#i’m so tired of temporary friendships

[fangirl-dot-com]

🐍 Track 2 - . . . Ready for It?

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Logan had a new phone. And for the first time in a while, it felt nice to just be disconnected from the world for a bit. The people who truly mattered had his phone number. His Instagram had been wiped, along with every other social media. The American had gone dark. 

And apparently you had done the same thing. 

His parents and brother knew where he would be, just in case for emergencies. However, he asked them to not text much. He needed time away, well, away from the current grid. It hurt him, seeing how supportive everyone was with Theo. No one had ever congratulated him when he first got signed. Hell, even Oscar hadn’t known right away, claiming he had forgotten. 

Of course, he had given you his new number because you’d be the only person he previously knew that he’d still be in contact with. You also gave Logan you’re new number, having similar ideas to your friend. 

Well, he had given George his new number. The Briton had texted his old number in a panic-like manner when Logan deactivated everything. Under a temporary contract, Logan wasn’t legally allowed to tell George anything except that he was safe and needed time away. 

The brunet was not happy with that, but he let Logan know that if he needed anything, he would come running. A bit of happiness let itself seep into Logan’s heart, thankful for the Mercedes driver’s friendship. 

When he had read the email after the social media posts went up, his mind blanked. 

What did Andretti want with him? A washed-out jobless nobody. He believes they should have been looking at someone like Carlos or even Ollie, who was making good times in F2 car. It had to be anyone but him. 

So why was it him? 

He had been about to call you when you had first facetimed him on his laptop. He couldn’t even get words about before you started screeching. Logan chuckled as you went on a rant, as this could be their big break. His silence had given you a look into how he was truly feeling. 

Your voice had quieted down on the device. 

“You’re going to take the offer right?” 

Logan winced at your tone, which gave you the information you needed. You rolled your eyes as you sat on your bed. 

“Logan, we were just dropped by two teams that didn’t even want us. They pushed us away like we were nothing. And now, there’s a team with top potential that truly wants us, and you don’t want to take the opportunity?” 

The American boy sighed. You had a point. 

“I’m just scared that I’m going to get there, and then make a fool out of myself. Then Michael is going to see how truly bad of a driver I am,” he hugged out. 

You could hear the fear in his voice, and it devastated you. Where did your confident and smiley boy go? Williams would pay for it, one way or another. 

You were hesitant to say something. 

“Logan, even if our times aren’t what we’re wanting at first, Michael said that we will get better. He’s sent my manager some data and it looks like we are scarily similar with our driving styles. Logan, the car is going to be made for us. Michael made sure that I knew that we’d have a chance, because I’m not driving if you’re not. Together or nothing, we come as a package.” 

Logan sat up quickly off his bed. He glared at you through his laptop.

“You did not just quote Charles Leclerc to me.” 

“And what if I did?”  

“No, you can’t give this offer up if I don’t drive.” 

You glared back at him, although you had a smile. 

“It’s either both of us, or none of us. I’m tired of never seeing you, and you need a friend you can count on. I’m sorry to say but Oscar has done a very shit job of being your friend. I’d say that George is a better friend than him.” 

Logan sighed. “No, you’re right. It’s just hard to accept that.” 

Your smile dropped a bit. 

“Logan, he was supposed to be your friend and then he dropped you. Everyone had dropped you so many times and you’ve been the one to pick yourself back up. But now, you’ve been dropped a final time, yet someone wants to be the first to help you back up, to clean your wounds, and to heal you. And now you don’t even want that?” 

You had a point. 

Like always. 

“Your words never seem to fail me woman.” 

“That’s because men are the inferior being.” 

Logan snorted. 

“Will I see you in Milan next week?” you asked with hopeful eyes. Logan could see the glimmer that shined in them. He didn’t want to be the person to damped that. 

“I will see you in Milan.” 

The first thing that popped into Logan’s mind when he got to the base was “Holy Shit.” 

The building was massive as he walked through the giant doors. He really thought that this was a movie set with how grand it was. Surely this couldn’t it? Maybe he had the wrong address. 

“Mr. Sargeant?” 

Or maybe he did. His body turned to the lady standing near the front desk. He showed a smile that was definitely a tad too wide and showed too many teeth. Thankfully the lady didn’t show any malice as she sweetly grinned at the blond. 

“Yes ma’am. That’s me.” 

Always the good southern-hospitality manners with him. 

“I’m glad you could make it. If you’d follow me, Michael is waiting in his office for you.” 

Logan breathed a sigh of relief when he finally knew that he didn’t have to circumnavigate the entirety of the building. 

The air was fresh as he walked behind the lady, who he now knew as Marissa Andretti, Michael’s sister and Head of Directors. Her own American accent was like a comforting blanket to Logan. Gosh, did he miss hearing a familiar voice to his own during 2023. 

The one voice he couldn’t wait to hear was your own. He knew he’d be safe once he heard the lisps of a Southern draw when you talked. The slurred vowels and the biting consonants would be music to his ears. 

“How have you liked the simulator and the data so far?” Marissa asked as she led Logan down yet another hallway. How big was this building and were they leading him to his death? 

Yet, despite his concerns, Logan was very happy with the results. 

“The car is already so fast. It’s like it’s just an extension of me instead of working against me. It feels so right.” 

Technically, Logan had been on the first plane to Milan to start testing, as his own anxiety wouldn’t let him wait until the week was up. You had your own simulator back in the States, so you did your testing there. Logan had been back in London when the email came, and his set up was not going to function with the high tech that Andretti needed. 

Marissa smiled over her shoulder. “Good, that is exactly what we are wanting to hear.” 

Finally, she stopped in front of a door that had a giant-ass A on the front. Logan wanted to laugh at the cinematics. Surely, this was a movie and he was going to be the main character. Marissa pushed a button and the door slowly swung open. 

Logan’s smile grew once he saw you in one of the very plush seats in front of the desk. You immediately stood up and jumped into his arms. He breathed deeply and all weight slowly melted from his body. It had been so long since he had gotten to hug you, hold you, feel you. 

When you pulled away, you had a blinding smile on your face. 

“Glad to see you here Logs.” 

His nose scrunched at the old nickname. 

“I don’t think you’ve called me that since we were 12, Y/n.” 

You huffed. 

“Fine, no nickname for you.” 

“I take it back. I ban you from calling me Logan.” 

“Isn’t that your name?” 

“No?” 

“Logs!” 

“Ah there it is!” 

A cough signaled to Logan that they weren’t actually alone. He sheepishly turned around to face the man who, hopefully after this meeting, would be his boss for a couple of years. Logan turned his full body towards the desk and stepped with his hand outstretched. 

Michael had a knowing smile as he shook Logan’s hand. 

“I am so sorry sir, I didn’t even realize that you were already here, and I haven’t seen her in a while, and it’s so good to just here the accents because the grid is entirely too European and Asian, sometimes I couldn’t even understand them, and…” 

Michael put his hands on Logan’s shoulders. 

“It’s just fine kid. I totally get you.” 

Logan visibly relaxed under Michael’s hands. 

“Now, why don’t you sit down and we can start talking contracts.” 

Logan lit up at the word. 

“Contracts?”

You gave him a smirk. 

“Yes Logs, contracts.” 

Logan felt as though he couldn’t breathe. But this time, it was with excitement and not dread. His butt quickly found the seat next to yours. Marissa left the room with promises of coming back with celebratory drinks. 

Michael pulled out two small stacks of paper before he started speaking. 

“So, I’ve talked with both of your managers and we’ve come up with a contract. You two can look over it as I read the big details. The finer print is stuff that you both have already previously gone over, but you are still encouraged to look over it one final time.”

You and Logan had the same exact papers. 

In the initial emailing process, the two of you had voiced that you were a packaged deal. Logan was surprised to see that Michael had said that he wouldn’t want it any other way and was glad to possibly not have to deal with drivers hating each other. Logan thought anything would be better than Brocedes 2016. 

You looked down at the words as Michael read them out loud. 

“Ok, so in the contract, the two of you will be signed until 2027. There is an exit clause in section C, but we are not allowed to terminate prior to 2027. The two of you will be granted ambassadorship with whatever sponsors we’ve received. The sponsorships are in section E and it gives a rundown of each one and what they will be contributing to the team. 

“Per secrecy of wanting to keep the identities secret until we reach the grid for testing, the two of you will go under pseudonyms.” 

You raised an eyebrow. 

“Like a call sign?” 

Marissa flashed a wicked grin. 

“Exactly like a call sign.” 

You continued, “Do we get to come up with them?” 

Michael clasped his hands. “So we thought that Y/n could go by Phoenix and then Logan would go Venus.” 

Your eyes widened as you took in the name. Wasn’t too bad, you thought. 

Logan let out a sigh of relief. “At least it’s not like Eagle or something. That would be super obvious.” 

The boss-man chuckled before he looked back down at the contract. 

“Since the two of you did not specify a salary, we took the liberty to come up with one ourselves. But please feel free to mention what you’d like and we can always raise it. We also liked to put in that for every point scored, the two of you get a bonus as a little incentive. The salary will not be dropped no matter if points are scored or not. Think of it as a baseline.” 

Michael chuckled as he watched yours and Logan’s eyes drastically widen at the sight of the eight digits before the decimal. Logan gulped at the sight. 

“Michael, I think you added too many zeros.” 

“I think I didn’t add enough.” 

Logan couldn’t respond. 

You looked up from the paper to Michael. “I think it’s high enough.” 

The goateed-man smiled back at you and continued. 

“I’ve seen the skills parts on your resumes and thankfully the two of you do not need to learn Italian from scratch. I don’t even know when the two of you had time to learn it, but thankfully it is not required in meetings or in the garage.” 

Logan smirked as he looked at the words. 

“What’s the fun in that? We can have secret conversations with ourselves.” 

You tapped his shoulder. 

“Except Ferrari will know and maybe Lewis.” 

“I’ll have my Duolingo account at the ready.” 

Michael watched as the two of you pored over the papers and bickered like an old married couple. He and Marissa already had a bet going to see when the two of you would get together. But, you didn’t need to know that.

“I digress. You can speak in Italian if you want to. The next couple of sections are just PR related. The two of you wanted to bring you own teams in, which is fine. I’ve sent emails and meeting times to each of them and have been replied to. All is in motion. Logan, you mentioned something to me once about your personal trainer leaving?” 

A sigh left his lips at the mention of Benny. He really didn’t want anyone else. He slowly nodded. 

“He had to leave to be with his family. Williams wasn’t the most accommodating and he was told that he had to be at every race. Normally I didn’t even need him until race day. He’d miss so much time with his family because of traveling and things like that.” 

“Well, I think we have you covered.” 

Logan looked back down at the paper. A small gasp left his lips. 

Ben Jacobs was written in black ink under “Personal Trainer.” 

“How?” 

Michael smiled. 

“It took some convincing, but he said he’d come back for you. Of course, Ben will be highly compensated to return after he said he wouldn’t. His family will also be accommodated for any race that they’d like to attend and Ben can show up however late he needs. His leave will also be paid time as well.” 

Logan could kiss the man if he could. Tears pooled in his eyes and he could only manage a small thank you. Your hand rested on his shoulder in comfort. He just couldn’t wait to see him again. 

“Looks like that is everything. Are you two ready to sign?” 

Yours and Logan’s heads nodded eagerly as pens were uncapped. There was light scratching for a few moments as you filled out the needed information on the multiple sheets of paper. Once everything was completed, you let out a sigh of relief. You and Logan could finally do this. 

Marissa showed up at the right moments with a few different beverages. You took one of the iced americanos, claiming that Italian espresso was, in fact, the best kind. Logan surprised you as he took a mimosa. 

He side-eyed you. 

“It’s freshly squeezed orange juice and you cannot go wrong with it. It’s a classic.”

You held you drink up and your other hand in mock surrender. 

Michael took a black coffee and sipped it. 

“Now, onto the fun stuff.” 

Your eyebrows pinched. “Fun stuff?” 

Michael smirked before pulling up a projector that was attached to his laptop. He started to click through the slides. 

“First, the car.” 

On the slide was a sleek yellow and black livery. The black really highlighted the tamer yellow. 

Michael pointed at it. 

“This is our 2024 livery. We designed it awhile back, but it’s finally going to be used.” 

You let out a whistle as a video played the engine noise. To you, it sounded fast. You had been able to do a few laps with an actual car to get the feel of it since IndyCar were so much different. Michael claimed though that you were a natural in the car, being able to command it to what you needed it to do. Logan was quite the same. 

The next slide showed multiple models of Lamborghinis. With it came a smirk from the sister and brother pair. 

Logan looked at them. 

“I don’t know whether to be excited about the smirks or nervous.” 

Marissa was the one to pull up something on her personal iPad. She showed the official Lamborghini website. 

“Because the two of you will now technically ambassadors for Lambo as well, you two need to pick out what models the two of you would like to own. For now, we can start with one, but Tonino wanted his drivers to start a small collection.” 

You made her pause. 

“Tonino, as in, Tonino Lamborghini?” 

Marissa sent a gentle smile to calm you down. 

“Yes. Mr. Tonino will be at quite a few races to watch. He has mentioned wanting to see Ferrari fail, but our data is saying that although we look promising, there’s not guarantee.” 

Logan exhaled sharply. 

“No pressure right?” 

Michael leaned forward over the desk. 

“Listen to me Logan. You have been with a team that has now destroyed every bit of self-confidence. Mr. Tonino is actually the one who put your name on my radar. If you’re good enough for him, you need to believe that you’re good enough for everyone else.” 

Logan was taken back. Mr. Tonino was the one to bring him up? He felt honored in a good way. A nod of his head let Michael and Marissa know that they could continue. Logan turned your way, only to find you already smiling at him. He hoped that he could always be on the receiving end of that smile. 

Marissa continued where she left off. 

“Just look over the models and customize it however you’d like. We’ll get it sent to the factory to be made in time for the first race in Bahrain. These cars will be shipped along with our supplies so you can always have them.” 

You smirked. “I’ve always wanted a black Lamborghini Aventador.” 

Logan turned to Marissa. “I’d love a black Lamborghini Huracan.” 

A smile grew on your face. “Aw, Logan. We’ll get matching Lambos.” 

Logan thought that if you had been an emoji, you’d be the one with the big teary eyes and a pout. Marissa looked pleased at the requests for the different models. 

You raised your hand. “Do we need to start looking for places to stay here in Milan?” 

Michael lifted his eyebrows. 

“You don’t actually. Between races, the two of you are more than welcome to either go home or adventure somewhere. We will let you know when it is crucial to come back here to do some testing. Housing is provided when you need to be here. There are multiple estates that can be used on bought property.” 

You and Logan definitely liked the sound of that. Maybe you could stay in close villas or something. Or maybe in the same place as you tended to get lonely. That’s what being pushed out of everything does to someone in a year. You can’t remember the last time that you were invited to do something with the team, always retreating to your small hotel room after a race. You feel as though Logan might feel the same. 

Michael moved to the next slide, showing the race suits. 

“These are the suits for the season. Black or white fireproofs will go well with them. Helmets are up to the two of you. You will need on standard for some races and then you can choose what races you want fun ones to be. Miami, Austin, Las Vegas, and Imola are going to be considered our home races.” 

“What about Monza?” Logan questioned. 

Michael had a glint in his eyes. 

“That will forever belong to the Tifosi I’m afraid.” 

You decided to pipe up. 

“Or Charles Leclerc. I feel like wherever he goes, the Tifosi goes with him. You make him trade teams, the Italians will follow him.” 

Logan shot you a teasing look. 

“You always have to bring him up in one way or another.” 

You shrugged. 

“He’s a good driver. Let’s not bring up that you’re such a fanboy for Max Verstappen of all people.” 

Logan’s torso shifted. 

“It’s not every day that one beats Sir Lewis Hamilton and take away his 8th championship!” 

Laughs erupted from Michael and Marissa, making you and Logan pause. You cleared your throat. 

“Sorry, please continue.” 

Michael went a bit further with the slides, going over compatible data to the car. He went over sponsors and things like that before he finally leaned back into his chair. 

“Are we able to drive the cars today?” 

Much like you were, Logan was itching to be back behind the wheel. And hopefully, the wheel belonged to a reliable car. 

Michael stood from where he sat, making you and Logan also rise to your feet. 

“I’d thought you’d never ask,” he said, making his way to the door. When the two of you didn’t follow, he turned back around. 

“Are you ready for it?” 

lamborghini_racing has posted

Lamborghini_racing Are you ready for it?

liked by y/n.nation, logang2, box_box_express, and 4,205,095 others

l4mbo.child a hello or how are you doing WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE

f1_fan I fear they have gagged the entire grid with this

ferrariforza damn, I thought we had the best livery - sorry kings 👑

lambo_drivers all I'm asking is who is going to be driving this beast?

lo-girlies do I even utter his name in fear that it might not happen?

y/nfan or even utter her name?

thepaddock_person who 🤨

childofF1 I'll say it - LOGAN AND Y/N FOR LAMBO 2024

box_box_express the paint, the yellow, the black, the lighting, THE EVERYTHING

taylorswiftxf1 I see the admin is a Taylor fan??

phoenix95 has posted

phoenix95 baby let the games begin

liked by venus2, Lamborghini_racing, y/n.nation, dior, and 2,195,086 others

4theF1_girlies EXCUSE MEEEEEEE

driver95 ayo - we got the Lightning McQueen number with a queen

lambo_duo oh gosh I hope I live to see the day that they reveal their drivers

venus2 looking snazzy 😎

phoenix95 no one ever says that anymore

venus2 🥺

phoenix95 fine...thank you

venus2 🥰

venusxphoenix WHOEVER THEY ARE - THEY HAVE MY HEART

rising_phoenix95 immediate fan

lambo_child the Aventador is such a slay 💅

lambof1 I wonder if they have like matching cars with their contracts

venus2 has posted

venus2 let the games begin now

liked by phoenix95, marissa_andretti, Lamborghini_racing, and 4,205,850 others

lambof1 I THINK I CALLED IT?? THE MATCHING BLACK CARS

pitstop_nightmare I'M SORRY FERRARI BUT THIS IS TOO SEXY

lamborghinivsferrari THE HURACAN 🥵😱

c16_leclerc I'm guessing they went to Charles's school of serving cunt

hamilton44lewis and graduated with a degree in slay

phoenix95 that's sexy baby

venus2 thanks 😚

phoenix95 ...I was talking about the car?

venus2 sure...sure you were 😈

box_box_express I feel like I have some sleuthing to do - hold please

logansarg2 I miss Logan so much - it's heartbreaking to see all of his accounts go dark, I guess I'll have to stan this dude instead

y/n.nation I miss our girl so much

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[in1-nutshell]

Hi! I wanted to ask if you could write the TFA autobots and elite guard reacting to finding a batmobile Bubby on earth?

Bubby was lose during the war and is the around the same age as Ratchet and Ultra magnus. And maybe have a little romance with Ratchet.

Thanks! :)

This is something new! Batmobile Buddy it is! One of the best detectives on Cybertron! If this isn't what you want, please let me know.

Hope you enjoy!

Bot Buddy who's alt mode is a Batmobile with Ratchet, Ultra Magnus, Optimus Prime, and the Jettwins

SFW, Platonic, slight romantic, Cybertronain reader

TFA

Buddy was one of Cybertrons best detectives during the war.

She was hailed with finding many lost Autobots and catching Decepticons off guard with her swiftness and skilled martial artistry.

She had some teaching from Master Yoketron but decided to leave the dojo to help High Command in the war.

Buddy met Ultra Magnus as his personal bodyguard.

The old one had taken leave to get repairs and some of the back up guards had been called into the draft.

Buddy was personally called after Magnus had heard of her reputation.

Even though the job was temporary Buddy took her job seriously in guarding Ultra Magnus.

They bonded during that time from the near-death situations to potential strategy plans suggested.

“Ultra Magnus.”--Buddy

“Buddy? What seems to be the trouble?”--Magnus

“If I may be so bold…”--Buddy

“You may.”--Magnus

“Is it wise to move the troops in this sector? We would be leaving this flank completely unguarded.”--Buddy

“We would need to take that risk.”--Magnus

“But there is also a chance that the assault team could come in. We have a refugee camp in that area, it will be vulnerable.”--Buddy

“Hmm… you are right. We will need to alert the troops at once.”--Magnus

“Absolutely, sir.”--Buddy

Magnus had offered Buddy a spot in the Elite Guard once the knew guard had arrived, but she politely declined in return for wanting to go back and do her detective work.

The two did stay in contact, especially once the number of hostages they were finding grew in numbers.

It was during one of these cases that Buddy met Ratchet.

Buddy had returned another group of Autobots to a nearby relief camp.

Buddy wanted to know the status of each patient admitted.

“How are they?”--Buddy

“Sweet Alpha Trion! Don’t you know better to scare a field tech?!”--Ratchet

“Sorry, I just wanted to know if the Autobots are okay.”--Buddy

“If you don’t mind waiting a couple of hours, then of course.”--Ratchet

A couple hours later, Ratchet is wrapping up everything up when he sees Buddy taking a nap on a chair nearby.

“You really waited here for all this time?”--Ratchet

Of course, so… do I have to wait more?”--Buddy

“Lucky you, I have all the reports. They are all going to be fine. Some better than others, but they’ll live.”--Ratchet

“That’s good. That’s good.”--Buddy

“Why did you wait?”--Ratchet

“I like to know whether my work was good or not.”--Buddy

“Really. Is that all?”--Ratchet

“…Maybe…”--Buddy

“You kids and you’re words.”--Ratchet

“Hey, I’m your age!”--Buddy

“You don’t act like it!”--Ratchet

“…”--Buddy

“…”--Ratchet

“Hahahahahah!”—Buddy and Ratchet

That was where their friendship began.

The two kept in communication after Buddy left the camp.

They talked about their daily lives every now and then. There would be rare times when the two would be able to meet up in person.

Everything was fine.

Until Buddy went radio silent.

Ratchet had tried to reach Buddy multiple times, even going as far as picking up some favor from the higher ups.

No one had any notation on Buddy.

Timeskip to Earth

Optimus was tired.

He had been dealing with Sentinel’s attitude all day and now he had to babysit the Jettwins.

Why?

Sentinel had promised them to visit the Plant, but he had bailed out at the last minute… and Optimus was at the mercy of the twins ‘puppy dog’ optics.

When the three of them came into the dark Plant. A single light was turned on in the middle of the common room.

“Where are the others?”--Jetstorm

“Yes! Where? Bumblebee told us about this video game—”--Jetfire

“Wait!”--Optimus

“What?”—Jetfire and Jetstorm

“I just remember something… the Team is out on patrol.”--optimus

“Then why is there a light on.”--Jetfire

“That’s because… we aren’t alone.”—Optimus

Optimus grabs his axe while the twins power up.

The light flickered until it finally turned off.

None of them are ready for the sudden ambush. They thrashed around feeling kicks and chops to their armor before they felt stasis cuffs on their servos and pedes.

The lights turned on.

There was a stranger who looked like a Decepticon with their dark colored paint job, but the red Autobot badge begged to differ.

The bot came over to the Prime and looked at his Autobot badge then turned and saw the twins’ badges.

Silently the bot clicked a button.

The cuffs came loose.

“Sorry about that. You can’t be too careful now a days.”--Buddy

“Who are you?”--Optimus

“And how did you do that!”--Jetfire

“That was so cool!”--Jetstorm

“Do you have powers too?! What powers do you have?!”--Jettwins

“Woah, woah, woah calm, down kiddos. I’m a detective from the Autobot High Command. The names Buddy.”--Buddy

“Detective? How come I’ve never heard of you?”--OPtimus

“Special ops. I look out for the bots who suddenly go missing and no one wants to look for them. I’m the one they call to look for them or I find out and go looking for them.”--Buddy

“Oooohhhh!”--Jettwins

“Who did you come looking for?”--Optimus

“I take it you’re Optimus Prime.”--Buddy

“Yes?”--Optimus

“I came to look for you and your team.”--Buddy

“Oh! Who called?”--Optimus

“… A dear friend of mine was on your team. I didn’t get a chance to tell him what happen on my pass assignment… I found out after some digging. Its hard to figure out space bridge engineering when you don’t know a lick about it.”--Buddy

“Who was your friend?”--Optimus

“A brilliant field tech named Ratchet.”--Buddy

“The Doc-Bot!?”--Jettwins

“You know him?”--Buddy

“He is our field tech along with our friend Sari.”--Optimus

“What’s a Sari?”—Buddy

That was when the rest of Team Prime had decided to show up.

Now it was understandable that the Team was on edge seeing a dark armored bot looming over the three Autobots on the ground.

But one of them quickly gets everyone to lower their weapons.

“Put those weapons down, that’s an Autobot!”--Ratchet

“An Autobot? They look like a Decepticon to me!”--Bumblebee

“Put it down!”--Ratchet

“You know them?”--Prowl

“Yes!”--Ratchet

“Ratchet!?”--Buddy

“Buddy!”--Ratchet

Buddy ran to Ratchet hugging new dents into him.

“Oh my—”--Prowl

“That bot did the impossible!”--Bulkhead

“She’s hugging Ratchet! And he’s hugging back!”--Bumblebee

“Shut it!”—Buddy and Ratchet

The two Autobot looking at each other before laughing.

“…Prime I’m scared.”--Bumblebee

“Me too—I mean don’t be rude.”--Optimus

#transformers #transformers x reader #maccadam #bot buddy #tfa optimus prime #tfa ratchet #tfa ultra magnus #tfa jettwins #tfa x reader #tfa x platonic reader #tfa ratchet x reader

[nayziiz]

No Way | LN4

Summary: Lando Norris, an F1 driver for McLaren Racing, faces persistent attention on his single status. In an attempt to appease fans and quell rumours, his management suggests a fake relationship with a popular Portuguese model. However, Lando's PR manager, Natalie, disagrees, believing fans would see through the ploy. As an alternative, Lando's management notices the genuine bond between him and Natalie and proposes they feign a relationship for authenticity. Initially hesitant, they agree, given their existing friendship and professional connection. The fake relationship takes an unexpected turn as Lando and Natalie grapple with burgeoning real feelings, attempting unsuccessfully to conceal their growing emotions.

Pairing: Lando Norris x Original Character (Natalie)

Warnings: Mentions of physical and emotional abuse; SA; fluff

Masterlist

CHAPTER 5 (long chapter)

As Lando places his helmet on the table in front of Natalie and Max, the atmosphere around the breakfast table takes a shift. The intricate design and details of the helmet become the focal point, drawing the attention of both Natalie and Max.

They lean in, studying the helmet with a shared appreciation for the craftsmanship and personal touches that adorn it. The design, a reflection of Lando's personality and style, serves as a visual representation of his journey in the racing world.

Natalie, with her background in the racing industry, and Max, as a fellow driver, find a common ground in dissecting the nuances of the helmet's design. The breakfast table, once a casual meeting place, becomes a forum for their shared passion and understanding of the racing world.

“It’s the year of the rabbit, and it was also the year of the rabbit when I was born, so it just kind of made sense to do the lucky rabbit type design.” Lando explains. “What’d you think?”

“It’s sick.” Max agrees as he turns the helmet to get a better look.

“Nattie?” Lando asks when he sees her stay quiet.

“It’s cool, I like it.” She finally answers when she gets a turn to hold the helmet.

Natalie's internal struggle weighs heavily on her as she navigates her interactions with Lando. Since Suzuka, her demeanour has shifted, evident in the blunt text responses and the subtle avoidance when they arrived in Shanghai. This breakfast moment marks the first time Lando has seen her for an extended period without her disappearing.

Max's words linger in her mind, casting a shadow over her interactions with Lando. The reminder of their cuddles on the night of his first victory adds a layer of complexity to the dynamic. Natalie, consciously trying not to attach real feelings to their "fake romance," recognizes the potential for complications if she were to develop genuine emotions for Lando.

With Max excusing himself from the room due to a phone call, Lando and Natalie find themselves alone for the first time in two weeks. The lingering tension and unspoken emotions from Suzuka now simmer beneath the surface, and the air becomes charged with the weight of their unexplored dynamic.

The absence of Max, the temporary break from external influences, creates a space for a more genuine interaction between Lando and Natalie. Lando, sensing the shift in dynamics, looks at Natalie, his gaze holding a mix of curiosity and a desire for connection beyond the confines of their professional roles. Natalie, grappling with her internal conflict, meets his eyes, acknowledging the unspoken complexities that have been building between them.

“You don’t seem to be very impressed.” Lando comments as he takes the helmet from her and places it back in its bag.

“I said I like it, didn’t I?” Natalie abruptly responds, surprising both herself and Lando with her brash retort. The unexpected edge in her tone hangs in the air, leaving a moment of awkward silence between them. “I’m sorry, I’m just a bit tired.”

The fatigue, both physical and emotional, seeping through her words suggests that there might be more to her abrupt response than meets the eye.

“Maybe you shouldn’t go out tonight.” Lando suggests, expressing concern about the girls' night Natalie had planned with some of the drivers' girlfriends.

“I promised Lily I’d go otherwise she’ll never get used to the other girls.” Natalie responds, citing her commitment to attend the gathering. The sense of responsibility and loyalty to Lily adds a layer of complexity to Natalie's decision.

As Natalie reaffirms her commitment to attend the girls' night for Lily's sake, Lando studies her movements with a growing frown. The weariness in Natalie's demeanour, a departure from her usual preppy self, does not go unnoticed by Lando. The concern in his expression deepens, and he realises that her tiredness and the recent change in her behaviour might be taking a toll.

“We won’t stay out late, though.” Natalie assures Lando, recognizing his concern as she sees him watching her.

“I can always come pick you girls up.” Lando suggests, offering a solution to ensure their safety and well-being.

“Don’t be silly.” Natalie brushes off his suggestion, perhaps trying to maintain a sense of independence or not wanting to inconvenience him.

The exchange reflects the nuances of their dynamic—the genuine care and concern that Lando has for Natalie versus her desire to handle things on her own terms.

- LATER THAT NIGHT -

Natalie's surroundings in the loud and pulsating club become overwhelming, the music pounding in her head, and the flashing lights causing her discomfort. Feeling disoriented, she stumbles into a bathroom stall and locks the door behind her, seeking solace and escape from the overwhelming atmosphere.

The sensory overload triggers unsettling memories, and she recalls the sensation of someone dancing against her, hands roaming. The thought makes her nauseous, and she kneels over the toilet, vomiting at the memory. The cold, sticky bathroom floor adds to the unpleasant experience.

After wiping her mouth with a piece of toilet paper, she groans and tries to gather herself. In an attempt to find a semblance of comfort, she digs around in her purse and retrieves her phone. She dials Lando's number, pressing the phone to her ear, seeking a lifeline in the midst of the chaotic environment.

The ringing on the other end echoes in the bathroom stall, and as Natalie waits for Lando to answer, the gravity of the moment hangs in the air—an urgent plea for connection and support in a situation that has left her feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.

“Nattie?” Lando almost instantly answers, offering a welcome relief to her distress.

“Lando, I need your help.” She mumbles, her voice breaking as the tears from vomiting run down her cheeks.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, the urgency evident in his tone, leaping off his bed and pulling on his sneakers.

“I don’t know where Lily is. I’ve looked everywhere.” She tells him, the worry apparent in her voice.tells him.

“Where are you now?” He asks, trying to assess the situation.

“I’m in a bathroom stall. I don’t feel very well, Lando.” She admits, her voice choked as she refrains from vomiting again.

“I’m on my way. Just stay in the bathroom, okay?” He assures her, his concern translating into a sense of urgency. The gravity of the situation becomes palpable as Lando rushes to her aid, promising the support she desperately needs in that vulnerable moment.

As Natalie sits on the closed toilet seat, her head resting against the wall, fifteen minutes later, she hears someone enter the bathroom. The ambient noise of the club and the muffled conversations from outside the stall make it difficult to identify the person.

In her vulnerable state, uncertainty lingers. The anticipation of who might be entering the bathroom adds a layer of tension to the already overwhelming situation. Natalie, still reeling from the effects of the club environment, awaits a moment of clarity, hoping for the arrival of the person she's been desperately waiting for – Lando.

“Nattie?” Lando’s voice echoes.

“Lando.” She answers, her voice a mix of relief and vulnerability, as she stands up and unlocks the stall door. The door swings open, revealing Lando on the other side. Without hesitation, she instantly falls into his arms.

In the comforting embrace of Lando, Natalie finds a refuge from the chaotic atmosphere of the club. The overwhelming environment fades away as she leans into his support, finding solace in the presence of someone she trusts. The moment becomes a sanctuary, a haven within the confines of the bathroom, as Lando provides the reassurance and care she desperately needs and seeks.

“It’s OK, you’re fine. You’re fine. I’ve got you.” Lando assures her, his words a soothing balm in the midst of her distress.

“Lily.” Natalie breathes, a momentary worry for her friend surfacing.

“She’s fine. Oscar’s with her.” Lando explains, offering reassurance about Lily's well-being. The information helps alleviate a layer of concern from Natalie's shoulders. “Were you drinking anything?”

“I literally had a soda.” She responds, clarifying that her condition isn't a result of alcohol consumption.

“Come, let’s get out of here.” Lando tells her, offering his assistance.

Lando helps her out of the bathroom, guiding her through the club towards the exit. The chaotic environment of the club begins to fade as they step outside, the cool night air providing a stark contrast to the disorienting atmosphere they leave behind.

Lando lays Natalie down on his bed, the dim light of the room casting a subdued glow. Her skirt rides up her thighs, a subtle detail that goes unnoticed in the urgency of the moment. The priority is her well-being, and he positions her comfortably on the bed.

“Someone was touching me.” Natalie mumbles, her voice carrying the weight of the distressing memory, the unwanted contact leaving an unsettling mark on the night.

“Do you remember who?” Lando asks, his concern evident in his voice, as he pours her a glass of water. Natalie shakes her head in response, the memory too blurred or perhaps too traumatic to recall with clarity.

Lando takes the glass from Natalie, placing it gently on the bedside table. The soft glow of the room accentuates the concern etched on his face as he turns his attention back to her. With a gentle touch, he starts undoing her shoes, his movements deliberate and careful. Natalie watches him closely, her eyes hardly blinking, the vulnerability of the situation reflected in her gaze.

As he finishes with her shoes, Lando places them on the floor, a silent acknowledgment of the need for comfort in that moment. Natalie, feeling a mix of emotions, sits up on the bed. The room holds a quiet intimacy, a space where unspoken connections unfold beyond the scripted dynamics of their "fake dating" arrangement.

In a gesture of trust, she reaches for Lando's hands, her fingers intertwining with his. Without uttering a word, she guides his hands to her thighs, a silent plea for reassurance and understanding. Lando, sensing the unspoken vulnerability, meets her gaze, his touch becoming a source of comfort and support.

“He kept touching me here.” She explains, guiding Lando's hands to the area on her thighs where the unwanted contact occurred. “And, when I asked him to stop, he just kept his hands there.”

Lando's expression shifts from concern to shock, the weight of the revelation hitting him. The room becomes charged with a mix of emotions, and he feels a surge of protective anger for Natalie. Yet, he remains composed, recognizing the importance of being a source of support for her in this vulnerable moment.

Natalie, her eyes peering up at Lando, holds his hands firmly on her thighs as if seeking solace and reassurance. Her hands then travel up his arms, a silent acknowledgment of the comfort she finds in his touch. Natalie wraps her arms tightly around Lando, seeking solace and strength in the warmth of the embrace.

“You came for me.” She breathes, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.

“I’ll always come when you call.” Lando assures her, his commitment evident in his words. He quickly removes his hands from her thighs, respecting her boundaries, and wraps them around her in a comforting embrace. “I’ll do whatever I can to protect you.”

Natalie pulls away from Lando, her hands cupping his face as she frowns deeply, her gaze fixed on his eyes. The room seems to hold its breath, the intensity of the moment palpable as unspoken emotions pass between them.

“I want to kiss you.” Natalie whispers, her admission hanging in the air.

“Then kiss me.” Lando whispers back, his response laced with a quiet intensity.

“I vomited, Lando, I don’t think that’s very hot.” She states, suddenly sober enough to be more aware of herself and her body.

“You’re hot no matter what.” He continues to whisper, his words carrying a genuine warmth and reassurance.

As Natalie feels her heart pounding, a mixture of uncertainty and desire, she grapples with the need to kiss Lando. Seeking reassurance or perhaps a shield against the unexpected sparks, she contemplates the excuse of being drugged. With a flutter of anticipation, her eyes shift between his ocean blue eyes, searching for answers.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull any longer, she presses her lips to his in a moment that transcends the boundaries of their scripted relationship. Pulling him closer by his shirt, he lays on top of her. However, the sparks she hoped to avoid are unmistakably present, and the flutters in both of their stomachs reveal a connection that defies the logic of their staged dynamic.

Lando, feeling a mixture of flustered emotions and shyness, breaks the kiss and gets up. The charged atmosphere between them lingers in the room, their connection palpable even in the aftermath of the intimate moment. The unspoken tension and the sudden shift in dynamics leave a subtle air of vulnerability in the space they once shared. Lando, still flustered and recognizing the complex nature of the moment, gently communicates his reservations.

“I can't do this when you're not fully sound of mind.” Lando explains gently, a note of concern in his voice, as he covers her with a blanket.

“I'm sorry.”Natalie apologises, feeling a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability, her deepest desires laid bare in that moment.

“You have nothing to apologise for.” Lando quickly assures her. “It's not that I don't want to, I just respect you too much to do anything you might regret or not even remember in the morning.”

Lando scoots in beside her under the blanket, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace.

“I need to change.” Natalie grunts, attempting to change the subject. “I can still smell the club on me.”

“I've got some spare clothes for you.” Lando informs her, a considerate gesture that reflects his caring nature.

He hastily gets up and retrieves a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt from his suitcase, laying them down on the bed next to her as she sits up to meet his gaze.

“You can shower in the morning.” He adds, offering practical advice in the midst of the unfolding situation.

He looks around the room trying to figure out where to turn so she can change out of her clothes. He moves towards the window, but her reflection still persists. As Natalie struggles with the knots on her top, she calls for his help.

“Lando.” She calls out. “I need help getting out of this top. Heaven knows why I wore something with so many knots. Please, Lan.”

Lando's knees buckle slightly at her pleas. He whips around and moves to sit behind her on the bed, gently undoing the many knots that keep her shirt on her body. In a fleeting moment, Lando presses a tender kiss on her shoulder.

“I'm sorry you had to go through that tonight.” He whispers as the shirt cascades down her upper body.

Her hand reaches back, pulling Lando against her leaving his face nestled in her neck. It's not long before he presses more tender kisses against the skin of her neck, each touch eliciting a response from her as her body relaxes under his tender caresses.

“You're making it difficult to stop kissing you.” He tells her as his lips leave her skin, his saliva leaving a string connected to his lips and her neck.

“We don't have to do anything. Just kiss me, Lan.” She pleads, her desire for intimacy and connection evident in her words.

Once again, Lando's body responds to her pleas. He grabs his shirt, covering her exposed chest, and deftly pulls her into his lap, his movements both gentle and purposeful. As he unzips her skirt, she lifts herself slightly, allowing him to pull it down. His attention is momentarily diverted to the lacy black panties covering her, a detail that doesn't escape his notice. His breathing quickens as he redirects his focus to pulling the sweatpants onto her hips. His warm and reassuring touch grazes over her skin, creating a connection that transcends the physicality of the moment.

Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and desires, Natalie finds herself grappling with the paradox of desperately needing Lando's touch after the distressing events at the club. Once she's fully clothed again, Lando's hands rest on her hips, and his lips quickly find their way back to her neck. She grabs his hands, intertwining her fingers with his in a silent gesture of connection.

“You make me feel safe.” She admits, her vulnerability laid bare as she rests her back against his chest. “I don't think I've ever felt this safe before.”

The confession sends a rush through Lando's heart, his feelings for her becoming more evident.

“I'll make sure no one ever touches you like that again.” Lando promises with a determination in his voice that reflects a newfound sense of protectiveness.

“You can't promise that.” She warns him, a note of realism in her words.

“I know, but I can't let that happen ever again. Not to you. Not while I'm alive.” He asserts, his commitment to her safety unwavering. Again, Natalie reaches back, gently grasping his curly hair.

“I don't deserve you. Or your protection. Never mind your affection.” She quickly tells him, guilt settling in the pit of her stomach.

“Nattie, you need to get some sleep.” Lando gently changes the subject, his concern for her well-being taking precedence. The room, filled with unspoken emotions and shared vulnerability, becomes a haven for their evolving connection, navigating the intricate balance between protection, affection, and the complexities of genuine intimacy.

- THE NEXT MORNING -

Natalie wakes to the disconcerting emptiness of the bed, the lingering warmth replaced by a noticeable chill. The room, once a cocoon of shared emotions and intimacy, now feels oddly vacant. She takes a moment to collect her thoughts, realizing that Lando is no longer beside her. The echoes of the previous night's events resurface, and a sense of solitude settles in.

With a sigh, Natalie rises from the bed and glances around the room, as if hoping to find some sign of Lando's presence. However, the reality of the empty and cold bed becomes undeniable. Determined to move forward, she gathers her belongings and makes her way back to her own hotel room.

The familiar routine of showering and changing into her uniform serves as a grounding process, a way to wash away the remnants of the night and prepare for the day ahead. Despite the emotional undercurrents, Natalie remains focused on her responsibilities and professional duties.

“She was drugged and assaulted, Dad, I have to find out who did that.” Lando explains earnestly to his father over the phone. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily in his voice, a determined resolve to seek justice evident in his words. “Even if she can’t remember anything, I won’t forget hearing the panic in her voice or seeing it in her eyes when I found her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her that scared.”

“I’ll see what I can find out, but it’s not going to be cheap, son.” His dad offers a pragmatic response, acknowledging the challenging path ahead.

“I’ll pay whatever I need to. I just want to make sure this never happens to her again.” Lando asserts, his commitment to Natalie's well-being unwavering. The sincerity in his voice echoes his determination to protect her and bring those responsible to justice.

As he concludes the conversation with his father, the elevator doors open to reveal Natalie walking out, dressed in her McLaren uniform. The juxtaposition of her professional attire against the backdrop of the distressing events from the night before adds a layer of complexity to the moment. Lando, his gaze fixed on her, stands as a silent sentinel, ready to support her through the challenges that lie ahead.

“Hey, sleepy head.” Lando greets her with genuine warmth as he pulls her into a hug, the cares of the world momentarily forgotten. The embrace, a testament to their connection, carries a sense of reassurance that transcends the public setting of the hotel lobby.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” She asks as she peers up at him.

“You looked like you needed all the rest you could get.” He tells her. “How are you feeling?”

“Still not very good.” She informs him, her arms wrapping around his waist as she peers up at him. “I’m sorry I overstepped some boundaries last night.”

“Stop apologising. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Lando quickly assures her, pulling her closer to him. “Come, let’s go before we’re late.”

Lando takes the lead, guiding Natalie out of the hotel lobby and towards the waiting car. Gallantly, he opens the car door for her, a small gesture that speaks volumes about his consideration and attentiveness. With a helping hand, he ensures she's comfortably settled into the car before jogging around to the driver's side.

As he slips into the driver's seat, the subtle tension in the air doesn't escape him. Natalie shifts in her seat, unintentionally exposing more of her skin beneath the black skirt. The effect is not lost on Lando, and he can't help but feel a surge of desire tempered by the reminder that their connection, despite its genuine nature, is confined to the boundaries of a "fake relationship."

He glances at her, the internal conflict reflected in his eyes. The developing feelings he harbours for Natalie are undeniable, yet the constraints of their fabricated dynamic weigh heavily on him. The paradox of their situation—where emotions feel authentically real despite the artificial framework—creates a complex interplay between desire and restraint.

Lando clenches the steering wheel, grounding himself in the reality of the moment. Despite the unspoken connection and shared sentiments, he acknowledges the need for caution. The reminder that they're still navigating the intricacies of their "fake relationship" underscores the complexity of their evolving feelings and the delicate balance they must maintain, even as the car pulls away from the hotel, carrying them towards the day's responsibilities.

In the quiet confines of the car, Natalie wrestles with a heavy burden of guilt and shame, the weight of her actions from the night before pressing down on her conscience. The self-awareness of having overstepped boundaries looms over her, casting a shadow on the carefully crafted arrangement she shares with Lando. This internal struggle exacerbates the emotional turmoil that had unfolded in the wake of the distressing events.

She grapples with the realisation that her intentional actions, fueled by a surge of emotions and desire, stand in stark contrast to the carefully delineated boundaries of their "fake relationship." The self-imposed rules that were meant to prevent precisely this kind of emotional entanglement now feel flimsy and inadequate. Natalie understands that her actions were not influenced by the trauma of being drugged and assaulted; instead, they were deliberate choices made in the heat of the moment, even when they felt extreme.

As the car moves through the city, Natalie's gaze is fixed on the passing scenery, but her mind is entangled in a web of conflicting emotions. She grapples with the fear of jeopardising what they have, knowing that her intentional breach of boundaries threatens the fragile balance they've maintained.

Lando glances over at Natalie, who appears lost in her thoughts, a visible tension etched on her face. Sensing her inner turmoil, he offers a soft reassurance, the hum of his voice a comforting melody in the quiet confines of the car.

“You can relax, Nattie.” Lando suggests gently, his words carrying an undertone of understanding and empathy.

“It feels so silly being this embarrassed by everything I said. And, everything I did.” Natalie whispers as she turns to look at him.

“It's not silly at all.” He says, his voice carrying a warmth that seeks to alleviate her embarrassment. “We all have moments where emotions take over, especially in situations like last night. You don't need to feel ashamed. And, for what it’s worth, I wasn’t uncomfortable with anything you said or did. I was a willing participant.”

Sensing Natalie's blush and the lingering unease, Lando responds with a comforting touch. He places a hand on her exposed knee, the soft squeeze conveying a sense of reassurance and understanding. The tactile gesture seeks to bridge any emotional distance that might still exist, offering a silent affirmation of his earlier words.

The air in the car takes on a charged energy as Natalie feels Lando's hand gradually travelling further up her thigh, coming to rest just in front of her skirt's hem. Her gaze drops to his hand, studying the subtle movements, and a sense of tension intertwines with the palpable smugness emanating from him.

She bites the inside of her cheek, a conscious effort to stifle the conflicting emotions stirring within her. The rational part of her mind insists that this is all part of the show, a performance for the public eye. Yet, beneath the surface, a more visceral desire simmers, whispering a longing that transcends their scripted roles.

Deep down, Natalie finds herself yearning for a connection that surpasses the confines of their "fake relationship." The forbidden fantasy of straddling him in the McLaren and feeling his hands exploring every contour of her body ignites a subtle heat within her.

It's almost as if Lando senses the undercurrents of her thoughts, his hand daringly creeping slightly higher, fingers slipping just beneath the edge of her skirt. The atmosphere in the car becomes charged with a subtle electricity as Natalie and Lando tiptoe on the edge of desire and restraint.

“Don’t crash the car, Norris.” Natalie whispers, a teasing edge in her voice, as Lando's pinky grazes a sweet spot on her inner thigh.

“Tell me to stop.” Matching her tone, Lando responds in a low whisper.

“Lando.” She moans softly as if the whole world could hear her at that moment. “You have to stop.”

As they navigate through the track's parking lot, Lando withdraws his hand, subtly acknowledging Natalie's unspoken request for a pause in their earlier interaction. The transition is seamless as he assists her out of the car, their movements synchronised in the midst of the flashing cameras capturing their every step.

Entering the building together, Lando takes her hand once more, a silent reassurance that transcends the performative nature of their public appearances. The connection between them persists as they move through the passages, reaching an elevator where they wait side by side.

A mischievous smirk graces Natalie's face as she presses her crotch against Lando's knuckles in the crowded elevator. The subtle exchange of desire unfolds amid the bustling surroundings. Lando, glancing down at her, licks his lips, fully aware of the charged atmosphere between them.

- LATER THAT DAY -

The atmosphere in Lando's driver's room is filled with the echoes of the commentary from the garage as Natalie diligently works on her tablet. The room exudes a sense of focused anticipation, resonating with the energy of the Formula 1 world. Lando, returning after a session that showcased his skill on the track, enters the room, his body radiating heat and sweat from the demanding laps.

Spotting Natalie sitting on the massage table, engrossed in her work, he can't help but appreciate the contrast between her focused professionalism and the intensity of the racing environment. Closing the door behind him, Lando begins to strip off his race suit, the sound of the zipper punctuating the room.

The juxtaposition between Lando's physical exertion on the track and Natalie's composed demeanour creates a dynamic scene, embodying the different facets of the Formula 1 world—from the adrenaline-fueled races to the behind-the-scenes moments of preparation. As Lando sheds the remnants of the intense session, the room becomes a canvas where the lines between performance and reality blur, setting the stage for the intricate dance they navigate within the fast-paced world of Grand Prix racing.

“Excuse me, you could ask me to leave while you change.” Natalie mumbles as she avoids making eye contact, or any contact with his tanned body,  as he takes off his race suit and puts on a new, fresher one.

“But, you’re my girlfriend.” He complains and makes his way between her legs. He removes the tablet from her hands and rests her hands on his shoulders. “Seriously, are you OK?”

“I’m feeling better.” She assures him, hesitantly looking into his eyes. “And, before I dare forget. Thank you again for coming to my aid last night.”

---------------------------

Taglist: @noneofyourfbusinessworld @scopeiguess @tbsloneely

#f1 fanfic #f1 fic #f1 imagine #formula 1 #lando norris #lando norris fanfic #lando norris fic #lando norris smut #mclaren #mclaren f1 #lando norris x oc

[kentosovertime]

𝕖𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕤𝕕𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥; (n.) someone who only pretends to smile

𝕤𝕪𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕤𝕚𝕤… when geto and gojo grow apart, resulting in their break up, gojo finds friendship and belonging with you and when geto returns he decides he wants you for himself 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠… 0.7k wc, college!au series, satosugu, geto x gojo x afab!reader, explicit content and language, includes themes of manipulation, jealousy, angst, spiteful behavior, etc. sfw, emotionally constipated men, break up, arguments 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣… reblogs and likes are appreciated 𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥… send me an ask (link) if you want to be tagged

𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥 | 𝕞𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥 | 𝕥𝕒𝕘 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥 | 𝕒𝕤𝕜 𝕓𝕠𝕩

“I can’t keep doing this Sugu’.” Satoru yells, the impassive look on Geto’s face only drawing him further into anger. “I need you to give me anything but this!” “I don’t know what to tell you, Satoru.” Geto frowns deeply. What else could he do? He was walking this path for the two of them and Satoru was going to complain? 

“You’re never around anymore!” He growls in frustration, his arms flying out in frustration. Why can’t he see that not having him around is bleeding the life from his soul? 

“How do you expect me to help support us once we graduate, Satoru?” He scowls, he thought that Satoru understood why he accepted this job on top of his internship for school. 

“And how many times do I have to tell you that you don’t have to work so hard when I have more than enough to-” He starts to raise his voice more, edging on anger at this point but Geto finally snaps.

“Enough to what?” He steps forward, his voice bouncing off the apartment walls. “Enough to set us up for life while your family sneers down their fucking noses at us? Not only am I not born rich, they can’t stand that we’re together! Can’t give them a grandbaby when you have a gold digger pegging your ass, can you?.”

“I told you that I don’t care about what they think!” He screams, his eyes watering when Geto’s words hit deep in his heart. “I only want you! I want you home. I’m tired of missing you, of waiting to see you a couple times a month only to have you too exhausted to do anything but sleep. You’re running yourself ragged!” 

Geto can’t help but bark a laugh in Satoru’s face.

“You’re so fucking clingy, Satoru! Get it through your thick fucking skull that this is only for a year or so. If I have to put in the work now and sacrifice other areas of my life then I will!” 

Satoru flinches as if Geto had slapped him across the face. Something drops in his stomach hearing him say he’d sacrifice this relationship for the sake for getting ahead. That wasn’t something that he’d do to Geto ever.

“Then I’m done.” Satoru’s voice cracks, filled with sorrow as he chokes the words out, not wanting to, but needing them. “I’m. Done.”

“The fuck do you mean by that.” Geto scowls and glares at Satoru. He can’t be serious right now. “Stop with the fucking dramatics, Satoru. Now isn’t the-” 

“I’m serious.” Geto watches as Satoru’s face starts shutting down, the emotion that was so present earlier starting to hide behind walls that he can see him constructing to keep the hurt from his heart. It reminds him of when they met in high school, how distant he was having to protect himself from the harsh expectations of his family. 

“No, no.” He starts to panic, it wasn’t supposed to end up like this. “Satoru. We’ve talked about this! This is only temporary. I’m still yours-” 

“And I’m not waiting for you.” He says simply, his voice as monotonous as Geto’s when this conversation has started. Funny how when it comes down to the damage control, Geto was the least composed of the two of them. “I’m not going to wait around for you to realize I’m not something to push aside and ignore for over a year and expect me to still be waiting for you.” 

The image of Satoru turning away from him would forever be seared into his mind. The helplessness freezes him in place as Satoru disappears into the bedroom and quickly comes back out with his school bag, shoving an extra pair of clothing inside and zipping it shut before he flings it over his shoulder and heads to the door. 

“We’re not done talking about this!” Geto pleads with him, the firmness in his voice wavering as Satoru doesn’t look up from where he’s putting on his shoes. “‘Toru-”

“Too bad.” He snaps and slams the front door behind him, shattering Geto’s heart into a thousand tiny fragments. 

tag list: @sugarbooger513 @sugarmapoops @roughwithfluff @severelytalentless @silversslut @dreamyyholland @wobblewobble822 @rafzaha @chososhoney @littlemochi @bebechinas99 @saoney @pelicanpizza @damncakie @katgalle @honeyyjems @tsukikoxo @kibananya @reine-son @wallflower010 @tobaccosunbxrst @maskedpacific[[ if your blog name is crossed out i couldn't tag you]]

#kentosot original #jjk fanfic #jujutsu kaisen #jjk x reader #jjk smut #jjk x you #gojo satoru #suguru geto #jjk suguru #getou suguru x reader #jujutsu kaisen suguru #suguru geto smut #geto x reader #geto x you #geto x y/n #geto x gojo #gojo x female reader #gojo x reader #gojo x you #gojo x y/n

[hufflepuffimagines]

I Don’t Know Who I Am (Conrad Fisher x Reader)

Pairing: conrad fisher x reader

Genre: fluff, hurt and comfort

Warnings: depression, sadness, anxiety

(gif isn’t mine)

You were in a room in the Fisher’s house, you were Susannah goddaughter, she always knew how hard your family is on you, so since you were a little kid, she convinced your mother to let you spend the summer with her and the boys. It was your favorite time of the year, it was the time were you could be who you were and don’t be afraid of you. No doubts the older Fisher boy, Conrad, fell in love with you and his feelings were mutual to yours, last summer you started dating. It was the best, you were feeling your greatest, everything was right until it wasn’t dealing with your mother became impossible, some girls on school started bullying you, at first you didn’t believed them, you were sure that it wasn’t truth. Until anxiety kicked in and you started overthinking, maybe it was true no one really loved you, maybe you were a burden to everyone, you’re not special and with this thoughts you started to close yourself, stopped smiling and everything lost its colors.

You were standing in front of the mirror that were in the corner of the room, looking to the tired version of you, the girl with dark circles around your eyes that used to be so bright, pail as if your skin never saw the sun and a sad look in your face. You don't recognize the person in the mirror, this doesn’t feel like the version of you that you used to known. You were about to cry when your boyfriend entered the room.

“Hey, Jere wants to get some ice cream, do you…” He stopped looking at you. “What’s wrong, babe?” He asked getting closer to you.

“I don’t know who I am.” You mumbled while sitting in your bed.

“What?” Conrad set besides you.

“When I look at myself, I don’t know who it is, who I’m dealing with, what is this thing that sure as hell isn’t me.” You started tearing up and Conrad pull you closer to him and hugged you.

“Well, I know who you are.”

“You know?” You asked confused.

“Oh, yeah, I know I know that you are a generous and loving woman, who will notice before anyone else that someone is wrong and will be the first to get up to offer help, you like to read books and you love make friendship bracelets, you like old men who play rock music. You had your heart broken by people who didn't even deserve to hold it in their hands, you are a mirrorball that reflects the light to all corners even though it is broken. You have so many facets and they don't all fit together, but you're young and they don't need to fit right now. You are like that. One day, in a while, the pieces will align and you will find your people, and maybe they will also leave your life, but new ones will come, because life is an endless cycle. A puzzle never assembles quickly enough. But the time for it to be assembled will come. Your time will come, okay?” He said calmly.

“I noticed the Taylor Swift reference.” Conrad laughed cleaning your tears.

“You have a golden heart, baby, you might not know who you are, but this is a temporary feeling.”

“I love you.

“Love you too”

This was a 100% my way to vent, damn, I'd like this Conrad in my life...

#conrad fisher x reader #conrad fisher x you #conrad fisher one shot #conrad fisher #The Summer I Turned Pretty #conrad #team conrad

[piedpiperart]

Phantom in Gotham 5

Chapter 4

After class with Tim, Danny went through the rest of his classes in relative silence. He had a few other classes with Steph, but he was still trying to keep his distance. The two reminded him of his friendship with Sam and Tucker, and he wasn’t ready for that kind of friendship again. 

Danny had to remind himself that this was only temporary. He was in hiding from his parents, the GIW, and probably Vlad. It wouldn’t be fair to Tim if Danny suddenly disappeared again without word. In case anyone found his new identity, he definitely didn’t want the two normal kids to be involved. They didn’t deserve that. 

“Hey Spaceboy,” Steph called, jumping up beside Danny on their way to lunch and linking their arms. Danny felt himself smile at her antics.

“Spaceboy?” Danny laughed. 

“Cause you’re a future astronaut,”Steph said with a tone that felt like she was implying a ‘duh’ at the end. “It’s one of many nicknames for you.”

“Many huh? Now I’m a bit worried,”Danny added, letting her steer them to their usual lunch table. He felt a bit tired, and wondered if he could take a quick nap. Danny hated sleeping at the Pizzeria, so he tried to sleep at the library or at school when he could. That gave him enough hours to function, yet usually around lunch he got sleepy and nodded off without actively trying. 

“Don’t be, Tim and Connor have their own embarrassing nicknames,’Steph informed him. She gave him a nudge with her elbow,”Wouldn’t want you to be left out.”

Danny laughed,”Does that mean I can give you a nickname too?”

Steph paused in her efforts to climb into the booth at their table without looking at him. “No,” Steph smiled slyly. 

“That makes no sense,”Danny huffed. “But fine, I guess I won’t share my amazing nickname skills with you.”

Steph barked out a laugh. “Alright now I’m curious, but hey, are you gonna get lunch?”

“Nah,”Danny waved her off,”Not hungry. Had a big breakfast today.”

Steph squinted at him suspiciously. “That’s what you said yesterday, and then you fell asleep in the middle of our conversation.” Danny made to respond when she continued,”We’re getting worried for you man, you never eat, you look as sleep deprived as Tim, and you never want to hang with us after school.”

“I’m fine!” Danny protested. He knew it looked worrisome from others perspectives, but he really wasn’t hungry. He could probably try to sleep more though. Not to mention that he was trying to not get close to his friends in case he got discovered and had to leave suddenly. Hanging with them outside of school was a sure-fire way for them to get attached. “I’m just, really busy and I don’t like um, cafeteria food.”

It was obvious to both of them that Danny was lying or hiding something, but when Steph was about to say something else, Tim sat down with Connor at the table. Danny was not at all surprised to see a cup of coffee in Tim’s hand. “What’s up?” Tim asked with a raised eyebrow at the tension between the two taller teens in the booth. 

“I- “ Danny started, only for Steph to interrupt, much to his mortification. 

“Danny’s been avoiding us,”Steph said, not unlike a grade schooler tattling on the teacher. Heat flushed Danny’s face in panic and embarrassment. 

“No- no I just don’t have a whole lot of time to hang out after school,”Danny defended, crossing his arms. Tim gave Danny a look. 

“Oh, so you wouldn’t mind us coming with you after school? You go to the library right?” Tim asked honestly. Danny startled, not expecting that answer. 

“Y-yeah but you don't have to come. It’ll be boring, just studying and stuff,” Danny stammered,”I’m sure you guys have better things to do.’

“Not really,”Steph shrugged. 

“So we’ll see you after school to head to the library?” Tim asked, and Danny was pretty sure he caught a smile on Tim’s face for a second before it disappeared. 

Danny sighed, resting his head on his hand,”Sure, why not.”

-------------------------------------------------

Jason groaned. This kid had absolutely no security system set up in this place. Glancing around the dilapidated Pizzeria, he could admit that not even he would know someone was living here. The kid was good at hiding his stuff. 

Oddly enough, after checking the entire ground floor, Jason had to admit the kid did a good job hiding his presence. No disturbed dust, nothing that hinted at a living space or out of place objects. Jason frowned when he pulled down the rackety old attic ladder. A cloud of dust practically followed the whole thing, making Jason think Danny might not have gone up there. He waved his gloved hand to disperse the dust cloud before taking measured steps to the attic. 

The place was surprisingly spacious, if not cold from the incoming weather changes. He swore it would start snowing any day now, and his heart sunk at the thought of this kid freezing to death in this place. It was still early morning, since the kid would be at school with Timmy, so he could see some light shining though one window in the corner. There wasn’t enough for him to see clearly though, so he turned on his flashlight, shining it around. 

Fighting back a sneeze, he brushed past a few spiderwebs and close to a semi-cleaner space in the attic. His heart sunk at the kid’s set-up. There was a sleeping bag, a few school textbooks, a gym bag full of clothes, a flashlight, and a few prepackaged snacks. No extra blankets, no pillow, no personal items. Jason sighed, thinking about how much worse this kid was doing than he’d thought. 

A few things didn’t make sense to Jason though, including how the kid got into gotham prep, or how he could afford food. The kid didn’t look like a street rat, and Jason was pretty sure he wasn’t stealing or selling drugs. Nothing in the cramped living space pointed to that.  He’d make a note to inform Tim and Dick about the kid’s situation, but he figured it was time for him to step in a bit. The kid was on his turf anyway, might as well give him the good ol’ welcome to crime alley speech. 

-----------------------------------------------

Danny grasped the straps to his backpack in nervousness, shuffling his feet while he waited for Tim and Steph to show up. And maybe Connor. Danny was pretty sure Connor didn’t like him very much. They’d only shared a few words every now and then. He was also pretty sure Connor and Tim were dating. Maybe.

After five minutes of waiting around, Danny decided to just head to the library by himself. He had to remind himself that he wasn’t getting attached. He didn’t want to put them in danger. Danny was already putting Sam and Tucker in enough danger back home, and he wasn’t even there to protect them. Besides, it was snowing lightly outside, and for regular people like Tim and Steph it would be cold. 

“Hey Danny! Wait up!” Danny’s shoulders slumped with dismay. He put on a smile and turned to wave as they came closer. 

“I kinda thought you guys weren’t coming,”Danny started, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. 

“What? No way, Space boy,”Steph said, lightly punching his arm. “We’ve never hung out with you outside of hell. I mean school.”

Danny snorted at that, while Tim added,”Connor can’t make it, but he says to tell you hi.”

“No worries,” Danny waved. “So, library? Do you guys actually have things to study?”

“Duh,”Steph crossed her arms, absently rubbing them now that the cold air reached her. “You were there when Ms. Riley assigned us the Spanish homework.”

“Oh, right,”Danny nodded. 

“You any good at spanish?” Tim asked, curious. “Maybe you could help Steph so I don’t have to.”

“You know spanish too?” Danny asked. “I know a bit, I guess it’s easier to learn when you know other languages.”

“Yeah I’m fluent,”Tim stated, giving Danny a weird stare. “What other languages do you know?”

Danny froze for a moment. There was no way he could say he was fluent in ghost speak, because that wouldn’t make any sense at all. Good thing Danny was an expert at lying. Not. ”Uh, no- nothing. I mean english obviously, but only a bit of spanish.”

“Right,”Steph drawled. ‘Well you can still help me with spanish. I know we’re in the higher levels but the tenses still trip me up sometimes.”

 At the library, Danny encountered a problem. He usually did his homework and then took a nap for a few hours until closing. There was no doubt that his friends would notice that, and if Danny knew them, then he knew they’d be worried about him and maybe try to kidnap him for a sleepover or something. Which he didn’t want, because he was supposed to be keeping his distance to protect them. 

Almost three hours of studying with Tim and Steph flew by, and Danny was starting to yawn uncontrollably. “I should get home, it’s getting late,”Danny yawned, packing up his stuff. 

“What? Already?”Steph startled, looking at Tim’s watch. Tim let her, pulling his arm away after a moment. 

“Want to get dinner or something?” Tim offered, sharing a look with Steph. 

“Nah, I’ll catch you guys at school tomorrow though, if the snow doesn’t cancel it,”Danny smiled. “And it was nice to hang out with you guys. Get home safe, okay?”

Tim nodded absently, and Steph looked like she was going to protest, but Danny scurried out of the library as quick he could. Letting out a sigh of relief that turned into a yawn, he made his way to his usual convenience store for an egg sandwich and a watermelon tea. It was snowing pretty hard at that point, but since he had an ice core it felt more like fresh air to Danny.

Danny ate as he walked, pondering his new schedule for the day. He’d try to catch a few hours of sleep at the pizzeria since he couldn’t get any at the library. Usually he avoided sleeping at the pizzeria, but he was too tired to scope out a different place to nap. Since he didn’t have to sleep more than four hours and eat more than one meal a day, he sometimes forgot he actually needed to sleep. His mandatory hours were usually at the library, in his comfy green bean bag. He missed that bean bag. 

Looking around, he put a little bit of a boost into his steps as he climbed over the fence surrounding the place, and snuck into the kitchen area. Once he made it to the back room, he was too tired to go ghost and phase through so he pulled the ladder down, coughing at the dust that fell around him. He put a bit of flight into his steps to make his climb easier, and shut the ladder behind him. 

Usually, he could see better in the dark in his ghost form, so it transferred a bit to his human form too. He finished off one of the sandwich halves he was snacking on along the way here and set the other wrapped half and the rest of his tea on the ground next to his stuff. Climbing into his sleeping bag and using his jacket as a pillow, he fell asleep almost instantly. 

Chapter 6

#Phantom in Gotham #dcxdp #dpxdc

[staycalmandhugaclone]

If you're new, this all starts with Touch Starved - Echo! You can read this little chunk as a standalone, or head back to the beginning for the full experience!

Febuwhump Day 2

Flinching – Med OC/TBB

Warnings: Reference to attempted SA, reference to physical assault, some cursing, borderline panic attack.

WC: 2,753 - might do a second chapter of pure fluff, but this was getting long already

When the call came to offer temporary support on a covert mission of mercenaries, I’d been shocked at how the others had balked. Echo’s reluctance to let me go was understandable – over the past several months, we’d developed a friendship I’d come to depend on, but the almost possessiveness the others expressed through varying degrees of annoyance and frustration, and mumbled quips about the republic’s inability to ‘find their own medic for those karking nat-borns’ left me stunned. It was true that, with time, they’d grown less cold toward me, even allowing me to patch them up on occasion, but that sense of being the odd one out had never truly quelled. Foolishly, I’d even caught myself thinking that them being without me for a couple weeks wouldn’t be such a bad thing. I never paused to consider the danger in finding myself without them.

The mission was a brilliant success. I didn’t even need to bandage a scraped knee. What happened after, however… CF99 had been cleared to pick me up after the merc leading the mission reported the successful capture of a seppy outpost. It was three days before they finally arrived, and I nearly sobbed upon hearing the familiar hum of the Marauder’s engine. Carefully garbed in my full set of armor, I had to still myself against dashing from the merc ship, movements carefully controlled as I neared the ramp.

“About time. We were beginning to think this was going to turn into a rescue mission - figured we’d have to take the outpost ourselves.” Even Crosshair’s taunt was a welcomed relief as I finally let my steps quicken in those last few feet.

“Can’t have you lot winning the whole war by yourselves.” If he heard the slight quiver in my voice, he said nothing about it. I barely paused to hear the warm welcomes that should have left me a blubbering mess before quickly slipping into the medbay. The familiar buzz of the overhead light was a mockery to the way my heart raced, torn between dread and relief. I was safe here – safer than anywhere else in the galaxy, and I was so, so desperately tired, but I couldn't escape the terror seizing my chest.

My entire body flinched at the soft knock before the door hissed open, and I found myself counting my blessings that I hadn’t yet begun removing my armor as Echo stepped in.

“Hey, Doc – you ran off pretty quick. Everything okay?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I had to whisper the word on a quiet sigh lest it catch. With a quick inhale, I turned back to my supplies, carefully focusing on unpacking to keep my mind from wandering. “Just tired – think I’ve grown so used to Wrecker’s lullabies that now I can’t sleep without his snores shaking the whole karking ship.” Echo let out a polite chuckle, but I could feel the doubt nagging beneath his gaze.

“I’m fine – just need a quick nap, then I’ll join you up front. Okay?” Safely hidden behind my visor, I turned back toward him, knowing he couldn’t see the red of my eyes or the way my chin shook.

“Okay.” The gentleness of his reply nearly broke me, but I managed to keep myself still until the door slipped shut behind him.

-

The fleeting few hours of sleep I managed to steal between flares of panic offered no relief, but I couldn’t bring myself to risk closing my eyes again. Beyond the comforting hum of the Marauder’s engines and Wrecker’s telltale violent snores, the ship was quiet. Aside from whoever was currently taking watch at the helm, it sounded as though the others were asleep. Good. If I couldn’t sleep, a cup of strong caf would have to do. It wouldn’t take long – just a few minutes. I could be in and out before any of them noticed. Not long enough to warrant dragging myself back into my armor.

As I’d hoped, the hall light was dimmed for the others to sleep, and I was able to silently tread into the small kitchenette without attracting attention. Focus locked on my own unsteady movements, I started the caf machine and retrieved a mug, gaze staring blindly at the stream of dark liquid pouring into my cup.

Even as the others slept, then engines continued humming, burning, sending us lightyears from that wretched Sergeant. I’d gotten away – fought my way free and painstakingly ensured I never found myself alone with him again throughout those long three days, but the bruises of my escape still ached fiercely against even slow movements. I’d recorded everything, was mentally prepared to report the event as soon as we made it back to Kamino… I just had to last another couple days. If Echo learned what the man had tried to do… kriff, after how they’d all reacted to my temporary reassignment, I couldn’t risk any of them finding out… But I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t close my eyes without felling the icy strength of his grip, without feeling how he’d caged me against the wall…

It wasn’t until after I felt my body shy violently away, heard the cup clatter from my hands as caf splashed over the floor that I realized what happened. Crosshair. Had he said something; tried to get my attention before merely reaching around me to fill his own cup? I hadn’t noticed him enter the room, and, when his arm appeared over my shoulder, the flood of panic sent ice through my veins, heart slamming against my chest as my body simply reacted, every muscle snapping in a desperate attempt to distance myself from him before he could trap me once more, eyes darting around to find him, to fight.

I’d never seen that look in the sniper’s golden eyes. Shock left us both frozen for several seconds, and dread sank through me. Teeth clicking together against the tremble already stealing over me, I quickly dropped my gaze to the puddle, turning away with all the subtleness of a bantha as though there was any hope he hadn’t seen the bruises.

“Kriff!” The curse belated tore through clenched teeth as I snatched a rag from the counter. “Need to tie a karking bell on” The threat died as his fingers whispered beneath my chin. I knew it was him – knew that beneath that rude, snide front, he was kind and loyal and safe. Still, I couldn’t keep from wrenching away from that touch, wide eyes darting back to his as though there were some chance I’d find the merc standing over me.

The cold rage in those golden eyes stripped me of even the façade of denial. Once more, his fingers ghosted over my chin. This time, he didn’t pull back at the small flinch, instead carefully tilted my head to the side to fully view the dark bruises. Still, I felt myself trying to fight him, twitching against his hold as though I might yet hide the evidence of my assault from him.

“Who did this?” Quiet. The words were so quiet despite the violent rage burning through them, and I couldn’t pretend anymore, body shaking in earnest now. His other hand slowly began to raise, fingers frightfully gentle as they settled carefully around my arm.

“Who did this?” He asked again, body curling ever so slightly around mine.

“I… I’m taking care of it.” I don’t know where I found the strength to manage even that wanting attempt of evasion, but he merely scoffed, lips twisting into a small scowl.

“Hunter.” His voice carried intentionally through the ship, and my heart sank.

“Crosshair, please.” I loathed the defeat in my voice even as I turned up to him, pleading with weary eyes, and his jaw ground until I could hear his teeth creak.

“I read the report – zero injuries. Right? That means this happened after the Separatists were pushed out.”

“You… read…” I felt the beginnings of a question stutter over my lips, mind staggering to grasp what he’d just said. Why would he read the report?

“Right?” He pressed, ripping me from my thoughts, and my head automatically nodded, stoking that rage into something dangerous. “One of those damn nat-borns roughed you up? Why?” He snarled. I could feel the tension rippling through his towering, lithe form, watched the faint tremor steal over him, but his touch remained impossibly gentle where he held me. Still, I couldn’t help but turn away in disgust and shame at his question. That was all the answer he needed, breath hitching as he quickly pulled away from me.

“Wa-wait.” I gasped, vainly struggling to force myself to talk – to explain before things got worse. “He didn’t”

“What happened?” Hunter asked from behind me, and another curse caught over my tongue.

“Look.” The sniper growled, chin jerking toward me. Some feeble dismissal vied for breath, lips just beginning to part when the Sergeant tread around the room to face me, expression suddenly darkening as his eyes swept over the patches of deep bruises.

“Those aren’t from droids.” It wasn’t a question.

“One of those nat-borns figured they were owed something more for a mission accomplished.” Crosshair snarled.

“What?” The word barked from Hunter’s lips so sharply, I couldn’t help but shy slightly, teeth catching the inside of my lips in some vain attempt to still the way my chin trembled, gaze quickly dropping to the cooling puddle of caf slowly spreading beneath our feet. Ignoring the mess entirely, Hunter lowered himself onto a knee just in front of me. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to look at him; couldn’t risk seeing the anger or pity or disgust I feared I’d find there.

“Doc, I want you to tell me exactly what happened.” I wasn’t expecting the gentleness of his plea; the depth of concern quieting his words into something just above a murmur, and that gentleness is what finally broke me, tears slipping mockingly down my cheeks despite how forcefully I ground my teeth in a desperate attempt to hold them back.

“I said I’m taking care of it!” Even as guilt twisted through my chest, the anger fueling my words was safer than fear, so I found myself clinging to it, finally meeting Hunter’s eyes with a piercing glare. “Yeah, that asshole tried to-” even now, I couldn’t say it, voice catching in my throat before I forced myself to continue lest my mind falter and freeze, “but I’m not some damn helpless civilian! I fought back, and I got away, and he’s sure as shit just as kriffed up as me because of it!”

I couldn’t just stand there, skin crawling at the mere thought of that night, heart slamming painfully against my chest. Arms locking around my chest, fingers burring into the black fabric covering handprints I feared I’d never be free of, I stalked to the far corner of the mess room, legs pacing restlessly as wide eyes darted between the two of them; blind to their stillness as they merely watched me.

“Good.” The sudden praise from the normally impartial sniper stopped me in my tracks, shocked to see the approval shining through those golden eyes. “Still, think we should head back, though,” He added, glancing to his brother as he pushed himself back to his feet, “Make sure there’s no… misunderstanding.”

“No!” I barked, dread returning en force, but he seemed not to notice.

“What’s with all th…” Dammit… Echo stood frozen midstep in the doorway, jaw parted in a silent gasp. “What the kriff happened?!” He demanded, storming into the room towards me. I managed to hold my ground until he raised his hand, reaching towards me as though the bruising might simply vanish beneath his touch, but I couldn’t still the way my head jerked away at that last second, eyes slamming shut beneath a strike I knew would never come.

“Echo.” Hunter called, a quiet warning in his voice, but I could hear the tension in the arc’s suddenly ragged breaths.

“Who the kriff did this?” The quiet growl sent a tremor down my spine, eyes hesitantly peaking up at him. Echo held my gaze for barely a breath before looking sharply over his shoulder at their leader.

“We’re going back.” He stated with such absolution, it wrenched a sob from me. This is exactly what I was afraid of.

“N-”

“Goin’ back where?” In my frenzy, I hadn’t noticed the quiet in the absence of Wrecker’s snoring, and looked in horror to find the jovial man filling the entirety of the doorway. His eyebrows rose sharply upon seeing me, a huff of air catching against a smirk. “Well, someone saw some action!” The glee in his voice quickly faded as he took in the darkness of his brothers’ expressions. “Wha… what happened?”

“Nothing.” I stated forcefully, but it took mere seconds for that same rage to sharpen his gaze as understanding dawned on him. “No! No, Dank ferric! Listen to me!” I finally shouted, “He’s a karking Master Sergeant! If any of you even lay a hand on him-”

“You think we give a Sith’s tit about that?” For a moment, I was too shocked to hear that kind of language from Echo to respond, and Crosshair’s comment only further robbed me of any means of speech.

“He hurt you.” The sniper growled, as though that was all the justification any of them needed to throw away their lives for vengeance. Some broken attempt at pleading with them stammered from my lips, gaze darting from Crosshair’s seething rage to Echo’s terrifying fury, to a quiet hatred I hoped to never see in Wrecker’s eyes again.

“I’m afraid our good doctor is right.” A hopeful gasp escaped me as Tech pushed his way into the room, hair hopelessly mused from sleep, hand absently rubbing the weariness from his eyes before slipping his goggles back on. “Seeking out our own justice would do little more than pose a temporary unpleasantness – assuming we didn’t kill him outright – but it would likely see each of us decommissioned for assaulting a commanding officer.” My heart seized at hearing my fears spoken aloud, but the reluctant defeat that settled over the others freed some of the tension from my stiff muscles.

“I am curious, though,” Tech continued, turning his attention to me, “You have ample bacta. It seems clear you’d hoped to keep this from us until after we’d returned to Kamino, so why not treat your own injuries before we could see them? I assume you’ve taken pictures as evidence of the assault?” Heat pooled over my cheeks as my gaze fell.

“I didn’t…” The words choked over a broken gasp, and I had to force myself to draw a deep breath before trying again. “I was afraid the pictures wouldn’t be enough.” The words were mumbled, logically knowing the reason to be unnecessary but the doubt and fear that had poisoned my mind with ‘what if’s’ had been more than enough to steady my hand against anything that might lessen the bruising. I couldn’t bring myself to look at them as I spoke, but, even from the corner of my eye, saw Echo’s shoulders slump.

“They’ll be enough.” He whispered; promised in a way I couldn’t bring myself to argue against, and fresh tears clouded my vision. Stretching my jaw against the stiffness lodging in my throat, I forced myself to take a deep breath. “Can I help patch you up?” That gentleness I so treasured him for robbed the lingering tension from me along with what fleeting strength it brought, body wilting before him beneath the utter exhaustion I simply couldn’t continue fighting. Finding those eyes, seeing the purity of his concern and worry… I couldn’t deny him, head nodding listlessly.

“Come on.” He slowly motioned his arm toward me in a silent offer. I hesitated mere seconds before letting myself nearly collapse against him, hands clutching his forearm and bicep while my forehead nearly hid against his shoulder. I vaguely noted his other arm move as well, before his mind caught up with the action and he purposefully lowered the scomp back to his side. With slow steps, he guided me between his brothers and into the hall just as Hunter’s voice rumbled dimly over that distant hum of the engines.

“Tech, as soon as we’re out of hyperspace-”

“A message is already pending transmission to Commander Cody detailing everything we know.” Tech interrupted, earning only a quiet hum.

Fanart!!! by @mythical-illustrator

Next Chapter

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#star wars #tbb #the bad batch #star wars echo #the bad batch echo #febuwhump2023 #febuwhump #comfort #gender neutral post #star wars hunter #star wars tech #star wars wrecker #star wars crosshair #flinching #tbb crosshair #tbb hunter #tbb echo #tbb tech #tbb wrecker #my writing

[rhapsodyred-writes]

What DND classes would your Rent-Free's choose if they were to start a game together? How funny would them playing a tabletop RPG together be?

Sans - DM Red - Barbarian Violet - Druid Nyx -Rogue Ash - Cleric Nightmare - Warlock Fresh - Bard

Only chaos lives here now. (whoops my hand slipped)

“for the last time, it’s a reinforced steel door.” The sighs behind the DM’s screen were the only indication of Sans’s thoughts on the matter.

“no kinda reinforced steel is any match for me!” Red was all bravado.

“alright, roll to break down the door.”

The sound of a rolling die was immediately followed by silence.

“red, what’d you roll?” Sans asked, already smirking behind his screen.

“i don’t wanna talk about it.”

Chuckles broke out around the table and Sans peeked over his screen to see Red’s die displaying a proud 2.

“hmm, with your +2 strength modifier that’s a 4, so…” He trailed off teasingly and watched as Red’s eyelights flared before he settled back down in his seat.

“i don’t break the door.”

“you sure don’t.”

More laughter spread around the table as Red’s face turned, well, red.

“an impenetrable door, huh?” Nyx leaned back in his seat, looking awfully smug.

“yeah i’d like to see you break it down.” Red growled.

“oh no, this is a job for finesse.”

“guys seriously, this is a locked door.” Sans was beginning to sound tired behind his DM screen.

“yeah, and i have a lock picking set,” Nyx replied, leaning forward.

Sans sighed deeply and leaned his skull against one hand. “alright, roll to lock pick.”

The sound of a rolling die was followed by…

“are you funking kidding me?” Red sounded both surprised and outraged, but he was barely heard over the sounds of Nyx’s triumphant cackling.

“yes! nat 20!” Nyx slammed his hands down on the table, jostling everyone else's dice.

“i’m never dming a game for you guys again.”

–

“so you’re gonna need to ask the barkeep-”

“i wanna seduce them.”

“nyx, i swear to-”

“come on, it’s my stars-given right!”

Sans sighed, deep and long-suffering. 

“fine, role persuasion.”

The sound of a rolling die was followed shortly by-

“FUNK!”

Which was then followed by assorted laughter.

–

“before you stands a dire wolf.” 

“i cast animal friendship.” Violet didn’t hesitate a second before making his intentions clear.

“you-” Sans cut himself off. “alright, you’ve befriended the dire wolf. what now?”

Vi shrugged. “i just wanted to pet it.”

A snorted laugh was quickly covered up - so quickly that it was hard to tell who it was. Whoever it was though, knew well enough not to poke too much fun.

Red, however, was never prone to subtlety.

“and if any of you funkers hurts it, i’ll turn that back on ya!” He glowered evenly around the table, at five people who most likely had no intentions of hurting Vi’s temporary pet wolf.

“Bro, unrad.” Fresh was the only one who spoke. “Ain’t any of us gonna mess with his dog, no need for threats, yo.”

“red relax.” Vi sighed, rolling his eye. “fresh is right, we’re all on the same side here. and even if someone did want to hurt it, it’s a fictional wolf, it's not real.”

–

It was nearing the stage in a session when Red usually became belligerent and fighty, and by the looks on the faces around the table, no one really wanted to deal with it.

“i’m just sayin’ it’s a dumb rule, ok?!”

“no one’s fighting you on that, you don’t have to yell.” Ash’s voice was quiet, but his tone was tense. “you don’t like the rules, get creative.”

“yeah,” Nyx piped up. “i once heard of someone who used a summon water spell inside an enemy to basically blow them up."

It didn’t seem like Red was listening, and his chair was beginning to creak in his grasp.

“ok, if you can’t calm down, i’m gonna ask you to step away.” Sans didn’t want to issue these kinds of warnings, but with Red and his temper, it had become somewhat of a necessary measure.

“what?!” As usual, Red didn’t take it well.

“Broski chill, it’s just a game, yo!” 

Instead of having the calming effect he’d intended, Fresh’s words seemed to make Red burn even hotter, but he didn’t have a chance to interrupt.

“Besides, last I checked, I can put ya ta sleep in game. All I gotta do is say da word.” His grin had turned devilish at some point, and without realizing it, Red gave an inch. Fresh took a mile. “If ya can’t settle down, I could take ya outta da game, real easy-like.”

“wait, no, you can’t do that!” 

“Can’t I? Look around, broski - no one here wants ta deal with ya whinin’ anymore. If ya think one of ya teammates’d wake ya after da kinda behaviour ya showin’, ya gonna be real disappointed.”

Red glanced around at the others around the table. Vi was wincing, fidgeting with his hands in a way Red knew meant he was trying to keep from touching at his head injury.

“alright fine.” He deflated and sat back in his seat. “i’m not happy about it though.”

It was then that he noticed a flash of purple slip back behind Fresh’s shades as Fresh settled back into his own chair, every trace of a threat now gone from his demeanour.

“A’ight, so we good?”

Red nodded. Fresh grinned.

“See how nice it is when we all get along?”

Terrifying.

–

“I don’t suppose you could heal me properly?”

“nightmare, all due respect - shut the funk up.”

–

“ok,” Sans started, holding back a laugh. He’d never expected to have to ask this. “does anyone want to trade dice with ash?”

Nyx and Red broke into snickers that had the atmosphere in the room take a worryingly electrified turn.

“don’t say that like it’s my fault my dice are mutinying.” Ash grumbled, glaring at the die that had just barely healed Nightmare from the last battle. This wasn’t the first time any of his dice had screwed him though. The one he used to roll for healing was consistently giving him low rolls, often just enough to do some minor healing, and that was after adding the modifier.

“Might I suggest getting a new set of dice?” Nightmare asked.

Ash grumbled a few unintelligible swears. The only indication that they were swears at all was the unholy quacking sound that censored them.

“here.” Sans leaned over his screen and deposited a few replacement dice in front of Ash. “stars know this party needs a cleric who can heal.”

–

“i don’t funkin’ believe this.”

“Is something the matter?”

“well, not “the matter” per se, it’s more like-”

“how’re you acin’ all your damn rolls?!”

Nightmare glanced up to where Red was leaning over the table, glaring at his dice as though they’d somehow offended him. To Nightmare’s right, Ash was silently simmering, too proud to use the dice that Sans had supplied, and past Ash Sans was smiling somewhat apologetically. 

“it’s not bad, just…weird.” Sans said, his expression turning sheepish. “it’s, uh, a little uncanny actually.”

“i can’t even pass a seduction check, and he’s funking carrying this party single-handedly! sorry fresh.” 

Fresh accepted Nyx’s apology with a nod.

At last Ash spoke up.

“trade dice with me.”

#mys friend #red answers #red writes #the dice are never in ash's favour #nyx is obnoxious #fresh is the peacekeeper #sans the skeleton #red #fell!sans #violet #horror!sans #nyx #killer!sans #ash #dust!sans #nightmare!sans #fresh!sans #undertale au #red's rent frees #dungeons & dragons #cw swearing

[messenger-of-stupidity]

Save You

This came because of a big brain post by @soup-scope​ and me already wanting to write something about Blake. SO HERE WE GO!

(After writing note: Not entirely happy with the way this came out, but all things considering I will force myself to be happy with it. Maybe I’ll try to fix it or add a mini sequel thing to help it. Whatever. I’m tired and dizzy.)

Redacted Masterlist

Content Warning: Childhood friends-to-unrequited love, Blake, Bestie being called peanut because i find it funny, GN listener character, Not proofread

Summary: It was meant to be friends. But he couldn’t help the fact that they were far too amazing to deserve just his friendship. No, they were divine and he needed to worship them. If only they wanted the same thing...

Soft words and markers. That was how this all started. First grade had been when he had been pulled into your orbit, back when he was too young to really care much about the way you made his chest feel warm when you gave him attention. Or that little smile they would both share when the teacher scolded them for talking instead of focusing on the lesson. He couldn’t care less how addition worked or what a noun was. 

“Can I draw on your hand?” You whispered to him, only a few weeks after the school term had started. He turned to look at you, his brow furrowing a little. He looked down at his palm, as if considering the request.

“Sure.” He said, holding his palm out to you. The marker had tickled as you drew scribbles and shapes, black lines against his skin. Your little designs had trailed past his palm and up his arm but he didn’t have the heart to tell you to stop. The teacher had stopped it once he had laid down on the floor so you could color on the back of his t-shirt. The marker had been taken away after that and you had been sent to the corner to be in time-out. 

Blake had spent the time of their punishment gathering markers for when you returned. Your wide grin had been enough thanks. 

On halloween of seventh grade, Blake sat silently in your room as you carefully wet the wax paper of the temporary tattoos on his wrist. A matching one already gleamed on the inside of your wrist. The cold of the washcloth didn’t even bother him. His eyes were glued at where your knees were pressed against his own on your bed. 

“We should get matching permanent tattoos when we get older.” You said suddenly. He looked at you, brow creasing. There were lots of stories of reasons why someone shouldn’t get matching tattoos. Not that he doubted that the friendship he shared with you would end. No, Blake would still be there with you. For you. By your side, forever. He wouldn’t leave you to be alone.

“Alright then.” He relented without any push. You gave a small nod, going quiet with concentration again.

You peeled the washcloth after a couple minutes, lowering your head to blow on the wax paper. His breath caught in his throat as he felt your breath dance across his skin. Goosebumps prickled on his back as his heartbeat picked up. Then you pressed on the paper before peeling it off carefully. Slowly. He relished the warmth of your hand you pressed on his elbow to keep it steady. He would stay as still as he needed just to keep you close. 

“There. Now we’re matching temporarily.”

He didn’t let that tattoo fade for months. It was a symbol that connected him to you and it was a reminder of the moment he realized he loved you.

“I can’t do this!” You whined, tossing the flashcards up into the air. Blake watched the white rectangles with highlighted words scatter all over the floor of his room. He snickered and started to gather them up again. You watched him sullenly from your perch on his desk chair. He looked up at you.

“You can, you’re just too stubborn to actually dedicate yourself to it.” He teased gently. You stuck your tongue out at him and he laughed again. He held the gathered flashcards out to you again and nodded to them. “Try again, Peanut.” He nudged. You stared at the flashcards before grabbing them and grumbling about choosing to learn German instead of Spanish or something. He released an amused huff and picked back up his pencil to start copying down a few of the other phrases.

He didn’t take German, taking a different foreign language elective instead. But you had complained about how ‘the words are all consonants and it’s stupid!’ so he had started making flashcards for you. 

“Wanna know my favorite German word, Blake?” You asked, breaking the silence. You were stalling needing to study the phrases. But he looked up from the flashcards, brows raised. You smirked and crossed your arms in front of you as you spun in his desk chair. “Schweinehund.” You finished. His nose wrinkled.

“Schweinehund? Pig... hound?” He said slowly, trying to pull the context clues. You nodded.

“Pig dog.” You corrected. That made sense. The shift from hound to dog, not why it was your favorite word. He snorted regardless and reached out to stop the spinning chair.

“Study the flashcards I’m working hard to make for you.” He ordered, a teasing lilt still present to his voice. You laughed and his smile widened. It was better than the hopeless dull look that had been in your eyes earlier. Good. 

It only took you a few more minutes before tossing the flashcards at him again. 

He gave a shake of his head, a flashcard sliding off the crown of his head. He tucked his pencil behind his ear and gave you a deadpan stare. Your smile turned sheepish and you flicked one of the flashcards off your lap to flutter to the floor. 

“We should order pizza instead of studying.” You declared. He gave a firm shake of his head. He would let you stall by throwing the flashcards at him all you wanted, but he wasn’t going to let you give up. Besides...

“You have a German test tomorrow, Peanut.” He pointed out. You shrugged apathetically at him. Yet he knew the moment the last period came around you were going to feel panicked. He pulled out his phone and set a timer. “Thirty minutes of studying the flashcard phrases - and I mean studying, not talking or throwing them at me - and then I’ll buy you pizza and a drink. Deal?” He asked. He had never seen you jump of the chair and gather the flashcards as quickly as you did now. 

You didn’t return to his desk though, instead sitting on the floor with your back against his. He was the more distracted of the two of you during that half hour.

“Blake, Maria, and...” Mrs. Wynier glanced down at her list of trios for the group project. Blake’s fingers were crossed under his desk as his gaze flicked towards where you sat next to him. You seemed blissfully unaware of the way the teachers would smirk a little before saying your name in relation to his own. He noticed it though and it made his face feel warmer than it was a moment before. And just as he expected, the smirk settled into place and then the group was finished with your name. You turned towards him, hands raising into the air. He slapped his palms against your own, a matching goofy smile tugging on his face. He didn’t even mind that there was another person in the group, as long as he got to be with you.

It didn’t bother him either that Maria refused to do any of the hard work, instead playing around with the google presentation as you and Blake researched the information. That just meant he could spend more time with you. 

“Hey, do you think I could just use Wikipedia instead of this stupid edu website?” You whispered to him. He glanced at you, a smile tugging on his lips as he gave a small shake of his head. You stared at him before snickering and then returning to the computer, continuing your search for information on the topic of dominant and recessive genetics. 

“And then she chose this horrid fuschia to color the presentation! I thought my eyes were going to burn out of my head!” You bitched as you and Blake sat at the table of the restaurant with the rest of the friends you both shared. He was sitting next to you, casually pretending not to notice the way you stole his french fries. One of your friends glanced towards him and he nodded his confirmation. It had been an ugly color, only made worse when Maria had colored the font a burning bright cyan color. It had turned into an acid trip, but the information within the horrible presentation had been plentiful. Blake decided not to let you know that he had told the teacher who had done what and Maria was getting a zero on the presentation due to her lack of contribution. 

He watched from the corner of his eye as you stole another french fry from his container. He decided to put a stop to it and grabbed onto your wrist. He turned his face towards you as you glanced at him with no sign of apology written on your face.

“You gotta ask nicely, Peanut.” He teased. You stole a french fry with your other had and gave him a smug grin as you ate it. He laughed and let go of your wrist. His smile faltered a moment as the other kids exchanged an odd look. Similar to the look the teachers gave but without the slight amusement. Well, a few of them looked amused. Blake ignored it and took a sip from his soda.

He got another look from their shared friends as he handed you a hoodie a few days later. No, he didn’t have any ulterior motives. No, it wasn’t because it made that Marcus kid stop looking at you with a nervous look. No, it wasn’t because he felt a sense of pride and satisfaction when he watched you tug it on. It was just because you were cold. So what if it was March?

Blake’s finger traced gentle circles and stars on your hand as you wrote down notes with your other hand. You glanced at him with a raised brow.

“What are you doing?” You asked. He smiled sheepishly and pulled his hand back, gaze dropping down to his notebook, as if he could avoid you noticing what he hid in his gaze. Apparently not very well hid if the teachers and their friends had noticed though. He should probably work on that. 

“I was just drawing on your skin.” He murmured in a quick excuse. A lie. He had been drawing designs, but he just liked the feeling of your skin. You never shied away from his touch. Questioned the purpose, sure. But you never pulled away. Luckily his excuse was believable. There were times you still took a marker, pen, or - your favorite to use, especially to write swears - a sharpie to his skin. You seemed to accept his excuse as you nodded and returned to taking notes. His grip on his pencil relaxed. He hadn’t even realized his hold was clenching. He exhaled slowly and leaned his face into his hand as suddenly the air of the classroom felt to warm. You were so close to him, and for the first time it made him feel more nervous than it usually did. This crush thing was starting to grow tedious. 

But he could wait for you. He would wait for you.

Except waiting turned from one month to three, then six. Then a year. One year turned to two, then three. You still remained by his side, and he by yours. But every moment with you was like a hand was closing around his heart, only allowing it to beat when he was holding you in some kind of way. So that’s what he did. Whenever the pair was walking, his hand was within your own. When you had movie nights, either with him or the rest of your friend group, he had an arm over your shoulder or you were sat between his legs and leaning back against his chest. 

His hand was tracing designs on your wrist as you moved your monopoly piece.

“Can I call you dreamer then?” You asked him. He had told you that his magic had manifested as a dreamwalker. Your magic had manifested a few months prior. He wrinkled his nose at you and you smiled at him. 

“If you want, Peanut.” He responded, his voice slightly sarcastic. You laughed before paying him the rent required for the property you had landed on. He didn’t bother counting to see if it was the right amount - it wasn’t, you were near broke and decided to conserve your funds. 

“Don’t worry. I won’t.” You assured and he let out a sigh, fingers still tracing designs. At first it had seemed weird, but you had just accepted the fact that Blake was a very touchy person and after a bit it had grown comforting. He had figured out how to drift his fingers on your skin so it didn’t raise goosebumps, but rather just was comforting presence. 

Now that you thought about it, being a dreamwalker was rather fitting. He always helped you feel relaxed. 

“It’s kind of cool though. That means you can do some insane dream magic. I’ve read up on some of the dream complexes that have been built. It seems complicated. I suppose you’ll learn how to do that.” You added, continuing the conversation, although Blake seemed content to just trace designs on your skin and silently play the game. 

“If I go into magic oriented career. Or security dreams.” He murmured. You both were sophomores. Close enough to start thinking about your future but still far away enough that there was still time. You snuck a few monopoly money from his messy piles of the colored paper. He pretended not to notice.

“You don’t seem very excited about being a dreamwalker, Blake.” You murmured quietly. He swallowed and didn’t look at you as he silently counted the spaces between where his model needed to place. 

“Right...” He mumbled. He seemed distracted somehow, as if thinking about something. You sighed and just left him to his thoughts, continuing playing the game.

Blake left your house a few hours later, walking towards his own home down the street. He hated lying to you, especially when he could still feel the warmth of your skin under his fingertips. Dreamwalker. It had seemed easier than explaining he had woken up in a cold sweat with the sight of his death painted behind his eyelids. He pushed back his hair with a groan. Seer. 

Powerful magic, but not exactly what he had been hoping for. At least other types of magic could be learned and he could learn enough Dreamwalking magic to keep up this lie. At least until he decided to drop it and tell you. You with your sweet smile. You with the way you let him drift his fingertips, tracing the designs you drew on his skin all those years ago, onto your own palm and forearm. The silly little scribbles and shapes. He could almost feel the marker on his skin still. He didn’t ever want that feeling to go away, the chance to be near you. Death would rip him from you. And if that vision of his death was to be believed, your eyes wouldn’t be the last thing he saw. Which was frustrating.

But... what if... that was just simply an event after a lifetime by your side? With you. Close to you. Blake’s eyes widened and he ran the rest of the way home. He ignored his parent’s alerting him to dinner being ready, going up to his room. They would let him. They had been tip-toeing around him since learning what had woken him up last night. 

He sat on his bed for hours, trying to figure out how to direct the magic in his core towards following the stringed path of your future. Little flickers of images, too brief and then the sight of his room would greet him again. Was it because he wasn’t touching you? Did he need physical contact? Blake huffed and glared at the wall, frustration building. What was the point of being seer if he didn’t even know how to direct the magic in the path that he wanted? 

He stood up and moved towards his closet. After a little bit of digging, he pulled out one of your sweaters. He had insisted you leave it in his home the last sleepover you both had shared. Luckily he managed to convince you that it was because this way you would have a sweater at his home if you ever needed it. It still smelled faintly like you. The smell grounded him, calming his frustration. Just a few more tries and then he would give up and go to sleep.

...

They all were fruitless. 

He huffed and folded your sweater into his dresser and went to bed. Better to just sleep the time away that separated him from you.

He was running, heart in his throat. Dread filled his veins like a vile ichor, slowing him down. No. He needed to be faster. He needed to be there. Wait... where was so urgent?

“Peanut!” He shouted out, eyes wide with panic. Why was he so panicked? Why did it make his heart freeze up? That tight grip. He needed to be close to you, to touch you. It would make it go away. Where were you?

Your front door... why... why was it hanging all crooked like that? The dread suddenly made sense. And for once he was hoping you weren’t home. That you were somewhere far away from here and he was mistaken, not knowing where you were. His steps slowed and he creeped inside. It didn’t surprise him that shattered belongings littered the floor. Furniture was scattered, without any kind of pattern. But that was all. A good sign, right? So why did dread still stain every breath he forced into his lungs?

“Peanut?” He repeated, his voice softer. He trailed down the hall. The framed pictures on the wall were either cracked or crooked. Everything screamed struggle, danger long passed. He moved towards your bedroom door. The hall carpet was slightly squishy and he looked down. Stains. Red stains. He lifted worried eyes to your closed door. Copper filled his nose and went down his throat, layering over his taste buds. Blood. But there was no sound in the house. He already knew what was wrong without needing to open the door.

Blake woke up, but the images were flashing across his vision. His palms were clammy and shivers tore his body. Not a sequence of events anymore, but your skin had gone pale with death. Lifeless eyes stared at the ceiling, your body mangled and twisted. 

“No!” His voice came out as ravaged as your body had been. Dead. You had been dead. And you hadn’t looked that different from how you did now. His hands were reaching for his phone, shakily dialing your phone number. 

Each dial tone was like torture lasting years. He almost emptied the contents of his stomach with relief when your sleepy voice filtered through the receiver.

“Mm?” You hummed. Not words, but a reassurance of your state of being alive. 

“H-Hey. Can... can we go to the park tonight? I... I miss you.” He said. He would keep you with him. If he didn’t need to run to your home, that means that the vision couldn’t happen right? He would just need to stick by your side. That’s all. He could save you. He needed to save you.

#redacted asmr #redacted audio #redactedverse #redacted fanfic #redacted blake #redacted bestie

[ecargmura]

Pokemon Horizons Episode 15 Review: Iono Where Liko Is!

Where’s Liko? Iono! Get it? That was supposed to be a pun on Iono’s name being based off “I’unno” in a way; I’m a dad joke enthusiast, so I’m sorry for future bad jokes. This episode gives us the debut of Iono, Dot development and Liko getting her memories back. All in all, this was a rather entertaining episode to watch.

Amnesia plots can be contrived, but fortunately, Liko doesn’t lose all of her memories; her amnesia seems to be a temporary thing as she manages to remember things clearly by the end of the episode. She remembers that she’s Liko, her partner is Sprigatito and that she attends Indigo Academy, but has no idea why she’s back in Paldea. The collaboration between Iono and Nidothing helped Liko recall events that had happened to her and pieced herself back. I’m glad that the writers wrote it in a way that Liko didn’t lose all of her memories and that she worked hard to get them back herself. Everything got resolved in the end and she even managed to remember the Beheeyem that hypnotized her.

Iono’s debut was amazing! The Horizons staff really know how to respect the Paldean trainers like Nemona, Brassius and Iono without going too out of character. Like with Brassius, Iono retains her outgoing streamer personality and is also the reason why Dot became Nidothing. Her personality is the same and the fact that her Gym Challenge, “Where In Levincia Is Mr. Walksabout?” Is used to find Liko as a nod to the actual challenge in the game where the player had to find Mr. Clavell. While her voice actress is different from the promotional trailer for the game (Ai Fairouz), her anime voice actress Kaede Hondo does a great job capturing Iono’s energy. I can’t wait to see the day the other Paldean trainers make their anime debut. As someone who loved Pokemon Violet, it makes me happy to see the writers respect game canon.

Dot gets positive development in this episode. She actually leaves her room to search for Liko! Talk about the power of friendship indeed! She teams up with Roy and Friede to search for Liko who was in Levincia and not Artazon (that was fake info that Spinel threw in to distract the group). Liko’s kind actions from previous episodes helped Dot break out of her shell; Roy and Liko meet her in person for the first time, which is exciting because it means that Dot will most likely be the tritagonist of this show since she’s Quaxly’s trainer. The fact that Dot is willing to collaborate with Iono to find Liko shows how precious she is to her. I want to see them bond in future episodes. It’s a must!

The fact that Friede goes “Did I forget to tell you?” again shows that this is really an issue that Friede needs to fix. I feel like Friede needs to trust his fellow RVTs more and that the RVTs need to berate him more for this bad habit. Fortunately, Friede makes up for his flaws by helping the kids out. Now that the group finds who the enemy is, they’re going for a counterattack for the pendant.

There are two things that weirded me out in this episode. The first is that Liko had one of Roy’s Ancient Pokeballs in her possession. How did it get there? Why does she have it? I thought Roy was taking care of them. I find that a bit odd. Second, how did Roy get from Artazon to Levincia and only got tired out after arriving at the city? I remember that in the games, the distance between the two cities was quite far by walking. I know that he was chasing after his Wattrel, but still! Roy’s stamina is platinum-leveled confirmed.

Spinel’s a very excellent villain in my opinion. He’s sinister and deceptive. He stalled the RVTs time by giving out fake information about Liko being in Artazon when she was actually in Levincia. Previous episodes had him use his Magnetons to interfere with technology and his Beheeyem hypnotize Liko while he disguised himself as a civilian walking his Umbreon. The fact that he does all these dastardly things makes him such a formidable foe. I wonder where his hideout is and what will happen when he loses the pendant.

What are your thoughts on the amnesia plot point for this episode? Was it contrived? Was it not? How was Iono’s anime debut? I hope you electrifying readers stay tuned for next week for the possible showdown between the RVTs and Spinel. I’ll be tuning in for sure!

#anipoke #Pokemon Horizons #Liko #Sprigatito #Roy #Fuecoco #Wattrel #Friede #Dot #Quaxly #Iono #Spinel #review #anime #anime review #bellibolt #Sorry for bad puns #ecargmura #arum journal

[sammywolfgirl]

Okay I’m tired but gotta get this idea out,

So in my au lobster and mocha ray are a generation or two disconnected from sugartaria falling, like their grandparents grew up there and their parents likely vaugly remember being there but those two are part of the first generation who never went there.

And obviously that changes up their character motives for my au, mainly lobster who since they don’t feel any connection to the city have no reason to be so all or nothing about it. Thus why his (temporary) recruitment by DE was motivated by misleading them about an old friendship that ended sour.

And he literally ditched team bad guy after he and caviar battled a bit and then talked things out like adults.

All this to say he has no motive to care about sugartaria in my au so that might change the character a bit.

However, a friend suggested the idea that the GRANDFATHER could more clearly have the “I’d do anything to restore the city” motive but as he’s old he’s just kinda yelling in a rocking chair.

Idk could be a neat eater egg.

Mocha ray can have something similar with her grandma having the “I’d restore the city at any cost but I wouldn’t want to throw out my morals about it if I don’t have to” thing where she’d love to see the city back but if it just won’t work out she’d maybe drop it.

Which makes it neat that my mocha ray is now more desperate to restore the city. Mostly because she believes it’ll restore her family’s purpose and duty.

Which still means they aren’t doing this for the city, more for the family.

Which can be a neat theme to play with

Plus with the wondercrab giving me a clear thematic parallel of “living for the future” vs “being stuck in the past” that’d be a really good place to more directly tackle the theme in my au.

Plus caviar and candy diver being involved in that arc (in my au) can act as interesting cases. Caviar did sort of throw away his past to live on the surface, though he never completely cut himself off from his identity as a mershark, and recently is coming to better terms with finding a balance of his past vs his present.

Meanwhile candy diver is more burdened by their past,

They died, and idk how much they’ve come to terms with that, plus the kingdom they visit is where their SON lives (gumball), and they still are too afraid to tell him who they are. The idea of a city where it’s literally a soft rule not to talk about your past would be appealing.

And that’s not mentioning electric eel who’s very much on the “your past doesn’t matter let’s look to the future” end of the spectrum, maybe to a more dangerous degree since some level of a person’s past will always follow them, you can’t discard it entirely, and some people can’t. (Like abyss monarch)

And like again I’d have to see the full event before I make any final calls, but abyss monarch is giving me the thematic vibes of “still tied to the passed but wants to cut ties to it” like they don’t seem to like the city, and despite all they’ve changed they cannot escape it, mocha ray still finds them and recognizes them. The past will continue to haunt them. And that’s not even bringing up what bs the edgy sea monster powers might be causing in the present. Maybe they wanted to try and live peacefully but their status as the ruler of sea monsters can’t make that possible. Idk! But it’d be a neat theme for this edge lord!!

Idk having the whole spectrum could be fun to play with.

If it wasn’t clear I have a lot of thoughts about this arc, for au stuff and Og potential

#it me #headcanons #cookie run #cookie run kingdom #cookie run au #lobster cookie #mocha ray cookie #captain caviar cookie #gumball diver cookie #electric eel cookie #abyss monarch cookie

[ablazenqueen]

For writer's ask game ^^

✨💖 🥺💔

✨ Give you and your writing a compliment. Go on now. You know you deserve it. 😉

Hoo boy, starting off easy, huh? 😅

I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that I think I’m pretty decent at writing angst. I’ve watched a few people cry from reading some of my fics so it’s something I’ve grown to feel fairly confident about over the years!

💖 What made you start writing?

I’ve been writing since I was old enough to know how and really, why does anyone do anything as a kid? It just sparks joy, always has 😊

I got into fic specifically though because I was tired of not seeing the obscure fic AUs I wanted for my ships. I am a recurring victim of the infamous “guess I have to do it myself” mentality.

🥺 Is there a certain type of moment or common interaction between your characters that never fails to put you in your feels?

Oh, I’m a HUGE fan of romantic confessions that are half self-deprecation, half argument, between close friends who think their friendship is falling apart because they couldn’t keep their feelings in check. It’s one of my favouritest things ever and it always makes me Feel So Much.

💔 Is there a fic of yours that broke your heart?

In my friend group, I’m pretty notoriously bad at gauging how angsty my writing is and that’s because I don’t tend to make myself sad when writing. I already know a happy ending is on the way so it feels so temporary, you know?

That said, there is one time I’ve gone “oof” while writing and that was during Chapter 3 of my Patpran Thieves AU. Those who know know, I got a lot of screams of anguish after posting it. I’m rather proud of that 😌

#thanks for humouring me anon! #ask game

[divinesouldariax]

NO NO NO I LIED!!! 46 with Fearne and Opal. 7 with Orym and whomever suits your fancy.

7. "Here. You look hungry."

Bet you didn't expect me to go with Mister of all characters fdlksjhdf but no this is a Fearne and Orym fic and it did make me tear up a bit so like, enjoy! I love their friendship and I want them to talk more ~Martin

Word count: 1,638

Content warnings: food mention, anxiety, grief (the whole fic is about grief), canonical temporary character death

Send me prompts?

*

Sitting in the chilly night air on the deck of the Silver Sun, Orym was thinking about a lot of things. He'd spent a couple hours already tonight lost in thought about Laudna, and dying with her and Fearne and being brought back one short, and how to try to help Imogen, and where they could go and who it would be best to beg aid from, but now his thoughts turned towards Dusk--Yu and the Calloways.

He couldn't hold back a shudder as the image of Yu shifting into the visage of a half-elven man flashed in his mind unbidden. It made him feel sick. They hadn't actually looked anything like Will, thank gods, but it was still...deeply uncomfortable, and made Orym wonder if it was just some horrible coincidence or if Yu had somehow pried into his mind.

And the Calloways...he had hardly had time to talk to Fearne about how she felt about that whole thing. Not that Fearne was very good at talking about her feelings. As well as Orym knew Fearne by now, as much as he adored her, he didn’t understand her, and he wondered how well she actually understood herself.

There was a slight scampering sound behind him. On high alert, Orym whipped around. The deck was still empty, save for a small monkey approaching him from the hold door.

“Oh, hi,” Orym said, relaxing and sitting back down. “Hey, buddy. What’s up?”

Mister came over and made a little cooing noise. His warmth was welcome in the cold, and Orym smiled as the elemental cozied up by his side. He stroked Mister’s fur.

“Whatcha doing up here by yourself?” Orym asked. “Did Fearnie send you to check on me?” He paused. “I’m talking to a monkey.”

With another soft noise, Mister tugged on his sleeve and looked at him with pleading, shimmering eyes.

Orym formed a bright red nasturtium flower and offered it to him. “Here, you look hungry,” he said. “Do you even need to eat? Fearne always dodges the question, I’m not sure she knows. But you sure do eat a lot.”

Mister snatched the flower and put it in his mouth, where it disappeared with a puff of smoke. He gave a purring trill, but then tugged Orym’s sleeve more urgently.

“Oh, okay, buddy, is something wrong?” Orym said, concerned now. “Is Fearne okay?” He stood up. “I’ll follow you, show me what’s wrong.”

The monkey grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the hold, through the narrow hall, and to the door to the bunk that Orym and Fearne were sharing. The door was partially ajar, and even though Orym didn’t really think his caution would be warranted, he put his hand on his sword hilt as he quietly nudged the door open and looked around.

Fearne was sprawled facedown on the bunk in her nightshirt. Orym felt a jolt of terror before forcing himself to pause and notice her breathing. When he had thoroughly reassured himself that she was alive, he went over and climbed up onto the thin mattress with her. Mister followed, jumped onto the bed, and curled up at Fearne’s hip. 

“Hey, Fearnie,” Orym whispered, not wanting to wake her if she was asleep.

“Mmm,” she said, too flatly. She was definitely awake.

Orym frowned. He put a hand on her back. “Mister came looking for me. Are you okay?”

“It’s been hours,” she said into her pillow. “It’s bedtime and you’ve been out for hours.”

“Oh…” Orym winced and rubbed her back apologetically. “Fearne, I’m–”

“I’m tired,” Fearne declared, and he had rarely heard her sound quite this upset.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he told her. “I know. I’m sorry. I just…couldn’t stop thinking, Fearne, I can’t stop thinking long enough to sleep, and…and the fresh air and watching the moons makes it easier.” His voice shook. “All that thinking and I didn’t think about how it would make you feel. I’m sorry. I’m here now.”

She hesitated, then rolled onto her side to face him. With a pang, he noticed that her eyes were rimmed with red. She had been crying. The soft fuzz on the sides of her face was pressed down in odd directions, like she’d been facedown in the pillow for quite a while.

“Oh, oh...” Orym was suddenly on the brink of tears himself. He reached out and cradled her face in his hands, stroking her hair back, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Not for the first time, he was grateful for her fey nature and the fact that she didn’t have any of the usual hangups people had about physical affection. Touching their foreheads together, he murmured, “You can always come and find me, Fearnie, if you’re feeling bad.”

“Dorian used to say that when you go off by yourself it’s because you need to be alone,” Fearne said, sniffling.

“I do want to be alone sometimes, but you’re more important to me than that,” Orym said sincerely. "Always come find me. Always."

"Okay, okay, I will."

Orym nudged her to lift her head and rest it in his lap, wishing he could more easily scoop her up into his arms and just hold her like she could do to him. Scratching lightly at her scalp at the base of her horns, hands buried to the wrists in fluffy green hair and stray flowers, he said, "I'm here now, do you want to talk about it? I haven't checked in with you much recently."

There was a long silence. Orym could feel her calming down, her body relaxing. He didn't press. He figured that she would talk if she wanted to and stay quiet if she didn't.

Eventually, she spoke. "There's more being sad than I thought there would be at first."

"Yeah?" Orym stroked the velvet-soft back of one of her ears. "There's a lot of it, for sure."

"It's just all the time," Fearne continued. "I thought...I thought I knew how sad worked, it's something from a long time ago and then it stops. And it doesn't happen much."

That made sense from what he knew of Fearne's long life in the Feywild. As far as he was aware, the only grief she had ever known was the leaving of her parents. She had no experience with the constant small and great tragedies of living in the world of mortals.

Someone who knew her less well might have responded like she was a child, telling her that was just the way of life and she would have to get used to it. But Orym wasn't going to do that. After running his hand over her hair a few more times, he asked genuinely, "Do you think it's worth it?"

"Oh, yes," Fearne replied without hesitation, and Orym's heart eased. For just a moment, he had wondered if she was getting tired of it all and wanted to go home. "Do you?"

He took a shuddery breath, lowering his head to bury his face down in Fearne's hair and breathe in the intoxicating smoky sweetness of her scent. He let all of the grief that had made its home in his body and mind come to the surface, and he ached. 

Dear, sweet Laudna, her body still without her usual constant fidgeting and swaying. Being called back to life by Fearne and watching Will slip from his fingers again. The poor twins he had never and would never meet, cut down for their curiosity. Dorian leaving him and Fearne with a cold, empty space in their bed. Bertrand dying alone in an alley, finding his body too late to help him. Leaving Dariax and Opal in Byroden, watching Opal try to fight back sticky black tears while Dariax sobbed openly as they hugged Fearne and Dorian goodbye, knowing it was his fault they were being separated even though in the end it was each of their choices. Fy'ra Rai disappearing before they really got the chance to know her. Over and over, losing the people who he had met and cared for during his travels, who his wandering heart and restless body could never stay with for long.

Will. Derrig.

Further back, all of the usual devastations of adolescence and childhood. Waiting at the window for his father to come back while hearing the tears in his mother's voice as she tried to explain to the child who didn't want to understand that he never would.

And back to the ship. The weight and warmth of Fearne's head in his lap made all the grief settle back to where it had been before, infinitely bearable because it had to be. "Most of the time," he told her with a surprisingly steady voice. "Yeah, it's worth it. I'm glad you think so, too."

She hummed and brought her arm up to wrap around his back. "I'm tired," she said plaintively. "Lay down with me."

Even if he had wanted to, Fearne was nearly impossible to say no to. He scooted out from underneath her head and let her pull him into her arms to snuggle against her chest. His absolute bone-deep exhaustion struck him as soon as he was horizontal. "Next time, you just come and drag me to bed, okay?" Orym said sleepily. "Sending Mister worked too, though."

"I didn't send him," Fearne mumbled into the top of his head.

"Huh." Orym raised his head slightly to look at the little elemental, who met his gaze with a weirdly knowing expression on his furry monkey face. "Well, thanks, Mister." He reached out to pat his head. "Good boy."

Mister mimed putting something in his mouth, and Orym let out an affectionate laugh as he conjured another edible flower for him before closing his eyes and letting himself rest.

Send me prompts?

#orym #fearne calloway #critical role fic #my writing

[vad-hander]

NO NAME

Pairing: Johnny (NCT) x reader x Jinyoung (GOT7)

Genre: Series | Smut | Angst | Fluff

Warnings: abuse, depression, toxic friendship, established relationships (?), mentions of self harm, messed up everything (you’ll get it as you read it), cheating, best friends to enemies, lovers to strangers

Words: 9.3k

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6

Three soft knocks on the door an hour later made you excited and scared at the same time. Your eyes checked out your appearance in the mirror next to the door. Rather than checking if you looked attractive, you tried to make sure none of the bruises were showing. Your eyes looked less tired than the did for the past month after the enormous amount of sleep you had tonight and this was enough for you to take your appearance as attractive enough. 

“It’s Jinyoung.” you cold hear his low voice behind the door, when you probably took too long to open it. You opened the door slightly smiling at him quickly, when his head raised to see you.

“Hi“ you moved to the side, letting him in.

“Hi.“ he stretched his lips in an awkward smile “I didn’t know you live at a hotel.“ his eyes ran over the room. 

“Yeah… It’s temporary. I’ll move to an apartment, well… as soon as I’ll find one.“ you chuckled awkwardly, walking towards the bed, the only sitting available in your ‘luxurious’ room. “What you brought?“ you sat in a comfortable position on the corner of the bed, watching him take off his shoes and walk towards you. 

“Thought you’d want a pizza so I got one, they had pasta that looked so good I had to take it too.” 

“Sounds yummy.” you tapped free space on the bed next to you, and he sat, still holding a bag of take out in his hands. “Let’s put this away and eat here.” you suggested, tossing all the food that was on the tray to the table below the TV. Jinyoung sat there staring at you quietly and you froze when the tray was clean, staring at him too. “What?” you smiled nervously and fixed your hair on your shoulders. 

“You fought with Johnny, right?” 

“Why?” 

“You either didn’t want me to come to Johnny’s so you ran here and got a room or you fought with him and live here now, which honestly seems like a more real option to me.” you blinked quietly. 

“Yeah, we fought.” you sat back next to him trying to contain yourself. Memories of the so called fight made you want to curl up on Jinyoungs lap and cry. 

“I hope you’re fine… I know how much you care for him, but… he wasn’t acting right. I hope you understand it.” Jinyoungs eyes searched for yours but you refused to look back at him. 

“I understand it but it’s still difficult to accept it.” 

“I know, I hope you’ll be able to get over it quickly.” 

“Turns out I’m kinda bad with getting over things.” you chuckled and finally looked at him. “Let’s eat, no more sad thoughts.” you smiled and bent to grab the food, pushing your hair that fell forward away. “Mmmh, the pizza smells good. You stretched your neck out smelling it properly. “Oh wait, that’s BBQ sauce?” you turned your face to see him with an excited smile. He stared at you seriously not responding. “What’s wrong?” you looked at him confused. 

“What is that?” 

“Where?” you furrowed your eyebrows.

“This.” he raised his hand and it took you less than a second to realise what he was about to tell you. His fingers pointed at his own neck and laid back on his lap. He looked as if he was shy to ask. 

“Oh this?” you pulled the sleeves of the hoodie onto your palms more. “I fell asleep with my earrings on.” you chuckled and moved the hair back to the front. 

“Can I… can I see?” his eyes kept running over your face. 

“It’s nothing.” you chuckled and made a weird hand gesture. “I’m hungry.” you tried to turn his attention to food. You took everything out of the bag, placing the food Jinyoung brought at the table. “I thought you’d bring more.” you giggled. 

“I’m not that hungry, you can eat.” 

“Jinyoung.” you stared at him cutely. 

“What?”

“I thought you wanted to eat too. Didn’t you suggest eating?”

“Let’s find you a place? I don’t like the idea of you living here.” 

“It’s a nice hotel, it’s all good. Plus, I only been here for like a day, I haven’t even started looking for something.” 

“It’s nice but… maybe you should stay at your moms for a while…?”

“Not gonna suggest your place?” you laughed lightly at his startled face expression. “I’m just kidding. Let’s eat.”

You sighed heavily feeling like your stomach could explode any second, dropping your back onto the bed. Jinyoung turned around to watch you, munching on the last bit of the pasta. His eyes ran over your body and you couldn’t stop yourself from shivering. It didn’t feel awkward, it didn’t feel in the first place, but now, it was just nice to know nothing in his life changed. He was still the same. 

“And what about your students? What was this girls name…? The smart one? Is she still your students?” Jinyoung fell next to you, propping his head on his palm, laying on his side. 

“No, she’s not, they don’t have literature anymore. The freshmen this year though are very smart. I don’t think I’ve ever felt at ease during lectures, like I’m sure they’re listening.” 

“That’s great, innit?” you smiled and turned your head to look at him. 

“It really is, finally, whenever I ask a question there’s not only a single hand in the entire auditorium.”

“So your job finally became your dream job?” you tried your best to not look at him for too long. 

“Yeah.” he chuckled and licked his lips. “And what’s up with your job?”

“Oh… my job.” you sighed and rolled on the bed to hide your face in the pillow. “I wish I was a housewife or maybe just a millionaire?” you raised your head to look at him and dropped it back onto the pillow. He chuckled. 

“I’m sorry, but…” You turned to face him and felt his hand on your neck. “It’s not an bruise from an earring, it’s a fingerprint.” your heart skipped a beat because you were dying to feel his fingers on your neck but in a different situation. 

“It’s not.” you tried to not give away your nervousness, moving his hand away from your neck and holding onto it a little bit too long. 

“Can I see then to calm down?” you shook your head no and shivered. “Can you then tell me what happened?” he lowered his face closer to yours, not moving too close to not invade your privacy. “Please.” he pleaded and it was hard for you to decide whether to show him or not. You knew what would happen if you won’t - he’ll get all grumpy and quiet and if you will, oh well, you would not want to see that. 

“I don’t want you to be upset.” 

“I promise I won’t be.” you nibbled on your lower lip, feeling tears prickle your eyes while you stared at him.

“I told him that I know everything. He became angry and began calling Sieun names because he thought she told me. I said I have to leave, that I can’t live with him anymore and he began shouting. I… I asked him how long he dated Sieun, while he was trying to make me fall in love with him, this whole time he slept with her. He said he needed someone to fuck and didn’t want to force me. What kind of excuse is that?” you tried to laugh but failed. “He said he loved me all his life, said he only did it because he wanted us to be happy. He begged me to stay, he was grabbing my wrists and all that. He wanted to see my phone I don’t know why, to see who I called maybe, because he thought of you too, but I said it wasn’t you who told me.” you paused and watched Jinyoung’s face expression. He looked very collected and calm.

“And…?” he asked when you paused for too long.

“I turned away to take my things but his hand grabbed my neck and pulled me harshly against the wall. He wanted the phone and I said I’ll never give it to him, he began looking for it, running his hands all over me. Then when he couldn’t find it, he pushed me to bed and held my head into the duvet.” your eyes blinked multiple times unconsciously, a wave of goosebumps ran down your body and you closed your eyes unable to hold back anymore.  

“And what?” Jinyoung still pushed and you took a loud breathe in, looking at him with no feelings. 

“He pulled my underwear down and did what usually guys do with a girl bent over their bed. I cried for him to stop but he didn’t care obviously. When he came he said he’s sorry and that he needed it badly. Told me I can shower, and when I got out of the bathroom there was no him in the room, so I packed everything that fit into my backpack and ran away as quick as I could.” 

“No…” Jinyoung gulped and sat up. “No fucking way.” you could hear his heavy breathing from afar, sitting up beside him. He stood up quickly and walked towards the exit. 

“Where you’re going?” you ran behind him, stopping behind his back when he began putting his shoes back on. 

“I will fucking kill him.” 

“Jinyoung, please.” you gasped and grabbed onto his waist when you didn’t know what to do. “Don’t go anywhere.” you squeezed him tighter, resting your cheek against his back. “It’s not worth it, he doesn’t worth it. Please don’t.” you cried again, breathing heavily. Jinyoungs fingers lightly brushed yours and held onto them, signalling for you to let go of him. He turned around, grabbing your face. 

“Let’s go to police or the hospital. There’s probably left something of him… inside. If he hurt you, then they’re going to confirm violent penetration. You have bruises on your neck. Where else? We can go to police and they will arrest him for domestic abuse and sexual assault.”

“Jinyoung, please, stop, I’m fine. I didn’t want to tell you because I knew you’d react this way. I just wanted to spend time with you, not talk about Johnny and what he did. I… I forgave him. It’s in the past. I don’t want to live a life holding grudges against someone that was close to my heart for the most part of my life.”

“You…” Jinyoungs was breathing as if he ran a marathon. You were trying to not seem upset but his eyes were giving away too much. He looked hurt and you hated yourself for wanting to see him so badly you basically invited him to see what Johnny did. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I told you all about his lies and then let you get into his hands and made you go through all of it. I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.” he lowered his eyes, touching your shoulders the next moment. You felt his chin tuck into your neck next, making you slip into Jinyoung’s aura in a blink of an eye. Your hands automatically found his waist and you caressed his sides trying to calm him down. 

“Jinyoung.” you whispered and heard him sigh. “Jinyoung.” you said once again, and he moved his head away a little. “Im really glad I ran into you on the street. I’m very glad you noticed me, because my life was turning into hell before I met you. I just hope to feel myself as I used to, even though I know i won’t, because I keep thinking about Johnny and about everything. I’m just happy you’re here with me.” 

“I’m glad I met you too. I really missed you.” your heart began beating faster, you suddenly felt nervous in his presence. “I just hope we can understand each other as we used to, I hope we’ll be good friends. I really care for you, I don’t want to leave you alone like that.” 

“Yup, good friends, we can be that.” you made an awkward giggle, moving your hands away from him. “Let’s sit back down.” you said quickly walking away to sit, wiping a lonely tear from your cheek. 

You crawled on the bed, sitting with your back against the wall. “You can sit next to me.” you tapped on the bed next to you. 

“Okay.” he stretched his lips in a forced smile. 

“What’s with the face?” you chuckled. “Do you feel awkward around me?” 

“I just smiled.” he said with a slight annoyance, sitting next to you. You stared at the turned off TV, feeling pressure from the little space left between you two. 

“A question…” you gulped, braking the silence. 

“Yeah?” 

“D…did you mean it? Saying you wanted to marry me?”

“Why would I lie?” he turned his head towards you looking as serious as ever. “I even bought the ring.” your head turned to face him way too quickly you almost snapped your neck. 

“And where is it now?” 

“In the deepest corner of my desk at home.” he made a throaty chuckle. 

“You should sell it.” you added quickly and looked at his face expression. 

“I…I’m not a great gold seller. I don’t even know where you can sell something like that.” he chuckled and gulped again, making a chuckle leave his mouth the next second. “It’s funny, how I almost said maybe it’s for the best it all turned out this way, but realised all of a sudden it really didn’t for you. Maybe I should’ve insisted more on talking with you and seeing you, but at the time in really felt like a did the most.” 

“Did it for you?” Jinyoung looked back at you “Did everything change for the better for you?” 

“Of course I missed you, I loved you, I really loved you but now I’m just okay. Just how I used to be before I loved you. It’s not better and not worse.” you want to ask if he just said it or meant that he didn’t have any feelings left for you. 

“I’m sorry. You know that I’m the one to blame for this, right? It’s me, I just followed Johnny’s lead, when I should’ve listened to you. I just made myself live in pain, I made you hurt and now I’m just here, thinking of how I could’ve been happy if I didn’t do all of it. My life is a fucking regret, everything is a fucking regret. I hate me.” tears just sprinkled from your eyes, forcing your hands to hide your face in them. Jinyoung’s featherlight touch made your body shiver. He caressed you carefully, trying to calm you down but only made everything worse. 

“Y/n, you’re going to be fine. Even if it wasn’t for the best, everything might change. I’m sure everything will change. You’ll meet someone you’ll love again, you’ll meet new friends and will be happy as you used to be.” you felt his face close to you, turned to see him. You leaned in, feeling your brain go in overdrive. You couldn’t hold back from kissing him when he was so close to you, right next to your lips. You could practically feel them on yours. You looked him in the eyes and moved a tiny bit closer, noticing how he didn’t move away. 

“Jinyoung…” you moved even closer and hooked a hand around his neck. Your fingers ran through the hair on the back of his head and it felt like he stopped breathing. “I still love you.” you whispered and kissed him. Your heart burst and even though you were dreaming of kissing him every day of the past year, it still felt nothing like you imagined it would be. Hot tears ran down your cheeks and you pulled back when he didn’t kiss you back. “I’m… I’m sorry.” 

“No, it’s me. I should’ve told you before.”

“No, you clearly did, you said you loved me. I should’ve realised it’s not a slip of the tongue.” 

“No, no. I love you, with all of my heart.” 

“But it’s not the same, I get it.” you smiled and moved a little back. 

“It’s… it’s just that I began seeing someone.” you blinked multiple times to not begin crying again. You jumped up, running to the bathroom. It was a stupid, stupid idea. 

-

“You didn’t text me back for two weeks, you made me nervous.” Jinyoung’s eyes were judging you harshly but the tone of his voice was neutral. “I came to your hotel room but you didn’t open, then I was told you left the next morning after I left.” he sounded too calm to people around you, while you could clearly see in his eyes he was throwing rocks at you. 

“I just…” you tried to smile and tell him something to calm him down but Jinyoung didn’t let you speak. 

“You can’t just disappear from someone and then call them in the middle of the day for a coffee. That’s not how people do things, in case you didn’t know.” 

“Why are you nagging?” you furrowed your eyebrows. 

“I’m nagging? Okay.” he sat back, staring in a different direction from you. 

“Jinyoung… I called because I wanted to see you. I… After you left I searched for apartments  for the whole night and found something I liked. I just tried to get my life back together. I can’t get all of my stuff back… you know, from Johnny, so I had to buy things and I actually got a gym membership so now I can finally do something except for crying in my bed. I’m just trying to be better to not disappoint you. I never want to disappoint you, Jinyoung. And I know, that you are disappointed with me no matter what… I know you’re mad even though you’re not showing it. I know I disappointed you when I kissed you and said those three little words, I’m so sorry. I should’ve asked before. I mean, it’s as quite obvious.” you chuckled and he looked at you again. 

“No, I should’ve let you know but I was too afraid you’ll be even more disappointed than you already were. I thought I’ll tell you some time later.” 

“It’s fine though. I’m much better now and it’s all thanks to you.” you smiled widely and expanded your hand towards Jinyoung. “I promise to not break our friendship like that. I’ll be your friend if that’s all I’m allowed to be.” Jinyoung’s eyes ran from your hand to your face and you wondered what he thought about. Did he not want it? Your worries faded away when the warm skin of his fingers touched yours. You shivered but shoved the feeling down your throat, gifting a reassuring smile to him. 

“I thought Johnny found you and took to his. We almost fought because I didn’t believe him. I probably looked like an idiot to him.”

“I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have.”

“You should’ve just told me where you are. It would’ve made my life much easier.”

“I’m sorry, I promise I won’t disappear anymore.”

-

“Want to see my place? I’ve lived here for a month actually and you never went in…” you faced Jinyoung in his car. The late evening forced him to turn on the light inside of it to see you better. 

“I’m…I think I can’t.” 

“Why? It’s not that late, I can make coffee and then you’ll go back home, grandpa.” you almost touched his forearm but resisted the very last second. Touching him still was the most difficult. 

“I… I have a date.” he said almost whispering. 

“Oh… oh my god, I’m sorry. I should’ve guessed. You’re right, you have a girlfriend, going to your exes apartment is probably not a good thing, I… I’ll go then. Have a great night. See you.”

“Y/n,” he stopped you from running away by grabbing your wrist. “thanks for the evening. I promise next time I’ll come up and see your place, okay?”

“Yeah.” you nodded and he let go of you, allowing for you to leave the car. Gliding your fingers through the dress you wore, you took two steps towards the house, looking at the lights that were paving the way to the entrance. Three steps later you noticed a man’s figure in front of the door. Three seconds was all it took in you to recognise the someone that body belonged to. Your brain went in overdrive and you froze. Would he hear if you ran away, he stared at the door and you were just praying he didn’t turn around right this moment. Your blood began boiling but you knew more than anything you were scared and due to that stuck in the middle of the road. You turned around as soon as your body gave in and did what your brain told to. Jinyoung didn’t drive away, he stared at you and you took two deep breaths that you thought somehow would help you run towards the car unnoticed. When your fingers touched the handle of the car you felt like you were alive again. 

“What’s wrong? You forgot something?” Jinyoung asked confused. 

“No, I didn’t. Can you please drive?” 

“What? What’s wrong?” he looked behind you. 

“It’s Johnny.”

“Where?”

“In front of the door. It’s Johnny. Please, drive away.” you breathed heavily. “Jinyoung, please.” you cried and he unfroze, finally starting the engine. 

“It’s okay. You’re with me, he didn’t see you.” he said calmly, taking a glance at you. 

“How, how did he find out where I live? I…I can’t believe he was there.” 

“Are you sure it was him?” 

“Yes, yes, I’m sure. I’ll never not recognise him.” 

“It’s okay, you can stay at mine tonight. We’ll come up with something.” 

“No, no. Just take me to a hotel. I’ll stay there.” 

“You’ll stay at my place, that’s decided.” Jinyoung’s hand blindly found yours, holding it tightly while his eyes were focused on the road. “Oh God, you’re shaking.” 

“I’m just shocked…I’m so thankful you didn’t drive away yet.” you wiped the panic tear off your face. 

“I never drive away until I’m sure you’re home.”

“How do you know when I’m home?” 

“Your window, you showed me which one it is. When the lights are on I can drive away.” he stopped at the traffic light, looking back at you. You felt overwhelmed and wanted to cry again. Johnny that scared you just a minute ago was long forgotten when your heart was about to begin it’s crying again. How could he act like he cared, like he loved you and then said you were friends. You wanted to cry hysterically but it wouldn’t help you to make him take you back. You felt your fingers hold way too tightly to his palm, letting him go quickly. 

“Take me to a hotel, please.”

“It’s a no-no.” he simply said and killed every protest you had in you. 

You walked through the door that brought way too many memories back. You wondered if he thought about it too, how you would walk through that door hand in hand. How you’d kiss him right next to it when you’d come see him after being apart for 2 days. 

“You can go on your date. I’ll be fine on my own here. I’ll sleep on the couch quietly and will leave in the morning before you wake up.” 

“I’ll cancel it.”

“No, Jinyoung, you have to go. It’s not nice to cancel a date at this time. She’s probably waiting for you, go.” 

“Please sleep in the bedroom.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want you to sleep on the couch, that’s it. You can take the shower and take whatever you want to wear from my wardrobe. I have food so you can eat too. And…”

“Jinyoung, it’s not my first time here and I’m not 5 too. I’ll be totally fine. You go see your girlfriend before she gets mad at you. Okay?” He nodded quietly. 

“But call me immediately if you need me, okay?” 

“Yes, Jinyoung, I will, now go.” You pushed him out of the door, locking it. It took all the strength in you to not cry at your stupidity. You wanted him to stay because sleeping alone was still scary. Sleeping alone after seeing Johnny was even scarier. 

You would not do this to Jinyoung. You were a big girl that finally tried to live her life right. You were trying your best to not burden him and your only goal was to keep him happy, and as long as he liked seeing his girlfriend, you were going to shove you pain down your throat and smile at him and support him. 

You woke up from the sound of Jinyoung’s alarm. It didn’t take long to question yourself. Were you dreaming of it? You still remembered the sound of his alarm and sleeping in his bed probably made you see things related to your past relationship. 

You felt more awake when the alarm didn’t stop signalling and you had to open your eyes. Before that though, you realised Jinyoung was sleeping in the same bed. Moreover, you could feel every limb of his being wrapped around you. 

“Just a minute.” he mumbled with his face tucked into your neck. You shivered at the sensation of his warm breathe against your neck. 

“Jinyoung.” you said quietly having to repeat yourself when he didn’t react. 

“Mm?” he asked and moved his hand away to finally open his eyes. “Jesus, Y/n, I’m so sorry. I was so tired I got to my bed mindlessly. I… I didn’t realise I was touching you.” 

“It’s fine.” you made a smile with your lips. “I thought you’d sleep on the couch or something.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to.” he moved to the other side of the bed and closed his face with his palms. 

“I slept well so you don’t have to be sorry.”

“You fell asleep quickly?”

“Kind of… I tried to keep my thoughts from him and crying. I was just trying to focus on the fact he would not look for me here. I guess he didn’t… but what if he will?” a single thought made you shiver. You sat up on the bed and looked at him. “I can’t stay here too.” 

“You can go with me to school.”

“What will I do there?” you chuckled. 

“You can sit in the furthest corner of the room, just do your work on the laptop, then we could go back together here and think of the options.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Just another careless student who won’t listen, why would I mind?” he chuckled lowly making blood go to your lower area. 

-

You sat right where he told you to - the deepest corner of the room. You looked around, checking by accident what were those students doing in their laptops, actually being surprised by the number of them writing down everything Jinyoung was saying. You’d show him hearts with your fingers when you’d catch his eyes on you, forcing a low giggle, that he tried to contain and therefore sounded like he was choking, escape his throat. 

It felt like time flue with students filling up the auditorium and leaving it in almost a blink of an eye. You’d get breaks every time Jinyoung had a spare minute between lectures, sitting next to you on the long bench and asking you things about your work. You tried to ignore him because every time you took a look at him up close your guard was falling down and he punched the air out of your lungs without even noticing. 

This was meant to be his last class of the day, Jinyoung promised to go home after this. The sound of students standing up signalled for you to finish what you were doing. Your fingers moved quickly and your brain was working even faster, raising your eyes your fingers froze above the keyboard. Young woman stood next to the door, bowing politely at every student that was still leaving the room. Her eyes moved towards you and you stared down on laptop to not seem rude. You focused your brain to listen to what she said. You should’ve guessed she was a professor, since those kids looked like they knew her. 

“She punished?” she said quietly for you to not hear, but you did anyway. Her voice was high-pitched and she seemed bubbly. The way she stared at him made you wondered if she knew Jinyoung had a girlfriend. 

“No… That’s…” he paused and you perked all your limbs to hear what he’ll say better “that’s my family member.”

“Oh my god! Is that your sister?” she said way too excitedly for a colleague. 

“No, no.” he cleared his throat. “That’s my older brothers step daughter.” you couldn’t pretend like you didn’t hear him anymore, raising your head up. He stared at you begging, while the girl stood with her back to you. “He asked me to take her with me today, so I had to help.” 

“How old is she? Is she my age?” Jinyoung’s eyes moved back to the girl after a long while. 

“No, she’s around my age.” you bit onto your cheek. Back in the day he’d tell you you’re a teenager, but now he was saying you’re just around his age. 

“Is your brother that much older?” 

“Yeah, he is, Sona.” 

“I have one more lecture left.” she said way too cutely and you suddenly realised. “I wish we could go to the cinema, but at least you have company for today, I’m relieved.” she leaned in and wrapped her hands around his shoulders. “Won’t you kiss me?” the amount of cuteness she spew made you gag internally. You lowered your head back to the screen not willing to see whatever was about to take place. 

“It’s kind of awkward in front of her.” he whispered but the echo still let you hear him. Sona turned her head around quickly , you could see it with your peripheral vision.  

“She’s all in her laptop.” you could hear her whisper before the room went quiet. You squeezed your eyes shut, lowering your back to not see anything at all. Your fingers found the play button on the keyboard so you won’t hear any noises either. The song began playing in your ears, but it didn’t make any of it any better. You were ready to throw up just from the idea of him kissing an actual teenager.

You stood up loudly, by accident. You didn’t mean to pay attention but internally it was all you were hoping for. She jumped off him awkwardly, probably being too shy herself. 

“Hello. I’m Lim Sona” she bowed politely like you were his grandma and wiped her mouth carefully. 

“Hi.” you said back and packed your stuff quickly, this time not actually hearing what the two of them were saying. “I’ll go home. Thanks, for letting me hang out here today.” you smiled and wanted to leave. 

“Wait, I’ll take you home. This was my last lecture, didn’t I tell you?” 

“It’s fine, a taxi will do the same thing.” you bowed again knowing he won’t act up in front of her. In her eyes you were his brothers daughter, not an ex girlfriend who still loved him and had a bunch of problems. He wasn’t about to admit it five minutes after he lied. 

“Y/n, please wait. I promised my brother you’ll get home safely.” you sighed loudly and felt blood beginning to boil in your veins. You didn’t know he had the audacity to play like that right in your face. You really wanted to bite him and you turned around, suddenly realising that you couldn’t. You could absolutely not do this to him. 

“Okay.” you said quickly and sat on the table that was standing in the front row. 

“Text me when you’ll be home.” she grabbed his head in her arms, kissing him quickly. “I should go back.” 

“Bye.” he smiled awkwardly. 

“Nice meeting you.” she bowed to you on her way back and you nodded waiting for her to leave. 

“So you’re just going to sit there and be quiet?” you heard his voice after five minutes of silence. 

“What you want me to say?” you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion. “Good job Jinyoungie in seducing and actual teenager?” your chuckle sounded way too fake and you hated the fact you made any noise. 

“See, I knew you have a lot to say.” you stood up and walked towards him. He had a pen in his hand, pausing from doing his papers to talk to you. You leaned with your butt on to the table, standing right next to Jinyoung. 

“Nice table.” you sighed, running your fingers over the corners of it. 

“Oh, don’t start.” he said annoyed. 

“Start what?” the fact he kept this in mind, no even thought about it at this exact moment made you feel better. 

“This thing with the table.”

“I just said it’s nice.” 

“Yes and next you’ll start saying how nice it’s to be bent over it.” you laughed at him loudly. 

“I didn’t mean to say that, but it makes me happy you still think of bending me over this table even though your girlfriend was kissing you 5 minutes ago.” 

“I didn’t think of it, I just know how your brain works, that’s it.”

“Oh, come on Jinyoungie, you always get worked up if I’m getting right to the point.” he looked at you furiously and you chuckled. “Anyway, that was your girlfriend right?” you tilted your head. “She’s… really cute. Kind of young though, I thought you looked for someone more mature…”

“I wasn’t looking for anyone.”

“Oh, so she came into your life like an angel of love?” 

“Shut up.” he looked at you furiously. 

“But why did you think I have much to say? If I said accidentally that I love you it doesn’t mean I’ll be crying over your girlfriend. Or is that exactly what you wanted me to do?”  you looked at him and moved closer. “Want me to beg you?” your fingers brushed his cheek. 

“Let’s go home.” he said roughly and pushed you back. 

“Why did you say I’m your freaking niece? That’s really dumb of you. Doesn’t she already know you would never?” 

“Didn’t you know I would never and still believed when Johnny said I’m a cheater?” he stared at you expectantly.

“Jinyoung…”

“Anyway, I’m not in place to give away your secrets.”

“What secrets are you talking about? Just admit you were scared to tell her I’m your ex.” 

“I wasn’t. I’m not in the place to tell everyone why you’re here. I didn’t want to tell her because I’ll have to explain things that I’m not in the place to.” 

“Whatever, let’s go home.” you sighed feeling burdened by his words. 

“Wait a minute, I need to put my things away.” 

“I’ll wait outside.” you sighed and walked your way out of the building. 

-

“I’m sorry, I shouldve not said anything back in the university. I’m acting like Johnny. I guess I really worth him.”

“Don’t say things like that.”

“No, I really am, I literally act like him, just reverse the situations from you and me and him being annoying, on you & your girlfriend and me that’s being annoying now.” 

“I just should’ve told you she’s from work, you would’ve acted differently.” he shook his head and continued to slurp on his food. 

“I know I shouldn’t be… but I’m still curious.”

“Mmh?” 

“Can you tell me about her?”

“Why?”

“Just curious to know things about her since I’m your friend and she’s your girlfriend. When I’ll get a boyfriend I’ll tell you everything about him.”

“You will?” 

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s something unusual to share these things with friends?”

“No, I mean you’ll get into a relationship?”

“Why not, I mean… with you I realised being with someone is fun, plus I’m not getting younger.” you tried to joke with him but he just nodded understandingly. 

“I’m glad to hear it.” 

“Yeah…” you nodded, fixing your eyes on your bowl. “I really should leave. It’s wrong for us to sleep in one bed and yeah… I obviously am not good at being friends.”

“Not true, and about the bed… it’s my fault. I came late and after shower I felt lazy to put sheets on the couch so I thought I’ll lay down for 10 minutes and then will go, but I fell asleep.”

“It’s fine, Jinyoung. Anyway, I should’ve not even agreed to stay at yours. I’ll go back home.”

“And what will you do if Johnny’s there? Or if he’ll come when you’re there?” 

“Then I’ll have to act like I’m not home? Fight him, talk to him, I don’t know. I can’t make your life a mess it’s enough for me mine is.”

“Y/n, come on. Don’t make everything more complicated than it already is.”

“I just… honestly, I didn’t think you had a girlfriend for real. I thought you were still hurt by what I did, but then you left for a date, and I thought it’s kind of funny, but I didn’t think you’re actually on a date. Today, only today I realised you weren’t kidding or saying things to see my reaction. I just feel wrong for things I said earlier, feel wrong for probably not letting her come see you at your place because I’m fucking here. You had to lie to her about me and I know how much you hated, hate the thought of lying, and you had to do it to your loved one because of me. It seems like everywhere I go I just bring shit with me.”

“Y/n.” you raised your eyes and found Jinyoung smiling at you fatherly. He stood up and walked towards you to your surprise and you had to bend your neck terribly to see him, when he stop right behind you. His palms landed on your shoulders and you turned your head to look directly in front of you. “We need to change your mindset. You’re not bringing shit, you just have a difficult period in life and that’s normal to not act right. I understand it, I don’t judge you. You know that I still care for you very much, you still take a very big part of my heart and I can’t just let you leave when you’re in this mood.” his fingers lightly massaged your shoulders. Your eyes shut involuntary and you felt goosebumps run down your back. You didn’t know what effect he tried to have on you but all you could think of was how much you loved him. You just wanted his fingers to run down your arms to hold your fingers. You wanted him to kiss the top of your head, lean in and hug you from the back, telling you how he still loved you. Leaving in a dream for a whole year that he’ll be yours again one day made your comeback to reality way too difficult. Your brain could not accept Jinyoung being with someone else and you knew that the only problem in this was you. You hated to leave him again after not seeing Jinyoung for two weeks, but you thought that taking breaks might help you get over him. It clearly didn’t yet, but maybe it will work out eventually, you just needed to try harder. “Let’s agree on a few things?” 

“What things?” you snapped back hearing his voice. 

“First, were meeting up at the Saetgang for a run three times a week, pick the days yourself. Second, no more depressing thoughts. We’ll have to go see multiplications at the cinema once a week to make you feel better. Third, you can trust me. Trust me with anything you need or have problems with. I’m here to help and I’ll be very glad to help you with anything. Deal?”

“Jinyoung.” you sighed and turned to face him.  “Spending 4 evenings a week with me is too much. Let’s not make your girlfriend uncomfortable.” you loved the idea but you had to act right.

“I’m running on my own any way there, you’ll just be my company. And for that one movie night… I think I can have the luxury of spending one evening with my friend.”

“I j…”

“Oh, I forgot. Fourth, if you want me to take you to a club or something, just say it. I know you can let yourself loose there and it’s definitely something very much needed now to let you go back to yourself.”

“Jinyoung, please.” 

“Yeah?” 

“You’re the very best and will always be.” You turned to face him and he put his hands away from you. You couldn’t hold back so you just hugged his waist tightly. “I swear to god.” his hand caressed your hair carefully. Suddenly you couldn’t hold yourself back from the thought of how close your face was to his dick. You tried to not think of it but the more you shoved those thoughts in the farthest corner of your brain the quicker they came back. Was it his cock that you pressed against with your throat? You pulled back and raised your head up to see his eyes. “Can we start our deal now?” 

“Yeah, sure. What’s up?”

“Take me to a club.”

“Okay, when?”

“Today, now.” You bit onto your lower lip. 

“Ah…I… Okay, yeah. Let’s do it.”

“One more thing?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Call your girlfriend.”

“Why?”

“I mean call her to go with us, you’ll definitely need company.” you smiled at him like a Cheshire Cat while he looked at you confused. 

“Oh, you mean that. Okay, I’ll ask if she wants to come. Thanks.” he straightened his lips in a forced smile. 

“Can we go to mine so I’ll change clothes?” 

“Okay, I’ll get ready and we can leave.” he walked away from you, getting his attention onto your phone. 

“Thanks.” you sang happily “Should I call the taxi?”

“I’ll drive.” 

“Why?” You asked confused. 

“I have two girls on me I can’t get drunk.” he said carelessly walking into his room. Your heart began beating faster when he peaked from behind the door. “And one of them is way too rebellious for my eyes to leave her for a second. And oh trust me, I’m not talking about Sona.” you smiled at him trying your best to not show with your smile that butterflies were trying to make a whole in your stomach and set free. 

“Go put on your coolest grandpa sweater to sweep her off her feet.” he chuckled lowly and finally left. 

Jinyoung walked up with you to your apartment, waiting for you on the couch while you were deciding between two dresses you bought last week while doing your make up. Your eyes finally picked the baby blue button-up dress and quickly put it on, unbuttoning a couple of the buttons. You looked in the mirror satisfied, feeling like it’s the first time you looked in the mirror and liked yourself in over a year. 

“Y/n.” you heard Jinyoungs voice and turned your head to see him. “You’re very beautiful.” he looked stunned. 

“Thank you.” you smiled shyly at him. 

“Sona will come. Which one do you want to go to? She said she’ll get in a taxi in 20 minutes.” 

“I don’t care. Just anything I have never been too.”

“Okay, I’ll try to find something.” he looked back at his phone, probably searching clubs on Naver. 

“Jinyoung?”

“Yeah?” his head turned back to see you. 

“Unbutton one more or not?” you let him see how it was before undoing one more button. It’s probably looked too much even to your taste, but the question was asked already so you wanted to know what he thought. 

“Button up two more.” he said strictly forcing a cackle out of you.  

“You’re very strict mr. Park. I really do not envy your girlfriend.” you took your bag in your hands, walking towards him. 

“Don’t you know men will stare.” 

“Maybe that’s what I am aiming for, huh?” you chuckled and grabbed him by the wrist to walk him out of your house. 

-

“How old is Sona?” 

“Why?” his eyes ran quickly from road to you and back. 

“Just curious.”

“25.” 

“Okay.” you nodded and turned to look out of the window. 

“Why?” 

“Why are you so stressed?” you chuckled and turned back to him. “I’m just asking out of curiosity. She always worked at the university?”

“No, she came this year.” 

“Did she caught your eye first or…?” 

“No. She came up to me. I didn’t plan to date anyone. She just kept on coming up out of nowhere and I realised suddenly when she’s there I stop thinking of you, and when I stop thinking of you I actually begin to function. That’s why I thought it’s a nice idea to be with her.” 

“You like her, right?”

“Of course I do, why you’re asking?” 

“I’m just glad you’re happy. You never deserved suffering or any of it.”

“No one deserves it.” he said strictly and you turned your head to look at him. His hands were gripping onto the steering wheel vigorously. 

“No, I’m suffering because I made you suffer it’s the instant karma or whatever. I’ll try my best to get myself a Sona that will help me to get over you. I hope I’ll find that person and will be able to provide a healthy friendship you’d be satisfied with.” Jinyoung turned his head to look at you and you stopped moving.

“I believe in you.” his hand touched your cheek, caressing the top of your head quickly. 

“How did it feel when you understood you don’t love me anymore? Refreshing?” 

“No.”

“You just felt at ease?”

“No.” his hand let go of you and he turned his attention back to driving. 

“Free?”you asked. 

“No. I felt like I died because I solemnly believed I’d never let go of you.” he said lowly and you gulped in silence. “I doubt myself once in a while if a gave up too easily and the day I saw you I suddenly felt like I should drop everything and get back with you no matter what, but then I got back to my senses.” he peeked at you quickly. “We probably won’t work out. Not anymore.” you nodded quickly and turned away. Your eyes glistened and you looked up to not ruin the eyeliner you did so thoroughly. 

-

“Anything I should know of your plans?” Jinyoung asked you when he parked his car next to a club you’ve never seen before. 

“Just don’t get in the way.” 

“That’s mean.” he pouted and you looked away immediately. 

“You can leave when you’ll feel like it. I’ll be fine.” you added quickly unbelting the belt and turning to step out.  

“No, we came together, we’re leaving together. I’ll drive both you and Sona home.” 

“I don’t know in what home I’ll end up tonight so don’t worry.” you rolled your eyes and left the car. “Where’s Sona?” you asked when Jinyoung stood in front of you. 

“She just texted me she’s inside.” 

“Okay, good, let’s go.” you moved towards the entrance and finally got into the loud aura of the club. The club was filled with teenagers and you wondered where did Jinyoung found it. You looked around more actually peaking on a couple of guys around your age. 

“Sona’s there.” you heard Jinyoung’s voice close to your ear. His fingers wrapped around your elbow and you could feel his torso with your back. You wanted to melt away in the moment right before the memories of him saying you’ll never work out popped up in your head.

“Don’t.” you pushed him off you. 

-

“Jinyoungie, I want to dance.” you heard Sona’s drunken voice and turned to look at Jinyoung.

“Okay, go. I’ll look out for you from here.” she stood up and hung on his neck instead of leaving. 

“Just go with her.” you blabbered annoyed. If you knew she’d act this way after one drink you’d never ask him to bring her. Jinyoung stared at you for a second, standing up and leaving your sight. You took one more sip of the rum in your hand. 

“Are the three of you dating?” you raised your head immediately and turned at the voice. Guessing it was one of the teenagers you were stunned by the man’s handsomeness and maturity when you saw him. 

“Want to be the fourth?” you smirked and turned away. 

“Not interested.” you could hear by his voice he smirked too. 

“I would’ve arranged it for you.” you turned back around to him. 

“Your dress is pretty. The whole outfit is screaming too much though.”

“A very weird compliment.”

“I wasn’t trying to compliment.” 

“Oh, okay.” you nodded your head and took a sip. 

“You’re not going to ask screaming of what?”

“Nah, you’ll probably say something weird.” he chuckled and you looked at his face more accurately. He probably was over 30 but still looked very young and fancy through his clothes. 

“What you’re thinking?” he asked you when you stared at him dumbly for too long. You should’ve said something before but completely zoned out with all the alcohol you consumed previously. 

“I want to kiss you.” you blabbered just whatever and looked him in the eyes expecting for him to be taken aback. He bit lightly onto his tongue. 

“I can’t say no to a lady.” he smirked and licked his lips. You leaned in to him and to find balance you pressed your palms against his thighs. You leaned in more and parted your lips slightly to kiss him when his hand caught your face midway. You just felt like he’d chicken out, there was something about his face. “Just like that? How often do you kiss strangers at clubs?” you squinted your eyes at him and sat back. 

“You were bout to be the first one in two years.” 

“I should’ve guessed.” he nodded seriously. 

“How would you have guessed this?” 

“Your aura screams you seek revenge. You probably fought with your boyfriend and will regret later anything you’ll do tonight.”

“Oh boy, you’re so wrong.” you giggled lightly. “What’s your name?” 

“Junwon.”

“I’m Y/n.” 

“It’s nice to meet you.” he smiled friendly at you. 

“You’re drinking?” he nodded in reply. 

“Let’s get you a drink then, Junwon.” 

-

Your lips weren’t giving him a break even for a second. Junwon had to pull you off him every now and then just to take a breathe in. You wanted him to touch you more and kiss you harder but he just kept his hands on your waist, kissing you back politely. Your hand held onto his cheek gently, sucking onto his lower lip. He hugged you tighter finally and your hand hooked over his neck. 

“Want to go to my place?” you pulled back just to be able to talk and the both of you looked at each other. He looked behind you and moved his eyes back to you, shaking his head a no slightly. “Yours then?” you smirked and he smiled at you weirdly. 

“Just give me your phone number.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s see each other again maybe in the daytime?” his fingers flexed on your waist and bit onto your lip. “You seem fun, I don’t want to just sleep and never talk again.” 

“We can sleep and talk after for how long you want to.” you pulled in again, trying to kiss him. 

“I think your friend wants to talk to you.” he moved his neck back not letting you to do what you wanted. 

“Who?” you furrowed your eyebrows and turned around. Junwon let go of you immediately and the thought that it was actually nice to have someone touching you gently rushed through your mind once again. Jinyoung stood in front of you with Sona hanging on his shoulder. In the past two hours you forgot completely that you came here with them, you were so consumed with Junwon it confused you for a couple of seconds what friend he was talking about. “Yeah?” you raised your brows a little when asking. Suddenly the thought that you’d give everything to hang against Jinyoung’s shoulder instead of Sona rushed through your brain. 

“Let’s go home? It’s three and Sona drank too much. I have to go to work tomorrow, you too.” his lips next to your ear formed all those shivers that ran down your spine. The sound of his low voice made you even more drunk than you were before. 

“I’ll go with him.” you pointed behind you. 

“Are you sure?” you were hoping he asked because somewhere deep down of him he felt a sting of jealousy. You tried to think through when you felt Junwon touch your wrist. 

“Sorry I overheard you, but you should really go home. I’ll text you tomorrow, I actually have to wake up early too so I’ll leave now.” 

“Are you somehow a way too responsible type of person?”

“No, I don’t think so, why?” 

“Just because you’re pretty I’ll forgive you for not giving me what I want, Junwon.” you patted his shoulder lightly. 

“And I’m very grateful. Get home safe.” he smiled and probably expected for you to leave but you leaned in and kissed him slowly. 

“Bye.” you smiled and walked next to Jinyoung. 

-

“You okay?“ he asked, doing his seatbelt. Sona was knocked off on the back seat and you tried your best to look as sober as ever. 

“Yeah, why?” 

“You drank a lot with that guy.”

“Were you stalking?” you turned your body towards him. You were thinking this was the moment you two make out with his girlfriend sleeping in the back. 

“I was keeping an eye on you to make sure you were okay.”

“You’re sweet, Jinyoungie.” you raised your hand and rubbed his cheek with the back of your hand. His cheeks were as soft as ever and you felt that burning inside of you to kiss it. 

“Will you take Sona home first or will you take her to yours?” 

“I don’t know.“

“Why?”

“I don’t know where she lives or the code.” 

“Fuck.” you mumbled with your lips only, you just wanted to make him stay with you and it all was ruined. “I can wake her up and ask her?” 

“It’s fine, I’ll just take all of us to mine.” 

“Ugh, actually take me home please.” 

“It’s fine, there’s enough space for all of us.” 

“Isn’t it strange…? She’ll ask why I stay at yours, just let me go home. You can walk me up and even tuck me in bed… this is up to your will though.” 

“Fool.” he shook his head disapprovingly. 

“Your favourite fool, right?” you grabbed his arm and he definitely was startled. You pulled it closer to your body and hugged it. Jinyoungs fingers caressed the upper part of your thigh. 

“You definitely had too much.” he chuckled lowly. “Are you sure? About the home?” 

“Yeah.” you nodded and watched him drive to a different lane to make a turn. You still held onto his arm tightly, feeling how his palm rested against your leg now. You could almost feel yourself falling asleep when Jinyoung’s light taps brought you back to life. 

“We’re here.” 

“Thank you. For everything.” you smiled at him and was wishing you never needed to let go of

him. 

“Don’t say your goodbyes, I’ll walk you up.” 

“Is Sona going to be fine…?” you looked back at the girl that was stretched now on the back seat, fast asleep. 

“I’m sure she will be.” he looked at her too. 

#Jinyoung reader #kpop imagines #kpop fanfic #kpop smut #got7 smut #got7 scenarios #got7 jinyoung #park jinyoung #got7 x reader #got7 x y/n #jinyoung fluff #Jinyoung smut #Jinyoung angst #johnny au #Jinyoung au #Kpop angst #Kpop series #Jinyoung series #nct smut #nct x reader #got7 angst #got7 fluff

[divatheawesome]

I haven’t shared in a while . I feel resentment towards him . I tried the couples therapy . I paid for part of it and now it’s his turn and he is not in the least bit interested . I have explained how his loud snoring hurts me and I wake up disoriented , sleep deprived and with massive headache . Yet he won’t quit smoking or do the nose surgery or get the CPAP machine at night to help with his breathing . It’s either I sleep next to him and suffer or we sleep in two separate bedrooms . I told him about the other bed as a temporary solution . But he would rather do nothing than do something . And that is my problem to begin with . I shifted from full time to part time after 6 or 8 months of asking for it to accommodate his new life by a highway in a faraway city . So I wouldn’t cause an inconvenience and ask for another place before marriage . I also resent my parents because I expressed my concerns about the house being in the middle of nowhere and they brushed me off . I spoke up about how far it is from all that I know , work , graduate studies , family and friends . Still they said yeah it will be fine . And it was not fine . I spoke up about how it’s a big house and he doesn’t have the means or I to provide for it . And everyone insisted that I keep working towards it so the engagement goes by smoothly. I spoke up about my concerns that he has no degree in the field we are working in or a plan but still they said it’s okay it will be fine . I spoke up about his parents influence on all of his decisions and they said that’s normal and it will become less when you marry him . I spoke up about the differences of spending between what he was raised to and what I am raised to . And they said it’s okay you will learn to live in a different way . I mentioned that my mother in law is nosy and she tries to have things her way . They said it’s okay it will lessen with time . I mentioned that the engagement is going by too fast and it’s all spent in house preps and marriage stuff and there’s barely time for us . They said oh well the economy is falling apart so it must be the nearest possible date .

And now I’m crashing with the reality where I feel my body is suffering , my career , my friendships and there is no plan for improvement in the future .

I can’t take all those long car commutes in crazy cairo traffic , and be a good phd student , and a good dr at the private practice and run it , and a good academic at university and learn to be a surgeon , and a nice wife that does her daily duties and put up with everyone’s shit .

I’m so down that I kept self soothing for food for about a year . And guess what I became so fat .

I’m far away from my mental health practitioner so I’m without help . And getting a new app takes forever and finding the right fit and starting all over .

And now I have started the job hunt and got myself an offer closer to that house . Now he is considering of selling it to open up his dream project but with no idea how much that project costs or where to move or when . And my life is literally on hold . If he moves then I shouldn’t drop my former employment and bother with a new place that is probably inferior but just because it’s closer to his house and work . If he doesn’t move , then the move with spare me some of the distance but it will take me back to square one in terms of new place new rules and I need to build just to be acceptable and earn rights and prove myself , meet new people and less job stability .

I am just so tired of this shit . My life is not pleasant in the current state . I will still have to go far commutes to private practice phd visiting parents . It’s just two days of less commute .

And i don’t know if it’s worth it . To do all of this for him . It feels like I keep losing parts of myself if what makes me content or fulfilled to fit into the notion of being married .

I can’t always be in limbo . He won’t open up that project with other investors money cause he wants to work for himself but he is willing to compromise on living in smaller space or lesser neighbourhood to do it . After my dad paid for almost all the furniture to fill his place . When to begin with ; I asked him to let go of that place because it would put him at a financial disadvantage . And now after he spent all his money on fixing up a place , he wants me to go someplace smaller and without fixing it up so he can save that money for an imaginary project with no plan whatsoever .

It feels wrong . Why make me twist over sideways ? A change should be for the Better of both us ? Not just one . .

Even that he can’t make a decision .

I am at my parents because I’m sick and I just had an emergency incision and drainage of an abscess . I think it’s my body”s way of saying that’s it I have had enough . It’s literally making me sick running all over the city west and east to try to be everywhere and do everything for everyone . I am sick and tired .

#spilledink #mytxt #mywords #mental health #i’m tired #couples counseling #newlymarried #abscess #big move #job hunting #jobhunt #decisionmaking #chronic depression #need therapy

[blaze-lightflame]

Lost in the Storm…

Rules

No outright smut or extremely suggestive themes. This also applies to any NSFW. However, mild jokes are allowed.

Do not flirt with the mod. I repeat, do NOT flirt with the mod. It’s fine directed towards the OC, however.

Mod is in education, so response times can vary. If I don’t respond to your ask, wait 1 or 2 days before resending.

Mod speaks in red text, and character uses white.

Have fun! This is important.

Mod sometimes forgets her tags.

Guys. I’m still ori-lightflame. I just updated the first part to match my OCs name.

———————————————————————

OC Rundown

Basic Description: How in the name of the Spirit Tree am I going to do this one...

Name: Blaze

Weapon: Polearm

Vision: Pyro (Monstadt casing)

Gender: Female

Constellation: Saltus Spiritus (Google Translate: Latin for “Forest Spirit”)

Personality: Calm and curious, protective at times, trusting of more approachable looking people. Easily intimidated. Slow to react when tired. Flashbacks to that day back home can be triggered by owls or birds dark in appearance. Feathers, less so.

Quirks: Will chase a laser pointer. No others seen yet.

Home Region: None, she’s from another world. The world in question is Nibel.

Abilities: None, excluding the ability to give off small amounts of light and warmth. That is her only ability from her home, I’m not trying to make her overpowered.

Inventory: Scarf, Vision, spear, laser pointer, music box, journal.

———————————————————————

RP and interaction things

“Normal speaking”

(actions or descriptions)

(“thoughts”)

whispered or quiet speaking ———————————————————————

Find me here:

Other RP blogs:

@sunny-outclaw

@asriel-ghibli-genshin

@aereis-of-sonaria

@aura-emotions-rio

@athletic-defender-zero

@a-light-oneshot

@mondstadt-fox

Ask blog:

@ask-the-hazbin-hotel

———————————————————————

Tags:

🔥 Blazing Light — Blaze is speaking, also the interaction tag.

👋🏻 Creator Speaks — I’m speaking, the tag that is used to indicate I’ve taken over or speaking in anything via red text.

🏡 Family — A temporary tag for Blaze’s parents in Teyvat!

🔶 Dragon Friend — Anything Sunny related.

🦁 Wildcat Buddy — Anything Asriel related.

May be updated as necessary. Mod might forget tags. Mod will put tags on new posts.

———————————————————————

Blaze’s lore:

The past… That day… About owls…

You are at Friendship Level 2.

#Rules of my blog #🔥Blazing Light #👋🏻 Creator Speaks #🪶 No… #🔶 Dragon Friend #Go ask Blaze things! ^^ #🏡 family