#i wanna see how he reconciles with what he’s done | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

helloalycia · 1 month

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𝐌𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 [𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄] — 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐑

one / two / four / masterlist / wattpad

summary: you find out the reason why Jeff cheated, you and Jackie start to spend more time together and a familiar face makes a return...

warning/s: mentions of cheating.

author's note: here’s part 3! glad you’re all enjoying this one and sorry it’s posted a bit late, i’ve been fasting so time has been a whirlwind lately lmao

After reconciling with Jackie, our relationship returned to normal, or at least as normal as it could be now that she wasn't dating my brother.

Whenever we saw each other around, she'd smile or greet me, and I her. We'd make small talk every now and then, and I accepted that this was how it would be from now on. There was no need for her to make an effort with me anymore, as sad as that was.

One day after school, I was practicing with the Music teacher and school orchestra for the school play that was happening next month. It was relatively new, but I was enjoying it. Afterwards, as I was walking to my car, I noticed the Yellowjackets leaving the field and heading in the same direction. That was where I saw Jackie, chatting with Taissa but waving at me when she saw me. By chance, we fell into step with one another.

"Hey," I said with a smile, before glancing at Taissa. "Hey, Tai, how are you?"

"Good, just tired from practice," she said, returning my smile. "You?"

"Band rehearsal," I answered, motioning to the guitar case on my back. "Tired too."

She snickered. "Nice." Then she looked to Jackie and added, "Wanna give me your bag and I'll meet you at my car?"

"Thanks, Tai," Jackie said to her, before she jogged off to the parking lot to throw their bags in. Her attention returned to me as she said, "So, band rehearsal?"

"It's for the school play," I clarified.

"You? Acting?" she teased, and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"Hilarious," I said, shooting her a look. "I'm in the orchestra."

"Ah, that makes more sense," she played along. "Though seeing you up on stage in some Shakespearean garb would've been quite the sight."

"You wish," I mumbled, making her laugh. "So, how was practice?"

She shrugged. "Not bad."

But judging by the sideways glance she gave to Shauna, who was walking to her car also, I knew things weren't great.

"Everything still weird?" I asked sympathetically.

Jackie sighed, pushing her hair behind her ear. "Yeah. How could it not be? I lost my best friend and boyfriend in one fell swoop." I frowned, unsure what to say to make her feel better, but she shook her head and tried to change the subject. "It doesn't matter anyway."

"It does," I said softly.

"It's just awkward at practice now," she admitted. "And it's not supposed to be. I'm the captain and I can't even look Shauna in the eye. I'm still upset, but what can I do? I have to get over it for the team."

If Jeff hadn't gone about this the way he did, none of this would be happening. Would he have done something different if he knew the repercussions of his actions?

"I'm sorry," I said, smiling sadly. "I wish I could help somehow."

She relaxed her shoulders and gave me a small smile. "You are."

I disagreed, but she was stubborn, so I didn't comment.

"Anyway, I'm tired from practice now, but we haven't had a proper catch up since...," she started, but paused, unsure how to mention the cheating thing. "Yeah. Do you want to come 'round to mine tomorrow?"

My eyebrows raised, not expecting her to say that. And as much as I wanted to accept, I couldn't tomorrow.

"Not to sound like a nerd, but I have homework," I said with a slight chuckle.

"Oh, I can help," she offered, before smiling cockily. "I've done it all before, remember?" I laughed at her eagerness, and her amusement was replaced with sincerity as she continued, "Just because Jeff isn't in my life now, doesn't mean you don't have to be. I'm still here for you, y'know."

Hearing her say this warmed my heart and put any doubts I had about our relationship to rest. Maybe I wasn't just Jeff's little sister after all.

"I know," I confirmed. "I'm happy to stop by tomorrow. Thanks, Jackie."

She flashed me a smile, and I tried not to get distracted by how beautiful she was. Jeff was pretty stupid, wasn't he?

—

As time went on between Jackie and I, it felt like we actually became friends and not just circumstantial acquaintances. I tried my best to be there for her, both because I wanted to be and also because it felt right after my brother was the reason for her hurt. She never visited my place because Jeff lived there and she didn't want to see him, so I'd stop by hers if we hung out outside of school.

She never spoke more on the Shauna/Jeff situation, even when I knew she hadn't properly talked to either of them since finding out. Despite it all, I knew she missed Shauna, her best friend, but it was all still fresh and I just guessed she was bottling it away for now. I wondered how long she'd last like that – maybe forever – until she finally broke.

A few weeks later, a month after they'd broken up, I was watching a Yellowjackets game with Jeff at school. As always, they'd dominated the game with a 3-0 advantage and the crowd were on the pitch celebrating in no time. My plan was to congratulate Jackie, glad she'd worked on whatever problems had been developing in practice, when I noticed Jeff had wandered off in a different direction. I didn't really pay him much attention as I scanned the pitch for Jackie.

"Jackie!" I called over the noise of the crowd when I spotted her.

She wasn't looking at me, her expression dropping as she looked right past me. I followed her gaze, realising she was staring at Jeff who was hugging Shauna. I raised my brows with surprise, not realising they'd made it official now, and then he kissed her and she let him and I didn't know what to think. It felt inappropriate considering everything, but they didn't seem to care. Maybe they'd deemed a month long enough before going public.

I looked back to Jackie, whose jaw was clenched as she glared at them, and then before I could go to her, she stormed off angrily. I cursed inwardly, glancing at Jeff and Shauna once more – they hadn't noticed, too enamoured by one another.

Following after Jackie, I ran off the pitch and saw a streak of blonde heading back into the school. Worried, I chased after her, catching sight of her running down the hall.

"Jackie, wait up!" I called after her, breathless. Geez, was I really this unfit?

She kept running, going to the locker room and slamming the door behind her. I sighed, letting myself in, and she spun around at my entry. Tears were streaming down her face and she hastily attempted to wipe them away, making my chest hurt.

"What is it?" she asked calmly, though her hands were shaking.

I frowned. "I didn't know he was... seeing her now."

Feigning indifference, she said, "What does it matter? Obviously it was going to happen. They didn't fucking cheat for nothing, right?"

"Not so soon though."

She smiled bitterly, squeezing her hand into a fist as she tried to collect herself. But the tears were welling in her eyes again, and then she suddenly punched the locker angrily.

"Fuck him!" she yelled, startling me, before hitting the locker again. "Why does he get to be happy when I'm not?! How is that fair when he did the bad thing?!"

I let her calm down, figuring she needed to get her frustration out somehow, and then she frowned to herself, lips trembling.

"It's not," I agreed. "You're right."

She hugged herself, tears rolling down her cheeks silently. "If I'd just slept with him, if I hadn't waited, maybe he'd...," she began to mumble to herself, but stopped.

I was both grossed out and furious when I heard this. I'd never known the reason for their breakups, but this wasn't what I'd expected. And now Jeff had got what he wanted whilst Jackie was left to question everything. God, if I wasn't annoyed at him before, I definitely was now.

"No," I told her, irritated, but at my idiot brother. "That's not the right way to think. What he did was horrible. Whether or not that was the reason, he shouldn't have cheated. He's a coward, Jackie, and you shouldn't be here upset thinking about what ifs."

She shook her head, voice stuck in her throat, and then looked at me with glistening eyes. It broke my heart, seeing a usually confident and sure-of-herself girl broken at the hands of some guy.

"Oh, Jackie," I said sympathetically, stepping forward to hug her.

She fell into my arms, hiding her head in my shoulder and sniffling quietly. I didn't let go, one arm around her as the other rubbed circles on her back.

"You deserved better than him anyway," I told her quietly, lips moving against her hair. "I love him, he's my brother, but it wasn't right what he did."

She didn't reply, but she didn't make a move to leave either, so we stayed like that until I led her to the bench between the lockers, still entwined. Her sniffling lessened and the wet spot on my shoulder grew cold when she finally pulled back; her hand found mine and she didn't let go.

"Thank you," her voice came out as an unintentional whisper, making her clear her throat. "Things have just been so hard. Shauna was my person, and I'm just– I'm so hurt by her actions."

"I can imagine," I said, squeezing her hand gently. After a pause, eyes taking in her red, swollen ones with concern, I asked, "D'you think you'd ever forgive her?"

She exhaled shakily. "I don't know."

I nodded, waiting for her to take a breath. She let go of my hand finally, wiping away the remaining tears on her face before growing embarrassed.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to cry on you," she apologised. "You definitely didn't sign up for this."

"It's alright," I assured her. "I'm just worried about you."

She looked down at her hands, knuckles red from punching the locker. "All that talk about me being there for you and, really, it was me who needed you."

I cracked a small smile in an attempt to lighten the mood. "Well, the extent of your support was tutoring me in French, and you're shit at that. Pas bon du tout (not good at all)."

She let out a laugh, and it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Making her laugh after she'd just cried, admiring the way her eyes glistened with tears but in a way that made them sparkle because of her momentary happiness... I'd never seen anything like it.

"I'm gonna pretend I understood that," she spoke with a raspy voice, before hugging me once more.

"C'mon," I encouraged, standing up and pulling her with me. "This isn't how you should be celebrating your victory. You're the team captain for crying out loud!" She smiled, and I continued, "Don't you usually go to those after parties?"

She pushed her fringe from her eyes. "I'm not really in the mood. Shauna and Jeff will probably be there...”

"Okay, how about celebrating with the girls?" I asked, not wanting to upset her so quickly.

Judging from her expression, I knew they'd be at the party too, so that was out. I pursed my lips, trying to think of a way to cheer her up, and then decided to just do it myself.

"Right, get ready and then meet me outside," I instructed.

"What?"

I was already heading to the door as I answered, "I'm taking you out. My treat."

She tilted her head, giving me a knowing look. "You don't have to do that."

I shrugged. "I want to."

She sighed deeply, smile curving on her lips gratefully.

As promised, I took Jackie out that evening, treating her to some ice cream at the fancy parlour in town and buying her whatever she liked. We talked about everything and anything, and I hoped that, for at least a moment, she could forget all about Jeff and Shauna.

—

It took a while after Jeff and Shauna had gone public with their relationship for Jackie to finally accept it and try to move on. Personally, I don't think I could have had it in me to be the bigger person, but when Jackie came to me telling me she wanted to clear the air with them, I knew she'd made up her mind.

Ultimately, it was her choice and I was happy that she finally felt like she was in a place where she could move on. Whatever she'd said to them had done wonders for her, as she no longer avoided my house anymore when she wanted to hang out, and I sometimes saw her talking to Shauna without staring daggers into the side of her head. It was progress I never thought I'd see.

Shortly after that, Shauna brought it upon herself to try and fix things with me. We'd never talked much before, but since she was Jeff's new girlfriend, she must have felt she needed to make things right. That was one awkward conversation, and I was still upset at her for how she'd handled the situation, but I knew that if Jackie could forgive her, then so could I.

So, that was how everything had settled into a new 'normal'. My friendship with Jackie had grown stronger and I was on somewhat good terms with my brother and Shauna, and I guess that was all I could need right now. Of course, that didn't change the fact that I still had a massive crush on Jackie, and anytime she'd show any interest in me, I grew flustered.

Take this one time when she was sat in the school theatre, waiting for me to finish up practice for the school play after school. It was in two weeks and we were doing final run-throughs with the music and acting together. Jackie was only here because we had plans to grab food afterwards, since she'd finished soccer practice today too.

After what felt like forever, the Drama teacher finally dismissed us all and I joined Jackie by the exit.

"That was actually pretty good," she said when she saw me, nodding to the stage where the other students were finishing up.

"It's not a bad play," I said with a shrug, before shouldering my guitar case. "You planning to get tickets?"

At this, she looked to me with a smirk. "Well, of course. Gotta support you, right?"

She was teasing me and I began to grow warm at the way she was staring at me, and then she was grinning at my reaction and I avoided her stare. Times like these were when I really wished I could get over her.

—

I was cleaning out my bedroom, per my mum's request as she wanted to do a spring clean even though it was the middle of the summer, when I heard Jeff calling me from his room.

"Coming!" I called back, before dropping what I was doing to see what he wanted.

If my room was a tip, his was much worse. But when he saw me, he had a neatly collated box of items in hand, holding it out to me.

"What's this?" I asked, accepting the box that he practically thrust in my arms. When I looked inside, I saw some girly items that definitely weren't his.

"They're Jackie's," he answered awkwardly. "It's just some stuff she left behind that I never got around to returning. I'd go, but I think it might be better if you do."

"Right," I breathed out, before nodding. "I'll sort it."

He offered me a small smile. "Thanks, Y/N."

I gave Jackie's house number a call, ending up in a polite conversation with her mother who loved to talk my ear off and, of course, ask about Jeff who she still wasn't letting go of. After I finally got to the point of my call, she encouraged me to stop by so I thanked her and made my way over to the Taylor residence, only planning to make a quick trip.

When I rang their doorbell however, nobody answered. I rang it another time and even knocked a few times, but there was nothing. And then I fell silent as I heard a faint beat playing from somewhere. Following the sound of the music, I found myself walking around to the garden, realising there was a pool party going on. The Yellowjackets were all here from what I could see, some lying on sun beds whilst others played in the pool. Music was blaring from some speakers and they all seemed to be having the time of their life in the sun.

"Y/N, hey!" I heard Jackie, and searched the space to find her in the pool.

My mouth went dry when I saw her climbing out, only in her two-piece swimwear. As she approached me with a smile, I was certain I'd forgotten how to breathe, unsure where to look because it all seemed inappropriate. Her hair was wet, water droplets rolling down her tanned skin, and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had a heart attack from how hot she looked there and then.

"My mum said you were stopping by," she said, wiping her face with the back of her hand.

I looked at her eyes and only her eyes, hoping my face wasn't as hot as the sun felt right now. "Yeah, I rang the doorbell but nobody answered."

"My bad, sorry," she said with a laugh. "I'm having a team pool party. Team building and all that. The music must have been too loud."

"It's all good," I said quickly. "Erm, I've got some of your things. You left it at ours when you were... yeah."

At the implication of Jeff, her smile faded naturally. Glancing at the box, she nodded gratefully.

"You alright to follow me?" she asked, grabbing her towel from the chair.

"Sure."

As she led the way, some of the girls said their hellos when I walked past, and then Jackie led me through her mansion of a home before settling in the kitchen.

"You can just leave it on the table over there," she said, nodding to the dining table whilst drying herself with her towel.

All I could do was nod as I went to set it down, and then she was suddenly behind me, the scent of chlorine and suncream washing over me.

"I was wondering where that necklace was," she said with amusement, looking over my shoulder and down at the necklace at the top of the box.

I shivered at how close she was, acutely aware of her minimal clothing and trying so hard not to let my eyes wander.

"You seem nervous, are you okay?" she asked, before walking to the fridge. "You want a drink?"

I swallowed hard, shaking my head. "No, sorry, I've gotta go finish cleaning the house with my mum. It's just hot out."

She smirked, clearly aware of the effect she was having on me, but I was too flustered to comment on it.

"That's too bad," she said with a pout. "You can stay if you want."

I waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, it's a team thing. I'll be okay."

She chuckled, eyeing me curiously, probably noticing the way I couldn't even meet her gaze anymore. "C'mon. I'll walk you out."

I followed her as she led me back into the garden, where the others were still having the time of their life. Jackie stopped and flashed me another picture perfect smile.

"Have fun cleaning," she said, patting my shoulder. "Maybe next time, yeah?"

I nodded, suddenly finding the space behind her head very interesting. She hugged me, making me freeze at the contact of both her body and the water on my clothes. She had to be doing this on purpose, surely.

"See you later," she said sweetly, eyelashes fluttering.

I nodded, quickly backing up, and stupidly almost slipping into the pool as I grew distracted by her yet again.

She laughed, warning, "Be careful!"

I smiled awkwardly, before taking extra care to leave without making even more of a fool of myself. Could you blame me? The last thing I needed right now was to be in close proximity of a half dressed Jackie Taylor.

—

Jackie Taylor was on everyone's radar, even when she was taken by Jeff, so I should have expected someone to make their move once enough time had passed since their breakup. Still, knowing it would happen didn't make it any easier to witness.

There was a fair in the park and the band and I had secured a gig there, playing a few sets during the evening. We played some covers and a few originals, the first we'd ever performed that I'd written. It was surreal, but everybody seemed to like it which made the smile permanent on my face the whole time.

After our first set, we all went offstage to take a quick break, and that was when Jackie found me. It was the first I'd seen her all evening, since she'd arrived with her friends and I was busy up until now.

"Y/N, you were amazing up there!" she complimented as soon as she saw me, pulling me in for a hug.

"Thanks, Jackie," I said appreciatively, returning her hug. "How long have you been here?"

"Your whole set," she said with a smile. "And would you look at that – I finally heard some original songs."

My cheeks grew warm as she shot me a teasing smile.

"I don't suppose you'll tell me who they're about?" she asked innocently, giving me her best puppy dog eyes.

"You supposed correctly," I retorted with a knowing look, making her curse quietly with defeat. I laughed and added, "Look, I appreciate your curiosity, but maybe they're just songs, d'you ever consider that?"

She eyed me suspiciously, smile ever present. "I guess... but I've got my eye on you, Y/N."

I rolled my eyes lightheartedly, hoping she couldn't hear my heart racing in my chest. Green-brown eyes met mine, sparkling with mischief, and I forced myself to endure, not wanting to raise suspicion. Hopefully she'd never find out they were all about her.

After chatting with her on my break for a little longer, I rejoined the band onstage and performed a few more songs. It was easier to spot Jackie in the crowd now that I knew where I was looking, and she looked so cute as she stood there with her friends, dancing along to the music. It was almost a dream, and then it wasn't. Because as I was performing, I noticed some guy talking to her, the flirting very obvious even from where I was stood.

I tried to stay focused, purposely avoiding looking in her direction, but I couldn't help myself. My eyes would drift back over to her, and that damn guy was still there, trying his luck as she entertained it for a bit. I knew I never had a chance with her, but seeing the girl you liked chatting to another guy was always a kick in the teeth, especially when it meant she wasn't paying you any attention anymore.

After a few more songs, the band and I called it a night and wanted to enjoy the fair together. Jackie was still being talked to by that guy, so I attempted to ignore it and focused on having a nice night out with my friends.

After playing a few carnival games and going on some rides, Jackie found me again, standing with my friends as Y/BF/N bought some ice cream for herself.

"Hey, guys, nice performance tonight," Jackie complimented the others, who chorused their gratitude. She added, "You mind if I steal Y/N away for a bit?"

"Oh, no, go for it!" Tommy insisted with a grin, tugging the others away before I could protest.

I sighed as Jackie flashed me an enthusiastic smile. "I've been dying to go on the bumper cars. Wanna come?"

"I, er, I'm not really in the mood," I said, possibly being a little petty but I couldn't help it, I was just sad.

"Oh, c'mon, it'll be fun!" she exclaimed, shaking my arm. "You're not seriously gonna leave me hanging, are you?"

I chewed on my lip as she watched me hopefully, and it only made me realise how stupid I was being. She couldn't help it if a guy wanted to hang out with her, and I definitely had no right to be jealous. I'd watched her be my brother's girlfriend all these years, surely I could live with the fact that she'd inevitably get another boyfriend and I'd never have a chance with her.

Before I could give in and agree, the guy from earlier approached us again, checking Jackie out in a not so subtle way.

"Hey, Jackie," he said with a smile, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, jealousy returning in an instant. "You wanna go on the ferris wheel with me?"

I crossed my arms and looked away momentarily, anticipating the part where she'd say yes and this would all be for nothing.

"I appreciate you asking, Matt, but no thanks," she said politely.

"Oh," he said with surprise, and then grew awkward, probably not expecting her to decline. "Okay."

He left soon enough, embarrassed, and I glanced at Jackie with suspicion.

"Why not?"

She looked back to me, quirking a brow. "Huh?"

I motioned in his direction. "Why didn't you wanna go with him? He was flirting with you earlier, wasn't he?"

She suppressed a smile, eyes meeting mine with amusement. "Because I'm trying to hang out with you, idiot, if you'd only say yes."

My gaze flickered to the ground sheepishly as she let out a quiet chuckle.

"Bumper cars," I confirmed. "Sure."

Her smile widened. "Awesome. C'mon."

I let her drag me to the bumper cars, lightening up as we spent some time together. The longer the evening went on, the less this 'Matt' guy was gnawing at me, because Jackie chose me and that was something, right? We went on rides, played some stupid fair games at her insistence, despite them definitely being rigged, and she forced me to win her a prize even when I lost several times. But all in all, she was happy, and so was I, and I suppose that was all that mattered in the moment.

—

The first night of the school play was finally upon us and I was backstage getting ready when Jackie paid me a visit, surprising me with a bouquet of flowers.

"These are for me?" I asked with genuine surprise.

"What is it they say in showbiz? Break a leg?" she asked rhetorically, before laughing at her own joke.

I smiled to myself as I looked down at the flowers in my hand. "Jackie, they're beautiful. Nobody's ever got me flowers before."

She tilted her, confused. "Well, that's not right."

I chuckled, gaze falling to her. "Thank you."

Heart warming in my chest, I pulled her into a hug with my free hand, grateful for her support.

"You deserve it," she said simply, before squeezing me tight then letting go. "I should go find my seat. I'll be right at the front where you can see me."

I laughed. "I'll keep an eye out. Thanks, Jackie."

She flashed me a smile before leaving to find her seat, and I couldn't stop smiling as the Drama teacher briefed us once more before final call.

The show went on with few hiccups, probably the best run we'd ever done, and the audience seemed to love it, giving us a huge round of applause. When the orchestra got their own special shout-out, I caught sight of my family in the middle, applauding, and then Jackie, who was cheering me on so loudly at the front that I couldn't help but flush with embarrassment.

Once the curtains closed, the orchestra had to go backstage for another word with the teachers before we were finally alright to leave. I found my family waiting for me at the back of the theatre and walked by the other students receiving praise from their families.

"There she is!" Jeff exclaimed when he saw me, grabbing my shoulder and squeezing it supportively.

I smiled as my parents pulled me in for a hug and congratulated me on the show.

"Thanks, guys, thanks for coming," I said gratefully, looking between them all. "You really didn't have to. I wasn't even in the show."

"Nonsense," my mum said with a wave of her hand. "You played beautifully, sweetie."

I breathed out deeply, both embarrassed and appreciative of their support. And then Jeff's expression dropped and I realised Jackie was approaching, flashing my parents a smile.

"Jackie, how lovely to see you," my mum greeted her. "You're here for Y/N too?"

"Yes, she did great, didn't she?" Jackie asked, putting an arm around my shoulder playfully.

"She did," my dad replied with a proud smile, before raising the flowers Jackie got me in the air. "And thanks for the flowers. It was kind of you to get them for her."

"Anytime," Jackie said with a shrug, before looking to me. "Are you free now or d'you have plans?"

Before I could respond, my mum insisted I celebrate with Jackie, trusting her. Since her breakup with Jeff, Jackie was still a favourite of my parents, understandably so. After saying our goodbyes, I was left with Jackie, who seemed excited about something.

"What are you thinking?" I asked her with amusement.

"I wanna hang out, my treat," she said nonchalantly.

My smile grew. "Seriously?"

She linked arms with me and began leading me to the door. "Seriously."

And that was how we ended up at the arcade that evening, with Jackie keeping to her word and rinsing all her pocket money on the arcade machines that were definitely a waste but she didn't seem to mind. We played air hockey, skeeball, a zombie shooter game and a bunch of other stuff that I didn't think she liked, and it was awesome.

After spending over an hour messing around, she generously bought me dinner there, some burgers and fries, and I was certain I was dreaming.

"You have your own ketchup, y'know," I said with raised brows when she dipped her fries into mine.

"I ate it and there's none left in the bottle," she claimed, before going in for another dip.

"Then ask for another bottle!" I exclaimed between a laugh, pulling my tray away.

"Quit being selfish!" she retorted with a grin, before leaning over the table to land a swipe.

"Jackie!" I scolded, and she winked as she ate her fry.

I rolled my eyes at her petulance before recognising someone behind her, approaching our direction. After a double take, I realised it was Eve Perkins, captain of the Lions soccer team and the girl Jackie utterly despised. The memory of the party from last year came to mind, including the whole argument I had with Jackie afterwards, and I suddenly prayed Eve wasn't here to cause trouble.

"Okay, don't freak out, but Eve Perkins is heading this way," I said calmly.

Jackie was surprised, straightening up in her seat and dying to turn around, but she kept her cool. "I won't."

"So, let me get this straight," Eve said as soon as she stopped by our table, looking down at Jackie with irritation. "You freak out at me for hanging with a sophomore, only to hang out with her yourself? What? Was her brother not enough?"

I almost choked on my drink at the abruptness of her words, worrying when I saw Jackie beginning to clench her jaw and fix Eve with a glare.

"Firstly, that's none of your business," she said lowly. "And secondly, you bitch."

I sighed inwardly, already expecting an argument, and Eve laughed bitterly.

"Tell me, Jackie. You still worried we're gonna beat you next week?" she asked condescendingly.

"Not worried at all," Jackie said through gritted teeth, reaching for her drink to calm down.

Eve smirked with satisfaction before looking to me. "Y'know, it's a shame you're hanging out with her still. You were cute. And you definitely deserve to be more than Jackie's sloppy seconds."

Mean girl fighting was never my thing, and I was stunned into silence at how rude Eve was being, clearly because of some unresolved business with Jackie. I was also a little embarrassed at what she was implying was between Jackie and I, unsure how to respond.

"Fuck you," Jackie said instantly, not at a loss for words, and it made me realise just how quickly things had taken a turn for the worst.

"Okay, how about we just leave it?" I said, looking between them both before settling on Eve with pleading eyes. "Please?"

Eve seemed to give in, rolling her eyes before walking off to rejoin her friends by the arcade machines. I sighed with relief before returning my attention to a distracted Jackie.

"Are you okay?" I asked with concern.

She breathed out slowly. "Yes. Sorry."

"It's okay. I'm just surprised Eve reacted like that. It came out of nowhere."

"I'm not," Jackie mumbled under her breath, only confirming my suspicion of some unfinished business between her and Eve.

I chewed on my lip, still a little concerned, but then she met my eyes with apologetic ones, expression softening.

"I'm sorry she said all that," she said sincerely, though her cheeks were tinged pink. "You're not my... it's not like..." She was struggling, eyes flittering around uncharacteristically, before she finished, "You're more than my sloppy seconds."

Realising why she was awkward, I began to chuckle. "Jackie, I know. I don't believe what she said. And besides, no sloppy seconds would be treated as wonderfully as I have tonight."

She hid a smile as she nodded. "Right."

It was easy for things to return back to how they were after that little interruption, and Jackie and I finished the rest of our meals in peace. Once we were done, I grabbed our trays to throw in the bin and she waited for me by the door. As I was dusting my hands off, I felt a presence beside me and looked up, not expecting to see Eve yet again. I hoped she wasn't here to start another argument, especially because I knew I'd lose it.

"I meant it when I said you deserve better than Jackie Taylor, you know that, right?" she said with a quirked brow.

I frowned. "That wasn't very nice. Jackie's a good person."

Eve snorted in disagreement. "Sure she is."

I shifted my weight between my feet awkwardly., "Look, your feud is your feud. I'm not gonna get involved."

She shrugged. "Fair enough. Sorry for involving you."

I nodded appreciatively, and she gave me a small smile.

"See you around, cutie."

Again, I was speechless as she walked away, wondering if she was trying to mess with my head to somehow get back at Jackie. Either way, there wasn't reason for me to see her around since we went to different schools, so I didn't let it worry me too much. Instead, I returned to Jackie who was glaring at Eve from across the room.

"What did she want now?" she asked with annoyance.

Not wanting to give her more reason to be frustrated, I said, "She just wanted to apologise."

Jackie glanced at me, unconvinced, but I shrugged and held open the door for her.

"Let's get you home, Jackie."

Thankfully, she didn't question me.

#jackie taylor x you #jackie taylor imagine #jackie taylor x reader #jackie taylor #yellowjackets imagine #yellowjackets #ella purnell

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astronomical-bagel · 2 months

Note

I wanna hear you talk about chilchuck the most that sure is a guy ever

YAY I GET TO TALK ABOUT MY GUY THANK YOU BELOVED MUTUAL KYSOOT

(Warning for lots of spoilers from chapter 30 of the manga (right after the red dragon))

Anyways fun fact! The thing that made chilchuck my favorite character was actually when he was trying to convince senshi to lie to the Laios and Marcille in order to get them to turn back and give up on finding falin. I made a whole post about it too, i LOVE cowards. I was reading in my car waiting my twin to get off work and i was screaming my head off the whole time because it was such a good revelation about his character.

And it’s not that i love scared guys (i do, absolutely, but chilchuck doesnt apply here), and its not that i love disloyal people (i also do, but once again, not the point), its the whole character arc where it goes:

1. Once he reaches a limit for how much danger he is willing to be in he will break any moral code of his to keep himself safe. He will lie, he will abandon his friends, whatever, so long as he makes it out alive.

2. But THEN, he realizes that his want for safety isn’t just for himself, this time. He realizes that he wants his friends to survive as well. (and that he has gotten way more attached than what was in his job description)

(look how fond he is!!!! Look how fond he is!!!!!! Im banging my head on the wall AWUGHH!!!!)

So 3. He is forced to go against his own nature of secrecy and being reserved and has to tell the team outright that he doesn’t want them to die.there is just something sooo *vague waving of hands* about a guy who absolutely hates talking about his feelings being forced to do so auughhhh. And he did it to convince Laios to not be reckless and get himself killed!!!!

That entire chapter had such a good journey through chilchuck’s emotional state. From him beign 100% ready to trick them in order to turn around (even contemplating breaking marcille’s staff!), then reminiscing on the fun or brave moments that theyd just had, then remembering that he was mad at them for being idiots and doubling down on his decision. When talking to that orc woman (Leed), he was trying to convince himself that his actions were justified, not just her.

And I also quite like the moment when Leed realizes that Chilchuck isn’t angry at the others for putting him in danger, but for putting themselves in danger. Chilchuck didn’t realize this himself yet! Him saying that he wished the others would give up, even when he was removed from the equation, makes Leed realize that he is unselfishly wanting them to turn back so that they would be safe.

And when she points this out, Chilchuck is absolutely gobsmacked and barely even talks for the rest of the trip because he’s too busy thinking over this revelation. Love a guy who keeps to himself being forced to reconcile with the fact that he has actual friends he cares about now. Look at him!! Hes so shocked he doesn't even know what do to with himself !!! I love him!!!

And also, another part i really liked abt this chapter is when chilchuck is trying to convince Laios to go back and he’s like “LISTEN i know you are absolutely terrified for your sister but I have THREE PEOPLE TO WORRY ABOUT AND IM NOT USED TO THAT IM GOING TO VOMIT” its just so silly and endearing to me because he really isn’t used to caring about so many people at once – he’s a reserved guy who has been living alone for multiple years! – and its just so important to me because he’s been forced to acknowledge that he cares about his team so hes like “if you guys put yourself in mORE danger im going to scream and cry and throw up SO YOU BETTER TURN BACK NOW PLEEEAASEE”

Anyways, chapter 30 was so well done and was an absolutely fascinating insight into his character and I was instantly obsessed. There’s a lot of other reasons why I like Chilchuck, but this chapter is the definitive reason why he’s my favorite. (I also just like seeing a guy when he’s terrified, sue me.)

#chilchuck tims #dungeon meshi spoilers #dungeon meshi #chilchuck dungeon meshi #astro liveblogs #<- not really a liveblog but I don't have a tag for metas

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sminiac · 4 days

Note

Piwon after an argument 👉🏾👈🏾 -Kyokopi

💌 — I’m sure it’s just bc I started my period but I’ve been so fucking sad lmao, thought now would be a good time to write a lil angst HEHE

⋆ Y. Keeho

Gen overview — He moves around your space very cautiously, slow in a way, like he’s scared of his presence being fully perceived. I feel it’s one of the very few times he isn’t tackling the problem when both of your wounds are so fresh in fear of further irritating them due to his eagerness that could come off as pushy or bitter. Forces himself to endure the silence, the lack of acknowledging each other’s presence even in close proximity, it hurts but he knows everyone processes things differently, including the timeframe of how long that’ll take.

Reconnecting — Truthfully, normally it doesn’t take very long before either of you come back with a “I’m sorry” at the ready, it’s never a you or him situation, in fact a lot of the time it doesn’t matter, the most essential part is communicating, which also consists of a lot of tears- but there’s something so sweet about being able to let go like that with someone else, sharing another one of your most vulnerable moments with each other, gaining an understanding of how his brain works in a way no one else can.

Remainder of members under the cut!

⋆ C. Taeyang

Gen overview — Forces himself to apologize first because he knows if he doesn’t, it’ll just never come. Puts his struggles to the side for you but that doesn’t mean it’s easy, he goes through with it though, and although the process is sore and sometimes difficult the outcome is always worth it. He’s good with noting his own faults and the crowding of his ego that he has to overcome, it’s just the daunting task of reconciling, what if it isn’t so easy? What if you won’t accept his explanation? Would another disagreement arise? Learns that a simple ‘I’m sorry’ with a genuine sense of humility is worth a lot more than he thought it would have.

Reconnecting — This is where Theo’s feelings really show, fighting can be exhausting, and you can tell by the look on his face- even his body language, that he’s really drained and sad now that there’s no other emotions left to cloud over. The most he asks is just allow him to be by your side. Showers or baths together are usually taken after. You don’t need to shower him in gifts or written letters conveying your regret, but you can wash his hair for him, massage his arms and back the way he likes while he hugs you under the comforting stream of hot water.

⋆ C. Jiung

Gen overview — The quickest to feeling irritated if he deems your behaviour as ‘excessive’, but don’t let that intimidate you, he gradually comes to his senses, just give it a minute or two for the bad feelings to settle down. Opposed to Keeho, Jiung isn’t so quick to feel the need to apologize or talk it out, he puts himself at quite the distance, buries his head in work to keep him distracted from the guilt, or the fear of having over done it this time. Coming back to each other is always the most fragile part, the culmination of all the hurtful moments make for quite the emotional reconnection. Apologies are always mutual, you dissect things with each other.

Reconnecting — Jiung’s typically more on the serious side, but after seeing you so upset it’s like a need to allow his silly side to slip. Puts away any distractions and focuses all of his attention on you! Do you wanna go get a drink? He doesn’t want you dehydrated after all those tears. Crying makes you tired, do you want to take a nap? Crying makes you hungry, do you want to go grab some food? He’ll pay, anything you want. Crying makes your nose stuffy, what about a walk outside?

⋆ H. Intak

Gen overview — Feels his emotions very deeply, they almost overtake his entire being, when he’s frustrated there’s not really a filter there to keep his mouth from running away which splits the two of you off, if you’re reactive he’s like gasoline to your fire. It doesn’t happen often, arguing or the spitefulness, he’s normally good with managing his emotions in a healthy way, so he’s extremely regretful when it gets out of hand and the both of you are upset with the other. Exudes penitence to the fullest extent when he’s coming to you with a tearful apology, holds you, just wants to hold you. The feeling of someone crying while being close to them always makes me emotional, it’s just such a deep, inexplicable connection, and that’s exactly how it is with him.

Reconnecting — Very physical and vocal after you’ve both settled. Intak will remain as close to you as possible without actually touching you, scared that his clinginess will be too much until you’re the one initiating it, and every few minutes he’ll try talk to you about anything that interests you, because if you’re talking then surely you’re okay. He’s so puppy, asking: “That new bubble tea place you’ve been talking about is opened, do you want to go soon?” “What happened to that shirt you’ve been looking for? Did you find it? Should we go get you a new one instead?” “We should go to an aquarium, you can dress all pretty so I can take pictures.”

⋆ H. Shota

Gen overview — Learning how to be supportive and respectful of each other’s functions is definitely a process, but it makes you all the more closer with Soul. Not being familiar with these intricacies prior to your arrival in his life means that he does struggle with admitting his own feelings. Soul tends to catch the wavelength of your discontent quickly and immediately molds himself to fulfill whatever your needs are, in doing so he unintentionally disregards his own. He’s at your every word, but he also needs someone who will be there for him just as willingly. Apologizing is easy, he’s quick to admit his mistakes and really takes the time to understand you even if he didn’t to begin with, but he is a little hesitant when asking something of you, all he needs is a little encouragement and reassurance that he deserves just the same treatment.

Reconnecting — Things transition back to normal very smoothly, the both of you silently agree to do your best to end the day off on a good note, which doesn’t take a lot, and by the time you’re in each others arms on the verge of falling asleep it’s like nothing ever happened. Soul’s just very.. you can never outright tell what he’s thinking or what he’s about to do, so even as you’re talking it out in the end, your argument is settled once he says or does something silly because once the both of you are laughing there’s no way the seriousness of the situation could be dragged on for any longer. He’ll kiss you with a big pretty smile, adding on a final “I’m sorry stinky”.

⋆ K. Jongseob

Gen overview — He hates nothing more than the tense atmosphere that post arguments have, and the thing that gets to him the most is not being able to approach you like nothing happened. He knows your feelings are hurt. His are too, but god does he ever miss feeling you curled into him, giggling with each other about stupid things no one else would understand. The silence and ignoring each other only ever lingers for so long, usually he breaks it by pulling you into him when you least expect it, quickly subjecting you to his kisses and a near constant reiteration of how sorry he is for being mean. He snaps out of things quite fast, because he can’t bear the thought of your day going sour because of him, so he does his best to make up for it.

Reconnecting — Immediately tells you how silly he thinks it is to be so upset like this in an attempt to wipe away any negative feelings that were left behind, because he wants to be with you until not even the existence of your souls can live on, why dwell on something so trivial? Why feed into it any more than you have to? Seob likes keeping you busy after, is it odd that he suddenly wants to build things together in your Minecraft world? Maybe a little, but it’s hard to say no when he’s suggesting you make a day out of it with snacks and cuddling included.

ᰔ sminiac’s P1Harmony M.list

Update, after listening to my Laufey playlist and writing Seob’s ‘reconnecting’ bit I’m not as sad, just hungry.

ANOTHER UPDATE I ATE AND NOW I FEEL NAUSEOUS ???? I CANNOT WIN.

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vesemirsexual · 7 months

Note

What is even more disappointing about how game!Ciri is written is that CDPR Can give us compelling and complex “ trauma and grief can cause you to repeat the cycle of violence” arcs for characters like Syanna and Lambert but apparently completely forgot what a huge part of Ciri’s character that is

the first time I played I thought she got amnesia as well because of how much of her fiery temper was toned down, and how her trauma is hardly mentioned ( and it's not like the characters in this game trauma are completely ignored it is talked about in some quests) I wanna see what she really would have done had she seen Emhyr again

I feel like game Ciri had two distinct groups they were aiming for: people who found Geralt even more appealing because of the fatherhood angle so they had to work his actual kid in AND hot girl fan service.

The thing is, if they gave her too much personality or depth, she wouldn’t have fit into these groups well and therefore people would’ve found her annoying and/or off-putting. People already do sometimes but not to the degree that they would’ve if they even BEGAN to touch on the absolute shitstorm that is Ciris psyche after everything.

Also realistically, they made the Witcher games centre about Geralt bc he appeals to their large majority male fan base: combatant, dark mysterious tragic past, ripped, attractive, fucks hot women, is a good guy while still also getting to do badass things and beat people up. If you look in depth at Witcher fans on different platforms when they talk about him, a lot of dudes are very much “oh my god he’s literally me”. Ciri could never be the focus because she wouldn’t appeal to that same group, and we know that every time a game is released people throw the weirdest bitch fits about female characters, especially main ones.

This is also why Ciri is made an attractive character, when realistically that tiny little facial scar they’ve given her is nothing, she’s spent her developmental years on the run/being attacked/under extreme stress so I honestly can’t imagine her being a tall skinny but also hourglass woman with one or two scars, and put her in a cropped shirt (such a bad choice it’s mildly hysterical).

I think Lambert and Syanna are also a really good example of how people handle angry traumatised characters too, because Lambert gets a lot more leeway than Syanna (and I say this as a big fan of both!) Like there are literally people out there and on this webbed site who say she is pure evil, one of the evilest people in the Witcher for being a fucked up mean trauma victim who hurt a Poor Little Meow Meow (Higher vampire with decades of life experience more than her, incredibly possessive, responded to emotional manipulation by violently attacking an entire city). Like Lambert literally brags about axii’ing a guy to shoot himself in the head with his own crossbow.

Ciri got done very dirty, but I see how and why it happened. Book Ciri deserves rights but unfortunately I think Games Ciri will always be how people perceive her, and therefore portray her in fic, art and other work predominantly (praying same doesn’t happen with TWN Ciri). We’ve been robbed of such a complex, angry young woman and I mourn it 🙏

Edit: I can’t even touch on the Emhyr thing because the fact she can reconcile with him is honestly mildly fucking horrific. Like even if they’ve removed the nasty ass incest factor, that man quite literally destroyed her entire world and was willing to do so further in order to get his way. The fact she can call him father in one ending is genuinely vomit inducing and so disrespectful to Ciri as a character (also the audacity to play down that Ciri literally sees Yen as her mama WHILE playing devils advocate for War McCrime is a whole choice).

#sorry I rambled!#but you’re right anon ur right #also this post has swinging at a hornets nest elements but I do not careeeeewwe #katie txt #asks

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gloryy-vs · 1 year

Text

Huntress’ Call

chapter 7 : between two

prompt: you’re an aggressive warrior, praised by the clan and close to the sully family. neteyam caught your eye but you’re convinced you’ll never be as mighty or honorable as he is. you also caught neteyams eye but he assumes he will never be as truly dedicated to the warrior life as you are. ao’nung slowly begins to fall for you, and you return the feeling. but you know that things between you and neteyam are not so simple as done.

ratings: sfw, violence, war, angsty, enemies to friends to lovers, warrior, aggression, not proof-read

characters: Neteyam x na’vi! reader, Ao’nung x na’vi! reader

Your head was bustling with anxious thoughts as you and neteyam made your way to the shore where Tsireya and her brother were. You glanced over at Ao’nung, and his eyes darkened when he saw Neteyam beside you, guiding you with a hand on your waist. Tsireya could sense the thickening tension between the three of you, deciding that it was for the best that she took on training you today. Girls with girls, boys with boys.

With a gentle smile she took your hands, “Come, you will be with me today.” Tsireya said, her voice like silk to your ears.

Both Neteyam and Ao’nung protested, reaching their hands out to you and causing them to touch. Both retracted their hands, glaring at each other with a strong hate. You looked back at both of them, your eyes stern and you mouthed.

“Behave.”

Neteyam grinned, nodding respectfully as his braids fell past his shoulders again. It earned a smile from you. Seeing this, Ao’nung stepped forward slightly giving you a big smile.

“Of course I will.” Ao’nung mouthed back.

Neteyams face dropped, side eyeing him with annoyance. Ao’nung sauntered to his ilu, clicking his tongue and whistling to draw its attention. They were both annoyed with being around each other.

“What do you intend to do with her?” Neteyam popped the question first.

The Metkayina man stiffened, his broad shoulders tensing to show off the muscles.

“I intend on making her my mate. She’d be a perfect tsahik. She’s a profound warrior, everyone will respect her. She learns quick, knows how to hold her own.” He kept going, hoping to get a rise out of Neteyam.

“But she doesn’t. She doesn’t want to be just a warrior to somebody-“ Neteyam was stopped, Ao’nung pushing against his chest.

“How would you know? You pushed her aside all these years and now that she’s happy you wanna take that from her?” His voice was laced with venom, Ao’nung was fighting back the urge to tackle Neteyam.

“I’m the one who grew up with her. I’m the one who watched her make a name for herself. I’m the one who triggered that change. You’re just a fish lipped asshole who knew her for two seconds before you wanted to get it in.” Neteyam was fuming by now, offended that Ao’nung would accuse him of wanting to make you unhappy.

Scoffing, Ao’nung turned his head to the side, popping his neck in the process before he looked back. “Get it in? Don’t be mad that I can do it in a week when it took you…what? 19 years to even reconcile.”

Neteyam didn’t even think twice like he usually would, and reeled his fist back to land a punch straight in Ao’nungs eye. The reef Na’vi didn’t take it too lightly, tossing himself at Neteyam and bringing them both down. Each boy throwing punches at one another in the sand, the tide occasionally hitting them as they fought.

You and Lo’ak on the other hand were fishing for shells that Tsireya threw down for you guys. a way to practice swimming quickly and breathe control. Her praise was genuinely the only thing keeping Lo’ak going. You were glad that the two shared an instant connection by the will of Eywa. You surfaced with the pink and green shell in hand, showing Tsireya you managed to catch it.

“You did it! Good job!” She said, a big smile forking on her face that showcased her defined dimples.

Tsireya looked up towards the sun, as if calculating the certain angle. “It is time to eat, I also have training I must complete with my mother.” She said hastily, taking Lo’aks had to swim out of the water with him.

You followed beside them, poking your head out as you neared the shore where you last left the two boys. Emerging from the water, your face dropped, mouth hanging wide open as concern flooded all senses. In front of you, you saw two badly bruised men, standing apart from each other to catch their breath. They looked like they would pounce on each other again. You ran through the sand as well as you could, hands going straight to Neteyams chest. Your childhood friend looked down, his eyes filled with shame as he looked at your disappointment.

He looked badly beaten, a bruise on his cheekbone already forking and a split lip. Turning your head, you reached out to Ao’nung, hand holding his. He looked even worse, cuts all over his face, a bruise forming around the eye he could now barely keep open. Tsireya ran over, seeing her brothers state.

“Ao’nung! What has happened?” Tsireya cried out, forcing Ao’nungs head to face her, but his eyes remained trained on you, then your hand holding his while the other was on Neteyams chest. Slowly, he made eye contact with his sister, putting a hand on her arm so she could lead them away.

“I am sorry for my brothers behavior. I shall go take care of this. I will see you all tonight and the feast.” She said, haste and hurry in her voice.

You hesitantly let go of Ao’nungs hand, seeing him turn his back to you and walk away with his younger sister. Your attention turned to Neteyam again, remembering he was still hurt.

“You skxawng! What is the matter with you!?” You yelled, raising your hand to slap, hit him or do something to take the anger you felt out. But you tensed your arm up, shifting in the air for a bit before dropping it down in defeat. You couldn’t hurt him. Lo’ak stood in silence, processing the fact that he beat the shit out of Ao’nung.

He lowkey wished he did it first.

Taking his ear, you yanked down, dragging him with you. He stumbled, wanting to protest to the pain but he knew better than to tell you off after you specifically told them both to behave with each other. Your own ears perked up at the sight of his parents. Letting go of his ear, you nudged him to the opposite side of you.

“Don’t let them see, just act natural. I don’t want you to get in trouble.” You said softly, holding onto his arm tightly as you two walked by them.

Jakes own attention turned to the two of you, he was about to call your names out until Neytiri slapped the back of his head. “Let them be. It’s been too long since I’ve seen them like that.” She said, her eyes glancing at you two with adoration. It reminded her of when she first mated with Jake.

You were thankful for being able to get by them without a glance in your direction. You shoved Neteyam into the Marui pod and rubbed your face angrily.

“Ma’ Teyam is this what you wanted? Look at you! Over what?” You paused, staring him dead in the eye with a frustrated expression showing through your cat-like eyes. “Why did you both start this?”

He wiped at his lip with his thumb, and your stomach grew tight. He did look enticing with a few marks and bruises on him. You mentally slapped yourself, knowing it wasn’t the time nor the place. Neteyam looked annoyed with himself, but decided to phrase it as nicely as possible.

“Inappropriate things were said about you. Things I didn’t want to hear coming from another man.” He said, staring down at your smaller frame.

His broad and muscular build tended up at the thought of what Ao’nung said. What hurt most was that he believed it was true. His golden eyes searched your face for any reaction.

“What did he say..?” You asked, not sure if you wanted to hear the answer or not. It was just difficult to believe that Ao’nung would say something so bizarre.

Neteyam shook his head, dramatic braids swaying back and forth before resting on his shoulders. “I cannot say.” He stepped forward wrapping his arms around your waist, resting his cheek on top of you head.

His heart ached for you, he was afraid all this time, all the miscommunication lead you into another man’s arms. You placed your hands on his upper arms, ready to protect because you were still upset that he got into a fight with the other na’vi in the first place. A silence swelled between you both, his arms tightening around you as horrid thoughts swirled in his head. Images of losing you to Ao’nung. Your happy smile, eventually mating with him and having children of your own.

You saw from behind him, his tail would pause, then swish around slowly. An obvious sign the Na’vi was agitated. You rubbed his arms soothingly, heartbeat slowing down as your breathing synced with his subconsciously.

“Neteyam, tell me. What is wrong? Speak to me.” You said softly, moving your head to look up at him.

“You must choose one of us. I cant live like this, I cant live not knowing wether you’ll take me as your mate or if you’ll take him.” He said, eyes void of any happiness or certainty.

You never imagined it would come to this.

#neteyam x reader #avatar neteyam #avatar way of water #neteyam sully #neteyam #neteyam imagine #avatar loak #avatar #avatar jake #neteyam x you #ao’nung x reader #aonung avatar #aonung x you #aonung imagine #aonung x reader

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makeitastrength · 5 months

Note

Hi! Missing your fics and wondering if you wanna tease anything you've got coming soon?

Hey anon! Thanks so much for dropping by 😊

I didn't mean to go so long without posting but life has just been super busy lately. As usual, I have a bazillion and one WIPs I haven't managed to finish. I also have a fic I've been writing as I rewatch the series and it's basically a complete dissection of chenford's feelings for each other from 1x01 up through 4x22. It's been a fun challenge to write and it's turned into a 45k word monstrosity and it's finally almost done and I'm so excited to share it!

For now, here is a sneak peek from season 2.

Lucy is fine.

Despite what everyone else seems to think, she’s fine.

But deep down, she knows she’s not. She’s been white knuckling it since the moment they pulled out of the station yesterday, and she knows, despite her denials, that Harper and Lopez understand what happened last night. She knows she overreacted, and she knows that visceral instinct probably isn’t going away for a while.

And she really does appreciate Harper’s support and her willingness to help.

But the truth is, the first semblance of safety Lucy feels is when she turns around to find Tim standing behind her, tossing a compliment at her in a way that only he could pull off.

She thinks that’s the end of it, turns back to the bag, but then Tim is speaking again, telling her about his own scars and giving her a glimpse into a childhood she knows nothing about. And she knows what he’s trying to do, knows he’s trying to show her that he can relate to what she’s going through. She appreciates his attempts to help, too. She does. But his scars are different, and she doesn’t want to push him away, but she needs him to understand that it’s not the same.

She went on a date with a serial killer who tattooed her and buried her alive, and despite her psychology degree and months of training as a cop, she somehow missed all the signs that could have prevented her from ending up there in the first place. Instead, she now has a permanent reminder of her failure inked into her skin.

Lucy opens her mouth to fight back – to tell Tim that she appreciates his attempts to help but that he’s missing the point – but before she can he’s speaking again, and this time he’s saying everything she didn’t realize she needed to hear.

But you didn’t die.

I see it as proof that you’re a survivor.

It was the first day of the rest of your life.

And then he tosses her ring back to her and smiles softly, and Lucy is hit by so many emotions she can’t even begin to decipher them all.

Her feelings for Tim have gotten… complicated. She likes him. Not like that. Just… as a person.

But it’s more than that, because now he’s not just the guy she spends twelve hours a day with, sometimes navigating all kinds of complex and often dangerous situations and sometimes simply talking about any and everything. Now, he’s the guy who has her back without question. He’s the guy who is willing to share painful pieces of his own trauma just to help her come to terms with hers. He’s the guy who pulled her from the ground and breathed air back into her lungs and spent the night at her hospital bedside.

She owes him her life.

She owes him… everything.

And she’s not quite sure how to reconcile the man standing in front of her with the one who used to make her life a living hell in every possible way.

#anon ask #asked and answered #chenford #chenford fanfic #the rookie #sneak peek

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prettyiwa · 1 year

Text

12 November 2018 | 09:45 (PST)

(previous) | (next)

Iwaizumi Hajime x F!Reader

Oikawa’s ringtone can be heard in the kitchen where Iwaizumi had left his phone. It’s been two months since you left and a week since you called. The apartment is empty without you, even if all of your belongings are here, promising your return.

For what it’s worth, Oikawa’s been surprisingly helpful, carefully listening to both sides, understanding that it’s a case of frayed nerves, miscommunication, and shitty circumstances. So Iwaizumi wastes no time answering the phone.

“Iwa-chan! How’s California?”

“The same as it was two days ago. Kinda shitty and on fire.”

“Tsk. Always such a downer. Are you sure that it isn’t the absence of—”

“Her absence is exactly why it’s shitty and you know that.”

“Hm. I suppose I do,” Oikawa muses lightly. “Are you still on track to graduate just before summer?”

“Yeah. Spoke to my advisors this past week. I could graduate in two months, if I wanted, but…” if he does, then he’ll be leaving California. Leaving you. You’re nearly done with med school, almost ready to return to Japan.

He has no intention of returning alone. He’ll fight tooth and nail for you, for this relationship. Even if you two are… in a tough place right now, he’s not going anywhere.

“Ah. Well. She misses you. She’s wrapped her pillow with one of your old Godzilla shirts.”

He snorts at the image, at the knowledge that it was you who had taken his shirt, that he hadn’t lost it at the laundromat. “That… sounds about right, I guess. How—how is she?”

“What? She hasn’t called you?” Oikawa asks, sounding surprised. Overwhelmingly surprised.

“No? She called me last Tuesday and I haven’t really heard from her since.”

“That’s—maybe she picked up extra shifts at the clinic? I could ask when I see her tomorrow.”

“You’re gonna see her tomorrow?”

“We were gonna watch a recording of the Adlers-Black Jackal’s game. I wanna watch Ushiwaka and Kageyama lose to Shōyō! Do you want me to tell her to give you a call?”

Iwaizumi hesitates, wanting to talk to you more than anything—actually, no, he wants to hold you more than anything—but he wants it only if you’re doing it because you want to.

“Nah. It’s okay. I’ll, ah, I’ll shoot her a text. Hopefully, we’ll be able to talk today or tomorrow. Hey, listen—”

“Iwa-chan. She’ll come around,” Oikawa states, catching onto Iwaizumi’s discomfort. “It was nice chatting with you, but practice is about to start.”

“Yeah, man. Talk to you later.”

Iwaizumi sinks into the couch, letting his mind wander over what the future holds. With his program coming to an end, will he be able to find work with the V. League? When you return, will you two be able to reconcile properly? Will you want to be a part of his future?

Before he can spend too much time dwelling on the infinite possibilities that lay ahead, he receives a text from you.

Hey. I miss you. A lot. There’s so much I want to tell you but I know you’re probably busy. Please give me a call if your schedule permits? I have two days off, starting tomorrow. I’ll be watching a recording of the Schweiden-MSBY game with Crappykawa tomorrow, but that can be paused... I miss you. I hope you’re well.

over the course of 24 hours masterlist | haikyuu!! masterlist

#iwaizumi x reader #iwaizumi hajime x reader #iwaizumi angst #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu angst #hq x reader #✒.otc24 #✒.ix writes #🏐.haikyuu!!#entry: 22 #haikyuu drabble #iwaizumi drabble #hq.✒

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mrs-luigi-vargas · 2 months

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Lowish-effort Aro Mario and Aro Bowser icons for @arospecfanworksweek! They're very simple but I like making them I should do it more often :D

Anyway there's whole lot of rambling about the headcanons under the cut if you're curious, haha. I guess it makes this entry technically match Day 1's prompt but honestly I wasn't intentionally trying to follow said prompts at all, lmao

~~~

OK, so I've headcanoned Mario as aro for a while, now. Part of it is me projecting, of course. But also I think it would be interesting if he was, mainly because of how it would affect his dynamic with Peach. Because, you know, the hero and the princess; the knight and the damsel; he was a boy, she was a girl - at least a lot of the Toads seem to think that it couldn’t be any more obvious. But Mario wouldn’t think it was obvious. And any suggestions otherwise would just be mostly awkward and off-putting for reasons that are difficult to get across to the romance-minded. He and Peach were already close, as friends. That's all they needed to be, right?

But anyway what I'm trying to say is a major appeal of this headcanon for me is the like…inherent defiantness of it. Standing in step with so many normally romance-coded things and doing them platonically despite what everyone wants or expects. And then also me projecting, like I said before 😊. Wrote a couple of fics about it even, if you wanna read them~ 😁

As for aro!Bowser, though, it's only something I've vaguely been thinking about recently. 'Cause I read a whole bunch of Bowuigi fic last year, and in almost all of those they gotta wave away/retcon/reconcile Bowser's attraction to/kidnapping of Peach, right? So one way I've seen of doing that is something to the effect of Bowser kidnapping Peach because Junior needs a mom. Which is such an interesting rationale to give him, haha. But to be fair its usually not by itself; there's usually a sense of 'well, Peach is very kind and beautiful, so marriage is definitely the way to go on this (or so I thought'. But sometimes it isn't and that's very funny to me. The things shippers do to pull their stories off are something to behold sometimes 🤭

But still! It got me thinking. What if Bowser's crush on Peach was completely manufactured? Unknowingly, of course; in the sense that Peach is very kind and beautiful and powerful and the monarch of a nearby kingdom in his age range so that's how these thinks are supposed to go, yeah? He wasn’t totally sure; becoming King didn’t really leave any room to know otherwise, with how much work there was to be done every day. At least Kamek had seemed to think so, though, talking about alliances and heirs and a bunch of other things Bowser hadn't been really listening to. Though Kamek was hardly wrong about anything important, would it kill him to be a lot less boring about it?

But even still, Bowser's proud and headstrong and stubborn, so when the marriage-alliance with Peach doesn’t work out then he decides to make it work out. And then the kidnappings start. And then continue. Because "it'll totally work this time, this plan is perfect!".

Like trying to jam a square peg into a round box over and over with no clue that there's anything wrong. Or maybe an inkling of a clue that we've decided to ignore because, you know, "I'll kidnap Peach for good, this time, you'll see!"

Also I remember seeing discussion somewhere about how Bowser could be interpreted as someone with abandonment issues, which could play into this too; people will stay if you keep them by force, after all, whether by kidnapping, marriage, or both.

So yeah. Not the greatest outlook on things, obviously.

Regardless, I think that in this universe where Mario and Bowser are both aromantic they both get on track to consciously realizing it post-Super Mario Odyssey.

Mario because as he and Peach are flying home Peach obviously wants to know why he snap-proposed to her like that. To which Mario has to sheepishly explain how his inner competitiveness had flared up when Bowser had tried to propose to her again. To which Peach sighs because yeah, of course it was that. And then Mario gets around to asking if Peach is okay, to which Peach describes the nightmare of a past while she'd had because of this wedding business, to which the conversation pivots to weddings in general, and then romance in general.

And Mario contributes to the conversation as best he can, but… he knows from watching Luigi's romance-related ups and downs over the years that the way he himself thought about the concept wasn’t…correct.

But Peach won't stand for Mario thinking that there was something wrong with him; it takes an overnight stint or three in the castle library (to Toadsworth's chagrin) before she finally finds an answer for him. So she invites him to the castle for tea, and for a vocabulary lesson that'll change his life.

Meanwhile Bowser sits on the moon,. Reflecting on his utter defeat that must have been more crushing than he'd thought for him to not even remember how he got out of that cave, thinking about how even aside from Mario being on his tail the entire time this whole wedding planning business was more of a stress-filled ordeal than he'd initially thought it would be, considering the fact that the post-wedding future that he'd figured he'd figure out as it came had stubbornly remained an amorphous blob of ambiguity instead of snapping into place during those final hours, despite the Broodals' assurances to the contrary. He'd indulge in a rare bout of self-reflection, maybe, about these inconsistencies.

And then he would shrug, get up, and make his way home. Because while he wasn’t particularly sure about marrying Peach anymore, he knew he would still be kidnapping her. Because of the engaging process of making and executing perfectly laid plans, because of the adrenaline rush of a good fight, because of the future bonding experiences with his kids, because the rest of his minions needed something to do, ha.

Because of the fact that he was Bowser, King of the Koopas, and he's absolutely not the sort of person to just give up, even if his core motivations have shifted slightly! And just as Mario would always show up to ruin his plans and take Peach back home Bowser would just make new plans, and he was going to successfully pull a kidnapping off and beat Mario once and for all, he just knew it!

#idk everything changes. nothing changes. you know how it is #i'm far more attached to the aro mario hc; the aro bowser one's mostly a fun thought exercise haha #arospecfanworksweek #mlv.txt #i dunno why i wrote so much supplementary text lmao #it's admittedly not the most comprehensible thing I've ever written ^^;#smb #aro

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decks-writing-blog · 19 days

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Whatever the Fuck Benrey Is: Chapter Fifteen: I'll Listen

Chapter One

Previous Chapter

As was always the way of things, silence and solitude were easier to bear in board daylight with the TV on, its volume just a tick or two away from being too loud. Focusing on the game he’d chosen to play helped too. Maybe it was a crutch to lean on that when he really should try to just get over it already because it was rather pathetic but so what? At least he hadn’t run over to Dr. Coomer’s place across the street the moment Benrey left the house.

Even with that being the case he hadn’t been at it for long before a knock sounded on the door and he eagerly stood to answer it. Someone coming to him was fine, he wasn’t being needy. Out of habit, not neediness, because the Black Mesa living space doors didn’t have peepholes or windows to check one’s visitors before answering a knock, he went straight to opening it.

“Hello Gordon!” Dr. Coomer said with his usual endearing tone and smile.

“Hello Dr. Coomer. What’s up? You wanna come in and hang out?” Gordon stepped back and gestured him inside. “Benrey left on a walk but I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”

Dr. Coomer strode in pretty much just far enough for Gordon to close the door behind him but made no move for the couch. “I saw him storm off and decided to come over to see how bad your fight was. Do you need a shoulder to cry on about it?”

“Uh… no. And it wasn’t a fight… or at least I don’t think it was, not this time anyway. I was being kinda nosy about what he is and his past and stuff but only because I care… or no, not only. Some of it is scientific curiosity but I was upfront about that and he seemed fine with it and it’s mostly because I care, which I was also upfront about. He doesn’t know if he was made in the lab or if they found him as an egg and decided to keep him as a pet science experiment. That’s sad, right? You’re with me on that being sad?”

“That is quite tragic, yes.”

“Exactly. And so, I was asking him questions about stuff, trying to see if I couldn’t spark any clues or whatever which he seemed mostly fine with.” No way was Gordon going to admit to the blood experiment. “But then I guess I hit a sore spot or something when I asked him if his current form is like… his true form or whatever. ‘Cause he can shapeshift so he might have like ‘this is what he really looks like but can change it’ kind of thing going on. He didn’t seem mad but uh… I guess it’s kinda hard to tell with him sometimes. It for sure wasn’t a fight though. He just said he was done talking about it and left. I figured it was best to leave him be but… you think I should call him to apologize?”

“I’m not sure. I just wanted to see if this was the big fight before you reconcile and end up kissing in the rain.”

Unable to keep still, Gordon had set to pacing a little while he talked. Now though he stopped, turning to face Dr. Coomer again. “Excuse me?”

Dr. Coomer met his gaze, his expression the same as always. “Hello… h… We could go back to Black Mesa and see if we can’t find his records. That should tell us if they made him in the lab or if they found him. We are far from done with salvaging everything after all. We could volunteer to go on the next trip and go straight to Benrey’s department while we’re there. We’ll have to ask Benrey to come with us or for him to tell us where in the facility his handlers stored information about him.”

“Uh… hold onto that idea for a moment and go back to the the thing you mentioned about me and Benrey… kissing in the rain? I misheard that, right?”

“Nope, that is exactly what I said. I suppose it probably won’t be in the rain though. It doesn’t rain much in the desert. But, don’t worry, I’m sure it will still be plenty dramatic.” Neither Dr. Coomer’s voice nor face cracked even once, seemingly he was serious.

“Why would we kiss at all?”

“Because that’s how these things usually go.”

“What things?”

He was silent for several seconds. “These… things.” He gestured vaguely with his hands as if indicating the world as a whole. “So Gordon, what do you think of my plan to look at Benrey’s records?”

There was nothing else to do but sigh and give up on figuring out where Dr. Coomer had pulled that idea from and so… “It’s uh… a good idea, actually.” How had Gordon not thought of it before? Rather made in the lab or stolen from somewhere, research data and records on him would be stored somewhere in the facility. Which would answer all such questions about him and more. “We’d have to ask Benrey though, huh? ‘Cause that stuff’s probably sensitive?” It’d be like looking at someone’s detailed medical records.

“It is possible his records don’t exist anymore. The computers they and their backups are stored on might’ve been destroyed. I doubt this though as they likely would be in a deep part of the facility, safe from the bombings. It is still possible they were shot with guns or destroyed through other means of violence. It’s also very possible his files are among the devices already salvaged from the facility. Which would mean we would need to look through the data storage devices already gathered in the new lab.”

“Fuck, you’re right. And if that’s the case, it uh… kinda puts a damper on our whole ‘keep Benrey a secret’ thing. Someone else at Black Mesa seeing those records might not be good. He can’t die… or I guess he doesn’t stay dead so it’s probably pretty obvious he’s still around somewhere. They might decide to go looking for him. So we should probably for sure find them then.” Maybe that’s where Dr. Coomer had gotten the idea that Gordon and Benrey might kiss. Gordon had gone from wanting him gone and willing to help contain him again to now immediately wanting to go out of his way and possibly risk losing his job if he was caught stealing Black Mesa’s experiment files to keep Benrey’s freedom a secret the moment he’d learned of a potential threat to it. But he was perfectly capable of recognizing the way Benrey had been treated was wrong and care enough about that and him as a person to want to stick his neck out for him without also wanting to kiss him. “And we probably wanna be sneaky about what we’re looking for.”

“Ooh, I do love a good stealth mission.”

“It’s not really a stealth mission, just a few lies about why we wanna dig through the data stuff. When Benrey gets back, we’ll talk to him about it. Before then though uh… when I was having that talk with him earlier, he mentioned that you have a the Black Mesa Sweet Voice too. Is that correct?”

“That is correct, yes. Would you like a demonstration?”

Damn, Gordon apparently was that stupid. “Sure.”

Dr. Coomer took deep breath and then did indeed let out a stream of sweet voice; blue to green, meaning he’s not mean. His tone was different, it was distinctively a human voice singing a note. Still pretty but not as much as Benrey’s. He also couldn’t hold it as long. Which wasn’t to say how long he did hold it for wasn’t impressive, just not as inhumanly long as Gordon had seen Benrey hold his a few times.

“Awesome, thanks,” Gordon said as it petered out. “I’m not sure how I missed that but… whatever. But um, While you’re here and while we wait for Benrey to come back, I’ve been meaning to ask you if you could help me move the couch and TV and stuff into I guess what’s gonna be the gaming room.” It did make some sense to have all the gaming stuff in one room.

“I am quite good at lifting things so sure, I’ll help.”

***

Benrey leaned in the kitchen’s doorway as Gordon, sitting at the kitchen table across from Coomer, explained the idea the two of them had come up with to extract the files Black Mesa had on him either from the lab directly or the stuff already salvaged from the lab. If it were just to look to see what he was or where he’d come from, Benrey would’ve told them not to bother. Even if he was curious now thanks to Gordon, it’d be a lot of work and would instead be easier to go back to not thinking about it. But if they didn’t find his records, likely the rest of Black Mesa eventually would.

Dealing with them trying to get him back would be annoying. With his files they’d likely know how to contain him too which would make it even more of a pain in the ass. So keeping those files out of their hands just in case would be nice.

On the other hand though, the thought of Gordon going through them made Benrey’s insides feel as if they were squirming. What all they contained he wasn’t sure of but Gordon looking through all of them might be… not good. He was already interested in Benrey scientifically, which was fine because he’d also said he cared about Benrey earlier – not a sentiment often shared with him. But what if having all of Benrey’s science info at his fingertips pushed him to seeing Benrey more as a science experiment than a friend?

Given their rocky history and how Gordon used to not like him at all, that thought perhaps shouldn’t be as disconcerting as it was. Gordon viewing him like that wouldn’t necessarily mean Benrey had to stop hanging out with him or disown him as a pet. Having only one person studying and performing experiments on him wouldn’t be too bad. Presumably the gamer pad would still be his. His prior handlers had conceded to him having such a place once they found out about it, so Gordon, kinder than them by far, surely would too. But… but… he liked what they had now. And what if the option of moving out on his own was removed? Just because he wasn’t sure yet if he wanted to take it didn’t mean he didn’t enjoy having it be an option. Even if such was the case for no other reason than because he’d never had such an option before.

“And of course if uh… you don’t want us looking at them, we’ll just delete them. Or if you want them for yourself, we’ll just copy them over to a flash drive and give it you,” Gordon said, ending his explanation.

Oh, perhaps Benrey could have the best of both worlds after all. But… “Don’t you wanna look at them?” He was the one with the questions and who cared what Benrey was enough to feel sad for him not knowing.

“Yeah, I do. So if you’re like… okay with me looking at them, that’d be neat. But it’s a privacy thing so I wouldn’t look if you didn’t want me to.”

“Or he would try not to,” Coomer added, lifting a hand. “Curiosity is a powerful beast and whoever finds your records will have to look a little bit no matter what to make sure we have the right files and that we have all of them. It would be easy to accidentally look a little more than is necessary to sate it.”

“Uh… yeah, that. So I guess it’s still a risk no matter what. But better any of us look a bit too much on accident than Breen trying to get you back into custody or something. … Would he even be able to do that? Like you can phase through stuff, right? So you should be uncontainable unless there’s a material you can’t phase through or a way disable that power or… just your powers in general.”

“They could contain me before, maybe they have the stuff still, I don’t know.” And Benrey wasn’t going to tell him how because the less people who knew, the better. Being locked up was lame and boring beyond anything else in existence except for maybe watching paint dry.

“All right, we should definitely do something about that then… unless I guess, you don’t want us to for some reason. Which I don’t know why you wouldn’t but what do I know?”

“Nah, get rid of them. Or uh… actually, I want them. Yeah, find them and give them to me.” If they had to be found anyway, Benrey might as well get an answer to the question of if he had a true form and what it was if so. And then he could tell Gordon if he was an alien or made in the lab from alien stuff so Gordon could finally stop being sad for him.

“We’ll need information from you then,” Coomer said, “if your information is already in the lab we need to look through it to find it and thus, we need to know what to look for. We might also need to know where to go if we do end up needing to go back to the old facility to obtain them.”

Damn. But if Benrey wanted his best shot at obtaining those files than at least some of his mysterious backstory would end up being revealed to them no matter what. Unless he decided to look all by himself. But if his stuff was amongst the information already being moved to the new place, he might be caught and then if Breen or someone else recognized him, they wouldn’t just be reminded that he was out and about but know exactly where he was. Which would potentially be very annoying, he’d rather not deal with that. So probably it was worth it. And well, it’s not like he had anything better to do. Participating in a heist with his pals to steal some top secret scientific records sounded like fun.

He pushed off the wall and walked the rest of the way into the kitchen, pulling out the one remaining chair to join them sitting at the table. “Uh… Benrey’s the name I chose for myself. They called me, um… Subject X, just X for short. The files are titled like that or at least some of them are anyway. I never looked at all of them.” Only now did the idea seem at all appealing. Gordon’s fault because he was a dumbass who cared so much about things that didn’t matter to the point it was rubbing off on Benrey.

“Damn,” Coomer said, “Gordon you’re right, he is quite tragic. Even Bubby got a name even if it was based off his serial code. Benrey just had a letter.”

“It’s not tragic. Just boring and uncreative ‘cause uh… they were boring and uncreative. And I’m not human anyway so maybe a single letter would’ve been fine. I’m not lame and boring though so I named myself.”

The look Gordon gave him, very similar to the look he’d given him earlier after he’d shared his earliest memory, said he disagreed and found it tragic as well. Humans were so sensitive about things sometimes, it was annoying. Some things were just the way they were without it being worthy of dwelling on enough to elicit an emotional reaction.

Thankfully Gordon didn’t make any move to say anything dumb this time. Though he did reach out to lightly touch Benrey’s hand where he had it resting on the table in front of him. Benrey let him because why not? If trying to comfort him made Gordon feel better then he’d put up with it. But if they were touching hands anyway… Benrey lifted his and pushed his into Gordon’s, entwining their fingers together. Gordon flinched and gently tried to retreat but Benrey didn’t let him. He’d started it so if he wanted to pull away, he had to put real effort into it.

“Anyway,” Benrey continued, leaning a bit more onto the table but not changing his tone to hopefully make it even more awkward, “choosing my own name’s better. Every time someone at the lab did a name change ‘cause they didn’t like their first it was like… a big deal. Everyone talked ‘bout it and some people didn’t like it and always had to say so. A bunch of dumb nonsense, easier to just chose a name I like from the start, right?”

“I guess uh… I can’t argue with that.” Gordon had apparently accepted his fate was holding Benrey’s hand now as he made no more moves to try to free himself, instead staring down at center of the table. “It uh… would’ve indeed been been easier to just pick my own name from the start, I guess. But uh…”

Coomer cut in as Gordon trailed off. “What part of the Black Mesa facility did your handlers work in?”

“If you go, I’m going with you.” It’d be more fun that way. “So I’ll lead the way.”

If Coomer noticed or felt any certain way about Gordon and Benrey holding hands on the table he didn’t show it as he replied. “Fair enough. We will also probably want to inform Bubby, Tommy and perhaps Darnold of this plan. Especially if we do have to sort through all the data we already have. I’m sure having their assistance with that will be quite helpful.”

Damn. If Benrey was going to reveal his letter thingy to everyone he’d have preferred to just do it all at once instead of having to bring it up multiple times. Too late now though. “Tell them in the group text thingy.”

“Shouldn’t you tell them?” Gordon asked as Coomer was already pulling out his phone.

“Nah, Coomer types faster.” He didn’t want to deal with their possible reactions in case they also thought it was tragic or whatever.

“No worries, I will convey all the relevant information.”

After wishing Coomer a farewell, Gordon closed the front door and turned back to Benrey. “Also, I uh… apologize if I upset you earlier.”

Damn, just when Benrey thought the talking was done and they could play some games instead. “Nah, wasn’t upset just… surprised. Never considered I might have a true form or whatever.” He’d also never considered possibly have a family too.

“Well, sorry for springing that idea on you. But… you okay?”

Benrey turned the TV and opened the Game Cube before answering. “Why wouldn’t I be? What you wanna play?” There was no way he was going to let Gordon’s first day off work go by without pulling him into a longer than normal gaming session.

“Whatever you’re in the mood for is fine with me. But um… I was just thinking, a lot of heavy conversation happened about you today and you revealed some… stuff. So I just wanted to check in or whatever, make sure you’re doing okay.”

Benrey stared at the games lined up like books next to the TV stand before pulling out Mario Party 5. They could set the turn order really high and play until one of them won or went insane. After popping it in, he looked back up at Gordon. “Don’t worry ‘bout me.”

Gordon sighed as he moved over the couch, accepting the controller Benrey handed to him. “Kinda hard not to, dude.”

“I’m not human.” Benrey sat next to him. “That stuff doesn’t affect me the way it would you.” Even if he was a ‘social animal that was emotionally abused’ and had been sad about it once upon a time, it was over now so he was good to go. Gordon didn’t need to bring it up or feel bad about it.

“Maybe that’s true, I don’t know enough to say but… I have trouble believing that you’re entirely indifferent to it. Otherwise it wouldn’t take so much to get you to share.”

“Not fair, I shared a lot today.”

“Yeah, after weeks of barely sharing anything about yourself, you share a grand total of like two solid things and that’s considered a lot. And both of them are sad and fucked up as fuck. But that’s besides the point. What I want to say is I’m not good at this shit, being comforting or whatever, but if you ever do want to talk about it, I can listen. Heck, if you don’t want me to say anything or even try to offer any kind of comfort, that’s fine, just you know, if you ever need to talk to someone about it… It’s not like you can go to a therapist and hoped to be believed. So… yeah, I’m here for you or whatever.”

“Fine, if I ever need a shoulder to cry on, I’ll pick yours, ‘kay?” Assuming he could cry anyway because now that he thought about it, he wasn’t sure he could. Vaguely he remembered maybe crying in the past when he was young but such memories weren’t the type he had any desire to poke at. “Now can we stop being emotional and play some damn video games?”

“Yeah, sure. I don’t wanna talk about it anymore either.”

Despite it not being his turn, Benrey picked Luigi before Gordon could. That’s what Gordon got for feeling bad for Benrey when Benrey hadn’t asked him to care that much and for being the one to bring up all the stuff he was feeling bad for Benrey over. It’d be easier for both of them if he just didn’t try to ask about anything he knew would have an answer he would find tragic.

Gordon held Benrey like a almost like a pillow; arms wrapped around him, head resting on his chest. Whether he knew knew Benrey had shifted to make himself more comfortable for him – less dense and thus less heavy where he lay on Gordon’s arm and a little bit softer – was hard to tell. The main benefit of the position was it left Benrey’s hands free to play the Game Boy, or for now, to run his fingers through Gordon’s hair, straightening it out after being pulled up in a pony tail all day.

“You should let your hair down sometime.” It would probably look nice with the waviness it had going on.

Gordon let out a small groan. “It’d get my face all the time if I did.” As if it didn’t escape and end up in his face halfway through the day anyway. Though that did largely have to do with his inability to make the ponytail particularly tight using only one hand. Perhaps Benrey should start offering to do that for him. Tommy brushed Sunkist’s fur fairly frequently after all so Benrey should perhaps do the same with his pet. Or alternatively if Gordon found it annoying…

“You could cut it?”

“I like the way it looks long even if it is kinda a pain. … Or maybe I should cut it, it’d be easier.”

“Hmm… I like the way it looks long too.” Honestly, Benrey could imagine him without long hair, it just wouldn’t feel right.

Gordon hummed an acknowledgment but otherwise didn’t respond. Even now that this had become set in routine, they didn’t talk much while cuddling. The goal was Gordon sleeping after all. But also, limiting their conversation options somewhat, talking about it was still a thing neither of them did by unspoken agreement lest they made it awkward again.

Because they never talked about it, making it possible to pretend it didn’t happen, Benrey letting himself purr to help Gordon fall asleep had become easier over time. Tonight though… something was different. Gordon was still delightfully warm and soft, so much contact with him a pleasant ‘a lot’. But Benrey couldn’t relax into it as much he normally did no matter how long he lay here, stroking Gordon’s hair.

Emotions were dumb and stupid, thinking about them even more so. But the looks Gordon had given him after sharing his earliest memory and assigned letter had haunted him off and on all day. Now lying in the quiet dark, in his arms, it was a bit harder to push such thoughts out his mind. … Gordon feeling bad for him had rubbed off into Benrey feeling bad too. Not for himself though, for sure, he couldn’t be permanently hurt after all, especially not by people he’d never liked, he just… felt bad for making Gordon sad. Yeah, that was it. His status as an experiment in Black Mesa wasn’t worth thinking about due to it being boring, not because it was tragic or whatever. That’s why he never shared much about it and now that he had, he wasn’t sad because he’d been thinking about it when he normally didn’t but instead because he’d made his pet, Gordon upset.

Alas, figuring out the unfamiliar emotion roiling inside him didn’t make it go away. If anything it made it worse, filling him with an odd uncomfortable energy that made it hard to keep still and quiet. Gordon wasn’t asleep yet though; by now he was well versed in the way Gordon’s breathing deepened and slowed as he drifted off. Purring always did seem to make him fall asleep faster but Benrey didn’t seem able to muster one right now. Ugh! It was all Gordon’s fault for being sad about things he didn’t need to be sad about. As frustrating as that was though, Benrey couldn’t just leave him to fend for his own sleep. Sometimes he had nightmares even when Benrey held him. Blue sweet voice fixed it, though going to that length always woke him, but it was still clearly a problem for him that wasn’t going away any time soon.

And so because he couldn’t move but had to do something… “Remember earlier when uh… you said I could talk to you ‘bout stuff?”

Gordon shifted, tilting his head and pulling away enough to look at him properly even though in the dark without his glasses he couldn’t see, right? So why move? “Yeah. Got uh… something you wanna talk about?”

“Nah, just um… you too. Anything you wanna talk ‘bout, spill your trauma and all that, I’ll listen.” He’d thought about saying so not long after Gordon had made his offer to do the same but hadn’t wanted to bring the chatter back around to stuff like that when they’d finally escaped it. Here though, it wasn’t so bad.

“Oh, okay, thanks. I’m good though so I don’t need to...”

Benrey cut him off with a scoff. “Yeah ‘cause I help you fall asleep every night ‘cause you just like cuddling me that much, huh?” Maybe he shouldn’t have brought it up but how else was he supposed to respond to Gordon trying to claim to be okay? Benrey might not know much about trauma, the causes or the ways it showed up in humans, but he wasn’t a complete idiot. The nightmares leading to this arrangement they’d made weren’t normal; Gordon wasn’t okay. Maybe that’s why he was so worried about Benrey, he was projecting and by worrying about Benrey’s perceived problems, he could more easily avoid his own.

“I uh… guess you have a point.”

“Yeah, I do so get back here.”

With a sigh, Gordon obeyed, snuggling into Benrey once more, holding him a bit tighter. “I’m just… being pathetic. I survived, right? So it should be fine now but… it’s not. My hand’s still gone and… and I can still remember what all the dead things smelled and looked like. And there was a bit there when I was sure I was going to die alone and no one would care or even know. Everyone left me to die alone and I… I’m sorry, I’m being weird.”

“Nah, dude, I just said you could talk me to so it’s fine.” Benrey returned to petting Gordon’s hair, his other arm holding him around the shoulders. “Some of that’s my fault… sorry.” In his defense, he hadn’t known how big a deal it was at the time. Hadn’t known Gordon’s hand wouldn’t grow back. His belief that the outcome wouldn’t be nearly as bad as it had turned out didn’t make said outcome any better though.

“Hmm… guess I should maybe still be mad. But I just… this is nice, helps a lot. Thank you for… this and stuff.”

“You’re welcome.” Benrey was a good pet owner. Even if he’d played a part in causing what was wrong, he was doing his best to make it better. That had to make up for some of it at least, right?

Gordon chuckled slightly as he loosened his tight hold a little, adjusting himself slightly but making no move to pull away again. “Gosh, it’s interesting how knowing each other better makes so much difference, huh?”

A lot had changed between them at the same time so many other things had changed for Benrey too. All of it for the better, more than he deserved probably. … “Sorry ‘bout the hand in particular.”

“I uh… guess I forgive you. You didn’t know. Intentions aren’t everything but they matter. And uh… honestly, an apology’s more than I got from the others so… thanks for that too.”

Benrey wasn’t sure how to respond so he just kept stroking his fingers through Gordon’s hair because petting was supposed to be soothing, right? It’s what Tommy did for Sunkist whenever she got antsy about something. Seemingly it worked here too because even though Benrey continued to be unable to muster a purr for him, Gordon did eventually drift off. Benrey could gently free himself and get up now or just reach for the Game Boy but… it had been a few days since he’d last slept and today in particular had felt quite long so a nap or even sleeping through the night wouldn’t hurt. Waking up with Gordon in the morning was kind of nice.

Next Chapter

#hlvrai #benrey #frenrey #hlvrai gordon

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bonesandthebees · 29 days

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I am not snowflake anon but I wanna know more about your thoughts about Dumai and Nikeya

aaaa yes more people to ramble about a day of fallen night to!!!! ok will be putting my thoughts under a read more for spoilers

warning this got, uh, longer than I expected

so firstly with dumai in general, I loved the parallels between her and glorian. both had their positions of power thrust upon them unexpectedly (glorian expected to have many more years before she had to take the throne, dumai literally didn't even know she was royalty until like a few days before she went and had to claim her title as princess), both were seen as the sole hope for their houses, both were struggling to find their power amidst the politics of it all. but their endings were so different. in a way, glorian got the bad ending while dumai got the good ending. glorian is forced to have a child. she never gets to live in hróth and has to reject her birthright to it. she saves her people, but at the cost of herself. (of course, she does reclaim parts of herself in any way she can and becomes the warrior queen she always wanted to be, but there was still so much she had to give up and she ended up trapping her daughter in the same cycle)

meanwhile, dumai is also to save her people, but doesn't lose herself in the process. yes, she has to give up her magic and yes, she can't be with her wife in the way she wants to. but she doesn't have to bear a child to continue the house of noziken. she's able to go back to ipyeda and become the maiden officiant like she always wanted. dumai's ending is as close to a good ending as she could have and I think it's such a well done contrast between the two dream sisters.

now for dumai and nikeya specifically, ohhhhh I loved their relationship so much. the two of them have such an interesting dynamic. it takes so long for dumai to trust nikeya. and it's interesting how deeply-rooted dumai's dislike/distrust of the kuposa is when she's barely been in this world for a year. she didn't know anything about the kuposa clan until she learned who her father was. but she heard they were conniving and scheming and wanted to control the house of noziken and took that to heart. of course the river lord being responsible for the death of her grandfather and also just being an overly polite passive aggressive asshole to her definitely contributed, but I was definitely surprised how stubbornly dumai held to her distrust of nikeya. but at the same time I understand it because dumai has never loved something like she loved nikeya before. it wasn't only her distrust of nikeya because she was a kuposa, but dumai not wanting to open herself up to being hurt like that.

and nikeya... ohhhh I really really loved her as a character. I love how even in the earlier parts of the book from dumai's POV you can see her desire to be seen as more than her father's daughter. wanting to cut the strings he's using to puppet her and be her own person. how she genuinely cares about seiiki and wants to make sure dumai will be a good ruler. she struggles against the way she's been raised to be and reconciling it with the person she wants to be. she had to fight so hard to forge her own identity, especially in dumai's eyes. as she falls for dumai you can see her so desperately wanting dumai to see her as her own person instead of just as a reflection of her father. and I think, like dumai, that despite the drawbacks her ending is one of the best it could be. of course for nikeya the ending she would've chosen would've been her and dumai co-ruling with suzu as their heir, but dumai wouldn't have been happy being stuck at court. her soul always belonged on ipyeda and I think nikeya knew that. but the ending she gets instead is one where her talents/skills in court can flourish, and she can make sure seiiki turns into what she wants it to be. she can ensure it's ruled properly and make sure it's prepared for the new age they're now living in.

I think it's also so interesting that her family ate from the mulberry tree. I am so desperate for more information on the mulberry tree and neporo and all of that so I really hope eventually we get more information on how nikeya's family ties into that!!

(also, the fact that nikeya is a descendant of someone who ate from the mulberry tree and apparently still has enough siden in her blood to make her immune to the red sickness makes me wonder if sabran IX from priory would've been immune as well? since tunuva is one of her ancestors? just questions buzzing around my head)

anyway just. yeah. dumai and nikeya I love you both wish you could've had a normal marriage but I hope nikeya made plenty of trips to ipyeda for 'guidance from the godsingers' throughout her time as warlord ;)

#ask #anon #a day of fallen night #adofn #roots of chaos

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ladysophiebeckett · 7 months

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If Michel had never shown up at Ecomoda,how do you think Armando and Betty would have reconciled? Tbh I find it hard to imagine that she would give him another chance while still in Ecomoda and with Marcela around. We know that Marcela and Margarita only resorted to telling Betty the truth to keep Armando from leaving, but they would have probably never done so without that threat looming over them. At this point she also believes he is after Alejandra, turns out his over the top flirting drove her even further away from him. Would the Cuartel tell her that he didn’t do anything with her and that she was gone already without Michel’s presence? With Ecomoda out of debt and Betty refusing to remain the president, would Armando be given another chance by the board committee? I think that in this situation the only way I can see them working out is with Betty out of Ecomoda because it would give them the opportunity to rekindle their romance in a different setting away from the toxicity of the workplace and his family and Marcela (who still had hopes of getting back together with Armando), but curious to know how you think it would have played out.

I'm answering this but I fear I am not answering this, perhaps the way it was expected of me. And I wanna apologize to you, anon, in advance. So. Beware of that.

Before I continue, I want to state that i am using this as an excuse to talk about why canon events are needed and why fics that undo Important Canon Actions fall flat.

Sometimes we as viewers will ask ourselves 'why didnt X character just do (rational action)?' And its because the story needs irrational action\irrational thinking that actually moves the plot forward. We're not looking to solve the plot quickly because that isn't entertaining.

You go into any tiktok comment section that's ysblf related and you will almost immediately see someone call Betty the villain because she chose to have an affair with Armando. But if she doesn't decide to do that, then there's no story. If Betty wasn't naive, if she wasn't so loyal, if she had a reason to be suspicious of Armando--she would quickly put together that he was trying to start an affair with her right after the embargo happened. And if it played out like that, then there would be no room for Betty to grow as a person. If Betty doesn't make this decision then she doesn't change and neither does Armando.

Another example, one that I see in fics a lot is the Cartagena Arc where Armando doesn't get back together with Marcela. Viewers hate that and I get it. So they have him not do it, but they don't take into account why he needs to do that. Armando is a mess and he hasn't put himself together yet, so he goes back to what's easy and familiar. He can't not go back to Marcela just because he's in love with another woman. He needs to end his relationship with Marcela for himself. And that why those kinds of fics fail. Because they're trying to skip a hundred steps of character development.

Now that I've established that, let's get into it:

You asked:

I am first and foremost a romantic and I have to believe that they get together no matter what. But, we're exploring the removal of plot points that push characters into doing things....

We know from canon, before Armando knows of the significance of Michel, that he has a conversation with Mario about getting Betty back. He himself says that he knows it's going to take a long time, and a lot of patience, he knows she's still hurt but that he's going to take the time to show her that he's changed.

Armando here is trying to make a rational choice. He's trying to be normal. He's attempting to give Betty the space she's asked for multiple times.

Again, Michel is not arriving in this situation.

Now we have Betty, who's being tortured by the cuartel, who will not get off her ass about what Armando could be doing and with who. On top of that, she's confused about Armando's actions towards her. His behavior towards her at her lanzamiento disarms her. She wants very badly to believe that his affection is real but she doesn't trust it.

The reason the cuartel is so damn annoying in the last ten episodes or so, is because they need to motivate Betty's desire to leave. Michel showing up with a job offer (plus romantic interest) is Betty's getaway car. If we eliminate Michel's appearance, we are left with an annoyed, unhappy and dissatisfied Betty who's being told by said cuartel--specifically Mariana--that she needs to make a decision. But she's still under the impression that Armando is moving on with his life.

If Michel doesn't show up, Betty and Armando are in limbo. They won't do anything. He's going to leave her alone and she's going stew unhappily in her office. Marcela is still going to be there and the promise Betty made to her will still be in motion. Even if was only Betty using Marcela to keep Armando away from her. (Personally I think that promise is void if Armando dumped her. But I digress.)

All three of them are stuck in Ecomoda Limbo\Hell.

We know that Marcela and Margarita only resorted to telling Betty the truth to keep Armando from leaving, but they would have probably never done so without that threat looming over them.

Yeah, this wouldn't happen at all unless Armando had the motivation to leave. However---I believe in the cuartel. The cuartel saw him show up everyday looking like shit. They don't mention it to Betty when she comes back bc it wasn't a priority. But if they see Betty and Armando in some kind limbo-slow burn hell where Betty is left indecisive....Let's table this for a second, bc I wanna talk about this:

At this point she also believes he is after Alejandra, turns out his over the top flirting drove her even further away from him.

Yes, she does. But he wasn't 'over the top flirting' with her. All he really did (which is the same thing that Betty did with Michel) was walk around Ecomoda with Alejandra. He was seen with her, yes, but he was truly just being friendly and giving her a tour. Was she interested in something more? Yes (So was Michel). Could he have started something with her? Yes (So could Betty with Michel). Does he? (No). Because he's in love with Betty. The Alejandra situation is what motivates Armando to choose Betty. He could try and move on with a clean slate with someone else that doesn't know him or what he did, but he can't and he doesn't want to.

But unfortunately, Betty doesn't know this and it doesn't matter because all she needed was to see them together to make her own hurtful conclusions.

Would the Cuartel tell her that he didn’t do anything with her and that she was gone already without Michel’s presence?

Okay, going back to the cuartel---YES, they would. I believe this in my heart. If they see Betty and Armando in Limbo-Slow Burn Hell and it's been going on for weeks?? Yes, they would tell her the Alejandra thing never happened. Betty wouldn't care, bc she'll say 'if its not her, it'll be someone else'. I think that eventually one of them would mention what Ecomoda was like when she was away but this hinges on someone making a mention of Armando and that would have to motivate Betty's curiosity to know.

Remember that outside the bar when Armando seeks her out, he says 'and all the harm I did to myself'. So Betty would have to be motivated to remember that and wonder it meant. But yes, I think the cuartel would use this information it would just take them awhile.

(Nunca se ponen las pilas a tiempo)

With Ecomoda out of debt and Betty refusing to remain the president, would Armando be given another chance by the board committee?

If Michel never arrived, and Betty and Armando are in Limbo-Slow Burn Hell AND they manage to get Ecomoda out of debt---Armando would still not want the presidency back. Armando's stays on to help Ecomoda bc not only was it his fault, but he couldn't let it all fall on Betty. He even says he had stayed to regain some honor and to support Betty during her presidency. Michel's absence doesn't hinge on that.

Now would the board give him another chance? No. Marcela would be advocating for him and he would refuse it.

If Betty refused it, Armando would ask her to stay. He would talk to her like he talked to her the night of her lanzamiento. And this is where I'm a romantic and can't picture them not ending up together. I think that in this Limbo-Slow Burn Hell scenario, Armando would still offer to leave so that she could stay. If he tried his hardest to show her that he's changed and it still wasn't enough, he would still do what he did in canon except he wouldn't be so dramatic about it.

I think that in this situation the only way I can see them working out is with Betty out of Ecomoda because it would give them the opportunity to rekindle their romance in a different setting away from the toxicity of the workplace and his family and Marcela

Ecomoda is so important. It's like their child.

(They have 3 kids, Ecomoda, the Furby, and Camila).

Okay, jokes aside. Ecomoda is where they fell in love. It's where they met. It's where some of the best and worst things happened to them. It's what keeps them together by force when Betty comes back from Cartagena. Ecomoda is what blurs the lines between them. It's so fundamental to the origins of their romance. I can't see them, in this non Michel arrival scenario, being able to rekindle their relationship without it. If they fell in love during a terrible time for Ecomoda, they can rekindle Limbo-Slow Burn style while getting Ecomoda out of debt.

Marcela being there is not a deterrent because Armando broke up with her and she wouldn't be able to manipulate him. (A visible sign to Betty that he has changed). Yeah, she would beg him to stay as president if Betty were to leave once the company was out of debt and once again he would be like 'Girl, no. It's over.'

If that would be motivation enough for Marcela to tell Betty supporting evidence about his bar time suicide attempts, that's up in the air. We need Margarita's interference for that to happen and I dont think that exists in this Limbo-Slow Burn scenario. I think Betty would have listen to what the curatel saw day to day and then think about what Armando said to her and be brave enough to make a decision on her own. To ask Armando about it and trust that he's telling her the truth.

For Betty it would be a leap of faith.

Unfortunately, in this this Michel-less scenario the diary scene doesn't exist bc Armando doesn't have the motivation to go into her office and look for the photo of them. So there is no him finding out that Betty was in love with him way before the plan. Also, there is no scene where Armando and Mario have their break up friendship fight.

We take Michel's arrival out and the last 9 (long form) episodes fall apart. The plot needs him to motivate certain actions to fall into place. Betty needs a getaway car and Armando needs the motivation to run after her.

So yes, I believe they can still rekindle their relationship (BECAUSE I AM A ROMANTIC) but it would take longer because of inaction.

Again, I apologize if I didn't answer this the way you wanted me to. But this is what came out.

#ysblf #betty la fea #anon #ask

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bullet-prooflove · 1 year

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Secrets Part 2: Evidence - Antonio Dawson x Reader

Tagging: @rosaliedepp @misscharlielulu @witches-unruly-heart @orileyfiction @kimm4710 @k-k0129 @tonio-dawson @enchantedblackrose @storiesofsvu @ikbenplant @jayblackpanther @crazy4chickennuggets @neapolitantoebeans @cixrosie @swannyswan @halsteadloversworld @i-spaced-sorry @bradshawsdarlin @cosmic-psychickitty @horny-and-sad27 @gummybabey

Part One: Exs & Ohs

You stood in front of Voight’s desk, your hands clasped together in front of you. You’d caught his attention when you’d made sure the door was shut behind you. The team was already rattled by his thing with Antonio, they couldn’t reconcile the man they knew with the lies that spewed out of Laura’s mouth, they were working every angle, but it was slow going and you held the key to it all tightly in your right hand.

“He didn’t do it.” You told Voight, swallowing hard against the ache in your chest.

“I know that, and you know that.” Voight told you. “But without evidence he’s stuck in holding until he’s arraigned.”

“He was with me last night.” You said quietly.

Voight gave you a sceptical look.

“She says the attack happened at three in the morning so unless…” he paused for a moment scrutinizing the expression on your face. “How long has this thing with the two of you been going on?”

“Six months.” You said before you put the flash drive on his desk, sliding it towards him with a fingertip. “It’s footage from my ring doorbell. It has sound and video.”

Voight plugged the device into his computer and opened the file. You felt your cheeks colour as you heard your own laughter emit from the speakers, followed by Antonio’s husky voice.

“Baby, you better open that door otherwise I’m gonna be fucking you right here on the porch for every one of your neighbours to see.”

You moaned as he kissed you. It was obscene how good he was with his mouth. His fingers threaded in your hair, tugging your head back so that his heated lips could leave a blistering trail along the curve of your throat. You cried out his name as his fingertips toyed with the buttons on your blouse, popping the first one open.

“I want you so damn much right now.” He murmured, before undoing another button. “I wanna get on my knees and…”

Voight stopped the video.

“I really could have done without seeing that.” He told you, leaning back in his chair.

Your face was burning, you could feel the heat climbing across your cheeks as you cleared your throat and looked away.

“If you fast forward, you’ll see that he doesn’t leave until seven the next morning, he comes straight here after that.”

“Do you know what this will do to your career if it gets out?” Voight asked, indicating towards the video. “And things like this…. They have a habit of getting out. You know what it’s like, Antonio will get a clap on the back, and you get a reputation for being easy. I’m asking you if you are sure this is what you want?”

“I understand the consequences.” You told him resolutely.

Voight unplugged the USB and handed it back to you.

“Keep hold of it for now.” He advised. “If we don’t turn up anything else to prove he didn’t do this, we’ll have to use it.”

Neither of you wanted that. Voight was willing to let this play out as long as he could before he pulled out the ace out from under his sleeve.

“When this is over, we’ll need to talk about this situation and whether it’s tenable.”

“I know.” You assured him, before leaving the office and closing the door behind you.

Love Antonio? Get added to his tag list!

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

#antonio dawson x reader #antonio dawson imagine #antonio dawson #antonio dawson x you #antonio dawson x fem!reader

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dothwrites · 9 months

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for those of you who don't like metallica then i'm sorry but the s13 'nothing else matters' opening is STILL the best opening.

spn really said "welcome alcal, now be NEKKID on your first full episode"

and the way that dean can't even SAY what happened to cas. he tries and he can't get the words out because it's still TOO close. and you never see the difference between sam and dean in how they relate to cas and grief more than in the widower arc. sam is kinda bummed, but dean can't find which way is up. he's completely spinning out, meanwhile sam is... kinda bummed.

which is how they relate to grief. dean puts on a good show, but in the end, sam is the one who can compartmentalize a lot better. sam can put things aside to get what he considers the mission done. dean can't. his emotions are too powerful.

jack, my sweet baby nougat boy. i loved ye from the second i saw you in a funny little jacket. this poor small town sheriff and her stoner son are SO ill-equipped to deal with this.

the impala being the dirtiest that we've ever seen it... dean being the most grief-stricken we've ever seen him... i've connected the two dots.

poor jack... he's only been alive for like four hours and already the angels are torturing him. it's hard to be the antichrist nephilim.

and i do love that they had sam bond with jack over their shared heritage of "everyone believes that i'm going to grow up to become the devil and i don't wanna". it's something that sam doesn't get to do a lot of.

and the second that jack said "castiel is my father" we all fell in love with him and trusted him implicitly. well. at least i did.

and then dean's "anything?" and the angel realizing IMMEDIATELY what dean means... that he's searching for any way possible to bring cas back and he's desperate to do it... i am FERAL for the widower arc.

dean's insistence to believe that jack is evil for as long as cas is dead is... something. and dean never quite reconciled those feelings that he had at the very beginning, where he equated jack with the loss and horror of knowing that cas was gone. to dean, jack and that grief are always kind of the same thing, and he can't get over it.

dean's prayer. DEAN'S PRAYER. "we've lost EVERYTHING." and then his complete self destructive breakdown once he realizes that no one's listening. he's LOST and he doesn't know how to make any of it right.

thanks to the blooper reel i can never watch this horrifically emotional scene of dean preparing cas' body (his LOVER'S body) for the pyre and becoming so overcome with grief that he has to pause... i cannot watch that without thinking of the ball tap. fuck you jensen and misha.

jensen's ability to look absolutely DEVASTATED without shedding a tear. unparalleled.

#doth watches spn

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invisibleraven · 10 months

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It's okay. I'd rather be here with you

Peterpatterlina

When the band was going on their first tour, they spent their nights on the bus, an experience no one was a big fan of, but they had to get their name out there before the label put them up in hotels on the regular.

Even if Julie wasn't sure how they hadn't broken up several times over by the end of the summer in that godforsaken bus.

The next time they went on tour, they had a platinum album under their belts, which mandated a better bus and hotels on the regular. Nice hotels too, where they all got their own rooms if they wanted them.

Alex was happy to have his own space to spend time with Willie who had joined them for the West Coast portion of the tour. The rest of them were just glad to have a break from Alex's snoring and all hoped Willie brought ear plugs.

Luke and Reggie shrugged and told the label they were cool sharing. They had been used to sleeping together since they were teens, slumming it on the studio couch after they both ran away from home. And well, even after Luke reconciled with his parents he often snuck back to the garage so Reggie wouldn't have to be alone at night.

Of course, once Ray found out about that he told them under no circumstances were they sleeping out there any longer and moved Reggie into the house, becoming his legal guardian as well. Luke couldn't snuck into the house quite as easily, so this was basically permission for them to snuggle every night.

Everyone was taking bets when they would figure it out, this weird nebulous thing between them. Julie had money on it happening before the end of the tour, but so did their roadie Craig and dammit, Julie was determined to win!

Julie, for her part, had a nice spacious room all to herself. A blessing after being trapped in a metal tube with four boys for days on. She got to take a luxuriously long shower, doing her hair treatments, face mask, even indulging in a pedicure as she enjoyed the space; with some room service and a movie to boot.

Only when she went to sleep, she found it was too quiet. There was no snoring from Alex, no soft music from Reggie who needed it sleep, no light from Luke's bunk as he stayed up far too late writing. She even opened her phone and played some of the band's Insta videos so it was like they were there, but nothing helped.

Finally she wrenched herself from the bed and went for a walk around the halls, eventually ending up Luke and Reggie's door. Knocking softly, she waited a moment and then knocked again, a bit louder. There was no way they were asleep, given it was barely midnight and bedtime was a fantasy notion for these boys.

It was Luke who threw open the door and Julie bit back a smirk. His hair was rumpled, he was shirtless, sweats slung low on his hips. But what was most damning was the swollen nature of his lips and the fresh bite mark on his collar bone. He had an angry look on his face that melted when he saw her, leaning on the doorframe. "Hey boss, what's up?"

"Couldn't sleep, figured I'd see what you two were up to. I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

"Not now," Luke grumbled but then painted the smile back on. "Nope, just watching a movie."

"Luke," Reggie whined from inside. "Come back to bed."

"Julie's here, gimme a sec!"

There was a yelp and some rutling, and soon enough Reggie appeared at luke's side, looking even more rumpled and well kissed, with a few hickies blooming across his shoulders. "Heya Ju Ju Bean! We were just..."

"I can see what you were just," Julie said. "Sorry for bothering you. I just couldn't sleep."

"Oh, well we're um..." Reggie sputtered. "We're done now. You wanna come in? We can play cards or shoot the shit, whatever to tire you out."

"Dude," Luke hissed. "The sheets..."

"Yeah, I'm just gonna go back to my room," Julie said, wrinkling her nose. "Let you get back to it."

"Be more fun with you here," Reggie quipped then clapped a hand over his mouth.

Luke elbowed him hard, both of them looking embarrassed and Julie froze. Okay, so it's not like she never thought about being with either of them, like they were hot stuff, super talented, and the sweetest goobers. But those were just fantasies, and they usually didn't involve both of them.

"What."

"Just... let's go to your room and talk about this," Luke said slumping his shoulder. "Otherwise I don't think any of us are sleeping tonight."

Julie led them to her room, and they sat on her bed, awkward at first until she demanded they tell her everything. Luke revealing that they had been together since long before Reggie moved into her house, but didn't want to screw anything up with the band so they kept it secret.

"Were you ever gonna tell us?" Julie asked, slightly hurt.

"Yeah..." Reggie starts, fiddling with the sheet beneath him. "Except the whole time, we kinda both... had a crush on you." Finally he looks up at her, pick right to his ears. "We decided that we were gonna ask you this summer if that might be a thing you'd be interested in. If not, we'd come out just us..."

"And if it was?" she asks.

"Then the ball would be in your court," Luke said, taking Reggie's hands in his, soothing his thumbs over the backs. "The offer, and us, we aren't going anywhere, no matter what you answer."

"That... is a lot to process," Julie replied finally. "Can I like sleep on it?"

"Of course!" Reggie said, jolting up. "Take as much time as you want!"

They were almost at the door when Julie called for them to wait. "Can you stay? We can start with snuggles and sleep?"

"Are you sure?" Luke asked, stepping back towards her.

"Because we can go," Reggie stated, gesturing towards the door, but both of their faces betrayed how much they wanted to stay here... with her.

"It's okay," Julie said, tossing her robe off and situating herself in the middle of the bed. "I'd rather be here with you."

Reggie giggled and leapt onto the bed, making it bounce as he snuggled into her side, Luke flicking off the light as he crawled in the other side. They were both respectful, arms around her midsection, faces close to hers, but not nuzzled in.

"This is cozy," Julie admitted. "I could be okay with this."

"Ssshhh, sleep time," Reggie mumbled, yawning.

Luke chuckled softly. "Yeah he drops pretty quick after sex, surprised he stayed awake through everything honestly."

"Don't tell me you get wired," Julie asked.

Luke shrugged. "Insomnia and I are old friends, but it tends to help me relax enough to doze." He punctuated his statement with a yawn. "You gonna be able to sleep?"

Julie could actually feel her eyelids drooping as Reggie's soft snuffles echoed in one ear and Luke's steady heartbeat thumbed against her side. "Yeah, think so. Night boys."

"Night boss," Luke whispered, pressing a tiny peck to her cheek.

"Night Ju Ju," Reggie mumbled, his kiss a bit more sloppy against her shoulder. "Luv oo."

Julie's eyes dropped closed, but the smile on her face didn't stop, even after she whispered her love back to them bothe before finally falling asleep.

And by the end of the summer, the three of them came out as a throuple, much to the surprise of almost everyone not in their inner circle.

Oh, and Craig the roadie won the pot, because he knew the three of them would figure themselves out eventually.

#filled prompts #ficlet #rukebox #peterpatterlina #gosh this got long #julie and the phantoms

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