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mondaymelon · 4 months

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OMGGG what about the tall genshin men reacting when u suddenly distance urself from them, but they dont know its bc of something they said? feel free to edit n modify this as much as ud like :3

₊˚ෆ "𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓, 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄…" | diluc, childe, kaveh x gn!reader

art by @/kongqingkoqi on twitter! (not too sure on who you meant by tall characters, so i just chose a couple males with the tall model~ thank you for your request!)

— cw: angst + comfort ? injury (diluc), ngl reader is kinda a bitch in childe's but it was the only way i thought up of of making the situation work so. lmao. cries

[ Perhaps it was the winter cold that had bit him so, or perhaps it was merely a gloom that had briefly descended upon him. Either way, an unfortunate slip of the tongue has wounded you, yet they themselves remain unaware. ]

"Love?"

DILUC's eyes are round with worry, and his concerned gaze sweeps over you - from your crestfallen form, and then to your eyes that shy away from his. Ever since he had returned to the estate after being out of business since morning, you've been avoiding him, not wishing to speak a single word to his self and not even bothering to spare him a fleeting glance.

At first, it was bearable. Perhaps you just had had a long day and wanted some alone time, no? It was always a possibility, that is, until he saw your smiling self as you busied yourself in chatting away with the maids, and most importantly, that brother of his.

What had he done to warrant such treatment? You loved him, that he was sure of. Otherwise, you would've rejected him, wouldn't you? You wouldn't have let him take your hand and bring it to his lips ever so slowly, pressing a kiss into your knuckles?

"Love, I... I'm sorry. Please, tell me what I did wrong." His voice contains a shred of his desperation, and his crimson eyes only hold you in their gaze. You, who had broken past his carefully crafted walls and rekindled the flame that had long since been extinguished within his heart. "If it's something I did, if it's something I said-"

“Diluc, you…” Your quiet voice ebbs to silence as your eyes glance away, landing on everything except for the red-haired man before you, whose broad shoulders give the slightest tremor. The darkness in your expression, the displayed hurt… Ah.

Diluc’s weary mind raced, recollecting the hasty conversation from this morning, when dawn had yet to break and he had arrived home, coat blazing, skin littered in bruises and still-bleeding cuts. You had rushed out of your bedroom, still in your night garments, panicking over the wounds that covered his body and the red that blackened his already dark clothes. In a strained voice, eyes wide and frantic, you had called for the maids, only for Diluc to forcibly shush you, steadying himself on shaky legs.

“Love, what happened, what were you doing and how did-??”

“It doesn’t concern you.” His tone is low, tired. “Stay out of this, you won’t be able to offer any assistance anyhow.”

Begrudgingly, the man recalled his absolute exhaustion, having just returned after a bloody night of battling monsters, muscles sore and crying for relief. There was no need for your concern, his cuts would mend and his wounds would heal. Yet he hadn’t meant for his words to come out so harsh, for his tongue to pierce you in the way it had.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't in my right mind when I said that- I just... I just didn't want you to be hurt also... If I'm injured, those wounds will fade with time, but I.."

His words trail off, replaced with your silence - a voiceless agreement, one that Diluc takes as an answer. Holding both your hands in his gloved ones, it's somehow easy to feel his fiery warmth despite his cold demeanor. Cold... was it really so? The male's eyes shone, and then you were in his arms, tightly intertwined.

"..I don't know what I would do if harm were to befell you, love..."₊˚ෆ

"Love!"

CHILDE's playful smile fades at its corners as you walk past him, the way you're failing to even acknowledge his presence painfully apparent. "Hah... what's with you today?" Another absence of a response. You dash your way out of his sight, and he's left alone in the dark living room, a half-smile still on his features. The fuck?

Okay, maybe it was just one of those days. There had been several since the start of the relationship, and the harbinger offered his utmost understanding. Sometimes people just felt like shit, and didn't feel like doing shit, and he could understand that to some extent.

There, mystery solved, yeah? Ah, but just one problem, how come you had been completely fine just an hour before? He had the day off, and so did you, so there was a mutual agreement to just stay home and laze about in one another's presence - yet it was only nearing lunchtime and you had already given him the cold shoulder? For what..? You hadn't even gone outside or did anything today-

Oh. Then he had to have been the problem. He raps his knuckles on your bedroom door, but it's really his bedroom too, and is bold enough to poke his head through the frame without waiting for your confirmation, a hesitant grin decorating his lips. "Love, I'm sorry- for ah... whatever you disliked...?"

You're sat at your desk, weariness evident in your darkened eyes. "Childe, do you find me someone who needs to be protected?"

He blinks. "...What?"

"Childe, do you really just want to spend the entire day lying around?" Snapping your fingers, your eyes lit up with sparkles. "We should go to a cafe or something for lunch, maybe, and then-"

"Why through go all the effort? We're staying home because I thought you wanted to, aren't we?"

"Not to that extent Childe... if you were with friends, what would you be doing? Not sitting on the couch all day, I hope?" A sheepish smile crossed your face.

"Hmm.. friends... I suppose we'd duel...?"

"Then-"

"Nope, no way am I dueling with you, you're way too weak, love, that's why I gotta protect you, hm?"

He immediately shakes his head at your words, almost frantic. "W- No, I didn't mean it in that way, love. You're capable, it's just that... Well- you don't have a vision, or a weapon, or-"

"Childe." Not your usual 'love', a bright smile on your lips, and he flinches just the slightest at the sight. "We're in a relationship. I don't want to be in a give all take all relation, you know? I.. I want to be independent, I want you to rely on me sometimes too... I just feel like sometimes I'm just such a burden to you and-"

"A burden?" His eyes widen, features instantly shadowing with disbelief at your words.

You, a burden? Such a thing couldn't possibly be. The warmth that you had granted him, the delicate arms that had held him in its hold, the lips that had whispered such affections and pressed kisses on his skin-

"No, love. You are not a burden, not when you are someone who makes life worth living." ₊˚ෆ

"Love...?"

KAVEH's in instant full blown panic mode, the dark bags under his eyes especially evident with how wide they've grown. "H-Hey, are you okay?" Of course, something wasn't okay - otherwise, why would you be ignoring him like this? But his sleepless mind has grown frantic, and he's desperate for relief. His hand latches onto yours before you can disappear into another room, holding onto your wrist loosely enough to not seem forceful. "Ah..."

He'd moved without thinking, almost as if on instinct, and now that you had glanced back with something colder in your gaze, that same urge told him not to let go. "I, I'm sorry!" For what exactly, he wouldn't even be able to tell a soul, yet the words seemed to have done the trick, as your feet pause in the middle of a step away from him, hesitance clear in your expression.

"For what, Kaveh?"

Shit, he's fucked. This was it, all the all nighters and hours of laborious planning and calculations had led to this one moment... His mind was spurred into action as his mouth sputtered useless stutters and... oh, could it be?

"Kaveh, you should go to sleep, it's already so late, and you haven't gotten a good rest in days, love..." Your concerned tone rang clearly in his ears, but he shook the words away, his disheveled form only focusing on the work before him, the endless tasks he had yet to complete.

"No, I... I can't. Love, could you brew me a cup of coffee, the extra strong kind? Thank you..." He gave his sleepy eyes a rub, completely missing the look that had flitted across your face in that moment.

Your sigh invades his flashbacks, and you look completely done with him, brows furrowed a fraction and lips drawn into a thin line. "Kaveh, please, for the love of the archons, take some better care of yourself."

"...Ah?"

Suddenly, your tone had shifted in the span of a half second, and instead of the angry gaze he had expected, it was more so... scolding. Concern. "Close that jaw of yours, Kaveh, how come you look so surprised? I've told you this time and time again, you need rest!"

An accusing finger was pointed in his direction, the bearer someone he was certainly very familiar with. "Well, it's a big project, I have to finish it by next week and there's barely any time, so I need to-"

"-And how can you possibly plan on functioning if you haven't gotten any sleep?"

Curses, a valid argument. Kaveh slowly held up his empty hands in defeat, chuckling sheepishly. So this was about him, and not you? Thank the archons, for a second he had thought he had messed up big time-

"That look of yours, you better not be thinking what I think you're thinking! And, besides..." You glanced at the ground, as if suddenly reluctant to speak another word. "I was waiting for you so we could sleep together..."

...An angel? Was that who was before him?

"I-I'm sorry... I promise I'll take better care of myself and... you won't have to wait for me, tonight. I'll turn in early, love." ₊˚ෆ

(a/n) not all that proud of this one. but here. sigh

reblogs are veryyyy appreciated!! if you liked this fic, please consider following, as im super close to a follower goal id love to hit before new years! thank you.

໒꒱ || ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ (open! send an ask or a comment ♡) : @manager-of-the-pudding-bank, @iamdedinside, @ilyuu, @achlysis, @swivy123, @scara-is-my-wife, @lupicalbestwolf, @justyoureader, @fiannee, @aether-darling

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k4katsujin · 11 months

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falling asleep with hobie brown! (sfw)

huge thanks to @michelleart8 for helping me choose

huuhhh title pretty self explanatory lmao

idk if i'll make this with other characters but like

yea :3

(half fully written fic half headcanons ?) (yknow what i'll do both)

bit of hurt comfort towards the hug scene? idk

also reader and hobie are in an implied established relationship

(word count: 250/300)

it was one of the many nights you spent waiting for hobie to come back home. with the two of you being spider people, you had a very few moments together.

but it didn't stop you from being in love.

coming home later than your boyfriend, or at least you thought you did, you took endless precautions to not make any noise. (which tbh doesn't make any sense tbh let's js say you're a quiet person)

just in case, you know, he did come home earlier than you...

the first thing that hit you as soon as you entered your appartment was that the window - which you often left open when you sleep so that your boyfriend could sneak in without waking you up - was closed.

you didn't pay it no mind as you thought it was the wind.

you headed to the bathroom to get into your pyjamas, where actually were one of hobie's old t'-shirts- which smell reminds you of home.

you then go to the kitchen to get a midnight snack, your all time favorite.

as you turned around, you notice the presence of your boyfriend.

"hobie? is something wrong?" you ask as you run to hug him.

he gave in the hug, shoving his head into your shoulder.

"so... tired... " he mutters, "glad i'm home..."

it was no surprise: the pressure of being a spider-person was extremely high. even though hobie tried his best to hide it, but even he needed to let it out sometimes.

(time for hcs bc idk how to truly describe the scene + it'll be easier)

i feel like he takes all the room there is on the bed like he'd be in some starfish position

somehow you're always touching him whether he's the big spoon or with your head on his chest or his arm around your shoulders

if you're scared of storms he would hug you close and confort you

"it's ok honey, it can't hurt you as long as i'm with you"

he plays with your hair when he can't fall asleep and wonders how non black people's hair work

if you're black/ a person of color he'd go like "ooo their hair is so cool :0

he secretely likes being the little spoon but he never asks for it

"ya can't sleep huh? want me to sing a sothing melody for ya?" (don't judge i have no idea how british people talk)

he always asks you if he can move if you're laying on him - if you're asleep he just doesn't

I KNOW HE WOULD CONFORT YOU IF YOU HAD A NIGHTMARE

"y'had a bad dream ? c'mhere i'll comfort you"

he braids your hair when he can't fall asleep

idk i feel like he only feels at peace in smalls moments like this when he's with you

also when the two of you can't sleep he plays you songs on his accoustic guitar (idk i feel like he's been given one when he was a kid and that's how he started learning)

maybe holding hands under the blankets? also you conforting him after a very tiring day he'd have his head on your lap and he'd fall asleep like that

he probably pushed you out of the bed more than once

"what the fuck are you doing on the floor??" but then he'd know it's his fault and js laugh about it

that's all i got for now i think i'm v tired atm i'll probably edit this later or do a part tO but like xdd hope you enjoyed ;3

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meshlasolus · 6 months

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Your Beauty Never Ever Scared Me

Dbf!Joel Miller x College!Reader

A/n: Listen… I don’t have any excuse for ditching my other three active series except for tiktok made me do it… That, and the CLM series by @macfrog has ascended me to a new level of crazy and I just needed an outlet for it somewhere. Another shoutout to @theatrelove3000 who keeps putting up with my dbf joel shenanigans, they are indeed insane.

Warnings: girl this whole concept should be a warning but anyways… age gap, some fluff, light smut, uncomfortable situations with readers father… probably some editing mistakes bc ya girl is tired ok its 2am

Please be kind to this chapter, I actually like it, despite the horrors.

Decided on the song ‘Mary On A Cross‘ by Ghost for this one bc it fits ig.

MASTERLIST

Age gap is approximately 15 years or so, reader is over 21 and joel is about 37

"I think I'd probably only slow'ya down," you chuckled, looking to Sarah who seemed to read the displeasure off your face from your dad's offer. "I'm studyin' to be an archeologist, dad. I don't know nothin' about framin' and all that house buildin'..."

Maybe it had been your dad's idea, but he wasn't the one who planted it into his own head. Joel subtly turned to you and cooly uttered a response.

"You could work on interior stuff with me."

It had been almost three days.

You looked out the window to the front of your house repeatedly to try and remember it clearly. The drive home, the kiss, and how abruptly it ended with a promise to see each other around. You thought about it so often you almost wondered if it happened the way you perceived it, if any details had been skewed in your mind simply because you wanted to keep it there, fresh, untouched. Maybe he thought of it differently... but maybe he didn't.

"Did you bring home the stuff I asked ya?" Your dad came into the kitchen with a smile, embracing you with a side hug and turning to help you unpack the groceries.

"Course' I did, Pa," you handed him the bag with the six-pack of bud and the other one full of snacks.

It was the first Rangers game night, and as per tradition, that meant the company of the next-door neighbors. It had been a while since you'd been around to enjoy it, but now that you were back, there were quite a few more reasons why you were on edge to now participate. It would look weird if you came up with an excuse not to be there, and you knew that. You also knrw that you'd gotten into a rather complicated entanglement with your father's closest friend, and weren't sure what the outcome really was.

Had that driveway light not spooked you both apart, and had that little black stray cat not made an appearance, how far would it have gone? Things were pretty heated, but even still. Would he have said something? Maybe along the lines of 'I've known you since you were sixteen, and this isn't appropriate at all.'

You didn't have time to think about it, you were set to work on helping your dad cook dinner for the soon-arriving neighbors. Dinner and a baseball game, once a relaxing and enjoyable time to bond with your dad, now turned into an anxiety fest where you were convinced you'd have to walk on pins and needles around every topic.

"So," your dad piped up from his silence at the stove, stirring the pot of chili he'd been prepping. "Joel told me he gave you a ride 'few nights back."

You knew it was harmless, and that he wasn't asking for any reason, other than that he was probably curious. You hadn't seen Joel in a while, not since two Christmases ago. Your dad had driven up to Dallas to spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas with you last year, and you didn't come home for summer break given an internship opportunity. You must have seemed different to the man in some way. All grown up.

"Yeah, gave me a ride n' saved me at the bar," you chuckled, trying to seem playful and unsuspicious about the encounter.

He seemed to be confused, his brows furrowed and a funny look on his face.

"Whad'ya mean he saved ya?" he of course was continuing to speak all the while dumping his favorite spices into the pot of chili, looking across here and now to keep engaged.

"Just scared off some weirdo who couldn't take no for an answer," you let a sweet and genuine smile fall across your features, but didn't let it get out of hand. Your relationship with your father was airtight, and he could read you pretty damn well. You weren't going to give anything away, not with what was potentially on the line.

"Glad he was there," he replied with a chuckle, sending you a soft glance. "Never thought you'd have grown up so fast, now I gotta carry a shotgun whenever we go places. Fend off the wild beasts."

His jokes were only so funny now, because in this situation, you knew he wouldn't hesitate to shoot Joel if he found out what had happened. All in the nature of protecting you, but it made you sad to think of the situation that way. Joel wasn't just another weirdo following you around at a bar.

"It's only because I'm so pretty," you did your best to respond lightheartedly, making a quip that would soothe the silence. "And I believe that's yours and Mama's fault, givin' me the genes and what not."

You'd finished chopping a nice garden salad by the time the doorbell rang. You ran upstairs to change your shirt to the Jersey your dad bought you for your birthday, claiming it was good luck for the team. Truth be told, you didn't wanna be downstairs when Joel and Sarah got here.

Sarah was here, too. Her, you could easily handle. You were almost hoping that she would be in a rather talkative mood, that way the attention could be swayed to her inconspicuously. You doubted Joel would even try to talk to you, anyway.

"Lovebug, come on down, Millers are here!" Your dad shouted up, even though he saw you run upstairs right when the doorbell rang to change your shirt.

"I'm comin', hold on," you replied sassily while heading for the staircase.

You got to the bottom and had to take a breath before turning the corner into the entryway. Joel stood there with a sweet smile to you, and you tried your best to hold back the one you wore. It was too bright, too happy to see him. All despite your nerves.

You were quickly embraced by Sarah, whom you paid immediate attention to.

"My lordy, girl," you held up your hand by your shoulder to show the height difference, "last time I saw you, you must've been this tall."

"Dad tells me I'm growing like a weed," she tossed a finger over her shoulder to where he was standing, and you gave him a small glance and a smile.

"Us daughters do have a tendency to grow up," you laughed, slinging an arm around Sarah and pulling her along to the kitchen as your dad and Joel did the same behind you.

Why had you been so anxious? Joel is happy to see you. He makes causal conversation with your dad, but he catches your eye every chance he gets. His expression doesn't change, except for the tug of his lips in a smile that's barely there. Joel doesn't smile too often, except apparently when you and Sarah are around.

It doesn't take long for everyone to get situated with their food at the table, playful banter between Joel and your father filling the air as you made less rambunctious chatter with Sarah.

She's doing pretty well since last you saw her. She was always a bright girl, but as she grew it became more apparent that she would probably excel further than anyone in her graduating class. You were sitting across from a future valedictorian, you were sure.

You'd tried to ask her about her out of school interests before your dad interrupted with a question.

"How about you, lovebug?" He watched your eyes flick over to him with a turn of your head. He added context, given you hadn't been listening to them earlier. "Are you gonna look for a summer job?"

You really should, if you're being honest. There's not much work in your aspiring profession located here, but you weren't as lucrative as you used to be, given your educational expenses.

"I've thought about it," you tilted your head back and forth, and your dad seemed to need more from your answer. "I need to earn some cash before I get back to Dallas, but I'm not really sure where to apply."

Sarah seemed to know where this was going before you did. She'd been around the last time your dad was begging Joel to find some help for the contracting team they worked with. But surely your dad doesn't expect you to build houses, does he? Your dream job is to dig holes in the ground, not fill them in and put homes on top.

"We got some spaces to fill, you should come work with us 'few months. The pay's good and you don't have to stay on long, probably just till the end of July."

You gave him a look, and he instantly knew you weren't interested, but you figured you'd try and justify your reasoning. It was an argument either way.

Maybe it had been your dad's idea, but he wasn't the one who planted it into his own head. Joel subtly turned to you and cooly uttered a response.

"You could work on interior stuff with me."

Did he just-?

"S'not much more fun than what your dad's been doin,' but at least it's out of the sun, and easier to learn."

You were almost dumbfounded. Your dad offering you a job that potentially could give you heat stroke with your lack of experience seemed like the worst idea in the world... but working on interior projects? With Joel of all people? Well, that didn't sound so bad.

You didn't want your dad to catch on, of course. Being so protestant of his suggestion, but then falling right into it as soon as Joel was the one to offer would be a dead giveaway to some sort of favoritism to his best buddy. It simply wouldn't look right.

"What kinda interior stuff?"

He smirked. The motherfucker was smirking. He knew you'd changed your mind, but couldn't exactly just come out with it. He understood, but it was still slightly amusing to him.

"Flooring, cabinets, countertops... 's things like that," he explained, knowing you really didn't care what all it entailed. He was still happy to play along. "S'not as fun as archeology, but it pays alright."

You nodded, acting as though you were turning the thoughts over in your head.

"Well, if you're sure I won't mess it up, I'd be happy to try it out," was your final response. You figured it left some leeway in case your father became suspicious, but gave a good enough answer to end the conversation on.

"That's my girl," your dad clapped a hand on your shoulder in excitement. Truth be told he would very much enjoy your presence on a work site. "I'll go ahead and call Eddie in the morning, let 'im know I found someone to replace Charlie for interiors."

It was said more to Joel, you figured, because you didn't really know who either of those people were. He'd nodded to your dad, taking a sip of his beer and then looking back to you. You smiled sweetly, nobody catching it but the one it was meant for.

"Game's gonna start soon," Joel spoke aloud, drawing everyone's eye to the clock over the stove.

Sarah cleared her throat before jumping in on the conversation.

"About that," she looked to her dad with the same puppy dog eyes she used to use against you. He was just as poor at saying no to her when she pulled those bad boys out. "Sammy texted me to ask if it's okay to stay over at her place tonight?"

Joel sighed. He knew that no matter the attempts he made for her to like baseball, it wasn't her thing. It was summer vacation, and he had no reason to say no, so he didn't.

"Is she coming to pick you up?" He began, fishing his keys out of his pocket to drive her if need be. The girl lived five minutes away, he'd be back only a few minutes after the game started, but he didn't really want to leave.

"I can ask her," she pulled her phone back out of her jeans, opened her screen, and checked her messages.

"No need, I can take you," your voice rang out, standing from the table and taking your bowl to the sink. It was a genuine offer, but it was also to get out of the house and process what just happened with the job situation.

Joel was the first one to stand up with you.

"You don't have to-"

"It's fine," you cut him off, leaving no room for discussion. It was lucky he liked you, otherwise, Joel Miller might have put up quite the argument for such a small dilemma. As was his way, of course. He huffed, but accepted he had been overruled.

"Thanks, then." It was mumbled, but there was gratitude in it.

"We gotta hop over to ours real quick and grab my stuff," Sarah told you, waiting for you to return from the kitchen before beginning to head out through the front door. You'd grabbed your keys off where they hung on the wall before going behind her.

"I'll be back soon," you called over your shoulder into the house, and got a chirped 'alright' reply from your dad.

You walked out passed your driveway, seeing the light flicker on as you both went passed the censor on the ground.

"Y'know, I didn't think you'd have caved so fast on that job thing." She had piped up once you were almost to her porch. You found it only slightly funny that she chose the exact topic which had been swirling in your mind since it happened.

"Not sure I really wanna do it, but your dad made it sound better than every time my dad's talked about it, guess he just convinced me," you chuckled, playing it off in a way that she absolutely was about to use against you.

"That's another thing," she turned to you as she backed into the house through the door, only turning once she was inside. "Since when are you friends with my dad?"

She said it in a joking tone, but having known a few things she didn't about interactions that occurred between you and her father, you felt constricted to answer seriously. Probably with a lie if need be.

"I've always gotten along with your dad," you gave her a confused look, accompanied after by a playful smile.

She grabbed her backpack and opened it, checking to make sure she'd taken all the school stuff out before starting to shove things in, her charger, headphones, etc.

"Yeah but... you're just all young and cool and stuff," she shrugged, turning around to walk towards the staircase. "My dad is all old and boring and only talks about baseball."

"Thirty-seven isn't old, babe. My dad is two years from fifty, and I don't even think he's old, yet. Boring? Maybe..." you reasoned, hearing her laugh before she sprinted up the stairs, giving you time to think of some answers before she asked any more questions. Had she really caught onto you that fast? You didn't think you'd acted noticeably. If Sarah was able to see it, then maybe your dad did, too. You needed to be more careful, in that case.

Sarah returned a few minutes later, her backpack now stuffed and her pillow under her arm. You nodded out the door and headed back to your driveway to open the door for her, seeing as though her hands were full.

The drive after Sarah had been dropped off felt so much longer. Maybe it was just your thoughts, or maybe you consciously drove slower to avoid getting home too quickly. Your dad was waiting, but above that, Joel was there, too. Probably sitting back on the leather couch, relaxing with his feet kicked out on the floor. He usually leaned onto the armrest with his elbow, and held his face against the hand it supported. You'd noticed it years ago. He only ever spoke up when your dad did, usually in reply to him.

He was content simply watching the game in the presence of a friend. It was endearing.

When you pulled into the driveway, you had come up with an excuse to not remain downstairs for the duration of the game. It was too risky, and you weren't apparently as good with self-control as you'd thought you were.

You went inside and hung up your keys on the hook, immediately passing the living room on the way to the stairs.

"Hey, lovebug, you missed the top of the first," your dad called. He knew you liked baseball, so if you were to lie and say you didn't want to watch, he'd know something was up.

"Y'know, pa, I think I'm just gonna watch it upstairs, I forgot I still got some stuff to unpack," you peaked your head into the room to respond, and saw that Joel, just as you had pictured, was sitting in his most usual position on the couch, feet out on the floor, arm up with a hand holding the side of his face.

"Can't you do it later?" Your dad pleaded, but you knew, seeing as how your father occupied the recliner, you would have no where else to sit but on the floor or next to Joel. You didn't trust yourself with that.

"I could, but I might fall asleep if I wait too long."

He sighed, throwing an arm in your direction and shooing you away. He wasn't annoyed, but he'd admit he missed watching these games with you. It had been like a tradition, but if Sarah wasn't here either, he wasn't gonna make you stick around.

"Sure you don't wanna stick around? We could use your lucky jersey down here," Joel piped up, lifting his face from his hand and giving you a pair of soft eyes. That was exactly the reason you would not be staying. He didn't even realize how much he affected you, but you'd make sure he did at some point. Maybe you could just tease him a little.

"You're right, it would be a shame to take the lucky jersey with me."

You walked behind your dad's chair, out of his sight, and tauntingly stripped the jersey over your head, revealing the tight black tank top beneath it, just like that night at the bar. Joel's jaw clenched and his eyes turned darker, even under the bright light of the flatscreen in the living room. You never took your eyes away from his as you slung him the jersey.

"Hey pa, can I get you anything from the kitchen before I go upstairs?" You leaned over the back of his recliner, looking at him upside down. He chuckled and shook his head, trying to move your hair from obstructing his vision.

"We're all good, lovebug," he spoke in addition to his physical response, his laughter dying down as you stood back up. "Come on down if you change your mind."

"I'll probably be down later," you spewed a half-lie. You weren't sure if you would be or not, especially if Joel was still lurking in the living room.

You gave those brown eyes one last look before heading straight upstairs.

You grabbed your remote and flicked on the TV. It was already on the right channel, so you tossed the remote aside onto your bed and flopped back into it. You didn’t actually have anything left to unpack, but they would never have known.

Your phone buzzed beside you, and you lifted the screen to your face to see a text from an unsaved number:

Missin you down here…

You’d never put Joel in your contacts, because in highschool, your friends thought it was weird to even text or call him regularly, but you had his number for years, always just as a backup. You’d known it by heart, now, and nearly had it memorized back then, too, for the times you needed his help.

I’d come back if there was an open seat.

A bit sassy of a response, maybe, but you were hoping he’d understand the hidden meaning behind it… Although, Joel didn’t usually pick up on those things very easily.

Open seat right next to me

Yeah, that’s why I’m up here…

You huffed, realizing it wouldn’t be that easy. The three little dots indicating his next response was on the way slightly nerved you. Maybe he took the last text you sent the wrong way. You didn’t mean it to sound badly.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Means that I can’t keep my hands to myself.

You quickly rectified the situation, although you might have gone too far. He was taking far too long to answer, now. The little dots that before nerved you would now be your saving grace if it meant he would just fucking respond, already. You dropped the phone on your chest, raising up and down in a scattered rhythm while you wiped your hands over your face. Your phone vibrated over your shirt and you immediately opened it.

I can’t either. Stay up there.

You breathed out a sigh of relief. He was thinking the same things you were, and likely was under more stress for it, given he sat right across from your dad, responding to his comments about the game here and there. Your dad had no idea what was happening right under his nose.

Wasn’t thinking about leavin.

This little back and forth went on, the majority of the game, in fact. It was more-so about the plays then on, because you didn’t have anyone to talk to up here.

Joel thought it a bit funny, your dad would say something oddly specific about one of the players, and then you’d text him right after saying the exact same thing. You’d been a product of watching baseball with your old man for just about ever.

“I’m thinking about gettin’ some tickets over the summer for a game or two. They’re always cheaper in them group packages, you n’ Sarah should come along,” your dad was barely paying any attention to the words he spoke, but they came flowing out anyway, clear and cool. “Could be fun.”

Joel knew that there was only so much group interaction he could handle with you, and you with him. It stands to why you’re upstairs, an he’s down here, fist wrapped tightly around your lucky jersey. All out of your father’s sight, of course.

“It could be. Don’t think Sarah’s much for baseball anymore, though.”

He’d hoped that your dad would drop it. Halfway through his third beer, he hoped the man was a little more than tipsy, and maybe didn’t even mean the words he was saying.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t still tag along,” your dad was definitely still sober enough to keep it up, although the way he spoke became slower. Maybe he was getting sleepy.

“I’ll think about it.”

His response was followed by a hum, then a lull of silence that endured the rest of the game. He sat all the while and thought about his predicament a bit more.

He couldn’t stop thinking about you. It was insane… like you’d leeched yourself to the inner workings of his mind and he wouldn’t be able to pull you off without hurting himself, too. You were just upstairs, and had been texting him. You were within his vicinity, and yet… so unreachable.

He’d wished for you to be down here, or for him to be up there with you. Obviously, that wouldn’t go too well with the man sitting next to him, but he’d be asleep soon. If he could just touch you again, just kiss you one more time, maybe his cravings would be satisfied and he could go about his days… but what would happen if he kept feeling the addictive urge to do more? What if he was never satiated enough to quit you?

The game was called, and you’d texted him a small ‘victory’ at seeing the Rangers had won.

It was wrong, and the presence of his friend beside him was a constant reminder that you were his kid, and he would have a final say. Even though you were an adult, he understood this was completely taboo, and you should be off with guys your own age... but he’s made up his mind about the thoughts spinning in his head.

He didn’t respond, though. Your dad stood up out of his chair, his arms stretching outwards with a loud yawn as he took a few steps forwards, clapping his hand down on Joel’s shoulder.

“I hate to kick you out…” your father joked, a low and tired chuckle under his words.

“It’s alright, I got some stuff to sort out anyway.”

They started making their way towards the door when light but fast footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs.

Joel turned quickly, a smile on his lips and in his eyes when he saw you trying to catch your breath after sprinting down here.

“Leavin’ already?”

They both laughed heartily. As if Joel hadn’t been here almost three hours, most of which you spent upstairs. Your heart was beating far too fast for your liking, but there didn’t seem to be a way to stop it. Now that you were present again, in the room with him, you didn’t know what else to do.

“Your dad’s half asleep as it is, if I stay any longer I’ll send ‘im into hibernation,” Joel’s response made you giggle softly, although you withheld most of the laughter, because in all honestly, it wasn’t that funny, and you needed to learn to control yourself.

“He’ll be over next week, we’ll talk about gettin’ you into that job.”

You nodded, turning back to Joel as your dad opened the front door. What were you supposed to do? You couldn’t hug him, could you? That’s too much… maybe just wave, or maybe-

He held his hand out… for you to shake it. A hand-shake. Yeah, sure, fine.

You shook it, but he pulled you in half way, tapping your back once and then letting go.

He just bro hugged you. This man just-

He turned and did the same to your dad, giving you one last glimpse as he stepped out the door. Your dad closed it behind him and you were almost clean out of words to say. That had to have been the strangest interaction you’ve had.

“I’m beat, love-bug. I’m gonna head to bed,” he slung an arm around your neck and kissed the top of your head before turning and going down the hall to the stairs. “Don’t be up too late.”

“I won’t, just got a few things to do.”

You waited approximately ten more seconds before running to the garage door, going as quickly and as quietly as you could through to your front yard. Joel was still on his porch when you got out there, but was about to go inside.

You ran out to the sidewalk in font of his house and called out to him, all the while still barefoot.

“Hey Miller,” you crossed your arms, watching him turn around and lean in one direction. “Did you just bro-hug me? Or did I imagine that?”

He stepped closer to the edge of the porch, leaning against one of the wooden beams closest to him.

You slowly walked up to him, tilting your head to side as you observed his stance. he looked rather good. Hair tousled, body adorning a black t-shirt and some dark jeans. He was a sight, even in the dark light of the neighborhood.

“I reckon I oughta’ try again?”

"Seems like the fair thing to do."

“You’re takin’ your sweet time, baby,” he irked, grabbing gently under your elbow and pulling you up onto to porch once you were close enough.

You smiled to him, and wrapped your arms round his neck, over his broad shoulders. He pulled you close, tucking a head into your shoulder. The anxiousness you felt before fell apart, the rapid beating of your heart slowed, because you were comfortable. You felt immense peace in his arms like you’ve never felt before.

He backed away too soon, but still kept you relatively close to him.

“Was that better?”

“Yeah, I’d say so.”

There was a moment of silence, of contemplation, but it wasn’t stiff, and it wasn’t awkward. It was just there, a nice and pleasant quiet, and you standing still with Joel Miller on his porch.

“You wanna come inside a while?”

Sarah wasn’t home, and wouldn’t be till morning. Your dad was probably passed out in bed by now, leaving the opportunity completely open. You had nothing to lose, no risk to be had.

“Yeah, I think I will.”

He didn’t let you go, he just walked you both backwards until he was able to reach the door, reaching with one hand to open it before stepping slightly to the side to allow you entrance first.

“Ever the gentlemen,” you smiled, walking inside before he followed you in.

“Gotta make up for all that nonsense earlier,” he closed the door, taking your hand and walking to the kitchen. He pulled out a stool at his counter and let your hand fall to your side as he made his way to the fridge.

He pulled out two beers and uncapped them with the tool hanging on the side of his fridge. You think you remember your dad buying it for his birthday one year. You can remember sitting in this exact seat many times before, actually. Never alone, though. Never just you and Joel, and nobody else near.

He slid you one beer an you smiled at him in thanks, taking a sip.

“Last time you had one of these, I didn’t know if you liked it or not,” he gestured to his own bottle, drinking some and setting it down on the counter.

“I don’t know, I think it’s growing on me.”

He looked straight to you, leaning both hands on the edge of the counter. You leaned forward, mimicking his more stern face of features before he said anything else.

“I didn’t wanna say so with your dad around, but you look awful pretty tonight,” he spoke the compliment smoothly, but he had to drop his head after he said it. Seemed that giving you compliments alone in the night was something of a struggle for him, since he was blushing still even when he looked back to you.

“I seem to be feelin’ a lot prettier as of late whenever I’m around you. Think you’re just good for my self esteem,” you paused, leaning back onto the stool to take a drink of your beer. “That, or it's just nice to be complimented by a handsome guy like yourself.”

He didn’t seem to believe you. His scoff was loud and heard immediately after your compliment returned to him.

“You think I’m handsome?”

He’d always thought he was average. Maybe even slightly below. As he got older, that notion grew until he felt that maybe he was beyond trying for a woman on behalf of his looks. Perhaps there were women from time to time that would agree to a date, but there were none since Sarah’s mom who actually stuck around, not until you… but you were different as far as relationships go, because technically, you shouldn’t even be considering one with him.

“Absolutely, I do. Why wouldn’t I?” You were curious, because he was clearly attractive. Maybe you’d spent too much time around the more traditionally preferred young men in dallas, but something about Joel intrigued you that never did with anyone else. Maybe it was the forbidden aspect of what you two were doing, but before that, it was something else. He was rough and rugged, and good looking in a mature way that the boys your age couldn’t mimic if they tried. Those dark brown eyes with little crows feet at the edges every time he smiled were a dead give away to his age, but it was so appealing somehow.

“Don’t know. Guess I’m just old,” he spoke, trying to hide the insecurities that phrasing brought about. He was too old for you, he shouldn’t be sitting here with you you alone and calling you pretty, and yet…

“Maybe that’s a good thing. Too many boys my age are still very immature these days.” And it was very much true. Too young, too immature, and too stupid to see what’s in front of them and really appreciate it. Older men have a tendency to take care of the things they have, because they know that with time they can lose them.

“That so?”

“Mhm.”

“They don’t even realize what their missin’ out on, do they?”

You shook your head in reply. Nope. Not a single one of the younger guys you’ve dated has treated you with the care you know he could. He’s always treated you with care, before… why would that change now?

“They probably figure there’s a million girls linin’ up after me that they can take a shot at,” you raised your eyebrows and drank some more. Maybe it was just a thought of some past experiences, but this beer was tasting better and better to you.

“I pity them,” he said nonchalantly, without really thinking about it.

“Who, the girls? I mean, I kinda feel bad, but other times, I think we all know what we’re getting ourselves into n’ we just try to ignore the red flags.”

It was meant as a joke, but he was being genuinely serious.

“No, the guys. I pity ‘em.”

“Oh, do you?”

“I do,” he nodded, thinking of the right words to say. “They lost you, didn’t they? Biggest mistake of their lives and they didn’t even know. Pity ‘em just for that.”

You didn’t know what to say. You figured the wide smile you wore was doing a fine enough job, but he wasn’t looking like he had anything else to voice yet.

“You think I’m somethin’ special, Joel Miller?”

He set his bottle down on the counter and walked around it to stand right in front of your barstool. He took both your hands and pulled them to his chest, just holding them there and looking to you with the sweetest expression you’ve ever seen from him. He’s so different than what you remember in your earlier years. He used to be so stoic and serious. Sometimes even a little grumpy. Guess time changes things.

“I wouldn’t be gettin’ myself into sum’ this crazy if I thought anything else,” he mumbled it almost, but he definitely meant it. His words rang true in every aspect of the implications they made. This was crazy, it was very unlikely in the first place, but even still, it was happening. Neither of you backed down, neither of you said no.

“If it helps, I happen to think you’re pretty damn special, too.”

He didn’t respond, just leaned closer towards you, nudging his nose against yours, before letting your lips meet in a kiss. it washed rushed and hazy like the last time. It wasn’t forceful or fast or anything of that sort. It was gentle, and it was meaningful. All the years he’d known you, but never like this. You knew this attraction was new, but it was still real. You wondered how many women pined after him over the years, only for you to now gage his attention when clearly no one else did. The man’s been single since Sarah’s mom left, and otherwise, you didn’t know him to be much of a ‘dating around’ kinda guy. Standing here with him, now, you felt such excitement in knowing he’d pursue you, the off limits woman, over anyone else. It was a true victory, or at least you thought so, sitting on a stool in his kitchen while he kissed you softly, his thumbs going over the backs of your hands that still lingered in his.

When the kiss broke, you inhaled deeply, the scent of him so close to you, surrounding you. He was like a warm blanket you just pulled out of the dryer. He was comforting, and soft, and his skin was currently hot to the touch. You could only hope that you had something to do with that.

“Baby,” he breathed, hands letting go of yours and finding a new home at your waist. You left your hands on his chest, feeling his heart rate fluctuating. “Gotta know something before this goes any further…”

You hummed in response, still trying to even your breath intake. He backed away a few inches to be able to look you in the eyes correctly. He’d spent enough time with you in the past to know if you were telling the truth, and he was going to use it just this once to his advantage.

“What we’re doin’, you sure you’re okay with it?” He knew better than to jump into this without clarification. “Don’t want you feelin’ pressured if you’re not.”

“I want this,” you spoke softly, just loud enough that he could hear. “Promise.”

You had thought you’d been the instigator to this, if memory serves you correctly. Even still, you know now that whatever happens, he won’t take it somewhere you don’t want it to go. This show of good faith was something you could put trust in him over. He’s a good one, you always knew that.

And again his lips were on yours, differently this time. It was a bit more hasty and fervent like the first time, but there was still something different from then that you couldn’t quite decipher.

You absent-mindedly opened your legs and he instantly came between them, letting your bodies become flush with one another. His hands ran up and down your sides, every once and a while dipping to your hips and somewhere below on your thighs.

There was a heat between them that you didn’t realize was there until he came so close to touching it. He never actually did, though, and you were both endeared by and upset about it. He was the one making that heat spread, he can’t just leave it there… but he’s testing his limits, and you think it’s respectful that he is.

He doesn’t want to cross any lines… as if this entire entanglement has not already done that. This situation in every sense of the definition, has crossed the line. Him hugging you that tightly on his porch, him inviting you in after dark when it’s only you and him alone, having a beer with some very personal conversation, and now making out with you in his kitchen. They all crossed the line of what should happen between a man and his best friend’s daughter.

“Tell me to stop,” he mumbled against your mouth, almost as if reading your mind. His hand on your thigh drifted between your legs, just barely caressing the heated pool sitting there, waiting for him. It was still very reserved, and you had to buck against his hand for more friction, but at least it was something.

The taste of him somehow made it worse, the feeling growing inside you without an end in sight. The arousal was evident, but you weren’t sure he would be able to do anything about it, yet. You could tell it was weighing on his mind, what was okay for him to do, and what wasn’t. You would beg him if you had to, you just needed more.

He had an idea, one that could allow both of you to explore this dynamic easier, and one that could potentially keep him from overstepping like he was afraid to.

He removed his hands only for a minute, bringing yours up and over his shoulders before he settled his back down below your ass.

“Hold on,” he told you, lifting you from the seat and walking until he got to the living room. From there, he let the space guide him until the back of his knees hit the edge of the couch. He sat almost abruptly, and when you relaxed your weight onto him, you felt the stirring between his legs as well. You moaned into his mouth at the mere size and feeling of it, beginning to slowly grind down onto him. He encouraged your movements, and used his hands to guide your hips as you went, back and forth, getting into a rhythm.

“That’s it, baby,” he praised, tearing himself away for a moment to expel his breath from his lungs at the new feeling. Your head fell against his, and suddenly it was the movement of your lower half taking you over.

He let his hands move over your body a bit more freely, now, but still careful not to make any harsh movements, or grab in places he felt he shouldn’t linger too long. He knew you wanted this, but something inside him questioned how comfortable you really felt… that was until you started doing the same, roaming his body with your delicate touch, making him feel like the most important man in the world. You could have sworn you marked the exact moment he snapped, rolling his hips upwards into yours shamelessly. It was so deliciously addicting, the feeling of his body pleasing yours, and vice versa. His rough and sturdy hands, though still gentle, ravished any part of you available to him.

The air between you was hot and thick, and you could swear that by breathing it in, you were drawing even more arousal into your body.

The motions kept going until there was a quickening of pace brought on by you both simultaneously. You couldn’t mark a distinction of when it increased, you just knew that the speed you were going wasn’t where you started. All you could think of was that your spend was fast approaching, and you wondered if his was, too.

“Gettin’ close,” you murmured, barely able to get the words out for the moans that slipped passed your lips. “M’gonna…”

He heard you, and understood. Truth be told, he’d started getting hard since that moment on the porch, so this was just nothing but sweet relief to him. He kept on, trying to meet you at your finish.

“Let go , baby.”

You had no qualms about being told twice when it came to him. You gave it up easily, the muscles in your body contracting when you felt the wash of utter ease through every inch of you. He tensed beneath you, but relaxed with a groan of relief right after, and you could feel his length twitch in his jeans.

You just dry-humped Joel Miller on his couch. Like a horny teenager. What the fuck.

The dawn of realization was cut short by his hand softly coercing the back of your neck, bring your lips back for him to claim as he did earlier. Soft, and gentle, no rush, no heat. Just that feeling between you both that started this mess.… and it was indeed a mess.

“You wanna stay over?”

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@justanothersadperson93 @moonchild-warrior @hopplessilse @brittmd115 @michilandcof @untamedheart81 @just-someone-broken @joelalorian @xybil @yvonneeeee

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#joel miller x reader #joel miller smut #joel x reader #joel the last of us #dbf!joel miller x reader #dbf! joel miller #joel miller age gap #pedro pascal fluff #pedro pascal smut #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal

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amsgrey · 6 months

Text

Deja Vu II

Part I

Okay so, I have been researching more and trying to get things at least somewhat accurate before I wrote part two. In the first part, I wrote TBI, with further research, what I was actually trying to write is an Anoxic brain Injury (still technically a TBI). The whole idea there is when the brain is starved of oxygen critical functions are impacted and there can be a whole bunch of differing symptoms after it. OBVIOUSLY, I am NOT a medical professional, so take everything with a big ol' grain of salt. I am thinking of writing some more parts to this but purely when I have time bc adult life sucks. I kept the ending open but also al actual end, unlike the first part. Hope it is somewhat enjoyable.

WARNINGS: Medical stay, seizures, talk of needles + medical procedures, hospitals, Will and Jay being their usually angsty selves, poor writing and zero editing

"Will?"

Abrams looked between the Halsteads, not sure what his place was. Everyone remembered when Pat Halstead passed, mostly because the Halstead brawl was talked about for weeks. Will Halstead was known for causing headaches for plenty of people around Med, he was the topic of gossip all through the building.

Abrams was saved by the bell - literally. His pager started beeping, excusing him from the brewing storm between the brothers.

"I'll put in for the tests," He tossed over his shoulder, disappearing into the stream of medical workers.

"Will." Jay snapped, glowering at his brother.

Will scrubbed a hand down his face, "Abrams needs to run more tests."

"More tests?" Jay pressed, "What just happened, Will?"

Will shook his head, looking at his younger brother he knew, telling Jay how bad this might be, would destroy him. Jay hated hospitals, hated medical things in general. Will couldn't look him in the eye and plant the same fear he had gnawing at him.

"I don't know, Jay," Will sighed, "I'm not a neurologist."

Jay didn't want to accept his answer, but Will didn't give him much of a chance. He turned back to your hospital room, forcing a smile as he entered.

"What was that about?" You asked, exactly where they left you.

"Just more tests," Will smiled. He stopped at the top of your bed, checking you over with doctor's eyes. You could always tell when he flipped between Big Brother and Doctor because Big Brother Will wore his emotions. Doctor Will was better at keeping his poker face like he was now.

Will's eyes flittered around the monitors before settling back on yours. His eyes softened, the slight furrow in his brow disappearing and a smile pulling on his lips again.

"You feeling alright?"

You nodded, "I'm just tired."

Will nodded, he reached out and brushed the hair off your forehead, "Get some sleep, yeah? We'll be here the whole time."

Jay reached out and squeezed your hand, before pulling up the blanket and tucking you in.

A few hours later, you were sitting up in your hospital bed while a Neurology Tech attached electrodes to your scalp. Jay had left for home, for a shower and clean clothes. He promised he would bring back your blanket and pillow and some other stuff to make you more comfortable, seeming Will said it would be okay.

While he was gone, Will sat at the end of the bed, holding your hand through the Electrode placement. After the Tech finished, you were attached to a monitor with wires upon wires, all differing colours. The tech apologized for the cap that sat over all the leads, promising it wasn’t too bad.

“it’s a new fashion trend,” you joked, smiling at the tech, “Nuero floor chic.”

The tech laughed, continuing her work. When she was done, she walked you through what she had done. Explaining the placement and the leads, and how it all worked.

"This is your personal EEG," She explained, gesturing to the boxy machine on wheels that your wires were attached to, "Try to keep it close."

She explained a few more things, then promised to return in a little while. In her absence, Dr. Abrams stopped through again. He looked over the techs work, mumbling to himself and making medical comments only Will understood.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

You had already taken a nap, so you weren't as tired as you had been.

"Sick of sitting," You said, stretching your legs and accidentally nudging Will in the process. Will playfully batted at your feet, feigning offence.

Abrams pulled at the EEG machine on wheels, testing how the wheels glided, "If you are feeling up for it, you can go for a small walk."

You lit up, "I can?"

"If you take it slow," Abrams ordered, "And Will is by your side."

Will nodded, "Are you feeling up for it?"

"Yes."

Will helped you detangle yourself from the blanket, letting you adjust to being fully upright for the first time that day. Your feet dangled over the bed as you took a moment to compose your spinning head. Will pulled a pair of socks over your bare feet, muttering something about keeping your toes warm. He held your arm as you stood up, supporting your weight as your body adjusted again.

"You alright?"

"Mmm," You responded, focused on staying upright.

"Okay," Will wrapped an arm around your waist, "One step at a time, we'll try to make it to the nurse's station and back."

It was slow going. With every step you took, it felt like the world was twisting, like walking through an earthquake. Will's arms hovered around you, only holding you up when you needed the support. He was so steady in his support, his warm presence keeping you grounded and calm.

Two steps outside of your room, Jay bounded up with your pillow and blanket tucked under his arm.

"They're upright," He commented, "Nice hair, too."

He reached out and pretended to ruffle your hair, careful to avoid touching the wires around your head. You reached out to smack his hand, but missed drastically.

You frowned at Jay, frustration barely contained, "Sshut. uphh."

The words sounded fumbled through your gritted teeth. Abrams had mentioned how you needed to take things slow and Will tried to tell you that it might be frustrating at first, but you weren’t expecting to feel such anger. It was gnawing away at you. A week ago you were dancing around with Makayla, wrangling her for a weekend while Kim and Adam worked. You had run around, danced, sung, every little thing that made Makayla happy. Not you hardly knew how to move your feet, could hardly tell what direction was up.

The anger grew and held firm in your head, making itself known with its red cloud fogging your mind.

Will grabbed your hand, "You okay?"

"Hmm."

Your vision blurred, everything swaying and twisting as you fell forward.

Will was faster than Jay was, for once. He saw the signs a mile away, already braced for when you would fall. He held you to his chest, lowering both of you to the ground and cradling your head as your body started to convulse.

Jay immediately dropped what he was carrying, falling to his knees by your side. Jay looked up at Will trying to ask silently what to do, but the eldest Halstead had gone full doctor mode.

"Need some help over here!" Will shouted, calling for the nurse's assistance.

"I need you to breathe,” Will spoke with such certainty, like he was treating any other patient.

“You’re okay,” Will kept repeating, “Just breathe, I’ve got you.”

Jay was ushered out of the way by the nurses, who crowded in with monitors and equipment to help Dr Halstead. All Jay could do was watch helplessly.

Jay held his breath as the medical team got you off the ground and transferred you back to the hospital bed. The leads they had removed that morning were reattached, placed on your ashen skin.

Dr Abrams rushed into the room and ordered Will to get out of his way, the forced politeness gone now the situation was emergent. Will stepped back, somewhat dubiously, letting Abrams run his team.

“How did you do that?” Jay asked when will stood by his side, the pair of them watching as Abrams and the team worked.

With a dose of meds, the convulsions stopped, but the team checked over the leads and kept working.

“Do what?” Will asked, turning to look at his brother. Jay had grown pale, the fear and anxiety he felt spelt out across his features. His eyes kept darting from you to the heart monitor screen like it was going to flatline.

“Stay so calm?” Jay whispered, taking a deep breath for the first time in the last few minutes. The nurses placed a mask over your face, securing it behind your head and then leaving the Halsteads and Abrams in the room.

“Jay…” Will tried to find a way to explain it, how he could just shut off his fear in that moment to help you. But he couldn’t find the words.

“She’s stable,” Abrams spoke in the silence that had formed, “From now on, we’ll keep giving her (insert med) to keep her relaxed. No more strolls, even if it is supervised.”

Will nodded, taking it in.

Abrams was mostly speaking to Will, Jay was by your side, focused solely on you. He held your hand, careful to avoid the IV that was in the back of it. He watched you breathe, every-time you exhaled, he watched the mask fog up. He listened to the quiet puffs and the melodic beeping. You were okay. He kept trying to force himself to remember that. You were okay.

“Hopefully we can get this under control. In the meantime, we’ll keep monitoring, keep on with the EEG testing for the next few hours. Hopefully we’ll learn more.”

Will nodded, clapping Abrams on the back, “Thanks, Sam.”

The big brother in him wanted to press for answers, but the doctor in him knew that sometimes Doctors didn’t have the answers. If Abrams knew, he would share.

Will did a check over you and the monitors with his eyes, again. Then looked over to Jay, who looked completely deflated. It was no secret that Jay hated hospitals and medical treatment in general, especially needles. Spending time in hospitals usually gave him the creeps and he would always say to Will, “I don’t know how you do it, man.”

But Jay hadn’t complained even once. Not when he was watching the IV get put in your hand, or while you were attached to countless machines. Will knew it was because he felt hopeless. The same look that he wore at their dads bedside he wore now. Will stood and stared for a while, the memory playing in his mind in time with real life. This was different. You weren’t on life support like your father had been, things were different. That didn’t change the memories Will had of his dads last moments plaguing his mind.

“I stayed calm because i had too,” Will finally spoke. Jay looked up, watching his brother cross his arms over his chest and take a deep breath.

“I had to stay calm, for her.”

Jay shook his head, “I just froze, Will. And you-“

“Trained for years to react in medical emergency situations, spent years working the ER,” Will interrupted.

“Jay,” Will reached over the bed and gave jays shoulder a reassuring squeeze, “I do this every day. I know how to tune out the emotions and focus on medical stuff.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Will sat on one of the chairs, mirroring Jay across the bed, “Listen. I could never get used to being shot at, could never be shot at and react how you do. Because I’m not trained, I’m not good at that. You aren’t a doctor Jay, stop beating yourself up over something that was a basic human reaction.”

Jay didn't answer, letting silence fall over the room. Neither one of the brothers was up for a conversation, mostly just consumed with their own thoughts as they watched you sleep.

You had stirred a few times in the coming hours but mostly stayed sleeping. Will told Jay that it was a combination of the medication and the stress of recent events catching up with you. In his words, it was nothing to worry about.

"Hey," A soft voice called from the door, Will and Jay stood to greet Hailey as she stepped into the room.

Will and Jay had been off work since you had gotten worse, staying by your side or close by ever since. Both Voight and Goodwin understood, giving them all the time they needed.

"I brought some supplies," Hailey joked, handing food over to the brothers, "And I stopped by home and Wills, got some clothes."

"Thanks, Hailey."

"Yeah, Of course." Hailey stood by Jay, taking his hand for his comfort. "How's she doing?"

Will relayed the events of the day, the incident in the hall and all the things that had happened since. Things were moving fast, more tests and hopeful treatment plans were being talked about.

"It'll be okay," Will finished, mostly trying to convince Jay more than himself. He knew the look on Abram's face, knew that everything was far from okay.

Will told Jay to go back to work after a week, promising him that sitting by your side was a one-man job. Will had spoken to Goodwin, who agreed to let him take his occurred PTO for as long as he needed. So for the three weeks you were in the hospital he stayed by your side. You weren't used to having Will there every single minute of every single day, but you didn't mind it too much. Mostly he helped you go on walks or watched over you like a personal nurse. You knew that he and Jay were worried, but the overprotective brother act was suffocating at times. During the last week of your stay, you managed to convince him to let you have more space - that when he left the room you wouldn't make a break for it like Jay would. He agreed hesitantly, mostly hanging around from lunch until you fell asleep at night. You complained to Jay when he visited every day, but you were thankful he was there.

On the last few days of your time in the hospital, you were more independent, nothing like what you were before the accident, but more than before. You could walk small distances unsupported and some of your fine motor skills came back. The PT had told you it was common after TBI's for patients to lose control of their movements and motor skills, she promised that you would get better as time went on.

Dr Abrams had spoken to Will and Jay about Rehabilitation centres, there were a few in the city that focused on TBI rehabilitation but Will had been dragging his feet. Jay wanted to do what was best for you, even if it meant you might have to stay in a rehab facility. Will had a sour taste in his mouth over it all.

"Come in," Goodwin called from inside her office.

Will pushed open the door, greeting Sharon and Peter.

"What can I help you with, Doctor Halstead?" Sharon asked after Peter had left.

Will explained his plan, reviewing all the details he had sorted out. When he finished, Sharon was nodding in approval.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I am," Will was sure nothing could change his mind now.

"Okay then, I will talk to Dr Archer, and see how we can help," Goodwin bid Will the best, letting him continue on his way.

Will met Jay right outside your room, almost running straight into him.

"Will," Jay grabbed his brother's arm, "We need to talk about the rehab facility-"

"Yeah," Will nodded, "I know, i have a plan."

Will ushed Jay back into the room. He gestured to Jay to a chair and took a seat at the end of your bed. You were expecting him to stop by, sitting up properly on the bed expecting some kind of serious conversation from the eldest Halstead.

"What is it, doc?" You joked.

Will smiled, reaching out and holding your hand, "I have spoken to Dr Abrams and Sharon Goodwin and I have decided that we won't be trying to find a rehab facility."

Jay sighed, he had been arguing with Will about this for the better part of the week. "Will-"

"I think you should stay with me," Will told you directly, "I've taken a leave of absence, I think you should be home and recovering."

You looked to Jay, who was just as surprised. Jay hardly got caught off guard by Will, right now he had never been more surprised.

"Are you sure?" Jay broke the silence that settled over the room.

"If that is what you want?"

You could feel the joy blooming in your chest, a wide smile breaking across your face, "Yes. Please, yes."

Will mirrored your grin, pulling you into a tight hug and kissing your forehead. At times like this, you were reminded how much Will and Jay became like parents to you after your father's death. Although it was painful for all of you, you didn't have a good relationship with your father. He was never caring or affectionate, he never came to your sports games or awards, that was all Jay and Will. They stepped up and took care of you, they always have and promised they always would. You were so drained from the last few days of tests and the week in the hospital that you felt like you might burst into tears.

Will could sense your fragile state, staying sitting by your side and holding your hand. Jay got to his feet and pulled you into a hug too, then clapped Will on the back.

“So when am I allowed out?” You pressed, hoping to be home and somewhere familiar.

“Slow your roll,” Jay laughed, “There's still things that need to be organized.”

You let out a loud dramatic sigh, “I hate it here,” You whined.

Will wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into him and playfully messing up your hair, “It won't be too much longer, promise.”

“Pinky promise?” You raised your finger, dramatically pouting.

Will indulged you, linking his pinky through yours and giving you a serious stare, “Pinky promise.”

taglist: @halstead-severide-fan

#chicago pd x reader #chicago med #chicago pd imagine #jay halstead x reader #will halstead #jay halstead #halstead!sister #jay halstead x sister!reader #will halstead x reader #chicago med x reader #one chicago x reader #one chicago imagine #chicago med imagine #chicago fire x reader #chicago fire imagine #jay halstead imagine

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shuamorollss · 2 years

Text

CUTE THINGS THEY DO WHEN YOU DO THEIR MAKEUP — ot7/gn!reader

note: honestly thought abt posting this only as a hyung line imagines BUTT i changed my mind and wrote for the maknae lines bc i love them all 🤭💕💕 I'm sorry of the maknaes are kinda short and half-assed. I just wanted to get rid of my writers block T_T

tags & warnings: established relationship, fluff!! >< smiled while writing heejakewonki tbh HAHAHAHA . . . not proofread

perm. taglist! @jangwonie @jungwonize @butterflyy-ningg @w3bqrl

♡ ! — Heeseung only accepted your offer to put makeup on his just so he could feel you so close. Though he couldn't stand it just staying still and watch how you gently stylized his face, and with your adoring face so close to his... How could he not react to that? He'd swiftly yet gently just place both of his hands on your cheeks out of nowhere whilst you’re still putting his makeup, afterwards began to drown you with compliments that you didn't seem able to resist until you became a red-faced mess so close right in front of him. " God. how are you so so pretty? I could kiss you right now. "

♡ ! — Jongseong would just look into your eyes, admiring your focused face a few inch closer to him. he didn’t want to just stay still and wait until you finish doing his makeup. He can’t stop himself from suddenly kissing your nose out of nowhere. A few times he did this you were surprised but you got used to it eventually. He never seems to grow tired of placing sweet peck on your nose whenever you finish a part of doing his face.

♡ ! — Jake is such a cutie. he always gets ecstatic whenever you tell him you wanted to put makeup on him (please he gets so excited to the point he's the one to prepare your makeup kit for you!). and by the time you are applying makeup on him, whenever he gets the opportunity he would boop your nose with his finger. he would do it when you're least expecting it, so you get startled whenever he does so. It was slightly anmoying but you couldn't help but giggle and smile whenever he does so. He's just so cute. too cute.

♡ ! — Sunghoon would be a real tease. Even you couldn't last long going too close to hoon. He's a funny fucking dude cause he'd initiate an unnecessary staring contest with you; just having eye contact with him could make your face red as hell. " How cute. " that's what he says whenever you make a pause and try to breathe as fast as you can, following with him cupping the both of your cheeks, gently pulling you right in front of his stunning face once again. " I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please continue. "

♡ ! — Sunoo tells you stories, fun facts, kdrama criticisms, or just tell whatever the whole time you do his face. Kind of distracting though you don't mind since he's really balanced so it's easy for you to follow and do his look. You actually enjoy him sharing his insight to you during a supposedly really quiet process. After that he offers to do yours as well, " I look so cute! Come on love, i'll do yours. Let's match looks! "

♡ ! — Jungwon actually LISTENS to you!! Quiet and obedient the whole time. Though would lose his shit by the time you get to do his eyeliner. Also by losing his shit— what I mean is that he'd suddenly kiss you whilst doing his eyeliner! He just couldn't take it " How can I not kiss you? you were so close. too close. "

♡ ! — Ni-ki is honestly so stubborn. Would take a while to finish his makeup. He teases too much but it's tolerable. As much as you want to be frustrated, you couldn't. You like him like this and for some reason, you could focus better. After that he would just let your forehead lay on his for a short while, while your noses are in direct contact. " I know it hasn't been anytime long but i miss your face this close to mine, so let's stay like this for another few minutes. "

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marcspectorstannie · 6 months

Text

ᰔPrank Wars ᰔ (Steve Grant x Reader)

This is kinda long and I did not mean for it to be and i don’t even like it. So uh yeah. Enjoy

A/n- this is very very VERYYY old and my very first moonknight writing☠️So if this is bad I apologize,I've made some edits so it's not too terrible hopefully. Also dropping this bc I've been putting off that Ken fic😞

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You and Steve have been dating for a while now, and one day you decided to catch him off guard one day. He was getting ready for work when you took his name tag the night before while he was asleep and put it in his bathroom cupboard. "Love, have you seen my name tag? I can't seem to find it." You hid your smile as you shook your head. "No I haven't, maybe check on the table? " He nodded lightly as he turned away confused. You began to think you went a little far since he can already barely process things well. A few minutes of thinking went by when you heard a voice in the bathroom. "Love, why is my name tag in the bathroom?" He came out and saw you chuckling. "Did you put that in there?" He smiled slightly. "You cheeky little devil." He walked over and lightly kissed your forehead. "Goodbye love, I'll see you later."

Steven is finally home but you left to go the store to buy some more food. It's pay back time. He takes your slippers and hides them under that bed. You hide his tag, he hides your slippers, it's only fair,right? You're finally home, tired from carrying bags and of course you would wear shoes that hurt like hell after too long. "Steven, can you help me out here?" He rushes to the door to help you, grabbing a few bags from your hands. You aren't thinking about anything but getting your uncomfortable shoes off and slip into some much more comfy ones. "You alright, love? You don't look too sharp." Steven asks placing the bags down.You sighed, ploping onto the couch and peeling your shoes off. He watched your relief as you began to search for your slippers. "Sweetheart, have you seen my slippers? It would be today that I can't find them" He shook his head no and quickly turned away from you. You quickly caught onto his act and played along. "Really? They're usually right here." You pointed to the empty spot in front of the couch. You glanced at the bed, seeing the pink fur peaking under the mattress. "Steven,love,I can see them under the bed." His smile slightly drops and awkwardly plays with his hands. "Well I tried, I'm not that good at.. pranks.. and stuff like that." You walked over to him and leaned on his shoulder. "It's ok, not everyone is a prank master like moi." You kissed his cheek, grabbed your slippers and walked away.

You and Steven went on a small date to have some time to yourselves. You were holding hands when Steven felt your grip slip away. He figured you went to go look at something else so he wasn't too worried until a couple of minutes went by and you didn't come back. He texted you asking where you were and still had no answer. You only weren't answering him because you wanted to end the prank war once and for all.

'Hey love, where are you?'

'Love,are you alright?'

'I'm getting worried where are you :('

' :((((?'

He was so scared you went missing when you were really just on the other side of the store. You quietly snuck up behind him and blew into his ear. He quickly jumped and covered his ear. "Bloody hell! Christ, you scared me." You stifled your laughter as his face relaxed after the sudden adrenaline rush. "Bollocks, I thought I lost you. I didn't know where you were." You looked at his shaky hands and grabbed them. "I'm sorry I got you scared, love. But this war had to be settled one way or another." He looked into your eyes, relaxing his breathing, knowing you're safe. "Yeah, you win this one. "

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#steven grant x reader #steven grant headcanon #steven grant #moon knight #moon knight headcanon #moon knight x reader #mr knight #oscar isaac #moonknight #marvel

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barzysunflower · 10 months

Text

unexpected part 3 — mat barzal

tbh I didn’t realize how popular this was with you guys which is why I didn’t hurry to write this next part. but if y’all really love it and give me your thoughts (& even ideas on how to continue) I’m definitely willing to write more!!

word count: 4k

I’m just gonna make this part of my summer series bc they did travel and it gives me an excuse (to literally my brain lol) to post this part now! an insta edit will follow shortly! come along the rest of the trip

📍vancouver, canada with mat barzal this is part of the unexpected series, so if you want to see how we got to this point, read PART ONE and TWO

June

"Sshh, sshh. It's okay, it's okay." Mat's soft voice woke you from a short, but deep sleep. You turned as your eyes fluttered open to see him sat up against the headboard soothing your baby girl. "I'm here. You're okay."

Your hand reached up to cradle her tiny head. "She might be hungry. What time is it?"

"Almost four. It hasn't been that long since you last fed her. But look, she's already falling back asleep." His smile grew and you sat up as well to see her eyes slowly closing. "She's so cute."

"She is." You kissed her head and then leaned against Mat's shoulder. "And so big. One month already."

"It went by so fast. I don't want her to grow up."

The last month since you baby girl, Myla, was born was the most stressful and tiring but also the most beautiful and exciting time. The new sleeping schedule was difficult to adjust to and your recovery was harder than expected. People really should talk about it more. But getting to experience both you and Mat become parents and your baby explore the world was indescribable. She already outgrew her newborn sized clothes and loved being awake looking around the room. She loved sleeping in her stroller while you took her on walks, where you and Mat stopped to get ice cream or coffee. Both of your families had come to visit, too, and of course all of your friends. They loved her and you were so grateful for the amazing support system.

Mat's season had ended a couple of days after Myla's birth, but not after his birthday which you unfortunately had to spend apart. But he was home now and took such good care of the both of you. Although the three of you did spend a lot of time in bed, you made it a goal to go outside for walks at least a few times a week. Your family didn't live far so they were able to visit and you even went to visit them a few times when you felt brave enough to leave the house.

"Oh, my god!" Mats voice brought you back to consciousness. You hadn't realized you were falling back asleep on his shoulder until his voice brought you back.

"What?"

"She pooped. Did you not hear that? That was gr– Oh! Ew! Babe, it's leaking out." He started panicking, then gagged as he held her away from his body. "What do I do? What do I do?"

You laughed, falling back into the pillows as you watched him struggle for what his next move should be. "Babe! This is so gross! Help me!"

"Well, go change her!" You watched him, still laughing, as he carried her with extended arms, trying not to gag again. "It doesn't even smell. There's only one baby in this room and it's not her."

He started undressing her, groaning from the mess she had made. "Oh my god, it's everywhere. How? How is her stomach so big to hold that much?"

You got up to see for yourself, making sure beforehand to take a video of Mat trying to handle this situation. "Yeah, we should give her a bath. That is pretty bad."

"It's the middle of the night!"

"So? She's dirty." You laughed patting him on the shoulder. "Welcome to parenthood."

At one month old, babies couldn't laugh yet, but the noises she made could definitely count as it. So you prepped her bathtub. She was small enough to do it in the sink, so it didn't take long to fill the tub with the right temperature water. When Mat put her in, she started screaming. She hated baths for the most part, but unfortunately she had to get through it. She calmed down after a while, enjoying the little massage you were giving her to get her clean. Mat put his arm around you and kissed the top of your head.

"You know, a year ago I definitely would not have imagined us doing this at 4 a.m., but I wouldn't change it for the world."

July

"Ugh, she's so cute."

"So adorable."

"Her little nose. And those cheeks."

"I love her so much," you said, not being able to look up from where your daughter was sleeping in her stroller. You stood around her with Mat's sister and mother, just staring at her. You were supposed to go on a walk to go get lunch, but for some reason (a very cute and sleeping reason) you still hadn't left yet.

"Me, too. Watch out I might steel her," Liana said jokingly. She hugged you tightly. "Thank you for making me an auntie. I thought I'd have to wait for years."

"You almost had to." You didn't want to call your daughter an accident, because she truly was a blessing, but let's not pretend you were trying to become parents. You both tried to contain your laughs, as their mother was right there.

"Okay, let's go," Nadia broke you two up and took ahold of the stroller, before walked out of the house. You followed her, Liana fighting her mother for the right to push the stroller.

A couple days ago, Mat, Myla, and you made it up to Vancouver to spend a few weeks with his family. Myla just turned two months a few days ago and you finally felt comfortable enough to fly with her. A lot of family and friends came over to see her, but things had finally calmed down a bit.

"So, any wedding plans?," Liana asked, after you had made it to the restaurant and the food arrived.

You raised your eyebrows, a small laugh escaping. "How long have you been waiting to ask me that?" She laughed. "Since last time!" And that was about a year ago when you had told her you were pregnant. Mat shut her down immediately, saying you'd wait until after she was born. "Well...?"

"I don't know," you answered. "We haven't really thought about it."

"Oh, come on. You need to get married! For her and for me!" You laughed and her mother elbowed her. "What? I know it's selfish, but please! It would be the most beautiful wedding, I just know it."

She started gushing about her dream wedding for you, detailing everything from flowers to venue to table cloths. Her mother chimed in, equally as excited about the idea. Normally you would have been too, but for some reason the idea of a big wedding didn't seem exciting to you anymore.

And that's what you told Mat later that night when you were ready to go to sleep while feeding Myla. "Your sister, well and mom, are already making wedding plans, just so you know."

He rolled his eyes. "How many times have I told them it's none of their business?"

Myla was done eating, so you handed her over to Mat so he could burp her. "It's fine. It was kind of fun to talk about and see everything we could come up with. But funnily enough, all my life I've dreamed of a big wedding like that, even just a few months ago I would have agreed to it. But now, I don't know, I don't really want that anymore."

"Really?" You looked up at his green eyes.

"Yeah, I don't know. I'd rather have a small thing, with just family and our closest friends. And baby Myla of course."

"That sounds good to me." He leaned to kiss your forehead with a smile and cradled your baby's head.

"Wanna get married? Might as well, we already have a kid." You said it with a laughing tone, expecting him to laugh as well or brush the topic off like you had done since he first asked you about getting married. But he didn't. He jumped out of bed, put Myla in her bassinet, and left the room.

You sat there, shocked. You didn't expect that reaction as well. You were serious about getting married. A couple weeks after Myla had been born you realized that you were being silly before. Of course you wanted to marry him and you knew that he loved you and didn't stay with your just before the baby.

Thankfully, before you could process what just happened, Mat came back and sat back down next to you. "I'm the one that gets to ask that question!," he said, which is when you noticed the little red box in his hand. You mouth opened in shock. Now that, you definitely also didn't expect. "What? You really think I didn't got out and get you a ring after you said no the first time? Please, you can't get rid of me."

"Mat..." He smiled, cupping your cheeks with his big hands before kissing you softly.

"Baby? Do you want to marry me? I don't care about the big wedding anymore either. We literally could go down to city hall tomorrow and do it there. I don't care. I just want you and baby Myla. Now will you please do me the honor of not rejecting me for the millionth time and finally saying yes to being my wife?"

"You are such a jerk," you said as the tears rolled down your face. You were still pretty hormonal and you had a feeling it wouldn't go away. "But yes, I'll marry you."

"Finally." He pressed his lips against yours for a deep kiss that had you falling back against the mattress. But you couldn't fully enjoy the moment for very long, before baby Myla made herself known. You got her out and held her in your arms, soothing her, while Mat held you close to his body pressing tiny kissed against your head.

"Ok, let me see the ring," you whispered when your baby girl calmed and started drifting into sleep. Mat opened the box with a chuckle, as your moth fell open.

"Like it?" You nodded and held your hand out for him to slip the ring on. While it didn't fit as well as it would have pre-pregnancy, at least you were assured that it wouldn't randomly fall off. "Kind is weird that we're doing this at my parents house, but I'll take what I can get. It's your fault though."

"Wha- Why?"

"I was scared as hell to propose to you again. I didn't want to be rejected again."

"Mat, I didn't reject you. I just– I didn't want to get married while pregnant." He cupped your face again with a chuckle.

"I know, I know. I'm just joking." He kissed you over and over again, until you realized that Myla was asleep and you could put her back in her bed.

Mat pulled you on his chest as you both laid down. "Wait, were you kidding about city hall tomorrow?," you asked, keeping your voice low.

"Not really. You wanna do it?" You looked up at him and shrugged.

"Kind of." You both smiled wide. "But wait, no. My family. I want them there."

"Okay, well we could ask them to come here? Or would you rather wait and do it back in New York?"

"Here is good." You fell in love with Vancouver the minute you got out of the airport the first time you came, so getting married here was not an issue for you. "Yeah, I'll just ask my family and some friends if and when they'd be available to come up."

"Okay. We can just invite people and whoever can make it, can make it. If not, then we can always have another little something in New York." You nodded, excitement filling your body.

"But if we're inviting a bunch of people, we can't do it at city hall."

"There's lots of parks and venues around here."

"Or your parents back yard?" You both thought about it for a second, then Mat smiled.

"Yeah, i think they'd be cool with that."

You both giggled excitedly, then he pulled you fully on top of him. "Are we seriously getting married in a few days?"

"Unless you don't want to," you responded.

"You are never ever getting rid of me."

August 2nd

It was wedding day. After a crazy busy 10 days, the day was finally here.

When you had told Mat's family the news the day after you got engaged, they were very excited. His sister screamed so loud, she scared the baby but you couldn't go soothe her since she had you trapped in a massive bear hug. She immediately started planning and listing everything you would need. Everyone was involved in making flowers arrangements, cooking and baking for the party, and getting the house ready to host a wedding.

Your family got to Vancouver a few days before the wedding, also helping greatly. Once your best friends arrived as well, it was time to shop for a dress. While there wasn't much so last minute, you found the perfect simple little dress that you absolutely fell in love with. You even found a little white dress for Myla at a baby store near by.

"Thank you so much for coming." You hugged Sydney Martin tight, then her husband.

"Wouldn't miss this for the world." She smiled and you hugged her again. She had been very supportive and your closest friend during your pregnancy. Since she'd already been through it twice, and none of your friends had experience in that department, you spent a lot of time together. You were so grateful for her and were very thankful she could make it to your wedding.

While both you and Mat felt bad about getting married so last minute and therefore not having all of your friends present, having the ceremony now did feel right to the both of you. And that was all that mattered. And even still with short notice, a lot more of your friends than you expected could make it. With Mat's family, yours and your friends, your guest count was almost up to 50. So lots of people to celebrate your love, but still more intimate than a big wedding you almost had.

You spent the morning of you wedding setting up the tables and decorating everything. Around two, guests started arriving and since you treated this as more of a party, you had time to greet most everybody before having to get ready.

"Alright, time to get dressed." Liana came walking and grabbed your hand.

"Wait." Before she had a chance to pull you away, you turned to Mat to give him a kiss. He reciprocated with a smile. "See you on the other side."

"Love you." He winked, then slapped your ass, before turning back to his friend group.

You made another pit stop to grab your daughter from her grandparents to have her with you while you got ready. Your makeup base was done so all you added was some eyeshadow and eyeliner, while your best friend did your hair. Another friend made sure to take lots of pictures and videos of your day. You fed Myla one more time before handing her back off to your mom, who was going to watch her today so you and Mat could enjoy the day without worrying about her. Then it was time to put on your dress.

"Aw, babe, you look gorgeous."

"Stun-ning!"

Your closest girlfriends friends quickly came to hug and admire you, before posing for a few more pictures.

"Okay! Go time!" Liana, who basically acted as your wedding planner, called when it turned three o'clock. She pulled you into a quick hug. "Ready?"

You nodded, already on the verge of tears when reality started hitting you. You were about to marry your best friend.

"Good, because I am so ready to have you as my sister-in-law." She kissed your cheek and then started getting everyone ready and into position. You kissed your sleeping daughter one last time, then followed everyone downstairs to the backyard, where you were holding the ceremony and party.

Through the windows, you could see the garden beautifully decorated and everybody sitting outside waiting for it to start. You could also see Mat, standing below the flower arch at the end of the aisle, with his best friend and best man Anthony standing next to him as they talked and joked around.

Your mom walked out to find her seat and as soon as Mat saw Myla sleeping in her arms, his eyes lit up. He took her from your mom, gently as to not wake her, and pressed tiny kisses to her chubby cheeks. Your eyes got watery again, watching them and knowing that the overwhelming happiness you felt right now would not go away anytime soon.

The music got a bit louder which was your cue to head outside. Your bridesmaids walked before you, down the shirt aisle you had just helped built this morning. Then you followed, slowly, scared to trip, but not too slow as you were eager to get to Mat.

Mathew. Who looked even more handsome than you though possible, standing at the end of the aisle with that wide goofy grin of his. As you got closer though, you could see his eyes sparkling with tears.

"You look beautiful," he mouthed and stretched his hand out for you to take. You took it, immediately feeling calmer. You looked over to where Myla was sleeping in her carrier and with a reassuring nod from your mom that she was alright, you turned your full attention back to Mat.

And Anthony who in addition to being best man was also officiating your wedding. Over the past few years that you've known Beau, he also became one of your closest friends and you couldn't be happier to have him as Mylas goddaughter and now here to marry your number one best friend.

For the entirety of the ceremony, you felt like you were in a bubble. Only Mat and you. Holding hands. "When I look at the time we've been together,

I always have a smile on my face. Through all the ups and downs we've been through, the one thing that has remained constant is my love for you. The love I feel for you has gone from wild and free to me enjoying the little things about you like going for a walk, seeing your face across a breakfast table, and even changing disgusting poopy diapers in the middle of the night. Love you, My," he said after a pause. You both looked at her with a laugh, still sleeping in her carrier.

"We have years ahead of us but when I look at the years that has passed my heart grows with such love for you that I ache. You are the most amazing partner and the most amazing mama to Myla. You're it and nothing is gonna keep us apart. I love you and always will."

Thankfully, before Mat even began his speech your made of honor handed you a tissue or your makeup would be ruined by now by the tears streaming down your face. 'Love you,' you whispered as you held your hand to his cheek. He smiled, with a quivering lip, and whispered it back. He took your hand and slipped diamond covered ring on your finger. Then you cleared your throat a couple of times and prepared to speak.

"Maty, you're my best friend. Ever since you flashed me that goofy grin of yours, I was gone for you. And I am so lucky you chose me to be on your team. And I promise you that I will choose you as my teammate. I choose you again and again. At the start and finish of every single day, no matter the season no matter the year. I choose you to struggle and succeed with, to fight and make up with, to love and grow old with.

And while I may have to send you to the sin bin sometimes, just know that I'll always be on your side and you can always count on me.

Seeing you grow and become the best father to our newest team member has been the biggest blessing. I am so proud you of. I hope I can make you just as proud. I love you and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

With shaking hands, it was your turn to slip a ring on Mat's finger. You didn't hear another word until Beau said those magic words: 'you may now kiss your bride'. And he did. Those big hands grabbed the sides of your face and pulled you into him until your lips met. He started out softly, but soon enough he was breathlessly while your friends and family clapped and cheered in the background.

********

You were married. An indescribable feeling floated through you all day, every since you walked down the aisle. Your ring glistened in the Vancouver sun that was starting to set as you chatted with your friends. You friend circle had shrunk every since you found out you were pregnant, a lot of your friends keeping distance and not keeping in touch as much anymore. You didn't blame them. You were still very young and a lot of them weren't ready to settle down or even be surrounded by people that weren't able to go out and get drunk every weekend. You didn't blame them because it took you a few months too to adjust to the idea of being a mother, but it made you even more grateful for the few friends that did stick around. They made you feel so special and supported during your pregnancy and even now they were already the best aunties for baby Myla.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw Mat walking towards you, holding Myla. That sight would never not blow you away and make you feel all warm inside. "This little lady is hungry." He held her out to you and you welcomed her with with cuddles and lots of kisses.

"Where were you?," you asked him as you got ready to feed your daughter.

"I just went to change her. I saw my mom take her in, but I wanted to do it." He answered you puzzled expression, "What? I've barely seen her today. I just wanted to spend a few minutes with her."

Your heart warmed and you leaned into his shoulder. But your moment didn't last very long as the party was already in full swing and people kept coming over to talk to you. You went back to talking to your friends as Mat got pulled away by his.

After Myla was done eating, you decided to put her down for bed and once again tracked Mat down to let him know. "Hey, I'm putting her down." He was sitting with a bunch of his teammates that were able to make it out here who all fawned over baby Myla.

"Come on! Just let me hold her," Oliver whined, stretching his arms out, but Mat slapped them away.

"Absolutely not!" Most of his teammates got to hold her when you first introduced her to them, but Wally was not one of them. He joked around too much around her and was untrustworthy around babies. Those were Mat's words, not yours. He was obviously very protective of his daughter if he wouldn't let his own teammate hold her.

"I won't drop her! Please? Oh, see! She's looking at me," Wally tried again while the rest of you laughed.

"Yeah, she's trying to tell you to shut up. It's not happening." While he was mostly serious, there were joking tones in Mat's voice. You definitely thought they were all just messing with him, so you stayed out of it.

"Hey! Daddy Barz said no, so it's a no," the other Matt (with two Ts) chimed in in his best dad voice, to which your Mat gave him nod of his head.

"That's right."

You rolled your eyes at their banter. "Alright, I'm really putting her down now." Mat stood, but leaned down to where you were holding Myla in your arms so that he could kiss her little head over and over again.

"Good night, princess. I love you." Then he straightened and put his lips on your. "And I love you, wife."

"Love you more, husband."

#mat barzal #unexpected series #mat barzal imagine #mat barzal fic #travel with me summer 23 #mathew barzal #mat barzal fluff #dad!mat #nhl fic #nhl imagine #nhl fanfiction #nhl fics #nhl blurb #nhl insta edit #new york islanders #anthony beauvillier

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rupsmorge · 2 years

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Mr. Floof

Spencer Reid x BAU Fem! Reader (she/her)

Summary: What could happen when two best friends have to share a bed while pining for each other? They spill the most wholesome of secrets, of course🧸

Fluff/One Bed Trope

cw: none- all fluffy goodness

An- this was been a WIP for so long. I love how it turned out. It's currently 1am when typing it out bc I got very inspired lol. Enjoy my loves

Not edited at all

Spencer's POV

After an extremely long day hunting down a killer in the smack-dab middle of nowhere in Oklahoma, the team was exhausted. The bau team had been working nonstop since getting the call at 4am about the case. With it now nearing midnight, Spencer and whole gang was ready to sleep.

Hotch's groggy voice was what woke Spencer out of his exhausted state. "unfortunately, due to the fear this unsub is causing and with how small the town is, we're going to have to buddy up."

Spencer and Y/n were always room buddies during this situation. They were best friend, inseparable, basically joined at hip. Spencer knew all of her secrets and Y/n knew all of his.

Except, of course, neither of them knew that they were both pining after each other. Spencer also didnt know that Y/n still slept with a teddy bear.

"hey Spence, do you mind if I take a shower and get ready for bed first? I'm really tired and will not get up once I sit down."

Spencer would never tell her no. "Yeah, thats fine. I'll just read until you're done."

Just as he went to go sit on his bed Spencer noticed something. There was only one, queen size mattress. "hey y/n, I know you probably do not mind but, uh, there is only one bed."

As Spencer turned around to look at her he definitely did not expect to see a wide eyed y/n. "y-yeah that's fine. sorry, I'm just really tired. I'm gonna take a quick shower." And with that she turned into the bathroom leaving Reid to overthink.

---time skip--

Spencer was sure that Y/n was uncomfortable sharing a bed with him. It was well bast 2am and she was tossing and turning, wide awake. He didn't know how to help her.

"Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help you sleep?" He asked with a rasp in his voice. He didnt want to bother her but he also dearly needed some rest.

"I'm sorry. N-no, I'm okay. I just... Don't laugh at me when I tell you this." She responded shyly, as if Spencer didnt know everything about her.

"of course I would never laugh at you."

With a soft sigh, she started to whisper, "alright... This case has been really hard-"

Spencer knew this. He knew that she was frustrated to the point on tears trying to decifer the puzzles and codes the unsub was using.

"- and usually when going to bed I still sleep with my childhood teddy bear."

Spencer couldn't help but break out into a laugh. She really thought that he would make fun of her for something so wholesome and sweet.

"Spencer!!" She whined, "you promised you wouldn't laugh." Y/n couldn't help but chuckle as well.

"I promise, I promise I'm not laughing at you. I just think its sweet that you were so worried of a teddy bear... Do you have it? Because I would love to meet it." Spencer responded sweetly. He knew how much something so simple could bring so much joy.

"Of course I have Mr. Floof!! What kind of question is that?!" Quickly, Y/n got out of the bed and brought over the bear of the night.

After a while of having fun messing with Mr. Floof, Spencer and Y/n became extremely tired. Y/n was already fast asleep when Spence started to doze off. It wasn't until he was on the brink of dream land when he felt his best friend lay their head on his chest and curl up into his side. Squished in between them was Mr. Floof.

The last thing Spencer heard before succumbing into his dreams was the faintest little "I love you, Spence."

It is safe to say that Spencer Reid fell asleep that night with a grin on his face, and all because of a well loved teddy bear

#spencer reid x reader #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds fluff #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid x y/n #criminal minds x reader #spencer reid fanfiction #criminal minds #spencer reid #spencer reid x fem!reader #one bed trope

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unorcadox · 5 months

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UNORCADOX

howdy, i'm mabel! it's the 3 year anniversary of unorcadox today, so i've prepared a decent bit of surprises. (and yes that means i started this blog in 2020, which is terrifying to think about.) i'll go into those new things under the cut, but first... check out the carrd linked in the header text of this post :3c

sooo soo so so so where on earth do i begin. uhh honestly let me just break down the new stuff first since i can talk about that more easily.

THE NEW LOOK! ok so like truth be told, i've been a faceless blog on purpose up until now. it wasn't until this summer where i actually liked how i looked or had any solid sense of my own aesthetic or what i wanted to look like. it also made it easier to protect against dysphoria and transphobes in the same breath, as no one could ever comment on any aspect of my appearance, or even the mere suggestion i even had one to begin with! but that all changes now, i'm going to actually have a presence on this blog, as it is MY blog and tbh i'm tired of being so faceless on here. that's why i've been doing more asks and non-edit posts recently, and those will increase in frequency. check out the carrd for more info, my sona's ref, and art credits for assets on here <3

mondays -> MUSIC MONDAYS! so it might come as a shock i'm actually a musician in addition to making stuff on here! i've promoted my music a couple of times by now, but nothing all that substantial. sooo, considering that, i'm going to be replacing monday oc posts with a music post! just a link to a song on my bandcamp and a little description about it. i don't really care if these perform particularly well, but i want to give people a chance to actually hear it without having to deep dive through my entire internet history to get it. i also will be releasing more soon-- whether via compilations of older work or new stuff altogether :3

MORE IN THE FUTURE! i have a couple other ideas up my sleeve, we'll see how they pan out but i wanna keep trying new possibilities on here. i think at this point i've proven my consistency, and it's about time i let myself have a little fun and explore my options. these will be announced individually but probably added here over time as this is the new pinned post lol.

----- ----- -----

ok so anyways, i do wanna have the mandatory sappy segment because of course i do. i want to say a couple of things but i'll split them into bullet points again bc yeah i do that.

this year has been really good for me and the blog, in most ways it's been the straight up best year of my life uncontested. not everything has gone perfectly, i had other plans that fell through, but hey that's just how life goes huh. at one point, i was easily projected to hit 20k by the end of the year, and now i'll be happy if i hit 17k lol. tumblr has not been that kind to my blog's growth this year and it's making me consider other options in the future, but everything's so scary rn i don't wanna commit to anything.

as for the blog itself, i've kinda been in a weird spot with it for a while. i've been scraping by on here intermittently for the entire year on and off, and i might have some ways to help keep me on top of the ball during the next year, but i also do wonder how long i can really keep doing this, and how long people will still like weirdcore and my work in particular. i've been considering branching out in terms of my presentation, or format, or style, but i feel incredibly weird about doing so.

in my personal life, this is the year i finally started transitioning and seeking treatment for my most pressing issues. i've finally started dating the love of my life, my best friend of 10 years, and despite some interpersonal turmoil all around me, i think i'm finally finding safe ground and knowing what i wanna do next. i don't really talk about it on here because i'm very private about it, but i've been kinda slowly becoming like a Real Adult Person this year. i didn't really have much of a chance to prior and i still am struggling a lot, but hey i know what i want now!

it's really silly to say but this blog still means a lot to me! it's seen me through the craziest times in my entire life, it's brought me so much perspective and knowledge and opportunities i wouldn't've had otherwise. i wake up every day and go on here and never stop feeling starstruck that people chose to follow me. i know tumblr success means nothing but to me it's the only community i've ever actually belonged to, so thank you all.

ok so like i really just don't have much else to say anymore, so i think i'll end it there! thank you all again, i can't wait for year 4 as it's going to definitely be a crazy one lol. let's hope it's a good one too!

#not edits

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iamyouknow-yours · 2 months

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It's been over a year since I got my mobility scooter and longer since I got my cane. So... Mobility Aid Appreciation Post!

Put your own mobility aid appreciation in the notes, I would like to read!

Wheelchair edition:

I can go on fun adventures with friends, spontaneously as well!

I have gone to various parks, to get snacks, and the other day I scooted from university all the way to my friend's house! I went on the side of a small motorway which was a little bit terrifying but it was fun and I was safe.

I can get around campus so speedily. Well apart from that the accessible routes are a little backwards. But I can go fast to them and arrive before people ambling between classes.

Part of the reason is because people just jump out of my way when they see me coming. They move so fast to not be in my way, it is very funny.

Part 2 of that is that I can go through crowds quite easily. It's a little annoying bc people aren't expecting to look down to see people trying to move. But once they see me they move. And they tell other people to move.

People let me sit at the front of things. I got to sit right at the front of a convention panel and I was so near Kat Graham!!

People open doors for me.

I hardly ever have to wait in line for things, I get put in the front and get to skip the queue.

I can be out of the house for much, much longer.

I am way more patient about my friends wanting to take their time doing things and looking in shops because I don't have to stand, I can sit while they do that.

I have way more stamina for being hungry or cold or tired or sore because I can be sitting while experiencing those things.

The battery has only started Running Out one time and even then she did get me home.

It's helped with learning to drive a car because I am better at understanding the turning circle and how reversing while turning works.

I have gotten better at using my scooter! I am pretty good at maneuvering and judging her distance and stuff. I only bump into corners if I'm in a hurry and in my house ie not making an effort to not hit people's walls.

I've had interesting conversations with people who have come up to me to ask about getting one for a family member. This may be not a perk to some people! So keep that in mind. But I think it's also about my vibe, I usually give off the vibe of "you can come talk to me".

Cane edition:

People give up their seats for me. Especially on the train. If there are no seats, then the old women will squish together and then we all sit next to each other. People are really nice about giving me a seat.

I can climb stairs so much easier!

I haven't lost my balance or fallen or twisted my ankle once while using it.

I can lean on it when I get tired which means I can stay out for a bit longer.

I can use it to get up so so much more easily.

I have a built in fidget toy with the strap.

It folds up and so I can put it in my bag to have just in case.

I hurt my leg one time and boom I already had a mobility aid.

I can use it to walk when my tummy hurts and I can't stand up straight.

And to alleviate your fears, no one has asked me why I switch hands when I use it.

Reminder that it is fully allowed and okay to lie to people when they ask why you're using a mobility aid. You can also say, "It's really difficult to talk about."

Or a funny/brave response like "I didn't read the terms and conditions." and "none of your business".

#disability #chronic illness #mobility aid #mobility aids #cane #cane user #wheelchair #wheelchair user #mobility scooter #mobility scooter user #mobility aid appreciation #long post #mobility aid user

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juicefield · 1 year

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Meyp Skxawng - Neteyam X Avatar!Reader Part 2

A/N: I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. I don’t celebrate, but I can appreciate a good ham. This is set after avatar 2, both reader and Neteyam are 20. This is set in high camp, bc I said so. This is also not set as far in the future as it is in cannon, for reasons. Also no NSFW (the Hoes Not gonna love this :/). I didn't edit this as thoroughly as part 1, so let me know if you find any egregious mistakes.

You can find the other parts here:

Part 1 // Part 3 // Part 4

Although the writing in this fanfiction is my own, I do not claim any ownership of Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, or any of the subsequent medias. All rights go to James Cameron and the producers.

Synopsis: You experience a new body for the first time, and have never felt freer. Luckily, you have great friends to revel in your newfound joy with.

Neteyam X Fem!Avatar!Reader 8.9k 1st person POV

"Aw... damn. It didn't work." I mumble quietly, raising my hand to block the offensive brightness. Slowly I blink against the harsh light, trying to block it with my hand. I can practically feel my pupils expanding all too fast, trying to stop the influx of light causing me to be lightheaded. When I turn my head I see Max in a mask hovering above me. I see his mouth moving but I can't understand what he's saying at first. The blood rushes in my ears, louder than it ever has before.

"... hear me, kiddo?" Is all I catch as I realize Max was the one shining the offensively bright light in my eyes.

"Yeah, yeah I hear you." I say, loud enough for him to hear me this time. "It... didn't work." I said to him, my words sounding slurred almost because my tongue is so dry. His face looked amused, which really confused me. Why would he find this funny? This is horrible? Finally he relents and puts the LED flashlight down, instead picking up a small hand held mirror.

"Yes, kiddo, it did." Max says, holding up the mirror. As I gaze at its reflective surface I see the body from yesterday staring back at me. Snapping out of my tired state I sit up; entirely too quickly as blood rushes to my head and makes me feel light headed but does nothing to curb my happiness. Max fusses at me but I dismiss him with a wave of my hand, insisting that I'm fine. While marveling at the modern science I reach up to touch it’s- I mean my- face.

"Oh. My. God." I say when my fingertips make contact with the warm surface. I saw her eyes widen at the same time mine did and I couldn't help the sound of surprise that escaped me. "Max! Norm! We did it! We fucking did it!" I said turning to Max with the biggest smile I've ever had. I was smiling so hard that I could feel the unused muscles of my face stretching tentatively. The dull ache from the use only sends more excitement through me, that must mean everything is working the way it’s supposed to.

"No, you did it. You were so brave, sweetheart." A voice I recognized as Norm called out from my right. I feel my ears swivel towards him and marvel at the strange new feeling of having moving ears, of the new muscles I’ve never had before. Stretching sinew that feels too strong to be mine. I reach out for his shoulder and suddenly I notice how big I am. My hand nearly takes up his whole shoulder as I try to gently squeeze him in reassurance. Norm lets out a grunt of pain and ducks to move his shoulder away, rubbing it and wincing.

"You just woke up so you can't really tell how strong you are, but you were a lot more gentle than Jake when he woke up. So don't worry." He says when he sees a look of pain flit across my new face. Before I can even utter an apology he continues, cutting me off. "Now c'mon it's time for a few tests and we'll get you some clothes to wear."

"It sucks, but the only thing that will fit you is some of Norm’s old clothes that his avatar got too big for." Max said as he entered the room again before I had even realized that he left my side. They pester and prod me while I answer a few questions to ensure that the transfer went as well as we think. They barrage me with a litany of fine motor control tests before they take all the IVs and monitors off of me. By the time they end I am grumbling and practically electrically charged with energy, far too ready to get up and run for the first time in years. Realistically I know that it will take a bit of time to build up to running and sprinting, but I am very tempted to make a run for it. Sadly, I refrain.

"Okay take it easy and try standing up. Then when you're ready try taking a step. We'll go from there. Hopefully we'll get you up and at em' before Kiri and Lo'ak arrive." Max instructed while checking the time on the clock above the door. I try swinging my legs over the bed and am again surprised by the strength of this body when I almost knock the tray filled with medical supplies beside me off the table. Max smiles and tells me to take it slow while I laugh at my graceless movements. It's then that I notice how good my legs feel. There's no more pain in my legs, no dull ache that refuses to leave no matter what I do. They feel so strong, I swear I can feel every tendon attached to bone under the skin moving as I stretch my feet per Norms instructions. My joints feel like butter and I almost melt into the bed with relief. There had been part of me, a small, dark part in the very back of my mind, that had worried that my genetic problem would affect my avatar.

"Okay sweetheart, try to stand up." Norm advises. Immediately I move to try to stand. I remember my strength this time and stand up with minimal issues. My tail flicks from side to side erratically before I get it under control and tangles a bit in the chords coming out of the bed. Norm and Max rib me a couple times as I struggle to take my first step forward.

"This is a lot harder than I thought it would be." I complain, trying to defend myself against their teasing. I'm starting to get used to the body so I decide to step forward to grab the clothes from Max's hands and stumble a little before catching myself on the steel table next to the bed.

"I feel like a baby direhorse." I grumble as I sit the clothes down on the bed.

"Yeah. I remember what that felt like." Norm spoke, obviously he's remembering the first time he piloted his avatar. It was a story he often told over dinners with a great degree of dramatics and theatrics. He would talk about how natural Jake had seemed juxtaposed with how clumsy and ungraceful he had been. I’ve had many warm nights and aching bellies from laughing at his jokes while he told his stories of the time before the war.

"Okay. Okay, love you boys but get the heck out while I change." I say, and point at the door, eager to get out of the awful hospital gown. The tag in the back was making my neck twitch, sensitive new flesh itching from the polyester tag.

"You sure you got this alone?" Max asks, eyebrows crinkling with concern. With his creased brows and crinkled eyes I can almost see the anxiety in his face and I frantically assure him that I am capable on my own.

"Yeah. I got this. I've never felt better, actually." I reply as I all but push them both out the door, shooing them away. As soon as the door closes I take off the annoying hospital gown they put me in and pull on the tank and shorts. I brush out the wrinkles and walk over to the two way window to look at my reflection. My reflection is so surreal I almost wonder if I'm actually dreaming right now. If so, it's an exceptionally vivid dream. I push all the hair out of my face and look around for something to tie it with. Luckily there is a large rubber band on one of the tables so I gather my hair to tie it. I feel a small jolt and I gasp when I touch the spinal queue at the base of my skull, also known as the kuru. It's warm and surprises me when I feel the muscle and cartilage underneath flexing against my touch. I try to tie my hair but I can only wrap the rubber band around it all once so it's not really a ponytail, but I simply want the damn hair out of my face. I turn to the door and when I open it I almost forget to grab a Na'vi respirator. Na'vi can breathe the air in the lab, but only for a little bit. I hang it around my neck as I walk out.

It's insane how small everything looks when I step into the lab. It feels like a completely new space as a traipse around, even though I've been living here since my birth. Max and Norm rush over to crowd around me and fuss over me for a while, still worried about complications. I assure them I'm fine, in fact I'm better than fine because I feel so light and so strong. They make me do a few more of the less fine motor, hearing, and sight tests while I wait for Kiri and Lo'ak to arrive. Eventually I get irritated and snap at them, telling them to leave me alone.

"You know I love you guys but c'mon I'm perfectly fine." I say before retreating to my room. I attempt to weave briefly but I just can't because it's a lot harder when you're two times bigger than you normally are. I settle for some music instead and pop in the 2005 pop mix CD. I accidentally press the eject button while trying to press the play and I finally understand how Lo'ak’s skxawng ass broke my CD. It's surprisingly hard to push the right button at this size because they're so close together. Finally I get the CD to play after a few tries and Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl starts flowing from the player. While I'm about halfway through My Humps. Hearing the loud door to the entrance screech open I scramble to press pause on the player. While I absolutely adore Kiri and Lo'ak I still am not ready to explain what My Humps means. I had a hard enough time explaining Don’t Cha by The Pussycat Dolls that I don’t even want to think about the mess of explaining the term 'humps'. I hear Max say my name and the word room while I scramble to sit on my bed. I awkwardly try to adjust my position into a casual laying down pose before the door opens and I hear Kiri and Lo'ak before I see them.

"No you… you- penis face. You said if I cleaned last night-" Kiri said before noticing the surprised look on her brother’s face and turned around to see me. Her eyebrows nearly shot off the top of her face. "Uh... hello?" Kiri said in that particular voice that she uses around people that she doesn't know. I get an evil, maliciously wicked idea to mess with her but of course before I can make good on that and mess with her Lo'ak’s big mouth opens.

"Who the fuck are you and why are you in (Y/N)'s room?!" He shrieks and bumps his head on the top of the door frame before scrambling into a fighting stance. I burst out laughing at this and through the tears in my eyes I see the recognition of who I am dawn on Kiri's face.

"It's me skxawng." I say in between breaths while I try to calm down, and Kiri lets out her own giggles at her brother's high pitched scream. Clutching my stomach, I stand up feeling my newly acquired abdominal muscles protest slightly from all the laughing.

"(Y/N)??" He says with his mouth open like a fish.

"Yeah. You better close your mouth before an atokirina lands in it and Eywa finally gives you the sign to shut it forever." I say rolling my eyes and pushing his shoulder gently.

"Yeah that's definitely you." He grumbles as Kiri laughs at us under her hand. Kiri approaches me tentatively, like I'm a newly born creature to befriend.

"How?" Kiri asks me while she grabs my hands and inspects my hands and arms. "I thought they said it was not possible anymore."

"They used Grace's pod… I'm sorry, Kiri. I didn't know until yesterday." I say looking down at the floor. Although I know Kiri will not be mad at me for using her mother's chamber, I know it might be a painful reminder of the loss of her. One could argue that she never really had her, but she had always been comforted by Grace's avatar. Always seeked out the tube when she was having a hard time emotionally.

"Hey, it is okay. I'm glad they used it to give my friend a chance at a life. It is what mom would have wanted." Kiri insisted before throwing her arms around me in a bone crushing hug. At least it would be if I didn't now have carbon fiber bones. "It's Eywa's will." She assures me. Lo'ak walks behind me and inspects my entire body before whistling.

"Damn girl, you look pretty good in blue." He says while smirking.

"Ew, Lo'ak that's actually gross. Shut up." I say while rolling my eyes. "Today is my first day." I abruptly try to change the subject from Lo'ak’s disturbing attempts at flirting.

"Well that means we have to go out and have some fun. We can show you all our favorite fun spots. C'mon Taw." Lo'ak says excitedly, even using the nickname he had given me as a child. They had just called me Tawtute or sky person when we had first become friends, not used to saying my name. Eventually I told them that I didn't like being called that because I didn’t feel like a human at all. They started to simply call me Taw after that. Grumbling in defeat, I reluctantly follow as Lo’ak starts trying to pull me out of my room and Norm calls out to protest.

"Hey! She's not going to be able to keep up yet because it's her first day. She can go out tomorrow, Lo'ak. We have exercises for her to do first. Y’know stuff to strengthen her sense of balance." Norm almost yells from the other side of the lab.

"C'mon Norm. We'll only take her to safe places and have her back before first twilight.... please?" Kiri pleads as we approach. Luckily Norm has a soft spot for her, as Grace's child, so he relents, but not before making me promise to be careful. Before we walk out the door I take a moment to brace myself to take my first step out of the lab in a few years. I've always avoided going out, for many reasons, like the staring Na'vi or vile names I would hear in hushed conversations that I just know have to be about me. I almost tell them I can't do it but when Lo'ak pulls me out of the door and I take the first breath of fresh air with no mask, I know I had to do this. With my new heightened Na'vi senses I can almost taste the air as I smell it. It smells earthy and lush; almost like the cave made by the mountains is alive despite having no plants inside. Lo'ak keeps pulling but I plant myself firmly after a few steps to have a second to get my bearings. Although the entrance to the lab is the furthest building away from the entrance of the cave, there are still a few Na'vi that live right around the human dwellings.

These were the less prestigious families of the clan. At this time most families were carrying out various tasks and jobs delegated by Jake and his few chief advisors relating to the more domestic chores to avoid midday heat. Many of them did the jobs deemed less important like weaving and basket making. A few had looked up from their jobs to aim their shocked eyes at me, accompanied by open mouths gaping like fish. As I glanced around most of the Na'vi looked away as soon as I met their eyes, dropping to their crafts in shame from being caught . I could hear a few muttering lowly 'uniltìranyu' or even some muttering dreamwalker in English. I catch a few elders pursing their lips and shaking their heads in disapproval. Suddenly I felt like I was back in that pool, a small little weak girl that stood in front of Txeyu soaked and cold not only from the water but the pain of alienation. Kiri could immediately tell what I was feeling, her empathetic nature peaking out. She places a hand on my back, rubbing soothing circles.

"Taw. Please, you are having a chance here to show these people who you truly are. Let them see that you are as strong outside as you are on the inside." Kiri urges me forward with the hand on my back. My first instinct is to snap back that I am not nearly as strong as she thinks but I bite down the bitterness and start moving forward again.

"If you weren’t wearing such silly ass clothes then they wouldn't call you that. Hell, they'd probably think you were one of us, you speak the mother language almost perfectly for a sky person." Lo'ak adds as an attempt to comfort me in his own way as we walk towards the front of the cave. Luckily, almost everyone was out hunting or gathering so we were able to peacefully make it back to their marui that sits near the caves' large entrance. As we all walked there Kiri said that she would help me cut my hair, because it looked 'like a banshees nest' and braid it into a style that would protect my kuru.

Neytiri and Jake were currently out on a hunting trip with their eldest son, Neteyam. Neytiri and Neteyam were a mystery to me; I had never met them and they had made no effort to know me. Which, I'll admit, is completely understandable due to Neytiri's personal losses that were caused by the humans. Jake is a sky person but she still hasn't let go of her grudge and if you are human you must prove to her you are worthy of her good graces before she kills you. I don't know what Neteyam's deal is, though. If I am to believe Lo'ak it's because all he ever does is work and train. But, and this is probably more the truth, Kiri tells me it's because he's a total momma's boy and Neytiri always told him not to play with me or join his siblings for our usual hangouts. This would normally be a little insulting after almost a decade of friendship with her other children and even her husband, but I totally get it. Humans are nothing but trouble, especially on Pandora. She barely tolerates Spider, but I'm jot sure if she even considers him more than Kiri's pet.

Kiri putters around their family marui gathering beads, string, and a small exquisitely carved dagger. Just as she makes her way over to me Lo'ak groans.

"Ugh. C'mon I meant let's have some fun. I want to to braid hair and talk about boys." He complained, flipping his hair back for dramatic effect and blinking his eyes lashes before his face morphs in disgust.

"You mean while I braid her hair. If you do it her head will look like a mess." Kiri says, sticking her tongue out. "Besides you know she must braid her hair to protect the kuru."

"Whatever, man." Lo'ak scoffs before picking up his spear and running a thumb over the sharp stone tip. "I'm gonna go fish while you guys kiss and sing or whatever." Kiri responds only by giving him the finger and rolling her eyes while I laugh at the two.

"Sit," she commands while patting the mat in front of her. I hesitate so she adds an annoyed "Now!" While pushing me forward. I sit down and cross my legs awkwardly. This had never been a pose that came easy to me because of my problems, but as I settle I notice it feels completely natural to sit like this.

"Please, if you could try to cut it like my normal hair. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I still want to feel like me." I said as I ran a hand through the waist length hair, marveling at its length and texture. It felt coarser than my other hair, but still soft even with my new refine senses.

"I can try," Kiri says nonchalantly before grabbing hold of all the hair and slicing a large length of hair off at once.

"Kiri!" I yell, not expecting a large cut, "please leave some of my hair! I don't want to be bald." I complain and she just clicks her tongue cheekily. Before I can register or try to stop it my tail flicks her leg in annoyance. "Do you ever get used to having a tail?" I ask dumbfounded as I try to stop it from showing my annoyance to no avail.

She only snorts and incredulously says, "Well I don't know, I've always had a tail. After a while it'll just feel like another finger, maybe?" She says while she finished roughly chopping the sections of my hair my hair. I'll have to finish later with some scissors in the lab, but honestly she's given me a really good base to start with.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it. And you." I say as I turn and give her a smile. Kiri gives me a small smile back and motions down to her lap where she has a large sack of beads that she used from everything from jewelry to hair accessories.

"What colors do you want?" She asks, grabbing out a handful of beads for me to inspect.

"Um, whatever color you think would look nice." I say and shrug. I've never much cared for my appearance so I'm not really sure what color I'd like in my hair. It was never really something that I’d thought about much, not really much of an option when you grow up with such limited resources. I don't even get to pick my own clothes, mostly I wore the clothes left behind by the female scientists. This often led to strange outfit combinations since most of the nice clothes were taken in the hurry to get off the planet. Kiri ends up choosing a couple purple beads and a few large green beads. We chat as she brushes my hair and sections it off. Mostly I listen to her complaints about learning medicine from Mo’at. They were notorious for butting heads about what herbs and roots to use because Mo’at is much more traditional in her Tsahik practices than Kiri is. Kiri is a lot more concerned with the patients comfort while Mo'at is a stickler for efficacy, always opting for the bitter herb that works faster over the mellow ones that take longer. Her hands work lightning fast as she braids down my kuru and two braids on either side of my face for the beads, a style she herself often wears because of her much more delicate hair. Most Na'vi had textured hair, much more similar to people of color than Kiri's thinner hair. When she is finally done she hums happily and hands me a small handheld mirror that I use to inspect my reflection. I am again startled that my face is an entirely different color but relax when I realize that it still really does look like me. The only thing missing is a scar from a childhood accident. Feeling the braids and admiring my new hair style I smile at Kiri.

"Thank you so much. My head feels a lot lighter now." I say while I trace my fingers over the braids, admiring the two strand technique she uses on the ones framing my face. She just nods in my direction while she moves to put away her precious beads. "So.. what now?"

"Now we get you out of those clothes. Are they Norm's? They are horrendous. I feel like I must cleanse my eyes." She says with the signature flat tone she uses when she teases me. I stand up and nod lazily, not wanting to acknowledge her teasing. I've been in many wars with Kiri over the years and I can admit when I am outmatched. Lo'ak is much easier to battle in the game of wits, so I've learned that instead of being against Kiri, it is smarter to be with her. While she rifles through a sort of chest I notice that I am actually taller than Kiri. The thought sends a happy zing through my body that culminates in my tail almost wagging before I consciously force it to stop. It makes me happy to be tall because it means that my new body is particularly strong. The Na'vi always prized the taller members of the clan, as they often made the best warriors among them. I puff my chest proudly and proclaim to Kiri that I may not fit her clothes.

"You are rather small for our age." I tease as she rifles flings a few tops over her shoulder. She flips me off silently and pulls out something that was larger than the rest.

"Oh thank you, Eywa. I found it!" She squeals excitedly before holding the set up to the light filtering through the hole in the center of the marui. It was a beautiful set, made from feathers from a variety of Pandora’s prized bird-like creatures. She hands it to me. Turning it over, I admire the fine details of the Omaticayan craftsmanship. I trace my fingers over the braided band that holds all the feathers. The leather is soft and pliant, even though the set itself is obviously older. I can feel my face muscles get tired from the grin that stretches them before I realize that I cannot accept such a gift, it would be considered disrespectful by the clan. They wouldn’t want me to wear their clothes, evidenced by the fact that Norm still does not own any Na'vi clothes for his avatar. He always just wears larger size human clothes. The only exception was a battle band given to him by Jake for his help with the human war, but even that is a huge privilege because he is not one of the people. I have done nothing to earn this outfit so I shake my head and try to hand the set back to Kiri. Kiri, however, does not accept it and goes on to explain whose it was.

“It was my mothers, a very long time ago. She was around our age. She has now grown out of it and no longer uses it. Please, I am gifting it to you.” She insists, pushing my hands away. At this my mouth falls open. Is she trying to kill me?! Though I have not met Neytiri two things have been made very clear to me.

1: Neytiri does not like humans.

2: Neytiri is known for being a fierce woman, hell she even scares the mighty Jake Sully!

Immediately I drop the set, refusing childishly to accept it. If Neytiri saw me in her clothes she might kill me and stuff my body to mount like a trophy hunt. Screw that, with how much she scares the Olo’eyktan I wouldn’t be surprised if she ate me. No way in hell, man! I just got this body and I have so many things I need to do first.

“Kiri, do you want me to join Eywa?” I ask incredulously. “Seriously your mother may slay me if she sees me in that. And it's not even yours to give away.”

“You are wrong,” she sasses back at me, “she has given it to me, therefore it is mine, therefore I may give it to you.” She rolls her eyes and bends over, picking up the top and loincloth.

“Yes. But, Kiri, there has not been a sky person that has ever been permitted to wear the people's clothing, besides your father who, might I remind you, became one of the people so he doesn’t count.” I insist, practically whining, while she tries to force me to accept the top from her hands by pushing it at my chest. As we continue to bicker a head pokes into the marui.

“What are you guys doing?” Lo’ak says looking between us. “And why aren’t you done? I caught so many fish I thought the stream would run out and you still hadn’t come to me so I headed back.” He explained and came in with three large fish strung up on a rope hanging over his shoulder.

“I would hardly call three enough to drain the stream,” Kiri teases, “and we would not have taken so long if this one would get dressed.” She points at me, as if accusing me of a horrific crime.

“I cannot accept the clothes. It is not for me to wear! I am not one of you. The elders of the clan and your mother would not like it.” I explained to Lo’ak, turning to him and gesturing to the clothing she is holding. He simply looks on with a bored look on his face before it transforms into that face he gets before he spouts one of his ridiculous ideas.

“Well,” Lo’ak starts with the mischievous look on his face, “how could they be mad if you had the consent of the Olo’eyktan’s kids huh? Dad would totally be fine with it, too.” He insists. Kiri enthusiastically agrees, nodding so hard her many braids bounce up and down.

“Yeah right. As if your mom or respected clan leaders give a thantor’s ass about your ‘consent’.” I counter and shake my head at them. I see an idea form in Lo’ak’s mind. A delicious, evil idea takes root and he opens his mouth to birth it to the world.

“What about the future Olo’eyktan?,” When I shake my head he continues on, “No I’m serious (Y/N)! The elders really respect Neteyam’s opinion and wouldn’t challenge you if you told them that he allowed it. Mom wouldn't get mad either if she knew he approved too.” I stay silent as I mull it over and I finally agree, albeit reluctantly. I'm not sure whether I agree with their reasoning or if they've simply worn me down. Another example of why it is better to be on Kiri's side, she will always wear you down.

“Okay let’s go.” Lo’ak says and grabs my forearm, pulling me out of the marui. There are a few more people than earlier and I get strange looks as I pass them, but luckily no one seems to care much as everyone is getting ready for dinner. I guess it has been longer than I thought it was to braid my hair, as eclipse is nearing. Kiri trails a length behind us, not really caring to keep up with Lo'ak's enthusiasm.

“Let’s go? Where are we going? Lo'ak!” I say confused, while Lo’ak stubbornly drags me along without uttering a word. A few times I almost trip over people as I try to slow down and get answers out of him. Unlike usual, he is a man on a mission and doesn’t answer me until we reach the cooking area.

“To Neteyam. We must ask him about the clothes, he is on cooking duty today. Normally, men don’t do that but mom insists that he needs to learn to do the jobs of women to appreciate the work that they do when he becomes Olo’eyktan.” He explains, as if that's the reason I was confused.

“What?! No! I don’t even know him. I shouldn’t be here when you ask him. I want to meet him under less weird circumstances. It's totally weird to be like, 'hi my name is (Y/N), been friends with your sisters and bro for a while, can I wear your mom's old clothes?'.” I complain, planting my feet solidly on the ground to force him to stop pulling me along, finally getting agitated at his lack of awareness of his own peoples opinions.

“(Y/N), please, it’s Neteyam. He will not care.” Kiri piped up, she had finally caught up with us and now stood beside me.

“Fine! Fine. But I’m not explaining this to him, you guys are!” I say and stick my tongue out at them. Lo’ak merely rolls his eyes and Kiri nudges me forward. I start moving again and we walk up to the large earthenware cooking pots that the many women are standing over. I can smell the pots, admiring the smell of spicy and earthy tones that float up from them. Among them is a range of ages. I see some that are as young as eight to many young adults like myself to even respected elders of the clan. The young children seem to be processing some sort of vegetable while the teens and young adults work on slicing meat and veggies. The older women are the ones actually doing the cooking, while the elders are the ones barking out orders and instructions to them. I hear many new Na'vi words as we walk past them. I assume that most of these must be the names of foods and spices, mostly because as a male Lo’ak does not get cooking duty and Kiri absolutely hates it. Tuk, on the other hand neither likes nor dislikes it so she also does not talk about it. Even with her mouth running a thousand miles a minute she still doesn't talk about things that she deems boring, which leaves my education of such matters to be very little. I search among the women for the mysterious Neteyam, but before I find a single male standing around Lo’ak calls out to him.

“Neteyam. Brother!” He practically shouts, unperturbed by the scornful looks that older ladies give him for disrupting their cooking lessons. A few younger children let out barks of laughter at his mischievousness. It's then that I notice him. Immediately I am confused that I hadn’t immediately seen him, he towers over most of the women there. Maybe it's because of the gentle smile and look that is in his eyes that makes him seem much smaller. He’s a lot less out of place in the kitchen than one would expect from a great warrior and hunter. He’s also, unfortunately, devastatingly good looking. I mean, I had always thought that Lo’ak was handsome, but his brother has this air of maturity and gentleness that makes his fine looks feel entirely different from Lo’ak’s. He feels like a man, while Lo’ak still feels like a boy. I feel a thousand times more awkward now. Why would Lo’ak do this to me? I think to myself when he catches sight of us and waves before I can make a run for it. I see him say something to the elder he was listening to and he makes his way over to us. As he nears I can practically see the confusion on his face as he looks at me. The urge to run away rears its ugly head as he catches my eye. I bet I could make it back to the lab before Kiri and Lo’ak could catch up to me. Before I can win or lose this hypothetical bet with myself the mysterious man speaks.

“Baby brother, what brings you here?” He asks and I can’t help but enjoy his voice. It is soft, yet mighty. Quiet, yet commanding. I ignore that thought and try to refocus, looking at him while attempting a smile that says ‘Hello future chief please don’t find it disrespectful that I came here today to ask you about what clothes you’ll allow me to wear’. I don’t think the point gets across, but one can only hope. “And who is this?” He ads while giving me a sideways glance. I notice that his gaze lingers on my shorts before moving up to my face.

“Hello. My name is (Y/N). And your baby bro has dragged me here to ask you something.” I offer up using my rusty Na'vi language abilities, trying to get ahead of Lo'ak's scheme. When Lo’ak said almost perfect for a sky person he may have been slightly over-exaggerating. I used to be better but I stopped talking to Kiri, Lo’ak, and Tuk in Na'vi a couple years ago when they asked me to help them practice English, so my ability has deteriorated quite a bit. I offer up my hand for him to shake. Neteyam looks down at my hand with knitted brows until Lo’ak says.

“You remember, our human friend.” He prompts, nudging Neteyam towards my hand. Neteyam seems to remember the silly human custom of shaking hands and takes my hand in his slightly larger one. He grasps it softly and shakes it a few times, giving me a barely there smile.

“Oh. It is nice to finally meet you. You speak the mother language very well.” He compliments as he shakes my hand. “And I am sorry I have not made it to meet you before, but Olo’eyktan training is very intense.” He says bashfully, looking down at the floor.

“Oh it’s fine. Trust me when I say I understand. There are not many who would rush to meet me.” I joke to try to lighten his demeanor. I find myself fiddling with the two braids that frame my face to try to escape the awkward situation. Instead of making the atmosphere it seems to make Neteyam deflate even more as he winces. “Oh sorry, I was trying to make a joke.” I explain, thinking I may have somehow offended him.

“No, I am just really sorry that I had not met my sister's best friend before.” When that came out of his mouth I realized, relieved, that I had not offended him, but instead had made him feel bad for me. Not the optimal outcome, but better than I feared.

“You are too kind, but I believe that may be Spider. Not me. Your brother however, maybe, but only because he has no friends.” I say with a laugh, hoping that this joke would actually land. Luckily that gets a few chuckles from him and he actually smiles before finally looking me in the eyes.

“You are funny, (Y/N).” He compliments my jest while Lo’ak pouts at it, grumbling an expletive that I can't catch under his breath.

“Ugh, Taw you are so mean to me. Sadly, you’re right, though. I’m stuck with you as my best friend.” Lo’ak interjects rolling his eyes, bumping my shoulder when he says the word stuck “So, stop flirting with my best friend.” He almost accuses Neteyam. Neteyam blabbers for a second, very obviously embarrassed before struggling to get out an annoyed,

“I am not flirting skxawng! I am simply trying to be nice to your friend.” He defends himself. I look over to find Kiri’s reaction to find her hiding a grin behind the feathered top she's still holding. I see her shoulders shaking and realize that she is also holding in laughter at her brothers' antics. In an attempt to change the subject Neteyam asks Lo’ak what he has come to ask him about.

“Well (Y/N) here doesn't have any clothes of her own to wear in this body so we came to ask if we could give her one of moms old outfits.” Lo’ak explains. “She thinks it would look bad if she accepted the gift, that mom might hunt her on sight. But, like I explained, if you say it's okay, surely mom will be fine with it.” He throws and arm around me and pulls on my ear when he says that his mom will hunt me. I push him away and flick his arm harshly to get him to stop.

“She is right. Mom would not like that. It has not been done since father.” Neteyam says, dipping his head in agreement with me.

“I know, but come on look at what she is wearing. If she wears that everyone will say stuff about her. Maybe they’ll even start saying bad things about me and Kiri.” Lo’ak says, using anything he can to convince Neteyam. “Plus she's not like Norm, she doesn’t have specially made earth clothes for her much bigger Na'vi body.” I can see the gears in Neteyams mind turning as he considers what his brother said.

“Yes. But-” Neteyam starts to say before being cut off.

“C’mon man, Mom won’t ever wear this again. And Kiri probably won't grow into it like mom thought she would… Plus, don’t you think it would look a lot nicer on her than this.” He says while gesturing at my basketball shorts. This makes Neteyam look at me up and down before he sighs loudly.

“Fine. But if mom asks, it was not my idea. I'm not taking responsibility for you this time.” He huffs at his brother. Suddenly, a voice calls out and Neteyams tail whips back and forth in clear annoyance.

“Dinner is ready. I must go help now. Will your friend be joining us? I am grabbing food to bring back to the marui.” Neteyam asks Lo’ak but I answer anyway.

“I would love to come, but I have to tell Norm and Max. That will give me a chance to try them on.” I suggest, despite secretly hoping that they don't fit. He seems taken back that I had answered him and not Lo’ak, but he nods and smiles nonetheless.

“Goodbye then. See you at dinner, hopefully.” He says before heading back over to the elder he was helping before.

“Awesome!” Lo’ak says throwing an arm around both me and Kiri on either side of him. “Well… First one to the lab wins.” He declares before taking off running and laughing at my dumbfounded face. I had certainly never been challenged to a race before, especially not by Lo'ak. Spider was the only one who I could possibly keep up with, but he was never really around much before my legs started to give out on me. Miles had always been a child who needed adventure, while I was always more of a homebody. Always cooped up in the lab, reading and talking to Norm and Max. Kiri laughed and nudged me before she took off running after Lo’ak. Seeing Lo’ak getting further away I hesitated, wondering if my motor control over this body was really ready yet. The, I thought of Jake Sully, he did not hesitate with his new body, so neither should I!

I look to the left and right to see if anyone is watching me. Luckily, most of the women were completely unconcerned with me, only focusing on their pots and knives. I take a deep breath before I take off after them. I’m again surprised by the strength of my new body, it feels like I launched forward rather than started running. In the first few steps I feel like a baby deer as my knees wobble and my feet are unsteady. My tail isn’t balanced and I almost fall into a woman carrying a large pile of leathers and pelts. I shout a small apology in Na'vi behind me. Not turning to face the disappointment on her face, I continue on. As I run my body instinctively adjusts itself, and I can feel my newly acquired tail now helping me to stay upright as I dart around people returning from a hunt with animals slung over their backs, hoof-like feet tied together. A few of the hunters in the party call after me to stop running through camp, but it feels like I’m flying. If this is what running feels like, then I can’t even imagine what actual flying on an Ikran would feel like. Finally Kiri comes into view with Lo’ak almost by the lab entrance in front of her. For the first time in my life, I feel determined to win against Kiri so I push myself harder. My muscles strain against me, the muscles in my calves are burning when I finally push past Kiri in the last leg. I whoop as I pass her in the last second, barreling into the lab door that Lo'ak is holding open to us.

I stop when I reach the chamber between the outside and the lab, my lungs heaving as I struggle to slow my breathing. Lo’ak is laughing at me and Kiri says something to defend me, but I can’t really hear them with the blood rushing in my ear. Ba-dump ba-dump. My heart beats strongly in them, another reminder of how powerful I feel. The rhythmic pounding slows and when I calm down Kiri congratulates me on catching up to her. Max and Norm greet us with a hey from the monitors in the computer lab as we open the second door, depressurizing the small room. We wave back and make our way towards my room, all of us grabbing a Na'vi mask as we pass the rack.

“You did very well for your first race. Very strong.” She says smiling at me, her fangs poking out slightly over her bottom lip.

“Would have been more impressive if she had won.” Lo’ak teases, “It's easy to catch up to you, Shorty.”

“Yes, well it's her first day in her Avatar. Father has told us what his first day was like, he compared it to a baby yerik taking its first steps. Catching up to me was pretty impressive.” Kiri said, defending me again.

“Thank you, Kiri,” I started, “and I would have won if you hadn’t cheated. You ran off before you even finished your sentence.” I complained, tugging on one of his braids harshly to punish him. He lets out a yowl of protest and gives his own tug on the braid framing the right side of my face. Kiri breaks us up before a brawl can break out.

“So are you coming to dinner? Please, we’ll get dad to say yes, I promise. I want to be there when you taste the best food you’ve ever had.” Lo’ak almost begged while he fidgets with the puzzle on my desk.

“I guess, as long as Max and Norm both say yes.” I replied, but really I was hoping Max would say no. Mostly because, knowing Lo’ak, I was going to be embarrassed through the whole thing. I’m sure he would keep teasing me about Neteyam and my clothing, and I will definitely be interrogated by Neytiri about my outfit. I’m sure she would have a lot of questions for the weird kid that has been friends with her weird kids for a decade or more. I am definitely not ready for that on my first day piloting my avatar. Plus now that I look at it, the set that Kiri tried to give me is so small I’m scared that I will flash everyone on they way there.

“Please, Taw.” Kiri joins in the chorus of begging. “I’ll tell mom beforehand that I gave you one of her outfits, too.”

“I have to wear that thing? Seriously? It’s so small! I don’t think I would be comfortable with that yet.” I try to weasel my way out of wearing clothes that are honestly smaller than my underwear in my other body.

“Trust me it will look really good on you.” Lo’ak says practically leering at me.

“You know, I’m starting to think that you just want to watch me wear something ten times shorter than anything you've seen me in before.” I say rolling my eyes at his attempt at flirting(?).

“No, but that is definitely a plus,” Lo’ak starts to say before I give him a death glare, “C’mon Taw, it’s not a big deal I’m just kidding. Every girl in the clan wears clothes like that.”

“I’ll only wear it if you promise to not try to embarrass me tonight.” I reason with him, before taking my puzzle back from his hands.

“Hey, I can’t help it if you embarrass yourself. But, I won't try to embarrass you.” Lo’ak says holding out a pinky. I grasp it with mine for a pink swear. It was something that me and Lo’ak and Kiri had been doing since forever. I told Kiri and Lo’ak that pinky promises were a death contract on Earth; a sacred ritual. That if you break the promise the other party has to kill you. Of course a few months later they had found out that wasn't true when they saw Norm pinky promise me to help with dinner. They had asked him why it was worth a “sacred pinky promise” when he usually said he would help before getting absorbed in his work and falling through on the promise. Norm had laughed through his entire explanation, that no, if he failed I would not kill him. They were so mad that Kiri had refused to come over for the next visit to the lab. I had to apologize and braid her hair four times before she fully forgave me. To this day we still use pinky promises to signify a serious promise, despite not being able to kill each other if we fall through on our promises.

“I’m serious, I want your mom and brother to like me.” I admit, looking away to hide from the reaction I knew was coming.

“Awwwww. Taw, you love us so much you want to impress our family.” Lo’ak coos, pinching my cheek that I turned away from him. I slap his hand away lazily and accompany it with a glare.

“Lo’ak stop, this is obviously important to her.” Kiri said, reaching out to stop Lo'ak from grabbing my cheek again. “Don’t worry, I will be there to protect you from Lo’ak.” She says, and pats my face where Lo’ak pinched it to soothe the skin.

“Thank you, Kiri. Hey, maybe I was wrong. Maybe she is my best friend.” I say flipping off Lo’ak with my right hand while throwing my left arm around Kiri in a half-hug. Lo’ak only grouchy at us while Kiri laughs.

We talk for a few minutes, before they have to leave to help get ready for dinner. The plan was for me to change and come to their marui when the dinner horn is sounded, which is when most Na’vi go to get food. Usually, a member of each family stands in line to get food for the whole family. Most dishes are served in one dish and the Na’vi use their hands to eat from each dish, using a cloth to wipe their fingers between each type of food to avoid crossing flavors. Each cloth is customized to the owner to avoid confusion, often made as gifts for children. I have never been so glad that I asked Kiri to teach me to weave as I pull out one of my pieces that is small enough to use as a napkin. I made it to use as a bandana, but in this body it is more like a napkin size. It's really too fancy to use as a sra, especially because it's not a special occasion but, since they're considered personal items to the Na'vi there might not be any that have not already been used. This would definitely be a better option than using one of Lo'ak's extras. Ew.

After that I get ready, pulling on the small set. As I look in the mirror I can’t help but fuss with the feathers on the top to get them to cover as much of my chest as possible. The loincloth starts to ride up so much that I debate changing back into the ugly shorts and tank top again. I shake my head and decide to just let it hang where it sits, as every time I move so do the tops many feathers. I go into the lab to show the outfit to Max and Norm. Norm, of course, flatters and compliments me about a thousand times. Max simply smiles fondly and listens to Norms compliments, much like a father listening to a mother fawning over her child. He only interrupts to ask how I feel about the clothes. I would love to tell the truth and tell him that it's way too short for my comfort, but I just smile and say I love it. If I told him he would definitely tell me to change, which would no doubt cause me a fight with Kiri and Lo'ak. After they both stop admiring my outfit I ask them to go to dinner and surprisingly both agree, quickly. I raise my eyebrow at this but choose not to question it. After that I help with their dinner while waiting for the dinner horn to sound from outside, they promise to set aside a big portion for me to eat when I re-enter my body later, making me promise them I will eat it. We usually eat dinner earlier than the Na’vi, so just as I add the finishing touches to our dinner the horn blows and I make my way down to the Sully’s marui.

Thank you for reading! Let me know if I have made any mistakes or errors, feel free to massage them if you don't want to comment. Feedback is also greatly welcomed.

@skeletondeerart

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