby girl.

She pondered, blood red tips tapping at her phone screen wondering if she should do it. Finally shrugging her shoulders letting out a quiet laugh, she sent him her number, nervous feeling creeping up almost instantly. It didn’t take long for a reply, only 5 mimutes later he sent [ 😈 ] and she was afraid to know what that meant exactly. Golden Jaguar being the demanding guy he is called her, and she knew it had to be him because of the area code. She looked about her, noticing an elderly man slumped from sleep diagonal to her. She had a little time so she picked up the phone letting out a sigh.

“So you just couldn’t wait to hear me speak again huh?” His baritone voice laughed tiredly on the other line before he groaned moving in the background. “Nah, you should be glad you have that kind of affect on people girl.” She smiled brushing a curly strand from her face. “ I am glad...is there anything I can help you with Daddy..”she spoke that low, “I’m kinda tied up right now I’m on the train.”

“Shid, so what?” She laughed louder now, “Oh so you REALLY bold all the way in LA huh?” “Just ease your mind that’s all I’m saying...let daddy do the talking okay?” Kimora paused, nervously looking about hoping that no one peaked through to watch her. “Okay...this how you wanna do it, ’ll play along to your little game Daddy.” There was silence for a second then his raspy commanding voice spoke out in her ear, “Watchu got on right now? I wanna picture it.”

Kimora scanned her body quick, “a see through top with a plaid skirt” Erik hummed in approval, leaning back in his swivel chair at his office in the shop he owned. “When you say see through what the fuck that mean?” She ran a single finger over her left nipple, feeling it stiffen before speaking low and clear into the phone, “No bra, just my bare chest against the fabric.”

“Mmm. Let me picture that shit...you got some big ass titties too and I bet they straining against that top you got on, begging to be free...free in this fucking mouth. You just love teasing people don’t you?” “You loving it though Daddy...” Erik nodded his head, a smile gracing his lips, “I’m doing more than loving it miss thing..stop tryna change the subject though, how short is that skirt?” She stroked the hem of her skirt pulling at it longingly, “it’s really short...if I bend over on this train right now this juicy ass and pussy would be out for everybody to see.” Erik had to sit up in his chair, booted foot knocking down rough scetches of car engines.

He ran his hand across the top of his braided dreads, eyebrows raised and dick causing his cargo pants to grow uncomfortably. He could see that shit now teasing him like a naughty school girl. “Fuck-FUCK. Girl you lucky I’m not there witchu. The fuck you doing walking around with a little skirt on and no panties? You asking for it. Is that shit wet?”

Kimora bit down on her lip, slowly lifting up one of her wet legs, feeling her moist center spread apart from the stretch. She dipped a single manicured finger into her slit, bringing it to her face seeing her slimy wetness. “Let’s just say that tongue of yours would have a lot of slurping to do; my shit is dripping right now...and it’s only from talking to you.” She sucked on her finger before smiling hard, nail grazing her plump bottom lip.

“You a nasty little slut you know that right Ember? For now on I’m gonna start calling your fine ass my NASTY LITTLE SLUT. How’s that sound?” Her heart tightened and her pussy quivered, almost wetting the seat under her. “I can be your nasty little slut, your nasty little freak, your nasty little whore, your nasty little bitch, what ever you want Daddy I can be.” Erik slouched in his seat, legs spread bringing his hand to cup his erection.

His eyes were lowered in lust, and his teeth gripped his bottom lip hard. “Let’s finish this game then...I want you to play with that pussy. Spread them fucking legs and dig in that pussy. Your gonna cum too I don’t care where you are my little slut.”

Kimora went to spread her legs but stopped suddenly when the door to the train opened and in came a tall guy with deep brown skin, hair cut with his curly top colored blonde, basketball shorts and muscle T-shirt on like he care from the court. His eyes landed on her for a second, scanning her with a soft smile before seating himself facing her near the door.

She freaked out for a second but his voice brought her back to attention. “I hope your doing what daddy told you to do.” She cleared her throat speaking low, “um... there’s somebody here...they can see me.” Erik kisses his teeth on the other line, chuckling low, “They wanna sit there give them a show, I don’t care Daddy wanna hear you moaning in my ear. DO IT my little fucking slut..”

Kimora raised her right leg over the top of the seat, hand slowly lowering to her pussy. The guy in front of her lifted his eyes to her doing a double take when he saw her with her leg stretched, a look of lust on her face. Kimora spread her lower lips with her fingers, taking her middle finger to rub at her stiff clit quickly. She met the guys eyes, and saw him giving her a gaze that dared her to stop, taking his earphones out of his ear. Erik’s voice brought her back to attention causing her to jump.

“Does it feel good? Answer me yes baby...” “yesss” Erik moaned in her ear, “that soft wet pussy. Stroke that clit baby. Imagine me tweaking that clit with my fingers. Are you quivering? Is your guest enjoying it?” Kimora bit at her lip, moaning hard, eyes stuck on the cute guy in front of her, she scanned him noticing his stiffness becoming even more wet. The guy bit down on his lip, adjusting himself, lifting his shirt a little showing his tattoo covered abs. He tilted his head up some, trying to peak at her motions and it turned Kimora on even more, having his voice in her ear and this strangers eyes on her. She aloud the guy to see, spreading out more so that his tall frame can get a glimps. She took note of his flustered skin and her body couldn’t take hearing Erik talk dirty while this mysterious cuties eyes roamed her body like prey.

Her belly fluttered from her overworking, head falling back and right leg loosing balance on the top of the seat. She needed to cum fast and now, her stop almost coming up. “Dig in that pussy my little slut, fuck up those walls. You wanna fuck me dont you?” Kimora nodded her head, “yes daddy... fuckkkkkkkk” She placed her fingers in her pussy, stroking fast causing the guy in front of her to dig his hands in his pants, rubbing at his dick.

The scene was intense and it was suprising that the sleeping man didn’t wake up. She placed her right hand on her outer lips spreading herself further to get more access, it was a euphoric high and she was about to cum. “I bet that pussy about to leak isn’t it? Damn I wish I was there to drink it up...make that pussy cum on that train...leave that messy shit there for people to see.”

Kimora tilted her lower body off the seat, limbs shaking as she whimpered, squirting all over the seat and floor. The guy in front of her sat shocked, face stuck on her. She breathed out quick, placing her fingers in her mouth, sighing. “Fuck babygirl. How does it taste? I know your nasty ass sucking on them fingers.” Kimora laughed, hearing her stop coming as she lifted from the seat, “yeah I love the taste of my pussy.” She adjusted her skirt and hair, walking to the exit. She turned to the guy still stuck in shock, cum stain in his pants giving him a wink before exiting to the platform.

—————————————————————

Kimora was in the middle of doing a yoga stance, finally washed after being in that sticky rain. She put her wet hair up in a top knot, body covered in a tight body suit with her plump ass hanging out. She needed to relive her body from tension and after hanging up with Golden Jaguar she needed to clear her mind. She never publicly pleased herself with someone watching. It was the most intense thing she had ever experienced and she craved for more, definitely planning to give him another call tonight before bed.

________________________________________________

Erik was in his home gym doing pull ups while his music blasted in the background. He needed some kind of workout that he missed out on lately because of Ember, more than ready to take a bath and talk to her again. He went to work out his chest now, watching his sweaty body flex in the mirror.

—————————————————————-

“Where are you right now Daddy..” Kimora sat cross legged on her bed, clad in a white baby tanktop and high waist cotton panties. She looked refreshed and beautiful as always. “I’m taking a bath right now baby girl..” she moaned licking at her lips, picking up her glass of Alize sitting on her night Stan. “I bet that killer body you got is all glossy and soapy...I can’t help that I wish I was there to join you...” “close your eyes and imagine you sitting between my legs, hair pinned up and my lips French kissing down your neck and my tongue, leaving a trail of bites and spit.”

Kimora closed her eyes, an angelic look of longing overtaking her black beauty. “I can see that Daddy...your hard body pressed against my back, dick rubbing against my ass...imagine me grinding on it, bringing your hand to grip my pussy.”

Erik picked up his bottle of Henny, smile plastered to his lips and dreads crinkled and messy all over his head. “What you want me to do next? You want me to finger you deep or you want me to rub at that clit?” “I want you to finger me..fill me with those thick fingers you got I wanna feel full.” Erik ran his soapy hand across the back of his neck tongue wetting his lips, “have you always been this freaky? Like damn you a freaky bitch... I like that shit though.”

He ran his hand along his dick under the hot water, “I wonder how deep that pussy go, I plan on burying my shit inside you deep girl. I can see you now riding my dick in this jacuzzi tub...you like to ride dick? Or you like back shots?” Kimora pondered that for a moment, “I really like back shots more...I like my man to control my motions and the feeling of my ass clapping against him feels so damn good. The stretch of my pussy around the dick is fucking amazing. I haven’t been fucked like that in a while.”

“Damn it’s like that? Shit when you with me you’ll get fucked whenever you please...Fuck that pussy up as many times as you want, make that pussy cum as many times as you can give me. I don’t give up, and I damn sure don’t disappoint. That’s why you need this dick girl I’ll have that pussy straight in no time.” Kimora was so intrigued by this dude and she didn’t even know him, she wanted him so damn bad it felt unreal and she couldn’t stand it. “I want you to stroke your dick for me daddy. Cum for me like my pussy wrapped around that big dick.” Erik smiled, gripping his dick tight and stroking it slow. He closed his eyes longingly, mind stuck on Miss Ember as he worked his dick, hips grinding causing the water to shift and splash.

“How does my pussy feel daddy? Is it holding that dick in a vice grip? Is it wet and slippery? Tell me daddy I wanna know how I’m making you feel right now.” Kimora picked up her bullet vibrator, turning it on the highest speed to stimulate her clit. She didn’t bother to take off her panties as she pressed it to her center, automatically arching from the bed. “It feels so fucking good my little slut..your fucking daddy dick just how I like it...please go faster, I want that pussy to glide quick across this thick dick.”

Kimora felt her stomach tighten and she cursed from the intense pressure, “mmmmm Daddy that damn dick, I love daddy dick. Does daddy love his little sluts pussy? Is it the best pussy you ever had huh?” Erik moaned, head falling back against the wet wall, “I love this slick tight pussy...daddy loves it so much you got that good kitty kat. Fuckkkkk-shitttt” Erik couldn’t fucking take it, the friction from the water was giving him the best stroke and he couldn’t contain his jerking body. “Only your pussy can make daddy feel like this, only your pretty pink pussy can grind on this dick deep and long like that, fucking slut...FUCKING NASTY SLUT....oh shit..”

Erik was out of control, legs lifting from the soapy depths toes curling along the tub. “Cum with me daddy, cum with me please...I want you to cum deep in this pussy...I promise I won’t let it drip out, I will let this pussy take every single drop Daddy.” Erik was lost in her words letting out loud streaks of curse words before cumming in the bath, watching it swirl with the vanilla scented soap. Kimora pressed the vibrator in further, feeling her wetness coat her fresh panties. Erik struggled to gain his breath, while Kimora layed back in awe, smile gracing her lips.

“Do you always have this affect on women?” She asked, finally lifting to remove her panties and drink her Alize. Erik snorted a laughter which made her heart flutter, taking up his Henny again, “Yeah, I cant help that y’all women love me.” Kimora rolled her eyes into her head at his arrogance, “Yeah well I’ll have you know that I steal the hearts of mean and women mr Golden Jaguar.” Erik lifted a messy eyebrow, a half smirk gracing his beautiful mouth littered in gold, “oh so you put those pretty lips on pussy too?” Kimora blushed, “only my best friend...but I’ve had some pretty lips on me several times..it’s nothing wrong with that.” Erik stroked his beard, approving this new information about Miss Ember.”

“Okay...I have a request ma...and I want you to think about it before you decide to shut it down aight?” Kimora finished the rest of her drink, clearing her throat before speaking, “Okay...what do you wish.” Erik thought about what he wanted to say, finally finding the questions hoping she would answer them. “Aight..so every time we talk..I get to ask two questions about you and you do the same for me. It can be any question and you have the choice if you wanna answer it. How’s that sound?”

Kimora didn’t answer right away, chewing at her bottom lip nervously. She liked him, and she couldn’t lie that it didn’t make her mind wonder who he was and what he liked...she accepted, putting her faith into this but not wanting to give too much away, not now. “Okay, I accept your request, but I get to ask you first okay?” Erik couldn’t contain the child like excitement within him as he sat up in his jacuzzi tub, prepared for whatever she wanted to know, “I’m ready, ask me anything princess.”

“What do you do for a living?” This was an easy one, Erik answering with no hesitation, “I’m an engineer, graduated from MIT. I have my own shop where I design engines, give paint jobs on cars, upgrade cars, that’s about it really. I enjoy it, it’s pretty popular here in LA and I’m good with my hands so why not right?” Kimora instantly liked that about him, he was a college grad and he was good with his hands? She couldn’t help the new rush of wetness that came knocking at her velvet walls. “Hmmm that’s very impressive and so sexy, I love a guy with brains and craft.” Erik felt his skin go hot that he impressed the one girl he saught out while stroking his dick for the past month.

“Okay, so my next question is...what’s your name?” Erik felt his stomach flutter with butterflies? He wanted her to ask him this question and it was like she read his mind. “My name is Erik.” Kimora closed her eyes, trying to picture a face with his name, struggling and finding it annoying. She didn’t want to ask to see his face yet because she wanted to know more before she went further. “Wow, you actually sound like an Erik too, you have a nature of a King, an eternal ruler of sorts. Very dominant, I like that shit I can’t lie...sorry I’m so excited you probably find it cheesy.” Erik was impressed that she dug deeper into his name and picked at him like she knew him well. He liked her more then. “Miss Ember, I could never scold you for feeling the same thing I’m feeling right now.” She couldn’t hide her blush it was so damn big.

“So, now I gotta know two things..” she felt nervous then, fighting to hide it. “So, your an artist? I noticed from your sessions.” She paused, shock evident on her face, “You..you noticed? Really?” Erik could read the shock and fondness in her voice and he knew then that he hit the jackpot. “Yeah..you have easels and paintings littering your room.. so your an artist then?” She smiled bright, hand covering her mouth daintly, “yes! omg yes I am. I’m a painter, I do pottery, and I’m a photographer as well.”

Erik was impressed and definitely interested holding back from asking her more because then that would be two questions. “Wow, I’m not gonna lie I’m fucking pissed I’m not in NY right now.” He laughed then, causing her to laugh. “Okay okay lets stay focused your distracting me.” Kimora laughed hard, finally containing herself for his next question.

“I wanna know if I can see your eyes?” Kimora was shocked but very turned on by that. She rubbed at her knee, blushing again, “Yes, I can send you a picture of them if that’s okay?” Erik’s anticipation was off the charts as he waited for her picture. The notification popped up with her number and Erik went to click on it, watching it come into view. He paused, his eyes burning into the pretty brown orbs of hers, taking in her eye brows and luscious eyelashes that fluttered over her soft eyes. He was stuck, and it took for her sweet voice to bring him back to attention.

“Erik? Hello? It can’t be that amazing.” The Alize was getting to her.

“Well maybe you should take time to study them more when you look in the mirror, are you sure you don’t need company in NY right now?

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kee-writestrashh · 5 years

Text

Guns for Hire

Ramsay Bolton x Reader

ao3

Summary: You are the wife to the Heir of the Red Kings, Ramsay Bolton. living the undercover life of a mob wife has its perks, and you love your husband. But you find out something that seems to unfold a series of unwanted events…

Chapter 29: Leavin’ on a Jet Plane

"Do you have any idea how nice it is to wear fucking sweats and a tee and just lay the fuck in bed?" You yawned, stretching and curling up in a ball under the covers.

Kira simply scratched her ear, her collar and tags clinking noisily.

The morning had been slow, and very comfortable. Outside of bathroom breaks you hadn't been out of bed since Ramsay had left for work at seven.

Your phone vibrated from somewhere in the tangle of blankets and sheet.

You dug around until you found your phone under Ramsay's pillow.

[Rams: what are you doing?]

[you: laying in bed. you?]

[Rams: thinking about fucking you. send nudes.]

Your face warmed as you reread the message.

[You: I suppose I can do that. I need to get around anyways....]

You slid out of bed, stretching again, and stepping into the closet and pulling your most casual clothes free of their hooks.

Ripped jeans, grey tank, and a soft flannel. Ramsay liked to call the look "boot scootin boogie". Or when you paired it with your leather jacket he called it "Winchester Whore".

After sending a handful of pictures and going through your shower and make up routine it was almost time for you to meet with Whit and Jared.

You had given them the address to a hole in the wall BBQ joint in a less desirable part of town. But you figured it wouldn't be overwhelming or make you too noticeable. You knew how to blend in, comfortably.

You sat, waiting at a stoplight when you saw something that made your pulse quicken.

You immediately made a blind grab for your phone and dialing your husband.

'Yes, baby girl?' He said, almost bored like.

"Baby, I'm on my way to meet Whit and Jared, right? And I'm sitting here at the stoplight. I look over and two guys catch my eye. They're exchanging hushed whispers and firm handshake, kay? Then I look closely and it's Robb Stark and your father!" you said, the words tumbling over one another so quickly it all almost came out on one breath.

Ramsay said nothing, but you could hear his pen click furiously.

"Baby?"

'Yeah, yeah. What are you driving?'

"The 'Stang today." You said, glancing in the side view mirror. Both men were gone.

'Ping me your address and I will be there as soon as I can. Do not engage in anything without me. Do you understand?'

"Um, yes sir?" You said, unsure what he meant. Roose Bolton's peculiar behavior recently was too much for you to want to snoop into. You were already walking on egg shells, and apparently your second strike.

Ramsay hung up without another word and continued your way to lunch. You parked next to a jacked up truck, that was dirty and caked in mud. It didn't scream 'city boy wanna be country'. So it could only be Jared's truck.

You sent Ramsay the address and stepped out of the car.

Whit and Jared were leaning against restaurant wall, smoking and both smiled warmly when you approached. You couldn't help but grin at Jared in his damn cowboy hat, and Whit in her flashy square toed boots.

"Truck could do with a hose down." You chuckled, hugging them both.

"What's the point? With all the snow melting and refreezing, no amount of washing will make a difference until summer." Jared shrugged, flicking his cigarette away from him and opening the door for you and Whit, taking his hat off.

Walking in was like stepping through a portal to home. Smoke, beer, the smell of frying foods... it was... heaven.

"Sit anywhere and your waiter will be with you shortly." A woman said, clearing the table closest to you.

You chose a booth by the window, where you could keep an eye on the door and everything else around you.

A young man set menus down in front of you and set down the cutlery.

"Drinks?" He said when he had finished.

"Sweet teas all around." You said, immersed in the menu.

"You guys. They have fried catfish! And cornbread!" You almost squealed, looking up from the menu.

Whit raised her brows at you, "You don't eat cornbread anymore?"

You shrugged, "I just haven't bought the shit to make it. Burgers, tacos, and pizza is about as far as Rams goes in clogged arteries."

"City folks. They're a strange lot." Jared said, nodding wisely.

You snorted, rolling your eyes. "So, how are you guys? I mean... y'all have been together since junior year, work as a team, have a beautiful little girl..."

Whit laughed, "Oh ya know. Cattle prods work real well. We are just the same as when you left. Just older now. It's you who has the most change. Tell me about this child your mother won't quit bragging about."

You shrugged, "not much to say yet. Just turned fourteen weeks. We find out the gender on February twenty-first. Which is part of the reason I asked y'all here. We have a lot of work to do before then and quickly running out if time."

Both your friends stiffened slightly, showing you had their full attention and confidence.

"What's up?" Jared asked, leaning forward slightly.

You made to open your mouth when Whit shook her head, looking past you as the waiter came back with your drinks and to take your orders.

You waited a few moments after he left before finally speaking.

"My husband's life is in danger and it all hangs on to what the little one inside of me is. I have six weeks to set up a safe plan and find a way to keep my husband alive." You said quietly.

Whit chewed her lip and Jared watched you closely.

"We will do what we can. He's your family, which makes him just as much ours. Just say the word and we will make it happen." Jared said with a stiff nod.

A surge of deep gratitude flooded you as you looked at the two people in front of you. You knew the words were sincere and they would do anything they could for you.

You gave a sniff and smiled, "but those details will be worked out at a later time. I came here to enjoy lunch with my two best friends. There is plenty of time later to talk about that. But, first order of business. I need y'all to find someone to help dad keep up the farm. He's having surgery soon. Putting in a pacemaker. And he won't be able to get around for awhile. Said person will be paid well. I've made sure of that."

"Too easy. Sure there are a couple of Ag kids who'd love to help." Whit said. "Take it the old man is okay?"

"More or less. Pissed he's getting old. And y'all know mom. Fussing over him like a newborn calf." You said, sipping your drink.

"How she keeps up with him I will never know." Whit laughed.

Her words made you realize just how much like your mother you were.

Dad had always been wild and in trouble one way or another. No, not with the law, but usually physically injured. Smashed his hand working on a tractor. Wrapped up in fencing. Kicked by a horse, more times than you could even count anymore. He was a big book of cataloged accidents.

And then there was Mom. Patient and headstrong, and so very quick tempered. She kept your father together and alive, more often than not. She was firm, and yet the most loving person you had ever known. She was the true foundation of your crazy family. And she made it look so easy. How she managed to pull off Thanksgiving dinner and get your father to the ER after a hunting accident when you were 13, you never knew.

Maybe you took a bit more after your father's recklessness, but you had your mother's spine, and quick temper.

You grinned to yourself, "oh! Before I forget! Guess who's living here now?"

Jared and Whit both raised their brows, waiting for your answer.

"E! Little shit gets a PCS here, and doesn't tell anyone until he fucking shows up. Rams and I took him out last night. And I tell you what... He's not a boy anymore."

"And what did we do?" Ramsay spoke up, sliding into the booth beside you and running his eyes over the restaurant.

"Took the brother out lastnight." You said, with a smile, as he wrapped his arm around your shoulders.

"Had a blast. Damon made sure they got back safely. Apparently not as lightweight as we thought." Ramsay said, eyeing your food as it was set in front of you. "The fuck is that?"

You looked from food to husband and laughed.

"Cornbread, a hushpuppy, fries, and fried catfish."

Ramsay pulled a face of disgust.

"Try it. I promise there is nothing better than a good fried catfish basket." You urged, pulling a piece of fish from its fillet and holding it out to your husband.

"You do know I'm allergic to seafood, right?" He said, giving you a cold look.

You knitted your brows, "Are you really?"

"Keys." He said, taking the food from you.

"Huh?" You said watching him place the catfish in his mouth.

He reached over you, snatched up your keys and stood up.

"Ride home with them. Take the back way. I'll meet you at home."

He looked down at you, swiped more fish from your basket and walked off.

"Wait! You seriously aren't allergic to fish are you?!" You called.

He turned to you with his trademark smirk, "guess you'll just have to find out. Love you baby doll."

"I... I love you too." You said, watching him leave.

You looked at Whit and Jared.

"Nah. He's not." Jared said, with a chuckle, tearing into his plate of ribs.

It took so much longer to get home when you had to basically skirt the damn city.

"I have two dogs. Kira and Willow. They look mean, but I promise they are pussies." You said, walking up the stairs and hoping Ramsay was home since he had your keys.

You turned the knob. At least he was nice enough to remember to leave the door open for you as you walked inside.

"So you're a liar." You said, raising your brow.

Ramsay laughed, looking up from his laptop and giving you a wink.

"The best there is."

You rolled your eyes and sat on the couch, nodding at the sofa across from you. Whit and Jared both sat. Whit almost lost it when Kira and Willow came to be nosey.

"Oh my god! They are so pretty!" She said excitedly, sliding from the couch to her knees to rub all over them.

Whit was a dog fanatic. You were sure she would have 500 if Jared let her.

Ramsay crossed the room and disappeared down the hall. No one spoke until he came back and dropped a file folder on the coffee table.

"You two are now employed with a local coffee shop. You bring in coffee bean shipments via air." Ramsay said as Jared pulled the folder open and thumb through the papers.

"You looked us up? And my alias is Johnny Reb?" Jared asked, raising a brow.

"Just a minor background check. Your boots gave me the impression you listen to Johnny Horton, Honky Tonk Man." Ramsay shrugged, leaning back into his seat, resting his hand on your thigh and lighting a cigarette.

"You're a funny dude." Jared laughed, "and look, I get to travel with Percilla."

"So, what exactly are we doing? I mean, this is...?" Whit said, looking up from the dogs, at a loss for words.

"I told you, you're running coffee beans." Your husband shrugged.

Jared snorted, pulling his passport from the folder and examining it.

"But really. Need to be on the same page, babe." You spoke up.

"Okay, listen, and listen good. Because I'm only saying it once. In a few days you will get an address to an airstrip. Once a week you will fly to this strip and cargo will be loaded. Everything will already be packaged and sealed in the beans. If you don't lose your heads no one will ever be the wiser. After picking up the shipments you will deliver it to the designated area here in the city. After that you're free to go. The goods will be taken care of upon arrival. Simple enough."

"Right. Simple enough. And should something go wrong?" Whit asked, now taking her turn to look through the folder. "Oh! That reminds me..." she dug through her bag, pulling out a file folder a sliding it across the table, "Sharon got what you asked for."

"If something goes wrong, you will be taken care of. You are under my services, and I protect those that work for me. Nothing bad will happen as long as you don't let it happen." Ramsay shrugged.

You opened the folder, looking at all the vacant and foreclosed properties.

"Wow, so many places just left to rot." You murmured, looking up at Jared and Whit.

"Our town is dying. Cost of livin' is too high for the old folks, and young kids out of high school." Jared said giving you a sad smile.

"I'm buying it all." You declared, giving your husband a look and handing him the folder, "I'll let you do the buying and scheming. But we are buying it all. Build some businesses or something. Maybe build a safe house."

×××

"I'm starving." You whined, flipping through the pages of the outdated magazine.

"Shut up. You just ate like an hour ago." Ramsay tutted, staring at the ceiling.

"They need to hurry up. I have to pee." You groaned, fidgeting in your seat.

"What do I need to do to make you quit the insufferable bitching?" He hissed.

"Tell me what my surprise is." You said slyly.

Ramsay clucked in annoyance, "No. And if you don't quit asking I will do it all on my own. You're only getting the surprise because I love you."

"Fine." You huffed, pouting at him.

When your name was called you almost jumped up, ready to have all your vitals taken so they could give you the damn cup so you could finally empty your bladder that seemed to have shrunk to the size of a kitten's.

When the doctor entered you were slightly taken aback it wasn't Doctor Cat. But then you remembered... Ned Stark was her husband. And her eldest daughter was still missing. Poor woman. You really liked her.

"I'm Doctor Mordane. I'm filling in for Doctor Stark until she gets back." The old woman said with a sad smile.

"How is she?" You asked, sitting on the edge of the examination bed. Ramsay tutted from his chair. You gave him a dirty look.

"Pretty rough. But she's a strong woman. Anyways, looking at your file here I see you are almost fifteen weeks along. Weight is good. Everything else checks out good. Any complaints or concerns?"

You shook your head, "No ma'am. I seem to be adjusting just fine."

The woman smiled, "good good. Keep taking your vitamins. We will take a quick listen to the heartbeat and you're free to go."

Hearing the tiny heartbeat made your chest tight. Every single time. This time you didn't even bother to try and hold back the tear that escaped you.

"Surprise time?" You asked, smiling at your husband as he closed your door.

"Sort of." He smirked.

"What does that even mean?" You huffed, crossing your arms.

Ramsay said no more until he parked the car in the parking garage of the airport.

"What are we doing?" You asked, following in his wake.

Again he said nothing. You asked no more questions until you stood outside the doors of the airport.

There stood Damon. He exchanged two bags for Ramsay's keys.

"Before you say anything, I know. Scratch her you'll flay me." Damon chuckled, pocketing the keys. "Have fun. See you when you get back." He gave you both a nod and left.

Ramsay took your hand and led you inside. He exchanged a few words and some cash with a TSA man and both of you were boarding a plane a few short minutes later.

"Rams, where are we going?"

"Hush. Take a nap. It will be awhile." He said, stowing the two bags away and taking his seat beside you.

"If I blow you on this plane will you tell me?" You asked, flashing a mischievous grin.

"Nah. But you're gunna blow me anyways." He smirked.

"I will not." You said, crossing your arms and looking away from him.

"I will choke you out and make you sleep the whole damn ride if you don't quit, little pet." He said very quietly.

"What's wrong? Why are you so damn irritable today?" You said, giving him a soft look.

"I don't like flying." He replied shortly.

You suppressed a snort but were unable to to keep the words from falling from your mouth, "You're afraid!"

He took a deep breath and forced a smile, "No. I didn't say I'm afraid of flying. I said I didn't fucking like it."

"Mhm. Right. Completely different. What was I thinking?" You said with a sly grin.

"Do you have any idea how easy it would be to snap your fucking neck and make it look like you're sleeping until I get off this damn plane?" He hissed exasperatedly, struggling with himself to remain calm.

"Probably pretty easy. But I'd be rather boring company dead." You winked, resting your hand on his thigh and giving a tight squeeze.

He gave you a very long look, gave a smirk, and placed his hand in your inner thigh.

"Why are we like... economy class?" You asked, glancing around at the people filling the seats around you.

Ramsay shrugged, "Why not?"

You played with Ramsay's hand, absentmindedly, as the plane prepared for flight.

You watched Ramsay closely. If he really was afraid of flying, he hid it very well.

"Nonstop?" You asked, looking out the window at the tiny square patches of earth bellow you.

"Nonstop." He replied, glancing at you.

You pulled your phone out of your purse, "wanna play a game?"

"No."

You tutted, "Yes you do. You love games."

"I like games that I win. Games that cause other people to beg and die." He said simply, as if it settled the matter.

"Well I like games that let me get to really know you. So, I'm going to ask questions and you're going to answer."

He groaned, "not this again."

"Every time you don't answer or skip the question you will be punished." You said, squeezing his thigh again.

"Does it result with my dick in your mouth?" He whispered.

You shrugged, "maybe, if you're a good boy. Question one, if you could have a theme song, what would it be?"

He stared at the back of the chair in front of him, chewing his lip, "I don't know."

You dug your nails into his leg.

"Thriller or something." He hissed.

You released him and gave a laugh. "Thriller? Like MJ Thriller?"

"Yeah. Why not? It's catchy." He shrugged, taking his jacket off.

"I can't even take you seriously anymore." You giggled, leaning over to kiss him.

"Well that's a bad move on you, baby girl. I'm to be taken very seriously." He smirked against your lips as he took your face in his hands.

"Or maybe you just put on a mean face and deep down you're good as gold. Just have a rather pushy demon in there."

He snorted and pulled away from you, "going to perform an exorcism?"

"Mm, no. I think I'm in love with the devil." You said airily, with a sigh.

"Show me how much you love me then." He countered with his wicked grin.

"I have a devil spawn growing inside of me, is that not love enough?" You winked, unfastening your seatbelt and pushing your body into his as you slid past him.

You gave him a mischievous grin, walking rather suggestively down the aisle.

Wow, plane bathrooms were tiny. This was not going to be comfortable. At least you weren't super pregnant fat yet.

You only had to wait a moment before Ramsay was climbing in the tiny room with you.

"I don't know if this will work." You whispered.

"Make it." He said, leaning back against the wall.

You glanced around, set the toilet seat down, and grabbed his hips, pulling him into you.

"Make it quick?" You asked, unbuckling his belt and sliding his button from its hole.

"That all depends on you, baby girl." He said helping you pushing his pants down.

"You know, you are the worst influence I have ever come to know." You said, resting your forehead against his warm stomach.

"Maybe you're the bad influence on me." He chuckled, gripping your hair tightly.

You licked your lips and took him in your mouth, letting his guide you.

You dug your nails into his legs as warm desire built inside of you. But there was no returning the favor in this damn bathroom.

You ran your tongue along him, tasting him as his grip in your hair tightened and he ran his other hand over your chest, grabbing at your skin.

His breathing became shallow as you lightly drug your teeth along him, swirling your tongue over his tip.

He made a small noise in the back of his throat, grabbing at you harder as he filled your mouth.

You slowly sucked him, feeling him throb against your tongue.

You swallowed and pulled away from him completely.

"Well that was quick." You laughed.

"Eh, thrill of getting a blow job at fifty thousand feet." He chuckled, fixing his pants and opening the door.

He grabbed your hand and led you back to your seat.

×××

You held Ramsay's hand tight as he pulled you along through the airport. You could see the sun a brilliant red as it sank lower over the horizon.

Ramsay stopped at a counter and hand a man behind it two passports. He glanced them over and then eyed you both.

"Welcome. What brings such a lovely couple to our beautiful country?" The man said in very rough, choppy English.

"Drugs." Ramsay replied with a small shrug and his most charming smile.

You gave a wide eyed side long look your husband and wanted to vanish as you felt your cheeks burn.

Did he seriously just fucking say that?!

The man cracked a grin and let out a loud laugh after a few tense moments, "You señor are very funny man. Enjoy your vacation." He handed the passports back to Ramsay who slipped them in his back pocket and tugged you along again.

"I can't believe you!" You cried in a small strangled voice.

Ramsay stopped abruptly, placed a hand on your shoulder and turned you to the highly polished, darkening window.

"Look at us and tell me what you see?"

You Looked at your reflections and sighed, "I see a husband and wife on vacation."

"Exactly, baby girl. As far as anyone knows we are taking a late winter vacation to escape the cold. We're here to sip mojitos, soak up the sun, and eat avocados, or whatever." He said, gripping your hand tightly and pulling you along.

"Eat avocados." You snorted with a giggle as you stepped out of the airport.

The warm breeze melting you into a bliss. Warm evenings. God, how you missed the warm weather.

"Journey okay?" Oberyn Martell asked, sidling up to you and Ramsay.

You were shocked only a moment. It all made sense now. You were here so the deal with the Martell's could be finished and sealed.

"Long." Ramsay said, sounding rather weary as Oberyn lead the way to a limo.

Ramsay helped you climb in, took his seat beside you, and pulled you as close as possible as Oberyn situated himself.

"The girls are most excited to take you shopping, (y/n)." Oberyn smiled, offering Ramsay a drink, who eagerly accepted. "Your room has been accommodated and food prepared. We will get down to business tomorrow after you both have rested."

"Food sounds wonderful." You sighed, resting your head on Ramsay's shoulder and closing your eyes briefly.

Or you thought it to have been brief. Next thing you knew Ramsay nudging you to wake up.

You sat up and were taken aback by the beautiful white stone mansion and it's many elegant balconies overlooking the white sand beach and crystal clear ocean.

It was probably the most beautiful thing you had ever seen, apart from last trip you had taken with Ramsay to a warm cabin surrounded by large aspens and evergreens in the shadows of the harsh, unforgiving snow covered mountains.

Tyene rushed you as you climed out of the limo behind Ramsay.

You hugged her back tightly.

"I am so glad you both came!" She smiled, looping her arm around yours and leading you inside.

"This place is absolutely beautiful." You exclaimed, taking in everything from the marble floors to shimmering crystal chandeliers, and the elegant imported rugs.

Tyene smiled brightly, "my uncle likes to be extra."

"Well, at least he has good taste?" You laughed, climbing the spiral staircase.

Tyene stopped in front of a door and stepped aside so you could enter.

"One of the best views in the house. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Rest easy, (y/n). Tomorrow I am taking you to town. You will love it!" Tyene said, leaving you alone in the lavish room.

So much better than any high end, five star hotel resort. You thought, taking everything in and realizing Ramsay wasn't with you.

You frowned slightly, but the table laden with food caught your very hungry attention. You sat at the table and pulled the nearest dish towards you. You had no idea what to call it, as it was sweet, and spicy, and salty, and definitely meat... but whatever it was it was damn good.

A warm, night breeze blew in from the open balcony door and the sound of the ocean made you drowsy.

Ramsay entered the room a shirt while later after you had already stripped you clothing and climbed into the soft sheets.

"You good?" You asked, peeking over the top of the blanket at him.

His face softened slightly as he turned his gaze to you, "of course."

You pushed back into the plush bed, falling asleep almost at once.

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thephantomofthe-internet · 4 years

Text

Read into Me Chapter 10: That Mad Ache

Steve Harrington x Reader

CATCH UP ON THE SERIES HERE

Words: 2,266

Warnings: ANGST FRIENDS THIS ONES NOT FUN

Series Tag: @divinity-deos @thecaptainsgingersnap @wolfish-willow @scoopsohboi @herre-gud-nej @clockworkballerina @maddie1504 @i-am-trash-so-much-its-scary @buckysarge @wildcvltre @stanleyyelnatsiii @n3wtscaseofniffler5 @peterparxour @a-big-ball-of-idk @asharpkniffe @used-avocado @mochminnie @sledgy14 @the-creative-lie @yall-wildin-like-siriusly @ggclarissa @boredoomfm @voidnarnia @the-passionate-freak @awkwardnesshabitat @darkcrystal-wolf @hannahrisacher

You didn’t exactly know where you were going, but you didn’t care. You had the windows rolled down, Elton John crooning on the radio, and your bare feet up on the seat. Steve had taken off his tie and jacket, popping open the top three buttons on his dress shirt. His hair was blowing in the breeze and you could see his chest hair peeking out from under the thin material of his shirt. He looked hot. You were drunk on adrenaline and you felt like kissing him. You were hyperaware of your lips, of his. You almost reached over to kiss him. But you didn’t.

“Where are we going?” you called over the wind in your ears.

Steve turned and looked at you with a cheeky grin. He’d pulled in around the community pool, long closed. “You wanna go swimming?” he asked.

“Won’t we get caught?” you asked. You didn’t bother to mention your lack of swimwear. You weren’t naïve as to what he was suggesting and you weren’t uninterested in the idea.

“Nah, the cops are more interested in stopping teen drinking after the dance ends than sneaking into the pool.” Steve replied with a shrug, parking the car at the farthest end of the lot, under a heavy looking evergreen. You nodded, popping the door open. Steve grinned, following you as you made your way into the pool. As expected, the back gate was locked with a heavy padlock and chain, but the fence was easily jumped, barely seven feet tall, Steve barely had to climbed to reach the top and then up and over. The fence was a bit taller than you compared to Steve, but you hooked your bare feet into the latticed metal and heaved yourself up, pausing briefly at the top to take in a heavy breath before throwing your other leg over the top and shimmied down.

The pavement below was dry and harsh, long dried out from last summer. Hawkins still couldn’t be bothered to install an automated cover for the pool, draining it in the winter and leaving it uncovered for the rest of the year. It was a costly cheap fix, but it came in handy now. The long plastic line lanes had been pulled out and roped up on large barrels near the clubhouse and the lights along the pool walls turned the water ominously yellow along the edges. The lights above the pool had been turned off, but the street lamps along the road and in the parking lot lit up the area enough to see.

Steve swallowed hard. The woods were too close. He didn’t like darkness that loomed there; the unknown had too many options now. Those damned dogs could still be out there. He hadn’t seen where they’d gone. They’d all just run off. He hadn’t seen one since but on the nights where he couldn’t sleep he’d sit and watch out his windows to try to spot anything in those woods. He didn’t like the way the trees moved in the wind, especially with bleary, sleep deprived eyes. Now he was a bit too close. Cold sweat pricked his skin.

You reached behind your back and pulled down the zipper of your dress. You felt self conscious of yourself. You’d never stripped for a man, even really around a man. Still, you’d decided to do it. You pushed off the straps of your dress, letting it slip off your body and fall to the pavement below you. You dove into the water, icy cold on your skin.

Steve heard the splash. He whipped around, looking for a demo-dog about to strike. He didn’t know if they could swim and he didn’t want to find out. Instead he saw you burst through the water, your hair wet and slicked to your skull. Your makeup had smeared and your lips slightly blue. “You coming?” you asked, gasping for air to fill your cold body. Steve swallowed hard, nodding quickly. He kicked off his dress pants and unbuttoned his dress shirt. He jumped in fast, putting his focus on the beautiful, nearly naked girl in the water with him. In the back of his mind, he was wired. It wasn’t so much a fight or flight but more a protective urge. If anything happened, he’d made up his mind that he’d protect you over himself. He’d done it before for those kids, he’d do it again.

He burst out of the water in front of you with a splash. You laughed loudly, tipping your head back. Steve shook his head wildly, his hair flicking water over your face and neck. You squealed, pushing him away, swimming off to the other side of the pool.

“Aw come on, I thought you liked it wet,” he joked, swimming after you.

“Oh I do,” you started, turning to move away from the wall. Steve trapped you between his arms.

“Oh yeah? Tell me more…” he drawled. Moonlight was caught in your eyes. Or maybe that was street lights. It didn’t really matter; he could spend the rest of his life drinking you in.

You demurred, turning your head away from him. You ran a hand through your soaked hair. “Isn’t that a bit vain?” you asked.

“Sue me…” Steve chuckled, lowering his head to watch you carefully.

You conceded, leaning your elbows against the edge of the pool to hold yourself up. “I like your hair, wet or dry…I like your eyes and your smile…and…” you paused, humming slightly to mull over whether or not you should you should admit. “I like your arms.” You said simply, almost decidedly.

“My arms?” Steve was bemused. He expected to be flattered, and he was, but he didn’t expect a mention to his arms.

“Yeah, they’re strong and warm, I find them endlessly comforting.” You shrugged, reaching out a hand to caress his wrist gently. Your fingers had pruned, but your touch was warm, it sent tingles up his spine. You lifted his hand off the pool side, swimming under it and across the pool.

Steve turned to watch you go past. “And I like…” he said in a sing-song tone, putting his finger to his chin and cocking his head to the side.

“Oh no, I don’t really need to-” you started, holding up your hands defensibly.

“I like your laugh,” Steve said, cutting you off. “And your hands, even though they’re always covered in grey smudges, because you can make beautiful things with them. And I like eyes. You have nice eyes.”

You felt yourself colour. You didn’t know how to handle compliments, you didn’t get them often enough to be used to them. “Thank you…” you murmured. Steve once again trapped you. He felt warm against your skin, dizzying delicious. You wanted to stay there forever, but your mind screamed at you to run. His mouth hovered over yours, inching closer to yours. Your eyes fluttered shut. You wanted so badly to kiss him.

Instead, you pressed a hand to his bare chest, pushing him back. “Steve, wait,” you began.

Steve’s heart dropped “I thought…”

“I know, but I can’t, I haven’t told you yet…” your heart was breaking in your chest. You didn’t think this would be as difficult as this. You hadn’t expected everything to be so perfect.

“Told me what?” Steve narrowed his eyes. He didn’t know what you were about to say, but he didn’t like it. He’d already dealt with Nancy sneaking around with Jonathan Byers behind his back; he didn’t want to be made a fool again.

“I’m…leaving.”

“What?”

“I’m leaving Hawkins.” You sighed, pushing yourself onto the edge of the pool, letting the cold bitter night air sting your skin. “I’m meeting my mother in Paris. I’ve applied to the city’s school of the arts.”

Steve didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t imagined you going anywhere. You pressed on to fill the gap. “I don’t really know when I’ll be back here, it’ll all depend on if I get into the school and so I don’t want to lead you on or start something here when I’m leaving so soon.” You explained awkwardly.

“When are you leaving?” Steve managed to ask, swallowing hard.

“Right after graduation,” you said. Steve groaned loudly, an anguished cry. “I wanted to leave the first week of June but a part of the application process is working for a month in this sort of salon. It’s not like teaching its showing what you can do in real time. I have to leave right after exams and graduation to get there in time.”

The sound of a car speeding past drew in both your attention. You both became hyperaware that you were trespassing on city property. “We should go.” Steve said coldly, heaving himself out of the pool. You grabbed your dress off the pavement. Steve followed suit with his own dress clothes, pulling his dress shirt over his wet skin. You both hopped the fence again, walking in silence to his car. You felt distressingly naked compared to Steve, who was pulling back on his pants. Instead of going to the driver’s side to unlock the car, he popped the trunk and pulled out an oil marked Hawkins High sweatshirt from under the bat. He tossed it at your head and shut the trunk.

“Thank you…” you muttered, placing your dress on the roof of his car and pulled on the sweatshirt greedily. You drank in the warmth of the material, blocking out the cold air on your arms and chest. Steve unlocked his door and reached inside to pop the lock on your side. You pulled open your door and grabbed your dress, tossing it onto the floor of the car. You stepped in, shutting out the night as Steve started up the car.

You drove in silence for awhile. Then, Steve spoke “So, how long have you known?” he asked.

“A couple weeks, around the same time you asked me to prom.” You replied. Steve nodded, turning his attention back to the road. You could’ve cut the tension with a butter knife. “Do you hate me?” you asked.

Steve sighed “No, I don’t think I could hate you. But I wish you told me sooner.”

“I didn’t want to ruin prom…” you turned your attention to the window “And I didn’t think you liked me back…”

“So you’re just gone after this?” Steve asked, turning down your shared street. You silently wished he’d acknowledged your feelings. That’s he’d even look at you. You his gaze stayed fixed on the road ahead and his mouth pulled into a tight, thin line.

“I might be,” you turned to look at Steve fully “If I get in, then I’ll have the option to go for their four year program. But if I don’t get in, I’ll be back by early July.”

“And if you get in?” Steve turned into his own driveway, turning off the engine but not moving.

“Then I’d come home for Christmas...” that wasn’t a certain thing, your mother didn’t come home for the holiday and with assignments you weren’t certain you’d be back either, but setting a time frame for your homecoming made the whole thing feel more certain.

Steve nodded again. He was chewing on the inside of his cheek, not really looking at you, more the skyline behind your head. He was upset to say the least. Not necessarily at you, he understood why you hadn’t told him, but a bit of resentment harboured in the pit of his stomach. You were about to get out of this shit hole, to go on an adventure of your own. And he hadn’t even gotten into college. He was stuck here. He hated the universe for fucking with him, for showing him a new start and then taking it away.

“Steve,” you reached for the door. You needed to both be there with him and hidden away in your room. “Ask me to stay and I will.”

Steve turned to look at you. He saw the fear in your eyes, how pale you’d gone. You looked terrified and he was certain that it wasn’t of him. “Ask me and I will.” You repeated, nodding your head slightly.

Steve wanted desperately to say yes. To have you stay with him for the summer. But he knew it wouldn’t be fair. “No,” he breathed “I can’t do that, Y/N.”

“Yes you can, I’m telling you that you can.” You sounded desperate. You felt desperate. Every part of you was begging to stay exactly where you were. For the first time in your life, things were starting to turn up for you. Before now, you could’ve left everything behind easily. Now everything was more complicated. You were scared of the future, of what lay ahead in France. Steve was a way out, an escape from the change already set into motion. Your mother would understand she’d given up on so many things for men; her modelling career for your father, a second chance on it for an ex-fiancé, photo shoots and interviewers with designers for various flings. You giving up a chance at art school for Steve felt okay.

“No, no you have to go. You’re too good to not try this.” He rubbed your cheek with his thumb before turning away from you. Your heart broke, your hopes shattered on the floor at your feet. You bundled up your things from the floor and pushed the door open. Blue tears were streaming down your face. You couldn’t be around him now.

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mary-whoisleft · 6 years

Text

1976, Summer After Mary’s 5th Year

Lydia + Mary’s Tree No Boys Allowed

Mary ran her fingers over the words that were carved into the tree. She still remembered when they were put there many years ago, before she had gone to Hogwarts. Before she had even known she was a witch. A 12-year-old Lydia clumsily dug a pocket knife into the wood, one they had stolen from there father and definitely should not have been using. Looking at the way the letters jut off in all directions, showing where the knife had slide this way and that, she was amazed Lydia hadn’t taken off a finger in the process.

The tree was an old willow, with branches and leaves hanging down almost to the ground. It didn’t create enough shelter to actually hide them from parents who were looking at them, but enough that two young girls could believe it was a secret place just for them. And over the years, it would become the place they returned to again and again whenever they needed some Quality Sister Time.

“So, are you wondering why I dragged you out here?” Lydia already was sitting at the base of the tree, comfortably leaning against the trunk. She had a way of making herself at home no matter where she was, like the place she truly belonged was just whatever place she happened to be inhabiting at the time.

“Is it to play another drinking game? Because we already know you always win. And last time mum and dad definitely heard us going back into the house. If we’re not careful, they’re going to stop pretending they don’t know that we drink,” Mary said as she joined her.

Lydia shrugged. “Let them. I’m eighteen now, what do I care.”

“You have no concern for your little sister?”

“Nah, she’s kind of a bitch anyway.”

Mary gave Lydia’s arm a small slap, but not before they both were softly laughing. It was a normal moment of a normal night. She had missed having normalcy in her life.

“But the reason I brought you out here was because I wanted to tell you a secret,” Lydia spoke up again. “You can’t tell anyone else yet.”

“I’m all ears,” Mary said. And she really was. She had been the keeper of many of Lydia’s secrets over the years. Tales of boys she shouldn’t have kissed, tattoos she had gotten on a whim, nights spent out having fun hoping she wouldn’t be caught sneaking back in the house in the morning. Mary sometimes thought that even if she wasn’t her older sister, she would still idolize her, just a little. How could she not? Lydia lived life with such freedom, such enjoyment.

“I’ve decided not to go to uni,” she said. “And I just know mum’s going to freak.”

“Why?”

“Because she’ll think I’m throwing away my intelligence or something like that.”

“No, why don’t you want to go.”

“Oh. Because I don’t want to go to more school to learn how to do something so I can get a job doing that thing so I can only do that thing for the rest of my life.” She explained it in an exasperated way, like it was the most ridiculous concept ever. “I want to be more than just one thing.”

Mary thought over that answer. It was a very Lydia answer. And there were maybe some flaws in the logic, some counterpoints she could point out, but because of that reason she knew none of it would do any good. Lydia had made up her mind. So she said, “What are you going to do instead?”

“I think I’m going to work with dad for a bit on the boats. Save up some money. Then spend all of it on traveling. Then, maybe I’ll come back and do it all again. Maybe not. I’ll figure it out as I go. It’s what I do best.” She said it with such a confidence, it was hard not to believe her. It wasn’t a typical path for life, but Lydia wasn’t a typical person.

“You’re right,” Mary said, turning her head towards her sister. “Mum is going to freak.”

“You gotta help back me up.”

Mary sucked in air through her teeth, like she was weighing the pros and cons of agreeing to her plea. “Alright. But only if you back me up when I tell her I’m not going either.”

“Really?”

“It’s not really a thing in the wizarding world,” she said with a shrug. “Certain jobs have training programs or something, but real school usually stops at Hogwarts.”

“Wow. Can’t believe I actually agree with those rich pricks on something,” Lydia said, using one of her new favorite nicknames for the people Mary shared her new world with. Mary, in reply, snorted but then paused for a moment. Out in the field where they were, curled up under a tree, it was quiet without being silent. Soft sounds of nature around them, the distant sound of waves on the closest shore. It was a comforting kind of quiet. She used to think Hogwarts at night had a comforting kind of quiet. But now she just found it unnerving.

“You know,” Mary finally spoke up, “I actually thought you brought me out to talk. About what happened.”

Lydia looked at her younger sister like she was studying her face for something. Then, she looked back out past the tree branches like she had gotten her answer. “I figured if you wanted to talk about it, you would bring it up. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.”

“Alright then.” Lydia wrapped an arm around Mary’s shoulder pulling her closer. “I’m here whenever you do. But until then, let me tell you about all the place I’m going to go-”

1979, Niall and Katherine’s 25th Wedding Anniversary

“Really, Mary, I don’t think you’re going to need any more blankets,” Lydia said, looking at the pile Mary had already put on living room couch. To be fair, it was a ridiculous amount, especially considering the fact that the weather was getting warmer and she would certainly die of heat if she used them all. But she liked to be prepared, especially when things around her were feeling strange. And that day, the strangest thing of all had happened: Lydia had brought home a guy. Just showed up to their parent’s anniversary with him, saying she wanted to introduce him to them all. The entire family was still trying to figure it out.

“You know, I offer to sleep on the couch so you and Mr. Ten-Feet-Tall can have our room to yourselves, and you come out here and make fun of me?” Mary huffed in faux-annoyance.

“Not making fun,” Lydia answered, throwing her hands up in surrender. “Just trying to offer a little sisterly advice.”

Plopping down next to her blanket bundle, Mary curled her legs up to her chest so there was room for Lydia to join her. The house was already quiet, everyone else having already gone to sleep. It had been a nice day. Her parents had thrown a small party for their anniversary, guest list including some extended family, close neighbors, and all three of the Macdonald children. “It’s been awhile since we’ve been together, huh?”

“Yeah. You and I have been busy,” Lydia said, but her tone made it obvious that she meant two different things by that word. Lydia had been busy traveling and working strange but interesting jobs that kept getting offered to her. Mary had been busy dealing with a war. Something no one in her family knew the details of. But Lydia always had a way of knowing things without having to be told.

“So why are you down here and not upstairs snogging your incredibly attractive boyfriend,” Mary said, far too obviously changing the subject.

“I already shagged him in the bathroom earlier. Figured I’d give him some time to recover.”

“Oh my god,” Mary said with a playful eye roll. “Seriously, though, who is this guy?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, there’s been ten years worth of guys, and the only time I ever met one was when he was trying to sneak out of the house before dad caught him.” She heard a lot about the guys who had come in and out of Lydia’s life. But only as secondary characters of her stories, there one moment, gone the next. But not this guy. Even before Lydia showed up with him that day, his name had been popping up in the letters she wrote. There had even been some pictures sent of the two of them. It made Mary insanely curious. What romantic interest managed to make his way into her life and settle in there? “Now you’re introducing Ian to us? He must be pretty special.”

“He is,” Lydia said in a dreamier way that Mary had ever heard her talk before. “ Alright, alright, I’ll tell you.” She paused for a dramatic effect, but could only last a few moments before she got too excited and burst out: ”We’re getting married.”

Lydia had always managed to keep everyone one their toes. But that was the one thing Mary had not seen coming.

“What?” She was trying, and mostly failing, to even begin to process that information. “What, are you serious? How long have you two been dating?”

“Seven months. And Mary, he’s incredible. I’ve never felt this kind of connection with someone before. And I’ve met a lot of people. But Ian, he’s so much fun, and we love traveling together, and we’re alike in a lot of those ways. But he’s a bit more level-headed and practical and I’ve realized it’s nice to have someone like that around.” She was gushing. It was bizarre. Mary had never seen her talk like this about anyone. A cool rooftop view she had found in Paris, sure. An awesome new band she had found, yeah. A particularly good piece of chocolate cake, of course. But never a guy. This really was different.

“Wow. You are serious.”

“Very serious.”

“I guess I just didn’t see you getting married, like, anytime soon.”

“Me either. It all happened so fast. But with these things, when you know, you know.” She paused, like she was waiting for Mary to interject. Lydia never asked approval from anyone. She just did what she wanted and if people didn’t like it that was their problem. But now she looked at her sister with wide eyes that asked her to approve of this. It made her look younger, in a way, which threw Mary off. When she hesitated in answering, Lydia continued on: “And maybe it won’t turn out the way I want it to. But mistakes are just proof that you’re living life. So I have to take my chance at the wonderful life I could have with Ian.”

Mary let it roll around in her head one more time. Who was she to say this was a mistake? This was not the next surprise she saw coming in Lydia’s life, but she couldn’t deny that her life was full of surprises. Chasing after things with her whole heart as they popped up, that’s what she had been doing for years now. And it had worked out really well for her so far.

“You’re right,” she said. “You’re right! And I’m happy for you. God, congratulations!” Once she finally let herself accept it, a huge smile broke onto her face and she practically threw herself at her sister to hug her. Which quickly dissolved into both of them giggling far too loudly and shushing each other so they wouldn’t wake anyone up. By the time they were able to get their giddiness back under control, the pile of blankets had been entirely knocked to the floor.

“When’s the date?” Mary asked

“Oh, we don’t know yet,” Lydia answered. “We just got engaged last week. We think we want it within the year. But first I wanted everyone to get the chance to meet him.”

“So no one knows yet.”

“No. We’re going to tell them at breakfast tomorrow. But I wanted you to know first.”

“So I can back you up?” Mary asked suspiciously. Not that she would mind, of course. It was a role they had played for each other countless times over the years.

“Nah, I think Ian and I can handle any arguments they throw at us.” She turned to look at her sister more fully. her eyes shining with an excited light. With all the shit Mary had been going through lately, it was nice to see a moment of such genuine happiness. “But I wanted us to get to be excited about it first, before we let anyone else in on it.”

Mary smiled back at her sister, taking just one more moment to think crazy and wonderful it all way. And then she pushed herself off of the couch. ”Well then, I think there’s gotta be a leftover bottle of champagne. I say we break it open, drink the whole thing, and you can tell me every single detail about you two.”

#m:family #m:lydia #i was going to wait until i had all three done but of course i have no impulse control #so enjoy some slice of life

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