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#and before anyone says oh you have a duty to your team though you don’t get it
suzukiblu · 4 months
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Ko-fi thank-you sentences for quietellen, @qwertynerd97, and K; Billy adopts Conner and it actually goes pretty good! 
“Cool!” Billy says, beaming at Superboy. He considers if the house rules conversation should be next, but probably the “no” conversation needs to come before that, but–
Actually, wait. Before any of that–
“So, um, what do you wanna do about your name?” he asks curiously, tilting his head. They need something to give Batman to put on Superboy’s civilian paperwork, obviously. Superboy–stills, then looks uncomfortable, and Billy tries not to frown. 
“Do I have to be Marvel Boy now?” Superboy mutters, looking at the floor. Billy blinks, startled by the question. 
“Well, I don’t think you have to,” he says, not quite sure how to approach the tight look on Superboy’s face. “I mean, you’re not magic, that might be confusing for people. But you can if you want?” 
“. . . no,” Superboy says, not lifting his eyes from the floor. “Being Superboy is–fine."
Billy doesn’t know if that’s a real “no” or not, for obvious reasons, but he figures they can work that out later. Hero names are easy to change, after all. And even a civilian name they can come up with a reason to change if they need to, obviously. And that one’s the real concern right now anyway, since Batman needs to finish the paperwork and also Billy just needs something not a hero name to call him. And the team will too, he figures.
“Okay, cool, then you just need a real name!” Billy says firmly, smiling encouragingly at Superboy, who finally looks back up. He looks skeptical. 
“You mean a civilian alias for that paperwork you were talking about?” he asks. 
“Well, yeah, but also just for having?” Billy says with a shrug. “Like, so people can call you it.” 
“People already call me Superboy,” Superboy says with a frown, folding his arms. 
“Yeah, but when you're not Superboy and stuff,” Billy explains, because maybe Superboy doesn’t really understand that that’s a thing, considering his life experience so far and all. Which–why would he, after all? “Like, I'm not always Captain Marvel. Er. Although don't tell anyone that either, please, 'cause I think the Justice League kind of thinks I am? And like . . . I'd rather they all just keep thinking that, honestly, it's just way more convenient that way.” 
“Uh . . . okay?” Superboy says, looking puzzled. “So I need an alias for . . . pretending to be a civilian, then.” 
“Yeah,” Billy says, figuring “for when you are a civilian” might be a little too confusing right now. “For when you’re off-duty, you know?” 
“The only names I know already belong to other people,” Superboy says with a deepening frown, which makes sense, Billy thinks. Probably Cadmus didn’t upload too many unattached names into Superboy’s head, and for the past couple of days he’s probably only been hearing names that belong to the people he’s been meeting. “And I barely even know any last names at all.” 
"Oh! Well, that one’s easy, your last name can be Batson," Billy tells him helpfully, smiling encouragingly at him again. At least that part’s easy, yeah. "I let Batman just make something up for the paperwork and stuff because I didn’t wanna tell him my real name, but Batson is my last name, so it’d be nice if that was your last name too." 
". . . what?" Superboy asks in bemusement, just staring at him again. “Why are you telling me your real last name if you didn't even tell Batman?"
"I mean, it's your name too now," Billy says reasonably. "Of course I'm gonna tell you your name." 
Superboy stares blankly at him. 
". . . the fake one is 'Rocky Morgan', though," Billy supplies in the awkward-feeling silence, a little sheepish again. "My fake one, I mean. So your paperwork is all gonna say 'Morgan' too." 
"'Rocky Morgan'?" Superboy repeats, wrinkling his nose. 
"The last time Batman went undercover he told us all to call him 'Matches Malone' so I'm pretty sure I got off lucky," Billy says with a shrug. He doesn't really know where Batman gets his fake names, but maybe he just likes being creative? 
". . . yeah, I think you did," Superboy agrees, making a face.
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romione-trope-fest · 16 days
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Shell Cottage
Title: Shell Cottage
Author: adenei
Trope: Only One Bed
Summary: What if Shell Cottage wasn’t Bill and Fleur’s home/safehouse during the war…because there was no Voldemort? What if the Weasley kids used it for something else entirely? A something that was bestowed upon each Weasley kid before they entered their seventh year. And what if Ron used that something to his advantage, finally giving him a shot at getting together with Hermione?
WC: 7,738 (in 3 parts. part 1 here)
TW: alcohol use, frivolity, bed sharing.
**********
Part 1
  It’s an unusually warm summer day in Ottery St. Catchpole, and Ron welcomes the sun shining down on his face as he ventures outside. Summer’s always been his favorite season. When he was younger it was because his siblings would all be home from Hogwarts, so he had lots of options for playmates. And when he’d started school, it meant a nice long break from never-ending assignments and exams throughout the year.
  This summer is different, though. It’s officially his last as a student, which means it could be the final time he’ll have minimal responsibilities before he’s expected to pursue a career—and it’s coming to an end far too quickly. In two short weeks, he’ll be entering his seventh and final year of Hogwarts, and then this time next year? Well, who knows exactly what his future holds.
  Ron walks out to the garden, summoned by his brothers for a pick-up game of Quidditch, but no one’s there yet. It’s a rare afternoon when everyone stopped by to visit and hang out, much to Mrs. Weasley’s delight. They rarely spent time together aside from Sunday dinner, so the impromptu visit sent their mum into a tizzy. 
  They made some excuse about wanting to help Ron and Ginny train for tryouts in a few weeks, but Ron thinks they all secretly miss flying. Nevertheless, it still struck him as peculiar when he couldn’t see anyone around. Especially considering Fred and George already had their brooms when Bill asked him to come play. He figured they’d be flying around warming up already.
  Weird.
  Nevertheless, Ron keeps his pace toward the broomshed. Even if it’s all some stupid prank, he figures he can still charm some Quaffles and get a little solo practice in at the very least. It doesn’t matter that he’s held the Gryffindor Keeper position for two years now, he still wants to earn it.
  Not that Harry would give it to anyone else, unless they totally outperformed him. But every season, every match, he’s gained more confidence and honed his skills. It’s not like he plans on going pro or anything, but still, he wants to maintain his position on the team.
  Finally reaching the broomshed, he opens the door to retrieve his Cleansweep, but is met instead with a pair of arms pulling him into the small space.
  “What the—”
  “It’s about time, Ronniekins,” Fred chides.
  George shuts the door behind him and casts some sort of silencing charm on it. “Yeah, can’t say this is where I’d prefer to spend my afternoon waiting for you.”
  “So why are you in here and not outside?” Ron asks, completely bewildered. “I thought we were going to play Quidditch?”
  “We are, but we have to talk to you first.” Impatience lingers in Fred’s tone before Bill clears his throat.
  “It’s a…private matter.”
  “Oh, fucking hell, not the sex talk again,” Ron groans.
  George grins. “We can if you—”
  “No.”
  “Suit yourself.” Fred shrugs. “I happen to think we did a stellar job with our brotherly duty.”
  George nudges Bill. “Even provided Percy’s diagrams and everything.”
  Bill sniggers. “Did you really? Well, as much as I’d love to continue that conversation, we probably don’t have much time before Ginny comes outside and catches us in here.” Ron folds his arms as he waits for his oldest brother to continue.  “So, you’re about to start your seventh year in a couple weeks—”
  “Really? I had no idea.” Ron can’t help the quip, but he hates when people state the obvious.
  “Easy now, Ronniekins. As much as we love a good tradition, we don’t have to share this with you if you want to be all testy,” Fred warns.
  “Anyway.” Bill regains everyone’s attention. “As Fred so eloquently stated, we have a bit of a tradition that I started and has since been passed down to everyone.”
  “Even Percy,” George interjects.
  “Though I don’t think he threw much of a rager,” Fred shakes his head in disappointment.
  Bill chuckles. “No. I’m pretty sure he used the weekend for himself and Penelope and—”
  “No!” gasps Fred.
  A shit-eating grin plasters George’s face. “Did they—is that when he—no wonder he was such a bloody tosser all year!”
  “Acting even more pretentious than usual,” Fred continues.
  “All because he got—
  “Alright, alright. Percy’ll kill me if he finds out I told you so keep that to yourselves, yeah?”
  “Oh, come on, Bill. You’d crush him in a duel. He’s got nothing on you,” Fred ignores the point.
  Ron doesn’t realize until after the exchange that his eyes have widened at the information, and while he may have been annoyed before, he’s much more interested in what Bill has to say now.
  “So, are you going to tell me or…”
  Instead of answering right away, Bill digs into his pocket before brandishing a key.
  “What’s that to?” Ron presses again, and all three of his brothers grin widely.
  “Shell Cottage.”
  Shell Cottage. Where��s he heard that name before? He has to delve deep into his mind for any sort of recollection, and then it suddenly hits him.
  “Aunt Muriel’s summer home? But how do you—”
  “Dad used to check the place regularly when Muriel wasn’t staying there. But she stopped using it as her summer home years ago—just before my seventh year to be exact—and I’ve been in charge of making sure the place is alright ever since. ”
  “Okay…so, what? Did you borrow the place for a weekend?”
  Bill’s face falls slightly at Ron’s question and the twins stifle a groan. “Wow, Ron, way to ruin it.” George scolds.
  “I wasn’t trying to!” he defends. “It’s just—it was obvious…” 
  Bill doesn’t seem phased, though, as he continues. “Well, yeah. And since then, I’ve passed the key on to Charlie, Percy, and the twins a couple weeks before their seventh year starts at Hogwarts too. Now it’s your turn.”
  “Brilliant!” Ron reaches his hand out to take the key, but then hesitates. His eyes narrow slightly as he peers between his brothers. “What’s the catch?”
  “No catch,” Bill reassures. “You can have the place for the weekend. Just make sure it’s cleaned up before you leave. And I don’t care who you invite as long as you’ve got a good alibi.”
  “Right. Yeah.” Ron takes the key when Bill thrusts it toward him. 
  The wheels begin to turn, formulating a plan in his mind. Obviously, he wants to invite his dorm-mates. They could hang out on the beach and he knows Seamus would be able to hook them up with Firewhiskey. It could be the ultimate guys weekend. Kind of like the ones they used to have when they were younger before Seamus started chasing girls and he and Harry got wrapped up with Quidditch.
  But then he thinks about how Percy supposedly took advantage of the space and—well, if he’s being honest with himself, he’d love to find a way to hang out with Hermione one-on-one. Maybe it would be the kick in the pants he needs to finally take the plunge and ask her out.
  Who says you can’t do both?
  Both…now there’s an idea. But before he can ruminate on it anymore, Fred interrupts his thoughts. 
  “Great, now if we’re all set here, let’s get out of this steambox.” He pushes past Ron to open the door.
  George follows. “I’ll go find Gin so she doesn’t try to hex our bollocks off for leaving her out.”
  Dammit. Ginny.
  She’s going to be so pissed if he leaves her out, but as is the tradition, Ron isn’t sure he should tell her. Besides, is it so wrong to have a weekend for just him and his friends without her? Harry’ll understand too, right?
  Eh, whatever. He’ll figure it out later. For now, he’ll enjoy an afternoon of Quidditch just like the old times, and later, when Harry comes for dinner, he’ll figure out exactly what his weekend with the key to Shell Cottage will hold.
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pengychan · 8 months
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[Good Omens] Come What May, Ch. 1
Summary: While completely improvised, Gabriel’s plan to transfer his memories in the container fly before erasure was rather solid. It came very close to working, too. But ‘close’ was not enough. [SPOILERS FOR SEASON 2] Characters: Gabriel, Beelzebub, Crowley, Aziraphale, Murien, Michael, Uriel, Saraquael Rating: T   All chapters will be tagged as ‘come what may’ on my blog.
A/N: Beelzebub is Concerned and about to make it everyone else's problem.
***
[Back to Prologue]
***
“So, after I’m done writing, I check this box…”
“Yep.”
“... roll the parchment up like this, seal it…”
“Yep.”
“... aaand place it here. Yes?”
“Yes! You’re doing brilliant, Jibreel - and in just three days!”
As the parchment faded in a gleam of light, safely filed away and archived for all eternity, Muriel couldn’t help but clap a little. It was a simple task, but Jibreel looked very happy to have accomplished it, and she was very happy to see him looking very happy. Or to see anyone happy. Or to see anyone, period. So honestly, the clapping felt warranted. 
He grinned back, widely. “Thanks! I think I did good. Felt good.”
“You’ll be up to 37th class in no time at all! Get your own office and all.”
“Oh, I hope not. I like it here,” he replied, and sat back. He looked around and their white surroundings, at the empty surface before him. “... What now?”
“Oh! Now’s the exciting part! We wait for more things to come through that we can sort, record, and add to the archive.”
“That’s great! When are they coming?”
“Ah, we… we don’t know that, actually. Sometimes it’s a lot in a day! And sometimes it’s very little in a year. We’re in a bit of a slump now. The record was fifty years of nothing, back in the fifth century. Never had such a long empty stretch since, though.”
“Oh.” Jibreel frowned a little, looking around again. “So, what do we do now?”
Muriel tried to smile, but it was… a little bit forced. “Now we wait.”
“Right! I can wait. I’m good at waiting, I think.”
“Great!”
A few minutes passed. Muriel was used to long periods of just sitting there in silence, but it seemed… odd to do that, now that she was not alone. She shifted a little before speaking again. “So, um. What did you do before?”
“Before?”
“Before you were assigned to this post. Were you part of the Earth observation team?”
Jibreel narrowed his eyes, thinking hard. “I… don’t think so?”
“Oh. Well, surely you had a duty before?”
“I guess I must have? Everyone does, right?”
“You mean-- you don’t remember?”
“I remember coming here.” A frown. “An elevator, I think? I was standing near an elevator. Then that nice angel… the one earlier…” the frown deepened, and he rubbed his head as though in pain. That was odd, Muriel thought. It wasn’t an angel thing, to be in any pain. 
“Saraqael?” she asked.
“No, another one. I… I can’t recall. She came over and gave me new clothes, then she told me my name and that other one - Saraqael - took me here.”
“And it’s the first thing you remember?”
Jibreel nodded, and Muriel couldn’t help but wonder what that was all about. It was unusual, to say the least. “Oh.”
“That’s… not normal?”
“Ah-- no, no, it’s… I mean, I never heard… but I don’t see a lot of angels, you know! So maybe it’s perfectly normal!” 
The confused frown disappeared, quickly as it had come, and Muriel quickly changed subject. “Oh, I know what we can do! I can help you practice what to say if someone comes in to ask for information! They do that sometimes. Last time was two hundred years ago.”
“Oh?” “Yes! So someone could need us anytime now!”
Another bright smile, and Jibreel stood. “On it! So, what do I do?”
“All right, so you’ll be the one asking, and I’ll reply, so you see how it’s done.”
“Great! What do I ask?”
“Oh, uh… say you need to double check directive C3483, paragraph 53, comma 89.”
“Perfect!”
As Jibreel stood to do as instructed neither of them noticed the fly buzzing quietly above them, one small dark dot in the endless whiteness.
***
“... Well. He does get to have a desk now, I suppose.”
“About half of one, but yes.”
“And he’s settled well?”
“He’s been learning his new duties with no incident. He seems rather content.”
“That’s good to know, Saraqael. I would not have wished him to be displeased with his new role. He has served Heaven well for thousands of years.”
“Of course. None of us would want that.”
A brief silence, and Michael moved her gaze from Saraqael to Uriel, who was staring out one of the windows, rigid and silent. Michael had to wonder whether it was all annoyance over the fact she had been right when she’d pointed out that Gabriel did not have, nor had ever had, a desk. He had indeed tried to make a run for it; Uriel had found him standing in front of the elevator, staring blankly at it, his jacket and shirt already off. 
Where he had tried to go was anybody’s guess. Perhaps he’d simply become scared they would cast him down to Hell after all. But his fear had been for nothing: he would remain in Heaven, where he belonged, getting his chance to start anew. 
“All’s well that ends well,” Michael said in the end. “Now we can focus on the preparation for Armageddon. I will re-establish diplomatic relations so we can agree on a time and--”
“Saraqael,” Uriel spoke, cutting her off like she hadn’t been speaking at all. “We have never attempted a complete memory wipe, let alone on someone as high ranking as a supreme archangel before. Are you certain it has worked as intended?”
A slightly offended scoff. “Of course it has. You saw him, didn’t you? Not a spark of recognition. I know what I’m doing.”
“I did not mean to offend,” Uriel replied, with the tone of someone whose concerns are not yet entirely eased. “I am not familiar with the procedure, and am asking you to confirm it has worked as intended.”
“It did. All his memories as the archangel Gabriel are gone from his mind.”
“From his mind.”
Ah. Michael could now see what it was that concerned Uriel. She frowned, and looked back at Saraqael. “I don’t suppose they could be destroyed from any plane of existence?”
A light scoff. “Nothing which belongs in Heaven can be downright destroyed. Unless we use hellfire, but it’s not an option with memories - not that it worked too well on an angel when you last tried, from what I heard,” Saraqael pointed out, very much aware of how little Michael and Uriel liked being reminded of that particular fiasco. “Destroying an angel’s memories like they have never been is beyond even the abilities of Metatron. God alone may wield such power.”
Michael and Uriel exchanged a quick glance. In the end, it was Uriel to speak. “... No need to bother God with any of this,” she said, as though God had answered to any of their messages in the past six thousand years. 
Saraqael nodded.
“Of course not. Besides, if destroying them is beyond anyone’s scope but God’s, so is retrieving them,” she pointed out. “Even if he knew he had memories to retrieve, which he does not, it would require a miracle whose power by far surpasses Gabriel’s own.”
“... There is no Gabriel, Saraqael.”
“Of course not,” she replied with a nod, and Michael nodded back. 
“Very well. We can consider the matter sorted. Now, as I was saying, if we’re to decide a new date for Armageddon, we should resume diplomatic contact with--”
The phone she’d left on the nearest surface lit up, and began to vibrate. She looked down at the name on the display, and raised an eyebrow. 
Well, she thought. Speak of the literal devil.
***
“Michael.”
“Lord Beelzebub, what a surprise. To what do I owe the displeasu--”
“I’m not speaking with you. Get me the moron in chief.”
“... I don’t believe we have such a title here,” Michael said, her already cold voice turning to frost. “Perhaps if you’d like to specify--”
“I demand to speak with Gabriel.”
“I am afraid that’s not possible.”
Beelzebub ground their teeth so hard that their jaw creaked. The grip on the phone became tight enough to crack the screen. They loathed making the call, but it had been three days since they first received that message upon trying to contact Gabriel, and they could no longer bear it. “Then make it possible, or I’ll give you plenty of excellent reasons to be afraid.”
“There’s no reason to be even more unpleasant than you usually are,” was the reply, without the slightest hint of intimidation. Not that Beelzebub had expected it to work. Michael was considered Heaven’s mightiest warrior for a reason. Her reputation for single-handedly throwing Satan himself down into the abyss was somewhat exaggerated, but not by much. “Whatever it is you wish to discuss with him, it can be discussed with me.”
“No, it cannot.”
“May I ask why not?”
Because you’re hiding something. Because this is all kinds of wrong. Where is he?
They wanted to say all that and more, scream and threaten, demand to know what was going on, but they did not. It would mean showing their hand early and that was something they could not afford. If Michael found out she had an edge on them, they’d never get answers. 
So, in the end, they said something else entirely. “You’re too far below me.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Beg all you wish, but I pardon nothing. I only discuss with my equals, or the closest to an equal to be found within your ranks. It’s the supreme archangel, or no one.”
“Then I fear I’ll need to disappoint you,” Michael replied, sounding all too pleased about it. “At the moment, the position is vacant.”
The gnawing worry that had been eating away at Beelzebub’s already rather rotted guts turned to something else, cold and dark and suffocating. Vacant? It couldn’t be vacant. It had never been vacant. It’s never a good sign for a position in Heaven or Hell to become vacant. 
Where is he? What happened to him? What have you done?
The urge to scream returned, bubbling and buzzing up their throat, but they held it back, gnashing their teeth. They had to keep calm. Show Michael a single weakness, and it is over.
“What the Heaven do you mean, vacant? Heaven has never been without its supreme archangel.”
“It is temporary. Until someone else is appointed.”
Did they know? Did they find out? It seemed the most logical explanation, but at the same time Michael was saying nothing. Surely, if she knew - if Heaven knew Gabriel had been fraternizing with them - she’d be rubbing it in their face, wouldn’t she? Gabriel himself, the absolute moron he was, had never been concerned by the possibility. 
“What’s the worst they could do? Throw me down to Hell for you to deal with? Oh, the horror.”
“Oh, not afraid I might make you regret it?”
“Not even if you try your worst.”
“Where is Gabriel?” Beelzebub snapped, unable to hold back. Thankfully they snapped a lot, and the barked order came across as annoyance rather than growing dread. They were not new to dread, running Hell and all, but this was different from any type of dread they’d ever encountered or felt before. It’s the kind of dread of someone who stands to lose something. 
“Gabriel has been called to a different task.”
“What task?”
“It is confidential,” was the response. “Now, what did you intend to discu--”
The call ended abruptly. Throwing a phone at the wall - or in this case, the thick glass screen overseeing Hell - will usually cause that.
The crash caused a couple of demons to wince and turn, and a single snarl from Beelzebub was enough to get them quickly back to work. They stepped away from the glass and began pacing, trying to clear their mind. At the moment, the only clear thing was that they had absolutely no future in the field of diplomatic relations; everything else was a maelstrom of confusion and fear unlike anything they had experienced before.
Gabriel had disappeared, that was a fact. And he had disappeared without a word to them, his phone disconnected, leaving the position of Supreme Archangel vacant. 
Gabriel was missing, and Heaven was hiding the reason why. Called to a different task, Michael had said, but something about her tone had told Beelzebub precisely what they needed to know, and had feared to hear. Gabriel had been removed from office, and yet he had not been cast down to Hell. 
So where was he? He had to be somewhere, it’s not like they could destroy an archangel. They had no means to do such a thing in Heaven, unless… unless…
Hellfire. The hellfire they had given them four years earlier, to deal with their own traitor. The one who had first worked to prevent Armageddon, just as Gabriel had done later.
We never took that fire back. What if they chose the same sentence, for the same crime?
Beelzebub stopped pacing as though struck. They saw it with the mind’s eye, Gabriel screaming in flames they had delivered to Heaven before being reduced to nothing, utterly destroyed. Gone. 
With no warning, the core itself of Hell shook and flames flared higher. Demons yelped in surprise and damned souls cried out in terror, but any sound they made was drowned out by a screeching cry blackest fury, deepest hatred, and utter pain. The glass screen cracked and shattered, and a swarm of flies burst forth, a black mass drowning out the cries of damned and demons alike even as the screeching scream faded in a low, guttural growl. 
They’ll pay for it. I’ll start the war here and now. Rules be damned. Agreements be damned. Warnings be damned. We’ll scorch Heaven and Earth with hellfire and I’ll see them scream and die, if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll-- I--
A soft buzzing sound, and a single fly landed on Beelzebub’s hand, which was balled into a tight fist. They looked at it, still growling and shaking, and suddenly they found themself thinking of another fly entirely. The container, their gift to Gabriel. The first gift he’d ever received, he had told them, with that oddly vulnerable expression they had never seen on him before. The first gift, and also the last.
… Or was it?
Beelzebub breathed in and then slowly out, staring at that single fly to keep themself grounded, to focus on the memory of Gabriel as they’d last seen him - whole and well, smiling at them before stepping in the elevator, rather than screaming in a column of hellfire.
Maybe they hadn’t destroyed him. Maybe there was another explanation; if other angels realized he was purposefully blocking Armageddon from taking place, he may very well have become a prisoner. If Beelzebub decided to lay waste on Heaven now, and he was there, he may be destroyed with all the rest. No, they could not act on impulse. They had to think he was still alive, and act accordingly. They had to find out what precisely had happened in Heaven, covertly. Sneakily. 
And they knew one demon with heavenly ties who was very, very good at sneaking around.
***
There are few places and moments in life, Crowley reasoned, when a swarm of flies manifesting out of thin air is convenient. Inside a Bentley which was currently speeding through an intersection while passing a school bus was neither one of those places, nor one of those moments.
“Been a long time, Crowley.”
“Oh, come o--!”
“Bus ahead.”
To his credit, Crowley managed to swerve around the bus in question despite the flies clouding his vision; by the time he shoved the Bentley in the first available empty space at the side of the road, cutting in front of three cars and a truck in the process, the flies had finished coming together and someone else sat in the car with him.
Someone Crowley had kind of hoped never to have to see again. “Lord Beelzebub. What do I owe the-- huh. New face?”
“New face,” was the response, in the tone of someone who’d really rather not waste another second talking about it. “I’m here to give you a new mission.”
Ah. “I’m fairly sure Shax said I’m still persona non grata in Hell.”
“You are. And you have the chance to change it. Actually, you have the chance to become a Duke of Hell.”
Crowley blinked, then slid the sunglasses down his nose for a better look at the Lord of the Flies. Maybe it was the new face, but they seemed animated in a way he had never seen before. They seemed worried, working their jaw and smoothing down their jacket in quick, nervous gestures before looking back at him. That in itself worried him in turn. If something was up causing such concern for Beelzebub of all demons, then everyone else probably would have good reason to be terrified. 
“That’s… flattering, but--”
“A full pardon. A place in the Dark Council. Whatever your nasty little heart desires, you shall have it.”
“Why turn to me--”
“To you, and your pet angel.”
There were several words Crowley may have used to describe Aziraphale, but pet was not about them. As he choked on his own spit, Beelzebub spoke again - louder, quicker, and more urgent. 
“Listen. You and the angel betrayed Hell and Heaven both solely to stop Armageddon. You don’t want to see your efforts go to waste, no? Because there is talk of starting it anew.”
“What-- without the Antichrist?”
“Without the Antichrist. Just plain war, no less devastating. Do you want to stop it or not?”
“I-- is that a trick question?”
“I don’t do trick questions. I want to enlist your help to find the archangel Gabriel, and keep Armageddon from coming to pass.”
As far as Crowley was concerned, Lord Beelzebub couldn’t have put together a more nonsensical string of words if they’d picked them at random from a dictionary and then put them through an online translator from English to Aramaic to Greek and then back to English. 
“... What?”
“You heard me.”
“You wanted to start the Armageddon--”
“My priorities have shifted, but I do believe yours have stayed the same. You want Earth to survive, I want to find Gabriel. Our goals conveniently coincide. What more do you need?”
“I am sorry. Are you actively trying to make as little sense as possible? Because--”
Beelzebub snarled, it was enough for him to fall silent. The Lord of the Flies took a moment to draw in a deep breath before they spoke again, with forced calm. “I will explain everything to you and the angel. Take me to him.”
“No.”
“... I’m going to pretend I have not heard and give you one more chance to--”
“No demon but me is crossing that bookshop’s threshold.”
Some furious buzzing, and Crowley gripped the wheel tighter, waiting for severe pain, but it never came. Instead, Beelzebub just ground their teeth. “I have no interest in harming him.”
“Given the precedents, you’ll forgive me for being cautious,” Crowley replied. He fully expected fury, truth be told, but was once again surprised. Lord Beelzebub seemed to hesitate a moment, and finally nodded.
“... Very well. I forgive nothing, but I understand. Tell him we’ll meet on neutral ground.”
“Riiiiight. Well, I’ll see when he’s free and ask him--”
“Call him now,” Beelzebub cut him off, and looked him in the eye. “If you want your precious Earth to survive, you’ll waste no further time.”
In the end, he didn’t waste any time. Honestly, it didn’t feel like he had that much of a choice.
***
There was something up there. 
Jibreel noticed it while leaning back on the chair, careful not to put his feet up on the desk because Muriel had said he shouldn’t do it. They weren't there now - they’d left saying they wanted to look at something in the archives, and reassuring him he was ready to handle any work that came through - but he wouldn’t do something they didn’t want him to. They had been really nice to him.
But he was bored, just sitting there on his own, so he’d slumped back and looked up - and there it was. A… well, he wasn’t sure. It was something that moved in quick circles above him, small and dark as everything else was white and vast. He frowned a little and, without thinking, held up a hand.
There was no real reason why the thing should come to him, but it did. It floated down to rest on the tip of his fingers, buzzing softly, and Jibreel brought it closer to his face to have a look. It was a… what was the name? A fly, right? Yes, he was almost sure that was it. Funny, that. He didn’t think there were any flies in Heaven. They usually were on Earth, or at least he guessed so. He had never been on Earth, as far as he could recall - which to be fair wasn’t long. But somehow, he knew flies were not supposed to be there. 
Hell, maybe - were there flies in Hell? Yes, somehow Jibreel was fairly sure that there were a lot of flies in Hell, too. He had definitely never been there himself, though.
The fly on his fingers buzzed, but didn’t fly off, and Jibreel found himself smiling at it. 
“What are you doing here?” he asked, but of course there was no response other than more soft buzzing. It was kind of cute, seen up close. Jibreel smiled again. “You’re not supposed to be here, you know. But I won’t tell. It will be our secret and all,” he added, feeling rather giddy at the idea of having something as forbidden as a secret. He winked at the fly, which didn’t bother to wink back before taking flight again. But it stayed right above him, and Jibreel was absurdly certain it was not going to leave. 
For some reason, it put an even wider smile on his face. He leaned back on the seat and kept following the fly with his gaze, unblinking and unthinking, until he found himself humming, tapping a foot on the floor. 
“Everyday, it’s-a getting closer…”
***
A good cup of tea, Aziraphale firmly believed, could smooth over just about any type of crisis. Or at least make it feel like less of a crisis. Failing that, hot chocolate would usually succeed. 
However, he recognized that there were few, particularly dire instances in which neither tea nor hot chocolate could help. In such cases, coffee would be needed - possibly with a good dollop of something sweet added to it. 
Only after sitting down next to Crowley at Nina’s coffee shop, the records Maggie had given him under his arm and Crowley as well as the literal Lord of the Flies sitting across them, did he wonder about the wisdom of giving Beelzebub caffeine. But as they never so much as touched the cup, he supposed he would never find out whether it was a mistake. That, and soon enough the theoretical effect of caffeine on hellish royalty was the least of his worries. 
“Heaven and Hell want to push ahead with Armageddon - again - and you and Gabriel wanted to stop it?”
“Yes,” Beelzebub replied, and silenced the question that followed with a gesture. “We changed our mind. The reason why is none of your concern, before you ask, but I do believe our goals align and--”
“And now he’s missing and his seat is vacant?” Aziraphale cut them off, bewildered. That gained him a markedly unimpressed look. 
“... Is there a specific reason why you’re repeating everything I have told you so far?”
“It’s a lot to wrap one’s mind around, I’m sure you can agree?” Crowley spoke, the casual leaning in his seat doing very little to hide how tense it was. “You and Gabriel both tried really hard to make Armageddon happen. When it didn’t, and decided it was our fault, you sort of tried just as hard to destroy us.”
Beelzebub had the good sense to look… if certainly not awkward, at least a little tense themself. Aziraphale set his jaw, not about to say anything to smooth things over now; he had never forgotten the casual order the Lord of the Flies had given to have a bystander demon destroyed in holy water solely to test it, nor the indifference when they had sentenced Crowley to die the same gruesome way. It was nothing he had not expected from Hell, truth be told, but it had been rather upsetting. 
On his end, Crowley had never quite told him the details of the attempt at carrying out the same sentence in Heaven; only that he had been told to step in hellfire and had surprised the archangels present by breathing a little bit of it in their direction, which had been a rather amusing mental image. 
“Well. You were not destroyed, and you don’t wish Earth to be either. It is in everyone’s best interest if we collaborate. And by everyone’s, I mean that of all sitting at this table.”
“Are we supposed to believe that you’ve grown a soft spot for Earth?”
A scoff. “Obviously not. This is not about Earth. It’s what you care about.”
“What is it about for you, then?”
For the first time since that odd meeting had started, Lord Beelzebub seemed to hesitate. They worked their jaw briefly, clearly debating whether or not they should be truthful. It was an odd inner conflict to see play out on a being Aziraphale had always known as a powerful but distant foe, but it did not last long. Beelzebub seemed to come to a decision and leaned forward, elbows on the table. 
“For me, it’s about Gabriel. They did something to him. I am sure they did.”
“Seems likely,” Crowley muttered, not really distraught. “Still don’t get what that’s to y--”
“I want him back,” Beelzebub cut him off. The last word of Crowley’s sentence - you - turned into a choked out ‘uuuh?’ before he fell silent, staring at the Lord of the Flies with his mouth hanging open. It gained him a raised eyebrow. “Close that mouth before flies get in it. That is a threat.”
Crowley closed his mouth so abruptly his teeth clicked together, then hurriedly took a sip from his coffee. As for Aziraphale, he found himself staring with wide eyes as realization dawned on him. Beelzebub had a soft spot all right, but not for Earth. It was for Gabriel.
That was not what he’d expected to hear, although to be fair he was not sure what he’d even thought this could be about. In retrospect, everything in Beelzebub’s behavior seemed to scream a connection to the missing archangel that went well beyond a professional relationship. In the end, he cleared his throat and took a sip from his coffee.
“Not to pry, but I seem to understand yourself and Gabriel have grown, um. Close?”
“In a way neither Heaven nor Hell would approve, hence why I had to turn to you.” A long look, their gaze shifting from his to Crowley and then back, and they cocked their head. “Certainly, I don’t need to explain more. It’s not something unfamiliar to the two of you.”
The coffee Crowley had been sipping was promptly sprayed back inside the mug. Aziraphale nearly spilled in own mug, stammering. 
“I, I mean-- we do go way back, so I suppose-- we have an understanding, but--”
Beelzebub silenced him with a gesture. “I don’t care to hear it. All I care about is finding out where Gabriel is and what was done to him, and taking him back. Help me, and I’ll hold off Armageddon until a more permanent solution to avoid it is found. Do we have a deal?”
A pause, a quick glance between the two of them. 
Do we have a choice?, Aziraphale’s look said.
Not really, Crowley’s replied, and that was that.
***
“Oh, I really shouldn't have even come here…”
No one was there to hear Muriel’s anxious whine, but they slapped both hands over their mouth anyway, just in case. Not that they were doing anything forbidden, per se - they were authorized to search the archive, after all - but it still seemed wrong, to have doubts over the word of an archangel. It wasn’t even real doubts, they just had… questions. 
One big question, really - why did Jibreel remember nothing from his existence before he’d been taken to work with them as a junior recording angel? It had been bothering them more than it probably should, and they had considered asking someone higher up, but… well. Surely they had better things to do than answering a silly question, no? It was probably nothing important, they’d thought. 
They could find out on their own, sate their curiosity and then be back. 
Except that things had taken an unexpected turn, because they had found a folder marked with his name - Jibreel - but it really wasn’t like they had expected. A junior recording angel’s folder is never very full, simply because… well, there is not a lot to record about those working on records, so to speak. It was a fairly uneventful job and it made for an uneventful eternity, overall. Muriel’s own folder had only about two pages to it. 
Jibreel’s folder was nothing like that. It didn’t look thicker than normal, but as they picked it up there was a weight to it that told them it was much, much fuller than their own. Much fuller than any other folder they’d handled, really - there had to be a lot in there.
And, they soon realized, they couldn’t open it. It was classified, and required a much higher clearance - like a throne or a dominion, or something even above that. 
They wouldn’t classify the folder of a simple junior recording angel, would they? Not with such high clearance. There is a lot more to Jibreel than even he knows.
It was a rather baffling development, and more than a little intimidating, really. Muriel didn’t know what it was all about and to be honest, they really wished she hadn’t wondered in the first place. It was much too above them. Surely, if Jibreel did not recall his past, there was a good reason for it. Who were they to question the decisions of archangels?
They would just walk out, go back to their station, and never utter a word of this to anyone - much less to Jibreel. After all, he’d never asked them to look anything up; he’d never asked a thing, and he was happy as a clam.
Muriel saw no reason to open their mouth and risk changing that.
***
[Back to Prologue]
[On to Chapter 2]
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cg29fics · 11 months
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GONE
Tagging 🔖 Sorry if I’ve missed anyone - If you would like to be tagged in these updates then please let me know and I’ll add you to the list: @janetm74 @drileyf @katblu42 @psychoseal @weirdburketeer @alexthefly @misstb2 @thundergeek59 @burningcowboyhoagietaco @dragonoffantasyandreality
Countdown to the final chapter - 5 - left to go.
Previous. Chapter 49, Visitor.
Chapter 50. Goodbyes.
Previously.
“… Someone out there could lose a family member… I don’t need rescuing anymore but others still do… The world needs International Rescue!”
… …
Everyone contemplated what Virgil had said. They all knew that he was right, if a disaster did occur and someone were to die because International Rescue had not been available, then each one of them would feel personally responsible. After another five minutes of silence, Scott spoke. “I hate to admit it but Virgil’s right. I just hate the thought of returning to duty without you, especially when you are needing our emotional support.”
Virgil reached out and held Scott’s hand, gripping it tightly. “I know I’ve been struggling and yes, I know it’s going to take me a long time to process everything. I also know it’s going to be several months before I can even contemplate returning to work… But, the world won’t stop turning while I recuperate. Disasters will happen, people will get hurt, and they will need our unique services to help them… Look, I’m not suggesting that all of you go home, if you’re that worried about me one of you could stay here.”
“Okay, so we’re all in agreement that International Rescue does need to continue?” Jeff questioned.
“Yes,” everyone replied.
“Okay, then my suggestion is that mother, you and all the boys return home tomorrow, while I will stay here with Virgil. Does everyone agree?”
Even though they were all still reluctant to leave, everyone nodded their agreement, knowing that what had been said was really for the best.
… …
The following afternoon:
Penelope entered the ward room and smiled at Jeff who was quietly reading a magazine, while Virgil dosed in the big chair which the nurses had propped him up in. “How is he?”
Jeff placed his magazine down and returned Penny’s warm smile. “He’s okay, they gave him some pain medication about an hour ago.”
“How did the scans go?”
“Good, they will be starting him on some light physio on his shoulder in a day or two. They also did some scans on his ribs and everything’s healing as it should.”
“That’s good, any chance he’ll be able to come home soon?”
“Not while he’s still getting his pain meds through the IV. As soon as that does change, I plan to speak to Gerry and see what can be arranged.” Jeff glanced towards the doorway. “Where’s everyone else, still packing?”
“They were just finishing,” Penny explained, “I have no idea how your sons have amassed so much stuff over such a short space of time and how they’ve managed to lose half of it.”
Jeff frowned. “They’ve not destroyed the hotel suite looking for everything, have they?”
“Don’t worry, your mother and Parker were making sure they cleared up their mess.”
Jeff grinned. “I can imagine my mother and Parker are quite a team.”
“Oh, they certainly are!” Penny laughed.
“You should wake him up before you go,” Jeff suggested, noticing Penny was now watching Virgil sleeping.
“Are you sure?” Penny questioned. “He seems to be sleeping quite soundly.”
“Yes!” Jeff replied, standing up. “Look, I’m going to head to the canteen for a coffee. Wake him, I know he will be disappointed if he doesn’t get to say goodbye.”
Penny smiled and nodded. Once Jeff had left she quietly made her way over to Virgil, sat herself down and gently took his hand in hers. “Virgil.”
Virgil slowly opened his eyes, a natural smile falling across his face. “Hey.”
“Sorry to wake you, I just wanted to make sure that I managed to say goodbye.”
“That’s okay, when are you and Parker leaving?” Virgil questioned.
“As soon as Parker finishes helping your grandmother keep your brothers in line.”
Virgil smirked. “Are they causing trouble?”
“Something like that.”
Virgil squeezed her hand. “Do you really have to go so soon?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Penny replied, “I have a few business functions that I simply cannot put off any longer.”
“That’s a shame, I really would have enjoyed your company,” he replied with a cheeky grin.
“And in what way would you have enjoyed my company?” Penelope asked, her eyes twinkling.
“I’m sure we could have figured something out!”
“You’re incapacitated!”
“That wouldn’t stop me,” he responded, beckoning her to come closer and then kissing her softly on her lips.
“Well, I will hold you to that when you come and visit.”
“Will I see you before then?”
“Yes, I will definitely be on the island for your homecoming.”
Virgil released a despondent sigh. “Whenever that may be.”
“I’m sure that you will be strong enough to return soon.”
“I hope so!”
“And as I said, I will be there,” Penelope raised her eyebrow, “I’m sure if you keep that in mind it will help you to feel better.”
“Oh, it certainly does!” Virgil grinned, pulling her in for another kiss.
“Busted!” A voice laughed from the doorway.
Virgil and Penelope looked up, both sighing when they saw Scott, Alan, John and Gordon grinning back at them, with the shocked expressions of Jeff, Ruth and Parker standing closely behind.
“How long have you been standing there?” Virgil questioned.
“Oh, long enough!” Gordon giggled.
“Err… M’Lady, we need to be making a move,” Parker informed her, stepping in front of the boys.
“Of course, Parker,” Penny replied, before turning her attention back to Virgil, “I’ll see you soon.”
Virgil nodded and not caring what the others thought, pulled her in for another kiss. “Yes, soon!”
Penelope smiled, then standing up she turned towards the doorway. “Boys.”
“Bye Penny,” they all chorused, giving her a quick hug.
“Ruth, Jeff,” she added, “it’s always a pleasure.”
“Of course, Penny,” Ruth and Jeff both responded, returning the handshake and hug she offered.
Parker coughed to gain Penelope’s attention. “Are you ready M’Lady.”
“Yes, of course Parker,” Penny answered, making her way outside.
“Bye Parker,” Virgil called.
“Yes, bye Master Virgil... Feel better soon!” Parker responded, shooting him a very concerned look before leaving the room.
“So, Virgil, how are you feeling?” Scott questioned, sitting himself in the chair that Penny had vacated.
“I’m okay, pain’s not too bad.”
“That’s good, anything interesting to tell us?” Scott asked, smirking at him.
“Nope!” Virgil retorted with a giant grin.
“Oh, come on bro,” Gordon and Alan both chirped bouncing over to Virgil. “It’s you and Penny!”
“Yes, come on Virg, you can’t hold out on us!” John added.
“Now come on boys, leave your brother alone,” Ruth warned them, “I’m sure he will give us the details when he’s good and ready!”
“Thank you, grandma.”
“That’s okay sweetie,” She replied, ruffling his hair, “whatever the situation, I’m just pleased to see you happy.”
“I don’t think Parker feels the same,” Gordon laughed, “he’s very protective of Penelope and judging from his reaction I would say you have to watch yourself there.”
“Gordon, stop teasing your brother!” Ruth scolded, when she noticed a look of worry spread across Virgil’s face.
“But grandma it’s so much fun!” Gordon whined.
“Then tease one of your other brothers!” She suggested.
“Hey!” The others protested.
“Grandma, you’re not meant to have a favourite!” Alan complained.
“I don’t, I love you all equally,” Ruth stated, “It’s just Virgil’s been through enough and shouldn’t have to deal with you lot mocking him!”
“Exactly!” Virgil replied, with a big grin, while his brothers all playfully scowled at him.
Ruth laughed at them all, then noticing Jeff had not joined them she turned and glanced at her son who was still standing in the doorway looking shocked. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I am,” Jeff answered, shaking the look of surprise away, “oh, and don’t worry,” he whispered in Virgil’s ear, “Parker will come around!”
“Thanks dad,” Virgil replied, before focusing on his brothers and grandma. “So, how long before you’re all due to fly out?”
“I want to get us back before nightfall,” Scott answered, “we’ll probably head to the airfield in an hour.”
“Why are you trying to get rid of us already?” Gordon questioned, feigning his disappointment in a very over the top way.
Virgil released a hearty laugh. “Gordon, you’re so dramatic! You really missed your calling as a movie star.”
Gordon grinned, coughed to clear his throat, and then held himself in a theatrical pose. “Oh Romeo, Romeo…”
“That’s the girls part!” Alan squawked with amusement.
“Yes, I knew that!” Gordon stated, turning a royal red from his brothers, fathers and grandmothers’ laughter. “Err… So Virg, we all got you presents,” he added, trying desperately to change everybody’s focus onto something else.
“Presents?” Virgil said, grinning from ear to ear.
“Yeah, I got you this,” Alan chirped, pulling a box out of a bag that his grandma had passed him.
Virgil eagerly opened the box and smiled when he found a small furry bear inside. “Aww, this is cute!”
“It’s because you always give the best bear hugs ever,” Alan explained, “also, press his tummy.”
Virgil pressed the bears tummy and chuckled when the bear growled. “Thank you, Alan, I love him. Now, come here and give me a cuddle.”
Alan happily skipped over and carefully hugged his brother.
Once Virgil had released Alan, Ruth stepped forwards. “Here you go sweetie, I got you this.”
Virgil took the small bag from her and pulled out the gift. “A jar of coffee?”
Ruth nodded. “It’s the one we use on the island, I’ve talked the nurses and caterers here to give you this instead of the drivel they serve.”
Virgil thanked her and gave her a quick hug before focussing on John who was now stepping forwards.
“My gift comes with an apology.” John explained, passing Virgil a box. “You see, when you were missing I accidently broke your favourite cup. I’m really sorry, I found a replacement and I really hope you like it.”
Virgil opened the box revealing a shimmering green mug. “Cool! Thanks bro, I love it.”
“Are you sure?” John asked nervously.
“Yes of course,” Virgil confirmed, “this one seems to be sparkling... Plus, you’ve given it to me, so that makes it one hundred times better!”
Scott grinned at Virgil when he had finished hugging John. “Here’s mine. Hopefully, it will help with the boredom when you’ve only got our old man for company.”
“Hey!” Jeff protested, with a slight smirk at Scott’s jibe.
“Art pad and pencils!” Virgil beamed, when he’d opened the bag.
“Oh, I also added some more of your favourite tracks on to this for you.” Scott explained, pulling out a small music player and headphones from an inner pocket.
“Thank you!”
“No problem!” Scott said, excepting the cuddle from his brother.
“Me next,” Gordon sang.
Virgil looked at him quizzically when he was passed a suspicious looking box. “Is this safe to open?”
“Of course!” Gordon stated innocently.
“Don’t look at us,” John said, “he’s refused to tell any of us what he was getting you.”
Virgil frowned and slowly opened the box, jumping when a jack in the box popped out. “Jeez, Gordon!”
Gordon chuckled at Virgil’s surprise, “Now pull out the small drawer at the bottom.”
“Do I really want too?” Virgil asked.
Gordon nodded. “Seriously, your real gift is inside.”
Virgil carefully opened the drawer. “My chain?”
“When Alan gave you your chain back you hadn’t noticed that the clasp was damaged and the chain itself was scuffed. So, I got it fixed for you.”
Virgil grabbed his brother’s hand and pulled him into the biggest squeeze he could manage. “Wow, Gordon. This was really sweet of you, thank you so much!”
“You’re worth it Virg,” Gordon said, breathing in the hug, “now, let me go before Scott starts blubbering.”
“I’m not crying!” Scott exclaimed, quickly wiping away his tears.
Taking a small box out of his pocket, Jeff stepped forwards. “Even though I’m staying with you, I’ve also got you a little something.”
Virgil opened the box and grinned when he saw what was inside. “A new watch.”
Jeff picked up the watch and fastened it to Virgil’s left wrist. “It’s to replace your old one as it was broken.”
“How did you get it here?” Virgil enquired.
“I brought it with me when we left the island to come here, I wanted you to have a new one as soon as possible.”
Virgil embraced his father. “Thanks dad.”
Jeff returned the hug and then pulled away looking in his son’s eyes. “I want you to remember that even though you’re going to be out of action for a long time, you’re are still an important part of International Rescue!”
Virgil nodded. “I will!”
“Good,” Jeff replied, ruffling Virgil’s hair before checking his own watch, “I think it’s time you lot made a move.”
“I guess you are right dad,” Scott sighed when he also saw what time it was.
After another 15 minutes of warm hugs followed by goodbyes, everyone finally left for Tracy one, leaving just Virgil and his father in the ward room.
“Well, I guess it’s just you and me kiddo.”
“Yeah,” Virgil sighed.
“Don’t worry, as soon as we get the all clear, we will get you home!”
“Yep, definitely!” Virgil nodded, a look of determination creeping on his face. “Oh, and dad…”
“Yes son?”
“Don’t call me kiddo!”
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yourpalghost · 1 year
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Valentine's Day
The Playlist AO3
Word Count: 1,478
“Thank you for coming to Freddy Fazbear’s Valentine’s day ‘Love Rocks’ bash! I hope you have a faz-tastic night and get home safe!” Freddy said into his microphone following their final performance of the night. Guests made their way toward the entrance as Freddy’s closed for the evening.
This was your first time helping run a holiday party with the band and you were relieved that, while your shift still ran the full time, after 7, the pizzaplex was closed to anyone who didn’t hold a ticket to the party. In addition, instead of the usual 10pm closing time, the holiday party had the campus closing at 9. That additional hour of not being around guests was more than welcome in your opinion.
You waved to guests along with the band as they were politely herded away by security bots who all had little paper hearts taped to their chassis in order to match the theme.
“Good job, team,” You said after the atrium was cleared of guests, climbing the stairs to the stage where they stood. Freddy took your hand in his and gave it a shake.
“We couldn’t have done it without you,” he praises and you can't help but roll your eyes in a lighthearted manner.
“Oh, please,” you chuckle but don’t protest further. Realistically, you didn't need to even be here for the party as most everything was set up and taken care of by S.T.A.F.F. bots. Still, you were there to take care of the prized animatronics. “Let’s get this place cleaned up,” you declared and started off stage with the rest of them.
The glamrocks set about stacking the extra chars which had been brought out for the nights festivities and the S.T.A.F.F. bots would take the stacks, having been lacking in the dexterity and height needed to put them together all while you pushed around a large broom, picking up rubbish left by more careless guests. Chica approached you, a stack of chairs in her arms.
“So,” she starts, after calling your name to get your attention, “after every party, we have our own little party back in rockstar row,” she explains, walking beside you. “And we would super duper love if you came. We usually just dance and hang out but since there's five of us, well SOMEONE needs to dance with Monty,” she jests, loud enough for the alligator to hear. He calls out a flustered “hey” before Chica laughs her little cluck-like laugh. You’re about to protest since you still had work to do but she cuts you off.
“Before you say no, It's only thirty minutes and we always help with duties after so you don’t have to worry about all that.” With your duties covered, you don’t exactly have much in the way of an excuse not to go so you concede. She does a cute little steppy-step in joy partnered with a high pitched squeal. “Oh, I can’t wait, I’m so excited. We’ll see you at, like, 10 back there, okay?”
You get some more cleaning done and take a bathroom break before you head back to rockstar row. When you get back there, there's a little portable speaker set up on one of the towering flower pots that the benches surround and the group are all dancing together and singing along to Whitney Huston’s “I wanna dance with somebody”. It’s clear just by looking at them that they’re all having fun, even Monty is singing along. You feel a little nervous to join in but luckily Bonnie sees you. He makes a move to pull you into the little cluster of singing and dancing animatronics and immediately, you are overcome with a bubbling of giggles. “Take my Breath Away” begins to play from the speaker and the animatronics partner up and even though Chica had joked about Monty being the odd man out, it’s Bonnie that you dance with.
“Having fun?” he asks you and has you perform a lazy twirl.
“I am,” you confirm. “Who made the playlist?” you ask as its filled with songs that Freddy Fazbear’s definitely doesn’t have the rights to use.
“This one was a collaboration between Roxy and Chica” he explains. “Monty and I made this past year's Halloween mix.”
“That’s nice,” you chuckle “I’m enjoying this one so far”.
“Well, you know, musicians usually have pretty good taste in music,” Bonnie jests with a teasing wink and you snicker in response.
When the next song comes on, you can't help but groan loudly along with a couple of the others in your group as Rick Astley promises to never give you up or let you down. Still, it's a fun song to dance to as a group and so you join. The remaining songs are all ones you enjoy as a group and the energy is fun and playful. Just as you’re growing tired of dancing (it’s quite the work out), theres a lovely swell of strings that announces a slow song. Just as youre about to find a partner, Chica claims you and pulls you off so that you two might dance together.
“There’s designated partners for this one,” She says to you quietly. You raise a brow at her as she leads your dance. “Well, one pair.” She shrugs and smiles. You turn together so she can gesture to the brown and blue pair holding one another close. You look from them to her with the same confused expression. She just lets you do the mental maths yourself and nods when she can tell you’ve put it all together.
“How long,” you ask in a hushed voice.
“Oh gosh, forever.” she answers. “There’s never been a rendition of them that weren’t head over heels for one another.” it’s hard to not whip your head back to look at them but thankfully you don’t have to as she turns the two of you to let you see them again. They’re talking quietly amongst themselves, one pair of hands clasped while the others simply hold one another close. Freddy laughs at something Bonnie says and rests his forehead against his partners shoulder briefly in a sweet and tender moment of comfortable joy.
“Did the company program that?” you ask, looking from them to her and she looks at you with the softest expression you think you’ve ever seen from something made from metal. “No,” she says it like its the most beautiful thing. And it is. “I know its cliche but,” she sighs wistfully. “I don’t know if we have souls or whatever but they are definitely soul mates,” she confides. You smile at this, feeling warm and fuzzy inside at the idea that time and time again, these two robots fell in love with one another. You look to the other partnered pair together then to see what they’re doing and Chica bursts out laughing. Despite the lovely music, Roxy and Monty are on the floor wrestling instead of dancing.
You leave them after the music ends and their bandmates separate them, having had a lovely evening. You’re just out of the hallway of rockstar row, reentering the atrium while checking your watch for what to take care of next when Moon joins you by dropping in from above.
“Did you– it's just me- did you have fun?” he asks, brushing off your startled gasp. He has to wait a beat for you to recover but he does so patiently.
“We did, yeah.” you finally answer and start back on your track. A thought crossed your mind as he walked beside you. He hadn’t been invited. You weren’t surprised since the way some of the glamrocks felt about him was clear but it still wasn’t polite. And Sun hadn’t come either which, while he didn’t like you, you hadn’t heard any negative comments directed toward him from the glamrocks. “What did you and sun do today?” you ask instead.
“The kids made valentines.” he answers and hands you a crudely made heart card. “I did too. During nap time. Here.” You take it and it's clear that it was either made in the dark or Moon wasn’t particularly skilled at arts and crafts. In white crayon on red construction paper, under where it was addressed to you (your name misspelled even though you knew he had access to the employee database), it said “get stick bugged, valentine” and below were lines that definitely resembled the stick bug from the video he had showed you the first night you met. You rolled your eyes and chuckled.
“Beautiful,” you shake your head. “I’ll keep it forever, thank you.” He smiled wide.
“Put it on your fridge,” he demands, getting up in your face. You shove him away by his faceplate and he chuckles.
“Sure, buddy. Right when I get home.”
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adriankinc · 8 months
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❝ IT’S HARD TO FORGET YOUR PAST WHEN IT’S WRITTEN ALL OVER YOUR BODY. ❞
ᚠᚱᛟᛗ  ⸻  sebastian stan. cis man. he/him. ⸻  i saw ADRIAN KINCAID around the town, you know? the 38 year old that was driving from COLUMBUS, OH  when they saw the tree on the road. ADRIAN has been here for TWO YEARS and i think they were FORMER NAVY SEAL before they got stuck in the town. with the way things are now, they are now struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy and  seek a way out without losing themselves or dying.  lets hope you at least survive the night.
GENERAL   INFORMATION.  ⸻
full name: adrian kincaid.
nickname: n/a.
age: thirty eight.
gender identity: cis man.  
orientation: heterosexual.
place of birth: columbus, ohio.     
date of birth: may 2nd, 1985.
former occupation: retired navy seal.
3 positive traits: adaptable, honest and observant.
3 negative traits: cynical, blunt and aloof.
moral alignment: neutral good.
faceclaim: sebastian stan.
TOWN   INFORMATION.  ⸻
current residency: in town.
current occupation: trainer.
BIOGRAPHY.   ⸻
adrian was born into a generational military family and spent his childhood moving from one place to another. the only really constant in his life was his mother and younger brother. they became a tight-nit unit, especially the two brothers.
while his grandfather and father assumed and pushed adrian to follow in their footsteps, he was adamant from a young age to carve his own path. once he graduated high school, he started to study computer science at college.
it was only weeks after he got his bachelor’s degree that his younger brother thomas enlisted. adrian had been so busy with his own life that he hadn’t realised the pressure thomas had been subjected to. while adrian was headstrong and confident in who he was, thomas was more of a follower and once adrian was out of the house, the pressure shifted from one son to another.
adrian enlisted only days after thomas did, hellbent on protecting his brother since he had failed previously. he threw away all his own personal goals and dreams even though no one asked him to. and so his time with the navy started. 
at thirty two, irony showed its ugly face when his brother died in combat while adrian had to sit the mission out because of a sprained ankle. how’s that for keeping him safe?
his time in the navy after that is sort of a blur, by then the rest of the team had became family too and abandoning them wasn’t on the list, so he continued to serve. to be honest, he mostly used it as an excuse to be anywhere else but home where guilt and grief waited for him.
at thirty five he left, chose not to reenlist after his active duty commitment came to an end. his mind nor body couldn’t handle it any longer and he knew better than to pretend it did. and then a year later he visited his mother only to see the damn tree on his way back home.
QUICKIES  ⸻
he’s a trainer, he’ll keep you in shape or get you into shape if you ask him. he’ll teach basic survival skills as well, best methods to hide etc.
pretty aloof at first but a real dork if you get to know him. basically a cat in human form, you gotta earn it.
he has mild tinnitus in both ears.
probably said “i would trust beyonce with my life” at one point. definitely listened to toxic by britney before he saw the tree.
CONNECTION IDEAS  ⸻
friends. especially one he’s actually close with and whose company he prefers over anyone else.almost ride or die but not exactly because that takes time with adrian.
“are you flirting or starting a fight?” and i don’t have to say more.
a fwb but not really, it’s more of a mutual understanding of just killing time/finding enjoyment in this godforsaken place while Doing™ it. they might not even be friends at all, just sexually compatible. 
people he help trains because that just makes sense.
ok that’s what comes to mind right now but everything goes tbh
oke bye
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aeoki · 1 year
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Grand Slam - The Blood-Vomiting Beast: Chapter 9
Location: Yumenosaki Grounds (Sports Festival) Characters: Tsukasa, Makoto, Ritsu, Arashi, Izumi, Leo & NEGI
< Almost an hour later. Right before the “Cheering Contest” begins on Day 1 of the “Old-Fashioned Sports Festival”. >
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NEGI: “Hey.”
“I’ve come, Anzu. A ghost that appears in the daytime couldn’t even dress up for the occasion, though.”
“Hehe… It wasn’t planned at all in the beginning, but you say you’ve prepared a time and location for us underground idols to perform?”
“It’s like a bonus appearance after the cheering contest from the Yumenosaki lot. Like inviting a guest over and having them sing a supporting song at the ‘Music Special Ward’.”
“Thank you for making the arrangements. You remembered what I said.”
“Hm? You’re sorry since that’s the only thing you can do?”
“Don’t apologise. That makes it feel like you’ve done something bad.”
“I’ve heard from my brother. He says you’re doing well, Anzu.”
“You had to help my incompetent brother with his project while also handling ES’ impossible requests perfectly.”
“You even joined forces with the enemy – the “Peace Party” – and put all the parts of the Sports Festival together this year.”
“Making the arrangements for all the areas, reconciling the different interests, as well as gathering the money and personnel… In the end, we couldn’t make it, so it ended up feeling like we’ve abandoned a departing train, though.”
“Come watch us. Everyone will have a good time, even the players and the audience. That means the idols and the fans.”
“That would’ve been good. It would’ve been a success. You fulfilled your duty as a 'producer'.”
“Hm? Well, yeah, it probably won’t be a happy ending where everyone can be happy and smiling.”
“Thanks to ‘Tanabata Fest’ being a huge success, ES wanted to harden its foundations, due to the company being in its first year of establishment, and they strengthened their opposition to those outside of their organisation more than ever.”
“Meaning, they didn’t allow anyone to rise to power other than themselves.”
“ES completely ignored underground idols and female idols and started favouring the ‘beautiful young boy idols’ they supported.”
“Normally, for an event like the “Old-Fashioned Sports Festival’ that ES is responsible for, I’m sure they definitely didn’t want anything to do with ‘people like us’.”
“Hm? Like I said, you don’t have to apologise. If anything, if you show favouritism towards us, you’ll lose your position at ES, right?”
“Besides, I’m actually happy with how things are right now.”
“I mean, if they’re trying to reject us so obviously like that, it just means we’re that much of a threat to them, right?”
“It’s a big improvement seeing as they never even acknowledged us before.”
“I’m sure their attacks will be more fierce. More brazen.”
“But thanks to you giving us some time to shine, the people who love us will also grow in number.”
“If people are obviously rejecting us and bullying us, our fans will definitely be angry.”
“That anger will turn into embers that will someday burn and consume that arrogant and cocky ES.”
“It looks like 'some of those guys' within your organisation appeared in the summer. Was their name ‘Crazy:B’?”
“...That made me happy. I couldn’t believe there were people who would get angry for us.”
“Times have changed. If only I could’ve lived a bit longer.”
“Oh, well. Anyway, that’s why we’re not discouraged. We’ll put on an exciting performance for the “Old-Fashioned Sports Festival” – for your time of youth.”
“That’s my repayment to you for shining the spotlight on us…♪”
Izumi: KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!? *Vomits blood*
NEGI: “Look, things are starting to get really exciting again.”
“Wait, what’s that?”
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Makoto: “♪~♪~♪”
“Go~ Go~! “Team StarPro! You can do it! Do your best~♪”
Izumi: Kyaaaa! Kyaaaaa! A dream!? Is this a dream!? Am I having a happy dream after falling asleep on the plane?
No! This is real! This is a reward from god after all my hard work! Thank you, god, thank you! It’s my first gratitude for you!
Thank you, thank you, Yuu-kuuun! He’s normally really cold but, in reality, he really wanted to cheer on his Onii-chan, didn’t he!?
I knew it! I had faith that he loved his onii-chan! Your feelings were properly conveyed to me. Onii-chan loves Yuu-kun tooooooo!
Yu-u-kun! Yu-u-kun! YU-U-KUN! *Writes out the alphabet letters with his entire body*
Makoto: “Umm~... You over there, you’re being so loud, we can’t even hear our cheering song, so please keep it down.”
Tsukasa: I apologise! What an embarrassment! I shall get rid of him at once!
Arashi: Come on now, it’s time you come with us to the security office, Mr Suspicious ♪”
Izumi: Stop! Let me go! Don’t get in the way of my dreaAAAAAAMMM! I’ll kill you!?
Ritsu: Your whole character has changed, Secchan. No, I guess you’ve gone back to the old you, huh. It’s been so long since I’ve seen that side of you, I’ve forgotten how to handle you, honestly.
Come on, let’s go over there. I’ll cheer you up in my old cheerleader outfit from last year, so just make do with that.
Izumi: Haa!? Kuma-kun, you think someone like you is equal to Yuu-kun!? Who do you think you are!?
Leo: Wahaha~ Sorry~♪
Sena has been working this whole time, but it looks like he wanted to come cheer you guys on no matter what, so he flew over without getting a wink of sleep, you know?
Arashi: Which means he’s naturally high after staying up the entire night?
Leo: Yeah. He should’ve just slept on the plane but he was reading the script for his next work. It’s not always good to be so serious, huh.
Ritsu: It’s a good example of the more serious they are, the crazier they’ll be when they snap. You should be careful too, Suu-chan.
Tsukasa: Haa… As usual, you are all good examples of what not to do in my eyes.
← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →
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GIRL CRUSH [PHOENIX 2/8]
PART OF MY “WHATEVER THIS IS” SERIES WHICH CAN BE FOUND HERE
PAIRING: NATASHA ‘PHOENIX’ TRACE x Female Pilot!Reader
NICKNAME: Aries
It goes without saying but I do not give permission for anyone to use my work or copy it somewhere else.
Want to be added to the tag list for this character, all stories or another character? LET ME KNOW HERE :)
PART ONE / PART TWO / PART THREE / PART FOUR / PART FIVE / PART SIX / PART SEVEN / PART EIGHT
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PLOT: With both their WSOs gone constantly, you and Aries are left to bound and spend all your down time together. But there’s a secret that the two of you have kept from each other - not quite ready yet to come out in the light, but your attraction to each other might just force everything to the surface.
            A few days after Phantom got home from her long-extended tour, you took a trip down the coast of North Island and up to a quaint curvy road to where a house sat near a lighthouse. The warm smile curved onto your mouth as you took in the cooled temperatures and tugged your seatbelt off.
            Feet planted on the ground, you saw Phantom wave from the front porch, chipping away with white paint and a glass in hand. “What a site for sore eyes,” you called lightly, slamming your door shut and moving toward your friend. She giggled lightheartedly, examining her freshly painted toes and smoothed a hand over her denim shorts.
            “Beats a medic uniform any day of the week, huh?”
            “Not quite,” you trampled up the small steps, “If I have to see you in the field in your uniform, you’re like an angel.” The comment settled too easily among the soldiers, a compartmentalization of their duties.
            “Lemonade?” you took a moment to look over the red round table and matching metal chairs sat snuggly in the corner. Beside the pitcher of lemonade was a bottle.
            “You day drinking Phantom?”
            “I just got back from a six-month tour,” the woman sighed, “Of course I’m drinking.” She took her time pouring out your shot before mixing it with the lemonade, adding a lemon slice and a rosemary stick before passing the glass your way. You took some time, learning about her missions and rescues over the course of the last six months. “We only lost one guy,” Phantom shared, making you swallow down the ice cube rolling around your tongue.
            “Fuck,” you replied, placing your glass down on the table as you took in the information. “He went down in his plane somewhere over the coastline and when I got down in the water, he was all blood and bones when I got to the wreckage.” Phantom had a far-off glint, breath shallow as she surely saw the man’s face in her mind.
            You reached over, placing a warm hand on the flesh of her kneecap. “Hey,” you mumbled quietly, watching as Phantom returned to the present. “You did everything you could. You always do Phan.” Her small smile thanked you, pouring a full shot straight of vodka before tipping it back.
            “Enough about me,” Phantom swore off and waved a hand as the alcohol seeped into her soul. She leaned back in her chair and smiled, “Tell me what’s up with you and Phoenix.” You looked out to the lighthouse, suddenly enthusiastic about the foaming of the water lapping at the base of the rocks. “Oh, come on Aries.”
            “Don’t Aries me,” you replied, glancing back at your close friend with warmed cheeks. You scratched at your neck and cleared your throat as you took another sip of your lemonade. “Nothing is up with us,” you said, tone less than confident though you would blame that on the sickly acidic nature of the lemon. You felt her gaze on your left cheek, burning into the flesh there.
            “You haven’t told her.”
            “Of course not,” you murmured and turned to look at her. “Most of the team doesn’t even know.”
            “You have to tell her,” Phantom replied all too quickly and you quipped an eyebrow at her.
            “I’ll do that when you talk with Bradley,” you shot back, head tilted to the side as you stared down at her expectedly. The sound of his name made a visible nerve echo inside of Phantom and she rolled her eyes. You knew the history of the two, just as she knew all the harm that you went through in your first few months of coming out of the closet.
            “I’m going out to the drive in with her tonight,” you shared finally after a few minutes of quiet. Your gaze returned to the waves, the crashing of the water peacefully against the sound of your heartbeat rapping in your eardrum.
            “Tell Natasha,” Phantom smiled lovingly, hand patting the back of yours across the table. “I’m sure it will be worth it.”
            Later that night, you pulled up to the barracks to pick up Natasha. You had thrown on a pair of boyfriend jeans and paired it with a simple white top. Your hoodie was through into the back seat, along with blown up air mattress stacked with fluffy pillows and a ton of freshly washed knitted quilts. Natasha rushed out the door, cheering wildly with a six pack in hand in pursuit of the passenger of your SUV.
            “I’m so pumped,” she cried out as she clamored inside and shut the door behind her, settling into the cool leather and air conditioning. “Have I mentioned-,”
            “That you love The Goonies?” your wide smile beamed at her as you began backing out of the space, “Just once or twice.” She giggled, tucking her silky hair behind her ear to reveal a simple ear cuff. She looked beautiful.
            “Thank you for coming with me,” Natasha murmured, suddenly a little shy as you pulled onto the road to take off to the theater. “Bob and Gemini totally bailed on us…you think they’re hanging out?” Her fingertips brushed along the dials of the radio and turned to your Spotify, clicking a Soft Pop playlist.
            “The two of them are so private,” you replied, humming along to a Lady Gaga song. “They could be married for all we know. You would never know,” the two of you giggled as you settled into a comfortable silence.
@luckyladycreator2 @ceilingfann @rosiahills22 @peaches-1999 @caswinchester2000 @hopefulinlove @cevans-winchester @double-j @pnsteblnme @desertgremlin @arieltwvdtohamflash @cloudbasic @milos-map
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abbatoirablaze · 9 months
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SDAU, The Right Stuff, Chapter 5
Word Count: 814
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“Ugh, another one?”
“Shut up, Michael!” Kitten smiled, slapping her boyfriend playfully as she handed off one of the twins to him, “and be supportive of your brother’s ideas.”
“I’m supportive,” the dragon lied, a smirk gracing his lips, “I’m very supportive…and I’m very giving…you should know that from what I just did for two h-“
“MICHAEL!”
He licked his lips, his eyes trailing down his mate’s form, “god, you don’t know what you do to me, Kitten…I’d put another set of hatchlings in you right this second if you let me.”
“You can barely contain these two when I’m not around,” she replied honestly.  Lance couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched the interaction, the young family all too cute to him.  She looked over to her mate’s friend, and Lance gave her a guilty smile, “I know that you watch after them more than anyone, Lance Tucker.”
Lance blushed. 
Even though his head had become slightly inflated from the Olympics, he loved nothing more than when any of his recently graduated brothers or his current ones brought over their children.  The omega in him lived for the little ones, caring for them and spoiling them beyond belief. 
There was Tony and Pepper and their little kit Morgan.  Arianna and Ari and their little cubs.  The sight of the little ones learning to toddle around drove him wild and was nearly enough to have him trying to find an alpha to start his own pack. 
“Hey…Lance is a very caring individual!” Mike smiled, handing off one of his kids to the younger omega.  The little boy squealed excitedly and hugged him, “see…Anthony loves his Uncle Lance…”
“So does Addison!” Kitten cooed, looking at how her daughter was trying to reach out for the wolf as well, “but I mean, who could blame them…after the one time daddy left them at the park with their little cousi-“
“That was one time!” Mike groaned, shaking his head, “I’m never going to live it down, am I?”
“Not even once!” Lance smirked, snuggling up with the little dragon hatchling, “I mean, how can you forget such a cute face as this?  Anthony is precious.”
“I do make some pretty cute babies!” Mike grinned, “we do-I mean…see Kitten, all the more reason to jump on that train.  I’m a senior now…and I’ve already agreed to sign on with that professional team whe-“
“Mike, you’re not going to convince me to have more hatchlings by saying you’re going to be gone a good portion of the year!”
“But you’ll have a piece of me wit-“
“We already have twins, alpha.”
The word caught him off guard, and a rumble started in his chest, “don’t tease me now, woman.”
“Then don’t open the door!” she smirked.  She nudged Lance, “come on, honey.  Help me take the babies out to the living room before everyone gets here.  I told Pepper and Arianna I’d set up the play area for the babies.”
Lance nodded obediently, following his best friend’s mate out into the living room, where he was met with a good bit of the party already starting.  His breath caught in his throat as he saw Ari holding their daughter, while his fiancé cradled her swelling stomach.  Tony was holding Morgan while Pepper was mapping out a space for the babies to have tummy time together. 
“Oh, look who’s been recruited for baby duty!” Tony teased. 
Lance smiled, happy to be included, while Ari clapped his shoulder, “Tucker.  Good to see you again, brother.  How’ve you been?  Still saying humble since the Olymics?”
“Good…good…” he grinned, “I mean, I saw you guys a few weeks ago when you brought the kids over, but-“
“Family dinner!” Ari cut him off with a giant smile, “oh, you won’t believe it.  We found out at our last appointment that Arianna is pregnant with twin bears…boys…”
“Oh god, the last thing we need more of is twin Ari clones!” Charles added in, joining the conversation with he and Loki’s sweet little boy on his hip. 
“Charles.” Tony grinned, “Where’s the husband?”
“Got caught up talking with Barnes and Rogers and their theta!” he pointed out, nodding towards the group by the door. 
Lance looked over, and his breath caught in his throat.  There, at the door with Steve, Bucky, Mini, and Loki were two women; one of whom he’d seen quite frequently at the gym for the past week. 
“No way…” Lance said in disbelief, “hey-who is the women with them?  I know Mini…but is-“
“Oh, Steve’s sisters?” Charles asked, curious about his question, “you’ve never met them?”
“Last time they came to one of the dinners Steve organized he was training for the Olympics,” Ari reminded the group, “you should introduce yourself to them, Lance…Steve’s younger sister teaches gymnastics to the 4- to 6-year-olds on the weekends here on campus…”
“You don’t say…”
Tag List:  @teambarnes72, @lohnes16, @prokey16
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savvythepirate · 2 years
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The Injury
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Pairing: Hector Barbossa x reader
Warnings: None
Requested by: @valoraxx
The Request:
Could I maybe request a Barbossa x reader with the prompt “Why didn’t you say how bad it was?”? (With a happy ending please). If not it’s all good, I understand!
***
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” You hissed, taking hold of your side.
Just as always, you weren’t clever enough to watch where you were heading and so the consequence for that was of you running into something sharp that you didn’t see coming your way.
A part of you was telling you to take a look at it, the other was saying not to and to take care of it later. Once again, you had decided not to take the brighter path that would have you check to make sure your wound is not serious. Everyone who knew you would first describe you as the most stubborn person anyone could meet, but you had a kind personality that made people want to be around you, that kind of personality that all it would take was for you to walk into a crowded room with light negativity and positive vibes would turn up in a split second. There were always reasons as to why you choose to do what you do, none of it made sense most of the time. This time, you had a pretty good reason to not get it checked out right away, or at least you believed it was a good reason and felt it was the right thing to do.
You clutch your side, starting to make an approach to the team leader, Barbossa for your next assignment. One of the things about was you had a high pain tolerance and you can go through it with no problem, no complaints. However, sometimes it would come to the point where you had to complain to someone, but you didn’t want to take it to Barbossa. Barbossa was your captain, and ever since you joined his team, you treated your daily duties as a mission as if your life had depended on it. There are days where you feel like you had failed for whatever reason and the only possible way to make up for your failings was to try harder each day you’re given. Once you had approached your captain, you remove your hands and act like nothing had happened and everything was fine.
“What next, captain?”
Barbossa turns back towards you, ready to give you another task when he noticed your blood stained shirt. At the time, there was only a small amount of blood soaking through, but it was enough to have him concerned about your well-being and started asking what happened. Obviously you weren’t going to give him an honest answer, telling him that you were okay and brush it off as nothing to worry about.
“What happened?”
“Oh, I had a little nosebleed. I’m fine though, I promise I am.”
The look on Barbossa’s face told you he wasn’t convinced, but he let it slide telling himself that he would ask you about it again later.
Once you got your next task, you got right on it and lucky for you, you got company from your favorite person on the ship, or your second favorite person and best friend on the ship.
“Hey, (Y/n)! What’s happening?” (F/n) asked as you walk in.
“Captain assigned for me to get something done back here.”
“So what you’re saying is, you get to partner up with me on this?”
“Yep, I do for now.”
“Great!”
As you were working, you had your mind focused on what you were doing that you had actually forgotten of your wound.
It didn’t alert you like it should have when your friend started examining your face as it was turning incredibly pale. The only thing you were worried about was getting the task done so you could get on with the next. While your mind stayed focused on your work, it was interrupted a few moments later by your friend asking if you were okay and if you needed help. While he was asking you all of this, Barbossa happened to be walking by and stopped when he heard your friend question you.
“Are you okay, (Y/n)? You don’t look so good.”
“I’m fine, really.”
“That’s a lie, now tell me honestly. What’s going on?”
You let out a sigh before reluctantly lifting your shirt to reveal your wound.
A gasp left your lips first, as you saw that the wound wasn’t getting any better. In fact, it seemed much worse. When you cover it with your hand, your friend let a gasp out as well and that’s when Barbossa steps in, making his presence well known.
“Let me see.” He demands, stepping in front of (F/n).
You protested and backed away, obviously not wanting to show him how bad it had gotten since he last saw.
He stepped forward each time you backed away, demanding that you show remove your hands and let him see. It took a few moments hesitation until you allowed your hands to uncover what you were trying to hide from him, and the minute he saw it, his facial expression changed into a soft look of concern. Immediately, he wanted to help you patch up, so that’s exactly what he did. He excused you from your station and demanded you to follow behind without telling you where he was taking you. At first, you thought you were going to get in trouble, but as if you didn’t already know, you were already in trouble. Much to your surprise, he took you to his sleeping quarters and pulled out everything he needed to fix you up.
Just as expected, he didn’t go without questioning you on why you didn’t let him help you earlier.
“Why didn’t you say how bad this was? This could have turned into something so much worse of (F/n) didn’t make you show him your wound.”
“I didn’t think it was that bad, honestly. I know I should have gotten it taken care of, but I wanted to get everything done.”
“Well, no more anything for you. The next task I’m giving you is taking the next few days easy so that you can heal properly.”
Barbossa had suddenly become very stern about this, and we’ll, you can’t disobey the captain’s orders.
“You got it.”
“Good.”
As you were in the healing process, Barbossa would be the one to come visit you more often then any of the others.
Well, your friend, (F/n) would come to see you as well but each visit came with him scolding you, taking in on Barbossa’s side on that it was dumb of you to not take care of yourself the second you should have. Apart from that, it was nice to see your friend but it could never be a long visit as you would have wished. Although despite all this, you couldn’t help but get impressed by how Barbossa takes really good care of you. The healing process turned out to be a good ending as a result on staying on top of strictly sticking to Barbossa’s caring orders for you to get healed as quickly as possible, and it worked.
As a final result, you healed within the three days ahead of you while Barbossa would send someone out to check on you, to make sure you had everything you needed and keeping an eye to make sure you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing when he couldn’t do that himself. As said in just three days, you had come through and had you feeling like a whole new person. Things were now back to the way they were before your injury, and it was all thanks to Barbossa,
You really couldn’t thank him enough for everything. There were just no words that could be used to describe it.
There just wasn’t.
***
Requests: OPEN
@savvythepirate
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prismatranslates-cue · 3 months
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Rie [Sabbath of Castor] Part 2
Previously: Part 1
Rie: A lot’s changed since we were kids. Like the stores, for one thing. So many of these places weren’t around back then.
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Mei: Yes…oh.
Mei: Wait here for a moment.
---
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Mei: Here you go.
Rie: Hm? What’s this? Oh, it’s warm…
Mei: A corned beef taiyaki.
Rie: A…corned beef taiyaki? They really make those?
Mei: And this one’s chili cheese flavour.
Rie: Is that even still taiyaki?
Mei: This kind of food–and the store that sells it–wasn’t around when we were younger.
Rie: Yeah. This is definitely my first time having something like this. It’s not bad, though.
Mei: You’re a different person now than you were before. You’re a Team Leader and all that.
Mei: New food for a new Rie. It’s only fitting.
Rie: What an oddly threatening way of saying that. You sound like you’re describing “eye for an eye”. …Oh, but don’t get me wrong. I appreciate you going out of your way to find these.
Mei: Rie. I want you to let go and not be so concerned about all the people around you.
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Rie: Huh?
Mei: It’s just you and me. Be as “Ellis” as you want today.
Rie: Oh? Very well. If you so desire…
Rie: Hmph. This foodstuff is queer but I cannot deny it is also quite delectable. Did you track this down for my sake? You have my gratitude.
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Mei: …
Rie: Was that okay…?
Mei: There were no issues.
Rie: I don’t know if anyone’s ever actively encouraged me to lean into my Ellis persona. I’m kind of at a loss, honestly.
Mei: Rie, you have undergone quite a few changes since becoming leader, but you’ve clearly been spending less time as Ellis as a result.
Mei: So at least this much is okay.
Rie: I detect some faint hints of reluctance in those words…or is my mind playing tricks on me…?
---
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Rie: For those who consider themselves seiyuu, reading manga is not only a hobby but a duty. One could call it training, if not outright part of our mission.
Mei: I’ve never thought of it with any such gravitas.
Rie: You’ve always had lots of manga and books and games and stuff in your room ever since we were little, after all.
Mei: Yes.
Rie: And ever since we were little…I would always ask to borrow them from you.
Mei: You were content with that.
Rie: …Oh? This is that anime that Team Flower were cast in…oho. So they already have merch.
Rie: A matter of course for such a popular work. But we can hardly sit by and let them leave us in the dust.
Mei: …Indeed.
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Rie: Ah!
Rie: This is that book that everyone’s been talking about lately! I’ve been considering reading it myself…
Mei: I own a copy of that already.
Rie: Oh, do you? Can I read it when we get back home?
Mei: Sure.
Rie: I’ve had my eye on it for a while! It sounds super interesting from what I’ve heard about it. Gosh, sorry that I’m always imposing on you like this.
Mei: Rie? Ellis.
Rie: You may always ask me to return the favour, if you wish me to lend you something you desire.
Mei: Sure. I’d likely already have anything you could lend, though.
Rie: Yeah, I think so too…
---
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Rie: Oh! Do you mind if I try that claw machine for a bit?
Mei: Is there something in there you want?
Rie: That figure. It’s one of my most admired characters in all demonkind, a great leader among us fell creatures…
Mei: I’ve never seen you succeed at one of these.
Rie: Tch…well, allow me to show you now. I will make short work of this feeble machine.
---
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Rie: Hah, a worthy foe…How did I burn through 3000 yen so fast…?
Mei: …Here, let me try.
Rie: R-right.
Mei: It’s important to analyze the target’s weight and centre of gravity, in order to understand where you want to apply the force. You should be able to picture the action in your mind.
Mei: First, you shift the target’s position, like…so.
Rie: So then with a second one…
Mei: See?
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Rie: Gosh, you’re always so amazing, Mei. You make things I could never pull off look easy.
Mei: It’s no big deal. …Behold, I present to you my tribute for your nativity.
Rie: Yay! Thanks, Mei. I’ll treasure it forever!
Mei: Rie? Ellis.
Rie: My boundless gratitude defies expression with mere words!
Mei: …There you go. That’s good.
---
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Rie: Lo, the night already approaches, for the sun returns to the horizon so early during the winter moons. Truly the perfect season for denizens of the dark.
Mei: …It’s almost time.
To be continued...in Part 3
0 notes
jensonsbuttons · 3 years
Text
hmmm okay but maybe we shouldn’t put press duties first if you’re an athlete struggling from any sort of health issues (mental or physical) and make sure that we start to prioritize athletes overall health (again mental or physical)
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cheeseburgersstuff · 3 years
Note
Hi💖Can u pls write like steve rogera x reader, where steve got badly hurt in a mission and end up lossing his memory and forget about his wife(reader) and his marriage reader tries to help him remind.. lot of angst with a happy ending please..💗
Reminisce
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Steve Rogers x Reader
Warnings: language, mistakes, shitty plot, kinda idiot Steve (not really) a Lil bit of angst...
A/N: thank you nonnie for the ask and I'm sorry it took me so long :') and still, it's shitty...
Word Count: 2.8k
master-list.
~
You ran towards the infirmary with tears running down your face. It might be an overreaction to someone else considering how he would be just fine but you knew he was hurt. You had a weird feeling before he even went on that mission, a restlessness inside you that you couldn’t express.
The sight made you stop breathing for a moment. “Oh Steve” you whispered seeing your husband laying on the bed embraced by the wires. The right side of his face was swollen, bruised, and a nasty cut on the left side towards his lips.
He was still unconscious. Doctor Cho came out of the room. You rushed towards her.
“How’s he?” your voice, hoarse because of crying.
She sighed and looked at you with sympathy. “Can’t say anything till he becomes conscious. But you can meet him now” she said with a smile before walking off.
You entered his room with shaky legs and sat near him. He looked tired, a frown covering his face that you wanted to smooth out with your fingers. But you were too afraid to touch his injured face, your heart cleaned seeing him like that.
putting your hand on his while resting your head on the space on the bed, a fresh tear escaped your eye.
--------
You woke up feeling a hand jerking away from yours. You sat up and looked at a confused Steve.
“Hey, it’s okay,” you said trying to comfort him but he looked panicked. You went outside to call the doctor.
Steve was trying to free himself from the wires when you got back. You ran towards him to stop him.
“Hey, relax babe” you put your hands on him, causing him to stop. But before he could utter a word the doctor came in.
“Good morning captain rogers.” she greeted cheerfully coming towards him to check him up.
“What happened to me” was what he said.
The doctor kept checking his injuries. “You got severely injured on the mission. Kept everyone worried especially this lady here” she smiled, pointing towards you.
Steve frowned, his hurt hurting like hell. “What mission?” he didn’t remember going on any mission and why would you be worried about him.
“You shouldn’t be worried about me agent y/l/n”
Both you and doctor Cho exchanged looks at his words. This was getting serious.
Doctor Cho sighed and signaled you to follow her. You left a confused Steve behind and followed her.
A frown covering her face, “I think you have an idea what is happening to him.” she said, sympathy in her eyes for you.
Yes, you knew but didn’t want to accept it. When you didn’t reply she sighed explaining it to you. “He is having amnesia, most probably retrograde amnesia where he can’t remember things before the injury. We can’t say what he remembers what he doesn't but by the looks of it I think he doesn’t remember you are his wife”
“Yeah I know, he called me agent” it came out ruder than you anticipated but she understood your anger even though it wasn’t her fault.
“We will have to do CT scans to know how severe the damage is. And maybe he is going to heal soon because of the serum” she placed her hand on your shoulder. Her words soothe your worry a little bit.
“And you could help him heal too, it wouldn’t be easy though. You have to be careful not to overwhelm him with too much information” saying this she left, probably preparing for the CT scans.
With a sigh, you returned to the room. Steve was still sitting on the bed with his head in his hand. You sat down beside him, patting his shoulder gently so he wouldn’t get scared.
The soft eyes he gave you, reminded you of the time he came out of the ice. When you were assigned to guide him to cope with his new life. He had the same look when he was trying to understand how to use a smartphone and then looked at you with confusion, silently pleading for help.
He was asking for help again but this time you weren’t enjoying this, you were scared. What if he never…
“What’s the last thing you remember?” you asked softly.
“The last mission I remember is with you Nat and Rumlow, to free the hostages. But we came back, reported to fury, and then went home. That’s it” that was two years ago, a month before you two started dating.
So he doesn’t even remember us dating. You thought.
“Steve, I know it would be difficult to understand, to accept but what you remember happened two years ago.” you didn't know how much to tell him before he started to panic but for now he looked okay. Trying to take in the information.
You took the ring beside the table, they took it off his finger and showed him. “Um.. this is” you were hesitant to tell him but it was important. You showed him your hand with the wedding ring.
“We got married,” you whispered looking at him, trying to read his expressions.
You knew how emotional he was about his relationships, and suddenly knowing he was married would be a shock.
Steve took your hand in his and caressed the finger as if trying to remember but there was nothing.
Nothing, he could think off and smile. It was a bit painful to know you are married and not know anything about it. That day, your life with that person.
“Hey, it’s okay. You are going to be fine. We are going to retrieve everything back” you said his face in your hands.
You didn't know how you were going to do that or how much time would it take but right now it was important to give him hope.
He nodded and got out of your grip. Suddenly the doctor came in to take Steve for CT scans.
His ring was still in your hands, you didn’t give him, nor did he ask for it…
~
You brought Steve to your floor after the CT scans. You cleaned the bedroom especially for him considering how difficult you find cleaning your room.
There was an awkward silence between you two. You never felt this way with him even when you two didn’t start dating.
“You should change and take a rest, I’ll bring you dinner” you smiled to which he just nodded and watched you go.
It wasn’t that he didn’t like you anymore. He did like you, and with what he remembers he was thinking of asking you out but suddenly you are his wife and…
His head hurts thinking about that, so he laid on the bed thinking this all to be a dream.
~
You went to the kitchen where everyone was eating and talking. When they saw you coming they stopped and stared at you.
“I’m just here to make dinner for him. His head hurts constantly, I think he is thinking too much” you sighed. The team gave you sad smiles.
“It’s gonna be alright y/n,” nat said, coming towards you. She hugged you before you started making something for your husband.
You came back with a bowl of soup and saw him lying in bed with closed eyes but you knew he wasn’t sleeping. You sat near him and ran your fingers through his hair causing him to open his eyes. You smiled at him.
“I brought you soup, you have to take your medicines after that.” again just a nod and he took the bowl from you.
You got up and continued watching him, no glance at you, no smile, nothing. You knew you had to be patient but it still hurts seeing him behaving like a stranger.
With a sigh, you went to the bathroom to change for bed…
~
It’s been 3 weeks since lost his memories and you were trying very patiently to help. You were always there for him, wake him up with a smile, usually, you would kiss him but now everything stopped as he was distant from you. But now things were a little bit better as he would often give you a little smile. You made him his favorite food. You took him for walks and to dinner, where you two had memories.
Yesterday you took him to the restaurant where you went on your first date. You were noticing his expressions the whole time if he would get a spark of his past but there was nothing. And even if he felt something he didn’t show it. He barely showed any expressions now.
Today you were going to take him to the central park, that was where you took him first when he came out of the ice.
You personally had a lot of memories there with your family.
Maybe if you talked about the same things you did that day, that could cause an effect on him.
You sighed happily and went down the floor, to find him. He was on desk duty these days, which was funny. Considering the captain who always gave everyone else that pathetic job as a punishment, was doing it himself. And that everyone was mostly you, the favorite target of Steve Roger’s wrath.
You went towards his desk but didn’t find him there. So after asking FRIDAY you were heading towards the laboratory.
You were about to enter but stopped hearing their voices.
“I don’t know tony. It’s not like I don’t like her but…. She is being too much for me. She is always there, when I wake up I see her face, on breakfast lunch dinner. Then going to bed. And now she is taking me outside. It’s… so overwhelming.” Steve sighed.
Normally Steve Rogers didn’t babble his tensions out when anyone asked him what happened. But now when tony asked this question he couldn’t help but let out everything he was thinking for the past three weeks.
Tony gave him a sympathetic smile, “maybe you should talk to her then. Tell her she needs to give you space. She isn’t like that, Steve, she is worried too and maybe that’s why she didn’t even realize that.”
Steve considered his words and indeed before going out of the laboratory. You on the other hand left before he could.
Here you were trying so hard to help him get back to normal and he was taking you, as too much.
You marched towards your room and packed your stuff. Maybe you should shift back to your floor giving him his space back.
Well, you were being too much y/n. You thought. But for him, and if he had any problem he should have talked directly to you.
You sighed. He was normal with everyone but you, or maybe everyone was normal with him but you.
You took your bag and went back to the other floor. Now you also would try to be normal, acting as if nothing happened and wait for some miracle to heal him.
After making your old bedroom look presentable you decide to head towards the gym to let out your frustrations. But on the way you found Steve, who had the audacity to smile at you.
“Umm… I was looking for you,” he said softly. This made you even more annoyed. He was acting as if he didn’t bitched you to your friend just half an hour ago.
“Why?” he flinched at your tone which wasn’t meant to be that harsh.
“We were supposed to go for a walk” you sighed and gave him a forced smile.
“Not today Steve. I am a bit tired.” you were about to walk away but stopped.
“And Steve, I think we should stop this for some time. It must be overwhelming, huh, you know I can be too much sometimes,” you whispered the last part. He barely caught it but he heard. And watched you walk away.
~
One week passed and he was restless. You weren’t there, he barely saw you the whole day. He couldn’t even sleep at night. It wasn’t just because of the guilt of his words, it was your presence that soothes him, your warmth. Even though his mind didn’t remember his body was used to being around you.
He was in the kitchen making coffee for everyone when you walked in. and it hurt him when you didn’t even look at him and started preparing your breakfast.
“Hey, your coffee,” Steve said, passing a cup towards you.
“Steve she doesn’t drink black coffee-like, everyone” nat said looking at him.
Steve shocked his head, “no I didn’t make her—” he stopped in the middle of his sentence.
You looked towards your cup and it was filled with cream and an outrageous amount of sweetness, just like you loved your coffee.
You looked towards Steve who was giving you a nervous smile, while everyone remained silent. “Thank you” you muttered and walked out with your cup.
With a smile and happy tears in your eyes, he subconsciously made you a coffee. He remembered.
Still, that didn’t mean you are going to be on friendly terms with him.
~
The mission was successful but tiring, you were returning in the jet with Tony nat and clint. Sitting in a corner you smiled lightly thinking about the moments before going to the missions.
Steve came to you, “be safe” that’s what he whispered before giving you a peck on the cheek, hesitantly. As if you would slap his face hard for kissing you.
You chuckled before closing your eyes to take a nap…
~
He was sitting at the desk doing his work when Sherline? What was her name? Came to him with a more than a friendly smile. She was a new receptionist always needing help with stuff especially when Steve is around. She bent down when you walked in with a file on the mission.
Not again… that was what you thought. You knew what he must be on his display by the flustered face and the way he was averting his eyes.
He smiled hesitantly before trying to explain whatever that recipient girl was asking him.
“Captain Rogers” you called, with authority causing both of them to look at you. The girl instantly straightened and walked away before greeting you. Your eyes followed her as she went away before coming back to him.
The look of disappointment you gave him, reminded Steve of a memory, somewhere deep inside his head.
“Captain Rogers” your voice was stern as you looked at Sharon and then Steve. She was there for some work Fury asked her to do, and also got a chance to see Steve as well. You were annoyed from a hectic mission after a week to submit your report and seeing them together annoyed you even more.
“Hey y/n” Sharon greeted with a smile which you returned with your forced one. You marched towards steve and threw your file on the desk.
“Report,” you said before walking away.
With the same look of disappointment, you came near him and threw your file. Steve looked like a kicked puppy when he looked up.
“Report” the voice seemed like it was coming from a distance. He was watching you go away and involuntarily called your name.
“y/n” he kept calling but you didn’t stop. He left Sharon there and ran towards you. He grabbed your arm, causing you to turn. “What?” you spat…
He remembered, he remembered what he said after that, your wrist in his hand and you, still thinking what the fuck he wants?
“Will… will you go out with me” the words left his mouth. He suddenly smiled looking at your expressions. Your eyes got wet, while you chuckled.
“You..”
“Just a little bit” he whispered.
He took your hands in his, “look y/n I’m sorry about those words. I was just” but you stopped him. “I understand,” you smiled sadly. “Doctor Cho warned me not to be overwhelmed. I just got too much, I know”
“Will you give me another chance, will you help me with this?” he asked.
“Of course babe,” you said before giving him a long-overdue hug. It felt so good to feel him against you after so long, his arms wrapped around you. Now he felt like your husband.
“Now can you give me my ring back?” he said, showing you his empty hand.
“Hmm, lemme think about it. Think if you even deserve it or not” you said squinting your eyes at him.
He pretended to be wounded at your words only to receive a scoff from you. You turned and walked away leaving him there alone.
“Buy me dinner first, then I’ll decide” you shouted behind you, causing the captain to smile shyly.
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arcanadreams · 3 years
Text
Water Fights with the OM Bros
it’s 90 degrees outside at my place and you know what that means!!! water fight headcanons because I refuse to go outside in the heat in real life asdhgskjdgks
once again i’m only doing the brothers bc i do not trust myself with the dateables just yet lmao
Lucifer:
Literally only agrees to join because you’re so excited about it.
“...If it makes you happy, MC,” are his exact words. Simp.
You did agree to make the game have no points though, to keep things from getting competitive. Both at the advice of Lucifer and because you knew he would not join if there was any chance he could lose. (Also because Satan is a menace but we’ll get to that later.)
When all the brothers are gathered he suggests everyone pairs up into teams. 
“You’re only saying that so you can cozy with M-” Asmo tries to say before being sprayed in the face with water.
“My hair!” “Oh, look at that. I suppose the game has started,” Lucifer hides his water gun behind his legs, but he can’t hide the shit eating grin on his face.
He takes your hand with a “Come along, MC,” and leads you away as everyone splits up.
You two make a surprisingly good team for this sort of thing! He knows the gardens well and also knows where each of his brothers is likely to go. You are quite skilled water water guns and balloons. He’s basically the brains and you’re the brawn. 
He snatches a few kisses now and then when you look back at him excitedly after smacking one of his brothers with a balloon. You’re just so cute!
When everyone is all tuckered out and goes off to shower and whatever, Lucifer hangs back with you to thank you for organizing everything. With a kiss to the back of your hand, he says, “I’ll admit, I was...skeptical, at first. But, as usual, you brought my brothers together in a way I haven’t seen in a long while. Thank you, MC.” 
Mammon:
“I’m MC’s first man, so I get to team with them!” “You’re also literally my boyfriend, but okay hun.” Cue Mammon blushing beet red at the nickname and muttering at you not to call him that in front of his brothers. (He doesn’t mean it; he loves that they know you’re his and vice versa.)
Strategically, the two of you are the absolute worst. But that’s because you’re both just there to have fun!
And have fun you do! You actually get in quite a few fun chases with Levi! He’s probably the most into the water fight out of everyone, the three of you are just running around the gardens pelting each other with balloons. It’s super cute.
Mammon is absolutely the type to yell “I’ll avenge you, MC!” every single time you get sprayed. 
Eventually, you and Mammon follow Levi’s advice and start hiding in places to catch some of the other brothers by surprise. Which would be fine if Mammon didn’t blush super hard and start grumbling because of how close together you were when kneeling behind the garden wall.
You roll your eyes and surge forward to kiss him. He’s so shocked he has no idea what to do with his hands at first. But, after a second of pause, his water gun falls to the ground with a clatter and he wraps his arms around you.
“Get a room,” Is all the two of you hear before Belphie dumps a whole ass bucket of water on your heads. Mammon growls and jumps up to get the youngest before Beel can scoop him up, but you grab his hand and stop him. 
You’re laughing super hard, and the sun is shining on your hair. You almost look like you have a halo...Mammon gives up the chase before it even starts because his MC is simply ethereal. 
“Mammon!” You smile brilliantly at him when you finally stop laughing. “I kissed you to keep you quiet! And then you managed to make even more noise!” 
He just hugs you then so you can’t see his blushing face. Stupid lovely human making fun of him. (He likes it, though.)
Leviathan:
This boy is literally the MOST excited when you tell him your idea. He was in on it from the very start.
He actually helped you get all the supplies! He opens his Akuzon account right away and starts showing you what water guns would be best and picking out huge packs of balloons made specifically for being water grenades. (Definitely had looked all this stuff up before in case he found a LARPing buddy.)
You ask him how much Grimm all this stuff will cost and he tells you not to worry. “I’ll cover it!” “But, Levi-” He interrupts you with big blush on his face. 
“L-Listen MC. You’re m-my Henry! And I know this will be fun, s-so...I’ll cover it.” You leap forward and give him a hug, triggering a surprised but equally happy screech.
Honestly he is so excited you proposed an idea like that of your own volition. Like...it just makes him feel like all the games and stuff he finds fun truly don’t bother you. You haven’t been lying; you genuinely are interested in the same things as him. It makes him feel so warm.
When everyone is still arriving, you grab one of your water guns and do that cool spinny thing. You know the thing. The cowboy gun spin. You’re like, “Hey Levi! Check this out!” 
BAM. Boy is OUT. So red his face is steaming. That’s the hottest thing he has ever seen in his entire damn life. What the fuck, MC. He is basically frozen on the spot out of sheer overwhelmed-ness as how hot that was. You have to drag him away when the water fight starts. Totally worth staying up all night figuring out how to do the spin trick with a water gun.
Once the action gets going, you two are unstoppable. No one escapes the fight unscathed thanks to y’all. All those late night Call of Duty sessions trained you for this!!
Your favorite tactic is definitely camping, though. You and Levi would pick a spot and hide there, waiting for one of his brothers to come by, and then...ATTACK!
If it actually were a competition, you two would’ve won by a landslide. But honestly, Levi didn’t really keep track. He was having too much fun watching you. You were so mesmerizing when you were in the zone and so gorgeous when laughing as you gave him victory high fives after a successful ambush. 
You let him take a picture of you posing all tough with your water gun and he makes it his DDD background immediately. And his lockscreen so you can protect his DDD from intruders.
Satan:
THIS ASSHOLE. THIS MAN IS THE REASON YOU MADE SURE THERE WAS NO COMPETITION.
If there was any sense of competition, Satan would’ve gone absolutely out of his mind to beat Lucifer. He would make sure to destroy that man’s dignity as thoroughly as possible.
So, for the sake of both him and the eldest brother, no points. No contest. He grumbles about it, but, much like said eldest brother, he still joins because he sees how happy the idea of a family water fight makes you.
 Satan treats is almost as seriously as Levi does. EVEN THOUGH YOU MADE SURE IT WASN’T A COMPETITION, HE DAMN SURE STILL ACTS LIKE IT IS. UGH.
Literally pulls a map of the House of Lamentation’s gardens out of his back pocket??? And puts it on the side of the fountain?? And starts planning maneuvers on it with you??? He pulls a pen out of his SWIM TRUNK POCKETS to use to point with and emphasize his points. You just blink at him. This is your mans. Good lord.
Considering his expert knowledge of the layout of the entire surrounding area of HoL from that map, he actually knows of some secret passages the other brothers don’t even consider. He takes you to them so you can use them to spy on what Lucifer’s the other brothers’ strategies are.
It’s only once you’re creeping around the tunnels that he realizes something: none of his brothers know where you are. They can’t bother you...time to make out.
Grabs your attention with a quiet, “MC” and gives you a smooch. Soon enough he is backing you up against the wall. A water balloon you have tied to your belt pops against the rough brick, interrupting the two of you.
Satan disregards it and move to kiss you again, but you let out a gasp. He’s worried for you for a moment: did you scrape yourself? But when you turn to look at him, there’s a mischievous glint in your eye that he loves to see. 
“My water broke!” You whisper-exclaim dramatically, covering your mouth in fake shock. Satan has to nuzzle his face in your neck to avoid laughing and filling the tunnel with the echo that would alert his brothers. The two of you basically just canoodle in the passages until the water fight is over LMAO
Asmodeus:
Pretty much just to show off how good he looks in a bathing suit to you and anyone else who happens to be lucky enough to witness his glory.
He’s not the best at water fights and ends up using you as a human shield sometimes adjgfkjshf
“Asmo! Stop hiding behind me!” “I am not letting Lucifer mess up my hair twice in one day, darling!”
He comments quite often on how hot you look. Both in your bathing suit and also when in the zone looking for victims to douse in watery fury. You look like an action hero, MC! Have you ever thought about becoming the next Bond? Asmo could definitely pull some hypnotic strings.~
Every time you successfully pull him out of the way of an oncoming water balloon or block a blast of water from hitting, he totally melts. He presses his back to your chest, swooning against you and batting his eyelashes.
“Oh, MC, my hero! My dashing knight in shining armor!” You scoff, but think it’s super cute. You even play into it sometimes and pick him up bridal style.
“The king is looking for you, my prince,” you say once as you lift him, and he actually blushes. Asmodeus, avatar of lust, blushes at a silly pet name. He was not expecting you to get so into the role!!! He loves it, though.
For the rest of the water fight the two of you are basically roleplaying a royal and his knight bodyguard. It is stupidly fun and the both of you have an absolute blast.
“Oh, MC, my darling knight! I have amazing news!” Asmo says after the fight ends. You’re drying his hair off with a towel. “Yes, my liege?” 
“In exchange for your wonderful and dutiful protection, you have been given permission by the crown to court me! Isn’t that wonderful?” He smiles and you throw your head back in a laugh. You lean down and give him a nice, long kiss on the lips before pulling away. “That is absolutely splendid, your highness.”
Beelzebub:
He loves the idea because it’ll get his whole family together and he knows it. He has to carry Belphie out there but that’s normal.
He helped you and Levi plan!! Excited boy. You filled him in when he joined you and Levi for a game night. He totally volunteered to go get some extra supplies from some nearby stores for y’all. So cute.
Once everyone is actually fighting, this boy WILL NOT STOP BEING A HUMAN (demon?) SHIELD FOR YOU. LIKE NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TELL HIM IT’S FINE, YOU’RE FINE, HE WILL NOT STOP.
“Babycakes, it’s okay. It’s water. It can’t hurt me.” “But I love you. I want you safe.” O H. O K A Y.
Someone call a doctor Beel just shot MC through the heart!!! He’s so genuine you just bright red and kiss his cheek because he deserve it.
“Well, I guess that’s settled then, huh?” He gives you a big Beel smile and nods, ruffling your hair affectionately.
Y’all get sprayed with water A LOT because your hungry boy is very big and hard to hide. Er, I should say HE gets sprayed a lot because he is a fantastic meat shield and you’re practically dry by the time the fight is over. He, on the other hand, is soaked to the bone.
He still insists on drying you off with a towel, though. The two of you dry each other off back in the twins’ room while Belphie dozes nearby in his bed.
You’re in the middle of drying his shoulders when he just starts talking. “That was really fun, MC. I’m really grateful for you. Ever since you’ve been here, things are always more fun. And you bring all my brother together. Thank you.” 
You damn near burst into tears!!! Ahhhh!!! You sniffle and jump into his nap, wrapping your arms around him. “But MC, I’m still wet.” “I don’t care!! I’m giving you snuggles!!”
Belphegor:
Literally does not give a single fuck about a water fight until he realizes it lets him throw shit at Lucifer with absolutely zero consequences. Then he is all in.
Beel doesn’t even have to carry him around during the fight! Once he is outside and realizes all the shenanigans he can pull, he is perfectly content to grab you by the hand and be the one dragging you around, for once!
You two will probably team up with Satan and Beel at various points. Beel because he’s Beel, and Satan because he and Belphie absolutely set water balloon filled booby traps for Lucifer.
That’s his preferred strategy: set up a trap and wait in the bushes, watching for the target to approach.
He’s definitely the type to yell “Every man for himself!” if someone catches you guys hiding. Unlike his twin, he lets you get totally soaked while he runs away laughing. Dickweed.
You guys have a lot of fun, though!! Seeing Belphie excited is always a treat for you. And, though he doesn’t say anything about it, Belphie also thinks it’s a treat whenever you scheme with him. You don’t join in on his mischief often, so he always cherishes the times you do.
Eventually, after soaking Lucifer thoroughly, Belphie eventually gets a bit tired. You, however, want to keep the fun going. So, just as he begins to dose off in your hiding spot...you spray him. Right in the face. 
He opens his eyes and sees you raising an eyebrow at him challengingly, giggling to yourself. He growls playfully and grabs his own water gun, quickly giving chase as you bolt. 
Being a demon, he’s much quicker than you. But he lets you think you can escape for a few minutes before catching up to you and wrapping his arms around you from behind. 
As you squirm and laugh in his embrace, he feels thankful he joined in on the fight, even if he was hesitant at first. After all, it led to this moment, where he can turn you around in his arms and give you a nice kiss as you melt against his chest.
551 notes · View notes
watchmegetobsessed · 3 years
Text
SAFE AND SOUND
a/n: this one took a little longer to write, but im so happy its finally finished! its not what i originally planned, i started a whole different plot but hated it so started again, but i might go back to the first story, so maybe more bodyguard!harry content is gonna come! anyway, hope you’ll enjoy this one!
pairing: Bodyguard!Harry X Reader
warning: use of weapon (no one dies), mentioning of cancer (no one is sick), sexual content
word count: 9.1k
masterlist
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“This is not up for discussion, Y/N. What you are doing and what you are about to achieve soon might upset a lot of people that hold great power. We can’t just assume you’ll be fine, walking around like anyone else in the world.”
Your boss, Julian explains it to you, leaning onto his desk, trying his best to keep his cool about your protest to get you a guard to watch out for you and keep you safe. It’s been an ongoing struggle and fight you two have been having these past weeks and it became a burning situation since you’ve made some major progress in your project.
“I’m not some kind of royalty to have security with me all the time,” you grumble rolling your eyes.
“Not just royalties have guards, Y/N. Just accept it, that you’re valuable, your work is very important not just to our company but to the whole world. Do you not realize how big it is? You are close to having the cure to cancer, Y/N! You can easily get a Nobel-prize for that!”
“I know that it’s important, but no one knows me, no one will see me on the street and know who I am or what I do!”
“It’s not about the people on the street. The world is a dark place, darker than you could imagine. Please, just… I want to know that you’re safe.”
Staring back at him with your arms folded on your chest you contemplate his words. You can see the rationality in his words, it’s just that you don’t want to break your routine, you don’t want people around you all the time, you don’t want to end your privacy like that. But Julian is right, your work is important and there have already been a few attempts to steal your researches, but they miserably failed. However that doesn’t mean they will be stopped the next time as well.
“One guard,” you speak up. “Just one. I’m not gonna have a whole fucking team,” you tell him raising your eyebrows. He lets out a relieved sigh, a tiny smile tugging on his lips.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Reaching out to the phone he presses the buzzer that signals to his assistant, Monica outside and a few moments later she walks in, accompanied with a tall, suited man, his green eyes immediately falling to you upon entering the room.
“Y/N, I took the courage to pick him out for you myself. This is Harry Styles, the best you can find in the city if not in the country,” Julian introduces him as he pushes himself away from his giant mahogany desk, walking closer to the man as they shake hands firmly. You stand up from the armchair you’ve been sinking into these past ten minutes and unsurely hold out your hand to the man.
“Harry Styles, pleasure to meet you,” he introduces himself, a thick British accent lacing through his voice and the way his green irises stare back at you, you can feel your heart fluttering in your chest. Mr. Styles is undeniably the most charming and handsome man you’ve ever met, with his perfectly carved cheekbones and chiseled jawline, pink lips and those enchanting green eyes framed by his thick lashes. There’s something in his appearance, something feminine, but still, he holds so much masculinity at the same time, it’s hard not to be enamored by him.
“Y/N Y/L/N,” you mumble your name, shaking his hand slightly before letting go of it.
“Details about your cooperation have already been discussed with the security agency and us, but of course, your word is what counts, so we’ll walk over the whole plan with you as well,” Julian explains to you and you nod shortly.
The three of you move to the conference room and the next hour goes by with working those so called details out, some of them are ridiculous, some of them you can get used to, at the end you are left with a somewhat bearable plan, but one thing is for sure. Harry Styles will be a big part of your life from now on.
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THREE MONTHS LATER
The tiny pack of sugar tears open in your hands, but you put too much effort into it so the countertop is now covered with the content of the pack instead of ending up in your paper cup.
“Fuck,” you growl, dumping the empty pack into the trash before grabbing another one, hoping it won’t end up the same way.
“Let me help you,” a smooth, male voice speaks up next to you and Harry grabs the pack from your hands as he places his own coffee to the counter. You let him tear the pack open easily, pouring the sugar into your drink without problem before he puts the lid back to your cup.
“Thank you,” you mumble, closing your tired eyes for a split second. You’ve been overworking way too much these past weeks, it’s starting to shut your system down, but you don’t want to rest, not when you’re so close to finishing your project.
The past two weeks have been major, you finally made the progress you’ve been working towards for months now, letting you step into the last phase of your work finally. But it’s been a quite stressful time as you’ve been eager to finish as soon as possible, but that meant little to no time spent outside of your lab.
Harry shoots you a reassuring smile before you both grab your drinks and head out of the café in the direction of your workplace.
The past three months were one hell of a ride when it comes to Harry. You didn’t hide your dislike towards his continuous presence in your life, standing by your side wherever you went. It frustrated you, made you feel like you didn’t have your freedom any longer even though he never did anything to make you hate him. He was considerate, respectful and only wanted to do his job, yet you still gave him a hard time at the beginning, right until the need for his work was proved.
Two months ago someone broke into your apartment while you were out, they searched through the whole place, looking for something. Well, not just something, they were clearly interested in anything connected to your research, but luckily, you’re not dumb enough to just let these stuff lay around your home.
Even though you didn’t encounter the person responsible for it, the incident still shook your up. Knowing that someone could get into your personal space so easily, that they could have come at a time when you were home and vulnerable, it scared you. Harry was the person that eased the worry and fear in you, he took care of everything in an instant and upon his best advice, you moved to a new apartment with a higher security level. He even moved to the place next to yours so he could be as close to you as possible at all times. There was a much needed shift in your relationship after that and you didn’t see him as an intruder any longer in your life, but more as a hero.
“So would you like Italian or Mexican tonight for dinner?” Harry asks as the two of you enter the building, using your IDs you go through the massive security gates, the guards in post nodding in your way.
“Isn’t it your night to choose?” you smile at him sideways as you wait for the elevator.
“Okay, then Thai,” he smirks, making you laugh. “Hope you are not planning on eating it here again,” he gives you a warning look and you purse your lips.
“I have a lot to do, and—“
“Y/N, you need to rest sometimes,” he scolds you as if you were just a child.
“I do rest. Sometimes,” you answer with an innocent look as the elevator’s door slides open and you walk in with Harry following you right behind.
“Like once a week? Do you even sleep when you’re at home?”
“I do! Don’t make me look like I’m some kind of crazy workaholic!”
“I’m just worried about you, is all,” he sighs, giving you a hard look.
“Oh, Mr. Styles. If I didn’t know you better I would think you might have a soft spot for me,” you smirk at him teasingly before the elevator arrives to your floor and you walk out without a word. Harry just stares after you with a small smile tugging on his lips as he thinks about your words. It’s funny, especially because you both know something more than just a professional relationship has been going on between the two of you, only dancing around it as the situation is a little too complicated to address now.
It’s not like any rules are tying you down, but you would rather not mix up work with your private life. You might have feelings for Harry, but you refuse to act up on them until he is out of his duty as your personal guard.
Your days are usually the same. While you lock yourself up in your lab, working with no end, Harry stay either with you in there or he hovers around the door, keeping an eye on everyone and everything. Just the thought of his presence never fails to bring you a sense of comfort, knowing that you don’t have to worry about your safety until he is near. It might seem nerdy, but you can easily get lost in your work. It doesn’t feel like a job, growing up with parents who were excellent doctors and pharmacists themselves, you were doomed to be a science enthusiast yourself from the beginning. Learning has never been a task for you but a gift, as you liked to look at it.
Working overtime happens often because you lose touch with time easily once you get down to work. Nothing exists outside of your lab and you hardly realize how late it is until Harry usually warns you.
“I didn’t joke when I said I didn’t want to have dinner in here,” he steps into your sanctuary while you’re in the middle of running tests for the millionth time today. Pushing your glasses up to the top of your head while the machines are buzzing and whirling, you look up at him with a tired smile.
“Let me just… finish this one last test and then I promise we’ll head out.”
“Alright, but I’m watching you. No more tests,” he warns, sitting on one of the stools while you finish what you started.
Harry never really asked you about your work, for a while you weren’t even sure if he knows what you’re doing and why it’s so important. It was never discussed at the beginning and he never brought it up later either. But judging from the time he spends near you at the lab he must have picked up a few things about it surely.
The machines stop working and the tiny beeping sound signals that the results are out. You grab the long printed paper and start scanning the data, chewing on your bottom lip as you hope to find what you’ve been looking for all day. The numbers are coming in great, but it’s been like this for a while, it’s the end that never matches up with your expectations. So when you get there and see the graphs showing the result that you’ve been dreaming of since the start of the whole project years ago, your mouth falls open in disbelief even though it’s what you’ve been working for all this time.
“Oh my God,” you whisper.
“What?” Harry’s head snaps up in alert, jumping off the stool.
“I… I did it,” you breathe out, glancing up from the paper. “It’s my first time succeeding, Harry!” you start laughing, the shock taking over your whole body that you really did it this time.
“And what does that mean?”
“Come on, let me show you,” you tell him in excitement, pulling him over to the computer where you pull up all the data you’ve been working on. A virtual version of a cell comes up on the screen as you start typing, modelling what you want to show him. “This is a completely healthy cell, it’s what you are made of too, mostly,” you ass with a chuckle before another cell comes up on the screen. “And this is what cells that are affected by cancer look like.”
The difference is a lot more complicated than what you can explain to him in such a short time, but he can see it with his own eyes. The color, the shape, everything is different from the first one. Harry examines the screen and nods shortly, letting you know that he is following.
“I’ve been working on a substance that is able to not just detect the cancerous cells but it can also kill it effectively without hurting the healthy ones.”
You bring up the virtualized version of the substance you’ve been working on, a short animation showing how it can tell the two cells apart and only attack the cancerous one.
“I haven’t been able to get the numbers above 60% when it comes to succeeding in the process of selection so my whole project was about finding a solution to that. I’ve been trying to find the right substance to mix with our already existing one to solve the problem, but I haven’t been successful in it.”
“I assume until now,” Harry hum and you nod smirking.
“Yeah. The last test results came back very good, quite promising. It’s still not the end of the process, but it’s a huge step.”
“That’s great,” he smiles at you and though you know he probably understands just a fracture of the whole process, he can still figure out how important it is. “Congrats, Y/N.” “Thanks,” you breathe out, pride filling your chest as you shut the computer off. “I guess this is my cue to end the day,” you smile at him before packing up everything, getting ready to finally leave.
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It’s not the first time Harry is spending the evening at your place. You often have dinner together, or watch a movie whenever you get home early enough to do that. Through the time you’ve spent together because of his job you’ve grown to be friends above everything. Good ones, in fact, which is a big deal for you since making friends has never been an easy task for you.
You bought takeout on the way home and as Harry set the table you poured yourself a glass of wine, knowing well Harry would never drink when he is on duty and he is basically working all the time he is with you, so you’re drinking alone. You both sit to the dining table, starting dinner together in a comfortable silence. It’s another thing you appreciate about Harry. He doesn’t try to talk when it’s not necessary, you hate small talk, you’d rather sit in silence than talk about something nonsense and Harry is a partner in that.
“When do you need to leave work tomorrow to get to the party on time?” he asks breaking the silence and you freeze. His eyes fall on you, examining your features for a moment before he smirks. “You forgot about it?”
“I just… thought it’s going to be next week,” you truthfully admit.
“We talked about it last week,” he smirks at you playfully. “And I told you it would be next week which is… this week.”
“I know how the days work, Harry,” you give him a look of ‘give me a break’ before you turn back to your food. “I just…”
“You just forgot it,” Harry finishes for you, and you just roll your eyes at him.
Glancing at him over the table you wonder if he’ll wear something different than is usual attire he always wears. Black suit with a white shirt underneath, the top two buttons left undone, giving you a tiny peek at the tattoos on his chest. You know those are not the only ones, you’ve seen him with the suit jacket off before, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up, his whole left arm is covered in ink and you wish you’ve had the chance to take a better look at them.
Harry is such an intriguing person in a lot of different ways. He definitely likes to keep things to himself, not one to ask for attention and it’s not just because of his work, it’s his personality. However he is good with people, interacting with them, being social. A skill you haven’t really mastered yourself yet and you probably never will. He always seems to know what to say, you’ve never seen him even the slightest bit anxious or nervous before, the confidence he holds is unmatched and it makes it hard to not think about him in ways you shouldn’t be.
After dinner he helps you clean up, just like he always does before heading out, but before he could leave he stops and turns back to face you.
“Oh, a friend of mine is visiting from the UK on Sunday. I already mentioned it to you before, but I was hoping I could get the afternoon off,” he wonders and you nod right away.
“Of course! I’ll be just fine at home,” you smile at him.
“Thank you,” he smiles back before walking out of your place at last.
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Because of the party in the evening you are forced to stop working early the next day. It’s weird to leave the office in broad daylight, but you know today can’t be one of those days when you end up seeing the new day in the lab.
Harry was right yesterday, you completely forgot the whole party thing, meaning you didn’t plan anything ahead and you had nothing to wear, so through the day you called your sister, Mara to help you out. She was more than happy to lend you anything you needed. She meets you at the office, beaming to spend some time with you finally. It’s not that you don’t like her company, but you are quite different, is all. Your sister didn’t get sucked into the world of science, though she definitely has the bright mind to take up on any field she would want to explore. But she was more into the world of art, having written her first fantasy novel at the ripe age of twenty, she is now a bestseller author at only twenty-nine with a bubbly personality and basically every trait you never owned yourself.
“Harry! So nice to see you again!” Mara beams at the man as the three of you meet up at the lobby.
“Hi, Mara,” Harry smiles with a tiny nod.
“Alright, I have everything you could need so let’s head to yours!” your sister cheers before you make your way out to your cars.
Arriving to your home Harry splits from the two of you, letting you to get ready in peace and also to get ready himself. Mara didn’t joke when she said she has everything you need, the trunk of her car is basically filled with clothes and shoes, there’s no chance you won’t find something to wear tonight.
She orders you to take a quick shower as she unpacks everything she brought and when you emit from a cloud of steam with a towel wrapped around your body and one on your head, Mara gets down to work.
“So do you have a date for today?” she curiously asks while she does your makeup.
“Huh, yeah, sure,” you huff ironically. “It’s just gonna be Harry and me.”
“So Harry is your date?” her ears perk up, but you’re quick to protest.
“Of course not! He comes with me everywhere,” you mumble with your eyes closed as she is doing something on your eyelids.
“But it could be a date,” she offers and you huff in disagreement.
“You know that’s not how it works, Mara.”
“You are making it more complicated than it is! No one would blame you if you just… went for it! Harry is obviously an attractive guy.”
“Then maybe you should date him,” you bite back bitterly. Growing up you weren’t the boys’ favorite, they always paid all the attention to your sister. It’s not that you blame her or them, she always had a more capturing and lively personality that attracted people naturally. But it made you wonder if there was something wrong with you, spending all your time with your nose buried in a book or doing researches for fun while Mara was out with her friends, living her best life. Even her published books were inspired by her personal life experiences.
“Y/N,” she sighs, her hands leaving your face so you open your eyes to look at her disapproving expression. “You obviously like him so I would never do that and besides that, he for sure likes you too.”
“What’s not true,” you deny right away, but then you look at her curiously. “But why would you think that?”
Mara smirks at you tilting her head to the side, seeing right through your act that you’re not interested in Harry. Of course you are, but you choose to keep it at bay for the sake of his job.
“Y/N, I see how that man watches every move you make. It’s written all over his handsome face.”
“Of course he watches my every move, that’s his job!”
“No, it’s different. You’ll see it sooner or later,” she smiles before ordering you to close your eyes again so she can finish your makeup.
Mara does wonders to your looks, the makeup look she does on you already makes a huge difference since you don’t bother to do anything on your every days. But she didn’t stop there, she made your hair look like you just stepped off of the pages of a magazine and the dress the two of you chose was the cherry on the top. The emerald green dress was tight around your curves, showing just enough of your body to be still considered modest, but also have some spice. And though there are a lot of advantages of the dress, your first and most important thought (to you at least) was how well it goes with the color of Harry’s eyes.
“I’m a genius,” Mara sighs satisfied with her work as you slip on the pair of nude heels and put your necessities into the little clutch you’re taking with you. Just when you’re gone with everything, the doorbell rings and your heart jumps in your chest, knowing that Harry is standing on the other side of the door.
“I’ll get it for you,” Mara smiles rushing to the door as you walk into the hallway, standing a few feet behind her so as she opens the front door and Harry comes into view, over Mara’s shoulder his eyes easily find your figure standing there, feeling a little awkward and self-conscious, like you are about to go to prom with your crush. Difference is that you are not a teenager anymore and you aren’t going anywhere together together. Tonight is just work for him.
But as his bright green eyes fall on your frame and you see his lips slightly part, you can’t help but allow yourself to think for a moment that it’s more than just work. That he feels the same way about it as you do. Though you don’t voice your hopes and just smile at him faintly, hoping you don’t look completely ridiculous in your outfit.
“Harry, come on in!” Mara invites him into the apartment and he walks in, wearing his usual black suit with the difference of having a tie on around his neck, his white shirt is appearing neat and crispy and his sometimes unruly curls are now gently combed back a little so his curls are not falling into his forehead.
“Hi,” you smile at him nervously fumbling with your clutch as he takes a few steps closer to you.
“Hi. You look… beautiful,” he smiles back at you a little breathlessly as he takes a respectful look down your body before his green irises meet your gaze again.
“Thank you. You look great too,” you chuckle softly. “Should we… head out?”
“Yeah, sure!” he nods, offering you his arm and you link your arm with his instantly, hoping you won’t trip in your heels. “Lock the door when you leave, Mara, alright?” you call out to your sister who is watching you smiling.
“Sure! Have fun!”
You wave at her one last time before walking out and shutting the door closed behind you.
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This party is held every year at Pharma-Z, mostly this is the time when the brain meets the money. Investors and funders like to meet the people behind the million dollars researches from time to time and this is the occasion where both sides show up. Julian always asks you to be social and try to mingle, but the whole thing feels forced and painful for you. You’d rather just be left alone with your researches and projects without having to schmooze to the people who give you the money for your hard work.
It’s held at one of said investors’ luxurious penthouse, that doesn’t even look like someone’s home with the huge outdoors infinity pool, the spacious and modern interiors and the expensive looking decoration that was put up just for the occasion.
“Y/N! I’m so happy you are here!” Julian approaches you with a drink in his hands and you’re happy to see a familiar face in the crowd. You don’t really know others from work, only your little team you directly work with and of course, your boss, Julian.
“It’s not like I had a choice,” you chuckle giving him a short, friendly hug. Julian is far from a nightmare of a boss some people have to face at their job. He is an actually nice and very smart and intellectual person. The pharmaceutical industry can be harsh and dark, the competition between the businesses is way more intent than people think. This is why you need the protection. Some companies profit off of the fact that cancer has no cure yet. They make money from all the treatments that doesn’t even guarantee full recovery. A lot of big fish don’t want the cure, because that would make them lose a good chunk of their income and some of those would even go to the depth of hurting you for being so close to ruining their business with your invention. Pharma-Z is luckily a genuine company that wants to help sick people and that’s why you’re working there.
“You know how important it is for the company,” Julian sighs, but he understands how uncomfortable these events make you feel, though he can do nothing to help you. “Harry, nice to see you again,” he smiles at the man by your side.
“Julian, nice to see you too,” he nods, shaking hands with your boss.
“Mingle a little so people can see and meet you, alright?” Julian requests and you just nod silently before he moves on to the next group of people.
You get yourself a drink to ease your nerves a little as people start approaching you. Some of them you’ve met last year, but there are a lot of new faces. Your project has brought in quite a few new sponsors and investors and now they want to meet you and talk about the research their money is going into.
You try your best to keep a smile plastered across your face as you tell the people the same thing over and over again, receiving praise and compliments on your work before moving onto the next conversation just to start over again.
You can feel your social batteries running out, not sure you can put up with another conversation with a wealthy investor who wants you to know you have a job because they gave money for your project in hopes of you bringing more money to them.
Harry has stayed by your side the whole evening, and you didn’t notice but he kept examining you every few minutes to make sure you were holding up and he noticed how tired you’ve grown from socializing for so long.
“Y/N,” he softly calls out, his palm finding the small of your back. “Why don’t we get some fresh air?” he kindly offers and you immediately understand that he is trying to get you away from the guests and the overwhelming conversations you’ve been dealing with. Nodding you let him usher you outside, finding a spot where the two of you can be a little alone.
“I fucking… hate small talks and being nice to everyone,” you let out a long and heavy sigh, as you lean against the railing, paying just one short glance at the city’s bright lights under your feet. Harry chuckles shortly.
“I figured. You’ve been chewing your lips so hard I was afraid you’d start bleeding.”
Now that he has brought your attention to it, you realize you are doing it again, so you let go of your bottom lip from between your teeth and it brings out another chuckle from Harry.
“I’m just… not good with these… social stuff.”
“I disagree with that,” he hums, furrowing his eyebrows.
“Oh please, if you haven’t realized it, my number of zero friends is a tell, I think.”
“Come on, it’s not zero. You’re friends with Mara.”
“But family doesn’t count, she is kind of forced to be my friend,” you shrug, making him laugh.
“Okay, but I’m your friend too, aren’t I?” You furrow your eyebrows at him.
“You spend time with me because it’s your job.”
His eyes soften on you as he leans against the railing next to you, looking so effortlessly handsome and charming, you almost need to take a deep breath at the sight of him. And the cheeky smile on his pink lips is definitely not helping your case.
“I know you didn’t mean that. You’re a smart woman, Y/N.” Reaching out he tugs a loose strand of hair behind your ear as he inches closer a tiny bit. “I think we stepped over the line of just work.”
“So… you consider me your friend?” you ask shyly.
“If you have to ask maybe I’ve been doing something wrong,” he chuckles softly, making you smile too. Folding your arms a shiver runs down your spine from the cold evening breeze. “Are you cold?” Harry asks, but before you could even say a word, he shrugs his jacket off and drapes it over your shoulders.
“Oh, thank you,” you breathe out shyly.
“Do you want another drink?”
“Yeah, I think I might need another one,” you chuckle and nodding he tells you to just stay there until he gets you a new one.
Turning towards the view, you enjoy the lonely moments for a little, not too keen on going back inside and keep up the façade of interest any longer. You’d rather just head home, maybe have another drink with Harry on your couch while you watch a rerun of whatever show is on TV and then fall asleep after a hot shower. You’ve been working way too much lately and it’s just now crashing down on you. Next week you definitely should cut back on your hours at the lab, the project is already going amazing, it won’t hurt if you actually had some rest before you lose your mind.
You hear footsteps approaching you and you think it’s Harry returning, but as you turn around you are faced with a stranger, a man who is staring down at you with bloodshot eyes and… a gun pointed at you.
Your breath hitches, your blood freezing in your veins at the sight and your legs almost give up underneath you.
“What… who are you?” Your voice comes out as a whisper, tears already flooding your eyes as you melt against the railing as if you had anywhere to go, but you have no chance against him.
One glance at the gun allows you to see that it has a silencer on, with the music coming from inside and no one around, if he shoots you, he’ll be able to get away before anyone realizes what happened.
The man doesn’t answer, just holds up the gun, aiming right at your chest and you close your eyes, thinking that this is it. This is how your life ends, in the middle of a posh party with no one around to help you. Your lips are trembling and hands are shaking as you hold onto the railing, waiting for the inevitable to come, keeping your eyes shut, not wanting to see your killer as the last thing you see before you go.
And then you hear the muffled gunshot, making you scream in fear, your knees turning into jelly, but the pain never comes. Instead, you hear grunting and growling as a body falls to the ground in front of you.
Your eyes snap open and you see Harry straddling the man, the gun lying near your attacker’s hand and he is trying to reach it, but before he could, you kick it away as Harry throws a punch at his face that stops him from trying too hard to free himself.
The next few moments are so busy and blurry at the same time. Your legs give up underneath you, making you fall to the ground, your whole body shaking in waves. In the meantime Harry gets the man into a position where he can be easily controlled and people start flooding out at the scene, helping Harry while security working at the party take the man, the police already on its way.
When Harry can finally step back from the attacker, his eyes fall on your figure and he rushes over to you, kneeling down next to your trembling body, cradling you into his arms upon seeing how shaken up you are.
“Hey, it’s alright. It’s over, you’re alright,” he murmurs, holding you tight as your fists grab onto his shirt, your breathing is uneven, the oxygen barely makes its way into your lungs as you’re panting and gasping from the shock. “Come on, let’s get you inside, Y/N,” he gently tells you, helping you up from the floor even though your body feels like a pile of brick.
You can feel everyone staring at you, whispering behind your back as you try to hide in Harry’s arms while he walks you back inside, away from the man that tried to take your life. He walks you into one of the bathrooms and closing the lid he sits you down to the toilet while he grabs a towel and wetting it he kneels in front of you, tapping the cloth to your cheeks gently. You haven’t even realized that you’ve been sweating from the shock and the coldness feels amazing against your burning skin.
“I’m sorry,” you mumble, but not even you are sure why.
“Nothing to be sorry for, Y/N,” he gently murmurs, giving your hand a squeeze as you shut your eyes closed. He grabs a glass from one of the cabinets and fills it with water handing it over to you.
“Thank you,” you mumble, bringing it to your trembling lips, but before you could drink it, your eyes snap up to meet his gaze. “And thank you for… what you did.” Your voice dies down at the end, the picture of the man pointing the gun at you still living so vividly in your mind.
“No need, it’s my job after all, right?” he chuckles softly, making your lips twitch the slightest bit before you start sipping on the water.
The police show up soon and they arrest the man who refuses to talk. They also request you to give your statement about what happened, but Harry manages to let you just give them the brief story and go in sometime soon to give them your full statement so you don’t have to spend any more time there. They are quite sure the man was hired by someone who doesn’t want you to finish your project, and it’s scary how far some people are willing to go just for the money, just to keep sick people in suffering for their own benefit.
Heading home you stay silent as Harry drives, staring out the window you let the nightlights of the city pass by you while you still see the same face, the face of the man that held a gun at you tonight. The gunshot is still ringing through your ears, it was so close, so real… of course it was real! All of it was real and your life was on the line. If it weren’t for Harry, you wouldn’t be here right now.
Arriving to your home Harry helps you out of the car and you cling onto his hand as you head up to the apartment. He keys the two of you into your home, flicking the lights on and looking around before you go further inside, just to be sure.
“It’s all clear, don’t worry,” he murmurs as you nod and make your way into the bedroom. Kicking your heels off your feet you sit on the edge of the bed, letting out a long breath, feeling your limbs loosening up a bit for the first time in the past hour.
Harry moves around the place doing whatever before he joins you in the room, kneeling in front of you his hands find your bare knees and your eyes meet his worry-filled green irises.
“Do you want to take a shower?” he softly asks and you nod your head. “Come on, I’ll start the water for you.”
He helps you up from the bed and walks you into the bathroom. You stand there awkwardly, not sure what to do as he starts running the water in the walk in shower before he steps back to you.
“Would you…?” you ask, turning around, needing help with the zipper of your dress. Harry clears his throat as his fingers work on it and a moment later the fabric loosens around your frame as you hold it to your chest with your arms. Turning back around you peek up at Harry and you notice the slight blush on his cheeks.
“I’ll be outside at the door, okay?” He whispers, his fingers delicately touching your cheek as you nod before you watch him walk out and close the door behind him.
The hot water feels freshening, like it could burn away the memories even though it’s still so vivid in your mind. You stand under the running water longer than you intended, but it feels nice and needed. Once you’re done, you wrap yourself into a fluffy towel and walk out of the steamy bathroom only to find Harry sitting at the edge of your bed, waiting like a loyal puppy. When he sees you, he stands from his spot and you don’t miss the way his eyes scan over your body that’s barely covered.
“Alright, I’ll go now, but if you—“ “Don’t!” you gasp, panic taking over you at the thought of being left alone. One of your hands grasps his arm to stop him from moving and he freezes in his spot, staring back at your fearful eyes. “Please, stay here,” you plead, voice barely over than just a whisper.
There’s a heartbeat of a pause in him as he is watching you intently and for a moment you think he’ll say no, but then his hand finds yours on his arm and he gives it a gentle squeeze as he nods.
“Okay.”
You let out a long, relieved breath as you ease into comfort. He’s staying, he’ll be with you all night, protecting you from everything and everyone.
“Can I take a shower too?” he asks softly and you nod, stepping to your wardrobe to get him a clean towel. “Thank you. I’ll be back shortly,” he tells you before walking into the bathroom and shutting the door closed behind him.
You hear the water running again and you find yourself standing at the same spot as you listen to the noises coming from the bathroom. Harry is in there, soaking under the water naked and you can’t take your mind off of how badly you want to be there with him.
It’s not just because of what happened tonight, though it made you realize that you don’t have much time to waste. Nothing can assure that you’ll live another day and you don’t want to deny happiness from yourself. You want to be with Harry and as far as you can make it out, he feels the same way.
Upon a sudden decision, you pad your way over to the bathroom door and open it carefully, the warmth immediately hitting your face as you step inside and close it behind you. The glass of the shower is steamed up, you can only make out the blurry frame of Harry in there and you wonder if he heard you come in, but it doesn’t seem like that. His clothes from the night are lying on the floor in a pile, his watch that he always wears is carefully placed next to the sink.
Your hands grab onto the edge of the towel around your body and you unwrap yourself, hanging it up on the wall before stepping to the shower. Hoping you won’t scare him, you open the door, the steam immediately hugging your naked body warmly and you see him standing there with his back facing you as you step into the spacious walk-in shower.
He notices your presence, you see him freeze mid-movement before he peeks over his shoulder, his eyes falling on you as he slowly turns, facing you completely. Standing in front of him completely bare, you feel more vulnerable than ever in your life. You’re scared that he is going to send you away, that he won’t let you get closer to him and if that happens, you’ll feel humiliated, but he just stands there in his naked glory and doesn’t say anything, so you take it as a chance to shoot your shot.
Reaching up your hands slide to his hard chest, up to the base of his neck as you push your front against his, skin to skin with the hot water running down your bodies. His hands find your waist and you could cry from the feeling of his touch on you. Pushing yourself up to your tiptoes your nose nudges against his as your eyes fall closed.
“Y/N,” he breathes out, stopping you right when your lips could meet. Opening your eyes you see the hesitation in his green irises that appear so much darker than they usually do.
“Do you not want it? You don’t want me?” you whisper.
“I do. It’s not that,” he sighs shaking his head slightly. “But you went through a lot today. I don’t want you to make decisions you might regret in the morning.”
You can’t help the small smile that tugs on your lips at how considerate and protective he is over you, thinking that this might be just something that crashed over you in the heat of the moment, but it’s been in the making from the first day you met him. Despite all your protesting against him, you knew you needed him and not just as your guard. He is what’s been missing from your life all along, you just never realized it.
“There’s nothing I could regret when it comes to you, Harry. I needed tonight to open my eyes. Our days are counted, I’m done running from my own happiness.”
He lets out a long, shaky breath as his hands hold tighter onto your waist while your hands run up his neck until your fingers tangle into his wet locks.
“I need you. And not just because of tonight. I’ve always needed you.”
“I’m here, Y/N. I’m all yours,” he breathes out before his lips smash against yours all wet and hard, but it’s the most heavenly feeling you’ve ever experienced.
You become a mess, tangled in each other, lips melting together as your hands explore naked limbs and torsos, bodies pressing tightly against each other shamelessly. Harry walks you backwards until your back hits the cold tile and you let out a whimper as you arch your back at the sudden feeling, just as his head dips down, lips attacking your neck, kissing and nibbling on the soft skin. Your light leg lifts as his hands wander down your thigh, your hips pressing together and you feel how hard he is, his cock pushed against your other thigh, making you moan at the feeling. Reaching down you blindly wrap a hand around the base, giving him a few slow pumps, earning a guttural growl from him before his lips return to yours, kissing you hard and filled with passion. His hands are all over you, on your thighs, ass, back and chest, as if he was mapping your whole body wanting to remember how every inch feels under his touch.
Without tearing his lips away from yours, he blindly reaches behind him, shutting the water off before urging you to jump into his arms, legs wrapping around his waist. He carries you out of the shower, placing you to the counter next to the sink as he stands between your legs, his hands once again finding your breasts as they knead them, making you whimper and shake under his touch. It’s euphoric and addictive, you already know you won’t be able to go a day without feeling him against you like this.
“Bed?” he breathes out against your mouth and you nod eagerly. Reaching to the side he grabs a towel, wrapping it around you, tapping and squeezing you to dry you off, throwing fits of giggles when you grab it and wrap it around his body as well.
The towel falls to the floor abandoned and forgotten as he lifts you off the counter and brings you to the bed, laying you down and holding himself up above you with one arm. His other hand cups your cheek and turning your head you kiss his palm gently, eyes glued to his as he settles between your legs.
“Are you sure about this?” he breathes out, his lips dancing against your cheek and the corner of your mouth.
“Yes! Harry, please!” you beg with a whimper, your whole body aching to feel him inside you.
“I’ve got you, I’ve got you, love,” he kisses you as his hand leaves your heated face, runs down your naked body until his fingers reach your throbbing clit.
He slides two digits through your already wet folds, but just to work you up even more he starts drawing circles on your bud, turning you into a whimpering mess underneath him. Your fingers dig into the lean muscles on his back, feeling them twitch from his movements and one hand sliding down to his ass, grabbing a handful of him while pushing him closer to you, his erection pressing against your core.
“Harry, I need you!” you moan, not able to contain yourself any longer. You need to feel him, you need him as close as possible.
Reaching over to your nightstand you grab a condom from the drawer, ripping the package open with your teeth before you carefully grab his erection and roll the condom down his length, ready to finally feel him inside you.
He flicks his fingers on your clit one last time before his hand wraps around the base of his cock, giving it a few pumps while his soft lips kiss down your jawline and throat, his face hiding in the crook of his neck. Your arms circle around his shoulders, your chest heaving from the sensation as he positions himself just right, the tip teasing your hole. Harry lifts his head up, his bright eyes finding your gaze just as he sinks into you, filling you up perfectly.
“H-Harry! Fuck—“ you gasp at the feeling, your walls stretching around his thick cock as he stays still for a few moments, letting you adjust to his size.
You draw your legs up, giving you more space to go deeper as he starts thrusting, sliding in and out of you oh so perfectly, inching you closer to your relief with each movement. You cup his face in your hands, staring into his eyes as if you could see his soul in them and for a split second, you feel like you actually do. His lips are parted and the cross pendant is grazing your chest while he fucks into you, never falling out of his rhythm.
You want to beg to him not to stop, to keep moving and moving, but no words can leave your mouth as your back arches, your orgasm building up in the pit of your stomach. You start grinding your hips in sync with his, allowing him to reach deeper into you, making your toes curl from pleasure.
“Harry, I’m gonna—I-I’m gonna—Ah!” You can’t make up one coherent sentence as your legs start shaking, feeling your orgasm taking over your body.
“I know, baby. Let it go. Let me make you feel good,” he pants, his lips kissing you everywhere he can reach, your lips smashing against each other in a messy kiss, your tongue meeting his in the middle just when you reach your high.
You moan and cry out his name, fingers digging into his flesh as you chase your release. Seeing you fall apart underneath him is enough to throw him over the edge, spilling himself into the condom as his mouth hangs agape, your name falling off his tongue as if it was the holiest glorification. Combing your fingers through his hair you hold him to your chest as he collapses on top of you, his head lying on your naked chest as you both try to catch your breath in the sudden silence that came over you without the sounds of your passion.
Rolling off of your body he slips out of you, an empty feeling taking over you right away, but he is quick to cradle you into his arms to keep the intimacy. You lay your head to his chest, a thin layer of sweat covering the both of you, but you couldn’t care less. You listen to his steady heartbeat as you draw one of the swallows on his chest with your finger, running it over the lines of the ink. You want to soak in the moment and stay in it for as long as possible, but you can barely keep your eyes open. As Harry’s fingers are gently running up and down your bare back you let your eyes close and the last thing you remember is hearing his soft whisper.
“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll keep you safe.”
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You wake up without an alarm in the morning and it’s the first time for that in a long-long time. You stir and groan before you open your eyes, your hands reaching out next to you, looking for the man that was next to you when you fell asleep, but there’s nothing and no one beside you now.
Panic rises in your chest as your eyes pop open and you frantically look around in the room, hoping to see him somewhere near, but you’re alone.
“Harry?” you call you as you sit up, holding the sheets to your chest since you’re still naked. No answer comes and you can feel your heart rate rising instantly.
Getting out of bed you grab the nearest clothing item you find which is an old hoodie, and you put on a pair of clean panties before you carefully walk out of the bedroom, afraid of what you might find outside, but it’s completely silent and still, no one is around. Harry has left.
“Fuck,” you breathe out, feeling the lump in your throat growing as tears are forming in your eyes.
Where did he go? Why did he leave? Is he coming back? Is he gone forever?
You can’t stop yourself from going into depth you shouldn’t, just because you don’t find him first thing in the morning, but you still haven’t entirely recovered from last night’s events and before you could stop yourself, you are thinking about the worst possibilities there could be.
And then you hear the lock turning in the front door.
Blood rushes out of your head as you freeze, afraid it’s another attacker and this time you won’t be as lucky as you were last night. But as the door opens Harry walks in with a paper bag in his arm and you can’t help, but start sobbing at the sight of him.
“Harry!” you cry out, launching at him and he barely have time to put the bag down before he catches you, locking you in his strong arms.
“Hey! No need to worry, it’s just me!” he soothes softly, his hands running up and down your back and head. “I’m sorry I scared you, just wanted to get you something to eat, baby,” he murmurs, kissing the side of your head as you try your best to hold back your sobs.
“I just woke up alone and I thought…”
“I’m sorry, baby. I shouldn’t have left while you were sleeping. But I’m back and I’m alright.”
You just nod, hugging him a little longer before you loosen your hold around him to lean back and look him in the eyes.
“So… you’re staying? With me?”
“If you want me to, yes,” he nods with a soft smile as he cups your tear-soaked face in his hands. “I’ll keep you safe and sound and I’ll be whatever you need me to be.”
“Just be yourself and… be with me,” you shyly ask him and he nods, his smile growing into a wide grin before he leans down and captures your lips in a sweet, intoxicating kiss.
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sunfish-studies · 3 years
Text
Moonrise
✄・・・ Feathery Ink [Karasuno Manager Series]
➜ Pairing: Karasuno x Manager! Reader
➜ Warning: none
➜ Notes: This is a separate series from Crisp Leaves. Similar to Crisp Leaves, manager in this story will be portrayed as a girl. She will be tall. This is just my appreciation towards tall girls, you guys are amazing.
Previous:  ‹ Greed › | Next:  ‹ Illusionary Hero ›
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↷ SUMMARY ↶
It’s finally summer vacation training camp!
After the fight, Hinata and Kageyama weren’t really talking to each other–Coach Ukai even separated them during practice, Hinata in team B while Kageyama in the other. When practice was over, Kageyama was working on his tosses with Yachi’s help while Hinata drive elsewhere with his bike to practice on his own.
“Ah, he’s with my grandpa.” You asked where on earth did Hinata go, and that’s your answer from Coach Ukai. Apparently, Hinata was training with the previous Coach Ukai at their home. That left you with managerial duties and some extras like buying supplies for the training camp.
The injury you received of course was noticeable by the team–it almost send both Tanaka and Nishinoya into rampage, but you quickly said it’s not a problem and it would heal in no time. While you could make up some excuse for Daichi, Sugawara, and Ennoshita, you couldn’t with Shimizu. With a stern look from, you finally spilled the beans and she promised not to tell anyone.
While Kageyama wasn’t talking to Hinata, he’s definitely talking to you more now–along with walking you home if you chose to stay at practice longer. With that, you learn more about him and how he’s undoubtedly a volley ball dork through and through.
The time you had to depart from school to Tokyo for the training camp at night, he offered to picked up from your house so you could walk together to school.
“C-can I sit next to you…?” the raven-haired boy asked. Of course, you agreed wholeheartedly since Yachi will be sitting next to Shimizu and sitting alone didn’t seem to be fun. At first, you talked about some mundane things and watched a few videos saved in your phone before falling asleep leaning to each other.
“KAGEYAMA!!”
“HOW DARE YOU STEAL A HEADSTART!”
And it incurred the wrath of both Tanaka and Nishinoya when they realized. Thankfully, Ennoshita was quick to shut them up by slapping them on the head and Daichi glared at them menacingly for causing a ruckus.
.
.
“Well, the grand guest finally arrived,” when you carried the big bag filled with your essentials outside the bus, it was immediately gone from your hands. Kuroo plucked it from your grip so he could carry it instead, sending you a small smile.
“Kuroo-san, it’s been a while.” Greeting the older boy, you stepped to the ground.
“It’s nice knowing you stick to your promise,”
“Well, it’s impossible for me to not join the training camp. And,” you looked up to the building upon the stairs. When it was in Nekoma High School before, this time training camp was held at different area–however, you didn’t complain because even during summer, the place was cool with many trees surrounding and breeze swept by. “Why are we in a different place? I thought it’s being held only in one place.”
Kuroo hummed. “It’s a tradition for training camp during summer vacation happened in Shinzen. This place is cool, so it’s great. Why? You wanted to be cooked under the sun instead?”
“I’d rather not.”
“Hinata! Did you grow any taller!? Oh! Otohaku-chan!! You’re looking pretty as always!!”
“Lev, shut up.” Kenma scolded.
.
.
“[NAME]-CHAN!! Make sure to cheer for me, alright!!”
“She won’t, Bokuto-san. And please don’t call her by her first name when she didn’t mention you could.”
Thank goodness, Akaashi had a say because you didn’t know how to reply that without wanting to upset Bokuto in the process. The first match was Karasuno against Fukurodani and it didn’t go well–your team splendidly didn’t sync because everyone went to try the new moves their practicing, resulting they had to take a new kind of penalty.
Along with Yachi, you watch as everyone sprinting uphill. And it didn’t happen only one time, every time they lost a match, they had to do one before walking down and downing their drinks. It went until the last practice–which they splendidly managed to lost.
“Hitoka-chan, could you look over Kageyama-kun and Hinata-kun in my place,” you whispered to your best friend, referring to the duo who’s clearly itching for practice but couldn’t exactly say it clearly as they still in bad terms with each other.
“Yeah! I was thinking about that too!” the two of you nodded in determination.
“Uhm, [Name]-san,” Yamaguchi called out to you, rubbing his nape sheepishly. “I want to practice serve, could you watch over?”
Smiling you nodded, “Sure Yamaguchi-kun! Let me get my notes first, okay?”
The taller boy blinked in confusion. “Eh? Notes? What for?”
“To look over your progress overall,” you kneeled down to put on your outdoor shoes. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
“O-oh, okay.” Yamaguchi could only reply that as he didn’t know how exactly–he knew he shouldn’t be flustered or feeling special, but he couldn’t help to feel warmth bloom in his chest. He knew you were an attentive person, and it’s nice to know that applied to everyone on the team even though you’re mostly stick with Kageyama, Hinata, or Yachi.
Jogging towards the sleeping quarters, you could’ve arrived faster to pick up your notebook if Bokuto’s call didn’t halt you from doing so.
“OOH!! [NAME]-CHAN!!” he called out from the third gym. You noticed that he wasn’t alone, Kuroo and Akaashi’s also there and surprisingly Tsukishima. From that, you concluded that Kuroo must have something to do with it–probably taunting the blonde into joining. “Could you throw us some balls!?”
“Eh?” you blinked. “But, I have to get some notes for practice-“
“Just a few, come on!” Bokuto didn’t even give you a chance to explain–instead, he dragged you by the wrist.
So here you were, arranging an apology speech for Yamaguchi while throwing some balls for Akaashi to set. That and giving Lev some glances to check if he’s still alive or not on the floor. The setter already apologized to you in Bokuto’s place, but you immediately dismissed it since you didn’t mind either.
“Geh!? Otohaku-chan!?” Lev must be exhausted seeing as he barely noticed you’re in the same area.
It amazed you on how Bokuto still managed to kill the spikes viciously after series of practice match all day–his stamina is top-notch, nothing less from one of the best players in the country. Watching Bokuto’s spikes meaning also watching Tsukishima tried to block them.
Not once did he managed to successfully shut one out, but with Kuroo’s finally joining the cross was killed almost in an instant. While Bokuto is a formidable opponent in attacking, then Kuroo would be terrifying in defense. No wonder Coach Ukai was making him a great example for a solid blocker.
Tsukishima is indeed smart and calm as he read the opponent’s movement, but,
“Your blocks are pretty weak.” You flinched as Bokuto blurted out what you had in mind regarding Tsukishima’s block–and it sure pissed the taller blonde off. “Your arms are so frail that I’m scared I’m gonna break them. You need to stop the ball like you mean it!”
“I’m still a growing boy!” Tsukishima replied, clearly trying to hide his annoyance. “I’ve just started gaining muscles and getting taller!”
“Talk like that, and the little shrimp is gonna hog all the glory.” Kuroo remarked. “You guys play the same position, right?”
Ouch, you couldn’t help but thought. That hits the sore spot.
“I don’t think it can be helped,” Tsukishima said with a smile after a few seconds of silence. “The difference in natural talent between me and Hinata is too great.”
Before Kuroo could argue, the players of Nekoma began piling into the gym and Tsukishima finally managed to excuse himself successfully this time.
“Looks like you stepped on a mine, Kuroo-san,” Akaashi commented.
“You pissed him off,” Bokuto dragged. “At long last, Kuroo-kun, the master of provocation, has failed.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have thought that.” The black-haired captain sighed.
“Thought what?” Bokuto questioned.
“Karasuno’s shrimp is definitely strange and a threat, but in terms of technique and experience he’s like a baby bird. Plus, he’s really short. I never would’ve thought guy with glasses, who’s far taller and much smarter, wouldn’t only think they’re not equal but actually think the shrimp is above his level.”
Sighing for the second time, he rubbed the back of his head before giving you an apologetic look. “Sorry, I pissed off your middle blocker.”
“I don’t think you pissed him off,” you couldn’t exactly say that it’s fine because it’s not your place to do so. “But you did hit a sore spot, Kuroo-san.”
“Otohaku-san, shouldn’t you get going? We’ve hold you long enough from you whatever you want to do.” Akaashi reminded.
“That’s right, then I’ll excuse myself.” You bowed down and walked towards the exit–you immediately retrieve your note before finally helping Yamaguchi with his serves after being held for some time.
.
.
The next day, you’re helping Eri, Kaori, and Yukie cutting watermelons given by the parents from Shinzen High School. Surely, on this hot summer, sweet and cool watermelons would make anyone’s mouth began watering. It was also a great short break for the boys as they enjoy the watermelon while sitting on the grassy hill beside the gym.
“Do you want extras, senpai?” and just like other managers, you distributed the watermelons while asking if the boys wanted seconds or not. This time, you’re offering a few that’s still on your tray to Tanaka, Daichi, and Asahi.
“Ooh, don’t mind if I do, [Name]-chan!” Tanaka reached out for another slice.
“Me too,” after him, Daichi also took a slice from your tray.
“I’m okay with mine for now,” Asahi politely rejected your offer. “How about you eat some too? It’s quite a hot day.”
“I’ll go it after everyone’s seconds are done,” you remarked, intending to circle around the separate crowds for the nth time but Tanaka quickly interrupted.
“Everybody has their share already! I’m sure they don’t mind.” Your upperclassman commented. “Besides, our beautiful manager deserves to have rest!”
“Somehow, it doesn’t correlate…” Asahi muttered, smiling nervously.
At the end, you ended up sitting down beside Asahi and munching on a slice of watermelon. Your upperclassman was right for one thing–enjoying the fruit in a hot summer day was a great way to cool down, you instantly felt refreshed.
“Sorry, by the way.” The four of you looked up to the call, seeing Kuroo approaching and out of blue apologizing. Surely, your upperclassmen were confused with this except you.
“About what?” Daichi questioned.
“I think I might have pissed off your glasses guy yesterday.”
“What?”
To make it clearer, the cat captain sat down with his back towards you and began explaining the situation occurred the other day–you admired how both parties didn’t once interrupt nor getting things heated up, they knew this wasn’t something big and could be resolved by just a simple apology.
“Wow… Tsukishima actually helped out with free practice even if you cornered him into it,” Daichi hummed in understanding.
“Your manager too, but that’s Bokuto’s idea,” you didn’t know why on earth Kuroo decided to brough it up but seeing your upperclassmen were nonchalant about it (except maybe Tanaka, though he was quickly being shut up by Daichi) it’s also not a big deal.
“So, what did you say?”
“I provoked him and said he was going to lose to your shrimp over there.”
“I’ve definitely noticed that Tsukishima seems to feel inferior to Hinata somehow.” Asahi remarked, probably remembering a few words Tsukishima said to him.
“I’m not sure if this is relevant, but my sister mentioned someone tall named Tsukishima also joined the volleyball team during the Little Giant times.” Tanaka mentioned, surely this is new to all of you because Tsukishima wasn’t the type of person who talks about himself much.
Daichi’s head perked up. “Tsukishima has an older brother?”
“Oh, I’m not sure.” Tanaka quickly replied. “They could’ve just had the same last name and not be related. Do you know anything about this, [Name]-chan?”
“I don’t, but if I know, I think it’s not my place to tell since Tsukishima-kun would undoubtedly be annoyed because of it,” you answered, which made Tanaka hummed in agreement.
“Hey, we’re about to start!” Sugawara called out.
You didn’t know about Tsukishima having a sibling or not, however,
“This is just a club. Why do you put so much into it? It’s because you put so much into it that you suffer later.”
You couldn’t help but think it’s somehow related to what he muttered the night before.
.
.
Yet again when the sky softly bathed in orange glow, Karasuno had to pay their losing with penalty–you along with Yachi and Shimizu also Takeda-sensei and Coach Ukai watched as the boys bolted uphill accompanied by yelling (well, this was mostly Hinata, Kageyama, Tanaka, and Nishinoya).
“Here,” you offered a water bottle for Kageyama. He couldn’t even reply a ‘thank you’ from how harshly he was panting and you could only sympathize with him–more than five matches in a day plus penalties were rough.
“Thanks,” the raven-haired boy finally rasped after downing probably a half of the water from the bottle. You also handed him a towel so he could wipe away the sweat dripping down from his temple.
“So, how’s training going?” you finally asked, which triggered a sighed from him.
“No progress.” The frustration was getting to him definitely–while you were only watching for some time since Yachi’s already there to help him, you understood that Kageyama failed more than he succeeded. He knew he was getting nowhere and time was short, if he’s not geared up it will be a problem.
“I can’t give you any helpful advice but I think you should practice under Coach Ukai’s watch,” you mentioned, and Kageyama listened carefully. “He probably has ways that could help you. You couldn’t do this on your own Kageyama-kun, you need guidance.”
Nodding firmly, he replied. “Yeah.”
“I can’t wait to see your toss,” you then added, giving him a smile. “It’s going to be amazing for sure. You did pinpoint toss to Hinata all this time.”
The boy fell silent for a while, and you almost regretted saying those words–did you somehow step on a landmine? Did you piss him off? Did you touch the nerve-
“I promise to get done and you’ll see it.” The negative thoughts were gone from your mind as you stare at those blue eyes filled with determination. You found yourself smiling at his promise.
“I will be waiting then.”
.
.
“Sensei, what do you think of Tsukishima?” Coach Ukai asked your advisor while the five of you were watching the match between Karasuno and Ubugawa.
“I think he’s taking this seriously,” Takeda-sensei answered, although rather confused from the question.
“How about you, Otohaku?” and you didn’t expect to be involve in the conversation also.
“Uhm… he’s doing his work, but lack of effort? I think he’s not giving his all.” you replied but somehow became an unsure question in the end.
“You’re right,” Coach Ukai remarked. “I feel like Tsukishima gets a passing grade but never tries for 100%. I’m not asking for him to become more passionate, but if he’s not going to give his all, I’m gonna have to change regulars. I need players who can win a match on the court. He’s the tallest and essential to the team. If Tsukishima could become a strong blocker, our defense level would go up a lot.”
“I see,” Takeda-sensei nodded in understanding.
Not long into the game after Tsukishima served, there’s a collision between Daichi and Nishinoya for the ball–at first, it was nerve-wracking because if one of them was hurt it could be bad. However, seeing that the two dismissed it as if it was nothing was relieving.
“Everyone’s so motivated.” Yachi commented.
“Everyone’s more motivated now than I’ve ever seen them before,” Shimizu frowned in worry. “But sometimes it’s almost scary. Collisions like the other day can definitely lead to major injuries.”
Another spike went through but received perfectly by Kageyama, the ball bounced to the air and Tanaka was the second one to get it, passing it immediately to Asahi.
“It’s a little short,” you muttered, noticing the ball was hovering near the net–exactly to where Hinata was. From how he’s staring at it, he’s most likely to steal it–but then he tensed up, snapped his head to the side to give Asahi a stare and stayed in his place in the end.
“Let him know the ball is yours.”
You stared as Asahi successfully killed the ball even with three blockers–grinning from how he stole a score and holding them team together so it wouldn’t become lawless. The attempt was enough for you to let your shoulders relaxed.
“Maybe I didn’t need to worry after all.” Shimizu sighed in relief.
Asahi turned to face you, giving you a smile and an outstretched fist–you immediately returned it with the exact same gesture.
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