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#a lot of them stem from her need to please everyone
l00katthesky · 9 months
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famwhy · 1 year
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Bereavement
noun
/bɪˈriːv.mənt/ The state one is in when losing someone important to them
Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse
42! Miles X F!Reader, 1610! Miles X F!Reader
Synopsis: Miles is missing, and all you can think about is getting him back. Upon finally finding him, however, you're taken aback by the copy that stands beside him—the same copy that was staring at you with wide, shaking eyes full of... disbelief?
Note: this one's for my cousin. The idea actually came to me while I was rewatching the first spiderverse lmao. Who knew Kingpin was such a source of ideas?
part two.
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You saw it—on the control panel—42. Miles had been transported to Earth 42.
You belonged to 1610; which meant that Miles also belonged to 1610.
He was in the wrong universe.
Your best friend was stranded in the wrong universe.
Now, if you were a rational person, you would've called for back-up—maybe even gotten Hobie's help like Gwen had. But you weren't a rational person—and could anyone blame you?—your best friend was probably in danger, of course you would act without thinking.
The watch wasn't hard to swipe, everyone was too caught up in what had just happened with Miles to care for guarding their little 'goober' dimension devices. Tracking him down wasn't terribly difficult either, not after you knew which world he went to.
All you really needed to think about was where exactly you had to open the portal—but luckily for you, Margo was willing to help.
"You owe me for this, by the way." Her head tilted your way, lids narrowed in a sassy look you dismissed with a wave of your hand.
"Yeah, okay, what're his coordinates?"
With a roll of her eyes—that you very much thought was quite rude—she gave you just what you needed; his exact coordinates.
The assortment of colours and geometric shapes appeared before you with a few taps of your finger against the cold device, flitting across the room in a bright blur of pure chaos that hurt your eyes to look at—
—but you would endure it; if only for Miles' sake.
"This is stupid, by the way—" you turned, facing the girl who insisted on making a snide comment every five seconds, "—you're not even a spiderperson."
"Says the girl who's speaking to me through a VR headset and isn't actually here right now," you growled.
"Careful, I can shut this whole thing down right now and tell Miguel what you're planning," she returned your apprehension with crossed arms, brows furrowing even further.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," you sighed, "it's just— I'm worried about him. Please don't tell Miguel. Miles has saved me so many times, it's time I save him for once."
You assumed you must've looked rather pitiful for her features to have softened up, arms falling limp by her side as she, too, gave a sigh; though hers sounded like it stemmed from a different type of exasperation to yours.
"Just... go. Before I change my mind—preferably."
You gave her the brightest smile you could muster, hoping to god she could see all the appreciation in it—and there was a lot—before turning back around to take a step into the portal.
"Miles! I'm here to—"
As soon as you walked through, you were met with a dark room—though, that wasn't what caught your attention. Instead, your wide eyes landed on that familiar hanging bag, beat down and bits of its material flaked off.
Chained up to it, was your very own, Miles Morales. And stood directly opposite to him was... also Miles Morales?
Alright, you were aware of this whole 'spiderverse' thing but you didn't think it would be this trippy.
"...save you?"
They were both staring directly at you, however, the expressions situated on their faces were vastly different.
Miles—your Miles—had his eyes blown wide, shaky pupils not leaving your form for a second, even as he started frantically shaking his head from left to right, he still remained in eye-contact with you.
The other Miles also had his eyes blown wide. This time, however, it wasn't in warning—no—his pupils were dilated and his form stood rigid; still as a statue.
"Cariño..." he whispered; so much breath in his voice, it barely sounded like words were coming out.
"Y/N! You have to get out of here!" Your Miles yelled, pulling at his chains as though it would get him any closer to you.
You scoffed. "And leave you? I don't think so."
"Don't worry about me! You have to—"
"Cariño."
You blinked, casting your gaze back over to the other Miles—who now stood much closer to you than before. He was just an arm's length away, in fact, how did you not notice him approach you?
"Mi vida, oh Y/N..." his voice was soft as he spoke—quiet and coated in an emotion you were unfamiliar with—hand moving up to your cheek to gently trace a cold, steel claw over it.
"Hey!" The sound of metal chains clicking grew more frantic from behind him. "Stay away from her! Don't you dare hurt her!"
Either the Miles in front of you was ignoring your friend on purpose, or he genuinely didn't hear him, because he continued to do as he was doing—continued to give you shivers from the icy material against your cheek.
Then, all too suddenly, he flew into your torso, engulfing you in a hug so tight—so inextricably emotional—you stumbled back a little from the sheer intensity of it all.
"You're alive..." he breathed out—and it was then that you finally understood what the tone of his voice was. "You're really, truly alive. Oh mi cariño, I've missed you so much."
"Wha—?"
"Lo siento... lo siento." He buried his face into the crook of your neck and the surface of your skin slowly grew wet, your collar soaking up. "I didn't get there in time, I couldn't save you."
You and your Miles shared a glance.
You saw your reflection in his eyes; the look of shock on his face; the scenes that flashed through his pupils. You saw a fear in him, one unlike anything you had ever seen before.
You saw your near-death experience replay right before him.
"Te quiero—" the other Miles—the one holding you—grounded you once more with his words as he pulled away just enough to look you in the eyes and continue, "—you know that, right? I'm so sorry for not saying it before. If you hadn't— if you never— I'm so sorry."
The phrase shocked you, sending an electric pulse down your spine and rendering you utterly immobile.
"I always have. For the longest time. It's always been you. It's always—only—ever been you."
If what he was saying was true... then—?
"Y/N!"
Suddenly, the metal against your hips was replaced by the familiar silky material you were used to; the one worn by your Miles.
"Miles," you breathed out, looking all around you to see the shattered glass that flew in the wind—scattering in all different directions as the warmth of the inside abandoned you.
"I'm gonna need you to hold on, okay?"
You nodded.
Then, you glanced behind him, catching sight of the familiar geometric mask of the Prowler—sharp claws out—coming in hot and fast and furious.
"Miles—!"
"I know, mami, I know. I need you to trust me for a minute, alright? You know I'll never let you get hurt."
You nodded once more, nails digging into his dark suit as you buried your face directly into his chest. You felt yourself flow through the air, swiftly moving as the wind worked against you, pushing back on your hair as though you were its worst enemy.
It was nice. It was fun. It was... bound to go wrong.
One moment, you were safe, all coddled up in Miles' arms as he swung through the sky—the next?—
—you were falling.
"Y/N!"
(Note: I feel like I need to address this because some people seem to be misunderstanding what I'm doing with Margo.
First of all, Margo is not AT ALL being mean in Bereavement. The whole of that fic is written in the Reader's perspective (and I'll prolly end up writing something in both Miles' perspective too) - this makes her an unreliable narrator so you can't trust the way the story is being told to you is 100% accurate to the true events.
At the start, the Reader is frustrated because she knows her best friend is stranded on another universe - this makes her unfairly take out her frustration on Margo when she thinks lines like 'who always seemed to have to say something every five seconds' (paraphrased).
Margo thus responds accordingly (as she should) and although she threatens to tell Miguel, she never actually would because she is legit one of the only real ones in the movie. So no, to those commenters that were accusing me of making her 'aggressive' cuz she was black - that is not what I'm doing at all. I am writing the Reader's perspective after just having lost her best friend.
Margo is the only one helping. She is literally being kind to the Reader. If anything, the Reader is the one being rude to her but again, that's because her best friend is missing which isn't an excuse but definitely an explanation.)
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Dirty Work 21
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Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as bullying, familial discord/abuse, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.
This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.
Summary: You start a new gig and find one of your clients to be hard to please.
Characters: Loki
Note: have a wonderful day!
As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.
Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)
I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖
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The gate bell buzzes and you rush from the kitchen to answer, the porcelain clinking as you leave it in the sink. You flit into the hall and to the entryway. As you pull the door open, you sense a shadow and turn to see Laufeyson at the top of the stairs. He watches but does not speak. You waver before you find the strength to continue on.
You shut the door gently and try to breathe through your rattling nerves. You don't understand what's going on. The words Laufeyson said still don't make sense to you. He can't mean what you think. You have to be overthinking. Yet the tickle of his touch remains on your skin and fuels your doubts.
How can you say no to him? If you do, he might say the same...
You repress a shudder as you reach the gate and hold the button to roll it back. Ronan steers through in his truck, pulling in just behind Laufeyson's flashy ivory car. You let the gate close and approach the truck bed as the carpenter climbs out.
"Miss," he opens the rear door to grab his bag, "you look nice, special occasion?"
You look down at yourself and wipe your sweaty palms on your skirt. It's sunny but it isn't the weather that has you fired up. You force a smile that makes your cheeks twitch.
"Uh, no, they're just...new," you sway as you push your hands behind you, "erm, so I guess... you should get started."
"I should," he checks his watch, a thick leather band with a tarnish face, "I hate to get in the way of your work. Or ruin your fancy clothes."
"Oh, uh, it's not... I'll bring you some water," you offer.
"Hmm," he hums as he shuts the door, "you're too kind for your own good. Nice to see you doing something for yourself for a change."
"I..." you swallow the truth. "Thanks."
"Not that you didn't look good before," he insists.
"Well, I..." you murmur, looking away bashfully.
"I'm talking a lot," he chuckles, "you know where I'll be."
He turns and stalks off towards the house. You blow out a breath as your eyes are drawn to the front door. Mr. Laufeyson stands in the frame, again observing you, his gaze narrowed to slits. He reminds you of a snake in coil about to strike.
The door shuts before you can reach it. You enter and he's gone. It's like some game. You return to the kitchen to finish tidying up the porcelain from tea. You set it away in the glass cabinet and fill a fresh jug of water. As you place it on the patio, Frigga pops her head up from the roses, a healthy bouquet in hand as she snips the stems with a pair of cutters.
"These will be nice in the dining room," she suggests as she shows the white petals, "Maybe a few for the study?"
"Uh, yeah," you plunk down the pitcher and glass. "Did you need any water? This is for the carpenter."
"Oh, he's here?" She says, "I didn't see him. Perhaps I can ask him about the flower boxes."
"Yeah, uh, maybe," you agree, "I'll be, er, upstairs working. Got a lot to catch up on from yesterday."
"No worries at all, darling," she assures you.
You retreat and stumble to get your shoes off once more, mindful of the rules. That's the problem. Everyone is forgetting the rules. Ronan does the gazebo not the flower boxes, you don't wear your shoes in the house, and Loki-- Mr. Laufeyson is just your boss.
You rush up the stairs, nearly too at a time, and reach the top out of breath. You hurry into the library and close yourself up inside. It's just you. It strikes you how much you missed being alone. These last few weeks have felt so crowded. Constricted even.
You finally make yourself sit still. You find it hard not to wriggle in the seat as you watch the laptop screen load. It feels so long ago that you did this. It's all backwards and you don't like it. You like clear lines. You are separate from Mr. Laufeyson. You are below. You have your tasks and he has more important concerns.
You focus on balancing his bills. There are a lot of outstanding invoices. You're still learning how to keep it all organized. You feel a bit out of your depth with all the numbers but you excelled at math all those years before.
A subtle click barely registers but nestles in your ear. You squint at the screen as you watch a tutorial on Excel functions. You're still figuring that out too.
"The carpenter has been dealt with?" Mr. Laufeyson states as much as he asks.
"Yes, Mr. Laufeyson," you confirm and pause the video. You glance behind him at the open door to his study.
"Very good," he says, "he will work faster without distraction."
You nod. You take his point. He is right. It might be better that the project is finished sooner than later. There's a big enough mess, the type you don't know how to clean up.
He strides around the library, perusing the shelves as if they are new to him. He feels along the spines of books and drags his fingers along the wood. You watch him, waiting. For what, you don't know.
"Don't let me distract you," he says without looking at you as he slides out a volume. "As you were."
Your eyes flick down obediently. You try to refocus but forget where you were. You open the ledger to make notes as you restart the video. You can sense him lurking around the room, closer and closer as his silhouette blurs the edge of your vision.
The narrator continues their instruction as you open the transcript to follow along. Mr. Laufeyson inches closer and closer, walking just behind your laptop, then around one side of your desk before doubling back. Again, he looms behind the screen and strolls along the other side. And at once, he's behind you.
You tense as you feel him watching over your head. You keep your hand moving as you take notes, writing down words you don't process. Your pulse thrums in your temples as you feel him leaning over you. His hands rest on your shoulders and he kneads them as you sit frozen.
He bends further and further until you feel his breath on your crown. He nuzzles your hair as his hands trail slowly across your shoulders. They close loosely around your neck as he exhales with a groan. Just like the one you heard earlier.
You gulp against his grip as your pen stills and you stare blankly at the screen, the narrator hazing to a drone and the colours fogging together. You drop the pen and drag your hand up to touch his. He tuts as he lowers his head next to yours, his lips brushing your ear as he speaks.
"I didn't say stop," he slithers as heat scalds over you.
You shiver and remove your hand from his, reaching for the pen instead. You pick it up, trembling as you try to read your own writing, your chin pressing to his knuckle as he tightens his hold on you. It's just scribbles, broken lines and squiggled waves.
"Notice too, you did not either," he whispers against the shell of your ear and draws away, all once releasing you. 
You gasp as he swiftly side steps and strides across the room. He retrieves the volume from the shelf and reclines across the chaise, lazily opening the pages with a sigh. You stare at him as he lingers, engrossing himself in the book as you forget all about the spreadsheets and negative balances.
👠
Mr. Laufeyson leaves without a word. A taunt in its own right. He’s toying with you impeccably. His every move, his every glance, even something as careless as breathing is a statement. He’s watching. He’s waiting. For something…
Your frustration boils over and you snap shut the lid of the laptop. You haven’t been able to focus since his intrusion. The weight of his hands on your throat remains even with him gone. At moments, it feels as if you are truly being strangled.
You get up and resign yourself to something less complicated. You near the door and stop to peek at the one attached to the study. It’s open still but you wouldn’t think to peer through it. Is he there still? Listening? Expecting something?
You go into the hall and descend, each step expecting Laufeyson to call you back, to reproach you for straying. You reach the bottom without obstacle and exhale. You hear noise in the kitchen and follow it.
Frigga is there, placing a rectangle tray on the counter. She is comfortable as she moves around lightly. She knows where everything is as she arranges her ingredients and tools. You admire her. You wish you had that confidence, especially now as you drown in uncertainty.
“Oh, darling, wonderful timing,” she praises as she looks up, “I thought to do some cooking before I go. I’m sure you know Loki is rather avoidant of doing so himself. Why don’t you join, hm?”
You blink and hesitate, glancing over your shoulder. It isn’t exactly work. 
“Don’t you fret for him, if he has issue, I will take it up with him,” she dismisses your unspoken doubts. “Come, come, I want to share with you my best recipes.”
“Okay,” you cross to her. She is undeniable, besides, you don’t think Laufeyson would be pleased to hear if you were to reject his mother. 
“Beer-marinated pork,” she announces, “roasted turnip and some hand-made bread, of course.”
You nod and twiddle your fingers. You’ve never had beer-marinated anything. Well, your culinary experience is lacking.
“Family recipes,” she explains, “adapted over the years. There was a time the bread was baked on rocks and the turnip would be roasted over embers. Imagine.”
She trills and spins around, gathering more supplies for her growing array. As she faces the counter again, she sighs.
“I much rather prefer the modern methods, of course. Not so tedious and Loki has ensured the best,” she goes to the stacked ovens embedded in the wall and sets the temperature, leaving the upper one to preheat. “A pity, such a nice kitchen and it’s barely used. That cook of his… she doesn’t know our recipes.”
You listen, too anxious to summon any sort of comment. She doesn’t seem to notice as she carries the conversation smoothly. 
“Do you cook? You must,” she answers her own question, “we will make enough for you to take home for your father. If he can’t stomach beer, I can make a sauce.”
“Oh, that’s… that’s okay–”
“I insist,” she overrides you, “it’s a labour of love for me. I love cooking. That is the one thing Sif– his ex-wife wasn’t fond of. She was always at the stable.”
You nod, trying to unravel the story from the stray threads. Little by little, you learn more of the woman who used to live here. In your head, she is sophisticated and splendid. And the way the speak of her, they seem to mourn her as much as you do your own mother.
“We will need onion and some spices, we’ll mix it in with the beer for our marinade,” she instructs, “a bowl…” she turns to take a silver bowl from the nested stack.
She puts it before you and directs you. She stands back as she lets you do it yourself. It’s nice to have the simple tasks set out one by one, even if it feels as if she’s judging your every move. You submerge the pork chops to marinate and she turns your attention to the turnip.
“Be careful chopping, turnips can be difficult,” she girds.
You shy away from the large knife and the hard rutabaga. It’s not easy to saw through as you rock the knife this way and that. You only get halfway through before the blade sticks immovably.
“Allow me,” she takes over and with a jerk, finishes the chop. The turnip splits in two as the knife meets the thick cutting board. “A bit of elbow grease…”
“Mother, what are you up to?” Laufeyson enters with a hand in one pocket.
“Oh, you know, dear, I can’t leave you without dinner.”
“I have a cook,” he counters.
“Mmm, yes, but nothing like a homemade meal,” she tisks.
He looks at you as he nears. You wipe your hands on a dish cloth and wring it tight. Frigga continues on unbothered, turning one half of the turnip on its flat side and chopping it into chunks.
“She’s helping,” she says, “please don’t take her from me.”
“I didn’t say anything,” he shrugs, his lips slightly curving.
“You were thinking it,” she huffs, “she can take some time to cook. Perhaps, she should do so regularly. It would save you money.” 
“But not time. She has other tasks.”
“You being the most onerous,” Frigga chirps as she transfers the chunks into the pan.
“Perhaps,” he does not look away from you as you twist the dish cloth to its limit. He slips his hand from his pocket and lets it brush up his shirt, “I am what you raised me to be.”
“I was saying to the darling earlier,” she ignores his snipe, “the next time you visit, you might bring her along.”
“Eh, next time…” Laufeyson swallows as his lips fall straight, “maybe…”
“You are going to visit, aren’t you?” Frigga whines, “you and your father, I don’t know why you just can’t get along.”
“I tried, mother, I did. You saw–” he stops himself, “it doesn’t matter.”
“It does. Very much. You’re family.”
“Are we? He’s disowned me more than he’s ever claimed me.”
“You’re too much alike, that’s your problem,” she chides, “and you’re both too stubborn to see it.”
“We will discuss this another time,” he says as he peeks at you again, “in private.”
“Should I…” you begin.
“Stay,” Frigga and her son command at the same time.
“I’m not sending her home empty-handed,” Frigga says, “so you will drive her home, yes? It will be too much to take on the bus.”
“Why, of course,” he accepts, “it would be my pleasure.”
“Mm, and the carpenter, he fixed the flower boxes already. A few loose nails,” she grins, “nice man, that one. I might recommend him to your father.”
Laufeyson pokes his tongue out as he squints. He turns his gaze back on you. You miss when he barely looked at you, when he hardly even acknowledged your existence. And yet, you're just the same. You can't say a word.
“I haven’t dealt with him much,” he says pointedly, “that is the house manager’s concern.”
“Probably better off,” Frigga snickers, “she won’t drive him away.”
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moonlightspencie · 6 months
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like the gardens of babylon
part 11 of ‘the sweetest con’
Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x fem!Reader
Word Count: 1.7k
A/N: some suggestive content at the end, but nothing explicit!
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Walking into the bullpen had never felt so nerve-wracking. Usually, if I felt any anxieties at all, it had to do with a case. Or at least work. As it should, considering this was my workplace, after all.
But, this time, all the nerves stemmed from my concerns that word would get out before I had the chance to address it all myself. After JJ had seen us kiss last week, every day felt like a new opportunity for everyone to find out. Each day only got worse. Any time someone looked at me for too long, I started sweating a little.
But, of course, my darling girl couldn’t care less. She was convinced that JJ wouldn’t say a word, and I had to commend her faith in our friends. I, however, knew that the thrill of a scandal could break down even the strongest barriers on our team. Especially when it came to all of our love lives.
As much as I love my team, I knew they weren’t always the most… discreet.
I could see the lingering looks from JJ anytime Y/N snuck into my office for our usual lunchtime “date”. It felt like a matter of time before it escalated.
And escalate it did.
I snuck out of my office after lunch that afternoon only to see a few pairs of eyes on me, and a lot of whispering. I narrowed my eyes at Derek, Penelope, and Y/N.
“Something you’d like to share?” I asked, noticing they didn’t look away when I’d caught them.
“No—”
Penelope cut Y/N off. “Teasing our little ray of sunshine, here.”
I merely raised my brows in question, making quick eye contact with the aforementioned “ray of sunshine.” She looked at me with pleading eyes, though I couldn’t quite decipher what she was trying to ask of me.
“It’s nothing, Hotch,” she shook her head.
“Nothing?” Morgan questioned. “Mmm mm. Lies.”
“What is it, then?”
Morgan smirked. “Something goin’ on with you two that you’d like to share?”
I froze up, though I tried playing it off. I hoped it was convincing enough.
“Like what, exactly?”
Penelope blushed. “We were merely asking her if your little daily lunch dates meant anything.”
I looked at Y/N briefly. Apparently, that was a mistake. Derek stood abruptly, closing in on me.
“Wait, seriously?” he turned to look at Y/N, who looked, frankly, like she’d been caught red-handed. “Seriously?”
“Oh my god—” Garcia squealed.
I’m sure my face going red didn’t help our case as I asked the two of them to keep it down. Y/N stood, standing next to me as I attempted to fend off questions from the other two.
“Guys,” she raised her hands to calm them. “This is still kind of new. We weren’t really ready to tell anyone yet, so…”
“Oh,” Penelope said, her voice lowered.
“Just please don’t tell anyone else. For our sake.”
“Sure thing, mama,” Derek said, nodding.
Penelope smiled softly. “Wouldn’t dream of trying to ruin this. I am so, absolutely excited, but I promise I will zip my lips just for you, sugar.”
“Thanks, Pen,” she smiled back at her.
She looked at me, looking a little apologetic. I gave her a raised brow and half a smile.
“Sorry. I thought we’d be able to keep this secret a little while longer,” she said quietly.
“Not your fault. I think we’re both pretty bad at hiding our feelings,” I sighed. Then, I looked at the others. “Thank you for your… Discretion with this. We’ll tell the others soon, we just wanted to keep this—”
“Yours?” Morgan asked, practically finishing my sentence.
“Yeah,” I nodded once. “Exactly.”
He smirked. “Can’t blame you for wanting to keep her all to yourself. I can respect that.”
I rolled my eyes, hiding a smile. “Right. Well, I need coffee if I’m going to get through the rest of today.”
They nodded, waving me off. I let out a deep breath as I turned. Three coworkers knew already, and I wondered how long we could actually keep things quiet before I had to come clean with everyone.
Though, after that conversation, part of me couldn’t wait to finally show her off as mine.
I got my coffee, heading back to my office to get through all of the work I had set aside for the day. It passed incredibly slowly. Her sweet face in my doorway at the end of the day made up for it, though.
I sat up a little straighter, an unintentional smile on my face.
“Hi,” I greeted.
“Hey. Getting late,” she said. “We’re picking up Jack in an hour, so pack it up, love.”
I snorted a laugh. She walked in, shutting the door behind her. I packed up as she had requested, standing to accept a soft kiss from her near the edge of my desk.
“He’s been asking about you, you know?” I said.
She smiled, still holding onto my waist in a hug. She pressed a small kiss to my cheek.
“Yeah?”
I hummed an affirmation. “Every night I’ve talked to him since we went to the zoo. He’s been looking forward to tonight.”
She smiled, and my heart warmed. “Let’s go get him then, yeah?”
We left the building, heading off to my apartment. I put away my things, and we both quickly changed clothes before getting in my car and heading to Haley’s. Of course, she stayed in the car when I went to get Jack, though I’d be surprised if she couldn’t still see the dirty looks being shot at her from the front door.
I ignored the hostility, too wrapped up in the plans we’d made for the night to care too much about Haley’s attitude. Jack practically squealed when he saw Y/N in the car, shooting a million questions at her the entire ride back the apartment. One in particular had me smiling like an idiot:
“Are you and daddy gonna get married?”
She laughed a little. “I don’t know buddy. We’ll have to wait and see, yeah?”
“Yeah,” he shrugged.
She looked at me, almost panicked by the question, but it only made my heart flutter in my chest. I knew it was probably far too soon to consider marriage, but I didn’t hate the idea of it happening some day. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.
Our night was spent in front of the TV, snacks and drinks set on the coffee table, all of us sat in a pile of pillows and couch cushions at Jack’s request. As much as I’d like to say that I set most of it up, it seemed that no matter what I tried to do, she’d get to it first. I would have been offended if she wasn’t so excited to do everything she was doing.
Jack cuddled up to my side for a while as we watched the tail end of Monsters Inc. My arm was around his tiny shoulders, but soon I felt him shrugging me off. I looked down in confusion as he started leaning into Y/N instead, leaving me in the dust. I furrowed my brow, looking at her with offense.
“You stole my child.”
“Maybe he just likes the girl who gave him candy a little more than the dad who tried giving him pretzels.”
Jack giggled, rest his head against her arm. I tried to look annoyed, but it was hard to do with this sight right in front of me. My previous worries about them being together seemed so stupid now. Of course he’d love her.
“Still,” I raised a brow in challenge. “He was mine first.”
“Still love you, daddy,” he said, giving me a cheeky smile.
I couldn’t hold back my grin. “I love you more.”
He was out like a light by the time the credits were rolling, and she allowed me to take him to his bedroom and tuck him in. I kissed his forehead, wishing all my nights could end like this.
I wandered back into the living room to find her already cleaning up.
“Babe, I can worry about that tomorrow.”
“Babe, huh?” she smirked.
I felt my cheeks heat up. “Just… Shut up.”
She laughed. “You know, I can help pick up the mess I made, babe.”
I sighed, rolling my eyes for good measure. I followed her into the kitchen with two cups in my hands as she took care of a few other dishes. However, I set mine down quickly, plans on my mind that had nothing to do with cleaning.
I wrapped my arms around her waist from where she stood at the sink, pressing a few soft kisses up her neck until my lips were at her ear.
“Why don’t we go to bed?”
“Aaron,” she warned, though the way she leaned into me made that warning much less severe.
“I’ve missed you.”
“You see me every day.”
I groaned, turning her around. “You know that’s not what I mean.”
She bit her lip. “You’re ridiculous.”
I smirked, leaning in before she could think too hard about my plan of… Redirection. Her lips met mine as if it was her plan all along, kissing me softly, but not without passion. Her hands trailed up my arms until they were linking behind my neck. I took that as my chance.
I patted her hip, and she jumped into my arms. I hooked my arms under her, carrying her to the bedroom and dropping her on the bed unceremoniously. She looked at me with that little mischievous glint in her eyes as I pulled off my tshirt. I crawled up over her on the bed, though she quickly pulled me down on top of her.
“You’re a troublemaker,” she mumbled, kissing my neck.
“I think you like it that way.”
“Never said I didn’t.”
She nipped at my skin, moving her lips back to mine. My hands found their way under her shirt as we moved up towards the headboard. Her back arched into my touch, exciting me all the more as her hands ran all over me.
“Just promise me one thing?”
I nodded. “Anything.”
She pulled off her top, tossing it somewhere. “Don’t be too loud or you’ll wake up Jack.“
I scoffed a laugh as she smirked again, flipping us over so that she was on top of me.
“Sure,” she said, looking down at me. “Go ahead and laugh like didn’t nearly wake the whole building last time.”
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jjunberry · 5 months
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HE LOVES ME NOT ˚* ❀ part six ✎
wc! 900
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true to his word jake arrived back at her dorm in fifteen minutes. he drove around for a few minutes before she decided on stopping at a convenience store. “let’s have some ramen.” she said, filling the basket with different snacks. jake put some snacks he liked in as well before taking their ramen to cook it for them. she took the basket to pay for everything.
“you didn’t have to pay for this stuff.” he scolded her. “i was going to.” a pout took over his face. she smiled. “i’ll let you pay next time.” she patted his cheek. “so there is going to be a next time?” y/n shrugged. “i don’t see why not.” he couldn’t help the smile that formed on his face. the pair sat quietly and ate their ramen. ‘’not to sound rude but why did you ask me to hang out, instead of one of your friends?” the girl sighed. “because they would question me about my boyfriend and i really don’t want to talk about him right now.”
jake nodded before taking a bite of his ramen. “well i’ll be glad to be your distraction and not talk about your totally shitty boyfriend.” y/n groaned and pushed jake’s shoulder. he let out a loud laugh. “jake stop it.” she couldn’t help but laugh along with him. “can i ask you one thing about him though?” she nodded. “sure.” jake turned towards the girl. “ if he continues to hurt you like this why are you staying with him? and please don’t tell me it’s because you love him.”
she sighed and looked at her lap. “ i guess it’s because he’s all i’ve ever known, he was my first kiss, my first time, my first everything.” jake nodded for her to continue. ‘’ he’s older than me, so no one knows about our relationship..” “oh my god are you in danger? i can get a hold of people who can help you.” she placed her hand over his mouth. “no i’m not in danger. he’s twenty-two and i’ll be turning twenty in a month. i met him here.” jake sighed. “i don’t know y/n he seems pretty shitty.” she sighed. “so everyone says.” “but enough about him, let’s go for a walk.”
jake stood and placed his hand out for her to take. she smiled and took his hand. they aimlessly walked around the less crowded streets for what felt like hours. she didn’t mind though. the time she was spending with jake was relaxing. freeing almost. the pair somehow ended up back at the park they first met just a few hours prior. “it’s so peaceful here at night.” she said taking a seat on the same cold bench. the stem of her daisy still laid a few feet away. a soft breeze blew and she watched as the wind carried it.
“i come here a lot while i wait for my friends to be done in the bar.” jake said taking a seat next to her. “that sounds like it happens way to often.” he laughed. “unfortunately, i wish they’d cut back a little, like today they were there since eleven this morning.” y/n sighed. “ sounds like you need better friends.” he shrugged. “no they’re pretty cool when they are black out drunk.” y/n nodded. another gust of wind blew causing y/n to shiver. jake noticed and quickly shed his hoodie and handed her the soft material. she looked up at him. “oh jake i couldn’t take this from you, you’d be cold.” he shook his head. “i’ll be fine just wear it.”
she sighed before putting the hoodie on. it was warm and smelled like his cologne.”thank you jake.” he smiled. “not a problem, i couldn’t have you freeze to death.” she giggled. she checked her phone and realized it was four-thirty am. “we should probably head back, i have a lecture at eleven today.” jake frowned. “time really flies when you’re having fun.” she smiled. “come on lets go.” she stood up and they walked back to his car. she was sad to be dropped off if she was being honest. she enjoyed her time with jake and didn’t really want the night to end. jake watched to make sure she got inside safely before he took off back to his dorm.
he placed his hand on the door knob but it opened from the inside. a girl wearing little to nothing smiled and walked past him. ‘’hey tell heeseung thanks for tonight for me? thanks.” she blew a kiss and walked away. jake rolled his eyes before shutting the door. jay was in the kitchen chugging water. “hey man where were you?” he asked. “i was out.” jake gave a short reply and walked to his room.
across campus y/n’s alarm blared and she jolted awake. not really into the mood she pulled on a pair of leggings leaving jake’s hoodie on. after she freshened up she headed to classes. jungwon met her before classes holding coffees. her eyes light up seeing the cups containing caffeine. “you’re a life saver wonnie.” “is that a new hoodie?” he asked. she looked down at her appearance. jake’s hoodie stared back at her. “yeah.” was all she said before taking a drink of her coffee. once sunoo joined them they headed to their respective lectures.
y/n had completely missed the glare shot at her. heeseung watched her approach jungwon wearing a hoodie he didn’t recognize. it made his blood boil. with a clenched jaw he headed to his lecture.
during her lecture y/n’s phone was buzzing with messages. when the class was finally over she checked her messages and rolled her eyes. he really had some nerve. deciding to ignore the messages she began walking home. tears swelled in her eyes as more messages from heeseung came in.
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masterlist
tag list ˚* ❀ @jjunieworld @304files @mrchweeee @sionshiii @kayleeshinee (if your name is bold i couldn’t tag you)
author’s note ˚* ❀ we all need a jake for late night ramen 🤩
love, echo🖤
© jjunberry
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molinaesque · 7 months
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On the topic of Raphael and him "being bad in bed".
Okay I'm only ever going to talk about this at length once and then never again. I've been avoiding talking about it until now because bringing it up always just seems to keep this topic in circles and it becomes an endless pit of nothing.
First of all, I know most of the time (like maybe 70% of the time) it's for the lolz. I get it. Hell, Raphael fans will be the FIRST to quip about this.
BUT
For those taking it seriously one way or another... It becomes such old hat VERY fast.
Those who use it as a jab towards Raphael havers are... Kinda dumb. Because it's like... Okay, and? You act as if somehow negates the entirety of his character somehow just because "HAR HAR HANDSOME DEVIL MAN IS BAD AT SEX" and it's so... vapid and boring? Also it seems a lot of people keep thinking "bad at sex" = JUST that he finishes too fast and nothing else but they seem to forget that the player character came up with that insult on the spot (rather than seeing it as a commentary about his pure selfishness and where it stems from). Haarlep is also a bias source. There's a semblance of resentment from them AND they're a damn incubus. EVERYONE'S terrible in bed in comparison (have you seen Tav? Little shit just lays there like a sack of potatoes during the Haarlep scene). This isn't me saying "Oh it means Raphael is terrific in bed because Haarlep's word cannot be trusted". HELL, no. Quite the opposite, actually. I'm saying "okay... What can I glean from that set of information?"
I feel like this goes for Raphael havers too who have this conversation. I feel like many tend to fall into this trap of odd desparity when they realise that "oh no our magnificent hot man is bad at sex" and somehow treat it as if it's forever a caveat and somehow negates the ENTIRETY of Raphael as a complex character. My first reaction when I got this information during House of Hope was laughing and then going "mmm that's so interesting and adds such a great layer to this already amazing character. Where else can I take this to". In fact, House of Hope as a quest does SO much in adding all these tidbits that make Raphael not just another boring, all knowing, god like, ineffible character. It made me love and appreciate his character even MORE. instead of going in circles and lamenting in how this is somehow "the worst thing ever", I think it's way more fun to explore it and delve into where the root of his narcissism and self esteem issues come from. The dichotomy and complexes of his character. There's SO much to talk about there and yet we're still just stuck on "haha devil man is a bottom and bad in bed" (which is another ridiculous thing btw because people seem to misconstrue bottoms as JUST being submissive. Y'all need to be more open minded 😂).
Apologies if this came off as ranty/condescending maybe. But it's coming from someone who's just minding her own business but have to see a variation of that line CONSTANTLY in the notes/tags on my art/gif posts and as I said... It gets so old REALLY fast. Like please be more imaginative than this, I beg of you. 😭
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ironunderstands · 7 months
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if you want to, please give your opinion on this I’m really curious on others thoughts
Me remembering @blood-orange-juice post on how Childe has the aggression of a prey animal made me think of how I feel he is a very feminine character despite not outwardly presenting as such. His aggression doesn’t stem from a masculine desire to feel stronger, it stems from his fear of being hunted down, overlooked, and overpowered, an aggression felt by a lot of femme and afab people, including myself. Like the scene in the golden house where everyone ignores what he has to say, or the scene in the courtroom where everyone dismisses what he has to say and blames him guilty for actions he couldn’t have possibly committed. The courtroom scene in particular reminds me of how often famous women (especially poc but that’s a can of worms that’s not my place to get into) are often demonized with people waiting for them to make one minor slip up (real or made up), so the public can justify their hatred towards them. Moreover, the attitude of “he’s a fatui so he probably did something wrong anyways” (which is true but doesn’t matter in this situation) mirrors the attitude a lot of famous women get of the “I never liked her anyways”, or “finally a reason to hate” or “I knew she was a mean girl” if the public gets a reason to turn on them.
There is also Childe’s habit of for lack of a better term, larping as a normal person, especially as a normal brother and son to his family. This changing of his behavior, especially in front of family members as to not lose their approval is also a pretty common feminine experience (not for me though luckily) and I have a lot of people in my own life who I know act that way. Playing the “good, responsible, nurturing, and almost a third parent” older sibling is also a fairly common feminine experience, and Childe acts very similar to that archetype despite having completely different reasons as to why.
His important female relationships with characters like skirk, Tonia, his mother and the Tsaritsa also add to this. It’s made very clear that he loves his younger siblings a lot, with Tonia being no exception, and Childe likes experiencing Tonia’s girlhood with her, playing along with being the knight in shining armor to her princess. He buys dresses and other gifts for her in inazuma, and doesn’t posses the slightest bit of shame or care that others might judge him for going dress shopping on his own. Continually, Skirk and his mother both teamed up to give him mommy issues (although Skirk didn’t do it on purpose she didn’t try to abandon him like his mom did, he left the abyss of his own accord), although mommy issues tend to be pretty universal, his respect and desire for acknowledgment from female authority figures like Skirk, the Tsaritsa, and to some extent the traveler and Clorinde (he did really want a duel out of her and views her as a strong, worthy opponent) reads as a feminine desire to me. More specifically, the need to be liked and acknowledged by the women you look up to so one day you can feel as secure as they appear to be, I personally find to be a very feminine experience.
What I find most interesting about this situation is that most of Childe’s traits I find feminine are painful feminine experiences, besides the heels in foul legacy form, the garter around his legs, the exposed skin on his stomach and being canonically pretty, things viewed as traditionally feminine, the feminine aspects of Childe’s character deeply painful for both him and people who experience similar things in real life. It reminds me of a phrase I can’t quite remember where I heard from, but is something along the lines of “femininity is pain”.
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rnn11203 · 15 days
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Stardew valley, some headcanons and just thinking about things, thoughts? Opinions? Your own ideas? I would love to talk abt stardew valley w anyone even if its just abt ur farmer (PLEASE IM BEGGING I NEED IT)(i mean whahhatttt… no im so cool and very chill..)
Anyways
thinking about Abigail and Sebastian’s relationship.. or lack their of? Anyways, i always thought it was really interesting that we only really get 1 line of dialogue with Sebastian hinting at the “crush” on Abigail. The flower festival is the only time Sebastian himself vaguely hints at liking her, “i want to dance with someone (abigail).” Or something along the lines of that and honestly? I just think everyone else DOESNT like him except for Sam and her….. both Sam and Maru hint at Sebastian liking her in their dialogue tho, and Abigail herself mentions liking him ie mentioning being close friends (although he doesn’t share the same sentiment? Only stating Sam and yourself as a friend).. PERSONALLY.. in MY opinion, i like to think that he doesn’t really like her, i understand that she hangs out in his room but also? He literally tells you that she doesn’t seem to value his time bc she interrupts his work. I really like to think that Sam and Maru, and everyone else in the valley likes to gossip and pair both her and him together because of their alternative fashion. Abigail is really friendly, outgoing, loves adventure, shes extroverted, whereas Sebastian is socially awkward, prefers being alone, and likes staying in his room. I like to view Abigail as younger than both Sam and Sebastian, around 18yrs while sam is 19 and Sebastian is 22-23. I view them as these ages bc:
Abigail: Seems to be starting college, maybe already completed a semester by the time the farmer arrives, bickers with her parents in a more youthful way, ie Caroline’s lines about her dyed hair and fashion sense. Her sense of adventure to me seems to stem from a new independence from her parents (turning 18). (Side note but i prefer to think that Pierre IS Abigail’s dad and not the wizard… instead… i like to think Jodi started that rumor)
Sam: the whole dropping egg, skateboarding, and kissing under the covers reeks of a 16yr old, but to me hes just an immature 19yr old. I imagine Jodi spoiled him because his dad wasnt around a lot but as he gets older he realizes the toll it takes on her, and to me ive always seen Sam as genuinely friendly and kind and i kinda think his behavior in these cutscenes are just bc he doesn’t want to give Jodi a hard time. He’s afraid of disappointing her and thats why the egg and blanket scenes happen the way they do.
Sebastian: Free lancer job, motorcycle owning, weed smoking, and overall he just seems like the most mature in the group. He has his moments with his mom, maru, and Demetrius but i think it’s just bc of how tense he feels with them.
Also i kinda think the reason he wanted her in the band was so he didnt have to talk to Sam that much,,
But anyways, i do like to think that Abby’s gotta a crush but its more of the “idea” of Sebastian, i like to think she’ll fantasize about him asking her to ride on the motorcycle with him and go on this grand adventure and meet a lot of people and do a lot of things, in fact i like to think that her going to his room is a new thing too! And thats why he seems “suddenly” irritated by it and neither of them mention that they aren’t that close anymore. I also like to think shes more of a new addition to their duo too, which is why she doesn’t play pool and because of Pierre’s shop, either he or Caroline mention the Yoba church being “already there” before they moved in. I think Sam and Sebastian moved to stardew when they were very little (3-4) (implied by dialogue as sam mentions Kent use to be a garbage man in Zuzu city, and i think Sebastian was born BEFORE robin built the house and maru after.)(hence why Sebastian lives in the basement) i think Abigail moved when she was around 7-8. (I think Caroline is a pelican town native tho! And just moved back)
Not an Abigail hate post btw.. i like her, but i think this is more interesting than them just having a crush on each other, i just think her liking the idea of him and him well.. i just dont think anyone really likes him bc they think hes weird T_T!!
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inmyheadimobsessed · 1 year
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— more than i should masterlist
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— pairing: riri williams ✘ black!fem!reader
— series summary: riri williams hated you. from the cold stares and the snide remarks, there was no other conclusion to be drawn. the logical response in this circumstance would be to ignore her, avoid her at all costs. you weren't friends, so this should be an easy task. you only had one class with her, and you rarely saw her around campus outside of it. that was until you started dating her best friend. suddenly you'd found yourself thrusted directly into her life, and suddenly her attitude towards you was becoming an issue. you were never one to care what people thought of you, but something about riri captured your need to please. it was easy to convince yourself you only cared because of your boyfriend. she was his best friend, so the two of you needed to get along. he was none the wiser, chalking her coldness toward you up to her naturally standoffish nature. but you knew better. one way or another, riri williams was going to like you, you would make sure of it. (or the one where you're on a mission to make your boyfriend's best friend like you and the two of you end up falling for each other instead)
— series warnings: CHEATING!! (if you aren't into that, don't read), angst, fluff, smut (eventually) 18+, slow burn building a friendship between reader x riri first, lying, sneaking around, friendship betrayal, jealousy, possessiveness, homophobia (reader is just beginning to question her sexuality after growing up in a homophobic household), riri is mean (at first), lots of tension, lots of emotional cheating beforehand, lots of guilt, mentions of riri having some intense nightmares, strong language at times, use of drugs and alcohol, riri falls first but reader falls harder, and just a bunch of mess!
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☆ part one
summary: riri likes to stare, you'd gathered. she hates you, but enjoys watching you. everything she does leaves you flustered and confused, and craving her approval. all of which goes unnoticed by your boyfriend. a party leads to drinking and drinking leads to riri reluctantly driving you home, where she extends a slither of kindness.
☆ part two
summary: headaches, everyone gets them! your most recent one stems from poor decision making. but the one that reoccurs has a name: riri williams. she's in your head, and alone time with her only causes more pain, and more problems.
☆ part three
summary: in riri's mind of monsters, you were an angel. an angel whose attention she begrudgingly vied for. god, she didn't even know the extent in which she needed it — needed you, until you made yourself inaccessible.
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deansapplepie · 22 days
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Till THE DEAD do us part| Chapter 19
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Chapter 18 Chapter 20
Series Masterlist
Main Masterlist
Chapter 19: After all this time?
Summary: Hershel is recovering and you need to apologize to people that you hurt, even who you never thought you’d hurt.
Warnings: language, mentions of kink, mentions of possible naked people. 18+ MINORS PLEASE DON’T INTERACT.
Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Grimes!Reader (Rick’s sister)
Word Count: 1.8k
A/N: Not proof read. Just a small chapter cause reader needs to do things right after she made a mess.
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Shouts. Shoots. Walkers. Long corridors. An unconscious Hershel in a cart. It was all flashes while you ran for Hershel’s life. When you realized the men were carrying him to his cell and you ran behind them to continue treating Hershel. Questions all around on what happened and you couldn’t answer none of them, the words just didn’t come out.
You and Carol kept stemming the blood. You thought about cauterizing it, but wasn’t very sure of it, so you followed what Carol said. It was heartbreaking, but she knew more about stemming human blood than you. “You were right, we shouldn’t have taken him with us.” Maggie cried in the cell hugging Beth.
You sighed, that was your fault. You let out your anger from Daryl on them. “I wasn’t Maggs. He should be allowed to do whatever he wanted to. I was just being an asshole. I’m sorry, it wasn’t your fault.”
Suddenly Carl appeared with a bag of medical supplies. You were impressed the things he found would be of help to Hershel. “Thanks Carl, it’ll be of help. You did a great job.” You said.
“It looks like the 12 year-old knows how to hand himself.” Carl bitterly said and here you knew you had screwed bad, he heard what you said and even though it was true, the last thing you thought you’d do in your life was hurting Carl.
“Carl, I…” you started to say, but before you could complete the sentence he left the cell.
You breath deeply, fuck… you needed to talk to him, apologize… but you couldn’t leave Hershel. What if something happened to him? What if he needed your assistance?
“Go talk to him. I’ll keep an eye on Hershel. There isn’t much we can do right now. You know it.” Carol told you, she saw how it was eating you alive not to talk with Carl and at the same time the need to protect Hershel.
“Thanks…” You exchanged a look with the woman and it thanked her even more than your words could.
You got up and left the cell to look for Carl. He was having a hard time having to grow up in this fucked up world, and that was scarily molding his personality. The last thing you wanted was for him to not feel safe and happy with you anymore. He was your nephew, he would always be the baby you carried so many years ago. You ended up finding him on the second floor sitting on the platform, his legs hanging in the air, his arms and face resting on the bars.
You sat by his side silently, he noticed your presence but said nothing. He also didn’t move or try to leave. “I’m sorry. I didn’t totally mean what I said earlier.” You told the boy.
“But you meant some of it.” That was his answer.
“Yes, because you weren’t supposed to be responsible to protect any of us. In the old world you’d never do that…”
“The old world doesn’t exist anymore.” Carl answered, he wasn’t wrong, but it didn’t mean it wasn’t less worrying.
“I know.” You answered, and thought a lot more before speaking again. “Adults are stupid. I was angry at Daryl and I let it out on everyone. I’m sorry.”
“Do you want me to kick his balls?” You almost chocked on your spit.
“Carl, language!” You disciplined him. “And, no!”
“No one gave me good examples in the last months.” He side eyed you and you tried to contain the grin that was building on your face. “Daryl and you especially…”
“Tell any of these bad words next to your mom and I’m throwing you through the fence to feed the walkers.” You joked and elbowed him. He snorted, it was good to hear him laughing, it had been quite a time since last time you heard his laughter. “So… does it mean I’m forgiven?”
“I can’t be angry at the best aunt for too long…” he answered.
You side hugged him and kissed the top of his head. “Good, I didn’t lose the best aunt position. I was a little concerned…” you played, being forgiven by him was a great relief in such a crazy day.
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Later that day Hershel woke up and was at that moment sleeping safe and sound on his cell, with the care of everyone, but mainly his beloved daughters. When the men got back from their mission helping the found prisoners take a block for themselves they told you everything that happened and how they had to put down some of them, now only Oscar and Axel being alive.
After everything was settled, Rick sent you and Daryl to one of the towers for watch duty. Just as if you were kids that needed to be punished for fighting each other. Once at the tower, you sat your back resting on the wall, legs stretched and a gun and the crossbow resting on it. Silence. A deafening silence.
“Did you sleep well?” You cleared your throat and asked.
“Nah, I can’t sleep well without ya.” He answered. “Did ya?”
You breathed deeply. “I had a nightmare. One of the bad ones.” You confessed, images of it coming back to your mind.
“Why didn’t ya come to me?” He knew why, but he couldn’t really control when the words left his mouth.
“I thought you didn’t want me anymore.” Confessing it out aloud was a little embarrassing.
“I… after all this time?” It annoyed him a little, but he couldn’t blame you for this.
“The way you said it yesterday…” You said. “It looked like it.”
“That’s… Did I ever tell you that Merle already went to jail?” He asked and confessed at the same time. “Where I came from, nobody thought a single good thing about the Dixon’s. They knew my father was no good, Merle was no good… I wasn’t no good. They expected all the time that I’d end up imprisoned like my brother. I know it’s stupid, but I felt it would be true if I stayed in a cell.”
“That’s how you felt, that’s not stupid.” You reached for his hand taking a hold on it. “You could have told me.”
“I know. ‘M sorry.”
“I’m sorry too. For being a bitch.” You looked at him, a small smile on your face. You felt so bad when you fought with him, it didn’t happen very often, but it always made both of you feel bad.
“Let’s never go sleep with things unsolved an’more” He was never one for many words, but you changed it, maybe for the others he was still the grumpy man that would speak more with his expressions than with words. But for you… he was learning how to speak, how to express… and for you he would make a speech if it meant you’d not have a mis understanding like this again. “If something like this happens… let’s find each other and solve things.”
“You got a deal, babe.” You squeezed his hand and then intertwined your fingers.
“Come ‘ere.” He pulled your hand towards him and you didn’t hesitate to put the guns aside and sit across his lap.
You put an arm around his neck and hide your face there, inhaling his scent… you could all be dirty from months on the road, but you couldn’t care less when it was about him, he was always the same, so manly… so… Daryl. “It was very difficult to refuse your hug today in the morning, you know?” You softly said.
“Was it?” He played, you for sure knew how it took a lot out of him to demonstrate things like this somewhere people could see.
“Yeah, and I appreciate it.” You kissed his cheek tenderly.
“Ya saved Hershel’s life today, ya were amazing.” He put a lock of your hair behind your ear.
“I was panicking…” You confessed, but you didn’t need to, he knew it.
“I know, and it’s still one of the hottest things ya’ve ever done.”
You raised an eyebrow at him, he always had the strangest ideas about what was hot. You killing walkers? Hot! You deciding to cut an old man’s leg to save his life? Hot!
“Does Daryl Dixon have a kink on doctors/nurses or something?” You teased him.
“Nah… I don’t got those things. I’ve got ya, ya’re my kink.” He pecked your lips.
“I like the outcome of it…” you pressed your lips against his starting a lazy lovely kiss. You were so glad everything was fine again. You were so glad you solved this misunderstanding.
“I’m going up! I hope you two are dressed!” Carol’s voice coming from the stairs startled you.
You parted from each other and you sat by his side again. “Of course we’re dressed Carol, why wouldn’t we be? We’re on watch duty.”
“Honey, if I’m saying it’s because there’s a reason, and I’d rather find both of you dressed.” Your friend said showing up at the corner of the tower with two plates. “We prepared some food, so I thought it would be a good idea to bring it to you two. We all had a tough day.”
“Thanks Carol.” Daryl took the plates from her hand, cheeks blushed thinking of al the reasons she had to check you were both dressed before finishing going up the tower.
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In the middle of dawn Rick came to the tower to take your place, and of course certify you were all good again. You two went back to block C. You walked to your cell, thinking that Daryl was going to his mattress at the stairs. You entered the cell and turned around to see if he was there and was surprised to see him right in front of you.
“You don’t have to Dar…” you said and put your hand on his shoulders. “I understand now, if you want I can sleep outside with you.”
“I ain’t here out of obligation or something, I want to be here with ya. I know ya put a lot of effort at cleaning it.” He caressed your cheeks with his thumbs while his big hands held your face.
“We can let the door open…” you said, you’d do anything so he didn’t feel caged. “If you ever can’t take it, tell me and we’re finding another place for us.”
“Alrigh.” He answered and he could swear after all this months together his heart still skipped a beat when you were so kind to him. “Let’s get to bed, babe.”
Wanna be added to my tag list? Let me know. (Please tell me if you want to be tagged on everything or just specific series) Everything Taglist: @lilyevanstan1325 @hayley1998
Till THE DEAD do us part Taglist: @sunnybunnyy2 @royaltysuite @isakyakiisak @milopenne @celtic-crossbow @mel-wcst @gabriella-aesthetic @duckybird101 @the1eyedmonster16 @iixchloee @daryldixmedown @bloommart
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leoslosttoolbelt · 1 year
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What I think the demigods would major as and why
these are personal head canons dont take them too seriously :)
Percy: Education. I know that we usually hc as a Marin biology kinda guy but I genuinely think that he wouldn't be too fond of the workload but instead want to work towards being a teacher and being the kind of teacher he needed as a kid, y'know? Alternatively, I can see him being into something like baking and pastry art to take over Sally's shop.
Annabeth: Architecture. I really don't think I need to explain this one to y'all but yeah she's an architecture girly. But if we want to branch out I can also see her studying law and working in the area of Child Protection.
Leo: Astrophysics. I have this head canon of him panicking because of the sheer amount of choices that he's presented with and choosing the first one of the alphabetical list. Lucky for him, he's insanely good at it AND it'll pay well in the future. He minors in mechanical engineering and realises that although he has all the practical knowledge because of his father, his theoretical knowledge isn't as strong lol.
Piper: Food Science. I'm trying to be unique here because yeah, she could do environmental studies but I also think it would be super cool to see her learning about food and developing new vegetarian versions of food because it's something she's visibly passionate about in the books.
Nico: I can see him getting a history / philosophy related degree for his bachelors just for him to get a  doctor of philosophy (Ph. D.) in mythology or folklore. His hyperfixation runs deep and he sure as hell is going to fuel it as much as he can.
Jason: Doesn't go to college!! Is severely burnt out <3. No but like idk man I think he'd legitimately want to take it chill if that makes sense? Maybe he'd do a business major just so that he can get a job somewhere but I can't think of somewhere he'd fit in nicely. Jason does have a lot of part time jobs though!!
Frank: Nurse! Nursing school! Despite being the son of Mars I can see him being in the medical field because he wants to help people in need. It's a long journey with lots of ups and downs but finally getting his degree makes it all worth it.
Hazel: Geology because rocks. And also women in STEM!! This one directly correlates to her powers in the books as well as both of her parents! On the other hand, I can see definitely see Hazel studying in the field of archeology with the goal of being an archeologist and then eventually a museum curator :)
Reyna: Psychology!! Listen, I know this seems out of the blue but Reyna gives me the right vibes. Everyone is skeptical at first because they don't think she'd fit the mold of a clinical psychologist but that's okay because Reyna wants to further herself in research! She studies Neuropsychology and becomes a prominent researcher in her field! Please tell me you see the vision.
Will: From what I can see in the books, Emergency Medical Services degree seems like the right field for him. He's already basically a paramedic at Camp Half Blood so he knows it's naturally the right step for him. On the other hand, for something a little different - he seems like the kind of guy who might be interested in studying cinematography or art history maybe.
Travis: He studies Economics because he's so fucking convinced that he can become the next Elon Musk if he studies this. Alternatively, he studies music because he wants to travel the world and like sing with the wind and all that shit.
Connor: he's a communications major because he's a really popular youtube and technically doesn't really need to go to college but oh well he can study communications.
Drew: She goes to cosmetology school as the first step to start her own makeup and skincare empire. She's super nice to all of her clients and helps out all of the other students when they're having trouble with something! I will not tolerate any Drew slander let my girl breathe.
Pollux: Chemical Engineering. He got influenced by watching breaking bad and somehow landed himself a degree in chemical engineering. He doesn't know how he survived that degree but it doesn't matter because he decides to not give a fuck and open a coffee shop that becomes really popular because all the drinks are to die for.
Thalia: I don't really know the right terminology but she has an art related degree / tattoo apprentice so that she can work as a tattoo artist!! It fits with the thalis vision and also she is the eldest daughter who loses it lowkey so she doesn't follow your usual education route. Tattoo artist Thalia for the win!!
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ruinaimagines · 1 year
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Can I get uhhh Vergilius x Reader hcs 👉👈 I love that miserable miserable man
He is truly truly sad, someone come help him pls
Vergilius x Reader Headcanons:
How?? Did you get close to this man?? He has like 800 emotional walls up so it’s going to take a long while before you actually get anywhere. This is only increased by tenfold after what happened to the orphanage and his office.
Though if you did manage to get close to him I think that if you hold a good heart and desire to make change he would favor you… a bit more. But there is a fine line between making progress and playing the long careful game rather than being a reckless idiot. Please don’t be the latter; he already has enough to worry about.
Warming up towards you is something that he can’t really stop from happening, but is still a very dangerous game to play. You might come to find that you’re on good terms with him but he will still randomly close off from time to time, this isn’t your fault but instead stems from his own internal turmoil of getting too friendly. It just takes patience and all will be well again.
If he meets you outside of his work then he will do everything in his power for you to not become involved in any possible way. The closer and more you know, the higher the chance you yourself might get immersed in the dangerous work, or even worse Iori gets her eyes on you. 
Unless you yourself are another fixer he has a bit of a problem with underestimating you- not out of malice or anything, nor does he think you’re incapable he just really doesn’t want to risk anything. He trusts you to be efficient in your fields but anything else he will keep a very close watchful eye over you.
Charon is the only one who really knows about your blossoming relationship, and even then she doesn’t fully know the details because she doesn’t bother to ask much. Everyone else that has heard of you thinks you are solely a business partner or acquaintance- nothing less, nothing more.
If you do meet him because you share a similar line of work it’s a bit more complicated. He doesn’t want to hold your hand or come across like he’s favoring you, so he treats you indiscriminately, but at the same time deep down he is concerned for you. He has absolutely no control over what you are going up against and that nags at him because he has no clue what could happen to you.
I wouldn’t say he’s a super controlling person, but he is definitely one who wants to be aware of what you are doing and where you are going at almost all times, especially if he’s begun caring for you in a romantic sense. You’ll have privacy of course, but there’s a lot of people who want him dead and you could very easily become a prime target should they figure out his relationship with you. He needs that reassurance that you’re safe, and in the case where you aren’t he can get there quickly.
I am so sorry if you are a fan of PDA but this man is god awful with it. Like he is as stiff as a concrete pillar in public and will not really reciprocate to any touch you make. This isn’t due to the fact he doesn’t feel the same way, or is embarrassed, but because he is just really awkward and constantly concerned someone might see and jump you later.
If your relationship came to fruition would probably be on the down low, and should anyone relating to him besides Charon ever find out about it they will keep their mouth shut. He knows his ways of being intimidating and very few desire to cross him.
Speaking of which, if there is anyone trash talking you or in general giving you a hard time for no reason he does not put up with that. Will either stare at them with such intensity that they can virtually feel the irritation, or will chastise them and quickly shut them up. And when this man glares you can feel it even if you are not looking at him, like holes burning straight through your back.
Takes you out to eat places, completely his treat. He has a hard time vocalizing his feelings because of the emotional weight and trauma he has, but that doesn’t mean he won’t do his best to show you through gifts or acts of service. The times you meet up he usually has a little bag neatly tied to hand over to you, filled with anything he thinks you’ll like as he speaks with that long, droning voice of his.
Will pick you up things on the way home or to where you reside if they remind him of you. This does include more light-hearted things like plushies, and it’s a bit amusing to see such an intimidating stoic man gripping one in his arm when you open the door to face him. He holds onto things tight too. Poor plush probably is having its life strangled out of it.
His touch is almost like a ghost, just barely hovering over your skin with such hesitation like he’s scared that if he holds onto you, you’ll shatter. If you look closer you’ll see the way they sometimes shake as though he’s worried about testing the waters.
When he does embrace you it is firm, secure, distant but full of longing. His hair falls over his face as he crooks his neck to place his chin on your shoulder. He’s not super talkative at times like these, but even so not many words need to be exchanged.
There have been very few times, but you have seen him breaking down a bit. It feels uncomfortable for him, a bit humiliating even to be seen in such a vulnerable state. He usually deals with his problems alone, even if it’s not the healthiest route, so even if someone like you is there for him he’s going to struggle in reaching out.
He appreciates your will to stand alongside him and listen, but there are many things he doesn’t really tell you. Not unless they bubble up to the surface and bring him to a point of distress. Often so long as he isn’t in immediate turmoil he disregards or undermines the impact it has on him, putting off facing it for later.
Please just hold him close if and while he cries. It gives him a sense of comfort, reminds him that he’s not entirely alone. He’s not expecting answers to his problems or solutions, just someone to accompany him and listen.
Okay but on a less serious note you get to know all the drama happening at the job, and he does not hold back when he’s trash-talking too. It’s honestly so funny because you will hear some of the most obscure borderline-insults as he describes some of the batshit things the sinners do and how he is completely bewildered on how they even thought that would be a good idea. Sure they are all selected for a reason but god he doesn’t understand how some of them hadn’t died before they got hired in Limbus Company. He has a lot of pent up irritation because he doesn’t want to be the guide in the first place and ranting about it helps as well as serves as a source of entertainment for you so… double win.
Okay but you are a breath of fresh air and lord does he need one. Just offer companionship and give him time and see where things take you.
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LGBTQ+ Disabled Characters Showdown Round 1, Wave 5, Poll 5
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A character being totally canon LGBTQ+ and disabled was not required to be in this competition. Please check qualifications and propaganda before asking why a character is included.
Check out the other polls in this wave and prior here.
Mille Roper-The Arcadia Project
Qualifications:
She has BPD, which is a rarely represented disorder as it is, and is also a quadruple amputee, and she's one of the best characters with BPD I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. She is also canonically bisexual!
Propaganda:
GODDDDDD Millie she is one of my favorite bisexual, borderline, and amputee characters ever and when it comes to bi and BPD rep, she reminds me frankly of myself....I love her so much I need to reread borderline
Wen Kexing-Faraway Wanderers / Tian Ya Ke
Qualifications:
1. The LGBTQ+ part: he is canonically a gay man. (Though he does not identify by this specific word due to being from, yknow, fantasy ancient China, he is very vocal about only having interest in men / not having interest in women.) He is also one half of the main (canon, mlm) couple in the book. 2. Disability part: he has complex PTSD, with dissociative symptoms being most prominent. It's not articulated as clearly as the gay part, but there's a lot of textual evidence. For example, for his bouts of dissociation, he has a clear trigger - thinking or talking about personal loss (mostly his initial traumatic event, brutal murder of his parents when he was a child, but at least once it was fear of losing his partner), - and there's a very distinctive way the author describes it: "far-off gaze", "blank" expression or eyes, being "in a daze"/"dazed" were all words used more than once in those situations. He also exhibits symptoms of depersonalization, especially in contexts of violence. The one that made it click for me was a moment when someone was striking to kill him while he couldn't defend himself, and he was described as being calm "as if the one about to die was not himself", but there are also smaller hints, like several times he is described as 'fighting as if he doesn't notice pain and exhaustion' - which I would not take as evidence on its own, but tied in to other dissociative moments of his... yeah. 3. Last thing, in case you aren't sure PTSD/dissociative disorder should count as a disability, I want to make my argument that it should, as it noticeably impacts the character's quality of life. Both continuously (he mentions, for example, sleep problems/insomnia - that clearly stem from his traumatic experiences) and at specific moments (like that time he started dissociating in the middle of the battlefield, nearly resulting in him getting killed........)
Propaganda:
Okay, imagine a classical Chinese martial arts story. Young orphan meets a mysterious master, who imparts all his knowledge upon him; the boy trains hard and challenges various villains, until making it all the way to the final boss who was behind everything. Now, imagine if, in the very beginning of this story, the final boss accidentally ran into that mysterious master. And became suspicious of him. And began following him under pretense of falling in love with him at first sight. And then fell for him for real. And then they had adventures and also started co-parenting that young orphan.
THAT is the plot of Tian Ya Ke. And the final boss in question? Well, that's Wen Kexing I'm submitting! And yes, Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu - the aforementioned mysterious master and the main character of TYK - are a canon couple. Wen Kexing in particular is very, ah, out and loud gay. Gay and making it everyone else's problem even. So that's the LGBTQ+ part. (Also they are SUCH a couple. They're so funny! The whole circus! And then they do something and you are like oh yeah right. each of them is a villain of a different story. Good thing they decided to play house instead.) On the disability front, Wen Kexing has mental health stuff - to be specific, complex PTSD with signs of dissociative disorder. I'm not gonna describe his wide array of traumatic experiences on the form because it needs SO many trigger warnings, but the important part is how those impacted him. For example, he mentions having sleep problems/insomnia due to fear. (Which made the fandom lose our shit once we connected it to the earlier moment where he, in a vulnerable state, drags himself to Zhou Zishu's side and falls asleep on his lap. The! Trust! That! Shows!) He also dissociates frequently when thinking/talking about his initial traumatic event. Which is my favorite part of the portrayal of his PTSD because... you know how there's this trend in media with superpowers/magic when the character's trauma response is portrayed through their powers, like their powers going out of control? And TYK went 'yeah, no, when /our/ OP final boss has a ptsd flare up, he just dissociates like a normal person'. (and I, a normal person who also copes by dissociating, was like 'i owe u my life'.) Also, I think it's great that not all of his episodes are plot relevant. Like, in four out of five cases it's just something that happens (the narration / pov character makes note of it), and then the scene moves on - so it feels like a feature of his character, as opposed to a plot devise for creating situations. And the one case where it does happen in an action moment - when Wen Kexing gets revenge on the person responsible for his initial trauma and promptly starts dissociating in the middle of the battlefield, and someone else has to step in to prevent him from getting killed by other enemies - kinda highlights the disability aspect, imo. Like, it shows that PTSD creates barriers for him where a person without it wouldn't have any.
Anything Else?:
1. It's a Chinese novel, so character names are written down with surname first. So Wen Kexing = surname Wen + given name Kexing. 2. There's a live action adaptation of this novel, called Shan He Ling / Word of Honor, but it's uh. well. The portrayal of Wen Kexing's trauma and PTSD in it is. Bad. 'Completely butchered everything I thought was refreshing about it in the novel' bad. (please understand i hate everything about the adaptation and am barely refraining from infodumping about how much I deplore it here) So if WKX makes it into the tournament and none of the images I sent work for u, pls at least don't use the live-action version? He is practically a different character there!
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faela404 · 1 year
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☆The Library ☆
kazuha x gn! reader
prompt: - you and kazuha attend the same university, him being a english lit major and you being a person in stem😎 your paths never crossed until that day in the library…
*this is an smau so please do expect a lot of twitter posts and messages to read, there will be proper writing too but, it will mostly be that!!*
warning! this chapter involves mentions of self- neglect, possible eating disorders, insomnia, swearing, implications of inappropriate acts (though it never happened), mentions of anxiety and biblical references (kinda? idk jesus and the bible was mentioned in a lighthearted manner)
masterlist - prev | next
☆it was a mistake ☆
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i’ve been sitting here, on my phone, for over 6 hours now. this isn’t good. i’ve forgotten to eat again.
i’ve never been too good at taking care of myself, most the time i’m too engrossed in what im doing to remember that i need to eat, drink or even use the bathroom. however, recently it’s been getting worse. before, i would be able to remember by atleast 7pm but lately, i’ve been having my dinners at 12am, sometimes even later.
i suppose i should be happy i remembered just before midnight this time, but i just don’t see it that way. to me, this is still a failure.
pulling myself out of the warm comfort of my bed below me, i wandered out towards the kitchen. we never tend to have much food in, with us being university students it can be hard to get enough money for such necessities. nonetheless, i managed to find a packet of chicken super noodles (if you don’t know what these are or don’t eat chicken, just read it as your favourite type of instant noodles😌). careful i pulled open the bag and dumped the contents out into my bowl, along with the flavoured powder and some hot water from the kettle, before putting this in the microwave.
after finishing my noodles and placing the bowl in the sink to wash up another day, i once again returned to the comfort of my bed and bright phone screen.
i didn’t get to bed until 3:49am.
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i woke up too late, again.
i’m going to be in so much trouble.
i wish my class wasn’t so small, then maybe the professor wouldn’t notice me as i slip through the door and attempt to make my way to my seat.
we’re doing lab work.
she notices me.
“how lovely of you to finally join us, y/n” god did she have to say it so loud. i feel so many eyes on me but, i can’t falter. i try my hardest to ignore them as she continues to speak.
“please stay behind once class is finished y/n, we need to talk” she sounds so smug. i give a curt nod and quickly scurry to my lab partner.
i must look disheveled, i can feel how red my face is, the sweat dripping down my neck- getting caught on the neckline of my shirt. mascara from yesterday is sure to be lining the underneath of my eyes.
my lab partner, lumine, looks worried. however, she seems to ignore my disgusting outward appearance as she begins to explain the experiment to me, giving me time to write down her words and the results.
class wraps up quickly. everyone begins to shuffle out, talking to eachother of their weekend plans, but not me.
i make my way towards professor ningguang. she looks angry but, she doesn’t shout.
“i did warn you there would be consequences if you was absent again, didn’t i?”
i’m so nervous, i’ve never gotten into trouble before.
“yes, professor but, i wasn’t able to get much sleep i’ve haven’t been able to-“
she cuts me off. she’s angrier than she’s letting on.
“i don’t have time for your excuses, y/n. you have been late 5 times in the past 2 weeks, that is completely unacceptable. however, with only 3 weeks left of school before winter break, i can’t give you the standard punishment for a disobedience such as this. instead, you will help out the librarian. ms. lisa has been complaining recently of the mess the library has become. for the next 3 weeks, you will go to the library after school and clean it until there isn’t a spec of dust left, do i make myself clear?”
im not sure if it was the nerves or the fear of her telling me this in such a calm way, but i made no move to object. i simply nodded and left as she dismissed me.
it wasn’t until i got back to my dorm that it truly sank in.
are. you. fucking. kidding. me?!
clean the library? everyday? for 3 weeks?!
i suppose it could be worse, but come on! i have a life, i have homework! i can’t dedicate every evening to cleaning a stupid library!
god, this is going to be miserable.
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a/n - ahhhh this was so fun to create! i can’t wait for ya’ll to see the next part! i hope you enjoyed this and will enjoy the rest of the series! take care of yourselves <3
taglist- open! @kazuhaprnt
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fleckcmscott · 1 year
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Pillow Talk
Summary: While Y/N spends some time away, she and Arthur find a way to play.
Words: 3,992
Warnings: Smut, Swearing
A/N: This story stems from a request made by @jokerownsmysoul​. I really hope I got it right. 😂 Please enjoy, everyone! And thank you for reading! 💜
If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open!
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Y/N's happiness at attending the Atlantic Legal Society's conference had rubbed off on Arthur. Made her upcoming absence worth it.
Often he'd tag along, see the sights while she worked. Check out clubs, sign up for open mics where no one would ever see him again. Low-risk refinement. But this week's jobs were too good to pass up, and Amusement Mile's opening day meant lots of families and plenty of tips.
He could hold down the apartment. Hell, maybe he'd even enjoy it. Pour condensed milk over frozen strawberries, smoke as much as he wanted, catch a movie on Gothamvision. (When their rabbit ears had required aluminum foil to get a TV signal, he'd convinced her cable was a dire need.)
He wrapped an apple in a paper towel, tore a banana from the bunch, and stuck both in her purse. A breakfast that'd tide her over for the three-hour ride to Baltimore. Stirring milk into her coffee, he side-eyed the oven clock. When the java was halfway cold, he made his way to the bathroom.
Toes flexed in annoyance, Y/N grumbled around her toothbrush. "I can't believe I overslept."
"You'll get there," he said, and took the hairbrush from the shelf. "Here, let me." He drew horsehair bristles through her untamed mane.
"Thanks." The foam in her mouth made it sound more like fankhs. She spat into the sink, rinsed and spat again. "I don't want to buy another ticket."
A soft scowl crossed his brow. "You shouldn't've had to buy the first."
"Well, you know my boss. He didn't think it was necessary, which is silly with the WARN act being passed. That kind of ridiculousness makes me want Phil to come out of retirement." She hung her robe on the door hook and jogged to the bedroom, calling over her shoulder. "At least they're paying me!"
Minutes later Y/N emerged, frazzled around the edges but smart. She straightened a ruffle at her collar, tugged the corner of her blazer. She wore her age and era with pride. She guzzled her coffee like an engine on empty, poured herself another and skipped the dairy. "I'll regret this on the train."
They dashed to the elevator, vinyl suitcase in his grasp, her hand hooked at his elbow. As the steel doors parted, he made a show of holding them open with his foot. A beam to rival the rising sun crossed her face. 
"Thank you, sir," she said, and curtsied. The gesture made him want to lift her, spin around. They were running late - and she'd still taken a spare second to be playful.
God, how he loved her.
At this early hour, only a handful of Gothamites rode the subway. A guy sat in a corner seat. Sixty, gray stubble, wearing a flat leather cap. His outstretched arm held a wrinkled centerfold. Ms. December, judging by the Santa Hat, the sole fabric in the photo. A familiar friend that must've been in his pocket for a while.  
Y/N grasped the stanchion at the other end of the car. Arthur moved to stand behind her, a protective arm at her waist.
At every stop she inched towards him. Her round bottom nudged his thighs, her back grazed his chest. She smelled good, like the strawberries he'd eat tonight. He pressed his nose to the crown of her head, filled his veins with her scent.
A scarlet stripe bloomed from collarbone to temple, her ear a crimson shell. The corner of her mouth threatened to curl. Pink tongue darting to wet satin lips.
He squeezed her hip. "What is it?"
"It's nothing," she said. An obvious untruth given how her neck tightened.
Suspicion slanted his stare. But he let it lie. For now.
Wayne Central Station was a Beaux-Arts beauty smack dab in the middle of modernization and commercialization. And it had far too many flights of stairs. After the ups and downs of finding the right track, they landed on thirty-seven, the platform for the commuter line.
"You know," Y/N said, steps slowing to an amble. "I bet there are clown conferences. You could learn to juggle."
His days of working with other clowns were long behind him. But the suggestion was sweet, so he smiled. "My hands are already busy. You're a handful."
She stopped at a concrete column and riffled through her purse. "I'll call you when I check-in and give you the room number. There'll be a direct line." Then her riffling escalated to a frantic search. Patting her coat, the inner breast pocket. Checking her bag one more time. Taking advantage of her distraction, Arthur reached into his jacket. Anticipation tickled his shoulders into a shrug.
"Oh no," she said. "I could've sworn I put my ticket with my credit card."
He reached as if to tuck her hair back. Pulled a green card from behind her ear. "Is this it?" A relieved huff as she snatched her prize. She swatted his chest, wound her arms about his neck.
The squeal of metal on metal bounced off tile walls, announcing the oncoming train. A gust of wind whirled her silvery brown locks. Despite the mundanity of it all, the thousands of people about to step onto public transportation, the moment felt like a movie. A bona fide blockbuster. The ordinary suddenly extraordinary.
Fingers brushing his, she took her bag, speaking between kisses. "I love you. We'll talk soon."
~~~~~
The McKeldin Exhibition Center seemed a blunt, bulky building for the Atlantic Legal Society's twenty-fifth conference, a number Y/N would've considered celebratory. Four stories of concrete, cold steel, muscular exterior. A once modern design that now represented an idea of the future that, if the first five months of 1990 were to go by, wasn't bound to happen.
The registration attendants were friendly and professional. But Y/N wasn't a member of the guild, so she was directed to a line at the other end of a vast, airy hall. The additional hundred dollars she'd paid to attend included extra exercise. A gilded stripe ran along the top of her name tag, like she was a flake of gold to pan for, from which extract a membership fee.
Goodie bags contained the usual swag. A pen with the organization's logo, two legal pads, a folder to hold her notes. At the bottom were a blue stress ball and a gavel pinback button, which she'd pin on Sylvia back at the office. The young intern had received so little recognition in her short life that it'd thrill her.
White tablecloths and serving trays covered the tables in the reception area. Y/N maneuvered to a buffet to the right, snapped a napkin, two cheese and pepperoni skewers, and a paper cup of goldfish crackers. Munching away, she took the temperature of the room.
Lawyers and attorneys general, magistrates and judges swarmed, chatting and laughing, giving handshakes and back slaps. Legal secretaries and paralegals circled up to chat amongst themselves. Judging by overheard introductions, their origins stretched from the Eastern Seaboard all the way to Chicago.
Y/N recognized a former Gotham District Attorney, a lawyer from one of Shaw & Associates' satellite offices. The passing years had salt and peppered his hair, too. The city's newest criminal court judge was on the premises, one Henry Jake. An upset after an affair with one of his legal aides, his promotion from magistrate had been splashed on all the front pages.
He appeared eager to continue the scandal, proceeding to flirt in the way of men who like to wield their authority. A palm on the forearm here, an unwanted compliment there. It made Y/N want to chuck a stress ball at his head.
She stirred powdered creamer and irritation into a styrofoam cup of coffee, noted the restroom sign on the left wall. A woman in a floral shower curtain of a dress approached with tiny steps. Said she'd never been to a big city before, took a sip of Lipton and pushed her plastic glasses up the bridge of her nose.
"I'm Flossie Barteux, but all my friends call me Flo." The red stripe on her nametag denoted her as a fresh recruit.
"Nice to meet you, Flossie." Though maintaining distance, Y/N spoke with warmth. "I moved from the Ozarks to Gotham ten years ago. The lobby has some brochures. I think there's an aquarium on the waterfront, a couple museums, too. You should take advantage while you're in town." Then she gave a friendly nod and excused herself to the Industry Auditorium to sign up for presentations.
Whistleblower protections sounded interesting, considering past capers; she made a note to review Gotham's statutes for the next. Tips for wage and hour investigations filled an entire notebook. The presenter droned on in one agonizingly long sentence. It was impossible to keep up, even in shorthand. Y/N's fingers grew so fatigued she dropped her pen. It took several tries to regain the ability to make a fist.
When the conference broke for the evening, Flossie hopped in the same revolving door as Y/N and suggested dinner at a chain steakhouse across the street. A good number of attendees already stood in line.
To be honest, she could've used a break from the whole thing. But she didn't want to hurt the woman who sorely needed a work friend. She put their names on the waitlist and browsed chalkboard specials. Listened to Flossie's story of how going through probate for custody of her granddaughter had led her to the legal profession.
By the time Y/N stumbled back to her hotel, she could've dozed upright. At the bar, she ordered a variation on a Sidecar, a little number called Between the Sheets. She didn't ask for permission to take it to her room. She dropped a dollar bill in the tip jar and turned towards the lobby.
It was well equipped, a fax machine and pay phone in one corner, a stand with free chocolate chip cookies to the right. In the center of the far wall stood a bookshelf, flanked by overstuffed aqua chairs. A sign was propped on the coffee table: "Please read and return!" A set worthy of Donahue's photo studio.
She stepped onto the woven rug to browse the plethora of outdated bestsellers. Self-helps with mountains on the covers, charlatans offering poor financial advice. Children's books were piled haphazardly on the bottom shelf. And right in the middle was an entire row of romance novels, the ones in which every heroine's bosom heaved and bodice ripped. Ragged covers told the tale of how popular they were, spines split from overuse. As a pre-teen, Mabel had caught her reading a few. ("Why's your face red, Y/N? Are you sick?") Amused, Y/N took the one with the deepest seams.
Forbidden Seas was a terrible if fitting title, given the coverhunk's puffy shirt. He was alarmingly muscular, as though a bee had stung him, and he desperately needed an ice bag. Long, blonde tresses brushed the careening cleavage of the woman bent over his knee. Arthur's wiry frame held a hidden strength, cleaved her tightly whenever they danced, but that position would've ended with her on the floor.
Cackling, she returned the paperback to its place, betting the hunk would be at full mast by chapter four.
When she reached her room, she stretched her arms over her head, pushed herself to her tiptoes, released a short squeal. The conference center's folding chairs had next to no padding. Soreness nagged at her tailbone, a deep-seated throb ached her rear. She could really use a bath. She checked her watch. Arthur would be calling in about fifteen minutes. Luckily, the restroom had a phone.
Pantyhose rolled down her legs, a nail caught on the reinforced toe. The star-patterned vinyl floor was cold on her feet. A claw clip kept her hair off her shoulders, spare tendrils falling to her cheeks. Steam coated the mirror as the room filled with a pleasant heat. She dabbed away her mascara and eyeliner before it could streak. She sipped her cocktail, stepped into the bath. Gave her breasts a casual squeeze and sighed out the stress of the day.
The ringer rang right on the dot.
Voice as light as a game of I Spy, she said, "This isn't reception telling me to pipe down, is it?"
On the other end, Arthur's smile sucked his teeth. "No, it's just me."
"I'm glad it's just you."
The day had gone well, he told her. One of his gigs had cancelled, but that was all right. It let him get some work done around the apartment. He'd replaced the window shade that no longer rolled up, mopped the kitchen, sorted the drawers of his desk. He'd just tuned into a movie on TMC, a screwball comedy she'd deem too silly and dislike.
When he asked how the conference was going, she told him about Flossie, how she hoped the woman's eagerness to excel wouldn't result in her being suckered into membership upgrades. That the WARN act - while a step forward - put some guardrails on the mass layoffs that'd become the norm in the last decade but didn't prevent them. And the overeager judge she was happy to never have to face in court.
"You should teach a class on how to be a gentleman." She slunk deeper into the heat. "I'm learning a lot, but I'll be happy to be home."
"You're not missing much."
"I'm missing you."
"But you saw me this morning!" His protestations didn't fool her; he was pleased as punch.  A hitched giggle, one of his many laughs she loved. "Me, too. I mean, I can't wait to see you. But don't worry. I'm fine. Talk to me more. Tell me about the hotel."
"We'll have to stay here someday. There's a bar with a player piano, and I'm having a cocktail in the bath."
"You- You're on the phone in the tub?" The sound of him puttering. A drink set on the coffee table, a middle-aged groan as he sat on the sofa. "There is one thing I can't get out of my head." Nervous tongue smacked his lips. "What were you thinking about on the subway?"
Mercury threatened to crack the thermometer. But still. She was reticent to go there. "I already told you. It was nothing."
"Come on. You were as red as my clown nose."
She pressed the cool glass to her sweaty forehead. The flight of fancy had been completely inappropriate, not to mention out of character. She knew exactly what telling him would lead to, the direction in which this conversation would race. Tacky and cheap, belonging to a $3.99 a minute hotline.
And yet. She was grateful to have a husband she could blush around, whom she could fantasize about, whom she wanted to fantasize about. Besides. It'd been a stretch since they'd last made love. Tacky and cheap might be just what the Doctor of Laughter ordered.
She let the cognac trickle down her throat. Knuckles dragged up and down her breastbone. Her forearm brushed her pebbled nipple. A drop from the faucet plopped.
"Do you want to continue this?" she asked, an eager if uncertain invitation.
"Yeah," he purred. That rasp, the one positive of his cigarette addiction. "But I'm- I'm not sure what's next."
Neither was she, not quite. The next steps felt at once natural and as if they belonged to an unread novel on a hotel bookshelf. But it was him, so it would turn out all right. They'd figured it out every time before. "Tell me what you're wearing," she said. "Or what you're thinking about. Whatever you want."
"I'm in my pajamas. Um. I found my old journal when I was cleaning. I hadn't read it for years - it has everything from when I met you. Anyway, I read what I wrote our first night together? I'd wanted to touch you so badly and-" He gave a throaty laugh. "And all I knew what to do was squeeze your breast too hard."
The recollection struck a match in all the right places. She'd wanted him, too, more than was smart after such a short acquaintanceship. There'd been something that'd set him apart immediately. Whenever he'd looked at her, her heart had skipped to a new but familiar beat. His good looks, his kindness. Passion and flair hiding beneath a surface shyness, a mask you could see through if you took an extra minute.
"You knew how to look at me. How to listen. How to be gentle." She caressed her hip absentmindedly, a movement that soon became deliberate. "And when not to be."
Her knee shifted to rest on the lip of the tub, opening herself to the warm water. "I wouldn't want you to be gentle now," she whispered, and tugged at the curls between her thighs.
"I wouldn't be." Ragged breaths tempted over three hundred miles. A muted moan that meant he was palming his shaft. Her own palm felt empty. How she hungered for him to be in her grasp. Then he asked, "What- What did you pack for bed?"
"The blue nightie you gave me. The one that ties at the neck." It was six years old but a perennial favorite for both. The approval that'd radiated from him when she'd modeled it flashed in her memory. Strokes blazed at the crease of her thigh. "I'll wear it tonight - unless you want me to sleep naked."
A husky chuckle before he pressed her. Again. "Tell me what you were thinking about on the train. I wanna know."
Fingertips dipped to where she ached for him. Lower to tease plush, squishy flesh, plump with desire. Her eyelids fluttered shut, returning to the occasions she'd pleasured herself in front of him, both when he was inside of her and out. Even on the occasions he wasn't able to get hard, he loved it, asked her to do it again. Holding her. Stealing her breath from her mouth. Covering her hand with his. His thumb taking over until she cried his name.
Fever rippling through her arteries, she tapped her slick nub, body throbbing with need. She cleared her throat. She thought she'd lost her ability to be bashful with Arthur. But dirty talk didn't come as naturally now that she was alone, not the way it did when it was foreplay. When she'd beg him to fuck her, plead for more, more, more.
Yet, she wasn't alone. Though he was afar, she was abuzz with his presence. Spreading joy and happiness to others, always entertaining his audience, he was the performer in the relationship. Tonight the performer became the audience, and she was putting on a show for one.
A show she'd drag out a bit longer. Make it worth his while. "I'm touching my clit, Arthur. Slow and soft, like your tongue. God, I wish it was your tongue. You feel so good."
He groaned. Her grip on the telephone tightened, knuckles gone white. "When we were on the train," she began. "I imagined you shushing me. Your breath was hot on my ear. I wanted you to put your hand on my skin, down my skirt." Her strokes halted while she laughed. "I don't know why. I wasn't even horny."
"You're horny now."
"All hot and bothered."
A grunt came through the copper wire, luring her along. Her foot pressed the tub's curved rim. Splashes of imagery knotted her belly. The play of light on his slender abdomen when he'd put on a shirt. How his biceps flexed when he'd wash his hair. The tightening of his brow the second he lost himself to euphoria. The musky weight of him on her tongue.
She rubbed herself a little harder. A steady, firm pace. "When I come I feel your cock at my back-"
"Keep talking."
"-and I have to bite my lip to keep from moaning, because I know you'll fuck me as soon as we walk through the door."
"Oh, fuck..."
Water licked at her labia with each flick of her wrist, awakening every nerve ending, cresting wave upon wave of sensation. She shoved the receiver under her jaw, lifted her shoulder to lock it in place. Cradled her breast, nipples just at the waterline Lapping, lapping, lapping. She circled the right with her middle finger, wishing her hand was as large as Arthur's, so that she could play with the left. Shivering, her knees drew together and upward, pelvis striving towards her wanton touch.
Splish, splash. Splish, splash.
A growl rumbled out of him. "I- I'm gonna come."
"Yes."
She was there. She was there. About to fly over the edge, her feet about to leap. Gasps caught in her throat. Half his name lost in a whimper. The peak of delight finally reached...
The phone tumbled off her shoulder and plunged into the water. Landed on the fiberglass. An unenthusiastic thud.
"Shit, shit-"
Locked in spasm, she watched air bubbles rise from the sunken plastic. It was hard to move mid-orgasm. Her legs weren't yet in the Jello stage. Hanging onto the towel bar, she stood on very shaky ankles.
She plucked the receiver from the water, shook it out over the tub. Yanked the drain and placed the handset on the rim. Fingers a blur, she dialed their home number on the bedside phone. How quickly had Arthur realized she wasn't on the line?
Had he heard any of the denouement?
Nine rings and Arthur answered, out of breath but with a laugh. "What happened?"
She covered her face. "I dropped the phone. It's ruined." It would be the one time she would pay a fee for damages.
"Oh. Well, I was just cleaning up."
The cord twined through her fingers. "Did you?"
"Yeah."
"Good. Me, too."
"I know. I heard half of it."
Giggling, she excused herself to dry off. Pulled the clip from her hair, retrieved her nightie from her bag. She crawled between cool sheets, fluffed her pillow, pressed Arthur to her ear.
"What'll you do tomorrow," he asked, scratching his cheek.
A Department of Labor inspector would give a presentation on the Severe Violators program, a list of closely monitored companies that violated labor laws like it was a talent and never lifted a finger to change their ways. The padding to their bottom lines was bigger than the fines. She'd chatted with the inspector during a break.
"ACE Chemicals being on the list isn't a surprise. But Wayne Steel?" A sharp inhale before she yawned the rest. "I hadn't even heard of them."
"You're tired.”
"No. Relaxed. Happy. But not tired." She curled up on her side, burrowed deeper into the blankets. "This bed is empty. I have no one to press up against." Another yawn betrayed her.
At her third, Arthur interrupted. "Y/N, go to sleep." A grin in his words, like he was about to call her cute. "You need your rest."
"And why is that?"
His voice lowered to the volume of secrets. "Because when you get back, I'm going to fuck you as soon as we walk through the door."
Her eyes went wide, then she burst out laughing. A wave of dizziness swept through her. She brought the heel of her hand to her forehead. "What time'll you wake up tomorrow?"
"Six, probably. Maybe 5:30?
"Let's have coffee together. I'll make a cup at 6:15."
He agreed before she'd completed the request, said how dearly he loved her. And, yes, to her consternation, called her cute. She kept the eyeroll out of her reply. "You're wonderful, too. Now take your own advice and get some sleep. No journaling until dawn. All right?"
"All right. Have a good night. And Y/N?"
She was already fading, his lilt her favorite lullaby. "Yeah?"
"Wear your blue nightie for coffee. I’ll be in my briefs."
~~~~~
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Text
The Bond Between Us ~ 32
THE BOND BETWEEN US MASTERLIST
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< previous chapter
Word Count: 3,000ish
Summary: Obi-Wan rushes back to your side. You may need him there, but do you want him?
Notes: I have mixed thoughts on this chapter. Please share your thoughts.
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You were still in a pained dazed, slightly falling in and out of consciousness, as the medical droid spoke to Anakin, Padme, Ahsoka, and Master Yoda. You could hear them talking but were unable to actually understand what they were saying. All you knew was that the one person you wanted there—you needed there—wasn’t even on the planet. 
“She will need great rest,” the medical droid told the group surrounding you. “A bacta patch will be needed on both her back and front where the injury lies. There should be no training or missions until she is cleared, which may be weeks.”
“What about her pain?” Anakin asked. “She’s clearly in a large amount of pain.”
“Unfortunately, there is only so much we can do for her pain. It seems that most of her pain stems from something emotional.”
“Hmm, agree I do,” Yoda said. “The severed bond and lies, her pain comes from. On her own, she must push past it.”
“We will keep her here until some of the pain subsides. She should survive this.”
Anakin nodded, eyes moving to stare back at you. You were slightly groaning as you lightly writhed around the stretcher. He noted some sweat on your forehead and carefully wiped it off with his gloved hand.
“Thank you,” Padme said to the medical droid before it left.
“Update the Council on our Padawan’s condition, I must,” Yoda said, heading out on his hover seat.
“I do wish I could stay, but I have more Senate meetings to attend. I have been pushing them off for too long.”
“It’s alright,” Anakin said. He turned to her. “I’ll walk you out. Ahsoka—“
“I won’t leave her side,” Ahsoka promised Anakin.
He sent her a thankful nod before escorting Padme out of the med center. Ahsoka pulled up a chair to sit beside you. Feeling the pain in your signature, she tried to push her signature to yours. She sighed when your shields quickly went up, blocking everyone. She was going to take it more personally when Obi-Wan rushed into the room.
“How is she?” He asked, panting as he had run there from the hangar.
Ahsoka protectively stood up. “She’s in a lot of pain,” she stated in an even tone. She tried to remain calm. Obi-Wan was a Jedi Master on the Council, she held respect for him. Just not as much as she used to.
“Is she—“ He stepped closer only to notice that Ahsoka stepped toward him, clearly aiming to get between him and the stretcher. “Ahsoka. What is going on?” 
You groaned, not even realizing the tension that was growing in the room. Your pain was too much. Obi-Wan’s stomach dropped as he took another step in your direction. Ahsoka took another protective step in his direction.
“I’m just—“
“Look who’s back,” Anakin scoffed, cutting off Ahsoka as he came into the room. Before Obi-Wan could even blink, Anakin had placed himself between you and his Jedi Master. “What did you want, Obi-Wan?”
“I’m here to be with Y/N,” Obi-Wan said, trying to remain as calm as possible.
“You should have thought about that before you left.”
“The Council asked me to go on an assignment. I couldn’t—“
Anakin scoffed, shaking his head. “You couldn’t say no… again.”
“No, I couldn’t. And I am sure that you could understand why I couldn’t say no.” 
Obi-Wan’s face hardened as the two glared at each other. Anakin didn’t want to admit that he did understand why Obi-Wan couldn’t say no. The things you do to protect the people you care about—the secrets you care about. To stay with the person you love and the Jedi Order.
“She’s in a lot of pain because of you,” Anakin spat.
Obi-Wan winced. “I am sure… and I am sorry,” he responded, eyes not leaving Anakin’s. “Please,” Anakin had never heard his Master beg like that, “can I see her?”
Anakin continued to glare, unmoving for longer than Obi-Wan cared for. Finally, Anakin nodded and stepped aside. He motioned to Ahsoka to head for the door.
“Come on, Snips,” he said, his voice still hard. 
Anakin led Ahsoka out, closing the door behind them. Obi-Wan breathed out a slight sigh of relief before slowly heading to your side. The pain you were experiencing was evident on your whole being. Tears pricked Obi-Wan’s eyes as he scanned over your body. His shaky hand reached out and carefully took yours. He leaned down to press his lips to your knuckles, allowing a tear to slide down his cheek and onto your hand. 
“I’m here, little star,” he mumbled against your skin. “I’m back at your side where I belong.”
Obi-Wan reached out with his Force signature, desperately trying to connect with yours. His head shook in disappointment at himself when he was met with shields. He deserved it, he knew it, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. Keeping your hand in his, he moved his head to get a better look at your face. His free hand came up to caress it.
“I’m so very sorry, my little star,” he continued quietly. “I should have never left. I should have told you about the Hardeen plan… I… I should have never severed our bond… I will never forgive myself for that. Ever.” 
Your hand gently squeezed his. You had slowly begun to come to when Obi-Wan had kissed your hand but you hadn’t really put two-and-two together. Your eyes barely opened to look at Obi-Wan, with his buzzed hair and beard growing back.
“Obi,” you breathed out, realizing who was at your side. You were flooded with both relief and anger. “You’re here…”
“I’m here, little star,” Obi-Wan responded, slightly smiling as he came up to hold a kiss to your forehead. “And I’m so sorry for leaving… I’m so sorry for everything.”
Quickly, tears rushed to your eyes. “I am so… mad at… you…” It still hurt to breathe, making it hard to get through a simple sentence.
“I know. I’m sure that you’ll yell at me as soon as you’re able.”
“Better start… preparing… yourself… I will not… forgive you… easily…”
“Of course, my dear.” You closed your eyes, trying to take a moment to calm the pain as you panted. Obi-Wan couldn’t stand watching you in such pain. “Tell me how to help you.”
Keeping your eyes closed, you let down your shields that had been preventing your signature from being reached. You immediately found his signature and grasped on to it. You both gasped as the sensation of your bond slowly mending. Both of you knew that the simple contact would not completely heal your bond, your relationship, or your injury, but it was enough for now. Obi-Wan quickly did what he could to take away some of the pain and have it for his own. You almost immediately began to breathe normally again.
“Thank you,” you whispered.
Obi-Wan kissed your hand again. “Anything for you, little star.”
~~~
You honestly hated that Obi-Wan’s presence was helping you heal. As the pain began to subside, the anger began to resurface in its place. Unfortunately, almost as soon as the Council found out that Obi-Wan was back, Anakin and Ahsoka were sent away on assignment. Anakin made sure to say goodbye to you and threaten Obi-Wan before he left. You could sense how ready and willing Obi-Wan was to receive Anakin’s anger towards him, feeling similar feelings about himself.
Obi-Wan stayed by your side, ready and willing to do anything you asked. You really didn’t ask much of him, not ready to fully talk to him yet. He understood and most of the time could simply be found sitting at your side reading or working on mission plans. There were a few times when Obi-Wan had a Council meeting, but he made sure that you were asleep when he did so to lower the chance of him missing you needing help.
It was two days after Obi-Wan’s return when you were finally allowed to leave the med center. You were still basically on bed rest and still required frequent bacta patch changes, but at least you could now do that in your own quarters. Obi-Wan was at your side—your good side—as you headed down the halls of the Jedi Temple. He was not physically helping you in any way but was clearly ready to do so at any moment. Your steps were slow and steady as the pain still pulled away at your injury. You felt little relief when you arrived at your door. The door slid open and you stepped in. Obi-Wan went to follow but you stopped him with your hand held up.
“I’m okay by myself, Obi-Wan,” you told him. You could see his heartbreak in his blue yes.
“Yes, of course,” he said. “I will be in my own quarters if you—“
“Obi-Wan,” you sighed. “You should get back to assignments and being a member of the Council. I promise that I am able to take care of myself.”
“But you don’t have to.”
“But I do… I… you’ve done a lot of damage to me—you and the Council—and I have a lot to work through.”
Obi-Wan could tell that you were trying to be nice and calm though there was clearly a war of anger raging behind your eyes. You were both standing in an open hallway, where Jedi were freely walking past, so you would not yell at him here. But Obi-Wan wished that you would, just to get it over with. Or that you would allow him to come inside so that you could yell at him there.
“I understand,” he said, caving into your wishes. “Please, let me know if there is anything I can do for you.”
“Thank you… Master Kenobi.”
The door slid shut between you two before you could see the hurt on Obi-Wan’s face. You were definitely able to feel it though. You pushed it aside as you headed for your bed, carefully laying yourself on top of it. You could feel that Obi-Wan was still outside your door. You knew that he wouldn’t enter without your permission, but you still used the Force to lock the door just to be sure.
Obi-Wan felt frozen in place outside your door. He felt back at square one, you had called him Master Kenobi. You didn’t even call him that in front of others anymore. His eyes closed as he leaned his forehead against your door. At this moment, he didn’t care who saw him. He just wanted to let the guilt eat him alive before he went back to work, just as you had asked him to.
~~~
You stayed in your room for three days straight. No one was allowed in and you didn’t bother to leave. Obi-Wan stayed in the Jedi Temple, attending meetings and helping with training. This allowed him to frequently check on you. Well, check on your signature as he passed your room.
You spent most of the time meditating, trying to gather your strength back. You would need your strength if you were to join the war efforts again and to confront Obi-Wan. You knew that confronting Obi-Wan wasn’t something you wanted to do, but you had to. What had happened was not okay by any means and you needed to tell him that.
After three days, you were forced to leave to attend an appointment in the med center. Fortunately, you were able to get there without running into anyone. The medical droid was surprised—well, as surprised as a medical droid could be—to see how well you were healing up. You knew it was due to your mending bond but you weren’t going to explain that to a droid. The droid cleared you to begin training again and you headed straight to a training room once you were dismissed.
Obi-Wan passed by your room for his frequent check-in and didn’t feel your signature. He immediately stopped and tried again, only to stop short. His heart began to race as panic started to set in. As he hurried through the halls in search of you, Obi-Wan branched out his signature further. Eventually, he was able to sense you in the training wing. When he reached the training room he sensed you in, he stormed in to see you with your ignited lightsaber and blinder helmet on.
“What do you think you’re doing here?” Obi-Wan asked, clearly upset. 
You ignored him to keep focused on your senses. The training droid fired at you and you easily blocked the shots. You clenched your jaw at the slight pain you felt in the movement. Obi-Wan was annoyed at you being here when you were obviously still in pain. His hand came up and shut down the droid with the Force as he came to stand in front of you, arms folded over his chest.
“Put your saber away,” he demanded.
You pulled off your helmet with an exasperated look on your face. “You can’t be serious?”
“Put your saber away and go back to bed.”
“I can’t—“ You shook your head in unbelief. “No.”
“No?” Obi-Wan stepped closer to you.
“No. I have been cleared to begin training again.”
“Well, you shouldn’t have. You’re clearly still in pain and need more rest.”
“Good thing it’s not up to you.”
“As a Council member, I am able to override a medical droid’s advice and I say—“
“As a Council member?” You shook your head, holding in a scoff. “I… I don’t even know you anymore. You used to tell me that the way the Council was treating me or had trained me wasn’t right, but you’re now acting like one of them.”
“I am one of them.”
“You didn’t use to be. You used to be someone I could trust and rely on. But, lately, all you’ve done is hurt me. You didn’t tell me about the Hardeen plan, forcing me to watch you fake your death and feel the pain of you severing the bond. Then, I woke up from almost dying and only wanted you… but you weren’t there.”
Obi-Wan took another step toward you, hand itching to touch you. “Little star, I—“
“No,” you stepped away, hand up to stop him from coming further. “I really don’t want to hear excuses. I already know that you’re sacrificing so much of your honor to be with me in secret. The Jedi Code has always been your life and you have always been the example of the perfect Jedi… I’ve ruined that.”
“You did not ruin that, little star. I made choices—“
“That you clearly regret. So let me make this easy for you… we should have never started whatever this is. It’s causing too much pain… maybe the Code has a point with attachments.”
“Stop that. You don’t actually believe that, I know it.”
“Still, we shouldn’t do this.”
Obi-Wan felt your signature begin to retract from his. He couldn’t allow that to happen again. He was seeing what it had done to you and he knew what it had done to him. He rushed forward, both physically and in the Force, to grasp onto you. His hands found your upper arms as his signature latched onto yours.
“You and I both know that we are better together,” he whispered. He tried to look into your eyes, only for you to shut yours. “I’ve made terrible, inexcusable mistakes. But I cannot lose you.” His head came to rest against yours. “Please… tell me how to fix this. I will do anything.”
“I don’t know, Obi-Wan…” you responded, voice breaking.
“Please… I am so sorry.”
You gasped slightly as you felt a tear fall on your cheek, knowing it wasn’t yours. “I don’t know… I need more time.”
“Just, please, don’t shut me out… I deserve it, I know. But I’m begging you to not… I will give you all the time you need… my little star.”
His pleading tone almost made you crack and give in to him right there. But you couldn’t. You were worth more than how you had been treated and needed time to deal with it. 
“Thank you,” you whispered.
You pulled yourself out of his grasp and rushed out of the room, tears beginning to stream down your face. As you turned the corner, you ran into someone. Looking up, you found it was Anakin. He looked at you with a worried expression.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Anakin quickly asked. He peeked into the training room to notice that Obi-Wan was standing in the center of it. He quickly pulled his attention back to you. “What did he do?”
“Nothing, Anakin,” you shook your head, trying to compose yourself. “Just leave it. This is between me and him.”
“But if he hurt you again—“
“Ani, please.”
He studied your face carefully. You were begging him to not get involved while every inch of him was screaming at him to go in there and teach his Master a lesson. Eventually, he sighed and loosened up a bit.
“Fine,” he gave in. 
You kissed his cheek. “Thank you.” Then you quickly disappeared.
Anakin’s jaw clenched as he entered the doorway of the training room. Only, what he saw almost physically hurt him. The great Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, was crying. Anakin didn’t know what to make of it. So, quietly, he used the Force to shut the training room doors and lock them, leaving Obi-Wan to cry alone.
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