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ddoxhan · 9 months

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that summer

draw me in your world, as you let yourself into mine let me be your safe haven, for I love when you shine

word count : 4.8k words

genre : fluff with a tinge of angst; your typical summer love story but haerin does not feel the same way you do for her?; runner! haerin x literature student! fem!reader; you are an overthinker and sometimes just wish you stop thinking

t/w : none :)

a/n : this is the longest i've ever written for a oneshot and honestly, i didn't want to split it up cause i wanted yall to feel the whole thing at one go. enjoy !

"haerin-ah, wait up!"

"you're just slow! we're gonna be late if we don't hurry!"

you swore you needed to wake up earlier to avoid having to rush to school, especially when haerin waits for you every day to walk together. at this point, the two of you had been running to class for three days in a row now, not walk. to your surprise, the girl has never complained or grumbled about how you would make her almost miss the bell. but then again, she's always been like that. haerin was never someone who wouid let out her anger on you or anyone in general. you've never seen her get angry, concluding that she just doesn't know how to.

the said girl turned her head around while not faltering in her rushed steps, making sure you're keeping up with her speed. but the thing is, she's the school's top runner and you barely pass your required tests for physical education. haerin knows, which was why she opted to drag you along by your hand. the sudden grab left you slightly taken aback. well, slight is an understatement, you were very taken aback. especially when you have the most obvious crush on her.

you've always had a crush on haerin ever since you were 12. it just happened so when she saved you from some bullies, aka silly boys, running away from them as you two rest at the neighbourhood playground after. she sat you on the swing while you cried in both fear and relief. but all the fear washed away when she flashed you a smile that you never forgot till this day. the way her eyes curved up and her snaggletooth showed with that big smile of hers, that's when you fell for her.

as you busied yourself in your own world, you once again arrived at the school gate right before they closed it off, with some students sighing at how they missed it by a split second behind it. a slow realization hit that you've ran to your limit, you tried taking deep breaths but it might have made it worse. sometimes you wished you were more athletic, for these kind of situations, and also to spend more time with haerin if you were in the track and field team.

"hey, try breathing with both your nose and mouth, it can help."

the girl in front of you looks unfazed, as if she just went for a relaxing morning jog. which isn't entirely wrong as you don't live too far from school. you stand up straight again, doing what she told you to. it actually did help but as she glanced at her watch, you understood what it meant.

"go on, don't be late for class because of me."

"it's fine, there's still some time. I'll go with you."

although you were very sure classes starts in 3 minutes, you didn't argue further as it just meant you get to spend more time although it's just minutes. when the two of you were put into different classes, the time spent together reduced drastically plus haerin's training after class on some days. it was just lunch and maybe weekends if she didn't have extra training. but you felt bad for wanting her to spend her only free day with you, so you try to refrain from jumping onto her bed during some weekends.

why is it so hard to just spend some time with her?

lunch came. and that meant you get to see haerin again after the last time before classes started. at this point, you were just too infatuated with her that you were experiencing some sort of separation anxiety that you can't seem to quite explain. there's nothing you can do about it, you were just that in love with her.

but you did not guess for her to walk along to the cafeteria with him. him who? him, woonhak, the heartthrob who happens to be almost as good as haerin in the track and field team. everyone who sees them walking down the corridor would literally stop to look at how good they look together. it's to the point that they gush over the possible relationship they should have.

you were one of the people who'd look too, but you were always left slightly upset and heartbroken whenever you heard such comments. for sure, woonhak didn't do anything other than walk with her because he likes to ask and learn from haerin when it comes to running. there was no one to blame for your feelings except yourself. and at times, you just wished you could just like someone else cause the pain gets unbearable.

"hey froggie! how was class?"

it might sound like you're being selfish, but you wished haerin only ever smiles at you like that. that smile, the very same one you fell for and also the one that makes your heart clench a little. not to mention the nickname, it makes you feel as if she sees you nothing more than just a friend.

"the same. mr park is giving out work, again. I'm not surprised anyways."

"how about you?"

you swore you saw how her eyes sparkled a little when she started telling you about hers. but you don't feel that much good inside after.

"oh! you know woonhak right? him and I got chosen to be interviewed for a promotional video for the school."

"oh, him..."

"sorry, did you say something?"

"ah, yeah I know him."

"yup him, we agreed to meet on sunday to prepare ahead of the interview. I'm sorry if you wanted to come over."

"no don't be, it's fine. I can just work on mr park's project on sunday."

"but still, it feels weird that I won't be around."

"oh come on, it's literally just a few hours! and before you know it, you'll be back and I can come over if you want."

"this is why you're my best friend, I can always count on you."

well, that hurt a lot. you didn't know if it was intentional or just coincidental as she manages to throw your urge to confess out of the window every time it surfaces. all you could hope was that she didn't take notice of your feelings, or else you swear you'd never be able to face her again. the very last thing you need is for this friendship with her to shatter to the ground like glass. but you knew, the moment you fell for her, you were already walking on thin ice.

"what do they have for lunch today?"

"kimchi fried rice, today has your favourite strawberry milk."

picking up yours, you shaked it to tempt her to quickly go get hers and come have her food with you. and so she did.

whenever it came to her favourite food, she always looks like a cute little kitten who's hungry all the time. and when she spots them, she'd rush to get it and sit with you with an adorable smile plastered on her face as she eats or drinks away. you wish you were able to be someone who makes her that happy too, but along with those thoughts were the heavy consequences of your confession.

whatever you two have built throughout these many years will just shatter like glass, into fragile pieces that will not be able to be pieced together again. even if it could be pieced together again, nothing can stay the same.

for now, you'll keep it to yourself. nothing has shifted between you and haerin, so you shouldn't too.

you have no idea what the hell you're doing right now. what kind of situation is this, you don't know.

"you told me we were gonna work on that project. as far as I know, this is not part of the project."

"I know, but just, we'll work on it after. for now, I just need you to accompany me."

"bro, this feels so illegal to be spying on someone."

"I'm just making sure that boy isn't doing anything to haerin."

"you know they're like the most shipped couple in school right? and woonhak's a really nice person."

"you never know."

all dani could do was roll her eyes at how dumb you look, she looks, with this so called disguise that barely covered their identity. she told you the shades were not it when it's practically indoors, and how it literally makes them stand out even more. at times like this, she questions herself why she's friends with you, and why she's willing to be in this with you. overall you were a great person, just not when you get too overprotective of the girl you love.

"if you're just gonna snoop around, you might as well just confess."

the moment you heard the word 'confess', the coffee you were drinking through your mouth came out through your nose. dani didn't know whether to laugh or help you wipe the table cause that was the reenactment of that 'the incredibles' meme of violet. maybe this was why she was friends with you.

"w-what do you mean?"

"you're too obvious to not notice each and every time you zoom out of class to have lunch with haerin. and zoom out again when the bell rings so you can head over to the gym hall to watch her practice."

"bro why didn't you tell me?!"

"tell you what? that you're like an idiot in love but the person you love doesn't seem to feel the same way?"

"I am not an idiot! but I definitely am in love..."

the mood suddenly shifted to somewhat gloomy as those words left your mouth. admitting that you had feelings for haerin to someone else for the first time didn't feel much extravagant than you thought. it wasn't that what you felt wasn't real or overwhelming, they very much were. but the thought of her not reciprocating them, broke you a little on the inside.

you've always imagined being by her side throughout university till the day you'd grow old and get a small house in the countryside. if it were the best friend context, things would have been fine. but you want to be there for her as someone she loves, too. as cheesy as it sounds, just the two of you against the world and no one can stop you.

reality begged to differ when you see how happy she is now as she picks up some clothes from the racks in a store. with woonhak smiling down at her. you couldn't deny that they look good together, way to good that it was believable if haerin told you they started dating after this date. the more you saw the two of them together, the more it was harder to imagine you being the one who would be making her happy.

although you've known her for so long, you weren't one to express your feelings through words. 'actions speak louder than words' was the motto you've lived with all this time. but this love thing takes more than that. being a literature student did not help with that vast range of vocabulary cause there was no point of preparing a confession. it has to come from the heart, and that's what makes it so hard.

"..."

"they left by the way."

your head whipped to the direction of the store they were in, and the last spot you saw them at was indeed empty.

"let's go then! you better saw where they are heading."

not even allowing dani to finish her chocolate drink, you dragged her along to chase after the two. they were definitely fast, very fitting to be in the track and field team. and dani did not sign up for this.

in the end, dani had to drag you out of that mall before you ended up actually stalking those two poor souls. you were definitely not pleased with that decision but you two had a project to attend to, so you placed whatever that's disturbing to the back of your head. although it was sort of futile.

"well, at least we got half of this done, sorta."

"we can meet again tomorrow after school to finish it up if you want."

the australian squinted her eyes at you, as if trying to question your intention. she had the right to after what you pulled off today.

"for real, this time. I kinda want to get this over with and watch haerin practice."

"you better keep your promise."

giving a salute, all dani could do was chuckle at your attempt to lighten the mood with your antics. how can she not love someone like you when all you do was make everyone around you smile?

"hey, do you think it's possible that haerin would have feelings for me? even the slightest bit?"

"I don't see why not. you're a nice kid."

"the definition of nice is different for everyone, and so it is for me."

the older took a seat next to you on the bed, putting down her books on your study desk. when the topic about your feelings for haerin surface each time, you can't help but let your real self seep out a little, the happy-go-lucky facade faltering.

"you know, you don't have to be nice to be liked by anyone."

"but that doesn't mean I can be bad either."

"you know I don't mean it that way. it's just that, whether the person is nice or not, if you like them, you just do."

"that's true..."

it was feeling a little weird to talk about this with someone, but you were glad that it was dani. she was like an older sister figure that you could rely on whenever you needed her.

"you love haerin. and do you love her because she's nice? or because it's her?"

as you registered her words in your brain, you couldn't help but feel hopeful all over again, even after seeing those two at the mall today. maybe, they really are just friends. maybe, haerin does like you a little. maybe, you should confess.

you were so lost in your own thoughts that you couldn't feel the presence next to you, slowly clasping your hands. dani looked at you really endearingly, as if you were the person she cherished the most in the world.

"whatever you do, I'd be here to support, okay?"

giving her a reassuring nod and grin, dani's heart swelled at how your mood was lifted again. all she wants to see was you smile, regardless of who's behind it.

"FROGGIE!"

the shout from across your bedroom door grabbed your attention as your eyes darted towards it. as it swung open, the very person you two were talking about barged through to throw you into a hug. along with dani cause haerin knows her too.

"unnie! what are you doing here? the project?"

"hmm, we were just tidying up cause it's getting late."

the older slipped out from the embrace to finish packing her stuff to leave those two to their own world. maybe one day, she'd be able to find someone she loves too.

"bye unnie!"

"dani, I'll let you know what time tomorrow."

"yup sure, just ping me when you're done."

as dani left when she saw your thumbs up, you're tackled into another hug. you were wondering why she was being extra clingy after that date with woonhak. did woonhak confess to her? was she being shy about it? is she gonna tell you something? you were overthinking a lot of things and it wasn't a good sign cause that just means you're going to start doubting every single action haerin takes.

"I missed you."

you wish you would just disintegrate into dust at this very moment. everything that has happened today had already put your brain and feelings into overdrive. and for her to say this, made your heart feel heavier than ever. you didn't know why, it just didn't feel all that good although you did miss her too. but the words just can't seem to fall from your lips.

all you could do was look away and nod. because if you were to look at her, you think you are going to cry and confuse her even further.

"I should go shower first, it's been a long day."

"then we can cuddle!"

haerin slipped away from the embrace into your bathroom. with her belongings scattered around your room, it makes you feel even dizzier from all these crashing feelings. it's as if you are itching to confess to her or else you'd combust for real. that was why you could only keep your mouth shut, or everything would be over.

for now again, you try your best to act normal in front of her. for your own sake, for her sake, and to keep this friendship the way it has been this whole time.

everything went on like normal. you and dani wrapped up that damn project mr park gave, having lunch with haerin every day, spending your time watching her practice, hanging out every weekend. but as haerin's competition was approaching, she spends more time at the gym hall, even during weekends at times. you can't blame her when she's the top in her team.

this competition was utmost important for her as many big companies scout at this particular one. meaning that if she does well, she may have a chance of signing with one. but that means that she would have to move to the city if that does happen.

you were afraid to lose her. sure, you two would still be friends even if she was miles away. so that's exactly what you're afraid of, staying friends. you knew you had no guts to confess to her anytime soon. if haerin leaves, you will still be here. you can't imagine how it will be without her, because you've spent your entire life with her by your side.

even today, you're in your room as haerin is training more as days are left till the competition. divided between confessing or not, you wrote down all the things you want to get for her on your laptop. the tomato frog that she loves so much, a printed sweater with a cat, a couple bracelet that she had her eye on last month. you remembered everything like you knew the back of your hand. it wasn't intentional, but you just did. not to mention that you had quite bad memory that you took a week to remember your seatmate's name.

you were going to do it. you were going to confess. it took you years to finally make that decision and you want it to be perfect. what did it mean by perfect, you don't know. it was your first time, but you just wanted it to be from the bottom of your heart. regardless of whether haerin would reciprocate the feelings, you came to an agreement with yourself that it was fine if she didn't. she was going to move away when she wins that competition so it would just mean that you two stay friends. friends who are apart from each other.

although it may take time to heal, it was going to be fine. not everything in life can go smoothly, and you were willing to take the risk. it was unfair for both you and her. you couldn't pretend any longer that you saw her as a friend, when the way you treat her is definitely more than one. and she deserves to know what you feel for her, with no secrets kept between the two of you.

D-10.

"WOONHAK! GOOD LUCK!"

"YOU'RE GONNA DO GREAT BRO!"

"HAERIN-AH! SLAY IT!"

"HWAITING!"

screams and shouts from both sides of your ears were definitely gonna leave them ringing for some time. of course you weren't going to miss haerin's big day. you were beyond proud that she made it to the finals after beating her opponents in the semifinals. quarters were a piece of cake since she was a whole second ahead of everyone.

it was no doubt when she held the fastest record for 100m among the schools here. the agents definitely had their eyes on her the entire time, it just depends on who she chooses.

you didn't really like going out for events like these but she was an exception. although you weren't screaming your lungs out for her, you caressed that ring on your finger very dearly. the ring haerin got you when you two got into the same high school, calling it "the lucky ring". whenever there were big happenings, you'd wear it, feeling that she was with you through them. this time, you wore it so she could feel that you were with her.

"ON YOUR MARK."

the determination on haerin's face didn't go unnoticed even if you were nowhere close to the tracks. and when she flashed that smile at you before the whistle went off, you cried softly into your hands.

you love her so much. so much that this was going to be the last time you two were going to be friends. friends who grew up together, playing with puddles at the playground. finding restaurants to visit together. laughing at stupid videos in bed. taking pictures and videos of each other when one is sleeping. all those days were going to be a memory. a sweet memory for you to look back at after this day.

reporters swarmed the winner of the competition, blocking the pathway for the others who could only sigh at their defeat. some were lucky with outstanding performance.

"could you tell us what's your future plans after this?"

"will you be signing with Krux? we saw their agent approach you personally."

"is it possible to know who kim woonhak is to you?"

"i'm sorry everyone but haerin will be heading off first, any questions will be answered by me."

the coach pushed haerin into the locker room before locking everyone outside with him. she let out the breath even she didn't know she was holding.

"so, who is kim woonhak to you?"

the noise was starting to die down outside as the reporters were led to a different room for interview. the silence was growing deafening as those words echoed across the empty room.

"you're my friend."

"damn, I really didn't have a chance, did I?"

"you know that very well. plus, there's a whole line waiting to date you so why waste your time on me?"

haerin couldn't bother, as she had something better to do and someone better to be with.

"sunbae, you do know I don't like you anymore right? not after you turned down my confession the other day."

"I was just making sure. I've seen too many of you playboys in action."

"oh come on, I'm not a playboy!"

woonhak was someone who was very responsive to teases, and haerin takes every chance she gets to tease the hell out of him. if anything, he was like a brother to her and she was like a sister to him. in fact, both of them decided to sign with the same company since they were offered. it was always good to have someone on your side in the sports world.

"I know, I was just messing with you. now get out, coach probably needs you."

"why me when the winner is right here chilling?"

"because you're gonna answer on my behalf."

the scene that was unfolding could easily be misunderstood if walked in at the wrong timing. and someone did just that. but what haerin didn't expect was that you walked in on them, seemingly laughing and smacking each other, like a couple. well, it did look like that to you at least.

you felt like you were interrupting something, so you dashed out of there as quick as you could. your eyes were stinging as the humid wind cut through your tears that were threatening to fall. although haerin was deemed the winner today, you were zooming past people faster than she could, as if in denial that you lost even before getting a chance to tell her.

it was getting more and more suffocating as the people around you were overwhelming. although you could breathe better when you reached the tracks, taking in the view of the vast field, it was too much that you had to hit your chest to let out some suppressed cries.

just as you felt slightly better, you felt a pair of arms swinging across your sides from behind, trapping you with them. you didn't even need to see who it is, as their scent invaded your senses, carrying familiarity with it.

"haerin-ah, congratulations! I'm so proud of you."

you turned around to bring her into a hug, but also hiding the fact you were crying because things were to change today.

"thank you, I wouldn't have done it without you."

"no, don't say that. you.. did it because you trained very hard for this. and you'll be achieving your dreams."

"you did do something for me, you were there for me. I saw you at the bleachers and that made me more determined to win."

"why are you crying, froggie? don't cry, we'll still see each other."

haerin cupped your face with her hands to wipe the tears off of your face. but that just hit the nail on the coffin, meaning that she would sign and leave for the city. which was now or never.

"haerin-ah."

"hmm?"

the endearing look in her face as she looks at you was more than enough to let you know she would be here for you no matter what. even as just a friend. although it was starting to rain, you knew you had to do it now. the words were getting stuck in your throat as it started to get dry. but, you were going to do it still.

"I love you."

"huh?"

the confusion on her face hurt you more than it should. you should know that she does not feel the same way you did for her. you should know that she was probably already dating woonhak after what you saw earlier. you should know-

"I love you too."

it was the first time you have ever seen that smile on her face. a grin so wide, it's like she's the happiest girl in the world. the most crescent eyes you've seen on her, as if she's staring at the girl she loves.

wait. she said she loves you too.

the sunshower was drenching the two of you but you couldn't give a damn about it. she said she loves you. she reciprocated your feelings. but you were having a very hard time trying to wrap your head around it.

"I love you too, you silly."

her laughter tickled your ears as you stood there frozen. your dumb reaction had her swaying you around with her in the rain as the sun was blinding through the droplets. just as she stopped to look at you again, you still had that bewildered face.

"I thought you were dating woonhak..."

"me? and that idiot? babe, you gotta be kidding me."

the sudden endearment had your cheeks flare up as you bury your head in her shoulder, in attempt to cover your face. but your ears were shooting bright red too, earning an earthy laughter from haerin, you could feel it through the embrace.

"so that means we're dating right?"

she looked at you with a shocked face before peppering kisses all over your cheeks.

"yes, of course froggie. unless you wanna get married."

the attempt at humor cracked both of you up, but you knew that was something you see happening in the future. but for now, everything was perfect. you were perfect, and haerin's urge to kiss you was too strong at that moment.

"can I kiss you?"

all you could do was nod and as her lips touched yours, that's when things were sinking in for you. your hands slowly draped over her neck as you pulled her closer to feel the longing for her warmth grow stronger. the sunshower painted over you and her, but you couldn't care less about what's around you when the most important person is in front of you. it was true that today was the last day you two were friends, but blossomed into a new beginning as each other's love.

as you pulled back to breathe, you two had your eyes closed, foreheads touching. although no words were exchanged, you knew, many more summers were to be spent with the love of your life.

it was the summer rain, the summer rain when haerin fell for you as you held her hand and ran in the rain back home.

that summer you fell for her too.

#haerin #kang haerin #danielle #danielle marsh #newjeans #newjeans fluff #newjeans angst #newjeans imagines #newjeans scenarios #newjeans x reader #new jeans x reader #haerin x reader #feat woonhak #feat boynextdoor #Spotify

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strawberrykisseslia · 4 months

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"I wish you were a boy..."

Vanessa Shelly x F! reader

Content: Angst, falling in love with a straight girl, no happy ending, slight homophobia?

A/N: idk why but I just love angst, also I cried while making this bc it reminded of myself when I fell in love with a straight girl 👍🏻 (canon event)

A/N#2: Should I write a second part for this? :3 I'm not sure what to put in it though but tell me! ♡

A/N#3: I apologize with the Christmas special one tomorrow or on sunday. ♡

Words count: 674

Since high school you have been best friends with Vanessa and since then you were roommats. She trusted you more than anyone else and she told you about her horrible past.

As time went by you started to catch some feelings for her. You were scared cause even yourself didn't understand these feelings and you would've never guessed it wouldve been love. You were always there for each other, you always found time for her and she did the same thing. You though these were just some normal feelings and you were just comfortable around her but no, the thing you felt wad indeed love.

It was late at night. You were still up, sitting on the couch with a glass of your favorite wine in your hand. It was quite, you only heard your thoughts and the only thing you were thinking about was you and Vanessa. Was this actually love that you were feeling? Should you tell her? What her reaction would be? The questions that were racing in your mind but... firstly, did you accept yourself that you might be in love with her? However, you knew she liked boys, she had one or two boyfriends during highschool and you always had that weird jealous in you. No, you were not jealous of Vanessa that she gets boys, you were jealous of the boys that they get Vanessa's attention the way you didn't.

As you were deepening in your thoughts you heard the front door open and saw Vanessa with a tired smile on her face. "Hey." She greeted you as she took her jacket off. She made her way to the kitchen and saw that there were some dinner left overs. You also went into the kitchen and smiled at her. "How's your day?" You took a sip of your wine. "Tiring." She chuckled. "Yours?" You nodded. "Honestly, same." You leaned against the counter and took a deep sigh. "Do you want some wine?" She shook her head and chuckled. "Why are you even drinking?" She asked with some light laughter. "Helps me gets some things off my mind." She looked at you curiously. "Really? What have you been thinking about?" She took a step closer to you. You shook your head. "Nothing special really." A small smile grew on your face. She got even closer to you and so you did. You looked down at her lips and leaned even closer. Your lips brushes against each others and you decided to let your heart control you and pressed your lips against hers... she didn't pull away to your surprise and kissed you back.

After some seconds she was the first to pull away and looked at you with slight shock. You felt worry hit you slowly. "I-I gotta go." She sounded frustrated and quickly wanted to rash away. You grabbed her arm and with shaky voice spoke up. "V-Vanessa? Are you alright?" She looked down before her with shame. "I can't do this." You were confused and it was noticable in your voice. "What.? Can't do what...?" "This!." She turned back and snapped at you. You flinched slightly at her loud tone, she was never like this before. "This is not right!. We can't do this!" You let her wrist go and looked at with confusion and sadness. "L-Look... I'm sorry, okay?" She sighed and lowered her tone. She took a step closer to you but you stepped back. She sighed heavily again. She turned around and started to walk to her room. She faced you was once again and broke the silence. "I wish you were a boy..."

You felt tears in your eyes and gasped. What was she saying?.. You couldn't believe her. "You know what... you might be right, I can't do this either.." Your voice was quite and shaky. You turned around and walked towards your room. Vanessa wanted to reach out but didn't want to or what to say so she just let you go.

Maybe she let you go forever.

#elizabeth lail #female reader #lesbian #vanessa shelly #five nights at freddy's #lgbtq #vanessa afton #vanessa shelly x reader

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spideysbabe · 21 days

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Hey sweetheart! 😘 I hope I can ask for an Elijah Mikaelson imagine where you both fell in love during the events in Mystic Falls, even though he never wanted to show feelings again, but he couldn't help when he met you. So you started dating and he's always making sure you're okay and it's all just great. That changes when Klaus comes to town and sees you with Elijah. He kidnaps you to hurt his brother and Elijah gets furious. He finds you, but you're pretty hurt and barely alive, so he needs to make a decision and turns you in the end. After you wake up he's there for you and promises to be with you forever and you're accepting your new life ?

Hope this is okay with you 🫶🏼

Save Me

18+ —— (masterlist)

He was going to be your downfall. You already knew that, but what you didn’t expect was for you’re fate to be in his brothers hands.

⋆˚✿˖° Thank you for the request my love @talesofreading ! I literally spent days working on this for you so i sincerely hope you love and enjoy every second of it. I also left it open for a second part of you wish <3 ⋆˚✿˖°

warnings: violence, mentions of kidnapping, Elijah being stubborn, Klaus being Klaus, possessive!Elijah, no mention of y/n, angst, heartbreak, biting, kinda beefy!elijah (i just always imagine him actually towering over my ocs), power dynamic, seems unfinished but i rly wanna write a second part lol

You had grown up in mystic falls you’re whole life, the quiet town where nothing ever happened. Well that was bullshit, the whole town crawled with the worlds most dangerous creatures. You had found out about Vampires after your best friend Elena started dating Stefan Salvatore then you heard about his less charming douche bag brother Damon and decided to stay away from them as a whole. Subsequently because Elena and you had been attached at the hip since preschool you didn’t have to interact with them but you sure did get filled in on all the gossip. Which was why you were currently in the car on your way to the lockwood mansion with her. Apparently the latter were on a mission to kill elena’s freako look alike great something grandma.

“this sucks” you said looking over at Elena who was driving the car — “we literally live in a town of vampires, werewolf’s and witches and the two of us are just human” you added

“yeah well i think i’d rather be human than a vampire” Elena declared stubbornly

“you know i think i have to agree because we both know that Stefan and Damon are going to do a terrible job at killing Katherine and if you were a vampire i think she’d make your life eternally miserable” you responded just as you pulled up to the Lockwood mansion. “i am so not dressed for the occasion” you muttered under your breath eyeing your oversized sweatpants and spaghetti strap tang top, you barley had time to put your shoes on before Elena was pulling you out of the house. you wrapped your arms around your body as Elena pulled you through crowds of people into the mansion. You and Elena quickly found bonnie and Jeremy quietly talking amongst themselves in the corner. Unfortunately you couldn’t get yourself to care about the conversation going on in front of you mainly because of the chill running down your spine at the sight of a man in a jester mask staring right back at you. You blinked and the man was gone just as Elena cried out in pain.

~~~~

“I can’t believe Katherine did that to you” you rushed as you tried to keep up with Elena. The night had only gotten worse and when everything was said and done Elena was a bloody mess and you were freezing.

“honestly, i’m surprised you think she wouldn’t do this to me” Elena retorted storming to her car.

you followed closely behind, “okay well don’t get mad with me it’s not my fault that you almost died” you argued back crossing your arms over your chest. “i’m sorry okay? it’s just… she’s only doing this because she’s in love with Stefan” Elena sighed.

you saw the same man from earlier with the jester mask walk up behind Elena. You’re eyes widened in worry “Elena watch out” you yelled as you ran forward to push the man away from your friend. He grabbed you and threw you against the car slamming your head into the door.

~~~

When you wake up the first thing you notice is the rope around your arms and legs. You quickly try to get out of them but fail miserably.

“Stop trying to get out of the ropes. It’ll never work” a brunette said as she walked into the room. “who are you?” you asked flinching as she walked towards you and bent down.

“my names rose.” she responded voice dead “you weren’t supposed to be with the girl” she said sadly, undoing your restraints.

“where is Elena, what do you want with her” you shook as you replied.

“it’s not what we want. it’s what he wants” she said as she looked away from you — “who’s he?” you asked lowly, she moved her head back to face you and replied “Elijah”

~~~

“oh my god you’re okay” Elena said as she rushed towards you when rose took you into the other room. “yea i’m okay lena” you smiled sadly.

“he’s here. this was a mistake” a man rushed out as he paced around the room. “Trevor in order to get our freedom we must give him the girl. This is no mistake” the woman demanded grabbing the man to a stop. “I will bring him here, watch the girls.” she asserted as she walked out of the room.

“I’m not going to make it out of here am i?” you sighed trying to fight the tears in your eyes as you looked forward towards the covered up windows.

“hey, no don’t say that. I’m going to do everything i can to make sure we both get out here alive” Elena reassured you as she held you, you rested your head on her shoulder and sighed out a breath. The weight of this situation coming crashing down on you. While you both were human, Elena was more important to the supernatural world than you would ever be. You also knew if it came down to it Stefan and Damon would leave you to die if it meant saving her. You didn’t resent her for that, you were happy she had somebody who would do anything for her, you just wished you had someone who would do the same for you.

Your head snapped up at the sound of footsteps, your breathing became shallow as Elena pulled you onto your feet with her. You were terrified, you had no idea who Elijah was and from roses reaction to him you could tell he probably wasn’t going to be a saint.

In the blink of an eye you were throw behind Elena’s back as a man took place in front of her. You saw what you would say was the most handsome man you’d ever seen. You kicked yourself. you shouldn’t be thinking that when your best friends life was on the line, but you couldn’t help but notice the way his hair fell perfectly down around his handsome face, the powerful stance in which he stood. You noted he was dressed in a suit which probably cost more than your whole life together. His eyes drew you in from behind Elena and you couldn’t look away. If this was the way you went out you wouldn’t complain.

“human. It’s impossible” he breathed out in shock. “hello there” he smirked, you noticed his gaze went past Elena and right into your eyes. He was talking to you. why would he be talking to you? You felt your heartbeat quicken and you were sure you’d held your breath way beyond your lungs capability. You quickly shifted your gaze downwards biting your lip, suddenly remembering your lack of clothing moving closer to Elena.

“we have a long journey ahead of us we should be going” Elijah says grabbing Elena’s arm and turning them around.

“And the girl? What should we do with her.” Rose asked from across the room.

Elijah’s gaze moved to meet yours again. “leave her be. Do not harm her.” he ordered rose.

Elena looked at you with a pleading look before crying out towards rose “please, don’t let him take me.”

Elijah let go of Elena’s arm pushing her towards rose. “one last piece of business before we go”

Elijah stalks towards Trevor who shrinks down in fear “you have no idea how long i’ve waited for this day” he sputtered out. You noticed how Elijah held such an air of power around himself. You wondered how old he was, surely he was a vampire. You tuned out the rest of the conversation watching as Elijah ruled the two vampires in the room with just his presence. You suddenly hear rose cry out in sorrow as Elijah smacks Trevor’s head clean from his body. You noticed that Elijah had moved his body so he was in front of you, like he was intentionally blocking you from the scene in front. Your face paled as he grabbed both you and Elena dragging you to the front of the house. “who else is here” he demanded towards rose who shook her head “no one”

His grip tightened around your arm as he pushed Elena towards rose keeping you firmly planted next to him. Damon and Stefan were playing games with him. That probably wasn’t a smart idea you thought. You felt your body being ripped away from Elijah’s grasp and slammed up against a wall. Your head hitting the wall hard. Too hard. You cried out in pain and shook as the dizziness came in waves until everything went black.

~~~

When you woke up you took note of the fact you were still in the house, except it was night time now. You brushed the dirt off of your pants as you stood up and looked around. “Elena…” you yelled out wincing when you remembered that probably wasn’t a good idea. You were answered back with silence as you made your way towards the front of the stairs. You gasped as your eyes landed on a very dead Elijah, you walked quietly towards his seemingly sleeping body. Just as you reached out to pull the coat rack from his body he awoke with a gasp of his own. Anger displayed upon his face as he ripped the coat rack from his chest and threw it across the room at a very inhuman speed. He cracked his neck and fixed his jacket before his gaze landed on you.

“what did you do?” he roared taking large steps towards you. For every one step he took you had to take three steps back. “i — i didn’t do anything” you felt your face pale and mouth dry with fear. “y — you were dead” you stuttered trying to look anywhere but his angry eyes. “for centuries now. where did the girl go?” he demanded looking you up and down as if he was trying to decide what to do with you. “i really don’t know, i just woke up on the floor. I’m assuming Stefan and Damon took her… they left me, no way they actually left me here” you rambled out as your back hit the wall. You realized you had nowhere to go as Elijah’s frame blocked you in. You noticed how tall he was, you had always been short it didn’t take much for someone to be taller than you, but Elijah; he was tall. You stood just below his shoulders, your small frame feeling even smaller as he stood in front of you.

“what wonderful friends you have” he implied looking down from your eyes to your neck where he could see the blood rushing between your veins. “they aren’t my friends. only elena is” you mumbled shifting on your feet. “hm. we should get going then” he declared swiftly pulling his jacket from his shoulders and holding it out to you.

“do you always kidnap teenage girls?” you asked looking out of the window in Elijah’s car and wrapping his jacket tighter around. “do you consider this kidnapping?” he asked with a cocked head. “yes i do.” you stated firmly looking over at him “do you not?”. he looked fully at you now, “i consider this me doing you a favor, saving a poor defenseless girl from an abandoned home, to which your own friends didn’t save you from. Now i could have done what i originally intended and drained every single drop of blood from your body and left you there, but i didn’t. So No i would not say this is considered kidnapping” he replied putting his eyes back on the road. “why didn’t you kill me?” you pondered fidgeting with your fingers in your lap. you noticed his fingers tightened their grip around the steering wheel as he said “there’s something awfully interesting about you.”

From that moment on you and Elijah had been inseparable. He told you about his desire to not be seen in mystic falls just yet. So you returned home and acted as if some friendly stranger gave you a ride home.

It hadn’t taken long for you to fall head over heels for Elijah, but you noticed his hesitance when it came to you. How he never shared too much about himself. How he absolutely insisted you never speak of him to anyone, as if he was scared. You had learned he was one of the oldest vampires to ever exist. A thousand years old, he was strong, and wise and he surely had a copious amount of enemies. You knew all of that should have scared you away but you found it only intriguing you more and more each day. He handled you with such care, as if the smallest of things would break you and he’d lose you forever. Yet he never said what you wanted him to say.

It had been weeks since the day in the abandoned house and Elijah had finally made his presence known to mystic falls. You especially enjoyed pretending you didn’t spend all your time with the man. You knew in your gut Elijah feels the same way about you that you do him. It was just getting him to act on it that proved to be hard.

When you saw him at the founders party all dressed in his grey suit and hair slicked back, you didn’t care who noticed you decided that you had had enough of pining over him.

“so, Mr. Smith?” you quoted raising your champagne glass to your lips to hide your smile. “not everyone can be privy to my actual identity sweetheart” he replied looking down at you. You noticed his eyes raking over your form. “you look absolutely astonishing tonight” he said voice husky as his gaze returned to yours. You almost moaned at the tone of his voice. This was what you meant, you knew he was attracted to you but he never acted on it. You figured your best bet would be to show him what he was missing. “do i?” you questioned him with a smile “i thought you’d like this dress” you winked at him as his eyes darkened. “I didn’t think you would be bold enough to test your little theory here” he smiled licking his lips before raising his glass of champagne. “what theory would that be?” you pushed trying to get him to say it for himself but before he could answer a hand wrapped around your shoulder.

“Fancy seeing you here, my, my you look amazing” Damon stated, you winced out of his grasp moving away from him. You noticed the deadly look on Elijah’s face as he stared Damon down. “Damon i do believe it’s time we have a chat just the two of us” he said through gritted teeth. The two disappearing upstairs before you could say anything

You sat a the bar picking at the fruit tray when Elijah approached you again. “I’m sorry sweetheart, i had to take care of something” he said moving to stand behind you. “did you kill him” you accused taking a bite out of a strawberry. “No i did not, I should have.” he replied turning you in your seat so you were facing him. “why” you questioned looking up at him. “because i do not like the idea of him ever looking at you again.” Elijah moved his head down so he was level with your ear, “or anyone for that matter” he muttered moving your hair out of the way, inhaling your scent. “i know this is what you want, it’s what i want too. But it would be selfish of me to subject you to the life i live.” he confessed before he grabbed you and in the blink of an eye you were in a different room. “you don’t get to decide what’s right or wrong for me Elijah” you argued back pulling out of his embrace. “why are you scared, I know it’s not the reason you just gave. I know that because for months i have been living as apart of your life, i know you think giving me some noble reason will deter me from continuing this but it won’t, so what’s the real reason?” you semi shouted at him, you were angry and you had every right to be. He’d been playing that game since the day you met him, where he acted as if he wanted you and then decided he couldn’t be with you. “Because i have lost every single person i have ever loved!” he roared back with tears in his eyes “i have had every person i have ever cared for ripped away from me, for a millennium i have been dealt constant heartbreak. I would be a fool if i left myself care for another being ever again, and i would be eternally selfish if i let you in and you died at the hand of my enemies.. or worse me. But you have infiltrated my very being, every thought, every feeling is because of you, so i cannot just let you walk away, because no where is far enough for me to not crave you, you’re scent is engraved in my senses and i cannot stop it.” he confessed moving toward you, he lifted his arm and ran his knuckles down your face as he gazed lovingly into your eyes. you leaned into his hand and looked up at him through your eyelashes. He was staring at your lips, this was new he’d never done that before. Elijah leaned down until his lips were just above your own “can i kiss you” he asked against your lips. You nodded your head vigorously as he entwined his lips with yours. His lips are softer than anything you’ve ever known. The feeling in your chest was explosive, spreading all throughout your body. He tilted your head upward biting your lip in the process. you let out a moan of approval, moving your hands to lay underneath his suit jacket. You could feel every inch of his muscles tensing underneath your touch. You loved it, craved for more. His hand moved from your face into your hair, bunching it up and pulling you closer to him. You loved every second of this moment, how raw and beautiful it truly was.

When Elijah pulled away from the kiss he rested his forehead on yours, out of breath you closed your eyes.

Elijah had entrusted you with the secret of the curse placed upon his brother Klaus. You were sleeping one night when he came to see you, telling you that Elena would need to be sacrificed in order for him to kill his brother. Of course you asked him if he was sure he wanted to do this and he was. So tonight he was attending a dinner party at the Salvatore mansion in order to keep and eye on Damon. You had told him you thought it was a bad idea, that you got a bad feeling from it, but he insisted he would be alright. Now it was two days later and you hadn’t heard or seen from him. You were currently on a mission to find him when you entered the Salvatore mansion to find all your so called friends having some type of meeting. “where is Elijah” you announced as you walked in. “so you are sleeping with him” Damon said back smirking as he turned around to face her. “Yeah Damon i am, you know if you were going to have such an issue with it maybe you shouldn’t have left me for dead” you said walking more into the room. “well he’s not here, so no need for you to be here any longer” he dismissed her. You looked at Elena over his shoulder meeting her gaze. She quickly moved her eyes towards the basement door. You nodded your head and turned to walk away when Alaric called out to you. “hey wait up” he called after you following you outside.

“you’ve literally never talked to me before Alaric, so unless your going to tell me where Elijah is don’t start now” you said not stopping your stride heading to your car.

“cmon now love i just wanted a chat. seems we have to do this the hard way” Alaric replied grabbing your arm and slamming your head into your car window.

~~~

you awoke to a shooting pain in your side as you stirred. “welcome back to the land of the living love” a man said crouching in-front of you “i’m getting really tired of people knocking me out” you murmured groggily.

“ah yes, you see i’ve heard my brother was plotting my demise, and since i’ve got more at stake than him i figured an eye for an eye.” klaus said reaching to grab something above your head. His hand returned with a knife, your eyes widened as he covered your mouth and stabbed you in the thigh as your screams muffled. “now living for a thousand years you learn a few things about torture. except your human and you can’t handle as much as i’d like.” he said twisting the knife, the pain you felt was white hot and expanded through your whole body. “So i’ll resort to draining all but a drop of blood from you until Elijah comes to find you.” he said with a wicked smirk, grabbing your hair and tilting your head back. His whole face changed, you remember seeing Elijah’s vampire face which you loved but Klaus’ was just outright scary. You felt his sharp teeth rip into your carotid artery, you felt every drop of blood leave your body. The excruciating pain of his teeth in your skin. You head felt heavy as it rolled to the side when he finally pulled away. “cmon love the games are just beginning.” he taunted.

when Elijah had woken the first thing he demanded of Elena was to bring him to you. When she failed to find you red flags raised in his mind. You would never disappear and all he could think was you had hurt yourself in the process of trying to find him. what he wasn’t expecting was for his brother to have taken you captive. when Elijah found you, you were a bloody mess. Crimson red everywhere, you say in your own puddle of blood. Shallow breathing was all he heard as he rushed forward and held your face in his hand. “my love” he whispered trying to wake you up.

You failed to wake up after the fifth time he tried. You had bruises and cuts all over you. The wounds on your thighs bleeding the most. When you whimpered in response to him shifting you he was glad for a sign you were alive.

“Elijah” you cried out unable to move “i can’t it hurts so much” you reached out to grab his arm as he picked you up and speed the two of you to his apartment.

“i’m so sorry my love” he cried as he held your hand. “for what?” you asked weakly wiping his tears away from his eyes. “for not protecting you. I can give you my blood and it will heal you.”he said moving your body to lay down. in the process of moving you the wounds he had patched in your thighs had opened, resulting in you losing blood. Again you had become faint and in and out of consciousness.

Elijah had managed to get his blood down your throat but he knew he would lose you. he had waited to long to feed it to you. Within the next minute he whispered a quick apology into your ear and snapped your neck.

#damon salvatore #elena gilbert #elijah mikaelson #elijah mikealson smut #klaus mikaelson #kol mikaelson #fanfic #stefan salvatore #bonnie bennett #fandom

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its-sir-actually · 1 year

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So I've made about 583929 posts about THE dinner and honestly I don't see myself letting up anytime soon, but screaming about the cuteness aside for a second, we need to talk about this seating arrangement

Because I am completely delusional I did make a chart so you can all easily see where they're sat

So let's analyse...

Firstly Seb being sat in between Lewis and Mick...I will never know peace again my heartttt 😭

I have to point out that Kevin and Mick, Pierre and Yuki, Daniel and Lando and kind of Seb and Lance are all sat next to each other so the teammates who are splitting up at the end of the season are really grasping for as much time together as possible 😭 (the exception being Fernando and Esteban but we'll talk about that in a second 👀)

Fully obsessed with Estie bestie, Lance and Mick all sitting together with father Kevin and father Seb overseeing the situation

Nicky in between his Williams teammates, besties Alex and George, they've really took him under their wings and I feel like they're having a little goodbye moment 🥰

I'm 100% certain that Valtteri was the last to arrive because how else has he ended up in between George and Charles, what would he talk to them about? How I wish I was a fly on the wall to listen to those conversations they'd be hilarious

Charles 100% cried a little bit about not being sat closer to Seb

Pierre is the IT girl, everyone wants to be around her, everyone wants to be her, she is the moment

Max being sat with Esteban of all people, like didn't you punch that guy? 1 of 2 things happened here, either he walked in saw Checo and said I'll sit as far away as I can possibly get from him lest he throw a knife at me or he's pissed off everyone who used to be his friend and figured Esteban's nickname is Estie bestie so surely he'll be nice to him

Similarly Esteban and Fernando definitely saw each other and both said I'm sick of you bitch, why are you so obsessed with me, stay away

It's really interesting though that Esteban and Max are sat together and their respective teammates Fernando and Checo are sat together on the opposite end of the table when they've both just had teammate falling outs...definitely some bitching going on there babes

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callsigndragon · 1 year

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Tasting the Ashes | Ch. 26: Sweet Angel ✍️

Word count: 2.7k

Warnings: pergnancy stuff is over bc the BABIES ARE BORN, sad stuff, lots of tears, Mav and Goose have a fight, and... something we've been all waiting for!

A/N: THE BABIES ARE HERE AAAAAAAAA

Watching Rooster running around the room like a headless chicken would have been funnier if you weren't in so much pain. C-section was scheduled for tomorrow, but apparently, the Bradshaw-Mitchell twins couldn't wait a minute longer.

Carole and JJ Bradshaw-Mitchell are born after an emergency C-section in which Bradley grabbed your hand at every turn. They have their father's eyes, and Bradley cries when you mention it. While the babies rest on your chest, he kisses your forehead, thanking you over and over again for 'making him the happiest man on Earth'.

That makes you cry. You can't understand completely what it means to have a father as a kid because you never had one. The twins won't have to go through that. They'll be surrounded by love and family.

Once you're in your room, watching Bradley be completely enamored with his baby girl while JJ sleeps in your arms, you hear a soft knock on the door. There, with a big bouquet of sunflowers, is Jake. Maverick is right behind, fighting with Goose to see who gets to hold the babies first. You shake your head, chuckling at the two grownups that look like kids.

"Oh, dear, they're here. They're truly here!" Jake mutters softly, his eyes darting from one twin to another. He snorts once he sees the pink bundle in Bradley's arms. "Man, you can't have favorites already."

"I don't have a favorite, JJ is a mommy's boy, and I can't even hold him. He starts crying." Rooster pouts, looking at his baby boy.

"I would cry too if I had to look at that face." Goose says as he stands next to your bed, caressing JJ's cheek with his finger. "Congrats, little Mav."

You smile at the nickname, grabbing his hand and squeezing it tightly. "Thank you, Goose."

Maverick looks at Carole, Bradley offering to hold her, but he refuses. You frown. "Why don't you want to hold your granddaughter?"

"I want to but… I don't know if I should."

Bradley looks at him, a frown of his own. "Why would you say that?"

"What, Mav, scared of betraying another Bradshaw?" Goose quips, but you know that it's not just a joke. The tone he uses, harsh and blunt, denotes that he means every word.

"I didn't betray any Bradshaw." Maverick defends himself, moving closer to Goose.

"You betrayed me, the first Bradshaw. You betrayed my son, that's two Bradshaws. And I'm completely sure that if Carole were alive, he would have felt betrayed as well." Goose remarks the last words by pressing a finger on Mav's chest. You look at Jake, silently asking for help. He nods, stepping between the two men.

"Okay, buddies, it's time to stop."

"No, I think it's time to end this, because I'm honestly tired of being looked at as a traitor." Mav moves Jake away, standing in front of Goose with fire burning in his eyes. "Your wife asked me to pull his papers, Nick. It was her last wish. And she asked me to do it because she knew that none of you would listen to her. I tried to refuse because Bradley is my godson, how could I do that to him? But Carole insisted and used the 'I'm dying' card…"

Silence falls in the room, not a breath can be heard. Bradley and Nick exchange glances; the first has tears in his eyes; the second, you can't tell because you can only see his back.

"How can I know that you're telling the truth?" Goose mutters, his tone softer than before.

Maverick grabs an envelope from his jacket, which is yellow due to the passing of the years. It says "Maverick" in beautiful handwriting. "I came here to give this to Bradley and to apologize. He's not only my godson, he's the father of my grandkids, and I owe him the truth." He gives the envelope to Goose and sits on the bed. "But you should read it first."

You grab Mav's hand, and he gives you a sad smile and a wink, but doesn't let go of your hand.

"This is… the letter she left for you after she died." Goose recognizes the envelope. He was the one who bought them for her when she asked to write letters.

"Can you read it aloud, dad?"

Goose nods at his son's words and clears his throat before starting to read.

Dear Pete,

I know that I asked too much of you, but it's the only thing I've ever asked for. You know better than anyone how painful it was to see Goose lying on that hospital bed after your accident. I can't leave this life knowing that my son, my dear and sweet Bradley, will be facing the same dangerous situations, if not worse, just because I couldn't stop him.

And I know his dad will never do it, that's why I asked you. I need you to stop Bradley from becoming an aviator. I don't know how you're gonna do it, I just want to rest and be sure that my kid is not gonna crash and burn before he turns 40. I want him to live a long life, fall in love, marry, and have kids. Watch them grow up and go to school, and teach them how to tie their shoelaces and make cookies, even though Bradley doesn't know how to cook. I hope he learns, though. He's gonna starve.

I'll be praying that this last wish I make won't bring you problems with my boys. I know they're a bit temperamental, but you three are a family, and families stick together in the worst moments.

I hope you two will always be together.

Take care, Mav.

Love,

Carole.

"Who's gonna tell Carole that you had kids before marriage?" Goose cracks a joke while wiping away tears and holding the letter close to his heart.

Bradley chuckles, wiping his face with the sleeves of his black hoodie. "She would have a heart attack."

Goose takes a deep breath and turns around to look at Maverick. "Get up."

"If you're gonna punch me, please don't do it in front of the kids." Mav says, but instead of getting punched, he gets a big, heartfelt hug from the wizzo.

"You didn't have to wait all these years to tell me that you were honoring my wife's dying wish." Goose pats Mav's back, and for the first time in months, you see something that you have never seen.

You see Mav break down. He finally allows himself to be free from the burden that latched onto his heart and wouldn't allow him to breathe.

Jake steps in front of Bradley, taking baby Carole from his arms and nodding to Mav. "They need you."

Bradley nods and hugs the two men, crying like he did when he realized his babies had his eyes. These three men finally had the closure that they deserved.

Jake sits next to you on the bed, playing with Carole’s fingers. "Thank you."

You look at him, not understanding why he's thanking you. "Why?"

"If you hadn't appeared in Bradley's life… this wouldn't be happening. He wouldn't be a dad, Goose and Mav would be arguing still… You and the babies have fixed this family."

The three men turn to look at you, smiling. "We have to tell you something."

Mav's words make you panic a bit. "Please, no more family secrets. I think this one has had its fair share of secrets for a lifetime."

"We've changed your call sign. Officially." Bradley says, tilting his head while showing you that cute, teasing smile of his. "Because you don't deserve to have a call sign that triggers such bad memories."

"Do they know…?"

"No. That's something you have to share, if you ever want to. Not my story to tell, babe." He then grabs the patch that Goose has in his pocket.

'Hen Mitchell'

"So now I'm Hen?"

"Of course, you have to fit in with the Birdshaws." Bradley states, and you snort.

"Did you just change Bradshaw for Birdshaw-"

"I will deny it."

"How unfortunate, because I have recorded everything." Jake singsongs, showing his phone.

“Please, send me that. I need to have blackmail material to show his kids when they grow up.” Mav says, finally holding Carole in his arms. He feels worthy of holding her now, it seems.

“The kids don’t even have a day!”

“Well, they’re gonna grow up, eventually.” Goose adds, partnering with Mav once again on his mischievous adventures.

“Goose, we need to get them flying suits!”

“Do they make it in such small sizes?” Goose questions, holding JJ in his arms.

Bradley, Jake, and you watch the two aviators holding their grandchildren in their arms. A new generation of Bradshaws and Mitchells.

“Jake, are you taking pictures?”

“Lots of them.”

“Oh, shit.” Goose mumbles. “I have something for you, little Mav.”

“For me?”

Goose hands you a yellow envelope similar to the one Maverick just pulled out. “Carole wrote this for… Bradley’s future wife. She wrote a lot of letters for her and gave them to me so I could give them to her on very special occasions. The day after he proposed, the wedding day, the arrival of the first child... I think you deserve to know a bit more about the woman who raised Bradley.”

He gives you the letter, and you look at Bradley, who shrugs. “I don’t know anything about this, Hen.”

You open the envelope and read the letter. The first line always makes you cry. Was it intentional? Did Carole know that somehow you’d end up being called like that? Life works in mysterious ways.

Dear Mother Hen,

I know, I know. This is an emotional day. Lots of things are happening and it seems like you’re not going to be able to handle everything but let me assure you something: if you got so far, that means you can handle this and more. After all, you have to be a strong woman if you had married my son.

Her words make your heart hurt. What would she think if she found out that her son had kids without being married? Would she be mad? Would she be disappointed? It’s hard to know, you only know her for the things that Mav, Goose and Bradley have been telling you. How she was the prettiest girl wherever she went, how she dressed like a movie star, how she loved to dance and sing and take pictures with her husband’s Polaroid camera. She was an angel.

What matters now is that you remember this: you are not alone. You have him, you have my husband, and you have Mav, who will offer to babysit whenever you want him to. He loves to take naps with the babies. You should see the number of pictures we have of him napping with baby Bradley in his arms.

You have a family, sweetheart. It’s impossible for me to know your backstory, if you have a good family of your own, or if you are alone in the world, but since the moment this baby (or babies, knowing my family, you could have twins) is born, you won’t ever be alone. You have a little kid who will love you forever, unconditionally, and without any reserve. The kid, and the father, will be with you. Always. Never forget that.

This is the beginning of your family. Family is not the one you’re born with, but the one you choose. You chose Bradley. And now you have a baby. I know there’s gonna be more in the future. It’s hard to resist a Bradshaw man with a baby. Baby fever kicks in every time. It’s a shame I never got the chance to have more babies. Poor Bradley grew up as an only child.

Well, my love. I have to go. This is the last letter I’m writing for you. I’ve been with you in all the important events, but it’s time for you to fly on your own. I could give you a thousand tips on how to raise your kid, but I’m sure times have changed and nothing I’d say will be useful anymore.

Remember you are not alone. You have a family.

Rely on them. Let them help you.

Lots of love,

You mother-in-law.

“Hey, hey, sweets, why are you crying?” Bradley hugs you close, careful to not hurt you or pull a stitch from your belly.

Carole’s words have finally made you realizethat you’re not alone. You’ve never been. You have had Red since way back. You had Mav since the moment you walked in the Hard Deck all those months ago. You have Jake, since that morning he told you that he would be your brother. And, more importantly, you have had Bradley since the moment you saw him. You know that he will always be there for you, to help you and to make every step of this journey a lot easier.

But also, you had the wizzos, Jesse, Mickey and Bob who had been there whenever you needed to laugh or to rant about Bradley being too overprotective and not letting you get up from bed for the past month.

You also had the girls, those insane, crazy, and lovely women who had been giving you the best maternity advice ever, who had been there every time your hormones took the best out of you, and made you cry for hours.

You had a family way before the kids were born. It just took you a while to realize. And as Carole said, family helps you when you need them the most. You can rely on them.

You need to rely on them. Now. Before this situation gets worse.

“I-I have to tell you something.” You confess, holding to his arm for dear life.

“We’ll be outside.” Jake gets up from the bed, ready to exit the room, but you hold his arm.

“I need to talk to all of you. Please. You’re my family.”

Mav and Jake, who had been waiting for you to say that since God knows when, sit next to you on the bed. “What is it, sweetheart?”

Mav’s chest swells with pride when you call him dad, and he’s ready to fight whoever is hurting his daughter.

“Dad… There's this girl who believes I murdered her brother."

“Wait, you said abuser?” Jake looks at you, holding your hands. “We’re gonna need to hear the whole story.”

“Wait, you mean… Steve’s sister?” Bradley asks you and when you nod, he tightens his jaw. "So you had to put up with your ex being a fucking abuser, and now you have to deal with the psycho sister?"

You take a deep breath. “You’re not gonna like this.”

You tell them the story, watching as their faces go from pure terror to straight up anger. They’re ready to protect you from that girl. Whatever it takes.

“Nobody is gonna hurt you here, little Mav. We’re not gonna let that happen.”

“You only focus on resting now, okay? Leave it to us. We'll come up with something." Jake assures you before kissing your forehead and leaving the room, followed by Goose and Mav. Once he’s in front of the elevator, he turns around and looks at the older men. “We need to do something.”

“Yeah but… we cannot go find that girl and… threaten her. I mean, she could sue us or something.” Mav retorts, pressing the button to call the elevator.

“Well, we can’t. But I know someone who can. And you don’t want to make her angry.”

“Who is it?”

“My wife.”

#top gun maverick #top gun x reader #top gun maverick fanfic #top gun fanfiction #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw fic #bradley bradshaw x female reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #rooster fanfic #rooster top gun #rooster x reader #rooster imagine #rooster fluff #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw angst #top gun

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spideycatt · 10 months

Text

Pretty n' Pink || 42!M.M x BlackFem!Reader

Synopsis:

New school, new people, new relationships

Word Count: 1.8k (wow!)

Song Recs: Talk that Talk // TWICE, RUN2U // stayc, Big flirt // lil hero, Super Bass // Nicki Minaj, Into you // Ariana Grande

Warnings: Crude language, bullying (me projecting (≧◡≦)), Miles is an asshole for 1 second, BLACK reader, 80% angst 20% fluff

Not rlly warnings: Reader is small n chubby, making out, we’re gonna act like they don’t have to wear blazers all the time lol

Lmk if I missed something!!

A/N: I spent so long writing and editing it was insane. I've been writing since June 26 (*￣▽￣). Literally writing one day, rewriting the next, writing and rewriting, writing and rewriting. AND I'm still not sure if I'm fucking w/ the results... but I'ma still post it cuz mama aint raise no punk!!

Moving to a new school in the middle of the year is never easy for anyone. You cried while packing up, you cried on the ride to New York, you cried while unpacking, and cried on the way to your new school, Visions Academy. Saying you were scared was an understatement.. You only moved because your mom got a new job at some science place, but also because you were horribly bullied at your old school.

Everyone made fun of you for the way you dressed, pink hair-clips all over your colorful braids, hello kitty sweaters and fun makeup looks. You once wore some cute leg warmers to school, what happened to you that day made you vow to never wear them again.

You knew you wouldn't get made fun of every time you left the house, but man going to school made you want to cower in your house forever.

But alas, here you are putting your up hair with your favorite heart-shaped claw-clip. You sniffled lightly as you line your lips and put on your Fenty lip gloss. You wipe your tears away, careful not to mess up your lashes. Grabbing your light pink messenger bag, you sling it over your shoulder and walk out the front door, making your way to school.

The more you walk the faster your heart beats. You weren't as nervous as you were when you first moved here, but you were still feeling a little anxious as you walk onto school grounds. Sighing when you realize there was no time to set up your locker, you try to hype yourself up as make your way through the sea of students to get to your homeroom.

Luckily, the school required uniforms, so even if kids were to make fun of you it shouldn't be that bad. You only had some cute accessories here and there, and a white cardigan with hello kitty over your heart.

You weren't even halfway to the class when someone bumped into your shoulder, causing you to drop all the books you held in your hands. You take a deep breath looking at whoever this boy was, trying to calm yourself down.

'It's ok, it was probably just an accident. You're fine.'

"Watch it, pinkie pie!" He yelled behind him as he walked away, laughing with his goons following behind him. So much for an accident.

'"Wow, how original." You spoke to yourself, trying to ignore all the stares you were getting as you picked your stuff up.

You rush to your class, already wishing the school day was over. And just your luck, the bell rang signaling you were late.

You made it to class a few seconds later, drawing everyone's attention to you. You walk over to the teacher's desk with your head pointed down, speaking softly.

"Hi, I'm y/n I just transferred."

The teacher looked at you uninterestedly, before speaking loudly.

"Class, this is y/n from, Georgia? Was it? Doesn't matter, she needs time to adjust, so everyone be nice to the poor girl. You can go sit next to..." She trailed off, looking around for a place to seat you.

"Sit next to Miles. Miles raise your hand."

You looked up to see a boy with two long braids raise his hand in the back of the class, honestly looking quite bored. You nod as you scurry to the empty seat next to him, taking out a piece of paper and your favorite gel pen. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Miles staring at you.

"What?" You whisper at him, trying not to draw more attention to yourself.

He blinks at you. "You the girl who dropped her books earlier?"

"Does it happen a lot or something?" You scoff at him, drawing cute little doodles to match the lesson title.

"Nah, I guess that was a dumb question." He replied, looking forward.

"Why do you ask anyway? Trying to rub salt in the wound?" You argue, looking at your hello kitty-themed nails.

"Miles, y/n. Please." Your teacher interrupted, making the class snicker.

You hide your face in your hands, silently groaning before Miles slid a note your way.

'Sit with me at lunch?'

You glared at the paper, crumbling at and putting it to the side, giving your full attention to the lesson.

You made it through your first few weeks without any more bumps, and it was now a new month. Miles had become your only sorta-friend at this school, which you were grateful for. The boy was nice to you, unlike everyone else, who give you strange stares and whisper about you like you aren't there.

The calming melody of Apple Cider by Beabadoobee played softly in your headphones as you grab your lunch tray. Thanking the lunch lady before turning around to look for where you should sit today, you suddenly remember Miles had asked you to sit with him on your first day, in which you never did.

You start walking around, subtly looking around the cafeteria for the tall boy with long braids. You spot him quickly, watching him roll his eyes at something the boy in front of him said. Strolling to where he was, you bite back a smile when he turns around and notices you.

"What brings you over here, hm?." He smirked, standing up as you approach the table. You try to ignore how he towers over you.

"Well, I have nowhere else to sit." You shrug, looking at his friends who watch quietly. "Uh, hi.." You wave awkwardly, looking back up at Miles who smirked softly at you.

"You shy, chiquita?"

"Shut up."

His friends laugh, making you swallow thickly. 'Are they laughing at me?'

"Yo, pinkie!"

Someone shouted from the table, chuckling as you look up with fear in your eyes.

"Remember me you little cunt?"

It was the boy from your first day. You look up at Miles, silently pleading him to help you, and of course, he stayed quiet.

"Hey, I'm talking to you." You hear from beside Miles, the boy looked down at you with an angry expression. You didn't even realize he walked up to you.

"S-sorry." You whispered, looking at your pink converses.

"Yea you better be fucking sorry you fat freak." He said, pushing you into the ground, resulting in your lunch landing all over the floor. You try to stop the tears as everyone gasps and goes silent.

"Dude, chill." Miles finally speaks up.

You shake your head, "No Miles, it's fine. Have a good lunch." You say with a slight whimper to your voice, standing up to leave the cafeteria.

You sob, looking for somewhere to cool down, ignoring Miles calling your name.

"Pinkie! Wait!"

You steps falter, flinching at the nickname. You sigh deeply, wiping the tears off your face.

"What do you want, Miles."

"I'm sorry about him, he's been an asshole since like, 2nd grade." He huffed out, slowing down as he caught up to you.

You hummed.

"But you just sat there, so what does that make you?"

His silence answered for you.

"Right. This sucks, honestly, I thought we could've worked out." You say, walking off with a lump in your throat.

You kind of expected him to say something more, you don't know why, but you did. But all you were met with was silence.

You gasped as you feel Miles grab your hand and drag you into an empty classroom.

He closed the door harshly behind you guys, breathing heavy as he looked at your tear streaked face.

"What are you doing Miles— WOAh-" You stutter out as he hoists you up, putting your back against the door so you could be eye-level with him.

"Forgive me pretty girl.." He breathed out, rubbing your plush thighs with his thumbs.

"Miles, put me down."

"Nah ma I don't think I will."

"How... how do I know you won't hurt me..?" You whisper sadly, feeling the waterworks coming again.

"Trust me, I won't, baby." He moved to wipe away the tear that's fallen on your soft cheek, before moving in to lock lips with you.

You wanted to move away, you really did. But you trusted him for some reason, kissing back. The kiss got heated fast, you lock your legs together behind Miles as he pins you harder against the door, gripping your thighs harshly as he pulls away to speak.

"Let me treat you right, ma. Please. I'll take you out, I'll buy you anything you want. Let me protect you." He breathed out against your neck, making you sigh. You nod your head. Bringing his head up to connect lips again.

You sigh into his mouth as your tongues slide over one another, gripping onto his broad shoulders to keep yourself grounded. He turns around to place you on a desk. Hands roaming everywhere as he took your sweater off your body and unbutton your shirt a little to mouth at your collarbones. You let out a quiet noise as he moves back up to your lips, pushing you to lay on your back.

He caught both your wrists and wrapped one of his hands around them, pushing them onto your chest as his tongue seemed to move even deeper into your mouth. Man he was a good kisser.

You seperate with a string of saliva connecting your plump lips to his when the bell to go back to class rings. "Miles, lets go." You said as he places his head into your cleavage, sighing disappointedly at the fact that you guys had to go back to class.

He ended up buttoning up your shirt for you. Glancing at you every now and then to look at your swollen lips, smiling as he helped you off the desk and walked you to class.

You make it through the rest of the school day, smiling softly to yourself whenever you think of your heated moment with Miles.

You had Miles' hoodie on due to a giant stain on the side of your favorite sweater, playing with the strings as you write down some notes into your binder.

Everyone stared at you but you found yourself not caring anymore. Maybe you made the right choice.

You didn't expect to go to this new school and acquire a bodyguard for a boyfriend but here you were weeks later walking out of campus with Miles trailing behind you. You could've sworn you saw that one boy glaring at you from afar, but honestly, as long as Miles was with you there wasn't a problem.

"Hold on baby." Your boyfriend stopped you, kneeling on the ground to tie your shoelaces and fix your leg warmers. Honestly this was a whole new experience for you, never having this affection given to you by someone outside your family.

Miles pressed a kiss on your thigh as he finishes tying your shoes, standing up to fix the ribbon on your ponytail.

"Miles, you're acting like a mom right now." You say giggling, looking up at your boyfriend with heart eyes.

"Gotta make sure my baby lookin good." He replied quickly, leaning down to kiss your cheek. He pulled "C'mon, I saw a nice jean skirt I wanna see you in."

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gucciwins · 1 year

Note

am i the only one who doesn’t want a happy ending

actually i want more angst where he goes begging on his knees to her and she’s stone cold and then like three years later she’s thriving and he’s still missing her….

heartbreak can lead to healing

A/N: hola amores! honestly was not planning a second part on the angst piece because it doesn't even have a name but you all requested a part two so here it is. be kind and let me know what you think.

part one

“I’m not doing this, Harry.”

“What do you mean?” He frowns. He can’t lose you.

“This relationship,” you point gesture to him and yourself. “It’s clear we both want different things.”

“I want you.”

You feel the butterflies swarm your belly at the confession, but he would not talk you into staying with him. You were breaking up with him and moving on because you deserved better. The beginning of your relationship was bliss. He was the perfect boyfriend who showered you with affection and small gifts, always spending time with you and your friends. He had become an exclusive member at girl nights because he was really good at adding designs to all your nails, something you all struggled with. He fit perfectly, but you didn’t fit in his life.

It was clear he was two different people, the person he was with you and the person he was with his friends. You didn’t know which one was the real one, and you were not going to stick around to find out. You hold firm, not letting your walls fall because you know he’d find a way to bring them all down with one stumble. Stella and Aisha promised you it was the right thing to do for yourself. They would never stand to let you be with someone that had you questioning what they were doing every minute they were apart from you. You had cried and drank your feelings away, and you knew as soon as you left Harry’s arrived at your apartment, they'd be there with ice cream and wine, a perfect combination to heal a heartache.

“No, Harry. You don’t.”

Harry frowns, “how can you say that?”

You shrug.

“You know I love you. I love you so much.”

“Not enough to leave the people in your life who hold a bad influence in your life.”

Harry groans, “it’s not that easy.”

You shrug, “it really is, H.”

“I’ve known them for over half my life.”

“And me only close to two years.” You remind him.

“Stop, it’s different. Always has been with you.”

You know it was different. Harry approached you at the bookstore wanting a book recommendation after seeing the large stack in your hands. You laughed and plucked the book from the top wishing him the best of luck. After that, he showed up every day at the bookstore, wanting to see you. It was after a week that he finally saw you again. He talked about the book and how much he loved it, and when he left that day, he went home with three new books you chose for him and plans for a first date.

The relationship blossomed from there, but you took it slow. You dated for three months before you even let Harry ask you to be his girlfriend. Then at six months, he met your friends, soon followed by your families. His friends were the last ones meeting them officially at one year. It’s clear he spoke about you because everyone knew your name, but everyone was surprised to see a plain jane, as they liked to call you. Harry told them to knock it off, but they all laughed it off. You were never at ease with his friends, which should have been a warning from the start, but you were blinded by your love for Harry.

“I love you, Harry.”

“Then stay,” he pleads, getting down to his knees and wrapping his arms around your waist.

“I need to feel respected and safe in our relationship, but all I feel is anguish and insecurity.” You need him to understand. “You know that’s not me.”

“I’ll change, I will, baby, please.” Harry’s close to tears, but you need to rip the band-aid off.

“It’s over, Harry. We’re breaking up.”

You let it sit in the air for a minute. A weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Harry’s tears fall free against your shirt, you should feel guilty, but you don’t. It’s time you put yourself first.

“Goodbye, Harry. Take care of yourself.”

You remove his arms from your waist and leave him on his knees as he repeats his request for you to stay. Leaving his apartment for the final time, you shed a few tears because you love Harry. Some part of you always will, but your relationship wasn’t equal. You were a low priority in his life when it came to you or his friends. Tonight he proved where they stood because he couldn’t part with them, not seeing how much they were weighing him down. You couldn’t save him. He needed to do that on his own.

Walking away wasn’t giving up. It showed how much strength and love you had for yourself.

You would be okay.

Three years later

You weren’t the biggest fan of moving, but you were excited about the new journey you were about to embark on. The upside was that you allowed yourself to get rid of a lot of unnecessary items you’ve been holding onto for too long.

“Babes!” A shout comes from what used to be your bedroom.

“What’d you find?”

You make your way and find your best friend, Thea, digging around an old box labeled Don’t Open. She didn't listen as she had different items displayed on the floor.

“What is all of this?”

Memories.

It was hard to part with these items a few years ago. They meant too much for you to throw them out.

You sigh, recognizing the old Joni Mitchell record, Blue, and a tattered Rolling Stone shirt. “They were from my last relationship.”

Thea gasps, “these are Harry’s stuff.” Realization hits her, seeing all the stuff you once considered so important. “Why was it hiding in the back of the closet? Are you leaving it here?”

“Forgot about it, honestly.”

“Can I keep the record? It looks well taken care of even though the sleeve looks damaged.”

You laugh, “it’s yours if you really want it.”

“Amazing,” she cheers.

The record played around your apartment for the longest time. You found it on your second date at a flea market, and Harry had told you that he had to hear how it sounded. It was a perfect album; after that, it became your album, always playing when he came for a visit or you were cooking together. You used any excuse to listen to it. After the breakup, it took you a long time until you could listen to Joni Mitchell without thinking of him.

You take a peak at a few remaining items, mainly handwritten letters and poems, and you know it is time to throw them out. You were happy. There was no need to reminisce about the past.

“I can dump this all out.”

“Or,” Thea starts, and you already know where she’s going with this.

“Don’t say it.”

“You ended on bad terms. Closure is good, babes.”

You sigh, “not everyone needs it. I’m really happy. The happiest I’ve ever been.”

Thea nods, “that’s very true. You’re a shining star now.”

You leave Thea to keep looking at the items, knowing she would be a good friend to pack it all up again. There is no need for all that in your life.

“Baby?”

You and Thea look at each other with identical grins as you’re quick to drop the small duffle bag in your hand. You walk out to see your boyfriend of two years, holding a cup holder with three coffees and iced water and a bag of jalapeno bagels in another. The aroma was quick to settle in the empty living room.

“Hi,” you breathe out, taking him in. You’d never get tired of looking at him.

He turns, a giant grin on his smile. You swore you could see his blue eyes sparkling as he looked at you dressed in a black corduroy dungaree. It was a moving day, so you kept it casual and comfortable, wanting to be able to move and carry boxes around. Alex looked at you as if you were the most beautiful woman. It makes your heart grow every time.

“We got everything finished. Augustus is surprisingly a big fan of organization and had everything done on time.” Alex places everything on the empty counter before coming over to you and giving you a kiss hello. You melted in his arms, loving how perfectly you fit together.

“Missed you,” you murmured against his lips.

“Missed you too. Sad you made us spend the night apart.”

You giggle, “you needed to say goodbye.”

“Yeah, I had to take a final cold shower as the boiler was again not working.”

You wince, knowing you’ve had your fair share of cold showers in his apartment, but he always found a way to warm you up, even if it resulted in the need for a second shower.

“Well, never again,” you remind him.

“Mhm, and I’m so lucky you know why?”

You tilt your head, peering up at him. You have to admit seeing those gorgeous blue eyes every day would be a huge blessing. No longer having to wait for the end of each other’s work day. Instead, he would be the first thing you see every morning. You did not want to look away the first time you laid eyes on him. Alex is beautiful, and you love telling him because the blush that settles on his face every time makes you feel warm inside because you’re the one making him react and feel loved. You’re certain Alex is your other half. No one has ever made you feel completely at ease as he has.

“Why, precious?”

“Because all my showers will be with you.”

“All of them,” you question.

“Yes, sugar. Every single one. We’ll be saving water,” he adds on.

“Somehow, I doubt that.”

Alex laughs, and you hear it echo through the empty living room. You run your hands through his dark chocolate hair, feeling how soft it is, and you know he’s been using your hair treatment even if he denies it every time you ask. “Should I buy two of my hair masks now?”

“What? No, why would you?” Alex asks, confused.

You laugh, moving your hands to cup his face and feeling his beard under your palms. “I know you use it. Might as well have it stocked.”

Alex shrugs, “only if you want to. I’ll even pay for it, baby.”

“I love you,” you bring your lips against his, melting in his arms as he deepens the kiss.

“As cute as you two are, we really need to get those boxes down and get out of here.” Thea interrupts with a smile. “Oh, bagels,” she dives for the bag, giving it a big wif staring at the goods Alex brought them. “You know what? You can carry on. I don’t care.”

“Always good to see you, Thea.”

Thea flips her hair back, flashing him a pearly white grin, “I know, dear Alex. I’m a blessing to all.”

“Go eat, baby. I’ll get the last of the boxes.” Alex gestures where Thea is already digging into the freshly made cream cheese.

“Thank you.” You turn, and Alex gives you a smack on your ass, making you gasp. He shrugs as if saying he can’t help himself.

Two hours later, your stomach is full, and the apartment is empty. Alex did the honor of loading up the last few boxes into the back of his truck. You take one last look at your apartment, and it feels bittersweet to say goodbye because this was the first place you ever called home. It’s where Thea shared that she was Bisexual, and it was the scariest moment for her, but you cried with her telling her you loved her. It’s where you had your first heartbreak and the home where you got to foster baby kittens. So many beautiful stories were created in these four walls, and now you’re leaving to create new ones with Alex.

You were ready for the next chapter.

Alex kissed you quickly, promising he’d be downstairs waiting for you. You told him you didn’t need extra time to say goodbye, but he said to humor him and take five minutes before joining him downstairs. You rolled your eyes but didn’t fight him.

Instead used the time to take a final walk-through, not wanting to forget anything. Your bedroom is something you’re going to miss the most. It has a lake view; every sunset is beautiful to watch here. Alex suggested moving into your apartment, but you wanted to find a place you could build together. You were walking out of the bedroom when you heard a knock on the open door. You frown because all your neighbors knew you were leaving, little Suzy across the door cried because she wouldn’t see you every morning anymore, but you promised to come to babysit her whenever her mother needed a hand.

“Sorry to bother but I heard the apartment was clearing out today and was wondering if I could check it out,” the voice asked.

You walk down the hallway and smile, “you’re free to, but you’ll still have to put in an application with Abi down in the leasing office.”

The man takes a step inside, and you both get a good look at each other. You bite back a gasp, but the man doesn’t hide his shock.

“Y/N,” he breathes out.

You offer him a small smile, “that’s me.”

“It’s uh, Harry.”

The Harry you knew was handsome, dressed to the nines on every occasion, and always had sun-kissed skin. The Harry in front of you was pale, had purple eye bags, and looked lanky like any harsh wind could knock him over.

“I–uh, I didn’t remember you lived here or anything,” he tries to defend, and he looks so scared that you won’t believe him, but you do.

“You’re fine, Harry. It’s been a long time.”

“Three years,” he mutters, but you hear him.

“Are you looking for an apartment?”

“You remember Mitch, quiet long hair?” Harry explains Mitch to a t.

“Mhm,” you hum because you did know Mitch by some odd chance. You saw him at a coffee shop a few months after your breakup with Harry, and you were with your brother-in-law’s sister, who was visiting town, and you thought to introduce them. Sarah and Mitch ended up clicking thanks to you and knew he had his heart set on proposing soon.

“Well, he and his girlfriend Sarah have been talking about moving in together and wanted me to check out this listing we saw opening up,” he tells you.

“Has he proposed then?”

“In a week or so.” Harry frowns. “How’d you know?”

You smile, “Sarah’s my sister-in-law. Her brother married my sister. We’re good friends.”

“Oh,” he lets that sink in.

“She mentioned wanting to be engaged before moving in together.”

“So you and Mitch…are friends?” A look of betrayal sits on his face, and you know Mitch is in for an angry Harry later.

You shrug, “I guess. Don’t hang out too often, but nice to chat with.”

Harry nods, taking in this new information.

“You’re free to look around,” you tell him.

“Is the bedroom view still amazing?”

Your eyes widen in surprise, knowing he caught the moment because his smile grows. “Still as breathtaking as ever.”

He hums. “How have you been?” He asks.

“Really good, moving out, obviously.”

“Outgrew this place?”

You shrug, “something like that.”

Harry was going to ask you another question when a tall, handsome male walked in with something in his hand. “Sugar, I forgot to leave you my key.” Harry frowns. This man can’t be talking to you, can he?

“Alex, I had forgotten all about it?”

You accept the key he placed in your hand, smiling when he leans in to press a kiss to your cheek. You turn back to Harry, your eyes sparkling full of love.

“Harry, this is Alex, my boyfriend. Alex, this is Harry,” you hesitate, “an old friend.”

Alex slides his hand around your waist, looping his index finger tight on your belt loop, and you know he realizes who exactly is standing in front of him. He extends his hand out for Harry to shake, who accepts it without a second thought.

“Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Harry replies courteously.

“He happened to stop by as I was about to head down. Harry heard about the vacant apartment through the grapevine.”

“What do you think?” Alex asked, wanting to remain polite.

“It’s lovely,” Harry offers, not adding anything more. You know he’s biting back from saying more, and in this moment, you’re grateful.

“Yeah, I tried to convince her I could just move in, but she insisted on finding a place together. Never could tell her no.”

“And I’ve tried. It’s the reason we went skydiving.”

Alex laughs, “at six months together, I was so far gone that if you asked me to sell my soul for eternal life with you, I would have.”

Harry frowns, looking at the two of you and how perfect and loving you seem to be. “How long have you been together?”

“Two years,” you answer with a proud grin.

“That’s amazing.” Not a hint of happiness when he said it.

“Listen, we’ve got to head out, but it was wonderful meeting you, Harry.” Alex begins, and you know it’s true having to meet with the movers at the new house.

“No, of course. Thanks for letting me see inside.” Harry offers awkwardly.

Harry sees as Alex intertwines your hands together, seeing you shine as he presses kiss after kiss to your cheek. He had never seen you this happy.

He walks out of the apartment first, then you and Alex follow. He goes towards the stairs while you use the elevator.

“Harry?” You call out before stepping into the elevator.

“Yeah,” he sounds hopeful.

“Take care of yourself.”

He sighs, nodding, “you too.”

Harry watches the elevator door close, and he knows he will never see you again. You’re happy and in love, and it’s all he wants for you. It took him months after you broke up with him to understand how awful his friends were laughing at his heartbreak, offering themselves to him in trying to forget you, but he never accepted. He thought of different ways to get you back, but Mitch always said it started with giving you time, and now he’s lost you forever. Honestly, Harry wasn’t doing good. He hated the people he called friends, so it led him to have no one.

He was sinking deeper and deeper into a sadness he knew he would never recover from, but it filled him with a piece of peace, knowing you’d be happy and loved.

Maybe knowing you were happy without him would be the start to a new and better life, but he somehow still doubted that.

What do you do when you feel like you’re drowning?

You keep kicking until you reach the surface, and that is what Harry will do, even if it takes him the rest of his life to find the surface again.

thank you so much for reading!

#harry styles #harry styles angst #harry angst #harry x reader #angst #harry x you #pleasing #harry styles fic rec

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vaguely-yandere · 1 year

Note

Gosh, I love the idea from the last ask/answer that Darling slowly becomes accustomed to a Yandere's love. Like maybe even unconsciously she comes to accept it. She comes to NEED it. Suddenly, it's taken away, and she finds herself wanting it again.

Even if it's sick and twisted and wrong and unhealthy, it's love. And maybe Darling doesn't have a lot of that in their life.

Like can you imagine being in Darling's situation? She was kidnapped and imprisoned. For months, perhaps over a year, she's had this person idolize her. They drool as they watch her sleep. They shake when she speaks to them. If Darling ever tried to touch them of her own free will, they might just cream their pants right then and there. They do nothing but speak of their love for her. They can barely contain themselves in her presence. And like any situation where you'd spend a lot of time with a person, Darling comes to realize this person is just that. Not a monster. But a really messed up, lonely person.

A person who likes to cook for her. A person who likes to buy her nice clothes. A person who likes to braid her hair, who likes bad rock bands, and spicy food. A human person who she grows to know...

But ofc, the Darling knows this is wrong. Even as she grows accustoming to sleeping in their arms. Even if she comes to expect the sound of them humming as they cook breakfast. Even if she smiles as she sees them descending the stairs into the basement. She knows it's wrong. Very, very, very wrong.

And one day, maybe she convinces the Yandere of that too. A sudden moment of clarity hits, and they agree to let Darling go. At first she can't believe it. She's overjoyed. She ends up on a street corner not far from where she was taken.

When news reports start that the missing girl has been found, the police are eager to find out where the Darling was. And Darling has every opportunity to out their attacker. They didn't hide their location as they drove back into town. She knows their face and their voice and their name. She could easily identify them and get them locked up forever.

But she doesn't. She lies. She doesn't remember anything. She's just happy to be back in town. And no matter how much the police question her, she won't budge. She won't.

And she goes back to her apartment, back to her job, back to her friends. But it's lonely. Something is missing. She should be SO happy, but she feels an emptiness inside her. She realizes she misses him, her abuser, her kidnapper, her yandere, and she has a total breakdown over what that means for her mental health. Why does she protect them? Why does she miss them?! It doesn't make any sense, and as she cries in her bed that night, she just wishes they were there to stroke her hair and soothe her like they used to.

Then one day, she sees them in town. Far off in a crowd of people. Friends? She didn't know they had friends. And they look so happy, surrounded by others, not with her... "I thought I was the only one who made you smile like that..." And across the crowd their eyes meet, and they're the ones who pull their attention way, back on their friends, away from her... as though she means nothing to them anymore.

And soon the roles are reversed. She's the one stalking them. Checking their social media feed every five seconds. She's the one watching them through windows. She snaps eventually when she sees her yandere kiss someone else.

That night, the yandere finds themselves tied up in their old basement. Their former Darling crying and begging them to love them again, parroting all their old talking points about how they need them and can't live without them.

And I honestly don't know which scenario is better. A yandere who really did have a moment of clarity, who tried to turn their life around, only to be dragged back into depravity by the consequences of their past sins, forced to relive every trauma they put their Darling through only now on the receiving end...

Or a yandere who's plan this was all along. A yandere who knew their sweet darling was exactly the type of person DESPERATE to be loved. A lonely person who cried in bed at night praying for her prince(ess) charming to show up and save her. Well, it took a little convincing, but that's exactly what they became. They got her addicted to their love, and when they took it away she realized just how badly she needed them. Now she'll be so much more obedient.

Sorry this was SO long and rambly. It's 3am, and I can't fall asleep. Lol. Wish me luck. I have work in the morning. RIP.

OOOOOOOOOOO I LOVE IT!!!!!!! ITS SO UNBEARABLY UNHEALTHY AND TOXIC, ITS PSYCHOTIC, ITS LIKE A THRILLER MOVIE COME TO LIFE!!!!! it rly reminds me of Fresh, even tho, well, that movie doesn't rly contain these kinda themes lol but i love it, its insane <333

#asks #yandere imagines #yandere scenarios #yandere #yandere x you #yandere x y/n #yandere smut

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anna-hawk · 2 years

Text

Always on my mind

Pairing: Shane Walsh x F!Reader Rating: E WC: ~1,7K Warning: unhealthy coping mechanism – post ZA – Sad reader – angst – smut – porn with feelings

I honestly don't know what this is. I've been having smut on the brain for days, but this turned out to be sadder than I meant it to be. I guess I also have a lot of feelings running around my head and this happened. Eh, I wrote some reader insert again at least XD. Also, I wrote this in one sitting, so if you see typos? Oops?

AO3 link

You’re restless. The day had been long and one of the worst you’d had in a good while, which considering the times, should say enough. You toss and turn on your cot in one of the shared rooms in the Greenes’ house, unable to get the day’s images out of your head. You’d lost two of the five people who have travelled with you before you’d met Rick and Shane’s group. All of you had been strangers when everything had started falling apart, but after so long on the road together, you’d all become close. They, like you, had been aware of the risks, knew that death lies just around the corner if you let your guard down for even one second. You learn to deal with grief differently, moving on faster than anyone deserves, only because if you don’t, you’re next. Even if you sometimes think that it would be so much easier to just stop fighting.

Contrary to the rest of your initial group, you hadn’t cried. You couldn't. Shane had stepped towards the bodies, but you’d pushed him away. You wanted to be the one to make sure that your friends wouldn’t turn, and fought down the tremor in your hand as you used your knife. You’d caught Shane watching you out of the corner of your eyes as Rick had come forward to speak kind words and squeezed your shoulder. You’d only vaguely nodded and helped to dig the graves, the labor stopping most thoughts. Hershel had said a few words afterwards, but you’d barely heard any of them, feeling physically and mentally drained.

Despite your fatigue, hours later, you’re unable to sleep, and finally kick off the sheets to get up and leave the room. Carol sees you leave and gently grasps your hand as you pass by her. You look down at her and into her sorrowful eyes, her face illuminated by the moon coming through the curtains. She doesn’t say anything, but you understand her just fine. You can’t manage a smile, but return the gesture, and she lets go.

You amble through the quiet house and exit through the main door. The cool air feels good on your skin, and you breathe in deeply. You absently stare at the tents sitting on Hershel’s land and are suddenly hit by an urge that you hope will help get your brain to stop working for a few hours of rest. You hop down the front steps and walk towards one specific tent. Dale is the only one still awake and sitting on the trailer, on watch. He’s not facing towards you, and you keep your steps light enough that he doesn’t hear you. You don’t really care if he does see you, but you also don’t want to deal with his misplaced disappointed look. You know too well what his opinion would be, and you couldn’t care less about hearing it.

Kneeling in front of the tent, you unzip it as quietly as possible, but Shane is awake before you have it all the way open. He’s sitting up on his sleeping bag and greets you with his rifle aimed at your face. You stare at Shane over the barrel, face expressionless, as you wait for him to lower the gun.

“Jesus fucking Christ. You got a death wish or somethin’?” He barks under his breath, mindful of the others, but levels you with a pissed off look while he puts the rifle away to the side.

You roll your eyes, unsure if he can even see it since you have your back to the moon. You crawl forward on your hands and knees until your knees stop at each side of his thighs. You lift your upper body to fist both hands into Shane’s brown tee shirt and pull him into a kiss.

“The fuck you’re doing?” Shane pushes you away with a palm over your chest, staring at you with a confused expression, his eyebrows lowering over his eyes.

“What does it look like I’m doing?” You counter, pressing forward again, but Shane grabs you by the shoulders and holds you still.

“Yeah, exactly. ‘s why I’m asking. Why 're you not going to Daryl? You two always look so chummy.”

“Well, if you don’t want to, maybe I should,” you say with an exasperated sigh and pull back.

You wouldn’t. You like Daryl a lot, but not like that. Shane obviously isn’t aware of that because he catches one of your wrists before you can move further away from him.

“Didn’t say that,” he says gruffly and draws you back towards him with a hand over your nape.

You let out a long exhale at the contact of his lips, opening your mouth for more, now. You deliberately turn the kiss into a filthy exchange, wanting nothing more than to get what you wanted across without speech. Shane understands well enough and moves the two of you until you’re sitting astride him and pulling at each other’s clothes. You break the kiss to remove your top, and the moment that your chest is bare in front of him, Shane surges forward to mouth over the skin between your breasts. Your breath catches once he turns his head to one side and sucks a nipple into his mouth. You roll your hips over his, feeling him swell under you and pushing up. Shane switches to your other nipple, making you groan when he lightly pulls on it with his teeth before sucking on it again. You fist the collar of his tee shirt and pull, getting desperate for more. Shane gets the hint and removes the tee shirt, angling his face to yours to kiss you a second later. You manage to push down your pants and kick them off while staying on top of him, reaching for the fastenings of his pants right after.

“Come on,” you mutter angrily against his lips as Shane pushes your hands away once you’ve opened his fly.

An instant later, Shane grabs you around the waist and throws you to the side, making you land on your back with a shocked gasp. Shane sits up between your legs, pants undone, but he doesn’t move for a beat, only staring at you. This time, he’s the one with his back to the moonlight, meaning that you can’t clearly see his expression. You’re about to complain about him stopping, when he lowers his upper half over you and kisses you silent, delving his tongue deep inside and licking over yours with intent. You moan and throw your arms around his shoulders, your thighs squeezing his sides. Holding himself up with an elbow next to your neck, his arm circling over your head, you feel his other hand slowly stroking down your body. He shuffles his knees forward until the back of your thighs rest over the top of his, moving your legs up and further apart. His fingers slide down your mound, two of them slipping between your folds.

You’re not ready for the way Shane breaches your wet entrance with those fingers, and you have to gasp sharply at the sudden pleasure of being filled. Shane leans up slightly, positioning himself to be able to look at you as his fingers start fucking you in earnest. Your chest bows up as you throw your head back and moan deeply, taken aback by Shane’s action. You’d intended for him to fuck you hard and fast to get your mind off the spiraling thoughts, playing into the fact that you know that the attraction is mutual. You hadn’t expected this, however. The way he’s watching you raptly as he works his hand quickly, to get you there as fast as possible. You want to turn your face away, push his hand away because it’s all becoming too much too soon. But you can’t. You have a hand gripping the top of the arm that’s fucking you, but you can’t do more than just keeping it there. It’s the fact that he’s observing you, though, that makes you unable to move. He’s looking for something, knowing that you came to him for a reason. To forget.

Moan after moan leaves you, and you’re gritting your teeth as not to make too much noise. You have to bite your lower lip on a scream as Shane plunges another thick finger inside you.

“Let go, Darlin’,” Shane rasps. “Come on.”

And you do. Your brow creases as explosive bliss rocks through your entire body, making your legs quiver and tiny moans to leave through your lips. Shane guides you through it, shushing you and slowly kissing you.

You barely register it when Shane hikes your thighs over his hips and lowers his whole body over you, until you feel his cock pushing inside you. You make a garbled sound as your tender walls are spread even further, on the brink of uncomfortable, but the pleasure wins once Shane starts moving and your voice goes higher. Shane clasps a palm over your mouth to stop you from getting louder, something you’re grateful for since you seem unable to hold back any longer. Definitely not once Shane pushes one of your legs up some more to give him a better angle, so that now, he can fuck into you deeper, hips snapping forward faster. In the half light, you can tell that his eyes never leave yours, his face only a few inches away from yours, over the hand still on your mouth. Your fingers dig into his shoulders and your heels into the back of his thighs as you start coming around him for the second time. You can feel your walls fluttering around his cock, and get an aborted few curses from Shane for it. He removes his hand from your mouth, and this time he catches any sound you make with his lips, sliding his tongue alongside yours and groaning deep in the back of his throat as he comes as well.

Shane rests his forehead against yours, both of you breathing deeply for a while. As he slowly rolls to the side, you can actually feel how your body slowly unwinds, your mind going fuzzy with sleepiness. You know, in the far back of your head, that tomorrow you’ll have to deal with all of it. That you’ll probably have to talk about tonight with Shane. But as he helps your groggy body to move enough to put on a few clothes again and get you into a more comfortable position for sleep – because there’s no way that you’re going anywhere now – his barely audible I got you, darling, gives you hope that things could be okay.

#shane walsh #shane walsh x reader #shane x reader #shane walsh x f!reader #twd ff #the walking dead #twd #the walking dead fanfiction #shane walsh fanfiction #fanfiction #writing #mes fics #jon bernthal

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heliosthegriffin · 4 months

Text

Shadow Knight XXI

Ao3 Link

Chapter 21

----

Velvet was having a great time. She honestly couldn’t remember a time in recent memories that she had such a good time. Walking around the Museum with her new friends, and learning about times long past, well, not that long past, it was still a time before the current era. One that was full of things that they could learn from.

“Nora, no.” Ren grabbed the diminutive ginger from stepping into a Mistral exhibit, displaying a lush jungle, with the exhibit theorizing the first meeting between Valish explorers and Minstrali fishermen.

Nora pouted. “But, Renny! The sloth, he calls to me,” Her eyes dilated to black pools with a aquamarine edge. “He wants to be free!”

Velvet felt her dat-, friend, Jaune look to the side, shaking as he covered his mouth. She had never seen this from him. Though, to be fair, she had only seen him be sleepy, be heroic, and politely distant.

Her ears twitched, and she nudged him, gently, she didn’t want to hurt her arm. “Um, are you alright?”

“Yes, just-, just look at them.” He wheezed a bit.

Velvet looked back at the pair. Nora dodged Ren’s attempt to move her, only to be tripped by his leg catching her ankle, as he caught her. The ginger pouted angrily, hanging by the back of her shirt, resembling a small, yappy dog who wasn’t allowed to get her way.

She chuckled, not as hard as Jaune, but still amused. “They’ve been like that all their lives,” His voice was distant and dreamy. “I can still remember how Nora ink-bombed all three of us in junior-high.”

Velvet felt a little lost. “May I have some context?”

“I wish there was, but that’s just Nora.”

That matched up what she knew about Nora, Velvet thought chuckling.

“Nora!” Ren cried out, as In a flash of movement, Nora had managed to lose her shirt and escape. She was only wearing a sport’s bra underneath. Velvet felt her eyes go wide for a moment, she had known Nora was … blessed, but she didn’t realize by how much, until the shirt went off. If she wasn’t so stunned, she’d have felt ego pop.

Her eyes darted to Jaune, who looked unbothered, as faster than her eye could track, he had ripped off his button up, revealing a second long-sleeve underneath, having unlatched himself from her without her noticing, and turned around, just as Nora tried to dart behind them to hide from Ren.

“Nora,” He stared down at his childhood friend. Holding his shirt like a bullfighter's muleta.

“Jaune,” Nora stared up at him, managing to look his equal despite him being well over a foot taller than her. “My girls are free, look at them be petrified, just like poor Renny.” Velvet looked at Ren, who was holding his hands over his eyes, blushing, though she noticed he had his fingers open a bit.

Velvet didn’t blame him in the least.

“We’re long past that point,” He waved his shirt. “I am the final boss, Nora, defeat me, or be shirted.”

“Then, I will defeat you!” She charged at him, arms flailing around.

Without even missing a beat, Jaune side-stepped her, in a way that Velvet found mind-itchingly familiar. His arm flashed out, just as Nora passed. The girl stumbled forward a few steps, then looked at Jaune, wearing a shirt several, several, several sizes too big, it going down below her knees like a dress. Nora looked at him, sadly. “You did it again! How?”

Jaune smiled down upon her. “A magician never reveals his secrets.”

“Agghh!” That was the wrong answer as Nora descended upon him, small fists pounding upon his much larger body.

In the distance, a whistle was blown, a security guard was running towards them. The four of them looked at each other, and ran for it.

---

Today was their most important mission so far. No mere Grimm extermination, or watching the city, but actually working to save the city. It was different from extermination, but this was decisively more dangerous. Energy was building up in this place, and they needed to find the source, or otherwise it would set off. The chaos that would ensue would be beyond imagining. Now they just had to -

Yang draped herself over Weiss, her head resting on top of the smaller girl's head. “I’m boooooored!”

Weiss felt her eye’s twitch. “Silence, we’re here on a mission.”

“I know, but it’s a boring one!” She looked around the art exhibit. “Can’t we at least look at the dinosaurs?”

“We need to break down the museum section by section, otherwise we’d be here for days, Yang. So no, we’re not looking at dinosaurs, yet.”

“Uggh, but” She looked at the exhibit. “But, I don’t want to learn about the-” She read off the plack. “How the invention of this painting style- ugh, I can’t even finish reading this, it’s so dull.”

“They’re not meant to be fun! We’re carrying out our duty, it’s a matter of heroics. Something that you could improve upon!”

Weiss waited on the brutes' unimaginative and lowborn response. Only to be met by silence, as the blonde pulled herself off Weiss. She looked around the art exhibit, her eyes somewhere else, though.

Weiss felt a brief shock run through her, her words had an effect? How unnatural. It was almost enough to make her want to ask her if something was the matter.

“What are we looking for, exactly?” The blonde was abrupt with her question, halting Weiss’s thoughts. The brute seemed back to normal, attempting to look intelligent as she ogled the priceless artworks around them.

“Hmmp, can’t even remember the basics of a mission, can’t you be bothered to-”

Yang rolled her eyes.. “I asked for the mission, not a lecture, Priss-cess.”

Weiss resisted the need to freeze the blonde's mouth shut. “As I was saying, the mission is to locate the source of the magical buildup, before it is unleashed.” Weiss puffed her chest up. “Which is why you’re working with me, with your utterly lacking perception of magic and downright, horrible control. We can’t have you setting it off by accident, like how you normally blow everything up..”

Weiss saw a flash of red in Yang’s eyes, her magic raising up to offensive levels, and Weiss readied her own defensive magic.

Only for it to disappear, Yang’s eyes go back to their normal, dare she say it, prettier purple color. “Yeah, I’m trying to work on it.” She then muttered low and quietly, with Weiss barely catching it. “Among other problems.”

Weiss felt uncomfortable, what was going on with her? She was … vulnerable. That wasn’t right, that wasn’t right at all. Did it have something to do with that other night when she went off on her own, and didn’t meet back up with them till school the next morning?

Should she …?

“Let's get back to the problem at hand,” It wasn’t her place, Weiss would be of no use to her. They all had their roles to play, and Weiss was to be the most skillful among them in the manipulation of magical energy and the most perceptive of it’s flow, whatever Blake may imply. “Lacking or not, keep your eyes open, we need to find this build-up. Who-knows what might occur?”

“Let’s stop it, we need to do it, for everyone that might get hurt.”

Weiss looked at Yang. What was going on with her? “Agreed.”

Regardless of Yang, the mission came first, there would always be time afterward to have her diagnosed by a professional, if she truly needed it. Should she ask of course. Weiss wouldn’t pry into someone’s business without asking.

----

Velvet breathed hard against the table, they had managed to get away from security, and possibly being thrown out.

“That was awesome!” Nora wasn’t even winded, or the other two. “I haven’t been chased like that since we egged those guys in middle-school.”

Ren gave a sly smile at Jaune. “Wasn’t that a fun day?”

The bigger of the two boys looked away, blushing. “That’s what they get for cheating on my sister.”

“Yet, they still got back together.” Ren added.

Jaune smirked. “And, we egged his cars two weeks later,” He suddenly looked at Velvet. “Sorry, if we’re being weird.” He got closer. Velvet felt her heartbeat go up.“You looked warm, should I get you something to drink?”

“... Please.” Velvet managed to squeeze out the words, some eternity later.

A shirt was thrown across Jaune’s face. “Here you go,stud.” Nora had somehow reacquired, and redressed herself during the run. “Not my style, you know I prefer going wild and free.”

Jaune, shirt still over his head, nodded in resignation of a man trying all his life to fix something. “Yeah, whatever, nudist.”

“One day! One day, Jaune! We will have a clothless society, you, me, Ren, and Velvet too! All naked~! Free~! Imagine it Jaune, imagineeee it!”

Jaune slipped his shirt back on, rebuttoning it. “I don’t wanna,” His eyes blank and very much in reality, as opposed to imaginationland.

Velvet felt her mind drift off a moment, thinking about… something else, definitely not what Nora said, not in the slightest. She looked at Ren, he nodded his head, he too was definitely not imagining anything like that in the slightest. She gave him a thumbs up, and he returned it.

Jaune sighed, “I’m going to get some drinks, Ren you want to come with?”

The slender young man shrugged. “I’ll do it.”

“We’ll be back in a minute,”

Velvet watched as the two went off, her mind was trying to get attention again. Something about the way Jaune walked, it was triggering something, as her mind was trying to match it up with a scene she had watched.

She looked back and forth between Jaune and Ren, but only got more confused. The way they walked was bothering her. In fact, the way they moved was -

“Enjoying the view?” Nora popped up in front of her blocking her view. “If it wasn’t illegal, I’d video-tape it and sell it.” She sighed dreamily. “I can only imagine the riches. Then I could buy that island.”

Velvet shook her head, giggling. “That’s not it, you goof-ball.”

Nora sniffed. “Hey! I resemble that remark.” Then also broke out giggling, sharing the moment with Velvet. “So, what's got your goat?” She paused. “That’s not offensive is it?”

Velvet was confused. “I don’t get it?”

“You’re a faunus? So, I- Whatever.”

“Oh. No? Maybe. Let’s just let it slide.”

“Nice. Anyway, uh, what's bothering you. I know the two of them have super-class booties, but the way you were looking at them was kinda … uh, sciency? Maybe, ughgh! Nora no likely big words!” The ginger gripped her head.

“Oh that,” Velvet nodded, she understood the pain of words, as she thought about how she wanted to put this into words. “I just feel a tingle in my brain, watching him move,” Nora’s eyebrows rose up, practically disappearing into her bangs. “Not like that! I mean, though I wouldn't. Uhg,” Velvet buried her head into the table.

Nora patted her on the back. “Go on, I’m listening.”

“What I mean is… They move. I’ve seen the way they move before, and I’m trying to place it. They move so similarly too, it’s driving me crazy!” Velvet bemoaned.

“Oh! That’s easy, I know what you mean!” Nora smiled broadly.

“Would you help a friend out?”

“Totally, it’s super easy to explain. Ren’s a martial artist, and Jaune was his punching bag for most of our teens.”

Velvet blinked. “Don’t you mean sparring partner?”

“No. Punching bag. Jaunes has always been like super-durabile, but Ren’s always been like super fast, so it was always, Jaune punch, Ren dodge, Ren counterattack! Nora cheers! Yay! It connects! Completely ineffective! Nora cheers! Yay! It was just that all day for all of puberty.” Nora mimed them moving, with what Velvet noticed, eerie accuracy. “Sometimes I’d jump in, but I like to wrestle, it’d usually go south from there into a free for all. Well, at least until these girls developed.” Nora proudly thrusted her chest out.

“So, the reason they move is so similar?”

“Yeah, because they learned to fight from each other, well, Ren’s dad, and Jaune’s dad. But, Jaune only really learned a couple punches, a little foot-work, and how to take a hit. He was never as into the Sport side as Ren is.” Nora mimed a scale going up and down. “He’s the one that's training for the circuit, once he graduates.” Nora smiled, bouncing in place. “I’ll be there, with Jaune, cheering him on.”

Velvet smiled warmly. “That’s so nice.” She thought for a moment. “Would you mind, one more?”

Nora looked at her confused, until a spark went behind her eyes. “Oh! Yeah, definitely! We always need more cheerleaders for Team Ren!” She paused. “Though, I think we’ll need Jaune’s uniform custom made.”

Velvet laughed. “I think so too.”

----

Jaune paused, carrying an armful of drinks. He felt a twinge in his peripheral vision, something calling to him. Ren looked at him strangely. “What’s up?”

“Uh, just an eyelash in my eye, I’m trying to blink it out.”

“Oh, you need to rinse it out?”

“No, I think I almost got it.”

Something wasn’t right here. He had gotten a feeling as soon as he entered the museum, but had ignored it, being too busy with the group. But, now that he didn’t have any distractions, he felt it all the more strongly, how off everything was feeling. Jaune flinched, as a sudden weight appeared in his pocket.

Jaune felt his eyes go wide as he reached in with his free hand, feeling in his pocket, he froze. It was a book, he knew exactly which book too. Pulling his hand back, Jaune felt a buzz pass through his book, and a buzz coming from the ring he got from his ancestor. It was pulling his attention somewhere. He turned and looked around, searching for the source. Then he saw a display, it was from a recent dig in Vacuo. Something in it was catching his attention.

“Ren?”

“Yes?”

“I want to take a look at that.”

Ren nodded. “Ok. But, shouldn’t we get the girls?”

“I don’t think it can wait.” Jaune was already moving, Ren following him. “I got to see this, right now.”

“Jaune, are you ok? This isn’t like you.”

“I know, but just let me. Just let me do this real quick.” He looked at Ren. “Stop me if I do something dumb.

Ren nodded. “Always. Also, be quick.”

Jaune looked at the exhibit. He didn’t bother reading the background, he was busy studying the exhibit. Looking around for whatever it was that was throwing him off. It was utterly bursting with uncovered things from the dig. Dolls. Bronze knives. Cups. Those sorts of things. Apparently led by some big wig from Atlas.

He looked at the date, which was alleged from the dig. Jaune’s eyes bugged out. “Ren, none of these artifacts, their age, it hasn’t been decided, but any of these things.” He paused thinking.

“What about it?”

“They could be older than any other civilization known on Vacuo, or even the world.”

Ren’s eyes opened in awe. “But, that doll there, it looks like it could be from the last century.”

Jaune found the source, he looked at a casket that could easily fit someone around Nora’s size. HIs hand reached out, a sudden need to open it. A tight pressure was applied to his wrist, one that could easily put it into a hold behind his back, stopped that attempt.

“Jaune, don’t get us in trouble.”

Despite that, Jaune felt a deep rumble inside, a need to open that casket. His servant was waiting for him, they needed him to give orders. The pressure deepened, and Jaune snapped back. What was he doing? That wasn’t right at all. He didn’t have any servants, or need any. Jaune lowered his hand.

“Thanks.” Jaune met Ren’s eyes, giving him a grateful smile.

“Anytime.” Ren nodded.

“Jaune!” The blonde turned, seeing a short redhead zooming towards him. “Are you trying to steal from the museum! I thought you were done being a bad boy!” Before Jaune, a pair of silver-eyes looked at him full of disappointment, poking a tiny finger into his chest, then recoiling at the sturdiness. “Owie! Ignore that! What’s your excuse?” Ruby Rose puffed her chest, asking with all the authority her frame would allow.

“That Ren wouldn’t let me.” Jaune gestured to his best friend.

“Oh!” Ruby nodded. “Wait! That means you would have done it if he wasn’t here! Do I need to keep you on a leash?”

Ren looked at Ruby, then at Jaune. “I think Velvet wouldn’t appreciate that, Ruby.” He paused. “Or maybe, she would? You should ask her opinion first.”

Jaune looked at him confused. Why would Velvet care? He looked at Ruby, who looked equally confused.

“Velvet’s here?” Was Ruby’s response. “You’re not bullying her, Jaune?”

“Don’t worry, Ruby.” Ren proceeded. “She wants to be here, it was her idea.”

“Oh! Great!” Ruby nodded.

Jaune met her eyes for a minute, and flinched, her eyes, were they always tha bright? A sense of unease hit him. No. They were just normal silver eyes, he was just tired. “What are you doing here, Ruby?” He asked. “Did you miss me?” Jaune teased.

“Yep!” She answered honestly. “I tracked you down, and now, you got to hang out with me!”

“Oh.”

“Just kidding! Only a little bit, uh, me and the rest of the girls, we’re on …” Ruby’s face scrunched in concentration. “A scavenger hunt! Yeah! That’ll fool ‘em!”

“Fool who?” Ren questioned.

“... The police?”

“Why?’

“Because? … Why not?”

“Ok, that’s certainly an activity to do on the weekend. I hope you enjoy yourself.”

“I will!” Ruby nodded energetically. Then paused, looking at the casket, then shrugged. “Nope, not it.” Then kept moving, though not before waving goodbye. “I’ll be back later, don’t leave without saying bye!”

“Sure thing,” Jaune waved back. The buzzing was gone. Did Ruby calm the feeling? No, she couldn’t have. Or could she?

“She’s one of a kind.” Ren told Jaune.

“Yeah,” Jaune agreed.

“I’m glad you met her, though. She’s really brought you back around.” Ren started walking back to where the girls, Nora and Velvet, were.

The blonde looked at him curiously. “What do you mean?”

“Really? Look back on your actions, and tell me that you haven’t been a complete wreck the last year.”

Jaune shook his head. “Well, can’t deny that. I don’t regret it, though.”

Ren gave him a piercing look. “At all?” His eyes were calm, Jaune knew better.

There was some hesitation, but Jaune met his friend's eyes. “No. Not at all.” Because, it had to be done. Even if he'd never share his secret with anyone that didn’t already know.

“I’ve always resented this part of you.” Ren didn’t raise his voice, but in some ways that was worse with how calm it sounded. “This unrepentant self-centeredness, you go about it like it’s only you versus the world, never asking for help no matter what.”

There was a part of Jaune, and no small part either, that wanted to lash out against that statement. Argue, yell at him, tell Ren how little he knew. Ask what he really knows about him, and how could he say that about him, after all the blood he shed, all the pain he endured, all the trauma, all the nightmares, and how often he stared at the jaws of death.

It didn’t mean Ren was wrong, though. If he said anything like that, it would only prove the statement.

“I never liked how passive you are either,” Jaune fired back.

It didn’t mean he was in the wrong, either.

“Growing up with you and Nora, somebody has to play the calm one,”

“Yet, it hasn’t pushed you away.”

“Keep trying, and we'll see,” He hummed a bit, it was something Ren had done since they were children. “But, you’re fortunate that your good points overshadow the bad, otherwise, I’d have stopped talking to you, long ago.” He always hummed it when they ended up in the ER, or worse.

Jaune shook his head, smiling. “ Really? I don’t see them. But, since I trust you, I'll take your word on it.”

Any building tension was gone, and for a moment, they felt like just two boys hanging out at a museum. Two friends, falling back into their long-time roles, the goof-ball and his handler, just like they used to be. Playing the hero was overrated, Jaune would take this anyday over it, if he could. If there were no more Grimm. Or people that took advantage over other people. Or-

“Come on, the girls are waiting on us.”

“Yeah, sounds good.” Jaune walked just a tad slower than he normally did, if Ren noticed, he didn’t comment on it.

----

Pyrrha walked through the armory, admiring the craftwork of the weapons. Some were centuries old, and no less sharp for it. The armor, it was dull and aged, but in her mind's eye, she could easily see herself wearing it into battle. Even if she thought it would fit on someone else she knew better.

The thought of wearing it caught her for a moment. In another world, could she have been a warrior? She was certainly athletic, the most athletic after Yang, but did that translate to being a good fighter? She’d like to think her hard-work and drive would carry her through it, if it didn’t. It certainly had worked for anything else she put her mind to.

Before she gained her powers, and started attending Beacon, after she felt the pull to come here like the rest of the girls. Pyrrha had been in almost every club she had been introduced to at her old schools in Argus. It had brought her no small amount of fame, as there wasn’t a skill she couldn’t master if she put some effort towards it.

Competition after competition in her childhood, she was unbeaten, golf, tennis, track and field, dance, academic competitions, anything she was put in front of, she mastered and then left, unbeaten, as the Invincible Girl, as the challenge to her was gone. Her talent had brought her no end of attention back in Argus, but there was a part of her that resented that word, talent.

It implied, Pyrrha thought, that she didn’t have to work for it. That she didn’t put effort into it. When she puts in more effort than anyone. Her parents wouldn’t allow for anything less than perfection, as she had to live up to her talent and destiny. It wasn’t out of selfishness, or a need to live out through her, they just wanted Pyrrha to live up to her potential.

When she wanted to study abroad, they were all too happy, at the thought that her potential made her outgrow Argus. She missed that city. But fate called, and she answered. Maybe, her potential was granted to her by destiny, so that she’d be prepared to master these powers? Was life so planned out, though? Pyrrha wasn’t sure, and was less than happy to see that as the case.

The Magic she had, she resented it. She didn’t work for this power, it was thrust upon her. An unwanted gift, that she couldn’t return. It spat at her feet, a score in favor of those that said she didn’t have to work to get results.

Pyrrha’s mind wandered over to her first ‘lost’, to the Shadow Knight. She may not have used the full breath of her power, but the man was the better fighter by far. He was just a man, given no powers, no help, and he fought with a mad passion that she used to have, before she was given what was essentially cheats compared to the rest of the world.. She envied it. That situation, of every mistake being fatal, and still managing to succeed. It made every victory all the more worth it.

What would it be like, if she hadn’t received these powers, and found out about the Grimm? Could she really say that she would have become a warrior like him? Pyrrha wanted to say yes, so very badly, to have a challenge worth taking. But, she’d never know, her destiny lies elsewhere.

Walking forward, her gaze lingered on the armor. She smiled, Jaune would look very dashing in them. He was a fighter too, though, she wasn’t sure what kind. A part of her, admitted, her interest in him was his presence, his demeanor, he put up no illusions around himself. He was entirely Jaune, and was fighting something, though what, she wasn’t sure. She wanted to monopolize that feeling his presence gave her, be the only woman to see his battles, to watch his struggles, failures, and his success. Pyrrha knew it was a sick mindset, but she didn’t care.

Perhaps, (she wasn’t in a club at the moment, and neither was he ,to her knowledge) they could join some sort of club together (Maybe, weapon, or marital arts related?). Something to refine him into something greater, and let her live out that fantasy of the struggle, that want, that drive to succeed against adversity? Sure, he had a size and muscle advantage, but Pyrrha had a drive to succeed and a track record of not losing. Just the two of them together against the world. No magic, no destiny, just raw will and effort.

What a world that could be.

Pyrrha stared at the weapons laid before her, wondering which one would be best suited for her? She used a spear, since she was familiar with javelins from track and field, but couldn’t help but wonder, was something better for her? She’d have to choose one and train, if she ever wanted a rematch against the Shadow Knight to be meaningful. That rematch would happen, she was sure of it, her fate wouldn’t throw a loss against her without a chance to redeem herself, would it?

She sighed, banishing the thoughts. She had a duty to do, returning to searching for any magical buildup, ignoring the minor artifacts that were among the weapons. They were far too weak to be of use to her, or the other girls. Nothing a skilled craftsman, and hedge mage couldn’t make together. Pyrrha was looking for something on level with them, something that could build up enough energy to damage a city, potentially destroy it. Something that could siphon energy from a ley-line.

Pyrrha looked around the room, deciding that there was nothing in here, and moved on. A thought came to her as she was moving, that despite how busy it was earlier, she hadn’t seen anybody in a while. Strange, didn’t people enjoy a good weapons exhibit?

----

In the halls of the museum a man with a white mask walked, poorly, jerkily, as though a puppet controlled by an amateur of the art. One arm would fly out like a lever suddenly pulled down, his legs stiffly sticking out and wobbling, only barely not falling from the odd movements. It was disturbing to watch, and pitiful, as the man clearly wasn’t right in the head. A couple saw him, looking at each other, they were both in the medical field, and went over to help him.

“Sir, are you ok?” The man asked, while his female partner stood next to him. “Do you need any assistance?” The oddly moving man didn’t respond, the man looked at his partner and she nodded, pulling out a scroll to call for help. “Sir, we’re going to call for help, is that ok with you?”

The masked man stopped moving, observed them. Then he jerked his arms out, grabbing both of them by the neck. People around them stopped and stared with horror, as the kind couple were suddenly attacked, no moved to help them. So tight his grasp on their necks, that they couldn’t even call for help.

Something oozed out of his hands, that instead of dripping down his arms, climbed up his hands over the faces of the kind couples. Smothering them under a dense, cold, and unnatural black substance, that suffocated any resistance out of them as they went still.

Screaming came from the crowd, hysteria breaking out, as group think took over and the crowd fled. Many tripped over and were left behind, injured and trampled on, blood and trash left over the floor. The lone standing man there didn’t care, as he dropped the unmoving couple to the ground, uncaringly. He stared at the groaning people on the ground. Red eye beneath a white mask looked at them with alien thoughts.

Behind him, the couple then stood up, but they weren’t breathing. They did not give off any heat either, or heartbeat. They were dead, but they moved, controlled by the black mass that covered them. Red eyes stared around the room.

The people stuck on the ground froze in fear, daring to hope they wouldn’t be noticed by whatever this thing was.

They would have no such luck.

----

Blake felt something was wrong, but couldn’t put her finger on it. The energy buildup she was feeling, it had moved.

Not out of the building, but around the building, like it was moving. Instead of being concentrated, it was being divided. She didn’t like this one bit. Should she call for backup?

She was in the history section, and no one was around, not one soul, either. Hadn’t the museum been packed when she got here? That was when she saw it, a red-headed man pushing a sinisterly familiar bone mask on a couple's face. He saw her too, spinning a mask on a finger, it popping in out of nowhere. A smile on his face.

“Hello dear, how would you like a deal of a lifetime? A free-mask, in return for an undying servitude.”

“I think I’ll pass, it sounds like a bad deal. You should work on your sales pitch.”

“Is that so? Oh well, new offer. I take your freewill, and you get a new purpose in life.”

“Still no, creep.”

“Oh. Well then I’m done offering, I’m giving them away for free now!”

“Ew. No means no.” Blake was backing up, this guy was wrong, on a fundamental level wrong, and he had a magical presence too, that was just evil. She needed to regroup with the others.

The man sprinted at her, mask in hand, Blake dodged into the shadow of a statue, she considered not using her powers, but that would be worse. Molding into the shadows, she vanished.

The masked wielding man stood there, and sighed. “Great, just what I needed, an infestation of magical girls.” He tapped the side of his head. “To my lovely servants, stop whatever your doing.” He took a deep breath. “Kill any dark-haired girls you see, then kill everyone else.”

Roman would not have any interference in his heist, sure he might lose his shiny new servants, but he didn’t need them, they’d carry his essence as long as the mask was on them, and that was all he needed, at least till nightfall. Well, not even that, it just made stealing a whole museum that much easier.

----

Semi-Omake - Masked Soldier Arrives!

Melanie looked at her sister. “He took a night off?”

“Weird, right?”

“Is that allowed? Not he doesn’t deserve it, or us, but it feels weird.”

“As his physician, I say, it’s more than deserved.” Amber chimed in.

“So, what are you two going to do tonight?” Vernal asked, flickering through channels, a cup of coffee in hand.

“Well, I’d like to go clubbing for the first time in ages, sounds good Militia?”

Her sister looked unimpressed. “Meh. Not really, they’re not fun anymore.”

“What really?”

“It’s too loud, the music is trash, drinks are overpriced, and frankly, the eye-candy isn’t as nice as here.”

Melanie opened her mouth, but an argument failed to emerge. “Ok, fair. But-”

The door was thrown off its hinges, all four girls ducked. Nothing came, though, it set them on edge.

“What was that?” Vernal had drawn a large handgun, looking alert. “I thought this place was secure?” She looked calm, her eyes piercingly scanning the front door.

“It is!” Militia groused from behind the couch. “Uncle has the whole neighborhood under truce, anybody crazy enough to try would have all of Vale’s Underworld after them, they, their gang, and family, friends, they’d all be reduced to ash!

A window behind exploded, a shield bashing it way through as the man wielding it crashed into the room, then opened fire.

At the ceiling.

Standing there on the coffee table was a tall, slender man wearing the Vale flag over his face with a pair of goggles over his eyes, dressed like he was ready to fight the world and give it his best shot at winning.

“Huh, expected better.” He ducked to the side as a bullet from Vernals big-ass gun shot at him, whizzing. “So, this is what my grand-, I mean apprentice works withs. Not too good.” He muttered.

“Excuse us?!” Melanie screamed. “You break into our home, and say we’re not living up to expectations?!”

The mysterious man nodded. “Exactly.” He pointed at Amber. “I would have shot you first.”

“Why me?”

“Always shoot the medic!”

“That’s a war-crime!”

“Meh. Hasn’t stopped anyone before, nor will it in the future.”

He point at the twins. “Damn, you two need to be more prepared, you are never safe!”

Melanie scowled at him.

Militiades just shrugged in acceptance.

He pointed at Vernal. “You. You do alright, but try to aim better, sweetie.”

A middle-finger was her answer in response.

“Oh, she has gumption! I like that, I’ll put in a good word with my grand- uh, fuck it,” He took off his flag-mask. “You already know who you’re working with, and I’m done with fuckin black ops, I’m your main man’s grandpa!”

Everyone went silent.

“Do you greet everyone by shoot at them?” Militia asked after a moment.

He shrugged. “Ask Jaune.”

The room was silent.

“Anyway, I’m here to fill in for him tonight.”

“Uh, you’re kinda of old.” Melanie filled the silence.

“Yet, I’m still kicking more ass per second than a master crafted custom-made Atlesian ass-kicking machine.” There was no shame in his voice, whatsoever. “Anyway, take it up with Jaune tomorrow, I’m here to train you girls up to standard, and kill a couple Grimm.”

Melanie and Vernal circled him. “Yeah, why don’t we see about that?”

Grandpa Arc shrugged. “Oh well, I’m ready when you girls are.”

The girls fell over in a heap, exhausted. They had tried every cheap-shot and trip to put that old man down, but he knew them, countered them, and used a counter-cheap shot they hadn’t even known had existed, before beating them plain and fair. Jeremiah Arc stood over them with a smile. “Alright, that was a good warmup, let's get to training, and then some light Grimm killing, alright?”

All four of them never felt more terrified of a old man’s smile than at that moment.

#shadow knight

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askundeadbluelesbians · 2 months

Text

Wide Right

CW: Mentions of death and grief, based off of real experiences

… Polly had decided she no longer liked funerals. She only vaguely remembered attending one in life: that of her grandfather, Vanya Geist, roughly around 2006. Of course, all of her other grandparents had passed on, but Polly’s grandfather’s funeral stuck in her mind for multiple reasons: mainly because he was the only one to pass not only when she herself was still alive, but was also old enough to remember it.

The second, and more prevalent reason, was because that was when her father’s drinking problem took a turn for the worst. Polly took to drinking herself not long after that, while still following her rule of thumb. In a way, she and her father bonded over drinking. Sure, she remembered fuck-all about her first drink, but he was there the entire time for it.

And now she won’t be able to share a drink with him ever again. His… well, second funeral was only a fortnight ago. He and her mother had moved on while Polly was on her road trip to California. Being so far away from family… hardly even knowing that her parents were close to moving on… learning second-hand of it happening.

Not only would she never be able to share a drink with him ever again, she’d never be able to play chess with her mom again, never engage in girl talk with her mother again… Never see them, happy together, ever again.

She could only imagine how it felt for Spencer, who was there in their final moments of moving on. How was he feeling? How long did he have to sit with this knowledge before deciding to call her? How did he feel when it turned out that they willed the house to him, so he didn’t have to worry about looking for an apartment? … How did he feel about now having no one to share this home with?

She spent almost the entirety of Sitting Shiva with him, so he didn’t have to deal with this grief alone anymore. Neither of them shared a word with each other in that time; they just knew how the other was feeling without needing to say it. Finally, after a whole week of mourning, Polly felt that she was ready to leave, making sure her brother was okay to be left alone in the house again.

So here she was, on her walk home, the December snow having coated the world in white while she was in black. The mourning period may officially be over… but she still felt empty. The sound of laughter as kids played in the snow did nothing to lift her spirits.

… Oh wait. That was no child. That was Scott.

“WHOO! Throw it again! Farther!”

“Alright, alright, Babe…!”

Polly recognized those two voices from anywhere: her best friend, Scott, was playing fetch with his boyfriend, Brian. They were enjoying themselves… and it made Polly wish she could feel the same way. She didn’t even need to say anything before both of them noticed her.

“Oh! Hi, Polly!” Scott greeted, scooping her up in a hug, wagging his tail. “I haven’t seen you all week, not since the end of the road trip!”

“Yeah… I’ve just been sitting at home…” Polly answered, not feeling the energy to hug her bestie back.

“H-Hey, Scott,” Brian called out. “Isn’t it time to meet with your subjects?”

“Ooh! Yes! I forgot! Thanks, bro!” Scott answered, kissing Brian before dashing off, leaving him and Polly alone.

“Is it really time for Scott to meet with his fanbase?” Polly asked.

“No. I just wanted us to have a talk,” Brian answered, sitting on a bench, with her sitting next to him. “Scott… doesn’t take talking about death well.”

“Funny, since he’s dating a zombie,” Polly halfheartedly chuckled. “I’m guessing that’s why neither of you attended the service?”

“Yeah. But, honestly, if Scott was there, he probably would’ve cried the entire time, because, well, you’re his best friend.”

“Yeah… dude doesn’t deserve to cry,” Polly agreed, wiping any tears that she felt coming. “Besides, he saw my mom as a mom too… Probably would’ve asked to Sit Shiva with me… and then run off when he’s told that includes no football for a week.” Brian gave a light chuckle in response.

“So… do you know when they’ve moved on?” Brian asked.

“Spencer said almost a week before we made it to Veranotone.”

“So… you were told second-hand.”

“Yeah…”

“… So was I.”

… Hold the phone. This is the first Polly was hearing of this: Brian actually ended up going through what she did?

“Who?”

“My grandfather. My mom’s dad,” Brian answered. “I was about… sixteen, I think, when it happened. It was a December day, like this one, back in 1989, right before Christmas vacation. I already knew beforehand that my granddad was sick. He was getting up there and the eighties were not kind for him. But one of the things you can credit him for? My love of football.”

“Oh?” Polly asked, looking up at Brian.

“It was one of the first things he fell in love with when he and Grandma immigrated here in the fifties. And he passed that love to my father, and to me,” Brian continued to narrate. “He’d take me to every game he could up until 1987. And that’s roughly about when I started to actually play football. In fact, I have an old jersey in my closet. Does not fit me anymore.”

“Your granddad got it for ya?”

“Yeah. He did. Number 56… ‘56 also happened to be the year my grandparents immigrated. So it was considered his own personal lucky number. And I picked that number when I started playing. We had actually finished my first season as a player when… it happened.

“My grandma, dad’s mom, was going to be the one to pick me up from school that day. Again, I knew my granddad was sick. So imagine my surprise when I saw my own mom pick me up instead. I… I thought granddad was feeling better.” Tears were starting to appear on his face as he continued. “He… he wasn’t.”

“Oh… Brian, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault… Just, it’s hard not being there to say goodbye yourself,” Brian concluded, to which Polly nodded in agreement. “Christmas was only a few days after the funeral, and it was probably the worst one of my either of my lives. The next year, 1990, would probably be the hardest of my life. I let my grades slip, almost to the point where it cost me my spot on the team. Days, weeks, months began to blur. Then September came… and Sundays started making sense again.”

“Hmm?”

“I very much latched onto my granddad’s favorite team. It was my way of grieving. They were good, but never really went far as they did this season. They made it to the playoffs, thirteen-and-three record, and every game they won after that felt like he was there with me.” A smile slowly began to appear on Brian’s face. “I woulda gone to Tampa myself to watch the game in person, but no way was some seventeen-year-old getting from Jersey to Florida, let alone get a ticket for the biggest game of the year!” Brian chuckled at his story, and Polly began chuckling as well. “So, like every other day that season, I was parked in front of the TV. But that day, I wasn’t alone.”

“Wow… that’s… umm…” Polly began, trying to put the words together, confusion forming on her face.

“I know it’s long-winded, but there’s a point to this story,” Brian chuckled. “Grief… it’s different for everyone. I could only imagine how my parents handled my own death just five years later… But, I swear until the day I die a second time, I felt him every time I watched football, every time I played. And I swear he moved that ball Wide Right.” Brian wiped his tears on his sleeve. “Grief doesn’t leave you. It morphs into the love you have for them, into the things you did together, into the things you continue to do without them there.”

Polly’s gaze went downward, staring at her gloved hands. What Brian said did make sense. He must’ve felt so vulnerable bringing this up with her. He… he trusted her. He trusted her enough to show her that he knew what she was going through.

“Fuck, Bri.”

“Is… is that your way of—?”

“Thank you.”

“… Well that answers that question,” Brian laughed, patting her on the back. “I’ll leave ya to your walk, then. Just think about what I said, ‘kay?”

“Will do,” Polly answered, giggling as she got back up and continued walking. She still felt down, sure, but not as down as she was earlier… Maybe she’ll go play chess and drink wine with Vera later. She thinks—no, she knows—it’s what her parents would’ve wanted.

#Undead Vignettes #Polly #Polly Geist #Brian #Brian Green #Brian Yu #Scott #Scott Howl #Brian Yu x Scott Howl

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