#finished this glanced at the calendar and was very surprised that it's actually tuesday today. teto tuesday | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

silhouetteofacedar · 3 years

Text

Pearl, Ch. 5: Marche Funèbre

Previous Chapter - AO3 - MSR, rated E

It’s just another Tuesday.

Scully’s been telling herself that all morning as a kind of mantra in an attempt to calm her nerves. It’s not working.

It’s just another Tuesday, and she’s getting ready for an unremarkable workday. She showers, blowdries her hair, puts on the little pearl earrings her father gave her when she finished her undergrad.

In another timeline, in the life her parents wanted for her, she would be putting these earrings on beneath a lacy white veil. Her mother and sister would fuss over her dress, adjusting the train and making sure it hung well on her healthy frame, pressing a sprawling bouquet of flowers into her arms.

But that’s not her reality; in this timeline, she’s alone in her bedroom, putting on the creamy beige suit she’s worn to the office several times already. Her mother doesn’t know, and her sister is dead.

She feels oddly like she’s preparing for her own funeral, albeit a little premature. Will my mother have me cremated, or will they bury me in something I never wore? she wonders.

She thinks of Mulder then, a spouse in name only, and her stomach clenches.

Don’t go there, Dana. Tuesday.

She barely eats breakfast; cautiously nibbling at dry toast, wincing as it sticks in her throat. Her appetite has shrunk considerably lately, and her nervousness this morning isn’t helping. She gulps a glass of tepid water, eyeing the clock in the kitchen.

She doesn’t have to be at the office for another hour, but she decides to go in anyway.

She arrives a half hour early and is surprised to see that Mulder is already there. He rarely arrives before her unless he’s preparing a slideshow or simply never went home the night before. She would usually assume he slept in his desk chair, except this morning he’s freshly shaved and wearing a suit that’s still crisp from the cleaners, a blue striped tie neatly fastened at his neck.

As soon as he notices her enter the room, he covers his eyes and spins his chair away from her. “Bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony,” he says, attempting levity. The joke falls flat.

“Good morning to you, too,” Scully replies drily, setting her briefcase on her chair. “You’re early.”

He peeks at her over his shoulder and turns back to face her. “Yeah, I, uh, thought I should get a head start on some paperwork since we’re taking a long lunch today.”

Long lunch. Is that what they call eloping nowadays?

Scully raises a brow. “That’s surprisingly reasonable of you, Mulder; are you feeling okay?”

He huffs a laugh. “I could use some coffee,” he admits. “Didn’t get the best sleep last night.”

A clumsy response flits around in her mouth, about the quality of sleep one should expect from a leather sofa, but she swallows it. Instead she pulls out her day planner, leafing through the pages until she reaches March eighteenth, scanning her notes. “We have a meeting with Skinner at ten,” she reminds him, setting the book down on the desk. “I’ll get us some coffee from upstairs, and then we can dig into that inbox.” She gives him a tight little smile before leaving the office in search of caffeine.

Mulder’s had a rough morning.

He woke up just after five and thrashed about on his couch for half an hour before giving up on sleep altogether. He threw on some clothes and went for a nippy predawn run, relishing the lactic acid burn in his sleepy muscles; chasing one ache down with another.

Back at home he showered and scrubbed every inch of his body clean, even though Scully wouldn’t see it. He shaved carefully, slowly tracing his jaw with the razor. He didn’t want a single nick to mar his skin today.

Every thought, every movement, every little choice he made this morning, was for her.

It was almost funny, them both arriving to the office early and desperately pretending everything was normal. He hopes this new fog of awkwardness around them eventually dissipates; the whole point of this arrangement was that, in spite of legal status, their relationship wouldn’t change.

Scully retreats to find them coffee, and Mulder heaves a sigh, slumping over his desk. He’s going to wrinkle his shirt, but what does it matter? As far as anyone else knows, it’s just another Tuesday.

He glances down and sees Scully’s date book open on the desk, filled with notes and appointments in her neat, slanting script. He angles it toward himself and casually scans the day’s page, two appointments catching his eye.

Get married, 1:00

Chemo, 4:00

He grips the edge of the desk, inhaling sharply. That deep, forbidden feeling hits him like a wave of nausea, rolling sickly sweet through his stomach. He wants to throw the book away, hide under his desk, dissolve into panic on the worn gray carpet of their office. She’s breaking her remaining days into neat little pieces, organizing them tightly in the grids of her calendar, squeezing every last drop of time out of them. And giving that time to him.

This is the worst way to want a woman, he decides. Selfishly lapping up every spilled second, thirsting for more than she can give. Probably more than she wants to give.

Scully walks back into the office, two styrofoam cups in hand. Mulder feels a quick burst of shame at having been caught reading her appointment book, as though it was a secret diary and not a simple calendar.

“It’s at one, in case you forgot,” Scully says, passing him a cup. Coffee, black, one sugar like always. She sits in the chair opposite him, hands cradling a cup of what appears to be tea, judging from the little paper tag fluttering from a string hanging out of it. He wonders how the ring in the small box in his pocket would look on her slender hands.

“Mulder,” she prompts, casting her eyes up at him as she blows on the surface of her drink to cool it.

“Sorry, was I staring?” he asks.

“Mm,” she nods, taking a careful sip. “I’m fine, if that’s what-”

“No, no,” he says quickly. “You. Um. You look very nice today, actually. That’s all.”

Her cheeks remain pale. “Oh. Well, thank you,” she says calmly. “You look very nice today too.”

That was the idea, Mulder thinks desperately, painfully. I wore this tie to match your eyes.

The minute hand on the clock lurches silently forward.

#pearl #my fic #txf fic #msr #cancer arc #marriage of convenience #secret marriage #mmm i love angst with my morning bagel #also i'm moving out of state so i'm busy as FUCK packing all my shit #i'm doing my darndest for yall okay xx

89 notes · View notes

147pounds-of-sarcasm · 7 years

Text

New Friends - Part 2

Hey guys! So this is part 2 of New Friends. It takes place a couple of months later. I realize I didn’t specify in part 1 but the reader is a college student in her 3rd year and classes have already resumed after winter break. She’s around 21 years old. I hope you guys like it!

If you’re interested here’s the link to Part 1.

Y/BF/N: Your best friends name

Words:3100+

Warnings: Swearing

It’s already been a while since Dylan was in Miami and you’re not gonna lie. You miss him. But on the bright side the two of you have stayed in touch. After he left that night you texted him wishing him a safe flight and that he made it home ok. He thanked you and that was the end of the conversation causing you to have zero hope for staying in touch. Until a few days later when he texted you. Since then you guys have talked a few times a week and he’s actually initiated most of the conversations. Every time the two of you talk it gets easier and it’s become normal at this point and you love it. He texted you today asking if you could talk. You told him yea and the next thing you know your phone was ringing. The two of you had never spoken on the phone so you were a little worried because you thought something was wrong. You answered before the call went to voicemail.

“Hello”

“Hey Y/N! What’s up?”

“Nothing much. I just got out of my last class. How about you?”

“I’m on set but I have a little break…I’m not in the next scene.”

“Well lucky you.”

“Haha yea… so um, I was wondering something.” He sounded like he was talking with caution.

Now you were curious. “What’s up?” you wondered.

“How would you like to come to set?” he asked.

You were shocked. Up until now it’s only been texting between the two of you and while you’ve talked about you visiting him, you’ve never imagined being able to go to set.

“Wait seriously!?” you responded.

“Yea! I’d love to have you here even if it’s just for a few days… I kinda miss you” you heard the shyness in his voice. He misses you. You couldn’t believe what you just heard. If there was anything that could make you melt it was hearing those words come from him. He continued “Plus the rest of the cast is getting pretty curious about who I’m always texting.”

You laughed. “Haha well yea I’d love to go! But I mean…”

He cut you off. “Your flight is paid for and as far as sleeping, you can stay with me. I have a couch…well I’d take the couch you can take the bed; I mean if you want the bed…I mean if that’s ok with you. If not, then that’s totally fine and your hotel would be paid for too.”

You laughed at the anxious guy on the other end of the conversation as he tried to hurriedly get his thoughts out. “It’s fine with me if you really don’t mind me crashing there.” You responded.

“Not at all!” He said.

“So wait. How is my flight paid for?” you asked.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Dyl…did you pay it?” He knew you didn’t want to take his money, or anyone’s money for that matter, because you’ve talked about this before. It was one of the many conversations you’ve had with him since he left Miami. You had been wanting to visit him but needed to save some more money first. He had offered to pay but you refused every time.

“No I didn’t. Just don’t worry about it.”

“Dylan I’m not taking handouts. How is my flight paid for?” you asked a bit more stern this time.

He realized you wouldn’t let up so he explained it. It turns out that the film company allows visitors to the set every once in a while, and they actually held a small competition/drawing for a visit to the Maze Runner: The Death Cure set. So, Dylan put your name in and then pulled a few strings so the company is paying for your flight for “winning” a competition you didn’t even know you were entered in. You realized how much he must have done to get you there which meant that he really wanted to see you.

“So are you gonna come?” he asked.

“Of course I’ll go! But is it a specific day? Cause you know I have classes.”

“No it’s not. I told them it’d probably be over the weekend. Are you busy this weekend?”

“Let me check.” You told him. You thought about it for a second wondering why it was on such short notice and why it couldn’t be next weekend but you quickly pushed the thought away and looked at your calendar. You realized that other than a couple of minor homework assignments you weren’t busy. You figured you could do the assignments early or on the plane. “Nope! I’m good!” you said.

“Great!” he said. He was smiling so big you could hear it through the phone.

You figured out the exact time and date that you’d be going. You don’t have classes on Fridays or Mondays which meant you could be there for a full three days if you planned the flights the right way… and you did. When you finished hashing out the details he had to hang up because they were calling him back to set. You said your goodbyes and hung up. It’s Tuesday which means that you need to pack because your flight leaves Thursday night after your class. You started packing some clothes. Not knowing what to pack you ended up throwing in some casual clothes (leggings and t-shirts and sweatpants) and then some nicer clothes (a casual dress, some jeans and a couple of tops). You were definitely over packing but you didn’t care because you would be prepared for anything. The next couple of days went by and you couldn’t stop thinking about your trip. Thursday came around and you were texting Dylan all day. Neither of you could wait to see each other. You had your stuff in your car so when your class ended you went straight to the airport. You were so excited that you couldn’t sleep the whole flight there which wasn’t entirely a good thing. You started wondering about things…as you tend to do when you’re left with your thoughts. The thought you had pushed away the other day came crawling back. Why did he push for this weekend? The soonest date possible. You wondered if there was any reason other than he misses you. Then that phrase started playing over in your head “I kinda miss you”. You missed him more than you could probably express in words but you’d never dare tell him…you didn’t know how he’d react. But now that you know he feels the same maybe you can throw it into a conversation once in a while…or just once…let’s go with once, the last thing you wanna do is freak him out, especially after the two of you agreed to stay friends and not go any further. Your mind kept wandering but never too far because you were pretty excited about this trip. You finally arrive and get off the plane. You were only there for a few days so you only took a carry on and after looking at the crowd waiting for their luggage you were grateful for your decision. You walked out the double doors and while looking around a sign with your name on it caught your eye. You looked up at the person holding it and you saw Dylan looking back at you with those adorable golden brown eyes of his and a huge smile on his face. He surprised you and came to pick you up from the airport. You walked over to him and he gave you a huge hug.

“I’m so glad to see you Y/N!” he said. His smile never leaving his face.

“I’m glad to see you too Dyl!” you responded. Your smile never leaving your face either, if anything it just kept growing.

He helped you put your bag in the car and the two of you headed to his apartment so you could drop your stuff off. The car ride was calm and actually kind of quiet. Not that kind of uncomfortable silence though. It was a silence that you were both comfortable with. The radio was playing and you were just enjoying being next to each other. The ride wasn’t too long but long enough that your hands found each other. You glanced down at where they met and then up at his freckled face and he glanced over at you for just a second, a smile gracing both of your faces. You finally arrived at his apartment and he carried your bag upstairs. He didn’t have to be back on set for another hour so the two of you decided to get something to eat. It was pretty early in the morning because your flight was overnight so you decided on some breakfast. You were convinced he’d suggest to go out but instead you were surprised when he pulled some eggs out of the refrigerator and asked how you liked your eggs. You had read somewhere a while ago that he could cook but you honestly weren’t sure if it was true and to be honest, you still weren’t. But he proved you very wrong. You don’t know what he put in those eggs but they were delicious and then he cooked up some bacon which was equally delicious. After that morning, you were pretty sure you would never be able to get the image of domestic Dylan hovering over the stove in a thin t-shirt and some sweat pants riding low enough that when he lifted his arms you saw that trail of dark brown hair perfectly outlined by that V. You shook those thoughts away when you heard him trying to get your attention.

“Y/N, you done?” he asked, gesturing to your clean plate.

“Huh…oh. Yea. It was really good!” you exclaimed.

“You sound surprised.” He laughed.

“Honestly, I am.” you giggled.

He stared at you with those puppy dog eyes and that smirk that kills you every time. He glanced at the clock and realized it was time to head to set. He grabbed your plates and put them in the sink. You grabbed your purse and the two you headed out. Once you got to the set he felt compelled to warn you about the rest of the cast. He said they would probably all try talking your ear off and wanna get to know you because of how often he’s texting you. You laughed when you realized what he was “warning” you about. You walked onto the sound stage and he started introducing you. You quickly began to realize that they all love to mess around and play around on set. You started to talking to Kaya and she started telling you how it was fun to be on a set with all guys but it could also be kind of annoying. You were starting to understand why. The two of you sat and kept talking. They called Dylan for costume and make-up and you didn’t even notice when he disappeared. But you definitely noticed when he came back. He looked hot as fuck. They had him in his Thomas clothes but what really made it was the fake sweat and dirt they put on him. Damn he looked good. You were pulled from your thoughts when you heard people yelling and you realized they started getting ready to film. It was honestly really interesting to watch him work. You laughed every time he broke character or forgot a line and you realized just how much material they must have for bloopers. The director called for a break and the actors dispersed in search for food. Dylan found you and walked you to the snack table. Wow…they were really well fed. About thirty minutes later it was time to film again but for some reason Dylan was reluctant. You weren’t sure why until you noticed two cars being brought on to the set. You remembered Dylan’s accident happened while filming a stunt and if the reports you had read were true, it must have been this one. You looked at him and noticed the worry and slight fear in his eyes. It was then that you realized why it had to be this weekend that you came to set. It was time to re-film the stunt and he wanted you here for it.

“Dyl?”

He looked at you and saw nothing but concern. “Y/N…I don’t know if I can do this again.”

You knew he needed comforting and somehow you knew he needed it from you. You looked at him and smiled. “Dylan listen to me. You are going to be just fine. I’m sure of it! I have nothing but faith in you!” you tried to say with the most comforting tone you could muster. He looked at you and saw how concerned you were but he also felt the comfort you were trying to give which was exactly what he needed. But he still couldn’t gather the strength to walk on to that set. They were calling his name and trying to find him so they could get on with filming. Why they didn’t use a stunt double or trash the whole stunt all together, you have no idea. All you knew was this guy who you cared so much for was standing in front of you scared out of his mind and you didn’t know how to comfort him. You looked straight into his eyes and laid your hand on his cheek as softly and caringly as you could. “Dylan…” you didn’t know how to finish that sentence and you didn’t know how to comfort him so you did the only thing you could think of. The only thing you’ve wanted to do since you saw him at the airport this morning. You closed the distance between the two of you, your lips crashing with his. He was shocked but it only took a second for him to kiss you back. His lips were soft. It felt like you could be there forever but reality hit and you broke away…slowly. He looked at you and he was still in shock. Someone from the crew finally found him and started calling after him but he wasn’t moving. He muttered your name wanting to say so much.

“We’ll talk about it later, I promise.” You assured him. You heard his name being called once more except this time with force “Now go. You’ve got this.” You said with a soft smile. He returned the smile and headed to the set. You found your own way to the set and stood on the side where you were allowed to. The stunt began and you watched intently. Your heart raced and you were pretty sure it had skipped enough beats to qualify for a visit to the hospital. He was able to do it perfectly in the first shot so it was over in less than 20 minutes and you knew he was beyond grateful and you were too. The second they officially wrapped on that scene he shot you a glance that was filled so much relief and you were extremely happy for him. The rest of the day went off without a hitch and it was a lot more fun than you would’ve thought but you were happy. When he finished for the day, he changed back into his own clothes and motioned for you to walk with him. You were headed towards his car and then back to his apartment. Neither of you said a word to each other about what happened between the two of you. In fact, neither of you said a word at all. The entire way back to the apartment was silent. Not like the welcomed silence from this morning. There was tension so thick you could cut through it but neither you were willing to break it. Even if you wanted to, you didn’t know what to say. You finally got to his apartment after what felt like the longest car ride ever. He put the gear shift in park and just sat there staring out the windshield. You looked over at him and after what felt like an eternity he looked over at you.

“What happened to staying friends?” he asked with a small smirk.

He was trying to lighten the mood and he was succeeding. Thank goodness.

“I figured I’d put us out of our misery.” You said returning the smirk.

He leaned in and kissed you. It was slow and you could tell he was trying to communicate so many things through this simple action. He broke away and said thank you. When you asked him for what he started “For everything. For coming up here and for immediately understanding why I wanted you here…why I needed you here. I’ve been dreading filming this since we started back in February and somehow I just knew that having you here would make it easier. Thank you for the couple of months and for just being you.”

You knew that saying all of this was not easy for him so you just let him say what he needed to. After the day he’s had, it’s the least he deserves. Plus, it was really nice to hear.

“Thank you for being there for me when I needed you and for being the person I can always talk to.” He realized how emotional he had just gotten and decided to try and change that a bit. “And lastly, thank you for putting us out of our misery.” He had to laugh and so did you. You exchanged one last glance before getting out of the car. You met at the front of the car and he reached for you hand. You reached for his and the two you walked upstairs. Once upstairs you talked about it briefly cause you figured you needed to know and you decided to get together. You addressed your concerns about never seeing each other and he told you not to worry. He’d fly down when he could and you’d face time every day if you had to. Every problem you came up with he had a solution for which eased your mind by a thousand. When it came time to go to sleep neither of you brought up the sleeping arrangements. The two of you got into his bed as if it was completely normal. You cuddled up against him and neither of you questioned anything. three and a half months ago, you were sitting on your bed having a fangirl moment over a new picture of Dylan O’ Brien that had been released and now you were lying next him in bed as his new girlfriend. You couldn’t believe how things had progressed between the two of you but you were beyond happy with it. He pulled you out of your thoughts when you felt him absentmindedly rubbing circles into the exposed skin of your arm. He was slowly driving you to sleep and you just let it happen. With a smile on your face, the last thought you had was ‘wait till I tell Y/BF/N’.

#dylan o'brien #dylan o'bae #dylan #dylan o'brien imagine #teen wolf #o'brien #dylan imagine

25 notes · View notes