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dudeitiskarev · 28 days

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If You Only Knew | Aaron Hotchner

My One and Only prequel

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x bau female reader

Summary: Broken hearts find each other and in the process, they mend each other.

Word count: 10.7k

Tags/warnings: season 10 Hotch <3; cheating (on reader); food and alcohol consumption; Hotch has a soft spot for reader<3; lazy case talk whoops; canon typical violence; one bed trope; smut: unprotected and dirty office sex (p in v); secret relationship; stolen glances and kisses in forbidden places!!1!

Author’s note: I don’t usually do second parts mostly because I wrap up the story in a single one shot, but while writing the first fic I had this prequel in mind because oh boy, they have HISTORY (which is why it ended up being longer than My One and Only). Both can be read as a stand alone. First fic was based on Dress by miss T. Swift, and this one is like a mash up of every Taylor’s ovulation songs (I listened to this playlist a lot while writing this) 🙂‍↔️ Call It What You Want x I Can See You being the main inspo. Or were the songs inspired by them???🧐 it’s just so sexy sexy. Anyway, hope you enjoy!!!!

MASTERLIST

There used to be an engagement ring on your right hand.

A bright but simple ring that from the moment it was given to you, had you hopeful about your future. That future had always been uncertain. You rarely pictured yourself more than two years ahead, to begin with—for many reasons, neither worth mentioning—but no matter how long your future was, you were sure it was going to be just as bright as your ring.

And how wrong you were…

It hadn’t been more than two months since your fiancé promised you the world when you caught him in a lie. You’d let it slip away, fidgeting your ring as a reminder that he was the one.

If you hadn’t ignored the signs, you would’ve saved yourself from getting your heart ripped out.

He cheated, and even worse, you caught him in the act, with another woman in your own bed. You stormed out leaving every door open. Zac came running behind you, yelling your name, but you didn’t stop. You ripped the engagement ring off your finger and threw it at him without looking back. That clink of the band bouncing on the pavement was so faint compared to the sound of your castle crumbling, and your prince kept yelling at you to come back.

You didn’t. You got in your car and drove off aimlessly.

You’d been driving around the city blasting music since then, and yelling the lyrics hoping you’d go numb. You didn’t, but at least you had some clarity.

You had nowhere to be. There was no home anymore, no bed to sleep on, and no arms to run to. The place you used to call home now was stained with lies and haunted by another woman.

The only place that could shelter you for the night was the BAU. At the end of the day, that was your home. You spent most of your days there with the people you worked with. People who would take a bullet for you. They were your family—Derek being the one you loved the most—but you couldn’t run to him or any of them right now. The wound was too fresh and letting them see you like this would be disappointing and just… sad. They’ve always known you as a tough and reasonable woman. How were you supposed to tell them you weren’t that smart now that your entire relationship crumbled?

You parked at your usual spot and searched for your emergency go bag in the backseat. It was always stocked with everything you needed for at least a week. You weren’t planning on staying at the BAU for an entire week, of course, but also, you never knew. Your ex was capable of lighting your house on fire just to get rid of any evidence of his betrayal so for now, that bag was all you had.

You took a deep breath and made your way inside the building. You walked through security as you always did and smiled at the night guard. It was Rick, the oldest of them all but you felt the safest when he was at the door.

“What brings you here at this hour, young lady?” Rick adjusted his ivy cap.

It was past three in the morning.

“Piled up paperwork,” you merely said.

And he didn’t question you. “Oh, sure,” he answered politely with his old, raspy voice.

You smiled at him and made your way to the elevator, pushing the number six as you always did. You kicked the bag with your knee until the doors dinged open.

Not a single soul received you.

You walked past the glass doors and reached your desk, looking up at Hotch’s office that was right across. He had a couch there that you could use as your bed for a few hours. Everyone has slept there at least once— for whatever reason—and now it was your turn. You marched up the short stairs and paused. You knew his office remained unlocked (he once said that he’d lost the key, but deep down you knew he left it open in case anyone needed somewhere to crash for the night).

You knocked, just in case, and once there was no answer, you twisted the knob. His perfume was faint in the air—soft and woody—so it was easy to assume he’d left not long ago. You closed the door behind you and walked to the couch, leaving your bag there and turning the lamp on.

The dim light triggered the memories of the moment that tore you apart hours earlier: Another woman riding your fiancé. They even dared to light up romantic candles.

Your fucking candles.

“Son of a bitch,” you muttered.

You couldn’t help but laugh a little. You wasted three years of your life and now with a cool head, you realized it was in your hands how you handled it. It could either be the best thing that's happened to you or you could let it drag you down.

Right then, you decided the first option was the only one. You stood there, both hands on your hips, your chin up and took a deep breath, filling your lungs with air until your chest swelled.

This was going to be the only night you’d let yourself mourn your relationship. No tears. Just you and a glass of scotch. It wasn’t your drink of choice but it was all Hotch kept in his office and you knew exactly where he kept the bottle (right under his espresso machine García had gotten him for his birthday a couple of years ago). You crouched down and opened the little cabinet. The bottle was almost full and you wondered if it was brand new or if he rarely drank. You shrugged it off. You poured yourself some and began pacing around his office.

You’ve been here a million times and you’d never paid much attention to all the things he had. There were quite a few awards granted by the bureau displayed on the wall behind his desk; a bunch of books, too. You ran your fingers through them as you walked from end to end. He had a picture of Jack and Haley over his desk and you looked around, searching for a picture of Beth. Your eye landed on her contagious smile, over the little table by his couch. You walked there to get a better look at the picture. She was looking at the camera and he was looking at her. You’d met her a few times and it was nice seeing Hotch in love again. After Haley, everyone thought he’d refuse to let someone in again, but when love knocks on your door there’s not much you can do.

You sighed deeply and placed your empty glass in front of the picture. The alcohol was making you sleepy so you made yourself comfortable. You went to brush your teeth, put on your pajamas and fuzzy socks, made a blanket out of your blazer, and used your folded pants as a pillow.

You rubbed your feet together. It wasn’t a cold night, but you wished you didn’t have to spend it alone.

The constant sound of a pen scraping on paper gradually woke you up.

Shit.

You meant to sleep only a few hours and have Hotch’s office as it was before he got here; pretend you’d gotten there earlier than everyone. You must’ve slept through your alarm.

You slowly squinted your eyes open and caught Hotch sitting at his desk, brows low in deep thought.

How long has he been there?

“Hotch.” You rubbed your eyes and sat upright. “Hi. Sorry, I— What time is it?”

“Eight-thirty,” he answered, never taking his eyes off the file.

So you didn’t sleep through your alarm.

“When did you get here? I didn’t hear you.”

“A few minutes ago.” He put the pen down and lifted his head to look at you. His face softened.

He didn’t seem upset about you invading his office but you still felt the need to explain yourself. “I, uh, stayed until late last night and I was too sleepy to drive and—” You realized mid-sentence how bad you were lying.

But he let you.

“It’s not a problem, you can always sleep here. As long as it’s not already taken.” He stared at you for a moment, rubbing his thumb with the rest of his fingers. You wondered how bad you looked. How bad everything seemed. “It has a foldable seat,” was all he said, gesturing at the couch. “There’s a blanket under it.”

“Oh, thanks. It wasn’t that cold.” You braced yourself.

It was cold now.

“You can sleep for another hour,” he added.

“We don’t have a case?”

“No.” He glanced at the open door and then back at you. “Not yet anyway.”

Then why was he here so early?

You smiled at him and began to gather your things anyway. “Thank you, but I still should go. I’m… invading your space.”

“Oh, please. Don’t worry about it,” he said before going back to work on his paper.

Even if he didn’t mind you sleeping there while he worked, you did. You stood up, stretched your neck a bit, and began to fold all of your clothes, putting them back in your bag.

You felt his eyes on you every once in a while and just when you grabbed the evidence of your late night—the empty glass of scotch—he asked, “Is everything alright?”

You looked at him. There was that soft look again.

“Yeah, I just…” you trailed off, fidgeting with your now invisible ring. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

He didn’t have to say anything. He knew. You knew he knew just by that look he gave you. Wise. Emphatic. The ‘I’ve been there before’ look.

He opened his mouth to add something, but his phone buzzed on the table, making him tear his eyes off you. He sighed as his brows lowered.

“Now we have a case?” You asked and he nodded. “I’ll put on some work-appropriate clothes, then.” You looked down at your pajamas.

“Take your time. We’ll meet in thirty.”

The jet took off and the clouds were never-ending.

Two women had been abducted (and murdered) already in Fort Myers before you were invited to investigate. Victimology and M.O. were discussed and you barely said a thing. Your mind kept wandering off to the night before and how miserable you felt. The phantom of betrayal was still heavy on your shoulders.

Hotch sat next to you during the three-hour flight, and the only thing he said to you that wasn’t work-related was: ‘Would you like some coffee’, to which you gladly accepted. His eyes, though, kept asking if you were okay.

Minutes before the jet touched the ground, your phone caught some signal and began to buzz uncontrollably against the table. You already knew who it was so you didn’t bother to glance at the screen, you just sighed in annoyance and put your phone in your pocket. You felt Hotch’s eyes on you again and you tried your best to ignore him.

Right now, he was your boss, not your friend.

The moment the jet doors opened, the dense, humid air stuck to your skin. Everyone groaned in annoyance.

“Ugh, I hate Florida,” Emily commented.

You didn’t mind it. You needed a bit of heat and sun, hoping they’d woosh away the gray cloud over your head.

Hotch assigned everyone’s tasks for the day and partnered you up with Morgan to interview the victims’ families. Smart move. It was known that Morgan was your person inside the team, and even if he didn’t know about your heartbreak right now, he’d surely find out soon after spending the day with you. That’s what Hotch wanted. For you to have someone to talk to if you wanted.

You would’ve preferred to be out in the field instead of inside an office, that way you’d have more distractions. Right now, as you talked to one of the victim’s husbands, your only distraction was your phone. Your ex started to call you again and spam-texting you. He was getting on your nerves and you couldn’t quite focus on your job. The one that you considered was your forte—when it came to good people.

These men weren’t good people. They were exactly like your ex.

And they got on your nerves.

Morgan shot you a frown as he walked the last person out of the office, “What’s going on with you? You almost punched the guy.” He gestured over his shoulder with his thumb.

“I would’ve if you hadn’t caught me.” You rolled your eyes.

“I’m being dead serious, what’s going on with you?”

“He called his dead wife a whore, Morgan.”

“I’m not just talking about this. All morning you’ve been acting weird.”

There was his big brother attitude.

You sighed, shaking your head. You couldn’t not tell him. So you told him. Some of it. “Zac and I are fighting. He keeps calling but I’m not gonna answer yet. He’s gonna have to wait until I’m back.”

“What did he do?” He asked, brows shooting up with concern.

You walked to the small coffee station the sheriff had set up for the team. “We’re just fighting.” You poured yourself some coffee. You couldn’t tell him everything. He was friends with Zac—and a really good one.

“I don’t buy that,” Morgan insisted. “I know what your fights look like. This isn’t a fight over how he didn’t do the dishes.”

You hated how well he knew you. You and Zac. It was sad to think there wouldn’t be any more double dates with him and Savannah.

“I don’t want to talk about it yet,” you merely said.

Morgan let out a huff and glared at you in silence. “Alright.”

He respected you and didn’t bug you any more about it. And neither did Zac, thankfully. The messages and phone calls stopped but even then, you couldn’t get your mind off whatever he wanted to say.

The day went by painfully slowly. Not many leads were found and the unsub seemed to have gone dormant, which meant the investigation was done for the day.

Hotch, JJ, and Rossi were still finishing up a few things with the sheriff, and you decided to wait for them outside, sitting on the sidewalk. There was a dinner reservation at the hotel at nine. It was thirteen past nine and you’d been running on five cups of coffee.

Your stomach rumbled.

Steps came from behind. Morgan silently sat next to you and handed you a protein bar. He sat close, his arm touching yours. “Zac called me.”

“Good for him.” You didn’t bother to look at him. Instead, you began to pick your nails. You weren’t hungry anymore.

“And he told me.” Derek placed one hand over yours, stopping you from destroying your nails.

You shot him a look. “What did he tell you?” You asked because you didn’t think Zac would rat himself out to Morgan.

“I’m on your side,” he said. “He’s my friend, but you’re my sister. He’s dead to me now.” He quirked his brows.

“What did he tell you, Morgan?”

“That you caught him cheating.”

The disappointment on his face was as clear as the night sky.

You tore your eyes off him and sighed.

“I was so stupid.” You rubbed your forehead. “I caught him in lies multiple times and I brushed them all off. Like a part of me wanted that to happen,” you confessed.

“What do you mean? That you didn’t want to marry him?”

“I… I don’t know.” You looked back at Derek. Now that the truth was out you needed to talk about it. Maybe that way you could realize it was all your fault. “I loved him, and he was a great guy but at some point, after the engagement and before the lies, I stopped seeing a future with him. So I guess it’s my fau—”

“Nuh-uh.” Derek interrupted you, placing a finger over your lips. “He did this,” then booped your nose.

You couldn't help but smile. “Yeah but I stopped being… a girlfriend to him,” you explained, moving your hands around to make your point. “I came home late, he’d wait for me with dinner but I just… stopped seeing him.” You sighed. It really was your fault to some extent now that you talked about it. “He sought the attention I stopped giving him on someone else. I don’t want to be like that. I don’t want… to be the person who just works and can’t balance it with personal life.”

“It’s tough.”

“Yeah, but you seem to make it work with Savannah.” You nudged his arm.

They had the kind of love you aspired to have one day.

“It took us a while, but we made it work. Still do. It’s a good thing she also has a time-consuming job. She just gets it. But it takes a lot of effort from both parties.”

You nodded in agreement. “Zac and I are over. This isn’t something we can talk about and get through and forget or forgive. He betrayed me.”

Derek hung one arm over your shoulder and kissed your temple. “I know.”

“At least I don’t have to plan a wedding anymore. It seems exhausting.”

“Oh, believe me, it is.”

You gasped and pulled away to look at him. He had a grin on his face now. That’s what you needed. A smile from him even if it made you forget for just a moment. “What? What does that mean? Did you propose?!”

“Whoa, whoa.” Emily came from behind and joined the conversation right away, standing in front of you. “Who’s proposing?”

“Morgan,” you were quick to respond. Anything to avoid anyone else knowing you’d been cheated on.

“Shhh!” He stood up, signaling you both to shut up with a finger over his lips and looking around to make sure no one else heard. “I’m planning to, alright. Don't…. Freak out. She can say no.”

“She’d be silly to say no,” Emily laughed a little. “Are you kidding?”

“You’re already planning the wedding,” you laughed too while standing up. “Don’t pretend you expect her to say no.”

“Of course, she’s gonna say yes.” Derek grinned. “I’m just playin’.”

On the way to the hotel, the team split into two SUVs and Hotch kept glancing at you through the rearview mirror at every red light and stop sign, with that know-it-all look, a pinch of concern. He was worried about you (and soon to be pissed for the stunt you pulled earlier).

You got a triple room with Emily and JJ and you didn’t give them a chance to make any conversation with them since dinner was canceled. You threw your bag over your bed and headed to the rooftop. You figured it’d be the only place none of the team would be. You needed fresh air, and you felt ready to talk to Zac. You reached the rooftop and pulled out your phone. Just the thought of hearing his voice tightened your throat. But you had to. You needed to know what he had to say.

You dialed his number and some agonizing butterflies still managed to flap their wings at the pit of your stomach with that first ‘hey’ on the other line. Tears welled up in your eyes. Your only witness was the moon hanging above and she wouldn’t judge you, so you finally allowed yourself to feel it.

His voice was a stab to your heart and a soft sob got caged in your throat. He said he was sorry, that he missed you, that he loved you. That you will always be the love of his life and that he knew he’d lost you. You muffled your sobs against your hand and once he was done talking, all you could reply was ‘okay’.

Then you hung up.

“Damn it.” You let your phone slip through your fingers to cover your eyes with one hand while you braced yourself with the other arm.

You stood there—for who knows how long—until a pair of unfamiliar arms enveloped you from the front. Their scent, though, was like home—faint and woody bathing you whole. You nestled against their chest and it only made you cry even more.

“Shh. It’s okay.”

Hotch’s voice snapped the knife out of your chest and he wasn’t about to let you bleed out. With one hand he caressed the back of your head, giving you soft scratches. The other rubbed your upper back with short and tender strokes. You weren’t planning on crumbling and you surely didn’t expect Hotch to be the one comforting you, but it felt right. You needed a hug and a gentle voice telling you it was okay to feel like this.

Your entire relationship flashed before your eyes. You were mourning its death, after all., and there was no going back from it. You wouldn’t do that to yourself and had to accept that his laugh would eventually fade away from your memory and his eyes would no longer shine because of you—they haven’t for a while.

You peeled yourself from Hotch’s chest and noticed how his shirt was damp with your tears.

“Sorry, I—” you sniffed; looked up at him.

His soft eyes scanned your face for a moment. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’ they asked, a sweet frown taking over his face.

“You look like you need a drink,” he said instead.

You chuckled, nodding, even when the after-crying headache was creeping up on you. You would’ve taken the elevator to the first floor, but Hotch guided you through the staircase.

“Were you up there when I got there?” you asked him.

“No, I went there to clear my head and… found you standing there.”

After all these years working with him, he was still the hardest to read. “Is something bugging you?” you asked him.

“No.”

Okay, then. You understood it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about (with you).

You reached the first floor and headed to the bar. It wasn’t crowded, and Rossi was already there. You two joined him, each at either side of him.

“Ah, FBI agents,” Rossi told the bartender, taking a sip of his drink. “You’re not gonna interrogate me, are you?” he then asked you two.

“I don’t know. Should we?” Hotch asked with a tint of humor.

“You should interrogate her.” He gestured at you by twitching his mouth in your direction. “I heard she almost punched one of the victim’s husbands.”

“Thanks, Rossi.” You glared at him, and he couldn’t have cared less.

“Is that true?” Hotch asked you, leaning a bit forward to glance at you over Rossi, even when the wall in front of you was a whole mirror.

“Goodnight, kid.” Rossi slid off his stool. “Night Hotch. Keep an eye on her.”

“Great.” You glared at him again. “Just throw the grenade and run away.” He just laughed and waved a dismissive hand. He had clearly had quite a few drinks so you couldn’t blame him much.

“Is that true?” Hotch asked again.

“He was a jerk,” you responded, sipping on your drink.

“That has nothing to do with it. Jerk or not, you can’t be acting like that.” His frown grew strong but his voice remained as soft as when he was comforting you moments earlier.

“He cheated on her, Hotch.” You shot him a look through the mirror. “That’s why she went out and got abducted. Murdered.”

“I understand that, but we push our feelings aside, you know that.”

“I know.” You pinched the bridge of your nose. “Just… let it go, please. You know I won’t do it again.”

“Of course you won’t.” He took a short sip of his drink and looked forward, making eye contact with you through the mirror. “You’d be off the case if you pull something like that again.”

A light bulb lit up over your head right then.

“Do you think that’s why the unsub is targeting the victims?” You grabbed his forearm with excitement. “Because they got cheated on?”

You were right and your tragedy helped save the last woman the unsub had abducted. You wrapped up the case with a bittersweet taste.

On the flight home, Morgan sat next to you, and for some reason, you wished Hotch had sat there.

You searched for him on the jet and he’d chosen to sit farther back. You wanted to thank him for comforting you when he didn’t have to, and as if he’d read your mind—

Good job today—He texted—I know this was a particularly difficult case for you.

You lifted your head and caught him looking at you. You smiled at him as a response.

It was difficult, but it also helped you heal a little.

Morgan nudged your arm gently, gesturing for you to take your headphones off.

“Hm?” you raised your brows.

“Are you planning on going home now?”

You sighed. “I have to.”

“You can stay with me for a few days. Savannah would be thrilled to have you over.”

“Thank you but I think that’d make me feel… small? I have to see him eventually. And I’d rather get it over with soon.” You smiled at him. “After that conversation, though, I’m not sure if I’ll have a place to stay so I’ll let you know if I need a place to crash for the night.”

“I’ll be there, then.”

When you made it to your place, Zac was waiting for you with dinner. You would’ve laughed, but you were too exhausted to even smile at him.

“I’m just here to get my things,” you said, walking past him to your room.

You smelled fresh paint on your way there, and you really laughed then. He’d repainted the whole thing. Did he think changing the wall color would make you forget what happened there?

“It’s your favorite color.” Zac stood at the door.

“You’re unbelievable.” You scoffed.

You threw all your belongings in two suitcases and left.

To never come back.

“You’re getting discharged.” Hotch drew open the curtain of your cubicle.

“What? What about Morgan?” You sat upright, keeping the ice close to the bump on your head. You’d been in a car crash in the middle of a prosecution. “Is he okay?”

“He’s fine. He just dislocated his shoulder.”

“Well, the doctor said I can’t fly, let alone drive.” You rolled your eyes. “So who’s driving me back to Quantico?”

“I am.” You couldn’t help but let out a huff. “Yeah, I’m not excited about it either.”

“It’s seventeen hours, Hotch. You don’t have to. I’m sure I can take an overnight bus or something.”

“You’re not taking any bus. You got a brain bleed. Someone’s gotta be there if something happens.” He glared at you. “Gather your things. I’ll bring the car. A nurse will walk you out.”

Your things were only your badge and gun. Everything else was still at the hotel, so you assumed you were going to make a stop there before hitting the road back to Quantico.

You were officially discharged by your doctor minutes later and you’d underestimated Hotch’s efficiency. He’d already gone to the hotel to get your things. He even bought snacks—your favorite snacks.

You reclined your seat and threw a blanket over you. Your head was much better but it still hurt despite you being high on painkillers.

“Are you cold? Do you want me to turn the heater on?”

“Not cold.” You assured him. You just wanted to make yourself cozy. “Hotch, I don’t know if I’m gonna handle a seventeen-hour drive.”

“I know.” He gave you a quick glance. “I don’t think I will either. We’ll make a stop if you need to. Just let me know.”

You dozed off and on during the first two hours—your eyes darting to Hotch’s firm hands on the steering wheel—until it started raining. Normally, you would’ve been on high alert since you weren’t a fan of driving when it rained, but it was Hotch who was driving. And he was a great driver.

The sound of the thick drops hitting the windshield turned out to be a perfect lullaby and helped you fall into a deep and cozy slumber. A dream began to take over your mind at some point but it didn’t become one entirely.

Loud noises dragged you out of it.

You blinked your eyes open. You were parked on the side road, and the rain wasn’t normal rain anymore. It was loud, hitting the rooftop like daggers. You feared it might fall through.

“Are those hailstones?” You adjusted the seat back straight.

“Not yet,” Hotch responded. “But we can’t keep driving like this. I can barely see past the hood. It’s too dangerous.”

“I’m no weather expert but I’m sure there’s a storm coming.”

Hotch nodded in agreement. “We’ll have to make an emergency stop.” He pulled out his phone and typed something. “There’s a motel 3 miles away. We can spend a few hours there until the storm passes.”

“You just said it’s dangerous to keep driving.”

“It’s more dangerous to stay here or on the side of the road. Plus you need to rest. It’s been a long drive already.”

Long? You glanced at the clock on the radio.

“It’s been six hours already?!” Your eyes widened.

It didn’t feel like it, though.

“You snored half of it.” He teased, his soft dimples making their first appearance of the night.

“I did not,” you laughed a little.

You knew he was just kidding, but you clearly needed those hours of deep sleep. Your headache was much better now.

Hotch kept the blinkers on as he started driving again, slowly until the map on his phone signaled him to turn right.

There was a blue-light vacancy sign glitching.

“This is it?” you asked. The place looked straight out of a horror film and the dark sky didn’t help.

“You stay here,” Hotch ordered. “I’ll check if they have any rooms.”

You didn’t disagree and locked the doors once he stepped out. Just in case.

Minutes later, your phone buzzed.

There’s only one room available, Hotch texted you.

Two beds? you texted back right away.

King, he replied.

Great. It was either sharing a bed with Hotch or staying in the car.

I don’t mind if you don’t, you texted. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal. Then you added, we’ll only be here a few hours until the rain stops, right?

Yes. Don’t move. I’ll come get you, he replied.

You gathered your things within reach, as gently as possible so your brain wouldn’t get all scrambled by sudden movements and unlocked the doors for Hotch.

He opened the door and ducked his head inside. “It’s the farthest room,” he raised his voice over the loud rain.

“That’s fine,” you matched his tone. “Let’s make one trip. I can carry my things.”

“You sure?” he frowned in an attempt to keep the rain out of his eyes.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.” You nodded and stepped out of the car.

Once you had your things and Hotch had his, he took the lead with you walking fast behind him with your head low. You both were already drenched so there was no point in running.

The room was better than what you expected. It welcomed you with warm air, one bed, a small desk facing the window, an old TV, and a bathroom. They even had a small station with a kettle and tea/coffee, and the heater was on

You stripped out some of your clothes right next to the heater and changed your muddy shoes for your slippers.

“Do you mind if I take the bathroom first?” You asked him.

“Not at all,” Hotch replied, ridding himself of some damp clothes.

You walked past him with your bag and locked yourself in the bathroom. You unlocked it right away. What if you passed out? It was going to be a quick shower to regulate your body temperature, but with a brain injury, you never knew.

You were in and out of it in less than ten minutes and Hotch had already changed his clothes to sweatpants and a white t-shirt. It was always so strange seeing him out of his suits.

“Are you hungry?” He asked, hanging his clothes on the improvised drying rack he made out of the single chair and desk and placing it close to the heater.

“A little.” You sat on the left side of the bed.

Hotch grabbed the snack bag and displayed what he’d bought over the bed. Along with your favorite snacks were some fruits and two instant noodle soups. The first time you pulled out one of those, Reid told you all about them and how they were some of the most cancerous foods there could be, but they were a guilty pleasure and you didn’t eat them often.

“Take your pick,” he said. “I’ll take a shower now.”

He was being a good caretaker to you and you trusted him so all you had to do today and tomorrow was obey him. You could shut your brain down when Hotch was around.

You turned the TV on to have some background noise and put on the news. The weather had been catastrophic already in some parts and they said it was going to last at least eight more hours. It was 8 pm so you didn’t mind waiting all night for it to pass. It was a cozy room, after all.

You prepared yourself the instant soup and sat cross-legged on the bed. Your phone buzzed against the mattress.

How’s your head? Morgan texted.

Better. Your shoulder?

I have a good doctor at home so I’ll be alright. How’s the trip going?

The sky is falling here. We had to make a stop for the night.

Sharing a room with the boss? ;)

You didn’t know why he would say that or why you would lie about your answer, but you lied.

Of course not! We’re gonna wait for the rain to pass before hitting the road again.

You hit send right when Hotch came out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel.

You put the phone down. “There’s still hot water in the kettle.”

You rarely saw him eat, and since all he bought were things you liked, you assumed he liked them too. He prepared his soup as well and sat on the other side of the bed.

“It looks pretty bad.” He glanced at the TV.

“They said it’s gonna last all night.”

Something was odd about him now. Maybe it was the fatigue of the trip that hit him after the shower. But he kept looking at his phone and putting it down. You saw him clench his jaw more than once.

“Everything okay?” You had to ask.

He gave you a look.

Everything was not okay.

He hesitated a moment, twisting the noodles with his fork but never taking a bite.

“Beth got a job offer in Hong Kong.” Oh. “And she’s boarding the flight now.” Oh, no. “She asked my opinion before taking the job offer.” He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course, I encouraged her to take it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

You didn’t want him to regret his choice about encouraging her—she put him between a rock and a hard place—but you had a string of questions about it. What if she asked for his opinion because she wanted to stay and settle, but needed him to say it?

“So you let her go,” you said instead and he nodded. “How’s Jack handling it?”

“She talked to him, we took him to Orlando for the weekend and he understood it but”—he sighed—“I know it’s been hard on him, too.” You couldn’t imagine how his son was feeling. He was a kid and he’d lost someone, too. “But we ended it on good terms.” He raised his brows.

“Why did you offer to drive me home?” You asked. “You could be there with her by now. At the airport.”

“We said our goodbyes.” He shook his head and looked down. “It would’ve made it more painful.”

You hummed in agreement. “They say if you love someone, you let them go. If they come back, it means they’re truly yours.” He looked at you. “She could come back.”

His eyes were glassy. For some reason, you felt he was thinking about Haley, too. He was once again losing someone he loved—by choice this time but losing her nonetheless.

“Sorry,” he sort of laughed. “I’m talking about my heartbreak when…”

When you were recently heartbroken too.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m—”

“Fine,” he finished your sentence. “Of course you are.”

“I’m over it and I laugh about it now. I wasted three years of my life. My good years.” You chucked. “It's funny now.”

“It’s not. And you still have a few more good years ahead of you?” He commented, confused.

You talked as if your youth was already over but you had a good reason. “Yeah, but I’m not gonna be as hot as I was when I met him.” He smirked. “He went for a younger woman.” You then added.

“Younger?” He raised his brows.

“I know. I think that’s why I feel old. But she was a 25-year-old trainee.”

“That’s not much younger than you.”

“You flatter me.” You let out a small laugh. “I just… Why do men always go for the younger woman?”

He took a subtle deep breath. “I—“

“Generally speaking,” you added. “Men who cheat go for a younger woman.”

“I don’t know but I’m sure Reid can give you all the statistics about it.”

“Yeah,” you scoffed. “I don’t wanna hear them.”

You let out a yawn, and soon Hotch did too. You two agreed in silence it was time for bed already.

“It’s not cold in here so I’ll sleep over the bed covers,” he commented.

“Hotch, you don’t have to. I don’t mind, honestly. I’ve shared beds with most of our team.”

“Alright,” he let out a small laugh, raising his brows.

The rain stopped around 5 am and within thirty minutes you both were up and ready to hit the road again. There were ten hours ahead of you and this time you didn’t feel the need to sleep through it. You slept like a baby last night and also, talking to Hotch was really nice, and he seemed well-rested too.

You stopped for a quick breakfast two hours in and had it in the car to optimize time. Throughout the drive, there were talks about the landscapes and weather and he’d throw in some random stories about his brother, or Haley and Jack when something reminded him of them.

Your favorite was how he and Jack had a tradition whenever it rained: chocolate chip cookies. And how Jack had already decided that he was going to do the same with his kids one day.

And the more the clock ticked, the more you wished he’d slow down his speed (even when he was going just below the limit). You didn’t want the trip to end, but it had to eventually.

Around 3 pm. Hotch was dropping you off at your place.

“It’s a nice neighborhood,” he commented. Only Derek had had the chance to visit your new place.

“It is. It’s mostly old people that live here so it’s very quiet all the time.” You smiled. Silence filled the air for a moment. You missed him already. “Hey, I know we’re both exhausted but… would you like to come in? We can make some decent lunch.”

Hotch took a subtle deep breath. “I would. I’d love to but… Jack’s waiting for me. I was supposed to arrive yesterday and he was excited to see me. I… I’m picking him up at school after this.”

“Oh, yeah, of course.” You gulped. Stupid.

Why did you feel nervous around him all of a sudden?

“Maybe some other time?” He asked.

Your stomach fluttered.

“Definitely.”

Spencer was turning 33, and Penelope thought throwing him a surprise birthday party was a good idea. She asked everyone to show up earlier than usual to decorate a conference room. You were the first one to show, then one by one everyone arrived.

The only one you wanted to see walking through the door, though, wasn’t the birthday boy. It was Hotch.

After the gloomy night at the motel, Hotch became a permanent thought. You didn’t know if it was because he took such good care of you, or because he trusted you to tell you a personal thing—or both—but since that night, something changed.

You’d always admired him, but this was more than that. Your cheeks grew warm whenever he looked at you. You started to feel like a schoolgirl with a crush. And you felt ridiculous. He was your boss, he’d been your boss for five years so why had your feelings changed?

The truth was, you’d always had certain feelings for him. Nothing ever happened before because you met him as a divorced man, who only had time for his kid and his job, so at the time, besides your boss, he was a nice face to look at (a very nice face). Then Haley's death came and he shut himself down, drowning himself in work. You started dating Zac soon after, then you didn’t have eyes for Hotch anymore. He became who he was: your boss.

Now, that both were single, your true feelings for him were coming afloat. Of course, you didn’t let them show; how your stomach fluttered at his sudden presence and constant glances. You insisted those were in your head, that he’d always looked at you the same amount or the same way, but when the attraction is reciprocated, there’s a spark.

That spark almost lit up a fire in your chest when he finally showed up. The lights were off, but you’d recognize his silhouette anywhere, and he was walking up to you.

“Hey,” he whispered, standing next to you.

“You’re late,” you whispered back.

“Is Reid here?”

“No, but we did all the work.”

“I’m… the boss for a reason.”

You held back a laugh. Thank god it was dark.

“Shhh, there he comes!” Penelope whispered loudly.

Everyone moved to their assigned spot and your hand accidentally brushed his in the process. “Sorry.”

It’s okay, he whispered.

That accidental touch was the first of many not-so-accidental.

You tried to convince yourself it was all in your head, but he looked at you, paid attention, listened to every word you had to say. He saw right through you.

There weren’t many moments outside work, though, and that confused you even more. You couldn't ask him to see each other casually. It wasn’t something you or he did, and it made you wonder. You wondered. Always. Every day. Every hour. Every time you looked at him you wondered what was going through his mind.

Weeks went by where unspoken words were said. Your feet itched to go to his office every time you knew he was going to stay until late. To offer him some coffee, or ask him if he needed help with something but all you always ever did was turn in your reports and linger there for a second or two, hoping he’d ask you to stay.

And tonight was no exception. You had your excuse to stay late this time, though. A doctor's appointment forced you to clock in late, and for that, you had to stay to meet your weekly worked hours.

Everyone had left, even the janitors.

Everyone except for Hotch, of course.

You glanced at your watch when you finally finished your last report. It wasn’t even an appropriate time to have dinner. You were dreaming of your bathtub and a glass of wine with some cheese.

You stacked your folders and adjusted your skirt before going to Hotch's office to hand them in. You knocked three times and waited for his Come in! to enter the room.

You walked in and he wasn’t at his desk as he usually was. He was on his couch, with only the lamp lights on; he’d removed his jacket and had his sleeves rolled up right below his elbows.

“Hey, I… I finished my reports.”

He looked at you—stared. You swore a faint smile was curling the corner of his lips. “Toss them on my desk.”

You slowly walked in and did as he said. “Are you… leaving soon?” you clasped your hands behind you.

“I don’t think so.”

“Is there… something I can help you with?” You gestured at the folder he was holding.

He paused for a second before replying, “Yes, actually.” He scooted to give you space on the couch. “Close the door.”

You did as he said and sat next to him, but not quite close. He put the folder on the coffee table and spread all the documents, filling in every gap.

“Choose,” he said.

You laughed. “What?”

“Our next case.”

“Oh, I’m not… I don’t think I’m qualified to do that, am I?”

“There’s a reason I’m asking you to choose.” He raised his brows to make his point.

Your eyes flickered between pictures and reports. Neither was worse than the other. “Well, it’s not like I can choose, right? You have to… study each one of these murders to decide which one has more priority. Which is… a bit twisted. As if one is less important than the other.”

“It’s hard.”

“And you do it every time.”

Hotch nodded. “JJ used to do it when she was the liaison. Now she still does when I can’t or ask her to since she has the right criteria, but it’s on me now.” He raised his brows as he spoke.

Your eyes were stuck on his lips, a sudden urge to kiss him brewing in your chest.

“I don’t know how you do your job without breaking down sometimes,” you said. He smiled, scanning your face up and down. God, you really wanted to kiss him. “I mean your unit chief job.” You tore your eyes off him and adjusted yourself a bit farther on the couch. You had the perfect view of the side of his head.

Hotch leaned forward resting his elbows over his knees and lowered his head. “It’s… the one thing I’m good at.”

“Not the only thing,” you let out a breathy laugh. He turned to you, raising his brows as if he were waiting for you to mention another thing he was good at. “You’re a great dad, Hotch,” you said without hesitation.

“I,” he licked his lips. “I could be better.”

“We all could be better at everything, doesn’t mean we’re bad at it.”

Hotch sighed. “You’re right.”

“You’re also… good at sports?”

“Stop.” He chuckled, lowering his head once again.

You rubbed his back by impulse, and you withdrew it right away as you felt him tense up. Your hand tingled at that brief contact and it burnt when he reached for it and enveloped it with his large hand. Your heart rate skyrocketed and all you could hear was your pulse in your ears (not that any of you was saying anything anymore).

He turned his head to you, adjusting farther back so his back would rest on the couch. Your shoulders touched now, and his hand was still on yours and this time, his thumb caressed your knuckles, and his eyes were stuck on your face.

The urge to kiss him was flush against your skin.

“You should go home,” he said, swallowing thickly. “It’s late.”

“Yeah,” you licked your lips. “I really should.”

He let go of your hand and with the same one, you caressed the side of his head where a few satly strands of hair were gloriously shining. You put the short pieces behind his ear and cradled his face. You held your breath. What the hell were you doing?

A pained frown took over his face and he shut his eyes for a second. You wanted to kiss the frown away so you leaned, kissing his cheek. He tilted his face until the tip of your nose was touching his.

His shaky breath ghosted your lips.

Would a kiss on the lips be so bad?

You were closing the gap before you thought about the answer. Your lips touched—a soft peck—and there was barely a sound when you pulled away.

“I’m sorry I”— You placed your fingers over your lips right away.

Hotch wasn’t giving you any signs of anything at all and panic began to take over you.

God, what have you done?

Your name came out of his mouth in a whisper filled with longing. He was leaning closer. He studied your face from up close as he paused. His nostrils flared and he licked his bottom lip before going for a kiss. Just as tender as yours.

At first.

One of his hands found a spot on the side of your thigh while the other went to the back of your neck, bringing you closer and allowing the kiss to intensify. His chin scraped yours with his barely noticeable beard and his lips were gentle despite his sudden urge.

Nothing could’ve prepared you for this—him kissing you back or reciprocating any sign of affection. But he was, and he was getting so into it his tongue was already teasing yours.

A small moan escaped you when he opened his mouth a bit more. Your breathing quickened with each kiss and when your tongues finally tangled together, you lost it.

“C’mere.” He murmured against your lips.

You hopped on his lap and gave yourself in. You wrapped your arms around his neck tight and pressed your hips down. It became sloppy with each kiss already and only heavy breathing filled the room. His heavy breathing.

He was so needy for you.

This wasn’t how you expected your night to go, but you were ecstatic. No matter how far this went, it already was much better than your bathtub.

You let go of his lips for a second. You needed to catch some air.

“Aaron.”

You’d never called him by his first name. Never, and right then you wished you’d done it sooner. It seemed to have awakened something in him. He groaned into another kiss and grabbed your hips tightly, encouraging you to move them.

He liked it. He loved it.

You obeyed, grinding him and going back for another kiss. His hands were still shy, hesitantly resting at the curves of your hips. You pressed your hips down. His hard bulge was right there. You couldn’t help but bite his bottom lip, cupping his face harshly with both hands as if he could go anywhere. He was a prisoner of your body; you had him caged with your legs and arms and he didn’t seem to mind at all.

His hands raked down your curves, lower on either side of your hips and slowly traveled down, cupping your ass and guiding you back and forth.

Hotch’s lap was heaven on earth.

You moaned into a wetter kiss, tongues gliding together. You were embarrassingly loud now. He smiled against your lips.

“Sorry.” You let out a small, embarrassed laugh, pressing your foreheads together.

His chest was heaving in and out as he tried to regulate his breathing. His hands went up to your lower back and he pulled you close into a tight and tender hug.

A sudden clarity hit you. This shouldn’t have happened. He was your boss for fucks sake. You were sure, that once you came out of his office, you would lose your job. The one you fought so hard for.

“I… I have to go.” You slid off his lap and stood in front of him, adjusting your skirt.

He was staring up at you through his dark lashes and you couldn’t look at him without feeling embarrassed. You wiped your lips clean and took a few steps back.

“I am so sorry this—” You took a few more steps backward on your way to the door and turned all the way, giving him your back.

Hotch stood up, his broad silhouette taking a few steps towards you. He said your name with his deep, deep, oh-so-deep voice as your hand touched the knob. He was right behind you now, his torso glued to your back and his arms wrapped around your waist.

You shut your eyes as he inhaled your hair.

You locked the door.

“Are you sure?” he murmured next to your ear.

All you could do was nod.

He flipped you around by your hips, capturing your mouth, body, and soul. This time he groaned like an animal, hungry for you. God, he was desperate and your entire body fluttered. Your knees when weak right when he scooped you by your thighs and walked with you towards his desk, plopping you there while knocking everything down with one hand.

No words were necessary. His hands talked for him and the kiss was never-ending. You were a fucking mess already. You were at his will, so open to let him do anything he wanted with you.

To you.

The air was getting hotter and the layers of clothes began to bother you. His body heat and breath were to blame. He was everywhere.

He sneaked one hand in between your legs and gripped your inner thigh, his thick fingers sinking into your flesh. You squirmed over the wood, encouraging him to go a little higher. He did, the tip of his fingers ghosting your panties. They were damp with your arousal already (you’d felt it leak through you when you were kissing on the couch), and by the way he smiled, he could feel it. He lifted your skirt up to your waist and pressed himself onto you, his erection finding your cunt like a magnet. He cursed under his breath, looking down at where your bodies touched the most. But not quite.

You wanted to touch him, feel how hard he was. You palmed his thick bulge and gulped. Your mouth went dry as you began to massage the outline of his erection while making eye contact, tugging your bottom lip between your teeth.

“You’re driving me crazy,” he whispered.

There were so many clothes in the way, making it hard to focus but then he grabbed your jaw and looked into your eyes and whatever was about to come, was the best thing that would ever happen to you.

He sneaked his fingers from the side of your panties, the wet sound of your arousal against his fingers was embarrassing. But it made him drop his head to your shoulder. He cursed again and began to massage you, spreading your arousal all over with his thick fingers. Your cunt clenched, desperate to have him inside you. You cursed under your breath with pleasure as his fingers found your wet entrance. He made circular motions without entering, teasing you.

He was driving you insane, too.

“Hotch,” you murmured, I need you, you wanted to say, but he shushed you. Gently. Tenderly. Shushed you with an open-mouth kiss.

You whimpered against his mouth and with clumsy hands, undid his belt and unbuttoned his pants, sneaking your hand inside to touch his length. Finally. You whined again at that first touch. His skin was burning.

“Would you fuck me?” you whispered, wrapping your fingers around his length. They barely covered him.

“Of course, sweetheart. Just give me a minute. Let me feel you.”

He moved his fingers up and down between your wet folds, feeling you as he’d said. He knew exactly what he was doing, he was skilled, gentle and put the perfect amount of pressure.

But you were growing desperate.

“Please, Hotch.”

He didn’t give you any warning and in one fell swoop, he had his length out. Fuck. His cock stood on its own—thick and long—so close to your cunt. The tip glistened with his arousal.

“Scoot to the edge,” he ordered.

You did as he said and he lined himself at your entrance and barely pushed the head inside. You both let out a quiet moan at the same time.

God, it felt good. He felt good. You both looked down and watched as he slowly entered, inch by inch until he was all the way inside. He looked at you then and you lost it.

Aaron Hotchner was fucking you. Aaron Hotchner, whom you admired and respected. Aaron Hotchner, the man who has been messing with your head these past few months.

This was an eye-opening experience. Paradise on earth. How have you gone so many years without him? New feelings were brewing in your chest with each thrust, each stare, and each kiss.

You gripped the back of his head and pulled him closer as he began to move, rocking his hips back and forth. You’d milked his dark and thick curls with your arousal already, making each slam sticky to your skin.

His cock was exquisite, spreading you open and reaching every right spot.

“You feel so good, fuck, fuck, fuck.” You couldn’t resist.

He kept fucking you until your butt went numb, you needed to finish but you didn’t want this to end. Ever

You showed your discomfort by adjusting over the desk.

Bend over, he whispered on your lips.

He kissed you one last time before you hopped off the desk and obeyed, bending over his desk and glancing at him over your shoulder, ready to take him. He squeezed your ass with both hands and lined himself again. He teased you, pulling it out and moving it up and down. You let out a needy hum, wiggling your ass, begging for his cock.

He entered again and this time, he was ruthless. He slammed into you, hard. Then again. And again. Over and over until the only sound in the room was the clash of skin against skin. You had to muffle your moans—and smile—by biting your forearm.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. God, Aaron Hotchener fucked good. So good you were seeing stars already and so close to grazing the sky.

He bent down too for a moment just to bring you up close into a hug. “Come here.” You already knew he liked having you close.

He sneaked one hand from the front and massaged your clit as his thrust became sloppy. You threw your head back to his shoulder, and he captured the underside of your chin between his teeth.

This was it. The beginning of an addiction you never wanted to rid yourself of.

There were a few more slams before he came. Hard. He was a vocal man. Grunting and groaning and cursing quietly as his cock twitched inside you.

Your legs were shaking, and if it wasn’t because he was holding you, you were sure you would’ve fallen to your knees. And he didn’t let go of you for a moment, his cock still inside you.

You needed to know what he was thinking, see his face.

You took a sharp breath to speak, but he slipped his cock out and you gasped. His cum dripped down.

“Sorry,” he murmured and was quick to clean you with a tissue.

You finally turned around and caught a look on his face you hadn’t seen before. It wasn’t guilt. It wasn’t disappointment. But it wasn’t a positive thing.

“This“—he began, buttoning his pants—“changes everything.” He glared at you.

You adjusted your skirt and pressed your lips together. “I know.”

“And it can’t happen ever again.” Your heart dropped to your stomach for a second as he added, “Not here.” A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lip

You pressed your lips together, hiding a smile.

“Yes, sir. Won’t happen again.” You walked up to him, placing your palm flat over his chest. His heart was still racing. “Not here.”

You kissed him, and he kissed you back.

“Should we, uh, leave together?” you asked, licking your lips.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” He caressed your cheek with his thumb. “You can leave first.”

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

“See you tomorrow.” He nodded and stole another kiss before you left.

You walked out of the building so put together as if nothing had happened, and kept a straight face until you were inside your car.

“Holy fuck,” you laughed; squealed, almost.

That really happened. You covered your face with both hands trying to come back to earth.

You decided to drive off before Hotch appeared in the parking lot, or else you wouldn’t resist taking him right there all over again. You replayed what had happened in your head the entire drive and as soon as you made it home, he texted you.

I hope you know this isn’t something casual or unimportant to me.

You smiled. You loved that he couldn’t hide his professionalism when texting.

I know, you texted back, for me either. Believe me

Good, he replied.

Goodnight, Hotch. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Tomorrow came and from the moment you laid eyes on each other, you agreed: no one could know about it.

He explained to you, when no one was around, how relationships within the bureau had a reputation. It would’ve been different if he was at the same level as you, but since he was your superior, it wouldn’t be well seen.

So this being a secret was more for him than for you, but you didn’t mind. It was such a rush. The whole forbidden thing did something to you, which caused you to be horny at work more than once.

But he made up for it when you saw each other at his place or yours.

There, it was different. You allowed yourself to be softer and he didn’t hold back any kiss or touch. His affection confused you, though, since the talk hadn’t come up yet. The ‘what are we?’ talk, and you didn’t want to be the girl who asked that after the second date.

There was sex—lots of it—, there were dinners, movie nights, and everything couples did, so it made sense if you asked, but you didn’t. You didn’t want to spoil the magic.

Because it was magical, your lives took an awful turn when you got your hearts broken and you both were right at the curve to meet each other. He’d been there, in front of you this whole time and a fragment of you glued back together every time he stared into your eyes while nothing was said. While he caressed your face and kissed you just because he wanted to. He managed to heal you between the lines, with subtle words that’d get stuck at the back of your mind.

And the more you two met outside work—whether it was at his place or yours, his bed, or a fancy hotel room—your feelings for him intensified.

They were worse on nights like these, when you found yourself tangled between sheets with him after sex, talking about anything and everything.

He often had an expression of everlasting love.

At least, you liked to think that way.

“What are you thinking?” He asked you with that glimmer in his eyes.

You sucked in a breath and brushed the front pieces of his hair with your fingers. “Did you get Morgan’s wedding invitation?”

You don’t know why, but he laughed. “I did, yes.”

“I think we should bring a date.”

“Why?”

“We have a plus one and… I don’t know. I’m gonna be wearing a dress so for your sake, I should have a date. That isn’t you.”

“Oh, really?” He teased, placing a kiss on your ear.

“This is inappropriate, Agent Hotchner, I’m your subordinate.” You laughed. You were ticklish there.

“Not when you’re in my bed.” He adjusted himself on top of you, lowering to kiss you. “And don’t pretend you don’t love it.”

You laughed again.

You loved it.

Loved him.

I hope you liked it!!! I’d love to hear your thoughts about it too!🤭❤️‍🔥

#I’m so excited for this one pls don’t let it flop #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner x female reader #aaron hotchner fanfiction #aaron hotchner imagine #aaron hotchner smut #aaron hotchner one shot #aaron hotchner fic

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catcze · 8 months

Note

HII ITS THE ANON WHO SAID WRIO IS LIKE FLYNN RIDER LMAOO I SUPPORT ALL BRAINROT RELATING TO THIEF WRIO 🤭🤭 i think him and a sheltered royal reader would be very like. reader falls first wrio falls harder LMAO— u got me thinking about it now what can I do 💔

HI BABYY WELCOME BACK ♡♡

Thanks for supporting my brainrot LMAOOO it literally started bc of u HAHAA /pos

Now let me get u thinking about it more 👀👀👀👀👀👀

In a Fantasy AU vaguely inspired by tangled (I say vaguely bc it's got some elements, but not all of them yk?) Wriothesley is a master thief, who always snags whatever he sets his mind on. You, on the other hand, are the only child of the king and queen, and the sole heir to the throne. You're kept strictly within the castle and forbidden from leaving since you had been kidnapped once as a child, and your parents fear that happening to you again. You used to despise it, being locked up, but over the years you've grown to accept it (not necessarily like it, you've just stopped trying to escape the castle every so often.)

Now, Wriothesley plans to steal your crown, the heir's crown to the kingdom, as his biggest heist yet. So he sneaks past the guards one night, gets into the palace and even manages to sneak up to your room. He's so close— so close!— to getting his hands on the heir's crown, but there's one thing that he overlooks. Because no one in the kingdom has seen you, and information on you is so limited, there's no way for him to have known that you possess a dendro vision. So taking him by surprise, you manage to knock him out and tie him up in vines and flowers. When he wakes up, you manage to broker a deal with him: He wants your crown, right? Well, you have no use for the thing. Not really. To you, it's just a reminder that you're destined to be trapped and lonely for the rest of your life. So you'll give it to him— on the condition that he takes you to see the lantern rite festival in the nearby kingdom of Liyue.

And though its far, though his pride stings at being caught by some recluse of a royal, what choice does he really have? Refuse, and be caught by the guards? Not a chance. So he agrees to your terms and sneaks you out of the tower and leads you into town, where you see the world for the first time.

From there, it's a whole journey navigating from Fontaine to Liyue with you— but you get there just in the nick of time for the lantern rite to start. He brings you around, lets you sample food with glittering eyes, lets you buy fabrics and nicknacks, and pays with his own money. Wriothesley even manages to rent out a quaint pagoda with a balcony, where you can watch the festivities and the lanterns glow across the harbour. There, he basks along the railing with you, eating skewers and fried rice, letting the music and cheer put him at ease. As he talks to you, listens to you ramble on and on about how beautiful the place is and how you'd love to come back one day, Wriothesley finds that he no longer cares about getting his hands on that crown. All he cares about now is the flush on his face and the realization that somewhere, across the way from Fontaine to Liyue, you had managed to steal his heart.

#「 🐈‍⬛ 」 strawberry.milk #「 🐈‍⬛ 」 strawberry.cupcakes #wriothesley x reader #genshin impact x reader #cw gn reader #haskjdnaks idk i didn't really put much of a 'mother gothel' character or put much drama bc i cannot write drama for the life of me ahjkdsa #no life or death situations bc my GOD i cannot write those to save my own life akjwsndkjas #so idk i just imagine that after wrio confesses all is good and happy; you both go back to fontaine; wrio encourages you to #talk to the king&queen about letting u make ur own decisions and let u live your life !! and they do ♡♡ so yayyy happy ending

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taytrashmouth · 3 months

Text

Meet me in the pouring rain

Harry James potter x fem reader.

Inspired by this pin: https://pin.it/2JlvuwrlR

It was your fifth year at Hogwarts, and you were always sort of alone. You had friends but they were never close. You were one of those in between people in school. Those people your classmates will remember in 10 years but won’t know anything about you.

Today was a cold day and despite that, the common room was far too busy to be reading in. And so you sat on the bleachers while the quidditch practice was happening below, to finally read your book in peace.

You could vaguely hear Harry shout instructions every now and again. Harry Potter was possibly one of your favourite people, simply because he was always nice to you.

He would lend you pens in class or explain something in defence against the dark arts. He check in on you at least once a week. He gave you his scarf at hogsmeade once because he said you looked cold.

And despite his fame, he kept to himself. What you didn’t notice was the subtle glances he kept sending you, the smile on his face when you wore his scarf. The stolen touches when teaching you how to get the correct brew.

Your nose was deep into the book you were reading you didn’t even notice Harry watching you from his broom.

In fact in was halfway through practice already when you finally looked up from the pages. And it was only because it had started to rain and your book was going to get wet.

You tucked your book into your coat and awkwardly ran down the stairs of the tent to run back to the castle…which was ages away.

“I’ll be right back” Harry told his team, squinting through the rain. He angled his broom downwards and zoomed through the entrance to the stadium, grabbing an umbrella in the process.

He quickly caught up to you on his broom and held the umbrella above you from his seat in the sky.

You looked up in confusion to see the boy on his broom above you sheltering from the rain.

You smiled. “Thank you Harry.”

Even those three basic words were enough to make him blush.

He put a hand by his eyebrows in attempt to block the water from his glasses.

He flew beside you as you walked, keeping you dry.

“What are you doing out at the quidditch field?” Harry asked.

“Trying to find a quiet place to read.” You replied blankly, still holding the book to your chest in attempt to save the pages.

Harry looked like he wanted to say something but he didn’t.

“What?” I asked.

“I know a place, by the lake…it’s quiet there. I can show you if you’d like…maybe you could read to me.” He stuttered.

I smiled. He was bright red and so was I.

“That- that would be nice.”

He smiled back and then to the floor. “That’s- good. Good that’s good.”

“I wouldn’t mind watching you practice though…” I spoke up, testing the water. Maybe Harry liked me….

He looked a bit shocked. “I’d like that. Great,” he smiled even wider.

When we arrived at the castle he hopped of his broom.

“Meet me here, noon, Tomorrow.” He said moving closer. “Bring a book,”

I blushed. And nodded.

He gave me a hug and said goodbye.

That same evening I was woken up by something I couldn’t see. That was until Harry took of his invisibility cloak

“Harry! What are you doing here?” I whisper, trying to open my eyes all the way, still half-asleep.

“I want to show you something.” He said.

“I’m in pyjamas.” I say, not that impressed with his timing. He seems to brush this off and shows me his pyjama pants.

I drag myself out of bed and follow him with my book in hand as per usual. Trying to fix my hair.

He leads me up a lot of stairs, hogwarts still feels so homey without the people all over the halls. Despite my asking he’s insisting it’s a surprise.

We reach the astronomy tower and he’s got the roof open and has placed down a blanket with cups of tea next to it.

I look up at him, feeling so special. He was so sweet. “Harry…this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.” I tell him and lean closer on my toes to kiss his cheek gently, brushing his other cheek with my hand.

“I-I couldn’t wait, to see you…I couldn’t wait until tomorrow.” He stutters, blushing like a mess.

I smile wider as we sit on the blanket and lie down looking at the stars. I’ve never seen them so bright.

Harry pretends to yawn to put his arm around my shoulders, I smile at how cheesy it is. It was kind of cute though.

I cuddle next to him and rest my head on his chest. I can almost hear his smile.

He takes my hand in his and immediately leans on his elbows.

“You’re freezing.” He lets out.

“I’m alright, really.” I tell him but it’s too late he’s already out of his quidditch jumper and handing it to me.

“Thank you.” I say softly and put it on.

We lean back to our original position.

“I like you a lot y/n.” He says, not nervous sounding anymore.

“I like you a lot too Harry. All of this means so much to me.” I reply and smile at him, lying on my side.

He sits up a little too and I don’t know who moved closer first but soon enough his lips were on mine and his hands were on my frostbitten cheeks. I placed a hand in his hair, almost wanting to pull him closer.

When the kiss finally broke we both just smiled, with a breathy laugh.

We watched the stars for hours until the sun began to rise.

“Read to me.” Harry whispered in my ear, stroking his fingers through my hair.

And I did, and he held onto every word.

#harry james potter x reader #harry james potter x reader fluff #harry potter x reader #harry potter #harry james potter #y/n #harry x reader #hogwarts oc #quidditch #gryffindor #female reader #x reader

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lemon-world1 · 1 year

Text

You're everything I never knew I needed. │Frank Castle x Fem!Reader

I’m fully aware of the inconsistency in my writing/posting. I’m even more aware that there are many similar fics, but... It’s never enough. I just had to. I’m a sucker for our boy Frankie taking care of his girl. Hope you’ll enjoy it!

pairing: frank castle x fem!reader

word count: 2k

warnings: swearing, mentions of blood, period pain

summary: Your period came unexpectedly just as Frank comes to see you after being away from NYC. It's pure fluff.

Not everyone can say they're friends with the most badass vigilante in New York City. You and Frank have forged an unbreakable bond over countless nights spent stitching up his bullet-ridden body. He'd crawl to your balcony like a wounded animal seeking shelter, and you'd nurse him back to health.

Your friendship was simple, you took care of him, and he took care of you. He'd fix things around your apartment, like the water heater that blew up or carry your groceries to your apartment. But it wasn't just his actions that spoke volumes. You could see something in his eyes when he looked at you - a hidden feeling.

Sometimes, Frank's PTSD would get the best of him, and he'd lash out at you. But you knew it wasn't his fault. You stood by him, no matter what because you knew what he went through. You were always there for him, no matter the cost.

You never told Frank how you felt about him, but you didn't need to. He knew, just like he knew, how much you meant to him.

...

It's been a while since you last saw Frank. He had told you he would be out of town for a bit, which left you stuck in your apartment with nothing but your thoughts and the TV. You'd become accustomed to being on call in case he needed you, causing you to lose touch with most of your so-called "friends." But you never gave a damn about them. Frank was the only one who mattered in the big apple.

You had expected tonight to be just another dull evening spent munching on chips and binge-watching another crime docu-series on Netflix. You had passed out in bed, cuddled under the blanket you used to cover Frank with after a long stitching-up session.

But at two a.m., you jolted awake to a familiar pain stabbing your gut. You didn't bother tracking your period calendar because you hadn't been with anyone for so long that you stopped caring about when it would come.

Shit. You cursed as you realized your bed was stained with blood.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuuuck. This can't be happening. Today was the day you had to pitch your new designs to your most critical client, and the last thing you wanted was to deal with the aftermath of a messy period. You had no time to wash your sheets, deal with the cramps, or even shower at this godforsaken hour.

You needed relief fast, but when you reached for your painkillers, you remembered giving them all to Frank when you stitched him up a few weeks ago. You searched through your first aid kit for anything to alleviate the pain, but in haste, you knocked the whole thing over, spilling everything onto the tiles.

Arrghhh. You were furious at this point, knowing the nightmare was just about to begin. Over the years, you had become used to being dependent on painkillers; otherwise, your period would kill you. Your ob-gyn had tried everything to ease the agony, but nothing worked, and contraception was out of the question. You always kept your prescription pills close by for emergencies, but not this time.

Forty-three minutes had passed, and you were already showered and dressed in fresh pyjamas. The sheets were washing, and a hot cup of chamomile tea sat on your nightstand. But the pain was creeping in, gnawing at you with every passing moment. All you wanted to do was wrap yourself in a fluffy blanket and forget about the world. You tossed and turned on the bed, but the pain persisted. At the realization that you probably wouldn't be fit to get up at 5 and get to work at all, you started panicking. How were you going to cancel the pitch?

My boss is going to fucking kill me.

Well, she might if your period doesn't kill you first. After another 20 minutes, your silent sobs turned into horrific cries from pain. And just when you thought things couldn't get worse, the familiar knock came.

Knock. Knock. You looked up and saw a hulking figure peeking through the curtains on your balcony. It was him.

You got up slowly, your feet planted on the ground as you made your way to the balcony door.

Frank knew something was wrong the moment he saw you. He could see the pain etched all over your face. Your puffy red eyes, thick, comforting blanket hugging your shoulders, and forearm holding your belly as if it offered support told him everything.

"Hey, baby girl," he said, his voice breaking as he saw you in such agony. "Is everything alright?"

You said nothing, still gazing at him, unable to process that he was really standing in front of you. His hand reached out, gently wiping away a tear from your cheek.

"Hi Frankie, uh... is something wrong? Are you hurt?" He couldn't believe your words. You were in obvious pain and still asked if he was okay. Another piece of his shattered heart glued together at the thought of your kindness.

His hand still on your cheek, he spoke again. "Nah, I just got back to the city. I drove by your buildin' and saw you were up. I figured I'd check up on ya," he said, his voice full of concern.

You cracked a smile, knowing that Frank was always looking out for you. He was the one person you could count on, no matter what.

A visible frown formed between his brows as he realized you were barely standing on your feet. Without warning, you wrapped your arms around his waist, burying your head in his chest. You were so small compared to him. He gently stroked your hair and held you tightly, feeling the heat radiating from your body. He knew something was wrong because you were never hot. He had felt your icy cold skin whenever he touched you, even during the hottest summer days. Without question, he lifted you in his arms and carried you across the room to your bed.

"Frankie, I'm cold," you said, your voice trembling.

"Shit. You might have a fever," he said, his face creased with worry. "Why you ain't wearin' no socks, baby girl?"

Usually, you would melt under his sweet nicknames, but you couldn't even blush right now. He reached for your sock drawer, pulling out the thickest and fluffiest pair of socks he could find. He gently put them on your feet, making sure they were snug.

"You take any painkillers yet?" he asked, his eyes scanning your face for any signs of relief.

You shook your head; you could barely speak at this point. Your body felt like it was being ripped apart, but you refused to give in. "I ran out of meds. Nothing I have is strong enough," you managed to say, gritting your teeth.

A loud scream left your mouth, making Frank sit beside you on the bed and instantly wrap his arms around you. He hugged you from behind, letting you weigh into him. One of his palms rested on your forehead, wiping your cold sweat from the burning skin, and the other squeezed your hand placed on your belly.

Frank's eyes narrowed as he watched you writhe in agony. "I gotcha," he said, his voice low. "Just tell me what you need."

You shook your head again, unable to focus. "Just stay," you pleaded.

"I'm not going anywhere," he whispered in your ear. "I'll take care of you."

Another hour passed. You still lay there, your body racked with pain. Frank did what he could to ease your suffering, but he knew it wasn't enough. You started to fall asleep but remembered you couldn't be late for work.

"Frankie?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you please set my alarm for 5:30 am? I can't be late; I'm pitching a new proposal to a client."

"Is that the big one you was tellin' me about last time?"

"Yeah, it's important," you mumbled again.

"I will." No, he won't. There's no chance you're going to work in such a state. When you finally fell asleep, he knew he couldn't let you go to work in the morning. He took your phone and dialled your boss's number.

You had her saved as "Your Highness," which always made Frank chuckle when you called her that.

Your boss picked up on the first ring. "Hi, it's good you're callin', the-" She started, but Frank interrupted her immediately.

"Mornin', ma'am. It's, ugh, Pete, actually. Sorry to bother you so early, but my girl won't be in today. She's, uh... under the weather," Frank said in a gruff voice.

"Oh dear, I hope she feels better soon. I was about to text her and tell her the client postponed last minute. She can take two days off; she hasn't used any sick days yet. Please give her my regards," the boss replied with concern.

"I will. She needs some rest. She'll call ya back when she can."

"Of course. Thank you for letting me know, Pete. She mentioned you a bunch of times. It's good she has someone to take care of her."

"'Course, ma'am."

Frank made one more quick phone call before he heard you moving. He rushed to you only to find you frantically searching for work clothes.

"Easy there, darlin'. Your presentation got postponed. You got two days off now."

"What? How?"

"I called your boss. Told her you were sick."

"You did what?!" You were surprised and angry.

"Relax. She said you could take your sick days. You go back to bed and get some rest."

"Really?" A huge weight just dropped off your shoulders. "Thank you, Frankie." You were relieved and grateful.

Ding. Dong.

"Who the hell is that?" you wondered aloud.

"Lemme get that. You go back to bed," Frank said, already halfway to the front door.

You were feeling better, but still in pain, so you crawled back to bed and waited for Frank.

"Who was it?" you asked, curious.

"Just a friend of mine," Frank replied as he handed you a package of pain meds. "A combat medic. He knows his way around this stuff."

"I thought you took care of the drug dealers, not became friends with them," you quipped, the first hint of humour in your voice all day.

Frank chuckled. "Anythin' for you, sweetheart."

You smiled at Frank, feeling grateful for his presence in your life.

You looked at him, trying to read his expression. "Frank, what does that mean? Anything for me?"

He hesitated for a moment as if weighing his words carefully. "It means I'll always be there for you, no matter what. I'll protect you, take care of you, and never let anythin' happen to you. You're important to me, more than you know."

You felt a warm sensation spread through your chest, and you couldn't help but smile. "You mean a lot to me too."

Your heart swelled with emotion as he leaned in and kissed you gently. "I'm not good with words, but I hope you understand," he whispered.

As Frank pulled away from the kiss, he looked at you with a tenderness that melted your heart. "You should rest," he said softly.

But you didn't want to be alone. "Will you stay with me?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course, darlin'," he replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

You shifted over in bed, making room for Frank to join you. As he settled in next to you, you snuggled up against his chest, feeling safe and protected.

"You know," you said after a few moments of silence, "I never expected to find someone like you."

Frank tightened his arm around you. "What do you mean?"

"I mean someone willing to go to such great lengths to take care of me and protect me. Someone so kind and gentle but also so strong and fierce. You're everything I never knew I needed."

Frank's lips curved into a soft smile. "I feel the same way, darlin'. You're the one thing that makes everything worth fighting for."

You sighed contentedly, feeling more at peace than you had in a long time. As you drifted off to sleep, wrapped in Frank's arms, you knew that no matter what the future held, you and Frank would face it together.

For years, Frank had been haunted by nightmares, unable to find solace in anything. But with you by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope that he hadn't felt in ages.

#frank castle x reader #frank castle fic #frank castle fluff #the punisher x you #the punisher #frank castle #frank castle imagine #jon bernthal #frank castle x f!reader #frank castle x you #marvels punisher

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anangelwhodidntfall · 1 year

Text

Beauty & The Beast: Ao'nung

Avatar Masterlist

word count: 900

Request: ok i would like to request an Aonung x sully!reader where it's kinda based on the song Beauty and the Beast. I just feel like it would be really cute and could the reader be Lo'ak's twin?

When you and your family first arrived at the reef you were met with a lot of stares and harsh words, especially from the Tsahìk who didn't want to let you guys stay because you had demon blood and weren't like them but thanks to her husband you guys were granted shelter and were promised that his kids would teach you how to swim.

Now Tsierya was so sweet and outgoing and very patient with you guys and you two were becoming fast friends and she was pretty sure she had a crush on your twin Lo'ak. Ao'nung, on the other hand, was very much like his mother, constantly reminding you guys how different you were and how you would never survive here, and him and his friends were relentless in teasing you guys.

You heard fighting as you were on your usual walk along the beach making you move closer as you saw your brothers and Ao'nung and his friends fighting each other with Kiri just standing there laughing.

"Come on guys break it up." You said trying to break the fight up.

"Stay out of this freak." One of them shouted at you.

You kept trying, making yourself roll your eyes at how stubborn they all were until you felt someone's elbow connect with your nose making you fall to the ground with a groan. Everyone stopped fighting to look at you sitting there holding your nose which was bleeding.

"Look at what you did!" Lo'ak said to Ao'nung who felt bad for what he did.

"Sis? Are you okay?" Neteyam asked crouching to your level as you shook your head no.

He scooped you into his arms calling over his Illu, before heading off toward the Tsahìk' mauri. Your parents were furious at what had happened, and so was Ao'nung's not believing you when you said it was an accident making you feel bad at the yelling he was getting.

A few days later you were sitting on the dock feeding your illu when you saw Ao'nung approaching you on his making you a little nervous.

"Hey, I just wanted to say sorry for breaking your nose, it wasn't intentional." He said sincerely.

"It's alright I know it was. I'm sorry you too." You said shocking him because why were you apologizing to him?

"Why are you apologizing? I'm the one who hit you." He asked you.

"Because I'm the reason you got chewed out by your parents, I tried to explain to them what happened but they wouldn't listen." You said.

"It's not your fault but I appreciate you saying that." He said to you.

From that day forward, you and Ao'nung became friends maybe a little close than that and he was definitely nicer to you and your siblings. After that incident, Ao'nung definitely saw you in a different light, all this time he had been too busy worrying about the difference between you two instead of the kind and beautiful girl that was in front of him the entire time.

"Hey y/n, hi Tuk." Ao'nung said making you look up from the sand castle that you guys were building.

"Hi Ao, would you like to join us? I'm helping Tuk build a sand castle." You said smiling up at him.

"I would love to." He said taking a seat next to you, already offering ways how to help make Tuk's castle better.

"Hey, where's your bracelet that you always wear?" He asked noticing that you didn't have it on today.

"Oh I lost it, I think it fell off somewhere and I haven't been able to find it." You said sadly as an idea occurred to Ao'nung.

Meanwhile back at your Mauri, your twin and dad were in shock at the scene before them, there you with Tuk laughing and smiling at something Ao'nung said. They looked at each other in shock there was no way this was happening, was there?

"So you and Ao'nung huh?" Lo'ak said the next morning during breakfast.

"So you and Tsierya huh?" You said looking at him while you ate making your other siblings laugh.

You were helping clean up after breakfast before you went about your day when your mom called you outside where you saw Ao'nung standing looking kinda nervous.

"Hey Ao, what brings you by?" You asked him.

"Hi, I umm know that you lost your original one so I tried to make you one that looks like it, I hope you like it." He said handing you a bracelet that looked exactly like the one you lost a few days ago.

"You made this?" You asked shocked at how identical it looked to your original one.

"Yeah I did, I know it's not the best but..." He started to say but was cut off by feeling you hug him.

"It's perfect, thank you." You said with a huge smile on your face as he hugged you back with a smile on his face.

Ao'nung swore from that moment forward he would do anything to see you smile like that and only for him. His heart belonged to you now, it was just a matter of time before you would be his officially.

#ao'nung fic #ao'nung x reader #ao'nung fluff #ao'nung oneshot #ao'nung x you #ao'nung xsully!family reader #aonung x sully!reader #aonung x reader #aonung imagine

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ellebakers · 8 months

Text

☆ Together.

• Harwin Strong x Reader

Summary : Daemon came to apologize but you chose Harwin.

Warning(s) : Language, angst.

It's part of "I am not an object"

Eight months, eight months ago you and Harwin fled towards the north, where Lord Cregan Stark sheltered you, Harwin as a knight and you, well you were not here as his wife because Harwin had not kept his promise.

Cregan Stark understood the situation between you and the knight very well, and in order not to draw too much attention to you, he hired you as a servant.

What pissed you off the most wasn't your status, it was the promise Harwin hadn't kept, and a little voice telling you something fishy was going on, and lord, you weren't not ready for what was going to happen.

You were looking for fresh vegetables at the market when something in the sky caught your attention, a dragon.

Daemon's dragon

Your blood ran cold, you knew that Daemon knew that you had moved north, since Cregan had been very clear that he didn't want to take sides and that if Daemon asked him, he would say where you were.

The dragon flew to the castle and for the first time in months, you didn't want to go back to the warmth of the castle, but it was getting late and you had to bring back your shopping.

You swallowed your saliva and set off for the castle where there was surely yet another problem..

You were sneaking quietly into the castle to avoid being seen, not even by Harwin, when a guard came towards you, clearly embarrassed, he didn't meet your gaze.

“Lady Y/n, Lord Cregan Stark requests your presence in the great hall.”

You didn't try to avoid the situation by claiming an emergency in the kitchen, you placed your basket filled with vegetables on the floor and nodded.

The guard accompanied you to the large room then left you alone to face the three men. Cregan, Harwin and Daemon.

It had been months since you had seen him and you felt stupid, because the last time you saw him you had said that you would marry Harwin, but now you just find yourself being his mistress, exactly like with the prince.

You bowed down in front of the men and rather than looking up at them you decided to keep your gaze on the ground.

“Lady Y/n, I summoned you because Prince Daemon is the bearer of news.”

You closed your eyes and stopped breathing, what news ?

Was he going to marry Rhaenyra ?

Was she pregnant with his child ?

Is Alicent in danger ?

As if hearing your thoughts, Daemon spoke.

“I came to inform you that the princess delivered a son last night.”

Out of the corner of your eye you saw Harwin stiffen. Still without looking up you nodded. “Congratulations my prince.”

Daemon approached you and with his index finger, he lifted your face to see your eyes, eyes he had dreamed of for months.

The knight stepped forward seeing Daemon touch you.

"Prince Daemon, please don't touch my-"

"Your what? Wife ? I don't see any rings and Lord Cregan never informed me of your wedding."

Once again, you felt stupid. Daemon was right, and you hated it.

“Our lives are none of your business, my prince.” He spat out the blonde's title.

Daemon gave him a devilish smile.

"Oh but I guess it's my business, since we're a big family now." His comment made you react. "What do you mean ?"

Harwin grew more and more agitated, and Daemon smiled more and more. “He didn’t tell you anything, did he ?”

You gave Harwin a questioning look, who avoided meeting your eyes.

“Let me enlighten you Y/n. Your so-called lover here.” Daemon walked behind you and brushed some hair from your neck to rest his chin on it, he inhaled your scent and let out a groan.

“The man who took you from me eight long months ago, pretending to love you and marry you, is.”

He paused for what seemed like hours before continuing, "The child's father."

His words stabbed you as your vision blurred with tears. "And, you deserve to know that he is also the father of Rhaenyra's other children."

A silence fell as you looked at Harwin, begging to deny his rumors, but he didn't as tears streamed down his face.

You bit your lip to keep yours from leaking, but Daemon had a dagger stuck in you and he turned it just to torture you. "That's why he still hasn't married you. Not only has he fucked the princess more than once while he pretended to love you, but he obviously doesn't have the balls to make a choice."

"ENOUGH !" You, Harwin and Daemon jumped as Lord Cregan raised his voice.

“I wish, Prince Daemon, that you would let go of this woman.” You felt a weight lift as he let go of you and you thanked Cregan with a look, his eyes softened and he nodded slightly in your direction. “Lady Y/n, I think it’s best for you to go and rest.” Harwin walked towards you but was interrupted again. "Alone."

You bowed down again and rushed out of the room, letting tears escape.

Once in your room you lay down on your bed to try to catch your breath and calm down but it was without counting on the echoes of the previous conversation which resonated in your mind, and hearing Daemon's words, seeing Harwin's shameful face, tears flowed again, it was only after emptying your body of tears that you fell down from fatigue.

A hand on your shoulder woke you up, a little disoriented you rubbed your eyes to see who had come to wake you up, and your heart bled again when you saw Harwin.

His eyes were red, probably from crying.

“Y/n.” He whispered, gently caressing your cheek. His touch burned you and you pushed him, standing up abruptly. "Do not touch me."

"Explain what exactly ? How you fucked your princess ? More than once obviously. Even when you were courting me ! Or do you want to explain to me how you humiliated me."

He approached you but you stepped back, raising your finger to warn him not to move, he lowered his head and sat down on the bed. “I never wanted to hurt you, or even humiliate you.”

“But you did it!”

"I know" His voice broke into sobs "If only you knew how stupid I feel.”

You swallowed and nodded. "Not as much as me."

You turned and was about to leave your room when he got down on his knees. “Y/n, please don’t leave me.”

You closed your eyes, hand on the door handle.

“Give me just one good reason to stay.”

"Marry me."

You turned abruptly towards him. "Are your fucking kidding me ? you're asking me to marry you just because I just learned that your slut gave birth to a bastard."

You knew it wasn't right to say such things, but honestly you didn't give a damn anymore, and Harwin understood that.

“No, I’m asking you to marry me because I love you.” His voice was no more than a whisper as he cried again.

Seeing him in such a state broke your heart, but he had betrayed you. In a calm voice you knelt down in front of him. “You hurt me, you lied to me, our relationship is based on a lie, how do you want to build something solid on that?”

You let him grab your hands. "I know we can do this, together. Y/n I only slept with her because you were with Daemon, it's you I love. I've loved you since the first day I had you seen. And kill me right now if I can't spend the rest of my life with you."

He put his hand in his pocket and took out a small velvet box, he gave it to you and released your hands.

You stood there for a few seconds, not understanding what was happening, then you opened the box slightly and a gasp escaped you.

It was a gold ring, a rose was forged on it and a red stone was placed in the center. Tears began to flow down your face. “Harwin it is.” He nodded. "An engagement ring."

You placed the box on the floor beside you and grabbed his face. “Harwin, I need you to be honest with me.” The knight drowned in your eyes and nodded. “Are you only asking for my hand because of what I just learned?”

He shook his head vigorously. "No, I promise. I love you Y/n, it took me months to get this ring, that's why I didn't ask you before, because I wanted everything to be Perfect."

"Okay, now tell me. Do you have feelings for her?"

Once again he shook his head. “No, but I have for my children.”

You took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand."

Harwin took a deep breath in turn. "I hurt you, I know it. I should have told you about my affair with the princess before we even left together, but I want you to know that it's you who occupies my thoughts from morning until evening and even at night. You are the only woman for whom my heart beats, there is only you in my eyes. And if you no longer want me I would understand, but Please don't leave me with no answers, I would rather be hanged."

You leaned back slightly and grabbed the velvet box then handed it back to him, Harwin felt his heart tear as he expected you to say no.

"If you want me to marry you, you should probably put this ring on my finger Ser Harwin Strong."

The knight felt warmth invade him as he hastened to put the ring on you, then once he was sure it was going, he pressed his lips against yours while crying. “I love you I’m so sorry.”

"I love you too."

#house of the dragon #ser harwin strong x reader #harwin strong x reader #ser harwin strong #ser harwin x reader #harwin strong

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linkemon · 2 months

Text

Metanoia (Howl x Reader)

Friendly reminder that English is not my first language. You can check my Masterlists both in English and Polish here. Consider supporting me on Ko-fi. You can also check out my commissions if you're interested.

Other oneshots can be found here.

ʜᴏᴡʟ ᴛʀɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ғᴏʀɢᴇᴛ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ ᴡʜᴏ ᴛᴜʀɴᴇᴅ ʜɪs ʟɪғᴇ ᴜᴘsɪᴅᴇ ᴅᴏᴡɴ. ᴜɴғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴀᴛᴇʟʏ, ɪᴛ ᴛᴜʀɴs ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪᴛ ɪs ɴᴏᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ sɪᴍᴘʟᴇ. ᴇsᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀʏ sʜᴇ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀs ɪɴ ʜɪs ᴄᴀsᴛʟᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ…

ᴏɴᴇsʜᴏᴛ ɪs ɪɴsᴘɪʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʙᴏᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀɴɪᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ. ɪ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ ᴛʜɪs ᴏᴜᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ʜᴏᴡʟ ɪs ᴘᴏʀᴛʀᴀʏᴇᴅ ᴠᴇʀʏ ᴅɪғғᴇʀᴇɴᴛʟʏ ɪɴ ʙᴏᴛʜ ᴠᴇʀsɪᴏɴs.

Howl spun his dance partner around to the music. Step by step they followed the other couples. The glow of the lanterns was reflected in her eyes. Her hair danced in the cool air. Her lips were slightly parted. She inhaled sharply. Every now and then she burst into laughter. She tried to shout over the singing crowd in the town square. She fell under the spell of Market Chipping. Nothing unusual. She probably never stuck her nose out beyond this point. Most of the people around them had spent their entire lives here. They weren't like him. They couldn't just drop everything at will and move with all their belongings. It was not every day that they had the opportunity to celebrate. Especially in the dangerous times ahead.

He knew what was coming next. She stared at him like he was the whole world. He should be satisfied. And yet, for some reason, this adulation irritated him. He didn't deserve her. And besides, SHE never showed it as openly as this woman did.

The lace dress swirled. The material fluttered as a strong wind blew up. They didn't feel cold. The dancing lasted all evening. He knew it would start raining soon. The first drops had already reached his hair. The woman's touch was foreign. He tried not to think about it but the thought kept pushing itself into his head. She smelled different. Not as he would have liked. She moved in a strange way. Something was missing. He realized painfully that she was different. She moved her lips closer. He let her place a kiss on his cheek. Only one. Something seemed to stir inside him but not as it should. Maybe it's guilt? He gave his heart to a demon a long time ago. Calcifer was far away. He couldn't check it. He probably wouldn't have told him anything anyway.

She moved closer again. He didn't let her continue and pushed her away. Gently. She took a few steps towards him but he gently slapped her hand away. She looked at him reproachfully. She disappeared somewhere in the crowd of a thousand people. Everyone was running away from the rain. They covered their heads with their hands or newspapers. They ran as quickly as possible to take shelter under the roofs. He was the only one walking at a normal pace. Water was pouring into his collar but he didn't care. He took the guitar that he had left at the inn earlier. Immediately afterwards, he disappeared behind the alley of a colourful tenement house. He could conjure an umbrella. Even change the weather if he really wanted to but for what? He somehow liked the concept of getting wet. He followed the path leading to the Wasteland. Here the wind was tugging at his coattails. Pink and gray rhombuses wanted to fly away somewhere far away towards the lavender fields. He should be angry. Something squelched in the shoes. He could barely make out the blurry castle in the fog. Blond hair stuck to her face. He brushed them away every now and then with patient movements.

He placed his hand where the heart should be. Something hurt there. For a long time. Did he really feel something or was it just his imagination? That evening confirmed his belief that he hadn't made it all up. When SHE lived with him, everything around her seemed to come to life. He felt like singing and dancing whenever he saw her. She seemed to draw out reactions from him that he lacked. He tried because she wasn't satisfied when he didn't give his all. Howl spent time with her. She seemed to rediscover life with him. Even these seemingly simple things. She didn't accept his complaining. She stood by him when he called for the shadows. Now there's nothing left of it. Since she was gone, the days had become gray streaks. Each one similar to the previous one. Jenkins, Pendragon, Sorcerer, Wizard, Magician, Apprentice of Suliman, Servant of the King, Demon. He played so many roles and was fed up with all of them. The one person for whom he was always only Howl was gone. He didn't realize how dependent he had become on her until she disappeared.

Howl pushed the wooden door open. A pleasant warmth enveloped him. Something pulled at his gold necklace. The same one he received from her as a gift. Sapphire pulsed slightly. This made him open his eyes wider. He looked up and saw this one person he never expected to see again. For a moment he was unable to move. The puddle outside the doorway grew and grew, staining the floor. And he still didn't get it.

She promised she would come back. But he didn't believe her. After all, why would she do that? He's already taught her most of the things. She was so good at magic that she didn't need him at all. She could find a decent house, set up a business and meet someone. That last thought particularly annoyed him but she had every right to do so. In the end, they promised each other nothing. They didn't even talk about what actually connected them.

— Welcome home, [Reader] — he simply said, sitting down in the chair across from Calcifer.

This was, is and will be her home. That's what he told her the last time they saw each other. Did she still remember that?

The woman nodded, smiling slightly. But then she seemed to remember something and smile faded away. Markl didn't seem to notice anything. The boy showed her all the new spells he learned during her absence. She was rufflling his brown hair again and again, praising him for how much he had grown. She talked about her travels, taking out souvenirs from her bag. Ingaria was huge and it took her months to explore so many corners of the world. She travelled with everyone. By carriages, trains, cars, airships and on foot. More than one adventure has made a child's blood run cold. But then she would add an anecdote or a joke to make him laugh.

— I heard you were at the festival today — she said casually to her former master.

— You're right. — He held the look she gave him. Her piercing gaze told him everything. She knew why he was at Market Chipping. How? It didn't matter much.

He suppressed the strange feeling rising inside him. He regretted going there but she didn't need to know that. Or how much he missed her all this time. That at night he dreamed that she was close again, or that he planted lilies of the valley in the garden just to feel the scent she always carried behind her again. So he kept a straight face adorned with a small smile and announced that he would make dinner.

The fire demon looked at him scoldingly. Its flames danced accusingly. He knew what he meant. After all, he once took his heart. He knew him best and understood what was happening to him.

— Howl, cheek — he hissed quietly, sighing dramatically.

The blonde rubbed the indicated spot. Trace of red lipstick. Great. He wondered what she thought of him. If she even wondered about him at all... But why else would she have asked him the previous question?

Unfazed, he reached for the eggs. Plus a few slices of bacon. His signature dish. If you can even call a simple meal that. Calcifer eagerly ate the shells. To the accompaniment of complaints, he graciously agreed to put a frying pan on it. The pleasant smell of food lured the woman and the boy to the table. They had to clear away books, scrolls and potions. There was barely enough space to put dirty plates on it.

[Reader] complained about the condition of the castle. Dust, cobwebs and a pile of junk. He tried to defend himself. Deep in his heart, however, he agreed that she was right. Since the day she left, there has been chaos here. Marek somehow fought it at first. After a few days, however, he gave up. Seeing his master's condition, he instinctively followed his example. Howl knew he was responsible for this child but he couldn't bring himself to do anything. He denied all the changes for the better that the woman had introduced. He stopped cleaning, left the work in the hands of the student and disappeared for days at a time. Her absence caused him to completely fall apart. He went back to being the worst version of himself. He hated himself for it.

And now she saw who he really was. There was evidence everywhere. He couldn't stand that scolding look. Halfway through the seemingly cheerful dinner, he stood up and reached for a thick book. He read the spell from the old assignment over and over again. He pretended not to be interested in the other two's conversation. But im reality, something inside him was screaming. It rose towards her like a sapphire from a necklace. He hadn't been this close in a long time. She was sitting right next to him. At his fingertips. How many times had he dreamed about this? How he thought about what he could do then? And now she was home again and he had absolutely no idea what to do. Even if he looked composed on the outside.

He looked out the window. The rain didn't stop. He was stumbling mercilessly. Even if she wanted to leave, she would have at least spend this night here. But what next? Maybe she's only here in passing. She came to visit them and is about to disappear again. She will disappear like the mist that hides the The Waste. Or worse, it will all turn out to be just a beautiful dream. Howl will open his eyes in a moment. He will put his feet on the cold floor and she will be gone. He will only have what he has always had left. A pile of objects that he carried into the room one by one to occupy his attention. A colourful ball that reflected light in the glass on the ceiling because she didn't like the dark. An old, worn-out, golden gramophone. They listened to music together. Stacks of books covered with dust. Her favourites were on top. She left handwritten notes in them. When he read to them, he felt like he was one step closer to her. Masks from playing at Market Chipping, feathers from wild birds they watched together, a stuffed mascot and thousands of other things. All this helped him sleep when he lay in bed, tired from working for the king. There he pushed the images of war away from his mind. He tried to forget about the explosions, destruction and victims. Lilies of the valley by the bed drove away all evil, even if only for a moment. They smelled sweet like her. He could imagine himself lying right next to her. She brushes his hair from his forehead again, whispering soft, soothing words. She playfully tries on his emerald earrings, bursting into soft laughter. They talk about what happened all day. Seemingly nothing special. And then she slowly leaves, wishing him goodnight and he sleeps peacefully until morning. He hasn't felt peace in so long...

— Mark, it's time for bed. — The woman pushed him lightly towards the stairs.

— Just a moment — the boy begged, looking at her pleadingly.

— No discussion — she said, seeing that he wanted to protest.

He glanced uncertainly at her and then at the teacher. Then he cast a quick glance towards the demon. The flame tilted towards him knowingly. The student put his hands behind his back but everyone in the room could tell he was nervous.

— Are you staying with us? — he asked, looking at the floor.

The question rang in Howl's ears. This was what he also wanted to know.

— I don't know exactly for how long but I'm staying — [Reader] said calmly. — Now go to sleep.

Delighted, Markl ran to her and quickly hugged her. Then, as if embarrassed by this gesture, he ran up the stairs. The sound of his footsteps faded away. All that remained was the crackle of the fire in the fireplace. There was an awkward silence.

— I think we need to talk — [Reader] said after a while.

The man nodded.

— Don't mind me — Calcifer hissed. - I'll turn around and it'll be almost as if I wasn't there!

They would certainly not find peace with him. Discretion was not in his vocabulary.

— I think we'll leave after all — Howl said.

He turned the doorknob. The color pink meant a garden. He offered [Reader] his arm. She hesitated for a moment but eventually accepted the offer.

— Come on... I wanted to hear it — the demon growled dissatisfied as they walked through the door.

It never rained in this place. A warm, calm evening. As always. The pools of the lakes reflected the starlight. They walked together through the soft, light, green grass. The woman looked around the area. Not much has changed here. Actually nothing. Except for the lilies of the valley. She looked at them for a moment. He saw it. The only flowers that ever interested her. He just planted them.

He sealed his fate here long ago. Who would he be now if he hadn't caught a shooting star that fateful night? Would he still practice magic? He might not be a wizard at all. He regretted what he had done in his youth. The contract took his heart. It wasn't that he was completely devoid of feelings and emotions but something was missing. He was painfully aware of this. Some part of him that would make him feel completely human again. The worst thing was that it hadn't bothered him at all before. It was only when [Reader] came into his life that he realized how many things he didn't have or couldn't do. His love has always been and will always be incomplete.

— So… — he began, staring at the lake. — How long will you stay?

— I've already answered that I don't know. It depends. — The woman shrugged slightly.

— On what? — Howl continued. This was the moment he had been waiting for since he saw her at the castle today. He had to know the answers.

— On you. — She looked straight at him.

— I told you once. This is your home and you can always come back to it. I still stand by it.

— You know that's not what I mean. — She raised an eyebrow. — I'm waiting for you to tell me something.

— Like what? — asked the man.

— You know well — she said with a smile. — That you're sorry. That you love me. That you want me to stay because you care — she concluded.

The wind gently moved her dress. She stood on a hill among the lilies of the valley, the constellations reflected in her eyes. He could have sworn that he had never wanted anything more in his life than for them to stay like this until the end of time.

She was right. He knew it. And yet it was so difficult to express everything he wanted. How on earth did it come so easily to her?

— I am a monster. — That was all he could manage to say.

Black feathers appeared for a moment and then disappeared. He hated this monster. A big, heavy bird. The perfect and deadly weapon. Sent to the front to fight the enemy. There were also people on the other side of the barricade. Ordinary civilians, wanting to survive like him. Soldiers who had families they wanted to return to. Even if he didn't kill them, he contributed to it. If he didn't fight, he was a coward. If he fought, he was almost a murderer.

One day he will overdo it. He will use up too much magic. And then he will remain in this hideous form forever. Until the end of his days.

— That's true, but it doesn't mean I look at you differently. I already know that.

— I meant monster in the second sense too. I'm a terrible teacher for Markl. I'm setting a bad example for him. And I can't take care of my own castle. Since you've been gone, everything has been in ruins. — He took a deep breath. — And I used a woman today to forget about you.

— I was there. — It shocked him. — Why did you push her away? — [Reader] asked.

She had to use seven-mile boots. There was no other way she could have made it back to the castle before him. She took the prototype a long time ago and he hasn't seen them since. He didn't think they would last this long. And he certainly didn't expect her to take them on a trip.

— Because she wasn't you. I only love you and no one will ever replace you. Even if I didn't realize it. — Howl locked eyes with her for the first time that evening.

He could finally look her in the eyes without a trace of shame. That's what it was. The feeling he had found so difficult to name all this time. Even if he felt love, he didn't want to admit it. He also let go of his guilt. The ballast accumulated over such a long time disappeared as if by magic.

She stared at him expectantly. He knew she was waiting for the last words. She wouldn't be herself if she didn't want to see it through to the end and have her own way.

— I wish you would stay. — The man gave up. — I will change. I promise.

He placed his forehead against hers. She smelled like all the lilies of the valley around them. He stroked her hand and kissed it. He felt like he didn't deserve more yet. He'll work for it. He will make amends. He will become a better person. And then he will be worthy enough.

— Then I guess I have no choice. You're stuck with me. — Her laughter echoed throughout the starry garden.

Howl grabbed the place where the heart should be. He couldn't feel his pulse under his shirt. After all, many years ago, he gave up everything he was. And yet he lived.

This time he didn't need Calcifer to know what was inside him. He was still human. Looking at [Reader], he was sure of it.

#howl x reader #howl's moving castle #howls moving castle #howl no ugoku shiro #reader #oneshot #character study #studio ghibli #fem reader

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hanafubukki · 5 months

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Rereading book 7 translation and it just dawned to me (pun not intended) that Malleus' reaction to seeing baby Silver was "naked monkey".

Naked monkey.

And you know which one is the famous Disney naked monkey? Tarzan. Amazing how the writers manage to slot a reference in this scene. *Two Worlds playing as bgm*

Hello Anonie 🌻💚🌷

Anonie, I hope you know that you chose one of my favorite moments in chapter 5 and one of my favorite Disney movies. How can I not ramble?? You have opened Pandora’s box.

I have seen several tls that have Malleus referring to Silver in different ways? Naked Monkey was one of the first I saw. But also “he’s different, he’s weird, he”s ugly?”

Suffice to say, Malleus has never seen a human before, and possibly, a baby. (If we follow usual fae lore, it’s harder for them to have children but this was never mentioned in twst)

(But I’ll refer to this tls )

Anyways, Malleus looks at this baby who’s crying. And he hums a lullaby. Not just any lullaby, but the lullaby his mother and Lilia hummed to him when he was an egg.

The true love lullaby that we keep hearing throughout the chapters. This lullaby thats always conveying the love the characters have for each other.

Just like Lilia, Malleus also loves Silver, at first sight you can even say. Something that deep and comforting to him, he was able to dig up after centuries of not hearing it.

Silver says it’s a lullaby that he’s heard since he was a child, and if Malleus couldn’t recall it, it means he hasn’t heard it since he hatched.

But then you have Malleus Draconia, who hasn’t heard it in so damn long, hum this lullaby. To Silver?? How can that not be love? Something that comforted him as an egg, he used to comfort a crying silver, and I just 🥹🥹

And then you have Tarzan, Tarzan about a human trying to fit in. Tarzan, a movie about two seperate worlds meeting and realizing, in the end of the day, we are not so different after all. (You know how humans and fae are not so different)

A movie where a mother raised and loved a human, and that human who always loved the family he grew up in.

A movie where Tarzan learns about his roots, and despite it all, he chooses to stay with his family.

Just, Anonie, can you see?? What I am talking about??

And then you have the songs “Two Worlds”

Put your faith in what you most believe in

Two worlds, one family

Trust your heart

Let fate decide

To guide these lives we see

Is this not Diasomnia coded?

Beneath the shelter of the trees

Only love can enter here

A simple life, they live in peace

Can you see?? The cottage where not Lilia and Silver lived, but the place where Sebek trained. The place that was Malleus’ haven, where he helped raised Silver.

This cottage filled with love.

Two worlds, one family

Also, how can I not mentioned my other favorite song:

“You’ll Be in My Heart”

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

This song is such a Lilia to Malleus and Silver coded song and you don’t understand 😭😭

“You’ll always be in my heart, no matter what they say.”The way the senate tries to seperate Malleus and Lilia 😭😭 but Lilia will always love him. “I will protect you from all around you, just take my hand and hold it tight” the way he kept telling Malleus to hold on and to come out and how he’ll give his everything to him, so don’t cry and you’re not alone anymore. He always thought of Malleus during trips and brought back gifts. He learned to enjoy food because he enjoyed the way Malleus ate.

And then we have Silver, Lilia found a baby in this abandoned castle and chooses to love him. He didn’t know how to raise a human, but he made the choice. He raised that baby, loved him, and trained him. It was always in his actions. Lilia says he would give strength to break a curse and that’s what he did. He held that hand and gave him protection. Don’t you cry, to the baby who woke up and how he’ll always be in his heart. And how when Silver realized his father loved him, he also heard his father’s voice.

(I had soundtrack playing all day 🥹😭)

Thank you for sending this in Anonie 🌻🌺🌷

#answered #anonie ask #sorry for the weird format on tumblr mobile and for some reason lyrics are always weird when you copy and past it on here #hahahah dawned #I love those puns #diasomnia #twst book 7 #lilia vanrouge #malleus draconia #twst silver #twisted wonderland silver #silver vanrouge #twst Lilia Vanrouge #twst malleus draconia #twst character analysis

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charliedawn · 2 years

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Morpheus x Reader

Synopsis : You are planning on asking Dream to marry you and rehearsing all the best ways to do it—only for Dream to hear you. Enjoy.

"...Dream of the Endless. No. Too formal. Hum..", you mumbled to yourself while walking up and down the corridor. You tried to find the right way to address the Dream Lord who you were about to ask a very important question to, but it was hard. Nobody knew how to talk to Dream. And even after all those years beside him—it was impossible for you to find the right way.

"..Dream ? Yeah. No. Maybe...Morpheus ? What would he prefer ? Does he even have a preference ?!" You even had trouble finding the right title. To you, he had always been Dream. But, to everyone else ? He was the King of a realm you couldn't even begin to grasp the immensity of. He was powerful. Powerful enough to move mountains and shape the minds of billions of people..He wasn't simple. And, maybe was it the reason he had chosen you ? You were simple. Your mind was an open book to him. He knew its every nook and crevice. Because everything that made you special or anything out of the ordinary came from your dreams.

You kept to yourself and didn't dare meet the gaze of any of the creatures roaming the castle and busy with their daily tasks. You had a task of your own to apply yourself to, but whenever you would try to find the right words—those two gorgeous ocean eyes would come haunt you and freeze all coherent thinking out of your head. How did one propose to the Lord of the Dreaming ? Master of Nightmares and Dreams ?

How did one propose to Morpheus ?

It was a difficult task, and even though you wanted nothing more than to rush to the library and ask Lucienne for help, you knew you had to do this on your own. Morpheus was ethereal—beautifully so. He had a castle. Subjects. Magic..He didn't technically need you—but he had still chosen you to remain by his side. So long had past since your first meeting with the Dream Lord—and yet—you still had trouble talking casually with him. You were at a loss for words every time he graced you with his presence.

But, you had to do it. You had never been so sure of anything in your life. Today was the day.

"Morpheus. Dream of the Endless. Would you..I mean..If you'd do me the honor of accepting to..?..No ! Not like that !", you yelled out of frustration and earned yourself a couple of confused and concerned stares from the different people surrounding you.

You suddenly felt very embarrassed and decided to find shelter in a more secluded place to continue your internal debate. You then took the direction of your bedroom for some peace and quiet—knowing Morpheus wouldn't return from his trip to his sister's realm for another day or two. It left you just enough time to be prepared and find the perfect words.

You took a big breath and couldn't help but pick at the beds of your fingernails while pondering on the final draft—the final question that would get past your lips in his presence. You wanted it to be perfect—just as perfect as him..

"Could you marry me, please..?", you asked with just the right amount of desperation to show your terrible fear of rejection. You were on the verge of tears and pictured Morpheus actually saying no. The walls would shake. His unforgiving eyes would glare dagger at you. His red lips would turn into a dark scowl. You wanted him. So badly. But truth was, you had noticed how he had seemed so distant from you the past few months..You were scared he might have grown bored of you—or worse, found someone else.

You didn't even hear yourself utter out loud—your voice a mere whisper as you tried not to think of all the hurtful things he could do to you..He was the only being in the universe you had ever really felt at home with. You loved him, and it was high time he knew just how much.

He would hear your feelings.

Even if it was your last day in the Dreaming.

"Morpheus. Dream of the Endless. Love of my life. Would you marry me ?", you finally settled for those words with your eyes closed and imagined Morpheus standing there—an indescribable expression on his face. But, after some time, a small smile crept on his face and he parted his pretty lips to utter one word.

"Yes."

Your eyes snapped open, as that yes was far too real to just be a fruit of your wild imagination. You turned around swiftly and your eyes widened at the sight of the object of all your desires and affection standing before you. You hadn't even heard him come in !

"You...should have knocked.", you stated—too stunned by his mere presence to say anything else. You just couldn't believe he was here. You hoped it wasn't some cruel joke of one of the Nightmares..You stayed frozen for a while and neither you or Morpheus seemed to know what to say next. Finally, Morpheus decided to end your suffering and break the agonizing silence.

"My apologies. Should I re-enter then ?", he asked and turned slightly to the door—showing he had every intention to do just that. But, you quickly shook your head and grabbed his hand.

"No. No ! I just...Really ?" You uttered that last word in such disbelief—it brought amusement in Morpheus' eyes. However, he remained silent and it took a moment or two for him to speak again.

"Why yes..I would get out and re-enter again—with knocking this time—if you'd wish ?"

You let out a small huff before shaking your head again. He was doing it on purpose. He wanted you to say it. You indulged.

"No. Not that. The other thing. You..You really want to marry me ?"

A heavy silence settled between the both of you at your question and Morpheus seemed to ponder for a second or so—probably to taunt you.

"May I give you my answer now ?", he finally asked and you nodded.

"S..Sure. Please. One more time."

He smiled tenderly at your endearing overwhelmed expression and took a step forward.

"I..."

He took another step.

"...do."

You burst into tears of joy and tried to wipe them away unsuccessfully. You then wrapped your arms around his shoulders and peppered his face with kisses—ignoring the way he groaned in fake annoyance under the attack.

"I love you. So much.", you laughed and even though tears strained your cheeks, you had never felt happier in your life as Morpheus chuckled—his chest rumbling from the action as you pressed yourself closer against him.

"...I would certainly hope so.", he playfully replied and you didn't answer. You were in another land—another universe..You had reached the summum of bliss and refused to return to the land of the simple living.

But then, a thought came to your mind as you asked.

"Say..Why did you come back so early from your trip ?"

Morpheus hummed softly to himself before finally confessing.

"I..was actually asking for my sister's advice on how to propose to you. She wasn't exactly clear. She said to 'follow my heart'. And somehow ? It led me back directly to you.."

Well—If that wasn't romantic, and an excellent way to tease Morpheus for centuries to come..Morpheus then reached for something in his pocket and when you saw the ring in his hand—you suddenly ran out of breath. It was beautiful. It was all so.. Morpheus. The dark ring was made out of black matter and you could see little dark purple stones floating around it. You laughed to yourself and Morpheus gave you a quizzical look.

"...Are you alright ?", he asked—a little worried at your euphoria, even though overjoyed himself. You then took out the ring you had chosen for him—with the same exact pattern and the corners of his lips curved up slightly.

"...Great minds think alike.", you mused and Morpheus tilted his head to kiss your forehead tenderly.

"You have the most wonderful mind I have ever seen..", he admitted and you chuckled. To think you had worried about him growing bored of you...You should have known Morpheus would never do that to you—because he had fallen in love with your mind before you had even physically met.

"Likewise, dear Dream of mine.", you mused and Morpheus smiled. He leaned forward for a kiss, but you shook your head and pulled away from his embrace.

"You still haven't answered my question. Do you really wish to spend the rest of your days with little old me ?", you taunted and Morpheus restrained an eye roll, as if the answer wasn't obvious..

"...Yes."

The moment he finally said it, you grinned widely and wrapped your arms around his neck and finally kissed him, making sure to make a mess of his already dark curls running wild.

"...I love you..", you whispered in his ear and Dream smiled before nuzzling your cheek and you could have sworn hearing him purr appreciatively.

"Me too, my little dreamer. Now, and always."

You laughed and tried not to sound too dejected at the thought of eternity. You weren't eternal. Your love would last long after your disappearance however, but you hoped his would last as long.

"Always is a long time..", you playfully reminded him—but Morpheus remained dead serious as he replied sternly.

"There is another reason I came to my sister."

You peered up at him with a quizzical expression and Dream smiled fondly down at you, his fingers tracing the side of your face tenderly.

"My love...How would you like to be immortal ?", he asked and your eyes widened significantly.

"Wait...Like Hob ?"

Morpheus smiled and nodded.

"Yes. I managed to reach an agreement with my sister to extend your life expectancy..indefinitely."

You felt tears in your eyes and your heart swelled with love for the being that was willing to argue with Death on your behalf. You stood up on your tiptoes and kissed his lips.

"...Dream of the Endless. I do not deserve such gift, but if it means spending more time with you ? Then, call me selfish. For I will accept this gift with open arms."

You felt Morpheus' smile against your lips and he held you a little closer. He would never call you that, for it would admit his own selfishness.

And Dream didn't like to admit his weaknesses.

He wasn't about to lose you to his sister, and he would make a deal with Lucifer themselves to keep you by his side.

"....So, did you ask Hob to be your witness already ?"

Morpheus let out a low growl from within his chest, one that you recognized as a reluctant admission and you chuckled knowingly. Figures.

You wondered if Lucienne was available ?

#fandoms #imagine #fanfic #morpheus x reader #dream x reader #dream of the endless #morpheus sandman x reader

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shadowisles-writes · 5 months

Text

Innocent (Part 1) [Elucien]

A/N: Here is the first part of my gift to @kingofsummer93 for the ACOTAR gift exchange <3 A big thank you to everyone behind @acotargiftexchange, this is always one of the loveliest events of the year!

Summary: Lucien had always thought his life would be normal—or as normal as it could be growing up in a werewolf hunting family. All it took was one full moon for the truth to unravel in front of him and force him to make hard decisions. His fate was forever changed, and no amount of trying running from it could prevent it from catching up to him.

Huge thanks to @rosanna-writer for the beta <3

Read on AO3

And here I sit alone behind walls of regret Falling down like promises that I never kept - Castles Crumbling, Taylor Swift ft. Hayley Williams

6 years ago - Elain

Elain ran through the field with a shriek. The teenage boy with shoulder-length red hair chased after her, laughing as his longer legs easily caught up with her. His arms wrapped around her and Elain stumbled, unable to slow to a stop. The weight of his body and his own speed drove her off balance, and they collapsed in the grass together.

“You’re going to ruin my skirt again, Lucien.” Elain tried to check her cheerleading uniform for grass stains, but his body on hers covered most of it.

“It’s already too late for this one.” He gave a half apologetic shrug, knowing that she had an immaculate outfit to perform in folded in her closet.

Elain squirmed to look at the short skirt. “Where?”

“Right here,” Lucien grabbed her ass over the fabric and grinned.

“You’re impossible.” She tried to sound stern, but the way she tilted her head up to kiss him gave her away.

Lucien smiled against her lips, then quickly pushed himself to his feet and held his hands out to her. “Come on,” he lifted her until she stood. “I should drive you home.”

“Already?” Elain looked over to the almost empty parking lot. They had stayed long after practice ended, but it didn’t feel like enough time.

“Gotta stay in your dad’s good graces.” He squeezed her hand and led the way back to the locker rooms so that she could pick up her bag.

Elain knew that sulking wouldn’t help, but she was quiet all the way home. It had been four months, and Lucien still wasn’t allowed into her house apart from the occasional dinner. She followed her family to church every Sunday and endured the talks of abstinence and marriage, as if she would even get the opportunity to be alone with Lucien.

All he had ever done was kiss her. Hands wandered over clothes sometimes, but the only time they ever got to be together was the hour they stole after school and practice ended. Often enough, Elain’s father showed up after practice to pick her up and interrupted them, though he’d only ever found them sitting on the bleachers holding hands and talking.

Lucien wouldn’t take any chances and risk her family forbidding her from seeing him, but Elain’s patience was wearing thin. Nesta, of course, was always proper and only seen talking to the boys their grandmother thought would be a good match for her. No one cared enough about Elain to find her a match until Nesta was taken care of, so she was unfairly sheltered instead while Feyre ran wild, too young and headstrong for anyone to bother with her.

“Come on El, it’s not that bad.” Lucien placed his hand on her thigh as he drove.

“Aren’t you sick of it?” She traced the veins on the back of his hand and studied his profile.

“It’s not ideal,” he conceded. “But as long as I get to see you, I’m happy.”

“Don’t you ever get angry?” Elain asked, because she did. She got angry at the world for keeping him from her, for telling her that she was only a child and didn’t know what was good for her when her heart told her Lucien was the one she needed by her side.

“What’s the point?” Lucien glanced over at her and flipped his hand to lace his fingers with hers. “Of course I wish we could have more freedom, but I don’t see another way at the moment.”

“We have a year and half of this ahead of us,” Elain sighed. “I just… I don’t want you to lose your patience.”

“I won’t, never when it comes to you.” He kissed the back of her hand. “I promise.”

Dinner was quiet that evening, as it always was. Elain’s grandmother and her father were the only people who ever really talked. The three girls had been raised to know that children didn’t speak at the dinner table, and as they had gotten older the rule had never truly been lifted. Elain never had much to say to her family anyway, only answering questions when she was spoken to.

It was typically uneventful until her father had to leave the dinner table to answer the phone. The conversation was short and impossible to overhear, and Elain didn’t think any of it would matter until he sat back at the head of the table.

“Who was it?” Feyre asked.

“Beron Vanserra.”

Elain’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up from her dinner. The way her father was looking back at her did nothing to reassure her. Beron never called.

She was just about to ask about the reason when her grandmother stepped in. “We haven’t seen a werewolf in this town in twenty years. What would be important enough for him to interrupt dinner?”

Everyone knew werewolves were the most unpredictable creatures. Elain hadn’t heard of one anywhere near this town in her lifetime, and she could only pray it wasn’t about to change. Some towns were riddled with them, but hunting families like the Vanserras had cleared many areas for humans to safely live in.

Beron Vanserra and his oldest sons were some of the rare people who lived after facing down one of those creatures on a full moon. Lucien talked about it, sometimes, though he still had a few years before he would be forced to follow in his family’s tracks.

“It wasn’t about hunting. Lucien was in a car accident, he knows he picks up Elain for school,” he explained before adding, “You can take the bus tomorrow.”

Elain nearly dropped her fork. She couldn’t have cared less about school or the bus as she quickly asked, “What happened? Is he going to be alright?”

“I assume he’s going to be in the hospital for a few days at least.” Her father reached for the spoon in the middle of the table and helped himself to more potatoes.

“Well,” her grandmother scoffed. “Good thing Elain won’t be getting in that boy’s car again.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t his fault,” she protested, unable to even look at her food anymore. “Can I call them back after dinner? Just to know if he’s alright?”

“His brothers will be at school tomorrow.”

“Daddy-” Elain began to argue, but Nesta interrupted her.

“I have my final project with Eris due tomorrow,” she said. “I was going to have to call to talk over a detail of the conclusion. I’ll ask about Lucien.”

Lucien

Everything had happened too fast for him to remember. One moment, Lucien was driving; the next, he was in a hospital bed. He tried to move his shoulder and immediately groaned from the pain that shot through his articulation. His arm was partly immobilized by a splint, and he could only wish they had put it on tighter as he breathed through gritted teeth. The room was entirely white, and the steady beeping by his head was enough of a clue for him to know where he was.

“Oh sweetheart, you’re awake.” Lucien’s mother quickly noticed his eyes were open and reached for his hand. His eyes followed her touch, noticing the IV in his arm and the plastic covering one of his fingers.

At least that arm wasn’t injured, he realized after carefully moving his shoulder to check. “What happened?” He croaked before clearing his throat.

“You had a car accident,” she explained and handed him a glass of water. “Beron is outside, he’s on the phone with the insurance company,”

Lucien wouldn’t be surprised if his father never came into the room. He didn’t expect him to care beyond the cost of car repairs. Beron hadn’t spent time with him in years, always too busy traveling to nearby towns with other werewolf hunters to care about his youngest son.

“I don’t remember it,” Lucien said about the accident. “Was anyone else injured?”

“No, you only hit a tree.”

“Okay,” he breathed out, at least relieved that no one else had been hurt. “Did I hit my head or something?” It certainly didn’t hurt now, but maybe that was what affected his memory. “I just don’t remember anything happening in the car.”

“I-”

“I see you’re awake,” a nurse walked into the room and interrupted before Lucien’s mother could start her explanation. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, I think,” Lucien diverted his attention to answer more questions.

Something was clearly going on with his mother, but she didn’t speak with the nurse in the room. After several questions and a promise to have a doctor check on him soon, the nurse left them alone again.

Lucien’s mother didn’t meet his eyes until she was sitting beside him again. Even then, it was hardly more than a glance at him. The tight bun that usually held her bright red hair had fallen loose, and her light brown eyes were rimmed with red.

Lucien didn’t remember the last time he had seen her so distressed. She was always put together at home, even in the worst of circumstances she could hold her head up and pretend everything was fine. Three of his brothers had been in accidents that sent them to the hospital before, yet she had never looked this pale waiting in their hospital rooms.

“Are you sure you’re feeling alright?” She fussed with the edge of his bedsheet.

“I’m fine. What were you going to say?”

“There are a lot of things I need to explain to you.”

“Just tell me what happened.” Lucien frowned, her reluctance to say anything only making his worry increase.

She kept staring at the bedsheet for a moment, then met his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally began to explain. “There’s something you need to know about your father.”

“What about Beron?” Lucien couldn’t fathom what that would have to do with his accident. Could he be cheating on his mother? Probably, he was a piece of shit and always traveling, but there was no reason to tell him that now.

“I’m not talking about Beron.”

“What?”

“Let me explain.” She rested her hand on his. “I should have told you this a long time ago, but Beron isn’t your biological father. Many years ago, before I was married to Beron, I met someone. My family wouldn’t have approved, for a million reasons, but we remained in contact through the years, and that man is your real father.”

“How the hell-” The heart monitor beeped faster as he processed the words. “How could you not tell me?” He pushed on his good arm to sit up, betrayal written all over his face.

“Lucien, please—” His mother glanced to the corridor to check no one would come in. “He’s a werewolf.”

Lucien laid back into the bed with wide eyes. He had grown up with Beron’s stories of the creatures, and it was expected he would learn how to hunt them too sooner or later. Every story he had ever heard depicted them as monsters, not people.

They were wild, they did not have feelings, they only killed. It was what he had been taught from the youngest age, it was impossible that his mother could have associated with one, or that he could be one of them.

“I’m so sorry, Lucien. I’ll tell you all you need to know now.” She blinked several times to clear the tears from her eyes. “Last night was a full moon, and you’re old enough that the symptoms are beginning to manifest. That’s what caused your accident.”

“How could you not tell me?” He repeated himself, still too shocked to say anything else.

It was impossible. It was going to destroy his life.

“I thought that because I was human there might be a chance you could escape it.”

“Escape it—they’re going to kill me.”

“Of course they won’t.” More tears rolled down her cheeks.“Your father, Helion, lives far away from here, I called him after your accident. You’ll live with him and learn how to protect yourself, there’s a place for you at the high school so you can still graduate and— I’m sorry, Lucien. I truly am.”

Lucien’s mind immediately went to Elain. How could he explain himself? She would be terrified, she would hate him before he had a chance to give her an explanation. “I can’t just leave, Elain-”

“Can’t find out.” His mother interrupted vehemently. “It would put you both in danger.”

“I can’t just leave her like that,” he protested, but his thoughts were too frantic for him to figure out what he could possibly say to her either.

“You have to, or you’ll hurt her. Full moons will make you uncontrollable, and you won’t be able to keep it secret. Beron will kill us both, and Elain will be caught in the middle of it.”

Lucien quieted at that and brought his hand up to cover his face. He couldn’t think—could hardly breathe from too much information yet not enough for him to understand it all.

It took most of the day for him to calm down. His mother stayed beside him the entire time, answering every question he had and apologizing so many times he didn’t have it in him to remain angry at her. Beron had always been a horrible husband and father; there was no love lost between them,and he couldn’t really blame his mother for loving someone else.

It would take more than apologies to fix the broken trust between them, but there was no time for Lucien to sulk or reject her when listening was the only way they would both survive. The hardest part was hearing that werewolves weren’t monsters. Lucien didn’t believe he was a monster himself, but would these symptoms eventually make him into one? If werewolves could hide among humans, maybe even fall in love with them, why had Beron lied all of these years?

“Lucien, you need to know-”

“Stop.” He interrupted before she could start another one of her apologies. “I need… I don’t fucking know what I need, but just stop right now.”

“If I could keep you here with me I would,” she whispered anyway “but when lives are at stake-”

“I know they are!” Lucien’s voice rose with anger. “You think I don’t realize what a mess this is? And Elain…”

Lucien sank his teeth into his cheek until he could taste blood. She was too smart for him to just break up with her without an excuse, and it was only a matter of time until she showed up at the hospital. Even with her father opposing her, she was a caretaker, and she would always find a way to be there for the people she loved.

The only way for Lucien to keep her safe would be to make sure he wasn’t one of these people anymore.

#acotar fanfiction #elucien #elucien angst #elucien fanfiction #elucien fic #elain x lucien #elain archeron x lucien vanserra #elain and lucien #lucien vanserra #lucien x elain #lucien and elain #elucien acotar #elain archeron #werewolf au #werewolf fanfiction #angst

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imaginingmarvelandeverything · 2 years

Text

Old Enemies and Old Friends

Pairing: Jason Todd (version unspecified) x F!Reader

Warnings: kidnapping, injury, mentions of death, violent death

Word count: 3384

A/N: Here’s part 12 of castle of glass! This took a lot longer than I thought it would, but my ADHD has been playing hell all week. Hopefully the next one won’t take as long, and I hope you like it!!

Masterlist

Series masterlist

Ko-Fi

Thirty-two hours.

Jason glanced at the clock on his helmet dash before forcing him to look away again. Y/N had been with the Joker for thirty-two hours. He was trying really hard not to think about the fact that he had been with the clown for less than two before he got bored of beating him and set the bomb timer going.

He forced himself to breath and think logically. If she was dead, the Joker would have told them by now. He liked to rub that kind of thing in their faces. But if she wasn’t dead…

Stop it.

He took another deep breath and ticked the current warehouse off his list. He didn’t have many buildings left to check. Dick had temporarily run off to deal with a gang shootout, after insisting Jason keep searching without him for a while. Dick had told him he was planning on calling several of the titans in, but he’d been called away before Jason could ask who. Jason had mixed feelings about them getting involved because he hadn’t exactly had the best experiences with any of them, before and after his death. But he knew they were as protective over Y/N as Dick was, so he wasn’t going to say no if they wanted to help out.

A flash of movement caught his eye as he stepped out of the abandoned warehouse.

He flexed his fingers over the guns strapped to his thighs as he stepped forward. But he wrenched his hands away as he laid eyes on the small kid crammed into the gap between the wall and a dumpster, clearly trying to be as small as possible.

“Hey, kid. What’cha doing here?” He relaxed his posture and crouched down, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible given he was now taller than Bruce and almost as broad; sometimes he really missed being Robin.

“You’re Red Hood.” The kid was shaking slightly, but he kept his eyes on Jason as he nodded. “You help people.”

“I try to.” Jason said as softly as he could through the voice modulator. He watched as the kid chewed his lip but made no room to say anything else, so he spoke up instead. “Do you need my help?”

The kid nodded. “Some men hurt my friends. We sleep in the old theatre because it’s dry and the costumes are all still there for warmth. But the men found us and hurt some of my friends.”

The edge of Jason’s vision tinged green. He thought he had made himself clear a few months back when the police tried to bar the homeless kids in the Bowery from sleeping there. That was Red Hood’s turf and those particular kids were under his protection. The kid in front of him couldn’t have been older than twelve, and he deserved somewhere relatively safe and warm to sleep.

Jason really wanted to punch someone. “Did you get the officers names?”

“They weren’t police officers.” The kid said.

Jason felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach.

Could it…

No…

In the middle of his territory…

Surely not even the fucking clown was that suicidal…

He took a deep breath, ignoring the pit once again as it tried to take over. “Okay, kid, I’ll deal with it. There’s a shelter on Cross Street, you take your friends there and tell the woman behind the desk that Red Hood sent you.” He pulled a small red token out of his pocket and handed it over to the kid. “Just give her that and she’ll set you up.”

The kid nodded and scurried off.

Jason pulled out his phone and shot Dick a quick text before setting off in the direction of the theatre.

***

It was easier than he thought it would be for Jason to slip in through a hole in the theatres roof. That should have been his first indication that something was wrong. But green had started clawing its way to the front of his mind at the mere thought of getting his hands on the clown, making him more reckless than he would normally be.

He crept through the decaying attic and jumped down onto the first floor, his boots hitting the carpet with a dull thud. He had been to the theatre once before it shut with his mom. He didn’t know how Catherine had managed to scrape together the money, even if it was just a low budget version of A Midsomer’s Night Dream. It was still one of his best memories, just him and his mom before she got really bad. Before she finally gave up and chose the drugs over Jason.

He shook his head, choosing to focus on the green instead, and kept moving forward.

He could hear voices coming from the stage area and silently walked towards the stairs he remembered that should lead him to the backstage area. He stepped onto the carpet at the bottom of the stairs and knew something was wrong, the floor just felt off. But as he moved his other foot down nothing seemed to happen, so he put it down to rotten wood and he started moving forward.

He made it half way down the corridor before his head started feeling funny. Three more steps before he stumbled. One more before he fell to his knees and started realising something was really wrong.

Some form of gas was his first thought. But his helmet had a filtration system. Not if someone planned for that, his brain reminded him. He crawled forward another metre, trying to think of a plan.

Then the laughing started.

Manic, echoing laughter poured down the corridor and suddenly Jason was fifteen again and the carpet under him was actually concrete and the walls were further away.

“Poor excuse for the cavalry, aren’t you, birdie?” The voice that haunted his nightmares cackled. “I bet this was not what the other little birdie was hoping for when she sent that distress signal.”

Distress signal?

“Oh, well, she’ll find out soon enough.”

Before Jason could think about anything in more detail, the crowbar connected with his helmet.

***

Jason couldn’t supress the groan as he woke up. His entire body felt stiff and his head was throbbing in the dull way it did whenever someone hit him over the head while he was still wearing his helmet. But the fuzziness told him he had also been drugged with something, and that never boded well for what was to come.

“Finally back with us, birdie?”

Jason didn’t have time to answer before two sets of hands yanked him upright. It took him a solid minute to resist the urge to puke because he realised he was still wearing his helmet, even if it had shattered on one side.

Muffled, angry protests drew his attention and he finally managed to crack his eyes open to take in his surroundings. They were on the raised platform that used to be the stage, although now it was just rotting boards, and there were two guys on either side of him, still holding his arms. But that was not his priority when his eyes caught a flash of purple.

Y/N was on her knees about six feet in front of him with the Joker standing behind her. She was gagged and there was a piece of rope wound around her neck that he had a horrible feeling connected to where her hands were bound behind her back. The bruising starting to come out around her neck confirmed his theory. There was blood on the left side of her head and a bruise on her cheekbone that looked at least a day old so he knew those were from when she had been grabbed.

But it was the fresh blood running down her left leg from the middle of her thigh that worried him the most. Her jeans were missing and something had been carved into her thigh. From this distance he couldn’t make it out under the hem of the oversized shirt of his she had stolen yesterday morning, but he had a feeling he knew what it was and it made his vision tint green.

“Get away from her.” He rasped out, struggling to make his voice work as he looked up at the clown.

The Joker’s face split into his awful grimace of a smile and he stroked a hand through Y/N’s hair roughly, clearly not caring if it got caught. She flinched away and the hand clamped down, keeping her where she was. But she kept her eyes on Jason, looking concerned, like she wasn’t the one with the psycho murderer standing behind her.

The Joker laughed, tipping Y/N’s head back and Jason could tell by the choking sound she made that she had tried to move her hands without thinking about the rope around her throat. “Not much of a rescue team, is he, little bird?”

Distress signal.

The Joker’s words in the hall came back to him and he tried not to show the surprise on his face. He said Y/N sent out a distress signal. But it hadn’t been to him. Of course not, she had to have codes with Dick, ways of sending messages without anyone being able to tell what they said. Which meant Jason had walked into a trap that wasn’t meant for him, and Dick still had a chance. Knowing golden boy, he’d be a lot more careful than Jason had been, which meant he just had to keep the clown’s attention until then.

He took a deep breath, well aware of the implications of what he was about to say, but he just needed the Joker to let Y/N go.

“You know, I never did answer for which hurt more.”

Y/N’s eyes went wide and she started screaming something illegible through the gag, but the Joker’s smile grew and he let her go. She fell onto her side, her eyes focused on him, still shaking her head as the Joker stepped forward with the crowbar.

Jason closed his eyes and begged whoever might be watching over him that Nightwing wouldn’t be as late as Batman was.

***

As always, Dick didn’t disappoint.

The Joker only managed four hits before something exploded and they heard people shouting. The men holding him dropped his arms and drew their guns. Jason let himself slump and slipped the hidden knife out of his boot while none of them were looking.

“I wonder which birdie that is.” The Joker laughed and walked towards the edge of the stage.

Jason took his chance and stabbed the guy on his left in the calf as he swept the legs out from under the guy on the right. He dived over the guy on the floor, ignoring the horrible twinge in his most likely broken ribs, and used his body as a shield against the others gunshots before grabbing the now dead guys gun for himself. From there it took almost no effort to drop the other guy.

But when he turned in the direction of the clown, he found empty space.

“Fuck.” He croaked out, his voice sounding worse than before.

He turned back to Y/N as the shouts got closer; the clown could wait.

They were too exposed on the stage so he sliced through the rope connecting the one around her throat to her hands and ignored her muffled protests as he threw her over his shoulder. He kept the gun up as he moved towards the backstage area. Y/N went limp on his shoulder, clearly accepting this was how he was moving them somewhere safer.

He kicked open the first door he came across and strode into what looked like on old dressing room once he had made sure it was clear. He set Y/N down on the floor as gently as he could, trying not to jostle her leg too much, and then pulled off the shattered remains of his helmet before cutting her wrists free. He barely had time to pull the gag out of her mouth before she threw her arms around him.

“We’re okay.” He said, giving himself one minute to just hold her.

But she pulled back before he could, her hands immediately moving to his face. “You’re bleeding.”

“Not as much as you.” He said, catching her wrists below the skin the ropes had rubbed raw and bruised. But her leg was what was worrying him.

“I’m fine.” She said, moving to cover it with the oversized shirt before he could take a proper look at it.

“Sweetheart, nothing ‘fine’ bleeds that much.” He pulled a pressure bandage out of his utility belt, well aware he didn’t have enough for her leg, wrists and neck. “I need to wrap it so we can get out of here.”

She nodded and moved her hands away. “Okay.”

He shifted forward to get a better look and his entire vision went green in the way it hadn’t in a long time. He was aware his eyes had changed and his breathing was uneven, but it was hard to get it under control when the psycho had decided to carve a goddamn J deep enough in her leg that there was no way it wouldn’t scar.

“Jay.” Y/N said softly. “Jason, breathe.”

He forced a lungful of air into his chest and exhaled slowly, forcing the green back, but leaving it thrumming under the surface for when he got his hands on the clown.

“I’m okay.” He said once the green had retreated enough that he could see his surroundings again. Her hands were on his face again, her thumbs gently stroking over his cheekbones and he let it ground him before he turned back to the task at hand and started wrapping her leg up. “You got a message to Dick.”

“We have a code. That’s why he thought it was meant for you.” She said. “You didn’t come with him?”

“We were looking together, then he got called away for a gang shootout. A street kid told me about some bad men here, thought I’d check it out. I walked into the trap he set for Dick.” He told her as he finished tying off the bandage.

Y/N opened her mouth to say something, but she cut off as they heard footsteps in the corridor. Jason met her eyes before wordless standing, placing himself firmly in between her and the door, and raising the gun in his hand.

The door was kicked open, slamming against the wall with a bang, and Jason found himself staring down the shaft of a military grade arrow.

“Speedy?” Y/N asked and Jason glanced down to see her peering around his legs.

“Well, you both look like shit.” Roy Harper said, dropping his bow and striding into the room before pulling Jason into a hug like everything that had happened since he ran away hadn’t happened.

Jason let himself relax into it and wrapped his free arm around Roy. “You got any bandages, Harper?”

“Who do you think I am? Course I’ve got bandages.” Roy pulled back and dropped down in front of Y/N. “How you doing, WarGames?”

“You know I’ve never actually hacked the military, right?” Y/N said, offering her wrists to Roy as the archer pulled several rolls of bandages out of his belt. “Dick got my message.”

“Of course he did. Him and Donna are handling the goon squad.” Roy moved to bandage her neck as Jason shrugged out of his leather jacket.

“The clown?” Jason asked, helping Y/N into the jacket as Roy stood back up.

“Dick went after him.” Roy said, his eyes dropping to the gun in Jason’s thigh holster.

Jason chose to ignore the look and turned back to Y/N. “Can you walk?”

“I think so.” She took his offered hand and let him pull her up. Her leg shook slightly, but she stayed standing.

Jason turned to Roy, keeping his hand in Y/N’s, and nodded. Roy drew his bow again and started walking back the way they had came. Jason drew his gun and followed, keeping one step ahead of Y/N in case anything decided to jump out at them.

“Nightwing! Stop! Nightwing!” Donna’s shouts were cut up with the sounds of gunfire and fighting. “Nightwing! Stop! Dick!”

Jason started running before he even realised what he was doing, but nothing could have prepared him for the scene that greeted him.

Donna was subduing the last of the Joker’s men in what used to be the dress circle, still calling for Dick to stop in between punches. Dick was on the floor at the edge of the stage, repeatedly punching the person on the floor underneath him. The sight of the purple suit was enough to stop Jason in his tracks. For some reason his brain was struggling to comprehend the sight of his brother with blood soaked gloves and his murderer lying on the floor with a broken face.

“Dick!” Y/N moved before Jason or Roy could stop her and caught Dick’s arm before he could throw another punch. “Dickie?” She said softly.

Dick looked up at her before turning to look at the bloody mess underneath him. Jason spotted the exact moment Dick realised what he’d done; his entire face crumpled and his breathing picked up. But Jason still couldn’t make his legs work, he just stared as Y/N pulled Dick away and wrapped her arms around him as he collapsed to the floor.

Roy shot him a look as he walked towards the Joker, but he didn’t seem to expect Jason to move. Dick’s face had gone blank and he didn’t give any indication he was hearing any of the soft reassurances Y/N was whispering in his ear as she ran her fingers through his hair. Roy took a shuddering breath as he stood back up and met Y/N’s eyes. The shake of Roy’s head broke the last of Jason’s composure and he dropped to his knees, unable to take his eyes off the bloody mess of the Joker’s face.

It was over.

The clown was never going to hurt anyone again.

But it shouldn’t have been Dick.

Jason didn’t even care that someone had got to the clown before him, the only thing he cared about was the fact that it was Dick. Bruce’s golden boy, the one of them who always believed in Bruce’s one rule more than anyone else.

“Jay. Jason. Jason!”

He snapped his head round to find Roy had gone to help Donna secure the Joker’s guys and Y/N was looking at him.

“Jay, he’s bleeding.” Y/N said, looking more panicked than before. It took him far too long to realise she wasn’t talking about the Joker, that the fresh blood on her hand was coming from Dick’s side.

“Shit.” He forced himself to move and dropped down next to her.

Dick was still staring blankly at the wall, Y/N being the only thing keeping him upright. He didn’t move as Jason started prodding at his side.

“What’s wrong?” Donna asked as her and Roy walked over, both of them pointedly ignoring the body on the floor.

“He’s been stabbed through one of his suit joins.” Jason said, taking the roll of gauze Roy offered and pressing it against Dick’s side.

“You two get him out of here. There’s a car outside and both of you clearly need medical attention as well.” Donna said.

“The bats-”

Donna cut Jason off. “We’ll handle it.”

Jason studied her for a moment and then nodded; he could tell she was thinking the same thing he was. None of them knew how Bruce was going to react. Roy passed him the car keys and he managed to get Dick standing as Y/N kept pressure on his side. He let himself take one last look at the bloody mess that used to be the Joker before leading them to the exit.

Part 13

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