#can't fault her for wanting to be free but he'd be lying if he said

[baldursgate3tempobsessed]

Astarion Very Happy Ending

So full disclosure, my Tav was a Selunite, and I can't stop thinking well if Bhaal can have a mortal chosen one, why can't Selune?

Also, spoiler warning, stop reading here if you don't want, but like damn girl I freaking turn a Shar priestess away from her god back to you, free a man from his devil's contact, high-key save the world, kill bhaals chocen, convince my vampiric lover to not sacrifice thousands of people, stop an entire goblin army from murdering Tieflings and druids alike, and literally free your daughter. A reward is in order!

This is that reward:

Astarion was slowly getting used to living in the shadows again, as loathe as he was to admit it. It was quite the transition, despite the fact that his time in the sun had amounted to less than a year. But what a lovely year it was. Nearly a perfect one in comparison to the rest of his life. And the promise of more of the same was a suitable balm to being cursed back into the darkness.

It was difficult, but with the love of his life by his side it was more than tolerable. Borderline beautiful in fact, to be able to live his life so freely despite the infuriating complications.

The money also certainly helped.

That was one thing Astarion always had over his brothers and sisters, his fantasies of a better life had always surrounded around Cazador's murder. Not his approval. He may have been completely unaware of the horrifying dungeon beneath their feet, but he did know where the deed to his estate and other properties were kept. And now had enough connections with the higher up's of Baldur's gate for some frankly exquisite forgeries. It had been a particularly satisfying feeling to sell all of his former master's possessions off, even more so when it came to the land. Almost like he was tearing apart his legacy and handing it off to the highest bitter, piece by piece.

Though, being there with you to find and settle in your own little corner of paradise was an even better feeling. Maybe it didn't quite reach his past dreams of grandeur, but it turned out settling in a quaint and poorly lit townhouse in the upper city was more than enough for him to be satisfied.

It was a good charming life, one that Astarion was sure he didn't deserve. But that certainly wasn't going to stop him from enjoying it. Though as much as he adored where he ended up, he'd be lying if he said it was perfect.

No, perfect would have been finding a way for him to ascend without becoming a monster, living in a world where he could be with you fully, completely, out in the sun like the kind of lover you deserved. It made him feel... startlingly inadequate. Everything you did had to be in accordance to his schedule. His lack of capabilities. And just because you always insisted it didn't matter didn't fix the feeling of inadequacy. He hated it, hated the fact that there were so many hours of the day that you couldn't share. He didn't regret his choice, not for a moment, but that didn't mean he was fully satisfied with the consequences.

But in his own defense, he did make up for it in other ways. Mildly frustrating and draining ways, if not a bit rewarding. It had been his own fault, falling so utterly and completely for such a goody two-shoes. A zealot to Selune, as fierce as she was compassionate, always trying to do what was fair and just. Always dragging Astarion on for the ride of her cleric duties.

But he couldn't blame you for all of his new do-gooder ways. Not when he was nearly the leader of a bizarre cult of repentant vampire spawn.

It was just the slightest bit exhausting to so often be playing the part of their heroic leader, fighting all of his murderous instincts to work for a better future for himself and the brethren he had personally damned. Though he'd be lying if he said he didn't get any satisfaction from it. It felt... good to teach them new ways to live. To give them the chance at the beautiful life he had managed to secure for himself.

He wouldn't do it forever, just until he was confident enough to be sure that his departure wouldn't lead to a massacre on either side. Then the two of you would be off to explore the lands, working to do your goddesses work with just a touch of hedonistic activities on the way.

Astarion was looking forward to it. He hadn't done all that work to be selfless forever. No, he was going to be forced to insist on a few years of having you all to himself, with only the occasional bits of volunteer work for the temple as interruption. Then the two of you could go back to galivanting about the lands being local heroes. But he had earned an extended vacation.

One that, luckily, he hadn't had to fight you on too much. That was just one other thing he loved about you, your complete understanding that Astarion would always be a little selfish, especially when it came to you. The one person who had ever really been his, who loved him, who understood him, who believed in him. Could he be blamed for wanting to have you all to himself?

And admittedly, he did have you more often then not. Even if on occasion he did have to share with your beloved goddess.

Astarion sighed as he watched you pray in the moonlight, completely absorbed in your quiet, mystical chants. Despite his distaste for the length of your prayer sessions, Astarion did like seeing your more ritualistic side. Just... maybe not for the morally correct reasons.

He was well aware that being so involved with a vampire was clearly against your religious doctrine. But it didn't matter. You still choose him, despite how the knowledge nearly made you an outcast amongst your own kind. But he mattered more than your reputation, more than the lessons you had been taught your entire life regarding love and evil.

You still had your faith, but you never let it shake the faith you had in him, something that he valued more than he could ever express. It was perhaps a sick thought, but it also made him feel exceedingly powerful, to know the true extent of your feelings. Even more connected. It was almost... like he was defiling you, corrupting a beautiful flower to turn away from the sun to something even brighter. A love that Astarion doubted most could ever hope to feel.

Perhaps that was not the best outlook on your religion, but oh well. He'd keep those thoughts to himself. What you didn't know wouldn't kill you. Besides... if anyone had been corrupted it was him, plagued with a new sense of loyalty and gods, justice. All from the beautifully strange woman kneeling in the moonlight.

Though, you sure were taking awhile tonight. Nearly twice as long as your usual nightly prayer. He hated to interrupt your worship but this was starting to cut into his time a bit here.

"My dear," Astarion called out, swinging his legs over your shared bed to stand, "Don't you think that you've been kneeling there for a touch too long?"

But you didn't respond, still muttering under your breath, even faster than before.

Astarion narrowed his eyes as he walked closer towards you, confused by your lack of response, "Darling-Tav?"

Astarion stopped, eyes wide as he got a solid look at your first. Your eyes were wide open, body rim rod straight as your irises glowed a vibrant blue light.

What in the nine hells was happening? Astarion kneeled next to you, his heart in his throat as he shook your shoulders, "Tav, love, can you hear me? What is this?"

You didn't answer, you didn't even acknowledge his presence. But you did start floating in the god damn air. Astarion stared, helpless as he watched you levitate, words that he didn't understand spilling from your lips.

Then just as suddenly as it started, it stopped. You fell unceremoniously to the floor. Astarion scrambled towards you, his heart in his throat as you started to come to. He settled your head in his lap, his hands shaking as he touched your face, lost on what he should be doing.

You blinked your eyes open slowly, that angelic glow still radiating from your irises. But you didn't look frightened, more... excited.

You grinned up at him, your voice slightly cracking when you murmured, "We've been blessed."

Astarion stared at you, brow furrowed. He was happy you were alive and speaking but...

"That's lovely?" Astarion tried, "But severely lacking in terms of an explanation. Are you okay?"

You nodded eagerly, suddenly sitting up with an unexpected amount of energy, "I'll explain later, we don't have much time."

What was it that compelled you religious types to be so cryptic? But you didn't give him anytime to question. Instead you wrapping your arms around his neck and smashing your lips together, kissing him hard enough to take his breath away.

He wrapped strong arms around your back, pulling you in closer, always helpless but to return your affection. But something about this was different. He could feel it, holy magic spreading through him through your lips, down throughout his veins, changing something inside of him. It wasn't unpleasant per say, but it certainly was startling. Startling enough for him to almost push you away, if it wasn't for the fact that he trusted you with everything inside of himself.

Neither of you pulled away until the blue fire in your eyes had died out, and Astarion was left with the intense sensation that something had changed, irrevocably inside of him.

You stared at each other, Astarion in confusion while you looked nothing short of gleeful, "Do you feel it?"

He felt... strange. A warmth still spreading through him that was settling. Astarion raised a brow at you, exceedingly impatient when he asked, "First, how about you explain to me what in the hells that was?"

But you didn't answer. Instead you stood with an adorable hop, lending a hand out to help him up, "Do you trust me?"

Astarion almost rolled his eyes as he took your hand, annoyed that he fell for someone that had just as much of a flair for the dramatic as he did, "You know I do."

You helped him to his feet before you started to mumble again, a startlingly familiar incantation seeping from your lips. It was the spell for daylight, the very same that you had used to help defeat Cazador. The kind that could now kill Astarion in mere moments.

He was too shocked at your audacity to even protest, believing for a split, terrifying second that he was about to die a fiery death. Sunlight suddenly filled the room, bright enough for Astarion to tightly shut his eyes.

Then...nothing. No burning, no pain, nothing but the sounds of you both breathing.

That didn't-how was he-what did you just do?

Astarion stared at you, absolutely flabbergasted with his mouth hanging open, staring at the borrowed daylight like a simpleton, "But how?"

You were still grinning ear to ear, looking happier than Astarion had ever seen you before. You grasped his hands in yours, your smile gentle as you explained, "I told you. We were blessed. Our Lady of Silver gave me one gift, and this is what I choose."

If sunlight wasn't already staring him in the face, Astarion would never believe it. But here he was, alive and standing under it's warmth. A gift from a goddess, spent on him of all creatures.

"It can't fix everything," You clarified with the slightest frown, "But it can fix this."

He could feel the truth in your words. He was still... wrong. A creature born of something awful, doomed to eternity and a life of bloodlust. But part of that wrongness had been culled, curling up and dying from Selune's holy magic, from your enduring love.

It was a dream he never thought possible. One that he had accepted never having. But here he was, here you were, continuing to give him the impossible.

It was enough to bring tears to his eyes. Astarion reached up, cupping your face before confessing the truth he couldn't quell.

"I don't deserve you," He whispered, voice hoarse, "I'll never deserve you. Words can't express my thanks. You have given me everything, while I have nothing but myself to give in return. But it's always yours. Everything inside of me."

He meant every word, he always would. Until his last breath.

You shook your head, gentling cooing at him, "This is a time for celebration my love, not for doubt. You've earned this."

He hadn't. And he doubted you'd ever be able to convince him he had. But he'd still take it. Gladly.

"I love you," Astarion murmured, helpless to say anything else. He pressed his lips against yours, the gravity of his new life just starting to settle in his mind.

He was free, as free as he could ever hope for. You had achieved what Cazador could not, all without a hint of malice or horrifying sacrifice. But through kindness, love, and perseverance. You had already freed him once from his own mental shackles, his last remaining ties to the tyrant that made him.

And now you've done it again, saving him from at least a portion of the taint on his soul.

It was beautiful, wonderful, and Astarion would never waste a moment of it.

#astarion #astarion fic #astarion x reader #astarion x tav #baldur's gate 3 #spoilers #and that's how selune got herself a cult of 7000 vampiric spawn hoping for the same blessing #this is very fairytale romance #like mr. i'm not a fairytale prince is kind of acting like it here #or is he the saved princess? #up for debate #romance #very romantic #i think #fluff #very fluffy

[atarathegreat]

reader plays a prank on her boyfriend (rindou) where she makes her boyfriend believe that she is going to see another boy ;b

Prank Gone Wrong

Rindou was confused. Had she meant to send him such a funky text? Calling him a nickname he hated and saying she would meet him somewhere she knew he would never go to.

"I don't think that text was for you." Ran sighed, getting up and pulling his shoes on. Rindou thought his brother was too quick to jump to conclusions. His girlfriend was a good girl, she was loyal and stayed by his side, there was no way she was hanging out with someone else. Right?

He'd be lying if he said that he wasn't waiting for his brothers' updates. Each hour there was another text that said I got one. Rindou wasn't sure what that meant, but he knew his brother was watching out for him. He trusted you, so he was a little torn about the way this was all going. Especially when he met his brother to find any and all males that had ever been near you in a friendly setting.

"What the hell is this?" Rindou waved at all the boys that were either tied up or knocked out, a select few being cowed in the corner by other Tenjiku members. Ran tapped his baton firmly against his little brothers neck, "Look. Recognize any of them? Each and every one of them has been around Y/n in the last month and a half. So, unless she's met someone new, she's being coy."

"So you kidnapped her acquaintances?" Rindou raised an eyebrow at his brother and the lower members, "How does that even make sense?"

Ran rolled his eyes. "Look, baby brother, I want to make sure she isn't cheating and you want peace of mind that your sweet princess is loyal to you. This is how we do that."

Rindou still wasn't sure how that made sense, but whatever his brother wanted is what they did. If they had time to. Before he could even start digging in, there she was. School uniform perfectly in place on her curves and her hair done the same as any other day but no less pretty. Even her scowl as she chastised the charismatic brothers was gorgeous to Rindou. She was midway through her rant when he couldn't stop himself from grabbing her hand.

"I'm serious, Rin!" She tugged free and moved to help her friends up and out, "You can't go nabbing people over a prank!"

"I didn't do it..."

"You can't have Ran do it, either!"

"I-"

"Stop him next time!" She grabbed his hand once all her friends were safely out, "Do you two have dodo brains? Rocks for synapses? Geezus, Rin!"

Rindou didn't mind walking her home, even if she was in a sour mood. At least he knew it was a prank now. If anything, he felt a little guilty for ruining the fun for her. She probably didn't think it would go that way and was wanting a nice laugh. Instead, he let Ran go out and grab as many third years as he wanted to satisfy his own curiosity.

"Sorry I messed up your prank." Rindou pulled her hand up, kissing the back of it, then all her knuckles.

Even her sighs were heavenly. "I should've known you and Ran would pull some silly stunt like this if I pranked you, so it's my fault."

#anime #manga #x reader #tokyo revengers #tokyo rev #tokyo rev x reader #rindou haitani #rindou x reader

[lawluaficionado]

HIII I just want to say I really love your Lawlu baby. It brings me so much joy and I read it 6 time already haha. Do you have more ideas for this amazing AU? Thanks you :D

I have no idea when this is from, I'm sorry!!

Thank you so much for reading and liking my AU!

==========

~Lawlu Baby Things~

Well, they've since been named Cora and Ace.

Cora being older than Ace meant a few things. One, he had to make sure the dummy didn't get hurt. Two, he needed to share his food with him sometimes. Three, and he had to share his parents.

That was lotsa responsibility! He falls a lot! He doesn't want to share his food, especially the yummy meat! And, he wants attention too!

His daddy had said he was cranky because he had a temperature. And Cora thinks it's true, because his daddy is a doctor that fixes some people. His other papa was holding him while they sat on the rocking chair. "Cora, we can't be getting sick now, we have an adventure to go on tomorrow!"

"Gotta take Ace too?" he mumbles.

His daddy laughs, "Yes. Don't be so mad a him, it was an accident."

"He sneezed on me, his fault I have boogers now," he glares at his parents, but especially hard at the sleeping one-year-old in his dad's arms.

"You know, he gets that anger and spritefullness from you," his papa laughs, quite loudly too.

"It's spitefulness, Luffy."

=-=-=-=-=-=

Sanji loves babysitting his godsons, he does...truly. But when he needs to take care of them AND be in the same room as Zoro...well he'd rather eat unseasoned food.

"Could you please help me entertain them, I'm trying to cook."

"But this is entertaining," Zoro grins.

Ace is sitting on the counter trying to taste each and every ingrediant, including the raw eggs! No smacking of hands deters that one, Sanji just gets smacked right back. Cora has been sneaking candy into his mouth, most likely going to get sick of it and ruin his appetite. Okay that was a lie, kid can eat. They're not half of Luffy for nothing.

"Why are you even here?" Sanji glowers.

"Law said you'd be cooking, so thought I might join you. Free meal and all," Zoro shrugs.

"Fib! Fib!" Ace yells. "Papa said no fibbing!"

Zoro visibly redddens, "Did Luffy also tell you that kids that say fib, get bullied?!"

"No, but daddy did say you always stare at Uncle Sanji's butt. And that you two would probably get married before we get another baby sibling," Cora states.

"Oh that does it, both of you go play outside!" Zoro chases after the two boys, managing to wrangle up Ace just before running after Cora.

Sanji is left there speechless, and blushing. It is the first and only time he's ever burned a meal in over a decade.

=-=-=-=-=-=

"Aunty Robin, what is the quickest way to muder someone?" Ace asks in his most polite and respectful manner.

"Well, I am a visual learner, how do you grasp your knowledge better?" She smiles at her two nephews. They are sharing some tea and biscuits out on her patio listening to the thundering rain.

"Pictures are good," Cora answers and his brother nods.

"Now why would my two sweetest nephews need this information?"

"Papa is mad that this one lady at daddy's work is giving him all the bad work days. We don't get to see him no more," Ace's demeanor shifts to a rather pathetic gloomy appearance.

"Oh dear, that does constitute murder," Robin sympathizes.

"We thought so too!" Cora grumbles. "Can you help us? We're cute, we'll be out of Impel Down in no time!"

=-=-=-=-=-=

Law was lying on his stomach, head sideways on his arms as his youngest was coloring in his tattoos. Definitely a habit he learned from Luffy.

Cora and said husband were baking cookies as he and Ace watched a documentary on the most ridiculus crimes commited. Luffy said he knows the person who holds most of those spots. How he knows a ridiculous clown, he won't even ask.

"Dad,' Ace smacks his back to get his attention.

"What baby," Law turns a little to see him.

"You need more tattoos. I colored them all already."

"Why don't we just get you some tattoos?" The words are out of his mouth before he realizes what he'd done.

But Luffy heard it and started laughing his ass off, "Good luck!"

Yup, his boys were about to go crazy for removable tattoos.

#lawlu #law + luffy #one piece lawlu #lawlu baby #monkey d luffy headcanon #trafalgar law headcanon #lawlu ace #lawlu cora #lawlu cora and ace

[spookychick78]

End Of The Line

Chapter 20: Haven't We Lost Enough?

Thomas Hewitt X AFAB!OC

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2k +

From the bottom of the staircase Thomas cursed himself as he stared up at the door to their cage. He bolted to it, grabbed the handle and pulled until his hands bled, but it wouldn't give. It was then that he resorted to pounding on it with his fists. He knew it would do nothing to get them out, it was simply rage that had overtaken him and not just at his older brother, but at his own weakness. He should have killed him, he shouldn't have turned away.

"Thomas," Ronnie said weakly from below, "it's no use. You're just hurtin' yourself."

He ignored her and instead, kicked the metal frame until he'd left several dents. He knew Hoyt was on the other side, standing smug as he listened to Thomas' protest. He wanted so badly for the door to collapse and smother that satisfied grin off his face once and for all.

"Dammit, Tommy stop. It's what he wants," he heard her shout.

He let his fist hit the metal one last time, clenched tightly and shaking against the hardened structure. He turned swiftly and admitted defeat. Ronnie was right, no amount of brute force was going to open that door. They were stuck. He descended the stairs and his eyes fell upon her again. She was staring up at the hooks, she didn't have much of a choice but to study them. He quickly reached up and shamefully collected the masks that hung from them to hide them from her view. She watched him stuff them into a drawer and hang his head over his work table. She knew he was just as defeated as she was, it didn't take much to pick up on that. The way his fists clenched and unclenched on the surface of the table was enough of a give away.

"It's not your fault, Tommy," she said softly.

He let out a frustrated sigh as he shook his head. No words she said would convince him otherwise, but he wouldn't fault her for trying. It was in her nature, though she was the one chained down, she couldn't help but be his comforter. She was selfless, she always had been and he was so, so damn selfish for ever having kept her there. He had allowed this to happen, he had had every opportunity to prevent it. If he could have gone back and taken her to Santa Fe himself, he would have. He should have put that tire back on and turned the car around for her. He had always known she wouldn't make it past Hoyt, yet he let her go just to have her end up there with him. It should have been him on that table and he couldn't bring himself to look at her without immense guilt.

Ronnie looked at her wrists and pulled at the braces, wincing at the way the metal ground into her bones. She had only been lying like that for minutes but the pressure of being on her back and while swollen with child had started to set in.

"We have to get these off," she said distractedly as she pulled at them.

She was far enough along in her pregnancy to know she couldn't stay like that for long. Dizziness had already begun to fill her head and a feeling of breathlessness took hold. Still, she remained calm, determined not to let panic get the best of her as rage had him. He needed her to be their strength in that moment, she knew that.

"There has to be somethin' we can use to pick the locks, or cut 'em. I can't stay like this, Tommy, it's bad for the baby," she said as she set her head back down again.

Of course it was, Thomas thought to himself as he glared up at the ceiling. He was positive that bastard knew it too. He began to rummage through the mess on the table in search of anything that could free her. Naturally, the key wasn't there. He hadn't expected it to be, but he internally cursed Hoyt for it nonetheless. In one of the drawers he found an Allen wrench. He held it up and glanced over at her chains. It looked far too thick to possibly fit, but he wasn't going to give up that easily. He strode over and gently lifted her wrist up to shove it into the lock. Just as he thought, it wasn't going to work. His frustration wouldn't let up though, he forced it in until it no longer budged. Ronnie strained her head up to see he'd almost broken the little wrench in two. Finally, he let go of it and resorted to pulling at either side of the brace with his own hands.

"Thomas," Ronnie said softly as she watched him struggle.

His hands were already torn from his battle with the door and he was only worsening them as he let the rusty metal dig in to the skin under his fingers.

"Dammit," she heard him breathe as his arms strained under his sleeves.

Ronnie chuckled as she set her head down again, "I've barely heard you speak and now you're cursin'? Maybe I am a bad influence."

He finally let go and rested his hands on the table at her side. He looked over her dizzied expression and let out a sigh. She offered him a soft smile in return.

"Try to think small right now, okay? I know it sounds silly, but we have to focus on one thing at a time or we'll drive ourselves crazy," Ronnie said as she turned her head to the side in search of something else that could break the chains.

It looked as though Hoyt had removed most of the tools that she had found down there before. The only sharp objects available seemed to be the hooks on the ceiling, which she didn't have much faith in. Then she remembered.

"The saw," she whispered to herself.

She turned back to Thomas to see apprehension written all over his face, but she continued, "Is it in here?"

He quickly surveyed the room, though part of him hoped he wouldn't find it. He didn't like the idea of using it on her, even if it was just on metal. He hesitantly knelt down to find it was there under the table, waiting for him to grab hold of it. He just knew Hoyt had left it there with a purpose that made Thomas' blood boil.

"Come on, Tommy, is it there?"

He reached for it and stood with it in his grasp. She had only seen him with it once before, but seeing him in his element in the room where death had inevitably come for so many at his hands made her blood run cold. She knew she couldn't hide her own apprehension from him, though he hadn't mustered the courage to meet her gaze yet. It felt wrong wielding the saw with her chained to that table where bloodstains of faceless victims soaked into the wood underneath her body. Shame was an understatement as to how Thomas felt standing there in front of her with the object that had once been a grisly extension of himself.

He studied the braces on each of her limbs. There was no way to free her of those and the chains were short, close enough to her skin to cause concern. Cutting them would come with a price she seemed to understand.

"Just do it, Tommy. I'll be okay," she said shakily as she pulled one of the chains taut.

He set the blade down on the link farthest from her body, but that only meant it was closer to her hand. No matter where he cut, she would get burned. The saw would have to rest on the metal long enough for it to heat and if that didn't wound her, the sparks it would send flying would. He shook his head.

"Turn it on, Thomas," Ronnie said firmly.

He met her eyes and saw that stubborn, hard-headed gleam in them, but he didn't move a muscle to start the saw. She tugged harder against the chains and clenched her jaw when he shook his head again.

"Do it now," she said as her breath started to quicken.

She was terrified, but she knew it was inevitable. They had to come off.

"What choice do we have?" She shouted as her eyes flickered to the the rusty metal chain.

Thomas grit his teeth before he forced his hand to the trigger switch. Without letting another thought enter his mind, he pulled and sent the buzzing sound of the saw ripping through the dingy basement. Her eyes went wide when it revved right by her ear, making both of them ring loudly in her head. As steadily as he could manage, he laid the blade back down on the chains. As soon as metal touched metal, white hot sparks flew to her skin. She squeezed her eyes shut and held in the pained scream that threatened to escape her as they landed like a cluster of needles in her flesh. She turned her face away when she felt them on her cheek and the exposed part of her neck. Thomas could see it burning her and he pressed down as hard as he could until the chain finally snapped. Once her hand was free, he immediately shut the saw off.

"Don't you dare stop, you cut them all off, all of them," Ronnie said through gritted teeth as she kept her eyes tightly shut.

He had never resented her stubborn attitude as much as he did in that moment. He could see where little scars would inevitably form on her body, he knew he was hurting her and yet she begged him to continue.

"Finish it," she yelled before he started the saw again.

She made sure to pull each chain as tight as she could as he sawed through each. She bit down on her free hand to keep from crying out as she felt those sparks singeing her legs. Finally, she felt the last chain snap and the room fell silent. Thomas dropped the saw to the ground and she motioned for him to help her up. She hissed as she examined her new burns, but ultimately was relieved to be able to breathe without pressure again. After a few labored breaths, she nodded her head.

"These are gonna get old," she said as she tapped the braces on her ankles, "and tight," she added with a glance at her stomach, knowing it wouldn't be the only thing to swell after some time.

She looked back up to see Thomas' head was hung and his eyes were still fixated on the saw at his feet. Her attempt to lighten the situation had been in vain. As she looked up at him she couldn't help but wonder what horrors those blue eyes of his had seen. It was clear it wasn't just the saw he was looking at, it was memory that had captivated his attention in such a gruesome way. His fists were locked tight at his side as if they too were pained by the thought of what they'd done. She didn't have to hear him say it to know the thing that had just granted her freedom had been the same object she would've met her death with had Hoyt gotten his way in the beginning. The same object that he'd used to end the lives of so many.

"Don't look at the past, Tommy," Ronnie said gently, "it was never you."

He winced at that statement. Sometimes he hated how highly she thought of him, because the truth was that it was him. The saw had been the only release he'd ever known before her, yet using it with her on the table had upset him greatly. He saw himself and what he'd done before so clearly when the sound of the buzz filled the room, only now he was trapped in it. Hoyt had locked him down there with all of his demons, all the souls he'd taken and her. He wondered how many spirits lingered there to root for his demise, or worse, the one he loved. As he looked around that basement he knew in his heart there was no way out except through that door. The cage wasn't for him to die in, it was for her. Hoyt intended to take her from him and the odds of them prevailing against his desire for death were far out of their favor. If starvation didn't kill her and the child, bringing it into this world surely would. She was strong, but this would be the ultimate test. He glanced over her growing form with a pit in his stomach. If he had to watch her die, Hoyt would pay dearer than any other had.

Ronnie slid off the table and scanned the room for any sort of escape route. She didn't bother checking the door, she knew it would do no good to focus their efforts on it. There weren't even windows down there and as her gaze wandered her optimism waned. Impenetrable brick walls surrounded them and met the concrete floor below to seal them in. Digging wasn't an option, the only way out was indeed the door or the wooden ceiling, but even that was far out of either of their reach. She met Thomas' defeated gaze once more and let out a heavy sigh. He hadn't moved in the slightest.

"There's no way out, is there?"

#thomas hewitt #thomas hewitt fanfic #slasher #slasher fandom #horror #horror fiction #slasher fanfiction #horror fan #horror fanfiction #texas chainsaw massacre #texas chainsaw the beginning

[themackenzieboydchronicles]

Has Mack Blown his Relationship With Lucy?

Meena causes Trouble.

Mackenzie boyd fanfic.

"I've just had a letter from Meena" said Lucy showing Mack the postscript.

"What did she have to say" said Mack trying not to show how panicked he was.

"She said she had sex with you in the hospital while the Warder watched. And she's got DNA on her knickers to prove it" said Lucy throwing the letter at Mack.

"But she didn't have any knickers on" said Mack wishing he could bite his tongue off as soon as he'd said it.

"So your not denying it then" said Lucy who was in tears. "I absolutely hate you"

"Of course I'm denying it. It's all lies. You know what she's capable of" Mack answered.

"Yes four murders that we know of and me and my unborn child could be next if I don't set you free according to her.. And how do you know she had no knickers on? screamed an hysterical Lucy.

"Well she.... Mack tried to explain.

"Don't want to hear it" shouted Lucy throwing a plate at Mack.

"Calm down Lucy" said Aaron putting his arms round her shoulders.

"I'm going for a walk so don't follow me" Lucy said as she went out the door. "I never want to see either of you again"

"You absolute idiot" said Aaron. "You didn't even tell lucy you were visiting Meena did you? Well if anything happens to her and the baby it's your fault. You know what a hard time she's had"

"Aaron please" cried Mack reaching out for Aaron to put his arms round him.

"Gerroff!" screamed Aaron pushing Mack away "You're pathetic"

Mack tried desperately to ring Lucy. "She's not answering my calls go and find her Aaron please" pleaded Mack.

"Why am I doing your dirty work" said Aaron putting his coat on to go after Lucy.

"Lucy" Aaron shouted when he saw her on the swing crying her eyes out in the little park.

"Aaron you can't talk me round. Mack and I are finished" cried Lucy. "I can't forgive him for this"

"Lucy I swear he didn't have sex with her. He would have told me" said Aaron. "Please don't give up on him Lucy you'll finish him off" Aaron said putting his arms round her to comfort her.

"Well he's just finished me off" said Lucy. "Seeing her behind my back. Will you drive me to my parents please Aaron"

Aaron went back to the cottage after driving Lucy to her parents and went upstairs where Mack was lying on his bed crying

"Mack" Aaron said quietly. "Lucy's gone to her parents and Melanie is coming to pick her things up she says you are over for good"

"Aaron no. I need to speak to her" sobbed Mack

"She's made it clear she doesn't want to talk to you" said Aaron.

"Well I'm going out" said Mack. "Don't follow and don't ask me where"

"OK" said Aaron shrugging his shoulders.

After Mack left Aaron went up to the nursery he had just decorated and sat on the little chair and broke his heart.

*******

Aaron got up the next day and no sign of Mack. He tried ringing him but his calls were cut off.

"Hi Nate what do you want?" asked Aaron as his phone rang.

"Its about Mack. I'm outside let me in" Nate replied.

"He came round to ours and necked a whole bottle of whisky last night" Nate explained.

"Then he went out to look for Lucy and fell in Dawn's garden frightening the life out of her as she was bringing her washing in. She saw someone lying in the garden but she didn't know who it was at first. Billy went outside to investigate and found him absolutely bladdered and tangled in a sheet he'd pulled off the line"

"Where is he now?" asked Aaron.

"Sleeping it off at Dawn and Billy's" said Nate "You ok Aaron?"

"No" answered Aaron "that baby meant the world to me and it looks like that scotch idiot has blown it now. Nate he'll never learn"

"Come back to ours Aaron" said Nate.

"Nah I'll stay here in case either of them turn up. Thanks for the offer though but I have to be here as Lucy's sister is coming for her things" said Aaron.

"It's that bad is it?" Nate asked.

Aaron nodded.

"Well I can't see Mack turning up soon he gashed his leg when he fell so can't see him walking on it" Nate explained.

"His bad leg?" Aaron asked

Nate nodded. "Dawn rang Liam and he washed it and put a bandage on it while he was out for the count. It looked nasty"

"God he"ll never learn. He's his own worst enemy. Thanks for coming round Nate."

#mackenzie boyd. #aaron dingle #nate robinson #emmerdale

[startanewdream]

Padfoot & Minnie

Summary: Minerva meets Sirius for the first time after finding out he was innocent all along. (Companion piece for Afternoon tea)

Notes: I may take a time out of writing oneshots for a while because I want to dedicate to another project (I didn't forget any pending ask, I promise! - I'm just really excited with this new idea). But before that, please enjoy this moment that definitely happened between Sirius and Minerva.

It took two Order meetings until Minerva found herself face to face with Sirius Black alone at Grimmauld Place.

She was late for the meeting, having been almost followed by one Ministry employer (they had the right idea that she would stand with Dumbledore, but also the wrong idea that they could follow her), and she ought to enter the meeting room immediately, but she stopped at the sight of Sirius Black standing alone in another room, his arms crossed and looking rather thoughtful.

She took out her raincoat and stood still watching his figure.

Minerva had met other versions of Sirius Black in the past. First, that eleven-year-old boy who was too energetic and couldn't spend a day without plotting something with his best friend - then with his group of friends. Then that teenager who was trying desperately to stand aside from his family and made many mistakes in the process. Then an idealist soldier in a war that he was too young to be fighting.

Then he had been a traitor for years. Then an escaped convict.

And now he was a wrongly convicted innocent that seemed haunted by ghosts past.

The youthful Sirius Black that Minerva once knew was gone, replaced by that taciturn man who would only show a gleam when he was in the company of Remus Lupin or when he would speak of Harry Potter. And even then the light was dimmed in comparison to how bright Minerva had seen that boy in the past.

He turned to her and when their eyes met Minerva knew she couldn't delay this moment anymore. There were things she needed to tell him.

But he talked before she could when Minerva entered the dining room - or what resembled one in a very distant past.

'You got old, Professor'.

Minerva lifted her eyebrow.

'You got thinner'.

'Well, they don't keep a balanced diet in Azkaban. And last year it was mostly rats… did you ever eat one?'

'I beg your pardon?’

'Rats', he repeated, winking at her with so much mischief that for a moment she hoped to hear James' laugh echoing in the room. James always laughed at Sirius' jokes. 'They are actually tasty. Have you ever had one?'

'I most certainly have not'.

'Didn't even chase a little innocent mouse?'

'I know how to control my impulses, Mr. Black'.

'So there are impulses', he said, chuckling. 'I once chased a cat. Lily wasn't happy, but I told her I couldn't help myself'.

Minerva blinked.

'So the rumours were true after all?', she asked, trying not to sound very curious. 'You, Potter and…'

'Yeah, we managed that'. He gave her a lopsided smile. 'How many points would you give us for becoming animagus?'

'You mean awarding minors who took the risk of forever damaging their bodies to turn into unregistered animagi while breaking a few hundred school and wizarding rules?'

'I expected two hundred points at least', Sirius said, unabashed by her comment. 'It was impressive that we did it - and no one ever found out'.

'Turning into animals to hang out with a werewolf. You were out of your minds'.

'We were', Sirius agreed proudly. Minerva fought back a smile; Black and Potter had more talent than sense, and they knew it. They would thrive with the idea of becoming animagus.

'How old were you?'

'We started in Second Year. Accomplished just before the beginning of your Fifth Year'.

'Fifteen', she whispered. 'And it only took you two years?'

'We had a lot of free time', Sirius joked.

Minerva remembered the amount of mischief they caused and the equal amount of detention they got into. It didn't seem they had time - but they certainly had the drive to.

'How did you prepare the potion?'

'Bathroom of our dormitory. James knew a lot of house-elves because of the time he spent in the kitchens and we made them sworn secrecy'.

'And the mandrake?'

'We did it in the summer. A whole month silent. James wrote that his parents thought he was fulfilling a very weird promise. My parents didn't notice'.

Sirius looked around the room and then to the ceiling above with disdain. Minerva remembered talking to a young teenager, so full of anger and confusion; he hated his family so much that he had ran away. He'd promised he would never be like them - and then Minerva had thought Sirius had broken that promise when she saw the news he had betrayed the Potters.

Except they had all been wrong.

'Sirius - I am truly -'

'Don't be, Professor', Sirius said hurriedly. 'I understand why people believed I was the traitor. It was my idea to change the secret keeper without telling anyone after all - it's all my fault'.

He sounded so bitter that her heart broke a little.

'I do not believe it's your fault'.

'James and Lily are dead. If I had kept their secret -'

'You did. There is only one real traitor in this story and it's not you'.

Minerva thought of little Peter Pettigrew, so anxious to be like his friends. For years she thought she had been too hard with him - and now she wasn't sure of anything more.

'Thank you, Professor'.

Minerva hesitated for a few seconds.

'I am not your professor anymore, Sirius'.

'So I get to call you Minnie officially?', he asked, more joyful now.

She fought back a laugh.

'Only if you want to turn into a cactus. But I will allow you to call me Minerva'.

Sirius smiled and for a moment Minerva saw the ghost of the boy he once was.

_______

Remus yawned lazily. The best thing he could say about that meeting was that it was over quickly. Any meeting with the presence of Severus Snape felt heavier; no wonder Sirius had exploded in the first minutes of the meeting and left the room.

Remus knew he should go after him now, calm him down and explain what had been discussed. He hoped Sirius was feeling better, but he doubted it - that house brought too many memories for him.

Before he could go upstairs, he heard noises coming from the dining room opposite the kitchen.

He walked quietly to not wake up that infernal portrait of Sirius' mother and stopped at the door.

'Well', Sirius was saying, a note of joy in his voice that was rare these days. 'I can show you mine if you show me yours'.

'Mr. Black…'

'What happened with Sirius?'

'Maybe you are pushing your limits, Sirius'.

'It's just for a few seconds. I give you my word I won't even try to sniff… anything'.

'You can't be seri… well, you probably are anyway’.

‘Oh, I’m always serious. Think of it as a sort of welcoming gift after years with nothing more than dementors for company’.

There was a short silence, then a sigh. ‘Very well. I will grant your wish, this one time only'.

Remus heard a soft sound, then another heavy one, and then silence.

Curious, Remus pushed the door quietly. He did not know what he expected, but it wasn't this.

There was a familiar black dog lying lazily on the floor of the dusty room, but what surprised him really was the tabby cat above the dog, calmly pressing each of its front paws in the fur in the dog's back, in and out, almost distractedly, as if massaging the dog. Then the cat sat, the body covering its paws and ressembling a bread loaf, and caught sight of Remus; the cat threw him the most stern look he had even seen on a cat, looking almost as if daring him to say anything. Remus would recognize the glass marks around the cat's eyes anywhere even without that severe expression on its face.

On the ground, the dog winked at him.

Remus blinked in answer and closed the door quietly. No one would believe him if he told and in any case, this seemed like a moment between Sirius and Minerva anyway.

He just hoped James was watching this from wherever he was.

________

For reference:

Fonte: Pinterest

#t: fanfiction #missing moments #sirius black #minerva mcgonagall #remus lupin #cat and dog #things that I wrote when I wake up earlier

[i-dont-want-your-hysteria]

Up In the Air (Joe x Reader)

(surprise gift for you guys on Joe's birthday ^_^ I started this almost exactly a year ago, and it's finally done! Someone pointed out that I slightly hinted at the plot of this in my last fic post... you caught me.)

Words: 4,028

Prompt: Spring, 1983. Joe has an opportunity in his sights, but as luck would have it, it does not go his way (or does it...?)

-----

(1983)

"God, it was so embarrassing!" Joe put his palms over his eyes as he whined to Sav. The singer was flat on his back in the middle of their bed, and Sav's back was against the wall opposite him. The bassist had his arms crossed in exasperation.

They were back in a fresh, new hotel room after another flight to another city. They'd been settled in for a while, and- as far as you knew- Joe was physically well. Emotionally, however...

"What are the odds that things were placed so perfectly for me today, and then-?!" he swatted the air above him, "That happens? 'Just my luck!"

Sav didn't consider it as dire of a situation as Joe did. In fact, he seemed rather entertained than sympathetic.

"That was out of your control, mate."

"I know it was, but-" he sat up, "Y/n was right there! How was I supposed to keep it together?!"

"If it were anyone else other than her, you still would've had to keep it together, you know," Sav tilted his head down, but had his eyes looking up.

"Well, you're no help," Joe grumbled, crossing his arms back at the bassist and flopping back down onto the mattress.

"There's nothing to help you with!" Sav took a seat at the foot of the bed, "It's not my fault you got-"

Joe sat up again in a snap, warning with a pointed finger, "Don't say it."

"I was just gonna say that I had nothing to do with you being-"

"Don't say it!" Joe pleaded again.

"Joe, it's not that big of a deal that you-"

"Sav!"

"Alright, fine!" Sav threw up both hands, shaking his head and narrowly fighting off a laugh, "I won't say it!"

A loud sigh came from Joe, his head hanging now. The heat of embarrassment refused to leave his face.

"...do you think she's still hung up on it, too?" his voice went quiet, and his tone adopted a sad air.

Sav raised his hand, rubbed his fingers together, and patted Joe's ankle reassuringly.

"It's hard to say no," he admitted, "I know I wouldn't have liked to be in either of your shoes today."

~(5 hours earlier)~

A hand took a grip on your right forearm without warning. It snapped you from the hypnotic, musical trance you'd been in for most of the flight. Having been placed next to the singer for the first time on an airplane, you knew it was his action without a doubt. You looked down and sure enough, Joe's hand was there- holding onto you just a bit too tightly.

Your free hand took off your headphones and you asked him, "Everything alright?"

The singer wasn't focused on you, or anything, it seemed. "Unfocused" was probably the best word you could think of to describe him. His head was slightly tilted downwards, but his eyes were fixed on the back of the chair in front of him. Despite that, it appeared as if he couldn't see it no matter how hard he tried.

You gathered this impression from a split second of looking at him, but as soon as he heard your question, Joe's hold on you was instantly released. His own trance was snapped as well.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. I thought you were the armrest..."

"You were holding on pretty tight," you pointed out, "Something wrong?"

That same look on his face was back again; unfocused. His hand slowly found its way back to the armrest- now that he knew it wasn't your arm. You saw his hand shaking before he gripped it tightly.

"You don't look so good," you noted, adopting a frown.

He hesitated slightly before going very quiet, his face suddenly appearing pallid.

"Fuck..." Joe cursed himself, "I fucked up, I fucked up..."

You pressed again, "Joe... tell me what's wrong..."

He lied to you in a halting voice when a new blush seemed to form on his face, "Um... it's nothing much. There's just- something I haven't told you, and I should've mentioned it before we got on board. But I..."

He fell quiet.

"Yeah...?" you urged him to go on.

"I get... seasick- airsick... sometimes. Not every time, but... every now and then I do- and..."

He visibly swallowed, his breath trembling when he slowly shut his eyes.

Your eyebrows went up, alarmed, "And you're not feeling so good?"

"No, no, no...!" his inner voice screamed.

"Not really, but I'm fine, don't worry about me. It just happens."

His efforts to shrink the overall worry didn't work, as you instantly knew that if things went south, you were the only nearby acquaintance of his who could help him. You were also trapped with him for 2 more hours until you landed, so you would've had to help him if need be.

"Oh god- are you gonna be sick?" your hand raised up slightly to reach for a sick bag.

"No! No, I'm more dizzy than anything..."

"Well, take this-" you handed him a sick bag, "-and just try not to focus on your surroundings. And if you can't hold it down... well just keep it in the bag and away from me, okay?"

"...okay," he exhaled and took it from you, desperately hoping it wouldn't come to that. For fuck's sake, he was already embarrassed enough. He felt like a child. Even worse; he felt like your child.

Joe shut his eyes again and rested his head back on his seat. His whole body looked drained of energy, and you saw sweat forming on his forehead. It was obvious to you he was trying to make himself appear more okay than he was.

"I can do this," Joe nearly said aloud, "I can get through this without her knowing."

Unfortunately, for him, you already knew.

"The poor guy," you were thinking with sympathy, "Never knew he could look so ill."

You asked, "You've been feeling bad for a while, haven't you?"

"...what?" he squinted under his eyelids, lying to you again, "No, not really. Why, can you tell?"

"I don't wanna sound rude... but yeah, you kind of look like hell."

Joe quietly whined at your declaration.

"I know that look, Elliott- I've been in this position before."

The man next to you was intrigued by what you implied. He was suddenly beginning to think that maybe his situation wasn't as embarrassing as it appeared.

His eyes opened, "Wait, have you ever-?"

"Oh- no, I never get sick on planes, but you're not the first case I've ever seen."

"Great. This means she's stronger than me."

You held up your bottle, "You want some water? Maybe settle your stomach a little?"

Joe felt his stomach turn at the mention of liquid and shook his head, "No, I'll be fine..."

It was another lie, but you decided maybe it was best you just let him be. Perhaps he wasn't that bad.

Joe, on the other hand, was fighting the sickness with all the strength he could muster- hoping you wouldn't see it.

"Don't mess this up," he was telling himself, "She's right there. Keep it together and don't balls it up...!"

Going with your plan, you let him be, and put your headphones back on.

He took a deep breath, "Fuck, if only the seatbelt lock wasn't on... then at least I could hide in the bathroom..."

The Leppard waited in terrified silence for his ailment to subside. With the current turbulence, it was impossible. Every shudder and bump made him want to heave until there was nothing left in his stomach. Worst of all, there was no where he could run to; he was trapped.

Oddly enough, before the sickness hit him, he was actually excited to be trapped there.

It was no secret among the band members that Joe quickly developed a crush on you. What started out as a feeling of preferring you over anyone else in the crew soon turned into a reach for romance. There was no time for him to make a move in the midst of the tour, though, which left him to suffer in his teenage desire alone.

When he heard he would be seated next to you on the next flight, he instantly knew it was an opportunity he couldn't afford to waste. This was the first time he'd sat directly by you on a plane, after all. It was a brilliant time to make a move and bond together. He'd been nervous ever since he sat down, but he never got the chance to make a flirt or decent conversation before his body betrayed him. Yes, it was an optimistic opportunity, but now Joe wished it'd been anywhere except up in the air.

The stress of the situation only made him feel worse- but he wouldn't accept the fact that he was about to lose this divine opening.

Not 4 minutes of your music went by when the plane shook yet again. When it did, you thought you saw Joe suddenly move from the corner of your eye. When your head turned, you saw his fist pressed against his mouth, an arm around his stomach, and a green tint over his pallid face.

"Woah, you alright?" you took your headphones off again.

Joe only nodded, closing his eyes to reassure you (but also to reprimand himself under the surface).

"No, no no!! Stop being sick for fuck's sake! You won't have a chance with her!!"

"I'm good, I'm good," he swallowed again, wiping sweat off his bangs, "Go back to your music."

"Don't lie to me, Joe. You look terrible-! Are you sure you don't need anything?"

"I'm really not that bad, Y/n. Just a little... motion sickness..." his breathing became labored, and he angled his body as far to his right as he could. He began to fidget with something as he swallowed, "Ohh..."

The cabin teetering around him somehow made things even worse.

"Honey, I don't think it's just a little," your concern was peaked, and a hand was hovering over his arm, "You look like you're about to throw up or pass out, so how about we get you some club soda and you can rest, okay? If you want to, you can even-"

Joe was turned completely away from you, and had suddenly lurched forward to vomit into the sick bag you'd given him earlier. You knew that any hope of him holding back his condition was impossible now.

You'd initially flinched at his retching; cringing and holding your breath. Only a second passed until you remembered your duty; you were the only friend nearby.

"Uh oh-" sympathetically, you sighed and reached out to him, your hands holding his hair back, "That's not good..."

***

"I feel so humiliated... I was just- so deathly sick! I threw up twice, Sav- twice! And she was right next to me! I feel awful that she had to put up with it...! I feel like that's on me. She probably thinks I'm disgusting; she probably sees me as this huge fucking pansy who can't keep his lunch down while flying..."

"Mate, getting sick on flights isn't a personality trait, and I'm pretty sure Y/N knows that, too."

Joe, who was laying down again, scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"...I think this situation isn't all that bad, really," Sav shrugged, his voice going up in pitch to take on a suggestive tone.

"What on earth makes you say that?"

"It's quite obvious! I just think you were-" he adopted Joe's voice and air quotes, "-'so deathly sick' that you didn't even realize exactly what was happening...!"

"Really? How so?"

"Oh, don't even get me started, Joe."

*** Joe was laying against you now, exhausted from the physical labor forced on his stomach and throat. He was still pale and shivering, but finally willing to accept your advice and remedies. You'd ordered him some club soda (and some mints from your purse), and suggested he take a rest.

This left you where you were now. He had a hand on his stomach, and another one under your hand to calm him.

To say the least, it felt like having a nice, heavy blanket partially draped on you. You couldn't help but think it was at least a little funny. To most people, they'd be absolutely repulsed by a man with a weak stomach sleeping on them during a flight. You couldn't blame them, as Joe could still hurl at any given moment. However, the instinct to care for him overpowered any repulsion you may have had. To you, Joe was like a sick puppy, and you were the one who found him first. You knew he needed you in that moment, and you were okay with it. It was a nice feeling, to say the least.

Joe moved his head against you in his weary and mostly-asleep state of consciousness. A soft grumble vibrated from his sore throat.

Amid those circumstances that would normally gross you out, you managed to smile at him. That, and you gently squeezed his hand to reassure him that he was safe.

That pale, clammy version of the singer you were trapped with wasn't the form of himself he put on display to just anyone. This was a whole new side of him that you knew he never intended you to see; he was helpless. Joe had given in and finally let himself be helpless around you. You found it was rather sweet, and even somehow softening your heart.

It almost felt like a strange honor that not many people had the privilege of possessing, given that Joe tried so hard to hide it from you.

Him desperately vying to avoid your concern was typical for any one of the guys. Naturally, none of them wanted to appear vulnerable around you, but Joe seemed so hell-bent on keeping up his charade of feeling fine. You wondered what reasons he had for his strict act. Perhaps it was the intimate public setting that drove him to conceal his motion sickness at all costs. Maybe it was in order to save himself from certain embarrassment; you really didn't know.

Whatever reason he had, it didn't dwell in your mind for long. All you knew was that even with a half-dead, cold-sweated Joe on your shoulder, your heart was fluttering in a way that was even more inexplicable than his behavior.

*** "First of all," Sav held up a sassy finger at Joe, "She was the one who suggested she hold your hand, plus she held your hair back, plus she let you sleep on her shoulder and tried to make you feel better. Sounds rather tender, if you ask me. Tenderly intimate."

"I'll tell you what was 'intimate'-" Joe's grumpiness was still prominent, "-her watchin' me regurgitate my fuckin guts from 10 inches away!"

"But those were all girlfriend duties!" Sav bounced in his seat, trying to get the point across.

Joe finally fell silent. He sat up, and Sav could see the blush in his cheeks.

"...girlfriend duties?" he nearly whispered to the bassist.

"I'm right and you know it. Tell me those weren't girlfriend-ly actions! She got affectionate with you!"

Joe let his sight fall, then rise back up after a brief moment of pondering.

"She did, didn't she..."

"She definitely did."

Sav was smirking at him now.

Joe asked him again, "You really think she did...?"

"There's not a doubt in my mind."

"Oh-" Joe made a swatting motion and shook his head. He looked diagonally down at the floor, "She probably would've been affectionate to any one of us in that situation..."

Sav laughed out loud at his friend's comment. If he didn't know any better, he'd say he was back at home, gossiping in Joe's childhood bedroom during a sleepover.

"Mate, when I had food poisoning last month, she didn't wanna get near me! But today, she was touchin' you and strokin' you and whatnot! Now that I mention it, I saw her smile while you were sleeping and holding her hand! Believe me, she wanted to help you. It was like she had an excuse to get close to you, just like you saw the flight as an excuse to get close to her."

Resting his case, Sav crossed his arms, tongue in his cheek.

They both remained quiet while Joe sat in thought. The pieces slowly began to fit together in his head, forming a train of thought he could somewhat follow.

"Suppose you are right; what do you suppose I do about it now?"

Sav could tell his argument was a success. His work there was done.

"That's entirely up to you."

*** You hadn't been awake that long, and were still pretty groggy when dawn began to break the next day. The unfortunate sensation of jet lag was beginning to catch up with you at that time, too. It didn't matter, because it was all part of the business. Your day would begin soon enough, jet lag or not.

After rubbing your eyes and throwing on your robe, you drew back the curtains and peered out at the misty morning. Thinking the hypnotic trance might wake you up more, you began to stare. Just as quickly, your eyes began to flutter shut again. Right before they did, however, there came a gentle knock at your door.

Blinking yourself back awake, you brought yourself to answer the call.

Initially, you found no one outside your room via the door's peephole. However, when you opened the door to search for anyone nearby, there came an unexpected surprise.

Rather than a person standing before you, a colorful bouquet of flowers lay on your doorstep. Of course, it was strange, but it also left you quickly growing bashful. You just hoped it wasn't one of your guy friends playing an early morning joke on you. Even so, your mind would be too cloudy to process that.

Looking around with sleepy confusion and flattery, you crouched down and picked up the bright bundle. You shuffled your fingers through the top of the arrangement to try and find a label or card that would give away the sender's identity. Eventually, you found the exact clue you were looking for; in the form of a small note.

The fresh, awakening scent of the blossoms wafted around you as you made out the handwriting.

"I'm so sorry I almost threw up on you on the plane! 🙁 -Joe"

It couldn't have been any more straightforward if it'd been put up on a neon sign. You chuckled out loud in the empty hallway and peered around to find a trace of the man in question.

Instantly, you found his eyes peeking from around the corner a few yards away. A guilty smile on his lips made him look so shy- in contrast to his average demeanor.

"This was really unnecessary, you know," the bundle was waved teasingly at him.

"I felt it was necessary," Joe's body slowly appeared more from behind the corner, "Considering you had no choice but to put up with disgusting ol' me."

Leaning on your door's frame, your eyes followed him while he strolled forward and leaned his shoulder on the wall in front of you. You both wore humorous smiles aimed at each other. If you could think any more clearly, you'd recognize this as flirting. Maybe it was- but it seemed oddly natural in that moment.

"Despite what you may think," your eyebrows lifted as you raised the bouquet up to your chin, "You weren't as gross as you expect. That, and you weren't any trouble."

"I just feel icky about the whole thing," he scrunched up his face and shrugged in disgust, "I promise it won't happen again- if I'm seated next to you."

"Don't worry about it, Joe. You just had a bad flight; everyone's got them from time to time."

"Not you, apparently."

Joe's smile turned rather bashful when he diverted his eye contact elsewhere. He silently chuckled with a hint of embarrassment. When you'd reassured him, he all of a sudden realized what Sav was trying to make him see. There was something in your eyes and your smile and your voice that just spoke to Joe; something that hit him and made him realize you wanted to be in the position you were in the day before.

You wanted to be affectionate with him.

Out of his daze, Joe spoke up after a brief hesitation, "So- um, I know it's early... but it's the perfect time for breakfast, so would you wanna go downstairs and get something to eat?"

"You mean with disgusting ol' you?"

"Don't worry-" his face almost went red at the cheeks, and his dimple appeared at the corner of his mouth, "You don't have to think about me keeping it down this time."

Your arm holding the flowers dropped down to your side as you broke up into giggles.

"I'm not worried- in fact, I'd love to go."

You couldn't be certain, but you swore you saw Joe's face actually go red that time.

"Cool! Cool. Did you wanna get dressed or-?"

"Well, you don't seem to be dressed either, so why should I?" you reached back into your room to place the bouquet inside. When you shut the door, you joined the singer, "Let's hit it before Mike and Mal take all the good pastries."

Joe showed his teeth in his grin when you came to his side and began walking.

"If they're all taken, I'll steal one for you- considering I owe you a favor after what you did for me yesterday."

"What did I do?"

The answer was simple, but Joe didn't know how to say it without implying his feelings for you.

"You nursed me back to heath- or at least tried to..."

"I told you not to worry about it..."

"Alright, alright, I'll try not to."

"I'll tell you something, Elliott," you giggled as you both got inside the lift, "You've got a strange way of flirting."

Heat rushed to Joe's cheeks, and more threatened to join them at the thought of you noticing.

"Oh yeah?" he laughed.

"You hope I won't notice every tiny effort, yet you keep doing tiny things to make me notice. Even if we're, for example- up in the air..."

"Oh, god..." just like that, Joe thought he'd be the first person on earth to die of embarrassment. He pinched the bridge of his nose, "Fuck- please don't tell me I was that obvious..."

"Calm down, don't make yourself sick again," you laughed and patted his back, "If it makes you feel any better... I did notice what you were trying to do on the flight. And- um... it worked. So..."

You stood on your toes, and lightly planted a kiss on his cheek, "Let's just say- you don't have to be sick if you want to hold my hand next time."

Joe's hand lowered from his face, and he quickly flashed a bashful glance at you before darting his eyes away.

The elevator doors opened, the smell of coffee seeping everywhere. Instead of walking out, Joe reached out to you.

"You said I didn't have to be sick next time, and I'm quite well now..."

A bashful smile of your own made an appearance as you took his hand like you did the previous day. When you did, Joe giggled to himself.

You glanced over, "What?"

With a pause, Joe rolled in his lips, then looked right at you, "Oh nothing. Just- if you get sick on the next flight, I guess we'll be even, then."

"So, you're gonna sit with me on the next flight, then?" you raised an eyebrow.

"If it means getting even with you, then yes."

"And if it doesn't mean getting even with me?"

"Well," Joe said, smiling widely, "Then the answer is still yes."

That answer was more than enough for you.

Strolling out together, hand-in-hand, you and Joe made your way towards the breakfast counter. In the corner of your vision, you noticed him snagging a pastry off of Mike and Mal's table when he passed by.

The end

#this took me exactly 359 days to 100% complete g__g #another very rare occurrence where a fic isn't based off a song or has the title stolen from a song #unfortunately the next fic is going to break that streak hah :3D #def leppard #joe elliott #def leppard fanfiction #joe elliott x reader #def leppard x reader #original content #rick savage #sav is a perfect mediator I'm sorry I have him in that role all the damn time orgiwroimvwr #everyone is a dumbass and sav is the keeper of dumbasses #I also spent nearly 4 hours making that moodboard i hope you're happy g_g #I just recycle the same boring joe birthday post every year bc I don't have any ideas nor do I have any resources in order to make- #-something different and/or better

[angellesword]

MAGIC SHOP | JJK (11)

Description: You and Jungkook were best friends who were in love with each other. What would happen when Soojin, your half sister who you’re trying to impress, told you she’s in love with Jungkook too?

Alternatively:

“Would you believe me if I said that I was scared of everything too?”

Pairing: Architect!Jungkook x Architect!Reader

Genre: childhood best friends to lovers, family drama, angst, fluff, idiots to lovers, pining, slice of life au.

Warnings: alcohol (OC is drunk) cursing, unhealthy way of grieving, violence (Sin-ae tried to physically hurt OC again.) the succession law discussed in this chapter doesn’t reflect South Korea’s existing laws. It’s a combination of my imagination and laws in the Philippines.

Chapter’s OST: Treacherous by Taylor Swift

Word Count: 3.2k

Series: CHAPTER 10 | CHAPTER 12

You had never seen Jungkook look so pissed before. When you were around, he was all smiles and heart eyes and this just showed how much he adored you; however, the look he was giving you right now was so dark that you had to look away.

'Because I'm damn jealous,' he said. Did he mean this? Didn't he hate you for dumping him? For giving up on him even though he asked—begged you to stay with him?

'But it's complicated.' You argued with yourself. You didn't want to make things difficult. He was promised to Soojin. Your sister said she was in love with Jungkook too. Who were you to stop them from being together?

Besides, you did it for the company and for your father.

Ah, your father...

You sacrificed things to make him happy, yet you still weren't given a chance to see him for the last time.

You cackled bitterly as you drank another shot of tequila. Your head spun and your throat burned. You didn't care though. You still continued drinking until your vision doubled and until you couldn't feel the intensity of Jungkook's glare anymore.

"Tiger..." But you felt him touch your elbow lightly to stop you from taking another shot of this alcoholic beverage.

You glared at him, prying your arm out of his grasp. Jungkook pursed his lips and let you go. His jaw ticked, thick brows furrowing.

"What do you want, Jungkook?" You hissed, a thought popping inside your mind: why did we lash out on the people we loved when we're frustrated or lonely?

You didn't want to push him away anymore, you also didn't want to lose him again, but your actions were the opposite of what you felt.

You were just so tired of losing people. It's better to push those who loved you and insist yourself to those who didn't love you.

"You're drunk," he sighed, putting his hands inside the pockets of his jeans. Jungkook wanted to touch you again but he was scared to upset you.

"I'm not." You replied incompletely: I'm not drunk. I'm grieving.

"Literally everyone who's drunk always denies they're drunk. Stop it—" He instantly snatched the shot glass from your hand when you tried to bring it to your lips.

"Hey!" You pouted as Jungkook downed the shot, his adam's apple bobbing in his throat.

"No more drinks for you." He smiled cheekily like he won.

Your lips protrude more. Did he think this was a game?

"Fine." You called the attention of the bartender. You would play too.

"Three more shots of tequila please..." You batted an eyelash at the bartender, unfortunately what you received in return was a tight smile.

The bartender offered to serve you a non-alcoholic beverage instead since it was obvious you're intoxicated. You couldn't handle more alcohol.

"But I want to!" You whined. It's a little out of character. You rarely insisted what you wanted. The environment where you grew up taught you to just accept things you couldn't have. It was like you didn't have the right to fight for what you wanted.

"Alright. That's it. Let's get you home." Jungkook interrupted when you attempted to grab the collar of the bartender's uniform.

Shit. Jungkook forgot how feisty you got when you're drunk.

"Um—" The bartender seemed uncomfortable while switching glances between you and Jungkook. "Do you know him?"

"She does. I'm her best friend." Jungkook answered the question of the bartender for you.

"Mam?" But the bartender didn't look convinced. The response must come out of your mouth. What if Jungkook was taking advantage of you? It's the bar's protocol to look after their drunk customer.

"He's lying." You told the bartender which made Jungkook's jaw clench.

"Tiger—" He dug his hands into your hips, steadying you in place. You looked like you're about to fall from the bar stool.

Damn it. You're too intoxicated.

"Would you like me to call you an uber, Mam?" The bartender asked but you didn't respond. Instead, you turned to Jungkook.

"You're not just my best friend, Jungkook." You put your hand on his chest. At first he thought you're gonna push him away again, he was surprised, however, when you leaned your head against his ribcage, feeling the beat of his heart "You're more than that..."

Your lips were dangerous close to Jungkook. It was as though you're waiting to be kissed; however, before your mouths molded together, Jungkook immediately tilted his head, clearly avoiding the act.

Hurt crossed your face as you heard your heart breaking.

To mask the pain, you pretended like you're sleepy. You yawned and then your eyes fluttered shut.

Moments later, you're not pretending anymore. You're off to dreamland.

The bartender let you go after seeing how you snuggled up to Jungkook, it was like you were comfortable around him, like you knew him with all of your heart.

"I'm not a bad person. I really know her. I can leave my identification cards here if you want." Jungkook offered to ease the mind of the bartender.

But the employee said there’s no need for that. He was free to leave with you.

Your best friend nodded and then he called an uber upon realizing that he couldn't drive. Admittedly he wouldn't mind driving if he was alone, but he wouldn't compromise your safety after he drank two glasses of bourbon and a shot of tequila. No questions asked. He'd definitely leave his car in the parking space of this bar. He could always come back for it later.

For now, his whole attention was focused on you. He was aware you'd be cross with him the moment you sobered up and realized you were at his home.

Jungkook didn't want to go back to the motel. He wasn't sure if he could still bear to sleep on that Godforsaken bed one more time. He knew you probably felt the same way as well. You're just too stubborn to admit it.

Jungkook helped you get on the bed. You were inside the guest room, the same room where you used to sleep whenever he begged you to stay the night.

He missed those moments. He missed having you around. You weren't just the girl he had romantic feelings for. You're also his best friend, his other half, and his soulmate. He's lost without you.

"Rest well, Tiger." After removing your shoes and massaging your feet a little, Jungkook smiled fondly at your sleeping form.

He was content just by looking at you like this. After listening to your cries every night through that thin wall of the motel room, Jungkook finally saw you sleeping soundly.

Jungkook was wrong; you didn't get crossed with him when you had realized you're in his apartment, if anything, you looked...grateful.

"Want more?" He asked thoughtfully after noticing that you had finished the bowl of soup he made just for you.

Jungkook also bought corn dogs and your favorite probiotic drink. Of course chocolates were included as well.

"No thanks. I'm full." You smiled sheepishly and avoided his gaze.

You were embarrassed, feeling like you were taking advantage of him. Jungkook prepared your food and he let you sleep in his place for more than twelve hours. He took care of you during your most vulnerable state.

You knew you didn't deserve his kindness, not after pushing him away for so many times and then trying to kiss him.

Your eyes dilated at the memory of that.

Shit.

Why did you try to kiss him!?

Were you out of your mind? Did he remember? What did he think of you? Was he disgusted?

"I should go—" You abruptly flinched, alarmed by the humiliating questions circling your head.

"You should stay the night." But Jungkook said this at the same time you told him it's better if you go.

Your head snapped to meet his gaze at once. You were obviously startled by what he said.

Jungkook was currently sitting on a chair right in front of you, the look in his eyes was gentle, almost pleading—as if he's scared you're gonna shut him down again.

"I know you don't want to be around me but I can't let you leave in the middle of the night." I don't want you to be alone, my Tiger.

"I—I need to change though." You gripped the neckline of your top. It smelled like alcohol and sweat.

"All of your things are still in the guest room." Your room. "Nothing's changed." I still love you.

"Okay." You whispered softly. "Thanks, Kook." I don't want to be alone tonight.

"Sure." Anything for you.

You ended up staying at Jungkook's apartment for a couple more days. Or was it weeks?

You honestly didn't know. All you ever did was sleep and ignore the world. You're hurting inside. You felt tired, like nothing mattered.

Jungkook said your father had been buried. You didn't get to attend the wake and the funeral.

"No one really attended, you know? It's just me and the Kims." Jungkook's attempt to soothe you didn't do anything.

Taemin's friends and colleagues didn't go to the funeral but only because they didn't want to associate themselves with your father.

People were calling him a murderer. Based on police investigation, the building collapsed because of design faults and negligence. Taemin was being blamed not only because he was the chairman of the firm but also because he was leading the construction of the building.

The public was demanding accountability.

"It's messed up. Everyone at the firm is going berserk. We need a new chairperson but the Kims are still mourning." Jungkook explained, his eyes were bloodshot.

He looked tired. He actually just got home from the office. His stress was apparent.

Jungkook also told you that the voting for the new chairperson was happening soon. The lawyers of Taemin were reaching out to the Kims so that they could finally discuss the decedent's will.

"Seokjin-hyung told me to tell you that you should be in the meeting. Anyway, I think the estate attorney would reach out to you soon. Castle wants to appoint the new chairperson as soon as possible."

"It's going to be you, right?" It took everything in you to ask this. Truthfully, it made your stomach sink. If Jungkook was going to be the new chairperson, it only meant that he and Soojin would be married soon.

But Jungkook just shrugged.

"You have to be at the meeting." And instead he said this. The loud conviction in his voice was clear.

"Will you be there too?" You enquired.

Jungkook smiled softly. "I'm not part of that family, Tiger."

You kept your mouth shut even when you wanted to say neither am I.

Just like what Jungkook said, the estate attorney contacted you. The meeting would be held at the office room of Taemin in Castle. It's because Sin-ae didn't want you to step inside their mansion again.

The meeting started almost immediately. As expected, Sin-ae and all of her children were here. She rolled her eyes and scoffed the moment she saw you. Seokjin and Namjoon both nodded at you, Soojin, on the other hand, embraced you.

She was no longer wearing a cervical collar. Your sister looked better—healthy. You suddenly wondered if she knew you were living with Jungkook.

Maybe? They're getting married soon. Jungkook wouldn't want a misunderstanding. He probably told her there's nothing to worry about. You were just his best friend. He only felt bad for you that's why he took you in.

"Let's start," the executor smiled tightly upon confirming to Namjoon that every family member of the Kims was already here.

The reading of the will went smoothly at first, but commotion began when the executor started uttering how the estate would be divided.

Sin-ae was the first to react. She was demanding to know why an illegitimate child like you had a share equal to her children.

"I know the law! It is clearly stated there that bastards are only entitled to receive one half of the share of the legitimate children! Namjoon! You tell them!" Sin-ae's eyes were wide as she turned to her smartest son, hoping that he could knock some senses into this stupid executor and lawyers.

The executor explained the reason before Namjoon could speak though.

"Your husband decided to divide his assets equally, Madame. The testator is free to do so." The executor even read the applicable law regarding the issue.

Sin-ae gasped dramatically. The glare she was giving you was piercing. However You didn't flinch like you used to.

For the first time, you didn't feel the need to hunch your shoulders and hide. You were just so exhausted from her drama and bullshit.

"Apart from that, your son, Kim Taehyung, renounced his inheritance."

Sin-ae caused another drama upon hearing that. She exclaimed and almost hit you in the face when the executor elucidated that Kim Taehyung's share would be given to you.

"No! I don't buy it! It’s absurd. Call my son right now! This isn't happening!" Seokjin and Namjoon held their mother, stopping her from attacking you.

You remained unfazed, though deep inside, you're dying of curiosity. Why would Taemin give you Taehyung's share? Why not to Soojin?

She's his favorite, right?

"There's no need for that. Your son signed the papers two years ago. His consent is not vitiated."

The executor continued despite Sin-ae's protest. In all honesty, the executor explained things well. However, you still couldn't seem to wrap your head around the fact that the free portion of Taemin's estate would also be given to you.

Seriously? Was this a terrible joke?

Sin-ae thought so too. She was so baffled to the point that she couldn't help but direct her anger at the executor.

"This is all lies! Where is the real last will and testament of my husband?" Sin-ae snatched the papers from the executor and tore it apart. She was shaking in indignation.

"Mother, stop it..." Seokjin's face was red. He was embarrassed. His mother was turning like a feral animal.

"No, oppa. I'm with our mother here. This seems like a joke to me too." Soojin finally spoke after a long moment of silence. She was scoffing at you while folding her arms over her chest.

You clenched your jaw, inhaling sharply.

"Why the hell would father give you more than fifty percent of his estate?" Soojin couldn't help but snarl at you too.

75% of Taemin's estate was for the compulsory heirs. The remaining 25% was free portion, meaning, he could give it to literally anyone, even if it's not a family member.

You would own that 25% share as well as your 15% share from the 75% portion. (75% divided by 5: four children and the testator's spouse = 15%) Since Taehyung renounced his share, that 15% would also belong to you.

Your total share was fifty five percent.

Holy shit.

"Unfortunately we can't ask the decedent. What we can do is honor his will. It's the right thing to do, both legally and morally speaking." The executor answered Soojin's question.

"Honor my ass! I tore the papers apart—"

"Does it matter? I'm sure there's another copy." You cut Sin-ae off, startling her and the rest of the family. As a matter of fact, Soojin's mouth dropped on the floor. Sin-ae's eyes darkened as she cursed you.

Namjoon tried to keep his face impassive but you saw how his eyes quivered. Seokjin flinched but you didn't get to see his reaction that much since he was busy calming his mother down.

"And if you have concerns, I think it's better to settle this in court." You weren't sure where you got the courage to speak up like this.

You just said you're tired and yes, that's true.

You were tired. Tired of getting stepped on and tired of being hated when you're literally just existing. Why did people hate you so much when all you ever did was be kind and respectful to them?

Was it true? Did people think they could harm you just because you're not fighting back? Was this really how the world worked?

If it was, then you had to fight.

"Are you challenging me, huh, bastard?" Sin-ae tried to attack you, but instead of accepting the blow, you square your shoulders like you were ready to fight.

As usual, Seokjin embraced her mother, telling her softly to calm down—that lashing out on people wouldn't do her any good.

"I don't care! I will beat the shit out of that bastard until she learns her place!" Sin-ae spitted, you saw how it landed on the floor.

"I think I am capable of knowing on my own where I belong, eomeoni." You said eomoni just to piss her off.

It worked. Her face screamed murder, it's just like the way she glared at you when she found out you're her husband's bastard.

Back then, you felt humiliated. You wanted to either run for the hill or get on your knees and beg for her forgiveness.

You drilled it in your head that it was your fault her family's breaking apart. You ruined their happy life.

Your existence ruined their peace.

You really did.

Or rather, you would.

You would ruin their peace.

Because three days after you found out that shocking fact that you're inheriting more than half of your father's estate, you came to know another shocking thing.

A thing that shook you to the core.

A thing that made you realize this is the last straw.

You were no longer going to allow the Kims to step on you.

Definitely not after you heard Soojin and Sin-ae talking about this:

"I should be the next chairperson! No one else!"

"You will be." Sin-ae grabbed her daughter's shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. "Don't worry, Soojin-ah. It doesn't matter if that bastard has a bigger share in the company now. No one would want her to be the next chairperson. It's just you or Jungkook..."

"We have to convince Jungkook to side with us!" Your sister cried.

Sin-ae nodded her head, desperate to sooth Soojin's worries.

"I can handle Jungkook, but you have to promise me you'll handle yourself, okay? I can't deal with the both of you at the same time. Please, Soojin-ah, you need to be careful. No one should know our secret."

You furrowed your brow. Secret? What secret?

The answer was revealed to you at once.

"I destroyed all evidence." Soojin sighed, she was saying all these things confidently but you saw fear dancing in her eyes.

"No one would know I was actually the one leading the construction of that building. Father carried my sins in his grave, mother. I promise you that."

They said promises were meant to be broken.

They're right.

Soojin knew it too.

She knew it because right after those words came out of her mouth, her gaze landed on you.

Shock and Fear.

These were the two emotions that could be seen on her face.

You heard and that’s when Soojin knew she fucked up.

i’m slow with the updates because my mind keeps on bugging me with new fic ideas 🥲 i actually posted a new JJK one shot. click here if you haven’t read it yet! :D

#jungkook fluff #jungkook angst #jungkook x reader #jungkook x y/n #jungkook x you #armywriterssupport #jungkook best friend #best friend jungkook #jungkook best friends to lovers #jungkook romance #jungkook drama

[yourmidnightlover]

i’ll never be ready

Summary: when you've been taken by the recent unsub, you both come to a shocking realization.

TW: torture, self-hatred (derek, spencer), scars, noah (the sucky date guy), angst, fluff if you squint. let me know if i missed anything*

WC: 3,486

————————————————————————

saying the case was rough was under kill-which, ironically, was opposite of the unsub's mo. everyone had nearly lost count of how long they had been awake. 36, maybe 38 hours of nonstop work? going over case files and reviewing them for something - anything you might've missed. it all seemed a bit pointless because each time you reread a file you felt your eyes dropping down, threatening to betray you and make you succumb to the sleep.

"y/n," hotch spoke. "you've been up the longest. go back to the hotel with derek and get some rest. be back here in 5 hours," he demanded in a soft tone.

"won't argue with that," you chuckled best you could before morgan grabbed the keys, ushering the two of you to the car.

your hotel room was a few doors down from morgan's. he bid you goodnight before he opened his door, allowing you to continue on to your room. you decided to get a bottle of water - the sleep deprivation probably making you feel more dehydrated than you actually were.

after you paid for the bottle, you took a swig of it and trudged on to your room. only, you didn't make it. it felt as though the sleep you yearned for had finally taken over as it was accompanied by a throbbing migraine in the back of your head.

-

"what's taking them so long?" emily asked, looking at hotch for answers.

l"i'm not sure. i told them to only be gone for fi-" he was cut off by morgan slamming into the police station.

"she's gone," he uttered plainly, worriedly as he avoided any eye contact with the rest of the team.

"what do you mean 'she's gone?'" jj argued, feeling the worry bubble up inside of her as morgan continued talking.

"i knocked on her door to let her know that we had to leave. i-i thought she might've just slept through her alarm. but then she never answered," his eyes finally met someone on the team's. "i kicked through the door and the bed -it-it wasn't even slept in. i'm so sorry," he mumbled to that particular team member.

spencer felt his heart drop in his chest. he wasn't angry, per say. he was furious. he was frustrated and confused and wanted to hit something - someone. but not morgan. he wasn't mad at morgan. it wasn't his fault you were gone. at least that's what he thought until Garcia pulled up the footage from 6 hours ago.

the image of derek going inside his room, allowing you to wander past yours and retrieve the water before walking halfway back to yours, only to be hit over the head, was the only thing he could see. and what he did see... well, what he saw was in red.

"you didn't even walk her to her room?!" spencer accused derek.

"kid, we were all tired. i'm sorry, i really am," he pleaded with the young man.

"don't 'kid' me! 'sorry' won't bring her back! we know what this guy does to people and you didn't even make sure she was safe!" spencer walked closer to derek. "i can't believe you. we all had a discussion about how she was the unsub's type. you knew that and you still let her get taken," he poked his finger in his chest.

"i didn't let her do anything. i didn't want this to happen, reid," morgan tried to calm him down, only for them to be interrupted by jj coming into the room, asking for spencer to come with her before promptly leaving derek by himself. "i-i swear, babygirl, i didn't think th-"

"that's the problem, derek," she cut him off. "you didn't think," she said in a calm, sweet tone. "i love you, i truly do, but even when your guards are down when you're tired... you need to think."

"i know... i know. i don't- i don't know what to do now," he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"now you go be the hero i know you are," garcia smiled before signing off, leaving derek staring at a blank, black screen.

-

"look who's up," the unsub sang as you turned your head whilst lying on the cold, steel table. "before you try anything, there's no point in fighting. you're strapped down with reinforcements and the room is sealed with a steel door that can only be unlocked with my key."

"so what? should i just let you do whatever you want to me?" you scoffed as you rolled your eyes, observing the state of the room.

it wasn't very clean. it was dirty and grungy and the smell was absolutely horrid. you nearly gagged upon looking to the corner of the room, seeing an abundance of takeout and old pizza boxes - clearly old and moldy.

"that'll happen regardless, sweetheart," he brushed a strand of hair behind your ear, humming as he did so. "such a beautiful girl, truly," his hand travelled further south, grasping your neck tightly with the one hand before he brought a second one up to join it.

you stared him in his hooded eyes as he strangled you gently. you didn't make a show if it - that's where he got off. you wouldn't give him the satisfaction. although you would have to throw him a bone so he wouldn't kill you.

he was a sexual sadist. he got the relief from your pain and struggle. he would keep at it until you gave him what he wanted - your pain.

the profile had revealed that the unsub had a history of hatred for women from his own mother - who was most likely abusive. it was assumed that his father left at an early age and his mother blamed him for his departure.

"damnit!" he slapped your face, relinquishing his grip on your throat to allow you to breathe.

"what? can the big-strong-tough-guy not get off?" you mocked him, another slap hitting your face.

"shut UP!" he shouted at you. "when i get back you better be more cooperative," he spat out before grabbing a duffel bag and leaving.

a sigh of relief left you when the doors shut, hearing the deadbolt latch lock to signal you were stuck. you wriggled your wrists around, noticing they were bound by leather straps, as were your ankles.

-

"alright," hotch began as they gathered in the makeshift conference room, "so he has a 12 hour lead on us with her. we've profiled that the unsub keeps all the women at the same location. it'd be too difficult to move them with all the equipment he uses on them..." he looked towards spencer as he spoke, wanting to make sure he was alright.

"this has to be a power assertion move," emily added.

"you're right," rossi agreed. "taking a fbi agent would make him arrogant."

"so maybe he'll screw up? maybe we could find her?" spencer lit up at the brief sight of hope.

"don't get too excited, we still need him to make that mistake. but, yes, there's hope," hotch agreed.

penelope appeared all too sudden on the laptop screen, looking rather worried before she announced, "i'm gonna send you the video that just appeared on every screen in my bat cave. just... be prepared."

and then you were there.

you were strapped to the table, your shirt cut open to reveal your skin to the screen. the camera seemed to be hovering above the bed, focused on your body and the marks that already adorned it. you had a hand-shaped bruise on your trachea; a bruise on your cheekbone underneath your eye was contrasting your pale skin. the gag in your mouth held it open in what seemed to be an uncomfortable position. you looked tired. reasonably so, you never did get that proper rest you wanted.

and spencer would never get to tell you what he wanted if you couldn't make it out of there alive.

he never thought of you as anything but a friend but now that there was the possibility of you not making it back to him, he couldn't help but feel different about you. his heart was aching and he knew it would never stop until he was able to give it to you. now, he knew he wanted to hold you as more than a friend. he wanted to dance with you romantically rather than a silly platonic friendly thing. he wanted to kiss you, and tell you that he'd never leave you alone again. he just wanted you.

"look at how pretty she is lying there on the table," a voice that was off-screen cheered out. "although she's always quite the hottie, isn't that right... spencer? was that the name you told me, agent?" he grasped your chin, forcing your face to contort as you tried to wrangle yourself free from his grasp. "it was, wasn't it?" he laughed before releasing your face.

your eyes welled with tears upon the realization that the team might not make it to you on time. you had tried to put up a fight - you swore you did. but you could only fight so hard for so long. the light left your eyes in the form of tears streaming down your face, leaving them on display for your own team to mourn with you.

"looks like he won't be saving you, after all," he chuckled as shuffling was heard from over the screen. "let's see if they like the show, huh?" he brought a knife from out of his bag before removing the gag from your mouth.

"turn it off! turn it off!" you begged. "they-they don't need to see this, hudson," you revealed his name.

"hudson was the deputy that went home 13 hours ago. he was the one that gave us the files and intel on people in town. i guess he didn't actually go home," reid reminded the team.

"shut up, BITCH!" hudson wiped the knife down your right arm, a light hiss leaving your mouth from the intrusion.

"how about we get something to eat, yea? order some more jonny's pizza?" you emphasized before the knife went back into your skin, this time on the other arm.

"jonny's pizza is in a neighborhood only 10 miles away from here. hudson might own property near there. garcia?" spencer announced once more.

"on it," penelope declared before working her magic. "it says here that hudson's family owns an old restaurant that was shut down three years ago. it was passed on to him once his mother died. i'm sending the address your way."

"morgan, you're with me and emily-"

"i'm going with you," reid interjected.

"are you sure you're in the right-"

"i have to see her. i have to... i have to make sure she's okay," spencer tried to reason. hotch sighed before nodding his head in agreement.

they brought an ipad with them so they could watch as they traveled to the location. your arms were bleeding, but he had avoided the major arteries that would've killed you. your sobs wracked through the device, shattering spencer's heart more than he thought possible.

when they got to the restaurant, there were wooden boards surrounding every entrance. they left the sirens off in hopes to not scare the unsub into killing you.

"fbi!" morgan did his classic entrance, kicking the door in promptly. "hudson williams! fbi!" he led the team to the back of the room where a large, steel door rested.

spencer and hotch went to the sides of morgan, nodding at him to continue before he kicked the door in. the three, followed by more swat members, flooded inside the room quickly. spencer's eyes locked on yours as you lay on the table, looking sideways to see him. he saw the tears flow from your eyes as the unsub swung his knife up into the air, intent on stabbing you once more, this time fatally. spencer could swear he saw you mouth something to him before a shot rang through the air.

he looked to his side to see morgan had fired the shot that killed hudson, his knife falling beside your body as your body began shaking with sobs.

"let me go! let me go ple-please! get these off!" your arms struggled at the restraints before spencer holstered his gun, running to your side to work at the leather bindings.

"i'm here," he undid your wrists before you wrapped them around his neck, burying your face in his shoulder before sobs overtook you. "you're safe now, you're safe," his hand stroked the back of your head as you cried into his skin. "here," he pulled back momentarily before he shrugged off his vest and cardigan, handing you the cardigan to pull over your body.

"thanks," you sniffled as you pulled it tight over your body, covering your exposed state before embracing spencer once more, pulling him as close as you possibly could.

"i'm never letting you go again, y/n," he whispered before placing a kiss to your hairline. "never."

"good," you responded before he took you in his arms, carrying you to the ambulance that made it's way to the restaurant soon after they did.

you were severely dehydrated. the lacerations on your arm caused you to lose a lot of blood. you had a concussion. but you would be okay. you were alive. by some miracle, you were alive. you were alive and he'd never let you out of his sight again.

the entire time you were gone, you couldn't stop thinking about spencer. i mean, yes, your team entered your mind but not as much as spencer. who did you cry out for when he would hurt you? spencer. where would you go to distract you from what was going on? spencer's arms. spencer was the answer to all of your problems. it was spencer.

"spencer?" you asked as your head was resting on his shoulder, his arm wrapped around your shoulders as a mild attempt to keep you warm.

"yes?" he turned his head down to face your droopy face.

"i..." you stopped once you realized what you had planned on revealing. "please don't leave?"

"i won't," he gently took your chin in his hand, lifting your face up to see his. "i promise."

you nodded your head contentedly, satisfied with his answer. you couldn't say anything about how you felt now of all times. you needed him, as selfish as that seemed. you needed him to lean on as a crutch right now. telling him how you feel is risky. he could run away and distance himself from you once you open your mouth. so instead, you'd keep it shut.

as the weeks went by, your wounds healed. your heart tried to mend itself as time went on, but the process wasn't as smooth as it was with your external wounds. it was a rollercoaster process. you tried to convince yourself that you didn't love spencer. each night when he would come to your house to check up on you and watch a tv show or movie, you allowed yourself to imagine a life with him. a life where you didn't have to hide your feelings from him.

and spencer thought that telling you right after might've brought on too much stress for you. he thought it would be selfish to tell you such a thing after you nearly died. so, he pushed his feelings down as well.

and then penelope happened.

she had set you up on a date with one of sam's friends from counter-terrorism. you didn't really want to go, but you felt bad enough after skipping all of the girls' nights once you got abducted. so, you had gotten ready.

you wore a long-sleeved blouse and a skirt, the sleeves to avoid a conversation with a stranger you truly weren't ready for. to be honest, you were dreading whatever would happen tonight. you had mentioned the date to spencer, telling him how you didn't even want to go anywhere; you weren't ready to go out in public by yourself yet. he wasn't excited for you, who would be after you confessed your hesitance on going anywhere.

"i'm heading out now, spence," you walked out of your bedroom and into the kitchen where spencer was standing, waiting for you to get ready.

"al-alright," he nodded before turning towards you. "you look... you look beautiful, y/n," he sighed, making you blush lightly.

"thank you," you went to give him a hug, wrapping your arms around his torso. "for everything," you kissed his cheek before pulling away. "i don't think it'll be that long, i hope it's not that long," you chuckled before continuing, "so i'll see you after?"

"uhm, yea," he agreed. "i'll see you later."

you sighed before grabbing your keys and leaving, driving to the restaurant penny had told you to go to. it had only been two months since your abduction. you hadn't been anywhere without someone with you, most of the time it was spencer. you parked the car, grabbing your purse from the passenger seat and placing it in your lap.

you shouldn't have come. you shouldn't have done anything. you should've stayed with spencer. you should've let him know how you felt. you should've...

you felt tears well in your eyes before you pushed those thoughts down. you took a deep breath to compose yourself before you walked into the restaurant. you were led to the table noah miller would be at by the host.

"hi," noah greeted you.

"hi," you tried your best to muster up a smile as you sat down.

"uhm, penelope mentioned how beautiful you were, but i think it was severe underkill," he chuckled,

"oh, wow, thank you," you smiled. "you look pretty great yourself," you motioned. there was a moment of unsettling silence before you continued, "i haven't been out in a while. so, be patient with me tonight."

"sam mentioned that you went through something... an abduction, i believe?" you nodded your head. "that is beyond cool. do you... do you have any scars?" his eyes widened at the thought.

"ex-excuse me?" you furrowed your brows at the question.

"do you have any scars from the abduction?" he asked once more as if he didn't sense what was wrong with it in the first place.

"you... you're seriously asking to see the scars from when i was almost killed?" you scoffed before leaning back, crossing your arms over your chest defensively.

"are those your scars?" he awed as he pointed towards your arms, the sleeves had ridden up on your skin.

"what the hell is wrong with you?" you jerked your sleeves down once more before you stood up and grabbed your purse. "i hope you rot in hell you freak."

you ran out to your car before calling spencer, tears already streaming down your face as you locked your car door.

"spencer reid," he answered the phone.

"spence?" you sniffled, wiping your nose.

"y/n? what is it? what happened?" he rose from his spot on his couch, shutting his book worriedly.

"i just... the date it - i need you, spencer," you cried out once more.

"do you need me to pick you up or are you alright to drive to my place?"

"i-i can drive," you replied as you wiped your tears.

"alright," he said. "i'll be waiting. should i stay on the phone with you as you drive? you could put me on speaker?"

"yea-yes, please," you answered before putting the phone on speaker.

you drove there as he read his book to you. his voice calmed you down a bit... only a little bit. not as much as his touch would. so, you sped there as fast you could without getting pulled over.

once you knocked on his door it opened in a matter of milliseconds. spencer's arms went around your waist as yours went around his neck, pulling him even closer to your body. your sobs rang through spencer's skin as he rubbed circles into your back, walking the two of you inside his apartment before he closed the door.

"what happened?" spencer asked as you curled into him whilst sitting on the couch.

"the guy wanted to see the scars," you sniffled. "when i got upset he saw them because my sleeves rolled up and well... the rest is history," you chuckled humorlessly.

"he really...?" spencer leaned back to look you in the eyes.

"yea... i know," you rolled you eyes.

"well whoever that guy is sucks. he doesn't deserve you," he twirled your hair in his fingers before continuing. "would you want to talk about it?"

"mm-mm," you shook your head. "not yet. i'm not ready."

and then it was more than abundantly clear. you might not ever be ready to tell him.

taglist:

@averyhotchner

@greenprisca

@muffin-cup

@spenxerslut

if you’d like to be added to the taglist, please don’t hesitate to message me or leave a comment!

#spencer reid angst #angst #spencer x reader #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid #doctor reid

[nashibirne]

Painkiller - 7

Time for the next part of Painkiller, time to meet Jackson's brother Hunter, time for some smut! Hope you like it, let me know <3 Previous parts can be found on Nashi's Masterlist

Pairing: Henry Cavill x OFC (Ella) Summary: Ella is preparing dinner, Hunter helps her to relax over the phone and Ella makes an unpleasant discovery. Warnings: RPF, smut, phone sex, daddy kink, slight dom/sub dynamic, oral sex (f receiving), masturbation (f and m), NSFW, 18+ only! Unbeta'ed, English is not my mother tongue, sorry in advance for wrong spelling or bad grammar. Credits: Pics for the moodboard are from Pinterest. Face claims - Kelly: Pamela Reif, Hunter: Patrick Wilson, I don't know Henry Cavill, this is all fantasy and completely fictional.

taglist: (please let me know if you want to be added or removed)

@lunedelorient @inlovewithhisblueeyes @willkatfanfromasia @hell1129-blog @mis-lil-red @agniavateira @kebabgirl67 @omgkatinka @legendarywizarddetective @summersong69 @taebfada @xxxkatxo @madbaddic7ed @artandotherdelights

~~~~~

Three days later on Saturday afternoon Ella was preparing the tomato sauce for the veggie lasagna she was going to make for dinner. She couldn't help reminiscing about the countless times she had cooked together with Henry, it was one of the many things they both loved to do. A soft laughter -the first in days- escaped her mouth when she thought about the one night they had planned to make "Risi e Bisi" but somehow they ended up throwing the ingredients at each other, laughing like crazy. Henry had chased her through the apartment, both of them armed with fistfuls of frozen peas. Ella had managed to lure him into an ambush and stuff a handful of ice cold peas into his hoodie. The face he made had been hilarious and his revenge had awaited her promptly. He'd pulled her close just to drop his load of peas into her shirt. Then he'd hugged her tightly with rubbing motions and soon they'd both been covered in water and mashed peas. They had been lying in each other's arms, their bellies hurting from all the laughter.

Thinking about the sensation of his body so close to hers immediately made her whole body tingle with desire. 

No...no more moping...it's your own fault, Ella scolded herself. This gorgeous man had been right under her nose but she had wasted the chance to make him her man. And damn he was so perfect, he truly was. On the outside obviously but even more on the inside. He was all she'd ever wished for, she knew this now, now that it was too late.

Ella stirred the sauce lost in thought. Was it all over now? All the things they usually did together? All the talking, all the laughter, all the time they spent together? For sure their relationship was about to change, now that Kelly had appeared on the screen. Kelly. Ella rolled her eyes. She hated her already just for dating Henry but then again it wasn't her fault Ella had fucked this up. She didn't know how Ella felt about Henry and she deserved to be given a chance. Maybe she was nice. Or maybe she was a bitch. Ella had to remind herself constantly that this had been the reason to invite them in the first place. To find out what kind of person Kelly was and what exactly she was playing at. She was glad Jackson would be there to support her, because Ella was so fucking nervous, tense  and scared. She hadn't slept more than a few hours in days and she felt exhausted just by thinking of the dinner. What if the lovebirds felt the need to kiss and cuddle all the time. She shook her head. Don't think about it. It's gonna be alright! 

The ringing of her mobile startled her out of her thoughts. Ella looked at the screen with a surprised frown. Hunter. She turned off the stove and took the call.

"Hey there!"

"Hi Bella." His dark, rough voice that sounded like he had a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of whiskey every day greeted her friendly. Bella...he had only started to use this name for her when they had their 9 ½ weeks a good year ago. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, doing great. Enjoying my weekend." Ella said convincingly.

"Why are you lying to me?"

"What? I'm not…"

"Don't even start your bullshit. Jackson told me about your strange little double date. So please don't try to tell me you're not tense as fuck." His words were harsh but his voice was smooth like velvet and it was a relief to know she wouldn't have to pretend she wasn't broken.

"Your brother is such a gossip." Ella muttered.

Hunter chuckled. "He is, but he means well, Bella. He's worried about you and your, well, complicated relationship with Henry. He says you're getting depressed."

"I'm not and it's not really complicated. I friendzoned him, I fell for him, I was too stupid and too hesitant to tell him and now he's dating another woman."

"You love him and you're hurting badly." It was no question, it was a statement.

"Yes." Ella admitted with a whisper.

"And you're torturing yourself with this dinner tonight. "

"I just want to meet her, learn what kind of person she is. I'm going to have to deal with her compulsorily in the future. And I wanted to meet her in my safe space for the first time." Ella swallowed hard, her eyes were beginning to fill with tears.

"I see and I understand that." Hunter lowered his voice and it was even more comforting than before, like a warm blanket that hugged her body. "But I know you won't make it through this date when you're so tense and on the brink of tears even now, a few hours before they're gonna arrive."

"I'm not at the brink of tears, Hunter."

"Of course you are. I can hear it in your voice."

Silence. 

"You're going to break down or lose your temper in front of her. I can't let that happen."

"And what are you going to do about it? You're in Berlin, I'm in London."

"I don't need to be physically close to help you relax, baby girl."

Ella's body got all goose-pimply with his words.

"Hunter, I can't…"

"Of course you can. And you're gonna start with not contradicting or questioning me again."

Ella gulped. His words took her by surprise and she wanted to relax so badly but at the same time she wasn't sure if she was able to do so. Hunter's way, the way he'd made her relax so many times before.

"On the phone?" Ella still sounded unsure.

"Yeah, why not."

"What about Henry?"

"What about him?"

"I know it's silly, but it kinda feels like cheating on him."

"Baby, I'm not going to touch you, you're not going to touch me. And he's not your boyfriend."

"I know, but it still feels strange." Ella's voice was barely a whisper.

"What's really strange is that Jax is 100 % sure that Henry loves you just as much as you love him, but yet, here we are. You are a picture of misery and he's probably fucking this girl right now to ease his own tension."

His words made something inside of Ella snap. Hunter was right. Ella was single, she was free to do whatever she wanted with whomever she chose for it, just like Henry was free to shag Kelly.

"What do you want me to do?" She asked.

"First of all I need you to tell me that you really want this. Not for me, not for him but for yourself, to feel better."

"I do."

"Baby girl…I need more" Hunter snarled and it sounded incredibly sexy.

"Okay...I  want to relax and I want you to help me and tell me what to do and I will obey"

"That's my good girl." His praise, spoken in his dark, sensual voice made Ella shiver with arousal. "What are you wearing?"

"A denim dress."

"The cute one with the puffed sleeves and the bow."

"Yes."

"I bet you look delicious, baby girl."

"Thank you, daddy." It felt so good to call him that, to let him be in charge. Ella's chest was heaving fast and her pussy started to throb in anticipation.

"Panties?"

"Sure."

"Strip them off. Slowly." He ordered and Ella did it. "Imagine it's not you but someone else who reaches under your dress. He brushes your pussy with his fingers and you feel it through the fabric of your pants. You want more but you don't get it. He just pulls your panties down and gives them to you. Now you're naked underneath your dress. Okay? Talk to me, Bella."

She took a deep breath.

"Yes, I took them off."

"Are they wet?"

"Yes. Soaking wet, daddy."

"Just by my voice. You're such a needy brat, aren't you?"

"I am. I'm horny. I'm pathetic."

"That's how I like it best, little one." Hunter let out a deep, rumbling laugh that made Ella blush furiously. "I want you to go to the living room. Sit down in your wing chair."

Ella did as she was told, her legs felt a little wobbly and her heart was racing. The sensation was incredible. She sat down on the edge of the chair.

"I'm sitting in the wing chair now."

"Good girl. Now turn me on speaker and place your mobile on the coffee table beside you." 

A rustling sound came through the phone and Ella knew that Hunter was doing the same with his phone. She couldn't help but wonder what he was wearing right now, if he was just as aroused as she was. But she wasn't allowed to ask. She knew that.

"You're on speaker now." she said in a soft, husky voice.

"Good. Now hitch up your dress and spread your legs."

Ella obeyed. "My legs are spread."

"Wider." Hunter's voice was dripping with desire and his breath was going shorter than usual.

Ella sighed deeply. "As wide as possible." she said.

"So now that you're spread wide open, like a cheap whore, place your hands on your knees, let them wander up your thighs."

Ella closed her eyes with a little sigh, let her head sink back and started to run her hands over the sensitive skin of her inner thighs.

"I do. It feels great…" A moan escaped her lips.

"Take your time and don't touch your pussy, baby girl."

Ella whimpered softly.

"Not yet, Bella. I want you to tell me what you're imagining right now. Whose hands you feel on your body."

"I feel your hands…"

"Don't you dare lie to me. I know what's on your mind. Tell me the truth, be a good girl. Tell me your fantasy."

"Daddy, I…"

"Tell. Me. Fucking. Brat." His voice was sharp now, cutting the thick atmosphere like a razor blade.

Ella gulped again, taking a deep breath.

"It's Henry, daddy. Henry's hands are on me. He kneels in front of me and he's completely naked. I can see his toned, hairy torso and his impressive cock, that stands erect between his massive legs. His big, strong hands run along my thighs. But there's someone else. It's you. You're sitting on the sofa. You're completely dressed but your fly is open and you hold your big, rock-hard dick in your hands, you are watching us. You are watching us and you're turned on, daddy. You're so horny, you start stroking yourself."

He moaned lustful through the speakers.

"Yes, that's it, doll. Go on. Tell me what Henry's doing. Tell me what I'm doing. Touch yourself. You're allowed to please yourself in any way you want."

Ella brought her hand between her thighs with a sensual sigh. She felt her wetness, her swollen folds, the heat of her core. She let her fingers glide over her clit, through her lips and started to finger herself, striking her g-spot slowly, letting her thoughts roam around in the fantasyland that was building on her mind.

"Henry strokes my inner thighs. He does it slowly, touching every inch with his fingertips, teasing me. My eyes are closed, my head is bent back, my lips are slightly parted and I enjoy the sensation of his tender touch, of the heat he's radiating. I can feel him move closer, he's shifting position. Oh my god…" Ella let out a raspy groan. "His face is between my legs now. He starts to kiss my pussy. I can feel his mouth, his lips, his tongue. It circles around my clit oh so slowly." Ella was panting now and Hunter got winded too. She heard his soft moans through the speaker. 

"My eyes fly open when Henry starts sucking gently on my sweet spot. It feels spectacular. My gaze meets yours daddy and I'm scared that you're mad at me because I let another man go down on me. But you're not. You like what you see. You're jerking yourself off with slow, powerful motions. We keep looking at each other while Henry continues to eat me out. And he does so well, daddy, so well. He licks and sucks and nibbles with so much devotion. I'm already close. God, Henry, that feels so fucking good...I hiss through clenched teeth."

Ella stimulated her clit now, she was indeed close to her orgasm but she wasn't ready to let go yet.

"Fuck, baby girl. You're doing great. Go on, make daddy happy…" Hunter demanded panting and moaning. Ella could tell by the noises that came through the phone that he was jacking off and the thought turned her on even more.

"I grab Henry's head, bury my hands in his dark curls. I lift my hips a little, pull him closer and he starts fingering me. His mouth is still on my clit, working its magic. I shriek with lust, I feel like I'm about to explode, the tension building within me is so strong, it's almost tearing me apart but I'm not there yet. Henry! I cry out his name and he intensifies his actions. My eyes never leave yours, your body, your cock, daddy. I love watching you touch yourself. It's stunning how it turns me on even further. You are close, I can see and hear it and then you get off. You let out a long growl and I miss your hands around my throat but watching your cum shoot from your cock is just as hot and I climax too. I come and the orgasm Henry is giving me is the best I've...I've...oh my god….fuck...Hunter."

Her orgasm swept her away like a strong, hot wave making her whole body go stiff before it started to relax deeply. She heard Hunter curse and grunt in the back of her mind. She knew he was cuming too. She knew the noises he made when he reached his high too well.  He panted loudly, hoarse moans mixing with soft sighs before silence filled the room. 

"That was perfect, doll. You did so well, baby girl. You made daddy happy." Ella couldn't help but beam with pride. Hearing him praise her that way was the best substitute for physical contact, for after-sex cuddles. 

"Thank you Hunter." Ella said after a few minutes. "I really needed this."

"You're welcome, Bella. I enjoyed it too. Are you relaxed now?" His voice was so tender, his words so caring.  "I am. And with Jax's help I'm gonna make it through this dinner."

"Of course. And whenever his date acts bitchy or nasty just remember that her man ate your pussy today."

****

They arrived on the dot. With the strike of 7 the doorbell rang. "Here we go." Ella looked at Jax, who had come earlier to help her and to calm her down. She took a deep breath. "Let the games begin."

"Yeah… we're gonna rock this, Elsie." They fist bumped and Ella opened the door.

Henry was standing there, larger-than-life, handsome, gorgeous.

"Hi." He said with a sheepish smile.

"Hi, come in." 

Henry entered the room and a pretty blonde followed him. She was a natural beauty, her long, wavy hair had the colour of honey and her eyes were dark brown.

"Ella, this is Kelly." Henry gestured to his date and Ella could tell he was nervous.

"Nice to meet you." She tried her best to give her a sincere smile. Kelly gave her a funny look, she seemed to be surprised for a split second but then she returned Ellas smile and took her hand. "Nice to meet you too, Ella. Finally. Henry's has told me so much about you." 

"Oh...really? Unfortunately I can't say the same about you. So I'm looking forward to getting to know you tonight." Ella gave her another smile. "Kelly, this is Jackson."

"Hi." Jax waved at her with a wink before he greeted Henry with a quick hug and a pat on the shoulder. "Let's sit down and have a drink?" He suggested and Ella was glad he took over as a host.

Half an hour later everything was going pretty well. The first ten minutes were a little awkward but now it was okay. Henry and Jax were talking shop about vintage cars and Kelly seemed to be nice. She was friendly and polite but there was something about her that was odd. Ella couldn't shake off the feeling that she'd met her before, she looked vaguely familiar but Ella couldn't put a finger on it. When Kelly giggled like a silly school girl after Henry had made a joke, realization hit Ella like a punch in the face. Of course she knew her. 

"Jax, could you help me with the appetizers? In the kitchen?" Ella interrupted him mid sentence, when he was just gushing to Henry about some old motorcycle he wanted to restore.

"Um...sure. Now?"

"Yes. Now. Sorry to interrupt you." She gave him and Henry an apologetic shrug and a smile.

"Okay…"

When Jax closed the kitchen door behind them Ella turned to him. She was so pale, Jax got scared she was going to faint.

"Elsie, what the hell? You look white as a sheet. Are you sick?"

"Jax, I know her. I know Kelly." Ella whispered.

"What? How?"

"She's the girl that asked me about Henry's dick at Gianni's. The one who told me she would want him as her sugar daddy."

Jax gasped, staring at Ella flabbergasted. "Fuck. Are you sure?"

"100 percent. She looks different today, much more natural. She was covered in tons of make-up back then and wore stylish and very sexy clothes, so I didn't recognize her right away with her pure-college-girl-look but when she giggled like a child about Henry's stupid joke it dawned on me. I remembered her doing the same when she talked to me in the ladies' room. It's her, without a doubt."

"But how's that possible? They met accidentally on the phone."

"I don't know. Coincidence?"

"What are the odds? Out of all numbers she dials Henry's accidentally? After all she said to you about him being a good catch and such? I think we can rule out that scenario."

"Yeah...maybe you're right. But how did she get his number?"

Jackson looked at Ella with a shrug.

"Do you think she remembers you?"

"No idea. Maybe. She gave me a funny look when they arrived."

"Are you gonna tell Henry?"

"No. I can't. She's gonna deny it and make me look like a jealous bitch. And I can't prove anything. I've never told Henry about the restroom-encounter."

"Right." Jackson started chewing on his lower lip. "Fuck...this really sucks."

"Yeah. Maybe I should talk to her first. Give her a chance to explain."

"Sounds fair. Okay, here's the plan. After dinner I'm going to show Henry my car. I'm here with the vintage Alfa. It's nothing special but he's too polite to say no when I invite him to take a look at it. You stay here with Kelly and roast her."

Ella took a deep breath.

"Okay."

"Yeah?" Jackson gave her a sceptical look.

"Yeah. I'm gonna find out what the bitch is up to. No matter what it takes to get it out of her." Ella was in a fighting mood now and it was showing in her tone. If Kelly was just taking advantage of Henry, if she was a nasty schemer, just wanting him for his money and fame she was going to find out. She wouldn't let Kelly hurt Henry.

"So we're doing this?"

"Absolutely. There'll be be a cold day in hell before I let her fuck Henry over."

Jackson smiled at her and gave her a warm hug.

"That's the spirit!" 

~~~~

tbc

#henry cavill #henry cavill fandom #henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill x ofc #henry cavill smut #friends to lovers #henry cavill rpf #cavillry

[not-so-mundane-after-all]

Alright, so- Inspired by my awesome friend @undertheknightwing who created this AMAZING list of Dad!Dick Grayson headcanons (go check it out!!!) I decided to write down the mess I have in my own head into this giant ball of fluff, humor and angst.

So let me present you:

The Graysonfam List of Headcanons and Analysis

It's a looong ass list of my headcanons, mixed with an analysis of some scenes, looking into the motives and behavior of the characters. It's in more or less chronological order and divides into groups: season 1 (+2x01), the time jump, season 2, season 3 hopes/predictions and future. If you want me to turn any of these into fics or you feel like you could do something with it, just let me know. And now... ENJOY!

SEASON 1:

The first time Dick thinks of Gar and Rachel as his kids happens during the events of 1x08 and 1x10. It's pure instinct and it doesn't come to him until much later when he realizes that not only he thought of them this way but he actually meant it.

When he and Donna start translating Kory's notes and it becomes clear that Rachel might still be in trouble, he's immediately on his feet, asking Donna for the keys to her car and ordering her to take the books with her, so they could continue on the way. He's acting fast, ignoring Donna's questions because there's no time for explanation, my daughter is in danger. He almost says it out loud - almost. 

When Donna tells him the danger clearly comes from Kory, he wants to deny it. Kory adores these kids just as much as he does, she would never hurt them. But he puts his feet on the gas anyway, breaking every speed limit possible, because if one hair falls from Gar's and Rachel's heads, he will burn the world to find the person responsible, even if it's Kory (especially if it's Kory)

When they get there the first thing he sees is Gar being thrown in the air, and his mind short circuits to only one thing: Gar, my boy, my son. Is he okay? Thankfully Donna takes care of the rest so he's free to take care of the boy. He pulls him up, holding him tight by the shoulders and makes sure he's okay, but the words 'my son' are still circling his mind.

Speaking of Donna - when Dick starts telling her about Rachel the first time, she wants to cry from happiness. Over these past five years all she saw in Dick's eyes was pain and suffering. A storm of bottled up emotions, raging monsters of anger ready to get out. His body looked weighed down, as if he was Atlas holding the world on his shoulders. And now he's talking about this little girl who threw a brick at a cop car in Detroit and his eyes start to shine as if they were stars in the night sky. His smile grows when he brags about how smart and witty she is, how she's more intelligent than she gives herself credit for, how similar the two of them are. He talks about her bravery and her big heart and he sounds so damn proud Donna's heart is about to burst out of her chest. "I thought I couldn't do it." he tells her. "I fucked up so many times. But she had awakened something in me. I just can't describe it." She can but she doesn't say it - he needs to get to it on his own. (Over a year later, when the girl who turned her brother's world upside down tries to guide her back to the light through the darkness of afterlife, Donna finally says "I always knew he'd be a great father someday. You have no idea how much he loves you." "He told you that?" Rachel asks quietly, trying to hold back her tears. Donna looks at her and smiles. "He didn't have to. I saw it in his eyes.")

Then Dick gets to the part about finding Rachel's mother and suddenly something changes. He's trying to seem like he's happy for her, he says he's glad everything ended well and now Rachel can start a new life but Donna sees right through his facade. He thinks he can't be a part of this new life and it's killing him.

Which brings me to something very important I've noticed a long time ago - Angela's presence makes Dick hold himself back. That's why he decided to leave - Rachel had her mother back, a guardian who could take care of her from now on so he wasn't needed anymore. His job was done. But at this point he's already too attached to just leave like that and when he learns that danger isn't over he comes back immediately. But when he gets there he's met with a wall. Angela is very territorial (we all know why but Dick didn't know that) and Rachel is too overwhelmed by everything but let's be real - if Angela wasn't there Dick would be hovering over Rachel like crazy. But he doesn't. Why? Because he thinks it's not his place to do so. It's easier to go after Kory than to just be standing there awkwardly, wanting to help and comfort but not being able to.

He remembers everything Trigon put him through - every fucking detail. There is some stuff from the vision he wants to laugh at - Him and Dawn? Married? Maybe once upon a time he entertained that thought but he abandoned it long ago. There are things he's actually grateful for - seeing Gar and Rachel as they could be in the future, grown up, in college, happy. That's the one thing he doesn't want to forget. And Johnny - he doesn't want to forget Johnny either. 

His mind was sort of awake, in two places at once, even though he didn't have any control over his body. He remembers chasing the kids around the house, Gar screaming "Real life horror movie!" as he and Rachel tried to run away from him. He remembers Rachel pleading with him when the others were beating the poor boy. He wanted to respond, wanted to let her know he can hear her but he couldn't do anything. He watched helplessly as his own hand pulled Gar up and finished what others started. He screamed and shouted but it was in vain. And then he cried and howled like a wolf watching as Trigon ripped Rachel's heart from her chest and crushed it in his hand, then placed the red gemstone in her forehead. He remembers her dark eyes and evil smirk. He remembers thinking it was over, feeling heartbroken and defeated. He gave up, let the darkness swallow him whole. He didn't want to see more, it was easier locking himself up in this vision because he knew Bruce laying dead in rubble wasn't real. And then she came to him. Back straight and head held high, piercing blue eyes locked on him. He remembers his tone when he spoke to her, taunting and dangerous but it didn't scare her. "We're supposed to save each other" she told him and he wanted to cry but Trigon had him wrap his fingers around her throat and choke her - another thing he would never do. He would never lay a damn finger on her and Trigon was well aware of that. But Rachel knew that too. And she wasn't scared. 

He remembers the circus she brought him into. Empty stage, broken chairs scattered everywhere. He never wanted to come back here. And even though his body stood there motionless he was trashing inside, wanting to get out of here but more importantly wanting to get her out of here. Seeing Rachel on that platform, ready to jump, it was too much. He couldn't lose her, like he lost his parents. He didn't catch them but he sure as hell was going to catch her. So when she fell - he snapped. Got the control back, his muscles acted on memory and he jumped. He flew like he used to and wrapped his fingers around her wrists, holding her tight. He caught her. He would always catch her.

When they wake up all he wants to do is hold her. Relief almost sends him to his knees. But then Gar walks in, all bloody and bruised and all that relief turns into freezing agony and guilt. I did this, he thinks. It's my fault. But there is no time for apologies or explanation, Trigon is still there. Letting Rachel go deal with him on her own is hard but Dick knows she could do it - and she did. Seeing her walking out of that fog is one of the most beautiful views he saw in his life. And when he finally takes her into his arms he doesn't let go until Kory basically rips her out of his embrace.

He wants Kory to go with them. Kids need her. His idea of giving Gar and Rachel a new life included her. Included both of them, taking care of the kids together. Things between them are tangled and complicated but one thing that is neither of those things is their attachment to these two. But Kory just got her memories back, she has her own issues to deal with, she needs time and space - and he respects that, so do Gar and Rachel. But Dick would be lying if he said he didn't notice their disappointment.

The first day of their roadtrip across the country is quiet - mostly because they are all so goddamn tired. Dick pulls up to a motel before dark, deciding that the more sleep they get the better. They pick two rooms next to each other, Jason and Gar in one, he and Rachel in the other. Rachel immediately vanishes in the bathroom, so Dick has time to sit down and think (as if he wasn't doing it the entire day while driving). An idea is shaping in his head, memories of a beloved city in sunny California come to the surface of his mind and he knows this is where he wants to take the kids. But he has to make a stop at Gotham first, he needs to talk to Bruce and most importantly return Jason home. Rachel walks out of the bathroom in fresh clothes Donna left for her and crawls into bed without a word. He takes his time to tuck her in, then sits down on the edge of her bed. She's beyond exhausted, but she's safe, she's with him, everything will be alright. He will never let anyone take her away from him again. And when he's watching her fall asleep, holding her hand in his, three words come to his mind, words he's not ready to say aloud yet but he knows them to be true. I love you.

THE TIME JUMP:

Physical affection is something I think the show is pretty good at showing but I still crave to see more. It's clear that Dick struggles to be affectionate, whether that be through words or touch. And he doesn't even realize he's actually very good at it. Why? Because whenever he does it, he's acting on instinct. The biggest proof? All his hugs with Rachel in s1. Boy had no idea what to do, it was written on his face, but his arms went up nonetheless. He didn't freeze, he didn't push her away, but reacted accordingly. The hugs in 1x02 and 1x04 are the only ones he initiated on his own, but he still wasn't sure if he's doing it right. As the show went on he slowly eased into it, but was still taken by surprise when it happened (1x08, the first hug in 2x01). By the end of 2x01 he seems to be pretty comfortable with it but I think it's during the time jump when he really starts to understand the importance and power of physical affection and how these kids really need it. The pat he gave Gar on the shoulder in 2x03 or their hug in 2x09 felt really natural, same as the goodbye hug with Rachel in 2x13. All three of them got comfortable with each other during those first three months in SF. Which leads me to…

Cuddle sessions. Yes, this is definitely a thing at Titans Tower (*cough*Grayson*cough*household*cough). It starts that first night when Dick, Rachel, Gar and Jason gather on the couch to watch a movie. Rachel lays down and rests her head on Dick's thigh while Gar settles comfortably on his other side. Dick has no idea when it happened but he freezes for a moment when he realizes his hand is on Rachel's head, fingers carding through her hair. The girl seems to be asleep already but stirs when he stops and asks him to continue, so he does. Soon after that Gar's head lands on his shoulder as the boy starts nodding off. The sudden contact wakes him up and he pulls away awkwardly, apologizing but Dick tells him it's okay so Gar leans back against him. The feeling of having the two of them so close brings a sense of calm to Dick and soon he falls asleep as well. He wakes up in the morning with the two teenagers basically laying on top of him and Jason standing over them with a smirk and a phone in his hand.

After that it sort of becomes a thing and not just during movies. Whenever Dick sits down on the couch, whether to work or to simply relax, Gar or Rachel (or both) would find him and snuggle to him, at first hesitantly, but with more confidence as the time passes and they get comfortable with it. After three months of living together all Dick has to do is pat the spot next to him for them to jump on the couch and cuddle up, tho Rachel is the one who does it most often and with no hesitation.

Dick very quickly starts understanding how important it is for them so he starts returning the favor. A good job pat on the shoulder during training, a kiss dropped on the top of the head during breakfast, a comforting shoulder rub when they aren't feeling well, emotionally or physically. Gar loves when Dick ruffles his hair, he even leans into it sometimes, while Rachel's favorite things are forehead kisses and tucking her hair behind her ear (but neither of them would ever say that out loud)

Words are as important as gestures, which brings us to affectionate pet names. It feels normal and almost ordinary when it comes from a woman - Rachel has been called 'honey' by Melisa and 'sweetheart' by Dawn but she wasn't phased by it. But when Dick calls her 'honey' for the first time, she nearly drops her coffee mug. It comes out so naturally and he doesn't even realize he said it, but it takes her breath away and she needs a moment to collect herself. With Gar it's usually 'Bud', 'Buddy', or 'Tiger Boy' spoken affectionately and he's always beaming with happiness when he hears Dick saying that.

One night, shortly after Trigon, Rachel slips into his bedroom in the middle of the night, saying she can't sleep. The memories are too vivid, too real. Her lips are trembling and she looks like she's about to fall apart and that's all it takes for Dick to sit up, open his arms for her and with full awareness and conviction say "come here, baby girl". She falls asleep snuggled to his bare chest and Dick feels his throat getting dangerously tight. He'd seen many times, mostly on TV, images of parents holding their babies to their bare skin - something about creating a bond through skin-to-skin contact. He was never able to wrap his head around this concept, but now, as he feels Rachel's cheek pressed to his heart, her hand closed in his resting on his stomach, the understanding hits him like a speeding train, pushing a tear or two out of his eyes. It's something indescribable, feels profound and almost sacred. The love he feels in this moment is overwhelming.

Gar has nightmares too, he usually wakes up screaming. It scares Dick at first, how he reacts, because the boy pulls away, wide eyed and shaking, and doesn't want to be touched. Guilt overwhelms Dick because he's sure it's because of him, because of what he did to Gar while being under Trigon's control. He tries to apologize and Gar accepts it but explains to him that his nightmares are not Dick's fault and they are not even about that (Dick can feel the boy is lying for both of their sakes but lets him anyway). It takes a few tries and lots of pleading and building trust but one night Gar finally falls into Dick's arms, sobbing into his shoulder. He pulls the boy close, runs his fingers through his hair just like Gar likes it and whispers "it's okay, my little boy." over and over again until Gar's body goes limp in his hold and he can put him back to sleep. Neither of them mentions it in the morning, but Gar gives him a look full of gratitude, filling his heart with warmth.

One evening during their first week in SF they organise a 'bonding night' - Gar's idea. There's take out and board games and staying up all night, talking. At some point one of them suggests sharing any hidden talents (besides superpowers of course) and details no one knows about them. Jason admits to being a theatre nerd ("it's thespian you idiots!") and proves it by flawlessly rapping verses from Hamilton. Gar thanks to travelling with his parents can fluently speak few African languages, he also shares that during his time at the Doom Manor Rita taught him the basics of playing piano. When it's Dick's turn he gets up from the couch and vanishes for a few minutes, but eventually comes back with a guitar, saying he had learned to play during his circus days, but hadn't done it in a while so he might be a little rusty. He plays a few cords, trying to spark his memory and when the notes finally come to him, a beautiful melody fills the room (I always imagine it's Viva la Vida by Coldplay). And suddenly this melody is joined by an angelic voice - Rachel closes her eyes and starts singing quietly, recognizing the song. She only opens her eyes when she's finished and finds the three of them looking at her in absolute awe, Dick's eyes seem to be a bit watery. She gets a bit embarrassed and says it's nothing but they start cheering and clapping anyway. Gar asks her where did she learn to sing like that and she admits she used to sing in a church choir when she was little, but had to quit after her powers started showing. The night ends with a little jam session and lots of laughing.

Gar and Rachel grew up on golden era of Disney Channel shows (Jason knows them too but he'd rather be tortured than ever admit that) and once the news is out Dick is forced to sit through the entire run of Wizards of Waverly Place. But watching Rachel flawlessly impersonate the main character Alex, knowing every line word for word makes him grin like a madman and laugh so hard his stomach hurts and tears roll down his cheeks. He pulls her to him and she falls on him in a fit of uncontrollable giggles while Gar and Jason give her a standing ovation.

SEASON 2:

While hanging out together is important, Dick also makes sure he gets to spend some time with each of them separately. With Jason it's mostly through training - the boy isn't very keen on spending one-on-one quality time outside of the gym, but prides himself to be Dick's right hand man during lessons, having more experience over the other two. With Gar it's video games most of the time - Dick learned to play specifically for him and actually started paying attention to gaming lore. But it's not just that - Gar has a talent to anything tied to technology so they spend a lot of time together in the tech room where the boy learns to operate the Tower system. It brings both of them a lot of joy. Rachel, as the only girl in their little family, often needs some time away from the boys, so Dick takes her on walks in the mornings or a drive around the city, shows her his favorite coffee shop which soon becomes their favorite spot. They talk about everything and nothing, because conversations were the thing that brought them so close in the first place, and it just feels good. 

Rachel also loves spending time with him in the tech room - but not like Gar, she's not learning to run it (although she picked up a thing or two) but she's simply there to keep Dick company while he works (can he even call that work if he hasn't been officially working as a detective for quite a while now? Not to mention his resignation has been sent to Detroit the day they arrived in SF). She brings him coffee or snacks, stands behind his chair with her arms around his neck, observing whatever he's doing (and asking lots of questions) or simply sits in the other swiveling chair, drawing in her sketchbook or turning around so many times Dick starts to worry she's gonna get dizzy. He asks her one time if she's not bored sitting here with him but she just shrugs and says she'd rather be here than anywhere else and his heart grows tenfold as he smiles at her

So remember how Rachel lost control and attacked Jason in 2x03? And how Jason shouted "Stay away from me you fucking freak!" right in her face? And how Dick walks in like 3 seconds later asking if everything's okay and the tension is HIGH??? Well, he might have not seen what happened, but he definitely HEARD the full thing, he was within the hearing range. The fact that he didn't attack Jason immediately is really impressive, if this was s1!Dick - Jason would be on the floor right now, probably with a swollen eye and few broken bones. But here Dick is trying to play it smart and investigate. If it wasn't for dr Light he would probably get to the bottom of this and had a conversation with both Jason and Rachel. I'm thinking of writing a one-shot AU where he actually does it (mostly thanks to Gar who is a terrible liar when caught of guard)

When the last cab drives away and the Tower becomes empty, save for him, Gar and that boy in the infirmary, Dick does not leave to meet with Adeline immediately - he goes to Rachel's room and starts scrubbing it clean from all the crosses painted all over the place. His eyes are burning, the bile in his throat is the size of a tennis ball but he doesn't allow himself to cry. At some point Gar joins him and wordlessly starts helping him. It takes them a little over an hour and when it's done they both drop down on her bed, sitting shoulder to shoulder. "She'll be back." Gar tells him. "I'm not so sure." Dick replies, not looking at the boy. Gar puts a hand on his shoulder. "She will. You just wanted to protect us. Deep down she knows that, she's just angry." Dick knows Gar's reasoning is valid, but looking at his own reflection in the broken mirror he can't help but think that in the long run Rachel will be better off without him. They will all be better off without him.

It's not until his first night in prison that Dick starts to regret his decision to cast himself away. He wakes up in the middle of the night with tears in his eyes, his mind still reeling from dreams of Gar and Rachel seven years in the future. They were adults, happy and independent - that's good, right? That's what he always wanted for them. But his tears start to fall when it comes to him, hitting him like a wrecking ball, that spending 7 years behind bars means he won't be able to see them grow up. Something like a panic attack comes next and he is barely able to pull himself out of it. He's suddenly overwhelmed by questions. My kids… will they be okay? Is Kory back at the Tower or is Gar still alone? What is he gonna do when that strange boy wakes up? Was there any food in the fridge when I left? I left Gar some money, but still… God, and Rachel! She has never been on a plane before, what if she gets scared and her powers start acting out? What if she gets night terrors again? Will Donna know what to do? His head is spinning, these thoughts are suffocating him. Only a breathing exercise Bruce had taught him years ago is able to help, but it takes longer than usual. Dick doesn't sleep for the rest of the night.

He's not sure how but when Dick sees a bird in a window of his cell, he knows it's no ordinary bird. It's a raven. It's her. He gets up on his feet despite his knees being weak and wobbly and he smiles, grins like an idiot as he calls out to her. Because it has to be her, right? But all hope leaves him when the creature flies up again with a croak and disappears from his sight, leaving him alone. Dick drops to his knees, feeling more exhausted than ever and curls on the floor, his body shaking from shivers. No one is coming. He brought it on himself. He is forgotten already. But then he hears quiet tapping and something nudges his hand. He opens one eye only to look right into a ruby red one. The bird is here, inside, right in front of his face. It flaps its wings and its feathers turns into dark smoke for a moment. "Rachel…" He breathes out, holding to his last shreds of consciousness. The raven lowers its head, snuggling it to his forehead and before Dick passes out again he hears three words said by this quiet, angelic voice he loves so much: Don't give up.

When they bring Donna back to the Tower and lay her down in the infirmary Dick feels empty and overflowed at the same time. He goes to strip off his new suit and change into something more comfortable but it's a struggle when his hands are shaking so much. He goes back to infirmary and passes by Dawn in the doorway, who walks out of the room with Donna's Wonder Girl belt in hand, not even lifting her eyes up at him. He closes the door and sits down, taking Donna's hand in his but he is able to sit there for only ten minutes before the feeling of her hand growing cold in his makes him want to run away. He makes his way back to his room but takes a step back when he notices two colorful heads in the training room. Gar and Rachel are sitting on one of the benches with their backs to him, talking quietly. Gar is hunched over and Rachel has her arm around him and her head on his shoulder. The sight makes Dick's throat tight. He walks up to them quietly and they only notice him when he's standing in front of them. They simultaneously lift their heads up, showing him their red, swollen from crying eyes and his heart can't take it anymore. He falls to his knees in front of them. "I'm here." he whispers as he takes their hands in his. "I'm right here." he whispers again and his voice breaks. Suddenly two sets of arms are wrapped around him when both Gar and Rachel throw themselves at him, sobbing into his shoulders. He holds them tight, kisses their heads and lets his own tears fall into their hair as he keeps promising them he is not leaving them ever again. 

SEASON 3 HOPES/PREDICTIONS:

First few weeks without Donna and Rachel are absolute torture. Grief is normal, he's been through it before, it's nothing new (maybe more painful and guilt-ridden than he ever experienced). But not having Rachel around and how it impacts him on day-to-day basis after spending every day with her for the past few months is something totally new and unexpected and Dick is pretty sure he's never felt like this before. He's overprotective to the point of being overbearing and Gar points that out to him numerous times. He keeps making her breakfast, forgetting she's not gonna show up in the kitchen when the clock strikes 9 am. He keeps looking into her room like he's expecting to find her there. He constantly checks his phone as if she were able to call from Themyscira, where there's no signal, let alone phones. "Is it what sending your kid out to college feels like?" Hank asks him one evening and Dick almost chokes on his beer. Gar laughs so hard he falls off his chair. 

Rachel does everything she can to not cry in front of Dick when they say goodbye to each other but the moment the plane is in the air, she breaks. It was one of the hardest decisions she ever had to make and seeing Dick so broken definitely didn't help. But she has to at least try to bring Donna back, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself otherwise. So she gets herself together and keeps telling herself to be brave. For Dick. For Donna. For her family.

Gar becomes the center of family's attention and he can't say he doesn't love it. That spot always belonged to Rachel after all, but he was never jealous, nor he resented her for that. She totally deserved it and she can take the spot back when she returns (but he's never gonna let her get away with not saying goodbye to him). He's the 'A-Student' now during training, Dick is putting some extra work to make sure he learns as much as he can. Kory helps him a lot with the trauma CADMUS gave him and works with him on the development of his powers. He tries turning into other animals and after a month of struggling he finally turns into a mouse. Kory walks with him sitting on his shoulder around the whole Tower like the proudest mama in the galaxy and Dick's beaming with pride for the entire week. 

After Dick's off-hand comment that Rachel is missing on so much Gar starts to record vlogs on his phone about what's happening at the Titans Tower so Rachel can watch it and catch up when she's back. The material he gets is pure gold and even when others beg him to delete it, he refuses saying this is too good to be destroyed. 

The day before Rachel's first attempt at resurrection she uses a freshly learned trick to come to Dick in his dream. They meet on the beach she's currently on, meditating. Seeing him for the first time in three months makes her want to cry but she promised herself to be strong so he wouldn't worry and she holds her tears at bay. She falls into his arms with the brightest smile and burrows her face in his chest. He's holding her tight, asking if everything is okay and she nods, not quite trusting her voice at the moment. "I can't keep you here for long, but I needed to see you." she tells him. She's not sharing any details about her plan, the less he knows the better, but he begs her to be careful and stop if it turns out to be too much for her. Dick pulls her to him one last time before she has to serve the connection and presses his lips to her forehead. "I love you." he whispers and she closes her eyes, hugging him tighter. "Come home soon." "I love you, too. And I will."

To find Donna's soul Rachel needs to go to The Underworld, which is a dark, scary place (well, for the most part). The search is difficult and the journey ahead of her is long. On her way she meets other people, souls who sometimes want to help her, sometimes otherwise. She sees Adamson and all the people who were after her, drowning in a river of fire, calling for help. One hand grabs her by the ankle and Rachel looks down right into the hollow eyes of her birth mother. She struggles to set herself free from Angela's hold but eventually the creepy hand lets go of her and Rachel runs away. Not all the meetings are painful though. She gets to see Melisa again - she tells her about Dick and Gar and Kory and everything that happened. "I found him, mom. I found the boy from the circus." she says and they both start to cry. Melisa tells her how proud she is and lets her continue her journey. But the most surprising meeting happens right before the end. Rachel knows their faces only from her dream and the blurry videos she found online. But the resemblance to Dick is undeniable - he has his mother's eyes, his father's hair. Mary Grayson takes her into her arms with tears in her eyes, saying how happy she is to finally meet her. They chat for a while, laugh and cry together like they've known each other their whole lives. "He's so lucky to have you." John tells her. "Tell him we're proud of him." Mary asks her when she is about to leave. "And come back to him in one piece." Rachel nods, holding back tears. "I will, I promise." 

When Rachel arrives at Wayne Manor it's already dark outside. A black car pulls in the driveway. Dick, Kory and Gar are waiting by the main entrance and when the car stops they approach it and Dick opens the door. Rachel is sleeping in the backseat with her head falling on her shoulder and the view is so beautiful and adorable that Dick stops for a moment to just look at her with a dreamy smile on his face. He lifts his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and leans in whispering "welcome back, sweetheart". She smiles without opening her eyes and instantly lifts her arms to wrap them around his neck. They both laugh as he pulls her out the car. She steps away from him for a moment to hug Gar and Kory but sticks herself back to his side immediately after. Gar takes her bag and the car drives away while the 4 of them head towards the door.

She failed (or at least she thinks she failed) and that first night back she cries her eyes out into Dick's chest, apologizing over and over again. "It's okay, honey." he tells her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Remember what I told you back at the airport? No matter how strong we are, we-" "We can't always change the world." she finishes for him and smiles through her tears. "I know. I've had those words in the back of my head every day." They lay in silence for the next few minutes, Dick's hand slowly stroking Rachel's hair. She hesitates a bit but then starts telling him about meeting his parents. He smiles at her through tears. "I'm so proud of you." he whispers. "You've grown so much. You're so strong. Going away was a good decision, it gave you skills and experience you wouldn't have gotten here. But now I'm just glad I have you back. I was worried sick." Rachel smiles into his chest. "I'm not going anywhere again."

As happy as Dick is to have her back, some part of him wishes Rachel stayed longer on Themyscira. Everything that's happening in Gotham is making him consider sending her and Gar away to some place safe and hidden, The Justice League has a lot of those. But his kids are Titans - they both remind him of that. "You didn't train us to hide." she tells him. "We can handle this." Gar adds. And Dick believes them. And he's so proud his heart can barely take it.

Donna's return comes as a shock to everyone - Hank brings her to the Wayne Manor one day, saying they bumped into each other at some restaurant in the city. "How-" Rachel asks with eyes opened wide in disbelief. Donna smiles at her. "I don't know. I got lost, but… I found my way back somehow." Dick slowly walks up to her, his eyes welling up with tears. "But the spell-" "It worked." Donna explains. "It just needed more time." After that he sweeps her into his arms and extends his hand to Rachel to pull her in as well. He holds them both as close as he can, kissing their heads and swears to himself to never lose either of them again.

FUTURE:

Thoughts about adoption appear in Dick's mind more or less when he brings Gar and Rachel to San Francisco, but they are more of an abstract dream than something that could be real. But as the time goes on those thoughts become more and more solidified and are too big to be ignored. He finally decides to talk to someone about it and that someone is Dawn, mostly because they've had this kind of conversation before. "It's a big responsibility - taking her in. But taking care of a kid is complicated, you know that better than anyone." These words stay with him every day, that's why he goes to her. He struggles to say what he wants to say but she understands and hugs him with tears in her eyes saying she knew he'd do it sooner or later and that she couldn't be happier for him. She helps him with paperwork and prepares him for meetings. He breaks the news to the kids the moment everything is ready. They're suspicious of the 'gifts' he hands them since it's neither's birthday today and there's no holiday. They share a curious glance as they rip off the shiny gift paper to reveal two folders of documents (while Dick almost dies from anticipation and nerves). Gar is the first one to react - his lips slowly stretch into the biggest grin imaginable. "For real? Are you serious? This is real stuff?" his voice grows louder and more excited with each following question and Dick can't help but laugh. Rachel stays quiet though. She stares at the papers in her hands with her brows furrowed. Seconds pass and she's not moving. It's like she's not even breathing. "Rachel?" Kory asks quietly, taking a step her way. And then the floodgates open. Rachel's face twists into a grimace as she starts sobbing uncontrollably. She covers her mouth with her hand to muffle it but there's no use. Dick walks up to her, terrified he did something wrong but then she throws herself into his arms, repeating "thank you" and "I love you" over and over again. Dick pulls Gar to him as well and hugs them both. "You're my kids." He whispers to them. "I love you more than anything in the world. And nothing will ever change that." By the time of Rachel's 16th birthday she and Gar are officially Graysons.

Dick and Kory get married the following year. It's a glamorous but small ceremony with reception held at the Wayne Manor. For the months leading to the big day the kids (with the help of the entire team and few other people) prepare something very special - and the idea comes from Uncle Clay. Turns out Clay, as the closest friend of Dick's parents, owns a small storage unit where he keeps some of the stuff from the circus, including personal things - like a box of journals of Mary Grayson, who had been writing them since she was a child. Clay tells Gar and Rachel a story about how Mary used to write poetry which then she turned into songs and sometimes performed them at the circus. He even still has some of her stage outfits. The three of them get the idea that Gar and Rachel should look through tapes with her performances and pick one song to sing together at the wedding - and that's what they do. They find a beautiful ballad where Clay accompanied Mary on the piano (he teaches Gar how to play it) and in secret the team prepares the whole show. The performance happens during the Bride and Groom's first dance. Gar enters the stage in a tuxedo, says a few words and starts playing. Dick and Kory start dancing slowly but stop for a moment when he starts singing the first verse. They have no idea what's coming next. Rachel, in Mary's dress stands in the crowd surrounding the couple. Hank comes to stand behind her and secretly puts a microphone in her hand. She comes in for the second verse of the song and that's when Dick and Kory stop dancing completely, too surprised to move. They watch in absolute awe as Rachel joins her brother on stage and they finish the song together. When Dick realizes he actually remembers this song from his childhood and that the dress Rachel is wearing belonged to his mother he breaks down in tears. After the song is over the kids join their parents on the dancefloor for a bone-crushing group hug (and to help you imagine this even better this is the song I imagine them singing)

The day Rachel and Gar get their college acceptance letters is one of the most stressful days in their lives. They're in the Tower's kitchen, both holding the envelopes in their hands, afraid to open them. "What are you guys waiting for? Open it!" Kory encourages them. They agree to do it on three. Dick holds his breath, gripping tight his wife's hand. The kids read the letters, fully focused. There's a stretching moment of silence, and then… "I got in!" "Me too!" A lot of screaming and laughing and jumping around happens afterwards, but even in the chaos of all of that Dick can feel a burning knot tightening in his stomach.

And I thought sending Rachel to Themyscira was hard, Dick thinks when they drop Gar and Rachel off at college on their first day. Thankfully it's the same college, but it's in Chicago and it's still half a country away from home. He's not sure how many times he checked already if they have everything they need, if they haven't forgotten to pack something, if they are absolutely sure they know their schedule and so on. Kory, standing next to him with her hands on her growing belly, laughs at him fussing over them. Gar and Rachel just smile and nod, seeing how stressed he is. Yes, Dad, we're sure we have everything. Yes, we checked. Of course we'll call. Yes, Dad. Okay, Dad - and so on. At some point they all start laughing at the ridiculousness of it all but suddenly Dick is getting choked up. His two little birds are leaving the nest and he should be handling it better than he does. Seeing him clearlyon the edge of falling apart Gar and Rachel give him a tight hug. "I'm sorry." he says. "I'm just trying to let you go a little. Let you grow up." "It's that hard?" Rachel asks him and he looks at her - tall, beautiful, confident, brave and smart. Perfect. But he also still sees that little kid he met in Detroit. "It can't be that hard." Gar adds and for a moment when Dick looks at him he thinks he's seeing double - the young, handsome and courageous man who is standing in front of him now and that overexcited cheerful kid who joined them on their little road trip. "It's impossible." Dick tells them, pulling them back into another hug. "It's fucking impossible." Soon they have to go or they will be late for their classes and Dick and Kory are left alone on the campus. "They'll be okay." his wife tells him. He has to swallow down a bile in his throat and push back some tears before answering. "I know."

Oh and remember Dick's old silver Porsche? The one he traded for a minivan? Yeah, he got it back (don't ask him how). Rachel owns it now. Graduation present. And don't worry about Gar, he's got his car too. Grandpa Bruce got him his dream ride.

Woah... This turned out WAAAAAAAAAY longer than I thought it would be. If you made it this far (and even if you didn't) I hope you enjoyed.

#dc titans #titans #dcu titans #titans season 3 #dick grayson #rachel roth #kory anders #garfield logan #donna troy #titans netflix #titans season 1 #titans season 2

[fallenrepublick]

JUNE I HAVE AN IDEA AHH AND I CAN'T MOVE ON FROM IT TIL I BLURT IT OUT

Chiss triangle because you already know the game

We know the drill: you're with Thrawn, he's with you, Thrass wishes he was with you, you care for Thrass, and Thrawn isn't thrilled by whatever Thrass has got going on for you.

On some level, Thrass understands what he feels isn't ideal. Not that he's ashamed of loving you, no, just the opposite - He's afraid of loving you so much that it will forever impact his life negatively, knowing he might never get to be with you and feeling his heart break every time you and Thrawn accomplish another milestone together. It's not like he can take himself out of the picture since he's family, and essentially in charge of making sure Thrawn stays in line as far as work is concerned, nor would he want to. Any time with you is better than none at all. Still, he knows it would be best to at least try to move on from these feelings. He knows he'd die for you, but if he's ever going to be there for anyone, he needs to keep himself in check.

So, he decides to date around in his own circles, a little embarrassed by the fact that at one time he'd have any of these women on his arm just for appearance's sake, to compliment his own career. It would be hard to transition back to the same mindset he had before he fell in love with you, but for both your sakes, he was willing to try. He meets a fellow politician who seems nice enough - she's poised, elegant, intelligent, and knows what she wants. In the eyes of the Ascendancy, they'd be an ideal couple. That's good enough for him, he guesses.

Things go relatively well during the first month of their Chiss-typical courtship, and a family dinner is arranged with you and Thrawn. He knows he doesn't love her yet, and maybe he never would, but maybe this step was necessary to finally start breaking free. He doesn't mention much about you to her out of fear that she'd pick up on his feelings for you, so he doesn't say much other than you're his brother's significant other and what your profession is. In doing so, he neglects to mention that you're human.

The first thing she does upon seeing you is laugh into her palm and whisper to Thrass, "Is this some kind of joke?" to which he replies, "What are you talking about?" and she quickly realizes it isn't. How how the mighty Mitth have fallen, to allow their members to bring home trash from lesser space. It was unthinkable. She doesn't care to hide the mild distain on her face during the introductions, which doesn't go unnoticed by any of you, however, her snide remarks throughout the entire night indicated that didn't matter to her.

Thrass's brows knit tighter and tighter with every passing minute, seeing that although you're defending yourself quite well and minding your manners, her sharp words are subtly affecting you. Everything boils over for him when she shifts all her attention on Thrawn and asks him how you two met. He calmly tells the story, all but unaware of her politically-attuned reasons for asking, and she hums in response. "I see. If I may ask, is that even allowed?" She glares at you as though you were roadkill in a dress, not hiding her disgust in the slightest, "Does she have all her shots? Do you keep her indoors?"

Thrass bangs his fist on the table and immediately rises up from his seat, shooting a death glare her way when he asks her for a word in private. As they leave, you let out a sigh and lower your head.

"I'm going to excuse myself to the balcony," you whisper to Thrawn.

"Would you like me to join you?" he asks with a knowing care in his voice, and you agree to abscond with him. He wraps you lightly in his arms once you're both situated on a bench, ready to listen to your heart's concerns.

"I can't believe Thrass would fall for someone like that," you begin, "I really thought he was more..."

"Selective?" Thrawn guessed, and you nodded. He holds you a little closer, "Perhaps. My guess is that he wasn't aware of her prejudices. If my intuition is correct, she was mainly a distraction for him."

"A distraction?"

He raises a subtle eyebrow at you and smiles, charmed by your naivety. "In any case, I doubt we'll be seeing her again."

Before you can inquire further, Thrass steps out onto the balcony disheveled and alone. He looks to you and Thrawn, who gets up and whispers once he's at Thrass's ear, "You can apologize to me by covering dinner. You'll have to suffer more than that for her."

Thrass shoves his paycard into Thrawn's already-open palm and responds with a solemn look as if to say "I know" before Thrawn exits back through the corridor. Your eyes meet, and he moves to stand at your side, the epitome of guilt.

"I don't-, I'm so-, I can't believe-," he sighs, finally getting a grip on himself, "I apologize for everything you endured tonight. I never would have brought her had I known she'd be such a-"

"It's okay, Thrass," you interrupt calmly, "Really. I'm used to it."

The implications of your words melted his countenance into something pitiful, the realization that this wasn't a new occurrence for you breaking his heart. It didn't really occur to him that you likely were faced with disapproving looks and snarky comments nearly every day you interacted with the Chiss, since he himself had never seen you as anything less than perfect. He sat down at your side, taking your hand cautiously in his.

"You didn't deserve that. ____, I want you to know that I've never in my life thought of you as..." he let his thought get lost, making himself aware of what was appropriate to say, "I think you're wonderful. Please don't let what you heard tonight give you a bad impression of me, because I-"

You brought the back of his hand to your lips and gave it a quick kiss, charmed at how dumbfounded he suddenly became. "I know, Thrass. Thank you for being, well, you. I really appreciate it."

His eyes lit up, a feeling of relief washing over him. "You forgive me?"

"Of course," you answered, pulling him into a hug. He tentatively rested a hand on your back, thinking of a way to break the silence once it had dragged on a little too long, before he'd become a little too comfortable and say something he couldn't take back, but you beat him to the punch as you pulled away.

"So, what did you say to her?"

He stroked the back of his neck nervously. "Uh, nothing that bears repeating."

"Oof, that bad?"

He chuckled, remembering the heated argument from only minutes before. That beautiful human is the love of my life, and I'll sooner destroy you before you even look at her ever again. That, coupled with plenty of insults and expletives. "Yeah. Needless to say, we broke up."

Your expression was thoughtful for a moment. "I'd say I'm sorry, but... I'm not." You smiled, relieved when he returned it with glee. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he replied, "it's you I was more worried about."

He squeezed your hand, which hadn't left his the entire time, and you gave a reassuring squeeze back. A certain tension started to fill the air, and before you could acknowledge it, the sound of Thrawn clearing his throat from behind the both of you shook you out of it.

"I believe you have an early appointment tomorrow, Thrass."

He shuffled back onto his feet, backing away until he had both of you in view. "You're right. I suppose I should get going. Please enjoy the rest of your evening."

With that, he reverently gave a slight bow and strode out the way that Thrawn had stealthily came. You lover came and took the recently vacant seat next to you, setting an ornamentally-wrapped box between you both.

"What's that?" you asked.

"Dessert," Thrawn replied smugly, "courtesy of my brother."

You chuckled, leaning back into your rightful place in his arm. "You forgot to return his paycard."

"Did I?" He wondered aloud with no small amount of feinged surprise, holding it out in front of him. "Shame. I don't suppose there are any productions you've been wanting to see? Perhaps any jewelry you've been admiring?"

You gave him a good-natured slap on his wrist as you smiled. "I'm fine with dessert."

"As you wish, my love."

He was going to surprise you with something, anyway. Something expensive. It was the least Thrass could do, after all.

OHOHOH WAIT BUT THERE’S MORE

Think about it a second, do you really think that woman’s going to let Thrass get away with something like that? Chiss pride is a dangerous thing, and when crossed, can be fickle and vile to its victims.

And here, Thrass has crossed what he is soon made to regret. The woman goes to Thrawn, who’s obviously less than pleased to interact with her, but lets her speak regardless.

She tells him what Thrass said, everything so accurate to his personality, so reflective of how Thrawn knows him. Though her bitter demeanor gives him pause, he knows when someone is lying, and this... wasn’t it. The more the words circle around his head, the more he hates the knowledge that Thrass still can’t get over it.

It’s not his fault entirely. More often than not, it’s difficult to deny such strong feelings. And really, Thrawn has to at least give Thrass credit for trying. But that doesn’t change the fact that this ordeal may have only made it worse.

But Thrawn doesn’t tell you what his brother said, more for his own sake than Thrass’s, and only wants him to hurry up and seek out another distraction before he makes him. As long as he stays in a constant state of concern for himself, he won’t have the energy to pursue you. Thrawn’s certain of it.

#chiss triangle

[booksandlewks]

Intensity in Insmire | A Jurdan AU

Happy Holidays to my wonderful knife wife @starborn-faerie-queen!! I’m so lucky to have you as my friend and now snusband (we’re def married now) <3 I was so excited to see that I got to try and write something for you. I also have to thank everybody in the @jurdannet discord for helping me with my writer’s anxiety throughout, and @jurdannetrevels for hosting this secret santa event! 

So this was a prompt you didn’t ask for, but that I hope you will like. I thought of this right when I saw your name and have had a blast making it a reality. One of our first conversations in the discord was about none other than Lauren Layne, so I thought I’d give it my best go at making it Jurdan. I picked what I think of as the iconic scene in Passion on Park Avenue because Jude and Cardan literally define passion. You also put Nicaryn, so in my head when I wrote this they’re already dating and Jude just hasn’t noticed. 

"Be careful, you're going to drop that!" Jude said watching her twin throw down yet another box full of her merchandise.

 It was times like these that Jude wondered about her choice in friends. Not that she had so many choices in friends to begin with, something about her being "abrasive". People may not always appreciate her edges, but that edge is what landed her on the 30 under 30 list. She was grateful, if not confused, about her new-found friendships. While the ladies made for excellent company, and fellow schemers in action, a moving company they were not. Not that Jude would say a word against their help out loud. She was still so grateful to have her twin back in her life.

Jude would thank Locke for bringing them together, if she'd thought it was even remotely a part of his plan. Maybe she could thank him for dying, so that they could find each other in the park that fateful day. Not likely, she had better people to think on.

Nicasia kicked a box into the corner with the toe of her Louboutin heels, "You worry too much, they're not going to break because I didn't gingerly place every single one of your hundreds of boxes down."

"I'm not worried about you breaking an accessory," Jude said huffing as she moved to open the box Nicasia had kicked to prove a point. She held up the lipstick tube, twisting to expose the blade to prove her point. "I'm worried about one of my accessories breaking you."

"Oh, I like that," Taryn laughed, her eyes widening, "Can I borrow that for my next date?"

"Well, it is just a sample," Jude nodded her head to the truck parked outside her new building, "You can keep it if you help me unload the rest of the truck." 

"You drive a tough bargain, a days labor in exchange for one accessory?" Nicasia teased.

Jude put one hand to her heart and the other to her forehead dramatically, "Oh you're truly suffering going up and down the elevator while carrying small boxes."

"These boots were not exactly made for walking Jude," Nicasia said flicking her hair over her shoulder, and punctuating it with an all too casual check of her nails. Why she wouldn't just concede to putting her hair up was beyond frustrating to Jude. She wasn't sure if she hated or respected Nicasia's commitment to always looking perfect.

 "I mean I didn't get to where I was by giving things away for free, but I may have also ordered us pizza and tiramisu from the Italian place on Lexington Ave."

 "Ahh I knew you were my favorite twin!" Taryn said wrapping her arms around Jude and kissing her cheek with an exaggerated smack.

 "I'm your only twin, and you definitely did not know it."

 "The real question isn't why I can't move things in these heels, it's why you think I should be doing this in the first place," Nicasia said glancing speculatively.

 "Wait, yeah, aren't you meant to be rich now Jude?"

"Well, according to my accountant, approximately I am," Jude tilted her head and pretended to tally with her free hand, "filthy rich." She moved the box that had been hoisted on her hip onto the floor of what would be the main living area.

Jude wasn't insane, the larger items like the couch and industrial garment racks would be delivered by a moving company later. She just knew that she could handle the smaller boxes herself. She'd always survived by being self-sufficient, so she wasn't going to start changing what was working now. She'd moved herself into her first shoe box apartment, all her belongings compact and loaded into the back of her ancient little two door.

 "Then why on earth are we moving all of this by hand?" Taryn said turning to her sister, exasperated to see the determination gracing her twin's face. She hated that look, especially when it was on the face that was practically her own under all that stubbornness. "Nic, I need backup here, we're entering dangerously uncharted areas in stupidity. "

 "Jude, love, remember when we agreed to stop each other from entering another toxic relationship?" Nicasia said gently, her hands up as if coaxing a small animal.

 "No, I've blocked out the entirety of Locke's funeral out of a sense of self-preservation," she said voice and face purposefully blank.

 "Why stop there, why not erase him from your entire mind?" Taryn said a bitter edge to her words.  

 Jude laughed, "Me and my therapist are hard at work doing just that."

 "Well while you're working on that, have her work on the toxic relationship you've got with your stupid pride," Nicasia said checking her already perfect nails.

 "Wait, was all of that just the set up for the punchline to your dumb joke?"

 "Woah Tar, harsh words from the woman who asked for my backup in the first place." Nicasia pursed her lips clearly displeased that Taryn had not enjoyed her attempts at humor. "Maybe you should try being nicer to me considering that I have the power to save you from Jude's torture."

 Jude laughed as Taryn started to pester Nicasia to tell her what she meant. While they'd all become fast friends on the fateful day of the funeral, Jude couldn't help but feel that Nicasia and her twin had gotten closer over the summer. She supposed it had to do with the fact that they both had to worry about their reputations and what the fallout from Locke's infidelity would do to it.

That old wound started niggling at Jude again. She may not have been in an official New York society relationship with the man, but she'd had to mourn the loss too. She supposed it hadn't affected her societal standing, being Locke's dirty secret, but she hadn't gotten out unscathed. The bastard had known about her fears. She'd confided in him, about her mother's cheating and how she'd grown up not wanting to get attached for fear of ending up in a similarly messed up situation.

 He'd comforted her, talking about how cheating on somebody wasn't in her character. He'd spelled out what their story could be instead, spinning a story of comfort, safety in his arms, and safety in that future. It made Jude's skin crawl to think about now. How he could say all of this while cheating on her with Nicasia and Taryn, and using her to cheat on them. Some nights it actually made her physically ill. She was such a careful woman, and yet she'd never suspected.

 She wondered if lying to her was part of the game to him, it had to be. Jude thought about how she'd considered bridging the gap and calling Taryn to tell her that she'd met somebody. She'd been too scared to reopen that wound. At eighteen Jude walked away from the stifling role of being Madoc's daughter. She hadn't thought about what leaving Taryn behind to deal Madoc's only other eligible daughter would do. She left her behind for him to put all of his stupid high society rules and dreams into. She'd wondered about her twin over the years, but could never pick up the phone and just dial. What would things be like if she had? Thinking about it wouldn't change anything.

 During Jude's musings Taryn had moved into Nicasia's lap and was switching between pleading and apologizing. Her groveling was so over the top that a warm spot bloomed in Jude's chest while watching her. She had no idea how much she'd missed Taryn, and yet having her take up space in her apartment just felt right.

 "Okay, okay, fine!" Nicasia said standing up and taking Taryn with her. "I happen to have a friend through the New York royalty network, as you call it, and he lives in this very apartment complex."

 "Oh thank god, I love you Judie Bee Jones, but this is the worst."

 "Woah no, I never agreed to having anybody over," Jude said walking over to lock her door, "and wasn't the point of having you ladies around to avoid the assholes."

 "How can you call them an asshole when you don’t even know who it is?" Nicasia asked unlocking the door. Jude went to stop her, but Taryn simply took her face in her hands and pointed it towards the window where the open moving truck stood idle.

 "I promise he's good people, we grew up together," Nicasia said clearly forgetting that her and Jude had not exactly grown up as friends.

Jude did not have much of a chance to consider who might be coming to the rescue she did not need, as there was a knocking at the door.

The warmth she felt from being with her friends left her the second she opened the door and saw Cardan Greenbriar standing there. She'd never seen Cardan look anything less than impeccable, so she was even more furious to see him standing there looking like a Saks Fifth Avenue model from the catalog to help her move. A cable knit sweater, really, to move boxes. With an overcoat no less. No, no, this couldn't possibly be happening. Jude would rather move every single box one by one, than have Cardan Greenbriar help her.

What on earth could have even possessed him to try. She thought she'd made it clear when she'd damn near bitten his head off in her "entry interview" to the apartment complex. It wasn't her fault. Cardan had a particular way of getting under her skin, and the fact that he'd known her from her twin and had not even bothered to look at the application resting in his hand the entire interview had gotten her blood boiling. She'd never actually wanted to live in Elfhame.

The stupid application had been filled out for her and sent in by her mother ages ago. Eva Duarte had been so proud of Jude's success, it had never occurred to her that her mother had plans to use it as a statement. She'd miss her mother's mean streak, and wished she'd been around longer so Jude could understand this plan. Jude had been shocked to be called in for the interview to move into The Palace, and caught completely off guard to see Cardan on the day of the interview.  

 She must've released an actual snarl at seeing him darkening her new doorstep because Taryn and Nicasia pried her away from the door and invited him to come in. This was ridiculous ; she was not a rabid dog to be put in the corner. Although, she was considering biting Cardan.

 "And hello to you too Jude," Cardan said laughing as she struggled to break free of the grip of her friends, "Lovely as ever to see you."

"Why am I seeing you?" 

Cardan raised an eyebrow at that, "Not a very friendly greeting neighbor."

"I read over the paperwork your father sent over and it said that the building takes care of pests in the apartments."

 "Ha ha, very funny Jude," Cardan said stalking closer, "I do hope that's true, as I'd love to see them take you out of here."

 "Really, we're going to resort to I know you are but what am I?" Jude intoned, "On day one?"

 “Is this really our first day together, Judiebeet?"

 "Don't call me that!"

 "As much as I do love seeing you upset my sweet villain," he said trailing a finger over her cheeks, "I didn't come to pick a fight." Jude knew her cheeks had to be bright red, she always got flushed when she was mad. She hated that he had command over her, more than she appeared to have over her own body. Which only made her more upset when he called her that stupid name.

"Why did you come, I had demon summoning scheduled for later in the day," Jude said ignoring the looks Nicasia and Taryn were shooting her.

 "I was informed of a damsel in distress, and princely duties demanded that I come to your aid."

"Oh no, that's it," Jude turned on her friends glaring, and pointing at the door while practically shoving Cardan out, "Everybody out, I'll move them all myself."

 "Wait, but I brought champagne," Cardan said materializing a bottle from the inside of his coat. 

"Jude you can't kick the man out, he brought Dom," Taryn said pulling Cardan back into the apartment by his arm. Jude watched as he re-entered what was meant to be her space, unwilling to fight with Taryn.

"Fine, but if he's here he works," Jude said looking at Cardan as if to say 'unless you've got a problem with that.' The Cardan she knew would never deign to do a day's labor on his own. Always calling somebody his father employed to do things for him instead. So Jude was shocked when all he did was set the actually quite nice bottle on the counter, and gesture his hand towards the door with a look that said 'after you'.

Jude was not sure if she was pleased or pissed off when Cardan actually matched her for work ethic for the rest of moving. He eventually took off the coat, and the sweater, tossing them on the counter with his welcome gift. Jude wished he had not, as she'd been determined to carry more than him before that. She would have managed it too, if he had not rolled up his white dress shirt to the direct center of his forearm. Where it hugged just below his elbow as he worked.

She dropped one of her merchandise boxes when his arm brushed hers while reaching for another, shocked by the contact of his skin hot against her own. Furious with herself for the look that graced his face when she cursed and picked up the box, she decided to be less ambitious with how much she carried.

They had not actually had all that many boxes left. Which made it all the more traitorous that Nicasia had called in for help. As the work dwindled Nicasia and Taryn gave up the pretense of pretending to want to help move the boxes, and sat on the benches that were near the building's entrance. They sat close talking and laughing quietly at each others jokes. Jude could be funny too, but her humor was more dry and wicked. Just as Jude was sprinting to get the very last box, the pizza delivery driver had pulled up to the curb. 

Taryn had gone from commiserating with Nicasia, to giving Jude puppy eyes in 10 seconds flat. Jude laughed softly as she went to go pay the man. Her path was blocked by Cardan who'd made a beeline for the car as it pulled in, while she'd been distracted. If she hadn't been so focused on his damn arms she might have missed how he went to get his wallet from his back pocket. Hell no.

Jude stood one shot at having Taryn and Nicasia not mention her attitude since Cardan walked in, and that was to buy their silence. Nothing says be on my side like hot pizza and good dessert. Which is why she was going to pay for it. Cardan was already handing the man a crisp bill when Jude went to shift the box she'd been holding to under one arm. God, she hated him so much. She'd already missed out on getting to bond with her friends over how annoying moving was because of him, and now he was going to ruin their meal too?

He'd already ruined Jude's childhood, but she was an adult now, and he would not even get a single day from her. She grabbed the boxes of her food and walked to the elevator clicking the button for her floor and slamming on the door close button before he could follow. She walked into her apartment, and she would've locked Cardan out if it not for the fact she had to wait on Taryn and Nicasia to follow. If she had to face him again today, it was going to be on her terms and her rules.

 Jude moved to the boxes now all neatly lined up in what would be her living room. She scanned the barcode stickers on the top of the boxes, each item had been carefully cataloged so that she could be sure that she didn't lose anything important in the move. Downsides to owning and running a successful companies that sold accessories with a dangerous edge? There was so much inventory to keep track of.

 She found what she was looking for and swapped her sneakers for stilettos. She'd love to see Cardan try to look down on her when they were eye level. She'd give a new meaning to the term glaring daggers. She was perfectly capable of paying for a damn pizza.

The door of her apartment opened and Cardan strolled in, his arm around each of her friends. Jude let out a breath that his shirt had been set back to normal, although she was not sure if she was relieved.

 "Really, my own twin?" she said putting a hand on her hip and looking at Taryn who moved, hands up, to sit on the counter top.

"Jude, he got us pizza, please be reasonable," Taryn said in a placatory tone.

 "I got you pizza, this interloper just stole it because pizza is joy, and he can't let me have it."

"You need to stop, you're hangry and turning into rude Jude," Nicasia teased using the family nickname she knew Jude hated. That was just low, she'd revealed that in a 2 A.M. group chat. Which every woman knows means it’s classified information.

 She was being rude, she knew, but well...frankly he started it. Years ago, but she was a petty elephant and would not forget.

 "Fine, have a slice of pizza and then get the fuck out."

When Nicasia and Taryn turned their looks at her, Jude just blinked her eyes slowly a few times. She had never claimed to be a saint. 

"Can I at least get a drink before you kick me out on my ass?" Cardan asked the corner of his mouth upturned.

"Nope, sorry," Jude started and feeling her friends angry stares added, "I just moved in, and I haven't stocked the fridge yet."

"Well, then it's lucky for us my friend was kind enough to drop in to christen the home with champagne," Nicasia said as she made remove the muselet. Jude watched her carefully grip the wire as she twisted it off with effortless ease, and admired her friends grace. Jude would've likely embarrassed herself biting at it. She'd been served champagne at events, but it always came in a glass if she was honest.

 With the sound of the popping cork her control of the apartment got further away from her. She watched as the three of them opened cupboards and looked at an empty counter top as if expecting glassware to simply appear. Jude knew she could easily scan the boxes and find her glassware, but business had taught her to spot an opportunity.  

 "Oh darn, it seems like we can't get you that drink after all."

 "Yes, you seem very forlorn about it," Cardan said shaking his head at her, amusement in those dark eyes. 

Jude gave him a mock apologetic shrug of her shoulders, lips pulled to one side of her mouth. The amusement in his eyes turned to challenge. Unbeknownst to Jude, Cardan's newest hobby was complicated jigsaw puzzles. He had needed something to do while being able to keep an eye on his father, and he found that once he started he just couldn't resist figuring out how the pieces fit together. She'd just presented him with his newest game, and he was going to figure out her pieces.

"Don't worry my darling, like I said we're neighbors now," smiling when Jude scowled at the pet name, "I can just head to my place, and get us some glasses."

It was clear that he'd gotten under Jude's skin when she stalked towards Nicasia and took the bottle from her, and into her own hands. Nicasia just looked at Taryn, and whatever that look meant Taryn must have understood. She moved to the edge of the counter top and invited Nicasia into the circle of her legs, resting her chin on her the top of the other woman’s head.

"How very unfortunate for high-born little princes like you, that you can only sip champagne from the finest of glasses."

She looked right into his eyes as she began glugging the expensive bubbly from the bottle and drinking it like watered down beer. She raised an eyebrow at him as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"I do hope I haven't offended you Cardan," she said snarling out his name as if it was foul, "I'd hate to scare you off from ever visiting again."

"Not at all, I'm quite charmed by your lovely manners," he said walking over to where she stood by Nicasia. "Do not expect others to share my depraved tastes," he said taking the bottle from Jude's firm grip and drinking directly while their gazes stayed locked in a battle of wills.

 "Nic, you feel like we're interrupting something here?" Taryn said from where she sat inches away. It shocked Jude out of her stupor, and her sister hopped off the counter as Jude made to reach for her. She was suddenly stricken, it was all fine and well to hurt Cardan, but she wouldn't lose Taryn again. Not when she just got her back.

"Ugh I thought you'd never ask, this is all too straight for me," Nicasia said taking Taryn's hand and making for the door.

"Wait guys, don't go--"

 "Nope, text us when you're ready to act like a person again," Nicasia said laughing as the door shut behind their quickly retreating figures.  

 "Way to go, you scared them off with your stupid smoldering thing."

 "Jude, I think you'll find I'm not the one in the wrong here, although I am delighted to hear you think I smolder," Cardan said backing away from her.

"I meant that stupid staring," she started but trailed off when she noted his smug face.

 "Jude, all I've done today is bring you a housewarming gift and offer help at my friends request."

Jude opened her mouth to protest about the pizza slight, but stopped as she'd realized she'd just dig herself into a deeper hole. All he'd really done was cover her food for her and her friends. Was it possible that her childhood tormentor really had come here without the intent of torturing her. She'd been too caught up in trying to catch his next move, that it hadn't occurred to her. He’d clearly taken her silence to mean something else, because he went to gather his coat and sweater.

"Look, it's clear you don't want me here and I'm not actually trying to hold you hostage in your own apartment."

Jude's pride stopped her from correcting him. She'd been working so hard to get him to leave, that she couldn't exactly walk back her position now. She wanted to though, she wanted to grab him by those rather toned arms and hold him in place. To explain herself or make him explain himself, she wasn't sure. Instead she nodded her agreement, and silently watched him leave. She watched as he walked down the hall, opening and then closing his door. Only then did she finally unfreeze from her doorway and shut her own door.

She sat for about 30 minutes just trying to process all that had just happened. She was not sure when she'd become the villain in this story, but she didn't enjoy the feeling. He was the bully, not her. If his actions today were to be trusted, maybe not even him any longer. Jude stood up suddenly confident in her movements as she scanned the boxes searching for her glasses. She hadn't actually moved everything today, so all she was able to find was some coffee mugs. She looked down at her "I Rule" coffee cup, it'd have to do.

Jude went to where the remains of the bottle was left on the counter, and poured it into the cup. She wouldn't apologize, as she was not truly sorry. Even if he was not the menace he used to be, one day of rudeness was the least of what he'd deserved. She did however write what she'd call her concession. She'd apologized for the coffee mug. The note told him that while her fine Waterford Crystals were still in storage, it should taste just as good coming out of a mug. Jude left the note under the cup, and knocked on his door before leaving.

#if you hate the story I’m sorry but at least you have a cute edit #that was braggy about the edit....but it have lotta color so i like it #matching watches or shoes wasn't very them #so i figured the accorn like Jude found in the book #also i made Nicasia's hair slightly blue in the edit #uhh mostly just dying about the words #i don't normally publish anything #i was considering chickening and just giving the edit #but your secret santa box and note were too damn loving and supportive #damn you #if you love it can i be Mrs. Starborn? #I know the position of Mr. Starborn is taken #but I love you so please consider opening a secondary position #if i could send you a box of cartoon hearts i would #jurdan #jurdannet #jurdannetrevels #secret snusband #jurdan fic

[iammarylastar]

9. FAREWELL

"So, you're leaving without saying goodbye?"

She said, her voice like a ghost.

Shit.

Cal leaned his hand on the door frame, his forehead followed and he closed his eyes. He could feel Jess trembling behind his back, he could foresee her face soaked in tears, her sobs stuck in her chest.

Shit.

Leaving her was the hardest thing he had ever done, he doubted he could gather the strength to walk out the door, but now she was awake, crying, he knew it would be impossible.

Yet, he had to.

"Chris?" She begged.

He had planned everything, every little detail, like he already had, to break Oyster out.

He got all his stuff ready: a car fueled up, the maps with all the secondary roads highlighted, 4 different options to cross the Canadian border. His backpack, enough military rations to survive for 2 weeks, in case he'd have to ditch the car and cover the distance by foot. A compass. An extra pair of trekking shoes, just in case. Water. Lighter. Headlamp. Emergency kit. US dollars. Canadian dollars.

No phone. 

No pics, not even one of Jessica. He wouldn't risk to get caught and have her involved. Beside it would be too painful to look at her beautiful face. Dealing with her memory would be hard enough.

But he had no choice. More than 3 years he hadn't see his brother. 3 fucking long years he hadn't heard his voice. Teddy, his little brother, the reason he had kept living after their mom died, the one he had fought for. And kept fighting for.

He'd all planned in his head, playing every scenario again and again at night, all those sleepless nights, Jess cuddled against his chest. Looking blankly at the ceiling, on the hunt for what could happen, what could turn wrong, and come what may: keep walking.

Until he reaches Lac-Sainte-Marie, Quebec, 260 miles from here. Until he meets his brother again.

"Chris!" She yelped, like she was drowning.

For a millisecond, he thought he could just give up: forget his little ass of a brother, forget his oath to his mother, forget his responsibilities, drop on his knees and beg Jess to marry him, give her 3 kids, get a pet and live happily ever after. Why not? He deserved a little of happiness, didn't he?

"What is happening?" she whispered, her voice torn by sobs, like stabs in his back.

What the fuck was happening, good question. He was happening. That fucking deceiving Cal was freaking out and ruining everything again. Like it was meant to be.

Like he was meant to screw up every chance of happiness.

"I have to see him. Jess, he got back in touch with me. Those postcards. There must be a reason." He said under his breath, not daring to glance at her.

"Chris, you're still in probation! A single step out of the State and you're in parole violation! You're going to get caught and thrown into jail again!" She knew this argument wouldn't work with him, but she was a lawyer, well almost, she had to plead for her case.

"I know..." Chris whispered. The next words would be excruciating to pronounce.

"That's why I won't come back..."

"Noooo!" She totally broke down.

As he listened to her heart shattering into pieces, taking his own heart down, he couldn't help thinking about time.

It took her days to tame his fears, weeks to heal him for his trauma, months to forge deep, trustful ties between their hearts.

Ties they both thought were unbreakable.

And as it took a heartbeat to fall in love with her, he'd been quick to break her heart.

Now he was running out of time. With her. For Oyster. Fuck.

"At least wait for your probation period to be over! You'll be a free man and you could go wherever you want!" She begged.

Like he didn't know. Like he hadn't spent the last days counting how many days it would take to be reunited. Like he hadn't thought of it from top to bottom. Like he hadn't been obsessed and torn about that fucking choice he had to make.

"Three more years! Jess, I can't leave him alone for 3 more fucking years! He needs me!" He let his anger flow out of his chest.

"What about me????" She thundered, gripping her nightie where her heart ached, then pointing a furious index finger out.

"He's not a kid anymore! He made his choice! You don't owe him anything anymore! When are you going to start thinking about yourself? About us?"

Touché.

Cal wavered at her words. The more she spoke, the more his determination weakened. He had no choice but cling to his same old song.

"I'm his legal guardian, I promised mom I'd take care of him. I can't break my oath. Not again..."

It would have been easier if Chris was the selfish type. But he didn't choose Marine corps and law enforcement by mistake. He was a man of principle, loyal, honest, trustful. A man with Semper Fidelis inked in his flesh forever.

"Chris!!" Jess was burning with rage and desperation. She was fed up with his sempiternal lame excuses.

She would have slapped his face full force if she could have moved, again and again until he got it, but violence never fixed anything, she was dead certain of this.

Chris’ childhood to adulthood, his former job in the Marine corps, his time in jail, his whole damn life had been nothing but violence, he deserved better from her.

She breathed in and out slowly to calm her nerves down and regain control of her thoughts.

Give him what he needs, that's the only way...

"You're strong Chris. You're a good man! Why can't you see it?"

Cal shook his head, tears threatening again behind his lids.

"I failed. I failed to keep my mom alive. I failed to protect my brother. To serve my country... To make you happy. I don't deserve you..."

"When are you going to stop punishing yourself for things, you're not responsible for? Jesus, your mom died, who's to blame? Not you! You struggled to provide for your brother though you were barely an adult, Chris, you did your best! Oyster made some bad choices, his choices, he fucked up but it was not your fault!"

Gone his sweetheart of a girlfriend, he was facing a new, fierce, unstoppable soldier ready for anything for her love.

Anything. Maybe, even ready to throw everything away for him.

Cal slowly extended his hand to a trembling Jess. This gesture was a dangerous step back, he had promised himself not to touch her, not to smell her nor to get too close. No way he could leave this place without her if their hands were linked.

Jess nearly jumped forward to take it, intertwined her fingers so tightly with his, their knuckles turned white. She closed her other hand over their clasped ones, then pulled them against her cheek, nuzzling against the slightest piece of his skin she could.

The contact of her skin against his made him jolt. His plea slipped through his lips before his brain realized their impact.

"Come with me. I hate to put that on you but... Jess, come with me. I don't want to lose you..."

His words were like slaps in her face. Her jaw dropped down and the look she threw at him slapped him back.

Shit.

She thought she had won. She thought he had heard her words. She thought he would stay. Why would he have offered his hand otherwise?

"Wh..? But... Cal, what are you doing?"

"Come with me Jessica. Let's start a new life in Canada. I love you. I love you!"

His turn to wrap his hand around hers and pull her closer, so his gaze pierced hers, his taut body hovering over her. This could fix everything.

Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!!

Jessica froze in shock, her pupils widened. She would have left all she had behind to follow him. The solution was easy: just go with him!

Just go with him, and become an outlaw. Say goodbye to your family, your career, your dreams, your life. On the run forever with the man she loved. With no future but hiding and lying.

"And you saved your first 'I love you' for the day you leave me..." Jess whispered under her breath, defeated. He killed her hope the second before, and kept doing an excellent job to trample on her heart.

Her whole body slumped down; Cal had to tighten his grip on her hands to get her upright.

Her pale complexion and her trembling voice made her look like a ghost.

"No. I can't. You can't... do that. You can't drag me into a runaway and make me a fugitive. I... I'm... My family is here, my career is here, my life is here... with you!

If you really love me, STAY!"

Chris wobbled, his knees weak under him. She was right, he knew it. He was wrong, doing all wrong, as he always had done. Jessica saw her chance in his hesitation, and played her last card. Faithfulness, Chris' obsession.

"That's not what you promised me. Chris, you promised me..." she burst into tears again, clinging onto him like he was a lifeline. Their love was like the Titanic, they thought it beautiful and in submersible, but it was irremediably sinking in the middle of nowhere and will end up broken shipwreck.

Hold on Rose, you have a chance.

Sorry Jack, you're screwed.

Shit.

He promised her, that day he talked his heart out, in the wee hours of a beautiful day, lying in bed, slowly brushing her delicate face with his fingertips. That day he told her about his plans for the future, their future. Openly daydreaming of his will to marry her, build her a house, have kids with her, three he said, if she agreed. Plus, a dog. One day, he promised, when she would graduate and he would have a better job.

He solemnly promised her to make her happy, happy ever after.

"You deserve to be happy, Chris. We've been so happy together. For fuck sake, why couldn't we just be happy?"

Because happiness is not meant for me.

"Jess, I miss him so much... I have no choice."

"There's always a choice... Let me help!" She begged a last time, squeezing his hands even tightly.

Chris closed his eyes, his sigh shaky through his tight throat. Just do it. Say it.

Now.

"No. Not this time... Let me go, Jess, please..." Chris grudgingly untied their fingers but Jess kept gripping at him, his wrists, his arms, his hoodie. He patiently unhooked each of her attempt, gently but firmly holding her wrists together.

It was so hard, Jesus, to see her face, desperate and drowned in tears, to hear a plea, to hurt her so deeply. But it had to be done. Like ripping off a band-aid. Just do it.

"No, no, no, no, Chris, please, nooo!" She begged, she would have given anything, everything to have him think, find another way, change his fucking mind. To have him stay. Choose her.

All her expectations vanished when Cal took her hands in his large palms, bent to kiss them but just leant his forehead on them, shaken by both their sobs and cries. He knew he couldn't leave if his lips touched her skin again. She knew it too.

Slowly, too slowly, he extended his arms until her fists laid on her chest, her fingers writhing in pain, and stepped back. Unable to look a last time in her eyes, Cal turned his heels and grabbed the doorknob.

"What if I'm pregnant?"

He froze, like punched in his guts.

"What?" His world collapsed. He had all the scenarios figured out, even the worst, but not this one.

He had made love to her earlier that night, knowing it'd be the last time. He made it last long, savoring each second with her, kissing each piece of her body, learning each of her curves by heart with his fingertips. He made it sensual, passionate, beautiful. He had given her all, all of him.

He had laid on his back for hours, his love cuddled on his side, her arms around his chest, like to keep him from running away. Like she felt it.

He had stayed like this forever, staring at the ceiling, listening to her deep breathing, feeling her, smelling her, until he was drunk from her.

"I said, what if I'm pregnant." She stated again, interrupting his thoughts.

"Are you?" He blankly asked.

She might be. From tonight.

She could be. They've been careless for a couple of weeks, their desire so strong they skipped to put a condom on. They both silently agreed, since they had a talk about it: they wanted to spend their lives together and grow a family, one day or another...

Jess had tried the pill, but it hadn't fit her. She tried 3 different brands but every time something went wrong. Cal hated seeing her with cramps or moody and IUD was a big no no due to her young age, so he decided to take the responsibility of the birth control, and simply pulled out at the right time.

Which was, according to Jess, like a firework without the final. Several times, half of the time in fact, she trapped Cal between her legs so he came inside of her. She found it so sexy and powerful.

Sexy but likely give rise to a baby.

Their baby. His.

"You won't stay for me. Would you stay for your child?"

Bitch. She knew how push his button, where it hurt the most. Given what he was doing to her, it was fair.

His guts twisted painfully and nausea invaded his throat at the thought. His deepest nightmare resurfaced: a kid with no father to take care of them, ruffle their hair, tickle them until they're breathless from laughing, play football with them, hug them tight when they're scared or sad. A kid with no dad to love them. A kid like he'd been, grown up before his childhood even had started.

A missing father. That was what he would become if he left now. The worst of the worst. A man he promised himself to never be. Fucking never hurt someone like he'd been hurt.

He unsuccessfully was trying to clear his mind from sadness and anger to redo his math and remember when was her last period. Calculate the odds of a pregnancy. Rate his chance to stay.

Zero.

He sucked. He wasn’t worth anything.

Maybe living was the best he could do to save this child from himself. He was no better father than his own, unable to make a good decision.

Chris dropped his head, his hands tightened in fists, his eyes closed in a frown. He stopped breathing for a long time, until he made his decision.

"I'm sorry." He muttered, grabbing the doorknob.

That was it. She couldn't go, he couldn't stay. I guess that's just the way the story goes.

Such a waste.

Chris pushed the door open, wiped his tears with his sleeve and walked out, without a last glance at her.

#jai courtney #semper fi #fanfiction

[yukheisrosie]

F4!!! (A EXO x BTS fanfic.)

Hello! I am very proud to announce that I will also be posting my stories on here too! Starting with my F4 one! I don't have an actual title for it bc this is strictly for fun nd I thought this was a super cute ass plot for a story hhjhj.

This story is based off of one of my favorite shows on Netflix called 'Meteor Garden.' Please enjoy! nd pls be nice.!:-)

Here are the characters:

- Chelsy

- Rosie

- Jungkook

- Namjoon

- Yoongi

- Baekhyun

- Lucas

- Sehun

:') pls enjoy! Each chapter, I will be adding a Gif of the characters who were mostly starring in it. :p

(like imagine the whole wizards of wavily place transitions LMAO ok bye)

Part 2. :-)

"Okay, How's this?" Chelsy asks, holding up a crop top

She wiggles it around for a bit in the air until realizing the person she was talking to wasn't listening whatsoever

"Yoongi!" She whines a little, quickly snapping the boy out of his trance

"Are you playing fortnite on another tab?!"

She leans a little closer to her laptop, looking around

"Huh? What? Of course not." Yoongi laughs, obviously lying as he continues to stare at the second tab on the screen

"Chelsy, I know how much clothes mean to you- I would never-"

His voice slowly fades away as he aggressively clicks faster on the mouse

"Dude, WHAT the FUCK."

A familiar voice yells through the mic on the other side and Chelsy instantly knew what was going on

"You just killed me, you asshole!"

"Is it my fault you don't know how to play?" Yoongi teases, letting out a victory laugh and the voice just continues to fire back at him with hurtful words

"Namjoon! Yoongi!" Chelsy calls out, catching their attention

"I've been trying to call you and add you to the group call for literally a whole ass hour."

It was silent until the sound behind the mic shuffles around

"My phones on silent!" Joon makes up

"Vibration kills too much battery."

Yoongi and Chelsy glance at each other with rolled eyes

"Just join the video chat, you sore loser." Yoongi encourages and Namjoon lets out one more comeback before pressing accept

"Tomorrow's the first day of uni." Chelsy announces, looking at both of her long term best friends

"Is this nothing special to you guys?"

"Of course it's special to us Chels." Yoongi sighs, pausing a little

"We just don't care as much as you do."

Chelsy's mouth just gapes open as Namjoon then chimes in

"It may be completely different from high school, but it's still going to be school." He says

"Yeah, nothing exciting happens in uni." Yoongi agrees

"It's just a bunch more students on a bigger campus." He sniffs, opening a water bottle and taking a sip out of it

"Don't forget better food!" Namjoon smiles

"I heard they make it themselves this time and it's not some like, prepackaged garbage."

Chelsy sighs at the two boys, looking at them minding their own business

She sits there as her thoughts consume her mind

Yoongi seemed to notice mid sip of his drink

"Hey!" He calls, placing the bottle down

"What's on your mind?"

Chelsy snaps out of the moment, blinking a little

"Nothing." She smiles

Yoongi just sips his water again, looking at her with a blank face, obviously not believing it

"We've known each other since elementary school." Namjoon says, now pressing pause on his mouse

"You really think by now we can't tell when you're lying?"

Chelsy lets out one more sigh, looking at the two

"I just want college to be-" She pauses

"More spectacular than how our high school days were." She shrugs

"This is just one more step closer into our official adult life! I think we should take advantage of every opportunity that would remind us that we're still young, you know?"

The boys remain quiet until Namjoon lets out a small scoff

"I've always admired that about you." He admits

"You remind us about the good things in life, and not just school and work."

"It's one of the many reasons why you're such an amazing person." He compliments

"That and if me and this asshole were alone, we'd probably be dead by now." He teases

"We wouldn't have a sense of direction."

"It's true." Yoongi agrees

"He'd be crying right now because I beat him for the third time, but since you're here-"

"Okay, that's literally the exact opposite of what I was implying you dick." Joon squints, having the two let out a small laugh

"I think that's enough for tonight you guys." Chelsy smiles, stepping in

"We should all get some sleep yeah?" She suggests

"I wanna be able to explore the campus more before we go to our classes."

"She's right." Yoongi nods, taking his last sip

"It's a good thing we all chose to major in the same thing." Namjoon mentions

"Not a lot of people get into nutrition."

"Yeah, some of us got in out of pure luck." Yoongi teases, pointing to Namjoons frame

"I have the feeling that you want to fight." Namjoon snaps and Yoongi just laughs

"Okay, really though." Yoongi smiles

"Let's get some rest. I gotta learn how to get back on my sleeping schedule."

"We'll be in front of your house by eight thirty." Namjoon smiles

"Eight fifteen!" Chelsy corrects him

"Remember?"

"Yes mom." Yoongi teases and Chelsy rolls her eyes before the three of them said their goodnights and goodbyes

She closes her laptop shut before rushing into bed and turning off her bed lamp

Staring up into the darkness, Chelsy's mind starts to wander out of both excitement and anxiety

Although it seemed as if the nerves overpowered most of her body, she was excited and ready for this new step into her new life

If you wanna support a fellow writer nd read it on Wattpad pls feel free to here: !!

I post on there first! hehe :D

#bts suga #bts namjoon #bts fanfction #bts #exo baekhyun #exo #exo fanfic #jungkook #sehun #fanfic #kpop #meteor garden

[shi-daisy]

The Phoenix and the Dragon

Yet again we've arrived at Ulquihime week! Gotta confess I'm not much of a Christmas person but I do look forward to December for my OTP week. Everyone puts so much love and effort into their entries that it's hard not to be excited. Okay so today's theme is Crossover and I wanted to pick something that wasn't likely to be repeated by someone else, so leave it to my nostalgic mind to go 'What about a Winx Club crossover?' Thus here we are! This little one-shot is based on one of my fave childhood shows and one of the first villain ships I ever had. (Yes, my 10-year-old self hardcore shipped Darkar & Bloom) 😅 Hope you like it! (Spoilers for some aspects of season 2 of Winx Club. I'm taking from the 4kids version of the show and Nickelodeon special btw. And some mild spoilers for the second movie.)

Also for those who do know the winx cast and want to know who is who in the crossover here it is.

Orihime- Bloom

Ulquiorra- Darkar/Avalon

Tatsuki- Stella

Shizuka- Layla

Ichigo- Prince Sky

Isshin- Errendor

Sora- Daphne

Unohana- Faragonda

Okay now that's all set, here's the fic!

@ulquihimeweek​

Ulquihime Week- Day 1 Crossover

The Phoenix and the Dragon

Orihime awoke in a dimly lit room. She didn't remember much, just going into Professor Schiffer's office and then...'And then he changed and turned into the Phoenix.'

"I can sense you. Just come out of the shadows already." She muttered.

Ulquiorra obliged, no longer looking like a human but in his true form as the Shadow Phoenix.

To her he didn't look much different, his skin was paler but his other features remained the same. He had large dark wings and a tail, along with tear markings.

"I should've known it was you. We get warmed about a Shadow Phoenix and next thing we know a new professor shows up at our school."

He chuckled. "Yes well, that didn't occur to you as we bonded, Ms. Inoue."

She lowered her head in shame. Since Ulquiorra arrived at Alfea he had become her favorite teacher, and even offered to teach her about her home kingdom, Sparx, which had been destroyed when she was just a baby.

"Is that why you brought me here? To taunt me?!"

"No, darling. I have other plans for you. Or should I say us?"

"I'll never collaborate with you!"

"You say that now, but you might change your mind after I explain my plans to you."

She frowned, but at the moment there was nothing she could do. Orihime sighed. "Fine. I suppose I can listen to you for a while."

"I appreciate it. First I must ask you something. What do you know about me, Orihime Inoue? Who do you think I am?"

"Headmistress Retsu told us you were once human. That you came to the underealm to try and find the shadow fire, but that it's power consumed you and that now you're seeking to take over the magic universe.

I also know that you came to our school and posed as a professor until now..."

"The headmistress is a wise woman, studious too since she appears to know my origins well, the one commonly excepted that is."

"What do you mean?"

"Indeed, I was once human, that I came here to study the Shadow Fire, but it's power didn't overtake me. For you see, I willingly submitted to it. I'm the one in control, always have been. And while I do wish to take over the magic dimension it is not for my own gain."

"Why else would you want to take over?"

"I want this dimension to change. I want to tear down the structures that bind its kingdoms. I've wanted that since I was a human.

You see, darling, the structures of this dimension are so very ancient and so very obsolete. The squabbles between kingdoms have led to so much war, to destruction, to sadness... Just look at what happened to Sparx."

"My kingdom was destroyed by the ancient witches. Not by war."

"You're right, but your kingdom had a close ally. An ally that should've saved you from the witches, yet instead bargained to have them take your kingdom and spare them. The king of Eraklyon made said bargain."

Orihime grew dizzy. 'No, no it can't be! Ichigo's father wouldn't do that! This is a lie!"

"You think I'm lying, don't you?"

"Of course you're lying! King Isshin wouldn't do that, neither would Ichigo!"

"Analyze the situation, darling. Eraklyon was your closest ally, and yet they didn't suffer any damage as Sparx was destroyed. Your parents vanished, your brother died saving you, your planet is now an icy wasteland. Yet Eraklyon stands as the richest land in Magix. As for your little prince, he was merely a child when this took place, but I don't doubt he'd keep it a secret from you, he has done so before."

Orihime felt as if her skin was catching fire. She hated to be reminded of that lie, to think back when Ichigo had hidden his royal lineage and engagement to a princess. She'd forgiven him, of course, and they were a couple once again, but deep inside she still distrusted him. And a part of her did think Ulquorra's words were true.

'Maybe that's why his father disapproved of us. Not because I'm a princess of a destroyed kingdom, but because my kingdom's destruction was partly his fault...'

"You see, darling. That's only one example of plenty I can give you. All of these realms need someone truly wise to rule them."

"Even if I believed you, that doesn't mean I'll join you. I don't want to kill anyone."

"Who said anything about killing? There are plenty of ways to dethrone a ruler. That's what I crave to do darling. Imagine it, a dimension without destroyed kingdoms, without arranged marriages, without squabbles for the throne. We'd be the only rulers, the royals would be our regents, they'd have to abide by what we demand."

Ulquiorra's eyes glowed green as he spoke. She had seen him like that before in his humanoid form. His eyes always sparkled as he thought her class about History and asked them to be part of the change.

"Ulquiorra, I think it's wonderful that you're trying to make the universe better, but I fail to see why would want me to join you. I'm no leader."

Orihime felt Ulquiorra's cold hand gently lift her chin. "Orihime, you're the only person I've ever met worthy of wearing such a crown.

The reason I posed as a teacher at Alfea wasn't to further my plans, or to steal the codex but to observe you. In just a few months you made such great progress that I couldn't help but be convinced you were worthy of sharing my crown, of carrying the dragon flame, of ruling over Magix.

You came from Earth yet quickly adapted to this dimension, to its power and its costumes. You're kind, fierce, strong, I couldn't ask for a better queen."

He noticed Orihime's pale skin turn bright red, and her sliver eyes grow misty. "No one's ever really praised me like that. Thank you."

He smirked. "I'll be sure to do so more often in the future then."

With a snap of Ulquiorra's fingers, her bounds disappeared. Orihime stood up, directly facing Ulquiorra.

He took her hands in his and directly stared into her eyes, silver meeting emerald. "Orihime Inoue, will you join me in my quest to bring peace and order to the magic dimension?"

It wasn't easy, she didn't want to leave her friends, her school, or even Ichigo. Even after what she learned it felt wrong to vanish without a word.

'But it must be done. Tatsuki-chan will be free to choose who she marries, Nemu-san won't be forced to follow the path her father wants for her, Shizuka-chan won't have to take the throne of the harmonic nebula...even Ichigo would now be free to make his own choices. This would be for the best.'

With a beautiful smile and newfound determination, Orihime finally responded. "Yes, I will."

"Then it is done, our power is now bound."

She could feel a surge of dark magic taking over, but it wasn't unpleasant. Her characteristic blue fae dress was now black and her fairy wings had turned grey. Orihime also noticed Ulquiorra's form slightly changed, his dark wings now had accents of green and he resembled his humanoid form a little more.

"It's the bond." He told her after noticing her confusion. "Light cannot exist without dark and vice versa. As such my darkness had to take some of your light and your light had to take some of my darkness."

Shadow Fire & Dragon Fire were united at last. Orihime was certain that now she and Ulquiorra would be unstoppable. 'We'll fix everything soon.'

"What shall we do now?"

"Since I've acquired all the pieces of the codex, I was thinking we could go to the Relix dimension. Your parents might've vanished there after the destruction of Sparx."

"My parents...I never thought it'd be possible to reach them."

"It is, my darling. We'll bring them back and then return Sparx to its former glory. After that, we can finally reshape the magic dimension into what it should've been from the beginning."

For the first in a long while, Orihime felt like she was doing things right. It would take her friends some time to forgive her, but she knew in time she would join them again. 'I'm doing this for all of us. For me, and for him.'

She gently kissed Ulquiorra's cheek, he blushed at the gesture. "I was not expecting that."

"I'm still a little miffed at you for pretending to be a professor but if we're to be in harmony as rulers this is a good place to start."

"Then I guess I should do my part too."

Ulquiorra wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a passionate kiss. Orihime quickly blushed and playfully shoved him as he let go of her.

"Show off."

"Guilty as charged."

"Y'know, I remember seeing paintings back on earth with dragons and phoenixes together as a couple. Do you think that was a prediction?"

"It could be, after all, the most enduring romances are likely to echo through many universes."

#uhweek2020 #ulquihime #orihime x ulquiorra #Ulquiorra Schiffer #Orihime Inoue #Day 1: Crossover #Winx Crossover AU