#and two weeks ago it got bad like he almost got into an accident | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

iikatsukii · 1 year

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Too Late.

synopsis: they loved you when it was too late.

pairings: sully family x daughter/sister!reader, neteyam x twin!reader, neytiri x daughter! Reader, jake x daughter!reader

warnings: mentions of death, attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts(?), swearing, familial issues.

word count: 3.6k

a/n: would yall believe me if i said i wrote this while listening to pussy talk by city girls LMFAOOOOO p.s. Happy valentines day (THE RED TEXT IS "FESTIVE" im trynna get into the valentines day spirit :D). I wish i could've given yall part two of illicit love instead of this but i'm not done with it </3. ALMOST THO!!! (gif creds: @world-of-pandora)

(p.s. part two is out now!!)

it was never supposed to end like this. jake's mouth felt bitter. his whole body shook as he let out the most heart-stopping scream when his eyes landed on his eldest daughter. you, neteyam's twin, lay lifeless in his arms. your father cried because he never got to tell you he was proud of you, or that he loved you, or that you didn't need to compare to your brother to still be considered his baby girl.

it wasn't always like this, though.

you and neteyam were always happy and playing around together when you were younger. still, as you two grew older, neteyam took on olo'eyktan training and became his father's perfect warrior. where does that leave you? mo'at had chosen kiri to pursue tsahik training because of her apparent connection to eywa. so where does that leave you? lo'ak took on the role of the troublemaker, and tuk, of course, is just the baby of the family. so where does that leave you?

you're lo'ak's babysitter. making sure the boy doesn't get into trouble, but with your lack of training due to your father training your brother more than you, you weren't really the best babysitter. honestly, it was more lo'ak protecting than you protecting him. he kept you from losing balance while in high places, saved you when you fell into the rapids and flew you home when you forgot your way as if you had not lived in this forest your whole life.

you felt like a burden on your family.

nothing you ever did was right.

you went hunting? cool, but you didn't bring back enough for the whole family, so now neteyam and lo'ak have to go out and find more food for everyone else.

you bead a necklace for your friend? great, but you messed up the pattern she asked for, so she brought it to kiri so she could remake it.

tuk wanted to go play with you? of course! but now she has a sprained ankle from falling into the river while you were looking at flowers a few feet away.

and every time, somehow, some way, your family always managed to say something that felt like a blade stabbed through your heart.

"next time, y/n, just leave the hunting to neteyam and i. at least we know the right amount to bring back." it was lo'ak before he and your twin had to go hunting for more food for dinner a few weeks ago.

"you know, sister, your jewelry hasn't been the same recently. i've had sooo many of your friends coming back to me saying you messed up the pattern they asked for. just try and pay more attention when you're beading." kiri said as you walked into your home. she was re-beading the necklace you gave to your best friend yesterday.

the one she told you was perfect and that she loved it.

"how could you leave your sister unattended like that y/n she could've been killed?! why can't you be like neteyam? you’re twins, for crying out loud, y/n. do you not care for your sister's well-being?" your father scolded you outside your grandmother's hut. you could hear her cries inside the tent, along with your mother's gentle words of comfort, as she tried to calm her youngest daughter down.

you were being compared to your twin for the millionth time in your life, and as used to this as you should be, it still hurt just as bad as the first time your father had said it.

"she only sprained her ankle. it was an accident sempu–" you tried to defend yourself, but you were cut off.

"NO. it is, sir. do you understand me?" jake yelled at you. in your 18 years, your father had never raised his voice at you, let alone for you calling him 'sempu.' he used to love it when you called him because you were his ite and he was your sempu. but right now, to him, you were just someone who had hurt his child and nothing more than that. you hang your head, eyes falling to the floor in front of you as you didn't want your father to see you cry.

"sorry, sir." was all you said before walking away. you don't know where you walked, but you found yourself at the abandoned shack. you knew this area was forbidden, so when you realized where you were, you immediately crouched. you were just gonna walk back because your father would kill you if he found out you were over here, but then you heard voices. you looked through the bush to see a group of 3 or 4 avatars. you knew you couldn't escape now, so you pressed on the collar of your neck.

"sempu– sorry. sir, i need help, i wasn't paying attention to where i was walking, and i can hear avatars speaking english and–" your father cut you off.

"where are you?" he, your mother, and your two brothers were patrolling around your land's territories when they heard you through their earpieces.

you let out a heavy sigh, praying to eywa that he wouldn't chew your ass up for being here, before pressing the button again and saying,

"i'm at the abandoned shac–AHH! OWW, LET GO, YOU ASSHOLE!!" you couldn't finish as one of the avatars found your hiding spot, grabbing you by your queue.

thankfully your family had heard enough. your twin telling his father he knew a shortcut, they all flew as fast as they could to you. honestly, this was their last straw. everyone was fed up with you constantly making things hard for everyone.

your mother, though, was worried. you were caught by those skydemons all by yourself. who knew what they would do to you?

as you waited for your family, you were roughly held by your queue as they poked and prodded at you like they had never seen a native before.

"let me see your hands." the man with a buzzcut spoke.

"why don't you look at my feet instead?" you said. they all gave you a confused look until you kicked quaritch right in his face. you don't know how, but it caused the avatar behind you to loosen his grip, so you tried to make a break for it.

unluckily for you, the female avatar grabbed your arm, pulling you back into her form. she gripped you by your neck, unaware that she had pressed the button on your communicator. you hissed at her. the man you had kicked was only laughing as he wiped the blood dripping from his nose. "she must be one of his. she's defiant. grab her hands, let me see." he said

the avatar behind you grabbed your hands, holding them both out.

"hm… four fingers. maybe she's not one of his." were they gonna let you go? wishful thinking.

"fine. she may not be one of his but if one of their people go missing they're bound to come for her. keep her." his words made your heart sank. were they gonna take you? away from everything? your home? your family? if you could even call it that.

but then you thought about it. you really can't call it that. you don't remember the last happy memory you had with someone, anyone, in your family. it clicked to you that it had been about 10 minutes since you had radioed your father, and he wasn't here yet. were they even coming for you? you knew it was a stupid question. they weren't coming for you. why would they when this was the easiest way to get rid of the weak link of the family? it's not like your blood would be on their hands, and their life would be way better without you.

"they're not gonna come for me. i have no family. you killed my family in the last war, you dickhead." you lied to the man you had kicked earlier.

hearing you say this confused your family. what were you talking about?

"dammit you're an orphan? i didn't know the na'vi had any of those. then what do we do with her. she's useless. nobody will notice she's gone." the woman behind you asked her superior.

"hmm.. i have a better idea. kill her. use her as a warning to the sullys. this is what we're capable of now. it'll be a threat. give us jake sully and nobody else will die. but this one… this one is our lab rat. we're gonna make you bleed out nice and slow little one." he said as he grabbed his pistol off his waist, pressing it below your jaw. the nickname made you internally gag, but you held your ground.

these people had no real idea how tired you really were. you were exhausted. you were ready for life with eywa. you wanted your deity to hold you close, keep you warm, and protect you from the harsh real world. the world that your parents didn't adequately prepare you for. the world that you were ready to leave.

"kill me," you said as you grabbed quaritch's wrist and moved his gun from under your jaw to right above your heart. "and make it quick. nobody will come for me anyways," you said in a monotone voice.

the avatars all looked at you in awe. they had never once seen a na'vi so willing to give up their life. the natives they had all met were vicious, hissing and armed, always ready to kill. but you. you were the opposite.

you were fed up and ready to die. but not for your people. for your own inner peace.

"no," quaritch said, putting his gun down. that shocked everyone. like he shocked his soldiers and your family, who had been listening the whole time. they were trying to get to you as fast as possible.

hearing how you really felt was a wake-up call for your family. and when they heard bullets moving within the chamber of quaritch's pistol, they all flew their ikrans as fast as possible, weaving through trees and around mountains, trying to get to you.

you looked at the man like he had just betrayed you.

"DO IT, YOU COWARD! FUCKING DO IT! NOBODY WILL COME FOR ME!! THEY DON'T CARE!! THEY DON'T FUCKING CARE!!" you don't know what came over you, but you tried to wrestle quaritch's pistol out of his hands. your family was only 2 clicks away and could hear you struggling. everyone landed at the same time. the sullys, excluding tuk and kiri, who had stayed with mo'at, caught quaritch's attention, which distracted him enough for you to pull the gun from his grip.

you distanced yourself from everyone, and looking around, you realized you were surrounded by everyone. your family and these random avatar people. everyone could read you. you were a ticking time bomb and the only person in control of the trigger was you. one of the avatars took a step forward slowly, but you saw him move and point the gun at him. it didn't stop him from moving, but you heard screams of protest when you pointed the gun at your own head. that's when everyone froze. the avatars. your family. nature. time. eywa. you. everything was frozen.

"babygirl…" the nickname made you snap your neck to the man who was the root of your problems.

"NO! no, you do not get to call me that. if i can't call you ma sempu, don't bother referring to me as your daughter." you said. your energy was depleted, and you knew you would only be able to stand here for a couple more minutes before you opened your own doors and walked to your great-mother. jake tried to take a step closer to you, which only caused you to tense up and pull on the trigger a little bit. everyone immediately backed up, your mother hissing at you through her tears. "MA ITE, PUT THE GUN DOWN," she screamed at you.

"sa'nok…" you whimpered, not even being able to look her in the eyes.

"sa'nu… i can't" you sobbed. you could barely breathe and your tears were coming down in waterfalls at this point. you couldn't see anything clearly. your tears had blurred your vision.

you knew your mom loved you. she and tuk were the only ones in the family who had never uttered a harsh word in your direction. though she was busy taking care of tuk, so it wasn't like you got much attention from them either. but there's no way you would blame her or tuk for that. if anything, you're sorry that you have to leave them, but this world isn't for you. you turned on your heels, looking at the man whose gun you took.

"you are a coward. you should've pulled the goddamn trigger. you're fucking pathetic. are you happy now? now everyone here gets to experience what they've waited so long for." nobody had ever heard you speak to anyone like that. honestly, they couldn't tell if your words were directed at quaritch or yourself.

you inhaled, looking up at the eclipse, your bioluminescent freckles glowing brighter than they ever had in the nighttime as tears cascaded down your face.

"goodbye," you said as you squeezed the trigger, hearing a loud bang and tons of screaming. you felt no pain, though. you opened your eyes, not realizing you had closed them, and looked around. you noticed your pistol was stuck in the tree in front of you with an arrow clean through it. you turned to your twin with hate in your eyes. he lowered his bow as he read your expression.

"now you wanna save me?" your voice was weak but filled with venom.

"why didn't you save me when you noticed i stopped hanging out with you guys? hm? why didn't you teach me when i was younger? huh? why didn't you talk to me other than when you were chewing my ass out for something that was A FUCKING ACCIDENT, GODAMMIT. WHY?!" you felt like your tears were endless.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU LOVE ME?! ANSWER ME YOU FUCKERS!! WHY DON'T YOU LOVE ME?!" you screamed your frustrations at your father and brothers. none of them could look you in your eyes, save for your mother. "you only want to save me because you know how much i don't want to be saved anymore but it's too goddamn late," you said.

you turned to the female avatar who was holding you from before. you noticed her gun earlier and hoped you looked threatening enough for her to use it as you ran in her direction. she didn't know what to do. she didn't know you were a barely trained warrior or that you wouldn't have put a scratch on her. she didn't know you were harmless. all she knew was that you were a native, and the natives were hostile.

so she pulled her gun out and fired two shots into your chest.

the momentum of the bullet was enough to stop you from running. you felt the searing pain start to blossom in your chest area. falling to your knees, your eyes met the woman who had shot you. you looked at her shirt, reading her name. it was a funny name to you, but you didn't care. she had fulfilled your wish without even knowing it. so you used your last breath to speak.

"thank you, z-dog" you slumped over on your side, as everything started to go slow. your vision was starting to darken, and you let it consume you, not wanting to fight for your life anymore.

cue the screams and cries from your family and the fleeing steps of the rda soldiers. your chest stopped rising and falling, and your breathing had ceased. your family surrounded your body, trying to stop your bleeding and preserve the life that had already left your body. still, you had been shot twice, and both bullets had exit wounds. it was no use. nearby, na'vi had heard the screams of distress and had called over some hunters and scouts to investigate the scene since they knew the area was near the forbidden old shack.

the hunters and scouts arrived at the scene armed and ready to defend their people, but what they were met with was the last thing they expected to see. the eldest sully daughter was lying on the floor, motionless, with two bullet holes in her chest and her blood sinking into the forest floor. her family leaned over her body, screaming and crying for her to be okay and to return to them. they whispered how sorry they were. they whispered to her how if she came back, they would treat her right, teach her, hang out with her, and love her like they were supposed to. but it's too late.

nobody knew how to react. the eldest sully daughter had died, and nobody but her family knew what had happened.

“ma ite, oel ngati kameie. i see you. i'm sorry, i'm so so sorry. you don't have to be your brother. being you was just fine." your father cried as he cradled your head. brushing your hair away from your face, getting blood on your cheek since his hands were covered in it.

neteyam and lo'ak were each holding one of your hands. they cried as they watched their tears pool in your palm and then fall off the edge to drip into the soil below your body. they couldn't believe they treated you like anything less than their sister. they treated you like you were a stranger, a burden to deal with. and now that you were gone, they could not tell you how sorry they were for how they treated you.

neytiri was inconsolable. her firstborn daughter had just died in front of her eyes. willingly. she wanted this. her own daughter wanted to take her life. and she couldn't do anything to stop it. how could she not know? how did you go 18 years hurting in silence? how did she not know you needed to be saved?

"ma ite. my baby. ma y/n." neytiri's heart shattered when she saw those bullets go through your chest. she cried over your body for what felt like hours, but it was only a few minutes until the male healers came so they could carry you to the healing tents to prepare you for your burial ritual.

as jake pulled his mate from your body, she started to push against him trying to get him to let go of her so she could return to her daughter.

eventually, jake lets go, unable to keep his mate from her child. he joined her and just asked the healers to give your family a minute with you.

they just nodded in understanding, leaving your family to grieve.

two pairs of footsteps rushed towards the clearing, where the family mourned one of their own.

kiri and tuk had heard the news and came as fast as they could. tuk screamed, running up to you and curling herself into your chest as she sobbed into your neck. she didn't care if she was getting blood all over herself. you were her older sister, and she didn't even get to say goodbye. she felt nothing but sadness and loss. tuk felt terrible because the last time she had seen you was earlier when you brought her back from the stream because she had sprained your ankle. and now you were lying on the forest floor dead? how did this happen?

"HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?! SISTER, PLEASE!!" kiri begged you to wake up as she placed herself where her father was earlier. she rested your head in her lap, looking into your lifeless yellow eyes. you were her elder sister. as much as you didn't know, kiri looked up to you. she knew how hard you tried for the family, and though it wasn't your fault that you would mess up a necklace every once and a while, she couldn't help but feel guilty for the words she said to you in those moments. she knew she could've should've been nicer about it.

when it was finally time for the healers to take your body, once again, neytiri tried to fight against them. this time everyone in the family had to hold her back as the healer walked you away in a leaf big enough to cover your entire body from the eyes of those around you. once you were gone from her view, neytiri fell to the floor again, sobbing into the ground,

"GREAT MOTHER, WHY?!!" their mother's screams felt like a knife in their hearts. the sully family felt nothing but guilt and grief upon your death. nobody got closure because there is no closure for this kind of thing. they were the reason you wanted to die, and now that you got what you wanted, they had to live with that guilt.

you were high in being held in eywa's embrace as you cried. looking down on your family. you did not regret your decision, but you just had one question for your deity.

"did they really love me, great mother." eywa heaved a sigh before answering you.

"my ite, your mother and youngest sister loved you everyday, they were just very poor at showing it i'm afraid." you nodded your head, asking a follow-up question,

"what about the others?" you knew by her face that you wouldn't like the answer, but it was too late. the question was asked. and the answer is precisely the reason why you did what you did.

"they loved you just a little bit too late, my child."

#avatar x reader #avatar the way of water #avatar wotw #avatar 2 #avatar #sully family x reader #jake sully x daughter!reader #neytiri x daughter!reader #neteyam x twin!reader #sully family angst #jake sully angst #neteyam angst #this is an angsty story and im not sorry ab it :)#happy valentine's day #neytiri sully #best mom neytiri #i love her #neytiri be my mom pls

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sunflowersandsapphires · 3 months

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Drunk on You

pairing: Frank Castle x fem!reader

summary: After losing a bet, Frank's drunk night turns into a nightmare when he accidentally leaves a VERY honest voicemail on your phone. (Prompt: "I need to see your phone.")

warnings: swearing, excessive drinking (do NOT do this.), Frank being affectionate

a/n: This wasn't requested by anyone, I just saw this prompt and immediately pictured Frank freaking out about a voicemail he left on someone's phone. A huge shout out to @gracethyomen and @madschiavelique who I forced into beta-ing this for me multiple times. As always, comments and reblogs are appreciated. Thank you!

w/c: 6k (Yah, i know. I got carried away.)

Frank liked to think that he was decently romantic—so it was almost embarrassing that your relationship happened by accident.

He didn’t possess a natural charm, like the one that Red always flaunted, but he could usually hold his own when he found someone attractive. Before…everything, his cocky attitude and unjustified youthful arrogance helped him flirt with Maria. Since the loss of his family, flirting was more of a pastime. Until you.

From the moment you both met, Frank had known that you were different—that you were never meant to be a casual fling. It terrified him, at first, but after many many lectures from Curtis, he was ready to try a relationship again.

Despite that fact, he could never seem to get the words out.

Flirting with you was as easy as pulling a trigger, but being honest and open about his feelings? Never his strong suit. He was just thankful that Curtis believed in boundaries and David was oblivious, otherwise you would’ve gotten the news through the grapevine weeks before he blurted it out.

It all started when David scolded him.

“Language, Castle. This is a family establishment.” His stern tone was completed with a pointed finger.

The two men were seated on opposite sides of the Lieberman’s sturdy dining room table, on the precipice of one of their classic “Family Dinner Spats”–a term Curtis had coined exasperatedly a few weekly meals ago. You, Sarah, and Curt were also currently at the table, nursing your wine while the kids played video games in the living room.

Smirking at David's tone, you raised a brow at the curly haired man. “Can you really call your suburban house an ‘establishment’?”

Frank chuckled at your attempt to defend him, his lips parting around the lip of his beer bottle in a smug smile.

“The house has been established, and there is a family present.” David snapped at you with a no-nonsense look. Looking at his wife incredulously, he threw his hands in a vague gesture. “C’mon Sarah, back me up!”

Sarah shrugged at him, grinning at his defeated groan. Shooting you and Frank a knowing look, she murmured, “We’ve all heard worse.“

Desperate for someone to agree with him, David glanced across the table pleadingly. “Curtis? C’mon man.”

Sighing, Curtis nodded, his lips twitching in a tiny smile. “You do have a foul mouth, Frank. There are children present.”

Frank scoffed, gesturing widely to the two teenagers in the other room.

Crinkling your nose as you stifled a laugh, you nodded solemnly. “They sort of have a point, Frank. Your vocabulary could make a sailor blush.”

Finally vindicated, David crowed, “You practically only speak in curses and grunts!”

The marine gaped. “Christ, I am not that bad.”

Smelling a game, David’s eyes glinted with mischief. “Oh yah? I bet you couldn’t go a week without swearing.

Sarah and Curtis took the vague challenge, and Frank’s responding bitter laugh, as their cue to leave the table, murmuring about cleaning up after dinner and chuckling to each other as they left. You, unfortunately, were far too intrigued to remove yourself from the conversation.

Good thing you were entertained, because David was far from finished with his accusations. “You know what? I don’t think you could even last a single day without that sinfully filthy language of yours, Castle.”

Frank rolled his eyes, but his jaw was tense. “Ya gonna make me a swear jar, Lieberman? What are you, my ma?”

David shrugged, pleased at how easily he was able to get under the hulking man’s skin. “Someone has to teach you some manners.”

You tapped a finger on your chin, meeting David’s roguish gaze. “He’s right though, a swear jar would never compel him to change.”

David crossed his arms. “And you have a better suggestion?”

Frank glanced at you, brow raised in curiosity, lips pursed.

You grinned manically. “Maybe a drinking game? Every curse word he says within 24 hours means he takes a shot.”

The technician erupted in bellowing laughter. “YES!”

Ignoring him, Frank smirked at you. “Tryin’ to get me drunk, sweetheart?”

You placed a hand over your heart in mock surprise. “Don’t tell me you’re chicken, Frankie.”

The large man bristled, straightening his posture as he shook his head. “Course not.”

David was glowing. “So you accept?”

“Uh—“ Frank’s hesitation was quickly settled by your adorable expression, your head tilted at him as you anticipated his next move. “Fuck, I guess.”

Practically screeching, David pointed a finger at the man, looking at you excitedly. “Oh my god, that counts right? That totally counts!”

Laughing as David practically began a victory dance, you raised your glass of wine. ”Let the game begin!”

What had he gotten himself into?

Unfortunately for his liver, the next 24 hours did not get easier.

With the combined efforts of you, Curtis, David, and the various CCTV systems of New York city, the tally landed at 52 curses in 24 hours.

“Holy shit, Frank,” You gaped at the final count, turning to him with wide eyes. “Were you even trying?”

Frank glowered, sinking further into the booth next to you. “Yes.”

“Well, we’re gonna need to change these rules a bit. Otherwise, you’ll need a transplant by next week.” You frowned, eyes glowing with the light of David’s computer screen.

“Don’t tell me you’ve gone soft now, doll.” Frank muttered, the corner of his lips lifting up against his will.

“I’m always soft on you, tough guy.”Your words were earnest, causing Frank's throat to constrict. You raised a hand to pinch his cheek, seemingly unperturbed by his furious blush.

As if knowing he was ruining the moment, David returned to the table with a tray of half a dozen shot glasses. “Who’s ready to get wasted?”

Groaning, Frank dropped his head into his hands—his stomach already churning.

“New rules:” You announced, “No more than 7 drinks an hour.”

“Woah woah woah, who died and made you referee?” David scoffed.

“Everyone who has ever taken 52 shots in one night.” You retorted, refusing to change your mind.

While David began placing a row of tiny glasses in front of him, you took one of Frank's calloused hands in your much more delicate one. He raised his head to meet your serious gaze. “Hey, you do not have to do this. It was a stupid bet.” You were chewing on your bottom lip, his hand itched to cup your face and smooth the furrow in your brow.

“Um, he does so have to do this! I already put my card down. Drink up, asshole!” As David shoved the alcohol towards him, your arm shot out, acting as a barricade.

Looking at him with an inquisitive concern, you stroked your thumb over his knuckles. With a sigh, Frank grasped one of the shots between two fingers, downing it with a grimace.

David cheered. “Thattaboy! Drink up!!”

Biting your lip, you slid a single shot towards yourself and one to David. “If he’s going to do this, he’s not doing it alone. Drink up, Lieberman.” You teased, parroting his words before downing your own shot with a grace that was shocking and incredibly attractive.

“Damn, that’s smooth. You shelled out for us.” You snorted, setting the shit glass back on the sticky table.

Pouting at the tiny cup of clear liquid, David groaned. “I haven’t had tequila since college.”

“Sounds like you made a poor choice of beverage then. Drink!” You grinned at him, face warming as Frank slid an arm around your shoulders.

“She’s gotta point, Lieberman. You’ve dug your own grave. I ain’t drinkin’ another drop until you take that.” Frank smirked, eyes dancing with a mirth that you’d been missing.

“C’mon David!” You encouraged, the curly-haired man across from you finally nodding and downing the drink with a gag.

You and Frank cheered, laughing as he coughed in the aftermath.

“Alright, it’s gone. Your turn.” David nodded to the three remaining shots, crossing his arms impatiently.

Huffing out a breath, Frank tossed all three back, chasing the acrid taste with a swig of the beer he’d purchased himself without thinking. “There, ya fuckin’ happy now?”

“Thrilled.” David laughed. “We’re going to wait…15 minutes, and then I’m going to hustle you in pool.” Setting a timer on his watch, the engineer missed Frank’s exaggerated eye roll.

“Doesn’t a hustle require one party to not know they’re being hustled?” You asked, settling into Frank’s side with a smile.

“I could kick your ass with my eyes closed, Lieberman.” Frank snorted.

“Oh please, it's all geometry–I'm a whiz at geometry.”

Listening to them bicker, you couldn't help but smile. Sipping your beer, you crossed your legs, excited for the upcoming show.

As Frank's inhibitions grew steadily lower, you were joined at the booth by Curtis and Karen–both of whom were humored by the giant man's state, but not free of their own worry.

“Y’all trying to kill him?” Curtis chuckled, eyes focused on Frank's uncharacteristically wide grin as he slid into the booth across from you, beer in hand.

“Trust me, I’ve been negotiating Lieberman down all night to spare his intestines.” You huffed, your own gaze fixated on Frank as he lined up his next shot at the pool table, muscles bulging against his tight shirt as he bent over.

“See something you like?” Karen asked gleefully, lips curled in a smirk.

“Shut up,” You hissed, squirming in your seat as your body was hit with a flash of warmth.

“He's not making this easy for you, is he?” Curtis chuckled, sending Karen a knowing look.

“Does he always get so…touchy when he’s drunk?” You asked quietly, trying not to salivate as you got a perfect view of Frank's ass, his back turned towards you as he played his next turn.

Letting out a bark of laughter, Curtis shook his head at you.

“Oh stop it,” You groused, ignoring your friends' giggles as you slid off of the vinyl bench and made straight for the bar.

“Um whiskey. Neat, please.” You stammered out your order to the bartender, trying not to cringe at how disjointed the words sounded. Your mind was entirely preoccupied by the feelings you harbored for the man currently guffawing behind you. The scraping of glass on wood startled you out of your daydream.

Taking the glass from the bartender, trying not to meet their gaze as they eyed you suspiciously, you nodded a thank you.

Before you could return to your seat, a thick arm wrapped around your shoulders--a sensation that would've been horrifying had it not been accompanied by a familiar voice.

“When did ya start drinkin’ whiskey?” Frank's deep rasp ignited a heat deep in your gut, stealing the words straight off your tongue.

”I-I, uh didn't,“ You squeaked out, shoving the glass to Frank's chest. “I figured you’d want something other than mid-shelf tequila.” Looking up at him through thick lashes, your breath caught in your throat as you met his stare.

Frank's lips were tilted in a small smile, the tension he normally carried in his jaw nowhere to be found. His cheeks were flushed, his hair mussed from running his hands through it throughout the night. Boring into you, his beautiful ochre eyes crinkled with a happiness you rarely saw from the man.

A rough knuckle tipped your jaw upwards, shutting your mouth, which had apparently been hanging open as you admired the figure before you. “Somethin' on my face, sweetheart?”

Tilting his head, his eyes twinkled, his smile growing wider as you remained silent. “No, Frankie.”

“Good. C'mon, I need someone to cheer for me when I whup Lieberman's ass for a third time.” Frank snorted, pressing a kiss to your crown before taking your hand and dragging you towards the pool table.

The rest of the night flew by, a symptom of the intense focus you held on Frank's relaxed drunken nature. He'd been tipsy with you before, so you'd caught glimpses of this behavior from the man previously, but it would always catch you off guard to see him so...easygoing.

It wasn't that Frank wasn't affectionate, he was incredibly sweet, he just wasn't usually so forthcoming with his emotions. Nor was he normally content snuggling with you in public.

Rubbing his nose against your hair, Frank gave a sleepy hum before pulling back to down the rest of the ice water you'd forced into his grasp. His hand was gently gripping your waist, thumb tracing lines over your hip as your friends chatted. Frank was much too tired to be paying any attention, and your ability to retain any conversation topic flew out the window the moment his hand landed on your side.

Watching as his free hand lifted to clumsily scrub at his face, you frowned. “Wanna call it a night, Frank? You look ready to drop.”

“'M fine.” He grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. Shit, you'd hoped the water would stave off the impending headache for now.

“The kid's right.” David remarked, smirking at your offended scoff. “If I'm beat, you must be half dead. I'll go close the tab."

"Can the rest of you make it home ok if I handle this one?" You asked, kneading at Frank's neck as he dropped his head to your shoulder with a grumpy huff.

"Yah, we can get David home in one piece." Karen promised, squeezing Frank's arm as she passed. "Goodnight."

"Ok, tough guy. You gotta get out so I can get out," You murmured, nudging the marine as carefully as possible.

Grumbling under his breath, he slid out of the booth, grabbing the table as he listed sideways.

"Christ, Frankie. Hold on, I gotcha." You grunted as he leaned against you, his weight shifting you off balance. Wrapping an arm around his waist in a motion similar to the one he'd made mere minutes ago, you shuffled towards the door. "Ok, Castle, you gotta work with me a little bit here."

As the two of you neared the exit, you heard an indignant squawk from the bar. "I OWE HOW MUCH??"

Chuckling softly, Frank's skull knocked against yours. "We'd better get outta here, sweetheart."

The two of you made it back to Frank's tiny apartment without incident, though the man was stumbling all the way. When you reached his front door, he snatched his keys from his pocket, tossing them at you without a word.

Not expecting the projectile, the ring of keys hit you square in the chest, your chin following them as they crashed to the grimy carpet underneath your feet. Looking at Frank with narrowed eyes, you raised an eyebrow. “Was that really necessary?”

Frank chuckled quietly, his laugh as close to a giggle as it would probably ever get. His half-lidded eyes creased as he grinned at you. “Sorry,” The apology was undercut by the shit-eating expression on his face.

“Drag your ass all the way home, breaking my back doing so–mind you,” You complained halfheartedly, your chest swelling with fondness as Frank’s raspy laughs continued. “And you just throw your shit at me.”

Shaking your head, you let your smile betray you as he kissed your forehead. “You’re unbelievable, Castle.”

“Thanks for puttin’ up with me.” His stubble scratched your skin as he spoke, his lips still resting against your temple.

“Anytime, big guy.” Your eyes fell closed as his hand rubbed over your lower back.

After a minute, Frank spoke again. “Are ya gonna open the door, or am I gonna have to sleep in the hallway?”

“Jesus Christ.” You groused, breaking out of his hold to squat down and grab his keys.

Just like that, Frank was back in stitches, shifting his weight to the door frame as his body shook with near silent laughter.

Shoving the key in the lock, you opened the door and shoved at him gently. "Get in there, goofball."

Shuffling inside, Frank beelined for the couch, collapsing onto it with his boots still on. Rolling your eyes, you followed him in, crouching by his feet to start unlacing his shoes.

Wriggling on his stomach, he craned his neck to look at you. “Whattya doin'?”

“Taking your shoes off, Frankie.” You explained without stopping your actions.

Grumbling, he flapped an arm at you clumsily. “Leave 'em.”

Huffing with exasperated affection, you ignored him. "You'll be more comfortable if I take them off, Frank."

You received a disgruntled noise in response, but his arm stopped moving. Face squashed against a throw pillow, his eyes were closed and his pink lips were parted--soft breaths slipping in and out of them every so often.

Finally pulling his second boot off, you sat back on your heels with a satisfied sigh. Standing as quietly as you could, you strode to the tidy kitchen.

Given that you were well-acquainted with Frank's place, you moved around the apartment with ease, finding the sparse first aid kit that he possessed and making a mental note to bring some supplies by soon. Sure, Frank would manage—he was the most capable man you'd ever met—but you wanted to make his life easier in any way you could.

Which is why you grabbed a few individually wrapped pain pills and placed them on the coffee table, along with a glass of water. Now for the difficult part.

"Frank, I know you're comfy like this but you have to turn to your side for me." You spoke softly, running a hand up his arm and pushing in the direction he needed to turn.

"Hngh..." Frank protested sleepily. "Why?"

Stifling a smile at the grumpy face he made, you continued to push. "C'mon, you big baby. On your side, so you don't choke and die overnight."

Huffing frustratedly, Frank flopped onto his side, glaring at you.

“Thank you. Do you need a blanket?” You asked, laughing indignantly when he flipped you off. “That was an actual question, asshole.”

Standing up, you took a step towards the worn armchair on the other side of the coffee table, nearly tumbling over when a force tugged on your wrist. Eyes closed again, Frank was poorly hiding a smile as he yanked your arm towards him with more strength than his inebriated self should have been capable of.

“Oh, I’m sorry, are you feeling nice now?” You grumbled, balancing your weight over him precariously as you tried to escape his hold.

Tugging your arm again, Frank muttered a jumble of grouchy nonsense.

“Christ, Frank.” You snorted, rolling your eyes to the ceiling before sliding your palms underneath his shoulders to shift him over. Squishing onto the couch next to his head, you found yourself smiling as he wriggled towards you, settling his head into your lap with a relieved exhale. “Has anyone ever told you you’re a piece of work when you’re drunk?”

Your murmur was more for yourself than for him, but he responded nonetheless. “M’ria.”

It was far from the first time he’d spoken to you about his late wife, but hearing her name fall from his lips when he was in such a vulnerable state felt like a swift punch to the gut. Regaining your composure, you threaded your fingers into his hair. “Go to sleep, Frankie.”

As your nails softly scratched at his scalp, darkness crept into the corners of his vision, his eyes fluttering closed again.

The next few hours passed like fractions of a dream. A warm pliant surface beneath his cheek, a cool hand running through his hair. A whispered conversation and hushed groans. A loss of contact.

Somewhere in the haze of alcohol-induced fatigue, Curtis appeared, taking over your role as his babysitter. Curt was good at taking care of him...he was a lot less pretty than you were, though.

“Christ, I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that.” Curtis griped, insulted by comment Frank hadn't intended to share, shoving a bottle of some form of sports drink at him. “Drink this.”

Scowling, Frank took a long swig. As he was gulping down the sugary liquid, his eyes locked on a piece of fabric draped over the back of the couch. Setting the drink down, and nearly spilling it all over himself in the process, he grabbed clumsily for the coat, clutching it to his chest when his fingers finally landed around it. ”She forgot it.“

”What?“ Curtis, rubbing a knuckle between his brows, looked unamused.

”Her coat, Curt.“ Frank whispered, holding it out to show the other man. ”We gotta find her. She forgot it. It's winter.“

Shaking his head with a huff, Curtis dropped his head into his hands. ”I'm sure she'll be fine without it for a night. Go to sleep, Frank.“

Frank frowned, still focused on the piece of plastic in his hands.

Grappling his pocket, he eventually pulled out his phone and flipped it open, squinting at the bright screen as it powered on. Scrolling through the list of contacts, he found the one he wanted and dialed.

”Frank,“ Curtis sighed, but didn't stop him from calling you.

Receiving your voicemail, Frank groaned. “Sweetheart, you better not be frozen to death out there somewhere. You left your coat here. You gotta come and get it, ok? I don't want you to be cold.”

”Hang up and sleep, Castle.“ Called the medic from Frank's bedroom. When had he gone in there?

Ignoring his friend's explicit instructions, Frank sighed. “Please come back. I like having you here. You just...you take such good care of me, and I really don't deserve it, but you do it anyways, and--” The phone was snatched out of his hand.

“Frank says goodnight.” Curtis snapped into the phone before ending the call.

“Hey!” Frank glowered, fumbling for Curtis's hand to take the device back.

“Go to sleep, Frank. You can talk to her tomorrow. Trust me, you'll be grateful I took this away when you've sobered up. You don't need to be spilling your secrets to her over voicemail.“ Spreading a blanket over Frank, Curtis glared at him. ”Close your eyes, Marine. I am not playing games with you tonight.“

Rolling to his other side so that Curtis couldn't see him, he smirked at the other man's final snort. ”Real mature, Frank. I'm taking your bed. I'll be out to check on you every once in a while.“

As Curtis retreated into the other room, Frank waited impatiently, staring at the back of the couch until he heard a door close. Grinning in satisfaction, he withdrew his burner phone from his other pocket, opening it up and inputting your number.

“Sorry, Curt hung up the phone. I wasn't done talking to ya. I like talkin' to ya, it makes me feel...god, I'm bad at this. I dunno, sweetheart, you make me feel good...special. I haven't felt that way in a long damn time. But you just make it seem so easy. You make everything seem so easy...”

The intense rolling of his stomach is what ruptured his unconsciousness, igniting a spark of adrenaline powerful enough to carry him to the bathroom so he could collapse in front of the toilet.

God, he felt fucking awful. His head was pulsing with the beginnings of a migraine, his throat burned with acid as he emptied his stomach repeatedly. Moaning with regret, he slapped the lever to flush the toilet, sinking back against the cool porcelain of the bathtub behind him.

“Was wondering when that would happen. David owes me 20 bucks.” Curtis leaned against the doorframe of the bathroom with his arms crossed, smirking at Frank's evident misery.

“Glad I could help.” Frank muttered, digging the heel of his hand into one of his eyes in an attempt to offset some of the building pressure in his skull.

“You look like shit.” Curtis chuckled, passing him a glass of water and a bottle of painkillers.

“Fuck off.” Frank grumbled, rinsing out his mouth before throwing back a few pills.

“Well, clearly you're feeling more like yourself. Christ.” Curtis snorted.

“God, Curt, what happened last night?” Frank grimaced.

“Besides you drinking enough to kill a racehorse? Not much. Unless you count me discovering your collection of burner phones as ‘interesting’.”

Curtis’s words were innocuous, but Frank felt a wave of dread crash over him at the implications.

“What collection?“ He asked mournfully, hoping fiercely that Curt didn’t mean–

“The one you were using to call your girl.” Fuck. “Every time I turned around, there was a new phone in your hands. Can't say I didn't try to stop you from making an ass of yourself, you just managed to do it anyway.”

“Fuck!” Frank cursed. That was exactly what he was hoping to avoid. “Please tell me you're jokin'.”

“Unfortunately not, Frank.“ The other man laughed, but his brow pinched in sympathy. “You're gonna have some explaining to do, I expect.”

“Fuck me. What did I say?” He looked to his friend pleadingly, feeling like his impending doom was perched just over his shoulders.

“I didn't catch all of it, but the parts I heard were pretty damning.” Curtis rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding Frank’s intense eyes.

Mustering the dwindling energy he had, Frank lurched to his feet, stumbling towards the door. Thankfully, Curtis caught him when his balance faltered after a few steps.

“Woah, shit, Frank! Where are you goin'?” Curtis chastised preemptively, letting Frank lean against him as he ambled to the foyer.

“To apologize, or delete that message. Whatever needs to be done.” Frank’s jaw was stiff, his voice gruff with fear and discomfort. Undraping his arm from Curt’s shoulders, Frank bent down to grab his boots, halting as the motion caused a spike of pain to shoot through his brain. Clenching his fingers around his thighs, he bit his tongue to keep from hurling again.

“Jesus, Frank. This isn't a goddamn military operation.” Curt scoffed, kicking Frank’s shoes closer to him with a grunt.

Frank huffed a bitter laugh. “You're right, that would be easier.” Squatting down, Frank shoved his boots on and laced them up.

“You need serious help, you know that?” Curtis sighed, only waiting a moment before slipping his own shoes on. “C'mon. I'll drive you.”

Tipping your chin up, you let the final dregs of your latte trickle across your tongue, silently begging for those few drops to contain the caffeine you'd need for the rest of the day. You were practically giddy with lack of sleep and the immense amount of sugar you'd dumped into the coffee to make it palatable–you weren't used to so many extra espresso shots.

After looking out for Frank at the bar, wrangling him on the journey home, leaving abruptly to accompany your distraught roommate and her accident-prone boyfriend to the hospital, and then staying with said roommate all night while her boyfriend got a cast put over his broken arm–you were understandably exhausted. And, if you were honest with yourself, a bit aggravated that you'd been ripped away from Frank when he was so unusually receptive to your affection.

It wasn't as if you could just call Curtis and ask to switch roles again, it was almost noon. Frank would probably be up and hungover by now–far grouchier than the cuddly lump he'd become last night when he passed out on your lap. No use to mourn that loss any further, you supposed. It wouldn't be that hard to make him agree to another bet, after all.

Lounging on the couch, your eyes slipped shut for a moment, flying open in shock when you heard a knock at the door. Of course someone would show up right after you sat down. Inhaling deeply to keep from groaning, you dragged yourself off of the couch and to the door. Huh, speak of the devil.

Unlatching the door, you rested a hand on your hip as you took in the posture of the man before you. Frank looked awful, a perfect example of the saying “green around the gills”. He was slouched forward, barely meeting your gaze, and his complexion was so alarmingly pale that it was more translucent. Before you could ask what the hell he was doing on your doorstep, he spoke.

“I need to see your phone.” His tone was pained and especially gravelly, which made sense given how hungover he must be right now.

“Damn, Castle. Hello to you too.” You laughed, the humor of it not fully reaching your eyes as concern churned in your gut. Stepping out of the way, you allowed him to stride past you into the apartment.

Looking over his shoulder at you sheepishly, he cringed. “Sorry, hi. Your phone?”

Well he’s clearly on a mission. You had to admit, you were curious what he was so riled up about.

Your eyes narrowing, you gestured to where it sat on the counter, anchored by its designated cord. “It's charging. It died while I was running around last night and I just got home, so.” Frowning in confusion, you picked it up to show him.

“Thank god.” Frank let his face fall into his palms, collapsing onto your couch.

“Why do you need my phone, Frank?” Intrigue still piqued, you flicked a thumb across the screen to activate your phone.

Realizing he’d made a fatal error in his anguished haze, Frank swiveling in his seat, craning his neck just in time to see a massive grin break out across your face. “Shit wait–”

“Jesus Frank, are you ok? Why did you call me so many times?” You laughed, scrolling through the myriad of notifications you’d apparently missed from him.

“Sweetheart I'm begging you–” Standing on his wobbly legs, he hurried to remove the device from your hands, but it was too late.

“You left multiple voicemails?” You looked at him with an almost pompous smile, clearly taking satisfaction in his downfall.

“Please don’t–” He made for your phone, but his reflexes were lacking. Spinning just out of his reach, you raised the phone above your head victoriously.

“Voicemail number one!” You announced proudly, pressing play on the recording.

Frank’s voice sounded tinny through the small speakers, or maybe it was just being drowned out by the ringing in his ears. “You forgot your coat…”

“Aw, Frank, that's so sweet!” You spoke over the short message, your lip sticking out slightly as you looked at him with gratitude.

Stepping towards you with his palms displayed, he tried for a placating tone. “Yup. That was all, no need to listen to any more of–”

“Voicemail number 2!” You crowed, darting out of the kitchen as he grabbed wildly for the offending phone once more.

“Sorry, Curt hung up the phone...”

“This ain't funny.” Frank growled, scurrying after you into the living room “Turn those off!”

“You left them for me!” You giggled, holding the phone to your ear and squealing with delight at his first confession.

“You make everything seem so easy–”

“Aw, Frank–”

“It's so hard for me to focus when you're around–”

By the grace of some higher power, his drunk rambling cut off. Nearly keeling over, he leaned heavily against the back of your couch. “Thank Christ.”

“VOICEMAIL NUMBER 3!” You said gleefully, practically dancing with joy as Frank resumed chasing you.

“Goddamn it.” He muttered. He should have known he wasn’t that lucky.

“I can't stop thinkin' about ya–”

His words were coming back to him now, and it was crystal clear that he had very limited time to retrieve the phone before your relationship with him was irreparably damaged. Nearly bowling your coffee table over, he managed to snatch the hem of your sweatshirt, but you simply slipped out of it and resumed your lap of the space.

“I can never stop thinkin about ya–”

You leapt onto the couch and over the arm, making for your bedroom. How on earth were you this agile after last night? He was pretty sure this would be the last thing he ever did.

“I hope you made it home safe–”

You stumbled around your bed frame and Frank saw an opening.

“You shoulda stayed here with me–”

His eyes narrowed, vision tunneling like a predator’s. Frank bounded forward and your eyes widened as you realized he had you cornered.

“I'll always keep you safe–”

Finally, he arrived within the distance he needed, snatching you by the waist and spinning you into him. Your chests were pressed together, quivering with the force of labored breaths, but before he could hit the power button–

“Cause, I dunno, I just love ya, sweetheart. I'd never let anythin' happen to ya.”

His world blurred, his heart pounding so aggressively it felt like it was creeping out of his rib cage. It was done. It was over.

Panting, you looked up at him with a furrowed brow. His heart sank as he watched the realization crawl across your face.

“You...you love me?” You asked meekly as Frank took a step away from you.

His entire body felt like it was on fire, he couldn’t decide whether he needed to scream or be sick. An apology roosted on his tongue, but his mouth was too dry for the words to come out.

“You love me.” You murmured, looking at the phone as if it would explain his words for you.

“I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinkin'–” He choked out, scrambling backwards sloppily so that he wouldn’t witness your pity.

“Frank–” You spoke softly, the sympathetic edge to your words cutting his composure like a blade.

“Christ, I'll just go, I'm sorry–” He whispered, his throat tightening with immense regret.

“Frank” Your fingers suddenly wrapped around his wrist, turning him back to face you. He inhaled deeply, bracing himself for the rejection and subsequent loss of connection that he’d stupidly caused. But it never came.

Instead, your free hand cupped his neck, pulling his lips to meet yours. His knees wavered, nearly giving out as your soft lips met his. He was bombarded with surprise and affection and relief. Pulling back from him, you rubbed a finger over his nape and smiled softly.

“I love you too.”

“You–” He was too shocked to even ask a full question. His knees finally gave out and he fell against you.

“Woah, careful there, tough guy.” You chuckled, nudging him backwards so that he crumbled onto your mattress instead of taking you both to the ground.

Listing sideways onto your mattress, he let you prod at his limbs until he was fully seated. Bile was swiftly rising in his throat, but whether it was from the chase or the resulting emotions, he was unsure. Swallowing roughly, he grimaced.

Biting your lip, you let go of his wrist to stroke your blissfully cool fingers along his cheek. “Let me get you some water, ok? I’ll be right back.”

Eyes falling closed, Frank took a handful of measured breaths, lips twitching with a small smile despite his current agony. You loved him too. He had a feeling that he should be skeptical, but he was experiencing too much to consider that at the moment. For now, he would just accept this outcome, however miraculous it might seem.

Hearing your soft footsteps back into the room, he opened his eyes–immediately regretting it when his head convulsed with a renewed stab of pain. Moaning softly, he scrunched his eyes shut, bringing his thumbs up to his brows to knead them in the hope it would lessen the ache.

“Head bothering you?” Your voice was impossibly soft as you knelt by his side, gently prying one of his hands away from his face and pressed a cold glass into it.

“Yah. Sorry sweetheart, didn’t mean to crash here.”

“Don’t you dare apologize. I already texted Curt and told him you’d be staying here for a bit.” Pulling back your sheets on the other side of the bed, you propped yourself up next to him. “Tired?”

Grumbling affirmatively, Frank tilted his head into your shoulder, rolling as far into you as he could stomach. “But we should probably–”

“We got all the time in the world, sweetheart.” You stroked his stubbled chin languidly, smirking as his expression relaxed beneath your touch. “Just sleep. After last night, we both need it.”

“God, I love you.” He murmured, throwing an arm over your hips and letting you nestle in close.

You pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I love you too, Frank.”

Frank made a mental reminder to buy Lieberman a beer the next time they went out. He’d never admit it to David, but he was beyond grateful that his uninhibited self had finally made a move.

Feeling more content than he had in months, he let himself drift off to the sound of your soft breathing.

Thanks for reading!!

#frank castle #my writing #frank castle x reader #the punisher #marvel #nmcu #frank castle fanfiction #frank castle imagine #frank castle x female reader #frank castle x you #the punisher x reader #the punisher imagine #jon bernthal #jon bernthal fanfiction #fc

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roosterforme · 4 months

Text

At Least Twice a Day (Rooster x Reader)

Part of The What If Collection of blurbs for Roo and Baby Girl. My masterlist. Banner by @mak-32

Warnings: language, mentions of smut, mention of injury

You loved having Goose and Carole stay with you and Bradley. His mom always taught you a new recipe, and you could tell how happy it made Bradley to spend time with them. Especially Goose.

The guys were out walking Tramp after dinner, and you were helping Carole make a cake in your kitchen as you kept pausing to look at your engagement ring which used to be hers.

"He'll take good care of you," Carole mused out loud as she cracked some eggs. "Not that you can't take care of yourself, of course. But he'll give you anything you need or want. That's just the way he loves you."

Her words made you feel gooey. "That's the way I love him, too."

Your future mother-in-law's beaming smile left you wishing Bradley would return from his walk so you could touch him. You just always wanted to be touching him. "Chocolate frosting?" Carole asked, interrupting your thoughts.

"Yes. As long as Goose likes that."

She laughed and tossed her head back. "Goose has never meet a food he won't eat."

"Sounds exactly like Bradley."

Once the pretty cake was cooling and the frosting was ready to go on it, the front door opened, and Tramp bounded in ahead of the guys. "It smells good in here," Bradley murmured as he made a beeline to give you a hug. He kissed the top of your head as you snuggled your cheek against him. "Well this is a warm welcome."

"I missed you a little bit," you whispered. You made sure Carole and Goose looked distracted as you said, "You told me you'd make some more time for me all week. I want it real bad." You sent him a little pout just to reinforce things. It was hard to be as intimate as you liked when his parents were visiting.

His response sounded a little stern. "I know. I've been tired. And a little preoccupied. Don't act like you aren't getting it, Baby Girl." You pressed your lips together, because he'd actually taken the time to go down on you this morning before he got dressed. For almost thirty minutes. And it had been really good. "Now what smells so delicious?"

You patted his belly; he was still trying to get in shape again after his horrific accident during his last deployment a few months ago. "I don't think you should eat too much cake, okay. You told me to make sure you were making healthy food choices."

Bradley sighed and said, "If you make it, I'm going to want to eat it." He sounded a little snippy, and you knew it was because he loved his mom's recipes, but you'd stand firm.

"Just one small piece. I'm going to ice the cake, and we can all eat it tomorrow before your parents fly home to Virginia."

"Fine."

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

Bradley knew you were probably a tiny bit annoyed with him when you excused yourself early to take a shower and get ready for bed. But the cake looked so good, and he wanted to eat it even though he did tell you not to let him have too many sweets. His parents were on the couch watching a movie together when he changed into his gym clothes as he heard you get into the shower. Since he had his weight bench in the garage now, he should be using it every day.

When he walked into the living room on his way to the kitchen to make a protein shake, he felt two pairs of eyes on him. "What?" he asked, turning toward the couch. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Well..." Carole began, already cluing Bradley in to the fact that this would be an irritating conversation. "We couldn't help but notice that you got a little bit snippy with your fiancée earlier."

"Oh here we go," he muttered in response, running his hand through his hair. "How much did you hear?"

They shared a look before Carole asked, "Are you sure you're pleasing her in the bedroom?"

He froze in place and barked out an annoyed laugh. "We are not having this conversation. Absolutely not."

His dad put a hand on his mom's shoulder, but that didn't stop her. "Oh, yes, we are. We have always been very open about sex, Bradley. It's nothing to be ashamed of!"

Bradley looked at her bright blue eyes before glancing at his dad. It wasn't that he was embarrassed to talk about sex with his parents even though he was well into his thirties, it was more that he wasn't sure how to defend himself right now. "This conversation is not necessary. She was being dramatic."

Carole scoffed in response. "It's not dramatic when you're letting your partner know you need something, Bradley. She's going to be your wife!"

"Yeah," Bradley barked. "And she's already getting it at least twice a day most days!"

Goose choked on his sip of tea.

"Oh," Carole said softly, but she looked a lot calmer now as Bradley shook his head. "Well, that's good."

"Mmhmm," he hummed sarcastically with his hands planted on his hips. "I am fucking my fiancée regularly. She's plenty satisfied. She just likes being a brat. But thank you for your concern." He turned toward the kitchen, nearly forgetting what he was planning on doing in the first place. "Jesus," he grumbled as he grabbed his protein powder. "The fucking audacity."

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

When you woke up the next morning, Bradley was still sound asleep, so you made your way to the kitchen to start breakfast for the four of you. The coffee was brewing, and you were collecting ingredients for some pancake batter when you froze. Half of the cake was gone. "What the fuck?" you gasped, and that's when you saw Bradley walk in. "You ate the cake."

He frowned at you. "No, I didn't."

"You did!" you accused. "It's half eaten! You ate it out of spite!"

Bradley raised one eyebrow and asked, "Are you serious right now?"

You spun when you heard Goose clear his throat, and you turned to see that Carole couldn't even look you in the eye for some reason. "Good morning," she said as she reached for a mug. "Goose has something he needs to tell you."

"I ate the cake," he said. "It was delicious. I had one piece, and then I couldn't stop eating it. And then the next thing I knew, half of it was gone."

"Oh," you replied softly. "Well, that's okay. Why don't we just finish the cake for breakfast?"

"That sounds lovely," Carole replied, barely meeting your eyes.

You took a deep breath and turned toward Bradley. "I'm sorry, Roo. You can have a much cake as you want, I shouldn't have told you not to eat it."

He leaned in closer and whispered, "I'll have a little slice, Sweetheart. And I'm sorry I haven't been as attentive this week as I usually am. If you want me to fuck you nearly constantly, you know I will."

"Shhh," you hissed. "Your mom is already barely looking at me right now!"

Bradley laughed as his parents took the cake and coffee into the dining room. "That's because I told her you're a needy little thing who wants me balls deep inside her all the time."

"You did what?!"

#is it working for you?#roosterforme #b&bg #if you ask emily #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #rooster imagine #rooster fanfiction #bradley bradshaw imagine

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boots-with-the-fur-club · 21 days

Text

Another angst prompt, someone stop me from getting random ideas from crazy places.

17. Accident.

@that-0n3-shr00mi3-guy

@daboyau

Raph sits up in a panic. He puts his head in his hands to try to get a grip back on reality. The nightmares have mostly subsided, but every so often he gets one that leaves him unable to sleep for the rest of the night. Whenever this happens, he leaves his bed and goes to make sure the contents of the dream didn’t happen.

First, he goes to Mikey’s train car. Raph opens the door and sees him curled up in his hammock. A blanket is hanging off the side. He picks it up and wraps it around him. Mikey snuggles into it, making Raph smile before he leaves and shuts the door behind him.

Donnie is next. Raph makes doubly sure he’s not passed out somewhere in his lab before checking his room. He’s happily surprised to see him actually there for once. Raph closes the doors once and again and goes to Leo’s train car next.

His heart nearly stops at seeing the doors already open and the bed being empty.

He tears apart the room as if he’d find Leo under Jupiter Jim comics or a basketball. His brother shouldn’t be up about. The injuries he got are still healing. Raph’s brain finally starts working and he races off to check the other parts of their home.

Raph eventually gets to the living room where he sees glowing blue. Ever since that day, the one where he thought he allowed his brother to end his own life, he hasn’t been able to see it the same.

He’s unable to think about anything else when he sees the back of Leo’s arm and body partially sticking out. Raph grabs his wrist and pulls him back. The anxiety and stress he’s feeling gets to him.

“What are you’re doing!? Using portals again when you’re not even supposed to be out of bed!? Did you even think at all before you-!?” Something suddenly slams into his face.

He stumbles back, still not letting go of Leo. Raph uses his other hand to try to wipe it off. There’s….icing on it? Something crumbly….cake?

Raph looks back at Leo and immediately let’s go this time. His brother is trembling, badly. He’s clearly fighting back tears which means that Raph has messed up catastrophically. Leo only ever cries for two reasons, dramatic effect, and when he’s so upset he can’t control it.

Leo drops to his knees, eyes focused on the dropped pieces of food on the ground. The tears start coming. Raph’s heart shatters into a million pieces. Leo looks so fragile. It feels like he popped an orphan’s balloon then kicked his puppy for good measure.

Raph shakes off the rest of the cake on his face and kneels down.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay! I can get you another cake! A better cake! You want a blue one? One shaped like a basketball!?” He tries to reach out, only for Leo to flinch.

Raph’s world almost blurts when he realizes what might be going on. He grabbed him and yelled so suddenly, did he….did he think he was kraangified again?

Or maybe he could just never fully trust him again.

He’d always be scared

Raph didn’t mean to be so rough. It was an accident. He was just so scared and worried. He didn’t want to lose Leo again. Maybe he already did in a way, though.

Leo suddenly starts crying a lot harder.

“I-I’m sorry! I just….I just wanted to get you that cake…..it wasn’t for me….!”

Raph frowns deeply. He didn’t know he could feel so bad so very quickly. It’s painful.

“Why….were you getting me cake?”

Leo’s tears drench his gloves as he tries to wipe them with his fists.

“Your birthday was two weeks ago and nobody remembered because you were busy taking care of me! You didn’t even remember! It was your birthday!”

Raph blinks in surprise.

Everything has been so busy for so long he could hardly tell what day of the week it is, let alone the date.

“….Leo, buddy-“

“And now I can’t even get grabbed without it feeling like I’m going to die because I got smashed into a wall! I hurt you! I saw it in your eyes! You think I’m afraid of you when I’m just a coward!”

“Leo, you went through a lot, this isn’t your fault-“

“You only roughhouse with me! It was our thing! You already feel like I’m going to break! And now you’re going to be scared that I hate you! Blame you! When am I going to stop taking things from you!?” He sobs.

Raph takes the absolute most care he can to be as gentle as possible as he pulls Leo into a close hug.

“You don’t. You don’t take anything. You give me so much. You’re here. That’s all I need. I’d trade every birthday, all the wrestling, even my bears to have ya. That’s a promise.”

Leo clings to him and keeps sobbing until he passes out in Raph’s arms. Raph lifts him up, placing his head on his shoulder. He takes him with him back to his room and sits on the bed.

He knew that he wouldn’t be able to sleep. He knows that things wouldn’t magically be better in the morning. He knows that his legs will cramp up and that he won’t be able to move for a long time.

It doesn’t matter.

At all.

Leo’s there.

That’s more than enough.

#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rottmnt #2018 tmnt #rise of the tmnt #tw angst #rottmnt angst #rise fanfiction

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missmielyhoran · 1 year

Text

Nightmare

in which Harry cheated on you...

[Warning- Angst, cheating, pregnancy, Breakup, crying, Fluff, really bad grammer cause I'm tired and wrote this cause I couldn't focus on studying]

*****

Two years, seven months, eighteen days...

That's how long you knew Harry or so, you thought.

Your relationship with Harry was pure bliss. He cared for you, loved you in a way no one ever had. So, never in your nightmares you thought he would just up and break up with you only to find his arms around some blonde a week later.

It broke the worst way possible. For weeks, you stayed in your bed and ate when your best friend force fed you, which ended up in your toilet anyway.

That was almost a year months ago.

You still were very much hurt, and the sight of Harry still almost sent you down a spiral. So, when Jeff asked you to come back as tour manager, you tried to deny it, but there was a contract, and nowhere in hell did you have 10,000 laying around to break it.

So, you went back and did everything in your power to avoid Harry and his girlfriend.

But fate was never in your side.

Just a few days in tour, and you were already having a bad day. You saw a woman standing in the cafeteria with her back to you. Hair cliped up in a bun, a mask covering half of her face and her hand caressing her huge belly.

You immediately got up from your place on the couch and offered her. Her eyes squinted, which you took as a smile.

Then she removed her mask, and you couldn't breathe.

It was the same woman of your nightmare.

"Thank you so much sweetheart, can't tell you how much this pregnancy has been killing my feet," She said, huffing and laughing.

You couldn't say anything. You just stared at her belly. She was almost 7 to 8 months pregnant, you thought.

Was it an accident or did they planned it? Harry always wanted family with you, he talked and raved about having a little you and him.

Now he was having that with someone else.

You ran when you saw Harry walk in the room from the corner of your eye. You couldn't do this, you didn't care you had to fight in court or you had to pay hefty amout you to get out you just couldn't work there anymore.

Tears streaming down your face, you ran to Jeff's office and slammed open his door. He looked up from his laptop annoyed at first, then concerned when he saw your state. Then realization hit him, and his face morphed into guilt and sorrow.

"I can't do this anymore, Jeff. I can't." You cried more. He got up and took you in his arms, and you sobbed harder.

"I know. I know." He assured you his hand running up down your back consoling you.

"I understand baby, but I need you to wake up now," He said suddenly. You removed your face from his chest and looked at him weirdly, surprised by the nickname and the sentence.

"What the fu-"

"I need you to wake up Baby" He said again a bit harshly this time, his eyes a bit serious and panicked, "Y/N wake up-"

You jolted up from bed heaving. Your body was covered in sweat. Confused, you looked around and found a dark room. Moon was shining brightly from the window, and the soft buzzing of AC and your pants were filling the room.

A large hand came up to your jaw and then the brightest green eyes. Harry looked at you sweetly and smiled.

"There she is. You were having a bad dream, baby." He said softly, wiping sweat off your face. You looked down your hand immediately, going to your belly almost protectively, and Harry's followed right after.

Then you turned around and hit Harry's bicep harshly. His eyes widened, "Ow baby. That hurt." he said, holding your hands in his.

"How dare you" You said angirly, "What did I do-" He asked confused.

"How dare you cheat on me?!" You exclaimed. Harry looked at your wide-eyed and then started laughing hysterically.

At this point, you also realized how ridiculous you sounded and your face turned red with a grumpy pout. Your arms around your belly, you looked like a cute angry baby chicken.

"Oh sweetheart, what will I do of you?" He said, lovingly leaning down to take your lips into a sweet kiss.

*****

Hehehehehe...I was bored

Taglist- @tenaciousperfectionunknown @that-daydream-look @harryspirate @tiaamberxx @lomlhstyles @vmpellie @sunshinemoonsposts @jayde515

Please Like, Comment and Reblog!

I will be back with posting from next monday♡

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beyondthesefourwalls · 9 months

Text

This Love Came Back to Me (7)

Summary: You and Bradley hadn’t ended on bad terms; really, you stopped before the two of you could even truly begin. Still, in the last seven months, you had never completely left his mind. So when you suddenly appeared in front of him at the bar, asking for a favor and pulling him into a kiss, he thought maybe it was the perfect opportunity to see if this time, things could be different. But what neither of you realized was that there’s more going on than just rekindling a lost romance, and it might not be as easy as simply just wanting it.

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader (no use of y/n)

Warnings: second chance romance, language, allusions of smut and potential full smut, stalking, unhealthy obsessions, delusions of feelings, unwanted attention.

Part Seven Word Count: 5.1K

Part Six :: Series Masterlist

-----

You were slow to get up on Monday morning. Your body was reluctant to move from beneath the covers, your mind even more so. The dread of the week ahead had already settled in your stomach before your eyes had even fluttered open.

Something told you that it was going to be a bad day, and as you got ready for work, that thought grew stronger and stronger. You had used the wrong moisturizer, and then had gotten toothpaste on your black blouse and had to change. You spilled your favorite hard-to-find coffee creamer, and to top it off, you couldn’t find your favorite necklace that you wore more often than you didn’t. You were almost positive you had put it on the jewelry plate on your dresser last night like you always did, but it was nowhere to be found this morning. A quick check behind the dresser and in the drawers proved no luck, and it wasn’t on your bathroom counter, either. You wondered if maybe you had left it at Bradley’s on accident, but you swore you had been wearing it when you came home.

Nerves prickled at your skin once you left your house, growing steadily the closer you got to the office. You prolonged going in for as long as you could, sitting in the car until the very last minute before you forced yourself inside and up the elevator. You breathed a sigh of relief when you noticed you were the last one to make it in and everyone else was already focused on what they were doing. You don’t bother with any pleasantries as you start toward your desk - your very flower and coffee free desk, as it was.

As you did every morning, you checked your calendar to remind yourself what was on the agenda for the day. You swallowed thickly when you noticed a calendar invite with your boss that definitely hadn’t been there when you left on Friday. Glancing down at the clock in the corner of your screen, you cursed under your breath and shot to your feet.

You paused outside of Gretchen’s door once you got to it, taking a second to catch your breath from your mad dash from your desk before knocking. Her voice was clipped when she told you to come in.

“Good morning,” you greeted, forcing as much chipperness into your tone as possible. Your boss didn’t have the same courtesy and barely looked up from her computer screen.

“I need you to pick up the Randolph and Jackson accounts while Deana is out the next few weeks. There should be notes in her files. I need some preliminary drafts to present to them by the end of the day.”

Anxiety formed in your stomach at having something else thrown on your already very full plate. You truly were at capacity with your workload. Normally, you would grin and bear it. But you had stopped interpreting her giving you more as her trusting you a while ago. You knew it was just a power play and too high blind expectations to follow it on her part.

“Am I being partnered with someone on this?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

“Like who?”

“Lauren? Or maybe Joey, or Shante?” you listed off anyone you could think of. The clicking of Gretchen’s keyboard halted as she stopped typing, finally looking up at you from her spot behind the cluttered desk. She raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.

“Can you not handle the extra work?”

“Well, I-”

“I was going to partner you with Paul,” she said, and the stress you were feeling deepened, your skin crawling at even the thought. “But because of the open HR investigation you insisted upon, I was advised against it. So unless you want to drop that, you’ll be handling these solos. You wanted more responsibility anyway, didn’t you?”

It took all of your willpower not to flinch. She didn’t bother trying to hide her opinion on the matter, her words laced with disdain and sarcasm. You felt scolded and embarrassed at how she was blatantly judging you, and feeling that way in turn made you angry, too. You had no reason to feel those things - you had done nothing wrong, here. You remembered what Bradley had told you. He was insistent that this wasn’t your fault. Deep down you knew he was right, even if it took you some time to reach him there. You knew that it wasn’t fair that you were being looked at and spoken to this way, by your boss, nonetheless.

You breathed in deeply, silently centering yourself. You didn’t like confrontation, but you hated being belittled even more. You cleared your throat and stood a little bit taller, squaring your shoulders.

“I won’t be dropping it.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, and you’d be blind not to see the challenge written all over her face. You couldn’t believe that once upon a time, when you first started at this company, you admired this woman.

“I’m positive,” you stated. You were so glad that your voice didn’t shake, because you were trembling on the inside. You continued on before you lost your nerve, the words rushing out of you once they started. “It was within my rights just like it would be within anyone else’s. So I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t ask me things like that, or imply that I’m being punished for standing up for myself by forcing me to handle the work of an additional person on my own, when I'm already doing the work of two people on a regular basis. That’s retaliation. And it’s not okay, nor is it fair.”

Gretchen’s expression was one of surprise, no doubt shocked at the backbone you had suddenly grown in response to her. She wasn’t used to people questioning her authority, or anything that she did, really. You hadn’t seen a single person challenge or talk back to her the whole time you’ve worked together. You were probably the last one she expected to break the streak, but god, you were so damn tired.

“Well then,” her voice dripped in sarcasm when she finally spoke, “I see someone paid attention to the policies in the employee handbook.”

“It’s not a policy,” you corrected without skipping a beat, “It’s a law.”

She stared at you for a long, tense moment. Slowly, you watched as her face morphed into something colder. Her lips curled into a sneer and her hazel eyes narrowed. Her thin arms folded over her chest as she leant back in her chair. But you refused to squirm under her glare, instead meeting it head on.

Gretchen was the first to cave, whether it be because she sensed you weren’t going to or because she knew she was in the wrong. You weren’t sure, and frankly, you didn’t care.

Her blonde hair swayed when she shook her head in your direction, a poorly contained scoff leaving her mouth as she returned her attention to the computer screen, resuming the typing she was doing before you got here. “I expect the information needed for the Randolph account on my desk by the end of the day,” she said, “I’ll have someone else work on Jackson. Get to work, and shut my door on the way out.”

There’s more you could have said - more that you wanted to say. But you knew a dismissal when you heard one, and you had pushed the boundaries further than you ever had before. And truthfully, you were desperate to be out of her presence. You spun on your heel and left her office without another word. In a split second show of defiance, you didn’t close the door all the way like she had requested. You heard her call after you, but you kept walking.

Oh my God, you thought. You couldn’t believe you had just done that.

You glanced at your phone when you got back to your desk and saw a text waiting for you. Based on the timestamp, it must have arrived shortly after you had shot up to go to the last minute meeting.

Bradley🐓✈️❤️:Going up in the air soon. How’s work?

Your hands shook as you typed out a message in return. The adrenaline from your anger still pulsed in your veins, but you could feel yourself coming down from it, your nerves starting to buzz under your skin instead.

Cross your fingers that I get responses on applications this week, because I might be getting fired.

To your surprise, the dots that indicated Bradley started typing back popped up almost immediately. You breathed a sigh of relief that he still had his phone on him, because you needed some sort of interaction right now that wasn’t from people in this office.

Bradley🐓✈️❤️:What?

You gave him the short version of your interaction as a headache started forming at your temples. You dug around in your bag until you found the bottle of ibuprofen you kept there, swallowing the pills down quickly with a sip of your coffee.

Bradley🐓✈️❤️:That’s my girl. I’m proud of you, baby.

You had a tendency to cry when you were angry, something you hated because it made you feel weak, and combined with the stress and the sweetness of the words, you weren’t all that surprised when you felt the tears prick the back of your eyes. You took a deep breath and chewed your bottom lip, fighting to keep them at bay.

You were at your desk in the middle of the office and you refused to let these people see you cry.

You tried to think of something to say in return. Three words flashed in your mind, your fingers itching to type them for the briefest of moments before you push them away. You didn’t think you could handle trying to figure out those emotions right now. You must have taken too long, because your boyfriend was sending another message before you could reply at all.

Bradley🐓✈️❤️: Heading up now. Don’t worry about work. None of those people are worth it.

It was exactly what you needed to be told in that moment, and your heart swelled for this man. You wished you were with him now.

Let me know when you’re safely back on planet earth, please. Fly safe, aviator❤️

____

You weren’t naive enough to think finally standing up to Gretchen would solve all of your problems. You also didn’t expect to become something of an office pariah by lunch that day though, either.

It seemed that suddenly everyone knew what had happened not only with Gretchen, but with Paul, and about the multiple complaints you had filed against him. You felt the stares and heard the whispers, not having to try hard to accomplish either because no one was going out of their way to hide it. Judgment came off of people in waves, making you feel like the worst kind of center of attention. You were hot and itchy with discomfort.

It was a struggle to stay focused to hit the deadlines you had, and when you emailed everything over to Gretchen a little bit after 5:00, the immediate response you got was her informing you that you were ten minutes late, and that a deadline for another client that you normally handled was moved to tomorrow. Every part of you wanted to respond by telling her that would have been nice to know in advance and so it sounded like a her problem. But the client in question was someone you genuinely enjoyed working with. They were always so good to you, and you didn’t want to let them down because of Gretchen’s thoughtlessness of telling you this last week. You gritted your teeth, wishing you would have listened to Bradley when he suggested taking off of work.

By Thursday, you felt like you were going to crawl out of your skin. The whispers had turned to full fledged talking now, people vocally making it clear that they didn’t believe you and weren’t on your side. The rumors that floated around were starting to get vicious. Each one was more outlandish than the one before. They made the days longer, each minute feeling like an hour, and considering you hadn’t left earlier than 8pm due to the extra work given to you, you felt like you were slowly but surely losing your mind; you didn’t know how much more of it you could take.

To make matters worse, you hadn’t seen Bradley all week, though not for a lack of trying. You missed him. Your nightly phone calls were one of the only things getting you through, and last night you had been so tired that his voice had lulled you to sleep barely 10 minutes into the call. Your phone was below 10%, but you could have cried when you woke up and saw that the line was still connected. Bradley hadn’t hung up, and he was there when you called out for him. When you switched the call to Facetime, you could see he was getting ready for work, his uniform already on and a toothbrush in his mouth.

“Morning, beautiful.”

You could practically feel the bags under your eyes, and you knew your hair was all over the place. You didn’t feel very beautiful right now, but you smiled at him anyway, the compliment making you feel warmer than the blankets you were still laying under.

“Good morning. I don’t want to get up,” you groaned pathetically, burrowing yourself further into the pillow under your head. Bradley chuckled lightly, but didn’t say anything as he finished brushing his teeth. When you forced your heavy eyes back open, the thoughtful, contemplative look he was giving you reflected through the screen. His brown eyes were full of something that your tired mind thought was worry. “What?” you asked quietly.

“I’m going to come see you tonight,” he said. “I’m tired of things getting in the way. I want to see my girl. I don’t want to wait until the weekend again.”

The early morning rasp in his voice made you shiver. Your heart raced in anticipation, suddenly feeling a little bit more awake. You weren’t going to point out that the weekend would have just been one extra day at this point, because truly, you felt the exact same way. “I’d like that.”

You told him you’d do everything in your power to leave as close to 5pm as you could, and he promised the same in regard to leaving the base. You had stayed on the phone for as long as you could before hanging up. In the beginning of the day, thinking about seeing him had been the only thing getting you through. But by the middle of the afternoon, the snide comments and judgy looks from people had consumed you.

You knew you were strong, and you did everything you could to remind yourself that they were just words, and that these people meant nothing to you. But god, you could only handle so much.

Your last meeting of the day was a departmental one with your whole team, Paul included. You sat as far away from him as you possibly could and avoided eye contact, though you could feel his, as well as everyone else's, on you. Your skin itched at the attention and you resisted the urge to tug at the collar of your blouse. It was made worse by Gretchen telling everyone how she was reassigning one of your favorite accounts to him, a comment about divvying up resources to improve work/life balance. She looked at you directly as she said it, and you didn’t miss the twitch of her lip as she fought off a self-satisfied smile. You have no doubt that it was a dig at how you had said you were overloaded. You tried not to regret standing up to her earlier in the week.

It was the longest hour of the week so far, and when it was over, you were the first one out of your chair. You still had work to do, but after returning to your desk and sitting for almost an hour without accomplishing anything due to how utterly miserable you felt, you just…couldn’t. You kept your head down as you made your way to the elevators, only glancing up once you made it to the lobby. Instantly, your breath caught and your heart rate picked up. You didn’t see his face, but you knew it was Paul standing there, his back to you as he waited for one of the lifts. Before he could spot you, you escaped into the bathroom. You waited for five, and then ten minutes just to be safe. It was after 6:00 when you finally made it down to the parking lot and started toward home.

You had gotten so overwhelmed the latter half of the day, the week catching up with you, that Bradley coming over had almost entirely left your mind. So when you pulled into your driveway and saw him sitting on your porch steps waiting for you, the first tear slipped.

Bradley rose from the porch and was already walking toward you by the time you stepped out of the car. He gave you that devastating smile of his that you knew was reserved just for you, his eyes sparkling in the setting sun.

“Hey you,” he greeted, “I was getting worried.”

You realized then that you hadn’t even bothered checking your phone to see if he had texted or called you before you left the office, and another tear slipped down your cheek.

The last thing you wanted was this: this whole situation having you so stressed that you forget him, or push him to the side. And that’s exactly what had happened today. That place, those people, they were ruining everything. And you were letting them. That, more than anything, upset you.

“Sorry,” you choked out, your voice hitching as the word got stuck in your throat. Bradley’s smile faded at the same time he clocked the dampness on your cheek and heard your apology. His eyes widened as he quickened his stride to you.

“Bug, what-”

You gave him no warning before you closed the remaining distance. Your bag clattered to the ground as you slammed into him. He didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around you in return, holding you tightly against his body. Your face buried itself into his chest and your hands gripped the back of his shirt as you clung to him, and right there in your driveway, you finally let yourself cry.

“Hey,” Bradley soothed, running a hand up and down your back, never easing his grip on you. “Hey, hey. Baby, what’s wrong? What happened?”

You shook your head, unable to find the words you were looking for. It was like all the stress from the week, the whispers and stares and rumors, hit you all at one time, and you couldn’t stop the tears now that they had started. They silently streamed down your cheeks as you let yourself find comfort in your boyfriend’s embrace, all the emotions slowly slipping out of you as he kept you locked in his arms.

You could hear the concern in his voice as he repeated the question, and you felt so bad for making him worry.

“Sorry,” you stammered, not pulling away. “I’m okay. Sorry.” You tried your best to take a breath, but it came out shaky. Your bottom lip quivered again, more tears spilling.

“No, hey, it’s okay.”

Bradley shushed you gently, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. He stood there holding you, running a large palm up and down your spine, whispering in your ear that it was okay, and to let it out. He didn’t even know what was going on, yet he was an unmoving presence, offering you comfort with no expectations.

When your tears finally dried and your crying transitioned into sniffling instead, you tilted your head back. Bradley moved with you, peering down with concern shining in his brown eyes. You tried to smile, but the most you could manage was a twitch of your lips. There was an urge to say I’m sorry again, which he must have read on your face.

“Let’s get you inside,” he said, before the apology could leave your lips. He kissed your forehead, lingering for a moment. You felt him breathe in against your skin before pulling away. “Come on.”

He scooped up your fallen belongings and guided you to the front door. He unlocked it himself with the keys he had picked up and let you go in before him. He didn’t stop touching you the whole time, his hand firmly on your lower back, and when he locked the door and set your stuff down on the entryway table, he didn’t hesitate to draw you back into his arms. You practically melted against him. The grip he had on you was the only thing keeping you upright, and for a few minutes, you just let yourself be. You felt lighter than you had in days and you knew it was because of him.

Not for the first time, you wondered what you had done to possibly deserve him.

Bradley didn’t rush you, but you eventually detached yourself from him. He squeezed your hips before he released you, encouraging you to go take a shower and put on something more comfortable.

“I’ll order something,” he said when you started to make a comment about cooking for him. He stepped forward again and leant down for the first kiss you had shared since Sunday night. It was only a soft brush of lips, neither of you even attempting to deepen it, but it helped loosen the grip of the remaining anxiety around your throat. The smile you gave him before you walked toward your bedroom was one of the first genuine ones you had mustered all day.

When you came back into the living room, there was food and wine on the coffee table, but no Bradley in sight. You didn’t have a chance to call out for him before your backdoor opened and he came through.

“I took your trash out,” he explained, a small frown on his face. “Did you know your backdoor was unlocked?”

Your eyebrows pinched together at his question. You hadn’t known that. You couldn’t even remember the last time you had gone through it.

“My landlord was supposed to come by and look at the bathroom window,” you said with a shrug, brushing it off even as your earlier anxiety threatened to come back. “He usually comes in through the back when I’m not here. He probably didn’t lock it on the way out. It wouldn’t be the first time, especially since sometimes it looks locked until you tug on it. It’s…quirky.”

“It's sucky, is what it is,” Bradley said, his voice flatter than you had ever heard it. You couldn’t help but huff out a laugh as you agreed with him. “Will you call him tomorrow and make sure? Or I can, if you want?”

“I will,” you promised, accepting the kiss he gave you. “Can we eat?”

Once the pizza he ordered was finished and the glass of wine he had poured you emptied, you crawled onto his lap on the couch. He was warm and solid beneath you.

“Will you tell me what happened?” he asked gently, his calloused fingers brushing your bare thigh. You nuzzled your face into his neck for a moment, inhaling the comforting smell of his skin and the remnants of his cologne.

“Just got overwhelmed, I think,” you whispered. You kissed below his chin before lifting your head enough to meet his eyes. “I feel better now.”

Bradley’s eyes studied you like he was trying to see if you were underplaying it, but you weren’t lying - you did feel better now. Maybe not 100%, but better.

“Are you sure?” he finally asked. You nodded, but you told him about your day anyway, not wanting to keep him in the dark about anything. His jaw clenched when you mentioned one of the new rumors floating around today claiming that you had filed the complaint because you were jealous Paul turned you down when you asked him out. You pressed your lips to the spot where the muscles ticked until he relaxed.

He looked like he was contemplating something by the time you finished your debrief. You waited him out with your fingers running through the soft curls on the top of his head; the motion was something that calmed both of you down.

“You know I’ll take care of you, right?” he asked after a quiet moment, like he was still thinking over how best to say it. “If you wanted to quit now, or if-”

You shifted so that instead of sitting across it, you were straddling his lap. You kissed him soundly in interruption, your skin warm beneath his hands where he cradled you against him. Your forehead laid against his when you pulled away, noses brushing and breaths mingling.

“You already are,” you promised him, voice nothing higher than a whisper. You knew that he didn’t just mean emotionally, and he knew you knew that, too. But he didn’t call you out on it, instead trusting that you would come to him if you needed to. He trusted you, and that meant more than anything. Those words from before played on your tongue again, but you swallowed them back by kissing him once more.

Now wasn’t the time for them, either.

___

You and Bradley spent the weekend together, and just like the ones before, you’re able to forget about work and everything that came with it for the two full days in each other’s presence. When Sunday rolled around, this time you didn’t force yourself to leave when the sun went down. The almost hour drive to your office from Bradley’s apartment on Monday morning wasn’t ideal, but waking up tangled in his sheets with his arm wrapped around you had made it all worth it.

The rumors slowed with the time off, but only marginally. You were still the punch line of several ill-intended jokes and you couldn’t go anywhere without feeling someone’s eyes on you. You lost count of how many raised eyebrows you saw before the person who sent them your way turned to whisper to whoever they were sitting beside.

You wondered how these so-called professionals had nothing better to do with their time. But you also wondered, deep down, why no one believed you. That was one of the toughest pills to swallow.

You had taken to reserving one of the conference rooms during the day, hiding away in there with your laptop between meetings and only venturing back to your desk after the office emptied out in the evenings. By the end of the second week, you were exhausted all over again.

You were lying stretched out on your couch with your feet in Bradley’s lap on Friday night when your phone buzzed with a new text message. You groaned out loud when you opened the group chat with your friend group.

“Oh no.”

Bradley tore his gaze away from the political documentary he had been zoned in for, looking over at you in question. “What’s wrong?”

“I forgot about brunch.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Your monthly meetup?”

Your face softened, warmth spreading through you at the fact that he remembered. You weren’t sure why you were surprised - he had proven time and time again that he remembered damn near anything.

“Yeah,” you confirmed.

He looked thoughtful for a moment, his fingers never ceasing from where they were pressing into the sore soles of your feet. You hadn’t even had to ask for him to rub them, and that in and of itself made pleasure shoot through you at his touch.

“You usually love these things,” he said, not as a question, but simply as stating a fact. “You should go,” he encouraged.

You let the phone fall onto your chest without responding to the messages coming in. You did usually love these outings. You looked forward to them, even. But this time you were tired even at just the idea of it. Your friends tended to be a lot and you were already so overstimulated from the last two weeks of absolute hell at work. The thought of just you and Bradley in a bubble together for two straight days sounded so lovely. You shrugged in reply.

“I don’t really want to go out,” you said, “it’s been a long few weeks.”

“I know it has. But maybe seeing your friends could get your mind off of it?”

“I know someone else who does a great job of that all on his own,” you said, digging your toes into his thigh playfully. He laughed softly, tickling you in retaliation. You squealed at the sensation, trying to get your legs away, but Bradley held onto you and continued his attack. You nearly had tears in your eyes from your laughter by the time he had mercy. He had ended up hovering over you, his arms bracketing you in and holding himself up to avoid crushing you. You let out a hum of pleasure when he kissed you, pouting when he pulled away after just a few seconds. His mustache twitched when he smiled.

“I think you should go,” he told you. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to keep you all to myself. But I think it would be good. Catch up with your friends. Have a mimosa or two. Forget about all the shit going on for a while.”

You considered his words for a moment. Truthfully, the thought of going out caused nervousness to thrum in your chest and your mind to race. It was easier being at home or at Bradley’s apartment.

The more you thought about it, though, the more you realized that by letting that unnerving feeling win, you were letting him win. Paul. You hadn’t felt this kind of uncertainty of living your life until he came along, and that realization made you sad. You loved going out with your friends, and you hadn’t done it in awhile now.

“You’re right,” you said. You leant up to press your lips to his again. “I’ll go.”

It would be fun, and it was just brunch. What was the worst that could happen?

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

Part Eight :: Series Masterlist :: Main Masterlist

Notes: Famous words, Bug. Famous words.

I had a scowl on my face writing pretty much this whole chapter because people being mean to Bug make me angry. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! The next one is a goodie!

Likes/comments/reblogs are the best encouragement for posting more🖤

Thank you to Mak and Em for all of your help making this story come to life. And thanks to Mak for the AMAZING banner!

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silverheartlugia2000 · 8 months

Text

can someone help me brainstorm the next bit?

Danny was tired. More than tired, exhausted. Danny was the kind of tired that was so deep it looped right back around to constantly giddy. He sat in his chair at the Justice League meeting with a smile on his face and a vacant stare. The others were kinda giving him weird or concerned looks while he sang Twinkle Stars in his head cause the window kept distracting him.

He should be paying attention to Hal who was talking, but his inner thoughts kept asking him if he could ask to go to Oa with the Green Lantern sometime cause, while he has been up around Earth’s space plenty of times now he’s rarely gone on trips off planet with anyone. Just because he’s wandered off during the trips once or twice they don't like bringing him unless they can rope him in the Fenton Fishing Line(™) that Jazz converted into what was basically a baby leash. He was almost 17! An adult! He didnt need no leash!!

Well except for when that happened…But he was better at it!! He couldn’t help it.. It just seemed to happen when he used up his powers a lot with no time to sleep or snack. Especially when he was still a new death, and it hardly ever happened anymore now that he was more experienced in managing his output! No one needed to know what his true core ghost form really looked like.. It just reflected how young he was as a ghost compared to everyone else he knew is all.

Heck Youngblood was almost 100 years dead. And while YB was still physically younger, he was still considered older than Danny! Apparently being a child ghost wasn’t quite the same as being the ghost OF a child. Eventually his core form should even out to reflect his death age in time..

Speaking of which he was hungry too, maybe when he gets home he could ask Mom for some of those Ecto cookies she hid away. She’s been putting them in the new ghost proof safe so Danny can't eat them all before dinner. They weren't nearly as good as Grampa’s but she has gotten better at not turning the food into ghosts, the hot dogs attack anything that even begins to twitch so that helps.

Wait, when was the last time he’d been home? There’d been an invasion going on the last week and the League was still scrambling with all the little things that happened because of that, looting, Lex trying to kill Superman while he’s tired, Joker’s jealousy popping up in a new attention grabbing scheme, more looting from low risk villains cause no one was around to stop them. Then the Big Three plus Flash getting pulled into another dimension temporarily.

Lucky Danny was able to track them down and get them back home, though he missed the Watchtower by a longshot and landed somewhere in Kansas.. Future Master of Space and he still had trouble getting his Gate open to begin with sometimes. Though since it was so late when they came back they got to meet Superman's parents and spend the night. They were very nice, the mac n cheese they had for dinner that night was really good..

Maybe he should go home today, he didn't feel the giddy kind of tired anymore. He felt the bad kind of tired that happened just before that happened, he needed to go home to his family, his Mom would be happy to give him all the hugs he needed and Dad would sneak him snacks and Jazz and Sam and Tuck would let him nap and play all he wants until he feels ok enough to be his human age again. Maybe he could even go bug Dan for a bit.

He hasn't taken his meds lately either now that he thinks about it.. His travel box emptied a few days ago and he hasn't had time to get more, that's one good thing about being in the JL though, their own medical care and they actually had meds that work on weird metabolisms like his. Getting his anxiety and insomnia back under control had been a godsend after the two years he went without cause the accident made them not work anymore.

Just as this plan was finalized in his head the red lights and noise that mean bad things happening flashed and Danny loudly keens, curling into himself. Everyone is rushing off except for Superman and Batman who look at him worriedly. Tears prick his eyes and hands cover his ears, Superman obviously recognizes sensory overload with how strong the man's own are and Batman has so many Robins around Danny very much doubts he can miss an over tired teen nearing his limit.

But they have a job to do so with a deep breath Danny pulls himself together and takes off towards whatever is happening before the Justice Dads can call him out on it.

The fight itself shouldn't have been that hard especially since there were only a couple of them sent, the problem was that it was against one of the rarer rogues, and a magic one at that. Gentleman Ghost, he thinks? Which is why Danny got pulled along, cause of the power set. The guy might call himself a ghost but he didn't listen to Danny. Danny was the King! Danny was used to ghosts not listening, but most of the time that was his circle of frenemies who had known him since he was a new death, they claimed special rights as the ones who practically taught him ghost culture. They were more like extended aunts, uncles and siblings at this point. Except Spectra. Fuck Spectra..

This guy was more interested in his own shit and pissed at the fact that Batman outsmarted him on something again, what he didn’t know. The older ghost didn't even give him a second look, sure Danny didn't like flaunting his title and he wasn't able to fully use the Crown’s power for a few more centuries yet when he’d grown into it ghost wise but he was tired and getting pissed off. Mr Victorian is playing keep away and Danny is the only one that can keep up with him while Batman has to dodge things like walls and cars and the occasional blast of magic.

Things went to shit when he got hit. The magic hurt, he was used to being hurt seeing as fighting was practically socializing for a ghost, but there was just enough of the underlying feeling of electricity that made him tumble that last inch over the edge.

He screamed.

It wasn’t a long one. Not nearly enough to get the full power in, a yelp of surprise more than a wail. But it was enough to blast the ghost unconscious and throw a few cars down the street, he was able to cut it off before he did more damage but it still felt bad that it happened.

He felt bad that Batman had to arrest the ghost on his own, borrowing his thermos and catching the geezer so they could dump him on Constantine later, while Danny sat on the ground where he crashed, curled into himself and trying not to cry too loud.

He felt more than saw, Batman coming back over to him and petting his hair softly, he was talking into the coms to someone but Danny didn’t care right now he just wanted to sleep. Danny flails for the hand that starts to retreat from its comfort. It comes back immediately and holds his and Danny is too tired to hold on anymore so he doesn't.

To say Batman is scared when Phantom gets hit is one thing. He’d seen the halfa take worse, it was the noise more than anything that scared him. He’d seen what Phantom’s Wail could do. And whatever had caused him to unleash it had to be bad. But he was glad the kid had enough awareness to cut it off immediately, his lessons on fine control with Canary were paying off. The fact that Phantom had shown clear signs of an incoming meltdown just half an hour before would have been enough to bench the kid from coming out at all if it wasn't for Constantine offering this mission instead. While the rest of the big hitters were busy with some kaiju-like monster that popped up on the other side of the world

Constantine had probably sensed Phantom’s exhaustion if the sudden diversion meant anything, cranky as the mage was to the rest of them, he had a soft spot for the kid, him and Marvel both. The two were as strong as any of the League, but they were still kids with way too much weight on their shoulders.

It almost didn’t work, Phantom kept insisting he was fine and could help, when John saddled up next to Batman and said something about an old artifact of magic power going up in a museum today, one that could be tempting for a particular rouge to steal if the talk he heard was anything to go by. Yes Batman had faced him alone before just fine but since the kid had a similar powerset, Phantom would be a big help on getting things done faster.

And that had been the turning point there. He has talked to Phantom’s sister before. She had told him at length when Danny first joined, his little tells and how to handle them. She and (Jason?Dick?) had been dating for a while at that point and Phantom had recently been recruited. It wasn’t unusual for Batman to feel threatened, between corporate sharks and kidnappers as Bruce to the endless supervillains as Batman. But it was rare that he felt the threats against him were justified, she wanted to protect her brother, and he’d be a hypocrite if he tried to argue that.

Phantom had a dual Obsession of Protection and Space, but Protection can be interpreted and sub divided in many ways, ghosts were possessive in general to what they saw as theirs and that's where the confusion was. Danny would Protect with all his might if there was danger yes, but specifically he preferred being Helpful more than anything. Even if it was only upgrading their equipment and defenses or even just flitting around fetching them things. It satisfied him either way.

Batman took a second to assess Phantom, swiping the thermos from his belt to contain the Gentleman Ghost. Really he should ask for one for himself, intangible villains were pains in the ass to contain..

He walks back to Phantom and runs fingers through his hair, fully set in Batdad mode, but unsure if the kid would tolerate anymore until he’s calmed back down.

“Oracle?”

“Here B.”

“Can you contact Nightingale? I’m bringing Phantom back to the tower, unable to tell if he’s physically hurt. But he’s clearly having a breakdown.”

“Like mind control, or RR up way past his no-sleep threshold?”

“I’m leaning towards the latter.” Batman does not sigh, cause that wouldn’t be a Batman thing to do. He does however move his hands away to secure the thermos and hit the remote control on the Batmobile, only for Phantom to whine and latch onto his wrist.

Batman quickly goes back to soothing the teen. Getting into a position to hoist him up when he was blinded by a bright light.

When Batman blinked the sparks out of his vision Phantom was no longer sprawled on the ground, instead Batman held a handful of black coils with a tuft of white.

(jazz when she gets to the tower) “Why did you let him go out if you knew he wasn’t ok?!”

“It was either let Constantine insist on chasing a literal phantom thief under my supervision, or let him fight a giant sea monster close to Korea.”

“....Ok fair..”

#dc x dp prompt #silverlugia's free prompts #little baby man #ancient of balance and space due to halfa and gateway combined with obsessions #gatekeeper danny #banshee danny #ghost king danny

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mynameismckenziemae · 2 months

Text

In Case You Didn’t Know

Part 5

(previous part here, next part here)

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x You

Summary: Jake takes you on the date he wishes he would’ve all those years ago.

Warnings: 18+ MDNI, smut, oral (m receiving), etc.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake’s phone vibrates on his nightstand as he gets into bed.

🐓: So? Did you talk? Was I right?

Jake: Yeah we talked.

🐓: And?

Jake: …you were right.

🐓: HELL YEAH! I fucking knew it! You could cut the tension between you two with a knife. Did you…you know 😏

Jake: I want to take her out on date first.

🐓: Where are you gonna take her?

Jake: I don’t know, kind of limited with the leg. I just want it to be special.

🐓: Where did you take girls for dates in high school? Do that with her.

Jake: We’d pick up food at the local car hop, park somewhere to eat then fool around in my truck bed.

🐓: Sounds…great?

Jake: 🖕🏻there wasn’t much to do for teenagers around here back then. But honestly, I think Charlie would love it. I’d have to ask my sister for my truck back though. She takes care of it while I’m gone for me.

🐓: Emma? She’s a 10 🥵

Jake: No.

🐓: She single yet?

Jake: She’s not interested.

🐓: So she is single.

Jake: I’m going to bed.

🐓: You realize I’m going to meet her at your wedding, right? You’re just putting off the inevitable.

Jake: Goodnight Bradshaw.

Jake smirks at the thought. Bradshaw probably thinks Jake’s just being a protective older brother but it’s just the opposite. Emma looks like a sweet southern belle but she would eat him alive.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

He hesitates before biting the bullet and texting Emma; he’s always been a little scared of her.

Jake: Hey Emma Lou.

Emma: Hey! When did you make landfall? Everything go okay?

Jake: Almost 2 weeks, and not really. I was hit on the way back to the carrier and had to eject. I broke my leg and got a little beat up on the way down. I left the hospital forgetting Ma and Dad are gone so I’m staying with Charlie. They don’t know yet, please keep it that way. You know how much this trip means to them. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, my head was a little messed up and just didn’t want you to worry or take time off from that new job.

Emma: WTF!?!?? That’s fucking bullshit, Jake. I’m a large animal vet with 2 partners that are happy to cover for me. I wouldn’t have had an issue getting off of work and you know it.

Jake: I do know. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight.

Emma: No shit.

Emma: Are you okay?

Jake: Getting there. Charlie’s been doing my PT, I saw ortho and that’s healing okay. I have a video visit with a therapist tomorrow.

Emma: Therapist?

Jake: Diagnosed me with PTSD after the accident. I’m feeling better already but if I don’t go to therapy they’ll ground me longer.

Emma: The Navy grounding you will be the least of your worries once Mom finds out. I’m not gonna be the one telling her.

Jake: Thanks. I really am sorry. Any chance you’re coming this way in the next few days? I need the truck if you don’t.

Emma: How are you gonna drive it? Not sure how bad you hit your head but you need 2 feet for a manual.

Jake: I’m not, Charlie’s going to.

Emma: Did she get new furniture and not tell me?

Jake: No…it’s a lot to text. I’d rather tell you in person.

Emma: I’ve got a sick heifer to see in the morning but otherwise I’m free. I’ll be there around 11. I think Lee’s got a vet call in the area around 2 so I’ll see if he’ll take me back home so you can keep the truck.

Jake: Sounds good. Love you.

Emma: I’m still mad, but I love you too.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake’s up before you and has a cup of coffee waiting as you stumble into the kitchen with a yawn.

“Don’t make plans tonight. I’ve got something in mind,” he says, leaning on his good leg before pulling you into his chest.

“Mmkay,” you yawn, snuggling into his chest like you’ve always wanted to with his hugs. “Can’t wait.”

“I told Emma last night, she’s going to come over around 11 so we can talk,” Jake cringes.

“Will she be gone by the time I get back?” You joke, all too familiar with her temper.

“Why? You scared?” He teases.

“Yes. I know you are too,” you laugh.

You let him hold you for a few minutes, both enjoying the intimacy.

“I’d ask you to join me in the shower but that’s an accident waiting to happen,” you smile, pulling away from his chest to press a kiss to his lips.

His eyes fall closed at your words. “Soon enough.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake stares at your butt in your scrubs from the porch as you walk to your car. You catch him looking as you open the door and quirk a brow at his sheepish grin.

“Can’t figure out if you’re wearing underwear, I didn’t see any panty lines.”

“You don’t get panty lines if you wear a thong,” you wink as you get in, laughing at the way his eyes widen.

You’re normally a no-show underwear kind of girl, but you felt like wearing something sexy today when Jake said he had plans.

You give him a little wave as you head to work.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake had just finished his virtual visit with the therapist when Emma pulls up in his grandpa’s old Chevy that he and his dad fixed up together.

Emma gives him a bone-crushing hug before smacking him upside the head.

“Ow,” Jake grumbles, rubbing the spot she hit him.

“You deserve a lot more than that. You’re lucky you’re injured,” Emma says before bending down to greet Cash.

“So why does Charlie need the truck?” Emma asks, throwing Cash’s ball.

“She doesn’t. I’m taking her out tonight. Well, she’s driving but I’m planning it.”

“Taking her out where? Why do you need the truck for that?”

“Ray’s and then up to Breakneck Hill,” he responds, not looking at her.

“Isn’t that where you used take your dates to park?”

“Yep.”

It takes her a minute to catch on, but she jumps to her feet with a whoop when she does.

“Seriously?!” She laughs, “Man, it’s about fucking time.”

He looks at her puzzledly.

“You’ve been in love with each other for years,” she sighs. “That’s a great idea though. I just washed ‘er so the bed is clean. Want me to throw some blankets back there for you?”

“I didn’t think that far, but yeah, that’s a good idea.”

20 minutes later, Emma’s got the back of the truck filled with blankets and pillows, a perfect place to eat and watch the sunset.

“Perfect! Now you have a place to stretch out and bang. Do you need condoms? Wait no, forget them. I’m ready to be an auntie,” Emma says as she steps back to look.

“Uh, no. We haven’t-I mean, we aren’t-“ Jake stutters, flushing bright red.

“I’m kidding, Jesus. Don’t stroke out on me. Got anything for lunch?” Emma laughs, patting Jake on the shoulder, right where he’s bruised.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Emma wraps his cast and stays nearby just in case he falls while he showers.

“Lee’s almost here,” Emma says, giving Jake another hug. “Let me know how it goes. And tell Charlie I’m not mad at her, just you.”

Jake rolls his eyes but hugs her back. “Will do. Thanks, Em, love ya.”

“Love you too, don’t forget to forget the condoms!” She replies as she heads out the door.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

You smile when you see Jake’s old truck in the driveway, wondering what he’s up to.

Jake’s asleep on the couch when you get inside, but he wakes up when you close the door.

“Oh hey, sorry I must’ve fallen asleep after Emma left,” he yawns.

“Let me change and I’ll be ready to go,” you say, pressing a kiss to his cheek and slipping off your top as you walk down the hall.

Jake sgets down the stairs and hobbles along to the driver's side of the truck, awkwardly opening the door for you.

“You want me to drive? I don’t think I’ve driven it since you got too wasted to drive at Clay Williams's graduation party,” you laugh, climbing up.

“Ugh, I can’t even smell Jäegermeister without gagging,” Jake shivers as he closes the door.

You lean over and open the passenger side, taking the crutches he hands over. He surprises you with how easily manages to get in with one leg.

“Where to?” You ask, pushing in the clutch and starting the truck.

“Ray’s,” he answers with a smile.

“Then to Breakneck to fool around?” You guess, wiggling your brows.

He nods. “Only if you want to, we don’t-“

“I want to. I’ve always wanted to,” you reply, leaving out how jealous you’d get when he’d take girls out there.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

An hour later you’re sharing a chocolate milkshake in the back of the truck. It’s just the two of you in the empty lot.

“I wonder what my mom would think of us being together,” you say as you watch the sunset. The sky is a beautiful canvas of pinks, oranges, and reds.

“I think she’d like it,” he replies.

A flicker of movement catches your eye and you hold your breath when a butterfly lands on the hand that’s holding yours. It rests for just a moment, slowly flapping its orange wings before flying away.

“Me too,” you whisper.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

“So what’s next? We ate our burgers, shared the milkshake, and watched the sunset. Is it a dry handjob while you rub me through my underwear for 10 seconds then ask if I came?”

“How’d you know?” He teases, leaning in for a kiss.

He kisses you slowly and lazily, committing every sigh to memory. As his tongue flicks yours you can’t help but imagine it elsewhere.

You soon grow impatient and find yourself straddling his lap again.

“Jake, touch me. Please?” You pant.

“‘Course sweetheart. Here?” He asks, pulling the top of your sundress down, exposing your braless chest to him. “Damn, Charlie,” he rasps, looking over your breasts hungrily before sucking a hardened bud into his mouth. His fingers come up to pay attention to the neglected side and he alternates; biting, sucking, and pinching you into a frenzy.

You find his free hand and bring it under your dress, running his fingers over the soaked material of your thong. He shudders when he feels the evidence of what he’s doing to you.

Before his fingers even touch you without the barrier of your underwear, you cry out, your fingers in his hair pull; your orgasm taking you both by surprise.

“Did you cum?” He chuckles breathlessly against your chest as you come down.

“I did,” you smirk, trying to catch your breath too as you climb off him, then unbuttoning his jeans. “Your turn, but I want to get my mouth on you.”

Your eyes widen as you pull him out. “Jesus. Not sure if you’ll fit, but I’m gonna try.”

“That’s not…I didn’t know that was an option-oh fuckkkk,” he gasps when you pull his tip into your mouth.

Your eyes drift closed and you moan at the salty taste of his precum. More you think as you swallow and suck more of him into your mouth, using your hands to stroke his base.

He’s making the hottest, most desperate sounds as his chest heaves. It hasn’t even been a minute before he’s warning you. “Char-Charlie, wait sweetheart. I’m gonna cum,” He pants, gently tugging at your hair to pull you off.

But you shake your head and moan; you want to taste it.

“Oh…oh God,” he whimpers as he finishes in your mouth, jolting when he feels you swallow his spend.

You pull up the top of your dress after you release it from your mouth and gently tuck him back into his jeans. He surprises you when he pulls you up for a deep kiss, groaning when he tastes himself on your tongue.

“You’re…that was…holy shit,” Jake chuckles. “So much better than a dry handjob.”

You laugh before pulling him back in for a kiss.

You’re so wrapped up in each other that you don’t notice the squad car pulling into the lot.

The smug voice of the local police officer over the megaphone has you jumping apart.

“Keep it in your pants ‘til you get home, Seresin. Don’t make me call your mama.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

A/N: First date ✅

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#jake hangman seresin x reader #jake hangman seresin x you #top gun maverick #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #bradley rooster bradshaw

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nescaveckwriter · 2 months

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Just One More🌟

Line: Please be quiet, I haven't had enough coffee yet, to deal with this 😱 will be in bold

A/N: YAY! Yet another one done for @jacklesversebingo 🐞 ... I heard the song from 'Little big town' and it was just too perfect, I had this idea, and well it ran away with me . 💕 I sure do hope y'all enjoy this ...💕

Warnings: 18+ Only! Some language🫣, angst,😱 heartbreak,🥺smut.🥵

Characters: Beau Arlen x Female Reader.

Cover: Created by me. Also images from Pinterest and Canva.

Words:2464 😅

The smell of freshly brewed coffee, fills the air, the brownish - gold liquid getting poured into the white cup, stirring in a few drops of milk, as the mug touches your lips, the liquid warms the inside of your mouth, the bold, bitter taste awakening all your senses, almost swirling around the liquid before swallowing, squeezing your eyes shut, trying to hold out reality a little longer, rubbing your fingers over the printed logo, 'M...R...S' a smirk, on your lips, regretting that you took the mug of the set of two 'Mr. & Mrs.' mugs, gold lettering, like the wedding bands, you were so excited the day you picked it up from the little décor shop, on your honeymoon, looking back now, it seems like a lifetime ago. The footsteps, coming from the guest bedroom, let's your eyes flung open, revealing the half-open boxes stacked everywhere.

The deep Texan, in his voice, almost echoing through the half packed up house, "Morning" he clears his throat "Uhmm, how do we..." Before he could finish his sentence, you look at him, your eyes throwing darts at his green-hazel eyes. "Please be quiet, I haven't had enough coffee yet, to deal with this"

A little sarcastic giggle escapes his lips, "oh yeah! Well we'll have to deal with this sometime"

You get up out the chair, standing straight up, but your husband, well soon to be ex-husband still towering over you, revealing how much smaller you are than him. "I said, I don't want to deal with this right now, can't I just have one last quiet morning in our... Uhmm in this house"

Irritation evident in his voice "listen, I just want this to be over so that we can go on with our lives"

"Well so sorry, I'm taking so much time, to just pack everything up and throw away the life we built" you hissed

"Excuse me! We both made the decision to get a divorce"

You voice barely audible "yeah I know" swallowing the emotion in your voice "I just got back from my shift at the hospital and I just need to freshen up first, then I will help sorting through the stuff okay"

His voice soft, "how was your shift?"

As you put the coffee mug in the kitchen sink you whisper "it was okay, we lost a patient today, bad car accident"

His eyes saddened as he knows how much it affects you "I'm so sorry darl..." He stops himself before finishing his sentence.

You just walk away, towards your once shared bedroom, knowing he most probably wanted to say darling, the little pet name he always used for you.

As you get into the shower, letting the hot water run over you, you let go of the hold on the floodgates behind your eyes, sobbing frantically now, holding your hand over your mouth, so that you can dampen the noises, your body shaking, as your mind drift, to the events of the past few weeks, you and Beau both agreed to get a divorce, the two of you got so busy with every day life, that the two of you started to drift further and further away, its so ironic the same jobs that brought the two off you together, is also tearing you apart.

The two of you met, while he came in, with a knife wound to his arm, and as you treated him, well it was love at first sight so too say. As you fall down, cradling your knees as the water runs over you, recalling the years you've been together, you always thought getting a divorce at your age won't happen, but well your here now. The thing that breaks you, is no-one cheated, the two of you just fought all the damn time, and him being Sheriff and you being a ER doctor, working mostly night shifts, you were living past each other, when you got home, he's leaving for work, and when he gets back home, your leaving for your shift.

You can't even recall the last time you two kissed, never less touched. You were so in love, so passionate and now all that has gone too hell. Getting up, and stepping out of the shower, opting out for a pair of your favorite worn out jeans, with a old t-shirt, not realizing it's one of his shirts, but hey, it's already on you, so what the heck. Throwing your hair into a messy bun, you don't real seem to care how homeless you look as your heart already feel homeless.

Glancing through your bedroom, everywhere boxes labeled his and hers, as you two are going to put your house up for rent and then split the profits between the two off you. As you take the bottle of perfume, spritzing it in the nape of your neck and some on your wrist, a small smile forms on your lips as you remember, Beau gave it to you for your birthday last year, he always did take such notice in the smallest of details. But that memory crumbles quickly as you see the stack of divorce documents, on your dresser, both of you agreed to sign it when you where done sorting everything in the house.

You rush down the stairs, furious and determined to get this over and done with, unsure of how much your heart can handle. Peeking through the living room, you don't see him anywhere, then you catch a glimpse of his brownish hair getting tossed in the wind as he sits on the porch with a cup of coffee, you always did like the way the moonlight danced in his eyes, the way the little garden lights revealed his freckles, oh damn you love his small freckles, that stained his cheeks and his nose, and not too even talk about his perfectly kissable lips. What the hell is wrong with you, your about to divorce that man. You just turn around and walk towards the living room, starting to sort through some stuff.

Getting up out of the wooden chair, holding the mug in his hand, his rough calloused fingers running over the lettering 'M...R' , his eyes squinting as he recalls the day you got that, on your honeymoon.. well that and books, both off you liked too read, but well there weren't much reading done those two weeks, he was too busy exploring every single part of your body. As he peeks into the house, seeing the way your kneeling, looking through what seems to be picture albums, he can't help but to admire the way your body fills out his shirt, the way you've got your hair up with loose strings off hair, framing your beautiful face and neck, a smile tugging at his lips, as he recalls how ticklish you were as he placed loving kisses, sending shivers down your spine. The sound of you giggling always made him feel alive, you made him feel alive, made him feel whole and now, well now his left with a hole in his heart.

Dammit what's the matter with him, his about to divorce that woman, how can he feel this way, is it just the memories, of your shared home, your shared love, why did all of these feelings have to rush back, how is he suppose to just simply act like he wants this, because he sure as hell does not want too loose you, but he loves you too damn much to not give you what you want, a chance too be happy again. So he'll go through with the divorce, knowing both of you said that's what needed to be done, so he just wants this over and done with, he can't stand being in your presence and not kiss you, not hold you, not tell you how much he loves you.

Spending the rest of the hours in an awkward silence, as the two of you sort through the memories that was build. But it's you who breaks the silence, kicking a empty box on the ground "it's 2 in the morning, I'm going to bed"

He's not really sure why he was so irritated by your comment but he started snapping at you "what? we should finish this, now"

Your jaw drops, you roll your eyes "excuse me! I'm tired" you bite your lower lip, but then decide to say it anyway "I'm tired of pretending that it's fine being in the same room as you"

A smirk on his plum lips "oh, its that bad being around me?"

Crossing your arms in front of you "you said it, I didn't"

Shaking his head "Woman you are driving me crazy"

"Oh yeah! Well you are driving me insane" you snap back

He strides closer towards you, his deep husky voice "is that the best you can come up with"

Throwing your arms up in the air "why do you want to make me angry" her voice brittle "is this what you want, me breaking down in front off you"

For a few seconds there was a softness in his eyes, but then his jaw hardens again "you have no idea what I want woman"

Enraged now "just leave it, all of this take what you want and give the rest away, I don't give a damn anymore, I'm done, with this, with you, with us, with everything"

He can't help but to examine the way your lips move, when you scream at him, he always did find you very sexy, as you were furious, going on about something, the way your whole body moves as your anger took over you, the way your hips swayed, when you'd explain what he did wrong, but by then you've lost him, he was too busy inspecting every little nose crinkle, every movement you made. Without any warning he cups your face, his lips crashes against yours. When he finally pulls away, both off you trying to catch your breath. For a few seconds you just stood there, your voice breathy "we... we can't do this" you turn around, but he grabs ahold of you, holding you in his arms, your back against his chest, his hot breath by your ear as he whispers "darling, tell me you don't want me, and I'll let you go" it send shivers down your spine.

Merely a whisper that escapes your lips, "kiss me Beau, as if you never stopped loving me" as his fingers trail down your neck, raking the loose hair away, through the kisses he places down your neck, to your collarbone, his fingers sliding the t-shirt over your shoulder, his lips, trailing against your skin, a low roar escapes his lips "I never did stop loving you darling"

Those words coming from him, makes you turn around, looking up towards his eyes, searching those hazel-green orbs, for any indication, how he truly feels. Placing your hand on his cheek, feeling the stubble of his beard underneath your touch, you know you're probably going to regret this in the morning, but your fingers trace down to his lips, as if you want to take in this work of art. Standing on your tippy toes, leaning in so that you can taste his lips, just one more time.

He claims your lips, as if he was starving, your tongues doing a passionate dance, his right hand holding the back of your neck, and his left hand holds on to your lower back, as he pulls you in even closer, not breaking the kiss once, your hands raking through his hair, as you want him closer, closer than ever before. He pushes you against the wall, tugging at the hem of your shirt, helping him to remove the clothing, through the kisses, and heartbeats racing, his hand roams your body, picking you up as you wrap your legs around his waist, but as he makes his way towards the couch, not breaking the kiss, he knocks over a stack of boxes, making him stumble and come to a fall, you lay on top off him, both of you laughing so hard it echoes through the house, its the first time in a long time that this house have heard so much laughter, he pulls you in for yet another kiss, and as you two lay there on the floor in front of the fire place, exploring each other as if its for the first time, not saying much, just sweet little moans, and whimpers escapes your lips, as your bodies does the talking for you. Not really sure, when but sometime during the early morning hours, both of you have fallen asleep, entangled, skin on skin, wrapped in each other's love.

You've woken up, by his calloused fingers running up and down your back, your head on his chest, slightly lifting your eyes too study his face, his glancing up towards the ceiling, a smile on his lips, his eyes almost sparkling, as he realizes your awake, he looks down at you, placing a kiss on your forehead, "Morning Darling" you smile as you sweet voice greets him "Morning babe"

He starts laughing a little "so last night happened" you mockingly hit his chest, "Not funny, were supposed to get a divorce"

He looks at you, eyes filled with love "about that! I don't want to divorce you, I want to be your husband, forever like we vowed"

Stunned "what! I thought you wanted this"

"No, somewhere during yesterday I realized, I still love, you. No! that's a lie, I never did stop loving you"

A smile forming your lips "Neither did I, I was so frustrated, I wanted you, this , us our house, but I was too afraid to say it."

Sitting upright now, taking you hands in his "Darling, that's what I want, I want us too, we can work it out, we can get through this can't we?"

Pulling the throw, a little tighter over your body, as the crisp morning air, makes you shiver a bit. "Babe I think we can, we should just make time for each other."

Nodding his head, making his longer brownish hair fall in front of his eyes, a smile forming on his plum lips, revealing the age lines around his eyes, "Yes my sweet darling, I agree, but what do you say we tear up those divorce papers, and give the two of us just one more try"

A laugh escapes your lips "Yes, a million times yes. I love you"

Leaning down to place a kiss on your lips, this time, gentle little kisses as, he whispers through the kisses I.... Love... You... Too... Darling"

You can't help but too smile through the kisses knowing your heart aren't homeless no more, your home in your husbands arms. As the two of you come up for some air, you glance at the boxes stacked everywhere, half of the house is packed up, you smile at your husband, "babe, we just have to do one more thing!"

Confused he looks at your beautiful face, "Yes my darling, and will that be."

Laughing now, "we are going too spend over off weekend unpacking and moving back into our home"

A mischievous grin on his face "Please be quiet, I haven't had enough coffee yet, to deal with this"

The two of you burst into laughter, taking in each other, knowing there's a lot of work to do, not just the unpacking but the rebuilding of your lives together. But with your husbands hand interlacing yours, you know that it's possible, anything is possible, with the person you love the most, by your side, ready to fight for your marriage and content in knowing you love each other, you sat there with your head resting on his chest, as you watch the fire place , the way the flames dances in a fiery passion after it's ignited, brings you nope, knowing, just one more try is all you need.

#jacklesversebingo23 #beau arlen #spotify #fan fiction #nescaveckwriter #just one more

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jpmarvel90 · 9 months

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Don't let me down - Mini Series

Masterlist Scarlett Masterlist

Relationship: MamaScarlett x 16 yr old Reader

Summary: Y/n is shocked to learn that her biological mother wants to get in contact with her. She's even more shocked when she finds out who she is. However, after the troubled childhood she's had, can she find it in her to forgive her?

Word count: 10266

Y/n's POV:

Being called into the main office at the foster home was never a good thing. I've lost count of the times that I have left there with a new bruise or cut. I never understood why someone would want to run a home like this if they hated children. But Mr Woodstock did it anyway. It's not even like it pays well. He's barely able to keep up with his smoking and drinking habits. Food for us kids being the last thing on his mind some weeks. So, I can only guess that he does it because he gets a genuine kick out of being a dick to kids.

I'm 16 and have been in this particular home for 18 months. Before that I was living with my adoptive parents. In the grand scheme of things, this foster home was heaven compared to where I lived with my parents. If you could even call them that. For nearly 15 years I was treated like shit. I was at my parents' beck and call for whatever they wanted or needed doing.

My weekends and evenings were spent cleaning or cooking for them. I didn't have time for friends. I was to go to school and come straight home. If they could, I'm sure they would have not allowed me to go to school. But they didn't get permission to home school me, so it was the only solace that I had.

I never knew love. I would see parents pick their kids up from school with smiles on their faces, hugging them tightly. At lunch, most kids had a lunch prepared by their parents. I was lucky if I was given a dollar to get a chocolate bar. I was constantly reminded of the life I didn't have.

I've always known that I was adopted. Apparently, my parents were doing a favour to a friend that was a social worker. They almost resented that they had agreed to adopt me. I'm a kid not a dog. It's not something that you do as a favour. But they treated me like it was my fault that they were stuck with me. They made my life hell because of it.

I tried to talk to my teachers about what was going on at home. I'd show them the bruises and tell them what they would make me do, but when I got told that I was overreacting, I stopped trying. I had to accept that this was my life, and no one was going to help me.

There was a slither of hope 18 months ago when my parents died in a car accident. I knew that I would be moved into a foster home, but I thought that it wouldn't be as bad as my home was. Which was true, but it wasn't far off it. Turns out that Mr Woodstock is friends with the same social worker as my parents and I was left here to spend the last two years or my childhood.

I felt wrong for not mourning my parents. I felt guilty that I was happy. For a brief time anyway. I thought that maybe I would get a chance to have some happy years in my childhood. But life is cruel, and it wasn't meant to be. I just need to hang on until I'm able to move from this godforsaken home and try and make something for myself.

The only brightside of the foster home is that there is a lot more freedom. We have some chores around the home, but with the number of kids there, we get it done quite easily. The rest of the time, I just try and avoid being around the home. It's too much of a risk if Mr Woodstock catches you when he's drunk or hungover.

Since being in the home, I actually had the chance to make friends. I joined the soccer club after school as an excuse to not go home and I loved it. For the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere. Coach Sanders is great and it's my favourite time of the week. Through the team I've made some great friends. Laura is my best friend. She's a complete goof and I love spending time with her.

She knows everything about me. The only person who does. She lets me stay at her house when I can, has me over in the evenings to prolong the time before I have to head back to the home. We're both hoping to get a scholarship to a D1 college. For me, it's the only way I'll be able to go. I have no money behind me and no parents to help. But if I could get a scholarship, I wouldn't have to worry.

Our number one choice is Pittsburgh. Laura has family there and for me, it's far enough away from New York that perhaps I could start my life off new. Make a life for myself in the steel city. But there are still two years left of school yet before any of that can happen. But it's my motivation. It makes me work hard in school and get the best grades that I can. Maybe I can make something of my life after all.

Anyway, back to being called into Mr Woodstock's office. I make my way downstairs, hesitant to open the door. But knowing the longer I take, the more I'll be punished, I swallow down the fear and push the door open. "Sir, you asked for me." I greet him, my eyes on the floor. "Ah yes. Y/n. Please come in and take a seat." His chipper voice takes me off guard. I look up and see the reason for it. A man in a suit is sat opposite him with a warm smile.

"This here is Mr Osborne. He would like to talk to you. I will give you a minute of privacy." Mr Woodstock introduces the man before standing from behind his desk and vacating the office. "Ms Y/l/n. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please just call me Danny." The man in the suit holds his hand out to me and I reluctantly take it. My senses are heightened, not sure what his intensions are. My history in these situations hasn't been good.

"It's ok. You're safe. I'm not going to hurt you." He reassures me, obviously sensing my nerves. My body instantly relaxes at his words, and I hesitantly shake his hand. "How can I help you Sir?" I ask him, taking a seat next to him. "I'm a lawyer and I represent your biological mother." He explains. I instantly gasp at his words, never thinking that I would know anything more about my biological parents.

"She would like to reach out to you and perhaps potentially meet you." He carries on explaining whilst I just sit there in shock. She wants to meet me. Why now? "Would that be something that you are interested in?" Danny asks me, his voice remaining calm. I don't respond, my mind is going a mile a minute. "There is no pressure to do so at all. Everything will be on your terms. If you make the decision to not meet her, then that is completely fine." He tells me.

I rub my hands up and down the tops of my legs. My palms feeling sweaty. What do I do? I never thought I would get this opportunity. Do I even want to meet this woman? My life is hell. There were days I would wish that I wouldn't wake up and it's all because of my adoptive parents. "I uh. I'm not sure." I finally find my voice, not wanting to be rude. From experience, if you don't respond to an adult's question, it doesn't end well.

"That's ok Y/n. There is no pressure to do anything that you're not comfortable with." He kindly says, but I can't help the scoff that comes out. I've been made to do many things that I'm not comfortable with and no adult has given a damn in the past. He instantly frowns at my reaction, and I panic. "Uh. Could you perhaps tell me a little about her?" I ask him, hoping that might help me to make my decision.

"Of course. Though I have to warn you that it may all be a bit of a shock to you." He says with a bit of a chuckle. I sit back more in my chair, feeling more comfortable around Danny. He seems kind and I'm not waiting for the moment that his mood changes. "Her name is Scarlett. She is 38 and lives in the Upper East Side in Manhattan." He starts off. "Wow. Upper East Side? That's fancy." I reply to which he chuckles. I guess she didn't give me up because money was an issue!

"You may have heard of Scarlett. Her last name is Johansson and she's an actress." At his words, my mouth drops open. Ok this has to be some kind of a joke. "Ok, this isn't fair. You know, it's not nice to play tricks on foster kids. We're not just here for you to get your kicks out of." I hiss angrily, standing up to leave. I'm not here to be the butt of someone's sick joke. Before I can pass him, he quickly reaches out to grab my arm. "What? No wait. Please Y/n. I'm not lying. I would never. Please just sit." He falters over his words but quickly releases my wrist when he sees that my wide eyed gaze is fixated on his hand. "I'm sorry." He apologises, his eyes showing regret.

I hesitantly retake my seat and allow him to carry on. "Scarlett was 22 when she put you up for adoption. It was a very hard decision for her. But she is very keen to meet up with you now. She asked me to come and see you specifically to tell you." He says and I can see the truth behind his words. It's something that I've become good at over the years. I can see when someone is lying. "Why now?" I ask, unsure what could possibly make her want to see me now.

"Well, she's been trying to find you for a couple of years now. But with the adoption, she wasn't able to contact you directly. When you got moved back into the foster home, her rights changed, and she is able to do so now. I'm very sorry to hear about your parents by the way." He explains, his voice laced with sympathy as he spoke of my parents. Again, I had to fight the scoff, if only he knew. "Scarlett understands that this is all going to be a lot for you to process. But she is willing to meet you somewhere that you feel most comfortable. Perhaps here..." "No." I quickly cut him off. Probably a little too quickly as I see concern flash in his eyes. "Ok, that's not a problem. We can arrange for you to meet her somewhere you feel safe and comfortable." He adjusts his comment.

I fiddle with my fingers as I think over the request. I've never wanted to meet my biological parents. I have too much anger towards them. But I also have so many questions for them. Maybe if I know that she is a horrible person herself, then it will make the fact that I grew up in hell a little easier to bare. "Ok." I mumble, not confident in my answer. "Really?" Danny asks, a smile growing on his face. I simply nod and I can't help but notice his excitement growing. "Oh, she's going to be so happy that you accepted. Where would you like to meet?" He asks, taking out a pen from his bag.

I think for a moment where I feel most comfortable. "There's a café on Franklin Avenue near Prospect Park. It's called Cuppa Joe's." I tell him. It's my favourite place to go. Laura and I visit most days and on Thursdays we come with the team after practice. "Ok. I'll confirm when she is free and confirm with Mr Woodstock the time and date." Danny tells me, closing his pad and packing his things away. He then hands me a card. "Please, contact me if you need anything. I've noted my personal mobile on the back too." I take the card and flip it over and sure enough see his number. "Uh. Thanks." I smile, shaking his held out hand.

I walk him to the door, still in a slight state of shock. But before I know it, my feet are taking me to my room to grab my bag and then they're hitting the pavement taking me to Laura's house.

Safe to say she was a lot more squealy when she heard the news. She is a complete Marvel geek. Don't get me wrong, I like the movies, but Laura reads the comics and has watched every movie at least 10 times. "This is amazing Y/n." She says when she finally calms down. But my mood doesn't match hers. "Isn't it?" She clarifies when she sees how my mood has changed. "Talk to my Y/n/n." She says turning to face me more.

"She already has a family. She's married with two kids. What could she possibly want with me? Is it just so she can clear her conscience that she made the right decision 16 years ago?" I share my feelings with Laura, who's face contorts with empathy. "Oh Y/n. Maybe she wants to have you in her life? Make things right again." She tries to make me look on the brightside. But as someone who never gets a silver lining, it's hard to do.

"She's gone on to live this amazing life all because she gave me up, whilst I was living in constant fear. Never knowing when the next beating was coming, wondering if my life was ever going to get any better. The sad thing is, I consider this foster home better! This is the best my life has been, and it is still something no kid should have to go through." I admit, tears starting to fall down my face.

I hated being this vulnerable, but Laura was the one person I felt safe being around. She quickly engulfs me in a hug. She hates that there is very little she can do. But what she doesn't know is she is the light, the one good thing in my life. "I know that nothing will change your past, but maybe this can change your future for the better. If nothing else, you can get some closure and then we focus on our future at college!" She says reassuring me.

"I'm scared." I admit. Although I'm not in a safe environment, I know it and I know what I can do to protect myself as best I can. But this is something I have no control over. An adult I don't know and don't know their intentions. I lose control over the situation. "I know that you don't know what is waiting for you. But no matter what happens, I will be there for you. I will always be here for you Y/n/n." She comforts me, placing a kiss against my head.

I stay for dinner at Laura's, and we talk more about everything, and she is being her usual amazing self and giving me the best advice. I really am so lucky to have her in my life.

Eventually, I have to head home. I give Laura a big hug and start my journey back to the home. When I get inside, I'm met by a sober Mr Woodstock, which is very unusual. "Y/n!" He calls me and I flinch slightly. He walks closer to me, and I hold my breath, waiting for the scolding that is coming my way. "Here. All the info for meeting your mom." He says with a smile. I take the note from his hand, waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Here's some money for a taxi to take you." He adds on, holding out a 20 dollar bill. I hesitate but he waves it to me. "Not trick here Y/n." He smiles so I take it and make my way upstairs. Ok that was weird.

I read the note and see that she wants to meet on Friday at 4pm. That works well as I can get from school to the café in plenty of time. It's only two days away and it's scary to think that I'm going to be meeting my bio mom. It's even scarier to think that it's Scarlett Johansson.

__________

I'm currently sat in the café waiting for Scarlett to turn up. With the taxi, I was able to get here 15 minutes early. I pick a table in the corner out of the way. I'm sure she doesn't want to be too much in the open. I spend my time texting Laura, who is doing a great job at supporting me. I order a hot chocolate, knowing that having too much caffeine right now is probably not a good thing.

I can feel my nerves growing as the clock slowly ticks towards 4. My eyes keep falling to the door every time I hear the bell go. My heart rate spiking each time, only to calm when I see it's not her.

10 minutes go by, then 20 and there is still no sign of her. Maybe this was all some big joke and Mr Woodstock is watching me, getting a kick out of a new way to abuse me mentally. I finish my hot chocolate and as the clock hits half past 4, I decide that enough is enough. I'm not waiting anymore. Even if this isn't some big joke, the fact that she hasn't turned up tells me everything that I need to know.

Fighting off tears, I collect my bag and slip some money into the tip jar as I make my way out of the café. I instantly start to walk towards the park, taking a seat on the closest bench. She didn't turn up. I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up. Why did I think that anything was going to go right for me. This isn't some fairy tale where we all live happily ever after. I grab my phone and text Laura.

Y/n: She didn't come

It's all I can say. Anything more and it makes my heart ache more. She didn't come. She stood me up. She wanted to meet me. She instigated this and decided that she wasn't going to show. I was happy in my dark little world. I knew the threats and what could hurt me. I knew how to keep that to a minimum. It wasn't a good life, but it was a life I knew and saw an exit to. I should never have even entertained the idea of meeting Scarlett. She was happy to leave me once, why would she want to follow through this time.

I get lost in my own dark thoughts, questioning my self-worth. No one has or will ever want me. As if the world wants to add to my misery, rain starts to fall. But I don't move. It's weirdly comforting as my tears mix with the raindrops that hit my cheeks. It feels like my heart is cracking. Which is stupid. I don't know this woman. She just happened to birth me and now disappoint me once again.

Scarlett's POV:

For 16 years I have woken up every morning and wondered what my daughter would be doing. From the moment I signed the adoption papers I regretted it. But it was the right choice. I couldn't give her the life she deserved, at least this way, she was able to have a family that could devote time to her and love her. My career was just starting to take off and having a child wouldn't have been fair to either of us.

My parents offered to help, but I didn't want to be an absentee mother when another could provide her with the home she deserved. When I had Rose, was when I started to look for Y/n. But I wasn't able to do so until she was 18. I had signed my parental rights away and unless Y/n made the decision to reach out to me, I wasn't able to do anything.

It was almost torture waiting for the days to pass so I could get in contact with her. When I married Colin, I told him everything, that I wanted to reach out and have a relationship with her. He was really supportive of me and said that he couldn't wait to meet her, and that Rose and Cosmo would love having an older sister.

I was shocked, however, when my lawyer contacted me to say that Y/n had been moved to a foster home. I had a meeting with Danny where I learnt that Y/n's parents had been killed in a car accident and that there was no immediate family to take her in. So, she became a child of the state and because of her age, was moved to a group home. This was my chance to see her. To try and have a relationship with my daughter. One that I had craved for years.

Colin and I were waiting anxiously for Danny to come by after visiting Y/n. We decided it would be best if he went and met her to arrange for me to see her separately, once she had a chance to take it all in. It killed me that she was so close, yet so far from me. "Scar, babe. Sit down. He'll be here soon." Colin tries to calm me by placing a hand on my shoulder. I go to respond, but the knock at the door has me rushing through the house to answer it.

I let out a sigh of relief when I see Danny at the door. "Hi. Please come in." I greet him, holding the door open to him. He follows me through to the living room where Colin is waiting. We offer him a drink and then get down to business. "How was she? Did she agree to meet me?" I ask quickly, which causes Danny to chuckle. "She was rightfully shocked. At first, she thought that it was a joke and tried to leave." He explains. "But I managed to convince her to hear me out." He adds on and I relax.

I can't imagine what it must all be like for her. Losing your parents, moving into a group home, and now being told your biological mother is a famous actress. "She has agreed to meet you and has suggested a café that she visits regularly in Brooklyn. It seems like it's a safe space for her." He shares and I let out a little sob knowing that she has agreed to see me. "I can't believe it. I'm going to meet my daughter." I cry whilst Colin holds me close.

"Did you talk much? Is she happy? What's she like?" I rattle off questions, but I see that Danny falters and it makes my heart stop. "What's wrong?" I question and he sighs. "It's nothing, we'll just focus on the meeting." He tries to deflect but I don't allow him. "No. Please share what it is." I request, causing him to sigh once again. "It's just a feeling. It's probably nothing." He defends, but he's struggling to make eye contact.

Danny has been my lawyer for years. He's a good friend and I like to think I can read him. He's great at his job and a gut feeling for him is more often than not, right. "Danny." I say lowly, showing that I'm not wanting to mess around. "I just have some concerns. I plan to do a bit of investigating and then I can confirm more." He explains.

I feel my breathing hitch. "What concerns? And don't tell me it's nothing." I snap at him, waiting expectantly for an answer. "She shows signs that she may have been abused. She was extremely nervous in not only mine, but also the care home manager's presence. I had to convince her that she was safe so she would sit with me. It was obvious that she doesn't feel safe in that home and when I touched her, she flinched and was hyper focused on the touch." He shares and I think that my heart broke in that moment. "But she's been through a lot. Her parents haven't long passed, and she's been uprooted into a new home. A care home at that. Surely that could explain it." Colin suggests, but I can tell by Danny's look, there is more.

"That's the thing. When I brought up her parents, she almost looked relieved. It's something I couldn't put my finger on, but it just didn't feel right." There was a silence as we let his words sink in. Danny has been in the game for a long time. Any gut feeling is based off of years of experience. He works a lot with foster kids and if he thinks something is up, it's most likely that it is. "Mr Woodstock gave me information on her previous family, and I plan to do some research and pull together some information. Which I will of course share with you, but it may take a few days though." He says and I nod, not trusting my words in this moment.

Fear washes over me at the thought that my daughter wasn't in fact in a safe and loving home. The thought that someone might have hurt her makes me feel sick to my stomach. What makes it all worse is that it's all my own fault. She could be with me, safe and sound, but I was selfish and put my career first.

"I know this is a lot to take in. But for now, let's arrange a meet up and we can go from there." Danny offers with a warm smile. "Ok. Let's get something in sooner rather than later. I don't want to wait too long to meet her." I say, instantly grabbing my phone to find some time to meet her.

Friday ends up being the best day. I'm filming in the morning but have the afternoon off so I can meet up with her after she's finished school. Colin agrees that I'll go on my own to start off with and if things go well, then he'll come along next time. It makes my heart swell every time he talks about her. He's almost as excited to meet her as I am. I just can't wait for Friday to come around. I finally get to meet my little girl.

__________

I couldn't be any angrier. Shooting has over run and I'm currently rushing to my trailer to get changed so I can go and meet Y/n. I was meant to finish at 12 but it's now half past 3 and I'm only just getting off set. The director tries to stop me to talk, but I quickly tell him that I have an appointment that I simply cannot miss and will call him later.

My heart feels like it's going to thump through my chest as I sit in the car on the way to the café. It's all the way on the other side of the city in Brooklyn and I watch as the clock ticks over 4pm. I'm late. This is really not a good start. I just hope that she will wait for me. When I finally pull up at the café, I jump out the car and see that its' 5pm. Fuck, she's not going to be here.

I rush in the café and a few heads look up at me as I frantically look around. I don't see her anywhere. I take a deep breath and make my way over to the counter. "Hi, excuse me." I greet the older lady who gives me a warm smile. "Yes dear. How can I help you?" She asks. "I'm looking for a girl. Her name is Y/n and I think she comes in here quite regularly." I explain and her smile grows wider. "Ah yes. We see Y/n a few times a week. But I'm sorry you missed her. She left in a bit of a hurry about 30 minutes ago." She informs me and my heart sinks. "Oh ok. Do you have any idea of where she might go?" I ask but she shakes her head. "Anywhere but home." She answers and then turns to the customer who has just walked in.

I make my way back into the car and sob. I'm sure my driver thinks that I've lost it, but I've screwed up. I've blown my only chance to meet my daughter. I just wanted to make things right. To help calm me down, I call Colin, who listens and helps to stop me falling into a panic attack. "You need to try and find her. She is probably thinking that it was done on purpose and is hurting right now." He says whilst I nod into the phone. "Start with the home." He says but I quickly disagree. "The lady in the café said she'd be anywhere but home." I inform him. "Well, that's not a good sign." He mumbles which just makes my panic increase again. "You've got nowhere else to start. They might know where she is and it's already getting late, so you never know, she might have gone home already." Colin talks sense.

I agree and then decide to call Danny. I explain what happened and he agrees to meet me at the group home. But this time it's already getting close to 7pm and I'm becoming more desperate by the minute. Danny and I both pull up at the same time and he is quick to stop me. "What?" I snap at him, but he just grips me tighter. "You need to take a minute ok. You can't go in there all worked up." He says sternly. I listen to him, knowing that he's right.

It's late and I pray that she's come home. We walk to the entrance, and I knock on the door. We're greeted by an older looking man and instantly the smell of alcohol is evident. I look towards Danny who has a harsh look on his face. "We're here to see Y/n Y/l/n." Danny tells him but the guy laughs. "She's not here." He slurs and it makes my anger build.

I feel a hand on my arm as Danny tries to calm me. "Mr Woodstock. Would you know where she might be? Ms Johansson here missed her appointment with her and would like to see her." He says calmly. "It's still early, she probably won't be home until later. She's probably at a friend's house." He states, clearly no longer interested in this conversation. "She's in your charge, how can you not know where she is?" I bark at him and his gaze snaps to mine. "I wasn't the one to stand her up." He snarls before turning to leave.

But before the door can shut, we hear a girl calling out from behind us. "Mr Woodstock!" He stops in his tracks and looks the girl up and down. "I'm Laura, Y/n's friend." She says and he nods. "I remember." He gets a smarmy smirk on his face, and it makes me feel sick. "She was supposed to come to mine this evening, but she didn't turn up. Is she home?" She asks, worry lacing her voice.

"No, she's not back yet. Check back tomorrow." He says and slams the door. "Fuck." I hear the girl mutter and turn to leave. "Wait!" I call after her and she stops, turning to look at me. "You know Y/n?" I question her. She's shocked when she sees me, but that shock soon turns to anger. "What do you want?" She growls at me. "I'm trying to find Y/n." I say but she laughs. "What so you can let her down again?" She asks with sass.

My mouth just opens and closes, unsure what to say. "It took a lot for her to agree to meet you. She's been through so much in her life. She deserves better. I told her that maybe you wanted to give her that. But I was wrong." Her voice seems broken. She clearly cares about Y/n a lot. The pain is evident in her voice. "Do you have her phone number?" Danny asks Laura and she nods. "Do you think you could share it with us?" He asks but she shakes her head. "No." She states firmly. I step forward, trying to hold it together. "Please. I just want to talk to her. Apologise." I say, fighting back the tears. "I'm not sharing her number with a stranger. Besides, she's not even responding to me right now, so I doubt she'd respond to you." She scoffs.

She's right. That is all I am to her. I have loved her even though she wasn't in my life, but for her, I'm just the woman who gave her up. I quickly fumble in my bag for a pen and scrap of paper. "Here." I say, holding the paper out to Laura. "This is my number. Please just let me know when you know she's safe." I say, practically begging her to take my number. She sighs but takes it with a nod of her head.

I watch as she walks away then turn to Danny. "What do we do? What if she's hurt?" I agonise. "There's not much we can do at the moment. She's not been gone long enough for a missing person's report. As annoying as it is, Mr Woodstock is right. It's still early and she may just be out and about. It seems like she avoids being here as much as she can anyway." He logically explains. "I want to stay here." I tell Danny who looks at me shocked. "I just want to make sure she gets home. I won't bother her." I tell him and he nods. "I'll stay with you. If she's not back home by midnight I can contact a friend at the NYPD." He offers and I pull him into a grateful hug.

So, that's what we do. I send my driver home and Danny and I sit in his car, our eyes on the group home, waiting for Y/n to come home. The closer it gets to midnight, the more worry I feel. I keep checking my phone to see if Laura has texted me but nothing.

It's 11:45 and I see a dark shadow getting closer to the house. "Is that her?" I ask. Although I've seen pictures of her, Danny is the only one to have met her face to face. He looks up and nods. I start to cry when I see her dejected form. Her head hanging low, he clothes soaked through from the rain. I reach for the door handle, but before I touch it, Danny stops me. "Don't Scarlett. We'll come by tomorrow and see if she'll meet you. But it's late and this is highly inappropriate." He tells me. Every part of my body wants to ignore him and go to her. To apologise profusely. But my head tells me that he's right. I want to do this the proper way.

He drives me home and Colin is waiting at the door for me. I practically fall into his arms sobbing. "I'll come by tomorrow. I'll have the full report ready for you and we'll go through it together. Then we'll head to the group home and see if she'd be willing to meet you." Danny says as I enter the house. "Thank you. I appreciate everything you're doing." I tell him honestly. I don't know what I would have done without him!

I don't sleep much at all that night. Every time sleep approached, I would remember that I let her down twice now. That I don't deserve to have the chance to have her in my life. But I know that I will do everything in my power to make sure that she is. It's selfish, but I want to give her the life she deserves. The one that I should have given her when she was born.

When morning eventually comes round, Colin gets up with me to make me eat something for breakfast. He had dropped the kids around my mom's house last night so we could have the time to sort everything out. My mom was more than happy to help. She's so excited that Y/n might be a part of our lives again.

At 10am, Danny arrives and comes in with a file in hand. My heart rate picks up as I know we're about to get a much clearer story of what Y/n's life has been like. He takes a seat, and I instantly can tell that whatever is in that file isn't good. Danny wouldn't be a good poker player, that's for sure. "Ok. So, I've done some in depth research into Y/n's life and I believe that I have a much clearer picture of things. But I must warn you that some of this may not be easy listening." He isn't one to beat around the bush, but hearing those words makes my breathing hitch.

"Y/n was adopted by Phil and Katie Y/l/n. They lived in Brooklyn the whole time. I have spoken with her schools and was able to get a better picture of her life. She didn't do any after school clubs and was very isolated. She would rush to get home each day and often would worry if she was late. She did raise concerns with two of her teachers when she was 11, but both teachers deemed that she was over-reacting." He starts off, placing school reports out in front of us. "What were the concerns?" I ask, a fire building within. "In the report, she said her parents were mean and weren't nice to her. They directly quoted her. They note a couple of bruises but claim they could have been from anything." Danny explains, a frown on his own face.

"The school reports after these days show that Y/n became more secluded and insular. However, she was at an underfunded school that didn't have the resources to be able to support her. She effectively gets lost in the system." Danny shares. I squeeze Colin's hand tighter, needing any comfort that I could get. "I also have her hospital records." Danny starts and I hear the hesitation in his voice. "She was admitted on a number of occasions for injuries ranging from broken bones to lacerations. On her 10th visit, one of the doctors referred her back to the social worker with concerns of abuse. However, it seems like this went no further than that." Danny shares, with a look of pity on his face.

"This is where things get a bit more difficult." He starts. "More difficult than the fact that it seems like my daughter was in an abusive home yet was failed by both the educational and social systems?" I snap. How could this get any worse? "It seems that Y/n's social worker arranged the adoption with her parents and then moved her into this particular group home once they passed. It's actually outside of Y/n's school district so wouldn't be a suitable placement. On further investigation, I have the belief that they were working to take money from the state through the adoption and fostering of Y/n." His explanation shows how she was only seen a pawn in their game for a quick buck.

"I've contacted the NYPD and given them all the evidence that I have, and they are going to start an investigation. However, until they have more concrete evidence, they won't be able to move Y/n or any of the children from Mr Woodstock's care. It could take a couple of weeks and from there she would then be moved to another care home." He informs us. I'm glad that they are being investigated, but it's not quick enough. I need her to be safe now.

"Can we take her in? She's my daughter after all." I ask, but the drop of Danny's gaze makes me fear his answer. "That is where things get a bit tricky. When you put Y/n up for adoption, you signed away your parental rights. You would have to get approved to be a foster carer first and then have to go through the courts to adopt Y/n. Through all of this Y/n would have to consent as she's 16." He explains. "Well, can we get an application started so we can at least start that process? We can then work towards adoption." Colin steps in and I smile at his confidence and commitment.

"Of course, if that's what you both want. We may be able to petition the state to speed the process along as you are her birth mother. But you'd have to go before a judge." Danny responds. "Do it. I will do whatever I have to do to get her back in our lives." I tell Danny firmly. "Do you agree Colin?" He asks, moving his gaze to my husband. "I 100% support Scarlett. We discussed this when she wanted to approach Y/n. The end goal was always to have her back with us." He says with a smile, leaning down to place a kiss to my head. "Ok, well I'll start the petition later today." Danny smiles, taking a note in his pad in front of him.

"Can we still go and visit her this afternoon?" I ask, unsure if it's still the right thing to do. "We can try, but it's important that we do this all on Y/n's terms. She's not had any adults in her life support her like she has needed. She has been failed on a number of occasions and we need to make sure she is comfortable before proceeding." Danny tells me. "Of course. I only want what's best for her." I respond.

"Ok. Well, I'll call My Woodstock and arrange a meeting this afternoon. In the meantime, I can leave her file with you if you'd like to read more. But please read it with care. There is a lot in there that isn't an easy read." He says whilst gathering his things. "I'll call you when I have a time to go and see her." He says, hugging us goodbye and heading out.

Colin and I take the time to read through the file. Danny was right, it was certainly not an easy read. With each page my heart broke even more. She had been through so much. She is 16 and never experienced a loving home. "I failed her." I whisper as I finish reading over her hospital record detailing each injury she had treated. It makes me wonder how many times she was hurt and they didn't take her to the hospital. "You didn't fail her Scarlett." Colin tries to defend but I shake my head.

"If I kept her, she wouldn't have gone to those monsters. She would have been loved. I was so selfish, putting myself and my career first. My parents offered to help and yet I didn't want the inconvenience." I start to cry as I fall into Colin's hold. "But you thought that she was going to go to a loving home. You had no control over that. She was used by a sick person in power. You had no way of knowing that. You trusted that the state would take care of her, but they are the ones that truly failed her." He tells me with conviction. "But." "No buts. Yes, yesterday could have gone better. But we'll go and see her today and start to make things right. We'll show her that we want to give her a home that she is worthy of. A family that loves her." He reassures me.

I couldn't be more grateful for this man. He has been so supportive through it all. I was terrified when I told him about Y/n. Worried that he might leave me, but he didn't. He asked me what I wanted and has been by my side ever since. I'm lucky to have him in my life.

Danny calls to confirm that we're heading over at 3pm. He's asked Mr Woodstock to not tell Y/n in fear she'll leave the home knowing that we're going. We meet Danny there a little before 3 and Colin says that he'll wait in the car until he's needed. I'm really nervous as I start walking towards the house. I have to fight the anger that is building when I think about the life Y/n has here and that Mr Woodstock isn't innocent in it all. But I need to keep my cool so I can keep Y/n safe.

We're guided through into an office space with a sofa and Mr Woodstock asks one of the girls to go and get Y/n. We take a seat and I'm sure I can feel my heart about to beat out of my chest. I'm actually about to meet my daughter. The next couple of minutes seems to drag by as Mr Woodstock tries to make small talk. Thankfully, there is finally a knock at the door and my head shoots up to look.

The door slowly creaks open, and I see Y/n walk in with her head down. "You asked to see me Mr Woodstock." Her voice is hoarse like she's been crying, and she hasn't even noticed anyone else is in the room. "Y/n we have guests. Please don't be rude and look up." Mr Woodstock exhales in frustration.

As she lifts her head her eyes land on me, and I see a sadness flash through them. That's until I see the dark bruising forming around her eye. I go to stand up but Danny places a hand on my knee. I then go to ask what happened, but Mr Woodstock is quickly out of his seat. I see Y/n flinch as he approaches her. "I thought I told you to cover that up." He hisses at her. "I'm sorry Sir. I didn't know you had guests." She quivered.

It is taking everything in me to not stand up and punch that asshole. I can see that Y/n is clearly fearful of him. Was he the one that did that to her?! "Well, it's too late now. Come in and see your visitors. I'll be in the living room." He says, marching out of the room, leaving Y/n stood with a slight shake to her body. I just want to engulf her in a hug and tell her that she's safe and that I'll never let anyone hurt her again. "I'm not sure if you remember me but we meet a few days ago." Danny starts calmly. "I remember you Mr Osborne." She speaks politely, though her gaze is fixated on her hands. "Please, call me Danny." He tells her with a smile. "Why don't you come and sit with us." He encourages her, holding his hand to point to the empty chair opposite us.

She slowly makes her way to the chair and takes a seat. "I would like to introduce you to Scarlett. She is your biological mother." Danny says, turning to me. Y/n doesn't look up and my smile falters. "Hi Y/n. It's an honour to meet you." I tell her, fighting back tears. I never thought I would find my daughter in a state like this. So, broken. But when I look at her, I see myself in her. She's got brown hair, but her facial features are just like mine.

"I am so sorry that I was late to meet you yesterday. I got held up at work and I didn't have a number to get hold of you with." I try to explain but her gaze doesn't move. "I went to the café, but the owner said that you had already left. So, I came here but you hadn't come back yet. I really am sorry. I never meant to leave you on your own. I was looking forward to seeing you more than anything. Please believe that." I practically beg her.

Her head slowly lifts, and she makes direct eye contact for me for the first time since she came in here. "It's ok. I'm used to being let down." She mumbles. "It's not ok Y/n. I made a promise to meet you and I was so excited. I should have done more to let you know that I was running late. I hope that you could maybe let me make it up to you." I tell her, wanting her to know that she shouldn't accept being let down. "I'll give you some time. I'll be just outside if you need me." Danny says, standing and leaving us be.

An awkward silence falls over us as I can't stop staring at her black eye. "How did you get that?" I ask her, pointing to her eye. "I fell." She responds bluntly. I don't believe her, but I don't want to push her just yet. Silence falls over us again whilst I think about what I want to say. "It was the biggest mistake. Giving you up." I tell her and that seems to get her attention. "Then why did you?" She asks, hurt evident across her face.

I sit forward so that our knees are almost touching. "I thought I was doing the right thing. I was 22 and my career was taking off. I made a selfish decision. But I soon realised the mistake I made, but I couldn't change it. I had signed away my parental rights." I explain, embarrassed by admitting my failings. "I couldn't contact you until you turned 18 or you contacted me. So, I just had to wait. But when your parents passed and you were returned to the care system, I was able to contact you directly." I explain how I was able to finally get in touch.

"I know that it may not seem like it after giving you up and missing our meeting yesterday, but I really want to get to know you Y/n. To have you in my life. My husband can't wait to meet you either." I tell her with a chuckle. But those words seem to do the opposite of what I hoped. "You have two children?" She asks me. "Well, I have three including you." I respond, trying to keep my smile on my face. "But you have two others that live with you." She clarifies and I nod. "You already have your family. I'm just a stranger." She sniffles.

I reach out and take her hand in mine. The flinch making my heart break even more. "No. You are the missing piece. You are my family. I may be a stranger to you, but I have spent every day loving you. Wishing that I had made a different decision all those years ago. I would wonder what you were doing and what you wanted to be when you grew up. I wondered if you liked sports and what type of music you liked. You were always on my mind." I tell her truthfully. "When I had Rose and Cosmo, it was a bittersweet moment. Each time it reminded me of the mistake I had made. That I could have had you in my life too. Being part of my family." I add on.

"Who's my father?" She asks, a question that I was expecting to come at some point. I look down a little ashamed. "I don't know. It was a one night stand. I didn't know his name." I admit. When I lift my gaze, I see hers already on me, studying me. "What is it you want from me?" She asks, almost with an annoyance to her voice. "Truthfully?" I ask her and she nods. "I would love to have a chance to be your mother. But I understand that you may not have the same desire." I tell her, feeling sick at the thought that she may never want to see me again.

"What do you want from all of this?" I ask her, turning the question back around. She sighs and rubs at her forehead as she formulates a response. "I have no idea." She chuckles lightly. "I never expected this to happen. It's all just a bit much." She admits and I nod understanding that this must all be overwhelming to her. "Would you want to be a part of my life?" I ask her tentatively, scared of what her response might be. "I really don't know Scarlett. I don't know you and although you say you love me, you don't know me either." She responds and I smile at her maturity.

"Then let's get to know each other. Spend time together. You can meet Colin and the kids. There would be no pressure on you at all. If this is something you don't want, then we can stop. As much as that would hurt, what is important is what you want." I share so she can see she has the control. "What would you tell your kids?" She asks. "I'd love to tell them the truth. But for now, if you're not comfortable with that, we can just say you're a friend and go from there." I offer up. There's a pause and silence falls once again as she thinks of her response. I feel like I'm holding my breath the whole time. "Ok. I think I'd like to get to know you. But..." My smile grows impossibly wide at her words, though it feels like my heart stops at the word but. "Please don't let me down again." She whispers, her whole body deflating.

I instantly give her hand a squeeze to gain her attention. "Hey. Listen to me." I say softly as I reach forward to wipe the tears falling down her cheeks. "I promise that you will come first. I will be here every step of the way. I will not let you down again. I just want you to be safe and happy." I tell her through my own tears. She only nods in return and I lean forward to pull her into a hug. She tenses initially but soon melts into it.

After we both calm down a little, I sit back and my gaze lands on her black eye once again. "Now can you tell me how you really got that?" I ask her and I see her tense once again. "I told you..." She starts but I quickly shake my head and step in. "I know that you didn't fall. Did Mr Woodstock do that to you?" I ask her cautiously. Her head drops but the small nod of confirmation doesn't go unnoticed. My breathing hitches at the thought and I feel anger rush through me. "Why?" I ask slightly more harshly than I intended.

When she doesn't answer, I reach out and take her hand, slowly rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. "He was mad that I was late home and that you and Danny came looking for me when he was drunk." She explains. "Is this the first time that he's done something like this? Are you safe here?" I question her, terrified of what she's going to say. The shake of her head shatters my already broken heart.

I wrap my arms around her trying to provide her any comfort that I can. "I promise you that I will keep you safe. I won't let him lay another finger on you." I promise her whilst gently rubbing my hands up and down her back. After a while, I go and let Danny in. Y/n explains what happened to her and Danny is straight onto the phone to the Police and Social Services.

As the police car arrives, I see Colin's face appear at the door, worry etched across it. "I'll be right back." I tell Y/n as she is with Danny and the police. I greet Colin and fall into his arms. He holds me tight and places a kiss against my head. "I saw the police and got worried. Is that her?" He asks, nodding his head behind me. I turn and smile when I see her. "Yeah. That's her." I confirm. "What happened to her face?" He asks and my body deflates. "Oh Scar." He says when the realisation hits him.

The police arrest Mr Woodstock after some of the other kids admitted that he had also hurt them. When social services arrived, Danny made sure to make them aware of the impending investigation onto Harry Lycett who was Y/n's social worker. He then returns to Colin and me. "What happens now?" I ask him. "They're arranging for temporary placements for the kids for the foreseeable future." He replies. "What about Y/n?" I ask, worried that I'm going to miss my chance. "She'll be found a foster home for the time being." He responds. "Can't she come with us?" I ask him in a panic.

Colin agrees with me as Danny sighs. "I'm not sure if that's possible. It's a Saturday and I won't be able to get in front of judge until Monday at the earliest." He shares sadly. He looks between Colin and I and sighs once again. "Give me a minute." He says, before heading towards one of the social workers.

We both wait anxiously for Danny to return. We watch him talk with the social worker who then makes a phone call. Eventually, he starts to make his way back over towards us and I can't tell what he's feeling. "Ok. I've spoken with the social worker and explained the situation. They have agreed to you having custody until Monday. After that, it'll be down to the judge to decide." He says and I let out a little squeal. "Scarlett don't get your hopes up. This could all be temporary." Danny tells me with a stern voice. "I know. But I have a chance. That's all I need." I respond with a smile. "Do you want to meet her?" I turn to face Colin and see his smile grow. He nods and I take his hand, walking back towards the office.

Y/n is sat in a chair on her own, fear across her face as she awaits her fate, her focus on fiddling with the hem of her shirt. This has been an overwhelming day for her. She's had to explain to the police what she's been through and now she's about to find out she's moving again. I take the seat next to her and Colin sits opposite. "Y/n, I'd like you to meet my husband, Colin." I introduce them. "Colin, this is my daughter Y/n." I say with a smile. I notice Y/n's head snap to look at me when I refer to her as my daughter and I see a slight tug at her lips. "It's lovely to meet you Y/n." Colin greets, holding his hand out.

Y/n takes it and gives it a firm shake. "You too Colin." She smiles. We chat for a little before Y/n turns to Danny, who's stood in the doorway. "What happens now?" She asks. Danny looks to me and nods, so I turn to fully face Y/n. "Social Services are closing the group home and finding alternative homes for everyone. Danny has spoken with the social workers, and they have agreed that you can stay with us this weekend until we're able to get our official fostering status." I explain, almost holding my breath as I wait for her response.

"Why are you getting your fosters license?" She asks. "Well, if things go well, we'd like to official adopt you. But we'd have to foster you first before the adoption could be processed." Colin steps in to show that he is just as involved in this decision as I am. "Wait, what?" She asks shocked. "I meant what I said Y/n. I want to be a mother to you. But if that's not what you want, then we can just foster you until you find an alternative home." I assure her, still hating the thought that she won't want to be a part of our family. "So, what do you say? Do you want to come home with us, and we can take it one day at a time?" I ask her with a shake to my voice.

It feels like time stops as I look at Y/n waiting for her to answer. My focus is on the 16 year old who's life has just been turned upside down, again. Internally, I'm begging that she's going to say yes. That I'll get a chance to give her the loving home that she deserves. After what seems like hours Y/n looks up to me opening her mouth. "Scarlett I...."

Part 2

#scarlett johansson x y/n #scarlett johansson fanfiction #scarlett johansson x reader #scarlett johansson #scarjo #celebrity fanfic

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tojikai · 1 year

Text

Permanent Mark X: Loss

Pairing: Gojo x Reader

Genre: Angst

Warnings: pregnancy, mentions of abortion, implied miscarriage

Series Masterlist

“We all experience the pain of losing something. Or someone.”

“You. Film it.” There’s no way in hell that I’d let you fool my daughter again.

Your mother was furious at the sight a couple of meters away from her. Just when she was thinking about reaching out and helping the two of you with your issues, she sees this. The man who was swearing to take care of you and her grandchild just a week ago is here meeting someone else.

Your mother partially blames herself for your poor decisions in life. Not being able to look after you, talking to you only to nag you about the company, and not paying attention to your bad habits are only a few of the things that she started to regret when you yourself started to face the consequences. Your mother isn’t clueless about you, though. She already got a feeling that that woman isn’t just anyone or someone that piqued your curiosity. Not by the way you ran after her and definitely not by the way you avoided your mother’s gaze when she asked why you were asking about her.

You’re not interested in people who don’t show interest in you and it’s always been like that so why would you suddenly wonder about a random employee from another company? It turned out that your mother was right. She watched as she took half a step closer to Satoru, something he didn’t even flinch at and it only made her blood boil. This woman with an angelic face is the devil who almost got her daughter killed in an accident and your mother has no plans of letting it slip.

“Move the meeting’s schedule.” She turned to her assistant as the girl scrambles to get her notes all while holding her phone, “I need to go to Mr. Takahata’s place right now.” They passed Satoru and the lady while he held her by the shoulders and it took everything in your mother not to ask the driver to stop just to smack her across the face. Is that why she started hanging around the building longer than the time needed? To see the father of her daughter’s child?

Your mother took a deep breath, reminding herself not to assume things so carelessly. If she happens to be wrong about what she saw, she might end up ruining, not only your plans for yourself but also for your child. She needs to think everything through before acting upon it. For now, she needs to know who that errand girl is and the best place to get information is her working place.

Reaching Mr. Takahata’s office, your mother was greeted by multiple workers who already knew her because of the joint project of the companies. She walked over to the desk, letting her assistant speak for her as she looked around for people who might know the woman who was with Satoru.

“Ma’am, Mr. Takahata is in another meeting at the moment and has no free schedules today.” Her assistant talked to her, and the woman behind the desk gave a small smile. “It’s ok, I can wait in his office. I just have to ask him something.” She ignored the employee and head towards the elevator. The silence inside the small space made it easier for your mother to think about all the right questions to ask.

If possible, she’d want to ask you about your break up with Satoru in a more detailed way but she’s also aware that you probably wouldn’t tell the truth about it to her. Especially now that your perception of her is a villain, trying to take away the future that you are planning for your kid. There’s no way that you’d let her know anything that could give her a valid reason to step in and take actions that would obviously contradict those plans.

If what your mother saw is the truth, she wouldn’t stand idly by.

_______________________________________

“I’m about to meet a client.” Satoru spoke, “Something about franchising.” There was a rummaging sound from the other side of the line before a string of curses rush past his lips. “It’s the key, ain’t it?” You bit on the apple as you leaned on the kitchen counter. “Yeah, I was so tired yesterday so I kinda forgot where I threw it at.” He clicked his tongue before you heard the jingling of keys, indicating that he found it.

“You haven’t changed a bit.” You said with a little scoff, ignoring how Satoru tried to defend his ways but you were too distracted trying to remove the seeds from the apple. “Are you not going to your mother’s office?” He asked just as you bit again causing you to reply with a hum, finishing chewing as you processed his question. “No. My mom suspended me for a whole week but dad said that she only said it because she thought I wasn’t feeling well because of what happened last time.”

You believed your father about that one. You know your mother wouldn’t let it show that she’s trying to take care of you. She just has her own little, annoying ways to do it. “Yeah, your dad probably told her why we had to leave earlier last week because of that.” You remembered how you faked feeling unwell to avoid the truth from spilling out. Had your father found out, you wouldn’t be talking to Satoru right now. “You think so?” You said nonchalantly as all the possible outcomes for the situation flowed to your brain.

“She’s your mother, Y/N. she cares about you. No matter how angry she gets at you.” Satoru sighed heavily as you heard him close the door. “I know.” You replied curtly before adding, “I’m going to cook. I’ll see you when I see you.” You stood up straight to walk to the cupboards, checking if you have the ingredients for today’s cravings.

“And that is later. I’ll be going there later.” He stated and you furrowed your brows as if he can see you, “You don’t get to decide that.” You retorted, pulling out cans of milk before proceeding to the fridge. “Yes, I can. I miss you. And that little bean.” You found yourself smiling at Satoru’s words accompanied by his chuckles. There’s been tension between you and him ever since that night and you had to remind yourself that that is not how this relationship is supposed to be. Plus, it’s just your hormones. Right?

“No. I’m dropping the call.” You told him, getting annoyed at yourself for your thoughts. “Alright, bye. I love you.” Despite the situation, Satoru has never hesitated to say the words to you. Actually, It started to become normal. Just like when you were dating. The only difference is you don’t say it back anymore. “Call me if something comes up,” Satoru added just before you abandoned the call.

Ever since Satoru found out about your conception, he’s either texting, calling you, or at your apartment. In other words, he has been present at almost every moment of your pregnancy. You could only imagine how he’d probably never leave your place when the baby finally arrives. Just as he said some nights ago while you were having a conversation in your bed, “We’d be living together. Basically." You told him that you’d just let him have the child for some days but he insisted that the baby should be close to both parents at all times because it’s better for them.

“You know, that’s not how co-parenting usually works.” You tried to reason out with him, but you know that it won’t convince him. “Not usually, but it could be like that.” He spoke as he flips himself to his stomach, looking at you with a serious face as he nods slowly, knowing that he was outsmarting you. “What if I don’t want you around me at all times?” You looked away from the television to check his reaction.

“Then that would really hurt.” His voice turned soft and you know that you really hit it where it hurts. It made you feel guilty as you bit your lip, watching him exhale a sad laugh as he looks down, leaning on his elbows. “But it’s fine. As long as it makes you comfortable, it’s okay.” He looked up to smile at you, though his eyes remained lightless.

“I was just kidding. I just want what’s best for the baby.” You looked away again, swallowing. You know that he was really hurt by your question. Some people would probably say that he deserves it, for everything that he made you go through. But you just don’t do that to people you love or even the people that you used to love. You don’t go around doing things that could hurt them just because you called it quits.

It’s never ok to step on someone’s heart just because you’re healing your own. Causing them chaos won’t grant you peace. You learned that the hard way.

Silence enveloped the two of you for a good half an hour, your eyes stayed glued to the television but your mind was still circling around the conversation that you had with Satoru. You turned to look at him, ready to say sorry when you found him asleep. He was on his side, with his palm on your stomach, snoring lightly. You never took notice of it before but he looked so exhausted. When he was not here doing everything for you— cooking, cleaning, driving back and forth to the store, or whatever you want—he was at work.

You watched his face closely, holding his hand in place as you slid down from leaning your head on the bed frame to fully lying next to him. If there’s something that you want your child to take from him—aside from his eyes which are definitely the most noticeable part of his face—is his hair. He looks so angelic with his long lashes which made his eyes more breathtaking.

Your hand found purchase in his locks, pushing them back and running your fingers through them until he started to stir in his sleep. You quickly drew your hand back, ready to pull the blanket over you to turn away from him but he caught your wrist. He held it gently as he put it around him, pulling your body closer to his. The warmth coming from his skin made it impossible for you to pull away.

So, you stayed there, looking up at him as he locked eyes with you. “I’m sorry.” You whispered, which he answered with a tired smile, mouthing “It’s alright.” before kissing your forehead and wrapping his arms tighter around you. You buried your face in his neck, letting your breath fan over it as the warm palm of his hand rests on your lower back.

You don’t understand how and why you’re letting yourself become this comfortable around him again. You can’t remember when you started letting him hold you like this again but there’s one thing you are sure and aware of.

You missed being here.

Blinking, you continued preparing your food, shaking your head to get rid of the thoughts. You’ve been having conversations with yourself lately about why you’re letting yourself enjoy all of that again when you know damn well that you have no intentions of letting him back in your heart again.

Have you changed your mind about that? Definitely not. But there’s a part of you that says that Satoru was being sincere. Apart from telling you how he’d do literally anything for your child, he never forgets to remind you that he’s doing all of this to show you that he wants to win you back and make up for all he’s done.

Lately, he’s been going to meetings about their business, you remembered him telling you that one of their employees quit and now he has to fill in for their space until they finally find someone capable. You yourself have also been calling Kento, asking about the situation in the office, and to your relief, he’s handled them all for you. You know you’d have to go back there to work. You could work at other companies but you’re afraid that your mother already probably called them not to take you in just so she could tie you down to the company.

You don’t know how the road will be during this stage of your life. But you’re determined to restructure yourself and your life.

_______________________________________

2 Days Ago

“The boss’ daughter is pregnant.” Rie’s looked up from her plate to her friend who was continuing to casually sip away at her milkshake. It was Sunday and they decided to hang out. Despite only meeting the woman at your mother’s office, they became close in no time. She’s a very friendly person.

Rie didn’t answer, letting her friend, Shaina, talk about how they’re suspecting that Satoru was the father. Thoughts flow in Rie’s mind as she tried to connect the dates. Well, it’s not impossible, depending on how long you are into the pregnancy and the day that you slept with Satoru. It could also be someone else’s considering how you were apart from each other for a while after you healed from your accident.

“That gorgeous man with white her, A.K.A her ex could be the father, considering how he’s the one who accompanied her. Or it could be someone else, like the hot guy with long hair and tattoos that also brings food for her in the office from time to time.” Shaina gossiped, and Rie was suddenly thankful that she accepted her invitation to eat out.

“It couldn’t be that. That’s their friend. Plus, Satoru wouldn’t be following them around if that’s the case.” Rie reasoned out, trying to look as uninterested as possible but curious as to your real situation. It’s not like she’s looking for a chance to swipe Satoru from you. But this is something that involves him—the man she loves. “How did you guys even know that she’s pregnant?” She inquired further, leaning back on the chair.

“Someone saw her and the white-haired guy stepping out of an OB clinic. It could mean other things, but they said that she was cradling her stomach.” There was a moment of silence as Rie tried to process it. Did Satoru get you pregnant when he slept with you that day? Or did you sleep with someone else before or after it happened? There’s no way for her to find out because there are no other people close to you who aren’t also close to Rie.

She’s not even one bit worried about you, but she’s worried for Satoru. The sound of her fork scraping on her plate made Rie clench her teeth. There were too many scenarios running through Rie’s mind as she completely shuts out her friend’s voice. Rie has thought about this before. Why would you let Satoru sleep with you so easily after all that he’s done? Was that your plan when you both went to your apartment that day? Get him under your sheets so he has a reason to keep going after you even when you’re putting him through just to get you back.

“They probably told the boss the day that we saw them there.” She looked at her friend again, pretending to listen when all she’s been thinking is how you’re possibly making Satoru own up to a kid that’s not even his. Is he so blinded that he didn’t even consider if it’s really his or not? You could’ve slept with someone else around the same time.

“I don’t really know much about Miss Y/N. But I heard that she used to be a bit of a rebel and that’s why she’s only starting to work at the company now.” Rie nodded her head as she thought of how she’d open the topic to Satoru. It’s not that she’s trying to get back at you. She just doesn’t want Satoru to put his life on the line for something that isn’t even his doing. Plus, it’s not impossible that you’re really fooling him.

_______________________________________

Satoru stood outside the building where he was supposed to be meeting his client. He arrived earlier than he expected and was informing them through text. He’s also thinking about sending you a photo of the bake shop in front of the said building just to ask if you’ve been craving some cakes. He smiled at the thought of his child taking after his love for sweet foods. Satoru was about to go in but a familiar voice called out to him and before he can even turn his head, Rie was already running toward him, holding on to him.

“Rie?” Satoru furrowed his brows and was about to step away when she tightened her hold on him, with worry and stress painted all over her face. “Y/N’s pregnant, right? Is it yours?” She asked right away and Satoru’s eyes widened at her question. First is because he has no idea how she could’ve found out when the pregnancy has been kept between you, Satoru, Suguru, and Shoko. Satoru is a hundred percent sure that she couldn’t have heard it from your parents; there’s no way that they’d announce that their daughter got pregnant by her ex. The second is because of why Rie is asking if it’s his.

Satoru is not obligated to give her an answer to all of this. He’s not even supposed to entertain her like this. What if someone sees them together? He can’t afford to lose the tiniest trust you have in him right now. Not to mention that that little amount of trust was only given to him because you got no choice.

“I shouldn’t be talking to you, Rie, you know that. Okay, I’m sorry for what hap—” Satoru shook his head as he tried to step away from Rie but was cut off by the slight raise in her voice and how she tugged his arm, stepping closer to him. “Are you sure that it’s yours? Don’t do this to yourself, Satoru.” She almost begged him as she desperately tried to hold his hand, letting hers slide down his arm. Satoru’s eyes widened at her question, denying himself that he even heard it. He found himself tugging Rie away.

He shouldn’t even be interested in this. Y/N won’t do that to him.

“Someone might see us and I don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression, Rie. Why are you doing this?” Satoru whispered harshly at her the moment they reached a narrow alleyway. “I told you we’re over, Rie. I’m sorry but we’re over.” Satoru breathed out, looking around to see if someone followed them. As if they’d let him catch them if this was really a setup. Satoru made sure that he was covering Rie from anyone’s line of sight. His back was turned away from the street as he stared at her with frustration in his eyes.

“I just- Satoru, you have to listen to me. Did it happen because you slept with her that day?” Her hand went back to gripping his shoulders and arms as she again, steps closer to him. Satoru could only look at her with pity and exasperation in his eyes. She’s obviously panicking; probably rushed to him just to talk about whatever this is because she was still trying to catch her breath.

“You might be overlooking some things, Satoru. I’m not hating on her, I’m just worried about you.” She looked up at him. Her hands are cold and she’s trembling under her skin while she miserably fails to pull him into her. She hadn’t been this close to him since the day that he broke up with her. The nearest that she has been to him was when they ran into each other at her mother’s company building. Even then, he didn’t even let his eyes linger on her.

“She could’ve slept with someone before or even a day after you, Satoru.” Satoru’s thoughts overshadowed Rie’s voice as he looked back on that day.

You were comfortable enough to be topless in front of Suguru. You were healed enough to move around. Satoru doesn’t know what you have been doing until that time just to move on from the pain he caused you, just to forget him. And as much as Satoru hates to visualize it, he could see you getting on the bed with a faceless man when you’re too drunk to care. What if it really happened to be like that? It could be any day close to the day that you had sex with him. it is possible, it is-

Satoru shut down the voice in his head. This isn’t helping. Not after he found out that Y/N and Suguru did something together. This doesn’t put his mind at ease and he doesn’t want that to push him to do, say or even ask things to you that could cause stress. He already told himself that he was over that. Satoru closed his eyes tightly, reminding himself that you wouldn’t lie to him like that.

“Rie, calm down. You listen to me.” Satoru grabbed her arm after making her drop her hold on him. “Y/N wouldn’t do that to me.” He said it so firmly, that Rie let out a whimper of defeat, shaking her head, letting him know that she knows that she got a point. “She has every reason to deny me that baby. Even if it was mine.” Satoru was firm on his decision to not let this get to him. It couldn’t be true and Satoru has cold, hard proof to ensure that.

“You don’t understand, it could be someone else’s—” That did it for Satoru as he held her arm tighter, gritting his teeth and panting as he calmed himself down. It took everything in him not to scream out at Rie, “Listen to yourself, Rie. You’re not making any sense. Do you even know how much she fucking hates me?! If Y/N could pick a father for her baby right now, it wouldn’t be me, Rie. So, what makes you think that she’d lie about it being mine?” A shiver run down Rie’s spine as she stepped away, covering her mouth as she let the tears stream down his face.

“Stop this, Rie. I don’t want to do anything like this anymore. I’m trying to fix my life with Y/N.” Satoru stepped away from her, looking at her shaking form as she tried to apologize. “I’m trying to be better for her and my child, so please…” Satoru shook his head as he turned to walk away, fixing his shirt as he took a deep breath, leaving Rie as she cry out his name. Satoru sighed in relief as he remembered all the things he said.

Those were the truth. You wouldn’t lie about him being the father because you despise him too much. It kills him to even think of it. Satoru could bet his life that if you were ever given the chance to turn everything around, you’d probably choose to never meet him ever. But if he was given a chance to turn things around, he would have gone straight home that one night. Then none of this wouldn’t be this hard right now. You could be shopping painting the baby’s room or writing down names.

If anything, you’re the one who has a reason to suspect him. You have every reason to accuse him of baby-trapping you. Satoru blinked a tear away as he mentally punched himself for doubting you just because of what happened with Suguru. Now he’s getting all answers that he needed. One good thing came out of that encounter with Rie.

_______________________________________

3 Days Later

“Harder,” You whined as you lightly kicked Satoru’s legs, chewing on your unpeeled apple. You kept your eyes on the screen as you heard him apologize. It was another rainy day and you were spending it on the bed as Satoru massaged your feet. It doesn’t really hurt considering how early you still are in the pregnancy but you read about it and now you want it too.

Satoru slept over the night before due to the very heavy rains. You were angry at him for the whole night for not going home earlier before the weather got worse but now, not so much anymore considering how you want a foot massage. “I wonder how you’d be when the baby weight starts really making your foot hurt. ” He giggled at you making you scowl at him before pulling your foot away from him harshly.

“Sorry, I’m not making fun of you. You’re just adorable, right now. What more, when you’re already round.” He giggled even more and this time he really got a kick from you, making him yelp. You fixed your position to turn away from him as you placed your apple on the plate in the middle of your bedside table.

“You think this is fun. You think this is funny.” You partially got up to pull the covers over your head, attempting to put something in between you and Satoru who’s still smiling even as he rubs his thigh. “Look, it’s not like that. You’re just cute. Don’t be mad.” His voice sounded muffled as you covered your ears with the thick fabric of the sheet. You get sensitive when you think about how much you’d change when the baby gets bigger and bigger. And although you understand that that would mean meeting your little one sooner, it still makes you self-conscious.

“Come on, now. Sorry. “ Satoru managed to get under your covers, wrapping a strong arm around you which you tried to swat away but failed. Albeit not kissing—you could still feel his lips on your shoulders as he tangled his legs with yours. It felt nice. Having a warm body to press yourself into is nice, you thought as you stopped struggling under his hold. You tensed when he peppered light kisses on the shell of your ears as he pulled the covers down.

“I’d get big.” You croaked as he pulled you to his chest, “Hm? So, what? You’ll still be beautiful.” He whispered to you kissing the side of your head. You still don’t know how you’d manage your resolve if it’s like this. You’ve read stories of how two people did almost every hurtful thing possible to each other and yet, still handled everything by the end. It’s like fighting over which piece fits a part of the puzzle and celebrating together when it finally got solved.

Some of them didn’t even have a connection to keep them strung together even through a time apart, unlike the two of you who are taking care of a developing life inside you and thus, have more reason to figure things out. Sometimes it makes you feel like a bad mother, putting yourself and your life first before the child. You know that it’s crucial for a child to have a whole family, especially when there’s no active reason to let it live with a broken one.

Satoru’s been working on himself, there’s significant progress in your relationship now. And although trust isn’t something you had fully given to him yet, that doesn’t mean that he cannot earn it in the days to come. There’s really no reason for you to act harshly toward him right now. Not when he’s been doing nothing but make you feel loved. Even more than before, if you’re being honest.

Forgiveness isn’t an issue but the pain you went through is preventing you from giving yourself to him again and along with that is your child’s future. It wouldn’t be easy to forget what he put you through but you could push that aside for your child.

If you had to risk your heart for your child’s life, you’d do it.

“I don’t care if you think I’m beautiful or not. It’s about what I think.” You retorted as you tried to get out of his grasp, stubbornly pushing his hand away. For some reason, it didn’t sit right with you that he thinks that you care about what he thinks of you. Yet, you found yourself thinking, Will he stop giving me this treatment when I get big? A laugh from Satoru, made you snap out of your thoughts.

“But I’m still letting you know. You’ll still be pretty even when you get big.” He rested his chin on top of your head as he whispered, you could only answer him with a scoff before his phone started to ring. He clicked his tongue as he pulled away from you to reach for it, he only took a quick glance at his phone before showing you the caller's I.D. which showed multiple numbers that indicate that it was from an unknown number. He leaned on the bed frame as he answered.

“Hello? Who’s this?” He ran his fingers through your hair, moving stray pieces of hair away from your face as he talked on the phone. His voice sounds strict and professional yet his eyes held nothing but fondness as he looked at you. You could hear a feminine voice from the other line and Satoru’s eyebrows suddenly furrowed; his hands stopped massaging your scalp and he sat up straight.

“Like, right now?” He looked out the window to see that the rain has completely stopped before looking at you. You wanted to lean in just to hear what was going on, you wanted to ask him why but an eased look took over his features as he relaxed back into his previous position. You’re still curious but you assumed it was nothing serious.

“Alright, alright.” He spoke before biting his lip as he dropped his phone to his side. He gave you a small smile before moving to lie down beside you. “Listen, I kinda have to go. They need me in the office.” He looked at the wall clock above the television before glancing at the skies outside again. The weather has cleared up and you didn’t even notice. Only the sad color of the sky and the silver linings remained.

“Yeah, yeah.” You flipped through the channels, trying to find something else to watch as Satoru pecks the side of your head before standing up. “I’ll call you on my way home so I can get you something, okay?” He stretched his back as he watched you look up at him with furrowed brows. “You really insist on staying over every day? Your clothes are piling up here. Take them home.” You spoke to him almost monotonously as he scratched the back of his neck.

“I don’t really want to go home. Don’t you enjoy my company?” He tried to lighten up the mood, seeing that you weren’t joking at all. He still gets this cold treatment from you sometimes and he doesn’t really know if the pregnancy causes them or if that’s how you really are with him. Either way, they are both valid and understandable reasons.

“I can do things on my own, too, you know? This isn’t how it’s supposed to go, Satoru.” You looked up at him, with real concern on your face. You’re actually getting alarmed by how close you’ve been letting yourself get with him. You already told yourself that you’d be standing on your own two feet and not relying upon others so much anymore like how you did before. You've been doing that but having Satoru around...you just can’t accept that you’re starting to feel something for him again.

“I’m sorry. I just… This is the only chance I can get to prove myself to you. I’m not pressuring you into anything, but I’m still determined to make things right. For you and for our child.” There was an awkward silence as you stared into each other. This Satoru is different than the Satoru you knew. He has grown. Even during the times that you were apart, you can tell that he has grown. Not just because of the baby but you figured that the separation really ignited something in him.

“Come here.” You spoke, and his eyes almost widened at your request. He got used to you always kicking him out, and pushing him away, and hearing those words from you left him in shock. Even so, his body moved to you as you crossed your legs. You held his face between your hands, tracing the lines of his features as he leaned toward you.

“I appreciate everything that you do for us. But some things are not easy for me.” You whispered to him, seeing how his eyes softened yet filled up with sadness and longing. He nodded as he closed his eyes before smiling at you. "I know, love. I know. I'm sorry." It was his turn to grab your face and kiss your forehead. You closed your eyes, feeling how he pressed his lips a second longer than usual. Satoru knows that your relationship is not back to the way it was. And it probably never will but change might not be so bad—Satoru figured—especially if it involves you and your child.

If he has to wait for a thousand years for you, he'd gladly and patiently wait.

Just as Satoru was about to get up, he paused when he saw you standing up as well. “Drop me off at the store, I need to get something.” You smiled up at him, grabbing his arm as you struggled to put on your bedroom slippers. “You could wait for me, we’ll get it together.” Lately, Satoru’s been the one doing all the shopping for you so, you rarely step out of the apartment. This time, you want to do it yourself again.

You whined when he held your wrist as you walked to your closet, ready to pick clothes. “No, I just need some fruits. I haven’t been out for days so, I want to do it myself.” You lightly stomped your feet on the carpeted floor, hearing Satoru sigh as you turned your back to him to open your cabinet. “Alright, let’s get dressed, then.” Satoru tried to pull at the hem of your shirt but you were quick to swat it away, hearing him laugh. “I can dress myself, thank you. Get out.” You narrowed your eyes playfully at him, making him pout as you lightly pushed him out before locking the door. You closed your eyes as your brain made all scenarios flash in the back of your eyelids had you let him dress up with you.

You told yourself ‘no’, but your heart was saying otherwise. You don’t know if this self-control of yours can last.

_______________________________________

Satoru didn't tell you that it was your mother's employee who called him to her office. He was shocked at first because he was strictly forbidden to tell you about it. Stepping out of his car when he reached the company was already a task. He made sure to stay alert, keeping an eye out for any setups that may come his way.

He doesn’t want to think of your parents like that. But after that meeting with them and seeing how your mother reacted, he can't cut out the possibility of her doing something underhanded just to separate him from you. It made Satoru worry about you, as well. If it's really something like that, then it also involves you. And he's afraid that he won't be able to do anything to protect you.

Shaking the thoughts out of his head, he thought that it could be something brighter, too. What if your mother has finally accepted your decision? What if she just called him to set some things straight and to make sure that his promises to take care of you and the baby are true?

What's getting him really curious is the reason why she didn't want you to come. He could only conclude that this is something that you cannot know about. And this makes the possibility of her having only good things to talk to him about really low. She doesn't seem the type to plan surprises. And if she does have a surprise plan, Satoru's sure that she wouldn't want to include her daughter's ex.

First, step inside the company building and there's already an employee waiting for him. "To the main office, Sir." The lady said as she bowed to him before walking ahead to lead him. "The boss sent me to make sure that you'll go straight to her office, Sir." She spoke, making Satoru's eyebrows slightly furrow. He wanted to ask why but he knew that the lady wouldn't really tell her anything so, he just nodded slowly.

Opening the door to your mother’s office, Satoru thanked the lady as she urged him to go inside. He expected to see your mother sitting on the big swivel chair reading papers but he was welcomed by Rie as she looked at him with frightened eyes, sitting on one of the chairs near your mother’s table. There were photos of him and Rie on the day of their encounter not even a week ago. All blood drained from his body as he got flashbacks of it.

“What’s going on?” He whispered, not sure if Rie could hear him and it doesn’t really matter. He needs to know where your mom is. He needs to explain all of this. Was that a setup? Has your mother found out that Rie was the reason Satoru left you and now she’s using her? Is this how your mother plans to keep you away from him? By making it seem like they met behind your back? Multiple questions were echoing inside his head all at once and Satoru isn’t sure if he should find your mother and talk to her or go home to make sure that you were not getting the wrong information.

“Oh, you’re finally here.” He didn’t even notice your mother come in or hear Rie’s explanation of the situation. "Were two talking about how to get out of this situation?” She walked calmly to her desk, pushing forward the photos of the two of them. Satoru doesn’t know where to start or how to explain what really happened without getting your mom aggravated. Her movements are calm yet the atmosphere inside the room got worse the moment she stepped in.

“What? There’s nothing to explain when there’s solid proof, right?” Satoru shook his head, stepping forward to grab one, “This is not what it looks like—” Your mother’s laugh cut him off and Satoru already knows that his words were not believed. “Of course, that’s what people who are lying always say.” She taunted, before turning to Rie, not giving Satoru time to explain. “What about you? You’re the other woman, right? What’s going on in these pictures if it’s not what I think it is?”

“I was about to meet someone else when she appeared, she—” Satoru started again, desperate to convince your mother that he isn’t lying. He badly wanted to ask her if she told you about it already, scared—no, terrified—that you might also misunderstand the pictures. “I’m not asking you.” Your mother’s gaze pierced through Satoru and he could almost see how everything would’ve turned out if she found out about his infidelity at the hospital.

“You. Answer me.” There was a long pause as Rie looked down, her eyes were already red as she clenched her hand, shaking as she took a deep breath. “I…Your daughter…she might be lying to Satoru. She’s desperate for him, she slept with him while he was with me.” Rie answered through clenched teeth as a tear escape her eye. She doesn’t like that your mother is acting like you can do no wrong when you’re the reason why Satoru left her.

“Don’t talk about her like that.” Satoru retorted angrily. He shook his head in disbelief. This isn’t the Rie he knew in high school. Is she so hell-bent on getting her revenge that she’s going this far? “It was my fault that happened before I broke it off with you, Rie. I thought we were over that.” Satoru was getting desperate, things are getting out of hand and he doesn’t know how he’ll keep you in trouble.

“She still did it! What makes you think that she didn’t do it with someone else when you were apart?! How sure are you that you’re the father of that child?! She could—” Slap. Rie fell at the impact of your mother’s hand on her cheek. She touched the place with her shaky hands before looking up. Satoru looked at your mother’s furious face as she stared down at Rie.

“Who are you to talk about my daughter like that inside my building?!” Her voice boomed inside the room and Satoru was sure that anyone who passed by that door would’ve heard her. Rie could only sob as she tried to collect herself from shock. There was a pregnant pause before Satoru blinked, determined to prove himself that he wasn’t doing anything behind your back as he took the chance to explain himself.

“M-Ma’am, she thought Y/N was lying about her pregnancy and wanted to talk to me about it. I know Y/N w-will never do that. My conversation with Rie didn’t even last long.” Satoru spoke hurriedly, stumbling on his words as he tried to get his answer across. He needs this to be over so he could go home to you. He fears that your mother already contacted you about this without getting to hear Satoru’s explanation. Knowing that your mother already knows that he cheated, Satoru wouldn’t be surprised if she wouldn’t believe him.

“Your daughter is not the angel you think she is. Satoru cheated on me with her.” Rie stood up, sobbing as she took a single step back. “Satoru left me because of her.” There was a pain in her voice and Satoru could tell just how much that situation destroyed her. He felt bad, he felt sorry for her but she hasn’t been doing the right things. If this is her way of getting back at you, Satoru would never forgive it.

“I could say that you deserve it after what you did to her.” Your mother was a savage, not even flinching at Rie’s revelation to her. No one can tell what’s going on inside her head as she opened a drawer and pulls out a phone. “Don’t you think that’s your karma for ruining a relationship? You should be ashamed of yourself first.” She tapped away at the phone before placing it in front of them. A video of Satoru and Rie played. This is what Satoru was scared about. Getting the situation taken out of context.

“I tried to push her away, Ma’am. Please, believe me.” Your mother didn’t say anything as she let the video roll. It was when Rie’s face was only a few inches away from him as they stood between those big buildings. The time when Satoru almost doubted you. He wasn’t aware that it took so long. Anyone who would see the video would think that they were two lovers having a moment and Satoru prayed that you wouldn’t see any of this.

“Doesn’t look like it to me.” Your mother voiced out, leaving Satoru out of explanations. Before any of them could even say anything, the door swung open, revealing you and the confused look on your face as you dropped your grocery bag. Your hand flew to your stomach, knowing that there was something wrong judging by the looks in their eyes. “What’s going on?” Satoru was quick to walk towards you as you spotted the phone and photos on the table. Your eyes landed on Rie as she looks down, her cheek noticeably swollen. You came here in hopes to make amends with your mother. But it seems like you’re in for something more. Just when you thought everything was going great.

“Mom,” You called out just as Satoru took your hand in his cold one, “Y/N, listen to me. This is not what it seems. Let me explain—” Satoru tried to stop you from walking to the table, but you already saw the pictures. “Y-you were with her…” You slowly looked up at Satoru, not trying to hide the tears forming in your eyes. Satoru shook his head as he held your shoulders, you glanced at your mother who only stood with a disappointed look on her face.

“I asked Satoru to come here alone. I was supposed to talk to him about this and I got more information than what I intended to pull from them.” There was a silent warning in your mother’s eyes. You could hear Rie sniffing behind you as Satoru, held your face in his hands to look at him. “She came to me, she was saying things, Y/N. And I tried to push her away. I was supposed to meet with a client, do you remember?” You let the tears stream down your face as you tried to tell yourself that he wouldn’t lie. You don’t really know what to believe in anymore.

“You didn’t tell me about this.” You whimpered as you held his wrist, attempting to push him away from you. “You’re saying that this happened yet you didn’t tell me about it. How am I supposed to just believe you?” It frustrated you that you had to find out like this. You turned to Rie, looking at her with furrowed brows, curiosity rather than anger. “What were you telling him?” She failed to look you in the eye as she stepped away. The hatred that you saw in her eyes during that time with her in the elevator was still there. “Are you trying to get back at me?”

“No-” She sobbed, taking a step back as she looked up at you and your mom. “Then, what were you doing?” You don’t know why it hurts so much. Despite Satoru’s explanation, you still find it hard to trust his words. This has happened before, what if he really did it again? What if he realized that he wants to be with her again and that’s why he agreed to meet with her? What did they even talk about?

“I wanted to talk to him. And he pulled me in between those buildings.” Rie straightened up her posture as she spoke. “You know why I pulled away. Don’t try to lie.” Satoru retorted as he stepped forward to glower at Rie. “Of course, you don’t want us to be seen…Right?” Rie knows what she was saying. But it’s not fair that she’s the only one going down when she’s been betrayed too. Besides, what she’s saying is still true. It’s just up to you now how you’d interpret it.

“You could’ve left her there if you didn’t want to talk to her, Satoru.” It was your mom’s voice, speaking out for your thoughts. That’s right. If Satoru didn’t want to be with her, he could’ve just walked away. What were they talking about? What’s got him so interested that he really made an effort to hide her?

“What did she tell you?” There was a crack in your voice as you watched the playing video on the phone. How his hand held her arm, how close they were to each other as he remained unmoving, how he let her hold run her hands on his shoulders. It still hurt. Seeing him with someone else still hurt. It felt like that time again, at Shoko’s party. You could almost see her clinging to him. You could almost see him pull her by the waist. It fucking hurts again.

“She was asking me if I-I was sure that the baby’s m-mine. She’s trying to tell me that you could be…lying about me being th-the father, Y/N.” You looked up at him with furrowed brows, more tears escaping your eyes as your lips twitched. You could already see why his first reaction was to pull her away to talk.

“And you’ve been having doubts?” You whispered as you bring up a hand closing your eyes as you wipe away your tears. Sobbing when you realize that he almost believed her over you. You hated that she could always have him wrapped around her fingers. You hated that there was still a chance that he’d choose her over you. Are you still not that much to him?

“Y/N…I-I had them before but-” Your cries cut off Satoru as you covered your face with both of your hands. He really did doubt you. That’s why he still went and had that conversation with her. What if she managed to convince him that time? Would he have left you in the cold again? Would he abandon you again? Would he take back his promises and run away with her again? It tore you apart thinking about how he still seems to trust her despite knowing all of you. Does he still have lingering feelings for her?

“Y/N, listen. I know you won’t do that. That’s why I came home to you that day, right? I hate myself for ever thinking that, Y/N. But I believe you.” He took you in his arms, holding your face to wipe away your tears as you try to catch your breath. This is all too much for you. Thinking about how close you were to being thrown to the side again makes you feel like there’s a thick band wrapped around your chest, trying to stop you from breathing. It’s all more painful when you think about your baby.

“I don’t know anymore, Satoru.” You shook your head as you pushed him away, stepping away from all of them as tears cascaded down your face. “I don’t know what to believe anymore.” Your thoughts were mixed when Satoru first left you for Rie. Now that you found out how he almost chose to believe her again, it hurts twice as much. You don’t know what to think about anymore. You just want to go home, far away, anywhere to protect yourself and your child.

You don’t care how your mother got the footage and pictures. It’s enough that you know what really went down. It was silly of you to think that your situation with Satoru is getting better.

It was foolish of you to think that you have all of him.

“I’ll have someone take you home, Y/N. It’s better for you to be at the mansion.” You hear your mother say as she walks towards you. You didn’t expect your mother to hold you as she tried to lead you out. “Stay here. Or you won’t see her ever again.” She mouthed at Satoru as he tried to get near you, before giving the both of them a warning look. Even your mother didn’t want to believe it but what can she do when she herself didn’t hear how their conversation went?

She asked them here to confront them about the cheating that happened when Satoru left you. She ended up finding out that her daughter slept with her ex when he was in a relationship with someone. Mr. Takahata’s employee failed to give her that information and she’s assuming that it’s because it didn’t really happen for long. She still has to ask you about that.

Getting her driver to lead you out, they managed to get you in the car as you sobbed your heart out. She also called a doctor on the way back to her office to tend to you. She’s not used to losing her composure and in all your life, this is the first time that she’s seen you break down like that. It almost felt like she didn’t know what to do and for that, she feels terrible. She’s supposed to be your mother.

“Do you know how I found out?” She walked behind Rie as they both remained where they were before she left. She made sure to leave someone by the door to stop because if her daughter was done with them, well she was not. It was her blood and flesh, her only daughter that got stepped all over and almost killed.

“I got people, I got eyes and ears anywhere you go. More people know about you than you know.” Rie let out a shaky breath as she looked over to Satoru who stared blankly at the table, hopeless. Is he not even one bit concerned about her? “If it wasn’t for my daughter getting involved in a car accident, I would have thanked you for making a scene at that party. You really gave your indecency away.” Rie shivered at the memory. It felt like it only happened yesterday. She didn’t even think about how the people and their friends would look at her because she only wanted to be loved by Satoru.

“I-We didn’t mean for her to—” Your mother let out a laugh as she picked up the pictures to put them back in her drawer. Satoru’s eyes followed them, breathing in as he got pulled back to reality. “It’s a little too late for you to explain or apologize. You already lost everything.” A horrified look took over Rie’s features as your mother say the words. She already knows what that means. She’s aware of how powerful and influential your mother is in their industry and Rie could only imagine herself getting kicked out of every company building she tries to transfer to. Where will she end up?

“It was a mistake, ma’am. And my work has nothing-” She tried to move closer to your mother, ready to beg but your mother was quick to raise a hand. “Save it for the employers. Let’s see if they’d let a snake work in their company.” She gave her a smile that only brought tears to Rie’s eyes. She wanted to kneel and beg for all that she said. “Ma’am, please…” Rie was desperate and she was angry. She didn’t know what else to do to get Satoru to come back to her again. She thought that if Y/N throws him away, he’d crawl back to her. She wasn’t thinking straight.

“You can try to talk me to it for hours and I won’t change my mind. I’m not your boss but Mr. Takahata gave me permission to dismiss you. So, go. I won’t spend the rest of my day looking at the woman who tried to destroy my daughter’s life twice.” Your mother was unblinking as her eyes sent daggers to Rie. She was about to kneel before her when she started to speak again, speaking of nothing but the terror that she was about to bring to Rie’s life. “Or I can call someone to help you get out?” It was a warning and Rie could only hold back her cries as she stepped back. She could barely catch her breath as she looked at Satoru, hoping that he’d even turn to look at her. But he didn’t.

Rie could only walk out in shame, mortified by the looks that she got from the employees that she passed by. There were whispers and judging looks in their eyes and even the friend that she was expecting to maybe look at her with pity is now sending her an ice-cold stare. She hung her head low in shame, thinking about how everything could’ve been different if she wasn’t being selfish, if she didn’t get involved, if she didn’t let her desires get the best of her that night.

_______________________________________

Satoru didn’t even notice Rie go as he thought of how he’d make your mother understand his true intentions. He knows that there’s nothing else to say about his past mistake and he’d regret all of it for the rest of his life. But he still hoping that she’d let him do his best for you and your baby right now.

“I don’t think it’s still right for you to keep seeing Y/N, Satoru. You can be a father to her child without ever getting near her.” Your mother spoke to Satoru, getting all of his attention. This is his greatest fear. “I-it’s not just about th-the baby, Ma’am. Please, I-I was trying to make everything right, to make it up to Y/N.” He tried to explain but your mother only stared at him for a long time.

“I love her. I love Y/N. I made the mistake of leaving her, and I’ll forever regret it but I’m doing all that I can to fix her, to fix all of this, Ma’am. Please…” Satoru had to pause, wincing at the pain in his chest as he thought of everything that’s been happening going down the drain. Just like how he let 5 years crumble when he broke your heart. “...Don’t take her away. Don’t take them away.” Tears were blurring his vision when he looked down.

“Do you understand that my daughter almost died because of your mistake?” Your mother spoke through clenched teeth. “If possible I wouldn’t even want my daughter anywhere near you. She’s been making far too many mistakes because of you.” There was anger, sadness, and disappointment on your mother’s face. In your mother’s head, she’s blaming herself for not seeing any of this coming. For not even knowing that her daughter was left all alone with her vices. She could’ve been there for you that time when you were trying to wash away your pain with poison. They could’ve helped if only they paid a little more attention.

“You’re not seeing her if it’s not about the child.” Satoru knows that your mother’s words are final, but despite all his pleas and explanations, she didn’t budge. “It’s better than a restraining order, Satoru.” She warned as she took a seat. It was all over for him.

“I have so many things to say to her, Ma’am. So many things to clarify…” Satoru sobbed, “...I just need her to know.” If you won’t take Satoru back then he’ll just let you know that he’s all for you. That not once had he even thought about leaving you again in the middle of it all. That your word is the only word he’d believe. He needs to let you know that you have all of him. You’ve always had all of him even when he wasn’t with you.

“If she’d let you. Only my daughter can decide if she’d trust you near her again. You said you’d been trying to work it out with her, right?” Your mother stood up, surprisingly calm after all that she has found out and even more surprising that she’s letting you decide for yourself about it. But even so, Satoru still fears that she’d push you to go through with the abortion. “You had days to tell her all about it but you didn’t. If it wasn’t anything, you shouldn’t have tried to hide it.” She spoke as she picked up her bag before walking towards the door.

“I was only worried about—” Satoru tried again but your mother was quick to raise a finger. “Only she can decide.” With that, she walked out of the doors, leaving Satoru to cry his heart out as he fell to his knees. Regret fills him as he thought of how the little things he didn’t do and the impulsive choices that he made led to all of this.

It scared him to death but he can almost see himself losing you forever.

_______________________________________

Five days have passed and not a single one of them went by without the maids informing you that Satoru wanted to talk to you. Your mother has met him a couple of times, and the third one she almost filed a restraining order against him. If it wasn’t for your father, you don’t know what would’ve happened. Day and night you’ve been thinking about how it’s going to be for you and your baby.

You don’t have it in you to face Satoru anymore. Flashbacks of how everything went to shit with your relationships won’t let you sleep. The scene in your mother’s office kept getting inside your mind every time you close your eyes. You really thought Satoru was being transparent to you again. You really thought that he wouldn’t try to hide anything from you anymore, but he did. Not only the meeting but his thoughts about you.

You blamed yourself for his doubt. Even if Suguru texted you not to worry about it anymore, you couldn’t help but think that if only you weren’t so careless none of it would’ve happened and all these complications wouldn’t have taken place. The most painful of it all is when you think about how Rie would probably handle him better than you.

The only reason you see for their break up is the accident between the two of you but other than that, you know that Satoru didn’t have to deal with issues when he was with her. Unlike with you. His life was never at peace with you. Maybe that’s why it was so easy for him to doubt you. Because you were broken. Maybe you’re not the solid foundation that he needs.

You remembered yourself sobbing before the tears that fall from the corner of your eyes sent you to sleep. You just wanted it all to be over now. You wished that you could already hold your baby and say that it’s all going to be fine.

…........................................

You woke up in the middle of the night with intense pain in your lower stomach. You winced as you tried to get up, guarding your it with your free hand as you struggled to support yourself with the other. You hissed as you sat down, still drowsy from sleep but you know that there was something wrong. You hurriedly turned on the lamp on your bedside table and you took your phone in the process.

It's not long before you felt wet and uncomfortable between and under your thighs. Did you pee yourself? You wondered as you pulled the sheets away from you to check. Your eyes widened in horror when you saw blood. Your baby. You don't know when you started to scream but within a couple of seconds, your mom and dad were already rushing to your side.

"Mom, my baby!" You cried as she and your dad tried to help you out. It was no use. All of your limbs felt weak no matter how much you tell yourself that you have to move to save your baby. Your father had to carry you to the car as you were quickly rushed to the hospital.

Are you losing your child? The only reason that you wake up and get up every day, ready to change the course of your life? There were flashbacks of the day you found out, you were pregnant. The fear and joy, all at once. You remembered going to your first appointment. You remembered looking up baby room ideas. And you remembered lying in bed with Satoru as he placed feathery kisses on your stomach. He would smile up at you even when he knows that you won't return it. He whispers the sweetest of things to your growing little one.

They were peaceful days that you would never be able to take back. They were peaceful days that you would never experience again.

"It's gonna be fine, Y/N." Your mother shushed you as she wrapped an arm around you. "My baby, Mom! They need to save my baby!" You wailed as you reached the hospital. The nurses are doing everything to calm you down along with your parents as you cried, begging for them to put your baby's life first. You didn't think you'd see the day your mom would cry but there she is, with tears streaming down her face and standing a couple of meters from you as the professionals did their job. Your father rubbed her shoulders up and down while he did his best to comfort you. Your vision blurred and darkness took over you once again.

In your dreams, you were holding a beautiful baby to your chest as a man kissed you on the forehead…They were your heart's deepest desires.

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toomanystoriessolittletime · 4 months

Text

Lonely Christmas

Week 4 of the Winter Writing Challenge

Prompt: candle light / oblivious idiots / tears

Summary: A storm that makes it impossible to leave the island, leaves you spend Christmas with your friend and boss Javi.

Pairing: Javi Gutierrez x fem. reader

Wordcount: 1.5k

Rating: G

Warnings: fluff, idiots to lovers

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You were staring out at the ocean, high waves crashing loudly against the shore.

There was a blanket around your shoulders, your arms crossed in front of your chest, keeping yourself warm.

The flight you had booked to fly out to see your family over the holidays had been canceled earlier today after the weather had been forecasted to last at least until the day after tomorrow. It had been windy all week but in the last 24 hours those winds became a storm. So bad that some of the garden decorations outside had flown away, never to be seen again.

„I do not like you standing so close to the window,“ Javi mumbled from behind you. He was sitting on one of his big sofas, also a blanket over his shoulders, his phone in his hand.

You had started working for Javi Gutierrez almost two years ago. You had been hired as a kitchen help but had worked your way up until you were his personal chef.

When things with his cousin got harder, it had Javi spending time wherever Lucas wasn’t. And that was mostly with you in the kitchen, because there was no way Lucas would have spend time with the help. That was under his dignity.

You had learned quickly that Javi was the complete opposite of his cousin.

He was interested in your life, asking you questions about your family, your hobbies, how you came to make your dream of being a cook reality.

He was eager to learn, starting to spend almost all of his spare time with you alone in the kitchen. (Lucas had fired all of the kitchen staff except for you in a fit of rage).

You became friends. Yet it would be months until Javi confined in you what was really happening on the property, close before his big birthday party with Nicolas Cage.

He made you leave the day after his birthday, paying for a vacation that would take you to the other side of the world, telling you that you deserve some days off after the work you had been doing.

You remembered the way he had hugged you close, his lips brushing over the corner of your mouth before giving you one of his signature smiles that seemed to make you stomach flip.

You hadn’t talked about that almost kiss, thinking it had been an accident.

But you did think about it a lot. You still did.

Not that you would ever admit this to anyone.

After Lucas had been brought to justice things had changed. Javi had finally make his dream about becoming a writer come true and you had been there for every step of the way. He had even insisted you fly out to Los Angeles when he had all his meetings. And of course for the premiere of his first big movie.

It had been a busy year for him and you couldn’t be happier for him.

And secretly you were happy this storm had kept all the planes on this island. You didn’t want Javi to spend Christmas alone. He had send all staff home to be with their families.

„So, how about we make some pizza? The oven outside works without power,“ you suggested. Javi looked at you, eyes wide.

„You want to go out there?“ He asked, horrified.

You shrugged. The power had gone out almost three hours ago and the only thing you could use to cook was the big oven grill outside. It was under the patio, mostly hidden from the storm.

„I’m hungry,“ you sighed and he smiled softly. He got up and walked over to you.

He stopped just close of touching you and you looked at him. He was your friend, a friend you may or may not have a crush on, but he was still your boss. Your very handsome boss you sometimes wanted to kiss and…

„How about we just make some sandwiches and postpone the pizza until the power is back on? We could order in… okay maybe not. I don’t want anyone to get injured…“

„I don’t think we have enough bread for sandwiches. The grocery order was supposed to be delivery tomorrow morning for you,“ you said. Javi smiled sheepishly and you tilted your head at him.

„I went to the store this morning,“ he said.

„Okay…“ you said.

„And I bought way too much food because I forgot you ordered in for me,“ he grinned and you chuckled.

„Well then sandwiches it is.“

It was an hour later and you were both in Javi’s bed. Candles had been lit all around the room and his iPad was propped up on the bed (his other iPad and MacBook waiting in case the battery ran out).

You were under the covers, sitting propped against the headboard next to Javi, watching „The Holiday“. More than once you had been thankful that he was such a movie freak, having downloaded so many movies on his devices you hopefully would have enough to watch before the power came back on.

He had made you chose a movie and you had admitted that while you never had many traditions in your family, one you had with your sister was watching „The Holiday“ at Christmas Eve and eating as much candy while watching until you passed out.

And Javi of course insisted that while he was not your sister, he wanted to keep your tradition going. His family was never really close, so there were no traditions he kept.

So here you were, in a very comfortable bed with your boss/best friend/ man you occasionally thought about kissing, watching one of the most perfect movies ever made.

It was all… very romantic. The perfect first date really, apart from the power not working and the room getting colder and colder without working heat.

You sighed, watching Jude Law cry on screen as Amanda decides to leave.

You were fighting against the tears threatening to spill, knowing all of these people would find their happy end when you heard a sob from next to you. Turning your head to the side you saw Javi openly weeping, brushing his tears away.

It was one of many things you loved about him.

He wasn’t afraid to show feelings, whatever they may be.

Reaching your hand to take his he looked at you, giving you a watery smile.

„I think I may be a weeper too,“ he mumbled and you smiled. Slowly you inched closer to him. Your other hand carefully brushed his tears away and he smiled at you, letting go of your hand to pull his arm around your shoulders and pull you closer towards him, cuddling against you.

You took a deep breath, resting your head on his shoulder.

He was so warm and comfortable, and smelling so damn good.

„I wish I could find a love like that,“ Javi mumbled, watching the two happy couples on screen now dance and be happy.

„You can,“ you said, fully believing it.

„Yeah?“ He asked. You nodded, looking up at him to find him already looking at you.

„Javi you are basically a rom com come to life. You are a successful, very attractive man who is not afraid to show feelings. You love making other people smile and you give so so much… Whoever you let inside your heart be loved by you is a lucky person,“ you said. There were tears in his eyes again. You sat yourself up so you could kiss his cheek when he moved his head, your lips landing on his.

You both froze for a moment before your eyes got big and you parted from his lips with a gasp.

„I’m… I’m so sorry. I….“ You began to ramble but Javi just looked at you, surprised, yet the longer you rambled on the more his face changed until he was smiling at you.

His finger came to rest on your lips to stop you from talking and you pouted.

„This was not how I imagined our second kiss,“ he said and you raised your eyebrows, confused.

„Though I am not sure the almost kiss the day before my birthday counted as our first kiss.“

You gulped when his finger dropped from your lips. Instead his hand came to rest on your cheek.

„Javi… You’re my friend,“ you began, he nodded.

„But you’re also my boss,“ you continued and he nodded.

You sighed, his touch driving goosebumps over your whole body.

„I think I’m in love with you,“ he whispered, tears in his eyes and your lips parted in surprise, before you smiled at him.

You pushed him away, his expression falling before you sat yourself up and hesitantly came to sit on your knees on the bed, before you slowly straddled his lap, both of your hands framing his now hopeful face.

You brushed your thumps over his lips. His hands were on your hips, his eyes on you and every move you made.

„I quit,“ you whispered before you kissed him.

#stephswinterwritingchallenge #javi gutierrez #Javi gutierrez x fem. reader #Javi g #Pedro pascal #Javi g x fem. reader #fanfiction #fanfic #fan fiction #my fic

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yevmarie · 4 months

Text

Light My Fire | Chapter 3

Masterlist

< Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 >

Plot: having lost everything you are drowned in depression, which had happened to you a year ago. Now you need to struggle with the apocalypse as well with no sparkle in your heart. But there is one man who can light your fire to live.

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Female Reader

Word count: 2.4k

Pronouns: you, she/her

Warnings:

angst;

mentions of depression;

swearing;

nudity;

a bit suggestive;

differences from the main plot may occur;

bad English (not my first language).

If I miss something, please let me know. I hope you enjoy :).

Taglist: @your-shifting-gurl

You woke up feeling shitty as the day before had cleaned your clock. The tent was becoming hot as the sun was at its peak. You started hearing people around. Everything was calm, so you assumed everyone was busy with their assignments. You saw a small posture unzipping the tent. As you shared it with Lori and Carl there was no doubt it was a boy. The movement was slow so you guessed he was trying to get sneakily not to wake you.

“I’m not sleeping,” you said, and movements started to be faster. “Hey,” you said seeing the boy. “Morning,” answered the boy walking inside. As you noticed his eyes were watery and red, you sat and offered Carl a hug. The boy didn’t hesitate a second and slammed into your embrace. “I know I can’t do anything magical, but how could I relieve your pain?” you said stroking the back of the boy’s head. The boy shrugged his shoulders and sniffled. “I saw one beautiful place near here yesterday. If you want, we can go for a walk there after I see Shane and ask if the camp needs my help. Okay?” the boy faced you as you cupped his face in your arms.

“He is sleeping; he held a night watch,” said Carl.

“God… You’re right. That was a tough day, it almost feels like a week has already passed. Then I’ll talk to your mother.” He silently nodded in agreement with your offer and went out of the tent.

After changing your clothes you went outside. Women were cooking or playing with children, some men were butchering or cleaning their weapons. You wondered how the progressive society went to its origins when labor had been strictly divided by gender.

You found Lori cooking near the campfire. “Hey, do you need any help?” you asked. “Um, yeah,” she replied confused as you talked not so much lately. “Please play with Carl or whatever. So just he can be in your sight.” You nodded and called Carl who was sitting alone near the RV where an old man, Dale, was on the watch.

“Come on,” you said to Carl and you both went to the place you had found at night.

Carl and you were silently sitting on the hill watching the sight open to you; the quarry surrounded by forest mirroring in the water. The warm wind was lingering on your shoulders. You just closed your eyes imagining the time froze.

“How did you overcome your parents’ loss?” the question asked by Carl sounded as if he was a mature man which made you confused.

“I didn’t,” you opened your eyes and smiled sadly.

“But you don’t cry for them.”

“If you don’t see me crying, it doesn’t mean I don’t do this.”

“Did Shane help you somehow?”

You silenced for a moment trying not to overshadow the man in the boy’s mind. “It’s difficult to answer, Carl.” You replied recalling him being furious at you as he had been tired of your state of constant sorrow. That’s why you split up half a year after the car accident your parents were in. Although Shane looked like alpha all the time, in fact, he was just a weak man who couldn’t cope with your mental condition. But he masterly used this like it was two weeks ago. He got drunk as fuck when Rick was shot and came to you late at night. You couldn’t resist him hoping he would relieve your loneliness. You clearly understood that was not right, you hated yourself for this action.

“But how do you stay calm?”

“There are a lot of methods,” you answered avoiding mentioning therapy and antidepressants. “The main for me was keeping the daily routines, doing hobbies, sport. By the way, seeing my friends like you and your father. I just did anything that could distract me. I struggled to do this at first, but then I got used to it… And there’s time for everything. It’s like a wound, you need to get it healed. So, this time hasn’t come for me personally.” you silenced for a moment seeing Carl trying to hold his tears. “Look, nothing is embarrassing in crying. And in expressing your emotions in general. It’s not pleasant sometimes, but you don’t need to be afraid of it. At least, if you feel you need someone’s shoulder, you should know it’s always here for you.” you said tapping on your shoulder. “I will do my best to support and comfort you.”

Carl sobbed and hugged you tightly. “I love you.”

“I love you too, my sweetheart.”

Carl and you got back to the camp. The crowd of people was loudly talking almost panicking. The group that had been assigned to the city run was standing in the middle. The men were covered with blood, and some of them were badly injured.

“Not all of them returned,” you heard Lori’s voice as she stood up beside you.

“Why?” you glanced at her.

“They said there had been zombies everywhere. Already called as walkers.”

“Bullshit!” you whispered knowing Carl was somewhere behind you.

“Yeah, but that couldn’t be collective hallucination.”

“You’re right, but now this sounds… Like someone’s stupid joke.”

Another hunting group was approaching the camp with Daryl as well. Shane as an opinion leader started to give instructions like keeping weapons in firing readiness and leaving the camp at least in pairs. If someone sees a walker near the camp, kill it and let the watcher know about this.

“I ain’ gonna listen to some dumbass thinkin’ he’s the center of everythin’ here,” you heard the familiar low raspy voice and couldn’t help but just silently agreed. Definitely, these rules make sense if you want to stay alive, but some visceral disgust toward Shane arose from yesterday telling you the opposite. Like in reverse psychology. After Shane’s speech, everyone returned to their activities.

As the night began people were gathering near the campfire where one short-haired nice-looking woman was serving food. Your stomach let you know about its presence and you decided to try to eat. As you approached the woman, she nicely smiled at you and started a conversation.

“I’m Carol,” she said while serving a generous portion for you.

“Y/N” you quickly replied then stopped her “It’s too big for me,” you heard someone’s nasty laugh as from the last seats in the classroom followed by a loud smack. You turned around and saw Daryl screaming at Merle. “Like children,” you commented emotionless and switched your attention to Carol.

“But you look weak.” Carol continued insisting on the portion.

“I can barely eat now. I’m afraid I’ll waste it if someone’s hungrier than me.”

Carol nodded and served another plate. You thanked and walked away where fewer people were sitting in case you felt nausea and you could attract less attention to yourself. You tasted the meal, which was quite nice for the field kitchen and surprisingly the stomach accepted it with pleasure.

After the dinner you found yourself frustrated as you barely knew the people around. Carl was sitting near Lori and Shane, which company you wouldn’t like to join, so you decided to have a walk down to the quarry. Not the cleverest decision knowing about the walkers, but you didn’t care. You went to your tent, grabbed the towel, change of clothes, and a gun thanking yourself you had addressed the psychiatrist willingly, so you hadn’t been prohibited from weapon. You sneakily went out of the tent walking through the dark and wooded area and headed to the quarry.

It was quite cold and the water gave you chills but you wanted to sober yourself from different thoughts rushing in your mind. You looked around and felt a bit of freedom recalling your younger years when you used to swim drunk and naked with your friends. You stripped off not being afraid of someone’s looking at you, because the hell anybody would do the same stupid thing like you. Starting gradually walking into the cold water you decided to dive not to prolong the moment of accustoming to the temperature. You got shivers through all your body so you decided to swim near the shore in case you get muscle spasms. Suddenly you saw the man with a familiar walking. The crossbow was behind his back and a bag was in his arm.

He stopped as he noticed you. “Whataya doin’ here?” he asked with obvious surprise.

“How does it look like, Daryl?” you calmly replied swimming in the opposite direction.

“Don’ ya remember you cannot leave the camp alone?” he narrowed his eyes feeling irritated as he was hoping to have some time alone.

“You are not the exception of the rule as well,” you continued replying calmly when you saw him making a couple of steps walking away to the camp.

“Hey! Why are you leaving?” you asked Daryl not expecting to get the answer but surprisingly to you he stopped and turned around to you.

“Needed to clean myself, but ‘ll do it later,” he was supposed to go away, but you continued.

“Come on! I don’t give a damn about your body and I hope you do so towards mine,” the man looked down at the clothes on the ground noticing your underwear laying above.

I went looking for trouble and, boy, I found her.

Daryl’s heart skipped a beat realising you were naked. Fucking naked. He felt his blood was running hot going down his belly. His forehead was covered in sweat in a second. He started to sink in lustful thoughts and damn, he hadn’t even looked at you. Daryl was afraid of how quickly he got turned on just because of a thought. He glanced at you inspecting your neck, collarbones, and shoulders appearing from the water.

“Don’t deny yourself pleasures especially because of a stranger. Who knows when we’ll be attacked by walkers and die? It won’t matter after all,” he just rooted to the ground and stood silently, obviously hesitating as he started biting his lips.

“I won’t be looking at you,” you turned around and dove in headfirst. He exhaled loudly and undressed himself quickly to get into the water so you wouldn’t see his arousal.

You came back up and brushed your wet hair back glancing at Daryl who was waist-deep in water soaping himself. You noticed his broad naked frame and turned your head around closing your eyes. You started dreaming how his muscles could feel under your palms but your thoughts were interrupted by Daril taking a running dive. He disappeared underwater for a moment.

“Shit, how are ya even swimming here for so long?” he asked you after surfacing cluttering with his teeth and swam to the shore. Realizing he was right you decided to follow him outside.

His back and arms appeared from the water framing his muscles. The body was covered with tattoos and scars becoming blueish because of the low temperature. Daryl brushed his hair back with his arm and continued walking opening the shapes of his glutes and strong legs. The skin glimmered because of the moonlight shining on his body. You felt a hot wave lingering in your veins. He was such a masterpiece alive you couldn’t stop looking at him.

“Y/N, stop being predatory, you stupid,” you thought as you both stood up back to back. He was wiping his body with the towel when he sneakily glanced at you. The view opened of you naked and wet, straining your hair sent him over the edge. He turned around, gulped hoping you didn’t hear, and felt that the cold water didn’t stop him from getting arousal again. “Fuck!” he swore in his head and at lightning speed wore his boxers and jeans. “Are ya clothed?” he asked still standing to you at his back. “Yeah,” you answered and walked towards the camp followed by Daryl.

You were going both silently through the forest when suddenly you heard someone rasping. You both bent on the knees and saw the walker going just several feet from you. You froze with fear for a moment.

“Fuck me!” you whispered and felt Daryl’s hand tightly covering your mouth and another one gripped into his warm body so you cannot do any other noise or move.

“I’ll deal with it. Don’t move and even make any noise,” Daryl whispered into your ear and headed a few steps toward the walker targeting it with the crossbow. His arm muscles tensed and his jaws clenched. The arrow struck the walker right in his head. The body fell to the ground. The man stalked to it, took the arrow out, and looked around to make sure there was no danger around. “Follow me,” he said in his lowered voice when he looked at you.

As you both neared the camp, you saw Dale on night watch. "Dale," Daryl called out. "There was a walker sixty feet away. It’s finished off,” you tried to slip away while the men were talking but felt a firm, and at the same time gentle and warm grip on your forearm. Turning around, you saw Daryl looking at you.

"Don' even think ‘bout walking alone," his eyes looking right into yours which made you freeze. Instead, you just gulped and nodded in agreement. He relinquished the hold and turned on his heels to head to his tent.

Retreating to your tent, you lay down on the sleeping bag and close your eyes, trying to banish the vivid images of possible death from your mind. You had been thinking about death a lot before but hadn’t met it face to face. You were so thankful Daryl was beside you as you would end your journey. Usually, you could defend yourself but at that time you couldn’t predict your behavior in such a stressful situation. You recalled how Daryl gripped you in his body and felt butterflies in your stomach along with the familiar impulses in your lower body. “The fuck, Y/N,” you thought, “What’s wrong with you? You could die but you are just thinking of a man having touched you,” you recalled him walking out of the water and felt how the excitement was filling up your body. “Oh no..,” you thought and laid on your side trying to close your eyes and fall asleep as quickly as possible.

< Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 >

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