#i know lewis doesn’t drink anymore but i couldn’t find any other reason they would get married accidentally | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

horansqueen · 3 years

Text

Stuck With You - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: I Really Like You

🡪chapter 1 🡪chapter 2 🡪chapter 3 🡪chapter 4 🡪chapter 5 🡪chapter 6 🡪chapter 7 🡪chapter 8 🡪chapter 9 🡪chapter 10 🡪chapter 11 🡪chapter 12 🡪chapter 13

College Enemies To Lovers AU

characters // masterlist // instagrams // mood board

I really wanna stop, but I just got the taste for it I feel like I could fly with the boy on the moon So, honey, hold my hand, you like making me wait for it I feel like I could die walking up to the room, oh yeah

It's way too soon, I know this isn't love

I really, really, really, really, really, really like you And I want you, do you want me, do you want me, too? I really, really, really, really, really, really like you And I want you, do you want me, do you want me, too?

It's like everything you say is a sweet revelation All I wanna do is get into your head Yeah, we could stay alone, you and me in this temptation Sipping on your lips, hanging on by thread, baby

Who gave you eyes like that? Said you could keep them I don't know how to act Or if I should be leaving I'm running out of time Going out of my mind I need to tell you something

click here to be on the update list

The text message I got of Niall telling me to join him to his car made something stir in my stomach. I rushed to the bathroom to look at myself one last time in the mirror, getting on my tiptoe and pulling on my shirt slightly before quickly running out of the building. I heard the honk of a car and it made my heart jump so high in my chest that I thought I was about to throw it up. It's only when I got closer that I noticed he was not alone. There was a guy in the backseat, and the girl sitting nesxt to Niall was the same girl I found laying beneath him the other day. My smile faltered and I suddenly felt nervous but Niall moved his upper body closer to the wheel to look at me by the window.

"Hey Devie, you ready?"

I glanced at Mandy before looking back at him, sending him a shy smile. I hadn't expected to be stuck in Niall's car with two strangers but I was new to this school and if I wanted to get to know people, I knew I had to make efforts.

"Mmhm." I replied, taking a seat next to the guy who sent me a short nod.

"Okay, so. Devon, this is Mandy and her brother, Noah."

Mandy quickly turned around to take a look at me and sent me a smile. "We've met." she pointed out with a chuckle. "Sorry for the other day, I was a bit embarrassed to be caught naked."

My lips parted slightly and my breath caught in my throat. I sort of expected her to be an ass with me but the sincere smile she was sending me made me feel slightly guilty for thinking wrong of her just because she slept with Niall.

"No, it's cool, I should have knocked."

She laughed again, turning to look at Niall. "No, it's your room too." she corrected me. "It's Niall's fault, he should have told you."

"Sure, go ahead, pin it on me, i've got broad shoulders." he chuckled, glancing at her and making my heart drop in my chest.

Did he ever look at me like that? Was that feelings I saw in his eyes? And why did it even matter if he had feelings for her? I looked down and licked my lips, coming to the realization that it mattered because I liked Niall. I really really really liked Niall. Fuck.

"Everyone makes mistakes, Niall." Mandy joked, tapping his thigh gently. "You're forgiven, right Dev?"

I looked up and blinked a few times when she said my name and pressed my lips together. She was sending me an amused smile and I tried to smile back at her.

"O-Of course."

I felt something stir in my stomach and my eyes met Niall's in his rearview mirror. His gaze changed slowly into a fond look and my lips curled slightly more until he blinked a few times and glanced down. I looked down too only to see Mandy's hand gripping his thigh a bit harder. She moved one of her legs up, putting her foot on the bench before leaning her head against the bench, still looking at him.

She was pretty. She was much prettier than I always would be and I was well aware of that, and I just closed my eyes, trying to think about something else.

"So Devon. " I heard, making my eyes flutter open again. "What are you studying in?"

I turned to look at Noah and sent him a small smile. "Oh, art." I replied in a low tone. "Mostly painting and drawing."

"So, you want to be a painter? That's bold." Noah replied, running his hand in his blonde hair. "I'm all for following your dreams but do you have a plan B?"

"Yea, I'd like to work in a museum, maybe. Restoring historical works of art seems... very amazing." I explain, a bigger smile appearing on my lips.

"Devon doesn't need a plan B." Niall quickly replied, glancing again in his mirror. "She's super talented, she'll be a famous painter someday."

I felt my heart jump again in my chest and pressed my lips together as I tried not to smile too much. It was a bit funny since I was pretty sure Niall had never seen anything I had painted before, but I still appreciated the comment for a reason I ignored. Perhaps because it showed that he was not totally indifferent to me and knowing that he was ready to defend me on something like that made me feel special.

Of course, I knew that concretely, Noah was right : I would probably not end up being a famous painter and certainly wouldn't be able to live a decent life with the money of a few (if even) paintings sold, but it was okay, because I didn't want my biggest passion to turn into a job. I wanted it to remain a passion and a hobby, something I could do to let out all my feelings, something that would make me feel better after a long day or after a heartbreak. I needed painting like I needed to breathe and I didn't want to end up hating it. Obviously, sometimes it was frustrating when I wanted to pain something and it didn't turn out exactly how I had imagined, but It was different than making a job out of it and disliking it to the point of not wanting to do it anymore. If I lost my passion for painting, I knew I would lose a part of me.

It only took a minute of two before Niall parked his car and we quickly got out. I followed them to the entrance and we hopped in an elevator to reach the fourth floor. We could hear the music from the hall and I started feeling so nervous I had to wipe my hands on the back of my jeans. When I looked up, I met Niall's gaze who frowned as he mouthed 'are you okay?' and I just nodded, sending him a small smile.

I was not really okay but at the same time, i didn't want him to feel like he had to take care of me, scared that he'd never invite me again. The only thing that made me feel better was to notice that Mandy and Niall were not holding hands, or even remotely close to each other. I sort of had expected it but realizing I was wrong made me feel less stupid for accepting to go to this party.

The door opened and a whiff of cigarette and weed smell reached us. I was too busy staring at the guy in front of us, a large smile on his lips, as he greeted us with open arms.

"Niall!"

"Hey, Lewis."

They hugged and when Niall pulled away, Lewis turned to me. I didn't know why but I sent him a smile as his lips curled slightly into a smirk. "Devon, it's nice to meet you."

I frowned, a bit surprised that he knew my name, but kept a smile on my lips. Niall probably had talked about me before and since I was most likely the only one he didn't know, he probably guessed it was me, but it was still a bit intriguing.

"Oh, uhm, you too."

I was about to hold out my hand but he took a step closer and pulled me into a hug. His hoodie smelled nice and I chuckled, hugging him back.

"Okay, free drinks in the kitchen." Lewis let out when he pulled away. "You smoke your own shit though I don't pay for that."

Niall walked past him, putting his hand on Lewis' cheek and tapping it gently. "How nice of you mate."

I followed Niall to the kitchen and realized Noah and Mandy had left. I stood behind him as he searched for something specific (or it seemed) and when he turned around to me again, his gaze met mine immediately.

"No best way to get drunk than with vodka."

I chuckled and frowned, finding some space on the counter and pushing myself up to sit on it. Niall's smile faltered a bit and his eyes roamed on me before turning around to grab glasses and filled them. He walked closer to me and I looked slightly down at him, taking the cup he was handing me. He clinked his glass against mine, the plastic of his barely making any sound as it hit mine, and took a long sip. I watched him and did the same, grimacing as the liquor left a burning sensation down my throat.

"So. uhm, are you moving out?" he asked casually before drinking more from his glass.

"I tried but I'm on a waiting list, sorry."

"No, no I think you should stay."

I waited until his eyes met mine and quickly, he shrugged and looked away. "I mean, we can just text each other when we have someone over. I'm sure it can work."

I felt my heart ache suddenly and lost my smile, looking down in my glass and shrugging a shoulder. What did I expect? Niall was clearly not going to admit he was in love with me and then tell me he'd never have sex with any other girl because he loved me too much! Then why did this scenario made my heart thump in my chest?

"Maybe. I don't know."

We remained silent for a few seconds and I felt him move closer to me, his lower stomach brushing slightly against my knees as a wave of warmth invaded me.

"Come on, I'll present you some people if you want."

"Mmhm."

He moved away and I jumped off the counter as an idea popped into my head. It was stupid and probably impossible but It was worth a try.

"Niall?" I asked, making him turn around and raise his eyebrows. "Maybe... your friend Lewis would need a roommate?"

His facial expression changed from confused to surprised but when his lips opened again, I couldn't really tell how he felt about my idea. It was probably a bad one anyway. I didn't know Lewis much and I was not even sure I could afford half of the rent, but if Niall wanted to get rid of me, maybe he could help me see if it was even remotely possible.

"Y-You want to live here? With Lewis?"

I shrugged as he took a step closer to me and I tilted my head. "I mean, maybe? It would be a solution. Just until they find a room for me in the girls' building. That way you can get your room back."

"But I don't-" he replied quickly, cutting himself and letting out a sigh as he closed his eyes. "I think it's a bad idea, Dev."

It took a few seconds but he opened his eyes back. They met mine and I sent him a sad smile, shrugging a shoulder. "Alright."

It was true, I didn't know much about his friend, but he gave me a good first impression and I thought Niall would jump on the occasion to get his room back if only to be able to invite Mandy (or any other girl) whenever he wanted to.

I followed him to the living room as someone handed me a beer and everyone started talking. After a while, I got up and left to go to the bathroom and when I got out, I walked past Lewis, sending him a small smile.

"Thanks for inviting me, by the way." I let out politely as I kept walking.

"Hey Devon!"

I turned around and he sent me a bigger smile. "You having fun?" he asked, his accent thicker than I expected.

"Oh, yes." I let out with a smile. "I'm surprised Niall invited me."

This time, Lewis laughed a bit. "I'm not."

I frowned for half a second and finally licked my lips, walking back slowly to him and shaking my head. "Look, this is going to sound so weird and, don't feel bad to say no but, wouldn't you be looking for a roommate?"

His smile fell slightly and his eyes roamed on my face, and it made me realize that he was quite pretty and I was not sure how I felt about it. He seemed a bit speechless though and I realized that I probably made him uncomfortable.

"Forget it," I added, shaking my head, taking a step back. "It was just something that crossed my mind."

"No, Devon, it's just..." he replied with a sigh as I was leaving. "Let's just say if I said yes, Niall would kill me."

I chuckled and rolled my eyes, shaking my head a bit. "I highly doubt that."

"Dev, trust me. I know what I'm talking about."

I frowned and it only made his lips curl as he raised his eyebrows before turning around and locking himself in the bathroom. I remained there, motionless and lost in my thoughts for a few seconds, and finally breathed in deeply and walked back to the living room. This time, I stopped completely breathing when I noticed Mandy was sitting next to Niall, her legs placed on his lap and one of her arms wrapped around one of his.

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me but swallowed hard. I knew it was only jealousy but it was enough to make me want to leave immediately. I licked my lips and took big breath, trying to get back to my senses. I couldn't just rush out and leave without an explanation and I couldn't tell Niall I left because the girl he has sex with was all over him. Just thinking about it sounded ridiculous and I walked back to them, taking a seat on the floor, in front of the coffee table. Niall glanced at me and his lips curled slightly on the left. Could he tell it was bothering me?

Everyone started playing beer pong but with vodka and I watched them swallow the content of their glasses with a smile. I was not very good with drinking and could easily get drunk but I still enjoyed looking at them. Lewis came back after a while and handed me a beer. I thanked him as he sat next to me and when I turned back to Niall, he was looking at his friend with a frown. My eyes dropped to Mandy's legs still placed on his lap and I just pressed my lips together, trying to ignore it.

About half an hour later, I was leaning on the table, trying not to let my thoughts wonder too much. I looked at Niall who was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes and watching him being so drunk reminded me of one of the first days we met. He was drunk and had tried to show me his cock. Now, I was a bit scared he was going to show it to someone else. The thought of his half-hard dick pressed against me as he kissed me made my inner thighs throb again and I held my breath. I would never get over that.

"Mandy, you're definitely cheating!" Noah let out a bit too loud, moving his chin in his sister's direction. "That's fucking water, innit?"

"You're just pissed because I can hold my drink better than you!"

"Don't even try, you've cheated before!" Noah insisted.

I stared at the scene with my eyebrows raised, noticing that I was myself getting a bit too tipsy but it was clearly nothing compared to them.

"Want a proof that this isn't water?" Mandy asked, getting a bit mad.

"Yes!"

I didn't expect it at all when she turned around quickly and crashed her mouth against Niall's, quickly deepening the kiss as she held the back of his head to make sure he wouldn't move. I felt my heart shatter in my chest as an image of them having sex on his bed crawled back in my thoughts.

Everyone started yelling and laughing except me. I was not tipsy. I was drunk off my ass. How many drinks did I have? I couldn't count, but I knew it was partially why my eyes were filling up with tears at that exact moment. I was not dating Niall and I was well aware that he and Mandy were fuck buddies, so why did I become so emotional from them kissing? I was pissed but most of all, I was pissed at myself for letting something like that get to me again.

I had admitted to myself that I liked Niall and even if I knew it was unrequited, I was clearly not okay with watching him kiss someone else. Where did my resolution to do anything I could to hate him go? What the fuck was I doing?

I held my breath as they kissed, not able to let air fill my lungs, but it seemed like that kiss would never end and after a while, I put my beer on the table and got up. It was only when I reached for the elevator that I allowed tears to fall down my cheeks.

"Fuck off." I whispered to no one as the doors opened and I walked in, turning around to lean against the wall.

And I saw him. I saw Niall, getting out of the apartment and looking around himself until he saw me, and my lips parted.

"DEVON!"

The doors started closing just as he started running but I remained motionless, wondering if the doors would close before he could reach the elevator.

"Devon wait!" he let out, sliding his arm between the doors and making them open again. "Devie."

I let my eyes roam up and down on him, my mouth still half opened. He finally stepped foot in the elevator but remained standing up in front of me as the doors finally closed behind him. We started going down and he shook his head slightly.

"Devie, why are you leaving?"

I frowned, ready to throw at him everything that was actually wrong with him and not even feeling bad about it because of how intoxicated I was but I didn't have time: the power seemed to go off, the lights flickered and the elevator stopped.

#niall horan #niall horan fluff #niall horan smut #niall horan fanfic #niall horan fan fic #niall horan fanfiction #niall horan fan fiction #niall horan au #niall horan enemies to lovers #niall horan college au #niall horan uni au #my fanfics #swy

60 notes · View notes

salenakingston · 3 years

Text

Mystery March Day 13 - Relax

Arthur was at his wits end.

While there was no denying he would do anything so long as he was spending time with his friends, even he had his limits. Everyone did. It was amazing to him just how long Vivi could keep going on their outings without ever crashing. Lewis didn’t have anything to worry about, being a ghost and all. Mystery would trail along after them no matter how many times.

As many times as it took to ensure their safety. To insure no repeat of the past.

The blonde had always been the odd one out when it came to his friends. He wasn’t as brave as them, even if they begged to differ on that point. He wasn’t as strong as them. They had a far better grip on their lives than he did, and that was certainly saying something considering one was dead… undead? Whatever.

It almost made him feel a little selfish, to want anything. It didn’t matter how many times his friends told him it was alright, something about it never sat right with him. He had a hand in tearing everything they had apart, no matter how indirect his involvement might have been. The least he could do was make everything up to them. They would always have some down time. He still had a work schedule he maintained on the side. He always had his late nights, sometimes still unable to find comfort in sleep.

They helped, but they weren’t going to be around him for every second of the day. He’d just have to find ways to cope.

Arthur was at his wits end… but he had no right to complain.

He hadn’t been paying too much attention to where they were going, adjusting himself in the back of the van with some of his sketches. This wasn’t unusual for him. The dynamic they shared had mended, but there was no way it would ever go back to the way it was before. They all talked, but sometimes there wasn’t a single word said between them.

The blonde didn’t look up until he felt the jerk of the van stopping. It hadn’t been a sudden stop, but there was always a distinct feeling to how vehicles halted. His head peeked over the line of seats, surprised they seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere.

Honestly he really shouldn’t have been. Considering how much time they spent on the road, it wasn’t uncommon for them to stop somewhere for the night. Hotels were common, but not always easy to access when night creeped into the sky.

Vivi’s enthusiasm was there to greet him, all of them really. She pushed the door open, “Come on guys! Let’s set up camp!”

Right…

Arthur pushed away from the seat, hunched over in the bag as he pulled out a box of their camping gear. There wasn’t much, given the van had space for them to comfortably lounge. If anything, the few supplies they had on hand were items for cooking, holding drinks, and a couple folding chairs, on the off chance they didn’t feel like sitting on the grass or dirt.

Two bedrolls were pulled forward, unbuckled, and laid out along the metal floor. He couldn’t help but stare at the small space lingering between them. He always laid them out like this. The larger bedroll was of course reserved for the two lovebirds, had always been before Lewis’ death. The single one was meant for him. Mystery usually laid with whomever had space.

But even after all this time, he still placed space between them. He knew they brought him comfort, and more often than not, would wake up with the two at his side. One would think he’d get the hint and stop digging into his old habits.

It wasn’t the same anymore. It was like his brain and hands could never communicate properly anymore.

Blue soon came into his vision, seeming to give a quick glance to the laid out rolls, the blonde laying blankets over them while she grabbed their small box. He hadn’t noticed her looking at the gap, one soon covered.

He turned around, “Something wrong Vivi?”

The bluenette shook her head, turning on her heels, “Nope. Come on Artie. You look like you’ve got everything set up in there.”

He nodded, making his way out of the van. Feet planted firmly on the ground, shutting the doors behind him. There was no harm in keeping them open, as they stopped in a rather secluded part of… whatever road it was they were on, but enough poor decisions and bad luck had him keeping everything locked tight.

Lewis was getting a fire going. Of course, he snickered silently in his head. It seemed the perfect job for a being made of fire.

Even though Vivi herself had tried using his own hair before, he’d learned to stop giving her the opportunity to do so.

The four sat around the glow, Arthur finding the courage to break the ice, “So, how much further until we get to the next site?”

The ghost and girl looked at one another, causing him to tilt his head in confusion. That’s the entire reason they were out here. That’s the only reason they ever seemed to be out on the road. It was like that before the disaster that destroyed their lives, and so too once they reformed. Why should he have any reason to expect anything else?

Vivi’s head finally moved back in his direction, a mix of guilt and sympathy intertwined with her usual cheerful expression, “Yeah, about that. It was actually a lie. We’re not going anywhere to ghost hunt.”

“...What?”

“We weren’t sure if you’d come with us otherwise. You’re always ducking out when we try to do things with you that don’t revolve around the Mystery Skulls.”

It’s not my place to come between you two.

I don’t deserve it.

I don’t deserve friends like you.

I can’t be selfish.

What haven’t I done besides ruin everything?

“Why?”

Lewis spoke up this time, “We aren’t blind Arthur. We can tell you’ve been running ragged for a while now.”

“What are you talking about? I’m fine.”

The ghost continued on as if he said nothing at all, “Why didn’t you tell us anything?”

Don’t be selfish.

“Seriously, I’m fine.”

Vivi broke through again, “Arthur, you know you can talk to us. You can tell us when something is bothering you.”

Don’t be selfish.

“Vivi, nothing is wrong.”

“It’s clear to all of us that’s a lie.” Oh great, even Mystery was getting in on this.

Selfish.

“It’s not.”

Selfish.

“Arthur.”

Selfish!

“Arthur.”

SELFISH.

“Arthur!”

He couldn’t take it anymore, nor could he help how his voice raised when he spoke, “I’m not going to be selfish enough to have you take time for me. My problems shouldn’t be your concern when I’m the one that’s usually causing them for all of you.”

Nice going.

The blonde turned around, facing away from his friends. For a while, nothing but silence hung in the air. What were any of them supposed to say to an outburst like that? Arthur began to curl in on himself, wishing her could disappear from this spot. He was about to get up so he could hide in the van when he heard Vivi’s voice again, “Well that’s too bad.”

He didn’t say anything, but heard Lewis next, “Friends are supposed to take care of each other Arthur. If you’re burning out, you can, and should, let us know.”

Again he said nothing, the nail being hit in the head when Mystery took a turn to speak, “If you don’t Arthur, nothing will change. We will have learned nothing. Do you want history to repeat itself?”

“No… of course not…”

Movement. Two hands and one paw along his shoulder. Head turned enough to bring all of them into view.

“Let us in Artie.”

He spun around, embracing all of them. He didn’t need to say anything.

Vivi was the first to break from the group, finding her hand in Arthur’s, “Come on. I think we could all use a little R and R. No ghosts, spooks, or things that go bump in the night for at least a week.”

“What about Lewis?”

“He doesn’t count. He’s more of a friend than a ghost.”

None of them needed to look to see the heart he wore blink brighter than usual. And none of them missed the way Arthur started chuckling lightly. He raised his hands to mimic quotation marks, “Things that go bump in the night.”

“Yes, I did say those words. You got a problem with that Kingsmen?”

“Nope! Not at all!”

Once he fell into a spell of laughter, everyone else followed.

It wasn’t selfish of him to want time to himself, or with his friends. It wasn’t selfish of him to want a break from their line of work, nor should he feel like he should have to beg for it. Mystery was right. If they didn’t learn from the past, something more was going to happen to them. It was time for a bout of rest and relaxation.

And he couldn’t think of anyone else to do that with than his friends.

Well, maybe Galahad and Lance might take offense to that. They were just as good at helping him. Ok, amended statement: he couldn’t think of anyone else aside from his friends, his uncle, and his hamster.

#MysteryMarch2021 #mystery skulls animated #my writing #my submission

38 notes · View notes

problematicfavesareproblematic · 4 years

Text

There’s a Reason It’s Called Liquid Courage

Bull Randleman x Reader

Summary: After a night of (responsible) drinking, Bull decides to let you know just how seriously he takes your budding relationship.

(it’s literally a blurb and a half, sorry fam)

“I told you I didn’t drink, stop laughing at me!”

y/n felt her frown deepen as Denver “It’s Basically Water'' Randleman clutched at his stomach in what a casual observer might describe as a bout of laughter.

But for anyone who knew him, he was in stitches. In fact, Y/N wasn't sure she’d ever seen him like this.

And she would’ve savored the opportunity to witness it, if it had been at the expense of anyone other than herself.

“There’s a difference between ‘I don't drink’ and ‘if alcohol so much as touches my tongue I’m going to spit it out into Lewis Nixon’s face’—”

“—I didn’t know he’d taken the liberty of spiking my tea, it’s a natural reaction!”

But it was no use, Bull had already lost himself into another fit of bellowing laughter. This time, she didn't have the heart to glare at him, instead finding herself smiling at the rare moment of open joy from the most reckless man she’d ever met.

There’d been plenty of reasons to smile today: no one had died, no cars had massive mechanical issues, and most importantly- she’d been given a chance to use the shower in the home they’d assigned to her.

Her hair didn't seem to be getting thinner anymore and she certainly noticed less hair falling out when she finger combed it, but she still hadn’t menstruated.

While being closer to towns meant that she had access to food more steadily than any of the frontline men, she still had dropped a significant amount of weight.

She doubted that was helping matters in the lack of period department.

Her mother had told her about what stress could do to a body, but even then Y/N felt like the woman had withheld the more graphic details. If only I could ask her, Y/N thought ruefully. See if what’s happening to me is normal or not. if I will be okay…

Eventually, Bull had stopped laughing, and they had fallen into their usual comfortable silence. He'd smoked two cigarettes before he spoke again, and when he did his voice was quiet.

“I’d like to talk to you about something.”

turning to face him a bit more, she only hesitated for a moment before nodding. He watched her with careful eyes, and a bit of anxiety dripped into her stomach.

He cleared his throat a couple of times before looking out over her shoulder, and working his jaw. “I was wondering if you'd be willing to help me with some paperwork later.”

That threw her for a loop. She squinted, tilting her head to the side.

“You want...help with paperwork?”

“Yeah.”

“My help?”

“Yes.”

“Is it...mechanical paperwork?”

he sighed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. “No, what? No. It’s social security stuff.”

“Oh, huh…” she trails off, growing more confused than ever. A stray thought catches her attention, and for a moment her heart flutters nervously. “Do you want me to not look at you?”

(It was a system the two of them had come up with back in Toccoa, when she’d had to give him the bad news that his letters had been confiscated and destroyed after Sobel dubbed them as contraband. Y/N had been anxious, not wanting to see the hurt and disappointment mar his handsome face. He’d initially offered to look away from her as a joke, yet it had soon lost any of its humor as time went on.)

He nods, looking down like he’s ashamed that he can’t just say whatever it is he’s trying to say.

“Alright,” she says, turning on her bottom so he can only see her profile. Staring at the wall in front of her, she sighs and waits for him to talk.

“I need to change the name of the person who gets my pension, if anything happens.”

Oh, she thought, trying to keep her face from showing her surprise. She hadn’t expected that. they’d never talked about that sort of thing.

She hums a sound for him to go on, mentally trying to figure out where he was going with this request.

“I want you to get it, or at least some of it.”

What.

“What?” she gasped, whipping her head to look at him.

“Hey.” he snapped in return, narrowing his eyes and pointing in the direction she’d been looking in. “Eyes that way, woman!”

With a quick glare, she turns back to look away, choosing her next words carefully. “Why?”

“Why? Why what?”

Y/N doesn't bother to hide her eye roll, taking an exasperated deep breath and working to keep her voice from going pitchy. “Jesus, Den! How about; why me, huh? Why not Luz or charity or some nurse called Dottie you met before you shipped out? And why now? Nothing’s happened, right? So, why would you even be thinking of something like that?”

“In order?” he asks snarkily, and from the corner of her eyes she sees him lift up his hands to count off her questions. “Because I want to, because Luz would spend it on something stupid with Perco, and I don't know any nurses named Dottie- and even if I did I wouldn't pick her anyways. And…” he hesitates, and it’s a few moments before he speaks again.

When he does, his voice is so low she feels it more than hears it.

“And it’s because nothing has happened lately that I’m thinking about this, Y/N.”

Oof. Leave it to Bull to save up all his pretty words for her and then dump them on her all at once. He couldn’t just hold her hand or make up excuses to see her, he had to go and bring legal documents into the equation- as well as making her feel all soft and mushy for him.

She looks down at her hands, and within seconds Bull takes her hands in his and scoots over so she can see him. When she looks at him again she can’t help the sad smile that crosses her face.

“You’re probably never going to tell me why you picked me, are you Mr. Randleman?”

Her voice is sad, but she knows he understands why.

He knows they aren’t just talking about the life insurance change.

Pressing a kiss on her interwoven fingers, he holds her gaze with steadfast resolve.

“Probably not, no. You’re right.”

She let it hang there, waiting to see how it felt to hear him admit that much. Well, if he was willing to risk her rejecting him, the least she could do was reward his courage.

As quickly as she could she brought her hands up to hold his face while she ducked a quick kiss on his lips, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of surprise coming from in the back of his throat.

As she pulled away she stood up, smiling down at his reddening cheeks and wide eyes.

What was that for? he seemed to ask, clearly having not expected her to have that response to his confirmation.

She shrugged, rolling her shoulders and adapting a pensive look.

“I suppose I find honesty more attractive than I thought.”

With a softer smile, she studies him one final time before turning and heading for the door.

“I didn’t ‘pick you’, you know.” He calls, and she stops with her hand on the doorknob. “it wasn’t...it’s not like that.”

She looks over her shoulder at him, a warm feeling coming over her as he eyed her softly.

“Then what is it like?”

“It just is,” he says simply, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

Grinning stupidly, she has the decency to blush and look away. Smooth son of a bitch.

“Good night, Bull Randleman”

“Good night, Y/F/N.”

With a good-natured huff, she shakes her head and opens the door, letting the warm air of the house swallow her in darkness.

(TWO IN ONE NIGHT? WHO AM I?)

Taglist: @mrseasycompany

#band of brothers imagines #band of brothers x reader #bull randleman x reader

78 notes · View notes

imagine-loki · 3 years

Text

Triple Threat, Chapter 9

TITLE: Triple Threat CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 9 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki kidnaps Darcy Lewis, in hopes of getting the tesseract in return for her. Imagine his surprise when he grows rather fond of the mortal, finding that she understands him better than anyone else ever has. RATING: M

Darcy had managed to talk Loki into letting her go with the team to get Jane. They were able to get there within minutes on the Quinjet.

Jane was standing there, in the middle of the park. Looking… odd. She wasn’t causing any damage, nothing.

When the team emerged from the jet, Thor went forward first.

‘Jane?’ He called out to her.

Jane’s gaze snapped in his direction, her eyes were a weird cloudy dark red colour, the aether running through her veins. She tilted her head at him.

‘Jane… We’ve come to help you. To take you home.’ He said calmly, easing his way towards her carefully.

But Jane threw her hands in his direction and there was a huge energy blast that came from her and hit him, knocking him flying backwards.

‘Jane!’ Darcy called to her and ran forward, Loki tried to grab her but Darcy went ahead anyway.

‘Jane, it’s me. Your best friend… Come on. This isn’t you, you’re under some weird ass mind control. We can help you.’ Darcy tried reasoning with her softly.

Suddenly, a small army of Chitauri came flying out from the ship behind Jane. The team jumped into action to take them out before they got out of the park, to try and reduce damage to the city. They didn’t want a repeat of before.

While they were busy fighting the aliens, taking them out slowly one by one, Darcy tried moving closer to Jane. Who was randomly throwing energy blasts left right and centre at the Avengers, clearly on the Chitauri’s side.

‘JANE! PLEASE, STOP THIS!’ Darcy shouted to try and be heard over everything going on.

She then tried to get closer, but Jane locked onto her and looked furious. She shot her hand out towards Darcy, it was like time almost stopped for Darcy.

But Loki jumped in and managed to grab Darcy, they tumbled to the ground as he rolled them out of harms way. Then he put his cape around her and teleported her back to the Quinjet.

‘Stay here!’ He snarled at her firmly and dashed back out to continue fighting.

Loki had seen it happen, his heart almost stopped completely just before he was about to teleport to save her, but when Loki got to her before he did, he was just relieved that she was safe.

Darcy watched from the safety of the jet while the team took out the Chitauri. But not before Jane managed to escape. She just vanished, right on front of Darcy’s eyes, she couldn’t believe it.

She ran out of the jet as the team gathered, surrounded by dead Chitauri.

‘Where did Jane go?’ Vision asked as they all looked around.

‘She just vanished, one minute she was there and then I blinked and she was gone!’ Darcy said as she motioned to the spot on the grass where she had been.

‘She’s powerful, the reality stone is within her. I just hope we can find her and get it out before it overcomes her.’ Loki said worriedly.

‘Do you think she’s strong enough to control it?’ Thor asked.

‘No. Not now she is using its powers in the way she is. Thanos must’ve shown her how to use it, trained her. But she’s had it running through her veins for so long now.’ He sighed.

‘We need to get back to base and come up with a plan.’ Steve said as he motioned for everyone to get back on the jet.

Natasha quickly got Hulk to return back to Bruce with his lullaby, then they joined them in the jet and headed home.

Once everyone was recovered and had something to eat and drink, they all congregated in the living room.

‘Thank you, for saving me.’ Darcy said to Loki. Who nodded at her.

‘Yes, thank you.’ Loki agreed.

‘What do we do now?’ Clint asked.

‘We need to find Jane, again. At least we know she is on Earth now.’ Loki pulled out the tracking necklace and brought up the map, but he frowned as he studied it.

‘What’s wrong?’ Tony asked.

‘There is no signal for that reality stone anymore… Thanos or Jane must’ve done something to it, to stop the tracking beacon.’ He looked around the team, who all shifted nervously. This wasn’t good.

Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Right. So we need to find her, trap her in something that will contain her powers and then somehow get the damn thing out of her.’

‘And destroy it!’ Thor snarled.

‘No, it can’t be destroyed.’ Loki interrupted.

‘I bet I can.’ Thor snapped.

‘No, you can’t. Thor already tried, trust me, it can’t be done. I need to return it to my reality. But we will need to build something that can contain it once it’s extracted from her.’

‘How will we get it out of her?’ Darcy asked.

Loki looked at Loki. ‘We can do it. But only together, it takes a lot of energy. But we are powerful enough to remove it from her.’

Loki’s eyebrows almost shot up off his head. ‘Are you sure about that?’

‘Very sure.’ Loki nodded.

‘Alright. But that doesn’t solve the other problems of finding her and containing it.’ Loki drawled.

‘Bruce, let’s get to work. I’m sure we can come up with something to contain its powers. Steve, go speak to Fury and see if the cell we kept Loki in is still usable.’ Tony said.

‘Will do.’ Steve nodded and headed off.

‘You still have that thing?’ Loki asked, smirking.

‘Of course. Just in-case we ever need to lock you back in it, if you ever have any cravings of power over us humans again.’ Tony grinned at him as he walked by and patted him on the shoulder.

‘Who said that craving has ever went away?’ Loki smirked.

Tony did look a little worried for a moment, but he shrugged it off.

‘Don’t worry, if it’s needed for you it will be that one.’ Darcy said and motioned to Loki with her thumb. Making Loki laugh.

Loki narrowed his eyes at her, but smiled a little.

Vision, the two Loki’s and Darcy ended up in the lab with Tony and Bruce, all trying to come up with something to contain the stone in once they got it. But as they weren’t sure if it would be able to be turned back into a stone or if it would remain in a liquid matter they had to plan for both situations.

Darcy was in the corner of the lab, being awfully quiet a few hours in. Loki was getting suspicious. He wandered over to see what she was doing. She had written some notes down and made a small diagram of what looked like a large containment cell.

‘What are you doing?’ He hummed and rested his chin on top of her head as he slipped his arms around her middle.

‘I had a thought. What if we convert the cell that you were held in, to pull the stone out of her. If it’s likely in liquid form, we could modify the cell so that it will help you to pull it out of her and contain it. We would need you and your twinnie over there to somehow connect with the cell. But if we use a venting system, it just might work.’

Loki’s eyes widened slightly at her idea. Loki had overheard and looked over at them.

‘That might just work… The aether in its liquid form needs a host to thrive, if we modify the cell and force the aether out of her of its own will, it might be a lot easier than pulling it out of her.’

‘What would be needed to force it out?’ Tony asked, tapping a pen against his lower lip.

‘Loki and I can easily do that. Our energy should be foreign enough to scare it, if we can put enough into the cell and pressurise it, so Jane has to in-hale our energy, it should be enough to send it running out of her to try and escape and look for another host. We then open the vents and it goes through them, hoping to get away. But then we will be ready to contain it.’

‘Will Jane be ok though? Your energy won’t poison her or something?’ Darcy asked as she spun around on her chair to look at them all.

‘It’s not a poison, just different energy to the aether, but there is a risk it might overwhelm her. But she will die from the aether anyway if we can’t get it out of her. No amount of training or torture from Thanos will change that, especially if she has had it within her for as long as we think she has, I’m surprised she’s lasted this long.’ Loki said as he draped his arm around Darcy’s shoulder.

Darcy sighed. ‘I guess we have no other options, do we?’

‘No, not really.’ Loki said regretfully.

‘Well, that’s settled then. We have a plan, we just need to hope it works.’ Loki said.

‘And we need to actually find her first.’ Vision reminded them.

‘That’s probably going to be the hardest part.’ Loki sighed.

#Loki #Lover #Submitted fic #submission #triple threat #chapter 9 #fanficshiddles

15 notes · View notes

takingcourage · 5 years

Text

Second Thoughts

Pairing: Jaime x MC

Word Count: 3,500

Summary: Days after their “first date,” Arden is still trying to figure out what kissing Jaime means for their relationship.

Note: I love Jaime Lewis more with every passing moment. Don’t tell my husband.

Anyway, this is my paltry attempt to follow up on that scene with Jaime in Chapter 9. I’m sure it will become AU fairly quickly, but c’est la vie. I just can’t get enough of these two.

Switching tabs for the umpteenth time, Arden double checked that the details in her email matched the news release she was typing. If she had a dollar for every tab she’d opened in that afternoon alone, it would be the equivalent of her new weekly salary, if not more.

Is mother-in-law always hyphenated? Let me check Google, came a voice from her left.

Even with June’s light staccato punctuating her thoughts, Arden managed to maintain a steady pace as she typed. When she came to the end of her sentence, one hand flew to the phone beside the keyboard, adjusting the volume to help cover any future errant musings from her coworkers. Music didn’t solve everything, but it certainly helped.

This was the week that was never going to end. Taking on Ellen’s responsibilities may have been a dream come true, but that dream was turning out to be exhausting. Arden had spent the past several days living for those few moments on the couch with Jinx and Opie before the need for sleep forced her to bed.

With everything that had gone on, she’d hardly had time to think about the other development that was weighing on her mind: her time in the mountains with Jaime. She’d found her mind wandering back to relive his words over and again, but aside from a few texts, she hadn’t spoken to him since. A chaotic news cycle meant that she hadn’t even started to process what implications that night might hold as they moved forward.

But you’ll see him tonight.

Arden inhaled sharply at the minor shift in Beethoven’s 7th, forcing herself to actually read the words on her screen. His symphonies had always been her go-to music for editing and revising, and over time, she’d developed a system that was almost scientific. The 7th, her favorite, was reserved for local stories that needed a bit of sparkle in order to be truly newsworthy. She could never make it through the symphony’s second movement without starting to see some magic in the mundane. Today of all days, she needed the extra oomph.

“And I’ve used hometown four times already,” she muttered under her breath as she opened yet another tab to search for synonyms. Country, household, land, family…

“Arden?”

June’s spoken words cut through the scherzo and Arden extended a finger to tap the music paused. “What’s up?”

“Did you hear my question?”

Her lips bent in apology. “Sorry, I had my volume up pretty loud. What’d you ask?”

June swung toward her with gusto, nearly upsetting the pile of papers at the edge of her desk. “Do you have any big plans for tonight?”

“I’m having dinner with my dad. And Jaime,” she added against her better judgment. Arden tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, eyes flitting to the corner of her computer screen. They’d reached the point of the afternoon where June started searching for any bit of conversation that might make those final hours of her work week pass more manageably. Nevermind that the sooner their work was finished, the sooner they could go home.

“Yeahhhh?”

“It’s not like that,” Arden contradicted, grateful not to hear June’s thoughts at that particular moment.

“Of course it’s not.” The patronizing tone grated her skin. “Come on, Arden. Are you sure he’s not the reason you’ve been ignoring you-know-who?” June cast a furtive glance across the room, but Aubrey was nowhere to be found.

“You know Jaime’s my friend.” Even as they came out, the words tasted bitter on her tongue. “And I don’t ignore Aubrey. I’m just not interested in him in that way.”

June gave her a shushing, followed by an exaggerated eye roll as she launched into a description of her evening’s itinerary. Arden nodded along politely, but her mind was miles away.

She’d called Jaime her friend for over a decade. Why was the descriptor so distasteful today? I’ll make sure to get “best” in there next time, she promised. That’s probably why it seems so weird.

Stomach jolting in reprimand, she lifted a thumb to her teeth and bit down with gentle force. You know it’s more than that, Arden. Best friends don’t make out with each other under the stars.

But she certainly wasn’t telling June all of that.

_______________________________________________________________________

“Do you want regular or wavy potato chips?” Arden called over her shoulder, tapping an impatient thumb against the edge of the cabinet door. Tradition compelled her to ask the question although the answer had remained unchanged for nearly fifteen years.

“Always regular.” Jaime answered, stepping into the kitchen. Even from several feet away, her blood still ran hot at his presence. This definitely doesn’t feel like a friendship anymore, Arden contemplated idly before answering.

“You and your weird obsession with chips that are folded in on themselves…” She turned toward him, immediately distracted by a sliver of bare skin as he leaned into the fridge to find their drinks. Just a few nights ago, she’d held onto that same exposed skin, eager to gain purchase as they explored one another under the starlight.

She gripped the bags tightly, aware of how poor a substitute the plastic packaging was for the feeling of him under her touch. Now that she knew what she’d been missing, was there any hope of ever turning back?

Arden pretended to look out the window, appalled by the possibility that he might catch her ogling him. He’d probably like it, she considered with a blush. But we still haven’t talked about where we’re going with this. I don’t want him to think that I’m just into his body... though it is a definite perk.

Even though she knew her thoughts were private, she couldn’t help sensing a distinct skip in her pulse as he stood and met her gaze. Darker than usual, his warm brown eyes were almost suffocating this evening.

I’ve missed you this week. A lot.

Between his thoughts and his eyes, Arden thought she would be lucky if she ever breathed normally again. Remembering both her task and her father’s presence a room away, she took a tentative step toward the doorway. “I missed you too,” she answered, trying to keep her voice even as she passed within mere inches of him.

Seemingly unaware of her turmoil, Jaime leaned against the doorjamb and surveyed her thoughtfully. “I’m super proud of you for making it through your first week of your dream job with a smile on your face. Has it started feeling real yet?”

“It feels pretty real to my back. I’ve worn heels way too many days this week. And I think I’m going to strain my eyes into needing glasses if I keep staring at screens so long.”

“What?” she asked at his hint of a smile. His eyes, fond and fixed on her, glued her feet to the spot.

"I’m just remembering that time you stole your dad’s reading glasses so you could go undercover for the story you were writing about chess club.”

Arden groaned, hanging her head at the memory. “Don’t remind me. For some reason, I thought the upperclassmen would respect me if I went full investigative journalist for my first article. It wasn’t my finest moment.”

“You really gave it your all though -- checking out those library books on chess strategies, reading up on body language analyses -- the glasses were just the final touch.”

“There’s a reason I’ve never played chess again.”

After a pause, he mused, “But I do wonder what you’d look like with glasses now.” With bent knuckle, he lifted her chin and gently turned her face to the side. There was nothing romantic in the gesture, but her flesh had turned to fire under his touch even before his thoughts entered her mind.

Damn, you’re beautiful.

It wasn’t just his eyes and words that were threatening to steal her breath away, she realized as her own thoughts found a similar vein to his own. Perhaps it was that one tendril of hair that always seemed to fall to his forehead, or the electricity in the growing distance between her face and his fingers. Or maybe it was the way his lips had curved into a knowing smile. His lips.

Once she started, she couldn’t look away from them. Her tongue darted across the seam of her mouth, muscle memory reliving the same moments as her consciousness. But that one evening of kissing under the stars wasn’t enough. She wanted more. With her eyes firmly locked on his full, pink mouth, she needed more. Later, she encouraged herself with a sigh.

Trying to force her thoughts clear, Arden offered weakly, “We should go eat before dad comes looking for us.”

“You’re probably right. But are you up for spending some time together after that? I mean, I totally understand if you just want to go home and sleep, but I was kind of hoping...”

"Me too,” she was close enough that her forearm brushed against the crook of his elbow as she leaned into the words. Her skin prickled at the contact. “That sounds like exactly what I need.”

Is it wrong of me to hope that your dad turns in early tonight?

Arden’s lips pulled into a conciliatory smirk as she followed him into the living room. Placing both bags of chips on the coffee table, she glanced over to the plated sub sandwiches her father had bought. “Are we missing anything?”

“Just you.” Jaime swept a hand toward the empty the couch before taking a side for himself. “We’re here to celebrate your promotion, remember? You kinda have to be there for it.”

She sank onto the cushion, careful to leave several inches between their knees as she reminded herself to play it cool. Sneaking a glance at her father, she took great comfort in remembering that the man’s powers of observation were fairly limited.

That wasn't to say that he wouldn't support their relationship or be happy to hear the news if and when it came. But Arden wasn't going to begin making announcements until she knew what it was they were announcing. She certainly didn’t want him finding out anything before she’d had a chance to work things out with Jaime.

Arden popped the lid on her drink, hoping that the initial burn of carbonation would help to center her anxious mind.

From his place in the chair, her father picked up the remote to find the Northbridge News broadcast he’d recorded earlier in the day. He punched a series of buttons, but the screen remained blank.

“Must be the batteries.” He rose and made his way upstairs, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll just be a second.”

By instinct, her eyes gravitated toward Jaime. His hand fell to her knee, rising up her leg fractionally as she pushed herself closer to him.

“I...” she started, meeting his gaze before her eyes shot to his mouth. If possible, he looked even more desirable now than he had in the kitchen. His lips were parted, almost daring her to take advantage of the solitude...

Arden, you’ve got to stop looking at my mouth like that.

But she really couldn’t resist. Within seconds, she was doing a lot more than just looking. Compelled by an urgency she could hardly explain, Arden’s mouth sought contact with his.

Jaime returned the kiss with purpose, fingers spreading across her cheeks to draw her closer. She moved with him, eyelids fluttering closed as she allowed the heady sensation of touch to drive her. One of her hands raked through his hair while the other slipped to his side, desperate for the heat of his skin.

It was the creak of an upstairs floorboard which finally separated them, though Arden's hand still clutched tightly to the thin layer of shirt that separated her fingers from his skin.

Can we pick this up again later? I’ve been waiting to kiss you all week.

“Absolutely,” she whispered, breathless.

If we go to the docks, we can have some privacy...and I wouldn’t say no to more starlit kisses with you.

"My thoughts exactly," Arden agreed, releasing her grip so that he could straighten his clothes. Taking in his disheveled appearance, she giggled and stretched out a hand to comb his hair back into place.

Footsteps above signaled her father’s impending return.

“For what it’s worth, I’ve told him to stop buying batteries from the dollar store.”

“He never listens,” Arden confirmed. “And he wonders where I got my stubborn streak...”

“Found them!” her father announced, descending the stairs.

Arden wasn't sure which experience was more surreal: watching herself on television in the role she'd coveted since grade school or sitting next to her best friend with the imprint of his kisses still on her lips. Both contributed to the sense of unreality that had been building within her for the entire week. It still felt like she was floating through another person's life.

She’d kissed and been kissed plenty of times before, especially during the first year she’d spent at college. More often than not, she’d been relieved to know that the kisses didn’t really mean anything. They’d been about enjoying the moment, not establishing an actual relationship.

But with Jaime, her feelings were completely different. She wasn't willing for whatever this was to be a one-time thing. A two-time thing, she corrected herself, feeling the impulse to smile as she remembered how desperate they'd been to touch each other again.

As her eyes glazed and the television blared before her, Arden came to terms with the inevitable: there was more to this than just friendship.

______________________________________________________________________

At her father’s first mention of turning in for the night, they made their goodbyes and meandered out to the quiet street. The evening smelled strongly of cut grass, but Arden could detect faint traces of lake water as the breeze tickled through the hairs at her neck.

"The docks?" Arden allowed her hand to swing against his thigh, joy swelling in her chest when he caught the fingers against his palm.

"You already know the answer to that,” he teased mildly.

"Just thought I'd check. You are entitled to change your mind." His thumb rubbed circles over her knuckles and she tightened her grip as they stepped from the pavement to the uneven path leading to he woods.

"You'd still know before I told you."

"Probably.”

“I don’t mind, you know.”

“Even though this means you’ll never be able to surprise me again?”

“Don’t be so sure. I may find a workaround someday.”

“I’ll bet you do,” she smiled, brushing up against his side. He took the opportunity to adjust his grip, sliding his fingers between her own.

I’ve been dreaming of nights like this for forever, he marveled as they reached the edge of the lake.

He led her to the end of the platform, letting go of her hand so that they could sit. Dropping to the wooden slats beside him, she sat cross-legged, body subconsciously bracing for the conversation to come.

What if he’s changed his mind? she worried in a panic. Don’t be ridiculous, her rational mind countered, what did he just say? Remembering his words helped to spur her forward.

“So you said something the other night about us working on forever?” She asked, hoping to build off his previous thought.

“Yeah, that was probably presumptuous of me,” he countered, running a hand through his hair as he looked out over the water. She didn’t need to hear his thoughts to read the nervousness in his stilted movement. It occurred to her that it might take more than just her words to convince him.

Arden scooted closer to him, allowing her knee to brush against the leg of his jeans. “It wasn’t presumptuous at all. Especially not after we kissed like that.”

Jaime’s lips quirked up at her reminder, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “All the same, I know there's a lot happening all at once, Arden. This is one of a lot of changes to happen to you lately, and I'm not going to push you into anything you're not ready for.” He grew quiet for a moment, weighing his words. "But you already know how I feel. If you think you might feel the same way, then I’d like to start planning a second date."

She remained silent for several moments, not wanting to say anything that she might later regret. More than that, she wanted Jaime to know that she’d fully considered her response before it was given. "You know what's funny? Looking forward to seeing you tonight has been the highlight of my whole week. Every day, I kept wishing that I was getting off early so that we could have dinner or go and do something together. And... I kind of think that I might want those things forever. Or at least as far into the future as I can see. And I think that’s a pretty far way..." she whispered finally, angling so she could look him full in the face.

Are you saying what I think you’re saying?

She leaned over and kissed him soundly on the mouth, grinning against his lips as what she’d intended to be a single kiss turned into many more.

“I’m saying,” she said when they parted for air, “that I’d like to go on as many dates with you as you want to take me on.”

His eyes glittered under the starlight as he gazed on her. “Fair warning -- that’s going to be a lot of dates.”

“I’m fine with that,” she assured with a radiant smile.

“I think it might take the rest of our lives.”

Her stomach jolted at the insinuation, but for once, the thought of a permanent relationship didn’t dissuade her. As long as she was here with him, she couldn’t imagine ever wanting to be anywhere else.

“I think I might like that,” she told him finally.

"And you’re sure I didn't scare you into this by telling you I loved you?"

"Of all the things I feel right now, scared isn't even on the radar."

“What is on the radar?”

“A lot more than I could ever process tonight. But,” she added, noting the hint of concern in his face, “thanks to you, I’m feeling a lot better about it all. As rough as this week has been, knowing that you believed in me really helped. And the kissing sure didn’t hurt anything..."

"Good,” he assured with a cheeky smile. "And Arden? You’ve been doing an amazing job. I’ve been watching your broadcasts every night and I can hardly look away from the screen."

She bumped his side playfully with her elbow. “That might just be because you’re in love with me.” It was startling how easily the words rolled off her tongue.

“Or it might be because it’s obvious that you’re doing a job you love.”

"I hope dad comes around to seeing it that way. Even though he’s proud about my promotion, I still don't think he's sold on me doing this as a career."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not right now.”

His brows rose skeptically.

“I know you'll think I'm bottling things up, but honestly, I'm so sick of thinking and talking that I just need to do something else for a while. It’s been days since we’ve seen each other and I think I’d rather just enjoy your company." She trailed off expectantly, hoping that he would take the unspoken invitation.

"Kinda wish I had those powers of yours right now. Is this your way of telling me you want to get back to kissing?"

She rolled over to her stomach, propping herself on an elbow to look up at the gleam of moonlight over his features. "I know we're new at this, but I may as well just tell you that I almost always want to get back to kissing."

______________________________________________________________________

“You know,” she told him later, head at rest on his very comfortable shoulder. “I’ve been wanting to do that out here since you took me for a ride on the yacht.”

“Really?”

“What was I supposed to do with you getting all shirtless and distracting?” she teased, hand skimming mindless patterns along the toned muscles beneath his shirt.

Jaime’s mouth fell open wide. “If I remember correctly, I wasn’t the only one who stripped down that night.”

“Of course not. I couldn’t let you have all the fun. But don’t worry. You’ll learn to recognize my flirting eventually. We can start practicing on that second date you’re going to take me on.”

“About that...” he ventured, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

#playchoices #playchoices fanfiction #wishful thinking #jaime lewis #jaime x mc

78 notes · View notes

clownsgobeepbeep · 5 years

Note

(Chest) Cosmos X3

Now, to continue on with the angst in the future uwu Not very angsty however

@grotesquegabby Since Lennie is in this

After yet another afternoon of searching with the help of Mana, Lennie had returned home quite tired.The axolotl was rather melancholy, giving a whimper as he nudge Lennie’s leg whilst he opened the front door to their home. Lennie gave a sigh, gently patting his head in an understanding manner.

“Don’t worry bud...we’ll eventually find her, or she’ll come back. I know it.” he whispered to Mana who looked at him sadly, but that sadness slowly faded away once his head was inside the house. He gave a sniff of the air before rushing inside, Lennie being forced to release his leash before closing the door and running in after him.

Mana was finally able to smell the scent he had been missing for a few days now, his little one’s scent. Finally, she was back! But then, Mana skidded to a stop as he reached the scent that was found in the kitchen as Lennie now stopped behind himself as well.

“Oh! Mrs. Jelly said you guys would be coming back soon.”

“Flora?” Lennie asked, somewhat confused as he found the little girl standing on a stool in front of the stove, cooking something up from what he could tell. “What are...where’s Jelly?”

“She’s in the backyard with who I believe is her brother and his husband.” Flora replied after hopping off the stool, Mana sniffing her from the tips of her flats to the highest point of her he could sniff. This was too weird for him, he could have sworn it was Ula he smelled.

“I suppose you’re visiting, huh?” Lennie asked with a small smile before Flora gave a nod, petting Mana’s head before he lay on the ground, pretty disappointed.

“Oh yes, I heard the news and felt very bad, so I came as support.” she slightly shrugged before feeling Lennie’s hand on her shoulder. “Besides, I could use a bit of a distraction right now.”

“Distraction?”

“Yes...there are some, troubling things going on back at home.”

“Are you okay?”

“I am, but some of my family isn’t. My brother, my mother, and our new baby brother are all sick, hence why Basil didn’t come to visit today.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry kid.” Lennie pat her shoulder before bringing her into a hug, Flora accepting it before they pulled away. “If there’s anything we can do to help, you just tell us.”

“Don’t worry about me Mr. Lennie, I think your daughter is a lot more important right now.”Flora managed to smile at Lennie who looked at her quite sadly, returning a halfhearted smile. “But anyways, you should go with your wife right now. I told her not to worry about dinner and am almost done with it!”

“Thanks a lot Flora.” Lennie pat her head which made her smile, and he looked down at Mana. “Come on bud, let’s take you to Ula’s room.”

Mana instead dragged himself closer to Flora, nuzzling his head into her legs as he felt some comfort in doing so. Lennie realized this and decided to leave the axolotl, maybe Flora just reminded him of Ula.

_____________

“So, we’re currently missing three of the kids?”

“They’re not, missing. One of them kind of is, but the others just...disappeared to look for her.”

“How is this supposed to make me feel any better?” Jelly sighed before taking a long sip from her lemonade.

“She’s right Space Man.” Vespers nodded while swirling his straw in is own drink, placing his head on his palm.

“Alright then, how about we just go out Jelly? To the beach maybe, or your park. Somewhere that’ll bring you a tiny bit of happiness.”

“How is one supposed to be happy when their daughter hasn’t returned in days, her ex probably hates her entire family, her little sister is so sad and worried, and her brother regrets having said and done things?”

“You’ve...got a point there.”Cosmos then groaned before rubbing his temple. “Look, Jelly, we-”

“We understand that you still feel bad about what happened with Davey, Ula and Schrader the other night.” Vespers interrupted before holding one of Jelly’s hands in a comforting manner. “You nor Lennie should feel bad about that, and neither should Ula, which I imagine is the reason why she hasn’t returned yet. She had good intentions, but they unfortunately fell flat.”

“Yeah, exactly. Ula’s not a little girl anymore and she’s got her same spirit from before, but even stronger.” Cosmos nodded before Jelly shrugged. “She’s always been tough and scary despite being tiny.

“Hey Jelly-Bean.” they all heard Lennie’s voice, turning to the backyard door where he walked out, seeing Jelly and their guests. “Hey Coz, Vesp.”

The husbands waved at Lennie who sat next to Jelly in front of the outdoor table, giving a sigh as he turned to Jelly.

“I’m sorry Jelly, we didn’t find Ula.” he muttered out to her, holding her hand like Vespers had been doing earlier.

“That’s okay.” Jelly breathed out as she squeezed Lennie’s hand. “She’ll...eventually pop up.”

“Atlas and Ama are looking for her, even Phoebe has tried escaping at night with the twins and Luna to find her.” Cosmos commented before hearing little footsteps, and he turned around to the backyard door again. “The kid’s coming with...plates?”

Jelly looked behind her brother and there was Flora, walking with a large tray in hand with four plates that she proudly presented while Mana now sat beside her.

“Flora, you actually made dinner.”Jelly was surprised as the child placed a plate in front of everybody.

“Of course I did Mrs. Jelly! It’s the least I can do for you at the moment in your time of need.” Flora grinned before Jelly offered her a seat next to her. The child then accepted and sat by her, placing her hands on her lap while tapping her fingers as the adults stared at her.

“So, Flora, how have things been at home?” Jelly asked to distract herself from the reality of things.

“My brother, and mother, and new baby brother haven’t been feeling very well.” Flora shrugged. “Basil had a violent...coughing fit,and my mother is still sleeping after giving birth too soon. She hasn’t woken up in a while.”

Cosmos and Vespers then turned to look at each other, feeling a little awkward as they didn’t know how to respond to that.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” Jelly pat Flora’s back, and the little girl looked up at her as she was now embraced. “Let’s talk about something else. Would anything make you happy?”

“A hug and kiss on the forehead from my grandparents always makes me happy, but...if you could please...do that this once...”Flora whispered to Jelly who did just those things, making Flora give a smile.

From Jelly’s other side, Lennie slightly squinted his eyes as that sight seemed too...familiar.

“Hey Jells...”Cosmos tapped his chin as a thought now came into mind. “How about you do that thing you do, where you touch and feel or something?”

“For what?”

“To make you and the little girl feel happy for some time.”

“Oh, that.” Jelly bit her fingernail. “I don’t, I’m not always able to do that when I’m not in a good mood. And it certainly doesn't work on me."

“Do what?” Flora asked.

“It’s a power of mine where I can touch somebody and feel what they’re feeling, and manipulate them to think or feel something else.”

“Oh! My grandmother can do that!” Flora smiled before lifting one of her hands. “She taught me how to do it!”

“You can do that?” Vespers now jumped back into the conversation. “Like, change emotions and all?”

“Yes, and I can even bring back memories and use the emotions from those memories too.” Flora nodded as she removed one of her gloves to reveal a black hand. “Please don’t mention this.”

Everybody stayed quiet before she reached over to touch Cosmos’ chest, and her fingers turned into roots that sunk into his skin.

“It...doesn’t hurt.” Cosmos stated in surprise before he saw the roots glow, and he gave a loud scream of pain. “Oh, FUCK.”

“Cosmos!” Vespers exclaimed as Cosmos grabbed his hand and squeezed so hard, making Vespers yell as the feeling was all too familiar. “Dude! What the hell!?”

Soon enough, Flora removed her hand from Cosmos who finally let go of Vespers, both having to take a breather.

“What happened?” Lennie turned to Flora who motioned to Cosmos, so he turned to said clown who was now flustered.

“I literally felt like...I was giving birth to the twins again, but I also felt like...the emotions and everything...”

“And I felt that too.” Vespers rubbed his hand before looking over at Flora. “You...that...that was...pretty impressive...”

“What other things can you do?” Lennie questioned, now curious but feeling strange...

“I can do those same things, but with my friend Twoey.”

“Twoey?”

“Is that the creature living in your basket?” Vespers pointed to the basket nobody had really noticed was even there, and Flora turned to him.

“How did you know something was living in there?”

“Just a hunch.” Vespers muttered out as that confirmation made him feel the same way as Lennie, like something was indeed off.

“Who’s Twoey?” Jelly now looked at the basket before a green tendril slithered out of it and towards Jelly, a tiny flower popping out of it as it offered it to her.

“Twoey is a giant plant that my mother gave to me.” Flora tapped the tendril before Vespers was the one now squinting his eyes at her.

“What’s your mother’s name?”

“Huh?”

“Your mom’s name.”

“Sage.”Flora answered before Vespers gave a nod as that name actually struck him familiar, he just couldn’t remember from where.

“And, your dad?”

“Lilian.”

“Are they from around here?”

“Nope. We’re kind of just vacationing here for a while, take a break from life. Perhaps to write a book or something.” Flora shrugged as a teacup now appeared out of thin air in front of her and she drank from it. “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.”

“Jules de Gaultier.” Jelly claimed. “Right?”

“Yes, often mistaken as a quote from Lewis Carroll.” Flora nodded, never realizing that Lennie stared at the way she held her teacup. Rather than using all her fingers or lifting just one, she was lifting two fingers. He had see only one other person do that.

“The author of Alice in Wonderland.” Lennie looked Flora directly in the eyes, green eyes... “Do you like that book, Flora?”

“Hm, I guess. My grandfather on the other hand adores it.”

“I see. And-”

“Oh!” Flora interrupted Lennie as everybody now watched her looking down at her hand where there was a watch. “ I believe it’s time that I go now! I am truly so sorry.”

“That’s alright, don’t worry about it.” Jelly smiled and ruffled Flora’s hair before she hopped off the chair she was on, then reaching into her basket before handing Jelly a clear, glass bottle containing a light blue liquid. “What’s this?”

“Make yourself a cup of tea with this, add three drops and drink it. It’s my mother’s tea, and I trust you to use it only for yourself and whoever you think really, really needs it.” Flora whispered to Jelly. “It’s a very secret recipe only a few of my relatives know how to make, my mother being the one who made it.”

Jelly gave a nod before Flora backed away and pet Mana’s head as he stood up to nuzzle against her side.

“Anyways, I’m leaving now. Good day and luck to you all.” she waved to everybody who watched as she sunk or shrunk to the ground where in her place, there was now a simple, white rose. Everybody was quite confused and looked at each other, wondering what had just happened and that Flora was quite suspicious. Jelly on the other hand kept looking at the glass she had been handed, watching the blue liquid splosh around before Cosmos spoke.

“I’d say she’s weird, but you guys have already met her brother.”

4 notes · View notes

braveskyered · 5 years

Text

Knights (Part 4)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Arthur's mind is pretty cluttered.

I need a clue.

Part 4: It’s Got Me Reeling

Arthur is in the fifth garage that's usually closed off in Four of a Kind Queens, taking apart a car engine with a baby monitor on the desk nearby. He would glance at it every now and then, and see the twins sleeping together in their crib on the tiny little screen. It could also detect sound, which made Arthur easily hear the lullaby music and sea sounds the little aquarium light in the crib plays. Whenever he heard the sound of either of them crying, he could quickly clean himself up and tend to them, assuming Vivienne doesn't get to them first.

Turning away from the monitor, he went back to work and his mind drifted to the the series of events that led to him leaving Tempo. First he arrived in Cantabile, then he met Elaine hours after doing so. Then he got hired by her grandmother as a mechanic right then and there after he found a major case of vehicular sabotage... and then Elaine suddenly asked him out on a date three months later.

Instead of a typical dinner or movie date, she invited him to attend a robotics convention a few hours away with her family. It was there that Arthur discovered that he has a new partial fear: crowds. He learned to manage it as long as he remained with someone he knew, because if when he remained alone, he could've sworn he saw either Lewis or Mystery or even Vivi peering at him from the corner of his eye. When Elaine learned of his newfound fear, she remained with him for the remainder of the trip.

Elaine may not know anything about Vivi or Lewis, or the Mystery Skulls in general, since Arthur never told her or the Knights family their names, but he is happy that she wanted to help him all the same. He still hasn't told her about the exact circumstances that made him leave Tempo, but Elaine never pressed for details, and the rest of the Knights left it alone, too.

As he got to know them, Arthur learned that the Knights are actually a family clan that specialize in monster hunting, and they happen to be monsters that hunt their own kind in a sense. They actively fight the monsters with the very power in their bloodline. It's not just ghosts they handle, but anything supernatural and malicious in general. So essentially, they're like the Mystery Skulls, but instead of merely investigating any strange occurrences, they actively hunt for the reasons things become haunted or people disappearing.

He remembered being afraid of Elaine, and by extension, the Knights family for two whole weeks after learning their secret.

- - - - - - -

Arthur knew that he is at Elaine's mercy, he felt numb, unable to feel the stinging from the alcohol used to disinfect his wounds. He struggled to keep the fear down his throat, and used every last bit of restraint to keep himself from running away. After Elaine rescued him, she quickly took him back to her van to assess his injuries. With the cult's drug still in his system, he had difficulty walking straight, so Elaine guided him to the small cot in the back of the van and took out the first aid supplies.

Elaine looked down, tears beginning to form, “I... I was going to tell you once we reached our seven month anniversary, but I guess this renders that pointless.”

It definitely explains things. The reason they're so efficient at hunting monsters is that they are monsters themselves. Monsters with human ancestry, humans with strong magic, or humans with monster ancestry...? How that is possible, Arthur couldn't even start trying to figure that out.

“I... I know you're afraid. I can feel your fear, and I wouldn't be surprised if you're afraid of me right now,” she gave a dark chuckle to hold her tears back, “I'm not used to being feared, since I never had to use my power like that before, but I... I just only wanted to save you. I-if you don't want to be with me anymore... I will understand,” she wiped at her face with her hand.

Arthur isn't sure what to think anymore. After having a vengeful wraith try to kill him, a wraith of his former best friend at that, Arthur developed a fear of the many different kinds of ghosts and monsters that exist in the paranormal even though he still continued the path of being an investigator. Not even Arthur himself knows why he still keeps investigating the paranormal despite his fears, although part of him assumed that it, along with his talent at robotics and engineering, are the only things he's good at.

Even though he is afraid, it is only through sheer willpower that he keeps going despite his hands always shaking with fear. However, the trust Arthur thought he had with the Mystery Skulls themselves is long shattered and damaged beyond repair, and he knew that it's all his fault. It's why he left, and why he could never go back to what he once was.

When he was taken by the cult, he didn't expect that Elaine would turn into a giant skeleton monster that would then slaughter most of the cult itself, leaving few survivors in her wake.

He had only heard of the Gashadokuro a few times from Vivi before the cave. According to her, it is a powerful and frightening yokai that originated from Japan, made from the souls of masses of people that never received their last rites, their bones eventually developing into a giant skeleton, their collective consciousness becoming one. How Elaine could turn into one is beyond him, but it still didn't change the fact that she is a monster like Lewis and Mystery are. Despite Elaine's pleading for him to wait as she spoke in that form, Arthur tried to run, tears streaming down his face with fear, but fell down.

Even though he's afraid, she still helped him. The Gashadokuro are known to kill and eat humans and drink their blood, and Arthur knew as he clenched his teeth in angered despair that his soul is considered delicious prey for predators, so why wouldn't this monster just kill and eat him already if he's meant to be its prey?!

“Arthur... i-it's okay if... if you don't want to be with me anymore... it's okay if you're af-afraid... you can leave me... if that's what you want...”

Elaine is crying openly at him, snapping Arthur out of the numbness.

“Just... don't hate me... Please...!”

- - - - - - -

Arthur has to admit that he isn't really proud of that memory. If there is one thing he wanted to avoid, it's to see his wife cry so brokenly like that again. Granted, the two weeks after that were rough, but thankfully, he and the Knights family were able to... clear up the misunderstandings after many a trial, much to the family's happiness. The irony of Arthur having a paranormal significant other isn't lost to him, but the only difference is that Elaine isn't dead.

I'm sorry, Lewis...

Within a year after that, after many weekly dates and knowing each other through their mechanical work and paranormal investigations, Arthur realized, to both his joy and horror, that he had slowly fallen for Elaine once he fully accepted her for who and what she is. He briefly considered wanting to go to the next level in their relationship, but immediately threw the thought out, knowing that he doesn't deserve such a bond, and that he knew that she wouldn't want him. They only went as far as holding hands or the occasional hug, and Arthur knew that she could easily toss him aside like Vivi and Lewis did, despite her saying that she loved him.

Arthur scoffed at the memory of thinking like that, considering their current status now.

He thought back to the time he confessed to her despite knowing that he wouldn't receive any feeling of reciprocity, and remembered giving Elaine his treasured star pin as a romantic symbol of love, for he didn't have anything else to give her. But then he remembered Elaine's thrilled grin as she put the star pin on her jacket, and later that week she gave him a different pin representing a violet crescent moon made with amethyst with a white outline made from nacre. The pin is something she made with her own two hands, which threw any feelings of expected rejection out the window.

Arthur fingered the moon pin in question on his vest. Taking it off briefly, he turned the pin to see the back and looked at the four little stones, a black tourmaline, a black jet, a turquoise, and a rose quartz pressed inwards. He then saw the words engraved among them...

Arthur placed the pin back on, smiling slightly. Despite his many flaws, and the many secrets and guilt he hides, there is someone that loves him, and that is enough. With his current family, he knew that he can finally heal, one day at a time.

You are okay. This is your life now. Live for the twins. Defy those who wanted your life to end, and live on. You matter to someone, and they need you. You are okay.

He decided to stop reminiscing once again and went back to work. He had to dismantle the engine to find the crack on the head gasket, repair it, then put it back together before it's put back in the car itself. Apparently, the more wealthy regulars Four of a Kind Queens get every now and then prefer to just pay for the more expensive repair than purchase a new car entirely. He could think of two things, which is either one, they really really like that car, or two, buying a new car just isn't worth the hassle. He figured he could understand the second part, but still, either option is expensive.

Arthur thought a part went missing and glanced around briefly to look for Galahad, then reminded himself that the hamster wouldn't be going around stealing screws anymore. Even though it has been a little over a year ago, little Gally had passed away about a month after Arthur and Elaine were married due to old age, which devastated Arthur greatly. He knew it was coming since hamsters like Galahad have a lifespan of three years at the known max, but it still hurt when it actually happened.

He remembered Elaine being thoughtful enough to give Galahad a small burial, unusual it may have been. As the ground back then was too frozen to dig a small grave, Elaine instead took an oak sapling and carefully wrapped the deceased hamster, wheels and all, within the roots, then planted the tree in a large flower pot. Once spring came, she then planted the sapling itself alongside many other small trees in Vivienne's backyard, letting Galahad return to nature. He then remembered thanking her for her effort, knowing that it helped him move on from Galahad's passing.

With the twins being a higher priority, Arthur didn't get another hamster after Galahad. Maybe when the twins are older.

The work with dismantling the engine done, Arthur glanced at the baby monitor, and saw that the twins were still asleep, although Gwen is occasionally twitching her arms. Maybe she's dreaming? He hoped it wasn't a nightmare before wondering briefly if babies could get nightmares. Hopefully not, because he didn't want to fail the twins before they were old enough to remember things.

Arthur shook his head and chuckled at his daughter's movement, “Always the active one, aren't you, Gwen?”

Percy is usually the quiet one, only crying when he needed something. Gwen, on the other hand, is almost always active, babbling whether it's night or day, and crying at random intervals. Arthur didn't mind it most of the time, since tending to her usually distracted him from any nightmares he would wake from in the middle of the night, although he did wonder how Percy could sleep past Gwen's crying when a mere creak on the floor is enough to wake him.

Then again, babies are unpredictable.

Later that day, after finishing up the repair of the engine, Arthur went to clean himself up before tending to the twins. Elaine wouldn't be home until later tonight, so he had to make up for her absence. The twins had been fed and tended to by Elaine's grandmother Vivienne while he was working, which he is grateful for. Being a parent is no easy task, and Arthur knew it. Having Elaine's family help out every now and then has been a godsend, especially considering how close-knit they are. They all lived nearby, while Vivienne lived in the auto shop itself. It made sense, since she's the current matriarch of the Knights family and the owner of the repair shop itself.

“Hey, Arthur,” the old woman turned to him when he reached the living room, holding a somewhat squirming Gwen, “Everything turn out okay?”

“There's a crack in the main gasket like you said,” Arthur placed his good hand on the back of his neck, “We can replace the part, but it'll take all day to put everything back together after that once the part arrives. I already sent the report to Morgan, so hopefully we can get the repair done by the end of the week. Where's Percy?”

“He's still asleep,” Vivienne nodded to the direction of the guest bedroom where their crib is before looking down at Gwen, who stared at her father, “This one was getting a little fussy. I think she wants you now.”

Arthur let out a small smile before taking his daughter from his grandmother-in-law. The baby girl immediately cooed and tried to reach upward. He held out a finger from his left hand for Gwen to take, and she held it with both her hands.

“If this doesn't prove that you're a good father, I don't know what will,” Vivienne said as she used her phone to take a picture of the father and daughter, “I remember you being so nervous before they were born.”

Arthur didn't reply at first, instead focusing on his baby girl. Sitting down on the sofa nearby, he held Gwen close to let her hear his heartbeat, “I still am, to be honest,” he shifted his gaze over to Vivienne, and saw her using her phone to take more pictures, “You're not going to post those, are you?”

“Of course not!” Vivienne grinned impishly, although a concerned tone betrayed her mood, “You'd never let me take a picture of you if I did. I know you're camera shy in more ways than one, Arthur.”

“I just... I don't want them to find me, you know?” he rubbed a thumb over Gwen's cheek, “I had to get away from them. If they find out that I'm here, I don't know what they'll do.”

Vivienne lowered her phone before placing a hand on Arthur's left shoulder, “I know. You did a good thing to get away from an abusive relationship, and your scars are healing, just keep using the ointments like the doctor said and before you know it, they'll fade away. I still remember the first time we saw them when we first actually talked. Remember the look on Elaine's face? She looked like she was about to maim someone when she found out.”

Arthur narrowed his eyes, trying not to smile. He did remember his first conversation with Vivienne, at how he had to leave home and was looking for a motel to sleep at, and had let slip that he had to leave a friendship that soured, which made Vivienne call it an abusive relationship instead. Arthur isn't sure if what he had with Lewis and Vivi should be considered abusive, but he didn't know what else to describe it. They didn't want him, Lewis would inflict those injuries on him when they were alone, and he felt isolated, so he left without telling anyone. That's all there is to it.

Arthur knew Vivi wouldn't hurt him on purpose, but he didn't want to take any chances with harming her love for Lewis, and thus suffer the wraith's vengeful temper. He had already taken away her and Lewis's chance at having a normal life after getting possessed in that cavern, and being with them even after they reunited and sorted out the facts only made things awkward. To Arthur, he didn't deserve anything from them anymore after the events at the cavern. Even though Lewis's murder was done unwillingly, it is the sort of thing that would gnaw at one's soul, throbbing the heart with pain and suffering.

Yet, Arthur endured, too afraid to end it all. He could only run away, much to his self disgust.

Elaine and her family didn't pursue the matter any further when Arthur asked them not to, wanting to leave it behind him and move on, or so he claims. Otherwise, he didn't know how else to cope with the fear of being found and hurt by them again.

It didn't take much to convince Vivienne that Arthur had nowhere to go, so she let him work in the family business, even though they didn't have any official openings, so he would have a way to pay rent for a small apartment she found for him (how she found it at such short notice, Arthur had no idea). The rest of the family except for Elaine were skeptical at letting a complete stranger work for them, but since Vivienne is the matriarch, what she says goes.

Now, if anything, Elaine is too good for him. She's too trusting, and Arthur wondered more than once at what exactly did she see in him, and why did the Knights family accept him so easily even though he was a complete stranger to them. He had a hard time believing that they would work so hard to help him, a stranger, get back on his feet.

...Why?

Arthur didn't get an answer until he heard his son cry from the guest bedroom. He shook his head in slight amusement before standing up, “I'll go get him. Could you hold Gwen for me in the meantime?”

“Of course,” Vivienne took the baby girl to her arms, “I'm always looking forward to being able to hold my great-grandkids.”

As Arthur went over to the guest bedroom to take Percy out of the crib, he felt a tightening feeling in his chest. Holding his son close, Arthur knew why he felt so guilty.

Holding Percy with one arm, he held a hand over his face to keep himself from breaking down. He hated the fact that he had to leave Tempo, the place he was always familiar with, to escape the pain and suffering he knew he would cause.

He wondered how the Mystery Skulls are faring for a moment before immediately shaking the thought out the window.

Wiping the tears from his eyes, Arthur cuddled Percy protectively, positioning his son's head to his chest so he could allow the small babe to hear his heartbeat like he had with Gwen. For some reason, the twins always liked it, and it usually kept them calm. Humming the song he learned so many years ago, Percy was lulled back to sleep.

Elaine often complained at how Arthur was better at soothing the twins than her, prompting him to point out that she's better at feeding and changing them than he is.

Thinking back, he took a deep breath to ease the guilt away. Lance will never be able to love the twins as their grand uncle. If everything hadn't gone so wrong, then maybe Vivi and a living Lewis could dote on them, too...

Even though Arthur left the Mystery Skulls, and by extension Tempo, he still cared about them. Although he didn't want to go back, he can't just forget all the memories he built with them.

It's his punishment for leaving.

- - - - - - -

Notes: Who do you think is wrong?

Hamsters usually don't live past two and a half years, so Galahad probably broke a record or two.

Also, the drawing in this chapter is actually the first one I made for Knights. Here, I was trying to stick to the original style as much a possible, which is why I drew Arthur’s hand with four fingers. However, it is really hard for me to do that since it looks so alien every time I draw it, so I gave up and started drawing everyone with five fingers after that.

Knights Part 5

#msa knights #msa fanfic #mystery skulls animated #fanfic #arthur kingsmen #msa arthur

13 notes · View notes

flirtingwithsuicidaloutlooks · 6 years

Text

The Truth.

Ever since I was eleven I've been addicted to something that takes every ounce of emotion, pain and feeling away from my inner self. Self-harming was first. At the age of eleven I discovered razor blades, scissors, knives, basically anything sharp. I'd also bang my head against the wall and my wrists against my headboard until they bruised. Most people knew I done this, my friends, my family but no one tried to help. Maybe it was because I didn't want help, because if I got help what would take the constant pain in my head away then? This went on and off for twelve years, so yes, I sometimes still dabble in self-harm but nowhere near as much because of course as all young adults do they find something else, something stronger that makes them feel even better, and better still makes them forget. I started drinking alcohol when I was around sixteen/seventeen. My best friend Vicky – since she was a year older than me was able to buy alcohol – would pour it into a Lucozade bottle and we would share it in town. When I turned eighteen that's when things took a downward spiral. I would go out for dinner with Vicky and I would drink until I was face down on the floor. She would come to my house for pre-drinks and I'd already drunk half a bottle of vodka. Before I met her for a normal day in town I had to have a half bottle of vodka so I could laugh and joke and be happy. Soon she realised what was going on and eventually got sick of it. She told me she didn't want to meet up with me anymore. At college my friend Lewis and I would occasionally put vodka in our juice bottles and attend college drunk. I honestly believe without the confidence boost the drink gave me I wouldn't have made any friends at college. This was all going on while I had a five-and-a-half-year relationship with a boy named Stuart. He knew I had a problem. Infact he knew I had several problems; Borderline Personality Disorder, I was addicted to alcohol and pills – mainly legal highs until they got banned. I would turn up nearly every day we met up nearly the end of our relationship drunk, accusing him of things that were all in my head, starting fights for no reason. I began being unable to meet him without a drink in me so I could be the bubbly and happy Sarah he fell in love with at the start. But it always went South, it would always be the opposite. It would be the crying, hysterical, screaming Sarah always left for him to calm down. I don't blame him for the fact he left, I would have left too. That's when my whole word came crashing down I'd lost who I thought was going to be in my life forever, I honestly thought he was the one. But he couldn't handle it. He gave up on me. I lost the best thing I ever had and the sad part is even after a year I still love him and I know a part of me always will. But that's for another story I guess, even though I was addicted and overly obsessed with him. I attended Napier University doing a Honours Degree in English Literature for four years straight. And my confession is since second year I'd buy two bottle of sprite pour half of them down the toilet and fill the other half up with vodka and take them into lectures. I'd run down to Tesco during breaks buy vodka and refill the bottles in the toilets no one caught me but I can tell everyone knew when I was drunk. When I would talk non-stop complete rambling on, putting my hand up in lectures and give ridiculous answers even though I was known for being shy. Again, though the confidence from the vodka helped me make friends at university, it helped me socialise, be funny around people. I thought it was harmless until I started falling up the stairs to lectures, losing my laptop because I was drunk and, in the end, not even turning up to any lectures and instead I would sit in The Beer House at the train station while older men bought me drinks and I'd stay there looking at the clock with not a care in the world that I should be in a lecture right now. As long as I had my double vodka I was happy. When I did attend lectures the half bottle of sprite I left in to mix with the vodka got smaller and smaller and soon I was just taking straight vodka into the lectures. I wrote nearly all my essays and most of my dissertation while drunk either in my house or in the library because I thought it brought to be better ideas. The fact I graduated I still can't believe. I don't know how on earth that happened. My family didn’t come though – well my dad secretly came but everyone else refused because to my family all I am is a "drunk". They've gave up on me too, my mum wants to send me to a homeless unit, she just doesn't get it. I've lost everything I even ended up in hospital when I should have been looking after my chinchilla, Winston who was unwell and I wasn't there for him and he had to be put down and it was all my fault. The only people I have are my dad and my current boyfriend Conor, who has had to take me to hospital about three times now because I've came to him drunk and collapsed and he's had to phone the ambulance. I keep asking myself why is he still putting up with this? The worst part is his dad has to come and pick him up to take him home from the hospital when they discharge me. His family probably hate me so much and think he can do so much better and it's true, it really is. And now I can't even see him because I'm because locked in the house because anytime I go anywhere I buy drink and end up in hospital half the time. I'm tired of sitting impatiently with my phone waiting on the clock to hit 10am so I can go to the shop to buy vodka or gin and a bottle of wine to go with it. I know I can't keep doing this, to Conor, to my family, to myself. I need help but locking me away isn't the right way to go about it.

Sarah xo

#addiction #alcohol #pills #mental health #relationships #parents #borderline personality disorder #being borderline #actually bpd #bpd #mental illness #depression #self-harm

5 notes · View notes

okimargarvez · 6 years

Text

HIGH TREASON

Original title: Alto tradimento.

Prompt: Luke’s jealouse, rivals in love, naivety, comic.

Warning: none.

Genre: humor, comedy, family, romantic, friendship.

Characters: Penelope Garcia, Luke Alvez, Matt Simmons, Jennifer Jareau, Emily Prentiss, Tara Lewis, David Rossi, Spencer Reid, Penelope’ suitors.

Pairing: Garvez.

Note: oneshot 24 in Garvez collection.

Legend: 💏😘🔦🎈.

Song mentioned: Mia nonna, Tiziano Ferro.

MY OTHER GARVEZ STORIES

Have any of you ever seen The mentalist? Do you remember that scene with all those red-haired girls who looked like clones of Van Pelt, with whom Rigsby had to go out? This gave me the idea, a chat with @theshamelessmanatee led me to write this story.

HIGH TREASON

-Luke, are you there? Did you hear at least one word of what I told you?- Simmons sighs, exasperated, for the millionth time. -There is something that attracts your attention more, I know.- the Asian man barely holds back a laugh, while the Latin pursue in ignoring completely the words of his friend, to stare the object of his desires. -Alvez!- Matt raises the volume of his voice and finally manages to make himself heard by his colleague.

-Uh? What?- Luke blinks a couple of times but doesn’t lose the sly air and the dazed expression. -Sorry, I was thinking...- Matt doesn’t let him finish.

-Lisa, I guess.- Matt says sarcastically. Luke remains a puzzled moment, reflecting on his words, taking them seriously. Simmons shakes his head. There is no hope. I was like that when I fell in love with Kristy?

-No, you know that between me and her... it didn’t work.- the friend takes a sip of his beer, sighs again and holds back what he thinks. I wonder why it didn’t work. When you told me that you couldn’t stop thinking about her, I never believed it was that poor woman.

-I was joking.- in that moment of pause, Alvez glances quickly towards the table not far from them, where a group of women seems to particularly enjoy themselves. The gesture doesn’t go unnoticed to Matt, who can’t hold back a giggle. -Friend, when do you decide to ask her a date?- Luke almost chockes on his drink.

-Whose... whose are you talking about?- sometimes (i.e. always) his ingenuity and part of shyness driving Matt crazy and he would like to shout the truth, since Luke doesn’t have the courage to do so. It's really unnerving.

-Of the best blond technician with glasses that the FBI has ever had.- he nods in the direction of their colleagues who don’t stop giggling conspiratorially. From time to time JJ looks explicitly in the direction of the men and exchanges glances with Matt, with the same exhausted expression. For everyone it’s clear that there is something between those two, except for those directly involved. A classic so banal that it doesn’t even deserve to be mentioned.

-Lower your voice!- Luke's cheeks turn red. From the corner of his eye he checks that the other two haven’t noticed anything and he sighs with relief. -And anyway... I don’t understand what you're talking about.- not even he believes that. Simmons decides that he can’t stand it anymore and makes a signals to follow him. They head to the leisure area. They take possession of the only empty football table.

-Listen, brother, we shared a lot of things. The other week you saved my life. At least you could tell me. It's not that difficult.- he tries to make a reassuring smile. -I will not tell Garcia.- he notices the jerk of the man when he mentions that name.

-Well, there's not much to say. It's... Garcia. There's nothing I can do for...- he can’t even say it. He shakes his head, swallows and tries to concentrate on the shot. Not even a ball goes to the right place. Unlucky at cards, unlucky in love.

-Luke, for the hell, how can you not see it? You like Penelope as much as she likes you. This story is going too far. How long have you known her? Two years now? And how long have you fallen in love with her?- Matt completes his shot and gets a great score. Luke emits a sound that seems almost a moan of pain.

Some guys has all the luck. It's not right.

-I don’t like Garcia.- the protest is too weak, but Matt understands that he really believes so. But Luke evaded the second question. -She treated me... coldly from the beginning. I know she can’t hate anyone, but she certainly doesn’t like me. No, it's not possible.- he shakes his head and lowers on the table to take aim.

-Really, Alvez, you're so good at finding unknown subjects, but you don’t understand anything about women.- the other doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t even nod because there's no need. -Do you think that she treats you in such way because she doesn’t like you? It's the exact opposite! She torments you because she is attracted to you and at the same time doesn’t want to be. Besides, she's naive almost more than you, so she's convinced you could never care about her.- Luke's expression makes it clear that he had never really thought about it.

-She…- the way he pronounces those three letters is so enlightening. -She could think...? No, I don’t believe it. She is so... well, which man couldn’t...- he stops. -Penelope is... so... it's too much for anyone. I'll never live up to her.- No, sadness. Matt can’t bear it. The last thing he need is that Luke starts crying.

-Luke, listen to me well because I will not repeat it. Penelope is interested in you. She likes you. I'm certainly, one hundred percent. And now take this for a fact. And find the courage to ask her out, so this situation will end. At first, I found it amusing, but now... it's getting ridiculous.- the Latin tries another shot, sending only one ball into the hole. He shakes his head and decides to give up.

-No... I can’t. I could never. One thing is... replying to her tone or flirting a little... but seriously asking her for a date...- he has to consider it a miracle, the fact that Luke doesn’t add that he’s going to throwing up. -I'm not able to do it. That's why I don’t get distressed and I didn’t want to talk about it. I’m aware of my limitations.- he raises his shoulders in a resigned way. Then he smiles halfway between sadness and a happy melancholy. -I just look at her from a distance. To hear her voice while she is talking about anything. If I spoke to her and went wrong... even if you were right... I would lose even that little bit. I’m a coward, but I prefer not to risk and keep what I have already.- Matt looks up at the sky but accepts defeat. At the moment.

Magnet heart, for those who don’t trust...

He would have been able to do absolutely nothing, bask in that situation for another ten years because that way he was sure he couldn’t suffer and especially that Penelope could never have been hurt either.

But Luke was about to find out that Garcia wasn’t the only one who hated changes.

And in his case, it’s the entry of a man to make him open his eyes. He heads right to their table, where the BAU girls are sitting.

And Luke immediately notices the smile that is painted on the lips of Penelope when she sees him. The redness on her cheeks. She likes that type and the feeling is logically reciprocal. Man has a lascivious expression and he is certainly thinking vulgar things. He is stripping her with his eyes and for a moment Alvez is tempted to get up and put an end to the spectacle. Then he comes back to himself and understands that he has no good reason to get in the way. Unless he tells her... but he doesn’t want to, no, it's excluded.

Matt, next to him, grins. Maybe things will finally be unlocked. What Luke has clearly ignored, is how the guy looks like him. They have the same color of hair, the slightly curly type and the more Hispanic facial features, as well as the skin tone. But he is muscular and very tall, like him.

-Hola, chica . Tu eres hermosa, esta noche.- okay, Luke could handle anything, but that... He stands up almost making his chair fall.

-Oh, Carlos, you're too kind. Girls, this is Carlos, I met him outside the supermarket.- Carlos, but is there a more trivial name? It's really shabby and then you see it's gasbag, he definitely uses something illegal to be like this. And the supermarket! What a romance! Will he ask her to marry him in front of the frozen peas boxes? -And Carlos, they are JJ and Tara. Emily had to go out for a moment, but I think she'll be back soon.- Penelope smiles and the guy nods. He grabs the hand that Tara is holding out to him and kisses it gallantly.

-Encantado, señoritas.- the psychologist seems struck and she is still giggling when Carlos repeats the same gesture with the other blonde. Really! Can he be more stereotypical than that?

Luke ponders whether or not to go to the bathroom, run away, then hears what he's saying in Penelope's ear, always in Spanish, an idiom that Garcia can’t comprehend, as she told him some time ago. -Tan pronto como nos vayamos te cogeré, te abriré en dos. Quiero ver esas hermosas tetas grandes rebotar con cada empuje. Te haré gritar tan fuerte que mañana ya no tendrás voz para hablar con tus colegas.- Alvez opens his eyes wide-eyed, convinced he had heard wrong. But he is the only one to react in that way because Emily, the only language expert, has received a call and the others can not in any way understand. The guy was expressed in a very specific Spanish dialect. Puerto Rican. And because of the sweet and sexy tone together, she believes they are pretty things.

Carlos turns to him and almost seems to read his mind. Then Luke realizes that Garcia is a few inches from him. For a second, he sees her naked, fully, while the guy slams her on a mattress covered with unicorns. -Hey, guys, I wanted to introduce you to my friend Carlos. They are Matt, Luke and Spencer. Rossi couldn’t come, but you'll meet him another day.- Garcia continues to smile. For the first time he can’t bear that cut on her face.

He holds in turn everyone's hand, except for Reid who, Penelope is able to explain, hates this kind of physical contact. There's something strange with Simmons, but Luke can’t figure out what. While when the guy tightens his, adds a few more phrases than the classic Nice to meet you. - Puedes entender lo que digo, ¿no amigo?- he doesn’t nod, but the other doesn’t need it to make sure he's hit the mark. -Así que esta noche, cuando seas acostada en tu cama, masturbándote pensando en tu colega, también piensa que en ese moment ella estará chupando mi bastón de buen taste, sì, todo, adentro la garganta.- Carlos smiles malignly, but about one thing he was wrong. He had not foreseen such a reaction on the part of the man in love.

Luke punches him by breaking his nose, which immediately starts dripping blood. -No creo que puedas disfrutar por un tiempo. Mantente alejado de Penélope. No porque yo lo quiero, sino porque ella se merece algo mejor. Desaparece.- he tells him of course in Spanish, Puerto Rican. Carlos runs away, holding his nose with his hand; he took the seriousness and the implicit threat in the words of the rival perfectly. Garcia doesn’t have time to stop her former suitor. She's too shocked to react, so JJ does it in her place.

-Luke! Are you crazy? What did he say?- the man thinks a moment about what to answer. Matt is proud of him, because he understands that his friend must have good reasons for doing so. Spencer is just confused because he didn’t understand anything.

-Nothing good. Now I have to go, Roxy needs me.- but one of the blondes follows him and grabs him by the arm.

-Seriously, Luke. What did he say?- he sighs and assesses that they are far enough from the table.

-He wanted to take advantage of Garcia. I can’t repeat his exact words, but he was very explicit about what he had in mind.- she insists, so he tells her one thing in the ear.

JJ punches him on the arm. -Why did not you hit him louder?!-

You have consumed the last remnants of calm, put a strain on my good will, for love, I swear, to the other yesterday was so much, burned by now your morbid possessiveness...

If he hoped things would come back as before, well, Luke had fallen badly.

A whole month spends quiet, partly because they are often busy with cases. But when they come back and find themselves in the usual place, there's a surprise waiting for them. Penelope isn’t alone. She is waiting for them, already sitting at the table, in the company of a man. He is on his back, so the only thing that is noticeable is the color of his hair, dark and his physical prowess. She is laughing at one of his joke, in her classic flirting style and he touches her shoulder from time to time.

Matt gives a pat on Luke’ back. -Sorry, brother.- but the tone is in disagreement with what he says, and even his expression, he seems to hardly hold back a laugh.

-It’s not possible! Another!?- the Latin exclaims, shaking his head. Penelope notices her colleagues and greets them with her hand. The others go on, while the two of them are a few steps behind. -Have you seen? If you were right, if she liked me, why she should go out with all those men?- he clenches his fists until the knuckles whiten.

-Hello? Make you jealous, for example? Force you to move your ass? And then you going out with another woman, Lisa- yes, Matt needs to remember him -and you still be in love with Garcia.- Luke once again begs him to speak softly. -Look that even the waitresses have noticed your crush.- but he stubbornly wants to believe the opposite. They reach the others. For a moment, both remain perplexed. That man looks very much like Carlos, not for the lack of the Spanish appearance. And so, he looks awfully like even Alvez. -I’m a fool or...- Simmons shakes his head.

-No, man, I see it too. He looks just like you. It's disturbing.- he forces himself to be silent because they have practically arrived. -Hey, Garcia, how are you?- he gets away from the mess with a nice expression. Luke can’t pretend as well and just raises his eyebrows.

-Hello! How are you? How are Kristy and Lisa?- the blonde is definitely revved up. On the table there are two glasses, completely empty. The two men look at each other, the Latin doesn’t know what to do. Better to let her believe that they still dating, hope to make her jealous as she is doing with him? Or tell the truth, so Penelope could understand that the way is clear, that she doesn’t need these little games, that...

-Everything it’s good and even the boys. They received that LEGO package and they were very happy. Thank you.- the Asian smiles, getting an even bigger smile in return.

Now it's up to Luke. Penelope turns directly to look at him. -Lisa... I think she's fine. I don’t know, I haven’t saw her for a while.- a shadow of lucidity seems to pass into the woman's eyes.

Then she shakes it off. -Anyway, this is Adrian.- he turns to the man who takes his hand. Luke bites his tongue. -Adrian, they are Matt and Luke, two other colleagues of mine.- it annoys him to be presented only as a colleague, but after all he had done the same thing on the contrary, when he introduced Penelope to Lisa. -I'll let you socialize, boys. This lady here must go for a moment to redo the scaffolding.- Matt certainly doesn’t miss the strange gazes that Emily and JJ exchange before following their friend. Tara isn’t there today, so only men remain.

-So...- Simmons begins to say. -How long have you seeing Penelope?- in the meantime a waitress arrives and takes their orders. Luke decides to drown his sorrows in the beer, but this also makes him think of her, when she believed that he wasn’t one to chat with friends before drinks.

-Three weeks.- Adrian replies smiling with his whole face. Here is explained why Penelope was so happy in this last period. -We met on one of those sites, you know, those of online dating... blind dating…- Something in blind dating with a stranger? Garcia doesn’t look like that kind of woman, but what does he know about her?

-Blind dating? How does it work?- Matt pretends to be interested. Or maybe he really is.

-Well, you sign up and fill out a series of questionnaires with what you would like to find in a partner. Both the physical appearance and the character. Then the computer processes the data and looks for the most compatible, send notifications... so it's up to you whether to send an invitation or accept it. The first date, however, is held in a room along with many others in the same situation... as a speed date.- Luke is meditating whether to go home with any excuse, obviously concerning Roxy.

-Ah, I understand. Well, I guess Rossi has already made you the Discourse.- the older laughs.

-Yes, I also received a call from a certain Derek Morgan... her best friend, if I'm not mistaken. You don’t have to worry, I don’t want to hurt Penelope. She is so... well, you know, you know her better than me. It's a gift from heaven. It's so generous, sweet... it seems absurd to me that she is still single. Maybe it's because of the work you all do, she told me she doesn’t go out often...- he's doing it on purpose, reminding him how stupid he was. As if he needed an asshole to find out that Garcia is a precious jewel. Perhaps he should stop considering her as something to admire in a shrine and find the courage to wear it. What a bad metaphor! -So be quiet, I would never hurt her.- Yes, they all say so. I bet that bastard Battle said it too, before he shot her... -And anyway, before we get to the point, in any case, we'll have to be husband and wife.- the amber liquid goes completely straight through Luke' throat. Husband and wife?

-Forgive me, Adrian- Rossi starts talking keeping his eyes closed, his tone still as he strives to hold back -what do you mean by "get to the point"?- there is still a faint hope that it was a bad joke. The older man glares at Spencer, preventing him from responding to someone else's place, as he often does.

Not a shred of blush on the face of Penelope's suitor. In the eyes of the Italian American Adrian is nothing but a stain on the lenses of the glasses he wears exclusively for writing. His kitten is already in love with Luke, and this latter is a good boy.

-Well, Mr. Rossi, you are a man of faith, I think you can understand me. I want to keep myself pure and chaste until the big day.- this time he doesn’t make it his own, Matt spits out the entire contents of his beer straight on Adrian's face.

-Sorry...- he is still partially laughing as he hands him a paper napkin and tries to fix the disaster at the same time. -But you're not serious, right?- the answer is blocked by two factors: Spencer that comes out with the wrong phrase and the return to the table of girls.

-I deduce from what you say you must still be a virgin.- Penelope looks confused at the young doctor.

-Who should still be a virgin?-

The first glance in the morning is up to you, then all the next glances always to you

-In the end, brother, it's better this way. Look, that it will not going to last. I saw her only once, ok, but I thought she was a smart girl. And if that's what you told me... nah, believe me, she will get rid of him soon. I have to go now. I have a therapy session.- Luke nods, not feeling the steps behind him.

-Good, say hello to Lisa.- he picks up the phone in his pocket and sighs.

-Hey, newbie, is everything ok?- he makes a leap so high to touch the ceiling. He turns to her, beautiful as always. He nods again, doesn’t trust open his mouth. -Are you sure? I see you a little strange. Is it all right with Lisa?- he doesn’t have time to bite his tongue.

-Yes, no... I mean... Lisa and I are no longer together... well, we've never been, actually. I only came out with her twice... the one you interrupted us and when we came back from the case... you understand.- he feels his cheeks burning. He can’t really avoid chickened out, at least once a day.

Immediately, a pained look is painted on the blonde's face. -Oh, hell, I'm sorry.- but all Luke's neurons can concentrate is on her gesture. She puts a hand on his shoulder. The last thing he need is that he closes his eyes to enjoy it better.

-Yeah.- it’s all he can say, barely moving his lips and still less muscle, fearing that she can stop the contact.

-It's a pity, she seemed really nice and pleasant.- another up and down with his head. -And love is so beautiful... having someone with whom to spend time, simply being together without doing anything special...- too many words, even for someone like her. And she looks exaggeratedly dreamy, eyes too turned to the sky... Don’t tell me that in the end she marries him, that guy... so he will finally seize the forbidden fruit... no, Luke, what thoughts of shit. You must stop with these mental journeys. And to use this language, even if in your mind. And while you're at it, talk a little less on your own. -Hey, Alvez, are you there?- he wakes up just because he feels the touch of Garcia's warm hand on his cheek. She just brushes him, but a thousand lights shine in his brain.

-Uh, yes, yes. You're right.- she looks at him not very convinced. -So... between you and...- he has to put down all the frustration he feels. -... and...- but he will manage to pronounce that name. -Adrian.- he is also forced to make another pause for the effort of the accomplished enterprise. -Is everything going great?- Say no, I adjure you, say no. He even crosses the fingers of the hand that doesn’t hold the cup of coffee that he had been prepared before calling Phil, now cold.

-Adrian?- a moment of disorientation that Luke enjoys wickedly. -Aaah, no, it didn’t work. He was nice and cool but... he had something strange. See, he went to the priest, to confession, because we have gone beyond a little further the first base...- Why the hell did you have to tell me this? Why? Are you sadist? And I’m masochist? Well, maybe a little I’m, since I liked to be treated badly by her. And I continue to speak alone in my head. That's enough! -Sorry, I didn’t want to look disrespectful, but it seems really exaggerated... - she interprets his upheaval as having been bad because he was Catholic too. -it's strange. A bit like Carlos. Lately I meet only men like that!- And then stop looking around and staring right in front of you. -I hope that with Brett will be better.- while Penelope gives him a beautiful smile Luke feels desperation to mount again in him. Brett? And now who the hell is this? Another man. I don’t believe it. It is not possible. -You know, you two should get along, he also thinks that one can live with the minimum necessary.- that joyous tone is definitely too much. And so, Luke tightens too much the plastic cup that breaks, pouring out the liquid, fortunately already cold, but no less sticky, on their clothes.

-Shit, Garcia, I'm sorry.- he stretches out his hands, but doesn’t really know what to do to make up for it.

-It's everything ok, don’t worry, I always have a change of clothes with me.- strangely, the woman doesn’t get angry and especially doesn’t take advantage of the excuse to torment or make fun of him. Things are really changing, too much for Alvez. He has to decide to make a move or lose her. Before he can even think about it, his phone rings. It's Matt.

-Hey, what's up?-at the same time he tries not to stare the brown liquid that went to put right in the neckline of the blonde, and continue its journey blissfully. Can someone be jealous of a drop? Apparently, yes.

-Alvez, move your ass, there's something you have to see. We're in the meeting room.- We are? He put down the phone abruptly.

-I have to go. If you send me the laundry bill...- Penelope laughs and tells him not to worry. Luke comes in not knowing what to expect. Definitely, not this . On the screen the face of three men, but they are neither victims nor serial killers. But the lucky ones with whom Garcia has dating. And there's a quarter, in a red box. He. Reid is listing the features they have in common and JJ illustrates them accurately using the laser pointer. Both the boss, Tara and also Rossi, seem very concentrated. -What...- Simmons intercepts him right away.

-Finally. You were missing the best.- there's no more time to blush. For what? Everybody knows.

-What the hell is this?- he looks at them one by one, praying that Penelope's change of clothes will last forever. If she would see this...

-Let's go, Luke, don’t make that face. We are simply analyzing how Penelope chooses her partner. We were bored, there are no cases and the opportunity were too greedy.- he could also guess it for Rossi, Matt not even talk about it. And even JJ. But Emily? So serious and...? He takes advantage of it to study the enemy. Yes, that Brett resembles him a lot, almost disquietingly. But he has blue eyes, almost blue. And his hair is a little lighter. In short, dry admit it, this is even more beautiful than him. Shit, if this guy doesn’t show some madness like the other two, this time I know I'm screwed.

His colleagues seem to notice his concern.

-Don't worry, you'll see that it will last less than a week.- this time it was the psychologist talking.

-Why?- now he seems a child who can’t understand why he can’t play the PlayStation before he finished all the tasks. He doesn’t know, but this makes him extremely sexy. If Garcia came in right now...

-Because she's in love with you, Luke. Walls know it too. Roxy knows that, even Lisa will be aware of it.- Simmons answers. Everyone looks at him strangely when he says that feminine name, but he makes a sign that they will talk later.

-That's right, boy. Even Derek, though he was here less than an hour, understood it.- Morgan, her best friend. A twinge of jealousy. But with what criterion?

-Above all, though, that Spencer noticed it. This, yes, that the litmus test, he it’s a genius, but doesn’t understand anything in terms of relations.- the protest to the person concerned is immediate.

-Hey!- JJ gives him a friendly pat on the cheek to apologize, but her eyes remain mischievous.

-He's right, Reid. Don’t you remember that time when Kevin waited for Rossi out of his office to talk "from man to man, about Penelope"? You made a memorable face, just like now!- Emily is also put on, remembering with sweetness that period, when she was recently in the BAU and was beginning to settle; and now she's the united chief of it.

-So?- Luke tries to bring the current affair back, trying not to ask who Kevin is. Another to add to the list, enough, they are too many. -What should I do?-

Heart fighting, for a proud man, look a little regret, for those who suffered

He does it tonight. Tonight he asks if he can take her to her house, because there's something he would like to talk about. An important thing. Stop. Then, in front of her apartment, he takes her hand and tells her. No matter what words, if poetic or bumpy phrases come out, this time he tells her everything. And then... then...

Then the dream shatters again. He gets in the club, this time it's not O'Keef, they decided to change. The girls wanted to dance. And in fact, they are doing it, too bad that there is a guy who wanders a little too much around the shapely blonde. To be precise, he occasionally places one hand on the woman's side.

-No. Enough. I go there and throw him.- now that everyone (except for her) knows it, he doesn’t have to hold himself. Luke has lost every brake. He grinds his teeth and meets Tara's gaze, which signals that it’s not their fault. After all, they're just dancing. He can still make his move if he isn’t a coward.

- Boy, I don’t think it's the best choice.- fatherly tone with a lot of hand on the shoulder. Rossi looks at the younger, hoping to instill a bit of common sense. It’s not smashing the nose of a stranger who will conquer his kitten.

-He's right, listen to him. Instead of acting like a teenager, if you're a man, go dancing too.- Simmons spurs him, giving him a pat on the back. Luke nods, feeling overwhelmed by a sudden dose of adrenaline. He observes the woman's body moving and decides that after this evening he will be the only one to enjoy that show. Not in the sense that he wants to lock her up in a bunker so that other male beings can’t... ok, You keep rambling in your head. Stay focused.

The lights bother him, the music is too loud. How old are you, Alvez, eighty? Your grandfather knew how to have fun better than you. This is the voice of his father, who speaks to him from up there. He would have loved Garcia. However, he reaches the girls and greets everyone with a smile. -Hey, Luke, where are the others?- JJ is practically forced to scream, stunning Emily who is next.

-They're ordering something...- he must shout too.

Then the song changes and also the lighting. Become slow. He can’t allow her to dance with that guy, even if he can’t even see him in the face to see if this also looks like him...

-Alvez!- the smile freezes on his lips until it becomes a grimace. -I can’t believe it, mole boy, how many years is, for the hell, that we don’t see each other? What are you doing here?- Luke is catapulted back in time, when he was just a recruit and wore glasses with thick lenses like Coke bottles. Given the music soft enough, the girls can hear what he says and look at the two men, confused.

-Jeff!- Penelope screams. He wouldn’t need to hear again that name. -Do you know him?- Garcia is always talking, giving voice to the perplexity of everyone.

-Sure, we were in the same course for ranger.- the man can’t stop staring at Luke. -I can’t really believe it, you've made it to the gym, eh, mole boy?- hearing again that nickname is more than he is able to endure. Too many wounds are still open. He feels himself sinking, to the idea that that guy in front of Penelope pulls out that story.

-Sorry, why mole boy?- here, perfect. Thanks, Tara. He glares at her, but she doesn’t notice. Without anyone saying anything they move to a quieter area, reaching the other three agents. Great, so at least everyone will know in one shot.

-Well, it's a really funny story. This kid here, when he was a little lower than that and definitely less muscular, had the bad habit of spending time digging in the ground, I don’t know what the hell he hoped to find, oil, maybe?- if it was over here, he would have been fine too.

-It doesn’t seem to me very much a funny story.- a shame that Garcia is notoriously curious. Too much. But he can’t curse her.

-I wished to take a specialization in geology.- he explains blushing and looking for the gaze of Reid, the only one who can understand him.

-Here, that’s the reason that you know about that thing, about the ground, the sinkholes with that strange name...- Rossi goes a little too far out of the way.

-Yes, but it doesn’t end there.- Jeff never liked not being the center of attention. He has always been an exhibitionist. Willing to do anything, just to be noticed. -Alvez had glasses so thicker... they were bigger than he was.- he understands the gaffe he has made. Garcia set better her own glasses and continues to wade him, as if asking him when the fun part arrives. Thinking to get out Jeff pulls out his wallet and from this an old picture. It’s not possible. He can’t have taken with him a picture of twenty years ago for all these years... He shows it especially to women, pointing first to a very attractive boy, but in a fake way. -This is me.- he adds to way of comment, with a smile to thirty-two teeth. Luke glances at Rossi, as if to ask him permission to pull that fist. -And this is Alvez.- he looks away from the image, but his eyes end up on the face of Penelope, looking for some sign of disgust, a laugh, a mockery... but a tender smile (as when she had saw Roxy for the first time) fold the woman's red lips.

-Oh!- she exclaims with a sweet tone. -But how pretty you were!- JJ and Emily looks at each other in agreement, Rossi and Matt exchange a silent five. The only one who isn’t satisfied with the comment is Jeff.

He must find a way to get Garcia's attention. -I didn’t think you could finish the course and instead...- he exclaims, withdrawing the photograph. That guy is too pleased. But not just for the taste of Luke, who seems to have lost the ability to speak.

-And instead he became a first level profiler, saves a lot of lives every day, while you remained exactly as you were, a ranger who behaves like a player, who can only criticize others. I can guess how good they will look, the new levers!- it seems impossible, but the blame comes just from Penelope, who crosses her arms and doesn’t stop staring at the man with whom a moment before, before Luke arrived, she was dancing carefree.

-What the hell is your problem?- everyone is waiting for a wrong move to intervene and postpone the type from where he arrived. Things are getting good and maybe finally, tonight, two of them will not come back separated...

-My only problem is that I’m the only one that could treat Alvez badly. And his nickname is newbie, not mole boy. Or better yet Cool Hand Luke.- Jeff widens his eyes until they almost come out of their sockets. At the last sentence he thinks decidedly badly. -Listen carefully: I’m the only that could give him nicknames, only I, I have the right to make fun of him in a lovely way. Because he knows I'm not serious, that I love him because he's part of the family.- it's the first time she admits such a thing. -Then move along, because this time you are out of luck.-

The good is good, but the best is better

She had defended him. She had really defended him, with a sword. She cared about him, by now it was clear, but... just like one of the team, of the family. Nothing had succeeded in trying to convince him otherwise. He had discussed with everyone and at the end they had left him alone to his pity.

-What should I do, JJ? Should I ask him a date?- Garcia is now desperate. With the complicity of her colleagues she tried everything, to make him move. But he, nothing.

-It could be a hypothesis to be taken into consideration. We never come back out, if we wait for him. He is as stubborn as you were before you got to know Lisa.- already, only one rival was enough to understand how blind and stupid she was. Not even four had been enough for Luke.

-I don’t want, I want him to do it. As in the movies.- she crosses her arms and speaks with an exaggeratedly childish tone.

-Hey, I got a brilliant idea! I'm sure this time it will work.- everyone turns to Matt, who rubs his hands conspiratorially.

Evening. O'Keef. They have returned to their usual place.

Penelope is not there. She is delayed. But now everything is back as before, Luke has decided to continue to watch from afar, it’s definitely easier this way. Even if it means seeing her marry with another. To know that the smile on her lips is caused by another.

Stop with these melancholy thoughts. Life goes on, the entire world can’t turn just around Penelope.

But it did anyway.

He looks at the others in suspicious way. Surely, they know where she is and whit whom. But he is really sure that he wants to know what he is unaware? No. Until the end coward. He had disappointed his dad and Phil too.

And then she arrives. Breathless, sweat on her forehead, out of breath, clothes definitely not suitable for an evening of drinking with friends. The shoes with some traces of mud. -Sorry for the delay, I accompanied Daniel to take a walk with Trixie and I was so amused that I lost track of time.- here, there is another, maybe not like him, maybe this will be normal, make her happy and succeed in undertaking to marry her. Patience. -Trixie is really adorable and sweet, the most beautiful dog I've ever seen.- not a hand on the hip of the blonde, or talk out of place on marriage or vulgar proposals in Spanish... but a simple and trivial word succeeds in the task that now seemed impossible. Make him move and this time definitely.

-Did you go out with another dog?- he says the word as if she were talking about drugs, as if she had committed the worst crime in the world. Penelope nods, the usual innocent look. Luke even stands up and takes her by the shoulders, shaking her. -How could you betray Roxy?- there is a snap, but none of them takes notice, it's Matt who slaps his forehead.

-These two are really talking about the dog instead of them?- he asks the others, continuing to shake his heads. Emily beckons him to be silent. They really need popcorn, damn it.

-Roxy?- Garcia repeats, looking directly into his eyes. -I just went for a walk with a dog and...- Luke makes a sign of denial with his head, tears in his eyes.

-Precisely, this is... I didn’t think that you could do something like this. A high betrayal of that kind. When I say it to Roxy...- another hit, this time on the table.

-No, tell me that he is not really making her believe that who feels really bad is the dog.- Simmons just can’t keep from commenting. -It wasn’t what I hope...- JJ, near him, sighs.

-Yes, but it seems that it’s still working.- she return to focus on the show.

-Forgive me, but anyway... I only went out once... - does she mean the dog or its owner? -and I didn’t give anything, to Trixie, not even a biscuit, I swear.- of the dog, as it turns out. Penelope speaks as if she really felt guilty.

-Really?- and Luke stubbornly refuses to trust. He stops shaking her but does not let her go. Without realizing it, he approaches her a little to himself.

-Yes, really.- they can’t take their eyes off each other.

-But ... but you said it was the most beautiful dog you had ever seen... - a hand of Penelope reaches Luke's neck, the other his cheek.

-Well, I lied.- she smiles shy. -All dogs, animals indeed, are beautiful, but Roxy is special. Only with Roxy I would be forever and I caress her and let me kiss and invade her with presents...- now. He must do it now. Luke is smiling too. What is he waiting for? Does he need a push? -Luke?- less than an inch between their lips.

-Yes?- there is a moment when ingenuity ceases to be sexy and becomes annoying.

-Are you going to kiss me or I have to go back to Trixie?- he doesn’t let her almost the time to finish. Finally, their lips blend together, they continue to change position, the hands that pass from the neck to the shoulders. With great delicacy, the others wait for them to come out before applauding. And then Rossi proposes a toast to celebrate the success of a titanic enterprise.

Each of them stands up and says something moving and even stupid. Often Garcia hides the face on Luke's chest, not because she is embarrassed but for the simple taste of being able to freely do it. Here, the right term is free.

The last one to get up is Matt. -A Roxy, without which we would still be in this quagmire. I bless that dog and I promise to give her a supply of food for the whole year.- among the laughs, the reply comes instantly.

-No crunchy, however, Roxy can eat only raw food!- they look at each other and start kissing again. This time even more intensely.

-Luke, do you say that Roxy will ever forgive me?- it’s clearly a provocation.

-Maybe.- Luke answers. -If you show yourself really sorry...- the mischievous grimace that lights her terribly.

-Oh.- she plays the part of the innocent. -General, I'm ready to pay for my crime.- a light passes through their eyes.

Before things degenerate, Rossi hurries to intervene. -Guys, it would be better if you were get a room. Roxy wouldn’t want her little brother to be conceived in a bar.- yet the echo of the laughter of others, but it doesn’t touch them. Just bend their lips up a little.

TAGS: @theshamelessmanatee @itsdawnashlie @talesoffairies @janiedreams88 @kiki-krakatoa @yessenia993 @teyamarra @c00lhandsluke @gcchic @arses21434 @orangesickle @entireoranges @jarmin @kathy5654 @martinab26 @thisonekid @thenibblets @perfectly-penelope @ambrosiaswhispers @maziikeen92 @lovelukealvez @reidskitty13 @jenf42 @gracieeelizabeth27 @silviajajaja @smalliemichelle99 @charchampagne14 @ichooseno @ megs2219 @rkt3357 @franklintrixie @thinitta @chewwy123 @skisun @maba84 @saisnarry @myhollyhanna23 @thenorthernlytes

#garvez #penelope garcia #luke alvez #penelope x luke #luke x penelope #garcia x alvez #alvez x garcia #matt simmons #jennifer jareau #emily prentiss #tara lewis #david rossi #spencer reid #criminal minds #cm #tiziano ferro #mia nonna

19 notes · View notes

hybridequalist · 7 years

Text

Another Day on the Job

Fandom: Batman

Characters: Jonathan Crane, Jervis Tetch, Edward Nigma

Words: 3400

Notes: This is based on a buddy cop AU @askarkham came up with about a month ago.

If you like what you read, let me know and feel free to reblog!

What was it about police stations and the sound of typing? The two were inseparable. On most mornings, Jonathan would have found it charming but after the late night he'd had, he was more inclined to find the constant sound infuriating.

Reaching his desk, the lanky brunette shrugged off his jacket and removed a few case files from his bag, stacking them next to his desktop computer. When he finished the short prep of his workspace, he turned around and--right on time--his partner walked up with a fresh mug of tea in his hand.

"G'morin' Jon," Jervis greeted him, the weariness in his tone letting the taller man know he hadn't been the only one burning the midnight oil. "Brought you your usual."

Jonathan took the offered drink and sipped at it. The faintly bitter taste of dandelion root hit his tongue, softened by just a touch of honey, and he sighed in contentment. The short blonde truly had a gift for making herbal blends for any and every situation. When he'd first come on the force, many of the officers had been skeptical but after a few short months they were all singing his praises. It was common knowledge now that if Jervis came up to you with a mug of tea in his hands, it was in your best interest to drink it before questioning it.

"Do you know if forensics has come up with anything relevant regarding the crime scene?" Jonathan asked, taking his seat and booting up the computer.

"They hadn't when I arrived, but that was almost twenty minutes ago," Jervis shrugged. "They might have messaged since. Edward was also taunting me again earlier, claiming to have another 'hint' as he calls it."

"That freelancer knows exactly where he can put that attitude, lest I be forced to do it for him," Jonathan growled, taking another gulp of tea as he logged on and opened the department email. Scrolling through the messages left there overnight, his scowl deepened when he couldn't find what he was looking for.

"Doesn’t anyone do their jobs?!" he spat irritably. "The scene is over twenty-four hours old and still nothing out of forensics! What are they doing to make it take so long?!"

"You're ranting, Jonathan," Jervis sighed, catching sight of the nervous glances the other nearby officers and detectives were giving his partner. "Did you forget to eat breakfast again? You become a complete bandersnatch when you're hungry."

Seemingly from nowhere, the blonde produced a small tupperware containing a bagel sandwich and gave it to his tall counterpart, who took it and all but ripped it open as he began to compose a message to the forensics team.

This was not a typical morning in the Criminal Investigation Division--not anymore--but it was not uncommon either: before Tetch's assignment, the foul attitude from his partner had been a daily pattern that ended in a lot of people getting shouted at and tensions running high. Jonathan Crane had a brilliant mind and undoubtedly the best profiler and investigator in the CID, but he wasn't much of a team player. Combined with how often he lost himself in his work--frequently to the point of forgetting to take care of himself--his work life was mostly solitary and no one wanted to stay partners with him for long. Jervis Tetch had been heaven-sent in that regard: his much more optimistic attitude and surprising grit made him perfectly suited to endure Crane's cynicism and he was a genius in his own right--despite his odd quirks involving hats, the works of Lewis Carroll and his teas. He had first been something of a curiosity to Jonathan and had been tolerated merely to learn more. However, the lanky investigator soon found himself quite attached to the newcomer, a phenomenon he was still at a loss to explain. They also worked well together despite the occasional clash of opinions which was much better than trading partners every few weeks when a problem arose.

The rest of the morning passed largely without incident, forensics finally sending in their findings near 11. Jonathan and Jervis went over the paper together and, much to their frustration, were unable to determine much as there was little substance in the evidence to start with.

"This is absolutely ridiculous!" the taller of the pair grumbled, fingers drumming on the desk as he reread the details for the fifth time. "Fingerprints all over the scene but 'no indication of any patterns'? 'The unidentified hair sample disintegrated when exposed to testing fluid'? 'Blood sample matched nothing in Gotham's database'?! You'd think we were hunting a ghost instead of some joker dressing as a clown!"

"Maybe he fell into a vat of chemicals or something?" Jervis suggested with a shrug. "Had his fingerprints burned off and his hair damaged?"

"I wouldn't put that beyond the realm of possibility, especially in this city," Jonathan admitted. "Still, the odds of that being the case are slim at best. More likely he was wearing gloves and lost that hair in one of the explosions he set off to account for the fragility."

"Bother," the englishman sighed. "So I assume we're to go over the case reports from the scene again?"

"It's our only lead on his patterns as of now," the brunette replied shortly. "Unless he attacks again or one of his thugs can be identified--

It was at this moment that both investigators' phones went off, the ringing startling them into silence. After a moment, Jervis went to answer his device as Jonathan rolled his eyes. There was only one person who would go to such dramatic lengths to get their shared attention. Still, he pulled out his own and answered the call.

"Still having trouble, boys?" The voice from the phone was rich and teasing. "Looks like I'll be winning my bet with miss Kyle after all. She truly thought you two would have a better lead by now."

"If you're here to gloat, I will end this call and never respond to your messages again," Jonathan threatened with a growl. "Your only contact with us should be to pass along information."

There was a heavy sigh on the other end that made the brunette roll his eyes. Edward Nigma was one of the most infuriating people on the planet, but being an underworld informant was a hard career path in Gotham and he did an excellent job of it--things that meant he was likely to remain on Police payroll for as long as he remained uncompromised.

"Fine, fine. Take all the fun out of it why don't you?" the criminal grumbled. "I figured you two would be very interested to learn that one of the goons you've been trying to track down is currently relaxing in a club and bragging about his new job working for that clown. A fantastically easy catch after so much hard work. It's probably a setup...or maybe he really is that stupid. Hard to tell with Gotham's masses."

"Address and name," Jonathan ordered shortly.

"I'll get the radio," Jervis offered, darting off with surprising speed.

"Guy who you're looking for is Tommy Payaso. Used to be a nurse but quit for mysterious reasons," Edward was saying. "He's currently getting himself a drink at a club called the Luna. Nice place. Bit pricy considering their mediocre menu. I advise not charging in with guns blazing--he’s armed."

"If this is truly a lead, I will withdraw your arrest warrant," the slim investigator replied. "If not--"

"No need to sour the air with your threats, Jonny-boy," the freelancing informant drawled. "I know what you want to do with me already--it's the same thing every time. Change it up, why don't you?"

The call ended with a faint click and Jonathan bit back a violent curse. One of these days, Edward was going to push his luck a little too far and he would be more than happy to be the one delivering the consequences.

As it happened, Edward's tip had been a solid one--which had been good for everybody involved. The thug hadn't come in easy, but he was now securely cuffed in one of the interrogation rooms. Jonathan and Jervis both stood behind the one-way glass. The blonde was rifling through the man's file while his partner eyed the criminal appraisingly. "Matches Edward's description perfectly," Jervis commented. "Used to be a nurse before he suddenly resigned. No prior criminal record...but he has a history of mood swings and aggression in both the workplace and among his peers." "No doubt caused by family-related trauma," the taller man remarked. "Probably his father's doing; it often is." "So far, he's remained silent to all interrogation, but he hasn't asked for an attorney either. I doubt he'll open up to us unless we...push..." Jonathan glanced sideways at his partner. Jervis' brow was furrowed and he was staring off into space. He knew that look: the englishman was very expressive and this particular one was common when their work took an often necessary but unpleasant turn; he was trying to visualize some alternate way to go about the next phase of their investigation--one that might prevent anyone involved from suffering harm.

“See if he responds to you,” the brunette stated abruptly. “If the clown prepared him with misinformation in case of capture, I’d prefer to know sooner than later. As head investigator on this case, you’re a more valuable place to set up the red herring than the other officers.”

“But I’m still the junior partner,” Jervis protested. “I--”

“Mister Payaso doesn’t know that,” Jonathan interjected. “And as admirable as it is for you to try spare him a session with me, it is our only effective option left should he not give you anything at all.”

“There are other ways, Jonathan,” the shorter man mumbled. “You know that.”

“Better it remains on my conscience than weighing on yours,” the analyst replied, resting a hand on Jervis’ shoulder. “My mind is made up. If you finish early, I will be downstairs in the lab.”

Jonathan strode away, the door closing almost silently behind him. His partner sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair and then rubbing the back of his neck.

“Can’t you see it’s you I’m trying to spare from this?” he asked the empty room. “I can’t stand watching what that concoction does to you…”

Tommy Payaso had known he was going to be interrogated from the very beginning when the cops had gotten their meaty hands on him. While he had no idea who had tipped them off he was working with Gotham’s newest criminal mastermind, he had been successful in remaining silent and frustrating the police’s efforts. Their latest tactic to send in the investigator heading the case had also been useless--Tommy was a lot of things, but he was not a snitch.

“There are protections we can offer you, potentially reduced or nulled prison sentences as well,” the short blonde was saying to the henchman. “You’ve never been to prison before, Mr. Payaso; I can assure you that if you are incarcerated in Gotham, it will be a dangerous and potentially fatal venture.”

“Look, investigator tea and crumpets or whatever,” Tommy grumbled, leaning back in his chair and “I’m not saying anything, so how about you scurry back off to your office and let the officers process my paperwork and I’ll get out of your hair. You have no evidence to say I did anything and I have nothing to confess.”

The door suddenly swung open, making both men in the interrogation room jolt at the sound of it. The first thing Tommy registered about the man who entered was his intimidating height followed almost immediately at how distant and cold those hazel eyes were.

“We will see if you truly have nothing to confess, Mr. Payaso,” the newcomer said in an eerily calm voice.

“Jonathan, I’m still working here,” the english investigator said, rising (which did little to improve his height compared to the brunette beanpole)

“I have been observing your efforts and made the call that you were not making sufficient progress,” the other investigator replied firmly. “It is crucial we get something useful from the suspect and your methods are not going to get results in a timely manner.”

“I still don’t think this is necessary,” the blonde grumbled.

“While I value your opinion, Tetch, I already told you my mind was made up on this matter. Now, if you would excuse yourself, I need to be alone with Mr. Payaso.”

Mr. Tetch still seemed unhappy with the arrangement, but he nevertheless obeyed the politely implied command. He strode to the still-open door, paused on the threshold.

“‘Beware the Jabberwock, my son’,” he said in a low voice. “‘The jaws that bite, the claws that catch. Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch’.”

And then the door closed, leaving Tommy with the new interrogator.

As “Jonathan” took a seat, the henchman looked the lanky man over. He didn’t seem to be in very good fighting shape due to his slim frame--more of an intellectual than someone who was active in the field. However, there was a strong aura of intimidation that surrounded him, making even the small motions of moving his chair forward seem threatening.

Settle down, Tommy, he told himself. It’s just a good cop versus bad cop scenario. Besides, I could knock him over even with my hands in these cuffs no problem. This guy isn’t so bad.

“Do you believe in God, Mr. Payaso?”

The question was so abrupt that it caught Tommy off guard. “What?”

“Do you believe in a God?” the investigator repeated.

“What does it matter if I do?” the suspect spat back.

“Well,” Jonathan said slowly, a small smirk forming on his face, “I was going to give you the opportunity to pray before we get started here. Because you see, Mr. Payaso, once I begin my interrogation, only two things will stop your torment: your confession or divine intervention.”

The smirk was still slowly growing, edging on gleeful now. Tommy decided he didn’t like that smile--it made a chill run down his spine.

“But as you have not answered, I will assume you prefer not to call upon His help,” the brunette continued. “Now, you may have noticed that your chair has armrests with cuffs. I am going to remove your current pair and instead secure you to your seat so you don’t flail about too much.”

The investigator rose to his full height, setting a briefcase Tommy hadn’t noticed before on the table between them. He came around and began to undo the handcuffs and Tommy immediately tried to get out of his reach. But somehow the scrawny man managed to catch hold of him and pin his wrists to the table.

“Now now,” Jonathan chided, still looking far too happy. “You can struggle as much as you like once I have you restrained. But there is no escaping this, understand?”

Looking into those hazel eyes--strangely emotionless despite his expression--Tommy got the strong sense that if he tried something like that again, this still-unknown horrible thing that was about to happen to him would get infinitely worse. He hadn’t gotten a feeling like that since he’d met the Boss and that realization made a cold sweat start to gather on his brow.

One Jonathan had finished cuffing the nervous suspect, he returned to the table and opened the briefcase.

“It doesn’t matter what your goal is or who you’re working for,” he mused, more to himself than to Tommy. “Sooner or later, someone always talks. And what convinces them to talk? Their fear. You assumed when I came in that this was going to be like one of those television dramas where I yell at you and throw things and make you afraid that I will beat the answers I’m seeking out of you. Quite frankly, that is truly a barbaric way to accomplish the goal of a confession. I won’t have to even touch you to get what I want from you; you’ll give it to me quite willingly.”

Tommy watched in silent apprehension as the lanky man withdrew what appeared to be a burlap sack from the case. Jonathan admired it for a moment and the handcuffed man realized it was a mask of some sort, roughly shaped like the head of a scarecrow.

“Do try to resist screaming,” he said, reaching into the case again and removing a cannister. “You can’t give me the information I want if you lose your voice, now can you?”

Jonathan did not see Jervis for the whole rest of the day. It had been several hours since Tommy Payaso had finally broken down and blubbered out everything he knew about his employer’s plans, allowing the brunette to come down from the rush he felt using the Toxin and learning his victim’s worst fears. When finally it was the end of his shift, Jonathan decided to see if he could catch his partner before he left for the night.

He managed to find him in the break room, sipping a cup of tea with a strong floral scent next to the window.

“Jervis,” he greeted him.

“Jonathan,” the blonde replied curtly.

A heavy silence fell between them, Jonathan awkwardly standing in the doorway with his briefcase and watching as Jervis drank his herbal blend and stare out into the night sky.

“You know I didn’t mean to undermine or offend you when I took over the interrogation,” the taller man eventually said.

“Just as you know that isn’t the reason why I’m cross with you,” Jervis shot back.

“Tetch, we’ve been over this; the Toxin is highly effective in interrogation scenarios for ensuring truthful confessions from the suspects.”

“But that doesn’t mean it’s right, Jonathan!” the englishman burst, slamming down his cup and slopping hot liquid onto the table. “It’s cruel and it doesn’t just affect the victims either! Do you have any idea who you become when you use that gas of yours?!”

“I’m in control,” Jonathan insisted, tone sharp.

“Are you? Are you really? Because sometimes I start to wonder, Jon!”

The brunette waited until Jervis’ breathing had somewhat settled and he was no longer holding his teacup in a deathgrip before he crossed the room and sat opposite his partner. Still, he remained quiet to let the smaller man speak when he was ready.

“I don’t like how much you rely on it,” the blonde admitted. “It’s like...like it’s becoming your go-to method, no matter how certain we are on a suspect’s guilt.”

“I could always let you be the harsh one instead--the ‘bad cop’ as it were,” Jonathan suggested. “You can be incredibly fierce once you let all the propriety go.”

“And then perhaps everyone would stop saying I’m so ‘adorable’,” Jervis muttered, a faint grin crossing his face as the thought played out in his mind. He quickly hid the emotion with a gulp of his remaining tea before rising to grab some napkins and clean up his spill. Jonathan let a weary smile at that before his usual somber expression returned.

Both men knew this would not be the last time this topic would come up between them--it was nowhere near resolved--but now was not the time to discuss it: they were tired from their hard day’s work and their emotions were still too close to the surface to keep from fighting about it more. For tonight, they would put it aside.

“Would you like to walk out with me?” the taller man offered. “It’s about time to leave.”

“Wait a mo,” Jervis replied, taking his cup to the sink and rinsing it before he put it back into the cupboard. One it was safely in his place, he returned to his seat and picked up his bag. “There we are. After you.”

The walk was silent until they reached the front doors of the station. Standing at the bottom step, the two exchanged their goodbyes.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to move forward in our investigation tomorrow,” Jervis said.

“If the night shift doesn’t ruin everything,” Jonathan added. “Until then, Tetch.”

“Make sure you eat a proper meal when you get home; I don’t want there to be a bandersnatch at your desk in the morning.”

“Yes ‘mother’.”

#batman #Jonathan Crane #Jervis Tetch #edward nigma #hybridwrites #fanfic post #fanfiction #AU #buddy cop #long post

285 notes · View notes

shsummertimefest-blog · 7 years

Text

Enjoy, @accio-izzy!

I’d never actually written any Jimon before, so this was a lovely challenge ^.^ I couldn’t help myself though, so I added some minor/background clizzy and malec. I hope you enjoy!

Magnus, Jace has learned over the few years the warlock has been dating his brother, doesn’t really need an excuse to throw a party. Like, ever. He’s the High Warlock of Brooklyn: he throws parties when he wants to, announces them whenever he wants to, and people still clamor for invitations. So when he does have a perfectly adequate reason to do so, it’s no wonder the party is completely over the top. Hence why Jace isn’t at all surprised that the first thing he sees when he steps into the loft (that at the moment looks more like a nightclub) for Magnus and Alec’s engagement party is a 5 story cake that seems to be floating around and offering itself to guests; he snorts in amusement and sidesteps a pixie that giggles at him from the hall, nodding in acknowledgment at Clary and Izzy in the corner of the kitchen (he’s not entirely sure they see him; the redhead seems to be trying to deflect Isabelle’s attempts to get her to eat… something – he can’t tell what it is, but Izzy seems to be the one cooking, meaning it’s not good – without hurting her girlfriend’s feelings).

Smiling and shaking his head fondly, he makes his way to the living room only to spot the couple of the hour wrapped up in each other right in the middle of their own party, apparently paying no mind whatsoever to their guests; he ponders over going there and teasing Alec for it, but then his parabatai pulls away from his fiancée just enough that he can see his smile and he loses all the urge to joke. Alec has never truly been happy, in all the years he’s known him, without being with Magnus; it only dawned on him when he got to see (and feel) what the real deal looked like, not the glimpses of contentment he would get whenever Alec spent a nice time with his siblings, or did well enough on a mission that Maryse or Robert would state the pride they had in their eldest son openly for once.

He’s still watching Alec and Magnus, who have now turned to slow dancing (even though their lips are still constantly touching) when he hears him approach; it’s very faint. Simon has been perfecting his vampire skills to the point where he’s sure that, had he not come from a fight with most of his runes still activated, he wouldn’t have been able to tell he was next to him.

He turns to greet him; their eyes meet. He says nothing. Of course that doesn’t apply at all to the much chattier man next to him, who tilts his head and sighs lightly. “They seem so… thrilled, don’t they?”

Jace nods, still silent, and as usual it only seems to encourage him to talk more and quicker. “I mean, I met Alec before Magnus, and I met Alec after Magnus, and… well, look at the dude. He’s not even scary anymore!”

Jace snorts amusedly and the vampire backpedals quickly enough. “Okay, he’s still plenty scary when he wants to be, but he’s not Mr. Grumpy Pants all the time anymore.” His gaze shifts onto the blond briefly before he crosses his arms over his chest, voice dropping to a whisper. “I didn’t know it was a family legacy.”

The Shadowhunter blinks, trying to make sense of his words, then scrunches his nose when he finds none. “What the hell do you mean?”

Simon rolls his eyes lightly, reaching behind him for one of the drinks Magnus has at the guests’ disposal and fiddling with the straw. “Well, ever since things with you and Clary fell apart, and then Sebastian’s demise and what not, you just seem to be taking the part of Mr. Grumpy Pants yourself.”

Jace scoffs. “I most certainly have n-”

He’s cut off by a figure that positions itself in between them, efficiently preventing any further communication. The shadowhunter frowns, leaning forward to get a glimpse of the individual – he’s seelie, that much is obvious by his fine features and the grace in his stance, with long, cobalt blue hair and grey eyes; his smile is slightly crooked, but his teeth are annoyingly perfect. Or maybe Jace is just annoyed because he seems to be putting that smile to use on Simon. Placing a hand on the seelie’s shoulder, he turns the man around to face him, patting him lightly. “Excuse me, mate, but we were in the middle of something here.”

The man’s strange eyes dart between the two of them a few times before he smirks, bowing his head slightly to the shadowhunter. “I see. My apologies, I believed him to be unengaged.” His smirk widens as he moves away, leaning down to whisper in Jace’s ear. “Nice catch, shadowhunter.”

The blonde’s eyes widen minutely before he schools his features back into a bored expression, turning to face Simon once again, only to find him pouting. “And why did you do that for? He was hot.”

Jace blinks.

Then he blinks again.

Suddenly the seelie is all but forgotten.

He opens his mouth to speak a few times before he finally manages to get out the words he means to, his brow furrowed. “You’re into guys?”

Simon chuckles then tilts his head to the side. “As I have been figuring out, it would seem I’m actually into pretty much anything.” Their eyes meet once again, and he watches the vampire’s own darken as he licks his lips. “With personal preferences, of course.”

Jace shakes his head, trying to clear it, muttering to himself. “I’ve only ever seen you with girls, I- I assumed…”

It’s now Simon’s turn to blink in confusion, but it lasts only a second before it clears and gives away into a bright smile. “Oh.” He comes closer, and Jace can no longer tell what’s beating faster, his heart or the loud music. The vampire places a finger underneath his chin, running it down and over his chest. “And I assumed you were straight as a rod.” He looks up at him from beneath his eyelashes, his lips wrapped around a little smirk. “But that’s not the case, is it?”

Jace’s breath hitches, but he manages to keep his voice steady. “I have my own preferences too.” He’s barely gotten the words out before Simon’s lips are on his and then the only thing going through his brain is an uninterrupted litany of finally.

When he does come back to his senses, the vampire’s hand is barely an inch away from his belt, an eyebrow raised in challenge. “Shall we see if you lose the grumpiness if we get rid of the pants?”

Jace licks his lips. “Magnus always keeps the spare bedroom done up for me in case I need it.”

Simon’s answering grin is brighter than anything he’s ever seen before. “Good. I’d say you’re in great need, Herondale, wouldn’t you?”

Jace growls and grabs his hand, rushing down the hall. “Oh, you have no idea.”

The next morning, Jace is woken by a sudden flash of light and a clicking sound. Blinking his eyes blearily he spots his brother at the door, looking more than a little sleepy himself, with a camera in hand and a big grin on his face. He mouths the words “proud of you, bro”, holds up his thumb then tiptoes back to his bedroom. Jace frowns in confusion before he looks down and spots an arm wrapped around his torso; next he feels legs tangled with his own, and then does he realize his own arm is around Simon Lewis’ shoulders.

“Morning, Mr. Grumpy Pants.”

Oh.

Suddenly wide awake, he flips them until he’s straddling the vampire’s thighs, smirking down at him. “I’m only grumpy when I can’t have what I want, Lewis.” He leans down and sucks a hickey high up his neck, delighting in the shiver the action elicits from the daylighter. “So I suppose you’ll just have to take one for the team.”

Strong arms wrap around his neck and a contented sigh reaches his ears before Simon speaks again; when he does, he can feel his smile widen to the point his cheeks hurt a bit. “Well, you know me. Team player through and through.”

#accio-izzy #shgiftfest17 #fic

9 notes · View notes

mini-zerk-her · 7 years

Text

FOR THE FUTURE- PART 6 SIDEMEN FANFIC

"Okay so why are we having a party?" JJ asks me as we walk into the lounge of the hotel we are at. "I can't say, you'll find out later." I shrug before looking around the room. "Who are you looking for?" "Nobody Jide, just a person." "Simon?" He questions and I grab the closest drink. "Hell no, we don't even talk anymore. Except when I'm trying not to hit his dumb girlfriend." I laugh and he smiles. "She's a bitch, but it's whatever." He shrugs and leaves me sitting at the bar. "Bathroom now." I hear a whisper in my ear and I turn to see Lewis walking away from me. "What was that?" Freya asks while grabbing my hand and giggling. "Oh I absolutely can't tell." I shrug before giving in. "I'll be back in ten. That's all you need to know and make sure Josh doesn't go to the bathroom anytime soon." I kiss her on the cheek and she pulls me back. "Condom?" She asks and I nod tapping the pocket to my skirt. "Okay have fun." She smirks and I walk away. Once I get to the bathroom I knock quietly and wait. "Hello?? Is anyone in there?" I ask before looking around to see if anyone is watching. I feel the door swing open in front of me and then I'm quickly pulled into the restroom and pushed against the door. "Okay we should've had a code name." --- "Hey so where were you?" I almost jump out of my skin when I hear someone's voice. I slowly turn to see Josh and it's almost worse when Lewis walks out of the bathroom that I was just seen walking from. "Oh this is just a bad joke right?" He asks and I look down at my shoes to keep from making eye contact with my big brother. "Can you start by looking me in the eyes?" Josh asks and I look up to see him with an angry pout etched across his face. "Lewis can I have a minute with my sister?" Lewis quickly scurries off and I'm left facing the fact that I had a one night stand that turned into a lot of rounds. "Lewis?" He asks and I nod. "Can I explain it?" I ask and he sighs before motioning for me to continue. "So I went to a party with Jake and then I saw Lewis and I had some alcohol in my system. Then some stuff led to me at his place and I had sex with him. I mean I know you're angry, but I really like him. I mean I finally got over that panic I had when a guy touched me. I felt normal and now I feel really good like really really good again. Please don't be angry." "I want you to be happy but you shouldn't be sleeping around in bathrooms. I mean I'm angry but it could be worse. So please if you're gonna have sex do it when I'm not home or when I'm not planning to announce my future wedding." "But I'd fix you're shirt because you have a fence basher sized hickey on your chest." He jokes before quickly walking off. I walk back into the crowd of people and right to Lewis. "Hey, come with me." I pull at his wrist and he motions to the conversation he is in the middle of. "Fine, just know that you're stuck taking me home tonight and that Josh knows. Also I'm getting hammered tonight so pick me up at a different bar after this." I joke before going to walk away but he pulls me back. "Fine we can talk now." He brings me over to the balcony and smiles. "So he knows and he didn't freak out but he just doesn't want to see us doing anything. Basically I don't wanna get hammered tonight but I do want to get some pizza and drink some beer or anything. Maybe watch a film and cuddle and you seem like a good candidate for the cuddling." "Lunatic." He mumbles before kissing me softly. "Oh everyone is going inside for the announcement. Come on." I pull at his hand and I leave him to grab the microphone. "Okay so I've been asked by everyone why you were asked to be here but I decided to be cryptic. Now, I have been trying to keep a secret of everything but now I get to announce to everyone that someone special to me is going to be having someone special officially join them for the rest of their lives. Now as everyone knows, I'm Josh's little sister and he's stuck with me but now he's stuck with someone much more talented and beautiful and I'm so happy to be announcing that Josh and Freya are engaged." I smile and everyone looks confused before turning to the two of them and clapping. "Okay so I'm bad at speeches and all that so I'm gonna leave it at that. Thanks." - "Okay I get i'm bad at speeches but was it that bad?" I laugh as Lewis mocks my speech from earlier. "Oh yeah it was bad." "Kiss me" I pull at his collar. "Sorry but shitty speeches don't get kisses." He laughs and I press my hips down on him further. He moves his hands to my waist and holds me in his lap. "Um maybe they do." He leans his head back slightly and I nod before trailing my hands down his chest to unbutton his top. "I'm sorry my speech was so shitty, but I was a little preoccupied. I mean a few moment prior I had my brother asking about my sex life, and I mean it's not like one of his best friend didn't just have his hands all over his baby sister." "Well it's not like you made it easy to keep them off." He lets out a small laugh while looking down and then back up at me. "It's not my fault you came into the party in this outfit of yours. You came in with a tight almost see through top and a short skirt. I mean I love it, but its hard when there's a bunch of guys staring at you and flirting with you." He shrugs and I lean down to kiss his jawline. "I didn't sleep with you because I was bored. I slept with you being I like you. A lot." I mumble. "I mean I was also really horny." I joke and he frowns before going to cross his arms over his chest. "Aww no." I stop him before kissing him and starting to fumble with the buttons on his shirt. Once I open up his shirt I run my hands up to his shoulders. "Lewis, we need to talk about Y/N!" I hear a way too familiar voice and I immediately place my head on Lewis' shoulder and let out a frustrated groan. "Lewis, I'm joining on this conversation!" I hear another voice and I just let out a mini scream because I'm pissed. "Both of you turn around." I shout before moving to the spot on the couch next to Lewis instead of on him. I cross my legs and sit down uncomfortably. "Josh...Freya." I cough and they both turn around. "So why are you here? I understand why he's here because of earlier today, but why you?" I whine and she crosses her arms "Because you're like my little sister and one of my favorite people to hang out with. I just knew Josh was coming here ito be all brother like and tell Lewis to treat you well, and I wanted to scare him too." She smiles and I can't even be mad at her. "I love you." I smile at her, but Josh shakes his head. "Why couldn't I have walked in ten minutes earier?" He asks and I shrug. "Basically I came here to make sure she comes home so I know where she is but now I'm gonna ask that you use a condom. I will kill you if she's pregnant." "Also Tobi and you are in charge of planning some stuff wth the wedding and some stuff. Like I told you to be my best man but I realized that would be odd for you so you can pick what to be." C "Yeah he stole you from me because I wanted to make you my maid of honor." "Okay well why don't you make one of your best mates that position Josh. Like don't do that for me, I know you love me. Now yes, Freya I'll be your maid of honor because I love you so much. As for this whole thing you walked in on, can we just maybe talk wedding later because it's very weird right now." I ask and they nod. "Also this stays between us. I don't want the other guys knowing. It'll just make things awkward. Now go!" I wave them off but Lewis grabs me and pulls me towards him. "I'm gonna go talk to him. He needs to know that I'm not gonna hurt his little sister. Also sit down you had a tad too much to drink sweetheart." He kisses my cheek before motioning for Josh to meet him in the hallway. - "So I'm gonna see you later right?" Lewis asks as I change back to my clothing from the party last night. "I'm being forced to film with Cal and some of the others because we made a bet so I don't know how it's gonna go." I laugh and Lewis turns to me "Wait no no no. You did not make a bet with Freezy did you?" "Um yes but it's not a bad one. I mean I did bet that I could score more penalties out of 50 than him, Harry, Ethan and Cal, and if I can't they get to ask me each a question that I have to answer. Then we are doing 20 crossbar attempts and whoever gets less has to answer the questions." "Love you're fucked. You don't play football anymore do you?" He asks and I laugh. "Oh sweetheart you're underestimating me. I've played as a child and with Josh all the time. I've got this. I'm also amazing at crossbars." I lean over to kiss him and he smiles. "Aww you are gonna kill them. Make sure you video tape the murder." "I will, but if I do lose and they make me admit something don't feel bad." I kiss him one last time before grabbing my bag and walking downstairs to start getting home. Once I do I'm immediately grabbed my Josh and stared at. "You better still be good at football I have a feeling of what they'll ask you. Just admit nothing." He warns me and I roll my eyes. "Millwall!" He claps before walking off and I just walk right back upstairs to his room to grab a pair of sidemen joggers and a top because I haven't gotten any of my own football stuff from storage. I've always used Josh's from when he was younger. I for some reason actually have my boots here since I always play when I'm here and not really anywhere else. "Okay good luck." I hear someone mumble and I turn to see Simon. "Thanks I guess." By the time I get to the pitch I see that not only the four guys arrived but Simon, Lewis, Josh and Tobi are also there. "Fuck all of you. Seriously what is going on?" I mumble and they shrug. "Basically we thought the more the merrier." Freezy smirks and I walk up to the football before kicking it right at the crossbar. "So let's go." Ethan mumbles as Freezy sets up his camera. "Hey guys so today we are doing something a little different. We have Josh's little sister here and she and I made a bet. She's got fifty penalty shots to do and however many she gets needs to be less than what I get. However I have Tobi in goal and some help from my friends. I'm gonna have Simon, Ethan, Cal and Harry doing ten each and I'll do ten. If we get more out of fifty than her, she has to answer a question from each of us and she has to answer. Same for us if she wins. Now, we have Lewis and Josh just here for fun! Also a crossbar version is gonna happen right after!" "Let's go!" Harry scream and I shake my head. "Millwall!" I cheer and Josh picks me up and points at the camera. "That's right!" It ends up going poorly. I happened to get thirty-nine out of fifty and they got forty one. Two penalties more and I'm stuck answering horrible questions. "Least favorite Sidemen?" Freezy asks and I laugh. "Surely it's Simon." I laugh and everyone holds back a laugh. "Okay moving on. Do you actually like Freya or do you only act nice for Josh's sake?" Ethan asks and I shake my head. "No I love her. She's one of my closest friends. I grew up with her being around. She's been in my life since I was thirteen and I'm nineteen now. She's family." "Are you kinky?" Harry asks and I almost kick him. "No. Jesus Christ. You ask that in front of my brother too?! The fuck?" I smack him. "Okay I'll go first... Did you ever sleep with one of the sidemen or a friend of the sidemen and does your brother know?" Cal asks and I nod. "Yeah Josh knows and before you ask who, I'm not telling." "Who?" "No im saying that person might not want me to say." "Oh true." They nod and I feel relieved but they don't when I beat them at the crossbar challenge. "Haha boys. See you later I'm going to go get some food and then I'm gonna go brag about my victory." I smile and Josh points at Freezy. "I raised her well. She's a Millwall fan who can kill everyone at the crossbar challenge, sorry you guys loss." "Wait she gets to ask questions." Lewis points out and I shake my head. "No I already know everything about them." I shrug before picking up my bag. "So what are we doing now?" "I'm gonna go back home and eat probably. I also have to get back to painting and actually working." I explain and they shrug. "Okay well bye boys!"

#josh zerkaa #zerkaa imagine #ksi imagine #zerkaa #sidemen fanfiction #simon minter imagine #sidemen imagines #sidemen #tobjzl imagine #tobjzl #wroetoshaw imagine #wroetoshaw #behzinga imagine #vikkstar123 #vikkstar imagine

42 notes · View notes

imagine-loki · 3 years

Text

Trust, Chapter 23

TITLE: Trust CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 23 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki kidnaps Darcy Lewis, in hopes of getting the tesseract in return for her. Imagine his surprise when he grows rather fond of the mortal, finding that she understands him better than anyone else ever has. RATING: M

Darcy’s date with Blake had went well.

He was a gentleman throughout and even paid for their meal. Though Darcy couldn’t help but wonder if that was after Loki’s threat. But either way, she had a great evening and she did quite like Blake. So was happy when he kissed her cheek before heading home after seeing her back to the compound.

When she went inside and headed upstairs, she was passing the library to get to her room, the door swung open and a grinning Loki was stood there. He leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms over his chest.

‘Well, how was your date?’

‘It went really well, thank you for asking.’ Darcy grinned. ‘Were you waiting up for me?’

Loki shrugged and looked a little sheepish. ‘Perhaps… But I just wanted to make sure you got back safe. There are a lot of weirdos out there, you know.’

‘Oh yeah, there certainly are. And I’m looking at the biggest weirdo of them all right now.’ Darcy teased.

Loki’s mouth opened in mock shock and he put his hand over his heart. ‘You wound me, Darcy.’ He chuckled.

‘Fancy a drink? I’m not tired yet, but Blake wasn’t keen on going to a club.’ Darcy offered.

‘Of course.’ Loki nodded and followed her to her room, where she poured them both a drink.

They ended up sitting on Darcy’s bed together with their drinks. She had gone to get changed into something more comfortable first. She groaned as she leaned back against the headboard.

‘I forgot how tiring dates could be. Especially first ones. Trying to be your best with someone new, but also trying not to be too not yourself. If that makes sense?’ She asked him.

‘Mmm, you’re tying to impress them but also you don’t want them to get a complete shock when they get to know the real you?’ Loki said.

‘Exactly! Not to mention wearing all this damn make-up, I mean I love make-up don’t get me wrong, but this is bit much.’ She grabbed a wipe from the side of her bed and started taking it off.

‘Why try so hard when he’s seen you for you already?’ Loki asked.

‘Because it was a date, it wasn’t just at work.’ Darcy shrugged.

‘Are you seeing him again?’ Loki asked casually.

‘Yeah, we’re going to the movies on Sunday night.’ She smiled. ‘At least that’s a bit more casual.’

‘I’m glad you’re happy, Darcy. You deserve to be happy.’ Loki said sincerely.

Darcy wasn’t sure why she felt a weird pang inside of her. She was happy before, more than happy since Loki came into her life, really. But it would be nice having a boyfriend, getting some on the regular wouldn’t be a bad thing either, she thought to herself.

Over the following few weeks, Darcy went on a few more dates with Blake. She really liked him, they got along great and had quite a bit in common.

Loki did like him, he was an alright guy for a mortal. But he did keep reminding Blake not to hurt Darcy, but Blake was able to just let it slide off. Knowing he wouldn’t hurt Darcy so wouldn’t have anything to worry about with Loki. Or so he hoped, anyway. He was still confused about their relationship, even though Darcy had told him they were just good friends. And the others confirmed that, too. So it was something he tried not to dwell on.

Thor came into the living room one day rather excited.

Loki, Darcy, Blake, Natasha, Steve and Clint had all been watching a film.

‘What’s the excitement for?’ Steve asked Thor.

‘He probably found the chocolate cake.’ Loki commented flatly as he kept his eyes on the TV.

Darcy laughed.

‘I… chocolate cake?’ Thor looked at Loki, distracted. Making everyone laugh. He shook his head and then moved on front of the TV, making everyone grumble in annoyance. ‘Father wishes for Loki and I to return to Asgard for a visit.’

Loki raised an eyebrow, unamused. But also wondering why Odin would want him back there.

‘No.’

‘Come on, Loki. You have to.’ Thor said.

‘I don’t have to anything.’ Loki grumbled angrily.

‘It’s not a request, it’s a demand… Again.’ Thor said sheepishly.

Loki dramatically sighed, then he looked to Darcy. ‘Fancy another trip to Asgard?’

Her eyes lit up excitedly. ‘Hell yeah!’

‘Fine then, Thor. I shall come to Asgard.’ Loki huffed.

‘Excellent! I’ll bring Jane, too.’ Thor beamed happily.

‘When do we leave?’ Loki asked.

‘Right now.’

Darcy barely had any time to pack a bag. But she threw in her essentials, knowing Loki could magically poof up anything else she had forgotten.

Blake was a little disappointed that Darcy was leaving. But she said she would be back for their next date night. It was only a few days she would be away for.

When they got to Asgard, Frigga was delighted to see Darcy again. Greeting her with a hug, which warmed Darcy that she liked her so much. She didn’t see Jane getting a hug, which made her feel really smug.

She got her own chambers this time, opposite Loki’s.

‘At least I won’t need to deal with your snoring this time.’ Loki teased as he motioned to the door of her chambers.

‘You love it really.’ Darcy grinned. ‘But no, I don’t think it would be appropriate this time since I’m dating now.’ She laughed.

‘Yes, that wouldn’t be such a good idea.’ Loki agreed.

Darcy found herself spending time with Frigga one day while on Asgard. They were walking around the gardens, Loki and Thor had to see Odin for something.

‘What was Loki like as a child? Was he as mischievous as he is now?’ Darcy asked her.

‘Oh yes, he’s always had that mischievous streak.’ Frigga laughed. ‘When he got stronger with his Seidr, his pranks became greater and more elaborate. Though his favourite seemed to be turning things into snakes or eels.’

Darcy nodded. ‘Yep, I’d still say that’s his favourite.’ She grinned. ‘I’m guessing you got the Christmas card from the team?’

Frigga smiled widely. ‘I did indeed.’

‘Was he always quite… wary of letting people in? Trusting people?’ Darcy asked when they sat down by a small lake.

‘Not always. Though he did struggle fitting in with Thor and his friends. As I’m sure you know, Loki is more of a strategic fighter. Whilst he can and does use his strength, he prefers to use his brain. That made him different from the others. When he found out his true heritage, I’m afraid that made him worse with trusting people.’ Frigga said sadly.

‘But you always have and still do love him like your own son, don’t you?’ Darcy smiled.

Frigga smiled too. ‘That’s correct. I do. I only want what’s best for him, and I am truly grateful to you, Darcy. For seeing more within him, giving him that chance and showing the others back on Midgard that there is more to him, too. Whilst he doesn’t admit it, I think being with you and The Avengers is the best thing for him. They’re a team with powerful abilities, but all different powers, not just strength. So he fits in well.’

‘I agree. Though the others maybe don’t admit it yet, but he is a good part of the team now. I think even the whole world is starting to see that too, more and more of them are starting to come round to the idea of him being part of The Avengers.’

‘I just wish that…’ Frigga sighed.

‘What?’ Darcy frowned.

‘The reason Odin has asked to meet with them, is because there is a Princess on Vanaheim who is looking for a husband. Odin thinks it would be good to marry Loki off to her, to help align the realms again, make them stronger. But I wish he could just remain as he is for now.’ She said sadly.

‘Oh…’ Darcy looked down. ‘That would… be weird not having him on Earth.’

‘Loki is very stubborn, he might not even accept the arrangement. Nobody can make Loki do what he doesn’t want to do. Not even Odin.’ Frigga said with a bit of hope.

‘Don’t need to tell me that.’ Darcy laughed.

She wasn’t sure why she was feeling so disappointed and sad at the thought of Loki not being there all the time anymore…

#Loki #God of Mischief #Submitted fic #submission #trust #chapter 23 #fanfichiddles

21 notes · View notes