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jboofan · 2 years

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Chances 19

YN's about to find out that sometimes a gorgeous man can come up with a plan all his own, and it's a given that it'll mess hers up.

Jungkook x YN

Chapter 19 Chicken wings and conundrums

The large tray of sizzling chicken wings made it away to the table, bottles of soju chinked as they made room for several more dishes.

Chan opened the door first, stepped in and looked back for YN.

YN stopped a few feet away from the restaurant and took a look behind her, sure someone was there.

"YNnah, what's up?" Chan walked back out to her, looking off in the same direction as she was.

"Nothing," she shook her head, but instinctively checked again.

"Cmon, everyone is already here," he touched her elbow to move her towards the door.

"Look for the devil, and she appears," someone shouted loudly, rambunctiously.

YN lowered her hoodie, shaking out her hair.

"If you keep asking for the devil, she will appear," she deadpanned, raising an eyebrow as she rubbed her cold hands, grabbing a seat between Jay and Ashley.

"Right," Matt or BM of Kard, president of the committee chuckled to himself as he watched everyone settle down, pleased to have the whole gang together.

He clapped in excitement to see everyone, unable to stop the massive grin.

"Guys," they always spoke in English when the whole squad got together, after all everyone sitting around that round table hailed from the same neck of the woods. "The Big Tiddie Committee is in the houseeeeee!"

"And, to our long lost member," he cackled as he raised a bottle of soju at her, "babygirl, we are so happy to see you!"

YN rolled her eyes as everyone stood to toast her, followed by the standard roasting.

"Bitch I thought we were never gonna see you again," Ashley was Na-ri's American cousin and they'd met by happy accident when she joined BM as a host of a podcast years ago.

"Thanks Park Ssi," she waited for her soju shot, and necked it hard, closing her eyes to appreciate the feeling of burn as it laced her throat.

"I could get knocked down tomorrow but I'd still walk it off and see you again," YN necked another and gave Ashley one of her rare smiles causing the other to begin the hugging.

"BTS haven't replaced us then?" Chan chuckled, clapping his hands. "There's seven of us, and seven of them."

"Wait, wait so which one are we then?" Matt laughed.

"RM is the leader, so who would that be? Who's the most intelligent one here?" PH-1 looked around the table, "Ash, what's your IQ?"

"Definitely in single digits when I speak to you guys," she giggled as she pointed fingers at YN. "Has to be YNnie or Jay."

"If it's me, then man y'all must be dumb as fuck," Jay laughed as he ordered more ribs for the table.

"If Jay is the smartest, we are I dare say, fucked," YN quipped finally grabbing the drinks menu.

"There ain't no wine in this place YN, no point checking," Jay pointed to the empty space after Soju and imported beer.

"Argh," she tutted and gave the menu back.

"Chan," Matt asked, "Didn't they test us in class, damn, what's that teachers name?"

"Mr Anderson," she remembered. "Corduroy pants and that fuck ugly checked blazer."

Chan watched her across the table, she must have drunk a whole bottle of soju and not touched any food.

"YNnie," he leaned forward pointing to Jay, "slow down and have something to eat."

Jay moved the bottle out the way instinctively and instead pushed food at her.

"Girl eat and then let's talk business," he dropped two pieces of chicken onto her plate before grabbing some more for himself.

"Ayee," PH-1, another Park clapped loudly. "Right, well since YN missed like a million get togethers" he paused as he watched her stare him out, "totally cool by the way, cos we're just happy to have our homegirl back," he quickly added, "first order of business, is a debrief."

They all took it in turns to tell everyone else about what they were up to, but more importantly what they needed help with.

BM spoke first, "so as y'all know, I'm putting together my debut album," which was met by more soju drink and hollers, "and I'm looking for a cool producer director that can collab with me. But the problem is, I'm still pretty new ish, even though I've been around a bit, I feel like people aren't taking me seriously you know?"

"I also got a couple of tracks I want y'all to take a look at. Homeboy is struggling and shit," he admitted.

"Bet if Shownu was here he would say something about how he was worried people had forgotten him since he went into service. Mind you, he still puts selfies out without half his clothes on, so I don't think anyone is forgetting him anytime soon."

Chan, went next and although he had no problems he needed help with, he did voice his concerns. "We have a tour planned, our second world tour but before that it's another short tour in Arabia, but," he tilted his head as he sucked in some air, "They," JYP he referred to, "didn't give us a lot of staff, when we went to the UAE last time, we struggled with fans and we were literally ambushed in the airport and Felix and Changbin were pushed to the ground. I'm worried about it happening again."

YN listened, and suddenly felt so guilty. Since their trip to New York, she had failed to check in on her brother, concerned about her own album or whether she was happy with a set of lyrics than check to see how he was getting on. Granted, he was an adult, but he was still her younger brother, even by a year, leader of a group of 8 and with so much responsibility on his shoulders.

PH worried if the next CEO could fill Jay's shoes and was excited about writing his third full album.

"What bout you?"

Ashley complained about not having enough work lately, she was a former Cube idol and had moved into radio and podcasts with great success. YN listened to her friend, her phone pinged again several times, seeing as her brother was with her, and it wasn't the ringtone for her parents, no one else calling was that important so she switched it off and gave her full attention to Jay beside her.

"Well as everyone knows I'm leaving AOMG and Higher. I'm not worried about leaving, but I'm worried about my impact, or the space I'll leave behind. It took a lot to turn that place around and I don't want that to have all been in vain." He smiled at YN, nudging her playfully, "and me and this one will be launching our soju brand soon and I'm hoping that she will also feature on my next song."

"Me?" she nearly choked on a chicken bone. "Can you imagine my silky voice and you rapping away," she joked, "number one everyone, you heard it here first!" she confidently whipped her hair before searching for more soju.

"So, YN, time to share babe," Ashley smiled at her friend, "we've missed you!"

"Well, firstly I think I have some ideas about some of the problems you guys have, you don't have to take them but I want to help," she looked over at BM.

"Matty, I know a really good lyricist," she pointed her thumbs at herself, her cheeks a little rosey, "I'll look over your songs for you, I can also put you in touch with some people I know, great directors, producers that will want to work with you. We're all here dude," she smiled as he blew her a kiss across the kimchi. "Adora, Ash's sis will definitely want to get in on such a creative project."

"Chaniyah," she pointed across to him, "we can get someone to speak to JYP for you, and if that's too much, I'll get someone else I know who is friends with him to," she was talking about their Dad and if it's was her brother's safety at risk she'd make sure to tell him to pull his finger out and ensure Chan and his group felt safe as they went abroad.

Chan knew she referred to their father, but also that he couldn't find the guts to ask him himself, and although embarrassed he knew his sister had his back and would help him, as he asked.

"Ash, your podcast is doing amazing, and I'm sure we can all guest on the podcast; you, Matty and Peniel are doing great - we'll help you guys raise your profile even more!"

She chewed the piece of chicken, swallowing quickly before dropping her chopsticks to her plate.

"I'm debuting with Hybe, as you know it's been on the cards a long time, but I've committed to it. I've got some songs I would like you guys to feature on. Not just cos we are the BTC but cos you guys are all so talented, and I won't pay you, but I'll buy you all a meal the next time we have this," which got plenty of laughs and calls for an expensive restaurant next time.

"I know I've not been very present," she admitted with great difficulty, "Hybe, BTS the other groups all took over my life for years but I want to push out an album, but I've got two songs left and I want you guys to feature."

Everyone knew how hard YN worked, how committed she was to music but no one could deny in the last few years just how serious her career had become, how high the pressure had been to push out a better album than the last, withering away in a studio at ungodly hours, burning the candle from both ends.

BM watched his child hood friend sit quietly, contemplating her thoughts, lost in her own words.

"Hey YNnah, you still with us hun?" he jokily asked, although he was worried, he knew it was getting late and maybe she was tired. Chan had been filling him in on how much she had been overworking, and she showed no signs of slowing down.

"You'd think you were much older when I see how far you've come in the last few years," he admitted. The conversations around the table were beginning to sober him up and the realisation of just how difficult they still found parts of their lives lingered into the early morning cold chill.

"Yeah, I know we tease you, but we know you know it's just jokes. Seriously though, we know how much you've sacrificed. It's not easy being who you are," PH, had been friends with her since he met Chan in kindergarten. "It's not easy when your father is who he is," he looked over to Chan, "you guys are amazing and don't think anything less. You're so mature and we mostly the same age."

YN swallowed the last shot of the evening, and cleared her throat.

"It's not age that makes you mature, it's responsibility," she said solemnly, a sad smile appeared on her face, as she sat contemplating another drink.

Chan watched his sister, a little disturbed at that last comment, as she grew quiet as the others continued to talk. He and Matt shared a concerned look before turning back to the others.

"Everyone cool to grab lunch later today?" Chan said changing the subject, waiting for YN to contribute an answer after everyone else had agreed.

"I'll do my best to."

"Cmon, it's lunch," Ashley pouted til YN agreed.

Jungkook called her from outside the restaurant and watched through the glass as she rejected call after call, until she switched it off. His heavy heart dropped to his feet as he watched, how her and this group of people hung out so casually.

"Fine fine, I'm coming from work, so who is near me? I'll grab you."

"Bitch if you bringing the 'rari, I'm in," Jay pointed to himself. "I'm always driving you bitches about but no one offers me a lift," he pointed at the others.

Dejected, he dragged his feet back to his car to drive home, but instead he stood there watchinh the group outside in silence still.

He watched her smile and clap, laugh even; he had never seen her do that with the boys or him. Granted he couldn't see everyone that was at the table, but they all looked so cosy and he was jealous. Jealous that other people were spending time with her, when he was so desperate to hold onto any fragments of a relationship he could get.

Amazed YN still hadn't spotted him as he hung out in the dark street peering in, he bit on his dry lips under his mask as she sat listening carefully to what the person next to her was saying.

He watched her point to his phone, he recognised who he was straight away - Jay Park, CEO of not just one, but two music labels. Sure he worked out, had tattoos like him, Jungkook would even admit the guy also had a killer smile, also like him but maybe that's where the similarities ended? Did she like him? Did he like her?

Insecurity dug deep, as Jungkook rubbed his dry eyes. Why am I so desperate? he kept asking himself when he knew he should be at home, sleeping.

Why did it matter so much to him what she did?

"It's not that deep you idiot, why are you being stupid," he asked himself again as he couldn't stop himself from messaging her again.

"Why does it hurt to see you with someone else so much?"

Waiting in his car, scared to fall asleep incase he missed her Jungkook wasn't sure when it happened, but he'd fallen asleep.

An involuntary shudder in the cold car had woken him up, and had him scrambling for his phone.

"Fuck," he muttered realising it was nearly three, and that he'd been asleep for an hour. He cleared his throat, and started the heating, peering over the road to see if the chicken place was still open.

Relieved that the lights were still on, he didn't need to wait long when soon they all left loudly, said final goodbyes and headed off towards their vehicles.

Chan and Matt stood nearby as YN saw off the others into their cars and then went back to the guys.

"Right, Matt is staying over at the dorm with me, shall I drop you first?" Chan grabbed his keys, the cold frost causing his breath to fog.

"Message me when you get home," YN looked across the road at Jungkook's car, the man asleep with his head slumped backwards. "My ride is here," she cleared her throat, embarrassed and pointed to the car.

"How long has he been here?" Chan squinted as he looked.

"Since we got here," she stood emotionless. "I think his brain is loose."

"Do you want me to go talk to him?" he was already walking half way across the street when YN grabbed his jacket cuff and stopped him.

"If he's being creepy—"

"Go home with Matthew. He's not being creepy," she felt the need to clarify.

"I knew it," Chan said excitedly, as he turned back to look at his sister.

"Tattooed and built, noona has a type," Matt high fived Chan and looked back at her.

"You being Chan's bestie bought you the privilege of me being your noona, don't sass me!" she went to kick him, but the muscular man dodged her, trying to run away.

Matt lowered his hands and cleared his throat, walking back calmly, as Chan laughed on.

"And you, don't think I don't know that you been going on dates with that new choreographer," she eyed up her brother. "I know everything Christopher Bang, even when I'm not there."

"Damn bro, she used your government name," Matt blew out his cheeks.

"Same goes for you Matthew Kim. You play up again and I'll call your mom and tell her you're fucking your stylist."

"It is highly complex," she found herself justifying herself as she looked over at his car, and then sadly back at her brother. "It's not going to last, and he's gonna hate me when he finds out."

Matt and Chan sighed sadly, thinking about their own romances, "it always fucking is."

"Why don't you tell him?" Chan worried, "If it's meant to be, it's meant to be."

YN looked up at Chan, "It's not meant to be," she corrected him. "People like me—"

"People like US," Chan took the opportunity to correct her now, "I'm older now sis, I can stand up for you too now. I know I haven't before, he just scares me," he told them truthfully.

YN smiled at him bittersweet. She just about got on with their dad, maybe if they spent more time together as a family, maybe if they all spoke to each other, she wouldn't feel so torn.

Christmas was the worst, she remembered how they were civil enough to get on, but she knew her brother well. He like the rest of them, except their mother didn't forgive very easily; and the power struggle that existed within father, son and daughter was enough at times to split everyone into one camp or the other.

YN sighed to herself. She unfortunately was not granted that luxury to be able to pick one over the other. With her brother going from strength to strength with JYP, still a rival to Hybe and her own album coming up, she shuddered to think what would happen, if they locked horns; and selfishly she thought, what would happen to her - who she have to choose? The father that gave to her the opportunities, or the brother who dared to stand up to him, and try and pave a path his own? With a rival company? They were all set to be present for TV appearances and similar if not the same brands, and she suddenly felt the overwhelming feeling to be sick.

Jungkook looked up from his phone, but saw that she was no longer there. Unbuckling his seat belt, he unlocked the door opening it to cross over and find her. Had she gone home? Had the guy she came with taken her home? Had she let him into her home? Into her bed?

His heart was beating in his ears as his antsy feet kicked to get out and search for her.

As soon as he unlocked his door, the passenger door flew open as YN climbed on, and closed the door.

Jungkook looked at her shocked as she casually put on her seat belt, bracing himself for a barrage of abuse that never came.

"Um," his thoughts scattered around his brain, not sure what to say.

"How was — did you enjoy — I was just — how did you kn—oww," he stammered, as he realised her hands must be cold since her fingers were bent and barely moving.

"Here," he leaned between them and reached out for the blanket and handed it to her as he put the heating on and cleared his throat, hoping she would say something.

When she didn't, he opened the blanket himself and placed it gently over her, her eyes were closed as he sat back watching her closely.

"Let's not speak," her tired voice finally filled the silence, feeling his eyes on her even when they were shut. Why was he here. How did he know where I was?

"Here," he reclined her seat a little more, "of-of cc-ourse," he quickly set off to get them back to her place.

@craftymoonchaos

#bts jungkook #jungkook imagines #bts #bts imagines #jungkook fluff #jungkook x yn #bts smau #bts social media au #jungkook x reader #bts smut

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bookio · 2 years

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My Hero Academia vol 25 (2020) by Kohei Horikoshi

Long time no MHA!! I'm super confused as always and it doesn't help that my library get the volumes in so randomly.

In this volume we learn hands-all-over-guy's origin, how he as a kid got into a childish fight with his sister and then his power activated - which is destruction! So he wiped away his whole family (very traumatic!) and became a street kid. He was taken in by a villain organization and ranked up quickly due to his strong quirk.

To calm his anxiety, he was given severed hands that by touch calms him down. This is what was left of his slaughtered family. Very twisted!

Meanwhile, the hero academia has Christmas celebration and "hero interview training". It's very boring but I like seeing the characters hang out casually and interact with each other!

Doku, Bakugo and Todoroki becomes trainee with jerk Endeavor. I don't like him, he rubs me the wrong way. They later meet Hawks who deliver a spy message that the villains are planning a big attack in four months.

Hawks is also with the villains i think? He's like double edged spy, for reasons i have no idea. I dislike him same as endeavor tbh, too smug and doesn't care about anything. Hands-all-over-guy have recently defeated a big gang boss and now expanded his organization to a maximum, now even have lots of money.

The comic is getting messier and messier, i can't keep up but still like the characters! 3/5 stars

- - - - -

My Hero Academia vol 30 (2022) by Kohei Horikoshi

Four months has passed apparently, and the battle is in full swing! Hands-all-over-guy has evolved to a spider creature monster and everyone is very beaten up.

Doku and him is connected through the whole All for One (the main villain) and One for All (the power) ordeal. Inside their power ghost world (complicated to explain, im sorry!!) Doku can only witness one of his superhero powers, the hands-all-over-guy's grandmother, try to free Hands from the clutches of All for one. And fail again.

Shape shifting School girl Toga attacks the gravity girl to see if "heroes are suppose to save people, why aren't they saving us?" and get confirmation that gravity girl can't see through her hidden sadness (communication is key) and attacks her instead of saving. It definitely have some sort of trauma x mental health underlying theme here!

Either way, Hands is knocked out cold by his used amount of power (like a puppet) so Dabi takes his stand. He simultaneously broadcast a video confession worldwide, THE TRUTH about stupid jerk Endeavor.

Endeavor, desperate to become a #1 hero, forced a ice power woman to marry him and convey children, in an experiment to combine the powers of fire and ice.

The first son was Dabi - named Toya - but his fire was so strong that HE BURNED HIMSELF TO CRISP. Only his lower jawline was found, but actually he was alive and later put together by the villain organization.

When trying to return home, Dabi could maybe see that his father just continued the experiment, feeling pushed aside and used. Eventually endeavor successfully got the half-and-half powers in Todoroki.

Everyone now know Endeavor was an abusive manipulating father, but it doesn't take away he is the hero of many and mentor to new generations of heroes. Can one really come out as a better person after doing something like that? That's the question!

The discussion about why society worship heroes when they can be such horrible people is his main take, and then Dabi tries to kill everyone as revenge. Especially Todoroki, that got the family love he never got himself.

Hawks is down but exploited as a double spy. Lemillion my silly babe is back! Doku wants to save Hands because he's clearly used as a puppet, but also this volume really made me emphatic to the villains, who are just angry and lost in a world where they simply just want to fit into. It's really sad, the killings are unnecessary, i wish everyone could be safe and happy! 5/5 stars

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extremelyblackandwhite · 3 years

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a very merry sebmas - day 3

pairing: destroyer!chris x reader

a/n: day 3, this time with chris from destroyer. hope you guys like it xx

holiday divider by @firefly-graphics

there it was for the first time in eight months, the black citroen beaten outside the diner and he didn’t know if to feel happy or scared.

slapping some crumpled up dollars against the table, he exited the diner, walking straight inside the car where one of his handlers was waiting, feet up on the console of the car

he wanted to yell at his handler, yell at them for lying, for not allowing him any sort of communication with his wife who had just given birth the moment he left. he wanted to lash out at them, quit the undercover assignment and just return home but that would only make things worse.

“excited to speak with the mrs?” “just give me the goddamn phone”

eight months. that’s how long it took for them to allow him to call his Y/N.

it killed him not to see her, not to see his baby daughter, but he was smart enough to know if he tried he’d only be putting them in danger.

as the phone rang he started to think about what to say, what should he say? hey sorry for leaving an hour after you gave birth to our daughter? that is if she even answered

“hello?” from the other line came the most melodic, beautiful sound in the world “sweetheart? it’s chris, please don’t hang up” “oh my ... chris are you okay? erin hasn’t told me anything and no one will tell me anything. i even tried the burea ...” “yes, sweetheart i’m alright. god, how are you? they’ve only let me talk to you now” “yeah i’m okay. my mother has been coming by quite a lot to help out with diana” “how is she? is she still as beautiful as i remember?”

chris could’ve stayed forever on the phone on her, listening to the love of his love tell him about how his baby girl was doing but his handler had different plans, warning him about the time he had left

“hey sweetheart, i have to go” “when can you call again?” “i don’t know, sweetheart” “do you know if you can make it for christmas?”

chris sighed, feeling his heart break at the hopeful tone of her voice. he knew the answer, it was a clear no. not only had he missed bringing his daughter home for the first time but now he was also missing her very first christmas

“i don’t think so. i’m sorry, sweetheart” “it’s okay, chris, it’s your job” “i’ll make it up to you, i promise” “just come back home safely please” “i will” “me and baby diana will be waiting for you, chris.” “i love you, sweetheart” “i love you too, chris. stay safe”

he turned off the burner phone handing it over to his handler who shoved it in his pocket “is there no way i can make it to see my wife on christmas? just for a few hours?” “not until you get the location of the drugs cargo” “c’mon man, i haven’t seen my kid since she was born” “work harder then”

he decided to get off the car before he punched the guy hard enough to knock of all his teeth, closing the door on him with a vice.

arriving back at the home, he sat down on the couch, opening a beer with the corner of a table. he knew he should’ve quit when he could, he should’ve just quit when she told him she was pregnant but he stupidly decided not to and now he was paying the price.

“you look like shit man, what happened?” vince was one of the main men in the gang, someone chris had been assigned to become friends with. all he wanted now was for him to tell him where the drug shipment was being sent to so he could go home “some guy tried to pick a fight. idiot” “ah man, bottom feeders, always do that” “yeah” “cmon let’s go to lusty i’ll pay you a lap dance” “isn’t the new shipment coming in? last time we weren’t here mark lost his fucking head” “some guys are receiving it in the docks” score.

chris waited until they were in the strip club, something y/n would definitely never hear about, to text erin about it.

god y/n was never to know the amount of time he was spent in this strip club or she’ll have his head on a platter

as another song was about to begin, his squad broke into the club, heavily armed which let them with no choice but to raise their hands up

erin was to one to pretend to take him in, opening the car door and immediately shutting it “great job, chris. took you long enough.” “bite me, erin.” “i’m guessing you wanna go home to y/n and diana” “i don’t want to hear about any undercover assignments until my daughter’s in college” “deal”

meanwhile y/n was walking around her fully decorated house, showing her baby daughter the baubles hanging from the ceiling

“and that one” she pointed to a big golden one “that one your dad gave to me when we first spend christmas together” baby diana cooed reaching to grab the bauble. y/n smiled at her daughter, kissing her chubby cheeks.

as she was about to hand her the christmas tree topper so she could put it on the tree, she heard someone walk up her door. looking around her opened the door of her under the stairs cupboard, laying diana on her belly there and grabbing one of her old tennis racket.

as the knob of the door jiggled and the door opened, she readied herself to swing the racket into action

“it’s me!” chris held his hands up “it’s me, lower the racket”

y/n didn’t even have time to process the fact her husband has a completely different haircut, was skinnier than before and had a few tattoos which definetely weren’t there. all she did was just wrap her around him and hold on tight “you’re here” “yeah, i’m here” “how long are you here?” “as long as you want sweetheart.” “but you said ...” “well, y/n, you better than everyone should know i’m very persuasive” “could’ve been persuasive earlier” “hey where is diana? is she awake?” “she’s in the under the stairs cupboard” “i’m sorry is our daughter harry potter now?” “well i thought you were an intruder and an intruder is not gonna check under the stairs” “why would an intruder come here?” “well christopher you have several enemies and as such i have several plans”

chris laughed, leaning to kiss her, tasting the chapstick she always had on before opening the cupboard, his giggling daughter on her belly. he couldn’t help but immediately pick her up, kissing her cheeks and tummy which only made her giggle more. “did mumma put you in a little christmas outfit?” she only stared at him, leaning her head which she still could barely hold against his chest “she’s so precious” “i know. we were just about to put the christmas topper on the tree” “let’s do it”

y/n handed the little angel to diana who grabbed it with a might, holding it against her chest as chris walked to the living room where the christmas tree was.

“wait, i have to film this” y/n grabbed the phone off her jean pocket, holding it front of her face as chris slightly rose diana who just dropped the angel of a tree, which was then fixed by chris.

he was home and he was home to stay.

#sebastian stan #sebastian stan/reader #sebastian stan/you #sebastian stan/y/n #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan x y/n #sebastian stan imagine #destroyer!chris #destroyer! chris imagine #destroyer chris imagine

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lilacs-with-lavender · 3 years

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Slip Away Pt. 1

Read it on Ao3 here!

Kaz Brekker x Inej Ghafa

For my lovely six of crows ladies, you all know who you are. Thanks for making the tale end of 2020 a little less of a nightmare. Merry Christmas!

Summary:

After a long year of putting slaver ships at the bottom of the ocean, Captain Inej Ghafa docks in Ketterdam for the first time in a long while. She tells herself she’s come back to take on some new crew, maybe visit a few old friends. But if Inej is being honest with herself Jesper’s last few letters have had her worrying about a certain bastard of the barrel, one she hasn’t heard from in months. One who’s rasping voice and light touches have haunted her dreams since she left.

WC: 2,556

Warnings: Angst, feels, Crooked Kingdom spoilers!

The first thing she noticed was the familiar smell. The salt of the sea mixed with Ketterdam’s smoke and oil to form the scent that used to greet her every morning she slipped out the window of her room in the Slat. Off to collect some information about the Dime Lions’ plans or the Razor Gulls latest recruits, helping to encourage meaningless gang wars over territory. It was hard not to imagine herself as young and naive when looking back at her time spent with the Dregs, even if things had changed after the Ice Court job, even if now she’d found her true calling.

A small part of her still resented that girl who had obeyed Kaz Brekker without question, without thought.

The Wraith came into port, making for that berth he had given her all those years ago, and Inej felt the wind whip at her hair as she took in the sight of her city.

The young woman she was now spent little to no time thinking of Ketterdam’s infamous crime boss, if her thoughts strayed to her past visits to this place she lost her focus. Sailing, looking after her crew, and going after slavers, that’s what mattered.

Now, with her crew eager to take a reprieve from life on the True Sea, Inej had time to think about him. Them. Both now laden with even more titles than they’d had when she had left last year. Even on the sea, she could never escape the odd mention of him, Ketterdam’s king of the Barrel.

The shouts of her crew shook the pirate queen from her thoughts, the melody of her battleship’s sails and ropes forming sweet music as they worked to secure The Wraith to her dock. Once the gangplank had been lowered and she’d seen everyone off, Inej hesitated. No matter how many times she returned to Ketterdam her heart always beat this nervous staccato at the prospect of seeing who awaited her at the docks.

She had thought with the years that had gone by she had matured, lost the naive part of her that hoped, longed for a sight of him waiting to greet her. Cane in hand as if not a day had passed since she last saw him.

Most of the time she was disappointed, this time was no different.

But when her quick scan of the crowd found only Jesper and Wylan waiting for her she stole herself, a smile lighting up her face as she dropped her bags and embraced them, forcing the disappointment down until it was nothing but a memory.

~*~

Dinner at the Van Eck household was always a good time, and tonight was no exception. Drinks were passed around and Wylan dined with his whole household, a now natural occurrence since he had insisted from the beginning that such a ridiculously large dining table be put to good use. Inej enjoyed herself, dazzling the girls in his employment with tales of her adventures. One, in particular, a sweet-tempered Shu girl who cared for the house’s grounds with her father, took to Inej right away.

“After you rescued those Ravkans did they join your crew?” She asked, in awe of one of The Wraith’s latest conquests, a slave ship that had specialized in Grisha.

Inej twirled more pasta around her fork, “Well, we give them a choice, they can rejoin their families in Ravka or join our crew. It’s a harrowing experience being taken, most choose to return home.”

The girl wrinkled her nose slightly, “I’d definitely join your crew.” Then seeming to realize what she had said she blushed, golden eyes darting away from Inej’s amused expression.

“I think that’s a terrific idea,” her face lit up like the sun at that but glimpsing the girl’s father eyeing them warily across the table, Inej added, “for when you’re old enough to sail of course.”

She frowned but nodded after a moment, fixing Inej with a very serious look for a thirteen-year-old and saying solemnly, “that’s probably for the best, I’m not that good of a swimmer.”

Inej laughed but schooled her face into a serious nod as the girl was led to bed by her father, the rest of the household heading home one by one and leaving the three of them alone. It was a comfortable silence, the food finished and their bellies full, Inej opened her mouth to ask how Jes’s father had been when she caught sight of something on his hand that threw the all-knowing Wraith for a loop.

Wylan saw where her eyes were fixed and smiled as the realization dawned on her, “That isn’t a… You two aren’t-”

Apparently unable to contain himself any longer Wylan cut her off mid-stutter, “Engaged?”

Inej blinked at Jesper who for once in his life looked shy as he fingered the carved silver band that now graced his ring finger. “You didn’t tell me?!”

He had the audacity to shrug sheepishly, “I could’ve told you in my last letter but we wanted to tell you in person! Nina and Kaz still don’t know!”

Wylan said smugly under his breath then, “Kuwei does though, and he’s not as happy.”

A shocked breath of laughter escaped her then and she smiled as they glanced at each other, the devotion in their eyes so clear it tugged at her heart. “I assume this means my pirate spoils for you both will have to wait until the wedding then.”

Jesper looked at her, stricken, “Wait what- no pirate spoils until the wedding?”

He turned to Wylan, face somber, “I’m afraid I have to rescind my I do merchling”.

Wylan rolled his eyes and looked to Inej with an expression that said, can you believe this is the idiot I decided to marry?

The conversation quickly turned to Jesper’s outrageous wedding plan involving a releasing of crows instead of doves but as the three of them laughed, she couldn’t help but feel lonely, with just the ship, the sea, and her crew for company it was easy to forget Inej didn’t have what they had. Never permanently. Even though she’d tried…

She blinked back the memories of rare sunny days during the summer when she had docked here, receiving notes inviting her to various high-end bakeries and cafes throughout the financial district that she’d never stepped foot in. Refused to remember stolen kisses in alleyways as they walked back, the barest brush of skin-to-skin contact that had her floating through the rest of the day. But inevitably it had ended how it always did, with tense arguments about who was worthy of who, rainy nights that left her in such a state that she left without saying goodbye…

It was those vivid memories that caused her to mutter, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, “How’s he been?”

Jesper and Wylan stopped their banter to answer her, bright expressions turning solemn and sad, they pity me, she realized. “We haven’t seen him in two months Inej.”

Her braid swung off her shoulder when she turned to Jesper, brows furrowed, “You promised you’d check on him in your last letter Jes.”

Her old friend sighed, as if weary of dealing with Kaz Brekker’s moods now that he’d found happiness for himself without said bastard of the barrel. “I did, he refused to see us.”

She spluttered slightly, the audacity of this man. “He refused- I’ll go then.”

Wylan and Jesper exchanged a pointed glance and Inej looked between them, “What now?”

Jesper winced as Wylan prodded him, “He sort of told us that he didn’t want to see anyone we brought by… he may have mentioned you specifically.”

Wylan cleared his throat when she opened her mouth to ask why exactly he would say such a thing, explaining quickly. “We, um... we think he was drunk.”

Inej stared at the both of them incredulously, Kaz had done many questionable things while she’d known him but he’d never gotten drunk.

“How on earth could you tell, I thought you didn’t see him.”

There it was again, that shared knowing look between the two of them, it was starting to get on her nerves. Eventually, it was Jes who said, “the orders didn’t really sound like a sober man’s words… we may also have heard some rumors a while back, something about Dirtyhands losing focus on the job.” Inej winced, if that had been because he’d been thinking of her… the Kaz Brekker she knew wouldn’t have forgiven himself very easily. Saints, she had been away for too long.

Rising from the dinner table she lay her napkin down and grabbed her cloak, “I have to go check on him.”

Wylan just sighed and said, “We know.”

~*~

She stuck to the rooftops by habit, their different dips and gullies like old friends as she made for the Slat. Inej was once again struck with the odd feeling of being thrown back in time as she leapt over tiles. Suddenly she was sixteen and heading back to the Slat to report, her day spent eavesdropping and spying for Dirtyhands… for Kaz.

Now she was almost twenty and as she approached the glowing windows of the Slat her old perch outside of Kaz’s office seemed small. The treasured refuge of a barely healing girl and her crows.

Inej slipped through the window, breath sucked in now that she had developed the curves and muscle that came with being a woman her age. Standing in the dimly lit room brought back memories she had kept locked away while at sea. Quite nights spent talking, eating, laughing… sharing hesitant touches whenever she visited Ketterdam. But always that reservation in him, the thought he had voiced on several occasions that rankled her.

Not good enough, not deserving, monster.

Inej still had faith in him, there was no one who held her heart hostage more than Kaz Brekker. Despite all his ridiculous self-loathing that secret part of her still remained. The bit that held onto hopes of a sun drenched future with the bastard of the barrel.

So she felt no small amount of disappointment when she found him face down in papers at his desk, undercut dramatically disheveled. He looked a bit as if he had been tearing at his hair. The mess on his desk made it quite impossible not to guess what he had been doing before passing out.

Splayed across the worn wood were unfinished papers, all with his coarse yet refined handwriting, all addressed to her. Inej shuddered as she happened across one without her name, addressed only to

My Treasure,

Someone had been very drunk indeed.

She turned away before any other words jumped out at her, slipping off her cloak and hanging it on the stand next to his hat. It had only been a few months since she’d last been here but it felt like longer. A quick glance at the rest of her room and it was clear Kaz was still using Per Haskell’s old office for business. This floor was just his rumbled unmade bed and the old desk, on which the letters were splayed.

Sighing, she reached for him, breath hitching when her bare hands shook his shoulders gently. When there was no response she shook harder.

“Kaz.”

His face was still hidden in his arms but a muffled groan had the corners of her mouth perking up. Her voice turned sing-song as she bid him again,“Wake up Kaz.”

He lifted his head and blinked at her blearily, eyes clearing as she fought not to laugh. His voice sounded tougher than usual when he spoke however, and her stomach did a somersault. “I-Inej?”

He looked so confused, so out of his depth, she really couldn’t help herself.

“Hello, my treasure.”

Kaz blinked twice and Inej would be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy the way his pale skin flushed as the realization hit him. Before she could purr anymore adoring nicknames he buried his face in his bare hands, an audible, “Fuck”, his only response.

Inej laughed, spirits rising as she helped him out of the chair, not trusting him to balance on his own two feet. Kaz made no objections surprisingly, only held onto her shoulder as they made their way to his bed. She glanced at his profile, the scars she had memorized were still there, his fading blush and pained expression all synonymous with the boy she had missed on the True Sea.

Before she could slide out from under his arm to set him on the bed, however, Inej was stopped by a hand at her waist. Her eyes holding his as he leaned towards her, slowly moving both hands up from her hips to her back until they were so close she could tuck her head under his chin if she wanted to.

Instead she held his gaze, the intensity and longing there no doubt mirroring her own as he leaned closer. Inej held her breath now, gaze fixed on the rafters above them as he pressed a kiss to her neck and settled there pulling her closer by the waist until she was encircled by his arms.

“I missed you.” The soft admission was spoken just next to her ear, and she shivered, hands curling against the front of his shirt. She doubted it was the alcohol talking now, it was the most honest thing she’d ever heard him say when she came to visit. It was always the game of “What business?” and “Good to see you back Wraith.” Certainly never this.

Inej couldn’t be happier, in fact, she could die right here in his arms and it would be a wonderful way to greet death. It was only when his kisses resumed that she realized he needed sleep. Kaz never moved this fast sober, the boy she knew could spend hours just playing with her hair and be fulfilled.

Inebriated Kaz, however, didn’t seem to have the same idea and Inej had to push him away. His hands dropped to his sides and when she shoved him further down onto his bed, those bitter coffee eyes that she so loved begining to flutter shut. Before she could turn away from him however he reached a hand for her wrist, not even flinching as he blinked up at her slowly. “Stay… please.”

Now it was her turn to flush, her eyes darting from his bare feet to his loose shirt and rumpled hair. There was no way this would end well, but as always, when it came to Kaz Brekker, Inej’s common sense made itself scarce.

So she toed off her boots and slipped her knife belt under the bed, walking to the window and door to lock both before laying down beside him. They had never dared share a bed over night before, certainly not after any amount of what they considered intimacy. Usually after such intense touching both of them were quite tired out and more than ready to take a break. Now, Inej could only think of how warm he felt next to her, how right.

And as she drifted off with her head tucked into the crook of his neck, she couldn’t help but think that this was better than anything the True Sea had to offer.

~*~

First kanej fic and I’m freaking outtt you guys I hope I did them justice! A ship that gave me the will to live over quarantine deserves only the finest *sobs*

Anyways Merry Christmas all!! Please come say hi on ao3 or reblog this post if you have time & tell me how you liked this!! ~ Love Liles

#kanej #post crooked kingdom #six of crows #soc fanfic #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #kaz x inej #feel good fluff #bed sharing #crooked kingdom

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neon-junkie · 4 years

Note

Can I request a bill Williamson oneshot where his high honour s/o sacrifices herself to save him?

oh my god im posting so much angst today ;-; here’s another piece that made me cry whilst i was writing it. What... if Bill.... was stood where Sean was during that mission... o_o Gender-neutral as always, and death warning!

You saw the glisten of the scope up on one of the shops in Rhodes, and without thinking, you pushed Bill to the ground, yourself falling on top of him. But the sound of gunfire echoed throughout the empty streets, and there was a sudden pain in your chest. As Bill stood back up, you rolled off him, your back hitting the dusty streets that slowly began turning red. Your eyes were on Bill the whole time, and you saw his face drop as he turned to pick you up, but quickly realized what had happened. Bill went to say something, but the sound of gunshots cut him off. He was quick to throw you over his shoulder and find cover, leaving the others to deal with the mess. He had his own mess to deal with.

"What you gone and done that for?" Bill began to sob as he laid you down against the cool bricks of one of the buildings. It was probably not cold, but on your back and the wound, it felt like ice. Everything did, your world was quickly fading as the lights began to darken. "It would have been you," you tell him. There's a strain to your voice, like someone's standing on your throat, and it definitely feels like someone is too. "It should have been me!" Bill snaps, though you know he doesn't mean to get angry with you. He's not, he's angry at himself, the situation, the bastard that shot you, everything. "You.." Bill starts to speak but his eyes trail south, looking at the hole in your chest. He wants to tell you that you'll be fine, but you both know you're not going to make it. "I love you," you tell him. His eyes snap back up to yours, tears pouring from them. He feels like it's all his fault, like he's the one who shot you. "Now, you... you don't..." Bill mutters. He wants to tell you not to say that because he can't bear to hear it for the last time. He never thought you'd leave this quickly. He always thought you'd be the one burying him, not the other way around. "I love you too," Bill says through thick sobs. His hands are holding yours, but they move so he can cradle you in his lap, sitting on the floor with his back facing the fight that's still happening along the street. "I'm proud of you, Bill," you tell him as you look up at him, though your eyes feel so heavy. You want to shut them, but you're not ready to leave yet. "Don't you say that," Bill cries. "Why? I mean it," you reply. You try your hardest to move your hand up to cup his cheek, but everything feels so heavy, so cold, so dark. Bill notices your struggle and takes your hand in his, placing it exactly where you wanted. Despite the numbness in your limbs, you can faintly feel the roughness of his beard, and his smooth cheek as your thumb brushes over it. "Be good, Bill. Don't get into too much trouble," you tell him. You know what he's like. There's been far too many times that you've bailed him out of fights of all sorts, but without you around, you worry that he's only going to snap back into what he formerly was. "I won't," Bill pouts, holding your hand firmly against his cheek as he melts into your touch for the last time. Bill leans down to place a kiss on your forehead. As his lips touch your skin, your eyes fall shut. Bill realizes you're gone when he lifts his head back up, noticing the gentle smile on your face. The muscles in your arm relax, though Bill continues to hold your palm against his jawline. He doesn't notice the gunshots coming to a halt, or the sounds of familiar people approaching him, but he does feel the weight of Arthurs hand as he places it on his shoulder. Bill buries you by himself, rejecting the help the others offer. He wants some time alone, he needs some time alone. He spends the night by your grave, taking his time to carve your name and a little message underneath on the wooden headboard. His body is itching for a drink, but for once, he feels sick at the thought of it. He doesn't want to risk becoming like his father, forgetting about those he loves the most, and eventually losing himself in the liquor. He'd never risk losing the thoughts of you. So instead he pitches his tent and lingers beside you, Brown Jack nestled down beside him. Bill goes over everything in his head: how you met, the moment the flirting started, how he felt when you first kissed, the way you looked at him when he told you he loves you for the first time. He allows himself to cry, mostly because he physically can't hold the tears in. He wants to feel like it's all his fault, but he can hear your voice telling him off for thinking that way. He's got to try and follow your teachings, to continue the path you were leading him down, even if your hand isn't physically in his anymore. Bill tried his best, he really did, but his mind became foggy the second you were taken from him. He fell back on his ways, this time sinking deeper than before. Bill's fueled by anger and spite, though he's still never touched a drop of alcohol, and at least he has that to be proud of. It's quiet for once. Fort Mercer feels empty, despite his men covering the inner walls, their voices echoing off the stone that surrounds them. Bill's up in his room, his feet up on the desk as he goes through some old mementos of his. John visited earlier. Well, not really visited. He came out of nowhere and tried to reason with Bill, but Bill stopped trusting him many years ago. He may be stupid, but he's not a fool. Bill just felt like he needed to go through his things. He wasn't scared of the encounter, but his heart was telling him to do so. He stores his stuff in a tatty old trunk in his room, one that was left here when the Fort was last in use. The items are now scattered on his desk, and Bill's going through them one at a time. He picks up an envelope with a small amount of thickness to it. Upon opening it, his heart drops. He knew he'd come across these sooner or later, but despite the sickly feeling growing in his stomach, he's glad he's looked over them again. They're photos from the camp that Arthur once took. He'd given the handful to you after getting them all developed. The photos are of you and Bill, all taken on different days over the months that had passed when the gang was out in the East. Bill can feel his bottom lip shaking, and he has to keep wiping the tears from his eyes so he can focus on you. You look so happy, and Bill wants to smack his former self from looking so grumpy all the time. There's a few that Arthur had taken in secret, where Bills trying his best to flirt with you but looking rathered flustered, and another where the two of you are cuddled up at the campfire. Bill hasn't visited your grave in a long time. He rarely leaves Fort Mercer, and hasn't been that way in just over seven years. He wants to, he'd love to see your grave again, but he's so heavily wanted that he'd barely make it past Blackwater. He knows he'll probably see you soon, especially after what happened today. Bill knows his end is soon approaching, and he'll be reunited with you before the year is over. He realizes that he's not felt much since you were taken from him. Sure, he's felt anger and sadness, but no happiness, no warmth or joy. Bill's become a hollow shell, numb and empty, fueled by those emotions that you managed to drown out of him all those years ago. He feels ashamed. Bill's let you down. When you left, you told him to be good, and he's been far from that. Bill realizes all the things he's done over the years, the chaos he's created and sickly enjoyed. He shouldn't have to rely on another person to fix him, but you began doing that without him realizing it. It's too late now. You're probably waiting at the gates of heaven to slap him for being such a fool when he arrives, though Bill knows he's going straight to hell, maybe even lower than that, if all that nonsense exists anyway. He still remembers the little message he carved onto your headboard all those years ago, a message that's stayed true to him every single day since. 'My warmth disappeared when I lost you.'

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norafike · 3 years

Text

Despite all this, I still love you 30

Two chapters today while I’m feeling generous, I do hope you have enjoyed my Lem and Nora series so far, and I appreciate every single like and reblog I receive on these posts. Y’all mean the world to me and I appreciate that so much, thank you for all you do

...

Lem was hardly through the door of the hotel room before Maggie approached, pointing her cane his way with that same unimpressed look she so naturally wore. “Where on earth have you been, Lemuel?” The woman asked, her voice speaking in that harsh tone.

“Somewhere.” He answered, "it don't matter though."

His vague answer unimpressed her further, finally lowering the cane. “Who did you meet out there?”

Lem chuckled, of course his aunt would know that he met up with someone, she knew everything after all. “I don't know… claimed himself to be an old friend of yours and Cripps' though.”

“Excuse me?”

“Said his name's Lyndon, Nora's-”

“Nora's grandfather, yes. What did he want with you?”

Lem shrugged, if she said the same thing as Lyndon then he definitely hadn't been lying to him just as Lem thought previously.

“He didn't s-say much.” He answered. Maggie sighed and ran her bandaged hand down her face, pushing Marcel aside and whispering that could barely be heard. It was something about going to see what Lyndon wanted but anything else said was lost.

After a while, Maggie turned back towards Lem and gave him a gentle smile, walking as quickly as possible to his side. “Why don't you rest, Lem? We got a busy day comin' up.”

...

Nora ran the damp cloth over Kieran's forehead, keeping him cool as his fever only increased and weakly he looked up and smiled, mouth parted slightly while he continued to grasp for air.

It had been days since he stumbled in, half-dead and completely exhausted but it began to look like he was going to survive this after all. Cripps also took proper care, keeping an eye on him when Nora was out and changing the dressing on his wounds every day or so.

“How are you feelin' today?” She asked gently, speaking just above a whisper. It was always the first thing she said to Kieran, but she was only worried after all.

“Surprisingly… m-much better.” He managed to answer and she smiled that his response was coherent, not a hum or jumbled words.

“That's Cripps that is.” Nora chuckled, finally removing the cloth from his head. “Somehow he manages to work magic.”

Kieran let out a quick hiss at the flare of pain in his side, his hand moving to hold on in instinct and the sudden reaction only heightened the pain more. She panicked, pulling the sheet back to look at his torso for worry that the wound tore during healing but there was no fresh blood anywhere.

He gently held onto his hand with one of her own and the other cupped his cheek, her thumb gently rubbing back and forth. “You're alright.” She soothed and eventually, Kieran calmed down, although tears were brimming in his eyes.

Nora gently ran a finger under his eye, wiping away a stray tear that began to fall before pulling away and standing. “Rest for me, okay? I'll be back later to check on you.” Kieran nodded weakly, closing his eyes through the pain and eventually Nora left his side to join Cripps and her brothers around the fire.

“How is he?” Cripps asked, serving the stew for everyone with that familiar gentle smile. She raised her hand, not feeling hungry at this particular moment.

He frowned, taking her hand and forcibly putting the bowl in her grasp before walking her over to the table and sitting her down. “You've not eaten all day, Nora,” he said.

She let out a long sigh, taking the spoon and prodding at the meal in front of her. “Kieran's fine, alive at least but in a great deal of pain.”

“I s'pose it's to be expected, surprised he survived all that given the severity of the wounds.”

“Jus', I'm happy he was alive… ya know Colm made sure I knew they had him and he was killed… but-”

“He said that to get at you, Nor.” He interrupted, “just eat up before you make yourself go ill.”

...

In the next few days she noticed a significant improvement from Kieran, while bedridden he could talk and laugh without being in pain and eventually was able to sit up without aid.

There was something she had been putting off since the day Kieran came back and that was returning to Shady Belle where the others were, having not seen them in a while she was eager to reunite with some old friends and just check up on the gang overall but she worried about leaving Kieran and eventually Cripps had grown tired of seeing her moping about the place and, like before, sent her out to keep her grounded so while she was temporarily exiled she finally set off for Shady Belle. But that didn't mean she still didn't worry.

The journey was slower than usual as on the way she passed by the last place she ever saw Lem and an overwhelming amount of emotion washed over and she lingered in spot for a while, hoping to see him exit a train carriage or even appear on the spot but of course that never happened she doubted it ever would so, finally composing herself, she kicked Casper into a gallop as she rode the west of the way to Lemoyne.

The sun was barely above the water on the horizon and the camp was illuminated in a soft orange glow when she arrived, but it was still as busy as usual as they finished the last of their chores for the day.

Arthur, with his strides long, walked from one end of the camp to the other, carrying a sack of chicken feed to the coop.

“Well, ain't you a sight for sore eyes.” Mrs Adler greeted, rifle in hand as she made her way to her position for guard duty. Nora waved gently, not saying anything as she entered the camp.

Most people looked over, curious but soon focused on what they had been doing previously when they recognised Nora.

She paid them no mind, approaching Arthur who needed to talk to about matters back home but with him being so distracted with chores it became a task to even grab his attention, he was too prioritized on carrying all the heavy stuff around that conversation would be too great a distraction.

But she was polite and waited until he finished and as soon as he dropped the last sack of feed he looked over and for the first time noticed Nora standing with her arms crossed, bouncing back and forth on her feet. “How long you been there, miss?”

“A while didn't want to distract you… I recall you tellin' me off last time I did that,” she joked and instinctively Arthur raised his hand to awkwardly rub the back of his neck, issuing a small apology.

“Oh you're alright, but I needed to speak to you about somethin', in private.”

He nodded, waving his hand to follow and together the pair walked into the house, passing Molly as she sat sulking in the corner and entering his room shortly after he had a thorough look around to make sure the coast was clear. “What is it?”

“Remember when Colm had me for a while?”

“Yes?”

“Well,” Nora sighed, trying to find the best possible way to answer this. “There's been a situation come up regarding that.”

Arthur looked worried and noticed how Lem was not with her as he usually was, they both seemed inseparable and soon he assumed the worst. “He's not taken anyone else of yours has he? Lem's not-”

“No… fortunately not. Lem's in Chicago with his aunt, business-related.”

“Right. So what's the problem?”

Nora looked up at him, pressing her lips together before letting a huff of air. “It's Kieran, he- he's alive.”

#rdr2 #rdr #red dead redemption 2 #red dead redemption #fanfic #rdr fanfic #rdo #red dead online #lem fike #lemuel fike #lem fike x nora morgan #rdr oc: nora morgan #arthur morgan #kieran duffy #JB Cripps #original characters

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sinner-as-saint · 5 years

Text

Bad Guy.

Mafia! Bucky AU

Requested by @millennialdisaster a.k.a my Baseball Bat Anon who sent a cute request a while ago.

I’m sorry this took so long, love. I hope you liked it! ily

Run-through: The world is a bad place, cities and town alike are now filled with violence and bad people. And in the middle of it all, Bucky Barnes finds love where it wasn’t supposed to be.

Themes: smut, violence, slight gore elements, fluff

The night sky, an obsidian tapestry, acted as a witness to all the sin that went down in the city. At night time, all the sinners prowled, lurked in the shadows – hunting.

Deals sealed among gang members. Mobsters killing away anyone who opposed them – protecting what they swore to protect; be it family, or just pride.

Drugs. Money, sex and power were all people cared about. The world was a bad place.

During daytime, the city was somewhat safe. However, at night; it became a playground for all the devils who inhabited the city.

Among those devils, was Bucky Barnes. Powerful, filthy rich and feared – he was the ultimate King of the underworld.

A mob, mafia, gang leader – he had many titles.

Bucky had everything he ever wanted; wealth, power, loyalty from those who worked with and for him. Yet, the one thing he never got was the true love of a woman.

After all, the King needed his Queen to complete him.

However, his wish was soon granted.

---

It was a regular night for Bucky. Having sealed a promising deal with his ally – Wilson, and little bit of alcohol in his system; Bucky made his way home.

He would probably stop by some brothel and find a beautiful woman to warm his bed for the night. However, no matter how pretty, they could never fill the void he experienced.

He walked to his car, which was parked a little far away from the club he was stepping out of, surrounded by three of his guys, when he heard a few shouts – followed by the sound of metal crashing on the concrete ground.

At first, neither him nor his guys thought much of it. They thought that it was probably some drunkard being kicked out of one of the many shabby pubs.

However, Bucky stopped in his tracks when he heard the voice of a woman. A young one at that. It sounded like she was in pain, or in trouble.

Bucky couldn’t walk away knowing a woman was in danger, so he signaled his guys to follow him. Two of them cocked their guns and held it at the ready while one walked behind him.

Bucky’s hand lingered on the gun at his waist as him and his little crew approached the source of the voice.

“In that alley way, boss. Right by the dumpster,” one of his men spoke in a hushed voice.

A sound of something hard hitting the dumpster could be heard, followed by the grunting of a male voice. Whoever this woman was, she was surely being manhandled by a man.

Bucky sure was a practitioner of evil but he wasn’t entirely heartless. Having being raised in a family where his ruthless father used his mother as a punching bag; Bucky was not one to allow violence against women.

And whoever this man was, Bucky and his men would surely teach him a lesson of a lifetime.

As they neared the alley, they could hear the pants and groans of someone being in pain. One of his men ran to the dumpster and lowered his gun immediately – as if there was no need to shoot someone. He motioned for the others to march forward.

Bucky frowned at the weird gesture and walked towards him anyways.

Upon reaching where his guy stood, Bucky could not believe his eyes.

The situation was the opposite of what he thought it’d be. Being mercilessly beaten with what seemed to be a baseball bat, was a man – on the concrete ground, writhing in pain and groaning as he was being repeatedly hit on the head.

And the one standing above him, beating the shit out of the man, was you. Your hair fell around your face, so Bucky could not see who the badass chick was.

He studied your form. Legs clad in dark jeans, a simple white t-shirt – with a few drops of blood on it. Upon seeing the blood, Bucky was concerned.

He took a few steps towards you, but since you were busy beating someone with a baseball bat, you didn’t notice.

“…I swear if you ever steal from my pub again, I will shove this bat so far up your a-,”

“That’s enough, doll, he’s unconscious already,” Bucky cut you off, approaching your agitated frame with caution and watch how you slowly looked up at him.

Panting, you stared into his blue eyes with your e/c ones. And once you did, he could’ve sworn the world around him got a few shades brighter.

He noticed you didn’t recognize him right away. He wondered why.

“Fucking deserved it, this piece of shit walked in like he fucking owned it and took my entire day’s earning,” you panted as you complained to him.

While stepping away from the thief’s bleeding body, you kicked his side and his body laid limp on the ground.

Bucky held back a chuckled as his brain registered your colorful speech. You were something else. Most women he knew always pretended as though they needed to be protected and kept like a glass figurines, but you – you seemed like you were used to fighting your own fights.

And he liked that. Very much.

Bucky watched how you bent down and searched the thief’s pockets for the money that he took from you. He watched how you smiled in triumph once you found a thick bundle of notes in the inside pocket of his leather jacket.

Bucky was about to say something, but then a certain mark caught his eye. Right at the base of the thief’s neck was a tattoo. A skull, below which were six tentacles spread out.

Definitely not a random tattoo. This was a criminal mark – to show one’s loyalty towards HYDRA.

HYDRA; a notorious organization who only acquired power by snatching it and ruining lives of the innocent, and they were Bucky Barnes’ most flagrant rival.

Bucky didn’t know how to react. A girl just took on a HYDRA goon, alone; with just a baseball bat. Damn.

“Step away doll, this is no regular thief. This guy’s a HYDRA goon. You’re lucky we found you, if it were HYDRA, you would be in their dungeon by now,” Bucky spoke and watched how realization slowly hit you.

You looked at him for a moment then at his men. Your eyes slowly trailed down to where his metal was, at his side and he saw how fear flashed in your fiery eyes.

You clutched the bundle of money to your chest and started backing away, slowly, from him and his crew.

The dimmed lights of the streets allowed him to get a good look at you. You were pretty. Very pretty.

Then he noticed the blood trailing down your chin. He furrowed his eyebrows at you.

“You’re bleeding, doll. He hurt you?” Bucky asked, while his men grinned as they picked up the limp body of the goon off the ground. Of course, they had finally found a member belonging to the rivals – they were just happy that they would get to torture him and get every secret out of him.

You froze to the ground as Bucky approached you. He walked in your direction until he was standing right in front of you, not far from his men.

He extended his metal arm and touched your face, the cold metal against your warm skin felt oddly soothing, and you stuttered when you tried to talk.

“You’re B-Bucky Barnes, aren’t you? I-I’m sorry, you can have the money, sir. Please don’t hurt me, I-,” the flows of your weak words came to a halt as he traced the skin around the cut on your lip.

You watched how intently he observed the cut on the side of your lip, and how lazily his eyes roamed your face while he caressed your skin.

Dressed in a dark suit, tall and power flowing around him, wrapping him in an invisible cocoon – he sure as hell looked intimidating. Yet, his touch was gentle.

You had heard about him several times before. The city you lived in was more or less entirely a terrain for men like him. Rich, powerful men who only knew the language of violence.

There were stories about how he got his infamous, prosthetic metal arm. Some believed his lost his arm in an accident. Others said that he was once captured when he was young, and tortured in the basement of his enemies. Then when his family got him back, the arm was attached to him, and he had no recollection of what had happened to him.

And many more.

No one knew the truth. Few people ever saw him in person. And now, you were among the few.

The man chuckled at your words. It was the only audible sound apart from your heartbeats which rang in your ear.

“I don’t want the money, doll. You’re bleeding, you should get it cleaned before it gets infected. Come on, let me drop you home. You live around here?” he asked, lowering his hand back at his sides as he realized that he had been cradling your face for too long and it was beginning to get awkward and weird.

Your eyes widened at his suggestion.

“I- no, sir. There’s no need. I’ll manage, I-,”

“I wasn’t asking, doll. It’s not a safe area for a girl to be on her own. Although, you definitely are very capable of looking out for yourself but I insist, let me drop you home. Or your pub, whichever you prefer,” he spoke again, a faint smile on his face.

You dared to admit that the man the news called the ‘King of the underworld’, was rather handsome. With some of his long, dark locks pulled back into a little bun, and his perfect beard – he looked like every girl’s dream.

And his eyes… the darkness of the night and of his outfit complimented the ocean blue eyes he had.

You mentally scolded yourself for admiring such a man. But you couldn’t help yourself. He was, indeed, very dreamy.

But, still, you couldn’t accept his offer. People talked a lot in this city, and every girl who was seen with men of Bucky Barnes’ caliber, were often given labels. Bad labels.

“Really, I’ll be fine. I could walk home, I don’t live far from-,”

“What’s your name?” he abruptly cut your rambling off.

“Y/N,”

“Listen, Y/N. You just beat the hell out of a HYDRA goon. Who knows, maybe he was keeping an eye on me for a while now. You just saved me so much trouble, doll. Plus, you’re hurt. The least I can do it see to it that you reach home safely. Who knows, maybe HYDRA is even keeping an eye on you,”

Okay, he totally exaggerated the last part. But he only did it just so you would agree to his suggestion. Bucky was enchanted. You were beautiful, strong, kept your calm and were a total badass.

You were the kind of woman he hoped to have by his side. And he was not letting you go just yet.

Your eyes widened as he said the last words.

“So, please, let me escort you home,” you noticed that the three men turned their heads at the same time to look back at the two of you.

They were, shamelessly, eavesdropping.

You nodded. You feared HYDRA just like any other civilian of the city, and now, having injured one of them – you were very scared.

“He’s not dead, is he?” you asked as you watched how the men carried the limp body of the goon and walked in front of you and Bucky.

You held the baseball bat in your hand and the bundle of money in the other hand as you walked alongside Bucky on the pavement.

The night was getting a bit cold, and your t-shirt was barely keeping you warm.

He chuckled.

“He’s not, doll. Not yet. Thanks to you, I now have an enemy in my grasp. I should thank you,” he spoke, a playful tone lacing his words.

“Oh, well, you’re welcome, sir,” you spoke as you neared two black cars.

Bucky ordered two of his men to take the goon to his mansion and told them to have their ‘fun’ but keep him ‘alive’ until he got there. They walked away and threw the goon in the back and drove off in the first car.

The third guy sat at the driver’s seat of the second car and waited for you two to get in.

You watched how Bucky opened the car door for you and you immediately rushed inside as the air got colder.

Once you settled against the leather seat, you dropped the baseball bat at your feet and tucked the bundle of money in the pocket of your jeans.

Bucky walked around the car and got inside as well. He sat beside you and you noticed how he very subtly inched closer to you.

“Where to, miss?” the guy in the driver’s seat asked.

“Uh, drive straight and take the next right. Then another left and my pub should be there,” you gave him the directions and he nodded in understanding.

Once the engine purred, you leaned against the leather seat and shivered. You were cold and the man beside you noticed.

Without a word said, he removed the dark jacket of his suit and held it in front of you.

“Oh no, I’m good, sir. I don’t-,”

“Okay one, call me Bucky. And two, I can tell you’re cold, doll. Just take it,” he watched the slight tremble in your lip as you hesitantly accepted it.

You leaned forward and slipped your arms through the sleeves and once it was around your body, you immediately snuggled into it.

Bucky watched you with a faint smile on his face. Seeing you in his clothes did things to him, and he didn’t know how to explain it.

It felt…right.

You subtly sniffed his jacket. It smelt nice. Fresh, strong and powerful. Exactly what you thought mob bosses smell like.

Soon, with a few turns, the car stopped right outside your pub. It was still lit, which meant that even after you took off running after the goon, your friend was still working.

You didn’t get out of the car immediately. You slowly removed the jacket and handed it back to him. You smiled politely as you did so.

He took it back and gave you a small smile.

“Go on, I’ll be waiting. I’m gonna drop you home after,”

You opened you mouth to tell him that it was fine and that he shouldn’t bother but he beat you to it.

“Again, I wasn’t asking, doll,” he spoke again, a smirk on his gorgeous face.

Good lord…

There was not a single flaw on the man’s face. Everything about him was perfect. The crinkles by his eyes, his beard, his tired yet dreamy eyes – he was beautiful. And equally as dangerous.

You shut up, and made your way out of his car. As you walked up the couple of steps and walked inside the pub, you felt a glare on your back. And surprisingly, you didn’t mind.

Walking inside the pub, you were immediately tackled by your co-worker. She held you tight in her arms and told you how worried she was after you took off running.

You narrated the entire story to her, while the two of you gathered your stuff and prepared to close down.

Through the glass windows, Bucky watched how you gracefully moved across the pub; securing your bag on your shoulder and your jacket in your hand.

In the dimmed golden lights, you looked divine. Bucky watched in awe how you hugged your friend goodbye.

“Never seen you look at a woman like that before, boss. She’s special, I believe,” commented his guy who was in the driver’s seat.

Bucky chuckled and lowered his eyes for a moment before looking at you again.

“She’s not like the rest,” he said, smiling and watched how you made you way towards his car again. Wind blowing through your hair and he caught the bruise which was forming around your soft lips.

Bucky sighed. And his heartbeat quickened when you got in beside him and gave him a polite smile.

That night, after he dropped you off. Bucky somehow managed to convince you to let him in so he could tend to the cut on your lips.

At that point, the two of you knew that he was doing all this to be close to you. And while his heart did a little victory dance when you agreed to let him help you; you wondered why a man like him would even want to be around an ordinary girl like you.

Bucky followed you to your bathroom, and stood in front of you while he examined the cut on your lip. Your lower back pressed against the counter as his body was merely a few centimeters away from yours.

He grabbed a cotton pad and wet it with water and cleaned the wound gently. Normally, you would wince at the sting but since all you could do was focus on how close he was, you didn’t make a sound.

“You live here alone, doll?” he asked, eyes on your mouth and face frowning in concentration. His warm hand was placed on your cheek while his metal hand cleaned the cut.

“Me and Colby,” you whispered as his eyes flicked to yours and then quickly back to the wound. His body inched forward. And suddenly, you had trouble breathing.

“That’s your guy? Boyfriend?” he asked again, placing the cotton pad down and picking up the antiseptic lotion from the kit. He picked up another cotton pad and squeezed some of the lotion onto it.

“No, that’s- Colby is my pit bull,” you watched how flustered Bucky got when you cleared his misunderstanding. Guess that’s what happens when you give your dog human names.

“Oh,” was all Bucky said before getting back at cleaning your wound. He leaned in closer to your face and applied the lotion very gently.

You tried to look away from his face because he was making you breathless. So, you stared downwards. Bad idea.

His lower body was merely inches away from yours and it might’ve been your brain messing with you but it seemed as though there was a bulge forming in there.

You found yourself fantasizing about him again.

Given his reputation, there’s no way that he enters people’s home and cleans their wounds often. Then why was he so concerned with you?

Would he ask for something in return? Like the other men in his profession did?

You were aware of how the society had become. You had heard the stories of how certain mobsters granted women favors; jobs, money, or save them from any trouble. But then in return, they would ask them to-

“…suck on it,” you heard his voice and your eyes immediately moved from staring at his lower region. He was now staring at you – his face just inches away. He was so close that you could see the flares of grey in his eyes. He must have noticed that you were staring at his- well, down there.

Did he just-

“Pardon?” you must have misheard him, right? Unless…

“I said, get an ice cube and suck on it. It’ll reduce the swelling,” he completed his sentence and had you feeling like a desperate idiot.

“Right. Yes, I will. Thank you, for everything,” you thanked him and he just smirked; but didn’t moved.

He leaned in and placed both of his hands on either side of you, leaning slightly against the counter behind you – trapping you between his muscular body and the counter.

You looked into his blue eyes and your thoughts were a hot mess. Jesus, why did he have to be so handsome?

“Take care, doll. I’ll have my people make sure nobody messes with your pub again. Good night,” he whispered, leaned in and kissed the other side of your mouth. Lips dangerously close to yours, your heartbeats shot up when he allowed his lips to linger on your skin. His beard stabbed your skin a little bit, but weirdly, you liked it.

He smirked when he saw how hot and bothered you got just by one simple touch of his. And he knew this wasn’t the last time his lips would be on you.

He bade you goodbye and walked out of the house. As soon as you heard his car driving away, you also heard your puppy finally coming out of his hiding spot. For a pit bull, he sure was shy.

He ran to you in the bathroom and you picked him up, kissing him carefully on top of his head.

“He’s so dreamy, isn’t he? Oh my God Colby, am I falling for the bad guy?” you asked your pup and he just stared at you.

Turned out, you were.

---

For the next few days, you couldn’t get Bucky out of your mind. He even stopped by a few times, at the pub. And one of his men were always keeping a watch over you.

It was weird in the beginning, but then you got used it. it made you feel safer.

He would order one pint of beer and spend the next hour talking to you. He was a big flirt, and he even told you about how they ‘handled’ the goon.

Then one day, while taking casually, he finally dropped the bomb.

“Can I take you out on a date, doll?”

You stared at him in disbelief. Then laughed. And agreed.

---

The date went by just fine. And as cliché as it was, you found yourself falling for the bad guy.

While casually talking about the recent activities in the city, Bucky made a suggestion.

“It’s a tough world out there, why don’t you let me teach you how to defend yourself? I mean, the baseball bat is not really that handy. Maybe guns, fighting techniques and all that,” he sipped on his glass of red wine and watched you intently.

You smiled.

“What makes you think I would want that?” you questioned, a spark in your eyes.

“Because I see who you truly are. You like danger, there’s this excitement in your eyes every time you stared at my revolver. Y/N, you weren’t afraid to take on a HYDRA goon in an alley way, all on your own. That’s pretty impressive. You have skills, you’re a natural,”

Seems like he was quite the observer.

Bucky noticed how your eyes would linger on the shiny metal of his gun each time he was around you.

You chuckled.

“I did that because I didn’t know he was one of HYDRA, believe me, all I did was hit him in the head repeatedly, until he passed out. How did you even know he was one of HYDRA’s goons?”

You liked his idea, but you were also a bit hesitant.

People normally tend to stay as far away as possible from men like Bucky. But here you were, on a date with him – in his kitchen; having dinner which he made for you.

“The mark, on his neck. The HYDRA mark. See, I could teach you all that. If you let me,” he spoke again, leaning onto the kitchen island.

You sat up straight in the stool and faced him with a smirk.

“Then? You teach me all that then, what? You’re gonna make me become a bounty hunter?” you asked, smirking still.

By now, it was probably the wine speaking.

Bucky chuckled and shook his head.

“No, of course not. But all that will help while you’re with me,” he raised an eyebrow at you.

You didn’t quite get what he meant.

“Okay you’re amazing, but the last thing I want, is to be part of your gang Mr. Barnes. I’m fine with bartending, really,”

Bucky smiled, and placed his metal hand over yours on the surface of the counter.

“Not part of my gang, sugar. Mine. I want you to be my girl,” he corrected your misunderstanding. There was a promise in his eyes as he spoke, along with a sense of playfulness.

He was serious, and he needed an answer.

You thought it over for a while.

Then agreed.

---

Initially, you were over at Bucky’s place every few days. Days filled with excessive flirting, lingering touches and training.

He taught you the basics; how to spot HYDRA goons, how to fire a gun, and self-defense moves.

You learnt all about his past, and how he was practically forced to become who he is. He initially wanted to become an artist, but his father crushed his dreams and handed him a shotgun when he was only 12.

Then later on, your training shifted to more intense stuff; handling blades and sparring. Your relationship with Bucky morphed into something much more stable as well. And the lingering touches turned into steamy make out sessions.

Then one day, Bucky couldn’t take it anymore. While training and sparring, he had you under him so many times that the hard on in his pants started to hurt.

So when you went upstairs to use his shower; he followed you.

---

You sighed as soon as the warm water fell on your skin, washing away the sweat and the dirt. You were worn out, and some of your muscles hurt and your body was sore. So, when you felt two large hands on your hips pulling you into a muscular torso, you allowed it with a smile.

Bucky’s hands wrapped around your waist and he pulled you into him, placing his chin on your shoulder and turning his head to the side to kiss your jaw.

You tilted your head back and relished the feeling of being in his arms.

“How classy of you, sneaking up on a woman while she’s in the shower,” you mumbled and he chuckled while he peppered your skin with kisses.

You sighed in comfort.

“My woman,” he corrected and turned your body so you faced him. And not an ounce of shame could be seen on his face as he allowed his eyes to roam around your bare chest.

You did blush for a moment, but the moment you felt his lips on yours; nothing else mattered.

Soon, your back hit the cold tiles of the shower and you moaned into Bucky’s mouth while he pulled you up and wrapped your legs around his waist; hands on the curve of your ass holding you firmly between him and the wall.

His lips moved against yours feverishly; eagerly.

Stealthily, one of his hands dipped in between the two of you and lazily rubbed your wet folds. You gasped at the sudden caress of his fingers.

His lips moved from your lips to your neck and he nibbled along the side of your throat while his fingers slipped past your entrance with ease.

Your arousal coated his fingers as he pumped them in and out of you. A series of moans, mewls and cuss words escaped your lips as you felt a familiar warmth wash over you.

You felt a certain firmness pressing against your thigh and excitement coursed through you at the mere thought of him being inside you.

“Don’t come yet, baby,” he whispered in your ear as he felt your walls pulsating around his fingers. You groaned at his words and just as you tried to grind against his hand, he abruptly removed his hand from you.

You whimpered and cursed again while he smirked against your skin. Your hand held on to his shoulder while the other cradled his face gently, guiding his lips over to yours.

Your dripping core throbbed as it rested against his lower abdomen, pressing against his pelvic area. His erected length stood proud and tall, lightly touching his Adonis belt.

He looked tempting, and the hunger in his eyes didn’t help at all. Your hand slowly left his face as you trailed down his torso.

His muscles tensed under your touch; abs tightening and his cock twitched as soon as you wrapped your hand around it.

You smiled into the kiss as your hand started stroking his velvety skin. Your thumb rubbed the slit at his tip lazily and he moaned into the kiss; tongue diving into your mouth while you pumped your hand up and down his length – taking your sweet time as you brought him on the edge.

He pulled away and tilted his head back, cussing as your quickened your pace around him; eyes shutting while his face frowned in pleasure. He moaned and bit his lip as you pumped him faster; watching how his tip started leaking. He was close, you could tell.

His fingers dug into your skin as he got closer and closer to his release. Subtly, he moved his hips forward, thrusting into your hand while he mumbled incoherent words in your ear.

You leaned in and kissed his neck, biting and teasing his skin while he slowly rocked his hips against your hand.

You felt his cock twitch again, while he moaned against your cheek; you internally admitted that it was the hottest sound you ever heard.

However, to give him a taste of his own medicine, just as he was about to come undone; you abruptly stopped stroking his length.

His eyes flew open and it was his turn to groan and look at you as if you had stabbed him in the back. You smirked as he stared at you in the eyes; his eyes so blue and clear that you felt like you were in a trance.

“Such a fucking tease,” he whispered and tugged on your lower lip.

If someone had told you a few weeks ago that you would find yourself in Bucky Barnes’ bathroom, in his arms, kissing him soon, you would never have believed them. But here you were now, and you wouldn’t change a thing.

You whimpered when Bucky filled you up with his cock, stretching you to your maximum and grunting occasionally while mumbling how good you felt.

Slow and steady at first, then gradually building up his pace; Bucky rocked into you, stroking your walls with his thick cock.

His thrust quickly grew rougher and with each one, your back slammed against the wall behind you. Your legs tightened around him as he bit down on your shoulder, muffling the sinful moan which escaped his lips.

The sound of the water falling down on the tile beneath you suppressed the obscene sounds of your skin slapping against one another and the moans which left both your mouths.

You felt his grip tightening on your hip and thigh; promising to leave behind a loving bruise.

Bucky fucked you against the wall relentlessly until your thoughts were a mess. The only things you could focus on while his length slipped in and out of you were the sounds which escaped his lips and the words he mumbled in your ear; accompanied by his ragged breaths.

You felt the pressure forming in between your legs, hot and fiery; a need flowed between the two of your connected bodies. You had spent most of your life on your own; fighting and struggling to get rid of the loneliness.

Yet, there in his arms, you felt a sense of belonging. A comfort which you had been craving for so long.

All it took was a few more strokes of his cock against your walls and you were a mess. Walls clenching around him, you came undone and felt the pleasure wash over you.

You whispered his name incessantly as he kept rocking into you until he reached his release. Warm seeds spilled in you as he leaned against you to catch his breath. Yours arms wrapped around his shoulders as you placed your forehead against his.

His warm breath fanned your face. And when he finally opened his eyes, he gave you a genuine smile. And suddenly, everything around you was a shade brighter.

You smiled back and stared into his oceans eyes.

“I could get used to this,” he whispered against your mouth; lips brushing against yours gently. He was still a little breathless.

“Me too, actually,” you replied, caressing his cheek with your thumb. Bucky leaned into your touch and exhaled.

“Move in with me,”

Nothing more had to be said. You felt safe with him around, and he felt complete with you.

You agreed, because you were hopelessly falling for the bad guy.

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cait-with-luv · 4 years

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J.JK Soul Ink- Chapter 13

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¬ Into You- Ariana Grande

You let out a yawn as you began to wake up and try to stretch but you are stopped when you feel an arm wrapped around your waist. You pause before slowly twisting around in the hold and faced Jungkook. You let a small smile slip onto your mouth as you stared at him. He looked so peaceful and innocent with his mouth slightly ajar and his long dark wavy hair falling into his eyes. His grip tightens on you and he subconsciously pulls you in closer to him. You raise your hand and ever so gently brush the hair out his face and trace his perfect features. He begins to stir and scrunch up his nose making you bite back a squeal from how cute he looked. You pause your movements and Jungkook whines, grabbing your hand and putting it back onto his cheek.

"Felt good why'd you stop?" He grumbles, his voice a few octaves lower from sleep, eyes still shut.

You let out a quiet giggle and caress his cheek making him smile tiredly and open one eye before closing it again before rolling onto his back and you squeal slightly as he pulls you to lie on top of him arms holding you tightly and you both sigh in content. You rest your head on his chest and wrap your arms around his neck, he kisses the top of your head and you smile.

"I'm sorry did I wake you?" You mumble looking up to him. He peaks down at you and shakes his head.

"No don't worry about it I tend to wake up around this time anyway." He says

You sit up so you were straddling his waist, placing your hands on his chest and Jungkook smirks at you, placing an arm under his head and the other on your hip.

"Damn I like this view, didn't expect you to be a dom baby girl." Jungkook teases. You snort and flick his forehead.

"You're such a cocky fucker." You say making him laugh and throw his head back showing you the perfect view of his inked neck and you have to stop yourself from marking it. You lean down as Jungkook stops laughing and his breath hitches at the intimacy. You smirk and whisper against his lips,

"And if you must know...I like to be dominated from time to time."

You take his bottom lip between your teeth gently and tug it because letting it go. Jungkook lets out a soft breathy moan his eyes flickering shut for a moment and you thought he was putty in your hands but boy was you wrong. Within a blink of an eye, Jungkook and rolled you over and was above you, between your legs. Your eyes widen and you wrap your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist instinctively and he lets out a chuckle and leans down to your ear and whispers,

"Don't tease me doll face, it'll only end badly for you...noona."

He leans back and smirks at your flushed face. You both stare each other in silent, taking in each others features. You stare intently at the small skull tattoo under Jungkook's eye and you remember Namjoon and Yoongi sharing the same tattoo however Seokjin, Jimin, Taehyung and Hoseok all had a paper airplane. You bring a hand to his face and trace the tattoo with your finger and Jungkook shivers from the light touch.

"What does this tattoo mean?" You ask quietly letting your hand rest on his cheek and he leans into your touch before moving of top of you and lying beside you.

"It's a long story." He says quietly. You give him a small smile and then press your lips to his softly before pulling away and whispering,

"We've got time."

He sighs and nods before speaking,

"You've probably noticed Namjoon and Yoongi Hyung have the same tattoo as me whilst Jin,Jimin,Taehyung and Hobi Hyung have a paper airplane. You're right about them having a meaning and it's a pretty fucked up meaning I'm not gonna lie. The skull means we were born into this life, like we were destined to be surrounded around death and that one day this job is gonna get us killed. That we had no choice in this life we have. The airplane means they joined this life, they were once innocent and free and had a choice but now they're falling and can't get themselves unless they get saved by someone. Like a paper airplane that falls and is waiting for the wind to bring it back up." Jungkook explains. You frown at the sad meaning and Jungkook continues,

"Namjoon and I came up with the idea. We'd been a mafia gang for about year and a half and we thought we should have tattoos to signify our lost youth and innocence, when Namjoon found me I was just this 17 year old kid who was meant to kill him, this 20 year old who was gathering kids who had been a victim of Beom-Seok or had lost their families to the mafia business. Many turned him down too scared. When he saw me he knew who I was and wanted to help me, I had a gun to his head and he was stood there not flinching, hands in his pocket like he knew I wouldn't pull the trigger and he stood there, convincing me he could save me, help avenge my parents, that my uncle is teaching me wrong doings and I don't know why but I believed him, I went with him and ever since...I've looked up to him, he saved me from becoming a complete monster. That's why we got the tattoo's, to show that we're different, that even though we can kill or do things not exactly legal, we're still humans who lives were turned upside down and still wish that the only jobs we had was the tattoo shop."

You place your hand on his cheek and turn his head so he was looking at you. You place your forehead against his and he places his hand on your cheek to and closes his eyes to take in the moment. You kiss the tip of his nose making him scrunch it up and show off his bunny teeth making you giggle and whisper,

"You're all incredibly strong. You've all been through a lot yet you haven't let yourselves become like others or given in."

He smiles and kisses your forehead and you lay in silence until you break it,

"What's everyone's roles?"

Jungkook pouts before speaking,

"Namjoon Hyung is the leader, he controls what we do, keeps everyone in control, makes sure we're not compromised. Yoongi Hyung is the second in command and tech guy, if Namjoon Hyung isn't available he takes control and we report to him, the guy is fast with computers so he's took the hacker role too so when Namjoon Hyung is around all he does is help out with plans and make sure Namjoon is coping whilst collecting intel and hacking into our enemies devices etcetera, he takes part of interrogations from time to time, says it gives him a way to de-stress, Jin Hyung, he's more of the getaway driver, he'll have a car parked for us and waiting inside it, he's always changing the car to stop us getting caught, he'll take part sometimes if a deal goes sideways, Hoseok hyung...he's a bit sadist, he's this happy energetic bubbly guy but when it comes to having to force out information out of a person he loves it, he loves inflicting pain on others, we think it's an outcome of the trauma he suffered from watching his parents and sister die. But yeah Hoseok is an interrogator and negotiator. He's very persuasive and manipulative. Jimin hyung, your brother, he goes undercover a lot, if there's any females that we need to make talk we let him do it, he has a way with words around women, he make them fall right where he wants them, make them spill everything without realizing, some men fall for his charms too. But when he's not undercover he's usually my cover, Taehyung, he's like a shadow, so quiet and hidden in the background that he'll be where you least expect him, he's what we call our sharp shooter. I'm a bit of everything I guess. I've been trained in everything, I'm a Jeon, I'm meant to be leading my own mafia gang but I don't like the thought of that responsibility, I'm more of the follow orders not give them but if I wanted to I could become a leader. I'm an assassin I guess you could say which is why Jimin is my back up because if things fuck up for me Jimin will step in and help out."

You stay in silence as you take in their roles, Jungkook pulls you closer to him and sighs, he goes to talk but a voice cuts him off,

"You two together yet or you just being all googlie eyed at each other?"

You both sit up quickly to see Taehyung leaning up against your door frame munching on a bowl of cereal casually. Jungkook glares and grabs a pillow from behind him and launches it at Taehyung. He screeches and moves trying not to spill his cereal on the floor.

"Shit dude! No need to be so aggressive, I'm leaving, just here to tell you little shits that breakfast is done and we're waiting for you guys to have a talk." Taehyung says glaring at Jungkook and giving you a boxy smile before leaving the room.

Jungkook slides out the bed and gives you a smile.

"I'm gonna go get a shower. I'll see you down there." He says leaning over pecking your lips quickly before running out the room making you laugh and shake your head. You get out your bed and change into some clothes before walking downstairs to be faced with four smirking men and one frowning brother. Taehyung had definitely said something. You sigh and cross your arms and say,

"What did Taehyung say?"

Taehyung slides down in his chair and Seokjin blurts out,

"You and Kookie had sex?"

Hoseok stifles a laugh and Jimin elbow him and Hoseok pretends to cough. Your eyes widen in disbelief and shake your head quickly.

"What the fuck Taehyung! No we didn't we just slept in the same bed." You snap glowering at Taehyung who gives you a sheepish smile. Jimin wacks the back of is head and Taehyung whines holding his head pouting like a child.

You sit yourself down next to Jimin and he ruffles your hair making you smack his hand away and glare playfully at him making him throw his head back, laughing. Jin places a plate of food in front of you and you begin to eat quietly. But Yoongi has other ideas.

"So Y/N...You and Jungkook a thing now or you just fuck buddies?"

You nearly choke on your toast and you look at them all to see them smirking at you. You were speechless you didn't know what to say.

"Leave my girlfriend alone."

You look to the door where Jungkook had walked in, hair wet from his shower and he sits next in between Taehyung and Hoseok, stealing a piece of bacon of Hoseok's plate making him complain whilst he smiled happily as he ate it.

"Ah so you are together, how's the big brother feeling about it?" Seokjin says looking to Jimin who shrugs his shoulders.

"It's her choice. I'm annoyed it's that brat but I guess it's better than anyone else, but if you break her heart Jeon Jungkook, I'm gonna kill you kapeesh?" Jimin warns and Jungkook nods gulping whilst everyone complained.

"Hey! What's wrong with us?"

"Have you seen my face? Why would it be so wrong to date me?"

"I'm offended, how dare you question my ability to date someone."

"Okay guys we have a situation at hand we need to solve it, not bicker over who's better to date." Namjoon says seriously making everyone straighten up.

"Beom-Seok as you know isn't in the country for another 4 weeks, he extended his trip to the Philippines. This gives us the opportunity to set up a plan." Yoongi says

"Okay I don't see this as an issue." Hoseok says frowning.

"Well if you shut up and let me finish,then you'll understand why it's an issue." Yoongi says raising his eyebrow at him. Hoseok holds his hands up in surrender and Yoongi continues,

"What makes this issue is that even though we can plan we still have people on our ass and the time he's gone the more time they have to catch up to us. We can only hide out in this house for so long until they find us. So we need to come up with something to slow them down."

You all sit in silence and you waited for someone to make a suggestion but no one said anything so you sighed and decided to give an idea.

"Throw them of guard?"

They all look at you and you begin to get nervous and fidget in your seat, Jungkook gives you an encouraging smile and gestures for you to carry on.

"You're not going to agree or probably think this is stupid but, Yixing owns a nightclub, he's there pretty much every night. I was thinking maybe go there, get one of his guys to spill about their intentions and I can talk to Yixing distract him whilst someone can plant like a tracker on his car so we know his every step, I know Yixing he's gonna expect us to stay hidden and him find us, if we come out it will confuse him and probably fuck his plan up, you're gonna say they'll follow us once we leave, it's exactly what we want but instead of coming back here-"

"Drive to a different location." Namjoon finishes nodding giving you a smile.

"How we getting in thought without his bouncer alerting him?" Hoseok asks frowning and you smirk.

"I know all the different entrances, I used to sneak in all the time." You say smiling. Taehyung gives you a high five and wink and looks back to Namjoon.

"I liked the idea up until the point you mentioned you talking to Yixing, that's where you lost me, no way am I letting you near him. He might have a card up his sleeve and manage to pull you out of our grip." Jungkook says frowning with Jimin agreeing.

"I can handle myself, Yixing knows that too, he tried me once and he knows not to try again, besides you guys are gonna be there not properly by my side but enough to know what's going on." You say.

"I don't care I don't trust him." Jimin says sternly.

"So no one gonna talk about how Jungkook is going soft? No? Just me? Okay." Taehyung says to himself as everyone ignores him except Jungkook.

"Hyung shut up."

"It's the only idea I've heard, we'll keep in touch with one another, we'll leave tonight. I get it you're protective over her but we'll keep an eye on her." Namjoon says standing up walking out the kitchen. You all finish up your breakfast and you move to the sink to wash your plate but Jin takes it out of your hands.

"I've got it." He says and you pout.

"Jin you cooked, let me do the dishes." You whine. He chuckles and shakes his head.

"It's fine and besides, the brat is in a mood you might wanna sort him out." He says nodding over to a glaring Jungkook. You sigh and nod before walking over to him. You wrap your arms around him from behind and rest your head on his back. He places a hand over yours before turning around in your hold. You rest your head on his chest and Jungkook places his chin on top of your head, wrapping his arms around you.

"Baby-"

"I know what you're gonna say but please don't. I know this is Yixing someone who you think you know like the back of your hand, but just remember he's hidden a lot of stuff from you, he could be one step ahead before you know it, he's gonna have tricks up his sleeves. Don't let your guard down, promise me baby girl." He says cutting you off.

You purse your lips and nod, looking up to him, giving him a reassuring smile. "I promise Kookie."

He snorts at the nickname before pressing his lips to yours and kisses you softly, putting a hand on the back of your head, playing with your hair making you giggle against his lips as you kiss back.

"Uhhh I'm happy you too are finally not wanting to kill each other but I'd appreciate if you didn't kiss in front of me, would like to keep my food down thank you."

You both pull away and look over to Hoseok who had his arms crossed whilst his face was scrunched up in disgust making you and Jungkook laugh and nod.

"Noted."

-------

"Y/N are you ready?! We're waiting for you so we can go over the plan!"

You shake your head as you try to add a finishing touch to your make up but Jimin was making it difficult for you screaming from Namjoon's office every two minutes.

"Just getting my shoes on hang on you impatient fucker!" You yell back as you try to slip your heels on.

"Did you just-"

You giggle as you hear someone tell Jimin to shut up. You pull up the final zip on your heel and a voice from the door makes you look up quickly.

"Fuck."

There stood Jungkook staring at you in awe, clad in some black ripped skinny jeans, a black shirt that was tucked in, with the top buttons undone, with a blazer on top and some black dress shoes, his black long hair slightly wet so it was wavy. He took your breath away to say the least.

"What? Too hot for you to handle?" You tease standing up, walking over to him wrapping your arms around his neck. He looks down to you, his eyes darkened in lust, licking his lips and sliding his hands down your body until they rested on your butt.

"You're fucking stunning baby girl, shit you're making this difficult." He groans, placing his forehead against yours. You smirk and tug his hair making him moan and hide his head in the crook of your neck.

"You two better not be fucking I swear to god!" Yoongi yells making you laugh and slip out of Jungkook's hold.

"We better go if wanna get this done." You say swaying your hips as you walked to Namjoon's office.

"Your such a fucking tease!" Jungkook exclaims from behind you making you giggle. You both enter the office and stood by Yoongi and Hoseok. Jungkook pouts realizing he can't stand near you and walks to stand by Taehyung who coos and goes to pinch his cheek but earns an elbow to the rib making him double over and start complaining.

"Okay, you all know what's going on, but let's do a recap. We're gonna go to the nightclub, Y/N will point out Yixing's car and Yoongi will set up a tracker, we'll sneak in and then split up to cover the whole club. Hoseok, Taehyung, you try and find one of Yixing's followers, try to be as discreet as possible to knock him out and bring him back here. Yoongi, you'll stick with me, we'll search the building for anything to help get information. Jin you can be the look out, do your thing, sit and look pretty but make sure to have eye on everyone, you know the single to give us if we've been compromised, Jimin and Jungkook, you can stay as close as possible with Y/N, keep your eyes on her but don't make it obvious, if you notice any distress you get her out of there and Y/N, you get us in, blend in for a while before distracting Yixing okay? Don't push yourself. You have nothing to prove to us okay? Once we finish, we all go in different cars with who we've been partnered up with, it will confuse any one who has been told to follow us, if any of you get a tail, you know where to go." Namjoon explains. You all nod in understanding.

Namjoon looks at all of you in the eye and says,

"If you feel like you're in too much danger or you get hurt, get yourself out, I'm not losing a brother or sister tonight."

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veryloyalfan · 4 years

Photo

Happy #PapyrusDay!

Because everyone needs a little Papyrus in their life.

I was SO inspired, I even started making him accessories. Namely his brother, and a plate of spaghetti!! (I don’t have the right color for Sans’s hoodie yet. Hopefully soon.)

My official Papyrusday meal...

When my Official Undertale Cross-stich book arrived last week, I knew I was going to have to try to make as many as I could for Papyrusday. I just underestimated exactly what I was undertaking, and didn’t realize it would end up being such a good example of why Papyrusday is a thing.

I know how to cross-titch. I’ve started several projects, but, quickly lost interest in them for whatever various reasons. One of them being, it is particularly difficult for me to follow the squares, no matter how many times I double check. By the time I finished going back and correcting mistakes, I must have stitched and un-stitched the entire outline at least three times.

I was determined to complete this project, but moral was significantly lower by this ‘point’. Why was I putting myself through this to cross stitch an 8-bit pixel art character sprite??? Because, it was Papyrus.

This, often underestimated personification of kindness, confidence, hard work, humor, and support, is truly one of the best I’ve ever been introduced to, and it’s a shame that he’s so quickly misunderstood. Spoilers ahead.

Despite all his clever wordplay in-game, I was one of many who were quick to jump to the conclusion that the adorable stomping fit he threw at his brother’s jokes was an indication of a loathing for all puns, instead of just the lazy ones Sans has likely used multiple times on a daily basis.

It’s also rather easy to see his confidence as prideful. And he IS proud. Rightly so! He’s someone to BE proud of, and he owns it. But he’s just as quick to see the best in others, and be proud of them, for that. He’s just really comfortable in his own… bones. He’s Papyrus, and Papyrus is a great person to be and he knows that. As someone who lacks that confidence, I appreciate the reminder that it’s OKAY to like yourself, not, “even” if you’re striving to be a better person, but “especially” if you’re striving to be a better person, because trying is something to be proud of yourself for.

Another BIG one is that people often seem to underestimate Papyrus’s intelligence. There’s that incident where Sans trolls him with the rock/human debate. His puzzles appear to get the best of him, and he refuses to accept mean comments or insults from the player. There’s that bit in Waterfall where he tries to cover for Frisk to Undyne even though the human manages to foil it no matter what. (Please change your clothes after his suspicious question, folks, and let the skeleton tell the truth!) And then there’s the comments he makes, like the labradory, and the genocide route to name a few.

I don’t have anything more than a head cannon for this, because we don’t seem to get an explanation in game, but Papyrus definitely seems to think outside of the box in a way that’s hard to follow, and that might be why he’s not more popular than he is, both in and outside of the game. Things about him don’t seem to add up, so they’re often dismissed, but, there’s a lot of mystery around both of the skelebros, not just Sans. Papyrus walking up the air over Frisk instead of around them is certainly one. Papyrus being able to tell what’s in the room with Frisk during phone calls and his comments near the end of the true pacifist route about Sans “PRANKING YOU ACROSS TIME AND SPACE”, and that the best possible ending is “THE WORST POSSIBLE ENDING” are very interesting, too.

But even if we don’t have clear answers for all of that, we are still given a solid character in Papyrus that is so positive he just… inspires me to be better.

As someone who naturally has more of a Sans nature, I too often find myself shrugging my efforts off. It’s far easier to see what didn’t measure up to my expectations, and improvement takes hard work that feels all the more daunting, because, what if I give it my all and I just don’t measure up AGAIN. Is it really worth the effort?

YES.

It’s just a little thing. I haven’t mastered cross stitch. Tibia honest, I really don’t want to. I’ll be content if I can finish the rest of the Undertale Gang. (And that Frisk lamp keychain.) But at the end of the day, I spent time crafting again, and all that time it took me, I wasn’t staring at a screen. Even though it was hard. Even though I had to take out more stitches than I could keep. Even though I overdid it. Even though my hand felt like I’d stepped on it on day three, and I had to take a break. (If you unleash your inner Papyrus, remember not to lock up your inner Sans, people, breaks ARE important and the bros need each other to balance out). Even though it’s not perfect.

I honestly don’t regret it, because there was a lot about it that I enjoyed, and now I have a little Papyrus sprite to encourage me to keep going. To remind me that a mistake made is a chance to fix it, and do better. To remind me that, even if it takes me longer to do things, I can still get there eventually as long as I don’t give up. To inspire me to be kind to everyone. Even me.

And in this world today, that’s what we need. More kindness. More positivity. More passionate people who not only work towards their goals, but also know how to recognize when those goals will hurt someone else, and need to be set to the side selflessly. Honest people, who love and support their family members, but refuse to enable them to the point of picking up that sock. People who thoroughly enjoy a good joke, and who value friendship highly.

So… um, yeah! I realized about halfway through that I wasn’t going to have time to do as much as I wanted for Papyrusday this year, and that, as much as this little guy means to me, it’s not much of a post all by itself, so I thought I’d share the thoughts I had while making him for anyone who wanted to read all this just in case someone might find it encouraging.

Happy Papyrus Day all!!!

#PAPYRUSday2020 #needlepoint #papyrus #sans #spaghetti #long winded gush about how good this boi is

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diyunho · 5 years

Text

The Joker x Reader - “Secrets” Part 3

The Joker did something so unforgivable and despicable you don’t ever want to see him again. After months of avoiding The King of Gotham, you really can’t understand why he appointed you as the only person to take care of his son in case of emergency. There’s no way you’ll accept to help the little boy in his father’s absence, yet the three years old has no fault in what happened between you and your ex.

Frost just called with a security report for The Joker: most of the henchmen in the building are dead; five missing for the moment and his best guess is that they are the ones who sold his boss out and allowed Ezra to get inside the Penthouse. Maybe even helped the New York gang kill the others; no way to know for sure until watching the footage from all the cameras scattered around the premises.

You and J barely convinced Alexis to go back to sleep after he was given a bath: the three years old was very agitated and scared, which is understandable after what happened just a couple of hours ago. The fact that he’s sick didn’t help either: his fever increased and you had to put in extra effort in order to convince him to swallow his medicine.

“Can y-you take him to Los Angeles for a few days until I clean up the m-mess here?” The Joker asks, struggling to wrap new bandages around the surgical marks on his right leg. The soft fabric of the sweat pants keep on sliding down his foot and J lifts it up again, frustrated he can’t manage to keep it in place.

“Yes, no problem,” you agree and check your cell, waiting for your father to call.

Jase didn’t answer his phone and Y/N left a short message urging him to get a hold of her as soon as possible. You really don’t know how you’ll explain what you did: invoking the code in order to offer protection to another clan is a serious matter and The Godfather won’t be happy to hear that J has LA’s alliance now.

Not after everything The Clown Prince of Crime did.

“For God’s sake,” you sigh and decide to be the bigger person, kneeling in front of an irritated Joker that just can’t get the gauze around his scars. “Hold this,” you frown and he grabs one end of the roll while you cover his skin with the dressing. “It seems healed,” you point out, continuing to patch him up.

“The doctor told m-me to do it for one more month. Nothing that can be d-done about the way I talk; I hope it goes a-away,” J shares extra information you don’t care to hear. “A-are you sure you don’t mind t-taking my son?” the question makes you yank at the bandages and the change in mood is evident.

“I don’t mind,” you respond through your clenched teeth. “What I do mind though is being lied to. What I do mind is you being secretly married to another woman. What I do mind is you pretending you liked me,” you pause for a second to breathe in much needed air. “What I do mind is you convincing me that we should have a baby when I didn’t want one. What I do mind is you saying that if it’s a boy we should name him Alexis when you already had a son named Alexis with your wife!!!” you raise your voice, incapable of stopping the tirade.

“So?” The Joker bitterly replies, in a very foul disposition himself.

You slap J and he instinctively closes his eyes before the second strike lands on his already numb cheek.

“A-are you done?” he growls, barely restraining the urge to escalate the fight that just started.

You glare at him without blinking, enraged by the indifference of his hurtful actions. So many thoughts rushing through your head and you don’t have a chance to tell The Joker everything you want because your phone suddenly rings. You take it out of the pocket, correctly guessing your father is calling back.

“Do this yourself!” you hiss and undo the bandages wrapped around J’s scars, getting up in a hurry.

“W-what the fuck, Y/N?!”

You don’t even pay attention to his tantrum since reporting to the Godfather is more important than listening to your former boyfriend’s complaint.

“When Alexis wakes up, I’m gone! I don’t want to spend one extra single minute in your presence!” you shout and rush towards the terrace, pressing the screen of your cell. “Hi daddy,” you soften your tone and step outside, slamming the glass door behind you.

J forcefully exhales, staring at the gauze loosely hanging down his foot.

“Goddammit,” he grumbles and bites his lower lip, not excited on how the conversation ended.

Maybe he shouldn’t have been a jerk for once?...

Definitely.

Not after what you did for him and his son.

The woman J used in such a despicable manner didn’t think twice about saving a child that’s not hers; LA’s future queen didn’t even hesitate to save the man that made a fool out of her and didn’t deserve any kind of help no matter the circumstances.

The Joker shouldn’t have been a jerk…

Not today.

*************

Three days afterwards

“Sir, The Godfather is here,” Frost announces on intercom to a less than pleased King of Gotham.

“…Great…” J talks in a low voice, dreading the imminent meeting he was expecting anyway. “Let him pass,” the consent is given even if Jase doesn’t need it: the mobster is already in the elevator, going up to a Penthouse he hates infinitely more since The Joker’s secret was discovered.

Your father stomps out the elevator, immediately noticing the green haired Clown Prince of Crime sitting down on the couch closest to the center of the living room. The Joker wants to get up but Jase cuts him off:

“Sit down and don’t insult me with more fake respect!”

J smirks and The Godfather is already fed up with person he always despised and barely tolerated because of his daughter’s request.

“I heard we have a situation,” Jase grumbles and halts in front of The Joker, his menacing demeanor warning of a disastrous outcome in case things go wrong.

“You c-can say that,” the vague answer makes your parent lose his temper:

“YOU WILL DO NOTHING! You won’t seek revenge, you won’t move a finger until our year of forced partnership is done!! Gotham is under LA’s protection for 12 months and there’s nothing that can be done!”

“A-apparently,” The Joker’s insolent remark prompts so much outrage it’s nearly impossible to suppress the damage:

“You insolent prick! You were learning how to crawl when I was already building my empire! Do you think I’m intimidated by the likes of you?! I AM THE GODFATHER!!!” Jase shouts while J puckers his lips, aware he shouldn’t push it yet he can’t shut up:

“And I’m The Joker! I w-won’t let anyone…”

“You’re The Joker?!” your father interrupts. “Do you know you would be dead right now if it wasn’t for Y/N?! Why do you think I didn’t come for you when I found out what you did, hm? Do you think I just turned a blind eye to your affront? ME??!! NEVER!! I wanted to do exactly what Ezra did and my daughter begged me not to!!! You’re still here breathing because of Y/N! Do you understand?!!”

The two men hatefully stare at each other, none of them willing to lose any ground despite the sticky crisis they landed in. J is fuming and your parent is far past enraged: he’s furious to the point of sharing something personal to prove his affirmations.

“I never understood what my daughter saw in you, Joker!” Jase snarls. “I had such a bad feeling about your relationship and I’m never wrong about that stuff!”

“Then y-you should have t-told her!” The Clown bites back since this is the perfect opportunity to retaliate.

“I DID!” your father screams. “But Y/N insisted she loves you and I had to stomach your company because if she was happy, then I guess I had to accept it! And for what?! For you to break her heart again after it took her forever to recover from what happened with Sean?!”

The Joker surely wishes to lash out but the last sentence catches him by surprise: why would The Godfather mention Sean? The insane events that occurred a few years ago are sort of common knowledge in the underworld: Sean was your boyfriend until it was discovered he was actually an undercover CIA agent.

“I failed my daughter,” your father’s firm tone diminishes while confessing to the ugly truth. “Sean passed all the background checks; there was nothing suspicious about him. Believe me when I tell you I was very thorough: I wouldn’t just let anyone come so close to her. And when I found out by accident…” Jase deeply inhales, flustered, “…it was goddamned late, 10 days after he proposed.”

J’s eyes get big at the revelation: he had no idea about this part of the story and for once he keeps quiet and listens, intrigued.

“I went over to their house with my crew and dragged him out of bed in the middle of the night. Y/N was very agitated, not comprehending what was going on until I told her and showed the evidence. I’ll never forget the look on her face: she seemed so lost staring at those papers and pictures certifying that Sean was Matt Simmons, CIA agent infiltrating our lives in order to bring me down. He didn’t care about her; she was just an assignment…”

The Joker wants to finally reply, yet The Godfather won’t allow interference:

“He knew what was in store for him and he kept on begging, promising he was truly in love with her and stating he didn’t report to his superiors in a while and had no intention in doing so. Who knows?... Maybe he did love her after all…,” Jase straightens his shoulders. “I doubt Y/N heard any of his vows; she was too shocked to process the gravity of the news. I should have been more vigilant, but I didn’t see it coming: she yanked the gun out of my hand and shot him in the head. I think she regretted her choice the moment she pulled the trigger, but it was already too late…” your father mutters.

The Joker weights in all this information thrown at him since he had no clue you were the one that killed your ex: everyone assumed it must have been your father.

“Do you know how hard it is to watch your only child die a little bit more each day? I‘m not talking about death in the real sense of the word, but about the worst kind of demise: when you lose someone you loved so much that nothing else matters. And then you came along,” Jase shrieks getting to the conclusion he was aiming for since the beginning of the dialogue: “And you were infinitely more appalling than Sean: at least he was doing his job, while you were nothing but a greedy, manipulative asshole!”

The King of Gotham is so aggravated by The Godfather’s comments his heart is pounding out of his chest.

“Y-you can’t t-talk to me like this!!” he stands up to confront Jase but your parent is immune to the Clown’s threat.

“I can and I will!!” he yells. “That’s why you will do nothing! Got it?! Stay put! In the meantime, be grateful Y/N is such a saint offering safe haven to a little boy that’s not hers! If you think tending to Alexis is a piece of cake, THINK AGAIN!!!!!!” Jase lectures a stunned Joker to the point of starting a physical altercation, but he manages to contain himself and walks away towards the elevator, mumbling: “Son of a bitch!”

The Joker is left in the middle of the living room, completely stupefied at your father’s rant: it’s tough for him to grasp the notion of not being invincible or untouchable. And he is aware why Ezra came after him: because The King of Gotham did to his daughter the same thing that was done to you. J used her also in order to acquire what he wanted since his wife didn’t mind the little indiscretions as long as they were able to get richer, more powerful and influential. And now Nessa was lying 6 feet under after he barely escaped the ambush that almost claimed his life too.

Once his secret was out, everything came crashing down so fast he didn’t have time to process what it all meant: when you claw your way up without any remorse, you might end up bleeding worse than the ones you tear apart.

************

2 weeks later

Nixon is guiding The Joker around the patio, the final destination only a few feet away: he’s here to pick up his son and the bodyguard thought you’re still outdoors, yet there’s no sign of you or Alexis. Only Harvey Dent relaxing on the cozy sofa under the umbrella shadowing the guest from the late afternoon sunlight.

“Hm,” Nixon halts. “She was here a few minutes ago; I’ll go search for her. Please take a seat Mister Joker,” the man offers and J nonchalantly limps towards the ottoman opposite Two Face, sneering.

“Dent…”

Harvey taps his fingers on the mixed drink he’s holding, already annoyed by the green haired visitor.

“Joker…” he acknowledges the unwanted presence.

They watch in silence as the goon disappears inside the house before Dent inquires:

“Are you here to get your kid?”

“U-hum,” J admits. “You?”

“Visiting.”

The Joker tugs at his longer than usual locks gathered in a ponytail while bending over to grab a bottle of water from the table. A gust of wind blows a few shorter strands right on his face and he brushes them off, huffing.

“Y/N went to put your little boy to sleep; I guess he needed a nap,” Harvey communicates in such a sour manner it instantly irks J. “Some people wouldn’t recognize a good thing happening to their miserable existence even if they had it written black on white.”

The Clown grinds his teeth, vexed:

“You have s-something to say to me, D-Dent?!”

“Oh,” and the scarred ex-politician pauses before gulping down his cocktail,”I have plenty to say to you!”

The clash is inevitable but actually terminated before it blows out of proportions since you are coming out of the mansion.

J stands up and greets a displeased Y/N that was expecting him tomorrow morning, not that it really makes a difference: her world is turned upside down every time she sees him anyway.

“Alexis just fell asleep and I don’t want to wake him up,” you ignore his false politeness and march towards the two individuals postponing their brawl. “He often has nightmares after what happened with Ezra and it’s best to let him rest.”

“C-can I sleep here t-tonight then and we’ll take off in the m-morning?”

You are not a huge fan of the idea, yet you consent for the sake of the three year old that you took under your wing when you didn’t have to.

“OK. You can sleep in his room, there’s an extra bed in there. You can order food, one of my curriers can go pick it up for you. Or you can eat whatever you want from the fridge,” you extend your hospitality and bite in the same time: “I’m sure you remember where stuff is; nothing has changed except…everything.”

The Joker doesn’t reply and Harvey can’t help but realize how much you struggle to keep it together; he wonders if J realized also or if he even gives a damn. Probably not.

“Y/N,” Harvey intervenes. “When you have a moment, could we please work on my transaction?” he elegantly gets you out of the unpleasant meeting using the main reason he’s there for.

You momentarily snap out of it, grateful to oblige.

“Of course. Yes,” you add and escort him through the glass panels leading towards the stairs that will take Dent to the second floor where your bedroom is.

J is left alone, not that he doesn’t enjoy the solitude. He’s indeed debating on what he should have for dinner, maybe dishes he can share with his son after he wakes up from his nap. The Joker wishes to talk to you and he speculates you won’t want to listen to anything he has to say. Why bother?

He lost that privilege a long time ago.

*************

“How much would you like to invest?” you get on your laptop while Harvey is stretching on the leather sectional in front of the TV.

“Same as always, please.”

“Alright, it will take me a few seconds for the wire transfers between accounts,” you type in a frenzy and almost ignore his honest concern:

“Are you ok?”

“Huh?” you lift your head higher while glued to the screen: you crave the welcomed distraction so badly nothing else counts.

“Are you ok?” he repeats and the evasive response heightens his uneasiness regarding the apparent calm Y/N.

“I’m perfect, no worries,” you crack a smile and glance his way.

Dent scratches his scar, disputing on his next sentences.

“I’m asking because…e-hem…because you used to have this sparkle in your eyes and now it’s gone,” he blurs out before he loses confidence in his speech. “I know it’s not my place to comment, but I thought you should know someone noticed…”

Your hands stop on the keyboard and fighting the tears back is somehow so much harder than wearing the mask you parade with in front of everybody, including your father.

“You want to know how I noticed?” he pushes it more, hoping you will understand he’s well intended. “After Rachel died, I see the same emptiness daily when I look in the mirror. It might not be the same situation…”

“Harvey!!” you cut him off and he suddenly registers he’s out of line.

You sniffle and wipe the tears rolling down your cheeks, the bottled up emotions too strong to control.

“I’m very sorry,” he scoots over, upset he made you cry.

You start sobbing and Dent feels so bad he instantaneously curses his stupid decision.

“Y/N, I’m sorry. I should have kept my mouth shut,” and he’s relieved when you grab his hand and squeeze it.

“Thank you,” you faintly articulate and Harvey offers the box of tissue from the coffee table with his free hand, still uneasy about your present condition. “You’re a good man,” you whisper and he shakes his head, regretfully informing:

“Used to be, honey. Used to be…”

You let go of his fingers and he softly caresses your shoulders since he doesn’t know what else to do.

“Yyyy/Nnnnn,” Alexis pushes the cracked door opened. “Ynnn/Nnnn,” he whines and you jump from your spot eager to lift him up in your arms.

“What is it sweetheart? Another bad dream?” you inquire and the little one rubs his eyes, pouting.

“Whe’s mommy?” he buries his face in your neck, comforted by the woman’s embrace.

“Your mommy’s very far away,” you signal Harvey to sit down since he’s preparing to flee. “I’ll return soon,” you wink and exit your bedroom in order to take the three year old back to his chamber.

“Whe’s daddy?” Alexis yawns and you gather the strength to be cheerful for an innocent child’s sake.

“Daddy will be here when you wake up,” you kiss his temple. “After your nap you can play in the backyard, then we’ll have dinner and you can watch cartoons, ok?”

“U-hum,” he agrees and you lay him in bed, covering him up with the soft blanket.

“Do you want your giraffe?” you push the toy on his pillow and he snatches it, sulking.

“I’ll stay here until you fall asleep,” Y/N soothes The Joker’s son the best way she can, reckoning if it wasn’t for her, he wouldn’t be alive right now. And that makes her sadder.

The young boy got under her skin and even if he reminds her of his father’s deceit, she wouldn’t have it any other way; keeping Alexis close is a way to make sure she always stays alert:

When you give your heart away and it’s returned to you in pieces, a few will go missing each time it happens until there’s nothing left.

************

Two hours afterwards

J is walking towards your master bedroom, angered he left his cane on the patio: his leg is hurting and the limp only makes it worse. Ten minutes ago he received a text with new information that you and The Godfather will be interested in also: it might not change the situation as a whole, but the plot twist could ensure he takes full advantage of the forced alliance between LA and Gotham. That’s what The Joker does anyway: he exploits every tiny thing to his advantage and the fresh data is certainly no petty scrap.

The door to your room is still opened simply because when you have Alexis over you want him to have easy access to your quarters, most likely to snuggle under the covers with the nice lady that’s taking care of him.

J pries the door open and wants to call out your name when the sight compiles the opposite: you dozed off cuddled up to Harvey, both covered with his suits’ jacket. After you invited him to stay and watch a movie you passed out first and he didn’t dare wiggle; he just used his coat to ensure you’re not going to get cold with the AC blasting from the ceiling. Having Y/N near him felt genuinely peaceful and Dent snoozed without a care in the universe for the first time in years.

And even someone like The King of Gotham can’t help but discern the vague smile on Harvey’s lips: the smile of a man that’s been through hell and he’s finally granted a small piece of heaven.

Part 1: diyunho(.)tumblr(.)com/post/177920419051/the-joker-x-reader-secrets-part-1

Part 2: diyunho(.)tumblr(.)com/post/178630090876/the-joker-x-reader-secrets-part-2

Also read: Masterlist

diyunho(.)tumblr(.)com/post/153664676321/joker-x-reader-masterlist

You can also follow me on Wattpad and AO3 under the same blog name: DiYunho.

#the joker x reader #the joker fanfiction #the joker imagine #the joker suicide squad #the joker jared leto #the joker #joker #joker fanfiction #joker imagine #joker jared leto #harvey dent #dcu #mister j #mister #Mistah J #Mr.J

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hysterialevi · 4 years

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When the Devil Cries - Final Part

Fanfic summary: (NO SPOILERS IN THIS STORY) After arriving in Saint Denis, Arthur ends up falling in love with a seemingly innocent pianist, only to find himself in a battle with one of the most notorious outlaws to ever emerge from America. Now, between working for Dutch and robbing money for the gang, Arthur has to also protect the man he loves as the two of them try to find their freedom.

Pairing: Arthur Morgan/Male OC

Previous chapter

This story is also on AO3

Author’s note: Welp, this is it guys! The final chapter. Thank you so much to those of you who stuck with me during this whole story. I seriously appreciate the support you’ve given me ever since I started this fanfic, and it means the world to me to see how much you’ve enjoyed it. I’m definitely gonna miss writing about Arthur and Eddie, but I also can’t wait to show you what else I have planned in the future. Stay awesome :)

From Arthur’s POV

ONE WEEK LATER

THE BASTILLE, SAINT DENIS

“Dear, John...” I murmured to myself, readin’ my awfully-written letter out loud, “...it’s Tacitus. I hope this letter finds you on the off-chance that you’re still alive, but truth be told...I wouldn’t even know where to start looking. Last time we saw each other, we was both trying to make our way out of that god-awful shit storm, and I regret that I never got the chance to see if you survived.”

“If you’re still out there somewhere, I wish you luck. You saved my ass when hell finally broke loose, and I won’t forget it. As for me -- my partner and I have managed to stay out of trouble for a while, and we’re planning to start a new life someplace else. For your safety and mine, I cannot say where, but just know that we’re doing okay. Things ain’t easy, but we got each other. And if these following years go according to plan, who knows? Perhaps we might be able to rejoin you someday.”

“If you’re not alive though, then...I will certainly miss you. That’s for sure. We ain’t related by blood, I know, but you was always like a brother to me. We grew up together since the very beginning, and I’ll never forget the times when you used to annoy me so much that I wanted to tear my hair out. Who’d have thought I’d eventually miss those days?”

“But...as much as I’d like to keep this going, I’m afraid there’s a ship I need to catch pretty soon. It’s gonna carry me off to a civilized world where I am to live as a civilized man. I ain’t exactly ready for a life like that, but it’s where I’ve ended up. I suppose we shall see how that goes.”

“Farewell for now, John. You’ll always be in my thoughts.

Your friend and brother,

--Tacitus Kilgore.”

Placin’ the letter down on a table, I leaned back in my chair and reread some of the sentences to myself as a worn-out breath escaped me, probably because of how long I spent thinkin’ about how to word all this.

If I was bein’ honest, I didn’t even know if trying to contact John was a good idea. I mean, we was both still wanted men. Even with Agent Milton gone, the rest of the Pinkertons were still searching for us. If they knew that either of us were alive, I had no doubts that they’d do everything within their power to try and stop us from escaping...and that was a risk I couldn’t take.

I let out a frustrated sigh and balled up the piece of paper in my hands, tossin’ it into the nearby fireplace.

“...Goddammit.” I whispered to myself, solemnly watchin’ as the letter burned.

Was that the right thing to do? I wanted to see John again, of course, but...maybe it was better this way.

We both had people to take care of, after all. He had Abigail and Jack, and I had Eddie.

The less we knew about each other, the safer we’d be. We had to worry about more than just ourselves in this case, and -- with the law constantly up our ass -- perhaps it was best for everyone if John thought I was dead. Then, he’d have nothin’ to give to the Pinkertons. At least, not when it came to me.

Still though, part of me wished I could at least say goodbye to him before hightailing it to England. Out of all the people I grew up with, John was the only one left who was alive and trustworthy.

And on top of that, there was no guarantee I’d ever return to America. Apart from sentimentality, this country had nothin’ else for me. All that remained of the Van der Linde gang was a long trail of blood that civilization was already in the process of forgetting, and I certainly didn’t plan on lingering around with my wanted posters still flappin’ in the wind.

I was finally ready to be the man I aspired to be, and not the man Dutch created.

My life in the United States may have been over...but my life as a free man was just beginning.

Interrupting my thoughts, the door suddenly swung open when Eddie came wanderin’ in with a briefcase in his hand, all ready to go. He was usin’ the same cane that Hamish gave to him back at O’Creagh’s Run, and the more I saw him limpin’ around the room with a sway in his step, the more I worried about the true condition of his leg.

The pianist insisted he was fine whenever I asked him, but -- despite bein’ the dolt that I was -- I was still smart enough to assume that climbing a huge rock formation not too long after getting shot in the leg probably wasn’t the best idea.

I supposed all that commotion with Atticus finally did a number on Eddie’s injuries. He looked alright during all that drama, but with everything else that was goin’ on, I only hoped that we wouldn’t need the doctor’s services before departing for England. Things was stressful enough as is.

“Arthur,” Eddie greeted, settin’ his briefcase down on the bed for a moment. “You ready to go? The ship’s leaving in half an hour.”

“Yep. I got everything I need. What about you?”

Eddie took a seat across from me. “Me too. Just...preparing myself for the long journey now, is all. It’s been ages since I last set foot in England. I wonder what it’s like nowadays.”

“Hopefully, better than here.”

A chuckle escaped him. “Oh, I dunno about that, but at least we won’t have to worry about the Pinkertons there. I’m sick of constantly checking over my shoulder for them.”

I nodded in agreement. “I know the feeling. Milton may be dead and gone, but I doubt that the rest of them clowns will give up so easily. Perhaps, it’ll even motivate ‘em to work harder. I just hope Agent Ross doesn’t find John. That man has a family to look after.”

“Have you heard from him ever since Beaver Hollow?”

“No. I was actually plannin’ to send him a letter, but...I got rid of it just before you walked in here. Figured it’d be better if he didn’t know I was alive.”

Eddie tilted his head in an inquisitive manner. “Why? Don’t you want to see him again?”

“’Course I do. But think about it -- if John believes I’m dead, then the Pinkertons will have no reason to pester him. They might still go after him for the bounty on his own head, but interrogatin’ him for information about me would be pointless.”

The pianist glanced downwards. “Hmm. I guess so. Still, it’d be nice to thank him in person. John was always friendly to me back at camp, and he saved our lives at Beaver Hollow too. Without him, neither of us would’ve gotten away.”

“Now, ain’t that the truth.”

Eddie changed the subject. “And what of Dutch? Have you heard any news about him?”

I shook my head. “Nope. Nothing. There’s no word in the papers, no rumors circulating about him -- it’s as if he’s vanished entirely. That man could be on his way to Tahiti for all I know.”

The other man glowered. “...Or running off with Micah.”

“...That, too.” I sighed in disapproval. “Goddamn it...what the hell happened to that man? Dutch used to be so different. So full of life. So...human. But now, he’s nothin’ short of a madman. Just a tyrant who goes trigger-happy when he doesn’t get his way. I keep wonderin’ to myself where it all went wrong. Where things started to fall apart.”

The pianist frowned out of sympathy. “Well, perhaps he was always a madman. It was you who finally opened your eyes and changed.”

I rubbed my chin in thought. “...Maybe. I don’t know. Hosea used to say the same thing about himself, but to be honest...I’m not sure I care anymore. All I care about is us. You’re what matters to me now, Eddie. Not them.”

Eddie beamed warmly at the comment and gazed lovingly at me for a second, seemingly gettin’ lost in his thoughts before bringing up another topic.

“You know what...” he recalled, “that actually reminds me of something I’ve been meaning to tell you ever since we arrived in Saint Denis.”

I quirked a brow. “Oh yeah? And what would that be?”

The pianist gave me a sincere look, suddenly changing his overall demeanor. “...I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

I flicked my eyes around in confusion. “Sorry? For what?”

“For not taking your advice,” he answered. “Ever since the beginning, you warned me that vengeance was an idiot’s game. And like the idiot I was, I refused to listen to you. I was just...”

Eddie let out a conflicted sigh, shifting in his seat. “I was so consumed with this insatiable desire for revenge. No matter how much I tried to forgive him, I just couldn’t let Atticus go. There was too much anger inside me. Too much grief. I thought that killing Atticus would provide a sense of justice, or a fresh beginning, but in the end...his death only made me feel...”

The man trailed off, unable to find the right words.

“...Empty?” I finished.

The pianist nodded in response.

“Yes. Empty. But not only that. When I saw the life disappear from Atticus’ eyes, part of me even...regretted killing him so soon. I guess I had hoped there would be some sort of closure to the conflict between us, but instead...it felt like reading a story that was one chapter short. There was no resolution. No way down from the peak of the mountain. It was just...a cliff. And you know the worst part of it?”

Eddie’s expression sank with melancholy. “...I still can’t let Atticus go.”

Strugglin’ to set his thoughts in order, Eddie lowered his head in a distraught manner and stared aimlessly at the floor, causin’ me to reach across the table and lay a hand on top of his own in an attempt to comfort him.

“Hey...” I whispered softly, tryin’ to catch the disheartened man’s attention. “You made a mistake, but it ain’t the end of the world. You can still learn from this. You’re strong. Much stronger than you realize. And...if I may offer some advice...”

I scooted my chair closer to his, grippin’ his hand more firmly now. “Based on everything you’ve said to me since we first met, it sounds like that Atticus ain’t the one you can’t let go. ...I think it’s Nathaniel that you don’t want to forget.”

Takin’ my words to heart, Eddie paused at my observation and lifted his head slightly, starin’ in a way that told me I just hit the nail on the head.

I could tell from the expression plastered on his face that he ain’t never thought about it that way before, and I almost felt kinda bad for the emotional conflict that I was clearly puttin’ this poor boy through.

He blinked away some of the tears that were startin’ to gather in his eyes and gripped my hand affectionately, trying to hide how much his voice was truly trembling.

“...He is, isn’t he?”

Eddie let out a shaky breath, thinkin’ back to the day Nathaniel died.

“You know, I always blamed myself for not being able to save Nathaniel. I understand that, realistically, there was nothing I could’ve done for him, but still. The thought eats me up all the time. Even now. I just...can’t move on. I can’t sleep at night because I know that if he was alive today, he’d probably never forgive me for abandoning him.

“Nonsense,” I replied, quick to come to his defense. “If Nathaniel knew that you managed to survive that day -- that you actually made it all the way to America, started a new life for yourself, became a pianist, and killed Atticus Rose after months of fightin’ for your life as an outlaw only to become a free man -- why...” I chuckled in awe, “...he’d be so, goddamned proud of you.”

The other man gazed at me with teary eyes, not quite convinced yet. “How do you know?”

I smiled brightly at Eddie. “...Because I know I am.”

Evidently somewhat overwhelmed by my praise, the sorrow disappeared from Eddie’s face as he cracked a small grin and leaned forward, showerin’ me with his own storm of compliments.

“Thank you, Arthur, but it’s not as if I did it all by myself. You did your fair share of work too. In fact, I never would’ve made it this far if you hadn’t found me that day. Your first interaction with me was an act of kindness, and yet you still speak ill of yourself constantly. You truly are a marvel, Arthur...but I don’t think you see it.”

I sighed remorsefully, wishin’ I could say Eddie was entirely right.

“That’s ‘cause I done some real bad things in my life, Eddie. Horrible things. Before I met you, I used to rob people who didn’t deserve it, kill folks who did nothin’ except get in the way of Dutch’s plans, and I did all of it while living under some twisted sense of honor to help me sleep at night. But now...”

I looked the pianist in eye, still holdin’ on to his hand, “I wanna change, Eddie. For real this time. I don’t wanna just be some thief who happens to be kinder than the rest. I wanna be a better man. A better partner. No more crimes, no more violence...just redemption. That’s all I want.”

Eddie gently brought his hands up to my face and pulled me closer, caressing my cheek in a loving manner.

“...Then let’s do it.”

~~~~~~~~~~

TWENTY MINUTES LATER

SAINT DENIS HARBOR

Sittin’ in the stagecoach as it gently rolled over the brick roads, Eddie and I eagerly gazed outta the small windows with a newfound wonder in our hearts as we passed by the whole city, somewhat unable to comprehend that we was actually leavin’ this country.

I had to admit -- it was strange, seeing Saint Denis like this again. Over the course of the last few months, Eddie and I spent every damn day fightin’ for our lives, just trying to survive. We fought against the O’Driscolls, the Pinkertons, Atticus, and even good ol’ Dutch himself.

We had been to Hell and back while still finding the time to plant the seeds of what was now an unbreakable bond between us, and yet...Saint Denis hadn’t changed one bit.

In fact, this city looked exactly the same as when I first met Eddie. People were breezin’ through the streets without a care for the beggars on the sidewalks, activists and politicians rallied people to their campaigns, children played games in the open gardens, and everywhere, people lined up in front of all sorts of establishments, waitin’ to be entertained.

The gears of civilization kept turnin’ with not a single thought for those left behind, and somehow, it still managed to look like it hadn’t gone anywhere at all.

It was one of the many wonders of the new world, but also one of the things that made me fear it. How was it that a city could progress so much without actually changin’ anything? Or maybe it was just my nerves actin’ up? I didn’t know anymore.

Everything was just so confusing now. Instead of runnin’ away from civilized life like I normally did, I was headin’ straight towards it.

I was getting ready to do the one thing that Dutch always insisted was impossible, and to make matters even more astonishing, I had a man who loved me standin’ at my side.

All them years of wondering why I could never be good enough for Mary, or strong enough to protect Eliza...and I finally had someone who accepted me as I was, but also encouraged me to be better. It took a good three decades, but my life had finally picked itself up even though I sure as hell didn’t deserve it.

I was on the opposite side of the spectrum for the first time, but -- contrary to what I expected -- I was happy. I was ready to change. And I welcomed it.

Finally arrivin’ at the harbor, the stagecoach slowed down to a steady halt as it stopped beside the entrance, prompting me and Eddie to leave. There were already a few other stagecoaches lined up in front of us, spittin’ out passengers just the same, and without even looking, I could tell it was gonna be crowded as hell outside just based on the noise.

I picked up my briefcase, takin’ hold of the door’s handle.

“You ready?” I asked Eddie, earning a nod from him.

“Ready as ever.”

Lightly pushing the door open, the two of us were instantly greeted by a cool breeze as the sound of seagulls cryin’ and people chatting reached our ears, followed by the distinct scent of saltwater.

All around me, I could see men, women, and children pacin’ their way across the harbor as they hurried to find their ship, or simply waited for their loved ones to arrive.

There were multiple paperboys stationed throughout the place, merchants displaying their trinkets to newcomers as they came fresh off the boats, fishermen luggin’ heavy nets around, and a number of street performers offerin’ a lively mood to the otherwise mundane atmosphere of the harbor.

It was a surprisingly busy day in this part of town, and...if I was bein’ honest...I felt a tad nervous jumping into the heart of it all. There were just so many people; so many civilized folks who were unlike me that...I felt incredibly outta place here.

But I supposed I’d have to get used to it sooner or later. This was the beginning of my new life, after all...and I was old enough to know that nothin’ worthwhile ever came easy.

“Here,” I said, offering Eddie a hand as he stepped out of the stagecoach. “Lemme help.”

The pianist gave me a humorous grin. “Such a gentleman.”

I chuckled, duckin’ my head as I followed him out. “What can I say? Civilization’s gettin’ to me.”

Swiftly makin’ our way outta the confines of the stagecoach’s limited space, Eddie and I set out for our ship as we slithered through the bustling streets of the harbor, doin’ our absolute best not to crash into other people.

Unlike the serene nature of the countryside, this place was pretty much filled to the brim with commotion. Folks were movin’ around so fast that they practically made the signposts twirl, and sometimes, there’d be nothing but a tornado of leaves whirling in their wake.

It was like people couldn’t even spare two seconds to take a breath. They were just completely focused on the here and now, and didn’t even bother to take in their surroundings. It was...kinda sad to witness, in a way. Though, I guessed that was just the nature of civilization.

There was no time for the present. Only for the future.

Stickin’ to the sides of the pavements, the two of us made haste for a ship at the very end of the harbor called “The Pytheas.” It was a gargantuan thing stacked with so many massive crates and strange-lookin’ machines that it made you wonder how the hell it managed to stay afloat.

There were all sorts of people gatherin’ on the pier as well. Even from here, I could see groups of businessmen discussing deals in many different languages, professors pondering what awaited them on the other side of the sea, artists sketchin’ down the vast landscape to combat their boredom, and immigrants huddling up with their families. It was like seein’ a miniature version of the entire world stuffed onto one strip of land.

And then...there was me and Eddie.

Just a musician and an outlaw.

A pianist and a gunslinger.

Two lost souls who were once crippled by their own fears, but learned to become whole after they found each other.

We was nothin’ but a pair of ordinary men in the eyes of these people. Just two regular guys goin’ about their business on a regular day. But if they were to look a bit more closely -- I guaranteed they’d be able to see the convoluted stories hiding inside.

They were written in the lines on our faces, in the depths of our eyes, in the steps we took. It was a silent journey that spoke for itself, and I doubted that either of us would ever forget it, despite leavin’ that entire ordeal behind.

We had a plethora of memories lingering in the west, after all. Simply by gazin’ at the wilderness hiding behind the city’s skyline, I was practically able to relive every moment of my past.

From the day Dutch and Hosea found me, to our endless adventures riding across the open deserts, to the times I wasted fallin’ in love with Mary, to the many years I spent mourning Isaac and Eliza...

All the friends that I buried along the way, the anger and grief I experienced, the enemies we gunned down, the nights we spent sharin’ stories around the campfire, the days where I wondered if I’d live long enough to see the next sunrise...

It all flooded my head at once. Within the span of a few seconds, I watched my whole life unfold in front of me like a person rapidly flipping through the pages of a book, and for the first time in years, I could sense genuine tears welling up in my eyes from all the emotions that were racin’ through me.

It was just...surreal to think about how far I had come. How much I’d grown. How much things had changed.

Not too many years ago, I was nothin’ but a sad, lost, and lonely man who thought he’d die long before the age of gunslingers withered away -- but now... there was an entirely new world waitin’ for me on the other side of the ocean. As well as a new home.

And so -- with one last glance over my shoulder -- I turned around and savored the reminiscent view standin’ behind me as it slowly disappeared in the distance, waving goodbye like an old friend bidding me farewell.

I had no idea if I’d ever return to this country, or if I’d ever get the closure I desired with John and Dutch...but one thing I did know was that America would always be home to me.

No matter the amount of pain or heartache that lingered in the shadows of our gang’s actions, there was just some sort of connection between me and this place that nothing could sever.

For the sake of buildin’ a peaceful home with Eddie, I would comply and live in a civilized world away from crime, but deep down -- I knew damn well that I’d always be an outlaw for life.

It was just who I was, and it was the thing that turned me into this man today.

I was Arthur Morgan, and this was the end of my story in the Wild West.

“...Goodbye, Dutch.” I whispered softly to myself, turnin’ on my heel to follow Eddie to the ship.

There were only a few minutes left until departure now, and part of me grew weary just thinkin’ about the lengthy journey ahead -- but regardless of how long it took for us to reach England, or how tiring the trip would be, I was at peace knowing that we had finally achieved the dream we fought so long to reach.

Eddie and I were officially free men from this day forward...and we had acquired the one treasure Dutch never found. The only luxury that no amount of money could buy.

The one thing that only ever truly mattered to me.

Redemption.

#red dead redemption #red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #arthur morgan #eddie ryan #arthur morgan x male oc #rdr2 fanfic #rdr2 story

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j-wonwootrash · 5 years

Note

67 & 27 with junnie??❤️🌼💝💕❤️⭐️💞💖🧁🐣✨🎉

67. “i want you to be happy.”

27. “i’ll do it for you.”

genre: angst + fluff

prompt title: after the storm

a/n: i have asked @jhmyguardiangel’s permission for this scenario where it’s specifically a crossover to her scoups’ oneshot “make time”. i really enjoyed writing this one! hope you like it!

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Rain was known to be a blessing to the world for its purpose of helping nature. It also could be a nightmare to some as it brought destruction. Rain to you was destruction, though it wasn’t physically appropriate but its symbolism left a scar to your life and his.

The wind whistled loud enough for your ears to hear inside the car, where your husband Jun, was driving.

“It’s been a year right, y/n?” he said in a low voice as he took glances of the road and you at his side.

“Yeah, yesterday marked a year.” you replied in a weary tone, your eyes looked at the grey sky above. It meant the loss of your second child. Jun proposed to you a little over two years after college graduation and the celebration held months later. Unfortunate events do happen but never thought the scar would be deep, so deep that you both had stopped trying.

Jun loved children so much that he wanted a huge family with you. And since you were an only child, you wanted your offspring to experience a childhood so memorable and agreed with him. Your husband prepared some tea a few minutes after you arrived home. You sat onto the sofa and grabbed onto the remote to watch your favourite series.

A hand snaked your waist as Jun nuzzled onto your chest. You laid your head onto his when Jun rubbed your belly. “I feel like it’s my fault for the miscarriages. I was rarely with you when you needed me most.” he sighed so deep, making you lower the volume of the tv.

“Oh honey, please don’t think it’s you.” you cooed him, bringing his face up to you level as you pecked his forehead. “As people who were supposed to be parents, it’s natural to think that way. But guess what, I’m not blaming you nor am I blaming myself. There’ll always be a right time.”

Jun kissed you back at your heartfelt words. He loved you so much that he thanked the heavens for giving him such a wonderful wife. The kettle whistled and made you jolt up. “I’ll get it!” you walked to kitchen, only to feel dizzy that Jun noticed your figure.

“Are you okay?” he supported your back. “You know what? I’ll handle this and you head to the bathroom for a damped towel. You might’ve gotten a fever since you’re..” he trailed off, putting a hand to your forehead. “..quite warm.”

You chuckled at his statement, hugging him back for his hospitality. “This is why I love you so much, Jun.”

“And I love you most.” he carried the kettle.

You legs lazily dragged your body as you entered the toilet. Today felt different, probably due to the change of weather and fluctuation of the temperature. After you grabbed a towel onto the shelf above the sink, a slim box fell down.

A pregnancy tester.

You remembered the previous miscarriages and the short-term joy after them. But something led you to use it. “What if..” you breathed in heavily as you sat onto the toilet seat.

Jun have finished preparing tea and snack for your tv series spree every weekend. He wondered why it took you so long to get the towels. He placed down the tray he held onto the center table in the living area and headed to where you were. As he grabbed hold onto the doorknob, a shriek from you made him opened the door, only to meet with your small frame.

“Y/N?” he saw your body against him, trembling. “What’s wrong babe?”

A small laughter of joy and cries escaped your lips. He saw what you were holding and a tiny spark of happiness slowly built in him. “Jun, honey..” you said. “Two lines.”

You were lifted up on the spot as Jun brought you to the living area. “That was why you felt dizzy?” his voice shook a little.

He put you down, and his face softened at the sight of you, crying at the news. “Oh y/n dear. Don’t cry, we’re pregnant!” he cupped your face. “I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.” you sniffed and forced a smile. “I’m just afraid it might happen again.”

He brought you to a hug. “I won’t let it happen again, I promise.”

“Mhm.” you agreed as you hugged him back.

“I’ll ask for a longer paternal leave. Enough to be with you and care for you. I won’t miss a single day this time.” he pecked your forehead.

“I’ll do it for you.”

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Three sets of trimester went by so fast. Jun was a man of his word. The company allowed him for a longer leave, given the fact they knew the situation from the past. He was with you every step of the way; the mood changes, the cravings. Gosh morning sickness were the worst.

During the past few months since the news, a gender reveal party was held where his twelve other friends came for the reveal. Only your parents and his knew the surprise and the party made it more tense since you and Jun haven’t gotten a clue of the child you were bearing since the ultrasound. Your mother and his took the result instead, and to be honest, they were best at keeping it in. And while the your father and his? Not so much, but still you and Jun had no clue.

There you were, standing in front of the visitors with their phones held for recording the reactions. Balloons and streamers decorated nicely behind you as Jun’s parents brought out a huge box. Screams were slowly building up.

“It will be a boy!!”

“No definitely a girl!!”

The both of you held onto the lid of the box, his friends screamed louder than usual when blue balloons flew out of it. Jun had his arms in the air while you caught sight of an envelope in the box.

“Honey, there’s an envelope.” you called him, and as you opened to read it, it was something you both didn’t expect.

“Hi Mommy and Daddy. I’m not the only one.” you both read at the same time. Butterflies came to both of your stomachs.

“No way.” Jun said. “Twins?!”

“How about one more?” your parents wheeled in two more boxes, where the screams of the visitors almost lost their voices.

“Triplets?!”

“OH MY G-“ you had your palms covered your mouth. Jun rubbed your back as he did the same. Still in shock, you asked your parents to do the honours of opening them.

The second box revealed blue balloons. And the last one had pink.

Jun hugged you into a tight embrace, and you hugged him back where tears damped his clothes. His friends came to the front, yelling in joy and asking if they could be the godfathers of each baby.

“Three babies meant four godfathers each!” Seungcheol nudged Jun, who, glared at his friend jokingly.

“Why not? They’ll love you all anyway.” you smiled at Jun, who later softened at your smile.

“But they’ll love me more than them.” he pecked your cheeks.

You pouted at him, making him laugh at your response. “Pfft. I’ll love you more.” you pecked him back.

“I’ll love you most.” he kissed your lips, only to make his twelve friends cringe at the PDA. “You’ll understand when you have families.” he smiled proudly.

“Oh wait, you don’t even have girlfriends yet.” he ran off as his friends ganged up on him.

You looked up at the sky, clearer and brighter than most days. What you and Jun received today was a gift.

A gift after the storm.

#seventeen #seventeen fluff #seventeen stories #seventeen scenario #seventeen jun #wen junhui #jun scenarios #svt jun #jun fluff

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queenofcats17 · 5 years

Text

Almost An Angel

I recently drew a sona for Hymns of Struggle, and now I want to write it.

Hymns of Struggle belongs to @pipesflowforeverandever

She wasn’t an angel.

Specifically, she wasn’t Alice Angel. Sure, she had some of the features of the toon, like the halo and the dress, but she was altogether incomplete. She only had one horn, one glove, and one proper leg, and her halo was embedded in her head. Her other leg was basically a pillar of ink while her other arm almost resembled a wing, despite basically being another dripping ink mass. The majority of her body was covered in ink, although various patches of yellow skin were visible. Sometimes her mouth was freed from the ink, revealing that her lips were permanently black, as though she were wearing black lipstick. Only one eye was ever visible, although it was only really a glowing orb. All of her was drippy, from her dress to her hair (if one could even call the ink on her head that) to the ink covering her body.

She wasn’t a particularly remarkable ink creature. She had enough sapience to hold her form and sort of had an identity, but her form was far from perfect and she didn’t remember too much about who she’d been before falling into the ink. She certainly wasn’t any Alice. She could sing, but not nearly as well as Susie or Allison. She couldn’t dance all that well, but she wasn’t afraid to try even if she looked silly. She couldn’t fight. Well, she could. She could swing an ax or a pipe. But only with one hand. All in all, though, she was just sort of...there. Another lost soul in the sea of souls.

Joey watched her sometimes, for what reason he wasn’t sure. Perhaps it was just to torture himself. Because he knew what had happened to her was his fault. She was an innocent in this matter. An outsider. Whoever she’d been, she’d come to the studio out curiosity. She’d said something about a blog post, but it was possible he’d misheard her. He’d seen her enter and wander around. He’d seen her fall prey to the Ink Demon. It hadn’t taken long. She’d decided to turn on the machine and the demon had pounced, dragging into the puddles. The machine had spat her out in the form she currently possessed, half-formed and imperfect.

Sometimes, she wondered who she’d been before this place. She had no memories of her past life. She’d simply woken up in the studio one day, fully formed and strange. Others she’d met had tapes with their voices on them, tapes showing who they’d once been. She didn’t have any tapes with her voice on them. The people with the tapes had worked at the studio from what she could tell. So she probably hadn’t worked there. She would have liked to talk about her thoughts with someone, but there weren’t very many people to talk to.

The Alice on the lower floors didn’t like her all that much, screaming that she was a false angel. The Borises couldn’t really talk, and they avoided her anyway. She’d tried to talk to Norman a few times, but the Projectionist wasn’t interested in conversation. The Butcher Gang were pretty out of the question. She didn’t even think they could talk. She’d never met Joey in person, the studio keeping her away from him. She thought he sounded nice from the tapes, though. Sammy was pretty much the only person she’d ever talked to. He tolerated her most of the time, but she could tell he found her to be a bit irritating sometimes. Most of their conversations involved him telling her to have faith in their Lord. She didn’t really know what that meant and she didn’t have any real interest in worshipping a cartoon demon.

Still, he seemed like he knew what he was talking about. He called her “little lamb” most of the time. She liked that. It felt special. Her own special little nickname. Especially since she didn’t really have a name. Well, she had a name, she just didn’t remember what it was. She was pretty sure it started with an F. That sounded right to her. F and then an I or an E. Fee sounded good or F-i said like fee. People had called her that before, she was sure of it. She could almost hear a young woman calling her that. The rest of her name was too hard to figure out, especially her last name. She got the idea that it was something rather strange and hard to pronounce, at least for other people.

Fi spent a lot of time in the animation department, writing down everything that came into her mind. Her handwriting was terrible, and it was strange writing with only four fingers, but she could read it. She wasn’t sure how much of it was her own life, though. She’d definitely never been a child in Victorian London, that was for sure. She thought maybe she’d been a writer. That would explain all the strange things she “remembered”. A lot of the things that passed through her mind were things that couldn’t possibly be real. Angels, demons, gods, magic. There was no way any of that was from her own life. She kept her papers in one of the animation desks. She was the only one who ever really went up there. She drew sometimes too. She liked drawing, even if she couldn’t only draw with her fingers and ink.

More than anything, she wanted to share the stories she remembered. Alice didn’t want to hear her stories, but Sammy listened. She couldn’t tell if he was actually interested, but he listened. He didn’t give her a lot of feedback on them, which was disappointing. She knew his mind was elsewhere. He had to keep up his devotion Bendy in order to be saved, or so he said. Fi didn’t really believe in Bendy the way Sammy did. They both knew this. But she liked helping him. She got lonely easily and liked spending time with him. He’d been delighted upon discovering she could play the violin. They were both less delighted with she pointed out she couldn’t really do the fingerings due to her lack of a defined left hand.

He sent Fi to put up Bendy cutouts in Alice’s domain a lot. She seemed convinced that she could somehow make friends with Alice. Despite her status as a ‘false angel’, Fi was slowly getting Alice to warm up to her. Although, it wasn’t like Alice was going to admit it. But she didn’t yell if Fi wandered into her domain. Fi liked doing things for her as well, leading Alice to often ask her to fetch ink hearts for her or exterminate Butcher Gang members. Fi did whatever Alice asked short of getting extra thick ink. She started crying whenever she was tasked with taking ink from the Swollen Searchers. Fi had a soft heart, apparently.

Fi liked helping people, she’d found. It made her feel good to make people smile, or at least make the Hell they found themselves in a little more bearable. She did have moments of darkness, though. Whoever she’d been before this, she’d definitely struggled with her mental demons. No matter how happy or cheerful she tried to be, there would always be days when she’d wake up and just find herself miserable. When these days came, she’d just lay on the ground and do nothing. Sammy left her alone during these days. The first few times he’d discovered her in this state, he’d told her not to despair, as Bendy would save them. She’d given a vaguely affirmative grunt and hadn’t move. He hadn’t tried that approach again.

Fi avoided talking about their predicament most of the time, but she was always thinking about it. Occasionally, her thoughts just...slipped out. Like when Sammy was putting up cutouts in the entrance to the Heavenly Toys area. She’d tagged along, mostly because she was feeling lonely again.

“Why don’t I have a tape?” She asked. Sammy looked up from the cutout. She couldn’t see his face behind the mask, so it was hard to tell how he was feeling.

“I’m not sure what you mean.” He replied.

“Everyone else has tapes.” She said. “Why don’t I have one?”

“I don’t believe you ever worked here.” Sammy turned back to his cutout. “You simply wandered in one day.”

“Oh...” She frowned slightly. She’d known that, but it was still disappointing. The tapes told you things about people. About who they’d once been. She wanted to know who she used to be.

The two of them were quiet for a long time.

“Did you see me before I became like this?” Her voice was quiet. She didn’t know what she’d looked like before, but she knew her body was wrong. Being so thin felt unnatural to her. Sure, her skeletal form gave her the illusion of an hourglass figure, but she didn’t like it. She thought she’d been soft once, squishy and nice to cuddle with.

“I did not.” Sammy shook his head.

“Okay.” She nodded slowly. She wanted to fidget, but she couldn’t really do it when she only had one proper hand. She also had a desire to bounce her right leg, but couldn't since it was a pillar of ink.

Sammy glanced back at her, sensing her sudden shift in mood.

“Have faith, my little lamb.” He said. “Our Lord will set us free.”

“If you say so...” She didn’t completely believe him. But she wanted to. She wanted to get out of here. She wanted to be alright.

Only when Francine arrive did she really begin to believe that they could get out somehow.

#bendy and the ink machine #hymns of struggle #fanfiction #sammy lawrence #alice angel #malice angel #susie campbell #joey drew #the ink demon

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zutarawasrobbed · 6 years

Text

Accidental Exchange (Zutara Week 2018 Day 2: Letters) Full Mature Version

Rating: M/E ff.net AO3

Summary: writing letters seems to be the only thing that Katara can do to pass the time while her husband is away. Feeling stuck and more lonely than ever, Katara finds herself writing more and more letters to a certain fire lord. There is just one problem. She never sends them…save for one day when Aang sees a letter Addressed to Zuko and sends it. when Katara receives a letter back, it is nothing like she expects… For either of them.

There are days when life seems hopeless and meaningless. For Katara those days have become more and more frequent with little room for happiness. After she got married she assumed her life would be filled with more meaning and a new mission in life. How wrong she was. Three years into her marriage to Aang, she feels lost and as if a piece of herself is missing.

It’s not as if she doesn't try to convey her feelings to her husband. It’s just that when he is around, time is mostly spent on discussing his troubles and what struggles he’s facing, rather than hers. so many times has she tried to tell him that she craves the life of when they were teenagers, the days when they would fly anywhere they wanted at any time. How she longs to feel a sense of importance once again. However, she never tells him of these feelings, especially the ones of her slowly shattering heart, for deep down she knows that if she were to lose him, she would lose the last bit of importance she has left.

So, instead of keeping it all inside, she decides that it would be therapeutic to write it down. At first the writings are short and barely take up a page. But, as time goes on, she finds that one page, turns to pages, and pages turn to scrolls. By the end of the first scroll her writings become almost automatic like a routine. By the time she finishes the second scroll, she finds herself mindlessly writing whatever she can think of at the moment and doesn't take a second look. However, it’s when she reaches the 3rd scroll of complaints that she knows something’s wrong.

It should’ve been obvious, the last time they were intimate was 4 months ago, and he was around for 2 of those 4 months. Once she reviews the content of her writings, she realizes that over time, the complains have become those of sexual frustration rather than just the communication aspect of her relationship. But, once, she reads her second scroll she realizes she started to address each complaint to a different person from their old Gang.

The first letter she finds she wrote to her brother Sokka sating

Dear Sokka,

I know it has been some time since we last spoke and I would be lying if I said I have been simply too busy to respond or dictate a message to you, but that would be a lie. In fact that could never be further from the truth. If I were to tell you just how many responsibilities I have been gifted with. It would only be that of looking after the home when Aang is away to attend his meetings.

In all honesty, I have grown tired and sad. I long for the days you and I would spend penguin sledding back in the south pole. I long for a sense of pride, a sense of freedom. Truth be told I no longer see myself as who I used to be and I wish to feel that way again. I pray that one day I will come back to myself.

Until then,

Katara

Upon reading the final paragraph of the letters, she finds her eyes blurring, and realizes that she is crying. The person who wrote this certainly, couldn't have been her. There is no way she is that unhappy. Right? Then again… No 23 year old should feeling unhappy at all, let alone have marriage problems.

Days past until she finds enough courage to look to her second scroll again. She looks at the second letter, it’s addressed to Toph.

Dear Toph,

I know you must be wondering why I bother to write to you, knowing fully well that you are unable to read. However, I feel that you are the only person I can ever tell this to. I feel weak. I find myself slowly losing my will to continue pretending. I no longer look in the mirror and see the brave water bender I used to be. She feels so far gone, it is as if she is a distant memory.

Reading, or hearing in your case, this I know you must be rolling your eyes. But it’s true I no longer bother even trying to attempt training. And Aang says it’s probably for the best. For once we start having children I won’t have enough time to focus on bending anyhow. However when he brings up the idea of children he only ever talks about the prospect of air bending children. What if I cant give him what he wants? what if I become a failure in that regard as well?

Much love,

Katara

Katara reading over the words cause her face to fall along with her tears. How could she not have realized these feelings within her? How has she been able to live like this for so long? Ho-

Her thoughts are interrupted upon seeing a letter addressed to Zuko…

Dearest, Zuko,

I hear a congratulations are in order. You are a married man now and I hope that your marriage brings you much happiness as opposed to the one I currently reside in. In all honesty I’m not sure why I am even writing this letter, but I feel that there are few who can understand what I am going through, and while you may not be experiencing what I am, I know you will do your best to understand.

Zuko, I’m lonely. Day in and day out, I find myself realizing that the prospect of children is something becoming more and more prevalent in my relationship and, I can't help but realize that, I don't want children… Not with him. there are many things that lead me to come to a decision on the matter. So I will tell you in hopes that you can give me some advice on the matter.

For starters, I feel as though bringing a child into this world, his child would only lead me further down this road of sadness. Secondly, I have come to realize that I have already been a mother, just not to children, but to my husband. And if I am to raise a child, I wish it to be with a partner, not a responsibility. And lastly, for one to create a child, sex must be involved, and given that he hasn't touched me in weeks, it is safe to say that creating a child would not be possible.

My final reason brings me to my final point of sadness. Am I not good enough? Do I no longer appeal to him as a woman? What have I done wrong to make him so repulsed that he won't dare touch me? Am I a failure of a woman?

Your dear friend,

Katara

Shocked beyond belief of the contents of this particular letter, Katara drops the scroll with a gasp. How could she? Could she really be so desperate for contact that she asked her dear friend whether or not she was fuckable? She knows she’s no longer the cute petite woman she used to be. But was she so insecure she had to ask a man who hasn't seen her since his coronation as Fire Lord if she looked good? Not to mention this letter was written almost three months ago, what other things has she written to her dear friends? What else has she written to Zuko.

Upon asking herself about the fire lord in particular, She feels the familiar tingling feeling within her stomach and lets out an involuntary moan. Did she really just moan to the thought of her close friend?

She, wont lie, it’s not like she hasn’t thought about Zuko in more than friendly terms before. But never before has her body reacted this way. Is she really that needy? It isn’t until she feels a strange wetness coming from her lower bindings that she realizes that question was being answered for her. Instinctively, she heads to her room.

The room is all but empty save for two compartments for their clothing on the left a bed in the center lit by the window to the right of the bed. feeling the familiar sensation arise once again she brings herself to the edge of the bed she shares with her husband, she She knows this is wrong, but she has been waiting for four months, four months, for some kind of release. If this is the only way she can find any, so be it.

Another two months go by, and she finds that pleasuring herself to thoughts of her fire bending friend has become a normal part of her life. Like her letters (she knows scrolls wouldn't be the appropriate term to call them anymore), losing herself to fantasies of being taken by the fire bender becomes a common occurrence. However, the fantasies are not the only thing that becomes new in her life.

After her first experience of self pleasure featuring the fire lord, she find herself continuing to write letters to him, but there is one time in which she writes a letter to him that is not as innocent as the ones before… Definitely not as innocent as before. This particular letter never makes it to a scroll, but in an envelope addressed to him. She knows that she will never send it. But the thrill of knowing that it is possible to do so, makes her feel empowered.

Its been four months since he has been home, longer than any other time before. But Aang knows he’s lucky to have someone loyal like Katara to wait for him. Yet he also knows he’s guilty. He enters their home and notices that his wife is preparing dinner for homecoming tonight, and decides to settle down in their bedroom.

Upon entering his room, he notices an envelope on her dresser and sees that is it addressed to Zuko. Realizing that she must have forgotten to send it, he walks outside of their home to their carrier bird and sends it off the the fire nation. Aang is certain his wife will thank him later once she gets a response from their dear friend.

Days are boring in the fire nation. Not only does Zuko have to attend meetings after meetings, day in and day out. But once he is ready to retire to his chambers, Mai is waiting to complain about any little thing that she thinks to bring up. Agni forgive he ever have a hard day. For Agni’s sake the most she has been asked to do it sit on the throne. It’s not like he hasn't asked former help, but after the first three times he asks to help him make a decision, she says it’s his job not hers to make important decisions. It’s gotten to the point that she no longer even tries to sleep in the same room as him anymore, and at this point, he doesn't even care enough to say anything about it.

He enters his next meeting with his counsel but before sitting he sees a letter is waiting on his seat at the edge of the table. That’s strange, I haven't been given a letter in over a year from anyone in particular. He thinks to himself.

But upon inspecting the handwriting, he recognizes it immediately and tears it open with haste. Taking a sip of tea he beings to read. But after reading the first sentence he almost chokes on his tea.

My lovely, Zuko,

Night after night I find myself thinking of you in a not so innocent light. I miss being touched. And when I do find time to please myself, I find my thoughts wandering to you. This very moment I can imagine you grabbing me by my shoulders and nipping the skin underneath my ear. All the while whispering how you are going to make me feel pleasure that no one has ever known. All the while you are pressing your arousal deliciously against me.

I can imagine you ripping off my lower wrappings and then taking me from behind on my dresser all the while you pull my hair and kiss along my spine. I can feel you driving into me with such a blinding force. Relentlessly, thrusting yourself into me. All the while I beg for you to give me my release. And while I do, I can hear myself screaming your name like all those times I have been brought to brink pleasuring myself.

Your lovely,

Katara

Zuko sits shocked- no shocked would be the understatement of the decade, to explain how he was feeling. For one, he is hard, (painfully so). In fact, if not for the fact that he was in a room full of old men, he probably would have cum right then and there. But that was besides the point. How could innocent Katara (who he had to admit drove his little teenage mind wild from time to time) write this? It has to be a mistake right? Then again, how could it be? She literally said his name- screamed it in her writing… Fuck!

Zuko decided to cut his meeting short, much to the confusion of the counsel members, and run to his chambers. His room was a vibrant red walls covered in gold decorations and paintings from his coronation to one of his recent wedding. The room was large to say the least. the bed itself was made to fit 7 people, at least. His bed was draped with red sheer curtains and decorated with red and gold pillows along with a burgundy comforter and a red pillow with gold swirls in in the middle for the finishing touch. his drawers sat beside each other on each side of his bed. all the while a path of red drapes would lead him to his closet. which was another room in itself, if he was honest. The closet would then have a secret trap door where his armor and former blue spirit costume lay hidden from public view. The bathroom would lie in the left corner of his bed which held a luxury bath big enough for two and two sinks ready for what was supposed to be for him and his “wife” to share.

Entering the room Zuko quickly locked his front door and proceeded to strip himself of his clothing, as it was much too hot for clothes at this point, and began stroking his length furiously with all the images from Katara’s letter in his mind. He could see her blue eyes looking up at him while she suck her mouth onto him. He could feel the slickness of her wet folds enveloping his cock as she sank on top of his. He could hear her scream his name over and over as he grabbed her hip and started thrusting into her at a violent pace. But once he remembered the way she wrote beg, that’s what did it. He let out a loud growl and felt his seed spill onto his awaiting hand.

Huffing, panting, trying to catch his breath from what was arguably the best orgasm he has ever felt in his life, the reality of the situation dawned on him. He, Fire Lord Zuko, just got off of the words Katara sent to him. Katara, the waterbender who would always have something to say. Katara, the same girl who he chased for months before realizing he was on the wrong side. Katara, the woman who saw good in him when no one else did. Katara, The same woman who he let touch his scar for the first time since his banishment. Katara, the first person he ever thought getting struck by lightening was worth it, if it meant she got to live another day. Katara, the first person he ever truly loved. How could he have just tarnished her honor like that? But… then again…

Before thinking about it too quickly, he grabs a quill and begins writing…

It’s been two weeks since Aang has come home, and if Katara thought things were going to finally settle down, boy was she wrong. Her husband found out that he had to go on another meeting that would last at least another month. Deciding not to hold her breath, she prepared his things quicker than she had the time before and saw him off. She didn't even feel sorrowful over the fact that he still hadn't touched her in the time he was here. Not that she was a lack for trying. Every time he kissed her good morning, she would try to deepen the kiss only to be asked when she was going to get started on breakfast. After the fourth time she gave up and came to the conclusion that she was no longer what he desired bed partner. A wife? yes. A mother? of course! But a lover? Not anymore.

Her sad thoughts were interrupted when the familiar call of their messenger bird arrived with a letter attached to his talon. guessing that it was meant for her husband, she quickly exited the house and unhooked the letter. Taking a glance at what she thought to be the familiar name etched into the envelope, she realized it was her name on the paper not her husbands. That’s odd. she thinks to herself as she re-enters her home and sits on her bed.

Anxious in anticipation, Katara tears open the letter and her heart stops when realizes who the letter is from. “Zuko…”

My lovely Katara,

I cannot begin to express my deepest thanks for your letter you sent to me. Although I must admit, I was surprised to say the least of the contents of your letter-

letter? What letter? I never sent a-

Quickly skimming the next sentence, her heart dropped to the floor. No way! He couldn't have seen it! There’s no way… Then again… that’s when it hits her. the letter she addressed to him! She left it on her dresser! Aang must have seen it and thought he would be doing her favor by taking sending the mail out! “Fuck!” Taking a deep breath, Katara bravely peeks at the letter and dares to complete it

My lovely Katara,

I cannot begin to express my deepest thanks for your letter you sent to me. Although I must admit, I was surprised to say the least of the contents of your letter. No matter, I just wanted to say that I too have found myself thinking of you night after night. And i’d be lying if I said that I don't think of you more often, now that you have expressed you feel some form of attraction towards me as well.

You have no idea how much I want to crash my lips onto yours and pin you to the floor as I tear off your clothes. You have not the slightest clue to how much I want to lick and bite your neck all the while I bring you to the edge with my fingers alone. I want to kiss down your chest to your center and feast on you till morning. I want to lick, taste and savor your flavor on my tongue until you can no longer hold back your cries of pleasure. I want to see your face as I grind my cock against you slick folds. I want to hear you scream my name as you adjust to my size and beg me to move. I want to bring you so much pleasure that you will forget your name but continue to scream mine. But most of all, I want to kiss you deeply and look into your eyes, as I bring us both to our sweet release and finish inside you.

Yours truly,

Zuko

Katara had to stifle a gasp as she finished reading the last line of the letter. He couldn't really mean all those things. Could he? She thought to herself. Then again, this was Zuko. Zuko, the boy who chased her and her group around the world for months until he realized he was being an asshole. Zuko, the guy who screamed about honor, yet struggled with it himself. Zuko, the man who betrayed her after she offered to heal his scar…

But he was also, Zuko, the man who abandoned his life at the palace to a life of rebellion for the sake of human kind. Zuko, the man who crawled on his hands and knees begging for forgiveness. Zuko, the man who not only helped but accompanied her on her journey to find her mothers killer and let her decide what the fate of that man would be. Zuko, the man who, without a second thought, ran in front of a lightening bolt meant to end her life, without ever asking for anything else in return.

Shaking her head from these thoughts, she noticed another piece of paper slip from the envelope that read

P.S. I’m not sure if you will ever return these feelings of mine but I thought I would let you know that I don't expect anything in return. Just know, that no matter where we stand, there is always a room in the fire nation available to you. And no matter what you want to talk about, I will always be ready to listen.

-Zuko

Upon reading that note, Katara opened her dresser and looked through the scrolls. and began tearing letter by letter out of the scroll. Maybe it was time she did something for herself…

Two months passed since the first letter Katara received from Zuko arrived in her home, and it was by no means the last. After she tore apart letter by letter, she decided to send him each and every one of the letters she kept to herself, about Aang and his lack of communication, the struggles she had with finding out who she was in this marriage anymore. And in return, he responded to every single one and in order! He talked about his problems with his wife and how he truly felt as though perhaps he was asking for too much to be happy in a relationship rather than tolerated in one. Not only would they talk about their relationships, but fire nation politics as well. But with all the letters they sent. There was one Katara could never bring herself to deliver. But she made sure to keep that with her at all times in case Aang decided to send in this one as well…

Zuko never feels more alive than when he reads a letter from Katara. Her troubles are shockingly similar to his own. They both have unsatisfying marriages, and whatever Mai fails to give him, Katara gives wholeheartedly and most, if not always, more. He often finds himself seeking the advice of Katara as well as what she would do if he were in his position. And every time she blows his mind with how intelligent and thoughtful she is when it comes to any given situation. Be it trade, social issues, or international relations, it baffles him how she is seemingly perfect in every way. But that only makes his admiration for her grow stronger.

After the first month of their correspondence, his workload has been cut in half. And it all because he finally has a partner to help him deal with issues regarding the Fire Nation. Whether Katara knows it or not, she’s really the one running this nation, and she isn’t even here! He often finds himself asking why she isn't the Fire Lord instead of him. She’s clearly smarter than he is. Not to mention the fantasies he has of her speaking to his people about policy. He knows she would be able to explain things so that all people would understand, without making the people fee that they were being talked down to.

His fantasies are proven correct when he struggles to write a speech concerning a mining incident that occurred within one of the poorer towns. When expressing the situation to her and asking what he should do, she wastes no time in writing back a speech that he definitely used. The speech is received so well that the council start to wonder what’s causing him to become so eloquent yet personable. He can’t never reveal that it was a waterbender whom he has been secretly falling deeper and deeper in love with, with every letter she sends. However, the day after he receives her speech, he also receives a detailed tax plan that would maximize their input of funds, while also meeting the deals of the reparations the outside nations needed to rebuild after the war. If she’s done her math right, (which she always did.) By the end of next year, they would no longer be in debt, but have a surplus of funds to use at home. He only told her about the money issues last week and she solved it in only a day! The council members have been working on plans for years. And it took this woman a day.

When presenting her proposition to the council, they all look smug, expecting him to make a fool go himself. However, as soon as he finishes the proposition, all jaws are dropped and many of the financiers are scratching their heads, wondering how they didn't come up with it sooner. After the meeting, Zuko dismisses his finance department of their jobs and quickly goes to his chambers to continue writing his letters. Out of curiosity and bewilderment, he asks her how she came up with the solution, and she simply wrote,

My dearest, Zuko,

I find it quite insulting that a problem this small would need that much thought to solve it. Next time give me something more of a challenge to solve. Although I do love these puzzles you send me from time to time.

Your dearest,

Katara

This response shocks him as he comes to the realization that she thinks these troubles he is sending her is all a game. In order to prove just how real it they are, the next letter he sends include newspaper clippings about all the crisis’s she solved. He completes the letter with a job proposition to become his chief adviser.

A week later she accepts, and with that he sent her a gift of a fire hawk that would be able to receive and return letters three times as fast.

The second month passes and he finds himself with more free time than he has had in his entire reign. Initially he is happy. But one meeting makes his mood grow sour.

The meeting goes as usual. That is, until Mai walks into the room and is asked to sit down and be present for the next part of their meeting. It is after a brief moment of silence, when the oldest councilmen Lu Ming, states,

“It is evident that you two have yet to produce an heir. Is there any reason for the delay? we understood that times were difficult and proceeded to put the country’s immediate needs ahead of the gradual matters. But seeing as things have calmed down, and suspiciously so, might I add. I believe I speak for all the council when I say, without and heir to the throne, we are put at risk of having to look down the line of royalty, and that leaves… Azula. Needless to say, it would be best if the two of you began the process. Sooner rather than later, and a son would be much preferable than that of a daughter. Your uncle has a special blend of tea to increase the chances of a son. I will ask him to bring it to you when you do plan on reproducing.”

Zuko’s furious, how dare this man ask him to produce a child and son? No less. The Fire Lord is very aware of Lu Ming’s stances on women in power. but he wonders how the council member would react to the fact that all decisions that have been made recently, were in fact made by a woman… A waterbending woman no less. The very thought makes him smirk. But Mai failed to see the humor and and quickly states,

“Thank you for your concern Councilman Ming, I assure you my husband and I are taking this matter very seriously. However, you can’t force nature. It will happen when it happens.” She states with her signature stoicism.

For once Zuko is relieved to hear her speak. But he knows that it’s only a matter of time before he will need and heir. But when he does imagine a child, he sees a little girl with gold eyes like himself, but dark skin and brown hair like her mother. The very thought of this child, makes him grow defensive and angry with the councilmen for insinuating that his daughter wouldn’t be good enough to lead. If she is anything like her mother, she would be ten times the leader he is today. A hand on his shoulder brings him out of his thoughts. Pale, not dark, he thinks. But the look of his council members makes him realize that his nose is fuming with steam. But one look at the councilman is all it take to see the vision of his daughter and after that, it doesn’t take long for him to a respond. But what he says comes out differently than one might have hoped…

“Councilman Ming!” He slams his fist on the table. “How dare you insult my future daughter? If she is anything like her Mom she will be the strongest and fiercest leader this world has ever known. She will be intelligent, kind, compassionate, and determined in anything she does. She will be just like her mother. She will be just like Kat-” He stops himself. he realizes what he just said, and so do the people around him. He clears his throat. “Meeting adjourned.”

“But, my Lo-” Lu Ming interrupts.

“I said meeting adjourned!” He responds without hesitancy.

Mai looks at him with an expression he doesn’t recognize, it almost looks like sadness. But she has never shown any form of emotion before. What does this mean?

“Zuko-”

“Mai, I said meeting adjourned didn't I? That goes for you too. So go back to doing whatever pisses you off all the time and leave me out of it!” Those words make her expression stiffen, but she quickly lets out a sigh, and lower her head.

“I know you were about to say Katara.” She whispers. “All I want to know is how long you’ve loved her.”

This shocks him. He was expecting a snarky comment, anger, hurt, anything, but this. But he owes her an answer. He owes her that much.

“Almost nine years…” He lets out a sigh of relief. He has been holding that in for years, and he finally gets to say it out loud.

“Where does this leave us?” She asks.

He sights, “I’m not sure…” He quickly recovers, if I don't say it now, I never will. “Recently, i’ve been getting letters from her and I… I can't continue being in this marriage knowing that my heart will always belong to her…” He whispers, “Even if she doesn’t want me back.” Mai lets out an annoyed sigh, but smiles.

“I feel the same way.” She too lets out a sigh of relief. And Zuko looks up in shock.

“You do?” He asks with wide eyes.

“Of course I do Zuko! we haven't been intimate since our wedding night. And I suppose that is my fault. But it has nothing to do with whether or not I want you. It’s just… I’ve always known you loved someone else. But it wasn't until after our consummation, that I realized who, you are in love with.”

“What do you mean?- How did you find out?” He asks frantically.

“Zuko.” She shakes her head and grimaces, “while you were asleep. You said and I quote ‘I love you.’”

“And that’s bad? How is tha-”

“You said, ‘I love you Katara’…”

“Oh…” he lowers his head. “So… What do you want to do?”

Mai getting straight to the point says, “I think it would be best if I left. And I think the best way to end things is by saying that I am in fact barren.”

“Mai… If you do that y-” Mai put her hand up to silence him.

“I’m aware of the risks i’m taking Zuko. But I also know that I don’t even want children to begin with. I was willing to produce an heir. That was, until I realized how much children meant to you, and just how many you desired.” she sighs. “Zuko, it’s clear I can’t be who you want me to be, and it’s probably my fault for not telling you how I feel but… it’s obvious we’re too different for one another to have a healthy relationship, and to have a child neither of us wants, would be unfair to that child…” She takes another breath. “Zuko, you deserve to have a child you want to have, with the person you want to have them with. I’ll pack up my things tonight, and I’ll leave the palace officially at the end of the month.

During the Councilors ball, I will make the announcement myself that I am regrettably unable to produce an heir. The scandal will be huge. That is until I say that I have decided that it is in the best interest of the Fire Nation that I no longer serve as Fire Lady and end my marriage to you.”

Zuko is appalled. Never, has he ever seen Mai to passionate about anything. Not to mention, this plan of her was perfect. It would allow them both to leave a marriage they don’t want, while also leaving his reputation unscathed. And it’s clear that Mai has no desire to have children, so her reputation would not be damaged either… At least in any way that mattered to her. How are women not running the world? they clearly come up with the best solutions. I didn’t even consider how to end things with Mai, let alone how to address the public. Perhaps I’ll write to Katara and ask her prepare something for me…With these thoughts circulating in his head. He makes up his mind and agrees to her plan.

Katara prepares a speech that fits well with Mai’s announcement. Zuko is sure to get Mai’s statement and send it over to Katara. He knows it is necessary to orchestrate the perfect response on his part. Along with how to ease the public’s mind about the stability of the throne.

The day is at hand and Zuko is nervous. Mai for once also looks unhinged, which does little to ease his mind. But something in the corner catches his eye and that’s when he sees Aang in the dancing hall holding something he cant quite make out at this distance. What the hell is he doing here? Katara said he was supposed to be in meetings indefinitely… But he has little time to react before Mai pushes him out in front of the crowd to greet them. Remembering what Katara wrote for the opening ceremony he calmly recites her speech.

“My dearest citizens. I am humbled to have you join us and the rest of our kingdom in our annual Councilor’s ball. It is at this time of the year, that we get to hear what we can do better as a society to make all of your lives easier and the best they can possibly be. I am joined tonight by all existing council members who have assured me that they will listen to anyone they can and that they will report to me everything that they were told. But, alas, tonight is not a night to simply talk about politics. It is also a night to rejoice and celebrate all of the achievements we have made throughout the year. All of which, would not have been possible without our beloved council.”

After an hour of dancing and performances, it’s time for the Fire Lady to make her speech. Most of the time Fire Lady’s would makes a speech about family and the importance of children in society. Knowing what Mai was about to say, made him have to stifle a chuckle at the irony. I mean technically she is going to talk about family and children so… she’s not technically breaking tradition. He thinks to himself.

“Good evening people of the Fire Nation.” Mai starts. After a deep breath and fake frown she continues. “It is with a heavy heart that I speak with you today. For what I will say may shock many. In truth, I am going to speak about children and family. Just not in the ways that it is traditionally done for a Fire lady to do so.” Zuko watches as she forces a tear to fall from her cheek and continues. “I have found out around a month ago that I am unable to have children.” She pauses for dramatic affect and everyone in the audience is a mix of gasps and shocked faces. But the council is most shocked upon hearing this. Another tear falls, and she continues once again. “What I say is true. I am Barren, and I cannot in good conscience continue being your Fire Lady knowing that children mean everything to my husband.” She takes another breath. “When we found out, I insisted I leave. But he begged me to stay and said, that it didn’t matter if we could not have children for all we needed was one another. But… Alas, I came to a decision a week ago, that I must leave, if not for our nation but for our Lord’s happiness in the future. Therefore… I am effectively removing myself from the throne and ending my marriage to our Fire Lord.”

A collection of gasps and solemn faces filled the crowd. One of them being Aang, who was crying. Zuko couldn’t help but growl. How can he be sad over the ending of my marriage, when he treats his wife like a bedwarmer? How can he be here while his wife wonders whether or not he is good enough to be touched? Its after that thought he realizes what is in the Avatars arms, a child.

Katara sits at home awaiting the next letter from her Lord as she patiently waits to hear about how the announcement of his split with Mai went. She wont lie to herself, her heart soared when she received the letter asking for a detailed speech to follow that of the announcement of he and his wife splitting. But she couldn’t let that distract her from her job. So she looked at the assignment like all the others and did her best to keep her personal feelings out of it.

It is an hour later that she receives a letter. But what’s inside is not what she expects…

My dearest, Katara,

I usually keep my distance and hold everything inside. But, these past three month have made me feel more alive that I have in years. I can bear it no longer, these months have been torture without you by my side. While the letters help make it feel as if you are here, I awaken to the reality that you are not. If there is anyway I can persuade you to come to me or I come to you, allow me to be gifted this knowledge as my heart aches without your words. The letters no longer come fast enough to fill the void in my soul. If you come only for a night it will be enough to satisfy me for the rest of my days. And know that if you do decide to visit, I expect nothing but your words to soothe the pain within my chest. But, if you wish to keep things as they are, I understand completely. This will be the only time I ask you to be with me.

Love,

Zuko

Katara’s heart stopped. This couldn’t be what she thought it was. It had to be a mistake… Yet, seeing a letter with such emotion made Katara think twice. For one, he used the word “love” certainly he hadn't meant it in the way she initially thought. If so, that would complicate things. But knowing that he expected “nothing but her words” made her heart clench a little. She knows that she should be grateful, after all she is still married by all counts. But for some reason she feels a sense dread. Not only that, she felt stupid for assuming that he would ever see her in such an improper way. Sure the first letter he sent was written with every implication that she was who he wanted to share a bed with. But the more she thought about it, she remembered that Zuko was polite and probably only wrote her that letter to ease her of embarrassment. That had to be it, after all he hasn't sent a letter like that one since. Not to mention, she was sure once he saw her any improper feelings for her would vanish because once again, she doesn't look like she used to. But, with all these questions in her mind, she made up her mind and left for the Fire Nation the next morning.

It had been a week since he poured his hear out in that letter to her and still no response. He decides its probably best to be patient. and hope her response would arrive at the latest tomorrow.

Then again. He starts thinking to himself, was I too forward, maybe she got scared. After all she is married to the Avatar maybe she doesn't feel the same way about me like I thought. I mean, she didn't send another letter like the first one since I responded to that letter in particular. Ugh! How could I be so stu-

All thoughts stopped as he left the counsel room and saw across the hall possibly the most beautiful creature he ever laid his eyes on. The woman was tall almost to his shoulders and that was saying something as Mai never even reached that height and Mai was tall by any standards. But this woman was more than tall, her hips were the perfect width, and as she walked towards him he caught a look at her breasts, large and definitely more a handful, her slender waist only adding the the contrast of her hips to chest ratio. If he had to describe what shape her body be modeled after, he would have to say hourglass. but it was not her body that caught his attention. It was the striking blue eyes that he could pick out from anywhere. It took all of his control not to sprint down the hall and rip her blue dress off. But, with a deep breath he reminds himself, patience.

Arriving to the Fire Nation is the easy part. She reminds herself. The hard part is making herself look presentable as well as making sure she doesn't burn to death from the heat. She decides that she will wear a light blue dress that fits tightly against her frame. Because, while Aang considered it to be improper, she realizes that Aang isn't here to dictate her choices and decides to wear what she never thought she’d have a chance to. The dress is form fitting to say the least, it accents all of her “problem areas”, her breasts bulge out like cantaloupes. The halter top of the dress makes her arms looks far too muscular to be feminine. Her ass looks like a watermelon. And her hips look far to wide to be natural. Not to mention the dress has two slits on the sides that go up mid thigh, so her over muscular legs will definitely be noticeable. Being left alone with little responsibility leaves a lot of time to do other things to release excess energy, such as work out. She’ll stick out like a sore thumb. But, she sighs, at least her sandal strap heels help her to look more feminine. This dress is going to have to do. Any other dress will only leave her burning up. With one final look in the mirror, she ties her hair up in a braided bun and starts her journey towards the palace.

Upon entering the palace, people all around her begin to stare. It’s no doubt because she looks unnatural and hideous. Every woman around her is perfectly proportionate to their weight and height. She, on the other hand, looks like a lopsided seal.

She heard the Fire Lord would be in a meeting with his counsel until right about now, so she’s heads towards the meeting room. She knows where it is because of the time she and sokka looked around frantically for Momo high on cactus juice.

With one final right turn she sees him. He looks as if he was sculpted by the spirits themselves. She’s pleased to see that he’s still a great deal taller than her. She has to guess around 196 cm in height. His hair had grown out and is now about halfway down his shoulders. His sleeveless tunic hangs tightly to his chest leaving little to the imagination as to what lies beneath it. From this angle she can tell that he must spend a good amount of time training to be that fit. She also feels encouraged to see his arms are not larger than hers by any means. Aang always made her feel self conscious about her arms. stating that too much definition was unappealing for a woman who is supposed to be protected by the Avatar. It was not even like she has bulky arms to begin with! They just look scary because of their definition. But her thoughts stop as she realizes that he is staring straight at her. He has a look in his eyes she’s never seen in anyone before. And she doesn't know what to make of it.

Zuko promises himself to be patient. But as soon as her eyes leave the ground to look at him. That’s the end of his self control. He sprints down the hall faster than he ever though possible and before she can say a words he scoops her up in his arms and sprints to his chambers. Patience be damned, I have waited too long for this and I don’t plan to wait any longer.

He opens the door to his chambers and pins her against his door. She yelps in surprise, but he leans into her ear and says,

“How can you walk in wearing something like that, and expect me not to react this way?” He doesn't give her time to respond because the next moment his lips are on hers. he kisses her frantically and pulls her closer to his body, one hand in her hair, the other on the small of her back. She responds in kind moaning into his mouth as she grinds her hips against him while tugging at his hair. Zuko knows right then, that if he were to die right then, he would surely be happy knowing he died with this goddess in his arms. But it’s over too soon as she breaks the kiss panting.

“Wait!” Katara says trying to catch her breath

“Why?” He almost growls at her. She looks at him surprised but then relaxes her hands on his shoulders and responds meekly.

“Because… I don’t want you to do this just because you think you have to… I don't want to be someone who you feel obligated to bed because of my first letter.”

Zuko stares at her mouth hung open. How could she even begin, to think he was doing this out of pity. Did she not know how gorgeous she is? If anyone is getting a pity fuck it would be him.

That’s when he remembers the letters. How she said that Aang hasn't touched her in over seven months, and how she wanted to know what she was doing wrong. He remembers how she called herself unfuckable because of how she wasn't getting any younger. He breathes out a sigh. How could anyone convince her she was unwanted? With his mind made up, he knows what he has to do.

“Katara, listen to me…” He says in a gentle tone. “You are by far the most gorgeous creature I have ever laid eyes on. Your eyes are like sapphires, plucked by the moon goddess herself.” He leans in towards her neck and whispers, “your neck is long and straight, made fit for a queen” he traces feather light kisses from her jaw to her neck and sucks on her pulse point. That action makes her mewl. In response, he bites hard but quickly licks the spot to erase any pain that may come of it, and her breath catches in her throat. He brushes feather light kisses down to her collarbone right above the beginnings of her breasts. “your breasts are a gift from the spirits themselves. They make me want to bury my face inside them and make a home within them” He gently removes her top of her dress to land gracefully around her waist. she gasps as he swiftly burns off her bindings. He takes a moment to take them in. Her mounds are round and look so soft. Her dusky nipples perking up at the sudden air they are exposed to. He instinctively licks his lips.

“Zuko?” He looks up and sees her eyes filled with lust. And In one swift motion, he buries his face in between the valley of her breasts. and plants butterfly kisses between them. He pauses to look up at her. Her eyes look at him in confusion. He chuckles before he dives into her left breast and flicks his tongue around her left nipple first. She cries and he feels her arms wrap around his head, holding him firmly in place.

Taking that as a sign to continue. He then surrounds her dusky nipple with his lips and sucks hard, using his teeth to test out shat she likes. Her response is a loud moan and her arms clamping tighter around his head. Apparently she likes things rough. He think to himself before picking up the pace of his sucking, biting, and movements of his tongue. This elicits a moan that makes him harder than he ever thought possible. She then removes her arms as he mimics the ministrations of his tongue with his fingers on the other breast. He continues his careful attention until he hears,

“Zuko!” She squeals.

That’s it. he picks her up by her buttocks and swing her on the edge of the bed. He is quick to remove all of his clothing, including his loincloth. He them proceeds to tower over her, as he sees her hazed eyes take in the sight of him fully nude. The expression on her face widens as her eyes reach down to his length. Her mouth gapes open at the size of his erection. He gives her a knowing smirk before he leans down and kisses her hard.

He doesn't give her time to respond as he pries her mouth open with his tongue and tastes the inside of her mouth. He groans. He wants to know how she tastes everywhere. That final thought gives him an idea. An Idea that makes him smirk. He is quick to remove himself from her body, and slides himself to the edge of the bed. In one final swoop, rips her out of the rest of her clothing and burns her under wrappings off. And before she can say anything. He kneels in front of her center. He notices she’s completely shaven. But as he looks down toward her entrance, he holds back a groan. Oh shit! she’s so wet. He places his fingers experimentally near her hole, he hears her gasp, and he groans at how tight she is. He knows she’s self conscious, and probably hasn't ever had anyone do this for her before, so he takes one large lick and almost cums from the taste alone. He feels her body stiffen and he knows he needs more. He roughly grabs her legs and tosses them over his shoulders and pulls her center as close as he can. Before she can protest, he dives in. He hears her screech and feels her move her hands to the length of his hair. He Growls in response. She has to be the best thing he has ever tasted in his life. She’s so sweet. He knows he being greedy, that he should slow down. But he just can’t. He can feel her legs shaking above him and her screams are like heaven.

“Oh. Fuck!” She screams, “Zuko, don’t you dare fucking stop! If you do i’ll kill you!”

He chuckles and murmurs “I don't think I could stop even if you wanted me too.” And with that she sighs and grabs his hair tighter pulling him closer to her sopping center.

He starts to frantically lick and suck on whatever he can manage to get his lips on, he finds her clit with his teeth and when he gently sucks on it, her whole body spasms. He looks up at her and sees she is panting uncontrollably and is frantically trying to find some release. He growls against her clit. It’s the most erotic thing he has ever seen in his entire life and almost cums at the sight. Then she looks him in the eyes with a clouded look and it is at that moment he decides to continue to suck on the hard nub she oh so enjoys.

Her response is immediate, she screams “Zuko! Zuko! Zuko!”

With one final suck, she cums and he drinks up every lest drop of her essence all the while he pistons his tongue inside her unbelievably tight hole. She releases his hair and continues to spasm as he continues to lick her, more gently this time, knowing she just came and needs time to recover.

As soon as she comes down from her high. Zuko lifts himself up and offers her a weak smile, before she grabs him and pulls him up and crashes her lips to his for a searing kiss. He’s shocked to find her tongue probing his mouth, and with that slight distraction, Katara flips him over so that she is on top. She doesn’t stop her assault quite yet, as she moves her lips from his to trace featherlight kisses over his scar. “Katara!” he whines, as she continues her path from his scar down to his neck, while her hands find purchase in his hair. Gently, he feels her tug his hair, and causes him to look blankly up to the ceiling. His throat exposed to her completely, her light kisses turn into hard sucks and nips, he’s sure she’s going to leave a mark come tomorrow. He groans, “Ugh. Katara. I need-”

“I know, me too. Just… let me have some fun first.” He growls as she releases his neck and starts a new path from his chest to his pelvis. He thinks he knows where she’s going with this, and his body reacts instantly.

His cock twitches as soon as her lips kiss his tip, and he can’t help but let a moan slip from his mouth. She doesn't stop there though. Zuko watches closely as Katara continues her teasing with one experimental lick of his slit, he growls and pulls her up by her hair.

Noting the shock and confused look on her face, he quickly flips them over and positions himself at her dripping entrance. He growls, “shit babe, you’re so fucking wet.” Staring down at her, he can see the start of a blush in her cheeks. He can't wait anymore. But he has to know that this is what she wants. With one look into her beautiful blue eyes. He sees her smile widely at him and nods. That’s all he needs, and pushes himself inside.

“Oh! Zuko!” She screams as he feels her arms fling themselves around his neck, one hand gripping his hair. He roars. He can feel her slick folds sucking him in tightly, and he pants, knowing that she’s going to need time to adjust. He reaches the hilt and they let out a collective sigh of relief at the feel of finally becoming one with each other. He leans in and places hungry kisses from her jaw to her pulse and starts pumping himself inside her.

Meeting every thrust, they Keep a steady pace. He sees her head thrashing from side to side. This woman has to have been made for him. Every reaction, every moan, is perfect. But, it takes all his self control not to start pounding into her like he wants to.

“Zuko!” She moans, “faster!” he doesn't need to be told twice. He starts to pick up the pace, but that only makes his self control falter.

He pauses, knowing if he keeps going he’ll reveal to her what an animal he truly is and he can’t do that to her. Not to his soulmate. She stares at him in confusion and he trails a hind down her face and explains, “Kat… I can’t… If we keep. Ahh.” He feels her star to move against him frantically trying to continue. He growls, “if we keep up this pace. I might lose…” He pants. “Control.”

“Then do.” She says determinedly. He pauses giving her look of warning. She huffs, “Damn it Zuko if you don't star moving in the next five seconds, I’m gon-”

He doesn't hear the rest because before she can finish the last of his self control snaps and he quickly pulls all the way out of her and she whimpers. But he is quick to reposition her legs over his left shoulder and holds them there like a vice grip. With one quick thrust, he buries himself inside her. He can hear her screams as he starts rutting into her relentlessly. There’s no way he can stop now. She asked for it. And by god is he going to deliver.

“I told you” *pant* “that. I. Would.” *pant* “Lose. Control!” He says in time with his thrusts. He can see her trying to keep up but her body is shaking and he knows she’s close.

“Zuko! Keep going. Yes! Yes! YES!” She mewls as she finally meets his rhythm.

This woman is going to be the death of him. But he doesn't have enough time to ponder that thought. Because all the sudden, her walls start to contract around him.

“Zuko! I’m! Im-”

“I know baby, I know.” he continues his relentless pace until he can stand it no longer

“AHH!” She screams. And that proves to be his undoing as the entire world around him turns white.

“Fuck! Katara!” he growls as he thrusts into her, prolonging her orgasm while emptying his seed inside her womb. Overly sensitive from her climax, she shakes violently beneath him.

As they both come down from their highs, he releases her legs and uses the last bit of strength he possesses to pull out of her and roll them over so she's on top of him and cradles her to his body. After a few minutes of lying together in their afterglow, he lays them both under the covers and drifts off to sleep with his waterbender in his arms.

Katara wakes up and feels something impossibly warm against her back. As she shifts to look at the source of this heat. But cant move as she feels an impossibly strong pair of arms holding her waist to keep her in place. She almost yelps in surprise. Last night wasn’t a dream, she thinks to herself. She sighs at the knowledge that she finally found someone who wanted to touch her. but that feeling of fulfillment is short lived as the reality of the situation hits her.

She just slept with someone. Someone who wasn't her husband, and she doesn't regret it. At all. feeling the body behind her shifts. she turns over and watches as her partners face opens his eyes. She can see the last traces of sleep leave his face, and in place a smile so big and genuine takes place. She can’t help but smile back.

“Good morning beautiful.” She hears him whisper.

“Good morning handsome.” She sighs as he pulls her closer to his body. She feels him nuzzle her face under his chin like a purring cat. And she cant help but stifle the giggle that threatens to leave her throat.

“What’s so funny waterbender?” He feigns a pout.

“Nothing! It’s just… Well…”

“Yes?”

“Last night was wonderful. But…” She takes a deep breath. He has to know that he doesn’t owe me anything, she continues, “I understand if this is all you wanted from me. I don’t want to be a bur-”

Before she can finish her sentence. She feels a set of lips crash onto hers and a set of hands pull her closer to the owners body.

“Don’t ever say you’re a burden again. You hear me?” She nods wistfully still recovering from that impromptu kiss. Her mind reawakens when she hears him let out a long sigh. She watches as he rolls over on his back and she swears she hears him whisper something along the lines of “duck fit?” but doesn't dwell to hard on it.

“Katara…” He starts, turning over to face her on his side. “I didn't want you to come here because I only wanted your body. I want your mind, heart, and soul as well…” She gasps but holds her tongue because she can tell he isn't finished yet. Watching as he takes another deep breath, he continues. “Katara, I’ve been fighting with myself for years now. Contemplating whether or not to tell you how I feel. And that was because I wasn't sure what those feelings were. But now… I’m certain.”

Katara, lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding inside and says, “what are you trying to say?”

Looking him dead in the eyes she sees his eyes look away for a second before returning to hers with a new determination. “I’m saying, Katara, that I’m in love with you.” He says in a low voice, and continues. “And that I have been since Ba Sing Se.”

Her mouth drops to the floor at his statement. There’s no way he could feel this way about her. He’s just saying this to make her feel less path-

“And what I guess I’m asking of you is… That you don't return to your home in the air temples. I want you to stay… Katara I want you to be mine. And I want to be yours, if you’ll have me…”

She stares in shock at his confession and decides that now is the time… Slowly she gets up and heads for the door. Taking one last look as she gets dressed, she leaves a heartbroken Fire Lord in his bed staring longingly at her.

Zuko sighs in defeat. How could he have been so stupid! Of course she wouldn't want him. She wanted to feel wanted, and now that she got what she needed, she can go back to her life with Aang.

He leans back against his pillows and realizes that they still smell like her. He hold her pillow close to him and embraces her scent. He’s about to cry when a knock on his door breaks him out of his trance. Slowly he gets up, wraps a robe around himself and angrily walks to the door. Whoever the hell is on the other side better be coming to me with a life or death situation or so help me Agni. I’m going to kill them. He opens the door violently, but what’s on the other side makes him stop dead in his tracks.

“Katara… Why-”

“I didn’t leave!” She says quickly. “I mean, I guess I did. But only so I could get this…”

She holds out a letter to give him. He cautiously takes it. “What is this?” he asks. Only to have blush be his response. Carefully he opens it looking her in the eyes as he does. as soon as he has the paper in his hand he reads it and chokes on his words.

My Dearest, Zuko,

For the past two months of our exchange I have grown fonder and fonder of you and I fear that the longer we write to one another, the closer I am to falling completely. I can’t deny that these feelings are most likely a result of previous feelings that I never dared allow to break the surface from when we were young. I know I may be foolish or sound desperate to feel any form of love, but I want you to know that my feeling are true as I say. If love is what I have with Aang, then what I feel for you must go beyond that. For when I think of you, my heart races and my stomach clenches at the very thought of you holding me in your arms. I know you must not feel this way about me, for how could you when you have a beautiful wife whom I am sure you love and adore. Whatever the meaning behind your letters, especially the first one. I wish for you to know, I expect nothing from you, except the promise that you will not judge me for my feelings and continue to be my friend. But if for whatever reason you do feel the same, I will end my marriage with Aang and leave to be with you.

Yours forever,

Katara

Zuko looked up from the letter to her face, his eyes filling with tears, he pulls her to him and hugs her so close to his chest, he fears that if he lets go even just a little bit, she will leave. he hears her quiet cries and pulls back to stroke her cheek.

“I just didn’t think you would ever love me as I loved you.” She sniffs, but continues, “I lied when I said I gave you all of my letters from before, but I…” She sniffs. “I just couldn't find the courage to send this one. Zuko… I love you too. I love you so much I-”

He doesn't give her time to finish her sentence and instead crashes his lips on hers and cups her face. Resting his forehead against hers he says, “I love you Katara. Please, promise me you'll never leave me again.”

She chuckles, “I promise.”

Katara looks out on the balcony as she watches two of her four children practice fire bending with their father. From this angle she can see her first born twins execute their bending forms perfectly as their brown hair flows in the wind. When they come to a stop. Katara watches as their gold eyes meet their fathers expectantly. Zuko feigns a frown and then instantly scoops up his son and daughter in his arms and twirls them around. Katara laughs shaking her head as her twins cry out to their “daddy” to “let us down.”

Katara knows her other two children are practicing their waterbending with their step great-grandfather Pakku. How she wishes it was her training her children. But, she knows, at this stage in her pregnancy it could harm her unborn child. So she acquiesces and invites her step-grandfather to train her third born Kya and youngest born Hakoda.

Looking out at her husband as he finally lets their children go, she knows she’s been caught staring when she catches his smirk and winks right at her. She blushes but doesn't back down. She finds it amazing that after 7 years of marriage he can still make her blush.

Looking back on their time together, she remembers after the first few days of their relationship being chaotic. The moments after she promised to stay with him, Katara swiftly wrote a letter to Aang stating that she was sorry but could no longer continue a relationship where she feels so useless and alone. Surprisingly, Aang wasn't mad. In fact, he wrote back coming clean about a drunken one night stand that lead to an unplanned pregnancy. Aang explained that most of his time away was spent with his newborn daughter and that over time it was getting harder and harder to leave her knowing that he was lying to the other woman in his life that he loved. It wasn't until after the next peace summit two weeks later when Aang arrived with Toph who was holding a baby with Airbender marks, that Katara put the pieces together as to who the mother of Aang’s child was. But she was not the only surprised face in the room, as Aang saw Katara being in the Fire Nation was unexpected. That was, until Zuko quickly stepped in and stated that he asked Katara to become his chief advisor (which wasn't technically a lie) to explain her presence at the palace. The summit meeting was awkward to say the least. Most if it consisted of Zuko giving Aang glares that Katara was sure if they had the ability to do so, would kill. The rest consisted of the Fire Lord making off hand comments about how interesting it was the Aang was in the Fire Nation so close after his last visit when he ended things publicly with Mai. Katara was confused about the statements until after the meeting when Zuko explained that he saw Aang in the capital during the councilor’s ball holding a child but though nothing of it and simply forgot to mention it to her. But on the first night after dinner, Aang felt the need to explain that the drunken one night stand was a result of an earth rumble tournament and a heavy amount of gambling and drinking. Katara quickly told him that he was forgiven but would need time to accept the reality of him being a father, and for lying to her all this time. Toph followed suit and sheepishly asked to talk to Katara alone and said how sorry she was that things turned out like this. That she never meant to hurt her, and that, that night was so crazy that she was certain it never even happened until she heard a second heartbeat the following month of that night. It is with those words Katara finally asks the name of the child and Toph responds “Amaya.”

It is at the end of the peace summit when Aang officially announces his Split from Katara claiming the fault was his and it happened over a year ago in order to keep up appearances with the public. Since air nation wedding customs are less than official. The marriage between Aang and herself is as if it never even happened in public record. Leaving her with a clean slate and fresh start to begin her new life with Zuko.

It’s a month after the peace summit, when Zuko’s royal counsel is told of the position Katara’s held over the past few months and will continue to hold for the foreseeable future. The council is skeptical of her at first… That is until her lover revealed all the letters of their correspondence as well as the speeches and tax plan that saved their country from bankruptcy. Even with the evidence in front of them they feel skeptical about a woman joining their ranks, and an even higher one at that. For a chief advisor is only second to the Fire Lord, and upon realizing the power she has had all this time, and that Zuko trusted her with it, makes her heart swell.

It is a month after her position is announced, that Katara makes a name for herself among the council and those who initially hated her, end up loving her. Even Lu Ming! Zuko stares at her in awe when she sees him watching her as Lu Ming sheepishly takes her hand and gracefully places a kiss a top her hand. It is six months into her position that the younger of the royal council and royal guard starts asking to court her. And it is a week after the first proposal when Zuko lays his claim on her in the form of a kiss in the middle of a meeting. It is a year into their relationship when Zuko asks Katara to meet with him in courtyard of fire lilies and Turtle-ducks. It is there where he bends down on one knee holding a stone known to the world as “dragon heart” from which the stone is forged from the breath of two dragons with the stone coloring has each side matching the colors of the two dragons scales with the center being a mix of the two. The stone itself is blue on the left and red on the right with a purple center. The stone is carved in gold with the symbols of their two nations dead center with one dragon symmetrically carved on each side of the symbols in their opposite colors of blue and red. And above it all is a moon standing above center over the entire design with the symbols of yin and yang in the center of the moon. The stone is made to be able to hang below the stone of her mothers necklace. and it is when he offers her the stone that he asks her to be his wife and partner for the rest of his life. It is when she gently lifts the stone from his hand and fastens it beneath her mothers stone that she accepts.

It’s a week later that the counsel and public hear about the engagement and prepares to arrange the wedding within the next three months. It is one month into planning when her family comes to offer their congratulations when Zuko looks terrified for the first time in his life. It is an hour into the party when Katara finds out why and has a stern talk with her brother and father. It is minutes after her talk when Suki drags Sokka by the ear and gives him and earful before Sokka sheepishly approaches Zuko and apologizes with his tail between his legs. It is one week later when her family returns to their homes until the day of their union. It is two months into the planning when Katara falls to the ground unconscious when Zuko rushes to her side and the court grows worried.

It is one week before the day they are supposed to be married, and Zuko has not left his fiancé’s bedside when the healers from the North pole along with her Father, Grandmother, new grandfather Pakku, brother, and his wife Suki come over when Zuko begins to panic. It is three days before the scheduled wedding when Pakku rushes to the room by Katara’s side with a smile so wide it threatened to change his facial shape, when he says everything is fine and she’s most likely just feeling ill because her body is adjusting to the change in temperature. It is two days before the wedding when she starts feeling better. It is one day before her wedding when she discovers something that will change both their lives, but decides to keep it hidden until after the ceremony.

It is on the day of their wedding when she promises herself to the man of her dreams, the love of her life, the yin to her yang, her soulmate that she will always be true and love him even after their spirits pass onto the next world when she sees her groom cry for the second time, and it is that night when she see’s him cry the third. For it was on that day when she gave him a gift. And that gift was the news of a child.

It is two months into their marriage and three months into her pregnancy when Katara starts waking up her husband in the middle of the night with a scowl and demands he bring her the spiciest foods and he does so with a smile on his face. It is the third night of her cravings when the firebender is informed that their kitchen has used up their supply of spices for the next month when Katara storms in and demands that they get her more. It is that night when Zuko walks into their room when he sees Katara crying about how badly she feels about her outburst when Zuko consoles her and promises it will all be okay. It is two weeks after that when Katara starts waling about getting fat when Zuko explains it all for the baby and that he thinks she's especially beautiful, knowing that she is growing their child inside her. It is four months into her pregnancy when she feels her child kick for the first time. It is but seconds later that she screams for her husband to “get down here”, that Zuko rushes through the door and Katara pushes his hand on her stomach when Zuko feels his child kick for the first time and the reality of becoming father dawns on him. It is two weeks after that when Katara’s hormones start to take over when the Fire Lord and Fire Lady barely leave their chambers for the remainder of the second trimester. It is seven months into the pregnancy when an especially happy Fire Lord makes a rare appearance out of his room to barge into a meeting where he announces he loves his wife and leaves with a dopey grin on his face. It is moments after that when Lu Ming laughs and gives the rest of the council a knowing look. It is eight months into her pregnancy when Katara starts angrily waddling around the palace seeing all the dangers that her unborn child could be exposed to. It is seconds after seeing the first hazard that she calls for her husband and demands that the safety of the palace be updated to fit the needs of their child. It is two weeks after Zuko makes the request that his wife’s demands are met. It is on the fortieth week of her pregnancy when Katara feels her first contraction and Zuko passes out.

The day of their child’s birth is the happiest and scariest of their lives. Luckily Iroh is there and gives her a special tea meant to reduce the pain. It is when she hears her daughter cry for the first time, that she feels her heart grow with a love she never knew could be so strong. It is but two minutes later when she is told to push again, that she realizes her heart is going to grow once again as she welcomes her son into the world. It is when Zuko looks into his children golden eyes and brown hair as he vows to love and cherish his children and never be like his father when he cries for the fifth time. And it is when he holds his wife’s hand as they each hold their little miracles that they name their first borns. Zutara and Iroh II.

It is when their children turn six months old that Katara finds out that she is pregnant yet again, and it is with absolute certainty that she feels it is going to be a waterbender. It is after their children turn 7 months old when they say their first words. Zutara being “Mama”, and Iroh being “tea”. It is when the twins turn eight months old when they take their first steps and Zutara tries to push iroh out of her space when they decide it is time to give them their own cribs. It is a week after their first steps that Zutara starts crying without her brother by her side, when they decide to keep them in the same crib together. It is one hour after they reunite them when Katara sees Zutara hugging her brother close as they sleep that she feel her heart swell with hope that their next child is a girl. It is on their twins birthday when Sokka and Suki introduce the twins to the magic of sugar, and it is an hour after the discovery when Katara freezes her brother to the castle’s front gate with a sign around his neck stating “he knows what he did.” It is an hour after the “Sugar incident” when Aang and Toph announce they are expecting their second child.

It is one month after their twins first birthday when she welcomes their third child and second daughter to the world that she feels her heart grow once again. It is when her husband introduces the twins to their new sister that Zutara tries to hug the baby. It is when Zuko and Katara watch as their new child closes her blue eyes and nuzzles her black head of hair into Katara’s arms as she nurses her when they name her Kya.

It is when Kya turns six months old when she says her first word “Daddy” when Zuko smiles for an entire week with pride while Katara slumps in their bed in defeat. It is on the twins second birthday when Aang and Toph introduce their new daughter Terra to the kids when Kya hugs her and kisses her forehead. It is an hour later when the Airbender and his wife drunkenly give the twins their first taste of spicy food when Katara and Zuko glare at the earthbender and her husband for making their children cry. It is on that same day Suki and Sokka announce they are expecting their first child. And it is after that announcement when Uncle Iroh (or grandpa, to the kids) gives them their first taste of spice reliever tea. It is a month after the twins second birthday and The day of Kya’s first when Zuko asks if they can have another child. It is four months after when she accepts. It is three months after the twins third birthday and two months after Kya’s when the next prince is born. It is when when Kya meets her brother that she smiles at the fact he has the same eyes and hair as her when she swears to be his protector. It is when the rest of the kids meet their new sibling when Kya tries to protect him from the twins, because she is worried that Zutara will try to hurt him like she does Iroh. It is two minutes after that when Iroh starts crying and Zutara hits him while telling him to be quiet, when both Kya And Katara reflexively hold the new prince away from the twins and realize Kya’s concerns were right. It is the fifth day when neither of the parents can come up with a name, when her father comes to visit. And it is three hours after he father put their new son to sleep, when they name him Hakoda II.

It is three months after Hakoda’s birth when Azula proves herself to be rehabilitated after being healed with spirit water brought from Pakku from the time Katara was thought to be ill. It is two months after her release when it is revealed that Azula has joined the Kyoshi warriors. It is three weeks after the discovery when the royal family is asked to attend former Princess Azula’s wedding. It is the following week when Azula marries Ty Lee and Kya announces she wants to marry a girl too! It is after that declaration that Zuko and Katara smile at their daughter and say that they love her no matter who she decides to love.

It is six months after Hakoda’s birth when Zutara screams at Iroh for taking her toy and breathes fire, when they realize she is a firebender. It is one hour after that when Iroh breathes fire back when Katara glares at Zuko and makes him swear the kingdom wont burn to the ground. It is one month after the revelation when Zutara gets angry and water floods her play room when Katara stares at her child and sighs “of course” in defeat. It is an hour after that revelation when she and Zuko have a serious talk and decide to start training their children. It is when Hakoda turns eight months old and Kya turns three when his first word is spoken and that word is “Kya.” It is when Hakoda is ten months old and kya’s third birthday when he takes his first steps and uses those steps to run into Kya’s arms. It is on on Katara and Zuko’s sixth wedding anniversary and the kids are taken on vacation by their uncle Sokka and Aunt Suki along with their cousins, when her husband pounds into her like an animal and they make loud unfiltered love all night long. It is the next day, when the guards outside their doors stare off in the distance with troubled looks on their faces, when both she and her husband flush a furious red. It is that night when they repeat the previous nights activities when they realize they don't care what anyone else thinks.

It is six months after Kya’s third birthday when she copies a bending move of her sister when it is revealed she is a water bender. It is that same day when Zuko decides it’s time for Zutara and Iroh to start weapons training. It is one hour after they start training, when Katara glares at Zuko with a shredded one of Iroh’s toys in her had when Zuko realizes it was a mistake. It is after the twins turn five when they master their elements and when their parents warn Zutara to stop beating up her bother or else they wont let her visit uncle Sokka anymore. It is shortly after Kya turns four when she masters her element and begins her weapons training. It is on Iroh’s second birthday when he first lets out a flame from a sneeze. It is when Zutara is practicing her bending of both elements in the courtyard when the sages catch her. It is one hour after the discovery when Zuko almost kills the sages for suggesting his daughter be given away for the better of the crown. It is five minutes after Katara hears about the confrontation when she nearly pierces the sages with ice daggers when the sages submit and never make a comment about her first born daughter again. It is on Hakoda’s third birthday, two months after Kya’s fifth and four months after the twins sixth when their mother announces they are going to have another sibling. It is four months after Kya’s fifth birthday when Aang’s Daughter Terra comes to visit along with her siblings when Kya and Terra hold hands for the first time. It is four months in her pregnancy, when she feels her child kick for the first time that she knows it will be a girl. It is a few moment later that she feels four feet kick her that she knows they are twins and they are both girls.

It is the present where Katara watches as her husband walks up the steps to their room when he kneels down to her swollen stomach and whispers he loves them no matter what they are or what they become. It is but seconds after those words when Katara feels complete and thanks the spirits that she was gifted this man for a husband and partner to always stay by her side.

THE END.

#zutara #zutara smut #zutara week 2018 #zutara week #pro zutara #prince zuko #fire lord zuko #zuko #katara

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lostinthe-pines-blog · 6 years

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Beginnings: Abbie Reed

This is a set of stories about the past and events that brought everyones Hartfeld favorites together. Once all parts have been told I hope to incorporate them into a slightly altered storyline about the Hartfeld gang. Though I will not get to far ahead of myself. This second story brings us into Abbie’s past her struggling family and her financial solution. Some names have been changed to fit with in my story line. I found myself always having a hard time writing Abbie because I didn’t know who she was or where she came from really. So I hope this helps!

All character rights belong to PixelBerry and their Choices stories The Freshman, The Sophomore, The Junior and The Senior. TAG LIST: ( this is a tag list from all of my pervious Freshman related fics. Please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed)

@jared2612 @katurrade @annekebbphotography @emerald-bijou @jellybean-marshmellow @jollybouquetangel

Poverty tends to come with judgement, or disgraceful glances. But those that live in it sometimes are the happiest people of all. A perfect definition for the slums of Los Angeles county especially in summer of 1994. Life in poverty is so looked down on by the elite surrounding those small areas. But the same elite do nothing to help or change it. But in Compton, California some of the hardest times created moments of the strongest friendships. It was under these friendships that Abbigail Reed was born. She would not have to share blood with those around her fro them to consider them family. Abbigail would carry with her the love of her community for her entire life.

June 17th 1994 in the fluorescent lit room of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital Whitney, Jeanie, and Angela sat awaiting the birth of their best friend Luna’s child. Passing their time by watching the riveting car chase only a few miles away from them as police followed O.J. Simpson and Al Cowlings through multiple freeways. The three girls who share the same stunning deep skin tone sit on the edge of their seats as the watch the White Ford Bronco pull up to O.J. Simpson’s Brentwood Home. But they are quickly interrupted when a nurse steps in front of the television.

“Hey!” Whitney screams waving her hand insisting the young girl move aside “I cannot miss this. You better RUN! OJ!” she continues to yell as the nurse moves aside out of confusion and then speaks to the two calmer friends.

“It’s a girl!” The nurse reveals to the two listening parties “Luna is in recovery right now you’ll be able to see her soon I promise. But I can offer the opportunity to see little Abbigail if you’d like.” She finishes kindly.

“Yes!” Jeanie and Angela yelp at the same time standing on their feet quickly to follow the sweet nurse.

“Whitney read about it later, life is literally happening in front of you!” Angela jabs grabbing Whitney’s arm and pulling her away from the Television.

The nurse leads them in front of a viewing gallery and points out the small girl wrapped in a pastel pink blanket.

“That’s Abbigail!” Whitney who is all of a sudden interested in the events surrounding her screams “She’s so cute, beautiful skin just like her mother.”

“And not a trace of her dead-beat father” Jeanie adds as the nurse walks away uncomfortably. “Little Abbie you are going to be the most loved child in all of Compton.” She adds waving at the sleeping child through the window.

Abbigail Reed was indeed one of the most loved children in the neighborhood. As she grew up she was surrounded by passionate and loving women. But Whitney, Jeanie and Angela would be the most constant. They would each pass on a trait to the young girl. Whitney gave her passion for life, Angela her patience and Jeanie gave her understanding and culture of the world around her both past and present. But most importantly her mother Luna Reed gave her love, so much encompassing love.

Luna Reed was born in 1975 in the same small town she’d give birth to her own daughter. Her best friend all her life would be her wise father, James, who passed to her the same love she’d give to Abbie. At the young age of 3 Luna’s giving mother passed away. Leaving James to teach her to trust someones soul, and love even their darkest parts, just as her mother had. James, who wanted to the best for his girl but could rarely provide it. He worked day in and day out at the mechanic shop down the main street of the town, but he only scraped up enough money for a trip to the movies or a nice dinner once a month. Leaving Compton eventually seemed impossible to Luna and she began to settle into the life she had been given. Sharing the best of it all with her loving father after the passing of her mother at the age of 12.

In High School Luna would meet her three best friends and she would carry them with her for the many years to follow. She was especially thankful for Angela whose family was the most well off of her friends. Angela became like a sister to Luna, on days when Luna couldn’t afford a lunch Angela was there with an extra sandwich. Angela was there as a shoulder to cry on and in early December of 1993 her shoulder was the wettest it would ever be.

In January of the same year Luna Reed had accepted a front desk job at a hotel in Hollywood. The commute was long with the busy freeways of Los Angeles, but the payoff was worth it. She was finally able to contribute to the hard work her father had done for so many years. But the pay wasn’t the only part of work that excited Luna. She was falling for a boy, a stranger really, and she was falling far too fast. Jackson Louis was a business man who frequented the hotel, he had fair skin dark hair and piercing green eyes. But those eyes wandered all over the beautiful and foreign unblemished skin of the front desk worker who checked him in month after month.

In May, Jackson checked in for the 10th time that year when Luna finally got the courage to ask the man the questions she’d been wondering for months.

“Mr. Louis what brings you back to town so often?” She spoke softly -her voice a perfect melody to his ears- as she organized the stack of papers, he’d signed in exchange for a hotel room key.

“I’m a business man Miss Luna. I like to say that I can see a bit into the future... and there is a wide market for renewable energy especially in a crowded town like Los Angeles.” He explained never taking his eyes off the striking girl behind the desk.

“Well we are happy to have you here, and pleased that you continue to stay with us.” Luna spoke her automated sentence she’d given to all of their repeat guests. Though her tone of voice may have meant it more now.

“Can I be honest Luna?” Jackson chuckled in his question watching Luna respond only with a nod. “I was offered a room at the four seasons for this trip.” He continued shaking his head at the offer he’d denied. “But I wanted to come back here, because…” he trailed almost embarrassed to admit what his love-struck heart had done. “I wanted to see you again.”

Shocked Luna dropped the mess of papers and keys she’d already been nervously fiddling with, as the papers flew she hid her blushing cheeks by lowering herself behind the desk to clean quickly. But to her surprise the wealthy business man was there behind the desk with her handing her the papers he’d caused her to drop.

“I didn’t mean to cause all this” he laughed “I just thought after all these months I should be honest. Miss Luna I’d like to take you to dinner tonight when you’re off if you’d like that.” He offered gently.

Fighting her instincts to be afraid or to judge the man who was offering up his evening to her, he thought carefully about the response to give. Could she trust him? She certainly wanted to. After deciding to follow the advice of her father and trust the soul of the person before her she answered only with a nod worried that if she opened her mouth a giddy squeal would come out. After standing again and dusting off her skirt she finally built the courage to speak. “I’m off at 6:00” she whispered through her infectious smile.

“I’ll meet you right here at 6:00” he nodded before taking the room key from her and heading toward the elevator.

The hours that passed were the longest Luna had ever worked through. She couldn’t believe the events of the morning. She talked through her entire lunch break using the work phone illegally for her personal call to Angela who was equally as excited for her friend. With Luna’s luck her relief had arrived early and she was able to step into the public restroom in the lobby to freshen up for a few minutes. As she looked in the mirror she tried to see past her insecurities. She flattened the wrinkles of her shirt and took a deep breath before exiting the restroom and seeing the tall man waiting there for her.

He was striking, though she didn’t expect any less of him. He’d lost the suit jacket he’d dawned this morning and wore a white button up shirt tailored to him sleeves rolled tucked into a pair of tan suit pants. When he saw her step into view his eyes perked up. She was the vision of perfection that had brought him back time and time again.

“Hi!” she spoke immediately regretting the amount of excitement she fit into one word.

“Are you ready?” he responded surprisingly with almost the same level of happiness.

Using her signature ‘silent nod’ again, Luna walked by his side down the street. She’d feared her whole life the thoughts of others but she was in Los Angeles this was the city of Angels. All around her the world was yelling. As they began their walk down Hollywood Boulevard, she saw so much diversity and love around her. On her late night walks through the crowded city she’d normally kept her head down walking from her building to her car she’d never once took in the acceptance of the town around her. A smile plastered it’s self a cross her face and Jackson quickly noticed.

“What are you smiling for?” he questioned keeping a slower pace next to the shorter woman beside him.

“Just this city. it’s full of angels isn’t it.” She offered letting her loving eyes wander to so many different scenes around her. Some of two men holding hands, others of interracial couples, single mothers and even the homeless forming friendships and sanctuaries with one another. “I just feel lucky to be here.” She nodded “that’s all.”

“I’m lucky to be here with you.” Jackson said smoothly, but he was taken back by the observations she’d made. Could the girl beside him truly see the beauty in this world in every single person she passed? Was that even possible? He needed to know her better. Gently reaching his palm out to her, Luna’s tender heart skipped a beat. She accepted the offer and laced her fingers through his quickly.

The night seemed to go by to fast as she learned more and more about the gentleman who’d rung the bell ontop the desk so many times. Jackson Louis was from Seattle Washington, his favorite place to visit was Los Angeles because he could finally see the sun “as it was meant to be seen” he’d say. He was 5 years older than the 18-year-old girl now sitting crossed from him at the restaurant of her choosing. At 23 years old he’d already acquired a Master’s degree from the University of Washington something he’d begun working on at only 16. The privilege of his skin was apparent in his upbringing. But to him the colors of their flesh did not matter. He never looked down on the stories of her childhood; he never questioned the sadness in her life brought on by a hateful world. He embraced them and began to love them as much as she did. That first night as he walked her back to her car parked in a garage 4 blocks from the hotel itself, he searched her face for permission to kiss her.

She watched his eyes wander from hers to her lips and back, she knew what she wanted. She may have been young but she was not dumb. Stopping their nervous banter, she stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his own as he softened in return. Shocked by her bold gesture he wrapped himself around her slender frame and she followed the movements in return. This night would be the first of many spent this way in the following week before he returned to Washington. They’d come to learn each others passions, fears and ambitions. They’d swapped stories for their vastly different upbringings and shared many kisses before the week was out.

But in early June he returned again. This time with the news that he’d officially be moving to The City of Angels so that he could be closer to the woman he viewed as his own Angel. By the end of the month Luna was a 30-minute bus ride from the first person she’d ever felt this way for.

The long hot summer brought on hotter nights as she accepted his offer to move in with him. She felt guilty not paying for a portion of the place so with her extra dollars she would constantly keep the kitchen stocked with as many delicious fruits as she could purchase. And she filled the air with the smells of her incredible cooking. Everyday she became more and more excited for his return, she was happy and even thought of Jackson left butterflies in her stomach.

Luna was still giving a portion of rent for her father’s small Compton home knowing that he wasn’t able to work the long hours anymore. On July fourth Jackson was welcomed into that home for a Fourth of July like he’d never experienced before. Luna’s father quickly approved of the young and accepting man. He saw the way Jackson excited Luna. The two of them were in sync and it was infectious to those around them. James truly believed things were seeming to look up for the Reed family.

Jackson had surprised Luna for her late July birthday by fixing up the long list of repairs in her father’s home, free of charge. By now even Angela approved of the white skinned lover her friend had taken up. Though Whitney and Jeanie remained skeptical of the foreigner.

As mid-September rolled around another blessing came into her life, Luna was pregnant. She’s always wanted to be the mother that time had not granted her own. And while she was fearful of what a disgusting society began to think of her, she knew the only opinion that mattered was that of the small child growing inside this woman who only ever radiated compassion.

On an early November morning before he left for work Jackson woke his love laying his head gently against her slowly stretching abdomen.

“Luna…” he said softly listening to some sound of his growing child beneath.

“Yes?” Luna asked running her hands through the deep locks of the man she’d too quickly fallen in love with.

“Would you consider marrying me?” he questioned and to her shock she sat up shoving him off her.

Looking directly into his eyes with happiness and fear. Would she? Would she vow herself to someone she’d truly met only a few months before? Was she crazy? In the silence she questioned what he’d asked her, had she heard him right? Sure, the pregnancy was unexpected but she’d never say it was unwanted. Could this be the path to the family she’d always dreamed of, “Can you say that again?” she asked her voice weak.

“My angel… would you marry me?” Jackson smiled as he spoke quickly correcting his choice in words. “No, not would you Luna Michelle Reed”, he paused dramatically wobbling on the soft mattress until he was perfectly positioned on one knee. “WILL you marry me?” he said though he had no ring to show.

“Yes! Yes!” she cheered pulling him from his unstable kneel her lips quickly locked with his own. She couldn’t believe the blessing that this year had brought to her. But all of it came to an end at Thanksgiving.

Luna and Jackson agreed to join his parents for the heavily family-oriented holiday. It was then he planned on announcing his engagement, and later the pregnancy. Though his biggest mistake was not giving one warning of her race to his conservative family. He thought he’d done it to protect her but now she was weak in front of their stares. Luna knew Jackson loved her she felt it in her soul that the feelings and the events of the year were all true. She did not doubt this, but she knew money was stronger than love these days and that’s exactly what his father held over his head.

After the announcement of the engagement Jackson could tell announcing the pregnancy would make things even worse. So through a few glances and shaking of heads he and Luna kept their secret. The silence and stares of the evening were suffocating him because he could not make his siblings and parents see the incredible human, he’d brought to them.

That evening Mrs. Louis showed Luna to a spare bed in the attic giving her as much kindness as she was able before leaving her alone. As the aging woman turned to leave Luna stopped her.

“Mrs. Louis” she spoke trying to fill her voice with respect, though she felt the racist bitty deserved none.

“Yes?” the unknowing grandmother of Luna’s child responded.

“I just want to thank you, truly. For letting me stay here and more importantly I wanted to thank you for your son. You’ve raised a remarkable child, he has more love in his heart than I think can fit.” Luna chuckled and to her surprise she was met with a kind smile.

“Thank you dear.” Mrs Louis spoke softly, now questioning every wrong glance or judge-mental thought she’d given to the kind girl in front of her now. Luna could see the internal conflict on the woman’s face. She longed to be kind, but her upbringing had taught her not to be in this scenario. Luna wouldn’t torture the woman’s conflict anymore and released her with a gentle “good night.”

Luna knew that Jackson would come to her before returning to his childhood bedroom so she waited up. But the discussion she’d heard in the office below the floor boards scared her more than any terrors of the creaking dark room around her.

“Are you serious Jackson bringing her here?” Mr. Louis yelled at his middle child “With no warning?”

“I didn’t speak of it because I knew you’d react this way!” Jackson yelled back “Luna is the most captivating human I have ever crossed paths with if you could only see that; if you could only open your mind long enough to let your heart love father.” Jackson protested as their yells began to turn to whispers.

“Jackson Nathaniel Louis, you will leave that girl behind or you will never hear from our family again. Not your siblings, not your mother. We will not be shamed by the selfish actions of your wandering dick.” His father spat at him, “Financially you will be ruined, your investments and the career you’ve begun to build. Do not forget who has funded it. So my son you must make a choice, It is your family, your money and your childhood or it is her. When you finally decide I hope you leave that god forsaken city forever.”

“Please!” Jackson pleaded, “Father she is everything to me.” even through the hushed tones below Luna could hear the pain in his heart. How could she let him leave his family. Disgusting as their views might be they were his life, he’d been sharing stories about them since their first date. Luna had at one point been thrilled by the love he carried for his family, but now it only scared her.

Luna had been right, Jackson did come to bid her goodnight now, she held in her tears as she heard him enter the small space.

“Luna...” he trailed and while her eyes were dry his were not. He slumped into her lap as conflict formed in him.

“Jackson, I love you. I don’t know what this all means. I don’t know why mankind can harbor so much hate in the color of someones skin. And I don’t know why you have to face this trial of choice. But I do know, I love you, I love every ounce of you and the kindness, acceptance and change you’ve given me.” she explained though she never received a response. The pair of the slept together in the small bed in the attic. Against the wishes of his family they laid closely breathing in the air of prejudice that Luna had known all throughout her childhood.

Her travels back to Los Angeles with Jackson were almost completely silent. She feared deeply the thoughts in her head and a week later the fears became the strongest reality. As she entered the apartment after a long day at the hotel, she found it as it had always been, though a few personal belongings were missing. Resting on the pillow of the bed they’d spent so many nights together on was a note from the father of her growing child.

“My Angel,

I apologize for the hurt that this news will bring to your life. I must return to Seattle, to be with my family indefinitely....

After reading the first line written on the page, she crumpled it beneath her hands wanting to forget its words not willing to read the rest of them. She wanted to forget the mark he’d left on her and in her. He was gone and she was truly dying inside.

Jackson had given her only one kindness in his absence. He’d paid the rent on the apartment for two more months and he’d left behind the expensive furnishings he’d bought for her. Keeping what she knew her father would need and selling the rest to earn money for her child after the rent was up she moved back to the small home of her past. The following months brought her to her lowest but regardless of the father, Abbigail would pull her out of her darkness on that fateful July day.

Growing up Abbigail had taken interest in art at a young age creating sidewalk art with her many pieces of chalk and then moving on to the finger-painting on the pages around her. At 8 years old her class had an art show and her entire family attended including her three eccentric aunts Whitney, Angela and Jeanie. After winning a few candy prizes for her work Abbigail would be given the greatest news her small mind could think of.

Luna had again found love in an unforgiving man who after knocking her up would leave once more. But Luna knew the blessing that Abigail was so she only felt love for the second daughter growing in her now.

“A SISTER!” little Abbie screeched. “I’m going to have a SISTER!” her small body jumped with excitement as she hugged her mother’s waist band.

And a sister she did have, Angie born in 2002 was named after Angela and was the brightest star that shined to both Luna and Abbie. Their little family would stop there and not grow again but the three girls would be as tight as they could. They trusted each other and leaned on each other in every moment of weakness.

At 17 years old Abbigail began to wonder just as her mother had if she would ever leave this small and debt-ridden life. She dreamed of the East Coast and the adventures that it could bring with its rich history. The art she could create with the inspiration of time astounded her. But she knew she could not put her family in that kind of financial peril so she had decided on a few community colleges around the city. But her curiosity peaked and she did secretly send out one application to Hartfeld University in Connecticut; assuming a girl with her financial background would never be accepted.

When the letter came, she ran directly to her bedroom and read the words out loud to herself as tears formed in her eyes “Welcome to Hartfeld! It is with great enthusiasm that I write to congratulate you on your admission to the Hartfeld University class of 2019!” but she wasn’t alone, her now 11-year-old little sister was standing behind her silently.

“You’re going to Hartfeld?” she questioned startling Abbie in her tears.

“Angie, no we can’t afford it… but I wanted to know for myself that I could get in. Don’t worry I won’t leave you.” Abbie said wrapping her arms around her petite sister as her tears fell. She wanted to go, she wanted to leave this place. But she knew her fate would end like her far to loving mothers.

Again, Abbie didn’t know that the same loving mother stood just outside the room hearing the entire thing. Times had changed since 1993 and with the joys of social media she didn’t think twice about the actions she took next. After a few hours of diligent searching with the help of Jeanie who’d gone back to school to learn more about the modern age of technology, Luna found what she was looking for.

Dialing the number into her dated cell phone she waited as the ring was finally answered.

“Jackson Louis’s office my name is Shelby how can I help you?” a secretary spoke quickly as Luna could hear the typing of her fingers in the distance.

“Shelby! This is Bethany Louis, I was hoping my brother was there. I couldn’t reach him on his cell.” Luna mocked the voice of the girl she remembered clearly from Thanksgiving those long years ago.

“Of course, Bethany! He’ll be delighted to hear from you, let me transfer you.” Shelby exclaimed as the call fell silent before ringing again.

Luna felt her chest swell with fear as the ringing stopped and a voice, she’d feared hearing from came from the other side. No doubt the perky secretary had told him who was on the line as he greeted the call with a personalized welcome.

“Beth! Lovely to hear from you!” Jackson spoke delightfully.

“I’m sorry to have lied.” Luna began hoping he would be haunted by her voice, and he was.

“Luna…” he whispered rising from his desk and closing the door of his office.

“I vowed that I would never call you, or contact you after what you had done to me. But it’s been 17 years and while you’ve been faithful with your child support payments, that I’m sure the lovely blonde wife in your social media profile doesn’t know about. It’s time for a bigger favor.” She explains quickly hoping her words attack him.

“What do you need Luna.” He replies flatly still regretting his past.

“Abbigail was accepted to Hartfeld University.” Luna boasts pridefully. “She’ll be going, and you will pay every penny.” She adds her demands but is met with silence.

“Fine.” Jackson speaks moments later “But when she finishes, I’m attending that graduation and you will tell her who I am.” he fights in return

Luna had hidden Jackson from Abbigail avoiding the topic of her father at all telling Abbie “You don’t need a father to have a father figure.” Her bitter heart accepted the child support but denied Jackson any contact. The last he’d seen of Abbigail was a 6th grade portrait.

“Fine, if you can even find the courage to face the daughter you left behind.” Luna agreed knowing that by 4 years from now Jackson would have something else he’d rather do than attend the graduation of the daughter he left behind.

That night at dinner Luna told Abbigail that she would be attending Hartfeld and that she need not worry about the finances, that the town would be covering them. Whitney, Jeanie and Angela all aided in the lie saying that they would be offering money to the cause as well. And when summer turned to fall Abbie packed her things and headed out into a world far different than any she had known before.

#choices #play choices #choices fan fiction #xoempine #The Freshman #the sophomore #the junior #the senior

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