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ah-ga-seven · 4 years

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Till’ The End of Summer - Chapter 8

>> series masterlist <<

Pairing: Choi Yeonjun x Reader

In a Nutshell: College!AU, Rich Kids, Friends to Lovers, Fuckboy athlete Yeonjun, Overprotective Best friend Soobin, contains all of TXT and other Idol cameos, Omnipresent perspective.

Synopsis: You and Yeonjun are caught up in a cat and mouse game because of unspoken feelings and endless pining for each others’ attention. With the summer break approaching and lots of college parties, will you finally get a chance to explore your feelings for each other; even though the world and Yeonjun’s reputation makes things complicated?

Word count: 4.8K

Genre: Angst.

Idol Cameos: BTS Namjoon, MAMAMOO Hwasa (Hye-Jin)

Warnings: Mentions of a broken family, abusive parents, conflict and death.

He studied her with a neutral facial expression. He tried his best not to give away any emotion with his eyes as he averted his attention to his uncle.

“You told her I was here?” Yeonjun asks calmly.

Namjoon looked at his nephew apologetically and sighed. “Jun, I’m sorry but I had no choice. I promised her I’d reach out if you ever contacted me.”

Yeonjun rolled his eyes, scoffing as he grabbed his keys out of his pocket as a sign that he was about to leave.

“It was a pleasure, but I have to go, thank you for your hospitality Hye-Jin noona,” he added as he kissed her cheek as a goodbye, but before he could make it out of the kitchen, his name was called once again.

“Yeonjun wait.” His mom cooed

Yeonjun turned around on his heels in annoyance, his calm and collected composure faltering a little as fire spewed from his pupils.

“What.”

“You don’t return my calls. Or respond to my text messages.” His mothers’ tone changed to a pleading one. She desperately needed him to listen to her, and Yeonjun was pretty sure he had never seen this type of emotion from her before, not towards him at least.

“Then you should’ve taken the hint,” he bites back arrogantly. “Now that I moved out of the house you suddenly want to pretend like you’re a mother? I’ll pass. What fancy dinner do you need me to attend now? Do I need to act like the perfect son again? Complete the image of a picture-perfect family for your stockholders?”

His mother was taken aback by his outburst. Yeonjun was never one to pick a fight, especially with her. She had to admit that she enjoyed the fact that he was sticking up for himself, but if the circumstances were different, she would have probably scolded him for acting up.

Yeonjun was getting more and more agitated as all of his bottled up emotions started to unravel. He knew he was being incredibly disrespectful and out of line, but he didn’t care.

He’d soon go back to never seeing her again, so what was the point in holding back.

“Yeonjun…” Namjoon’s tone altered to a much sterner one. “Hear her out.”

Yeonjun dramatically pulled out a chair and plopped himself down on it. He crossed his legs, resting his arm on the dinner table. “Let’s hear it then. What so god damn important for you to drive 6 hours in the dead of night to look me in the eye for?”

His mother sighed, fluttering her eyes shut in defeat as she shifted in her seat. “Your father is sick Yeonjun.”

It didn’t quite click to him what she meant by that, so he just deadpanned her in the eye, waiting for her to explain.

“Things aren’t looking good for him,” she explains. There wasn’t even a hint of sadness in her words.

Yeonjun knew that the only thing him and his mother had in common was the hate they shared for that man. Even though they both couldn’t stand him, she always took his side. She had to. The consequences were too high for her not to comply with her husbands’ wishes, but it’s not like she would tell Yeonjun that.

Deep down Yeonjun knew what this meant already. His dad had a history with heart disease, but somehow, he felt like his dad was something more of an invincible parasite. Somehow the worst types of people tend to live the longest. But if this means what he thinks this means, then that philosophy would quickly be invalidated.

“His condition is deteriorating fast Jun-ah.” Namjoon chimed in carefully, studying his nephew's body language.

Yeonjun was looking at his balled fists. He didn’t know how to feel towards this new information. His dad was dead to him a long time ago, but this hit differently.

He felt weird about it. No sadness, no guilt, he oddly felt like laughing at the irony of it all, but he was too dazed to react. He guessed that somewhere deep, deep, VERY deep down inside of him he wished for a better relationship with his father, so getting this type of confirmation that it would probably never happen was depressing to say the least.

He licked his pouty lips before deciding to make eye contact with his mom again.

She wasn’t sad either. She just looked back at him stoically, waiting for him to speak up.

“How long does he have left?”

“He’s been holding on longer than expected, so any day now I guess.”

Yeonjun didn’t expect such a straight forward response, and he certainly didn’t expect this short of a time frame.

His mother tried to study his emotions but then it clicked once more. She doesn’t know the boy that was sitting in front of her. She could pretend to know what he was feeling but she couldn’t. His frozen yet distressed state was heartbreaking to see as his pupils were darting back and forth. His mother knew that she was part of the problem on why he can’t deal with his emotions, and the realisation made her stomach turn in regret as she kept looking at him.

It’s not like she didn’t love Yeonjun, it’s more so that she didn’t know how to.

“He wants to see you,” she says breaking the silence.

“Why?”

“He wouldn’t tell me.”

Yeonjun stayed frozen in his seat. The awkward silence made the atmosphere even tenser than it already was. His mother, however, seemed to be just as unfazed. She gave him time to process and didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave either.

“Yeonjun…you literally just found out your dad is dying, you must be feeling something right now,” Namjoon says sitting down next to him. He patted his back in comfort, expecting him to either burst into tears, throw a tantrum, scream at them or all of the above. But he stayed calm, collected, icy, just like his mother.

“It’s not like he was up for father of the year,” Yeonjun mumbles, shaking Namjoon’s affectionate arm off of him. He didn’t want to be comforted; he didn’t want to hear any of this. Yeonjun didn’t need yet another thing to go wrong in his life right now.

What he did need was you. If anyone could make him feel something it was you, and only you.

He couldn’t even process last nights’ events and now he had to deal with a literal death in the family? Did the universe hate him or something?

He sighed throwing his head back as he rubbed his temples in agony.

“I know that this must come as a shock, and the issues with your girlfriend only fuel that fire, but I want you to know that our door is always open for you, you know that, right?” Hye-Jin says softly, sitting down next to Yeonjun on the opposite side of her husband.

Girlfriend huh? Damn, that stings.

“You have a girlfriend?” The tone of his mothers’ voice rose in surprise.

“Had,” Yeonjun says crossing his arms as he furrowed his eyebrows.

She really didn’t know him at all. She wanted to though, but she wasn’t sure how far she could go without scaring him off completely.

“How about we take a walk together?”

It was 9 AM and you were wide awake. You think you got a full 2 hours of sleep, but you weren’t sure since you were too busy tossing and turning.

Mia insisted on sleeping over, and you knew she would never take no for an answer, so you decided to just let her have her way.

Even though you wanted to be alone, you were also glad that you weren’t.

The talk you had last night with Mia made you feel much lighter.

Mia knew everything by now. She knew about how serious you and Yeonjun were about making things work, and how much you’ve come to care about him in such a short time.

Mia was uncharacteristically quiet throughout your whole conversation last night, but you didn’t think much of it, since this must all come as a shock and she probably needed some time to process.

You grabbed your phone to see a million messages from Soobin asking if you were okay and if Mia was with you.

You felt bad for ignoring him, knowing that he’d probably be worried sick about you two, so you texted him to come over.

It didn’t take long for him to get to your apartment, less than twenty minutes to be exact.

Mia was still sound asleep as your doorbell rang. You got out of the bed to open the door for Soobin, and were surprised to see Taehyun with him.

“Hey…” you say softly.

Soobin didn’t say anything. He just wrapped you into a tight hug and buried his face in your hair. Somehow you thought he was angry with you, but this wasn’t something an angry Soobin would do.

You melted into his embrace and suddenly you feel just how tired you really were, both mentally and physically. There were a lot of things left unspoken, and none of you knew where to start picking up the pieces.

He let go of you slowly and patted your hair. “It’ll be ok,” he assured.

You simply nod at his comment as Taehyun greets you with a hug as well. Soobin made his way into your room to wake Mia up from her immensely deep sleep while Taehyun and yourself sit down on the couch in your living room.

“Yeonjun hyung didn’t come home last night.” Taehyun says worriedly. “We’ve been trying to call and text him but his phone is off.”

Your head snaps up into Taehyuns direction and you see deep bags under his eyes that matched yours. “We’ve been up looking for him.”

You sigh, rubbing your forehead. “Where could he have gone?”

“We don’t know. We contacted all of his friends but no one has seen him.”

“I…I hope he’s ok,” you say thinking out loud.

“Mia, baby…wake up.” Soobin nudged her softly, he laced his fingers with his as he sat on the side of the bed.

Her lashes fluttered open slowly, she thought she was hallucinating for a second but when she felt his hand caress her cheek she sighed, slowly coming to her senses.

“Hi..”

“Never ignore me like that again.” Soobin says sternly.

He didn’t come to pick a fight, but she needed to know that the way she walked out in the middle of the night to look for you with no form of transport all while refusing to answer his calls was not done.

Not only did he have to worry about Mia, but about you and Yeonjun as well. “I understand that you felt like y/n needed you, but I needed you too. We could have at least gone together but you didn’t even give me a chance, you just stormed out.”

Mia bit her lip. She knew she was wrong, but it was more a spur of the moment type of decision.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just felt like the guys were ganging up in y/n,” she explained softly, holding on to his arm as he kept caressing her face sweetly.

She felt bad for ignoring him, seeing how worn out he looks right now she figured that they didn’t have any luck in finding Yeonjun.

She sat up, giving him a kiss on his cheek as she leaned into him. He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry,” she said nuzzling her face in his neck.

He sighed. “It’s ok, let’s just….find a way to fix this mess.”

Uncomfortable was an understatement for the silence between Yeonjun and his mother.

He decided to accept the offer of taking a walk around the block together. The clicking of his mother’s heels and the chirping of the birds in the trees was the only form of auditory stimuli to them being together, so she decided to change the previous topic.

“Do you want coffee? There’s a small coffee shop across the street.”

Yeonjun just nodded, awkwardly putting his hands in his pocket. They had to cross the street together but there was no zebra crossing or working traffic lights to regulate the oncoming cars.

Before his mother could step off the sidewalk to cross the road, Yeonjun protectively pulled her back as a reflex, making sure it was safe to cross.

Their relationship was complicated, but it’s not like he wanted her to be run over by a car.

She looked at him in surprise, taken aback by his touch and his manners.

Yeonjun sighed, sticking out his arm as a sign that she should link arms with him. She hesitated but complied anyway, knowing that he was probably trying to meet her halfway.

She expected Yeonjun to be a lot more hostile, quiet and reserved like he always was. She expected him to be more on edge and afraid to interact with her as he did before, but she figured he had matured a lot in the year that he spent away from her and his father.

He blossomed; it was evident. He was confident and manly. He was a lot more vocal about his feelings and found solace and happiness in being away from home.

It made her happy that he seemed to have found himself at this school, with his friends and even a potential girlfriend? She really thought Yeonjun would be a loner for the rest of his life given his quiet and obsessively hard working nature.

As they made their way to the small coffee shop. Yeonjun opened the door for his mom to walk in first.

She reluctantly let go of his arm, giving him small smile. “What do you want to have?”

“Something incredibly strong.” Yeonjun huffed.

“We should’ve gone to a bar then.” His mom joked light-heartedly, which earned a small smile from Yeonjun’s end.

“How about an iced Americano?”

“That’s fine.”

Yeonjun took a seat at the back of the café, it was busy despite the early hour. And somehow he was thankful that they weren’t alone. As he looked at his mother interacting with the barista, he suddenly felt super weird about the whole thing.

He’s having coffee with his mother.

With….his mother.

It was almost as if he was stuck in a dream of some sort. As if he was catapulted to a different reality where they got along and went on coffee dates every Sunday morning to catch up.

His mind trailed off into a day-dream. He started thinking of you again, of everything that had happened last night. Somehow it felt like it happened days ago, but before he could snap out of it himself, his mother returned with the drinks.

“Here you go, I told them to put in an extra shot of espresso.” She handed him the cold plastic cup as she sat down.

He looked up, returning to reality as he took the first sip of his much-needed caffeine boost.

“Thank you,” he says softly stirring around the straw.

“What were you thinking about?” she asked crossing her legs. She hated how she couldn’t read him, and how much he reminded her of herself.

Yeonjun made eye contact with her again and studied her face. Anyone could tell that they were mother and son. They looked like spitting images of each other and it was almost scary to see how she scrunched her nose as she took a sip of her still too hot coffee the same way he does.

“How weird this is,” he answered honestly.

“I wish it wasn’t,” she admits, putting down her cup, as she looks at him insinuatingly.

Yeonjun nearly choked on his coffee. He looked at her wide-eyed as he cleared his throat, trying to regain composure.

“What changed?” He questions genuinely confused at his mothers sudden confession.

“Your dad won’t be able to control me anymore,” she said with a bitter smile.

“I never got why you stayed with him.”

“I had no choice. I know you think that I didn’t care about you, but I stayed with him so I could keep an eye on you and for the sake of my family's company...”

“How does that make sense.”

“If we divorced, do you honestly think he would let me have custody of you? There is so much more on the line than you can imagine Yeonjun. It’s a matter of billions.”

Yeonjun sighed, getting more and more impatient with the constant vagueness to her words.

“The life of your son should be worth more than all the money in the world.” He bites back, his tone more venomous than he intended.

His mother was taken aback by his comment, but she understood his anger. How could she not?

“I admit that I should have tried harder to protect you from your father, but I was just as scared as you are. For what it’s worth…I’m sorry,” she says choking up a little..

Did he just hear that right? Was that an apology?

His eyes grew in size as he saw the brims of her eyes fill with tears.

“Don’t cry, stop,” Yeonjun says frantically reaching for a napkin, handing it to her.

She sighed, taking the napkin from him to dab away the liquid before it could ruin her make-up.

“It’s going to take time,” she says. “But I’ll try to change. I want to be in your life more, but only if you want me to.”

He bit his lip, absentmindedly playing with the straw of his drink. “I’ve been doing well without you and dad. I have made friends that are like family, I’m doing well with my studies and I’m even on the basketball team. I’ve never felt more at home in my life. I don’t want that to change and I can’t just forget about something I suffered through for 21 years of my life, I can’t just forgive you because you said you’re sorry. Even if dad is dying.”

His mothers’ shoulders fell in defeat, she was sure that he was going to cut ties with her after this, he had every right to, and she wouldn’t have done anything differently.

“But,” he starts. “I’m willing to come home with you for a while. I want to speak to him while I still can, and it doesn’t feel right for you to be alone when he…you know…”

She couldn’t believe her ears. She was happy that he was willing to do this and she realised it took great maturity from him that she didn’t even know he had.

She took his hand, surprising Yeonjun in the process at the sudden affection.

He sighed, squeezing her hand in comfort. He wasn’t sure if he was doing this for the right reasons or not. Of course, going home in a situation like this would be the natural thing to do, but he had to admit that this was the perfect reason to run away from all the drama here as well. Maybe if he went back home for the rest of summer, he could forget about you for a while, and focus on rebuilding the relationship with his mother and get some sort of closure with is dad before it was too late.

The four of you talked about last nights’ events for a while now, about why Yeonjun and you decided to hide your relationship, why you panicked and mentioned Wooyoung, and about what was said in the aftermath of the unfortunate kiss. It was almost like a full therapy session.

“I got sick to my stomach when he told me to go sleep with Wooyoung instead. I just…snapped. I don’t understand why he would go that far over something so stupid and out of my control. He was way out of line, and I realise that I never should have slapped him but I…he promised he wouldn’t hurt me and that’s exactly what he did.”

“He was scary. I haven’t seen him like that, ever.” Taehyun affirms.

Mia gave Soobin a look you couldn’t quite read, but you noticed it.

“What was that?” You say shifting your attention to them, narrowing your eyes in suspicion.

“Mia…” Soobin’s tone was warning her.

“She needs to know.”

“Know what?” you and Taehyun say at the same time.

Soobin sighed. “The night before the party, Yeonjun came home crying.”

“What?” you were shocked to say the least. It was the same night he left your house in a hurry with that dumb excuse, and the same night you snuck into their apartment when nothing seemed to be wrong with him.

He’s too good at hiding what he feels. And suddenly you start to doubt everything you know about him.

“Something happened, but he wouldn’t tell me what. He told me about his parents in more detail and…Ugh I shouldn’t say anything.” Soobin says suddenly stopping mid-sentence. "I promised him.”

“The circumstances are a little dire, don’t you think?” Taehyun says. “If it will help solve the situation then we need to know.”

You nodded in agreement and give Soobin a hopeful look.

He sighed in defeat. “His dad, he was abusive.”

“What?” Taehyun says in disbelief.

You couldn’t respond or compute. You just sat there zoning out to when Yeonjun told you that he didn’t have a good relationship with his parents, but this…you could have never imagined this.

“Take it from the one with a psychology major, Yeonjun probably reacted the way he did on purpose. I think he wants to protect you from himself. He pushed you away because he’s afraid he can’t give you stability since he’s never had it himself. Most abuse victims go through self-loathing and self-doubt to deal with their feelings. ” Mia says in all seriousness.

You look at her, angered at the fact that she didn’t tell you when you poured your soul out to her last night. You thought it was your fault that he snapped at you the way he did, and now she suddenly wants to play the psychiatrist?

“You knew, and didn’t tell me?” you looked at both Soobin and Mia, your voice was shaky but it was evident that you were upset.

Mia sighed, running her hand through her hair. “It didn’t seem like the right moment.”

“When is it ever the right moment? If I knew, I would’ve seen right through him. I could have talked some sense into him instead of literally hitting him in the face! Do you know how awful that makes me feel? I put my hands on him and you’re telling me his dad has been doing that to him his whole life!?”

You were raising your voice at them at this point, and you didn’t care.

Taehyun grabbed your hand to calm you down in response.

Mia closed her eyes at your loud voice and flinched. She felt sorry, but she felt like she did the right thing by waiting for Soobin to tell you.

“It wasn’t our secret to tell y/n.” Soobin says calmly.

He’s right. This wasn’t their fault, but you needed to blame someone. You sigh burying your face in your hands, trying to calm down as Taehyun softly patted your back. “It’s okay to be frustrated, but don’t take it out on us…we’re just trying to help. We want the best for both of you.”

“I’m just so tired of all of this,” you say choking back tears of frustration.

The silence was disturbed by the loud ringing of Soobin’s phone. It startled you and everyone looked his way.

“It’s Beomgyu,” he says staring at the screen.

“Well, pick it up, it could be about Yeonjun.” Mia says nudging him.

Soobin accepted the call immediately and put the phone on speaker.

“Hyung, Yeonjun is leaving,” Beomgyu says in a panic.

All eyes in the room turned to shock and confusion as all of you looked at each other

“What do you mean leaving?” Soobin says as he sits up, alerted, and stressed.

“He got home, he’s packing his bags, and he’s leaving. He said something is going on with his family but he wouldn’t say what and he also didn’t mention how long he’d be gone for.”

Mia and you look at each other in distress. What the fuck was going on? Why does everything seem to go wrong all at once?

Taehyun grabbed his phone and started typing frantically, you averted your attention from Soobin to him and saw that he was Googling Yeonjun’s family name and the company names to see if there was any news.

How did you never think of that? These people are loaded corporate people, the internet must be full of information about them.

“I’m coming home. Make sure he doesn’t leave before I get here,” Soobin says as he hangs up.

“Hyung, wait,” Taehyun says as his eyes widened. “Look.”

He turned the phone so everyone could see.

“Daniel Choi to step down from CEO position due to health concerns,” you read out loud.

“Health concerns?” Soobin says confused as ever.

“What does that even mean?” Mia huffs.

“The article didn’t go into detail, but if he has to step down from his CEO position then…I guess it’s serious,” Taehyun says making sense of it all. “The timing is just…terrific,” he adds.

“I’m worried about him,” you say under your breath as you nervously bite your lip.

Even though you’re still mad at him for the way he acted, the empathy you felt for him overshadowed your anger.

“Let’s go find him then,” Soobin says as he got up, grabbing his car keys and jacket. “Right now.”

Soobin slammed the car door and rushed upstairs with Taehyun, Mia, and yourself trailing behind him.

He opened their front door and was greeted by a defeated looking Hueningkai and Beomgyu, seated on the couch in silence.

“Where is he?” you say barging through the door.

“He left ten minutes ago; we couldn’t stop him.” Hueningkai sulks as he throws his head back on the couch.

“What did he say?” Soobin asks, sitting down next to Beomgyu, putting his hand on his shoulder to console him.

“He said he had a family emergency and that he didn’t know how long he’d be gone for.” Beomgyu pouts.

“If only we know where he lived.” Hueningkai says as he looks at Soobin.

As the rest of your friends start to come up with theories and discuss everything that has happened, you start to remember something you saw in Yeonjun’s room the night that you were trapped under his bed. It was unpacked box, and you were sure you saw his last name on the label.

Before you knew it, you were already on your way to Yeonjun’s room, which earned you both startled and confused stares from the rest of them.

The boys and Mia follow you to his room, and as you get down on your knees to reach for the box under his bed, the confusion on everyone's faces only multiplied.

“What…are you doing.” Beomgyu asks as he gets closer to you.

You ignore him, taking out the box and looking for the label you spotted. “Here, I think this is his home address,” you say pointing to the label.

Soobins eyes widened, he handed the box to Taehyun, the smart one, to inspect it further.

“The package is from Choi So Ra, I think that’s his mom. It also says Happy Birthday, so it must be from last year.” Taehyun says listing all his findings.

“Why didn’t he open it?” Hueningkai questions in confusion

“That’s not the point, If his mom sent this then we know where he's going!” Mia says excitedly.

“How did you even know it was there?” Beomgyu asks you, scratching the back of his head.

“I saw it when I was hiding from Hueningkai the night before the party,” you explain in slight embarrassment.

Hueningkai’s soul nearly left his body as the realization hit him on why Yeonjun was acting so strange that night. “You were here!?”

You shrug apologetically. Sitting down on Yeonjun’s bed.

You spot the ugly leopard coat on his clothing rack and your mind starts to fill with bittersweet memories.

How did everything go to shit so quickly when things were looking up for you guys?

“If that’s his address then…what are we going to do with it?” Beomgyu asks, sitting down next to you; looking at Soobin with his big doe eyes.

Soobin cleared his throat, taking the box from Taehyun.

“Everyone go pack your shit, we’re going on a road trip.”

Chapter 9

288 notes · View notes

vanillann · 4 years

Text

the red dress incident (edmund pevensie x f.reader)

it’s not in this request but they ask for #38!!! thank you for the request!! also kinda a modern au! also everyone is aged up but their is a bit of underage drinking.

warning: underaged drinking, creepy dude, the word hot used a lot, kinda ish slut shamming( DO YOU BEAUTIFUL), super long and i believe that’s all

“Lucy I don’t think this party is a good idea,” Susan stated from her spot on Lucy's bed.

Lucy stood in her closet, her finger tapping her chin. I laid across the floor of Lucy bedroom, a Rubik's cube in my hand.

“I kind of agree with Susan, we barely know the dude throwing it.”

Lucy shrugged and pulled a red dress from her closet, landing a top of my face.

“Here’s your dress (Y/N),” Lucy then pulled out a pale yellow dress, laying it on the bed with her all white tennis shoes.

“Thanks for that.”

I stood up, sitting beside Susan on the bed overlooking the outfit.

“Very Lucy.”

Susan nodded her head and looked over at me.

“Makes sense.”

“I can't help it. I don't like dark colors and leather jackets like you (Y/N).”

I shrugged and fell on my back, letting her soft blankets overtake me.

“Hey Lucy have you seen-”

I looked up to see Edmund standing in the doorway, his arms crossed.

“Why is she here?”

I rolled my eyes and looked up at Lucy's ceiling.

“I live next door and your little sister is my best friend, now please stop asking dumb questions.”

Edmund sighed turning back to look at Lucy.

“Why are you friends with her again?”

“Why are you in my room again?”

Edmund kicked off the doorframe, walking into the room completely. He picked up my red dress from the floor.

“Who's this?”

I waved my hand, giving him a deadpan look. He simply rolled his eyes and threw it at me. He then got on all four, looking under Lucy's bed.

“I left my wallet in her last night, have you seen it?”

Lucy walked to her dresser, pulling a leather wallet from her top drawer. He looked over at the wallet, standing up to grab it. Once he got close to her, she moved the wallet behind her back.

“You get it back once you apologize to (Y/N).”

I sat up, the wicked smile crossed my face in seconds.

“Lucy, that would be like Jesus apologizing to the devil.”

“I’m the devil in this, right?”

Edmund looked over his shoulder at me, his death glare better than it used to be as a kid. He gave me the middle finger looking back at Lucy.

“Why should I apologize to the girl who is a bad influence on my baby sister?”

Susan looked up at him, her face shocked. A stern “Edmund” fell from her lips but that didn’t stop anything.

“Bad influence?” I stood up from the soft pink bed, the sneaker gliding across the floor to Edmund.

“Yeah a bad influence, I mean look at this dress.”

He pushed past my shoulder, picking up the silk material from the bed with one finger, like it was going to bite him.

“I happen to like that dress,” Lucy pointed a finger at her brother. Susan grabbed the dress from his finger, holding to her chest.

“You’re mad that you know your sister is living to the fullest and you're stuck at home cranky all the time.”

I took a single step closer to him.

“I don’t think sleeping around is living life to the fullest.”

Edmund did the same as I did seconds ago, the room beside us felt like miles.

“At least people want to sleep with me.”

I took another step closer to him, noticing the small hit of hazel in his eyes now.

“Only cause that dress.”

He took a step closer while pointing to the dress Susan still held. Our noses were almost touched with how close we were. The anger breaths made the air around us both feel hot and steamy.

“You just hate to admit that this dress would look hot on me.”

“Trust me, I don’t think much can look good on you.”

I looked up at this wicked smile, the confidence I had moments ago gone. The anger bubbled inside of me.

“I'll finish getting ready for the party at my place Lucy, see you at 10.”

I moved to look over at Susan, a sad smile across her face.

“I think you’re very beautiful (Y/N),” Susan whispered as I took the dress gently from her hands.

“I know Susan, but you’re the hot one around here.” I gave a dramatic wink and left the room, waving to Lucy as I left.

The red silk dress hung from my waist, the leather jacket around me keeping me warm. The black combat boots made me feel empowered, but Edmund's angry face had me grabbing another drink from the cooler.

“Don’t listen to my brother, he’s just angry like he always is.”

Lucy held a water to her lips, trying to stay somewhat sober.

“Is your boyfriend here yet?”

Lucy looked at me, shaking her head and looking down at her phone.

“He’s in the bathroom, he’ll be out in a minute.”

I nodded my head, downing the rest of the drink in my hand.

“Three down, many more to go.”

Edmund sat in his room, watching the weird medieval drama play out across the TV.

The character came down the stairs in a bright red dress, Edmund looked away from the TV as he realized the color similarities from your dress.

The sight of your hurt face was on his brain since you walked out of Lucy's room earlier.

Suddenly his phone rang, he jumped so high in the sky he was surprised he didn’t fall off the bed.

The unknown number flashed across his phone, the confusion kicked in. He slowly answered, a quiet hello fell past his lips.

“I look so hot right now.”

Slurred speech took over the other line, (Y/N) voice could barely be heard over the loud music.

“(Y/N)?”

“Yes King Edmund, King of Opinions,” she gave a small giggle before a loud ‘off’ echoed throughout the phone line.

Edmund jumped up, now completely sitting up.

The sound of shuffling and groans were all he heard before (Y/N) yelled “Another please”, Edmund immediately jumped from his bed and ran into Lucy's room.

The small piece of paper with the address of the party sat on her desk table, just like Peter made her promise to do.

“I’m coming right now, stop drinking please.”

Edmund quickly hung up and grabbed his keys. The panic flooded him as he drove the 10 minute to the crowded party.

As soon as he stepped out of the car, (Y/N) stood on the porch with a small man standing beside her.

He touched her shoulder, to which he pushed away.

“I’m not that drunk bud.”

He finger ghosted over her shoulder again when Edmund finally reached them.

“I don't think that means do it again,” (Y/N) head snapped up, looking him over once.

“Told you, I look hot.”

(Y/N) tried to push off the wall, but fell to the porch. The guy beside went to pick her up, but Edmund quickly pushed the boy off. His anger was worse than it ever was when he was fighting with her.

He bent down and wrapped one of her arms around his shoulder.

“I got this.”

(Y/N) chuckled as he picked her up from the wooden floor.

“You wanted to see how hot I look, didn't you?”

Edmund looked at her cocky smile, her eyes completely closed.

“Why do you only ever describe yourself as hot?”

Edmund placed her in the passenger seat, closing the door and quickly running to the driver side.

“Maybe because I am.”

She shrugged and looked over at him, her eyes wide and happy.

“I always thought you were more than that.”

Edmund looked at the road ahead, knowing he could say anything since she wouldn't remember in the morning. The feelings from when he was a 15 year old boy came rushing back, the crush he had on his younger sister's best friend.

“We used to be friends, what happened?”

Edmund quickly looked back over at her, the memory of Peter dating Susan's best friend that ended horribly.

“Things got complicated.”

(Y/N) simply threw her head back, her eyes closing.

Edmund's house came into view, relief flooding his head. Without thinking Edmund passed the drunk girl driveway, pulling right into his.

Once parked,Edmund moved to grab her, the cute little smile spread across her face

“I like complicated things.”

Edmund sighed, quickly picking the girl up and walking into the house. He passed every room, heading up the stairs to his room. The same drama was still on from when he left.

He placed her on the bed, watching as she curled into his blanket.

He took his phone out his pocket, sending Lucy a quick text about you.

Suddenly a leg came in contact with the back of his own, his body went tumbling to the ground.

Soft giggles and sorry could be heard above him. He groaned, getting off his hardwood floor.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you, sorry.”

Edmund stood up completely, dusting off fake dirt.

“It’s fine, just my floor.”

“I meant every time I said mean things.”

He looked over at her, her sad smile playing with his soccer themed blanket.

“I said meaner things.”

Edmund didn't wait for a replay, leaving to grab the makeup wipe Lucy uses from the bathroom.

When he came back, looked up at him and smiled. He couldn’t help the blush across his face.

“I think you fell in love with me tonight.”

Edmund shook his head as he walked closer to the girl. He dragged the makeup wipe across her soft face, dark browns and gold covered the once clean wipe.

“I didn’t fall for you, you tripped me.”

She laughed, her arms grabbing onto his biceps. He smiled at her, the nice her brought all those weird funny feelings back.

Edmund always liked nice (Y/N), but she became very rare after her car accident. With her new found anger and Edmund crush that could never happen, the fights came easy.

Suddenly (Y/N) stood from the bed and marched into Lucy's room, yelling something about “soft pj’s”, to which Edmund let her be.

He waited outside in the hallway until the door opened, she looked so out of place in a bright baby boy pj set.

Edmund wrapped an arm around her shoulder to Lucy's bed. She quickly moved from his arm and wrapped herself in the soft blankets.

Edmund turned to leave before (Y/N) grabbed his hand.

“You never told me if I looked hot.”

Edmund smiled, squeezing her hand once then letting go.

“I would use words more like stunning and gorgeous, but sure. You looked hot.”

Edmund left the room once he turned the lights off. As soon as the door closed Edmund phone dings. He fished it out his pocket to see a message from Lucy.

Lucy: Sorry about that, please remove her makeup or she will be grumpy in the morning

Edmund smirked, walking to his medieval drama playing on the TV.

#edmund pevensie x reader #edmund pevensie #peter pevensie #narina #susan pevensie #lucy pevensie #prince caspian #narnia x reader

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thirium-fiction · 4 years

Note

Could I ask for Simon, Connor, Markus and RK900 reacting to their shy S/O/threader trying to flirt with them but instead getting really flustered and trying to awkwardly stutter out the line but then giving up and just asking them to kiss her?

A/N: Changed this one just slightly and made it pre-relationship because who doesn’t love a little embarrassment with their crush??

Warnings: Little bit of swearing, some fluff with some suggestiveness as well

Simon -

You had no idea how you were going to do this.

Simon was Simon and you were just...you.

He was one of the head people of the revolution right alongside Markus for god’s sake. How were you supposed to muster up the courage to be able to flirt with him? You know, other deviants don’t tell you the terms and conditions of what comes along with having feelings. It just made things more complicated. Couldn’t you just be friends with the pretty blonde android? Your mind wanted to say yes but every single other biocomponent in your body said no (specifically your thirium pump). Is that what humans feel? Gross.

Maybe he just saw you as a friend. Yeah, that could be it. Forget all this.

“You’re overthinking.” A voice came from the right of you, scaring you out of your internal rant. “It’s written all over your face.”

You shifted awkwardly in your spot as your gaze still rests on the particular blue-eyed PL600 model. “North, I don’t think I can do this.” A light bulb suddenly went off in your head. “Maybe you can-”

“I’m not passing the message off for you.” She laughed, crossing your arms before a slight cringe falls upon her features. “That would be weird.”

Letting out a breath of air, you shook your hands and jogged in place like you were getting ready to wrestle. “You’re right.” You said, giving a nod to her as she watches you with a judgmental yet amused look on her face. “I got this. I got this. I got this.” You repeated the phrase multiple times, trying to convince yourself.

Rolling her eyes, North pushed you forward and caused you to almost trip yourself. “Just go.”

Once you regained your balance, you began to walk forward while staring back at North who was giving you a supportive thumbs up (or her best attempt at one). You were so busy watching her that you didn’t realize you already made it to your destination and bumped into Simon.

“O-Oh! I’m so sorry, Simon! D-Didn’t realize you were standing there!” You laugh nervously, internally swearing at yourself non-stop for being such a klutz.

The man gave you a kind smile that made your synthetic heart swoon. “It’s not a problem at all, (Y/N).” He was about to go back to whatever he was doing before you began again.

“Um, I was just wondering-” You trailed off, your eyes falling everywhere but his. “I couldn’t help but notice how much you’ve done for me.” Your (Y/N) orbs widen and your gaze snapped to him. “J-Jericho! Jericho, I mean. Not me, specifically.”

Simon furrowed his eyebrows, a look of concern dawning on him but there was still a small grin across his lips. “Are you alright?”

“Of course!” You squeaked a little too quickly before clearing your throat. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

He blinked once before his smile grew a little more, curious as to what you were up to. “I don’t know...” He muttered, tilting his head, observing your microexpressions. “Why wouldn’t you be?”

You practically became jelly right then and there. You weren’t cut out for this. Your mind was whirling with too much and you just had to get out. Too bad your mouth spoke first.

“Because I want you to kiss me.”

You immediately gasped and covered your mouth. You almost stumbled over yourself trying to get away with a bunch of apologies but you were stopped by a gentle hand on your shoulder.

And a soft peck on your lips.

“You could’ve just led with that.” He whispered, his unbelievably warm hands cupping your face. “North was right about your face giving you away.”

‘Damn you, North.’ You thought, barely able to process what just happened. He began to leave feather light kisses all over, leaving you feeling more comforted than you ever have been.

‘But also, thank you, North.’

Connor -

You needed help fast. You knew Hank wanted nothing more than he already could handle with the robot. So, desperate times meant desperate measures.

“GAVIN!” You slammed your hands on his desk, knocking his cup of pens and pencils over.

“FUCK!” The detective shot up from his previous position of using his arms as a pillow. The bags under his eyes were darker than ever. It must’ve been a rough couple of days. And that definitely meant he wasn’t going to be in a jolly mood. “The hell do you want this time?”

Case and point.

You pulled up a chair and sat next to him, your chin on your hands with a cheeky grin which caused a look of both disgust and annoyance to be directed at you. “I need your assistance.”

Gavin raised a brow before scoffing, “Assistance?” He shook his head and leaned back in his chair, trying to stretch his aching back. “You spend so much time with that shit for brains that you’re even starting to sound like it.”

“Please?” You beg, knowing it would inflate his already huge ego.

There was a pause before he heaved an overly dramatic sigh and gestured for you to continue.

You bit your lip, trying to think of a way to phrase it. “Now, let’s say there was someone in the office you’re, um, interested in? How would you get their attention?”

Gavin’s head laid limp near his shoulder before it fell back so he could stare at the ceiling. “Ugh, I don’t fuckin’ knowww.” He grunted before throwing his arms up. “Flirt? Like, you know, a normal person?”

Flirting? You weren’t exactly the biggest expert at that. Well, maybe it won’t be too bad considering Connor was quite different than the average male. Unless he had to ability to have standards. Oh, god. What were his standards?

“Alright.” You replied, slowly getting up from your seat next to him. “Guess I’ll give it a shot.”

But, a hand raised mid-air forced you to stop in your tracks.

“Don’t tell me it has something to do with….” He pinched the bridge of his nose, his energy for handling anything quickly dwindling. “...WALL-E over there.” Your heavy silence made him grab the trash can from underneath his desk and begin to gesture from his mouth to the container. “I’m puking right now.”

You turned around and walked away from his childish antics.

“This is me puking!” He called out after you until you couldn’t hear him anymore before putting it back and going back to his nap.

Eventually, you made your way to Connor’s desk and noticed him scanning through files at a rapid pace. “Hey, Connor…” You began, causing his brown eyes to fall upon yours.

“Yes, (Y/N)? Did you need something?”

You were about to tell him never mind but you knew this was something you had to do.

“Could you come with me to the other break room for a second?” You watched as he glanced between you and his work before getting up with a small ‘okay’ and following you.

When you got there, you closed the door and silently fixed yourself a cup of coffee to look like you needed something from the room despite not being thirsty nor needing any more things to make you antsy.

“Were you able to look at the thing I sent you?” You asked, taking a small sip from the piping cup of joe.

He blinked, puzzled at first before raising his eyebrows. “Oh, yes! I found it very enjoyable. I don’t think I could ever get tired of all the dog content you send me!”

‘Do I really send him that much?’ You thought as you put your cup down, not really interested in it.

Connor pursed his lips before slightly squinting. “Why did you ask for me?”

Oh, right. The flirting. You cleared your throat before slowly approaching him. “You’ve been here for awhile, Connor.” You whisper, trying to look at least a little seductive.

“Yes, I have.” He stated, your efforts going right over his head.

Your fingers crawl up his suit jacket slowly. “Has anyone c-caught your eye?” You flutter your eyes, smiling.

What were you thinking?

“U-uh,” He stuttered as well, unsure of how to handle a situation like this. A situation where he had no clue what was going on. Or, maybe he did. He wasn’t sure if that’s what it was though. “I don’t understand, (Y/N). Could you care to-”

“Goddammit, Connor I’ve liked you for a long time and would really appreciate it if you just-”

The android slammed his lips to yours, his hands hovering over your waist, not knowing what to do past this point. You quickly broke it and you could see there was a brief flash of worry across his face.

“I-I’m sorry, I don’t know why I did that.”

A couple beats passed until you giggled a bit, making him look at you. “I can’t fool a detective.” You giggle before pulling him back in again as his arms wrapped themselves tightly around your torso, never wanting to let go.

And maybe it was just your imagination from being on cloud nine but you could’ve sworn you heard,

“Puke! Everywhere!”

Markus -

You really didn’t want to say that you had gained feelings for him over time but you knew you couldn’t deny it for so long. Even Carl could see it. He secretly would try and coordinate when you could come over and when Markus visited. Despite the artist’s health deteriorating, he still wanted to make sure the two of you were happy.

“Alarms deactivated. Welcome home, Markus”

An evil grin made its way across Carl’s tired face when you froze at the alarm system’s voice. “Go talk to him.” He said, patting your back to make you get up from the edge of the hospital bed. “I’m over watching the two of you tip toe around each other. Work your magic.”

Hesitantly, you got up off the bed but you nervously wringed your wrists, afraid of doing something you’d regret. “Maybe you’re right, Carl.”

“Of course I’m right. Now, go! I need to get some rest anyway.”

You ran your hands up and down your arms as you made your way out of the room and down the stairs, trying to calm your rising nerves. You didn’t see him at the entrance so he must’ve made his way to the main living room. Once you reached the doors, you put your hands on your knees, feeling as if you had already ran a marathon. Working up the courage before something like this really takes a lot out of you. Nodding, you hyped yourself up before taking a couple steps forward and causing the wooden doors to slide open.

Markus was placed right in the middle of the room on a couch, a book in hand as he slowly fingers through it. After becoming deviant, he’s taken his time when it comes to appreciating literature and other forms of art. Even if he could read it all in a millisecond, he wanted the material to really resonate with him. A minute or two passed by before he finally looked up in your direction and noticed you. Almost instantly, he sprung up from his sitting position and closed the book.

“(Y/N).” Markus breathed, disappointed in himself for not acknowledging you sooner. “I-I didn’t hear you come in.”

You shrugged, walking around the couch so you weren’t speaking to him from across the room. “It’s okay. I didn’t exactly do anything to make you notice I was there.”

He glanced discreetly between you and the book he was reading, stepping in front of it to block it from view. “You don’t have to do much to-” He began, but quickly lost his confidence. He led a whole revolution but couldn’t do this one simple thing. Maybe it was a little too human for his liking.

“What was that, Markus?” You asked softly, setting yourself down next to the spot where he was sitting moments before.

“It’s...nothing.” He muttered, a smile on his face as he shook his head. “How have you been?” He quickly changed the subject and placed himself next to you, perhaps a little closer than originally intended.

“I’ve been - okay.” You didn’t want to be too upfront about your feelings and how he was on your mind a lot. “Just caught up in work and all. Don’t really have a lot of time to rest.” You crossed your legs and rested your hands on top of your knee. “I’m sure you know all about that.”

You subtly pinched your hand after that came out of your mouth. ‘He doesn’t rest, (Y/N). He’s an android! Just, ugh, stop talking!’ You thought, painting a kind expression over your panic.

“Yeah, I do.” Markus chuckled, a hand placed over the book so you couldn’t read the title.

There was a long heavy silence and neither of you had the courage to break it. But, someone had to speak.

“What’re you reading?” You leaned over, trying to see what he was keeping so close to himself.

He proceeded to move the book further out of sight. “Oh, just something Carl gave me.”

You eyed him suspiciously, his lack of being forward with you only making it more intriguing. He couldn’t get away that easily. You decided, and without even thinking much first, that you should dive for the book. Markus clearly wasn’t prepared for this sudden change in energy. He used his forearm to try and push you away, his other hand still grasping onto the cover, blocking you from seeing it.

“(Y/N), please!” Markus shouted, a giant grin plastered on his face despite having to fight you off. “This isn’t going to get you anywhere!”

You ignored his pleas and still tried to reach for the item, crawling all over him and doing your best to push his strong arm away. What you hadn’t realized was the compromising position you put yourselves in. When you finally paused to catch your breath, you noticed how you were practically on top of the android as he still held the book above his head. A heavy blush returned to your face but you didn’t try and get up.

“S-So,” You whisper, still out of breath as you stared into his eyes. “I guess you could say I fell for-” You immediately choked, not being able to finish the pun. Maybe it was the lack of air to your head or the impending doom of embarrassment.

You gulped, your gaze falling on his lips. It was now or never. Your voice was incredibly shaky as you let out a small whisper, “C-Could I-”

You didn’t need to tell him twice. Your lips meshed together perfectly as the two of you moved in sync. So, this is what happens when you tip toe around someone too much. The book dropped from his grasp and his hands found their way into your hair to deepen the kiss while own fingers slid down his chest and made their way underneath his shirt.

You never did find out what he was reading.

RK900 -

You’re insane.

Have you not realized by now that this android and anything to do with genuine emotions does not go together?

Like, at all?

Anything that shows just a sign of weakness would be a no from him. He still didn’t understand why he was paired up with you as a partner for work. You were one of the shyest there was while he, on the other hand, was one of the most blunt and up front beings ever. Seriously, someone could be having the best day and all Conner had to say was one single thing and he could ruin it all. But, it’s what made him an excellent detective. Plenty of deviants have cracked under the enormous pressure that he puts them through. Guess you could say you were like a good cop and bad cop duo.

And maybe because he was the complete opposite of you, it made you all the more attracted to him. He never showed hesitation when it came to something and you admired him for that. Even if he could be the biggest dick about some of the things. You couldn’t really blame him, though. You knew CyberLife had to fix the “mistakes” from his previous model, the RK800, which was showing too much emotion.

So, uh, what made you believe he could change things around for you?

You. A young detective that’s just trying to make a living and pay the bills to get by. What about you would make Conner interested? To go against his programming?

Thoughts like these never really helped you when it came to your confidence about the topic. You wanted to believe you could make him feel at least something but you knew it was going to have to take a lot of work. You tried though. Over and over again, you would give him small compliments on his process of handling things. Yet, he’d merely dismiss whatever you’d say.

“I merely do what I have to do in the most efficient way possible.” He’d tell you, focused on whatever he was doing at the time. “It’s not about it being good or bad to others.”

You didn’t know why he couldn’t just take a compliment. Could it have been because they made him feel better which was different from the normal way he saw himself? He was more comfortable with just doing his job without someone mentioning anything about it? Most likely. As mentioned, anything to do with a change in his feelings was a no from the android.

It still didn’t stop you.

“Why do you do that?” Conner asked, coming off as incredibly harsh yet being genuinely curious.

“W-What do you mean?” You stuttered in reply, suddenly becoming overly nervous from being unprepared for such confrontation.

He glared intensely at you, leaning his head as he slowly walked up to you. It was incredibly intimidating, to say the least. “The compliments.” He began to walk around you in circles, almost as if you were his prey. “The flattery.”

“I-I just-” You could barely get a word out without messing it up.

Eventually, he stopped right in front of you. “Why?”

You tried to take a step back from him, seeing how close he was, but you were stopped by a surface against your back. Great, you were stuck.

“I don’t know.” Your eyes were everywhere but him. “I just a-admire the way you do things. Efficient, I guess.”

Conner seemed to enjoy that word. Efficient. It didn’t have any ties to it. It wasn’t good or bad. Much like he was in your opinion. Maybe your use of the word here would make him back off.

He scoffed a bit, approaching you a little more and removing the small distance you had. “Admire?” It was extremely evident that he was mocking you. “Why me? Do humans usually attach to things they know they can’t have?”

Ouch.

“You’re an asshole.” You hissed, tears starting to well up in your eyes. “I can’t believe I-”

“You what?” Conner whispered, looking down at you because of his height and his chest was just barely touching yours.

You remained quiet, your glare pointed at the floor but you couldn’t help glancing up at his faces and to his lips for just a split second before looking away from him again. You don’t know why you thought you could get away with it.

“Ask me.”

Furrowing your brows, you looked up into his eyes that never once strayed away from your own. “What?”

The RK900 glanced down at your own lips just like you did with him before returning back to your gaze.

You couldn’t believe what he was implying. It just didn’t seem like something he’d do. “Y-You’re being ridiculous.” You huffed, trying to move past him until his arm stopped you from moving any more.

“Ask me.”

Crossing your arms, you faced him fully once more. “Alright then…” You began, gaining a whole new burst of courage. “Kiss me.”

You were roughly pushed up against the wall behind you and you just barely let out a yelp before his mouth crashed itself into yours. Your brain could barely even process what was going on before he pulled at your waist to bring you even closer to him. His tongue dragged itself across your bottom lip before grabbing it between his teeth with a slight pull. You couldn’t help but respond with a moan before digging your fingers into his practically perfect hair, messing it up.

For someone so bland, you had never thought about what he could be behind closed doors.

You obviously weren’t complaining though.

[masterlist]

TAGS:

@six-ninths-deviant @stars-with-citrus @polimollykari @t0ranu @timedthyme @aproxied

Please join my S/O reactions taglist [here] to keep yourself updated along with other stories!

#detroit become human #detroit become human x reader #dbh connor #connor x reader #dbh markus #markus x reader #dbh simon #dbh simon x reader

456 notes · View notes

moncherifaerie · 4 years

Text

living younger - c.jh

pairing: choi jongho x reader / famous!reader

fluff, slight angst

warnings: swearing

a/n: part two of the jongho “fever” mini series! enjoy!

12:24PM.

“how do these look on me?”

you turned around to face jongho with the ugliest pair of sunglasses he’s ever seen but somehow you made them look like they were fresh off the runway.

“those look like shit, but you make them work.”

the gasp you let out as you smacked his arm and playfully lectured him about how someone in this universe worked hard on designing those sunglasses caused jongho to laugh, but wrap an arm around you and give you a side hug.

both of you discovered a small shop as you were talking a walk after getting breakfast at a local bakery. it was the type of shop to sell any and everything you could think of. although you didn’t have intentions to purchase anything, it didn’t hurt to just look around and somehow make this impromptu shopping trip an exciting memory for you two.

“hey lovely, do you like these?” you asked jongho as you tugged on his sleeve lightly over to where you were standing.

he looked at the assortment of handmade beaded bracelets you were looking at and saw you were holding two gray ones, one with a key and the other with a heart.

as much as jongho didn’t like the typical cheesy couple things that you sometimes pulled both of you into, he couldn’t help but love the idea of having just a small part of your relationship with him at all times. these bracelets were simple enough to be layered with the other accessories the stylists choose for the members to wear so he could even have a small reminder of you on stage with him too.

“yeah, we should get them.” he blurted out.

you looked at him with bewilderment in your eyes and immediately held the back of your hand against his forehead.

“should we get you back to the hotel? maybe we’ve been out on our adventure longer than we should be because you’re suggesting we get couple bracelets.” you stated.

jongho flattened his lips into a straight line as he blushed and took the bracelets from your hand, walking towards the counter to pay for them. you were hot on his tail as you let out a small laugh and wrapped your arms around his waist from behind.

“it’s okay, applehead, i know you love me so much.”

5:21PM.

you and jongho were driving around mindlessly at this point with no intentions of actually going to one specific place. you stopped at a fast food drive thru to get food for the road then have been on the road for a while now.

you opened your mouth for him to feed you some of your food, only to have him shove a handful of fries in.

“fungho, whuff tha fuck!” you managed to muffle-yell through the abundance of fries that were gracefully hanging out.

he laughed at how you still managed to semi-audibly curse him out even with a bunch of food shoved into your mouth, but he still reached over to pull some fries out and feed them to you properly.

“and you were the one calling me a brat, damn.” you said with a huff and dramatic eye roll.

“um excuse me babe, but you were the one about to drive off without me! you were planning on leaving me in the dust!” jongho playfully argued back.

“okay, but even if i was to drive off without you, i would’ve turned around in five seconds to get you because i’d never leave you behind, bub!”

the playful banter between the two of you continued as you drove passed the mass of open fields and trees, following path of the sunset.

once the food you two ordered was finished, all the trash was squished into the takeout bag that came with the food and abandoned in the backseat. comfortable silence settled between the two of you as you listened to jongho softly hum along to the music playing through the car stereo.

“so do you know what’s next after this?” you asked out of the blue.

jongho chuckled and turned to face you, “aren’t you the one that’s supposed to know that since you’re the one that’s driving?”

you rolled your eyes as a small pained smile made its way onto your lips.

“i’m not talking about the drive, jongho.”

he sighed and shrugged his shoulders. he knew exactly what you were talking about but he didn’t want to talk about it yet. not now at least. not when the two of you were enjoying your time together and living life like a normal couple despite your lives being anything but normal.

“we’re making it work, baby. don’t worry. we’ll be able to be together again when we go back home and have nothing on our schedules.” he made an attempt to reassure you.

the slightly strained chuckle that left you caused him to fully divert his attention towards you and watch as your eyes grew slightly glossy.

“you know i’m going to be here for another two months while you and the members head to europe for the next month. then you’ll be back in seoul for a while and i’ll probably be back in seoul too but about a week for a few tapings before i’m on the road again and headed to australia.” you said to him.

the once comfortable silence shifted to just silence. jongho let out a breath before wiping at the one tear that slipped out from the corner of your eye.

“don’t worry about it. i know dating while we’re both busy with our own schedules is complicated, but at least we have times where we’re able to cross paths and be together. it’s what helps strengthen our relationship, love.”

as much as it hurt your heart that in a few hours you’ll be dropping jongho back off at his hotel only for him to get on another flight to another city miles away from you, you just had to accept that once again, the two of you will have to leave each other with another bittersweet goodbye until next time.

“i guess you’re right. we’ll just have to continue to make the most of our time together now before it’s too late.” you vowed.

“isn’t that what’s been happening this entire time or was it just me?” jongho faked offense.

you rolled your eyes and softly smacked his arm. the two of you laughed as this was just how your relationship worked. even though your schedules constantly clashed with one another, whenever you had time to spend together, you were able to witness a side that was put aside for the two of you to see only.

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glimmeringgroveavenue · 3 years

Text

Meet Mom

“Don’t worry, she won’t eat you.” Leriana reassured her friend Jacqueline. Well, more than just a friend really, as Leriana and Jacqualine had realized recently that they had feelings for each other that extended beyond common friendship. It was complicated, as most things are in teenage years. “

“She’s really nice! You’ll like her, and she’ll like you.” The “She” in question was Leriana’s adoptive mom, an elf by the name of Sha’Rystria Moonrage. Leriana and her younger sister, Neried were both elves as well whose biological parents had passed away not long back.

“So.. is there anything I need to know before meeting her? Any topics to avoid, or anything like that, you know?” Jacqeline asked with a hint of apprehension in her voice. She was a human girl just slightly older than Leriana. She and Leri had a date set for tonight that would consist of a good old fashioned lineup of a movie and dinner afterwards.

“I mean, just be cool and be yourself. It’s okay to acknowledge that she’s a pred, but don’t like… ask anything beyond that on that topic. It’s just rude.”

“Okay, got it..” Jacqualine was nervous. Predator people, though fairly well represented in society, were a minority outnumbered by prey people by nearly a ten to three margine. Though all predators were elves, not all elves were predators, and Leriana was in the later category.

“Come on, let’s go, it’s hot out today and this car is like an oven.” The two girls exited Jacqueline’s car and made their way to the front door of the modern suburban home. In the driveway there was a minivan with a faded “Soccer Mom” bumper sticker on one side and a smaller sticker on the other that was a stylized pair of lips. This particular sticker was an emblem that was generally accepted as the predator’s seal. It wasn’t official of course, but was more so on the lines of a “Deadhead” sticker or something of the like. Jacqueline noticed it with an ever so slightly growing apprehension.

“Oh my gawd it feels better in the air conditioning.” Just as Leriana had finished the statement, someone else entered the room from a hallway off to the side. An elven woman dressed in a pair of blue jeans shorts and an old faded and somewhat ragged Led Zeppelin t-shirt. “Hey mom! This is Jacqueline! Jackie, this is mom.” Leriana gave a brief introduction that left Sha’Rystria and the human in an awkward position of having to continue the introductory process on their own. Jackie spoke first. “Hello Mrs. Moonrage.” she almost stammered, but managed to hold her composure fairly well anyway.

“Hi Jacqueline, I’m Sha’Rystria, I’m Leri’s mom.” she stated the obvious. “But you can just call me Shar, everyone else does.” The elf smiled.

Sha’Rystria Moonrage. Elven woman in her mid forties, mother to six biological children who all lived away from home now. Her late husband, a human man named Daniel, had passed away a few years back in an unfortunate accident. The combination of both of these scenarios left Shar with a serious case of “empty nest syndrome”.

Other details of note were that she was incredibly attractive, curvy as a mountain road, and it could be said that she was endowed with a pair of uniquely large breasts. She was also a predator person.

“Would you girls like a glass of water?” She asked

“That sounds good, you want one too, Jackie?” Leriana asked.

“Oh, well, yes please. If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all! You all just have a seat and cool off.” Shar offered before going to the kitchen and drawing two glasses of water which she brought to Jacqualine and Leriana. “Thank you.” they both said.

“So, what do you girls plan to do tonight?” Shar inquired.

“Just a movie and dinner afterwards.” Leri answered.

“Oh what movie?”

“We’re not sure yet. It’s a toss up between the one about the boy who can see into the spirit world, and that new slasher movie.” Leriana explained

“Oh I don’t understand what you see in those slasher movies, they disturb me, so much violence.” Shar wrinkled her nose in distaste.

“Yeah, and it’s like, the fifth sequel anyway. But, I need to go get ready. Jackie, I’ll be back in a little bit, you and mom can talk while I’m doing that!” Leri said as she stood up. “Be right back!” She took the staircase upstairs to the hall that would lead to her bedroom.

Sha’Rystria crossed one leg over the other while looking at Jacqueline. “So, how are you doing today?” she asked. The elf nonchalantly picked up her purse which was conveniently close by, and upon opening it she extracted a pack of chewing gum from it. “Would you like a piece of gum?” she offered Jacqueline, who refused “No thanks, Mrs. Moonrage.” she replied. The young lady felt ill at ease, but tried her best to not show it.

“Please, just Shar.” Leri’s mother said as she placed the gum stick into her mouth. “But anyway, how has your day been?” she asked the question again.

“It’s been okay.” Jacqueline said “Just work, and meeting up with Leri.”

“Oh, what do you do for work?”

“I work at an auto shop, Engine Zone.” Jacqueline answered

“The one on Magnolia Avenue?” Sha’Rystria chewed the gum in her mouth silently as she spoke.

“Yeah that one.”

“Do you know a lot about cars?”

“Oh, I just work at the cash register really.”

“Ah I see, do you get a lot of interesting customers?” Shar seemed to have a rolodex of casual questions in her arsenal, each leading to another.

“Not, not really.” Jacqueline found the line of questioning oddly unsettling. Sha’Rystria chewed her gum as she listened to Jackie answer her questions. Her clawed toes splayed now and then as was often the case when she was engaged in casual conversation. She continued the line of questioning.

“What do you like to do for fun?”

“Well, just stuff, you know.”

“Stuff? Like what?”

“I don’t know, go to movies, read, stuff like that.” Jacqueline felt self conscious and a little nervous, as one who is aware they are being watched does.

“Those seem harmless enough, what do you like to read?” Shar pressed on. The young human glanced toward the door that led out to the front porch. A fleeting glance and quite unintentionally subconscious, but a glance Shar noticed with her predatory sharpness all the same. “It’s okay, I guess I’m asking a lot of questions aren’t I. I don’t mean to make you nervous.” She smiled. Jacqueline smiled sheepishly as well. There was an awkward silence, broken only by the faintest sound of Shar’s chewing of her gum.

“So, you adopted Leri and her sister then?” Jackie asked, more so to end the silent standoff.

“Yeah, they had been living next door with a roommate actually, and when we all met, I felt a connection to them right away. After some conversation, we all decided that it would be great to live together. I have missed being in the active role of mother, and they needed a family. So, it kind of just worked out.” Shar explained, then added “I love them both very much. They are wonderful girls, and anyone that they trust is bound to be someone special. Or, at least I would hope.” Shar’s lips parted slightly and in a brief instant her tongue could be seen to roll the gum over in her mouth before closing again. A shiver ran down Jackie’s spine, one that seemed to internally say “Oh shit”. She asked her next question reflexively and a little to her immediate regret “So, you are a pred person, right?” She quickly followed with “Leri told me you were. It’s cool, I was just--” she couldn’t find words to finish her thought, and Sha’Rystria’s face lit up with a big smile.

“Yes, I am.” she answered, leaving it at that. The omission of any further information was intentional. It created another awkward silence. Jacqueline fidgeted in her seat, glancing at the door once again. “It’s okay, I’m not going to eat you.” Shar said in as friendly a tone as possible. “Besides, you are so small you wouldn’t be very filling anyway” she added with a mirthful laugh and splay of her toes. If it were possible for Jacqueline to sit up any more straight or rigid than she already was at this time, it would only be by a miracle.

“Relax, I’m kidding. Sorry, predator humor.” Shar continued to chew on the gum in her mouth.

It was at this point that Leriana could be heard coming down the upstairs hallway to descend the carpeted staircase. “Okay, I’m ready! We should be going now or we may be late. Both movies start at about the same time, and I want to get there early enough to get popcorn. We can bring soda cans with us too if we stop at Four Diamonds along the way. It would be way cheaper than buying them at the theater.” Leri explained, oblivious to the exchange that had gone on in her absence. Jacqueline had never been happier to see Leriana, and wasted no time in replying. “Okay, yeah we should go now then.” She looked to Shar once more, a nervous glint still in her eyes. “It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Moonrage- Shar, I mean.”

“And you too, dear.” The elf replied. “Have fun and be safe.” Sha’Rystria said as the girls went to exit the front door to the porch outside. Before closing the door behind them, Shar would say; “And Jackie” at the pronunciation of the young woman’s name, she tilted her head back slightly and in a needlessly dramatic fashion, swallowed the gum.

“Have her back by eleven.” She waved with a wiggle of her fingers, and closed the door. The bulb in the porch light flickered on.

--End

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redhoodieone · 4 years

Text

Star-Crossed Universe

A/N: Yes!!! I’M BACK!!! This project has been on the back burner for so long and its finally time to upload it on here. I’m not sure what you all will think but hey...it’s fan fiction and everything and anything goes.

Warnings: Language, Humor (bad and good jokes), Sexual Conversations, and an ultimate Team-Up.

Plot: When Y/N is thrown into a mission way out of her league, she, and magician best friend Zatanna must stop strong demonic forces from entering earth through an unknown portal that John Constantine may have opened. With the assistance from the Dark Knight himself, a mysterious 1967 black Impala arrives in Gotham just when things start to go to hell. But who called the Winchesters? Why is there a clairvoyant bond between Y/N and Dean Winchester? And why does Castiel, an angel of the Lord, believe John Constantine isn’t who he says he is? And will Dean wear the Batsuit?

Move over Scooby-Natural because it’s Batman’s turn! The Winchesters join Batman and Y/N (You!) in taking down a villain who isn’t an everyday monster for Supernatural!

Please enjoy and comment! If you want a Part 2, please let me know.

Part 1

I don’t remember a time where tears felt like my own. Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m standing on the ledge when Gotham is down pouring like it always does at night. It shouldn’t be a surprise, really. Gotham is the only city in the US of A that is dark, depressing, manic, and suicidal.

Even Superman refuses to stay here for more than a day.

I’m not any better. The only reason why I’m literally dangling my feet over the edge is because I’m numb.

Numb to feelings.

Numb to pain.

Numb to life.

Bottom line is breakups fucking suck period. Especially if your ex-boyfriend is Bruce Wayne.

And Batman.

I don’t know why I put myself through this. The bitter pain of having to work with someone you love but to know they’ll never love you as much. Maybe this is why I should have never worked with Bruce.

Dick left first and has successfully made a name for himself, Nightwing, in Bludhaven.

Jason comes and goes throughout the months and has his own team of misfits who do good but cause chaos as well.

Even Tim and Damian are working together. They’re training and leading the Titans. The last I heard from them is that they’re doing just fine.

Except me.

Who am I kidding? I can’t compare myself to Bruce’s kids even though I’m closer to Dick’s age than Bruce’s.

Maybe that’s why it didn’t work out between us. Bruce is almost my father’s age, late forties early fifties. And he’s still sexy as fuck; stronger than ever.

And here I am in my early thirties, expecting more than just a wordless promise of something more than casual sex and the uncertainty of the future.

After three months ago, I’m trying desperately hard to not care anymore. The only constant thing in my life is being Night Bat, and I’ll die with only that part of me.

Death.

The one place where everything and nothing hurts anymore.

“Y/N.”

My head jerks to the right side where Zatanna is standing. With her hands on her hips, I can see her blue eyes blinking sadness and guilt. For a beautiful woman like Z, her broken expression is almost tragic enough to make me cry like her.

If my own tears were my own. Maybe my tears are Gotham’s.

“It’s Etrigan. He’s...” Zatanna chokes on her words. She literally holds her neck and tries to stop sobbing. “He’s dead.”

I can feel my eyebrows raise as confusion and disbelief crash over me.

“Dead?” I repeat. I can’t even believe that word is coming from my mouth. Etrigan is tough. Etrigan is a shithead. Etrigan cannot be dead. “How?”

Zatanna shrugs her shoulders as her lips quiver. Seeing her broken up makes me feel like an asshole for not comforting her. So, I stand up and go over to her. Taking her by surprise, I hug her tightly.

She’s my best friend. My sister. My partner in crime whenever we get into bad shit. (Sometimes...maybe).

After Zatanna hugs me, she takes a step back and wipes her tears with her gloved hand.

“He-he was stabbed. I... I don’t know by what but he bled and he was never one to really bleed, you know? I checked everything out and he’s dead. He’s really gone. But it was...a very fucking strange thing. Really,” Zatanna rambles on anxiously. Whenever she cusses, I know she’s angry and stressed out. “Whatever killed him, it’s not from around here. What I sensed near him, it’s not human. It’s not magical. It’s not even Kryptonian or extraterrestrial.”

I swallow hard. “What do you think it is then?”

“Demonic.”

_________________________________________________

“Have you contacted John?” I ask. My voice is rough and breathless. I’m busy shoving as much weapons as I can in my backpack, along with a few clothes and a book from Alfred about demonology. He said it was a gift from Constantine himself.

I stare down at my long, silver triple-edged dagger that I found on one of my solo missions in Kansas when Bruce was fighting

“Not in... six months.”

The guilt in her voice makes me turn to glance at her. “Seriously?”

I glance down at my black pants and boots to make sure I’m appropriately and comfortably dressed for tonight. I slip on a red and black checkered flannel over my form fitting black tank top. After rolling up the sleeves to my elbows, I put on my black leather jacket and turn to face Zatanna.

“What, am I supposed to keep in touch with my ex-boyfriend? I thought ex-boyfriends were meant to stay ex-boyfriends, not friends. And besides, you keep in touch with Bruce,” Zatanna responds smugly.

“He’s...a co-worker...that’s-thats different.”

“Bullshit,” Z laughs.

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. I need a drink before we start...” I say, waving my hand up dramatically. “Whatever this is. I think a stop at Lucky’s is what we need.”

“A trip to the bar is what YOU need,” Zatanna replies.

She follows me out of my apartment until we stop in the parking lot where my motorcycle is parked. I don’t see her standing behind me with her arms crossed and eyebrow raised, as I take a seat on my bike and set myself up to ride.

“What?” I ask, genuinely confused.

“I could just you know...poof is there.”

“Yeah, you could like you always do, but I need to ride my baby right now. It’s like, therapy for the low self-esteem, loner, rebels,” I say.

To my surprise, Zatanna nods her head and gives me a small smile. I’m grateful she understands how much riding my motorcycle makes me happy. Makes me breathe. Makes me feel alive.

“I’ll see you there, Y/N/N.”

“See ya, Z.”

And with that, Zatanna poofs for real. Her magic still surprises me. Whenever I see her perform her spells and tricks, I feel like I’m reliving magic shows I saw as a kid that I used to believe were real and powerful.

But to know what Zatanna does is real is still unbelievable sometimes.

And to think we have been best friends for five years now...amazing how time flies by I’m between laughs and heartbreaks.

Revving my bike, I waste no time speeding out of the parking garage and into the streets of Gotham. The rain and wind in my hair sends me chills, as the lights and buildings pass me by so fast that I feel like everything I see is a blur; almost like in a dream-like state.

Lucky’s is just a small country rustic bar outside of Gotham. City people usually don’t go there as the place is purely meant for drifters and stranded loners. I happen to love the bar. If I’m ever feeling down or angry, I always drop by to get drunk or frisky if I’m ever in the mood. Bruce was always disappointed in me for that. He always used to say I’m better than that and I shouldn’t put myself down.

I sometimes think he’d want to say I’m easy, but Bruce is just so complicated sometimes. He can either be a total asshole or be the gentle sweetheart he is. You never know which side you’d see sometimes.

Almost like Two-Face.

Swerving into the mud to park alongside trucks and other bikes, I climb off my motorcycle and glance around the dirt lot. I recognize a few vehicles parked already. A new black Escalade parked closer to the bar is different and catches my attention rather quickly.

I pull my hair back into a ponytail and start my way over to the expensive ass vehicle when suddenly a black car speeds right pass me and parks right next to my bike, sending mud flying to my pants and on my bike! Rage suddenly takes over me. I can feel my blood boil and my jaw clench as several curse words come to mind. I twist around and instead make my way to that motherfucker’s car.

A black 1967 Impala? What a fucking joke.

As if this motherfucker owns this American classic. This self-righteous, prick probably stole it from some old fool or maybe his own old man.

I’m ready to break this douchebag’s face. Knock all his teeth out and break his cock into two…maybe three pieces.

I finally reach the driver’s door and quickly open it; door swinging back. This must piss off the man a lot, but I don’t care right now.

“Look, you motherfucker! You think you can just drive like a bat out of hell and get fucking mud on MY baby?! Get out of this fucking car so I can break you apart with my bare hands!” I yell angrily and loudly.

The man climbs out of his car, but my anger suddenly vanishes. What the hell?

Holy fucking shit…this man is…hot.

Standing at 6’1, this man is almost intimidating. With short brown hair, tan skin, hypnotizing green eyes, and freckles splattered over his nose and cheeks, he’s fucking adorable…and sexy. I can’t help but stare up at him.

He smirks down at me. Underneath his dark jacket, he’s wearing a flannel shirt and black Henley, where I can already see his strong chest, muscled arms, and soft tummy.

“Looks like sweetheart likes what she sees, Sammy. I’d say we made the right choice for coming out to Gotham,” the man speaks smugly. His voice is deep and husky, more addicting than any liquor inside the bar.

Another man comes over to us from around from the car. This man, I’m assuming his Sammy, is FUCKING TALLER than the hot one in front of me!

Sammy chuckles lightly at me. Pushing his longer brown hair from his face, he quickly reaches out to shake my hand.

“Hi, I’m Sam Winchester and this is my brother, Dean.”

The second those words leave his mouth; we hear someone quickly approaching us. Zatanna. And from the looks of theirs, they’re shocked and surprised to see my friend in her usual, sexy magician number.

Zatanna smiles, nonetheless. “Well, if it isn’t the Winchesters. We’ve been expecting you.”

#dc comics #batman #supernatural #bruce wayne #dean winchester #sam winchester #zatanna #batman x y/n #dean winchester x y/n

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thatsadbietch · 3 years

Text

Well... Its Out There, Now

Summary: One of your adventures while performing daily tasks on BoneZone, the Island you inhabit with several villagers, including one of my favorites so far, Keaton.

Word Count: 3,312

A/N: The first Animal Crossing fanfic I’ve ever written about the first Animal Crossing game I’ve ever played! Fell in love with it immediately. Purely wholesome fluff, some coming out stories involved that are definitely not cannon. I hope you like it!

Suppose I should mention, there’s some cursing, but otherwise totally G-Rated

Feedback is always appreciated, I’d love to be a better writer.

_____________________________________________________________

“Here’s to another morning… Calm… serene… kinda dull…” You said to yourself, waking alone in your rented house on BoneZone. You had jokingly shouted out the name during an island meeting, but the innocent villagers decided it was unique and loved it.

“It’ll be a fun story when I get visitors,” you thought at the time. But you’d been on the island for a few months now and has had no visitors, just mail. Which was better than nothing, but you missed your family, your friends…

“Think of it as a vacation, he said,” You mocked as you got dressed. That is what your brother had said before you boarded the plane, headed to this island getaway, which you originally thought to be just that, until you became the island’s representative. But, admittedly, it was nice not being in school, or employed in some office somewhere while still having a nice living space and food on the table. Even the villagers have taken a liking to your and seemed to be Tom Nook’s right-hand person when it came to island matters. You just wish someone, anyone of your friends or family could have come with you.

Anyway, you walked into your living room and was greeted by Russell, your pudgy cat. At least you got to take him. He released a pitiful “Rrreow,” as he does every morning before you go out to pick up debris and pull weeds.

“Russ, you know by now I do this every morning and I’m back for lunch,” you reminded as you filled his food and water bowls, as if he understood. “I love you and will be back soon.”

With that, you headed out, making your rounds, greeting the villagers you came across.

“Yo, hoohaahaa, what’s up?” Louie, the fitness-enthused gorilla called, jogging past.

“Hey, Louie!” you called back, and glanced at your phone. 8:13. He was probably on his 28th lap by now. 22 more to go. “Make sure to stay hydrated. We don’t want a repeat of what happened last week.”

Louie actually stopped, scratched the back of his head, and blussed. “Yeah… I was pretty lucky you happened to be in the orchard that day. You’re the best!” He called out, and continued his work out.

“He’s crazy,” You said to yourself, shaking your head.

“I’ll say.” You jumped, looking to your right to see Keaton snickering. A bird with vibrant blue and yellow feathers shouldn’t be hard to spot, but dammit he managed. The two of you hit it off pretty quickly, and his company became comforting, especially when you faced some serious homesickness.

“I don’t want a heart-attack today, Keaton.” You stated and crossed your arms, but a small grin gave away how amused you were.

“I would never do such a thing, friendo. Never. Now, scare you for my own entertainment… that, I would do.” You raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, you want a deal on that house expansion or not?”

Keaton put his wings over his heart. “I’m hurt, that you would stoop so low… with me of all people.” You gave him a gentle nudge.

“I’m teasing you, feather-face. But, if you wanted to make sure that deal comes through, you could help me out this morning. I need to pull weeds, tend to the garden…”

“Hmmm,” he exasperated, “Walk around the island with my bestie and share gossip? I think I can manage.”

They first made their way around Resident Services. Kicks happened to be by Resident Services today, selling his shoes and bags. They stopped to look a bit; You found a bag that you thought to fill with other items and send to your family as a care package. For now, you slung it over your shoulders, and they continued to the beachside garden, and began pulling weeds.

“So, when do I get to meet the folks? The friends? Or are you actually on the run for something and can’t go back home?” Keaton asked teasingly. You rolled your eyes and shook your head, the signature expression.

“Whenever they visit.” You said simply, knowing that Keaton meant no harm, but you missed them the more they were mentioned.

“What about you? Anyone here catch your eye?” you grinned. For once, you saw Keaton hesitate, and he stopped pulling weeds for a moment.

“Hey, if I said something wrong-”

“No, you didn’t. I was just thinking…” he said, casting another uprooted weed aside. The two of you walked over to the river to rinse off.

“You can tell me. You know the golden rule, we share other people’s gossip, not ours.” You joked, bringing barely a half smile to his face. They stood and continued to the main garden, where the villagers collaborated to produce hybrid plants. The two sat on a nearby bench, deciding to take a break.

“…Y/N...” He said, almost whispering. “I do have my eyes on someone… another bird…” Your eyes widened.

“Is it Piper? You never told me anything!” You would have exclaimed, but in whisper form. Even so, Keaton flailed his wings and shushed you.

“NOOO! She and I are just good friends.” You raised an eyebrow. “You suuuuure?”

“Y/N, I’m trying to be serious here.” The smirk quickly vanished and you nodded. Keaton brought his knees to his chest, not unlike a scared child during a thunderstorm.

“…it’s… Wilbur.” You breathed a sigh and chuckled a little bit, infuriating the bird. He stood up quickly.

“I TRUSTED YOU, Y/N! And you’re sitting here, laughing at me and-“

“HEY, chill, unless you want to wake up the island.” Keaton sat back down.

“I honestly wasn’t sure what I was expecting… But Keaton, bottom line, relax. I don’t care if you have a crush on Wilbur.” He tucked his knees to his chest again and looked you in the eye. “Really?”

“Dude, half of my friends are gay. And regardless, I don’t love them any more or less based on who they love. People like to make this complicated. It’s really not.” Keaton just looked at you for a minute, and sighed, and nodded.

“Well, is there something else on your mind? You’ve never been this quiet for this long,” You jested. He gave you a smirk and a sideways glace before hitting your arm. “Shut up. It just feels nice to get that off my chest. Thanks, wingo.” He said, and turned to wrap his wings around you in a hug. You squeezed back, though had a mischievous glare still in your eye.

“Just don’t say anything too early. I had Bells on you and Piper.” Keaton gasped dramatically (yup, he’s back) and exclaimed, “HOW RUDE!” before pushing your away from him and off the bench. You cackled the entire time, and once Keaton started laughing too you grabbed onto his legs and dragged him down with you.

“Oh, that’s it! Chores be damned, it’s go-time!” You sprang up before he finished his threat and ran, both careful to follow the path and not ruin the flowers (all the villagers would be upset, but you both would have surely faced Dobie’s wrath). Once out of the garden, you made a beeline for the river; you had your retractable vaulting pole thankfully. You dug it out of your pocket, pushed the button that released the pole, and vaulted over the river. As you retracted and returned it to your pocket, you turned and saw Keaton on the other side. You blew a raspberry before calmly strolling away. Keaton would not be defeated, not like this. He backed up a bit, enough to get a full sprint toward the river before jumping. That and one hard flap of his wings got him across the river.

You were content catching your breath, walking along the beach, until you heard footsteps. “Oh, this must be Louie’s last lap. Good for hi-“ your thought was interrupted as a set of wings took your around the middle, tumbling onto the warm sand of the shore. You landed on your back, but before you entered full-blown attack mode you looked up and saw Keaton strattled over your and laughing loudly. You couldn’t help but to laugh too, and tried to topple Keaton over. However, he took your wrists and planted himself more firmly to the sand, still giggling light heartedly.

“Oh, I don’t think so. You were super rude earlier. I think it’s time you apologized.” The only human on the island rolled their eyes yet again. “I was teasing you, dude.” He shrugged, but didn’t budge. You sighed.

“Oooh fine. Keaton, I’m sorry about the joke I made with Piper and Bells. Happy?” Keaton smirked.

“Almost. Now, you have to tell me a secret, since I told you a big one about me.”

“Are you joking?”

“Does this face look like it’s joking?” You paused. Keaton glared, knowing there was a sarcastic comment just dying to come out.

“Y/N, I swear-“

“No, but it looks like a punch line!” you giggled at your own joke as if it were the funniest thing you could have said.

“WOW, you’re on a roll today!” Keaton exclaimed, amplifying your laughter. He wasn’t a dumb bird, he knew there was a reason you spent so much time by yourself, even after meeting and getting to know everyone that’s moved on the island. In fact, greeting new villagers was your job, and yet you were still holding something back.

“Come on, you aren’t getting up until I hear some spilled tea. Let’s go,” he demanded, but you shook your head defiantly.

“I don’t have any secrets for you, Keaton. I’m a pretty open book.”

“That so? Then why are you still trying so hard to get me off of you?” For having nothing to hide, you were trying awful hard to get your wrists back. So, you wracked your brain for anything unrelated to “spill,” but just didn’t have anything else.

“Now who’s being quiet?” Keaton playfully mocked. You didn’t know what else to say, so you blurted, “I have three tattoos!” Keaton looked blankly at you.

“I know that. And even if I didn’t, that’s not a great secret.”

“But you’ve only seen two. How do you really know?” Silent blank-staring. Keaton then noticed the bottom of your shirt rose slightly from the struggle.

“Y/N, hang on, I don’t want the sand to burn you,” he said, releasing a wrist as to fix it. However, when his feathered fingers stroked the exposed skin, you jerked and instinctively grabbed his wrist. He was shocked at the suddenness of your movements, but then it clicked.

“Oh, honey… that’s the kind of secret I’m talking about…”

“Keaton, NOO-“

“The kind I can totally get behind using against you.”

“Keaton no means no-AAGGH, no-ho, KEEHEEATON!” Safe to say, you underestimated how strong Keaton was. He quickly freed the wrist you caught, held both of yours in one wing and held them to one side, giving him free reign to glide his feathers over your now more-exposed hip bone. You brought your head to your hands and hid your face while you cackled endlessly at the ticklish sensation.

“STAHAHP, KEHEATON, pleaaAH! HAHA!” Keaton smirked at your desperate attempt at coherent English, as he went from gentle gliding to pinching your hip and working his way up and down your side, while you frantically and flutily kicked the air behind them.

“You, one of the reasons I liked you was because you and I can pick on each other.. But now, knowing this, I know juuuuust how to bring you down a peg!” Your hiding in your hands didn’t go unnoticed, nor did the fact that aside from hiding your face, you weren’t making any real effort to get away from him.

“You want to know what I find funny?” He asked and paused so you could answer.

“Really *huff* bad *huff* dad jokes.”

“Despite it all, I don’t think I’m going to break your sarcasm,” the bright bird replied with a blank expression. “Anyway, no. I think it’s funny that you’d rather spend your energy hiding your face than stopping me~.” You didn’t say anything, but your cheeks flushed a deep red, and you attempted to hide your face again.

“Nuh uh, none of that!” he exclaimed, and rather than just holding your wrists to the side, he lifted them above your head. “There’ll be no more hiding for you~.” You shuddered in anticipation, and witnessed mischief take over Keaton’s facial features. If he and Wilber ever got together, you’d have to remember to properly warn him about Keaton’s dark side.

“Though, I’m willing to make a deal with you.” You sighed and relaxed… while you could.

“What kind of deal?” That glint in Keaton’s eye… you were all too familiar with. He’s not done.

“I think this is a fantastic secret you’ve shared with me… whether you meant to or not,” he started, and glided his feathers across your exposed skin, from one hipbone to the other. You clenched your fists and gritted your teeth to try to maintain some form of composure now that you couldn’t hide your face. Keaton chuckled and continued.

“But anyway, I still don’t think it quite adds up to mine. I think I need to know which places will wreck you.” You tried to feign disbelief.

“You don’t think I’m wrecked now?”

“No, I think you were surprised. And I think there would have been a lot more of a struggle if I were onto something. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think this-” He suddenly grabbed and poked at your hip and sides, causing an explosive cackle “-is effective. And adorable.”

“Fuhuhck off,” you replied casually, then froze after seeing his surprised face. Then you realized it was the first time you’d ever said that to him. In jest, of course, but Keaton, ever the dramatic one, played as though he’d never been more hurt or offended.

“Oh, I was going to give you the option to tell me. But that chance has been blown.” He began sinisterly. “I’ll just find out myself.”

“Wait no Keaton I didn’t meheheAAAN IIIITT! NOOOHOHOHAHAHAA!” You couldn’t speak clear enough, and had no way of covering your face, but you still tried to contain yourself enough that he might get bored, or think all of your ticklish areas were about the same. But you were never a good actor; and he had already decided to begin his onslaught again on a bad spot. He kneaded in the middle of your rib cage, resulting in complete hysterics.

“Well, lucky guess!” he exclaimed, switching between this spot and your underarms randomly. It was as if you’d never reacted to such a ticklish onslaught before. “Right? Did I guess right?” he tormented, and he chuckled to himself as You frantically nodded and grabbed his wrists instinctively.

Soon enough though your laughing grew silent, and Keaton figured you’d just about had enough. He relented and let go of your wrists, then laughed when you didn’t move them from over your head; you just remained still to catch your breath.

“It’s *huff* too early *huff* for this *huff* shit.” Keaton cackled evilly.

“Gee, I wonder what discoveries I’ll make if I just, ya know, turned around and tried the other half of you.” Your eyes widened and summoned at least enough strength to shove him off, and turned to run until you was jerked backward: Keaton had hurried and grabbed the bag you’d bought earlier that was on your back and used it to catch and knock your off balance, forcing you on the ground, lying face down.

“Damnit! That care package cost me more than just Bells…”

“Your folks and I are lucky you’re so thoughtful.” Keaton played, clearly enjoying himself.

“Oh, shut the hell up.”

“Wow, grouchy. Bet I can fix that, though,” Keaton teased, and You braced yourself again… But nothing came.

“… on second thought, nah.” Keaton said while standing and offered his wing to help you up. You looked up at him skeptically, and took his wing.

“What?”

“I decided you earned a break. Plus, that reaction was gold, I know you’re hiding something else, and I’ll try to find out what when you least expect it.” He said triumphantly, though still sporting a sinister glare.

“Oooh, that’s dirty,” You replied, but couldn’t help but grin.

“What? It gives you a chance to enjoy yourself unexpectedly, too, ya know.” The red glow still played at your cheeks, even after you’d caught your breath.

“I don’t know what you mean.” You said sourly with your arms crossed.

“Oh,” Keaton started as they continued along the shoreline toward Bertha and Elise’s houses, picking up shells as they walked. “I’m not oblivious, friendo. If you enjoy something and no one gets hurt, there’s nothing to be embarrassed over.” The statement did NOT help, as you turned away again, feeling the heat intensifying on your face. Deciding he wasn’t helping, he tried to change the subject.

“So… what do you think my chances are with Wilbur? You fly a lot, have you talked to him much?” You peeked over at him, and decided to set your shells down and sit in one of the new beach chairs you’d placed a few days ago. Keaton took the one next to you. You shrugged before responding.

“He seems nice, but I’ve never gotten a vibe as to his preference. I could talk to him more, be your wingmate.” You offered, wiggling your eyebrows at the colorful bird. Keaton beamed.

“You would?? I’d really like that, wingo! Thanks!”

“It’s no problem.” Even carrying on normal conversation, Keaton still had a feeling something was still… off.

“Hey, wingo, there are no hard feelings about earlier, are there? I mean, I was just playing, that’s all, I didn’t mean-“

“You’re okay, Keaton,” You stated, finally turning to face him. You were actually smiling, albeit kind of sadly.

“You’re right though, from earlier. I was caught off guard, I do… actually… enjoy it… it’s hard to admit. I’ve never told anyone about it.”

“Are you for real?” Keaton asked. “What are you afraid of? I’m sure no one that loves and cares about you would think anything of it. At least no more than your usual weird.” He smirked. You shot him a glare, but smirked back. Your face returned to one of indifference and took a deep breath.

“I know that. I just have a hard time talking about it.”

“Why?” You remained silent for a bit.

“I don’t really know. It’s just a… thing. I don’t know.” Keaton thought about it for a second. You looked back over.

“Really, you don’t have to worry about it. I’m not sure when I’ll see any of them again anyway, with me trying to get something started for myself here and all, so… and it’s not worth all the thinking.”

He was clearly not listening, and proved it when he turned and said, “Ya know, the news is a thing. Music is a thing. There are a lot of things that you don’t have a problem talking about that you like, right?”

“Well, yeah, but-“

“No buts, I’m not done,” he remarked sassily. You snickered and let him continue. “My point is, maybe you should just think about it as if it’s one of those types of things. And from what you’ve told me, you have decent enough people in your life to listen without passing judgement. And if anyone does… well, another thing is this side of me that hardly ever has to come out, but it will for you, friendo.”

“…oh,” You remarked. Don’t piss off Keaton. Got it. He laughed again.

“Does any of that make sense?”

“Yeah. I think so. Maybe I’ll approach it that way next time.”

“Good. And let me know how it turns out. Because I love it when people tell me I’m right.”

“Oh, fuck you.”

#tickle fic #tickling #animal crossing #first fic #fanfiction #fluff #drabble #acnh #reader #acnh villagers #wholesome

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steveusesfaberge · 5 years

Text

Better Parent (pt. i)

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader

Summary: Steve’s approached by the Henderson duo while at work, and can’t help but lose himself in Y/N’s essence. He’s also extremely offended by her notion of claiming she’s the better party parent than himself...do they realize they’re simply an old married couple in the works? Nope.

Type/Style: Imagine, female pronouns

Warning(s): Fluff~, Clumsy Steve heeds all warnings... Oh, and a bit of cursing! >.<

Word Count: 3k

a/n: This is my first published Imagine of Stranger Things! I hope you all enjoy! Please send requests! I’m excited to write for you all! <3

Part 1 (you are here) - Part 2 - Part 3

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Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!-- The obnoxious noise of Scoops Ahoy’s service bell sounded off; resulting in the employees’ groaning in irritation. At the moment, Steve was sitting in the small backroom, playing a game of cards with Robin. The said girl peeked out the somewhat cracked sliding shutters and gave a wicked grin in her brunette friend’s direction. Steve raised an eyebrow as he placed his cards face-down on the table (knowing fully that if given the chance, the sneaky co-worker would cheat).

“Why’re you looking at me like that?” He asked with a creeping suspicion. He stretched in his chair, not having the motivation to attend to the customer with the speedy service they were demanding. Robin rolled her eyes. “If you weren’t in here, squatting on your ass - and actually doing your job - you’d realize who our fine customer in waiting is.” At that, Harrington leaned over to see for himself who this ‘fine customer’ indeed was, and when his eyes found his target - Steve practically fell out of his seat. “Y-You--It’s--I’m--wha--,” He was cut off as Robin pulled him to his feet by his shoulders. “Listen, dingus. If you stay here blubbering about it, she’s gonna think you’re irresponsible and can’t hold a job. Can’t have that now, can we?” Steve glared at her for the obvious usage of sarcasm and tease. “Now go,” Robin prodded,” It’s your turn anyway. You owe me from yesterday - leaving me to deal with Ms. Free Samples for an hour.” When he opened his mouth to protest, she shook her head giving him one final shove towards the doorway,” Yeah, yeah, you look great...no one pulls that uniform off like you do,” he didn’t appreciate her banter.

With that, Steve managed to pull himself out of the backroom - his hands nervously tampering with his (ridiculous) outfit; making sure he looked somewhat presentable. Normally, Steve was an ace at socializing - flirting was his forte and there was no denying it. But ever since he graduated...it seemed his high school charm had faded...turning into this...awkward...babysitter of six, ice cream scooping, monster fighting (total badass if you asked Steve), clumsy persona. Not exactly his ideal image of grabbing himself a date.

It was like, his whole game had been thrown off - and he’d complained to the kids more than enough when they ridiculed him for still not having a girlfriend. “Hey! I used to be a chick magnet! -- I-I still am!” “Yeah, yeah - make fun of me! It’s ‘cause of this dumb hat! My hair! -- The hat’s a cockblocker!” Despite his weak attempts at excusing himself; the party always seemed skeptical. Ugh...

“Ahoy, losers! Would you guys like to set sail on this ocean of flavor with me? -- I’ll be your Captain...what’s up Hendersons?” He greeted in traditional Scoops Ahoy fashion. Dustin always thought it was stupid, but Steve did it nonetheless - as he learned it always earned a giggle from the older Henderson.

“Hey, Steve, we’re just here for our usuals. Dusty’s gonna go hang out with the rest of the crew after this.” His attention was pulled to the girl before him. Simple (y/h/c) hair, (y/e/c) eyes, and a (y/s/t) complexion. Yet, he’d never wanted to run his fingers through someone’s hair so much...and had never wanted to simply stare into someone’s eyes for so long...or touch someone’s perfect, smooth skin--

“Helllllooo? Steve? Earth to Harrington? Did you hear me?” The brunette was snapped from his daze and he winced at the call to attention. “Um, yeah, um, yeah...um..........w-what?” His face heated up as he moved to scratch his neck, his hands then clumsily trying to hold himself up against the counter in the coolest pose he could muster in his flustered state. Dustin groaned, rubbing his eyes as he’d have to re-explain himself, but Steve was only concerned with the beautiful melody of a laugh falling from Y/N’s lips.

“You’re such a dork, Harrington,” she snorted while shaking her head, a hand placed to Dustin’s shoulder. Steve could only offer her a sheepish grin.

“He said, the gang was going to Wheelers’ house after this - and Dusty was asking if you could help me take all the kids there,” she rolled her eyes,” They’re too lazy to ride their bikes back, so we’d have to split them up in our cars.” Dustin pursed his lips, hands crossed over his chest as if saying ‘duh. You’d know that if you’d listened the first time, dumbass’.

“Uh, y-yeah, yeah. S-sure. I’m-m, uh, not doing anything after my shift. So, I’ll take them, yeah.” Dustin couldn’t help but cringe at Steve’s attempt at casualty. Either way, it seemed his sister didn’t even notice.

“Sweet! Glad to have you on board, Captain Steve.” She mused.

“The pleasure’s mine, Missy.” He’d managed the sentence without a hiccup and he was silently thanking his lucky stars. The small smile on her lips had sent him into an overdrive of ecstasy.

“Well anyway - I’d hate to be...that person...but can you get the ice cream now, Steve? I told Lucas I’d be with them...like...seven minutes ago.” Dustin interrupted with a raised eyebrow.

Steve glanced back to the curly-haired kid and nodded while rolling his eyes. “I’m so sorry, good sir. Let me get your dessert ready, heaven forbid those dipshits to wait another second!” Dramatically, he pulled a hand to his head and fluttered his eyelids closed for emphasis. Y/N shook her head, laughing to herself as she pulled the money from her pocket in preparation.

Dustin only groaned in annoyance and made a face at the young man.

Within the next few minutes, Steve had both of their orders made - he didn’t need to be reminded of the order themselves, as both were known by heart. “A banana split, with extra hot fudge, whipped cream, one scoop chocolate, two scoops vanilla, no caramel or peanuts - and yes, the chocolate scoop is bigger than the vanilla,” he placed it down in front of the pair and he saw the surprise on Y/N’s face and he caught the narrow-eyed glance Dustin threw him, as he recited the order perfectly...almost. “Oh, what about the--,” “Side order of chocolate chips? To, y’know, sprinkle on yourself?” His hand came up to do the motion of ‘sprinkling’; then adding a crooked smile the order was complete.

“And a regular sundae for my man,” he slid the other half of the purchase over while Y/N was still trying to overcome her shock.

“How...did you remember all that?” She asked while quirking an eyebrow.

Since the conversation began, Steve had slowly gained some of his cool and confidence. At least he was able to keep his words from tumbling over one another like a race to the finish line...

He shrugged. “I figured I’d remember it since it’s so complicated. Besides, you come in here like...every day, every other day...if I didn’t remember it, I’d be stupid.” She only grinned.

“If you didn’t know it by now, I’d think you were stupid too. How long have we been friends, Harrington? Two...three years?” Y/N questioned while holding out the exact amount of money to pay for the said ice cream.

“Have fun, lovebirds - I’m gonna find the others,” Dustin grumbled, excusing himself from what he thought, was an awkward conversing between sibling and best friend/idol.

Steve and Y/N only blushed at the notion of lovebirds, looking away from one another in the process. “That’ll be five-forty-seven, right?” Y/N said, clearing her throat. “Normally, yeah. But this one’s on the house.” Steve replied with a soft smile.

“You sure?” Y/N questioned, money still hanging in the air, her words slow.

“Yup,” he popped the ‘p’ and gave a nod to reassure her.

“Since when was Steve Harrington so nice?” She asked while giving him a fake dubious glance. Moving to stand to the side of the counter, in case someone else came in to be served.

Steve lifted a hand to his chin, as if in thought, and then leaned his arms on the counter’s surface. “I dunno...since, maybe...he realized he needed to be?”

He knew he hadn’t always been the best...erm...person. Steve was well aware of how much of an ass he’d been in the day, and so for him to give her such an answer - it was probably more sincere than she was expecting. Which was why he felt the need to have been nicer sooner; as the small lift of her lips had his knees go weak.

He watched as Y/N placed the spoonful of custard in her mouth, the short silence between them not uncomfortable in the slightest. They spent plenty of time together - from chaperoning the children to hanging out one-on-one, and even fighting off Upside Down nightmares together... If anything, Steve shouldn’t have an issue with talking to her at all. Yet, he did...because...well...who wouldn’t be a hot mess in front of someone so heart-stoppingly gorgeous in every aspect?

“Hm. I think the children are making you soft, Stevie,” she concluded while chuckling. Now seating herself on the countertop, turning her body to face his. He had to swallow the heat rising up because she looked breathtaking... Like a queen sat on a throne. Steve being just a commoner; the privilege of seeing such royalty before him...of course he’d be speechless.

“W-What? Soft! I’m not soft! Those dipshits just need a good role model, you know?” Y/N raised an eyebrow at him; his defensive state only proving her point. ”Besides,” he added,” I have to be responsible and nice...with you as the other role model, one of us has to be a good influence.”

“Pfft, as if! You’re the one who has the issues, Mr. I take an hour to do my hair,” Y/N scoffed while shaking her head.

“Hey, hey, hey! Don’t bash me,” Steve replied while moving to wipe down the countertop. “You gotta make sure you look the part too, Y/N.”

He glanced at her for a few seconds and then noted,” And it’s an hour and a half. For your information, dork.” It only caused her to sputter a laugh, trying to hold still so her sundae wouldn’t fall.

The conversation carried on, finally losing the playful heat and turning to their usual ‘talk about everything and anything, we have nothing else to do while we wait for the children’. Steve always loved these moments...their conversations always made his day - because just talking to her about why her neighbors were the reason she didn’t sleep at night....was enough for Steve.

During that time, Robin made her appearance and for a good few minutes, she’d stolen Y/N’s attention completely. To which, Steve only pouted and had a silent conversation with Robin about, through eye-contact.

What’re you doing? What is there a problem? Yes! This is supposed to be me, trying to woe her! You’re doing a wonderful job! Oh, shove one up it - will you? I’m trying!

“Wait - Steve, you tried to get Jenny Calif? Like...plastic Jenny Calif?” Y/N snickered as Robin re-enacted last week’s shenanigans of Harrington trying to score a date. He only flushed red.

“I...mean...it didn’t look like that.” He defended meekly. Gesturing to Robin standing a few feet away while trying to hold her imitation of him.

“So what? - Jenny Plastic Calif? I knew you were...like...desperate...but...I didn’t think you were...King Steve level desperate.” Y/N scoffed, a tease to her haunting words. Steve was taken back, they both promised to never bring up his...asshole phase...

He didn’t recognize her slightly insulting words for jealousy though, more so as disbelief and shock. Robin saw this though and tried to act on it.

“I know, right? This dingus was all like ‘Oh Jenny, haven’t seen you in a while...lookin’ good,’ and I was sitting in the back trying to drown out my agony.” Robin watched Y/N curiously and could make out the slender twitch of her lips. It seemed she was just as annoyed as anyone should be...when their (practical) boyfriend was making moves on another woman.

“Tsk,” Y/N sounded while pushing her empty dish to the side. The spoon still hanging out of her mouth, she moved over, booping Harrington’s nose. “You know better than that, Steves...you shouldn’t try and...cross species.”

Steve couldn't help the quirk of a smile. “Why’re you being so...ruthless...Y/N?” He whined while frowning. She shrugged. “Desperation is only cured by reality and truth.” Harrington groaned and gave her a gentle shove.

The duo continued their shift, accompanied by Y/N to entertain them through the process of work and waiting around. Steve was glad she was there to keep them company...if he were alone with Robin...Good Lord, all she’d do was drill it into him how oblivious he is, and how bad he is at getting your attention... By the time calling it quits rolled around, Robin was already on her way out.

“See ya tomorrow, dingus! Bye Y/N/N!” She called while waving. Leaving out the back door.

Y/N turned to Steve and he was just finishing closing the lids of ice cream, leaving every set up for whoever was to work the next shift. “What?” He urged, catching her stare. She only walked to the cash register and patted the free space beside it.

“No tip jar?” Steve only shrugged and pulled his hat off, running his fingers through his hair.

“I guess we didn’t think about it. Could get one starting week, I suppose.” He figured he could draw in some customers with luck...I mean, his good looks...right? Though some luck he had...it was like Steve The Hair Harrington fell off the face of the earth...

Y/N nodded and then said,” I’d leave a tip every time - just for your sorry ass.” Steve rolled his eyes as she continued,” I mean...Scoops’ gonna need more than a few bucks to hire a better sailor boy than you, right?”

“O-uch,” Steve retorted while holding his chest in ‘pain’. “You’re so mean...God, no wonder Dustin wishes I was his brother...Maybe he’s saving up for a new sibling.”

“Pfft, shut up, Harrington. Try all you want - the kids love me more, despite what you tell yourself before your bedtime.” Y/N explained while jutting a hip out. To which, Steve bumped purposefully as he walked from behind the counter. Only drawing that, oh-so-sweet grin from her...God, he was addicted to it.

“Yeah, right. That’s why they come to me when they need something,” he pointed out while the pair began walking towards the food court - where the kids said they’d meet them after Steve’s shift ended.

Standing so close to Y/N, Steve found his heart racing faster than what was good for him. Yet, her presence washed a calming sense...ironic really. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to be six miles away from her...or six inches away. Either way, he wouldn’t be happy...

“They come to you because you give them everything they ask for,” Y/N laughed while expressing herself with a twirling hand-gesture.

“You’re just jealous.” He decided.

“And you’re just a gullible, delusional dork who gives our children whatever they want.” Y/N countered.

The only thing that Steve processed though was our children. Was this a sign? Did she mean that she wanted kids with him? With having a child that meant having a relationship with him...right? Like he’d be their father, and Y/N would have to be their mother...to make them...their children...well, he supposed they could always adopt--

“Steve? Helloooo? Goddamnit, he’s doing that thing again!” Dustin groaned. Steve hadn’t even realized they’d made it to where the party was and everyone was staring at him; as he stared at Y/N.

“Y/N/N what did you do to him?” Dusty accused while pointing a finger at her.

“Me? This idiot just stopped responding!” Y/N told while throwing her hands in Harrington’s direction.

“He’s probably just upset I’m the better parent.”

“Here they go again,” Steve caught the teasing mutter from Lucas to Mike and the exchange of a head nod between the gang.

He felt flustered and finally found his voice again. “You!? Wait - what? Since when! I drive them everywhere, I get them free ice cream, free-range in walking around backstage of the mall--,” He ranted off all the things he did and had ever done, for them and it only had Y/N smirking the kids laughing.

“See? What’d I say, guys? Gull-i-ble.” she articulated, speaking slowly as if to a child as she poked Steve’s chest.

“Yeah...Y/N’s right, Steve. You’re just easier to convince.” Max noted with a snort, she could see it a mile away...the way they argued like a married couple...

“I mean...you’re kinda soft for a guy who was once King of High School,” Lucas chipped in while shrugging.

“I think you’re just stup--,” Dustin was cut off as Steve grabbed his shoulders, pushing the curly-haired Henderson to the nearest exit.

“Alright, dickheads. If you don’t wanna ride your damn bikes home - shut your mouths and get going.” He grumbled.

“Moody, sarcastic shit,” Y/N whispered to El and Max who only nodded hiding their amusement with their hands. The three girls walked behind the comical duo - Dustin struggling to get Steve’s hands off him, and Steve struggling to keep Dustin moving forward.

“I can’t tell which is worse,” Mike started while walking with Lucas and Will.

“What? The way Dustin doesn’t seem to realize Steve trying to get with his sister?” Will asked while shaking his head.

“Or how Harrington and Henderson can’t seem to realize they like each other?” Lucas added in a slow tone.

“Like I said,” Mike snickered,” I can’t tell which is worse.”

---------

How does part two sound? I think so! >.<

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x henderson reader #stranger things imagine

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huntertales · 4 years

Text

Part Three: Indecent Proposal. (Devil May Care S09E02)

Episode Summary: In the aftermath of the fall, Sam and the reader are taken by surprise when they learn Crowley is still alive–and stuffed in the trunk of the Impala. A temporary situation before the reader and the Winchesters relocate him to the Men of Letters dungeon. Kevin is anything but enthusiastic about seeing the king of hell under the same roof as him. However the three hunters want the demon close, hoping Crowley will provide useful information about others of his kind. Meanwhile, Abaddon re-emerges and plans to take over hell. Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader Word Count: 7,825. (Oops. This got away from me lol)

Previous Part | Supernatural Rewrite Masterlist

"The hell happened here?"

The location Abaddon led all of you to was a complete ghost town; rundown buildings overtaken by weeds, the ground beneath your fear was nothing more than dirt. It must’ve been decades since it had seen any form of life. You weren’t that surprised to see the demon lured you into a deserted part of the state like this. Better for her to have you all to herself, letting you run around while she waited for you to fall into the trap she set.

You wondered what came of the town and the people who once lived here that caused it to turn into an abandoned wasteland. Rarely do you see towns and buildings nowadays to be empty like this without a good explanation behind it. She picked this place for a reason, and not just because it was the perfect spot for whatever she had planned in that head of hers.

“A local chemical plant sprung a leak years ago. They evacuated three square blocks.” Sam explained to the both of you the town’s history. You let out a slight noise from hearing that piece of information you weren’t expecting. “Guess it’s still contaminated.”

"Wait, so this whole place is still poisonous?" You found yourself asking out of caution for your own safety. Sam nodded his head to answer your question. You rolled your eyes, you should’ve figured that much. No reason why Abaddon chose this place. If she didn't kill you, the leftover pollution lingering the air eventually would if you were exposed to it long enough. "It's like our very own Chernobyl."

Dean didn’t find your words comforting. He found himself thinking of a certain place on his body where he didn’t want to be tainted from any chemicals that might still be polluting the air. You turned your head at the exact moment to see him lower his hand to shield his private area. You let out a scoff and titled your head slightly in disbelief at how he was acting.

“That’s not gonna help.” Sam warned his brother.

“It doesn’t hurt.” Dean muttered.

You rolled your eyes and lightly whacked his arm away to get the man focused on searching this entire town to find the two other hunters. Your hopefulness that they were still breathing made you disregard the possible contamination you were about to walk right into. You put your life on the line almost everyday with all sorts of threats, a little pollution never hurt anyone until the long way down the line. You kept yourself vigilant for any possible surprise attacks Abaddon and her goons had planned as you traveled deeper into the town.

You and the boys managed to cover some distance as you kept walking through empty looking buildings with windows still intact and doors most likely unlocked from the rush people must've been in to get out of here. You checked a few buildings and scoped them out to see if anyone was inside, but all the souls that seemed to be around at the moment were just the three of you. You continued to follow behind the boys as you looked around the place, cautiously eyeing the edges of buildings and looking behind your shoulder for any possible demon trying to make a sneak attack. It seemed that you were still alone. However you found yourself stopping in your tracks when you heard a noise, it sounded like shuffling in a building not too far from where the three of you stood.

You followed behind the boys as Sam drew out his gun for any possible attackers when he approached the diner to inspect inside. The younger man kicked down the door with one swift kick and stepped inside, he took one look around the place to see there was no active threat around. The only people that were inside were the two hunters Abaddon had kidnapped. Sam lowered his weapon and called for you and Dean's attention from what he found. You made your way into the place to see the sight for yourself. While you were happy to see the Irv and Tracy were unharmed, you couldn't take anything for face value, You quietly shut the door behind you before taking one glance around the outside to make sure the coast was still clear from anyone besides the five of you.

"Irv? Hey." Dean pulled off the gag from the older hunter's mouth to give the man a chance to talk freely from the question he asked a few seconds later. "Where's Abaddon?"

"Abaddon's been torturing hunters." Irv said. "She's been trying to get intel on you kids."

"Do you know why?" Sam asked.

"I seriously doubt she wants to add you to her Christmas card. Now," Irv veered the conversation to something more important other than trying to figure out the demon's motives for why she was doing all of this. "Do you wanna make it with the rescue or what?"

"Right after you take a shot of holy water, huh?"

You wanted to believe that Abaddon just kidnapped the two and left it at that, but you knew from personal experience that things like her never made things easy. You pulled out the flask of holy water from your back pocket and twisted off the cap, you tugged off the cloth from Tracy's mouth and poured the liquid into her mouth. You watched as she swallowed without a problem and gave you an annoyed glare from the dramatics. She looked young, probably no more than someone in her early twenties at most. She must’ve been new to the game.

“Happy?” She asked you.

“Sorry about that.” You apologized for the cautious steps you had to take around them. Tracy’s glare seemed to harden when she heard the sarcastic tone lined in your voice. “Gotta be safe than sorry.”

"Don't worry about it." Irv said. At least the older hunter understood you couldn’t let them free without running a quick test to make sure they were still human without running around in their skin, waiting to jump up and rip your guts out. "Last thing you need is us popping black eyes."

Dean took it upon himself to free the hunters from the chairs they were tied to after he took out a pocket knife and cut them free. You crossed your arms over your chest and watched as they stretched their aching muscles from sitting in the same position for so long. Sam decided it would have been the perfect time to introduce himself to the younger woman.

"You're Tracy, right? I'm Sam Winchester." He said. When you noticed Tracy’s gaze had wandered over to you after Sam shifted his finger over to you, you forced yourself to give the woman a half smile and a wave before tucking your arm back where it was before. “And that’s Y/N Y/L/N.”

“Good for you.” Tracy responded with a lackluster tone, as if that name was supposed to mean anything to her. Your expression shifted slightly from the attitude she was giving the both of you, suddenly looking as if you were boring her with your mere presence.

“She’s new. We did a shifter job back in Sacramento together." Irv explained how he knew the younger woman. “Smart, but got a mouth on her."

“Sam and I know a little something about that.” Dean’s said. You rolled your eyes when you noticed his eyes wandered over to you to drive his point home. “Now that introductions are out of the way, let’s gear up.”

You got to work with unloading all the supplies you had brought with you to take down Abaddon and her demons. Ruby’s special knife was your favorite weapon to use against a demon. While it might not be able to kill a knight of hell, something you learned from the first encounter you had with Abaddon, it worked well on others you had come in contact with without a problem. Angel blades were also useful and trusty to have on hand. You had enough ammunition to take down dozens of demons with the special carvings you had made. Might not be able to kill them, but they locked those suckers in place so you could take them down once and for all.

You threw back a canister of spray paint when Dean took out another gun and set it down on the countertop with the rest of the weapons you had lined up. It appeared to you that you had just about everything you needed to take down the knight of hell once and for all.

“All right, we got Jesus juice, guns loaded with devil’s trap bullets. Shoot a demon, put him on lockdown.” Dean listed off a few of the weapons Tracy and Irv were free to pick from to arm themselves for the fight ahead. He picked up a silver blade to swiftly flip the weapon in his hand with ease. “The angel blade works.”

You found your concentration breaking away from the conversation when you heard something in the near distance catch your attention. You turned around in your spot and looked over to the window as Sam jumped up from the table he was sitting on top of and peered outside to see if he could see who caused the noise. The younger Winchester’s expression fell when he caught sight of two demons possessing those soldiers making their way to where you were.

“They’re coming.” Sam announced.

“Good.” Dean said, seeming ready for the fight ahead.

You made your way over to the window and pushed down a few of the blinds to get a better look for yourself. You spotted the same demons Sam had pointed out just a few seconds prior, but he failed to mention they hadn’t come here empty handed. It seemed Abaddon had chosen those soldiers for a reason. You looked over your shoulder to break the news that made things slightly more complicated for all of you. “They’ve got assault rifles, Dean.”

“Okay, less good.” The older Winchester noted.

You were pretty sure the whole “don’t bring a knife to a gunfight applied to this situation a little too perfectly. You stepped away from the window and made your way back over to the counter in some kind of attempt to figure out how to get out of here. Luckily the demons didn’t know just yet where you were, they probably knew you were here from the parked Impala on the outskirts of the town. Irv wondered how you and the boys were going to get yourselves out of this one. You’ve been in a situation like this enough times to know that you couldn't risk the chance of sneaking out the back without arousing suspicion. You needed something to distract the demons to give you enough time to bolt. And what a better way to give the illusion that you were stupid enough to go up against them.

All of you packed up your things after arming up with weapons to protect yourselves in the case those demons weren't alone. You anxiously waited behind with the others while Dean was still back at the diner, setting up your phone after you got the brilliant idea to lure the demons into a trap with a recording of the older Winchester's voice on loop calling out the monsters, luring them to an empty diner, all of you long gone. You let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Dean making his way back to the four of you after setting up the phone like you told him to do.

“All right. We got to flank seal team douche in there, so, Irv, you and me will go left.” Dean said, coming up with a plan for a way to get out of here alive. “The rest of you go right."

You nodded your head at the instructions without much thought and looked over at Sam, both of you ready to start moving. You took a few steps over to Tracy and without much thought placed a hand on her shoulder to get her moving, however it seemed that was the worst thing you could have done. Suddenly you felt yourself stumbling backwards after Tracy turned around and shoved you off of her, hissing at you to get away from her. You were stunned at what just happened, Sam was even taken back himself when she threw daggers at the man when he tried to go even near her. Tracy had given you attitude before, you thought it was because she was pissed off at the fact she was roped into your problems. But she was staring at you like you were the kind of monster that had gotten her into this situation.

“Okay, that’s it.” You couldn’t take it anymore. You found yourself snapping back at the younger woman with an abundance of frustration from how she had been treating you since you met her. There was no reason for the attitude. Tracy responded by continuing to stare at you with the same disgusted glare. “Look, kid, I am not in the mood.”

“Whoa.” The older Winchester was quick to notice the sudden shift in mood from the reaction Tracy got out of you. He observed the three of you slowly to try and figure out what happened to have caused this. “What’s the problem?”

“My family’s dead because of them.” Tracy's reason took you and Sam both by surprise. Your hardening glare slowly began to change at her confession, the younger Winchester was left wondering for the few seconds of silence that fell between the woman’s confession to figure out how that could have possibly been his fault. Both of you had done some pretty terrible things in the past. There was no denying that. But to have murdered someone in cold blood? You swore you never went that far. And you didn’t. Just the mistake you had made of freeing Lucifer came with more consequences than you realized. “I watched a demon slaughter my parents, and the whole time, it talked about how it was celebrating. How a couple of dumb kids let Lucifer out of his cage.”

You pressed your lips together and moved your gaze somewhere other than Tracy. Sam couldn't help himself when he stared at the younger woman with a guilty expression at the actions he knew were all of his fault. He was the reason why Lucifer was freed from the cage. He was the reason why her parents were slaughtered. He wanted to apologize for the pain he caused her, but right now wasn't the time to do so. Dean was quick to switch things up, deciding to have Tracy go with him and let Irv tag along instead. You swallowed down your own heavy conscience in favor of getting Tracy and Irv out of here. Sam remained where he was for a few seconds while his brother and Tracy went off. You placed a hand on the man's shoulder and gave a slight squeeze, nodding your head for him to get moving.

The three of you went on your journey of heading into the right side of town like Dean told you to do so. Most of the journey was in complete silence, you following behind Sam as Irv chose to linger behind the line that formed. Sam had the demon knife in his head at the ready while your loaded gun remained tucked in the waistband of your jeans. You didn't know why, but you found the confession Tracy made lingering in the back of your mind. From the way she looked at you. How she told you both that you were the reason why her parents were dead. You carried the burden around what happened back at that church on your shoulders every single day. If you could change the past, you would in a heartbeat. You even tried to fix your mistakes...but all that came of it was more mistakes on your part.

"Kids, you copacetic?" Irv's question broke the silence between all of you. Sam nodded his head as you did the same a few moments later. You stopped behind a building and looked over at the older hunter, wondering to yourself why he wanted to know such a thing. “Good. Now hand me that toothpick and you two get Dean and Tracy—you beat feet out of here.”

“What?” Sam sounded nothing more than confused as to what the man was suggesting. It sounded like a suicide mission, because it was. There was no way in hell you were letting Irv in there by himself with all those demons with one knife and no backup to help.

“I’m going in there alone.” Irv said. “I’ll buy you two as much time as I can.”

“Irv, that’s death.” Sam told the hunter.

“Yeah, well, it’s what I got coming. It’s my fault, Sam.” Irv’s confession wasn't what you were expecting to come out of the man's mouth. You looked at him a little funny from what he was implying, wondering how that could be such a thing. There was more to the story that the hunter withheld from you until now. "I was in some dive and I was sloppy and lonely and I met some girl, and the next thing you know, I'm strapped to some bed and she's twisting things that ain't supposed to be twisted.”

“‘She’ who?” You questioned the man.

“Abaddon.” The name that fell out of the hunter’s mouth made you sink your shoulders down in disappointment. Sam took the news the same as you. Irv was distraught with the things he had done against his own will, but there was only so much a man could take before breaking. “I gave ‘em up. Pete, Tracy—I gave ‘em all up. So you hand me that blade and let me do what I got to do, or so help me—”

Before the man could finish the argument to get what was coming to him and die with some dignity after the wrongs he had made, it seemed death came to him sooner than he was anticipating. You felt a sudden gasp of surprise escape from your mouth at what happened in the matter of seconds. You didn't realize Irv had been shot until you saw him lying on the ground with a bleeding wound in his chest. Sam quickly grabbed a hold of your arm and yanked you closer to him when he figured out what was going on. You felt your back collide with the brick wall as another shot went off. The demon who was trying to take you down must’ve been a sharp shooter. You and Sam quickly drew out your own guns, knowing a simple knife shared between the both of you wasn’t gonna cut it.

Sam slowly inched himself closer to the edge of the wall and peered out with his weapon to see where the demon was. He managed to spot him sitting on a rooftop straight ahead, he took his chance by firing off a few rounds until he managed to hit a bullseye into the scope. When Sam tried to aim for the demon next, that’s when you made a run for it, Sam following behind right after you. You ran for cover in the nearest building that you found and pushed the door open with your body, not even bothering to think there might be someone inside waiting for you. You didn't come into that thought until you saw someone pressing their shoe against your wrist that was holding your gun. You looked up to see the barrel of a gun staring back down at you and the smile of a demon to greet you.

“Boo.” The demon taunted you.

+ + +

Dean couldn’t help himself when he thought back to what Tracy had said about her parents. The situation of freeing Lucifer came with a ripple effect that felt like it was never going to end. When all of you thought the dust had settled and things could go back to somewhat normal, there was always a small wave to come creeping back up. Tracy had every right to be pissed off at what happened to her parents. Hunters got into this lifestyle without much of a choice, almost always it was because of some sort of tragedy that dragged them into this lifestyle. You and the boys knew the story. It was your lives that lead you to this point. The reason you made the choices you did.

You and Sam made mistakes with terrible consequences. There was no denying that factor. But so did Dean. Irv most likely would confess that he had nightmares from his past choices that kept him up at night. Everyone does. He was sure Tracy would make some along the way. In the moment, before everything falls apart, you feel like it was the right thing to do. You don’t realize how wrong you are until you’re faced with the mistakes of your actions that you can’t go back from.

“Okay, I think they’re still inside. We wait till they come out, and we pick them off one by one.” Dean gave the layout of his plan while him and Tracy slowly made their way closer to the edge of a gafettied up wall. She listened without much as a peep. He adjusted his grip around the knife and looked over at her for a second. "Listen, for the record, Sam and Y/N weren't the only ones who thought they were doing right and watched it all go to crap. Okay? That's just part of being—"

“Being a hunter.” Tracy cut off the man, finishing his sentence with the moral lesson she thought he was trying to make.

“Being human.” Dean corrected the woman. “Look, you want to be pissed off at them, that’s fine. I get it. But if you want to go after somebody, you make sure they got black eyes. Got to know who the real monsters are in this world, kid.”

Dean nodded his head for Tracy to start moving when he thought it was the perfect time to start heading to the spot he located. He cautiously made his way forward with his gun pointed forward and figured just centimeters from the trigger, ready to take down any demon that tried to get the jump on him. However the hunter was stupid enough to overlook the small alleyway that was just big enough to have someone hiding in there. Dean found himself being taken by surprise when he felt someone take a swing at him, sending him straight to the ground. Tracy was fast enough to act without a second thought. She fired off several rounds into the demon that now stood in front of her, thinking it would have been enough to take her down. However this demon had seen this sort of trick before, and learned some herself.

Tracy lowered her gun when she realized the five rounds that she shot off had done nothing to the redhead. Instead all she got as a reaction was a smile. Abaddon lifted up her shirt to reveal the bullet proof vest she was wearing. The hunter was stupid enough to waste all her bullets on a chest shot, why she didn’t go for the head was a rookie mistake she would pay for in mere seconds when Abaddon went over there and ripped her throat out.

“Nice grouping. Kevlar. Beats magic bullets.” She said. “I love the future.”

Dean had some tricks up his sleeve to make the demon back off enough for a chance to get Tracy out of here and get some extra weapons. He twisted off the cap to a flask of holy water and splashed it in Abaddon’s face, happy to know that at least something worked on her. She stumbled backwards as her face burned from the liquid. Dean took his chance to get back up to his feet and make his way over to Tracy. He shoved his car keys into the palm of her hands.

“Listen, my car is three blocks over. Go get more bullets, more holy water—get everything.” He instructed her. Tracy couldn’t help but worry about the man from the danger that he was putting himself in if she left him. “Just go! Go! Now!”

Abaddon felt the burning sensation on her skin slowly subside as she watched Tracy listen to the man, running off and going for more supplies would be rendered useless. The demon grew a toothy smile when she saw Dean turn around and face her, ready to let the real fun begin. She adjusted her red hair and tossed back a loose curl from her face. The demon had been waiting for a very long time to finally see the older Winchester’s handsome face.

“Alone at last.” She said.

Dean responded by taking out an angel blade from the inside of his jacket, something Abaddon wondered to herself how he managed to get hold of such an odd weapon. She smiled at the flimsy little tool that he thought was going to take someone as powerful as her. She watched as he attempted to take a stab at her, but the demon managed to block the shot with ease. Abbadon roughly disarmed him as she bent his arm behind his back, pulling him uncomfortably close to her body with his back pressed against her chest. She made the situation worse by hovering her lips over his ear.

“I missed you. Did you miss me?” She whispered to him. Dean wasn’t given a chance to give a snarky response from the way Abaddon was bending his arm to the point where all it would take was one wrong move and she’d snap it. She pushed him forward and down to his knees, his one arm still painfully in her grasp as the other was wrapped around her wrist. There was no way Dean was going to get out of this one, at least, not without Abaddon's permission. "So appreciate Y/N and you boys coming when I call. I think that's what I like most about you Winchesters.” The demon used her free hand to run her hand through Dean’s hair, enjoying the sight of such a handsome face. She smiled when he felt his body stiffen under her touch. She grabbed a fistful of the short locks, forcing his neck back slightly. “You’re so obedient. And suicidally stupid. I like that, too.”

“Are we gonna fight or make out?” Dean asked the demon, wondering where all of this talking was going to lead them. “Cause I’m getting some real mixed signals here.”

“I want Crowley—or what’s left of him.” Abaddon said, giving her reasons to the hunter.

“Yeah?” Dean wondered if that’s all it really was. He flinched when she tugged on his hair, forcing him to look up at her with a tilted neck. “What’s in it for me?”

“I let you die.” Abaddon said. The demon thought her persuasive offer would be something Dean would be very much interested in than deal with the consequences if he didn’t cooperate. “You give me Crowley’s head, and I will snap your neck quick and clean.”

“And if I tell you to get bent?” Dean asked.

“Well…” The demon’s gaze fell away from Dean’s face and to his body, her lips stretched farther into a smile at the sight of a familiar tattoo on his chest. An idea crossed the woman’s mind that seemed like a perfect act of revenge against the man if he didn’t do what she said. “You know, I’ve loved this body since the moment I first saw it.”

Dean grabbed the demon’s wrist when he felt her grab a fistful of his jacket and shirt, bunching up the fabric as she yanked it aside to reveal the one thing stopping her from using his body like a puppet. She smiled at his attempts at fighting back. The man was no match against her. “You’re the perfect vessel, Dean. You give a girl all sorts of nasty ideas. Y/N is a very lucky woman, being able to enjoy this body all to herself.” Abbadon eyed him up like a piece of meat she was ready to devour. “So go ahead, and play hard to get, and I’ll peel off this ‘No demons allowed’ tattoo and blow smoke up your ass.”

“Oh...well, I got to tell you, between you and me, it’s a horror show up there.” Dean warned the demon if she chose to be stupid enough to try and ride around in his skin. The demon merely chuckled at the man’s silly little thoughts that were nothing more than foreplay compared to what she could cook up in a mere afternoon.

“It can get worse. Trust me. Have you ever felt the pure joy of ripping a fetus straight out of a mother's womb? I was gonna do that to your little girlfriend when I went to the church. Just like how I did to Henry. Remember that? Of course you do. Maybe I’ll make you do it. I’ll use your body any way I please.” Abaddon chuckled darkly when she saw the look that crossed Dean’s face from her own threat. It was so easy to get humans riled up when you went straight for the people they loved. “Let me ask you, Dean. Have you ever felt the blood of an infant drip down your chin? Or listen to a girl scream as you rip her guts out?”

Abaddon forcefully grabbed the man by his face, digging the nail of her index finger into his skin as her thumb rested against his chin. “Because you will.” The demon promised him the torture ahead for him. “You and me lover, and we’ll have a grand old time. Because if there’s anything I can keep, it’s a promise. And I promise I’m gonna kill everyone you love with your own bare hands.”

+ + +

There was only so much two hunters could do when they were up against three demons. A fight like this wouldn't have been a problem if you were on your feet and gave Sam a proper warning to take them down when he had the chance. All you could do was regret your slow response as you were dragged back up to your feet by the demon who was crushing your hand with his boot. You tried to put up a proper fight, you really did. But there were only so many times you could handle your head being smashed against the wall before your vision grew blurry. After the demon was done with you for the meantime, he tossed your body across the room like you were a rag doll. A set of chairs broke your fall after you hit the table and went sliding to the ground.

Sam was struggling to hold his own after he was somehow overpowered by the two demons that chose to pick a fight with him as you went up against the other. If given a proper chance, he could have taken them both down, but he realized that the fight was rigged not in his favor when he heard the sound of crashing. And it wasn't the demon you were going up against when someone decided to join in. Things were starting to look grim as the younger Winchester kept on trying to take them down. If he could find the knife after he dropped it, maybe he could take one or two down before going after the other. One of them demons roughly threw him across the counter and watched as he fell to the floor like a ton of bricks, laughing at how easy this was going to be.

In the moment all Sam could think about was trying to survive and use the knife that he lost on the three demons and not let them use it on him. He didn't realize that you were back up on your feet after being knocked out cold. It seemed your awakening caused the demons' attention to shift away from the younger Winchester. They were soon going to realize who they were staring at wasn't you, but something else. Sam didn't forget there was someone else hitching a ride in your skin. A silent passenger who was healing your internal wounds and organs back to normal. The angel hadn't made a peep or broken his problems about doing what needed to be done. But it seemed that Ezekial had come out just in time, as if he knew the both of you needed a lending hand.

Sam quickly lowered himself to the ground when he saw your eyes starting to glow a bright blue, as if the angel was warning him for what was about to be done. He heard a warning about covering his eyes before the room was lit into a blinding white light. The ground beneath his feet began to violently shake from whatever the angel was doing. Whatever he had done, it stopped quickly as it started. When Sam noticed the ringing in his ears stopped and his vision grew black, he noticed things had calmed down. He outstretched his hand and placed it on the counter, using it to push himself up to his feet to inspect the damage Ezekiel had inflicted.

The younger Winchester looked to see that Ezekiel was standing over the dead body of the demon who was ready to kill him with the same knife the angel was using to slit the monster’s throat. Sam wondered why Ezekie was doing that when the demon was already dead. But then he realized, the angel was covering his tracks. He was making it look like one of you had done this. Sam made his way from behind the counter and watched as Ezekiel continued to work on the last body, finishing up right as his brother rushed in to see what the commotion was all about after witnessing only a glimpse from the outside.

"Thanks for the heads up." Sam spoke up, his tone of voice made him sound the least bit thankful for the rescue. And he wasn’t. He still wasn't sure how he felt the angel possessing you. You were tricked into having another partner walking in your skin, healing you up. He knew now was not the time to strike up the argument about his disagreement with the plan.

"They were going to kill you and Y/N." The angel must have felt Sam's lingering stare, the frustration from the unexpected jump in appearance after being quiet for the past few days. Ezekiel turned his head to give the man a blank, almost unreadable expression.

"Ezekiel?" Dean sounded surprised to see the angel was the one who was still out and about, cleaning up the mess that he had made so it wouldn't cause any suspicion for when you woke up. The older Winchester turned his head to see that his brother was okay. A little pissed off, but same from harm. "The hell did you do?"

"We had it under control." Sam said.

"If I didn't intervene when I did, you would be dead right. And so would Y/N. I was protecting your friend." Ezekial said. Sam knew the angel was right about that. But he wouldn’t admit to it. The silence that followed told the angel he wasn't going to be thanked for the rescue. He didn't understand the younger man's hostility towards him, he was merely doing what was promised. "I thought that was what the both of you wanted."

"Right, yeah, no." Dean mumbled out a response to the angel, his mind racing too fast for him to comprehend the situation he was in right now. For a split second he thought he was still talking to you. It looked like you, sounded like you. But the person standing in front of him was an angel who promised to help. Ezekiel hadn't made such a peep since he hitched a ride in your body a few days ago. Seeing him out and about took Dean a moment to comprehend. "I-I...sorry, I'm just still getting used to this whole thing."

“As am I.” The angel agreed with the complexity of the situation.

"Is she gonna be okay, at least?" Sam asked the angel in a concerned tone of voice. if anything, your well being was the one thing he cared most about. "Y/N. Is she gonna be okay?"

"She was knocked unconscious. In a way, she still is." Ezekiel said. "Y/N will not remember any of this."

"So what the hell am I supposed to tell her when she comes to?" Dean questioned the angel.

Dean was no stranger to a situation like this; two souls sharing a body with one not knowing the other was there. It happened too many times with you. The memory loss, the questions. He didn't want to deal with the complications like he had to when you were still a half demon. When you found out about that, the fall out caused damage in a monsterous way. But this...this was worse than any of that somehow. Not only would he lose your trust you would most likely never forgive him. Maybe you would never be able to look at him in the eye. And when you did, all you could think of was that he was a selfish man. Choosing your life over another. "Selfish little bastard. That's what you are. You should've let me die...you should've let me be at peace."

"That's why I used the knife." Ezekiel's voice broke the man out of his personal thoughts. Dean looked down to see the demon knife in the angel's outstretched hand.

"Right." Dean muttered, grabbing the knife by the handle and dropped his arm back down to his side. "Smart."

Ezekial noticed the shift in Dean's voice first before his expression began to change. Despite talking to him, Dean couldn't look at him directly in the eye for very long. He slowly turned around so his back was facing him. Dean must have felt as if he wasn't speaking to an angel, but you. He was lying to your face without having talked to you directly. "You are troubled, still."

"Yeah, it's that, uh...this is on me. I was the one who talked Y/N out of boarding up Hell. Okay? And I know what would've happened if I let her. All of this is my fault. I should've been there. It should've been me who did those trials. Not her. Not Sammy." Dean admitted his guilt for the entire situation that affected them here. He looked over at his brother, as if he was silently wanting to let him know not to carry this burden. All of this fell on his shoulders. If he had been quicker, if he said no to Cas maybe all of this would have turned out differently. But it didn't. "So every demon deal, every kill they make...well, you're looking at the person who let it happen."

“Dean, come on.” Sam suddenly spoke up after hearing the nonsense that was coming out of his brother's mouth. “It’s not your fault.”

"You were protecting Y/N. I am in her head. Everything she knows, I know. And I know what you did, you did out of love." Ezekiel said. The words weren't reassuring enough to help ease the older Winchester's worried mind. "You two are soulmates, correct? Dean slowly nodded his head, wondering why it suddenly mattered. The angel's lips stretched into a smile. "It's a love not many humans will experience in their lifetime. But it doesn't always show in romantic forms. I believe it can be palontic as well. The three of you have a strong bond. Unbreakable. She can feel it."

"Yeah, uh, look, Zeke—and I'm gonna call you Zeke—we're not really with the whole love, and...love." Dean was starting to feel a little awkward from how this conversation was shifting into sharing their feelings. He did it for almost no one. He barely let his brother in sometimes. The only person who could see him at worst, the most vulnerable was you. He always had a soft spot for you. He was the only one who told you that he loved you. Three little words with such heavy meaning. And yet they felt too hard to say these days when the both of you needed to hear it the most.

"But it is why I said yes." Ezekiel said.

"Yeah, and if that goes sideways, that's on me, too." Dean said, shifting the blame on himself for a situation that hasn’t even arisen yet.

"That's not going to happen." The angel reassured them both.

Ezekiel's kind words didn't help the older Winchester's racing mind. Dean let out a chuckle from the situation he was in. "This is nuts. I mean, you're Y/N, but you're not Y/N, and normally she's the one I'm talking to about all this stuff. You think I would be used to talking to someone else in her skin." Dean muttered the last remark to himself, his lips stretching into a weak smile at how this situation was spiraling. "Sam and I are trusting you, Zeke. I just gotta hope you're one of the good guys."

"I am." Ezekiel promised both of the Winchesters that he wasn't like his siblings. However the angel was quick to realize how the human mind worked. Sometimes a worded promise didn't come with reassurance that they meant what they spoke. They were complicated creatures, their words were flimsy. They could mean so much to a person, and yet so little. "But I suppose that is what a bad guy would say. Sam and Dean Winchester, you are doing the right thing.”

The brothers slowly looked away from the angel, finding their gaze reached to each other. Ezekiel’s words were full of reassurance and hopefulness that everything was going to be okay in the end of all of this. Much as things seemed like it could be, but nothing was going to make the guilt that came as a heavy weight on their chest loosen up even the slightest. If anything, the words made it feel worse. Both of them stared at one another with the same defeated, almost pained expression. If this was the right thing, the only good thing they could have done to save you...then why did it feel so wrong?

+ + +

You didn’t come back around right away. The boys kept themselves busy while your body remained where it was on the floor, making it appear as if things were left as you last remembered them. Dean dropped the last of the supplies into the duffel bag as you slowly made it back into consciousness. You weren’t sure what was going on right away, feeling the coldness against your bruised cheek made you piece together that you were on the floor. How you got here was still a blur. You shifted around slightly as you tried to sit up, but the sudden jolt of pain reminded you that you weren’t willingly put here. A demon had thrown you across the room...

The sound of someone speaking your name made you jump slightly in the noise you weren’t expecting, your mind tricking you into thinking it was a demon trying to go another round with you. When you looked up to see that it was just the boys, Dean holding the bloody knife that you remembered his brother lost in the fight you had gotten into, you were confused as to what was going on. You looked around the diner from where you were to see that it was just the three of you.

“Guys?” You winced as you slowly pushed yourself up into a sitting position, wiping your hands clean from the dirt you accidentally touched. You noticed the bodies of the demons you had tried going up against, now lying on the ground dead. You furrowed your brow slightly in confusion and looked up at the brothers. “What the hell happened?”

“You took a shot to the head, Sammy was pinned up against three demons. I came in and saved your asses, like usual.” Dean gave you a recap on what you missed out on.

“You killed three demons?” You asked him. “Alone?”

“I took them by surprise while Sam distracted them.” Dean slapped a hand on his brother’s back and cracked a smile at the fake story he was making up on the spot. To you, it sounded like the truth. He slipped the clean knife back into the inside pocket for safe keeping. “Got a little messy. I got a little lucky. Oh, and uh…” He outstretched for you to take and pulled you back up to your feet like you weighed nothing. “I’m awesome, so there’s that.”

“Geez. Yeah. You are pretty damn awesome. Nice work.” Your eyes wandered around the three dead bodies that were led to believe were killed by Dean. A smirk spread across your lips as you looked over at the younger Winchester. “You did good, too, Sasquatch.”

Sam couldn't help himself but smile at hearing the nickname for the first time in what felt like forever. The conversation was monentaly paused when you heard what sounded like the Impala's engine coming your way. You and the boys headed out to see Tracy was coming your way, she parked the car out front and got out to greet all of you. You felt a little easier knowing she was at least safe from the harm.

“Hey. You okay?” You asked her, expecting a snarky response in return.

“Yeah.” She said. “What about you two?”

You shrugged your shoulders, “More or less, yeah.”

“Good.” Tracy took you by surprise when she sounded rather happy to hear. She must've noticed your slightly skeptical look at her change in behavior. She tossed the keys to Dean and made her way to the backseat. "I got everything. But guess I'm late to the party."

“Lucky you. Let’s blow this toxic waste dump.” Dean said. All of you took your respectful places and got comfortable for the long drive ahead of you. "Burgers and silkwood showers on me."

You smiled at the thought of eating something and washing away the possible containimentation you were subjected to. You might not have been able to take down Abaddon easily as how you wanted, and not to mention how Irv was killed. But you had to take your wins where you got them. You and the boys made it out in one piece, ready to see another day.

[Next Part]

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renaroo · 4 years

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The Jean Grey School for Wayward Wolverines

Disclaimer: Wolverine and associated characters are the creative property of Marvel Comics Warnings: Canon-typical violence & language Rating: T Synopsis: Gabby is left at the Jean Grey school while Laura works with the Avengers on a mission she can’t be a part of, but of course Gabby is never one to let things end that simply.

A/N: I have no idea what brought this on other than a year of missing my girls and wanting the legacy of Wolverine to mean... well.... a legacy again but hey. At least we’ve got 50 X-books again and so far none of them have met my Kinney quota of 2

It was too warm for January and the limbs of the trees all seemed to bristle and grow brittle in response to the simple, inalienable fact. And because it was too warm for January, the argument seemed to be that it was too warm for knit sweaters and earmuffs.

This was obviously just an excuse and nowhere near reality because Laura accepted no such excuses from Gabby. Not that Gabby had a problem with wearing matching earmuffs with her sweater and winter coat combo, or with an excuse for wearing the extra fun leggings and boots that really tied her skirt and mittens all together.

But, supposedly, Jonathan was not going to be comfortable in a sweater.

“He’s not a Laura, Laura, he’s a Gabby!” Gabby argued vehemently. She then raised the Jonathan sized winter cap she had finished as a point. “And he’s going to look so cute!”

“He’s not a Laura or a Gabby because he’s a Jonathan. And Jonathans are wolverines with a very heavy winter coat right now,” Laura argued, crossing her arms with Jonathan’s sweater in hand. “If you make him too hot, he’ll get cranky on his walk and try to pull it off again. And if he does, he’ll get out of his harness. Again. Then we have a problem with the park rangers.” She paused ominously before ending with another, “Again.”

Gabby stubbornly sat on the floor, Jonathan seated in her lap and raised up her arms almost reflexively. “Is that what we’ve come to in the Kinney household now? Risking our precious Jonathan catching a cold out of fear of the authorities! What a joke. I’m gonna call Wade.”

“You can’t call Wade,” Laura said, rolling her eyes. “It would be a losing point for you anyway.”

“You’re no fun,” Gabby groaned, falling back onto the apartment floor dramatically. She showed a lot of restraint by not moving as Jonathan — adorably — crawled onto her stomach and worriedly pawed at her chest. “We should run free out into the wild, Jonathan. Leave behind this stuffy city life.”

“Wolverines don’t wear clothes in the wild,” Laura argued, already putting away Jonathan’s cute sweater in the pet drawer.

Gabby wrinkled her nose at Laura. “Maybe you should live in the wild then,” she shot back.

“Did,” Laura answered without even looking her way. Because of course she had. “Naked. In the snow. Was kind of boring.”

“What, did you just run around naked for a while then?” Gabby asked, squinting. “Why?”

“It’s a… Wolverine thing,” Laura failed at explaining, straightening up and looking down at Gabby with mild amusement.

“That’s why I’m a Honey Badger,” Gabby said, a fond smile growing on her lips.

“Sure is,” Laura agreed. “You ready for our walk yet?”

“Yup!” Gabby sheered, sitting bolt straight so fast that Jonathan rolled down to her lap in surprise. “Even if Jonathan has to be naked.”

“He does,” Laura says.

In a few short, swift moves, Gabby is on her feet and clicking on Jonathan’s harness. Their daily routine is almost ready to proceed when there is a knock on the door.

Out of reflex, Laura and Gabby both unleash their claws in an echo of SNIKTS — because they should have been able to smell someone coming toward their apartment. Neither of them had.

When the knocks continue, Laura suspiciously nears the door and glances through the peephole.

Gabby was reflexively tense, watching her sister, but she relaxed when she saw Laura recall her claws and straighten up in preparation for opening the door.

“Who is it?” Gabby asked out of curiosity, putting away her claw as well.

“Vision,” Laura answered before opening the door.

“Le gasp!” Gabby called out, putting her hands on her cheeks. “Like Vision from the Avengers? So cool! Unless we did something. Did we do something?”

The door opened and Laura had been telling the truth — there he was, the one and only Vision of the Avengers. Which, of course, no wonder they hadn’t smelled him. He was a robot. A robot who could walk through walls.

Which, Gabby supposed, made it a sign of manners and restraint that he knocked on the door. So that was nice.

“As far as the Avengers is aware, there is no reason to come after you, Gabrielle Kinney,” Vision answered her with an ominous look.

“Okay, cool,” Gabby grinned. “Hi, by the way. I have your daughter’s poster! Hope that’s not weird. I bet it is. I’ll shut up now. I’m being a gay disaster.”

Vision raised one of the ridges over his eyes before glancing toward Laura. “Wolverine, the Avengers requires you.”

“Where to and how long?” Laura asked, neglecting all the questions that Gabby would be asking.

But, then, that was a difference between a Gabby and a Laura.

“Am I interrupting anything important?” Vision asked.

“Uh, yeah, evening walk, duh,” Gabby countered, waving to the obvious setup.

“I apologize for interrupting family activities. I, too, have come to understand their importance above all else,” Vision assured them. “However, this mission for Wolverine—“

“And Honey Badger,” Gabby corrected.

“No, not this time,” Laura turned and began walking toward Gabby.

“What? How do you know? What…” Gabby stopped short and watched Laura with vague scrutiny as her sister got down on one knee in front of her and put a hand on her shoulder. Gabby gasped. “You… knew you were going on a super cool, super-secret Avengers mission! And you didn’t tell your own team?”

“I promised to be quiet about it,” she told Gabby without breaking her stare. “I am sorry. It’s not one we do together.”

“But how do you know that you won’t get into the thick of it and need me for a surprise K-O or to provide you with the perfect ending pun?” Gabby fretted.

“Not that kind of mission,” Laura assured her again, squeezing Gabby’s shoulder. She then glanced slightly back toward the Vision. “How long?”

“You will need some arrangements,” Vision answered magnanimously.

“Already made,” Laura said, getting to her feet. “Gabby, grab your go bags.”

Perking up, Gabby ran immediately to her room, abandoning a confused Jonathan, and immediately began grabbing her overnight bags — pre-packed — and then grabbed a few Avengers-themed items to possibly be signed. Then she ran back to the room. “Ready!” she called out excitedly.

“Good,” Laura said, already in uniform like a champ. She looked to the Vision. “The Jean Grey School is on the way.”

Gabby blinked a few times and then uttered, “Wait. What.”

They were quiet on the drive. Which, of course, was more unusual for one of them than for the other.

Gabby sat in the passenger seat, feet on the seat as her knees tucked in under her chin. The familiar sights of New York were passing by the window and Jonathan was snugly secured in the backseat along with the eponymous Kinney Family statue and Gabby’s go bags.

Laura was driving at her usual efficient speed, but her attention was not fully on the road. Gabby could tell by the way Laura looked her way every few moments.

“You’re upset,” Laura surmised, biting on her lip.

“Uh, duh, comes to mind,” Gabby countered with a curl to her nose. “You’re keeping stuff from me! I had no idea anything was going on with the Avengers!”

“I didn’t tell you, that’s why you didn’t know,” Laura stated, like the fact alone was somehow an answer.

“But that’s the problem! You should have told me something!” Gabby growled angrily. “We’re partners!”

“We are,” Laura agreed before pointing Gabby’s way. “But this is not something for our team. It is my other team and me.”

It felt like Gabby’s chest was being ripped in half with adamantium. “When the Avengers asked to have Wolverine on the team, you said we were honored. That’s what you said to them, Laura! You said that we were on the team. We’re supposed to be a two-package deal.”

“I said that. I said that you were with me,” Laura agreed, but her tone was unrelenting. “But that is my decision. I am responsible for you. I know when to involve you and when to tell you where else to go.”

“It’s because of the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Brood thing, isn’t it?” Gabby demanded. “You don’t trust me anymore, but you should. Because I beat the Brood when no one else ever has! Why does me getting in trouble always count, but me winning never does? How is that fair?”

Laura glared at Gabby over her sunglasses, but Gabby refused to fall back in line. Not this time.

Shaking her head, Laura looked back to the road. “It isn’t about the Brood and it isn’t about mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes.”

“Then tell me about the Avengers thing,” Gabby begged, desperate. “There has to be a reason you’re doing this!”

“That reason is why you can’t know about it, too,” Laura snapped. “It isn’t simple, Gabby. It’s complicated and it’s… it’s dangerous for you to know.”

“How could it be dangerous for me to know something?” Gabby began to argue. She had a whole speech lined up, about ageism and teamwork and a dozen other angles pointing out how unjust the situation was.

But Laura wasn’t letting her get to any of them.

“Gabby,” Laura said, probably exasperated if the jut of her jaw was something to go by, “When I was your age, I didn’t have anyone looking out for me. I didn’t have anyone… advocating for me. And even when I got older, people had purposes for me more than they had an interest in doing what was best for my future. Even the people who cared about me. I saw and did things I wasn’t ready for. I knew and was expected to know things that still linger with me. Even today.” Her gaze shifted to Gabby heavily. “I didn’t know how to feel human for a long time. I didn’t know how to act my age for a long time. I didn’t know how to feel like my tomorrow counted for a long time. And because I’m older now, I realize that all those things are connected. That things people let or make you do now can stay with you and erase your personhood even for today.”

Quiet and sheepish, Gabby lowered her feet to the car floor mat. “Is the Avengers thing one of those things?”

“Yes,” Laura answered lowly.

“Then why?” Gabby preened. “Why do it at all?”

“Someone has to, so everyone else doesn’t,” Laura said strongly. “I have to so you don’t.”

“I’m not asking you to,” Gabby argued. “If you did these things when you were my age, I can do them now!”

“Then I will fail you,” Laura hissed, almost like the thought had wounded her. “Then everything will have been for nothing.”

Gabby lowered her face, frustrated. “It’s not bad for me to be like you, Laura. The only thing I’ve ever wanted to be is to be like you.”

“I know,” Laura said solemnly. “The only thing I have ever wanted, period, is for you to be better.”

The car ride was deafening from that point on.

The moment they pulled into the gated driveway of the Jean Grey School, Gabby could feel the uncomfortable prickliness of being watched.

She was slow to fully disengage from the car and begin the far worse and more painful act of taking her things out of the car and into the building. This must have been obvious since Laura immediately got out, opened the back door, and slung all of Gabby’s things out of the seat and onto her shoulders.

“I can carry my stuff,” Gabby whined, finally unhooking her seatbelt. “I was gonna get it all just…”

“It’s fine,” Laura contested, holding up a hand to stop Gabby from jumping across the seats in a vain attempt to take one of the bags. “Just get Jonathan.”

Jonathan did not need a second push. He leaped from the car and found the first good grassy spot on his radar to hike a leg.

Unfortunately, the grass did not seem to care for that action.

With a hideous roar, the earth and grass and roots lifted and cracked apart from each other, forming a fanged mouth to snap at Jonathan.

Like a good Wolverine, Jonathan was fast to evade and came barreling back toward the car.

“HEY!” Laura and Gabby snarled together, echoing SNKTS reigning out in response.

“Ladies! Krakoa!” a thundering voice called from above.

Gabby looked up and was instantly mesmerized by the sheer power radiating from Storm as her eyes glowed and sparked with lightning and the winds of all four seasons bellowed around her. She was probably the most majestic thing that Gabby had seen in her young life. It was terrifying and amazing all at once.

“Nice,” Gabby got out of her system.

“I apologize for the misunderstanding,” Storm said as her feet graced the pavement beside the Kinney sisters. “After showing Gabrielle around, I will show you where your pet can happily excuse himself.”

“He’s a wolverine, he can kinda decide that himself,” Gabby was quick to retort as her claws slipped back into place.

“While I am sure that is true in most situations, I am afraid we have a special relationship with the grounds,” Storm explained patiently. Her smile was fabulous, but the sweetness was turning Gabby’s stomach bitter.

It probably would have been easier to dunk on literally any other X-Men who would come to greet her.

“I already know around,” Gabby argued. “If I’m going to be entombed here, can’t we just go ahead and do it without a tour?”

“You don’t know where to let Jonathan out to,” Laura huffed. She sounded more irritated than she usually did with Gabby. Maybe it was the car ride. Maybe it was the attitude Gabby was giving off.

“Maybe it’s Maybelline,” Gabby couldn’t help but mutter to herself.

By the time Gabby glanced up, she could only see Laura’s discontent. It was a look that Laura wore masterfully. Oh, boy were they going to have a talk by the end of whatever the Avengers thing was.

“I understand that you are upset, Gabrielle,” Storm said gently, squaring herself with Gabby to address her directly. “And no doubt uncomfortable considering you have not lived here with us before. But we are family, and this was once your sister’s permanent home. And it always may be again. Just as it will always be a home for you.”

“Like when my sister leaves me to go play with the Avengers on a super cool, super-secret mission?” Gabby asked critically.

Storm’s patient smile continued its presence. “I am afraid that sounds like a rather… uncharitable take on your sister’s situation,” Storm chided. “We can discuss it later. For now, I would much rather you get to know the other students who you will be rooming with while you are here.”

Gabby searched her mind for a proper response, but she was distracted as she noticed Laura haughtily carting off Gabby’s things in one of the directions of a dormitory. “Laura!” Gabby whined, clamoring to catch up with her sister.

“I don’t know why you’re making this so difficult, Gabby,” Laura grunted as she pushed open a dorm door with the heel of her foot. “No one planned for things to happen this way. Sometimes they just do.”

“Maybe I come from a family that seems really good at breaking the rules when it seems to suit literally everybody else but themselves,” she grumbled in return.

Laura glanced over her shoulder, utterly ignoring the colorfully diverse set of young mutants peering their melodrama around the dorm halls. “What would you do on this dangerous mission you know nothing about, Gabby?”

“Anything to watch my sister’s back,” Gabby answered without a moment’s hesitation. “Because no one else has ever done it for her before. And she doesn’t know how important it is. Because she’s stubborn. Like a goat. A goat-verine. A woof-oat.”

Without losing her direct eye contact with Gabby, Laura turned knowingly in the hall and nudged open a specific door to a suite.

“How do you know where they’re jailing me?” Gabby demanded. “Are you just that awesome, Laura?”

“I asked,” Laura said, setting Gabby’s things down. “It was mine.”

Curious, Gabby entered the room, glancing around suspiciously. There was a large bay window, some plain but beautiful oak furniture including a dresser and vanity. Two closets, a small kitchenette that matched with a Mr. Coffee that was identical to the one in their apartment. A bathroom was also attached to the suite right next to the mini couch and television. Two desks to work at. It was a fairly useful space, all things considering.

“I don’t believe it,” Gabby announced. “Where’s a punching bag? I refuse to believe you lived here without a workout station. You’re cheapening out on me—“

Gabby didn’t have time to get much further because Laura was already pulling her into a full embrace. Laura’s muscular arms were holding tight to the back of Gabby’s head and in the small of her back, just holding her against Laura’s body with a strength that didn’t want to let go.

Silently, Gabby reached up and hugged her sister back the best she could with the awkward angle.

They stood that way for a while, hugging and quiet.

It was a Wolverine kind of thing.

“I’ll come back the second the mission is done,” Laura finally promised. “We’ll get takeout. I’ll tell you all about it.”

“I don’t know if that’ll fully cure my wounded pride,” Gabby said sardonically.

“You’ll get over it,” Laura promised. “You’re a Wolverine.”

“I’m a Honey Badger,” Gabby smirked, closing her eyes as she buried herself in her sister’s warm embrace one last time. “But yeah. I guess you’re right.”

They stayed that way for a while. It didn’t seem like either of them were actually ready for the actual separating part of their situation.

But the time did come.

And Gabby watched her sister -- her only family -- leave the grounds of the Jean Grey School without her.

Gabby would have had an easier time adjusting to living in a nunnery.

Two days after being left at the Jean Grey School, Gabby was faced with her very first Monday in the facility. She had had a terrible time attempting to sleep the night before — Jonathan needed bathroom breaks, and the AC didn’t run loudly like it did in the apartment, and there was the sound of people talking down the hall about homework and power development, and Gabby dreamed of Avengers turning to her with heavy expressions and neatly putting a hand on her shoulder to say how sorry they were —

By the time the alarm clock on her bedside read 9:00 AM, Gabby could finally close her eyes and bury herself beneath layers of blankets.

That was until a stern knocking came from her door.

For a few knocks, Gabby ignored it. Then, when the winds came through her open window and began to mess with her lock, she figured the time for simple ignorance had passed.

“Hold on! I can open my own door!” she yelled over the winds.

Sitting up in her bed, Gabby sighed, shook her lion’s mane of hair as loose as she could, then kicked her legs out from the duvet. Her body ached slightly before she went through the exaggerated routine of popping each bone in her back.

The wind had stopped attempting to pick her lock, but they still pelted her as she walked by the window. Pushing her toward the door.

At last, she kicked on her fuzzy matching slippers and shuffled her way to the door. Sniffing, she picked up the scent of her visitor rather quickly. Not that she needed the confirmation to know it was Headmaster Munroe seeking her out.

Gabby finally opened the door, blinking away the brightness of the hallway lights as he did so.

Before her stood Storm. She wasn’t in her uniform, but her sense of fashion could still kill. High platform heels, dress pants, and simple colorful blouse, with an accent necklace that Gabby couldn’t have imagined pulling off in her wildest dreams. She was magnificent looking.

And she was staring down rather imposingly to Gabby in her matching Champions pajamas ensemble.

“Hello,” Gabby greeted groggily.

“Gabrielle,” Storm said curtly. “It seems you are not planning on attending the classes on your schedule.”

“Not really,” Gabby admitted readily.

A hum came from Storm as she glanced at the room behind Gabby.

When Storm’s gaze shifted back to Gabby, it was strong enough to make the young Honey Badger squirm in her fluffy slippers. “I believe it would be important for you to get dressed and meet me in my office as soon as possible.”

“I could show up like this,” Gabby answered without hesitation.

“If that is how you think you should,” Storm said archly, her brows raising slightly at the prospect.

Giving it even a moment’s more thought had Gabby hesitating. It’s time to get a bit serious, Bub, she told herself with a heavy sigh.

“Okay, Ms. Munroe, I’ll be right there,” she promised, heading back into the depths of her room.

It was strange being in trouble with someone other than Laura. With someone with authority other than Laura.

Strangely, as she rummaged through her unpacked bags for a new shirt and jeans to wear, Gabby couldn’t help her own growing grin.

She kind of liked the trouble thing. Maybe it suited her.

One problem that was undeniable about Gabby’s routine was that it did not spare a lot of time for vamping. Throwing on a novelty tee or sweatshirt, an endless supply of leggings, and some dorky shoes she was ready to go. The less time the better. Normally.

Avoiding a serious discussion with the headmaster of a school for superpowered teens did not, exactly, fit into the routine of normally, unfortunately.

Instead, Gabby found herself on the other side of Storm’s desk far too quickly for her liking.

Storm sat on the other side of the desk, hands folded together just beneath her chin, and leaned toward Gabby with the full attention of her very captivating eyes. “You seem to be resisting forming a routine with us,” Storm noted.

“I’m not really one for routines, it’s not anything personal,” Gabby answered quickly.

A small smile crept its way onto Storm’s face. “You seem to have a routine with your pet Jonathan that is well attended to,” she argued lightly.

Gabby took the point into consideration and looked at Storm seriously instead. “I feel like there’s a difference between pet routines and putting people with thoughts and dreams and futures on a schedule,” she argues. “I mean, maybe that’s what schools gotta do with regular teenagers, but I’m not really a regular teenager! It’s not gonna work with me!”

Before Gabby had even gotten through her words, Storm’s carefully composed figure lowered her hands to the desk and threw her head back to laugh, truly and deeply.

“What? What’d I do?” Gabby demanded, her heart racing.

“My apologies,” Storm chuckled. “That is, by far, the most normal teenager argument you’ve given so far. I believe it has been used by your fellow students in this office at least three dozen times. Only since I became the headmaster.”

Defensively, Gabby’s nose curled and she leaned into the back of her chair. “No, that can’t be right… Look, it doesn’t matter if that’s what the other kids have said before, for me it’s true! I mean… I’m a Wolverine! In the making. I’m a Honey Badger now, but, like, just look at this family history! You wouldn’t make Logan go through these kinds of things.”

“Logan was not involved with the school until well after he had already reached adulthood,” Storm informed her. “However, even then, had I been headmaster, I probably would have demanded some classes in the early days.”

Gabby raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Like?”

“Manners,” Storm answered flatly.

Despite herself, Gabby snorted and felt her traitorous mouth perk up in the corners. “Yeah. Probably.” She glanced slightly off, a thought passing her by. “I mean, just from what Laura’s told me and all.” She looked to Storm finally, looking for any hint of judgment in her eyes. For the moment, there didn’t seem to be any. “I never really met him, y’know.”

In Storm’s eyes was a sadness that Gabby had not fully seen before. The older woman leaned back, taking in a deep breath. “Yes. I know.”

“But I know all about Laura,” Gabby continued, feeling her shoulders fall back and her chest puffs up with pride. “I know everything about Laura. Everything she’ll let me. AND! Some things I know that she wouldn’t let me. That’s just how well I know Laura.”

For a moment, Storm allowed them to sit in the gravity of Gabby’s comments.

Then, ever so slowly, she raised from her seat and walked gracefully around her desk. “Did Laura ever tell you that I was her teacher while she was here?” she asked as she came to sit at the chair beside Gabby.

Gabby raised an eyebrow at her. “No, not really,” she said before shaking her head. “No, wait, that’s not true! Laura’s talked about taking classes here, and I know you’re the headmaster now and used to teach. So, I knew that. I just… didn’t think about it that much. But I totally knew that!”

“But it wasn’t said directly,” Storm pressed.

“Some things don’t have to be,” Gabby countered.

“Maybe they still should be, though,” Storm continued. “Gabrielle, I want you to be happy while you are here, and I also want you to receive something from this stay that you simply could not otherwise. I want you to grow, develop, become.”

Slowly, almost as if the question was being dragged out of her throat, Gabby leaned in closer to Storm and asked, “Become what?”

“Become who you are meant to be,” Storm assured her.

“Well, I’m meant to be a Wolverine, obviously,” Gabby said, pushing her back into her chair. “And all the Wolverines before me didn’t stay behind at school and do all this growing and developing and becoming while other people were putting their butts on the line.” Gabby turned her gaze sharply on Storm. “Not even Laura when she was a student. When she was your student. She still had to do the Wolverine stuff that she doesn’t want me around now. So. I should be doing that, and you let Laura do that once already, and if you really want me to become a Wolverine-like I’m supposed to be, then you should let me do it, too.”

Finished with her long-winded speech, Gabby found herself looking in the eyes of a far less receptive Storm than what she started with.

Storm had uncrossed her legs and had both feet planted firmly on the floor. Her hands were gripping the edges of her armrests with the nails digging in. But the look on Storm’s face was one that surprised Gabby most of all.

It looked as if the older woman was in grief rather than inconsolable anger like Gabby had been anticipating.

Silence draped over the room as they sat and stared at each other.

And Gabby never did do well with silence.

“Uh, Ms. Munroe?” she asked cautiously. “I’m kinda new at this defiance thing so maybe I’m just not tough enough yet to the silent treatment… but you kind of seem upset? And I deal with that a lot less well than I deal with the whole anger thing. So it’d be great if you could give me a clue as to which way I should be leaning here.”

“Child,” Storm sighed, at last, putting one hand to her face. She was hiding behind her fingers, almost in shame.

It was Gabby’s turn to be taken aback.

“I cannot… begin to explain to you the regret I have in my bones…” she drew in a deep breath. “How much I ache at night, recalling how much I failed as an adult, a teacher, a guardian — how I was one of the many in this institution who failed to protect your sister in all the ways that she deserved to be from the moment she was in our care, to every second that followed.”

Gabby looked at Storm, confused and conflicted. “Laura doesn’t think you failed her,” Gabby argued. “She says that sometimes Wolverines have gotta do the jobs that no one else can, so no one else has to. And—“

“Let me assure you, Gabrielle,” Storm said solemnly, “any child which feels that burden while remaining in our care… any child which feels obligated to make such choices when I am around to provide them support and protection… Those are my failures. I, and every other caretaker here, have failed your sister. We cannot go back and correct it, but we can do our best for Laura now.”

The conversation was heavy. It was heavier than anything Gabby had felt before and she began to squirm in its discomfort.

“How can you make it up to Laura?” Gabby asked genuinely. “I mean she’s awesome and perfect and I don’t know why you’d want her to be any different… but even if you did want her to, I don’t know, maybe talk to her sister more, how could you do that now?”

Slowly sliding her hand from her defeated face down to her lab, Storm’s expression seemed to return to the picture of serene. Her gaze shifted back to Gabby and a soft smile built on her lips. “Through you, Gabrielle.”

Lost again, Gabby tilted her head. “Huh?”

“We cannot fix the mistakes of our past, but we can do better for today and tomorrow,” Storm continued. “Laura wants the most exceptional, safe, and loved life for you that she never had for herself. And she wants it because she loves you with the sense of protection others should have always looked out for her with. You are not like the other students, you still have seen and done things some students your age here could not imagine. And you will likely see more than them, too. But your safety and your choices will never be taken from you the way they have been for Logan and Laura, and so many others your family call Wolverines.”

Gabby frowned and squirmed. “Sounds like responsibility.”

“It should sound more like… opportunity,” Storm assured her. “You will not be at this school indefinitely, not in the way many other young mutants may need to be. After a time, should you and your sister so choose, you will return with her to your apartment and continue your lives.”

“Thank applesauce,” Gabby groaned, melting into her seat. Catching herself, she blinked and straightened up. “Uh, no offense, of course.”

Storm was smiling. “While you are here, Gabrielle, try to take the opportunity to choose opportunities others haven’t had.”

“Okay,” Gabby sighed in agreement. “I will.”

It was the end of her Thursday classes, two weeks after arriving at the Jean Grey School, that Gabby couldn’t even open her eyelids. She drags her feet against the carpeted floors of the dormitory and easily opened her room door with a moan.

“Jonathan, let’s go outside, boy—“ she began to say before sniffing.

In an instant, Gabby’s nostrils filled with an all-too-familiar scent.

Her eyes snapped open and Gabby gasped as she looked across her room to the edge of her bed.

Laura sat, Jonathan gingerly tucked into her arms, petting the wolverine’s tummy fur in that way only Laura and Gabby could. She then looked up and smirked at Gabby.

“Welcome back, Honey Badger,” Laura said, putting Jonathan to the side. She rose to her feet to stand.

Gabby didn’t give her the chance.

The younger sister launched herself across the room and tackled Laura’s waist in a vice-like hug. “Laura! Oh my gosh! You’re back! It’s been so long!”

“I know, and I’m sorry about that,” Laura said, quick to return the hug. “Means I’ve got lots to tell you over takeout, though.”

With a large grin, Gabby looked up at her sister. “Really!? Was it awesome? Was it scary? Was it lonely? Was it—“ Once her racing thoughts finally caught up to her, Gabby withdrew slightly, glancing away in thought. She then once more met her sister’s gaze. “I can’t wait to get home! But… I’ve got some friends here to say bye to first. I mean. I’m ready to go home! I’m not even unpacked! But… do you think… if we’ve got time…?”

Laura grew that one-sided smirk she always got when amused with Gabby. She planted a hand on Gabby’s head and rustled her hair. “Of course we do,” Laura answered. “Go on, say what you need to to your friends. I’ll get Jonathan and your stuff.”

Gabby let out a sigh of relief and let go of Laura. She was halfway out the door when Laura called to her.

“Gabby,” Laura said, hands on her hips. There was an easy softness to her gaze when Gabby looked to her. “I’m really proud of you, Wolverine.”

For a moment, Gabby could only blink in bewilderment. Then, slowly, the context caught up with her. She grinned back. “Thanks, Sis,” she said. “You too.”

#writing #marvel fic #Gabby Kinney #Laura Kinney #Ororo Munroe

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puddygeeks · 4 years

Text

𝔅𝔞𝔡 ℭ𝔬𝔪𝔭𝔞𝔫𝔶 - 𝔖𝔲𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔞𝔩 𝔇𝔢𝔞𝔫/𝔒ℭ - ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 2: 𝔖𝔨𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔱𝔬𝔫𝔰 ℑ𝔫 𝔐𝔶 ℭ𝔩𝔬𝔰𝔢𝔱

Masterlist

Rating: Mature

Summary: Following the footsteps of several generations of Creed hunters, Faye’s upbringing revolved around training to continue the family legacy. Since her parents death, she has been content to work alone until a chance encounter with the Winchester’s shatters everything she believed. Despite her complicated past and initial reservations about the boys, she finds herself crossing paths with the troublemakers at regular intervals. Faye discovers more in common with Dean than she could ever have anticipated and leaning on each other becomes a habit they can’t quit.

A/N: I don’t have a huge plan for this fic, but I can say that it will not be a full rewrite of the show that includes every episode like my other works. It will dip in and out of the Supernatural storylines whenever I feel she has something to contribute. I hope you enjoy this new style of writing that I’m trying <3

Fandom: Supernatural

Pairing: OC x Dean Winchester

My writing is entirely fuelled by coffee! If you enjoy my work, feel free to donate toward my caffeine dependency: will work for coffee

Warnings: Mature content. Language, alcohol abuse, violence, character death.

Chapter Two

The noisy engine of the well loved car ran with a rumble as I waited patiently outside of a creepy old farm. My heart hammered with a mixture of excitement and dread, and I glanced down at my phone screen that displayed a number that I had memorised. The anticipation of this conversation had been long standing and I felt a strange sense of disbelief that the time had come. There was a slight tremble to my hands as I pressed the call button and I gulped at the nauseating sound of the dial tone. I acknowledged that this likely would be challenging, but I knew that I had to share this decision with him. I owed him that at least.

“Singer autos.” Bobby answered sharply and I felt my heart ache at the subtle difference of age in his voice. Despite all of my mental rehearsals, I still couldn’t find the words and felt myself silently hesitating.

“Hi Bobby.” I forced myself not to mutter so that he could properly hear me and I could tell from the sharp intake of breath that he recognised me immediately. It was a battle to contain the wave of emotion that crashed over me, but I maintained a careful control.

“Faye? I’ll be damned.” He breathed and although I had expected to be met with hostility, I was surprised to find that he sounded relieved. “It’s been a long time. You alright, kid?” He enquired and I smiled to myself in the small space of the car.

“I’m good, really I am.” I confirmed and I caught a small sigh as I pictured him relaxing at my assertion. I took a deep breath to prepare myself to reveal the true motivation for my out of the blue call. I knew that any initial warmth was likely to dissolve back to our overworn arguments and steeled myself for his inevitable criticism of my behaviour. “Bobby, I found him...I finally found him.” I announced with a frustrating quiver in my voice as my eyes filled with tears. There was a horrifyingly long pause as Bobby processed my statement and I could hear my heartbeat hammering in my ears as I awaited his response.

“Are you sure?” He asked in an even tone that threw me off guard and I startled in my seat. I had expected him to yell, curse or at the very least criticise me for continuing to chase a thread that he’d instructed me to drop years before. The carefully measured response felt out of character for the version of him that I recalled and I felt the uncomfortable sense that we no longer knew each other.

“I’m sure, I’m parked outside the fuckers house right now.” I growled in an aggression that escaped my calm facade and felt Bobby groan in concern.

“Faye, I know how much you want to kill this lowlife piece of shit, but don’t be stupid.” He appealed. Although this was closer to the reaction that I’d have received before, it lacked the same veracity as the scoldings that I remembered and I found myself wondering if the Winchesters had softened him over the years.

“I won’t, but I have to do this. I need it to be over.” I explained reluctantly and heard him hiss under his breath. In the momentary silence, the image of Bobby filled my mind; he stood by the phone, rubbing his forehead in frustration under the brim of his old cap and I knew that he would break into pacing soon in an attempt to prevent himself from losing control.

“Just stop for a second you damn idjit! Tell me where-”

I terminated the call and stared up at the house with a quietly seething temper. There was a substantial risk that this choice would result in my death, I knew that, but it was a price that I was willing to pay if it meant that I could remove this scourge from the world. I settled into place to wait for nightfall and kept my eyes obsessively trained on the paint chipped, rundown building with rage bubbling in my chest.

***

My head burned as I stumbled out into the refreshingly cool night air and I coughed to clear the smoke from my lungs. The sound of the flames crackling behind me were practically deafening and I battled to maintain my balance as I dragged myself toward my car. I squeezed the set of fangs tightly in my fist as I felt the world spinning around me and every part of my body throbbed in pain. I knew that I had to be close, but my vision was so blurred that it was impossible to concentrate. Without any warning, my legs gave way and I collapsed to the dirt road with a thud. I could’ve sworn that I heard voices calling out to me but I couldn't make them out as I lost myself to darkness.

My eyes gradually opened to a poorly lit room and a repetitive beeping that caused a pounding in my head. I struggled to pull myself from the heavy exhaustion that still hung over me and as my surroundings came into focus, I recognised the figure slumped asleep in a chair beside me in alarm. Dean Winchester was curled up in a position that looked entirely uncomfortable in the suffocatingly small hospital room and I glanced down at myself to discover that I was wearing a gown as I laid in the bed, connected to numerous wires. I couldn’t comprehend how I’d ended up here and the presence of Dean only made the entire situation worryingly surreal. Carefully, I lifted the covers to find a large dressing over my abdomen and winced in pain at the slight movement. There was a tube in my nostrils that provided oxygen and I noticed a burning sensation in my lungs as I gasped in surprise. Before I could make any further progress on piecing together my circumstances, Sam Winchester paused mid stride in the doorway to the room, holding a tray of coffees and a small paper bag. He halted so dramatically that he almost dropped the drinks and stared at me with wide, disbelieving eyes.

“Hey!” He gasped as he rushed into the space and threw the bag at Dean in a rude awakening that resulted in flailing limbs and cursing. “You’re awake.” Sam breathed in relief as he fell into a chair on the other side of the bed from Dean and viewed me with a warm expression that seemed entirely unwarranted. Dean bolted upright to examine me with a riveted attention and I stared between them in confusion.

“I feel like I’ve said this way too often lately but…” I paused to clear my throat as my voice came out hoarse and weak. “...what the hell are you two doing here?” I interrogated as I examined their worried demeanours with a deep feeling of bewilderment.

“Saving your life.” Dean stated with his usual overconfident attitude and I cocked a brow at him. “Bobby asked us to make sure that you didn’t get yourself killed. We pulled up just in time to find you collapsed on the ground outside a burning vamp den. Is that what you call smart hunting?” He accused with a line of questioning that he could only have learned from the master. Everything came flooding back to me at once and I frantically searched the area around me for the fangs that I remembered gripping just before I passed out.

“Looking for these?” Sam’s voice drew my attention and I returned my gaze upward to find him holding the teeth up calmly. I reached out and he handed them to me without any hesitation. The moment that they landed in my palm I sighed in relief and my posture dropped it’s tension. “This was a personal one, huh?” Sam enquired and I stared at the teeth with an intensity that burned from my soul. I replayed the memory of the vampire’s head rolling across the floor at my feet several times in satisfaction and could easily have lost myself to the feeling of elation.

“You could say that.” I remarked in a vague fashion as I forced my focus away from the fangs and placed them carefully on the bedside table.

“What were you thinking, going into a vamp den alone like that? You could have been killed!” Dean lectured in a manner not dissimilar to that which teachers had always addressed me in school and I met his eyes with a building feeling of aggravation.

“But I didn’t die and the vamps did. Mission accomplished.” I stated coldly with my well ingrained teenage attitude and he scoffed in obvious frustration.

“Only because we drove you to a hospital. What would have happened otherwise? You’d have either bled or burned to death, some plan!” He exclaimed as he utilised my own previous scoldings of their poor performance against me and my face contorted into a frown at his indignant attitude.

“What do you care? You don’t even know me, don’t act like you’re invested in my methods. I’ll do my jobs however I see fit, Winchester.” I argued with my voice containing a level of spite that was completely unintentional and Dean threw his hands up in exasperation.

“I care because another dead hunter is no good to anyone!” He snapped and I couldn’t contain a flinch as his voice raised. I dropped my gaze to my lap to avoid his scrutiny and he sighed in an effort to calm himself. “I’m gonna call Bobby, let him know that she didn’t die.” He spoke directly at Sam as he stormed from the room and I maintained my avoidant position with my arms crossed defensively. Once we were alone, Sam cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Sorry about that, he was just worried. I know he can get kinda condescending sometimes, but he has good intentions, you know.” Sam explained with an understanding smile and I sighed thoughtfully.

“It’s okay, it happens to the best of us. It’s a long term side effect of growing up around Bobby.” I mumbled and felt an immediate pang of regret at my accidental slip of information. I hoped that he wouldn’t notice it, but he obviously perked up in interest and I felt dread pooling in my stomach as I wracked my brain for an excuse.

“You grew up around Bobby too?” He enquired and I hissed with annoyance at my mistake. In my mind, the less these boys knew about me, the better and thus far everytime that we had met, I seemed to accidentally stoke their interest in me.

“I really don’t wanna talk about it.” I groaned and although he seemed disappointed by this, he accepted it without argument. I was impressed by his understanding of my privacy and we sat in tense silence for a few moments whilst I mentally prayed that he would leave.

“Look, I don’t know what happened between the two of you and I won't pry but...it’s obvious that Bobby still cares about you. I know it would mean a lot to him if you visited.” Sam spoke in a careful manner and I fiddled with my hands in a gesture of stress. “Are you gonna be okay on your own?” He asked with an evident worry remaining behind his words and I nodded fervently. He smiled warmly at me as he stood and grabbed his things to leave. My mind raced with things to say and although I willed myself to simply allow him to leave without mending our strained interactions, the desire to not be an awful person overwhelmed my bitterness.

“Sam?” I called as he reached the door and he glanced back at me over his shoulder. “Thank you...for saving me. I do appreciate it.” I admitted with a painful reluctance and he chuckled under his breath.

“Don’t mention it. And don’t worry, I’ll let Dean know too.” He winked mischievously before disappearing from sight.

***

Weeks had passed since I discharged myself from the hospital and Sam’s words had played havoc in my mind almost constantly since. I’d kept the phone that I called Bobby from switched off so that I couldn’t see the missed calls that I inevitably knew would be there and was thankful not to have had any further run- ins with the boys in the meantime. Although I felt a huge weight lifted by the destruction of the vampire that I had hunted for almost half of my life, I knew that I couldn’t fully consider the skeletons in my closet resolved until I had confronted the one mistake that required a face to face conversation. I could hardly concentrate on the road as I drove to what felt like my ultimate demise and was glad that my last job had been in Iowa, leaving me with a relatively short journey to my destination.

The car grumbled to a stop in the hauntingly familiar drive and felt my hands shaking as I gripped the steering wheel tightly. As I exited the car, I knocked a stack of comic books off the passenger seat in my fluster and cursed under my breath. Amongst the collection of vehicles that lined the drive, I was glad that the statement Impala seemed to be absent as I approached the door with butterflies filling my stomach. I knocked on the paint peeled wood and held my breath as I waited for an answer. There was a barrage of heavy stomping and cursing from inside as I hesitated on the porch with my heart hammering in my chest. When the door finally swung open, the passage of time slapped me in the face and I forced myself to smile through my shock.

“Hi.” I whispered as I stared up at the colour drained face of Bobby Singer and tried to convince myself that I wasn’t about to have a heart attack. The silence that hung around us was practically suffocating and I wracked my brain for something to say that could lighten the mood. I opened my mouth to speak but before I could manage it, Bobby suddenly pulled me into an embrace. He smelt familiarly like whisky and motor oil, and I was struck with a pang of nostalgia as I returned the hug appreciatively. After a few minutes of gripping me, he sniffed back tears in an effort to disguise them and stepped back to examine me.

“The wanderer returns.” He commented as he scanned me from head to toe and I smiled awkwardly under his father like scrutiny. “What did I say about blending in? This is…” He broke off as he gestured to my entire appearance and sighed in disappointment. “...well, exactly what I’d expect from you.” He finished in a scolding tone but I could easily recognise the hint of a fond smile in the corner of his lips. “Well, don’t just stand there, come inside.” He ordered as he wandered into the house and I followed obediently.

I was shocked to discover that everything was almost exactly as I remembered and although this provided a warm feeling of returning home at last, I also felt a pang of sadness for him. The house continued to exist as some kind of shrine to his late wife and the only thing that was different was Bobby himself. There were wrinkles around his eyes, and especially his forehead, from excessive frowning that had barely begun to show when I saw him last and I was immediately regretful that I had waited so long to return. He led me into the still pale green kitchen and rustled around in the cupboards whilst I absorbed the sensation of safety that the room radiated. He grabbed a bottle and two glasses, and took a seat at the table as he indicated for me to join him.

“Don’t have to worry about you stealing my whisky any longer, you’re a legal adult now.” He stated with a smirk as he poured out the glasses and I found my usual place opposite him at the table. “Don’t have anything softer I’m afraid, haven’t bought any of those fancy British tea bags since you…” He stopped mid flow and cleared his throat. I glanced around at the room that contained some of my best and worst memories and considered my words carefully.

“I’m sorry.” I mumbled as I fidgeted with my hands and his eyes widened at me. “I shouldn’t have run away, it was childish and stupid. I wasn’t your daughter to raise and I shouldn’t have demanded that from you. You didn’t deserve what I put you through.” I confessed with a gathering of tears in my eyes and Bobby observed me with an awestruck expression.

“You were a teenager, being childish is par for the course.” He remarked with a clear understanding and I was shocked by the calm, controlled manner that was entirely unfamiliar on him. “But...why didn't you just come home? It’s been nearly ten years, Faye. I’ve done what I can to keep tabs on you, but you’re almost impossible to track. My own darn fault for training you so well.” He chuckled bitterly on his last statement and I sighed.

“I don’t know. At first, I guess it was pride. Then, the longer I was out there...it just became harder to think about facing you.” I explained with remorse filling my face and he nodded patiently.

“I’m sorry too.” He breathed and I blanched. I had never known Bobby to apologise so easily and I certainly couldn’t think of any reason for him to do so now. “I wasn’t ready for the responsibility of training you, much less being your guardian. I couldn’t admit it at the time, but I was still trying to bury my grief, not deal with it and having a fourteen year old with an attitude problem thrown into the mix was more than I could handle.” I was blown away by the honesty of his words and it was clear to me how much he had developed in the years that we had been apart.

“I didn’t exactly make it easy for you.” I commented and he chuckled in agreement.

“You lost your parents and then were handed over to some random hunter you’d never met to finish your training. You were treated like a dog being rehomed, you had every right to be angry.” He empathised and I smiled at him with tears in my eyes. “I should’ve told you the truth from the beginning. I was more than just a friend of your mothers, I loved her. We were together before she met your dad and even after we split, she was always an important part of my life. Having you here, looking almost exactly like her, just after I found out she’d died and that she’d left you to me without ever discussing it...it was challenging.” He revealed and although I felt my brows shoot up in surprise, some part of me was simply relieved that he had finally decided to confide in me.

“I knew that if you were mine, if your mother and I had stayed together and we’d had you, you would’ve never been raised the way that you were. I would never have allowed Katie to breed you to be a hunter, but by the time you reached me, the damage was already done. I took that frustration with her out on you and that wasn’t fair on you. I’m sorry that I drove you away, kid.” Bobby’s face was filled with emotion as he spoke and I understood that he needed to have this conversation as much as I did. We had both held onto our feelings for years too long and it was a relief to finally free them.

“I always suspected it was more than friendship.” I admitted and he sighed deeply at this confirmation. “You did your best. You put a roof over my head, fed me, clothed me and trained me to keep myself alive. Bobby, you did right by me.” I advised and he quickly wiped away a tear before it could be noticed. “I should never have asked you to choose between me and the Winchester’s. I know how important they were to you and it was unreasonable. I hate to say it, but those boys turned out pretty well. Looks like I can even credit them with straightening you out, even if they did turn you into a total old man.” I teased with a smirk and he sniggered.

“Don’t get too big for your boots there, donut.” He warned and I smiled at the nostalgic nickname that I had long forgotten. “You left quite the impression on those boys, you know. You work some hoodoo shit on them?” He commented as he sipped at his glass of whisky and I snorted in laughter at his accusation.

“No, actually I was kind of a cold bitch. I think there might be something wrong with them, proper gluttons for punishment.” I remarked, earning a fond smile from him. “Where are the giants anyway?” I enquired as I peeked into the library for any sign of them potentially listening in to our conversation.

“They’re out on a job in Washington, won’t be back for at least a couple of days if you want to stay.” He offered and I breathed a sigh of relief. After our last encounter I was pleased that I wouldn’t have to deal with a second awkward conversation today and I enjoyed the idea of spending some time with Bobby.

“Speaking of the boys, how did you know where to send them to find me? I didn’t tell anyone where I was going.” I questioned with furrowed brows and he rolled his eyes at me. This had been bothering me since I first woke in the hospital and I couldn’t comprehend how he’d been able to break through my careful planning.

“You left your damn GPS on, you idjit.” He confirmed and I hissed in annoyance at my past self. “Yeah, rookie mistake, not like you either. But I guess that’s what happens when it's a case that you have more heart than head in.” He added with a sympathetic tone and I nodded in agreement.

“Well, either way, it’s done now.” I stated as I fidgeted around to reach my pocket and grabbed the item that I had been saving to reveal to him. “Mum and dad can finally rest knowing that their killer’s gone. It’s over.” I breathed as I dropped the fangs onto the table and Bobby stared at them with a heavy sense of malice. He snatched them from the surface and began to stride from the room purposefully.

“Come on, bring the bottle.” He called over his shoulder and I clumsily grabbed the bottle of whisky as I rushed to follow his lead.

We arrived in the garage, which was easily the space that I had spent the largest portion of my time living here residing in. He rustled around in a crazed effort to gather supplies of some sort and once he had finished his preparations, he waved me over to join him. I found the fangs lying on a sturdy surface with a selection of hammers and he presented them with an impressive flourish.

“Would you like to do the honours?” He offered and I smiled widely at his deviant mind. I took a long swig straight from the bottle and approached the table. We spent some considerable time drinking whisky and smashing the teeth into powder in the one of the strangest bonding activities that I’d ever experienced, which is a lot when I considered the bonkers upbringing that I’d known. As we reached the point of destruction that left nothing to hit, Bobby threw an arm around my shoulders in a half hug, half head lock. “I’m glad you’re home, kid.”

The next couple of days passed in a blur of shooting ranges, alcohol fuelled reminiscing over the good times and trashy tv. I gave my best effort to cook something resembling actual meals from the measly contents of Bobby’s cupboards and for the first time in years, I felt a sense of continent that was wholly unfamiliar.

By the third morning I knew that it was time to leave, as I knew the boys would likely return soon. Bobby had thoroughly stocked my car with new weapons, supplies and a set of numbers to call for any verification that I needed. I noticed that he now had a full set of phones in the kitchen labelled with each agency that he could answer as and was impressed with the efficiency of his system nowadays. As we walked to the car, I could sense a sadness in Bobby that I felt in my own chest as I left the last place that I considered to be home. As his attention landed on the Jeep, he chuckled with a bitter amusement.

“I can’t believe you had the gall to steal my favourite project.” He stated accusingly and I faced him with a guilty shrug.

“I didn’t steal it, I borrowed it.” I excused with a poorly attempted innocent tone and he scoffed.

“Does that mean I’m gonna get it back at some point?” He suggested and I shook my head with a smug expression. “That thing is practically an antique. You sure you don’t want me to check it over before you go?” He probed and I smiled fondly at him.

“It’s fine Bobby, that relic is my pride and joy. I know how to take care of a car, I learned from the best.” I commented as I slapped him playfully on the arm and his face was the picture of pride.

“You don’t have to go you know, there’s always space for you here.” He offered and I felt a tug at my heartstrings as I glanced back up at the house that contained numerous treasured memories for me. I returned my gaze to Bobby with sadness in my eyes.

“I know, thank you. But I can’t just crash at my crazy Uncle’s forever. Like you said, I’m a wanderer, my place is on the road.” I asserted and he shook his head with amusement at the term of endearment. “Don’t worry, I know how to keep out of trouble. I’ll call you if I ever need help and I promise to visit more often than once a decade this time.” I teased and he smiled appreciatively. “You look after those boys of yours.” I added as I flashed him one final smile.

Bobby watched me climb into the car and as I drove away from the house, I felt like a completely new person.

══°∴══〖✰〗══∴°══

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fanficsaremylifeline · 4 years

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Rumour has it

On AO3:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20654384

*****

“Hey, Lydia.“ Marlize Starkweather came running up to her. “Heard you’re heading out to New York.”

“I am”, she nodded, “Inquisitor Herondale is sending me to check up on things. Ever since Valentine’s daughter showed up, everything’s a total mess.”

“You sure that’s the only reason you’re going?”, Louisa Lovelace grinned, coming up on Lydia’s left.

“I am not going there to snatch up the Lightwood guy.”

“Sure, you aren’t”, Marlize smirked, “so you wouldn’t mind if I went in your place?”

“Nice try. I’m going to New York to get shit done, not to get hitched.” With that, Lydia pushed past her friends into her office, the girls following right behind her.

“Who says you can’t do both?”

“And besides”, Louisa leaned over Lydia’s desk, looking around before whispering: “I have it, he’s looking to settle down.”

Lydia just rolled her eyes. “Right, because Idris-gossip is so reliable.”

“I heard it from Sophia Carstairs, who got it from Elena Underhill, who overheard Maryse Lightwood herself. His mother reliable enough for you?”

She stayed silent, but Lydia couldn’t help the grin spreading over her face.

“Come on!”, Marlize urged her, “everybody knows that Alexander Lightwood is THE eligible bachelor in all of Idris and the Institutes. His dad is rumoured to be next in line for Inquisitor and Alec himself is en route to become Head of the New York Institute.”

“And he’s so hot!”, Louisa blurted out with the widest grin.

“So hot”, Marlize agreed. “You know, last time he was in Alicante, I saw him training. Shirtless.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Oh yes, I did.”

“Right”, Lydia interrupted the fangirls, “because him being hot is the pivotal argument.”

“It doesn’t hurt”, Marlize grinned back, hopping on Lydia’s desk, letting her feet dangle. “And I mean, he knows that you’d be a good catch.”

“Exactly! Besides from you obviously being awesome, just imagine: a Lightwood and a Branwell, joined in marriage… The raw power!”

“I mean, every girl in Idris would want to kill you for it, but I’m sure he’d be worth that.”

“Ah, can you imagine, being saved by Alexander Lightwood?”, Louisa cooed, spinning through Lydia’s office.

“I think I can look after myself just well enough”, Lydia stated.

“Even better! Battle Couple!”

“Ok, that’s enough. I need to get my stuff; the Mme Inquisitor has a portal ready for me in an hour. So, just let me be and I’ll see you in a few days.”

“Probably with a big engagement ring on your finger”, Marlize snickered, ducking just in time to avoid being hit in the head with a wallet.

Fine, the girls had a point; a good point. Alexander was the optimal husband-material and every girl Lydia knew was into him. And she couldn’t really fault them for that, admittedly. He was good looking, very much so; he was smart, one of the best Shadowhunters Lydia knew of; eldest son of one of the most influential and respectable families in Idris and he had the most promising future ahead of him.

Long story short, a girl had to be out of her mind not to want him.

Now, Lydia wasn’t exactly into all that gossip; she really didn’t get all the girls angsting after him, keeping track of his marital status or fantasizing about that guy. She’d be lying though, if she said she wasn’t intrigued. And Lydia was really looking forward to meeting him soon.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

“Alec? You alright?”

So lost in his thoughts, Alec didn’t hear Izzy walk up until she stood right in front of him.

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because ever since you and Lydia came back, you’ve been extra grumpy.” She looked up at him with those big, soul-searching eyes and he knew her well enough to know that she wouldn’t budge until he told her the truth.

“Haven’t you heard?” He shot her the fakest grin. “I’m looking to settle down!”

“You are?”

“According to Lydia and the Idris gossip I am.”

“Oh, shit.” Izzy put her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry. Was it Mum?”

“Probably”, he scoffed.

“Listen, just ‘cause she’s spreading rumours, doesn’t mean you’re forced into anything”, Izzy assured him

“Yeah right…” Alec got up and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?”

“I need some air.”

Pulling his jacket close, he just started walking. Why was his Mum pushing this so much? She didn’t know, did she? It would be absolutely devastating if she did; it would explain though, why she wanted him to get married. Just imagine the scandal: Alexander Lightwood – Gay. It’s not like he wanted to come out or anything; if he did, he could probably kiss everything he ever wanted and worked for goodbye.

So, maybe he should just get it over with, marry some Shadowhuntergirl like Lydia. The Branwells were just as respectable as the Lightwoods, it would put him and his family in a good political position and besides, Lydia was nice, smart, a damn good Shadowhunter and yes, it wasn’t romantic, but she would benefit just as much as Alec would.

It did sound like a good idea, if it weren’t for a certain High Warlock of Brooklyn…

.-.-.-.-.-.-.

“Alexander!”, Magnus greeted him with a wide smile, “what a lovely surprise.”

“Hi. I’m not disturbing?”

“Never.” Magnus motioned for Alec to come inside and with the wave of a hand and some blue flames later, he held a drink out to Alec. “Cheers!”

After toasting, Alec downed the whole thing in one big gulp. That was an unusual sight on the normally so restrained Shadowhunter.

“Woah there, those drinks are meant to be savoured!”

“Sorry.” Alec put the glass down on the table and looked around the living room, looking indecisive, almost worried. “Sorry”, he mumbled, “I should probably go.”

“Or”, Magnus suggested, “you could take a seat and tell me what’s bothering you.”

He did not sit down, and Magnus could see the internal struggle going on. Well, Alexander has been taught his entire life that he cannot trust a Downworlder, opening up to Magnus probably went against every fibre of his training.

Tough. He came to Magnus, obviously distraught and in need to vent or something like that. And sure, Magnus would never deny the little skip his heart did when the pretty boy crossed his path but leading a Shadowhunter out of the closet was not his job.

Besides, he couldn’t force him to open up. No, Magnus didn’t want to force him to open up, he had better things to do. And if Alexander wanted or needed someone to vent, or needed help with something, then he should just get it out with and ask; Magnus would not play a guessing game, no matter how much he was into those steel blue eyes.

“Fuck, this is the last place I should be right now”, Alec muttered; didn’t make any move to leave, though.

“Yeah, you need another one of those”, Magnus decided, filling up Alec’s glass again, which he downed just like the first one. “How many more do you need until you start telling me what’s wrong?” Damnit, Magnus really let himself get roped in whenever Alexander was in front of him.

“Apparently, I’m looking to settle down”, he blurted out, eyes wide, putting his glass back down again.

Oh damn; a serious emotional issue, that was not Magnus’ fortitude. Maybe Magnus could charm himself out of that one. “Well, Alexander, don’t you think we should go on one date at least?”

Alec stayed silent; his face still ashen and hard as if he were one of the statues Magnus had standing in his apartment. Damnit, usually Magnus was flirty enough to break any sort of tension. “I’m sorry”, he apologized, “if you want to talk about it…” He held his arms open in the most dramatic fashion he could and draped himself on the couch.

“Apparently it’s the number one gossip in Alicante”, Alec groaned as he paced up and down the living room. “I assume it’s Mum who spread it and according to Lydia, it’s taken hold. I mean, what the fuck did she think she’d achieve? Pressure me into getting married?”

Uff. That was a wonderful thing to hear about the guy you’re really into. Sure, Magnus never thought it’d be a walk in the park, trying to get with a Shadowhunter, but the Clave really had so many sticks up their asses, it was making it all ridiculously complicated.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bitch like that, it’s not your issue, is it?”

The fuck it isn’t! Magnus didn’t want Alec to marry some Shadowhunter girl, he wanted him to come out and go on a proper fucking date with Magnus! That wouldn’t help right now, though.

“That’s alright, Alexander”, Magnus forced himself to smile, “Just so I know what exactly you’re bitching about: is there a specific woman you’re rumoured you’re getting married to or is there just a bunch of Shadowhunter fangirls hoping to be the lucky one?”

Alexander blushed furiously and turned around, trying to hide his face from Magnus.

“The second one, got it”, Magnus grinned, taking another sip from his drink. “An I-love-Alexander-Lightwood-fanclub… Gotta say, if I were allowed in Alicante, I might just get in on that.”

Finally, the Shadowhunter cracked a small smile. Man, Magnus had started to fear that he had lost his mojo…

“Listen, your mother can’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. And if all of Idris thinks that a marriage should be of political value or should only be between a man and a woman, well, unless you agree with them, you don’t have to do anything like that.” He was quiet a moment. What if Alexander did think like that and Magnus was here, getting infatuated with him? “Do you think like they do?”

“I don’t know”, he sighed and fell on a chair. “Fuck, why can’t I just fall in love with a respectable Shadowhunter woman like Lydia?”

“That’s not how love works...”

“Well, how should I know?”, he shot back. “My whole life long, I’ve been taught how the good Lightwood name stood above everything else, how our duty to the Clave is the chief responsibility to every Shadowhunter. My life’ll be certainly easier if I do follow those ideals”, he shrugged, grabbing for the glass that Magnus had already filled up again.

“Sure, it might be easier, but will it be a good life?”

“I mean, that’s how you make Inquisitor…”

“I’m not talking about rank, success, I’m talking about you”, Magnus explained. “I’m talking about happiness, satisfaction, pride in who you are and what you do… Real love.”

“Well, not everybody has the luxury to just do what they like, damn the consequences and conjure a cocktail out of thin air”, Alec scoffed and Magnus decided to play over the bitter tone of his voice and pretended, like it didn’t hurt him.

“You came to me to vent and I’m just giving you my honest take on the situation. If you don’t want to hear it, why come here in the first place? Especially since you know that I do not share the Clave’s opinion”, Magnus shot back, and yep, a little harsher than he needed to.

“Sorry”, Alec mumbled, fidgeting with his fingers. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am. I assume the very fact that I don’t support the Clave’s idea of love, happiness and whatnot is the reason you came here in the first place.”

By the way Alexander blushed, Magnus couldn’t be far off.

“I guess… Doesn’t really make anything easier, though.”

“Life isn’t easy, Alexander. Especially the good things you have to fight for. But they are worth it. What do I know, though”, he chuckled, “I’ve only got the odd century of life experience…”

“Right”, Alec nodded with what was almost a grin and got up. “Thanks for the listening and the advice and the drinks. I should get back to the Institute, though, we have a Mortal Cup to guard after all.”

“Sure thing.” Well, the Shadowhunter didn’t look as tense as when he waltzed in here, Magnus observed with a proud smile and waved after Alec as he turned and in big strides stormed back out.

Well, the ball was in Alec’s corner now; Magnus just hoped he would make the right decision. And by that, he obviously meant himself. What a giant fuck-you to the Clave that’d be! One of their most promising youngsters rebuffing everything they pretend they don’t stand for but actually teach it from the earliest age on; all that for the fabulous High Warlock of Brooklyn. Well, a Warlock could dream…

#shadowhunters #lydia branwell #alec lightwood #izzy lightwood #maryse lightwood #magnus bane

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artificialqueens · 5 years

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Until the Flavor’s Gone (17/?) (Biadore) - Kitschy Pixel

A/N: Oh wow, what’s this? An update so soon? So, THIS! This is the original chapter that I wanted to bring you but couldn’t because it just got too long. You’ve got your set up – here’s where the dominos fall. Huge special thanks to @veronicasanders for keeping me from going positively insane and helping me go through several edits of this monster and as always, feel free to hit me up on my sideblog @kitschypixel. If you’re lucky, sometimes I even take prompts.

In this chapter, time has passed and people move forward, but when you hit a roadblock, sometimes the person you want is the least qualified to help you. And then they show up anyway.

Warnings for language, implied drug use, broken hearts, nosy strangers, and a whole bunch of bullshit.

Chapter 17

They were in Boston.

Well, Courtney was fairly certain they were circling the gates of her own personal hell, but she supposed naming that ‘Boston’ would be good enough. She clutched her phone tightly, thumbs poised over the screen. She checked it regularly, trying not to seem frantic. She pressed her teeth to her bottom lip, her mind so far away she didn’t realize she was being spoken to.

She jerked her attention back to the conversation when her knee was lightly tapped. “We just met and you’re already holding out on me?” The Russian accent broke apart half way through the question and Courtney blinked a few times as she tried to translate until she realized it was already in English.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Your phone! You have like… a death grip. Do you have a… gentleman caller… lined up and ready to pound that pussy into oblivion?” The purr towards the end caused Courtney to laugh before she blew out a breath she forgot she was holding.

“God, I wish. No… I’m actually just waiting for a friend – an actual friend, that’s not a euphemism – anyway. I’m waiting for him to show up so he can take Adore to the hotel…”

“Ahhhh – is this about the – “ there was a couple of snorts and a vague gesture that Courtney felt wasn’t quite as universal as the queen across from her assumed, “you know. Whatever.”

Well, Courtney got the gist regardless and she nodded in response.

“Yes… I kind of wish I knew what it was…”

“Well,” Finger tips tapped across bright red lips as the dishevelled blonde queen squinted in thought. “Do you remember what the guy looked like? You know, the one who did the offering?”

“Mmm… brunette. Square jaw… kind of that few days without shaving look… a bit over six foot with broad shoulders wearing very tight pants…” She watched as the queen nodded and hummed, “Does he sound familiar to you at all?”

“Hmmm?” She blinked the distant look from her eyes before shaking her head, “No. Honestly, I’m just really horny and he sounded like he could be hot.” She bit her lip in a very poor attempt to look at least a little chagrined before she burst with a hiss of snickers she couldn’t be bothered to hold back.

Courtney mentally noted that she should be far more irritated by the fruitless conversation, but she found herself laughing along with the hysteric giggles instead. It helped loosen her grip a little on her phone and get her mind to drift from the rather stressful week and a half of playing mom on tour (not including the numerous weeks prior that had since blurred together). “I’m sorry… I can’t remember your name…”

“Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova,” she rattled off and punctuated with a snap. Courtney’s eyes crossed a little at the mouthful and tentatively started to repeat it back.

“Ye… yekata.. keta?”

“Katya,” she interjected with wide grin.

“Thank God.”

“That works too!”

Both of their heads spun towards the door when it opened, and Katya groaned dramatically in disappointment. “False alarm, it’s just… that one,” she gestured towards the short goth queen that tried to slink in stealthily, only to nearly shut her own foot in the door.

“Hey!” The queen sniffed indignantly and Courtney greeted her with a soft and hesitant hello before she re-introduced herself. “Laila.”

“Right. Sorry.” Courtney was answered with a shrug as Laila wandered over to where they were sitting and perched herself nearby. “How’s she doing out there?”

“Who? Our little drag star?” Laila batted her eyes with a dreamy sigh before cackling a bit and shrugged. “Jumped into the crowd to make out with some guy in the middle of a song and then when she tried to climb back up, she tripped and totally ate shit. It was kinda great.”

“Great…”

“As graceful as you are, I can see,” Katya jabbed lightly before Laila let out an exaggerated ‘hah!’ in response.

“I don’t have 100K followers so I can trip all I want and no one sees it.”

“It explains your tips.”

“You know what? Fuck you,” She wrinkled her nose and looked between the two queens before pointing to the phone Courtney still kept clutched in both hands. “What’s with the death grip?”

“Oh! We’re waiting for ~a man~” Katya dropped her voice into another husky growl before Courtney cleared her throat to interject.

“It’s…” She lifted one finger, taking a moment to pause before continuing her thought, “… not as suggestive as Katya makes it sound…”

“Is he hot?” Laila swung her legs a little, while Katya snapped a few times.

“Oh! Yes! Asking the real questions here!”

“No.” Courtney scoffed, almost like a reflex. She wrinkled her nose as she started to quickly backpedal with a sound akin to a deflating balloon, “eeee-weeeell… okay. I mean… he’s not ugly. He looks fine… so… yeah, okay he is kind of hot… like I wouldn’t say no if I didn’t know him… but… yeah, no. Okay… ummm….” She pressed her lips together tightly, “It’s complicated.”

“How is that compli–” the question got cut off when Courtney’s phone buzzed and she checked it with a sigh of relief before jumping up and spinning around to face the other two.

“Okay. He’s here. Behave! Especially you!” She pointed a finger at Katya who snapped at it with her teeth while making snarling noises. With another spin she darted towards the door, keeping it propped open with her back as she caught sight of Roy being let in through a nearby exit.

Courtney waved him over and wrapped him into a tight hug the second he was close enough with a soft ‘thank God’ punctuated by a deep inhale.

“Not God, but close… did you just sniff me?”

Courtney pressed her nails into his back, “No.”

“I think you did.”

“You know what? I’m not going to argue with you. I’m just glad you’re here. Come on.”

She pulled him into the dressing room, watching as Laila and Katya both perked up at his arrival. She didn’t have a chance to get another word out before Katya raised her hand.

“Excuse me, but how is this yes/no complicated hot?”

Roy’s eyebrows shot up and Courtney rolled her eyes before she gestured with her best Vanna White hands, “This is Roy,” she cut off the coy ‘hi Roy’s with a quick follow up. “And Bianca del Rio.”

“Oh? Oh. Oooooooh! Okay. Yes/no complicated it stays.”

Courtney pulled Roy off to the side as he still mused on the ‘yes/no complicated’. “Roy. Please. Focus.”

“I would but this doesn’t seem like the same kind of emergency you described over the phone. Where is she?”

“Adore?” Courtney waved in the general direction of the floor before she started to text rather rapidly, “She’s still on stage.”

Roy frowned at Courtney’s rather frantic texting, clutching the carry on bag slung over his shoulder close, trying to match up what Courtney’s ominous message meant to him with what was actually going on. “So, she’s on stage? Then she’s okay. You made it sound like she was dying.”

“Not dead yet, but she’s trying,” Courtney held up a finger at Roy’s inquisitive ‘what the fuck does that mean?’ and closed her eyes to try to keep her thoughts from spiralling off into different directions. “She’s high.”

“Good for her. Think she’ll share?”

“Roy,” Courtney snapped and gave him a stern look, “I need you to be serious right now.”

“I am being serious! What the fuck is with you? Since when are you a prude?”

Courtney sucked in a breath and stared at Roy for a long moment, just to level out her increasing annoyance at his ignorance of the situation. He had re-routed his flight and delayed his trip to New Orleans (that he was taking with his boyfriend, she mentally noted) in order to come to Boston at her request out of the concern she’d raised about Adore’s current state. He wasn’t the type to fully understand this level of heartbreak, so she pressed her lips together tightly as she tried to find words he could comprehend.

Gathering up her last bit of patience, Courtney gripped Roy by the shoulders, looked him in the eye, and began to explain – slowly. “I’m not worried about the drugs. I’m worried about the motive,” the way his eyes shot up with a sigh was enough to register that he understood what she was implying, so she moved on. “She’s got one more song and an encore, but she’s so fucking out of it, who’s to really say… I’ve alerted our driver to be on standby to take you guys back to the hotel. I just need you to keep an eye on her.”

“Why me?”

“Because she really wants to see you… and if I try to handle it anymore, I might lose my entire mind.”

“Courtney needs a strong drink and a good dick?”

“Fuck you, but yes.”

She reached out and clamped his lips shut with the tips of her fingers as she heard Adore stumble through the door, palms clamping down on her shoulders as Adore struggled to keep upright. A hoarse laugh erupted with a quiet ‘sorry’ and Courtney forced a smile and a quiet ‘it’s fine’ as Adore breezed past them both. She wagered Adore wouldn’t even have been aware of either of them if she hadn’t tripped into them. So, she cleared her throat and raised her voice a little to catch her attention.

“Adore? Look who’s here!”

Courtney lightly slapped Roy’s shoulder when he winced at the shrill pitch of her voice and shot him a really good death glare when he grimaced as Adore came closer.

“Holy fuck… are you supposed to be here?” Roy still hadn’t turned around instead craning his neck a little far when Adore wrapped her arms around him from behind and pressed her nose in the crook of his neck. “I thought you were supposed to be… to be… somewhere not here! What are you doing?”

“I… uh…” Roy looked to Courtney who shook her head and he faked a cough. Neither of them really had enough time to come up with a plausible story as to why Roy would be here and at this point, at least Roy assumed, that the truth wouldn’t be swallowed very well. So without a convincing lie, he was left floundering a little. He stopped just short of using his boyfriend as an excuse when he felt another stern look before he finally settled, rather lamely with, “I could swing it… so I’m here– wait, are you bleeding?”

Adore looked down and laughed, pointing at her knee, “Oh yeah! I need to get something for that…” She wandered over to Laila who was holding up a box of Band Aids, “Oh! They sparkle! Gimme!”

Roy got cut off from whatever smart remark he had loaded and ready by Courtney grabbing his elbows in a vice grip and a firm ‘don’t you dare’ with a growl in her voice and fire in her eyes.

“Careful, or people will know you’re a man,” Roy shot off, wrenching himself from her when she squeezed. “Owowowow!”

“I’m dead serious right now, Roy and I am begging – absolutely begging – for you to do your best to scrounge up a little self awareness and some empathy. Please.”

“Are you sure she’s not dead? She smells like she’s rotting…”

“Roy!”

“What?”

Courtney shot a look to Adore, who was still fussing with… something… she couldn’t tell what before she grabbed Roy and steered him closer to the door, dropping her voice again. “Please. Just… do this.”

“Okay, fine… but she needs to like… bathe.”

“Well, if she drowns, that’s your responsibility.”

“Really?” Roy’s jaw dropped as he shot his own appalled look at Courtney, “Are you saying you wouldn’t help me hide the body? What kind of friend are you?”

“The kind that wouldn’t let a friend accidentally drown–”

“– who said it would be an accident?”

“Roy!” Another hiss. “Empathy! Please!”

“Fine! I’ll drown her in empathy, how’s that? Now go get fucked before you become an even bigger bitch and I have two bodies I need to deal wiiiii – hi!” He slapped Courtney’s shoulder with the back of his hand when she snorted at the way his voice cracked and they both turned to face a blinking Adore. They all stood awkwardly before Courtney finally spoke up.

“So… um… Adore… Roy’s going to take you back to the hotel, okay?”

“Why?”

Roy quirked an eyebrow to see just how Courtney was going to spin this without sounding like she was trying to be Adore’s mother. It took a few long seconds before she finally managed, “Well… I mean… I figured you two might want some time to yourselves? Catch up? I mean.. It’s been… how long?”

Roy didn’t get to answer because Adore seemed to fold rather quickly, nodding quietly before offering a smile that failed to reach her eyes. “Yeah… you’re right. It has been awhile, hasn’t it?” She bit her bottom lip, eyes rolling back in thought before she shrugged one shoulder. “I’ll just get my stuff.”

Not much else was said, there was an “I told you” dancing across Courtney’s tongue but she managed to keep it bitten back. Roy and Adore left in silence but everyone in the room noticed the firm hand pressed in the small of Adore’s back as they did. Courtney sighed from relief, trying to shake off the lingering guilt for getting a little bit more involved than she probably should have – but in her defense, she hadn’t betrayed Adore’s trust outright. Roy still didn’t know the details as Courtney knew them, she’d kept the exact circumstances of her call close to her chest.

She was doing the right thing.

“That hug seemed to linger quite a long time…”

Courtney jumped with Katya at her shoulder and she closed her eyes. “It’d been a while since we’ve seen each other.”

“And did he smell good?”

“He smelled fantastic.”

Katya nodded sagely as she spun Courtney around, took her hands and patted at them gingerly, “Don’t worry, you’re in my hands now and I will take very good care of you. Do you like go-go boys with great asses and even better dicks?”

“Please.”

“Perfect.”

–––––––––––––––––––––

Adore hit the bed hard with a groan, twisting up into a ball and just staring up at the ceiling. She waited for Roy to say something first and when he didn’t, just sighed. She held onto the silence until it started to become painful, blurting out the first thing that came to mind. “So what’d Courtney tell you to get you here?”

She heard the hotel bed creak as he sat down near her at the foot of the bed, her eyes sliding to his back as she waited for him to answer. She watched as he rubbed his face before tilting his head slightly to the side. “She made it sound like it was pretty serious… so I said I’d meet you guys in Boston.”

“Okay but like… what’d she tell you?” Adore pushed herself up onto her side, staring down at the bedspread and tracing the pattern with her two index fingers, squinting a little at how the cheap, thin comforter rippled under her touch and the light scratching noise of her nails against the fabric. “Your… what’s his name… know you’re here?”

“She didn’t really tell me much, Dan–” he cut himself off with the way Adore’s lips twisted a little. The ‘sorry’ so quiet on the exhale, she was almost sure he didn’t say it.

“It’s fine, you know,” she replied anyway, pulling at her wig, “It doesn’t matter. Still me no matter what, right? Just a wig and make-up.”

The scoff was harsh and the way the pins pulled at the hair underneath as she tried to rip the wig off her head made her whine. She batted at his hands as he tried to help before he tried to soothe her with a very gentle “You’re making it worse, asshole. Hold still.”

She fidgeted as he finally finished unpinning the wig and pulled it off with a very soft ‘Christ’. Her eyes stayed on his face as he grimaced, running his hand over the tangled wig that reeked of sweat and stale perfume before he looked it over and asked, “You have a brush for this thing?”

Adore shook her head, “Too punk rock for that shit.”

“Right… and what about your own hair?”

Another shrug and Roy rolled his eyes before taking the empty ice bucket and flipping it upside down, using it as a temporary wig stand before he pointed to the bathroom. “Get up. Go. You’re disgusting. Go!” He waved her to the door until she finally stepped into the bathroom and she got a good look of herself in the mirror. Her hair was greasy and her scalp felt raw, and there were signs where she’d simply just sweated off her make-up and then reapplied for the past couple of nights. “Take your clothes off and get in.”

Standing in the harsh white light of a hotel bathroom, she suddenly didn’t have the energy to really argue. She struggled out of most of her clothes before she turned to the bathtub. “It’s empty.”

“Good job, genius. It’s for the best. Get in.”

Rolling her eyes felt gritty, so she rubbed them instead and did as asked, knees bent, hands on the cold porcelain as she stared at the tile. She scratched a little at the grout before following it with the pad of her finger, pursing her lips and looking pensive as she followed the maze of lines.

The ice water hit her scalp first, ran down the back of her neck and down the center of her spine, making her suck in the myriad of curse words before expelling them in a string of very loud insults, “What the fuck, you rotted cunt? Shit!”

“Keep your voice down. It’s three in the morning.”

Adore sputtered as a damp washcloth was dropped on her head. She took it and wrung it tightly in her hands, staring at it. “What the fuck am I doing?”

“Whore bath for a whore,” Roy spoke as if it was the most obvious thing in the world as he sat down on the floor, with his back against the tub, setting aside the water glass with the sample sized shampoo and conditioner that had been displayed on the counter. He handed her the make-up wipes he’d found with them, giving her a place to start. She took the hint and removed her lashes, pressing them against the edge of the tub.

It took a moment for him to speak again, as she pouted and scrubbed at the layers of make-up on her face, and when he did �� it made her pause.

“So what’d you take tonight?”

There was a twinge of curiosity that cancelled out the usual judgemental tone a question like that usually carried. But she acted as if it was still accusatory, just because she wanted to.

“What’s it matter? Sure it’s nothing compared to the shit you’ve done, right?”

She couldn’t see the way he pressed his lips together, but heard the way he clicked his tongue. “Yeah…” he remarked, slouching a bit and tilting his head back a bit. “Probably right…” Another click and he tilted his head to the side again. “I’m gonna offer you some advice, though…”

“I’m fine.”

“Fact that you smell like a stale bag of Fritos says different, now shut up…” he held up a finger before he sighed. “I’m not gonna tell you what to do, because this is your load of bullshit to deal with… but know what the fuck someone is giving you. Just… in case.”

Adore stared at the foundation streaked make-up wipe before she started to rub furiously at her eyes. “So Courm told you about Cleveland…” she squinted in thought before muttering, “Or was it Philly?”

“No.” Roy raised an eyebrow as he pulled the make-up wipe from her hands when she couldn’t seem to stop staring at it as she twisted it tightly one way and then another. Adore grasped at thin air a few times and then turned to face Roy, resting her chin on the edge of the tub and looked towards his face with wide, puppy-like eyes.

“Can you help me wet my hair?”

They both shuddered at that hollow, rubbery ‘flomp’ sound of skin sliding against the barely damp tub surface. Roy was still wincing as Adore got herself situated, followed by a sheepish ‘sorry’. “It’s fine,” Roy remarked before he turned on the facet to a slow trickle, palm pressing against Adore’s forehead to keep her from knocking it against the metal when she reared upwards when it made contact. “Careful! You don’t need a head injury, Jesus…”

“Are you trying to burn my scalp off now?” Adore seethed and Roy helped her sit up so he could check the water temperature.

“You’re lucky I’m not scrubbing you with Lysol, now quit complaining!” He got the temperature down to just below scalding before he helped Adore lean back again. Her eyes rolled upwards and she closed them for a moment, just letting his fingers press against her scalp before she started sniffling.

“You okay?”

The question sounded stiff and rehearsed with genuine concern bleeding through just enough to soften it.

“Yeah… yeah I’m just…” She sat back up slowly, pressing her fingers into her forehead before a sob burst forward. She sucked it back quickly, palms to her eyes as she forced out a laugh. A hand to her shoulder made her lift her head, and she took the small shampoo bottle that was offered. Clutching it in her fingers, she just stared at it as reality seemed to snap back with harsh lines and sharpened edges before blurring out with the tears that pooled in her eyes.

“You wanna pick an emotion, there?”

“Pathetic and embarrassed,” Adore blinked slowly, letting the tears fall before hiding her face with her knees.

“So normal. Good. I was almost worried.”

A soft giggle shuddered forward, weak and breathless. It made her chest hurt and her heart felt raw but that smile still managed to reach her eyes as she shook her head and hoarsely whispered, “You’re such a fucking dick.”

She lathered up her hair making it stand up straight before looking over at him again. “This would have been so much easier if you’d just let me take a normal shower.”

“Maybe,” he let her lean back, a hand shielding her eyes as he helped her rinse the shampoo from her hair, “But Courtney said she wouldn’t help me hide your body if you drowned, so I couldn’t take that risk.”

She dropped her jaw and looked appalled as she sat back up and sputtered, “You would hide my body? Why not call 911?”

“I’m not going to risk potentially going to jail just because your ex is an asshole… now tip your head back, you’re not done.”

Roy pressed the side of his hand to her forehead as he finished rinsing out her hair. She blinked upwards a few times before closing her eyes. “How do you know he was the asshole? Do you even know what happened or why we broke up? I could have been the one who like… cheated on him or whatever.”

“I know I’ve been busy, but I’m not completely oblivious and I know how social media works. I got the gist of what happened… please don’t start crying again, Jesus Christ.”

“Sorry! I’m sorry… I just…” Roy let her sit up and wipe at her eyes, still sniffling. He looked downward to the floor, letting her compose herself. She swiped her hands across her eyes before sniffling and offering a very weak smile, “You think I’m stupid, don’t you?”

“Yes. But not for what’s…” he made a vague gesture in her direction, “…going on right now…” He tossed a fluffy white towel at her and sighed. “Get out, dry off… find some clean clothes and I’ve got something to show you…” He paused a beat as he caught a very familiar spark in her eyes, “Before you say anything, let me ask you… do you really think it’s a good idea to crack a joke about my dick right now?”

“Well, not when you take the fun out of it like that.”

“Just get dressed.”

–––––––––––––––––––––

Drying off, and feeling kind of clean for the first time in probably four days, he looked in the mirror and saw… Danny. And with Danny came the ugly realization that he was a complete wreck of raw emotion and tangled up heartbreak that he’d been trying to ignore for all of these weeks and was doing a really piss poor job of doing so.

And he started crying again, before he even had a chance to stop it. He was sitting, doubled over, on the lid of the toilet with the towel balled up against his face when Roy came back to check what was taking him so long. His eyes were puffy, his face felt tight, and he was trying to wipe the snot from his nose as he caught sight of Roy loitering in the doorway, fingers tapping rapidly on either side, looking down at the floor.

“Think you’re going to make it or are you living in the bathroom now?”

Danny’s lips twitched and he leaned forward, reaching for Roy and wrapping the fabric of the man’s shirt in his fist before pulling him towards him. Roy complied, letting Danny close the gap between them to wrap his arms tightly around his middle.

“You smell good.”

“It’s called showering regularly. You should try it.”

“Be nice to me or I’ll cry.”

“Hah! Like that’s stopped you so far…” Danny closed his eyes and smiled as Roy lightly played with his hair, ruffling it as he took a step back. “Okay, seriously. This bathroom is making me depressed, can we go now?”

Danny nodded and used Roy to hoist himself back up onto his feet. He shuffled out of the bathroom to his suitcase, dug through it for some underwear and a clean t-shirt, and got dressed as Roy sat on the bed, back against the headboard. He crawled into bed, sliding across the comforter and curling up at Roy’s hip, arm across his lap.

“Sobering up a little?”

There was a non-committal grunt in reply before Danny rolled onto his back, pressed his fingers to his eye sockets for a moment and just stared up at the ceiling. “Fuck…” her muttered before closing his eyes tight. They burned a little from crying. He sniffled again before he finally managed to slide his focus back to Roy. “You said something about a present?”

“Yup,” Roy reached over and grabbed the small carry on bag he had with him and dug around it before producing a Ziploc bag that he tossed onto Danny’s chest. Danny pushed himself up on his elbows and squinted a little as he slowly sat up and opened the bag, removing the stack of papers – no. wait. photos – from inside.

“Oh my God…” He gasped and grinned as he recognized a few of them from Roy’s Facebook. “No way…” he started to rifle through them before his grin broke and softened into a genuine smile. “You brought me baby Bianca pictures?”

“I thought you might get a kick out of them.”

“Holy. Shit…” He couldn’t control the elated giggles, soft and raspy in pure delight as he flipped the photo in his hand over to look at the back. “They’re even dated, you fucking nerd!”

“I can take them back.”

“Noooo!” Danny whined and curved over them to shield the small pile he’d made with his body. “I’m looking!”

He righted himself up and gathered his pile, flipping through each photo, pausing at the ones he hadn’t already seen. He let out a low whistle at one from Bianca’s Cher impersonating days, “Damn, you use to be fucking hot,” he lightly smacked Roy’s thigh at the answering scoff. “Shut up, you know you were hot…” He grinned at the way Roy’s lips twitched to one side and pointed, “See? You know.” He laughed when Roy fell silent and didn’t offer any argument.

Danny thumbed through the pile rather quickly, pausing at some of the photos. There was one he’d set aside to come back to once he got through the rest of the pile, leaving it out as he slid the rest of them back into the Ziploc bag and then handed it to Roy. “Tell me the story on that one…”

Roy raised an eyebrow as he took the photo in hand and tilted his head. Danny wrapped an arm around his middle again, chin on his shoulder and he smiled a little. “Not much to tell…” he mused. “It was… 2001, so I was still in New Orleans. It was a photoshoot that had two other queens… both of them were late as fuck…”

Danny hummed and smiled, “Let me guess… you were on time?” Roy offered him a side glance and a confirming nod, but nothing else before he cleared his throat and shrugged.

“But yeah. That’s really it. This was taken while we were waiting for them. Why do you ask?”

Danny shrugged one shoulder as Roy handed the photo back to him – Bianca looking off into the distance, dressed in white with black hair, the lighting soft and surreal. He took it back and cradled it in his hands. There was something ethereal and warm and very different from the heavy handed camp clown that Bianca had aged into. It made Danny’s heart skip a couple of beats and he held his breath for a second or two before he shrugged again and replied with a fresh smile. “You just look really beautiful, that’s all.”

“Then keep it.”

“Really?”

“What am I going to do with it? If you like it, just have it.”

Danny felt a weird flutter somewhere in his chest, a sense of relief that jumped around a couple times before settling back down and making him feel a little lighter. His smile got wider and sweeter before he leaned in, hugged him and kissed his cheek, before nuzzling his shoulder and sighing from content. “You’re the best. Thank you.”

“Mmhm.”

“I’m serious. Really. Thank you.”

“It’s just a photo, Danny.”

“No. It’s more than that and you know it.”

They sat in silence for a minute or two before Danny got up to put the photo under his phone so he wouldn’t forget it. He settled down, head on the pillow and looked up at Roy before asking, meekly, “Are you happy?”

Roy cocked his head to the side to consider the question, “Do you really want to know?”

“Yeah.”

There was a long sigh before he gave up a nod and a very weak smile that didn’t quite tell everything. “It’s… not really easy right now, but overall? Yeah.”

“Are you in trouble for coming to visit me?”

“No. That’d be the last thing on the list of things I could be in trouble for…” his voice trailed and he shook his head at Danny’s perplexed expression, “I don’t want to get into it tonight.”

“Okay…”

“I’m serious, Danny.”

“Okay! I’m serious too. Subject dropped…” He couldn’t tell if he was being extra touchy just because of whatever leftover effects of… whatever it was that had been offered to him… or if it was just natural for him when he was this close to someone as familiar as Roy, but he found himself fiddling with the belt loop on Roy’s jeans, just picking at it and hooking his finger on it before little it go. Roy didn’t stop him and they stayed in another stretch of silence that Danny broke again.

“When do you have to leave?”

“In a few hours.”

“So if I fall asleep, you’ll probably be gone when I get up?”

“Yeah. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Used to it…” he trailed a bit and wrinkled his nose, “That wasn’t supposed to…”

“Nah. I get it. I know.”

Yet another pause in conversation and Danny started to settle further, “Hey…”

“Mmm?”

“Are you at least going to stay for those few hours?”

Roy nodded before he tilted his head to Danny. “Yeah. I can, if you want.”

“I want…” Danny closed one eye and wrinkled his nose again as he tried to piece together his next request, “Um… can you…? God, this sounds stupid and needy but…” he bit his lip, the words just not falling into place quite right. “Never mind…”

He turned onto his side, back to Roy, until he heard shuffling behind him. He turned over to see Roy settling under the hotel comforter, glasses off and hat removed, a hand under his head and eyes closed. He stared at him for a long moment before Roy cracked open one eye and waved Danny closer. “Stop gawking, asshole. If you want me to stay, I might as well get comfortable.”

The invitation was clear and Danny joined him under the covers, curling up to him and cuddling close. A single arm wrapped around him and one hand rested on his shoulder, that newly freed up spot in his chest filling with a comfortable warmth as he closed his eyes.

“Hey, Roy?”

“Yeah?”

“I hope things work out and you can stay happy.”

“Thanks.”

“Um… Roy?”

“What?”

Danny pressed a light kiss to Roy’s cheek again and whispered to his ear, “Thanks for showing up.”

“Well… it was either show up or listen to Courtney whine until this fucking tour was over, but you’re still welcome.”

Danny hummed and closed his eyes, halfway to sleep before he murmured one more time. “And Roy?”

“What now?”

“You’re so great.”

That got a laugh, a set of fingers pushing back his hair and lips to his forehead. “You’re not so bad yourself. Now get some sleep.”

There was a nearly inaudible ‘okay’ in reply as Danny finally managed to drift off comfortably for the first time in a number of nights that he’d lost count of.

And it wouldn’t be until he half woke up as Roy moved him with a whispered apology so he could gather his stuff – when he was still groggy and still full of sleep, with a cloudy brain and weighted limbs – that he latched onto the pillow that still smelled a little like Roy’s shampoo. It wouldn’t be until he croaked out a slurred ‘good-bye, I miss you’ to Roy’s whispered farewell and he heard the automatic lock on the hotel door click closed and he was finally left alone that a portion of his brain, one caught in between consciousness and sleep, in that sweet limbo where the blankets feel just right against your skin and the temperature in the room is just right and your buzzing brain feels at peace, that Danny could finally feel it.

That rotting, heavy, benign bitterness he’d been toting around for months had finally jarred loose and melted away and the sweet, warm content that had blossomed hours before had decided to take root.

He finally felt okay.

#rpdr fanfiction #flavor #utfg #kitschy pixel #adore delano #bianca del rio #courtney act #biadore #au #alternate meeting au #queen au #angst #crude language #sexually suggestive #tw alcohol use #tw implied drug use #submission

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willows-adventures-in-words · 5 years

Text

And here we go. The last chapter for A Break from Reality. I am really proud of this story. It’s the first story that I fully finished from beginning to end. One that is longer than just a few pages. I have other stories that are a nice length that probably won’t be finished (unfortunately). So I would like to thank both Sean and his community. If it wasn’t for his creating these characters, and, for the community posting about them raising my interest in them, I never would have written this. I would still not have a completed story that I can honestly say I am proud of. So Thank You.

@wishthefish916

A Break from Reality Chapter 9 (final chapter) Word count: 4203

_________________________________

“No. No don't you dare.” In response Chase dropped the banana peels around the corner in front of the finish line. It was Jack and Chases' turn in Mario Kart. Both Marvin and Jackie, who still had his legs resting on Marvins lap, had been rooting for Jack. But unfortunately for them, Chase just crossed the finish line claiming first again; which meant he could play another round. Within seconds Jack raced around the corner and right into a banana peel. “Oh you sonnofa-” He stopped mid-curse and started laughing as he slid across the finish milliseconds before the computer player that was behind him. “I'm not even mad anymore,” he laughed. “That was awesome!”

“Geez, that was close. I thought you were going to get passed for sure,” Marvin stated amazed by Jacks luck. Jack grinned and agreed with him.

“Hey, pass it here,” Jackie said holding out his hand for Jacks controller. “It's time I knocked Chase off his throne.”

Chase laughed. “Bring it on man. I can keep this streak going.”

Jackie grinned. “We'll see about that.”

- ~ - ~ -

Henrik left Jamesons room bringing the two empty cups with him. Jameson had assured him he was fine. That he would just sit and read for awhile before going to sleep. Though when Henrik left the mans room he paused when he saw Anti sitting on the top step of the stairs. He could hear the others laughing and having fun downstairs. Hesitant, and a bit wary, he stepped over, paused, then sat down next to him while trying to keep some space between them. He waited at first, curious if Anti would react to him sitting down. But he didn't and they sat listening to the others downstairs for a moment before he broke the silence. “You can join them you know.”

Anti huffed. “Yeah right. What kind of fantasy world you living in?” Henrik didn't respond to that. There was a moment of silence before Anti spoke again. “He's fine. He's enjoying himself. There's no reason for him to leave.”

Henrik was confused for a second, not sure what he was talking about. Then it hit him. Jack. “That's not,” he paused and looked at Anti. “Do you really believe that?” There was a brief moment of silence before Anti got up and started walking back to his room. Henrik didn't move from his spot. He just listened as he walked away, than close his room door. If Anti could manage to remain civil then that would make it easier for Henrik to do the same. He had dealt with a mellow Anti before but it never seemed to last long, so part of him was convinced that this was only temporary as well. Sitting quietly on the step he listened to the others but when he heard an exclamation of defeat he decided it was time to head down to see what was going on.

“How!? How did you not fall off? That was rainbow road!” Jackie motioned dramatically to the TV.

“I did. On the first and second laps,” Chase informed him. “And you almost knocked me off on the last lap.”

“You got first! How?!” Jack and Marvin exchanged amused looks.

Stepping down off of the last step, Henrik addressed the group, “How is everything down here?”

He almost didn't get a chance to finish as Jackie looked back and said, “Henrik, put Chase in his place.”

Henrik raised a brow. “Excuse me?”

Jackie held out the game controller. “Knock him out of first. He's been there for three rounds.”

Chase grinned as Henrik looked over at him. “I suppose I could try,” he stated as he stepped over to retrieve the controller from Jackie. Sitting down next to Jack he said, “You will need to remind me how to play.” Jack scooted over and explained the controls. Henrik nodded in understanding then turned his attention to the TV. He choose his character and the set of levels. Then the game began.

The first two races found Chase in first and Henrik... didn't do so well. He made fifth and third respectively. The others were sure that it was going to be a repeat of the last games. However, the next race ended not so favorably. Chase fell back to third with Henrik in second. The computer player that had gotten second in the first two races got first. If Chase didn't get first or second, with the computer player getting a lesser spot then him, he'd lose the first place position. Chase stared intently at the screen. Despite that however, the last round was not favorable. Henrik focused all his attention at keeping Chase out of the top three and succeeded. Henrik ended one spot ahead of him by the end of the race.

Chase slumped back against the couch defeated. He turned to Henrik. “You targeted me.”

“I was aiming to keep you from first place.” A small smile. “I think I succeeded.”

With a huff Chase passed his controller to Marvin. “I guess,” he grumbled. “But you gotta give up your controller too since you didn't get first either.”

“That's fine,” Henrik passed the controller to Jack. Before long Jack and Marvin had began the next set of races.

- ~ - ~ -

Anti paced about his room, his mind running with conflicting thoughts. Do you really believe that? “Stupid doctor,” he grumbled as he turned around to continue paced. “What does he know?” He was restless and he hated that everyone was telling him what to do. It took all he had not to snap at him. Why was he even talking to him? Hell, why was he being nice?

And the magician. Why did Marvin suddenly want to talk to him? I just want to help. Help? Sure help Jack. None of them would ever go out of their way to help him. Do, you want one? If you think it'll help, I can get you one. Anti stopped pacing. He clenched his fists and cursed. He was being stupid. There was one person he knew for sure that cared about him. He searched for him and was glad when he found him in his room. Quietly he stood, with his back to the window, and 'watched' Jameson.

After a few minutes past, Anti sat down with his back to the wall underneath the window. Jameson did care. The mute man pretty much told him as much. But that didn't make this situation any easier since he didn't know where the others stood. He wanted to believe Marvin cared. He had offered help. He consoled him. He... tried. Even before, not long after Anti came here, he... He did try but... he gave up. He quit trying. What was to say he wouldn't do it again. Or who. Why did he seek him out now? Was he told to? Anti questioned the same thing about Henrik. That doctor never cared much for him, unless it was a medical emergency.

It had to be Jack. He was the reason for everything. Jack was the reason he was disliked. Jack was the reason the others were suddenly paying attention to him; being nice to him. ...He should get rid of him. Find out what happens if he died. Either way it wouldn't be much of a loss. No... it would be. If they all did die, so would Jameson. Just the thought of it made him seek the other man out again. Anti laid his head back against the wall and closed his eyes, just quietly clinging to the non-detailed image of his friend.

When Anti finally reopened his eyes, he looked around his room and decided that he hated this room. He always had but this was the first time he had fully acknowledged it. It was his room except it never really felt like it. It was like his own personal prison, padded walls included. A bitter smile touched his lips for just a moment at that thought.

He didn't know what to do. His thoughts were so conflicted. He just... Anti wanted things to go back to the way they were. He might not have liked how it was, but it was easier. Since that way he always knew where he stood. Things started getting complicated when Jameson got there. But, for Anti, it became a comfortable adjustment and he didn't want to change that. He didn't know what to do about the problem. Maybe it would be easier to just send Jack back. Part of him still didn't want to. And that part would argue endlessly about why he shouldn't. He... he took the time to talk to him. He listened to him, comforted him. Not counting Jameson, since Anti would never lump him in with the others, Jack was the first one to actually do any of that. And to make it worse, Anti believed him when he said he didn't mean for this to happen. Jack was so fucking positive and every time Anti thought of sending him home or even killing him, a fear crept up in his gut. It was a thing he tried to ignore.

Anti rested his head in his hands, his elbows on his knees. He really, really didn't know what to do.

- ~ - ~ -

It was late. The group had been playing video games for hours, while switching games a couple times. Henrik went in and out of the living room taking care of other things and, around nine, came in with the crutch he promised he'd find. Leaning it against the couch that Jackie was occupying, he told them he was going to check on Jameson before heading to bed. He received distracted good nights from them. A little after ten Marvin was caught dozing off. Instead of poking fun at him for it, it was suggested that he head to bed too. Marvin told them he was fine. He did get up when Chase asked him to keep him company as he got up to head to his own room. At eleven, Jack and Jackie were back to playing Mario Kart.

“Hey, you look like you're getting tired too.” Jackie looked across to the other couch. “You sure you don't want to go to sleep?”

“Nah. I got a few more rounds in me.” Even if he was getting tired, Jackie was determined to stay up with him. They started up a new round. Jackie glanced over at Jack for a second before he turned his attention back to the game. He might not be able to do much right now but he will do what he could. And if all he could do was stay up and keep an eye out for Anti then that was what he was going to do.

Jackie wanted to protect Jack. He wanted to protect all of them from the threat under their own roof. Anti was dangerous and Jackie would do whatever he could to protect his friends. If only he hadn't been injured earlier he was sure he would have been able to stop Anti from getting Jack in the first place. He may be able to hide his problems well enough, but, he was worried. Worried about Jack being alone with Anti again, worried about what happened to Marvin when he was with him. Jackie felt like Marvin wasn't telling him everything, not that he needed to know everything his friend did but this was kinda important.

Marvin had said that he had gone to Anti himself. Jackie just couldn't understand why. After everything that he had done to them. Why go to him? “You alright? You just crashed into a wall.”

“Huh?” Jackie noticed his character driving endlessly into a wall. He laughed, trying to brush off the concern as he got back on the track. They finished the race with Jackie a few spots behind Jack due to his goof up. “Hey, after this you wanna do battle mode?”

“Sure, if you're up for it.”

“Of course.” He sped ahead of the other racers. “Just let me get first real quick.”

Jack gave a laugh. “I don't know about that... After that slip up?”

“Hey, that was just one slip up.”

“A big slip up. It cost you a few spots.”

Jackie scoffed. “Yeah yeah. I can make up for it.” He did not make up for it. The final score had Jack in first and the computer player barely placed ahead of Jackie in second. And so they started up battle mode.

Jackie was more attentive and the two joked around a bit and laughed at their own stupid mistakes during the game. It was closing in on midnight when Jack brought up a subject Jackie wasn't expecting. “I know it's probably a touchy subject but, what's up with you and Anti?”

Without taking his eyes off the TV, Jackie asked, “What do you mean?”

“Well, were you guys always at odds with each other?”

“Yeah pretty much,” came the simple response. Jack let out a sigh and glanced over at him. He supposed if that was all he was going to get then he'd just have to leave it be. Even if he wanted to know where all the hostility came from. Jackie, however, noticed his reaction. “What? I don't like people that threaten and hurt my friends. And he's done that. Who knows how many other people he's hurt.”

Jack turned away from the game and looked to Jackie. “I get where you're coming from. I'd be pretty upset too if someone wanted to hurt the people I cared about.”

“Exactly. So I gotta do what I can to protect them.” When he noticed Jack had stopped playing he stopped as well and looked over. “Something wrong?”

“No, it's just... If he wanted to change, would you give him a chance?”

“If he...” His lips parted slightly as he stared at Jack for a moment before he went tight lipped and turned away. “I don't know. After everything-” he stopped for a moment. “Henrik said I've gotta use that crutch for at least a couple weeks. He told me, we'll see, for what happens after that.” He took a second before he continued with the original question. “I doubt I'll ever forgive him, but... I guess, if he did change... I'll try to tolerate him.” Silence settled between them before Jackie glanced at the TV to see his character get hit by a shell just as the timer ticked to zero. Leaning over he slid his controller onto the coffee table saying, “I think I'm gonna go to sleep. Go ahead and play whatever if your not tired.”

Instead of getting up, Jackie just settled into a comfortable spot on the couch to sleep. Jack lacked the energy to question him about sleeping on the couch. Yet he had too much on his mind to try to sleep. So instead he got up off the couch and, while wishing the other man good night, turned off Mario Kart. Jackie made a sound acknowledging that he heard him. Using the glare from the TV, Jack searched for a different game to play. Once he found one, he shut off the TV and just used the handheld to play the game.

It was hitting one in the morning when Jack considered calling it quits himself. Normally, he'd be up for a couple more hours before he would consider it but, normally he wouldn't be up at six in the morning either. When the yawn escaped, he decided to just finish up in the temple he was in then call it a night. Jack barely finished the thought when a hand came up from behind him and clamped over his mouth, while at the same time their other arm wrapped around his chest keeping him in place. He let out a noise of surprise that got muffled. Jack barely managed to glance towards Jackie, who was still asleep, before he suddenly found himself in another room. The hand was removed from his mouth once they arrived.

The room light was flickering for a bit before it stayed on. Jack found himself sitting on the floor of what could be assumed to be his recording room. Except it wasn't, he knew it wasn't. He did notice that the mess that had been made previously had been cleaned up. Though that one spot on the wall that was missing the padding was still bare. The man that brought him here was crouched behind him with his forehead resting on his shoulder as he held onto him.

By this point Jack knew who it was, but the glitch that ran through them just confirmed it for him. “You scared the shit out of me, Anti,” Jack stated once he'd recovered from the sudden room change. When there was no response, Jack let out a sigh. That's when he heard some music and realized he was still holding onto the Switch. He turned his attention back down to the game in hand. It was a little surprising, even to Jack, how quickly he accepted his situation.

After a couple minutes, Anti lifted his head slightly and watched as Jack finished the temple, saved the game, and turned off the system. When the silence lingered, Jack decided to speak up. “Did you need something from me?”

There was a moment where the silence continued before Anti let go of him and muttered something as he got to his feet. Jack didn't quite catch what he said and, thinking it may have been something important, asked him what he said. “I said I'm sending you home,” he grumbled.

Jack looked up at Anti, surprised. “Wait... really?”

Crossing his arms, the taller man stated, “I don't have to, if you'd rather stay here.”

“No I do want to go home,” he told him with no hesitation as he got to his feet. Anti glitched but said nothing. “I'm just...” he set the Switch down on the desk as he thought of the right word. “Surprised, I guess.” Their eyes met for a moment when Jack looked over at him before Anti turned to the computer set-up. “Hey, Anti?” He got a non-verbal reaction signaling that he heard him. “Before I go back... I know we started off on the wrong foot but, thanks. I mean, sure, I was kinda freaked out at first but I'm glad you brought me here. To be honest I was actually about to take a break for a couple days. I wasn't quite feeling like myself...” he trailed off and glanced up at the light as it flickered again.

“...What about now?” It was said quietly. Jack looked back to Anti, who had his hands resting on the desk with his back to him.

Jack smiled. “Now? Now I'm good. You bringing me here really did help. Thank you, Anti. I'm happy I got to meet you.”

- ~ - ~ -

Slowly Jack opened his eyes and groaned as the glaring light in the room beamed down at him. He lifted his right arm to cover his eyes and stayed put for a minute before he moved to get up. There was an ache in his left bicep as he got up. Once he was sitting he looked around. His head hurt and for a moment he didn't know where he was as he felt disoriented. Moving to get to his feet he used the desk to help him stand, his legs felt a little unsteady. What happened?

Looking around the room again, Jack felt like something was off. Wasn't some of the foam padding torn off earlier..? He tried to brush off the weird feeling and looked around on his desk for his phone. Finding it, he checked the time. 9:53. He was about to put the phone in his pocket when he noticed the missed calls and collection of text messages. Jack stared at his phone confused. How could he have missed all that. Pulling over his chair, he sat down and started going through them all. Lots of them were people wishing him a Merry Christmas. There were messages from his girlfriend. Hope everything is okay. I'll be home tomorrow around one. I love you. There were more messages from her but that was the latest one.

With a sigh Jack got to his feet and shoved his phone in his pocket. He'll have to sort that all out later. Right now he just wanted to take a nice shower and maybe take something for his headache. He was thankful that his legs felt more stable than when he woke up on the floor of his recording room. Getting up, he shut off the lights before heading off to his bedroom to collect a change of clothes. After entering the bathroom he pulled off his shirt and noticed the bandage on his left arm. Carefully, he reached out and lightly touched it. Then flinched at what sounded like a gunshot followed by a comforting voice. “It wasn't as bad as it looked, so as long as you're careful and not strain it, it should heal fine.”

“Henrik...” Jack took a step back and sat down on the edge of the bathtub. Yesterday had been Christmas, except, he hadn't spent it here had he. No, he was... He started to remember the events from the days before. Henrik. Chase. Chase had accidentally shot him. Jackie wishing him a merry Christmas at nearly seven in the morning. Having breakfast with them and Marvin. Meeting Jameson. Laughing and playing video games. And... Anti. Jack hadn't even said his goodbyes to any of them except Anti. It was such a quick decision that he hadn't thought about it. He hoped they wouldn't be too worried about his disappearance.

Jack ran a hand through his hair, snagging a knot as he went. What was he supposed to do with this? He couldn't really tell everyone that was why he wasn't answering any of their messages. Or why he was absent from social media. Maybe it would be best to just say he misplaced his phone... even though that wasn't very believable either. No other possible excuse would work. He sighed. He hated lying to people, but they would think he was crazy or just making stuff up if he told them what actually happened.

Standing back up, Jack decided it was best just to play dumb. He misplaced his phone and got caught up playing video games. After all, it wasn't like any of that was going to happen again. He just had to give it a couple of days and everything would be back to normal.

- ~ - ~ -

It was almost the end of January. Everything was back to normal and Jack was busy as ever. He had a lot going on but he wouldn't have it any other way. Jack liked this kind of busy. As long as he kept up his Positive Mental Attitude, he knew everything would be fine.

Though despite how busy he kept, Jack found himself thinking back to how he unexpectedly spend his Christmas. He had told his online community that he was taking a break from ego related things for a while. While the reasons he gave were true, he himself was conflicted by what to do. And until he figured that out he didn't want to make any videos that involved them.

Jack had finished recording the last video for a game called Simulacra not long ago. It was a game he enjoyed and got spooked by countless times. He was currently in the process of sending the footage to his editor. Leaning back in this seat, he stretched his arms over his head. It was nice to be able to do that again. For a while he wasn't able to stretch his left arm without it aching. His mind wondered for a moment before his phone went off, signaling a notification.

Picking up his phone he frowned when he noticed it was a message from a name he didn't recognize. He was about to just ignore it but something seemed to stand out with the name. Still a little hesitant he tapped on the screen to see the message. It was in a weird font, kind of like zalgo text. His eyes widened when he read it, suddenly realizing why the name seemed to stand out. Because it was a name but with symbols between the letters. The message read Talk to me i'm fucking bored.

- ~ - ~ - end - ~ - ~ -

#A Break from Reality #Jacksepticeye #JSE egos #Chase Brody #Marvin the Magnificent #Jackieboy Man #Henrik von Schneeplestein #Jameson Jackson #Antisepticeye #My writing #JSE writing

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